USSVI Th resher Base News
July 2005 USS Thresher Memorial Service The 42nd anniversary memorial After Reverand Mi- service of the loss of the USS Thresher chael M. Stephens’ was held on April 9, 2005. The wel- Benediction, the service coming address was given by Captain continued down at the Jona- than C. Iverson, Com- mander, Por- smouth Naval Above and Below: The family members of Ports- mouth Shipyad employee Paul C. Currie. Ship- yard. His address was followed by Guests listen to the remarks of Captain Iverson and remarks by Com- Commande Davis. mander Mark E. Davis, Commanding Officer, USS Montpelier.Then Lori waterfront. Reverand Arsenault, daughter of ENCA(SS) Stephens led us in a Tilmon Arsenault, perform the Navy prayer which was fol- Hymn. This set the stage for the lowed by a gun salute somber Tolling of the Bells for the from the Portsmouth 129 men who lost their lives on April Naval Shipyard Rifle Team. While the 9, 1963. While Kevin Galeaz and Bill wreath was being prepared, George Tebo read the names and Tom Young Stevens, US Submarine Veteran, tolled the bell, the melodic sounds of played taps. The family members of Table of Contents a bagpipe, played by Patrick Boyle, Portsmouth Shipyard employee Paul USS Thresher Memorial ...... 1 could be heard in the distance. C. Currier were pleased to participate Commander’s Message ...... 2 in the releasing of the wreath over March Meeting Minutes ...... 2 the bridge railing into May Meeting Minutes ...... 2 the outgoing tide. Piper New Member ...... 2 Boyle concluded the Memorial Day at Albacore Park .... 3 ceremony with the Promoting Membership ...... 3 Navy Hymn. Base News ...... 4 To Perpetuate the Memory ...... 5 Member Profile ...... 6 Lobsterbake Invitation ...... 7 Subvet WWII News ...... 8 USSVI News ...... 9 Reverend Michael M. Stephens leads guests in a Next Meeting ...... Back Page praye at the aterfront. Upcoming Conventions ...Back Page Page 1 May Meeting Minutes Commander’s Message The May meeting of Thresher Base in other parts of the state. Carpool- was held at the Portsmouth VFW on ing could be an option. January, May Greetings, May 21, 2005. The meeting was called and November meetings will stay in Like many of you, I am looking for- to order followed by a prayer and Portsmouth. July’s meeting remains a ward to the Lobster Bake at our next pledge of allegiance. The Tolling of the joint meeting with Subvets WWII in meeting with our WWII shipmates. Seabrook. If you’ve never been, it’s a meet- Bells was conducted for those boats • Kevin apologized for his computer ing not to be missed. Even though lost in May and June. A sound off of around here we can have lobster any- all those present was conducted. The crash. time we want, it just seems to taste minutes of March’s meeting were read • Subvet WWII Auxillary has dis- better when you’re sharing sea stories by Kevin Galeaz. Roy Pierce gave the banded and their funds have been with friends and shipmates. Like the treasurer’s report. We have $5009.54 donated to Subvets WWII for lost hotdog at the ballpark or popcorn at in checking account. boat plaques. the movies – there’s none better. • Bob Bryant is just out of the hospital The Memorial Day service at Old Business – due to doule pneumonia. Not feeling Albacore Park went as planned and • Albacore Park – renovations are the weather again cooperated with complete and will be ready for Memo- well enough to attend the meeting. us this year. If you were unale to rial Day. Thesher Base portion of the • Carl Weber showed examples attend, then you probaly haven’t expenses is $1200. of grave markers availale for $45 had the opportunity to view the im- • Mike Geletka has finally submitted each. They have been donated to the provements made at the Memorial his bio. families of Roy McCool and Gerald Gardens. Our money was well ent, McLees. as the area is now visually opened New Business - up and welcomes Albacore Park • Thresher Service was excellent. • The 50/50 raffle was won by Bob visitors to wander over and view the Appreciationwas given to Kevin and Pomella. Memorials. Also the overcrowding Robin Galeaz for work done on the • Meeting was adjorned. of expanding foliage has been taste- program. fully pared back and the old fountain • Memorial Day Service will