2018 Seattle Base Holiday Luncheon Photos

On Saturday, December 8, 2018 USSVI Seattle Base submarine veterans, family, and guests gathered at the Nile Shrine Center for our annual holiday luncheon.

Before lunch we had time to catch up with shipmates we have not seen for a while, share tales of our exploits from the past year, and to talk about plans for 2019. We then moved on to opening remarks and lunch.

After lunch, Base Commander Ric presented the Shipmate of the Year Award to Steve Lewis and Roy Burt. Steve and Roy were recognized for their visits to ailing veterans and their work with the Silent Service Motorcycle Club. We added Steve and Roy to the Seattle Base Honor Roll plaque.

We also had the drawing for the American Submarines throw blanket, which was won by Pat H.

Then the floor was then opened for sea stories and holiday remembrances. The microphone was passed around and we heard some new old stories.

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.

Sign in desk manned by Judith and Lois

Start of the social time

Bob, Pat, Carolyn, and Thea

Lois and WWII Veteran Ralph

Judy, Bill, Fran, and Dick

Steve, Tim, Lynanne, Bob, and Thea

memorabilia table with sub models

more memorabilia

John, Al, and Vicky

Dick and Fran grabbing some wine before lunch

Getting in place for lunch (photo 1)

Getting in place for lunch (photo 2)

Steve and Roy hold up their Shipmate of the Year awards

2018 Holiday Luncheon Reminder

Submarine Christmas ornament from SubLoveShop

The annual Seattle Base Holiday Luncheon is this Saturday, December 8, 11 am to 2 pm, at the Nile Shrine Center.

Nile Shrine Center entrance

The Nile Shrine Center is located at 6601 244th St SW, Mountlake Terrance, WA 98043

• From I-5 take Exit 177, heading west on WA highway 104 (toward the Edmonds/Kingston ferry dock)
• Turn right on the road with the gate that says Nile Shrine Center.
• Wind through the golf course to the facilities.

You can drop off passengers at the front entrance. The luncheon will be on the second floor.

There are some Seattle Base members that need a ride to the parade. Please check your email for the message or send me an email for more information.

We hope to see you there! 

2018 Auburn Veterans Day Parade Award and reminders

We learned that the USSVI group won the Auburn Veterans Day - Harold Page Memorial Award for the best veteran service organization entry.

Thanks to everyone that showed up at the parade.

Award plaque

Here are a few calendar reminders for you:

• There is no November meeting this month due to Thanksgiving.
• Our next scheduled event is the Seattle Base Holiday Luncheon on December 8, 11 am to 2 pm, at the Nile Shrine Center (6601 244th St. SW Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043-2750). The cost this year is $25 per person for a lunch buffet. We have limited seating this year, so be sure to get your reservations in as soon as possible. Registration forms can be found in the current issue of the Dolphin Brotherhood newsletter and at this link.
• The January meeting will be on January 16, 2019. VFW Post 2995 has remodeled the meeting room under the post bar and our meetings will shift to this meeting room.

2018 Auburn Veterans Day Parade Photos

It was a partly-cloudy and chilly Saturday for the 53rd annual Auburn Veterans Day Parade.

A banner from the Auburn Parade route

Our USSVI turnout was a little lighter than normal - with members from Seattle Base, Bremerton Base, and Silent Service Motorcycle Club showing up. We were also joined by an Honor Guard from Naval Base Kitsap. However, the parade crowd was enthusiastic as ever and everyone seemed to enjoy the parade.

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.

Bonefish float and Bremerton members at the staging area

We had some time for pre-parade sea stories

Just before the parade started we got a few group photos

Bremerton Base and Honor Guard

Seattle Base members

Silent Service Motorcycle Club (SSMC) - Thresher Chapter

After that, we had some last minute preparations for the parade.

Getting banners ready and chairs on the floats

Getting people on the floats

With the flyover, it was time to start the parade.

King County Sheriff helicopter flies over the parade

The Honor Guard led the way, followed by Bremerton Base

Seattle Base was next, followed by the SSMC

In-parade group photo

A couple views of the Veterans Day Banner over the parade route.

You can see all the people lining the street

One last in-parade photo

We had a good time with the parade and hope to see everyone again next year!

