Golden Corner Base APR 2022 Newsletter

FROM THE DEEP: GOLDEN CORNER BASE NEWSLETTER Issue 27

9 USSVI
7
Golden Corner Base
Newsletter

Issue 027
APRIL
2022

USS CLAGAMORE LOSES IN LAST BATTLE IN THIS ISSUE

History Teaches Us Base News…page 4
MORE Base News…page 6
by The Editor

Hello Shipmates, That said, I am so pleased to have
Dalton’s own words published in this
It was saddening to read of the final issue on page 5 – a must read.
resting place of the USS Clagamore
SS-343, to become an artificial reef. Many of you have answered the call to
Lately, it seems we are erasing history, send contributions to the newsletter and
good and bad, losing the valuable it is much appreciated. I hope I didn’t
lessons that can be learned from miss anything. Sorry, no qual photo this
studying history. We must always look issue.
forward, but we must understand our
history in order to not repeat the Please don’t forget our official base
mistakes of the past. We have seen too charities, on page 10.
many instances where people continue
to pursue wrong courses of action See you this Wednesday!
because they do not take the time to
think critically about what has happened Fair Winds & Calm Seas,
in the past.
Brett
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Clagamore…. EDITOR

On page 26 of the recently published Brett Shone, [email protected]
American Submariner magazine, I
noted the article “Docs Below Decksin
the New Nuclear Navy” and I couldn’t
help but think about our own Dalton.

FROM THE DEEP: GOLDEN CORNER BASE NEWSLETTER | Issue 27 2

Tolling of the Boats  USS Gudgeon (SS-211)  USS Grenadier (SS-210)
Lost on April 22,1943 near Penang, with
Honoring our fallen submarine heroes is USS Gudgeon (SS-211) was probably no immediate loss of life. She was on her
fundamental to our creed as members of lost on April 18, 1944 with the loss of 79 6th war patrol. While stalking a convoy,
U.S. Submarine Veterans (USSVI), which men SE of Iwo Jima, but may have been she was spotted by a plane and dove.
is… sunk on May 12, 1944 in another attack While passing 130 feet, Grenadier was
on an unidentified submarine and heard bombed, causing severe damage. She
“To perpetuate the memory of by several other submarines in the area. was lodged on the bottom 270 feet and
our shipmates who gave their Winner of 5 Presidential Unit Citations, the crew spent hours fighting fires and
lives in the pursuit of their duties Gudgeon was on her 12th war patrol and flooding. When she surfaced, she had no
while serving their country.” most likely due to a combined air and propulsion and was attacked by another
surface antisubmarine attack. Gudgeon plane. While she shot down the plane.
 USS Pickerel (SS-177) was the first US submarine to go on When enemy ships arrived, the CO
patrol from Pearl Harbor after the abandoned ship and scuttled the boat.
Lost on April 3,1943 with the loss of 74 Japanese attack. On her first patrol, she Of the 76 crew members taken prisoner,
officers and men, while on her 7th war became the first US submarine to sink 72 survived the war.
patrol. She was lost off Honshu. The an enemy warship, picking off the
exact cause of her loss has never been submarine I-173. US National
determined, but her OP area contained Archives photo #
numerous minefields. 19LCM bs69815,
from National
 USS Snook (SS-279) Archives and
Records
Lost on April 8,1945 with the loss of 84 Administration
officers and men. Snook ranks 10th in (NARA), College
total Japanese tonnage sunk and is tied Park, Maryland,
for 9th in the number of ships sunk. She courtesy of Sean
was lost near Hainan Island, possibly Hert.
sunk by a Japanese submarine.

 USS Thresher (SSN-593)

Lost on April 10, 1963 with the loss of
112 crew members and 17 civilian
technicians during deep-diving
exercises. 15 minutes after reaching test
depth, she communicated with USS
Skylark that she was having problems.
Skylark heard noises "like air rushing
into an air tank" - then, silence. Rescue
ship Recovery (ASR-43) subsequently
recovered bits of debris, including gloves
and bits of internal insulation.
Photographs taken by Trieste proved
that the submarine had broken up,
taking all hands on board to their deaths
n 1,400 fathoms of water, some 220
miles east of Boston.

FROM THE DEEP: GOLDEN CORNER BASE NEWSLETTER | Issue 27 3

USSVI NEWS 4/13/2022: USSVI Website

4/1/2022: American Good Morning USSVI – my name is Tim
Submariner magazine 2022 Carlisle and I serve as the Mare Island
2nd edition now on line info Base Commander in the Bay Area, and
now have been appointed as the
Due to a continuing situation out of our chairman of the Website Development
control, we cannot upload the American Committee by the National Commander.
Submariner 2022 2nd Quarter Edition to Our committee includes national
our current website. leadership and three technical team
As a temporary workaround, we have members.
made this latest edition available by the
use of Google Drive. After some serious investigation of the
Please click on or copy and paste the website and the database, we discovered
following link into your web browser which there are 6-7 databases that data was
will open this current edition for your pulled from by our previous website. Our
viewing. belief is this was due to size constraints of
https://tinyurl.com/zdan2a8j databases back then (this was written in
This link is for USSVI Members in good SQL 2000). The cost and effort to have
standing only. It is not to be shared with an outside firm discover, separate, and
anyone outside of our organization. append all the data to one database
All the Best and please take care, would likely be higher than the cost of our
Wayne Standerfer 3-year Blackbaud contract. We are taking
USSVI National Commander that on internally with the goal of handing
Blackbaud a backup of a usable
Link to Previous American database. In this process we will be
Submariner Magazines: removing a large amount of redundant
data.
Past Issues: https://bit.ly/3w23gBF
On another note, we are looking for a
EDITORS NOTE: software developer (preferably a
I have tested several browsers and Submarine Veteran) with 10-15 years of
successfully logged onto the USSVI experience with C#, Java, or ASP.
website with the following browsers: Please reach out to me at
Firefox & Internet Explorer. USSVI did [email protected] if interested.
NOT work with Edge, Chrome, TOR,
Onion or Brave. I will be sending out monthly regarding
our progress with the website and
database through the POC Manager.
Thank you for your patience, as we take
this on.

