The keel was laid this week for the future USS Barb, the 31st Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, as the Navy continues to transition away from dependence on the Cold War-era Los Angeles-class attack submarines.
Under Navy tradition, a woman is named the sponsor of new ships and submarines. Bove is married to Thomas Bove, the grandson of Rear Adm. Eugene “Lucky” Fluckey, who served as commander of the first USS Barb, a highly decorated World War II submarine. Read Full Story.
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 December meeting at Clean Sweep Bar, Lockwood Hall. The following members attended – Base Commander Paul Jurcsak, Secretary Brett Kulbis, Treasurer Pat Suenaga, COB Gary Johnson, and members Dave Atkins, Jim Bazemore, David Bilek, Karl Dye, Nelson Greer, John Hatch, Ben McGowan, Ace Parker, Crichton Roberts, and Thom Sousa.
Toys-4-Tots
Base Commander Paul Jurczak and Chief of the Boat Gary Johnson present Captain Tyler Young, USMC and Lance Corporal Jared O’Neil with the Bowfin Base annual Toy’s-4-Tots donation.
Welcomed Guests – Nancy Kreis, Miya Bilek, Judy McGowan, Alice Creighton, and Eric Moore.
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 December.
A group of Vietnam Veterans will gather once again on the Richards Street side of the Hawai‘i State Capitol by the Korea/Vietnam Memorial on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 2300 (11:00 p.m) together with supportive family and friends. This will be the 31st year for this low-key, un-sponsored event, which is simply about fellowship, remembrance, and honoring those we lost. Usually about 60 to 75 folks attend.
While nothing is required of those who come, some bring small contributions. Perhaps a story about a buddy, or just saying his name. There’ll be an opportunity for that. Others simply bring the gift of a supportive presence.
There may be a chaplain, although the gathering is non-denominational. We’ll begin with a Hawaiian chant, followed by one or two bagpipers. Around midnight, when it’s already Christmas Eve in Vietnam across the International Dateline and after all who wish have had their say, we’ll close by lighting candles and singing “Silent Night”.
Most head on home soon after that but some stick around to talk story, or just do some extra remembering.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with those we served with who did not come home or are no longer with us, and with our younger brothers and sisters in uniform spending their Christmas Eve in harm’s way in other dangerous places around the world.
All Vietnam Vets and anyone who ever cared for one are welcome. Please share this reminder with any others who might be interested. For more info call Allen Hoe (808) 521-6927, Tom Stirling (808) 383-2085 or Pat Suenaga (808) 554-5722.
Note: Parking will be on the grass area next to the memorial on the Makai side grassy area, bring a folding chair, flashlight and watch your step walking to the memorial.
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 November meeting at Clean Sweep Bar, Lockwood Hall. The following members attended – Base Commander Paul Jurcsak, Base Vice Commander Tim Sparks, Secretary Brett Kulbis, Treasurer Pat Suenaga, COB Gary Johnson, and members David Bilek, Allen Clemons, Karl Dye, Nelson Greer, John Hatch, Ben McGowan, Ace Parker, Crichton Roberts, Thom Souza, Wade Thode, and Ken Voorhees.
Welcomed Guests – Nancy Kreis, Miya Bilek, Edith Clemons, Sandy Parker, Judith McGowan, Lorena Hatch, Wesley and 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 ofNovember.
1981 – USSV of WWII Federal Charter. Congressman Elroy Wilke the U.S. House of Representative passed resolution of National Charter and is pending the President’s signature.
On November 11, 2025 at 11:00am Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base SUBVETs conducted our 61st annual Veterans Day Commemoration ceremony at the JBPHH Submarine Memorial.
Base Commander Paul Jurcsak opened the commemoration. Followed by the Parading of All 50 State Flags by the Radford High School JROTC and Boy Scout Troops 97 & 797G, and the posting of colors by National Sojourners Inc. members. Submarine Readiness Squadron 33 Chaplain CDR John B. Sears, CHC, USN performed the invocation. Everyone in attendance joined together in singing the National Anthem.
