united states submarine veterans, inc. northern virginia base

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

Volume 10, Issue 11 PRIDE RUNS DEEP November 2005

http://www.ussvinova.org/

OUR CREED

“To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation towards greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States Government.”

MEETINGS

THE SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 1030 AT THE

LORTON AMERICAN LEGION POST 162, 8210 LEGION DRIVE,

LORTON, VA

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

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

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

Treasurer: Steve Jaeger: (703) 696 5354, [email protected]

Chaplain: Ron Williams: (703) 866-0573, [email protected]

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

Chief of the Boat (COB): Dex Armstrong, [email protected]


BASE COMMANDER’S LOG

Greetings fellow shipmates, Unfortunately, our road trip to Newport News, scheduled for 19 November, was cancelled because we didn’t have enough signed up to meet the minimum requirement for the tour. However, since there did seem to be a lot of folks that were still interested, we’ll try to reschedule it again for sometime next year. I think that this time, if we plan it far enough ahead, we’ll have more folks that are able to schedule it in and attend. Our guest speaker, Rear Admiral Jay DeLoach, gave an absolutely outstanding presentation on the submarine USS ALLIGATOR, her history and the ongoing effort to locate and raise her. Launched in 1862 and until recently, very little was known about the US Navy’s ‘first’ submarine (with all due respects to John P. Holland). The folks and organizations involved in this project have put together an expedition every bit as monumental as the search for the Titanic, and based on their current progress, they do expect success in locating and salvaging her. Incidentally, am I the only one that sees the close resemblance of this thing to our new Virginia Class boats? Hmmmm… Anyway, take a peek at their official website at: http://www.sanctuaries.noaa.gov/alligator/partners.html and check it out. Lots of good info there and up-to-date skinny on current happenings. Here’s wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving and I look forward to seeing you all at our December meeting. Which by the way, we will have a ‘surprise’ speaker (you’ll just have to show up to find out!). Cheers mates,

Ray

The Chaplain’s Log

Al Friedrich has gone on Eternal Patrol. I have volunteered to assume the Base Chaplain’s duties. Within the Chaplain’s Log I will update the Binnacle List, provide family news such as birthdays, anniversaries, and happenings – PROVIDING members share the information. If you are aware of any members who are sick, need help and/or support, or just need to talk, please let me know. On Wednesday 30 November 2005, Al Friedrich was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. Attending the service were Base Commander Ray Stone, Base Chaplain Ron Williams, Peggy Williams, Debbie Davis, Rod Puffer, Steve Jaeger, and Joe Phoenix. Ray gave the eulogy which was: “My name is Ray Stone and I'm the Base Commander for the United States Submarine Veterans Northern VA base. First of all, I want to thank you for the opportunity and the honor to be here and share a few words with you about our beloved shipmate.


I first met Al when I joined USSVI about 5 years ago. Al was a very active member and one of those few who never missed a meeting. It became evident to me very early on, that here was a shipmate who genuinely enjoyed the company of his submarine brethren, and sparked the kind of enthusiasm that brought us all just a little closer together. After I became Base CDR, I would arrive early to help set up for the meeting & invariably, Al would be there already, waiting patiently in his car in the parking lot. Every time… As long as I've been a member, Al served as our Base Chaplain - a position to which he was particularly well suited. He handled the tragedy inherent in that position with grace and aplomb. He epitomized goodness and his compassion and caring for his fellow shipmates and their families was genuine, and it showed. Most folks saw Al as quiet and mild-mannered (even though most Master Chiefs could hardly be described as being quiet & mild-mannered by their troops), would give sage advice when necessary, invoke wisdom when needed, but always with a sense of humor that was truly, uniquely Al. Al would begin each meeting with an invocation, occasionally offering a different passage from his manual that he felt was appropriate for the time, sometimes short & brief, sometimes not so short, but always inspiring. For the benediction however, Al would always quote Leslie Nelson Jennings ‘Lost Harbor’. This happens to be a very moving piece that was certainly his favorite, and it gave pause to those of us who shared in the fellowship of those meetings in the company of our shipmates. Those few words, so profound, certainly are worth repeating here today, and so I would like to share them with you…

There is a port of no return, where ships May ride at anchor for a little space

And then, some starless night, the cable slips, Leaving an eddy at the mooring place . . . Gulls veer no longer. Sailor, rest your oar.

