Volume 2009 - Issue 4 Page 1 Volume 2009 Issue 4 $5.95

AMERICAN SUBMARINER 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 accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States of America and its Constitution”

Just another Sub Vet See Page 2

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The 22nd of October was the normal meeting day for the San Diego WW-II Sub Vets. The USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans Inc) Sub Vets of LA Pasadena, Bowfi n, Scamp, San Diego, Trieste, and Bonefi sh Bases had arranged a little surprise ceremony for their elder WW-II “Brothers of the Phin”. It was meant to be a simple ceremony with maybe 25 Shipmates in attendance. Back row L-R: Dale Barkley, Harlan DeGood, Warren Krentz, It all came about as a result of Mike Williamson, Base Com- Bob Oswald, Johnny Meyer, Art Carter, Michael Bircumshaw, mander of Bonefi sh Base in Redlands, California feeling that Kent Weekly, Len Heiselt, Bob Cox, Bob Miller, Captain Paul the plaque on the Roncador memorial monument at the Sub Marconi. Front row L-R: George Kinnison, Bob Bissonette, Base in San Diego was not quite adequate. Well, it was the MCPON Rick West, Mike Williamson, C.J. Glassford size of an envelope - does it get any better than that? cret, to the WW-II Sub Vets, about the plaque and its recent Mike set about rallying the Bases in WD6 (USSVI Western placement. Distract Six) with the help of Bob Miller, WD6 Commander and And then it all took a neat turn! Bircumshaw noticed that the end result ended up in an absolutely spectacular 95 pound, there was just another Sub Vet (a member of the Groton Base 2’ by 3’ engraved plaque that clearly gives credit where credit in Connecticut) somewhere on the West Coast; maybe San Di- is due: to the WW-II Sub Vets and others directly responsible ego, or Pearl Harbor, or Bangor Washington, but somewhere for the installation of the magnifi cent memorial in 1971. on the west coast, and so he sent off an e-mail and asked that The first part of the task was raising the $3,000.00 wandering Sub Vet if he could make it to the ceremony. needed for the new plaque, then getting it manufactured, The next thing that happened was that the travelling Sub and transporting it to the Naval Base. It was manufactured Vet told his staff to change his schedule as he was attending in Minnesota and shipped to Mike in San Bernardino. On the ceremony. the 10th of October NJVC Michael Bircumshaw drove In case you didn’t recognize the Sub Vet in question on north from his home 50 miles and picked up the plaque in the front cover; it is time to let you in on the biggest and best Calimesa, California and on the 13th he drove the 65 miles kept secret of the day, because essentially not more than south to the San Diego Naval Base and handed it over to ten people on the Naval Base and none of the assembling BMC Claiboine of Port Operations for installation on the San Diego Sub Vets knew that they would be meeting the monument. Master Chief Petty Offi cer of the Navy, Rick West, at the As an aside Bircumshaw called the CO, Captain Paul ceremony. Marconi (soon to become a Sub Vet) and asked if the WW-II Did the ceremony get out of hand? Just a tad; there were Sub Vets might enjoy lunch at the award winning Sub Base close to one hundred in attendance. The Sub Base arranged galley, The Dolphin Inn, on the 22nd, to be followed by a for a magnifi cent fl ag display, and a podium and speaker sys- short dedication ceremony at the memorial. Bircumshaw tem, to be used by the event MC, Michael Bircumshaw. got in touch with one of his favorite Command Master Chiefs, Captain Marconi graciously made the dedication speech Charlie Grandin of the Sub Base, and the project was rolling (he does good dedications - short and sweet). The gathered along. dignitaries included the Squadron 11 Commodore, Captain No big deal, just a few Submariners being thanked for their Brett Genoble, Squadron 11 Command Master Chief Kurt service and dedication. Maybe 2 dozen shipmates would Saunders, Region Command Master Chief David Chielm- show up. For the most part it was a fairly well guarded se- ieski, and Captain Denver McCune USN Ret. One last item: MCPON (E-10) Rick West is now a Dual member of the USSVI Scamp Base of Escondido, Cali- fornia. * A note about the monument. There is lots of granite, two ships bells, and the sail of the USS Roncador SS- 301(and the running lights come on as sunset), plus two 5’ deck guns, and a WW-II Mk 14 3A steam torpedo all set in a grassy, tree lined mini-park which is central to the facility facing the Submarine piers of the US Naval Submarine Base at Point Loma in San Diego. It is beautifully maintained by the Port Operations Department and is the location of all of the Sub Vet ceremonies are conducted in the area.

If at fi rst you don’t succeed, skydiving is not for you. Volume 2009 - Issue 4 Page 3 “This Edition” AMERICAN 2. Just another Sub Vet 30. Hudson Valley Base Treats Vets SUBMARINER 4. National Commander’s Corner Deep Water - Shallow Support 6. BoD - Committees 31. Welcome Golden Corner & Weeki The Offi cial Magazine of the United States 7. USSVI Information Regions & Districts Wachee Bases Submarine Veterans Inc. is published 32. Boat Sponsorship 8. Letters to the Editor quarterly by USSVI. 33. Long Island Base Scholarship 11. Scholarship Notes - Shipmate Lost United States Submarine Veterans Inc. is 12. Albany-Saratoga Base K4K 34. Southerrn Tier Base - $950 Gift a non-profi t 501 C-19 corporation in the 14. US Submarine Losses 35. Carbonero Base K4kK 15. Boat Reunions 36. Central Region Quarterly News State of Connecticut. 16 2009 USSVI Awards & Reognition 38. The Ultimate Dive Printing: A J. Bart of Dallas Texas. 17. The Energizer Bunny 41. USSVI Recrutier of the year Mailing: Dalton Mailing Service 18. USS Tirante SS-420 Patrol Report NJ North K4K 20. Chaplain’s Corner - Eternal Patrol 43. Silversides Museum National Editor 22. It’s About Time - 16 Years on a shelf 44. Eagle Scout Recognition T. Michael Bircumshaw 23. Carbonero Artifacts - Lost Boats Criteria 45. Class Ads 24. Cinncinati Covnention 2010 46. Branson Patch Display Editorial Offi ce 26. 342 New Members SnowBirds American Submariner 47. Change of Address Form. 29. Las Vegas K4K POB 892616 Temecula, CA 92589-2616 Shipmates, 951-541-0900 As we enter the holiday season, I wish you a very merry Christmas [email protected] and the happiest of New Years. At year’s end I tend to refl ect on that ADVERTISING which has passed in the previous 12 months to 70 years and I realize 951-541-0900 [email protected] that I have not come very far. I was born in a town called Alhambra, Assistant Editor California and at the moment reside in Temecula, California. Michael R. Hyman Although I have spent the best part of 32 years living in countries Associate Editors other than my own, including Spain, England, Philipines, Singapore, William Fernstrom Bahrein, Scotland, and Mexico, and travelled extensively throughout Dave Kauppinen - Bob Miller my life, in reality the totality of my travel has only moved me about Gil Shaddock - Kit Carson 70 miles from my point of origin, which works out to about 1 mile per Treasurer year. That seems like something in the range of snail speed. William Fernstrom Photographer Time, on the other hand, moves so fast that I barely get the Trash Robert “Bob” Bissonette Can put away and it is Thursday once again; Trash Day. Staff Artist Best, Tom Denton Michael The American Submariner is not responsible T. Michael Bircumshaw - National Editor & Publisher for the claims of the Advertisers, however the primary focus of this publication is for the EDITORIAL POLICY benefit and service to USSVI members. he views, opinions and comments expressed by individual writers Issues concerning Advertisers may be sent to the Editorial Staff for mediation. within this publication are not necessarily the views, opinions Tand policy of the United States Submarine Veterans Inc (USSVI). Submissions are welcome and all will be read and considered. Published items CHANGE OF ADDRESS are based on merit, entertainment value, applicability to the Sub Vet Creed and Change of address is handled by your Base purpose and at the sole discretion of the Editor. Membership Chairman or the USSVI Main Please write or E-Mail the American Submariner for the current Publishing Offi ce in Silverdale, Washington. Guidelines and Format. [email protected] or see them online at Call: 877-542-DIVE USSVI.org or Send an E-Mail to: [email protected] Thank you for your interest in the American Submariner. and if you only have stamps, snail it to: Sincerely, T Michael Bircumshaw - Editor American Submariner PO BOX 3870 AMERICAN SUBMARINER COPYRIGHT 2009 Silverdale, WA 98383-3870 The American Submariner and all material therein is copyrighted under the If the above instructions are too complicated, laws of the United States of America and any reproduction in any form, analog then send your change of address to the or digital, without the written permission of the Editor is forbidden by law. All Editor; but whatever you do, send it! permitted reproduction requires acknowledgement of source; Author and American Submariner. Thanks for reading the American Submariner. Thank you for your Service. Page 4 American Submariner National Commander’s Corner

