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U. S. SUBMARINE VETERANS BREMERTON BASE(A Non-profit Organization)

P O Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465 MEMBERSHIP: 269v

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Our purpose is: "Perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country...

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Bremerton Base Life Member Succumbs to Pancreatic Cancer(Posted August 6, 2015)

Bremerton CityCouncilman andBremerton Base Lifemember MikeSullivan died earlythis morning (Thur, 6Aug) from pancreaticcancer. Mike becamesick in May and wasdiagnosed in earlyJune. Mike served inWoodrow Wilson(SSBN 624), Seawolf(SSN 575) and Ohio(SSBN 726) amongother ships.

More to Follow later. Josh Farley Kitsap Sun BREMERTON — Michael J. Sullivan, a retired submariner who served on the City Council and inhis local Lions club, has died. He was 65.

Sullivan, diagnosed only months ago with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, succumbed to the disease earlyThursday morning.

“It’s a great loss,” said Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent, who was with Sullivan at Harrison MedicalCenter when he died. “We’ve lost a man with a strong dedication to the lives and the future of the cityof Bremerton.”

Sullivan, the council’s vice president, represented Bremerton’s first district, encompassing the areasaround Lions Park, Tracyton Beach, Pine Road and parts of Wheaton Way. He led the city’s publicworks committee, served on its finance committee, and also chaired Kitsap Transit’s planningsubcommittee.

He lived in Bremerton more than three decades. He retired from the Navy in 1993 as a senior chiefelectronics tech, having served 24 years. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and the couple hadcelebrated their 25th wedding anniversary last year.

Sullivan was in his first term on the council, having been elected in 2013.

A full obituary will be posted later today. Here

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Sept 5 Blueback trip(Posted August 5, 2015) Shipmates,

(Bremerton Base members invited)

I’m glad to say that the response to our Sept 5 Blueback trip has been much better than expected.

(On Saturday Sept 5, 2015 Seattle Base members will ‘cast off all lines’ and go on a ‘special op’ daytrip to Portland to visit the BLUEBACK, with a stop in Chehalis and a visit to the Veterans MemorialMuseum there.)

With 31 people signed up to date, it is much more practical to charter a bus than to car-pool, and willbe a lot more fun and comfortable as well. Nobody has to drive and insurance is covered as part of therental.

This bus is fully loaded with DVD • 6 monitors • Touring windows and can carry 36 passengers, so thefirst 36 to sign-up will have seats, any others will be wait-listed in case someone already assigned hasto drop out. A 40 seat bus is the next step up and the event that we get a total of 56 people wanting togo, we can upgrade to a 56 passenger bus.

Because it is necessary for us to contract with the bus company, seats will be guaranteed as payment isreceived. There can be no reservation refunds unless there is a wait-listed person available to take yourplace. The total cost per seat, including admissions to the Blueback and Chehalis museums, is $55.00.

The trip rally point is the Kent-De Moines Park and Ride lot, and departure is at 8 AM. Several haveasked for pick-ups further south, which will be handled as discussed.

Please mail your check made to USSV Seattle Base to Jim Harper, 12105 48th Dr SE, Everett, WA98208-9106 and notate who the payment is for. (especially for those bringing guests.) Because wemust pre-register and pay for the individuals on the BLUEBACK tour, the cut-off date to receive yourcheck is August 28th. Sooner the better, tho.

If you are not already on the listing below and want to participate, please emailhouseholderp@comcast.net to let me know who and how many.

Patrick HouseholderUSSVI Past National Commander 2008-2010USSVI National Office VolunteerDecklog Boats and Crews Manager

Base Life Member Goes on Eternal Patrol(Posted August 1, 2015) Base Commander Sends: Greetings, It is with a heavy heart that I send this message. Earlier today I received a phone call from NancyWitter, the daughter of George W. Hooper. She informed me of the passing of her father onWednesday, July 29, 2015. George qualified in submarines on the USS Blackfin (SS 322) in 1951. He also served on USS Bluegill (SS 242) and USS Queenfish (SS 393). George was an ET3 (SS)when he left the Navy. He joined USSVI in 2000 and was a member of the Bremerton Base andHolland Club. With George departing on Eternal Patrol, let it be known that we have lost anotherhero. Sailor, rest your oar!

PS: Daughter Nancy suggests that donations in memory of George can be made to the USSVIBremerton Base, PO Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98380-0465, a non-profit organization.

James DeMottBase CommanderUSSVI Bremerton Base

Note from the Base Commander(Posted July 29, 2015)

Greetings!

USSVI members will be recognized at the Kitsap Bluejackets baseball game on Friday, August 7th. It is a home game against the Cowlitz Black Bears, and will be played at the ball field by theFairgrounds. The first pitch is scheduled for 1835.

Tickets will be purchased for all those who would like to attend this event with us, at no cost to you. This includes all Base members and their guests. Guests include family, prospective members, friends,neighbors, co-workers, etc. We also would like to invite any members of other bases (OlympicPeninsula, South Sound, Seattle, etc.) to join us. Everyone who attended the game last year seemed toenjoy it. Hopefully we will get a good turnout for this event, as it should be a good time.

