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In June/July 1969, the USS Barbel (SS 580) was proceeding to WESTPAC to relieve an
SSN that could not complete an operation. Throughout the 50's and
60's, this was not
uncommon. The Barbel was enroute to Japan and the skipper, Commander Jack Renard,
thought it was time to recognize the Diesel Submarine
Navy for their efforts: thus the DBF
concept was born. A contest was held and the winning design, by ETR3 Leon Figueriedo,
was selected. Upon arrival at
Yokosuka, the COB headed for "the Alley". The mold was
fabricated and the original 200 silver pins were cast. The holes in the bottom for mounting
stars signify the
number of times you were on a diesel that replaced an SSN. Unfortunately,
when they went back to pick up the pins, they left the dies at the factory.
Consequently,
the pins have been manufactured by the thousands and are being sold in Japan. So what
started out to be an exclusive pin for the Barbel, turned into a
Pacific wide emblem. Upon
their return to Pearl, the Barbel crew proudly wore their DBF pins. This did not make COMSUBPAC
very happy, and he ordered that no DBF
pins be displayed or worn on Naval uniforms.
The major complaint was not the design or the mermaids, but the stars that designated
the number of times you were
on a diesel that relieved an SSN. Another rumored significance
of the this insignia is that the DBF pin symbolizes successful patrols in Vietnam. The
Submarine
Combat Pin was issued to denote successful war patrols during WWII and Korea. No
such distinction was awarded during the Vietnam War, thus the DBF pin is
being substituted.
The DBF insignia is unauthorized, and there are no regulations concerning wearing the
device. So all sailors that relieved an SSN, made
patrols in Vietnam, and those sailors that
served on or support "diesel boats", wear the "DIESEL BOATS FOREVER" emblem
with pride.
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