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!