Arizona Submarine Veterans
Perch Base
Phoenix, AZ
United States Submariners
VETERANS CRISIS LINE
Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?
Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of
Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. It is confidential and available every day, 24/7.
Click on the picture, above, to go to the
VETERANS CRISIS LINE.
U.S. NAVY SEA CHANTERS
The US Navy Sea Chanters performed in the Phoenix, AZ, area at the Goodyear, AZ, Civic Center on March 28, 2023.
The Navy Band Sea Chanters are the United States Navy's official chorus. The ensemble performed a variety of music
including traditional choral music, sea chanteys, patriotic fare, opera, Broadway and contemporary music.
Read more and see more photos from their performance
HERE.
USS TRIGGER (SS‑237)
Lest we forget to perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the
pursuit of their duties while serving their country. . .
77 years ago, on Mar. 26, 1945, the USS Trigger (SS‑237), sailed off into history on her
final and eternal patrol.
On 26 March, Trigger was ordered to join a wolf pack and to acknowledge receipt
of the message. A weather report came from the submarine that day but no confirmation
of her having received the message. The weather report was Trigger's last transmission.
On 4 April, she was ordered to proceed to Midway, but she had not arrived by 1 May and
was reported as presumed lost. Postwar records indicate she torpedoed and sank a Japanese
repair ship, but the next day, Japanese planes and ships joined in a two-hour attack
on a submarine heard by other boats in the wolf pack. Japanese records showed a Japanese
aircraft detected and bombed a submarine on 28 March 1945. Destroyers were then guided
to the spot and delivered an intensive depth charging. After two hours, a large oil
slick appeared.
89 men were lost.
SAILORS, REST YOUR OAR! YOUR WATCH HAS ENDED.
Your Brothers of the 'Phin Have the Watch.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmates.
Visit the Perch Base Eternal Patrol page.
USS TULLIBEE (SS‑284)
Lest we forget to perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the
pursuit of their duties while serving their country. . .
78 years ago, on March 26, 1944, the USS Tullibee (SS‑284), sailed off into history on her
final and eternal patrol.
Lost on her 4th war patrol. It's believed she was a victim of a circular run by one of
her own torpedoes. The lookout was the only survivor and he survived the war as a
Japanese prisoner.
79 men were lost.
SAILORS, REST YOUR OAR! YOUR WATCH HAS ENDED.
Your Brothers of the 'Phin Have the Watch.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmates.
Visit the Perch Base Eternal Patrol page.
MARCH 11, 2023 MEETING
Perch Base Submarine Veterans (USSVI) had a guest speaker, Steve Momsen, the nephew of Admiral Charles “Swede” Momsen,
and installed George Woods as Base Commander during the March 11, 2023 General Meeting.
Read more and see more photos from the meeting
HERE.
USS Phoenix (SSN-702) Cold War Museum Monument Project
You are cordially invited to attend a BIG SIGN media reveal in Steele Indian School Park on Tuesday,
April 11, 2023 from 10 to 11 AM!!
We have permission to hang a very large (two City busses long!) sign in Steele Indian School Park downtown
as part of a promotion to build a Cold War Museum Monument in Steele Indian School Park. The monument
will use as its centerpiece 65 tons of salvaged parts from the nuclear-powered USS Phoenix (SSN-702),
a Los Angeles Class fast attack submarine.
Read more about the event in our Sailing Orders
HERE
WESTERN REGION ROUNDUP:
The Western Region Roundup is to be held in Sacramento, CA from April 27 – 29, 2023.
Details are on the
Western Region Roundup website.
Here's some pictures from last year's
Western Regional Roundup in Reno, NV.
View the
"Plan of the Day" and the current
list of
"Who Is Coming"
USSVI NATIONAL CONVENTION
August 28 - September 2, 2023
As co-sponsors of the 2023 USSVI National Convention in Tucson with the Tucson Base, we are not
only encouraging attendance, but also participation in a number of volunteer support activities.
