FYI - the Navy “loaned” the IX-308 (no name) for filming “Mr. Roberts”. (I recall the tag-line....”...from tedium to apathy and back again...”)
Later on, the IX-308 was re-configured for torpedo testing (a single torpedo tube) and sent to the the Naval Torpedo Station, Keyport. (Later on, the station was designated Naval Undersea Warfare Engineering Station - NUWES...then Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport.)
The IX-308 was used up until the mid-90’s for testing some of the newest Mk 48 and Mk 48 ADCAP torpedoes. I worked at the station, was involved in various test programs, and occasionally went along on the IX-308 as engineering support as various torpedo tests were run.
When the IX-308 was finally decommissioned in the mid-90’s, the station invited Jack Lemmon (Ens. Pulver from the movie) to attend. (He declined.) They did get someone to dress up in “wash-khakis” and do the closing scene of the movie where a small planted palm tree was up-rooted and thrown over the side. (The IX-308 was sold as scrap ....but could have been bought by anyone wanting to use the ship as a ship!)
Great story! Thanks!