Tradewinds October 2025

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Brett Kulbis

Volume 75

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 October meeting at Clean Sweep Bar, Lockwood Hall. The following members attended – Base Commander Paul Jurcsak, Vice Commander Tim Sparks, Secretary Brett Kulbis, Treasurer Pat Suenaga, COB Gary Johnson, and Dave Atkins, Jim Bazemore, David Bilek, Rodney Boucher, Dan Del Monte, Karl Dye, Nelson Greer, Gary Grisham, John Hatch, John Johnson, Ace Parker, Crichton Roberts, Thom Sousa, Wade Thode, and Joe Winzenried.

It was wonderful to see John Hatch and Rich Salisbury, and to welcome our newest member John Johnson.

Welcomed Guests – Miya Bilek, Nancy Kreis, Ann Gosling, Larena Saul, Jessica Cabiles, Tom Schmidt, Wes and Will Thode.

Holland Club Inductee – Congratulations to John D. Johnson newest inductee to the Holland Club. Read more about the prestigious Holland Club here.

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

Hauʻoli Lā Hānau! – Bowfin Birthdays for the month of October.

Patrol Reports

✝️ Eternal Patrol Steve Good ✝️

📣Dan to Rappel 40 Stories for Special Olympics Hawai’i📣

Bowfin Holland Club Members

This Month in Base History

2010 – Naval Station Pearl Harbor combines with Hickam Air Force Base to become Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam (JBPHH).

1960 – Submarine Memorial Pearl Harbor dedication ceremony.

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 October.

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

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Monthly E-Newsletter – September 2025

Posted on September 30, 2025 by Brett Kulbis

On the 3rd Friday of September each year, we observe POW/MIA Recognition Day, honoring and remembering the brave individuals who served in submarines during World War II and were captured as prisoners of war, including those who never made it home. These submariners, driven by a strong sense of duty, faced tremendous challenges – some enduring captivity in the line of service – with all making sacrifices for their country. Read HERE.

What’s Inside

A Fresh Look at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

Apply for Dolphin Scholarship

Family Ties Sail Aboard USS Bowfin

Celebrating USS Tucson’s Birthday

Read full Newsletter HERE.

US Submarine Veterans Kap(SS) 4 Kid(SS) Week

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Brett Kulbis

“No one stands so tall as when they stoop to help a Child”
Abraham Lincoln

Each year K4K Week is celebrated around Veterans Day (November 11th).

Fortunately, more and more Child Health Care Facilities are reopening their doors to us post-COVID.

In addition to other K4K visits made during the year, I encourage USSVI Bases to schedule and make a K4K visit to Kids as close to Veterans Day as possible.

This is done to:

1. Take advantage of a period when Child Health Care Facilities are more likely to welcome visits by Veterans. If your base does not have a K4K Program, it is a perfect time to start one. If your base has a K4K program but is experiencing difficulty accessing a facility, this is a great time to approach them.

2. Obtain local and national recognition of USSVI’s Kap(SS) 4 Kid(SS) Program andlet our communities learn about who we are.

3. Have Sub Vets interact with Children, their families, and facility staff when appreciation for Veterans is at its highest.

4. Bring joy to sick Children, their families, and the Sub Vets who visit them!

“We begin by imagining that we are giving to them; we end by realizing that they have enriched us”
Pope John Paul II

Thanks for all you do for sick Children and their families, by participating in this Life Changing USSVI Community Outreach Program!

John Riley

Link to: KAPS(SS) 4 KID(SS) PROGRAM Video, Guidelines & Honorary Submarine Certificate

US Submarine Veterans KAP(SS) 4 KID(SS) Program
National Chairman / Charitable Foundation Fund Manager
kaps4kids@gmail.com
(203) 668-9131

2026 USSVI Western Region Round-Up

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Brett Kulbis

Shipmates,

REGISTRATION IS OPEN for the USSVI Western Region Roundup scheduled for April 16–19, 2026 at the Sam’s Town Hotel in Las Vegas and hosted by USSVI Base 51. The preparation is well underway, and the committee is looking forward to holding this year’s event at this exciting casino.

