USSVI Thresher Base News Thresher victim’s remembered on 49th annual anniversary Jack Gill on Eternal Patrol memorial service in Kittery By Patrick Archambault, Foster’s Daily Democrat

KITTERY, Maine — It was April 10, Pledge of Allegiance and the national 1963 when Secretary to the Design anthem, had Vice Admiral Kevin M. Superintendent Rose Marie Dough- McCoy, USN, as the keynote speaker. erty received the ominous message The ceremony contained a bell from the USS Skylark, an above sea tolling where the 129 crewmen were service vessel. remembered, prayers, a wreath laying USS Thresher was con- and a gun salute for the crew mem- ducting sea trails off the coast of New bers. England this day and the two ships Dougherty, a seacoast resident for were in communication by means of 46 years, has been to nearly all of the underwater sound telephone. About ceremonies and was present this one. John C. “Jack” Gill, 68, a Vietnam an hour after the USS Thresher made “The Portsmouth Shipyard was so era veteran and retiree of Verizon, its deep sea decent, the USS Skylark proud of the Thresher because of how died Friday morning, April 20, at the forwarded a message from the depths advanced it was,” she said. Parkland Medical Center in Derry, of the Atlantic Ocean to Dougherty, Joy MacMillian, a speaker during after being striken at his home Satur- “We are experiencing minor difficul- the ceremony, is the daughter of USS day afternoon. He was the beloved and ties.” Thresher’s Chief Radioman Walter J. devoted husband of Audrey (Kliska) After some garbled messages and Noonis who was present at the time of Gill, with whom he celebrated 42 years difficulties in communicating, it was the sinking. of marriage last September. clear that the USS Thresher fell below “I was 6 years old on April 10, 1963. He was born and raised in Lawrence, the fatal crush depth and thus sank. As I grew, so did my perception that MA, son of the late John C. and Marguerite Gill. Upon graduation The 129 crew members aboard the continued on page 2 Portsmouth Naval Shipyard-built from Central Catholic High School he USS Thresher when the submarine enlisted in the U.S. Navy, Submari- sank now rest in peace, with the ners Corps. He qualified and received ocean as their graves. 49 years later, his dolphins aboard the USS Diablo. about 250 former crew members, He also served on the USS Agler, and shipyard workers, families members the USS Dogfish, and was honorably and community members gather at discharged as an EM3 SS. He was a the R.W. Traip Academy gymna- member of Sub Veterans club Thresh- sium at 1 p.m. Saturday for the 49th er Base, Portsmouth, NH, the Groton, Anniversary Memorial Service to CT, sub veterans club and National honor their loved ones aboard the USSVI USS Thresher that day. The cer- He began his 43 year career with emony, which began with both the Telephone and Tele- continued on page 2 USS Thresher Service...... 1 Member Birthdays...... 3 Lobsterbake/Holland Club.... 6 Table Jack Gill on Eternal Patrol..... 1 Groton Boat Tour...... 3 Thresher Service Photos...... 7 of Commander’s Message...... 2 Eagle Scouts...... 4 Calendar of Events...... 8 Memorial Day...... 2 Patriot’s Day Parade...... 4 USSVI Conventions...... 8 Contents Meeting Minutes...... 3 To Perpetuate the Memory... 5 Next Meeting...... 8

