February 2002


U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc.

Buffalo Base, P.O. Box 166

Scottsville, NY 14546

Our Creed

"To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States Government."


Submarines
on
Eternal Patrol

Commander's Column

From: JATRUBEE@aol.com
Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2002 17:49:10 EST
Subject: USSVI Meeting Notice-09 March 2002, Henrietta, NY
To:

Buffalo Base Shipmates. 1 March 2002

Again this month I'm behind in writing the meeting reminder/newsletter. So here it is quick & dirty.

The March meeting is in Henrietta at the Ely-Fagan American Legion Post, 260 Middle Road, Henrietta. (Exit 12 off 390, Exit 46 off the Thruway).
Meeting starts at 1000 hrs.
We will meet in the Bar area this time as there is a craft show in our regular meeting room.
Free Coffee & Donuts.

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There are still dues outstanding. If you can't remember if you have paid, ask me at 533-9341 or email at jatrubee@aol.comThis is the last call.

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I have recently sent out to all hands notices re the USSVI anniversary celebration in Groton on May 3 & 4. Included is the opportunity to attend the 1 day subschool tour & graduation. I have 1 motel room at $55.00 reservation left. Don't know if there are any subschool slots left.
Check with me if you are interested. Below is part of the info from Groton Base.

Groton Base is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a three day event.
Day 1, Thursday, May 2, 2002: Tour of Sub Base facilities. There may be a boat tour involved.
Day 2, Friday, May 3, 2002: Attend sub school graduation and go thru some of the training simulators. The maximum group size for this is 120 people; they already have 90 people signed up. Places go fast for this event.
Day 3, Saturday, May 4, 2002. 40th Anniversary Celebration, including evening dinner dance.
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Next Item:
I've had a good response from those wanting to take advantage of the limited vest offer. 12 shipmates so far. Again, let me know before this offer goes away.
Call me if you want to get in on this.
Daytime is 889-5100
Evenings is (585) 533-9341
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Buffalo Base officers for 2002 were sworn in at our last meeting! They are:

John Trubee-------------Base Commander
Dennis Staley-----------Vice Commander
John Sherman----------Secretary (again)
Neil Bellenger-----------Treasurer
Peter Spira--------------Chaplain / Events Chair
John Farrell--------------COB
Ken Wojtanik------------Croaker Ship Sup
Ken Nichols--------------Webmaster / WWII Subvets Liaison

Sincere thanks to those who have stepped up to serve or continue to serve. Special thanks to John Sherman for continuing as secretary until someone volunteers to relieve him.( please consider )

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Other Stuff

Col. Pat Cunningham reports that Croaker is scheduled to return to the Naval Park no later than 15 July 2002. I have requested a price requote of the asbestos removel contract reflecting the July start date. The previous quote was for off-season slack time labor rate. It's beginning to look doubtful that the after battery deck project will be completed before the WWII Subvets Convention in August. Meanwhile, Ship Sup Ken and his work party volunteers have made remarkable progress under adverse conditions (cold water, blizzards, limited power, etc.).
I was aboard after the Feb 9th meeting and was very impressed with the improvement in the appearance. A big "B Z" and "Atta Boy" to them all. If you are able to lend a hand, Ken has scheduled the next two field days for:

March 2, 0800 to 1300
March 16, 0800 to 1300

Please plan to lend a hand if you are able. Contact Ken for meeting location/directions at kwojtanik@aol.com. If you have cleaning supplies such as scotch brite pads, brushes, rags,etc., that you can donate, please bring them along.


Save the day - 4 August
Grenadier Chapter WWII Subvets and Buffalo Base USSVI would like to invite you, your ladies, children of all ages and interested friends to join us at our annual Summer Picnic. This popular social event will be held at Chestnut Ridge Park in Hamburg, NY on August 4th. Buffalo Base has several Holland Club candidates to be inducted at this event. Holland Club Commander Bill Britt will be on hand to welcome aboard our new Holland Club Members. Amongst the other dignitaries expected to attend are Eastern Regional Director Pat Ulmen, District 2 Commander Matt Schmitz, Hudson Valley Base Cdr. CAPT (Carbonero) Jack Jarvies. I am especially pleased to announce that USSVI National Commander Jack Ensminger will also attend.
Last year's picnic was a great success and well attended by both clubs. I expect an even larger member attendance this year. Please plan now to join us. Put it on your calendar now. Details and directions will follow as plans settle.


Last, but not least, is the great news that agreement has been reached between NavSea, the USS Boston Association and the Buffalo Naval Park to install the sail and rudder from the USS Boston (SSN 703) at the Naval Park. The sail/rudder was salvaged from the boat in January 2002. Boston is in the process of undergoing recycling at PNSY. 703 Plankowner Bruce McCausland has been actively working to bring the sail to Buffalo since early January. A big ''Atta Boy" to Bruce.


I'd like to extend a special invitation to those shipmates in the Rochester area who haven't been to a Base meeting since joining to attend the coming March 9th meeting. We would like to meet you and invite you to add your comments and ideas.

See ya all on Mar, 9th.


John Trubee