BIOGRAPHIC & PERSONAL INFORMATION ABOUT SABALO
SHIPMATES
L-Z
Information on this page is about each
individual's career and personal history as supplied by them
or shipmates. If you wish for shipmates to know what
your Naval service entailed, or what you've been up to since
leaving active duty, please send in your personal profile
for inclusion. Jeff Owens
<owensj@epix.net>
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LaBrache, Greg
My shipmate and buddy, Jeff Stockton and
I went to Roosevelt High School in Seattle together, and I was the
guy who talked him into joining the Submarine Service after
graduation. (I don't think he ever forgave me for that one.) We
went to boot camp and Sub school together, and both got assigned
to the Sabalo in Pearl Harbor. We went through all the fun stuff
of the boat's ops in the Cold War in the 1950's together. We
graduated from Sabalo and went to the University of Washington
together...and actually joined the same fraternity house on
campus. We drank a lot of beer together, and did many unspeakable
things to coeds together.
After
graduation,
I
went
to
South
America
(beautiful
Cali,
Colombia,
a garden
spot
of
riots,
violence
and
Communist
guerilla
activity)
under
a
one
year
contract
with the USIA. After Cali, I went to Barcelona for about a
year and a half, then came back to CONUS as a newspaper reporter
in Southern California. [eml received 23 Mar 2005; see bio on
Stockton for more info.]
LaFleur,
William I'm retired
from the phone company, but I still install phones as a part time
business. I spend winters in Florida & have been in excellent
health. [pc recd 7 Apr 09] Lamy, Richard Pickerel
SS-524 Feb 53 - Oct 53 Lange, Eldon After
discharge from the Navy in 1957 returned to farm in Bartlett,
Texas, and raised registered Hampshire hogs which continues today.
[recd Mar 2005] LeConte, John ...is an
accountant. Authored a
book, Priest
and the Nazi , Paperback, May 2006,
Publisher: Hopewell Publications, LLC, ISBN: 1933435046,
available through online bookstores including Barnes & NobleLee, Harold
Harold (Buzz) Lee joined the Navy
when he was 17, and qualified in 1939 on V6, the USS Nautilus
(SS-168). He was the radio operator during the Battle of Midway
when Nautilus received the worst depth charge bombing of the war,
but managed to surface and fire four torpedoes at the Japanese
aircraft carrier the Kaga, which had been bombed by the aircraft
of USS Enterprise. Throughout the night, American aircraft
carriers had to run black, darkening their decks, while returning
pilots were forced to ditch into the sea. Buzz said he remembered
the voices of those pilots for the rest of his life, begging for
landing lights, and leaving farewell messages to their loved ones.
Later, he was aboard when the Aspro sunk a Japanese submarine
(with an airplane hanger on deck) off Truk. In a later report to
the Library of Congress, Buzz coined the phrase, “A Symphony of
Death” to describe the severe whistling and other strange sounds
of a submarine and its crew going to their deaths in 3½
miles of water. He said there was no celebration over the sinking
of the enemy sub— it was more like “There, but for the grace of
God, go I…” but he did remember having a couple shots of
HENNESSY’s Five Star.
After the Navy, Buzz ran a TV repair service, and raised three
children, two girls and a boy. As an artist, Buzz traveled the
world, and took photos of the people and scenes of many countries
to paint when he got home. According to his beloved wife Sandy,
art was the love of his life.
It is my sad duty to report that our shipmate, Harold G. Lee
accepted his Eternal Patrol orders on December 22, 2008. A service
for Buzz will be held at Fort Rosecrans in March '09.
[above eulogy by Ronald Gorence]
Leeke, H.W. "Warrie" After Sabalo
was later CO of USS Pigeon ASR-21 & CO of USS Hector AR-7
[11/85-3/87]. After retiring in Sep '87 worked for Lockheed
Martin on the DSRV program. Lewis, Edgar L.
GMC (SS) US NAVY, WORLD WAR II,
KOREA,
DATE OF BIRTH: 05/14/1918 DATE OF
DEATH: 07/08/1985
BURIED AT: SECTION I SITE 700, CAMP NELSON NATIONAL
CEMETERY, NICHOLASVILLE, KY Linder, Roy left Sabalo
for instructor duty at Newport, RI. Retired as ETCS(SS) w/27
yrs sev. [telcon Feb09]Lineback, Kenneth also served
on Rock; Barbel; Volador, Saratoga CV-60; Vesole DD-878; Orion
AS-18; MaintFac Charleston, SC. Retired '78 with 20 years
service. ...deceased 8
Dec 1991 [info from wife Jan 2005] Lockman, James "Jim passed
away from early onset Alzheimers disease Oct. 1999. He was married
to me in 1972 for 27 1/2 years and he had 3 children Michael,
Christopher, Tamara and now has 2 grandchildren." [eml recd
from wife, Judy 24 Apr 2007] Long, Ernest [ from
Larry, son of Ernest Long] My dad passed
away from a heart attack at age 39 in March, 1958. Longenecker,
John Donald After Sabalo
went to Stickleback SS-415 '54-55.
Was
auctioneer
in
Lancaster,
PA.
"Sold
my
auction
business,
but
still
doing
benefit
auctions
for
non-profit
groups.
Also
serving
as
president
of
Evergreen
Golf
Inc.,
a dual 18 hole golf course; also president of an educational
foundation for a local school district." (reported Feb 2003) Losby, Harold Dec65-Feb70
USS Sabalo, Jun69 promoted to ENCS Mar-Apr70
PN-C1 Recruiter School, NTC San Diego May70-Jul75
Navy Recruiting District DesMoines, IA, assigned to Recruiting
Branch Sta. Clinton, IA Sep75-Jul83
USS Fulton AS-11, New London, CT, Feb76 promoted to ENCM Aug83-Aug89
COMNAVSURFGRUMED, Naples, Italy 1 Sep
89
Retired in Naples, Italy after 36 yrs., 7 mos., 23 days Nov89
Ret'd to CONUS; stayed with dau. in Iowa City, IA Jul90-May93
Living in Würzburg, Germany. Shirley worked for the
Dept. of the Army - civil service nurse. Aug90-May93
Earned a BA in History from U of Maryland, European Div.,
Heidelburg, Ger. (GI Bill) Aug93-Present
Living in Orange Park, FL & Iowa City, IA. Shirley
retired from Naval Hosp., NAS Jax on 3 Aug 2001
" I take care of the yard, house, and cars." Loveland, Kenneth ... left the
boat for postgraduate school in 1965. He later served at the
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. (reptd by Vic Peters 7/03) Lute, James "Harry" ...also
served on Sunfish SS-282 Lyons, Joseph Returned to
Georgia after being discharged (honorably), attended college
for 2 years, and technical school (Electronics) for another
2. Eventually moved to Richmond, Va., where I have worked as
an industrial E&I tech. for the past 30 years. Married
with no children. Interests are hunting, gun collecting,
vintage motorcycles & travel. [recd Jan '09] Macaraeg, Lino I left Pearl
Harbor in September 1963 for the USS Seadragon SSN-584.
After that I went to the USS Casmir Pulaski SSBN-633 Blue
Crew. She was under construction in Groton, CT. We
went to Rota, Spain then were homeported in Charleston, SC.
Moved to Key West, then Mayport, and later Jacksonville. [post
card recd Mar 09] Maccini, Art Later served
on USS Tench (SS-417) '53-54; left service as EN2(SS) MacCabe, Douglas Qualified on
Bonita SSK-3 (SS-552) in 1956. Also served in Nathan Hale
SSBN-623; VonSteuben SSBN-632. Retired ENCM(SS) 19 April 1972. " I
retired from Charleston base S.C. after spending 16 years in the
submarine force." {recd 24 Mar 09] MacMurray, James I joined the
Sabalo in 1961 and was aboard, as an RM3(SS) until 1963, when I
transfered to the USS Daniel Webster (SSBN626). After leaving the
Navy, in 1965 as an RM1(SS), I attended UCLA for undergraduate
work, and received my PhD from UC San diego in 1977. My field is
molecular genetics. Although my life has been wonderful, it is
nevertheless true that a life in academia and research has been
given greater meaning by its contrast with those truly fabulous
years I spent as a submariner. Indeed, my later experiences on a
boomer were "okay," but I was extremely fortunate to have been
able to serve, with so many extraordinary individuals, on a diesel
boat like the Sabalo. Madalinski, Arnold Tunny (Q)
56-58; Sabalo 60-62; Skate; Tusk. retired 1974 EM1(SS).Magnuson, Robert eml recd 22
Nov 09 I'm sorry to
report that my friend, Robert G. Magnuson, who served on the U.S.S
Sabalo October 1962 to January 1964, passed away yesterday,
November 20, 2009, at his home in rural Boone County (Columbia),
Missouri. Bob was 69, and had suffered a lengthy respiratory
illness. He had retired in 1998 as vice president of
internal auditing for Shelter Insurance Companies. He was 69
and is survived by his wife, Robyn and her son Curtis. He
was proud of his service with the Navy. [from Gene
Baumann, Rocheport, MO] Maire, Rex Initially
assigned USS Thomason and USS Courser, he then commanded USS
Mockingbird. On completion of submarine school he was
assigned USS Sabalo, USS Blackfin and USS Spot, Executive Officer
on USS Medregal, and Commander of USS Segundo. He received MA of
Education and taught mathematics for ten years. [bio & photos
found at: http://usna50.8k.com/2004.htm] Malone,
Laurence W. Shipmate
Laurence W. Malone III, 70 Gregory Road, Wallingford, CT passed
away on January 3, 2001 from complications of Multiple Myeloma. He
is survived by his wife of 46 years, four sons, nine
grandchildren, one sister and one brother. ---- He was a
Korean War Veteran and a life member of Groton Base and of the
National Korean Veterans Association. --- Laurence qualified
on the USS CHIVO SS-341 and also served on the USS SABALO SS-302.
gifts of money may be sent to the International Myeloma
foundation, 12650 Riverside Dr, Hollywood, CA 91607.
Sailor rest your oar. [Memorial notice from "American Submariner"
mag] Marsh, W.C. reported to
have been working for the Washington state Department of Licenses
after retiring from the Navy.[info from Tim Williams Mar'04] Martz, Daniel "Warrant
Machinist, USN Ret. - 2114 S. Mulberry St., Muncie, Indiana, died
in an auto aacident May 5, 1965, Member of Mile-High Diggers
(Colorado), Served aboard the S-35, Sabalo (SS-302), and Runner
(SS-476). Dan leaves a wife, Millie, and three children. Our
condolences to them all. [reported in Polaris, Jun, 1965] Masek, William Jr. entered the
Navy in February, 1942. After completing an NROTC program at
the University of California he was commisioned as Ensign in
February 1944. From June to August 1944 he attended Submarine
School at New London. After graduation he was assigned to
the USS S-33. He subsequently served on the USS Barb, USS
Picuda, and the USS Argonaut. In July 1946 he attended a
course of instruction at the Naval Academy, and upon completion
was assigned to the USS Diodon. In March 1952 he attended a
course of instruction at the General Line School, Montery,
Calif. He was assigned as Executive Officer of the USS
Grouper in January of 1953. In November of 1954 he was
attached to the staff of Submarine Squadron Ten and then the staff
of Sub School, New London. In June of 1957 he assumed
command of the USS Sabalo. Among his
decorations he was awarded the Naval Unit Citation, the
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one star, and the Korean
Theatre Medal. He and his
wife Marjorie had three children: Margaret (b1952); Miles (b1955);
and Helen (b1956). The family resided in Honolulu during his
command of Sabalo. [bio from
Patrol Newspaper, 2 Nov 1957, p. 5.]
A memorial
service for Captain William Masek, Jr. (USN, Ret.), 72, of
"Matsuda", Ware Neck [Virginia], was held at 2 PM, Sunday in Ware
Episcopal Church, Gloucester. He died Wednesday, Sept. 27,
1995.
Capt.
Masek
served
for
32
years
on
active
duty
in
the
U.S.
Navy
before
retiring
to
Gloucester
in
1974.
He
was
born
in
Pennsacola,
Fla., and graduated from Coronado High School in California in
1941 and attended the University of California, Berkley, class of
1944. He was in the Naval ROTC and received his comission in
1944.
Capt.
Masek
served
on
the
submarine
USS
Barb
on
war
patrols
off
the
coast
of
northern
Japan
in
1945.
After
the
war,
he
attended
the Navy Post Graduate School in Anapolis, Md.
Capt.
Masek
commanded
the
USS
Sabalo
in
Pearl
Harbor
before
serving
two
assignments
in
Scotland
as
an
exchange
officer
with
the
Royal
Navy,
and
was an executive officer of the USS Proteus. After serving
in California as commander of Submarine Division 52, he attended
the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., earning an M.S, from
George Washington University. He served on the staff of
Commander Submarines Atlantic in Norfolk, where he was promoted to
the rank of Captain. He returned to England for a tour on
the NATO Submarine Staff at HMS Dolphin Royal Navy Submaine Base
in Gosport, Hampshire. He finished his career as the naval
adviser to the Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery,
Alabama.
A
veteran
of
World
War
II,
the
Korean
War,
Formosa
Straits
Crisis,
and
the
VietNam
War,
Capt.
Masek's
military
awards
and
decorations
include
the
Legion of Merit and the Navy Commendation Medal.
During
retirement,
he
taught
at
Gloucester
Day
School,
served
on
a
vestry
of
Ware
Episcopal
Church,
and
was
a
member
of
the
A.P.V.A.,
Disabled
American Veterans, Gloucester Historical Society, Ware River Yacht
Club, and the Retired Officers of Mathews County. He
completed a trans-Atlantic crossing as a navigator in 1986 in a
32-foot sailboat.
Survivors
include
his
wife,
Marjorie
Ellen
Masek;
two
daughters,
Margaret
Maurine
Ulsaker
of
Ware
Neck,
and
Helen
Helm
Masek
of
Herndon;
a
son,
Miles
Hayter Masek of Ware Neck, and a grandson.
The
service
was
conducted
by
the
Rev.
Daniel
O.
Worthington
Jr.,
rector.
Burial
with
full
military
honors
will
be
held
at
1
PM,
Oct.
19 in Arlington National Cemetery.
The
family
has
requested
in
lieu
of
flowers,
contributions
be
made
to
the
Mathews
County
Land
Conservancy,
Williams
Wharf
Project,
P.O.
Box
306,
Mathews,
VA 23109.
Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, was in charge. [obit from
Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal, 5 Oct 1995]
Mast, Curt Received
medical discharge May 54 from injury which happened in Pearl
Harbor Naval Yard in Aug 52. May, Leslie was an E-8
(RMCS SS) when he reported aboard the Sabalo in 1964 maybe around
Jan-("I don't really remember"). He retired in 1967 after 20 yrs
service in the Navy most of it in the boats. He went on to
be Chief Engineer on the inland waterways, and retired from the
Teamsters in 1988. "We currently live in Cummig, Ga to be near our
children and grandchildren." (info recd Jul '03) McCord, Dennis I qualified
on Sabalo in 1956 as an E4, ET. I had to surface later, as a
result of being commissioned (Rickover didn't like us un-educated
folk). Anyway, I was subjected to riding surface craft for the
rest of my career, and have always looked to days on the Sabalo as
my happiest Navy days. I retired from the Navy in 1977 with the
rank of Commander. [recd Feb 2006] McCormick, David Cusk
SS-348
Jan 61 - Dec 63 Sabalo
SS-302
63 (short period) Halibut
SSN-587
Apr 68 - Jun 68 Blueback
SS-581
Jun 68 - Jun 69
STS1 Barbel
SS-580
Jun 69 - Mar
72 STS1 Tang
SS-563
Mar 72 -
Apr 74 Thomas
Jefferson SSBN-618G Jul 76 - Dec 79 Ocean Organic
Systems Atlantic, Norfolk 64-66 McCoy, Frank 1/4/56 to
9/25/75 Duty Stations: RTC Bainbridge, Great Lakes Engineman "A",
USS Sellstom DER 244, USS Lakeland LSM 373, USS Carp SS 338, USS
Croaker AGSS 246, SONAR Technician "A" Key West, USS D. Webster
SSBN 626, USS Grouper AGSS 214, Sonar Technician "B" Key West,
Fleet SONAR School San Diego, USS Sabalo SS 302, USS Narwhal SSN
671 and USS Plunger SSN 595. Retired as STSCS(SS).
McCune, Joe
Denver
Reported to
Sabalo from Tiru and served as Operations Officer under Captain
Bill Masek. During one of our"extended operations" I
discovered that QM1 Les Joslin and I were related. (His
uncle was my mother's father.) For the rest of that patrol "Cousin
Jos" and I reviewed our family history and even managed to
stand resonably alert watches together. I was on board when
Stickleback was sunk by Silverstein in '58. I later served
in Catfish and commissioned the Thomas A. Edison (SSBN610).