No tangled wreckage will be washed ashore. Go with God Al and as you begin your eternal journey, know that your loving memory will live on in our minds and in our hearts, until we ourselves receive our final orders and join you in spirit, at that great receiving station in the sky.” The Binnacle List Please continue to keep our Metric Built Blond, Solveig Armstrong, in your thoughts and prayers. Solveig is doing well and is very appreciative of all the cards, letters, phone calls and visits she has received from her “submarine family”. Benny Parker’s wife, Mary Kay, is recovering from open heart surgery. She is home and getting stronger everyday according to Bennie. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers. In closing, I would like to wish all our members and their families a very Happy and Safe Holiday Season. Looking forward to serving you as Chaplain in 2006.


MEETING MINUTES – NOVEMBER 2005 The Base Commander, Ray Stone, called the meeting to order at 10:35 AM, 12 November, held at the American Legion Post 162, Lorton, Virginia.

The Base Chaplain, Ron Williams read the invocation. The Base Commander read the names of the boats lost in the month of November which were:

USS Corvina SS-226 16 November 1943 USS Sculpin SS-191 19 November 1943 USS Capelin SS-289 23 November 1943 USS Albacore SS-218 07 November 1944 USS Growler SS-215 08 November 1944 USS Scamp SS-277 09 November 1944

The Base Chaplain led all hands in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Base Historian, Mark Riethmeier, has provided a passage on the loss of USS Scamp

Loss of USS Scamp (SS-277)

SCAMP, SS-277 was built by the Portsmouth Navy Yard and commissioned on 18 September 1942, Commander W. G. Ebert in command.

After training out of New London, Conn., SCAMP set course for Pearl Harbor, via the Panama Canal and arrived in Hawaii on 13 February 1943. She began her first war patrol on 1 March 1943.

SCAMP spent her seventh war patrol searching the shipping lanes between New Guinea, Palau, and Mindanao in the Philippines. She battle-surfaced on 4 April and set fire to a 200-ton trawler, but broke off when her deck gun failed. Three days later, south of Davao Gulf, she encountered six cruisers escorted by destroyers and planes. She dived and was not noticed. A while later, she tried to surface, but was attacked by a float- plane, which dropped an aerial bomb. All hands were knocked off their feet by the explosion and all power was lost. It was touch and go for a while, but SCAMP was able to restore power, make two-thirds speed on each shaft and had leveled off at 150 feet. She released oil and air bubbles to appear to have sunk and then headed for the Admiralty Islands. She made emergency repairs at Manus, and later moved on to Pearl Harbor for a thorough overhaul at the yard. Following the overhaul, SCAMP set out on her eighth and final war patrol on 16 October 1944. On 9 November, she reported her position to be about 150 miles north of the Bonin Islands with all 24 torpedoes


aboard and 77,000 gallons of fuel. On 14 November, she was ordered to take up the life guard station off Tokyo Bay in support of B-29 bomber strikes, but failed to acknowledge the message. SCAMP was never heard from again. From records available after the war, it appears that SCAMP was depth charged by a coast defense vessel to the south of Tokyo Bay on 11 November 1944. SCAMP was struck from the Navy list on 28 April 1945. During her eight war patrols, she damaged the MANJU MARU and sank the converted seaplane tender KAMIKAWA MARU, the Japanese submarine I-168, passenger-cargo ship KANSAI MARU, TOKYO MARU and the tanker NIPPON MARU.

Post war Japanese records showed that the submarine reported as I-24 sunk by SCAMP, but was, in fact, I-168, the submarine which had sunk the aircraft carrier YORKTOWN (CV-5) at the Battle of Midway.

Typical I Class Imperial Japanese Submarine

Source:

Dictionary of American Fighting Ships

United States Submarine Losses – World War II

Members and Guests in Attendance:

Art Bivens, Alan Brodie, Howard Chatham, Deborah Davis, Sue Heflin, Chris and Sherry Herst, Steve Jaeger, Richard Laulor, Lou Maruzo, Bruce Miller, Paul Nelson, Benny Parker, Willie Petruy, Joe Phoenix, Rod Puffer, Mark Riethmeier, Art Rosen, Tim Shannon, Rob Smallbrock, Art Smith, Ray Stone, Lee Turner, Mike Varone, and Ron and Peggy Williams.


