Puget Soundings. Bremerton-Base Submarine Veteran s Quarterly Newsletter By Submariners For Submariners and Friends

Transcription

1 Puget Soundings Bremerton-Base Submarine Veteran s Quarterly Newsletter By Submariners For Submariners and Friends Vol. 16 Issue 2 Bremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA May July 2013 USSVI Purpose and Creed To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States of America and it s Constitution. That's our CREED, but it's not who we are. We are United States Submarine Sailors! We were, and are, members of the elite fighting force of the United States Navy. We are all QUALIFIED IN SUBMARINES. Included are submariners from the very early boats: S, R or earlier; WWII boats; post-war GUPPY boats and FBM and Fast Attack Submariners. All Qualified in Submarines from E2 to 4 Stars. Retired, short timer, or active duty - it makes no difference. If you are Qualified in Submarines we want you in United States Submarine Veterans. Inc. From the Editor Over the next few months, I will be revising our publishing dates in order to coincide with calendar quarters. This means I will short cycle the last issue for the year to include only Nov-Dec 2013 with the intent to include the Annual Subvet Christmas Party Flyer in November to ensure that we reach more of our members. This will also allow one (1) page to list all Bremerton Base Members. Thank you to all for their feedback to the editor. Contact your E-Board if you would like to see a Bi-Monthly Puget Soundings. Need a Ride to a Base Meeting or Other Function? Contact any Base Officer. All officers are listed on page 2 of the Puget Soundings. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Pg. 1 USSVI Purpose and Creed Pg. 1 From the Editor Pp. 2-3 Base Commander s Comments Pg. 2 Base Officers and Committee Members Pg. 3 School of the Boat Pg. 4 On Eternal Patrol Pg. 5 Submarine Birthday Ball 2013 Pp. 6-7 Fact or Fiction? USS Nautilus Pg. 7 USS Skipjack Toilet Paper Pg. 8 Memorial Day at Ivy Green Cemetery Pg. 9 Armed Forces Day Pg. 9 Sponsor s Advertising Pg. 10 Bremerton Base Annual Picnic Pg. 10 Best of the Blogosphere/Internet Pg. 10 Sponsor s Advertising Pg. 11 Deterrent Park Brick Laying Pg. 11 USS Grayback Pp Base Meeting Minutes Pg. 12 Base Officer Nominations Pg. 15 Bremerton Base Boosters Pg. 15 Treasurer's Report and Membership Pg. 15 Base Calendar Pg. 16. Soup Down Schedule Pg. 16. Newsletter Advertising Rates Please Pass This Issue to Another Submariner

2 The Past, Present, and Future Pride Runs Deep! Base Commander s Comments Looking back over the last few months, I realize how fast the time flies. It seems so long ago that we had our special Saturday morning meeting in February. What a meeting it was. I think it was special on several accounts. First, that it was on a Saturday morning. This was an idea that the E-Board had been discussing. I don t know if the Base members liked the idea or not, but judging by the turnout, I would say they did. Unless, of course, the turnout was due to the breakfast provided for members and guests by the Base. When we made arrangements for the food, we planned on feeding people. Well, those who were there know we had a lot more people than that. Part of the reason for so many people was that a lot of members brought guest. We thought it would be nice for wives, girlfriends, and significant others to share the breakfast with us, and also listen to our guest speakers. I was told that some of our guests came especially for that reason. We were joined by the C.O., X.O., and two newly qualified officers (one male, one female) from the blue crew of the U.S.S. Maine. As I listened to the four talk and answer questions, I had a couple thoughts go through my mind. The first was that I felt old, not ever remembering any officers looking that young. Especially a Commanding Officer I couldn t imagine calling him the Old Man. The other thought was that these four conduct themselves so professionally, and that if this is typical of today s Navy, we are in pretty good hands! [continued on page 3] Commander Jim DeMott jedemott@ Hotmail.com Secretary Wayne Sieckowski wsieckowski@ gmail,com Vice Commander Steve Corcoran stephenjcorcoran@ gmail.com Treasurer Membership Chairman Dennis Nardone dnardone@ wavecable.com Past Commander David Niemy ssbnswo@ aol.com Chief of the Boat Hank Hollis hhollis423@ comcast.net Chaplain Fred Borgmann office@ ussvi.org Holland Club Chairman Dick Litscher nolitch@ comcast.net Base Webmaster Don Red Bassler up-scope@ wavecable.com Storekeeper Ralph W. Harris rwharris@ wavecable.com Fireworks Chairman Mike Sullivan mikesullivan575@ comcast.net Puget Soundings Dave Pittman drpittman@ wavecable.com OFFICERS & COMMITTEE MEMBERS Bonefish Manager NWCPOA Rep Sam Swenson sswenson@ tscnet.com Scholarship Chairman John Gardner Jgardner@ donobi.com Western District 4 Commander Al Durkee durkeeal@ earthlink.net EDITOR INFORMATION: Submittals or inquires (Dave Pittman drpittman@wavecable.com) Every time you check your , also check out the Bremerton Base website (The Gertrude Check) for updated information on base activities, members, on-line news, and calendar at Let me know if you are receiving this newsletter in the mail and would like it by to help reduce our costs! 2 Puget Soundings Volume 16 Issue 2 USSVI Bremerton Base Quarterly Newsletter

