Perch Base 
Listed below are just a few of the items we have undertaken. To make comments or suggestions, click the POC of each project, and send him your ideas.
Page One
The
trailer in this picture was purchased in May of 2001, completly sand blasted
and painted. Although Perch Base laid out the initial amount, the cost
of sand blasting and painting was contributed by Glenn Hearold,
current Vice Commander and Humble Storekeeper, and Jim Newman Sr.
the oringinal Commander of this base. Tom Tilly associate member of Perch
Base is the design person who will head up the work crew to build a USS
Bang (SS385) Atlantic sail and install on the trailer. This unit will be
used for parades, and other events we may be invited to to help put the
"Silent Service" name in front of the public, and create interest in signing
up with USSVI and Perch Base. We at Perch Base feel that it is very important
to be "visible" to the public, if our organization is to grow and prosper.
We invite all Submariners to join us in this effort, reguardless of what
era you are from, be it the "S Boats or 688's.
Nice Piece of work ...... eh?
Perch Base Model is being made after the USS Bang SS385
dp. 1526 tons (surf.), 2391 tons (subm.); l. 311'7"; b. 27'; s. 20.25k (surf.), 8.75k (subm.); td. 400'; a. 1-5"/25; 6-21" tt. fwd., 4-21" tt. aft.; cpl. 6 officers - 60 enlisted men; cl. "BALAO" 
29 Years of Service to This Country
Keel laid by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, ME, 30APR43;
Launched: 30AUG43; Sponsored by Mrs. Robert W. Neblett;
Commissioned: 4DEC43 with LCdr Antone R. Gallaher in command;
Decommissioned: 1OCT72; Recommissioned: 1FEB51;
Decommissioned: 15MAY52; Recommissioned: 4OCT52;
Decommissioned: 1OCT72; Loaned to Spain in '73, returned;Struck 18NOV74 and sold to Spain. War operations of USS BANG (SS-385) span the period from 29 March 1944 until 18 May 1945, during which time she completed six war patrols. She is officially credited with sinking eight Japanese merchant ships totaling 20,177 tons while
operating in the South China and Philippine Seas.BANG arrived at Portsmouth Navy Yard 22 June 1945 and after repairs proceeded to New London where she went into reserve 12 February 1947.
BANG was converted to a Guppy type submarine and brought back into active service 4 October 1952. Until August 1953 she conducted training off the east coast and in the Caribbean. During August-24 September 1953 she operated east of Iceland and off Scotland.
In January 1954 she sailed to the Mediterranean for a cruise with the 6th Fleet which terminated 11 March 1954 at New London, Conn. Between March 1954 and December 1956 BANG operated out of New London on various exercises,
conducted two training cruises in the Caribbean, one cruise to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and one trip to Quebec, Canada.BANG was in the Med when the Beirut crisis broke out in the summer of 1958. She was diverted to patrol between Iceland and the cost of Europe to alert if ship movements were observed coming around from Russia to interfer at Beirut.
When BANG was diverted to that duty she had been on her way back to New London so the extra duty caused her to run low on food and fuel. It was so bad that the cooks were coloring mush to make it different. Upon arrival in New London almost a full load of fuel was added.
BANG operated out of State Pier in SubRon10, SubDiv101 fall and early winter of 1958 while preparing for a patrol up north.
BANG was decommissioned 1 October 1972. She was lent to Spain in 1973, returned, struck 18 November 1974 and sold to Spain.
BANG received six battle stars for her World War II patrols.
This is Arizona Perch Bases contribution to all members of USSVI, and more importantly all Submariners ...
Past, Present and Future.
This is a Stern on view. As one can see, Tom Tilley has a vast amount of experience in crafting models
Top of steel rule repersents the top of the Atlanic Sail. Center line is being picked up here. The Sail will be removable.
Hull frames are of 5/8" plywood, and stringers of ripped 2" x 2". The stringers will be covered with door layering, forming the Ballast tanks and Superstructure. The whole model will weigh in at around 650/750 pounds when complete.
Mr. Tilley has done a bunch of work to get this far. Glenn Herold has worked with Tom on this, and was even allowed to hold the end of some plywood as Tom did some cutting.
