REGISTRATION IS OPEN for the USSVI Western Region Roundup 2025, scheduled for March 6-9, 2025 aboard “The Queen Mary” and hosted by the LA/Pasadena Base. The preparation is well underway, and the committee is looking forward to holding the event on this beautifully restored ship.
Registering is easy using our online Registration, Hotel 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!
As always, the goal of the Roundup is to provide a way for all Submariners to gather for their mutual benefit and enjoyment.
Three living Nisei Veterans with Nisei Veteran Relatives. Photo courtesy of Clyde Sugimoto.
I was proud to represent my various veteran organizations at the 19th Annual Nisei Veterans Ceremony at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, as a Subvet, DAV Commander Chapter 1, VFW Post 1540 Trustee and Gold Legacy Member, VVA Life Member, and Japanese Hawai’i Veteran.
I am fourth Generation in Hawaii (Yonsei), my Dad was a third generation (Sansei) (also a veteran of the Army Air Corps as a MP and Translator during the post war occupied Japan at Johnson AFB near Tokyo. I have relatives that served in the 442nd and 100th Infantry.
Three living Nisei Veterans with Hawai’i Service Members and Veterans. Photo courtesy of Clyde Sugimoto.Myself, Dr. Joe Skoda (Commander VFW State of California) and his Wife Vanessa Phelps, Joe and Vanessa are also Members of Chapter 1 DAV the largest in Hawaii. Photo courtesy of Clyde Sugimoto.
Commander Joe and Pat with INDOPACOM Deputy Chief of Staff Col Melissa Tallent.
Pat Suenaga MMC(SS) USN RET Life Member: DAV, VFW, USSVI, VVA MEMBER SLAA, AMERICAN LEGION, NVL, JCCH, NAVY LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES, PACIFIC FLEET SUBMARINE MEMORIAL ASSN. BOC 1 CERTIFIED 2018 COMSUBPAC Submarine Veteran of the Year VFW Post 1540 Trustee DAV Chapter 1 Commander DAV Dept of Hi Jr Vice Commander Director Korean War Foundation Inc. Director Nisei Veterans Legacy
What: 71st Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. at Hawaii State Capitol Rotunda.
Where: Hawaii State Capitol, 415 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A. Ceremony will be at Hawaii State Capitol Rotunda and official guided tours will be at War Memorials on Richards Street. We are expecting 200 to 400 attendees for this event.
Agenda Musical Prelude Welcome Message Master of Ceremony Introduction of VIP Guests Presentation of Colors Pledge of Allegiance Korean National Anthem U.S. National Anthem Invocation Introduction of Speakers Speakers Presentation of Memorial Wreath Bugler Korean Song Presentation of Wreaths Moment of Silence Speaker for POW/MIA & Peace Rifle Salute Taps Peace Concert Soprano Benediction Retiring of the Colors Closing Remarks Postlude “Armed Forces Medley”
What: 30th Anniversary of the Korean And Vietnam War Memorials at Hawaii State Capitol.
Where: Hawaii State Capitol, 415 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A. Ceremony will be at Hawaii State Capitol Rotunda and official guided tours will be at War Memorials on Richards Street. We are expecting 200 to 400 attendees for this event.
Agenda Musical Prelude Welcome Message Master of Ceremony Introduction of VIP Guests Presentation of Colors Pledge of Allegiance Korean National Anthem U.S. National Anthem Invocation Introduction of Speakers Speakers Presentation of Memorial Wreath Bugler Korean Song Presentation of Wreaths Moment of Silence Speaker For POW/MIA & Peace Rifle Salute Taps Peace Concert Soprano Benediction Retiring of the Colors Closing Remarks Postlude “Armed Forces Medley”
L-R: Brett Kulbis, Joe Wizenreid, Pat Suenaga, Al Clemons, Paul Jurcsak, Nelson Greer, Gary Johnson, Karl Dye. Not in photo Edie Clemons and George Barlett.
On Thursday July 4, 2024 Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base members participated in the 75th Annual Kailua Independence Day Parade.
