On July 8, 2007 the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS-40) paused over the watery grave of USS Wahoo (SS-238) and conducted a service honoring the sacrifice of Captain Dudley "Mush" Morton and his crew of 79 who gave their lives while transiting La Perouse Strait in 1943. A Russian LST and a small coast guard vessel joined them in tribute.

Frank Cable's crew salute the ceremonial wreath prior to laying it in the water. To its right is a special Wahoo coin made for the event. Emblazoned with her battle flag, it contained keepsakes, photos and letters from the family and friends of those still aboard Wahoo (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kory Kepner).

Rear Adm. Douglas McAneny, Commander Submarine Squadron 7, helped lay a wreath into the ocean in remembrance of the men of Wahoo (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stefanie Broughton).

While no civilian family members were allowed to participate, two relatives currently serving in the US Navy, Rear Admiral John Christenson and Captain Tom Logue, Jr., were on hand to represent the families. Both men are nephews of FC1 Bobby Logue. Click here to see Captain Logue's online photo album of the event.

The following is an official US Navy release regarding the ceremony:

On July 8, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at sea for the crew of USS Wahoo (SS 238) onboard USS Frank Cable (AS 40).

The Wahoo went missing more than 60 years ago after a Japanese aerial and surface attack just north of the Japanese island of Hokkaido.

For those six decades her whereabouts remained a mystery, her story one of submarine legend – her crew on eternal patrol. The last chapters of her story are being written as Frank Cable and her crew conducted an at-sea ceremony today over the sunken submarine recently discovered by divers in the Western Pacific.
Wahoo, a Gato class submarine, distinguished itself during World War II by sinking a total of 27 enemy ships. During her WWII service Wahoo received the Presidential Unit Citation for Action.

In July 2006 the Russian Federation Navy discovered a sunken submarine south of Sakhalin Island in the vicinity of La Perouse straight. The Russian Navy then notified the commander of the Seventh fleet. On October 31, 2006 the Navy confirmed that the images provided of the wreckage, lying in about 213 feet of water, were that of the Wahoo.

Three days before the ceremony, Frank Cable departed Vladivostok, Russia. During its port visit, Frank Cable’s objectives were to promote and enhance military-to-military relationships between both Navies. After departing, the Guam-based sub tender decided to put those objectives into action. Later that same day, Cable rendered honors by manning the rails for a Russian ceremony held onboard BDK-98, a Russian amphibious ship that was transiting alongside Frank Cable. The crewmembers of BDK-98 were paying respects to a lost Russian submarine.

“It was an extreme honor and privilege to preside over this solemn and long-awaited ceremony for the Wahoo,” said Rear Adm. Douglas McAneny, Commander, Submarine Group Seven, located in Yokosuka, Japan. “The accomplishments of U.S. Navy submarines during World War II underscore the relevance and importance of submarines in today’s world. This ceremony brings closure to the families of the men of Wahoo – one of the greatest fighting submarines in the history of the U.S. Navy.”
Also on hand was Rear Adm. John Christenson, Commander, Naval Mine and Antisubmarine Warfare Command. He is a relative of a Wahoo crew member.
“The crew of USS Frank Cable provided a meaningful ceremony that will be in my mind and my family’s mind for a long time,” said Christenson.

“To have Wahoo’s final chapter written by Frank Cable is a tremendous honor. Also, knowing the Russians and the Japanese assisted in locating and verifying the remains is an epitome of the deep respect that submariners have for one another,” said Capt. Leo Goff, commanding officer.

The Navy has long held that the sea is a fitting and final resting place for our Sailors. The submarine will not be salvaged nor will any of the remains of the crew be recovered.