Reminder - 2018 Auburn Veterans Day Parade

The Auburn Veterans Day parade is on Saturday, November 10. 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 Street NE in Auburn. Set up starts at 9:30. Please arrive before 10:30. The parade will start at 11:00.

Seattle Base at the 2017 parade

There are some Seattle Base members that need a ride to the parade. Please check your email for the message or send me an email for more information.

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

Parade route map (click for a larger view)

We hope to see you there!

November - December 2018 Dolphin Brotherhood Posted

The November – December 2018 issue of the Dolphin Brotherhood has been posted and is ready to view and download.

SubVets at the 2017 Auburn Veterans Day Parade

This issue has information about the upcoming Auburn Veterans Day Parade, the registration form for the Seattle Base December Holiday Luncheon, and the usual submarine related articles. You can also find a copy of the luncheon registration form at this link.

Hardcopies will be mailed out later this week. I hope you all enjoy the newsletter.

As always, remember to check back here for base updates and other articles of interest.

We hope to see you at the Auburn parade!

Dave Schueler
Seattle USSVI Base Newsletter Editor

October Meeting Notes

We started the October meeting with Tolling the Boats lost in October, followed by birthday wishes for our members. We followed that up with the Officer Reports and introductions.

Old and New Business:
2019 Submarine Calendars – The Base Storekeeper has 2019 USSVI calendars in stock. The calendars are $11 each. Be sure to get yours before they are all gone!

2019 USSVI Calendar cover

Holland Club – Tim F. missed last month’s meeting but was on hand to receive his Holland Club challenge coin this month.

Base Commander Ric hands Tim his challenge coin

Auburn Veterans Day Parade – The Auburn Veterans Day Parade is set for Saturday, November 10, 2018. Seattle Base, Bremerton Base, and the Silent Service Motorcycle Club will be at the parade. We will meet at the staging area on K Street NE. You should plan on arriving between 10:00 and 10:30. The parade starts at 11:00. We are looking for someone to tow the Seattle Base float. Please contact one of the Base Officers if you can help. We will get out reminders and more information in the newsletter and blog.

Holiday Luncheon - Seattle Base Holiday Luncheon is schedule for December 8, 11 am to 2 pm, at the Nile Shrine Center (6601 244th St. SW Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043-2750). The cost this year is $25 per person for a lunch buffet. Registration forms will be in the next newsletter and posted online. We have limited seating this year, so be sure to get your reservations in early.

Reminder American Submarines Throw Raffle – Don’t forget about the raffle for the American Submarine. Raffle tickets are on sale now and will be sold throughout the year. The drawing will be done at the Holiday Luncheon on December 8. Raffle tickets cost $1 per ticket.

October Program:
This month Base Commander, and webmaster at PigBoats.com, Ric Hedman gave a presentation on some recently discovered photos of the interior of USS Dolphin (SS-196). USS Dolphin was commissioned in 1932 and was one of the transitional submarines from the S-class to the World War II fleet boats. The photos were taken on Sunday July 2, Monday July 3 and Tuesday July 4, 1933 at Portsmouth Navy Yard, but then hidden away in the National Archives.

Ric went through the photos, pointing out the different details of the sub. Ric walked us through the boat from the forward windlass and torpedo rooms, to the conning tower, the engine rooms, and to the aft torpedo room. In addition to familiar items, there were a few unknown items in the photos. Be sure to go over to the Dolphin page on PigBoats.com for a look at the photos.

Ric is always great at showing off the pre-World War II boats and it was interesting to see how subs were transitioning and incorporating new technology.

Good of the Order: VFW Post 2995 has remodeled the meeting room under the post bar. Starting in January, our meetings will shift to this meeting room.

We hope to see you at the Veterans Day Parade!

Eternal Patrol: James R Davis

James R Davis, Seattle Base and Holland Club member, departed on eternal patrol on September 19, 2019.

Jim was born December 7, 1934 in San Francisco, CA, and raised in Ellensburg, WA. He joined the U.S. Navy when he was 17 for the adventure and travel and enjoyed a 20-year career, retiring in 1971. Jim qualified on USS Raton (SS-270) and also served on USS Volador (SS-490). While in the Navy, his primary job was a cook because he was told "as a cook you will never go hungry and everyone is your friend." In 1968 he came back to Everett, WA and finished out his service as a Navy recruiter.