3 The Past, Present, and Future Pride Runs Deep! Base Commander s Comments [continued from page 2] In March we didn t have quite as many people at our meeting, but something pretty remarkable happened anyway. I made an announcement about the memorial ceremony to commemorate the 50 th anniversary of the loss of the U.S.S. Thresher. Our Base had planned to watch it as it was broadcast on the internet. Earlier that day, I had received an that explained how the Thresher Base was having financial difficulties with putting the ceremony on, due to government support being withdrawn. Before I knew it, the Bremerton Base members at the meeting had passed a hat and collected $ to contribute to the cause. The E-Board had a special meeting and unanimously voted to send additional funds, which made the total contributions from the Base $ Due to all the contributions received, the ceremony happened as planned. Thanks to our Base Secretary Wayne Sieckowski for bringing in his laptop computer and projector. There were about twelve of us who showed up and this allowed us to watch the ceremony. Though I have no memories of that day (I was only six months old), it was interesting listening to our members tell stories and share their memories. Though still a few months away, I want to mention the Base elections. I have appointed Gary Dutch Kaiser as Nominations Committee Chairman. He is accepting nominations for the five elected Base Officer positions. I would ask that everyone consider making themselves available for a position. This is your Base and you should be a part of it. What I have learned from my brief period of service in this organization is that anyone can hold any of these positions, there is plenty of help if needed, and it is an overall enjoyable experience. Even though someone else might have made themselves available for a position, we can utilize the election process we have, and give everyone an opportunity to serve. As we head into the summer, we have a lot of events going on. Memorial Day ceremonies, parades, and fireworks sales are just a few of the things. I encourage everyone to come out and participate in some (or all) of these functions, and be a part of your Base. We have members that are willing to give rides, if transportation is an issue or an excuse. And while we gather to support our creed, it is good to get to know each other, and share a few sea stories. I look forward to seeing you all over the next few months at meetings, parades, soupdowns, Base picnic (Saturday, August 3 rd ), or other events. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to serve the Base. Jim DeMott Commander USSVI Bremerton Base School of the Boat National USSVI C & B Tutoring by Dave Niemy From the Policies and Procedures (2011 Revision), Section-1: PURPOSE WHY DOES USSVI EXIST? The Three Pillars. Our organizational purposes are summarized in three broad categories: Remembrance, Fellowship, and Compassion. Remembrance We remember our departed submariner brothers who honorably served in war and peace. We especially honor those who perished in the great struggle against evil and tyranny in WWII. Fellowship We meet and participate in group activities to keep alive the spirit and bond of comradeship with our fellow brothers of the dolphin. Compassion To our brothers we extend a helping hand and words of encouragement or solace when they are needed. Through our Charitable Foundation we extend scholarships, maintain memorials, provide holiday meals to young submariner families in need and do other good works as the need and the opportunity arises. 3 USS Robalo (SS 273) Additional Reading

