July 2017

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

USS Illinois Base August marks the 2nd Anniversary follows: Commander (CDR) Tom to mark for the USS Illinois Base, a subsid- Ramsay, Vice Commander (VCDR) 2nd Anniversary iary of the United States Submarine Chuck Mongan, Treasurer Bruce Veterans, Inc. (USSVI). The charter Pickering, and Secretary Kate was presented to the new base at the Ramsay. Base offi cers service two- Aug. 1, 2015 meeting with 9 founding year terms. members in attendance. Today, we Base Commander Phil Owen has celebrate with 25 members strong. stepped aside to run for a vacant Join us Aug. 5, 2017 at the Base District Commander position, as Vic meeting and help us celebrate our VanHorn steps aside to relocate to 2nd Anniversary. We will celebrate Arizona. VanHorn’s district has been with a cake and good stories. divided into two section. CDR Ow- en’s proposed territory will include In addi- Wisconsin and Illinois. The new ttion, we positions will not be fi nalized until wwill be USSVI’s upcoming Annual Conven- swear- tion in Orlando. iing in the BBase’s new We will also have several special offi cers guests at the August Base meeting, wwho were including two WWII submarine elected at veterans from Northern Illinois: Rudy tthe July Kraut and Archie Holte. Kraut was an meeting. original crew member of Manitowoc’s WWII Submarine Veterans (lft to rt) are: Rudy Kraui (EN), of Pecatonica; YourY new Lizardfi sh SS-373. Come and welcome Archie Holte (GM), of Machesney Park; and Jim Moorehead (MM), these special guests and help us cel- of Rock Falls. The group still meet monthly in Loves Park. offi cers are as ebrate our 2nd Anniversary.

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 USSVI squashes (The following is a message from your USSVI Unfortunately, when USSVI fi rst rumors regarding National Commander.) obtained their separate EIN and Groton Base issues A lot of rumors have been fl ying the 501(c)19 tax exempt status, back around that Groton Base is suing in the 80s, neither the newly tax- USSVI and that USSVI is refusing to exempt USSVI nor the Groton Base bothered to restructure the opera- communicate with Groton Base or let the USSVI membership tion of the for-profi t club & John Markiewics bar and continued to oper- USSVI National know what is going on. Commander ate it under the Groton Base I can tell you at this EIN as they had always done. time is that no lawsuits That has continued for many have been fi led to date. years with both Groton Confi dentiality of ongo- Base claiming and USSVI News from National ing negotiations between believing that Groton Base Groton Base and USSVI owned the Clubhouse and have been observed by the USSVI Bar. It was discovered in 2013 that Board on the advice of attorney; this was not the case and that USSVI however, Groton Base leadership has not only owned the Clubhouse (a insisted on going public with their title search has been done by our issues and their version of what is go- attorney), but that the liquor license ing on, so the only story getting out was also owned/backed by USSVI. is coming from Groton Base. In order to protect the interests of The issue is regarding Groton USSVI and its members a Memoran- Base Contacts Base’s refusal to continue to fi le the dum of Understanding was drawn up 1120 tax return with the IRS and with to allow Groton Base to continue to the State of Connecticut because, Commander operate the Clubhouse and Bar. Gro- after nearly 50 years of fi ling, they Phil Owens ton Base has since repudiated and [email protected] have decided that it is illegal for the Memorandum of Understanding them to continue to do so. They also between USSVI and Groton Base for Vice Commander argue that the EIN that they have the operation of the Club and Bar & Chaplain been fi ling under is illegal because it null and void. This could leave USSVI Chuck Mongan is illegal for USSVI to have two EINs. [email protected] totally responsible for the operation However, the EIN they have been of the clubhouse and bar and totally fi ling under is a Groton Base EIN and Treasurer liable for any problems/issues with has not ever been a USSVI EIN. This Tom Ramsay running a Bar that we have virtually tram688@jcwifi .com resulted in my temporarily suspend- no control over. ing the liquor license and the Groton Secretary & Base Charter as an emergency matter A meeting with Groton Base ear- Membership until I could convene a meeting of lier this year resulted in an agree- Bruce Weigel the Board to decide on how we were ment for USSVI to hire an attorney [email protected] going to handle the issue. to get a legal opinion and that both sides would abide by the decision Storekeeper After the Board met, within a few of the attorney. This was approved Terry Elmeier days, we immediately lifted the sus- by the Board of Directors and we [email protected] pension on both the liquor license did obtain an attorney who special- and the charter. The Board has been izes in Non-Profi t Corporations, our Editor/Webmaster consulted and has approved every Kate Ramsay attorney also has been consulting action taken by myself, the appoint- kateram@jcwifi .com with an independent CPA and with a ed committee to work on a settle- Corporate Tax Attorney to attempt to ment, and the attorney. (continued on page 7)

