December 2017

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

As we end 2017, I would like to USSVI’s temporary IRS war veteran thank each of you for your sup- status loss makes it harder for us port and passion for the Submarine to solicit funds when we can’t off er Service. Your membership in USSVI, donors an IRS donation receipt. If Tom Ramsay and here at the Base level, does a lot we all work with USSVI to expand USS Illinois Commander to keep alive the memory of those on our recruitment eff orts to seek out MS1(SS), USN Retired eternal patrols, as well as preserve Active Duty or Reserves from any the fun and individual adventures we branch, or those who served during shared aboard submarines. We are the IRS defi ned war years, we will not only guardians of the past, but have one obstacle removed for the also today’s educators upcoming year. who spread knowledge Collectively however, about the important we have done a lot this role submarines play in past year, and I know today’s Armed Services. we are capable of more Much of our success in 2018. this year has come from In refl ecting over the the dedication of mem- past year as your new bers like yourself. Many Commander, I thought it was ap- of you have donated money to our propriate to recognize those who new base, and continue to do so. I believe have gone above and be- Your continued investment in the yond in support of our Base. For this USS Illinois Base is greatly appreci- reason, I have chosen to initiate an ated. As a new Base, we struggle to annual special Commander’s award, grow our base treasury. “Timing is everything,” as some people say. (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 December 2, 2017 -- Minutes of the USS Illinois Base

Illinois was shared. The letter also Event Committee Report by Rich- invited USS Illinois SSN-786 crew to ard Martin join the USS Illinois Base. A Christ- • The Christmas for Vets program mas card signed by members was started last week and runs through included. A motion was made by Christmas. Members were invited Bruce Pickering to send this letter to to join him and other local veterans Meeting called to order at 12:04 CDR Neil Steinhagen, seconded by as they visit area rest homes this p.m. by Tom Ramsay, Base CDR. Terry Elmeier. Motion carried. season to give out gifts and Christ- 15 members present: Tom Ramsay, • Wisconsin Maritime Museum mas cards, and more importantly to Chuck Mongan, Bruce Pickering, work party update. The commander spend time sharing memories with Kate Ramsay, Dick Martin, Renee joined three other sub vets Nov. 13-15 fellow vets. Martin, Bob Fleck, Kep Preble, Phil to help restore a portion of the USS • After Holiday Party. Richard and Owens, John Stines, Dave Spencer, Rasher’s sail (a Manitowoc boat). Renee Martin off ered to host the Terry Elmeier, Mark Dykstra, Wayne The museum sends out a call for Base’s 2018 After Holiday Party at Orrison. volunteers who have electronic or their home. A sheet was circulated systems related skills to help on the Guests present: Jan Spencer. asking members to note what they Cobia. Call Karen, Cobia Curator, at would like to bring to this pot luck Tolling of Bells Ceremony with the Museum for details. This special party. The Martins will provide special moment of silence for crew of work can be done at any time or day. pulled pork. The party will begin at Argentina’s ARA San Juan S42. Other Reports: 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 13th. More information coming. Reading of Creed and Pledge of District Commander’s Report by Allegiance Phil Owens. Old Business. Invocation by Chaplain Bob Fleck. • National reports the Groton Base Base Promotions. Kate Ramsay Introductions of members/guests. issues have been settled between all shared several designs of “book- parties. USSVI owns the Club Building. mark” size promotional items and Minutes. Copy of minutes were • Veterans of any branch can be other pieces that can be distributed e-mailed to members via the news- brought into USSVI