Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

Puget Soundings

Bremerton-Base Submarine Veteran’s Quarterly Newsletter

By Submariners—For Submariners and Friends USSVI Newsletter of the Year—Class 1—First Place 2018

Our Creed Table of Contents

To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That P. 1 USSVI Purpose and Creed their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant P. 1 USSVI Website and Base Website/FB Links source of motivation toward greater accomplishments. Pledge Pp. 1-2 Table of Contents loyalty and patriotism to the United States of America and it’s P. 2 Base Officers and Key Personnel Constitution. P. 3 The Editor’s Desk In addition to perpetuating the memory of departed shipmates, P. 3 Sam Swenson Celebrates we shall provide a way for all Submariners to gather for the mu- P. 3 The Good Old Days on the Boat tual benefit and enjoyment. Our common heritage as Subma- riners shall be strengthened by camaraderie. We support a Pp.4-5 The Commander’s Corner strong U.S. Submarine Force. The organization will engage in P. 5 Base Historian various projects and deeds that will bring about the perpetual P. 5 COB’s Notes – Christmas Party remembrance of those shipmates who have given the supreme P. 6 USSVI National News sacrifice. Pp. 7-8 Bremerton Base annual Picnic The organization will also endeavor to educate all third parties it P. 8 SOTB – U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs comes in contact with about the services our submarine brothers P. 9 Annual Blueback Picnic performed and how their sacrifices made possible the freedom P. 9 History of the USSVI Western District 4’s Travelling Dol- and lifestyle we enjoy today.” phins P. 10 On-Line Resources Base Website (The Gertrude Check): www.gertrude- P. 11 Bremerton Base Float check.org P. 11 Holland Club

P. 11 American Legion Invitation Base Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bremerton- Base-USSVI/295687423906027 See Table of Contents, Page 2 USSVI Website https://www.ussvi.org/home.asp

Please Forward This Issue to Another Submariner Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

Table of Contents Base Officers and Key Personnel http://gertrude-check.org/ Continued from Page 1 baseofficials.html

Pp. 12-13 USS Snook (SS 279) Western District 4 Com- Holland Club Chairman: P. 14 RED Friday mander: Jim DeMott Dick Litscher P. 15 Bells Across America 360.895.0547 360.373.1838 P. 15 CPO Pinning [email protected] [email protected] P. 15 Humor According to Dutch Kaiser Base Commander: Bonefish Manager/ P. 16 USS Illinois (SSN 786) Steve Corcoran NWCPOA Rep: P. 17 A Note from Poopies Suits and Cowboy Boots 360.471.2704 Sam Swenson P. 18 VA – Filing Disability Claims Online stephenjcorcoran@ 360.275.3638 P. 18 Request Your Military Service Records gmail.com sswenson@ tscnet.com P. 19 Sink ‘Em All (Publication) P. 19 Ralph Harris – Oh, to be young again! Vice Commander/Ways and Base Webmaster: Don Means: Don Carpenter “Red” Bassler P. 20 Bremerton Base Supporters 360.908.3134 360.602.0250 Pp. 21-23 Submarines/Sailors on Eternal Patrol [email protected] [email protected] P. 23 Chaplain’s Report P. 24 USS Scamp (SS 277) Past Commander: Newsletter Editor/ P. 25 Base Advertising Jim DeMott Facebook: Dave Pittman P. 25 Deterrent Park Brick Application 360.895.0547 360.536.0916 P. 25 The New Ensign [email protected] [email protected]

P. 26 Treasurer’s/Base Membership Report Chief of the Boat: Historian: Bob Paul P. 26 Welcome Aboard/USSVI Membership Application Wayne Peterson 360.692.0165 P. 26 Base Storekeeper 360.265.0266 [email protected] Pp. 27-28 Base General Meeting Notes and Minutes [email protected] Pp. 29-30 Base E-Board Minutes P. 31 First Navy Submarine Resupplied by Commercial Secretary/Scholarship Drone Chairman: Wayne Sieckowski P. 32 Base and Soup-Down Calendars “Air in the banks, sh*t 360.362.2064 in the tanks, ready to wsieckowski@gmail,com submerge below... Treasurer/Membership sound the diving Chairman: Dennis Nardone alarm!” – An abbreviat- 360.830.5843 ed, unauthorized, yet [email protected] humorous way to report

the submarine is ready to Chaplain: Fred Borgmann dive. 360.337.2978 [email protected]

Storekeeper: Ralph W. Harris 360.876.0830 [email protected]

2 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

The Editor’s Desk

Puget Soundings Editor: Dave Pittman Cell: 360.536.0916 The Puget Soundings is published quarterly (Feb-May-Aug-Nov) Article Submission: [email protected] is due NLT 01 February 2020 Ain’t No Slack in a Fast Attack

• As you read through the Puget Soundings (PS), hover your “mouse” over links (and photos) for additional reading and, at times, videos and maps. • Remember, I continually take articles and photos from members for possible use in the PS. Please understand, however, not all input may be used. By-lines are provided for submitted articles. • Please ensure that you read the minutes for our meetings, especially if you were not able to attend; they provide more infor- mation regarding Base events and programs. • The PS is one-fourth of how the Base keeps the membership informed of base functions; please also use the Gertrude Check, FB, and the Commander’s emails to keep current..

Sam Swenson’s 80th Birthday! Suggestions for the ex-submariner that misses "the good old days on the boat"

1. Put lube oil in your humidifier instead of water and set it to "High". 2. Watch only unknown movies with no major stars on TV and then, only at night. Have your family vote on which movie to watch, and then watch a different one. 3. Don't do your wash at home. Pick the most crowded laundro- mat you can find. 4. (Optional for Nukes and A-Div) Leave lawnmower running in your living room six hours a day for proper noise level. 5. Have the paperboy give you a haircut. 6. Take hourly readings on your electric and water meters. 7. Invite guests, but don't have enough food for them 8. Buy a broken exercise bicycle and strap it down to the floor in your kitchen. 9. Eat only food that you get out of a can or have to add water. Sam Swenson—Bremerton Base Float Manager celebrated

his 80th birthday at the Fleet Reserve after the October General Membership Meeting. More in the next issue of the PS!

3 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

Once again, I would like to take the time to thank the individu- The Commander’s Corner als that take on the responsibility to hold office and chair our many committees for our base. I truly appreciate all you do for Hello fellow Submariners and As- our base and membership. Without these dedicated individu- als, our base would not be as successful as it is. sociate Members,

And a thank you to all our members. Whether you attend As I sit down to write my last Pu- get Soundings submission as your the soup downs, parades, volunteer at our events, or help in any other way, I thank you. We have a great base, and I truly Bremerton Base Commander for enjoy seeing you at our events. With all that is going on in this this term, I find it difficult to find the correct words. It has passed country and world, I feel confident I can enjoy our base events and camaraderie and friendship for a few hours a month at fast, and now it is time to turn the base leadership over to our least, and have a good time. I understand I am repeating this, next Commander. but I truly believe it. Thank you.

Well, here we are, with another year coming to an end. I hope Base elections will be open until the voting at our Novem- you are all doing well. It has been a busy year and I think Bremerton Base Subvets has had a successful year. First and ber meeting, Saturday, the 16th at 1000, Fleet Reserve. I hope we have full participation in this election. Please attend to foremost, I want to thank ALL base members that support our show your support. Please support the new officers as they endeavors throughout the year. I do appreciate it. lead Bremerton Base Submarine Veterans. I sure appreciate

those stepping up to lead our base. I will remain on the E- We still have a few events to finish the year strong. First up is Board as Immediate Past Base Commander, and lend support or Veterans Day events. Tentatively, we may have the float on as needed. display at Pinecrest Elementary School in Bremerton, on Fri-

day, November 8th. I need to speak with our Float Manager I am still going to leave my main goals here. I still feel they Sam to verify we are good. Of course,we will participate in the are important. Auburn Veterans Day parade on Saturday, November 9th, and the Veterans Day program at the Kitsap Pavilion on November 11th. We are looking for full support from base members for Membership – Our membership is what makes our base so these events. Always a good time. successful and strong. My goal is to keep our membership strong and hopefully recruit more members. We have an awe- some resource being so close to a submarine base. My inten- Then the COB is planning the annual Christmas party. We will tion is to communicate with the boats and shore commands be at the Elks, on Pine Road, in East Bremerton again on Sat- and interface with the active duty force. Membership has been urday, December 21st. Price will be $20.00 each until Decem- holding steady at approximately 250-260 members. We as a ber 8th and after that the price will be $25.00 each. We will base, need to communicate our creed and all that we do for the pass the hat for donations to our annual trip to Retsil Veterans community, not to mention the fun we have. I also ask that our home. This year the party will be after the visit, so please keep current members contact one of your former shipmates and that in mind. invite them to one of our meetings or events, just to check us

out. Serving as your Base Commander has been an honor and privi-

lege. I feel we have done some pretty good things and for the See The Commanders’ Corner, Page 5 most part, had fun doing it. We have started participating in additional events such as the Western District 4 picnic. This event is a great example of gathering with our shipmates, old and new, sharing ideas to better our organization, and have a Tour of USS Trepang SSN 674 good time.

http://www.hullnumber.com/ SSN-674

4 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

The Commander’s Corner COB’s Notes Base Christmas Party Continue from Page 4

Date: 21 December 2019 Primary and Secondary individuals for Committees – I feel Meeting: 11:00 am (flexible) we need to have a 2nd person familiar with the many commit- Location: Bremerton Elks Lodge tees we have. Starting with the Treasurers' position on down to 1181@ 3131 Pine Rd, Bremerton, WA Puget Soundings. My goal here is to have someone familiar http://www.bpoe1181.org/ with the duties and responsibilities of each position. We do many good things and support events throughout the year. For Lunch: 12:00 pm (approximately) example, scholarship raffle and applications, membership, Bar: Will be open for adult beverages. parades, Gertrude Check and Deterrent park bricks. I just feel Early Arrivals: Donuts, bagels, coffee will be available if an individual is on vacation or unable to continue as the pri- Santa: “Should be there” for pictures. mary chairman, we need someone else to step up. Just like on Cost: $20 per person the boats, we had a primary and secondary for all major collat- Payment: The COB will collect money at any meeting, pa- eral duties. rade etc. Members can also send a check (don’t send cash through the mail) to the national office or to the COB at one I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving, a Very Merry of the addresses below: Christmas and Happy New Year. U.S. SUBMARINE VETERANS Well that is all for now. I look forward to seeing you all at BREMERTON BASE future events. If there is anything I can assist you with, please PO BOX 465 do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you again for the support SILVERDALE, WA 98383-0465 you have given me the last 4 years. I truly appreciate it. Be

safe and take care my friends. Wayne Peterson

3249 Phillips Ave Steve Corcoran—Base Commander Bremerton WA 98310 Bremerton Base Submarine Veterans

Base Historian—Bob Paul

The Application for Membership can be found at http://gertrude-check.org/ap.pdf

The updated Bremerton Base Recruiting Pamphlet can be found at http://www.gertrude-check.org/ flyerdone.pdf

Bent Sh*t can - Someone below Naval standards. “He’s as fu*ked up as a bent sh*tcan."