Volume 2012 IssuePage 13 Base Happenings Base Commander’s Message Jack Gill (continued from page 1) Shipmates, Service that will held at Albacore graph and stayed with the company Park. Join us in remembering all those as it changed to Verizon. He retired in The 49th USS who gave their lives for our great na- 2007 as a rated line and cableman, and Thresher Memo- tion. Contract Work Inspector. Jack was a rial Service was Please join us in honoring our member of IBEW Union Local 2321. a moving trib- WWII SubVets and Holland Club He enjoyed travelling and they had ute to the men Inductees at the July joint WWII just returned from wintering in North lost aboard USS SubVets & Thresher Base Lobster Fest Myrtle Beach last week where he was Thresher., as well and Holland Club Ceremony. a member of the Grand Strand, Pal- as an appropriate segway to the 50th. Our prayers go out to Audrey, wife metto Route Train Club. Jack devoted Thank you to all who assisted with of Thresher Base member John (Jack) his life to his family, and was a con- making this service heart felt to those Gill, EM3(SS) who departed on silent stant companion to the many pets he in attendance. patrol. Sailor rest your oar - your had over the years. Planning is underway for the 50th. wonderful presence will be missed. He is survived by his wife Audrey, his Vice Admiral McCoy notified me that sons, Sean of Durham, NH, and Jay he hand carried the invitation to the At your service, and his wife Kristen of Medford, MA, CNO. Former Thresher Base Com- Kevin and several cousins. mander Gary Hildreth is leading an exploratory search for a suitable loca- tion that will the estimated 1000 Thresher Service (continued from page 1) attendees. daddy was not ever coming back. Over saying, “I hold my rose proudly and Kudos to Former Base Com- the last 49 years of these ceremonies, remember you daddy Jack.” mander Tom Young, Secretary Robert roses are the central flower that comes Kevin Galeaz, who served in the McAlpine and Eagle Scout Coordina- to mind. Roses were given to survivors Navy from 1975 to 1982 as a Ballistic tor Al Page for representing Thresher as symbols of our strength,” she said in Missile Fire Control Technician, is a Base by joining up with Marblehead her attention grabbing speech. member of the Subma- Base at the Lexington Patriots Day She went on to read a poem about rine Veterans Inc. for the Thresher Parade. the tragic beauty between roses and Base in Portsmouth and was reader Our next event after the May meet- their thorns and closed the speech by during the bell tolling. ing is Thresher Base’s Memorial Day He said his involvement in the or- ganization is to facilitate its purpose, Thresher Base Charter Newsletter Information “to perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the USSVI Thresher Base was chartered The base newsletter, Thresher Base pursuit of their duties.” on 15 November 1989 in the memory of News, is published 6 times a year to those 129 gallant men who at 9:17 AM inform the membership and com- Next year will be the 50th anniversa- on 10 April 1963 lost their lives in the munity about meeting happenings ry for which Galeaz is expecting 1,000 performance of their duties aboard USS and upcoming events. All members people to be present. THRESHER (SSN 593). are welcome to submit non-political Our mission is “to perpetuate the articles for inclusion in an upcom- memory of our shipmates who gave their ing issue. Send submissions to Kevin lives in the pursuit of their duties while Galeaz, Editor, 1465 Hooksett Road Memorial Day Service serving their country. That their dedica- #239, Hooksett, NH 03106 or Albacore Park tion, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a [email protected]. constant source of motivation toward Monday, May 28 greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States 1000 Government.” Page 2 March 2012 Meeting Minutes

Call meeting to order by Maine Base Reading of the last meeting minutes: presented the Memorial Circle Project Commander, Larry Ferrell, followed This was difficult under the condi- to the Maine Base and Thresher Base by the reading of the Creed of USSVI tions and ended up being short. A members. then the by Pledge of Allegiance was motion was made to accept the min- Note: The environment didn’t lend performed utes, Seconded and passed. itself to a formal meeting and was hard to conduct business as usual. Moment of Silence Tolling of the Bell Treasures Report: for Boats on Eternal Patrol in: Balance 1/21/12 $4,134.38 Tom Shannon, Eastern USSVI Dis- February and March Deposits $450.70 trict Commander, officially swore in Expenses $160.00 the Maine Base Officers and Thresher Prayer Lead by: Balance 3/17/12 $4,425.08 Base Officers to their respective offices Maine Base Chaplin, Terry Schmidt in a group format. Old Business - Sound Off and Introduction of Base Commander Galeaz went over Thresher Base Officers: Guests: Several Members of Rhode preparations for the upcoming 49th Base Commander - Kevin Galeaz Island Base, members of the Will Rod- Thresher Memorial Service. Vice Commander - Richard Cecchetti gers crew working on their reunion Secretary - Robert McAlpine to take place April 2013 were intro- New Business Treasurer - Dennis O’Keefe duced. Base Commander spoke w/ regards Gerry Mylroie and Don Kerr (Kit- to planning for the 50th Thresher Motion to adjourn by Maine Base tery Memorial Circle Committee) Memorial Service. Commander, Larry Ferrell were introduced. After individual base meetings, the Kittery Planning Committee reps

