Dedicated to the men who served on this great fighting ship!

Volume 7, IssueSeaSea 2 PoacherPoacher ¥ AssociationAssociation April 2009

Posing in front of the School in Callao, Peru is the entire group of trekkers including the Peruvians, who extended a very warm welcome to the USS Sea Poacher crew and their wives. A better, more wonderful trip could not have been imagined. Sea Poacher Peru Trekkers Return with a Lifetime of Memories sights in our travels. The eighteen travellers were Bill Brinkman, EM 60-62; Richard & Nancy Clubb, QM 62-63; Cal Cochrane ,MM 55-56 and his son-in-law, Vince Sottile; Arnold Johnson, EM 62-63; Ivan From the Joslin, LT 60-63; John & Sharon Love, ET 58-61; Jack & Sandra Merrill, TM 61-63; Joe & Stella Murdoch, ET 62-63; Don Schwartz , TM President: 54-55; Larry & Arlene Weinfurter, MM 62-65; and Lanny Yeske and Bill Brinkman Fran Zimmerman,LTjg 61-63. But the best part of our journey was the dinner Sunday night, [email protected] March 8 with nine Peruvian Navy officers and their wives and the all day tour and get-together with the Peruvian Navy at their Callao, Peru All eighteen of us who visited Peru are still on an emotional high. base on March 9. We experienced many wonderful events and saw many beautiful (Continued on Page Two) 2 USS Sea Poacher (SS406) Association Volume #7 Issue #2 (Continued from Page One)

The followingMembership is a list of paid-up members. Are you on Rollthis list? If not, why not? LIFETIME MEMBERS Robert Abbott Daniel Eberhardt Troy Law John Romeo Peru Trip Bob Acor Fred Edwards Robert Lawrence Salvatore Rosina Charles Ahler Leon Eggleston Carroll Lawson Robert Roth Dewey Akins Dick Elliott Gail LeBlanc Martin Ruch Paul Allers David Elmore Frank Lederer Marcel Rull Peter Amunrud Jack Ensminger Ted Lee John Savory Dave Andres Garl Eubank Jim Lemerman Herman Scallan Ted Anthony Frank Evans George Lockwood Bob Schindhelm Charles Auclair Buster Flaskas John Love Karl Schipper George Axford Dante Fortini Jerry Loveless Ron Schnars Vernon Barnett Richard Fox Nathan Lundy Russell Schondorf Amelia Beers Ron Fraley Bill Luttrell Donald Schwartz Harvey Benson Harold Gall J.J. Lynch William Sharp Carol Bergs Larry Garrett John Mach Harry Sherman Truman Bernhard Arthur Geddes Tony Madsen John Smith Doug Bishop Jack Gentry John Majzun Rick Smock Jim Blackmon Ed Gibbon Ken Manion John Snook Kenneth Bonnell Ron Godwin Mark Markham Fred Socha Bob Bradley Billy Gorsuch Robert Matheny Bill Sololoski Bill Brinkman Jackie Graham Earl Matthews Richard Stickney Leroy Broadbent Dave Green Jim McClanahan Marty Stokes Jim Burgett John Greenville David McCollum Chuck Strand Captain Thornberry greets the newly arrived Sea Russ Burrows Eugene Guibault T. McCommas David Strunk Poacher trekkers to the Peruvian Submarine Base in Frank Calderone Paul Gusler Carl McCutcheon Tom Sugden Callao, Peru. Alice Calvert Tom Haire Jack Merrill Robert Sumner Dick Carney Jim Halbert Ty Merritt Terry Tague Leo Carr Carl Hale Eddie Montz Chester Taylor Lanny Yeske had been in contact with several Peruvian Officers Kent Carroll John Hallam Joe Murdoch Ed Thompson since June 2008 working on the details of when and where to meet John Chaich Dave Harms William Murphy Ron Thompson Richard Clubb Frances Heckroth Lester Murray T. Thompson with them. But after our tour and get together with them, we realized Ralph Cobb Bill Hellmer Joe Musgrave Richard Trench that as much as we wanted to visit with them and meet them, that it Cal Cochrane Robert Henry Gary Nagle James Tryon was now apparent that they wanted to meet us and were well prepared Lawrence Colwell Marjorie Hickman Jon Nagle John Tulodeski Bill Cook Lucy Higley John Nicholoy Al Turbeville for us. Robert Cooley Dick Holtz Jack Nims Tony Tuttobene Briefly, let me tell you that we all have many pictures, videos and James Cooney Robert Horne Charles O’Baker Ed Urban stories to tell and that we are in the process of making an Addendum Jerry Coutu Jerry Houchens James Ochs Ed Voloka Bill Crismon Harry Huggins Paul Ogg Don Waldrop to our Sea Poacher book which will document our visit to the Peruvian Jolene Darnold Carol Humphries Ron Patterson Arne Weinfurter Navy. Richard Dempsey Rod Ihrig Tom Polen Larry Weinfurter Also, one of the honors rendered by the Peruvian Navy is to make Tom Deuley Hubert Jackson Jim Powers Ray Wengrzyn Betty Dickey Richard Jennison Henry Primeaux James Weston the USS Sea Poacher Association one of their official associations William Dietrich Aronld Johnson Jean Rabuse Don Wilkinson (such as their retired Enlisted, Retired Chiefs, Retired Officers, etc ). William Donnelan Gerald Joseph Charles Rager Olin Williams We are reciprocating by adding weblinks to the Peru Navy on our Charles Donnelly Ivan Joslin Dewey Reed George Wyse Merlyn Dorrheim Mike Kassinger Larry Reiche Lanny Yeske webpage. John Dubbs Allen Katen David Richter Hope Young Also, we are making certificates to make all of the former BAP La Bill Dukacz David Keffeler Mark Richwine Jerry Young Pedrera S-49 Shipmates Honorary USS Sea Poacher Life members. Daniel Dybala Ken Kile Luke Riley Robert Young Richard Earl Terry Kleinweber David Ringland In our planning for meeting with the Peruvian Navy , we organized Jack Easley Richard Laake Robert Ritz both our personal and Sea Poacher Association gifts so that we could present these gifts to former members of the La Pedrera and to the MEMBERS Ed Ashenden Ron Coe Gerald Keffer Dale Peterson various Peruvian officials that we would meet during our tour. Robert Atkins Dennison Compton Jim Keir Roy Randall The Association presented (11) Challenge coins, (18) key rings, Russ Bauer Billie Cowart Roy Kindleberger Clyde Riggar (22) DBF pins, (8) Peru hats , (6) Peru hats, and a stained glass piece Richard Bernotiet Walter Culp Ray Krivascy John Saeli Stanley Bissen James Deming William (Jess) Lee Bennie Sheldon created by Annette Snook, wife of John Snook QM 59-62 of the Sea Donald Blomquist Ray Dicare Peter McCormack Delvin Smith Poacher/La Pedrera with the number 49 on it. We distributed many of Clyde Boley William Docekal Dan McLaren John Sohl them via the 11 shipmates with the instruction to give them to Peruvian Gordon Bradford William Dougherty Jim McNerney Charles Summitt Fred Brattain Elwood Erickson Jim McSorley Gary Stark Navy personnel that they met that weren't on the list for major gifts. In Dierdre Bridewell Richard Ferris Mark Mordecai Glen Suttle addition, the association paid for the dinner for the 9 Peruvians on Bill Buckley Ernest Fontes Julius O’Bannon Jim Thompson March 8. The total cost to the association is $523.87 ($271.90 gifts, Warren Burkett Robert Ford John O’Grady Fred Vavra Richard Carlson Lyle Gillette Charles Owen Andrew Viers $251.94 dinner ). Frank Caulfield William Hayes Bill Parhamenko Richard Whitmire I'd like to thank all of the other shipmates for their personal gifts, George Childs Carl Headland Walter Patrick Billy Williams I don't have an exact accounting, but i do remember that Cal Cochrane Don Cipra Wayne Holmgren Charles Peppler Lee Yonts If your name does not appear here . . . Why not??? Please help support your association!!!! Dues are $10 per year or $100 for a life membership. Please make check payable to “Sea Poacher Association” (Continued on Page Three) and Mail to: Bill Brinkman, 4500 Tiffany Nicole St., Round Rock, TX 78664-9466 Volume #7, Issue #2 USS Sea Poacher (SS406) Association 3 (Continued from Page Two) a sting! All day we had an official photographer from the Peru Navy tak- ing pictures and we thank Sharon Love for being our “official” photog- rapher. Then we went to the outdoor pavillion to gather for dinner and speeches and presentations and a get together with the former crews of Sea Poacher and La Pedrera and the six active Peruvian submarine commanders. The dinner was the traditional Pachamanca which consists of fir- ing rocks, laying down banana leaves, then the beef, pork, chicken; then more leaves, then the vegetables, then a covering tarp and final- ly covering with dirt. Cooking time is one hour! Lanny Yeske was given the honor of being the "Godfather" which means that he gave the blessing and also drank a toast with Admiral Zarate. During dinner, we were entertained by a dancing couple which presented three dances from different regions of Peru.