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 2 Tidbits of Knowledge from July 21, 1898 - around the world Guam was ceded to the U.S. by Spain during the Spanish Americian War. The island surrendered without resistennce upon the arrival of A bit of History the USS Charleston. on right

Russia builts DAILY EXPRESS.COM (United cabins, a swimming pool, a gym and world’s Kingdom) -- The Russians now have even a smoking room. biggest boat the world’s biggest nuclear subma- The sub’s mission is to study the rine, reports England’s newspaper bottom of the Arctic shelf, “searching the Daily Express. The war ship, for minerals and laying underwater named Belgorod, “outperforms the communications,” it is reported. The nuclear-powered Typhoon missile boat will conduct research missions cruiser, which is currently the largest and carry uninhabited deep-sea ve- nuclear submarine in the world.” hicles, as well as transport and install The boat, which carries 20 missile nuclear sub modules designed to launchers, has combat posts, crew charge uninhabited submarines on the seabed.

“Say it ain’t so” USNI.ORG -- Tradition is again tak- the impact to the nation’s domestic ing a beating in Washington, D.C., textile industrial base. Phasing out as the Navy announces its intent to the traditional Navy peacoat will re- phase out the peacoat as part of its sult in several hundred lost jobs and 2018 budget deliberations. “mark the beginning of the end for Hot on the “WHY?” detail is Con- New England woolen manufacturing,” gress, which questions the need to according to peacoat manufacturer, get rid of the wool double-breasted Sterlingwear. coat and to replace it with a 100 per- The collateral damage of this deci- cent synthetic parka. sion would greatly impact the ability The House Armed Services Com- of the woolen trade industry to sat- mittee is asking the Navy for jus- isfy other U.S. Military wool clothing tifi cation for its decision, due to requirements, they added.

Non-traditional EXPRESS GAZETTE (Green Bay)– and launching ships in the same launch held Submarine sailors familiar with manner? Manitowoc-built On July 3, 2017, the littoral combat boats know about ship Billings (LCS-15) was launched their history of at Wisconsin’s Marinette Marine lateral submarine shipyard. This shipyard is located 55 launches. But, miles north of the city of Green Bay did you know (on the west bank of the Green Bay). that other ship manufacturers A LCS is a small surface vessel in Wisconsin are intended for operations by the U.S. also christening Navy close to shore.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 3 Life is simple Recently, three USS Illinois Base this in stride, however, and chalked Either you’re members were inducted into the it up to additional USSVI Holland Club. This designa- engine education. qualifi ed or tion marks the 50th year since they you’re not!’ qualifi ed on submarines and earned The boat was the honor of wearing “Dolphins.” docked at the Dolphins, always worn with pride, is Naval Electronics a cherished right of passing for quali- Laboratory pier, fi ed submariners. but shortly left for Vallejo for a To give honor to these three new major overall. The Holland Club members, we will high- rear torpedo tubes were deactivated light one per month. This month, we and removed to modify the boat as tip our hat to Bruce Pickering (EN2- a research vessel for sonar develop- SS) of Beloit, Wisc., for his service ment. to his country, and for his passion for The USS Baya submarines. then headed west for a nine-month Bruce was born West Pac run to and attended join the Australian school in Trempea- Navy (subs and leau, Wisc. (a small crafts) for sonar town north of La research. Crosse). After grad- uating from high school, he obtained In December 1969, Bruce left the an apprenticeship in the Research & boats and headed home. Upon his Development Lab at Fairbank Morse return, Fairbank Morse brought him in Beloit, where he worked on the back into its apprentice program, assembly and testing of experimental giving him two years apprentice engines. credit for his service aboard the Baya. As many young men in the mid- Bruce worked for Fairbank Morse 60’s, Bruce was called to duty in for 37 years. Working fi rst as a re- 1966. Rather than take the path of a search and development machine “ground pounder,” he joined the Navy, tester apprentice, to assistant to the and was sent to Great Lakes Naval project engineer, and fi nally as Su- Station for Bootcamp. pervisor for the Research and Devel- opment Division before he retired. During Bootcamp, he volunteered for submarine service, partially due Bruce joined USSVI in 2015, and to the movie “Silent Service,” he says. was recently elected Base Treasurer. “Also, many submarines had Fairbank Morse engines,” and those he knew News from National well. So, it was off to New London, Conn. for Sub School to earn his EN The proposed consolidation of the (Engineman) rate. USSVI Constitution and Bylaws as approved by the Board of Directors From New London, Bruce was has been posted on the USSVI web- shipped to San Diego to join the site under “Documents” and “Orga- crew of the USS Baya AGSS-318. nization” for your review and will be One glitch? The USS Baya lacked submitted to the membership for a Fairbank Morse engine! He took adoption. See www.ussvi.org.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 4 USS Illinois Base We have seen a fl urry of events on Parade taking place the past two months, ing of the USS Illinois. He also added thanks in large part to members a sound system to the back of his Richard and Renee Martin, for the truck where he plays patriotic songs time and energy they which are crowd pleasers. CDR Phil haveh spent in getting Owens also purchased magnetic thet name of the USS Il- USSVI signage for his truck and linoisl Base out into the joined in the parade as well. community.c The attention is working. From Richard took his the crowd, we heard many folks say, trailert and decked it “Look submarine sailors, we’ve never outo with banners list- seen them in a parade before.” We ingi our name, location, heard many parents also telling their anda website. He also children who sub sailors were. placedp USSVI signage Past parades included: Rockford anda fl ags on the sides and Pecatonica Memorial Day Pa- ofo his truck. His goal rades, Belvidere Heritage Day Parade, wasw to get the Base’s and the Winnebago and Rockford namen into as many 4th of July Parades. paradesp as he could. Ready for the kick off of the Belvidere Heritage Day One upcoming parade is the South Parade are RIchard Martin, Phil Owens and A recent addition to Beloit Centennial Parade on Aug. 26, Tom Ramsay. his trailer was a paint- 2017. Come join us!

