Weekly Bremerton Base Update

4. Eternal Patrol Report: A. CAPT Augustine E. “Gus” Hubal, USN (Ret); B. CAPT Byron Henry Collier, USN (Ret): C. Nancy McDonough (wife of Capt. William D McDonough); D. CAPT Harry Fischer Jr., USN (Ret); E. CDR Marshall L. Kratz, USN (Ret);
F. Robert C. Hartman; G. LT Gregory J. Gebbie, USN (Ret); H. CAPT Robert C. Gillette, USN (Ret); I. Captain W. David Wessinger, USN (Ret)

1. VADM J. Guy Reynolds Award for Excellence in Submarine Acquisition Approved

Commander Submarine Forces Instruction 1650.6B was issued 18 February 2010 authorizing the new VADM J. Guy Reynolds Award for Excellence in Submarine Acquisition. This award will be presented during the Naval Submarine League Awards Luncheon on 21 October 2010 to a recipient to be nominated by Program Executive Officer Submarines and approved by Commander Submarine Forces. The instruction states “This award recognizes a member of the Submarine Acquisition Corps who has demonstrated professional excellence in submarine acquisition. One award will be presented annually to an officer in the grade of Commander or Captain.” I t further states, “Nominated individual must have made a conspicuous contribution to Submarine Force acquisition in Research & Development, Engineering, Procurement, or Life Cycle Management; shall have demonstrated employment of innovative methods and/or logistics professionalism by contributing to the procurement of new platforms or the development of innovative systems for use by the Submarine Force. Individual efforts or contributions must demonstrate substantial benefit to the Submarine Force.”

2. VADM J. Guy and Mrs. Janet Reynolds Scholarship

The Board of Directors of the Naval Submarine League has established the Vice Admiral J. Guy and Mrs. Janet Reynolds Scholarship through the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation. This scholarship is in recognition of the Reynolds’ many years of service to the Nation, the United States Navy and the Naval Submarine League in addition to Vice Admiral Reynolds’ distinguished leadership as President of the NSL over the past nine years.

If you or your corporation is interested in making a tax-deductible donation to this Scholarship, you can click on VADM J. Guy and Mrs. Janet Reynolds Scholarship for details on making a donation and designating the VADM J. Guy and Mrs. Janet Reynolds Scholarship. I encourage you to take advantage of your company’s matching grants program which will enhance the value of your gift. The League is honored to have a stake in this Scholarship Award.

The Dolphin Scholarship Foundation will administer the Scholarship. The first “VADM J. Guy and Mrs. Janet Reynolds Scholar” will be designated from the 2010 Dolphin Scholars who will be selected in April 2010. Your generosity will ensure that a deserving applicant will receive a scholarship in honor of Vice Admiral J. Guy and Mrs. Janet Reynolds.

VADM Reynolds was designated as President Emeritus during a ceremony in his home on 24 January 2010 where he is under hospice care for cancer. You can monitor his status and leave a personal message on this Caring Bridge Website: www.caringbridge.org/visit/jguyreynolds .

3. Updating Your NSL Membership Directory Database

The Naval Submarine League has been given a free Membership Directory and database that is maintained by Tim VeArd, a submariner who also hosts over fifty different submarine related websites. He is currently working on a project that hinges on a member having the boats that he served on listed in their record. This project is to honor those submariners that are on Eternal Patrol. Very few NSL members have their submarines they have served in on this directory. CDR Gil Shaddock, USN (Ret), one of our members is assisting Tim in this effort. I want to encourage you to submit this information either directly by accessing the Directory from our webpage and “updating your profile” or send your submarine assignments to me at subleague@cavtel.net . I will forward your information to Gil and he will enter it in your records. Gil has also been send some individuals an email requesting this information. He is doing this with our permission as It will help us correct your information in the NSL database. I you have any questions about this process please call me.

4. Eternal Patrol Report

A. CAPT Augustine E. “Gus” Hubal, USN (Ret)

CAPT Hubal’s funeral will be held at 1300, 24 February 2010 at the Old Post Chapel, Arlington National Cemetery. His obituary is posted on the Leagues Obituary Page http://www.navalsubleague.com/NSL/obituaries.aspx

B. CAPT Byron Henry Collier, USN (Ret)

CAPT Byron Henry Collier, USN (Ret), 79, succumbed to heart failure after four months in Hartford Hospital on February 9, 2010. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1954. During his naval career he achieved the rank of captain. He then became chief engineer for Stone & Webster before running a nuclear energy consulting company with his wife, Beverly. His many successes were fueled by his love of life, from Eagle Scout to master gardener. He is survived by his wife, Beverly and children, Byron Jr., Jeff, and Susan Collier, and three grandchildren.

