USSVI Th resher Base News March 2005 Holland Club Induction Ceremony USS San Francisco by Larry Oiler Grounding On 15 January, we takes life of inducted thirteen Joseph Allen Ashley (13) Thresher- Copy credited to: Base members The John Taylor Funeral Home and into the Holland Robert Hamilton of The Day Club. Their names have been added to Joseph “Joey” Allen Ashley, Machin- the Holland Club ist Mate 2nd Class (U.S.N.), a lifelong Muster Lists located resident of Manchest er, Ohio, went on the USSVI Web home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Site (http://www. January 9, at the age of 24. ussvi.org/hc/hc- Machinist Mate 2nd Class Ashley, index.htm) and the who had just re-enlisted for a second Thresher Base Web Gary Hildreth (Threshe Base Commande)Edwad J. O’Neill (quali- four-year term, was in the main sea- Site (http://www. fied 1953), Daniel R. MacIsaac (qualified 1941), Thomas Young water bay at the back of the sub when thresherbase.org/). (qualified 1955), Eugene E. Franceware (qualified 1950), and Roge the nuclear submarine U.S.S. San If you puruse the E. Babcock (qualified 1953) and Larry Oile (Threshe Base Senio Francisco, home-based in Guam, ran Vice Commande & Holland Club Coodinato) USSVI Holland Club aground while out on maneuvers in Muster List you will find many dis- ning of the ceremony, Gary Hildreth the South Pacific. He was thrown for- tinguished veterans of the Submarine read an article written by Doctor ward 20 feet into the propulsion lube Service are members; Seaman to Ad- Joyce Brothers titled “Who are sub- oil bay, striking his forehead against miral, many heroes and legends of our mariners?” Even thought the article a large metal pump. He was knocked Submarine Force, past and present. It is several years old, it hit the nail on out and died the next day without is an honor and privilege to be includ- the head in light of the recent incident regaining consciousness. ed on the same roster with these men, involving a submarine that ran into He leaves parents, Daniel and Vicki and to be part of the Holland Club. what apparently was an underwa- Ashley of Manchest er; brothers, To all of our Holland Club inductees, ter mountain and the heroic a ions continued on page 3 we salute you and thank you for your taken by the crew to get the ship fifty (50) plus years of devotion and home and in their caring for injured service. “Pride Runs Deep” shipmates.” Extract of the article ap- Gary Hildreth (Thresehr Base Com- pears on page 2. mander) and Larry Oiler (Thresher Holland Club Packages have been Table of Contents mailed to Robert J. Anderson (quali- Base Senior Vice Commander & Holland Club Ceremony ...... 1 fied 1953), Charles D. Bennett (quali- Holland Club Coordinator) presented Joseph Allen Ashley Dies ...... 1 fied 1955), Leo L. Cloutier (qualified Holland Club Certificates, Welcome Who are Submariners? ...... 2 1952), John W. Czajkowski (qualified Aboad Letters, Membership Cards March Meeting Minutes ...... 2 1943), Norman J. Dineen (quali- and 50 Year Patches to Edward J. Base Storekeeper Sought ...... 2 fied 1955), Carl I. Furlong (qualified O’Neill (qualified 1953), Daniel R. New Member ...... 2 1954), Donald V. Simpson (qualified MacIsaac (qualified 1941), Thomas To Perpetuate the Memory ...... 3 1955), and Michael L. Yates (quali- Young (qualified 1955), Eugene E. USSVI News ...... 4 fied 1955). They were not ale to at- Franceware (qualified 1950), and Thresher Service Invitation ...... 5 Roger E. Babcock (qualified 1953) tend the ceremony for various reasons during the ceremony. At the begin- (out of the area, health, etc). Page 1 January Meeting Minutes The January meeting of THRESH- Treasurer’s Report - Roy Pierce will it soonest (Mike, don’t forget your ER Base was held at the Portsmouth provide input. wife now knows about this commit- VFW on 15 January 2005. This was There were no committee reports ment.). joint meeting with the WWII Subma- to be read, Larry Oiler identified the rine Veterans, SQUALUS Memorial Holland Club Induction Ceremony New business - Chapter; minutes for the SQUALUS would be conducted following the Good of the Order: G. Hildreth Memorial Chapter portion of the meeting. requested volunteers for the Base meeting will be pulished in their positions, COB and Storekeeper. newsletter. Old Business - The meeting was called to order Larry Oiler intends to nominate The Chaplin lead us in a closing followed by the Chaplin leading us the newsletter for USSVI’s Newslet- prayer, the meeting was adjourned, in a prayer and the SVC leading the ter Award in the large base category. and everyone flocked (a better de- pledge of allegiance. The Tolling of Nominations are due in May, which scription might be stampeded) to the the Bells for all boats lost in January means the March