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2 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 3 AMERICAN SUBMARINER THE The Official Magazine of the United States VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE Veterans Inc. is published quarterly by USSVI. United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(19) corporation in the State of Connecticut. Wayne Standerfer Contents NATIONAL OFFICE National Commander Fred Borgmann POB 3870 8 Do You Just Belong? Silverdale, WA 98383 (877) 542-DIVE Naval Submarine League Annual Symposium 11 USSVI COMMITTEES 2021-2022 USSV CF Scholarship Program Procedures Shipmates, MEMBERSHIP 2021 Western Region Roundup Dates Announced Steve Bell, NJVC Considering the restrictions, especially the social distancing requirements, (704) 824-3510 2020 USSVI Election Results imposed on us since March of this year when Covid-19 was declared a pandemic, [email protected] NATIONAL EDITOR USSVI has managed to maintain a respectable level of stability. This is a remarkable Appendicitis at Sea during WWII: WAYS & MEANS T Michael Bircumshaw 12 achievement when you consider that socializing is the backbone of any fraternal Jon Jaques, NSVC POB 892616 The Valor and Ingenuity of the Submarine Corpsman organization. This pandemic has put on hold one of the primary reasons membership [email protected] Temecula, CA 92589-2616 in our organization is so enjoyable, which is the personal contact we have with other (615) 893-7800 [email protected] 18 Welcome to Orlando, Shipmates! members. We have been forced to cancel Base, Regional, and District meetings, (951) 775-4549 CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS District Commander visits, parades, and almost all other activities that normally Skip Turnbull 20 This Ain’t No Sh*t! Sea stories shared by those who lived them... enable us to assemble. (Parliamentarian) TREASURER But despite these frustrating constraints and what seems to be a state of apathy (217) 487-7710 Paul Hiser [email protected] 21 2020 USSVI Award Recipients that has infected a large number of submarine veterans (both inside and outside (910) 691-5378 of our organization), I give credit for the aforementioned level of stability to the large AWARDS [email protected] number of shipmates in our midst that go above and beyond what would be Harold W. (Bill) Scott II U.S. Submarines in WWI DISTRIBUTION 25 considered everyday voluntary participation. These members, both regular and (512) 826-8876 Neal Britner associates, both male and female, work tirelessly (many below the radar with little [email protected] (315) 409-8476 30 Base Activities Around the Country or no recognition) in a variety of leadership and support positions to ensure that once NATIONAL CONVENTION [email protected] Boldly Going Where No Base Has Gone Before! this pandemic is behind us, we will be here as strong as ever and our Purpose/Creed Richard (Ozzie) Osentoski (734) 671-3439 BOAT SPONSORSHIP CHAIR Tucson Base Recognizes WWII-Member Submariners of “Perpetuating the Memory” will continue to be upheld. USSVI would not continue Jack Messersmith with Special 75-Year Holland Club Certificate to exist without these folks. On behalf of the National Board of Directors and a major EAGLE SCOUT PROGRAM (928) 227-7753 portion of our membership, I say to each of these members: “Thank you, your David Farran [email protected] initiative is noticed and very much appreciated!” (318) 352-1015 32 “USS Seawolf Arriving!” Golden Corner Base When this 2020 4th Edition of our American Submariner magazine is posted or [email protected] PROOF TEAM Shows Off Stunning New Float in September Bill Andrea hits your doorstep, we will be entering the fourth quarter of this year. It’s not too BOAT SPONSORSHIP Neal Britner early for our annual members to start the process of paying their dues for 2021. The Jack Messersmith ‘Forgotten’ WWII Vermont Submarine Veteran Officially John Mansfield 33 consistent decline in the number of our members that pay their dues annually has a (928) 227-7753 Joan Miner Memorialized After More Than 74 Years noticeable and unfortunate impact on our organization’s income. So please, if you [email protected] pay annually, take care of your 2021 dues as early as possible before the December BOARD OF INQUIRY STAFF ARTIST 34 John Philip Cromwell — Medal of Honor Submariner Chairman Tom Denton 31st deadline. Doing so will not only help our organization’s bottom line, but it will also help in reducing the workload on our National Office staff members who spend Ross Sargent (JA) (301) 845-0049 (703) 629-1119 39 America’s First Submarine Base an inordinate amount of time every year chasing down “dinks.” I am thanking you in [email protected] Members advance for your cooperation and support. Dutch Holland WWII SUBVET HISTORIAN In closing, I will practice a little self-plagiarism and repeat a portion of what I Jack Jeffries Herbert Orth wrote for my article in the previous edition of our magazine. Until this virus pandemic (704) 254-2423 Bill Windle is under control, the continued recommendation from USSVI National is to do what [email protected] HISTORIAN you feel is necessary to protect your health as well as that of your family members Ron Martini and friends and to abide by the posted requirements established by the governance AMERICAN SUBMARINER DEADLINES (307) 678-9847 of your local area. First Quarter December 1 STOREKEEPER Second Quarter March 1 All the best and take care, Barry Commons Third Quarter June 1 Wayne Standerfer (925) 679-1744 Fourth Quarter September 1 National Commander [email protected] The American Submariner is not responsible for the In Every Issue HOLLAND CLUB claims of its advertisers. The primary focus of this 5 The View From the Bridge 10 Mail Buoy Bud Atkins publication is for the benefit and service to USSVI (860) 440-3120 On the Cover members. Issues concerning Advertisers may be USSVI Committees 18 Kap(SS) 4 Kid(SS) [email protected] sent to the editorial staff for mediation. Lt. Cmdr. Sam Adams stands Officer of the Deck watch from the bridge of the 6 Regional and District KAP(SS) 4 KID(SS) The American Submariner is copyrighted under 36 Lost boats Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS (SSGN-728). In March 2011, Representatives during Operation Odyssey Dawn, Florida launched 93 Tomahawk missiles, with John Riley the laws of the United States of America. Any re- 40 New Members production in any form without the written consent 7 From the Wardroom 90 effective, out of her total magazine of about 160 missiles. The Tomahawk (203) 668-9131 of the editor is forbidden by law. All authorized 42 Upcoming Boat Reunions missile strikes allowed British, French, and allied warplanes to begin enforcing [email protected] reproduction requires acknowledgement of source, 8 Chaplain’s Corner a no-fly zone over Libya, preventing Muammar Gaddafi from using his air force 44 Eternal Patrol VETERANS AFFAIRS author, and the American Submariner. 9 National Officers to attack rebels in his country. This was the first combat action for the Florida or John Dudas Printed and mailed by Southwest Offset Printing, any other Ohio-class submarine. (928) 420-0061 Gardena, CA. [email protected]

4 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 5 REGIONAL and DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE WARDROOM

REGIONAL DIRECTORS Jon Jaques Steve Bell National Senior Vice Commander National Junior Vice Commander

Western Region Director Central Region Director Northeast Region Director Southeast Region Director Shipmates, Shipmates, Victor Van Horn WYVEL “TOM” WILLIAMS III LES ALTSCHULER KENNETH W. NICHOLS (708) 609-9840 (512) 632-9439 (609) 395-8197 (352) 465-7732 As 2020 comes to a close, I am proud to be part of the The dues season should be well underway for all bases. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] brotherhood of submarine sailors. We share more common For those that are not life members, you need to pay your experiences than most other groups in the military. We all dues to your base, and MALs need to mail their dues to had a COB who got in our face, we sucked air through an the National Office. For all that have paid your national dues, EAB, snorkeled, and shot water slugs. My point is this: You I thank you very much. For those that have not, please take can’t fake being a submarine sailor. a moment to get that task done. One of our shipmates had a tree fall in his yard and two of Retention is one of the most critical issues within our organiza- his base shipmates came over to help cut the tree up. While tion. Far too many wait until the last minute (end of December) DISTRICT COMMANDERS I do not know the names of these two shipmates, I give them and then find an excuse to put it off even more. Come early a shout out and BZ for helping out. This is what we are all WESTERN DISTRICT ONE CENTRAL DISTRICT ONE NORTHEAST DISTRICT ONE SOUTHEAST DISTRICT ONE February, those who have not paid will be dropped from the (AZ, NM) (AR, KS, MO, OK) (New England) (VA, NC) about! This is what makes us special! National Roster. In 2020 we dropped nearly 800 members, which DENNIS W. OTTLEY EDMOND L. IRWIN JEFFREY R. WALSH VINCENT S. SIEVERT It is an honor to serve another term as your National Senior is a significant percentage of our annual dues-paying membership. (520) 219-8007 (573) 230-7120 (860) 449-2103 [email protected] Vice. USSVI is a great organization, and it is a pleasure to serve If you have not paid, do your Base Membership Chair and Base [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] you. USSVI is your organization—please be part of it! Treasurer a favor, submit them. Be a shipmate. There are both SOUTHEAST DISTRICT TWO Finally, never hesitate to reach out to me or any other member a three-year and a five-year plan (and you can save a couple of WESTERN DISTRICT TWO CENTRAL DISTRICT TWO NORTHEAST DISTRICT TWO (SC,GA) of the board if we can ever be of service to you. Usually, we can bucks) for those that tend to forget. This way, you won’t forget for (CO, UT) (WI, IL) (Lower NY, NJ, ) WAYNE PHILLIPS point you to the right person or in the right direction, and we at least three to five years. BRIAN E. BELL STEPHEN A. THOMPSON MICHAEL E. BOST (803) 302-8877 (719) 406-5992 (262) 605-8912 (732) 979-4831 [email protected] never want to lose a member because of financial need, so if The holiday season will be upon us before we know it. I wish [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] that is ever an issue, please let me know. all of you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving as well as SOUTHEAST DISTRICT THREE Be well and safe, a Merry Christmas. I am sure that eventually, we will all have a WESTERN DISTRICT THREE CENTRAL DISTRICT THREE NORTHEAST DISTRICT THREE (FL Panhandle, AL, MS, LA) Happy New Year. I imagine these holidays will be a little differ- (ID, MT, WY) (MN, ND, SD, NE, IA) (Pennsylvania) Jon STEVEN WALMSLEY ent than what we have become accustomed to in the last few JOE TARCZA DANIEL ANDERSON HUBERT C. DIETRICH (228) 324-4309 years. Probably not as bad as being underway, but different (509) 627-2168 (507) 372-2170 (412) 486-2635 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Paul Hiser none-the-less. SOUTHEAST DISTRICT FOUR National Treasurer Please stay safe, and I look forward to seeing many of you WESTERN DISTRICT FOUR CENTRAL DISTRICT FOUR NORTHEAST DISTRICT FOUR (Northern Florida) down the road sometime. (WA, OR, AK) (Texas) (MD, DE, Northern VA) JAY MACK JIM DEMOTT HAROLD (BILL) SCOTT ART GLOVER (407) 920-9347 Green board, (360) 895-0547 (512) 826-8876 (301) 785-6414 [email protected] Steve [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] SOUTHEAST DISTRICT FIVE to support the American Submariner, our Boat Sponsorship WESTERN DISTRICT FIVE CENTRAL DISTRICT FIVE NORTHEAST DISTRICT FIVE (Southern Florida) Shipmates, Program, and the Holland Club. These all represent our organi- (Northern CA, NV) (KY, TN) (Upstate New York) JOHN TROIA zation’s lifeblood, helping us to acquire new members and retain PETER (PETE) T. JUHOS MARLIN HELMS, JR. JAMES IRWIN (239) 980-0846 Below is an assortment of Treasury-related improvements, (916) 983-7943 (865) 387-5625 (518) 383-2481 [email protected] updates, deadlines and thoughts which should be of interest to current ones. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] many members. As always, if you have your own ideas or concerns • The annual individual base insurance assessment is due on about any of these items, please feel free to get in touch. December 31. Any bases who have not paid their premiums WESTERN DISTRICT SIX CENTRAL DISTRICT SIX • A high-speed scanner has been purchased for National use, and for 2021, please forward your payments to the National Office in (Southern CA, NV and HI) (IN, MI, OH) all up-to-date USSVI National financials have been converted time to meet the deadline. I also encourage Base Commanders MICHAEL (WILLIE) WILLIAMSON FREDRICK KINZEL with sufficient existing funds to consider making multiyear pay- (909) 754-0326 (586) 945-8561 to PDF format and stored on a thumb drive—Audit Committee [email protected] [email protected] for review. The audit’s findings were minor and quickly resolved ments to reduce the National Office’s ongoing workload. with no outstanding issues. Our organization’s finances are • Another reminder: the annual End-of-Year report is due WESTERN DISTRICT SEVEN therefore in good order, as was reported by the National Senior March 30, 2021. That may seem far off, but you’ll be surprised (WY, MT, Western SD, NE) Vice Commander at our Annual Business Meeting. at how quickly the day arrives. The 2020 EOY Excel Report RON MARTINI USSVI PURPOSE • The National Treasurer’s records have now also been converted to Form will soon be posted for member access. (307) 678-9847 “To Perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties [email protected] PDF format and backed up offsite for safety. • If any base is needing to open a new bank account or change while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant • Remember that all USSVI bases and submarine reunion groups banks, please contact me for the supporting documentation you WESTERN DISTRICT EIGHT source of motivation toward greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to are invited to purchase full-color ads in the American Submariner will find is required. (ID, UT) the United States of America and its Constitution.” to promote their efforts and upcoming events. This costs as little ROBERT MORGAN Fraternally, as $200 for a half-page, or $250 for a full-page ad. You won’t (208) 317-7152 Paul [email protected] find a better ad bargain anywhere. By the way, please be sure

6 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 7 CHAPLAIN'S CORNER UNITED STATES SUBMARINE VETERANS, INC. Do You Just Belong? NATIONAL OFFICERS Are you an active member, the kind that would be missed? Carl Stigers National Chaplain Or are you just contented that your name is on the list? Do you attend the meetings and mingle with the flock? Or do you stay at home and criticize and knock? Do you take an active part to help the work along? Or are you satisfied with the kind “That Just Belongs”? Greetings to all my fellow USSVI shipmates, spouses, and associate members. Wayne Standerfer Jon Jaques Steve Bell Do you ever go to visit a member who is sick? National Commander National Sr. Vice Commander National Jr. Vice Commander I look back on the year, and I am aware of the unrest taking Or leave the work to just a few and talk about the clique? (972) 298-8139 (615) 893-7800 (704) 824-3510 place across our country. You may live in one of the affected [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] cities, and I want you to know that I pray for you daily. There’s quite a program schedule that I’m sure you’ve heard about, Earlier this year, I rewrote the Chaplains Manual at the request of the National Commander. For instance, the inclusion of women And we’ll appreciate it if you will come and help us out. into the submarine service necessitated updating pronouns. We have several bases that have a woman acting as the base So come to the meetings often and help with hand and heart, chaplain, and the manual did not reflect either of those things. Don’t just be a member but take an active part. While I was updating the manual, I sought out the assistance of a local Rabbi to correct anything that might not be up to date Think this over, Member, you know right from wrong, or incorrect. The Rabbi was most gracious with his time and Are you an active member, suggested writing a memorial service based on the one I have been using. It was reviewed, changed, and implemented. OR DO YOU JUST BELONG? Ray Wewers Paul Hiser John Markiewicz Edmond Irwin I replaced the various segments that did not work for doing National Secretary National Treasurer Immediate Past Commander District Commander of the Year a memorial service for a Jewish shipmate who had departed on (479) 967-5541 (910) 691-5378 (904) 743-2924 (573) 230-7120 Eternal Patrol. I have a simple Christian service and simple Jewish Reprinted from 1973 Submarine National Review [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] service. Nothing that I have used over the years when conducting military funerals for vets is copyrighted. They are free to be used and modified as needed. At the recent National BOD, I learned that Fred Borgmann, who runs the National Office, is stepping down as manager. I am 16-18 NOVEMBER - VIRTUAL personally indebted to Fred for the assistance he has provided me and all the things that he performs for our group. We all need to give Fred a BZ for his dedication to making our organization NAVAL SUBMARINE LEAGUE run smoothly. Fred does much and deserves a big thanks for his outstanding performance of duties. Thank you, Fred, for your dedication and service to USSVI. Please pray for our brothers and sisters deployed in harm’s 2020 ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM way and for those other service members deployed overseas in combat or support areas. Pray for our country and leadership. Please know that I lift all of you in prayer every day. & INDUSTRY UPDATE In His Service, Carl OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITY TO SIT HOME AT YOUR COMPUTER AND Carl Stigers • Hear speeches from Submarine Force leadership National Chaplain • 1111 Peermont Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216 See virtual presentations of technology exhibits [email protected] • Participate in discussions on how to support our Active Duty submariners (412) 995-8028

