Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
Puget Soundings
Bremerton-Base Submarine Veteran’s Quarterly Newsletter
By Submariners—For Submariners and Friends USSVI Newsletter of the Year—Class 1—First Runner Up 2017
Our Creed Table of Contents
To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives P. 1 USSVI Purpose and Creed in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That USSVI Website and Base Website/FB Links their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant 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.
In addition to perpetuating the memory of departed shipmates, P. 3 The Editor’s Desk USSVI National News we shall provide a way for all Submariners to gather for the mu- tual benefit and enjoyment. Our common heritage as Subma- Pp. 4-5 The Commander’s Corner riners shall be strengthened by camaraderie. We support a strong U.S. Submarine Force. The organization will engage in P. 5 Base Historian New Leader for USS Nautilus Museum Ship various projects and deeds that will bring about the perpetual remembrance of those shipmates who have given the supreme P. 6 The Vice-Commander’s Thoughts sacrifice. I Need a Water Slug
The organization will also endeavor to educate all third parties it P. 7 The Arctic Frontier comes in contact with about the services our submarine brothers USSVI National Elections performed and how their sacrifices made possible the freedom Departed Shipmates and lifestyle we enjoy today.” P. 8 Why Gertrude Check?
P. 9 Submarine History-USS Jack (SS 259) Base Website (The Gertrude Check): www.gertrude- check.org P. 10 The History of Tattoos
P. 11 The Legend of Sailor Jerry Base Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bremerton-
Base-USSVI/295687423906027
Table of Contents continued on page 2 USSVI Website https://www.ussvi.org/home.asp
Please Pass This Issue to Another Submariner Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
Table of Contents Base Officers and Key Personnel P. 12 USSVI Memorials – Deterrent Park http://gertrude-check.org/ Base Scholarship Program USSVI Scholarship Program baseofficials.html
P. 13 Poopie Suits and Cowboy Boots/USS Seahorse Diagram Western District 4 Com- Holland Club Chairman: P. 14 Bremerton Base Supporters mander: Jim DeMott Dick Litscher A Visit to the USS Blueback 360.895.0547 360.373.1838
[email protected] [email protected] P. 15 Submarines on Eternal Patrol
P. 16 USSVI National News Base Commander: Bonefish Manager/ Eagle Scout Award Steve Corcoran NWCPOA Rep: USS Scorpion Letter 360.471.2704 Sam Swenson
P. 17 COB’s Corner – Christmas Party stephenjcorcoran@ 360.275.3638 Holland Club gmail.com sswenson@ tscnet.com
P. 18 2017 Base Longevity Awards Vice Commander/Ways and Base Webmaster: Don Chaplain’s Corner – Supporting Veterans Means: Don Carpenter “Red” Bassler P. 19 Humor – Dutch Kaiser Banned from Walmart 360.908.3134 360.602.0250 Base Float – USS Bonefish Update [email protected] [email protected]
P. 20 Base Advertising USSVI Memorials – Deterrent Park Brick Application Past Commander: Newsletter Editor/ SOTB – Legislative Update Jim DeMott Facebook: Dave Pittman 360.895.0547 360.536.0916 P. 21 Treasurer’s Report [email protected] [email protected] Base Membership Report Welcome Aboard New Members USSVI Membership Application Chief of the Boat: Historian: Bob Paul A Plug for the American Legion Wayne Peterson 360.692.0165 Base Storekeeper 360.265.0266 [email protected]
P. 22 Base General Meeting Minutes [email protected]
Pp. 23-24 Base E-Board Minutes Secretary/Scholarship Chairman: P. 24 Base Programs – Dolphin Dash Western District 4 Commander/Past Base Commander Wayne Sieckowski 360.362.2064 P. 25 A Personal Memoir wsieckowski@gmail,com
P. 26 Groton Submarine Sail Memorial How the Soviet Akula Changed Submarine Warfare Treasurer/Membership Chairman: Dennis Nardone P. 27 Hawaii Welcomes 6th Virginia-Class Sub 360.830.5843 [email protected] P. 28 UGM-109 Tomahawk Missile
SOTB – Base Bylaws Chaplain: Fred Borgmann P. 29 Germany Could Arm Europe with Some Truly Super 360.337.2978 Submarines [email protected] Expedition into German U-Boat Off North Carolina Coast
P. 30 SOTB – VA Benefits Storekeeper: Cold War Submarine Memorial Ralph W. Harris 360.876.0830 P. 31 USSVI WWII Submariners [email protected]
P. 32 Base and Soup-Down Calendars
2 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
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 May 2018 Ain’t No Slack in 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. • Using your feedback, I have updated and revised the PS – I hope that you enjoy the new format. • Remember, I continually take articles and photos from members for possible use in the PS. Please understand, however, not all input may be used. Vice-Commander Don Carpenter sent me his bio. It is a good “read” and I learned something new about one of our members. Will YOU have a bio in the next PS? • If you have a birthday, anniversary, or other event in your life for April, May, or June; send it to me for publication in next quarter’s PS. • 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-third of how the Base keeps the membership informed of base functions; please also use the Gertrude Check and the Commander’s emails to keep current..
in our events and will not be able to participate in any of the USSVI National News convention activities including use of the Hospitality & Ven- dor Room. NEWS-01: USSVI 2018 Convention Cruise important in- We would like to see all of you attend this cruise, but please formation do not attempt to ride the backs of your shipmates and support Submitted by: William C. Andrea on 1/23/2018 our organization by going through the proper channels to reg------ister. Please note: No Registration Fees after the Cruise casts It is unfortunate we must send this message, but clarification off. is needed in addressing a situation where we have several of If you have not done so already, you can register by going to: our members that are attempting to or have book(ed) passage http://www.ussviconvention.org/2018/ for our 2018 Convention Cruise through a travel service other Click on the Cruise Registration Button/Register Now than Kim Hedges with AAA, who is our designated agent. Fill out the form and submit the form along with your deposit. The expense and benefits (meeting rooms, hospitality suite, If you have any questions or comments, please address them vendor space, etc.) that USSVI incurs/needs to host the up- to me instead of Bill Andrea, he is only the messenger, not the coming Cruise is no different than any past landlocked con- author of this message. vention. Both the expense and benefits are regulated up or Regards and hope to see all of you in Fort Lauderdale on Oc- down by the number of people that register through the host- tober 21st. ing facility we have in place at that particular event. For the 2018 Cruise that facility is Kim Hedges at AAA Washington. Wayne Standerfer Any bookings outside of AAA will not be registered for the NSVC convention and credited to USSVI, which means their attend- ance does nothing for our organization. Note: If you have already booked through another agent, you Guys, do not try to save a couple of bucks by backdooring a still have time to cancel without a penalty. booking through a friends or relatives travel agent, you will not be registered and issued a name tag required to participate
3 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
be happy to help. The Commander’s Corner We are going to have another busy year. Just in the next few Hello fellow Submariners and As- months we have the February breakfast meeting with enter- sociate Members, tainment, the Dolphin Dash, Submarine Ball, and the Armed Forces Day Parade. Active participation in these events is what makes them successful and fun. I noticed the last year, Well, here we are in the New Year. I hope you are all doing well. As I at least to me, the crowds at the parades were larger and more appreciative to our participation. They were all very begin my second term as your Base enjoyable and fun. If you have never participated in a parade, Commander, I want to personally thank you for your support the last I welcome you to join us. We usually have plenty of seats on the float and usually meet for lunch afterwards. At the Veter- two years. I do appreciate it. I would also like to take this time ans Day Parade, we had the Color Guard from Naval Hospi- to thank my fellow Base Officers that stepped up and volun- teered to serve another term. Their knowledge, support, and tal carry our colors. They were professional and looked pret- guidance, ensure our base continues to be successful and do ty sharp. I am looking to book them for all our parades. Of course, we have the annual picnic and Christmas party good things. I truly appreciate the time and effort they provide planned and the facility (The Elks) reserved for another year. to our base. Guest speakers are always nice to have at meetings. If you
have any ideas, please contact Vice Commander Don Car- Vice Commander - Don Carpenter penter or me. Ric Hedman from Seattle Base will be our Treasurer & Membership Chair - Dennis Nardone guest speaker in March. Hope to see you there. Looks as if Chief of the Boat - Wayne Peterson the will also capture the traveling dolphins. Secretary/ Scholarship Chair - Wayne Sieckowski Immediate Base Past Commander/ Western District 4 Com- We the E-board, are researching options to raise funds for mander - Jim DeMott our base. I am looking for ideas that do not take much labor hours. I have already asked the Fleet Reserve if we can do I would also like to give a BZ to our Chairmen for the differ- another basket raffle and they were receptive, maybe conduct ent committees we have throughout the base. more than one. If you have any ideas, please contact me. Chaplain - Fred Borgmann Storekeeper - Ralph Harris I also like the idea of joining forces with additional Veteran organizations for events as we did with American Legion at Holland Club - Dick Litscher the picnic last year. Of course, it is not just my decision, but I Bonefish Manager (The Float) - Sam Swenson do think it supports membership, camaraderie, and fun. Any Webmaster/ Deterrent Park Chair - Don "Red" Bassler additional comments and feedback would be greatly appreci- Puget Sound Editor/ Facebook - Dave Pittman ated. Parade/TTF Chairman - John Gardner Historian - Bob Paul I attempt to communicate throughout the year, and in be- tween newsletters with e-mail so I do not want to repeat in- The individuals mentioned above do an awesome job, and it formation that has already been disclosed or advertised on is a privilege and honor to serve with them. There are many Gertrude. I feel it is important to communicate with all base other individuals that assist throughout the year, (too many to members as much as possible. I try not to overload your in list), that need mentioning. Whether it is contacting the basket, but some items I am obligated to share, as I am the soupdown establishment to remind them we are meeting at Point of Contact for all news coming from National. their place, helping at the Dolphin Dash, marching in pa- rades, and the many other activities, I appreciate you all. As I [See Commander’s Comments p. 5] have stated the last two years as your Base Commander, one of my goals is to have a primary and secondary individual
for each committee and position. If you are interested in
stepping up and assisting with any of our many duties and responsibilities, please contact the individual, or me. I would
4 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
The Commander’s Corner Base Historian—Bob Paul
[from p.4] Commander’s Comments The Application for Membership can Thanks again for your support. I will state this again, with be found at http://gertrude-check.org/ all that is going on in this country and world, I feel confi- ap.pdf dent I can enjoy our base events and camaraderie and friendship for a few hours a month at least, and have a The updated Bremerton Base Re- good time. I look forward to a successful 2018 and contin- cruiting Pamphlet can be found at ued rewarding friendships and good times with all of you. http://www.gertrude-check.org/flyerdone.pdf
I am still going to leave my main goals here. I still feel they New Leader for USS Nautilus are important. Museum Ship
Membership – Our membership is what makes our base so Lt. Cmdr. Bradley successful and strong. My goal is to keep our membership M. Boyd will re- strong and hopefully recruit more members. We have an lieve Lt. Cmdr. awesome resource being so close to a submarine base. My Reginald N. Preston intention is to communicate with the boats and shore com- as Officer-in- mands and interface with the active duty force. Membership Charge of Historic has been holding steady at approximately 250-260 members. Ship Nautilus (SSN We as a base, need to communicate our creed and all that we 571) and Director of the Submarine Force Museum (HSN/ do for the community, not to mention the fun we have. I also SFLM) Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018 during a ceremony at the mu- ask that our current members contact one of your former seum. shipmates and invite them to one of our meetings or events, For Preston, a native of Lyman, Neb., the ceremony marks the just to check us out. Remember, no charge for first year end of a remarkable 2-year tour leading the Submarine Force’s membership for Active Duty, National & Base, until fur- historical narrative. That included a number of important ther notice. achievements. During his tenure, Preston led a team of experts in rewriting Primary and Secondary individuals for Committees – I the technical requirements for Nautilus which previously ne- feel we need to have a 2nd person familiar with the many cessitated the ship to be maintained at a level nearly commen- committees we have. Starting with the Treasurers' position surate with operational submarines. Preston’s revised require- on down to Puget Soundings. My goal here is to have some- ments not only allowed for cost-wise upkeep and maintenance one familiar with the duties and responsibilities of each posi- at a level that preserves Nautilus for future generations, but tion. We do many good things and support events throughout did so with the expectation the ship would continue to host the year. For example, scholarship raffle and applications, more than 150,000 visitors annually. This approach saves the membership, parades, Gertrude Check and Deterrent park taxpayers more than $100 million over the next 30+ years and bricks. I just feel if an individual is on vacation or unable to allows the Navy to continue to responsibly operate the ship as continue as the primary chairman, we need someone else to a National Historic Landmark. During her commissioned ser- step up. Just like on the boats, we had a primary and second- vice, Nautilus was the world’s first nuclear powered subma- ary for all major collateral duties. rine and the first submarine to reach the North Pole as Presi- dent Eisenhower’s response to the USSR Sputnik program. Well, that is all for now. I look forward to seeing you all at She served 25 years before conversion to a museum ship and future events. If there is anything I can assist you with, designation as the State Ship of Connecticut, the only nuclear please do not hesitate to contact me. It is an honor to serve as powered warship open to the public. your Base Commander. Be safe and take care my friends. For Additonal reading go to https:// Steve Cormorant, Base Commander www.warhistoryonline.com/instant-articles/new-leader-for -uss-nautilus.html U.S.S.V.I. Bremerton Base
5 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
The Vice-Commander’s Thoughts "I Need a Water Slug!"