newsletter is the chow line for the pot-luck luncheon. and February was conducted by the last edition that can be used by the There was an abundance of vittles, Base CDR, followed by a moment of National Awards Committee during and the comradery was very much silent prayer. A sound off of all those the evaluation process. Larry again enjoyed by all in attendance. Sea sto- present was conducted. Past National stressed the importance of members ries, upon sea stories, upon sea stories; Commander, John Brazil, RI, was providing input to the newsletter. it would be impossile to decide who introduced. In all, 31 Shipmates In- Larry then singled out WWII Veteran had the best story. troduced themselves at the meeting. Mike Geletka to complete the writing Secretary’s Report was accepted as of his bio for pulishing in the next Our hats off to the ladies, they did a printed in the last newsletter. newsletter. Mike promised to provide super job.
Who are Submariners? Base Storekeeper Dr. Joyce Brothers Sought “There is nothing daredevilish about have a little more insight into them- A volunteer is being sought to take the motivation of a man who decides selves and their capabilities. They over the base store. This position to dedicate his life to the submarine know themselves a lot better than the requires someone who is willing to sell service. He does indeed take pride in next man. This has to be so with men goods at base meetings, be the point demonstrating he is quite a man, but who have a healthy reason to volun- of contact with the USSVI store- he does not do so to praice a form teer for a risk. They are generally a cut keeper and place ecial orders for the of foolhardy brinkmanship to see how healthier emotionally than others of a members. This position will remain close he can get to failure and still similar age and background because of open and the base store will remain snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. their willingness to push themselves a closed until someone comes forward On the contrary, the aim of the Sub- little bit further and not settle for an to take over. If you are interested in marine Service is to battle the danger easier kind of existence. giving your time, please contact Gary to minimize the risk, to take every We all have tremendous capabilities, Hildreth, base commander. measure to make certain that safety, but are rarely straining at the upper not danger, is maintained at all times. level of what we can do; the United Are the men in submarines braver States can be proud and grateful that New Member than those in other pursuits where so many of its sound, young, eager We would like to welcome George the possibility of sudden tragedy is men are confident enough about their Livendale, Marshfield, VT, to the not constant? The glib answer would own status in life and the welfare of USSVI Thresher Base. George joins be that they are. It is much more ac- their country to pool their skills and us as his second base as he is a pri- curate from a psychological point of match them collectively against the mary member of the Green Mt. Base. view, to say they are not necessarily power of the sea.” We look forward to seeing George at braver, but that they are men who future meetings. Page 2 To Perpetuate the Memory
Richard James Carkoski was born on In December of the same year, he July 28, 1938, in Ord, Nebraska, the became qualified as a submariner and son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Car- was awarded his silver dolphins. koski. On February 27, 1961, Richard was Attending local schools, Richard reassigned to the nuclear-powered was graduated from Central Catholic submarine U.S.S. Thresher (SSN 593). High School, Grand Island, Nebraska During his time in the naval service he in 1957. During his school years he was awarded the Navy’s Good Con- was a ive in athletics and earned let- duct Medal, and a letter of commen- ters in football and track. dation from the commanding officer Richard enlisted in the Navy on of the U.S.S. Sirago (SS 485) for his July 19, 1957, and received his basic outstanding performance of duty. training at the U.S. Naval Train- Richard is survived by his parents, Richard James Carkoski ing Center, Great Lakes, Illinois. He Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Carkoski; Engineman First Class also attended the Navy’s Engine- sisters, Eleanore and Joan, and Mrs. United States Navy man School at San Diego, California. Mary Picthall, all of Grand Island, Richard volunteered for submarine Nebraska; and a brother, Eugene Car- duty and underwent training at the Connecticut. Following graduation koski of the U.S. Navy. Submarine School located at the U.S. in January 1958, he was assigned to Naval Submarine Base, New London, the submarine U.S.S. Sirago (SS 485).
