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u3-21-2010
Shadow Warriors
The submarine’s
ability to penetrate a hostile area independently, covertly and for long
durations, provided a unique tactical advantage during World War II.
Submarines operating undetected near the enemy’s coastline provided a
complete picture of the undersea, surface, and near shore military
conditions, including enemy force dispositions and preparations. The
submarine, with its extremely capable communications ability, operating well
inside the enemy’s defensive barriers, provided valuable tactical
information to assist Army and Marine Corps field commanders in making
timely, informed decisions. In that role, submarines paved the way for the
effective employment of special covert forces and insulated those same
forces from unnecessary risks during the initial phases of guerrilla warfare
operations.1
More
u3-14-2010
A Tribute to Spinax.wmv
uupdated 3-14-2010
Shipmate
Jerry Peeling's
back
surgery was about 3 hours long replacing about 60% of the hardware from
the last surgery. He used larger screws this time and beefed up his
tailbone. Only time will tell if he was able to fix it. ( Three of us
visited Jerry on Friday in the hospital . He will be home by the time
you read this. His recovery seems remarkable.)
u3-13-2010
USS Pampanito (SS-383) 360
On this web page , hold
down mouse left key and move to get a 360 look at compartments.
http://www.nonplused.org/panos/uss_pampanito/html/01.html
uupdated
3-9-2010
Welcome
Aboard New Members:
Bob McMath (Seawolf, Alaska, Daniel Webster) and Wild
Bill Reher
(Patrick Henry), John E. Messier
(Ohio,
Pennsylvania, Alaska, Maine)
uupdated
3-4-2010
Base By Laws to Undergo Updating in 2010
(Input Deadline, 31 July 2010) Members are urged to review the base
bylaws and make suggestions to the E-board for changes, additions or
deletion. The base by laws may be accessed at
http://gertrude-check.up-scope.org/BL.htm. Make your suggestions
to the base commander at
ssbnswo@aol.com
The members of the E-board have started the process to
review the by-laws and make improvements as needed. The by-laws were last
amended in 2005 and it is about time for another periodic review. Every member
is encouraged to review and submit changes to the bylaws that will help to
improve the operation of the base. Remember that our base by-laws must not
conflict with the national by-laws. The procedures for by-law amendments are as
follows:
ARTICLE XI. BY-LAW AMENDMENTS
Section 1.
Any member in good standing may submit recommendations to amend these
Bylaws to the E-Board
Section 2.
All recommendations to amend these Bylaws shall be placed on the Base
Commanders docket to be read to the membership.
Section 3.
All amendments to these Bylaws must be read at three consecutive regular
meetings. The third reading a Vote will be taken and a two-thirds majority vote
'yes' shall be required to pass the amendment.
Section 4. All
amendments certified as being passed shall become effective immediately.
Section 5.
The secretary shall record in the minutes’ book the vote count pertaining to
the
balloting under this Article.
u2-25-2010
2010 Base
Officer Nominations Open
The Nominating Committee is
accepting nominations of eligible candidates for the five elected offices.
Nominations shall be submitted by any member in good standing on or before
May
1, to the Chairman of the Nominating Committee, but only if such
nominationsare accompanied by a written consent of the nominee that he will
accept the nomination and serve if elected must be a member of good
standing. Elections will normally be held at the business meeting in June.
This is your opportunity to be a member of the E-board and contribute ideas
that will affect the direction of the Bremerton Base. The old saying is
appropriate, “Don’t complain unless you have volunteered to help.”
Nomination Committee Chairman,
Gary “Dutch” Kaiser
gekaiser@comcast.net
360 377 3696
u2-22-2010
2010 Enlisted
Submarine Birthday Ball
CSG9
CMDCM(SS) Rick Atkins would
like to announce the 2010 Enlisted Submarine Birthday Ball being held on 17
Apr at Bangor Plaza. Cocktails at 1800, program begins at 1900. The theme
is:The 50's: Decade of Innovation. RDML Frank Caldwell is the
Guest Speaker. Details to follow.
u3-8-2010
2010
Officers'
Submarine Birthday Ball
Get ready for Submarine
Birthday Ball
On Saturday, Apr. 10,
celebrate your place in history at the 110th Submarine Officers Birthday
Ball at the Bangor Plaza.
All active duty submarine
officers, retired submarine officers, and Navy League members are
invited. Tickets are $50 each for O2 and below and their guest, $55 each
for O3-O4 and their guest, and $60 for O5 and above and civilians and
their guest. They are available for purchase at through your command
representative through March 19th.
No-host cocktails will be
served beginning at 500 p.m.; sit-down dinner consisting of your choice
of Beef Wellington with béarnaise sauce or Baked Salmon with portabella
mushroom spinach. Dinner will be served with a vegetable medley and
herbed baby red potatoes or rice, plus salad, coffee and iced tea.