After retiring from the service in 1971, Jim worked for the Alpine Restaurant in Everett for three years. In 1974 he joined Pepsi Bottling Co., working as a driver, salesman and eventually into management before retiring in 1995.

In his retirement Jim traveled with his family and friends and worked part-time for St. Vincent De Paul. Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and a good boxing match. His pride and joy was his custom-made Harley Davidson motorcycle. He was involved for years with scouting and was Scout Master of Troop 18. Jim also loved to take pictures and even started a photography business shooting weddings and special events. Jim had a terrific sense of humor - always quick to make you laugh. More than anything, Jim was a man who loved his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. His love expanded beyond his family to those whom he unofficially adopted over the years and knew him as "Uncle Jim". Anyone lucky enough to have known him felt his love and support. He will be deeply missed.

A mass celebrating his life will be held on October 22, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalen in Everett, where Jim was an active parishioner for 51 years. After the service there will be a reception in the parish hall followed by burial services with military honors at Holyrood Cemetery in Shoreline, WA.

Jim and Barbara at the 2012 Holiday Lunch

Jim is survived by the love of his life and wife of 58 years, Barbara Jo, daughters Tamara, Beth (Alex), Tina (Karina), and Barbara (Ed); grandchildren, Kailey (Kris), Chelsea (Trevor), Nadia, Logan and Tabitha, great grandchildren, Kristelyee, Grayson, Tyson, Gavin and Dahlia. He is preceded in death by his sons, David (2017) and Jamie (2009).

Sailor, Rest Your Oar

October Meeting Reminder and National USSVI Election Results

The next Seattle Base meeting is this coming Wednesday, October 17, 2018. 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.

Our normal messcook Steve will be out-of-town for the meeting, so we a looking for a volunteer to cover mid-rats for the meeting.

During the business meeting we'll cover upcoming events for the year. We are also looking for a volunteer to tow the Seattle Base float at the Auburn Veterans Day Parade on November 10.

The program for October will be a presentation by Base Commander Ric Hedman of an interior walk-through of the USS Dolphin (SS 169) AKA Submarine D1.

USS Dolphin (SS-169) courtesy of NavSource

We hope to see you at the meeting.

USSVI National Election Results

National Commander:
Wayne Standerfer: 1293 votes
Write-in Candidates: 21 votes
Elected: Wayne Standerfer

National Senior Vice-Commander
Jon Jaques: 1284 votes
Write-in Candidates: 16 votes
Elected: Jon Jaques

National Junior Vice-Commander
Steve Bell: 1291 votes
Write-in Candidates: 17 votes
Elected: Steve Bell

National Treasurer
Paul Hiser: 1292 votes
Write-in Candidates: 15 votes
Elected: Paul Hiser

National Secretary
Ray Wewers: 1281 votes

Write-in Candidates: 9 votes
Elected: Ray Wewers

Northeast Regional Director
Les Altschuler: 241 votes
Write-in Candidates: 4 votes
Elected: Les Altschuler

Southeast Regional Director
Ken Nichols: 278 votes
Write-in Candidates: 2 votes
Elected: Ken Nichols

Central Region Director
Tom Williams: 383 votes
Write-in Candidates: 13 votes
Elected: Tom Williams

Western Region Director
Jim Denzien: 383 votes
Write-in Candidates: 8 votes
Elected: Jim Denzien

Approve Proposed Revision to Constitution and Bylaws
Yes: 1181 votes
No: 156 votes
Proposal passes

Congratulations to the candidates. Thank you to all the members who voted.

Voting statistics will be available on the USSVI web site.

Eternal Patrol: Al Harwood

Al Harwood, Seattle Base and Holland Club member, departed on eternal patrol on August 14, 2018. A military graveside service was held for family members and friends at Washelli Abbey View in Brier.