REGISTRATION REQUIRED AT www.navalsubleague.org/events/annual-symposium/ THE PIG IN PEACE Welcome aboard the USS Medregal (SS-480), circa 1967-1970. Read about the true Don’t Miss... 2020 NSL Submarine History Seminar in collaboration with Smithsonian Associates adventures of Engineman Second Class (SS) Wayne Thomas Nelson during the Nuclear Deterrence, or How a U.S. Submarine Helped Resolve the Cuban Missile Crisis and Cold War years. For ordering information Watch Online Tuesday 10 November 2020 6:45-8:45 pm EST and a personally signed copy, contact the Register with Smithsonian at 202-633-3030 LEARN MORE AT author at [email protected] www.navalsubleague.org

8 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 9 Naval Submarine League Annual Symposium Want to learn more about today’s active duty submariners? Join the Naval USSVI Submarine League (NSL) and register to attend the Virtual Annual Symposium & Industry Update: November 16-18! There will be three half-days of presentations from Submarine Force leadership. You have the Midwatch! This year’s event can be viewed from your home over the internet so that everyone can attend! No need to pay to travel or stay in a DC-area hotel. Once you register, 2020 you’ll be given a link to use and a password to allow access to the event. Nothing needs to be downloaded; you click on the link and related to submarines (about 200 so far) and enter the password to participate. NATIONAL OFFICERS would be interested in finding this film. You A PLEA FROM THE EDITOR There will be a session that explains the NSL mentoring program, have really upgraded American Submariner free to members, to allow individuals to be matched as mentors NATIONAL COMMANDER A dear shipmate recently called to Wayne Standerfer over the past several issues. and mentees. It’s a great way to share your experience with others tell me that he has stage 4 meso- Votes 1257 — Write-in 15 Bravo-Zulu shipmate. and find connections and information about new jobs. Other features thelioma. He is the twelfth shipmate P.G. Dix, ENC(SS), Cmdr., USN, Retired of the event will include a place where companies can NATIONAL SENIOR VICE COMMANDER to have come to me with mesothe- Jon Jaques Michael, Dear P.G., post their job offerings, and NSL members can post their resumes. Chat rooms will lioma. He has always been a great Votes 1237 — Write-in 15 After reading the latest AS magazine I do not have a clue. However, I would be available to connect with others who attend. shipmate, both when in service and and Wayne Standerfer’s words, I am bet heavy money that Ron Martini knows A great feature of each Annual Symposium recognizes the fleet’s top awardees for NATIONAL JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER now where he has supported the writing to you about the Tucson Base something about it. He is in the AS and is the year. Individuals are nominated by their commands, selected as the best of the Steve Bell American Submariner for nearly 15 Commander Dennis Ottley.Not too long a District Commander or something like entire Submarine Force by COMSUBLANT and COMSUBPAC, and recognized by the Votes 1239 — Write-in 13 years with his custom print shop. He ago, I realized I had not heard from one of that. And he is doing a good job! Naval Submarine League. An additional session will involve discussion with folks is undergoing chemo, and his doc- NATIONAL SECRETARY my Medregal shipmates, Jonathon Smith, in Best, Michael who make a difference for our active duty submariners and their families through Sub Ray Wewers tors are trying to get him in for some more than a week, which was unusual. I sent Clubs and Submarine Associations. Votes 1242 — Write-in 11 Shipmates, delicate surgery, hoping to extend an email to him, no answer. I looked him up Go to www.navalsubleague.org and click on JOIN for as little as $30 for three his life, for days, weeks, maybe even NATIONAL TREASURER in the USSVI database and found he was a I just received this from Marblehead Base years! Then go to the Annual Symposium page to register and pay the $155 Commander and co-author and co-editor months—as long as possible. Paul Hiser member of the Tucson Base. I contacted the registration fee. I look forward to seeing you in November! Votes 1247 — Write-in 11 Base Commander, Dennis Ottley, and asked of Poopie Suits & Cowboy Boots. Poopie Just like the 95% of you who CAPT Tim Oliver, USN, Retired Total votes — 1291 if he had heard from Jonathan recently. He Suits & Cowboy Boots was recently named have not taken my advice and got- as one of the six best e-books on subma- ten that high resolution, no contrast, NSL Executive Director said no, but he said that he would send a & USSVI Life Member REGIONAL DIRECTORS shipmate to his house to check him out and rines IN THE WORLD. (https://bookauthor- CAT scan to check on what might get back to me. About a week later, after a ity.org/books/new-submarines-ebooks) be going on inside that bullet-proof NORTHEAST REGIONAL DIRECTOR visit to Jonathan’s home by a member of This recognition was unexpected and amaz- body we all remember having when 2021-2022 USSV CF Scholarship Program Procedures Les Altschuler Votes 240 — Write-in 7 the base with no answer, Dennis continued ing at the same time. I just thought I would we were 17 or 25 or 40 or? You know, The 2021-2022 academic year USSV CF Scholarship Program application, looking and asking questions of the local share this great news with all of you. back then! SOUTHEAST REGIONAL DIRECTOR procedure, instructions, and application website information will be provided before police and, finally, the hospital. Jonathan Fair Winds, PLEASE see a civilian pulmon- Ken Nichols the application launch date (on or about October 30, 2020) when the Scholarship had entered the hospital and passed of Frank Hood ologist and do this for you, for your Votes 286 — Write-in 6 Application website is activated for applicant registration and application initiation. heart failure. Dennis contacted me and told family, and for your friends who care Michael, At that time, the information for access to that web address will be posted on the CENTRAL REGION DIRECTOR me what had happened. He then took one about you. Tell your pulmonologist Tom Williams On pages 28-30 of the recent issue of USSV CF Scholarship pages on the ussvi.org website. step further and sent a letter to Jonathan’s that you are looking for anything and Votes 274 — Write-In 6 the American Submariner, I see that the next of kin in Pennsylvania. This is a case everything that might be going on individuals and bases that sponsor BSP WESTERN REGIONAL DIRECTOR of a caring base commander, and I wanted inside your lungs, particularly pleural boats and commands are recognized. I’m 2021 Western Region Roundup Dates Announced Victor Van Horn him recognized. plaques and interstitial scarring. So Votes 394 — Write-In 12 not sure who compiled that list, but I would Through the efforts of Bill Conklin and Terry Bolen and other members of Corvina far, of the 750 shipmates I have con- James Van Vranken EM1(SS) like to be sure the commands that I spon- Base, the 2021 Western Region Roundup will be held March 21-26, 2021 at the Silver Total votes, all candidates — 1223 Past Commander Wahoo Base vinced to get the CAT scan, 68% of sor and those of Albany-Saratoga Base are Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada. Information will be published on the Roundup them have asbestosis or something PROPOSED BYLAWS AMENDMENTS James, correct. What is shown in the magazine got website, www.wrroundup.com as it becomes available. Room bookings can be made Thanks for your letter. It is unfortunate somehow mixed up? far mor serious. Read that percent- at www.reservations.com. PA 2020-01 — Adopted that routine actions need commendation, age again—it is not a typo—68% of I sponsor Stratton VA Medical Center in For 1240 — Against 51 but, fortunately, we have shipmates like Albany, NY, and Southern Arizona VA HCS in those checked need treatment of yourself and Dennis Ottley, who do step Tucson, AZ. Albany-Saratoga Base sponsors some kind for a condition that they Setting it Straight PA 2020-02 — Adopted had no idea existed. The percentage For 1237 — Against 54 up and actually; check on their ship- NPTU Ballston Spa and USS Albany (SSN- The Boat Sponsorship Program acknowledgement of sponsors which appeared rate for this is higher than anything mates and take the actions to follow up 753). Just looking to clear things up. in the previous issue of American Submariner contained several incorrect entries. PA 2020-03 — Adopted when there is an unusual situation to be COVID-19 could ever achieve. For 1227 — Against 64 Thanks, The BSP database has been corrected to reflect the following: addressed. I thank both of you for being Please call me at (951) 775-4549, Jim Irwin Howard Chatham PA 2020-04 — Adopted real shipmates. Northeastern District 5 Commander and leave a message or send me For 1152 — Against 139 an email at AmericanSubmariner@ NOVA Base Best, Michael Dear Jim, gmail.com. Please include your NROTC-Iowa State University, NROTC-University of Kansas PA 2020-05 — Adopted Thanks for the update. This was our first Michael, phone number in your email, and I James Irwin For 1117 — Against 114 shot at recognizing our BSP sponsors, and Got a question for you guys. I read in will contact you. I can help you with Albany Saratoga Base PA 2020-06 — Adopted we are pleased to have you onboard proceedings an article about USS Cod/Dutch the VA and with any legal counsel Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, NY, Southern Arizona VA HCS, Tucson, AZ For 1098 — Against 193 and thank you for your support. I am O-19 rescue off Ladd’s Reef in WWII. It indi- Northern Virginia Base pleased to print your letter. Our intent that you may need. PA 2020-07 — Adopted cated that there was a film of this evolution USS Alexandria (SSN-757), USS John Warner (SSN-785) made by a crew member of Cod. Are you guys was to acknowledge and thank our Best, For 1227 — Against 64 aware of such a film, and how/where can I get BSP supporters. Michael Email corrections to Jack Messersmith at [email protected]. Total votes —1291 a copy? I collect movies, documentaries, films Best, Michael

10 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 11 acts as a storehouse of “good” bacteria was not only the dispenser of medications before and many times since, never to replenish healthy gut flora after a bout onboard a ship but also the sailor respon- had the operation been completed on of severe gastrointestinal illness, such as sible for all health issues. Duties included a submarine! Bear in mind that fleet Appendicitis at Sea during WWII: dysentery or cholera. It used to be common the administration of first aid in the event submarines of WWII were not equipped practice to remove a healthy appendix of injury, minor surgery including stitching with specialized medical treatment facilities, whenever a surgeon entered the abdomen for gaping wounds or reattachment for fin- unlike the dedicated hospital ships of the The Valor and Ingenuity of the Submarine Corpsman for any reason. That practice has been ger amputations, and the usual assortment era. The fact that three such emergency abandoned mainly due to the newer infor- of chronic or recurring health issues such surgeries, performed by non-surgeons in by Charles Hood, MD mation about the value of the appendix to as venereal diseases, headaches, kidney each case, took place in short succession preserving human health. Nevertheless, stones, skin infections, and much more. in such a relatively small area of the when the appendix does become inflamed, During World War II, pharmacist’s mates globe is a remarkable coincidence. The here is a tense scene in the classic surgical excision remains the standard of were assigned to Marine and Navy units historical details epitomize the bravery T 1943 Cary Grant movie Destination care even today, although newer approach- on every ship and during every major land and resourcefulness of the men who where the corpsman aboard a es are coming into vogue, as we shall see. assault. The terminology used by the rode the “pig” boats—the diesel-electric submarine headed for the Japanese coast Against this backdrop, let’s consider the hospital corps persisted until shortly submarines that were instrumental in valiantly operates on the inflamed appendix following scenario: A crew member aboard after the conclusion of the war when the defeating both the Imperial Japanese Navy of a very ill shipmate. Although not a a submarine on war patrol becomes ill. modern hierarchy was established. The and the Japanese commerce ships that surgeon by training, the corpsman The medical specialist on board—the term “pharmacist’s mate” was dropped kept supply lines intact. successfully performs the appendectomy corpsman—examines his sick shipmate in favor of “hospital corpsman,” be it an with jury-rigged instruments and nerves Case Number One and determines that he likely has acute HM3 (Hospital Corpsman Third Class) or of steel. Although Hollywood is famous USS Seadragon (SS-194) appendicitis. However, the submarine is HMCM (master chief hospital corpsman). for sensationalizing history, this part of the September 1942 hundreds of miles from the nearest hospital. Generically, the position is known only account of the fictional USS Copperfin USS Seadragon began her fourth war The mission was vitally important to the as “corpsman” or “hospital mate” (HM), was based on actual events that took patrol in late August 1942 based out of security interests of the U.S. during a time but on submarines, the familiar name place aboard American war submarines Fremantle, . The Sargo-class of war, so a medical evacuation was out of is just “Doc.” the preceding year. submarine with a crew of 55 men was the question. What would the corpsman Our story here begins in September For years, scientists and doctors have transiting the Celebes Sea near Indonesia do in the face of such a dilemma? 1942. The naval war in the Pacific was debated the value of the human appendix. on 8 September. That’s when Darrell The answer was to operate in three well underway. In the span of little more A finger-shaped pouch averaging about Rector, an 18-year-old Seaman First Class separate instances that occurred during four inches in length and hanging from the than three months, pharmacist’s mates from Chautauqua, Kansas, began to World War II—to perform an appendectomy. bottom of the right colon, the appendix on three different submarines performed experience abdominal pain and nausea. The following accounts of these inspiring was long considered an expendable three separate appendectomies. While Rector paid a visit to the boat’s medical episodes of valor under duress serve to vestige of human anatomy. Most people appendectomy at sea had been performed specialist, Wheeler Lipes. A native of New are only familiar with the potential toxicity underscore the mindset of the submarine of this small organ: appendicitis. When corpsman throughout the generations: to the appendix is blocked, whether it be by aggressively treat those in need of medical stool, stone, or another obstructing lesion, care with whatever finite resources were it may become infected and fill with pus. available to save lives. As these stories The classic symptoms include pain and so vividly illustrate, the work of the corps- tenderness in the right lower abdomen, loss man often combined equal parts skill, of appetite, and nausea, along with fever chutzpah, and improvisation to achieve Above: Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Thomas Moore (left) and and a high white blood cell count. the desired results. assistants Bob Detmers (center), and Albert Stegall (right) perform Surgery is performed through a small Some historical context is appropriate an appendectomy on Fireman Third Class George Platter while here. Let’s back up to the close of the 19th underway in enemy waters aboard USS Silversides (SS-236). incision in the abdominal wall to remove the inflamed tissue before more serious century when President William McKinley complications develop. Before the advent signed into law a bill approved by of modern laparoscopic surgery, the incision Congress to establish the U.S. Navy was typically made at what’s known as Hospital Corps. The year was 1898, and McBurney’s point; this anatomic landmark, the Spanish-American War was looming; located one-third the distance from the moreover, the practice of medicine was top of the pelvic rim to the umbilicus (belly- undergoing a transformation from a craft button), also corresponds to the area of based on unproven remedies and maximum tenderness at physical examina- treatments to a discipline grounded tion. Before the widespread availability of on scientific breakthroughs. With the antibiotics in the mid-1940s, many patients advancement of anesthesia, germ theory, succumbed to the infectious complications electrocardiograms, and X-rays before of this illness. the century’s end, the Navy recognized Although the appendix was considered the importance of staffing its ships with as a superfluous structure that could only medical personnel trained in the latest threaten one’s health for many generations, techniques and procedures. more recent research has discovered two During World War I, a revision in the law essential functions of the appendix. In the created a new rate structure, and the title first instance, the appendix serves as a “pharmacist’s mate” was introduced for repository of B-cells and T-cells that those petty officers entering the hospital provide immune defense from invading corps. The term was somewhat of a Approximate locations of the three submarines at the time of appendectomies. germs. In the latter case, the appendix misnomer since the pharmacist’s mate (chart by author)

