VENTING SANITARY INBOARD

VENTING SANITARY INBOARD Issue 285, September 2018 OUR CREED: To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in 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 its Constitution. FORWARD BATTERY BASE COMMANDER Bill Long 503.939.4134 VICE COMMANDER Jay Agler 503.771.1774 SECRETARY John Perry 503.397.5095 TREASURER Scott Duncan 503.667.0728 CHAPLAIN Scott Duncan 503.667.0728 CHIEF OF THE BOAT Arlo Gatchel 503.771.0540 Hello All, What a busy month we have had. First off, on July 25 the Commissioning Committee for the USS Oregon (SSN-793) was formed. Several members from the Blueback Base are serving in various chair positions. If you are interested in being involved with the Commissioning Committee, please contact Co-Chairman Arlo Gatchel. Several of our Base members traveled down to 7 Feathers casino and attended the Rogue- Umpqua Base annual picnic on July 27. It was great to see other USSVI members and share sea stories that we have not heard before. We have also re-captured the Traveling Dolphins. Thank you Rogue-Umpqua for your hospitality and great food. On August 11 the Blueback Base held our annual Base picnic. We had a great turnout with several members of the Rouge-Umpqua base in attendance. The pulled pork and corn on the cobb were excellent. Thank you Ron Bell for your tasty Pork and to Clive Waite for the corn, even my wife Heather liked it. But, unfortunately we have again lost the traveling Dolphins to Rogue-Umpqua Base. Don t get comfortable having them on display as there are rumblings of another trip south in the future. The 2018 Clackamas County Fair has came and gone. We have had a great time meeting people and were thanked by many for being at the fair. A few applications were handed out to Sub vets and also for potential associate members. I believe it was a success and everyone I talked to who have manned the booth would like to do it again next year. I would like to say Bravo Zulu to those who have helped man the booth. I would also like to thank the Clackamas County Fair Board and staff for giving us the opportunity in participating in this years fair. (See Commander s Log, continued on Page 8) WAYS & MEANS OFFICER Steve Daniels 503.806.3790 SMALL STORES BOSS Woody Turner 360.635.1319 MEMBERSHIP CHAIR Dave Vrooman 503.466.0379 PAST BASE COMMANDER George Hudson 503.843.2082 BYLAWS/NOMINATION COMMITTEE CHAIR Ray Lough 360.573.4274 TRUSTEE Gary Webb 503.632.6259 NEWSLETTER EDITOR Randy Weston 503.779.5439 HISTORIAN/POC/ALL-AROUND GOOD GUY Bob Walters 503.284.8693

USS S-5 (SS-110) Class: S Class Launched: 10 Nov 1919 Commissioned: 6 Mar 1920 Builder: Portsmouth Navy Yard, Kittery, Maine Length: 231 0 Beam: 21 10 Lost on 1 September 1920 No Loss of Life Following builder's trials, outfitting, and crew training, S-5 departed Boston Navy Yard on 30 August 1920 to undergo fullpower trials 55 miles (89 km) off the Delaware Capes. At 1300 on 1 September, she commenced a dive for a submerged test run. Water unexpectedly entered the submarine through the main air induction system, pouring into the control room, engine room, torpedo room, and the motor room. The entire crew was rescued the next day, escaping through a small hole cut into the ship s stern. Amazingly, the ship suffered neither any loss of life nor serious injury. Later that same morning, the battleship Ohio secured a towline to the stern of S-5 and proceeded to tow her to more shallow water. The towline, however, parted and the submarine bobbed briefly, then plunged to the bottom. A long but ultimately unsuccessful attempt was made to raise S-5, and she was finally struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1921. The portion of S-5 's hull plating that was removed to permit her crew to escape from the sunken submarine is on permanent display in the Navy Memorial Museum at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. USS Grayling (SS-209) Class: Tambor Class Launched: 29 Nov 1940 Commissioned: 1 Mar 1941 Builder: Portsmouth Navy Yard, Kittery, Maine Length: 307 2 Beam: 27 3 Lost on 9 September 1943 76 Men Lost Under the command of Lt. Cdr. Robert M. Brinker, Grayling began her eighth and last war patrol in July 1943 from Fremantle. Cruising in the Philippines area, Grayling recorded her last kill, the passenger-cargo Meizan Maru, on 27 August in the Tablas Strait but was not heard from again after 9 September. She was scheduled to make a radio report on 12 September, which she did not, and all attempts to contact her failed. Grayling was officially reported "lost with all hands" on 30 September 1943. On 27 August 1943, Japanese ships witnessed a torpedo attack, and the next day a surfaced submarine was seen in the Tablas Strait area. Following this sighting, on 9 September a surfaced American submarine was seen inside Lingayen Gulf. These sightings correspond with Grayling's orders to patrol the approaches to Manila. No recorded Japanese attacks could have sunk Grayling. Her loss may have been operational or caused by an unrecorded attack. It is generally accepted that Grayling was lost between 9 September and 12 September 1943, either in Lingayen Gulf or along the approaches to Manila. Grayling was credited with five major kills totaling 20,575 tons. She received six battle stars for her World War II service. USS Pompano (SS-181) Class: Porpoise Class Launched: 11 Mar 1937 Commissioned: 12 Jun 1937 Builder: Mare Island Navy Yard, Mare Island, California Length: 298 0 Beam: 25 1 Lost on 17 September 1943 77 Men Lost On August 20, 1943, USS Pompano, commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Willis M. Thomas, left Midway Island on her seventh and final war patrol. She was headed for the northeast coast of Honshu, where she had been ordered to patrol from August 29th until sunset on September 27th. Pompano was never heard from again after departing Midway. She did not return to Midway on the scheduled date, nor did she respond to numerous radio transmissions. On October 15, 1943, SubPac headquarters reported her as presumed lost in enemy waters. There was no immediate evidence of any enemy antisubmarine attacks during this period in Pompano's assigned patrol areas. SubPac headquarters reckoned she may have struck a mine, experienced a fatal operational failure, or underwent an unrecorded enemy attack. All that can be said with certainty is that she disappeared sometime after she damaged the Japanese cargo ship Nanking Maru on September 9, 1943, east of Kuji Bay, at the geographic position 40 12 N, 141 55 E. It is her last known location. Another possibility is that she was sunk on September 17, 1943, by a bomb and depth-charge attack in the sea off Cape Shiriyazaki, the northeastern-most point of Honshu, in Higashidōri, Aomori Prefecture, by a Japanese seaplane and surface vessels. (See Boats Lost in the Month of September, continued on Page 3) Venting Sanitary Inboard Page 2