Al was born in Portland on November 28, 1939 and moved to Seattle area as a young child, living in what is now Shoreline area. Al was in the first class to graduate from newly opened Shoreline High School in 1958. Al signed up for a combination of reserve and active duty in the U.S. Navy’s submarine service on his 17th birthday and was called up for Sub School and active duty in June of 1958. He qualified on USS Greenfish (SS-351) in 1959 and served on USS Kraken (SS-370) and USS Sterlet (SS-392). Al married his High School sweetheart Lois in September 1958 and they spent a year and a half in Hawaii after he returned from a long patrol to the Orient. They returned to the Seattle area in 1960.

Al was a king of toys and hobbies with many interests over the years. He was the President of the Shoreline Hot Rod Club, involved in Ham Radio, built model boats, airplanes, and built and played with radio-controlled airplanes too. There were also camping trips with friends and family, sports with the kids and grand-kids, working with the Shoreline High School reunions, and he loved traveling overseas, especially to Europe and the South Pacific.

Al's career led him into the video industry, where he worked with many local industries and individuals during his years. After retiring, Al regularly played golf with his neighbors, friends, brothers, and sons (when they could get away). He enjoyed working on puzzles and playing with the family cats and dogs. He also volunteered at the Heritage Restoration Center, working on restoring the vintage planes.

In remembrance of Al, the family asks that you a consider donation in his name to your favorite charity or to one of ours (Make a Wish, Seattle Area Feline Rescue 14717 Aurora N, Shoreline WA 98133), or physical or monetary help to the homeless in the greater Seattle area.

Sailor, Rest Your Oar

September 2018 Meeting Notes

We started the September meeting with Tolling the Boats lost in August and September, followed by birthday wishes for our members. We followed that up with the Officer Reports and introductions.

Old and New Business:
Kirkland Independence Day Parade – We received the Most Patriotic award from the Kirkland 4th of July parade. This month, our parade contact Maureen and the head of the veteran’s portion of the parade stopped by the meeting to present the award.

Presenting the award

Close-up view of the Kirkland parade Most Patriotic Award

Holland Club – We inducted John German into the Holland Club and handed out Holland Club challenge coins to the members that had not received the coins when they were inducted.

Base Commander Ric presents John with his Holland Club certificate

Giving out Holland Club challenge coins

Holland Club members

Auburn Veterans Day Parade – The Auburn Veterans Day Parade is set for Saturday, November 10, 2018. Seattle Base, Bremerton Base, and the Silent Service Motorcycle Club will be at the parade. We are looking for someone to tow the Seattle Base float. Please contact one of the Base Officers if you can help.

Summertime Events – Thanks to everyone that showed up to the July Base picnic, Tolling ceremony, and Black Diamond Labor Day parade.

Reminder American Submarines Throw Raffle – Don’t forget about the raffle for the American Submarine. Raffle tickets are on sale now and will be sold throughout the year. The drawing will be done at the Holiday Luncheon on December 8. Raffle tickets cost $1 per ticket.

September Program:
Our program was a presentation by Dave Schueler on Project Nobska, an ASW study ordered by CNO Arleigh Burke in the summer of 1956. The focus of the was on how to counter projected Soviet submarine threats in the 1960s – 70s. Dave covered the changes that were happening at the time and the reasons why the study was ordered. He then talked about the recommendations by the panel and how they influenced American submarine and anti-submarine warfare.

Dave talked about how the Mk 46 and Mk 48 torpedoes were developments from the study. He discussed how the study recommended the development of small nuclear warheads, which led to the Mk 45 ASTOR torpedo, SUBROC missile, ASROC missile, and the Polaris ballistic missile program. He talked about the changes in submarine design recommended by the study and the recommendations that were not implemented.

Slide from Dave's program, showing the only test of the nuclear ASROC.

It was an interesting look at how an early Cold War study impacted American submarines through the Cold War and today.

Binnacle List: Chaplin Andrea Geisler reported that Fred Ensslin is in the VA hospital.

Good of the Order:
We are checking with Cabela’s on a date for a fund-raising/show the flag event. Stay tuned for more information.

We hope to see you at the October meeting!

September 2018 Meeting Reminder

The next Seattle Base meeting is this coming Wednesday, September 19, 2018. 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.

During the business meeting we'll recap the last couple of months and look toward the upcoming schedule.

