Thoughts and Prayers for ARA San Juan

Our thoughts and prayers are with the crew and families of the Argentinean submarine ARA San Juan.

ARA San Juan, a TR-1700 class submarine

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.

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.

Meeting getting underway

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.

New Base Member John Gerrman

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.

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.

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.

Submarine Veteran Group photo

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.

We had a little bit of a walk to get to the staging area

There was time for pre-parade chatter

We were joined by Color Guard members from Bangor Submarine Base

Silent Service Motorcycle Club

We took some time to talk with the other veterans

And took some time to tell a few sea stories

WWII SubVet Paul Christofferson had flyers to hand out that talked about the new submarine USS Washington

The parade kicked off with a C-17 flyover

The leading Color Guard for the parade

Bremerton Base getting ready to move out

Seattle Base ready to go

Seattle Base float on the move

Doug Abrams brought along his pickup

A view of the Bonefish float from inside the parade

Looking back the the Seattle float

Auburn's Thank You Veterans banner

Seattle Base member, and former USSVI National Commander, says "Thanks for coming out and we hope to see you next year!"

2017 Auburn Veterans Day Parade Reminder

The Auburn Veterans Day parade is on Saturday, November 11. This year Seattle Base, Bremerton Base, and the Silent Service Motorcycle Club will be participating in the parade. We will meet near the junction of Main and K Streets in Auburn. Please arrive between 10 – 10:30. The parade will start at 11:00.

Active duty submariners at the 2016 Auburn parade

There is free parking in the transit garage by the train depot at A Street and 2nd Street. You can see more about other parade and Veterans Day events on the City of Auburn website.

Parade route information (click to enlarge)

If you can't make it to Auburn, don't forget that Tahoma National Cemetery will also have a Veterans Day Ceremony starting at 11:00 at the flagpole assembly area.

We hope to see you at one of these events.