Follow this
LINK to the 2023 USSVI National Convention website.
The volunteer activities are listed
HERE. To volunteer, contact
Joe Trotter, our
base liaison at treasurer@perch-base.org
2023 SCHOLARSHIPS
Congratulations to the three children and grandchildren of Perch Base members who each received
scholarships during the February 8, 2023, Board of Directors meeting.
At the following general meeting on February 11, 2023, Howard Doyle's grandaughter Mia was present
to receive her scholarship.
Mia is a senior in high school, a straight "A" student for the last 12½ years, co-captain of the swim team,
participated in the state swim meets all 4 years, and set the school record in the backstroke this year.
Mia accepted the scholarship award and thanked the Perch Base for the award. She plans to use the award
toward her college tuition at the University of Hawaii at Hilo where she will be majoring in biology with
plans to go on to medical school to become a doctor.
Two other children and grandchildren of Perch Base members were also selected to receive scholarships,
but could not be present at the meeting on February 11, 2023.
Chris Urness' son Kaden and George Woods' granddaughter Kara Woods also received scholarship awards.
Kara is in her second year at the State University of Binghamton (New York) and then plans to go to the
University of Syracuse to also pursue a medical degree. They will receive their awards at a later date.
View more pictures HERE
LAVEEN COMMUNITY PARADE
Eleven Perch Base members participated on February 4, 2023, in the 22nd Annual Laveen Community Parade.
This year's theme was "Here We Grow!"
Our Perch Base entry was awarded the Second Place (Motor Vehicle Group) trophy!
The crowds along the side of the parade route expressed their appreciation of our service
as our float went by.
Based on current events, I asked if Mayor Kate's balloon was really a Chinese spy balloon. They showed
me the "Made in USA" label!
View more details and pictures
HERE.
ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET
Perch Base Submarine Veterans (USSVI) held its Annual Awards Banquet on 1/21/2023 at the Pebble Creek Clubhouse, Goodyear, AZ.
Congratulatlions to our Chief of the Boat (COB) Don Robertson, who was awarded the 2022 "Sailor of the Year" Award.
Our guest speaker was Admiral Vernon Clark (ret). Admiral Clark was the 27th Chief of Naval Operations."
Holland Club Inductions were performed for Warner Howard Doyle, Governor C. Joy and Stanley N. Reinhold upon achieving 50 years
as Qualified in Submarines.
View more details and pictures
HERE.
MICHAEL OLSEN, QM2(SS) ETERNAL PATROL
A Memorial Service was be held on January 16, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the
Salvation Army North West Valley Corps. For those who previously reviewed the Eternal Patrol Notice,
it has now been expanded to include the Memorial Service.
Perch Base Holland Club Member and Life Member Michael Olsen, QM2(SS) went on Eternal Patrol on
December 8, 2022. Sadly, we just recently participated in a memorial service upon the passing of
Mike's wife of 63 years, Ruth, on November 26, 2021. Our sympathy to his family Sven (Skip) Olsen,
Dennise Fadler (Randolph), Michelle Hinson (H. Douglas), and James Olsen; eight grandchildren:
Erin Olsen, Michael Fadler (Aline), Séan Olsen, Jacob Hinson, Emmalee Hinson, Christien Fadler,
Kathleen Fadler Bishop (Tyrone), and Scott Olsen; and four great-grandchildren: William Olsen,
Grayson Hinson, Violet Hinson, and Thatcher Hinson.
Mike joined the Navy in October 1956, and was discharged as a Quartermaster Second Class, QM2(SS)
in February 1962, after serving on four submarines: the USS Rasher (SSR‑269), USS Seawolf (SSN‑575),
USS Corsair (AGSS‑435) and the USS Pomfret (SS‑391)
Mike joined the United States Submarine Service Veterans, Inc. (USSVI) on September 1, 2003, at the
Base 51 in Las Vegas, Nevada, then later moved to Surprise, Arizona and joined our Perch Base on
February 8, 2014.