Rear Admiral Douglas J
McAneny, Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet, is the evening’s
guest speaker. Entertainment will be provided by Adams DJ services. A
professional photographer will be available.
Dress for military is
dinner dress blue jacket (O4 & above, O3 & below optional) and black tie
for civilians. For more information, visit Bangorsubball.com or email
info@BangorSubBall.com.
Note:
Child care will be available from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. through the Child
Development Center (CDC) at a rate of $25 per child for the evening.
u2-22-2010
All about our
Subvet Charitable Foundation
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 2/17/2010
---------------------------------------------------------
Base Officer Shipmate:
What follows is some background information for you regarding the IRS
legally recognized purposes of our Charitable Foundation.
I'm sending this to you because not everyone understands the purposes of
your subvet charity, or even that it is a independent corporation
separate from USSVI specifically set up to allow tax deductable
donations from USSVI members for purposes important to us as Submarine
Veterans.
Please take a little time to read over the purposes so that you will be
able to answer any questions about the "CF" posed by your membership.
The Corporation is organized and shall be operated exclusively for
charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section
501©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (herein
called the "Code" and referred to by Section reference). In furtherance
of the foregoing exclusively charitable and educational purposes, and
not in limitation thereof, the Corporation shall:
(a) provide "qualified tuition and related expenses" within the meaning
of Code Section 117 (b )(2) to individuals who shall be (i) dependent
(natural or adopted) children or grandchildren of submarine veterans,
active-duty submariners, or personnel in submarine support activities,
both officer and enlisted, and (ii) part or full time students at an
educational organization within the meaning of Section 170(b)(I)(A)(ii),
provided that such educational organization (a) provides an educational
program that is acceptable for full credit towards a higher degree or
offers a program of training to prepare students for gainful employment
in a recognized occupation, and (b) is authorized under federal or state
law to provide such a program and is accredited by a nationally
recognized accreditation agency, or, otherwise provides scholarships
excluded from federal gross income under Section 117;
(b) educate the members of SUBVETS and the public on the role that
submariners and submarines have played since the commissioning of the
first United States Navy submarine in October, 1900;
(c) encourage research and preservation of historical data relating to
the history of the Submarine Service;
(d) participate in Memorial Services, Parades and various activities
connected with such patriotic holidays as Armed Forces Day, Memorial
Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Navy Day, and Veterans Day;
(e) undertake appropriate activities to promote a strong submarine
force, including a submarine sponsorship program, and to assist the
United States Navy in recruiting efforts for the Submarine Service;
(f) establish memorials and public monuments dedicated to honoring the
memory of departed submariners, honoring the accomplishments of the
United States Submarine Force, honoring the United States Navy, and
honoring the Armed Forces of the United States;
(g) establish a library and/or museum, concerning submarines and the
Submarine Service;
(h) provide assistance to impoverished former submariners and their
immediate families; and
(i) promote and pursue such other activities as may be appropriate for
an organization organized and operated exclusively for charitable and
educational purposes, and which is exempt as an organization described
in Section 501©(3) of the Code.
u2-17-2010
Wanted:
Personal Submarine Stories and Autobiographies
We are
looking to publish your submarine autobiography and/or your
personal submarine stories in future issues of the Puget Soundings.
Send them via email on an attached WORD document to Dave Pittman
drpittman@wavecable.com
at least a week prior to the scheduled Puget Soundings
publication date and we will publish as many as possible.
u
3-17-2010 USSVI
OFFICIAL BUSINESS:
SubVet
News -
#2010-012
Date: 3/17/2010
To: Distribution List
=========================================================
NEWS-01: Cavalla Periscope News
Submitted by: Gil Raynor CHF Acting Administrator on 2/27/2010
---------------------------------------------------------
The Cavalla is a unique submarine on display in Galveston, Texas. She
sank the Shokaku one of the Japanese carriers that attacked Pearl
Harbor.
The Cavalla Historical Foundation has been restoring her since 1998 and
is asking your assistance to reinstall the original periscopes from this
submarine that had been rebuilt at the Navy periscope shop.
They need to raise $ 5,000.00 to make this happen.
Please look at the attached flyer (linked below) and pass it on to
others who might be interested.
If you are on FACEBOOK, you can become a fan of the Cavalla Historical
Foundation and keep up to date on the events and restoration efforts
that are ongoing at the Naval display.
Also Mark your Calendars for the Memorial Day Commemoration held
annually at the Naval Display.
If you are in the area and can attend, it is a great opportunity to
honor those who have preserved our freedom throughout our nation’s
history.
