THE ONE MC
United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Volume 10, Issue 1
PRIDE RUNS DEEP
Northern Virginia Base
January 2005
http://www.ussvinova.org/
OUR CREED
“To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in pursuit of their duties while serving
their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation towards
greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States Government.”
MEETINGS
THE SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH
AT 1030 AT THE
SPRINGFIELD AMERICAN LEGION POST,
6520 AMHERST AVENUE,
SPRINGFIELD, VA
WARDROOM
Base Commander: Ray Stone: (703) 913-9843, cdr@ussvinova.org
Vice Commander: Tom Perrault, (703) 902-3537, vcdr@ussvinova.org
Secretary: Mark Riethmeier: (703) 490-3679, secretary@ussvinova.org
Treasurer: Art Esposito: (703) 437-3996, treasurer@ussvinova.org
Chaplain: Al Friedrich: (703) 370-4496
Storekeeper & Veterans Affairs Officer: Lou Maruzo: (540) 727-7610, Lou@subshipstore.com
Chief of the Boat (COB): Vacant, cob@ussvinova.org
THE ONE MC
United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Northern Virginia Base
BASE COMMANDER’S LOG
Greetings fellow shipmates,
We ‘kicked off’ 2005 with another great meeting in January. After the installation of our new slate of
officers and conducting the usual base business, we capped the proceedings with an outstanding
presentation by David Nelson on the Navy’s new 737 MMA. This airplane will be replacing the old P-3
Orion fleet and become the de facto ASW aircraft for the 21st century. David’s briefing was absolutely
exceptional and provided considerable insight into the program’s capabilities and how it will seamlessly
integrate with the now popular ‘joint forces’ concept. These guys are taking ‘sub-hunting’ to a whole
new level!!
Even with all the progress we’ve made over the past year, we are still looking for ways to make the base
meetings and gatherings more fun, more exciting and more compelling, to encourage our ‘stay at home’
members to get off their butts and show up. As a result, Art Esposito prepared and mailed out a
comprehensive survey to find out what our members are interested in and what we can do to increase
attendance. Those that responded (about two-thirds of our membership) gave us some good ideas and
pointers on how we can improve and we intend to follow through on them. If you haven’t sent back your
survey yet, please take a few minutes to fill it out and mail it back. IT’S IMPORTANT – we’ve even
included a stamped return envelope so you’ve got NO EXCUSE not to send it in! We want to hear back
from as many as possible. Thanks, guys.
We were saddened to hear of the San Francisco (SSN-711) tragedy, which occurred the morning of our
January meeting. She suffered a collision with an underwater seamount resulting in the death of
crewmember MM2(SS) Joseph A. Ashley and severely injuring several other members of the crew.
Fortunately, they were able to get her back to the surface and return to her base in Guam under her own
power. Although this tragedy is very personally felt throughout the submarine community, it is
especially so to those of us who know and remember Kevin Mooney, who is the CO of the San Francisco
and was a member of our Northern Virginia base while he was here in Washington. Please join me in
keeping Kevin Mooney, the Ashley family and the rest of the San Francisco crew in our thoughts and
prayers during these most difficult times for them. This is certainly a grim reminder that in spite of all
the advances in technology and ship safety, submarining still continues to be a very dangerous business.
For our February meeting, shipmate Art Bivens will be our speaker and will also hold a ‘book-signing’
for his latest release, From Sailboats to Submarines. This book is a great read and you won’t want to miss
out getting your own personalized copy.
All in all, I wish everyone a happy, healthy New Year and I’ll see you at the February meeting!
Cheers mates,
Ray
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United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Northern Virginia Base
MEETING MINUTES – JANUARY 2005
The Base Commander, Ray Stone, called the meeting to order at 10:35 AM, 8 January, held at the American
Legion Post 176, Springfield, Virginia.
Chaplain Al Friedrich gave the invocation.
The Base Commander, Ray Stone read the names of the boats lost in the month of January which were:
USS S-36
SS-141
20 January 1942
USS S-26
SS-131
24 January 1942
USS Argonaut
SS-166
10 January 1943
USS Scorpion
SS-278
05 January 1944
USS Swordfish
SS-193
12 January 1945
The Base Vice Commander, Tom Perrault, led all hands in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Base Historian, Mark Riethmeier read a passage of the loss of USS S-26.
Loss of USS S-26 (SS-131)
S-26 (SS-131) was built at the Bethlehem
Shipbuilding Corp., Quincy, Mass.; launched on 22
August 1922; and commissioned on 15 October 1923,
Lt. Edmund W. Burrough in command.
