Remembering CTC Harris Monroe “Red” Austin, First DIRSUP Submarine Operator (Part 4 of 5)

Before the COCHINO got underway for area Able, Austin ensured he had his lead-lined log book full of various data to assist him with the mission. By Saturday, August 20, 1949, the COCHINO and TUSK were both in the Barents Sea. In accordance with the plan the submarines separated with the TUSK off to conduct sonar tests, and the COCHINO to head towards a spot about 12 miles off the northern tip of Norway to begin Austin’s mission. From here on out, the skipper would order the course changes requested by Austin, zig-zagging the submarine as Austin and Schaeffer tried to intercept Soviet signals. Because of the special dog ear antennas mounted to the tower, the COCHINO needed to operate in a semi-submerged broached condition exposing her sail. This significantly increased the possibility for detection, so most of the collection attempts were at night.

By now the COCHINO was about 125-150 miles away from the Soviet Kola Peninsula, home of the Soviet North Fleet Head Quarters, Severomorsk. This was too far away to see land, but close enough to intercept Soviet missile telemetry. This was about as close as Benitez wanted to go.