April 2017

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

Holland Club Richard Martin (EN3) was Camp, where his prowess with the eligible plus 3 installed into the United States drums earned him a place on the Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI) Drum & Bugle Corp. Holland Club, marking the 50th An- “I marched in parades in Chicago niversary of his earning his coveted and other places throughout Boot submarine Dolphins. He joined the Camp,” Richard explains. While my Navy in 1963, and qualifi ed on subs buddies who joined with me bid in April 1964 aboard the USS Amber- ‘good-bye’ to Boot Camp, I was held jack (SS-522). up two weeks longer until a new He and his wife, Renee, recently drummer came in to replace me, he joined the United States Submarine added. Veterans, Inc., and both recently While in Boot Camp young Rich- bbecame mem- ard signed up for Sub School and was bbers of the USS on his way to New London, Conn., IIllinois Base. when he heard the USS Thresher had Richard, a just gone down. RRockford na- After Sub School, the 3rd Class ttive, was a stu- Petty Offi cer was stationed in South ddent at Auburn Carolina aboard the USS Amberjack, Richard HHigh School, where he qualifi ed as a Throttleman and Renee wwhen he left to EN3 in the Engine Room. Martin jjoin the Navy jjust two weeks His fi rst dive on the ship was most prior to graduation. Richard later memorable, he recalls. “My bunk earned his GED while in the service. was in the after-battery room be- He was sent to Great Lakes for Boot (Continued on page 4)

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 News from National USSVI National Jr. Vice Com- Local impact mander William C. Andrea sent What impact does this have on Moratorium the below message on April 3, 2017, USSVI and its Bases? First and fore- regarding a temporary moratorium on Associate most, “a War Veterans status allows on Associate Memberships. The Members USSVI and the individual Bases reason behind his message followed to be Tax Deductible under 170(c) notifi cation by the Inter- (3) IRS Code.” Without it, nal Revenue Service (IRS) and until our memberships that USSVI did not meet numbers are back in line its minimum membership with tax code, donors can- requirement to claim a “War not claim their donation to Veteran” status. USSVI or its Bases on their This does not impact your indiv- income tax forms. We currently have vidual membership in USSVI, which less than 90% of our members who is a Veteran’s Organization, but it does have served during the IRS’ specifi ed impact USSVI’s IRC 501(c)(19) for this war dates. (Please note: This does year, which will be described later. not impact donations to the USSVI Charitable Contribution Fund [CCF], National’s message which operates under separate tax from William C. Andrea laws. Donations are still tax deduct- Base Contacts “IMPORTANT! In order to re- ible for CCF gifts.) gain War Veteran status for USSVI, For further information about we will no longer be accepting membership requirements for a Vet- Commander Associate Members UNLESS they Phil Owens erans Organization (75% veterans) [email protected] have been military members and a War Veteran Status Organiza- from any of the services, and tion (90% war veterans), you will Vice Commander they served during the specifi ed fi nd information under “Documents” & Chaplain war dates recognized by the IRS, on USSVI’s website (www.ussvi.org). Chuck Mongan which are: Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, Search for “War Veterans Status.” [email protected] 1946; June 27, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955; Aug. 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975; or Aug. Treasurer 2, 1990 to present. Look on the back of your Tom Ramsay coveted dolphin pin! tram688@jcwifi .com “This is a TEMPORARY morato- rium until we qualify for War Vet- Do you see an expiration date? Secretary & eran status again, which is: 90% If you earned your dolphins, whether it was a “yesterday” on Membership of our membership must have Bruce Weigel the “Ustafi sh” or as early as today, [email protected] served during those specifi ed there is a place for you in USSVI. periods. We will then again open Why? Because that is where Storekeeper up membership for associates.” your fellow “Brothers of the Terry Elmeier “Until that time, donations or Dolphin” are--so come on home [email protected] contributions made to USSVI will where we associate to remember not be “tax deductible” for do- our fallen brothers who served in Editor/Webmaster , gather to maintain Kate Ramsay nors, but any donations or con- tributions made to the USSVCF the bonds of camaraderie that [email protected] only “fellow bubbleheads” really (USSVI Charitable Foundation) understand. will be ‘tax deductible’ for donors. Share this message with “Again, this is a TEMPORARY fellow Bubbleheads today! moratorium.”