In order to get an idea of how many tickets we need, I am asking that everyone who wants to gocontact me by e-mail (jedemott@hotmail.com) or phone (360-895-0547 h / 360-710-0411 c). Letme know your name and how many people you need tickets for. The deadline for the ticket requestsis August 5th.

I hope that you all can join us for the game, and be sure to wear your colors!

Thank you,

James E. DeMottBase CommanderUSSVI Bremerton Base

Arizona Silent Service Memorial (ASSM)(Posted July 29, 2015)

The ASSM will be the thirty-third memorial located inWesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, located in front of theArizona State Capital Complex, 1700 W. WashingtonStreet, Phoenix, AZ.

The Memorial to honor the "silent service" of Navysubmarine veterans was begun by a small group of Arizonasubmarine veterans and the design team of Renee Palmer-Jones (Designer), Jim Martin (Engineer), Steve Rusch(Draftsman/Model Maker), and Kenny Wayne, (Sculptor).

State Senator Al Melvin presented Senate Bill 1401 to the legislature, it passed and was signed intolaw on April 24, 2014.

The ASSM will stand 14 feet long, 6 feet wide and 11 feet high. It will carry the plaques of theGreat Seal of the United States, Seal of the United States Navy, submarine dolphins (exemplifiedabove: gold. representing officers and silver representing the enlisted) and dedication. Paverscommemorating submarine veterans service will be placed around the Memorial. For moreinformation about the submarine veteran engraved brick pavers, please click here or visit the OrderBrick Pavers page on this site.

SK Ralph Harris Enjoying His Vacation on the Groton Base Float on the 4th of July(Posted July 27, 2015)

Welcome Aboard a New Member(Posted July 26, 2015) Welcome aboard James Sipes, (Henry M Jackson, Pennsylvania)

2015 Whaling Days Parade(Posted July 26, 2015)

A good crew showed on a soaking rainy day for the annual Silverdale Whaling Days' Parade, Saturday, July 25, 2015.(Dennis Nardone provided photos) (See Big Pic)

Bremerton Base July 21st Meeting Summary(Posted July 23, 2015)

L-R; Don Floyd is presented Holland ClubCertificate from HC Chairman, Dick Litscher L-R Vcdr Steve Corcoran poses with Don and Dick

Photos by Dennis Nardone

Latest Edition of the American Submariner is ONLINE(Posted July 21, 2015) The latest edition of AMERICAN SUBMARINER is now available for your viewing. The size of thee-magazine file is really too large to attach to an email, so we've evolved to a better way for you toview it online.

Please visit www.ussvi.org and click the USSVI MAGAZINE button on the left side of the page.You'll be asked to 'log in' as a member (if you don't know your 'log-in', no worries, just click on theAPPLY FOR YOUR PASSWORD button.

Not only the current issue but several years of past issues are available for your viewing.

By the way, if you don't recall signing up for electronic delivery, the USPS may have told us yourmailing address is no good. Those members have been placed on Electronic Delivery until such timeas they let us know where they really are.

PLEASE REMEMBER, IF YOUR ADDRESS, PHONE OR EMAIL CHANGE, PLEASE SENDYOUR CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO:

USSVI, PO BOX 3870, SILVERDALE WA 98383 OR BY EMAIL TO USSVI@TELEBYTE.NET

Thanks for reading...

Al Singleman National Commander

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ON THE BACK PAGEBELOW ARE QUICK LINKS TO CURRENT MILITARY EVENTS

Stuff you won't see in the local fish wrapper

Unauthorized Repairs Found On Navy's Three Newest SubsUSS Michigan Returns to the Pacific NorthwestTR Mustangs: Earning It, Going Up in Rank the Hard WayAmerica Sends Advanced Submarine to Strategic Philippine BasePearl Harbor P-40 PilotsHalf of a Nuclear Submarine Floats Up East River

Augusta Native Keeping America Safe Aboard U.S. Navy SubmarineArizona Silent Service MemorialSailor Accused Of Taking Secret Photos Of U.S. SubmarineSalem native Keeping U.S. safe aboard ballistic missile submarineHuntsville Native Keeping America Safe Aboard Navy Sub

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BACK PAGE Issue/Date 20150801

AMERICAN SUBMARINERSU. S. SUBMARINE VETERANS BREMERTON BASE

P O. Box 465, Silverdale, WA 98383-0465Stuff you won't see in the local fish wrapper

Updated:August 07, 2015 06:20

Unauthorized Repairs Found On Navy's Three Newest SubsUSS Michigan Returns to the Pacific NorthwestTR Mustangs: Earning It, Going Up in Rank the Hard WayAmerica Sends Advanced Submarine to Strategic Philippine BasePearl Harbor P-40 PilotsHalf of a Nuclear Submarine Floats Up East River

Augusta Native Keeping America Safe Aboard U.S. Navy SubmarineArizona Silent Service MemorialSailor Accused Of Taking Secret Photos Of U.S. SubmarineSalem native Keeping U.S. safe aboard ballistic missile submarineHuntsville Native Keeping America Safe Aboard Navy Sub

Unauthorized Repairs Found On Navy's Three Newest SubsBrad Lendon, CNN, Aug 6

Less than a week after the U.S. Navy welcomed its newest submarine to the fleet, the USS John Warner and two sister fast-attacksubs are facing operating restrictions after a contractor was found to have made unauthorized repairs to parts on the nuclear subs.