Pat Householder when we must raise dues further into the nastiness and infi ghting of years past National Commander future. Your patronage of our National seems to have markedly diminished. Storekeeper and the purchases of the Your elected National, Region and Annual USSVI Submarine Calendar are District offi cers have worked very hard defi nitely helping us in this effort. on your behalf and I hope you also fi nd We are also in the process of setting satisfaction in the improvements we col- up a Submariner Legacy Society to lectively have worked so hard to attain honor and recognize those members for our brotherhood. who choose to make bequests to USSVI In accord with my belief, I am not going in their wills now before they make that to run for National Commander in 2010 fi nal patrol. You’ll hear more about this so that newer ideas and better ways of in the coming months. doing things will have a chance to oc- The 50th Anniversary of the Chartering cur, but I will continue on the national of USSVI is coming in 2014 and we are board as Past Natl Commander, staying making plans for some special events active and doing my part as before to and activities in that year. help improve USSVI. Fraternally, Patrick There is interest in seeing the establish- Householder ment of a USSVI national headquarters NSVC Notes (Jon Jaques): The 25003 SE 146th St. building with a library and museum, so economic downturn has been diffi cult a specifi c „Building Fund has been es- Issaquah, WA. 98027 for several of our USSVI shipmates. I tablished in the Charitable Foundation would encourage you to support your 425-392-0440 to accept donations for this purpose. base booster club by adding an extra [email protected] Please send any donations to USSVCF, dollar or two to your base dues. If you PO Box 3870, Silverdale WA 98383 and know of a USSVI shipmate who will not Submariner Brothers, mark it to Building Fund. be renewing their membership due to We all have our particular reasons We, you and I, served in an all-vol- economic strain, please send me an for our membership in USSVI, but the unteer service, and we belong to an email. We have wonderful shipmates in underlying 4000+ reasons are seeing all-volunteer organization. For our orga- our organization who will sponsor them that those killed U.S. submariners and nization to thrive and continue to achieve so they can remain members. sixty fi ve submarines lost since 1900 are our shared mission, when you hear the 2009 has been a great year for USSVI. always honored and never forgotten. Let call, please step up and volunteer once Our charitable foundation is growing, it never be said of any of us that we have again when we can. our scholarship program is expanding, forgotten them. I’m talking about the leadership posi- and we have begun the funding process The San Diego convention just passed tions and committee chairmen positions to fi nd a permanent national building. was very successful for those of us in at all levels in the organization. Without Legacy gifts and planning will enable attendance, which amounted to about good men like you volunteering for the the continuation of many of the important 12% of our total membership. BZ to the good of the brotherhood, as the worker projects of the charitable foundation. hard working shipmates of San Diego bees run out of steam, we just may have NJVC Notes (Michael Bircumshaw): and Scamp Bases for their dedication to turn off the lights and go home. Shipmates, I have heard from some to making this a particularly successful Our 2010 national and region elections members who are complaining about convention! are approaching and now is the time for the “Dues”. Dues are a gravity issue. A question that came up at the Conven- you to let the Nominations Committee Without them, there is no USSVI, there tion was, “Are we in a position where we Chair know which job you are willing to is no American Submariner, there are no might have to raise annual dues in the run for. We need new blood, fresh ideas National conventions, there is no access forseeable future?” The short answer is, and energy to move the organization to more than 45,000 Submariners and sooner or later, yes, because of the very ahead to benefi t us all. their related Boats, there is no charitable high number of enrolled Life and Hol- When you elected me as National foundation, no Brotherhood fund, no land Club members who are no longer Commander it was my great honor to Scholarships, and you get to lose track fi nancially contributing to the organiza- continue to serve you, and I also came of where your shipmates are (either tion. There are 4,150 Holland Club and to the position with the belief that a two dead or alive), and the monuments 4,250 Life members in USSVI of a total year term as NC was suffi cient for the and memorials to our submarines and membership of 13,400. position under normal circumstances. heroes, now fallen, would all disappear We are working hard to fi nd other Our organization seems to be oper- from memory and history. In all likeli- sources of revenue to push the day ating well and most of the occasional hood the Bases would soon fold up and

Liberty is cancelled until morale improves ! Volume 2009 - Issue 4 Page 5 Jon Jaques T Michael Bircumshaw Al Singleman Jr Senior Vice Commander Junior Vice Commander National Secretary

752 S Church St. PO BOX 892616 425 East Campbell Rd. Ext. Murfreesboro, TN 37130 Temecula, CA 92589 Schenectady, NY 12303 615-893-7800 951-541-0900 518-355-2119 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] our support for our current active duty ning and the members of SE District 1 There are 2,500 WWII SubVets Submarines and Submariners would for the Letter of Appreciation presented evaporate. In that case you would be to me at the ABM. It took me completely to make friends with.. forced to learn Mandarin Chinese at by surprise and I am deeply touched DO IT NOW! the very least. Other than that it is not and honored to have received this. It YOU OWE IT TO THEM so grim - you wouldn’t have to pay the now hangs in a place of honor in my AND TO YOURSELF! price of lunch for two at MacDonalds submarine room/offi ce. Thanks again Remember that if it were not to all concerned. ($20.00) once a year. for their valiant service your On the positive side, the NJVC is The only major issue right now for me primary language might be pleased to see that many bases are is the 2010 voting. We will be using the stepping up for the “Inside Recruit- same electronic voting system as the Japanese or German! ing/Retention Program”. Please don’t 2008 election with more security. For panic if it takes a few days to get the those who do not have computers you information to your Base, but it requires can use the paper ballot and mail your John Markiewicz some research and what you get is: A OWN ballot to the Election master who National Treasurer list of the three following categories of will enter your ballot into the system. shipmates: I will be putting out POC’s, instructions 1. Archived - shipmates who did not on the website and in the American Sub- renew in the past 4 years. mariner before the election so everyone 2. MALs in your state (area) who could knows and understands the process. If be a great asset to your Base and give anyone has any questions, just e-mail them other Shipmates to talk to. or call me. Pride Runs Deep! 3. Dropped members from 1999-2005 who might be amenable to coming back on board (in spite of missing two lunches BOARD OF DIRECTORS each year from McDonalds. NS Notes (Al Singlemen): I would Non-Voting Members like to thank the San Diego Convention Committee for putting on a great Con- Holland Club Chairman vention. I had a wonderful time meeting Frank A. Lister old and new shipmates. 830-796-8320 I am now busy doing all the meeting 5349 Selton Ave minutes and they should be up on the SubVettes National President Jacksonville, FL 32277 website under documents/minutes by Ella Blado the time you read this. [email protected] 904-234-3647 I would like to thank ESD1 Dick Kan- [email protected]

Has your Base adopted a Memorial or Museum Boat yet? Page 6 American Submariner

USSVI COMMITTEES

AMERICAN SUBMARINER 26 Long Hill Rd. Rowley, MA 01969 Donations - PO BOX 3870 National Editor 978-948-2686 Silverdale, WA 98383-3870 T Michael Bircumshaw [email protected] 877-542-DIVE [email protected] P.O. Box 892616 Temecula, CA 92589-2616 Long Range Planning Brotherhood Fund - John D. Peters 951 541-0900 T. Michael Bircumshaw 98-1547 Akaaka St. [email protected] National Jr Vice Commander Aiea, HI 96701-3051 808-484-9748 [email protected] [email protected] Boat Sponsorship - Jack Messersmith Membership Library Fund - Ron Martini T. Michael Bircumshaw 307-674-9847 [email protected] Staff Artist - Tom Denton National Jr Vice Commander 301-845-0049 gcmfi [email protected] [email protected] Memorials and Ceremonies Ray Wewers 479-967-5541 National Offi ce - Fred Borgmann Archives - John Wynn [email protected] POB 3870 Silverdale, WA 98383 2 Tupelo Lane, Niantic, CT 06357 877-542-DIVE [email protected] 860-691-2425 Scholarship - Paul Orstad [email protected] 860-889-4750 [email protected] New Base Development John J. Carcioppolo 860-464-8770 Awards - John Stanford Member At Large [email protected] 3026 Cesery Blvd. William E. Lee 520 668-7419 Jacksonville, FL 32277-3527 [email protected] Parliamentarian - Ed Yoder 904-743-3197 724-850-4462 [email protected] Member At Large [email protected] John J. Carcioppolo 860-464-8770 Base Commanders Group [email protected] POC Manager - Bob Cox Bill Lee 520-668-7419 [email protected] [email protected] Treasurer John A Andersen CHARITABLE FOUNDATION 132 E Lemon Ave. Chaplain - Arthur Glover Monrovia, CA 91016 12700 Bushey Dr. 626-359-7448 [email protected] Silver Spring, MD 20906 DIRECTORS 301-847-7294 Public Relations - John Mansfi eld [email protected] Eastern Region No .Director 360 569-0507 [email protected] Paul Orstad 860-889-4750 Storekeeper Constitution & By Laws - [email protected] William “Bill” Lee 520-668-7419 Thurston “Huey” Hahn, Jr [email protected] 63124 Shelby Mixon Rd. Eastern Region So. Director Amite, LA 70422 Convention Committee - Don Brown George Boyle 850-492-3781 985-748-8459 [email protected] 775-853-5309 [email protected] [email protected] Technology CTO - Tim VeArd Central Region Director [email protected] Eagle Scout Awards - Carl Schmidt 501-843-7855 Vic Paterno 856-662-7748 [email protected] Veterans Affairs - John Dudas [email protected] [email protected] Western Region Director Ways & Means - Jon D. Jaques Holland Club - Franklin A. Lister James A. Dunn 520-423-1986 830-796-8320 615-893-7800 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Historian - Peter J. Koester Past National Commander Tom Conlon 973-483-5780 [email protected]

Get to Fort Mitchell in 2010 and plan on Springfi eld in 2011 It’s a set. Collect them all Volume 2009 - Issue 4 Page 7 USSVI Regions & Districts The following information is to assist you in contacting a USSVI Base. The District information includes the District Commander’s name, phone, and e-mail. To fi nd a base near you, go to the USSVI web Site, WWW.USSVI.ORG. or contact the District Commander or National Offi ce. Western Region Eastern Region North Regional Director: James A. Dunn Regional Director: Paul Orstad 520-423-1986 [email protected] (860) 889-4750 [email protected]

Western District 1. States of: AZ, NM. END1. New England. District Commander John W. Messersmith District Commander Thomas R Shannon 928-759-9544 [email protected] 781-229-2254 [email protected]

Western District 2. States of: CO, UT. END2. Lower NY, NJ, Philadelphia District Commander Dave Linker D.istrict Commander Michael White (303) 987-9358 [email protected] 215 -745-9356 [email protected]

Western District 3. States of: ID, MT, WY. END3. PA. District Commander Charles W. Riley District Commander Doug Smith 208 772-3014 [email protected] 240-235-6275 [email protected]

Western District 4. States of: WA, OR, AK. END4. MD, DE, Northern VA. District Commander John Mansfi eld District Commander Michael Naughton 253-202-6433 [email protected] 301-926-7703 [email protected]

Western District 5. States of North CA, North NV. END5. Upstate NY. District Commander George F. Petershagen District Commander Gerald Tighe 530-221-6210 [email protected] 315-785-3045 [email protected]

Western District 6. States of South CA, South NV, HI. District Commander Robert (Bob) J. Miller Central Region 760-940-9583 [email protected] Regional Director Carl Schmidt (501) 843-7855 [email protected]