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 2 Tidbits of Knowledge from April 27, 1865 - around the world Worst steamship disaster in U.S. history. Explosion aboard the Sultana on Mississippi River killed nearly 2,000 passengers, mostly A bit of History Union prisoners returning home. on right

Submarines ASSOCIATED PRESS (Providence, separate berthing for women, the undergoing RI) -- When the Navy lifted its ban changes will be more substantial. redesigns in 2010 allowing women to enter It was reported that overhead the submarine service, changes to values will be lowered and designed Submarine designs were bound to to turn easier. Steps will also be in- take place. stalled “in front of triple-high bunk “Electric Boat is designing what beds and stacked laundry machines.” will be the fi rst Navy subs built Retrofi tting of existing subs will specifi cally to accommodate female begin with the addition of extra crew members,” reporter Jennifer doors and washroom modifi cations. McDermott shared. While the obvi- The fi rst boat to accommodate all ous changes would be adding more these expected changes will be the doors and washrooms, and creating future USS New Jersey in 2021.

China launches USNI.ORG -- China launched its Russia when it was 70% built and new carrier fi rst domestically built placed into commission in 2011. in a ceremony at a northern Chinese “China wants to sail a gradually shipyard on April 26, the U.S. Naval increasing number of aircraft carriers Institute reports. into the center of growing blue water The 50,000-ton operations. The evidence is grow- TType-001A carrier ing in Chinese shipyards and ports wwas launched in a across the Indian Ocean and beyond,” fl urry of ticker tape according to Andrew Erickson, an aand confetti from associate professor at the U.S. Naval iits dry dock at the War College’s China Maritime Stud- DDalian Shipyard. ies Institute (CMSI). China’s fi rst carrier, also a Type- The new ship, which uses ski-jump 001A, was originally a soviet-design style decks rather than catapults Kuznetsov-class “heavy aircraft car- to launch aircraft, is expected to be rying .” It was purchased from commissioned in 2020.

Illinois -- Meet INDIANA105.COM -- The fi rst the very fi rst USS Indiana was com- the Indiana submarine to be named after the missioned in 1895, a battleship that Hoosier state was christened last served in the Spanish-American War Saturday. USS Indiana, the 16th and went out of service in 1919. The Virginia-class fast attack submarine, second USS Indiana was launched is also Indiana’s fi rst namesake ship sixteen days before the attack on in over 70 years. The U.S. Navy says Pearl Harbor.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 3 (Continued from page 1) Martin joins USS Amberjack SS-522 Holland Club Navy photo circa 1960s hind the galley, but after my watch, I went to visit a buddy in the Room.” While there, a “Valve Twister” caused the boat to go Richardhd was discharged d h df from the h into a deep angle dive. When the Navy in 1966 after a three-year stint. valve couldn’t be reversed, it was But, his deep love of his Navy service tense. The only defensive choice was led him to become an avid supporter a “very” fast emergency surface. “My and sponsor of local Veteran groups. buddy and I slid down between the torpedo tubes. He is currently on the Board of Di- rectors for VietNow in Rockford, and “It scared the crap out of me,” he a life member of Vietnam Veterans of said. The emergency surface worked, America. And, now a new member of because he is still here to talk about it. USSVI.

SubFest adds Get ready for submarine fun in Overnight aboard USS Cobia special “Sub Vet Manitowoc, WI, July 7-9th, for the Along with the social, spend the only” events 3rd Annual SubFest. If you haven’t night aboard USS Cobia! This is been to one before, you are missing exclusive to sub vets only. The over- out on a fun and educational activity night will run from Thursday, July 6 for the entire family. at 8 p.m. until Friday, July 7 at 8 a.m., Events include music, food, side- and costs $25 per person. Family Events walk sales, water ski show, self- Space is limited, so make sure to guided submarine tours, lighted boat Don’t forget to call the Museum (Mike Johnson) parade, fi reworks, remote subma- at 920-684-0218 x106 for a reserva- check out the full rine races for kids and other boat schedule of events tion. Then, fi ll out and send in the kid-friendly activities, and so much Submarine Veteran Overnight Form for this year’s Sub- more! fest for you and attached to this newsletter – or on your family. Of Special Sub Vet activities the Maritime Museum’s website. course, you don’t Open House Don’t miss out on this exclusive want to miss the This event is specifi c to submarine opportunity! All proceeds will go fascinating exhib- towards Cobia’s dry dock fund! its in the museum, veterans only! Thursday, July 6, the including their Wisconsin Maritime Museum hosts Boat Storytellers new “Submarine a the Sub Vet Open House aboard Friday thru Sunday, thousands tour Experience”—a USS Cobia and on the Museum’s Roof the USS Cobia. Help make the ex- defi nite favorite Deck from 6 – 9 p.m. (with cash bar). pereience more memoriable for oth- of kids.Watch the Even though the Museum is hav- ers. Volunteer as an onboard story- Maritime Muse- ing rigged for red tours all weekend, teller, sharing information about life um Website for an meaning no tour guides, this is the on the boats.If interested (you pick updated Schedule only time there will be no regular pub- the dates and times best for you), of Events. lic on the submarine, only other sub- contact Karen Duvalle, Submarine marine veterans. Veterans are invited Curator, at (920) 374-4004, or email to explore the sub for as long as they [email protected]. want and socialize on the Roof Deck!

