de em er 2017 uss henry l. stimson association ssbn655 ... · even if they are receiving the...
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1
Stimson Shipmates,
It seems very odd to be wishing you all a Merry
Christmas on the heels of the recent submarine loss. If
you have been following the news, which sadly to say
hasn‘t said all that much about this tragedy, you know
by now that the ARA SAN JUAN, an Argentine
submarine has been declared lost by that government.
As fellow submariners we all share the pain and
grief when a boat and it‘s crew are lost at sea. Please
pray for the families of those 44 submariners now on
Eternal Patrol and all those who have been touched by
this loss.
Later in the newsletter there are some emails that
have been circulated with information of the loss. Feel
free to comment if you desire and I will include your
comments in the January newsletter.
From the 2018 Reunion Committee Chairman -
Chuck Hladik, TM2(SS) G 67-70; USSVI – USS
Oklahoma City Base:
December 1st = 314 days until OKC!!!
The location for the 2018 Reunion
will be the Embassy Suites Oklahoma
City Downtown Medical Center. They
are taking our reservations NOW.
The Reunion Registration Form is at
the end of this newsletter!
The Reunion Webpage is up for viewing!!
http://ssbn655.org/reunions/2018_Reunion10/
index.html
As of the publishing of this newsletter there are
12 shipmates/spouses registered for the reunion
with 8 of them having hotel reservations.
Now is the time to give yourself that Christmas
present. Make your reservations for the hotel and send
in your reunion registration form along with a check!
Help get the word out to those shipmates you know
even if they are receiving the newsletter. With the
reunion being more in the middle of the country we
hope to see many of our Midwest and west coast
shipmates in attendance this time.
We have a block of rooms for reservations and until
those are reserved the hotel will not allot more to us.
Please don‘t wait until the last moment to reserve your
room. If you make a reservation and for whatever
VOL. 2017 #12 DECEMBER 2017
U S S H E N R Y L . S T I M S O N A S S O C I A T I O N S S B N 6 5 5 N E W S L E T T E R
A s s o c i a t i o n O f f i c e r s & B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s 2 0 1 7 — 2 0 1 8
PRESIDENT Ray [Rita] Kreul
VICE PRESIDENT Tom [Marie] Krauser
SECRETARY Nick [Linda] Nichols
TREASURER Ken [Diane] Meigs
OUTGOING PRESIDENT Chuck [Joyce] Hladik
HISTORIAN / CUSTODIAN Larry [Linda] Knutson
WEBMASTER / NEWSLETTER Nick [Linda] Nichols
CHAPLAIN Jake Morris
STOREKEEPER / SHIPS STORE Jim [Suzie] Weaver
O t h e r P o s i t i o n s 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8
2
reason you are not able to make the reunion the room
can be cancelled up to 48 hours prior to reserved date.
If you have any questions about the reunion
location, events, registration form, etc., please contact
me via email at [email protected].
————————————————————————
From The Editor
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
SHIFT COLORS: The newest edition of Navy Shift
Colors now available. Web Site:
www.shiftcolors.navy.mil
http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/
publications/shiftcolors/Documents/Shift%
20Colors%20Fall-Winter%202017a.pdf
Navy Shift Colors is the Navy's official newsletter
for Retired Sailors and surviving spouses. It updates
the retired Navy community about changes to laws,
policies, programs, and benefits that affect them. All
Retired Sailors and surviving spouses with active
myPay accounts now receive Navy Shift Colors
electronically at their email address in myPay.
Update your email address in myPay by visiting:
https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
LOOKING FOR SHIPMATE
Our online ―Looking For Shipmate‖ sailing list is
very long. The shipmates listed in this file were
stationed on the Stimson at one point. Please check
out the list to see if you know someone that you can
contact to get them into the Association. Use the same
password as you do on the Secured Sailing List.
http://ssbn655.org/sailing-
list/655_Sailing_List_LookingFor.pdf
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
DEPENDENTS CRUISE PICTURES:
Do you have pictures of your family (wife/children/
parents, etc.) when they came on the boat with you
either for a dependents cruise or just a visit during
upkeep? Do you want to share them with your
shipmates? If so, just send them to me at
[email protected] and they will be in a
future newsletter.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
———————————————————————–--
From the Association Storekeeper
- Jim Weaver, SK2(SS) B 68-69;
USSVI– Corvina Base:
The ships store has patches,
decals and challenge coins ($5/ea +
$1 flat mailing fee). Email or text if
interested. 775-750-6891/
———————————————————————
From the Association Historian/Memorabilia
Custodian - Larry Knutson, MMCS(SS) B 79-81
USSVI-Charleston Base:
One of the items in our Memorabilia
collection is a wooden card box. This
box contains the report in card on every
crewmember that served under the
command of Captain Bob Weeks. The
Association Secretary has begun
scanning these cards and emailing a
copy to anyone he has an email for. Hope you enjoy
seeing what you looked like when you reported
onboard the Stimson.
At the end of the newsletter there are some
3
pictures from 655G circa 1978 that were sent to us by
Mike Snyder MM1(SS) G 74-78. He retired as a
MMCS(SS).
————————————————————————
From the Association
President and wife -
Ray & Rita Kreul, TM2(SS) G
65-69
USSVI– Snug Harbor Base:
Wishing each of you a Very Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year!!!
A Submarine Christmas Poem
T'was the night before Christmas, he lived in a crowd,
In a 40 man berthing, with shipmates so loud.
I had come down the Sail with presents to give,
And to see just who in this rack did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight did I see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stockings were hung, just poopy-suit close at hand,
On the bulkhead hung pictures of far distant land.
He had medals and badges and awards of all kinds,
But one in particular seem to catch my eye.
Why they were Dolphins, with a tiny submarine ...
pinned on with pride,
A sobering thought came into my mind.
For this place was different, it was so dark and dreary,
I had found the house of a Submarine Sailor once I
could see clearly.
The Sailor lay sleeping, silent and alone,
Curled up in his rack, dreaming of home.
The face was so gentle, the berthing in such good
order,
Not how I pictured a United States Submarine Sailor.
Was this the hero whom I saw on TV?
Defending his country so we all could be free.
I realized the families that I've seen this night,
Owed their lives to these Submarine Sailors who were
willing to fight.
Soon 'round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate a new Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
Because of the Sailor, like the one lying here.
I couldn't help but wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve on a sea, far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The Sailor awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, for this life is my choice."
Defend the seas this day,
So others may rejoice.
The Sailor rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours so silent, so still,
And we both shivered from the night's cold chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night,
This Guardian of Honor, so willing to fight.
Then the Sailor rolled over and with a voice soft and
pure,
Whispered, "Carry on Santa, it's Christmas Day,
All is Secure!!"
Author: Unknown
————————————————————————
From the Association Chaplain:
The Rev. John K. Morris, LT G/ENG 66-69
(Jake to y’all)
As we approach the December
holidays – Christmas, Hanukkah,
Kwanzaa - I hope that you have time
to relax now and then and just enjoy
the season. Sometimes it seems like
―black Friday‖ and ―cyber Monday‖ are
just the beginning of a frantic month,
so it takes some planning to find those
calm moments that we all need. I would also ask you
to remember those who stand watch around the world
for us during this special time, and for their families as
well. Best wishes to you and your family.
Jake Morris
————————————————————————
From the Association Vice President -
Tom Krauser, MM1(SS) B 72-74; USSVI -
Charleston Base
As part of preparing for a
presentation to the residents of the
Town of Niskayuna with the subject
―Intro to Windows 10,‖ I have written
several articles, a couple which have
been published in this newsletter
already.
The articles and presentation are
located on the Niskayuna Senior Center website. If
you would like to see the presentation, the link is
below. Click on Computer Classes and Support to see
all the articles I have written. https://
www.niskayuna.org/senior-center
I add new articles as I write them so check back
once in a while. Maybe add the link to your Favorites
Bar.
One of the most common issues I have run into is
4
users getting locked out of Windows because they
only had one login account and they couldn‘t login with
that account. My article this month deals with the login
issue with Windows.
Types of Windows 10 Logins and Account Types
By Tom Krauser See Page 6
————————————————————————
MM2(SS) Stan Mathes G 66-67 Plank Owner
Departed on Eternal Patrol July 2017
[Verified by wife, Candy, via letter]
THIS IS A REPEAT—NOW HAVE THE OBITUARY
MMCM (SS) Norman D. ’Shorty’ Garoutte G 70-73
Departed on Eternal Patrol October 29, 2017
[Verified by Kitsap Sun]
N.D. ―Shorty‖ Garoutte journeyed to be with his
heavenly Father on Oct. 29, 2017 at the age of 78.