Thank you for allowing me to serve as by SK3(SS) McMillan USS George C. Marshall (SSBN-654) your Vice Commander for my first full (Gold) 1986 term. Last February Steve asked if I I was working late one evening in the Supply Shack when a would consider taking on this position young seaman poked his head in the door. I recognized him as from Doug McKay. Doug was starting a one of the new kids who was qualifying Helmsman/Planes. "I new job as an “Over the Road Trucker” (a need a Water Slug!" job I am very familiar with) and would be spending most of his time on the road. I Being quite busy I simply handed him a 1250-1 requisition form and said, "Fill this out completely and take it to the Tor- accepted and finished out his term. I thought I would tell you pedo Men." all a little about my background. I started my time in the mili- tary when I was drafted into the US Army in December of The kid walked off and I grinned to myself, figuring the kid 1972. The following is a brief outline of my Military Career: would get some training diving the tube and would know ex- actly what a water slug was.
US ARMY I was somewhat surprised when 15 minutes later the kid was • Basic Training, A-1-3 at Fort Dix, New Jersey back at my door presenting me a completed 1250-1. I decided to give him a tour of the other end of the boat, "Go to Maneu- th • Advanced Individual Training, 5 Missile Training Bat- vering and get the serial number for the next water slug." talion at Fort Sill, Oklahoma • A Battery, 3rd Battalion, 9th Field Artillary, Pershing Mis- 10 minutes later the kid was at my door again. The chit had sile (similar to Polaris), Private to Specialist 4 been annotated and initialed by various people around the boat US NAVY with a serial number written across the bottom.
• USS Saginaw (LST 1188), 1976-1978 Deck Division, SN, "This chit hasn't been signed by the XO! Before you see him OPS/NAV Dept, QMOW, QM3 however, check with the QMOW and find out when the last • USS Sam Houston (SSBN 609 Blue), 1978-1982, OPS/ water slug was shot!" NAV Dept, QMOW, QM3(SU)-QM2(SS), (SSN 609), QM1(SS) This was a little cruel as the XO was a singularly humorless • COMSUBGRU FIVE, 1982-1985, Operations Dept., man; most of the crew considered him something of an idiot. Scheduler, DCPO, QM1(SS) This is why I sent him to control first, to give the initiators the option to abort. • COMSUBTRAFAC San Diego, 1985-1988, Curriculum and Instructional Standards Office (CISO), CDO, Master 15 minutes later the guy was at my door again, the chit was Training Specialist, QMC(SS) covered in blue ink - it had gone to the XO. It read something • USS Parche (SSN 683), 1988-1992, NAV/OPS, ANAV, like this: COW, DOOW, QMC(SS) • COMSUBGRU NINE, 1992-1995, Operations Dept., De- The water slug, the result of the combination of two hydrogen partment LCPO, CDO, QMC(SS) and one oxygen molecules in copious quantities being ex- pulsed by the transference of Hydro Pneumatic and Mechani- • USS Portsmouth (SSN 707), 1995-1997, Operations cal energies from the ship. Dept., ANAV, Department LCPO, COW, QMC(SS), ETC (SS) I was surprised to see the XO play along, and more surprised the kid hadn’t caught on yet. I sent him back to control to get After retiring on the Portsmouth, I got my Commercial Drivers the key for the water slug locker from the OOD. As the kid rounded the corner I followed to the control room, just before I License and drove tractor trailer trucks including double trail- walked in the whole room burst out laughing. ers and flatbeds all over the lower 48 States with Schneider National for 16 years. The kid wasn’t that bright, but he did do everything he was told – A few days later he was at my door again, “Do you have any relative bearing grease? I’ve been a member of the USSVI since Nov 2002. Although I have PS Editor: This old story brings back many memories in- only been active in the last couple of cluding the mail-buoy, a bucket of steam, and the keys to years due to my previous work the main engines. schedule I hope I can be of some service as your Vice Commander.
6 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
The Arctic Frontier USSVI 2018 National Elections
Lesley Stahl goes to the top of the world where the next battle Second call for nominations for the 2018 over oil and mineral resources is shaping up as the region National Elections
becomes more accessible due to climate change Shipmates you have until March 1st 2018 to put in your nom- The Arctic Frontier Lesley Stahl, CBS News, ination letters for the 2018 National Elections.
So far the Nominees are: The sea ice over the Arctic is melting and shrinking so fast we will see in our lifetime something that hasn't happened, National Commander - Wayne Standerfer it's believed, since the end of the last Ice Age: the opening of an ocean, the Arctic Ocean, and with that access to trade National Senior Vice Cdr- Jon Jaques
routes and trillions of dollars worth of oil and natural gas, National Junior Vice Cdr - Steve Bell almost as much as the entire U.S. economy. But, as we re- ported last fall, this isn't a story about climate change; this is National Secretary - Ray Wewers a story about the competition for those riches. The Russians, National Treasurer - Paul Hiser for instance, have already amassed a major military presence in the region. It's also about pioneers -- U.S. scientists and Western Regional Director - Jim Denzien naval personnel -- learning to tough it out in the harshness of this still ice-covered frontier. We discovered just how harsh. Central Regional Director- Tom Williams - Carl Schmidt On a trip to the Arctic. The Arctic Ocean sits on top of the globe, encircled by Russia, which encompasses about half of Eastern Region North Director - Les Athschuler its coastline: Norway, Greenland, Canada. And the United States, thanks to Alaska. We flew -- as guests of the Navy -- Eastern Region South Director - Ken Nichols
from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, 200 miles in the direction of the If you feel you would like to run for any of the above posi- North Pole. Over fractured, thinning ice, to a spot where the tions please send me an e-mail at [email protected] ice was still thick enough to support this base camp. It was a with your nomination letter stating your qualifications for the small, temporary village disrupting the peace and purity of position and a statement that if elected you will accept the position. the ice, white as far as the eye can see. The camp was built for a scientific and military exercise, called ICEX 2016. Pride Runs Deep, [Lesley Stahl: Hi everyone. How do you do? Nice to meet Al Singleman, Jr. Nomination's Chairman. you.] For five weeks, this no man's land of ice was home to an expeditionary team of sailors, scientists and engineers whose mission was to understand how to survive in maybe the most hostile conditions on Earth. The Navy says those Remembering Our Shipmates Who taking part in this exercise are the first humans ever to set Departed in 2017 foot on this part of the planet. Lesley Stahl: It's actually beau- tiful beyond belief isn't it? Chuck McGuire: It really is. Chuck McGuire was one of the first to arrive. He's an engineer with the University of Washington's applied physics Bruce D. Loughridge, ICC(SS), January 31, 2017 lab that was brought in to build this camp from scratch. Les- Henry M. Hollis, TMC(SS), April 22, 2017 ley Stahl: So you get off the plane. There's nothing. Chuck Edward E. Miller, ET1(SS), September 10, 2017 McGuire: Yeah. Lesley Stahl: There's no shelter, there's no indoors. Chuck McGuire: No. Lesley Stahl: There was just C. Elliott Abram, SOSN(SS), September 12, 2017 ice? Chuck McGuire: Ice everywhere. That's right. Lesley Julius A. Sanders, SKCS(SS), September 28, 2017 Stahl: And you say, "How am I gonna survive?" Chuck L.V. Denson, SKCM(SS), October 2, 2017 McGuire: You pick up a hammer and start building. N.D. Garoutte, CMDCM(SS), October 29, 2017
For additional reading and/or to isten to the telecast, go to James Henry III, CWO4, November 26, 2017 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/60-minutes-arctic- Jim L. Shumard, SCPO (SS) December 31, 2017 frontier-lesley-stahl-2/
7 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
From the Webmaster
WHY GERTRUDE CHECK? by Don "Red" Bassler
An underwater telephone communication check between ships equipped to do so.
