United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. Northern … Issues/2005feb.pdf · 2018-03-15 · USS...

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THE ONE MC United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. Northern Virginia Base Volume 10, Issue 2 PRIDE RUNS DEEP February 2005 http://www.ussvinova.org/ 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 towards greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States Government.” MEETINGS THE SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 1030 AT THE SPRINGFIELD AMERICAN LEGION POST, 6520 AMHERST AVENUE, SPRINGFIELD, VA WARDROOM Base Commander : Ray Stone: (703) 913-9843, [email protected] Vice Commander : Tom Perrault, (703) 902-3537, [email protected] Secretary : Mark Riethmeier: (703) 490-3679, [email protected] Treasurer : Art Esposito: (703) 437-3996, [email protected] Chaplain : Al Friedrich: (703) 370-4496 Storekeeper & Veterans Affairs Officer : Lou Maruzo: (540) 727-7610, [email protected] Chief of the Boat (COB) : Vacant

Transcript of United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. Northern … Issues/2005feb.pdf · 2018-03-15 · USS...

THE ONE MC United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. Northern Virginia Base

Volume 10, Issue 2 PRIDE RUNS DEEP February 2005

http://www.ussvinova.org/

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 towards greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States Government.”

MEETINGS

THE SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 1030 AT THE

SPRINGFIELD AMERICAN LEGION POST, 6520 AMHERST AVENUE,

SPRINGFIELD, VA

WARDROOM

Base Commander: Ray Stone: (703) 913-9843, [email protected]

Vice Commander: Tom Perrault, (703) 902-3537, [email protected]

Secretary: Mark Riethmeier: (703) 490-3679, [email protected]

Treasurer: Art Esposito: (703) 437-3996, [email protected]

Chaplain: Al Friedrich: (703) 370-4496

Storekeeper & Veterans Affairs Officer: Lou Maruzo: (540) 727-7610, [email protected]

Chief of the Boat (COB): Vacant

THE ONE MC United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. Northern Virginia Base

BASE COMMANDER’S LOG

Greetings fellow shipmates, Our February meeting was outstanding. We had a good turnout and shipmate Art Bivens gave a great presentation about his latest book, From Sailboats to Submarines and also shared a few tales about his early submarining days. I thought the 'Playboy Centerfold Caper' was a real hoot! If you missed out on picking up a copy, see Art at the next meeting and I'm sure he can fix you up. For our March meeting, we'll have a special treat. We have our second annual 'Chili Cook-Off' scheduled and it appears that it'll be every bit as much fun as the one last year. We already have over half a dozen chefs signed up and I expect we'll pick up a few more. Plan to see and taste some really great chili! Tom Perault was our winner last year, but I expect he's gonna see some real 'tough' competition this time around! I've gotten the 'skinny' on some of the entries and all I can say is, you DON'T want to miss out on this one! Show up Saturday and bring your appetite! Additionally, there will be a very special 'submarine celebrity' paying us a visit so make sure you attend this meeting! A frendly reminder to those who haven't renewed their 2005 dues, you have until 31 March to get your dues in. We've got a lot of great things planned for our shipmates that you're not going to want to miss, so make sure you get yourself current and up to date. See you all at the 'Chili Cook-Off'!! Cheers mates,

Ray

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MEETING MINUTES – FEBRUARY 2005

The Base Commander, Ray Stone, called the meeting to order at 10:32 AM, 12 February, held at the American Legion Post 176, Springfield, Virginia.

Chaplain Al Friedrich gave the invocation.

The Base Commander read the names of the boats lost in the month of January which were: USS Shark (1) SS-174 11 February 1942 USS Amberjack SS-219 16 February 1943 USS Grayback SS-208 26 February 1944 USS Trout SS-202 28 February 1944

USS Barbel SS-316 11 February 1945

The Base Vice Commander, Tom Perrault, led all hands in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Base Commander announced that the meetings will begin to take on characteristics by introducing issues mentioned by members is the membership survey that was previously mailed to all hands.

The Base Historian, Mark Riethmeier read a passage of the loss of USS GRAYBACK.

Loss of USS GRAYBACK (SS-208) GRAYBACK (SS-208) was built by the Electric Boat Co., Groton, CT and commissioned 30 June 1941 at New London, Lt. Willard A. Saunders in command. After completing sea trials and finally her shakedown cruise in Long Island Sound out of Newport, New London, and New York, GRAYBACK sailed for Pearl Harbor 8 February 1942. There she joined the submarine fleet which was to wreak havoc on the vital shipping lanes of the Japanese Empire.