be at Al- area has a fresh look with the addi- New Member tion of some new shrubs. Overall, the bacore Park with Commander Neu- Welcome aboard TMC(SS) John J. gardening improvements provide for bert as a eaker. All arrangements Kondrat, USN, Retired. John resides a much nicer environment for our are made. It is on Monday, May 31 at in Freedom, New Hampshire and annual service and visiting guests. I 1000. joined USSVI and THRESHER Base received numerous compliments that • Next meeting is the Lobster bake in Chapter on 20 April. He qualified in day about the service, but similar to at the American Legion in Seabrook submarines in 1942 on USS PICUDA our Thresher Memorial Service, the on July 23 at 1200. efforts and contributions of many (SS 382) and retired from the Navy in make these events happen and I am • Future Meetings - Looking into 1961. John also served on USS BANG appreciative to all who help. meetings being held in Manchester (SS 385), USS FLYING FISH (AGSS As I am sure you are aware, organi- twice a year, March and September, to 229), USS HALFBEAK (SS 352) and zations like ours survive on the vol- try and accommodate people who live USS TROUT (SS 566). unteer efforts by our members. I’m bringing this up because Thresher Base still needs a Storekeeper. I have March Meeting Minutes been asking at all the meetings for The March meeting of Thresher Shipyard. The minutes of January’s over a year now for someone to take meeting were read by Kevin Galeaz. over this office. There is really not a Base was held at the Portsmouth Roy Pierce gave the treasurer’s report. lot involved with this position, and VFW on March 19, 2005 The meet- it would be nice to have availale to ing was called to order followed by a We have $5138.55 in checking and our members the items that show off prayer and pledge of allegiance. The $5516.41 in the money market ac- our pride as an organization. Think Tolling of the Bells was conducted for count. about it and if you would like to vol- those boats lost in March and April. unteer, please let me know. Have a Old Business – A sound off of all those present was safe summer and we’ll see you at the – due to harsh winter conducted. A ecial introduction Albacore Park next meeting. very little work was done. It is intend- was made for Randy Shoe who is the ed to be done by Memorial Day. Gary Hildreth new Command Master Chief at the continued on page 4 Page 2 Memorial Day at Albacore Park Everyone Commander Donald J. Neubert Jr., who attended Commanding Officer, USS Annapolis. the Memorial These eakers were followed by the Day Service at Tolling of the Bell conducted by Da- Albacore Park vid Cahill, President, Squalus Chap- was treated ter; Kevin Galeaz, Thresher Base and to a beauti- Dick Dent, Bay State West Base. ful day and a After the Tolling of the Bell, wreaths newly refur- bished Memo- rial Garden. David Cahill, Squalus Chapte, Opening US Subvets WWII remarks and rifle salute by the Porstmouth Naval introductions Shipyard Rifle Details, services were were done by Eileen Foley, Ambasado closed with a Benediction by Reverend of Goodwill, City of Ports- Michael M. Stephens. Gary Hildreth. mouth; We were then honored with remarks by Eileen Foley, Ambas- sador of Goodwill, City of Ports- mouth; Kevin Galeaz, Evelyn Threshe Base, USSVI Sirrell, were laid at the various submarine Mayor of memorials in the garden. A number of Ports- family members were present to par- mouth; ticipate in this ceremony: Ms. Julianne and Vogt, Daughter of Gerald McLees, Squalus crew member and Mr. Peter Charron, son of Robert Charron, M. Pete Charron, son of Robert Portsmouth Naval Shipyard employee Charron, Portsmouth Naval Ship- Commande Donald J. Neubert J., yad employee on the USS Threshe Commanding Office, USS Annapolis on the USS Thresher. Following a
