Bremerton along with DECOM/Reunion event organizers will be addressing live attendance and other issues during a meeting on Monday evening, 19 APR 21.
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The decisions will be factoring the latest State and Navy requirements as well as crew and alumni need for planning and desire to attend.
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Given the tight COVID restrictions for active military, there has, until recently, been plenty of concern that any significant alumni participation would be allowed; nevertheless, it is now expected a certain number of alumni participation is possible for both the DECOM ceremony and a follow-on 698 celebration to be held at the Kiana Lodge in Poulsbo on the evening of May 18th.
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If you have submitted contact information via this website during this recent and urgent push, the information received has been submitted to the Command for their consideration. Information will continue to be submitted as it is received.
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Official invitations are pending next week’s decisions.
The DECOM organizing committee is requesting a head-count of those who plan to be present at the Ceremony at Keyport.
During this unprecedented time, with restrictions still in effect, the number of alumni desiring to attend is an important factor. The State of Washington and the Navy requirements are monitored on a daily basis for signs of further relaxing of the restrictions. Nevertheless, “early” intel is useful to accommodate the many alumni, supporters and active-duty crewmembers of USS Bremerton who want to be a live part of the boat’s history.
In addition to the DECOM to be held at Keyport’s Naval Undersea Museum, plans for celebration and reunion events on May 18th are currently in progress in Bremerton and Poulsbo (more news to come). The number of alumni planning to take part is of paramount importance.
Please send an email to BremertonReunion.alumni@gmail.com to signal your plans to attend along with a brief description of your service history aboard SSN-698.
Note: If you are a Plankowner who has not already registered with this website, please state you are a Plankowner in your E-mail response.
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.
Image source: Joel Walton
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.
Image source: DuckDuckGo
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.
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.
Captain Alan Beam (CO #3) provides a nautical vision for the future monument
On the 40th Birthday of the USS Bremerton SSN 698, with her upcoming Decommissioning arriving on May 18th, there has been a great outpouring from old shipmates of that special 1st day, sharing their personal accounts and some splendid artwork to commemorate the long life of the boat known affectionately as the American Classic and the BADFISH.
In addition are two published articles from the Kitsap Sun and the Seattle Times that are noteworthy showing community support for the creation of a monument based on the Bremerton’s sail. Please click on the image below or the link beneath for the Kitsap Sun article by Josh Farley.
Nested in this SEATTLE TIMES article about mothballing vessels is a jewel of a piece of information about the possible destination for the Bremerton’s sail provided by Capt. Alan Beam, 698’s 3rd Commanding Officer and a local resident of Bremerton who is intimately familiar with the neighborhood’s waterfront. Click on photo of Alan Beam on the waterfront or link beneath to go to Seattle Times article by Christine Clarridge.
The News of the Badfish’s early demise were greatly exaggerated!
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 invitations will be sent out.
HIT “698 ALUMNI SIGNUP” and follow the instructions if you have not already or need to update your info.
HERE’S AN UPDATE, with 2 months left and counting on what is happening with the DECOM of the USS Bremerton SSN 698 and what it means for you if you are interested in attending.
The date is still May 18th, 2021 and, until further notice, will be at the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum at Keyport, Washington.
In the COVID environment, where nothing is planned without having to take the social restrictions into account, staunch allies are preparing for various scenarios, namely the Navy League of The United States Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Council (Capt. Alan Beam – CO#3) in coordination with community leader and super supporter Patty Lent, former Mayor of the city of Bremerton, and the liaison from the USS Bremerton, LT. William Trettin. Because of the limitations imposed by the Museum at Keyport, the organizers are considering other venues; therefore, the next month has the potential for surprises.
FIRST, they are looking into the possibilities of holding the DECOM ceremony at a venue that can accommodate more people. Keyport’s auditorium is currently limited to 50 people. IF a viable outdoor option is determined, this will allow numbers of Bremerton’s veterans and supporters to be on site to witness the ceremony. Ultimately, the number of invitations to be sent out to alumni will be affected by where the ceremony will take place. A factor in the decision process, because of the involvement of active duty personnel, is the review and approval of ComSubGrp9.
SECOND, there are several considerations for a celebration party on various dates about the time of the DECOM. The fact that the Navy has cancelled many of their normal social collaborations during the month of May makes one of the popular party venues a possibility on May 20th. This date has been held in reservation by the Navy League for an event that the Navy backed out of. The 20th date for a party is close enough to the actual DECOM to be considered as an official part of the Bremerton’s celebration with alumni present.
Despite restrictions being in place, time is on our side. The State of Washington is loosening its social distancing rules, and, thanks to the decision of Captain Christopher Lindberg, May is further away than April. Further is better. March already has loosening measures in place though we need to continue our approach to get a better picture.
What can you do now?
Besides hanging on for updates, go and submit your contact information through this website. This information will be forwarded to the Bremerton in care of LT Trettin in preparation for any scenario where invitations will be sent out.
HIT “698 ALUMNI SIGNUP” and follow the instructions if you have not already or need to update your info.