Eastern Region South Central District 1. States of: AR, KS, MO, OK. Redional Director George Boyle District Commander Raymond Wewers (850) 492-3781 479-967-5541 [email protected] [email protected] Central District 1. Vice Commander Pete Rathmell ESD1. VA, NC. 479-359-2689 [email protected] District Commander Dick Kanning (919) 774-5006 [email protected] Central District 2. States of: KY, IL, IN, MI, OH,TN, WI District Commander Thomas H Barnes ESD2. SC, GA. 765-938-3391 [email protected] District Commander Jerry K Stout Central District 2. Vice Commander (843) 871-9533 [email protected] Victor P. Van Horn 708-609-9840 [email protected] ESD3. Fl Panhandle, AL, MS, LA. District Commander John King Central District 3. States of: MN, ND, SD, NE, IA. [email protected] District Commander David L. Farran 319-352-1015 [email protected] ESD4. Northern FL. Central District 3. Vice Commander Bob Kentner District Commander Steve Jackson 402-364-2183 [email protected] 386-445-3696 [email protected]

Central District 4. Great State of Texas ESD5. Southern FL. District Commander: Wayne Standerfer District Commander Bill Andrea 972-298-8139 [email protected] 561-790-1287 [email protected] Central District 4. Vice Commander Bobby Broderick (361) 876-0042 [email protected]

USS Swordfi sh had the fi rst confi rmed sinking of a Jap ship Page 8 American Submariner

315-824-3162 [email protected]

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR USSVI has collected information on YOUR LETTER COULD BE HERE ! 4,586 submariners on Eternal Patrol, BUT ONLY IF YOUR E-MAIL WORKS AND YOU USE IT! which includes 2,548 men from World War II. You can look them up by visiting www. Really enjoyed this issue. Did fi nd one Donald A. (Don) Bice ussvi.org, then click the ETERNAL PA- error on page 33. FT3 SS and Holland Club member TROL button. Having served on the 599 for over 5 Then click the “Look up by Base” (if years I can confi rm that the USS Patrick Shipmate Don, you are looking for SVWWII men, use Henry is SSBN 599. The USS Shark is I’m sure I’ll hear something from Art. that designation for the ‘Base.” or click SSN-591 not 599. He reads all sorts of things. He is the CUSTOM SEARCH button and com- Have a great day, bound to know your friend since he plete the info requested for the lookup. John Gardner, National Offi ce made all of the patrols on Bowfi n. Editor Dear Editor, Shipmate John, Thank you very much for publishing the That “599” is a magic number. I have YOUR BOAT MEMORIES USS Henry Clay SSB(N)-625 tribute a belt buckle for the USS Scamp and IN MY NEXT BOOK” plans to honor Billy Carter Semones, it has “599” on it. I was in the com- Boat sailors — How many times at a TM1(SS). I’m pleased to report that we missioning crew of the Scamp Boat Sub Reunion, or on a boat, have you have achieved our fi nancial goals. The and am pretty near positive that it heard this, when some great Sea Stories plaque honoring our lost shipmate will be was the”588”. Gotta keep an eye on were being broadcasted – “Somebody dedicated Sunday, November 1, 2009 at that “599”. It just seems to show up ought to write a book”? Well, I volunteer 2:00 PM at the National Navy Memorial everywhere. to write another book, this one of the in Washington, DC. USSVI National Editor long-promised “Submarine” genre. If you Chaplain Arthur Glover will conduct the have any stories of amusing or entertain- invocation. All are invited to attend. Did not see the USS Tang SS-306 ing content that the Dolphin-bejeweled Among the many beautiful letters I listed as being lost on 24 October 1944 crowd would buy a book for, let me received, one was from Capt. Charles in this issues. know and, with your permission, your K. Stoneback, USN Ret. who was the Dan Craw ETC/SS Ret name will be noted in the bibliography of weapons offi cer on the Henry Clay when Tang SS-563 68-71 said work. Items must not compromise we lost Billy. It reads in part, “I retired in National Security Laws that you have 1982 as a Captain but the day we lost Shipmate Dan, previously signed off on when you left Petty Offi cer Semones was probably It’s in this one. I appreciate your the “Silent Service.” Suggestions for a the worst day of my career. He was keen eye as I depend on others for title are also graciously considered prior below me as we were climbing down the information and do not have the to publication, and all published donor the outside of the sail when a wave time or personnel to check or review stories used will get a signed copy at hit him and knocked him overboard. I everything that is sent to me. a special rate. I am a stage-4 cancer was able to get my safety line hooked Editor patient, currently in remission, trying in the track but he was already a great to use my bonus time constructively, distance from the ship. When the man- I want to thank you for the wonderful and pay off exorbitant bills in order to overboard swimmers came up through job you are doing. I greatly enjoy the remain alive a while longer; and maybe, the AMR hatch they were immediately magazine. at least once, buy something nice for my washed overboard and it was a miracle I particularly enjoyed the piece on the new and only granddaughter. To keep we didn’t lose any of them”. Charlie U.S.S. Bowfi n (SS-287). I had the dis- items from public eyes, send them to was recently inducted into the Holland tinct honor and priviledge of becoming my home email — xboatsailor@yahoo. Club from his USSVI Sioux City, South a close friend and golfi ng partner of com — please don’t forget to include the Dakota base. Robert (Bob) Paterson who served on code word “SUBMARINE BOOK” in the I wish to thank everyone who phoned, the Bowfi n during world war two. We subject title, so it won’t get inadvertently e-mailed and donated to this long over- both lived in Cherokee Village, AR and deleted prior to reading and logging. If I due recognition of Billy. It was humbling I played golf with him almost weekly for do not fi nish intended MSS, then there to learn that so many of us needed this over 15 years. He served on subs for are those that are pre-selected and in closure. Thank you on behalf of Billy’s over 20 years and was COB on three place to follow my dream through to family. They are forever grateful to know different boats. He was a great guy and publication. A portion of any profi ts real- that Billy had two families who cared. It a true gentleman. Bob left on Eternal ized will be donated to worthy endeavors was also my privilege to lead this effort Patrol a while back and he is missed. which are overseen by USSVI. Thanks and to renew old and build new friend- I thought your friend Art Carter may and God Bless you, ships. God Bless you all. remember him. Jim Schenk, Richard A. (Andy) Wheeler Keep up the good work. Life Member - USSVI - Groton Base. [email protected] Life is simple. Your’e Either Qualifi ed or you’re not ! Volume 2009 - Issue 4 Page 9 Fred Wagner, Ken Earls President ISA-USA ISA 46th Convention Chairman

Since you liked it, I’m glad I invited you ! T Michael Bircumshaw - Co-Chair USSVI 2009 Convention

Dear Editor, Further information on the loss of R-12 [see issue 2 of 09 American Submariner] In company with Lt(jg) William Decatur Whetstone of Syl- acauga, Ala. and Electrician Frank R. Ferguson, I partici- You’re Welcome! pated in fi tting out and then commissioning of USS Pilotfi sh Editor (SS386) at Portsmouth, N.H. on December 16th, 1943. Bill and Fergie made the fi rst two patrols and then were ordered Dear Editor: to duty ashore. I got this story fi rst hand from Bill and further “Eighty percent of success is showing up” according to years later from Fergie who had spent many hours with him Woody Allen. To all of you who showed up in San Diego at analyzing the incident. the joint USSVI and ISA convention, congratulations on a R-12 had been undergoing tracking exercises with an escort successful event. vessel off Key West on June 12, 1943, the day of the disaster. With over 1,900 submariners and their guests attending, the She dismissed the escort at day’s end and then made one dynamics were tremendous. The Town & Country Resort and more training dive. She surfaced shortly upon which Whet- Convention Center provided a wonderful venue for this once stone, as OOD, CO Ed Shelby, and two lookouts climbed to in a lifetime event. They provided a huge Hospitality Room the bridge. Pumping ballast had not been completed when with $1.00 beers; the hum from hundreds of simultaneous the vessel began to settle. My recollection from Bill is that a conversations in this room was wonderful to see and hear. report of “fl ooding forward” reached the bridge, before she Not enough can be said about the good work and planning went down quickly with no other of ship’s company escaping. accomplished by the USSVI convention planning committee. The survivors stayed together on the surface until rescue Many kudos to Mike Hacking, Bob Bissonnette and Len Heis- vessels appeared the next morning, after base operations let for heading up an extremely successful USSVI convention. realized R-12 had not returned. Whetstone kept at least one They put in several years of work to pull this off and deserve of the non-swimmer lookouts afl oat (for which he received a loud thank you from all of the USSVI organization. the Navy/Marine Corps medal). All four bridge personnel We would like to thank several people for working on the survived. Whetstone was then ordered to CFO Pilotfi sh. International Submariners Association’s (ISA) convention. Captain Shelby was later ordered to command of a fl eet boat Dick Fyten, John North, Gil Miller, Bill Windle and Shirley in the Pacifi c theatre. Hamm did a wonderful job over a thirty four month period to Subsequently Ferguson (who had spent nearly his entire execute a highly successful ISA convention. This will be the career since 1926 on subs) told me he felt that the main drain, one and only time that the USSVI and ISA organizations will which ran the length of the ship just above the keel, to empty ever hold a joint convention. All subsequent ISA conventions the ballast tanks, had collapsed in the forward part of the ves- will be held in the month of May and all USSVI conventions sel, resulting in fl ooding forward. He communicated this to are held in September. Again, it was the successful submarine BuShips. The R boats had a long career, and progressive cor- veteran who came to San Diego. rosion of the main drain was a very reasonable explanation. The ISA is a gathering of submariner’s organizations that will In addition to the American Submariner history, it appears defi nitely enhance your submariner’s experience. Imagine that in many of the submarine memorials, the history reported spending time talking with someone who performed your job is incorrect. A number report loss of all hands, as did the on a boat, but for the only difference them being Russian or memorial at Pearl adjacent to Bowfi n, when I visited in 2007. German or name any other of 20 plus participating countries There were in fact four survivors. around the world. Recent annual conventions have been held Jack Simons Lt. USNR 1943-1946 Weston, Massachu- in Argentina, Russia, France and Poland. Upcoming conven- setts qualifi ed in Pilotfi sh October 1944 and made all tions will be in Israel, Turkey and Ukraine. This is a wonderful six patrols opportunity to visit these countries in a cost effective way to see places and things that the casual visitor will never be able Thank you for your service. to experience. These International Conventions are certain Best, Editor to develop and enhance your friendships with submarine veterans from around the world. To Shipmate Mike, Becoming an ISA-USA member is an easy way for you to Editor, become part of the fraternity of several hundred members American Submariner Magazine who already belong to both ISA-USA & USSVI. Today I received American Submariner Magazine, Issue II, Visit http://www.isausa.org/Membership_Application.pdf to download the membership form. NEXT PAGE USS Barb SS-220 made 12 war patrols - sank 291/2 ships, 146.808 tons Page 10 American Submariner