Promoting USSVI Membership The USSVI is a unique group for interested in furthering the interests obtained by containg Larry Oiler, many reasons: of the Navy in general and submarines telephone (207) 656-5864, or by ac- • Its composite membership of civil- in particular. cessing the Thresher Base Web Site at ians and aive duty personnel benefits Since membership includes persons http://www.thresherbase.org/. Only not only the members themselves but with first-hand knowledge of prai- qualified submariners are eligile for the United States Navy as well. cally every phase of submarine devel- regular membership, but our base has • It enales veterans, no longer on ac- opment, the United States Submarine provisions for Associate Membership. tive duty, to maintain an aive inter- Veterans is an unsurpassed repository We strongly encourage those that are est in the Navy and Submarines. of submarine history and tradition. not qualified submariners, but who • It provides the younger men with Its self-perpetuating nature ensures are related to the Submarine Service the fellowship, aive encouragement that this priceless heritage will be by their deeds or aions (i.e., shipyard and moral support of older, more handed down intact through future employees, support contractors, etc.), experienced submariners. generations of submariners. to join as an Associate Member. • It provides the Navy with a pool of Membership application to join staunch, knowledgeale supporters SUBVETs – Thresher Base can be Page 3 Base News
March Minutes Treasurer’s Report Holland Club (continued from page 2) (as of May 21, 2005) Holland Club Certificates, Patches Holland Club – January induction and Membership Cards have been went well. There are 2 more members Balance 5138.85 received for Ralph Devoid and Ed eligile this year. Ed Store in Septem- Paid Out Storer. Our Holland Club Coordina- ber and Ralph Devoid request ed to Garrison Florist 100.00 tor (Larry Oiler) will contact these receive his at the National Convention Holland Club Mailing 30.16 individuals to schedule an induction in Kansas City. A thank you letter was Postage 37.00 ceremony. Ralph and Ed have been received from Leo Cloutier. USSVI Dues 195.00 added to list of THREHSER Base – It is being submitted to Newslette Returned Check and fees 18.00 Holland Club Members located on the National for an award. Credit Internet at www.thresherbase.org Biographies – The base is still looking for member bios. 50/50 Raffle 16.00 New Items- Bank Charge 8.00 The Goody Locker Orion Printing custom designs Dues 385.00 We are still looking for a volunteer checks with submarine art. Infor- Interest .85 for the position of Base Storekeeper. mation will be availale in the next Larry Oiler has donated a lockale newsletter. Ending Balance 5009.54 metal container that will be main- Holland Club – Members receive tained at the Portsmouth VFW Post Lifetime membership to National. Camaraderie – Sea Stories for storage of small store items. This Should they get lifetime Thresher by Larry Oile, Senio Vice Commande box will be used to store on-hand membership? This would require The primary purpose of USSVI is items until they are sold. A list of changes to the current bylaws. Cur- “To perpetuate the memory of our items stored in the box that are avail- rent Holland Club members present shipmates who gave their lives in the ale for purchase will be prepared and at the meeting said they would rather pursuit of their duties while serving posted at each meeting. pay dues and feel they are contribut- their country. That their dedication, ing to the base. It was decided that deeds, and supreme sacrifice be a there was not enough interest in going USSVI Meritorious through with this a ion. constant source of motivation toward Award Nominations D1 meeting will be April 28 to 30 in greater accomplishments. Pledge Do you know of any THRESHER Groton. This will coincide with their loyalty and patriotism to the United Base Member that you feel should be anniversary party. Many a ivities are States Government.” THRESHER nominated for a USSVI Meritorious planned with some having deadlines in Base members excel in this area. Award? This Award is presented to mid April. However, a secondary purpose is the Shipmate, Base, or group within The base received a Scholarship to provide a way for all Submariners our organization who most exempli- Certificate from National for the $200 to gather for enjoyment, i.e., cama- fies the motto, “Pride Runs Deep,” donated in memory of Bob Belislle, raderie. In my opinion, we don’t do who by his (their) efforts and involve- Dick Godbout and Keith McCall. well in this area. This is my primary ment in local veterans affairs, parades, Kevin Galeaz received an email from reason for