12 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 13 Castle, Virginia, Lipes was a 23-year-old Pharmacist’s Mate condition could prove fatal in the near term. Understanding the First Class. risks involved, Rector gave his full consent for the surgery. Lipes examined Rector and prescribed bed rest and a liquid Subsequently, the entire ship’s company scrambled to prepare diet. However, Rector’s condition steadily deteriorated over the for the first underwater appendectomy attempt. next couple of days, such that on the occasion of Rector’s 19th The list of items assembled and tasks performed to substitute birthday—11 September 1942—Lipes recognized that his for a standard appendectomy—usually performed under sterile patient had developed so-called “peritoneal signs,” including conditions by trained surgical personnel in a hospital operating abdominal rigidity and rebound tenderness to palpation. Rector room—speaks to the improvisational skills of the Submarine Force: was suffering from severe and unrelenting pain in his right lower • The Wardroom table served as the operating table quadrant, and Lipes concluded that he had all of the telltale signs • Ether dipped in sterilized gauze pads inside a tea strainer of acute appendicitis. served as the general anesthesia mask Before joining Seadragon, Lipes had trained in the hospital • A blade clipped by a pair of hemostats from the first-aid kit corps at Navy institutions in San Diego, Philadelphia, and . served as the scalpel to create the abdominal wall incision He had assisted surgeons during appendectomies on several • Soup spoons bent backward along their handles served as occasions, but he was no physician himself. His particular specialty tissue retractors held by assistants, to give the operator a was in performing electrocardiograms (EKGs). Approaching better look at the operative field through the narrow incision young corpsman from Virginia became a national sensation. Amid saved, did not ultimately survive WWII. Serving as a gunner’s the CO of the Seadragon, Lt. Cmdr. William Ferrall, Lipes confided • Sulfa tablets baked in the ship’s oven to kill spores and such horrible news from all parts of the globe, the account of such mate, he was killed aboard USS Tang (SS-306) during her fifth with some sense of resignation that, without an emergency then ground up into powder served as the antibiotic a daring act under the sea captivated the American public. Other war patrol in October 1944 when one of her torpedoes circled appendectomy, Rector would likely die. Ferrall, knowing that “irrigant” of the peritoneal lining to minimize the chance of Navy leaders rose to Lipes’ defense, including Vice Adm. Charles back around and struck home. Of the 87 men aboard, only nine evacuation was impossible, surprised Lipes with his response to postoperative infection Lockwood, who said, “The action of W.B. Lipes…is considered survived. A memorial dedicated to Rector and his fallen shipmates the grim pronouncement. “What do you intend to do?” •  juice or “gilly” (along with phenol solution) served as highly commendable; his skill and willingness to assume responsi- from Tang (along with many other fatalities at sea and on land in Lipes hesitated. With an air of resignation, he initially replied, the sterilizing medium for cleaning the appendiceal stump bility for performing a major operation is outstanding!” which no bodies were recovered) is found at the Manila American “Nothing, sir.” He went on to say that he would continue support- after clipping Primarily because of the unfortunate commotion at the Bureau of Cemetery in the . The Tablets of the Missing contain ive measures and attempt to keep his stricken shipmate as a staggering 36,286 names inscribed on multiple rectangular While the patient was moved to the table in the Wardroom, Medicine and Surgery in Washington, DC, Lipes did not receive any comfortable as possible. Ferrall was not satisfied with the answer. limestone piers arranged in towering semicircles, representing the CO ordered Seadragon to a steady depth of 120 feet. The official commendation for his life-saving action. Instead, he was He reminded Lipes that everyone on board was expected to give those American servicemen who lost their lives in the South submarine was passing through the Mindoro Strait near the brought back to the naval hospital in Philadelphia in January 1943 their best effort even though there were no guarantees for success. Pacific. This solemn place represents the largest American military coast of the Philippines at the time. Pharmacist’s Mate Lipes and promoted to warrant officer. For nearly a year after Lipes’ “I fire torpedoes every day, and some of them miss,” Ferrall mused, return, the Navy capitalized on his unusual celebrity status by cemetery outside of the United States. implying that the fear of failure was no excuse for vacillation. boned up quickly on his anatomy by studying the illustrations from a medical textbook. He then gowned (pajamas) and gloved naming him as a traveling public spokesman. Lipes was ferried Case Number Two The skipper got to the point. “Could you do the surgery?” around the country to visit wartime factories, deliver inspirational He challenged his young pharmacist’s mate. At that moment, (oversized rubber work gloves dipped in alcohol) and stood over USS Grayback (SS-208), speeches, and encourage the purchase of war bonds. He remained Lipes realized that he could not let his commanding officer down. his patient with volunteer assistants by his side. The anesthesia December 1942 in the Navy until 1962, retiring as a Lt. Cmdr. After his 20 years Gathering his confidence and sounding much more resolute, he was administered at 1046, and Lipes made the four-inch incision On 7 December 1942, USS Grayback, a Tambor-class submarine of military service, Wheeler Lipes went on to enjoy a very success- said, “Yes, sir, I can do it.” Hearing the desired response, Ferrall in the abdominal wall about 20 minutes later. with a crew of 60, departed base in Fremantle, Australia, to begin ful medical career as a hospital administrator in both Tennessee ordered him to proceed once they obtained the patient’s consent. The location of the appendix is quite variable from one person her fifth war patrol. Less than a week later, while off the coast of and Texas. The two men paid Rector a visit in his rack, where he was to the next. In most patients, the small organ hangs down from New Guinea within the waters of the Bismarck Archipelago, one Lipes was a prominent member of the American Hospital nursing an ice pack on his belly and appearing very ill. Lt Cmdr. the base of the right colon (cecum), but in a substantial number, of the crew members was suddenly taken ill. William R. Jones, a Association (AHA) and was frequently called upon to recount the Ferrell told him that although they had no good options, Lipes it curls upward behind the cecum—the so-called “retrocecal” 22-year-old torpedoman’s mate from Park Hill, Oklahoma, reported episode at sea. One of his favorite stories concerned a routine was willing to give the operation a try. Otherwise, Ferrell said the position. Such was the case discovered by Lipes during the symptoms of abdominal pain and vomiting. Thirty-year-old operation. In his words, from his oral history: plane flight to Chicago for an AHA meeting. His seatmate was Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Harry Roby examined Jones and When I got to the appendix, it wasn’t there…I slipped my looking at a book of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! stories. One of the initially prescribed bed rest. Two days later, as Jones’ condition finger down under the cecum…and felt it there. Suddenly I sketches showed a submariner dissecting to reach an inflamed worsened, Roby grew concerned that the cause was appendicitis. understood why it hadn’t popped up where I could see it. I turned appendix of a critically ill crew member, while assistants kept Jones had the typical “washboard” abdomen signaling peritoneal the cecum over. The appendix…looked gangrenous two-thirds the incision open with spoons. The man looked over at Lipes irritation. Roby, a native of Salt Lake City and a devout Mormon, of the way. What luck, I thought. My first one (appendectomy) with an incredulous look on his face and commented, “Do you prayed for guidance. Only then did he realize what he had to do: couldn’t be easy. believe that?” Without blinking an eye, Lipes smiled and replied, something he had witnessed several times in training but had never The operation concluded at 1322 as Lipes threw his last stitch “I wouldn’t believe a word of it.” dreamed that he’d be called upon to perform. On 14 December, the on the skin incision. The patient awakened shortly before 1400. In February 2005, the Navy finally righted a wrong. Wheeler Control Room of the Grayback was prepped for surgery under the The three-hour process was a complete success—Rector recovered “Johnny” Lipes was belatedly presented with the Navy Commen- direction of Lt. Cmdr. Edward C. Stephan. from his illness very quickly, and the incision healed nicely. dation Medal in recognition of his bravery on that fateful day Roby consulted his only medical book for guidance—the official Amazingly, not everyone within the Navy medical establishment more than 62 years earlier when he had saved the life of a fellow Navy book for pharmacist’s mates containing detailed instructions was impressed by the news of the successful operation. Lipes’ shipmate. Through the tireless efforts of a single individual—the on how to handle a variety of maladies. Under the heading daring appendectomy rubbed many doctors at the U.S. Navy Historian of the Navy Medical Department, Jan Herman—the “appendectomy,” the instructions were painfully brief: Keep the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery the wrong way. They worried that red tape was cut to rectify the unfortunate snub. While Lipes patient quiet and give him nothing by mouth until he could be Lipes’ success would trigger a spate of additional rogue surgeries, had never personally lobbied for such an award, he was deeply safely transported to the care of a physician. Understandably, and they openly criticized the attempt as something well beyond gratified by the long-overdue honor. The Surgeon General of no details of how to perform an appendectomy were provided. the skill set of a pharmacist’s mate who had never even attended the Navy, Vice Adm. Michael Cowan, at Camp Lejeune, North Instead, Roby relied on his recollection of where the appendix medical school, much less received specialized training in surgery. Carolina, bestowed the award. A special guest in attendance that was located and how to make the proper incision. He found a The loudest voice among those angered by Lipes’ actions was day for the award ceremony was Art Killum, a former shipmate blade and three hemostats in the first-aid kit and borrowed a pair the Surgeon General of the Navy, Rear Adm. Ross McIntire. He from the Seadragon. Art had been standing watch on the stern of long-nosed pliers from the Forward Engine Room. These threatened to court-martial Lipes for what he considered a major or bow planes during the operation. The two men had not seen instruments were sanitized with torpedo fluid in a small tub breach of conduct. one another since the war. borrowed from the galley, customarily used during bread-making. However, such bureaucratic dissension was soon dissipated by Wheeler Lipes succumbed to pancreatic cancer less than Spoons again served as tissue retractors. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler Lipes during his promotional tour in 1943. the overwhelmingly favorable public reaction to the story. After a two months later and was buried with full honors at Arlington At 2252, Grayback submerged to a depth of 100 feet steady for He holds a tea strainer in one hand and five spoons in the other— detailed (and Pulitzer Prize-winning) article about Lipes’ exploits National Cemetery. the operation. The CO himself administered the ether. Jones did his surgical tools! was published in the Chicago Daily News in December 1942, the Sadly, Darrell Rector, the patient whose life Wheeler Lipes had not go under quickly, however. It took all of the ether on board,

14 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 15 administered by a submarine escape lung mouthpiece, to finally inflamed finger-shaped appendage was snipped at its base. high-dose IV therapy became the method of choice by corpsmen knock him out. Roby worked fairly quickly and discovered that After spreading the sulfa powder and dousing the appendectomy for treating appendicitis nonoperatively. In most instances, this the inflamed appendix had indeed burst. He removed the infected stump with copious amounts of alcohol, it was time to close up. approach averted the need for surgery, which allowed a standard The CO got back on the horn and spread the good news: “We’ve organ and sprinkled sulfa powder generously in the operative field 70-day boomer submarine patrol to continue without interruption. found the ball and scored a touchdown. Now we’re trying for to prevent further complications. Roby then closed up with rubber The success of the “no-scalpel” management technique quelled the extra point.” bands and safety pins, leaving a length of elastic rubber in place the not-infrequently mentioned idea of having all prospective Five hours after it had begun, the surgery was completed through the closed incision as a makeshift drain. The surgery submariners undergo prophylactic appendectomies to prevent around 0300, and the patient was placed back in his rack to start took less than two hours, and on 15 December, the logbook entry such unpredictable medical dilemmas from ever threatening the recovery process. Burlingame ordered the boat to the surface noted, “0200. Operation complete. Surfaced at 0225. All ahead mission status. immediately after the wound had been closed. The crew then standard. 10 kts.” Today, the gripping medical stories that unfolded aboard endured a tumultuous night and morning on 23 December; while Torpedoman Jones recovered quickly and was back at his post Seadragon, Grayback, and Silversides have entered the pantheon recharging the ship’s batteries, Silversides was spotted by a by Christmas. His first regular meal was on Christmas Day when of World War II history as shining examples of the virtues that we Japanese after only one hour. After firing torpedoes at he joined his shipmates in the crew’s mess for the fancy holiday hold dear and seek to instill in our children: unflappable fortitude spread. Both Roby and Jones left Grayback the following year; the enemy ship, Silversides beat a hasty retreat underwater with her batteries not fully juiced. Platter recalled lying in his bunk, under pressure, a willingness to go beyond the call of duty, and an Roby became a successful hospital administrator, while Jones unbreakable sense of duty to one’s fellow shipmates. died several years after the war in 1954. A sad fate also awaited hearing the explosions and feeling the pounding of the depth Grayback; she was lost on patrol near the end of February 1944 charges that rocked the boat violently and made him wince with Epilogue in the East Sea near Okinawa. All 80 members of the ship’s each concussion. The bombardment continued until noon, and The treatment of appendicitis has evolved since World War II. company were lost. It was not until 2019, when the remains of the boat sustained significant damage: Every light in the Forward With the advent of high-resolution medical imaging, particularly Grayback were discovered, that the cause of her sinking—a Torpedo Room was blown, both barometers were destroyed, CT, the diagnosis of appendicitis may be made confidently Japanese aerial bomb strike while she had surfaced to recharge and several men were injured by flying glass debris. preoperatively, thus eliminating the need for many false-positive batteries—was confirmed. Despite the ordeal, no serious casualties occurred. Most laparotomies. Ultrasound is used for the same purpose in children importantly, George Platter was on the mend. Commander Case Number Three to ascertain appendiceal status accurately. Furthermore, there is Burlingame found cause for celebration amid the chaos: he broke increasing evidence that acute appendicitis may be safely treated USS Silversides (SS-236), out the whiskey, and since it was almost Christmas, he asked by antibiotics alone in a majority of patients. Most patients still December 1942 the mess cook to mix it generously with powdered eggs and undergo appendectomy even today, but the availability of a Completing this improbable triad of stories, let’s examine canned milk. The crew, a half-globe away from their loved ones The original Wardroom table of the Silversides as it appears legitimate non-operative option recalls the strategy deployed the report of USS Silversides. In November 1942, this Gato-class for another holiday and just happy to be alive, declared that it today on display. The operation took place here. several decades earlier by the Navy. The authors of a recently submarine with a crew of 60 completed her third war patrol. was the best makeshift eggnog they’d ever drunk. After a short break, she left port on 17 December from Brisbane, Burlingame asked Moore about his preparedness. Moore pointed published major European study on appendicitis treatment Australia, to begin another patrol near Papua, New Guinea. out his two years of on-the-job training at the San Diego Navy Conclusion specifically mentioned the anecdotal use of antibiotics alone by While passing along the Louisiade Archipelago on 22 December, Hospital, where he had witnessed scores of routine appendecto- The extraordinary actions of pharmacist’s mates Lipes, Roby, Cold War submarine corpsmen to successfully treat the condition— Fireman Third Class George Platter came down with an acute mies. He was no stranger to the operating room, and he reassured and Moore indubitably saved the lives of their cohorts. The long before the scientific confirmation of its effectiveness came abdominal illness. His symptom progression was rapid, and the skipper that he could do the appendectomy by himself with success of each operation, notwithstanding, history informs us to light. by late afternoon the 21-year-old enlisted man from Buffalo, the available equipment on board. that certain members of the Navy medical establishment looked New York, had developed a high fever and a rigid abdomen. The CO reportedly mulled over Moore’s proposal, rubbing upon their heroic deeds with both skepticism and disdain. Such The Pharmacist’s Mate First Class assigned to Silversides, 22- his beard and exclaiming, “Good God, son, do you know where operations were considered well beyond the scope of work for A Great Children’s Resource year-old Thomas Moore of Chino Valley, Arizona, determined that we’re at? We couldn’t be closer to the highway to Tokyo!” a pharmacist’s mate; then again, wartime considerations often Platter likely had appendicitis. That evening, Platter’s condition Understandably, Burlingame was not entirely comfortable with have a way of jettisoning the standard playbook. In a sense, the to Learn About Submarine Life further deteriorated. having to divert precious resources and attention to a surgical competence of these corpsmen in performing life-saving surgery Moore conferred with his CO, Commander Creed Burlingame. procedure while in such hostile environs. Still, he ultimately gave worked against them, because in the minds of Navy physicians, it At the time, Silversides was transiting dangerous enemy waters. Moore the green light. As in the other cases, there were no opened the door for consideration of other potential encroachments Follow the crew Similar to the two previous stories, there was simply no option for viable alternatives. on physician turf. Today an appendectomy, tomorrow a diverting to a friendly port for emergency surgery or surfacing for a The stainless steel dining table in the Wardroom served as the cholecystectomy? Such fears did not come to pass. as they set up medical evacuation. Stealth was critical for survival in that region. operating theater. Again, spoons, pliers, blades, and sulfa tablets Fortunately, more sanguine heads prevailed, and each man the ship and go were repurposed to facilitate the surgery. The light bulbs in the was promoted and spared any disciplinary actions. In each case, Wardroom were replaced with the brightest wattage available the submarine commanders bore the ultimate responsibility for about their daily (150 watts). Working so closely under the intense heat generated the decision to operate, and Vice Adm. Charles Lockwood, who lives including: by the bulbs, Moore and his volunteer assistants stripped down oversaw submarine operations in the Pacific, was a strong advocate to the waist and began the operation shirtless at 2200. The ether for his men. He saw the second-guessing of his commanders eating, sleeping was administered, and Platter went under quickly. and the intrepid pharmacist’s mate “surgeons” as folly. However, and communicating Moore worked slowly and methodically; he had difficulty the performance of appendectomies on submarines abruptly locating the appendix through the small incision. He inserted a ended in 1942 after the Silversides operation; Surgeon General with loved ones. finger and probed around. Shortly after midnight, Commander McIntyre issued a stern order through the fleet that emergency Child-appropriate Burlingame nervously stuck his head through the door and inquired appendectomies would no longer be tolerated, full stop. The definitions will serve about progress. The boat’s batteries were nearly fully discharged, official pharmacist’s mate manual entry for appendicitis was and surfacing needed to occur imminently. Moore admitted that amended to “Never resort to surgery.” as a guide for adults he hadn’t yet snagged the appendix. Burlingame informed the Interestingly, of the three appendectomies performed on who wish to teach anxious crew of the status: “We’re on the ten-yard-line, but we submarines by pharmacist’s mates, all three patients recovered haven’t found the ball.” To compound the drama, the anesthetic fully. Furthermore, although pharmacist’s mates frequently young children about effect was beginning to wear off, and the personnel in the tight and diagnosed appendicitis during World War II submarine patrols, life on a submarine. stuffy room began to feel the drug’s effect themselves, fighting only 34 sailors required evacuation in 1943 and 1944. Submarines the urge to fall asleep while bent over Platter’s belly. reported no deaths from appendicitis during the entire war. By With the stakes so incredibly high, Moore finally found his comparison, of the 26 appendectomies performed by doctors on To order, please visit: George Platter (left) and Thomas Moore are all smiles after the target about 20 minutes after the skipper’s football analogy surface ships during World War II, only 11 patients survived. SubmarineColoringBook.com successful operation. announcement. The appendix was brought into view, and the During the Cold War, as antibiotic treatment options improved,