LETTERS - CONTINUED Carter was the Captain of a Submarine? FROM PREVIOUS PAGE The 637 class boats had bow planes? A MK - 48 nuke torpedo? A story of an 2009. On page twenty-fi ve, I noticed that Yes, it was quite an experience for a RM1 assigned to the USS Sennet that the name John Almquist was listed in 20 year old MoMM 2/c (SS). And thanks was preparing to go under the South the Welcome Aboard Shipmates column. to John Almquist, I am alive to retell this Pole! Referring to a geographic loca- His name brought back many memories account. At age 84, not too many of our tion of 400 degrees south. Clark Field and prompted me to write to you. Kingfi sh shipmates are still here. in Hawaii not the Philippines? Members John was the starboard lookout on 8 In closing, I am very, very pleased to of the Engineering Department cleaning November 1944 at 0005 during the ninth know that John is still aboard. Please the ballast tanks (done on the surface war patrol of the Kingfi sh. He is directly forward his address to me. only.) Of course, why didn’t we think of responsible for saving the boat; and I’d Keep an even bubble. Thanks for lis- that? The USS Buffalo (SSN-681) a 688 like him to receive the proper recogni- tening. Good night and God bless. class boat? One gentleman joined the tion. Consequently, the offi cial patrol Sincerely, Navy in 1936 and retired in 1989 as a report records on page 10 that the star- Herman (Dutch) Prager MoMM2/C Full Commander. What a rate grabber!! board lookout (John) sighted the wake (SS) USS Kingfi sh (SS234) And he enjoyed his 30 years in the Navy! of a torpedo forward of the starboard 107 Maringouin Lane, Mandeville, LA Please, no slight is intended for the Re- beam. Left full rudder was ordered. 70471-6422 985-845-7257 tired Commander, however, no attempt Three very brilliant phosphorescent was made to do the math. wakes crossed ahead as we swung left Dutch, In the back of the book, there is a roster to parallel them. The command was then Thanks to you and John Almquist for of submarines served in by the interview given for all ahead fl ank—at the same your service. subjects, listed by boat name and hull time we were zigzagging radically (we Best, Editor number; a dozen errors in these listings. never discovered from where the fi sh This is followed by a glossary of naval originated; at the time, we were in the Editor, and military terms, which is also riddled middle of a convoy). I have a question that maybe someone with errors. Without question, the men of the can help out with. On 3/29/1965 the USS The book is supposed to be a a collage Kingfi sh owed their lives that day to the Charr SS-328 rescued a downed pilot, of oral historical interviews and narra- alertness of John. And by continuing CDR Jack Harris, in the Gulf of Tonkin. tives of true American patriots. What it in the fi ght, the Kingfi sh was credited Is there any way to fi nd out if we were turns out to be is a frustrating attempt for the following kills: one small MAUU the last submarine to do this? It would to tell a story with no factual basis. And class 2,500 ton freighter, one medium be interesting to fi nd out. it’s not a novel! What, no Technical Edi- 5,000 ton tanker, one 2,500 ton special Fred “Lin” Marvil tor? Why the author didn’t go back to transport (No. 138), for a total of 10,000 USS Redfi sh & USS Charr the individuals who were interviewed, tons. The patrol was deemed successful [email protected] and attempt to make the stories credible and the award of the Submarine Combat 850-937-0917 is mind boggling. Why go through the Pin was authorized. John was awarded troubles, trials and tribulations of writing a letter of commendation. I believe (as Dear Editor, a book and not even consider getting the do others), however, that he should If no other purpose is served, I believe record straight? have been awarded the Silver or the that I can save you the time it would My only consolation is that I didn’t Bronze Star. take for you to waste reading the fol- have to pay for the book; it was a prize Our tenth war patrol was also success- lowing book. from our 50/50 drawing at one of our ful with a total of 15,500 tonnage sunk. The name of the book is SUB: An USSVI Base meetings. This book can’t By the time we were on our eleventh Oral History of U.S. Navy Submarines be considered a source for anything, war patrol, targets were becoming hard (Hardcover) by Mark Roberts, fi rst edi- other than frustration. to fi nd; still, we were on sea rescue off tion April 3, 2007. ISBN-10: 0425208125 Bobby the coast of Japan and were able to ISBN-13: 978-0425208120. Straight Board save four British aviators from the H.M.S This review is going to be negative, ETCS/SS Bobby Broderick Indomitable. Our last war patrol, the for the most part. It is my intention to be U.S.Navy, Retired twelfth (my fourth), was unfortunately civil and objective. If anyone actually Corpus Christi, Texas also target lean. Nonetheless, we did reads this book, I challenge them to be sink two 150 ton MIS Trawlers on 5 civil and objective. The book is packed Bobby, August 1945 in the Kurile Islands but with errors. Goes to prove - you can’t believe the patrol was still not considered suc- One of the most glaring problems is everything you hear or see or touch cessful. We pulled into Midway on the that this is a story that needs to be told, (thanks to modern science) or vote last day of the war, 14 August, 1945, but it is told and written factually bereft. for or against. proudly fl ying our battle fl ag. Our forward For instance the Submarine Tender USS Editor conning tower had the words “Back alive Canopus is referred to as Kanopus. An in 45” painted on it. FBM is Fast Boat Missile (SSN). Jimmy

Thank you for your Service ! Volume 2009 - Issue 4 Page 11 Scholarship Notes SHIPMATE LOST

The Scholarship committee is looking forward to 2010 & 2011 college year for scholarship applications. They can be down loaded from the web page under “Charitable Fund” on left hand side of web page, then look for scholarship and then follow through until you have the application, cover letter and Hints & Notes pages. We continue to improve the scholarship program each year and we have a new 400 word essay, updated the hint sheets to both the high school and college groups. The hint sheets are there to help navigate your whole application and by not following it will cost you a selection of a scholarship. It is that important.

Dave Harnish former USSVI Western Region director and great shipmate went on Eternal Patrol in an unfortunate ac- cident in Phoenix only days following the USSVI convention in San Diego where he was seen pumping up his sugar levels celebrating a birthday. Dave will be seriously missed as will his quick sense of humor and his ever present smile. Seated to his left is CRD Carl Schmidt intent on laying away one more I think I know this one! milk shake !

Remember when “02” was 60 years ago? Page 12 American Submariner

Albany-Saratoga Base visits Albany Medical Center

On Thursday September 17th the Albany-Saratoga Base visited the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit at Albany Medical Center where they met with Dr. Jennifer Pearce and Child Life Specialist Toshiko Nonaka to present Honorary Submariner Kaps to about a dozen young cancer patients. Along with their Kaps each one of the kids received an Honorary Submariner certifi cate and assorted pictures of US Submarines. Albany-Saratoga Base members Fred Carlson, Base Commander Al Singleman, Base Treasurer Fred Jim Irwin, and Al Singleman Carlson, and Base COB Jim Irwin along with a 40 inch long, with two Honorary Submariners 2,400 piece Lego submarine were a big hit with not only the kids but also the parents and the entire staff. The Lego sub- marine was donated to the Albany-Saratoga Base by Chuck CHECK OUT KAP(SS) 4 KID (SS)

On the USSVI.org Web site you can now track the Sub Vet Bases that are involved in the K4K program. The program has grown to the point that the American Sub- mariner cannot hold all of the information. All of our shipmates who have stepped up for this worthwhile community outreach are to be gratefully thanked for thier time and effort. . If you haven’t quite fi gured it out, take a look at the faces of the children and the hospital staff - check out the Sub Vets too. The Sub Vets are getting as much from the program as are the young patients and their parents..

Forty inch long, 2400 piece Lego Submarine that was enjoyed by the patients, the staff, and the parents alike ELECTRONIC and Elaine Foelix from Saratoga Springs, NY. A few of the kids were ambulatory, some were in wheelchairs, AMERICAN SUBMARINER some were shy, and some were quite vocal, but they all were Would you like to get the AS delivered earlier? most appreciative. Would you like the US Post Offi ce to Butt out? One young fi ve year old boy was in a treatment room receiv- Would you like to save USSVI a few bucks? ing his chemotherapy and wasn’t able to come out to see the You can do it! Just send an E-Mail to: Lego Submarine so Jim Irwin spent time with him in his room ASOPTOUT@ Yahoo.com where he very bravely talked with Jim about his cancer. And telling us that you want to opt out of Hard Copy; When it was time to leave he wanted to give Jim a hug to that you no longer need a paper magazine. If you are thank him (for his “cool” new hat) but wasn’t able to in his so inclined you can download your magazine from weakened state. Jim was rewarded with a fi st bump, a thank the USSVI webpage at USSVI.org. Every AS since you, and a big smile. 2005-3 is on the web.. What’s your preference? Best, Editor..