attending our meetings. school a ivities etc. have promoted Manning Harvey III. This is a new Members routinely show up just as the concept of Honor, Duty, and Pride Thresher family member contact. He the meetings are starting and they are of US Navy Submarine Force to the out the door as soon as they adjourn. general pulic. Any USSVI member continued on page 8 There is a group of about 5 or 6 that can nominate any other member in stick around for an hour or so after good standing for this award. All USSVI Scholarship the meetings to tell sea stories. You you have to do is submit the name of Program 2005 are invited to attend and I’ll buy the your choice and a short evaluation The USSVI Scholarship Program for first round (beer, soda, bottled water, to the District Commander. If you 2005 closed on 15 May. Updated in- whatever). want help in preparing the submittal, formation for the 2005 – 2006 school contact our Senior Vice Commander term should be availale on or about (Larry Oiler). 15 October. Page 4 To Perpetuate the Memory
Patrick Wayne Ill., and after Submarine School at the U.S. Naval Carmody was completing his Submarine Base, New born on No- course of instruc- London, Conn. successfully complet- vember 16, tion in October ing the course, Patrick was assigned to 1938, in Madi- 1956, he attended the nuclear-powered submarine U.S.S. son, Wis., and the Navy’s Store- Thresher (SSN 593) on February 18, ent his early keeper School. 1963. boyhood in His first sea duty Patrick had earned the Navy’s Good Wisconsin. Af- assignment was in Conduct Medal during his naval ter completing the aircraft car- service, and also served at the naval his early school- rier U.S.S. Valley installations at Newport, R.I., and ing, Patrick Forge (CVA 45), Clarksville, Tenn., prior to entering enlisted in the and later the U.S.S. the Submarine Service. Navy on July Patrick Wayne Carmody Saratoga (CVA He is survived by his daughter, 16, 1956. Storekeeper Second Class 60). Vickie Ann Carmody of Jacksonville He received United States Navy Patrick volun- Beach, Fla., and his father, Mr. Ed- his basic train- teered for subma- ward Carmody of Toledo, Ohio. ing at the U.S. rine duty and upon Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, being accepted he was enrolled in the
Steven George Cayey was born on duty. He was earned his silver dol- November 7, 1939, in Malone, N.Y., enrolled in phins; the insignia of the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jay F. Cayey. the Navy’s the qualified subma- He attended elementary schools in Submarine riner. He had also Sugar Island, N.Y., and was gradu- School at the earned the Navy’s ated in 1957, from the Potsdam High U.S. Naval Good Conduct School, Potsdam, N.Y. during his Submarine Medal. In January school years, Steven was a ive in Base, New 1963, Steven was school sports and had received his London, assigned to the nucle- letter in track. His hobies included Conn., gradu- ar-powered subma- hunting, fishing, camping, target ating in April rine U.S.S. Thresher shooting, and archery. He was also ac- 1958. He (SSN 593). tive in the 4-H club, and participated later attended He is survived by in many of their camping trips. He the submarine Steven George Cayey his widow, Donna L. had worked as a counselor and wood- school’s Torpedoman’s Mate Second Class Cayey; a daughter, craft instructor, and had been selected torpedoman’s United States Navy Vicky Lynn; a sister, to attend Camp Arnot, a forestry course, and Diane; a brother, camp near Ithaca, N.Y. upon com- Neil, and his parents, Steven enlisted in the Navy in July pleting the course of instruction he Mr. and Mrs. Jay F. Cayey 1957, and after completing his basic was assigned to the U.S.S. Cavalla (SS of Potsdam, N.Y. training, he volunteered for submarine 244). While serving in Cavalla, he
Page 5 Member Profile MICHAEL C. GELETKA ENC, USN (RET)
