Trump’s pick for CNO faces few hurdles in confirmation hearing

Military Times | July 25, 2025

Adm. Daryl Caudle, shown here on April 7, 2023, delivered prepared remarks and answered lawmakers’ questions during a confirmation hearing Thursday.

President Donald Trump’s nominee for the next chief of naval operations faced no major opposition during his confirmation hearing Thursday before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Adm. Daryl Caudle, who currently leads U.S. Fleet Forces Command, delivered prepared remarks and answered lawmakers’ questions.

In his opening statement, Caudle described the United States at an inflection point.

“Our country and its citizens are in the midst of a crucial era, defined by global competition, technological saturation, and unpredictable threats that challenge our American dream,” Caudle told lawmakers.

Read full story HERE.

CNO nominee Adm. Caudle (former COMSUBPAC) says he’ll look ‘hard’ at whether to ‘walk away’ from sub Boise

Breaking Defense | July 24,, 2025

Adm. Daryl Caudle, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, delivers remarks during a reenlistment and promotion ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial, May 23, during Fleet Week New York 2025. 

WASHINGTON — Adm. Daryl Caudle, the White House’s nominee to become the 34th chief of naval operations, said today he would consider pulling the plug on the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Boise (SSN-764), the US Navy submarine so beset with maintenance problems that it has been sitting dockside for the better part of a decade.

“Working with the Secretary of the Navy, I want to take that on, if I’m confirmed, and look at that hard,” Caudle told Senate lawmakers during his confirmation hearing today. “The decision whether or not to actually walk away from Boise is a big one, and I want to make sure I clearly understand the trajectory and trends, but I hear you loud and clear, senator, on how unacceptable it is, how long she’s been in the yards.” Read full story HERE.

USS Toledo Arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

SEAPOWER | July 16, 2025

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (July 12, 2025) – Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Toledo (SSN 769) arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during its change of homeport, July 12, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Scott Barnes) 

The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Toledo (SSN 769) arrived at its new homeport of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, from its previous homeport of Portsmouth, Virginia, July 12, 2025. The Toledo joined Submarine Squadron 7 as their fourth Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine.

“Our crew is excited to finally arrive in Pearl Harbor after completing an important maintenance period in Hampton Roads,” said Cmdr. Dustin Kraemer, commanding officer of the Toledo. “Our crew looks forward to the new chapter for Toledo and the opportunities while operating throughout the Indo-Pacific.”

Capt. Corey Poorman, commander, Submarine Squadron 7, met the Toledo pierside upon arrival to welcome the crew to the island. “The Squadron 7 Ohana enthusiastically welcomes the crew and families of the Toledo with Hawaii’s enriched culture and spirit of aloha,” said Poorman. “Our team looks forward to continuing the training and certification of Toledo’s crew in defense of our nation and its allies and partners.” 

Full Story HERE

Submarine USS Connecticut Severely Damaged In Pacific Crash To Return To Service In 2026

TWZ | July 15, 2025

USS Connecticut (SSN 22) is docked for its Extended Docking Selected Restricted Availability July 12 at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility.  Wendy Hallmark/USN

The USS Connecticut, one of the U.S. Navy’s prized Seawolf class nuclear attack submarines, is set to finally return to service late next year. The Navy previously indicated it could rejoin the fleet this fall. Connecticut is currently at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Washington State for repairs and other work after suffering major damage, particularly to its bow, from a collision with an underwater seamount in the South China Sea in 2021.

Read full story HERE.

Tradewinds July 2025

Volume 72

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 June 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, George Barlett, Jim Bazemore, David Bilek, Rodney Boucher, Allen Clemons, Dan Del Monte, Karl Dye, Ben McGowan, Crichton Roberts, Thom Sousa, Wade Thode, and Ken Voorhees.

Welcomed Guests – Mi-ye Bilek, Judy McGowan and Wesley Thode.

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

Hauʻoli Lā Hānau! Bowfin Birthdays for the month of July. Additionally, newest member Dave Bazemore.

Patrol Reports

USS Toledo (SSN 769) Arrives at New Homeport: Pearl Harbor

76th Annual Kailua Independence Day Parade

More Photos

Dan’s Doing It Again!

Red, White, Blue, and Beetle Too: Bowfin SUBVET’s 1973 VW Superbeetle Drives Home Big Win

Bowfin Holland Club Members

This Month in Base History

1970 – USSVI of WWII Hawai’i Chapter participated in their 1st Kailua July 4th Parade with the American Legion.

