Volume 65, Issue 03 March 2012
CORPORATE SPONSORS Betty Tisdale ó Vigor Shipyards March 13 Luncheon Speaker ó Concurrent Technologies Corp etty Moul Tisdale is rec- B ognized internationally for her humanitarian work on COMMUNITY AFFILIATES behalf of Asian children. She is known as the Angel of Saigon. ó Air Management Solutions In April, 1975, when the com- ó AMI International munists were 12 miles from Saigon, Mrs. Tisdale, was re- ó BAE Systems Support Solutions sponsible for the evacuation of ó Concurrent Technologies Corp 219 orphans from the An Lac ó EJB Facilities Services Orphanage. The story of this dramatic rescue of the children ó Evergreen Transfer & Storage has been documented in a CBS ó First Command Financial television movie, The Children Planning, Inc. of An Lac, starring Shirley Jones ó FMA Chapter 14 as Betty. Betty’s story is riveting and ó Kitsap Sun she continues to work tirelessly ó Land Title Company to help children in third world countries. In 2000, Betty Tis- ó Military Air Cargo Tisdale Day. In 2003, she received the Car- dale founded HALO, Helping and Loving ing Award in Washington, DC. ó National Center for Manufacturing Orphans. This organization is dedicated We are so lucky to have Betty join us Sciences to improving the lives of children in third for lunch. Make your reservation and join ó Navy Federal Credit Union world countries through relief efforts. She us to hear this interesting story. has received numerous honors in including Our luncheons are held at the Bangor ó Pacific NW Defense Coalition the Presidential Commendation in recog- Conference Center in the Trident Ball ó Patriots Landing nition of exceptional service to others, the Room on base at Bangor. Doors open at ó Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems Medal of Honor from the Daughters of the 11:00 a.m. for a meet and greet time and American Revolution, and a special award our program begins at 11:45. Lunch is $15 ó Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort by the government of South Vietnam for and payable at the door with cash or check. ó TriWest Healthcare Alliance humanitarianism. She has received the In- Please call Diane Garrett at Concurrent ternational Service of Mankind Award by Technologies Corporation at 360 782-5500 the Sertoma Club. In 1999, the Mayor of today with your reservation. Deadline for NEW MEMBERS Seattle proclaimed September 15 as Betty making reservations is March 8.
ó Donna Boyle ó Carole Evanoff ó Patrick Boyle ó Fred Nelson Don’t Miss Out! ó Richard Coar ó Jo Nelson Call CTC now for your luncheon reservation ó Lynn Culp ó Kelly Tolliver 360-782-5500
NOW HEAR THIS online: http://brem-olympic.nlus.us 1 President’s Message Options etty Tisdale, that you are home and we look forward to for Making B our March hearing stories of your recent adventures. luncheon speaker, is RDML Faller, the Commander of Strike Luncheon a national treasure. Group 3, will be our keynote speaker Reservations She is in her 90’s and on April 10 at our General Membership hanks to Concurrent Technologies going strong. She luncheon. T Corporation (CTC), you can call just returned from Bogotá, Columbia and The USS Nimitz is expecting to arrive Diane Garrett at 360 782-5500 or by email then did a short trip in St. Louis. After our any moment at its new home in Everett. at [email protected]. luncheon, she has planned a return trip to We are happy that we can still maintain This email option provides you Vietnam, site of her amazing work with contact with them. Our Council has joined with more flexibility. You can email orphans during the Vietnam War. Rarely with five other Navy League Councils to in the middle of the night or on the do we have an opportunity like this to hear assist in the Welcoming. We have certainly weekend and be okay. from someone who has made so much appreciated Captain Monger and his staff’s She cautions us to be certain to history as a civilian in a war zone. Many willingness to participate in our luncheons put Navy League in the “Subject” line thanks to Tina Salter for making all of the and to let us tour his ship several times. at the top of the email or the message arrangements for Betty Tisdale, the “Angel We are so fortunate to be located in an might be blocked. of Saigon” to share her stories with us. area where there are so many active duty Also, make certain that the name Make your registration now for March 13. members of the Sea Services and their