To no surprise, Mike became our Base Chaplain in November 2015. He could be counted on to visit ill
members, conduct Eternal Patrol services, provide counselling to families and help members to obtain
benefits. Mike was so committed to his role as Chaplain, he became the Chaplain at the Maricopa
County Jail for the Veteran's unit. Even after he turned over the Base Chaplain role in October 2017,
he still routinely would lead invocations and benedictions when the new Chaplain was not present.
Mike routinely attended meetings and was a Base Operations Supporter donating monies or efforts
to allow for Base operations while keeping our dues low and avoid raising money through member
labor as most other organizations do.
View more details
HERE.
SAILOR, REST YOUR OAR! YOUR WATCH HAS ENDED.
Your Brothers of the 'Phin Have the Watch.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmate.
DAVE WICKLINE
FITNESS PRESENTATION
Perch Base Holland Club and Life Member Dave Wickline gave a physical fitness presentation at our monthly meeting on January 14, 2023.
Dave's presentation included discussion of exercise, proper diet and techniques for pain control.
Dave noted that his presentation was based on observation of our older Perch Base members and how we can improve our lifestyle. This is
directly in line with our USSVI Creed to provide a way for all Submariners to gather for the mutual benefit.
View more pictures
HERE.
EDWARD L. SCHAFER, III, CWO2(SS) (ret) ETERNAL PATROL
Perch Base Holland Club Member Edward L. Schafer, III, CWO2(SS) (ret) went on Eternal Patrol on October 1, 2022.
Our sympathy Ed's wife Sandy. We also extend our condolences to Ed's Grandson Brody. Several Perch Base members
participated in Brody's Eagle Scout Court of Honor on May 14, 2022.
Ed joined the Navy in 1958, was assigned to the USS Becuna (SS-319) in 1966, and Qualified in Submarines the
same year on the Becuna. In 1969, Ed was transferred to the USS James K. Polk (SSBN-645) as an Instrumentation
and Control Technician First Class, IC1(SS). Ed retired from the Navy as a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO2) in 1978.
Ed joined our Perch Base United States Submarine Service Veterans, Inc. (USSVI) on July 17, 2014 when he
transferred from the Farragut Base in Post Falls, Idaho. Ed was our Base Chaplain in 2015. He also was a
Perch Base Operation Supporter, donating extra money to help offset our operating costs.
View more details
HERE.
SAILOR, REST YOUR OAR! YOUR WATCH HAS ENDED.
Your Brothers of the 'Phin Have the Watch.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmate.
RONALD ZOMOK, EN1(SS) (ret) ETERNAL PATROL
Perch Base Holland Club Member and Life Member Ronald J. Zomok, EN1(SS) (ret) went on Eternal Patrol on November 26, 2022.
Our sympathy to his wife of 62 years, Marilou, his children Bud his wife Lorraine, Rhonda (Nolan) her husband George, his Grandson's
Joshua his wife Danielle, Vincent his fiancé Erika, and Great Grandchildren Averie, Aisley and Colt. Ronald is also survived by
his older sister Theresa.
Ronald joined the Navy in 1956 and retired in 1973, serving on three submarines. He served as an Engineman (EN). Ronald was assigned
to his first boat, the USS Tang (SS-563) in 1959. He qualified on the Tang in 1960 and had advanced to the rank of EN2(SS) prior
to being assigned to his second boat, USS Skate (SSN-578) about 1962. He then was assigned to the USS Entemedor (SS-340)
from 1963 to 1965.
Ronald Zomok joined Perch Base on December 26, 2003, and was inducted into the Holland Club in 2010 after being qualified
for 50 years. He was also consistently a "base booster."
A funeral mass was held Tuesday Dec. 20, 2022, at the St. Joachim and St. Anne Parish in Sun City, AZ.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you donate to the Dementia Foundation or St Vincent De Paul
View more pictures
HERE.