Shorty was born Nov. 28, 1938 in Boise, Idaho to Dale
and Helen Garoutte. Shorty joined the Navy at the age
of 17 and served honorably and with distinction for 34
years until his retirement in January 1990.
Shorty was preceded in death by his father, Dale;
wife, Karen; and son, Kenny. He is survived by his
mother, Helen; sister, Clarice; life-long partner, Jan;
sons, Michael (Shannon) and Bryan; and daughter,
Stacey (J.R.); Jan‘s children, who he loved and was
loved like a father: Curtis, Steve (Terry), Michelle, and
Lisa (Joe); numerous grandchildren and great-
grandchildren.
A career Naval man, MMCM(SS) Shorty Garoutte,
Submariner, served aboard the U.S.S. Firedrake,
U.S.S. Grayback, U.S.S. Andrew Jackson, U.S.S.
James K. Polk, U.S.S. Cabezon, U.S.S. Henry L.
Stimson, and the U.S.S. Kamehameha, He served as
C.O.B., CM/C, Force M/C, and Fleet M/C retiring from
the Navy as CM/C from NUWES Keyport, Washington,
spending a total of nine years under the water; an
eternal member of the Goat Locker and the U.S.N. ―U‖
Unity, ―S‖ Service, ―N‖ Navigation. A true Patriot, he
loved his country, his family and friends and his fellow
man.
Following a storied and distinguished military
career, he made his home in Poulsbo, Washington
and served in the civil service for 16 years at NUWES
Bangor/Keyport Naval base before his retirement in
2006. He had dedicated nearly 51 years of service to
the Navy.
Shorty‘s children have the greatest of memories
growing up with him and Mom; traveling, camping,
hunting, fishing, and boating; he taught them an
appreciation and love of the outdoors, our country, and
to respect our fellow man. Shorty‘s wife, Karen,
passed away in March 2001 after a long illness.
After a time he met a life-long partner with similar
loves in Janice Saenz of Poulsbo, Washington. Since,
Shorty and Jan have enjoyed life, each other and their
families doing the things they love to do.
He was an active member in the local community
with much time spent dedicated to the Masonic Lodge,
Bremerton Submarine Vets, Agate Pass Power
Squadron, Poulsbo Sons of Norway Vikings,
Brownsville Yacht Club and the Cascade Cortez RV
Club. You would never see Shorty without his
dachshunds, wherever he went.
Shorty was a man with the biggest of hearts, willing
to assist anyone in need, especially his family and
friends. He was a man of high integrity, character,
energy, enthusiasm and strived for excellence in all he
did. He loved and was loved; he will be dearly and
terribly missed.
The service to celebrate Shorty‘s life will be Jan.
13, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the Sons of Norway in Poulsbo,
Washington. In lieu of flowers, please make donations
to Poulsbo Sons of Norway or the Shriners Children‘s
hospital.
―The Naval Anchor is emblematic of all the hope
and glory of the fulfillment of God‘s promises to our
souls. The golden and precious Anchor by which we
must be kept steadfast in faith and encouraged to
abide in our proper station amidst The storm of
temptation, affliction and persecution.‖
=====
If any of you have any information about the following
shipmates being on Eternal Patrol please send it to me
at [email protected] as soon as possible.
HM2(SS) George D. Hinds, B 76-78
(possibly lost at sea)
————————————————————————
5
BINNACLE LIST
(if you would like to be placed on our Association
Binnacle List please send an email to
==================
**********
Bob Faulkner, MT1(SS) B/G 80-86 OVHL2
Remember Bob as he continues to find the best result
to manage Parkinson's Disease symptoms.
————————————————————————
WELCOME ABOARD: Found & Updated Shipmates
(Shipmate has contacted us to be added or have info
updated on our Sailing List. Please check the online
Sailing List to access the shipmates contact info.)
**********
CDR(SS) William D. Smith B 70-74
Commanding Officer (Retired as Admiral)
(updated from USSVI National)
EM2(SS) Gregg Cohn G 84-87 end of OVHL 2
(added to sailing list per his request)
EM2(SS) Michael D. Brown B 71-74
(added to sailing list per his request)
ET1(SS) Albert F. Britt G 77-80 / B 84-87
(added to sailing list per his request)
LTJG(SS) Harry Daugherty B 77-78 Chop
(added to sailing list per his request)
Many of our shipmates are on FaceBook but are not
listed on our Sailing List. Please check the new
‗Looking For‘ Sailing List on the website to help locate
these shipmates. When you see shipmates on
Facebook ask them if they are on the Sailing List and
please send them a personal invite to contact
[email protected] to be listed and
become a member of the Stimson Association.
————————————————————————
GREAT LINKS TO SPEND TIME WITH
(all links from “The Draft” will be on the website)
**********
655 Association Website
www.ssbn655.org
**********
A Pittance of Time
Turn up the sound. Remembrance Day
https://www.youtube.com/embed/CIHie6R2TlY
**********
DRONE VIEW IN CHINA
This is in 4K UHD. Note the 3-D effect. One would
never have seen this on a ground tour.
This is awesome! Really!
https://player.vimeo.com/video/107995891
**********
The KLAXON
The Newsletter of the Submarine Force Museum &
USS Nautilus
November 2017
http://www.submarinemuseum.org/
**********
Enjoy this magic show from America’s Got Talent
Tony and Jordan: Identical Twins Dazzle With
Magic ...
https://www.youtube.com/embed/mYTNQhK5Cgk?
rel=0&start=043&end=196&fs=1&showinfo=0&mod
estbranding=1&autohide=2&iv_load_policy=3
**********
An Attack from Just One of These U.S. Nuclear
Submarines Would Destroy North Korea
Everything you need to know about the Ohio class
submarine.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/attack-just-one-u-
nuclear-134400435.html?
soc_src=mail&soc_trk=ma
**********
Russia’s New Missile Submarine Sure Looks
Familiar
The submarine takes design cues from NATO
submarines
http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-
ships/a13990706/russias-new-missile-submarine-
sure-looks-familiar/?
src=nl&mag=pop&list=nl_pnl_news&date=120117
————————————————————————
A Navy Chief is walking through the hallways in the
pentagon, when an Air Force general, from behind,
says, "Excuse me, sergeant."
The Chief keeps walking.
The general repeats, "Excuse me, sergeant."
The Chief keeps walking.
The general YELLS " EXCUSE ME, SERGEANT!"
and grabs the chief by the shoulder. ...
The Chief whirls around, and gives the general the
stinkeye.
The general asks the Chief, "Why didn't you
respond when I addressed you?"
6
The Chief replies, "Sir, I'm not a sergeant, I'm a
Chief Petty Officer."
The general then says, "Well, if you were in the Air
Force, you'd be a sergeant."
Not missing a beat, the Chief replies, "No sir, if I
were in the Air Force, I'd be a general."
————————————————————————
SEA STORIES & COMMENTS From Our Shipmates
=====
Submitted by Dr. H.A.‘Hac‘ Carlson EM1(SS) B 68-72
I was just thinking about an old sea story. My 3rd
patrol as I recall and maybe my 4th or 5th too.
A couple A Gangers...maybe Marvin Mumbly and
Rocco Delerenzo Carbone (please help if your
memory is better than mine) pulled this a few times. It
was the late 60's. Patrol 12 or so. Heading out of Holy
Loch into the crappy state 5 seas. Big fat FBMs are
not built to run on the surface! DUH! Anyway. For fun
they found the youngest E2 messcook and sat him
down between them in the crews mess. The kid...(and
some others of us)..were ready to blow chunks
anyway. Rocco would fake puking and dump creamed
corn on his plate. Marvin would say "are you done with
that?" Then he would grab his fork and....well...you can
figure out the rest! Been nearly 50 years but still funny.
By the way, both of them were the best mentors you
could find to help you get your dolphins! They did it for
me.
=====
Submitted by Phil Johnston STS2(SS) G 67-70
This time you hit me between my eyes-Martin J.
Lovelady and I were tight friends on the boat. I got
food poisoned on a patrol and Martin took care of me
during this time. He'd carry me to the head and back to
my rack until I could walk on my own. We hit the shore
together often, too. Man, this was tough to find out but
I thank you for the word, just the same.