16 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 17 Welcome to Orlando, Shipmates! The 2021 USSVI National Convention will be held August 31 to September 4, 2021, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Our annual convention is one of the largest and most exciting annual gatherings of submarine veterans in the U.S. This event offers attendees the environment, the setting and the unique opportunity to meet with fellow submariners to exchange ideas, reminisce and keep up Groton Base Zooms K4K with to date on important information concerning USSVI and the submarine community. 18 Honorary Submariner Kids The hotel offers the following amenities: On September 3, the Groton Base’s Kap(SS) 4 Kid(SS) • Complimentary direct high-speed internet access in team used Zoom to make Honorary Submariners of twelve guestrooms and public areas. 4- to 13-year-old kids at Yale-New Haven Hospital’s • No resort fee. All ancillary items are charged upon usage. Inpatient Child Psychiatric Unit, plus six more at their • Complimentary self-parking for all attendees, within the Outpatient unit. Our group included PCU USS Idaho Hotel’s inventory (free valet parking with a valid handicap (SSN-799) Engineering Dept. Master Chief David Drury parking permit). MMNCS(SS) along with Bob Dulin, Charlie Murray, and • 25% discount will be offered at the Spa at Shingle Creek John Riley. for all attendees (exclusive of tax and service charge, and To make sure there’d be plenty of submarine goodies not applicable to Spa Packages) to go around, we first dropped off sixty blue and pink caps • 25% off of green fees at the Shingle Creek Golf Club, and doo rags with the hospital staff, along with plenty of exclusive of tax and service charge. Honorary Submariner certificates, Challenge Coins, wrist- • 25% discount on dining outlets excluding room service, bands, temporary tattoos, USS Nautilus photos, Submarine Headwaters Lounge, 18 Monroe Street retail items, Museum maps, and brochures about the USS Nautilus ParTake, and Smoooth Java. This discount is not valid Museum & WWII Memorial East. on alcoholic beverages or pre-packaged grocery items After first testing our Zoom technology with the staff to and is exclusive of any applicable taxes, service charges, assure a good audio and video feed for our slide and movie and gratuities. presentations, we dived into our K4K meeting with the kids. Convention and hotel registration, and information about We’d learned their first names so we could refer to them tours and other events will be posted on the Convention website, individually as they received their Honorary Submariner ussviconvention.org/2021/ as it becomes available. Certificates. Afterwards, they all stood as we warmly The Orlando area offers a vast range of attractions and welcomed them into our USSVI submariner family! The kids recreational activities including: were pretty good about holding their questions till the end, • Airboat Adventures • Balloon Rides and we happily answered them all. Then they were each • Gatorland • SeaWorld given a submarine Challenge Coin and told it would get • Giraffe Ranch • Sea Life Aquarium them in for a free tour of the USS Nautilus Submarine and • Kennedy Space Center • Universal Studios • Legoland Museum once it opens back up. • Walt Disney World Our meeting lasted well over an hour, and the hospital staff let us know afterward it had been a huge success. They even asked us to come back every two months, since it takes about that long for a full turnover of patients in the ward. Of course, we enthusiastically agreed, because it’s so rewarding to bring joy to these young people; they’re all dealing with challenging health problems, and it’s good to know we can make any kind of positive difference in their lives. We’ve also started to explore using Zoom in other children’s health care facilities we’ve visited in the past. We encourage all USSVI bases to revive or expand their own K4K programs with Zoom technology in mind. Consider children’s hospitals and psychiatric facilities, Ronald McDonald Houses, Camps for Kids, or any place a medically challenged child is being treated. Remember, making even one sick child an Honorary Submariner is a success that makes a difference—to them and to us. Want more information about our approach to Zoom meetings with photo and video presentations? Contact John Riley at [email protected] / (203) 669-9131. Photos courtesy of Rosen Shingle Creek

18 | American| American Submariner Submariner | Third | Fourth Quarter Quarter 2020 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 19 This ain’t no sh*t! Sea stories shared by those who lived them... UNITED STATES SUBMARINE VETERANS, INC.

When I was a student in sub school in 1950, there were sixty in As a “retrained” FTB, my duty station was the shack, our six-month course. Occasionally there would be pop quizzes, which was much less boring than the “blockhouse.” And, in Award Recipients and the class standing for the quiz would be posted at Gilmore the Med, there was always something going on. Never a dull 2020 Hall. One weekend, a group of us bachelors went to New York moment, it seemed. City for a weekend of partying with a group of models that one One day somewhere off the coast of Greece, while manning of our classmates arranged. We got back to New London late my duty station on the passive array, I was spinning the wheel Sunday night, and were in no shape to tackle the engineering quiz and tracking all those known contacts that were loud enough to DISTRICT JOE given to us on Monday morning. I ranked fifty-five of the sixty overpower the biologics. This was long before all those fancy, COMMANDER NEGRI in the class. I decided I had better get my act together if I was schmancy digital gadgets with their charts and arrows and such of the YEAR AWARD to stay there. A few weeks later, we had a pop-quiz in Tactics. that makes today’s sonar watch a data interpretation first and I stood at number one! (I eventually graduated tenth). live sound second deal. Edmond Irwin Kevin Galeaz Five years later, I was on a sub in San Diego, married, with a At one particular bearing, I kept hearing a low, broad-spectrum Topeka-Jefferson City Base Thresher Base small daughter. I received orders to be an instructor at sub school. noise. After studying on it, as we say in East Texas, and giving ROBERT LINK AWARD Along came a form letter asking where I thought my talents could it two or three more passes, I made the normal sonar inquiry, best be utilized. Remembering the above, I put down Tactics. “Conn, Sonar, is the missile compartment blowing down tubes Stanley Van Wagner David H. Vanderveen Timothy Moore Guess where they assigned me? Engineering! I had only been or something? I’m getting a noise level bearing 3-2-0.” Barbel Base LA/Pasadena Base Perch Base (Posthumously) there a few months when the CO (Capt. Cy Austin) told me I We were pretty much running at patrol depth and at patrol Fred “Fritz” Marazita Robert James Bowman Joe Peek was going with him to ComSubLant headquarters (then in New speed (a rather boring way to “see the world”). Before Conn could Buffalo Base USSV Charitable Foundation, MAL Tarheel Base London) to hear a Captain Rickover tell us something. I sat in respond, the noise level became a sudden roar, and the boat Charles Steed Timothy W. Carlisle Gene Rutter the back of the room with about thirty other officers. was pushed off-depth and a mighty, WOOSH, WOOSH, WOOSH Dolphin Base Mare Island Base Tarheel Base Two of them were commanders and Medal of Honor recipients, echoed throughout the boat! Egg Harbor Township Base William (Bill) Dornik Stacia Moore and several had the Navy Cross. Most were commanders or Somewhat rattled and stunned, I attempted to regain my best Somers Point, New Jersey Mare Island Base Tucson Base captains. Only two or three of us were Lieutenants. Rickover told professional composure. At that time, the Conn mic keyed, and Barry Wyatt John Ellison Mike Ortiz us we were to teach nuclear power to all officers in the submarine the Duty Officer said in a calm and commanding voice, “Sonar, Gold Country Base Mare Island Base Tucson Base school classes. Several senior officers told Rickover what they Conn, the helmsman reports your own ship’s noise appears to be Charles Murray Frans L. Van Baars Gary Bartlett thought of the plan in no uncertain terms. They pointed out that a hull-down tanker making about 70 turns.” I keyed the mic and Groton Base Old North Sate Base Tucson Base we only had one nuclear sub (Nautilus), and it was a waste of sheepishly relayed, “Conn, Sonar, aye.” Steve Ricard Dr. Charles Hood Joseph R. (Joe) Schmidt time to expose sixty students to nuclear power this early. When After the fact, it became obvious that my “own ships noise” Groton Base Palmetto Base USS Asheville Base we got back to the sub school headquarters, Captain Austin told was the bow wave of said tanker bearing dead on. This made the me he knew we would be teaching 6 hours of nuc power and that sound appear to be coming from somewhere on the boat because MERITORIOUS AWARD (Individual) MERITORIOUS AWARD (Base) Class I Class I it would be in the engineering department. Using the usual Navy the bearing was not changing. A hull-down tanker can have a Huey Dietrich, Requin Base Groton Base logic, since I was the last officer to report to engineering, I had the draft as deep as 70 feet or so. If you do the math and consider the Class II Class II longest time left on my tour; therefore, I was the nuclear power water pressure generated by the tanker plowing through the Med, Tom McFadden, Tarheel Base LA/Pasadena Base instructor. I had 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the after- our patrol depth, and tanker draft, you quickly realize why the boat Class III Class III noon to teach the subject to each of the sections of ten students. moved well off depth, and we were just damn lucky that was all. Barry Wyatt, Gold Country Base Central Texas Base I went to the reactor in Arco, Idaho and spent a week there If we had been coming up for a BRN pass or some such, I Class IV Class IV collecting info and consulting with several of my diesel friends might not have been here to share this tale, or for you to read it. Mark Dykstra, USS Illinois Base Naples Base about Nautilus. I had about 2 hours worth of material (movies, Amazingly we didn’t lose the floating wire, and the tanker passed GOLDEN ANCHOR AWARD BEN BASTURA AWARD slides of Nautilus, etc.) and 6 hours to present it. I had frequent far enough aft that he missed the sail. The final depth was 40 feet Class I Peter J. Koester, Marblehead Base and lengthy coffee breaks and managed as best I could. Once deeper than patrol depth, and the boat took a noticeable star- Mare Island Base I was explaining, with overhead projector, how this thingamajig board roll. It did cause a little excitement in Control. Class II NEWSLETTER OF THE YEAR AWARD pumped into this whatchamacallit, and then into this gizmo. At least they didn’t promote the helmsman to take my place on No Entry Class I One of the students disputed my explanation. I gave him a the sonar gear. I did, however, catch a lot of official and non-official Class III Bremerton Base • Puget Soundings cold look and told him he might be right. The student was Ensign H*ll until something else exciting happened to distract the crew. Tucson Base Class II Carl Trost. He eventually graduated first in the class (he also grad- Thank you, Lord, for something as mundane as fresh baked “sticky Central Texas Base LA/Pasadena Base Base • The Periscope uated first in the USNA class of 1953) and went on the become buns” being considered “exciting” on a routine Boomer patrol. Class IV Class III No Entry Central Texas Base • The Deck Log Chief of Naval Operations in 1986. After teaching the one class, Fred Williams, FTB2(SS) Class IV during the six month’s course, a couple of Lieutenants came from USS Patrick Henry (SSBN-599), 1967-68 SILVER ANCHOR AWARD Carbonero Base • 1MC Idaho and took over the duty. I never did go into the nuclear Navy, Fred “Fritz Marazita, Buffalo Base but when I was chief of staff of the flotilla in San Diego (1967-68), Les Jamison, Gold Country Base NATIONAL NEWSLETTER OF THE YEAR we had thirty subs including six or eight nucs. I probably rode four Bob Steinmann, Central Texas Base Bremerton Base • Puget Soundings or five of them on one- or two-day ops. Attention Freelance Writers Frank Voznak Jr., Crash Dive Base Class I Bob Thomas Have your own submarine saga? American Submariner is Charles Gromek, Jersey Shore Base Large Bases – 151+ members Qualified in 1951 on USS Carp (SS-338) looking for well-written, non-fiction sea stories about Robert Meador, Florida First Coast Base Class II submarines and submariners by the men who lived them. Donald R. Ling, Rogue-Umpqua Base Intermediate Bases – 101-150 members Class III Email your story to [email protected], and Earl Gee, Keystone Base put “This ain’t no Sh*t!” in the subject line. Medium Bases – 51-100 members Hubert Jackson, Central Texas Base Class IV Frank Harrington, Marblehead Base Small Bases – 1-50 members

20 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 21 Healthy Meetings Destination

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22 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 23

M-1824 2020 Amercian Submariner full-page ad.indd 1 8/27/20 9:41 AM U.S. Submarines in WWI

by Jim Christley

The U-Boat Threat to U.S. Waters In April of 1917, the German government instituted “unrestricted submarine warfare” against all shipping bound for or leaving England. With the U.S. now in the war, this meant an increase in ships either in convoys or crossing the Atlantic from U.S. ports alone. The problem for the German Navy was twofold: First, the U.S. East Coast was a rich target environment which had not been tapped and would most likely not have a functioning anti-submarine plan in place—so it must be attacked soon before such a plan could be implemented. Second was that the German Navy did not have many (less than ten, actually) submarines capable of making the Atlantic This shows the relative size of the N-Class and the U-151 type of submarine. crossing, patrolling and operating off the U.S. East Coast, and then transiting back to German bases. But there were some. Author’s Note: “USS” and hull numbers are not used in the text where the names of U.S. submarines and ships appear. Hull numbers weren’t assigned until 1920 and USS was not formalized until later. The U-151, for example, created havoc by The usage for today’s Navy was formalized in 1978 and revised in the early 2000s—so for the period sinking ships from Cape Cod to North Car- described in this article, these appellations olina, causing quite a panic. The submarine Send three American Submariner are not truly needed. made a 94-day patrol, laying mines and In the Beginning torpedoing and sinking by gunfire some subscriptions to your favorite boat! board Charles Wittemore; Captain’s When the U.S. entered the war in twenty-three ships (many were smaller ! • Sponsorhip is only $30 a year A Deck Log: 19 August 1918; “Ship 1917, our allies had been in the fight for fishing boats and trawlers). Now that the nge darkened, underway with N-5 in tow. nearly three years. For those three years U.S. was also in the ground war, convoys u $ Pl • Add a USSVI Calendar for only 7 more Starboard battle watch set. 0500 N-5 our submarine design had gone from the to England began to include troopships. he submerged. Sighted various vessels. 1730 E- and F-Class, which had been started These might be carrying upwards of two Mail your USSVI Boat Sponsorship Program t telephone out of order. 2050 communica- in 1909 and were only now one or two thousand soldiers apiece; the loss of check to: P.O. Box 3870 e Silverdale, WA 98398-3870 tions with N-5 re-established. 2055 N-5 years old, through the O- and R-Classes, even one would be catastrophic. The U.S. surfaced; submerged again at 2155. 2230 which were authorized and being laid on Submarine Force duly needed to get k Please indicate BSP and the name N-5 surfaced. 2245 lines became slack, the ways. This great advance in submarine involved with countering the U-boat threat of the sponsored boat or organization in unable to communicate with N-5. 2300 N-5 technology would not be translated into and protecting these convoys. a the memo field of your check T came within hailing distance; given order war-ready first-line submarines for the U.S. by Commander, 7th Submarine Division to until late 1918 at the earliest, and more The Plan and Execution act as single patrol until daylight.” likely not truly ready until a 1920/21 time The boats manned with the most experi- This passage seems most strange to frame. Thus, the U.S. would have to go enced crews were the K-boats, followed by read when out of context. The Charles to war with only what was available. This the E- and F-boats on the West Coast, so ✓ Reach potential new members Wittemore was a fourmasted schooner and consisted of the A- and B-Classes now at these groups were chosen first to get up to by sending three annual was out of State Pier, New London, CT and Manila Bay; the three D-Class, which were speed and transit to the advanced bases at subscriptions of American Great Salt Pond, Block Island, NY. As part not oceangoing boats; the F-Class and the Punta Delgada, Azores and Queenstown, Submariner to the boat or SUBMARINES IN NEED OF ADDITIONAL SPONSORS of WWI’s U.S. Navy “Q-ship” operation, E-Class, which were small but capable of Ireland to take their place alongside the organization of your choice the schooner and the older submarine N-5 making the crossing (the F-4, of course, British boats already operating from there. USS Columbia (SSN-721) USS Montana (SSN-794) Questions? ✓ patrolled off Montauk, Long Island, NY. wasn’t available, having been lost in 1915 The plan was to augment their submarines First-time sponsors receive a USS Connecticut (SSN-22) USS North Dakota (SSN-784) Boat Sponsorship Patch Jack Messersmith The sub was towed submerged by the off Honolulu); three H-Class boats oper- in trying to protect convoys and ambush the USS Delaware (SSN-791) USS Kentucky Blue (SSBN-737) (928) 227-7753 schooner. It was hoped that any German ating off the West Coast with the F-boats; troublesome U-boats. The summer of 1917 ✓ All sponsors entered into the USS Greeneville (SSN-772) USS Kentucky Gold (SSBN-737) or e-mail U-boat in the area would be enticed into the K-Class, whose eight boats were split was spent repairing the boats and training quarterly Boat Model Giveaway USS Helena (SSN-725) USS Maine Blue (SSBN-741) [email protected] attacking the Charles Wittemore by between the East and West Coasts; the for what was foreseen as the coming drawing (one entry per USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN-795) surfacing and using its deck gun. The N-5 L-Class, which were just now coming on antisubmarine war. By November, the U.S. sponsorship)—a $500 value would then presumably torpedo the line; and the N-Class, which were also just had a flotilla ready to go to the Azores to German submarine. That was the plan. being commissioned. protect shipping around the islands from

