February 2018

Publication for members of USS Illinois Base, United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.

The USS Illinois Base has joined eﬀ orts in support of USSVI’s Scouting Program initiated in 2004. This program was founded by then National CDR Tom Co- Tom Ramsay lon, and the late Art Randall of USS Illinois Commander the USS Columbia Base and past MS1(SS), USN Retired Central Region Director. I had the opportunity to meet Art Randall, while I was Com- mander of the Great Lakes Base. Art was a unique individual (his own person in action Terry Elmeier (ctr) and Tom Ramsay (rt) present Burke Curtis (lft), of Rockford, with a USSVI achievement and drive). He was a go-getter, certifi cate and patch during Burke’s Eagle Scout so it was no surprise to me that Honor Court on Feb., 18, 2018. USSVI’s Scouting Program jumped oﬀ and has reached the a message from Dave, requesting pinnacle it is at with most bases our participation in a local Rockford participating. Eagle Scout ceremony. I am pleased to report that Terry Elmeier, our Base Leading the charge for USS- Storekeeper, stepped forward and VI’s Scouting Program on the na- volunteered to serve as our Base’s tional level today is none other than Scouting Program Coordinator. our current USSVI Central Region Director Dave Farran, of the USS What is the USSVI Scouting Pro- Iowa Base. Our Base got involved in gram? USSVI publicly recognizes the Scouting Program after I received (continued on page 3)

Our Creed: “To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacriﬁ ce be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishment. We pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States of America and its Constitution.”

www.ussillinoisbase.org

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 1 www.ussvi.org February 3, 2018 -- Minutes of the USS Illinois Base

Meeting called to order at 12:03 p.m. by • New USSVI Website. USSVI announced Tom Ramsay, Base Commander. it is getting ready for the transfer to 15 members present: Tom Ramsay, their new website. Bases were asked Bruce Pickering, Kate Ramsay, Terry not to post new information on ussvi. Elmeier, Bob Fleck, Jim Helsell, Richard org as data is being transferred. Once Martin, Renee Martin, Kep Preble, John the new website is up, USSVI will notify Stines, Connie Stines, Dave Spencer, members through their new commu- Wayne Orrison, Bob Bates, Don Bosetti. nication system. Bases will receive new Tool Manager training. POCs will come Guests: Jan Spencer, Deb Elmeier from National to individual members, Tolling of Bells Ceremony by Dave and rather than coming from National, to Jan Spencer. District, to Base Commanders, and then to individual members. It is important USSVI Creed by Bob Fleck. that you let Dave Spencer, our Member- Pledge of Allegiance. ship Chairman, know of changes to your email and other mailing addresses. Invocation by Chaplain Bob Fleck. • Holiday Party success. Richard and Introductions of members and guests. Renee Martin were thanked for opening Minutes by Secretary Kate Ramsay. their home for the Base’s Annual After- Copy of minutes posted in Base news- Holiday Party. We all had a good time. letter (emailed to members and posted Good of the Order. Base Contacts online). Richard Martin Motion made a • Bob Fleck introduced a fundraising idea correction to the minutes noting that the developed by friends in the McHenry group in which he represents USSVI is area. They were decals (small $5 and Commander the Winnebago Veterans Association, and large $10). Several members purchased Tom Ramsay not the Veterans Administration Com- decals from him. $2 from each decal was tram688@jcwifi .com mission (VAC). Motion to accept the min- returned to the USS Illinois Base trea- utes as corrected by Terry Elmeier and sury. Dave Spencer purchased one to be Vice Commander seconded by Bob Bates. Motion carried. Chuck Mongan placed on the Base Trailer. Treasurer’s Report by Bruce Pickering. [email protected] • Fairbanks-Morse Tour update. Bruce • End-of-Year (EOY) Report fi led with Pickering reports that management Treasurer USSVI. Balance on 1/1/2017 was appears to be holding up tour requests. Bruce Pickering $1,065.77. Ending balance 12/31/2017 was The Union president is still trying to [email protected] $1,519.92. We took in $1,637 in deposits make this happen. Bruce mentioned and spent $1,182. A 2017 deposit of $275 that we might consider a Base outing Secretary & for National dues was sent to National in to Thresherman’s Park in Edgerton, WI Editor/Webmaster mid-January 2018. to see the Morse Fairbanks motor they Kate Ramsay have in their collection. kateram@jcwifi .com • January Report. Balance as of 1/1/2018 was $1,519.92. January deposits: $195. 50-50 Raffl e. Money collected--$85. Kep Storekeeper Uncleared checks: None. Cleared Preble won the Raffl e and donated the Terry Elmeier checks: $275 from USSVI Dues. Available full amount to the Base. balance at month-end was $1,439.92. [email protected] Closing Prayer by Chaplain Bob Fleck. • Terry Elmeier made a motion to accept Chaplain the reports as presented, and seconded Formal Business Meeting adjourned Bob Fleck by Richard Martin. Motion carried. at 12:30 p.m. Motion was made by Wayne bobfl [email protected] Orrison, and seconded by Bruce Pickering Commander’s Report by Tom Ramsay. to adjourn the business meeting and go Membership CDR Ramsay announced that today’s into an informal social gathering to “dive David Spencer meeting would be shortened, forego- down” memory lane. Motion carried. [email protected] ing normal reports, to allow time for members to share their memorabilia and Next meeting March 3, 2018 at Mustang stories with others. Bar & Grill, South Beloit, IL, at noon.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 2 CDR’s Column (continued from page 1) of Troop 123, Rockford. Terry and I continued and supports young men who have attended his Honors Court on Feb. reached the coveted Eagle Scout 18, 2018, joined by our wives. Terry rank. Bases contact local scout presented a USSVI Scout Program troops letting them know we certiﬁ cate and badge to Burke on would welcome the opportu- behalf of the USS Illinois Base. nity to come and pay homage to He also provided him with a these young men at their Court photo of the USS Illinois (SSN- of Honor. Part of our presenta- 786). tion includes introducing this It was a moving and “fun” new Eagle Scout to a fellow program that attracted not only Eagle Scout and Medal of Hon- Burke’s family, scouting mentors or recipient, RADM Eugene and friends, but local and state Fluckey, commander of the USS representatives. Barb in WWII. If you have forgot- Terry will be reaching out to Boy ten the particulars of RADM Fluckey Scout Councils throughout our life, I have a copy of his biography region letting troops know how to attached to this newsletter. obtain applications and information Your Base was called into action about USSVI’s Scouting Program. by the parents of Burke C. Curtis,

