The Navy and its nuclear submarine shipbuilders are closing in on a deal to put two long-awaited Virginia-class submarines under contract, company leaders said in earnings calls over the last week.
Supported by a $5.7 billion anomaly for submarine construction in the most recent continuing resolution to fund the federal government, the Navy, General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII’s Newport News are finalizing the detail design and construction contracts for the Block V Baltimore (SSN-812) and Atlanta (SSN-813) attack submarines following an injection of funds to make up for cost overruns.
CDR Gilmore was the first U.S. submariner to receive the Medal of Honor in World War II. He was awarded this medal for his actions while serving as Commanding Officer of USS Growler (SS 215).
CDR Gilmore was the first U.S. submariner to receive the Medal of Honor in World War II. He was awarded this medal for his actions while serving as Commanding Officer of USS Growler.
On February 7 Growler sighted a ship in the murky darkness. CDR Gilmore readied torpedoes and closed for an attack. At a range of approximately 2000 yards, the target, the 2,500 ton patrol boat Hayasaki, spotted Growler. The swift ship reversed course and charged the submarine. Gunfire and the groans of the twisted hulls roared in the night. CDR Gilmore, the last man on the bridge, shouted through the open conning tower hatch, “Take her down!” He had chosen to sacrifice himself rather than further jeopardize his boat.
CDR Howard W. Gilmore lost his life in a selfless act of heroism that has become one of the most inspiring legends of the Submarine Force.
“For conspicuous gallantry and valor above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the USS GROWLER during her fourth war patrol in the southwest Pacific from 10 January to 7 February 1943. Boldly striking at the enemy in spite of continuous hostile air and anti-submarine patrols, CDR Gilmore sank one Japanese freighter and damaged another by torpedo fire, successfully evading severe depth charges following each attack. In the darkness of night on 7 February, an enemy gunboat closed range and prepared to ram the GROWLER.
CDR Gilmore daringly maneuvered to avoid the crash and rammed the attacker instead, ripping into her port side and bursting wide her plates. In the terrific fire of the sinking gunboat’s heavy machineguns, CDR Gilmore calmly gave the order to clear the bridge, and refusing safety for himself, remained on deck while his men preceded him below. Struck down by a fusillade of bullets and having done his utmost against the enemy, in his final living moments, CDR Gilmore gave his last order to the officer of the deck, “Take her down”. The GROWLER dove; seriously damaged but under control. She was brought safely to port by her well trained crew inspired by the courageous fighting spirit of their dead Captain.”
The Periscope is a monthly publication of the Los Angeles-Pasadena Base of USSVI.
What’s Inside General Meeting Minutes Tolling the Boats Columbia to be Ready in 2030 First Virginia Goes to Guam Quiet Brit Astute-Class Subs Dex Armstrong Chapter News Calendar of Upcoming Events E-Board Meeting Minutes “We Knew. And Yet, We Went” 2025 Sub Calendars Available
Leadership Transition as Charles Merkel Retires and Homer Ring Takes the Helm
Earlier this month, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (PFSM) announced that Executive Director Charles “Chuck” Merkel will retire on May 1 of this year, marking the end of a distinguished nine-year tenure defined by transformative leadership. The museum’s Board of Directors has named Andrew “Homer” Ring as Merkel’s successor.
The fast-attack submarine USS Indiana arrived in Gibraltar as part of a regularly scheduled visit, Cmdr. Timothy Gorman, a spokesman for U.S. 6th Fleet, said in a statement on Saturday. The statement did not indicate how long the submarine would remain in Gibraltar.
The nation’s largest shipbuilder wants to expand its manufacturing facilities this year to speed up and streamline production of nuclear submarines amid ongoing delays, ballooning costs, and labor woes.
The goal is to improve cost and throughput by going “where the labor is,” said Huntington Ingalls Industries’ CEO Christopher Kastner.