————————————————————————
Charleston Base Christmas Party Dec. 2, 2017
Tom & Suzanne Nick & Linda
Lawson Nichols
————————————————————————
Types of Windows 10 Logins and Account Types
By Tom Krauser
This article discusses the types of Logins and
Account types in Windows 10.
Types of Logins
There are two basic types of login in Windows 10.
The first type is using the Microsoft login on the web
and the second type is the ―local‖ login that users were
used to in Windows 7 and before. The default is the
Microsoft login which logs in through the Microsoft
website if a WiFi connection is available. This requires
an email address (does not have to be a Microsoft
email address) and password and sets up a Microsoft
account.
If you ever used Outlook.com, Hotmail, Office 365,
OneDrive, Skype, Xbox, or Windows, the email
address and password you use for any of those
services is your Microsoft account. If not, it's easy to
create a free account with your email address or
phone number at account.microsoft.com.
Your Microsoft account gives you access to apps
and games from the Windows Store, and lets you see
your settings and other stuff across multiple Windows
10 devices. For more information see: Read more
about the benefits of Microsoft account. The same
login is used for all your devices with a Microsoft
account whereas with local accounts each device
requires a different local account for the login and the
accounts are not synchronized.
A Microsoft account is required to use Cortana
which works through the Microsoft account. Creating a
Microsoft account also allows the user to recover their
password if they forget their password. If the computer
is not connected to WiFi then the Microsoft login is still
functional but does not verify through the Microsoft
website.
The password for a Microsoft account usually has
to meet the rules for passwords on the Microsoft site to
make it more secure.
To create a ―local‖ login account, which is not the
default, it takes a few extra steps in order to set up the
local user account. The local account is not verified
through the Microsoft website and is similar to the
accounts the user has used to for all the older
Windows operating systems.
To create a ―local‖ account:
Click on the Start icon or press the Windows
key on the keyboard.
Click the ―Settings‖ icon (looks like a gear).
Click ―Accounts‖ then click ―Family & other
people‖.
7
Click ―Add someone else to this PC‖.
Under ―How will this person sign in‖, do not
enter an email or phone number but click ―I
don‘t have this person‘s sign-in information‖.
Under ―Let‘s create your account‖ at the bottom
click on ―Add a user without a Microsoft
account‖.
Enter User Name desired, password, and a
password hint (required) and then click
Next.
If no password is desired (not recommended)
then leave the password fields blank.
When Next is clicked the new account is
created. You must log into the new account
so it is actually setup and created.
New users are automatically created as a Standard
account. If you want the user to be an Administrator
then change to Administrator account as discussed in
next section.
Account Types
There are two different account types for the user.
The original user is automatically created as an
―Administrator‖ account. An Administrator has all
privileges and can do anything on the computer
including changing configuration settings and
downloading software from the internet.
The default for all users added after the initial user
is a ―Standard‖ user. The Standard user has a lot less
privileges than the Administrator and usually cannot
change settings or configuration of the computer and
usually cannot download programs from the internet. If
a Standard user attempts to perform an operation that
requires an Administrator they will be asked for an
Administrator user name and password to perform that
operation. Standard user accounts should be given to
anyone that you do not want changing configuration or
downloading programs from the internet.
It is highly recommended that there should be at
least two Administrator accounts on the computer.
This could be another person or you can create a
second account called Admin or any name you
choose. The purpose of this second account is to allow
you to login as an Administrator if your primary
Administrator account becomes corrupt or unusable
for any reason. If you cannot login to your primary
Administrator account then you have no way to get to
the internet to try and fix the problem with your primary
account.
————————————————————————
VA Announces Rollout and Application Process
for New Veterans ID Card
November 29, 2017, 04:00:00 PM
WASHINGTON — Today the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that the application
process for the national Veterans Identification Card
(VIC) is now available for Veterans — yet another
action honoring their service.
This has been mandated through legislation since
2015 to honor Veterans, and today‘s rollout of the ID
card fulfills that overdue promise.
Only those Veterans with honorable service will
be able to apply for the ID card, which will provide
proof of military service, and may be accepted by
retailers in lieu of the standard DD-214 form to
obtain promotional discounts and other services
where offered to Veterans.
―The new Veterans Identification Card provides a
safer and more convenient and efficient way for most
Veterans to show proof of service,‖ said VA Secretary
Dr. David J. Shulkin. ―With the card, Veterans with
honorable service to our nation will no longer need to
carry around their paper DD-214s to obtain Veteran
discounts and other services.‖
The VIC provides a more portable and secure
alternative for those who served the minimum
obligated time in service, but did not meet the
retirement or medical discharge threshold. Veterans
who served in the armed forces, including the reserve
components, and who have a discharge of honorable
or general (under honorable conditions) can request a
VIC.
To request a VIC, Veterans must visit vets.gov,
click on ―Apply for Printed Veteran ID Card‖ on the
bottom left of the page and sign in or create an
account.
Veterans who apply for a card should receive it
within 60 days and can check delivery status of their
cards at vets.gov. A digital version of the VIC will be
available online by mid-December.
SOURCE: US Department of Veterans Affairs article,
29 November, at https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/
pressrelease.cfm?id=3979
————————————————————————
8
Taking The Heat: Navy Tests New Steam Suit For
Sub Sailors
Julia Bergman, The Day, November 30
The Navy is testing a new suit designed to protect
sailors from steam leaks aboard its nuclear-powered
submarines.
If pressurized steam lines rupture, the leaked
steam is extremely hot and can result in severe injury
or death. To make repairs or rescue crewmembers,
sailors must wear protective suits.
Sailors complained that the existing steam suits,
which went into use about 2002, are cumbersome to
put on, involving two layers - one that is like a normal
firefighting ensemble and then a protective suit on top
of that.
The new suit, which was
designed to be easier and
quicker to put on, is one
piece, nine pounds
lighter, and easier to
move around in.
Improvements also were
made to the gloves, which
now look like lobster
claws, improving
dexterity.
Sailors on the Los
Angeles-class attack submarine USS Toledo (SSN-
769), which returned to Groton on Wednesday from a
six-month deployment, tested out the suits while at
sea, and will provide feedback to the Navy. The suits
also are being tested by sailors on the Ohio-class
ballistic missile submarine USS Kentucky (SSBN-737),
based in Bangor, Wash., and the Virginia-class attack
submarine USS Missouri (SSN-780), based in Groton.
Part of the testing is to see how quickly sailors can
get into the suits, said Command Master Chief Matt
Matteson with the Office of Naval Research. Testing at
the Naval Submarine Base in the spring showed
sailors could suit up in minutes.
"The most important thing is that it's quicker for
sailors to don and get to the scene of the casualty,"
Matteson said. "It provides a little bit more assurance
that the protective gear you're wearing will actually be
appropriate for that situation."
There are only a few times in the history of the
Navy's nuclear power program that the suits had to be
used, Matteson said. They are not intended for use by
the entire crew, but those in certain jobs.
Matteson expects the new suits to be implemented
across submarine fleet in a year or two. He didn't have
an estimate for how much the suits will cost.
The Office of Naval Research's TechSolutions, which
focuses on rapidly producing prototype solutions to
problems submitted by sailors and marines, provided
funding for the testing. The new suit was developed by
the Naval Sea Systems Command and Navy Clothing
and Textile Research Facility.
————————————————————————
Submarine Vets Say It Was Special To Be Part Of
That Branch Of Navy
Todd R. Hansen, Daily Republic, November 11
VALLEJO — Al Cole spent
22 years in the U.S. Navy –
half of that time under water.
Well, obviously not the
entire 11 years under water,
but he did serve on three boats
in the submarine service, which
came 11 years after he was part of the surface fleet –
and one of those was spent ―on the ground‖ in
Vietnam.
―Even though I served on surface ships, which
parts of it I enjoyed, I enjoyed my submarine service
even more because of the camaraderie,‖ said Cole,
73, of American Canyon. He is also an active member
of two submariner associations based in Vallejo.
Cal Potts, 84, of Carson City, Nevada, also served
in the submarine service and is a World War II
veteran. He is the past president of the Vallejo chapter
of the World War II Submarine Veterans, which was
founded in 1958 with 186 members and now has just
six who are actual World War II vets.
Like Cole, he would not trade his experiences in
the sub service.
―All the shipmates I served with are friends, and I
know they will always have my back,‖ said Potts, who
served on the USS Salmon and USS Trout, two World
War II diesel subs, as well as the USS Thresher and
9
USS Permit, two nuclear subs. He served from 1943 to
1952.