as associate at functions to help promote the letter and posted online. Motion members to increase USSVI’s war Base. Discussion followed. With in- made by Terry Elmeier, seconded by veteran (IRS) status. Active duty formation gathered Kate will tweak Dave Spencer to approve minutes as or reservists are also welcome. Until the designs and resubmit them for posted. Motion carried. our war veteran percentage increas- approval. She was asked to also Treasurer’s Report by Bruce Pickering. es we cannot provide donors with a check with local printers to see what “not-for-profi t” IRS ID letter. their costs would be. • Beginning balance for November • Check your info on USSVI.org for New Business. None. was $1,159.92. November deposits accuracy before data transfers to the totaled $252. Leaving ending bank new website this month. Good of the Order. None. balance as of 10/24/2017 at $1,411.92 • Bases encouraged to review Nation- 50-50 Raffl e. Money collected--$75. Money on hand at end of November al’s Awards Manual to see if any of Kep Preble won the Raffl e and do- was $1,162.92 (with $150 in uncleared our members qualify. checks, and a $99 cleared check nated his share back to the Base. Storekeeper’s Report by Terry El- entered after the statement date.) Adjournment/Next Meeting. meier. National will soon be releasing • Reminder that the deadline for Following a closing prayer by Bob bulk manuals to bases to help them National and Base dues is nearing. Fleck, a motion made and carried to promote USSVI’s National Storekeep- National will remove members who adjourn the meeting at 1:07 p.m. have not paid by 1/31/2018. Bruce er stock at the base level. Next meeting January 2, 2017 at will be available before and after the Membership Report by David Mustang Bar & Grill, South Beloit, January meeting to collect dues. Spencer. Current membership: 26. IL, at noon. Remember the Holiday CDR Report by Tom Ramsay. Chaplains Report by Bob Fleck. Party at 2:30 p.m. on January 13 at the • A “Christmas wishes” letter to Reminder to pass on names of folks Martin’s home in Machesney Park, be sent to the Skipper of the USS who are sick so cards can be sent. IL. More info coming.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 2 CDR’s Column (Continued from page 1) truck was wired to play music, and Continued called the Outstanding Volunteer he already had two parades sched- Achievement Award. uled for us. Before long, we were The 2017 Outstanding Volunteer entered into numerous parades, and Achievement Award goes to Richard found folks excited to see us. At one Martin for his dedication and energy parade, one women was heard telling in “basically getting us off our butts” her young son, “Look! Submarine and introducing us to the commu- sailors! We’ve never seen them here nity. He was an “idea man” and was before.” The Base is getting recogni- just what we needed. tion today thanks to Richard’s self- less gift of time and resources. Richard also volunteers as a mem- ber of the Winnebago Veteran’s Commission representing USSVI. He is an exceptional spokesman and “go-getter,” for not only USSVI, but also for many other area veterans organizations. He has been involved in the local Christmas for Vets pro- gram for many years, and welcomed other Base members to join him this year as he visited veterans living in A bright red truck, local rest homes. It was a humbling strikingly painted There was a reason I named him experience, and our visits were wel- trailer, patriotic music, Base Events Coordinator, because comed by the vets who enjoyed shar- and sub sailors on board have made our he was already doing the job. I re- ing their own stories. Cookies, lap parade entry a defi nite member one meeting, he came in so blankets, socks, and Christmas Cards crowd pleaser. excited because he had painted the just added to the merriment. sides of his enclosed trailer with the Join me in giving Richard a pat on USSVI logo and USS Illinois Base the back, and say, “Thank You!” name and website. The back of his

