history – BremertonReunion

Bell & Shirt Dedication by CAPT Anderson

May 18, 2021May 19, 2021 challenyeeLeave a comment

At the Horse & Cow in Bremerton, WA, on the eve of the Decommissioning Ceremony, a restaurant full of USS Bremerton alumni and crew, with drinks in hand, gathered with deep respect for the man who was the Los Angeles Class fast attack submarine’s first Commanding Officer, plankowner CAPT. Tom Anderson.

As he stood at the center of the main floor he shared his thoughts about the new home for this ceremonial ship’s bell.

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The BELL DEDICATION

“First of all, it’s GREAT to see everyone here, it’s fantastic… What I really want to do here is, this bell that was at the last reunion, it was something that I got and I was very lucky. But the luckiest I ever got was to serve as the CO of the USS Bremerton …”

[big cheers]

“… here is my thought, I’m not going to spend too many more years on this planet, I don’t really want it to go where I go, but it needs to go to somebody or something. Since I’m probably the oldest crewmember, it might be appropriate to go to the oldest crewmember, but then you have to think about ‘when that person passes how do we find the next one?’

“It should remain in some place appropriate where [people] can see it and enjoy it, so… is this the place?”

[ a great chorus of approval]

“Who’s in charge of the Horse & Cow?”

[audience encourages the owner forward, front and center]

Capt Anderson continues, “If this remains here, or whichever way you put it, the tradition should be if some patron comes in and rings the bell, simply because they see it, what happens?

[crowd erupts “THEY GOTTA BUY ANOTHER ROUND]

“… so, if somebody doesn’t really know that, can get to it and see if it really works… then the rest is history.”

The SHIRT DEDICATION

“The last little thing, it may be offensive to a few people here… I notice the Parche has a T-Shirt up there, but at one time in my career, and this was after I left Bremerton, I was on my way to become the CO of the Blue Crew of Ohio. Somebody, I don’t remember who, gave me this fine piece of wearing apparel….and I’ll hold it up so everyone can see it”

[crowd erupts in laughter and approval]

Captain ANDERSON writes a personal inscription on the now famous shirt

I’d like to thank Plankowner Tom MacPhillips for the video I used to transcribe the CAPT’s speech and capture some images and Plankowner John Scanlan for the photos

USS BREMERTON – THE WORLD’S FASTEST – DECAL RACE

April 25, 2021April 28, 2021 challenyee6 Comments

What we have here is a YOU FLY, I’LL BUY proposition

Who has a good copy of the original “USS BREMERTON (SSN-698) THE WORLD’S FASTEST” BUMPER STICKER?

Editorial Note: Since the publishing of this article on 25 APRIL 2021, we understand that the decal did not say “World’s Fastest” but rather “Submarine Forces’s FASTEST…”

When the USS Bremerton (SSN-698) was a young boat in 1982, she set the high speed record for US Navy submarines, in an in-the-course-of-serving-the-nation–in-an-urgent-matter-task. The mission remains a fine work for the Bremerton in her over 40 year history, a true testament to the Navy’s professionals who served aboard her and the taking to the limits advancements of nuclear power and submarine technology. Logged over the course of several days, Bremerton affirmed to the Navy what a 688 Los Angeles Class fast attack sub could achieve – getting to the op area faster than ever.

FASTEST SUBMISSION OF VINTAGE 1982 DECAL courtesy of Russ Woods and Joe PolizottiWe have a shipmate sponsor who is willing to fund the reprinting of the vintage decal for the Decommissioning, here are tasks for one or multiple reliable contributors:

HAS THE DECAL/STICKER IS GOOD/EXCELLENT CONDITION
CAN CONNECT WITH A PRINTER WHO CAN PRODUCE AN AUTHENTIC REPRODUCTION
MAKE SURE IT GETS TO THE DECOM REUNION ON TIME

The production for DECOM will be funded by our shipmate Jeff Marcey, SSN-698 (1982-1986), who has been searching but has not yet found an owner of one of these rare SSN-698 collectable items.

Bill Dhappart and Jeff Marcey back in the day when sonar shacks were cool. Photo: C.K. Yee

AND THAT IS NOT ALL…

Who can design a MODERN VERSION of the same decal highlighting the USS Bremerton’s historic feat as the Submarine Force’s Fastest?

New artwork from contributors will be considered for sponsorship, MUST BE SUBMITTED BY APRIL 29 to be considered.

Modern designs should note “Circa 1982” of this historic achievement.

For vintage volunteer information or new art contributions, please submit your informations to:

bremertonreunion.alumni@gmail.com

SUBJ: FASTEST DECAL RACE

*Record still stands until an official correction

698 LAUNCH CREW

April 23, 2021April 25, 2021 challenyee2 Comments

This fabulous photo comes from MMC(SS) Bob Abele

Photo source/credit and courtesy of: MMC(SS) Robert Abele

The Chief’s comments:

“First Row: HUGHES, SKOLDS, ??, ANDERSON, BOWMAN, KANE, MUNRO, ??.

Second Row: POMELLA (COB), ABELE, HANEY, GAGNON, BEAVIN, WADDELL, ??, COOPER.”

Please comment for additional information of those in this photo

698 TURNS 40

March 28, 2021March 28, 2021 challenyeeLeave a comment

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.

698 COMMISSION ‘EXTENDED’

February 25, 2021 challenyeeLeave a comment

CAPTAIN’S Corner:

USS BREMERTON (SSN 698)

CAPT Chris Lindberg

We are looking forward to the last few months of the commissioned time of the USS BREMERTON. Due to COVID concerns and the rate at which the state of Washington is slowly opening, I am shifting the Decommissioning ceremony to Tuesday, May 18^th. This will be the last shift in the date. My goal is to be completed with all work requiring crew personnel by June 1^st. We are planning to have the ceremony available via video recording, but we are hoping for an in person gathering as well. This will depend on the State and Navy requirements for COVID mitigation. I will provide updates as I have more information.

As we move forward, we are also taking a look back at the past year. I have the pleasure to announce our Sailor of the Year is ITS1 (SS) Tony Campbell and the Junior Sailor of the Year is TM2 (SS) Logan Houlot. ITS1 (SS) Campbell was selected due to his relentless drive for excellence in all facets of his support of Bremerton and the combined crew with USS Jacksonville. He led the merger of Radio division and LAN division into the new combined division, providing the blueprint for other commands to follow. His direct involvement and spearheading of establishing the new MWR gym equipment for use by command was vital to maintaining personnel readiness this last year. He is a true leader and consistently improves the command with his constant presence and focus on making the command better every day.

TM2 (SS) Houlot was selected for his command leadership in managing the day-to-day operations of Torpedo Division. He led the way in COVID mitigation of cleanliness of weapons that were handled by multiple watchstanders. His can do attitude and drive to set the example are what we expect and demand from our best.

As we look forward, I understand the importance of the USS BREMERTON in many of your hearts. For almost 41 years this submarine was home to many sailors who will forever have lasting memories of their time serving aboard her. I would like to remind you that, while the HY80 which surrounded you during your time aboard the BREMERTON protected you, the stories you have and share with each other and your loved ones are what will keep her memory alive long after she has been scrapped. Until next time I wish you fair winds and following seas.