Les also found his way to the Edison! When I later commanded
the Sea Robin SS-407 out of New London, Les was again keeping
track of me in the Squadron Operation center. I had shore
duty as an Instructor in the Polaris Missile Program (Sunnyvale,
CA and Dam Neck, VA), XO of Submarine School, CO of the Treasure
Island, CA Electronics school, COMSUBPAC staff as Nuclear Weapons
Safety Officer, Tactical Officer of the Fleet Submarine
Training Center in Pearl Harbor, Exchange Officer in the Royal
Navy at Faslane, Scotl and, Commander Navy Recruiting Area EIGHT
(10 Western States) and as Deputy COMSUBLANT Representative in
NATO headquarters in Brussels Belgium. Served in Korean war,
Cold war, and Vietnam war. Retired as Captain, USN in 1980
and worked in defense industry until 1993. Patty, my wife of
52 years, passed away in 2004. Have two grown children with
families living happily and successfully in Alaska. Live in
La Costa, CA (Carlsbad north of San Diego). Play golf, shoot
skeet, traveling extensively. Life has been good! [recd Jan
2006]
McKnight,
Robert Qualified on
the Pickerel SS-524 in Jun '56. Pickerl
SS-524
12/55-5/61 TM1(SS) Blackfin
SS-322
5/61-8/61 TM1(SS) Swordfish
SSN-579 8/61-11/62 TM1(SS) Bowfin
SS-287
11/62-3/64 TMC(SS) Diodon
SS-349 3/64-5/67
TMC(SS) Sabalo
SS-302 5/67-5/68
TMC(SS)* Grayback
APSS-574 5/68-10/68 TMC(SS) Sabalo
SS-302
10/68-2/71 TMC(SS)* Charr
AGSS-328
2/71-1/72 TMC(SS) COB Barb
SSN-596
2/75-5/77 TMC(SS) COB *Was COB on
Sabalo May 67 - May 68 and Oct 69- Jun 70. (Harold Losby was COB
in between.) McLane, A.L. I served
aboard her from Mar. 62 to about June I think, then got sent
off to Nuke. school. I joined the crew in Japan, cruised around
The Philippines a while, then I left them again in Japan on the
way to Vallejo to nuke. school. My hometown was
Frankston, TX. I now live in Bonneau, SC, just north of
Charleston, my name is correct, A.L., initial name only. I
retired as EMCS (SS) in April, 1975. [eml recd 30 Jan 09] McPolin, Paul "After
becoming an SK3 I was transferred to the USS Halibut SSGN at Pearl
Harbor. From there to Tripler Army Hospital; then to St.
Albans Naval Hospital. I was discharged in 1962 After
the Navy I was a steamfitter for 35 years, and just retired from
the trade. [recd Mar 2007]. Meggison, Earl "... Today, I
am a retired, General Manager from AT&T Co. and living near
Orlando, Fl. in Davenport, Fl. I am a member of USSVI-Tang
Base (Pinellas Park, Fl.). My son, Earl Jr. also served on
the boats - 12-years on the Lapon out of Norfolk,Va." Mengden, Joseph
D. “Dave”
I
graduated
in
1962
with
a
BA
and
BS
in
Chemical
Engineering
from
Rice
University,
and
was
commissioned
an
Ensign.
I
went
to
submarine school and reported to the USS Blackfin (SS-322). During
my three years there I held most junior officer positions and
ended as the Engineer. I picked up the Sabalo in Brisbane,
Australia in November 1965. To the chagrin of the crew, who
thought they had a pollywog, I had to tell them that I was a
golden shellback, having crossed the equator and the international
date line a year earlier on Blackfin. I became the Operations
Officer and Navigator on Sabalo. All of these positions allowed me
to say later that I had held every officer position on submarines
except Captain, Exec., and protestant lay leader. In the next year
we recovered from the WestPac tour; went to Acapulco; San Diego,
sinking an old ship with a live torpedo; and into the shipyard at
Treasure Island where I mustered out in December 1966.
I
joined
the
DuPont
Company
and
rose
to
Vice
President
and
General
Manager.
I
have
since
retired
and
have
four
children,
and
11
grandchildren. [recd Jun 2005] Menkes, Murray died while
still on active duty while stationed at New London, Conn. He
and his wife were duck hunting during early evening hours of 26
October 1960 on the Connecticut River when the boat
capsized. Murray's shoulder high waders filled and he was
unable to get out of them. His wife almost drowned herself,
but was able to flag help from a neighboring boat on the
river. They found Murray the next morning He left
three young children ages 6; 3; 4 mos. (reptd by
dau., Ellen 6/03) Merrill,
Eugene A. Duty stations
in order: Qualified on
Tang SS-563 in 1955; Sterlet SS-392 '56-57; Sabalo SS-302 '59-60;
Tang '60; Tiru SS-416 '60-62; Bluegill SS-242 "62-64; Tiru '64;
Bonefish SS-582 '72-78 (COB); ComSubRon7 Pearl Harbor (CMC);
Darter SS-576 '82-86(COB). Retired in
1986, 32 yrs. service. "Entire career at Pearl Harbor. In the
early years I was a boat hopper to make WesPac runs. Last duty
with Darter which was homeported in Sasebo, Japan. Married
to Mieko of Fukuoko, Japan." Meyers, Webster Perch
APSS-313
12/63-6/65 EN3(SS) Archerfish
AGSS-311 1/66-5/68
EN2(SS) Tunny
APSS-282
7/68-5/69 EN1(SS) Sabalo
SS-302
7/69-12/69 EN1(SS) Mills, Jon Qualified on
Bluegill SS-242 in 1951; Tiru SS-416 '52-53; Stickleback SS-415
'53-54; Sabalo SS-302 '54-58. Later served on Tang SS-563
'60-63 as COB. In 1963 received a commission, and did not
have submarine duty after that. Served on USS Tombigbee AOG-11 as
Engineer and CO for transit from Guam to Midway; served on and
retired from USS Nashville LPD-13 in September 1975. Mitchell,
Joe
…
was
born
31
May
1926
in
Fowlestown
Georgia
near
Bainbridge,
of
Mary
Emma
King-Mitchell
and
Claude
Mitchell.
He
had
three
sisters,
Betty
Jean
Mitchell,
RN, Gloria Ann Shepard, and Edna Clyde Nix and a brother, Claude
Buren Mitchell.
He
attended
Attapulgus
High
School
where
he
lettered
in
Basketball
and
quarterbacked
for
the
football
team.
After
school
he
worked
in
the
tobacco
fields
and had a paper route for the weekly paper ‘the Grit’. He
bought his first bicycle “from raising a calf given to me by my
father.” On graduation day at the age of 17, he left for the Navy.
Joe’s
first
assignment
was
the
Naval
Auxiliary
Air
Station
and
then
Radar
School
at
St.
Simons
Island,
Georgia.
After
serving
two
(2)
years
in the Navy during World War II, he was released as a Yeoman
Second Class to attend the University of Georgia.
Starting
in
1947
at
the
University
of
Georgia,
he
worked
in
the
library
and
was
an
active
Navy
Reservist.
He
was
Recording
Secretary
and President of the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity, a member of the
Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity, and a member of the Sigma Nu
Fraternity. He belonged to the Woodmen of the World and was a
charter member and Vice President of the Masonic Wayfarers club.
He graduated in 1950 and was recommended for a commission in the
Navy. Until he received his commission he worked in the
supply department of the Clay Company, an oil refining company.
He
was
recalled
to
active
duty
in
June
1950,
and
in
July
of
1950
was
stationed
in
Japan
and
in
August
19,
1950 received his commission as an Ensign. In Japan he met
and married his wife, Lieutenant (jg) Jean Flood, RN., USN, in
1952.
They
were
transferred
to
the
Philippines
in
1955
where
he
served
approximately
two
years
on
various
assignments
of
temporary
additional
duty
including
on
Taiwan,
aboard
submarine USS Sabalo SS-302, and was also stationed aboard three
(3) aircraft carriers with Commander Task Force 77 (CTF-77).
In
1957,
they
had
a
son,
Michael
Joseph.
And
later
that
year
they
were
transferred
to
Washington
D.C.
with
the
National
Security
Agency.
In
1958, they had a daughter, Karen Elizabeth.
In
August
1959
they
transferred
to
Washington,
D.C.
During
the
next
18
months
he
was
promoted
to
LT
(jg),
received
his
regular
Naval
Commission
and learned Chinese at the Intelligence School, Language Branch.
In 1960, they had a daughter, Cheryl Ann.
From
1960
to
1962,
the
family
was
in
Prot
Lyautay,
Morocco.
During
this
time
the
death
of
King
Mohammad
the
Fifth
happened.
He
provided communication from the palace grounds to the ship while
King Hussan was enroute to America.
During
1963
to
1965
he
was
assigned
to
the
USS
Jamestown
AGTR-3
as
Operations
Officer
and
Public
Relations
Officer.
He
went
around
the
world
twice with the ship. In 1963, they had daughter, Patricia
Ann and in 1964, they had daughter, Sandra Diane in Bethesda
Maryland.
In
1965
to
1967,
as
a
Lieutenant
Commander,
he
served
at
the
National
Security
Agency
in
Washington,
D.C.,
and
in
1966,
they
had
daughter,
Nannette Lynn.
From
1969
to
1970
he
served
with
the
staff
of
the
Commander
in
Chief,
Atlantic
and
continued
at
Headquarters,
Atlantic
Fleet,
Norfolk
Virginia
until
1973. During this period he was promoted to Commander.
In
1973,
he
was
again
promoted
to
the
rank
of
Captain
before
being
transferred
to
Adak,
Alaska,
Naval
Communication
Station
as
the
Commanding
Officer.
Returning
from
Alaska
in
1975,
he
served
in
Washington
D.C.
with
Commander
Naval
Security
Group
Headquarters
as
the
Assistant
Commander
for
Administration,
Personnel
and
Security,
and then was Commanding Officer of NAVSECGRU, Homestead Air Force
Base until 1977.
From 1977 to 1980 he served as the Commanding Officer of the Naval
Security Station in Washington, D.C.
While
in
the
Navy,
he
was
awarded
the
Meritorious
Service
Medal,
Joint
Services
Commendation
Medal,
Navy
Commendation
Medal,
China
Service
Medal,
American
Campaign
Medal,
Victory Medal for World War II, the World War II Occupation Medal,
the Navy, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal,
Expert Pistol Medal, and the United Nations Korean Medal.
During
his
Naval
career
a
great
deal
of
time
was
spent
assisting
the
local
residents
in
the
many
countries
by
arranging
for
provision
of
relief items, including food, and also sending much needed medical
supplies to the interior jungle of Brazil and other parts of South
America.
Upon
retirement
in
June
of
1982
with
the
rank
of
Captain,
after
38
years
with
the
Navy,
he
and
his
family
moved
and
settled
in Homestead, Florida. In August of 1982, thru the
persuasion of the many friends he had made in the Homestead area,
he accepted the position of Manager of the Florida City State
Farmers’ Market. He was named “Marketing Manager of the Year” in
May of 1989. He also owned and operated a 10 acre avocado
grove.
During
his
retirement,
he
served
on
the
Board
of
Directors,
the
Red
Carpet
Committee
and
the
Vice
President
of
Tourism
of
the
Greater
Homestead/Florida
City Chamber of Commerce, Assistant Secretary of the Homestead
Rodeo Association, a member of the Military Affairs Committee, the
President Elect of the local Rotary Club, a member of the
Agri-Council, on the Advisory board of the Sunrise School for the
Retarded, founding member of the local Soup Kitchen,
Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the NAPMM
(National Association of Produce Market Managers), the Vice
Chairman of the Florida Job Service Employment Committee, a Board
Member of the Florida Senior Games of the Governor’s Council of
Fitness and Sports, a past member and on the Board of Directors of
the Private Industry Council for seven (7) years, on the local
board of the United Way and Chairman of the Dade County Federal
Emergency Food and Shelter Assistance Program (FEMA funds).
He was a member of the American Legion post #400 Homestead,
Florida, and the Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association.
For enjoyment, when he wasn’t busy with community activities, he
enjoyed boating and fishing.
On
August
24,
1992
he
experienced
the
effects
of
Hurricane
Andrew
which
caused
major
damage
to
his
personal
home,
the
total
destruction
of
the
grove house, and destruction of two of his children’s homes. Major
damage was also done to the Farmers’ Market and Rodeo Grounds.
Joe
died
at
home
at
age
67
of
a
sudden
heart
attack
on
4
October
1993.
Captain
Mitchell
was
interred
with
full
military
honors
in Arlington National Cemetery (Section 8, Site 10255, Corner of
Eisenhower and Patton Drive).
He
was
married
40
years
and
survived
by
his
wife
Jean,
one
son,
Michael
Joseph,
and
5
daughters,
Karen
Elizabeth,
Cheryl
Ann,
Patricia,
Sandra
Dianne, and Nannette Lynn Mitchell. Grandchildren include Jamie
& Ashley McLane, Austin Zarling and Cody Arnette.
His beloved wife of 40 years, Dessie Jean
Mitchell,
LT(jg), USN, died on 7 January 2008 and was laid to rest with him.
[Slightly
modified from original text written by Mike Mitchell, Joe’s son, 2001,
and posted on
the Arlington National Cemetery Website at: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/jcmitchell.htm ] Moe, Richard After the war
ended I was on the USS Kingfish SS-234. We came back to New
London and in a short while we decommissioned the Kingfish.
A little later I had a chance to go aboard the Sabalo
in Portsmouth. We spent a few months rigiging her for
school boat duty. After being on her for a few
months, we had something happen that I didn't care about.
I figured it was safer making war Patrols...so I got off, and got
discharged, and went back to farm in N. Dakota.
I want to
thank you for getting in touch with me. I didnt think there
many of that crew left as I am 82 years old, and I was one of the
youngest of the main crew. Capt Andrews was my skipper, a real
nice guy. I am a life member of Sub Vets of World War
2, Also a life member of USSVI at Seattle Wa.
and a member of the Holland Club. [recd Jan 2007] Momsen, Wayne Sabalo
SS-302 4/63-7/64 SK3(SS) Medregal
SS-480 7/64-4/66 SK3(SS) Moore, Connie
I rode the "Rotten Rat" (USS Raton) for just over three
years and then went to the Volador a four battery Guppy II which
lent new meaning to no room, was also SUBFLOT ready boat which
meant that every time some body sneezed or a russian sub was
detected between California and Hawaii we were out there or on
four hour stand by. The Rotten Rat also never did 45 days at
a time off Valdivostok where after twenty or twenty five days we
went through our dirty dungarees to find some thing cleaner than
what you were wearing to put on.
I left Volador to put the Snook SSN-592 in commission which was
the last of the 6 Skipjack class subs. We made the first
WestPac cruise for a true fast attack. I loved it. We
didn't have to go quiet and breathe bad air. We just ran off
and left them and then sneaked back in. We also spent over 100
days at sea during the Cuban blockade.
In those days we could only go into Okinawa and Subic
because we were nuke. After returning to San Diego in Dec
1962, I decided to go to shore duty after 11 years at sea.
Went to Medregal in early 1966 in Pearl ( hate that place).
Then, swapped to Sablao to return to My beloved San Diego.
SABALO was a great Boat. But got shanghied to
PerCom for Sea Devil SSN 664 in Newport News, and then transferred
to Hammerhead SSN 663. Many long 85 day trips to Berrants Sea
Norfolk to Norfolk. The Hammer was a great sub we did a lot
of stuff, but too much time at sea. Food was good, air was good,
shower every day. My two best boats were the Rotten Rat and
Snook. Will always cherish my time out there..... Raton SS-270
9/56-12/59 Volador
SS-490
12/59-12/60 Snook
SSN-592
12/60-12/62 Sabalo
SS-302
?/67-3/68 Sea Devil
SSN-664
3/68-2/70 Hammerhead
SSN-663
6/69-7/70 Mullarky, David
also served on Sea Devil SSN-664; Barbel SS-580; CLG-7; retired
1969 Mullins, Robert
I was born
September 1940; joined the Navy in July 58. After boot
camp in San Diego I spent about a year with a harbor defense unit
at Point Loma. I went to sub school in late 59;
graduated sub school in early 60; joined the Sabalo in
Hong Kong shortly thereafter, and stayed aboard till we dry docked
in Yokosuka (or there abouts). I was a fireman, engineman
striker. I didn't qualify, and was only assigned to the Sabalo a
short period of time [approx. Mar-May '60]. After that
I was transferred, and ended up on the USS Lansing DER-388 in
Pearl, and received an honorable discharge in September 61.
At the time of my discharge I was a fireman assigned to the air
conditioning / refrigeration gang. After my discharge I was
informed by my former division officer that I had passed the test
for 3rd class engineman, but I opted for civilian life.
After that, I
was in Asia for most of the war (1963 to1972), and then 13
years in Bahrain, and from 1985 to 2003 in and out of Africa.
At
present residing in Bartlesville, OK, just 10 miles north of where
I was raised (Ramona, OK) [recd Dec 2005]
Murphy, James Obit- "The
Sacremento Chapter [USSVWWII] sadly reports the death of James
Murphy on September 14, 1982. James served in Argonaut,
Gurnard, Flounder and Sabalo. His body was cremated and his
ashes were scattered at sea. He is survived by his wife,
Molly. Sail in Peace, James. [form
"Polaris" Magazine] Murr, Clifford B. Born on May
13, 1927, in Kent, Washington. He joined the Navy in Los
Angeles in February of 1945 on a minority cruise, going directly
to Sub School from boot camp. He had always wanted to be a
submariner and never considered any other branch of service.
