March 2020

Publication for members of USS Illinois Base, Veterans, Inc.

Message from We all are now aware the CO- where/how to get assistance, however, National CDR VID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic has the personal call or “Buddy Check” is severely impacted the operation of a very important tool to reach out to our USSVI Bases and our Charitable those who may not know what to do, Foundation, as well as society in or how to get help. Remember many general. Just about all events have of our older submarine veterans may been cancelled or postponed, meet- not use email or the Internet. They ings and gatherings of more than 10 are not getting the information being people have been discouraged, and put out, and they are often the ones in some cases prohibited, parks and that need our help the most. beaches have been closed and we Reach out with help have all been advised to avoid travel USSVI Commander Wayne Standerfer that is not absolutely essential. Many of our members, their fami- lies and other submarine veterans So, what are we going to do to help need help in getting to the stores or our members, their families, and getting food and medicines delivered other submarine veterans who are to them, many of them have no way housebound or otherwise unable to to get to the Doctor or other appoint- fend for themselves? What can our ments. Bases and the CF do in this age of COVID-19? In short, volunteer opportunities are available and very much needed. Check on your friends Our Base members do not have to sit A term that I am hearing a lot around home feeling helpless with lately is “Buddy Check.” Does your nothing to do while everything is Base have a phone tree? Are your shut down. Our members could be Offi cers calling their membership to reaching out, as much as they are check on how they are holding up able, and off ering our help in any and if they need any assistance, or if way that they can. Our Bases and they know of family or other subma- members should be doing this sort of rine veterans that need assistance? thing all the time, it is part of what Sending out emails and posting we are all about, but especially now on your websites is fi ne for getting when so many are in crisis and the the word out on who to contact and (Continued on page 3)

www.ussillinoisbase.org

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 1 March 7, 2020 -- Minutes of the USS Illinois Base

17 Members present - Patrick O’Brien, Beloit and Pecatonica. He will keep us Richard Martin, Renee Martin, Wayne posted as more information is known. Orrison, Kate Ramsay, Tom Ramsay, Mark • He is also investigating a location for a Dykstra, Bruce Pickering, Nathan Heft, Tag Sale. An info table about the Base Mike Barney, Terry Elmeier, Don Bosetti, would be set up with a contribution jar. Chuck, Mongan, Jim Helsell, Daryl Rora- baugh, Joseph Jones, Tim Deneen. Unfi nished business 2 Guests present – Stephen and Sherry • JVCDR Mark Dykstra reminded the Thompson, (CDR of Great Lakes Base and Base that Warbirds Weekend in Janes- his wife). ville will be July 17–19, 2020. He made a call for volunteers. Volunteers will be Pledge of Allegiance to the fl ag. required to attend a volunteer’s meeting. Invocation by Bruce Pickering. The volunteer’s meeting is also required if the Base wishes to sell Cobia memora- Recitation of the USSVI Creed. bilia. Information will be forth coming. Member/guest introductions. Discussion followed. Central District 2 Commander Change • Kate Ramsay reported on her research Base Contacts of Command - Outgoing Dist. CDR Phil into the Base participating in the Mon- Owens gave the oath of offi ce to the new roe Cheese Days Parade, on Sept. 16. CD2 Commander, Stephen Thompson. This event happens every two years. We Commander are awaiting word back from the Parade Richard Martin Tolling of Bells ceremony -- Phil Owens committee. [email protected] recited the roll of lost boats and rang the bell. New Business • CDR Martin advised of several orga- Sr. Vice Commander Secretary’s report -- Secretary Pat O’Brien nized veterans’ events (Heartland Hos- Wayne Orrison asked for a motion to accept the minutes of pice Vietnam Veterans Welcome home, [email protected] the last meeting as published in the Base VFW Bunny Breakfast etc.) in the com- newsletter. Terry Elmeier made the motion. munity. He had brochures available. Jr. Vice Commander & Phil Owens seconded. Motion to accepted. Kaps 4 Kids Coord. • Kate Ramsay advised that all members Treasurer’s Report -- Treasurer Bruce Mark Dykstra are required to update their profi le on Pickering presented his report. Kate Ram- [email protected] the USSVI National website. Instruc- say made a motion to accept. Motion sec- tions on how to do this are on page 8 of onded by Don Bosetti. Treasurer’s Report Treasurer the February “Green Board” base news- was accepted. Bruce Pickering letter. This an action item for all hands. [email protected] Chaplain’s Report – None. • Don Bosetti advised that the VA will Secretary Storekeeper’s Report – Storekeeper Terry now provide eye glasses. Elmeier reported he has mouse pads, stick- Patrick O’Brien • SVCDR Wayne Orison reminded the ers and calendars available for sale. [email protected] members of the services provided by Kaps(ss) 4 Kids Report -- JVCDR Mark The Winnebago County Vet’s Drop-in Storekeeper Dykstra reported a scheduled visit to UW Center. Terry Elmeier Hospital for April 2. He will advise the • Discussion held regarding marketing ta- [email protected] membership of changes in light of the cur- glines on Base signage and brochures to rent health crisis. Chaplain incorporate “Serving submarine veter- Bob Fleck CDR’s Report by CDR Dick Martin ans in the Northern Illinois and South- bobfl [email protected] • A volunteer is still needed to assume ern Wisconsin area” or similar wordage. the offi ce of Chaplain. Bruce Pickering • JVCDR Mark Dykstra advised of a volunteered to provide the Invocation Editor/Webmaster Janesville Community Yard Sale the 3rd and Closing Prayer until a new Chaplain Kate Ramsay weekend of June. He would accept kateram@jcwifi .com is installed. Let him know if interested. • He reminded the Base of our planned (Continued on page 3) participation Memorial Day parades in