―I did what I thought I should do, and I am glad I
did. And I got out alive,‖ Potts said.
In World War II, 3,500 submarine sailors died –
about 19 percent of the total number of submariners.
Fifty-two U.S. boats were lost, including seven which
were built at Mare Island.
―The old diesel boats were primarily support boats
and patrol boats, but they could go anywhere,‖ Potts
said.
Overall, there have been 67 U.S. submarines lost
during wartime – including the Thresher and its 129
men who were lost while on patrol April 10, 1963. The
total number of submarine sailors who have died is
more than 3,900.
Until recently, only aviators, who wore wings, and
submariners, who wore dolphins, were allowed to have
the chest insignia on their uniforms.
―Putting a set of dolphins on your chest is a source
of pride,‖ said Cole, who served on three nuclear
submarines – the USS Timosa, the USS Skipjack and
the USS Seawolf – from 1973 to 1984. He joined the
Navy in 1962.
The submarine service almost didn‘t happen for
Cole.
―In 1962 I volunteered to serve in the submarine
service,‖ Cole said.
―During boot camp, I talked to a (submarine)
qualifier, and he asked me one question: ‗Do you have
cavities?‘ And I said, ‗Yes, I had six of them in high
school,‘ and he said that was too many and I couldn‘t
serve in the submarine service,‖ Cole said. ―And I left
crest-fallen.‖
But as the United States expanded its submarine
fleet, the need for sailors increased and Cole finally
got his assignment.
―And there were guys who were too tall. Later, I
served with a guy who was (6 feet, 6 inches), but back
in the day, the height restriction was 6 feet,‖ Cole said.
Cole‘s service in the sub force also came after he
spent a year at a supply depot in Da Nang, Vietnam,
helping to supply all five branches of the service and
62 private contractors.
―And that was a scary time,‖ Cole said.
He was a ―storekeeper‖ in the sub service as well.
―A typical day for me was I would get to the
submarine at 6 a.m. and I wouldn‘t leave until 6, 7
o‘clock to make sure everything was procured and
stowed away,‖ Cole said.
But once the submarine left the dock, the duties
changed.
To qualify for submarine service, each crew
member had to be familiar with all operations on board
– hydraulics, electrical, weaponry, sonar and, critically,
fire control. And virtually everyone on board stood a
watch, Cole said.
―I think the qualifying process, to me, was the
hardest thing I did (in my life). So that‘s why when
guys get their dolphins they are so proud of it,‖ Cole
said.
Potts said he thinks the submarine officers, who
also must meet additional standards over surface fleet
officers, are the finest officers in the Navy.
And of course, anyone on the boats needed to be
able to mentally and emotionally handle the tight
quarters and the underwater submarine environment.
―The best submariner servicemen don‘t miss not
having their coffee on the porch, or miss the sunrise or
miss the sunset,‖ Cole said. ―You can‘t even think
about that.‖
Certainly, submarine servicemen could not think
about being lost at sea, with virtually no chance for
escape if attacked.
Since 2010, women also have served on
submarines, first only officers with the development of
the larger ballistic missile boomers, but now enlisted
personnel as well on the fast-attack subs.
Neither Potts nor Cole ever came under direct fire,
but that did not mean there weren‘t some tense
missions.
―There were some scary moments, but I can‘t
honestly say it was an attack situation,‖ Cole said.
Potts typically stays at home on Veterans Day.
―All I do is fly the American flag and stay home and
enjoy what God‘s given me,‖ he said.
He will think about his stepfather and his
stepfather‘s younger brother, both of whom died when
the USS Astoria, a heavy cruiser, was torpedoed and
sunk in August 1942. Both men had been part of the
Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway.
When the Navy informed his mother, she had a
heart attack and died.
Cole, who recently had knee replacement surgery,
will try to help with the Mare Island submarine
memorial Sunday, but is limited with what he can do.
―I will think about all the sacrifices that all the
veterans have made from 1776 and up,‖ Cole said.
―Even if they were never in combat . . . we all served
one way or another. Whether you were in a fox hole
with bullets whizzing over your head, or driving a truck
in Omaha, Nebraska, it all had to be done in the name
10
of the service.‖
————————————————————————
A VETERAN DIED TODAY
He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was
falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the
past.
Of a war that he once fought in and the deeds that
he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes,
every one.
And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors his tales
became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly for they knew where of
he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer, for ol' Joe has
passed away,
And the world's a little poorer for a Veteran died today.
He won't be mourned by many, just his children and
his wife.
For he lived an ordinary, very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family, going quietly on
his way;
And the world won't note his passing, 'tho a Veteran
died today.
When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in
state,
While thousands note their passing, and proclaim that
they were great.
Papers tell of their life stories from the time that
they were young,
But the passing of a Veteran goes unnoticed, and
unsung.
Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our
land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise and cons his fellow
man?
Or the ordinary fellow who in times of war and
strife,
Goes off to serve his country and offers up his life?
The politician's stipend and the style in which he
lives,
Are often disproportionate to the service that he gives.
While the ordinary Veteran who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps a pension, small.
It is not the politicians with their compromise and
ploys,
Who won for us the freedom that our country now
enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger, with your
enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out, with his ever-
waffling stand?
Or would you want a Veteran his home, his country,
his kin,
Just a common Veteran, who would fight until the end.
He was just a common Veteran, and his ranks are
growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his
likes again.
For when countries are in conflict, we find the
Veteran's part,
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear
the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of
his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline in the paper that
might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, A VETERAN
DIED TODAY."
Author 'Unknown'
————————————————————————
11
Submitted by Don Ort MM1(SS) G 69-74
Rare Breed
Submariners are a rare breed; it is an assignment
requiring a special set of skills and a special kind of
both physical and mental toughness. Please read the
following description written by Military Officer Russell
Canty:
"You take a little steel tube; pack in a nuclear
reactor and high power steam propulsion plant with
high pressure and temperature steam. You also use
the steam power plant to produce high voltage un-
grounded electricity which you route throughout the
boat in exposed cable bundles. You pack in 24
intercontinental ballistic missiles and the rockets that
propel them out of the submarine (just 1 stage of 1 of
these rockets is enough to liquefy the submarine
internals) that can each potentially be armed with up to
8 ballistic nuclear re-entry bodies that each by
themselves can potentially be 20 times as powerful as
those dropped on Japan in WW2. You route high
pressure air and hydraulics throughout this tube to
operate all this large machinery required to move the
tube around. You pack in up to 40 ADCAP Mk 48
torpedoes who have an auto-catalytic fuel that could
utterly destroy your tube (see Russian submarine
Kursk) and pack it full of high explosives. You pack all
of these extremely dangerous things into that small
metal tube, climb inside it with 120 people you love to
hate (the feeling is mutual too), seal it up, drive it out
thousands of miles into the middle of the ocean, and
sink it.
If a fire burns for longer than 15 seconds without an
extinguisher on it, it begins to grow rapidly and in as
little as 2 minutes can render the entire space
untenable. The loss of any 1 space on a submarine is
likely a loss of the ship. There are a lot of things on a
submarine that want to burn or start a fire. And a lot of
things on a submarine like to explode when exposed
to high heat. As such, every single person on a
submarine has to know how to combat a fire by
himself and call for assistance. On no other platform in
the military is the success and survival of the whole
ship dependent on the individual performance of each
sailor as it is on a submarine.
This is all backdrop to some of the nation's most
vital clandestine operations (just 1 of the large number
of missions a submarine can perform) which you never
read about due to the nature of the missions. The
stakes are high, and there is no room for error. It is a
lot of stress. It is also a lot of pride.
Other than Seals, no other community asks more of
its men and women than the submarine service. And
as such, being a submariner is a certain badge of
honor that is respected by the other communities and
services. It is an arduous, thankless, and dangerous
job.
So, what would attract one to this assignment? It is
far and away the people. The shared responsibility for
each other and the shared experience forges an
extremely tight bond between the crew of a submarine,
one that can only be rivaled by marine/army combat
units, and even then it is still a different type of bond
as each man is just as important as the one next to
him. It is less steeped in the rigid structure of the rest
of the military, and lines of rank are blurred more in
submarines than anywhere else. This appeals to
certain types of people and not to others.
So when you ask a submariner what it is he misses
about submarining once he's gone, he will always
respond "I miss the people.― On the occasion of
Veterans Day, I want to recognize my son Jeremy
Land. Jeremy served in the US Navy as a submariner
on the USS Mendel Rivers, a nuclear powered fast
attack sub which often transported Navy SEALS. I am
proud of him and proud of his service to our country.