you give her matches your picture ID. For the next two years, we will be families. We also have many veterans who Making reservations is impor- celebrating the Bicentennial of the War of once served here or just heard that this is an tant. This helps give an accurate 1812, so watch for specific events. Even area where all military are welcomed and lunch count so you will find enough though most of the action took place on honored. food and seating when you attend. Of the East Coast, some actually happened We all need to continue to be proactive course, this is in addition to making in our area. The first display will be of and make certain that we show our easier for you to get through the gate. our American Flag at the Sylvan Way appreciation for their service in any way Once the list is finished, the base library in East Bremerton the first week possible. Sometimes that just means a security people carefully screen the of March. Mrs. Linda Lind, President of smile in the grocery store. list, as we are definitely guests on a the Daughters of the War of 1812, will be A big thanks goes to your Board very high security property. responsible for the display. members who are doing such great work. Thank you for your cooperation to A huge welcome to Strike Group 3 and Let us know how we can improve. make this process work smoothly. the USS John C. Stennis. We are delighted Carolyn Dankers You are welcome to bring guests to the luncheon as long as you provide the following additional information: More about the Important Role Citizen of the U.S.? Member of Navy League? of the Ombudsman Date of birth, if no gate access. nnie is our official link with the between) for both the Command and A Blue team on the USS HMJ and the families. However, that’s not all…I in the newsletter, she wrote a great ar- also field phone calls about counseling ticle describing her role and agreed that suggestions, help with Tricare, concerns I could share it with all of you. about pay, baby’s being born, family “Why would you call the Ombuds- remembers growing ill or passing away, Mailing Address man?” you ask? Good question. As the good news, that you want to share, and ll mail for our council should be Command’s Ombudsman, I am the offi- any number of other suggestions, com- cial connection between you, the fami- ments, or concerns. So although I do not A sent to : lies, and the Navy. The most common have to be your first stop when life hap- Bremerton-Olympic job description of an Ombudsman is that pens, I can be. Consider me a great ref- Peninsula Council we are liaisons. It’s true. I definitely erence. If I don’t have the answer I will Post Office Box 5719 liaise (communicate, bridge, act as a go- work to find it. Bremerton, WA 98312
2 NOW HEAR THIS online: http://brem-olympic.nlus.us Navy League Hosts Navy Public Affairs Support Element Sailors he Navy League Bremerton-Olym- T pic Chapter recognized two Sailors from Navy Public Affairs Support Ele- ment (NPASE) West, Detachment North- west during an awards luncheon held at the Bangor Plaza on Naval Base Kitsap Bangor, Feb. 14. During the luncheon, Mass Commu- nication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Michael E. Wagoner, NPASE 2011 Shore Senior Sailor of the Year, and Mass Com- munication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan J. Riley, NPASE 2011 Shore Blue Jacket of the Year, received plaques and a special Valen- tine’s Day surprise from the Navy League. Navy Public Affairs Support Element (NPASE) was established in November 2008. The command supports Carrier Strike Groups and Amphibious Ready Groups using Sea Operational Detach- reserve detachments. DEL SHIELD and Portland and Seattle ments typically comprised of five Mass Wagoner’s accomplishments leading to fleet weeks. Additionally, Wagoner set Communication Specialists and one his selection as NPASE Shore SOY include new leadership benchmarks, maintaining public affairs officer. NPASE also pro- supervising 10 Sailors across three geo- a 100 percent passing detachment Physi- vides public affairs and visual informa- graphic areas (Bangor, Everett, Whidbey), cal Fitness Assessment rate across all three tion support to Component and Unified ensuring all mission, training and admin- Northwest detachments and serving the Commanders in a variety of mission istrative requirements were met. His men- community heading up more than 500 areas, including Africa Partnership Sta- torship led to