Rear Admiral Zarate, Commander of the Peruvian Submarine Forces greets the troops inside his head- quarters. He also presented the trekkers with a gift package presented by his pretty assistant. made model and three ship’s plaques, Jack Merrill made three SS-406 plaques, many brought copies of our book, and many brought dolphins to hand out and present. Now, let me try to convey what happened on March 9 at the Callao Naval Base. We were picked up by a Peru Navy bus at our hotel and driven to the base. When we arrived, we were welcomed by their Rear Admiral Carlos Zarate, Commander of the Submarine force and then given a tour of their Naval Academy and then the Submarine School. We went to visit the museum submarine BAP Abtao which was built in 1954 in Groton, Connecticut for the Peruvian Navy. There we saw pictures and Many intrepid trekkers tour the BAP Abtao which equipment from the Sea Poacher and Atule. We viewed Sea Poacher's was built in 1954 in Groton, Connecticut. brilliantly shined propellor, capstan, periscope head, and #2 Tube inner door all of which were prominently displayed. Then we vis- ited the active submarine BAP Antofagasta (S-32), a German built type Lanny Yeske made a few speeches in Spanish and was well 209 . It was very well designed and had 8 forward torpedo tubes, quite received by them for making the effort to speak in their native tongue, But, fortunately, many of them spoke English and so, we were able to really communicate with them. Most of us took turns making presenta- tions to them of our gifts and they were well received as they knew we were travelling and couldn't bring as many as one would have wanted to bring. Their president of the Retired Chief Petty Officers Association Jose Mancilla and retired Chief Victor Funes presented us with our Union Jack which he found on the Sea Poacher when they were in Philadelphia making Sea Poacher into La Pedrera in 1974. He said that he's had it for 35 years, it did not belong to him, and that it was time to present it back to us. (It's at least 40 years old). There were more than a few teary eyes. Also, they presented us with Captain Harry Huggins, CO 68-69, last night orders of October 22-23, 1969 which gives the details of Sea Poacher's last night running up the Delaware River to be decommis- sioned in the Philadelphia Navy Yard, and it ended with the words "Never More". The Sea Poacher group begins a tour of the beauti- In addition, we were presented with a plaque honoring our visit of ful Peruvian Naval Academy (Continued on Page Four) 4 USS Sea Poacher (SS406) Association Volume #7 Issue #2 (Continued from Page Three)

Members of the USS Sea Poacher/BAP LaPadrera crews pose by the salvaged prop of their old home. This was another emotional moment.