5 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

USSVI National News Thanking you in advance for your cooperation and wishing all of you only the best, NEWS-01: National website database personal profile Wayne Standerfer Submitted by: Wayne Standerfer, NC on 10/17/2019 NC

In an attempt to injection a little humor into our mundane lives NEWS-01: Shop on Amazon and support USSVCF (USSVI dictated by advanced age, this is a follow-up to NJVC Steve Charitable Foundation). Bell’s previous request sent through the normal chain of com- Submitted by: John E. Markiewicz, IPNC on 10/8/2019 mand (RD to DC to Base CDR’s) addressing the reluctance of far too many of our members to keep their personal USSVI Shop on Amazon and support your US Submarine Veterans Website profiles . Charitable Foundation, Inc. at the same time! AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same As a comparison to the requirements to qualify on a Subma- products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The rine, Steve’s request is an elementary no-brainer. Please take difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, amazon the few minutes it requires to go on line and verify that your will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to personal information on our National Website is correct, there the charitable organization of your choice. is no way USSVI can properly handle this task without your All you need to do is... cooperation (please don’t force us to open a background dis- 1- Click this link >> smile.amazon.com cussion questioning your ability to qualify on a Submarine at 2-When you log in you’ll be asked to your Charity. Just type in an earlier stage of your life by ignoring this). US Submarine Veterans Charitable Foundation, Inc. and click search. Our upcoming “New National Website” (regardless of the pre- 3-Click on Sel you’re on your way. vailing opinion, it will happen) will only be as accurate as the Thank You! information each of you or your Base Webmaster has entered in your profile. NEWS-01: American Submariner Magazine/ Boat Reun-

ions Please, go to the USSVI website Submitted by: Michael Bircumshaw, A/S Editor, PNC on Log-in with your preassigned Login Name and Password – (If 9/16/2019 you do not have or have forgotten this information, simply click the Click button above if you forgot your password). This To ensure that your Boat Reunion is published in the American will start the process of having an e-mail sent to you with the Submariner, please send the info to BoatReun- information needed to sign on to our website. [email protected]. Your email will be retained so that any ques- Click the left side “Updfile” Button. tion about the date that the Boat Reunion info was received The page that comes up enables you to edit all areas of the can be verified. The deadlines for each issue are as follows: needed pertinent information. First Quarter: 1 December, Second Quarter: 1 March, Third Pay particular attention to the tab “Naval Career”, this is where Quarter: 1 June, Fourth Quarter: 1 September you will enter your years of service which determines if you The correct format for your Boat Reunion entry is as follows: are listed as a “War Veteran”. USS SCAMP SSN 588 Please verify that all of your contact information is correct and May 17-21, 2021 click the “Save changes made to this page” link (bottom cen- Rapid City, SD ter) before exiting. Rod Stark (702) 582-1424

[email protected] Guy’s, I know most of us have reached the age where we be- Any information about hotels or events or anything more than come annoyed with receiving e-mails containing instructions the basic information as listed above will not be published due as to what we should do to make someone else’s live easier, to space considerations. This entry is to encourage shipmates but please humor us with this request and make all of our lives to contact the indicated person for all other Reunion Infor- (especially the National Office Staff) less complicated by just mation. updating or confirming the information on your USSVI Web- Editor, American Submariner site Profile is correct.

6 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

Bremerton Base Annual Picnic

Jim and Anne Scott are Members of the Submarine Association of Canada (WEST) (SAOC(W). Jim (80) retired from the Canadians Armed forces. He was born in Scotland, migrated to the East Coast of Canada and ended up in Victoria where they re- tired. He was a Chief Warrant Officer and served as Chief Pharmacist Mate on a couple of fleet boats the US sold to them. Anne is native Canadian.

Holland Club Member Jack Brown New Jersey North Base District Commander of the Year - Western District 4 Qualified on USS Pickerel (SS 524) in Commander Jim DeMott. What can I say about this 1969 award, except I am not surprised. Jim has done a great job representing our district. Well done Jim, and well de- served.

Bremerton Base members and families along with their guests, including members of American Legion John D. “Bud” Hawk Post 109 Silverdale, enjoyed another summer picnic. Bremerton Base members were presented with their awards, which were presented originally at the USSVI National Convention in Austin, Texas.

7 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

th Bremerton Base Annual Picnic  10 Fleet Imaging Command Pacific San Diego as Fleet Photo Supply Officer Oct 1983 to Feb 1986 (advanced to CWO4)  11th (and last) USS Carl Vinson CVN-70 Mar 1986 to May 1992 OP Division Officer, Maintenance Support Center Division Officer.  Retired 1 May 1992.  Education: Drop out of high school, Feb 1962 got GED May 1962. Rochester Inst. Of technology 1975 (Navy sponsored course). University of New York – BS (Sociology/History), Central Washington University – BS (Accountancy).

Robert Link Award winner Dennis Nardone. Great work Dennis and well deserved. (This award, named for the WWII Subvet and primary founder of USSVI, is awarded to the member who, by his personal individual efforts and partici- pation during the preceding year contributed the most to the advancement and embodiment of the USSVI Creed and Agenda. Who by his dedicated service and support to our USSVI organization and his fellow Submarine Veteran Brethren exemplifies the meaning and spirit of the word, 'Shipmate.'/ed)

 Join US Navy Feb 1962 David Pittman, the editor of the U.S. Submarine Veterans st  1 duty station: Subase Groton, Ct ; Admin Dept, Photo (USSVI) Bremerton Base Newsletter “The Puget Sound- Lab for OJT May 1962 to May 1963 ings”, received the Large Base Category (Class 1) 2019 nd  2 USS Intrepid CVS-11 OP Division Jul 1963 to Oct Newsletter of the Year and the Overall (All Classes) 1963 (xfer to PH”A” school) 2019 Newsletter of the Year from the recent USSVI Na-  3rd PH”A” School Nov 1963 to Mar 1964 [made PH3] tional Convention. Pittman is both a retired USN Master  4th Atlantic Fleet Mobile Photo Group (Combat Camera) Chief (submarines), who served on the USS Dace (SSN Apr 1964 to Aug 1966 [made PH2] 607), USS Pintado (SSN 672) and USS Topeka (SSN 754),  5th Missile Test Center Pt Mugu Sep 1966 to May 1969 and Central Kitsap School District Educator. [made PH1]  6th Heavy Photographic Squadron 61 Oct 1969 to May 1972 PH1(AC) {dropped AirCrew, too many holes in School of the Boat - U.S. Department airplane} of Veterans Affairs  7th Naval Air Station Lemoore California OP Division Sep 1972 to May 1975 (LPO PH1] Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs th  8 USS Seawolf SSN-575, qualified Jun 1975 to April 1980 PH1(SS), PHC(SS), PHCS(SS) Selected for News Releases https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/ CWO2, transferred April 1980. index.cfm  9th USS Enterprise CVN-65 April 1980 to Sep 1983 OP Public Affairs https://www.va.gov/opa/ Division Officer (advanced to CWO3) Publications https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/

8 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

Annual Blueback Base Picnic

Members and significant others from three Submarine Veteran Bases attended the Annual Blueback Base Picnic at Champoeg State Park in Oregon on Saturday, 10 August 2019 at Champoeg State Park in Oregon – the attending bases were the Blue Back Base, the Inland Empire Base, and the Bremerton Base.

Gail Tarcza, Western District 3 Commander & Inland Empire Base Commander Joe Tarcza, Western District 4 Commander Jim DeMott Bremerton Base Commander Steve Corcoran (left) received the Travelling Dolphins from Blueback Base Commander Bill Long (right) at the Annual Blueback Base Picnic at Champoeg State Park in Oregon. Western District 4 Commander Jim De- Mott (center) acted as the intermediary. Sea stories were pro- vided by Treasurer Dennis Nardone, Vice Commander Don Carpenter, and Puget Soundings Editor Dave Pittman, all of the Bremerton Base.

