🌴 Tradewinds April 2026 🌴

Volume 81

To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives while voluntarily serving in submarine warfare in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments. To further promote and keep alive the spirit and unity that existed among submarine crewmen during World War II. To promote sociability general welfare and good fellowship among our members. To pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States of America and it’s constitution.

1. Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base

Bowfin Meeting – We conducted our April meeting at Clean Sweep Bar, Lockwood Hall. The following members attended – Dave Atkins, George Barlett, Jim Bazemore, David Bilek, Rodney Boucher, Dan Del Monte, Karl Dye, Nelson Greer, Gary Johnson, John Johnson, Paul Jurcsak, Brett Kulbis, Ace Parker, Crichton Roberts, Thom Sousa, Tim Sparks, Pat Suenaga, Wade Thode, and Joe Winzenried.

Welcomed Guests – Ozzy Osentoski, Scouts Gill and Gordon Messing, Miya Bilek, Nancy Kreis, Ann Gosling, Wade & William Thode.

Binnacle List – Please keep all our members and their families in your good thoughts and prayers.

Hauʻoli Lā Hānau! Bowfin Birthdays for the month of April.

Patrol Reports

63rd Annual Thresher Memorial

Celebrating 126 Years of Undersea Dominance: Honoring the U.S. Submarine Force

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

Honoring a Hometown Hero: Pat Suenaga Leads 2026 Vietnam Veterans Day Commemoration at Punchbowl

Burial at Sea

Burials at Sea in Hawai’i is an honored tradition available to eligible service members, veterans, and their family members. Requests are coordinated through the Navy’s Mortuary Affairs office, and detailed guidance is available on the MyNavyHR website.

Once the Decedent Affairs office approves the request, operational tasking is assigned by the U.S. Third Fleet, with support from the Submarine Readiness Squadron Chaplain.

Locally, families may contact the Tripler Army Medical Center coordinator at 808‑433‑4709 or 808‑577‑7590 for assistance with arrangements.

Bowfin Holland Club Members

Base Officers & Staff

Commander Paul T. Jurcsak
Vice Commander Tim Sparks
Secretary Brett Kulbis
Treasurer Pat Suenaga
Chief of the Boat Gary G. Johnson
Storekeeper George F. Barlett

This Month in Base History

2000 National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Memorial Walkway) dedication of U.S. Navy Submarine Service plaque.

1981 USSVI of WWII Hawai’i Chapter commemorative plaque installed at the Submarine Memorial Pearl Harbor.

1963 Pearl Harbor Submarine Birthday Ball cancelled due to loss of USS Thresher.

1963 USS Thresher memorial held. COMSUBPAC ADM Clarey, “There are few of us who didn’t have a friend or a shipmate who went down on it.”

2. U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc.

News and Bulletins

USSVI Officers & Staff

USSVI National Commander Jon D. Jaques
USSVI Western Region Director Peter T. Juhos
USSVI Western District 6 Commander Dave Vanderveen
USSVI Office Manager Charles F. Murray

3. Information of Interest

VA News Releases
Defense News – Early Bird

4. Still On Patrol