Another truly emotional moment for these two old torpedomen was when they reached out to touch the inner door of tube #2. Don Schwartz, TM 54-55 and your editor Jack Merrill, TM 61-63 spent many hours taking loving care of the torpedo tubes on USS Sea Poacher. March 9 , 2009 and a model of the Submarine La Pedrera. Lanny Yeske, LTjg 61-63 and tour director extraodi- All of these artifacts will be at our Sea Poacher reunion in naire, leans into the shovel to uncover the noon meal. Branson, Missouri in November 2010. Finally, Admiral Zarate told us that the Peruvian Submarine Force presented the 11 of us with Gold Dolphins . has never presented their dolphins to anyone before. But he got Their tradition is that you take a full glass of Pisco, put the dol- together with the skippers of their six submarines and they decided phins in, and then you need to drink the glass at one time whilst clamp- that we exhibited the true love of our submarine USS Sea Poacher and ing the dolphins in your lips. that they felt that we were one with them in spirit. So, the six skippers (Continued on Page Five) Volume #7 Issue #2 U.S.S. Sea Poacher (SS406) Association 5 (Continued from Page Four)

Bill Brinkman, President of the USS Sea Poacher Association and Jack Merrill, Vice President accept the Ivan Joslin, LT 59-63 presents a Sea Poacher ship’s Sea Poacher’s last flying Union Jack from Adm. Zarate plaque to Adm. Zarate. and Chief Victor Funes, who has had custody of it since 1974. The eleven of us were in tears as this was quite a high honor and one not given before. I hope that you now understand some of what happened during I was finally able to respond and said " Well, I don't know what to our visit to Peru. We have been invited to come back to Peru for their say, as we are overwelmed by your presentations. However, now that 100th Anniversary celebration of their Submarine Force on August 16, we are Qualified Peruvian Submarine Sailors, we are ready and willing 2011. Most of us who went to Peru this time have all ready marked our to sail with you at any time and also, we'll do it for no pay !" Then both 2011 calendars, crews and all present stood up and cheered! Needless to say, you need to mark your calendars and plan on going to Peru with us in 2011! Also, we are continuing to strengthen our ties with former and present duty Peruvian Navy people and we in turn are inviting them to come and join us in Branson for our 2010 National Reunion.

Ivan Joslin, LT 59-63 prepares to “dive for his dol- phins” This was a very moving ceremony with not just a few tears shed. Bill Brinkman bids a fond “Adios” from the entire Sea Poacher trekkers and thanks them for their kind- Sea Poacher Book CD’s ness. He also extended an invitation to the Peruvians Now Available!!!! to visit us in Branson in 2010. From left to right is Sharon Love, wife of John Love ET 58-61, Chief Petty To order books please contact either Bill Officer Victor Funes and President of the Retired Chief Brinkman or Lanny Yeske Petty Officers Association, Jose Mancilla 6 USS Sea Poacher (SS406) Association Volume #7 Issue #2 Sea Poacher Peruvian Trip EDITOR’S NOTE: I have chosen to that thing away it doesn't work, what you turned it off in the middle of include our newest Sea Poacher the night, YOU DUMMY!" Cal did let me eat breakfast with the group. Association member and Peruvian I forgot to say that our bags had to be outside our door @ 6:15 am to trekker, Vincent Sottile’s account of our be picked up to be put on the bus that would take us to the airport. We trip. I am ediiting it liberally due to space made it before we went to breakfast. This tour group is on the ball, we limitations. are impressed. We've found out that the airlines are now privately owned out of the hands of the government. The flight to Cusco is breathtaking the city is 11 thousand feet above sea level it is high on a Day 2 plateau in the Andes mountains in the middle of no where. On to our On our hotel. We muster in the hotel for our first of many coca leaf teas. It way to Nasca helps with the altitude sickness. We eat a light lunch and off to seeing to see the Vincent Sottile the Inca sights of the town. Interesting how this was a city of gold that ancient Nasca when the Spaniards arrive they stripped the buildings of the gold and Lines. We are going through the countryside. started melting it down. In the main Inca building the top edges of the Real interesting. Barren, dry land, many walls were covered in gold and all was stripped and removed to be fields of vegetables, and fruits that are irrigat- ed by flooding the fields from this fast flowing murky, muddy water com- ing from the Andes mountains in the far off distance. Small towns and shanty towns of huts with dirt floors, no real roofs as they really don't need roofs because they only get couple of inches of rain per year. The land is very dry and dusty. They say that the upper air off the ocean keeps the air dry until it gets to the other side of the mountains where the rainfall in the rainforest is abundant. We have gotten to the area of the lines. An amazing area barren, flat, and full of rocks of all kind and shape. Because it is so dry there are dust devils everywhere that actually keep the lines somewhat clean. The area is 350 square kilometers in size, huge and flat between mountains. Due to the lack of rainfall too, keeps the lines clean. We are now heading to the airport for the flight over the lines. Nasca means the land of pain and suffering. What a ride and what a sight! To be out in the middle of nowhere with probably no one in sight how these drawings could have been made is to say, even to Sandra Merrill poses with local Inca girls just before them, a mystery! their llamas where confiscated by the police. Good thing we ate after the flight. It was small six seated Cessna melted. that would dip right and dip left for thirty five minutes and it was windy. Where ever we go there are locals trying to sell something. So After the flight it was off to Nasca cantina for food and the meal was here I am surrounded with them selling their wares and dressed in tra- delicious. I had beef but Bill Brinkman said don't ask what kind of beef ditional Inca garments and llamas to have their picture taken. If you it was!?! When you wash it down with Peruvian beer you kill all the take their picture it is the custom to tip them. Let’s say everybody gets germs. tipped. Now for our six hour ride home. The back of this touring bus has Back to the square, all of a sudden as I was surrounded by the a long seat for me to stretch out on. The highway we’re on is the locals, they started running and here comes the police with a wagon longest of it's kind called the Pan American highway which stretches truck and they stop and catch the two llamas which are being held with out 14,000 miles from Alaska thru Central America down to the tip of a death grip by the locals who don't want to loose them, but the police South America. Very famous highway. We should be back to our hotel pushed them away, grabed their llamas, and throw them in the back of by about 10:30 pm. Long day but worthwhile experience, if not just see- the truck. ing the small villages, towns, earthquake areas, and shanty towns Now on to the main cathedral of the town, got my three wishes, it alone was worth the price of admission. was very beautiful. From there went up to see more of the sights. Day 3 Where we ended up was at the top of Cuzco. Everything the Incas did OK so halfway through the night I unplugged the ipod to charge had purpose for their religion and their community. They were totally my phone and in my grogginess I turned the iPod off which happened for their people. It wasn't about me... The Incas took care of their peo- to be our alarm clock. We were supposed to be up at 5:00 with the ple. Even with work you must give to the community 3 months out of alarm, oh well Cal got up anyway. The front desk did phone us at the year, no matter what it was and in return you and your family were 6:00 so I did get an extra hour of sleep anyway, but you know I did have to pay for it, "get up, your alarm didn't wake us, you need to throw (Continued on Page Seven) Volume #7, Issue #2 USS Sea Poacher (SS406) Association 7 (Continued from Page Six)

