Date:
NEWS-01: Navy names 3 new Virginia Class SSN's
NEWS-02: A Hero's story resurfaces!
NEWS-03: One Base helps restore boats and can help you also!
NEWS-04: Quick Bytes
NEWS-05: Just Because - Membership Qual Statistics
NEWS-06: Memorial Bricks Now Available
NEWS-07: SubLant & SubPac Sailor of the Year Program
NEWS-08: Calling for Support Advertising for the Ft Worth 2008
Convention Booklet
NEWS-09: Natl Commander visits the land of ice and snow!
NEWS-10: Razorback Base has a big heart
NEWS-11: Farewell, Augusta... We're going to miss you.
NEWS-12: Sneak Preview: For 'Boat Reunion Association' Officers
NEWS-13: Help Wanted for USSVI Library Committee
NEWS-14: Help Preserve our Boats. Preserving our Heritage Program
VET-??: no Veteran Updates this time .....
CHARITABLE-01: What is the SubVet Charitable Foundation?
CHARITABLE-02: Your SubVet Charity Needs Your Support
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NEWS-01: Navy names 3 new Virginia Class SSN's
Submitted by: Ronald L Martini on 1/30/2008
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Three more Virginia-class attack submarines have been named by Navy Secretary
Donald Winter, the Navy said on January 30, 2008 to include: the Missouri
SSN-780, the California SSN-781 and the Mississippi SSN 782.
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NEWS-02: A Hero's story resurfaces!
Submitted by: Ronald L Martini on
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A Sub Related Hero's Story- 2008
Jan. 20, 2008- Read Log Book, and found this..."1750 SHUGAR,
R.J., SN, 254 28 35, USN, went over the side, and
attached a line to REARDON. REARDON was recovered in very poor condition due to
exposure and near drowning. SHUGAR was recovered in
good condition. REARDON would not have been recovered had it not been for SHUGAR's rescue. At this time all other personnel in the
water were known to be dead, so decided that recovery of bodies would have to
be forgone in view of emergency on COCHINO."
From
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NEWS-03: One Base helps restore boats and can help you also!
Submitted by: Base on
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See the page at the Link. This is a new page designed to show all the work
needed and in progress on the boats at museums/ports around the country.
Looking specifically for pictures in two modes:
1)Work needed
2)Before and After shots of worked needed and done.
Send pictures to rontini@bresnan.net
In addition a patch has been developed by Rob Lester of Lockwood Internet Base
which currently is on sale at the Drum and the Cavalla sites who's profits go
to support resportation work on those boats.
Approximately $2 each is being accumulated by Lockwood Internet Base for work
on the Drum which is the boat selected by them as their
"Project/Restoration Boat of Year for 2008."
The patch is $7.00 each (shipped free) or $4.50 in quantity to Bases/museums
wishing to help their own cause.
Contact: rontini@bresnan.net for your patch/s.
Thanks Shipmates
http://saveoursubmarines.com
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NEWS-04: Quick Bytes
Submitted by: Ronald L Martini on 2/4/2008
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1)Rear Adm. (lower half) Douglas J. McAneny is being
assigned as commander, submarine force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor,
Hawaii. McAneny is currently serving as commander,
Submarine Group Seven/commander, Task Force 54/74,
2)A top naval analyst said he is "very concerned" about the Navy's
plans to reduce the number of ships it wants to build over the next five years
and predicted that shipbuilding will be left as a major challenge for the next
administration. The Navy is expected to announce today -- when the Bush
administration unveils its proposed fiscal year 2009 defense budget -- that it
is no longer seeking funds to buy 60 ships from FY-09 to FY-13. The service's
budget proposal will request funding for 48 ships over those five years,
according to sister publication Inside the Pentagon.
3)The Bush administration overreached when it sought to limit the Navy's
obligations under national environmental laws related to sonar training
exercises off
In a sharply worded decision that will keep the Navy from continuing a series
of 14 planned exercises, U.S. District Judge Florence-Marie Cooper wrote that
the Navy and the administration had improperly declared that an emergency would
be created if they had to accept court-mandated steps to minimize risk to
whales and other sea mammals. Because no real emergency exists, she said, the
White House cannot override her decisions and those of the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the 9th Circuit.
4)We are going to make it to $2 billion,” Rear Adm. William H. Hilarides, the Navy’s program executive officer for
submarines, said recently. “I really commend the shipbuilders for taking this
on and making it a reality.”