4 On Eternal Patrol To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments. USS S-28 (SS-133) Lost on July 4, 1944 with the loss of 50 crew members. She was conducting training exercises off Hawaii with the US Coast Guard Cutter Reliance. After S-28 dove for a practice torpedo approach, Reliance lost contact. No distress signal or explosion was heard. Two days later, an oil slick was found near where S-28. The exact cause of her loss remains a mystery. USS Robalo (SS-273) Lost on July 26,1944 with the loss of 84 crew members while on her 3rd war patrol. She struck a mine about 2 miles off the coast of Palawan. Three men survived and swam ashore, then imprisoned by the Japanese. Unfortunately, they were put on a Japanese destroyer and lost when that destroyer was sunk. USS Grunion (SS-216) Lost on July 30, 1942 with the loss of 70 crew members while on her first war patrol near Kiska Harbor. She radioed that she sank two sub-chasers and damaged a third, but was never heard from again. Her loss remains a mystery. USS Bullhead (SS-332) Lost on August 6, 1945 with the loss of 84 crew members in the Lombok Strait while on her 3rd war patrol when sunk by a depth charge dropped by a Japanese Army plane. Bullhead was the last submarine lost during WWII..USS Flier (SS-250) Lost on August 13, 1944, with the loss of 80 crew members while on her 2nd war patrol. Flier was transiting on the surface when she was rocked by a massive explosion (probably a mine) and sank within less than a minute. 13 survivors, some injured, made it into the water and swam to shore. 8 survived and 6 days later friendly natives guided them to a Coast Watcher and they were evacuated by the USS Redfin. USS S 39 (SS-144) Lost on August 14, 1942 after grounding on a reef south while on her 3rd war patrol. The entire crew was able to get off and rescued by the HMAS Katoomba. USS Harder (SS-257) Lost on August 24, 1944 with the loss of 84 crew members from a depth charge attack by a minesweeper near Bataan while on her 6th war patrol. Harder had won a Presidential Unit Citation for her first 5 war patrols and CDR Dealey was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously. Harder is tied for 9th in the number of enemy ships sunk. USS Pompano (SS-181) Lost on August 29, 1943 (between Aug 8 and Sept 27) with the loss of 76 men while on her 7th war patrol. Before being lost, she sank two enemy cargo ships. The exact cause of her loss remains unknown, but she probably fell victim to a mine. This boat's last known ship sunk happened on Sept 25th, so she probably hit that mine on or after that date but before Oct 5th, when she was scheduled back at Midway. USS Cochino (SS-345) Lost on August 26, 1949 after being jolted by a violent polar gale off Norway caused an electrical fire and battery explosion that generated hydrogen and chlorine gasses. In extremely bad weather, men of Cochino and Tusk (SS-426) fought to save the submarine for 14 hours. After a 2nd battery explosion, Abandon Ship was ordered and Cochino sank. Tusk's crew rescued all of Cochino's men except for one civilian engineer. Six Sailors from Tusk were lost during the rescue. USS S 5 (SS-110) Lost on September 1, 1920 when a practice dive went wrong and she sank bow-first, with her stern showing above the water. In a dramatic adventure, her exhausted crew was rescued during the next few days. Salvage attempts were unsuccessful, S-5 settled to the bottom and was abandoned. USS Grayling (SS-209) Lost on Sept 9, 1943 with the loss of 76 men near the Tablas Strait. Grayling was on her 8th war patrol and sank two ships before being lost. USS Cisco (SS-290) Lost on Sept 28, 1943 on her first war patrol with the loss of 76 men in the Sulu Sea west of Mindinao. 4 USS S 51 (SS-162) Lost on Sept 25, 1925 with the loss of 32 men when it was sunk after collision with SS City of Rome off Block Island.

5 The Past, Present, and Future Pride Runs Deep! Submarine Birthday Ball 2013 Wayne Sieckowski On April 20, 2013, Thirteen Hundred Submariners and their guests gathered at the Sheraton Hotel in Seattle to celebrate the 113 th Birthday of the United States Submarine Force. Among those gathered were USSVI Bremerton Base Member and WWII Submarine Veteran Paul Christofferson and his wife Aecha, along with Paul other Bremerton Base members in attendance were Ralph Harris, Gary Dutch Kaiser and Wayne Sieckowski and his guest Joyia Rubens. Also attending was USSVI Western Regional Director John Mansfield. The SubVets and their guests sat at the Head Table along with Rear Admiral Kuhlmann and ComSub- Group Nine Command Master Chief Rusty Staub and his wife Rokki. Command Master Chief Staub acted as the evening master of ceremonies. Opening Observations were conducted which included the Presentation of the Colors, Singing of the Star Spangled Banner, Chaplain s Invocation and a very moving Video Tolling of the Boats. The Honored guests were introduced which included all the SubVets and their guests. After a dinner of salmon and steak, the evening s guest Speaker Seattle s Radio Station KISW Disc Jockey, BJ Shay and his staff. His producer STP had this to say about the Submarine Ball What and incredible weekend. On Saturday, Vicky, The Rev, BJ, and I attended the 113th Submarine Ball I can't even express how great of a night it was. Huge thanks to all of the Submariners and their families for showing us a great time. After a brief speech the podium was turned back over to Master Chief Staub. ETSN(SU) Tyler Moore was invited to the stage along with his Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Louisiana (SSBN 743) to pin ETSN Tyler Moore s Dolphin on him, making him the newest qualified Submariner in attendance. Then ETSN(SS) Tyler Moore (Newest Qualified), Paul Chistofferson (Longest Qualified, 1944), Master Chief (SS) Scott Moore (Long Active Duty Qualified ion attendance), Rear Admiral Kuhlmann, and BJ Shay cut the Birthday Cake. After the cake cutting and the introduction of the Chief of the Boats the formal ceremonies were concluded and the Navy Northwest Band played on. Clockwise starting from the upper left Ralph Harris, Gary Kaiser, John Mansfield Rear Admiral Kuhlmann and Paul Christofferson BJ Shay ( Seattle DJ and Guest of Honor) Rear Admiral Kuhlmann Paul Christofferson, ETSN(SS) Taylor Johnson (Newest Qualified Submariner Dolphins Pinned on at Ball) and MCPO(SS) Scott Moore ( Longest Qualified on Active Duty in Attendance) USS Grayling (SS 209) Additional Reading 5