Machu Picchu

A view of the magnificent stone work of the ancient stice on June 21, which had the sun the furthest away from Machu Incan people of Sacsayhuaman. Picchu, wishing father sun to return to the mountain with the changing of the season. All of this and the breathtaking presence of just being at provided for. It never was about wealth it was about family, and that's the top of this peak with all the other peaks looming near and far was how they looked at life. Even with all the wealth in gold that they were almost too much to comprehend. Enough said about that, now I really surrounded by, it wasn’t about the gold. wanted a picture from a higher vantage point, so I left the group and What I'm leading to when I said every thing had meaning and was on my own. Our tour guide told me where and how to get the point purpose there is a formation that engulfs the town in the shape of a where I would be up and above the ruin to take pictures of the ruin. puma. The heart of the town is the cathedral of Cusco, the head of the Coming down the short cut, that Carlos our leader told me about, were puma is the archeological site of Sacsayhuaman, and guts of Cuscois six llama on the trail and I'm booking' it trying to get to a bus to take me Koricancha. We did go up to and walked thru Sacsayhuaman which down to the village. So I become the llama herder and herded them the locals call, "sexy woman", which is the head of the puma. Leaving down the path out of my way. No pictures cause of the afternoon show- there we went to an alpaca store when they make the alpaca clothing. er. I did good and although I didn't come down with them on the bus Here they gave us an education on the different alpaca thread that and missed them for lunch, I did meet the group where I was told to be goes in the alpaca clothing whereby the baby alpaca thread is the soft- at the train station at 3:00. I had time to go to a restaurant have a small est and most pure. Their clothing was beautiful, reasonable and peo- pizza and coke, get my boots shined by two brothers, and be at the ple you could bargain with. After another long day we returned to our gate before the group arrived. hotel for food, shower, and bed. The shoe shine was a hoot. Two young dark native brothers want- ing to polish my LL Bean duck boots. So one boy got one boot and the other got the other boot. You would have thought they were the private Day 4 shoe shiners for the White House. Four alarms including room service wake us at 5:00 am. This We were about to board the train for the trip back to Cusco. They early rise is killing me. Good thing there is coffee and continental gave us something to drink and eat and once again let's sell Peruvian breakfast. No complaints only to say that even the coffee was too thick clothing so they had a fashion show on the train with the aisle as the for me. Off again, on the bus at 6:15 am to meet our train for the trip to runway. It was great, they even pulled two of the young people from Machu Picchu. The train goes sixty miles also a river parallels the our group to join in the show. When we got back we went to the dining tracks that flows to Machu Picchu. The emperor that lived in Cusco had room and had dinner. We start at 5:00 am and ate dinner at 8:00 pm, this built as a retreat home for himself and other higher ups of the Inca now shower and bed. Good news, we can sleep to 8:00 am, yeah right, nation. After only being built for 80 years something happened and it GET UP YOU'VE HAD ENOUGH SLEEP. Let's go, that's when the pil- had to be abandoned. It could have been disease, warring nearby low goes over my head...... tribes, drought, the Spanish in Cusco, or whatever reason life in Machu Picchu ceased to exist. The town, like the royal center walled building, had a lot of the same construction techniques and symbolisms. The Day 5 sun, the moon, the land, honoring and worshiping mother earth. Ohbamba - Sacred Valley of the Incas Because the Spanish didn't find the ruin the Inca culture was not destroyed. It is an amazing place for many reasons. The remoteness, Although we were able to sleep in today, I was up awake but not the position on top of this mountain that was full if not dripping with Inca moving at 6:30 am without Cal's reveille, "come on man get up we got themes cultures. The main position had to do with the three temples to the mother earth, the sun, and the sky. The main elements facing the east. The biggest feast that was a great celebration was the winter sol- (Continued on Page Eight) 8 USS Sea Poacher (SS406) Association Volume #7, Issue #2 Continued from Page Seven to go!". Today we go on a countryside journey to Pisak into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We are in the valleys of the Andes. Our journey is to be a hundred mile loop. Our first stop is a small llama and alpaca farm. Here we walk among the animals they give us stalks of alfalfa to feed the animals. There are several varieties of the species including the alpacas. I told Cal not to upset them so that they'd spit at you. Not only do they have the animals, they have demonstrations of shearing the beast, spinning the yarn, dying the thread, weaving the materials into shawls, scarfs, wall tapestry, blankets, etc. These people can do it all and with a spirit and just matter of fact- ness about whatever they do. The mother and children are born sales- man. The children start at a very young age peddling their wares. Once we left the alpaca area we were now headed to the valley and the first stop Pisak. Cusco is 11,000 ft and to get to Pisak we had to go up over 14,000 ft. plateau before we could come down to the sacred valley at 9,000 ft. But getting back to the children, they knew the photo spots on At a local Chicharia, Carlo, our tour guide, was pre- the road down to Pisak. Our first view point, which all were incredible sented with a pair of dolphins and was introduced to and breathtaking, had two little girls in the Inca dress, two llamas, and the age old tradition of “Diving for His Dolphins”. He is two small puppies. Everyone on the bus took pictures of themselves now a proud submariner. with the children and the llamas, bought whatever they were selling, guinea pigs on the dirt floor in the house, 20 or 30 of them scampering and did manage to take pictures of the view, too. We finally came down on the floor like big rats and droppings everywhere. Many suppers! the mountain. The next thing is the dried fish and meat hanging in the middle of the These people are persistent but not pushy. This town like many in room. The whole house is approximately 15x20, 300 sq ft. Beds on one this area shares the farm area. Everybody shares for the