"As part of an ongoing investigation into a quality control issue with a supplier, General Dynamics Electric Boat determined that threesteam pipe elbows supplied by the vendor in question required additional testing and repair due to unauthorized and undocumentedweld repairs having been performed on these elbows," a Navy statement said.

The elbows help take steam from the subs' nuclear reactor plants to their propulsion systems, Defense News reported Wednesday. Itquoted a senior Navy official as saying the concern was "long-term wear-and-tear" on the affected parts.

Besides the John Warner (SSN-785), the affected vessels are its predecessors in the Virginia class of subs, the USS North Dakota(SSN-784) and USS Minnesota (SSN-783).

General Dynamics and the other builder of the Virginia-class subs, Huntington Ingalls Industries -- Newport News Shipbuilding, weremaking additional checks on the problem, the Navy said. The unauthorized work was done by a subcontractor to the shipbuildinggiants.

Just last Saturday, the Navy commissioned the John Warner in a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. Top officials andofficers touted the new $2 billion submarine's high-tech war-fighting capabilities.

Adm. Jonathan Greenert, then-chief of naval operations, said the Virginia-class sub program is one of the Pentagon's mostsuccessful weapons programs, especially considering what has been delivered.

The John Warner "is the most high-tech, it is the most lethal warship pound for pound that we have in our inventory," Greenert said.^ USS Michigan Returns to the Pacific NorthwestBy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Amanda GrayPosted August 1, 2015 INDIAN ISLAND, Wash. - The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Michigan (SSGN 727) returned home to the PacificNorthwest Aug. 1, following a 20-month deployment in the Western Pacific. Since its departure in December 2013, Michigan was forward deployed to Guam, where it conducted surveillance, training and othercritical missions in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. �During the deployment, the ship supported multiple Commander, Task Force 74 priority areas with four great liberty ports includingSingapore, Philippines, Republic of Korea and Japan,� said Capt. Benjamin Pearson III, Michigan Gold crew commanding officer.�The two crews throughout the nearly two years worked tirelessly together as a great Michigan team to keep a 33-year-old shipready to fight at the tip of the spear for the 7th Fleet and the nation.� The Blue crew conducted a change of command ceremony at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, July 7, 2015. Capt. Joe Turk relievedCapt. Erik A. Burian as commanding officer. This was the first time Michigan had ever conducted a change of command ceremony inJapan. Michigan also worked with partners from the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) in Busan and visited Singapore�s Changi Naval Baseto build and maintain maritime partnerships. The rotating crews swapped five times throughout the deployment. Michigan (Gold) crew was the recipient of the 2014 Command Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Battle Efficiency Award (Battle E)while forward deployed. The Battle �E� is an award of merit presented to the most proficient submarine crew in each squadron.This signifies Michigan�s sustained superior technical performance and combat readiness throughout the year. �Keeping a submarine as complex as Michigan deployed for over 20 months is a challenging feat and demonstrates the remarkableskill and capability of our submarine Sailors,� said Capt. Joe Turk, Michigan Blue crew commanding officer. �The crew excelled inall mission areas, but as exciting as operating in the Western Pacific is, nothing beats returning home to see our families welcomingus on the pier.� The ship is scheduled to begin a Major Maintenance Period at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility.Major Maintenance Periods are part of a ship�s normal operating cycle and occur after the submarine has been forward deployedfor over 12 months. �Following a long arduous deployment, a much needed long-term maintenance will assist the ship in maintaining excellence in itslast 10 years of life,� said Pearson. Michigan's return to the Pacific Northwest makes this its third deployment since its conversion from a Trident ballistic missilesubmarine (SSBN) in 2007. ^ TR Mustangs: Earning ItGoing Up in Rank the Hard Way22 July 2015 By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Danica M. Sirmans, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Public Affairs Rucking through the mountains of Afghanistan, scrubbing elbow deep in a scullery sink, recovering aircraft on the flight deck of a carrier in theworld's greatest Navy - the life of an enlisted Sailor is filled with views from the peaks of success and even valleys of failure. One breed of Sailors breaks away from the herd and finds themselves in places that perhaps they never imagined they'd be.

"Oh, the places you'll go."

Dr. Seuss wrote these words at the introduction of one of his most legendary books of the same name. The book is commonly referenced in cardsand mementos gifted to service members during their military tenure. From the Rock of Gibraltar with shipmates in abundance to the top of theBurj Khalifa with liberty buddies, the places and relationships built during Naval career are invaluable and coveted for years.

When Alexander Lamis pictured his life as a Sailor in the United States Navy, he may have imagined exotic foreign ports but he never foresaw alife in the Wardroom. Now serving as the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) security officer, Lt. Lamis enlisted in the Navy inMarch 1995 as a master-at-arms.

"I truly never envisioned that I'd make a career out of the Navy so I didn't really ever think about commissioning," Lamis said. "I've always triedto set myself up for success to make the highest rank possible but I definitely didn't envision myself as a mustang. But it worked out that way andthe rest is history."

