Keith provided a recap of the Kirkland Independence Day Parade. This was our fourth year participating and the city of Kirkland still make us feel so welcomed! Thanks to Bob Opple for his efforts in getting us into the parade and thanks to everyone that was able to attend.
Maureen, the lady that helps organize the parade, provided a link to a YouTube video showing the preparations for the parade, including some picture of the High School kids making the boutonnieres given to Veterans, and the parade itself. We hope you enjoy it. (If you can't get the embedded version to work, try going to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5sacWG4GWQ)
Float Refit: We are scheduling a "refit" on the base float sometime after the Auburn Veteran's Parade in November. Plans are to remove the boat and rebuild the supports that hold it in place. This will be done at Jim Harper’s house in Everett and we can use lots of help. More information will be coming soon.
Base Raffle: Seattle Base is raffling off a submarine cut-away plaque (the winner has their choice of submarine class and it can be customized with the appropriate boat name). You don't have much longer to purchase tickets for the Base Raffle. The drawing will be held at the Tolling of the Boats Ceremony on August 20th, but you do not need to be present to win. Each ticket is $5. If you would like to purchase tickets, contact Jim Harper (tel: 425-357-6485, e-mail: kh6cn@earthlink.net).
Upcoming Events:
Tolling of the Boats Ceremony - This will be at the Kirkland Marina Park on August 20th. We are planning on a picnic before the ceremony, along with the drawing for the base raffle. Unfortunately, we were not able to secure the Navy Band again this year, but we will have a “surprise” guest speaker for this important event.
Black Diamond Labor Day Parade - On September 5th, we will be participating in the Black Diamond Labor Day parade. There will be a barbeque, car show and a good time for everyone. Plan to attend!
USSVI National Convention - The national convention is set for September 5 - 11 in Springfield/Branson Missouri. You can find out more information on the convention website at: www.ussvispringfieldmo.com.
Navy Birthday - Jim Weaver, from VFW Post 2995, invited everyone to the Navy’s Birthday party to be held on October the 13th at the post. Dinner will be served. It’s not known at this time what the menu will be but we should receive an announcement before the event.
Tahoma National Cemetery Veterans Day Program - This program will happen on Friday, November 11.
Auburn Veterans Day Parade - This is set for Saturday, November 12. We are planning on marching in the parade with the base float, other submariners from the region, and the Silent Service Motorcycle Club.
2011 Christmas Luncheon - We have reserved the Seattle Yacht Club on Saturday, December 17 for our luncheon.
July Program:
Keith Watson presented a program about some of the German submarine service plans for winning World War II. These plans might have made a difference, but it was a case of too little too late to be effective and the Germans lost 722 submarines to Allied attacks. During the early -war years, Professor Hellmuth Walter was working on a high-speed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system for U-boats that used highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide to produce steam for a turbine. If this system had been installed on combat-ready boats in the early or mid-war years, the Germans could have won the war in the Atlantic. But the hydrogen peroxide proved to be too volatile and the system had other problems too. However, the Germans were able to advance battery technology and hull design, making a boat that could travel on battery power faster, quieter, and longer than any other submarine in existence. After the war, the Allies were able to use the German advances for their own submarines.
Binnacle List:
Ted Taylor - Ted is hanging in there and would love to hear from his USSVI shipmates. He enjoys talking with anyone who calls. You can call him at 425-228-3764.
Andrea Geisler - Andrea is still suffering from the effects of the eye infection.
Robbie Robertson - Robbie is still undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.
Bruce Fisher - Bruce is still undergoing treatment for diabetic neuropathy for his foot.
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