Member Birthdays Groton Boat Tour May 11 - Michael Gaughan The Marblehead Base had such 5 - Snow Snow 12 - Stanley Thurston 6 - Bob Anderson overwhelming positive feedback 13 - Dick Blachford 6 - Roy Pierce about these boat tours that they 13 - Charles Manes 24 - John Trubee will be conducting them on all 3 17 - Donald Baker 26 - Donald Scanlon Saturdays: April 28, May 19 and 21 - George Horne 31 Bob Miller June 9. It was decided at the January 22 - Tom Nalway meeting that Thresher Base will put 24 - Errol Chase June together a group for June 9. Lookout 25 - Norm Gilmore 1 - Richard Seedner for more details in the upcoming 27 - Roland Miller 3 - Frank Reinhold months. 27 - Chuck Strand 4 - Roger Babcock Page 3 Eagle Scouts Court of Honor

William Conte II, Ryan Guest Daniel K. Stacey and Zach Sheltra Camp Carpenter, Manchestesr, NH Hampstead Congregational Church, Hampstead, NH On Sunday, May 13, Al Page and Kevin Galeaz pre- sented Daniel with a USSVI Certificate of Recognition of Outstanding Achievement. On the fireplace man- tal are drawings of Daniel’s Eagle Scout Project - he designed and built a Veteran’s Memorial at the Pine Cemetary in Salem. Daniel’s grandfather, Francis Jo- seph Stacey, served aboard the SS Puffer, SS Tuna, SS Nautilus, SS Croaker, SS Angler, SS Cutlass, SS Shad, SS Balao, AS15 Bushnell and SS Amberjack.

On Saturday May 5, Former Thresher Base Commander Tom Young and Thresher Base member Al Page pre- sented Eagle Scout certificates to William Conti !!, Ryan Guest and Zach Sheltra during the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Troop 33 Hampstead, NH at the Hampstead Congregational Church. Tom spoke of how and why submarine veterans are interested in Eagle Scouts and presented the certificates that are signed by National Commander T. Michael Bircumshaw and Thresher Base Commander Kevin Galeaz.

Partriot’s Day Parade

April 16, 2012

Bob McAlpine, Tom Young and Al Page represented Thresher Base at Lexington, MA’s annual Patriot’s Day Parade with Marblehead Base.

Page 4 To Perpetuate the Memory

Burnett Michael Shotwell was born sports. Burnett also developed an and volunteered for submarine duty. on August 19, 1942, in Morristown, early interest in electronics and had Completing submarine basic training N.J., the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bur- built his own radio transmitter while at the U.S. Naval Submarine School, nett E. Shotwell of Red Bank, N.J. in high school, as well as other type New London, Conn., Burnett under- He attended the radio equipment. went further training at the Guided River Plaza Gram- Missile School, Dam Neck, Va. mar School and Upon graduating Following graduation, he was then the Middletown from high school in assigned to the nuclear-powered sub- Township High June 1960, Burnett marine U.S.S. Thresher (SSN 593). School in Middle- enlisted in the Navy town Township, and received his Burnett is survived by his parents, N.J. While in high basic training at the Mr. and Mrs. Burnett E. Shotwell school, Burnett was U.S. Naval Training of Red Bank, N.J.; a brother, Leon- a member of the Center, Great Lakes, ard Shotwell, and his godfather, Mr. Field and Stream Ill. Burnett was then Irwin Thompson, a longtime resident Club and the Math selected to attend the of the Shotwell househol Club. He was Navy’s Electronics particularly fond Burnett Michael Shotwell Technician School. of outdoor sports, Electronics Technician Seaman He was graduated especially water on April 14, 1961,