From 1923 through 1925, she operated out of New
London, Conn., visited St. Thomas and Trinidad and
then Hawaii and various California ports. She also
served in the Panama Canal area periodically from
1927 to 1929. Departing San Diego in 1930, she operated at Pearl Harbor until 1938. She returned to New
London on 25 March 1939, entering a period of partial duty.
Following duty at New London and hydrogen tests at Washington, D.C., S-26 sailed from New London on 10
December 1941, and arrived at Coco Solo, Canal Zone, on the 19th.
In January, 1942, S-26 departed Balboa on her second war patrol in the Gulf of Panama. She was accompanied
by S-21, S-29 and S-44, all escorted by the patrol craft PC-460. The escort flashed a message that she was about
to leave the group, but apparently, only S-21 received the message. In the darkness, S-26 was rammed by PC460, hitting her on the starboard side of the torpedo room. On 24 January 1942, S-26 sank with the loss of 46
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United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Northern Virginia Base
men. Three men survived who were on the bridge. She was not salvaged due to the depth of the area where she
was lost.
Source:
Dictionary of American Fighting Ships
The Last Patrol, by Harry Holmes, Airlife Publishing Ltd., (1994)
Swearing in of Elected Base Officers:
The District Three Commander, Ron Williams swore in Ray Stone as re-elected Base Commander. The Base
Commander then swore in Tom Perrault as Base Vice-Commander, Art Esposito as Base Treasurer and Mark
Riethmeier as Base Secretary (all incumbents).
Members and Guests
Shipmates and guests introduced themselves and provided a brief summary of the ships on which he served.
Members and guests in attendance were:
Art Bivens, Randall Buss, James Chenvert, Bill Clement, Art Esposito, Frank Fannan, Al Friedrich, Curt
Haggard, Chris and Sherry Herst, Steven Jaeger, Lou Maruzo, Bruce Miller, Pat Morgan, Paul Nelson, Todd
and Beverly Nemeth, Ted Odle (guest of Steve Jaeger), Benny Parker, Tom Perrault, Pat Peterson, Willie
Petruy, John Prisley, Rod Puffer, Mark Riethmeier, Art Rosen, Tim Shannon, Art Smith, Ray Stone, Lee
Turner, Mike Varone, Ron and Peggy Williams, and Carl Wootten.
Committee Reports:
The December meeting minutes are contained in the One MC and available on the Base Web Site:
http://www.ussvinova.org/ A motion was made to accept the November meeting minutes as provided in the
One MC, the motion was seconded, and the minutes were approved.
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United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Northern Virginia Base
Treasurer’s Report:
The Base Treasurer, Art Esposito provided a summary of the current Base finances. Current amounts are:
 Savings Account:
 Checking Account:
$3,035.13
$837.02
Total: $3,872.15
A motion was made to accept the report. The motion was seconded and the Treasurer’s report was approved.
The Base Treasurer suggested that we invest $1000 of the saving in a Certificate of Deposit (CD) to improve
our rate of return. A motion was made to purchase a $1000 CD. The motion was seconded and passed. [The
CD was purchased through the Navy Federal Credit Union on 10 January. KUDOS to Art for securing the CD.]
The Base Treasurer mentioned that the boat sponsorship for the USS Virginia needed to be renewed and did the
base wish to continue. A motion was made to continue base sponsorship of USS Virginia. The motion was
seconded and passed.
Executive Committee Report:
The Executive Committee Report for the meeting held 6 January, called to order at 7:00 PM (and highlighted
below) is included in the posted One MC. A motion was made and seconded to accept the Executive Committee
Report published in the One MC. The following is a brief summary of the meeting:
Held at the American Legion Post 176, Attendees were: Base Cdr, Ray Stone; Past Base Cdr, Tim Shannon;
Dist 3 Cdr, Ron Williams; Treasurer, Art Esposito and Secretary, Mark Riethmeier
Topics Discussed:
o End of year financial reports have been sent to National. The 2005 budget will be sent to EXCOM
members to send approval to Base Commander.
o Scholarship Fund – Several funds exist through National and it was suggested that the base support a
National fund rather create its own. Membership to vote.
o Holland Club – There are discrepancies between NOVA Base records and those of National as to who is
eligible. NOVA records are accurate.
o Navy Submarine League – Ask Mickey Garverick if he would like to provide a report as part of our
committee reports so that members are kept informed of NSL events.
o Email reminder of the meeting on 8 January. Include reminder for American Legion members to bring
membership cards.
o Meeting Facilities at the American Legion will be set up at 7:00 PM on Friday, January 07, 2005.
o Membership Survey – Art Esposito will supply results of those who responded to the Survey.
o May Picnic – Ron Williams will discuss.
o 50/50 Raffle – Tim Shannon wishes to donate a poster of crew on diesel boat to be raffled.
o Installation of Base Officers – District 3 Commander will swear in Commander who will in turn swear
in remaining officers.
o USS Virginia Sponsorship – Subscription to American Submariner up for renewal. Membership to vote
for renewal.
o Use of American Legion Post – Base to cut a check for $90 donation for use of the facilities from
January through June 2005.