(Continued From Page 2) On September 17, at 0735 hours, a Japanese floatplane spotted a moving oil slick in the Tsugaru Strait. As the oil slick grew larger, it was concluded that an enemy submarine was probably resting on the seabed in an area bearing 318 from and about three miles off the Shiriyazaki Lighthouse. It is generally believed that Pompano was the submarine in question and that she had lost motive power. Although there is no conclusive proof of what happened to Pompano, it is likely that the numerous depth charges dropped during the antisubmarine action on September 17, 1943 inflicted sufficient catastrophic damage and resulted in her loss. Pompano was awarded seven battle stars for her service in World War II. USS S-51 (SS-162) Class: S Class Launched: 20 Aug 1921 Commissioned: 24 Jun 1922 Builder: Lake Torpedo Boat Co., Bridgeport, Connecticut Length: 240 0 Beam: 21 10 Lost on 25 September 1925 33 Men Lost On the night of 25 September 1925, S-51 was operating on the surface near Block Island, Rhode Island with her running lights on. The merchant steamer SS City of Rome spotted a single white masthead light but was unable to determine its course, speed, or intentions. The ship altered her course away from the unknown light to give whatever it might be greater leeway. Meanwhile, S-51 spotted the ship's masthead and green sidelights and held her course as she was required to do by the Rules of the Road then in effect. Shortly after altering course, City of Rome spotted the submarine's red sidelight and realized that the ships were on a collision course. She turned and backed her engines, but it was too late. Twentytwo minutes after first spotting the submarine's masthead light, the steamer rammed her at the position 41 14 N, 71 16 W. Only three of the 36 men in the submarine were able to abandon ship before she sank. Register on 27 January 1930 and sold for scrap to the Borough Metal Company of Brooklyn, New York. USS Cisco (SS-290) Class: Balao Class Launched: 24 Dec 1942 Commissioned: 10 May 1943 Builder: Portsmouth Navy Yard, Kittery, Maine Length: 311 9 Beam: 27 3 Lost on 28 September 1943 76 Men Lost USS Cisco (SS-290), a Balao-class submarine, was commissioned on 10 May 1943 with Cmdr. James W. Coe in command. She reported to the Pacific Fleet. Cisco sailed from Panama on 7 August 1943 for Brisbane, Australia, arriving on 1 September to assume local patrol duties until 18 September, when she docked at Darwin. She put out on her first war patrol on 20 September, but never returned. Japanese records tell of sighting a submarine leaking oil on 28 September in an area where Cisco is known to have been the only submarine then operating. Japanese records state this submarine was sunk by bombs and depth charges. Cisco is thus presumed to have been lost in action on 28 September 1943. The only survivor from the crew was Chief Radioman Howell B. Rice (USN Ret.), who was taken sick in Darwin and sent ashore to the Navy hospital prior to Cisco's final voyage. Japanese records state that the submarine was attacked by Type 97 "Kate" attack bombers of the 954 th Naval Air Squadron and the riverboat Karatsu, originally the U.S. Navy gunboat USS Luzon (PR-7), captured by Japanese forces and put to work against her former country. The courts found City of Rome at fault for not reducing her speed when in doubt as to the movement of S-51, and for not signaling her change of course. However, both the district court and the Circuit Court of Appeals found S-51 at fault for having improper lights. The United States Navy argued that it was not practicable to have submarines of this class comply with the letter of the law, and that, as a special type of warship, S-51 was under no legal compulsion to do so. The court responded by saying if these statements were correct, then submarines "should confine their operation to waters not being traversed by other ships." S-51 was raised on 5 July 1926 by a team led by then-lieutenant Commander (later Rear Admiral) Edward Ellsberg. The entire salvage operation was commanded by Captain (later Fleet Admiral) Ernest J. King. S-51 was struck from the Naval Vessel Venting Sanitary Inboard Page 3