GRAYBACK's tenth patrol, her most successful in terms of tonnage sunk, was also to be her last. She sailed from Pearl Harbor 28 January 1944, for the East China Sea. On 24 February GRAYBACK radioed that she had sunk two cargo ships 19 February and had damaged two others. On 25 February she transmitted her second and

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final report. That morning she had sunk tanker TOSHIN MARU and severely damaged another. With only two torpedoes remaining, she was ordered home from patrol. Due to reach Midway on 7 March, GRAYBACK did not arrive and on 30 March COMSUBPAC reluctantly listed her as missing and presumed lost with all hands. From captured Japanese records, GRAYBACK's last few days can be retraced. Heading home through the East China Sea, on 27 February GRAYBACK used her last two torpedoes to sink the freighter CEYLON MARU. That same day, a Japanese carrier-based plane spotted a submarine on the surface in the East China Sea and attacked. According to Japanese reports the submarine "exploded and sank immediately," but antisubmarine craft were called in to depth-charge the area, clearly marked by a trail of air bubbles, until at last a heavy oil slick swelled to the surface. The fighting submarine's career, so tragically ended, had been an illustrious one. GRAYBACK ranked 20th among all submarines in total tonnage sunk with 63,835 tons and 24th in number of ships sunk with 14. Submarine and crew had received two Navy Unit Commendations for their 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th war patrols. GRAYBACK received eight battle stars for World War II service. Source: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships

Members and Guests in Attendance:

Art and Marcy Bivens, Randall Buss, Richard Carpel, Howard Chatham, James Chenvert, Bill Clement, Art Esposito, Frank Fannan, Al Friedrich, Robert Glover, Curt Haggard, Al Hernandez, Chris and Sherry Herst, Steven and Darlene Jaeger, Lou and Susan Maruzo, Richard McSpadden, Bruce Miller, Paul Nelson, Benny Parker, Tom Perrault, Willie Petruy, Joe Phoenix, Rod Puffer, Mark Riethmeier, Art Rosen, Ross Sargent, Tim Shannon, Art Smith, Ray Stone, Mike Varone, Ron and Peggy Williams.

Committee Reports:

The January meeting minutes are contained in the One MC and available on the Base Web Site: http://www.ussvinova.org/ A motion was made to accept the January meeting minutes as provided in the One MC, the motion was seconded, and the minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: The Base Treasurer, Art Esposito provided a summary of the current Base finances. Current amounts are: Checking Account $ 1,292.67 Savings Account $ 2,037.60 CD $ 1,000.00 Total $ 4,330.27 Purchased $1,000.00 CD from Navy Federal Credit Union

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Submitted donation for USSVI Submariner Magazine for USS Virginia Executive Committee authorized a donation of $100.00 to the USS San Francisco (SSN711) Fund If other members want to donate, see Art after the meeting. Art will get the money to National as donations from the members by name. A motion was made to accept the report. The motion was seconded and the Treasurer’s report was approved. Executive Committee Report: There was no Executive Committee meeting held this month. Membership Committee Report: The Base Treasurer, Art Esposito supplied the following information:

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Northern Virginia Base Membership Report

Report Date: 01/08/05 Total as of: 12/31/04 2005

Dues Paid 2006 Dues

Paid

Base Members 99 41 4 Regular Annual 59 36 4 Life 17 Holland Club 12 88 Associate Annual 7 5 Life 1 8 Waived - Regular Annual 1 Dues Not Paid for 2004 2 3 Northern Virginia Base

Membership Report Report Date: 02/12/05 Total as of: 01/31/05 2005

Dues Paid 2006 Dues

Paid

Base Members 95 40 5 Regular Annual 54 35 5 Life 21 Holland Club 12 87 Associate Annual 7 5 Life 1 8 Winner of 2006 Early

Bird Drawing:Curt

Haggard

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Dropped two members from base roster due to non-payment of 2004 base dues. National Status - 1 Life and 1 Annual Three members resigned from base. National Status - 2 Life and 1 Annual