History of the USSVI Western Dis- trict 4's --- Traveling Dolphins

WWII Submarine Veterans Tudor Davis and Paul Christopherson

9 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

On-Line Resources

Facebook (log in to your account first) Submarine History Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic https://www.facebook.com/ St. Mary’s Museum https://www.facebook.com/StMarysSubMuseum SUBLANT Victory at Sea http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWbiFB_OZIE Commander, Submarine Force Pacific https://www.facebook.com/ WWII The Silent Service Submarine Warfare http:// SUBPAC www.youtube.com/watch?v=trVIFLUyXN4 U.S. Pacific Fleet https://www.facebook.com/USPacificFleet? http://usssealion.com/ fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser Submarine Related Books http://theleansubmariner.com/now-read- U.S. 7th Fleet https://www.facebook.com/7thfleet? this-submarine-related-books/ fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser U.S. WW II Submarine War Patrol Reports https://maritime.org/ Submarine Group Nine https://www.facebook.com/pages/Submarine doc/subreports.htm -Group-Nine/105052617402 Submarine Force Museum (Home of Historic Ship Nautilus) http:// Navy Times https://www.facebook.com/navytimes?fref=nf ussnautilus.org/ Together We Served https://www.facebook.com/TogetherWeServed Submarine Photo Archive http://www.navsource.org/archives/ Got Dolphins? https://www.facebook.com/pages/Got- subidx.htm Dolphins/101385216229 War History Online https://www.warhistoryonline.com/ Undersea Warfare Magazine https://www.facebook.com/ Museum Ships https://www.museumships.us/ USWMagazine/ United States Submarine Loss WWII https://www.history.navy.mil/ Submarine Dolphin Qual Card https://www.facebook.com/ research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/u/united Submarine-Dolphin-Qual-Cards-258934372620/ -states-submarine-losses.html PACNORWESTCPOA https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Maritime Museums https://sdmaritime.org/ PACNORWEST-CPOA/221571085630 Tolling of the Boats http://goatlocker.org/boats/lostboat.htm In Honor of our WWII Submariners https://www.facebook.com/ Submarine War Patrol Reports http://hnsa.org/doc/subreports.htm groups/SubvetsWWII/?ref=group_header

Submarine Force and Other Military News Blogs and More Navy http://www.navy.mil/index.asp The Lean Submariner http://theleansubmariner.com/ Submarine Force Pacific http://www.csp.navy.mil/ Seattle USSVI Base http://seattlebase.blogspot.com/2013/09/ Submarine group 7 http://www.csp.navy.mil/csg7/ september-october-dolphin-brotherhood.html Defense News https://www.defensenews.com/ Dan the Navy Man http://danthenavyman.blogspot.com Stars and Stripes https://www.stripes.com/ The Old Coot http://theoldcoot.blogspot.com/ USNI News https://news.usni.org/ Cold is the Sea http://coldisthesea.blogspot.com/ Naval Technology http://www.naval-technology.com/ Duffel blog http://www.duffelblog.com/ Marine Link News https://www.marinelink.com/magazines/ TenderTale http://www.tendertale.com/ marinenews PigBoats http://www.pigboats.com/ Submariners Association of Canada http://www.saocwest.ca/ Submarine Shop http://submarineshop.com/patches/ Naval Today https://navaltoday.com/ The Old Goat http://olgoat.com/ Seattle Base http://seattlebase.blogspot.com/

D*cking the dog - putting a "half-assed" effort into a task (refers to improperly securing the "dogs" on a watertight hatch when passing through. Such a lax procedure could spell doom for a sinking ship if hatches were not absolutely watertight). Also said as "poking the poodle". Not to be confused with "screwing the pooch" which refers to royally messing up a task.

\

10 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

Bremerton Base Float Holland Club

Our Base Float has served us well for many years; however, it needs to be retired due to age—therefore we are in the research phase for replacement. To help fund the replace- ment, Rose Pittman has created a quilt to be raffled off by the Base. The logistics for the quilt raffle are in the works; however, we do have a preview of the quilt which measures 52 inches by 70 inches.

Holland Club Chair Dick Litscher (left) and Bremerton Base Commander Steve Corcoran (center) congratulate Holland Club inductee Ronald Seedorf.

John D. “Bud” Hawk Post 109 Silverdale, WA https://www.facebook.com/AmericanLegionPost109SilverdaleWa

Monthly meeting—7:00 pm on the 3rd Monday of each month at All Star Lanes in Silverdale. Questions? Send an email to [email protected]

11 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

Early on the morning of 7 USS Snook (SS 279) May, Snook began quickly

USS Snook (SS-279), a Gato-class submarine, was the first closing in on a convoy. Up- ship of the United States Navy to be named for the common on overtaking the enemy snook, an Atlantic marine fish that is bluish-gray above and cargo ships, she launched silvery below a black lateral line. four torpedoes, followed by three others five minutes later. The 4,363-ton cargo ship Hosei Maru was de-

stroyed and several other ships possibly damaged. After destroying two armed trawlers in actions on 13 May and 16 May, Snook terminated her first patrol at Midway Island on 23 May.

Second patrol Snook set sail from Midway Island for her second war patrol on 9 June and headed for the waters off the Ryukyu Island. In the morning twilight of 24 June, the submarine closed on a six

-ship convoy escorted by two destroyers, launched two torpe-

does at a large tanker, and heard two hits as she went deep and rigged for silent running to avoid the patrolling escorts. Com- Snook's keel was laid down by the Portsmouth Navy Yard in ing back up to periscope depth, she found a destroyer guard- Kittery, Maine on 17 April 1942. She was launched on 15 ing the crippled ship and was prevented from a second try by August 1942 sponsored by Mrs. James C. Dempsey, wife of overhead aircraft. Lieutenant Dempsey who had been awarded the Navy Cross Shortly before midnight on 3 July Snook made radar contact for heroism as commanding officer of the submarine S-27, with another enemy convoy. Early the following morning, she and commissioned on 24 October 1942 with Lieutenant Com- fired a spread of six torpedores, sinking cargo ships Koki

mander C.O. Triebel in command. Maru and Liverpool Maru and severely damaging Atlantic Maru. Snook returned to Pearl Harbor from her second patrol First patrol on 18 July. After shakedown training off the New England coast, Snook departed New London on 3 March 1943 and set sail for the Pacific. Following a 12-day stopover at Pearl Harbor, the sub- marine put to sea on 11 April and headed for the Yellow Sea and East China Sea for her first war patrol. Upon completion of mine planting in the Shanghai area, Snook continued on up the coast of China to the Yellow Sea. On the afternoon of 5 May, she sighted two freighters standing out of Dairen and took up the chase. She trailed both until after nightfall, then fired a spread of three torpedoes that quickly sank Kinko Maru. The lead freighter continued, unaware of the attack, until someone on the sinking ship sounded a whistle. At that point, the freighter began a series of frantic maneuvers to dodge two of Snook's torpedoes, then opened fire with her guns, forcing the submarine to withdraw out of range, return- ing shortly after and firing three torpedoes, one of which hit Daifuku Maru amidships and sank her. Snook then resumed See USS Snook (SS 279), Page 13 patrol.

12 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

Seventh patrol USS Snook (SS 279) Snook's seventh war patrol was conducted in Luzon Strait and

Continued from Page 12 the South China Sea. After stopping at Saipan for repairs from

25 September to 4 October the submarine continued her patrol

Third patrol and contacted an enemy convoy on 23 October. She sank pas- senger-cargo ship Shinsei Maru Number 1, then evaded two Snook left Pearl Harbor for her third war patrol on 18 August escorts and resumed the chase, sinking the tanker Kikusui and arrived off Marcus Island on 30 August to take reconnais- Maru with a torpedo which disintegrated the entire after end. sance photographs and stand lifeguard duty for the carrier air After again escaping the escorts, Snook returned and fired five strikes of 1 September. Following the air strikes, the subma- bow torpedoes, sinking cargo ship, or “Hell ship”, Arisan rine resumed patrol and headed for the East China Sea where, Maru, killing about 1,800 American prisoners of war, one of in the early morning darkness of 13 September, she torpedoed the greatest losses of life in American maritime history. After and sank the 9,650-ton transport Yamato Maru. On 22 Sep- rescuing a downed airman on 3 November, the submarine tember, Snook intercepted and sank 715-ton Japanese cargo returned to Pearl Harbor on 18 November. ship Katsurahama Maru departing from Dairen. The subma- rine terminated her third patrol at Pearl Harbor on 8 October. Eighth patrol Fourth patrol Snook's eighth war patrol was conducted off the Kuril Islands from 25 December 1944 to 17 February 1945. Her only sight- Snook spent her fourth war patrol in a coordinated attack ings during this patrol were two friendly Soviet vessels and a group with sister ships Pargo (SS-264) and Harder (SS-257) in momentary contact with a small patrol craft. the waters off the Mariana Islands. On 29 November, the sub-

marine sank the passenger-cargo ship Yamafuku Maru with Final patrol four torpedo hits, and the cargo ship Shiganoura Maru, as well as damaging an escort ship. Snook returned to Midway Snook was lost while conducting her ninth war patrol, in the

Island on 7 December and was routed on to Pearl Harbor. South China Sea and Luzon Strait. On 8 April, she reported

her position to submarine Tigrone (SS-419) and when she did

Fifth patrol not acknowledge messages sent from Tigrone the next day, it was presumed that she had headed toward Luzon Strait. On 12 On 6 January 1944, Snook cleared Pearl Harbor and headed April, she was ordered to take lifeguard station in the vicinity for the western coast of Kyushu and her fifth war patrol. of Sakishima Gunto in support of British carrier air strikes. On While off the Bonin Islands on 23 January, the submarine 20 April, the commander of the British carrier task force re- torpedoed and sank the 3,120-ton converted gunboat Magane ported that he had a plane down in Snook's assigned area, and Maru. On 8 February, she attacked a 13-ship convoy, firing a that he could not contact the submarine by radio. Snook was spread of four torpedoes for three hits before diving to evade ordered to search the area and to acknowledge the order. the escort ships. In this action, she sank the freighter Lima When she failed to make a transmission, submarine Bang (SS- Maru, and heavily damaged freighter Shiranesan Maru. On 385) was sent to make the search and rendezvous with Snook. 14 February, she quickly sank freighter Nittoku Maru, with Although Bang arrived and rescued the downed aviators, she one torpedo hit amidships and, on the following day, sank saw no sign of the missing submarine; on 16 May, Snook was cargo ship Hoshi Maru Number Two. On 23 February, while presumed lost due to unknown causes. It is believed that she returning to Midway Island, she spotted an enemy convoy was sunk by kaibokans Okinawa, CD-8, CD-32 and CD-52. It eight miles away, made a daring approach through a screen of has also been suggested that Snook may have been lost in 11 enemy escort ships, and fired five torpedoes, with two hits combat with one of five Japanese submarines were which also which sank the passenger-cargo ship, Koyo Maru. The subma- lost in April–May 1945. One candidate is Japanese submarine rine terminated her fifth patrol at Pearl Harbor on 6 March and I-56. continued to Hunters Point Navy Yard for a major overhaul. Snook was credited with sinking 17 enemy vessels in her two

and one-half years of active service. She earned seven battle Sixth patrol stars for World War II service. On her sixth patrol Snook attacked and missed two freighters

on 12 July, but found no other worthwhile targets, and re-

turned to Midway Island on 14 August.

