Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base | April 12, 2024
On Friday April 12, 2024 at the Hilton Hawaii Village Coral Ballroom, over 1200 enlisted submariners active and retired, Commander Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet RADM Richard Seif, Submarine Commanding Officers, their spouses, and guests celebrated the 124th Anniversary of U.S. Submarine Force.
Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Master Chief, FLTCM(SS) John Perryman was this year’s keynote speaker.
Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base submarine veterans MMC(SS) Ret. Pat Suenaga and YNCS(SS) Ret. Brett Kulbis assisted in the POW/MIA ceremony to honor our missing comrades in arms.
Master Chief Perryman’s remarks, following his wife’s advice of be good, be quick, and be gone, were not only inspirational but were a testament to the his deep appreciation for the enlisted submarine sailors.
Master Chief Perryman compared today’s submariners with the persistence and tenacity of the crew of the USS Archerfish (SS-311) going through four war patrols without a hit. Then on their 5th war patrol sinking the Shinano, the biggest aircraft carrier ever built at the time.
After closing his remarks, he led the 1200 attendees in the first verse of the submarine song.
Following dinner, four newly qualified submariners received their dolphins, this also identified not only the newest, but youngest qualified submariner.
Now it was time to identify the oldest qualified submariner active or retired so the birthday cake can be cut. In typical fashion all qualified submariners were asked to stand up by Master Chief Amato (CSS-1). Beginning with 2020 he asked “Anyone qualified after 2020 please sit down.” Working down every 10 years, by time he hit 1990 only two remained, submarine veterans Brett Kulbis and Pat Suenaga. Upon announcing 1980 only MMC(SS) Ret. Pat Suenaga remained.
The 124th Enlisted Submarine Birthday Ball closed in the time honored tradition of recognizing the senior enlisted leaders (COBs and CMDMCs).
Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base 