Photo highlights SUBFEST 2017 Lighted Manitowoc, Wisc. Boat July 7-9, 2017 Parade.

Richard Martin, Wayne Orrison, & Renee Mar- tin take time to renew friendships.

USS Cobia SS-245

Tom Ramsay & Richard Martin fi nd a new friend (rt) Rudy Kraut, a WWII sub sailor

Serving as tour guides were sub- marine veterans. Pictureed (ctr) is Phil Owens, CDR USS Illinois Base. A time to remember. Tom Ramsay stands bigger than life.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 5 Tolling of the Bells June USS Bonefi sh (SS-223) lost on June 18, 1945 during her 8th war for Lost Boats USS O-9 (SS-70) lost on June patrol during a savage depth-charge 20, 1941 when it sank off the Isle of attack at Toyama Bay in the Sea Shoals, 15 miles from Portsmouth, of Japan following her sinking of NH, while undergoing a deep test a passenger-cargoman. She was dive. Loss of 33 crew. the last SubPac submarine lost in USS S-27 (SS-132) lost on June World War II. Loss of 85 crew. 19, 1942 while charging batteries. In poor visibility, it drifted into the July shoals off St. Macarius Point in the USS Grunion (SS-216) lost on Aleutians. (60 miles from Kiska, July 30, 1942 near the entrance then held by the Japanese). When to Kiska (Alaska) Harbor due to it became apparent she could not unknown causes. Loss of 70 crew. May be freed and the boat began taking USS Squalus (SS-192) lost on a dangerous list, the captain trans- USS Runner (SS-275) declared May 23, 1939 when it fl ooded and ferred the crew to shore (400 yards lost July 1, 1943 during her 3rd sank off Portsmouth, NH. Loss of away) in relays using a three-man war patrol. She sank one freight- 26 crew with 33 rescued. Boat was rubber raft. All crew rescued. er and one passenger-cargoman off the Kuriles, when it was sunk raised, overhauled and refi tted, USS R-12 (SS-89) lost on June then recommissioned as Sailfi sh. possibly by mines somewhere 12, 1943 when it sank off Key West. between Midway Island and USS Gudgeon (SS 211) lost on The boat was on the surface “riding Hokkaido, Japan. Loss of 78 crew. May 12, 1944 when sunk off Saipan the vents” while taking near Maug Island in the northern position for a practice USS S-28 (SS-133) lost Marianas on her 12th war patrol. torpedo approach. The July 4, 1944 when it foun- Gudgeon was the fi rst US subma- collision alarm sound- dered off Hawaii during rine to go on patrol from Hawaii ed alerting fl ooding training exercises with following the Japanese attack on in the forward battery the USCGC Reliance. Pearl Harbor and was the fi rst US compartment. Be- After diving for a practice submarine to sink an enemy war- fore hatches could be torpedo approach, the ship. Loss of 79 crew. closed, the boat sank Reliance lost sound con- in 600 feet of water. tact. No distress signal or USS Lagarto (SS-371) lost on or Cause of loss unknown. Loss of 43 explosion was heard. The cause shortly after May 3, 1945 when sunk crew. Those on the bridge (cap- of her loss remains a mystery. on her 2nd war patrol off the Gulf tain, 2 other offi cers, and 3 men) Loss of 49 crew. of Thailand by a Japanese radar- survived. equipped minelayer. Loss of 85 crew. USS Robalo (SS-273) lost on USS Herring (SS-233) lost on July 26, 1944 on her third war USS Stickleback (SS-415) lost June 1, 1944 on her 8th war patrol patrol when she struck a mine on May 28, 1958 when it sank off within shore battery range of Point about 2 miles off the west coast Hawaii while being towed after a Tagan, Matsuwa Island, in Kurlies, of Palawan. Four men survived collision with the USS Silverstein after sinking both a freighter and the sinking and swam ashore. (DE-534). All crew rescued. passenger-cargoman. She was the They were captured and im- USS Scorpion (SSN-589) lost on only US