USSVI Thresher Base News July 2011

The 4th of July in Bath by Tom Young, Thresher Base On the 4th of July Thresher base Bob and I walked the 2 or 3 miles in The SubVets had reserved a shipmates were invited by the Maine the parade. The crowds were amazing spot at a local restaurant on the river base to march in the parade in Bath and applauded us along the com- where we joined them after the parade Maine. We had the following Thresh- plete route. There had to be well over for a nice lunch and social hour. er Base shipmates in the parade: Bob 25,000 people. McAlpine, Peter Joy, Thresher Base Treasurer Dennis O’Keefe and Thresher Base Officer myself. Peter drove his car, which Nominations he had decorated with Thresher Interested in running for office? base signs on each side, behind the Nominations for base officers will be Maine float. In addition taken at the July meeting. You must we rigged our large flag through his be present at the the meeting to make sunroof and it looked great. Dennis a nomination. rode with him attending to the flag as well as periscope they had rigged up. Three Mast Flagpole for a Car with a Moon Roof! by Peter Joy, Thresher Base Chaplin With 1 ½ inch pvc, 10 foot paper. And now, I definitely hold the sections, whittled down to same thought that Orville and Wilber resemble: Wright had at their first attempt on

a flying machine. “Looked great on Approximately 10 feet tall, paper, didn’t it! Ohhhhh shucks.” Tip of mast would hold the Well, some on scene, going forward Ensign flown on the constitution, from a well schemed Plan A, our Starboard mast for the U.S. Navy Flag, illustrious Commander and his ever Mid-Mast for the USSVI wittingly Treasurer, Plan B was initi- Thresher Base Flag, Port ated! After a third, well, almost, of mast for the Submarine duct tape, the Thresher Base flag was Dolphin Flag. Set in a “strung out” and with Peter, (Base console modification frame Chaplain) at the helm, and the trust to stabilize. AND, for the worthy Treasurer on the Periscope, we mid mast, an aft going 5 successfully navigated the Bath Maine foot 1 in PVC to hold up Heritage Day July 4th Parade route, the Thresher Base Flag, following the Maine Base Submarine yeah, a sight to behold! Well, it looked great on continued on page 6

4th of July in Bath...... 1 Table of Contents Treasurer’s Report...... 6 Three Mast Flag for Car...... 1 May Meeting Minutes...... 3 Upcoming Events...... 6 Base Officer Nominations...... 1 Retiree Check List...... 4 To Perpetuate the Memory...... 7 Memorial Day at Albacore Park...... 2 Eternal Patrol...... 5 USSVI Conventions...... Back Page Albacore Park 25th Anniversary..... 3 Next Meeting...... Back Page Lost Boats...... 6 Page 1 Memorial Day Ceremony at Albacore Park

1st Row: Former Thresher Base Com- mander Gary Hildreth; Thresher Base Chaplin Peter Joy; Portsmouth Mayor Tom Ferrini 2nd Row: Ceremony guests; Rear Admiral John Clarke Orzalli, Vice Commander Naval Systems Command; Thresher Base Senior Vice Commander Kevin Galeaz 3rd Row: USSVI Thresher Base member Bob McAlpine; Lori Arsenault, daughter of Tilmon Arsenault, USS Thresher 4th Row: Young Marines; WWII Subvets and USSVI Thresher Base members Bill Seaward and Carl Weber