Committee Reports:

Meeting Minutes:

The October meeting minutes are contained in the One MC and available on the Base Web Site: http://www.ussvinova.org/ . A motion was made to accept the minutes as read, which was seconded and passed.

Treasurer’s Report: The Base Treasurer, Steve Jaeger provided a draft of the budget to the membership for review. A summary of the current Base finances are as follows: Checking Account $1,709.38 Receipts (Income): Savings Account $2,054.93 2006 Base Dues $80.00CD $1,018.69 50/50 Raffle/Coffee Mess (Oct

05 Meeting) $80.25

Total: $4,783.00 Interest/Dividend: $0.63 $160.88

Disbursements: Chaplin Fund (Flowers/Cards) $205.15 $205.15 Accounts Payable: Fischer House Donation $1000.00 $1000.00 The Base Treasurer, Steve Jaeger presented and explained the proposed 2006 budget to the membership. A motion was made to accept the 2006 Base Budget. The motion was seconded and passed with one opposed. Executive Committee Report: The EXCOM met at the American Legion, Post 162 in Lorton, VA on 27 October, 2005. The meeting was called to order at 1940. Attendees were Ray Stone, Tom Perrault, Steve Jaeger, Tim Shannon and Mark Riethmeier Mark Riethmeier read the 22 September EXCOM minutes and provided any actions noted at the 8 October monthly NOVA Base meeting. Items discussed: VETERANS HISTORICAL PROJECT: EXCOM members agreed that we should arrange to have the project director speak to the membership at a future meeting. Action - Ron Williams will need to add to Long-Term Plan. Recommend Debbie Davis is asked to assist. ELECTION OF BASE OFFICERS: Committee consists of Ron Williams and Mark Riethmeier


Ballots will be emailed to membership with regular U.S. mail for those not on-line. For emails that bounce back, members will be contacted via telephone. (Action – Secretary) Ballots are due by 30 November. EXCOM will count votes on 1 December. Action - Ron Williams needs to supply Base Secretary with all nominees so that their names can be added to the ballot. NGNN TOUR: Ensure all information is correct in 1MC – Action Secretary PASSING OF AL FRIEDRICH: Announce at monthly meeting the date and details of Al Friedrich’s burial at Arlington at 1300 on 30 November. Action - Ron Williams. Verify that all paperwork required by National has been filed. Action – Treasurer. FISHER HOUSE: Need to send the check NOW. Identify a Point of Contact at Fisher House with address, write letter from Base. Action – Commander. Routing of letter: Action – Secretary. Forwarding letter with check: Action – Treasurer. BUDGET: $200 – donations to Post 162, $200 – 1MC printing & mailing, $200 – Other Secretary Expenses, $500 – Base Operating Expenses, $1000 – Holland Club Certificates, $200 – Meeting Expenses, $500 – Chaplain Expenses, $1000 – Picnics/Banquets, $TBD – Boat Sponsorship. Income $400 – 50/50 Raffle. Fund raising will be discussed at a future EXCOM. WEB SITE: Include list of those on Eternal Patrol. Action – Rob Smallbrock. Reconcile information in membership database: Action – Treasurer and Secretary. MEMBERSHIP RECOGNITION: Recognize actions and volunteer work by Debbie Davis, Rena Adcock, Paula and Al Friedrich and Art Esposito: Action – Tim Shannon. PUBLIC AFFAIRS: Need a volunteer to head up this position to promote our existence in areas such as the 4th of July Parade and Fisher House Check presentation. Meeting was adjourned at 2110. Membership Committee Report: New associate member Darlene Jaeger was omitted from the October 1MC. Sorry Darlene. As reported by Steve Jaeger, we currently have 50 Regular Members, 11 Associate Members, 20 Life Members, 13 Holland Club Members, and 1 Waived Member, for a total of 95 members in good standing. Please send your 2006 dues to Steve Jaeger. (See last page.)