Tim

FROM THE DEEP: GOLDEN CORNER BASE NEWSLETTER | Issue 27 4

APRIL MILESTONES FROM THE BOARDROOM… GOLDEN CORNER BASE
LIBRARY
USSVI ANNIVERSARY The warmer weather is approaching
Peter Graef APR 2009 and the sun sure feels good. I thank LINK
all of you who are continuing to show
GOLDEN CORNER BASE up to meetings and other events. I
ANNIVERSARY hope to have more outside events
No April base anniversary with parades and hospital visits this
year. I have been contacting vendors
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! to find a repair for the base float.
Art Allum APR 1938 Changes in temperature at our
storage location caused the forward
GOLDEN CORNER OFFICERS: end of the float to collapse inward on
Base Commander: Ed Evering itself. Kind of looks like it ran into
Sr. Vice Commander: Wayne something. I have not found a shop
Hensarling willing to take on the repair, however,
Secretary: David Rocheville I am still pursuing the effort.
Treasurer: Richard Franklin
Chief Of The Boat: Tom Vaughan A new storage area for the float will
Chaplain: Wayne Hensarling eventually have to be located. The
Eagle Scout Chair: Luis Garcia building currently storing the float is
Newsletter Editor: Brett Shone part of Willy’s estate. Who ever
Librarian: Brett Shone receives the building may want to sell
the structure. The property is on a
main highway in Anderson and would
appear to me to be somewhat
valuable due to its location. More to
come as time passes.

April 20th is the date of our next
meeting. It will be held at Merrell’s
Pizza in Easley South Carolina.
Looking forward to a good crowd of
Submarine Veterans showing up for
the event.

Please consider attending some of
the Veterans Last Patrol Events close
to where you reside. The are very
meaningful to the veterans.

I would again like to thank Brett for
his efforts as our Editor. I consider
he does a terrific job. Speaking of
that, please send him a write up of
your history or an event that stands
out from your military service.

Base Commander
Ed Evering

FROM THE DEEP: GOLDEN CORNER BASE NEWSLETTER | Issue 27 5

The submarine insignia was to be I then was in the 100th Officers
worn at all times by officers and Basic Submarine Course in New
enlisted personnel qualified in London. After the first six weeks,
submarine duty attached to the doctors studied with the
submarine units or organizations, research lab and spent six weeks
ashore and afloat, and not to be worn on submarines going to St.
when not attached. Thomas. I rode the USS
TorskSS423. I traced out systems
---- US Submarine Veteran and stood watches. The last part
of our instructions were in the
Base News… Oral History from Arthur escape training tank.
“Dalton” James, Capt. USN
From the COB…. Retired, MD I received orders to SubRon6 in
Norfolk, VA. This was good as I
Our warfare pin turns 98 years old Life of Dalton James (including could get to Washington DC and
today! (20 March 1924) Navy Years 1954 to1974) finish courting my future wife. I
spent a very interesting next two
The suggestion was strongly I had educational deferments years. I got married but almost
endorsed by Commander Submarine from being drafted through missed the wedding because I
Division Atlantic. college, medical school and was treating an air embolism
internship and was ready to start case and in a recompression
Over the next several months the an obstetrical residency but chamber four days just before.
Bureau of Navigation (now known as realized that I could be drafted
Naval Personnel Command) solicited at any time. The Navy had a Slade Cutter was the Squadron
additional designs from several program where I would be on C.O. Admiral Nimitz's son was the
sources. Some combined a active duty for two years and in Tender C.O.(USS Orion, AS-18).
submarine with a shark motif. Others the reserve for six years. I There were 16 diesel subs of
showed submarines and dolphins, applied and submarine and diving several types including the USS
and still others used a shield design. medicine sounded exciting, so I Sea Lion APSS315 which still had
volunteered and got accepted. a deck gun. There was a Regulus1
A Philadelphia firm, which had done sub and also a Radar Pickets sub
work for the Navy in the field of Naval I quickly learned that the Navy who were always doing
Academy class rings, was was full of surprises. In the first interesting things in the arctic.
approached by the Bureau of two months, I had a set of orders The Kittiwake was our ASR. I
Navigation with the request that it to a Destroyer Squadron and one spent many days on her doing
design a suitable badge. Two designs to a Mobile Surgical Team, both diving training. I would usually
were submitted by the firm, and these got cancelled. I spent those two make the last dive of the day. It
were combined into a single design. months delivering babies at the made for good relationships with
This design was executed in bas- Oakland Naval Hospital while the divers. I weighted 155 and
relief in clay. It was a bow view of a waiting for Deep Sea Diving the gear weighed 220 pounds.
submarine, proceeding on the School.
surface, with bow planes rigged for Toward the end of my SubRon 6
diving, flanked by dolphins in a The ten-week course was in the experience, the captain in charge
horizontal position with their heads Naval Gun factory in Washington of submarine medical affairs in
resting on the upper edge of the bow DC. We learned dive on air and the Navy persuaded me to take
planes. Helium-Oxygen. The six doctors an ob-gyn residency in the Navy. I
in the class learned how to had enjoyed my navy time and
Today a similar design is used: a calculate diving decompression my wife did not object. I
dolphin fish flanking the bow and tables and how to treat diving reported to the Oakland Naval
conning tower of a submarine. accidents. I also met my future Hospital and finished three years
wife, who was in the GW Medical later. My wife, Kay, had not had
On 20 March 1924, the Chief of the School. any problem getting a position in
Bureau of Navigation recommended the Contra Costa County Health
to the Secretary of the Navy that the Department.
design be adopted. The
recommendation was accepted by
Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., Acting
Secretary of the Navy. His
acceptance is dated March 1924.