He reported aboard the USS Hake (SS-256) as a Seaman 2nd class in
August of 1945. His age and the atomic bomb prevented him
from making a patrol, but he had almost three years left on his
enlistment at the war's end.
In October 1945, Cliff was assigned to the USS Sabalo (SS-302).
During seatrials out of Portmouth shortly thereafter, he
experienced a near disastrous deep dive (almost 700 feet due to
gross trim miscalculation) and a disintegration of the deck gun
upon initial firing with several crewman narrowly escaping injury
(caused by failure to have oil in the recoil absorbing cylinders).
When the Sabalo went for decommisioning most of the crew were
transferred and Cliff ended up on the USS Sea Owl (SS-405) as a
Seaman 1st class. In May of 1946 the Sea Owl was assigned to
Squadron VI in Panama. He threw off the bow line and was
discharged at Jacksonville, Fla. as TM 3rd Class (SS).
Clifford is now retired from the Pacific Telephone Company, has
four children, and seven grandchildren, and is still married to
the same wonderful gal he met in Philadelphia in 1947.
Needham, Bruce
Pipefitter for the Canadian National Rail Road. Will
retire July 2007 after 30 years. [recd Mar 2007]
Nelsen, Jerry D.
Carbonero
SS-337
1/59-12/59 IC3(SS)
Sabalo
SS-302
6/60-3/63
IC2(SS)
Growler
SSG-577
3/63-1/64 IC1(SS)
Sterlet
SS-392
1/64-11/64 IC1(SS)
Patrick Henry
SSBN-599G
4/69-10/70 ICC(SS)
Casimir Pulaski
SSBN-633G
10/70-12/73 ICCS(SS) COB
Shipmate Jerry Nelsen passed away on 2 April
2002. His wife Sandi, sent Perch Base an email, but no other
information was given. Qualified on USS Carbonero, in 1959 as
IC. Jerry retired from the Navy as a ICCS(SS). Sailor
... Rest Your Oar
Nelson,
Don "I
moved about in the Submarine force a bit after the 'Slo Blo' going
first to the Gudgeon SS567 then to the Daniel Webster SSBN626 and
finally to the George C. Marshall SSBN 654. I retired in '82
STSCS(SS) and got into school. Picked up a Ph.D in
Forensic Psychology and a Psy.D in Psychology. I'm a doc at
a local county mental health facility in Oregon now after 13 years
in pvt. practice in WA. State." Carp
AGSS-338
3/64-1/67 ST2(SS) Other boats:
Gudgeon SS-567; Sea Leopard SS-483; Razorback SS-394 Newton, Raymond Qualified on
Sea Fox in 1961.
I
served
on
board
Sabalo
from
late
Aug.
'63-
Sept.
13,
1966.
My
nickname
was
"Scummer".
The
name
'Scummer"
was
given
to
me
by
E. D. Dominguez TM1 PO in charge of tubes aft. Have no idea where
"FRUIT" came from. Run with it if you want.
Present day I am a retired as a heavy truck diesel
mechanic some 32 years - 23 years as a Teamster. Recently joined
USSVI Groton CT. My wife Barbara and I have 2 daughters, Jennifer,
31 yrs. old, and Kristen 27 y.o.. Life is good.
Do have 8mm movies of Yokosuka, Hong Kong, Bangkok,
Brisbane,Aus., Singapore and old Patrol newspaper articles from
that time.
So long for now, Ray Newton (Scummer). PS: Hope this
finds all my ex shipmates alive and living well. Before marriage
and kids it was the best time of my life. Good Bad or Indifferent.
Nichols, Arthur Carbonero
SS-337 4/53-8/53
FN Stickleback
SS-415 8/53-9/54
FN Sabalo
SS-302
9/54-6/55 EN3(SS) Pickerel
SS-524
6/55-11/56 EN3(SS) Tang
SS-563 12/58-12/61 EN2(SS) Medregal
SS-480 2/64-2/66 EN1(SS) NavShipRepFac
Guam 2/66-3/68 Blueback
SS-581
3/68-12/68 EN1(SS) NavRecruCom
Honolulu 3/69-10/73 Bonefish
SS-582
10/73-8/77 ENC(SS) SIME [Shore
Intermediate Maint. Activity] San Diego 9/77-12/80 Nugent, Frank BOATS I HAD
THE PLEASURE OF SERVING ON: USS SABALO, USS BATFISH, USS GUAVINA,
USS SEA LION, USS GRAMPUS, USS CARP, USS TORSK, USS SEA DOG,
FROM 1951 TO 1965, ALSO USS MT.OLYMPUS AGC8 AND USS CHUCKAWAN
AO100, RECOMMISSIONED USS SABALO AND USS BATFISH. [as found on
the 'net; reptd 24 Jul 2000] O'Brien, Thomas Qualified on
Sea Devil (SS-400) in 1959. I was aboard..."Sabalo because I
missed my ride to WesPac with Spinax; transferred to Sterlet for
WesPac; rode Charr; comissioned Tecumseh (SSBN-628); instructor
FBMSTC (Charleston, SC); rode Cubera, Sirago, Volador; made
ICC(SS) on Sirago; then WO1 - CWO3, then LTjg - Ret. CDR-LDO. Also
served on AS-18 and AS-40, and at SIMA. Later retired second
time from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary as V.P. for
Business." [recd Apr 2006] Ochoa, Robert Entered the
Navy in 1948 Caiman SS-323
- 1949-50 USS Bonita
SSK-3 - 1952-55 USS Sabalo
SS-302 - 1963-66 Was COB for a
short time in Yoko'. Was Asst. Eng. while the boat was in
the shipyard in Honolulu. Retired from the Navy in
1969. Took a job with OSHA retiring again after 17 years as
GS-13. [reported by Robert in telco ca. early 2007] Odom, Charley T. Enlisted in
Memphis in 1934 and first qualified on the S-1 in 1935. [The S-1
has a lot of notable history. LTjg Rickover (later Adm) was
the engineering officer in 1925-26. S-1 had an aircraft
hanger aft of the conning tower which contained a sea plane which
required assembly for launching and disassembly for stowage.
The aircraft was lauched and recovered by flooding down aft with
men standing in the water to handle securing the plane. A
lot learned in this process was later applied to the Regulus
boats.] Later was on Snapper SS-185, and also made
numerous war patrols on the Billfish SS-286.
"I
put
Sabalo
in
commision
in
Philly
as
CPO
in
charge
of
the
engine
rooms
(C
MoMM).
I
decommisioned
the
Sabalo
at
Portsmouth,
NH
and rode her to the reserve fleet (mothballs) at New London,
CT. I was in reserve, mothball fleet there. Later I
taught at Diesel Lab, Sub School 1947-49. One of my students was a
red-head from Plains, GA. [President Jimmy Carter]. I was
with Cdr. Plummer officer's instructor there too.
During
the
Korean
War,
I
was
Chief
Engineer
of
the
USS
Whipstuck,
a
10,000
barrel
diesel-electric
tanker.
This
was
great
duty.
My
wife
came
to the far-east on a freighter - no family transports during the
war. Later, I went to shore duty as an instructor teaching
Boatswain's Mates at Naval Net and Boom School, Tiburon, CA (just
over the Golden Gate from San Francisco). I retired there in
1956.
During
the
Depression
my
father
was
laid
off,
and
I
became
an
"economic"
dropout
from
high
school.
While
in
the
Navy
I
took
correspondence
courses through the U.S. Armed Forces Institute for my G.E.D..
Upon return to Tennessee after Navy retirement I enrolled at
the U. of Tenn. as a 43 year old freshman. I graduated
with honors from UT, and then taught at Fulton High in Knoxville
for 20 years and retired again in 1975." O'Reilly_Paul
retired from Airborne Express (Teamsters) 2001.
[eml recd Nov '09]Organ, James ...
worked at NAVSEA in Arlington, VA as a Captain and later as a
very high-level civilian, about 1980. [rptd by Dick Everley Feb
2007] Orton, Gerald After leaving
the service in 1970 (Hon Dschg), lived briefly in Los Angeles and
then moved to South Lake Tahoe in 1973. 1974 through
82, Administrator with a private-non profit, youth and family
counseling, community agency. Started as a volunteer to work
with kids, then wrote grants and became Executive Director in
1980. 1982, resigned as Exec. Dir., and started a
public relations business, specializing in campaign management,
focusing on local and regional elections. 1992 enrolled
in community college theater class. Studied improvisation
theater, continued taking workshops and founded a local improv
theater group, “Tahoe Improv Players” In addition to
performances at local venues and corporate events, I developed a
youth improv theater workshop program and provided trainings for
high school classes.
2002, met my
“signifgant other”, Alison, who was working for a local theater
group in Lake Tahoe for the summer. We fell in love and a
year later, along with my long time companion, a boarder collie,
named Latte, moved to Del Rey Oaks/Monterey Calif, where she
lives, thus ending 30 years of confirmed bachelorhood.
Alison works
at the Post Naval Graduate School for the Cebrowski Institute,
named after the late Admiral Cebrowski whose work on force
transformation was and is on the cutting edge for development of
alternative energy sources and communication systems between
government and non-government organizations dealing with disaster
situations, like Katrina and other force transformation
issues.
We come to
Tahoe every summer…her family has a cabin at Fallen Leaf Lake
which is in the Tahoe Basin and I continue to perform and conduct
workshops in improv theater, as well as attempting some screen
writing. [recd from Gerry 1 Mar 2007] Ouellet, Bernard ...after
leaving Sabalo in 1953 stayed in the reserves while working for
Chrysler in Detroit. In 1957 returned to active duty in the
aviation service and retired as AMSC (Aviation Structural Mechanic
Chief) in 1977. Deceased Mar 2007 Ouellette, Wilfred W. "Pete" "I've lived
all over the US since my Navy days, Nevada, Long Beach, San Diego,
Oklahoma and Massachusetts (my home state). I was an owner
operator truck driver for 8 yrs. Worked in the oil fields of
Calif & Oklahoma, but have been a Heavy Equipment Mechanic
specializing in cranes for the last 20 years. My wife Rita
and I have 2 children, a daughter 18 and a son 10." - Retired 1
Mar 2005. Owen, Lawrence Shipmate
Lawrence Owen of 607B Kuaaina Way, Kailua, HI 96734-2256 went on
eternal patrol 6 July 2002. Lawrence belonged to the Bowfin
Base and was a member of the Holland Club USSVI. He was also
a member of SVWWII. He is survived by his daughter. He
qualified in USS Puffer SS-268 and served in Blackfin SS-322;
Pomfret SS-391; Sabalo SS-302; Bugara SS-331 and Growler SS-577.
Sailor rest your oar. (reported in American
Submariner, Jul-Sep 2002) [It was
reported by another shipmate that Lawrence suffered from
Alzheimer's Disease.] Owens, Jeff
In June 1965 (age 21) I
was working as a technician and attending Monmouth College in
New Jersey at night. One day, during my lunch hour at
work, I went to the recruiter and enlisted on an accelerated
program due to my college
credits, and work experience in electronics. I entered active duty and
boot camp already an E-3,on 5 Oct
'65. After boot camp the schools were overloaded due to
the buildup of manpower needed for Viet Nam, so I was assigned
to destroyer Bordelon DD-881 out of Charleston, SC to wait for a
school opening. While there I took the test and became
ETR3. Along with maintenance duties, I was a radar and ECM
watchstander. The ship made a cruise to the North Atlantic
as part of a NATO training exercise and we had liberty in
Wilhelmshaven, Germany. After nine months aboard I
proceeded to Great Lakes for 'A' school"
Beginning at enlistment I had tried numerous times to get
'brother duty', but was not able to do so until the XO of Sabalo
SS-302 made a deal with my brother, Roy, already aboard, to
extend his active duty, and in March '67 I was then transferred
from ET 'A' school graduation directly to Sabalo without
attending sub school. This made qualifications a lot more
work because I didn't even know what a ballast tank was!
After making one WesPac deployment of 6 1/2
months with my brother and visiting many of the great liberty
ports, I
finished submarine qualifications and became ETN2(SS) during that
cruise. My brother left active duty right after, and I was left to serve the
remainder of my enlistment on the Sabalo. The boat made another
WesPac of 7 1/4 months. Before my enlistment concluded I
began using GI Bill financing to start flight training in San
Diego.
After
leaving Sabalo and active duty in Aug '69 I attended National
Aviation Academy in St. Petersburg, FL obtaining an FAA
Commercial Pilot License. Between Jan71-Jun74 I attended
Illinois Institute of Technology and graduated with BS in
Industrial Management. While still a student I began a career in
general aviation electronics maintenance, which after graduation
led to a number of management positions working on all aircraft
types from single engine propeller up to business jets.
Later I was involved in business telecommunication systems sales
and installation. My wife, Paula, a registered nurse, and
I were married in 1972. We moved around some, living in
(in order) Chicago, IL; Waretown, NJ; Park Forest, IL; Waterloo,
IA; Las Vegas, NV; Oakland, NJ; and Scranton, PA before our
present abode in Nicholson, PA on 88 acres out in the woods with
the deer and bear jumping around (and eating anything that
grows). Owens, Roy "I
served on the Sabalo (SS-302) from February 1966 to February 1968
and had “brother-duty” with Jeff Owens ET2 (SS) for the last half
of my tour. Prior to Sabalo I served 5 months on the
Bonefish (SS-582). After active Navy service, I went to
Northern Arizona University, majoring in Business
Administration. I remained in the Navy reserve for 12 years
while I pursued my civilian career. In 1972, I became a
Special Agent for the Criminal Investigative Division of the IRS
for 4 years. I then spent the next 12 years with the
National Marine Fisheries Service as a Special Agent, boarding
foreign and domestic fishing vessels on the high seas, off both
coasts and Alaska. In 1985, while stationed in Coos Bay,
Oregon, I received a reserve commission as an Ensign in the US
Coast Guard. In 1988, with age creeping up on me, I made a
mid-life switch to pursue a life long dream to become a “federal
game warden” (Special Agent - U. S. Fish and Wildlife
Service). In 1989, I moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin, as
a federal fish and wildlife agent, where I also transferred to a
reserve Coast Guard Port Security Unit. A year later, I
deployed to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Storm as a
Lieutenant with the first all-reserve Coast Guard unit in the
history of the Coast Guard to be recalled for deployment to OCONUS
duty. In 1996, I took a four-year assignment with the
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, Georgia as
an Instructor. While in GA, I earned a Masters in
Foundations of Education (Criminal Justice), in anticipation of a
part-time, post retirement, job as a college professor. Like
many, my plans changed drastically after the events of 9/11.
I was once again recalled by the Coast Guard for maritime security
duty, only this time at Jacksonville, Florida while being on leave
from my federal employer during that time. In July 2002, as
a Lieutenant Commander, I was asked to take a job as the
Operations Officer and Chief of the Maritime Homeland Security
Department for the Coast Guard in Valdez, Alaska. So I
decided to retire from federal civilian service and accept a
3-year tour with the Coast Guard. Retirement from federal
civilian service was efffective on November 29, 2002 after
34 years (30 years as a criminal investigator) with six agencies
at eight posts of duty. I retired with 32 years of active
and reserve military service in Jun 2004." Padgett,
David "Red" Qualified on
Sabalo SS-302 1958 Baya AGSS-318
(2 times) ~'60-62 Redfish
AGSS-395 '62-65 Gato
SSN-615 '65-68 plank owner Grenadier
SS-525 Cavalla
SSN-684 '71-73 plank owner Archerfish
SSN-678 '73-75 2 tours as COB Florida
SSBN-728 (blue) Commisioning COB Shore
duty NAD Earle, in
NJ Sub School,
Groton, CT, Instructor Basic Enlisted COMSUBDEVRON
12 Command Master Chief Cleveland
MERS Command Master Chief Palmer, James After Sabalo
served on Tiru SS-416 '53-54 Parker, James Qualified on
Tilefish SS-307 in 1952. Retired from the Seattle Police
Force. "I belong to
Bremerton, WA SubVets, and am a life member. in the Holland
Club. I live close to the Bangor Sub Base, what a
base! I am also a Mason and a Shriner, so keep busy." [from
pc recd Oct 2006]
"I
served
aboard
Sabalo
for
a
short
time
in
1953.
I
got
an
early
release
from
my
enlistment
because
the
skipper
said
that
for
a
sonarman there would be no schools or reason to advance in my rate
because the Korean War was over. He said he would give me an
early out to return to the University of Washington where I had
been attending when I was drafted. He also offered to send
my new 52 Chevy Hardtop to Treasure Island to be waiting for
me. I took the offer and drove home in January 1954.
That offer was too good to refuse, but because my car had been
bought in Hawaii I found out on my way home in ice and snow that
Hawaiian cars came with no heater or defroster. Hell of a
trip home. I had come to the Sabalo from the Tilefish and
even though I enjoyed every minute of my enlistment, I returned to
finish school, got married and had three children, worked on the
Seattle Police Department for 30 years, and had a great life."
[eml recd 4 Apr 09]
Parks, William H.
Sculpin - SSN-590 - LT - 8/62 to
8/64
Stonewall Jackson - SSBN-634 - LT -
8/64 to 4/66
Sabalo - SS-302 - LCDR - 8/66 to 7/68
NavSta, Coos Bay, OR 7/68-?