SAILOR, REST YOUR OAR! YOUR WATCH HAS ENDED.
Your Brothers of the 'Phin Have the Watch.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmate.
PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY:
Six Perch Base members and their guests attended the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day event on 12/07/2022 at the Wesley Bolin Plaza by the
Arizona State Capitol to place wreaths during the ceremony.
We placed two wreaths. One for the WW2 Submarine Veterans and one for Perch Base.
Credit (and thanks!) to Chris Gahan & George Woods for input and photos on this page.
View more pictures
HERE.
USS ARIZONA (SSN-803)
KEEL LAYING CEREMONY:
Five Perch Base members attended the USS Arizona (SSN-803) Keel Laying Ceremony on December 7, 2022 at the Gilbert (AZ) Public
Safety Training Facility. The "real" ceremony was held at the General Dynamics Electric Boat Shipyard at Quonset Point,
Rhode Island, and transmitted via ZOOM to the Gilbert Public Safety facility. (apologies, in advance, because photos of a ZOOM call broadcast
to a large screen lack clarity!)
The "star" of the show was the USS Arizona (SSN-803) sponsor, Ms. Nikki Stratton. Nikki's grandfather, Don Stratton, was a survivor
of the USS Arizona (BB-39) following the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. Sadly, Don passed on February 15, 2020. At that time, Don was
one of only 3 survivors; the remaining two, Lou Conter & Ken Potts participated in the ZOOM call. It was at Don's funeral that the
Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly asked Nikki to be the USS Arizona (SSN-803) sponsor, a role commonly reserved for wives of Presidents.
In keeping with maritime tradition, the initials of the ship's sponsor are welded onto a steel plate that will be incorporated into the ship
as it is built. The welding is usually performed by a welder, but in this case, Nikki (who learned how to weld!) performed part of the initials
herself.
Other Arizonans present at Quonset Point for the Keel Laying Ceremony included Gilbert Mayor Honorable Brigette Peterson,
Gilbert Veterans Advisory Board Liaison Pamela Rinesmith and Bill Spence. Bill retired as a Lieutenant Commander Nuclear
Engineering Officer, served on seven submarines and two aircraft carriers and is actively involved in the Gilbert
veteran's community. Gilbert, AZ, is the city sponsor for the USS Arizona (SSN-803).
View more pictures
HERE.
BOAT SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
The purpose of the Boat Sponsorship Program (BSP) is to make the active duty
submarine force members aware of USSVI and provide them with information about our
activities through sponsorship of the American Submariner to the various
Submarine related organizations. After all, these force members represent the future
core membership of USSVI.
Perch Base is a sponsor, but did you know that individual members may sponsor each
Fast Attack Submarine and/or each crew of the Boomers? Magazines are also sent to
VA hospitals, NROTC units, schools and other places. The cost is $30 per year for
a total of 12 magazines (three each of the four annual volumes.)
Our Perch Base Holland Club & Life Member Jack Messersmith is the USSVI BSP
Program Manager. Let’s make Jack proud. Check your copy of the American Submariner
to sign up for the program.
VISIT OUR NEW FACEBOOK PAGE
Come and visit, LIKE and FOLLOW our new Facebook Page,
USSVI Perch Base Arizona.
Building a successful Social Media network for any organization is no longer a "we’ll think about it"
topic. Today, it is a MUST DO for all nonprofit organizations, including United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
(USSVI) and its Bases. It is critical if we want to expand our membership growth and communicate our unique mission
story in an effective and cost-effective manner.
WANT TO CARPOOL?
NEED A RIDE?
The image, above, shows that we have members all over metropolitan Phoenix. Left-click on the
image for a larger view. If you are a Perch Base member and would like to consider carpooling,
you are willing to pickup another member, or you need a ride to meetings or events, send an
email to the webmaster at webmaster@perch-base.org.
