Gertrude Check

Associate Bremerton Base Life Member and Puget Soundings editor Sam Swenson was admitted to Harrison Memorial Hospital on Wed for shortness of breath and chest pains. He is on O2 and will undergo more testing today..Sam returned home with the following message to all:

Thank you Don. I have been released to go home. 1800 hr . Need rest no heart attack, but some more very small (one) blockage in the heart. No threat to the heart yet, treating with medication. In no pain and feeling better.

Could you put this out? thanks

Sam the man

Welcome aboard new member Angus MacDonald (Redfish, Salmon) recruited bhey Don Bassler

As many know, Base Storekeeper Tommy Robinson has really revved up of the Bremerton Base Ships Store. His sense of business has really made the store a profitable venture for the base. His enthusiasm and constant updating of products available for you to purchase is remarkable. He has even started up a webpage for the store and is taking vest orders via an order form. Please take a look here. The page is just a starter and I am sure he will have more info on it later on. His reputation has Subvets around the country ordering from him. Great job Tommy!

An international gathering of submariners in Victoria in May 2008 http://members.shaw.ca:80/saocwest/2008.htm

The Lone Sailor Statue Project Bremerton Base has forwarded a check to the Lone Sailor Statue Project for $1000. According to Co-chairman, Tim Thomson, the base will get permanent recognition. Hopefully you will consider contributing to this project's success. See Donor list here and recently updated.

USSVI-Bremerton Base Shipmates & Friends, Its here....Storekeeper's own Page

The new 2008 Subvet Calendars are available for $7.00 + $1.83 postage, total $8.83. The 2008 Calendar features 18 submarines, the loss dates for U.S. Subs together with other USN Submarine History and historic dates. It’s nicely done! Proceeds from sales supports the Lt. Willie Spoon Memorial Scholarship fund and other Base projects.

To get your calendar just send a check made out to Subvets-Bremerton Base to Base Storekeeper Tommy Robinson, 2115 Opdal Road E., Port Orchard, WA 98366. I will mail your calendar. If you perfer to save a $1.83 and can pick up your calander at either the National Office in Silverdale or the FRA in Bremerton just send a check for $7.00. I will leave a calendar with your name on it at your desired location.

If you have already purchased a calendar ... Thank You! If not, then please consider buying one ... thanks again!

Shipmates helping shipmates … It's what we're all about. Fraternally,

Tommy Robinson
USSVI-Bremerton Base - Storekeeper

NEW SKED You can still make your submarine experience count! Trident Training Center (TTF) Command Master Chief Scott Fusco and USSVI Bremerton Base Past Commander John Gardner have a program that lets you share your submarine experience and lessons learned with young sailors graduating from the TTF ET course. Each one of the classes has been named after one of the "Forty One for Freedom". On graduation day Master Chief Fusco invites a team of two Bremerton Base members (preferably that has served on that class's name sake boat) in, to give a short talk on their experiences, etc. We have been involved in two or three of these graduations to date.

Coming up on the following dates are graduating classes with the boat names with members names that served on those boats. TEAM UP! Then/or e-mail John (jgardner@donobi.net) or call him at

360-692-8994.

                      NAVET                                                               Radioman
USS Sam Houston - 15 APR 08 @ 1100                USS Ethan Allen - 04 MAR 08 @ 1100
USS John Marshall - 17 JUN 08 @ 1100                 USS Thomas A. Edison - 16 MAY 08 @ 1100
USS Alexander Hamilton - 19 AUG 08 @1100        USS Thomas Jefferson - 02 SEP 08 @ 1100
USS Andrew Jackson - 15 OCT 08 @ 1100            USS Lafayette - 10 Dec 08 @ 1100

Tribute to Today's Submarine Sailors:

I had the honor of being the guest speaker, representing the USSVI Bremerton Base, for the Electronic Technician Graduation Class (Radiomen) USS Abraham Lincoln(SSBN602) at the Trident Training Facility (TTF) Bangor on 12 December 2007.