Commanding Officer "I retired
2002 and now I only do a bit of tax consulting about three or four
days a month. I have only extremely fond memories of Sabalo
and the great crew. I always tell everyone that Sabalo was the
best of all duties I had in the Navy. I keep a photo of the boat
in my home office." Parr, Dennis Skipjack
SSN-585
2/62-8/62 FN Sabalo
SS-302 2/63-9/64
EM2(SS) qualified on Sabalo '64 Carbonero
SS-337 9/64-5/65 EM2(SS) Sterlet
SS-392
5/65-10/65 EM2(SS) Parrish, William When I left
the Sabalo I was stationed at the Naval Hospital, Bethesda,
MD. While there I was offered the opportunity to go to OCS
at Newport, RI. After graduation I was assigned to Naval
Hospital Charleston as a MSC Purchasing Officer. After
Charleston I spent two years with my family in Korea, and then to
NAS Glynco, GA. I served in Viet Nam 1965-66. On my
return I was assigned back to NH Bethesda. I was Public
Information Officer and Admiral's Aide. I retired in 1970 as
a LCDR, MSC after 22 years of service. I immediately went to
work for Astra Leneca. Retired from there in 1986 while
living in Wilmington, DE, and we decided to stay there.
[note card recd 25 May 09] Patrick, John Has been
running the family farm in Colchester(near Macomb), IL since
leaving service in 69.Patterson, Ronald Qualified on
Sea Poacher SS-406 1960; later on Cod AGSS-224 '62-64; Sabalo
SS-302 '64-70; Torsk AGSS-423 '70-72; Ret. Sep '74. Peters, Les also served
on the Shark SSN-591. Peters, Vic Was an SN
when he first qualified on the Rock SSR-274 in 1955. After
that he served on Irex SS-482 '56; Cusk SS-348 '58-59.
"I reported aboard Sabalo on August 1, 1964
as an Ensign and left in July 1966 as a LTjg. I qualified
for my gold dolphins in Westpac in 1965, and was promoted
from Weapons Officer to Engineer when I made Ltjg. (I was a
NESEP and had previously been an ETC(SS), which probably
accounts for my holding those jobs as the junior officer on
board.) Jess Cariker was my first CO, Hal Barker was the
second. My fondest memories in the Navy (25+ years),
were on the Sabalo. We made back to back trips to the Gulf
of Tonkin during my time."
"Changed designator to 1400 (Engineering Duty) after a tour
on USS Pickerel SS-524 '66-68. Transferred to
ComSubLant Staff '68-71; then Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
'71-74; then Puget Sound Naval Shipyard '74-79.
Retired in 1979 with the rank of Commander (15 years
commissioned, 10 years enlisted.) "
"Currently (Jun '03) consulting in the commercial nuclear
industry. The last plant I worked at was Cooper Station in
Brownville, NE (1/03-6/03). Other plants include:
Pilgrim; Brunswick; Salem; Zion; Point Beach; South Texas
and Prarie Island. Owned my own company (Merit
Systems) '80-91, and sold it to AMS Inc. Live in
Bremerton, WA."
Petterson,
William Dan Rohrer
and I went to the same high school in Hillsboro Oregon. We
also joined the Navy at the same time, went to boot camp together,
and put in for Submarine Service. We went to New London,
Conn. for Sub School, and believe it or not, ended up on the
Sabalo, him as a cook and myself an engineman, very unusual I
understand. We were on Sabalo 1954 to 1956 . We did the usual
tours of duty to Japan, Hong Kong, and some Island in the south
Pacific. We made some northern runs lasting over 2 months
each.
Some
interesting
things
that
happened:
we
had
a
main
engine
blow
up
in
the
forward
engine
room.
There
was
about
20
five
gallon
cans
of coffee out board the of the engine. Needless to say we
were cleaning coffee grounds out the bilges for the next year and
a half. We also flooded the forward torpedo room on a deep
dive. I think everyone thought, 'this is the end' -- an
exciting moment -- somebody screwed up. Dan and I were discharged
at the same time. I enjoyed my time in the sub service.
I
have
been
retired
from
Tektronix
in
Beaverton
Ore.
for
13
years.
I
worked
there
33
+
years.
I'm
married
with
1
daughter
and
2 grand daughters. [recd Feb 2005] Petty, Bob L. After Sabalo
was on Stickleback SS-415 in 1955. ...is a full
time consultant concentrating on night vision illuminating systems
for aircraft and maritime vehicles, including submarine
periscopes. Inducted into the Holland Club 11 Nov 2003. [reptd
7/05] Phelps, Robert W. Sr. "Entered the
Navy Nov 1940. Training at Great Lakes, and then sent to NAS
Jax in Fla. two months after the base was commissioned. Was a striker
for Baker, and made Baker 2nd class, and about that time married
my wife, Delilah who was with me for 56 years. Transferred
to San Diego to advanced school in Aug 1943, and then to North
Island, San Diego till Jan '44 when I was sent to CASU-47 where I
requested submarine duty. I was sent to Mare Island, and
then New London. On completion of school assigned to USS
Sabalo SS-302 for commissioning. After Sabalo was
decommissioned, and in Aug 1946 was sent to the Billfish SS-286
and decommissioned her also. Enlistment was up in Nov '46,
so transferred to USNR V6 until Mar 1947. Then reenlisted at
Dallas, Texas and assigned to NavSta, SanDiego for assignment to
sub duty. Unfortunately a mix-up sent me to USS Carmick
DMS-33 in Jul 1947 and four days later she left for China.
In Nov request for return to sub duty was approved and I was
put off in Guam, and returned to Mare Island and the USS Charr
SS-328 1947-50. Had RecDu Nashville, Tenn. and Shelbyville, Tenn.
1950-52. USS Tinosa 1952-53 decomissioned. USS
Diodon SS-349 1953-55. USS Stickleback SS-415 1955-Jan 1957 at
Pearl Harbor. RecDu Albuequerque, N.M. and Amarillo and
Pampa, Texas 1957-59. USS Quillback SS-415 1959-Aug 1960.
Retired as Chief Comissaryman to Fleet Reserve and received
my 30 year certificate in 1970.
After
retiring from the Navy was Operation Supervisor for Los Angeles
Unified School District and Adult teacher for 18 years. Full
retirement since 1981." (info recd
6/03) Phelps, Robert W. Jr. Part owner of
an insurance business in Klamath Falls, Oregon. his web site:
http://www.klamathinsurance.com/ Piatek, Ralph
Graduated
EM
"A"
School
16
Dec
1939
and
was
sent
to
cruiser
USS
Augusta
CA-31;
transferred
to
Submarine
School,
New
London,
CT
in
Sept.
1943. After Sub School went to USS Saury SS-189 and
qualified in April 1944. Near the end of WWII was
transferred to USS Picuda SS-382; then to USS Atule SS-403 '46-48
where she made an Artic expedition in July and August of
1946. After that, recommissioned the USS Toro SS-422
'48-49. In March 1949 transferred to USS Pickerel SS-524
'49-51. From there transferred to Mare Island Naval Shipyard
where he worked on preparing three boats for recomissioning,
including some shakedown cruises on USS Guitarro in '51 &52.
Then went to shore duty at NavSta Alemeda including service aboard
USS Parche-I which was then a training boat. After one year
of that duty transferred to USS Sabalo SS-302 for the period of
sometime in 1953 until sometime in 1956. Sabalo sent me to
IC School in Washington, DC. When I returned, I was married
(now 52 years). Because the Sabalo already had an EMC aboard
I was transferred to USS Blackfin SS-322.
Finally after 3 years on a heavy cruiser and 16 years on
the boats assigned to shore duty as an instructor at EM School,
Great Lakes until 30 Jun 1960 when transferred to Fleet Reserve,
and retired from there August 1969.
Hired
by
U.S.
Naval
Material
Command,
Chicago
for
duty
as
Electrical
Inspector
at
Cutler-Hammer
Inc.,
Milwaukee,
WI.
Later
with
the
formation
of
the
Defense
Supply Agency took a job in the Production Division, and advanced
in this organization to Production Supervisor (GS-12), and after
eleven years retired on 1 Oct 1978.
Moved
to
Rio
Rancho,
New
Mexico.
"My
general
health
is
good.
I
exercise
each
day.
My
wife
had
a
mild
stroke
21
Feb
2005,
so I now have other duties, but having had the right training in
the Navy, I can cook, clean house, and assume the
captain-of-the-head detail without a wimper."
"I'm now [7/2010] 87 years young and
still fit." [Originally recd Mar 2005, and
update note recd July 2010] Pierce, Sam H. Made 11 World
War II patrols. Pierce, Stephen M.
Married, Retired from Navy in 1987.
USS Entemedor SS-340
Nov64-Oct65
USS Henry L Stimson SSBN-655 B
Oct65-Nov67
USS Sabalo SS-302
Aug68-Aug69
USS Theodore Roosevelt SSBN-600B
Feb71-Dec74
USS Robert E. Lee SSBN-601B & G
Jan76-Oct78
USS William H. Bates SSN-680
1985-1987
Piragis, Donald "I left
the Sabalo in mid '64 with about 20 other men right before the
Sabalo went to WestPac. Served on Medregal '64-Feb 1965--Spent
about six months in the shipyard; then Charr Feb-July 1965--The
day I reported onboard, the Charr left for WestPac."
"Married
Linda
Hall
June
25,
1966.
Had
3
children;
and
now
have
five
grandchildren.
I've
worked
for
the
L.S.
Starrett
Company
for
35
years,
making precision tools. Looking forward to retirement." [recd July
2005] [update 11
Apr 09 (pc)] I retired Aug 08 after working for 38 years in L.S.
Starrett Tool Co. working on a machine. (Never should have left
the subs) Also worked 4 years elsewhere. Will be married 43
years in June. 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Plummer, Lee
Bashaw - SS/AGSS/SSK 241 -
Rate:
EN3(SS)
15
Jun
60 to 15
Jun
62
Sabalo - SS 302 -
Rate: EN2(SS) 62
Pomodon - SS 486 -
Rate: RM2(SS) 62-63
Redfish - SS/AGSS 395 -
Rate:
RM2(SS)
Jun
63-Jul
65
Port, Richard Was on Tunny
'62-63. then Sabalo '63-64. Qualified on Permit SSN-594 in
1964 as an IC3, later changed rate to CS2(SS).
After
the
Navy
sailed
to
Australia,
and
also
made
some
trips
on
open
ocean,
sail
racing
yachts
between
the
northwest
coast
and
Hawaii,
including
sailing to most of the Hawaiian Islands. Has pilot's license
and has done extensive flying in the northwest. Spends a lot
of time doing serious fishing all over country. [from telcon Jul
2005] Potts, James Highest Rank
- Rate W4 - CWO4, Formerly EN
. USN Retired, June 1982; retired Scripps Institute of
Oceanography July 2008. Naval Service Highlights: Awards:
Master EOD Badge,navy Unit Commendation Ribbon,Republic of Vietnam
Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross), Navy
Commendation Medal (W/Gold Star and Combat "V"), National Defense
Service Medal,Bronze Star W/Combat "V",C Ships Served
On: SS-302, SS-416 [update recd 8Mar09] Powell, Martin "Mike" Qualified on
Irex SS-482, 1949. Other Boats: Grayback SSG-574; Growler
SSG-577, COB; Cobia AGSS-245.
He, along with his wife, was killed in a traffic accident while
enroute to a family Christmas visit December 24, 2003. Power, Stacy Qualified on
Grenadier SS-525 in 1951. After serving as COB on Sabalo
went to Greenfish SS-351 in '59 as COB until 1/1/61. Then
went to recruiting duty in Kentucky for 3 yrs. After that in
'64 was on the Polaris FBM boat Sam Rayburn SSBN-635 for 2 years.
Last assignment before retirement was Command Master Chief
at NRS Louisville, KY. Retired 29 Jul 1969. Pratt, Gerald
I went from
the Sabalo to the Carbonero SS 337 to finish my active duty.
I retired last
year after 45 years as a longshoreman in the Port of Tacoma, my
wife and I also own a 50 bed home for mentally challenged in
Puyallup, Washington.
We spend our
time now traveling and being "grandparents"( 8 ). Until
recently we had our own airplane, but I lost my medical, so we
sold it. We still have our Harley that we enjoy very much. [recd
27 Feb 2007]
Priest,
Charles He was born
in Carson City Nevada on April 24, 1921. Graduated from the USNA,
class of 1945 on June 7, 1944 (the day after D-day. His
first duty was the Sabalo.
Later he was XO of the Ray SS-271 in 1954 or so. He then was the Plank Owner, CO and "Pickle Pusher" of the Growler (SSG-577) in 1958. After some time with Rickover (he passed his Nuclear Certification the first time, but admitted that he had not studied the requisite 4 hours per day. Rickover required that he take the test over again AFTER he performed ALL of the required hours of study from the beginning. Chuck was nothing if not honest) - On Rickover's staff from 1960-1961 - Plank Owner and CO Gold crew of the SSBN 618 Thomas Jefferson 1961-1965 - Rickover's Staff 1965-1967 - Chief of Staff, SUBFLOT II 1967-1970 - CO, Post Nuclear Attack Study project and Special Projects 1970-1974 - Retired 1972 My dad, Chuck Priest went on eternal patrol on May 29, 2006. His wife, Sue, Died on Jan 22, 2001. [Report recd from son, Mike 15 Dec 2008]
Prince, Gordon after leaving
Sabalo attended USN Post Graduate School, Monterey, CAProshuto, Joseph M. ...is buried
in: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Oahu,
Hawaii, b. 11/18/1921, d. 11/24/1986, US Navy, TM1, Res: Honolulu,
HI, Plot: T 0 571-A, bur. 12/01/1986
http://www.interment.net/data/us/hi/oahu/natmem/hawaii_pomque.htm
Przybyla, John ETC(SS) USN(RET) Harder
(SS-568) 9/64-1/65 , Flasher (SSN-613) 6/65-1/66, Remora (SS-487)
'12/66-9/68, Sabalo (SS-302)8/68, Sterlet (SS-392)9/68, Pomodon
(SS-486) 10/68-8/69, Guitarro (SSN-665) 1/72-6/75, Lapon
(SSN-661)7/80-6/83. Retired off Lapon.
his web site with submarine memories: http://www.dbfer.net/
There is a picture of him shipping over in the combat zone in 1967
with CO Barke swearing him in on this page: http://www.dbfer.net/maindocs/boatlife/boatlife.html Putman, William J. 50-51
Barbero SSA-317 51-52
Ronquil SS-396 52-55
Sabalo SS-302 55-57
Pearl Harbor Torpedo Shop 57-59
Pomodon SS-486 59-62
George Washington SSBN-598 Blue, promoted to TM1(SS) 63-65
Nathan Hale SSBN-623 Gold 65-67
SUBTRAFAC Pearl Harbor Retired from
Navy Dec 1967. Worked for Westinghouse Electric Corp.,
Missle Launching and Handling Training Dept. 1968-92. Rabidou, Donald
Bruce - of
Greenbriar in Somers [NY] passed away on August 15, 2001. He is
survived by his wife Catherine, and his three sons, West Point
Cadet Donald Eugene, Ryan James and Jordan Ross of Somers. He is
also survived by his daughters: Denise Mascitelli and Nicole
Harkins and four grandchildren. Mr. Rabidou is also survived by
four sisters, Saundra Rabidou, Charlene Terranova, Donna Shepard
and Sherri McNally. Mr. Rabidou served in the US Navy Submarine
Corps. He graduated from San Jose College and was a teacher and
coach at Somers High School for 30 years. A memorial mass will be
held Saturday, August 18, 2001 at 11 am at St. Mary's Church in
Katonah. Visiting on Saturday 2-4 pm at Cargain Funeral Homes,
Inc, 418 Route 6, Mahopac. In lieu of flowers, donations may be
sent to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, PO Box 750, NY, NY,
10131. CARGAIN FUNERAL HOMES, INC 418 Route 6, Mahopac
(845)628-5655
Published: Saturday, August 18th, 2001 [reported by: D
Dwyer, classmate St. John High School class of 1958, Concord,
NH]
Ramsey, Brian
Since
retiring from the Navy as EN1(SS), "Bo" continues to go to
sea. He is currently chief engineer on a U.S. Navy
surveillance vessel. Ray, C. Michael
"Mick" Firefighter
for city of Vincennes, IN since 1974 and is now (Mar '03) a
Captain. Also runs a safety and fire protection service
company. "I have a beautiful wife (of 33 years) to share life
with." [update Sep 2006] Retiring from the fire department 15 Feb
2007 w/ 32 years of service. Still work at Ray's Fire &
Safety until ?? Love to travel - like free beer! Reidinger,
Jetson J., age 84,
of RR1 Paxinos (PA) died on Tuesday morning, Oct. 26, 2004, at
Shamokin Area Community Hospital, Shamokin. He was born March 12,
1920, in Trevorton, a son of the late Frederick S. and Orphie
(Shaeffer) Reidinger. He was married to the former Mildred
Horangic, who preceded him in death on Jan. 8, 2002. Mr. Reidinger
was a 1937 graduate of Trevorton High School. After high school,
he entered the Navy and served from 1939 to 1962, becoming senior
chief engine man and serving on Submarines S33, S35 and the USS
Roncodor in the Pacific Fleet during World War II. After his time
in the service, he worked as a commercial air conditioning and
refrigeration man until retiring at age 65.