Thank you for taking time to read this.\
Gil Raynor
Acting Administrator CHF
http://myronhoward.name/submarines/periscopenews.pdf
=========================================================
NEWS-02: What do you think of the new Navy Cammo (Navy Working
Uniform)
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 3/5/2010
---------------------------------------------------------
We have a new online poll you can participate in at
www.ussvi.com
To take a look at the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) first, go to the link
below.
http://www.new-navy-uniform.com/picture-nwu.html
=========================================================
NEWS-03: Taking a ride aboard USS Toledo at Sea
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 3/5/2010
---------------------------------------------------------
A two day ride aboard USS Toledo, a 688(I) fast attack boat, broken into
four parts, filmed and narrated by a TV Station reporter and cameraman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4z6uUwtpyU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm52NLcGT7o&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOPeD1N4MbM&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRWY3GSJxLc&feature=channel
Thanks to Gary Parker for providing the links...
=========================================================
NEWS-04: Website problem resolved
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 3/9/2010
---------------------------------------------------------
USSVI had a
www.ussvi.org website access problem in
some areas of the country, and it took several days for Tim VeArd to
figure out what was happening so it could be corrected.
Thank you to all who reported the problem. We are 'back to battery'
again.
=========================================================
NEWS-05: NE Region area Holland Club Celebration and Induction
ceremony
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 3/10/2010
---------------------------------------------------------
The Lehigh Valley Base and the New Jersey South Base in cooperation are
pleased to announce the 2nd “Annual Regional Holland Club” Induction
Luncheon.
On Saturday, April 17, 2010, the bases will be hosting this special
regional luncheon to honor all of our members who have become eligible
for membership into the Holland Club.
We cordially extend an invitation to all members of bases in
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia to
join us in honoring their respective Holland Club inductees
simultaneously.
After lunch, new members will be honored and inducted into the Holland
Club. Our guest speaker will give their addresses thereafter.
Each Inductee is requested to submit a short type written overview of
their Submarine Service career.
Vice Admiral Daniel L. Cooper will be the featured speaker, and State
Senator Michael Doherty, NJ ®, a West Point Graduate, will also be a
guest speaker.
The individual career overviews will be read prior to each inductee
receiving his certificate of Holland Club membership and other
paraphernalia.
Each inductee should have his certificate and other documentation
available. Your individual Base Commander must apply for the documents
through the national office.
The cost for the luncheon will be $40.00 per person, plus a cash bar.
The luncheon hours will be:
12:00 noon to 4 p.m.
Please fill out the registration form on the last page and send it along
with your check to The Lehigh Valley Base of the USSVI at the address on
the bottom of the form. Schedule and driving directions are on pg. 5.
Note: While looking at this Invitation on your computer, the “PDF
Registration Form” may be filled out on your computer, then printed out.
Proper dress attire will be sport jacket and slacks.
For more information contact:
Vincent Flaherty, Base Commander
The Lehigh Valley Base of USSVI
Tel: (610) 621-2395 or cell: (267) 261-8693
Email:
vflaherty@hamiltoncommunications.com
The complete Induction PDF file can be downloaded from the following
link below (.pdf file / 642kb)
http://www.sublant.navy.mil/PDF/HollandClub.pdf
=========================================================
NEWS-06: Experiencing War: Submarines: Stories from the Veterans
History Project
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 3/10/2010
---------------------------------------------------------
A Library of Congress special presentation:
"Working and living in a confined space beneath the ocean (and sometimes
the Arctic polar cap) demands a special kind of person. The Navy's
submariners are all volunteers, carefully tested and screened and able
to perform any job aboard, including steering the massive boat. During
World War II, U.S. submarines sank more Japanese ships than did U.S.
surface vessels and planes, but at a high cost: a twenty percent
casualty rate. In the Cold War, nuclear submarines prowled the oceans,
gathering intelligence or poised to launch a missile on command."
Click on the link...
http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-submarines.html
=========================================================
NEWS-07: A Thank You to the 2009 Donors to your CF Scholarship
Program
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 3/11/2010
---------------------------------------------------------
The Scholarship committee would like to acknowledge all those who have
donated to the USSVCF Scholarship Fund.
We are asking you to go to the USSVI Web page (www.ussvi.org)
and on the left side you will find the Charitable Fund Button. Click on
it and you next see also on the left side the CF Donor Button. There
you will find the Scholarship Donation List which will cove the year
2009.
The scholarship Committee would like to graciously thank you for your
donation and support of the Scholarship Program. Last year without your
support 29 students would not of had the opportunity to reduce their
college cost without your help.
The committee has received thanks from many of the awardees telling us
how gratefully they are for the financial help they received.
Hopefully you will continue to do the same.
We are about to embark on a new season and hopefully we can give out the
same or as many as we have donations for.
