Captain Alan R. Beam, Bremerton’s CO #3, provided the following update:

“We have received word from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard that they may start final cutup operations somewhere around Christmas. We are requesting the sail, stern planes, rudders and anchor.  We are working with Mayor Wheeler to identify the best location and are scheduling a meeting with the City Council to get their support for location. We can announce the location at the successful completion of this meeting.”

This is welcome news for supporters of the USS Bremerton (SSN-698) who have been following the activities related to the longest serving nuclear fast attack submarine in the United States Navy. Not only does it give many of the Badfish’s supporters something objective to focus on, but also helps in process of closure for all who have loyal affections for the boat, the vessel we called our home away from home while venturing to distant places and mastering submerged trails across the ocean.

Captain Beam further explains that a USS Bremerton Sail Committee was formed in order to begin the process of fund raising. The board includes long time Navy League supporters and 698 CO’s: Chairman Jerry Logan (CO#10 2002-2005), Navy League President Tom Zwolfer  (CO #11 2005-2008) and Alan Beam (CO #3 1985-1988), former Mayor Patty Lent, and the Architect Jerry Fergus.

The initial goal set for fund raising is one million dollars. While a Bremerton monument in the city of Bremerton enjoys the obvious benefit of local home town and shipyard support and the shortest transport distances, which can save untold tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars, projects like a sail monument can reach into the 2 to 4 million range based on the reported budgets of other U.S. Navy submarine monuments around the country. Much will depend on the overall design of a monument and the procurement of the real estate necessary but this is the beginning of another journey, another mission.

The Bremerton’s alumni roster is one of the largest ever due to the life span of the boat, estimates are there are about 1500 to 1600 sailors who have served on SSN-698.  While alumni provided tax-deductible contributions are always welcome, it is more than simply money. The ideal campaign should make it easy for you to invite many others to contribute, regardless of their prior affiliation with the boat. This way, anyone, but especially you who have a personal connection, can support the mission as long as you are willing to take some simple steps. In other words, a million dollars divided more ways make each part more manageable. A few honorary awards and opportunities for recognition should be part of the package. What do you think? We’d like to hear your ideas to build and attract interest.

Not meaning to jump to conclusions but the future completion of the USS Bremerton Monument will be a focal point for another reunion, bringing the sailors, the boat (at least part of it), and the spirit that binds both together back together once again.

Penciled in for “around Christmas”, when many military personnel around the world and under the oceans are deep in gratitude for the mercy, the grace and the providence of God, and for the deliverance through many trials, the Navy shipyard at Puget Sound will be preparing to do their part in securing vital sections of the Bremerton for the future.

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