It was a great emotional feeling seeing the bright young sailors in dress blues (the old cracker jacks) sitting in the front row intensely listening to and old 76 year old retired Chief telling them how it is was 47 years ago on the pre-commissioning crew for the Abraham Lincoln. They showed respect and complete interest in what I was saying. I looked at them and I could see all the faces of my old shipmates that were once as young and brilliant as they are.

I was very impressed with the caliber of the students in this class. They were as ready to get to their boats as I was fifty two years ago and I think they are better trained on more sophisticated hardware then I was at their age.

I will never question the ability of our young submarine volunteers to safely man our boats again. As an ex- COB I would be honored to have any one in this class aboard any submarine that I was on....We are in good hands gentlemen.

The reason the students graduating from TTF are so well trained and have such a great attitude is the quality of the training staff and the great leadership that they instill in their students. I take my hat off to every one at TTF that is involved with their training. This is why we are Submariners, to teach the young and new to be better qualified and smarter then we are.

"Dirty" Dave
Oliver Dave Davenport FTGC(SS) USN RET.

SOUP DOWN SKED Friday Lunch (Soup Down) This Friday , 1145, 1-04, Sunset Grill, 4926 Point Fosdick Dr NW, Gig Harbor

.Note 2008 sked on right column

Subject: USSVI POC Broadcast : #2007-24 <Direct Link

Date: 12/31/2007
To: Distribution List

NEWS-01: Blueback Base's Best Boat
NEWS-02: Now, this ain't no S..T!
NEWS-03: A Packing Party at Dallas Base
NEWS-04: USSVI Wahoo/SVWWII Fresno do it together...
NEWS-05: U.S.S. Snook Base Honors Fallen Comrades...
NEWS-06: Greeneville's welcome at Portsmouth
NEWS-07: By the numbers!
VET-01: A Question for Mil Retirees and VA System users...
VET-02: Whazzup at the Veterans Administration?
VET-03: Whazzup at Tricare???
VET-04: Armed Forces Retirement Home-Remember Bob Spide?
VET-05: A little known Veteran benefit for low income and surviving spouses
CHARITABLE-01: Legacy Gifting by Shipmates...

More news of submariner interest below

Don "Red" Bassler

Commander

USSVI Bremerton Base

360-479-1642

down-scope@comcast.net

CAPT C.A.K (“Angus”) McDonald, USN (Ret) will speak to the membership on the loss of USS SCORPION (SSN 589).

WHEN: Wednesday, January 16th, 2008 at 11:30 for lunch at noon.

WHERE: Bangor Plaza, Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor

COST: $12 at the door. Please consider contributing an extra $12 to go toward our fund for active duty submariners (LT and below) at lunch. Please note that this really helps our chapter defray the cost of having members of individual ships Wardrooms and CPO Quarters to our monthly meetings as our guests. Hosting our active duty shipmates gives tremendous support to increasing name recognition for the Naval Submarine League among active duty submariners and submarine supporters. Many, many thanks to those of you who have contributed to this initiative in the past.

MENU: Chef’s Choice Buffet

RESERVATIONS: Make reservations with Melissa Smith at 360 377 2814 or E-mail her at Melissa.c.Smith@saic.com by close of business on Friday, January 11th, 2008

SPOUSES AND FRIENDS OF THE SUBMARINE FORCE ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND:

C.A.K (Angus) McDonald

CAPT, USN (Ret)

Angus McDonald graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1947. He then served for seven years in destroyers and submarines before attending the US Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. After receiving a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1957, he served in submarine and staff assignments for four years before taking command of USS BARBERO (SS 317), a REGULUS-Missile equipped submarine. Following a year in command he was selected for nuclear power training, after which he commanded the POLARIS submarine USS ULYSSES S. GRANT (SSBN 731). Angus served as Special Assistant for Submarines to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy from 1967 to 1970. Before leaving active duty in 1973, he commanded the Submarine Training Center Pacific, with Headquarters on Ford Island. During his naval service, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal and several theater and campaign ribbons. After retiring from the Navy, he worked in the civilian nuclear power industry for ten years.