Storekeeper’s Report: Lou Maruzo, the Base Storekeeper has announced that USSVI calendars are available for $10 ($3 of which goes to the base.) Veterans Affairs: Nothing to report Naval Submarine League (NSL) Report: Jan 31: Corporate Benefactor Days (by invitation) - Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Apr 11: Submarine History Seminar "SP at 50" - Navy Memorial - 1830 Apr 22: Submarine Birthday Ball May 16-18: The 2006 Submarine Technology Symposium will be held at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD (Secret Clearance is required) June 7-8: The Annual Symposium will be held at the Hilton Alexandria at Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA. Unfinished Business: Ron and Peggy Williams have arranged a trip to Newport News on 19 November. There is a limit of 20 members for this trip. (No children under 18 are permitted.) Must have a minimum of 15. Currently 9 have signed up. The tour will consist of three Virginia Class Submarines in various stages of New Construction. Cameras are NOT allowed. Members are asked to make their own reservations for accommodations. The Sand Castle Motel at 1307 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, has Ocean Front rooms at $49 and Ocean View rooms at $39. Reservations can be made at 1-800-233-0131. For more information on the motel, go to http://www.sandcastle-vabeach.com New Business: Election of Base Officers: As of the date of the membership meeting, the nominees are as follows:

• Commander – Ray Stone • Vice Commander – Joe Phoenix, Tom Perrault • Treasurer – Mike LaMont (who declines the nomination), Steve Jaeger • Secretary – Alan Brodie, Mark Riethmeier

All nominees (except as noted) have accepted. Nominations close at the START of the November 12 meeting. A projection screen was donated to the base by the widow of P.C. Keenan. A motion was made for the base to purchase flowers for Al Friedrich’s burial to be delivered to Arlington. The motion was seconded and passed. Chris Herst discussed “The Juryrig.” This is an organization that conducts re-enactments of ship battles of the pirate/privateer days, which were the beginnings of the formation of the U.S. Navy. For more information, log on to www.thejuryrig.com. The site includes past photographs and how to join.


Ongoing and Upcoming Events: The “Early Bird” winners were Deborah Davis, Dex Armstrong and Chris Herst whose names were drawn following the 50/50 raffle. Winners do not have to pay for base dues for 2007. (It has been decided that there will be three early bird winners this year.)

2006 USSVI National Convention: To be held in Little Rock, AR, 5 through 10 September, 2006 at the Peabody Hotel in Little Rock. For details, go to www.razorbackbase.com/Convention.html.

2007 USSVI National Convention: The 2007 Submarine Veterans national convention will be held on a cruise to Alaska. Details can be found at http://www.aaawa.com/submarine/index.htm. For reservations, call Kim Boekenoogen at 360-475-3061 or 1-877-802-6894. Her e-mail address is: [email protected]. Reservations require a $700 deposit, which can be refunded if you cancel sometime before the deadline, which can be found on the web site. For two people the rooms run from about $1,800 to $5,000, depending on the cabin you select. At some point, I think fairly soon, the Holland America people will open the reservations to non-submariners, so it might behoove you to think about it soon if you plan on attending. As of 24 March, over 600 people have signed up already, so many of the best staterooms have already been booked. The schedule was revised so that the ship will leave in the morning and return in the morning so that extra nights are not spent in hotels. Get a passport good until at least 6 months after the cruise is over. You will need a raised seal birth certificate to obtain a passport. For those interested (and have access to the internet), some class photos of groups graduating from the Basic Enlisted Submarine School are available. You can see them at http://www.bessphotos.com/.

Birthdays For The Month of NOVEMBER

Chris Herst Benny Parker Art Bivens Eva Waylett Carla Petruy Rodney Batiza Pat Banks

The 50/50 raffle was conducted. $45 went the winner. A photo of a diesel boat was won by Paul Nelson. Ron Williams read the benediction. The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 AM. *************************************************************************************


Our Guest Speaker for November: Rear Admiral Jay A. DeLoach Deputy Commander, Submarine Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet discusses the Hunt for the

