May 2018

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

‘Thumbs Up’ for Fairbanks Morse Engine Tour

We had a fun and informative tour on May 5, 2018 at the Fairbanks Morse Engine Manufacturing Facility in Beloit, Wis. Base members and friends were given a VIP treat- ment. ‘Thank You’ Fairbanks Morse Engine! Special thanks to members Bruce Pickering and Wayne Orrison, former Fairbanks Morse employees, for helping make this possible.

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 May 5, 2018 -- Minutes of the USS Illinois Base

our available balance is $1,792.26. A has again sent a sponsorship ask- motion was made by Bob Fleck to ing that issues be sent to the USS accept the report, seconded by Terry Illinois SSN 786. Individual dona- Elmeier. Motion carried. tions welcome. District Commander’s Report by • Cobia Working Party. Volunteers Phil Owens. are being sought to help work on Meeting called to order at 12:12 restoring the USS Rasher’s sail and/ • Chicago Base Memorial. Ques- or the Cobia for the weekend of p.m. by Tom Ramsay, Base Com- tions have been raised from area mander May 19-20. Volunteers will be able sub vets about problems facing the to sleep in the museum. If inter- 15 members present: Tom Ramsay, Chicago Base Memorial. The City ested in going, contact the CDR. Chuck Mongan, Bruce Pickering, of Chicago has informed the Chi- Kate Ramsay, Terry Elmeier, Bob cago Base that the location of the • Committee volunteers needed. Fleck, Jim Helsell, Richard Martin, planned memorial will no longer Base Committees need additional Renee Martin, Wayne Orrison, Bob be available. The Phil stated he member support to help keep our Bates, Patrick O’Brien, Phil Owens. would keep us informed. Base growing, in particular both the Membership and the Events Guests present: Marge Mongan, • USSVI National Website. Na- Committee Chairmen could use Mark Maxted. tional is still facing issues with the your help. If interested in helping unveiling of their new website. Phil Dave Spencer, who heads our Mem- Tolling of Bells Ceremony by Bob noted he did not have information Bates and Wayne Orrison. bership Committee, or Richard about an anticipated transfer date. Martin on the Events Committee, USSVI Creed by VCDR Chuck Mon- • USSVI Awards. The deadline for let them or the Commander know. gan. base or individual 2018 USSVI • USSVI 2018 Annual Convention. Pledge of Allegiance. awards is near. Discussion followed. As a reminder, the 2018 Annual Kate Ramsay stated that a Merit Invocation by Chaplain Bob Fleck. USSVI Convention will be a cruise Award nomination for Richard this year, from Oct. 21-28, 2018. Guest Speaker: Chaplain Mark Martin was submitted by the Base The boat leaves and returns from Maxted from the Beloit Regional Executive Committee, along with a Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For full infor- Hospice, a unit of the Beloit Health copy of our Base newsletter, Green- mation, go to USSVI’s website. System. He provided information board. Awards will be presented at about several special programs: (1) A the National Convention. Events Committee Report by Veterans Recognition Program hon- • National Elections. Tom Williams Richard Martin. oring veterans within the Hospice from Texas is running as the Cen- • Parades. The Base has signed up program; (2) The Palate of Care Pro- tral Regional Director. Phil asked for spots in fi ve parades so far, gram which includes intermediary for our support of Williams. Dave and USSVI insurance forms have care with doctor visits, bereavement Farran, our current Central Re- been submitted. The parade list support, CNA support, etc. gional Director is moving up. was noted in the April issue of the Greenboard. We plan to be in the Secretary’s Report: by Kate Ram- Commander’s Report by CDR same six parades we were in last say. Copy of minutes posted in Base Tom Ramsay. He thanked everyone year, but we are awaiting informa- newsletter (emailed to members) for participating in the Fairbanks tion for the last parade. The fi rst and posted on the Base website. Morse Tour this morning, with a two parades will be on Memorial Richard Martin made a motion to special thanks to Bruce Pickering Day, fi rst in Rockford and in early accept minutes as printed; seconded and Wayne Orrison for making it afternoon in Pecatonica. by Chuck Mongan. Motion carried. possible! • Navy Museum. A new museum Treasurer’s Report by Bruce Pick- • USSVI Boat Sponsorship. A correc- located outside the gates of the ering. Bank balance as of 4/1/2018 tion is made for the recent newslet- Naval Station Great Lakes in North was $1,405,94. April deposits totaled ter. The USSVI Boat Sponsorship Chicago has opened. It is called the $715.12. Checks issued for $120: to program cost is $30 and not $25 as National Museum of the American Crystal Lake Engraving and USSVI, reported. Your $30 donation pur- Sailor (NMAS), celebrating the Cleared checks $253.80. Ending chases three issues of the Ameri- history of the ’s balance on 4/30/2018 was $1,867.26. can Submariner to be sent to the With one uncleared check for $75, location(s) of your choice. The Base (Continued on page 3)

