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
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 ofSeptember.
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.
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!
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
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.
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 ofAugust.
U.S. Navy Adm. Daryl Caudle, speaks during the relinquishment of command ceremony for U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) aboard Naval Station Norfolk on August 6, 2025. USFFC is responsible for manning, training, equipping and providing combat-ready forces forward to numbered fleets and combatant commanders around the globe.
Admiral Daryl L. Caudle relinquished command of U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) during a ceremony held aboard Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 6, 2025.
Presiding over the ceremony was U.S. Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, who praised Caudle’s visionary leadership, operational focus, and relentless dedication to enhancing Fleet readiness during a period of rising strategic competition.
“For the last three and a half years, [Adm. Caudle] has served simultaneously in four critical positions – Joint Force Maritime Component Commander, Strategic; Commander, United States Naval Forces – Strategic Command; Commander, United States Naval Forces – Northern Command; and Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command,” said Guillot. “In each role, Admiral Caudle served with distinction – persistently advocating for modernization while emphasizing fleet readiness and wartime preparedness.” Read more HERE.
The Periscope is a monthly publication of the Los Angeles-Pasadena Base of USSVI.
What’s Inside General Meeting Minutes Tolling the Boats New Twin-Sonar Dome U.S. Unleashes First UUV F-1 Seen Intact Off San Diego New USSVI Challenge Coins New Batfish Sailor Book Dex Armstrong Chapter News Calendar Events
Commander Dealey was born on September 13, 1906 in Dallas, Texas, where he attended Oak Cliff High School. He graduated from the Naval Academy in June 1930. Dealey had duty on the battleship USS NEVADA (BB-36) before training as a submarine sailor.
He assumed command of USS HARDER (SS-257) upon her commissioning on December 2, 1942. Commander Dealey guided his submarine deep into enemy waters, wreaking destruction on Japanese shipping.
On HARDER’S fifth war patrol, Commander Dealey pressed home a series of bold and daring attacks, both surfaced and submerged, which sank three enemy destroyers and damaged two others. For his exceptional gallantry in these actions, Commander Dealey received the Medal of Honor.
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 USS HARDER during her 5th War Patrol in Japanese-controlled waters. Floodlighted by a bright moon and disclosed to an enemy destroyer escort which bore down with intent to attack, CDR Dealey quickly dove to periscope depth and waited for the pursuer to close range, then opened fire, sending the target and all aboard down in flames with his third torpedo. Plunging deep to avoid fierce depth charges, he again surfaced and, within 9 minutes after sighting another destroyer, had sent the enemy down tail first with a hit directly amid ship. Evading detection, he penetrated the confined waters off Tawi Tawi with the Japanese Fleet base 6 miles away and scored death blows on 2 patrolling destroyers in quick succession. With his ship heeled over by concussion from the first exploding target and the second vessel nose-diving in a blinding detonation, he cleared the area at high speed. Sighted by a large hostile fleet force on the following day, he swung his bow toward the lead destroyer for another “down-the-throat” shot, fired 3 bow tubes and promptly crash-dived to be terrifically rocked seconds later by the exploding ship as the HARDER passed beneath. This remarkable record of 5 vital Japanese destroyers sunk in 5 short-range torpedo attacks attests the valiant fighting spirit of CDR Dealey and his indomitable command.”
He was lost with his submarine during its sixth war patrol, when HARDER was sunk August 24, 1944 by a depth charge attack off Luzon, Philippines.
In a concerted effort to get more students involved in the local trade industry, over 100 high school students from Honolulu Community College’s Summer CTE Academy visited the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum earlier this month to wrap up their five-week summer program. Read full story HERE.
What’s Inside
Collections Spotlight: Frank Joseph Unger Make the Most of the Final Days of Summer
Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base 