Always remember you are unique - just like everyone else. Volume 2009 - Issue 4 Page 13 HATS LOOKING FOR IN THE A CHANGE? RING

Now is the time to get it started. The future of USSVI is directly linked to those members who take the next step and become the leaders of this great orga- nization; you are highly encouraged and invited take the next ubmit your nominations for National Offi cers and PAs S step and run for a Base offi ce or a National offce position. (Proposed Amendments) for the constitution and by-laws of If you have served time as a Base Offi cer make a serious USSVI in time for the 2010 ballots. consideration to serve USSVI as a District Commander. Send your nominations to the Election Master, John Peters District Commanders are highly encouraged to throw their at [email protected] and your Proposed Amend- hat in the ring and become Regional Directors and National ments (PA) to Bill Lee at [email protected]. Board members. All PAs must be submittted to Bill Lee by 10 March 2010 for Anyone in USSVI may run for any National offi ce including consideration and all candidates for National Offi ce must be Junior Vice Commander, Secretary, Treasurer, Regional Direc- declared by 30 April 2010. tor, and District Commanders. Senior Vice Commander and Each candidate for National Offi ce will be allotted one col- National Commander require service of at least two years as umn in the American Submariner to appear in the 2010-2 a member of the “Voting Board”, which includes the National Edition. Secretary, Treasurer, Junior Vice Commander, and all of the Regional Directors. This election is shaping up to be one of the most contested , interesting elections in recent memory. There are several new names showing up for consideration and declaring themselves willing to riun for a National position and to serve if elected. As the old saying goes; “Find your hat and throw it in the Ring”, or something like that!

DID YOU SAIL ON THE 688 BOAT?

If your were/are a Los Angeles Crewman or Brass Hat; please contact TMCM (SS) Franklin Lister at your earliest opportunity (Tomorrow would not be too soon) Send him an E-mail letting him know how to contact you to [email protected] The LA Boat is scheduled to return to CONUS in early Janu- ary for de-comm. Talk to Frank now !

465 men commanded US Submarines in WW-II Page 14 American Submariner United States Submarine Losses

OCTOBER USS Escolar (SS-294) Lost with all hands (82 men) by possible Japanese USS Seawolf (SS-197) Lost with all Mine in the Yellow Sea off China on 17 hands (82 crew and 17 U.S. Army) on October 1944. 3 October 1944 when it was mistaken for a Japanese submarine and sunk by USS O-5 (SS-66) Lost on 29 October friendly destroyers just north of Morotai, 1923 with the loss of 3 men when it Republic of the Philippines. was sunk after a collision with the SS Ababgarez (owned by the United Fruit USS S-44 (SS-155) Lost on 7 October company) off the Panama Canal. Torpe- 1943 with the loss of 54 men when it was domans Mate 2d Class (SS) Henry Be- USS Sculpin (SS-191) Lost with 40 men sunk by surface craft off Paramushiru, rault received the Congressional Medal on 19 November 1943 when it was sunk Kuriles. 2 men survived and were taken of Honor for his heroic actions. by a Japanese surface craft north of prisoner. Groluk Island near Truk. 42 men were NOVEMBER taken prisoner but only 21 men survived the war. USS Albacore (SS-218) Lost with all hands (86 men) by possible Japanese DECEMBER Mine on 7 November 1944 between Honshu and Hokkaido, Japan. USS Capelin (SS-289) Lost with all hands (78 men) on 2 December 1943 USS Growler (SS-215) Lost with all by an unconfi rmed Japanese Surface hands (85 men) on 8 November 1944 attack in the Celebes Sea. by a possible Japanese Surface attack in the South China Sea. USS Wahoo (SS-238) Lost with all hands (80 men) during a Japanese air and surface attack on 11 October 1943 in La Perouse Strait off northern Japan.

USS Dorado (SS-248) Lost with all hands (76 men) by an Air Attack on 12 October 1943 in the SW Atlantic.

USS Darter (SS-227) Lost on 24 Octo- ber 1944 when it became grounded on Bombay Shoal off Palawan then was USS Scamp (SS-277) Lost with all USS Sealion (SS-195) Lost with 4 men destroyed. All the crew were rescued hands (83 men) probably on 16 No- on 10 December 1941 by aerial bombs by USS Dace. vember 1944 from progressive damage during a Japanese air attack at Cavite in multiple air and sea attacks east of Navy Yard, Republic of the Philippines. USS Shark (SS-314) Lost with all hands Tokyo Bay. 1 man lost on the Seadragon inboard of (90 men) on 24 October 1944 when it Sealion. First Boat lost in WW-II. was sunk by Japanese surface craft in USS Corvina (SS-226) Lost with all the channel midway between Hainan hands (82 men) on 16 November 1943 USS F-1Carp (SS-20) Lost with 19 Men and Bashi Channel. during a Japanese submarine attack off on 17 December 1917 when it was sunk Truk. after collision with the USS F-3 (SS-22) USS Tang (SS-306) Lost with 78 men off San Clemente, California. on 25 October 1944 when it was sunk by her own torpedo in the north end of USS S-4 (SS-109) Lost with 38 men on the Formosa Strait. Nine of the crew 17 December 1927 when it was sunk were taken prisoner and survived the after being rammed by USCGC Paulding war. Her Commanding Offi cer, Richard off Provincetown, Massachusetts. O’Kane, received the Congressional Medal of Honor. Never miss a good chance to shut up. Volume 2009 - Issue 4 Page 15 Boat Reunions R E U N I O N P U B L I S H I N G SSVI is, by the nature of its foundation, purpose and your cooperation and information in consideration of your creed, interested in all Submariners, past, present and reunion information being published in the AMERICAN Ufuture. It is acknowledged that an individual’s loyalty SUBMARINER. and focus may be primarily directed toward the Boat or Boats that the individual has served on and it is recognized that the In return for publishing your reunion information the AMERICAN vast majority of non-career Submariners served aboard only SUBMARINER is asking for the Reunion Coordinator to furnish one Boat. Due to that fact it is sometimes diffi cult to develop the American Submariner / USSVI with the names and contact an interest in an individual to become a member of USSVI. information of all attendees at the respective reunions. The However, it is a simple fact that all Single Boat reunions will names and contact information will be used to send each someday come to an end, just as the Submarine Veterans of non-USSVI attendee a copy of the most current AMERICAN WW-II, will someday cease to exist. Within the creed of USSVI SUBMARINER and an invitation to join USSVI. we are dedicated to the legacy and continuance of all Submarines and all Submariners. USSVI can only carry out its purpose Reciprocally, it is agreed that the names and contact information and creed by bringing in new members, now, and in the future. of all USSVI members who served on a particular Boat will be made available to any recognized Reunion Organization to be The AMERICAN SUBMARINER is the primary source of used only for contacting them in respect to a given Reunion. Submarine Reunion information and we need your help and assistance. The AMERICAN SUBMARINER is asking for Sincerely, T. Michael Bircumshaw - Editor

279. Stone Castle Hotel Branson, MO. 8-13 USS SEA OWL SS-405 Galveston, REUNIONS Ron Athey 803 So 6th Ave., Ozark, MO TX Roy Purtell [email protected] 65721-8618; (417) 581 1887 / 673-0975; 2010 [email protected] , http://www. MARCH decklog.com/ssn-592.asp 2011 DATE TBD USS IREX SS-482, Orlando, APRIL Florida Al Hahn 860-841-3156 hahns@ AUGUST 29-1 MAY USS ROBERT E. LEE rcn.com 15-19 USS CUSK SS-348. Clarion SSBN-60) Newport News, VA Joe White APRIL Hotel Colo.Springs, CO. Delmer L [email protected] www.ssbn601.com 23-24 USS CAVALLA SS-244, SSK- Wetering (605)368-2432 Dswetering@ 244, AGSS-244, SSN-684 Casa del AOL.com. MAY Mar, 6102 Seawall Blvd.Galveston, 21-31 USS SEA FOX SS-402 Green TX 77551 (409) 740-2431 Lee Hadley; 19-22 USS RAY (SSN-653) / (SS-271) Valley, AZ Joel Greenberg chop402@ (409) 548-2109 [email protected]. North Charleston, SC Tony Williams yahoo.com 520-393-8252 [email protected] http://seafoxassoc.homestead. 28-2 MAY USS Woodrow Wilson SSBN- 256-503-5374 com/2011-Muster.html 624 Landmark Resort Myrtle Beach, SC Ken Adam [email protected] SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 23-26 USS ETHAN ALLEN SSBN 608 843-753-7736 USS LAPON SS-260, SSN-661 Spring- Hilton Garden Inn 125 South Broadway fi eld, MO, Ramada Oasis 1-888-532- MAY Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 13-15 USS BLUEFISH (SSN- 4338. Chuck Petterson ssn661plank@ 518-587-1500 Ed & Colleen Gradwell 675 & SS222) Norfolk, Virginia iowatelecom.net (518) 583-4175 John Wittenstrom - 910-235-0191 [email protected] Peter Blais 276- OCTOBER 451-0648 [email protected] DATE TBD USS TUNNY San Diego. OCTOBER Gerry Young 4727 Driftwood Drive 20-23 USS SAM HOUSTON SSBN/ 28-2 JUNE USS WOODROW WILSON Commerce Township MI 48382 SSN-609 Norfolk, VA. Howard Dobson SSBN-624 Landmark Resort Myrtle [email protected] (248) 685- 302-764-1197 howardvaldobson@ Beach, SC Ken Adam wwrapres2000@ 3180 H (248) 330-8252 C aol.com 843-753-7736 verizon.net www.USSSamHouston. org SEND ALL JULY REUNION NOTICES TO 18-23: USS SNOOK SSN-592 / SS- NOVEMBER [email protected]

Some days you are the bug; some days you are the windshield. Page 16 American Submariner 2009 USSVI Awards and Recognition Program

The Awards Program has had a very busy and exciting year. The standing Committees, Regional Directors, and the District Commanders have been very cooperative in the selection of the candidates for the Awards. The selection process was a diffi cult task, and was made even more so by the large number of very well qualifi ed Shipmates and outstanding Bases. A total of 34 Shipmates, and 26 Bases were nominated for the various Awards JOE NEGRI AWARD NEWSLETTER of the YEAR AWARDS (USSVI Shipmate of the year) Class One: T Michael Bircumshaw - Scamp Base Newsletter of the Year: The Hawaii Sub Vet - Bowfi n Base ROBERT LINK AWARD First runner up (tie) All Clear - Tarheel Base Boat Notes - Groton Base Stanley W. Mathis - Groton Base Victor E. Paterno Jr. - New Jersey South Class Two: Gilbert P. Shaddock - Snug Harbor Base Newsletter of the year: William Andrea - South Florida Base The Conning Tower - Ozark-Runner Base Carl Schmidt - Razorback Base First runner up: Sea Poacher - Sea Poacher Base Walton G. Eller - Cowtown Base Second runner up - the Trim Pump - Nebraska Base Charles H. Senior - LA Pasadena Base John W. Messersmith - Gudgeon Base Class Three: Newsletter of the year: (tie) MERITORIOUS AWARD: SLO SubVets – SLO Sub Vets South Sound Base Klaxon - South Sound Base USS Chicago Base First runner up - Greenboard - Western Lake Superior Base Billy “D” Holloway - Razorback Base

DISTRICT COMMANDER AWARDS:

Thomas Shannon - East Region North D-1 Dick Kanning - East Region South D-1 Thoams Barnes - Central Region D-2 John Mansfi eld - Weatern region D-4

GOLDEN ANCHOR AWARD

Class One: Scamp Base Class Two: Carolina Piedmont Base USS Florida Base

SILVER ANCHOR AWARD

Carolina Piedmont Base Wilbur “Red” Meyer - Hoosier Base

BEN BASTURA AWARD

Gregory W. Stitz - Razorback Base

Generally speaking, you aren’t learning much when your lips are moving. Volume 2009 - Issue 4 Page 17 The “Energizer Bunny” of SubVets!