24 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 25 three-masted schooners, and the Arabia These were America’s first wartime flag. The next shell landed just forward of was a two-masted schooner. These four submarine losses. The boats were small the bow and ricochetted over the bridge. were to serve a dual purpose. First, they and primitive compared to the creature Went below and submerged. The next shell would be a supplemental tender to the comforts of the forthcoming WWII fleet- hit the conning tower and about the same boats of Submarine Divisions Six, Seven boats; no bunks, no head, transits across time one hit the steering stand. The next and Eight. Second, they would become the ocean without a bridge. Plus bad one hit the engine intake pipe. All started special-use decoys. engines, bad batteries, bad water and no to leak. Secured lower conning tower hatch While the Fourth and Fifth Divisions support. And no Hawaiian Hilton or relief and flapper valves of others. Voice pipe were setting up operations around the crews to greet them upon their return. from conning tower leaked badly. Valve Azores and in Bantry Bay, Ireland, the would not close. Plugged voice pipe with F-boats were training off our West Coast Spring 1918, the Second Year potato masher and kept some of the in preparation for transiting around to By January of 1918, we had sent the water out. the East Coast. On 17 December, 1917, subs from to to take up Headed away from firing ship until while performing an engineering trial, the patrolling the Gulf of Mexico. This was the starboard motor controller shorted and F-3 accidentally rammed the F-1—which Third Division, consisting of the K-3, K-4, blew circuit breaker, wireless started to flooded quickly and sank, taking nineteen K-7 and K-8. The Sixth Division of the spark and short circuit, when I blew tanks shipmates to their deaths. The war was L-5, L-6, L-7 and L-8 were readying for and sent men on deck with flags. Starting turning costly. deployment to the Azores. The Fifth the engines we started [away] from the German submarine U-151. This boat had two (sometimes four) deck guns. Two were 15cm and two were 8.8cm. Since most of the sinkings were surface actions, this made the submarine a formidable adversary for all but late-war . In Bantry Bay, U.S. sailors practiced Division was at Bantry Bay in Ireland. firing ship. One destroyer gave chase. After against their British counterparts. Each day, The Fourth Division was at Punta Delgada getting tanks dry and reaching a position the actions of German raiders and subma- doubtlessly unhappy boat sailors were Our submarine force had been observing a British observer would take his place on in the Azores, keeping watch on the beyond the range of firing ship, I stopped rines. The K-1, 2, 5, 6, and E-1, constituting taking green water over the arches and Royal Navy tactics and strategies toward an American boat and they would head out ships convoying north. N-boats and the engines and, sending everyone on deck SubDivFour, assembled at Newport, Rhode into their caves. It was neither pleasant battling German U-boats in trying to into the bay to make practice torpedo runs G-2 were operating out of Block Island, with life preservers and all available flags, Island for the haul across the Atlantic. All nor pretty. understand how submarines might best on surface ships and other submarines. covering the approaches to Long Island attempted to signal destroyer. She then except the E-1 were to make the trip, with The next trip started on the 4th of be used in conjunction with convoys and Captain Naismith of the Royal Navy, who Sound. O-4, O-6 and E-2 patrolled from swung broadside to and fired several that boat following the next month. The November and consisted of the little E-1 the battle fleet. After war was declared, had done so much with his British boat in Cold Spring Inlet and from Norfolk. These broadsides, all falling short. Began signaling four K-boats, plus the tender Bushnell, and seven L-Class (L-1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11) U.S. officers were sent to England to ride the Sea of Mamora and in the Baltic, took were all ASW patrols seeking German with whistle. The destroyer finally came sailed from Newport to Provincetown, then boats. These vessels formed the Fifth Divi- with Royal Navy submarines on patrols the training in hand. Through February and submarines. The danger they faced along within hail, turning out to be the USS on to Halifax. After fueling and replenishing sion. Their trip played out even worse than and exercises. This was not a painless on into early March, U.S. boats exercised the East Coast, however, was more from Paul Jones. supplies, they set off for Punta Delgada. the first one. The group found itself split up way to learn the ropes; Lt. E. W. F. Childs under the watchful eye of the Royal our own convoy ships and escorts than The O-6 wasn’t the only boat shot at The crossing was horrible. The storm which in a storm just two days out. It was so bad of the L-2 went down with the HMS H-5 Navy. Then on the 6th of March, the first from those few U-boats venturing across and hit. Luckily, none were sunk. The L-1, hit them on their second day out scattered that L-9 nearly didn’t make Boston, and operating out of Bantry Bay in the west L-boats—now with an “AL” designation the Atlantic. again now called the AL-1 so it would not the group, and it was not until after the many of the others headed for of Ireland. to differentiate themselves from the British For instance, the O-6, patrolling out conflict with the British numbering system, 27th that they were all able to assemble prior to crossing to Punta Delgada. Once A tactic watched with special interest “L” boats—started to make their regular of Cold Spring Inlet, was trailing a convoy made contact with a German submarine in again in the Azores. Instead of snuggling arriving in the Azores, they found the other was the Royal Navy’s use of decoy ships patrols in the area south of Ireland and its from about two miles astern—on the May of 1918 and fired two torpedoes. The up alongside the tender and getting fuel, boats barely able to keep things together, to attract U-boats to the surface so that western approaches. lookout for U-boats lurking aft in an U.S. boat broached and was spotted by supplies, showers and sleep, they found yet still made regular patrols in the island they might be overwhelmed with surprise It was thus that by the end of the first attempt to make a stern approach. The the German boat, which had been on the themselves looking at the stern of the region and up to 200 miles out. This was a gunfire. It was acknowledged these ships year of our involvement in WWI (April 1917 ship’s log notes: surface. The German boat twisted, avoiding Bushnell as she left to steam back to the big area for the five little boats to cover, but might prove quite useful in our own coastal to April 1918), we had not yet engaged the At 3.05 p.m. the last ship fired at us, the the torpedoes, and ran off, firing her deck States to convoy another flotilla over to the they tried mightily to keep up a good duty waters off the eastern seaboard. Admiral enemy, yet had still managed to make our shell landing close alongside, one to two gun at the struggling AL-1. A few days later, war zone. The boat crews tried to make cycle. With no support, no spares and no William S. Sims requested the Admiralty presence felt. The fact that U.S. submarines feet to port and exploding. This ship had the AL-11 fired two torpedoes at another themselves at home alongside a breakwa- supplies, their commanding officers had to provide one of their “Q-ships” so that we were doing ASW patrols kept the German a three-flag hoist up, which we could not U-boat a few miles away from the position ter, living in a series of arches closed off give the spirit of their crews great credit as might see how it operated and whether the warning of a 200-mile exclusion zone make out, but took for recognition signal. of the AL-1 encounter. One torpedo only on the seaward side. Of course these they all battled heavy seas with no enemy concept could be sucessfully employed around the Azores simply that—a warning, We had hoisted the answering pennant and broached and sank; the other detonated sailors, being our forerunners, set tradition in sight. in operations off the East Coast. The HMS not a fact. The effort was not without cost, made reply. Sent men on deck below to get 200 yards short of the U-boat. by acquiring as much as they could to After spending a few days in the Azores, Arvonian was provided and renamed the however. The U.S. Submarine Force had ready to submerge, and stopped engines. Lt. Van de Carr of the AL-10 made an close up the shelters and make the best of the Fifth Division got underway again for Santee. Just after Christmas in 1917, the lost twenty-one men and one submarine. I stayed on the bridge and began waving a understandable error which was repeated a poor situation. On the 1st of November, Queenstown (now Cobh, Ireland). As in ship sailed into Bantry Bay for a training as the K-2 left for her first patrol, the seas their trip across the Atlantic, the division cruise. That’s when the planned training rose outside the breakwater and soon the slammed head-on into yet another storm, schedule fell apart. Hunting at the entrance taking eight days to of the bay, the U-105 sighted the Santee. cover the transit. The But instead of surfacing to sink the ship L-10 was separated with her deck gun, the U-boat torpedoed from the remainder her. The Santee was kept afloat mostly by of the division and the extra timbers and flotation installed held forth against for her to operate as a Q-ship, but she had the weather on her been badly damaged. She was towed own, finally making back Queenstown and, after repair, turned Queenstown after back over to the Royal Navy. a grueling crossing In July, 1918, the Navy ordered the in which a man was purchase of four sailing vessels to operate The L-4. Painted on the bridge sides and lower conning tower Two German U-151-Class submarines. Note the two 15cm deck even lost overboard. with our submarine force. These were the sides was the designator “AL4.” The Royal Navy also had an “L” guns on each and their high radio antenna masts. This radio GM1 R. A. Leese Charles Whittemore, Robert H. McCurdy, class, so the U.S. Navy added the “A” to differentiate ours from communication allowed better operational control during the war, The N-5. On her forward deck are the “C” tube and the “K” tube sonar became the first U.S. Helvetia and Arabia. The Charles Whittemore theirs. The A presumably was for “American.” The deck gun was a and this was most useful in the Baltic and North Seas. The gear’s heads. The “C” tube is between the two men handling lines and the “K” submarine casualty was a fourmasted schooner. Both the retractable 3”/23. Its barrel can be seen sticking up from the low power and lack of range did not allow for any tube is all the way up on the bow. in a war zone. Robert H. McCurdy and Helvetia were forward deck. type of trans-Atlantic control.

26 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 27 on the other side of the Atlantic. By far, the patrols, but by reading the diaries of their most peculiar engagement was the run-in Length Beam Displacement Tons Crew Torpedo Tubes crews and of their towing sailing craft, we AL-2 had with the UB-65. On 10 July, 1918, Class in Feet in Feet Surface/Submerged Officers/Enlisted No./Size in Inches learn they operated for several weeks. the AL-2 was just south of Fastnet when None of the boats were very reliable, and a she spotted a surfaced submarine. After E 158 18 360/457 1/23 4/18 great deal of time was spent in maintenance watching it for awhile, it disappeared and F 143 15 350/435 1/21 2/18 and repair. Even so, the effort put forth the OOD and lookout wondered if it was H 150 16 358/467 2/23 4/18 was extraordinary. indeed a sub or simply a piece of floating K 153 17 392/521 2/26 4/18 The patrols and encounters documented wreckage. Just at dusk, a torpedo exploded L 167 18 450/550 2/26 4/18 here appear in the “War Diaries.” The only some fifty yards from AL-2’s stern. A copies of these precious books I know N 147 16 350/415 2/26 4/18 lookout reported seeing a periscope just of are housed in the National Archives in U-151* 213 29 1500/1900 56 (total) 2/19 beyond the geyser. The torpedo explosion Washington, DC. They used to be held unseated the boat’s ventilation blowers and Balao Class 311 27 1870/2400 6/60 10/21 in the Navy and Old Army section of the unclutched her engines. Any other damage Type VII U-Boat 220 20 769/870 44 (total) 5/21 downtown archives in Record Group the detonation may have caused was 313.3.1 and 313.7, but may by now have *U-151 carries two 150mm and two 88mm deck guns unknown, but the crew soon smelled gas. been transferred out to the College Park The captain ordered the rudder hard over Archives II. I do not believe there has been and sounded the klaxon to dive. He’d destruction of UB-65 and that the U.S. second, an electric “hot plate”-type stove any attempt to have these records copied hoped to come full circle and ram the and donated to the Submarine Force The three-masted schooner Helvetia with the E-2 under tow: a special operations scheme Navy awarded Lt. P. F. Foster with a medal was put in to heat foods. Before this, the German sub. The crew made no detailed Library in Groton. There has been no whereby the sailing vessel towed the submerged submarine, hoping to lure a U-boat into for the action. Thus, for the record, the engine exhaust had been used for heating. examination of the boat to determine what attacking the sailing ship. It never actually resulted in an engagement between submarine first U.S. submarine to be officially credited Also, fresh water was used only for drinking serious comprehensive study of these and sailing ship though. total damage the torpedo might have with the sinking of an enemy submarine and the battery, not for bathing, and this diaries and other existing records to caused, but stood to their positions as the was the AL-2 under the command of Lt. never really changed; the crews of both compile a complete history of our sub in both wars, sometimes with unfortunate at the Academy! captain commanded them to dive the ship. P. F. Foster on 10 July, 1918, just south of wars used saltwater to wash. The WWI force operations in WWI. Most, like this consequences. He was operating on the Captain’s Deck Log: Charles Whit- They missed their intended ramming but Fastnet Island. As Carroll Storrs Alden boats themselves were small, cramped, piece, only scratch the surface. surface in his patrol area in March when at temore, 4 September 1918; “0530 sub were close enough to hear the enemy wrote, “The crew, though fully convinced noisy and lacked adequate ventilation. In World War I was the first war that saw 1700 he spotted a vessel in the distance subm. 0730 surf., 0800 subm. am tested screws through the hull. The C-Tube that their plight was desperate, and expect- the interwar years (WWI to WWII), much extended operations by the U.S. Navy’s he thought to be a German submarine. underwater communications. 1330 sighted operator reported the sub’s position and ing momentarily the order ‘Abandon Ship,’ of the design effort in creating our fleet Submarine Force. It did so with a deter- As he got closer and was starting to set steamer. 1845 sub surf. 1845 lowered they brought AL-2 around to give chase. remained at their stations and instantly submarines for long patrol times went into mination and sense of sacrifice that set up an attack, he realized it was the top- motor dory. 1848 set relief crew. 1900 Then the C-Tube operator noted detecting obeyed the order for ‘Crash Dive’—this is improving habitability. a tradition for the Force. The effort was works of a destroyer and it had spotted old crew returned.” This was the daily a second sub; the one ahead was slowing, all evidence of a finely organized ship, [and] Author’s note: Being an old “creature small compared to the efforts put forth him. His planned dive to over a hundred routine with the schooner operating with the other began signaling on its oscillator. of officers and men [who] measure up to comforts” guy, I feel that four days chugging during WWII and the following years of feet overshot and he went deeper. The the N-5. This swapping of crews was The first boat went silent and the second our highest naval standards.” about on the N-2 would count for several the Cold War. The losses of WWII and its destroyer dropped depth charges. part of the routine. With the habitability signaled twice more. AL-2 turned toward After a limited-availability maintenance weeks on one of the diesel boats I sailed attendant successes indeed overshadowed The first knocked out all AL-10’s lighting. of the submarine truly non-existent, the the second boat and began to give chase and repair period in Narragansett Bay, the on, or a couple of months aboard the the efforts of 1917 and 1918. There was The boat and destroyer then engaged in crew was actually in a port and starboard underwater. The German, however, drew schooner Whittemore resumed operations. “Stoney J.” a Submarine Veterans of World War One cat-and-mouse, with the destroyer stop- watch rotation. Half would be aboard away with faster underwater speed and This time, the accompanying submarine organization, but it ended quietly sometime ping, listening, and then charging over the submarine and half on the schooner. disappeared. AL-2 then returned to the was the L-8, a Lakedesigned boat built in Most WWI patrols were of less than a during or shortly after WWII and has been AL-10’s position and dropping a depth The half on the schooner would sleep/ position of the loss of the first German and Portsmouth, NH. week, but their transit times to operating forgotten. In fact, the sacrifices made by charge. Some came very close—and these rest and eat. Approximately every twelve signaled on their oscillator with the same Captain’s Deck Log: Charles Whittemore, areas were measured in hours, not weeks our shipmates during this first submarine were 300lb. charges. Van de Carr decided hours, the boat would surface and the frequency and code the German had used. 11 November 1918; “L-8 in tow. Prepared to as in later wars. The boats which conducted war have been largely forgotten by those to surface and announce his presence crew aboard would swap with the half that German records reveal the UB-65 as a loss send oil to L-8. 0810 Lowered motor dory. towed Q-boat operations did not time their who followed. via the proper recognition signals. He got was aboard the schooner. Twelve on and in that area at the time of the incident. It is 31 barrels of oil sent to L-8. Tow resumed.” lucky: the destroyer’s crew were looking twelve off. For the latter part of 1918, the assumed the German boat suffered its 13 November, 1918; “0715 hove to. Lowered the other way when he surfaced and by the schooners with submarines in tow would demise in one of two ways: either a self- motor dory and sent relief crew to sub. time they spotted him, the smoke bomb operate from Bermuda, Block Island, fired torpedo detonated prematurely and 0745 hoisted motor dory. Hawser secured. was up and recognized. The destroyer Port Jefferson on Long Island, and New sank her, or the other German had fired About 1100 L-8 [note: L-8 carried a radio] captain then tried to make up for the London. They stayed at sea outside of the at the AL-2, missed, and struck the first gave orders to proceed to Bermuda alone.” ordeal by inviting Van de Carr to dine with normal convoy lanes, hoping to ambush German instead. Either way, the UB-65 The war was over. him aboard his ship. It must have been an unwitting U-boat. No encounters were was lost in her engagement with the an interesting dinner, for Van de Carr dis- ever reported. hapless AL-2. Records show the AL-2 Comparing World War One submarine covered his host had been a classmate However, there were some encounters was credited by the Admiralty with the exploits and records to those of the World War Two submarine force is not a useful exercise in the author’s view. It would be like comparing a crosscountry trip in a The K-Class covered wagon with one in an automobile. The technology of U.S. submarines of the period did increase somewhat, but their habitability lagged. It could easily be seen that a limiting factor in patrol endurance was the crew’s inability to function under less than “hotel-like” conditions. From the F-Class on up, a couple of installations made a great deal of difference. First, a head was designed and installed to take The U-155. Note the camouflage scheme. The humped device on the afterdeck is an upturned small boat for personnel transfer. the place of a camp stool and bucket. And

