Where the nickname "Silent Service" came from

Mr Quatro · 04-13-16, 10:29 AM

Adm. Chester Nimitz, a qualified Submariner, was sworn in as Commander, Pacific Fleet aboard USS GRAYLING (SS 209)

The "Silent Service" became the nickname and motto of the US Submarine Force early in WWII after a US Congressman, who will remain nameless, bragged to the news media that the reason Japanese warships were not sinking more of our submarines was because they set their depth charge fuses too shallow and all our subs are down at 300 feet.

The news media (PAPERS) printed the story and within 5 days the Japanese were suddenly killing American Submarines at an alarming rate - thus proving that "Lose Lips Sink Ships."

The US armed services, in general, and specifically the US Submarine Service, stopped talking to anyone who did not have a proven need to know.

Sailors stopped bragging about their exploits and anything even remotely related to their service. I was sworn to the Code of Silence "Ormetra", in Sub School and never released from it.

We may "neither confirm, deny, or brag."

04-13-16, 10:29 AM	#1
Mr Quatro Navy Seal Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 6,772 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Where the nickname "Silent Service" came from Adm. Chester Nimitz, a qualified Submariner, was sworn in as Commander, Pacific Fleet aboard USS GRAYLING (SS 209) The "Silent Service" became the nickname and motto of the US Submarine Force early in WWII after a US Congressman, who will remain nameless, bragged to the news media that the reason Japanese warships were not sinking more of our submarines was because they set their depth charge fuses too shallow and all our subs are down at 300 feet. The news media (PAPERS) printed the story and within 5 days the Japanese were suddenly killing American Submarines at an alarming rate - thus proving that "Lose Lips Sink Ships." The US armed services, in general, and specifically the US Submarine Service, stopped talking to anyone who did not have a proven need to know. Sailors stopped bragging about their exploits and anything even remotely related to their service. I was sworn to the Code of Silence "Ormetra", in Sub School and never released from it. We may "neither confirm, deny, or brag." __________________ pla•teau noun a relatively stable level, period, or condition a level of attainment or achievement Lord help me get to the next plateau ..