The Silent Service was a television series in 1957-58 with episodes based on actual events from the U.S. Navy's submarine service. The series was narrated by Rear Admiral Thomas M. Dykers and included several actors that went on to more memorable roles, such as Leonard Nimoy, Chuck Connors, and Russell Johnson.
The episode below is about a Christmas patrol on USS Triton (SS-201) in December 1942. We hope you enjoy the show. Click on the Full Screen option in the lower left once the video is playing to expand it to fit your screen.
You can find this episode on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/sjjSYU-ZTjQ, along with a number of other episodes from the series.
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Thursday, December 21, 2017
New Submarine Christmas Song
COMSUBFOR (Commander Submarine Forces) shared a new submarine Christmas song video earlier today and we wanted to pass it along. We hope you enjoy this song from the crew on the USS John Warner (SSN-785).
Click on the Full Screen option in the lower left once the video is playing to expand it to fit your screen.
You can find this video on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/6xFfx5hDMJw
Click on the Full Screen option in the lower left once the video is playing to expand it to fit your screen.
You can find this video on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/6xFfx5hDMJw
Saturday, December 16, 2017
2017 Seattle Base Holiday Luncheon Photos
On Sunday, December 10, 2017 USSVI Seattle Base submarine veterans, family, and guests gathered at the Cascade Club at Trilogy at Redmond Ridge for our annual holiday luncheon.
The day started with the social hour, which gave us a chance to catch up with shipmates we have not seen for a while, share our exploits from the past year, and to look at some of the submarine memorabilia on display. We then moved on to opening remarks and started lunch.
After lunch, Dick Gonzalez presented the Shipmate of the Year Award to Dave Schueler. Dave was recognized for his work as the base newsletter and blog editor. Dave’s work keeps us up on to date on Seattle Base events and submarine news from around the world. We also recognized and thanked Base Commander Al Smith for stepping up and serving as commander. We added Al's and Dave's names to the Seattle Base Honor Roll plaque.
Then the floor was then opened for sea stories and holiday remembrances. The microphone was passed around and we heard some old favorite stories, along with a few new tales. We all had a good time at the luncheon and special thanks goes out to everyone who helped organize and setup the event. It is always good to see all our shipmates and get a start on the holiday season with them. We hope you enjoy the photos below.
Photos of the attendees
Happy Holidays to all and we will see you in 2018!
The day started with the social hour, which gave us a chance to catch up with shipmates we have not seen for a while, share our exploits from the past year, and to look at some of the submarine memorabilia on display. We then moved on to opening remarks and started lunch.
After lunch, Dick Gonzalez presented the Shipmate of the Year Award to Dave Schueler. Dave was recognized for his work as the base newsletter and blog editor. Dave’s work keeps us up on to date on Seattle Base events and submarine news from around the world. We also recognized and thanked Base Commander Al Smith for stepping up and serving as commander. We added Al's and Dave's names to the Seattle Base Honor Roll plaque.
Then the floor was then opened for sea stories and holiday remembrances. The microphone was passed around and we heard some old favorite stories, along with a few new tales. We all had a good time at the luncheon and special thanks goes out to everyone who helped organize and setup the event. It is always good to see all our shipmates and get a start on the holiday season with them. We hope you enjoy the photos below.
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| Social Hour |
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| From another view |
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| Memorabilia table - Pennant from USS Kamehameha (SSBN-642) |
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| Memorabilia table - photo of Ralph Sterley's WWII radar school class |
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| Memorabilia table - submarine models |
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| Prepping the wine |
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| Seattle Base Honor Roll plaque |
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| Thanks to the Cascade Club staff |
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| World War II veteran Ralph Sterley and Lois Twelves |
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| Larry Abbott and Judith Dalhquist |
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| Doug Abramson and Karen Bradford |
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| Roy and Linda Burt |
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| Miri Davis and Keith Watson |
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| Tim Floersch |
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| Jerry Gerten and Sue Dale |
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| Bill and Diane Giese |
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| Dick and Fran Gonzalez |
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| Jim and Marilyn Harper |
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| Bob and Dani Haslan |
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| Ric Hedman |
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| Pat Householder and Carolyn Davis |
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| Karl 'Dutch' and Barbara Krompholz |
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| Richard Lanzner, Howie and Diana Dickerman |
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| Bill and Margie Linn |
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| CC Maerz and Tony Putnam |
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| Lois Mezek and Andrea Geisler |
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| Ron and Carol Muecke |
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| Eric and Sherry Muller |
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| Bob Opple and Thea Benjamin |
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| Bob and Thea with Bob's daughters Kirsten and Kelly |
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| Kerry Ryan and his sister Karen |
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| Dave and Lynn Schueler |
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| Al and Vicky Smith |
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Reminder: Seattle Base Holiday Luncheon
The Seattle Base annual holiday luncheon is this Sunday, December 10 at the Cascade Club at Trilogy at Redmond Ridge (23225 NE Greens Crossing Rd, Redmond WA 98053).
