AIMM Mission
To commemorate America's rich naval and maritime heritage through the preservation and exhibition of historic naval vessels with an emphasis on the era of World War II through the present.
Photographs Related to the Transfer of USS Razorback (SS-394) to the Turkish Navy to Serve as TCG Murat Reis (S-336)
These photographs were found when the Captain's safe was opened in May, 2012. Most of these photos can be found through other, official sources. Caption information, when known, is provided.
The ceremony took place at the Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, California on November 30th, 1970. The ceremony began at 2:00 p.m.
Click here to read the Decomissioning Booklet (688KB Adobe PDF File)
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Official Navy Caption: "His Excellency Melih Esenbel, Turkish Ambassador to the United States, receives the salute as he enters the Quarterdeck at Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard."
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The American Flag being haulded down from the deck of USS Razorback (SS-394) for the last time.
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Turkish officers and dignitaries pose by the Turkish flag as it flys for the first time aboard TCG Murat Reis (S-336)
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The decommissioning crew of USS Razorback (SS-394)
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The commissioning crew of TCG Murat Reis (SS-336)
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Official U.S. Navy Caption: "Captain F.C. Clifford, USN, Commander, Submarine Squadron Three, speaks to the guests assembled for the turnover of USS Razorback to the Turkish Navy."
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Captain Joseph Talbert, Jr. (USN) speaking during the transfer ceremony
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Official U.S. Navy Caption: "Captain Fikri Topsever, Turkish Navy speaking during ceremonies at which the U.S. Submarine Razorback was turned over to the Turkish Navy."
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Official U.S. Navy Caption: "Rear Admiral Alfred R. Matter, USN, Commandant of the Twelfth Naval District, addresses guests at the recent ceremonies in which the U.S. submarine Razorback was transferred to the Turkish Navy.
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Official U.S. Navy Caption: "Captain Fiki Topsever, Turkish Naval Attache, addresses guests a ceremonies commissioning the TCG Muratreis. Rear Admiral Afred R. Matter, Commandant of the Twelfth Naval District, stands to the left."
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Official U.S. Navy Caption: "His Excellency Melih Esenbel, Turkish Ambassador to the United States, officiates at commissioning ceremonies for TCG Murat Reis."
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Official U.S. Navy Caption: "Commander Joseph T. Talbert, USN, Commanding Officer of USS Razorback, exchanges plaques with Commander Metin Caha, Turkish Navy, Commanding Officer of the newly commissioned ship the Murat Reis.
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Captain Talbert, USN and Captain Caha, Turkish Navy
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Official U.S. Navy Caption: "His Excellency Melih Esenbel, Turkish Ambassador to the United States, greets Captain L.B. Mayer, USN, at a reception following the commissioning of TCG Murat Reis.
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Official U.S. Navy Caption: "His excellence Melih Esenbel, Turkish Ambassador to the United States, inspects the “Honor Guard” of U.S. Marines during formal ceremonies at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco. The occasion for the ceremony was the commissioning of the Turkish submarine Murat Reis."