71st Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice

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Bowfin | July 10, 2024

You’re Invited

What: 71st Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. at Hawaii State Capitol Rotunda.

Where: Hawaii State Capitol, 415 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A. Ceremony will be at Hawaii State Capitol Rotunda and official guided tours will be at War Memorials on Richards Street. We are expecting 200 to 400 attendees for this event.

Agenda
Musical Prelude
Welcome Message
Master of Ceremony
Introduction of VIP Guests
Presentation of Colors
Pledge of Allegiance
Korean National Anthem
U.S. National Anthem
Invocation
Introduction of Speakers
Speakers
Presentation of Memorial Wreath
Bugler
Korean Song
Presentation of Wreaths
Moment of Silence
Speaker for POW/MIA & Peace
Rifle Salute
Taps
Peace Concert Soprano
Benediction
Retiring of the Colors
Closing Remarks Postlude “Armed Forces Medley”

30th Anniversary Korean And Vietnam War Memorials

Video

Bowfin | July 10, 2024

You’re Invited

What: 30th Anniversary of the Korean And Vietnam War Memorials at Hawaii State Capitol.

Where: Hawaii State Capitol, 415 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A. Ceremony will be at Hawaii State Capitol Rotunda and official guided tours will be at War Memorials on Richards Street. We are expecting 200 to 400 attendees for this event.

Agenda
Musical Prelude
Welcome Message
Master of Ceremony
Introduction of VIP Guests
Presentation of Colors
Pledge of Allegiance
Korean National Anthem
U.S. National Anthem
Invocation
Introduction of Speakers
Speakers
Presentation of Memorial Wreath
Bugler
Korean Song
Presentation of Wreaths
Moment of Silence
Speaker For POW/MIA & Peace
Rifle Salute
Taps
Peace Concert Soprano
Benediction
Retiring of the Colors
Closing Remarks Postlude “Armed Forces Medley”

75th Kailua 4th of July Parade

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Bowfin | July 8, 2024

L-R: Brett Kulbis, Joe Wizenreid, Pat Suenaga, Al Clemons, Paul Jurcsak, Nelson Greer, Gary Johnson, Karl Dye.
Not in photo Edie Clemons and George Barlett.

On Thursday July 4, 2024 Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base members participated in the 75th Annual Kailua Independence Day Parade.

For 75 Amazing years, the Kailua Independence Day Parade has graced the streets of Kainalu Drive, and Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base submarine veterans have been participating on and off since 1970.

The theme for the 75th Annual Kailua Independence Day Parade: “Kaimana: Shining Through The Years”. In the Hawaiian, “Kaimana” translates to “diamond,” a symbol of brilliance and endurance. As we commemorate three-quarters of a century of community spirit and resilience, we embrace the diamond’s multifaceted symbolism: strength, longevity, and the preciousness of our shared cultures. This year’s parade will sparkle with the essence of Kailua’s vibrant history, illuminated by the contributions of its people and the radiant legacy they have built together.

Photo Album

Newport News Shipbuilding Delivers First Virginia-Class Sub Built for Women Crew Members

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The Virginian-Pilot | Published April 26, 2024; Updated May 1, 2024

Newport News Shipbuilding recently delivered fast-attack submarine USS New Jersey to the Navy, officials announced Thursday.

The 7,800-ton submarine was built as part of a team agreement between Newport News Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat in Connecticut. The New Jersey is the 11th Virginia-class submarine to be delivered by the Newport News shipyard to the Navy, the company said.

The delivery comes as the companies face major ship- building delays. Blocks Four and Five of Virginia-class submarines, the Navy said earlier this month, are now delayed 24-36 months.

The New Jersey, which is part of the Fifth Block, was delivered roughly two years late. Construction began in March 2016, according to Newport News Shipbuilding. The company said in March 2021 the ship was scheduled to be delivered in 2022.

According to the USS New Jersey Commission Committee, the ship will be put into active service in September with a commissioning ceremony.
It is the first submarine designed to accommodate coed crews after the Navy announced in 2011 the inclusion of women in the submarine community. The ship is part of the class of nuclear-powered submarines that will replace the Navy’s aging Los Angeles-class submarines as they
are retired.

“The mission ahead for New Jersey and her crew is clear, and we applaud our shipbuilders for delivering this critical capability to the fleet, while maintaining our highest standards of safety and quality,” said Jason Ward, Newport News Shipbuilding vice president of Virginia-class submarine construction.

Caitlyn Burchett, caitlyn.burchett@virginiamedia.com.

Tolling of the Boats Lost in July

Posted on July 1, 2024 by Brett Kulbis

Admiral Lawson P. Ramage

Lawson Paterson Ramage was born on January 14, 1909 in Monroe Bridge, Massachusetts. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1931 and was subsequently commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. From 1931 to 1935, he served onboard several ships, including the USS S-29 (S-134).

During World War II, Admiral Ramage was highly decorated for his actions in combat — being awarded the Silver Star, two Navy Crosses, and the Medal of Honor. Admiral Ramage was stationed at Pearl Harbor on the staff of the Commander, Submarines Pacific during the Japanese attack in December 1941. In early 1942, he served on his first patrol of the war as the Navigator of the USS GRENADIER. He was awarded the Silver Star as a member of the GRENADIER’S crew for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity” while patrolling enemy waters. In June 1942, he assumed his first command — the USS TROUT. Under his command TROUT sank three ships during his four war patrols. He was awarded the Navy Cross for valor for actions while in command of the TROUT at Midway, Truk, the Solomons, and the South China Sea. In May 1943, he assumed command of the new BALAO-class submarine, the USS PARCHE (SS-384). On July 31, 1944, CDR Ramage commanded the PARCHE in a daring dawn assault on a heavily-escorted Japanese convoy, during which the PARCHE sunk two ships and badly damaged three others. For this he was awarded the Medal of Honor which was personally presented to him by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on January 10, 1945.