Page 2 Base News

May 2011 Minutes The May meeting of Thresher Base 16. This will be the annual Lobster- National Convention. Information was held at the Flag Hill Winery on bake and details will be forth coming. was passed out. May 21. The meeting was called to • Memorial Day service is at 10 • Larry Oiler and Herm Stolzenburg order followed by a silent prayer and am on May 30. The following base reported on their attendance at the pledge of allegiance. The Tolling of the members will be participating in the diesel boat reunion of Squadron\6 in Bells was conducted for those boats ceremony: Former Thresher Base Norfolk. lost in May and June. A silent prayer Commander Gary Hildreth, master •Thresher Base received $500 from was said for those on eternal patrol. of ceremonies; Thresher Base Senior WWII Squalus Chapter for maintain- A sound off of those present was Vice Commander Kevin Galeaz, lost ing the memorials at Albacore Park. conducted with 14 members in at- boats reader; Bob McAlpine, toller of •Voting for District Commander was tendance. the bell and Thresher Base Treasurer held. The base unanimously voted to Secretary’s Report and Treasurer’s Dennis O’Keeffe, wreath layer. Base re-elect current District 1 Command- Report were read. Commander Tom Young and Herm er, Tom Shannon. Stolzenburg will be available if neces- •Tom Young and Peter Joy will get in Old Business - none sary. touch with Maine Base to discuss a New Business - • Larry Oiler will be attending the joint September meeting. • Next meeting will be Saturday, July Three Mast Flagpole (continued from page 1) Float, being ever mindful so as NOT to get caught up in the submarine’s prop wash. All participating Submarine Sailors mustered at the SAME tavern, no less, where upon we patiently awaited for our individual “war Lords” (wives), to come join us. BUTTTT, as PARCHED as we were, from either marching, riding the float, or steer- ing the mechanized machines for the length of the parade route, we had to Albacore Park 25th Anniversary rest the weary and dry throats, that Saturday, August 20, 2011 bottled water can not do, well, as well as COLD BEER. One beer each, is 9:30 to 5:00 all we had as we awaited our brides’ arrival, just so happens, the one beer Free Admission All Day each drill was repeated 3 or 4 times to make a perfect presentation as to Opening Ceremony at 11:00 Question and Answers with the tradition of Submarine Enlisted former crew ‘gentlemanly’ appearance. Trivia Contest aboard T’wuz a fun time had by all in at- the Albacore Book signings tendance!!!! GO THRESHER BASE! Toy Submarine “Test Tank” Cake and Refreshments Page 3 Retiree Checklist - What Survivors Should Know

This checklist, from USSVI, is de- Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Com- cemetery, ground burial, etc. If your signed to provide retirees and their ponent Survivor Benefit Plan (RC- spouse knows your desires, it will loved ones with some help in prepar- SBP) or the Retired Serviceman’s resolve some of the questions that ing for the future. This information is Family Protection Plan (RSFPP), or might arise at a later date. not all-inclusive and should be used any applicable Civil Service annuity, _ Visit a local funeral home and pre- with other estate planning tools to etc. Additional information regard- arrange your services. Many states lessen trauma to your loved ones. ing SBP, RCSBP and RSFPP an- allow you to pre-pay for services. nuity claims can be obtained from _Create a military file that includes a DFAS office at (800) 321-1080. _ Investigate the decisions that you copy of retirement orders, separa- and your family have agreed upon. tion papers, DD Form 214, medical _ Create a personal document file Many states have specific laws and records, and any other pertinent that has copies of marriage certifi- guidelines regulating cremation and military paperwork. Include the cates, divorce decrees, adoptions burials at sea. Some states require location and telephone number of and naturalization papers. a letter of authority signed by the the nearest military installation. _ Create an income tax file. Include deceased in order to authorize a _ Create a military retired pay file copies of both of your state and cremation. Know the laws in your that includes the following contact federal income tax returns. specific area and how they may information: affect your decisions. Information _ Create a property tax file. Include regarding Burials at Sea can be Defense Finance and Accounting copies of tax bills, deeds and any obtained by phoning the Mortuary Service other related documents. Affairs Division at (866) 787-0081. U S Military Retirement Pay _ Create an insurance policy file. In- Post Office Box 7130 _ Once your decisions have been clude life, property, accident, liability London , KY 40742-7130 made have a will drawn up outlin- and hospitalization policies. (800) 321-1080 or (216) 522- ing all your wishes and store it in 5955/(800) 269-5170 (for issues _ In a secure location, maintain a list a secure location with your other regarding deceased members) of all bank accounts (joint or indi- paperwork. vidual). Include the location of all Navy Personnel Command Who should be notified in the event deposit boxes, savings bonds, stocks, (N135C) of my death? bonds and any securities owned. Retired Activities Branch 1. Defense Finance and Accounting 5720 Integrity Drive _ In a secure location, maintain a list Service (800) 321-1080 or (216) Millington, TN 38055-6220 of all charge accounts and credit 522-5955 cards. Include account numbers and Also include: 2. Social Security Administration (for mailing addresses. _The number of any pending VA death benefits) - (800) 772-1213 claim and the address of the local _ Maintain a list of all associations 3. Department of Veterans Affairs (if VA office and organizations of which you are applicable) – (800) 827-1000 _A list of deductions currently a member. Some of them could be 4. Office of Personnel and Management being made from retired pay or VA helpful to your spouse. (if applicable) - (724) 794-8690 benefits. 5. Any fraternal group you have mem- _The name, relationship and ad- _ Maintain a list of all friends and bership with such as MOOA, FRA, dress of the person you have des- business associates who may be NCOA, VFW, AL, TREA, USSVI ignated to any unpaid retired pay helpful. Include name, address and NATIONAL when a shipmate at the time of death. This designa- telephone number. goes on Eternal Patrol. Provide tion is located on the back of your _ Discuss your plans/desires with Name, Base and date of death and Retiree Account Statement) respect to the type and location of obituary if available. 6. Any previous employer that pro- _ Create an annuities file.It should your funeral service. You should vides pension or benefits. information about the Survivor decide about cremation, which Page 4 Eternal Patrol