————————————————————————
Retired Capt Thomas J Hudner Jr, Korean War
Medal of Honor Recipient, Passes Away
Story Number: NNS171116-08Release Date:
11/16/2017 2:28:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Casey
Scoular, USS Constitution Public Affairs Office
BOSTON (NNS) -- More than 800 family, friends,
and active duty and retired service members gathered
in Concord, Massachusetts, Nov. 16, to pay their final
respects to retired Capt. Thomas J. Hudner Jr., who
earned the Medal of Honor during the Korean War.
Hudner passed away Nov. 13, at his home in
Concord. He was 93.
Believed by many to be a man who embodied the
ethos of the United States Navy, Hudner was accepted
into the Naval Academy in 1943, commissioned as an
officer in 1946 and became an aviation officer in 1949.
On Dec. 4, 1950, Hudner and his squadron were
providing air support to American troops during the
battle of the Chosin Reservoir. One of Hudner's
squadron mates, Ensign Jesse L. Brown, the first
African-American to be trained as a naval aviator, was
12
shot down by enemy anti-aircraft fire.
Hudner saw that Brown was still alive in the
wreckage and, fearing that if he didn't land, Brown
would succumb to his wounds or suffer at the hands of
the enemy. In an effort to render aid to a fellow aviator,
Hudner crash-landed his own aircraft near Brown's
downed plane.
As soon as Hudner dropped his flaps and made his
wheels up hard landing, he quickly made his way to
Brown. Hudner's attempts to pull Brown out of the
wreckage revealed Brown's right leg was crushed
under the damaged instrument panel. While Brown
drifted in and out of consciousness, Hudner kept trying
to free his fellow aviator, all the while packing snow
into the still-smoking engine.
By the time a U.S. helicopter arrived to help, Brown
was unconscious. For almost 45 minutes, Hudner and
the helicopter pilot used an ax to hack away at the
damaged plane but they could not free Brown. Even a
plan to amputate the leg with a knife wouldn't work
because they had no firm footing due to the snow. As
nightfall approached with the corresponding drop in
temperature, Hudner and the helicopter pilot reached a
grim decision to leave Brown behind since the pilot
would be unable to fly in the dark. Brown was already
near death and died shortly afterward.
Hudner's attempt to save Brown came just two
years after the Navy had desegregated. For the rest of
his life, Hudner claimed that the reason he landed to
save Brown was because Brown, like all service
members, would have done the same for him.
On April 13, 1951, Hudner received the Medal of
Honor for his actions at the Chosin Reservoir. He
served 27 years in the Navy.
Retired Capt. Thomas V. Hennessey Jr. U.S. Navy,
knew Hudner for more than 30 years from the
Wardroom Club, a dining club for active and former
Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Officers.
"He was the most self-effacing modest guy you'd
ever meet," said Hennessey. "Everyone knew him, he
was such a warm and friendly guy. Everyone loved
him"
Hudner was extremely active in the veteran's
community of Massachusetts, even going so far as to
serve as the commissioner of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services from
1991 to 1999.
Francisco A. Ureña, the current secretary of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of
Veterans' Services, was one of Hudner's successors
and mentees.
"After retiring (from the Navy), he could have gone
into business but continued with government service
by becoming the commissioner of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services,"
said Ureña. "He was someone who was extremely
caring and passionate, not only about veterans, but
specifically about their social needs. He was someone
that made us all proud to be civil servants."
Despite all of his personal and professional titles, to
some, the one he'll be remembered most as is dad.
"My dad was always there for me," said Thomas J.
Hudner III. "I knew he was busy, but he would always
attend my sports games. It didn't matter whether my
team won or lost, he was always supportive."
For more news from Naval History and Heritage
Command, visit www.history.navy.mil.
For additional information about naval history,
contact the Naval History and Heritage Command's
Communication and Outreach division at 202-433-
7880 or via email at [email protected].
————————————————————————
Russia Launches Its Most Advanced Ballistic
Missile Sub
(THE DIPLOMAT 21 NOV 17) ... Franz-Stefan Gady
The new boomer is an improved variant of the
Russian Navy‘s newest class of ballistic missile
submarines.
Russia has floated out the first advanced variant of
the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine
(SSBN) Project 955A Borei II-class (―North Wind‖), or
Dolgorukiy-class.
The Borei II-class (also designated Borei-A)
boomer Knyaz Vladimir (Prince Vladimir) was
launched during a float out ceremony at the Sevmash
Shipyards in Severodvinsk in northern Russia on
November 17. The ceremony was attended by the
commander-in-chief of the Russian Navy, Admiral
Vladimir Korolyov, and other senior naval officers and
high ranking defense industry officials.
The new boomer was laid down in July 2012 and is
expected to be delivered to the Russian Navy next
year. Once commissioned, it will be Russia‘s most
advanced SSBN ever to conduct nuclear deterrence
patrols. Next to improved maneuverability and
purportedly improved stealth capabilities, the Borei II-
class SSBN will carry a heavier nuclear payload (See:
―Russia Will Start Constructing New Ballistic Missile
Submarine in December‖):
In comparison to the Borei-class, Borei II[A]-class
submarines are fitted with four additional missile tubes,
boast smaller hulls and cons, and feature improved
13
acoustics and lower sound levels, next to a number of
other technical improvements.
Both variants of Borei-class subs will be armed with
Bulava (RSM-56) intercontinental ballistic missiles
(ICBMs). The Borei-class will be capable of carrying
up to 16 Bulava ICBMs, whereas the improved Borei II
-class can carry up to 20 ballistic missiles.
The improved variant of the Borei-class will be
capable of launching 96-200 hypersonic,
independently maneuverable warheads, yielding 100-
150 kilotons apiece.
Russia plans to build a total of eight Borei-class
SSBNs – three Borei-class and five improved Borei II-
class boats – by 2o25. The date was recently
confirmed by Admiral Korolyov, although delays are to
be expected. For example, the construction of the
Knyaz Vladimir began with a two-year delay due to
contract disputes between the Russian Ministry of
Defense and Sevmash Shipyards.
―Three Borei-class SSBNs have been
commissioned to date with one submarine, the Yuri
Dolgoruky, serving with the Northern Fleet and the
remaining two – Alexander Nevsky and Vladimir
Monomakh — deployed with Russia‘s increasingly
more active Pacific Fleet,‖ I reported in June.
In his remarks on November 17, Korolyov also
mentioned Russia‘s intention develop a more
advanced variant of the Borei-class in addition to a
separate class of next-generation nuclear powered
submarines.
―The development and the construction of the
series of Project Borei-A strategic missile-carrying
underwater cruisers and the eventual development of
Project Borei-B submarines with the subsequent
construction of fifth-generation nuclear-powered subs
are prompted by the provisions of Russia‘s naval
doctrine and aimed at fulfilling the task of maintaining
the armament and equipment of the groupings of
strategic submarines in the Pacific and Northern Fleets
at a high level,‖ the admiral said, according to TASS
news agency.
Work on the Borei B-class has allegedly already
started. The new class of fifth-generation nuclear-
powered subs (dubbed Husky-class) will reportedly
come in three variants (SSN, SSG, and SSBN) and is
expected to replace Project 971 Akula-class SSNs
beginning in the 2030s. As I reported in July, the Rubin
Central Design Bureau, which also designed and
developed the Borei-class, has finished preliminary
design work of new conventional fifth-generation
submarine code named Project Kalina. The new sub
will be based on the Project 677 Lada-class diesel-
electric attack submarine.
https://thediplomat.com/2017/11/russia-launches-
its-most-advanced-ballistic-missile-sub/
————————————————————————
ANALYSIS OF ACOUSTIC DETECTION OF
THE LOSS OF THE ARGENTINE SUBMARINE SAN
JUAN By Bruce Rule
An analytical review of all information released by
the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
Organization on the acoustic signal associated with
the loss of the Argentina Submarine ARA SAN JUAN
confirms the following:
That acoustic signal originated near 46-10S, 59-
42W at 1358Z (GMT) on 15 November 2017. It was
produced by the collapse (implosion) of the ARA SAN
JUAN pressure-hull at a depth of 1275-feet. Sea
pressure at the collapse depth was 570 PSI. The
frequency of the collapse event signal (bubble-pulse)
was about 4.4 Hz.