submarine sunk by a land prisoned by the Japanese, but May 22, 1968 due to an undeter- battery during WWII. Loss of 83 crew. managed to get a note smuggled mined cause while in transit from out via local guerrillas. Unfor- USS Golet (SS-361) lost on June the Mediterranean to Norfolk. She tunately, they were removed by a 14, 1944 on her 2nd war patrol, was located fi ve months later 400 Japanese destroyer on August 15 during a surface attack by antisub- miles southwest of the Azores at a and subsequently were lost when marine forces north of Honshu, depth of 10,000 ft. Loss of 99 crew. that destroyer was sunk. Loss of Japan. Loss of 82 crew. 77 crew.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 6 Groton Base (Continued from page 2) tion has been presented to Groton Issues continued Base, which would give them what Corporate Tax Attorney to attempt to they have maintained for many years, resolve the issues. This process is still full ownership of the Clubhouse ongoing. and Bar Operation. It was also of- Our attorney recommended that fered that we would sell the Building both USSVI and Groton Base request to the new corporation at a To Be an extension on fi ling the 2016 taxes Negotiated price, which would then until this matter has been resolved. remove USSVI from the ownership USSVI applied for and received an and all control of the Clubhouse and extension, Groton Base refused to Bar operation. It was also stated that, request an extension and was ad- if they accept the off er, we would vised that any penalties or interest arrange a meeting to work out the accruing from their failure to fi le or details at our attorney’s offi ce in request an extension would be on Hartford, CT with them and their them. Their 1120 tax return is now attorney. Groton Base has thus far delinquent and the resolution to that not accepted the off er and has stated issue rests with the IRS. they have not decided whether they will meet with “The Lawyer” and that Our attorney recommended that Good Bedtime all meetings will be at the Clubhouse communications between Groton Stories in Groton. Base and USSVI should go through Heroes Beneath the her to reduce or eliminate confronta- This is the current status of the Waves, by Mary Nida tions and also asked that both parties Groton/USSVI legal issues. Anyone Smith treat this with confi dentiality until that has ever dealt with legal issues Blind Man’s Bluff , we reach an agreement. USSVI, until and attorneys know that it is a slow, by Sherry Sontag now, has complied with that request expensive and time-consuming while Groton Base has insisted on endeavor and that negotiations are Escape from the sending out full notices by email and preferably done in private between Deep: by Alex posting their letters on Facebook as the parties and not by public forum. Kershaw well as other forums. I will post the fi nal results of any negotiations once they have been Iron Coffi ns, by A settlement option off ering to completed and ask you all to remain Herbert A. Werner allow Groton Base to separately neutral and allow the legal process to incorporate the Club House & Bar Run Silent, Run take place without further infl aming operation from USSVI and to trans- Deep, by Edward L. the issues with rumors and innuen- fer, if possible (they may need to Beach. dos that have little connection with get a totally new liquor license), the The Terrible Hours, the facts. liquor license to that new corpora- Peter Maas

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, August 5, 2017 Time: Noon Location: Mustangs Bar & Grill 482 Gardner St. • South Beloit, Illinois www.ussillinoisbase.org

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 7 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 8