USSVI Thresher Base News

National Elections Jill Arsenault Robinson, Thresher Base Associate Member USSVI National Elections started on June 15 and will run until one week Passed Away on June 28 before the Convention in Norfolk in On July 3, eight Thresher Base mem- Navy Relief Society and the Thresher September. Online voting is available bers attended calling hours to pay Base chapter at www.ussvi.org or a paper ballot can their respects, say a prayer and give a of the U.S. be found on page 6 of this newslet- hand salute in her honor. ter. All paper copies must be received Veterans. by August 31, 2012. As of July 19, Hilda Arsenault “Jill” Robinson was She is approximately 1400 USSVI mem- born Dec. 4, 1926, in East , survived by bers have cast their vote including 18 Mass. She was the widow of the late her lifelong Thresher Base members. Tilmon J. Arsenault, who died aboard friend and the USS Thresher lost at sea on April companion, Thresher Base Nominations 10, 1963. Ted Rob- Interested in running for office? She was a 1947 graduate of East Bos- inson of Nominations for base officers will be ton High School, Portsmouth Beauty Hampton; taken at the July meeting. You must College of Hair Design and Blair Hair one son, be present at the the meeting to make Cutting School, Boston. As a young William a nomination. Elections will be held at woman, she was an avid roller-skater J. Arsenault of Santa Monica, Calif.; the September meeting. and competed in team dance with suc- four daughters, Marie R. Absmeier of cess in several Massachusetts amateur San Jose, Calif., Lorraine C. Arsenault competitions. of Gorham, Maine, Donna M. Pennel She worked as a decorator-seam- of Bedford, Pa., and Debra J. Hender- stress in Dorchester, Mass., and later son of Stratham; 12 grandchildren; as a bookkeeper for attorney Seth five great-grandchildren; one step- Junkins in Hampton. For several years son, Thomas T. Robinson of Carver, she worked as a hairdresser before she Mass.; one sister, Grace Venezia of owned and operated Salon Profes- Revere, Mass.; and many nieces and sional in Hampton from 1979 to 1990. nephews. She retired in 1996 from Resee Hair In addition to her parents and her Salon in Hampton and continued to husband, she was predeceased by her serve her patrons on a freelance basis three brothers, Joseph, George and for several years. Edward; one sister, Regina; and her She was a communicant of Our Lady stillborn son, Robert “Robbie” Arse- of the Miraculous Medal Church, ac- nault. Lila Zito, daughter of Michael and Kimberly tive in the Outreach Ministry, was a In lieu of flowers, the family selected Zito, on Memorial Day at Albacore Park. member of the Albacore Park Soci- Thresher Base as one of three organi- Michael is serving on the USS Miami which is ety, the Gold Star Wives of America, zations to make memorial donations at the Portmouth Naval Shipyard. in Jill’s honor. Jill Arsenault Passes...... 1 Meeting Minutes...... 3 Calendar of Events...... 8 Table National Elections...... 1 Lost Boats...... 4 USSVI Conventions...... 8 of Thresher Base Nominations. 1 To Perpetuate the Memory... 5 Next Meeting...... 8 Commander’s Message...... 2 USSVI Election Ballot...... 6 Contents Member Birthdays...... 2 Memorial Day...... 7

Volume 2012 IssuePage 14 Base Happenings Base Commander’s Message Member Birthdays

Shipmates, July 3- Ian Johnston It’s time again for Hilda (Jill) (Arsenault) Robinson, 11 - Twig Armstrong the WWII Sub- widow of ENCA(SS) Tilmon J. Ar- 13 - Daniel Nicholson marine Veterans senault, USS Thresher. I will always 16 - Bill Livendale Lobster Fest and remember Jill enjoying the company 22 - George Thomas Holland Club In- of former Thresher Base member and 24 - Mike Remington duction Ceremo- Secretary Stu McGregor at Thresher 29 - Carl Furlong ny, an event I look Base meetings held a number of years forward to each year. Two Thresher ago at the Legion and VFW. Jill was a August Base members will be inducted into strong supporter of Thresher Base’s 2 - Bill Niland the Holland Club on Saturday, Rol- Annual USS Thresher Memorial 4 - George Albert land Miller and Howard Dmytro. Service. Five relatives and friends 6 - Bill Seaward of Jill donated a total of $280 to the 7 - John McCarthy The ranks of our WWII Submarine Thresher Memorial Fund. 9 - Sam Witham Veterans members have been reduced 15 Bob Rawlins by one with the recent loss of Captain Finally, 18 of our 94 full members 18 - Earl Hansen Robert J. Anderson. They continue to have voted. If you are one of the 76 19 - Bill Severn be dedicated supporters of Thresher members who have not yet voted, 22 - Bill Tebo Base’s fraternal and memorial service please log into USSVI’s website and activities. I encourage you to take vote now, or vote by hand using the the opportunity to get to know these form included in the latest copy of brave men and listen to the history American Submariner magazine. they provide. Fraternally, Eight members of Thresher Base Kevin attended the calling hours and per- formed a brief ceremony including hand salute for associate member

