A Memorial Day Message
Submitted by: T Michael Bircumshaw, NC on 5/28/2012
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Greetings Shipmates.

On this somber day we remember and recognize the sacrifices so many of our Brothers in Arms have made over the centuries to insure that we can live "in the land of the free and the home of the brave."

As you pause to reflect and give thanks on our comrades now gone to their final reward, also remember all the brave men and women who have returned to us, many shattered in mind or body, and dedicate yourselves to helping them to live as full and productive lives as their wounds will allow.

U.S. Veterans are a small and exclusive group within our body politic, and submariners a very tiny slice of the total veteran population.

When you see a veteran today and everyday, thank them for their service.They will appreciate it and you will feel good for having done so.

Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for your service and dedication to our Nation and the ideals of our founders.

Vice Commander Arranges Trip to Tacoma to Retrieve the Traveling Dolphins

(Posted 5-26-2012)

Vice Commander Steve Corcoran is organizing a run to the South Sound Base on Thursday evening, June 14th to bring back the the "Traveling Dolphins".  Take a night out.  Contact Steve Corcoran (360) 471-2704.

Bells toll for lost World War II subs, submariners

(Published 5-26-2012)

KEYPORT —Three World War II submariners joined active-duty and retired sailors Thursday in remembering peers killed during World War II.

Robert Paul, a retired Navy electronics technician, struck a brass bell 55 times during a Tolling the Boats ceremony, once for each of the 52 submarines lost during the war, two for ill-fated Cold War subs USS Thresher and USS Scorpion, and a final time for any Navy submariners who died serving their country.
 

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Base HC, Life and WWII Subvet Paul Christofferson cuts the cake with other dignitaries at the 112th Submarine Ball

(Published 5-25-2012)

Bremerton Subvets Participate in 2012 Armed Forces Day Parade.

(Published 5-25-2012)

About a a dozen base members turned out for May 19th parade.  Click on image for big picture.

Supporters pack Bremerton streets for 64th annual Armed Forces Day Parade

(Published 5-20-2012)

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The Kentucky Crew

Calling all U.S. Submarine Veterans
Shipmates, Friends and Families
(Published 5-18-2012)

Greetings, Shipmates! We have the opportunity to have all Submarine Veterans recognized in a prominent place on the historic Commemorative Plaque Wall at the U.S. Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center on Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C. Known as the Memorial “Quarterdeck of the Navy”, to date over 600 ships, squadrons, Navy veterans and Navy family plaques have been installed on the Wall. They can all be viewed on the web site: www.navymemorial.org.

All Submarine Veterans and their supporters are urged to donate to this tax deductible, Navy Memorial Plaque project. This is an outstanding way for us to remember our shipmates and be recognized for serving our great country in the Silent Service. Please respond ASAP using the info below so that we might completely fund this project and hold a memorable Dedication Ceremony on the 50th Anniversary of USSVI at the US Navy Memorial in Washington, DC.

This ceremony will be open to all Submariners and their supporters.

Yes! I would like to make a tax deductible contribution towards the plaque to honor all United States Submarine Veterans for their dedication towards keeping America the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Send your tax deductible contribution made payable to USSVCF and marked for ‘Navy Plaque Fund’ to

United States Submarine Veterans
PO Box 3870
Silverdale WA 98383

For more information call 877-542-DIVE or email office@ussvi.org

May Base Meeting Notes

(Updated 5-25-2012)

Tuesday evening, May 15th provided us a view and value of your own storekeeper aboard the boats.  As was pointed out there were  few in the boats before 1965.

Recognized was Don Loughridge, 89, WWII Subvet.

After routine opening ceremonies, Base Secretary Wayne  Sieckowski gave an interesting speech which included his experience in the Navy before submarine service, which appeared to help his boat CO's get their jobs done using his knowledge and personal contacts.  (Similar to those in civilian life that succeed.) His talk contained some humorous stories, all true. 

Wayne's introduced his "Sea Daddy", Jim Doucett, a senior submariner for sure, from Florida

Thanks Wayne!

Also we owe a debt of gratitude to Sam Swenson for his long and tireless work (6 years) as the editor of the Puget Soundings.. I know this was a challenge for him not only never serving aboard a boat, but learning computer programs that were mostly new to him.  Sam, thank You!

Our new editor, Dave Pittman has taken over.  A generation younger than Sam (or I, for that matter), Dave will likely provide articles of more interest to that generation, but still recognizing the deeds of his predecessors.

He will need content (images, announcements etc with descriptions), E-mail Dave.

WWII Subvet Don Loughridge accepted Holland Club certificate from Base Cdr Jim DeMott and HC Chairman Dick Litscher.