Mr. Reidinger
was a member of Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church, Elysburg. He
was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Trevorton,
American Legion of Trevorton, Retired Submarine Fleet Association
and Bloomsburg Elks. Mr. Reidinger also belonged to the
Independence Fire Station and the Knights of Columbus Third Order,
both of Shamokin. Mr. Reidinger loved fly fishing and traveling,
having traveled all over the world.
Surviving are
his children, Ann Haggerty of Reading, Frederick and Teresa
Reidinger of Lemon Grove, Calif., Tim and Heather Reidinger of
Silver Dale, Wash., and Patrick Reidinger of Paxinos; nine
grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers,
Shirley Surowiak of Shamokin, Marlin Reidinger of Danville, Jim
Reidinger of Elk Grove, Kerry Reidinger of Danville and Gladys
Schlenker of Trevorton; as well as many nieces and nephews. In
addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers,
Ray and Donald, and one sister, Rita.
The viewing will
be held from 8 to 9:45 a.m. Saturday at the Ray W. Rothermel
Funeral Home, 55 W. Valley Ave., Elysburg. A Mass of Christian
Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at Queen of the Most
Holy Rosary Church, Elysburg, with the Rev. Charles Slough
officiating. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery.
Contributions in Mr. Reidinger's memory may be sent to Catholic
Relief Services, 209 W. Fayette St., Baltimore, MD 21201-3443, or
American Cancer Society, 1948 E. Third St., Williamsport, PA
17701. Published in The Daily Item (Sunbury, PA) on
10/27/2004.
Reyes, Apolonario I transfered
to USS SABALO on July 1965 after my tour on the USS PERCH
(APSS-313) which was forward deployed/homeported at Subic Bay,
Philippines. I was a First Class Engineman when I reported aboard
Sabalo while the boat was deployed in WestPac, after which we came
back to Pearl Harbor. Eventually, Sabalo's homeport was
changed to San Diego after a 6 month overhaul at Hunters Point
Naval Shipyard. From the USS Sabalo, I went on shore duty
instructor at USNTC Submarine Reserve Training Center training
submarine reservists and shipkeeper for the USS Perch docked at
Admiral Kidd pier. My duty
stations: USNTC, San
Diego Boot Camp BASIC
SUBMARINE SCHOOL, GROTON, CONN USS POMODON
(SS-486) San Diego USS PERCH
(APSS-313) San Diego & Western Pacific USS SABALO
(SS-302) Pearl Harbor & San Diego USNTC
SUBMARINE RESERVE TRAINING, San Diego US NAVAL
ADVISORY GROUP, RVN Fleet Command, Saigon, Danang, An Thoi,
Vietnam USN FLEET
TRAINING GROUP, SAN DIEGO USS HEWITT
(DD-966), San Diego COMMANDER, US
NAVAL SURFACE FORCE PAC, San Diego I retired on
Dec 1979 as Master Chief Gas Turbine Systems Technician and worked
as a civilian tech rep for Navy Gas Turbine Ship Systems.
Afterwards, I was a civil servant at NAVSEA Supervisor of
Shipbuilding and Repair, San Diego for 22 years, eventually
retiring on March 2003. I currently reside in Chula Vista, CA.
[eml recd 2 Jan 2009] Rice, Howell "I first went
in the USN in Jan 1935; had boot camp at San Diego; then assigned
to the USS San Francisco (CA-38), (New Orleans class cruisers were
a class of seven heavy cruisers (~9,950 tons) built for the US
Navy in the 1930's under the "Washington Naval Treaty").
Made 3rd class radioman and was discharged on a minority cruise on
October 26, 1938.
Went back in the
USN on September 18, 1939 as a RM3/c to the USS Holland AS-3 at
San Diego. Transferred to the USS Plunger SS-179 October
10th, and moved out to Pearl Harbor on her. Was qualified on
her on 10 April 1940. Transferred to the Asiatic Station on
29 June 1940 and assigned to the USS Canopus AS-9. Then
transferred to the USS S-39 on 1 Nov 1940. Made the 5
patrols she did, and the last ended in the grounding off Rosel
Island. We were picked up by the Aussie Ship Katomba and
back to Australia. Transferred to the USS S-40 for its
patrol to the Gilberts, then to Pearl Harbor and then to San
Diego, arriving Dec. 7th, 1942 with orders to new construction and
radar school in New London. After school assigned to the USS
Cisco SS-290, a plank owner. Off to the Pacific, and at
Darwin Australia the doctor pulled me off with jaundice.
Flew to Perth; was placed in the Hospital; got better and back to
work at Fremantle to await the return of the Cicso which never
happened. She was lost on her first patrol.
Made Chief
Radioman, 1 Dec 1943, then made the third and fourth patrol of the
USS Rasher SS-269. Back to the states on the Lurline and
assigned to Hunters Point SubBase on 21 June 1945 till 9 Nov
1945. Was then transferred to the USS Chub SS-329 based at
Pearl, and went with her to Turkey as a training crew
member. Back to New London as a Cryptograhic Repairman for
duty on the base.
At the end of my
tour of duty at the SubBase, New London, the Sabalo was ready to
head for Pearl, I could feel the N.L indians pushing a knife in my
back, so I figured what can you do with a Chief Radioman with 16
years service. Well, for me duty on a sub stationed at Pearl
was ideal. So CO Savadkin approved my transfer to his
boat. Was transferred to the USS Sabalo on 8-10-51 for
duty. Took her to Pearl through the snorkel conversion and
was transferred to the USS Sperry AS-12 on 12-26-52. Was
transferred to NAVCOMFACPHIL on 5-20-54 and assigned to the
transmitter station at Bagabondi in Quezon City,
Philippines. Returned to the states and retired on 9-26-55."
[update recd
Jul 2005] I served as a Chief Radioman on the Sabalo from 8-10-51
to 1-16-53. Was on board during the Pearl Harbor snorkel
conversion. Was transferred to the USS Sperry due to my ECM
repairman card. I retired in September 1955, and went
to work as a field engineer for Western Electric Co.
and retired from them in 1980.
My wife Louise
passed away on Feb 21,2005, and I moved to live with my son
Paul. I just now goof off and use my ham equipment, K4NH.
Riggs, Brian
Served aboard USS CAIMAN (SS 323) August 1970 through June 1972;
qualified SS 1971
Served aboard USS GUDGEON (SS 567) June 1972 through 1973
Served aboard USS BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (SSBN 640)(BLUE);
Navigator/Operations Officer, December 1980 through January
1984
Various shore and surface sea billets; last duty station prior to
retirement: CINCLANT Battle Staff, Norfolk, VA; Ret. 12/1990
[eml recd 4Jan12]
Rismiller,
Robert also served
in Sennet SS-408; Segundo SS-398; Bashaw SS-241; Bugara SS-331. Roberts, Joseph Qualified on
Sabalo SS-302 in 1952. Was also on Jallao SS-368 and Runner
SS-411. Robertson, James After
graduation from high school in 1966 I joined the U.S. Navy and
served for 15 years. Reported to USS Nereus AS-7 1967-1969, then
reported aboard Sabalo in 1969, went to WesPac in 1970, transfered
December 1970. USS George Washington SSBN-598, August 1975-1976;
USS Abnaki ATF-96 1976-1978; VP 40 1978-1980; Naval Air Station
Fallon NV 1980-1982; USS Paul F. Foster DD964 1982-1984; NavSta
Long Beach 1984-August 1985; Other duty stations during service:
NavSupFac Da Nang-VietNam, NAS Moffett Field. Retired on
Disability 1985. 100% in July 1999. Robinson, James L. Qualified on
Jack SS-259 in 1944. Left Sabalo and the Navy in April 1946.
Returned to family farm for some years; later was employed at Iowa
Beef Processors. Robisch, Herbert E. was
born in Oskaloosa, Iowa and like many mid-westerners spent much of
his life in the United States Navy. He graduated from the
University of Washington in 1949 with a degree in economics and
moved to Hawaii in 1951 as an Ensign to begin 14 years of
submarine service. He served on five submarines and
commanded the submarine Bluegill SS-242, the fleet oiler Cacapon
AO-52, and developed the Polaris Command & Control
Communications System while stationed at the Pentagon.
Herb retired from the Navy as a Captain in 1974 to become
president of a Honolulu data processing company. He served as the
Executive Director of the Hawaii Arthritis Foundation for four
years during which time he was also president of the Pearl Harbor
Rotary Club. From 1980 until retirement in 1989, he was a Vice
President with the Honolulu office of Dean Witter Reynolds, now
Morgan Stanley. Both Herb & Sally were dedicated
volunteers at Castle Medical Center in Kailua, Hawaii while living
there.
Herb and his wife Sally were married in 1955, and have three
daughters, five granddaughters and a grandson. In
1999, the Robisches moved to Rogue Valley Manor in Medford,
Oregon.
Greenfish
- SS 351 - LTJG
4/1951 to 4/54
Pickerel
- SS 524 - LT
4/1954 to 2/56
Sabalo - SS 302 -
LT 5/1959 to 5/61 Executive Officer
Bluegill - SS-242 - CDR
6/1963 to 6/1965 Commanding Officer
Rohrer, Daniel has a
business manufacturing post drivers. Company site:
www.rohrermfg.com Rosenboom, Roger Qualified on
the Rock SS-274 in 1963. Was on Bream AGSS-243 '67-70. Later
retired as LCDR. Roush, Thomas was on
the Sabalo in September 1957 to February 1961. He started as a
fireman (FN) and when he left in 61 he was an EN2(SS). His job was
throttleman in the forward engine room. He had a break in the
service for about a year and a half, and then came back to the
Navy and went to Nuke School. He went to the prototype in Windsor
Locks, CT, and to Nuke instruction in Newport News, VA. In 1963 he
went aboard the USS Sam Rayburn (SSBN 635)where he was MM1(SS). He
was aboard the Sam Rayburn up to March of 1967 when he transferred
to the Army to the rank of WO1. He has three tours in Vietnam,
serving in Transportation companies, including the 73rd, 5th heavy
boat, 4th command, 11th bat. and the 558 general support group. He
retired in July of 1978 as a CWO3. Royle, Michael J. Jun 64 reptd
to Sabalo. 22 Aug 64 transferred to Archerfish
AGSS-311; 23 Mar 65 Ch enl desig to (SS); 16 Aug 65 Tran to: USS
PERCH (APSS-313) for duty. [from Archerfish web site] Ruden, Pete Sabalo SS-302
'61-62 EN3(SS) Tang SS-563
"62-63 EN1(SS) Wahoo SS-565
'63-65 EN1(SS) Florikan
ASR-9 '66-68 EN1(SS) Halibut
SSN-587 ENCS(SS) Pidgeon
ASR-21 CWO2 Seawolf
SSN-575 CWO2Rudolph, Walter Qualified on
Rasher SS-269 before transferring to Sabalo. [telcon 27 Feb 2007] Ruest, Robert Qualified on
Picuda SS-382 in 1955. Also served in Tinosa SSN-606; Dace
SSN-607; Narwhal SSN-671.Russen, Joseph After Sabalo
was on Spikefish SS-404 8/53-11/54 After the
Navy was a structural designer at GE Astrospace in Philadelphia,
PA and retired after 30 years there. Samuel, Luther Qualified on
Sabalo 1955. Also served in Tusk SS-426 '58; Grayback
SSG-574 '59; Growler SSG-577 '62; Parche SS-384 '62-64; Bonefish
SS-582 '64-68; Barbel SS-580 '68-71. Sanborn, Chris "After Sabalo
went into the USNR in '70 for a couple of years till they tried to
put me on a mine sweeper down in Portland [ME]. Got my 2nd class
at that point. Not wanting to be a skimmer in the Navy, I
signed on with the CG reserve. Was there for 6-7 years at a life
boat station. Made 1st class and passed my Chief's test and was
slotted. They were gonna put me behind a desk so I bugged outta
there and joined the Maine Army National Guard in 81.
Pulled down my E7; taught at the military academy for a year,
and then went back to my old unit to take over as 1st Sgt.
Retired Nov 93 with just over 26 years. It was a long haul
but I enjoyed every second. Being 1st Sgt. was almost
as good as being COB. This Nov I'll start pulling my retirement
[as E8] (at 60) so it'll keep me in beer money! That's it in a
nutshell." [recd 8 Feb 2007] Sanderlin, Ken Last
Friday, 1 June 2001, I pulled the plug a second time. 22
years 1 month and 19 days in the Navy...then 22 years 1 month and
14 days as a "Simple Serpent'... I got tired of
dealing with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Radiological
Affairs Safety Office. Plan to spend the summer
sailing up and down the coast of Southern California (San Diego to
Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands)..I have already figured out
that I'm too damned old to start any "Round the world" trips. 9/58-12/59
Sabalo RMSN; 12/59-4/61 Bluegill SSK-242 RM3; 5/61-1/63 Caiman
SS-323 RM2; 1/63-7/63 Raton AGSS-270 RM2; 7/63-9/64 Archerfish
AGSS-311 RM2; 3/65-8/65 Blackfin SS-322 RM2; 8/65-8/67 SubFlot7,
Yoko; 8/67-3/71 NavComSta Yoko; 1/72-7/74 Gudgeon SS-567 RM1;
8/77-9/79 Haddo SSN-604 RMC;
[update
recd
3
Jan
2007]
My
last
employment
was
supervisor
of
the
RADIAC
cal
lab
located
at
Battery
Ashburn
south
(the
gate
to
the Cabrillo monument), I spent several years dealing with
the boats at Ballast Point in my work. Savadkin,
Lawrence
Scheduled to graduate in
1942, Lawrence Savadkin was enjoying "the thrill of a lifetime" at
Lafayette College when his education was cut one year short by the
call to serve his country in World War II. His action in the war
also was curtailed after he was captured by the Japanese and spent
the last nine months as a prisoner of war.
A winner of the Navy Cross
[http://www.ww2awards.com/person/33197], Savadkin drew upon his
wartime naval experience while being filmed for Silent Service, a
submarine documentary shown on the History Channel earlier this
year[2001]. He spoke about Commander Richard O'Kane, skipper of
the Balao-class diesel submarine USS Tang SS-306, for "The
Captains," one of the four parts of the series.
Providing commentary on camera was a new,
interesting experience. "The History Channel person would ask a
question, and the hard part was that I was supposed to respond in
a positive way so people knew what the question was without
hearing it," says Savadkin. "My role was to give an idea of how
O'Kane felt about what he was doing."
The Tang waged a legendary campaign of
destruction against Japanese ships before one of its torpedoes
malfunctioned, circling back and sinking the sub. Although he was
the last man on board, Savadkin was one of just nine to escape,
executing a free ascent to the surface. "The secret is that you
don't hold your breath, or your lungs will expand and burst," he
explains.
After the war, Savadkin went on to complete a
31-year Navy career, which included command of several
vessels[including Sabalo SS-302]. He retired at the rank of
captain, finishing in Brussels as part of the multinational
planning group that devised ways to prevent Berlin from being
blockaded again by the Soviet Union.
Savadkin ran track and field and cross-country
at Lafayette, where he was majoring in engineering physics.
bio above
from: http://www.lafayette.edu/news.php/view/40/
An account of
the Tang's sinking and the subsequent Omori prison camp ordeal can
be found at: http://www.subvetpaul.com/SAGA_2_81.htm see also:
http://www.mansell.com/pow_resources/camplists/tokyo/omori/omori_yanks.html Savela, John Qualified on
Sabalo 1953; later was on Sea Devil SS-400 in '53. Schlife, Jerome "After
leaving the boat I stayed in San Diego, and went to
college while I worked part time and collected my GI
Bill. Went into banking with Security Pacific National
Bank in San Diego in Jan. 71. In 1974 I relocated my family
(Judy & 3 girls) to Sioux Falls, SD, where I owned a couple of
businesses. In 1985 I sold out in Sioux Falls, and
the family returned to San Diego. I went back to work in
banking with Home Bank of California, and attended National
University to finished my BA in Marketing in 1988, with an MBA in
Finance in 1990. My specialty in banking has always been
commercial real estate loans and land development.
Judy and I bought this place in April of this year with the
idea that we would use it as an investment property, and then move
here when I was ready to retire. By accident I
ran across an executive recruiter that was working for Arkansas
National Bank. They needed a Senior VP to do what
I do in their ANB Financial office here in St George.
Got here mid July, and the rest is history. I'll
probably be here for the duration. Judy and I have 3
married daughters, and 8 grandchildren (4 of each kind)." [recd
Oct 2005] Schneider, Michael
After
graduating from the U. S., Merchant Marine Academy in 1961, I went
on active duty serving my first tour on an amphib in Little
Creek. I then went to Sub School in 1963 (class 123) and was
assigned to SABALO in Pearl Harbor, serving first as Supply &
Commissary Officer and later as Ops/Nav. I was qualified in
submarines in January 1965 during a 9 month WESTPAC deployment.