Interment will be at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., later this year.

It is requested that remembrances be in the form of gifts to your favorite charity in lieu of flowers

C. Nancy McDonough (wife of Capt. William D McDonough)

Nancy B. McDonough, 80, wife of Capt. William D. McDonough, of Kittery, Maine, died Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, at Langdon Place of Dover, N.H., following a period of declining health resulting from Alzheimer's disease. Nancy met her husband Bill during high school. A week after Bill graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, they were married June 8, 1951, in Albany. During their 58 years of marriage, Nancy dedicated her life to her husband and raising their seven daughters.

Nancy led a very active life as a Navy wife. She was gifted in her ability to move and settle the family into new homes as Bill was transferred. During their military years, Nancy was President of MIT Dames' Club, was active in the Navy Wives Club, and enjoyed all of the social activities of Navy life. In 1971, their final tour of duty brought them to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Nancy was fondly known by many as PNSY's First Lady when Bill became Shipyard Commander (1974-1979). Upon retirement, Bill and Nancy settled in Kittery to set their roots. She and Bill have kept in close contact with friends they met over the years.

She is survived by her husband, Capt. William D. McDonough; daughters Kathy Little and husband Bill of Jacksonville, Fla., Gerry Fletcher and husband Barry of Kittery Point, Maine, Gail Hendrickson and husband Jeff of Kittery Point, Maine, Cindy Franklin and husband Dave of Simsbury, Conn., Laura McDonough and partner Mary Steiert of Anchorage, Alaska, Mary Perkins and husband Steve of Simsbury, Conn., and Ann Vincent and husband John of Portland, Maine, 20 grandchildren, and two great-grandsons.

The family plans a spring burial in Kittery's Orchard Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Nancy's Memory to the Alzheimer's Association of Maine, 170 U.S. Route 1, Suite 250, Falmouth, ME 04105 (www.alz.org).

D. CAPT Harry Fischer Jr., USN (Ret)

CAPT Harry Fischer, Jr., USN (Ret), a veteran of three wars passed away on January 12, 2010. He was 93 years old. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy via fleet-wide competitive examinations after 14 months enlisted service, and graduated with the class of 1940. His initial assignment was signal officer of the heavy cruiser San Francisco based at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He was a junior officer of the watch on December 7th, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. On April 3, 1942, he was married to the former Florence Holland of Eastville, VA.

In October 1942, he attended submarine school and served in submarines for the remainder of World War II. He completed eight submarine war patrols in the USS Thresher and USS Spikefish which he commissioned as executive officer. Harry commanded three San Diego based ships: the submarine USS Ronquil, the destroyer USS Rogers, and the USS Saint Paul, the last Pacific Fleet all-gun heavy cruiser. He also commanded the USS Pollux, a Japan-based supply ship and Submarine Division 71 based in Pearl Harbor. Other duty assignments included the Bureau of Naval Personnel; Staff, Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet; Joint Staff Commander, U.S. forces Japan; Staff, U.S. Naval War College; Commander, Recruit Training Command, San Diego; and Commander, Naval Training Center, San Diego. Harry was a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College and held an MS degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. His decorations include the Silver Star medal, 3 Bronze Star medals, and the Navy Commendation medal, all with Combat "V." After retirement in July 1970, the Fischers settled in Coronado. He was a "Free-Wheeler," a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society. For almost 30 years he was a member of the Coronado Men's Golf Club, a source of warm and happy memories. He attended Christ Episcopal Church where he served on the vestry and was an active and faithful parishioner until his death.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to be made in his name, to the donor's charity of choice.

E. CDR Marshall L. Kratz, USN (Ret)

CDR Marshall Lee Kratz, USN (Ret) passed away on January 4, 2010. Marshall received an appointment to the US Naval Academy and received a commission in 1953. His first duty assignment was in surface vessels but within a year transferred to nuclear submarines. Marshall was assigned to various operational and staff positions during his naval service. He was stationed in Connecticut, Hawaii, Virginia, California and Nebraska. He was Commanding Officer of the USS Klondike during its decommission in December 1970. His last assignment was as a Staff Officer for Joint US Air Force/US Navy operations at Strategic Air Command Headquarters at Offutt AFB, Nebraska. Marshall retired from the service in 1977 with the rank of Commander and settled in the Albuquerque area. He enjoyed tennis, astronomy, listening to classical and jazz music, reading, chess, and cribbage.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte; son, Marshall Jr. and spouse, Mary Kay of Tyler, TX; son, Michael of Tampa, FL; and two grandsons; and one granddaughter. He is also survived by four step-children; and several step-grandchildren.

