March 2019 Meeting Notes

Editor’s Note: Check the full Seattle Base Meeting Minutes for complete details on the items below.

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

After our introductions, Maureen B. (representing the Kirkland Independence Day parade), asked if our own World War 2 vet Ralph S. would be Grand Marshall for the parade. He graciously agreed to the request.

Old Business
Kaps for Kids Update - Kerry followed up last month’s Kaps for Kids report with some more research. He found that Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital of Tacoma was very receptive to this activity by our Base. Kerry covered the requirements that participating members would have to conform with, and a motion was made to continue the process of obtaining the necessary items (hats and certificates) for a visit.
However, during the discussion several members brought up the subject of the potential of liability to our base and wondered if this was worth the risk. During further discussion a motion was made that Seattle base no longer participate in the Kaps for Kids program. The motion was tabled for this meeting so that everyone has tome to think about if we should participate in Kaps for Kids. The issue will be raised again for discussion at our next meeting. We are asking all members to consider whether we, as Seattle USSVI Base, want to participate in Kaps for Kids and be ready to discuss and vote on the issue. Feel free to contact any of the Base Officers if you would like more information about what was discussed or to pass along your thoughts.

March Program

Ric shows a photo of Protector under-construction

The March program was a presentation by Ric on the submarine Protector, built by Simon Lake in 1901-02. Ric gave a brief history of Simon Lake submarines. He also covered the differences in construction and operation between the submarines built by Simon Lake and John Holland. Then he talked about the design and construction of the submarine. Protector had some interesting and innovative features, including a gun turret, a diver lock-out chamber, and the first periscope (called an omni-scope by Lake). The submarine drew the interest of the Russian and Japanese navies (which were at war at the time). Protector was purchased by the Russians and shipped to Vladivostok. The Russians eventually bought six more submarines from Lake, making him the Father of the Russian submarine force. It was an interesting look at early submarine history.

Binnacle List:
We were told that Junior Vice Commander Earl G. is recovering well from his heart surgery, is now driving and should be back at meetings soon.

Good of the order:
Submarine book author Rick Campbell, a retired submariner, sent the base a signed copy of his book Blackmail. We have added the book to the base library and you can contact Dave S. if you would like to borrow the book. Also, Rick Campbell will be at the Kitsap Mall Barnes and Noble to sign copies of his latest submarine book Treason on Saturday, March 30. The signing will be followed by a release party at the Yacht Club Broiler. You can see more about Rick's books and the signing on his website.

The U.S. Naval Undersea Museum at Keyport WA will hold a National Vietnam War Veterans Day Commemoration on Friday, March 29, at noon (you can also see more about this event on this Facebook Event page).

Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of duty location, are invited to attend and be recognized. RSVP by e-mailing NUM_Operations@navy.mil or calling 360-396-5548. This event is open to the public. The museum invites regional Sailors and the public to join the event and to say "thank you" to our Vietnam Veterans.

We have been invited to a memorial event in Graham, WA on May 18th, 2019 at 6pm. The group honors those who have served and passed away during war, from old age, or other circumstances. They make crosses for these individuals and currently have 452 crosses. This year they are making a cross to remember the loss of USS Thresher and will be honoring those lost on the sub during their program. The crosses will be left up all week long through Memorial Day. This is a community event, is free to the public, and dinner is provided at the event.
The event will happen at:
Graham Emmanuel Baptist Church
22316 106th Ave E
Graham WA 98338