The places mustangs go are of the exceptional sort. Cmdr. Michael Garber, TR's gun boss, began his career as a seaman recruit and gave hisinterpretation of the spirit of the mustang that lives within about 80 officers aboard.

"A mustang is a spirited horse," said Garber. "It's a very strong-willed and competent animal. A mustang can be hard to tame and at times it canrevert back to its spirited ways. Sort of like an enlisted Sailor who goes on to make officer. That's what we are. Mustangs: prior enlisted Sailorsthat commissioned to become officers." Read All ^ America Sends Advanced Submarine to Strategic Philippine BaseZachary Keck, The National Interest, Aug 4

One of America�s most advanced submarines began a port call in the Philippines on Monday.

According to the U.S. embassy in the Philippines, the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Chicago (SSN 721) made a portcall in Subic Bay, Philippines on Monday. The site was home to one of America�s largest oversea military bases before it was shutdown by the Philippines in 1992.

The USS Chicago was the first fast-attack submarine to be built with a vertical launch system, the embassy noted in its press releaseannouncing the visit. The submarine is more than 360 feet long and weighs some 7,000 tons when submerged.

The submarine is capable of supporting numerous different missions, the embassy noted, including intelligence, surveillance,reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, and strike. It carries a crew of 170 sailors.

The USS Chicago is forward deployed in Guam, the hub of U.S. Pacific operations. It made an earlier port call in Changi, Singaporeback in March of this year.

That the submarine is making a port call to Subic Bay, Philippines is notable. After the Philippines kicked out the Americans in 1992,Manila converted the facility into a trading zone and industrial hub.

It was only last month that the Philippine military officially announced it was re-opening the former naval base for military usage,having leased some of the area from the governmental body that doles out leases for businesses in the zone.

"It's location is very strategic," Philippine Defense Department spokesman Peter Galvez said at the time, adding: "If we need todeploy to the West Philippine Sea, it (Subic) is already there, we do not deny that. It's a deepwater port."

The Philippine military plans to deploy aircraft and naval vessels at the base.

Last year, the United States and the Philippines signed a new military agreement that would allow the U.S. military to use some of thePhilippine bases. That agreement, however, has been held up by a legal challenge in the Philippines. The case is currently beingheard by the Supreme Court in the Philippines.

The USS Chicago�s port call to Subic Bay also coincides with a major regional security conference in Asia. On Tuesday, Asianleaders opened up the ASEAN Regional Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

U.S. Secretary John Kerry will be in Malaysia from Tuesday to Thursday to participate in the regional conference. Following theconclusion of the ASEAN Regional Forum, Kerry will travel to Vietnam to meet with a number of officials from that country, includingDeputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.

The USS Chicago�s port call to Subic Bay also comes amid growing fears that China will convert the Scarborough Shoal into amilitary base. Philippine officials told the Wall Street Journal this week that they fear China will reclaim the partially submerged shoalin the near future, and turn it into an artificial island, which they will then militarize.

China seized the Scarborough Shoal from the Philippines in 2012. It is located just 120 miles west of Subic Bay.^ Pearl Harbor P-40 Pilots Everyone knows that the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor caught the United States off guard and unprepared to defend itself butmany people might not be aware of the story of these two P-40 Fighter Pilots. The two young pilots were Second Lieutenants KenTaylor and George Welch and after a night of playing poker and dancing they were able to attack Japanese aircraft during thesecond attack wave. These two pilots did a remarkable job considering the odds they were up against that morning. If you enjoyedthis bit of military history and want to see another interesting story watch B-17 Bomber Old �666�. ^ Half of a Nuclear Submarine Floats Up East RiverHalf of a Nuclear Submarine Floats Up East River Yaron Steinbuch, New York Post, July 27

We won�t live near this half a submarine.

A menacing-looking bow section of what will eventually become afully functioning nuclear-powered vessel was floated Friday up theEast River as it headed for assembly in Groton, Conn.

The submarine, to be commissioned as the Colorado, wasmanufactured in Newport News, Va., by Huntington-IngallsIndustries� Newport News Shipbuilding and General DynamicsElectric Boat.

Its eventual home is classified, but the US Navy says it will definitelynot be in New York.

�Only two bases house fast-attack submarines � Norfolk, Virginia, and Groton, Connecticut,� Cmdr. Tommy Crosby, a Navy spokesman,told The Post. �It would not be home-ported in New York in any way, shape or form.�And he stressed that nothing nuclear was aboard the bow on Friday.

�It was just the shell,� the commander cautioned. �There was no propulsion system in it.� ^ Augusta Native Keeping America Safe Aboard U.S. Navy SubmarineBUTLER COUNTY (KS) TIMES GAZETTE, July 27

AUGUSTA, Kan. � A 2011 Augusta High School graduate and Augusta native is serving aboard one of the U.S. Navy�s nuclear-poweredballistic missile submarines, living and working at a Navy base in Silverdale, Wash.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Brendan Delancy is an electronics technician on USS Louisiana (SSBN 743), which is based in Silverdale, about 15 mileswest of Seattle across Puget Sound. Electronics technicians fix phones and troubleshoot electronics and navigation systems.