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United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Northern Virginia Base
o 1MC – Update with corrected dues sheet and application to reflect new dues rates.
o Membership delinquent on dues.
o National Life Dues Payment Installment Option – Ron Williams to receive clarification on the Base
versus National responsibilities.
o Certificates of Deposit (CD) Option suggested investing a portion of base treasury. Members to vote.
o Sweetheart’s Day – following the February meeting, there will be another dinner to celebrate members’
significant others. The cost will be $20 per person. Provide head count by COB 31 January.
o Meeting Adjourned 8:19 PM.
Membership Committee Report:
The Base Treasurer, Art Esposito supplied the following information.
Returned
Membership Info
Sheet (Yes/No)
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
National
Dues Status
Life
Life
2005
Life
A2004
2004
A2005
Life
2004
2004
Life
Holland Club
2004
2004
2004
Life
Life
Holland Club
2005
2004
2004
A2004
Life
2005
Last Name
First Name
Base Dues Status
2004
Arquette
Daniel
Basham
Donald
2006
2004
Carpel
Richard
2004
Clauson
Carl
A2004
Creighton
C. William
2004
Fairchild
Clarence
Friedrich
Paula
A2005
2004
Ghormley
Ralph
2004
Glover
Robert
2004
Gonzalez
David
Hall
Donald
Hollar
Claude
Holland Club
2004
Kelch
Gary
2004
Lanahan
William
2004
McGonnell
Fenton
McGovern
Matt
2005
McSpadden
Richard
2006
Mills
Charles
Holland Club
2004
Moore
William
2004
Morgan
Patrick
2004
Nemeth
Todd
A2004
Nowak
Frank
2004
Pasquinelli
Frank
Perdue
W. Earl
2005
Sanderson Jr.
George
Thomas
Frederick
Life
2005
Varone
Mike
Life
2005
The above table reflects the current status (as of 01/25/05).
Dues Status:
2004 indicates that you owe 2005 dues
To remain a member in good standing at the National & Base level annual dues must be paid by March 31, 2005
Request you return the Membership Info Sheet to verify Base & National data.
Returning Survey sheet is requested but not required.
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Returned Survey
(Yes/No)
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
THE ONE MC
United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Northern Virginia Base
Storekeeper’s Report:
Lou Maruzo, the Base Storekeeper, has made available USSVI 2005 calendars at a cost of $8.00 each (Note:
$2.00 is provided to the Base). Jackets, vests, patches, etc are all available on the web site. (See partial catalog
later in this newsletter.)
Unfinished Business:
Long Term Plan: February speaker is Art Bivens who will also hold a book signing. A Chili cook-off will
follow the March meeting. The District 3 Meeting will be held at Virginia Beach the last week of April
(Wednesday through Saturday). The meeting will be held jointly with the World War Two Vets. The Sandcastle
Hotel rates are $59.
The Schedule of events for a combined U.S. Submarine Vets of WWII and U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc. SE
Regional Convention/District 3 Meeting:
27 April (Wed) – Registration / Check-in (Registration 1pm – 5 pm, Hospitality Room open until 10pm)
28 April (Thurs) – Registration / Business Meetings (Hospitality Room open 10 am – 10 pm)
 Free Continental Breakfast 7 – 10 am
 Registration 9 am – 5 pm (fee $10)
 WWII Sub Vets Wives Meeting 10 am
 WWII Sub Vets Business Meeting 1 – 2 pm
 USSVI Sub Vets Business Meeting 2:30 – 4 pm
29 April (Fri) – Sub Vets WWII Memorial Service / Banquet (Hospitality Room open 10 am – 10 pm, but
closed during memorial service)
 Free Continental Breakfast 7 – 10 am
 Sub Vets WWII Memorial Service (all hands invited)
 Combined Banquet 7 pm ($30 – Roast Beef Au Jus, Chicken Marsala, White Fish in lemon & butter)
30 April (Sat) - Checkout
The annual picnic will be held at the Moose Lodge on Gillis Street on May 14, rain or shine. Tom Perrault and
Ron Williams will cook. Ask Ron Williams or Tim Shannon for directions. (There will be no meeting in May.)