The primary purpose of the USSVI Bremerton Base web site is to keep members in- formed, on a daily basis, of new information concerning base, district and national activities/events. (i.e. Front Page)
The Back Page is dedicated to current events and history of interest to submariners, navy and other military active duty personnel and veterans.
Links to USSVI link (officers, constitution, bylaws, American Submariner, subvet news, join us and national office manager) and many USSVI website pages of that will give you plenty of information about past and current activity of the national organization.
The Bremerton Base link provides several links similar to the national organization, but is de- tailed to the base level. Such items such as base archives, scholarships, history are linked as well as base officers, bylaws and current year calendar are provided.
The Soup Down link takes you to an explanation of its purpose and pictures of attendees of the last few years, plus a current calendar with links.
The Deterrent Park link provides an overview of the creation of the park and with links to 2 pdf files, with the "find" function (right click on file) that will permit you to find location of brick Donor and brick engravings. Also a link to a donor application form is linked.
The Other Stuff link connects to several military organizations and news sources.
A note from the Puget Soundings Editor: OUR website, like the Puget Soundings Newsletter, is only as good as the input OUR base provides to the webmaster. The Gertrude Check helps keep all of us up-to-date on the workings of the Base, as indicated by Don above—if you haven’t bookmarked this site on your computer, now is the time to do it!
8 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
Jack was awarded the USS Jack (SS 259) Presidential Unit Citation and received 7 battle stars Watch the exploits of Chief for World War II service. (later Lieutenant Commander) Earl M. Archer as he “saved Researched by CTRC the boat” on Silent Service S01 E01: The Jack at Donald J. Wagner, USN Tokyo https://www.youtube.com/watch? (Ret.) for NavSource. v=XHcicudhMPE&feature=youtu.be. Partial data submitted by Ron Reeves, HTC, USNR
(ret.)& & Yves Hubert.
Specifications: Displace- ment, Surfaced: 1,526 t., Submerged: 2,424 t.; Length 311' 9"; Beam 27' 3"; Draft 15' 3"; Speed, Surfaced 20.25 kts, Submerged 8.75 kts; Complement 6 Officers 54 Enlisted; Operating Depth, 300 ft; Submerged Endurance, 48 hrs at 2 kts; Patrol Endur-
ance 75 days; Cruising Range, 11,000 miles surfaced at 10
kts; Armament, ten 21" torpedo tubes, six forward, four aft, 24 torpedoes, one 3"/50 deck gun, two .50 cal. machine guns, Gato Class Submarine: Laid down, 2 February 1942, at the two .30 cal. machine guns; Propulsion, diesel electric reduc- Electric Boat Co., Groton, CT.; Launched, 16 October 1942; tion gear with four Hoover, Owens, Rentschler Co. main gen- Commissioned USS Jack (SS-259), 6 January 1943; After erator diesel engines, 5,400HP, Fuel Capacity, 97,140 gal., shakedown, sailed from New London, CT and received pre- four Allis Chalmers Manufacturing Co. main motors, deployment outfitting at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Val- 2,740HP, two 126-cell main storage batteries, twin screws. lejo, CA before departing for duty at Pearl Harbor on 2 May 1943. Participated in the submarine offensive and, after 9 For additional reading, visit these links: patrols in the Pacific war, Jack returned to New York, NY on http://www.navsource.org/archives/08/08259.htm 3 October 1945. On 8 June 1946, she was decommissioned at New London and held in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet. http://www.thefullwiki.org/USS_jack_(SS-259) http://www.pigboats.com/ww2/jack.html In 1958, Jack was briefly re-commissioned to receive snorkel and sail modifications before being transferred (on loan) to the Hellenic Republic of Greece under terms of the Security Assistance Program. On 21 April 1958, she was commissioned HS Amfitriti (also transliterated as Amphitriti). She was the second submarine of the Hellenic Navy to bear the name of the sea nymph and goddess of the Mediterranean. Amfitriti also bore three dif- ferent pendant numbers ( S-09, Y-17 and S-17) while in Greek service.
Her name was canceled 28 April 1959 to clear the name for SSN-605, ordered in March 1959 to be built by Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, N.H.; After being returned to the custody of the United States, the submarine was used as a target for the U. S. Navy's 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean on 5 September 1967 and sunk at approximately 32 degrees 16' N x 132 degrees 05' East. She was struck from the Naval Vessel Registry Stricken on 1 September 1967.
9 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
It was on the backs, shoulders and arms of men like The History of Tattoos these where Sailor Jerry built his rep and changed https://sailorjerry.com/en/tattoos/overview/ the world of tattoos. Jerry combined vivid color, bold iconography and sheer artistic ambition to cre- ate a new kind of tattooing. He was also the first In 1991, a frozen body was discovered with 57 tattoos. It was Westerner to correspond with and learn directly 5000 years old. Tattoos have also been found on mummies from the great Japanese tattoo masters. He mastered and 3000- year- old figurines. In some ancient cultures, it was their techniques and vowed to “beat them at their a matter of religion; in others, it was a mark of wealth and own game” — which he did by combining their aristocracy. In Hawaii, tattoos were used to safeguard health techniques with his own gusty American sensibility (until missionaries made them stop). to come up with a new style of tattooing. Refined, bold and iconic. Sometimes beautiful. Sometimes But Western society took longer to get into it. If bawdy. Oftentimes both. Beyond this, he was also you were a proper gentleman on the streets of Lon- innovative on a more technical level, pioneering don or Paris in the 1600s, you did not have a tattoo modern tattoo machine configurations, sterilization (although you were probably sporting a codpiece). techniques and purple ink. Finally, by the 1700s, there was a kind of man who looked at the world differently — who fled the By the 50’s and 60’s, Americans getting tattoos in- safety and constraints of civilization for another cluded the most aggressive elements of countercul- kind of existence. That’s right, we’re talking about ture, outlaw biker gangs, convicts and others with- sailors. According to what records exist, it was the out the desire or expectation to “move up” in socie- men on Captain James Cook’s crew who first chose ty. It was one thing to stand out by wearing a leath- to get tattoos as mementos of their journey to the er jacket and greasing back your hair. But it took great tattoo cultures of Japan, China and the Pacific another level of commitment to inscribe your body Islands. And that’s pretty much how it stayed for with an image that permanently states your beliefs, the next 200 years or so. affiliation or anti-establishment attitude. By the late 70’s and early 80’s, getting aggressively tat- Tattoos were the province of people living outside tooed and pierced became a mark of punk culture ’s the constraints of mainstream society – sailors, ho- disdain for conformity and social mobility. And the bos, and circus freaks. range of things that people express with tattoos The closest tattoos brushed against accessibility continues to widen. was on the arms of enlisted servicemen (officers rarely dared to ink themselves), who often got tat- Yet through it all, Jerry's old-school tattoo influ- toos to signify their military unit, the battles they ence is more pervasive than ever — his style, color fought in and the number of enemies they killed. palette and technical innovations remain an indeli- Then came WWII, when millions of young Ameri- ble part of the tattoo world. Jerry's flash designs can men who would have otherwise been upstanding remain wildly popular at tattoo shops everywhere. vanilla-looking, cardigan-wearing citizens, were And the union of boldness and complexity Jerry thrust into war. The Japanese invasion of Pearl Har- achieved with his work continues to be a hallmark bor, just West of Honolulu, became a crossroads of the form. and the ultimate shore leave destination for mil- No matter how much tattooing has evolved, the ba- lions of servicemen – it was also home to the tattoo sics haven't changed. It hurts. And it doesn't go shop of a heavily inked former Navy man named away. It still takes a certain amount of guts to mark Norman Collins, aka Sailor Jerry. yourself for the rest of your life. Which is exactly how it ought to be. Whatever quaint certainties these men were count- ing on were now overshadowed by the trials and For continued reading, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/ hazards of battle — they didn’t know if they’d wiki/History_of_tattooing. make it out and if they did, the last thing they were
worried about was some snotty banker giving them
crap about their tattoo.
10 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
His work was so widely copied, he had to print “The Original The Legend of Sailor Jerry Sailor Jerry” on his business cards. There’s a guy up in Cana- Tattoo Master Norman Collins da that goes by the same name, but don’t be fooled– although he’s good in his own right, he ain’t the original Sailor Jerry. https:// Collins is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the selvedgeyard.com/2009/01/28/the- Pacific, a military cemetery located in Punchbowl Crater in legend-of-sailor-jerry/ Honolulu.[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Sailor_Jerry
If you don’t know who Sailor Jerry is– you don’t know tattoos. Nor- man “Sailor Jerry” Collins (1911-
1973) is considered the foremost American tattoo artist of his time, and defined the craft in two eras– BSJ and ASJ (before and after Sailor Jerry). Arguably, he did more for the ancient art of You Tube Videos https://www.youtube.com/results? tattoo than most any other single person. search_query=sailor+jerry+documentary
Collins was born on January 14, 1911 in Reno but grew up in Go to the link for the Meanings Behind 19 Classic Sailor Northern California. As a child he hopped freight trains across Tattoos: Fully-Rigged Ship; Nautical Star; Shellback Turtle; the country and learned tattooing from a man named "Big Crossed Cannons; Swallows; Anchor; Rope on the Wrist; Mike" from Palmer, Alaska, originally using the hand- Hula Girl; Crossed Anchors; HOLD and FAST; Pig and pricking method. In the late 1920s he met Tatts Thomas from Rooster; Compass Rose; Crosses; Dagger through a Rose; Chicago who taught him how to use a tattoo machine. He Dragon; Golden Dragon; Harpoon; King Neptune; and Palm practiced on drunks brought in from Skid Row.[2] He later Tree. sailed the Pacific Ocean before settling in Hawaii in the https://www.military.com/undertheradar/2016/07/here-are-the 1930s. -meanings-behind-19-classic-sailor-tattoos
At age 19, Sailor Jerry enlisted in the US Navy. It was during Additional Sailor Jerry Tattoo Meanings can be found at his travels at sea that he was exposed to the art and imagery of https://sailorjerry.com/en/tattoos/ Southeast Asia. Artistically, his influence stems from his un- ion of the roguish attitude of the American sailor with the mysticism and technical prowess of the Far East. He main-
tained a close correspondence with Japanese tattoo masters during his career.
During his career as a tattoo artist, he worked as a licensed skipper of a large three-masted schooner, on which he con- ducted tours of the Hawaiian islands.
In addition to sailing and tattooing, he played the saxophone in his own dance band and frequently hosted his own radio show, where he was known as "Old Ironsides".[1][3][4][5] Sailor Jerry regarded tattoos as the ultimate rebellion against “the Squares”. His legendary sense of humor is oft reflected in his work– but he was never one to compromise his profes- sionalism or take his craft and responsibilities lightly. Sailor Jerry’s first studio was in Honolulu’s Chinatown, then the only place on the island where tattoo studios were located.