The energy released by the collapse was equal to
the explosion of 12,500 pounds of TNT at the depth of
1275-feet. That energy was produced by the nearly
instantaneous conversion of potential energy (sea-
pressure) to kinetic energy, the motion of the intruding
water-ram which entered the SAN JUAN pressure-hull
at a speed of about 1800 mph.
The entire pressure-hull was completely destroyed
(fragmented/compacted) in about 40 milliseconds
14
(0.040s or 1/25th of a second), the duration of the
compression phase of the collapse event which is half
the minimum time required for cognitive recognition of
an event.
Although the crew may have known collapse was
imminent, they never knew it was occurring. They
did not drown or experience pain. Death was
instantaneous.
The SAN JUAN wreckage sank vertically at an
estimated speed between 10 and 13 knots. Bottom
impact would not have produced an acoustic event
detectable at long range.
The open question is: why was no corrective action
- such as blowing ballast - taken by the SAN JUAN
crew before the submarine sank to collapse depth?
According to Argentine Navy spokesman Gabriel
Galeazzi, the Commanding Officer of the SAN JUAN
reported a "failure" in the submarine's "battery
system," The time of that report was 0730 on 15
November, assumed to have been GMT.
Subsequently, the problem was reported to have been
"fixed." The SAN JUAN intended to submerged and
continued its transit north. The SAN JUAN pressure-
hull collapsed at 1358 GMT on 15 November.
In the case of the loss of the US nuclear submarine
SCORPION (SSN 589), hydrogen out-gassed by the
main battery exploded at 18:20:44 GMT on 22 May
1968 incapacitating/killing the crew with an
atmospheric over-pressure in the battery well
estimated to have been 7-10 times the fatal value. The
pressure-hull was not breached. This assessment was
based on analysis of acoustic detections of the event
and damage observed in pieces of the fragmented
battery recovered from the wreckage at a depth of
11,100 feet by the US submersible TRIESTE, e.g.,
microscopic, spectrographic and x-ray diffraction
analyses. (There was no flooding of the pressure-hull
before the battery exploded.)
SCORPION lost power and sank slowly over nearly
22 minutes to collapse at a depth of 1530-feet at
18:42:34 GMT on 22 May 1968.
There is the possibility that a similar sequence of
events occurred aboard the SAN JUAN. If the wreck is
located and efforts are made to recover components,
emphasis should be placed on the battery system.
The author of this assessment was the lead
acoustic analyst at the US Office of Naval Intelligence
for 42 years, analyzed acoustic detectors of the loss of
the USS THRESHER (SSN 593) on 10 April 1963 and
testified before that Court of Inquiry. The author
expresses his appreciation to those who supported
this assessment with research and calculations
——
USSVI NEWS-01: ARA SAN JUAN
Submitted by: John E. Markiewicz on 11/28/2017
The following was sent to the Argentine Chapter of
the ISA (International Submarine Association) on this
date with my approval:
On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans
(USSVI), I offer our sincere condolences on the loss of
ARA San Juan. The crew and families are in our
thoughts and prayers. We are grateful for their service
to the Argentine Submarine Service. To our Brothers
we say, ―Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. May
you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones
who remain. Thank you for your service.
"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you
peace always in every way." 2 Thess 3:16.
ARA SAN JUAN, Now on Eternal Patrol.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmates
Bill Dixon, National Chaplain United States
Submarine Veterans, USSVI.
——
Navy Releases New Timeline Of Hours Before
Argentine Sub Went Missing
Jason Hanna and Julia Jones, CNN, November 28
The Argentine military Tuesday released its most
detailed timeline yet in this month's disappearance of a
naval submarine, saying that the vessel first reported a
battery short-circuit roughly 10 hours before an
explosion-like sound was detected near the sub's last
known location.
Ships and aircraft still are scouring the South
Atlantic for the ARA San Juan and its 44 crew
members, which disappeared November 15 a few
hundred kilometers off Argentina's coast.
The Argentine navy had previously said the
vessel's captain reported a short-circuit in the vessel's
battery system shortly before the last known contact.
On Tuesday, the navy released new details, including
the times and contents of the vessel's communications
with a command base.
The new timeline, according to Argentine navy
spokesman Enrique Balbi:
November 15, 12:30 a.m.: The sub's captain calls
his land-based commander by satellite phone, saying
that seawater has entered the vessel's "snorkel," a
tube that reaches the surface to refresh the vessel's air
and recharge the batteries. He says the water caused
a short-circuit in the battery system in the vessel's bow
and the beginnings of a fire, or smoke. The smoke was
15
put out and the short-circuited system was isolated.
The captain indicates that the battery- and diesel-
powered sub would continue traveling with its stern
batteries.
6 a.m.: The captain types the same message and
relays it to base electronically, as is protocol following
a phone conversation.
7:30 a.m.: The captain calls base again, this time
to say that the vessel is traveling, submerged, as
planned, without any personnel problems.
10:31 a.m.: A sound consistent with an explosion is
detected in the ocean, near the sub's last known
location.
The Argentine navy says it didn't know about the
explosion-like sound until last week, when the United
States and an international organization said they had
uncovered the acoustic data.
There was no evidence of any attack and no
information on the cause of the noise, Balbi said last
week.
The San Juan had been traveling from a base in
Argentina's far southern Tierra del Fuego archipelago
to its home base in Mar del Plata, on country's
northern coast.
The sub was a few hundred kilometers off the
coast when it disappeared November 15, roughly
halfway between its departure point and destination.
Crews from a number of nations are searching by
air and sea for the San Juan in an area of roughly
40,000 square kilometers, Balbi said Tuesday.
The time to find the crew with a viable air supply
may have passed.
The San Juan, if intact after an initial emergency,
would have enough air to last seven to 10 days, if it
remained fully immersed during that time, experts say.
If the submarine surfaced or raised its snorkel to
refresh its air, the crew could have bought more time.
The 10-day mark was reached Saturday.
Searchers don't know where the sub is, and no contact
was made with the vessel after the morning of
November 15, Balbi has said.
"It's a difficult situation, but we will keep on
searching," Balbi said Tuesday.
The navy released the new timeline a day after
Argentine TV news outlet A24 published what it said
was the typed communication from the sub's captain to
base on the morning the sub vanished.
CNN's English translation of the message that A24
broadcast is: "Seawater leaked in through the
ventilation system into battery system No. 3, causing a
short circuit and the early stages of a fire where the
batteries were. The batteries on the external bow are
out of service. We are currently submerging with a
divided circuit. Nothing new to report regarding
personnel. Will keep you informed."
Balbi's account of the sub's 6 a.m. message
roughly matches the document that A24 broadcast
Monday. But Balbi said he couldn't release a printout
of the message, saying it was confidential.
He called A24's document a "leak," and said the
navy was investigating the leak.
Balbi said it is normal that some water -- from
waves, for example -- would enter the sub's snorkel
while it takes in air above the surface. A pump system
usually can expel excess water.
But, "if more water goes in than the pump can
handle, that could be a problem," Balbi said.
The sub would have had the capacity to travel with
just one set of batteries, Balbi said, but would have
done so at a slower speed, to reduce the number of
times it would need to snorkel.
——
Missing Submarine: Argentine Navy Ends Rescue
Mission
Radina Gigova, Steve Almasy and Jason Hanna,
CNN, December 1
The Argentine Navy has called off rescue efforts
to find 44 crew members aboard a missing submarine,
effectively acknowledging that there's no hope they'll
be found alive.
The ARA San Juan disappeared a few hundred
kilometers off Argentina's coast on November 15, and
despite an extensive air and sea search no sign of the
sub has been found.
Navy spokesman Enrique Balbi told reporters
Thursday the navy had allowed nearly double the
amount of time it would have been possible for the
crew to stay alive if the submarine remain submerged.
Officials had earlier said the submarine had enough air
to last seven to 10 days.
Balbi wouldn't speculate on the fate of the crew,
but said the search for the missing sub will continue
until it's found.
"Despite the magnitude and efforts made it has not
been possible to locate the submarine. Information
was received from two sources of international
organizations that report an anomaly and acoustics in
the vicinity of the last known position of the San Juan
submarine and later confirmed with an event
consistent with an explosion," Balbi said.
At the height of the search, 28 ships and nine
airplanes scoured the sea, backed by more than 4,000
16
people over a search area of more than 15,000 miles
off the Argentine coast.
Eleven countries joined the searching including
Uruguay, Chile, Brazil, Peru, the United States and
United Kingdom.
