USS Hawkbill SS-366

The Hawkbill was originally named the “Hawksbill,� but the “s� was accidently omitted when the sub was commissioned. The hawksbill is a large sea turtle found worldwide.

Five World War II Patrols
As with other WWII subs built by Manitowoc Shipbuilding, the Hawkbill was towed down the Mississippi and sailed from New Orleans to training at the submarine base in Balboa, Canal Zone and on to Pearl Harbor. Her first patrol was in the Philippines and South China Sea. During her second patrol north of the Malay barrier, the Hawkbill sank a Japanese destroyer.

Destroyer, Sub Chasers, Cargo Ship Sunk by the Hawkbill
The Hawkbill’s third patrol brought more successes — the sinking of two sub chasers and a cargo ship. She disabled a Japanese minelayer off the coast of Malaya in her fourth patrol. During the Hawkbill’s last patrol, also at the Malaya coast, she was damaged heavily but managed to get to Subic Bay for repairs.

A special mission in the South China Sea was the Hawkbill’s final WWII operation, and she was decommissioned in the fall of 1946 at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in California, as part of the Reserve Fleet.

GUPPY Conversion, Loaned to the Netherlands
The Hawkbill was converted to a GUPPY IB in 1952 and loaned to the Royal Netherlands Navy a year later. Her 26-year career ended in 1970; she was sold for scrap.

The USS Hawkbill: Asbestos Concerns
The employees of Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co. and the crews of the USS Hawkbill and other Navy subs may have been exposed to a dangerous level of asbestos on an extended basis during their work. If you or your family member can be considered part of this population, consider getting medical attention.

To protect your legal rights, contact an asbestos victims’ law firm and schedule a private appointment.