BBQ, History, and Community:
Join the USS Arizona Legacy Foundation and the crew for an evening in Gilbert’s Heritage District. Housed in a 1929 Safeway Pay ’n Takit grocery store, Joe’s Real BBQ preserves the character of historic Gilbert while serving authentic Arizona barbecue slow-smoked over pecan wood.
We encourage you to stop by, meet the sailors, enjoy some hometown BBQ, and be part of this living legacy.
Thank you for your continued support of the USS Arizona Legacy Foundation. Together, we ensure that the memory of the 1,177 men lost aboard USS Arizona (BB-39) remains central as the name sails forward aboard SSN-803.
Joe’s Real BBQ:
301 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234
(Left-click address for a Google map to Joe's Real BBQ.)

Deadline for Midwatch Newsletter second quarter 2026 edition:
All input must be into Chris Gahan, communications@perch-base.org, Perch Base Newsletter Editor, to be included in the next Midwatch Newsletter.
Chris emphasizes that input to the MidWatch is welcome from ALL members, including articles, jokes, etc.

Annual Lunch Picnic Meeting at the Paloma Community Park in Peoria, Arizona:
NO MEETING AT DILLON'S!
This year all Arizona-based USSVI members from all AZ bases are invited to join Perch Base for our annual picnic festivities on National Submarine Day at the Paloma Community Park in Peoria, Arizona. For Perch-base members, this event is going to serve as a concurrent monthly meeting, in lieu of meeting at Dillon’s Arrowhead.
This year, we have reserved the entire East Ramadas #6, #7, & #8, so we won't have to "compete" with an adjacent party like last year! These ramadas are next to the ones we've used in previous years.
View the ramadas #6, #7, & #8 locations at the park.
The base officers will be hosting/cranking and there will be steak burgers, hot dogs, and hot brats grilled to order. Each participating member/family is asked to provide a single picnic appropriate side dish for the mutual enjoyment of all to partake.
Paloma Community Park
29799 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy, Peoria, AZ 85383
Located at Lake Pleasant Parkway and Dixileta Dr., just south of Loop 303 freeway.
(Left-click address, above, for a Google map to the Paloma Community Park.)
Soda-Pop, water, and utensils will be provided by the base. We have secured an alcohol permit to consume beer only, cans only, and you must provide your own if you wish to enjoy a brew with your meal. This facility accommodates handicapped personnel and elderly folks with a modern design that easily permits travel from vehicles to shelters on solid pathways without obstacles. The facility accommodates dogs and has adjacent dog park areas to permit your pouch to expend some energy and enjoy the day with you. Please bring portable kennel/crate to place your dog at rest, as lead staking is not feasible. You must have an appropriate AZG&F Fishing License if you wish to fish. Please note, there are no entrance or attendance fees to enter the park. Parking is free and there are abundant spaces close to the ramadas.
Be sure to check out all the accommodations, and the rules, this beautiful recreational park has to offer HERE.
If you are going to attend the Perch-Base Annual Picnic, or you have any special requirements and questions, please RSVP with a head and tail count to our COB, Kirby Anderson, COB@perch-base.org by Saturday, 04 April 2026. Let the Kirby know how many there are in your shore party, your pot-luck item, and if you are bringing any dogs or young children.
Here's some photos from last year's Annual Lunch Picnic Meeting.

Mary Denzien Celebration of Life:
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the
American Legion Post 29
6822 N. 58th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301
(Left-click address for a Google map to American Legion Post 29.)
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made to Breast Cancer Research in Mary's honor.
Follow this LINK to view the Perch Base notice of Mary's passing.

Western Region Roundup:
The Western Region Roundup will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from Thursday, April 16, 2026 thru Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall.
5111 Boulder Hwy, Las Vegas, NV 89122
(Left-click address, above, for a Google map.)
Visit the Roundup website for more details.
This 2026 Western Region Roundup is hosted by USSVI Base 51.
Registration and sponsorship forms are available on the Roundup website and a link to get the discount hotel rate is HERE.
Here's some photos from last year's Roundup at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. taken by our member, Joe Trotter, attending the Roundup.

Memorial Day:
Perch Base will attend the Memorial Day ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona:
This is one of the two most important events of our yearly calendar.
Because of the large crowds at this event, and the scarcity of available seating, it is strongly urged that everyone get there no later than 7 a.m.
As in previous years, we will follow with the Tolling of the Boats in the Circle of Remembrance at the World War II Submarine Torpedo monument.
2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024
(Left-click address, above, for a Google map to the cemetery.)
Here's some pictures from the last Memorial Day ceremonies at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in 2025.

Prescott Frontier Days^® rodeo parade:
2026 Parade Theme: "CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF FREEDOM"
They will start closing streets for the parade after 6:00a.m. Parade entrants may arrive at their assigned staging area at 7:00 am. Parade volunteers will be available after 7:00am. ALL parade entrants need to be in place by 8:00a.m. The parade starts at 9:00!!
If you plan to ride the float, don't forget your chairs.
The Parade Route is shown HERE,
(Left-click, above, for a map of the Parade Route.)
Here's some pictures from the last year's (2025) Prescott Frontier Days^® rodeo parade.

2026 USSVI National Convention:
The 2026 National Convention is in Corpus Christi, Texas at the Omni Hotel.
Register today!
Registration and the hotel room block are available on the convention website: https://subvetconvention.org/.