We wish to thank Chris and Sherry Herst and Ron and Peggy Williams for the successful Christmas Party.
Chris presented Steve Jaeger with a door prize of a hand crafted boat plaque.
New Business:
Art Esposito discussed results of the survey. The results received to date are as follows:
Survey Results
90 packets were mailed out. Each contained a Membership Data Update sheet, a dues plan, and a survey. Also
enclosed was a return addressed and stamped envelope. The mailing cost the base approximately $1.00 per
letter. Below is the Readers Digest version of the results. The numbers may not add up to 90 because I actually
got responses from new base members. I have the completed survey form and I will bring them to meeting if
member want to read the responses.
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United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Northern Virginia Base
61 returned completed surveys
7 did not return survey but did return membership data update form and dues as required
23 still owe survey; membership data update form, and possibly owe dues
3 shipmates resigned from base
2 were dropped from base due to no payment of 2004 base dues
51% are satisfied with the current time and place of the meeting
16% not satisfied with meeting location or time – few proposed alternate location
Like best – Camaraderie and guest speakers
Like least – Business side of the meeting but they recognize the necessity of it
63% enjoy sub videos
70% enjoy guest speakers
16% said they would assist in arranging guest speakers
18% visit website weekly
25% visit website monthly
12% want 1MC via US Mail
59% want 1MC via email & website
12% did not indicate a preference
56% know Ron Williams is District 3 Commander
51% know Ray Stone is Base Commander
Peggy Williams supplied the following information regarding the Naval Submarine League (NSL):
NSL starting the annual symposium routine.
Corporate Benefactors – 15-16 Feb at Hilton Alexandria at Mark Plaza by invitation. USSVI members working
for companies that support submarine members are encouraged to provide us a point of contact and we can
verify their membership or send them an invitation to join. This is a great networking opportunity for the
companies to interact with active duty leadership and network with each other.
Annual History Seminar – 13 April at the Navy Memorial open to all. “Raiders from the Deep” featuring CDR
Phil Eckert, JO on ARGONAUT and NAUTILUS who participated in landing Carlson’s Raiders and a landing
party in Adak. Also seeking to have RADM Bernie Maguire, Commander Special Warfare Command speak.
Submarine Technology Symposium – 17-10 May at Allied Physics Lab. Need SECRET Clearance to attend, but
otherwise open to the first 500 registered. Program includes review of new technology being evaluated for
submarine use. Also a report from the fleet on current submarine classified operations will be presented.
Annual Symposium – 8-9 June at Hilton Alexandria at Mark Center open to NSL members and guests. Exhibits,
social banquet with speaker and a full program on the state of the Submarine Force.
The 2005 USSVI National Convention will be held in Kansas City. Members are encouraged to obtain hotel
rooms as early as possible. They go fast.
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United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Northern Virginia Base
Scholarship Fund: Ray Stone received a letter from National regarding scholarship funds sponsored by
National. And will get a briefing of the funds. A motion was made for Lou Maruzo to review the funds
available (how many, what they do) and present at the February meeting. The motion was seconded and passed
with one opposed.
Binnacle List: Please keep the following in your prayers. MikeLamont’s mother and Dex Armstrong.
A motion was made to invite Dex and Solveig to come back to the base. The motion was seconded and passed.
Birthdays For The Month of JANUARY
Claude Hollar
Henry Chiles
Robert Glover
Bruce Miller
Katy Chiles
Linda Clement
David Ceechett
Paula Friedrich
Sabrina Wiles
Joseph Fitzgerald
04 January
05 January
05 January
05 January
07 January
07 January
08 January
08 January
09 January
13 January
Einer Nielson
Judith Perrault
John Pendola
John Prisley
Sherri Peck
Sue Glover
Monica Bryant
David Gonzalez
Richard McSpadden
David Arquette
13 January
13 January
16 January
16 January
20 January
22 January
25 January
25 January
26 January
29 January
The Base Chaplain read the benediction.
The 50/50 raffle was conducted. $80.00 went to the base Secretary who donated $40 of the winnings to
whatever scholarship fund the base decides to support. John Prisley won a poster donated by Tim Shannon, Rod
Puffer won brass dolphins mounted on a wood plaque and Ted Odle (Steve Jaeger’s guest) won solid brass
dolphins.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:26 AM.
Presentation on the Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft Program
By David Nelson of the Boeing Corporation
Dave is a retired P-3 Captain who flew P-3's for 26 years, Commanded VP-6 in Hawaii and was also the CO of
NAS Brunswick Maine.
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United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Northern Virginia Base
The MMA 737 is the latest version of ASW aircraft that is built up from a Boeing 737 airframe. PMA 290 is the
program office for NAVAIR responsible for its development. Four global aerospace leaders are involved with
the project.