betterment of end a cooking area in an adjacent corner of the house. Next to the the town. These people are farmers and the crops are for everyone. cooking area was the religious altar. Above the altar and in a hole in Once in town we proceed to their open market. They give us about 45 the wall were the skulls of their ancestors, on the altar table was a minutes to browse and shop. So much stuff at reasonable prices but small doll with a cigarette in his mouth and fake money - for health and still everything is negotiable in price. Just walk away and the price wealth. drops, You can get what you want for the price you want and in the end This family consist of a mother, father, and two children a boy and as you get on the bus the children are still there with whistles, finger a girl. The mother and children attended to the daily chores of the puppets, colorful wrist bands and whatever they can sell. From here home and the father as most fathers, is a farmer who was working in we travel in the valley toward our lunch destination. the fields. The children as always were very friendly. The young boy As an oasis in the desert we come upon a small hotel with an out- had a deck of cards that because he shuffled the deck so much that doors dining area. This luncheon is probably the best food we've had they were about the to tear in half. I gave him one of the decks of cards on our trip, consensus of all. Dining is under a large thatch roofed I keep in my back pack. This town was built by the Incas so many of gazebo. the water supply troughs were every where. At one trough a young The landscape and the climate here keep the environment green. man was washing his clothes. Normally the mother an children take Lots of farming, oxen plows in the fields preparing for another growing care of cleaning the clothes, too. When we entered the area, you enter season, the climate is such that they have three growing seasons. a courtyard off the alley. The courtyard is for four homes and the Their seasons are such that it's dry or rainy and the mountains they’re clothes were hanging from the line. We can’t compare their conditions green from top to bottom. The mountains are shear drop offs straight up and down rising thousands of feet from the valley floor straight up. (Continued on Page Nine) All of this as we wind around these mountains on the valley floor at 9,000 ft. Today Carlos's goal is for us to see first hand and to be immersed into the local culture. Our next stop is a local “chicharea” Parade Float Helpers Wanted hole where he explains how the chicha the corn brew daily and when I have gotten from the AFLOAT TRAINING GROUP SAN the brew is ready a red flag hangs on a pole so that they know the DEIGO the Sea Poachers call sign letter flags to be added to our afternoon brew is ready. At the end of the day what ever brew is left decorations for the upcoming reunion in Branson, Mo. Nov 2010. over is thrown away and they start fresh tomorrow. While we were here To all shipmates.. Any sugestions for decorating the ducks for we had an honorary dolphin pining ceremony for Carlos. In a glass with the parade would be greatly appreciated. the chicha and a dolphin pin Carlos had to drink the brew without swal- Also any and all help will be put to good use. lowing the dolphin pin. After he drank and caught the pin Cal pinned Your shipomate and decorating chairman (IE open mouth insert the dolphin on his chest, although no blood. foot — HA HA) On to the next and last town, where we will enter the home of a local family to see how they live. The first thing you notice are the James Halbert FA TO MM1(SS), (MMCSS RET ) Volume #7, Issue #2 USS Sea Poacher (SS406) Association 9

(Continued from Page Eight) This started the first true dialog between the Indians and the Spaniards. Under the floor of the cathedral are catacombs with the to ours because this is the life and environment they are accustomed bones of the deceased monks and rich benefactors who were allowed too. As different as it is in comparison to what we have, they do have to be buried there. cell phones. There is a private family who is friendly to Gate 1 travel who live This was another priceless moment. After this we continue on in Peru and have the world's largest collection of manger scenes. back to the hotel. OK I now am having an unexpected glitch in the trip. Spectacular and their home was equally impressive. His name was The credit card and pin# don't work! I have to borrow $5.00 from Cal Havaeree Luna and his wife opened their home to us and all were to get out of Cusco tomorrow to fly back to Lima, not good!!!! astonished. Tonight we go on a short stroll through the shopping area towards At 7:00pm we're having at casual dinner with some of the our dinner and show. The restaurant is just a standard sized one and Peruvian officers and their wives, nine of them total. Speeches were they had a few musicians who were very entertaining. Although the alti- made, dolphins and plaques were presented, toasts were made, pisco tude has taken it's toll on the group, the moral has remained high. Most sours were consumed. This restaurant was part of a shopping mall that all will be glad to be being back to 0 altitude tomorrow. Back to the was built on the cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, another beautiful hotel 4:30 comes early...... setting. This mall was also a boardwalk which was close enough that we walked to our hotel, the same one which we stayed in our first trip Day 6 to Lima. This hotel does have comfortable beds for a good night's 4:30am wake up call...let's not go there. We're up eating breakfa- sleep. stand in the lobby to pull for a 7:40 am flight to Lima. Goodbye Cusco, hello Lima. Great flight one hour down to the coastline. We're all here, EDITOR’S NOTE: Please refer to Page One for coverage of the even our luggage made it. The tour company, Gate 1, is first class and trip to the Peruvial Submarine Base. on top of things. Our tour today was to the Cathedral of St. Peter a couple of Reflections blocks away the Franciscan Monestary. The cathedral is not open for Let me start by saying that the day before I was to leave on the touring on Sunday due to the mass schedule. The monestary was trip, as always, I was up to ears with alligators, you know the feeling so ornate and beautiful, the important significance was that the head of much to do so little time to do it in and here I am leaving my wife in the the order was able to bring the Inca indians and the Spaniards togeth- er by saying to the indians that the God they worship and the God of (Continued from Page Sixteen) Jesus we worship are the same God and that there is only one God.