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 2 ‘USSVI here to help’ Welcome new Central District 2 Commander (Continued from page 1) normal avenues for assistance may Phil Owens (right), not be available. retiring Central Dist. 2 Commander, administers Your Charitable Foundation is the Oath of Offi ce to the newly appointed CD2 available to help as well and can pro- CDR, Stephen Thompson, vide fi nancial assistance in matching from the Great Lakes the funds provided by the Base to Base. Congratulations! assist or, in case by case situations, by providing direct grants. If your Base becomes aware of needed fi nancial assistance beyond what they may be able to provide, they should contact the Brotherhood At our March 7th Base Meeting, Fund Manager, Ken Nichols, who we were hosts to the offi cial will evaluate the need and discuss change of command for USSVI’s what assistance he can provide. If Central District 2 Commander. the need exceeds that which he can Stepping down was our own provide, he can bring it to the CF Phil Owens. Thank you, Phil for Board through the CF Treasurer for your service. further consideration.

Just for Laughs Dept. ‘PLEASE PRAY FOR TOM HANKS’ IT IS IN YOUR INTEREST !!!!!! Tom Hanks survived 4 years on an island as a castaway. He spent a year in an airport without being able to leave. Survived a volcano. Base CDR Richard Martin and Phil Owen welcomed our special guest: Caught AIDS in Philadelphia. Stephen Thompson (2nd from lft) and his wife Associate Member Sherry. Survived an acute case of kidney stones. Instead of drowning he’s rescued by a mer- Minutes continued (Continued from page 2) maid, and is able breathe underwater. items donated by members (proceeds to He was in World War II and rescued Private be donated to th Base). Ryan. 50-50 Raffl e -- Joe Jones won the raffl e. He went to Vietnam and rescued Lieutenant Closing Prayer -- off ered by Bruce Dan. Pickering. Was on a boat and kidnapped by Somali NNOTE:OTE: Adjourn -- Motion made and seconded pirates. AAprilpril MMeetingeeting to adjourn Survived Apollo 13 trying to reach the Moon. ccancelledancelled duedue toto Next Meeting -- April 7, 2020 at noon Landed a Boeing on the Hudson River . nnationalational healthhealth at Mustang’s Grill and Bar, South Beloit, Wis. (CANCELED) If that son of a gun dies of Covid 19, we’re eemergency.mergency. ALL SCREWED !!!

