USS Sand Lance (SS-381) - Post-World War II Service

Post-World War II Service

Sand Lance remained inactive until designated for loan to the Brazilian Navy under the terms of the Military Assistance Program. After reconditioning, she recommissioned at Pearl Harbor on 6 April 1963 with Commander Carl H. Sebenius Jr., in command. She departed Pearl Harbor on 24 June and made San Francisco on 1 July to embark officers and men of the Brazilian Navy for training. The training was completed by 7 September 1963 when she was decommissioned and loaned to Brazil.

The boat, now known as Rio Grande do Sul (S-11) (variously misspelled in American records as "...de Sol," "...del Sol," &c.), served for eight years in the Brazilian Navy.

On 13 May 1972, Brazil purchased ex-Grampus (SS-523) from the United States, decommissioned Rio Grande do Sul (S-11), and commissioned ex-Grampus as Rio Grande do Sul (S-11). On 15 September 1972, Brazil returned ex-Sand Lance (at least on paper), and promptly purchased it back for US$55,000 on 12 October. Upon that purchase, Sand Lance was struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

Brazil cannibalized ex-Sand Lance for parts; within three years the boat was reduced to scrap.