Thresher Base Charter Newsletter Information

USSVI Thresher Base was chartered The base newsletter, Thresher Base on 15 November 1989 in the memory of News, is published 6 times a year to those 129 gallant men who at 9:17 AM inform the membership and com- on 10 April 1963 lost their lives in the munity about meeting happenings performance of their duties aboard USS and upcoming events. All members THRESHER (SSN 593). are welcome to submit non-political Our mission is “to perpetuate the articles for inclusion in an upcom- memory of our shipmates who gave their ing issue. Send submissions to Kevin lives in the pursuit of their duties while Galeaz, Editor, 1465 Hooksett Road serving their country. That their dedica- #239, Hooksett, NH 03106 or tion, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a [email protected]. constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States Government.” Page 2 May 2012 Meeting Minutes

Call meeting to order at 12:40 by tive comments from family members. of $400.00 for the Memorial Service Commander Galeaz followed by a The speakers were absolutely superb Fund. Information was given by prayer lead by Al Page this year. Vice Admiral McCoy’s Commander Galeaz re: the Thresher speech was the best the Commander Memorial being considered at Arling- Pledge of Allegiance was led by COB has heard from an active duty offi- ton National Cemetery for the 50th. Bob Flannery followed by Moment of cer. He deeply understands and fully Mr. Al Ford and NAVSEA are pursu- Silence for Boats on Eternal Patrol in supports our efforts. It was moving ing this and have asked Thresher Base May & June, by Commander Galeaz to hear that he uses the memory of to spearhead this project. The Memo- Thresher when making key shipbuild- rial will be dedicated on 4/10/13, the Binnacle list: none ing decisions. Joy McMillan’s speech actual date which is after our Memo- is now the template for family speak- rial Service which is 4/6/13. ers. Vice Admiral McCoy has hand NEW BUSINESS: delivered our invitation to the CNO Al Page to be the keynote speaker at the spoke 50th. The commander is excited to about the have the 50th webcasted to allow Eagle Scout family and crew member to view presenta- the service if they can’t attend along tion that with other USSVI bases around the he, Kevin country. Former Commander Gary and Robin Sound Off: New member, Frank Hildreth spoke about the 50th being attended. Hood, Ron Miller and other members held at PSNY in the building way. They were of Thresher Base Thank you to Gary, for stepping up very im- and helping us to secure the location. pressed with Introduction of Guests: None The sub tour on 6/9/12 is still a go the presenta- as far as the Commander knows. He tion and the young men receiving the Reading of the last meeting minutes: will be checking w/ District Com- award. Robin spoke about a specific Minutes were read by Secretary Bob mander Shannon to confirm details. project and how impressed she was. McAlpine. Motion was made to ac- An e-mail will be sent out as further Al then spoke about the Patriots Day cept minutes as read, 2nd and passed. information becomes available. The parade the he, Tom Young and Bob annual Memorial Day service at Alba- McAlpine marched in at Lexing- Treasurer’s Report: core Park is set for Monday, 5/28/12 ton Mass along with members from Last month’s balance $4,425.08 at 10:00. The guest speaker will be Marblehead Base and Rear Admiral Deposits $30.70 Commander Mayer, USS Miami Breckenridge. It was hot but a good Expenses $310.00 which is at the shipyard for overhaul. time by all. Current balance $4,145.78 Thresher Base 50th Memorial Fund $4,204.43 received a thank GOOD OF THE ORDER: A motion was made to accept Trea- you note from surers report, 2nd and passed Audrey Gill, CLOSING PRAYER: Given by Peter wife of Jack Joy. Committee Chairman Reports: None Gill. We also received two MOTION TO ADJOURN: Motion OLD BUSINESS: checks from the was made, 2nd and passed. Meeting Commander Galeaz thanked all Thresher family adjourned at 13:10 Thresher Base members and spouses from the sale of who helped w/ the 49th Memorial shirts and coins Service. He has received many posi- in the amount Page 3 Lost Boats