FROM THE DEEP: GOLDEN CORNER BASE NEWSLETTER | Issue 27 6

Much to my amazement, instead After I left the Edison, I went to Force Troops Surgeon, Fleet
of getting orders to a hospital I another squadron which had Marines, Pacific, I called the
received orders to see Admiral mostly nuclear subs. I spent one detailer. He assured me that I
Rickover, evidently was approved summer with the Thresher would be most of the time at the
and received training at New search. I was there as a diving hospital.
London Conn. in working with medic but it turned out that I
radiation, treating radiation was the only one in the task force He was correct. I did not go to
exposure and doing with nuclear training so much to Viet Nam. I did get to climb down
radiochemistry chemistry. I had my joy, I got to make two dives rope ladders of a ship and to be
six months at the Nuclear on the bathyscaphe Trieste to crowded into a helicopter with 35
Prototype in Windsor Locks Conn. 8400 feet. I got to recognize marines and take off from a ship
Meanwhile, Kay was caring for items from the reactor and to go on exercises in the
two small boys and living in small compartment. desert. I had the administration
apartment in Hartford, Conn. It duties well handled by four
was a cold snowy winter. I had a short time in charge of medical service corps officers.
the research lab in New London. I I had 5 doctors,7 navy nurses and
I got orders to the Thomas A, spent some of my time while 10 civilian nurses. There was
Edison (Blue Crew). It was still trying to explain to the Base CO, another fully trained obstetrician
under construction and in my two Capt. Gage, why the non-navy gynecologist so I would not be on
years on board, I got to know it PHDs did not stop for colors or call 24 hours
very well. My duties included why there were high ranking
doing the radiochemistry on the people visiting the lab that he After 29 Palms, I was in San Diego
coolant, looking for radioactive had not been notified about. For with Subron 5 and 7. I was
isotopes of steel and fission that matter neither had I. I was SubPac Medical Officer for four
products. I did find evidence of a very happy when George Bond years and retired after twenty
leak and air exposure and returned and took the lab back. years with my last year at Mare
corrosion once. I never found a Island Ca. Kay and I then lived for
fuel plate rupture. My last year in New London, I thirty-five years in Orinda, Ca.
spent the mornings as Director of
Also, I did personnel film badge the School of Submarine After retirement I worked for Ca.
overseeing and atmosphere Medicine, the afternoons working County Health Departments
monitoring for CO2, freon and at the escape training tank and and Kay worked for Contra Costa
many other contaminates. My treating the occasional air County. We both volunteered
collateral assignments included embolism in the recompression then I eased into retirement. Kay
lay leader, we had a piano on chamber and the evenings worked until the week we left.
board (gift of Steinway) and delivering babies in the sub
useful for church service, hospital. Every few weeks, I I have made four treks in Nepal,
librarian (BUPERS gave us many would get to go on the new traveled to forty-five countries,
paperbacks before patrol), Public construction sub tests. Things camped winter and summer in
Relations Officer and other jobs. were done then to make the the mountains, played tennis and
designers and engineers happy bridge and read a lot. Kay and I
These were interesting times. We that were not done again. have lived in the Clemson Downs
were out during the Cuban Crisis. Retirement Home for twelve
One time we were run over while I still needed to get my "boards" years.
surfacing and testing new gear in in ob-gyn and get some surgery
11,000 of water by one of our experience. I knew there was a
own destroyers (they thought we new station hospital at 29 Palms
were Russian). I felt that I was Marine Corps Base in southern
part of the crew with a purpose. California. Someone I knew had
A corpsman and ELTs took over been there and there was plenty
our job later, but this was in the of surgery and deliveries. I
early years, and we were not requested orders. This was the
sure what was going to happen. middle of the Viet Nam War so
when I got the orders to be the

