News from around the Region

Here are a few submarine and veteran news items from around the area that you might have missed.

Secretary of the Navy Names USS Washington 

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee delivers his remarks celebrating the naming of the Navy's next Virginia-class submarine, USS Washington (SSN 787), at the Port of Seattle Headquarters Building at Pier 69. Inslee joined Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus in thanking the people of Seattle for their support and contributions to the Navy and discussing the special bond that exists between a state and its namesake vessel. Note WDR4 Commander John Mansfield can also be seen at the ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo)

Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), the Honorable Ray Mabus, attended a ship naming ceremony in Seattle at the Port of Seattle in front of guests who included the Governor of the State of Washington, Jay Inslee, on Feb. 7, 2013.

"I am really happy to be in Washington, such a strong Navy partner," said Mabus. "It's very fitting that we welcome Washington back into our fleet after a long absence. Today we celebrate that the next nuclear powered submarine, SSN-787, will be named USS Washington."

"It wasn't until the beginning of the 20th century that a ship was named after the state," said Mabus. "There has not been a Washington in our fleet since the battleship USS Washington left service after WWII. I am very happy to correct that today."

Virginia-class attack submarines are nuclear powered, fast attack subs designed to operate in shallow coastal regions, while maintaining the capacity for open ocean submarine warfare.

"Like others in her class the USS Washington will be indispensable to the Navy's increased role in our new defense strategy," said Mabus.

Following the SECNAV's speech, Inslee spoke on the importance of USS Washington and her namesake. "This is a Navy state, a Navy state by tradition," said Inslee. "I want to thank the U.S. Navy and its leadership for being great partners with Washington State."

USS Washington (SSN 787) is currently under construction in Newport News, Va. and is slated to join the fleet in 2016.

"The men and women who serve on board this submarine represent your state and will be in parts of the world where they will be the only Americans many people will ever see," said Mabus. "Your namesake will ply the waters of the globe, giving others the chance to see what the Navy can do and what Washington means to the Navy and the country."

Freedom Heroes Program 

Freedom Heroes Program founder Alyssa Lynhart and retiring WA Dept. of Veterans Affairs leader John Lee

When I attended the state of Washington's VFW mid winter conference last month, I had the honor to meet Alyssa Lynhart, Founder of the Freedom Heroes Program. She displayed the new flag and provided highlights of efforts to enlist nationwide support through all veterans groups.

You can read more about the program on their website (http://www.freedomheroesusa.com/).

The mission statement is designed to "Encourage flying the Freedom Heroes flag expressing appreciation, respect, gratitude, and to honor all men and women who have served and are serving in the military to protect and defend our nation and preserve our way of life."

I took the above photo of Alyssa with John Lee, retiring Department of Veterans Affairs for the state of Washington. Feel free to share as you see fit.

Fraternally,
John Mansfield
WRD/WRD4 Commander

2013 USSVI Senior members 

Shipmates,

In 2008, as part of the USSVI Constitution & Bylaws rewrite a new USSVI member class was added, the USSVI Senior Member.

USSVI Constitution, ARTICLE VIII- Membership Dues
Section 5: Those members with 35 years of continuous membership in USSVI shall be classed as Senior Members, be publicly recognized and considered Life Members for national dues purposes if they are still annual dues members.

It is with great pleasure for me to introduce to you the 2013 Class of Senior Members:

• Gerald F. Artz Long Island Base 
• John W. Baker Twin Lakes Base 
• Michael H. Cosgrove Long Island Base 
• R Michael Hagerman Groton Base 
• James A. Hunnicutt Drum Base 
• Charles E. Marin San Diego Base 

Congratulations shipmates for your dedication and loyalty of 35 years continuous membership in USSVI. You are a shining example for your shipmates in USSVI. We now award you the Title of Senior Member and a Life Membership in USSVI.

Each new Senior Member will be receiving a Letter from the National Commander and a USSVI Senior Member Certificate to be given out at an upcoming Base Meeting. Any Senior Member from past years who did not get a USSVI Senior Member Certificate can get one by sending his name and address to the NJVC at al@ssbn657.com or my home address listed in the American Submariner.

Again Congratulations to the 2013 Class of Senior members.
Pride Runs Deep,

Al Singleman,Jr
NJVC & National Membership Chairman