13 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

RED Friday If every one of our memberships share this with other acquaint- ances, fellow workers, friends, and neighbors, I guarantee that it will not be long before the USA will be covered in RED - and This came up at the last meeting of our USSVI group (United make our troops know there are many people thinking of their States Submarine Veterans Inc.) For those who didn’t/don’t well-being. You will feel better all day Friday when you wear know about ‘RED Friday.’ RED!

It's a tiny act that means much more than people seem to real- Let's get the word out and lead by example; wear RED on Fri- ize. On Fridays, wear an article of red clothing — a shirt, a days.

tie, anything — as a reminder to all to Remember Everyone Deployed. These Fridays became known as R.E.D. Friday. Please forward this to everyone you know!!

R.E.D. Friday? RED is an acronym that stands for Remember Wear RED on Fridays. SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! WE LIVE Everyone Deployed. R.E.D. Friday was created to remind IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE. people of our heroes overseas and show that we are thinking FOR US, THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED!! GOD BLESS AMER- of them. People across the country wear red every Friday to ICA. serve as a reminder and spread the message of how important Sometime in 2006, the RED Campaign was adopted in Canada it is that we keep our troops in our thoughts. by Lisa Miller and Karen Boier; the wives of two Canadian ser-

vicemen. Their purpose was to spread nationwide support of How did R.E.D. Friday Get Started? Canadians overseas. The color red worked perfectly because Remember those email chains you used to get asking you to Canadian’s official color is red. Their RED Shirt Friday cam- forward to 10 friends – or all of your friends? There were all paigns were organized as rallies that spread across Canada.

kinds: some claiming ridiculous things, some trying to raise Eventually, a guy by the name of Lloyd (Doc) Hofmeister be-

awareness for campaigns or diseases, and some that were just came involved in the Canadian RED Shirt Fridays and decided plain silly. This is how R.E.D. Friday originated: an email to take it [back] to America. Lloyd started a website called red- chain back in 2005. shirtfridays.org because, “I [Lloyd] know what it is like to be half a world away from your life, to feel that no one cares, and According to SNOPES.com, the original email chain read: to come home to be humiliated and ashamed of your service.” You will soon see a lot of people wearing RED on Fridays. Lloyd says on his website, "I have come full circle now. I am no Here's why.... longer ashamed, and I realize I never should have been! My hope is that none of our armed forces will ever have to go The Americans who support our troops, are the silent majori- through this again. I have seen firsthand how troop morale is as ty. We are not "organized" to reflect who we are, or to reflect important as basic training. If morale is low, mistakes are made, what our opinions are. Many Americans, like yourself, would and people die. like to start a grassroots movement using the membership of the Special Operations Association, and Special Forces Asso- Our job is to support our troops and in the process, we can help ciations, and all their friends, simply to recognize that Ameri- to increase their morale by showing we care. Let's face it, your cans support our troops. We need to inform the local VFW's show of appreciation could very well save someone's son or and American Legion, our local press, local TV, and continue daughter's life." carrying the message to the national levels as we start to get this going. Our idea of showing our solidarity and support for And so RED Shirt Friday spread across the U.S. thanks to mili- our troops is starting Friday, and continuing on each and eve- tary families, spouses, and organizations who want to make sure ry Friday, until this is over, that every RED - blooded Ameri- that our heroes overseas know they are supported. Join us! can who supports our young men and women, WEAR Being a part of R.E.D. Friday is easy: just wear red on Friday SOMETHING RED. and tell your friends why!

Word of mouth, press, TV — let's see if we can make the Contributed by Bear Stiffey United States, on any given Friday, a sea of RED much like a home football game at a university.

14 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

Bells Across America CPO Pinning

Several members of the USSVI Bremerton Base were at the 190926-N-DI108-0073 CPO Pinning Ceremony for the USS Michigan. Two of our SILVERDALE, Wash. (Sept. 26, 2019) U.S. Navy veter- active duty members, CSSC(SS/SW) Ileene Davis and ITSC ans observe a Bells Across America remembrance cere- (SS) Zaquavius Grissom were promoted to the rank of Chief mony held at the chapel onboard NBK-Bangor. The cere- Petty Officer. Congratulations! mony is held annually to remember and honor service

members who died while on active duty. (U.S. Navy pho- to by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Allen Lee/Released) A fleeing Taliban terrorist, desperate for water, was plodding through the Afghan desert when he saw something far off in The Navy Gold Star Program provides support to surviv- the distance. Hoping to find water, he hurried toward the ing family members of Sailors who died while on active mirage, only to find a very frail little old Jewish man duty, regardless of your loved one's military branch, loca- standing at a small makeshift display rack - selling ties. The tion, or manner of death. Coordinators strive to be a re- Taliban terrorist asked, "Do you have water? source and embody the program mission of connecting The Jewish man replied, "I have no water. Would you like to with surviving family members of active duty death buy a tie? They are only $5." through engagement, creating a culture of remembrance. Our coordinators are located all over the United States The Taliban shouted hysterically, "Idiot Infidel! I do not and are here to serve as the trusted connection to the Na- need such an over-priced western adornment - I spit on your vy for as long as family members desire. ties. I need water!” "Sorry, I have none - just ties - pure silk - and only $5." "Pahh! A curse on your ties, I should wrap one

around your scrawny little neck and choke the life out of you, To find out more about this program visit Facebook page but I must conserve my energy and find water!" "Okay," said at https://www.facebook.com/NavyGoldStar or call 1-888 the little old Jewish man, “It does not matter that you do not -509-8759. want to buy a tie from me or that you hate me, threaten my life and call me infidel. I will show you that I am bigger than Navy Gold Star website at http://www.navygoldstar.com/ any of that. If you continue over that hill to the east for about two miles, you will find a restaurant. It has the finest food and all the ice-cold water you need.... Go In Peace! Cursing him again, the desperate Taliban staggered away over the hill. Several hours later, he crawled back, almost dead and gasped, "They won't let me in without a tie!” Biologics - Marine life picked up on sonar...usually

noisy whales, dolphins, shrimp, etc. Contributed by Dutch Kaiser

15 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

USS Illinois (SSN-786)

USS Illinois (SSN-786) is a Vir- ginia-class nuclear powered at- tack submarine in the United States Navy. Named for the State of Illinois, she is the third vessel to actively serve with the name, the previous two being battle- ships BB-7 and BB-65. She was built by the Electric Boat divi- sion of General Dynamics, the third of their Block III variants which feature a revised bow and ILLINOIS says “Fair-winds and Following Seas” to its sec- technology from the converted sub-class of Ohio guided ond Commanding Officer, CDR NEIL STEINHAGEN, as he [7] missile submarines (SSGN). The contract for the build completes a change of command to CDR Ron Hatt. Under was awarded on 22 December 2008 to Huntington CDR Steinhagen’s leadership, the ILLINOIS crew completed Ingalls Industries in partnership with Electric Boat, and a successful seven month Maiden Deployment. HOOYAH construction commenced with the keel laying ceremony ILLINOIS! on 2 June 2014, at their yard in Groton, Connecticut. First Lady Michelle Obama served as the ship's sponsor, [8] and christened the boat on 10 October 2015.[3] Illinois was launched on 8 August 2015[1] and completed sea trials on 2 August 2016.[9] She was delivered to the Navy on 27 August 2016 and commissioned in a ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London on 29 October 2016.[4][5][10] Michelle Obama, as the sponsor, attended the ceremony and is considered to be an honorary mem- ber of the crew due to her support of military families and her involvement with the Illinois crew and their families.[11]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Illinois_(SSN-786)

ILLINOIS recently completed her Maiden Deployment. The crew completed operations that are vital to the safe- ty of our nation. The families were separated for 213 days. We had 3 new dads, 25 dolphins earned, over 20 promotions. Nothing brings the crew together like a de- ployment and the ILLINOIS Ohana is stronger than it Editor’s Note: Commander Hatt was a Machinist Mate on has ever been. A final ILLINOIS HOOYAH to all the USS Topeka (SSN 754) when I was the Bull Nuke (early veterans that played a role in ILLINOIS' success up to 90’s)—it’s great to see the many successes of Topeka this point. sailors .

https://www.facebook.com/USS-Illinois-SSN-786- 171065276421248/

16 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

A Note from ered at the home of their friend in need and spent the whole day ripping out and replacing the waterlogged wood floor Poopie Suits & Cowboy Boots and subfloor, leaving the place looking brand new. Wow! Who does that kind of stuff anymore? These guys really take