USS Alligator

Rear Admiral DeLoach is a native of San Diego, Calif., and followed in the family tradition of Naval Service following graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1978. From 1978 to 1986, he entered training and service in submarines, completed ten strategic deterrent patrols, and served as the Engineer Officer on both the USS Patrick Henry (SSN 599) and USS Lewis and Clark (SSBN 644), winning three Battle Efficiency 'E' awards. From 1987-89, he was the Sonar Transducer Branch Chief at the Naval Sea Systems Command. Upon completing active duty, he affiliated with the Naval Reserve and served in a broad spectrum of assignments, including Naval Maritime Intelligence Center, OPNAV N87 Submarine Warfare staff, Navy Recruiting, COMSEVENTHFLT staff, and Naval Sea Systems Command Inspector General. Rear Adm. DeLoach commanded NR COMSUBRON SIX Detachment 504, NR OPNAV Detachment Site-R, and NR COMSEVENTHFLT Detachment 111. He stood additional duty as a Duty Captain in the Navy Command Center in the Pentagon. He served as the Reserve Force Director for 44 reserve units reporting to the Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. He completed two extended active duty assignments with the Joint Staff J7 working on Joint Doctrine and Professional Military Education initiatives. He is currently the Deputy Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Rear Adm. DeLoach has earned three advanced degrees: a Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, a Master of Engineering in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Virginia, and a Masters of Arts in Personnel and Supervision from Central Michigan University. He served as President of the Commander, Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region Nine Policy Board, and is currently the Vice Chairman of the SECNAV Reserve Policy Board. In his civilian job, he is a Senior Staff member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board in Washington, D.C. His personal military decorations include Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3), Navy Achievement Medal (3), and five Gold Wreaths for Recruiting Excellence. While serving as the Chairman of the Recruiting District Assistance Council (RDAC) in the Texas Panhandle, he was recognized by Naval Recruiting District San Antonio as the "1994 RDAC Member of the Year" for the State of Texas. He was selected to Who's Who in Executives and Professionals for 2002 and 2003. He is a member of several professional societies, including the Naval Reserve Association, Reserve Officer Association, U.S. Naval Institute, and Naval Submarine League.


Rear Admiral DeLauch presented efforts taken thus far to locate the USS Alligator, the Union Navy’s submarine of the Civil War. For information of these efforts and on the Alligator itself, go to www.sanctuaries.noaa.gov/alligator.

*************************************************************************************

Being a Torpedo Pusher

by Bob 'Dex' Armstrong One morning I was eating my customary in-port breakfast… Three eggs scrambled, Spam and toast. I can't be the only sonuvabitch in the known world who loves Spam… The supermarket shelves are packed with Spam cans and I'm sure as hell not supporting that kind of production at the rate of a couple cans a week. I just may be the only guy who will admit it… It's like IC Electricians having sex with owls… They all do it but none of them own up to it.

Where in th' hell was I? Oh yeah, I was wrapping myself around morning chow when the COB comes up, puts his hand on my shoulder and tells me to lay topside when I get through "Stuffing my face." (Chief had the social grace of things that lived in trees in Kenya).


I finished… Scraped my scraps into the sharpshooter bucket, handed my plate to the kid douching dishes in the deep sink, made no attempt to tuck my shirttail in and climbed topside.

It became clear that the Chief of the Boat and I were going to have another 'father and son' discussion about the course of my future. These intimate moments always began,

"Armstrong, I am firmly convinced that you are not as stupid as you do your best to convince me you are… Nobody is that gahdam worthless. There are times when you appear quite smart… Then, you go and do something very dumb and destroy my faith in you… Why do you do that? Why do you take pride in being Clown King of the Second Fleet? Where is your ambition? Where is your desire to seek advancement and rise to the leadership challenge presented by service in submarines? Armstrong, what IS your problem?"

"Listening to this bullshit every time you and I have one of these 'Come to Jeezus' sessions."

"Dex, I am just about to toss your worthless butt into the bullring of life. From this point on, consider yourself a torpedoman striker."

"Jeezus Christ Chief… Is this negotiable? Is there anything short of an abnormal sex act that you would take to forget we had this little career adjustment conversation?"

"Get used to it, sweet pea."

"Does this mean I gotta go up to the forward room and listen to old men snore… Officers going to the head… Stewards cuss in Philipino… And the gahdam ocean trying to flatten bow buoyancy?"

"No, the deal I made with Dyshart to take you, specifically stated that you would remain the Crown Prince of Idiotville in the after battery alley. Your new sea daddy will adopt you only if you live in another location in case lunacy is contagious."

And that was how I became a torpedoman. I was the victim of a kind of shotgun wedding…

"Fleet idiot, do you take heavy tubular ordinance for your wedded wife? To love, honor and obey until your DD 214 doth part?"

"I do."

"Do you torpedo gang, take this self-professed jerk… To love, honor and obey… To crush his toes… Put knots on his head… To dive tubes… To check NAVOL monitors… Rig loading hatches… Clean Cosmoline-covered spare parts… To check exploders… To be little Miss Mary Sunshine gopher and low man on the totem pole whore for every sadistic animal calling himself a torpedoman?"

"I do."