More recently, Angus published an article entitled “Real Story of Scorpion?” in the June 1999 edition of the Naval Institute Proceedings. He has given several talks about the tragedy in subsequent years-the most recent on October 24th aboard the Carnival cruise ship CELEBRATION during a reunion of USS GRANT shipmates

NSL UPDATE 12-24-2007
In This Issue:
1. Greenert Looks Back on First 60 Days, Looks Ahead to 2008
2. CNO Testifies Before HASC on Global Maritime Strategy
3. SECNAV Holiday Message to the Fleet
4. Eternal Patrol Report – CAPT Tom Bond, USN (Ret)
5. Binnacle List Update – RADM Arlie Campbell, USN (Ret)

1. Greenert Looks Back on First 60 Days, Looks Ahead to 2008
Story Number: NNS071218-10
Release Date: 12/18/2007 1:48:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class(SW) Stefanie Holzeisen-Mullen, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- In his second podcast Dec. 14, Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (CFFC), looked back on his first 60 days in office and spoke about what is ahead for 2008.

In his first two months since taking command of the Atlantic Fleet and U.S. Fleet Forces, Greenert traveled extensively, visiting a number of commands and touching base with the Sailors in his reach.

Greenert said these travels, to places like the Military Sealift Command Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort, Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and Navy bases in Mayport and Jacksonville, Fla., gave him a clear understanding of his mission as the leader of the Atlantic Fleet.

"When I first arrived, I found that we had recently conducted a mission, function and task study at the headquarters, pretty much clarifying the missions for the Fleet Forces Command," said Greenert. "In simple terms our primary job is to operate the Atlantic Fleet safely and effectively."

Additionally, Greenert noted three other important missions for FFC.

"No. 1 – to protect our country. We are the maritime homeland defense component," he said.

Talks with the leadership from U.S. Northern Command and Joint Forces Command made it clear to Greenert that FFC can bring much to that mission, citing the assistance they provided with the recent wildfires in California.

"We also deliver ready Navy forces. That is a primary job of ours." Greenert said he discovered the importance and the significance of this in his travel which included working with individual augmentees (IA), meeting them and discovering what they do and also getting a first-hand look at the Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center at NAB Little Creek and working with the Navy Mobilization Processing Center.

"Our delivery of Navy forces any time, any where became very clear to me as a primary mission," said Greenert.

Lastly, Greenert cited FFC as the connection with the fleet and headquarters for determining current and future fleet needs.

"As we look to the future budgets and the future programs of our Navy, we (CFFC) are a key and critical part of making that connection to help the Chief of Naval Operations determine what we need to build and what we need to bring into our forces."

According to Greenert, the coming year will be busy, but bring no major changes.

"Our Sailors are doing a great job. My focus will be to continue to provide clarity on our Fleet Response Plan (FRP) and Fleet Response Training Plan (FRTP). We're going to be busy," he explained. "We have to execute the maritime strategy and continue to articulate that and evolve that document and move out."

FFC will also be involved in two major projects involving federal and state regulators; maturing the sonar training off the California coast and off the East Coast, and developing an outlying landing field (OLF) for aviation training on the East Coast.

"Global war on terrorism support will continue with detailing of our IAs, GSA and Task Force Life/Work where we are pursuing a balance, working with the chief of naval personnel pursuing a balance of our work and our lifetime demands on the Sailor," he added.

Other programs of interest include the new Navy uniforms which will come online and develop throughout the year; an increase in the number of counselors at Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) and 20 more fitness centers are scheduled to be built and opened in 2008, following the 20 new centers opened in 2007.

"Some folks are out there for the first time on deployment… Airman Lesley Rodriguez underway on USS Harry S Truman; Seaman Lance Ross underway on USS Miami; Seaman Apprentice Heath Bristol of Mobile Security Squadron 6, somewhere out there on an Iraqi Oil Platform. To all them I wish a very happy holiday and a very safe return," said Greenert. "We should all remember them and all our Sailors who will be standing the watch overseas and ashore during the holidays. I want to wish everybody a very happy and safe holiday season. I look forward to working with our Sailors and Marines in 2008."

