The USS Dorado Project

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Welcome to The USS Dorado Project!!

Project Goals
● Find her resting place and provide photographic and video documentation of the wreck to the greatest extent possible.
● Develop a comprehensive loss scenario using information gathered from the photo and video documentation.
● Work with the U.S. Naval History & Heritage Command to establish safeguards that will ensure that the wreck site, if discovered, is not disturbed.
● Properly honor the dedication and sacrifice of her crew and provide closure to the families and the United States Navy.
● Provide impetus to the effort to secure the Purple Heart medal for her crew.

Project Staff
Thaddeus Weaver

David Johnston
His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ “M” device, and a COMSUBGRU 7 Letter of Commendation. Chief Johnston is Qualified in Submarines and Surface Warfare.
During a break in service in the 1990’s, he worked in the travel, security, and retail industries.
Dave is a published historian, author, and technical consultant on submarine history for aspiring authors. He is a co-founder and webmaster of PigBoats.COM, a passion for him since 2001. He volunteers his time as an independent researcher for the Naval History & Heritage Command and was part of the team that identified the wreckage of the USS Albacore (SS-218) in 2023 and the USS Harder (SS-257) in 2024. He has contributed research and analysis to the discoveries of five other lost USN submarines. He is active in the Hampton Roads Base of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. He resides in Norfolk, VA with his wife Theresa. He is a proud father and grandfather and an avid world traveler.

Stephen Katona
Page created by:
Thaddeus Weaver & David Johnston
2025 - PigBoats.COM & Thaddeus Weaver©
Sometown, RI, Norfolk, VA
ussdoradoproject@gmail.com