To the editor: Special Projects Another Reflection Officer Lanny Yeske on Peru Trip ADM Donnelly's letter is an absolute 'gem', and indeed I do LT 61-63 hope RADM Zarate fills him in with lots of details and impressions [email protected] from our visit. Not that we need any additional boosts, but the more ADM Donnelly hears about our trip FROM THE PERU- Lanny and Jack are putting together a 40 page addendum to our VIANS, the more the true purpose of our visit is validated and Book (20 pages printed on both sides). Therein we will detail the stregthened. events of our incredible March 2009 travel to Peru. Though we're prejudiced in our thinking, probably no other It will include our amazing day at the Peruvian Submarine Base Navy Ship of any description, and most certainly no other on March 9 and the surprising new information we have on Sea Submarine can truly boast of what we have going in our Sea Poacher's final disposition, more details of which are still anticipated. Poacher Association! I've not heard of any Reunions that have Half will likely be narrative and the other half photographs. If we can the attendance we have, and I still find it most interesting that a find them, we will also provide you with a sleeve to insert the large percentage of our 'core group' comes from the 1960-1963 Addendum into and to glue on the inside back cover of your book. I years when Len Kojm was our "Skipper". think about 20 pages is the most we would want to place inside the Leadership defintely impacts long standing relationships for back cover. The cost will likely be about $5 to $7 to cover the costs of a lifetime, and no group symbolizes that any stronger than we packaging, mailing, and the supplies (paper, sleeve, toner, etc) to put "Peru Trekkers"! it together. We are going to need to know about how many packages I love ALL you guys and gals! to prepare, so either tell me by email to [email protected], phone 434-385-7117, or write to me at 1063 MacArthur Place, Forest, Warmest regards, VA 24551. I really think you are going to want to have "THE REST OF Ivan THE STORY" in your books. 1 0 USS Sea Poacher (SS406) Association Volume #7, Issue #2 Letter from Vice Admiral John J. Donnelly, Commander Submarine Force Volume #7, Issue #2 USS Sea Poacher (SS406) Association 1 1 Obituaries

John Rabuse VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — John W. John L. Jensen Jr. Rabuse, 80, passed away November 5. John Lawrence Jensen Jr., 2008, in Sentara Bayside Hospital. A Captain, US Navy (Ret), 83, died Dec native of New Your City, he was the son 19, 2007 at home. A native of of the late John and Emily Rabuse. He Centerville, Iowa, he graduated with the retired from the New York City Board of CHS Class of 1942. Education as a stationary engineer after He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. 30 years of service. He was a member of John Jensen. His father was a well- Old Donation Episcopal Church, Past known merchant in Centerville. Master of the Jamaica-Queeens Village John enlisted in the Navy in 1943. Masonic Lodge and a member of the His 33-year career spanned WWII, USS Sea Poacher (SS406) Association. Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War and He is survived by his wife, Jean M. Rabuse; his daughter, included service in 10 ships, seven of Jacqueline R. Nawrocky and husband Pete of Virginia Beach; three them submarines on which he made a total of 3,116 dives. He had sons, John William Rabuse and wife Barbara of Queens, N.Y.; command of two submarines, command of a division of five sub- Robert Ben Rabuse and wife Kathryn of Arlington, VA; and Andrew marines; command of the Advanced Undersea Weapons School Charles Rabuse and wife Stacy of Chesapeake; his sister Gloria and two tours in Vietnam in command of the USS Vesuvius. Bitetto of Franklin Square, N.Y.; and nine grandchildren, Kate, John His final tour of duty was on the staff of the Chief on Naval Thomas, Christina, William, Kristen, Nathaniel, Emma, Taylor and Operations in the Pentagon as deputy director of the Logistics Alexander. Plans Division. Captain jensen was a graduate of the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland in 1948 and he subsequently earned a master’s degree in public administration from the George Washington University. Raymond E. Binns Following disability retirement from the Navy in 1976, he GLOUCESTER - Raymond Emmett Binns, 75, died Jan. 6, worked for three consulting firms in the northern Virginia area as 2009. a senior analyst or engineering specialist. His military decorations He was born in Elkins, W.Va. He was an active member of St. include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Navy Therese Catholic Church. Ray served his country in the U.S. Navy Commendation Medal and the Vietnam Navy Distinguished and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fleet Service Medal. Reserve, and Holland Club. He was also a member of the commis- He and his wife settled in New Bern, North Carolina in 1996, sioning crew on the USS Nautilus and worked as a nuclear power where he became a member of the First Presbyterian Church. He plant start-up engineer before his retirement in 1993. His retire- has been a trustee of the Naval Academy Foundation since 1989 ment passions were family, golf, and talking politics. where he was a member of the President’s Circle and the Athletic His survivors include his wife, Marie Therese Constance and Scholarship Programs Division. He became a trustee emeri- Binns; children, Matthew Koly and wife, Karen, Karen Paetow and tus in 2007. He was also a member of the Heritage Foundation, husband, Gary; grandchildren, Matthew Koly Jr. and wife, Amanda, Naval Academy Alumni Association, Navy league, Disabled Marie Koly, Andrew Koly, Stacy White; great-grandchildren, Amber, American Veterans, Navy Submarine League and the Military Rachelle, Andie and Hannah; sisters, Carmelle Binns, Mary G. Officers Association of America. For several years he was com- Reynolds, Eleanor Sainato and husband, John; brothers, Thomas mander of the Craven County, North Carolina, Chapter 40 of the J. Binns, Terence Binns; and a host of nieces, nephews and a dear Disabled American Veterans. friend of the family, Deo Hobbs. He is survived by his widow, Beverley; three daughters, Cynthia Hill (Mark) of Anchorage, Alaska; Julia Salo of Richmond, Virginia and May Carraro (Robert) of New Bern, North Carolina; nine grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Beverley resides at 2038 Colleton Was in New Bern, North Carolina 28562. He is also survived by three sisters: Helen Hoppe (Richard) of Waterloo, Peggy Jensen of Windsor Heights and Karen Bailey (William) of Waukee. He was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery. 1 2 USS Sea Poacher (SS406) Association Volume #7, Issue #2 Sea Poacher Picnic 2009 in Bartow,