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 January meeting at Clean Sweep Bar, Lockwood Hall. The following members attended – Base Commander Paul Jurcsak, Secretary Brett Kulbis, Treasurer Carleton Tatro, COB Gary Johnson, and members Dave Atkins, David Bilek, Rodney Boucher, Allen Clemons, Dan Del Monte, Frank Diaz, Nelson Greer, Ben McGowan, Crichton Roberts, Pat Suenaga, Wade Thode, Ken Voorhees, and Joe Winzenried.
Welcomed Guests – Dolores Brown, Miya Bilek, Judy McGowan, Edie Clemons, Wesley and William Thode. We also welcomed new Associate Member Thomas Schmidt.
Binnacle List – Please keep all our members and their families in your good thoughts and prayers.
Hauʻoli Lā Hānau! Bowfin Birthdays for the month ofJanuary.
1996 – USSV of WWII Hawaii Chapter begin conducting monthly meetings at Clean Sweep Lounge, Lockwood Hall, Naval Submarine Base Pearl Harbor. 1972 – Submarine Memorial Pearl Harbor plaque inscription approved. 1920 – Lieutenant Chester W. Nimitz accepts property for Naval Submarine Base Pearl Harbor. 1919 – Submarines R-15 to R-20 arrive early in 1919 to establish the Submarine Base at Pearl Harbor.
On December 29, 2024 the Hawai’i production of “Shikata Ga Nai (It Cannot Be Helped)” premiered at the Moanalua High School Performing Arts Center.
Movie production was started just before the beginning of the COVID pandemic in 2019 and thus took five years to produce. It was supposed to premier in 2022, but due to all the COVID restrictions caused delay until now.
Storyline: It is 1999, and Tatsuo “Tats” Kaneshiro is a veteran of WWII living out his autumn days in the quiet seclusion of his suburban home in Hawaii. A member of the famed 442 RCT, the all Nisei (second generation Japanese American) infantry regiment that became the most decorated war unit in American history, Tats spends his time tending to his garden, watching television, and occasionally entertaining company like an old army buddy he plays chess with. His single parent daughter, Lynn, who has moved back home after her divorce, and attention deficit grandson, Ryan, live with him. But the peace that seemingly hovers over his daily existence masks his internal struggle. For though the war has been over for 50 years, Tats relives it every day due to a haunting secret about his time in battle that he has kept to himself. Inspired by the true life tendencies of many 442 veterans who have never told their families of their war experiences, “Shikata Ga Nai” tells of the battles that these now declining heroes have faced on their own without no one else knowing. Watch trailer HERE.
Bowfin Submarine Veteran Pat Suenaga volunteered to help for this movie premiere and provided the pictures below.
On January 10, 1943 the entire crew of 102 was lost as the USS Argonaut (SS-166) was sunk by Japanese destroyers.
By providence the crew donated the ship’s bell to the under construction Submarine Memorial Chapel, just before the submarine put to sea for her last patrol.
The bell still hangs and rings in the steeple today, and each time the Argonaut’s bell tolls, it is in remembrance of all Sailors and lost crews at a time of war or peace.
“I am the voice of the USS ARGONAUT (SS 166). I was later classified APS 1 (submarine transport), and I was the largest of the U.S. submarines to participate in World War II. I was over 380 feet long and had a beam of over 33 feet. I was originally built as a minelayer, and I had two mine laying chutes and special tubes built into a large stern room. In 1942, I was converted to a cargo carrying and troop transport submarine, my mine laying gear was removed, and my stern room was fitted for troop berthing. I transported Marines for the Makin Island raid. In January 1943 I was on patrol near Rabaul when I was attacked by two Japanese destroyers who were avenging the torpedoing of a third destroyer in a convoy. The two destroyers hammered the water with depth charges; and my bow thrust above the surface and remained there for sometime as destroyers repeatedly fit it with gunfire. Finally I slid with my crew of 105 102 men into the depths of the Pacific.”
Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base 