The Board of Directors will attempt to match you with another nearby member who has similarly
asked to carpool, or is willing to pickup another member. The Board will then provide the name,
email, and phone number to the interested members that can then get in touch with each other
to make specific arrangements. We are not publicly posting names or personal information to
maintain privacy.
Keep in mind that if you wait until the last minute to request a match-up for a particular
event, we may not be able to respond in time.
JOIN US AT A MEETING.
We meet the second Saturday of every month at 1200 hours (noon if you’ve been out a while) at Dillon's Restaurant,
20585 North 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308-6821
(Left-click address, or the map above, for a Google map to Dillon's.) Come at 1100 for time to "socialize."
NOTE: Check our SAILING ORDERS page
before "dropping in" on a meeting!
LT(jg) GEORGE HERBERT WALKER BUSH
In the upper picture, above, the crew of the USS Finback (SS-230) rescues downed pilot,
Lieutenant Bush of Torpedo Squadron 51 on September 2, 1944 after Japanese antiaircraft defense
shot down his torpedo bomber between the northeastern end of Minami Jima and
the southern tip of Chichi Jima. (Left-click the picture to enlarge.)
In the bottom picture, Rescued pilots and the crew and officers of the Finback. Lt. (jg) George
Herbert Walker Bush is second from the left in the front row.
Bush, and 4 other rescued aviators remained on the Finback as "guests" while she tracked
and attacked convoys, endured depth charges from Japanese escort ships, and sank two ships
(an oiler and small cargo ship). The five ended their stay on the Finback on Midway Island on
September 29, after 29 days aboard the submarine (and crossing the international date line).
Read more about how the submarine service performed "Lifeguard Duty" during
WW2 in the National Archives
HERE.
65 U.S. Submarines never returned to port. Click on Eternal Patrol and see pictures and stories of the "boats" that remain at sea . . . forever, on eternal patrol.
Need to reach us or have a question?
communications@perch-base.org
"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 of America and its Constitution.
In addition to perpetuating the memory of departed shipmates, we shall provide a way for all Submariners to gather for the mutual benefit and enjoyment. Our common heritage as Submariners shall be strengthened by camaraderie. We support a strong U.S. Submarine Force.
The organization will engage in various projects and deeds that will bring about the perpetual remembrance of those shipmates who have given the supreme sacrifice. The organization will also endeavor to educate all third parties it comes in contact with about the services our submarine brothers performed and how their sacrifices made possible the freedom and lifestyle we enjoy today."
We honor those submariners
who have never
returned to port
and remain on
Eternal Patrol
IF YOU'VE EARNED THESE...
WE are an organization with but one simple requirement to join
— have you ever worn Dolphins?
(been designated, "Qualified in Submarines.")
All of us have served their country
in the Silent Service
...WE WANT YOU!
Because we are the "SILENT SERVICE," many people are unaware of the services our submarine Brothers of the 'Phin performed in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Thirty submarines served in the Korean War, as detailed on the Korean War Educator website *. Sixty-six submarines served in the Vietnam War, as detailed in a letter from United States Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. Also check out the related SubVet_News-2019-030 regarding Agent Orange exposure by Blue Water veterans.
Click on this sentence, or the photo, below, to see how the float was constructed
To honor those who currently serve, and those who went before us, we built this
float that we use in parades and static displays. The float is a 1/15 scale model of the
nuclear powered submarine USS Phoenix (SSN-702,) named after our city.
The Phoenix was a Los Angeles-class submarine that was 362 feet long and,
on the surface, had 32 feet of the ship under water.
If you would like us to bring the USS Phoenix to your parade or event, contact our
Event Coordinator.
Need a description of the Perch Base
float, a scale model of the USS Phoenix (SSN-702)?
Click on the document icon, below, to get the approved
and authentic script suitable for parades or other public events.
Refer the event organizers to Float-Announcer-Script.pdf
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FOR THE WEBMASTER? EMAIL webmaster@perch-base.org