There is still some space available. If you would like to attend, please contact Jim Harper or Dick Gonzales as soon as possible (you can find their information on the registration form).
We hope to see you there!
We hope to see you there!
Friday, November 24, 2017
Thoughts and Prayers for ARA San Juan
Our thoughts and prayers are with the crew and families of the Argentinean submarine ARA San Juan.
The last contact with the submarine was a little more than one week ago. Since then an international effort was launched to find the submarine. When it comes to situations like this, nationality doesn't matter; all submarine sailors understand the nature of their service and hope for the best outcome. But with the recent report of an underwater explosion near the submarine’s last know position, hope that the sub and crew are okay has diminished.
This news, along with the news coming out of the U.S. Seventh Fleet this past year, is just another reminder of how dangerous being in the military and going to sea (and in particular going to sea in submarines) is; not that we really need that reminder.
We offer our sincerest condolences to Argentina and the family and friends of the crew.
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| ARA San Juan, a TR-1700 class submarine |
This news, along with the news coming out of the U.S. Seventh Fleet this past year, is just another reminder of how dangerous being in the military and going to sea (and in particular going to sea in submarines) is; not that we really need that reminder.
We offer our sincerest condolences to Argentina and the family and friends of the crew.
Monday, November 20, 2017
November 2017 Meeting Notes
The November meeting was Seattle Base’s final business meeting of 2017. We started off with Tolling the Boats lost in November, followed by birthday wishes for our members, and introductions.
After the introductions, outgoing Base Commander Al Smith thanked everyone for all the help and work members have done during his tenure.
We also got to welcome new base member Dr. John German to his first meeting with Seattle Base. John qualified on USS Kamehameha (SSBN-642) in 1968 and also served on USS Sabalo (SS-302). Welcome aboard John.
Old and New Business:
Membership Dues – As the year comes to a close, we want to remind you that National USSVI and Seattle Base annual dues are due at the beginning of the year.
December Holiday Luncheon – We were reminded that the annual Holiday Luncheon will be at the Cascade Club at Trilogy at Redmond Ridge on Sunday, December 10. The registration form for the event can be found at this link and in the November – December newsletter. There is only space for 65 people, so be sure get your registration form to Jim Harper as soon as possible.
Seattle Base Elections – We will have base elections at our January 2018 meeting. Here is the list of officer nominees:
• Base Commander – Ric Hedman
• Sr Vice Commander – Larry Abbott
• Jr Vice Commander – Earl Greening
• Secretary – shared by Bill Giese and Lois Mezek
• Treasurer – Jim Harper
Committee Chairs:
• Chief of the Boat – Ralph Sterley
• Membership – Kerry Ryan
• Base Chaplin – Andrea Geisler
• Storekeeper – Ralph Sterley
• Webmaster – Steve Shelton
• Newsletter Editor – Dave Schueler
If you would like to throw your hat in the ring or nominate someone for a position, please contact Larry Abbott or Kerry Ryan with the information.
November Program:
We didn’t have a program planned for the meeting, instead we opened the floor to share Thanksgiving stories. We got cooking tips from Doug Abramson on using popcorn in your stuffing, so you can tell when the turkey is done and Al Smith on not sealing the turkey too tightly. We also heard stories from Ric Hedman, Lois Mezek, and Jerry Gerten. Thanks to all that shared stories, it was a good way to wrap up the last meeting of the year.
Good of the Order
Lois Mezek passed along holiday wishes from Teri Robertson.
Ric Hedman let us know that the Travel Channel is doing a special on USS O-5 and licensed some of the photos from his website, Pigboats.com, for the special. He will let us know more about when it will air as he gets the information.
We hope to see lots of you at the Holiday Luncheon and at the January meeting.
After the introductions, outgoing Base Commander Al Smith thanked everyone for all the help and work members have done during his tenure.
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| Meeting getting underway |
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| New Base Member John Gerrman |
Membership Dues – As the year comes to a close, we want to remind you that National USSVI and Seattle Base annual dues are due at the beginning of the year.
December Holiday Luncheon – We were reminded that the annual Holiday Luncheon will be at the Cascade Club at Trilogy at Redmond Ridge on Sunday, December 10. The registration form for the event can be found at this link and in the November – December newsletter. There is only space for 65 people, so be sure get your registration form to Jim Harper as soon as possible.