care of one another. Who wouldn’t want to be part of a fra- I received an email the other day from a long-time subma- ternity like that? rine veteran who loyally follows this page and frequently If you are a submarine veteran, and you haven’t visited your adds his thoughts and memories to the narratives presented nearest USSVI base, give it a shot. You can come for a here. So it came as a surprise when he wrote to ask me, “I meeting, get information about membership (very inexpen- see that your book profits all go to charity, but what exactly sive given the benefits), and decide for yourself. It is this is the USSVI?” organization, the USSVI, that disperses the monies we do- I had (wrongly) just figured that every sub veteran had at nate from the proceeds of our book, through its Scholarship least a passing familiarity with the USSVI. The United Fund. The recipients are the sons/daughters or grandsons/ States Submarine Veterans, Inc. is an organization founded granddaughters of those who wore the dolphins; in 2018 in 1963 in the wake of the Thresher disaster, as a means of more than a dozen winners were selected for stipends to re- maintaining perpetual recognition of the more than 3,500 duce the cost of college tuition. U.S. submarine personnel who have died in action during Let me make a special appeal to the YOUNG submarine the 20th century. Besides remembering the vastly im- veteran reader: The men who served during World War II portant contributions of the submarine force to eventual are already rapidly dwindling in numbers, so that only a pre- victory in World War II, the organization celebrates the cious few are still with us, and the next generation of Korea, rich history of the Silent Service and promotes camaraderie Vietnam, and the Cold War is also aging. To maintain a among its members—those retired submariners who share good membership tally for the USSVI, younger submarine a common bond of brotherhood. veterans are needed to join up and fill those positions vacat- The USSVI operates at national, regional and state levels, ed by death. Please, contact your local base by clicking on and within most U.S. states you will find one or more indi- “Find a Base” at the ussvi.org homepage. Or, if you have vidual “bases” where members meet on a monthly basis for been contacted by a base member, give them the courtesy of food and fellowship. During these meetings, time is re- a trial visit, and see if you have the response that most first- served to commemorate those submariners who lost their time attendees report: “It feels like I’m back with my broth- lives while serving during that particular month, regardless ers.” The bond is real, and it is forever. I know this because I of year. The bases are very active in civic outreach, includ- have been told these countless times. My brother Frank ing giving talks to schools, churches, and community or- came to the USSVI relatively "late" in life, and now he is the ganizations to explain the role and operation of submarines base commander and having a great time with close friends, in lay terms. They walk in city parades, give media inter- each of whom would give him the shirt off his back in time views, attend military funerals, raise money for various of need. The safety blanket, common bond of service, funny causes related mostly to veterans’ affairs, and plan social stories from the Navy, the opportunity to give back to the events that include their families. community--these are all great benefits of membership. So As an outsider looking into these meetings on multiple why are there only 13,000 members? C’mon guys, get out occasions in several states, I can say that what the USSVI there and join. Plus, the quarterly magazine, American Sub- does is quintessentially American and unapologetically mariner, is a TERRIFIC publication and well worth a regular patriotic. These are guys who are proud of their service and read. their roles in preserving the peace, and they are fiercely So, now you know, when you buy one of loyal to one another in a way that is quite extraordinary. our books, the profits are donated in entire- For example, at a meeting I attended last year, much of the ty to the Scholarship Fund of the USSVI. proceedings were concentrated on describing how a large And now you also know that if you have group within the base had organized to come over to the been putting it off, go ahead and schedule house of one of their older smoke-boat fellow members on that overdue visit to the next meeting of a Saturday morning. The elderly veteran had tripped on his the closest base to where you live. You are damaged floor, so these guys decided to converge on his in for the time of your life! kitchen to fix a large area of water damage to the flooring

and subfloor. On the appointed morning, these men gath-

17 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

VA video series teaches Veterans how • Instructions on how the tool automatically checks the to use new tool when filing disability Veteran’s record to find out if there is an active intent to claims online file date already pending. Visit the full tutorial series for instructions. VStep-by-step instruction offers latest digital transfor- Click here for more information about disability compensa- mation tion. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is trans- forming the way Veterans learn about and apply for ben- efits earned, through a new video tutorial completed in Request Your Military Service Records October highlighting the digital Disability Compensation I Want to Request: Benefits Claims tool released earlier this year . DD 214/Separation Documents: eVetRecs (online - printer Built with Veterans, for Veterans, — an itera- required) | Mail or Fax tive development process that incorporates user testing Official Military Personnel File (OMPF): eVetRecs and human-centered design principles — the tool is now (online - printer required) | Mail or Fax Replacement Medals: eVetRecs (online - printer required) available allowing Veterans with previously filed claims | Mail or Fax to have more control over submissions and represents an Medical Records: eVetRecs (online - printer required) innovative leap forward in VA services | Mail or Fax “The Disability Compensation Benefits Claim tool less- Burial and Emergency Requests (fax required) Military personnel records can include DD 214s/Separation ens the administrative and paperwork burden for Veter- Documents, service personnel records found within the Offi- ans, and shortens the processing timeline for benefits cial Military Personnel File (OMPF), and medical Records. claims,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This innova- Military personnel records can be used for proving military service or as a valuable tool in genealogical research. tive tool, along with the companion tutorial video series, Please note that NPRC holds historical Military Personnel represents VA’s commitment to providing Veterans qual- Records of nearly 100 million veterans. The vast majority of ity service through digital transformation.” these records are paper-based and not available online. Learn More The accompanying five-part video tutorial series is ac-

cessible on VA’s Office of Information and Technology https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records (OIT) YouTube page. The tutorials describe steps Veter- ans can follow to complete disability compensation claims applications online using the new digital tool. The

videos feature: • An overview of the online tool’s user-friendly plat- form, and its efficient functionality that streamlines

the claims submission process. • Log-in instructions for starting the process of filing a disability benefits claim, and how Veterans can track existing disability compensation claims.

18 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

USS Louisville (SSN 724)

The US Navy’s Los Angeles- class fast- attack subma- rine USS Lou- isville (SSN 724) has ar- rived at Naval Base Kitsap- Bremerton to start her inactivation and decommissioning process. The submarine departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on October 7 and arrived in Washing- ton on October 22. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as a command- ing officer on this fine ship,” said Cmdr. Robert Rose. “The crew’s ingenuity, hard work, and effort has been incred- ible through a Western Pacific deployment then shifting our focus to moving our families and submarine to Bremerton for decommissioning.” During the inactivation process, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility will defuel the subma- rine, with the hull retained in safe storage until decommis- sioning. Commissioned Nov. 8, 1986, Louisville is the fourth United ‘This is a book of substantial importance. Here is an ac- States ship to bear the name in honor of the city of Louisville, count of U.S. Navy submarine operations in the Pacific by Kentucky. She is the 35th nuclear-powered fast-attack subma- the flag officer responsible for their direction throughout rine of the Los Angeles-class design. She returned from her the war. It is that sort of book-written by a prime authority final deployment May 2, where she conducted operations who holds strong opinions and is not afraid to air them; vital to national security in the 5th and 7th fleet’s areas of whose treatment is always suggestive and strikes sparks in operation. every chapter.’ – The Naval Review Los Angeles-class submarines make up the majority of the

navy’s fast-attack submarine force that is made up of three classes. As the Los Angeles-class reaches the end of their operational life, the navy is slowly decommissioning the sub- marines to make room for the next generation of submarines, the Virginia-class. Currently, there are 16 active Virginia-class submarines, armed with several innovations that have significantly en- hanced its warfighting capabilities. The third class of fast- attack submarines is the Seawolf-class. These faster and qui- eter submarines were developed towards the end of the Cold War with three currently in service.

https://navaltoday.com/2019/10/24/attack-submarine-uss- Ralph Harris (right) reliving the past with Commander louisville-arrives-in-washington-for-inactivation/ Steve Corcoran (left) - oh, to be young again!

19 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

Bremerton Base Supporters—2019

Rig for Dive Periscope Depth Battle Stations Deep Submerg- Unit Citation ence

$1—$19.99 $20—$29.99 $30—$49.99 $50—$99.99 Go to page$100+ 8 to continue

C Gross (G) David Niemy (S) Gary Kaiser (S) Jim DeMott (G) Tom Reed (G) Dave Bowman(3) (G) Richard Becker (S) Mike Sincich (S) Dennis Nardone (S) Dennis Nardone (G) Henry Fishel (S) Joel Waller (S) Earl Henson (S) L Caretti (S) Thomas Reed (G) B. Whitlow (S) Leo Taflin (S) Al Thurlow (S) James Foote (S) Melvin Cross (S) Joe Hanisko (S) Edward West (S) Irv Pierson (S) William Longman (S) Jeb Stuart (S) John Hertzberg (S) William Mead (S) C McGauhey (S) Davud Bowman (G) J Mansfield (S) P Christofferson (S) Lynne Ryan (S) Donald Sweet (S) Lee Romero( G) Guy Stitt (S) John Braasch (S) R. Chwaszczewski (S) P Christofferson (S) John Clear (2) (S) Bob Springer (S) Craig Cross (S) Dick Litscher (S) P Christofferson (G) Douglas Anderson (S) Larry Kramer (S) W. Hutterman (S) John Clear (C) David Pittman (G) Paul Christofferson (S) Bill Mulvenna (S) David Landerman (S) Robert Baker (S) Tom Lee (S) Gale Brown (S) Al Thurlow (C) David Niemy (C) Garage B&G (S) Robert Liland (S) John Hansford (G) Lynne Ryan (C) Angus McColl (S) Ken LeMay (S) Bob Paul (C) Robert Leland (C) Don Bassler (G) James Smith (S) Doug Smith (C) William Cutler (C) P Christofferson (G) Mary Jo Tharp (S) Burton Thrap (C) Angus McColl (C) Dennis Nardone (C) Lynch Family (S) Charles Deer (C) Darryl Aiello (C) Wayne Sieckowski (C) Darryl Aiello (S) Kevin Sheehan (C) W. Williamson (C) Melvin Cross (C) Robert Paulson (S) Edwin Soriano (C) John Jeffries (C) Bud Atkins (C) Myron Gray (S) Ray de Yarmin (C) James Foote (C) Michael Sinnett (C) Rodrigo Rimando (S) Laurence Reher (C) Robert Kundracik (G) Sam Swenson Jr (C) Fred Borgmann (C) Robert Walker (C) William Ridley (C) John Norris (C) John Hansford (C) Red Bassler (G) Gregory Lee (C) Larry Kramer (C) Bruce Pierson (C) Al Rieboldt (S) Donald Dufour (G) Steve Corcoran (C)

Calendar Donations (C) General Fund (G) Scholarship Fund (S)

http://gertrude-check.org/boosters.htm

Box of Rocks - Derogatory term for a sailor that has performed their work in an unsatisfactory manner.

20 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

On Eternal Patrol—October through December Submarine Losses “To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice

be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments.

