The history of the USS Irex:
June 1958–July 1960
Under Captains Smith and Braley

Lt. Cdr Lloyd S. Smith relieved Cmdr. J. G. Gallemore as Captain on 19 June 1958. At some point early in 1958, XO Dickey had been relieved by Herbert S. Klein.

After several fleet exercises, The Irex from 13 September to 20 December, 1958, toured the Mediterranean to operate with the 6th Fleet and NATO. The ports of call were Gibraltar, Naples, Palermo, Genoa, and Palma. Again, about 100 orphans were entertained. During this trip, it seems the crew had a notoriously good time, which led to unfortunate medical repercussions for a third of all hands on board.

In March 1959, the boat went on a two-week cruise to Bermuda. At some point in 1959, Andrew Feindt became COB.

Later that year, I believe, she visited Philadelphia Navy Yard to replace a battery. In September 1559, there was another trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

In January 1960, the Irex took part in LANTBEX 1-60 fleet exercises in the North Atlantic. After six weeks at sea, in late February (?), the boat was struck by a powerful storm. Burt “Bob” Lancaster passes along this photo of the sorry details.

Frank Dorchak reports that the storm tore off much of the sail and with it all the antennas. Despite the damage, the snorkel antenna was fixed so that the boat might report back that she was OK. The Cavalla SS-244 avoided damage by diving to get under the storm. After the storm, the Cavalla accompanied the Irex to Belfast, where the Irex remained three days for some quick repairs. She then headed back on the surface to New London. Dorchak and Bob Lancaster tied a square knot in the after-wire antenna for excellent communications all the way home. The Irex reached New London on 3 March 1960.

There followed operations out of New London and a training cruise to Halifax. In June 1960 the Irex returned again to Philadelphia for an overhaul, arriving back in New London just before Christmas.

It is my understanding that Captain Henry L. Braley relieved Captain Smith some time in the 1958–1960 period, but that is time for only one tour of duty, and so there's an error somewhere. Help would be appreciated. In any case, Captain Braley was relieved in July 1960.