Oral history of Raymond Zieverink
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by John Richter with Sonar Technician Second Class Raymond Zieverink on March 19, 2014. Born on November 16, 1946, Zieverink volunteered for the United States Navy to avoid being drafted into the Army for Vietnam.
After completing basic training, he volunteered for submarine duty and underwent submarine school. In 1967, he was assigned to the USS Lapon, a fast attack nuclear submarine. As sonar technician, he played a key role in tracking underwater activity, listening for enemy submarines, surface ships, and potential threats. He recalls long patrols, including operations above the Arctic Circle and Cold War surveillance missions. He also talks about how life aboard a submarine was both demanding and close-knit, with 18 hour workdays and limited space.
2014-03-19
Oral history of Jim Mahony
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Caleb Hawkins with Captain Jim Mahony on November 26, 2013. Born on February 29, 1929, Mahony enlisted in the United States Navy in 1946. After basic training, he completed the Electronic Technician Program which led him to serve on a submarine, the USS Tilefish.
Mahony later graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1953. He served aboard the USS Boxer as a signal officer, assistant navigator, and engineering officer, managing vital ship systems during the final days of the Korean War. His career continued with assignments in nuclear submarine development and shipyard management. As a submarine engineering specialist, Mahony played a role in the construction and overhaul of nuclear submarines, working on the USS Thresher program and later implementing critical Submarine Safety Program (SUBSAFE) safety reforms following its tragic loss in 1963. He finished his career as Commander of the Charleston Shipyard, supervising submarine overhauls and refueling operations.
2013-11-26