6 The Past, Present, and Future Pride Runs Deep! Fact or Fiction? On 25 April 1958, USS NAUTILUS (SSN-571) left New London, Connecticut, headed for the West Coast and, eventually, the first submerged transit of the North Pole. But the journey did not start out well. En route to Panama, with the reactor working perfectly, we discovered that a tiny salt-water leak had developed in one of the steam condensers, commanding officer William Andy Anderson wrote in his memoir, Nautilus 90 North. A leak of this kind we estimated it was no larger than a human hair is not unusual on a submarine. This one, however, was emptying into a critical piece of machinery that was not specifically designed to resist the corrosive effects of salt water. If it continued, we knew, there was a danger that it could ultimately cause a major breakdown of the propulsion machinery. If this occurred under the ice, it could be a catastrophe. Our Engineering Officer, Paul Early, and his team of experts combed through the pipes and valves with the thoroughness of Sherlock Holmes. According to Early s calculation of the number of tubes and fittings, the leak might be occurring at any one of about ten thousand places, many of them impossible to reach without literally tearing the ship apart. They checked as many as they could, but they could not find the leak. Slowly, to my great concern, the chloride level in the condensers began to climb. When the boat reached Mare Island Navy Yard in Vallejo, California, legions of engineers, workmen, and high Navy gold braid came aboard to grapple with the damnable, persistent saltwater leak in the condenser. The best men in the nation were trying to solve this riddle, and they were not making much headway. The ship was pulled into dock and gone over inch by inch. But no one could find the leak. I was becoming increasingly concerned, not so much that the leak would cause us a major disaster beneath the ice, but that someone in Washington would consider the risk too great and, after all our preparations and hope, cancel the trip. Determined to stick to schedule, and despite the still-leaking condenser, Anderson took NAUTILUS to sea, heading for Seattle, the final stop before she was to set out for the Arctic. There were many things to occupy my mind en route to Seattle, Anderson continued, but the one material problem I concentrated on was the leak in the condenser system. Paul Early and I held several conferences a day, racking our minds for a solution. By the time we were a few hours out of Seattle, either we or the experts in San Francisco had explored every conceivable avenue. Yet each one had led to a dead end. I thought of a Sunday afternoon conversation I had had years ago with my father-in-law, a research chemist for a large organization. Then an idea flashed into my mind. A ridiculous, improbable, crazy idea it was. But, I thought, we ve tried everything else. Why not? I called Paul Early into my stateroom. Paul, I said, When we get to Seattle, I want you to send your men around town, in civilian clothes, to various gasoline stations. Let each man buy several jars of that stuff you pour into automobile radiators to stop leaks. What do they call it Stop Leak? Early s lips curled into a faint smile. I could see that he could not tell whether I was serious or not. I m serious, Paul, I said. Let s get together about thirty gallons of the stuff. I think it comes in quart jars, so we ll need one heck of a lot of jars. But tell your men not to disclose that they are from the Nautilus. For more reasons than one, this has to be done strictly under cover. Now, when you get that stuff aboard, you know what to do. Pour it into the condenser system, just like you would an automobile radiator. And get enough so we will have extra for the trip. Early detailed Chief Stuart Nelson to spearhead the Stop Leak project. [Continued on page 7] Puget Soundings Volume 16 Issue 2 USSVI Bremerton Base Quarterly Newsletter 6

7 The Past, Present, and Future Pride Runs Deep! Fact or Fiction? [continued from page 6] After the ship had moored, half a dozen Nautilus sailors went ashore in civilian clothes, and I believe they must have bought every jar of Stop Leak in Seattle. They brought 140 quart jars back to Nautilus, and under Early s supervision poured half of it into the condenser system. What a scene! A hundred-million-dollar nuclear-powered submarine, the most advanced ship in history, and Early s men pouring in $1.80 jars of Stop Leak. But for us it was no laughing matter. It was deadly serious business. We knew that the polar transit itself probably hung in the balance. Incredible as it may seem, the Stop Leak treatment worked. Wherever it was, the leak was plugged. Neither in Seattle, nor later, would this problem arise again. Even as I write these words, the weak spot has yet to leak. It may be that some of the work we did earlier, or the expert combing in San Francisco helped or, perhaps, plugged the leak altogether. But you couldn t get a man on Nautilus to believe this. Today they are probably the most enthusiastic proponents of Stop Leak in the world. Shortly before departing on the first of ten patrols she would undertake during World War II, USS SKIPJACK (SS-184) ordered 150 rolls of toilet paper. The request was denied, prompting her commanding officer, James W. Coe, to compose one of the more memorable memos of the war. fbid= &set=a &type=1&theater 7 USS Cisco (SS 290) Additional Reading

