April 2015 Commander's Corner

Shipmates,

The March meeting proved to be constructive and a positive in several ways.

First, we announced an initiative to reach out to members by implementing group events, tours, off-site meetings, etc. Our goal is to have fun, to be inclusive, and show appreciation to our membership.

Next we covered a significant issue that has been discussed during the last few meetings; our diminishing Base treasury and how best to increase the bottom line.

With this in mind we are pleased to announce that in addition to our reliable Smoky Point fundraiser we have some new opportunities. Cabela’s is providing us with an expanded schedule for meet and greet/fundraising events and the Pro Bass Shop in Tacoma has also invited us to participate in the same manner.

These events provide the opportunity to raise much-needed capitol and to continue some of the good work we do such as: contributing to youth organizations, scholarships, and our most important public awareness event, the Tolling the Boats Ceremony in Kirkland.

The bottom line is that now, and more than ever, we need your participation to support Smoky Point, and to man the float at Cabela’s and Pro Bass shops. Without your help we could lose this great opportunity and backing by these fine sponsors.

You can keep track of these important fund raising activities including other events with the Base activities schedule at the top blog.

Dick Gonzalez
Seattle Base USSVI Commander

Shipmate Spotlight: 

Jay and Miri Davis at the 2014 Holiday Luncheon

We are fortunate to enjoy a Base of 125 members stretching from south Puget Sound to the Canadian border. In my brief tenure as Base Commander I have come to know and appreciate an amazing our pool of talented and accomplished members. Why not on occasion randomly select and share a one of our shipmate’s stories with you. We would like to honor our friend and shipmate Jay K. Davis who is a staunch supporter of Seattle Base and what the USSVI stands for.

Jay Davis has enjoyed a long and remarkable career in the US Navy and to this day continues live his life to the fullest; Jay is a true American Patriot.

Jay K. Davis was commissioned as an Ensign, in the US Navy in 1951 at the NROTC program at Oregon State College. He married Miri B. Davis the very next day. Jay was then off to the Korean War. Jay had previously made a summer cruise on USS Charr (SS-328) and he immediately applied for submarine school. Not to be deterred on his sixth application he was finally accepted and attended Submarine school from January to June 1954. His first assignment was on USS Razorback (SS-394) and qualified in Gold 1955.

Jay joined Ronquil (SS-396) in 1956 and then in 1957 was assigned foreign shore duty on the CINCAFMED NATO staff in Malta with his family. Jay returned to San Diego in 1959 and reported to the USS Perch (SS-313) and as the CO put her out of commission in 1960.

Jay then reported to USS Segundo (SS-398) as the XO and deployed on a WestPac cruise, then in 1964 began a new assignment in San Francisco as District Submarine Reserve Units Coordinator.

Next Jay took over command of USS Spinax (SS-489), serving as the commanding officer and for two years that included trips to the Northwest and a very successful WestPac cruise. Jay left Spinax in 1966 to attend the Defense Language Institute in Washington DC for a total immersion (appropriate for a submariner) course in Turkish and spent the next three years as the NATO advisor at the Turkish Naval Headquarters.

Jay’s ambitious career was followed with tours in Washington with SSPO for SSBN planning and then to COMASW before retiring as Commander in 1972.

Jay spent the next twelve years with various entities focusing on Submarine related projects and systems. He sailed the Chesapeake and in the Atlantic before retiring in 1984.

Jay and Miri cruised the entire East Coast in their 42’ ketch MALGRE’ TOUT. Jay and Miri then sailed the Azores, Malta, Portugal, and the Straights of Gibraltar and for the next five years the Mediterranean.

During these wonderful cruises on MALGRE’ TOUT, Jay and Miri had the unique experience of visiting Turkey, where Jay's Turkish language skills came in handy, and seeing friends they made during Jays deployment there.

Finally, after several other destinations, in 1990 they sold their beloved MALGRE’ TOUT in Mallorca, Spain after logging more than 70,000 miles.

Jay’s astounding background includes a total of 39,450 hours deck watch standing on:

• a 10,000 ton naval ship: Includes 2 years qualified officer of the deck and qualified as special Sea Detail Officer of the deck entering or leaving port. 
• 2,000 hours on submarines - 8 years deck and coning tower officer, including 2 ½ years as Commanding Officer.
• 70,000 miles on a 12.5 ton yacht. 
• Number ocean crossings: Pacific - 10, Atlantic - 1 (by sail)
• Hosted US and foreign guests and social strata including a Prime Minister. 
• Currently skippering, maintaining, and teaching in large yachts. Providing cruising instruction for the NW area and provides basic ship handling for new or upgrading boat/ship owners. 

Jay earned his USCG Masters certificate and his company Davis Marine Services Company instructs new boat owners in the “School of the Boat” and how to handle yachts.

Jay and Miri, “crewing together” for 56 years, enjoy and explore the beautiful waters of Puget Sound, Canadian and San Juan Islands, and the Northwest Passage in their 40’ twin-screw power-cruiser HARMONY. As you might guess, she flies the Dolphins with great pride.

In conclusion, Jay is an active and respected member of the Meydenbauer Yacht Club in Bellevue. Thanks to Jay and his sponsorship we enjoyed a memorable holiday lunch last December. We wish him the very best and hope for his speedy and complete recovery fro his recent health issues.

Jay we are proud to call you our shipmate and from your entire membership: Bravo Zulu!