11 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
What do you need to do the duty? A USSVI Memorials—Deterrent Park desire to carry on the Submarine herit- Relief Needed age. Other attributes such as reading, and writing are common to all. Ability to use the computer for creating records Subject: Relief for Deterrent Park Engraved Bricks Ad- (Word & XL is what I have used make ministrator (see http://deterrentpark.org/) things easy), but not required. Generally,
it's a job that does not need much atten- Background: The submarine veterans of the USSVI Bremer- tion until May and October. ton Base are responsible for administration of brick applica-
tions, processing donations, arranging brick engraving, instal- Who: Ideally, a person that is recently fully retired, has access lation and providing follow-on information such as brick loca- to the Bangor Base, and needs to do something to keep his or tions, etc. The base took on this responsibility from the Pacif- her mind in shape. Otherwise, you all have the "desire", and ic Northwest Submarine Heritage Association (PNSHA), a that is all that is needed, and is why you joined this unique nonprofit organization, who were key to the development of organization. Deterrent Park.
Please come forward. I will enjoy helping you get up to The base is not responsible for the maintenance of the park. I speed, and I will always be on call (until he calls me). It will took on the administrator duties of the "Brick Administrator" not be "You got it, I'm gone" turn over. to relieve then Base Commander Dave Niemy of an additional duty in 2010/11. Of course, if asked, and some volunteer, help me install the bricks on a semi-annual schedule (May & Octo- Don Bassler ber 5 to 20 bricks each time). I have enjoyed this detail, but Deterrent Park Engraved Brick Administrator going on 82 and losing memory & physical abilities through 1-360-602-0250 [email protected] natural aging, it's time to find another with the desire to carry on the heritage of submarine sailors, their dependents and others that support the military.
2018 Base Scholarship Program 2018-2019 Academic Year
USSVI Scholarship Program The Bremerton Base United Submarine Veter- (Rev Date: 1 October, 2017) ans is concerned that the educational potential for their dependent sons, daughters and grand- children may not be realized due to financial Robert E. Frick USSVI Charitable Foundation Scholarship constraints. The membership believes that all Chairman 15145 Fog Mountain Circle Haymarket, VA 20169 young people who are academically qualified for admittance to PH: (703) 7544959 E-mail: [email protected] an accredited college or vocational school should have the fi- nancial means to enable them to attend a school of higher edu- Follow the links below for guidance and application. cation that will allow them to attain their goals. SUB VET SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM USSV Scholar- In keeping with this belief, the EBoard has approved the ship Application Guidance awarding of 5 $1,000. Scholarships for 2018. Applications and information about applying for the Scholarship can be found 2018-2019 Academic Year USSV APPLICATION FORM and the base’s web site www.gertrude-check.org or can be ob-
tained from the Scholarship chairman Wayne Sieckowski [email protected]
12 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
Cold War between 1969 and
New Submarine Book 1972. Told from Frank’s per- "Poopie Suits and Cowboy Boots - Tales of a Subma- spective, the work traces his rine Officer During the Height of the Cold War". journey from initial Navy train-
ing in college, through commis-
sioning, and onto intense prepa- The book is dedicated to all who proudly wear, and have ration for submarine duty at sev- worn, the Dolphins. We have designated that all proceeds go eral training sites across the Unit- to the USSVI Scholarship Fund - to help kids and grandkids ed States. The story culminates of our Brothers of the Phin. If interested, you can go to with a richly detailed account of https://app.box.com/v/Poopie-Suits-Chapter11 and read Chap Frank's nearly three years of ser- 11 of the book. If you have further interest to obtain the book vice as a junior officer aboard the for yourself and your kids, here is the easy way: From USS Seahorse, one of the Stur- Blurb.com (type in “poopie suits” in search bar) options for a geon-class “fast attacks”. Readers who have wondered about real book, Hard Cover or Soft Cover. From iBooks.com, e- how such a modern submarine actually operated, how the book formatted for iPhone, iPad, or MAC. From Ama- crew worked together to navigate the vessel, avoid dangers, zon.com , e-book formatted for Kindle apps – PC, Android and gather information, and how they dealt with the tremen- devices. There is also more information, and pictures, at the dous pressure of life under the sea will enjoy Frank’s tremen- book’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Poopie- dous recall of his days aboard the Seahorse. Often funny, oth- Suits-Cowboy-Boots-397650960674019/ er times serious, and occasionally wistful, this volume is jammed with enlightening stories that provide an entertaining About the Book window into the "Silent Service". The workings of an American nuclear submarine have always been cloaked with mystery, in part because the military mis- From the PS Editor: I would appreciate a written review sions in which these vessels routinely participate are highly of this book by anyone who has already read it; or who classified. Still, there is much that the public does not know plans on purchasing the book /reading it in the future. about the day-to-day routine of life aboard a nuclear-powered submarine. In this book, brothers Frank Hood and Charles Hood team up to paint an accurate portrait of what it was real- ly like to serve aboard a submarine during the height of the
13 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
Bremerton Base Supporters—2017
Rig for Dive Periscope Depth Battle Stations Deep Submergence Unit Citation
$1—$19.99 $20—$29.99 $30—$49.99 $50—$99.99 Go to $100+page 8 to continue
Terral Gray Don Bassler Thomas G. Reed Fred Borgmann Dennis Nardone (IMO Bruce Loughridge) Jim Van Doren Jody Bessert (IMO Bruce Loughridge) Tommy Robinson Paul Christofferson (3) Dennis Anderson Tommy Robinson Lee Romero (2) Dennis Nardone (3) Don Quinn James Demott Tommy Robinson Bobby Baker John Mansfield Larry Kramer (IMO Hank Hollis) Don Bassler
Albert Durkee Don Bassler (2) (IMO Hollis, Thurlow & Den- son) William Acord (IMO Elliott Abram) Lynne Ryan Melvin Cross Leo Taflin Thomas Reed Earl Henson David Pittman William Cutler Jim Adkins Burton Tharp William Mulvenna Kevin Sheehan Merle Parise David Niemy Jan Stiffey George Schaefer Sam Swenson Jr Willie Williamson David Niemy Steve Corcoran Ileene Davis James Foote
Albert Rieboldt Paul Lucas
Doug Smith Wayne Sieckowski
Angus McColl
http://gertrude -check.org/boosters.htm
look – far longer than I ever got to on my boat! – then he took a A Visit to the USS Blueback seat at the Ships Control Panel. Submitted by Dave Bowman On we went to the torpedo room, where I got to don an EAB for Last month I had the opportunity to take my seven year old son the first time in 35 years! to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) located In Maneuvering, my son got to “start the diesel engine” (just in downtown Portland, OR. sound effects) and answer a bell or two. On exhibit at the OMSI is the USS Blueback, a Barbel Class Later we stood in the rain on the pier and had our picture taken; Diesel-Electric Boat, which was commissioned in 1959 and de- an old submarine sailor and his son, who said, “I don’t think that commissioned in 1990. I could do that, Dad…” My son had never seen a submarine, so it was a chance for him to see a little bit of what his old dad used to do! The tour is very affordable and available even if you choose not to visit the rest of the museum. Well worth the trip into down- town Portland. Once aboard, there are former Submariners who act as docents and tour guides, taking you though the boat beginning in the wardroom. After a demonstration of how crowded and small the ship is, you will make your way to Control, where they demon- strate the General Alarm and the Diving Alarm. The periscope is functional and looks out over the river. My son got to take a
14 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
On Eternal Patrol—January through March 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 Scorpion (SS-278) Lost on Jan 5,1944 with the loss cluding carrying over two tons of gold bullion out of Cor- of 77 officers and men in the East China Sea, on her 4th regidor in Febrary, 1942. war patrol. It is assumed she was sunk by a mine. USS Perch (SS-176) Lost on March 3, 1942 near Java USS Argonaut (SS-166) Lost on Jan 10, 1943 with the with no immediate loss of life, while on her 1st war patrol. loss of 105 officers and men off Rabaul, on her 3rd war She survived 2 severe depth chargings in less than 200 patrol. While attacking a convoy, she torpedoed a Jap de- feet of water by 3 Japanese destroyers. The crew aban- stroyer who along with 2 other destroyers depth charged doned ship and scuttled her. Of the 61 officers and men her. As she tried to surface, the destroyers sunk her by gun taken prisoner, 53 survived the war. fire. USS Grampus (SS-207) Lost on March 5, 1943 with the USS Swordfish (SS-193) Lost on Jan12,1945 with the loss of 72 officers and men, on her 6th war patrol. She was loss of 83 officers and men somewhere near Okinawa, on lost in Vella Gulf, sunk after engaging 2 Japanese Destroy- her 13th war patrol. Probably was lost to a mine. ers.