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 2 Minutes (Continued from page 2) Edgerton, Wis. has off ered our Base the continued use of its Diesel Building for a Base Fam- Sailor. It was suggested that we part- ily Picnic on Sept. 8, 2018. Their user fee ner with the local Navy Club to charter has been waived. The Park has off ered a bus to take us to this new museum. to have equipment running for us on Members expressed interest in such a this date, which is an added plus. trip. • Fundraising Options. Discussion held New Business. on fundraising options. Jim Helsell of- • A “thank you” letter, a photo of the USS fered to donate a rifl e/gun from his shop Illinois (SSN-786), and our Base patch, and explained that gun raffl e permits were presented to the management of were required. Wayne Orrison off ered to Fairbanks Morse on behalf of the Base contact the County to research how we for inviting us to tour their facility. could obtain a raffl e permit. Individual thank you notes will be sent to each tour guide thanking him/her for Storekeeper’s Report. None. giving up a day off to be with us. Chaplain’s Report by Bob Fleck. If you Good of the Order. None. have information about a fellow member or his/her family member, pass this infor- 50-50 Raffl e. None. mation on to the Chaplain, so a “get well” Closing Prayer by Chaplain Bob Fleck. or similar note can be sent on behalf of the Base. Meeting adjourned at 1:02 p.m. Motion was made by Kate Ramsay and seconded Old Business. by Bob to adjourn. Motion carried. • Base Family Picnic. Bruce Pickering Base Contacts Next meeting June 2, 2018 at Mustang Bar reported that Thresherman’s Park in & Grill, South Beloit, IL, at noon.

Commander Tom Ramsay Arizona Silent Service Memorial tram688@jcwifi .com National noti- nization. For your tax-deductible Vice Commander NEWS fi ed all Bases about contributions you will be eligible to Chuck Mongan from the Arizona Silent have your name drawn to win a $500 [email protected] NATIONAL Service Memorial Gift Certifi cate towards the purchase Treasurer (ASSM) Project. A of your choice of a replica of one of Bruce Pickering monument to be erected in Wesley Mel Douyette’s Cold War Submarine [email protected] Bolin Memorial Plaza, which is in the models as advertised in the Ameri- front yard of the Arizona State Capi- can Submariner magazine. Many Secretary & tol Building in Phoenix, Ariz. Illinois and Wisconsin sub sailors Editor/Webmaster know Mel, who is a member of the Kate Ramsay The ASSM vision for a submarine Great Lakes Base. kateram@jcwifi .com veterans’ memorial is founded on honoring ALL “Silent Service” vet- You have two ways Storekeeper erans by constructing a dramatic to win. One is through Terry Elmeier monument dedicated to those who cash donations and [email protected] have and are currently serving in U.S. the other by buying Chaplain , (not exclusive of those a Memorial Paver. A Bob Fleck individuals from Arizona). $10 donation gives you bobfl [email protected] The ASSM has several fundraising one chance to win; $15--two chances; ventures underway with a $100,000 and $25--four chances. Pavers can be Membership purchased for as little as $100. David Spencer goal, of which they are at $75,000. [email protected] The ASSM Foundation is a des- Visit www.arizonasilentserviceme- ignated 501(C)(3) non-profi t orga- morial.org for full details.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 3 Thank you to everyone who joined us they will have one running. This us for our Fairbanks Morse Tour on is a good opportunity to introduce May 5th. It looked like everyone had the younger members of your family a good time. I would like to see us with diesel engines. Tom Ramsay have more adventures like this. We need ideas from members at USS Illinois Commander It is that time of the year for Sub- the next couple of meetings to help MS1(SS), USN Retired Fest. We should have a good time us arrange entertainment for young- this year, and I hope that each of sters and “oldsters” alike. Put your you—and your families—can come thinking caps on, and let’s plan a fun and join in the festivities. Manito- family picnic. woc is one town that knows how to National has sent out a message, treat submarine sailors! I hope to which I forwarded to each of you, see you there. about changes to USSVI’s National Too, its summertime. At our last Bylaws and Constitution. It is impor- meeting we set up a date of Sept. tant that you look this information 8, 2018 for a USS Illinois Base fam- over, plus educate yourself on the ily picnic at Thresherman’s Park in upcoming elections for offi cers. Edgerton, Wis. The park is opening Please make an eff ort to vote in its doors for us, giving us free use of our National Elections. You may not one of the buildings, plus they have think your single vote means much, waived their usage fee for our group. but it does. Support the USS Illinois For those of you who would like to Base by voting in USSVI’s upcoming see one of Fairbanks Morse’s en- elections. gines in operation, the park has told