The average age of current ASW aircraft, the P-3 Orion, is greater than 30 years. Besides age, the older systems
cannot integrate with the new ones. They are also not completely effective with the several new high tech diesel
submarines now in use throughout the world.
In order to adapt to change, we must look for faster speeds and to extend global reach on a 24/7 basis. The new
MMA 737 is 31% faster in transit and 20% faster in dash speed. Its ASW warfighting capability has been
enhanced. She has a 5,000 nautical mile range, ceiling of 41,000 feet, climb or descend at 10,000 feet per
minute, can loiter at 200 feet off the surface, but normal operations are conducted at 20,000 feet.
Other capabilities are: in-flight refueling, can remain on station for more than four hours, is capable of carrying
12,500 pounds of ordnance such as torpedoes, depth bombs and sonar buoys. The mission radius of action will
increase 9-17% by using this aircraft that has support capabilities all over the world.
2004 – Contract award for System Development (June 14)
2009 – First delivery (April)
2009 – Flight test (4th quarter)
2013 – Initial Operational Capability
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
Eskimo Joe
by Bob 'Dex' Armstrong
It's hard to remember where I met Big Jack Destefanato… I think it was in Gosport. The Brit anti-nukes were
demonstrating against anything arriving under nuclear propulsion (We were diesel, but obviously it didn't
matter). The powers that governed naval activity figured that the pea-brained idiots who were jumping up and
down, waving signs and chanting mindless slogans, would be less agitated if we anchored out and confined our
activity to the bars in an ill-defined area outside the naval yard where the limey boat sailors went for warm beer
and chips.
These same 'wiser heads' figured that maturity and responsible behavior came with advancement in rate and
age… Probably true, considering the antics of the non-rated boys. Anyway, their solution was to have the nonrated lads back aboard by midnight. The rated personnel could stay overnight or catch a liberty launch up to
0200 at the fleet landing. They had SPs at the landing to snap up non-rated raghats wandering in at or after
Cinderella hour. Lazy shore duty sonuvabitches who liked nothing better than to nail seagoing bluejackets.
They wore the same uniform we did, but never learned that a sailor's first duty was to take care of his mates.
I got a late launch… It was dark and really cold… The wind cut through your peacoat like a knife… Had to
keep your hands in your peacoat pockets and turn your collar up. The idiot who penned the regulation that
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United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Northern Virginia Base
required sailors to keep their hands out of their pockets and their collars turned down, never were sailors out in
cold weather.
I found a bar… A pub on the street right outside the gate. They had a black and white TV with a soccer game on
that the Brit sailors were really involved in. I didn't understand the rules, but everyone was excited Leeds was
playing Birmingham. Everyone was buying me beer and calling me 'yank'. When you are from East Tennessee
and related to men who wore gray on both your mother and dad's sides of the family, being called 'yank' is
kinda weird.
I bought a pack of Players 'Navy Cut' cigarettes… Worst damn things anyone ever sold to a smoker. Players
made Lucky Strikes and Camels seem mild… An exotic blend of Hindu crabgrass and buffalo chips.
It was a great evening. Leeds won… Bets were paid off… Songs were sung… And I headed back with two lads
stationed as instructors at the Brit sub school, HMS Dolphin.
As I got near the fleet landing, a voice calls out,
"Dex… Hold up…"
I turned and there was Big Joe.
"Hey bucko, do you know what time it is?" I
looked at my watch.
"Aye, it's 2300."
"Hell no you stupid idiot, you're still on Zulu time… Didn't set your watch… Hell, it's damn near 0100. The
pier's crawling with SPs… They've even got them herding drunks on the liberty boats. They'll eat your nonrated butt alive…"
"Holy jumpin' jeezus, Joe… Hell, it won't be the first time I've gotten in the gumbo…"
"Give me your peacoat… Here's mine…"
(The Navy had just started requiring petty officers to wear their crows on their peacoat sleeves.)
I put on the peacoat and became a first class engineman… Snipe for a night… He couldn't put mine on because
(A) there was nothing on the sleeve and (B) it would cover the crow. There was Big Joe, standing in sub-zero
weather with my peacoat turned inside out slung over his shoulder.
"Shore duty guys ain't too gahdam bright… If you keep your mouth shut and stick with me, we can make it
back okay."
We made it to the landing… Everything was going fine until some second class flycatcher's mate with a white
belt, leggings, an arm band, and a three foot billy bat, asks Joe,
"Aren't you a little cold sailor?"
"Whatzit to you? My mother was an Eskimo… Love cold weather… And don't say anything about my mother
or I'll have to rearrange your dental work."
