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Fargo, North Dakota – Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the World War II wartime loss USS Robalo (SS-273), senior U.S. Navy submariners attended a solemn ceremony at the USS Robalo Memorial in Fargo, North Dakota, Jul. 26
The USS Robalo, a Gato-class submarine, was tragically lost on July 26, 1944, while on her third war patrol in the Indo-Pacific. The ceremony served as a poignant remembrance of the ultimate sacrifice made by the 81-member crew of USS Robalo, as well as all of the 3,506 submariners who gave their lives aboard the 52 submarines lost at sea during World War II.
Following the end of World War II, the United States Submarine Veterans organization assigned one submarine lost during the war to each state to keep their memory alive. North Dakota was chosen to memorialize the Robalo.
A native of Oakes, North Dakota, and a career Navy submariner, Admiral Stuart B. Munsch, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa and Commander Allied Joint Force Command Naples, was the senior Navy submariner present at the ceremony.
“It was a privilege to return to North Dakota to honor the memory of the crew of the USS Robalo,” said Admiral Munsch. “The contribution of these young Americans, along with the rest of our submarine force, our Navy, our Armed Forces, and everyone in their workplaces on the home front, resulted in what has been 80 years of peace and no attacks against the United States.”
“As Robalo continues her eternal patrol, we may never fully understand the heroic acts that unfolded that night. We may never fully grasp the gallantry exerted and bravery shown,” continued Munsch. “It is our solemn duty to ensure their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten and to honor their contribution to the peace and freedom we enjoy today.”
Joining Admiral Munsch at the commemoration was Cmdr. Trey Kennard, Commanding Officer of Virginia-class attack submarine USS North Dakota (SSN 784).
“In the early years of World War II submarine warfare, war patrols were some of the most dangerous missions undertaken – alone in uncharted waters in an extreme hostile and unforgiving environment,” said Kennard. “We, submariners, never consider our shipmates lost, but on eternal patrol. Forever stalking the depths in search of the enemy or next objective.”
“Today we recognize the brave sacrifice USS Robalo made in her efforts to win the war.”
| Date Taken: | 07.26.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.01.2024 04:23 |
| Story ID: | 477728 |
| Location: | FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, US |
| Web Views: | 76 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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