Commander Ben Jarvis wrote the following with this picture:

SHARK'S HEAD

Starbord Bow, U.S.S. Baya (SS-318) Subic Bay, Philippines, July 1945. "Torpex", ship's dog/mascot in lap of man 2nd from right (Torpex wsa the explosive used in Torpedo War Shots). None of the men are identified. Foaming created by blowing bow Bouancy tank with high pressure air.

He further wrote: "During the Captain's absence, the crew hired a Navy CB (Construction Battalion) to paint the shark's head on the Bow for 1/5 of Segram's "Black Death" Burbon. The painter must have been well "laced" with whisky during the painting job as he fell off the scaffolding into the bay two times. He was so intoxicated that he had to be rescued each time and treated by the ship's Pharmacist Mate Krause, PHM1.