FROM THE DEEP: GOLDEN CORNER BASE NEWSLETTER | Issue 27 7

From Walker “T”…. grown to more than 250 volunteers than the volunteer who sits and
in 19 states, supporting thousands of listens to stories of service and
Here's an article about Claud veterans. sacrifice.
Schmid, he developed the
Veteran's Last Patrol organization. During the last three years of his 31- Joe was a World War II veteran who
year Army career, which included operated a landing craft during the
This is VLP ceremonies that Art serving as a combat brigade invasion of Normandy. When the
Allum and I assist with. Art seems commander in Iraq, Schmid was boat next to him sank, Joe jumped in
to go to a lot more than me, but chief of the Army wounded warrior to rescue one of the men in the
we all do our part. flight evacuation program. In that water. Both survived the war, and
role, he met thousands of the man Joe rescued sent him a box
Member’s Nonprofit Ensures servicemembers wounded in Iraq of cigars on the anniversary of D-Day
Veterans in Hospice Have and Afghanistan. for the next 45 years.
Companionship
“I learned a lot from that,” Schmid “He had a caregiver who spent
March 14, 2022 said. “The most important was that several hours a day with him. But, by
no matter someone’s adversity or and large, he was alone,” Schmid
Top, Col. Claude Schmid, USA (Ret), what condition they are in, they still said.
right, founder of Veteran's Last Patrol, need someone to talk to. They need
stands with two World War II veterans. a friend. They need someone to One veteran had lost the ability to
Below, a Veteran’s Last Patrol volunteer listen to them.” speak, but he could still hear music,
holds the hand of a veteran in hospice. and he would sing along to it.
(Courtesy photos) After retirement, Schmid began
volunteering at nursing homes and “Sometimes they’ll tell you about a
By Kristin Davis with hospice organizations and last wish,” Schmid said. Like the
found there was a great shortage of lifetime trout fisherman who wanted
The toughest assignments are best volunteers for such work. It would to go fishing one last time. A fishing
faced together, and no assignment is form the foundation of Veteran’s guide was found, and a trip was
more laden than the last. Last Patrol. In addition to providing arranged. He caught one final trout.
friendship, the organization also
That is why Col. Claude Schmid, USA honors those in end-of-life care with “Many of these veterans have
(Ret), founded Veteran’s Last Patrol, ceremonies and presentations. outlived their wives and, in many
a nonprofit that connects veteran cases, their children. They live in
volunteers to veterans in hospice. Many of the veterans served are the their memories,” said Col. Art
last surviving members of their Wallace, USA (Ret), who began
“All branches of service understand families, Schmid said. “Oftentimes, volunteering with Veteran’s Last
the concept of patrolling land, sea, they are alone or there is no one in Patrol as an extension of his own
or air,” Schmid said. “End-of-life care their family who has a military involvement with hospice. “When
is your last patrol. Like all patrols connection. This may be the last they are surrounded by veterans,
we’re familiar with, they are best time for them to share their stories, some of whom have had similar
done as part of a team. You don’t go especially with a new friend or a new assignments, it rekindles those
patrolling alone.” veteran who comes into the picture.” memories . . . it’s like opening a
yearbook. You have memories that
Since its founding in South Carolina The bonds that form in those final you may not have thought about for
in 2018, Veteran’s Last Patrol has months and weeks can be decades.”
extraordinary, Schmid said. And
perhaps no one is more honored

FROM THE DEEP: GOLDEN CORNER BASE NEWSLETTER | Issue 27 8

Mister Mac Corner…. I’ve always had a sneaking suspicion that the submariner. At that time he is authorized to
name fish came from a smartass Submariner wear dolphins.
THE ORIGIN OF SUBMARINE DOLPHINS – who was making a snarky comparison to the The correct name for the dolphins is
ALL HANDS MAGAZINE JANUARY 1961 men who were fishy enough to volunteer to submarine insigne. It is one of the items of
Posted on October 13, 2018 by Mister Mac be locked up in a steel tube that submerges uniform included under the category of
SUBMARINE WARFARE INSIGNIA for extended periods of time. Submariners breast insignia, including naval aviator,
One way to distinguish a United States Navy have a quirky sense of humor which can aviation observer and parachutist insignia,
Submariner from any other sailor is to see either be endearing or annoying depending among others.
the dolphins predominantly displayed on his on who is on the receiving end of their brand
or her uniform. Officers wear a gold version of humor. The submarine insignia came into use in the
and enlisted wear a silver version. I have seen I have heard many times that once you wear Navy nearly 37 years ago. It was on 13 Jun
many stories over the years about the origin the dolphins, they are forever emblazoned 1923 that the commander of a New London-
of the insigne but this article from the Navy’s into your heart. I can’t speak for all based submarine division, took the first
All Hands Magazine seems to sum it up submariners, but it is certainly true for me. I official steps—by way of an official
nicely. am proud of the American flag and I am a recommendation. That officer was Captain
The common name for the insigne is humble servant of the Risen Lord. But there Ernest Joseph King, USN, who later became
Dolphins although in my time, they were also is a part of me that will always be a part of a Commander-in-Chief U.S. Fleet and Chief of
known as “Fish”. That’s interesting in some very unique family known as Submariners. Naval Operations.
ways since a dolphin is a mammal and not a One caveat: Like all good Naval Yarns that Captain King recommended that a
fish. are passed along, this one probably has some distinguishing device be adopted for
elements of truth to it and some conjecture. I qualified submariners, both officers and
Dolphins of course are mammals because will leave it up to historians to decide which is enlisted men. With his recommendation he
they have all of the major characteristics of which. submitted a pen-and-ink sketch of his own.
mammals; they breathe through lungs, they The sketch showed a shield mounted on the
are warm-blooded, they produce milk for ALL HANDS MAGAZINE JANUARY 1961 beam ends of a submarine, with dolphins
their offspring and they have hair. They also DOLPHINS forward of, and abaft, the conning tower.
have blowholes and must return to the “A high point in the career of many a Navy The recommendation was strongly endorsed
surface for air. man occurs when he becomes a qualified by Commander, Submarine Divisions,
WHERE DID THE “FISH” COME FROM? Atlantic Fleet, the following day and sent on
to the Chief of the old Bureau of Navigation.
Over the next several months the Bureau
solicited additional designs from various
sources. Several were submitted. Some
combined a submarine-and-shark motif.
Some showed submarines and dolphins.
Some used a shield design.
On 20 March 1924, the Chief of BuNav
recommended to the Secretary of the Navy
that the dolphin design be adopted. A few
days later the recommendation was