The Base Treasurer passed out membership cards to those present who had not yet received them. Storekeeper’s Report: Lou Maruzo, the Base Storekeeper, has made available USSVI 2005 calendars at a cost of $8.00 each (Note: $2.00 is provided to the Base). Jackets (small to XX for $60), vests, magnetic ribbons and flags, patches, etc are all available on the web site. (See partial catalog later in this newsletter.) Art Esposito offered various decals and patches. Unfinished Business: A Chili cook-off will follow the March meeting. There will be a can for donations. Anyone not bringing Chili is asked to bring paper products. (A signup list was passed around the room.) Speakers are needed for April, June, July and August. If you have suggestions, contact the base officers. The District 3 Meeting will be held at Virginia Beach the last week of April (Wednesday through Saturday). The meeting will be held jointly with the World War Two Vets. The Sandcastle Hotel rates are $59. The Schedule of events for a combined U.S. Submarine Vets of WWII and U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc. SE Regional Convention/District 3 Meeting: 27 April (Wed) – Registration / Check-in (Registration 1pm – 5 pm, Hospitality Room open until 10pm) 28 April (Thurs) – Registration / Business Meetings (Hospitality Room open 10 am – 10 pm)

• Free Continental Breakfast 7 – 10 am • Registration 9 am – 5 pm (fee $10) • WWII Sub Vets Wives Meeting 10 am • WWII Sub Vets Business Meeting 1 – 2 pm • USSVI Sub Vets Business Meeting 2:30 – 4 pm

29 April (Fri) – Sub Vets WWII Memorial Service / Banquet (Hospitality Room open 10 am – 10 pm, but closed during memorial service)

• Free Continental Breakfast 7 – 10 am • Sub Vets WWII Memorial Service (all hands invited) • Combined Banquet 7 pm ($30 – Roast Beef Au Jus, Chicken Marsala, White Fish in lemon & butter)

30 April (Sat) - Checkout The annual picnic will be held at the Moose Lodge on Gillis Street on May 14, rain or shine. Tom Perrault and Ron Williams will cook. Ask Ron Williams or Tim Shannon for directions. (There will be no meeting in May.) Need volunteers to make commissary runs and people to come early to help set-up.

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Slade Cutter Promotion – Presented by Ross Sargent – The promotion looks bleak so far. Senator McCain has not been as helpful as thought. Most officials, including Senator Warner indicated that although believing that Slade Cutter is deserving of the promotion, bypassing the normal protocol may adversely affect the process. New Business: Art Esposito discussed the survey that was mailed to the membership. The status received to date is as follows:

Survey Status

Last Name First

Name

National Dues Status

Base Dues Status

Returned Membership Info Sheet (Yes/No)

Returned Survey

(Yes/No) Arquette Daniel Life No No Clauson Carl Life 2004 No No Creighton C. William A2004 A2004 No No Fairchild Clarence 2004 2004 No No Friedrich Paula A2005 A2005 No No Ghormley Ralph Life 2004 No No Gonzalez David 2004 2004 No No Hall Donald Life No No

Hollar Claude Holland

Club Holland

Club No No Kelch Gary 2004 2004 No No Lanahan William 2004 2004 No No McGonnell Fenton 2004 2004 No No McGovern Matt Life 2005 No No McSpadden Richard Life Life No Yes

Mills Charles Holland

Club Holland

Club No No Moore William 2005 2004 No No Morgan Patrick 2004 2004 No No Nemeth Todd 2004 2004 No No Nowak Frank A2004 A2004 No No Perdue W.Earl 2005 2004 No No

Peterson Patrick Assoc.

Life A2005 No No Sanderson Jr. George No No Thomas Frederick Life 2005 No No Varone Mike Life 2005 No No Waylett William Life Yes Yes The above table reflects the current status (as of 02/13/05). 2004 indicates that you owe 2005 dues. Request you return the Membership Info Sheet to verify Base & National data. Returning Survey sheet requested but not required.

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There will be a Bull and Oyster Roast and Dance sponsored by the Chesapeake Base on 12 March. Naval Submarine League (NSL) Report: (Peggy Williams presented)

NSL starting the annual symposium routine.

Annual History Seminar – 13 April at the Navy Memorial open to all. “Raiders from the Deep” featuring CDR Phil Eckert, JO on ARGONAUT and NAUTILUS who participated in landing Carlson’s Raiders and a landing party in Adak. Also seeking to have RADM Bernie Maguire, Commander Special Warfare Command speak.

Submarine Technology Symposium – 17-19 May at Allied Physics Lab. Need SECRET Clearance to attend, but otherwise open to the first 500 registered. Program includes review of new technology being evaluated for submarine use. Also a report from the fleet on current submarine classified operations will be presented.