Seattle Base Elections – We will have base elections at our January 2018 meeting. Here is the list of officer nominees:
• Base Commander – Ric Hedman
• Sr Vice Commander – Larry Abbott
• Jr Vice Commander – Earl Greening
• Secretary – shared by Bill Giese and Lois Mezek
• Treasurer – Jim Harper
Committee Chairs:
• Chief of the Boat – Ralph Sterley
• Membership – Kerry Ryan
• Base Chaplin – Andrea Geisler
• Storekeeper – Ralph Sterley
• Webmaster – Steve Shelton
• Newsletter Editor – Dave Schueler
If you would like to throw your hat in the ring or nominate someone for a position, please contact Larry Abbott or Kerry Ryan with the information.
November Program:
We didn’t have a program planned for the meeting, instead we opened the floor to share Thanksgiving stories. We got cooking tips from Doug Abramson on using popcorn in your stuffing, so you can tell when the turkey is done and Al Smith on not sealing the turkey too tightly. We also heard stories from Ric Hedman, Lois Mezek, and Jerry Gerten. Thanks to all that shared stories, it was a good way to wrap up the last meeting of the year.
Good of the Order
Lois Mezek passed along holiday wishes from Teri Robertson.
Ric Hedman let us know that the Travel Channel is doing a special on USS O-5 and licensed some of the photos from his website, Pigboats.com, for the special. He will let us know more about when it will air as he gets the information.
We hope to see lots of you at the Holiday Luncheon and at the January meeting.
Sunday, November 12, 2017
November 2017 Meeting Reminder
The next Seattle Base meeting is this coming Wednesday, November 15, 2017. We will meet at VFW Post #2995 (4330 148th Ave N.E., Redmond WA 98052). Social hour starts at 6PM with business meeting at 7PM.
This is the last business meeting of 2017 and will be a good chance to turn in your registration form for our annual Holiday Luncheon, which will be at the Cascade Club at Trilogy at Redmond Ridge on Sunday, December 10. The registration form for the event can be found at this link and it is included in the most recent newsletter. Remember, the number of spaces available will be only 65 people, so you’ll want to reserve your place as soon as you can.
It will also be a good time to pick up your 2018 USSVI calendar. This year’s calendar features submarines of the Pacific Fleet and includes some great photos of submarines in the Puget Sound area. Calendars are available from the Base Storekeeper for $10.95. Be sure to get your copy before they are gone.
Finally, it is time for annual members to renew their membership. If you haven't already taken care of this, then the coming meeting would be great time to care of it.
This is the last business meeting of 2017 and will be a good chance to turn in your registration form for our annual Holiday Luncheon, which will be at the Cascade Club at Trilogy at Redmond Ridge on Sunday, December 10. The registration form for the event can be found at this link and it is included in the most recent newsletter. Remember, the number of spaces available will be only 65 people, so you’ll want to reserve your place as soon as you can.
Finally, it is time for annual members to renew their membership. If you haven't already taken care of this, then the coming meeting would be great time to care of it.
2017 Auburn Veterans Day Parade Photos
It was a cool, cloudy Saturday for the 52nd annual Auburn Veterans Day Parade. The rain showers came and went, but the rain stopped once the parade was ready to start.
The crowd was enthusiastic as ever and everyone seemed to enjoy the parade. Our turnout was a little lighter than normal, with members from Seattle Base, Bremerton Base, and Silent Service Motorcycle Club showing up. Even with the lighter turnout, it was a good time and great to see all the veterans out for the parade.
Here are some photos from the event.
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| Submarine Veteran Group photo |
Here are some photos from the event.
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| We had a little bit of a walk to get to the staging area |
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| There was time for pre-parade chatter |
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| We were joined by Color Guard members from Bangor Submarine Base |
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| Silent Service Motorcycle Club |
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| We took some time to talk with the other veterans |
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| And took some time to tell a few sea stories |
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| WWII SubVet Paul Christofferson had flyers to hand out that talked about the new submarine USS Washington |
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| The parade kicked off with a C-17 flyover |
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| The leading Color Guard for the parade |
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| Bremerton Base getting ready to move out |
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| Seattle Base ready to go |
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| Seattle Base float on the move |
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| Doug Abrams brought along his pickup |
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| A view of the Bonefish float from inside the parade |
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| Looking back the the Seattle float |
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| Auburn's Thank You Veterans banner |
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| Seattle Base member, and former USSVI National Commander, says "Thanks for coming out and we hope to see you next year!" |
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