The keel of the USS Cobia The Cobia re-enactors will be (SS-245) was laid on March 17, on the sub for self-guided tours. 1943—75 years ago this year. There will be educational dis- plays, music, crafts and games, a Today, as you know, the USS scavenger hunt, and a raﬄ e. Cobia regally rests (restored to its 1943 perfection) in Manitowoc at The oﬃ cial cake-cutting cer- the Wisconsin Maritime Mu- emony will take place at Noon seum, located at 75 Maritime Dr., with a limited number of cup- Manitowoc, Wis. cakes to share. You are invited to join in the Many USSVI members from celebration of the USS Cobia’s Illinois and Wisconsin have vol- 75th Anniversary on Saturday, unteered numerous hours on the March 17, 2018, from 9 a.m. to Cobia Restoration Project over 5 p.m. Admission will be $7.50 the years. Join them in marking a person. this Diamond Jubilee.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 3 The ‘ol saying “Good friends don’t S S let friends do stupid things . . . eeaa ttoriesories alone.” Should be a line in the offi cial Submarine Hymn. True, submarine sailors know that on a sub, it is an “all hands evolution,” but who by Terry Elmeier, would have “thunk” it followed them TM1 (SS) off the boat too. nickname: “Fudd” In the case of Terry Elmeier, then a TM3(SS), he learned an important lesson about the buddy system. “Trouble comes in twos.” His partner in crime Andy (lt) and Fudd (rt) have remained “brothers” was TM2(SS) Charles since they fi rst met in 1973. “Andy” Andrews, who qualifi ed on the USS The Ensign said, “Hey, sailors! Haddo (SSN-604). He Don’t you salute offi cers?” and Terry met and became best of buddies Andy just looked him up and down when they both served and then calmly replied, “Well, not a aboard the USS Gato non-qualifi ed one.” The Ensign’s jaw (SSN-615). dropped, and he just walked right on by us. I re-enlisted in the Navy for “Me and my best buddy, Charles MK-48 School, and then the 48- Andy and I had a good laugh about Shop in Hawaii. A year later here “Andy” Andrews,” he tells, “were at comes Andy!! The picture of us the Sub Base in Groton, while the that one for many years!! with the motorcycles was taken at the 48-Shop ballfi eld. USS Gato was attached to the State Good buddies sometimes don’t get Pier in New London. We were walk- caught. On other occasions, how- ing past the theatre on base, when ever, Terry admits that they did get an Ensign (who was not qualifi ed) caught and faced the music— walked by us. together, the buddy way. Andy whispered to me, “Don’t “If you have crazy friends, salute this guy,” so as the Ensign ap- you have everything.” proached, we did not salute.