USS S-44 (SS-155) USS ESCOLAR (SS-294) Lost on 7 Oct 1943 with the loss Lost on 17 Oct 1944 with the loss of of 56 men when it was sunk off 82 men. Escolar was on her first war Paramushiru, Kuriles. S-44 was patrol and was most likely lost to a on her fifth war patrol. After mine somewhere in the Yellow Sea. attacking a target thought to be a http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss- merchant on the surface, S-44 escolar-294.htm found herself in a losing gun http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-escolar-294-loss.html battle with a heavily armed Jap- anese destroyer. Two men were taken prisoner, and survived USS SHARK II (SS-314) the war. Lost on 24 Oct 1944 with the http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-s-44-155.htm loss of 90 men when she was http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-s-44-155-loss.html sunk near Hainan. The second boat to carry this name during USS WAHOO (SS-238) World War II, she was on her Lost on 11 Oct 1943 with the loss of third war patrol. Shark was sunk 79 men near La Pérouse Strait. Un- by escorts after attacking and der command of one of the great sub sinking a lone freighter. Compounding the tragedy, it turned skippers of World War II, LCDR out that the freighter had 1800 U.S. POW’s on board. Dudley “Mush” Morton, Wahoo was http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-shark-314.htm on her seventh war patrol. Wahoo http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-shark-314-loss.html was awarded a Presidential Unit

Citation and ranks fifth in the number of enemy ships sunk. USS DARTER (SS-227) She was lost to depth charges dropped by a Japanese patrol aircraft. Lost on 24 Oct 1944 when she became grounded on Bombay http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-wahoo-238.htm Shoal off Palawan and was then http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-wahoo-238-loss.htm destroyed to prevent her falling into enemy hands intact. The en- USS DORADO (SS-248) tire crew was rescued by USS Lost on 12 Oct 1943 with the loss of Dace. Awarded the Navy Unit 78 men when she was sunk in the Commendation, Darter had sunk a western Atlantic near Cuba. Newly heavy cruiser and damaged another and went aground while commissioned, Dorado had departed attempting an “end around” on an enemy formation in hopes New London, CT and was enroute to of getting in an attack position on a battleship. Panama. She may have been sunk by http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-darter-227.htm a U.S. patrol plane that received http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-darter-227-loss.htm faulty instructions regarding bombing restriction areas or by

a German U-boat that was in the vicinity.

http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-dorado-248.htm

http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-dorado-248-loss.htm

21 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

On Eternal Patrol—October through December Submarine Losses “To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice

be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments.

USS TANG (SS-306) USS GROWLER (SS-215) Lost on 25 Oct 1944 with the lost Lost on 8-Nov-1944, with the loss of 80 men in the Formosa Strait. of 84 crew, when it was sunk in Tang was on her fifth war patrol. South China Sea. Tang ranks second in the number http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss of ships sunk and fourth in ton- -growler-215.htm nage, and was awarded two Pres- http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss idential Unit Citations. During a -growler-215-loss.html daring night surface attack, Tang was lost to a circular run by

one of her own torpedoes. Nine of the crew were taken pris- USS CORVINA (SS-226) oner, including CDR O’Kane, and five who had gained the surface from her final resting place 180 feet below. All sur- Lost on 16-Nov-1943, with the loss vived the war, and CDR O’Kane was awarded the Congres- of 82 crew, when it was sunk just sional Medal of Honor. south of Truk by a Japanese subma- rine. http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-tang-306.htm http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss- http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-tang-306-loss.htm corvina-226.htm

http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss- USS O-5 (SS-66) corvina-226-loss.html Lost on 29 October 1923

with the loss of 3 men when USS SCAMP (SS-277) rammed and sunk by SS Ababgarez off the Panama Probably lost on 16-Nov-1944, with Canal. TM2(SS) Henry Be- the loss of 83 crew, when it was sunk rault received the Congres- off Inubo Saki near Tokyo Bay. sional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions. http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-o-5-66.htm http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss- scamp-277.htm http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-scamp-277-loss.htm USS ALBACORE (SS-218) Lost on 7-Nov-1944, with the loss of 86 crew, when it was sunk in the channel between Hokkaido and Honshu. USS SCULPIN (SS-191) Lost on 19-Nov-1943, with the loss of 43 crew, when it was scuttled after http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-albacore-218.htm taking severe damage north of Groluk http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-albacore-218-loss.htm Island near Truk. 41 crew were taken prisoner, only 21 sur- vived the war.

http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-sculpin-191.htm

http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-sculpin-191-loss.htm

22 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

On Eternal Patrol—October through December Submarine Losses “To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice

be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments.

USS CAPELIN (SS-289) The Chaplain’s Report Lost on or after 1-Dec-1943, with the loss of 76 crew, when it was sunk off Eternal Patrol Celebes, possibly off Kaoe Bay; Hal- mahera or in Molukka Passage. No Cold War Submariner Robert W. "Bobby" Baker of Sil- reports were made from boat after it verdale, WA departed on his final and eternal patrol on left Darwin around 17-Nov-1943. 9/30/2019. Bobby qualified in submarines (silver) in 1955 Potential loss date spread given as 23-Nov-1943 to 9-Dec- aboard Carbonero 54-57, and also served aboard Piper 57-58, 1943. Grouper 61-62 and Theodore Roosevelt 62-64. Commissioned http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-capelin-289.htm in 1964 from RMC(SS), he served aboard Sperry 65-66, then http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-capelin-289-loss.html Salmon 66-68, where he re-qualified (gold) in 1968 while serving as Engineer. He retired in1993 as a Captain. Bobby joined U.S.S.V.I. in 2001 and was a Life and Holland Club USS SEALION (SS-195) member of USSVI Bremerton Base.

Lost on 10-Dec-1941 when it was scuttled in Manila Bay after dam- Cold War Submariner William H. Ruth departed on his final age at Cavite. Bombed on 10 De- patrol on Sunday, August 18th, 2019. William qualified in cember 1941 with the loss of four submarines on the USS Barbero (SS- 317) in 1959. He also crew. Damage was sufficient to served on SS-589 (USS Scorpion), SS-417 (USS Tench), and preclude removal to home waters SS-409 (USS Piper). William was a FT3 (SS) when he left the when Philippines were surrendered. First American subma- Navy. He joined USSVI in 1997 and was a member of the rine lost during World War II. Portions of wreckage re- Bremerton Base and the Holland Club. mained in place until late 1950’s when it was sold for scrap- ping. With their departure on Eternal Patrol, http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-sealion-195.htm let it be known we have lost two more http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-sealion-195-loss.htm heroes. Sailors, Rest your oar.

USS F-1 [ex-Carp] (SS-20) Lost on 17-Dec-1917, with the loss of 19 crew, when it was sunk after collision with USS F- 3 off San Clemente, CA. http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-f-1-20.htm

USS S-4 (SS-109) Lost on 17-Dec-1927, with the loss of 40 crew, when it was sunk after ramming by USCG Paulding. Hull raised and used for study in subma- rine escape. http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-s-4-109.htm

23 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

On Eternal Patrol—October through December Submarine Losses “To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments.

USS Scamp (SS-277) Maynard Frank “Wick” Compiled by Paul W. Wittmer and Charles R. Hinman, Wickham with editorial notes by Robert H. Downie, originally from: Rank/Rate: Chief Motor Machinist's U.S. Submarine Losses World War II, NAVPERS 15,784, Mate 1949 ISSUE Service Number: 371 88 88 Birth Date: December 12, 1915 From: Albuquerque, New Mexico Decorations: Navy-Marine Corps Medal, Bronze Star with Gold Star, Purple Heart Submarine: USS Scamp (SS-277) Loss Date: November 16, 1944 Location: Off Inubo Saki near Tokyo Bay Circumstances: Sunk by a mine Leaving Pearl Harbor on 16 October 1944, SCAMP (CDR J. C. Hollingsworth) headed for Midway, topped off with fuel Photo and information courtesy of Jeff Thrift, grandson, and there, and departed that place for her eighth patrol on 21 Oc- Cathy Calkins. tober 1944. SCAMP was to patrol in the vicinity of the Bonin http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/wickham-m-f.htm Islands. On 8 November, her area was changed to the vicinity

of 29° 00'N, 141° 00'E.

On 9 November, SCAMP was told to stay clear of the Bonins area south of 28°N during B-29 raids and she acknowledged, saying she was in 28° 44'N, 141° 44'E, and had made no tor- pedo attacks. This was the last communication received from SCAMP. In order to provide rescue services for downed avi- ators during Saipan-based B-29 assaults on Tokyo, SCAMP was ordered to lifeguard duty on 14 November. She was told

to proceed to a point just east of the peninsula which forms

the eastern boundary of Tokyo Bay, on Honshu. Between

that date and 26 November 1944, numerous messages were sent to SCAMP which required no acknowledgement, thus rendering it impossible to tell whether she received any or all of them. On 29 November 1944, information was received of an ene- my minefield in the vicinity of Inubo Saki, a point on the previously mentioned peninsula, and all submarines in that area were warned. Since all transmissions to SCAMP after 9 November 1944 remained unacknowledged, and she had not appeared by 21 December 1944, she was reported as pre- sumed lost on war patrol in enemy waters. http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-scamp-277-loss.htm

24 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

Newsletter Advertising Rates Submarine Memorials-Deterrent Park

Full Page, 4 issues - $500 Single Issue - $135 Brick Application Half Page, 4 issues - $250 Single issue - $70 Quarter page, 4 Issues - $125 Single issue - $35 ($40/Brick Donation) Eighth page, 4 Issues - $60 Single issue - $20 http://gertrude-check.org/brickap.htm E-mail Don Bassler (mailto:[email protected]) Brick Locator http://gertrude-check.org/ Or call him at 360-602-0250 for details about advertising only. DETPARK/bricklocator.pdf

The New Ensign

The new Ensign was assigned to subs, where he'd dreamed of working since a young boy. He was trying to impress the Master Chief with his expertise learned in Sub School. The Master Chief cut him off quickly and said, "Listen, 'sir', it's real simple. Add the number of times we dive to the number of times we surface. Divide that number by two. If the result doesn't come out even, don't open the hatch."