Born January forget: 1) being caught in Our Squadron was transferred out of 8, 1921 in Cleve- a minefield off the coast Panama. I was then transferred to the land, Ohio. Joined of Japan, 2) sinking 5 Submarine School in New London. the United States Destroyers off Tawi-Tawi While there, I ended up Chief in Navy February and 3) the lowing up Charge of Damage Control School. 1937. I completed of a destroyer over our Later I was in Squadron 2 as Chief my Naval Train- heads at 90 feet; what an in Charge of the Squadron Overhaul ing at the Great awakening that was. We Shop. I was also attached to the SS 475 Lakes Training moved the Japanese Fleet for pay purpose only. After that, I put Center in Illinois. out of that area 20 hours the USS TROUT (SS 566) in com- After completion ahead of time. We rescued mission at Electric Boat. After that of Boot Training, I 6 Australian soldiers from tour of duty, I ended up on the USS was transferred to North Borneo. GREENLING (SS 213) as the COB. I the Battleship USS After that Patrol, I was retired from the Navy August 1957. TENNESSEE (BB transferred to Relief Crew I matriculated to Boston University 43). I did make Sea- 121 for duty. After R&R and after getting my degree; I worked man 2/c and received a pay increase I was to return to the USS HARD- for General Motors for 3 years. I from $21.00 a month to $36.00. After ER but the USS HARDER never finally got fed up working with civil- my tour of duty on the BB 43, I went returned, as she was lost near the ians and went to work for myself. I to Submarine School in New London, Philippine Islands in August of 1944. I became a Snap-on-Tool Dealer for 20 Connecticut. After Submarine School, stayed in the Relief Crew in charge of years, and then I retired for the second I was on my way to the Coco Solo, main power for submarine refits. I was time. I have kept busy ever since. I Canal Zone Submarine Base for duty transferred back to the States for new became the Memorabilia Director for on the USS S-45 (SS 156). construction. COMSUBLANT sent the US Submarine Veterans WW II, After six months on the S-45, I was me to the Boston Navy Yard for fit- busy with the local Masonic Lodge, qualified in November 1938. I then ting out the USS PICKEREL (SS 254). traveling to Europe to attend the was transferred to New London, WW II came to an end and we towed International Submarine Association Connecticut for new construction at her to the Portsmouth Navy Yard, I Conventions. Traveled to Australia Electric Boat Company for the USS never did put her in commission. I was in 1995 to attend the 50th Anniver- MACKEREL (SS 204). While on transferred to the USS THRESHER sary of our being based there during the USS MACKEREL, I made First (SS 200) for overhaul and getting her WWII, to Hawaii for the 45th and and Second Class Machinists Mate. ready for the Bikini Atomic test. We 50th Anniversaries. We were in the North Atlantic when didn’t make it and she was replaced I made 8 Patrol Runs during the war. WW II started, chasing German Sub- with another submarine. I received the following medals and marines. We were fired on by the U- I was then transferred to the USS ribons: Combat Pin, Navy Presiden- Boat and one torpedo traveled down SENNET (SS 408). Did the stan- tial Unit Citation, Philippine Presi- our starboard side missing us by one dard operation, except we did make dential Citation, Antarctic Service foot. We fired back but missed her. a South Pole trip with Admiral Byrd Medal, Good Conduct Medal (with She went East and we went South; no in 1946 called OPERATION HIGH 5 Bronze Stars), American Defense more contact after that. JUMP; we didn’t receive the Ant- Service Medal, American Campaign I came back to the Submarine Base arctic Medal for this operation until Medal (with Letter A), Europe- and I was transferred to the USS 2004, some 58 years later. I swapped Africa-Middle East Medal, Asiatic Pa- HARDER (SS 257) at Electric Boat duty with another Chief on the USS cific Campaign Medal (with 5 Stars), Company for commissioning. I made CUTLASS (SS 478) that wanted to go Philippine Liberation Medal, WWII all the Patrols on her and made CPO back to the states. I wanted to stay in Victory Medal, National Defense at the age of 23. Three things I won’t Panama. We made a trip around the Medal, Combat Action Medal, and Horn and thru the Magellan Straights. China Service Medal. Page 6 Combined WWII SubVets & Thresher Base Meeting & Lobster Fest Saturday, July 23, 2005 @ 1200 American Legion Post #70 Raymond D. Walton Road Seabrook, NH
Menu Options & Cost Doule lobsters, steamed clams, chowder & corn on the cob for $20 p/p. - or - Steak with baked potato for $15 p/p.