Few clues point to the submarine's fate, but in
recent days authorities have released more details of
what's known to have happened before it vanished
mid-way on its journey from Usuaia in the country's
south and northern port of Mar del Plata.
————————————————————————
Navy to Launch New Branding Campaign, Tagline
at Army-Navy Game
Story Number: NNS171205-07Release Date:
12/5/2017 11:16:00 AM
From Navy Recruiting Command Public Affairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Army-Navy
football game is one of the oldest and most storied
contests in the history of collegiate athletics. On
Saturday, Dec. 9, in Philadelphia the U.S. Navy will
use the occasion to tell a new story about itself, as it
launches a new, multifaceted branding campaign
aimed at attracting a new generation of recruits.
The launch will also mark the debut of the Navy's
new tagline, "Forged by the Sea."
"The Army-Navy game is one of the most revered
and watched contests in college sports and we wanted
to take advantage of this unique opportunity to
introduce the new brand and tagline on an occasion
where the spirit of competition and military service are
being celebrated," said Commander, Navy Recruiting
Command (NRC) Rear Adm. Pete Garvin. "We're
proud and excited to be a part of such a great event."
"Sea to Stars," the first TV commercial featuring the
new tagline and branding, will air on CBS during the
second quarter of the Army-Navy game, as well as on
the video screens in the stadium. A second
commercial, "Game," will also air in-stadium. The new
commercials can be viewed on the Navy Live blog at
http://www.navy.mil/forged.
There will also be a wide range of innovative social
media initiatives before, during and after the game,
including five augmented reality filters on the Navy
Recruiting Command's Facebook platform that allow
fans to creatively celebrate the Navy, the game and
the new tagline. Facebook Live will be used to create
an Army-Navy game day show that will provide an
exclusive second-screen experience for fans watching
the game at home. Called "Sea It Live," the show will
be hosted by two active duty Naval Academy Alumni,
and will feature 10-15 segments throughout the day of
the game. In between segments, the Facebook page
will be populated with unique content that highlights
Sailors and their unique stories.
After the game, a street team will capture Sailors'
reactions and feelings about the new tagline and
commercials in real time and post on NRC's Twitter
page, while calling on followers to share their own
thoughts.
Garvin said the game-day launch represents only
the first wave of an integrated marketing campaign
that will include a steady level of advertising on digital
and social media platforms during the winter, before a
full rollout in March. Additional marketing elements will
debut throughout the year.
"The Navy is now recruiting young men and women
of the Centennial Generation, who have different
goals, expectations and information-gathering habits
than their Millennial predecessors," said Garvin. "As
such, the Navy recognized the necessity to develop a
new marketing campaign and media strategy that
more effectively reach, educate and inspire the best-
and-brightest prospective recruits."
Reaching Centennials
The genesis of the new campaign was in the spring
of 2016, when the Navy selected a new marketing
agency, known as the Navy Partnership--led by Young
& Rubicam (Y&R)--and directed it to create an
enduring and authentic brand identity, tagline and
unified marketing strategy to inspire and motivate
potential recruits to join.
In the summer of 2016, the Navy Partnership
began a series of immersion trips, interviews with
current and former Sailors, and qualitative and
quantitative research with 17-21-year-olds--members
of the emerging Centennial Generation--in cities
across the country.
The research helped the Navy gain a deeper
understanding of the mindset and career goals of
Centennials, their perceptions of the Navy and what
might motivate them to choose the Navy as a career.
"What we found was that there was nearly 100
17
percent awareness of the Navy, but zero percent
understanding of the Navy's full mission, reach and
influence," said Ken Dowling, head of the Navy
Partnership and managing director at Y&R Memphis.
"Centennials saw the Navy's purpose as one
dimensional and strongly tied to defense and combat.
The things that set the Navy apart from other branches
of the military weren't well-defined and there was
limited awareness of the wide range of career
opportunities the Navy offers."
The research also showed that Centennials who
were interested in a Navy career were looking for
meaningful adventure, a creative and innovative
environment and the strength that comes from being a
member of a unified team.
"Forged by the Sea"
Armed with its research, the Navy Partnership
began the creative process, considering a variety of
brand identities and thousands of taglines before
eventually narrowing the options to six. The taglines
and brand elements were tested not only with
Centennials but also current enlisted Sailors, officers,
Navy veterans and key influencers.
According to Garvin, getting the support of current
Navy personnel and veterans was essential to creating
a genuine brand identity and tagline "Forged by the
Sea" was overwhelmingly selected as the new tagline
by the various focus groups. It effectively
communicates that the Navy has evolved in response
to the sea, and that Sailors are tested and shaped by
the Navy and their sea experience, becoming better
versions of themselves.
Garvin said the Navy has tried to remain nimble
when it comes to evaluating and enhancing its
marketing and communications efforts to recruit new
generations of Sailors. While the Navy has consistently
met or exceeded its annual recruiting goals, the market
is tightening and recruiting goals and standards are
trending upward.
"Over the years, we have changed our tagline
several times to capture everything our great Navy
represents in just a few simple words," said Garvin.
"After much research and creative development, we
emerged with a deep understanding of our
organization's purpose and potential--all of which tie
back to the sea. For more than 200 years our Sailors
have been tested and shaped by the sea. Our new
tagline perfectly captures the transformative impact the
Navy and the sea has on our Sailors."
The Best Is Yet to Come
The introduction of "Forged by the Sea," the
national airing of "Sea to Stars," and the other
marketing initiatives centered around the Army-Navy
game will serve as the first taste of a major brand
rollout and fully integrated marketing campaign that will
launch in March 2018.
The campaign will represent a media strategy shift
for the Navy, as it will be viewed prominently on the
online and social media platforms most popular with
prospective recruits, ensuring the Navy is reaching the
right audience, at the right time, on the most
appropriate media platforms to maximize impact. The
increased emphasis on digital and social media
marketing will also enable the Navy to more precisely
measure the campaign's effectiveness.
"Traditional TV and print advertising will continue to
play an important role in the media strategy,
generating wide awareness of the new Navy brand
and enhancing perceptions of the Navy with older
influencer groups" said Dowling. "However, with the
digital shift, those with more traditional media
consumption habits will see fewer Navy TV
commercials and print ads than in years past. At the
same time, the primary target audience will see many
more Navy messages and in contexts that resonate
with them and are more effective at motivating them to
become a qualified Navy lead."
From mid-December to early March, NRC will run a
steady advertising campaign on a range of digital and
social media platforms. The campaign will feature "Sea
to Stars," "Game," a series of six-second commercials,
and a variety of banner advertisements.
In March, two additional commercials and digital
and social media components will be completed,
www.navy.com will be updated and NRC will launch its
fully integrated campaign.
"Our new brand platform, tagline and marketing
strategy would not be possible without the incredible
participation of Sailors, veterans and other key
stakeholders who participated in the research, creative
development and testing. The access and feedback
were invaluable as we forged our new brand," said
Garvin. "Their contributions will help ensure that
"Forged by the Sea" and our future marketing efforts
resonate with the Navy community and prospective
recruits for years to come."
For more news from Commander, Navy Recruiting
Command, visit on the web at www.navy.mil/local/
cnrc/, on Youtube channel U.S. Navy Recruiter, on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/NavyRecruiting and
on Twitter, @usnavyrecruiter.
18
Wreckage Of Warship That Fired First US Shot Of
WW2 Found Near Philippines
(STARS AND STRIPES 05 DEC 17) ... Wyatt Olson
FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — Just days before the
76th anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl
Harbor, marine researchers have found and explored
the undersea wreckage of the U.S. ship that was the
first to fire upon a Japanese vessel that day.
On Nov. 30, the crew of the research vessel Petrel
sent an underwater drone 650 feet below to explore
and document the remnants of the USS Ward,
according to a statement by the USS Ward Expedition.
The Ward has rested unseen at the bottom of
Ormoc Bay — just off the island of Leyte, Philippines
— since it was destroyed by kamikaze planes in 1944.
It was the end of the line for a ship that played a
historic role in the beginning of World War II.
During the early morning hours of Dec. 7, 1941, the
Wickes-class destroyer was patrolling the entrance to
Pearl Harbor. Just after 6:30 a.m., the officer of the
deck spotted the periscope of a Japanese 80-foot
midget submarine trailing the cargo ship USS Antares
into the harbor, which was home to the Pacific Fleet.
The Ward fired on the sub and dropped several depth
charges.