devoted and loving, husband, father, and grandfather. Other passions included being on the open sea, fishing and hunting, and woodworking. Ski will be deeply missed by his lov- ing brood, including his wife, Mary, of Exeter, NH; children, Rosann Lampkin (and Tom) of Chico, CA, Wanda Wright (and Tom) of So. Portland, ME, Teresa Stokes (and Ed) of Wrentham, MA, John Cza- WWII Subvet, Shipmate of Bill jkowski Jr., of Portland, ME, Joan Seaward and long time LobsterFest at- WWII SubVet and Thresher Base Hart (and Bruce) of Durham, CA, tendee Eugene Guilbault member John W. Czajkowski Sr. Joseph Czajkowski (and Jennifer) of Lansdale, PA, and Jayne Conley (and Eugene F. “Gene” Guilbault, of Avon, On Tuesday, June 28, 2011, John Tom) of So. Portland, ME; adoring passed on June 25, 2011, at age 84. William “Ski” Czajkowski Sr. passed grandchildren, Malia Lampkin, Nata- Gene served in the US Navy aboard away in Exeter, NH. He was born lie, Jeff and Laura Stokes, Mikayla the USS Tench SS-417, USS Shad in Kearny, NJ on August 30, 1920 Czajkowski, Elena, Maddy and John SS-235, and USS Sea Poacher SS-406. to Stanley and Bernice (Olszewska) Hart, Mackenzie, Jack and Camryn After leaving the Navy, he worked for Czajkowski, the middle child of five. Czajkowski, and Matthew and Mary Edison until his retirement. He was raised and attended schools in Conley; in-laws, Carol Czajkowski of Gene was a member of WWII Subvets Kearny. Naples, FL and Jim Rea of Ft. Worth, and where he served as the Massachu- At the age of 17, Ski joined the US TX,; numerous nieces and nephews; setts Bay State Secretary. He was also a Navy and served as Chief of the Boat and many friends. member of VFW Post 8892. on a number of . He was Ski was predeceased by his parents, He was the beloved husband of Lil- a proud veteran of three wars (WW his three brothers, Walter, Tony, and lian P. (West) Guilbault for 58 years, II, and Vietnam). He pursued Tom, and a sister Tess Cassidy. loving father of Priscilla Phelps (& his Navy career for 30 years and John A wake was held at Brewitt Funeral Daniel) of Avon, Charles Guilbault served on the following boats: USS Home, Exeter, NH on July 1. A Mass (& Patty) of Halifax, Jean Marie Haddock (SS-231), USS Tang (SS/ of Christian Burial was celebrated Guilbault of Brockton, Gene F. AGSS-563), USS Lapon (SS-260). on July 2 at St. Michael’s Church, Guilbault (& Sherry) of Bridgewa- Upon leaving the service he worked at Exeter, NH. Military Honors were ter, Judy Guilbault of Avon and the the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard until held following the Mass at the Exeter late Robert Guilbault (& Donna) of his retirement. Cemetery. West Bridgewater; dear grandfather In 1957, Ski married Mary Mulherin The family would like to extend of Charles, Michael, Brian, Matthew, from Portsmouth, NH. Mary was the thanks to the staff of Langdon Place Nicole & the late Heather Guilbault light and love of his life, and together of Exeter and Hospice for their loving Kass; great-grandfather of Devon, they raised 7 children in Exeter, NH. care and kindness during his illness Russell, Brady & Lily; brother of Wil- Ski will be remembered as a man of and final days. In lieu of flowers, the fred Guilbault of Braintree & the late deep integrity, enduring strength and family requests that donations be James Guilbault; he leaves nieces & fortitude, and great humor. Always made in Ski’s memory to the NH nephews & friends. Funeral was held true to himself, he exhibited kind- Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Associa- at Waitt Funeral Home and burial ness, humility, and honesty in all his tion, 5 Bedford Farms Dr., Suite 201, at Avon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, relationships, earning love and respect Bedford, NH 03110 or to SolAmor memorial gifts may be made to Nor- from all who had the honor to know Hospice, 65 Lafayette Rd., No. Hamp- folk Center for Cancer & Hematol- him. A dedicated parishioner of St. ton, NH 03862 ogy, 1073 Pleasant St. Brockton MA Michael’s Church, he was above all a 02301. Page 5 Lost Boats