8 Honor Our WWII Submarine Heroes They are few! Memorial Day at Ivy Green Cemetery Ivy Green Cemetery 1401 Naval Avenue Bremerton, WA (360) Ivy Green Cemetery is a division of the Bremerton Parks & Recreation Department. Ivy Green Cemetery is owned and operated by the City of Bremerton Parks & Recreation Department. It is 15 acres and is open to the public every day from 8:00 AM until dusk. Ivy Green Cemetery has a large military section with all services represented. The local veterans' organizations are active in volunteering with events that honor Bremerton's military heritage. Ivy Green Cemetery is the site of the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" honoring those fallen military men and women. John H. Nibbe, Civil War hero is also buried here, as well as Wesley Harris, the Marine that Navy gun range on way the to Seabeck is named after. Many of Bremerton's civilian pioneer families, such as the Dietz, Warren, Gorst, and Harrison families, are also buried here. Navy Hymn for Submariners Puget Soundings Volume 16 Issue 2 8 USSVI Bremerton Base Quarterly Newsletter

9 Submariners Trade with Establishments Advertising in Puget Soundings Armed Forces Day USS Bullhead (SS 332) Additional Reading

10 The Past, Present, and Future Pride Runs Deep! BREMERTON SUBVETS PICNIC 2013 ELKS PICNIC AREA AUGUST 3, 2013 At 1200 SUBVETS will provide Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Buns, Mayonnaise, Mustard, Ketchup, Pickles, Knives, Forks, Spoons, Cups, Plates, Paper Towels & etc. All you have to do is bring yourself and provide a salad, a dessert or etc. to share. BYOB or cans Best of the Blogosphere/Internet A Cold War Fought Deep coldwar.html Century Old Torpedo Found may/20/dolphins-find-century-old-torpedo/ The Howell Torpedo Silversides Boatel scoopdeck/2013/03/14/decommissionednavy-sub-named-top-5-boatel/ USS Asheville 10 Puget Soundings Volume 16 Issue 2 USSVI Bremerton Base Quarterly Newsletter

11 The Past, Present, and Future Pride Runs Deep! Sorting out the bricks for layout. The Crew May 25th Installation of 24 Engraved Bricks at Deterrent Park. USS GRAYBACK (SS-208) left Pearl Harbor for her tenth war patrol on 28 January She topped off with fuel at Midway and then headed for the strait that separates Luzon in the Philippines from Taiwan, then known as Formosa. She was to remain in the area for eight days, from 8-16 February, and then move into the East China Sea. At first everything went well. GRAYBACK reported sinking two cargo ships on the nineteenth and damaging two more. On the 25th she sent one tanker to the bottom and crippled a second. At that point she had only two torpedoes left, so her chain of command ordered her to return to Pearl Harbor. She was supposed to put in at Midway on 7 March, but never arrived. She was declared overdue and presumed lost on 30 March. Japanese records examined after the war indicate that on 27 February GRAYBACK destroyed a Japanese freighter using her last two torpedoes. Later in the day, she was spotted, running on the surface, by a patrol aircraft which dropped a bomb directly on top of her. The boat, according to the report, exploded and sank immediately. Taking no chances, the aircraft called in a couple of ships which dropped depth charges into a trail of air bubbles until a slick of oil coated the sea for hundreds of meters in all directions. Eighty men were lost with GRAYBACK, the recipient of eight battle stars for her wartime service. 11 USS Pompano (SS 181) Additional Reading

