September Meeting Notes

At the September meeting we started with the Tolling for the boats lost during the month, along with a tribute to Ted Taylor, who went on Eternal Patrol earlier in the month.

We also announced that Ralph Sterley has agreed to be the new Seattle Base COB. Please join us in welcoming Ralph to his new position with the base.

New Seattle Base COB Ralph Sterley

We were also reminded that renewal time for National and Base USSVI dues is coming up.Be sure to take care of this early. You don't want to be on the DINK list!

Base Raffle: Due to the success of our last raffle, we have decided to do another. We will once again raffle off a submarine cut-away plaque; the winner has their choice of submarine class (Gato, Balao, Tench, Sturgeon, or Lafayette) and it can be customized with the appropriate boat name.

Additionally, there will be a runner-up prize of a set of submarine coasters; the winner can choose a set of Fleet boat gauges or Dolphins.

The drawing will be held at the our Christmas Luncheon on December 17th, but you do not need to be present to win. Ticket are $5 each. If you would like to purchase tickets, contact Jim Harper (tel: 425-357-6485, e-mail: kh6cn@earthlink.net).

Upcoming Events:
Navy Birthday - VFW Post 2995 will be holding a Navy Birthday dinner on October the 13th. There will be a no-host bar from 1700-1800, dinner will be served from 1800-2000, with a cake cutting and birthday message after that. Cost is $12 per person and you can contact the Base officers or VFW Post for more information.

Auburn Veterans Day Parade - The parade is set for Saturday, November 5 at 11:00 AM (Note that this is not on the 12th as we originally announced). We are planning on marching in the parade with the base float, other submariners from the region, and the Silent Service Motorcycle Club.

Tahoma National Cemetery Veterans Day Program - This program will happen on Friday, November 11.

2011 Christmas Luncheon - We have reserved the Seattle Yacht Club on Saturday, December 17 for our luncheon.

September Program
This month's program was a short presentation about the titanium-hulled Soviet Alpha class submarine. The presentation covered the initial intelligence about the new sub class, some of the benefits and drawbacks of titanium alloy, and some of the other features that made the speedy Alpha class different from other submarine classes. We also talked about how deployment of the Alpha class drove the development of the Mk 48 ADCAP (Advanced Capability) torpedo. Members also shared a few stories about trailing various Soviet submarines.

Binnacle List:
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.

Bob Morris - Bob recently underwent successful prostate surgery.

Don Ulmer - Don had a pacemaker installed just before last month's Tolling ceremony.