Base Activities Christmas for Vets -2017

From the end of Thanksgiving to Christmas Day , groups visited 2 to 4 rest homes a day, sharing time and gifts with veterans--many without families. The treasures are fi nding WWII Navy Vets, as Richard Martin (above rt) did at Fairhaven Rockford.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 3 Hawaii welcomes TThehe UUSSSS IIllinoisllinois SSSN-786SN-786 aarrivedrrived ccommandingommanding offi ccerer ofof tthehe UUSSSS IIl-l- USS Illinois aatt iitsts nnewew hhomeportomeport aatt PPearlearl HHarbor,arbor, llinois.inois. ““ProgramsPrograms llikeike tthesehese aallowllow uuss HHI,I, oonn NNovemberovember 226,6, rreportseports tthehe ttoo ffocusocus mmoreore ooff tthehe sship’ship’s rresourcesesources UUnitednited SStatestates NNavyavy NNewsews SServiceervice ttowardoward missionmission ppreparedness.”reparedness.” ((NNS).NNS). TThehe PPearlearl HHarborarbor ssubmarineubmarine ““TheThe ccrewrew aandnd ffamiliesamilies aarere rreadyeady ccommunityommunity wwelcomedelcomed tthehe ccrewrew aandnd aandnd aanxiousnxious ttoo ggetet hhereere aandnd eenjoynjoy ffamiliesamilies ooff tthehe nnewlyewly ccommissionedommissioned tthishis wweathereather VVirginia-classirginia-class yyear-round,”ear-round,” ffast-attackast-attack ssaidaid Steinha-Steinha- ssubmarineubmarine ttoo ggen.en. TThehe mmem-em- HHawaiiawaii follow-follow- bbersers ooff tthehe UUSSSS iingng a hhomeportomeport IIllinoisllinois BBasease cchangehange ffromrom wwishish ttheyhey wwereere GGroton,roton, CCon-on- ttherehere ttoooo wwithith nnecticutecticut oonn rrecordecord nnumbersumbers NNovemberovember 222.2. ooff bbelowelow zzeroero ““SettlingSettling iintonto ttemperaturesemperatures a nnewew hhomeome iiss tthroughouthroughout tthehe aalwayslways a cchallenge,hallenge, bbutut tthehe NNavyavy hhasas MMidwestidwest thisthis holidayholiday sseason.eason. aann ooutstandingutstanding ssupportupport sstructuretructure iinn CCongratulationsongratulations ttoo tthehe UUSSSS IIllinoisllinois pplacelace fforor sserviceervice mmembersembers aandnd ttheirheir oonn tthishis nnewew llegeg ooff yyourour jjourney.ourney. WWee ffamilies,amilies, wwhichhich ggreatlyreatly rreduceseduces tthehe aappreciateppreciate allall yyouou ddoo fforor oourur ccountry.ountry. sstress,”tress,” ssaidaid CCDRDR NNeileil JJ.. SSteinhagen,teinhagen, USS Illinois Base Contacts Notes for Veterans Bill seeks to improve veteran health care eligibility Commander Tom Ramsay The American Legion and several The petitions were delivered at a tram688@jcwifi .com other veterans service organizations press conference on Dec. 6 at the (VSO) recently delivered more than U.S. Capitol. VSO reps spoke about Vice Commander Chuck Mongan 180,000 signed petitions to Congress the importance of ensuring equal [email protected] urging lawmakers to pass bipartisan benefi ts to veterans of all gen- legislation that will expand caregiver erations. House and Senate leaders, Treasurer benefi ts for all disabled veterans including sponsors of the Caring for Bruce Pickering under the Department of Veterans Our Veterans Act of 2017, were also [email protected] Aff airs Comprehensive Caregiver As- present to voice their support. sistance Program. Secretary & “Far too many veterans and Editor/Webmaster The bill, passed by the Sen- their caregivers have been Kate Ramsay ate Committee on Veterans’ denied access to VA’s compre- kateram@jcwifi .com Aff airs on Nov. 29 by a 14-1 hensive caregivers benefi ts for vote, would help improve ex- the wrong reason,” said Amer- Storekeeper isting health care and services ican Legion National Legisla- Terry Elmeier tive Deputy Director Derek [email protected] provided under the VA by ex- panding eligibility for veterans of all Fronabarger. “The American Legion Chaplain generations, including Vietnam-era believes eligibility for veterans’ ben- Bob Fleck service members. It would also pro- efi ts should not be based on when a bobfl [email protected] vide permanent, streamlined access veteran served, but rather how they to health care and services with a new served and their physical and mental Veterans Community Care Program. condition upon returning home.”