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Northern Virginia Base
Joe damn near froze on the ride back. When we got below, I said,
"Joe, I owe you one… A BIG one…"
"You don't owe me a damn thing, shipmate… It comes with dolphins… Now shut the hell up. Let's head up to
the messdecks and I'll let you buy a frozen fake Eskimo a cup of whatever is passing for coffee tonight."
We worked our way forward through the snoring mob racked out in the after battery.
"You little worthless torpedo striking forward room weasel… You played 'black gang' while I pumped ice cubes
through my ticker for you tonight… If I catch you knocking the boys in the enginehouse, I'm gonna grab you by
both ankles and make a wish."
Joe was full of it, but he had style.
Colon, Panama… Ancon Heights… Fresh pressed whites and three pay days in our pockets. We got word that
EN1(SS) Destefanato was packed in the Panamanian pokey and needed $200 American to rejoin the free
citizens of the planet. It took two hours and a small fortune in Balboas to get a cab to take us to three police
stations and the jail. Paid $200 and $50 to make sure there was no report to Naval authorities.
It seems that Big Joe punched an undercover cop's lights out. The fellow was in the process of rounding up
working girls and attempted to separate Joe and the Spanish damsel he was quite taken with.
"That girl was a proper lady…"
"Sure Joe."
"No, I mean it. Someone musta made a mistake… These damn Pomerainiums just go around roundin' up
women… Rotten bastards…"
"Sure Joe, anything you say… By the way Joe, tonight three worthless forward room sailors blew a big chunk
of their liberty funds to bail your good for nothing butt out of the Panamanian pig pen. We are now going to
pool the rest of what we've got left, buy some barbecued monkey strips, a six of cerveza, and make it back to
the boat. Make that two sixers… Gives us three each… Lay off the deck force… No more riding the sorry-assed
paint spreaders or next time we'll leave you in there counting cockroaches. Oh, and one more thing… Ever since
you made me an honorary snipe, my I.Q. has dropped fifty points and I've been doing stupid stuff like
ransoming ugly enginemen… Joe, that peacoat in England had to be the best investment you ever made."
"Did you guys really shell out $250?"
"Don't worry about it."
"Hey, I'll pay you guys back."
"Anyone ask you to pay anyone back? Forget it… No one said a damn thing about money. All they said was
'Let's go find the big idiot and spring his worthless butt.' Let's get off this 'I love you darling' bullcrap and go
play sailor."
And we did. Big Joe the Eskimo… He's no longer with us. When he turned in his gear, we lost a good man. He
taught us the true meaning of shipmate and what our dolphins required of us. One night, I came off liberty to
find him standing a 12 to 4 watch topside.
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Northern Virginia Base
"Eskimo man, what in the hell are you doing standing a damn topside watch?"
"That new kid Eddie… His mom came down… Didn't know the kid had the duty… Wanted to take him to
dinner and have him for the weekend."
"You want me to see the duty officer and relieve you?"
"Hell no… The kid is getting his first lesson in being a shipmate."
That was Big Joe.
(For other Dex Armstrong stories, go to: http://www.olgoat.com/
The following is additional information provided to base members but not presented at the monthly meeting.
For those interested in becoming a member of the American Legion, membership dues are $24 per year at Post
176.
Discovery Channel Celebrates 20th Anniversary Year with Specials that Honor our History and Embrace our
Future
Released by Discovery Channel, 13 Jan 05
The one-hour special SUBMARINE: HIDDEN HUNTER, on Sunday, April 17, 9-10 PM (ET/PT), heads
deep into top-secret territory with an engrossing profile of the new Virginia Class vessel, which represents a
quantum leap forward in submarine design.
General Dynamics delivers submarine Jimmy Carter to U.S. Navy [Press Release]
GROTON, Conn. – General Dynamics Electric Boat today delivered the Jimmy Carter (SSN-23), the nation’s newest and
most advanced submarine, to the U.S Navy. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE:
GD).
The Jimmy Carter honors the 39th President of the United States – the only submarine-qualified man who went on to
become the nation’s chief executive. It will join the fleet in a commissioning ceremony to be held Feb. 19 at the Navy
submarine base in Groton.
Differentiating the Jimmy Carter from all other submarines is its Multi-Mission Platform (MMP), which includes a 100foot, 2,500-ton hull extension that enhances payload capability, enabling the ship to accommodate advanced technology
required to develop and test an entirely new generation of weapons, sensors, and undersea vehicles. At the same time, the
submarine retains the operational characteristics of the Seawolf class – the fastest, quietest, most heavily armed undersea
combatants in the world.
