Author Archives: Brett Kulbis

Celebration of Life for Steve H. Good, LCDR, USN Retired

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Family and friends gathered today, Friday, January 23, 2026, to celebrate the life of Steve Harold Good, a beloved friend, family member, shipmate, and valued member of the community. The Celebration of Life and Memorial Visitation began at 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at noon at the O‘ahu Cemetery Chapel on Nu‘uanu Avenue.

Dozens of loved ones filled the chapel to honor a man remembered for his unwavering kindness, his steady humor, and his deep sense of loyalty to family and country. Stories of Steve’s generosity, mentorship, and laughter wove together a portrait of a life lived fully and selflessly.

One of the most touching moments came from Steve’s daughter, Alissa Good Simon, who delivered a heartfelt eulogy that moved everyone present. With grace and emotion, she spoke about the love and lessons her father instilled in their family — his quiet strength, his joy in simple moments, and his belief in always doing the right thing. Her words painted a vivid picture of a devoted father whose presence continues to guide and inspire those he loved most.

Adding to the tributes, former shipmate Karl Dye, MMCM(SS) Retired, shared memories of their years together at SUBPAC. He spoke of Steve’s leadership, friendship, and unwavering reliability — the kind of shipmate every sailor hopes to have. Karl’s remarks honored Steve’s service and integrity, reminding everyone that the bonds forged in those years ran not just through the Navy but through life itself.

The service was filled with warmth, reflection, and aloha — gentle laughter mingling with tears as friends and family celebrated the richness of Steve’s life. Attendees were encouraged to continue his legacy of compassion and generosity by living as he did: with purpose, love, and integrity.

Steve will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched.

🌴 Tradewinds January 2026 🌴

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Volume 78

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 January 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, Rodney Boucher, Dan Del Monte, Karl Dye, Nelson Greer, John Johnson, Ben McGowan, Ace Parker, Crichton Roberts, Tom Schmidt, Thom Sousa, Wade Thode, and Joe Winzenried.

Bravo Zulu – BZ to Bowfin member Rodney Boucher for becoming a VFW Department of Hawai’i Veterans Service Officer (VFW VSO)

Welcomed Guests – Miya Bilek, Nancy Kreis, Judy McGowan, Greg Parker, Ann Gosling, and Wesley 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 January.

Patrol Reports

🚨 SAVE THE DATE 🚨

The memorial visitation for Steve will be on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11 AM, followed by a service at 12 noon in the Oahu Cemetery Chapel located at 2162 Nuuanu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96817. If you are able and planning to attend, please email Paul (jurcsakpt@gmail.com) copy to Brett (bkulbis.bowfin@use.startmail.com), and let us know.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Steve’s memory, to the Alzheimer’s Association. Official obituary for Steve Harold Good.

Bowfin Holland Club Members

This Month in Base History

1996 – USSV of WWII Hawaii Chapter begin conducting monthly meetings at Clean Sweep Lounge, Lockwood Hall, Naval Submarine Base Pearl Harbor.
1972 – Submarine Memorial Pearl Harbor plaque inscription approved.
1920 – Lieutenant Chester W. Nimitz accepts property for Naval Submarine Base Pearl Harbor.
1919 – Submarines R-15 to R-20 arrive early in 1919 to establish the Submarine Base at Pearl Harbor.

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

2. U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc.

News and Bulletins
American Submariner

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

Tolling of the bells for boats lost in the month of January.

5. Important Links

Bowfin Base Pearl Harbor
Plan of the Day
Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base Photo Album
USSVI Bowfin Base Facebook (Like Us, Follow Us and Share with your shipmates)
Past Bowfin Base Eblasts
Friends of the Submarine Memorial Chapel Facebook (Like Us, Follow Us and Share with your shipmates)
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
American Submariner Magazine
Pearl Harbor Dolphin Store (Your one stop shop for submarine merchandise.)

6. Submarine Humor

7. Submariners Prayer

or

Our mailing address is:
USSVI Bowfin Base Pearl Harbor
94-219 Wehena Place
Waipahu, Hawaii 96797

🎁🎄🎅 Mele Kalikimaka! 🎅🎄🎁

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On behalf of the Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base Submarine Veterans, we want to wish you and your family Mele Kalikimaka!

As we gather together with our families, our friends, and our neighbors to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas, more than any other day of the year, allows us to take a step back from the busyness of our everyday lives to thank God for the blessings he has bestowed upon us, our state, and our nation.

Regardless of what else is going on in our lives, we all can be thankful for his ultimate gift, the gift of his Son, which expresses the true meaning of Christmas and a love that knows no bounds; a love that we are called to emulate.

So, while we are celebrating with our family and friends this Christmas season, I would also encourage each of us to remember those who are struggling with problems we may never know. We must do our part to spread his love, and his blessings to our family, our friends, and our neighbors, who need it now.

It’s also a time for us to be especially grateful for the men and women in the U.S. Submarine Force and all our Armed Forces who are away from their families protecting us so that we may enjoy this holiday season. I encourage everyone to find time to take a special moment to say a prayer or just say “thank you” to those who are deployed during this holiday season.

May the Christmas season fill your home with joy, your heart with love and your life with laughter. Wishing you Mele Kalikimaka and we look forward to seeing you in 2026.