USS S-36 (SS-141) Lost on Jan 20, 1942 with no loss of USS H-1 (SS-28) Lost on March 12, 1920 with the loss of life, on her 2nd war patrol. She ran hard aground on a reef 4 men as they tried to swim to after grounding on a shoal and radioed for help. The entire crew was rescued by a off Santa Margarita Island, off the coast of Baja Dutch ship after they scuttled her. California, Mexico. Vestal (AR-4), pulled H-1 off the rocks in the morning of 24 March, only to have her sink 45 USS S-26 (SS-131) Lost on Jan 24,1942 with the loss of minutes later in some 50 feet of water. She was originally 46 officers and men in the Gulf of Panama, on her 2nd war named the USS Seawolf before becoming H-1. patrol. She was rammed by the USS PC-460 and sunk within seconds. The CO, XO and one lookout on the USS Triton (SS-201) Lost on March 15, 1943 with the bridge, were the only survivors. loss of 74 men. She was sunk north of the Admiralty Is- lands during a fight with 3 Japanese Destroyers. Triton was USS Barbel (SS-316) Lost on Feb 4,1945 with the loss of the 1st boat to engage the enemy in December 1941 off 81 officers and men on her 3rd war patrol. Based on Japa- Wake Island, sinking 9 ships, 1 submarine and a destroyer. nese records, she was bombed near the southern entrance to the Palawan Passage. The day before, she reported she USS Kete (SS-369) Lost on March 20, 1945 with the loss survived 3 depth charge attacks. of 87 officers and men at the end of her 2nd war patrol. Probably sunk near Okinawa, by a Japanese submarine USS Shark I (SS-174) Lost on Feb 11,1942 with the loss that itself was subsequently lost. of 59 officers and men on her 1st war patrol. Shark was the 1st US submarine sunk by enemy surface craft in the Pacif- USS F-4 (SS-23) Lost on March 25, 1915 with the lost of ic. She was most likely sunk by depth charges. 21 men. She foundered 1.5 miles off of Honolulu when acid corrosion of the lead lining of the battery tank let sea- USS Amberjack (SS-219) Lost on Feb 16,1943 with the water into the battery compartment, causing loss of control. loss of 72 officers and men on her 3rd war patrol. Off Ra- She was raised in August 1915. baul, she was attacked by a Japanese patrol plane, attacked by a tor-pedo boat and then depth charged by a subchaser. USS Tullibee (SS-284) Lost on March 26, 1944 with the loss of 79 officers and men, on her 4th war patrol. It's be- USS Grayback (SS-208) Lost on Feb 27,1944 with the lieved she was a victim of a circular run by one of her own loss of 80 officers and men on her 10th war patrol. She torpedoes. The lookout was the only survivor and he sur- appears to have been caught on the surface in the East Chi- vived the war as a Japanese prisoner. na Sea by a Japanese carrier plane whose bombs made a direct hit. During this patrol she sank 4 ships totaling USS Trigger (SS-237) Lost on March 26, 1945 with the 21,594 tons and was tied for 11th in the number of ships loss of 91 officers and men, on her 12th war patrol. She sunk. was lost during a combined attack by Japanese antisubmarine vessels and aircraft. Trigger ranked 7th in USS Trout (SS-202) Lost on Feb 29,1944 with the loss of total tonnage sunk and tied for 8th in number of ships sunk. 79 officers and men on her 11th war patrol. She was sunk by escorts in the middle of the Philippines Basin after sink- ing a passenger-cargoman and damaging another in a con- voy. She carried out several notable special missions, in-
15 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
USSVI National News Eagle Scout Award NEWS-01: NO DUES FOR ACTIVE DUTY PERSONNEL JOINING USSVI FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF THEIR MEM- BERSHIP Submitted by: John E. Markiewicz on 9/8/2017 Earlier this year the Board of Directors authorized a change to our membership dues that:
“Any active duty member of any of the armed services who wish to join USSVI as a regular or associate member will not be charged dues for their first calendar year of membership.”
This new policy had been placed on hold until the new web- site went live, however, with the latest delays to that happen- ing, we have decided to implement it effective immediately for the 2018 calendar year. "William Kindschy was recently recognized at an Eagle Court This means any active duty person who joins for 2018, com- of Honor, held at the Crossroads Neighborhood Church in mencing immediately, will not be charged dues until or unless Bremerton. The new Eagle Scout was presented a certificate, they renew in December of 2018. Their dues will be listed as patch, and Base challenge coin by Bremerton Base Command- paid in full until December 31 of 2018. er Steve Corcoran (right). WD4 Commander Jim DeMott is also pictured." There are some restrictions: 1. An application must be sent to the National Office as usual. USS Scorpion
2. They will not receive a membership card until their first renewal in December of 2018. From: MaryEtta Nolan
Steve Bell SERD
16 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
COB’s Corner Christmas Party
The Base had our Annual Christmas Party on Saturday, December 16th with about 50 Bremerton Base members and guests at the Bremerton Elks Lodge. If you didn’t make it, I suggest attending next year—it was a great time! The party kicked off at 1100 for socializing.
The Pledge of Allegiance and Traditional Tolling of the Boats Lost for December were carried out followed by a short business meeting . USSVI longevity awards were presented (see the following page).
A buffet dinner featuring beef and ham was served with lots of leftovers followed by the Holland club Presentation.
Holland Club
Holland Club Chairman Richard Litscher (right) and Base Commander Steve Corcoran presented HC certificates, patches and pins to 6 members who had qualified in subma- rines 50 years ago.
Lee Berrey Gale Brown Rich Dusatko
Gary "Dutch" Kaiser Kevin Sheehan Bob Webster.
17 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
2017 Base Longevity Awards
Building and maintaining Base cohesion is an ongoing and never-ending process. Scheduled meetings, memorial services, shared trips, picnics, parades and projects all help us to grow closer as a SUBVET family, enjoying each other’s company, while we honor our fallen heroes and support our current day 10 Years submarine forces. Darryl Aiello Dennis Anderson Delourse Bassler Gary Christensen Jim DeMott Robert Hulet Most all our members have busy lives and many demands on Robert Lee Richard Packard Leo Taflin their time, yet many willingly set aside the time to actively Dennis Wendt Malcolm Wright participate in USSVI related activities and functions. While many members are relatively new to USSVI, we have others who have maintained faithful allegiance for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 20 Years more years. Paul Christofferson John Clear Edwin Foskett John Gardner Larry Kramer Robert Liland When a member achieves a milestone year, it is altogether John Lynch William Mulvenna Albert Rieboldt fitting to recognize and acknowledge their longevity in William Rossiter William Ruth Thomas Simonson USSVI. In 2017, the listed members have reached a longevity Douglas Smith Burton Tharp Robert Walker milestone. The Bremerton Base would like to say “Thank You” for staying the course in USSVI and helping to make it Edward West what it is today. 30 Years Jon Amtower
Chaplain’s Corner Supporting Veterans Washington Veterans Home Retsil
On December 21st, a cadre of Bremerton shipmates, including Santa Claus, and led by the Base Com- mander, Steve Corcoran, made the annual Christmas visit to the Retsil Veterans Home. Due to the generosity (over $600) of all the Bremerton Members who attended the annual Christmas dinner we were able to provide the veterans with a lot of needed gifts. We were able to deliver pajamas, underwear, writing materials, magnifying glasses, postage stamps and per- sonal toiletries. The gifts were greatly appreciated and before we left, a tour was provided of the facilities' fully functional Ham Radio station by our own Richard Dusatko.
Pictured above: Richard Dusatko; Commander Steve Corcoran; Retsil Activities Manager Tami Reuter; Santa Claus-John Gard- ner; Chaplain Fred Borgmann; PS Editor
18 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018 August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he be- Dutch Kaiser gan crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone? EMTs were called. (Banned from Walmart) September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were. October 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while, loudly humming the, 'Mission Impossible' theme.
October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his, 'Madonna
Look' using different sizes of funnels.
October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed
through, yelled 'PICK ME! PICK ME!' Dutch Kaiser (Banned from Walmart) October 22: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed; 'OH NO! After I retired, my wife insisted that I accompany her on her IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!' trips to Walmart. Unfortunately, like most men, I found shop- October 22: Took a box of condoms to the checkout clerk and ping boring and preferred to get in and get out. Equally unfor- asked where is the fitting room? tunate, my wife is like most women - loves to browse & leaves * And last, but not least: me with endless time to fulfill. Yesterday my dear wife re- October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited ceived the following letter from the local Walmart: awhile; then yelled very loudly, 'Hey! There's no toilet paper in
here.' One of the clerks passed out. Dear Mrs. Kaiser:
Over the past six months, your husband has caused quite a Base Float—USS Bonefish commotion, in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our com- Sam reports that the Bonefish Float is in plaints against your husband, Mr. Kaiser, are listed below and storage and ready for the 2018 parades. are documented by our video surveillance cameras:
June 15: He took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in other people's carts when they weren't looking. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5- minute intervals. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, 'Code 3 in House wares. Get on it right away'. This caused the employee to leave her assigned station and receive a reprimand from her Supervisor that in turn resulted with a union grievance, causing management to lose time; and cost- ing the company money. We don’t have a Code 3. July 27: Put tomato juice on the floor next to the kitchen knife display. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&Ms on layaway. August 14: Moved a, 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told the children shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department to which twenty children obliged.
19 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
Newsletter Advertising Rates Submarine Memorials-Deterrent Park Brick Application Full Page, 4 issues - $500 Single Issue - $135 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
School of the Boat - Washington State Legislative Update on Veterans Bills
The first day of the Regular 2018 Legislative Session was January 8, 2017 and the session will last 60 days. You can find more information on each of the bills we're tracking, including updated hearing information, by clicking on the bill number below, or by visiting www.leg.wa.gov . Or if you have questions about a particular bill, you can e-mail [email protected]. Check the WDVA Legislative Updates page for updated information throughout the week!
20 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
Treasurer’s and Base Membership Report—1/31/2018 2018—Current Total Members: 270 Life Fund: $31, 807.59 Regular Annual Members: 50 Scholarship Fund: $14,507.82 USSVI Life Members: 195 General Fund: 24,776.31* Base Life Members: 189 Go to page 8 to continue *Includes SK Account Holland Club Members: 164 Kaps for Kids: $207.15 Annual Associate Members: 8 Net Worth: $71,298.87 Life Associate Members: 5 Wartime Veterans: 246
Welcome Aboard—New Members Associate members William & Frances Leroy Howard (Lewis and Clark and Pintado) Rose Mike Sharp (Swordfish, Hawkbill, San Francisco) Stuart A Smith (Louisiana, Houston, Springfield, John C Calhoun)
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 Sub- marines we want you in United States Submarine Veterans. Inc.
We are United States Submarine Sailors! We were, and are, mem- bers 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.
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]
Base Storekeeper
Go to http://gertrude-check.org/shipsstore.htm to or- der, 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 !
21 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
Base Minutes—Nov 2017 Base Minutes—Dec 2017
USSVI Bremerton Base USSVI Bremerton Base Meeting conducted 16 Dec 2017 Meeting conducted 18 Nov 2017 Base minutes may be viewed at Base minutes may be viewed at http://gertrude-check.org/ archives.html http://gertrude-check.org/archives.html
Base Commander Steve Corcoran called the Nov 18, 2017 meeting to order at 1000 at the FRA Base Cmdr. Steve Corcoran called the December 16, 2017 meeting and Christmas Party to order at 1100 at the Bremer-
ton Elks Lodge. Opening observances were conducted.