�I like the brotherhood of the crew,� said Delancy.

USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) is one of the Navy�s 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, also referred to as �boomers,� which patrol theworld�s oceans for months at a time, serving as undetectable launch platforms for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. Together with land-based missiles and strategic bombers, the Navy�s Ohio-class submarines are part of the nation�s strategic nuclear deterrence triad. Because oftheir stealth, they are considered the most survivable component of the triad.

Ohio-class submarines like USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) have a very high operational availability due to an innovative crewing concept. Eachsubmarine has two crews, Blue and Gold, which alternate manning the submarines and taking them on patrol. This maximizes the sub�s strategicavailability, reduces the number of submarines required to meet strategic requirements, and allows for proper crew training, readiness, and morale. Delancy serves on the USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) Blue Crew.

As a sailor with numerous responsibilities, Delancy said he is learning about himself as a leader, sailor and a person.

�Serving in the Navy has made me more mature,� said Delancy. �It is because we are forced to take on responsibilities.�With approximately 15 officers and 140 enlisted comprising the submarine�s company, jobs are highly varied. Each member of the crew plays arole in keeping the submarine�s mission ready � this includes everything from washing dishes and preparing meals to handling weaponry andmaintaining the propulsion system.

�We protect and defend America from below the world�s oceans and no other nation can match our capabilities,� said Rear Adm. DaveKriete, commander, Submarine Group Nine in Bangor, Washington. �Our submarine force could not thrive without the professionalism and skillof our sailors. These men and women, whose mission is often unsung because of its discreet nature, represent the finest characteristics of ournation�s military. Their families, friends, and the entire nation should be extremely proud of what they do every day.�Delancy said he is proud of the work he is doing as a member of the crew, protecting America on the world�s oceans.�I have made really good friends here,� said Delancy. �Everybody works together really well.�In addition to USS Louisiana (SSBN 743), seven other Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines are home ported in Kitsap County, Washington,along with three Seawolf-class submarines and two Ohio-class guided missile submarines that are all assigned to the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Fast, maneuverable and technically advanced, submarines are some of the most versatile ships in the Navy. They are capable of conducting avariety of missions that can include engaging enemy vessels in the sea, launching missiles at targets on land, providing a platform for SEALS tooperate from, and conducting intelligence and surveillance around the world.

Because of the demanding nature of service aboard submarines, sailors like Delancy are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation thatcan last several months. The crews have to be highly motivated, and adapt quickly to changing conditions.

�Job satisfaction is the most rewarding part of the work I do every day,� said Delancy. �I feel like I�m really working for somethingimportant.� ^ Arizona Silent Service MemorialFrom: Tim Moore <seawolfssn@q.com>Date: Tue, Jul 28, 2015 at 2:49 PMSubject: Arizona Silent Service Memorial July 28, 2015

Dear Shipmates & Friends, This correspondence is being sent to all USSVI WesternRegion Base Commanders and/or POC�s, and DistrictCommanders to inform you about the Arizona Silent ServiceMemorial project. I know that some of the Arizona BaseCommanders and those of you who attended our WesternRegion Roundup in April in Laughlin, NV are already familiar with this worthwhile project. For those of you who are not aware of it, members of the Perch Base USSVI in Phoenix are in the process of developing a memorial that will beplaced in the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza which is the �front yard� of our state capital building in Phoenix. The purpose of this memorial isto honor all submariners who have served or are still serving in the 'silent service' of the United States Navy. We still need to raise approximately$100,000.00 to complete the funding for this project. With your help, this should be easily attainable. Our website is fully operational and we have officially launched our paver program for the engraved bricks that will surround the memorial. I amasking you to assist us in this fundraising effort. We have two paver sizes; a 4� x 8� paver for $150.00 and an 8� x 8� paver for $250.00. The Arizona Silent Service Memorial Foundation is a designated 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization so all donations are tax deductible. Please join us in honoring our shipmates who served in the past and are currently serving our country beneath the world�s oceans by partneringwith us in the ASSM project. Also, please share this with your shipmates, friends, family members and business associates. There is no doubt inmy mind that many of your contacts will be willing to support this effort. Please visit our ASSM website at www.arizonasilentservicememorial.org and direct all of your contacts to the site as will. The website has allthe particulars about the memorial project. I have attached (below) is a Dropbox link below that contains our ASSM PowerPoint presentation. You can copy and send this Dropbox link toyour contacts as well.