The major design change – scheduled to be implemented in the USS California SSN
781 – is in the submarine’s bow section. The bow of the first 10
The redesigned bow bundle will feature two large-diameter tubes on the
Ohio-class guided-missile submarines (SSGNs), which
entered service last year. The Multiple Canisters inserted into each tube will
contain cells for six Tomahawk missiles and an additional center access cell.
Other changes include: consolidating the module construction components into
four supermodules.
The replacement of a half-mile of hydraulic lines by electrical systems in the
boat's torpedo room, reduction of damping material, a modularized lock-out and
eliminating the post-shakedown period for each hull and changing its shakedown
cruise into a deployment will allow savings of $60-million per year.
5)
6)Two SEALs, both decorated chief petty officers with
deep military ties, were killed during combat Monday (Feb 4) in
Nathan Hardy and Michael E. Koch, both 29, were slain by small- arms fire
during anti-insurgent operations, the Navy announced Tuesday.
Hardy, originally from
7)
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NEWS-05: Just Because - Membership Qual Statistics
Submitted by: Pat Householder on
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As of
Of the subvets, Here are the number who FIRST
qualified on: (Note: Many had multi qual on different
types. That is not reflected here)
SSBN: 2,522
SSN: 2,406
SS: 6703
SSG: 58
SSK: 09
SST: 01
SSR: 78
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NEWS-06: Memorial Bricks Now Available
Submitted by: John Moore - TJC Treasurer (k4jnb AT arrl.net) on
2/5/2008
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Shipmates and Friends,
The Topeka-Jefferson City base of USSVI has a unique opportunity for placing
Submarine Memorial Bricks in the Olathe, KS Veterans Memorial Park. This is
through a special arrangement with the Earl Collier Post (Post 153) of the
American Legion. TJC Base placed a Memorial Bench in
this same park back in September 2007, and dedicated it on Veterans Day 2007.
(Pictured on the National "Sub Memorials" site)
In a section that has been reserved near our bench, we have the opportunity to
place memorial bricks for each of the 65 boats that have been lost in the
Submarine Service of the US Navy. We will also accept memorial bricks for any
other boats of the US Navy that you may have a special connection to. At this
time, we are not accepting memorial bricks for individuals in this section, as
there are other areas within the park where bricks for individuals can be
placed.
We would like to use a standard format of:(1st line) Boat Name (& Hull
Number if there is room - we are limited to 16 characters per line); (2nd line)
Date of commissioning to date of loss; (3rd line) number of men lost. If any
individuals or bases would accept this format - please just let me know which
boat you would like to "sponsor" in this memorial and send your
money. I will confirm which boat you are sponsoring. I have an order form
prepared that I will be glad to e-mail to anyone who would like a paper trail.
We are using the list of lost submarines on Jim Christley's
Oldsubs page as our guide. (Form is a MS Word
document).
Bricks in this park are usually $75 each, but through this arrangement, we can
do this special section for $65 each, with $5 of that amount to be retained by TJC Base for further work perpetuating the memory of our
brothers in the Silent Service.
Our goal is to have the orders in hand for these bricks no later than
Many people here in the landlocked middle of the country are not aware of the
sacrifices made by the Submarine Service. This is a way for us to get the word
out, and Perpetuate the Memory; as well as educating all who may pass by.
My e-mail address is: Shipmates and Friends,
The Topeka-Jefferson City base of USSVI has a unique opportunity for placing
Submarine Memorial Bricks in the
In a section that has been reserved near our bench, we have the opportunity to
place memorial bricks for each of the 65 boats that have been lost in the
Submarine Service of the US Navy. We will also accept memorial bricks for any
other boats of the US Navy that you may have a special connection to. At this
time, we are not accepting memorial bricks for individuals in this section, as
there are other areas within the park where bricks for individuals can be
placed.
We would like to use a standard format of:(1st line) Boat Name (& Hull
Number if there is room - we are limited to 16 characters per line); (2nd line)
Date of commissioning to date of loss; (3rd line) number of men lost. If any
individuals or bases would accept this format - please just let me know which
boat you would like to "sponsor" in this memorial and send your
money. I will confirm which boat you are sponsoring. I have an order form
prepared that I will be glad to e-mail to anyone who would like a paper trail.
We are using the list of lost submarines on Jim Christley's
Oldsubs page as our guide. (Form is a MS Word
document).