28 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 29 BASE ACTIVITIES AROUND THE COUNTRY

Boldly Going Where No Base Has Gone Before! Tucson Base Recognizes WWII-Member Submariners SLO Base is officially now “out of this world!” with Special 75-Year Holland Club Certificate Welcoming 50-year-qualified submariners to the heralded Holland Club is of course always a gratifying Well, at least now our name is— commemoration. But honoring 75-year members offers an even more auspicious occasion. Tucson Base Back in 2017, NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) worked couldn’t be more pleased or proud to celebrate this very special milestone with three veteran submariners together on the InSight Mars lander project. To promote public interest whose remarkable accomplishments deserve some separate recognition. in the program, they created an opportunity for ordinary citizens to have their names embedded on a microchip which would be attached to the lander, fly to Mars, and reside there permanently on its surface. A commemorative “Boarding Pass” detailing specifics of the flight and including “Frequent Flier Miles” would be issued to participants as a spacefaring keepsake. When NASA and JPL later designed their followup project—2020’s Mars Rover—they agreed to offer the same program. So the San Luis Obispo Base decided to submit our wish to join in the cosmic fun, and we were indeed issued our July 30, 2020— own interplanetary Boarding Pass. Microchips carrying participants’ names—including Mars Rover ours—were attached to the spacecraft, and this new rover, called Perseverance, began launch, Cape its journey to the red planet atop an Atlas V rocket successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Air Canaveral back on July 30th. All systems apparently remain “go” as Perseverance cruises Force Station, Wayne Anton “Brad” Braastad Edward Frank “Ed” Pepper Lester George “Les” Johnson toward Mars with an expected landing date of February 18, 2021. SLO Base now anxiously Florida. awaits the discovery of our name on the surface of Mars—perhaps by some wayfaring Brad joined the Navy 1942 and qualified Ed entered the Navy in 1943 and Enlisting in the Navy in 1944, Ed earned galactic explorer, perhaps just by a little green local. Whoever or whatever eventually in 1944 on the USS O-8 (SS-69). He went became qualified in submarines the his dolphins a year later on the USS Batfish deciphers the names on those chips, we expect their reaction to finding ours will be on to serve on USS Trumpetfish (SS-425), following year on the USS S-18 (S-123). (SS-310). He also served on USS Trutta something along the lines of...“Who the hell are they?!” USS Skate (SSN-578), USS Kingfish He was also a crew member of a Sub- (SS-421), and USS Trout (SS-566) and was (SS-244), USS Cubera (SS-347), USS marine Relief Crew, and USS Blueback attached to Submarine Relief Crew 3 at Howard W. Gilmore (AS-16), and USS (SS-326) before leaving the Navy in 1946 Hunter’s Point Shipyard. The microchips Ronquil (SS-396). Brad retired from the as an EM3(SS). Les was a member of the U.S. Subma- with the names Navy as a Lieutenant in 1967. Ed became a member of USSVI rine Veterans of WWII and joined USSVI on an interpretive He joined USSVI on January 1, 1988 in June 2007 and was also a member and Tucson Base in August 2007. plaque, showing as a charter member of Tucson Base and of the U.S. Submarine Veterans of He was presented his certificate at his the relationship of serving as its first Base Commander. Brad WWII organization. home by Base Commander Dennis Ottley Earth and Mars to the Sun, attached is a dual member of Perch Base and San Ed was awarded his certificate by and Vice Commander Mike Ortiz. to the Mars Rover. Diego Base, and was a member of U.S. Base Commander Dennis Ottley. Vice Les recalled a few “close” calls during Submarine Veterans of WWII until their Commander Mike Ortiz and Western his war patrol. Batfish had a torpedo cross disbandment in 2012. Region Commander Vic Van Horn her bow in two separate incidents, one Artist conception Brad is dealing with Alzheimer’s and is were on hand for the presentation. while picking up a downed bomber crew, of the rover presently under the care of the Veterans Ed recalled being in Subic Bay the and another fired at Batfish after the war Perseverance on Administration. Due to the COVID-19 day the Japanese surrendered. He had ended. In a separate incident, a U.S. the surface of Mars. situation we are unable to present his remembered the sky was on fire with bomber mistook Batfish for an enemy sub award in person, so we will send the all the fireworks in celebration of and proceeded to bomb it. Luckily for Les certificate to the VA to present to him. and the victory. and the rest of the Batfish crew, the pilot hope to publish a photo of the occasion Ed has been qualified in submarines missed his target. at a future date. for 76 years. Les has been qualified in submarines Brad has been qualified in submarines for 75 years. for 76 years.

USS S-18 (SS-123) USS Batfish (SS-310) USS O-8 (SS-69)

30 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 31 ‘Forgotten’ WWII Vermont Submarine BC Patch, LLC Veteran Officially Memorialized After 2063 Main St. PMB 501 More Than 74 Years Oakley, CA 94561 Ph/Fax (925) 625-7848 Three years ago, I was attending a Green Mountain Base [email protected] meeting at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 792 in Montpelier, www.bcpatch.com Vermont. A banner commemorating Vermont submarine sailors lost at sea Submarine Patches We got em’ hung from the pavilion post. One of the names, Gene Roger Rice, was listed as Custom Patches Ask for a free Quote being from my resident town of Springfield. Gene was an Electrician’s Mate Second Class aboard the USS Runner (SS-275) when the boat failed to return from patrol. Runner was declared overdue and presumed lost in July 1943. Writing Gene’s name down, I was curious to see if I could find his name on one of the war memorials at our local Golden Corner Base Base Commander Ed Evering and Dr. Denise Broderick prepare to christen Seawolf. Veterans Memorial Park. To my dismay, his name did not appear on any of the monuments. I could not let a fellow submarine sailor be forgotten. “USS Seawolf Arriving!” I checked Vermont state veteran’s records, local information, and thank goodness for the USSVI website, I was able to Golden Corner Base Shows obtain Gene’s full name, a photo, and confirm that he had been a resident of Springfield at the time the boat was lost. Off Stunning New Float I then set out to ensure his name and picture were added to the memorial honoring the other Springfield veterans lost in September during World War II. On Monday, May 27, 2019 at the Memorial Day Service at Memorial Park, a special dedication was made for Springfield Golden Corner Base christened their recently constructed veteran Gene Roger Rice, missing in action/lost in World War II. USS Seawolf (SSN-21) parade float in a ceremony on Saturday, Gene Roger Rice, fellow submariner, you will never September 19, 2020, at Green Pond Landing in Anderson, Pins, dolphins, flag etc. l-r : John Underwood, Lloyd “Willy” Wilson, and Sherman be forgotten. South Carolina. Swofford display awards for their work on the design and A partly cloudy day greeted more than 60 guests construction of the Seawolf float. and local dignitaries to the site on Lake Hartwell’s Bill Mattoon new Green Pond Landing and Event Center. It was then Seawolf’s turn to perform. Float designer Lloyd “Willy” Wilson, electrical With the audience cheering her on, Seawolf engineer John Underwood, and Sky View Signs surfaced from the ocean depths and raised owner Sherman Swofford were each presented her masts, which included a rotating radar CustomCustom Ball Ball Caps Caps to Order certificates in recognition of their work in the mast. The running lights shined bright as design and fabrication of the float. figures appeared on the bridge. Seawolf later Steve Bell, National Junior Vice Commander, submerged amidst spewing mist from her and Southeast District 2 Commander Wayne ballast tank vents as she slipped beneath Phillips were present for the christening. the surface. Dr. Denise Broderick christened the float by Base Commander Edwin Evering was breaking the traditional bottle of champagne interviewed by the local media after the over a portion of the float structure. ceremony and asked about the future use of the Seawolf float. He stated it would Custom Vests Made to Order be used for local parades, veterans home visits, and visits to local children’s hospitals as part of Golden Corner Base’s ongoing Kap(SS) 4 Kids(SS) program. A brief video of the event can be viewed online at https://bit.ly/2EZgzdV

The monument honoring U.S. war veterans located in Veterans Memorial Park in Springfield, Vermont. The names of Springfield veterans who gave their lives in service to their country are inscribed on the back side of the memorial.

32 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 33 John Philip Cromwell Medal of Honor Submariner

Captain John Philip Cromwell was the most senior submariner awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II and one JOHN PHILIP CROMWELL of three submarine officers who received September 11, 1901 – November 19, 1943 it posthumously. During 1942-43, Cromwell commanded Submarine Divisions RANK AND ORGANIZATION 203, 44 and 43, flying his pennant in USS Sculpin (SS-191). Captain Following promotion to captain, he went to sea in Sculpin as prospective commander of a mid-Pacific submarine wolf pack. MOH ACTION PLACE Sculpin was commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Fred Connaway, making at sea aboard USS Sculpin (SS -191) his first war patrol. If conditions warranted, Cromwell would form a wolfpack with USS Searaven (SS-196) and either USS Spearfish MOH ACTION DATE (SS-190) or USS Apogon (SS-308) under his direction. As a senior November 19, 1943 officer, Cromwell was completely familiar with the plans for the YEARS OF SERVICE upcoming Battle of Tarawa, Operation Galvanic, and knew a lot 1924-1943 more about ULTRA—and its source—than anyone else on Sculpin. BIRTHPLACE It was Cromwell’s first war patrol also. Henry, Illinois Sculpin arrived on station on 16 November and made radar contact with a large, high-speed convoy on the night of the 18th. CITATION After making a fast surface run to get ahead of the quarry, Lt. Cmdr. Connaway submerged for an attack at dawn. As he started For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his his final approach, however, his periscope was spotted by the life above and beyond the call of duty as Commander of enemy, and Connaway was forced to take Sculpin deep and allow a Submarine Coordinated Attack Group with Flag in the the convoy to pass overhead. Then, he surfaced again to attempt USS Sculpin, during the Ninth War Patrol of that vessel another end run in broad daylight. Unfortunately, the Japanese in enemy-controlled waters off Truk Island, November 19, destroyer Yamagumo had lagged behind the convoy specifically to counter such a move and, after forcing Connaway to make 1943. Undertaking this patrol prior to the launching of our a quick dive, dropped a pattern of depth charges that—unbe- first large-scale offensive in the Pacific, Captain Cromwell, knownst to the crew—damaged the depth gauge. Sculpin went alone of the entire Task Group, possessed secret intel- A gathering of Submariners deep and laid low for several hours. Around noon, Connaway ligence information of our submarine strategy and tactics, attempted to bring Sculpin back to periscope depth, seeking an- scheduled Fleet movements and specific attack plans. other opportunity to attack. However, while coming up, the broken Constantly vigilant and precise in carrying out his secret depth gauge stuck at 125 feet, confusing the diving officer, and causing the boat to broach the surface in full view of Yamagumo, orders, he moved his underseas flotilla inexorably for- WESTERN REGION ROUNDUP which was still patrolling the area. As Sculpin crash-dived again, ward despite savage opposition and established a line the Japanese destroyer dropped a string of 18 depth charges, of submarines to southeastward of the main Japanese MARCH 21-26 2021 severely damaging the boat and causing the submarine to run at stronghold at Truk. Cool and undaunted as the subma- high speed to maintain depth. This invited a second Japanese rine, rocked and battered by Japanese depth-charges, Reno, Nevada attack that did even more damage. sustained terrific battle damage and sank to an excessive At this point, Connaway concluded that the only chance of saving his crew was to come to the surface and fight it out there. depth, he authorized the Sculpin to surface and engage Sculpin surfaced, and with decks awash, her crew manned the the enemy in a gunfight, thereby providing an opportunity deck guns. The result of this uneven contest was hardly in doubt. for the crew to abandon ship. Determined to sacrifice Details at Yamagumo’s first salvo hit Sculpin’s conning tower, killing the himself rather than risk capture and subsequent danger www.wrroundup.com entire bridge watch team, including Connaway and his executive of revealing plans under Japanese torture or use of drugs, and gunnery officers. The gun crew died almost instantly from he stoically remained aboard the mortally wounded vessel shrapnel. The senior ship’s officer surviving, a reserve lieutenant, as she plunged to her death. Preserving the security of ordered the boat scuttled and the crew to abandon ship. This ac- tion left CAPT Cromwell facing a fateful choice. With his personal his mission at the cost of his own life, he had served his knowledge of both ULTRA and GALVANIC, he realized immediate- country as he had served the Navy, with deep integrity ly that to abandon ship and become a prisoner of the Japanese and an uncompromising devotion to duty. His great moral would create a serious danger of compromising these vital secrets courage in the face of certain death adds new luster to to the enemy under the influence of drugs or torture. For this rea- the traditions of the United States Naval Service. He son, he refused to leave the stricken submarine and gave his life gallantly gave his life for his country. to avoid capture. He and 11 others rode Sculpin on her final plunge UNITED STATES SUBMARINE VETERANS, INC. to the bottom, where her secrets would be safe forever.