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 4 30% of the Imperial Japanese reproach and did not need to Navy, and, just as importantly, have someone looking over his virtually destroyed the Japanese shoulder when he entered paper merchant marine fl eet, sink- ballots into the Online system. NEWS ing 2,400 ships and sending 4.9 3) We are now running on the from million tons of critical supplies, 2006 revised C&B’s. The new oil and other war materiel to the C&B’s are known by the 2008 NATIONAL bottom of the sea. revised C&B’s as a naming con- The cost of this outstand- vention for when the C&B’s were ‘Lest we Forget’ ing victory was high: 52 boats voted on. By the present C&B’s we have to consider PA’s from At 0748 Hawaii Time (1248 and one out of four submarine the membership during a voting Eastern Standard Time) on Sun- sailors (3,507)did not return cycle. day 7 December 1941, 353 attack and are still honored by the aircraft (high-level bombers, submarine community as being There are 3 Proposed Amend- torpedo bombers, dive bombers on Eternal Patrol—the highest ments to the Constitution and and escort fi ghters) of the Impe- loss ratio of any U.S. military NO proposed amendments for rial Japanese Navy Fleet Air Arm unit in WWII. the Bylaws. The 3 PA’s on the staged a preemptive surprise --John Markiewicz Ballot are the PA’s to be consid- attack on the U.S. Navy Pacifi c National CDR ered for the new Constitution Fleet moored at Ford Island, if it passes or for the present Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Election Clarifi cations! Constitution, if the new one gets voted down. The PA's are not With all this carnage, there 1) What will the Base CDRs be part of the new revision. What was a hopeful sign. Com- able to see? The Base CDRs will you are voting on here is a new mander-in-Chief, Pacifi c Fleet only be able to see how many revision for the Constitution, a (CINCPAC), Admiral Chester members have voted to date as a new revision for the Bylaws and 3 Nimitz observed that the Japa- number only, with no names and PA’s for the old or new Constitu- nese, while scoring an incred- what percentage of their Base tion depending which is voted in. ible tactical victory, made four members voted. When I present- strategic blunders, among which ed the Online Voting over many 4) There has been a minor was they failed to attack and de- BOD meetings, it was decided to name change on the online bal- stroy the U.S. Naval Submarine only show the percentage of base lot concerning the PA’s naming Base adjacent to the Navy Ship- members voting to preserve the convention. On the paper ballot yard. Consequently, the only ef- member’s privacy and to keep they go by the C&B change con- fective U.S. Navy fi ghting forces the voting by a truly secret ballot vention C01/08-C03/08. available to take the fi ght to the as per the C&B’s. Another fea- A change on the online vot- Japanese on 8 December 1941 ture was mistakenly turned on ing page was made to refl ect were the 3 U.S. Carriers that were for a very short time and is now this. They now show C01/08 etc at sea, their supporting Battle turned off . This elections online/ after the PA’s name to match the Groups and 62 submarines of paper ballot system was made so paper ballot. This has no eff ect the U.S. Submarine Force. individual member could vote on the voting. From 8 December 1941 un- on his own to make sure his vote would be counted. It is now the This is a new voting system til the end of hostilities on 16 that was put in place to increase August 1945, the U.S. Subma- member who sends in his vote and not the base CDR. voter participation, to have a fair rine Force, comprising less than election, and for you the voting 2% of the total manpower and 2) Trust in the Election Mas- membership to have a voice in materiel assets of the U.S. Navy, ter! Prior to opening the Online USSVI. waged the most successful un- Voting, both candidates for the --Al Singleman dersea warfare campaign in his- National Commander stated that Immediate Past Nat’l CDR tory. U.S. subs sank more than the Election Master was beyond

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 5 Tidbits of Knowledge from December 31, 1879 around the world Thomas Edison provided the fi rst public demonstration of his electric incandescent lamp at his laboratory A bit of History in Menlo Park, New Jersey. on right A bit of History on right

Russian Subs Washington Post (Brussels/NATO)— “We are now seeing Russian under- focus on North “Russian submarines have dramati- water activity in the vicinity of un- cally stepped up activity around dersea cables that I don’t believe we Atlantic cables undersea data cables in the North have ever seen,” said U.S. Navy Rear Atlantic,” it was reported. Offi cials Adm. Andrew Lennon, the com- feel the attraction to these com- mander of NATO’s submarine forces. munication lines to North America “Russia is clearly taking an interest in and Europe is seen as a way for the NATO and NATO nations’ undersea Kremlin to tap into vital data lines. infrastructure.”

103-year The Australian (Sydney, of an Australian expeditionary force mystery over Australia)—“This is a great day to seize what was then German for Australian maritime history,” New Guinea. The boat was sunk on said Brendan Nelson, director of Sept.14, 1914, while patrolling for the Australian War Memorial. The German warships. wreck of Australia’s fi rst submarine, For years researchers conducted the HMAS AE1, commissioned from numerous unsuccessful recovery England in February 1914, was found missions. Dr. Nigel Erskine, the Aus- near Rabaul on the tralian National Maritime Museum’s island of New Brit- head of research, fears that with the ain. The fi nd puts a international publicity surrounding 103-year mystery to the discovery of AE1 this month, “it rest. would not be hard for an interested A short few weeks party with some technology to fi nd after the new boat the vessel”. Any new search would, Found by a mini-sub some 984 feet below the surface. arrived from England, it was de- require the permission of the PNG ployed early in World War I as part government.