Event Coordinator Mark your calendar for you and 2018 Heritage Day Parade: Belvi- R e p o r t your family to come out in force to dere – Sunday, June 24. Line up on show Submarine Pride in one of the Logan Ave. at 2 p.m. and step off at 3 Richard Martin p.m. USS Illinois Base following parades scheduled for USS Illinois Base participation. 4th of July Parade: Winnebago-- As in the past, our Parade entry has Wednesday, July 4. Line up behind a few seats available in the back of Winnebago High School at 9 a.m. my truck that pulls our distinctive and step off at 10 a.m. trailer that is all decked out, leaving 4th of July Parade: Rockford – no mistake that submarine sailors Wednesday, July 4. Line up at 6 p.m. are here, or you can walk proudly and step off at 7 p.m. Details on behind our Base Banner. where to line up will have to be sent Scheduled 2018 Parades out at a later date, however it’s usu- ally in the same area as the Memorial MemorialM Day Parade: Day parade. RockfordR – Monday, May 28. SSuccessful! Photos in next Additional parades announce- nnewsletter. ments will be sent to you, and posted online, as more information is made MemorialM Day Parade: available. If you have a parade request PecatonicaP – Monday, May in your community, email me the 28.2 Successful! Photos in next specifi cs at [email protected]. newslettern

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 4 Tidbits of Knowledge from around the world May 20, 1932 -- Amelia Earhart became the fi rst woman to fl y solo across the Atlantic. A Bit of History on right

USS Fitzgerald CO US Naval Institute (Annapolis, pose the facts of the collision’s causes readies for trial Md.)—’The former commander of and CDR Benson’s actions,” his at- the U.S. warship, USS Fitzgerald torney states. (DDG-62), involved in a fatal colli- In the offi cial Navy report of the sion off the coast of Japan last year, incident, Benson was sleeping in is vowing to take his case to court- his berth at the time of the collision martial and is accusing Navy leader- which bent the walls of his state- ship of trying him in the press be- room. He was left clinging to the fore his trial,” reports Sam LaGrone, side of the ship for 15 minutes before online editor of USNI.org. being rescued. The USS Fitzgerald collided on CDR Benson took command of June 17, 2017, with a 29,060 ton con- the Fitzgerald fi ve weeks prior to tainer ship, ACS Crystal, operated by a the collision. The navy clearly estab- Japanese shipping fi rm. Seven sailors lished that he was never alerted that aboard the Fitzgerald lost their lives. the ship was in danger, which was in CDR Benson did not seek a plea direct breach of his standing orders. deal. “A fair court-martial will ex-