Thank you again, on behalf of your CF Scholarship Committee. Paul
Orstad, Chairman
http://www.ussvi.us/Documents/Charitable_CFDonors_2009_Scholarship_Donors.pdf
=========================================================
NEWS-08: GROTON BASE SUBVETS ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION/USSV WWII
Northeast Regional Convention
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 3/11/2010
---------------------------------------------------------
Reminder to all about the upcoming SUBVETS ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION/USSV
WWII Northeast Regional Convention coming up 28 April - 01 May.
Plans are progressing and registrations are coming in.
Everything you wanted to know about the Celebration including
accomodations, schedule, registration forms, etc. can be found at this
web page
http://www.subvetsgroton.org/anniversary/default.aspx
We are looking for Sponsors for the Lost Boats hopefully getting
sponsors for each of the Lost Boats as part of the Golf Tournament
http://www.subvetsgroton.org/anniversary/Sponsorship%20Forms/2010%20Lost%20Boat%20Flag%20Sponsorship.pdf
And finally we are looking for sponsors to place ads in the program
book. Sponsors can be businesses, USSVI Bases, or individuals.
http://www.subvetsgroton.org/anniversary/Sponsorship%20Forms/2010%20Program%20Sponsorship%20Flyer.pdf
If you should have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me
either by email at
commander@subvetsgroton.org
or by phone at (860) 514 - 7064
John "Gumba" Carcioppolo
http://www.subvetsgroton.org/anniversary/Sponsorship%20Forms/2010%20Program%20Sponsorship%20Flyer.pd
=========================================================
NEWS-09: Any Torpedomen interested???
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 3/14/2010
---------------------------------------------------------
North Little Rock, AR: On March 10 2010, USS Razorback loaded 3 Mk 14
Torpedos aboard.
The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum is home to the Razorback and the
USSVI Submarine Library collection, and many subvets, particularly those
from the Razorback Base and the USS Razorback Association, are active in
the restoration of the boat.
Click on the link for a series of photos showing the work party in
progress.
http://www.razorbackbase.com/torpedoload3-10-10.html
=========================================================
NEWS-10: What to do...
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 3/14/2010
---------------------------------------------------------
The USSVI website at
www.ussvi.org was
designed so that all visitors can access a wide variety of submarine
related information, and so that 'members only' can access certain parts
of the information.
But, if you are having a problem 'logging in'. click on the "GOT A
PROBLEM" button (bottom left side of main page) or visit the page linked
below to help you decide who to contact about any specific problem or
question you have.
http://www.ussvi.us/problems.asp
=========================================================
NEWS-11: Cold War Recognition Certificate
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 3/14/2010
---------------------------------------------------------
Who is eligible? All members of the armed forces and federal government
civilian personnel who faithfully served the United States during the
Cold War era, Sept. 2, 1945, to Dec. 26, 1991.
In accordance with section 1084 of the Fiscal Year 1998 National Defense
Authorization Act, the Secretary of Defense approved awarding Cold War
Recognition Certificates to all members of the armed forces and
qualified federal government civilian personnel who faithfully served
the United States during the Cold War era, from Sept. 2, 1945, to Dec.
26, 1991.
This Center will, upon request, provide copies of DD 214's and other
separation documents, as appropriate, to authorized requesters. These
documents may be used to apply for the Certificate.
Complete instructions for obtaining a copy of your DD 214 may be found
under How to Request Copies of Military Service Records. However, this
center does not have the application form available, nor will we be able
to supply the Certificate itself.
For more information concerning the application process visit the Cold
War Recognition Certificate webpage below...
https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/active/tagd/coldwar/default.htm
=========================================================
NEWS-12: Virginia Becomes First State in America to Adopt
Honor and Remember as Official Flag
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 3/14/2010
---------------------------------------------------------
USSVI has officially endorsed this worthwhile patriotic project along
with a number of other organizations and prominent individuals
1/21/10
Virginia House Votes 97-0 to Adopt.
1/17/10 Dick Morris Endorsement
12/16/09 USSVI Endorsement
11/05/09 Bill O'Reilly Endorses Honor and Remember Organization as
Patriots
10/05/09 (MOAA) Military Officers Assoc. of America endorsement.
09/22/09 Dennis Miller Radio Interview.
9/10/09 (AUSA) Assoc. of the United States Army endorsement.
8/11/09 Asheville, NC - official city endorsement
7/16/09 Gold Star Wives of America, national endorsement
Honor and Remember, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
For more information, please visit
www.honorandremember.org.
See state of VA PR announcement below...
http://www.honorandremember.org/files/HNRvaFlag.pdf
=========================================================
NEWS-13: New Workout Program Designed For Sailors Deployed At Sea
Submitted by: James A Fox on 3/16/2010
---------------------------------------------------------
The Navy plans to roll out a new fitness program this summer that
doesn't require weights — or even a gym. And although it has boosted
physical readiness test scores, the real reason for the program is to
cut down on work-related injuries while giving sailors a workout they
could do anywhere.