From left to right, back row: Jack Nims EM 57-63, Bob Bradley TM 58-62, John Snook QM 59-62, Jack Merrill TM 61-62, Ron Godwin ST/Ens 58-61/66, Jackie Graham IC 61-63 and Bill CookTM 60-64 From row, left to right: Richard Clubb QM 62-63, Doug Bishop IC 63-66, Bob Acor QM 59-60, Charlie Auclair MM 60-63 and Gene Dempsey LTjg 60-62.

Jerry Coutu came all the way from South Carolina to win a mouse pad. Ron Godwin and Richard Dempsey receive their Holland Club certificates that signifies having been quali- fied in submarines for 50 years from Jack Merrill, Base Commander of Sea Poacher Base, USSVI. Ty Merritt MM 65- 68 and his wife Pat came over from St. Augustine, Florida and won a set of Sea Poacher coasters.

John Sohl RM 46 and his wife Audrey attended from Eustis, Florida. Volume #7, Issue #2 USS Sea Poacher (SS406) Association 1 3

Many members of John Rabuse’s family were on hand From left to right presenting a Sea Poacher to accept the Sea Poacher Memorial Plaque. From left to Memorial Plaque to the wife of John Jensen LT 55-57 right: Ed Thompson, EM 53-55; Jean Rabuse, widow of Beverley Jensen is George Graveson LT 61; Tommy John Rabuse, EN 47-51 who entered his final patrol in Thompson, IC 55-56; along with Jack Merrill, TM 61-63. November 2008; Jack Merrill, TM 61-63; Johnie Bev put on a delicious spread for the group and Davidson, EN 63 and John Romeo, IC 68-69. they had a great time reminiscing. Also attending were Jeanne was a very generous hostess serving coffee several of John’s family members. and pastries. All had a great time reminiscing about John and his love of the Sea Poacher. John was a fix- ture at all but the first reunion and was looking forward Letter from Bev Jensen to Branson in 2010. Dear Jack and Sandy, Tom and George and Nancy, Thanks you all for the presentation of the beautiful prayer. It’s hanging in a place of honor in the study. We all enjoyed your visit so much. It was really kind of you all to come. We were all touched by your kindness and caring and fun!. Take care — Bev Jensen EDITOR’S NOTE - Also received along with this letter was a most generous check to the Submarine Memorial Fund in Bartow for $500.

Jim Weston ET 59, left and Lanny Yeske LTjg 61-63, right visited with Troy Law FN 52 at his home in Virginia. They reported his is doing well and looking forward to Branson. Jim Weston reports: Lanny picked me up at 0800 and we drove to the home of Troy and Earline Law in Cascade (a few miles West of Danville, Virginia). As we pulled into their yard, I could see that they are country folks just like me. Earline immediately made coffee; and Lanny put out the coffee cake he had brought for the occasion. Earline also passed out the best oatmeal cookies I have ever eaten (I need the recipe). Both Troy and Earline looked marvelous. Troy has obviously come through his Chemo treatment without any of the expected side Tom Nein, FN 52-55 and Jack Dubbs, EN 48-54???? effects. We visited (told sea stories) for a little over an hour, then took present a Sea Poacher Memorial Plaque to June Wyse a few pictures before returning to the Lynchburg area. widow of George Wyse, EN 48-53 1 4 USS Sea Poacher (SS406) Association Volume #7, Issue #2 Sea Poacher Ships’ Store This copy of the Gerald Levey painting, donated by the Stahl family, is for sale for $35, shipping and han- dling included. It is printed on high quality photo paper and measures 13x18 inches. Profits from the sale of this painting will go to the Humanitarian Fund.

