JDS Oyashio (SS-511)

The JDS Oyashio (SS-511) was a submarine of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, named after the Oyashio Current, a cold current that comes down through the Bering Strait.

Development
Following the loan of the Gato-class submarine USS Mingo as an underwater target in 1955, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force proposed the construction of three new classes of submarine, of 250, 500 and 1000 tons. In the end only the third of these classes was built, and the final weight grew to 1140 tons. Having had a vast submarine fleet before and during World War II, the Japanese had built no subs for over ten years, so JDS Oyashio was based on the wartime Imperial Japanese Navy I-201 with some US innovations. Laid down on December 25th, 1957, and launched on May 25th, 1959, Oyashio was commissioned on June 30th, 1960.

Service History
On August 1st 1962 Oyashio was assigned to Subron 1, Kure district. In June–August 1963 she visited Pearl Harbor. Assigned to Subron 2, Submarine Flotilla 1 on February 1st, 1965. Assigned to Submarine Flotilla 1 on March 31st, 1975. Oyashio was finally decommissioned on September 30th, 1976.