September 3... Labor Day September 11... Patriot Day/National Day of Service and Remembrance September 13... Base Meeting (1900 at VFW Post 4248, 7118 SE Fern St, Portland) September 21... National POW/MIA Recognition Day September 30... Gold Star Mothers Day September 27... Veterans Memorial Service (1400 at Willamette National Cemetery) October 8... Columbus Day October 11... Base Meeting (1900 at VFW Post 4248, 7118 SE Fern St, Portland) October 13... 242 nd Birthday of the United States Navy (1775) October 21-28... USSVI National Convention (Caribbean Cruise) October 25... Veterans Memorial Service (1400 at Willamette National Cemetery) October 31... Halloween November 4... Daylight Savings Time Ends November 6... Election Day November 8... Base Meeting (1900 at VFW Post 4248, 7118 SE Fern St, Portland) November 12...Veterans Day (Observed) November 11... Veterans Day November 15... Veterans Memorial Service (1400 at Willamette National Cemetery) November 23... Thanksgiving Day Venting Sanitary Inboard Page 4

Military.com 31 Aug 2018 By Gina Harkins The commanding officer of the second submarine to integrate women into its previously all-male crews has been removed from his job, Navy leaders announced Friday. Capt. Gregory Kercher, who led the guided-missile submarine Florida's Gold crew, was relieved of his duties due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command, said Cmdr. Sarah Self-Kyler, a spokeswoman for Commander, Submarine Forces. Kercher was not under investigation, she added. Vice Adm. Chas Richard, commander of Submarine Forces, relieved Kercher of his duties. Kercher, who'd taken command of the Florida Gold crew in September 2017, was temporarily reassigned to Submarine Group 10 out of Kings Bay, Georgia, where the Florida is based. Kercher is the second submarine commanding officer to be relieved of his duties this week. On Monday, Cmdr. Travis Zettel with the fast-attack submarine Bremerton was removed from his job amid an ongoing investigation. The Florida's two crews -- blue and gold -- were the first East Coast submarine crews to integrate women after the Navy lifted its ban on female sailors serving on subs in 2010. Kercher told the Florida-Times Union in February that he'd spent time on an Australian submarine in 2006 with a coed crew. Navy submarine crews, he added, benefited from the service's careful approach to gender integration. "If we tried to do this 15 to 20 years ago in a sudden manner, I think it would have been difficult," Kercher told the paper. "We wouldn't have been prepared for it, and it probably wouldn't have went off as seamless as it has." When Kercher assumed command, he told the Florida Gold crew he had just one role as their commanding officer. "To lead you as we prepare our great warship to return to the fight and conduct vital operations," he said, according to a Navy news release. "We will do this wherever and whenever called upon in support of our nation's interests, and we will do so to the very best of our capabilities." Capt. Michael Badorf has assumed command of Florida (Gold) until a permanent relief is identified, according to Navy officials. Badorf previously commanded the guided-missile submarine Georgia and fast-attack submarine Albuquerque and was serving as the deputy for training at Submarine Squadron 16. Venting Sanitary Inboard Page 5

And the traveling dolphins get passed again. I have seen less miles traveled on a fast boat! Venting Sanitary Inboard Page 6