F. Robert C. Hartman

Robert Craig Hartman, 69, a native of Lima, Ohio, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010. He was a member of the Class of 1962, United States Naval Academy, a graduate of Naval Submarine School, Groton, Conn., and had done graduate work at USC Los Angeles. He was a proud diesel boat submariner. After resigning his commission in 1967, Bob spent the rest of his career in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry starting at Newport News Shipbuilding. He retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 1990 and had been employed by various shipyards in New York, New Jersey, Saudi Arabia, Baltimore and Tidewater, and at the time of his death was a Subcontract Administrator at Northrop Grumman Newport News.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 48 years, Peggie P. Hartman; his son, John Cooper Hartman of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; his daughter, Allison H. Heilman; and two grandchildren. At his request there will be no service. Friends are invited to call at his residence.

G. LT Gregory J. Gebbie, USN (Ret)

Gregory James Gebbie, Lieutenant US Navy retired, age 32, died Saturday (January 9, 2010) at his home in Summerville, South Carolina after a long illness. He leaves the love of his life, Kristin Sparks Gebbie. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, majoring in systems engineering and receiving his commission as a Naval submarine officer. Upon graduation from Annapolis in l999 Greg completed the Navy's nuclear power training in Charleston SC. He then received orders to serve on the USS CHICAGO (SSN 721), a fast attack submarine stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Throughout the time spent with the Navy, they enjoyed living in Hawaii, Louisiana and South Carolina. Upon receiving the diagnosis of his rare form of cancer in 2005, Greg chose to participate in medical studies for treatment at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Donations may be made to the Gregory James Gebbie Scholarship Fund, C/O The Savings Institute, 554 Exeter Road, Lebanon, CT. 06249. The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating student of Lyman Memorial High School, who is pursuing a degree in engineering.

H. CAPT Robert C. Gillette, USN (Ret)

CAPT Robert C. "Bing" Gillette, USN (Ret) died on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 Beloved husband of the late Margalee Corcoran Gillette; devoted father of Robert Corcoran (Nancy), Elise Christine Gillette, Annalee Regensburg (Rick), Amy Groesbeck (Todd) and the late Laura Johnson; wonderful grandfather of Pace, Robb, Laura Lee, Brooke, Dorothy and Alice. Family will receive friends on Sunday, February 21 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at JOSEPH GAWLER''S SONS, 5130 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. (at Harrison St.), Washington, DC. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Ft. Myer Chapel on Wednesday, June 23 at 10:45 a.m. Interment Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Naval Undersea Museum Foundation, PO Box 408, Keyport, WA 98345.

I. Captain W. David Wessinger, USN (Ret)

Captain W. David Wessinger, USN (Ret), 85, died suddenly on February 17, 2010. He graduated from Lumberton HS in 1940 and two years later he enlisted in the navy. In 1945 he married Virginia Lou Hinsch with whom he was married for 62 years until her death in 2007.

By 1950 he had completed officer school and was selected for submarine school in New London, CT. He became a sub instructor in 1955 and was appointed commander of the USS Sea Owl in 1959, and from 1965–68 he served as Chief of Naval Personnel Compensation Director at the Pentagon, retiring in 1968. During his 25 years in the navy he served in WWII and the Korean War, received a masters degree in Management Science, and received numerous medals and honors including the Legion of Merit, National Defense Medal with Star, and Navy Commendation Medal.

After leaving the navy, he moved his family to New Jersey and took a job in New York City at ORC, Inc as Vice-President until retiring again in 1993. Shortly thereafter, Dave and Gini moved to Pinehurst, NC where Dave enjoyed his days playing croquet, golf, tennis, and bridge as well as being involved in many clubs and groups with his friends. He was an active member and Elder of Community Presbyterian Church of Pinehurst.

He is survived by; his two sons W. David Wessinger Jr., of Little Rock, AR, and Clifford Wessinger, of Alpha, NJ; two daughters, Karol Wessinger of Fayetteville, and Virginia A Smith of Wilmington; their spouses; eight grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

C. Michael Garverick

Captain, USN (Ret)

Executive Director

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