Registering is easy using our online Registration, Hotel and RV Park Booking and Payment system which makes short work of the process. Your early registration will be a great help as we continue with the planning. Register Online Today https://wrroundup.com/.

As always, the goal of the Roundup is to provide a way for all Submariners to gather for their mutual benefit and enjoyment.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Western Region Roundup Committee

Tradewinds September 2025

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Brett Kulbis

Volume 74

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 September meeting on the Lanai, Lockwood Hall. The following members attended – Base Commander Paul Jurcsak, Secretary Brett Kulbis, Treasurer Pat Suenaga, COB Gary Johnson, and members George Barlett, David Bilek, Rodney Boucher, Allen Clemons, Dan Del Monte, Karl Dye, Nelson Greer, Ben McGowan, Ace Parker, Crichton Roberts, Wade Thode, and Joe Winzenried

Welcomed Guests – ETN2(SS) Tristan McCann, Nancy Kreis, Miya Bilek, Judy McGowan, Edie Clemons, Wes and William Thode.

Binnacle List – Please keep the all our members and their families in your good thoughts and prayers, especially Sandy Parker, Paul Ferguson, Chris Cunha, John Hatch and Charlie Womack.

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

Patrol Reports

We Will Never Forget 9/11!

Dan’s Doing It Again

Bowfin Holland Club Members

This Month in Base History

2014 – Location for USS Growler plaque at Arizona Memorial identified.
2008 – Newsletter of Year 2008 (Class III 2nd Place)
2007 – Newsletter of the Year 2007 (Class III Runner-Up)
1988 – POW Medal Awarded to USSVI of WWII Hawaii Chapter member Herb Conser.

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

Base Committees

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 September.

5. Important Links

6. Submarine Humor

7. Submariners Prayer

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

Keel laid for Navy’s second Columbia-class nuclear strike submarine

Posted on September 3, 2025 by Brett Kulbis

Military Times | September 2, 2025

The keel for the U.S. Navy’s second Columbia-class submarine was laid during an Aug. 27 ceremony in Kingstown, Rhode Island, marking the beginning of the sub’s construction.

The vessel, currently designated SSBN 827, will be known as the Wisconsin, becoming the third in a line of warships that served with distinction in U.S. history. The original Wisconsin was the flagship of the Pacific fleet until 1903, while the second was an Iowa-class battleship that fought in numerous World War II Pacific battles and was resurrected twice to serve in the Korean and Persian Gulf Wars. Read More!

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Monthly E-Newsletter – August 2025

Posted on August 29, 2025 by Brett Kulbis

Marking the Anniversary of the End of World War II and the Impact of U.S. Submarine Warfare

September 2nd marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a moment when the largest global conflict in history came to an end and eventually brought home thousands of American service members after years of brutal combat. September 2nd marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a moment when the largest global conflict in history came to an end and eventually brought home thousands of American service members after years of brutal combat.

Throughout World War II, submarines played a critical role in the Pacific, especially as the U.S. Navy reeled from the devastation of Pearl Harbor. With much of the battle fleet destroyed or damaged, submarines became one of the few American forces immediately capable of striking back at Japan. Operating from forward bases such as Pearl Harbor, Manila, and later Fremantle and Brisbane, submarines conducted aggressive patrols against Japanese shipping, gathering vital intelligence, and disrupting enemy supply lines. Though plagued at first by faulty torpedoes, submarines still represented a stealthy and persistent threat to Japan’s sprawling Pacific operations. Their ability to penetrate deep into enemy-controlled waters and attack with surprise helped offset the temporary loss of surface superiority, bought time for American rearmament, and set the stage for the broader submarine campaign that would ultimately strangle Japan’s maritime lifelines.