detachment Sailors receiv- hours of community service. tion, Southern Partnership Station; con- ing numerous awards, including two Navy Riley’s accomplishments leading to his tingency support for emergent operations, Chief of Information Shore Blue Jackets selection as NPASE Shore BJOY include and all U.S. Navy humanitarian mis- of the Quarter, one NPASE West Shore his demonstrated expertise in supporting sions such as those aboard USNS MERCY Junior Sailor of the Quarter, two advance- Navy strategic communication objectives (T-AH 19) and USNS COMFORT (T-AH ments and seven Sailors receiving Flag through his production of more than 25 20). Additionally, with detachments in Letters of Commendation. Wagoner also video products, 10 print stories and numer- seven of 11 Navy regions, the command played an instrumental role in the assign- ous images. He provided flawless support provides direct and indirect support to ment, editing and release of 150 print sto- during his participation in Portland and regional public affairs offices for key ries, 400 images and 55 video products Seattle fleet weeks, and Master Chief Petty events including fleet weeks and Navy which were released via the Navy’s website, Officer of the Navy (MCPON) West’s visit responses to weather-related events such Defense Media Activity, Defense Imagery to the Pacific Northwest. He fulfilled the as hurricanes and floods. Management Operations Command and command support roles of Morale, Welfare NPASE Headquarters is located aboard the Navy Region Northwest’s newspaper, and Recreation coordinator, junior per- Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Headquarters Northwest Navigator and was distributed sonnel Command Financial Specialist, and is responsible for training, operations of to internal and external media outlets Assistant Supply Petty Officer. Addition- NPASE as well as management of the Fleet worldwide. Wagoner was integrated in ally, Riley contributed 180 volunteer hours Hometown News program. There are two the coordination, planning and cover- to the local community. sea-duty centers, one in Norfolk and the age of operations and exercises including This marks the fourth consecutive other in San Diego. Calif. Additionally, PACIFIC PASSAGE, CITADEL RUMBLE, year an NPASE Northwest Sailor has been there are nine detachments in the United EVERGREEN QUAKE, TRIDENT FURY, selected as SOY/JSOY or BJOY. States, Europe and Japan, as well as three TURBOCADS, SOLID CURTAIN/CITA-
NOW HEAR THIS online: http://brem-olympic.nlus.us 3 USS Bremerton Awards Ceremony
n a bright and very warm January They are: Bremerton how much they are appreciated O 20, 2012, the ship’s company of our Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class (SS) Charles and honored by us at home, and to always adopted unit, the USS Bremerton (SSN Corcoran for engineering remember that throughout life they can 698) was mustered on the pier beside Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SS) Bevon think back with satisfaction that they served the boat for the awarding of outstanding Drummon for supply their country honorably. achievement awards for this year. Four Electronics technician 2nd Class (SS) The Commodore and CDR Kerr then Christopher Beal for navigation presented several awards for excellence, sailors had been selected out of the crew, Sonar Technician 2nd Class (SS) Jerry including the second year in a row that the although all were deserving of accolades. Verant for tactics and weapons USS Bremerton has been the outstanding These awards were the second year of Besides receiving congratulations from boat of the squadron in spite of being the presentations from the Bremerton-Olympic the Commanding Officer and from me oldest. Peninsula council of the Navy League, and as the representative of our Navy League The crew is performing at the high- are highly sought after, according to the Council, the Commodore of Sub Group 1, est level of competence and we can be very skipper, CDR Caleb Kerr. While all of the Captain Stanley Robertson was present to proud of them. It will be a great pleasure entire crew are very fine examples of young speak to each one. to welcome them to Bremerton when they US Citizens and worthy Naval personnel, It was then my pleasure to speak for have the opportunity to visit. these four had been selected based upon a few minutes to tell the crew of the USS Submitted by Byron Faber superior performance over the past year.