―We have attacked, fired upon and dropped depth
charges on a submarine operating in defensive sea
areas,‖ the Ward‘s commander radioed a few minutes
after the sub rolled over.
The submarine was sunk almost two hours before
the first wave of Japanese fighters and bombers
attacked the island of Oahu and decimated the Pacific
Fleet‘s Battleship Row. The Ward‘s shots are regarded
as the first fired by America during World War II, even
though the United States did not officially declare war
on Japan until the next day.
Three years to the day, on Dec. 7, 1944, the Ward
was attacked near Leyte by several Japanese
kamikazes – suicide aircraft loaded with explosives.
One slammed into the ship‘s hull, igniting a fire that
could not be contained. The crew was ordered to
abandon ship, and the Ward was intentionally sunk by
a fellow Navy ship.
―The USS Ward found herself in the crucible of
American history at the intersection of a peacetime
Navy and war footing,‖ Adm. Scott Swift, Pacific Fleet
commander, said in a statement issued by the
expedition‘s organizers. ―She took decisive, effective
and unflinching action despite the uncertain waters.
Now 76 years on, her example informs our naval
posture.‖
The Petrel is owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul
Allen. The 250-foot ship is one of the few capable of
exploring waters as deep as 3.5 miles. The Petrel
began its five-day expedition in the Philippines on Nov.
28, first surveying five Japanese destroyers sunk
during World War II‘s Battle of Surigao Strait, the
statement said. The research vessel then surveyed
the Ward on Nov. 30 before returning to port in
Surigao City on Saturday. Searchers verified the
wreckage by cross-referencing historic drawings and
schematics of the Ward.
Allen has also spearheaded expeditions that
discovered the wrecks of the USS Indianapolis in
August and the Japanese battleship Musashi in 2015.
https://www.stripes.com/news/wreckage-of-
warship-that-fired-first-us-shot-of-ww2-found-near-
philippines-1.500989
19
PICTURES SUBMITTED BY MM1(SS) MIKE SNYDER, G 74-78.
Mike retired as MMCS(SS). These pictures are 655G circa 1978.
20
21
22
Print a copy, complete and mail with your check to the address below:
Event Registration 655 Reunion #10 11-14 October 2018
Embassy Suites Oklahoma City Downtown Medical Center
741 N Phillips Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73104
405-239-3900
Ask for Group Rates for HLS Group
Use reunion page to go directly to the link for reservations
Hotel Registration Deadline September 10, 2018
Hotel Registration is the responsibility of the individual.
Reunion Registration Deadline September 28, 2018
http://ssbn655.org/reunions/2018_Reunion10
Please complete (print legibly), print the form and return along with a check payable to: Henry L. Stimson Reunion
Mail to: Chuck Hladik, 2605 S.E. 39th St, Moore, OK 73160 Email: [email protected]
Shipmate Name: _________________________________________ Guest Name: _________________________
Relationship: ___ Spouse ___ Significant Other ___ Family ___ Friend
Street Address: _________________________ City: ________________________ State: ______ Zip: __________
Phone: Home: _______________________ Cell: _______________________ Work: ________________________
E-mail: Home: ___________________________________ Work: ______________________________________
Number who will be attending this event in your group: _________
# Patrols on STIMSON: __________ Total # Patrols on all boats: __________
Dates Onboard Rate Crew Dates Onboard Rate Crew
_______________ __________ __________ _______________ __________ __________
Special Needs: _________________________________________________________________________________
Note: The cost for reunion events is $145.00 PER PERSON. If you cannot attend the meal events, the following per
person charges will apply: (Event attendance will be through advance payment only.)
I am registering for the following per person (Association Member and all guests):
Event package: $145.00 Number: __________ = __________
OR
Registration Fee: (required) $45.00 Number: __________ = __________
Friday Meal: $40.00 Number: __________ = __________
Saturday Banquet: $60.00 Number: __________ = __________
Total Enclosed __________
There is only one scheduled tour for this reunion but there are a few events/locations you can attend if you would like.
Please indicate your interest. Include fees with your check for the reunion.
1. Tinker AFB and tour of an E6 TACAMO airplane. This will be of particular interest to any of the membership who worked in communications, weapons, navigation or stood watch in the Control Room. Spouses may not be interested
in this tour but can attend if they desire. We are limited to the first 100 who sign up to attend. A bus will be provided
and must be taken in order to access the AFB for the tour. Fee for the tour is $10.00 per person.
I will attend a tour of Tinker AFB/tour E6 TACAMO Plane. $10.00 Number: ___ = _________
(Include the fee in your check for registration.)
2. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum (https://oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/) [commonly
referred to as the Bombing Memorial] has arranged a special price for visiting the memorial. If you wear your reunion
nametag, you will be able to access the memorial for $10.00 per person paid at the Memorial. This is a considerable savings over regular prices. You must provide your transportation or use the hotel shuttles.
3. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum [https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/] has arranged reduced
price coupons for our group. They will be available in the hospitality room and are good for a $2.00 discount.
Print a copy, complete and mail with your check to the address below:
Things to see in Oklahoma City: The Oklahoma History Center, The Oklahoma City National Memorial &
Museum, The Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Gardens, and Brick Town are in the 5 mile radius for the Hotel
Shuttle service.
1. For a better idea on what is available for you to see during the reunion please check
https://www.visitokc.com/. Just remember that many of the events you will be looking at now are for
2017 however the links on the Things To Do area will really be helpful to you.
2. Oklahoma History Center: [http://www.okhistory.org/historycenter/] This is less than 2 miles from
the Embassy Suites Hotel. It is free to Active Duty Military and Veterans. The Oklahoma Museum of
History is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. In addition to supporting the mission of the
OHS to preserve and perpetuate the history of Oklahoma and its people, the museum collects,
preserves, and interprets the history of Oklahoma for everyone. The museum fulfills its mission through
the application of the highest standards of collections care, the presentation of diverse in-house and
traveling exhibits, and multi-disciplinary educational programs.
3. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum: [https://oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/] After
the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, a Task Force
was charged with developing an appropriate memorial to honor those touched by the event. The
Museum is a self-guided tour of artifacts and memorabilia from the aftermath of the bombing. The
Outdoor Memorial is a place for reflection. The Memorial honors those killed, the survivor and the lives
changed forever on April 19, 1995. It located the now-sacred soil where the Murrah Building once
stood, and the surrounding area devastated during the attack.
4. Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show is held here annually at the
Oklahoma City Fair Grounds. The show will be here October 6-13, 2018. Oklahoma City is host to a
number of horse shows each year. This link will take you to the 2017 Show so that you can see what
will be happening in 2018 - http://www.morgangrandnational.com/.
5. Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Gardens: [https://www.okczoo.org/]. Find the explorer in
you! Celebrating its 115th year inspiring guests to conserve wildlife and wild places, the Oklahoma City
Zoo and Botanical Garden it the perfect place for a local adventure! Explorers of all ages will enjoy
world class animal habitats including Great EscApe, Cat Forest/Lion Overlook, Oklahoma Trails and our
new Sanctuary Asia elephant habitat opening summer 2018. Other favorites include the Endangered
Species Carousel, Safari Tram and sea lion show. The Zoo offers picnic areas, The Canopy Food
Court, Safari Gifts and services including wheelchair and stroller rental. 2101 NE 50th St., Oklahoma
City, OK 73111, (405) 424-3344. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, in the heart of Oklahoma
City's Adventure District the Zoo is open every day except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours are 9
a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Adult general admission (12-64) is $11. Children 3-11 and seniors 65 and older are
$8. Children 2 and under are free. For information, call (405) 424-3344 or go online at okczoo.org.
6. Oklahoma City Softball Hall of Fame: [https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball/USA-Softball-Hall-
of-Fame-Complex] Oklahoma City is home to the Women's College Softball World Series each year.
Established in 1957, the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum is a permanent shrine to the
former players of the sport who had exceptional careers and recognizing others in one of five
categories for their significant achievements. The Hall of Fame Building also houses the headquarters
of the Amateur Softball Association, the National Governing Body of Softball in the United States,
encompassing more than 18,000 square feet of space since its dedication May 23, 1976.
7. National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum: [https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/] The
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is America’s premier institution of Western history, art,
and culture. Founded in 1955, the Museum collects, preserves, and exhibits an internationally
renowned collection of Western art and artifacts while sponsoring dynamic educational programs to
stimulate interest in the enduring legacy of the American West. This unique museum will help gain
better understanding of the West: a region and a history that permeates our national culture.