Designed for sailors relegated to confined spaces on warships, flattops
and submarines, the Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling
Series includes workouts and nutritional information that its creators
hope will change the way sailors look at fitness and food. The program
is in the final stages of development and will be fleet-ready by June.
Navy Times, March 16, 2010
=========================================================
NEWS-14: Navy Week Tampa 2010 - Sailors Visit, Share Submarine Life
Stories
Submitted by: James A Fox on 3/17/2010
---------------------------------------------------------
Tampa, Florida -- Here in Tampa Bay, we're used to having pirates
invade. But this week, the good guys are coming ashore. It's the Navy
Week Tampa Bay 2010.
When your typical day's spent locked inside an underwater tube just one
football field long, a trip to sunny Tampa Bay is mighty nice.
And when this area is your hometown, the sunshine feels even warmer. "I
plan to retire here -- a very good place to retire. I think this is a
great city to live in," said Command Master Chief Randy Huckaba.
See attached link.
http://www.wtsp.com/news/mostpop/story.aspx?storyid=127619&provider=top
=========================================================
VET-01: Were you on active duty between January 1957 and December 31,
2001?
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 3/9/2010
---------------------------------------------------------
DD FORM 214 -- SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT
Please share this with anyone who's had active duty service between
January 1957 to December 31, 2001 and planning for retirement. In a
nutshell it boils down to this:
You qualify for a higher social security payment because of your
Military service, for active duty any time from 1957 through 2001 (the
program was done away with 1 January 2002). Up to $1200 per year of
earnings credit credited at time of application - which can make a
substantial difference in social security monthly payments upon your
retirement. You must bring your DD-214 to the Social Security Office and
you must ask for this benefit to receive it!
Soc Sec website:
http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm
This is something to put in your files for when you apply for Social
Security down the road.. It is NOT just for retirees, BUT anyone who has
served on active duty between January 1957 to December 31, 2001.
FYI - this benefit is not automatic, you must ask for it! We've all been
on active duty between 1957 and 2001 or know someone who has.
Passing on good information for all you military folks when you apply
for social security. I know this may be too early for some of you to
think about social security but, keep living and you will get there...
http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm
uSoup Down:
Fri, Mar 19, Clear
Water Casino, Suquamish
Letter for Requesting Gift Certificate from
Restaurants
Check this link to see
recent turn outs at Soup Downs
http://www.ussvi.org/base/Bremerton.asp Click on Meeting
Photos
Don Bassler
Gertrude Check
Founder & Editor
down-scope@comcast.net
More News of Interest to Submariners
The
commanding
officer of a
Pearl
Harbor-based
attack
submarine
was fired
Monday after
he was found
guilty of
“drunkenness”
and “conduct
unbecoming
an officer,”
in
nonjudicial
punishment,
a spokesman
said
Tuesday.
It was the
seventh CO
firing of
2010.
Cmdr. Jeff
Cima,
skipper of
the attack
submarine
Chicago, was
relieved by
Capt. Daryl
Caudle,
commander of
Submarine
Squadron 3,
after
allegations
regarding
Cima’s
behavior
during a
March 10
visit with a
Naval
Reserve
Officer
Training
Corps unit,
said Lt.
Cmdr. Dave
Benham, a
spokesman
for
Submarine
Force
Pacific.
Benham said
he could not
give more
details
about the
visit or
Cima’s
alleged
misbehavior.
He said Cima
has been
temporarily
assigned to
the staff of
SubRon 3.
The
squadron’s
deputy
commander,
Capt. James
Horten, has
temporarily
taken
command of
Chicago
until a
permanent
replacement
is named,
Benham said.
Horten is a
former
commander of
the attack
sub Olympia.
Cima’s
career has
included
tours aboard
the attack
submarines
Drum and
Pasadena, as
well as with
the
ballistic-missile
submarine
Pennsylvania,
culminating
with a stint
as executive
officer of
Pennsylvania’s
Blue Crew.
He graduated
from Boston
College in
1991 and
received his
commission
through
Officer
Candidate
School.
Other
skipper
firings this
year:
• Capt. John
Titus Jr.
was fired
Jan. 8 as CO
of Naval
Supply Corps
School in
Georgia. An
investigation
found that
he did not
adequately
punish a
subordinate
accused of
fraternization.
• Capt.
Holly Graf
was fired
Jan. 13 as
CO of the
Yokosuka,
Japan-based
cruiser
Cowpens for
“cruelty,” a
spokesman
said.
• Capt. Glen
Little was
fired as CO
of Naval
Weapons
Station
Charleston,
S.C., after
he was
arrested
Jan. 26 on a
charge of
solicitation
of
prostitution.