Get ready for Mark your calendar for July 13-15, veterans are invited to explore the Subfest 2018 2018 for the 4th Annual Subfest in sub for as long as they want during Manitowoc, Wisc. the Roof Deck social. For you Submarine Veterans, your If you haven’t been to Subfest, families and special guests, the there is something for everyone: mu- Museum is again hosting an Open sic, food, sidewalk sales, self-guided House event for you on Thursday submarine tours, ﬁ reworks, kid- evening, July 12th, on the Museum’s friendly activities, and much more. Roof Deck from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. A Keep an eye on the “Schedule of cash bar will be available. During this Events.” Visit the Wisconsin Mari- time, the USS Cobia will be closed time Museum website for full details. to the regular public, but submarine

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 4 Tidbits of Knowledge from around the world February 29, 1992 You read right--February 29th. The fast Attack Submarine USS Jeﬀ erson City (SSN 759) A bit of History was commissioned. on right A bit of History on right

$5 million reward Spacewar.com (Buenos Aires)— missing San Juan. At the peak of the for missing sub A $5 million reward has been an- search, more than a dozen countries nounced by Argentina for informa- were involved in search eﬀ orts, pro- tion leading to the recovery of their viding military assets, oceanographic missing submarine San Juan, which vessels and planes. disappeared without a trace in the The Argentina Defense Ministry South Atlantic in November, with said the reward will be granted “to the loss of 44 crew. those persons who provide informa- Argentina made the announce- tion and useful data that will allow ment hoping to generate added us to ﬁ nd the whereabouts and pre- interest from private companies cise location of the submarine.” to participate in the search for the

Old, Obscure United States Naval Institute— ing them with the feeding and caring Navy Ratings (Annapolis, Md.) Here are some of the ﬂ ocks of birds used to deliver Navy ranks made mostly obsolete by messages. advances in technology and occasion- The development of radio soon ally by more modern stances, and—at brought more eﬃ cient forms of com- least in one case—child-labor norms. munication, but the Navy continued Powder Monkey to include pigeon trainers in the ranks until 1961 in case of some type The primary duty of a ship’s pow- of technical failure. der monkeys was to carry gunpowder from the storage magazine to the Loblolly Boy crews manning cannons. Regulations In the late 18th century, U.S. Navy in the 19th century did not allow boys ship crews usually included loblolly younger than 13 to join the Navy, boys, young men who had the grim (though that was rarely enforced) and task of assisting surgeons by col- children as young as 6 were docu- lecting amputated limbs, hauling mented as having served as powder the buckets of tar used to cauter- Powder Monkey on board monkeys during the Civil War. ize stumps, and spreading sand to USS New Hampshire off Charleston, S.C., circa 1864. The name most likely comes from absorb blood. the boys’ ability to quickly scamper In a practice adopted from Britain’s Other Obsolute ranks like monkeys over and under obsta- Royal Navy, they were also respon- Chemical Warfareman cles on the cramped decks of a ship. Schoolmaster sible for feeding sick and wounded Airship Rigger The rate was disestablished in 1893 sailors a thick meat and vegetable Intn’l Business Machine Operator porridge known as “loblolly.” Jack of the Dust Pigeon Trainers Aviation Carpenter’s Mate Loblolly boys remained until 1861, Coal Heaver The Navy began to use “pigeoneers” when the rating eventually evolved Steward at the dawn of the 20th century, task- Ship Cooper into hospital corpsman.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 5 Tolling of the Bells USS Shark (SS-174) lost on her 1st for Lost Boats war patrol on Feb. 11, 1942 off Menado, Celebes Island, believed to be the result of one of three Japanese antisubmarine attacks in the area. Loss of 59 crew. Evi- dence of her loss is not conclusive, and the cause remains unknown. USS Amberjack (SS-219) lost on Feb. 16, 1943 off Rabaul in the Solomon Sea. Loss of 72 crew. On her 3rd war patrol she was sunk by Japanese aerial bombs and surface craft. USS Grayback (SS-208) lost on Feb. They are more than lost boats -- they are lost men. “May they rest in peace,” from a grateful nation. February 27, 1944 off Okinawa on her 10th war patrol. Loss of 80 crew. She was nese surface attack. Loss of 81 crew. caught on the surface and bombed She was the recipient of eleven battle by a Japanese carrier plane, followed stars and three Presidential Unit Cita- up by depth charges from a surface tions. antisubmarine craft. During her last USS Barbel (SS-316) lost on Feb 4, patrol, she cost the enemy 21,594 tons 1945 during a Japanese air attack off of shipping. the entrance to Palawan Passage. Loss USS Trout (SS-202) lost on her 11th war of 81 crew. She was the recipient of patrol on Feb. 29, 1944 in the middle three battle stars for her World War II of the Philippine Sea during a Japa- service.