I served as Weapons Officer in BLUEBACK (SS-581) from '65 - '67
and in BONEFISH (SS-582) from '69 - '72 as Ops/Nav and later as
XO. I then served as Ops in the cruiser OKLAHOMA CITY
(homeported in Yokosuka) and had command of ROBERT E. PEARY
(FF-1073) from '74 - '76. My last tours were as SIXTHFLT
Scheduler (embarked in USS ALBANY homeported in Gaeta, Italy) and
as Head of the Undersea Surveillance Branch of OPNAV. I
retired in 1986 and worked in the aerospace industry for 14 years
before retiring again in 2000.
I
live in Annapolis, MD and am a volunteer crew member on the
Liberty ship JOHN W. BROWN in Baltimore. [eml recd Mar 2011] Schreurs, Robert
9/60-3/61
Sabalo ETRSN; 6/62-5/66 Andrew Jackson SSBN-619B ETR2; 5/66-6/66
Chivo SS-341 ETR2 Schultz, Robert "Dutch" I'm a retired
high school teacher and currently working for Horizon Air.
Married with two grown daughters and have lived in Pendleton, OR
for the past 30 years. Prior to that I lived and worked in
Portland, Oregon as an agent for a marine insurance brokerage
firm.
I made four "Northern Runs" and one to the Bay of Tonkin
(N.Vietnam). Spent most of my time as an Auxillaryman, but also
spent time in Aft Engine room with Gerfin, Barker and remember
Vallier, Sullivan etc. We had a memorable run in 1958
Petropovlosk. I had the honor of chipping ice off Snorkel Headmast
while in no man's land. Experiences were unbelievable and
treasured. [recd ~2001]
Shortly after helping form Inland Empire (Portland) Base, Dutch
passed away. Obit-
Schultz, 67, a longtime resident of Pendleton [OR], educator, died
Sunday May 18, 2003, at St. Anthony Hospital. He was born
Oct 31, 1935, at St. Louis to Carl and Mary Schultz. During
the Korean War he served as a submariner aboard the USS
Sabalo. He attended Oregon State University and graduated
with a degree in engineering. He attended Portland State
University and earned a master's degree in Business
Administration. He taught at Pendleton High School for 23
years where he also served as an assistant football coach for six
years and head tennis coach for seven years. He married
Elizabeth Bauman June 14, 1969, at Portland. He was a member
of the Church of the Redeemer, a member and comander of Inland
Empire Base for Subvets, sang with the Inland Northwest Musicians,
and was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. Survivors
include his wife, at the home; brother, Rick Williams of
Anchorage, Alaska; guardian Thomas Islitt of Brownsville;
daughters, Wendi Ann Lyons of Fairbanks, Alaska and Heidi
Elisabeth Schultz of Seattle. He was preceded in death by
guardian, Crys Islitt. Memorial contributions may be made to
the Inland Northwest Musicians or American Diabetes
Association. Burns Mortuary of Pendleton is in charge of
arrangements. Schultze, Richard After Sabalo
went on to Nuke School, Polaris Weapons School, served as Weps
Officer on USS Lafayette (Blue). Currently retired from high
tech; playing lots of golf. [recd Aug 2005] Schwichtenberg, Delmar Qualified on
the O-6 (SS-67) in 1941. Later on Sand Lance SS-381;
Menhaden SS-387; Sea Dog SS-401. Scott, Dale USS Ault
DD698, USS Sabalo SS302, USS Bonefish SS582, USS Tunny SS282, USS
Salmon SS583, RTC-San Diego (Company Commander), USS Mobile LKA
115, USS Haddo SSN-604 (COB), USS Flasher SSN 613,and NAVSEACENPAC
San Diego. Retired 30 June 1980.
From 1981-91
lived on 32 foot sailboat and sailed to Mexico, French Polynesia,
Nute, New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, Samoa and Hawaii; 91 to
present (2003) living in N.E. Wash, clearing land and building
2,000 sq. ft. house. Scott, David I served on
the Sabalo from 1957-1959 then went to Nuclear Power School in
Groton. Spent two years as an instructor in Connecticut;
then transferred and commissioned the USS Barb SSN 596
in 1961(on board 3/61-3/65 as EM2(SS)), went to Pearl harbor; got
married, was transferred to Ford Island as an Engineering
Instructor and made many trips to sea to troubleshoot
equipment on about twenty fast attack and FBM subs. Was COB on
Danial Boone SSBN-629 Gold crew for two years (3/68-8/69),
tore my knee up and was transferred to SUBPAC for a year and
a half. Was transferred to Corpus Christi, Tex in
1969 and retired from the Navy in March of 1971.
Went to work as a plant engineer in the steel manufacturing
industry for 21 years and retired two more times. Hung it all up
in Dec 1999 at age 65.
I had some
harrowing experiences on the Sabalo, but wish I could do it all
over again!!!!!
[Dave died 7 Oct 2010]
Sedlak, Richard Enlisted in
the Navy at age 18 in New York in Sep 1939. Recomissioned the USS
McCook DD-252 in NY, later out of Phila.; worked in the torpedo
gang as S2/c. In July 1940 volunteers from the McCook were
solicited for sub school. Instead of going to school, he was
put aboard the sub R-2 (SS-79) being reactivated; made S1/c and
qualified in submarines. Nov 1941 transferred to R-13 (SS-90) as a
RM striker, the R-13 was moved to home port of Key West; during
the next two years was promoted up the ranks to RM1. In Dec
'43 requested a new construction boat, and was then sent to Radar
Shool at Sub Base New London. In June 1944 commissioned the
Segundo SS-398 at Portsmouth, NH, and made all five war patrols
with her. He rode her to the surrender in Tokyo Bay.
In Sep 1945 reenlisted in Seattle, and then had 60 days
leave. Reported back to Segundo at Mare Island for overhaul,
and after that was on WesPac cruise to Tsing-tao and
Shanghai. In 1947-48 was stationed in Wash DC at NavComCen,
then CryptoCen, then CNO OP-201Q in the Pentagon. In 1949
reenlisted at ComSubRon 2 at New London. Feb 1950 reported
to the Dogfish SS-350.
Was
a
Radioman
Chief
and
transferred
from
the
Dogfish
to
Sabalo
SS-302
during
her
recomissioning
period
in
1951.
Shortly
thereafter
was
promoted
to
WO1,
and
offered an opportunity to attend ET "M" School in preparation for
a promotion to LDO as an electronics officer, and left Sabalo in
about August 1951. After graduation about a year later he
was sent to NavSta Trinidad, B.W.I. where he continued on his path
to LDO by taking and passing the exam. About six months
later while stationed aboard Ajax AR-6 he was made CWO and sent to
OCS, Newport, RI to become an Ensign, and sent back to submarines
to qualify as an officer. About a year later, in Mar 1956
qualified as an officer while serving aboard Toro SS-422. Was then
transferred to the Underwater Sound Laboratory, New London as
Security Officer. Subsequent duty stations: XO, U.S. Naval
Facility, Bonin Island; Ship Supt., RepFac, Guam; SubDiv 32
Engineer; XO NavFac Ferndale, CA; Retired as Lieutenant, June
1965. [recd 2005] [update recd
Sep 2006] "Still active in USCG Auxillary, teaching. Writing
autobiography for our kids and grandkids. Warring with our
annual crop of weeds! Swallowing endless number of pills to
help me age."
Seeber,
Richard
Qualified on the Sabalo as TM1 in 1958. Also served in John
Marshall SSBN-611; Simon Bolivar SSBN-641; his last boat was Sea
Devil SSN-664 where he was COB.
Shaffer, Clyde H. Jr.
...died on 30 July 1972 of lung cancer. This was just 2
months after the USS Sirago (SS485) was decommissioned. CDR
Shaffer was expected to take the Sirago to decommissioning but was
in the hospital dying of this awful disease during her
decommissioning. He was CO of the Sirago from March 1970 -
December 1971 when he was relieved of command by Herbert Bauer,
the last CO of Sirago. Clyde was ill at that time.
There are
photos on our website of Clyde Shaffer. Go to www.sirago.com and then pick
photo album and then go to the CREW 69-72 album. You will
see Photos 6, 7, 8, and 14 are good shots of him.
Sirago won
many accolades under the command of CDR Shaffer. On Nato
exercises, Sirago was able to slip through screens and get the
carrier (green flare only... not practice torpedo). Clyde
was a passionate man and you either feared him, or you admired
him. He took an interest in taking certain folks under his
wing if he felt you had potential. Clyde's passion was to be
a boat captain... it's what he had wanted to do all his
life. His wife Joan still stays in contact with the crew and
those who knew and loved Clyde. Many crew members have
written her about her late husband.
I myself was a
young officer reporting to my first boat (Sirago) under Clyde
Shaffer. He gave me quite a hard time, but I always knew he
was trying to teach rather than intimidate me.
Once he had
achieved his life's goal and had brought honors to Sirago... and
once knowing she was headed for scrapping, his body finally
succumbed to his chain smoking ways.
[ report by Mike Bickel - LTJG Sirago 71-72.]
Shea, Ron
Sabalo
- SS 302 - RM2(SS) July
1958 to Feb 1961
Sargo
- SSN 583 - Rate: RM2(SS) Sept
1962 to Oct 1965
Shaw, Vernon "After the
Navy spent 6 years with IHC Motor Trucks in Cedar Rapids, IA; then
24 years with LinkBelt Cranes & Excavators (now FMC
Corporation). Retired to farm in Arlington, IA in 1989.
Wife deceased in 1996; still live on farm, and travel and
just do as I please." (recd Feb 2003)
Obit-
Vernon
W.
Shaw
Jr.,
67,
died
January
24th,
2009
from
complications
of
Q
Fever
(Respiratory
Failure).
Vernon
Jr.,
son
of
Vernon
and
Beula
(Manson)
Shaw was born Aug. 28, 1941 at Elkader, Iowa. He attended Elkader
and Arlington schools. He worked in his father’s and Pete
Bachtell’s gas station and for local farmers. In August 1959 he
entered the Navy serving as an Electrician aboard the Diesel
submarine U.S.S Sabalo SS302-Pearl Harbor. In 1964, Vernon married
Karen Mae Stroschein at St. Joseph in Garnavillo, Iowa.
Vern
was
a
parts
man
/
truck
salesman
for
International
Harvester
Company
(IHC)
Cedar
Rapids
until
1968,
when
he
joined
Link
Belt
Cranes
and
Excavator in Cedar Rapids. From service man he became Service
Manager, Sales Manger, Director, and then VP/General Manager. Vern
and Karen returned to Northeast Iowa in 1989, living on their farm
between Arlington and Volga. He started Gra/ey Market LTD, a
corporation he served as President and Chairman of the Board.
Vernon
enjoyed
being
with
other
people,
spending
quiet
time
in
his
timber,
golfing,
and
living
in
Northeast
Iowa.
Vern
served
on
the
Elkader
Hospital
Board, was a trustee at Sacred Heart in Volga, was a Board of
Director at Link Belt and often worked with young local farmers.
In later years, Vern enjoyed working conservation on his land.
This included switch grass, tree plantings, wild flowers, and just
about anything that saved soil and gave the wildlife and fish a
place to live. He worked on farm and timber conservation, giving
conservation easements to Iowa Natural Heritage to protect natural
resources for future generations.
He
had
a
great
life
with
family,
friends,
work
and
church.
He
lived
in
Iowa,
Hawaii,
Montreal/Quebec
(Canada),
New
Hampshire,
Illinois,
Michigan
and
Kentucky,
he also traveled extensively all over the world.
Mr.
Shaw
is
survived
by
daughters:
Sherry
Whitford
of
St.
Peters,
MO,
Christi
Shaw-Sarubbi
of
Lebanon,
NJ
and
Shelley
Shaw
of
Chicago,
IL;
Grandchildren
Emily and Wesley Whitford, and Christian Shaw-Sarubbi; Sisters:
Beatrice Johansen, Littleton, IA and Delores “Tootie” Duckett,
Fairbank, IA.
His
wife
of
31
years,
Karen
(Stroschein)
Shaw
who
passed
away
Jan.
31,
1996
was
the
love
of
his
life.
He
is
most
proud of Karen and his 3 daughters and 3 grandchildren, he loves
them very much. Vern also leaves behind his friend and partner of
2 years Sandi Nelsen whom he loved and cherished through his later
years.
Memorials may be directed to Central Community Hospital, 901
Davidson St. NW, Elkader, IA 52043, in memory of Vernon and Karen
Shaw. Obit with
picture found at:
http://www.leonardfuneralhomes.com/obit-display.jhtml?DB=update/obits/dbase&DO=display&ID=1232981946_10180 Shelby, Stephen
I enlisted in
1958. The recuiter was clever, asked what I wanted to be and I
told him an Aviation Boatswainmate! (I don't know how I determined
to chose this line of work) Of course he said I was too smart for
that and got me to sign up for the nuclear power program.
One mystery is when and how did I say that I
wanted to go to submarines while I was in boot camp. Anyway, after
IC school and Sub School I was assigned to the Greenfish. She was
out, so the squardon assigned me to Sabalo. I finished my quals in
3 months and coming near to my minimum stay onboard to get my
quals done and off to Nuc school, I found out that the boat was
going to WestPac. The other nuke, Ron Keiler, and I begged the XO
to let us stay for the deployment. We did stay and had fun. I lost
track of him until I saw his name on the Thresher roster.
During the early times on board of course I was a
deck hand. When we got to the Philippines, I happened to overhear
a discussion between the COB and Chief Engineman. They needed a
volunteer to be an oiler. Tired of lookout duties, I volunteered.
It was great, hot and humbling. The first time that I tried to
open the inboard engine induction, I got the lever to about
shoulder high and was driven to the deck. Of course the engineman
opened it with one hand. Before we left to head west, I was put
into the IC gang. I was onboard Sabalo from August 1959 to
June 1960. Left as an IC3(SS).
Went to Nuc school in Vallejo and went to the
nuclear training site at Idaho Falls. I trained on the carrier
prototype and qualified as a reactor operator.
10/1961 - 6/1965 (IC2 to IC1) Was a reactor operator onboard USS
Skate SSN 578. Made the trip to the pole in August of 1962
to meet the Seadragon. (There were a few old West Pac sailors
onboard and we were happy to make it to the West if only for a
short while at the pole) I was selected for NESEP while on the
Skate.
1965 - 1969 Studied at the University of Utah. Received a BS in
Computer Science.
1969 - 1971 Ensign - LTjg(A time of insanity) Served onboard a
crusier USS Chigago CG-11 as the Talos Fire Control Officer. I
could not take the surface people so I requested to go back to
submarines.
1972 - 1974 Attended Submarine school and Polaris Navigation
school. Made it to LT. while onboard USS John Marshall SSBN
611Blue (4/72-5/74). I served Comm, Sonar and Asst Navigator.
1974 - 1976 Served a Director of PTEP Detachment in New London.
6/1976 - 8/1979 Assigned to Thomas Jefferson SSBN 618B as
Navigator. Made LCDR just before my 20th anniversary. Completed my
MBA studies in between patrols.
1979 - 1981 Assigned to Naval Submarine Training Pacific as the
Department Head for Navigation and Communications Training.
Retired in June 1981 with 22 1/2 years of service.
Worked in various fields - Insurance,
Analysis for Vitro Corp, System Manager at First Hawaiian Bank,
Manager at Hertz and now a back door Narc. I am an analyst for
State of Hawaii's Narcotics Enforcement Division.
OBIT- Stephen L. Shelby, 69, of Aiea, a retired data
analyst and Navy veteran, died in Aiea. He was born in New York
City. He is survived by wife Phyllis Moore-Shelby, son Kevin,
daughter Kim Harmon and four grandchildren. Services to be held in
May. [Published in Honolulu Star Bulletin on April 3, 2010]
Simpson, Delmar I was
attached to the Sabalo in late 1961, TDY, for pay purposes.
She was in dry-dock there in Pearl. I did not actively serve
any time on board. I was among a group of FN's and SN's that
were waiting for the Seadragon SSN 584 to return from WesPack. My
duty in order: USS Sabalo USS Seadragon USS Nautilus USS Ben
Fanklin, Gold commissioning crew Shore
Duty,NATTC Memphis/Millington, TN USS Halibut USS Seawolf Shore Duty,
Instructor at Great Lakes "CCTV" USS Dace USS Billfish Retired in
April 1980. [recd Dec 2008] Slutz, William
After I left
the Sabalo, I was assigned to the Daniel Boone SSBN629. I am
a plank owner on the Boone and served one patrol before I got out
in 1965. Currently I live in Carrollton, TX which is about
30 miles north of Dallas. [eml recd 16 Dec 2008]
Smith, Carl Carl had a
stroke September 2008 and will be unable to attend the reunion but
does enjoy hearing from you and getting the latest news from the
web site. I will keep Carl abreast of any news. Kathy Smith (dau
of Carl Smith) turbo2hiwaay.netSmith, Kent ...came
aboard the Sabalo Feb 1967 as IC3 and left Sep 1970 as IC2. ...
shipped over in Hong Kong in Aug 1970 and transferred to Grayback
in September; made EMCM in 1988; and was COB on Batfish SSN 681
and John C. Calhoun SSBN 630(G). Pomodon
(SS486) '67-'68 Sabalo
(SS302) '68-'70 Grayback
(LPSS574) '70-'74 James
Monroe (SSBN622) '77-'81 Narwahl
(SSN671) '81-'85 Batfish
(SSN681) '85-'87 John C.