To listen to the POD CAST interview with Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert logon to:
http://www.cffc.navy.mil/podcasts/admgreenert_lookback.wma

2. CNO Testifies Before HASC on Global Maritime Strategy
Story Number: NNS071213-19
Release Date: 12/13/2007 4:51:00 PM
From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- During a two-hour session before the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Dec. 13, the nation's top Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard leaders testified before members of Congress for the first time since releasing their unified maritime strategy, "The Cooperative Maritime Strategy for 21st Century Seapower."

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead, Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James T. Conway and Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm. Thad W. Allen began the session by first thanking Congress and the nation for their support. They also stressed that together the nation's sea services will focus on remaining a balanced maritime force while promoting greater collective security, stability and trust.

In his written statement to the committee, Roughead said the new approach represents "unprecedented collaboration between our Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, both in the formulation of the strategy and in its implementation."

"That all three maritime Service chiefs have signed this strategy and appear before the committee today is a testament to our commitment to integrating our efforts in protecting our nation's vital interests," Roughead testified.

The new maritime strategy, unveiled in October at the International Seapower Symposium held at the U.S. Naval War College, seeks to use the assets of all three of the nation's maritime services to achieve a balance of peacetime engagement and major combat operation capabilities to include forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Roughead spoke briefly at the hearing about his guidance which he described as the execution order for the Navy on the maritime strategy.

"My guidance to the fleet is to execute our strategy, and my priorities to build our future Navy, to maintain our current readiness, and support our people reflect what is needed to do so," he said. "The imperative and challenge for the Navy is to remain a balanced Navy with the force structuring and capability and capacity that can apply the enduring principles of seapower in a manner that protects vital national interests while promoting greater collective security, stability, trust and prosperity."

During testimony Roughead talked about why a new strategy was needed and the premise of the strategy, which is the belief that U.S. national security interests are best served by forward deployed maritime forces capable of preventing, deterring conflict in the global maritime system. He explained that the strategy was also shaped by the American public and their ideas on what the strategy should include.

"Through our 'Conversations with the Country', I heard first hand the demand of the American people to remain strong and to also cooperate internationally to secure our national interests," he said. "This solidified my conviction that the Navy needed a new strategy that would address the changing and increasingly integrated global environment while securing our prosperity through the seas and protecting our homeland

3. SECNAV Holiday Message to the Fleet
Story Number: NNS071211-17
Release Date: 12/11/2007 4:59:00 PM
From the Secretary of the Navy

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter released the following holiday message to the fleet:

In this season of holidays and family, please accept my warmest wishes and gratitude for your service to our nation. This past year has been a time of achievement, progress, and renewed hope to many people of the world because of your dedication during these challenging times.

Service in the Navy and the Marine Corps often demands long deployments and periods of family separation, which are especially poignant during the holiday season. For those of you, who are standing the watch far from home, whether military or civilian, please know your sacrifices are recognized, your mission is important and your service, as well as that of your families, is deeply appreciated by the American people.

As members of the U.S. military, you have pledged to uphold and defend our constitution - protecting the rights of our fellow citizens, defending the nation against threats, and going in harms way in the defense of liberty. You carry on a long tradition of American patriots who have stoically borne great hardships in service to our country - from Valley Forge to Chosin Reservoir to Fallujah. Be proud of your unwavering service in promoting freedom and protecting our way of life.

As you share the spirit of the holidays with family and loved ones, or with your fellow shipmates, remember what we are fighting for, and never forget that you are in the thoughts and prayers of the American people, now, and always. Thank you for your service, and may god bless you and your families.

4. Eternal Patrol Report – CAPT Tom Bond, USN (Ret)

Captain Thomas Henry Bond, U.S. Navy (Ret.), passed away peacefully from complications related to Parkinson's disease at his home in San Diego on November 19, 2007, surrounded by loving family members. He was 70.

Tom was born in Memphis, TN, and graduated in 1955 from East High School upon which he entered the United States Naval Academy. He was commissioned into the Navy in 1959 and began his 48_year marriage to his high school sweetheart, Nancy.