Annual Symposium – 8-9 June at Hilton Alexandria at Mark Center open to NSL members and guests. Exhibits, social banquet with speaker and a full program on the state of the Submarine Force.

Information may be obtained on-line at: http://www.navalsubleague.com.

2005 USSVI National Convention: To be held in Kansas City. Members are encouraged to obtain hotel rooms as early as possible. They go fast.

Scholarship Fund: National sponsors 6 or 7 scholarship funds. For these, there is no recognition for donations from specific bases. There is no District 3 sponsored fund. Three bases sponsor their own funds, but these are large bases.

The base secretary cautioned members regarding the sensitivity of information regarding USS San Francisco and that caution should be exercised before forwarding.

Groton Base is holding their Back to School Weekend on 28 April. It includes a tour of the Submarine School and a Golf Tournament.

Binnacle List: Please keep the following in your prayers: Mike Lamont’s mother and Dex Armstrong.

Birthdays For The Month of FEBRUARY

Arlene Carpel 06 February Raymond Gillen 18 February Ross Sargent 06 February William Neff 19 February Donald Hall 08 February Charles Mills 23 February

Peggy Williams 09 February Stefania Nielson 25 February Alan Brodie 14 February Ruth Holtzman 28 February

The Base Chaplain read the benediction. The 50/50 raffle was conducted. $76 went to the winner. A follow-up drawing was made for the book “Submarines” donated by the base historian from his personal library. Paul Nelson was the winner.

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A separate raffle was held for selected members for a text book used in the earlier days of Submarine School. Art Smith was the winner. The book was donated by Jim Chenvert. The meeting was adjourned at 11:38 AM. -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

EXCOM Meeting of 24 February 2005 On Thursday, 24 February 2005, an EXCOM meeting was held at the American Legion Post 176, Springfield, Virginia. The meeting started at approximately 1945 hours, members present included:

Base Commander: Ray Stone

Vice Commander: Tom Perrault

Treasurer: Art Esposito

Former Base Commander: Tim Shannon

District 3 Commander: Ron Williams

The following is a list of topics discussed:

• District 3 Commander’s Ballot has been received and members will be notified by e-mail by the Base Secretary. Votes should be electronically forwarded to the Base Commander at [email protected].

• The National Scholarship Fund was discussed and it was the agreement of the EXCOM Board that our yearly donation should be made to the National Scholarship Fund rather than develop a separate Base Scholarship Fund. The Base Treasurer will explain the financial benefits of this action.

• The National “Books for Boats” effort was also discussed. A significant number of books were received and distribution would have a significant financial impact on funds allocated. This effort has been placed on hold until a more financially realistic and well planned effort is initiated.

• The sale of CAPT Bivens book “From Sailboats to Submarines” proved to be beneficial to the Base. Discussion for further sales of this nature was conducted but final process not developed.

• Tommy Cox, a favorite member of SubVets and a musician extraordinaire, will be in the area on the date of our next meeting. The Base Commander is coordinating a potential visit.

• The “One MC” has been forwarded to John Wynn, USSVI National Archivist as requested. • The February “One MC” is currently being drafted and will be out before the March 12th meeting. • Discussed e-mail suggestions received from Curt Haggard relating to the Birthday Ball, meeting “e-

mail” reminder, and “The American Submariner” magazine etc. • Discussed the addition of two more Base shipmates to the Holland Club and how we will handle the

award. Award date will be contingent upon when the Base Commander receives the completed Holland Club packages. Final decision will be Base Commander’s.

• The March meeting will be the “Second Annual Chili Cook-Off!” Coordination has already been established with the Legion. The Base Secretary needs to send out reminders and find out who will

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participate in the contest. (Note: I will try to win again this year! It is sort of like me winning the 50/50!)