Bricks in this park are usually $75 each, but through this arrangement, we can
do this special section for $65 each, with $5 of that amount to be retained by TJC Base for further work perpetuating the memory of our
brothers in the Silent Service.
Our goal is to have the orders in hand for these bricks no later than
Many people here in the landlocked middle of the country are not aware of the
sacrifices made by the Submarine Service. This is a way for us to get the word
out, and Perpetuate the Memory; as well as educating all who may pass by.
My e-mail address is: k4jnb AT arrl.net
Please help TJC Base to make this a special memorial
to our lost brothers.
Thanks!
John
Chaplain - TJC Base
Please help T
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NEWS-07: SubLant & SubPac
Sailor of the Year Program
Submitted by: Pat Householder on
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Shipmates, for several years USSVI has been supporting the selection process
for SubLant and SubPac
Sailor of the Year.
Our program has been modified on several occasions to meet the requested needs
of the selection boards. Several years ago Eastern District 3 Commander Dick Kanning (Tarheel) was invited to
participate on the SubLant SOY Selection Board.
This was not only a feather in Dick Kanning's cap,
but a real boost to the visibility of USSVI in the active submarine force. All
those who know Dick Kanning also know that he has
given 110% in meeting his responsibilities on this selection board.
On the West Coast, we have similarly participated in the presentations to the SUBPAC Sailors of the Year, but until today have not had
representation on the SUBPAC SOY selection board.
I'm pleased to announce that Western District 6 Commander T Michael Bircumshaw was invited to join the selection board and, of
course, has accepted this challenge.
Along with John Peters (Bowfin) and CJ Glassford (
The time requirement to meet this responsibility is not inconsequential, and we
all owe both Dick and Mike our thanks for their participation.
Consider showing your support of Dick and Mike, by sending them a
"BZ" email to let them know their hard work is appreciated.
Dick Kanning: dkanning@windstream.net
Mike Bircumshaw: wd6subvet@yahoo.com
BZ, Shipmates, and thanks for all you do!
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NEWS-08: Calling for Support Advertising for the Ft Worth 2008 Convention
Booklet
Submitted by: Wayne Standerfer - Dallas Base
Commander on
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The Dallas Base 2008 Convention Committee would like to invite you to place an
advertisement in the USSVI 2008 Convention Booklet.
A reduced rate has been made available for all USSVI Base’s and their members.
This will give SubVet members an opportunity to show
their support for our upcoming convention by placing either Base or individual
ads. Submission deadline is May 1st.
Jeff Morris our Convention Co-Chairman will assist anyone that needs help in
the wording or layout of their ad. However, this will require extra time which
means you must submit your ad quickly in order to have the layout completed,
sent back to you for approval and inserted into the booklet by the May 1st
deadline.
Please forward this to your membership for consideration.
Please contact Jeff Morris at jeffnsue@mindspring.com for the Booklet
Advertisement Price List.
Advertisement Contact:
Jeff Morris
723 Little
Phone: (972) 298-8807
jeffnsue@mindspring.com
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NEWS-09: Natl Commander visits the land of ice and
snow!
Submitted by: Steve Christanson on
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Tom Conlon, National Commander USSVI, braved the cold to visit Minneapolis/St.Paul on February 1st and 2nd, 2008.
Friday evening, eight MinnStPaul Base E-board members
met Tom for dinner, hoisted a few adult beverages and of course, shared a sea
story or two.
Saturday, Base members George St.Martin (CD3C) and Pat Lyon took Tom on a tour of the Twin Cities.
That evening, Tom spoke at our Base meeting.
Mpls/St.Paul Base members were all very pleased to
have the opportunity to meet Tom, get to know him a bit and hear his thoughts
about USSVI, annual conventions and recruitment of new members.
Thanks, Tom for visiting the frozen North.
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NEWS-10: Razorback Base has a big heart
Submitted by: Carl Schmidt, Central Region Director on
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The USS Razorback Base approved at its last base meeting to send $500.00 to the
Memorial and Ceremony USSVCF general fund.
A $200.00 donation was also sent to the ART RANDALL scholarship fund. Art went
on eternal patrol recently and I hope other bases will send what they can to
support the Art Randall endowment scholarship fund. Contributions can be sent
to
USSVI
Attn Art Randall Fund
The Charitable Foundations Funds, Scholarship, Memorial and Ceremonies,
Brotherhood, and Library funds are supported by individual and base donations.