Joseph Allen Ashley continued from page 1
Daniel, Jr. (Dawn) of Canal Fulton, Ohio; PFC Benjamin (Kati) of Fort Temple and frequented many oth- Bragg, North Carolina; grandpar- er churches in the area. Wherever ents, Joseph Jr. and Helen Ashley of he was based, he found a church to Reedy, West Virginia, Rev. Dallas attend. Joey never met a stranger. and Ellen Smith of Harrisville, His personality captured and af- West Virginia; aunts and uncles, fected each of us in its own way, Linda June (Ashley) Fleisher of and his memory will remain in Akron, Ohio, Les (Debie) Ashley our hearts forever. Joey was loved of Doylest own, Ohio, Jim (Lyneen) by all who knew him and we are Ashley of Reedy, West Virginia, all lessed to have had him in our Dallas, Jr. (Teri) Smith of Rossville, lives, even for such a short time. Georgia, Alfred (Kathy) Smith of A funeral service was held on Mason, Ohio, and Aaron (Barb) Saturday, January 15 at 8:00 p.m. Smith of Manchest er. He also Joseph Allen Ashley at the Akron Baptist Temple, leaves many close and loving cous- Machinist Mate 2nd Class Manchest er, Ohio. An additional ins, shipmates and friends. United States Navy funeral service was held Sunday, Joey was a 1999 graduate of January 16 at 1:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Roane County Manchest er High School, where he to follow his father’s footsteps and was a member of the marching band High School, Spencer, WV, Burial joined the Navy in 2001. He was also with military honors was at the Fox and was also a member of Boy Scout a member of both the Canal Fulton Troop 118. After graduation he chose Baptist Church and the Akron Baptist Page 3 News From USSVI USS San Francisco Groton Base to Hold SUBVETS 41st Fundraising Report Anniversary Celebration and District 1 by John Carcioppolo Meeting I had good intentions of shutting The weekend will be running from 28 April Thursday down the USS SAN FRANCISCO Thursday April 28, 2005 through 10 a.m. Scholarship Golf Tournament Fund Raising on the 7th of February. Saturday April 30, 2005. Our 2005 Pequot Golf Club Stonington Every time I got ready to shut it theme is our the 60th anniversary of 29 April Friday down, I would get another check in the end of WWII, our 41st Anniver- 7:30 a.m. Return To Submarine School the mail. I think that I have every- sary and 41 For Freedom. Registra- Muster at Nautilus Museum thing that I’m going to get, except for tions are already coming in and we are TBD Tommy Cox Performance Club- a donation coming from BOWFIN way ahead of past years registration. house Base, and the SV WWII in Hawaii. If you want to be part of either the I plan on closing out the fund raising Return to Submarine School, or the 30 April Saturday once those checks are received. Boat Tours, your registration must be 8:00 a.m. District 1 Business Meeting Registration & Coffee Based on everything that has come received by April 14, 2005. 8:15 a.m. Submarine Tour through Groton Base to date there In honor of those Submarine Veter- Muster at Nautilus Museum has been a total of $8,287.00 raised, ans of WWII we will give them and 1:00 p.m. Navy Band Northeast Concert and donated to the MM2(SS) Joseph their guests a ecial discount for our National Submarine Memorial East Ashley Memorial Fund. Banquet and Dance Registration in- 6:00 p.m. Anniversary Banquet Please pass along my sincerest thanks formation can be found by visiting our to all who supported this worthwhile website www.subvetsgroton.org. 01 May Sunday endeavor, and in addition to my per- The following is a brief schedule of 9:00 a.m. Sunday Brunch ($6 Pay at sonal thanks, at the bottom is an email events. It is our intention to update Brunch) Steak and Eggs Breakfast I received from Mr. Dan Ashley. our website weekly when additional details availale. Improved VA In addition I received the following Healthcare Website email from Dan Ashley, the father of Joseph Ashley: American Submariner Available Editor Sought by John Dudas You all are so good. And much good by Tom Conlon Harnessing the power of the Internet, will come out of this. Your dona- Jim Terrell, our National Editor the Department of Veterans Affairs tion to his Fund will make it topple of The American Submariner, has (VA) is improving its Web-based sys- $ 25,000 and more money is still resigned his position effective the end tem for providing health care informa- being sent in. We’ve set it up to help 2 of this year. Jim has done admirale tion to its patients. Under the latest students a year