Calhoun (SSBN630) '89-'93
Shore Duty Service
Station
Month/Year
Aboard
Month/Year
Departed
City
State
DATC/FMAG
9
1974
10
1977
San Diego
CA
Naval Submarine Support Facility New London
5
1987
4
1989
New London
CT
Sneeden, Benjamin Samuel Served on the
Nautilus SSN-571 after Sabalo. [telcon Feb 07]Sojka, Frank ...qualified
on Blackfin SS-322 '61-64; was on Bashaw AGSS-241 '65-67. Ret.
EMCS(SS) Oct 1981. Shipmate Gene
Sojka took his departure on Final Patrol Wednesday, December 27,
2006 after a short bout with lung cancer. Services
will be conducted on January 5th at 10:30 AM at Humphrey’s
Mortuary, 753 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA. He will be interred
at approximately 11:30 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetary, Point
Loma. Steele, Allen Retired from
the Navy in July 1989 as Commander; last duty was as Chief Staff
Officer of Submarine Squadron Eleven in San Diego. Currently
he is President / Owner of Tax Resolutions Corporation in San
Diego, a small corporation dedicated to resolving tax problems
with the IRS and State of California.. [recd Mar 2005]Steinig, Eric In
September 1960, Sterlet SS-392 was my first assignment to a Navy
ship. I was 18 when I reported aboard, and within 2 weeks, Sterlet
departed for a WestPac cruise. The boat visited Yokuska, Nagoya,
Nagasaki, and Sasabo in Japan and also Taiwan, Phillipines, Hong
Kong, and a few other spots, including the island fortification of
Chi Chi Jima (near where President Bush Sr. ditched his plane in
WWII). I learned much and greatly loved the Submarine Service.
In March of 1962, I transferred from the USS Sterlet
in order to make a WestPac cruise on the Sabalo. The Sabalo was a
great boat and I had a thoroughly enjoyable WestPac cruise. In
addition to the standard WestPac ports, the boat also visited
Bankok in Thailand. After being discharged from the Navy in
January 1963, I enrolled at the University of New Mexico,
graduated with an MS in Electrical Engineering, and in 1972 I took
a position at the Naval Reactor Facility near Idaho Falls,
Idaho. Stevenson, Connelly Obit-
Commander, USN (ret), died of heart and liver failure in Longview
WA on 15 December, 2008. Born March 10, 1934, Con was raised in
Vermont where his parents operated an inn. Prior to receiving a
congressional appointment to the Naval Academy he attended the
University of New Hampshire for one year. Con graduated with the
Class of 1956 as a member of the 13th Company. Upon
graduation he crewed on the USNA yacht Highland Light in the
Newport- Bermuda race. Con then reported to the Renshaw (DDE 499)
in Pearl Harbor. Upon completion of Submarine School in 1957 he
returned to Pearl to serve on Greenfish (SS 351), Gudgeon (SS 567)
and Sabalo (SS 302) [Apr-May '60] and on COMSUBPAC staff. Con
attended the USN Postgraduate in Monterey, CA. earning a MS in
Physics in 1964 and was elected to Sigma Xi, a national research
honorary society. After nuclear
power training, Con served as Ops Officer and Navigator on
Scorpion (SSN 589) from 1965-1967 homeported in Norfolk VA. From
1967-1969 he was back in Pearl as XO of Halibut (SSN 587). Con was
awarded the Legion of Merit for his performance on Halibut during
secretive and dangerous missions. After a tour at Submarine
School, 1969-1971, and short tours at COMSUBLANT and the Atomic
Energy Commission, Con commanded the Finback (SSN 670) for 3
½ years. From 1976-1978 he headed the Office of Naval
Research in London, which studied European technological
developments for application to the US Navy. Con retired in July
1978. Following
Navy retirement, he spent 12 years as a manager for Logistics
Management Institute in Washington DC., directing research into
defense energy policies. Con then became a consultant for
high-level radiation waste programs until 1995, when he retired
again and moved to Sarasota, FL. where he was active in his
community working with children as a Guardian ad Litem. In October
2008, Con took a temporary assignment with Siemens as their Port
Coordinator in Longview, WA. overseeing the import of wind
turbines. Con was
always an avid sailor, and enjoyed kayaking, opera, and reading.
He is survived by his daughter, Hillary Tattersall of Potomac
Falls, VA., son Ian of Davis, CA. four grandchildren, two
brothers, and companion Janice Sladzinski of Sarasota,FL. In
accordance with his wishes, he was cremated and his ashes
scattered on the waters off of Florida. Con lived a full, elegant
life, was a true sailor, and a good classmate. [obit found
at http://www.usna.com/classes/1956/Taps.htm includes
picture] Stiles, Robert Retired from
own business, Stiles Food Equipment, Inc. (Industrial and
Commercial Food Processing Equipment) [recd Dec 2006] Stockton, Jeff 1959-1963
University of Washington - Seattle 1963-1969
Professional Golf 1969 Married;
moved to California; raised 4 kids 1988 Retired
from sales & stockbroker careers 1992 Got MBA
from JFK University in Orinda, CA 1992-2002
Worked until retired from "head hunter" career 2002 Beat
lung cancer, but got COPD 2003 Now just
retired and live leisurely. First grandchild due Mar 2003. ---------- [below
received 23 Mar 2005]
My
shipmate
and
buddy
Jeff
Stockton,
TM3
(SS)
on
board
Sabalo
1957-59
died
Monday,
March
7th
in
Seattle.He
was
65. Jeff
won
a
long,
painful
battle with lung cancer over the past few years...only to have
COPD (congestive pulmonary disease) finally get him. After years
of running hot, straight and normal, his big heart just finally
quit running.
We
went
to
Roosevelt
High
School
in
Seattle
together,
and
I
was
the
guy
who
talked
him
into
joining
the
Submarine
Service
after
graduation.
(I don't think he ever forgave me for that one.) We went to boot
camp and Sub school together, and both got assigned to the Sabalo
in Pearl Harbor. We went through all the fun stuff of the boats'
ops in the Cold War in the 1950's together. We graduated
from Sabalo and went to the University of Washington
together...and actually joined the same fraternity house on
campus. We drank a lot of beer together and did many unspeakable
things to coeds together.
After
graduation,
I
went
to
South
America
(beautiful
Cali,
Colombia,
a garden
spot
of
riots,
violence
and
Communist
guerilla
activity)
under
a
one
year
contract
with the USIA. Jeff, a real golf pro in high school and college,
became a golf pro in northern California. He later got his
MBA and was a successful executive recruiter. We lost
touch.. After Cali, I went to Barcelona for about a year and
a half, then came back to CONUS as a newspaper reporter in
Southern California.
Jeff
and
I
both
missed
the
last
Sabalo
reunion,
but
we
got
together
for
the
first
time
in
40
years
last
Summer
in
Seattle
when I drove up to see him.
Jeff was a
good buddy, a good sailor and a good submariner. We both valued
our time aboard Sabalo. That kind of life stays with you forever.
We will all miss him.
Greg LaBrache, TMSN(SS) aboard Sabalo 1957-59
Story, Gerald
"I don't know the exact dates, but he served on the Sabalo from
late October or early November in 1969 until mid January of
1970. Our only daughter was born during our stay in San
Diego. I don't recall what positions he held on the Sabalo,
but suspect they were "keep busy" things because he was on
temporary duty until starting training for nuclear submarine
duty. He was an Ensign while on the Sabalo.
After nuclear power school, he served on the USS Daniel Webster
out of Guam. He left the Navy in the fall of 1974 as a
Lieutenant. He then
worked for Bechtel Power Corporation in positions relating the
design and construction of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating
Station near Phoenix and as construction neared completion, began
working for Arizona Public Service Company, the operating entity
for the plant. He worked there in various engineering
positions until his death.
I was his wife for 35 years, until his death in March of
2004. He died of malignant brain tumors called glioblastoma
multi-form." from
Elizabeth Story [eml recd 6 Jan 2009] Stout, Roy 9/49-12/49
Charr SS-328 QM1; 12/49-2/51 Perch SS-313 QM1; 2/51-4/52 Bashaw
SSK-241 QM-1; 5/52-5/53 Sabalo SS-302QM1; 12/56-2/58 Gudgeon
SS-567 QM1Stringer, John was TAD on
Sabalo from Sterlet for short period. After Sterlet went to USNA
grad '65; left Navy after 15 yrs as LT. [telco 21Jan09]Sullivan, Lawrence I retired in
1983 as TMCS(SS) from the USS Wm H. Bates SSN-680. After
retirement I went into Law Enforcement in Florida and retired in
1994 (medical). After that I worked in corrections for a
number of years, and currently work part time transporting
prisoners and handling them in court. [eml recd 5 Mar 2009] Swartz, Ezra went on final
patrol 23 August 2001 while a resident of Northeast Veterans Home
in Scranton, PA where he had been living as a result of a stroke
at about age 70 some years earlier. Ezra made nine war patrols on
the USS Whale SS-239. After Sabalo he served on SeaPoacher
SS-406. He was well known on local radio and TV for his fly
tying and fishing hobby. He was a USSVI Holland Club member.
Ezra is survived by his wife. Swenson, Eric Qualified
on
the Snapper SS-185 Sep 1944; also served on Blackfin SS-322 in
'51, Sterlet '51-53, and Sabalo in '60. Later he retired as
Capt., USNR.Taylor, Thomas "I served on
the USS Sabalo from June 1955 until June 1958. I reported
aboard as a LT(jg) straight out of Sub School and earned my
dolphins about one year later. I had all the usual junior
officer jobs but was chief engineer for the last year or so that I
was aboard." [eml recd 18 Jul 09] Thobae, William
Sabalo - SS 302 -
Rate: MM3 Oct 1962 to Jul 1963
Triton -
SSN 586 - Rate: MM2 Jan
1965 to Jan 1968
Thompson, David
"I reported aboard the USS Sabalo in June 1960 as EMFA, in Yokosuka, Japan and immediately
went on mess-cooking duty for three months. I qualified the
following November and spent the rest of my time in the Electrical
Main Power gang.I left the Sabalo as EM3(SS) in Pearl
Harbor in October 1962 to become a
civilian. I got a job at Litton Industries in Woodland Hills, CA as an
Electronics Test Technician. I attended the city college, part
time, for several years taking classes in math, digital
electronics and programming. In 1964 I married my high school
sweetheart, Beverly, and we proceeded to have two kids, Debby and
Daniel. In 1972 I was promoted to Field Engineer and sent to ZurichSwitzerland to support
Swissair and all the European airlines with maintenance on the
Litton Inertial Navigation Systems installed on the DC-10, Boeing
747 and Airbus aircraft. Over the next 15 years we lived in
several European countries. Both kids graduated high school in Europe and returned to
the states for college. In 1986 Bev and I moved to Jeddah, Saudi
Arabia to work at Saudia Airlines for the
next 3 years. During that time we traveled to Bangkok, Egypt, Singapore, Bali and Kenya. We returned to
California in 1990 and I
worked as a Product Specialist on the next generation laser gyro
inertial navigation system. Northrop Grumman bought Litton in
2001. After retiring from Northrop in November 2004 we moved
to the coastal city of Santa
Barbara, CA and spend our time relaxing in
the sun." [bio recd via eml 18 May 2010]Trevis, Richard Qualified on
Besugo SS-321 in 1956. Also was on Razorback SS-394; Abraham
Lincoln SSBN-602; Seawolf SSN-575.Trinidad, Enrile "I came on
board as a stewardsman (E-3) about June 1964 in Pearl Harbor. For
over a year, the Forward Torpedo Room was my home. Dominguez, Otto
Husak, Munoz, Jung and Sullivan were the TM's while I was going
through Qualifications. My seniors at the Wardroom Pantry were
Maliwanag,Villa and Batiles. Luckily, an opportunity came where I
had one chance to change over to Electrician,s Mate. At this time
, I was working as a night mess cook. When the exam results
confirmed that I made EM3, Chief Grenewalt became my boss with the
Seaman Gang. Due to the outbreak of the Vietnam War, The
SABALO left for West-Pac earlier than scheduled. All I can
remember is that we had to have permission to get back to the
barracks to retrieve personal things. The loading of emergency
supplies and torpedoes were priorities and we departed HAWAII
within 36 hours. ET1 Sturgess, Saga, and I completed our QUALS
during that trip. Doc Pelletier was the one who administered the
shots for us when we joined the --line after visits to those
exotic Asian ports. A trip to Brisbane, Australia extended our
trip but it was well worth it when we were able to experience the
exceptional Australian Hospitality. Crossing the Equator also was
memorable. For me, it was quite a thrill becoming a SHELLBACK and
then coming back through the International Date Line too to PEARL.
When the SABALO headed for Hunter's Point at San Francisco, the
promotions came out and to my surprise, I was making EM2. The USS
RAZORBACK needed one and being the least experienced with no
electrical school to fall back on, I was expendable. By November
1966, my next boat was the SS-394 out of San Diego, California. To
say the least, my service aboard the SABALO and the privilege of
working with you guys -my exshipmates- became the foundation of my
twenty years of Naval Service.... By the way I finally was sent to
EM"B" School at Great Lakes in 1972, made E-7 and served on the
USS BARBEL. Made E-8 and was subsequently assigned as an
instructor at the Officers Training Department at Groton, Ct.
After a year and a half, I instructed at the Advanced
Engineering Department where E-9 followed and eventually,
retirement. Here in Long Beach, California, a company offered me
my lifelong dream of dabbling in Electronics . It's been my home
ever since...earthquakes, fires, mudslides and all." "Trini"
Trinidad. [recd Oct 2006]
[update recd
Feb 2007] I joined the Navy as a steward candidate as per
agreement between the U.S. Navy and the Phillipine
Government. I qualified and then converted to the
electrician's mate rating on board the Sabalo SS-302.
Transferred to the Razorback SS-394 and promoted to EM1.
Later, on board USS Blue Ridge LCC-19 was promoted to E7, then got
back to Hawaii on the Barbel SS-580. Served as 3M
coordinator electrical division chief and subsequently as
assistant engineer, chief of the watch and diving officer.
May 1978 attended sub school's instructor school and was
subsequently assigned to the officer's training department for 1
1/2 years; followed by another 2 years at the Advanced Engineering
Department. Retired in July of 1981. Was ultimately
given the opportunity to work in Long Beach, CA as a computerized
numercial control (CNC) technician. Trone, Peter My brother,
Peter R.(Rumbley) Trone was born November 4, 1925 in Tulsa,
Oklahoma. He graduated from Terrell, Texas High School in 1943 and
tried to join the
Navy, but flunked his physical. He finally passed one in late
1943(?) in Oklahoma City. After boot camp at San Diego, he went to
sub school and served on the SS-23, patroling along the west
coast, back and forth to Panama. He was appointed to the Naval
Academy, and sent to the prep school in Banbridge, MD. a suburb of
Annapolis, but soon tired of schooling and resigned. He went back
to sea. The order of subs he served on I'm not sure about, but I
know he was on the Manta SS-299, I think at the end of the war. He
served in both the Pacific and Atlantic fleets, but most of his
career in the Pacific.
He retired in
1972 as Senior Chief of the Pacific Fleet, and was given 30 years
credit. He moved from Japan To Carlsbad, New Mexico with his then
6th wife, a Japanese women he met during the last several years of
his career as Chief of the Officers Mess at Yokosuka Naval Base.
He and Pete Bucher [CO of the Pueblo] were close friends. I think
they served on the Manta together. Commander Bucher tried to get
Peter to be his quartermaster on the Pueblo on the ill fated
cruse, but Peter declined at the last minute. He was on leave at
my house when the crew was released by North Korea. He kept in
close contact with friend, Rose Bucher in San Diego during that
period.
After several
failed business ventures, he and a friend bought a bar in Artesia,
NM, Which he named "Pistol Pete's Water Hole # 3." He disposed of
his Japanese wife, and married his bar maid, number 7 and last. He
never had any children - that we know of. In 1979 he had his first
heart attack. He took his doctors advice and turned the bar over
to his partner, but didn't take the advice to stop drinking. He
had several more heart attacks before the final one in April of
1984. "He was creamated and his ashes were spread upon the Pacific
Ocean, from the bridge of a U.S. Submarine," as per his
instructions.
Just before
his death, he attended a submariner's reunion in Las Vegas, NV. I
have several pictures from that reunion. Several months ago I
ordered a plaque that will be attached to our parents headstone.
It will read:
SON
CPO PETER R. TRONE, USN RETIRED
NOV 4, 1925-------APRIL 18, 1984
BURIED AT SEA
As there is
no other display, and only Navy records about his life, I want
some kind of a marker to note my brother walked on this earth. He
was, and is my hero.