General Dynamic (US Naval Institute (Annapolis, The plan includes building a new to expand Md.)—General Dynamic’s EB offi - third dry dock and a manufacturing Groton Shipyard cials and Connecticut Governor Dan superstructure to house construc- Malloy announced that EB will be tion of the new class submarine. The spending “about half of its previous- Columbia-class will replace the aging ly announced $1.7 billion multi-year Ohio-class nuclear ballistic missile capital expenditure plan to upgrade submarines. Groton’s manufacturing facility to According to the USNI, “The Navy accommodate building the new plans to buy 12 Columbia-class subs, Columbia-class nuclear powered bal- currently estimated to cost $7.3 bil- listic missile submarine.” lion each.”

Life on a Sub: ‘Raunchy, Cramped, Smelly’ the smallest of margins, due in large part to the hard work and diligence of every sailor onboard. It’s a dan- “In the military, nothing breeds camaraderie better gerous job in an unforgiving environment. than adversity. The harder and riskier a job or mis- sion, the tighter the bond that forms between those “Fortunately, submariners know how to relieve who endure it together. tension and they do it in spectacular fashion — from riding makeshift go carts down the ship’s passage- “For Navy submariners, every day at sea and aboard ways, to hilarious ceremonies and rites of passage.” ship brings with it a certain level of risk. They oper- (TrackandPurpose.com)--Excerpt from article by James Clark, ate in a world where disaster is narrowly averted by published October 2016.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 5 Tolling of the Bells USS Squalus (SS-192) lost on May for Lost Boats 23, 1939 when it fl ooded and sank Story within the Story off Portsmouth, NH. Loss of 26 crew USS Gudgeon (SS-211) with 33 rescued. Boat was raised, overhauled and refi tted, then recom- A boat deep in history is today missioned as Sailfi sh. on an eternal patrol. The USS Gudgeon (SS-211), a Mare Island- USS Gudgeon (SS-211) lost on May built boat, served gallantly during 12, 1944 when sunk off near World War II, successfully com- Maug Island in the pleting 11 war patrols, only to dis- northern Mari- appear during her 12th war patrol anas on her 12th war in the northern Marianas. patrol. Gudgeon was the fi rst US On Dec. 11, 1941 following May submarine to go on the , the patrol from Gudgeon was the fi rst American following the Japa- submarine to depart Pearl Harbor nese attack on Pearl with orders to carry out unre- Harbor and was the stricted submarine warfare. This fi rst US submarine to sink an enemy boat holds the added distinction warship. Loss of 79 crew. of being the fi rst American sub- marine to sink an enemy warship USS Lagarto (SS-371) lost on or on Jan. 27, 1942 during this his- shortly after May 3,1945 when sunk toric fi rst patrol. on her 2nd war patrol off the Gulf of Thailand by a Japanese radar- On April 4, 1944, Gudgeon set equipped minelayer. Loss of 85 crew. out from Pearl Harbor to begin her 12th war patrol. She topped off USS Stickleback (SS-415) lost on her fuel tanks at Johnston Island May 28, 1958 when it sank off Hawaii three days later and was never while being towed after a collision heard from again. Mark your calendar with USS Silverstein (DE-534). All for SubFest 2018 crew rescued. Postwar examination of Japa- in Manitowoc, WI. nese records, show that she July 12-15. USS Scorpion (SSN-589) lost on was probably lost on April 18th May 22, 1968 due to an undeter- after being spotted by a Japanese mined cause while in transit from aircraft on anti-submarine pa- the Mediterranean to Norfolk. She trol about 170 miles southeast of was located fi ve months later 400 Iwo Jima. miles southwest of the Azores at a depth of 10,000 ft. Loss of 99 crew.

Mark your calendar for the next USS Illinois Base, USSVI, meeting. We meet monthly on the 1st Saturday of the month. Next USSVI Illinois Base Meeting Date: Saturday, June 2, 2018 Time: Noon Location: Mustang Bar & Grill 482 Gardner St. • South Beloit, Illinois 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