• We need speakers for the April, Jun and July meetings. This will be discussed at the March meeting. • Finally, active participation by “All Hands” in coming up with ideas and activities needs to be

emphasized at the meeting. • Final item was from the District Commander and provided information on pull tabs from cans and the

Ronald McDonald House program. This will be presented to all at the March meeting. The meeting ended at approximately 2045. T. J. Perrault, Vice Commander Northern Virginia Base -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

ARTICLE OF INTEREST

From: J.B. Ensminger Subject: Delayed Honor Feb 20, 10:07 PM (ET) By STEVE HARTSOE RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The Navy on Sunday honored a former pharmacists' mate with a commendation medal, more than 60 years after he saved a young sailor s life by performing an emergency appendectomy aboard a submarine during World War II. Wheeler Lipes performed the surgery in 1942, with his patient stretched out on a dining table as their submarine lay submerged 120 feet beneath the Pacific Ocean. A news report on Lipes' feat won a Pulitzer Prize, and the Navy later made a movie about it. Lipes, 84, said past efforts to award him the Navy Commendation Medal failed because government officials believed a statute of limitations had passed. "Personally, I'm not overwhelmed with awards, but I think it was important they present the medal because it helps to bring about some closure of things that fall through the cracks," he said. Lipes was 23 when he performed the surgery on sailor Darrel Dean Rector aboard the USS Seadragon. Rector was too tall to lay on the table, so a nearby cabinet was opened and Lipes put the patient's feet in the drawer. The table was bolted to the floor, so Lipes had to stand with his knees bent throughout the operation.

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He used makeshift instruments - bent spoons for retractors, alcohol from torpedoes for sterilization and hemostats for knife handles to hold the blades. Lipes and an assistant wore sterilized pajamas for operating room gowns. After nearly two hours, Lipes removed a swollen 5-inch appendix that had several inches of blackened tissue. Arthur Killam, 84, who served aboard the Seadragon with Lipes, said the young pharmacists' mate never wavered during the surgery. Lipes "said he'd seen an appendectomy one time so he told the skipper that he could do it. He went right after it," said Killam, who attended the medal ceremony after talking with Lipes a few weeks ago for the first time since the war. Lipes said his patient was the courageous one. "I always thought he was the guy who had the courage," Lipes said. "I've asked myself, 'Would I have gotten up on that table and let someone do the same thing to me?' He was one of the most courageous people I've ever met." Rector was back on duty in 13 days. He died two years later aboard a different submarine, the USS Tang, when the Tang fired a torpedo that circled back and struck the vessel. Reporter George Weller of the now-defunct Chicago Daily News wrote about Lipes' undersea surgery and won a Pulitzer Prize. Several motion pictures also portrayed the feat, including one titled "The Pharmacist's Mate," produced by the Navy. Lipes said about 100 people attended Sunday's medal ceremony. "It was spectacular," he said, describing the ceremony in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "The Navy certainly made up for the 63 years of delay in the medal." Lipes received the award after Jan Herman, historian of the Navy Medical Department, began looking into his case. "I found that he had never gotten any kind of recognition from the Navy," Herman told The Daily News of Jacksonville, N.C. Herman interviewed and videotaped Lipes several times for the Navy. "He had been in the newspapers, and when the war wasn't going very well for us in the Pacific, here was this 23-year-old kid who did this great thing, saved a guy's life under these very harrowing circumstances," Herman said. The surgery wasn't Lipes' only harrowing experience. He escaped death early in the war when the submarine USS Sealion was hit by two Japanese bombs. He still has scars from that attack.

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Lipes, who is battling pancreatic cancer, retired to North Carolina in 2002 after a long career as a hospital administrator. He said he was cheered by Sunday's ceremony. "I certainly was privileged and honored to be the subject of that presentation," he said. -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Submariner's Girl

by Bob 'Dex' Armstrong This one is a personal thank you to a very special person. A sort of long overdue acknowledgement of how special the memories are that she so unselfishly gave to me, so many years ago. She said recently,

"I always thought of myself as a submariner's girl. It's nice to know I really was."

You betcha.

There was never a qual card for qualifying as a submariner's girl but if there had been, Susan Elisabeth you would have made it hands down.

Where do I begin. She was my high school squeeze... Fresh, wholesome, adventurous, devilish... 100% red-blooded American girl... And could wear you out chasing the tail of her comet.

When Sue was your love, you got a bonus... A kind of surprise package deal... You got her lovely mother, Grace. Anyone who didn't fall in love with Grace was past salvage. She set a table with home cooking that could draw a fellow away from a tie ball game in the ninth inning. I loved Grace and for reasons never fully understood, Grace loved me. I still have her Cheese Grits recipe, so I still have breakfast with Grace. She's in Heaven... Most likely, feeding stray bluejackets who show up on her doorstep, great chow and telling them when Sue arrives they better hit the supply officer up for fresh batteries for their pacemakers (Main power electricians will probably be dragging around one of those one ton MLA 77A Exide wet lead acid monsters on a solid gold hand truck).