Base Commander Paul Jurcsak opened with a special tribute to WWII Submarine Veteran QM2(SS) Carlos Lopez who traveled to Hawai’i to mark his 100th birthday, and took the time to join us for our annual Veterans Day Commemoration. Carlos’ presence was a living testament to the values and sacrifices that built the Submarine Force. Heroes like him inspire all of us to uphold the highest standards of service and dedication.
Note: QM2(SS) Carlos Lopez served on USS Pilotfish (SS-386) during World War II and qualified submarines in 1944 during a war patrol, over 81 years ago.
Paul then led the tolling of the bell for Submarines lost in WWII, while Chief of the Boat Gary Johnson, CMDCM(SS), USN (Ret) rang the bell.
Similar to the first commemoration ceremony in 1964 conducted by the Submarine Veterans of WWII. Led by WWII Submarine Veteran QM2(SS) Carlos Lopez, members of Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base SUBVETs placed red, white, and blue kukui nut leis on the 47 bronze plaques mounted on the wall.
Commodore Fassbender provides keynote remarks.
This was followed by Wreath presentations by Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base SUBVETs, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, U.S. Submarine League Aloha Chapter and Pearl Harbor Submarine Officers’ Spouses Association.
Following the ceremony Bowfin SUBVETs and invited guests moved to the Lockwood Lanai for a BBQ lunch.
Originally known as Armistice Day. In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I, then known as “the Great War.” Commemorated in many countries as Armistice Day the following year, November 11th became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became legally known as Veterans Day dedicated to American veterans of all wars. There are an estimated 20 million living Veterans today, with approximately 100K in Hawaii.
Veterans Day is a time to honor not just those who have fought for us in battle, but all of the outstanding men and women who served in our nation’s armed forces since our founding 241 years ago.
Not all veterans have seen war, but a common bond that they all share is the oath, to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, an oath that expressed their willingness to die defending this great nation. An oath that everyone of them will keep even after exciting active service.
Perhaps, most significant in preserving our way of life and defending freedom, are the battles that America does not have to fight.
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” — George Washington
We salute all our veterans who have made this great country possible.
God bless you, God bless Hawai’i, and God bless America!
The Periscope is a monthly publication of the Los Angeles-Pasadena Base of USSVI.
What’s Inside General Meeting Minutes Tolling the Boats Minneapolis-Saint Paul Sail “I am a Veteran” Poem New Russian Lada Sub Dex Armstrong Chapter News Calendar Events “The Silent Front” Poem
A U.S. Navy fast-attack submarine is undergoing maintenance at an Australian base where a multinational force of nuclear-powered boats may be in position in just over a year, according to the Australian Defence Department.
The Virginia-class USS Vermont (SSN 792) docked Oct. 29 at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia, marking a significant advance toward the country’s goal of operating and maintaining nuclear-powered submarines, according to a department news release that day. Read full story.
We’re open! Despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, please know that the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum and USS Bowfin submarine at Pearl Harbor remain open to visitors. During the current shutdown, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum and its museum partners – Pearl Harbor National Memorial (USS Arizona Memorial), the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum – have jointly agreed to provide private funding to keep all four Pearl Harbor Historic Sites open.
In commemoration of Veterans Day, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum will host a special Kama‘aina Sunday during Veterans Day weekend (Nov 8-11). Hawai‘i residents, active-duty service members, retirees, dependents, and veterans are invited to enjoy free admission to the museum.
Please note that up to 6 pre-registered ticketsper party will be allowed. Valid Hawai‘i or military ID must be presented at entry for all adult ticket holders. Ticket reservations will be available soon—stay tuned for details on how you can join us in honoring our veterans.
The Navy officially has a new “backbone” of its submarine fleet that is bigger, faster, quieter, and has more endurance and firepower than the Vietnam War-era design it passed by in sheer numbers this past summer.
Admirals, U.S. senators and other VIPs gathered April 5 at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn. Sailors in dress blue uniform were given the traditional command: “Man our ship and bring her to life.” They ran up the gangplank to formally commission the new Virginia-class attack submarine USS Iowa.
Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base 