34 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 35 LOST BOATS

“I can assure you that they went down fighting and that their brothers who survived them took a grim toll of our savage enemy to avenge their deaths.” Admiral Charles A. Lockwood, USN

USS F-1 / CARP (SS-20) USS DORADO (SS-248) USS SHARK (SS-314) 22 men on board. 76 men on board. 90 men on board. Lost on 17 December 1917 when it was sunk Lost by an air attack on 12 October 1943 in the Lost on 24 October 1944 when it was sunk by after collision with USS F-3 (SS-22) off San Southwest Atlantic. Japanese surface craft in the channel midway Clemente, California. All hands lost. between and Bashi Channel. 19 men lost – 3 rescued USS CORVINA (SS-226) All hands lost. USS O-5 (SS-66) 82 men on board. USS TANG (SS-306) 29 men on board. Lost on 16 November 1943 during a Japanese 86 men on board. Lost on 29 October 1923 when it sank after submarine attack off Truk. Lost on 25 October 1944 when it was sunk by a collision with the SS Ababgarez (owned by All hands lost. her own torpedo in the north end of the Formosa the United Fruit company) off the Canal. Strait. Nine of the crew were taken prisoner USS SCULPIN (SS-191) Torpedoman Mate Second Class(SS) Henry and survived the war. Her Commanding Officer, 82 men on board. Berault received the Congressional Medal of Richard O’Kane, received the Congressional Lost on 19 November 1943 when it was sunk by Honor for his heroic actions aboard. Medal of Honor. a Japanese surface craft north of Groluk Island 3 men lost. 77 men lost. near Truk. 42 were taken prisoner. 21 survived USS S-4 (SS-109) the war. USS ALBACORE (SS-218) 38 men on board. 40 men lost. 86 men on board. Lost on 17 December 1927 when it was sunk as Lost by possible Japanese mine on it surfaced and was rammed by USCGC Paulding USS CAPELIN (SS-289) 7 November 1944 between Honshu and off Provincetown, Massachusetts. 78 men on board. Hokkaido, . All hands lost. Lost on 2 December 1943 by an unconfirmed All hands lost. Japanese surface attack in the Celebes Sea. USS SEALION (SS-195) All hands lost. USS GROWLER (SS-215) 54 men aboard. 85 men on board. First Submarine lost in WWII. USS SEAWOLF (SS-197) Lost on 8 November 1944 by a possible Fatally damaged on 10 December 1941 by aerial 82 crew and 17 U.S. Army on board. Japanese surface attack in the South bombs during a Japanese air attack at Cavite Lost on 3 October 1944 when it was mistaken China Sea. Navy Yard, Republic of the Philippines. Addition- for a Japanese submarine and sunk by friendly All hands lost. destroyers just north of Morotai, Republic of ally, one crew member died as a POW. One man USS SCAMP (SS-277) lost on USS Seadragon (SS-194) tied up inboard the Philippines. All hands lost. 83 men on board. of Sealion in the same attack. Probably sunk on 16 November 1944 from 6 men lost. USS ESCOLAR (SS-294) progressive damage in multiple air and sea USS S-44 (SS-155) 82 men on board. attacks east of Tokyo Bay. 56 men on board. Lost by possible Japanese mine in the All hands lost. Lost on 7 October 1943 when it was sunk by Yellow Sea off China on 17 October 1944. surface craft off Paramushiru, Kuriles. All hands lost. 54 men lost, 2 men prisoner. USS DARTER (SS-227) Finally, we remember all the brave submariners USS WAHOO (SS-238) 60 men on board. who died in the course of their duties aboard 80 men on board. Lost on 24 October1944 when it became submarines, some individually and some in groups, Lost during a Japanese air and surface attack grounded on Bombay Shoal off then but where the submarine itself was not lost. on 11 October 1943 in La Perouse Strait off was destroyed. All the crew were rescued by northern Japan. USS Dace (SS-247). All hands lost.

36 36 | American| American Submariner Submariner | | ThirdFourth Quarter Quarter 2020 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 37 “...the Southern hospitality of North Little AMERICA’S FIRST SUBMARINE BASE Attention Storekeepers by Milton Seitzer Barry Commons is your National Storekeeper. John Holland established the first sub­marine base in the You may order directly on-line, by phone (925) 679-1744 Rock really made it memorable.” United States at a site on eastern Long Island, at the village of or email [email protected]. New Suffolk, New York. This little known fact is not even recorded - USS Guitarro (SSN-665) in the navy's historical depart­ment because it was never owned by the Navy. John P. Holland conducted trials of his first submarine, the USS Holland (SS-1) here at this New Suffolk base which he rented from Goldsmith and Tuttle for $10 per month. He used this base from 1899 until 1905 when the business was moved to Groton, Connecticut by the Electric Boat Company which superseded Garrison Caps Holland’s little company, and the Navy established a training facility and submarine base at nearby New London. After the Holland was accepted by the Navy, on April 12,1900, six more submarines­ were ordered; Fulton, Adder, Moccasin, Porpoise, Shark and Plunger. Also at the New Suffolk facility were the tenders Kelpie and Mindoro. On one occasion the Holland was taken to Sag Harbor where some celebrities were invited aboard. It was reported that Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, went for a cruise in Holland Club Patches the boat, then castigated Mr. Holland for develop­ing a dreadful & Longevity Tabs The ArkansasSUBMARINE Inland Maritime Museum REUNION in North Little Rock, PACKAGE Arkansas, has hosted many weapon of war. Dolphins, pins, memorable reunions over the years and would love to host you! On August 25, 1905 the Plunger was taken to Oyster Bay, on Long Island, and President Theodore Roosevelt was welcomed vest clasps, and more • Custom face masks with downtown Outdoor aboard. He was so delighted with the performance of the boat reunion name Dining District and the professionalism­ of the crew that he ordered extra pay for • Access to USS Razorback • Experienced veterans submarine crew members, a policy that continues today. submarine and Hoga on-hand tugboat • Hospitality space • 220 newly-renovated • Scenic Arkansas River hotel rooms • Assistance with group • Two award-winning dining VETERAN RELATED PROBLEMS? restaurants at hotel • Assistance with • Complimentary shuttle entertainment & group Contact John Dudas Submarine & related • Walking distance from activities your USSVI patches. Ask us. LET US HOST YOURYOUR REUNION TEAM National Veterans Affairs NEXT REUNION Service Officer  Reservations include a full, hot breakfast buffet  3 blocks from AR Inland Maritime Museum  Two ballrooms divisible by seven sections Leather Belts  Six breakout rooms with Dolphin  Two Hospitality Suites “I will assist members Buckles  220 spacious newly renovated guestrooms with claims, issues of what to do,  ComplimentaryJim airport/downtown Gates (USS shuttle James K. Polk); Camille Smith; Myna who to contact locally, and any other questions We sell custom embroidered vests  Miller; Greg Zonner (USS Von Steuben); Joe Mathis (USS Complimentary shuttle to & from maritime museum concerning your claims submitted to the  Complimentary parking Jefferson City) Veterans Administration.”  Outdoor Pool  2 award winning restaurants & lounges on site BOOK TODAY: and Mariti nl me s I M Scott Sudduth sa u n s a e k u (501) 404-0397 r m Custom Embroidered Ball Caps A Kaps 4 Kids & Watch Caps Please visit our web site at [email protected] www.ussvinationalstorekeeper.com 2 Riverfront Place Home: 928-636-9004 • Cell: 928-420-0061 Storekeepers are urged North Little Rock AR 72114 2480 West Gambels Ridge Drive • Chino Valley, AZ 86323-8917 to sign up for a wholesale account Call 1-866-657-4458 for more information

38 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 39 NEW MEMBERS

Last Name First Name Qual. Boat Last Name First Name Qual. Boat Warschauer Thomas M. 1965 Abraham Lincoln Hernandez Henry J. 1965 Menhaden Magruder Thomas D. 1971 Alexander Hamilton McDonald Matthew 2006 Michigan Dihel Donald 1977 Andrew Jackson Keenan Jr. Peter J. 1943 Mingo Greenwald Alan S. 1985 Andrew Jackson Nichols Mikqual Jordei 2006 Minneapolis-St. Paul Hongo Stephen 1980 Andrew Jackson Dominijanni Ron 1980 Narwhal Griffin Jeffrey A. 1973 Benjamin Franklin Armenta John 1967 Nathan Hale Henson Gary Alan 1974 Bluefish Chapman Douglas W. 1978 Nathan Hale Rose Jerry 1961 Bugara Clack Jr. John W. 1979 Nathan Hale Amos Delbert T. 1946 Cochino Durham Stephen 2010 Norfolk Kilpatrick Allan M. 1963 Cusk Webber Curtis 1989 Olympia Rupert Lee 1966 Cusk Hilarides William Hunter 1984 Pargo Goodknight Michael 1985 Daniel Webster Smith Robert John 1970 Patrick Henry Ryckebusch Jules C. 1983 Daniel Webster Fischer Todd J. 1996 Pennsylvania Fein Thomas P. 1970 Darter Kline Donald 1988 Phoenix Haran Timothy J. 1974 Francis Scott Key Gutierrez Mario 2006 Providence Clift Marvin 1976 George Bancroft Meneses Julio S. 2014 Providence Hastings Steven M. 1972 George Bancroft Schubert James 1990 Ray Jimenez Norberto 1979 George Bancroft Wing Gary Lee 1988 Richard B. Russell Normand Paul E. 1977 George C Marshall Neighbors Bruce Evan 1969 Ronquil Siverling Todd D. 1972 George Washington Fay Jack E. 2004 Salt Lake City Steiner Edward J. 1973 George Washington Lepine John 1977 Sam Houston Farnsworth Brian 1993 George Washington Carver Leidhecker Lance 2001 San Francisco Forberg Gary 1973 George Washington Carver Irwin Lee 1994 Santa Fe Brown Kevin 1990 Georgia Nichols Gary L. 1961 Sargo Ray W. Fredric 1985 Georgia Stewart David V. 1968 Seadragon Newholm Roy G. 1977 Glenard P. Lipscomb Clawson Michael 1991 Seahorse Predmore Jerry 1971 Grayback Rhoden Luis F. 1982 Seahorse Smith Carl T. 1959 Greenfish Herleth William 1980 Seawolf Talarico James 1972 Greenfish Madayag Robert A. 1993 Silversides Joranson David Eric 1963 Grenadier Adler Mark S. 1972 Sirago Baird Craig 1995 Groton Fried Arthur A. 1950 Sirago Serven Jeffrey 1980 Groton Helsdon Bernard E. 1988 Skipjack Byrum William F. 1976 Haddo McClintock II Harold D. 1979 Skipjack Wilber William A. 1970 Hardhead Lalor, IV Thomas 2011 Springfield Denney Jerrad W. 2008 Helena Shea Raymond E. 1974 Stonewall Jackson Baxter Dan 1971 Henry L. Stimson Craven Joseph R. 1982 Sturgeon Collins Walter 1986 Henry L. Stimson Schweickhardt Alan J. 1989 Sturgeon Sikora Gregory S. 1993 Henry L. Stimson Good David L. 1964 Tang Ackison Gregory Alan 1985 Jack Vanecek Michael 1967 Tang Breese Charles 1969 Jallao Johnson Philip R. 1972 Tautog Egan Kenneth R. 1985 James K Polk Worst Victor Gordon 1961 Tench Kelsey David 1984 James Madison McGlasson Stuart 1988 Tennessee Murphy Vernon Paul 1997 Jefferson City Pasichnyk John E. 1978 Thomas A. Edison Fernandez Paul R. 1974 John C. Calhoun Thompson Scott 1976 Thomas A. Edison Hamly Richard D. 1968 John C. Calhoun Haney H. S. Jon 1966 Tigrone Rosing-Clapp Kevin Dee 1980 John C. Calhoun Longbons Phillip L. 1961 Trigger Bailey Charles R. 1971 John Marshall Oakley Donald L. 1968 Trout Labbe Lawrence R. 1973 John Marshall Ruputz Philip 1969 Tunny Stallings Jr. John C. 1991 John Marshall Wilbur Thomas 1972 Von Steuben Pendergrast Joseph E. 1995 Kentucky Barth Gary E. 1984 Will Rogers Guidry Wiltz 1989 Key West Doherty Guy 1977 Will Rogers Rodriguez Michael 2007 Key West Foss Glen N. Associate Greig Reginald Albert 1983 Lafayette Kopczynski Ray Associate Mills Fred 1984 Lapon Rudes Mark Associate Bauer Rick 1974 Lewis and Clark Swenson Nancy Associate Mareno Steve 1995 Maryland

40 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 41 UPCOMING BOAT REUNIONS

USS Abraham Lincoln (SSBN-602) USS Remora (SS-487) USS Sea Leopard (SS-483) October 29-November 1, 2020 November 4-8, 2020 May 6-8, 2021 LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES! Charlotte, NC St. Marys, GA Manitowoc, WI Gregory A. Crystal • (704) 608-9136 Robert Sharpe • (860) 501-6161 Thomas Cushman • (260) 622-7648 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] AT THE USS Batfish (SSN-681) USS Robert E. Lee (SSBN-601) USS Stonewall Jackson SUBMARINES MOVIES October 14-18, 2020 November 3-7, 2021 September 8-11, 2021 Groton, CT Kings Bay, GA Bremerton, WA William Maitland • (541) 210-7027 Joe White • (405) 410-9206 Jeff Stony [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] USS Bergall (SS-320/SSN-667) USS Scamp (SSN-588) USS Threadfin (SS-410) October 15-18, 2020 May 17-21, 2021 November 5-8, 2020 Jacksonville, FL Rapid City, SD Jacksonville, FL Bryan Waller • (616) 250-4858 Rodney Stark • (702) 582-1424 Stephen Kolb • (904) 646-3814 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

USS Daniel Boone SSBN-629 USS Sculpin (SSN-590) USS Wahoo (SS-565) 2021 UNITED STATES SUBMARINE CALENDAR USS Barbel Barbel entered, the the lead Portsmouth ship in the Naval Navy's Shipyard last class for of alterations conventionally-powered which moved her submarines diving planes built from in the the 20th hull century, near the was bow commissioned to the submarine's on 17 sail. January In 1973 1959. Barbe In Januaryl 1961, November 9-15, 2020 March 25-28, 2021 April 29-May 1, 2021 division set a SUBPAC record for successfully shooting 118 torpedoes thatUSS year BARBEL and was (SS awarded -580) the Battle Efficiency "E". In 1978 She succeeded in a simulated "sinking" of the aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN-65) during Exercise RIMPAC. From 1988 until her decommissioning in 1989,

San Antonio, TX Katy, Texas Pensacola, FL who was the first African-American Navy enlisted man to rise to become a submarine commander.

Juan E. Molina Jim Conte Carol Ploeckelmann • (651) 429-6354 Barbel was commanded by Commander William’s F. weapons Bundy It is our purpose to perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That their Imagine a Cold War “what if?” where a Russian insurrection threatens a rebel nuclear strike on America, and the U.S. Navy ballistic dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the [email protected] (717) 940-4156 [email protected] missile sub at the crisis’ forefront misses the key part of a message commanding her to preemptively launch her weapons. Does she go United States of America and its Constitution. ahead and fire, perhaps saving her country yet risking global holocaust? Or does she work toward completed communications, truly expecting a full stand-down? Hollywood favorites Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman lock horns over this end-of-the-world scenario in a movie of nightmare action. But the Navy would not condone its perceived realism by cooperating with the production. So director Tony Scott was actually quite lucky in acquiring a shot of the submerging Ohio-class USS Alabama (SSBN-731—the sub USS Diablo (SS-479) USS Sea Devil (SSN-664) USS Wyoming (SSBN-742) of the story, hence the “Crimson Tide” reference). Elsewhere in the film, this missile sub is “played by” USS Barbel diesel-electric boat already partially scrapped at the time. In fact, the dockside scene where the captain addresses his crew was actually filmed at the scrapyard, where a plywood mockup of the conning tower was erected in place of the one already missing from Barbel