12 Messdeck Skinny and/or What Really Happened! Minutes of the Bremerton Base USSVI meeting conducted 19 March 2013 Wayne Sieckowski, Base Secretary Base Commander Jim DeMott called the February 16, 2013, meeting to order at 1900 hours. Opening observances were conducted. Over 29 members were present The minutes for the February Meeting were approved as written. Base Treasurer, Dennis Nardone, gave a report on the Base finances, totals $73, on hand.the report was approved as presented. Base Membership Committee Chairman, Dennis Nardone, reports base membership is 278. John Gardner the Scholarship Chairman Dolphin Dash will be held 13 April 2013 at Bangor. He is in need of volunteers. Scholarship applications are available. Gertrude-Check and Deterrent Park Brick Coordinator, Don Bassler, notes that the Base website is running well. He has 4 orders for a brick at this time but expects some applicantions before the next laying scheduled for May He will always accept article for the website but request we stay away from political articles. Bud Berg has been hospitalized due to a minor stroke. Don will keep the base informed of Bud s condition. Mike Sullivan the Fireworks Chairman is still in need of a relief for the 2014 season. This upcoming season 2013 will be his last. He has signed the contract for the credit card machine with the same terms as last year. Mike request anyone who receives a discount coupon in the mail please turn them over to him for use at the stand. Base Chief-of-the-Boat, Hank Hollis, states that he has received several complements from the attendees of the Holiday Luncheon. The 2013 picnic is scheduled for the Elks Lodge RV shelter, Saturday, August 3. The 2013 Holiday Luncheon is set for, Saturday, December 7, at the Bremerton Elks Lodge. Sam Swenson the Float and Trailer Manager report the CPOA will fund putting sheet metal on the side of the storage shed for the float. Holland Club Chairman, Dick Litscher, 6 people responded to his Holland Club letter. Two will be inducted at a regular meeting, two at the picnic and two at the Christmas Party. The Base vice Commander, Steve Corcoran, is conducting a membership survey on how we might improve Bremerton Base. He was pleased with the size of crowd we had at the February meeting/breakfast. Steve led a group which consisted of himself, Don Bassler and Ralph Harris to the South Sound Base Meeting to retrieve the traveling dolphins. Steve will contact the VFW and inform them that this year the Sub Vets will have a wreath to present at the annual Memorial Day Ceremonies at Ivy Green Cemetery. Cmdr. Jim DeMott read a Thank You letter from the National Commander for our donation of $1, to the National Scholarship Fund. He has a letter from Tudor Davis for anyone to read. He reports he has tickets to the Submarine Birthday Ball on April 20, 2013 for anyone interested. He needs a chairman for a nominating committee for this year s elections. He reports that due to sequestrations the funds from Portsmouth New Hampshire Shipyard have been cut for the 50 th USS Thresher Anniversary Memorial and the Thresher Base is in need of donations to make this event happen. After a brief discussion the hat was passed and $ was collected from the membership. The E Board will meet immediately following the meeting to decide the amount of the base donation. Cmdr. Jim DeMott adjourned the meeting at Special E Board Meeting After much discussion, the E Board voted to donate $1, along with the $ collected for a total of $1, to the Thresher Base for the 50 th Anniversary Memorial. Nominations for elected officers are open in accordance with the bylaws. Members in good standing and state that they are willing to serve if elected can be nominated. The election will be held at the November business meeting. 12 Puget Soundings Volume 16 Issue 2 USSVI Bremerton Base Quarterly Newsletter