USS Lagarto (SS-371) was lost on ducting a surface attack when a shore was subjected to a savage May 3, 1945 with the loss of 86 men battery spotted her and made 2 direct attack. near the Gulf of Siam. On her 2nd hits on her and caus- war patrol, she is believed to have ing her loss. Before being sunk, she USS S-27 (SS-132) was lost on June been lost to a radar equipped mine- had sank a freighter and a passenger- 19, 1942 when it grounded off Am- layer. This was sunk by the cargoman. Herring was the only US chitka Island. She was on the surface USS Hawkbill 2 weeks later. submarine sunk by a land battery. in poor visibility, charging batteries and drifted into the shoals. When she USS Scorpion (SSN-589) was return- USS R-12 (SS-89) was lost on June 12, could not be freed and started list- ing to Norfolk, VA from a Mediter- 1943 with the loss of 42 men near Key ing, the captain got the entire crew to ranean deployment. On May 22,1968 West, FL during a practice shore (400 yards away) in relays using she reported her position to be about approach. The cause was probably a 3-man rubber raft. The entire crew 50 miles south of the Azores. Scor- due to flooding through a torpedo was subsequently rescued. pion was never heard from again. The tube. The CO and 2 other men on exact cause of her loss has never been the bridge survived, as did 18 crew USS O-9 (SS-70) was lost on June 20, determined. members on liberty at the time of the 1941 with the loss of 34 men when it accident. foundered off Isle of Shoals, 15 miles USS Squalus (SS-192) suffered a cata- from Portsmouth, NH. strophic valve failure during a test dive USS Golet (SS-361) was lost on June off the Isle of Shoals. Partially flooded, 14, 1944 with the loss of 82 men. On USS Runner (SS-275) was lost be- the submarine sank to the bottom her 2nd war patrol, Golet was appar- tween June 26 and July 4th with the and came to rest keel down in 240 ently lost in battle with antisubmarine loss of 78 men, probably due to a feet of water. Commander Charles forces north of Honshu. mine. Runner was on her 3rd war Momsen and Navy divers on the USS patrol. Prior to her loss, she reported Falcon (ASR-2) rescued 33 survivors USS Bonefish(SS-223) was lost on sinking a freighter and a passenger- use the diving bell he invented. 26 June 19, 1945 with the loss of 85 men cargoman off the Kuriles. This boat’s men drowned in the after compart- when sunk near Suzu Misaki. Winner last known ship sunk happened on ments. Later Squalus was raised and of 3 Navy Unit Citations, Bonefish June 26th, so she probably hit that recommissioned as the USS Sailfish. was on her 8th war patrol. After sink- mine on or after that date but before In an ironic turn of fate, Sailfish sank ing a passenger-cargoman, Bonefish July 4th, when she was scheduled back the Japanese carry- at Midway. ing surviving crew members from Sculpin, which had located Squalus in 1939. Only one survived after spend- ing the rest of the war as slave laborers in .

USS Stickleback (SS-415) was lost on May 30, 1958 when it sank off while under tow after collision with USS Silverstein (DE-534). The entire crew was taken off prior to sinking.

USS Herring (SS-233) was lost on June 1, 1944 with the loss of 83 men near Matsuwa Island. Herring was on her 8th war patrol and was con- Page 4 To Perpetuate the Memory

Anthony Alexander Rushetski was his class. Active in sports, he earned a Center, , Ill. born on April 6, 1940, in Maspeth, letter in football. Anthony subsequently served at the Long Island, N.Y. He attended ele- Anthony was a member of the St. Headquarters, Fourth Naval District, mentary school in Maspeth until1948, Elizabeth Episcopal Church in Al- Philadelphia Naval Base, and in the when he moved lentown, where he aircraft carrier U.S.S. Independence with his family to was a crucifer and (CVA 62), and the nuclear-powered Allentown, Pa. a choir boy until he , U.S.S. Long Beach (CG(N) In Allentown, entered the active 9). Having been selected for advanced Anthony at- naval service. training in nuclear power, he under- tended Jefferson Having enlisted in went training at the nuclear power Grade School, the Naval Reserve training unit, Falls, Idaho, in South Moun- in September early 1962. Anthony was assigned to tain Junior High 1957, while still Thresher on May 19, 1962. School, and Wil- in high school, In addition to his parents, Mr. and liam Allen High he enlisted in the Mrs. Alexander Rushetski of Allen- School. Through- regular Navy on town, Pa., Anthony is survived by his out his school November 3, 1958, grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William days, he was an Anthony Alexander Rushetski after graduating Smith of Maspeth, Long Island, N.Y. honor-roll stu- Electronics Technician Second Class from high school. dent graduating He completed his among the first basic training at the five students in U.S.Naval Training