Service Certificate in- cludes a picture of the boat in W the configuration as you E N served aboard and also includes a list of all the ship- T F mates with whom you served. E L Printed on high gloss photo 4 Y paper. 11x14 frame subject to L N availablility. O This beautifully crafted stainglass piece of Sea Poacher created by Annette Snook, wife of John B. Snook QM 59-62. This This nicely painted resin Sea piece will be a crafted by Poacher plaque created by Jack Merrill, Annette as we receive orders, so TM 61-63 is mounted on a handsome there will be some delay in deliv- piece of exotic hardwood donated by ery. Piece measures 17”x10 1/2”. Mark Markham, TM 48-50

_IITEMSAfganQUANTITY __ PRICE$52.00 TOTAL _____ Keychain `__ $3.00 _____ Ships’ Patch __ $5.50 _____ Ballcap __ $14.00 _____ Plastic Mugs __ $12.00 _____ Golf Shirts - Sizes M, L, XL & 2XL (w/o pockets)__ $22.00 _____ Golf Shirt with pockets __ $25.00 _____ Etched Glass Tankard __ $20.00 _____ Framed Service Certificate __ $35.00 _____ Unframed Service Certificate __ $10.00 _____ Sea Poacher Ship’s Plaque __ $25.00 _____ Gerald Levey Painting __ $35.00 _____ Stainglass Sea Poacher __ $110.00 _____ Challenge Coin ÐÐ $8.50 _____ Dolphin Vest chains, gold or silver __ $25.00 _____ TOTAL _____ Please make check payable to Bill Brinkman and mail to: Bill Brinkman, 4500 Tiffany Nicole St., Round Rock, TX 78664-9466. Prices includes shipping ! Volume #7, Issue #2 USS Sea Poacher (SS406) Association 1 5 General Fund ...... 23200.75 Bank Balance (General+Hum+Mem) ...... 24985.75 From the February/2009 There was not any Debits, Deposits or Banking activity of any type dur- Treasurer: ing the Month of February Balance unchanged. Hubert Jackson March 1,2009 Beginning Balance in the Following Funds: Memorial ...... 550.00 EM 67-69 Humanitarian Fund ...... 1235.00 [email protected] General Fund ...... 23200.75 Bank Balance ...... (General+Hum+Mem)-24985.75 Well, another quarter has passed and a lot of wonderful news. Our group of Sea Poacher Shipmates had a fantastic trip to Peru and March/2009 Debit Activity: most importantly returned safely. I know we are all looking forward to Check# 157 for postage & supplies ...... 30.47 reading about and seeing all the great pictures. Well done guys and Total Debits ...... 30.47 ladies! You make us proud. Report follows: March/2009 Deposit Activity: December 2, 2008 Beginning Balance in the following funds was: March 25 to General Fund ...... 2048.00 Memorial Fund ...... 550.00 This included 1800.00 from Bartow picnic proceeds, 30.00 in yearly Humanitarian Fund ...... 1235.00 membership dues & 218.00 in ship's stores sales. General Fund ...... 24613.93 Total Deposits ...... 2048.00 Bank Balance (General+Hum.+Mem.) ...... 26398.93 Ending Balance as of March 29,2009 is: December/2008 Debit Activity: Memorial Fund ...... 550.00 Check# 155 for Picnic cost & News letters...... 2182.00 Humanitarian Fund ...... 1235.00 Total Debits ...... 2182.00 General Fund ...... 25218.28 Bank Balance (General+Hum+Mem)= ...... 27003.28 December/2008 Deposit Activity: December 26 to General Fund ...... 140.00 from Life & yearly membership dues Total Deposits ...... 140.00 From the Ending Balance as of December 31, 2008 in the following funds is: Memorial Fund ...... 550.00 Web Guru: Humanitarian Fund ...... 1235.00 Jon K. Nagle General Fund ...... 22571.93 Bank Balance (General+Hum.+Mem.) ...... 24356.93 MM 62-63 [email protected] January/2009 Debit Activity: Check# 156 for postage to mail Memorial Plaque -16.18 Total Debits - 16.18 All hands on Deck. If you haven’t looked at our web page late- ly you are missing the boat. Let me fill you in on the new additions. January/2009 Deposit Activity: First, is a new greeting that will bring back memories of the Sea January 14, 2009 to General fund ...... 301.00 Poacher to everyone. Also new is an “In Memoriam” video, with This included 220.00 in Life and Yearly membership dues & 81.00 in sound, that is a very moving tribute to those on Final Patrol. We also ship's stores sales have a new video on the history of US Submarines. All of the e-mail addresses have been updated for all hands. January 23 to General fund ...... 344.00 Check yours and let me know if it is incorrect. We also have the This included 210 in Life and Yearly Membership dues & 124.00 in 2010 reunion information and reservation page Ship's stores sales Plus all the gadgets from the ship’s storekeeper. Total Deposits ...... 645.00 You could say a plethora of additions to the web page. As usual, if you have an idea or feature you would like included, just e- Ending Balance as of January ...... 31,200.93 mail “jondryvac.com”, call 843-991-0641 or write to 1381 Black Memorial Fund ...... 550.00 River Dr., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466 Humanitarian Fund ...... 1235.00 Now, make a hole as I’m going below to get some shut eye before the charge. 1 6 USS Sea Poacher (SS406) Association Volume #7, Issue #2

USS Sea Poacher (SS406) Association 916 W. Pearl Street Bartow FL 33830-5417 [email protected]

Sea Poacher web site: http://seapoacher.com

(Continued from Page Nine)

middle of a week and coming back in the middle of a week. If you leave Friday afternoon and come back the following Sunday it’s 4 weekend days and 5 work days, you feel that things will be alright till you get back. Which for all practical purposes, everything was fine but who doesn’t worry? Retired Sea Poachers!!! I told my wife as I was packing, “You know I could send young Vince in my place, that’d be OK! Sharon said, “ you’re crazy, you’d regret it for the rest of you life if you didn’t go.” She really bit the bait, not go, ridiculous!!!~ pack and go, and don’t lose the camera, the ipod, or the cell phone while you’re away although you’re with my dad and HE won’t let that happen!?! Well coming back with two out of three is OK, right? This trip, I’m sorry, too many clichés, priceless, the time of my life, a trip I’ll never forget, or I’ll take it to my grave. All of the above… All I want to say to you all is ……..Thank You.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Somewhere on Day 5 or 6 Vince lost his cam- era. If you have extra photos you care to share with him he can be reached at: [email protected]