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 4 Tolling of the Bells USS Pickerel (SS-177) lost April 3, for Lost Boats 1943 when sunk off Honshu, . Loss of 74 crew. The exact loss is unknown, but presumed to be the result of mine fi elds. USS Grenadier (SS-210) lost April 22, 1943 on her 6th war patrol, when scuttled after serious damage by aircraft near Penang in Indian Ocean. 61 crew taken prisoner by Japanese forces. 57 survived the war. USS Thresher Th h (SSN(SSN-593) ) ltlost on USS Snook (SS-279) lost sometime April 10, 1963 when sunk during sea after April 8, 1945 when sunk near trials near Isle of Shoals. The fi rst of April Hainan Island, China, possibly fall- a new class of nuclear attack subs, ing victim to a Japanese submarine. the boat just completed an overhaul Snook ranks 10th in total Japanese and was lost in a drive at test depth tonnage sunk and is tied for 9th in in over 8,000 feet of water. Loss the number of ships sunk. Loss of of 129 crew and yard workers from 84 crew. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Join us at 2017 The 2017 United States Submarine • 9/3 (Sun.) -- Holland Club Breakfast, USSVI Annual Veterans, Inc. Convention is fast ap- USSVI Base Offi cer Meeting, Motor- Convention proaching. If you want to take advan- cycle Group Meeting, RVers Meeting. tage of the special low rates at the • 9/4 -- Men’s & Ladies Luncheons, convention hotel ($105 a night -- “re- Memorial Service ally low cost” for a Holiday weekend), the hotel deadline is Aug. 1, 2017. • 9/5 -- Base Commanders Meeting, VisitV http://www.ussviconvention. Ham Operators Meeting org/2017/ for full details. • 9/6 -- USSVI Annual Business Meet- The host for this year’s event is the ing, Submarinen Film Festival, Mu- Central Florida Base. seum & Memorials Meeting, Social Hour & Annual Awards Banquet. Schedule of Events (as of 5/1/2017): Hope to see you at • 9/1 (Fri.) -- Golf the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort • 9/2 (Sat.) -- Welcome Aboard Party in Orlando, Fla., Sept 1-6, 2017

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, May 6, 2017 Time: Noon (lunch available during or after meeting) Location: Mustangs Bar & Grill 482 Gardner St. • South Beloit, Illinois www.ussillinoisbase.org

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 5 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 6 This is an overnight aboard USS Cobia for submarine veterans only. The overnight will take place on Thursday, July 6 th starting at 8:00 pm and goes to 8:00 am on Friday, July 7th . Sleeping aboard Cobia costs $25 a person, and all proceeds will go towards Cobia ’s dry dock fund.

The Museum does not provide sleeping bags, pillows, or blankets for participants, they must bring their own. There are no fully operating heads aboard Cobia , so the restrooms will need to be used at night. The Museum does not offer showers in the morning to participants. Lastly, no smoking aboard USS Cobia .

I certify that I am aware that the activity involves a certain level of risk not normally encountered, and that I voluntarily assume all risks associated with such activity. Participant’s Name Phone Number

______Address Email

______Boat Served On

______Participant’s Signature Date

______

Credit Card ______Credit Card Number Check Expiration Date ______Cash CSC Number Signature