Once ever Fox News (New York)--Every 72 new therapies and treatments. And 72 minutes! minutes. That’s how often U.S. mili- I certainly hope that we can have a tary veterans kill themselves. big impact on this problem.” VA Secretary David Shulkin has There were 71 active duty suicides, labeled the fi gure “an unacceptable 20 reserves suicides and 31 National statistic,” according to The Hill. Guard suicides in the fi rst quarter of 2017. Experts are currently attempt- “We’re reaching out to community ing to reduce those numbers by groups, to academic groups,” Shulkin evaluating a series of factors, and by was quoted as saying. “We’re doing educating people to recognize risks research in this area. We’re trying before it becomes too late.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 6 It’s not too late to pay your Nation- year. Please contact me if you have al and Base dues for 2018. Bases have questions regarding your National until January 31, 2018 to submit your membership status. You will still owe 2018 dues to national. $10 for Base membership. Member- Bruce Pickering, ships not in receipt at National by Base Treasurer If you have a life-time USSVI mem- bership, you owe only for Base dues Jan. 31, 2018, will be removed from which are $10. We do not have multi- the USSVI membership roster. year members for the Base. I will be available at our Jan. 6, If you have a multi-year USSVI 2018 Base meeting at Mustang Bar & membership (3 years or 5 years), you Grill 15 minutes prior and after the may not have to pay National this meeting to accept payments.

Join us for a fun After-Holiday Party Online for you and your spouse/partner. It is a Update pot luck “type” party being held in the home of USSVI members Richard and Renee Martin in Loves Park. Renee is by Kate Ramsay, Base Webmaster compiling a list of items members have off ered to bring. Give her a call if need suggestions on what you can bring. Have you visited our web- site at www.ussillinoisbase. DATE: org lately? If not, you should. After all, it is your website. Mark your calendar for I am looking for photos Saturday, January 13, 2018 of you and your boats, and reunion shots, etc. I want you to visit our site often and to LOCATION: share it with your friends and families. Home of Base members Richard & Renee Martin Browse through the website 534 Gershwin Ln., Machesney Park, IL and let me know what new Phone: 815-505-4856 photos of boats and events you would like to see, as well as what improvements we can ENTERTAINMENT: make. It other words, I want Good, fun company! FOOD!! you to be proud to share this site with others. White Elephant gift exchange—it is a good way to get rid Of course, one of the best, of that special “unwanted” gift given to you during Christ- and fun pages on the website, mas, or even 10 years ago. Wrap it “petty” and bring it. No is the Sea Story section. We need to put your name on the package. Gift costs should need to refresh this area by not exceed $15—less is preferable. Strange is welcome. adding your stories too! Funny is even better. Help me help you promote our Base’s Website. Email me An email will be coming soon with more your ideas at kateram@jcwifi . com, or call me at 815-443- detailed information. 2535. Thanks for your help!