In February of this year I received a phone call. Looking at caller ID I saw it was from Florida. Expecting to hear a foreign accented voice advising me that I could reduce my credit card interest rate or protect my computer, I hesitantly answered the call. I was surprised to hear the voice of a Submarine Veteran who qualified on the USS BLUEBACK (SS-581) almost 50 years ago - the date was 10 September 1968. Jim told me that he was traveling to the west coast in August and was wondering how he could tour his former home. My response to him was that I would meet him at the boat whenever he arrived in Portland. In July I had a call from him again advising me that he would be in town on 27 August. This past Monday I met him and his wife at OMSI. As we walked out the door toward the river Jim saw the boat and I could sense the years fade away for Jim. The closer we got to her the younger he looked to me. As we went aboard he commented that the smell was still there. In the wardroom he qualification newly acquired certificate. He same spot that he and posed for a over 2 hours revisiting remembered from his member: broke out his original certificate and his HOLLAND Club proudly stood in the received his dolphins picture. He spent all the places he time as a crew In control, at the diving stand where he was the battle stations planesman. In the galley where he messcooked. In crews birthing he found his bunk and was elated that he could still get in it, even though it had shrunk over the years. He became an electrician striker while aboard so he had to crawl down into the battery well. Back in shaft alley he found the spot where a bale of rags had been stored making a great mattress for a few extra ZZZ s. In the torpedo room he showed me where he slept when first aboard as a NUB. In the crew s washroom he reminisced about his qual board that quizzed him for days while he sat on a bench that used to be in there. Across the passageway he had to try out (simulated of course) one of the heads and explain to his wife its operation and the consequences of not following the procedure correctly. Finally, we headed topside where he sat on the deck in the same place he had all those years ago while I took his picture. All to soon, for him it was time to leave. On parting he thanked me and all the volunteers that took such good of his boat and make it come to life again. It was a pleasure for me to have been able to share his memories of his time on the BLUEBACK. Dave Vrooman Venting Sanitary Inboard Page 7

Submariner While checking out at store the other day the youngster behind the counter, seeing my Submarine Veteran Hat, thanked me for my service. He opined that he didn t think that he could serve on a submarine. I replied submarines are not for everyone. The lady behind me stated that s the best response I ve ever heard. I guess it takes a special kind to serve on submarines. I replied yes it takes a healthy balance of intelligence coupled with insanity, integrity and a healthy dose of I don t give a shit. Then borrowing from Dr. Joyce Brothers I said it s not bravery but an intense insight into our capabilities and the knowledge that every man on the boat can and will and do his job. No, submarines are not for everyone. In the Old Navy of just 30++ years ago we made sure that the man standing watch next to us knew his job and did it well. After testing and trying him, forcing feelings like self-pity and sorrow out of him, he was left with confidence and pride. Pride in his job, his boat, and his nation. Confident in his abilities and the abilities of every crewman who wore the dolphins. When the hatch was shut and the boat slipped beneath the surface death would smile, but the submariner, full of pride and confidence, would smile back. No, youngster! submarines are not for everyone. Submariners are not a cut above, submariners are cut from an entirely different cloth. There are average sailors but there are no average submariners. You re either qualified or you re not. Venting Sanitary Inboard Page 8

(Continued from Page 1) 2018 Base elections are soon approaching. I am looking for at least 1 volunteer to assist our Elections Committee Chair George Hudson. If you would like to volunteer please let me know. Nominations are being accepted for the Following Positions: Base Commander Base Treasurer Each position is a 2 year term starting January 1, 2019. If you would like to make a nomination please submit your name to George Hudson. ghudson@aol.com or 971-241-8858. Nominations must be submitted by October 11, 2018. All regular base members in good standing are qualified to be elected for each position. Associate Base members in good standing are qualified to be elected for Base Treasurer. You may nominate yourself, voting will start commencing the October 11, 2018 Base meeting by email and will end on November 8, 2018 results will be announced at our November Meeting on November 8, 2018. Don t forget, our regular meeting place has changed. I We will now meet at the American Legion Post located at: 2146 SE Monroe St Milwaukie, Or 9722 Fraternally, Bill Hope to see you there. Bill Long Base Commander USSVI Blueback Base Ph. 503-939-4134 Venting Sanitary Inboard Page 8 Ron Bell Thomas Glascoe Bob Lee Chuck Macaluso Fred Marsden Alan Nolan Frank Rusch Venting Sanitary Inboard Page 9

For the Good of the Order BINNACLE LIST There are no additions to the Binnacle List this month; however, we encourage all hands to please take a moment from your busy schedules to offer your thoughts, prayers, and best wishes for the continued good health and well-being of all our Shipmates, friends, and loved ones. USSVI National/Local Base Dues Annual Membership National Blueback Base One-Year Term $25 $15 Three-Year Term $70 $45 Five-Year Term $115 $75 Life Membership National Blueback Base Age 45 and Under $500 $300 Age 46-55 $400 $250 Age 56-65 $300 $200 Age 66-75 $200 $150 Age 76 and older $100 $50 Venting Sanitary Inboard Page 10