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 3 information is only as good minded us that there are women as the current information on now. In fact, the we have on USSVI’s Member Bremerton Base’s Vice Com- Profi le page. Members need mander is a female sub sailor. to update their own person- Richard Martin, EN3(SS) We also received a lot of pro- al profi les on USSVI’s web- USS Illinois Base Commander cedural information that will site. Kate Ramsay provided help Bases communicate with directions on how to do that National. More importantly, he in our February newsletter. shared information about an Greetings to all my fellow I encourage you to read this if upcoming USSVI Charitable “quarantinees”! Quarantining you haven’t, and call Kate if you Foundation fundraising drive. ourselves and our families cer- need more help. tainly wasn’t what we expected The Foundation has its own for 2020, but here we are. Thanks Second, NCDR Standerfer stand-alone website at www. to those of you who responded stressed that while new mem- ussvcf.org. I encourage you to my email to let me know how bership is important, it is even visit this site and read about the you are doing. more critical that Bases work on eight sections within the Chari- membership renewal and reten- table Foundation. The NCDR I want to share information tion. He challenged Bases to stated that unfortunately most about a conference call your keep in constant personal con- members don’t know all that Base participated in on March tact with members, preferably Foundation can do to help Bases 16 with USSVI National Com- by phone. Last year, National and individual members. mander (NCDR) Wayne Stand- lost 700 to 1,000 members. erfer. Our NCDR is scheduling As USS Illinois Base Com- similar district-wide conference His data shows that those not mander, I want to thank you calls throughout the country. The attending meetings are those for understanding as we had to March 16 phone call included sub sailors who are two gen- rearrange Base events this year. leadership from Bases through- erations out from WWII. He We don’t know yet when “nor- out Central Region 2 (Wisconsin encouraged Bases to include mal” will return. But, until then, & Illinois). Joining me on the family activities and make sure stay safe! these younger members feel call were Board members Wayne Feel free to contact me any- welcomed at the meeting. Some Orrison and Tom Ramsay. I am time with your suggestions Bases (I am happy we are not told by long-time USSVI mem- about future meetings and base one of them) exclude women at bers that this is the fi rst time a activities. National CDR has made calls like their meetings. The NCDR re- this to inform and to gather input from local Bases. Hot off the press! Discussions included a Na- tional website briefi ng. USSVI This month’s winner of the best response to CDR Martin’s email asking how you has spent a lot of money on were doing during the COVID-19 ‘Stay at trying to capture data from its Home’ order is none other than . . . . current website, including hav- ing two computer fi rms under Bob Bates contract who attempted to covert the data. But unfortunately, they with the following words of wisdom: have not been successful. What “After spending 90+ days on a submerged does the future hold? We were patrol, this confi nement is pretty much a told we may have to do away with “piece of cake”! the deck log data and rely on our own USSVI member profi les. Our Makes you proud to be a submariner, doesn’t it! Good job, Bob!

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 4 Tidbits of Knowledge from around the world August 1941 USS Skipjack went on patrol in the Pacifi c without receiving requested toliet paper from Supply. During the tour, the Captain received the Navy A Bitbit of History Cross--no toliet paper needed. on right (See page 6)

COVID-19 virus (USNI News)--This past week, During the press conference, the reported on ships Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Navy also noted that sailors from Mike Gilday “announced that three three other ships have proofed posi- sailors aboard USS Theodore Roos- tive for the virus. evelt (CVN-71) had tested positive for “When we do pull into port, we’re COVID-19 following a rare port visit at a point where we’re not taking to Vietnam.” PACFLEET Commander liberty,” Aquilino said. Adm. John Aquilino and his staff were part of a delegation visiting “We’re ensuring that the ships are Vietnam, but they themselves have maintained, the crew is rested. But not shown symptoms for COVID-19. we’re kind of locking down.” Since this report, USNI states that fi ve more sailors have been diag- Sub sailors in the dark nosed on the carrier for a total of eight. ( USATODAY.COM)--Sub sailors may be the 0nly ones unaware of While it isn’t clear that the CO- the scope of the COVID-19 pandem- VID-19 infection came from the ic. An article on French submarines port call, as aircraft have been com- reports, “a crew that left at the end ing and going from the carrier in of February wouldn’t be expected the weeks since, the incident raises back before the end of April.” In concerns on how quickly a ship could that case, they will return to a world become racked with the virus. changed by the pandemic.

