According to a letter sent out with the official attachment below to all previous Commanding Officers of the USS Bremerton (SSN-698), Captain Chris Lindberg reports that 12:45 today, the Bad Fish, a.k.a. The American Classic is officially decommissioned.
“It has been an extraordinary 40 year run for the best Submarine in the US Navy…” – CAPT. Chris Lindberg.
“TO EVERY OFFICER AND SAILOR WHO STOOD WATCH ON BREMERTON, YOUR LEGACY WILL LIVE ON FOREVER…”
Bremerton Captain’s Chris Lindberg, Alan Beam ((CO#3), and Tom Anderson, plankowner and CO #1Front: Martin “Bubba ” Russell, Joel Walton, Donald Jones, Tom McPhillips. Back: Dave Morris, Conrad Bilgrien, Frank HamiltonBobby Schmidt and Greg CarrollBill Patterson, Juan Acosta and Joel WaltonDave “SpIzZ” Withers, Chris Friesen, Jim Baker, and Marty RussellJohn Brunkalla, and Tim Payne. Back: Conrad BilgrienRich Crombie and Bob SchmidtThe owner of the Horse and Cow and Capt Anderson. Capt Beam seated in background in green sweaterOh, yeh, not making any buddies on the boomer side….
John Scanlan’s “before and after challenge”Barbara and Bob SchmidtThe LAST CO and the FIRSTMrs LindbergThe OWNER
Photo credits: Joel Walton, Rich Crombie, Bill Patterson, Juan Acosta, John Scanlan, Bob Schmidt, and probably missed someone, also Facebook Live by Joel Walton and Rich Crombie
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:
Captain Christopher Lindberg, Commanding Officer of the USS Bremerton SSN-698, in his personal effort to connect with USS Bremerton alumni residing around the world, wants to hear from you and your desire to attend the DECOM Ceremony on May 18th – VIRTUALLY.
Being the skipper of the longest serving fast attack submarine in the United States Navy, he more than understands the difficulties that the COVID restrictions have had on both public/alumni access to the ceremony and travel. He is ready to hear from you.
Send your messages up until May 16th
Please send an email letter stating
Your name, rank/rate and brief history of your service onboard Bremerton, and which City/State/Country you plan to be watching from.
Similar details of other shipmates who will be joining with you to help celebrate.
An unclassified anecdote from your experience on the boat that you are willing to share with the CAPT is welcome
Send your introduction to:
email: bremertonreunion.alumni@gmail.com
Subj: DECOM-LIVE
please address your letter to CAPT. Chris Lindberg
NOTE: The DECOM Ceremony is scheduled to be held at Keyport, WA, on May 18th, 2021 at 13:00 (PST). Estimated duration of the ceremony is approximately 1 hour.
NOTE: Due to the Navy’s continuation of its strict COVID regulations, the DECOM ceremony is not open to public or general alumni access.