1955 – United States Submarine Veterans of WWII Founded.

Base Officers & Staff

Commander
Paul T. Jurcsak

Vice Commander
Tim Sparks

Secretary
Brett Kulbis

Treasurer
Carl L. Tatro

Chief of the Boat
Gary G. Johnson

Storekeeper
George F. Barlett

Base Committees

USSVI Committee
Brett Kulbis

Aloha Committee
Paul T. Jurcsak

Boy Scout Troop 97
George F. Barlett

Boat Sponsorship Program
Carl L. Tatro

Binnacle List
Dan Del Monte

2. U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc.

News and Bulletins
American Submariner

USSVI Officers & Staff

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

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

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

USS Toledo (SSN 769) Arrives at New Homeport: Pearl Harbor

Bowfin News | July 12, 2025

USS Toledo (SSN 769) Arrival to Pearl Harbor

The Los Angeles-class Flight III 688i (Improved) attack submarine USS Toledo (SSN 769) made a significant entrance into its new homeport at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, today. This marks a new chapter for the storied vessel, which recently completed an extensive engineered overhaul and modernization, ensuring its continued operational relevance in the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet.

The 688i brings quieter operation, advanced sonar, and the ability to operate under ice, making it one of the most versatile submarines in the U.S. Navy. These upgrades ensure the Toledo can conduct a wide range of missions, from intelligence gathering and special operations to direct engagement and support of carrier strike groups.

Upon her arrival, the USS Toledo was greeted by the Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base Submarine Veterans (Subvets), a group with deep ties to the legacy of undersea warfare. The Bowfin subvets, named after the historic WWII submarine USS Bowfin (“Pearl Harbor Avenger”), are known for their dedication to preserving submarine history and supporting active-duty submarine crews in Pearl Harbor.

With her arrival at Pearl Harbor, the USS Toledo embarks on a new era of service, ready to meet the demands of the Pacific theater. She strengthens the U.S. Navy’s undersea capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. As strategic challenges evolve, the presence of a modernized, battle-ready 688i submarine enhances deterrence and supports the Navy’s commitment to regional security.

Welcome Hula!
Paul Jurcsak observes the Toledo mooring.
L-R: Allen Clemons, Pat Suenaka, and Jim Bazemore
First Toledo Submariner Greets Family

More Photos HERE.

76th Annual Kailua Independence Day Parade

On Friday, July 4, 2025, members of the Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base proudly joined the 76th Annual Kailua Independence Day Parade, upholding a beloved tradition that continues to unite generations along Kainalu Drive. For over seven decades, the Kailua Independence Day Parade has been a vibrant celebration of unity, patriotism, and community spirit. Since 1970, Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base submarine veterans have been honored participants, symbolizing dedication, service, and the enduring relationship between the military and the local community.

This year’s theme, “Waves of Aloha,” beautifully embodies the ever-present spirit of kindness, unity, and welcome that defines Kailua. Just as ocean waves continuously shape the shoreline, the aloha spirit shapes the community—embracing everyone with warmth, respect, and compassion.

“Waves of Aloha” Highlights:

Enduring Bonds – Celebrating the connections between generations, neighbors, and friends, strengthened through shared traditions and support.

Community Spirit – Uplifting Kailua through acts of generosity, inclusion, and collective energy.

Heritage and Progress – Honoring the past while looking forward, much like the waves that are both timeless and ever-changing.

Military and Civilian Unity – Recognizing the contributions of Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base submarine veterans and all who serve, fostering gratitude and pride.

The Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base submarine veterans are honored to continue their participation in this cherished parade. As we ride the “Waves of Aloha” together, we celebrate not only our nation’s independence but also the enduring spirit of Kailua—a community where aloha flows as freely as the ocean breeze.

More photos HERE.

The Periscope July 2025

The Periscope is a monthly publication of the Los Angeles-Pasadena Base of USSVI.

What’s Inside
General Meeting Minutes
Tolling the Boats
New Chinese Sub
USS Iowa Commissioned
Fishermen Cath Drones
“For Those Who Dived”
Dex Armstrong
Chapter News
Calendar Events
E-Board Meeting Minutes
New Gen.Dyn./EB Contract
Breaking News: Brick Project
Red October in Seal Beach

Read full newsletter HERE.