FROM THE DEEP: GOLDEN CORNER BASE NEWSLETTER | Issue 27 9

accepted by Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., Acting
SecNav.

The final design shows the bow view of a
submarine proceeding on the surface of the
sea. Her bow planes care rigged for diving.
Flanking the submarine are stylized dolphins
in horizontal position with their heads resting
on the upper edge of the bow planes.

As with other breast insignia (and enlisted
distinguishing marks), qualifications are
outlined in the Bupers Manual, while the
method of wearing, a description of the
design and an illustration of the design are to
be found in Uniform Regulations.

The submarine insignia in the early days were
awarded only to those officers qualified for
submarine command. Later the criteria
became “Qualified in sub- marines.” Also in
the early days, the insignia were worn (both
by officers and enlisted men) only when
attached to submarines or submarine
organizations. Under current directives
however, once qualified, the insignia may be
worn regardless of the duty being
performed.

As first authorized, the insigne for officers
was a bronze, gold-plated metal pin. Later,
both a gold embroidered insigne and a gold-
color metal pin became authorized.

Today enlisted submariners may wear either
a silver-color metal pin or an embroidered
dolphin. The latter is either white or blue,
depending on the uniform worn.

Originally, the embroidered insigne was
worn on an enlisted man’s right sleeve,
midway between the wrist and elbow. Today
it is worn on the left breast.”

ALL Hands Magazine JANUARY 1961

FROM THE DEEP: GOLDEN CORNER BASE NEWSLETTER | Issue 27 10

Support official base "Bringing friendships to veterans in hospice care"
charities: www.veteranlastpatrol.org
864-580-8005
Upstate-Carolina Adaptive Golf

FROM THE DEEP: GOLDEN CORNER BASE NEWSLETTER | Issue 27 11

SUBMARINES IN THE operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Justin Hardy, the Gold Crew’s
Mass Communication Specialist 1st commanding officer, said the award is
NEWS Class Rex Nelson/Released) validation of the crews’ continued
hard work.
USS ALASKA TAKES TROPHY 5TH 150107-N-QO773-009 3 of 3
TIME IN DECADE The Ohio-class ballistic-missile "This award is a testament to the
BY BY CHIEF PETTY OFFICER submarine USS Alaska (SSBN 732) hard work and perseverance the crew
ASHLEY BERUMEN returns to Naval Submarine Base of the Alaska has shown throughout
08 April 2022 Kings Bay following routine the year and continues to
KINGS BAY, Ga. -- operations. (U.S. Navy photo by demonstrate every day,” said Hardy.
The Ohio-class ballistic-missile Mass Communication Specialist 1st “It is humbling and inspiring to be part
submarine USS Alaska (SSBN 732) Class Rex Nelson/Released) of such a dedicated team."
Gold Crew returns to its homeport at
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, The crews of the Ohio-class ballistic- The award recipients were
Georgia, following a strategic missile submarine USS Alaska announced in a message from Adm.
deterrent patrol. The ship is one of six (SSBN 732) were recently announced Charles Richard, commander of
ballistic-missile submarines stationed as the recipients of the 2021 U.S. USSTRATCOM. The award will be
at the base and is capable of carrying Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) presented to Alaska at a later date.
up to 20 submarine-launched Omaha Trophy.
ballistic-missiles with multiple “Today’s strategic threat environment
warheads. U.S. Navy photo by Mass This is the fifth time in ten years that requires that we have a combat-ready
Communication Specialist 1st Class USS Alaska has been selected for force on watch 24/7,” said Adm.
Ashley Berumen (Released). this honor, which recognizes Charles Richard, commander of
outstanding support to the USSTRATCOM. “These Omaha
211001-N-IS980-021 1 of 3 USSTRATCOM mission of strategic Trophy award winners stood out for
KINGS BAY, Ga. (Oct. 1, 2021) deterrence. their continued excellence anytime,
anywhere, making our global mission
150107-N-QO773-069 2 of 3 Both the Blue and Gold crews were successful. I congratulate all units
The Ohio-class ballistic-missile recognized as the ballistic-missile nominated for their exceptional
submarine USS Alaska (SSBN 732) submarine winners. The award meritorious service. Each of you
returns to Naval Submarine Base consists of four categories which demonstrate an unrivaled
Kings Bay following routine include: intercontinental ballistic commitment to strategic deterrence.
missile squadron, ballistic missile Bravo Zulu!”
submarine, strategic bomber
squadron, and global operations The Omaha Trophy was originally
squadron. created by the Strategic Air
Command Consultation Committee
Cmdr. Bill Dull, commanding officer of (SCC) in 1971. At the time, a single
USS Alaska’s Blue Crew said he is trophy was presented annually as a
proud of the hard work both crews token of appreciation to the
exhibited throughout the past year. command’s best wing. The SCC – an
advisory group comprised of business
“It is a tremendous honor to earn the leaders in the Omaha area – became
2021 USSTRATCOM Omaha trophy,” the Strategic Command Consultation
said Dull. “Earning this award is the Committee after the activation of
direct result of the hard work and USSTRATCOM in 1992.
effort by both crews of Alaska
working together to execute the Alaska is one of six SSBNs
number one mission in the homeported at Naval Submarine
Department of Defense. I could not Base Kings Bay, Ga. She is the fourth
be more proud of the Alaska family.” U.S. Navy ship to be named for the
Territory of Alaska or the State of
Alaska.