Most girls dropped you like a hot potato when you got to Great Lakes, and didn't write. 'A' School and New London didn't improve your love letter production a helluva lot either. Susan Elisabeth never failed you.

At submarine school, we studied the Becuna (SS-319). It was nice to escape from all that gahdam trim and drain... IMO pump pressure ratio to the hydraulic accumulator bullshit... And read the words "I miss you so very much"... And catch five minutes of daydreaming about magic moments in a '57 Olds... Where a lovely girl allowed intimate moments beyond bra hooks... And made you forget about everything but her, the stars and lightning bugs. There is something wonderful about unasked for... Wholly voluntary hugs and the gift of soft lips... Softest lips ever.

The letters came. I had a lower rack in Barracks 142... Definitely not the penthouse at the Waldorf Astoria but everything looks the same when they turn off the lights.

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"Hey, firewatch!"

"Whatcha want, Armstrong?"

"Let me borrow your flashlight."

"What for?"

"Wanna look at my girl's picture. Beginning to forget what real good looking women look like... Need a refresher... Kind of a wet dream booster shot."

"Get outta here... Jeezus Armstrong, you keep it up and the medics are going to be sprinkling wierd stuff in your chow."

"Gimme yur gahdam light... You wanna see one helluva good looking girl?"

She was. That may be an understatement.

Boat service could be a lonely business. Oh sure, there was a lot of superficial sex... One nighters... Commercial conveyor belt sheep dip. Commonly known as "That'll be twenty-five, here's your white hat" sex. Not the same as being loved. Knowing someone, somewhere truly missed you and was waiting someplace on the other side of the pressure hull, to wrap her arms around you... You can't buy that.

When I got in and the lines were doubled up and we shoved the brow over so some lard-ass mail clerk off 'Mother Onion' could drag a couple of worn out, postal-reject mail bags over so the chief could pass out mail and make wise-ass remarks about paternity subpoenas and missed car payment notices. It was great to get an envelope with beautiful handwritten addressing… And an imprint in lipstick. You smiled the wise, all-knowing 'I just robbed the cookie jar' smile and shoved the envelope in your dungaree pocket.

You didn't read it right away. It was like fine French wine… To be savored slowly and enjoyed at leisure. (How the hell did I become an authority on fine French wine? Sly Fox wasn't French… Hell, I'm not sure it was even wine… More like turpentine-based roach extermination fluid.)

So after the liberty sections went over the side, I would find a dry spot next to a well-ventilated section of pressure hull forward of the escape trunk where the impulse air flasks didn't impede air flow from the limber holes, and enjoy my letter. Forty years later, that may not appear to be a big deal to folks who never existed on bad air, chewable coffee and love letters for long periods of time.

If you could wangle a seventy-two, scare up a clean set of whites and fifty bucks, you could hitchhike home and wrap your arms around your deep saltwater fantasy and with luck, be able to field test the latest in lingerie fastenings… And hope that lovely Susan Elisabeth didn't catch a high heel in the electrical spaghetti wire under the dashboard of the old man's car.

"Jeezus Christ son… What in the hell did you do to the gahdam car last night? Damn seat adjustment is out… Power windows won't work and the lighter won't light… What the hell happened?"

I knew instantly he didn't want to hear the truth. Sue's high heels got tangled in the wire under the dash. Once your dad finds cotton undies under the front seat, you don't want to visit that subject ever again, on purpose.

"Dick Marshall's dog jumped in the car."

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Dick Marshall didn't own a dog… Had to remember to tell him he owned an imaginary dog that screwed up the wiring in the old man's car.

First love is freely given… No expectations other than full commitment… Life is new… Still has the original cellophane intact. The cynicism that comes with maturity isn't there. You have suffered no disillusions, no skepticism, no hurts, no major disappointments… they are in the future. At nineteen and twenty, you own the world and can operate out of a diesel boat side locker and a bunk bag. You can also take your trusty electrician's knife and pry out a couple of pop rivets in the side locker frame just enough to create a slot big enough to wedge a picture of Susan Elisabeth in, to focus your dreams.

Somewhere, sometime, somehow we lost it… Lost what we had… Lost each other. We cashed in our dreams for the reality of life and grew up... We cheated ourselves.

Yes, Susan Elisabeth, you were a submariner's girl… The best. You spent a lot of time at sea, wedged in a side locker frame.