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THE ONE MC
United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Northern Virginia Base
Selected by the Navy to serve as a test bed for submarine missions in the 21st century, the Jimmy Carter will support
classified research, development, test, and evaluation efforts for naval special-warfare missions, tactical undersea
surveillance, and undersea warfare concepts. “By applying our Design/Build process to the MMP, the Electric Boat
workforce made a seamless and cost-effective transition from conceptual development, to engineering and design, and
production,” said President John P. Casey.
“In fact, the MMP – equivalent in complexity to a complete SSN-688 class submarine – has progressed from a notional
state to construction and integration into the overall ship in less than five years, essentially cutting the procurement time in
half. By any measure, it is a remarkable technological achievement, reflecting Electric Boat’s commitment to continued
submarine excellence,” said Casey.
Characteristics of the Jimmy Carter
Length
Displacement
Beam
Speed
Depth
Payload
Crew
453 feet
12,139 tons (submerged)
40 feet
More than 25 knots
More than 800 feet
Special Operations Forces, Unmanned Undersea Vehicles,
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS), Tomahawk Land-Attack
Cruise Missiles, Mark 48 Advanced Capability Torpedoes
151 officers and men
Other ships of the Seawolf class
USS Seawolf (SSN-21)
USS Connecticut (SSN-22)
The Submarine Ship’s Store, 301 Whitworth Dr., Culpepper, VA 22701
Phone: (540) 727-7610 (Fax: (800) 227-3099)
Lou Maruzo, http://www.subshipstore.com, e-Mail: Lou@subshipstore.com
Garrison Cap W/SubVets Logo
& Three (3) Embroidered Lines Of
Text Sizes 7, 7-1/4, 7-3/8, 7-1/2, 7-
Ball Cap W/Submarine Veteran Patch &
Base Name (Up To Two Lines)
Embroidered On The Back
Page 14
USSVI Patches
Large $11.00, Medium $5.00,
Mini $4.00
THE ONE MC
United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
3/4 $30.00
Submarine Veteran Life Member
Patch $5.00
Submarine Veteran Logo TShirt
Medium - White $12.00
Large - Gray $12.00
XL - Gray $12.00
XXL - Gray or White $14.00
XXXL - Gray or White
$16.00
Northern Virginia Base
$17.00
Submarine Veteran Logo License Plate
$8.00
Submarine Veteran Logo Flag $40.00
Submarine Veteran Logo Decal
$2.00
NOVA Base Logo Patch
$6.00 (See Base Treasurer)
Basic Lined Vest
S-XL $25, XXL $30
Complete Vest with Patches
will be ~ $115 depending
upon accessories ordered.
Provide waist size and
Page 15
THE ONE MC
United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Northern Virginia Base
Shoulder-to-Waist length.
Submarine prints are available through Tom Denton. Tom has prints of Diesel Subs, Fast Attacks, 41 for
Freedom, Trident, British Fleet, Submarine Rescue, Lighthouses and some skimmer stuff (if you’re into that
sort of thing). You can view available prints at http://www.submarineart.com, write him at: Tom Denton, 8629
Discovery Blvd., Walkersville, MD 21793, or contact him at (301) 845-0049 or
e-Mail: gcmfish@juno.com
Prints, posters, flags, etc., are also available from Vermar Naval Products, P.O. Box 501908, San Diego, CA
92150-1908 or contact vermarnavalships@hotmail.com.