May and June

USS Lagarto (SS-371) was lost on USS Herring (SS-233) was lost on ing, the captain got the entire crew to May 3, 1945 with the loss of 86 men USS Herring (SS-233) was lost on shore (400 yards away) in relays using near the Gulf of Siam. On her 2nd June 1, 1944 with the loss of 83 men a 3-man rubber raft. The entire crew war patrol, she is believed to have near Matsuwa Island. Herring was was subsequently rescued. been lost to a radar equipped mine- on her 8th war patrol and was con- layer. This was sunk by the ducting a surface attack when a shore USS O-9 (SS-70) was lost on June 20, USS Hawkbill 2 weeks later. battery spotted her and made 2 direct 1941 with the loss of 34 men when it hits on her and caus- foundered off Isle of Shoals, 15 miles USS Scorpion (SSN-589) was return- ing her loss. Before being sunk, she from Portsmouth, NH. ing to Norfolk, VA from a Mediter- had sank a freighter and a passenger- ranean deployment. On May 22,1968 cargoman. Herring was the only US USS Runner (SS-275) was lost be- she reported her position to be about submarine sunk by a land battery. tween June 26 and July 4th with the 50 miles south of the Azores. Scor- loss of 78 men, probably due to a pion was never heard from again. The USS R-12 (SS-89) was lost on June 12, mine. Runner was on her 3rd war exact cause of her loss has never been 1943 with the loss of 42 men near Key patrol. Prior to her loss, she reported determined. West, FL during a practice sinking a freighter and a passenger- approach. The cause was probably cargoman off the Kuriles. This boat’s USS Squalus (SS-192) suffered a due to flooding through a torpedo last known ship sunk happened on catastrophic valve failure during a test tube. The CO and 2 other men on June 26th, so she probably hit that dive off the Isle of Shoals. Partially the bridge survived, as did 18 crew mine on or after that date but before flooded, the submarine sank to the members on liberty at the time of the July 4th, when she was scheduled back bottom and came to rest keel down accident. at Midway. in 240 feet of water. Commander Charles Momsen and Navy divers USS Golet (SS-361) was lost on June on the USS Falcon (ASR-2) rescued 14, 1944 with the loss of 82 men. On Treasurer’s Report 33 survivors use the diving bell he her 2nd war patrol, Golet was appar- Balance as of 3/19/11 $4213.89 invented. 26 men drowned in the ently lost in battle with antisubmarine Deposits: +$0.70 after compartments. Later Squalus forces north of Honshu. was raised and recommissioned as the Expenses: -$595.69 Balance as of 5/21/11 $3618.90 USS Sailfish. In an ironic turn of fate, USS Bonefish(SS-223) was lost on Sailfish sank the Japanese aircraft car- June 19, 1945 with the loss of 85 men rier carrying surviving crew members when sunk near Suzu Misaki. Winner from Sculpin, which had located of 3 Navy Unit Citations, Bonefish Upcoming Events Squalus in 1939. Only one survived was on her 8th war patrol. After sink- July 16 - 1200 - Meeting/Holland after spending the rest of the war as ing a passenger-cargoman, Bonefish Club/Lobsterbake at American slave laborers in . was subjected to a savage Legion, Seabrook, NH - Reservations attack. requiried for lunch USS Stickleback (SS-415) was lost on May 30, 1958 when it sank off USS S-27 (SS-132) was lost on June September - TBD - Joint meeting with while under tow after collision with 19, 1942 when it grounded off Am- Maine Base USS Silverstein (DE-534). The entire chitka Island. She was on the surface November 19 - 1200 - TBD crew was taken off prior to sinking. in poor visibility, charging batteries and drifted into the shoals. When she could not be freed and started list- Page 6 To Perpetuate the Memory