The CITATION reads:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S. PARCHE in a predawn attack on a Japanese convoy, 31 July 1944. Boldly penetrating the screen of a heavily escorted convoy, CDR. Ramage launched a perilous surface attack by delivering a crippling stern shot into a freighter and quickly following up with a series of bow and stern torpedoes to sink the leading tanker and damage the second one. Exposed by the light of bursting flares and bravely defiant of terrific shellfire passing close overhead, he struck again, sinking a transport by two forward reloads. In the mounting fury of fire from the damaged and sinking tanker, he calmly ordered his men below, remaining on the bridge to fight it out with an enemy now disorganized and confused. Swift to act as a fast transport closed in to ram, CDR. Ramage daringly swung the stern of the speeding PARCHE as she crossed the bow of the onrushing ship, clearing by less than 50 feet but placing his submarine in a deadly crossfire from escorts on all sides and with the transport dead ahead.

Undaunted, he sent 3 smashing “down the throat” bow shots to stop the target, then scored a killing hit as a climax to 46 minutes of violent action with the PARCHE and her valiant fighting company retiring victorious and unscathed.”

The Parche Memorial stands as a lasting tribute to CDR Ramage and the decisive fighting spirit that won the war.

29th RIMPAC Kicks Off in Hawaii

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Commander U.S. Pacific Fleet | June 28, 2024

Approximately 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel will train and operate in and around the Hawaiian Islands during the exercise, which runs until August 1st. RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans.

“The Rim of the Pacific exercise has grown over the years to be the world’s largest and premier joint combined maritime training opportunity,” said Vice Adm. John Wade, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet and RIMPAC 2024 Combined Task Force (CTF) commander. “The exercise’s purpose is to build relationships, to enhance interoperability and proficiency and, ultimately, contribute to the peace and stability in the vitally-important Indo-Pacific region.”

The theme of RIMPAC 2024 is “Partners: Integrated and Prepared.”

Read Full Story HERE.

For more RIMPAC 2024 information and updates, visit https://www.cpf.navy.mil/rimpac/. Any additional questions or queries should be sent to rimpac.media@gmail.com.

‘Team of teams:’ Veteran submariner takes command of Naval Forces Japan

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Stars & Stripes | June 26, 2024

Hundreds gathered that morning at Yokosuka’s Fleet Theater to see Rear Adm. Ian Johnson relieve Rear Adm. Carl Lahti as commander of Naval Forces Japan and Navy Region Japan.

Johnson served aboard at least four submarines, including as executive officer for the attack submarine USS Memphis and commander of the attack submarine USS Connecticut.

Originally from Wakefield, R.I., he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1994 with a bachelor’s in aeronautical engineering. He also holds a master’s in engineering management from Catholic University of America.

Read Full Story HERE.

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Monthly E-Newsletter June

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June 27, 2024

In this month’s edition…

>> Discovery of USS Harder Submarine

USS Harder (SS 257) at a depth of more than 3,000 feet in the South China Sea off Luzon of the Philippines.

>> Honoring King Kamehameha

USS Kamehameh (SSBN-642) Exhibit at Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

>> Honoring Our Bowfin Crew: Jerry Crane

Jerry Crane, born in New York City on September 3, 1924, served as an Electrician’s Mate on the USS *Bowfin* (SS-287) during its first three patrols.

>> July is National Parks and Recreation Month – An opportune time to explore the history and exhibits at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum.

Read Full Story HERE.

U.S. debated canceling sub deployment to Cuba after learning of Russia’s warship plans

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Miami Herald | June 14, 2024

Plans by the U.S. Navy to deploy a nuclear submarine to Cuba this week were considered so routine, little thought was given to the move within the U.S. government — until the Biden administration learned of Russia’s plans to dock one of its own in Havana at the same time.

The Navy had planned for weeks to deploy the USS Helena, a nuclear-powered, fast- attack submarine, to the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base as “part of our routine naval activities,” one official with U.S. Southern Command, based in Doral, said.

Read Full Story HERE.

Today is Flag Day!

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On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on June 14. Many Americans celebrate Flag Day by displaying the Red, White and Blue in front of homes and businesses. The day commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.

My Name is Old Glory

I am the Flag of the United States of America – My name is Old Glory!
I fly atop the world’s tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America’s halls of justice.
I fly majestically over great institutions of learning.
I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world.
Look up and see me!
I stand for Peace, Honor, Truth, and Justice – I stand for Freedom.
I am confident, I am arrogant, I am proud!
When I am flown with my fellow banners, my head is a little higher, my colors a little truer.
I bow to no one – I am recognized all over the world.
I am Worshipped, I am Loved, and I am feared!
I have fought in every battle of every war for more than two hundred years Gettysburg, Shiloh, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Argon Forest, Anzio, Rome, Pearl Harbor, the beaches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Viet Nam, the Persian Gulf, and a score of other places long forgotten by all but those who were there with me.
I was there.
I led my Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines,
I followed them, and watched over them. They love me!
I was on a small hill on Iwo Jima. I was dirty, battle worn, and tired, but my Soldiers cheered me, and I was PROUD!
I have been soiled, burned, torn, and trampled in the streets of countries that I have helped set free. It does not hurt, for I am invincible.
I have been a silent witness to all of America’s finest hours.
My finest hour comes, when I am torn into strips to be used as a bandage for my wounded comrades on the field of battle, when I fly at half mast to honor my Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother at the graveside of her fallen son or daughter.
I am proud – My name is Old Glory!
Long may I wave, dear God. Long may I wave.