25 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

Treasurer’s and Base Membership Report—10/31/2019

2019—Current Total Members: 269 Life Fund: $32, 057.59 Regular Annual Members: 43 Scholarship Fund: $16,303.26 USSVI Life Members: 203 General Fund: 20,524.79* Base Life Members: 196 Go to page 8 to continue *Includes SK Account Holland Club Members: 164 Net Worth: $68,885.64 Annual Associate Members: 7 Life Associate Members: 5 Wartime Veterans: 255

AMERICAN SUBMARINER (USSVI) MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION All Qualified in Submarines from E2 to 4 Stars. Retired, short timer, or active duty - it makes no difference. If you are Qualified in Submarines we want you in United States Submarine Veterans. Inc. We are United States Submarine Sailors! We were, and are, members of the elite fighting force of the United States Navy. We are all QUALIFIED IN SUBMARINES. Included are submariners from the very early boats: S, R or earlier; WWII boats; post- war GUPPY boats and FBM and Fast Attack Submariners.

Welcome Aboard Stuart A Smith (Louisiana, Houston, Springfield, John C Calhoun) Randy Murray Jr. (Billfish, Tennessee, Georgia, Hampton, Alabama) Kathy Grissom (Michigan) Frederick Green (James Madison, Grenadier, Phoenix, Daniel Webster, Georgia) Ronald F. Seedorf (Capitaine, Sculpin) Daniel Inman (Flying Fish, Alaska, Chicago, Henry M Jackson) Michael J. Cloutier (Sam Houston, Michigan, Ohio) Jim Goodman (Associate Member)

Base Storekeeper

Ralph (pictured on the right) welcomes our Assistant Storekeeper—Bear Stiffey—he can be reached at [email protected]. Bear can create vests and hats, etc.—some examples are shown below.

Go to http://gertrude-check.org/shipsstore.htm to order, or better yet, COME TO A MEETING where I lay out my wares and show new products. If I don't have it, I will get IT !

Failed open – Used to describe when a person can’t sleep and their eyes won’t shut.

26 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

Base Notes—October 2019 Base Minutes—September 2019 Bremerton Base General Membership Monthly USSVI Bremerton Base Meeting Meeting conducted 21 September 2019 Saturday, September 21st 1000 Base minutes may be viewed at There will be a discussion at the general membership http://gertrude-check.org/archives.html meeting regarding the future of our base float. The float Base Commander Steve Corcoran called the meeting to or- is close to 40 years old and it is time for the base to dis- der at 1000 hours at the Bremerton FRA cuss which direction to go; keep repairing or build a new Opening observances were conducted. float. Western District 4 Cmdr. Jim DeMott, Bill Long Blueback Base Cmdr. and Jack Jeffries Carolina Piedmont Base Mem- Fifth Annual Naval Submarine League (NSL) Battle ber were in attendance. Dogs • Jack Jeffries is USSVI’s WWII historian asks for any NSL members will be near the Trident Training Center information we might have on WWII Submarine Veter- (the Pavilion is undergoing repairs) close to Deterrent ans. Park at NBK Bangor on Wednesday, Sept 18th. • Dick Litscher Holland Club Chairman inducted Ron 1100 - 1300 Seedorf into the Holland Club. This is 100% casual, 100% fun, and 100% free! Free hot • The minutes of the August 2019 were accepted as writ- dogs, chips, and bottled water for everyone. The general ten. purpose is to reach out to our active duty shipmates and let them know about the NSL. Sea stories are highly • Base Treasurer Dennis Nardone reported we have encouraged. $66,801.27 in various accounts. The base has 265 mem- bers. Bells Across America • Base Chaplin Fred Borgmann reported Capt. Earl Smith www.NavyGoldStar.com has died. file:///C:/Users/drpit/AppData/Local/Packages/ • Bonefish Float Chairman reports he will take the float Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe/TempState/ to get the tires fixed. Downloads/REG%20FFSC%20GSP%20BELLS% • Base Cmdr. Steve Corcoran talked about the Newsletter 20ACROSS%20AM%20NBK%2019%20(1).pdf being named the Best Newsletter, The Veterans Day This is Navy Gold Star Program’s Remembrance Cere- Parade in Auburn, Deterrent Park Brick installation will mony honoring service members who died while serving be on Nov.10, The base picnic was very successful, The on Active Duty. Social Hour to follow ceremony. District Picnic will become an annual event and the NBK Bangor Chapel Thursday, September 26, 2019 Rainer’s game will also become an annual event. The 9 a.m. float is getting old and will need some major repairs or replacement. The base will be in the Auburn Veterans

Day Parade. CPO Pinning Ceremony for Ileene Davis (USS Michi- gan) • District Cmdr. Jim DeMott ask everyone to verify their name on the USSVI website. Jim thinks the repair or Friday, September 13th 1200 replace the float should be voted on by the members in USS Parche Memorial - 251 1st Street, Bremerton, WA. November. 98337 • Bill Long and several members from the Blueback Base Chief (Select) Davis is an active member of our base and were on hand to capture the traveling dolphins and take has invited the Bremerton Base Submarine Veterans to them to their base. this special event. In addition, Chief (Select) Davis has

been nominated and accepted the nomination for Vice- • Next meeting is Saturday Oct.19 at FRA. Commander in the up-coming elections for Bremerton Base. Submitted By Wayne Sieckowski, Base Secretary

27 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

Base Minutes—August 2019 USSVI Bremerton Base Meeting conducted 24 August 2019 Base minutes may be viewed at http://gertrude-check.org/ archives.html Base Commander Steve Corcoran called the meeting to order at 1100 hours at the Elks Picnic Area Opening observances were conducted. Western District 4 Cmdr. Jim DeMott and several out of the area guest including but not limited to Jim Gibson from Cut- tlefish Base, Jack Brown from New Jersey North Base, Jim and Anne Scott from Victoria BC and many invited guest from American Legion Post 109 from Silverdale. There were over 40 members and guests. Base Commander Steve Corcoran introduced Western Dis- trict 4 Cmdr. Jim DeMott to present awards members were presented at the National Convention in Austin Texas. He talked a little about the awards. How many Nukes does it take to change out a light bulb? I don't know because I haven't read the last man- • Jim DeMott was named District Cmdr. of the Year uals referenced revisions since we got back in from patrol. However, the one thing I know is the manuals, • Dave Pittman Editor of the Puget Sounding was awarded procedures and required paperwork will far exceed the best Class 1 Newsletter and Best Newsletter overall. weight of however many it now takes. • Base Treasurer Denis Nardone was awarded the Robert Link Award. Contributed by Dutch Kaiser • Base Cmdr. Steve Corcoran talked about the Oregon Washington picnic and the retrieving of the Traveling Dolphins. This picnic will become an annual event. He also talked about the fun night at the Rainer’s Game. This also will become an annual event. • Base Member and Membership election Chairman Dutch Kaiser announced he had a candidate for every position. He also brought with him a Stole his granddaughter and 4 year Scholarship recipient gave as a thank you for our support. She has graduated with a degree in Biology. • Next meeting is Saturday Sept 21 at FRA.

Submitted By Wayne Sieckowski, Base Secretary

Ten punches in the Hacker Card – A hacker card is for sub- mariners who sit through extremely bad movies. The number of punches indicates how bad the movie was rated as.

28 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

Base E-Board Minutes—October 2019 Base E-Board Minutes—September 2019

USSVI Bremerton Base—E-Board Meeting 5 Oct 2019 USSVI Bremerton Base—E-Board Meeting 7 Sep 2019 0900 Base Commander Steve Corcoran called the meeting 0900 Base Commander Steve Corcoran called the meeting to to order order

Board Members present: Commander Steve Corcoran, Vice Board Members present: Commander Steve Corcoran, Vice Cmdr. Don Carpenter, Treasurer Dennis Nardone, Secretary Cmdr. Don Carpenter, Treasurer Dennis Nardone, Secretary Wayne Sieckowski, Chief of the Boat Wayne Peterson, and Wayne Sieckowski, Chief of the Boat Wayne Peterson, and Past Base Cmdr. Jim DeMott. Others attending the meeting Past Base Cmdr. Jim DeMott. Others attending the meeting included: Base Chaplain Fred Borgmann, Base Storekeeper included: Base Members Dave Bowman, Base Chaplain Fred Ralph Harris and Parades Chairman John Gardner Borgmann and Float Chairman Sam Swenson.

• The minutes of the previous E-Board meeting were • The minutes of the previous E-Board meeting were dis- discussed and accepted. cussed, and accepted. • Base Treasurer Dennis Nardone reports Base’s worth • Base Treasurer Dennis Nardone reports Base’s worth $65,191.52 and Base Membership is 269 $66,801.27 and Base Membership is 265. • Past Base Cmdr. Jim DeMott reports Feb.2020 meeting • Past Base Cmdr. Jim DeMott reports starting in 2022 the and entertainment will be Feb. 15 2020. The Western National Conventions will be shortened to 4 nights. Region Round Up will be Mar 23 – 27 at Laughlin Ne- • Base Float Chairman Sam Swenson reports there is a flat vada. Jim talked about a Submarine Birthday Ball on tire on the float. He reports the float will need major re- this side of the sound. Also the Website is up for the pairing. A discussion developed about repairing the float Tucson Convention. or replacing it. It was concluded a Float committee • Base Chaplin Fred Borgmann will shop for Retsil and should be established and add to the election ballots if the visit Retsil on Dec. 20 before the Christmas Party. This float should be repaired or replaced. year’s Christmas Party will be 21 Dec 2019 at the • Chief of the Boat Wayne Peterson will start selling tick- Bremerton Elks. ets to the Christmas Party for $20.00 individual and • Chief of the Boat Wayne Peterson will start selling tick- $40.00 a couple. ets to the Christmas Party for $20.00 individual and • A motion was made to donate $1,000.00 to the USS $40.00 a couple. Thresher Memorial to help defray the cost of surviving • A motion was made to donate $1,000.00 to the USS family members travel to the Dedication. The motion Thresher Memorial to help defray the cost of surviving passed unanimously. family members travel to the Dedication. The motion • Base Cmdr. Steve Corcoran announced articles for the passed unanimously. Puget Sounding are due to Dave Pittman by 1 November. • Base Cmdr. Steve Corcoran announced articles for the Steve will be attending Bells across America honoring Puget Sounding are due to Dave Pittman by 1 Novem- service members who died. The base will again partici- ber. The base will again participate in the Auburn Vet- pate in the Auburn Veterans Day Parade erans Day Parade on 9 Nov. This is an Election year. • 0935 Adjourned - Submitted by Wayne Sieckowski - Replacing the Float will be on the ballot. Meeting will Base Secretary will stay on Saturday mornings. • A motion was made to provide Holland Club inductees with Holland Club hats when they are inducted. The “Train like you fight, fight like you train” – Most com- motion past unanimously mon submarine phrase found on a poster in just about any • 0935 Adjourned - Submitted by Wayne Sieckowski - training building. Base Secretary