Our 2009 “Joe Negri “Shipmate his other responsibilities. of the Year” winner is T. Michael He co-manages the very success- Bircumshaw. ful Boat Sponsorship Program. He is a long-time member of Michael is the author of the very USSVI, having been signed up by popular and successful KAP(SS) Joe Negri (a couple of times) in the 4 KID(SS) program that is now in early years. Like so many others, operation at more than 50 Sub Vet he lost contact and rejoined USSVI Bases and has recently turned that in 2002. chairmanship over to Bobby Brod- His fi rst effort after he rejoined was, erick in Texas. as membership chair for San Diego Mike started and has run the OP- Base, to successfully straighten out PORTUNITY DRAWING for several the membership records, which were years. This program is designed to in a state of disarray. He loaned the raise money for the bases and for San Diego Base his “Bulk Mail” per- the Charitable Foundation and has mit and obtained a non-profi t mailing been very successful to date. permit for the base. In 2008 Michael ran for and was Michael was instrumental in form- elected to the NJVC (National Junior ing the SCAMP BASE (Originally Vice Commander) position. called the San Diego North Base) In addition to his other responsibili- and served as the founding Base ties (Editor-Publisher American Sub- Commander. Scamp Base, founded mariner, K4K(SS), and Opportunity in 2004, is thriving today with 125 Drawing manager and has recently members. While a base commander, developed an innovative program he volunteered for and was a very for recruiting new members into successful Chair of the Base Com- USSVI. manders Group. Michael developed and actively The two BCG meetings he has promotes the “Sea Daddy” program T. Michael Bircumshaw receives USSVI’s presided over at the Kansas City and to retain members and improve most prestigious award from National Ft. Worth conventions were without Base participation. He also chairs Commander Pat Householder, the 2007 a doubt the most productive to date the important Long Range Planning recipient of the Joe Negri award in that Group’s history. Committee and participates in the In 2005 he was approached by then participating by pulling a Submarine Public Relations committee. He has NJVC Jim Foote to take over the edi- fl oat in the procession behind his Klaxon oversight of the National Office and torship of AMERICAN SUBMARINER equipped pickup truck. He works closely the online membership management magazine. He did so and as all can tell, with the San Diego WW-II Sub Vets and system, and serves on the Ways and the quality and popularity of the maga- attends nearly all of thier meetings and Means committee. zine just keeps getting better and better events. All of these things Michael has ac- with each issue Michael has developed a very close complished while dealing with medical He was appointed and then ran for working relationship with the command issues that keep him mostly wheelchair Western District 6 Commander by authority at the Point Loma Sub Base. bound. Regional Director Dave Harnish and He also is the USSVI lead participant in This organization would be very hard was shortly elected as well. He had a the Sub Pac Sailor of the Year competi- pressed to fi nd another shipmate who very successful term, ran again and tion. He is frequently requested to serve has had the kind of direct positive impact prevailed. While WD6 Commander as master of Ceremonies at a variety of on USSVI, and he just keeps producing he established three new bases and USSVI events. He regularly speaks at results. His invitation to assist and inform was instrumental in the revitalizing of local schools about the Cold War and members is prefaced with his attitude the moribund LA-Pasadena Base. He WW-II Submarine history, providing toward improved communication, “ Any co-managed a very successful joint photos and models of boats he served Subject; Anytime !” SVWWII-USSVI gathering in Laughlin on in the 1960s and the missiles they NV in 2007. carried. Bravo Zulu, Michael ! Michael has expanded USSVI Base Michael was a major participant in the No one deserves this participation in local parades in River- recently concluded 2009 San Diego recognition more. side, Fontana, and Murrieta; invariably Convention Committee, in addition to

If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything. Page 18 American Submariner

U.S.S. TIRANTE (SS420) (P-1) WWII PATROL REPORT NUMBER ONE

3 MARCH 1945 to 25 APRIL 1945

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

Subject: U.S.S. TIRANTE (SS420), Report of First War Patrol (3 March to 25 April 1945).

The TIRANTE’s fi rst patrol is outstanding and adds a glorious USS Tirante (SS-420) after GUPPY conversion chapter to the nation’s history. It is characteristic of the decided aggressiveness, brilliant planning and intelligent use of all weapons. The torpedo attacks made on April 14, deep along she sank a lugger. The TIRANTE captured three prisoners the enemy shore, at ships in a protected anchorage are from a schooner and also two aviation personnel from a examples of extreme skill, daring, and brilliant judgment. downed Jap aircraft.

By intelligent area coverage and penetration of the enemy’s COMMANDER SUBMARINE SQUADRON THIRTY-TWO inner defenses, the TIRANTE made several worthwhile contacts. In seven attacks she sank three freighters, one small The fi rst patrol for the U.S.S. TIRANTE will go down in history tanker, one large tanker, and three frigates. In a gun action as one of the most outstanding patrols of the war and is a superlative example of [aggressiveness], intelligent planning, and expert execution of the primary functions of a wartime submarine.

SUBMARINE DIVISION THREE TWENTY TWO

The Division Commander considers this to be one of the outstanding patrols of the war. The TIRANTE penetrated deep into coastal waters to fi nd suitable targets and she was amply rewarded for her aggressiveness and sound analysis of enemy shipping routes. Her evasive measures to minimize enemy counter attacks were particularly good.

Torpedo Attack #1 – March 25, 1945. Sunk – 3080 Ton AK (Kiyotada Class). Using her ST radar to excellent advantage, the TIRANTE conducted a standard daylight submerged attack on a single small AK. One Mk. 18 hit of three torpedoes fi red completely demolished the target and she was seen to sink in about one minute.

Torpedo Attack #2 – March 28, 1945. Sunk – One Type “C” USS Tirante Wardroom 1945 FTC 2700 Ton AK. Again an excellent ST approach on a single unescorted AK. One Mk. 18 torpedo hit of the three Bottom row L to R Back Row L to R MK. 18’s fi red caused the target to sink immediately. The area Lt (jg) R.E. Richey Ens D.R. Jones was being patrolled by two patrol boats who counterattacked Lt (jg) J.J. Donnelly Lt (jg) E.J. Skeehan TIRANTE with eight depth charges. The hitting torpedo was Lt Cmdr G.L Street III (Skipper) Ens W. N. Dietzen the one donated by the employees of the Westinghouse Lt E.G. Campbell (Exec) Lt E. Peabody II Electric Plant, Sharon, Pa. Lt. T.C. Marcuse Gun Attack #1. Sunk 100 Ton Lugger. The TIRANTE opened The photo above was taken after the fi rst War Patrol. Lt. fi re in the bright moonlight at an initial range of 2000 yards on Edward L. Beach was the Executive officer on the first what was estimated to be a 100 ton lugger. The TIRANTE’s War Patrol forward 40mm gun quickly silenced the lugger’s return fi re,