(For other Dex Armstrong stories, go to: http://www.olgoat.com/

Art Bivens Speaks about his Book: “From Sailboats to Submarines.”

Our own Art Bivens spoke to us of his new book “From Sailboats to Submarines.” He discussed growing up in the South, attending the U.S. Naval Academy where he raced yawls on the Chesapeake (hence the name of the book). Art talked about his time on the USS QUILLBACK and rough weather survival; on the USS PATRICK HENRY operating out of Holy Loch, Scotland, dealing with demonstrators and being the first fleet ballistic missile submarine to conduct a “Ripple Fire.” He concluded with his command of the USS SAM HOUSTON and described an occasion when he ordered all adult magazine foldouts removed from watch stations, and during a patrol’s half-way night, the crew had covered the overhead and bulkheads of the mess decks with fold-outs. Following the presentation, Art had a book signing for those who purchased his book.

The following is additional information provided to base members but not presented at the monthly meeting.

For those interested in becoming a member of the American Legion, membership dues are $24 per year at Post 176.

Discovery Channel Celebrates 20th Anniversary Year with Specials that Honor our History and Embrace our Future

Released by Discovery Channel, 13 Jan 05

The one-hour special SUBMARINE: HIDDEN HUNTER, on Sunday, April 17, 9-10 PM (ET/PT), heads deep into top-secret territory with an engrossing profile of the new Virginia Class vessel, which represents a quantum leap forward in submarine design.

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The Submarine Ship’s Store

301 Whitworth Dr., Culpepper, VA 22701

Phone: (540) 727-7610 (Fax: (800) 227-3099)

Lou Maruzo, http://www.subshipstore.com, e-Mail: [email protected]

Garrison Cap W/SubVets Logo & Three (3) Embroidered Lines Of Text Sizes 7, 7-1/4, 7-3/8, 7-1/2, 7-3/4 $30.00

Ball Cap W/Submarine Veteran Patch & Base Name (Up To Two Lines) Embroidered On The Back $17.00

USSVI Patches Large $11.00, Medium $5.00, Mini $4.00

Submarine Veteran Life Member Patch $5.00

Submarine Veteran Logo License Plate $8.00

Submarine Veteran Logo Flag $40.00

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Submarine Veteran Logo T-Shirt - Medium - White $12.00, Large - Gray $12.00 XL - Gray $12.00 XXL - Gray or White $14.00 XXXL - Gray or White $16.00

Submarine Veteran Logo Decal $2.00

NOVA Base Logo Patch $6.00 (See Base Treasurer)

Basic Lined Vest S-XL $25, XXL $30

Complete Vest with Patches will be ~ $115 depending upon accessories ordered.

Provide waist size and Shoulder-to-Waist length.

Submarine prints are available through Tom Denton. Tom has prints of Diesel Subs, Fast Attacks, 41 for Freedom, Trident, British Fleet, Submarine Rescue, Lighthouses and some skimmer stuff (if you’re into that sort of thing). You can view available prints at http://www.submarineart.com, write him at: Tom Denton, 8629 Discovery Blvd., Walkersville, MD 21793, or contact him at (301) 845-0049 or e-Mail: [email protected]

Prints, posters, flags, etc., are also available from Vermar Naval Products, P.O. Box 501908, San Diego, CA 92150-1908 or contact [email protected].

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THE ONE MC United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. Northern Virginia Base

DIRECTIONS TO OUR BASE MEETINGS:

OLD KEENE MILL RD Going EAST - From Burke · Past the light at Commerce St, Old Keene Mill Rd expands to 5 lanes · Continue East, stay to the Right, continue past Spring Rd · Pass Springfield Methodist Church and a Mobil station on the Right · Just before the overpass (I-95), turn Right on Springfield Blvd · Turn Right into American Legion Post 176 parking lot

I-395 Going SOUTH - From Washington DC · Pass the through the 395/495/95 interchange, move to the Right · Take exit 169B (sign 'SPRINGFIELD W 644') · Stay to the Left and Pass Brandon and Backlick · Turn Right on Bland (by sign 'TO S 617, TO 7900') · Turn Right at the first light and cross over Veterans’ Bridge · Turn Right at the Springfield Blvd light at base of the bridge · Immediate Left into American Legion Post 176 parking lot