Mahalo,
Paul Jurcsak
Base Commander

T’was The Night Before Christmas at 400′
(A submariners Christmas poem)

T’was the night before Christmas, and what no-one could see,
The men with the dolphins were under the sea.
Most of the crew was flat on their backs,
Snoring and dreaming all snug in their racks.

Those men on watch were making their rounds,
Some manning the planes or listening for sounds.
Back in maneuvering or down in the room,
They all hoped the oncoming watch would come soon.

I’d finished some PM’s whose time was now due,
And hoped for some sleep, even an hour or two.
Against better judgment I took a short stroll,
And found myself wandering into control.

The Nav had the Conn, the COW was in place,
The COB had the Dive and a scowl on his face.
The helm and the planes were relaxed but aware,
The QM and ET were discussing a dare.

To comply with the orders the Nav told the Dive,
To bring the boat up with minimum rise.
The orders were given and soon they were there,
At periscope depth with a scope in the air.

The QM confirmed our position with care,
The broadcast was copied, we brought in some air.
The Nav on the scope let out a small cry,
He shook his head twice and rubbed at his eyes.

He looked once again to find what it was,
That interrupted his sweep and caused him to pause.
Try as he might there was nothing to see,
So down went the scope and us to the deep.

I asked what it was that caused his dismay,
He sheepishly said, “I’m embarrassed to say.”
It could have been Northern Lights or a cloud,
Or a meteorite he wondered aloud.

But to tell you the truth I guess I must say,
Whatever it was it looked like a sleigh.
And though it passed quickly and never was clear,
I almost believe it was pulled by reindeer.

We laughed and teased him and I got up to go,
When our moment was broken by “Conn, Radio.”
They told us a message was just coming in,
We looked at the depth gauge and started to grin.

“Radio, Conn, I feel safe to say,
Your attempt at a joke is too long delayed.
If it had been sooner it might have been neat,
But I doubt we’re receiving at four-hundred feet.”

“Conn, Radio, you can come down and see,
We’re not playing games to any degree.”
I headed aft with nothing better to do,
Surprised by the fact it was still coming through.

It stopped and was sent to control to be read,
The Nav read it slowly and scratched at his head.
Then again he began but this time aloud,
To those that now waited, a curious crowd.

“To you Denizens of the Deep and men of the sea,
Who risk your life daily so others stay free.
I rarely have seen you on this, my big night,
For far too often you are hidden from sight.

But purely by luck I saw you tonight,
As your scope coaxed the plankton to glow in the night.
And lucky for me I’ve finally won,
The chance to say thanks for all you have done.

I know that you miss your families at home,
And sometimes you feel as if you’re alone.
But trust what I say and I’ll do what’s right,
I’ll take something special to your families tonight.

Along with the gifts I’ll take to your kin,
I’ll visit their dreams and leave word within.
They’ll hear of your love, and how you miss them,
I’ll tell them that soon you’ll be home again.

It might not be much I know that is true,
To thank you for all the things that you do.
But I’ll do what I can, while you do what’s right,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight.”

Work starts on 31st Virginia-class attack submarine

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Stars & Stripes | December 11, 2025

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.

Tradewinds December 2025

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Volume 77

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.

Patrol Reports

2025 Annual Gathering

We Will Never Forget!

Registration Open for 2026 USSVI Western Region Roundup

Bowfin Holland Club Members

This Month in Base History

2018 – USS Columbia sailor goes on shooting rampage near DD2. 

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

2. U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc.

News and Bulletins
American Submariner

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

Tolling of the bells for boats lost in the month of December.

5. Important Links

Bowfin Base Pearl Harbor
Plan of the Day
Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base Photo Album
USSVI Bowfin Base Facebook (Like Us, Follow Us and Share with your shipmates)
Past Bowfin Base Eblasts
Friends of the Submarine Memorial Chapel Facebook (Like Us, Follow Us and Share with your shipmates)
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
American Submariner Magazine
Pearl Harbor Dolphin Store (Your one stop shop for submarine merchandise.)

6. Submarine Humor

7. Submariners Prayer

Our mailing address is:
USSVI Bowfin Base Pearl Harbor
94-219 Wehena Place
Waipahu, Hawaii 96797

2025 ANNUAL GATHERING

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Bowfin / December 10, 2025

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. 

🌴 Tradewinds November 2025 🌴

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Volume 76

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 of November.

Patrol Reports

2025 Veterans Day Commemoration

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Monthly E-Newsletter – October 2025

🇺🇸 Happy Birthday U.S. Navy 🇺🇸

Bowfin Holland Club Members

This Month in Base History

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.

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

2. U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc.

News and Bulletins
American Submariner

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

Tolling of the bells for boats lost in the month of November.

5. Important Links

Bowfin Base Pearl Harbor
Plan of the Day
Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base Photo Album
USSVI Bowfin Base Facebook (Like Us, Follow Us and Share with your shipmates)
Past Bowfin Base Eblasts
Friends of the Submarine Memorial Chapel Facebook (Like Us, Follow Us and Share with your shipmates)
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
American Submariner Magazine
Pearl Harbor Dolphin Store (Your one stop shop for submarine merchandise.)

6. Submarine Humor

7. Submariners Prayer

Our mailing address is:
USSVI Bowfin Base Pearl Harbor
94-219 Wehena Place
Waipahu, Hawaii 96797