Invitation List U.S. SUBVETS WWII, Associates, Wives and Guests. All USSVI SUBVETS, Wives and Guests
Reservations Reservations are required by July 18. Mail check (US Subvets WWII) with menu selection to Carl Weber 15 March St. Nashua, NH 03060-5353 (603) 888–2675 [email protected]
Directions Take Rt. 95 to NH Exit 1, Rt. 107 East. Proceed to Rt. 1, and turn right heading South. Continue to Traffic Circle completing 3/4 of the circle. Turn right onto Walton Rd. and proceed for ~ 1/2 mile. The Raymond D. Walton American Legion Post #70 is located on the left. Page 7 Subvets WWII
The Squalus Chapte of Subvets World Wa II as chartered to perpetuate the memory of those shipmates ho gave thei lives in submarine arfare; to furthe promote and keep alive the spirit and unity that existed among United States Navy submarine crewmen during World Wa II; to promote sociability, general elfare and good fellowship among its members; and pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States government. Meeting Minutes At the Spring Meeting, Saturday, 23 sented to Albacore Park for landscape 2006 Submarine calendars will be April, 2005, “Wives of U.S. Submarine renovations. The work is completed availale at the LOBSTERFEST Veterans WWII”, Squalus Memorial and enjoyed by all who attended the which will be held on Saturday, 23 Chapter was dissolved by unanimous Memorial Day Services. July 2005. See the back for details on vote. $942.31 from the treasury was The National Convention at Lake LOBSTERFEST. Calendars are $5.00 passed on to the Men’s Chapter for Buena Vista, FL will be held at the at the meeting. Add $1.50 for mailing use toward purchasing 2 State Lost Wyndham Palace Resort & Spa, Sept. and handling if you can’t be there. boat Plaques. Of course, wives and 3 – 8, 2005. Before you make reserva- We only have 13 regular members guests are always invited to the Men’s tions join the “Wyndham by request” who are still paying annual dues. LIFE meeting which will continue as always plan at no cost to you 1-800-347- membership in National is only $25 until we also find it necessary to dis- 7559, get your number and then make now. Otherwise you have to pay band. a reservation 1-800-WYNDHAM $5.00 every year for the rest of your At our last meeting a check for (996-3426). lives. $1200 ($200 from Wives) was pre- Officers Thresher Base March Meeting Minutes (continued from page 4) State Commander, Maine & New is the nephew of LCDR John Harvey. Gary if you are planning on attending. Hampshire - William Tebo He is unale to attend the Memorial Details of the service - Speakers: Service, but requests that we send an Shipyard Commander, Boat Com- Deputy State Commander Maine invitation to his father, Manning Har- mander; Participants: Gary Hildreth Real Cyr vey II who lives in Hillsboro, NH. – MC, Kevin Galeaz and Bill Tebo Deputy State Commander New Bill Seaward shared a Navy Subma- - Read names; Tom Young – Toll Hampshire - David Dickey rine League Sub Review article on the bell; Lori Arsenault; Chaplin – El- Aparche. liot, Me; George Stevens – Taps; Pat Chapter Officers The next WWII meeting will be on Boyle – Bagpipes; Shipyard rifle squad; President - David Cahill April 23rd at Newicks. Location: Auditorium is the goal Vice-President - Michael Geletka The Sub ball will be on April 9th at – may have to use Chapel (125 only); Secretary/Treasurer - Carl Weber 1800 at the Sheraton. This is being Wreath: $100.00 - Herm will make Chaplain - David Purinton organized by the boats this year. arrangements, Larry Oiler will pick Discussion of many Shipyard visits up. Program: Kevin Galeaz Auxiliary (Disbanded) that have taken place or will be taking Brief discussion was had regarding State Commander Maine & New place within the next few weeks. The what would happen to future memo- Hampshire - Hope Finnegan shipyard has been awarded an OSHA rial services if the Shipyard was to Chapter Officers safety award, it is only the 2nd DoD close down. The only thing that would President - Jilane Seaward organization to receive this award change would be location. Services will Vice-President - Marge Weber and it is the 1st Navy organization to be held regardless of whether the base Treasurer - Hope Finnegan receive this award. The shipyard has is open or closed. Secretary - Phyllis Geletka come a long way and this is a big event USS Jimmy Carter program on CS- Chaplain - Theresa Cyr since you are dealing with an environ- PAN – Good Ceremony Historian - Jennie Hill ment that is inherently dangerous. Closing Prayer. Thresher Memorial Service – This Meeting Adjorned. will be on April 9th at 1300. Notify Page 8 USSVI News