For 75 Amazing years, the Kailua Independence Day Parade has graced the streets of Kainalu Drive, and Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base submarine veterans have been participating on and off since 1970.
The theme for the 75th Annual Kailua Independence Day Parade: “Kaimana: Shining Through The Years”. In the Hawaiian, “Kaimana” translates to “diamond,” a symbol of brilliance and endurance. As we commemorate three-quarters of a century of community spirit and resilience, we embrace the diamond’s multifaceted symbolism: strength, longevity, and the preciousness of our shared cultures. This year’s parade will sparkle with the essence of Kailua’s vibrant history, illuminated by the contributions of its people and the radiant legacy they have built together.
As Veterans we must Vote to make our voices heard in the political arena, and to protect the freedoms we vowed to in our oath of enlistment.
Ben Franklin after the Constitution was approved is said to have told someone that the founders gave the us a Republic: if we can keep it. He meant that everyone must participate in the political system and vote to keep the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Our participation doesn’t stop at elections but must continue constantly, and as Veterans our oath does not expire.
Voting comes with certain responsibilities, one of which is the responsibility to make decisions in a sufficiently informed manner. How we vote has a significant impact on political outcomes that affect many more people than just ourselves. Because of its far reaching results, we have the moral obligation to become sufficiently informed before casting our ballot.
2024 Candidates
On Tuesday June 4th at 4:30pm candidate filing closed for the 2024 Elections.
Hundreds of candidates have filed to run for office in Hawaii in 2024. This resource guide will help you figure out who to vote for. Honolulu Civil Beat 2024 Election Ballot: Hawaii Candidate Guide.
You can all find your candidates for local, State, and Federal races on the Office of Elections final candidate report HERE. The report includes candidate contact information.
2024 Election Key Dates
Primary
July 23 – Voters start receiving their Primary Election mail ballot packet. July 29 – Voter service centers open times vary. August 10 – Primary Election. Voting service centers open from 7am to 7pm.
General
October 18 – Voters start receiving their Primary Election mail ballot packet. October 22 – Voter service centers open times vary. November 5 – Primary Election. Voting service centers open from 7am to 7pm.
Click HERE to find all voting service centers, drop box locations, and times they are open across the State.
Best Practices
Pre-Vote
1. Go to the Office of Elections “Online Voter Registration System” here and verify your registered at your current residence.
2. Do your research! Using the Office of Elections candidate report, find candidates running that you can vote for and reach out to them via email or phone. Follow them on social media and attend any of their events. Ask them where they stand on the issues that keep you up at night.
3. Determine how you will cast your vote – mail in your ballot, drop your ballot in a drop box near you, or vote in person at a Voting Service Center.
Note: If you mail in your ballot, it is highly recommended you sign up for “BallotTrax“, so you can track your ballot. Mailed in ballots must be received by 7pm on Election Day.
4. Mark your calendar and make a plan to vote.
Mail In and Drop Box Voting
We strongly recommend in person voting!
However, if you must mail in or use a drop box we recommend the following:
1. Drop your mail ballot envelope at a U.S. Post Office location mail box. These are the most secure and are emptied on a more routine basis. Additionally, they are often monitored by security cameras.
2. Drop your mail ballot envelope at a drop box at your county’s election office. These are the most secure drop boxes and often monitored by security cameras.
In Person Voting
1. Be sure to check the hours the Voting Service Center will be open, either during early voting or on election day, and plan accordingly. If voting on election day expect their to be a long line.
Note: If voting on election day be sure to arrive early and be in line before 7pm. Only voters in line at 7pm will be allowed to vote.
2. Bring your mailed ballot packet to the voting location as proof you have not voted, should you need it. You’ll not be able to use your mailed ballot and you will be provided an in person voting ballot.
Hurricane season in Hawaiʻi lasts from June 1 until the end of November. August and September are historically active months.
The National Weather Service predicts a slower hurricane season in Hawaiʻi with two to four tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific region.