1. Click on this link. Please note is a fairly large file so it takes 30 +/- seconds to open. 2. Click on the �Open� box at the upper right and turn on your speakers.3. Click on Slide Show on the upper tool bar, center.4. Click on From Beginning on the upper tool bar, left.5. After the PowerPoint presentation finishes, click on File on the upper left tool bar and,

6. Click on �Save As� Documents

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xpirrs4za9usir9/ASSM%207.20.15%20Auto.pptx?dl=0 If you would like any additional information, please feel free to contact me by phone at 602-574-3286 or e-mail at seawolfssn@q.com. Weappreciate your support. Thank you. Fraternally,

Tim MooreVice-Chairman/Communications OfficerArizona Silent Service Memorial ^ Sailor Accused Of Taking Secret Photos Of U.S. SubmarineEdmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, July 25 The FBI says a sailor took illegal photographs of classified systems on the U.S. Navy's Groton-based, nuclear-powered attack submarine USSAlexandria and later tried to destroy the evidence when he learned that the Navy and FBI were investigating. The Navy was alerted to the security breach when the town dump foreman in Hampton found a cellular telephone in a Dumpster and decided tokeep it to replace his own. When he noticed that the phone contained photographs, he showed them to a retired Navy chief, who called the NavalCriminal Investigative Service. U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly said Friday that a federal grand jury has charged Kristian Saucier, 28, of Arlington, Vt., with unlawfully retainingphotos taken inside restricted areas of a nuclear attack submarine, and obstructing an investigation. Federal authorities did not respond to questions about the case, including what, if anything, investigators think Saucier intended to do with thephotographs. A government affidavit filed in court said Saucier admitted that the photographs were found on his telephone, but denied takingthem. "We vehemently deny that Mr. Saucier ever intentionally did anything to harm the U.S. or aid a foreign national," said his attorney, DerrickHogan, of Albany, N.Y. "The government is trying to levy an espionage charge against him. The government is trying to make it a lot bigger thanit is." Saucier served as a machinist's mate aboard the Alexandria from September 2007 to March 2012. The Alexandria is a Los Angeles, or 688-class, attack boat designed to hunt and destroy enemy submarines. The attack submarines, which alsohave been used in top-secret intelligence missions, date to the 1970s but remain an important element of the U.S. fleet. About half the class was built in Groton by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics. The submarines' design and performancecharacteristics remain classified. Naval and FBI investigators said in court filings that Saucier's telephone contained photographs of the ship's reactor, reactor compartment andmaneuvering compartment, where the nuclear power, steam and electrical systems of the submarine are operated and monitored through controlpanels. The investigators said that photographs of the control panels were of such clarity that gauges could easily be read, revealing the Alexandria'sposition at the time of the photograph, as well as its maximum speed, which is classified. An engineer reading the photos could "determinesignificant design characteristics of a U.S. nuclear submarine, including its reactor plant," the investigators said. After FBI and Naval investigators first questioned Saucier, federal prosecutors said he used a hammer to destroy a laptop computer and a camera,which also allegedly contained photographs. Saucier's grandfather told investigators that he later found Saucier's laptop computer on his farm inHampton. Saucier told his grandfather that, when the computer stopped working, he used it for target practice, according to a law enforcement affidavit.Following his service on the Alexandria, Saucier was assigned to the Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit in Ballston Spa, N.Y., as an instructorcandidate. He is now a First Class Petty Officer assigned to the Naval Support Activity Base in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. He is free on $100,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday in Hartford. If convicted, he faces maximum penalties of 10 years anda fine of up to $250,000 for unauthorized retention of defense information and 20 years and a $250,000 fine for obstruction of justice.^ Salem native keeping U.S. safe aboard ballistic missile submarinePosted: Sunday, July 26, 2015 12:00 am by Lt. j.g. Jennifer Cunningham NAVY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH

SILVERDALE, Wash. � A 2000 Liberty High School graduate and Salem, West Virginia, native is serving aboard one of the U.S. Navy�snuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, living and working at a Navy base in Silverdale, Washington.

Lt. Cmdr. Maura Thompson is the supply officer on USS Louisiana (SSBN 743), which is based inSilverdale, about 15 miles west of Seattle across Puget Sound. She is responsible for managing the foodservice and the logistical warehouse on board the ship.

�What I enjoy most is the sailors,� Thompson said. �On our submarine, we have only a little morethan 150 total people, so I can get personally involved. I help them grow as people and I get to promotethem. It�s a very rewarding professional relationship.�USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) is one of the Navy�s 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, alsoreferred to as �boomers,� which patrol the world�s oceans for months at a time, serving asundetectable launch platforms for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. Together with land-basedmissiles and strategic bombers, the Navy�s Ohio-class submarines are part of the nation�s strategicnuclear deterrence triad. Because of their stealth, they are considered the most survivable componentof the triad.

Ohio-class submarines like USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) have a very high operational availability due toan innovative crewing concept. Each submarine has two crews, Blue and Gold, which alternatemanning the submarines and taking them on patrol. This maximizes the sub�s strategic availability,reduces the number of submarines required to meet strategic requirements and allows for proper crewtraining, readiness and morale. Thompson serves on the USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) Blue Crew.

As a sailor with numerous responsibilities, Thompson said she is learning about herself as a leader,sailor and a person.

�The Navy has shaped my entire adulthood. I can�t imagine the person I�d be without it,� Thompson said.

With approximately 15 officers and 140 enlisted comprising the submarine�s company, jobs are highly varied. Each member of the crew plays arole in keeping the submarine�s mission ready � this includes everything from washing dishes and preparing meals to handling weaponry andmaintaining the propulsion system.