Caring and Sharing Program German reporter seeking Annually we ask for donations to to start gathering the donations so WWII Vets travelling to provide funds at Christmas time for we’ll have the funds availale come Germany the SUBPAC and SUBLANT Caring December. The following letter was sent to and Sharing programs. This money This year, in appreciation of those Senator Larry Craig, U.S. Senate Com- is needed and very much appreciated members who go the ‘extra mile’ and mittee on Veterans’ Affairs, from Nina by the families of submariners from donate $25.00 or more, a ecial patch Behlendorf, a German reporter, who is Guam to La Maddalena. It is our will be provided that they can wear looking for help in conta ing former collective gift to those men and their on their vests to show they are proud U.S. servicemen from WWII who will families to whom we have passed the supporters of our Brotherhood Fund. be traveling to Germany. If you can torch of our a ive brotherhood. If you gather the donations and send provide any assistance, please contact As has been the past two years, our them in collectively as a base dona- her directly. national goal is to raise $ 8,000.00 for tion, be sure to also provide a listing the Brotherhood Fund to cover this Dear Mr. Craig, of the shipmates who donated $ 25.00 I am working for ZDF.reporter, a need. Although the money is dis- or more so that we can provide them bursed in December, now is the time German documentary that can best be with this ecial patch. compared to BBC.reporters. By now I am working on a long documentary USS Largarto (SS 371) Located with the title “60 years after WW II”. www.navsource.org/archives/08/08371.htm Therefore I try to find some US-vet- The Lagarto (SS-371) was found in the closest of these fisherman’s marks. erans travelling to Germany within late April 2005 in the Gulf of Siam by It is planned to revisit the Lagarto in the next few months, visiting historic local wreck diver Jamie Macleod near July, this time to further document sights, meeting other veterans there. it’s reported last siting. She lies in 72 the vessel. Jamie has informed Roy It is our aim to accompany a group of meters of water. The top of the con- Leonhardt that he is honored to lay a veterans in order to show how well ning tower is at 55 meters. There is no wreath or place a memorial plaque on veterans of different nations get along visile damage. the Lagarto on behalf of United States with each other but also to show the The Lagarto was found by comparing Submarine Veterans of World War II. emotions of US-veterans visiting it’s last known position against hun- Jamie’s first view of the Lagarto was sights in Germany. dreds of fisherman’s ‘net snag’ marks of the bow area which appeared ex- Could you perhaps be so kind and in the area of interest. 5 fisherman’s actly as in the lack and white image support my request? Perhaps you marks in particular, were close to the that remains as one of the few pieces know any US-veterans travelling to sinking site. Normally it might take of evidence documenting the Lagarto Germany and could help us getting days or weeks of Sidescan sonar runs when still afloat. in contact with us? ZDF.reporter is a to locate a new wreck in this depth of The Japanese netlayer Hatsutaka weekly magazine, seen by about 5 mil- water, but in an extraordinary stroke sank the Lagarto (SS-371) on May 4, lion viewers each Wednesday. Topics of good luck, the Lagarto appeared at 1945. of ZDF.reporter are “heroes like you and me” but also topics that are politi- History of the Submarine cally or economically of importance. If New Bases Formed you want to take a look at our web- CD Available The Seadragon Base of Lady Lake If you have not asked for a copy of a site - this is reporter.zdf.de (without Florida and the Jersey Shore Base in ‘Library Loan Copy you can still order www). Please feel free to call or email Jackson, NJ have become the 123rd it. To receive a CD to copy or save to when there are questions left! and 124th USSVI bases. your hard drive, contact Art Randall Thanks a lot for your support in by mail at 1693 Claymont Estates advance, Court, Chest erfield, MO 63017-7725 Best wishes from Germany or by e-mail at [email protected] Nina Behlendorf Page 9 THRESHER Base United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. c/o Kevin Galeaz 1465 Hooksett Road #239 Hooksett, NH 03106
Next Thresher Base Meeting Saturday, July 23, 2005 @ 1200 American Legion Post #70, Raymond Walton Road, Seabrook
USSVI Thresher Base Upcoming USSVI Thresher Base was chartered States Government.” USSVI Conventions on 15 November 1989 in the memory of The base newsletter, Threshe Base Here is a list of next five USSVI those 129 gallant men who at 9:17 AM News, and base website, www.threshe- on 10 April 1963 lost their lives in the base.org, are used to inform the mem- Conventions so you can start making performance of their duties aboard USS bership and community about meet- plans to attend. THRESHER (SSN 593). ing happenings and upcoming events. Our mission is “to perpetuate the Any member who has information to 2005 - Kansas City memory of our shipmates who gave share with the membership is encour- their lives in the pursuit of their duties aged to submit articles to the editor 2006 - Little Rock while serving their country. That their for pulishing. Send submissions to 2007 - Alaska dedication, deeds and supreme sacri- Kevin Galeaz, Editor, 1465 Hooksett 2008 - Dallas fice be a constant source of motivation Road #239, Hooksett, NH 03106 or toward greater accomplishments. Pledge [email protected]. 2009 - San Diego loyalty and patriotism to the United Page 10