Break Out Reunion in Bremerton Set
On Sunday, May 16, two days before DECOM, the 2021 Bremerton SSN698 Reunion Officially begins
A core group of USS Bremerton SSN698 alumni spearheaded by shipmate Joel Walton have made plans for a multi-day rendezvous at the Horse & Cow in Bremerton, WA with the intention of Celebrating the life of the boat with those who knew and know the boat the best.
Joel is no stranger to reunion planning and organizing as he has made critical contributions in both 2016 and 2018. He and his wife Kimberly provided superb support, especially for the awesome dinner event in 2018.
With DECOM being on Tuesday May 18th, the core Reunion dates are May16 (check in) through May 19 (check out).
However, I’ve arranged a hotel block for May 16 though May 21st check out allowing some flexibility depending on the independently organized DECOM celebration events that are TBD and TBA.
Horse & Cow: The Submariners Watering Hole
To further the prospects of a memorable reunion with a comfortable submariners’ atmosphere, the social distancing rules are slackening which will allow the Horse & Cow to open their private room. Joel has confirmed H&C’s support for the BadFish’s reunion members from May16 through May 18th.
As Joel puts it, “[we have] for May 16th, 17th and 18th … the upstairs from 5:00pm to closing… they have their own bar up there and it’s … a place we can order drinks and food as a no host on your own sort of thing and just hang out… we could put on some program [as] they do have some options available, but [we are set] to have an informal mixer… “
Many of us think Joel is right on with the informal mixer as a basis. This addresses the core function of a reunion and that is to have an opportunity to get together with old shipmates. With some good food and drink it makes it merrier, but as a matter of fate, the bonus is the reunion is going to occur during an important evolution in the life of the Bremerton.
Fairfield Inn & Suites, Bremerton, Room Block Available
To accommodate the Badfish gathering, a block of 30 rooms at the FAIRFIELD INN has been established within a short distance (approximately 750 feet) from the Horse & Cow. We will work on acquiring more rooms based on the projections over the next few weeks. The nearby Hampton Inn is also an overflow or alternative for accommodations and additional gathering area by the waterfront depending on how the situation develops.
As of April 3, 2021 when this post is being written, not knowing the Navy approved pre-and-post DECOM events, the Fairfield block is for any Bremerton Reunion attendee who wants to reserve any set of days within the May 16th (check in) through May 21st (check out) time frame.
Room rates are $109 (includes Breakfast and Wifi, parking is extra) for a King or two Queen Guest Room.
Book on or before MAY 1st to secure a room and the special room rate.
Individuals may cancel their reservations but must be 48 hours prior to your arrival to avoid late cancellation charges.
Tell them you are with the USS Bremerton Reunion.
Now, just for fun, Not in plain English
Mission 2021
OPERATION REUNION
1) Transit to Patrol Zone in proximity of DECOM activities.
2) Arrive on station two days prior to primary scheduled DECOM activity
3) Take part in celebration with shipmates in DECOM area at point H&C beginning on May 16th
4) Establish self-directed patrol pattern between point H&C and point FI (approximately 750 feet distance).
5) While conducting Reunion Operations be prepared for DECOM activities.
6) Be part of a full group photo this time
In Summary As of 03 APR 21
It is highly anticipated that the DECOM organizers will broadcast their specifics in due time. The Badfish alumni have launched an independent and flexible celebration, beginning May 16th, with respect to the established DECOM date (May 18th) and in parallel with the anticipated Naval and Civic time line for additional celebrations.
Besides making reservations, what can you do now?
Besides hanging on for DECOM updates as plans are likely to go to the wire due to the COVID restriction watch, go and submit your contact information through this website. This information will be forwarded to the Bremerton DECOM planning group in preparation for any scenario where U.S. Navy invitations will be sent out.
HIT “698 ALUMNI SIGNUP” and follow the instructions if you have not already or need to update your info.
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I look forward to seeing my shipmates and relive our Pre-commissioning/commissioning crew comradery. New construction was something I took for granted not realizing just how unique our experiences would be. From all the great Nukes on board such as Jeff Johnson, Gary Ball, Tony LaPorta to the “A-gangers” like Mike McGann and “Elmo” Jatko, or to the Neeld Brothers, “CC”, “Gordy” Jennings and Rich “My Cordoba with its rich Corinthian leather” Crombie. These are just a few of those I remember from those days. Our Officers and Goat Locker offered the best in Navy leadership, they would do anything for their shipmates. Captain Anderson’s Soccer team, Admiral Bowmans Flag Football team, and I have no idea who owned the softball team, or the many unofficial cookouts at the “shack” on drawbridge road, these are the times that bonded us together as shipmates. I want to thank the dedicated efforts of our shipmates across the decades who continue to collect and archive those memories for us all to enjoy and to pass down. Regardless of where whether our experiences are decades or years ago, what we did made a difference