Western District 4 Cmdr. Jim DeMott, John Clear Olympic Opening observances were conducted. Peninsula Base founder, John Mansfield and Kim Hedges of AAA Travel World War II Subvet Paul Christofferson, Western District 4 Cmdr. Jim DeMott and Past Olympic Peninsula Base Cmdr. Base Treasurer Dennis Nardone reports the Base has John Clear were in attendance. $77,050.63 in various accounts and 267 members A short business meeting was held The next meeting will be the Annual Christmas Party on De- cember 16, 2017 at 1100 at the Eagles. USSVI longevity awards were presented to 8 members. Chief of the Boat Wayne Peterson reminded everyone the This was followed a delicious buffet dinner which featured Christmas Party will be December 16 at the Bremerton Elks. beef and ham. He also discussed the following The Holland Club Chairman Richard Litscher and Base Com- Guest speaker Kim Hedges from AAA delivered a presenta- mander Steve Corcoran presented Holland Club certificates, tion on the 2018 National Convention cruise and took ques- patches and pins to 6 members that had qualified in subma- tions. rines 50 years ago. They were Lee Berrey , Gale Brown, Rich Dusatko, Gary "Dutch" Kaiser, Kevin Sheehan and Bob - Base Officer Elections were e held. Webster. The results are:
Base Commander Steve Corcoran Respectfully Submitted Base vice Cmdr. Don Carpenter Wayne Sieckowski, Base Secretary Base Secretary Wayne Sieckowski Base Treasurer Dennis Nardone Base Minutes—Jan 2018 Base Chief of the Boat Wayne Peterson Base Minutes USSVI Bremerton Base Base By-law amendments were voted on. (3 total) Meeting conducted 21 October 2017 The 3 amendments passed 25 yea 0 nay Base minutes may be viewed at Dale Derricote won $54.00 in the 50/50 raffle http://gertrude-check.org/archives.html
Eileen Drumm’s Memorial Service will be November 20 at Please refer to the Gertrude Check for these minutes. 11am at Miller Woodlawn Memorial Park
We will pass the hat for Retsil at the Christmas Party and the Respectfully Submitted base will match $300.00 Wayne Sieckowski, Base Secretary The annual Breakfast meeting will be February 17, 2018
Respectfully submitted Wayne Sieckowski, Base Secretary
22 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
Base E-Board Minutes—Nov 2017 Base E-Board Minutes—Dec 2017
• 0900 Base Commander Steve Corcoran called the meeting • 0900 Base Commander Steve Corcoran to order called the meeting to order • Board Members present: Commander Steve Corcoran; Vice • Board Members present: Commander Cmdr. Don Carpenter; Secretary Wayne Sieckowski: Treas- Steve Corcoran; Vice Cmdr. Don Carpenter; urer Dennis Nardone: Chief of the Boat Wayne Peterson; Secretary Wayne Sieckowski; Treasurer and Past Commander Jim DeMott Dennis Nardone; Chief of the Boat Wayne • Others attending the meeting included, Deterrent Park Co- Peterson; and Past Commander Jim DeMott ordinator and Gertrude Check Webmaster Don Bassler, Life Member and Nomination Committee Chairman Dutch • Others attending the meeting included, Deterrent Park Co- Kaiser, Base Float Chairman Sam Swenson, Base Store- ordinator and Gertrude Check Webmaster Don Bassler, keeper Ralph Harris, Base Member John Clear, Base Chap- Base Storekeeper Ralph Harris, Base Member John Clear, lin Fred Borgann and Base Parade Chairman John Gardner Base Chaplin Fred Borgann and Base Parade Chairman • The minutes of the previous E-Board meeting were dis- John Gardner cussed • The minutes of the previous E-Board meeting were dis- • Base Treasurer Dennis Nardone reports the Base’s worth is cussed Base Treasurer Dennis Nardone reports the Base’s $77,050.63 and we have 267 members. worth is $77,041.81 and we have 267 members. • Deterrent Park Coordinator and Gertrude Check Webmaster • Deterrent Park Coordinator and Gertrude Check Webmaster Don Bassler reports next install will be November 12. Al- Don Bassler is always accepting Articles for Gertrude ways accepting Articles for Gertrude Check. Check. • Chief of the Boat Wayne Peterson reports the base Christ- • Chief of the Boat Wayne Peterson reports the base Christ- mas Party will be Saturday December 16 at the Elks and the mas Party will be Saturday December 16 at the Elks and the 2018 picnic will be Saturday August 11, 2018 at the 2018 picnic will be Saturday August 11, 2018 at the Bremerton Elks picnic area. Bremerton Elks picnic area. • Base Storekeeper Ralph Harris reports it was a slow day at • Base Storekeeper Ralph Harris reports it was a slow day at TTF. TTF. Past Cmdr. Jim DeMott reports we will have our an- nual Feb. breakfast meeting. He will start arranging the • Past Cmdr. Jim DeMott reports we will have our annual entertainment Feb. breakfast meeting. He will start arranging the enter- tainment. Past Cmdr. Jim DeMott made a motion to make • WD4 Cmdr. Jim DeMott approved the By-Laws Changes a $999.00 donation to the Scorpion Assn for their 50th An- • Base Cmdr. Steve Corcoran reports. Active duty members niversary. The motion passed unanimously are not required to pay dues their first year of membership. • Base Member John Clear and Past Cmdr. of the Olympic The 2018 convention will be a Western Caribbean Cruise. Peninsula Base reports the Olympic Peninsula Base is im- The Base has been invited to attend the USS Nebraska ploding and will not be around long. John Clear volun- DASO shoot. At the General meeting in November, Kim teered to run for Treasurer and Dennis Nardone will back Hedges will talk about the Convention/Cruise. him up. • WD4 Cmdr. Jim DeMott approved the By-Laws Changes Respectfully Submitted , Wayne Sieckowski Base Secretary • Base Cmdr. Steve Corcoran reports. Active duty members are not required to pay dues their first year of membership. The 2018 convention will be a Western Caribbean Cruise. The Base has been invited to attend the USS Nebraska DASO shoot. At the General meeting in November, Kim Hedges will talk about the Convention/Cruise.
Respectfully Submitted , Wayne Sieckowski Base Secretary
23 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
Base E-Board Minutes—Jan 2018 Base Programs
• 0900 Base Commander Steve Corcoran Dolphin Dash & called the meeting to order Armed Forces Day Parade • Board Members present: Commander Steve Corcoran; Vice Cmdr. Don Carpenter; Secretary Wayne Sieckowski; Treasurer Den- Chairman John Gardner reports the Dolphin Dash will be April nis Nardone; Chief of the Boat Wayne Peter- 14, 2018 at Bangor and the Armed Forces Day Parade will be son: Past Commander Jim DeMott May 19, 2018 in Bremerton. Information will be posted on the • Others attending the meeting included, Deterrent Park Co- Gertrude Check as it becomes available. Proceeds from the ordinator and Gertrude Check Webmaster Don Bassler, Dolphin Dash support the Base Scholarship Fund. Base Storekeeper Ralph Harris, Base Chaplin Fred Bor- gann and Base Parade Chairman John Gardner Western District 4 Commander • The minutes of the previous E-Board meeting were dis- cussed Jim DeMott • Base Treasurer Dennis Nardone reports the Base’s worth is $74,554.01 and we have 268 members. Jim announced that the Western Regional Round Up will be • Deterrent Park Coordinator and Gertrude Check Webmas- held at SAM’S TOWN, Las Vegas, NV from April 23 through ter Don Bassler is always accepting Articles for Gertrude 27, 2018. Check.
• Base Storekeeper Ralph Harris reports it was a slow day at TTF. • Past Cmdr. Jim DeMott reports the performer for the Feb. Breakfast meeting will cost $600.00 • Base Parades Chairman John Gardner reports the Dolphin Dash will be April 14 2018 at Bangor
• A motion was made to spend up to $1,000.00 per person for the Base Cmdr. and Chief of the Boats trip to San Die- go to observe the USS Nebraska’s DASO. The motion Registration, accommodations and agenda may be found at passed 4-0. http://www.wrroundup.com/index.html • The Olympic Peninsula Base has been dis-established as of Dec.31 2017. Jim also had Western District 4 Patches available for purchase.
Respectfully Submitted , Wayne Sieckowski Base Secretary
Past Commander Jim DeMott
Jim announced that the Submarine Ball
will be held in April in Seattle. More information to follow. There will be free tickets for Subvets! The Gertrude Check is your source for current information!
24 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
component or system A Personal Memoir of Neil Wollam by both the mainte- nance activity and and the ship's force were the U.S. Navy SUBSAFE Program prime reasons we have not lost another boat.