In his Navy career, Tom served in six submarines. He commanded the submarine USS JOHN MARSHALL (SSBN 611) Blue. He also had command of two shore-based commands. His career culminated at sea as commanding officer of USS DIXON (AS 37), a submarine tender based in San Diego, CA. He was noted for his particular strength in operational engineering as a nuclear submariner, which was an interest that followed him into retirement.

Tom retired from the U.S. Navy in 1987 and worked as a management and predictive maintenance consultant in power and other industries. The balance of his professional life energies went into his founding role as executive director of MIMOSA, a non-profit organization that develops information sharing standards within manufacturing, fleet and facility industries.

Tom's family and friends knew him as a man of character and integrity with a veritable positive outlook he was a true gentleman. He always kept his word, was generous beyond measure, and with his intellectual wit put a smile on the faces of those around him. He respected honesty, patriotism and loyalty and led by example. This remarkable man will forever be remembered as a loving husband, supportive father, caring brother, admirable leader and loyal friend.

He is survived by his wife Nancy of Memphis, TN, his brother, William C. Bond of Spokane, WA, and three married children, son, Captain Thomas H. Bond, Jr., U.S. Navy, of Naples, Italy, son, Randal K. Bond, Managing Director of a Purdue University Research Center, of West Lafayette, IN and daughter, Sarah E. Bond-Shepard, Development Director of ElderHelp of San Diego, and twelve grandchildren.

A lovely graveside service was attended by immediate family on the morning of November 27th with a joyous celebration of Tom's life at the First Church of the Nazarene in Point Loma that afternoon.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, please make a donation in memory of Tom Bond to Sharp Hospice Care, PO Box 3739, La Mesa, CA 91944, Attn. Grossmont Hospital Foundation, 619_667_1900 and/or Parkinson's Disease Association of San Diego, 8555 Aero Drive, Suite 308, San Diego, CA 92123, 858_273_6764, www.pdasd.org.

5. Binnacle List Update – RADM Arlie Campbell, USN (Ret)

Bonnie Campbell reports that Arlie is now home have completed his radiation therapy and has been declared cancer free by his medical team at Sloan Kettering.

The Directors, Officers, and Staff of the Naval Submarine League thank you for your support this year and wish you our sincere best wished for a Happy Holiday Season and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

C. Michael Garverick

Executive Director

703-256-0891 (V) 703-642-5815 (FAX)

www.navalsubleague.com

2008 Soup Down Sked

1-4	Sunset Grill, 4926 Point Fosdick Dr NW, Gig Harbor
11	Keeper's Cove Restaurant,7989 Salish Lane NE, Kingston
18	Pats Restaurant, East Bremerton
25	Aztecca, Silverdale
2-1	Harbor Rock Cafe, 6565 Kimball Dr , Gig Harbor
8	Boat Shed, Bremerton, under the Manette Bridge
15	Azteca, 19045 Highway 305, Poulsbo
22	Tony's, 4908 Kitsap Way, Bremerton
29	Clear Water Casino, Suquamish
3-7	Silver City Brewery, 2799 NW Myhre Rd, Silverdale
14	JJ's Fish House, 18881 Front St NE, Poulsbo
21	Sizzler, 3558 Wheaton Way, East Bremerton
28	Cloverleaf Sports Bar and Grill, 1240 Hollis St, Bremerton
4-4	FRA #29, 521 National Ave, Bremerton
11	Brother Don's, 4200 Kitsap Way, Bremerton
18	Whiskey Creek, 1918 Washington Street, Keyport
25	Sunset Grill, 4926 Point Fosdick Dr NW, Gig Harbor
5-2	Keeper's Cove Restaurant,7989 Salish Lane NE, Kingston
9	Mandarin, 2928 Nw Bucklin Hill Rd, Silverdale, Next to Azteca
16	Ceasar's Restaurant, 3621 Wheaton Way, East Bremerton
23	Airport Diner, Bremerton Airport
30	Ponderay Café , Callow Ave Bremerton
6-6	2 Margaritas, 10600 Silverdale Way, Silverdale
13	Pats Restaurant, East Bremerton
20	Whiskey Creek, 1918 Washington Street, Keyport
27	Brother Don's, 4200 Kitsap Way, Bremerton