(USNI.COM)--At a time we are all Institute Blog. You will fi nd it at: Check out looking for comic relief, check out https://blog.usni.org/. U.S. Naval the Vulturer’s Row in the U.S. Naval “Honing warfare skills, competing Institute against great powers, and just stay- ing alive at sea are serious challeng- es. Sometimes we need to laugh and blow off steam,” they explain. “The Naval Institute is happy to add some comic relief in the form of “Vulture’s Row”—a new cartoon series by CDR Chris Nelson, U.S. Navy. His style “It’s not exactly is evocative of the wry, understated what I had in mind cartoons in The New Yorker, mixed when I said, we need to give out with some of the military irony from more spot awards.” classics such as Catch-22 and Jeff Bacon’s “Broadside” cartoons. Enjoy.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 5 Toliet Paper: On 11 June 1942 - The captain of the coming up after the roll holders. USS Skipjack (SS-184), James W. Coe, Band members wore toilet paper You think you sends his now famous letter up the neckties in place of their Navy neck- have problems? chain of command. This letter which erchiefs. The wind-section had toilet addressed the problem of obtaining paper pushed up inside their instru- toilet paper by his ship had an exam- ments and when they blew, white ple of the desired material attached streamers unfurled from trumpets as Enclosure (B). Read actual letter and horns. on next page If you were an As was the custom for returning employee of the But, here’s the rest of the story! boats to be greeted at the pier with “ Psy- cases of fresh fruit/veggies and ice chic” organization The letter was given to the Yeoman, cream, the Skipjack was fi rst greeted and had advance telling him to type it up. Once typed thereafter with her own distinctive foresight about the and upon refl ection, the Yeoman tribute-cartons and cartons of toilet coming of COV- went looking for help in the form of paper. ID-19, you probably the XO. The XO shared it with the rushed right out OD, and they proceeded to the CO's This letter became famous in sub- and bought a lot of cabin and asked if he really wanted it marine history books and found its stock in the toilet sent. His reply, "I wrote it, didn't I?" way to the movie ("Operation Pet- paper industry. Or, ticoat"), and eventually coming to As a side note, twelve days later, on you should have! rest (copy) at the Navy Supply School June 22, 1942 J.W. Coe was awarded at Pensacola, Florida. There, it still We joke about the Navy Cross for his actions on the hangs on the wall under a banner the toilet paper S-39. that reads, "Don't let this happen to phenomena today you!" Even John Roosevelt insured for levity, but it The "toilet paper" letter reached is “old news” to Mare Island Supply Depot. A mem- his father got a copy of the letter. the submarine ber of that offi ce remem- service. Sharing bers that all offi cers in the insight is MMCM Supply Department "had Karl Dye (USN- to stand at attention for Ret), of Honolulu, three days because of that who sent Tom letter." By then, the let- Ramsay this his- ter had been copied and torical (hystarical) was spreading throughout story. the fl eet and even to the President's son, who was aboard the USS Wasp. As the boat came in from her next patrol, Jim and crew saw toilet-paper streamers blowing from the lights along the pier and pyramids of toilet paper stacked seven feet high on the dock. Two men were carrying a long dowel with toilet paper rolls on it with yards of Who knew it had already paper streaming behind happened? them as a band played

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 6 U.S.S. SKIPJACK 11 June, 1942