and if it continues to work as our National Editor for the improvement to VA’s “My HealtheVet” last several years. We will miss him. grow we will add a student or two to Web site, veterans will be ale to up- National Senior Vice Commander it. Probaly 90% of the contributions date personal information and record Jim Foote and I are conducting a medical data such as prescriptions. A came from the Navy and most of that search for a new National Editor. was Sub Vets and Sub Commands new capability now added to the site We are looking for volunteers to take allows veterans to record their per- even the Canadian Sub Forces have on this large job. Jim had put together sonal information and medical data - given graciously. God Bless you all. a team of members from his Base to - including emergency contacts, health Joseph’s name will live on a long long edit copy and layout, assemle the time thanks to your good hearts. mailing list and get the magazine to care providers and insurance, prescrip- the printer and mailer. tions, tests and allergies -- in a private, In great Appreciation, If you or anyone in your Base are secure Internet environment. Eventu- Dan & Vicki Ashley interested, please contact either me or ally, veterans will be ale to receive Jim Foote. Jim Terrell has said that he their medical records from VA online. will work closely with his relief to get The site is located on the Internet at him (them) up to eed. www.myhealth.va.gov Page 4 You are Invited to Attend the 42th USS THRESHER (SSN 593) Anniversary Commemorative Service Saturday, April 9, 2005 1:00 p.m. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Kittery, Maine
USS THRESHER (SSN 593) as lost at sea on 10 April 1963 with all hands. Each yea e hold a memorial service to pay tribute to those 129 sailors, shipyad workers and contracto representatives ho paid the ultimate price in serving thei country.
Due to PNSY security access restrictions, attendance to the Memorial Service is limited to the family members of those lost aboard USS Thresher, former USS Thresher crew members and their spouses, and USSVI members and their spouses. If you are planning on attending the Memorial Service, your name and the names of each member in your party must be added to the PNSY Security Access List. To be added to the list, please contact Gary Hildreth, USSVI Thresher Base Commander & PNSY Pulic Affairs Specialst by mail, phone or email.
Gary Hildreth, Code 100PAO, Bldg 86 1st Floor, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, NH 03804-5000 Phone: (207) 438-3975 • FAX: (207) 438-1266 • Email: [email protected]
Directions To The Shipyard From the South: Take Route 95 North into Maine. Take Exit 2, in Maine (Route 236), to the Kittery Traffic Circle. From the North: Take Route 95 South through the York, Maine tollbooth and exit at Exit 2 (Route 236) in Kittery. Turn right onto Route 236 and enter the Kittery Traffic Circle. From the Kittery Traffic Circle to Gate #1: Take Route 1 South (State Road) to first stop light. Turn left onto Walker Street, which runs directly to Gate #1. Page 5 THRESHER Base United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. c/o Kevin Galeaz 1465 Hooksett Road #239 Hooksett, NH 03106
Next Thresher Base Meeting Saturday, March 19, 2005 @ 1300 Portsmouth VFW - Deer Street
USSVI Thresher Base Mark Your Calendar The USSVI 2005 CONVENTION will be held in Kansas City, MO USSVI Thresher Base was chartered States Government.” 29 August - 4 September. on 15 November 1989 in the memory of The base newsletter, Threshe Base Convention information is availale those 129 gallant men who at 9:17 AM News, and base website, www.threshe- at www.tjcsubase.org/convention. on 10 April 1963 lost their lives in the base.org, are used to inform the mem- performance of their duties aboard USS bership and community about meet- Look for more information in the THRESHER (SSN 593). ing happenings and upcoming events. next newsletter. Our mission is “to perpetuate the Any member who has information to memory of our shipmates who gave share with the membership is encour- their lives in the pursuit of their duties aged to submit articles to the editor Copying Donated by while serving their country. That their for pulishing. Send submissions to dedication, deeds and supreme sacri- Kevin Galeaz, Editor, 1465 Hooksett fice be a constant source of motivation Road #239, Hooksett, NH 03106 or toward greater accomplishments. Pledge [email protected]. loyalty and patriotism to the United Page 6