29 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

Base E-Board Minutes—August 2019 http:// www.snugharborbase USSVI Bremerton Base—E-Board Meeting 3 Aug 2019 .com/generic/ 0900 Base Commander Steve Corcoran called the meeting Sounds.asp to order

Board Members present: Commander Steve Corcoran, 1965—New London, CT Treasurer Dennis Nardone, Secretary Wayne Sieckowski, Chief of the Boat Wayne Peterson, and Past Base Cmdr. 1965 U.S. NAVY SUBMARINE TRAINING Jim DeMott. Others attending the meeting included: Base SCHOOL NEW LONDON CONNECTICUT Storekeeper Ralph Harris, Parade Chairman John Gardner PROMOTIONAL FILM 21254 and Base Members Dave Bowman and Jerry Drumm.

This 1965 color film takes its viewer on a tour of the U.S. • The minutes of the previous E-Board meeting were Navy's submarine training school at New London, Con- discussed and accepted. necticut and includes includes a tour of the school's library • Base Treasurer Dennis Nardone reports Base’s worth and museum (mark 03:00) and a look at submariner histo- $70,247.03 and Base Membership is 264. ry including the H.L. Hunley, a Confederate sub used dur- • Base Scholarship Chairman Wayne Sieckowski reports ing the Civil War (mark 04:45). The film rolls on with a four (4) Raffle prizes were returned. Tracyton Tavern, demonstration of their submarine simulator (mark 07:13) Los Cabos, Fiesta, Visa Card. They were all $25.00 and various other simulators used to train officers and sail- gift certificates. He recommends they be raffled at the ors. The USS Grouper (SS-214) is shown at mark 12:45, picnic. followed at mark 13:12 by the USS Benjamin Franklin (SSBN-640) a Polaris nuclear missile submarine. Recruits • John Gardner will represent the base at the USSVI are shown being trained in the latest techniques of under- Convention in Austin, TX. sea warfare and technology as the film continues, and a • Base Storekeeper Ralph Harris has a new shipment of submarine escape tower, a familiar site in New London, is Pens. discussed starting at mark 14:40 with rarely seen footage • Base Parades Chairman John Gardner reports there will from inside the tank shown beginning at mark 15:05. The be a planning board meeting for the County’s Veteran base’s Submarine Medical Center is visited at mark 21:09 Day program on Sept. 18 at 0900 at Family Pancake and the narrator outlines the important role medical offic- House. ers play aboard subs, especially nuclear-powered exam- • Past Base Cmdr. Jim DeMott reports Aug. 10 USSVI ples. Graduation day at the school plays out tarting at mark Washington Oregon. Picnic at Champoeg State Park in 24:24 as learn the graduates continue to receive additional St. Paul, Oregon He also discussed a Batfish Memorial training and on-the-job instruction even after leaving New donation to help defray damage caused by flooding. A London. The narrator offers a summation of some of a motion was made to donate $750.00 to the Batfish submarine officers duties at mark 25:40 as we see the USS Memorial. Motion passed unanimously. Piper (SS-409) head out to sea, and learn a little about the role of the submarine in World War II before once more • Base Cmdr. Steve Corcoran announced The Base Pic- seeing the Benjamin Franklin, a “power for peace” utilized nic is Aug 24 at the Elks picnic area. American Legion by the Navy. Post 109 is invited to participate. The National Con- vention is August 14-20 in Austin Texas and the Rain- er’s ballgame on August 16. • A discussion was conducted about authorizing base expenditures. Sliders - Mess deck/chow hall hamburgers/ • 0935 Adjourned - Submitted by Wayne Sieckowski - cheeseburgers, so named for their high grease content Base Secretary and purported ability to 'slide' through the alimentary canal.

30 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

First Navy Submarine Resupplied By So why is it taking so long to see this development? Delivery Commercial Drone drone technology is being driven, largely, by civilian applica- tions. This has the benefit of keeping cost down and shortening the development cycle. But it also means that they have mod- est range and limited payload. Range is probably the more critical aspect, as much of the world’s oceans are beyond reach of land-based civilian UAVs. For a Navy, they could be car- ried by warships to reach further. But incremental improve- ments in range and autonomy, plus military grade communica- tions, should close this gap. At the moment drone resupply still involves the submarine exposing itself to radar. But possibly someone is already think- ing up ways to do this operation more discretely. Some UAV manufactures have developed inexpensive drones which go the opposite way; being launched by a submarine for reconnaissance. So the mixing of UAVs and submarines will only increase going forward. It was only a matter of time before somebody thought of this. On Oct. 10 a small quad-rotor delivery drone, of the type https://inmilitary.com/first-navy-submarine-resupplied-by- used for delivering packages to your door, resupplied a U.S. commercial-drone/? Navy submarine. utm_source=IME&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_content=htt The honor fell to the suitably named USS Hawaii (SSN 776), ps:inmilitary.comfirst-navy-submarine-resupplied-by- one of the latest Virginia Class fast attack submarines. It commercial-drone&utm_campaign=20191030IME took place just a mile off Oahu, Hawaii, in partnership with the University of Hawaii Applied Research Lab. This may not sound very impressive, but it is a look into the future. Submarines crave the protection of the deep, hiding out of sight. For modern nuclear powered submarines there are very few good reasons to surface at all during a patrol. To

come to the surface risks detection by enemy radars, negat- ing their fundamental advantage: stealth. It’s not uncommon for nuclear submarines to spend several months without breaking cover. Yet there are occasions when submarines need to recover supplies. They may need medical supplies, replacement parts, provisions or even snail mail. In this thought-provoking exercise the U.S. Navy has demonstrated

a new way to do this. For the test the 5 pound payload con- sisted of circuit cards, medical supplies, and food. Small Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) may have some ad- vantages over helicopters for this type of mission. Naturally they are much cheaper, even with military grade communi- cations aboard. But there are other less obvious advantages. Launching several inexpensive single-mission UAVs frees up the more versatile helicopters to conduct more complex missions. And if you lose a small UAV, that can be bad news operationally, but it won’t make headlines. And you won’t use up valuable resources conducting search and rescue for the crew. In short, UAVs make good sense for some mis- sions.

31 Vol. 23 Issue 4 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019

PUGET SOUNDINGS Quarterly Newsletter NON PROFIT ORG Volume 23 ISSUE 4 Oct—Nov—Dec 2019 U.S. POSTGE PAID Issue Date 15 Nov 2019 Silverdale WA Permit No 111 U.S. SUBMARINE VETERANS BREMERTON BASE PO BOX 465 SILVERDALE, WA 98383-0465

DO NOT RETURN TO SENDER

Please share the Puget Soundings with another Submariner

Bremerton Base Calendar (Including Soup Down Luncheons) When in doubt… use the Gertrude Check!!! http://www.gertrude-check.org/

All E-Board and Monthly Meetings are held at the All luncheons are from 11:30 to 13:00 unless otherwise not- Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) 521 National Ave, ed. Photographs may be viewed at Bremerton 360.373.2296 unless otherwise noted. http:// http://gertrude-check.org/soupdown.html frabranch29.com/index.php. Bangor SK Visit are at Tri- dent Training Facility Bangor http://www.netc.navy.mil/ • Nov 22 Brother Don’s 4200 Kitsap Way, Bremerton centers/slc/ttfbangor/Default.htm 360.377.8442

• Nov 29 All Star Lanes 10710 Silverdale Way, Silverdale •Dec 04 (1130) Bangor SK Visit 360.692.5760 •Dec 07 (0900) E-Board • Dec 06 Blue Goose Tavern 1931 Bay St. Port Orchard •Dec 21 (1200) Christmas Party at Bremerton Elks Lodge 360.895.8171 1181@ 3131 Pine Rd, Bremerton, WA http:// • Dec 13 That One Place 1397 Olney Dr. Suite #101 Port www.bpoe1181.org/ Orchard WA, 98366 360.876.4572 •Jan 04 (0900) E-Board • Dec 20 Clearwater Casino 15347 Suquamish Way, •Jan 18 (1000) General Membership Meeting Suquamish 360.598.8700 •Feb 01 (0900) E-Board • Dec 27 Silver City Restaurant and Ale House 2799 NW •Feb 05 (1130) Bangor SK Visit Myhre Rd. Silverdale 360.698.5879 •TBA (0900) Annual Breakfast Social & General Membership • Jan 03 McClouds 2901 Perry Avenue Bremerton Meeting FRA 521 National Ave, Bremerton 360.373.2296 360.373.3093 •Mar 07 (0900) E-Board FRA 521 National Ave, Bremerton • Jan 10 Fujiyama Steak House 9989 Silverdale Way NW, 360.373.2296 Silverdale 360.352.9888 •Mar 21 (1000) General Membership Meeting FRA 521 Na- • Jan 17 Azteca 2936 Bucklin Hill Rd. Silverdale tional Ave, Bremerton 360.373.2296 360.698.2200 • Jan 24 Kelly’s 19th Hole Bar & Grill 2171 Erlands Point Road NW, Bremerton 360.373.4600 • Jan 31 Tracyton Public House 403 NW Tracy Ave, Bremerton 360.405.768 () • Feb 07 Los Cabos 4120 Wheaton Way, Bremerton 360.373.1320 th • Feb 14 Horse and Cow 536 4 St, Bremerton 360.627.9843

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