FROM THE DEEP: GOLDEN CORNER BASE NEWSLETTER | Issue 27 12

USS Annapolis Makes Fifth submarine on Guam, USS Annapolis is assigned to
Submarine Homeported in Guam Annapolis," said Commander Joint Commander, Submarine Squadron
Region Marianas Rear Adm. 15 (CSS-15), which is located at
Photo By Lt. Eric Uhden | APRA Benjamin Nicholson. "Guam and the Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam. The
HARBOR, Guam (March 28, 2022) Mariana Islands are incredibly squadron staff is responsible for
The Los Angeles-class fast-attack important to the overall defense of the providing training, material and
submarine USS... read more region, and this additional capability personnel readiness support to these
APRA HARBOR, GUAM further underscores our commitment commands. Also based out of Naval
03.28.2022 to a free and open Indo-Pacific." Base Guam are submarine tenders
Story by Lt. Eric Uhden USS Frank Cable (AS 40) and USS
Commander, Submarine Squadron In accordance with the strategic Emory S. Land (AS 39). The
15 laydown plan of 2021, Annapolis submarines and tenders are
makes the fifth Los Angeles-class maintained as part of the U.S. Navy's
APRA HARBOR, Guam (March 28, fast-attack submarine to be forward-deployed submarine force
2022) The Los Angeles-class fast- homeported in Guam alongside USS and are readily capable of meeting
attack submarine USS Annapolis Asheville (SSN 722), USS Key West global operational requirements.
(SSN 760) arrived March 28 at Naval (SSN 758), USS Jefferson City (SSN
Base Guam from Naval Base Point 759), and USS Springfield (SSN 761). Today in Naval
Loma, San Diego, California, shifting USS Springfield arrived in Guam one History
its homeport as part of the U.S. Navy week before USS Annapolis on
strategic laydown plan for naval March 21. 1915
forces in the Indo-Pacific region.
"As part of the U.S. Navy's plan to put Chief Gunners Mate Frank Crilley, a
“My crew is proud to join the the most advanced and capable units naval diver, rescues a fellow diver
submarine force team in Guam,” said forward, USS Annapolis completed a who had become entangled at a
Cmdr. James Tuthill, Annapolis's homeport shift from San Diego, depth of 250 feet during salvage
commanding officer. “It's an excellent California to Guam in order to support operations for USS F-4 submarine
place to live, with a strong sense of Indo-Pacific initiatives and missions," that had sunk March 25, 1915, with
community and a clear mission. We said Capt. Bret Grabbe, commodore, the loss of her entire crew. For his
worked hard to get the ship through a Submarine Squadron 15. heroism on this occasion, he is
shipyard period ahead of schedule, awarded the Medal of Honor in
and we're ready to assume our place The submarine's ability to support a 1929.
on the front line.” multitude of missions, to include anti-
submarine warfare, anti-surface ship 1942
The security environment in the Indo- warfare, surveillance and
Pacific requires that the U.S. Navy reconnaissance, and strike warfare, USS Searaven (SS 196) begins
station the most capable ships makes Springfield one of the most rescue of stranded Australian
forward. This posture allows rapid capable submarines in the world. sailors, airmen, and soldiers from
responses for maritime and joint Japanese-occupied Timor, N.E.I.
forces, and brings our most capable "My Sailors keep close tabs on world
ships and submarines with the events, especially those in the Indo-
greatest amount of striking power and Pacific region" said Tuthill. "We're
operational capability to bear in the ready to get to work."
timeliest manner.
Commissioned April 11, 1992,
"I would like to personally extend a Annapolis is the fourth ship of the
warm Hafa Adai to the Sailors and United States Navy named for the city
families of our fifth homeported of Annapolis, Maryland. Annapolis
has a crew of approximately 16
officers and 127 enlisted Sailors.
Los Angeles-class fast-attack
submarines make up the majority of
the submarine force, with nearly 40
still in commission. Annapolis
returned from its last deployment,
April 2021, where they conducted
operations vital to national security in
the Western Pacific.