I knew I saw something down there. Puget Sound welcomes the crew of the USS Ronald Reagan as she pulls into Bremerton. A special group was invited to join her as she entered Rich Passage and Sinclair Inlet. Our Judge Advocate, George Rose was among the privileged few who had a close up view of the Reagan as she entered our area. On the ride were Joe Dacca, representing Congressman Norm Dicks and Captain Pete Dawson, CO of Naval Base Kitsap.
4 NOW HEAR THIS online: http://brem-olympic.nlus.us Navy League Legislative Agenda Council Helps avy League of the United States was security. Support N first organized in 1902 to work with Operation Congress to ensure that we have a strong The importance of proactively taking Navy. 120 years later, our organization is care of our service members and their Homefront’s still supporting the same concept. families cannot be overstated in this Float The Legislative agenda for this Con- period of extraordinarily high opera- gress highlights the following: tional tempo.
.The sea services of the United States .Given these concerns, the Navy represent a global force for good, and League recommends resetting our mari- we are the greatest force for peace in the time services to a state where they can world due to both their ability to protect effectively execute their deterrence mis- the sea-lanes for world trade. sion and maintain maritime superiority through robust top line funding for our Budget tensions and ongoing, real sea services in FY 2012 and beyond. world contingency operations have avy League and Operation Home- front have a special relationship at severely strained our maritime forces. N In upcoming months you will learn the national and local level. Since last De- more about some of the urgent combat cember, the two groups have been work- The shipbuilding industrial base capability needs. In the meantime, you ing together to provide support for our military and their families. On March capacity has atrophied to levels that Seapower magazine will continue to 21, Operation Homefront was one of the cannot adequately support national highlight many of these issues. local non-profit agencies chosen to have a float in an indoor parade at the Suqua- mish Clearwater Casino. The Mardi Gras spirit was alive and well as volunteers from 20 non- profit groups showed off their prize floats. These flats were built on top of little red wagons that could be pulled around the casino. They had been on display for almost two weeks and then a group of judges voted on the ones who would receive $5,000 worth of prize money. All entrants received $50 for participating. Forty-seven service organizations applied to be part of the parade and 20 were selected at random. Dodie and Doug Garner, Helen Miller and Caro- lyn Dankers, four of our board mem- bers were there to support and encour- age Sharlet Guzman and the Operation Homefront entry.
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 4, 2012) The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), left, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Porter (DDG 78) and USS Cole (DDG 67) are underway participating in exercise Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps’ revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today’s fight with today’s forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise takes place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. #BA12 (U.S. Navy photo by Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Alfredo R. Martinez II/Released)
NOW HEAR THIS online: http://brem-olympic.nlus.us 5 A Remarkable 1,109,310 Lives Saved by the Service Since 1790 he United States Coast Guard has agencies that would eventually form with 520 passengers onboard. Passen- T reached a remarkable public service the current organization. Additionally, gers abandoned the vessel in lifeboats milestone. The service has rescued more using information gathered in the proj- and the cruise ship eventually sank. All than one million people since it’s incep- ect, the historian’s office assembled what passengers and crew of the Prinsendam tion in 1790. it thought were the ten most signifi- were saved without any deaths or serious Marking its 217th birthday in the cant rescue events in the service’s long injuries. communities of Grand Haven, Spring record of public service. The list records #3: Pendleton Rescue - During a Lake and Ferrysburg, Michigan, the a remarkable variety and breadth of res- severe New England storm on February United States Coast Guard marked the cues over the last 217 years. “While this 18, 1952, the oil tankers SS Fort Mercer passing of a major milestone during its top-ten list is subjective, it certainly con- and SS Pendleton broke in half near annual celebration. Officials announced veys the heroism of our people conduct- Chatham, Massachusetts. Coxswain and that the service has saved 1,109,310 lives ing this vital mission,” said Rear Admi- crew of motor lifeboat CG-36500 res- since its inception in 1790. ral Mary Landry, Coast Guard Director cued the Pendleton’s crewmembers one Recognition from the Top - In a press of Governmental and Public Affairs. by one off the stern of the stricken vessel release issued for the Grand Haven event, With many additional duties aris- The motor lifeboat crew saved 33 of the Homeland Security Secretary Michael ing from new homeland security mis- 34 crew. All told, Coast Guard personnel Chertoff says of the Coast Guard, “When sions, many worry the Coast Guard will saved 62 people from the two tankers. things are at their worst, America’s Coast neglect its traditional marine safety #4: Dorchester Rescue - Coast Guard is at its best. What began as a rev- mission. Development of the Rescue Guard cutters Comanche and Escanaba enue enforcement agency with a fleet 21 Program, a field command system responded to the torpedoing of the of ten cutters established by Alexander organizing disparate resources into Sec- transport ship Dorchester off the coast Hamilton more than 200 years ago has tors, funding the Deepwater Acquisition of Greenland on February 3, 1943. Survi- evolved into the world’s premiere multi- Program, updating its Boat Forces Stra- vors in the cold water had only minutes mission, maritime and military service. tegic Plan, and establishment of multi- to live without rescue. This incident saw It’s fitting that we celebrate the Coast mission stations are efforts underway the first use of rescue swimmers using Guard’s 217th birthday this August meant to enhance the service’s mission wetsuits to help pull sailors from the 4th as we recognize its brave men and performance water. Combined, the two cutters saved women for saving more than 1 million 230 crew members. lives over the course of its long and sto- All Time Top Ten #5: Joshua James and the Hull, Mas- ried history.” Coast Guard Rescues sachusetts Life Saving Station - During One of the Armed Services - The the period of November 25th to 26th, smallest of the five armed forces of the Although the technology has 1888, Keeper Joshua James and the crew United States, the Coast Guard started it advanced the common theme through of the Hull, Massachusetts Life Saving service to the country on August 4, 1790 the years is the heroism of Coast Guard Station rescued 28 people from some five as the Revenue Cutter Service commis- women and men.” different boats floundering in a severe sioned to enforce tariff laws and reduce #1: Hurricane Katrina - During New England storm. Rescues included smuggling. The young agency’s mis- search and rescue (SAR) operations in use of beach equipment and life boats. sion grew to include maritime safety the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, #6: Priscilla Rescue - Surfman and rescue of mariners in distress. The Coast Guard personnel rescued 24,135 Rasmus Midgett of the Gull Shoal Life service changed its name to the Coast lives from imminent danger and evacu- Saving Station, North Carolina, sin- Guard after merging with the Life ated 9,409 hospital patients to safety. gle-handedly rescued ten people off Saving Service and Lighthouse Service Coast Guard aircraft flew 1,817 mis- the barkentine Priscilla grounded just in 1915, establishing a single organiza- sions for a total of 4,291 hours of flight off the beach August 18, 1899. Midgett tion devoted to marine safety and law time and 5,000 personnel participated in towed and dragged each crewmember, enforcement. Katrina related operations. one at time through the surf to safety. * Data Source - To find the number of #2: Prinsendam Rescue - The Dutch #7: Keeper George N. Gray and the lives saved, historians at the Coast Guard cruise ship Prinsendam caught fire 130 Charlotte, New York Life Saving Sta- researched logs and records from all the miles off the coast of Ketchikan, Alaska Cont’d on page 7