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 7 The SAN JUAN wreckage sank vertically at an estimated speed between 10 and 13 knots. Bot- In memoriam tom impact would not have produced an acous- ARA San Juan tic event detectable at long range. The open question is: why was no corrective action - such as blowing ballast - taken by the SAN JUAN crew before the submarine sank to Collapse depth? According to Argentine Navy spokesman Gabriel Galeazzi, the Commanding Offi cer of the SAN JUAN reported a “failure” in the submarine’s “battery system,” The time of that report was 0730 on 15 November, assumed to have been GMT. Subsequently, the problem was reported to have been “fi xed.” The SAN (Editor’s Note: USSVI received the below article from the JUAN intended to submerge and Continue its International Submariners Association and thought you transit north. The SAN JUAN pressure-hull col- might like to see it.) lapsed at 1358 GMT on 15 November. by Bruce Rule In the case of the loss of the US nuclear sub- An analytical review of all information released marine SCORPION (SSN 589), hydrogen out- by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty gassed by the main battery exploded at 18:20:44 Organization on the acoustic signal associated GMT on 22 May 1968 incapacitating/killing with the loss of the Argentina Submarine, ARA the crew with an atmospheric over-pressure in SAN JUAN confi rms the following: the battery well estimated to have been 7-10 times the fatal value. The pressure-hull was not That acoustic signal originated near 46-10S, 59- breached. This assessment was based on analysis 42W at 1358Z (GMT) on 15 November 2017. It was of acoustic detections of the event and damage produced by the collapse (implosion) of the ARA observed in pieces of the fragmented battery SAN JUAN pressure-hull at a depth of 1275-feet. recovered from the wreckage at a depth of 11,100 Sea pressure at the Collapse depth was 570 PSI. feet by the US submersible TRIESTE, e.g., mi- The frequency of the collapse event signal (bub- croscopic, spectrographic and x-ray diff raction ble-pulse) was about 4.4 Hz. analyses. (There was no fl ooding of the pressure- The energy released by the collapse was equal to hull before the battery exploded.) SCORPION the explosion of 12,500 Pounds of TNT at a depth lost power and sank slowly over nearly 22 min- of 1275-feet. That energy was produced by the utes to collapse at a depth of 1530-feet at 18:42:34 nearly instantaneous conversion of potential en- GMT on 22 May 1968.There is the possibility that ergy (sea-pressure) to kinetic energy, the motion a similar sequence of events occurred Aboard the of the intruding water-ram which entered the SAN SAN JUAN. If the wreck is located and eff orts are JUAN pressure-hull at a speed of about 1800 mph. made to recover components; emphasis should be The entire pressure-hull was destroyed (frag- placed on the battery system. mented/compacted) in about 40 milliseconds The author of this assessment was the lead (0.040s or 1/25th of a second), the duration of the acoustic analyst at the US Offi ce of Naval Intel- compression phase of the collapse event which ligence for 42 years, analyzed acoustic detectors is half the minimum time required for cognitive of the loss of the USS THRESHER (SSN 593) on recognition of an event. 10 April 1963 and testifi ed Before that Court of Although the crew may have known collapse was Inquiry. The author expresses his appreciation imminent, they never knew It was occurring. It is to those who supported this assessment with reasonable to assume the sailors did not drown or research and calculations. experience pain. Death was instantaneous.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 8 Tolling of the Bells USS F-1 [ex-CARP] (SS-20) lost on Story behind the Story for Lost Boats December 17, 1917 when it was sunk after collision with USS F-3 off San Clemente, Calif. Loss of 19 crew USS S-4 (SS-109) lost on December USS S-4 on Eternal Patrol 17, 1927 when sunk after ramming Shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 17, 1927, by USCG Paulding off Provincetown, the USCG Hiram Paulding (CG-17), a small Mass. Loss of 40 crew. All but 4 men lightweight destroyer, steamed at the died within hours in engine room moderate speed of 18 knots around the and motor room due to asphyxia- shores of Cape Cod, Mass. The Paulding tion. Four trapped in torpedo room was on her regular patrol approaching survived for possibly 60 hours. Hull Provincetown Harbor. Following normal procedures at the time, patrol orders raised and used for study in submarine were given verbally, but the Navy was not December escape. Scuttled off Hawaii in 1936. informed the Paulding was in the area. USS Sealion (SS-195) lost on De- That day, the S-4 was performing stan- cember 10, 1941 when it was scuttled dardization trials in the area following in Manila Bay after damage at Cavite a refi t. Per routine procedures, she had Navy Yard during bombing. Damage submerged with just her twin periscopes was suffi cient to preclude removal to sticking above the surface of the water. home waters when Philippines sur- The two ships had no idea the other rendered. Scuttled on December 25. would be there. The collision was inevi- Loss of 4 crew. table. The USS S-4 (SS-109) sank immedi- ately with all hands lost in spite of valiant USS Capelin (SS-289) lost on or after lifesaving eff orts by the Paulding’s crew. December 3, 1943 on her 1st war patrol, While the two captains shared blame, sunk in the Celebes Sea in western there was no guilt, but the tragedy had Pacifi c. Cause of loss unknown. Loss many lessons for both the Navy and the of 76 crew. Coast Guard. Communications between the two services were improved to inform each other of their operations, when pos- sible, to prevent such tragic accidents. Even in death, the S-4 continued to teach. After she was raised in 1928, she was Interior view of the S-4 (SS-109), Crew’s Quarters (Battery Room), Dec. 25, 1919. repaired and refi t as a test bed for subma- Taken by the Portsmouth Navy Yard, Kittery, rine rescue and salvage devices. Some of Maine. Note folding chairs, table, benches the equipment and techniques developed and berths; also Christmas decorations. through the experiments with S-4 helped Offi cial USN Photo) aid in the successful rescue of sailors from the USS Squalus in 1939.

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, January 6, 2018 Time: Noon Location: Mustangs Bar & Grill 482 Gardner St. • South Beloit, Illinois www.ussillinoisbase.org

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 9 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]

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