An ultramodern Sargo-class, Searaven stretched the length of an American football field and displaced 2,350 tonnes submerged. She could dive to 250 feet; sustain a surface speed of 21 knots; and range 11,000 miles before needing to refuel.

"Frosterley", the stately Edwardian building on the corner of Drummond and Victoria Streets in Melbourne, served as the Bureau of Meteorology's headquarters from 1908. When war was declared on Germany, Frosterley became the training school for RAAF meteorological officers and staff. Bryan Rofe was recruited into the first Weather Officers' Course in 1940.

Patricia Rofe displayed this photo in her house until the day she died, ensuring her family never forgot Hiram Cassedy and the crew of the USS Searaven.