From: Commanding Offi cer To: Supply Offi cer, Navy Yard, Mare Island, California Via: Commander Submarines, Southwest Pacifi c Subject: Toilet Paper Reference: (a) USS HOLLAND (5148) USS SKIPJACK Req. 70-42 of July 30, 1941. (b) SO NYMI Canceled invoice No. 272836 Enclosure: (1) Copy of cancelled Invoice (2) Sample of material requested. 1. This vessel submitted a requisition for 150 rolls of toilet paper on July 30, 1941, to USS HOLLAND. The material was ordered by HOLLAND from the Supply Of- fi cer, Navy Yard, Mare Island, for delivery to USS SKIPJACK. 2. The Supply Offi cer, Navy Yard, Mare Island, on November 26, 1941, cancelled Mare Island Invoice No. 272836 with the stamped notation "Cancelled---cannot identify." This cancelled invoice was received by SKIPJACK on June 10, 1942. 3. During the 11-1/2 months elapsing from the time of ordering the toilet paper and the present date the SKIPJACK personnel, despite their best eff orts to await deliv- ery of subject material, have been unable to wait on numerous occasions, and the situation is now quite acute, especially during attack by the "back- stabbers." 4. Enclosure (2) is a sample of the desired material provided for the information of the Supply Offi cer, Navy Yard, Mare Island. The Commanding Offi cer, USS SKIP- JACK cannot help but wonder what is being used in Mare Island in place of this unidentifi able material, once well known to this command. 5. SKIPJACK personnel during this period have become accustomed to use of "er- satz," the vast amount of incoming non-essential paper work, and in so doing felt that the wish of the Bureau of Ships for the "reduction of paper work" is being complied with thus eff ectively "killing two birds with one stone". 6. It is believed by this Command that the stamped notation "cannot identify" was possible an error, and that this is simply a case of shortage of strategic war mate- rial, the SKIPJACK probably being low on the priority list. 7. In order to cooperate in war eff ort at small local sacrifi ce, the SKIPJACK desires no further action be taken until the end of the current war which has created a situation aptly described as "war is hell." J.W. Coe

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 7 Tolling of the Bells Blackett Strait--possibly near APRIL Vella Gulf. Loss of 71 crew. Believe USS Pickerel (SS-177) lost for Lost Boats to be sunk by Japanese . April 3, 1943 when sunk of Hon- USS Triton (SS-201) lost on shu, . Loss of 74 crew. The March 15, 1943 when sunk during exact loss is unknown, but pre- Japanese surface attack with three sumed to be the result of mine- Japanese destroyers north of New ϐields. Guinea, by the Admiralty Islands. USS Grenadier (SS-210) lost Loss of 74 crew. April 22, 1943 on her 6th war USS Tullibee (SS-284) lost patrol, when scuttled after serious March 26, 1944 while operat- damage by aircraft near Penang ing north of . Loss of 79 in Indian Ocean. 61 crew taken crew. Believed to be a victim of prisoner by Japanese forces. 57 MARCH a circular run by one of her own survived the war. torpedoes on her 4th war patrol. USS Snook (SS-279) lost USS F-4 [ex-SKATE] (SS23) The only survivor, a lookout, was sometime after April 8, 1945 lost on March 21, 1915. Loss of 19 knocked off the boat with the when sunk near Hainan Island, crew when it fl oundered off Ho- explosion. He survived the war as , possibly falling victim to a nolulu Harbor. Hulk raised and a Japanese prisoner. Japanese submarine. Snook ranks reburied off Sub Base, . 10th in total Japanese tonnage USS H-1 (SS-28) lost March USS Kete (SS-369) lost on or sunk and is tied for 9th in the 12, 1920 while being towed after after March 20, 1945 when sunk number of ships sunk. Loss of 84 grounding at Magdalena Bay, on return to Midway (probably crew. Mexico. Loss of 4 crew. near Okinawa) at the end of her 2nd war patrol. Loss 87 crew. USS Thresher (SSN-593) lost USS Perch (SS-176) scuttled on April 10, 1963 when sunk March 3, 1942 near , USS Trigger (SS-237) lost on while on sea trials near Isle of on her 1st war patrol. Depth March 28, 1945 in the East China Shoals. The ϐirst of a new class charges badly damaged the boat. Sea. Loss of 89 crew. On her 12th of nuclear attack subs, the boat Crew survived sinking: 61 taken war patrol, this highly decorated just completed an overhaul and prison by Japanese forces, only 53 boat was involved in operations was lost in a drive at test depth in survived the war. leading to the Okinawa invasion over 8,000 feet of water. Loss of 129 crew and yard workers from USS Grampus (SS-207) lost when attacked by Japanese anti- Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. on or after March 5, 1943 in the submarine vessels and aircraft.