13 Messdeck Skinny and/or What Really Happened! Minutes of the Bremerton Base USSVI meeting conducted 16 April 2013 Wayne Sieckowski, Base Secretary Mike Sullivan the Fireworks Chairman is still in need of a relief for the 2014 season. This upcoming season 2013 will be his last. TNT Fireworks Demo Day will be Sunday May 19. If you are planning on attending let Mike know. Base Commander Jim DeMott called the April 16, 2013, meeting to order at 1900 hours. Opening observances were conducted. Over 31 members were present including Olympic Base Personnel John Clear, Ed Ferris, Bob Rowley and Dale Derricote. Bob Paul, a National Member, also was in attendance. Ed Ferris is a World War II Subvet who made war patrols on the USS Drum. Ed took procession of the Traveling Dolphins and then told a story about a swim call off Borneo and a missing crew member who ended up onboard cooking himself lunch. The minutes for the March Meeting were approved as amended. Base Treasurer, Dennis Nardone, gave a report on the Base finances, totals $72, on hand. The report was approved as presented. Base Membership Committee Chairman, Dennis Nardone, reports base membership is 279 Fred Borgmann the Base Chaplin reports Dee Bassler, Sam Swenson and Bud Berg are recovering from their operations. John Dill is at UW Medical Center with a heart problem. John Gardner the Scholarship Chairman, reports the Dolphin Dash was held 13 April 2013 at Bangor and grossed about $1, The float was at the Dolphin Dash. The Bremerton Armed Forces Day Parade will be Saturday May 18. The parade will assemble on Park Ave and 11 th St. we will be unit C-8. John still has raffle tickets available. Scholarship applications are due in early May and will be reviewed and graded shortly thereafter. He is also looking for volunteers to help at the Bremerton High School Track meet. Base Chief-of-the-Boat, Hank Hollis, states that he has received several complements from the attendees of the Holiday Luncheon. The 2013 picnic is scheduled for the Elks Lodge RV shelter, Saturday, August 3. The 2013 Holiday Luncheon is set for, Saturday, December 7, at the Bremerton Elks Lodge. Ralph Harris shared some personal experiences about the Boston Marathon and growing up near Boston. Puget Sounding Editor Dave Pittman would like all articles by 5 May for the upcoming edition. The Base Vice Commander, Steve Corcoran will contact the VFW and inform them that this year the Sub Vets will have a wreath to present at the annual Memorial Day Ceremonies at Ivy Green Cemetery at the Annual Memorial Day Ceremony on 27 May. He also reports James Smith will be the May speaker. Gary Kaiser volunteered to conduct the Base Elections for Officers this year. Cmdr. Jim DeMott reports $ was collected from the membership by passing the hat and the E Board voted to authorize donating $1, for a total of $1, for the USS Thresher 50 th Memorial Ceremony. Mike Friend volunteered to look into setting up and maintaining a base Facebook page. Gary Clinefelter requested members sign a petition for Teddy Shennon to receive the Victoria Cross. Dean Rodgers made a statement about Ed Ferris being a big supporter of the Bremerton Base. Dick Litscher won $48.00 in the 50/50 raffle. He donated it to the General Fund. Gertrude-Check and Deterrent Park Brick Coordinator, Don Bassler, notes that the Base website is running well. He has 15 orders for a brick at this time but expects some applications before the next laying scheduled for May He will always accept article for the website but request we stay away from political articles. Fred Borgmann, Base Chaplin conducted a closing Benediction. Cmdr. Jim DeMott adjourned the meeting at USS Harder (SS 257) Additional Reading 13

14 Minutes of the Bremerton Base USSVI meeting conducted 21 May 2013 Wayne Sieckowski, Base Secretary Messdeck Skinny and/or What Really Happened! Base Commander Jim DeMott called the May 21, 2013, meeting to order at 1900 hours. Opening observances were conducted. Over 24 members were present including New Member Bob Paul and perspective members Bob Taylor and Warren Wattenbarger. Dick Litscher Holland Club Chairman inducted Ken Abernathy into the Holland Club. After his induction Ken gave a brief talk about his career. He was raised on a farm in Missouri and after graduating High School and a few jobs, a friend of his joined the Coast Guard. Ken thought that was a good deal and went to join, but the day he went the Coast Guard office was closed but the Navy Recruiter s office was open and Ken ended up talking to him. He joined the Navy and the Nuclear Pipeline. He told a story of his first boat the USS Barbero SSG 317 and Regulus patrols. He also told of their stop in Adak and the Adak s Totem Pole relocation. The minutes for the April s Meeting were approved. Base Treasurer, Dennis Nardone, gave a report on the Base finances, totals $74, on hand. The report was approved as presented. Base Membership Committee Chairman, Dennis Nardone, reports base membership is 279 Fred Borgmann, the Base Chaplin, reports the Base s Binnacle List will be on Gertrude-Check. He also reported Dennis Nardone has volunteered to work in the National Office. Gertrude-Check and Deterrent Park Brick Coordinator, Don Bassler, notes that the Base website is running well and he is always in need of pictures and/or articles. He has 24 orders for a brick at this time and the next laying scheduled for May Mike Sullivan the Fireworks Chairman report Mike Friend has agreed to relieve him for the 2014 Fireworks season. Sam Swenson the Float Manager report the float did well in the parade. The fireworks watch bill is on line or see him to volunteer to work at the stand. Puget Sounding Editor Dave Pittman will accept pictures until Memorial Day 27 May. Gary Kaiser reminds every one of the Memorial Day Ceremony at Ivy Green Cemetery at May. Ivy Green Cemetery is at 13 th and Naval. Past Base Cmdr. Dave Niemy reports the Traveling Dolphin Retrieval Team date to assembly and retrieve the Traveling Dolphins will be posted on Gertrude-Check. He is also trying to come up with a list of Past Base Commanders and is looking for inputs. Base Cmdr. Jim DeMott reports this is an election year and anyone who wants to get involved in the operation of the base is encouraged to run for an office. See Gary Kaiser to volunteer. Base Member Al Durkee is the new Region 4 District Cmdr. Relieving John Mansfield. The USS Nevada will have a change of command 21 June at If interested in going see Jim. The Scholarship presentation will be at the 18 June meeting. John Gardner the Scholarship Chairman, reported the Scholarship Committee has selected 6 Scholarship recipients and we are in need of Restaurants Donations. We had a good showing for the Bremerton Armed Forces Parade and the future parades are Port Orchard s Fathom of Fun 29 June, Bainbridge Island 4 July, and Silverdale s Whaling Day 29 July. There will be a TTF Graduation at the end of May at a date to be determined. Wayne Peterson won $42.00 from the 50/50 drawing. He donated it to the General Fund. Fred Borgmann, Base Chaplin conducted a closing Benediction. Cmdr. Jim DeMott adjourned the meeting at Puget Soundings Volume 16 Issue 2 USSVI Bremerton Base Quarterly Newsletter