The program for September will be a presentation by Dave Schueler on Project Nobska and its influence on American anti-submarine warfare during the early part of the Cold War.

Early Cold War Submarines

We hope to see you at the meeting!

September - Ocotber 2018 Dolphin Brotherhood Posted

The September – October 2018 issue of the Dolphin Brotherhood has been posted and is ready to view and download. With the upcoming changes to USSVI individual base websites, I’m trying out a new way of linking to the newsletter. Be sure to let me know if you have any issues with viewing or downloading the newsletter.

The Tolling Ceremony wreath for all lost submariners, along with four roses, for the Seattle Base members that departed on Eternal Patrol since our last Tolling Ceremony

This issue has photos from Independence Day parade in Kirkland and the Tolling the Boats Ceremony, along with other Seattle Base news and submarine related articles from around the world.

Hardcopies will be mailed out later this week. I hope you all enjoy the newsletter.

As always, remember to check back here for base updates and other articles of interest.

Dave Schueler
Seattle USSVI Base Newsletter Editor

2018 Black Diamond Labor Days Invitation

Former Seattle Base Commander Keith Watson wants to remind everyone about this year’s Black Diamond Labor Days. There are events planned for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Check out the Black Diamond Labor Days website for a list of events and times.

We would really love to have some base members show up for the Labor Day Black Diamond Parade on Monday, September 3rd.

Seattle SubVets at a previous Black Diamond parade

If you are interested in attending the parade, we will meet at the museum (32627 Railroad Ave. Black Diamond 98010) at 9am for coffee and sweets. The parade starting at 10 with the blast of the museum siren. The float should be in place by 9 with check in at the fire station on Baker Street up the hill from the museum between 8 and 9. There will be a car show with over 200 cars across the street from the museum.

Please take a look at your schedule for Monday and let Keith or Ric know if you can make it.

2018 Tolling the Boats Ceremony

Seattle USSVI Base held our annual Tolling the Boats ceremony on August 18, 2018 at the Kirkland Marina Park Pavilion.

Seattle USSVI Base float at the Kirkland pavilion

The sign for the Tolling ceremony

The Tolling the Boats Ceremony is a memorial service to honor our lost submarine brothers who made the supreme sacrifice while performing their duties with valor, integrity, and courage. This ceremony is a fundamental part our creed as members of U.S. Submarine Veterans, "To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in pursuit of their duties while serving their country."

It was a pleasant day for the ceremony. The weather was clear and warm with a light breeze off Lake Washington. As usual, the Seattle Base float drew the attention of people in the park and several stopped by to ask questions.

Members of the Seattle USSVI Base helped set up for the ceremony. Additionally, the Honor Guard from VFW Post 2995 was on hand to provide honors for the ceremony.

Seattle Base Commander Ric Hedman kicked off the ceremony, welcoming everyone, providing opening remarks, and explaining why we have the ceremony. He then introduced our World War II veterans and recognized the wives and widows of submariners.

Base Commander Ric Hedman opening the ceremony

Recognizing our World War II veterans

We then moved on to reading the names of the lost U.S. Navy submarines and ringing two bells. One for the submarine and one for the crew.

Larry reading from the list of lost boats

Ric reading from the list of lost boats

Ralph ringing the bell for each lost boat and crew

When the reading was complete, World War II submarine veteran Ralph Sterley laid the memorial wreath to honor all the lost submariners and the VFW Honor Guard provided a gun salute and played Taps.

Placing the memorial wreath

VFW rifle salute

Four roses, for the Seattle Base members that departed on Eternal Patrol since the last Tolling Ceremony, and the wreath all lost submariners

Thanks to Kami for providing the music

After the ceremony, cake was served, and we had a little social time before cleaning up the pavilion.

Diane, Judy, and Lynda help serve the cake

Here are a few photos of people at the ceremony (sorry we didn't get everyone, there was a minor camera issue).

World War II veteran Buell and Gloria

World War II veteran Ralph and Lois

Ric with World War II veteran Paul

Base members Andrea and Cliff

Steve and Lynda

Bill and Diane

That concluded our ceremony for another year. Thanks to all that attended. Special thanks to Lois Mezek and all those who helped this year's Tolling the Boats ceremony a success.