The maintenance activ- In 1962, I drove cross-country from Washington State to New ity: be it tender; base; or shipyard plus Squadron Material and London, Connecticut to report aboard a submarine. ship's force all had to adhere to SUBSAFE requirements. On my second day, the Executive officer told me I wasn't stay- I was directly involved in SUBSAFE maintenance manage- ing because I had gone to the wrong nuclear prototype and he ment for 20 years on: 2 submarine tenders; SUBASE Pearl would make me available to Atlantic Submarine Force for fur- Harbor; Puget Sound Naval Shipyard; and Trident Refit Facili- ther transfer. ty Bangor, Washington. In two of these positions, I had final About 3 weeks later, the XO told me I was going to USS Skip- approval authority (maintenance activity) for SUBSAFE work jack (SSN-585) in overhaul in Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, packages. New Hampshire. The USS Thresher (SSN-593) was also in the Thorough review is mandatory, no matter how many others Yard; however, it was the Skipjack that needed me, not the have signed; the time to accomplish reviews must be made. Thresher. Seawater corrosion; erosion and electrolysis; and improper That same fall, the Skipjack deployed to the Mediterranean for parts have no mercy. a couple of months, and when returning, made the fastest sub- Two past items stand out: merged transit of the Atlantic during which time our crew’s Early in my maintenance career, a Ship Alteration (Shipalt) for ship’s control skills became finely tuned. sealing underneath electrical distribution switchboards in a Later in New London, I learned the speed was to get home to machinery space was assigned to the tender. This job, a result prepare to join the Cuban blockade; but we didn't participate. of the Thresher loss review, was very extensive. It required In the spring of the following year, Thresher was lost while we hundreds of manhours, difficult sheet metal work, and insulat- were at sea. The loss hit our crew hard, but no one transferred ed sealing processes. It was an alteration that should have been because of her loss. assigned to a shipyard instead of a tender. We did not accom- We did a thorough search for any steel fittings in seawater pip- plish the Shipalt due to the complexity and skills involved; ing systems; and if my memory serves me correctly, ultrasonic therefore, the submarines were at risk for potential spray get- testing of auxiliary seawater systems was also completed. ting into electrical switchboards until they went to a yard for I qualified as Reactor Operator a month or so after Thresher's the Shipalt installment. loss and as Machinery Watch Supervisor in late 1964. One late example - a Quality Assurance officer wanted to de- My early years of fast attack submarining included several de- lete reference to USS Thresher and USS Scorpion in training ployments and another overhaul in Charleston (1965). During programs (because most students were born after the losses); the overhaul, SUBSAFE was installed as a direct result of instead listing the Challenger shuttle disaster. He asked if I Thresher's loss. The installation required qualification on all would agree. After a lot of strong sailor language, I told him he aspects of affected systems which included seawater, air, hy- could add Challenger, but there was no way Thresher and Scor- draulic, electrical, and interior communication. pion could be deleted. You could say I'm intense about subma- In the Summer of 1967, I was transferred to shore duty in the rine safety. Pacific Northwest. In 1968, USS Scorpion (SSN 589) was lost. I retired after 98 Ohio class SSBN refits where SUBSAFE was This greatly affected me since Scorpion was the same class a way of life and the work packages were excellent. boat as Skipjack and one of our ex-shipmates was lost. A few years later, after an interfleet transfer and a patrol on an SSBN 640 class boat, I was selected to become a Warrant Of- ficer. I went to a submarine tender and soon was deep in the submarine maintenance world including writing SUBSAFE work procedures for SSN-585/593 and several SSN 637 class boats. I feel that the attention to detail which SUBSAFE procedures required for the actual work; quality control during the work; parts certification; post work testing; and certification of the
25 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
Groton Submarine Sail Memorial How The Soviet Akula Changed Submarine Warfare Published January 18. 2018 8:54PM | Updated January 18. 2018 9:47PM In late 1984, when By Deborah Straszheim Day staff writer the first Akula sub- [email protected] DStraszheim marine of the Sovi- et Navy put to sea,
it immediately Groton — The USS Groton Sail Foundation cleared one changed the way more hurdle this week toward creating a future memorial for anti-submarine war- the sail of the town's namesake nuclear attack submarine. fare would be con- The Groton City Planning and Zoning Commission approved a ducted. With the change to zoning regulations to allow the future memorial on Akula’s arrival the American submarine fleet would no longer Bridge Street. Prior to the unanimous decision, the small park enjoy the dramatic undersea advantages they had possessed was not a permitted use in a general commercial zone, Plan- since the end of the World War II. The Akula, which is Russian ning Commissioner David Rose said. for shark, stunned NATO with its high-level of stealth, espe- William Vogel, chairman of the USS Groton Sail Foundation cially compared to any Soviet submarine before it. That’s be- board of directors, said the group also is negotiating with the cause in the battle for undersea supremacy, silence is the key to owner of a property on Bridge Street near the World War II survival and victory. Prior to the Akula, the Soviets had already National Submarine Memorial. been making huge strides, making their submarines faster, The purchase was delayed because the land is one of three deeper diving, and more heavily armed than American subma- properties the owner had to clear of environmental contami- rines. One submarine, the lone Papa SSGN, a nuclear-powered nants before selling, Vogel said. The owner has since complet- guided-missile sub, is still the world’s fastest after reaching ed the physical work, he said. 44.7 knots (around 51 mph) in 1970. But the ability to make Foundation member Rich Moravsik said the landowner owes their submarines as quiet, or nearly as quiet, as American subs about $70,000 in back taxes on the three properties. The cur- had long eluded them. The Akula dramatically changed that. rent plan is that the owner would use a portion of the sale pro- Or, as William Perry—who would later become Secretary of ceeds to pay the taxes, Moravsik said. Defense—told a House Armed Services Committee in 1989, “The free lunch was over.” That free lunch had been the ability The "sail" of a submarine is the tower-like portion that pro- of American submarines, combined with other sensors, to lo- trudes from the hull at the center of the ship. The USS Groton cate and track Soviet subs, especially their ballistic missile sail is about 26 feet long, 18 feet tall and 5 feet, 6 inches wide. submarines, seemingly at will. In one acknowledged account It's currently divided into two sections that together weigh from a 1978 mission, the USS Batfish tracked Soviet Yankee- 92,000 pounds and are being stored at the Naval Submarine class sub for 50 consecutive days. The Batfish began tracking Base. the submarine above the Arctic Circle in the Norwegian Sea The sail is covered with lead paint, so the first task is scraping and trailed the Yankee for nearly 9,000 miles, maintaining con- off the paint and properly disposing of it. The sail pieces then tact for the duration of the Yankee’s deployment to the West- would be transported by truck to Electric Boat, where workers ern Atlantic, where it could launch missiles at the U.S. But as would clean the jagged seams, clear any rust, sandblast the the Batfish was making full use of the acoustic advantage surface and paint the sail. The foundation still is awaiting final American submarines enjoyed, the Soviets had begun to design approval from EB about donating the work, Moravsik said. and build a third generation of nuclear subs. These submarines Once finished, the sail pieces would be welded together and would become the quietest subs the Soviets had ever construct- bolted to a concrete foundation yet to be built. ed, having benefited from information passed along by John The USS Groton (SSN-694), a Los Angeles-class attack sub, Walker, a U.S. Navy communications specialist who began was the third Navy ship named for Groton. Built at Electric spying for the Soviets in 1968. Among other things, Walker Boat, it was launched in October 1976, commissioned in July gave them information about a system of underwater hydro- 1978, and decommissioned in November 1997. phone arrays on American subs that were strategically located to detect Soviet submarines. For additional reading, go to http://grotonsail.com/ For additional reading, go to https:// foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/how-the-soviet-akula-changed- submarine-warfare-1819380681
26 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
$2.7 billion USS Illinois. Hawaii Welcomes "I know the 7th Fleet [in the Western Pacific] loves when we 6th Virginia-Class Sub send them our submarines," Rear Adm. Daryl Caudle, com- mander of the Pacific Fleet submarine force, said when the Illinois arrived. "They do incredible missions over there against all of the adversaries that they face in those waters." Illinois was and still is the only "Block III" type Virginia sub in Hawaii with two "six-shooter" 87-inch Virginia payload tubes, each capable of launching six Tomahawk cruise mis- siles from removable canisters mounted in the bow. The five other Virginia subs in Hawaii -- USS Hawaii, USS Texas, USS North Carolina, USS Mississippi and, soon, USS Missouri, have 12 individual 21-inch diameter vertical launch tubes and four torpedo tubes. The subs also carry Mk-48 torpe- does and harpoon missiles. Adm. Harry Harris, commander of U.S. Pacific Command on Oahu, last April complained that the Navy is reducing its at- tack submarine force to 42 from 52 in coming years with re- Sailors stand topside aboard the Virginia-class, nuclear- tirement of older Los Angeles-class attack submarines. Virgin- powered, fast-attack submarine USS Missouri (SSN 780) as ia subs are not being built fast enough for a 1-for-1 replace- the boat approaches the pier at Naval Submarine Base New ment. London in Groton, Conn., on Oct. 4, 2017. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Steven Hoskins) "From a joint commander perspective, I need more subma- rines," Harris told the House Armed Services Committee.
Harris said the submarine force deals with "the Russian sub- The Honolulu Star-Advertiser 26 Jan 2018 By William Cole marine threat, the Chinese submarine threat, and they're also Pearl Harbor now has two warships named USS Missouri. involved in surveillance missions and other kinds of mis- The Navy said the attack submarine USS Missouri will arrive sions." Friday to become the sixth highly capable and much-coveted About 230 of the world's 400 foreign submarines are in the Virginia-class submarine based in Hawaii -- the only location Indo-Asia-Pacific, with about 160 of those belonging to China, for Virginia subs in the Pacific. Russia and North Korea, Harris said. Potential adversary sub- The 377-foot submarine has 140 crew members whose fami- marine activity has tripled since 2008, he said. lies began arriving in Hawaii in November, Submarine Force Virginia-class subs can dive to more than 800 feet and operate U.S. Pacific Fleet said. at more than 29 mph submerged. The subs have improvements On Friday afternoon, the submarine USS Missouri will pass to operate in littoral, or nearshore, environments and can ac- the battleship Missouri, now a memorial and museum, and commodate special operators in a reconfigurable torpedo render honors, the Navy said. room. Traditional periscopes have been replaced by two pho- The battleship Missouri, moored bow-to-bow with the sunken tonic masts with infrared and digital cameras atop telescoping USS Arizona, fought in World War II, the Korean War and arms. Persian Gulf War. The Missouri was commissioned in 2010. It returned to Naval Gen. Douglas MacArthur and Adm. Chester Nimitz were on Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., on Oct. 4 the Missouri's teak decks for Japan's surrender to the United following a Europe deployment. States on Sept. 2, 1945, in Tokyo Bay. In Operation Desert Missouri sailed 40,277 miles and conducted port visits to Haa- Storm in early 1991, the Missouri launched 27 Tomahawk konsvern, Norway, and Faslane, Scotland. cruise missiles and hurled 305 shells at Iraqi forces from its 16
-inch guns. This article is written by William Cole from The Honolulu Star The submarine USS Missouri is the fifth Navy ship to be -Advertiser and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content named in honor of the "show-me" state, the Navy said. Agency through the NewsCred publisher network. Please di- Pearl Harbor has about 20 Los Angeles-class and Virginia- rect all licensing questions to [email protected]. class attack subs -- the largest U.S. concentration in the Pacif- https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/01/26/hawaii- ic. In November, Hawaii received its fifth Virginia sub -- the welcomes-6th-virginia-class-sub.html
27 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
changed to Sea-Launched Cruise Missile. Flight testing of the UGM-109 Tomahawk Missile YBGM-109A, including the TERCOM (Terrain Contour Matching) guidance system, continued during the following years. The Tomahawk is the U.S. Navy's multipurpose strategic and tactical long range precision-guided cruise missile. Launched from surface ships and submarines, it was used in action in all recent major U.S. military engagements, and will remain one of the most important missiles in the U.S. inventory for quite some time. The BGM-109 missile has been developed in several distinct variations, which are described in separate sections of this arti- cle. These variations include: SLCM (Sea-Launched Cruise Missile): BGM-109A/.../F, RGM/UGM-109A/.../E/H GLCM (Ground-Launched Cruise Missile): BGM-109G MRASM (Medium-Range Air-to-Surface Missile): AGM- For additional reading, go to http://www.designation- 109C/H/I/J/K/L systems.net/dusrm/m-109.html
UGM-109 Tomahawk missile was loaded into a Mk-45 VLS aboard USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723)
School of the Boat—Base Bylaws SLCM (Sea-Launched Cruise Missile): BGM-109A/.../F, RGM/UGM-109A/.../E/H Tomahawk In 1971 the U.S. Navy began to study the possibility of a sub- ARTICLE V. ELECTED OFFICERS Section 1. The E- marine-launched strategic cruise missile, either a larger design Board shall have the control and general management of the for launch from UGM-27 Polaris missile tubes or a smaller one affairs and business of the organization. The immediate past for launch from torpedo tubes. In June 1972 the torpedo-tube base commander and the Bremerton Base elected officers, missile was chosen, and design contracts were let to the indus- which include the Base Commander, Vice Commander, Secre- try in November that year for what was then called the SLCM tary, Treasurer and the Chief of the Boat shall make up the E- (Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile). In January 1974, the Board. Appointed Committee Chairmen and Project Managers two most promising designs were selected for a fly-off compe- may attend E-Board meetings to give input but may not vote. tition, and in 1975, the designations ZBGM-109A and ZBGM- Three members of the E-Board shall constitute a quorum. Once 110A were assigned to the designs of General Dynamics and a quorum has been established, it cannot be removed by a LTV, respectively. After a few test flights by the YBGM-109A member absenting himself. and YBGM-110A prototypes in February 1976, which included the critical transition from water to air in a sub-surface launch, The entire Base Bylaws may be read at http://gertrude- the BGM-109 was declared winner of the competition. At that check.org/bylaws.pdf time, it had already been decided that the SLCM should also be launched from surface ships, and therefore the acronym was
28 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
Germany Could Arm Europe with Expedition Into German U-Boat Some Truly Super Submarines Off North Carolina Coast
“Loose lips sink ships” is a phrase commonly used in American WWII prop- aganda but it held more truth than most people thought. Now many peo- ple know that the carnage of WWII actually hit the east coast of the United States. Just weeks after America declared war on Japan, Nazi Germany dispatched U-boats to the East Coast of the United States in a conflict known as The Battle of the Atlan-
tic. Germany’s submarine fleet has been going through a rough The German submarine U-576 would target cargo ships en patch lately. By the end of 2017, all six of the Type 212A sub- route to Europe and spread chaos through the east coast. U-576 marines, which use hydrogen PEM fuel cells for super quiet would sink four major cargo ships before it was targeted by Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP), were either undergoing aircraft sunk with depth charges. U-576 has sat at the bottom trials and overhauls or awaiting repairs for unexpected acci- of the ocean off the coast of North Carolina for 75 dents—a process slowed to a glacial pace due to a failure to years. Two years ago the wreckage was discovered by the Na- procure spare parts in advance. tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Association and for the most Nonetheless, on the long term both German submariners and part, it has remained undisturbed. the Type 212’s manufacturer have reason for cheer. Six new model Type 212CDs (formerly the 212NG) are slated to deploy For additional reading and viewing a You-Tube video go to to northern Europe by the mid-2020: two more will be added to https://frontlinevideos.com/blogs/videos/expedition-into- the German Navy, expanding its submarine fleet to eight boats german-u-boat-off-north-carolina-coast-45-bodies-still- by 2027, while four will go to Norway by around 2025 to re- trapped-inside place its six Ula-class boats, purchased from Germany back in
1989.