Book Reviews:
DIRECTIONS TO OUR BASE MEETINGS:
OLD KEENE MILL RD Going EAST - From Burke
· Past the light at Commerce St, Old Keene Mill Rd expands to 5 lanes
· Continue East, stay to the Right, continue past Spring Rd
· Pass Springfield Methodist Church and a Mobil station on the Right
· Just before the overpass (I-95), turn Right on Springfield Blvd
· Turn Right into American Legion Post 176 parking lot
I-395 Going SOUTH - From Washington DC
· Pass the through the 395/495/95 interchange, move to the Right
· Take exit 169B (sign 'SPRINGFIELD W 644')
· Stay to the Left and Pass Brandon and Backlick
· Turn Right on Bland (by sign 'TO S 617, TO 7900')
· Turn Right at the first light and cross over Veterans’ Bridge
· Turn Right at the Springfield Blvd light at base of the bridge
· Immediate Left into American Legion Post 176 parking lot
I-495 (Capital Beltway)
- INNER LOOP - From Woodrow Wilson Bridge
Page 16
THE ONE MC
United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Northern Virginia Base
- OUTER LOOP - From Tyson's Corner
· Take 95 SOUTH exit
· Take exit 169B (sign 'SPRINGFIELD W 644')
· Pass Brandon and Backlick
· Turn Right on Bland (by sign 'TO S 617, TO 7900')
· Turn Right at the first light and cross over Veterans’ Bridge
· Turn Right at the Springfield Blvd light at base of the bridge
· Immediate Left into American Legion Post 176 parking lot
I-95 Going NORTH - From Woodbridge (Richmond)
· Take Springfield exit 169 (Stay Left for exit 169B onto Old Keene Mill Rd)
· After passing under I-95, immediately move to the Right lane
· Turn Right on Bland (by sign 'TO S 617, TO 7900')
· Turn Right at the first light and cross over Veterans’ Bridge
· Turn Right at the Springfield Blvd light at base of the bridge
· Immediate Left into American Legion Post 176 parking lot
FRANCONIA RD. Going WEST - From Annandale
· After passing under I-95, immediately move to the Right lane
· Turn Right on Bland (by sign 'TO S 617, TO 7900')
· Turn Right at the first light and cross over Veterans’ Bridge
· Turn Right at the Springfield Blvd light at base of the bridge
· Immediate Left into American Legion Post 176 parking lot
Page 17
USSVI NORTHERN VIRGINIA BASE
http://www.ussvinova.org/
APPLICATION FOR ALL NEW, RENEWAL, or TRANSFER MEMBERSHIPs
"To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country.
That their dedication, deeds, and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments.
Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States Government."
I subscribe to the creed of the United States Submarine Veterans Inc.,
and agree to abide by all Bylaws, Regulations, and Procedures governing
the Unites States Submarine Veterans, Inc., so long as they do not conflict
with my military or civil obligations.
I will furnish further proof of my eligibility for membership if required.
Signature __________________________________________________________________
NAME:____________________________________________________________________
ANNUAL DUES:
See USSVI National and Northern
Virginia (NOVA) Subase Dues Plans
DATE: ________/_________/_______(MM/DD/YY)
STATE: _____________ ZIP:_______________
ADDRESS:_________________________________________________________________
CITY:_____________________________________________________________________
BIOGRAPHICAL DATA (New Members / Updates)
Date of Birth (MM/DD/YY): _________/_________/____________
E-mail Address: ________________________________________________________
Telephone: (h) ___________________________________; (w) ___________________________________;
(c) ___________________________________
Date First Enl. /Comm. (MM/DD/YY):______/______/_______
Date Discharged (MM/DD/YY):_______/_______/_______
Total Years of Service: __________ Highest Rate / Rank Attained: _____________ Retired (Y/N)? ______
Qual Boat: _________________________________ Hull#________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) ______/______
Qual Rate / Rank____________________________ Qual Date: (MM/YY): _____________/_____________
Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______
Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______
Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______
Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______
Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______
Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______
Other Boats: _______________________________ Hull# ________________ Yrs. (YY/YY) _______/_______
Spouse's Name: ____________________________ Spouse's Birthday (MM/DD): _____________/__________
(Continue on reverse if necessary)
Applicants serving on active duty are requested to provide a permanent address through which they may be contacted.
Just bring it to a meeting, or check the website at the top of this page for e-mail addresses.
NATIONAL Dues are: (Effective 20 September 2004)
ANNUAL
THREE YEARS
FIVE YEARS
$20
$55
$90
LIFE MEMBER (Effective 1 January 2005)
Age 76 and over
$100
Age 66 - 75
$200
Age 56 - 65
$300
Age 46 - 55
$400
Age 45 and younger $500
National has an installment plan for becoming a Life Member. Minimum payment is $50.
NORTHERN VIRGINIAN SUBASE dues are:
ANNUAL
$ 10
LIFE MEMBER
Age 65+
Age 55 – 65
Age 45 - 55
Under Age 45
$ 50
$100
$150
$250
National and NOVA Base dues are waived for Holland Club members.
Please cut on the dotted line and submit to Treasurer by mail or at the next meeting you attend.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name: _______________________________
Date: __________
NATIONAL Dues: Annual
$20
Three Years $55
Five Years $90
Life Age Dependent
Life Age Dependent
Installment Plan
Amount Enclosed: __________
Amount Enclosed: __________
Amount Enclosed: __________
Age ____ Amount Enclosed: __________
NOVA SUBASE Dues:
Life
Amount Enclosed: __________
Age ____ Amount Enclosed: __________
Annual
$10
Age Dependent
Age ____ Amount Enclosed: __________
Total Enclosed:
Make check to:
USSVI NOVA Subase
Send Payment to:
USSVI Treasurer
Arthur Esposito
12618 Bayard Drive
Reston, VA 20191-5802
__________