VA now off ers The Veterans Administration (VA) during a call with a nurse; a telehealth same-day services announced a major milestone on Jan. or video care visit; an appointment 12, 2018, that 100% of its more than made with a specialist; or a prescrip- 1,000 medical facilities across the tion ﬁ lled the same day, depending country now oﬀ er same-day services upon what best meets the needs of the NOTE: USSVI is for urgent primary and mental health- Veteran. working to get kinks care needs. The VA Secretary said: “We made a out of its new web- Same-day services means a Veteran commitment to our nation’s Veterans site. The old site was with an urgent need for primary care that we would work to reduce wait reactivated to correct and mental health-care receives ser- times and improve access, and we are programming issues. You will see an vices that may include: a face-to-face doing it.” error regarding our visit with a clinician; advice provided base meeting date in the MC1 box on our Mark your calendar for the next USS Illinois Base, USSVI, meeting. base page--this is a We meet monthly on the 1st Saturday of the month. template--We didn’t have a base page Next USSVI Illinois Base Meeting before. The correct date info is under Date: Saturday, March 3, 2018 “Meeting Informa- Time: Noon tion” on this page. Bases cannot correct Location: Mustangs Bar & Grill this info as yet. Bear 482 Gardner St. • South Beloit, Illinois with us! www.ussillinoisbase.org

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 6 Share this application with a fellow submariner!

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

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

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

Name: (Print /Type) ______Address: ______

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

Signature: ______Date: ______

Your E-Mail Address ______Base/Chapter Desired: ______

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

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

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

YOUR U.S. NAVY BIOGRAPHICAL DATA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 7 Meet Eagle Scout destroyer McCormick (DD-223). Following those assignments, he entered the submarine Eugene B. Fluckey service in 1938 and served on the S-42 (SS- 153) and later completed ﬁ ve war patrols on Bonita (SS-165). On 27 April 1943, Com- mander Fluckey assumed command of the Barb (SS-220).

