[R-390] Interesting R390A

[Randy and Sherry Guttery]

On 4/27/2012 9:54 AM, chacuff wrote:
> I don't ever remember there being a mention that R-390A's were ever used on
> Submarine service.
I'll mention it - yes they were / are.  It's been a while 
since I've seen a sub radio room - back "then" (1975) 
R-390As were "standard"- along with a 1051.  I  "heard" that 
on some boats that had gone to all 1051s - Comm officers 
were not pleased - and some pulled a 1051 and put a 390A 
"back".  I think all the boats I worked on had at least one 
390A - though I'm not sure about a couple of the fast 
attacks (wasn't aboard long enough to see the radio room).  
Of course 1) wasn't looking that close and 2) it's been 
nearly 40 years -- but I don't remember seeing a 390A like 
the one on eBay - though that's "different" enough - I 
*think* I'd have noticed - but again - the contents of the 
radio room were "sensitive" - so unless one had "business" 
in there - all one ever got was a look "in passing"...  (and 
my business was in the NavCenter).

I'm also skeptical about some of the "claims"...  I 
certainly don't recall any of the "other" modified 390A used 
a "replacement" panel  just modified what was there. This is 
a snapshot of a radio room - while the 390A is not in focus 
- I think you can tell enough to see that at least that 
radio - on that submarine - is not modified as "described".

<http://www.comcents.com/boomer390a.jpg>

Best regards...

-- 
randy guttery

A Tender Tale - a page dedicated to those Ships and Crews
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