COB – BremertonReunion

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.

https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2021/03/27/uss-bremerton-submarine-its-waning-days-turns-40/7015488002/?fbclid=IwAR1FJoq42tFokq1c12BfdxzC0hakqX2InAzsjyO11LMTNrXnlMeJWsw7i64

A Vision of the Future

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.

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/history-hints-of-future-in-navys-mothballed-ships-near-bremerton/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=article_inset_1.1&fbclid=IwAR0XzibK43gNjq8QAiSiGpMmIpvzOOUE7S9Aa-b_v66Xd9xJmGffm9K5aIw

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.

August 8, 1945 – December 25, 2019

from Eternal Patrol by USSVI

Cold War Submariner Paul Henri Gagnon of Fernandina Beach, Florida, departed 12/25/2019

He qualified in submarines aboard JOHN ADAMS in 1965

Paul served on USS John Adams SSBN 620 (G) & (B) 1963-1971

NRD Boston 1971 thorugh 1975

USS Bergal SSN 667 1974 to 1978

USS Bremerton SSN 698 1978 to 1981

Submarine Squadron Seven 1981 to 1986

He served in the USN from 1962 to 1986

He was a Life and Holland Club member of USSVI Bowfin Base.

Sailor, Rest your oar.

USS Bremerton SSN 698 Plankowner and Chief of the Boat

by bremertonreunion.net

The Chief of the Boat (COB) carries an immense responsibility in the Silent Service as the the senior enlisted advisor to the commanding officer and executive officer.

It cannot be overstated, how the leadership of one man, in conjunction with the commanding officer, directly effects the cohesion necessary for an effective fighting unit, especially in the closed, intimate, and demanding environment of a submarine preparing for its life and execution of its duty at sea.

The COB’s support for the discipline, morale, meaningful navy tradition, and personal mentorship manifests in the collective soul of the crew and through their work, the submarine herself.

Command Master Chief Paul Henri Gagnon performed his duty with invaluable leadership, authenticity, and heart, eliciting great respect from officers and enlisted men whose loyalty and admiration for the man continues undiminished to this day.

We bid him peace on his journey onward with the greatest gratitude for his dedicated service to his shipmates and to his country.

Paul’s wishes are to be interred along side his wife at the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Image of MMCM/SS Paul Gagnon from the USS Bremerton’s Commissioning program, courtesy of John Scanlan, plank owner.

Tag: COB

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