I-495 (Capital Beltway) - INNER LOOP - From Woodrow Wilson Bridge - OUTER LOOP - From Tyson's Corner · Take 95 SOUTH exit · Take exit 169B (sign 'SPRINGFIELD W 644') · Pass Brandon and Backlick · Turn Right on Bland (by sign 'TO S 617, TO 7900') · Turn Right at the first light and cross over Veterans’ Bridge · Turn Right at the Springfield Blvd light at base of the bridge · Immediate Left into American Legion Post 176 parking lot

I-95 Going NORTH - From Woodbridge (Richmond) · Take Springfield exit 169 (Stay Left for exit 169B onto Old Keene Mill Rd) · After passing under I-95, immediately move to the Right lane · Turn Right on Bland (by sign 'TO S 617, TO 7900') · Turn Right at the first light and cross over Veterans’ Bridge · Turn Right at the Springfield Blvd light at base of the bridge · Immediate Left into American Legion Post 176 parking lot

FRANCONIA RD. Going WEST - From Annandale · After passing under I-95, immediately move to the Right lane · Turn Right on Bland (by sign 'TO S 617, TO 7900') · Turn Right at the first light and cross over Veterans’ Bridge · Turn Right at the Springfield Blvd light at base of the bridge · Immediate Left into American Legion Post 176 parking lot

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APPLICATION FOR ALL NEW, RENEWAL, or TRANSFER MEMBERSHIPs

"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 Government."

I subscribe to the creed of the United States Submarine Veterans Inc., and agree to abide by all Bylaws, Regulations, and Procedures governing the Unites States Submarine Veterans, Inc., so long as they do not conflict with my military or civil obligations. I will furnish further proof of my eligibility for membership if required. Signature __________________________________________________________________ NAME:____________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS:_________________________________________________________________ CITY:_____________________________________________________________________

ANNUAL DUES:

See USSVI National and Northern Virginia (NOVA) Subase Dues Plans

DATE: ________/_________/_______(MM/DD/YY) STATE: _____________ ZIP:_______________

BIOGRAPHICAL DATA (New Members / Updates)

Date of Birth (MM/DD/YY): _________/_________/____________

E-mail Address: ________________________________________________________

Telephone: (h) ___________________________________; (w) ___________________________________;

(c) ___________________________________

Date First Enl. /Comm. (MM/DD/YY):______/______/_______

Date Discharged (MM/DD/YY):_______/_______/_______

Total Years of Service: __________ Highest Rate / Rank Attained: _____________ Retired (Y/N)? ______

Qual Boat: _________________________________ Hull#________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) ______/______

Qual Rate / Rank____________________________ Qual Date: (MM/YY): _____________/_____________

Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______

Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______

Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______

Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______

Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______

Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______

Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______

Spouse's Name: ____________________________ Spouse's Birthday (MM/DD): _____________/__________

(Continue on reverse if necessary)

Applicants serving on active duty are requested to provide a permanent address through which they may be contacted. Just bring it to a meeting, or check the website at the top of this page for e-mail addresses.

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NATIONAL Dues are: (Effective 20 September 2004)

ANNUAL $20 THREE YEARS $55 FIVE YEARS $90

LIFE MEMBER (Effective 1 January 2005)

Age 76 and over $100 Age 66 - 75 $200 Age 56 - 65 $300 Age 46 - 55 $400 Age 45 and younger $500

National has an installment plan for becoming a Life Member. Minimum payment is $50.

NORTHERN VIRGINIAN SUBASE dues are:

ANNUAL $ 10 LIFE MEMBER

Age 65+ $ 50 Age 55 – 65 $100 Age 45 - 55 $150 Under Age 45 $250

National and NOVA Base dues are waived for Holland Club members. Please cut on the dotted line and submit to Treasurer by mail or at the next meeting you attend. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: _______________________________ Date: __________ NATIONAL Dues: Annual $20 Amount Enclosed: __________ Three Years $55 Amount Enclosed: __________ Five Years $90 Amount Enclosed: __________ Life Age Dependent Age ____ Amount Enclosed: __________ Life Age Dependent Installment Plan Age ____ Amount Enclosed: __________ NOVA SUBASE Dues: Annual $10 Amount Enclosed: __________

Life Age Dependent Age ____ Amount Enclosed: __________

Total Enclosed: __________ Make check to: USSVI NOVA Subase Send Payment to: USSVI Treasurer

Arthur Esposito 12618 Bayard Drive Reston, VA 20191-5802

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