�We protect and defend America from below the world�s oceans and no other nation can match our capabilities,� said Rear Adm. DaveKriete, commander, Submarine Group Nine in Bangor, Washington. �Our submarine force could not thrive without the professionalism and skillof our sailors. These men and women, whose mission is often unsung because of its discreet nature, represent the finest characteristics of ournation�s military. Their families, friends and the entire nation should be extremely proud of what they do every day.�Thompson said she is proud of the work she is doing as a member of the crew, protecting America on the world�s oceans.

�The best part is the people here,� Thompson said. �It�s really like a family.�In addition to USS Louisiana (SSBN 743), seven other Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines are home ported in Kitsap County, Washington,along with three Seawolf-class submarines and two Ohio-class guided missile submarines that are all assigned to the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Fast, maneuverable and technically advanced, submarines are some of the most versatile ships in the Navy. They are capable of conducting avariety of missions that can include engaging enemy vessels in the sea, launching missiles at targets on land, providing a platform for SEALS tooperate from and conducting intelligence and surveillance around the world.

Because of the demanding nature of service aboard submarines, sailors like Thompson are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation thatcan last several months. The crews have to be highly motivated and adapt quickly to changing conditions.

�The most rewarding part is when you push yourself to the limit and see what you can really do,� Thompson said.

The Navy is currently developing a follow-on submarine to replace the Ohio-class, which will begin to reach the end of their service lives in thelate 2020s. The Ohio Replacement Ballistic Missile Submarines will remain in service through the 2080s. The Ohio Replacement submarine willcontinue to fulfill the country�s critical strategic deterrence mission while incorporating cost-effective and reliable systems that are advanced, yettechnologically mature. ^ Huntsville Native Keeping America Safe Aboard Navy SubWAFF NBC Huntsville (AL), July 24

SILVERDALE, Wash. � A 2011 Hazel Green High School graduate and Huntsville,Alabama native is serving aboard one of the U.S. Navy�s nuclear-powered ballistic missilesubmarines, living and working at a Navy base in Silverdale, Washington.

Seaman Jonathan Scannell is a missile technician on USS Maine (SSBN 741), which isbased in Silverdale, about 15 miles west of Seattle across Puget Sound. Missile techniciansare responsible for maintaining and working on the weapons systems.

�I actually enjoy cleaning,� said Scannell. �The best part is keeping the boat clean.�USS Maine (SSBN 741) is one of the Navy�s 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines,also referred to as �boomers,� which patrol the world�s oceans for months at a time,serving as undetectable launch platforms for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. Togetherwith land-based missiles and strategic bombers, the Navy�s Ohio-class submarines are partof the nation�s strategic nuclear deterrence triad. Because of their stealth, they areconsidered the most survivable component of the triad.

Ohio-class submarines like USS Maine (SSBN 741) have a very high operational availabilitydue to an innovative crewing concept. Each submarine has two crews, Blue and Gold, whichalternate manning the submarines and taking them on patrol. This maximizes the sub�sstrategic availability, reduces the number of submarines required to meet strategicrequirements, and allows for proper crew training, readiness, and morale. Scannell serves onthe USS Maine (SSBN 741) Gold crew.

As a sailor with numerous responsibilities, Scannell said he is learning about himself as aleader, sailor and a person.

�Since joining the Navy I have become more respectful towards my peers,� said Scannell.

With approximately 15 officers and 140 enlisted comprising the submarine�s company, jobs are highly varied. Each member of the crew plays arole in keeping the submarine�s mission ready � this includes everything from washing dishes and preparing meals to handling weaponry andmaintaining the propulsion system.

�We protect and defend America from below the world�s oceans and no other nation can match our capabilities,� said Rear Adm. DaveKriete, commander, Submarine Group Nine in Bangor, Washington. �Our submarine force could not thrive without the professionalism and skillof our sailors. These men and women, whose mission is often unsung because of its discreet nature, represent the finest characteristics of ournation�s military. Their families, friends, and the entire nation should be extremely proud of what they do every day.�Scannell said he is proud of the work he is doing as a member of the crew, protecting America on the world�s oceans.

�I love the food,� said Scannell. �I also love the crew.�In addition to USS Maine (SSBN 741), seven other Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines are home ported in Kitsap County, Washington, alongwith three Seawolf-class submarines and two Ohio-class guided missile submarines that are all assigned to the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Read All ^

