Our Perch Base USSVI Life Member Captain Dick Noreika, USN (ret.) was moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Groton, CT and donated a USS Dorado (SS-248) Launching Ceremony Decanter to the Perch Base.

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The engraving on the decanter reads:
U.S.S. Dorado
Launched May 23, 1943
Sponsor
Mrs. Ezra G. Allen
The following photo was taken when the USS Dorado (SS-248) was launched on 23 May 1943, of Mrs. Ezra G. Allen, the sponsor, and wife of Rear Admiral Ezra G. Allen, Budget Officer of the Navy Department. I am presuming that this decanter was given to her as a gift during the Launching Ceremony.

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Sadly, after sea trials, the USS Dorado (SS-248) sailed from New London, Connecticut, on 6 October 1943 for the Panama Canal Zone. She did not arrive. Probable cause was a sinking by friendly aircraft thinking her a German U-boat.
Perch Base contacted the Dorado USSVI Base Commander Bob Fugit in Kansas. We realized that they might have a great interest in the decanter from their namesake boat on Eternal Patrol. Indeed, Bob discussed the decanter at their next base meeting and they really appreciated our offer.

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