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NEWS-11: Farewell,
Submitted by: Pat Householder on
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The submarine USS Augusta was inactivated Thursday, Feb 7th, during a ceremony
in the Shepherd of the Sea chapel at the Groton CT Sub Base.
The Los Angeles-class, fast-attack submarine served 23 years and returned Sept.
23 to the Groton Submarine Base from its last deployment.
Commissioned
The sub will be taken to
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NEWS-12: Sneak Preview: For 'Boat Reunion Association' Officers
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 2/8/2008
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Free Boat Association Websites are coming soon, courtesy of Tim Veard, USSVI Chief Technical Officer.
Stay tuned to the SubVet news for all the details,
soon to come.
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NEWS-13: Help Wanted for USSVI Library Committee
Submitted by: Pat Householder on
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Library Committee Chairman Ron Martini is looking for committee men to help
with our USSVI Library project.
Background: The USSVI library and research center is located at The Arkansas
Inland Maritime Museum in
There is also a
On-site participation is not required. Please contact Ron Martini at
rontini@bresnan.net for more information.
Pay "0", Benefits "0", Time "minimal"Pride
in helping "Priceless."
The committee will meet on-line and maybe once at National Convention to
discuss the library, it's needs, goals/plans, and develop ways to let the world
know of it's existence.
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NEWS-14: Help Preserve our Boats. Preserving our Heritage Program
Submitted by: Base on
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To All Museum Submarines and Supporters, Lockwood Internet Base of United
States Submarine Veterans has created the "Preserving Our Heritage"
program to raise awareness of our Memorial Submarines and funds for their
financial needs. To perpetuate the memory of these proud vessels and the
shipmates who served on them requires substantial financial and physical
investment. The LIB POH program selects a museum boat
each year to help in this effort and one of our fundraising methods is to sell
our new "Restoration Supporter" patch. Museum boats may purchase the
patch at a discounted price of $4.50 each. We are selling them on LIB for
$7.00, however, you may set your own selling price and thus make money for your
own nearby museum boat. Some organizations are presenting the patch for a
donation at or above a set value. We hope that these will be purchased by
visitors and others who wish to help support your boat or museum. It is a way
to make them part of the process. http://www.submarineshop.com/img/full/p005.jpg
In addition to the patch, rockers will be available to go above the patch. USS
DRUM and USS CAVALLA museum subs have already ordered rockers. The rockers will
be purchased directly by the museums and boats and will be sold or given by
them as they see fit.
http://wovenfabriclabels.com/images/subrockers.gif
USS DRUM has selected the rocker as a fund-raiser and will provide it for a
donation of $10.00. To purchase rockers for your boat or museum, please contact
Gil Raynor at elt627@raynorassoc.com for details. We
want to have all the rockers manufactured by the same factory so that they will
all be uniform in appearance. Although LIB endorses the rocker they are not
providing it, each unit will be responsible for obtaining and using the rocker
as they see fit.
We also wish to inform you that LIB is sponsoring a Memorial Submarine
Awareness event at the National Convention in
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CHARITABLE-01: What is the SubVet
Charitable Foundation?
Submitted by: Pat Householder on
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The Foundation is the charitable arm of USSVI. It has been formed to further
the creed of USSVI by assuming the responsibility of some of our activities
which are charitable in nature.
Donations made to the Foundation will be deductible under section 170 of the
Internal Revenue Code, subject to the limitation applicable to all charitable
donors.
USSV Charitable Foundation
To make a donation online, visit the link below.
http://www.guidestar.org/pqShowGsReport.do?npoId=1156727&partner=justgive
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CHARITABLE-02: Your SubVet Charity Needs Your Support
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 2/9/2008
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This foundation is the charitable arm of the United States Submarine Veterans,
Inc. and was formed to further the creed of USSVI by assuming the
responsibility of some of our USSVI activities which are charitab1e
in nature.
Your Charitable Foundation supports your Scholarship Program, Memorials and
Museum Submarine Support, the SUBLANT and SUBPAC Caring and Sharing Program, Subvet
Disaster Relief, Kaps(SS)4Kids(SS)
and our Submarine Library.
Please click on the link for ways that you can help.
http://www.ussvi.org/Documents/Charitable_CFDocuments_SubVet_Charity.pdf