Morale is cancelled until Liberty improves Volume 2009 - Issue 4 Page 19 051°, track angel 110°S, spread 200 charging escorts, without material feet between torpedoes. Two minutes damage to herself. The failure of the later three Mk. 18 torpedoes were fi red fi rst NAC beacon to function is a source at medium sized AK, identifi ed as the of concern. 3685 ton RAMB II. All three torpedoes fi red at the Nikko Maru were seen to hit Torpedo Attack #7 – April 14, 1945. Sunk and the ship to sink. One AE 8-10,000 Tons; Two Mikura Class Frigates 1500 Tons. In this attack The RAMB was seen to be swinging the TIRANTE succeeded in eluding two toward TIRANTE during the fi ring at harbor escorts, radar equipped, and her, and Tirante correctly changed the penetrated the anchorage at Saishu To angle on the bow setting on the TDC for Island, to fi nd one large ammunition ship each torpedo fi red. However the RAMB and three Mikura class Frigates lying at Tirante Patch II successfully avoided the torpedoes. anchor. Closing the range to 2300 yards It is probable that the change of course in nine fathoms of water, TIRANTE fi red apparently about .30 calibre. In nineteen of the RAMB was the result of a routine one torpedo to obtain tidal data, followed minutes, with the expenditure of thirty- radical zig rather than sighting of the four minutes later by two torpedoes, three rounds 4”/25, two hundred forty TIRANTE. The TIRANTE was forced fi red at the large laden AE. At least one rounds 40mm and ten rounds 20mm, deep in 200 feet of water and subjected torpedo hit and demolished the target the target was completely demolished. to a severe depth charging. By skillful with a tremendous explosions. In the An APR contact caused breaking off of maneuvering and the intelligent use of light of the burning AE, two Frigates the action and prevented the picking up the NAC beacons and FTS, TIRANTE were sighted. Two torpedoes were fi red of any prisoners. succeeded in evading the three depth at the one Frigate and one at the other. Both were hit and sunk. The TIRANTE Torpedo Attack #3 – April 2, 1945. Three now had the problem of clearing the Mk. 18 torpedoes were fi red from aft on anchorage with a [patrolling] escort 6000 a standard daylight submerged attack yards away. This she did by staying at an empty LST on a 170 – 180° track close to the shore line in order that the angle, gyros about 150° torpedo run land background would conceal her from of from 1300 to 1700 yards, depth set the Japs’ radar. The second Jap patrol two feet. The broaching torpedoes was picked up shortly after clearing during their run to the target apparently Saishu To Island to the southwest. alerted the target and he successfully The TIRANTE was forced to dive maneuvered to avoid. The hold down when dawn was breaking and the escort button had been installed on these closed the diving position and dropped a torpedoes. pattern of depth charges. The TIRANTE evaded successfully but the Japs gave Torpedo Attack #4 – April 17, 1945. Sunk the area a good depth charging and – One 2800 Ton AO Type TM S/S. An bombing during the day. excellent standard daylight ST periscope approach resulted in two hits for two shots, sinking the target immediately. Editor’s Note: Range 600 yards, small gyro angels, In the WR photo on page 18 you will 120 – 123° track angle. notice the tall young Ensign with the great smile (center back row). He was Torpedo Attack #5 – April 14, 1945. my Skipper on my fi rst Submarine, LCdr Sunk – One 5000 Ton AP. Nikko Maru & then Cdr Walter N. (Buck) Dietzen. Class. Sound contact was made while He retired as a RAdm and we fi nally submerged on the enemy’s echo developed a close relationship during ranging, followed sixteen minutes the last fi ve years of his life. later by sighting two large ships and Buck went on to command the Bugara, three escorts. An excellent ST daylight Scamp and Woodrow Wilson. submerged approach was conducted, Russell M Anderson, Lawrence G Fla- although TIRANTE was handicapped man, Frank D Rose Sr, Robbie Rob- by reduced effi ciency of the ST radar ertson, Robert L Watson, and Amos E due to a cracked mica window in the Freeland (USSVI members were aboard wave guide. Three torpedoes were fi red LCdr Street received the Medal of at the same time) While 98 other Sub at an AP, identifi ed as the Nikko Maru Honor for his first War Patrol on Vets sailed on Tirente over the years. class, range 1600 yards, gyro angel Tirante. He retired as a Captain in 1966 Ask all of your Shipmates to register at www.decklog.com - Don’t let them get lost ever again Page 20 American Submariner Chaplain’s Corner ETERNAL PATROL NOTICES

Shipmate Maurice Hamilton Shipmate Raymond Casey of Allen of Okay, OK, Quali- Arcadia, CA, Qualified USS fi ed USS Catfi sh, 1945, de- Stickleback, 1954, departed on parted on Eternal Patrol on Eternal Patrol on 10/8/2009. 9/17/2009. Shipmate Howard A Chaquico Shipmate F. J. Asbell of Sur- of Ukiah, CA, Qualifi ed USS prise, AZ, Qualifi ed USS Tang, Spinax, 1962, departed on 1952, departed on Eternal Eternal Patrol on 9/28/2009. Patrol on 10/20/2009. Meditation Shipmate Mark Ciganovic of Shipmate John J. Banion of No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the Pittsburgh, PA, Qualifi ed USS Sedalia, MO, Qualifi ed USS continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the Cavalla, 1960, departed on Blackfi n, 1952, departed on sea, Europe is the less, as well as if promontory were, as well as Eternal Patrol on 10/18/2009. Eternal Patrol on 9/3/2009. if a manor of thy friend’s or of thine own were. Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore Shipmate K. Russ Cline of Or- Shipmate Henri L. Baxter of never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” (John angeburg, SC, Qualifi ed USS Oakdale, CT, Qualifi ed USS Donne) Blueback, 1965, departed on Cavalla, 1960, departed on Eternal Patrol on 8/24/2009. Eternal Patrol on 9/16/2009. ETERNAL PATROL Shipmate Joseph Edward Shipmate Donald E. Brown of Damiata of Cromwell, CT, Helotes, TX, departed on Eter- PREPARATIONS Qualifi ed USS Sea Owl, 1947, nal Patrol on 10/6/2009. departed on Eternal Patrol on Shipmates, while we hope your day and those of your ship- 2/3/2009. Shipmate John B. Burford of mates is far off in the future, we must nevertheless prepare. Southern Shores, NC, Quali- Please copy this notice and place it with your will or important Shipmate George D Dooley of fi ed USS Cutlass, 1955, de- papers. Nathrop, CO, Qualifi ed USS parted on Eternal Patrol on Segundo, 1953, departed on 8/7/2009. IMPORTANT Eternal Patrol on 8/1/2009. In the case of my death, please immediately notify the Shipmate Anthony Capraro of U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc., (USSVI) at 877-542-3483 or Shipmate Nathan Dorfman of Denver, CO, Qualified USS 360-337-2978 and give the person on duty the information Seal Beach, CA, departed on Croaker, 1945, departed on regarding my death, funeral, and burial arrangements, plus Eternal Patrol on 9/9/2009. Eternal Patrol on 10/12/2009. who they can contact for follow-up and support. Please ask them to contact my local chapter’s Base Com- Shipmate Richard W. Dres- Shipmate Ostiglio F. Carbonari mander with this information as well (they can look it up in sel of West Friendship, MD, of Carol Stream, IL, Qualifi ed their membership records). Qualifi ed USS Michigan, 1982, USS Pogy, 1943, departed on This information can alternatively be E-Mailed to the Na- departed on Eternal Patrol on Eternal Patrol on 7/10/2009. tional Offi ce at offi [email protected]. 9/3/2009. We ask you to do this because we have had many members Shipmate Beauford Duane pass away and for some, months & sometimes years, pass Shipmate Rennice C. Duncan Carlson of Edina, MN, Quali- before your shipmates in USSVI hear about it. of Cartersville, GA, Qualifi ed fied USS Darter, 1944, de- I think we probably are still carrying some deceased LIFE USS George Washington, parted on Eternal Patrol on or HOLLAND CLUB members on our membership rolls and 1962, departed on Eternal 10/7/2009. we do want to properly honor all those who leave us for their Patrol on 1/30/2009. Eternal Patrol. Shipmate Michael (n) Caronia If you have internet capabilities, there is excellent infor- Shipmate Thomas A. Ehrhart of Groton, CT, Qualifi ed USS mation booklet for your next of kin online at http://www. of Manhattan Bch, CA, Quali- R-1, 1942, departed on Eter- ussvi.org/Document_List.asp Open the “Shipmates Helping fied USS Lancetfish, 1944, nal Patrol on 8/4/2009. Shipmates” PDF, print it out, fi ll in what is needed and keep departed on Eternal Patrol on it with your important papers. It will be of great help to your 9/21/2009. Shipmate Rex Norman Car- survivors when that sad day comes, as it must. penter of Las Cruces, NM, If you do not have internet access, contact your local Base Shipmate Eugene S. Eisen- Qualifi ed USS Tinosa, 1945, Chaplain or the National Offi ce at 877-542-3483 to get a scher of Sandy, UT, Quali- departed on Eternal Patrol on copy. fi ed USS Macabi, 1945, de- 10/19/2009. Thank you for your Service and Sacrifi ce Volume 2009 - Issue 4 Page 21 parted on Eternal Patrol on of Norwich, CT, Qualifi ed USS Salmon, 1943, departed on USS S-47, 1944, departed on 9/12/2009. Trout, 1954, departed on Eter- Eternal Patrol on 7/4/2009. Eternal Patrol on 10/13/2009. nal Patrol on 10/4/2009. Shipmate Robert Finch of Shipmate Paul Clifford Stroup Shipmate John E. Kettenring Goose Creek, SC, Qualifi ed Shipmate William P. Murtha, Sr. of Henderson, NV, Quali- of Escondido, CA, Qualifi ed USS Argonaut, 1963, de- of Groton, CT, Qualifi ed USS fied USS Haddock, 1944, USS Aspro, 1943, departed on parted on Eternal Patrol on Grouper, 1952, departed on departed on Eternal Patrol on Eternal Patrol on 8/26/2009. 9/1/2009. Eternal Patrol on 8/10/2009. 10/4/2009. Shipmate Robert E Kircher of Shipmate E.F. Duke Ford of Shipmate Samuel Nerpouni of Shipmate Noel A. Tittsworth of Edgewater, FL, Qualifi ed USS Phoenix, AZ, Qualifi ed USS New Bedford, MA, Qualifi ed Huntsville, AL, Qualifi ed USS Pompon, 1953, departed on Greenfi sh, 1952, departed on USS Perch, 1944, departed on S-15, 1942, departed on Eter- Eternal Patrol on 3/6/2009. Eternal Patrol on 9/9/2009. Eternal Patrol on 9/16/2009. nal Patrol on 10/1/2009. Shipmate Allen Locke Jr of Shipmate Alvin L. Frasier of Shipmate Stephen S. Nevel Shipmate Dennis P Travis Wilmington, DE, Qualifi ed USS Wichita, KS, Qualified USS of Oakdale, CT, Qualified of Clipper Mills, CA, Quali- Sealion, 1968, departed on Sea Devil, 1961, departed on USS James K Polk, 1967, fied USS Greenfish, 1960, Eternal Patrol on 7/23/2009. Eternal Patrol on 8/6/2009. departed on Eternal Patrol on departed on Eternal Patrol on 7/25/2009. 8/17/2009. Shipmate Nicholas Louque, Shipmate Hamner G Freeman Jr. of Metairie, LA, Qualifi ed of Westville, FL, Qualifi ed USS Shipmate Godfrey Joseph Shipmate Robert Waters of USS Robert E Lee, 1962, Picuda, 1957, departed on Orbeck of Minneapolis, MN, Langley, WA, Qualifi ed USS departed on Eternal Patrol on Eternal Patrol on 9/11/2009. Qualifi ed USS Paddle, 1943, Menhaden, 1963, departed on 10/10/2009. departed on Eternal Patrol on Eternal Patrol on 7/30/2009. Shipmate Hugh O Gill of Char- 9/1/2009. Shipmate Edwin Benjamin lotte, NC, Qualifi ed USS S-21, Shipmate Rufus J. Weaver of Lynch of West Newton, MA, 1937, departed on Eternal Shipmate Clarence W. Parker New London, CT, Qualified Qualifi ed USS Patrick Henry, Patrol on 8/15/2003. of Portland, OR, departed on USS R-1, 1945, departed on 1961, departed on Eternal Eternal Patrol on 7/22/2009. Eternal Patrol on 10/18/2008. Patrol on 9/29/2009. Shipmate Raymond T Gutman of Bartow, FL, Qualifi ed USS Shipmate Russell J Pinkerton Shipmate Jack K. Webb of Shipmate Hubert W. Maxey of Gurnard, 1944, departed on of Fresno, CA, Qualifi ed USS Poulsbo, WA, Qualifi ed USS Phoenix, AZ, Qualifi ed USS Eternal Patrol on 9/9/2009. Tunny, 1958, departed on Eter- Sea Dog, 1950, departed on Spearfi sh, 1940, departed on nal Patrol on 9/13/2009. Eternal Patrol on 7/25/2009. Eternal Patrol on 9/17/2008. Shipmate Carl Laray Hale of Louisville, OH, Qualifi ed USS Shipmate Lloyd R. Price of Shipmate Thornton F White Shipmate Ted McAnly of Dune- Runner, 1954, departed on Brookings, OR, Qualifi ed USS of Boonsboro, MD, Quali- din, FL, Qualifi ed USS Scab- Eternal Patrol on 7/20/2009. Bowfin, 1943, departed on fied USS Sterlet, 1946, de- bardfi sh, 1952, departed on Eternal Patrol on 10/17/2009. parted on Eternal Patrol on Eternal Patrol on 10/22/2009. Shipmate David R Harnish of 10/18/2009. Phoenix, AZ, Qualifi ed USS Shipmate Richard E Saunders Shipmate Clifford B McCarty Amberjack, 1960, departed on of Petersburg, PA, Qualifi ed Shipmate Danny Williams of of Norwalk, IA, Qualifi ed USS Eternal Patrol on 9/20/2009. USS Sirago, 1946, departed on Inkster, MI, Qualified USS Rasher, 1942, departed on Eternal Patrol on 9/9/2009. Clamagore, 1969, departed on Eternal Patrol on 10/3/2009. Shipmate Francis Higham of Eternal Patrol on 10/5/2009. St Petersburg, FL, Qualifi ed Shipmate Paul R Shockley of Shipmate Carl L McInnis of USS S-12, 1945, departed on Somers, WI, Qualified USS Vero Beach, FL, Qualifi ed USS Eternal Patrol on 8/16/2009. Burrfish, 1949, departed on Rest your oar, Caiman, 1949, departed on Eternal Patrol on 8/29/2009. Eternal Patrol on 10/7/2007. Shipmate John W. Irons of Shipmate. Pittsburgh, PA, Qualifi ed USS Shipmate Adolph Sivik of N Shipmate Joseph Charles Irex, 1963, departed on Eternal Dartmouth, MA, Qualifi ed USS Milner of Venice, FL, Qualifi ed Patrol on 8/27/2009. Bowfin, 1943, departed on USS Aspro, 1944, departed on Eternal Patrol on 10/27/2008. Eternal Patrol on 9/13/2009. Shipmate Charles Bruce Jernigan of Monroeville, AL, Shipmate Frederick W Smith Shipmate Donald W. Monical Qualified USS Barb, 1943, of Cool, CA, Qualified USS 139 Shipmates that we know of Goleta, CA, Qualifi ed USS departed on Eternal Patrol on Carp, 1951, departed on Eter- about went on Eternal Patrol Bonefi sh, 1967, departed on 9/22/2009. nal Patrol on 8/4/2009. since the last edition of the Eternal Patrol on 9/24/2009. American Submariner. Have Shipmate Kenneth Clark John- Shipmate Farrell M. Stearns you called your Shipmates- Shipmate James P Mulcahy son of Murray, UT, Qualifi ed of Aurora, IL, Qualifi ed USS recently?