The best time to prepare for hurricanes is BEFORE hurricane season begins. Avoid having to rush through potentially life-saving preparations by waiting until it’s too late. Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. Here is more:
At the Start of the Season
Enter the season prepared.
Know all evacuation routes if you live close to the coast.
Make sure your home meets building codes for withstanding hurricanes, and they have storm shutters.
Walk through your home with a camera or video camera and take inventory images of your home and your possessions. Walk the perimeter too and take photos or video of the outside.
If you Download the Allstate Mobile App – you can also utilize the Digital Locker feature to accomplish this.
Have proper tools, supplies, and a first aid kit.
Have plenty of batteries and flashlights
Always have plenty of non-perishable foods on hand.
Once the Watch is Issued
Leave low lying areas.
Protect windows with plywood boards, or storm shutters.
Secure outside objects.
Make sure you have plenty of fuel and water.
Have several days supply of food and water for each family member.
If called to evacuate, do so immediately.
Before the Storm
Be ready to put your plan and preparation into action.
Pay attention to local weather reports on radio, television, or the internet.
Have house boarded up, or have storm shutters in place.
Have plenty of food and water.
Make sure all your tools, supplies, and first aid kit available for use.
Have a secure room available.
During the Storm
Stay in Secure Room.
Stay away from windows.
Do not use the phone, or candles.
Monitor Weather and Civil Service Bulletins on either regular or NOAA radio.
Have supplies on hand.
Remain indoors when the eye moves over your area because the storm will resume shortly.
Hawaiian Electric also distributes a Disaster Preparedness Handbook. It can be accessed and downloaded here Handbook for Emergency Preparedness.
On Friday April 12, 2024 at the Hilton Hawaii Village Coral Ballroom, over 1200 enlisted submariners active and retired, Commander Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet RADM Richard Seif, Submarine Commanding Officers, their spouses, and guests celebrated the 124th Anniversary of U.S. Submarine Force.
Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Master Chief, FLTCM(SS) John Perryman was this year’s keynote speaker.
Master Chief Perryman served as Chief of the Boat on USS Hawaii (SSN 776), Senior Enlisted Leader on CSP Tactical Readiness Evaluation Team, Command Master Chief for COMSUBGRU SEVEN, Force Master Chief for Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic, and Senior Enlisted Leader for U.S. Strategic Command.
Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base submarine veterans MMC(SS) Ret. Pat Suenaga and YNCS(SS) Ret. Brett Kulbis assisted in the POW/MIA ceremony to honor our missing comrades in arms.
Master Chief Perryman’s remarks, following his wife’s advice of be good, be quick, and be gone, were not only inspirational but were a testament to the his deep appreciation for the enlisted submarine sailors.
Master Chief Perryman compared today’s submariners with the persistence and tenacity of the crew of the USS Archerfish (SS-311) going through four war patrols without a hit. Then on their 5th war patrol sinking the Shinano, the biggest aircraft carrier ever built at the time.
After closing his remarks, he led the 1200 attendees in the first verse of the submarine song.
Following dinner, four newly qualified submariners received their dolphins, this also identified not only the newest, but youngest qualified submariner.
Now it was time to identify the oldest qualified submariner active or retired so the birthday cake can be cut. In typical fashion all qualified submariners were asked to stand up by Master Chief Amato (CSS-1). Beginning with 2020 he asked “Anyone qualified after 2020 please sit down.” Working down every 10 years, by time he hit 1990 only two remained, submarine veterans Brett Kulbis and Pat Suenaga. Upon announcing 1980 only MMC(SS) Ret. Pat Suenaga remained.
The 124th Enlisted Submarine Birthday Ball closed in the time honored tradition of recognizing the senior enlisted leaders (COBs and CMDMCs).
USSVI Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base Veterans conducted their annual re-dedication of the Submarine Veterans Memorial on the Memorial Walk-Way at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
“The Submarine Veteran plaque was dedicated and placed here on April 18, 2000 and we conduct a small re-dedication ceremony every year on the anniversary of the U.S. Submarine Force,” said Base Commander Paul Jurcsak.
Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base 