FROM THE DEEP: GOLDEN CORNER BASE NEWSLETTER | Issue 27 13

SUBMARINES IN THE The $2 million cost will come from upgrade for diesel-powered
the museum’s operating budget, submarines. It was
NEWS officials said. decommissioned in 1975 and has
Submarines are generally named been docked at the Mount
Cold War-era sub to be for fish, and clamagore is an old Pleasant military attraction since
dismantled, parts to be on name for the blue parrotfish. 1981.
exhibit Friday's resolution said the board
had considered alternatives such The state Legislature approved
The Post and Courier Mar 19, 2022 as fixing the ship, sinking it to $2.7 million in 2019 to sink the
create a reef, and finding a new Clamagore as an artificial reef,
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (AP) — home for it. overriding a veto to keep the
A state naval museum in South “I think it’s a sad, sad day,” said money in the budget. But the
Carolina has decided after years Thomas Lufkin, chairman of the museum said bids all came in
of debate to take apart a Cold USS Clamagore Restoration and above that. The General
War-era submarine and save Maintenance Association, which Assembly later approved using
some of its artifacts for an exhibit. sued in 2019 to keep the ship the money for other museum
expenses because of financial
The Patriots Point Naval & from being sunk. strains during the COVID-19
Maritime Museum board voted A leak in the main ballast tank has pandemic.
unanimously on Friday to closed the submarine to visitors
dismantle the USS Clamagore, since mid-December. A consultant said in 2019 that
The Post and Courier of But extensive corrosion has been repairing and restoring the ship
Charleston reported. a problem for more than a would cost more than $9.3 million.
“Unfortunately, we cannot decade, since the ship has been Moving it to land without repairing
financially sustain the kept partly submerged. Another it would cost $5.8 million,
maintenance of three historic concern is that toxic consultants said in 2010.
vessels,” Rorie Cartier, executive polychlorinated biphenyls, or
director at Patriots Point, said in a PCBs, and more than 500 lead The museum said staffers are
statement after the vote. “The batteries on the sub were an harvesting sonar equipment,
USS Yorktown and USS Laffey environmental threat. torpedo hatches, the periscope
also need repair, and we are The Clamagore was stationed in and other artifacts, which Cartier
fighting a never-ending battle Key West, Florida, during the Cold has said number about 500.
against the corrosion that comes War, when it was known as the
from being submerged in “Grey Ghost of the Florida Coast.” Some of them will be used to
saltwater.” The Guppy-class sub was create an exhibit about the
modified twice, the second time to Clamagore on the neighboring
become one of nine with the top Yorktown aircraft carrier, Cartier
said. The museum is also
contacting other institutions that
may be interested in artifacts from
the sub.

Other pieces will be sold.

The museum will hire a company
to dismantle the vessel, said
spokesperson Mayci Rechner.

The sub won’t open to visitors
again, she said, but a farewell
ceremony will be held at Patriots
Point before it’s removed.

FROM THE DEEP: GOLDEN CORNER BASE NEWSLETTER | Issue 27 14

Ukrainian officials troll Russia "We have one more diving spot in
over the sinking of its flagship the Black Sea now," he added,
missile cruiser: 'Now it's part of accompanying the post with an
the submarine fleet' image of a deep-sea diver
swimming alongside a turtle.
Joshua Zitser
Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko
Apr 15, 2022, 6:45 AM also poked fun at Russian forces
on Thursday, tweeting: "Now it's
Russian guided-missile cruiser part of the submarine fleet."
Moskva has been sunk, Russia
confirmed. Russian Defense The Moskva, which weighs
Ministry Press Service via AP 12,490 tons, is the biggest
Russian warship to be sunk in
•The Moskva, Russia's Black Sea action since World War II. The
Fleet flagship, sank on Thursday. ship was believed to have roughly
500 crew, and it's not clear how
•Ukraine says it went down after many of them are casualties of
its guards struck it with anti-ship the fire and subsequent sinking.
missiles. Russia denies this.
Russian officials confirmed on
•Ukrainian officials are mocking Thursday that it had sunk, but
Russia over the downing of the denied Ukraine's claim that
warship. Ukrainian border guards struck it
with Neptune anti-ship missiles,
Ukrainian officials are trolling
Russia over the downing of the Both Russia and Ukraine said
Moskva guided-missile cruiser, ammunition had detonated
the Russian Black Sea Fleet onboard the Moskva, forcing the
flagship which sank in the Black crew to evacuate, but offered
Sea on Thursday. differing explanations for it.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Russia's defense ministry said
Zelenskyy thanked "those who ammunition exploded due to a
have shown that Russian ships fire, the state-run RIA Novosti
can go ... to the bottom only" reported. The ministry said the
during a public address on cruiser ship then sank in "stormy
Thursday night, in which he sea conditions."
highlighted Kyiv's military
successes since Russia's invasion Ukrainian military officials said on
50 days ago. Wednesday that their missile
strike caused the explosion and
Ukraine's minister of defense sinking.
Oleksii Reznikov took a more
mocking tone in a Friday tweet, US national security advisor Jake
describing the site of the Moskva's Sullivan said on Thursday that he
shipwreck as "a worthy diving was unable to confirm what
site." caused the explosion.

"They've had to kind of choose
between two stories: One story is
that it was just incompetence, and
the other was that they came
under attack, and neither is a
particularly good outcome for
them," Sullivan told the Economic
Club of Washington, DC.