James Michael Schiewe was born awarded a letter of commendation standing performance of duty by the on October 11, 1939, in Hot Springs, from the commanding officer, and commanding officer. He also earned Ark. During his school years, and was qualified as a submariner. He was the right to wear the Navy’s Good later while in the Navy, James enjoyed then awarded his silver dolphins, the Conduct Medal. many sports including fishing, hunt- badge of the qualified He is survived ing, bowling and target shooting. submariner. by his wife, Mrs. On June 4, 1957, he enlisted in the An ambitious and Joan M. Schiewe, Navy at Little Rock, Ark., and re- energetic student, and a daughter, ceived his recruit training at the U.S. James volunteered for Jeri Ann, born Naval Training Center, , nuclear power train- on May 12, 1963. Calif. Completing his basic training ing, and completed He also leaves in September 1957, he was ordered to the 1-year course of his mother, Mrs. the Navy’s Electrician’s Mate Class instruction. He was Pearl Haisler of “A” School at San Diego. Graduating then assigned to the Houston, Tex.; a from the school in February 1958, he commissioning crew sister, Mrs. Lola volunteered for submarine duty and of the nuclear pow- Fay Franchitto upon being accepted, he entered the ered submarine U.S.S. of Hyde Park, U.S. Naval Submarine School at New Thresher (SSN 593), James Michael Schiewe Mass.; and a London, Conn. at the Portsmouth Na- Electrician’s Mate First Class younger brother, In December 1958, James was as- val Shipyard. While a United States Navy Wesley A. signed to his first submarine, the member of the crew, Schiewe, a mem- U.S.S. Jallao (SS 368). While a James was again presented with a ber of the U.S. Navy. member of the crew of Jallao, he was letter of commendation for his out- Page 5 2012 USSVI National Election Paper Ballot

Candidates for office are listed in alphabetical order per the C&B’s.

National and Regional Candidates biographies are printed in The American Submariner and on the USSVI website. The current USSVI Constitution and Bylaws are available on the USSVI website. If you do not have access to the web site, you may ask a Shipmate or your Base Commander to print a copy for you. The Proposed Amendments are also available in this issue of The American Submariner and on the USSVI website.

When you vote for Regional Director, vote ONLY for the Regional Director in which your Primary Base is located. If you are not sure of the Region where your Primary Base is located, ask your Base Commander or check the USSVI web site.

ELECTIVE OFFICERS PROPOSED AMENDMENTS NATIONAL COMMANDER YES NO CONSTITUTION PAs [___] T. Michael Bircumshaw [___] [___] PA 1 Associate Members [___] ______[___] [___] PA 2 Alternative Names

NATIONAL SR. VICE-COMMANDER [___] William Andrea YES NO BYLAWS PAs [___] Carl Schmidt [___] [___] PA 3 Regional Director Election [___] ______[___] [___] PA 4 Base Cdr Group Revision [___] [___] PA 5 Biennial Elections NATIONAL JR. VICE COMMANDER [___] [___] PA 6 Date Changes [___] Al. Singleman, Jr. [___] [___] PA 7 District Cdr Elections [___] ______[___] [___] PA 8 Convention Revisions

NATIONAL SECRETARY REGIONAL DIRECTORS [___] John W. Clear ERN [___] Michael Naughton [___] Tom Conlon ERN [___] ______[___] Leonard W. Heiselt [___] ______ERS [___] Diedrick Kanning ERS [___] ______NATIONAL TREASURER [___] Richard McPherson CRD [___] Wayne Standerfer [___] James E. Van Vranken CRD [___] Harold Kenneth Recoy [___] ______CRD [___] ______

WRD [___] John G. Mansfield, Jr. WRD [___] Robert J, Miller WRD [___] ______

NAME:______BASE/MAL:______

(You must enter your name on this ballot to have it entered into the system and counted.)

Mail your completed ballot (with legible signature and Base name or MAL) to:

Patrick Householder, USSVI Election Master, 25003 SE 146th St, Issaquah WA 98027 Page 6 Memorial Day at Albacore Park

Page 7 THRESHER Base United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. c/o Kevin Galeaz 1465 Hooksett Road #239 Hooksett, NH 03106

Next Thresher Base Meeting Saturday, July 21 @ 1200 American Legion Post #70 • 169 Walton Rd,• Seabrook, NH

Calendar of Events USSVI Conventions

July 2012 21 - 1200 - Base Meeting/Lobster- September 2 to 9 bake at Seabrook Legion Norfolk, VA September 2 to 9 - USSVI Convention, Norfolk, 2013 VA August 25 to September 2 15 - 1200 - Base Meeting at Newicks Rochester, MN November 17 - 1200 - Base Meeting - TBD

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