USSVI can grow only if we all reach out to fellow submariners.

Mark your calendar for the next USS Illinois Base (USSVI) Meeting. We meet monthly on the 1st Saturday of the month. Next USSVI Illinois Base Event

Date: April Meeting Cancelled (next meeting TBA) Other events on hold during COVID-19 Medical Emergency. Follow posted precautions AND STAY SAFE! See you when we can! Please check on your fellow USSVI and USS Illinois Base Members.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 8 Share this application with a fellow submariner!

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP Regular Life Associate OUR CREED: “To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States of America & its Constitution.”

With my signature below I affirm that I subscribe to the Creed of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc., and agree to abide by the Constitution, all Bylaws, Regulations and Procedures governing the U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc., so long as they do not conflict with my military or civil obligations. I will furnish proof of my eligibility for Regular membership, including my discharge under honorable conditions, and proof of my U.S. Navy (SS) Designation, if required by the Base or the national Membership Chairman. If I am not discharged, the discharge requirement is waived. If I am not U.S. N. submarine qualified, I am applying as an Associate and my sponsor is indicated below.

□ I certify that I was designated qualified in USN Submarines aboard ______in ______(Yr) (Honorary designations regardless of source do not apply under any circumstances.) □ I certify that I received a discharge under Honorable Conditions (if not currently in military service) in ______(Yr)

Name: (Print /Type) ______Address: ______

City: ______State: ____ Zip Code: ______- ______Tel: (_____) _____ - ______

Signature: ______Date: ______

Your E-Mail Address ______Base/Chapter Desired: ______

Nat’l Member Dues year runs from Jan 1st thru Dec 31st. Please indicate your term preference: ______Nat’l Dues: 5 Yr term: $ 115.00; 3 Yr term: $ 70.00; 1 yr term (Jan thru Sep) $ 25.00; (Oct thru Dec adds the next yr): $ 30.00 Nat’l Life: 76+ yrs = $100.00; 66 thru 75 yrs = $200; 56 thru 65 yrs = $ 300.00; 46 thru 55 = $400.00; Thru 45 yrs = $ 500.00 Local Base/chapter dues are separate and additional. Consult the local base for those figures.

How did you find USSVI? □ Friend, □ Boat Assn, □ Local Event/News, □ Internet, □ Other ( ______)

Who is your sponsoring USSVI Regular Member?: (Mandatory for Assoc Mbrs) ______Associate Applicant is: Veteran Spouse of Veteran Other (specify) ______

YOUR U.S. NAVY BIOGRAPHICAL DATA

Date Of Birth (MM/DD/YY) ____ / ____ / ____ If other military service, What Branch? ______

Highest Rate & Rank Attained: ______Mil Retired (Y/N): _____ On Active Duty? (Y/N): ____

YR entered Mil Service: ______YR left Mil Service _____ (Active/Inactive reserve time also counts.)

Check if your Military Service falls within any of these time periods: Dec 7, 1941, thru Dec 31, 1946; June 27, 1950, thru Jan 31, 1955; Aug 5, 1964, thru May 7, 1975; and from August 2, 1990 to date.

Submarines and ships served aboard as ship’s company (Use back if you need more space.)

1. ______Hull#______Rank/Rate______From Yr.____ to Yr. _____

2. ______Hull#______Rank/Rate______From Yr.____ to Yr. _____

3. ______Hull#______Rank/Rate______From Yr.____ to Yr. _____

4. ______Hull#______Rank/Rate______From Yr.____ to Yr. _____

5. ______Hull#______Rank/Rate______From Yr.____ to Yr. _____

Next of Kin: Name: ______Relationship: ______(Spouse, Partner, Son, Dau, Parent, Other)

Addr:______City: ______State: ___ Zip: ______Tel: ______(Leave this address line blank if the same as your home address)

Upon completion, please deliver to: Your Base Chapter Secretary, or if you do not know of a base location near you, Rev 7/22/2009 PH Mail to: USSVI National Office, P.O. Box 3870, Silverdale, WA 98383-3870 Questions: Call 1-877-542-DIVE or email [email protected]

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 9