• Cmdr.
Scott
Merritt was
relieved as
head of
Naval
Support
Activity
North
Potomac on
Feb. 12
following
nonjudicial
punishment.
Sources told
Navy Times
the NJP
involved
fraternization
with junior
Navy
personnel.
• Cmdr.
Timothy
Weber, the
CO of the
Norfolk,
Va.-based
destroyer
Truxtun, was
relieved
Feb. 17 for
having an
inappropriate
relationship
with a
female
officer in
his command,
according to
a Navy
statement
• Capt.
William
Reavey Jr.,
CO of Naval
Air Station
Pensacola,
Fla., was
fired Feb.
26 for
“inappropriate
conduct,”
officials
said
Women will
soon be
aboard
submarines,
but how will
submarine
crews deal
with sexual
assaults?
That
question was
raised by
one of my
colleagues
at Navy
Times
Thursday at
a roundtable
with Navy
officials on
sexual
assault
prevention.
The reporter
noted that
submarine
crews live
in very
close
quarters and
can spend
months
submerged.
“I believe
we’ve
already been
operating in
that
environment
for years,”
said Rear
Adm. Daniel
Holloway,
director of
manpower,
personnel,
training and
education.
"No.1: On
our frigates
and our
destroyers
today, very
close
quarters. In
our
individual
augmentees
and support
overseas,
whether it’s
inside the
camp fence
line or in a
foxhole, and
in our mine
countermeasures,
our mine
sweepers,
our women
today serve
side by
side.”
When asked
how an
alleged
perpetrator
or victim
could be
taken off a
submarine,
Holloway
said
submarines
can surface
to evacuate
sailors
having a
medical
crisis.
“We view the
sexual
assault, and
the mental
health
condition,
re-victimization,
her or his
safety, the
same way as
appendicitis,”
he said.
In such
cases, the
submarine
rendezvous
with a
surface ship
and the
sailor is
usually
taken off by
helicopter,
said Lory
Manning,
director of
the Women in
the Military
Project, a
non-profit
group that
looks at
policy and
law on what
women can do
in the
military.
“It’s not
something
that would
be unique to
a rape,” she
said in a
phone
interview
Thursday.
Crimes such
as
male-on-male
rape already
happen on
submarines
from time to
time, said
Manning, a
retired Navy
captain.
“In fact
there are
more
male-on-male
rapes in the
military
than
male-on-female
rapes,” she
said
As Women
Join Subs,
Male Force
Holds Steady
By Rick
Maze, Navy
Times, March
14, 2010
The Navy appears
to be hedging
its bets on
whether women
are going to
work out as
members of
submarine crews.
In written
testimony
provided
Wednesday to a
Senate
committee, the
Navy’s assistant
secretary for
manpower said
efforts are
underway to
begin training
women to serve
in submarines,
beginning with
officers
assigned to
large
guided-missile
and
ballistic-missile
submarines.
“As a measure of
extra caution,
the Navy will
not reduce the
number of male
officers
training and
qualified for
submarine duty
until we have
experience with
successfully
placing female
officers in
those roles,”
said Juan
Garcia, in a
statement for
the Senate Armed
Services
Committee’s
subcommittee on
personnel.
No questions
about the Navy’s
plans were
raised during
the hearing.
Garcia said the
plan to end the
ban would lift
“one of the last
gender barriers”
and also helps
“insulate us
from the
anticipated
surge in hiring
by the civilian
nuclear power
industry in the
decades to come.
“Because of the
critical mission
and demanding
environment of
the submarine
force, we
envision a
gradual and
measured
approach to this
integration,”
Garcia said.
Initial efforts
will concentrate
on officers
serving in
bigger subs
“where the
existing
infrastructure
will accommodate
these changes
without material
alteration,” he
said
Gates To Be
Commended For
Move To Get
Women Aboard
Submarines
By Trey
Alverson,
Fayette County
News (GA), March
11, 2010
Amidst the media
storm generated by
President Obama's
January call for the
end of "Don't Ask,
Don't Tell," another
important "right to
serve" story has
slipped beneath the
national radar.
On Feb. 26, Defense
Secretary Robert
Gates and Navy
Secretary Ray Mabus
notified Congress
that they intend to
drop the ban on
women serving aboard
submarines.
Congress has until
April to either
accept the Defense
Department's
proposal or pass
legislation to keep
the ban intact.
While the decades
old red herrings of
"uncontrollable
hormones" and
"disruptive unit
cohesiveness" are
already bubbling up
in veteran
communities and on
Capitol Hill, Sec.
Gates knows what he
is doing.
The submarine
community is one of
the military's most
exclusive. Only the
brightest sailors
get hand-picked for
submarine billets.