Submarine warfare in World War II evolved from a limited, often experimental effort into one of the most decisive naval strategies of the conflict. At the start of the war, many navies, including the U.S., faced problems with doctrine, unreliable torpedoes, and restrictive rules of engagement. Early submarine operations were cautious and primarily focused on reconnaissance or fleet support. As the war progressed, however, submarine forces shifted to an aggressive commerce-raiding strategy that targeted enemy shipping with devastating effect. Improved tactics, better coordination with intelligence sources such as codebreaking, and advances in technology like radar, sonar, and more effective torpedoes dramatically increased their effectiveness. Although they comprised less than two percent of the U.S. Navy’s personnel, submariners were responsible for destroying 30 percent of the Imperial Japanese Navy fleet during World War II, including eight aircraft carriers, 11 cruisers and a battleship. They also destroyed 60 percent of the Japanese merchant fleet, cutting off crucial supplies to its military forces in the Pacific.

As for the impact made by the U.S. Submarine Force: “If it wasn’t for the bravery and ingenuity of the U.S. Submarine Force, offensive operations in the Pacific would have been significantly delayed, setting the stage to recapture additional territory at the cost of more American military casualties. The history of World War II demonstrated the submarine’s transition from a secondary naval arm to a central weapon of strategic warfare.” said Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum executive director Andrew “Homer” Ring.

The toll among the U.S. Submarine Force, however, was costly. About 20 percent of the American forces were lost, including 52 submarines with a total of 3,506 officers and enlisted men killed. Their bravery and sacrifices are etched in naval history and in the freedoms their service helped protect.

“The anniversary of the conclusion of World War II serves as a tribute to the strength and sacrifice of American service members and workers who participated in our nation’s war effort,” Ring said. “A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Greatest Generation on this 80th anniversary as we celebrate the spirit of freedom and resilience that defines our nation.” Read about Bowfin history HERE.

What’s Inside

Relatives of Bowfin Crewmember Visit Museum
National Nonprofit Day

Read full Newsletter HERE.

Newest chief of naval operations assumes responsibilities

Posted on August 26, 2025 by Brett Kulbis

Military Times | August 25, 2025

Adm. Daryl Caudle assumes duties as the 34th chief of naval operations during an assumption of office ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 25.

The U.S. Navy confirmed the 34th chief of naval operations during an assumption of office ceremony Monday, according to a Navy release.

Adm. Daryl Caudle, who previously led U.S. Fleet Forces Command for nearly four years, replaced acting CNO Adm. James Kilby at an event at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. Kilby took over for Adm. Lisa Franchetti, whom President Trump dismissed in February without a stated reason.

“The Sailor will be front and center in my vision throughout my tenure as CNO — hands down, no exception,” Caudle said during the ceremony, according to the release. “To ensure that they are ready to fight and win decisively–today, tomorrow and well into the future — we will view everything we do we through an operational lens focused on three priorities: the foundry, the fleet and the way we fight.” Read More.

Tradewinds August 2025

Posted on August 10, 2025 by Brett Kulbis

Volume 73

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 August 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 Jim Bazemore, David Bilek, Rodney Boucher, Dan Del Monte, Karl Dye, Nelson Greer, Gary Grisham, Ben McGowan, Ace Parker, Crichton Roberts, Thom Sousa, Wade Thode, and Joe Winzenried.

Welcomed Guests – Dolores Brown, Miya Bilek, Judy McGowan, and Will and Wes Thode.

Bravo Zulu

Rodney Boucher our 2025 Stanley K. Nichols Award Winner!

Pat Suenaga the newly elected President of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Hawaii Chapter 858.

Binnacle List – Please keep the all our members and their families in your good thoughts and prayers, especially Nancy Kreis, Paul Ferguson, Chris Cunha, Charlie Womack, and John Hatch.

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

Patrol Reports

Dan’s Doing It Again!

July 2025

Hurricane Season

Bowfin Holland Club Members

This Month in Base History

2009 – Newsletter of the Year 2009 (Class I Winner)

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 & Stafff

USSVI National Commander Jon D. Jacques	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