Glad you asked, Dick Trone,
March 2003 Tulk, Tom Qualified on
Sabalo SS-302 in May 1961. Other boats: 9/63-9/65 Greenfish
SS-351 MM1; 9/65-10/68 Guardfish SSN-612 MM1; 10/68-9/69 Guitarro
SSN-665 MMC; 6/71-3/75 Pollack SSN-603 MMC. Retired off the
Pollack. Tupaz, Terencio "Tiger" Qualified and
was on Cochino SS-345 when she sank in 1949. Other boats
include Rock SS-274; Flying Fish SS-229. Also
served on Hornet CVA-12. Retired from last duty at Fleet ASW
School in San Diego as LCDR. He died of lung cancer at age
76 on 19 March 2004. [from telcon with his wife Sandra Jul 2005] VanNest, Ron Transferred
to the Nurse Corps in 1972; Went into anesthesia in 1975;
Eventually became Director of the Navy Nurse Corps Anesthesia
Program and retired as a Captain, 1996. Later, MA, CRNA, Adjunct
Instructor, Nurse Anesthesia Program, Georgetown University Venezia, Howard
enlisted in 1952, after four years in the Merchant Marine. As
ET1(SS) left Sabalo for OCS in 1957; thence to Balao with
Hollywood making Operation Pettycoat. [He played the part of a
"soldier", 1959 - found in online credits]
Never making it as an actor, his submarine qual's were also
threatened after he dumped a tube full of water on Janet Leigh
during her visit to the set. (What Reflex Guage???)
His career survived with a tour on Bream [engineering
offcr], and as skipper of Marlin SST-2 and Tigrone AGSS-419.
Interspersed were marriage to Barbara McLean, kids, an electronics
engineering degree at Monterey, more kids, and shore duty at the
War College, SUBLANT, and OPNAV.
A most welcome trip to Sardinia as XO of the tender
Gilmore was followed by more OPNAV, command of Hector
AR-7[9/81-9/83]; then CO of Surface Squadron One [12 MAY 84
- 25 OCT 86].
Retiring from the PG School in 1988 as CAPT., he obtained his
masters license and returned to sea. The Venezias have five
children and six grandchildren. [bio from the book "Steel
Boats, Iron Men" date unknown.] Vignola,
Bruce Qualified on
Robt. E. Lee SSBN-601 in 1968 Villa, Dante I was
aboard USS Sabalo from 1963-1967. I was an SD2 when I got
transferred to Hospital Corpsman School to change my rate to
Hospitalman. I retired in 1983 as HMC (SS). I work for Preventive
Medicine Dept. at NMCSD as Environmental Health Technician and
retired from civil sevice in 2004. I have been residing in San
Diego since 1976. [eml recd 6Mar2009] Volbrecht, Alan "I have a
land surveying business in San Luis Obispo, CA." Wade, John Qualified on
the Pomfret SS-391 in 1963. Also served on Ronquil SS-396;
Blackfin SS-322. Wahlenmayer, Michael Left Sabalo
to Mare Island Nuc School. Finished Nuc School in Balston
Spa, NY. TAD to Halibut then assigned to blue crew on Daniel
Boone SSBN629. Made five patrols then transferred to new
construction on Seahorse SSN 669. Left Navy in July 1970 and
went to work at Shippingport Nuclear Power Station followed by
Beaver Valley Power Station Unit 1 and 2. Retired from BVPS
and am currently employed by Westinghouse working on the AP1000
Nuclear Power Station project. [eml recd 25 Mar 09] Wahlstrom, Wally Qualified on
Cabezon in 1949. His boats in order: 2/49-12/50 Cabezon
SS-334 TMSN; 12/50-2/52 Bashshaw SSK-241 TMSN; 5/52-12/53
Scabbardfish SS-397 TM3; 1/54-12/55 Caiman SS-323 TM3; 12/56-2/59
Tiru SS-416 TM2; 4/61-10/63 Sterlet SS-392 TM1; 12/65-4/68 Rock
AGSS-274 TMC; 10/68-8/69 Bashaw AGSS-241 TMC. Wambold, Lester ...also
served on Tinosa SS-283 from 9/52 to 11/53. Retired from teaching
high school accounting and business after 25 years; then became a
"grunt" warehousman for 20 years. In good health and enjoying
life. [update recd Dec 2006] Watkins, Garland
served on 5 boats including Sabalo, Medragel, Irex,
Ronquil. Last duty was at NAS Miramar. Later worked in
San Diego building tuna boats and then 20 yrs at NASSCO before
final retirement. Has 27 grandchildren and 16 great grand
children. [telcon 12 Aug 10] Watkins, Paul G. Qualified on
the Gabilan SS-252 in 1943. Also served on Blueback SS-326
& Nautilus SSN-571 Watson, Bernard "Bud"
...is an actor with many credits. see his web site:
www.budwatson.comWay, James Qualified on
the Tiru SS-416 1955. Other boats include Pickerel SS-524;
Queenfish SS-393; Rasher SS-269. After
retiring from the Navy spent 2 years with the Federal Center in
Battle Creek, MI, then 21 years at Kellog's Cereal Co. as a
computer operations manager. Retired from Kellog's at the
age of 58. [rec'd Mar 2003]
James Arthur Way, 71, of Burlington, passed away Saturday,
December 29, 2007, at the Lifespan/Good Samaritan Hospice
Residence. He was born June 28, 1936 to Arthur James Way and
Genevieve Lesh. He attended Battle Creek Public Schools, Kellogg
Community College and Western Michigan University, where he
studied computer and business management. Jim was formerly
employed by the Coca-Cola Company before joining the Navy in 1954.
Jim was stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI, San Diego, CA, and Saginaw,
MI. Jim completed many tours in the submarine fleet, in Japan,
from 1955 to 1971. He earned the rank of Chief Radioman RMC(SS)
James A. Way USN and was known to his crews as "Chief". He retired
from the Navy after 20 years of service. Jim was then employed at
the Battle Creek Federal Center and M-66 Bowling Alley. He was
last employed by the Kellogg Company, as a Manager of Data
Processing, until his retirement. He was a member of the Burnham
Brook Stockholders Club, Battle Creek Central Reunion organization
and Submarine Reunion organization. Jim enjoyed playing pool,
bowling, gardening, computers, jigsaw puzzles, going to the movies
and his cats. He married the former Marie Louise Gillett on July
2, 1956. Together they enjoyed traveling, going on cruises, and
visits to Disney Parks. Jim loved spending time with his family. He was
preceded by Marie on October 18, 2004. He is survived by his
children, Deborah (Greg) Damon and Paul (Mary) Way and his
extended family, Scott and Beverly Smith of California. He also
leaves his grandchildren Tom, Ricky, Derek and Brian Damon and
Justin and Jason LaMontagne, and Michelle Way and his sister JoAnn
Ross of Walcottville, IN. He was preceded by his brothers Harold
and Howard Way and Herman Flynn. Visitation will be
from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm Thursday at Royal
Funeral Home. A Memorial Service to celebrate Jim's
life will be held 11:00am, Friday, January 4, 2008, at Royal
Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will be at Ft.
Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to
Lifespan/Good Samaritan Hospice or the Calhoun Area Humane
Society.[pub 2 Jan 2008] Weisensee, William Qualified on
Amberjack SS-522 in 1955. Was on Sabalo SS-302 '57-58;
Tullibee SSN-597 '60-62. Served on Nereus AS-17 '62-65.
Qualified as officer on Cusk ('65-67) SS-348 in 1967. Served on
Fulton AS-11 '84-86. Was XO then CO of SubSch N.L.
'86-89. Then TRF Kings Bay '90-93. "After Sabalo
was ETC(SS) and went to Ensign LDO 1 Jul 1962. Was the first
LDO, sub qualified to make Captain, Jan 1986. Qualified
Silver May '55 and Gold Jan '67. Was CO of Shipping Port
(ARDM-4), Submarine School, New London, and CO Trident Refit
Facility, Kings Bay, GA. Retired as Capt. June '93." Weller, Dennis "I served on
Sabalo in 1962. She was my first boat. I was a sonarman
striker when I left Sabalo for Cusk SS-348 where I completed my
qualifications. Eventually I ended up on the Kamehameha
SSBN-642." Also served in Pomodon SS-486. Now I own a
B&B in Costa Rica**" [eml recd 30 Aug 09] **See email dated 30
Aug 09 on the 'Mailbag' page for more details of a free offer. Wells, Peter Manning After serving
as XO on Sabalo, he took over as the Commanding Officer of the
Menhaden on June 7th, 1968, in Yokosuka, Japan. He served as CO
until January 2nd, 1970, when he was relieved. [pictured on this
Page: http://www.infomagic.net/~grog/377COC70.htm from the
Menhaden Web Site. ] It was
reported (2003) that Peter Wells drowned while swimming in Florida
"several years ago". [researched date of death is 16 Sep
1994] Wendling, Gil ...was
previously a Signalman in WWII. He made the first five war
patrols of the Tinosa SS-283. [likely an incomplete record; from
info found on the interent.] Werner, Stanley ...worked as
a pipefitter and welder for 32 yrs. Wetzler, John ...has a
plumbing business in Mendocino, Ca. Wheeler, James I was on
Sterlet 04/01/1964 to 04/20/1966 and arrived TAD to
Sabalo 04/07/1966 to 07/21/1966 as an EN3(SS) awating
discharge. I renlisted in '70, and attended EM "A" school
[changed rating], then joined USS Blackfin SS-322
(01/01/1971 to 09/20/1972) as EM3(SS); was sent to EM"B"
school '72, then joined USS Trumpetfish SS-425
04/15/1973 to 09/21/1973 as EM2(SS). I was
discharged 2nd time in '74. In a letter
to my then girlfriend on June 6, '66 I refer to us doing local
ops. I was aboard some three months I think, and did not go
to Mexico or hear talk of it as I recall. As I read more letters I
may be able to refine some dates for the short time I was
aboard. And yes, I was wearing a shortimers chain!! [recd 6
May 2005] White, James " I served in
Sabalo from May 65 til Nov 67. I was EM2(SS) when I came
aboard, and left her in the Phillipines Nov 67 as EM1(SS). I
stood senior controllerman watch and was senior controller on
maneuvering watch. After Sabalo, I went to recruiting duty
in Nashville, TN for three years, and then to Viet Nam as advisor
on river boats for a year. I retired in Dec 73 as EMC(SS)
from Simon Lake AS-33. I was chief in charge of R3 division,
and we worked on all the nukes that came into Rota. I now
live in Cedar Hill, TN, and have a small, registered angus herd."
(recd Aug 2003) [update] I've
moved in a new house on some land I've developed that used to be
my cattle pastures. I'm trying to sell the old homestead now and
have done quite a bit of work trying to get it in shape. All of
this has kept me pretty busy for the last couple of years. So my
address has changed. [eml recd 4 Mar 2009]Wilhelm, Tom ...is
President of his own company which produces large graphic images
for outdoor advertising and displays among other products--
GP Color Imaging- www.gpcolor.com "The old
timers were right, you only remember the good times. Sub service
was a real character builder. I grew up to be a real character."Williams, Foster C. CS3(SS)-- 13 Jan
61 Rec for dut fm: USS CORSAIR (AGSS-435) 28 Jun 62 Tran to: USS
CHARR (SS-328) for duty. Eternal Patrol - 10/2/72 [from USS
Archerfish AGSS-311 site] [There is a sea story that "Willie' died
in his bunk in Hogan's Alley about October 1969, but data from the
Social Security Death Index also disputes this. Also the XO
at that time has no recollection of this happening.] Williams, Gene 4/64-4/66
SSN-592 MM3; 4/66-10/69 Spinax AGSS-489 MM1; 3/71-2/74 RTC SD (Rec
Co Cdr); 6/74-5/77 Guitarro SSN-665 MMCS (COB); 6/77-7/82 SubBase
PH Williams, Gerald Qualified on
Sea Fox SS-402 1970; was also on Pomodon SS-486 '68. Wilson, Steve Qualified on
Segundo SS-398 in 1963. Also was on Rock AGSS-274 '63;
Diodon SS-349 '64-65; Cusk SS-348 '65-69 "I was only
TAD on SABALO for a short time after I left CUSK(SS-348).
From there I went on to shore duty at RTC-NTC, San Diego." [recd
8/04] Folowing this
was on Trout SS-566 '71-76; Gudgeon SS-567 '80-82. Wilson, Waldo Qualified on
Cusk SS-348 in 1952. Also served on Sea Fox SS-402; Sea
Devil SS-400 After leaving
Sabalo, went to recruiting duty in Las Vegas; was commisioned
Ensign in Jan 1960; commanded two ships; was in VietNam as Senior
Advisor 1970-71; Retired June 1974 as LCDR with 32 yrs. service
from last duty as CO Fleet Activity, HolyLoch, Scotland.
After retiring from the Navy served 18 years as a Master in
the Merchant Marines sailing vessels of 275,000 plus tons. Witzel, Chris [recd Sep
2006] Retired; mission trips to work on Katrina & South
Africa, a little sailing, fishing, out to sea - on cruise ships
these days, various other volunteer activities, and part time job
in a high tech job in a health club -- folding towels, Four
children; six grandchildren.Wood, Frank I
served on board from 12/07/61 until Feb 1964 -- transferred as an
EN2(SS) to the USS Bluegill (SS-242) the last (6) months of my
enlistment. Left the Navy on 08/07/64. Still reside in DeLand,
Fl.- own/operate an A/C business w/ (18) employees -- hoping to
slow down in about (2) years. (update
3/2003) Air conditioning contractor since 1972. Planning
full retirement by Jan 2005. Also working part time as an
HVAC consultant with the USAF Medical Centers. (msg recd 6
Oct 02)
I
well
remember
Dec.
7,
1961,
the
day
I
checked
on
board
the
USS
Sabalo
@Pearl
Harbor right
out
of sub
school,
exactly
20
years
to the day after that "horrific" event @Pearl Harbor. Ford Island
had many "remnant reminders" for us all that day! [eml recd 4 Apr
09] Wood, John P. 23 Jul 63
Transferred from COMSUBFLOT SEVEN Staff to Archerfish AGSS-311 26 Oct 63 Ch
pri duty to Executive Officer/Navigator 1 Mar 64 Ch
pri duty to Executive Officer 3 Oct 64 Tran
to: USS SEGUNDO (SS-398) for duty. Jul 67 Ch
rank to CDR 25 Aug 67
Transfered fm: COMNAVOCEANO to Archerfish AGSS-311 1 Sep 67
Assumed command of Archerfish. 1 May 68 Tran
to: USS SABALO (SS-302) for duty as Commanding Officer. [above from
Archerfish web site] After leaving
Sabalo in July '69 had two tours in Hawaii before retiring - NS at
ComSubPac and then CSO at ComSubSq7. Spent next twenty years
as real estate broker in Honolulu. (recd Mar '03)
I
never
served
with
a
finer
crew
than Sabalo's during 1968-69. However, the Wardroom never
could figure out the strategy in the raging card game, at the
time, EUCHRE! I retired in 1973 in Hawaii, spent the next 21
years here working in Real Estate where I met my wife Pam in
1975. We both retired for good in 1994. We rented out
our home and bought a motor home that year, planning a 1 to 2 year
hiatus on the Mainland. It lasted 12 years of nearly
full-time traveling. We reluctantly sold our Winnebago an
returned to our home in Hawaii. RV's are a piece of cake for
former submariners, and they even have windows. [eml recd Mar 09] Woods, John D. Qualified on
Sabalo in 1956. 12/58-12/59 Redfish; 1/63-10/65 Henry Clay
SSBN-625B EN1; 10/69-8/72 John C. Calhoun SSBN-630B&G ENCM Woodward, Nelson Captain
Nelson Coates Woodward, 86, of Nantucket, died Wednesday, May 17,
2006 at Our Island Home. His ashes will be scattered at sea. A
memorial service will follow at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 11
a.m. on Friday, June 23.Yonker, William
retired from UPSYounker, Len Qualified on
Sabalo in 1954. After leaving Sabalo served in Carp SS-338;
Cusk SS-348; Menhaden SS-377; Razorback SS-394; Volador SS-490;
L.Y. Spear AS-36. Zarate, Joe
I
reported
to
to
the
olde
302
as
a
quirk.
My
orders
were
to
report
to
the
Sterelet
but
fate
somehow
intervened.
Squardon
changed my orders to report to the Sabalo in March of 63. My boss
was Frank Hood who was also the COB. At that point there
were two other FT's on board while the boat was in the
yards. The boat was all torn up and we lived on the barge
and at the barracks. When we got out of the yards we went to
Wespac and as you know all of the married Johns left the boat and
we got almost a new crew of single Johns. After Wespac the
Navy in its infinite wisdom sent me to Dam Neck for the Mk 84
system. Forget about the fact that the boats were two years
into the future of being built. I can readily assure you
that the year that I spent on the Sabalo was one of adventure and
learning. I qualified and was thrown over the side in Subic
bay; what a filthy mess, a typhoonn had recently passed and all
kind of dead critters were in the water. I used my share and
about ten other guys share of fresh water to get clean.
Thanks
for
the
letter
and
send
me
the
news
letter.
I
am
now
retired
and
living
in
Greensboro
NC.
My
wife
and
I
do some subbing at the local schools and we try to smell the
roses. [eml recd 15 Dec 2008]
Zentner,
William
was on Sterlet (SS-392) before SabaloZobrist, Dean ...is partner
in an insurance firm, Zobrist-Scheirer Insurnace, in Metamora, IL. Go to
Bios for A-K