6 NOW HEAR THIS online: http://brem-olympic.nlus.us Planning Ahead 2012 COUNCIL OFFICERS President Carolyn Dankers For best service, register early for the luncheon and the tours. 360.769.7415 [email protected] March 8 Last day to register for the monthly luncheon, call 360 782-5500 Vice President Tim Katona 360.674.2628 [email protected] March 8 Oak Harbor Council Installation, Oak Harbor, 6:00 p.m. Secretary Heidi Hottinger Treasurer Ruth Bond March 13 Luncheon, “Angel of Saigon,” Trident Ball Room, Bangor, $15. 11 a.m. Judge Advocate George Rose Immediate Past March 14 Council Board Meeting, Café Noir, Silverdale, 5:30 p.m. President Carolyn Dankers
March 17 St. Patrick’s Day COUNCIL BOARD MEMBERS
March 21 Lake Washington Council Dinner, Bellevue ó Tom Danaher ó Drake Evans ó Byron Faber March 31 Military Appreciation Day, Fairgrounds ó Patricia Germane ó Robert Hoag April 5 Last day to register for monthly luncheon, call 360 782-5500 ó Robert Cairns ó Doug Garner April 10 Luncheon, RDML Faller, Commander Strike Group 3, ó Dodie Garner ó Bob Lamb Trident Ballroom, Bangor ó Neva Lamb ó Will Lent April 11 Council Board Meeting, Café Noir, Silverdale, 5:30 p.m. ó Helen Miller ó Larry Salter ó Tina Salter ó Erin Sorensen Lives Saved by Service (cont’d) ó James Walkowski tion - During the period of December October 14, 1947, the flying boat Ber- 14th to 15th, 1902, Keeper George Gray muda Sky was forced down due to low is the official and the crew of the Charlotte, New York, fuel and gale winds. The aircraft’s pilot newsletter of the Bremerton-Olympic rescued five people from the wreck of the flew his craft towards the Coast Guard Peninsula Council of the Navy League of the United States. It is published schooner John R. Noyes. The rescue saw cutter Bibb standing by on Ocean Sta- monthly and provided to all members. the life saving station crew under oars tion Charlie. The Bibb used a fifteen- for nearly a day and a half in freezing man raft to transfer the aircraft crew Editorial Board Carolyn Dankers conditions, traveling 60 miles to affect and passengers to safety in 30-foot seas. Susan Larsen the rescue. It took more than a day due to the dark- #8: Overland Rescue - At the request ness to rescue all 69 people onboard the Graphic Layout Kirk Piering of a group of whaling companies, Presi- Bermuda Sky. dent William McKinley sent a Coast #10: Mississippi River Flood of 1937 Published by Raytheon Guard expedition sailing on the rev- - Coast Guard personnel, “removed from enue cutter Bear to Point Barrow, Alaska perilous positions to places of safety,” to rescue 265 crewmen trapped in the 48,853 stricken by the great 1937 flood of We welcome your comments and story arctic ice. The crew were unlikely to the Mississippi River. There were more ideas. Items for publication, changes of address, and inquires should be sent to: survive the winter. Blocked by the ice, people rescued in this incident than that the Coast Guard rescue party traveled experienced in Hurricane Katrina oper- Editor 1,500 overland in 103 days to reach the ations. Now Hear This stranded sailors with food supplies on The Coast Guard has complied a PO Box 5719 Bremerton, WA 98312 March 29, 1898. video of rescue videos available for view- #9: Bermuda Sky Queen Rescue - On ing on You Tube. or email: [email protected]
NOW HEAR THIS online: http://brem-olympic.nlus.us 7 Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Council Non Profit Org. Navy League of the United States U.S. POSTAGE PAID Post Office Box 5719 Silverdale, WA Bremerton, WA 98312 Permit No.111
Address change requested
Navy League of the United States Mission Statement and Goals civilian organization dedicated to informing the American people and their A government that the United States of America is a maritime nation and that it’s national defense and economic well being are dependent upon strong sea services – United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Coast Guard and the United States Merchant Marine.
Navy League Goals 1. Educate national leaders and the nation. 2. Support the men and women of the sea services. 3. Provide assistance to the sea service families. 4. Support the youth program.
8 NOW HEAR THIS online: http://brem-olympic.nlus.us