The enlisted men
currently serving on
submarines scored
extremely high on
aptitude tests and
completed some of
the military's most
intensive, costly
and thorough
training before ever
walking across a
submarine brow.
The junior officers
who aspire to serve
on submarines must
perform
exceptionally well
in their college
math, science and
engineering classes,
complete a series of
interviews with high
ranking submarine
officers and then
survive the
exhaustive and
challenging
post-graduate
curriculum of the
Navy's Nuclear Power
School.
The Navy routinely
struggles to find
enough qualified
newly-commissioned
male officers to
embark upon this
challenging career
path.
The Naval Academy's
current freshman
class contains 253
women -- exactly
20-percent. With a
submarine force that
already strives to
select only the best
qualified midshipmen
to become submarine
officers, it simply
does not make sense
to eliminate
20-percent of
potentially
qualified candidates
right off the bat.
Sec. Gates' current
proposal would
immediately open
submarine duty to
female officers on
Trident Class
submarines. Trident
boats are the
extremely large
'boomers' often
spotted in the
waters near Camden
County that serve as
part of our nation's
nuclear deterrent.
They are much larger
than their cramped
'fast-attack'
cousins of the Los
Angeles and Virginia
Classes.
Accommodating female
officers on Tridents
would require little
to no modifications
of current berthing
configurations.
While female
officers and crews
have long been
allowed on the
navy's surface
ships, some older
vessels -- like the
frigate I served on
from 2005 through
2007 -- do not have
the space for
separate female
enlisted berthing.
Thus, the only
females I served
alongside onboard
the U.S.S. Reuben
James (FFG-57) were
officers. They had
their own state room
and they shared
three
single-occupancy
officer wash rooms
with the wardroom's
men.
This living
arrangement works on
frigates -- it has
for years. And I
worked with some
outstanding female
officers on my ship.
There is absolutely
no reason to believe
that a similar
living arrangement
would cause problems
within the submarine
community.
If Congress is
serious about
keeping pace with
the rapidly
expanding and vastly
improving Chinese
submarine fleet, it
would be wise to
embrace the defense
secretary's plan.
Any policy that
limits the navy's
ability to funnel
the brightest and
most capable junior
officers into the
submarine community
needs to end. Sec.
Gates understands
this and should be
commended for his
effort to lift the
ban.
(Alverson, a
Fayetteville native,
is the editor of
this newspaper and a
graduate of the U.S.
Naval Academy.)
Sailors Sound Off on
Women in Submarines
Newport News Daily
Press, March 6, 2010
Push for integrating
women into the submarine
service and expect the
language to get a little
... salty.
Like this, from a reader
named Jason:
."I had the opportunity
to train with a few
women onboard a
prototype facility in
Charleston, S.C. I have
seen with my own eyes
what women can and
cannot do and, if I was
still onboard a
submarine with a woman
and I had to go and open
the cross connect valve
for her I would be
pissed. Everyone has to
pull their own weight
and women cannot do that
100 percent. G.I. Jane
is a fictional character
in a fictional film. She
does not exist. Get over
it. P.S. Mind your own
damn business."
Or this:
."Spend a couple of
weeks going through the
same drill and routine
all boat sailors contend
with and then tell me if
it's just a matter of
heads, passageways and
equality. And after you
get through with your
shrink visits, then
write another article."
- Nick, MTCM(SS), USN
(Ret.)
I heard from many former
submarine sailors after
last week's column
praising the Navy and
Pentagon decision to
integrate, and blasting
opposition based on
cramped environs, scarce
bathroom or bunk space,
the specter of messy
personnel issues and the
overall impact on combat
readiness.
They felt I wasn't
taking those concerns
seriously. And missing
others.
."First, there are no
jobs I know of on a
nuclear submarine that
women could not do and
do well," writes Bill,
who says he's a former
submarine commander.
"Here is the actual
issue. On a warship and
especially a submarine
there is a very precious
resource that every good
commanding officer
carefully husbands. It
is called commanding
officer's time. ...Good
COs use that time to
make his or her ship
better ready to fight
and operate under all
circumstances and
eventualities. Any other
use of that resource is
taking away from the
ship's readiness. Once
we integrate women ...
the CO will (lose) 25
percent to 35 percent of
that resource. It will
be spent doing 'social
engineering.'"
Sorting out harassment,
fraternization and
girlfriend/boyfriend
issues, Bill says, will
simply make the ship
less ready.
Others thought I gave
short-shrift to
fraternization problems.
."I won't claim to know
what's on a woman's mind
but a young man, it's
sex a good deal of the
time," writes Lenny.
"Rules and regulations
will do much to clamp
down on the issue of
biology but it won't
really fix anything. It
will be just another
case of the military
directing its people to
do an already difficult
job with even more
garbage to deal with."