"I now pronounce you man and gang. You may now kiss all the torpedo pusher's fannies."

And that was how it was. How a kid from East Tennessee was kidnapped and forced to marry the ugly toad that never became a princess.


My career change put me in direct contact with mature senior rated men… Family men so gahdam henpecked that they had to make a deal with 'Rent-A-Set', the testicle leasing folks, to enjoy overseas liberty. They taught me the torpedoman's trade and I taught them how to double team and steal anything not firmly fastened to Orion's hull. Being a Master Orion Thief was a real asset.

Loved the torpedo gang… Great guys. The low man got to be the owner-operator of the forward and after signal ejectors… The Pyrotechnic Prince. I got to shoot 'smokes and flares'… Wrestle Mark 14s and 16s… Mark 27s and 37s… And clean the lower flats. I got to rig the torpedo recovery boom and handle a vang line… And a snubber when we slid 'em back into an elevated skid in the forward room. And I got the honor of re-establishing the collapsible frame you had to drop to get fish into the room.

If it weighed a ton and had to be monkeyed with, it belonged to Mr. Career Ladder Climber.

Requin had no tubes aft. When they converted her to be a radar picket in the 40s, they cut out the four after tubes and never reinstalled them when they converted her back to straight 'SS'. They put in a big 'poker table' with a horseshoe-shaped seat that had over padded red naugahide cushions.

It was a great place for poker and beer… Convenient too, allowing you to dispose of empty beer cans by shooting the sonuvabitches out of the signal ejector. Because of this unique feature, it was not unusual to see the heavy hitters of the payday poker games crossing the nest and dropping down Requin's after hatch.

"0600… Gentlemen, straight stud or draw poker… No bugs… None of that one-eyed jack shit… No gahdam Girl Scout camp games… Nobody is interested in any games your gahdam grandmother taught you when you were sick… High-low split pots are okay… Any friggin game invented in Louisiana and played by Cajuns is out… Oh, You, Tee, OUT! Any game that takes more than 15 seconds to explain is out. Progressive pots are a no-no… Nickel, dime, quarter, and maximum three raises… After 2300… Table stakes shoot-the-moon poker until Saturday morning prep flag. Should the sound-powered phone buzz three times indicating wardroom occupant heading aft, chips in table pot go in the Colonel Sanders Chicken bucket, all hands get tossed into this white hat that goes into this side locker and players responsible to get money and chips in their pockets… Put full cans or partially full cans in the locker with the Pabst Blue Ribbon sticker on it… And shoot the signal ejector. When the officer steps through the watertight door, I will say '…and she had a glass eye.' and everyone laughs. You got it?"

The torpedomen were responsible for the coordination of enlisted vice and clandestine activity.

As time passed by, I did my damnedest to mature but in spite of my disconnect with the planet, I recognized the wisdom of my placement. Torpedomen are strange folks… I fit right in.

When I see nuke movies, I see the fish running into the tubes by some hydraulic ramming system. I wonder if the lads of the present force know that there was a time when torpedo ordinance was as heavy as an average car and grown men had to jackass the sonuvabitches into the tubes. Having been part of the jackass team, I can tell you that the distance from skid to stop bolt was a mile and a half on a hard reload night. It cost a gallon of sweat and made for an interesting evening… We didn't need exercise bikes, weights or treadmills to get a workout on Requin.

We were good at what we did… Not bragging, that's just a fact. Officers felt good about our record of dependability.


One night, we had a malfunction on a one fish shot. The damn thing cleared the outer door, failed to activate and went straight to the bottom.

Over the conn circuit, we heard the word 'Range'.

I was standing close to the guy holding the forward room handset. I said,

"The only way those sonuvabitches will get any range on that one will be for the Old Man to throw the old girl into reverse."

My comments were picked up on the handset and within the hour I got called to the wardroom.

"Armstrong…"

"Aye, sir."

"Armstrong, your worst enemy is your big mouth."

"Aye, sir."

"Your comment didn't win you the Mr. Wonderful Award in the conn tonight."

"Aye, sir."

"Do you want to be the ship's clown… Is that what you're striking for?"

That hurt… Because it was true.

After that, I eventually became a respected member of a great gang. I was still stupid… I still stepped on my crank occasionally, but I worked at being good.

A couple of months later, we delivered two critical hits on a firing evolution. We got a 'Well done' from the Old Man. Chief Long grabbed the handset and said,

"Sir, both were maintained and loaded by the ship's clown."

