PREFACE   FROM THE CRUISE BOOK OF MENHADEN'S LAST EXTENDED CRUISE TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC, FROM AUGUST 31st TO NOVEMBER 15th, 1970   This book, the final remembrance of the Pacific Fleet's greatest submarine, is the only non-official record left of a great career spanning 25 years of exceptional service. MENHADEN was born in the unlikely place of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, during the waning months of World War II. Before she could get to the West Coast to join the Pacific Fleet the war was ended by the bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Since then she has been decommissioned twice; once in 1946 and again in 1952. She has seen 13 Commanding Officers and many crewmembers, all of whom have fond memories of their life with MENHADEN.   MENHADEN is alive today and when she is taken off the active list and retires to the Fleet Reserve her spirit will still prevail. MENHADEN was designed by men of knowledge, built by men of skill, and became a submarine with a name on June 22, 1945. At that time she was like a baby. She had a name and very little personality, yet her newness was her attraction. She had to learn to respond and to complete her mission under the sure guidance of her officers and crew. These men who manned her in her early life were dedicated submariners and they performed their tasks well, for MENHADEN blossomed out in her youth and became known as a submarine that came through.   Yes, MENHADEN is very much alive. She draws her life from her crew. Every man who has served aboard her, and worked and sweated and bled to keep her going has left a part of himself behind when he left for other duty. The laughter at many jokes, the happiness of joyous events, the parties, the heartbreaks of personal tragedies and the sorrow of many departures have become a part of her.   MENHADEN carries her years well and with the grace of a grande dame. She is old, yes, but still capable of everything asked of her. Even though she requires constant attention and much care (what woman doesn't?) MENHADEN continues to persevere. Her crew is ever-willing to tend to her needs and her ills, which makes her the great lady she is.