Leonard Hogentogler Hewitt was treasurer. He later attended Baldwin came qualified as a submariner and was born on October 3, 1931, in Carlisle, Wallace College, in Berea, Ohio, for a awarded his silver dolphins. He later Pa., the son of Mr. and Mrs. Downs E. short time prior to enlisting in the Navy served in the submarines U.S. Grampus Hewitt, II, of Wash- in January 1952. (SS 523), U.S.S. Grouper (SS 214), and ington, D.C. After recruit training, the nuclear-powered submarine, U.S.S. His early school- and graduation from Skipjack (SSN 585). On February ing, through junior the Navy’s Electrician’s 27, 1961, Leonard was assigned to the high school, was in Mate School, Leonard U.S.S. Thresher (SSN 593). the public schools served in the escort During his naval service, Leonard of Carlisle, and U.S.S. had earned the Navy’s Good Conduct Washington, D.C. Sicily (CVE 118), until medal, (three awards); Navy Unit Cita- He was graduated in he volunteered for tion, National Defense Service Medal, 1950, from Carson submarine duty. Navy Occupation Medal with - Long Institute, a He attended and was an Clasp, , United military school in graduated from the Nations Service Medal, and a letter of New Bloomfield, Pa. Submarine School at commendation from the commanding Leonard had earned the U.S. Naval Sub- officer of the U.S.S. Thresher. letters in varsity Leonard Hogentogler Hewitt marine Base, New In addition to his parents, Mr. and football, basketball, Chief Electrician’s Mate London, Conn., on Mrs. Downs E. Hewitt of Washington, and baseball. He Navy February 12, 1954. He D.C.; Leonard is survived by his widow, was elected to the was then assigned to Mrs. Bodil N. Newill; daughter, Kath- school’s house his first submarine, the leen; a son, Kirk; a brother, Downs E., of representatives, and served as its U.S.S. Tench (SS 417), in which he be- and a sister, Mrs. Geraldine Shiflett.

Joseph Hartshorne Hoague was born was assigned to the U.S.S. Angler (SS from the com- on June 8, 1939, in Lynn, Mass. He 240). while serving manding officer attended local schools there and was in that command, of the Thresher, active in athletics and student activi- Joseph became for his outstand- ties. qualified as a sub- ing performance He earned a letter in football and was mariner, and was of duty, while in a member of the track team. He also awarded his silver Thresher. belonged to the dramatic club, travel dolphins on No- club, and Junior Red Cross organiza- vember 19, 1959. He is survived by tion, and was a member of the student Joseph served in his widow, Mrs. council. the Angler until Judith Hoague; Joseph enlisted in the U.S. Naval Re- December 2, 1962, son, Joseph; and serve submarine program in Septem- when he was as- daughters, Jody ber 1957, and became a member of the signed to the origi- and Jill of Lynn, Naval Reserve Submarine Division nal commissioning Joseph Hartshorne Hoague Mass. He also 1-11, Salem, Mass. crew of the nuclear- Torpedoman’s Mate First Class leaves his step- He requested active duty and entered powered submarine mother, Mrs. the Submarine School at the U.S. U.S.S. Thresher Elizabeth P. Naval Submarine Base, New London, (SSN 593). He Hoague, and a Conn. He completed the course of had earned the Navy’s Good Conduct sister, Mrs. Joan Bishop. instruction on September 1, 1958, and Medal, and a letter of commendation

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 16 @ 1200 American Legion Post #70 • 169 Walton Rd,• Seabrook, NH USSVI Conventions USSVI Thresher Base 2011

States Government.” September 5 to 11 USSVI Thresher Base was chartered on The base newsletter, Thresher Base 15 November 1989 in the memory of Springfield, MO News, and base website, www.thresher- those 129 gallant men who at 9:17 AM base.org, are used to inform the mem- on 10 April 1963 lost their lives in the bership and community about meet- performance of their duties aboard USS ing happenings and upcoming events. 2012 THRESHER (SSN 593). Any member who has information to September 2 to 9 Our mission is “to perpetuate the share with the membership is encour- memory of our shipmates who gave aged to submit articles to the editor Norfolk, VA their lives in the pursuit of their duties for publishing. Send submissions to while serving their country. That their Kevin Galeaz, Editor, 1465 Hooksett dedication, deeds and supreme sacri- Road #239, Hooksett, NH 03106 or 2013 fice be a constant source of motivation [email protected]. toward greater accomplishments. Pledge August 25 to September 2 loyalty and patriotism to the United Rochester, MNPage 8