Navy officer, Marine reportedly returned fire at Chattanooga gunmanPublished July 22, 2015 | FSN A Navy officer and one of the Marines murdered in last week's attack on a military center in Chattanooga fired their personal weapons at thegunman, according to a report published Wednesday. The Navy Times, citing multiple military officials familiar with internal reports on the tragedy, reported that Lt. Cmdr. Timothy White, thecommanding officer at the Navy Operational Support Center, fired his sidearm at Mohammed Abdulazeez during Thursday's attack. The paper, citing a Navy official, also reported that one of the four Marines killed in the attack fired his 9mm Glock at the gunman. A Navy sailoralso died in the shootout, as did the gunman. The possibility that the Marine had used his personal sidearm during the shooting was first reportedby The Washington Post Monday. A source close to the investigation told the Navy Times that while the details of the attack's final moments are unclear, authorities have uncoveredno information that contradicts the Navy's own reporting. Law enforcement sources told Fox News Tuesday that the FBI recovered the Glock at the scene and noted it did not belong to either the shooteror police. The sources said the weapon had been fired. Details about what type of weapon White used are unclear. It is still unclear whether the shots that killed Abdulazeez were fired by White, the Marine, or local police. Fox News has learned that autopsies ofthe gunman and his victims have been completed and could be released later this week. The Navy Times reported that investigators won't knowwho fired the shots that stopped the rampage until a ballistics assessment is performed. It is against Defense Department policy for anyone but military police or law enforcement to carry weapons on federal property. It was notimmediately clear whether White would face disciplinary action. The shooting at so-called �gun-free� military installations in Tennessee has prompted calls for a policy change. Governors in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Indiana and Florida have ordered National Guardsmen to be armed, and Florida Gov. RickScott relocated recruiters to armories. U.S. military officials have said security at recruiting and reserve centers will be reviewed, but the Army's top officer, Gen. Ray Odierno, said it'stoo early to say whether the facilities should have security guards or other increased protection. He said there are concerns about accidentaldischarges and other security issues related to carrying loaded weapons. However, Gen. Mark Milley, the man tapped as Odierno's replacement as Army chief of staff, told the Senate Armed Services CommitteeTuesday that if legal issues could be resolved he thinks it would be appropriate, in some cases, to arm soldiers manning recruiting stations. Tucked in strip malls in rural and suburban communities and in high-traffic city spots like New York's Times Square, military recruiting andreserve stations are designed to be open and welcoming to the public. The troops inside aren't allowed to carry weapons. The ban is largely due to legal issues, such as the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which prohibits the federal government from using the military fordomestic law enforcement. U.S. forces don't routinely carry guns when they are not in combat or on military bases. And Pentagon officials aresensitive to any appearance of armed troops within the United States. Meanwhile, The New York Times reported Wednesday that the gunman, 24-year-old Abdulazeez, searched the Internet in the days leading up tothe attack for information from Islamic sources about whether martyrdom would to forgiveness for his sins, such as drunkenness. The Hixson,Tenn. native was due in court after being arrested in April on a charge of driving under the influence.Fox News' John Roberts and the Associated Press contributed to this report. ^ Incoming VFW Commander Hits Trump Over McCain CommentsJul 23, 2015 | by Bryant Jordan | military.com The incoming commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars blasted billionaire presidential candidate Donald Trump for criticizing Sen. JohnMcCain for having "been captured" and held as a prisoner of war.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars had thought to drop discussion of Trump's disparaging remarks about McCain. In response to a number of mediarequests for comment during the group's annual convention this week, the group's media office offered only that its outgoing national commanderhad already addressed the issue and that VFW had more important things to work on.

But incoming National Commander John A. Biedrzycki decided to give his own take on Trump Tuesday during an interview with Military.com.

"I have a lot of respect for Mr. Trump and what he's done ... with his life. He lives in a country where he has the freedom to be a great man andmake all the money he did," Biedrzycki said. "But where the hell did that [freedom] come from? It came on the backs of veterans who fought forthis nation and kept it a free place, and to be a free enterprise system."

During an interview in Iowa last Saturday Trump rejected the notion that McCain was a war hero.

"He's not a war hero," he said dismissively before offering that McCain "is a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren'tcaptured, okay?"

Former -VFW National Commander John Stroud slammed Trump for the remarks.

"For someone who never served a day in uniform to criticize the service and sacrifice of a combat-wounded veteran is despicable," he said.

Biedrzycki's strong feelings about Trump's comments are heightened for having just visited Hanoi, Vietnam, where he saw the former prison thatPOWs called "the Hanoi Hilton."

"I saw the conditions" they were kept in, he said, describing the stone pallets on which they slept, and a guillotine � left over from when theFrench ruled � in place to instill fear.

"It'll scare the hell out of you," he said.

McCain was a Navy pilot when he was shot down over North Vietnam in 1967 and held as a prisoner of war for more than five years, duringwhich time he was tortured.

Trump, son of a millionaire real estate developer, received four deferments during the Vietnam War -- three for college and one for a bone spur inhis foot -- according to his draft records acquired by The Smoking Gun website.

"I think it's ludicrous that [Trump] would think that a man who was serving on active duty, performing a military mission, was shot down in hisaircraft and then taken prisoner and tortured is not a hero," Biedrzycki said. "I think Trump is a little off key. He's a little misguided there."^ Navy submarine successfully launches undersea droneAP/ July 20, 2015, 5:59 PM

GROTON, Conn. -- A Navy submarine has become the first to launch and recover an underwater drone used in a military operation.

The attack submarine USS North Dakota returned to its base in Groton, Connecticut, on Monday following a nearly two-month deployment.

The vessel's commanding officer, Capt. Douglas Gordon, said the Mediterranean Sea mission proved submarine-launched drones are a viableoption for the Navy. He declined to provide details of the mission.

The underwater drone was launched from a shelter attached to the top of the submarine that can also be used to deploy divers and special forces.

The military has used undersea drones for years to detect mines and map the ocean floor. It has been researching how to use them more for otherpurposes including intelligence gathering. ^

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