As commanding offi cer of the Barb, he estab- lished himself as one of the greatest submarine skippers, being credited with the most tonnage sunk by a U.S. skipper during World War II, including (17 ships: a carrier, cruiser, and frigate). In one of the strangest incidents in the war, Fluckey sent a landing party ashore to set demolition charges on a coastal Rear Admiral Eugene B. Fluckey railway line, which destroyed a 16-car train. March 12, 1963 This was the sole landing by U.S. military forces on the Japanese home islands during World War II. Fluckey ordered the landing Place of Birth Washington, D.C. party be comprised of crewmen from every October 5, 1913 division on his submarine. He asked for as many ex-Boy Scouts as possible, because Allegiance USN Fluckey knew they would know how to fi nd Years of Service 1935-1972 their way in unfamiliar territory. Rank Rear Admiral Fluckey received four Navy Cross Medals Battles/Wars World War II for extraordinary heroism during the 8th, Awards Medal of Honor 9th,10th, and 12th war patrols of the Barb. Navy Cross (4) During his famous eleventh patrol, he continued to revolutionize submarine warfare, Other Ranking Eagle Scout inventing the night convoy attack from astern by joining the fl ank escort line. Two convoys Rear Admiral Eugene Bennett Fluckey (born at anchor 26 miles inside the 20 fathom (37 October 5, 1913: died June 28, 2007) is a m) curve on the China coast, totaling more former United States Navy submarine com- than thirty ships, were attacked. With two mander, who received the Medal of Honor frigates pursuing, the Barb set a world speed during World War II. record for a submarine of 23.5 knots (44 km/h) using 150% overload. Fluckey was born in Washington, DC, in 1913, and graduated from the United States For his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, Naval Academy in 1935. Fluckey received the Medal of Honor. The Barb received the Presidential Unit Citation Fluckey’s initial assignments were aboard for its 8th, 9th, 10, and 11th patrols and the the battleship Nevada (BB-36) and the Navy Unit Commendation for its 12th patrol. Fluckey later served as Commander, Sub- Thunder Below! (1992), depicts the exploits marine Flotilla SEVEN (now Submarine of his beloved Barb. Group 7) from October 14, 1955 to January 14, 1956. He was selected for fl ag rank in Fluckey retired in 1972 to Annapolis, Md. 1960 and reported as Commander, Am- He died on June 28, 2007 to join the fl eet on phibious Group 4. He Eternal Patrol. Half his ashes are interned at served as Commander, tthe Naval Academy, and the Submarine Force, Pa- rremaining ashes buried at sea cifi c Fleet (COMSUB- bby the USS Pasadena (SSN- PAC) from June 1964 to 5572) on January 24, 2008 off June 1966. He also had UUSSSS BBARBARB ((SS-220)SS-220) tthe coast of Japan at the exact tours as the head of the llocation Fluckey and the crew Electrical Engineering Department at the of USS Barb saved 14 prisoners of war dur- U.S. Naval Academy and as the U.S. Naval ing World War II. Attaché in Lisbon, Portugal. This highly decorated American, is an Eagle When asked “What are you most proud Scout — At this time, only fi ve other Medal of?” He replied, “Though the tally shows of Honor recipients hold the highest Boy more shells, bombs, and depth charges Scout honor. Joining Fluckey in this dis- fi red at BARB, no one received the Purple tinction are Aquilla J. Dyess, Robert Ed- Heart, and Barb came back alive, eager, ward Femoyer, Mitchell Paige, and Leo K. and ready to fi ght again.” His book, Thorsness,

Medal of Honor Citation “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepid- “In a daring penetration of the heavy enemy ity at the risk of his life above and beyond screen, and riding in 5 fathoms [9 m] of the call of duty as commanding offi cer of water, he launched the Barb’s last forward the U.S.S. Barb during her 11th war patrol torpedoes at 3,000 yards [2.7 km] range. along the east coast of China from 19 De- Quickly bringing the ship’s stern tubes to cember 1944 to 15 February 1945. bear, he turned loose 4 more torpedoes into the enemy, obtaining 8 direct hits on “After sinking a large enemy ammuni- 6 of the main targets to explode a large tion ship and damaging additional tonnage ammunition ship and cause inestimable during a running 2-hour night battle on 8 damage by the resultant fl ying shells and January, Comdr. Fluckey, in an exceptional other pyrotechnics. feat of brilliant deduction and bold track- ing on 25 January, located a concentration “Clearing the treacherous area at high speed, of more than 30 enemy ships in the lower he brought the Barb through to safety and reaches of Nankuan Chiang (Mamkwan 4 days later sank a large Japanese freighter Harbor). Fully aware that a safe retirement to complete a record of heroic combat would necessitate an hour’s run at full achievement, refl ecting the highest credit speed through the uncharted, mined, and upon Comdr. Fluckey, his gallant offi cers rock-obstructed waters, he bravely ordered, and men, and the U.S. Naval Service.” ‘Battle station torpedoes!’