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
Read full newsletter HERE.
Stars and Stripes | November 4, 2025
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.
The submarine museum at this time will remain open and operate at normal hours during the government shutdown. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to the submarine museum, we look forward to welcoming you aboard!
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 tickets per 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.
What’s Inside
Honoring the Navy’s Birthday & Navy Day
Celebrating a Special 30th Anniversary
Read full Newsletter HERE.
Stars & Stripes | October 10, 2025
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.
Read more Here.
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
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.
The Periscope is a monthly publication of the Los Angeles-Pasadena Base of USSVI.
What’s Inside
General Meeting Minutes
Tolling the Boats
Aboard a Nuke Boat…
Dreadnought Keel Laid
New Kilo-Class Boat
Dex Armstrong
Chapter News
Calendar Events
Read full newsletter HERE.
“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
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
Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base 