Alan Dennison Sinnett was born on basic training at the Submarine School earned the Good Conduct Medal February 12, 1934, in Boston, Mass., at New London, with three stars in lieu where he lived and attended school Conn., Alan of three awards, prior to entering the Navy. He at- was assigned the tended Benjamin Dean and Thomas to the sub- Service Medal, Ko- N. Hart Schools in South Boston, and marine U.S.S. rean Service Medal, South Boston High School. During Balao (SS 285). Navy Occupation his school years he was a member of While serv- Service Medal with the Boy Scouts, and a member of the ing in Balao, European Clasp, Boys’ Club of South Boston. His hob- he qualified and the National bies were swimming, skin-diving and as a submari- Defense Medal. photography. While a member of the ner, and was Boys’ Club, Alan was awarded several awarded his Alan is survived trophies for his swimming feats. silver dolphins. by his widow, the former Mary de Alan enlisted in the Navy on June A graduate Lauri, and two 29, 1951, and after completing his Alan Dennison Sinnett of the Navy’s children, Alan recruit training he was assigned to the Fire Control Technician, Second Class Fire Control Dean and Lauren U.S.S. Noa (DD 841). He United States Navy Technician’s Gail. He also leaves later served in the School, Alan, his parents, Mr. U.S.S. Telfair (APA 210), the repair was ordered to and Mrs. George L. Sinnett of South ship U.S.S. Ajax (AR 6) and the U.S.S. the submarine Thresher, on April 4, Weymouth, Mass., and a sister, Edith Markab (AR 23), prior to volunteer- 1963. During his naval service, Alan E. Nest of Biddeford, Maine. ing for submarine duty. Completing Page 5 Annual Lobsterbake and Holland Club Induction

Saturday, July 21, 2012 @ 1200 American Legion Post #70 Raymond D. Walton Road Seabrook, NH Menu Options & Cost Single lobster, steamed clams, chowder & corn on the cob for $20 p/p. - or - Double lobsters, steamed clams, chowder & corn on the cob for $25 p/p. - or - Steak with baked potato for $20 p/p.

Invitation List U.S. SUBVETS WWII, Associates, Wives and Guests. USSVI SUBVETS, Wives and Guests.

Reservations Reservations with payment are required by Saturday, July 14. Mail check made out to USSVI Thresher Base with menu selection to: Thresher Base Secretary Bob McAlpine 3 Sterling Hill Lane, # 343 Exeter NH 03833-4872 603-772-3272 (Home) [email protected]

Directions Take Rt. 95 to NH Exit 1, Rt. 107 East. Proceed to Rt. 1, and turn right heading South. Continue to Traffic Circle completing 3/4 of the circle. Turn right onto Walton Rd. and proceed for ~ 1/2 mile. The Raymond D. Walton American Legion Post #70 is located on the left. If you need more directions call the American Legion at 603.474.8387

Page 6 USS Thresher Memorial Service

Former USS Thresher crew member, Fern Wagner, shared his memories of his time aboard Thresher and his shipmates. Keynote speaker - Vice Admiral Kevin McCoy

Cathy Beal, daughter of Daniel Beal Jr., represented the Thresh- er families as she threw out the rememberence wreath. Page 7 THRESHER Base United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. c/o Kevin Galeaz 1465 Hooksett Road #239 Hooksett, NH 03106

Next Thresher Base Meeting Saturday, May 19 @ 1200 Newick’s • Dover Point Road • Dover, NH

2012 Calendar of Events USSVI Conventions May September 19 - 1200 - Base Meeting - Newicks’s 2 to 9 - USSVI Convention, Norfolk, 2012 28 - 1000 - Memorial Day Service at VA Albacore Park 15 - 1200 - Base Meeting at Newicks September 2 to 9 Norfolk, VA June November 9 - TBD - Groton Boat Tour with 17 - 1200 - Base Meeting - TBD Marblehead Base 2013 August 25 to September 2 July Rochester, MN 21 - 1200 - Base Meeting/Lobster- bake at Seabrook Legion

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