For additional reading, go to http://nationalinterest.org/ blog/the-buzz/germany-could-arm-europe-some-truly- super-submarines-24056
29 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
School of the Boat Cold War Submarine Memorial VA Benefits Eligibility 1947 - 1989
A Few You May Have Overlooked
A Tribute to Professional 1. Any veteran who is service-connected for a disability for Excellence. Dedication, Sac- which he or she uses prosthetic or orthopedic appliances may rifice, and National Will receive an annual clothing allowance. 2. VA provides pensions to low-income surviving spouses Our submarines went to sea a and unmarried children of deceased veterans with wartime ser- silent invisible force solemnly vice. dedicated to maintaining 3. A surviving spouse age 57 and older who remarries after peace, but ready to fight if December 15, 2003, is entitled to continue to receive benefits. necessary to defend our nation 4. Passports are available to family members free of charge and allies for the purpose of visiting their loved one’s grave or memorial- ization site at the American military cemeteries on foreign soil. Erected: 2002 by The Cold War Submarine Memorial Foun- 5. A rating percentage is considered “protected” once it is in dation. place for 20 years. There would be no danger of a decreased disability rating after the 20 year mark. Location: 32° 47.645′ N, 79° 54.256′ W. Marker is in Mt. 6. A new imaging study has found that Gulf War veterans Pleasant, South Carolina, in Charleston County. Marker is on have what appear to be unique structural changes in the wiring Patriots Point Road. Touch for of their brains. Map. 7. Disabled Veterans may be eligible to claim a federal tax refund based on: an increase in the Veteran's percentage of Cold War Submarine Memorial disability from the Veteran's Administration (which may in- Located in the heart of the Charles- clude a retroactive determination) or the combat-disabled Vet- ton Harbor, the Cold War Subma- eran applying for, and being granted, Combat-Related Special rine Memorial is an enduring trib- Compensation, after an award for Concurrent Retirement and ute to the dedicated men who served in our naval submarines Disability. during the Cold War from 1947-1989. The Cold War memorial 8. Veterans who are 100% service-connected IU may be eligi- is designed to give overall size and shape of the sub and incor- ble for an additional monthly entitlement of $62.50/mo for porating the actual sail and rudder of the USS LEWIS AND catastrophic injury. CLARK SSBN 644. Additionally, the memorial gives thanks [Source: U.S. Veteran Compensation Programs | December to the men and women, both civilian and military, who provid- 31, 2017 ++] ed outstanding support assuring the remarkable success of each mission.
Plaque near the Cold War Sub-
marine Memorial Marker
They went to sea as a powerful
and survivable deterrent force - a unique symbol of dedication, sacrifice, and national will - to preserve our nation and its al- lies, and to ensure peace and stability throughout the world.
For additional reading (including many photographs), go to https://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=19581
30 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
Past, Present, Future: Veteran, Sailor Talk Service with the Submarine Fleet
PS Editor: The following is an excerpt from The Periscope (King’s Bay GA)
The present met the past when members of the United States Submarine Veterans visited Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay for their annual reunion last week.
One veteran, 75-year-old W.G. “Doc” Sweany, and one active -duty Sailor, 25-year-old Sir Semaj Prince Wellington, crossed paths outside the Submarine Veterans of World War II Memo- rial Pavilion Friday, Nov. 3, following the memorial service.
Sweany was born in 1941 in Louisville, Kentucky. He was raised in a family of eight in Crothersville, Indiana. His father worked on the railroad.
Sweany wanted to go into the Marine Corps at age 17, but his father wouldn’t sign for him to go at that age. “Dad had two boys in World War II. One was a Gunner’s Ma- te on a tin can. The other was a Marine, who was killed at Pe- leliu,” he said. “He wouldn’t sign for me to go into the Ma- rines at 17, but he would for me to go into the Navy. So he signed and I went into the Navy at 17.”
Wellington, born in 1992 in Los Angeles, grew up in a family of six in a town of about 200 near Amarillo, Texas. He de- scribed his family as a “Navy family,” although he too had a brother who was a Marine. He drove 90 minutes to a recruiting office in 2011 to enlist. The Navy was the only branch that did not offer him an enlist- ment bonus. But he wanted to serve on submarines. For additional reading, go to http://kingsbayperiscope.jacksonville.com/military- “I had an uncle who was on submarines,” he said. “He told me periscope/2017-11-08/story/past-present-future-veteran- submariners were more educated and had more advancement sailor-talk-service-submarine-fleet opportunities. He said you needed a special mindset to be on a submarine, and he thought I had that. I like to challenge my- self.” PS Editor: My wife (Rose) and I had the pleasure of at-
tending this event as part of the USS Dace (SSN 607) reun- Wellington enlisted and served four years as a Machinist’s ion last November. Mate Non-Nuclear, Submarine Weapons on USS Ashville
(SSN 758) before landing at Trident Refit Facility. Link to the Dace website.
Sweany became a corpsman. He served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1966. In 1968, he started a 4½-year tour on board USS Ethan Allen (SSBN 608).
31 Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018
PUGET SOUNDINGS Quarterly Newsletter NON PROFIT ORG Volume 22 ISSUE 1 Jan—Feb—Mar 2018 U.S. POSTGE PAID Issue Date Feb 01, 2018 Silverdale WA Permit No 111 U.S. SUBMARINE VETERANS BREMERTON BASE PO BOX 465 SILVERDALE, WA 98383-0465
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Bremerton Base Calendar (Including Soup Down Luncheons) When in doubt… use the Gertrude Check!!! http://www.gertrude-check.org/
Bremerton Base Meetings and Events • Feb 16 Poulsbo La Costa 19045 State Hwy 305 NE, Pouls- All E-Board and Monthly Meetings are held at the Fleet bo 360.779.7427 Reserve Association (FRA) 521 National Ave, Bremerton • Feb 23 Cloverleaf Sports Bar and Grill 1240 Hollis St. 360.373.2296 unless otherwise noted. Bremerton 360.377.8516 • Mar 2 Tony’ Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria 4908 Kitsap • Feb 07 (1130) Bi-Monthly SK Sale – Trident Training Way, Bremerton, WA 360.479.9117 Facility Bangor • Mar 9 Silver City Restaurant and Ale House 2799 NW • Feb 17 (0900) Annual Breakfast Social/General Mem- Myhre Rd. Silverdale 360.698.5879 bership Meeting Bremerton Elks Lodge 4131 Pine RD • Mar 16 Fujiyama Steak House 9989 Silverdale Way NW, NE, Bremerton 360.479.1181 Silverdale 360.352.9888 • March 03 (0900) E-Board • Mar 23 All Star Lanes 10710 Silverdale Way, Silverdale • March 17 (1000) General Membership Meeting 360.692.5760 • Apr 04 (1130) Bi-Monthly SK Sale – Trident Training • Mar 30 Round Table Pizza 3276 NW Plaza Rd #101, Sil- Facility Bangor verdale 360.698.4040 • Apr 07 (0900) E-Board • Apr 6 Olive Garden 3204 NW Randall Way, Silverdale • Apr 14 Dolphin Dash 360.613.0207 th • Apr 17 (1900) General Membership Meeting • Apr 13 Horse and Cow 536 4 St, Bremerton 360.627.9843 • May 05 (0900) E-Board • Apr 20 Club House, McCormack Woods 5155 McCormick • May 15 (1900) General Membership Meeting Woods Drive SE Port Orchard 360-895-0142 • May 19 Annual Armed Forces Day Parade Bremerton • Apr 27 Tracyton Public House 403 NW Tracy Ave, • May 28 Memorial Day Bremerton 360.405.6768
• May 4 Los Cabos 4120 Wheaton Way, Bremerton Soup Down Luncheons 360.373.1320 All luncheons are from 11:30 to 13:00 unless otherwise not- • May 11 Red Lobster 3208 NW Randall Way, Silverdale ed. Photographs may be viewed at 360.613.0105 http://gertrude-check.org/soupdown.html • May 18 The Point Casino 7989 Salish Ln NE, Kingston,
WA 360.297.0070 • Feb 9 Blue Goose Tavern 1931 Bay St. Port Orchard • May 25 Kelly’s 19th Hole Bar & Grill 2171 Erlands Point 360.895.8171 Road NW, Bremerton 360.373.4600
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