.Throw women in with men
"at their most
heightened sexuality"
for up to 10 weeks,
writes Richard, from
Hebron, N.H.;
"everybody's life is at
stake, and it is a
hostile environment
outside. Now ... what
could possible go wrong?
"You can't imagine what
animals we turned into
when we hit port."
The Silent Service is by
accounts a life of
stress, deprivation and
taking comfort where you
can. One retiree jokes
that 150 men go to sea,
and 75 couples come
back.
And that's without co-ed
crews.
"The submarine
environment is already
tough enough," retired
chief machinist mate
Dusty Wilson told me in
a phone interview from
his home in Hurley, N.Y.
"People that haven't
been there can't
understand it."
Wilson served aboard the
USS Baltimore out of
Norfolk in the late
1980s. He retired in
1997.
"Having rode the boats
for 20 years, I would
agree that all those
arguments (against
integration) are not
insurmountable," he
says. Surmountable or
not, "I am dead set
against the idea. The
men who ride these boats
face enough challenges
without being saddled
with trying to be PC and
a gentleman while doing
some things that need to
be second nature."
."What is the bottom
line?" Jason writes.
"What will this cost me?
With the government in
serious financial debt
to foreign creditors why
should we be faced with
increased spending just
to make a few liberal
feminists, like you,
happy?"
Not just me.
."I had hoped that my
granddaughter would be
the first commanding
officer of an American
submarine but am
thrilled that it is
going to happen more
quickly," writes PW,
MMCS(SS) USN (Ret.),
Groton, Conn., Submarine
Capital of the World.
"The bottom line is
this. Many of the
submarine sailors view
submarine service as the
last private club. ...
They know that women
could do the job and
that men and women can
work together. But we
are just little boys in
a tree house with a rope
ladder and a sign on the
door - no girls."
(Ed
post: Read problems that
weaken our Navy. Not
only has the military
been used promote the
economy, but is used
promote the social
agenda.)
http://ricks.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2009/12/07/navy_tosses_the_entire_leadership_of_a_ship
http://hamptonroads.com/2009/12/navy-relieves-top-officers-ship-over-relationship
January 7, 2010
USS
Flasher SSN 613 Reunion
Place: Seattle Washington
Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott in Tukwila WA
16038 West Valley Highway
Be sure to mention Flasher Reunion to receive our
rate.
Proposed
Activities |
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Arrivals, Meet in Hospitality Room
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Sub Tour, BBQ at Adm. Bacon’s
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Assoc. Meeting AM, self tours, and Pizza and
Raffles in PM
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Memorial Service AM, self tours, and Dinner in
PM, Guest Speaker Roger Bacon
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Greetings Flasher people, Soul Pig here. I know everyone
is anxious for details of the next Flasher reunion. I
apologize for any delay but I have been trying to wrap
up some loose ends. I believe we are close enough to
send this letter. A registration form is
attached. We have some added fees as we will be hiring a
bus for transportation to the base and Admiral Bacon’s
house.
The Courtyard by Marriott has a free shuttle from and to
the SeaTac airport and within a three mile radius. You
have to call and register yourself at the hotel at $94 a
night. We no longer have the luxury of free beer so
maybe bring a little, I’ll bring some and I believe Dale
Gleave offered to bring beer even if he has to use
Mule’s money. The hotel policy is no alcohol in the
hospitality room but we will be on a don’t know, don’t
tell basis. Discretion is of utmost importance.
Our Saturday night dinner will be at our hotel. The
dinner is not formal. I have asked Roger Bacon to say a
few words about his time as CO of Flasher, he was my
last CO.
Friday Morning we will hold our Flasher Association
meeting in the hospitality room. We will be voting on
association officers and the 2012 Reunion site. This
cycle we will be in the Midwest and in 2014 we will be
back on the east coast then back to the west coast in
2016. To facilitate voting I am offering three sites for
2012. Look these up to prepare to vote.
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Branson,
Missouri, very reunion friendly and now have an airport
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St. Louis
Missouri, Lots to do and see “Gateway to the West”
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Dupage County,
Illinois, close to Chicago Illinois, variety of things
to do and see.
If any one has any raffle items to donate they are
always appreciated. We use the raffle money to maintain
our association funds for stamps, pizzas, raffle items,
etc. Raffle items can be anything and not just Flasher
or Navy items. Bring them to the reunion or send them to
me.
If there are any questions do not hesitate to write,
call or e-mail me. I am anxious once again to see old
friends and meet new ones. If you are in contact with
any Flasher sailors regardless of what years share this
information with them and send me their contact info.
COB Larry Weinfurter AKA Hot Dog has Flasher ball caps
for $12.
Ken Tupman (Soul Pig) Flasher 1969-1973 EM1 (SS)
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