FROM THE DEEP: GOLDEN CORNER BASE NEWSLETTER | Issue 27 15

The Navy and Marine Corps Retiree For detailed information, refer to
Council considers issues of major SECNAV Instruction 5420.169K,
importance to military retirees and Department of the Navy Retired
their family members. It facilitates Activities Program. Your concerns
interaction between Department of and issues are very important to us. If
Navy leadership and the Navy-Marine you have questions, issues or ideas
Corps retiree community and for the Navy and Marine Corps
facilitates participation in other Retiree Council, you can contact your
aspects of the Retired Activities nearest Navy Retired Activities Office
Program. (RAO).

As a retiree, you’re still an The Retiree Council is currently
important part of the Navy- cochaired by retired Marine Lt. Gen.
Marine Corps Team Pete Osman and retired Master Chief
Petty Officer of the Navy James
SECNAV Navy and Marine Corps Herdt. Retired Navy Capt. Martin
Retiree Council Menez is the Council Chief of Staff.

As a Navy or Marine Corps retiree, Council members may review the
you’re recognized as an individual effectiveness of current programs and
with a continuing military status. policies affecting retirees and make
You’re part of the Total Force and are recommendations concerning
entitled to certain rights, benefits, and improvements to benefits, privileges,
privileges. You’re also subject to assistance, quality of life, morale, and
responsibilities arising from these any other matters relating to retired
entitlements. personnel.

You remain a vital part of the The Retiree Council reflects the
NavyMarine Corps team. breadth of the Navy and Marine
Corps retired community, including
To be a contributing member of the retired enlisted and officers from the
team, you need to know about Navy and Marine Corps’ active and
changing programs and policies. Reserve components. Retiree
That’s where the Department of the Council members reflect special
Navy’s Retired Activities Program interests such as medical, legal, and
comes in. It provides an avenue to wounded, ill, and injured.
ensure the relationships between
retirees and the Navy and Marine In addition to a yearly multi-day
Corps are reinforced and mutually conference, the Council meets briefly
beneficial. It helps keep you informed. on a quarterly basis. The Council
currently has three committees:
The program consists of four principal Health Affairs, Outreach/Overseas,
elements: and Compensation. Council
committees identify issues affecting
• Navy and Marine Corps Retiree Navy and Marine Corps retirees and
Council, their families, then submit point
• Retiree Seminars/Retiree papers to the Secretary detailing the
Appreciation Days, issues and suggesting solutions.
• Retired Activities Offices
(RAOs)/Retired Liaison Offices Watch for Retiree Council
(RLOs), and announcements and other news in
• Shift Colors (Navy) and Semper upcoming editions of Shift Colors and
Fidelis (USMC) newsletters for Semper Fidelis.
retirees.
For more information about the
Retiree Council and how to apply,
click here.

FROM THE DEEP: GOLDEN CORNER BASE NEWSLETTER | Issue 27 16

BOOK HIGHLIGHT: NON FICTION devastating losses that, in effect, entirely
destroyed the German submarine
service.

MOVIE HIGHLIGHT

BOOK HIGHLIGHT: FICTION

Sea of Shadows Hitler's U-Boat War: The Hunted, Run Silent Run Deep
By: Jeff Edwards 1942-1945 (Modern Library War) Approved | 1 hr 33 min | Action,
By: Clay Blair Jr. Drama, War
Goodreads: 4.23 · 1614 ratings
Goodreads: 4.37 · 173 ratings IMDb: 7.3/10 Reviews: 12K
A minor accident at a German nuclear
power plant, a Biological Warfare attack In The Hunters, 1939-1942, the first The captain of a submarine sunk by the
on the British Embassy in Washington, volume of Hitler's U-boat War, Clay Blair Japanese during WWII is finally given a
DC, and a secret arms deal combine to described the Battle of the Atlantic, chance to skipper another sub after a
drive a trusted NATO Ally into an illegal waged first against the British Empire year of working a desk job. His single-
alliance with a rogue Middle Eastern and then against the Americas. Now he minded determination for revenge
state. With the world hovering on the brings his magisterial, highly praised against the destroyer that sunk his
brink of war, a handful of U.S. Navy narrative history to a conclusion by previous vessel puts his new crew in
warships must track down and destroy a looking at the period when the fortunes unnecessary danger.
wolfpack of state-of-the-art submarines. of the German Navy were almost
completely reversed, and when it
suffered perhaps the most devastating
defeat of any of the German forces.

In unprecedented detail and drawing on
sources never before used, Clay Blair
continues the dramatic tale of the
failures and fortunes of the German U-
boat campaign against the United States
and Great Britain. All of the major patrols
and sorties made by the Germans are
described meticulously and with
considerable human interest: the Peleus
and Laconia affairs; the capture at sea of
U-505; the crisis of German command;
the futile operations against the
Americas; and the mounting and

FROM THE DEEP: GOLDEN CORNER BASE NEWSLETTER | Issue 27 17

SUBMARINES ON

STAMPS

Spain

Submarine Mail - August 11, 1938
Designer: Antonio Sera
Printed in photogravure by Oliva de Villanova

They were to be used exclusively for the submarine mail due to leave Barcelona (to
Minorca) on 13th August 1938.

FROM THE DEEP: GOLDEN CORNER BASE NEWSLETTER | Issue 27 18

SUBMARINE ART

Diving Skipjack Class
Artist: VIKTOR STEPANSKY
Original picture is watercolor and gouache on paper measuring approx 16x11.5
Subject: American submarine USS Scorpion SSN589