15 The Past, Present, and Future Pride Runs Deep! BREMERTON BASE BOOSTERS 2013 The following Members are recognized for their generous donations to the Base Operating Fund. Rig for Dive Periscope depth Battle Stations Deep Submergence Unit Citation $1.00 -$19.99 $ $29.99 $ $49.99 $ $99.00 Go $ to page + 8 to continue Pat Gudeski Dick Litscher David Niemy Wayne Sieckowski Treasurer s Report 4/30/2013 Dennis Nardone Life Fund: $30, Scholarship Fund: $14, General Fund: $29, Net Worth: $74, Note: The EBoard voted to move $2000 from the General Fund to the Scholarship Fund to provide 2 more scholarships totaling 8. Actually 9 scholarships were funded. Sent $1000 USSVI CF/NSF. Base Membership 4/30/2013 Dennis Nardone Total Members: 279 Annual Members: 54 USSVI Life Members: 213 Base Life Members: 168 Holland Club Members: 121 Annual Associate Members: 4 Life Associate Members: 5 War Veterans: 264 Bremerton Base Calendar October2012.html for Future Events! June 29 July 4 Fireworks Sales 4207 Kitsap Way (In front of the QFC) June 29 (18:00) Fathoms of Fun Parade Port Orchard, WA July 6 (9:00 10:30) E-Board Meeting FRA 521 National Ave, Bremerton July 16 (19:00 20:30) General Membership Meeting FRA 521 National Ave, Bremerton July 27 (10:00) Whaling Days Parade Silverdale, WA August 3 (9:00 10:30) E-Board Meeting FRA 521 National Ave, Bremerton August 3 (1200) Annual Picnic Bremerton Elks Lodge # Pine Rd NE, Bremerton, WA September 7 (9:00 10:30) E-Board Meeting FRA 521 National Ave, Bremerton September 17 (19:00 20:30) General Membership Meeting FRA 521 National Ave, Bremerton USS Flier (SS 25) Additional Reading 15

16 The Past, Present and Future -Pride Runs Deep! PUGET SOUNDINGS Quarterly Newsletter Volume 16 ISSUE 2 May-July 2013 Issue Date June 24, 2013 UNITED STATES SUBMARINE VETERANS BREMERTON BASE PO BOX 465 SILVERDALE, WA Permit # 92 Monthly Meetings RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED FRA # National Ave., Bremerton, WA Newsletter Advertising Rates Full Page, 4 issues - $500 Single Issue - $135 Half Page, 4 issues - $250 Single issue - $70 Quarter page, 4 Issues - $125 Single issue - $35 Eighth page, 4 Issues - $60 Single issue - $20 Don Bassler (mailto:up-scope@wavecable.com) Or call him at for details about advertising only. Bremerton Base Soup Down 11:30 13:00 Soup Down, on Fridays, was established by the late Willie Spoon for two equal purposes: to bring members together on a weekly basis to maintain the fraternity, and to encourage the establishments to contribute a raffle prize or direct contribution to the Bremerton Base's annual Lt. William "Willie" Spoon Memorial Scholarship Fund. July 5 Azteca 5066 State Hwy. 303 NE Bremerton, WA July 12 Family Inn 2386 Colchester Dr E, Manchester, WA July 19 The Aloha Kitchen Silverdale Way NW Silverdale, WA July 26 Boat Shed 101 Shore Drive, Bremerton, WA August 2 Sunset Grill 4926 Point Fosdick Rd, Gig Harbor, WA August 9 Fujiyama Steak House 9989 Silverdale Way NW, WA August 16 Tony Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria 4908 Kitsap Way, Bremerton, WA August 23 Red Robin Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale, WA August 30 TBD September 6 All Star Lanes Silverdale Way, Silverdale September 13 Whiskey Creek Steak House 1918 Washington Avenue Northeast, Keyport September 20 Round Table Pizza 3276 NW Plaza Rd #101, Silverdale September 27 Olive Garden 3204 Silverdale Way, Silverdale Photographs Please Pass This Issue to Another Submariner 16