Rest your oars Sailor - rest in peace... Page 22 American Submariner

Chief Thomas Metcalf, and a contingent of crew from the USS Michigan (SSGN-727) made the 100+ mile round trip It’s About Time! to pay fi nal honors to Capt Hunnicutt. It reminds us all that our submarine brotherhood is alive and well. By Patrick Householder Hand Salute, Captain Hunnicutt, and thank you for your service. You are relieved, Sir. We have the watch. James Lightfoot Hunnicutt, Jr, CAPT, USNR was born in 1910 in Georgia and died in Poulsbo WA Nov 23, 1993. Following his death in 1993, this WWII warfi ghter’s remains sat unclaimed ‘on the shelf’ at a mortuary for the next 16 years! A submariner, he graduated Submarine School in 1940 and served in fi ve boats through the end of the war, earning a Navy Cross, Silver Star and the Legion of Honor along the way. He was one of only three James Lightfoot Hunnicutt reserve officers to achieve combat command of a submarine in WWII, and he retired as a CAPT. In command of USS Carp (SS-338) for her one and only war patrol, he and his crew sank fi ve ships totaling 9,800 tons. The neglect his ashes endured for sixteen years was fi nally set right on September 18, 2009 when Jim Trimbo, the Direc- tor Tahoma National Cemetery personally retrieved CAPT Hunnicutt’s ashes and Joseph La Voie, CWO2 USN (ret) (BLUEGILL) arranged the service. In a formal committal ceremony at Tahoma National Cem- etery in Washington State, his remains were honorably com- mitted to burial in the presence of Submarine Veterans of all eras and Active Submarine men as well as Cemetery staff Echo Taps brings tears to most old sailor’s eyes and volunteers. Robert Robertson, CDR USN (Ret) SVWWII/USSVI member accepted the fl ag on behalf of his extended submariner family, and donated it back to the cemetery. It was particularly gratifying to me and all US Submarine Veterans present that LCDR Patrick Olson, Blue Executive Offi cer, Division Offi cers, Blue Crew Chief of the Boat Master

WW-II Sub Vets in attendance include Ervin Scmidt, Rob- bie Robertson (receiving fl ag), Richard “Shorty” Shelton, and Fred Ennslin (all of whom are USSVI members as well) USSVI National Commander Pat Householder can be seen standing next to the the Active duty Lt from the USS Michigan in the back row. We will never forget ! Volume 2009 - Issue 4 Page 23 Carbonero Historic Artifacts

Dan O’Dwyer – USS Carbonero Association

In 1971, Fred Etzel, Engineering Offi cer off the Bonefi sh, was aboard the Carbonero in Pearl Harbor getting some supplies. The Carbonero was decommissioned, awaiting her future fate as a target, eventually torpedoed in 1975 by Pogy. Before departing, Fred thought it would be a shame if some part of the ‘Burner wasn’t salvaged for posterity. Fast forward thirty-eight years. Fred contacted the Carbonero Association and offered those salvaged pieces to them, all for L – R Ray Ferbrache, XO decommissioning crew 1970, the cost of shipping. When asked what he had, Fred replied, George Tweter, 1960s, Jim Gibson, 1950s, Henry Addink, “The main induction lever, a watertight door handle, a hatch original WWII crew 1944. handle and, oh yeah, the dive panel.” Imagine that! The dive panel off a boat used as a target and resting on the bottom off Hawaii. His only other request was that he be sent photos of the AFTERWORD: Had Fred gone through “offi cial” channels to Carbonero crew with the dive panel at the next reunion. preserve these artifacts, they would still be onboard the Car- Easy enough a request to fulfi ll. bonero on the bottom of the Pacifi c Ocean. In keeping with At the 2009 Carbonero Reunion in San Diego, the story was the highest traditions of the Submarine Service, Fred acted told and the panel presented to the very surprised audience on his own initiative to assume their temporary custody so he of crew and guests, and many rounds of photos were taken could someday return them to their rightful owners, the crew that night. of the Carbonero. When Fred received the photos taken at The Carbonero Association greatly appreciates and salutes the reunion, he wrote me to express his thanks and tell me Fred Etzel for having the foresight and gumption to remove he plans on joining us at a future reunion. and store these items for the future. Many thanks, Fred.

personnel loss Lost Boats Criteria 2. Submarines lost by stranding & foundering regardless of Counting the losses incurred by the US Naval Submarine personnel loss. Force and arriving at a fi rm number for use in memorial cer- 3. Submarines lost at sea by collision with personnel loss. emonies, speeches, presentations and writing should not be 4. Submarines lost for unknown reasons. diffi cult and the number should be easily agreed on. Such 5. Submarines lost due to material or operational causes with is not the case. or without personnel loss. The actual number of US Submarines lost since 1900 (The 6. Submarines lost due to scuttling. beginning of the submarine force) is sixty-fi ve (65). Of these, The period for actions for which a lost submarine could be 53 have been lost during wartime and the remainder during listed in this report was that of the U.S. declared involvement the Force’s unending battle with the sea. For many years, the in WW II, 7 December 1941 to 15 August 1945. The portion number normally used was 52. This has been the traditional of WW II from September 1939 to December 1941 was not number used since the end of World War II. It is useful to the included even though we lost several ships including one sub- discussion to understand where that number came from. This marine during this period. The list only accounts submarines will establish the criteria for the counting of lost submarines. that were lost while under US fl ag during the stated period. In 1949, the Preliminary Design Branch of the Bureau of Using the criteria above and expanding the time to cover the Ships issued a multi-volume work which formalized the “les- entire history of our submarine force, a corrected total for our sons learned” in ship design in World War II. This work detailed submarine losses may be obtained. damage to selected submarines and listed “Depth Charge, Sixty Five Submarine Losses since establishment of the Bomb, Mine, Torpedo and Gunfi re Damage including Losses U.S.Submarine Force. (53 in Wartime, 12 in Peacetime.) in Action”. The 52 submarines listed in the “Losses in Action” It has been voted and accepted by the Board of Directors became the core listing for US submarine losses. that for the purposes of offi cial USSVI ceremonies, conven- The criteria for what constituted a loss is generally straight tions, Memorial Day, Veterans Day or other Nationla holidays forward. It included: that the Tolling of th Boats shall consist of the 65 recognized 1.Submarines lost at sea by enemy action with or without boats lost. How did those Dolphins get in the bottom of that “Malt” glass anyway? Page 24 American Submariner