"Damn fine work… Clown."

From then on, things were great. The gang was great.

Torpedo pushers were a rare breed who never tired of telling the entire crew that their entire purpose was to get us to where we could deliver lethal valentines to nasty people. It was our way of triggering interesting reactions.

If you weren't a torpedo pusher, you missed something wonderful… The forward room was a great place to work… Except when the damn stewards racked out up in the Bridal Suite below the loading hatch and played their gahdam ukes and sang weird songs… And when officers sang in the shower. *************************************************************************************


The Submarine Ship’s Store 301 Whitworth Dr., Culpepper, VA 22701

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

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

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

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

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

Submarine Veteran Life Member Patch $5.00

Submarine Veteran Logo License Plate $8.00

Submarine Veteran Logo Flag $40.00

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

Submarine Veteran Logo Decal $2.00

NOVA Base Logo Patch $6.00 (See Base Treasurer)


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

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

Provide waist size and Shoulder-to-Waist length.

ETERNAL PATROL Patch $7.00 (See Lou or the designer,

Mark Riethmeier, Base Secretary) If mailed, add $0.50

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

Challenge Coins:

Coins are 1.5" diameter Brass @ $16.50 each and 1.75" diameter Brass @ $20 each (like that shown). Members should contact Shelly for current coins available: Shelly Saxton PO Box 24 Graham MO 64455 [email protected] Prices include Shipping and Handling. MO residents add 5.725% sales tax.


Send payment: PayPal, Money Order, Personal Check or BidPay. USSVI members are eligible for a 10% discount on orders of 5 or more coins. Tell Shelly that you saw her ad in out newsletter and provide your SUBVETs ID number.

Directions to the post are as follows: The American Legion Post Telephone Number is: 703-690-1107 FROM THE NORTH:

Get onto I-95 South, towards Richmond. Take the VA-642 exit - EXIT 163 - toward LORTON. Turn RIGHT onto LORTON RD. - VA-642. Take the NEXT LEFT onto SANGER ST. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto LEGION DR. Post is at the end, 8210 Legion Dr.

FROM THE SOUTH:

Take I-95 North, towards Washington. Take the VA-642 exit - EXIT 163 - toward LORTON. Turn RIGHT onto LORTON RD. (VA-642) and go under the overpass. Take the NEXT LEFT (first signal light) onto SANGER ST. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto LEGION DR.

Make sure to bring your American Legion membership card.

APPLICATION FOR ALL NEW, RENEWAL, or TRANSFER MEMBERSHIPs

"To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds, and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments.

Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States Government."

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

ANNUAL DUES:

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

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

BIOGRAPHICAL DATA (New Members / Updates)

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

E-mail Address: ________________________________________________________

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

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

Date Discharged (MM/DD/YY):_______/_______/_______ Total Years of Service: __________ Highest Rate / Rank Attained: _____________ Retired (Y/N)? ______ Qual Boat: _________________________________ Hull#________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) ______/______ Qual Rate / Rank____________________________ Qual Date: (MM/YY): _____________/_____________

Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______ Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______ Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______ Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______ Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______ Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______ Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______ Spouse's Name: ____________________________ Spouse's Birthday (MM/DD): _____________/__________

(Continue on reverse if necessary)

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

Dues Plans for USSVI Northern Virginia (NOVA) Subase (2006)

USSVI National Dues: NATIONAL Annual $20 Three Years $55 Five Years $90

LIFE MEMBER

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

National has an installment plan for becoming a Life Member. Minimum payment will be $50. Northern Virginia Subase Base dues: (Base dues are waived for Holland Club members.)

ANNUAL $ 10 LIFE MEMBER

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

Please cut on the dotted line and submit to Treasurer by mail or at the next meeting you attend. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date:_________________ Check No: ____________ Full Name (Last, First MI): ___________________________________________________ National Dues Amount: Annual: $20.00 Three Years: $55.00 Five Years: $90.00 Life – Age Dependent (Age: _____) Live – Age Dependent (Age:_____) Installment Plan NOVA Base Dues: Amount: Annual: $10.00 Life – Age Dependent (Age: _____) Total Enclosed: Make check to: USSVI NOVA Subase Send Payment to: Steve Jaeger (Treasurer)

14100 Lindendale Road Woodbridge VA, 22193

united states submarine veterans, inc. northern virginia base

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