October 21-24, 2021 April 21-25, 2021 July 23-26, 2021 January 2021 (SS-580), a retired New London, CT Williamsburg, VA Cheyenne, WY It’s not just any film now playing at the Bijou— (Five Submarines and 318 men lost) Sunday . Monday David Matthes • (617) 721-4128 Nathaniel Short • (253) 670-5718 Brandon Shreffler • (918) 381-0360 you’re going to see a submarine picture. Tuesday Wednesday The scene in which the USS Alabama is diving for the first time, “Underway on Nuclear Power” is footage of the real Alabama submerging. — Eugene P. Wilkinson Thursday [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] CO – USS Nautilus Friday Saturday 3 1 Over the years, no doubt about it, U.S. Navy 4 2 5 USS Finback (SSN-670) 6 7 New Year’s Day October 15-20, 2020 submarines have played a prominent role in 10 8 11 SCORPION (SS-278) 1944 9 ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME – WASHINGTON, D.C. AND GULFPORT MISS. 12 Charleston, SC 13 submersible-themed movies—America’s ARGONAUT (SS-166) 1943 14 17 15 Joseph-Edward Aban • (503) 349-9157 18 SWORDFISH (SS-193) 1945 16 cinematic take on all kinds of undersea stories 19 [email protected] 20 Affordable Independent 21 24* Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 22 and adventures. From chilling wartime dramas 31 25 23 USS Henry L. Stimson (SSBN-655) 26 S-36 (SS-141) 1942 27 Living for Eligible Veterans! *S-26 (SS-131) 1942 to madcap comedies, ghostly tales to Victorian 28 October 13-17, 2021 29 Cincinnati, OH 30 The Armed Forces Retirement fantasies, such submarines have always captured Dick Young • (513) 353-4992 Home is an affordable retirement the imagination of moviegoers. Filmed appear- [email protected] community for eligible veterans who ances of actual submarines have likewise made USS Jallao (SS-368) served primarily in the enlisted ranks. April 7-10, 2021 Whether it’s at our scenic, wooded campus such silver screen fiction more believable— Philadelphia, PA in Washington, DC, or on the beach-side and more fun. Whether popular or obscure, The all-new 2021 USSVI Submarine Calendar Anthony C. Basilio • (610) 565-4243 campus in Gulfport, Miss., AFRH offers supportive care and shared camaraderie. Golden Age or modern era, USSVI’s 2021 [email protected] Calendar celebrates all submarine movies, those USS John Marshall (SSBN-611) Order Now! INCLUDED: August 28-September 5, 2021 our Navy’s steel sharks helped to get made, and Individual calendars are $10.95+2.75 shipping. Order yours Orlando, FL General Services: Major Amenities: Gulfport, Miss: others whose onscreen submarines represent today by credit card at ussvinationalstorekeeper.com Dave Cosgrove • (757) 876-8167 Medical, Dental & Vision Private Room-Shower Walking Path to Beach Wellness Program Internet-TV connection Outdoor Swimming Pool the best of Hollywood miniature and special or by sending your check or money order made payable [email protected] Recreational Activities Deluxe Fitness Center Ocean-view balconies effects magic. to USSVI to: USS Lapon (SS-260/SSN-661) Full Service Library Movie Theater Dining Facility Bowling Center Barry Commons August 26-29, 2021 Washington, DC: So snag those tickets, grab some popcorn, find Computer Center Hobby Shops 9-hole Golf Course USSVI National Storekeeper Gatlinburg, TN Banking Center Stocked Fishponds your seat and standby to dive. The lights 2063 Main St. PMB 293 • Oakley, CA 94561 Raymond Zieverink • (803) 322-6722 Mail Room Scenic Walking Paths [email protected] Campus BX/PX are coming down and the curtain’s Email: [email protected] Barber & Beauty Salon Phone: (925) 679-1744 USS Lewis & Clark (SSBN-644) On/Off Campus Shuttle going up… Here come larger-than- Contact Barry Commons for information on quantity discounts. July 14-18, 2021 For more information or to obtain an application, life iron boats in a big-screen battle Silverdale, WA call 800.422.9988 for your thrills and delight— Proceeds to benefit USSVI operations and projects. Tom O'Donnell • (515) 779-1930 [email protected] | afrh.gov that’s entertainment! [email protected] 3700 N. Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011

42 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 43 ETERNAL PATROL Joseph E. Gawronski Joseph H. Kabulis Thomas K. McGowan Joseph A. Peluso Jr. Charles J. Sladky Eugene B. Veek Indian Land, SC Westerly, RI Spring Hill, FL San Diego, CA Lisbon, CT Prescott, AZ Qualified USS Tench 1967 Qualified USS Toro 1955 Qualified USS Atule 1957 Qualified USS Bang 1960 Qualified USS Remora 1958 Qualified USS Tang 1960 Eternal Patrol 6/24/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/24/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/21/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/20/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/19/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/16/2020 There is a port of no return, where ships LeRoy L. Gilbert Alvin D. Keck John J. McLaughlin Fred J. Pester Dale S. Slinglend Virgil S. Vinyard Somers Point, NJ Antioch, TN Longview, WA Merrill, WI Flint, MI The Villages, FL May ride at anchor for a little space Qualified USS Sablefish 1959 Qualified USS Perch 1958 Qualified USS Entemedor 1947 Qualified USS Argonaut 1956 Qualified USS Bluegill 1957 Qualified USS Raton 1963 And then, some starless night the cable slips, Eternal Patrol 7/3/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/24/2020 Eternal Patrol 10/28/2010 Eternal Patrol 6/7/2020 Eternal Patrol 8/16/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/13/2020 Thomas P. Guilfoil Garrett T. Kelley Earl M. Messinger Jr. Charles S. Pike Jonathan F. Smith Frederick H. Voskuhl Leaving an eddy at the mooring place... Gales Ferry, CT Duluth, MN Mount Bethel, PA South Pasadena, FL Sierra Vista, AZ Pittsburgh, PA Gulls, veer no longer. Sailor rest your oar. Qualified USS Cubera 1961 Qualified USS Cavalla 1960 Qualified USS Charr 1945 Qualified USS Tusk 1953 Qualified USS Medregal 1968 Qualified USS Tunny 1944 Eternal Patrol 7/2/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/25/2020 Eternal Patrol 2/24/2019 Eternal Patrol 6/26/2020 Eternal Patrol 5/27/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/23/2020 No tangled wreckage will be washed ashore. Roy L. Hall James A. Kikis Allen L. Meyer Edwin G. Poehl Charles F. Spence Jr. George R. Waterman Russelville, TN New Braunfels, TX Myrtle Beach, SC Woodway, TX Charleston, SC Hopkinsville, KY Qualified USS Caiman 1963 Qualified USS Perch 1963 Qualified USS Halibut 1961 Qualified USS Skipjack 1943 Qualified USS Barbero 1956 Qualified USS Sealion 1963 Eternal Patrol 6/28/2020 Eternal Patrol 8/12/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/27/2020 Eternal Patrol 3/7/2020 Eternal Patrol 8/4/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/11/2020 Clarence E. Allen Gerald M. Chiappazzi Joseph A. Hanzel Jr. Robert H. Koehler Lamar R. Mindler Sr. Robert A. Poulin Michael J. Steinbuchel James C. Weitlauf Guthrie, OK Yorktown, VA Palm Coast, FL Seattle, WA Rockford, MI Virginia Beach, VA Orlando, FL Stonington, CT Qualified USS Carbonero 1955 Qualified USS Swordfish 1970 Qualified USS Grenadier 1963 Qualified USS Trigger 1953 Qualified USS Irex 1953 Qualified USS Blueback 1947 Qualified USS Trumpetfish 1962 Qualified USS Patrick Henry 1962 Eternal Patrol 8/27/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/29/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/28/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/8/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/13/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/4/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/28/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/29/2020 James G. Alls John D. Cornell Glenn E. Harris Don Leber Robert W. Molleck David C. Powell Ruthann Steiner Robert D Wiley II Independence, VA Saratoga Springs, NY Cherokee, IA Vacaville, CA Canton, IL Punta Gorda, FL Fort Mohave, AZ Reno, NV Qualified USS Flier 1944 Qualified USS Sea Robin 1956 Qualified USS John Marshall 1977 Qualified USS Bugara 1948 Qualified USS Chopper 1950 Qualified USS Muskallunge 1943 Qualified USS Volador 1963 Qualified USS Medregal 1963 Eternal Patrol 8/7/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/15/2020 Eternal Patrol 8/14/2020 Eternal Patrol 8/10/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/19/2020 Eternal Patrol 2/5/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/20/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/4/2019 John L. Barnes Mervell T. Cronin William Hausinger Jr. Bill R. Lee Timothy A. Moore Nelson L. Reinsch William H. Steinke William H. Woolcott Titusville, FL Attleboro, MA Friendswood, TX Stafford, VA Peoria, AZ Lubbock, TX Waipahu, HI Sun City West, AZ Qualified USS Toro 1959 Qualified USS Manta 1954 Qualified USS Trutta 1954 Qualified USS Cubera 1963 Qualified USS Seawolf 1963 Qualified USS S-31 1943 Qualified USS Barbel 1969 Qualified USS Corporal 1964 Eternal Patrol 2/26/2019 Eternal Patrol 6/13/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/6/2020 Eternal Patrol 5/12/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/31/2020 Eternal Patrol 1/10/2020 Eternal Patrol 8/24/2020 Eternal Patrol 8/6/2020 Joseph M. Battista John H. Cutler Charles F. Heckma Jr. Tola E. Lewis Jr. Albert G. Murman William D. Ridley Charles M. Stewart Jr. Vernon M. Wright Jr. Indianapolis, IN Marblehead, MA Pacifica, CA Elizabeth City, NC Midway, PA Keyport, WA Altus, OK Portsmouth, VA Qualified USS James Madison 1966 Qualified USS Tunny 1962 Qualified USS Raton 1945 Qualified USS Croaker 1965 Qualified USS Tigrone 1957 Qualified USS Stonewall Jackson 1963 Qualified USS Cobia 1944 Qualified USS Andrew Jackson 1969 Eternal Patrol 7/7/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/21/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/24/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/19/2020 Eternal Patrol 3/11/2017 Eternal Patrol 6/11/2020 Eternal Patrol 1/1/2019 Eternal Patrol 6/19/2020 Richard J. Berg Robert A. Dewar Dean J. Heltz Roger Lundin Ronald A. Naef Winthrop M. Roberts James Sutton Teunis Wyers Santee, CA New Smyrna, FL Athens, TN Marco Island, FL Elkins, AR Bondville, VT Truro, IA White Salmon, WA Qualified USS Tusk 1957 Qualified USS Clamagore Qualified USS Segundo 1955 Qualified USS Richard B Russell 1976 Qualified USS John C. Calhoun 1972 Qualified USS Corporal 1958 Qualified USS Grampus 1958 Qualified USS John Marshall 1968 Eternal Patrol 5/15/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/27/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/22/2020 Eternal Patrol 8/24/2020 Eternal Patrol 8/2/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/11/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/3/2018 Eternal Patrol 8/26/2019 James I. Black Vito V. DiAntonio Edward E. Henifin John S. Manasse Jim A. Nelson Stephan Taggart Rogers Leslie N. Sutton Robert C. Young Yankton, SD Catonsville, MD Fenwick Island, DE Des Plaines, IL Sun City, AZ Lower Lake, CA Yakima, WA Brooksville, FL Qualified USS Baya 1946 Qualified USS Sea Poacher 1944 Qualified USS Hardhead 1957 Qualified USS R-6 1943 Qualified USS Spinax 1966 Qualified USS Diodon 1969 Qualified USS Flasher 1975 Qualified USS Sea Poacher 1958 Eternal Patrol 4/23/2006 Eternal Patrol 6/20/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/25/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/7/2020 Eternal Patrol 8/14/2020 Eternal Patrol 10/27/2019 Eternal Patrol 6/16/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/11/2020 Kenneth W. Boyer Thomas G. Dietz Jr. Russell A. Henkel Robert P. Manookin Jr. Raoul Clifton Noland David R. Saari Solomon Swiman Wilson, NC San Jose, CA Ormond Beach, FL Genoa, UT Gardnerville, NV Charleston, SC West Haven, CT IN MEMORIAM Qualified USS Sea Owl 1959 Qualified USS Brill 1947 Qualified USS Skipjack 1964 Qualified USS Tiru 1961 Qualified USS Trutta 1945 Qualified USS Trumpetfish 1960 Qualified USS S-13 1941 Eternal Patrol 6/20/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/24/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/22/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/17/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/14/2019 Eternal Patrol 8/13/2020 Eternal Patrol 1/26/2020 Russell L. Shaeffer Harold E. Buck Michael C. Doherty Robert Z. Hester Donald F. Mansfield James Noonan Delmar John Schwichtenberg William R. Sylar Westerville, OH Lake Elsinore, CA Uncasville, CT Archdale, NC Ellensburg, WA Winter Haven, FL Carson City, NV Georgetown, TN Associate Qualified USS Flying Fish 1949 Qualified USS Darter Qualified USS Tilefish 1956 Qualified USS Menhaden 1963 Qualified USS Croaker 1955 Qualified USS O-6 1941 Qualified USS Cusk 1956 Eternal Patrol 8/16/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/19/2020 Eternal Patrol 12/27/2019 Eternal Patrol 6/15/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/21/2020 Eternal Patrol 5/7/2020 Eternal Patrol December 12/12/2019 Eternal Patrol 7/19/2020 Billy H. Buntin William J. Douglas Earl L. Huss Ray H. Martens William J. O’Halloran Michael D. Seversen William A. Szymanski Charleston, SC Woodbridge, VA Denver, CO Grand Junction, CO Fort Collins, CO Port Orchard, WA Lake Havasu City, AZ Qualified USS Sea Poacher 1955 Qualified USS Grampus 1957 Qualified USS Queenfish 1954 Qualified USS Sea Cat 1949 Qualified USS Paddle 1945 Qualified USS Bugara 1959 Qualified USS Pomfret 1964 Eternal Patrol 7/20/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/1/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/23/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/19/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/3/2020 Eternal Patrol 4/29/2019 Eternal Patrol 7/5/2020 James A. Burgett Francis J. Duntz Donald E. James Charles E. Martin Velton Parker Gildo J. Simeone Charles E. Tate Greenwood, IN Tolland, CT Easton, MD Lake Helen, FL Kaneohe, HI Virginia Beach, VA San Diego, CA Qualified USS Chopper 1963 Qualified USS Pompon 1944 Qualified USS Cobbler 1952 Qualified USS Pomfret 1956 Qualified USS Charr 1947 Qualified USS Diablo 1949 Qualified USS Gato 1944 Eternal Patrol 7/31/2020 Eternal Patrol 1/13/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/2/2015 Eternal Patrol 7/6/2020 Eternal Patrol 8/12/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/5/2011 Eternal Patrol 1/5/2018 H. Theodore Campbell George D. Ellis Jr. Anthony S. Jaworski Elmer J. Marx William G. Parsons Allan F. Simmons Jr. Hughes C. Terry Yellow Springs, OH El Paso, TX Annapolis, MD Appleton, WI Sparks, NV Joshua, TX Torrance, CA Qualified USS Spinax 1951 Qualified USS Corporal 1956 Qualified USS Diablo 1947 Qualified USS Burrfish Unknown Qualified USS Thresher 1942 Qualified USS Tiru 1963 Qualified USS Catfish 1947 Eternal Patrol 8/25/2020 Eternal Patrol 6/16/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/14/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/17/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/23/2020 Eternal Patrol 4/8/2018 Eternal Patrol 7/1/2020 William J. Carey Grier L. Garrick, III Melvin L. Jones William E. McClain Gregory W. Pelton Michael Skudin Thomas M Utley Encinitas, CA Ingleside, TX Sand Springs, OK Ackworth, GA Silverdale, WA Jacksonville, FL Brighton, CO Qualified USS R-1 1944 Qualified USS Lapon 1978 Qualified USS Besugo 1946 Qualified USS George W. Carver 1970 Qualified USS Francis Scott Key 1980 Qualified USS Sam Houston 1965 Qualified USS Sculpin 1974 Eternal Patrol 10/14/2019 Eternal Patrol 6/13/2020 Eternal Patrol 10/23/2012 Eternal Patrol 9/10/2020 Eternal Patrol 7/19/2020 Eternal Patrol 9/28/2019 Eternal Patrol November 24, 2019

44 | American Submariner | Fourth Quarter 2020 Fourth Quarter 2020 | American Submariner | 45 LookingLooking for Crewmates for Crewmates from from USS USSDaniel Daniel Boone. Boone.

We are proudWe are to proud represent to represent the widow the of widow Jack of Griffing Jack Griffing, a man who, a man served who his served county his withcounty with

distinctiondistinction aboard theaboard USS the Daniel USS BooneDaniel (SSBN-629)Boone (SSBN-629) from 1969 from to 19691972 toas 1972a member as a member of the of the

Blue Crew.Blue Unfortunately, Crew. Unfortunately, Jack’s service—like Jack’s service—like the service the ofservice so many of so others—exposed many others—exposed him to him to

cancer-causingcancer-causing asbestos. asbestos. Jack sadly Jack died sadly from died asbestos-related from asbestos-related lung cancer lung in cancer June 2018,in June leaving 2018, leaving

behind hisbehind wife hisof wife46 years. of 46 years.

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who canwho help can us understandhelp us understand the equipment the equipment and work and that work exposed that exposed Jack to asbestos.Jack to asbestos.

Please contactPlease contactC. Andrew C. Andrew Waters Waterswith Waters with KrausWaters & Kraus Paul, &who Paul, is helping who is helpingus represent us represent Mrs. Mrs. JackJack Griffing Griffing Griffing,Griffing, at 214-558-1972 at 214-558-1972 or [email protected] or [email protected] if you have if you any have information any information that may that may USS DanielUSS BooneDaniel (SSBN-629),Boone (SSBN-629), Blue Crew Blue 1969-1972 Crew 1969-1972 help us.help us. 1946-20181946-2018

HelpingHelping Veterans Veterans for Overfor Over 20 Years 20 Years

Waters KrausWaters & KrausPaul: 800-226-9880& Paul: 800-226-9880 222 N Pacific222 NCoast Pacific Highway Coast Highway Suite 1900 Suite El 1900 Segundo, El Segundo, California California 90245 90245 C. AndrewC. Waters Andrew is Waters the attorney is the responsibleattorney responsible for this advertisement for this advertisement

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