🌴 Tradewinds March 2026 🌴

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Brett Kulbis

Volume 80

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 March 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 members Dave Atkins, Jim Bazemore, Hap Belisle, David Bilek, Dan Del Monte, Nelson Greer, Ben McGowan, Ace Parker, Crichton Roberts, Tom Schmidt, Thom Sousa, Wade Thode, and Joe Winzenried.

Welcomed Guests – ETVCS(SS) Philip Moyle, CS1(SS) Taylor Easter, Miya Bilek, Judy McGowan, Nancy Kries, Johanna Vacerro, Wesley and William Thode.

Binnacle List – Please keep all our members and their families in your good thoughts and prayers.

Hauʻoli Lā Hānau! Bowfin Birthdays for the month of March.

Patrol Reports

🙏🏻Tolling of the Boats Lost in March🙏🏻
🎂Bowfin Birthdays for the Month of March🎂
Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Monthly E-Newsletter February 2026
🇺🇸102nd Anniversary of the Submarine Warfare Pin🇺🇸

Bowfin Holland Club Members

This Month in Base History

1982 – Relief Crew ONE accepted as an integral unit of this chapter.

1944 – Bowfin sighted a convoy of four ships screened by a couple of escorts. Bowfin fired six bow tubes, but four of the torpedoes exploded prematurely.

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 March.

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

U.S. Submarine Sinks Iranian Ship

Posted on March 5, 2026 by Brett Kulbis

Military Times | March 4, 2026

A United States Navy submarine sank an Iranian ship with a single torpedo as the frigate was transiting the Indian Ocean, marking the first such kill by a U.S. submarine since World War II.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike during a Pentagon press briefing on Operation Epic Fury alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine.

“Yesterday, in the Indian Ocean… an American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo. Quiet death. The first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War II.” – SECWAR Hegseth

Read Full Story

102 Years of Pride: The Submarine Warfare Insignia – Approved for Wear 24 March 1924

Posted on March 2, 2026 by Brett Kulbis

This March marks the 102nd anniversary of a proud milestone in our Silent Service: the approval for wear of the Submarine Warfare Insignia, forever known to every qualified submariner as the “Dolphins”.

On 24 March 1924, Acting Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., gave final approval to the design that would identify those who had earned the right to serve beneath the waves. What began as a suggestion in June 1923 from Captain Ernest J. King (later Fleet Admiral and Chief of Naval Operations during World War II) became our enduring symbol of qualification, sacrifice, and brotherhood.

The design – a bow view of a surfaced O-class submarine flanked by two dolphins (actually the powerful dolphinfish, or mahi-mahi) resting on the bow planes – was crafted by the Philadelphia firm Bailey, Banks & Biddle. It was no accident that dolphins were chosen; these swift, intelligent creatures of the deep have long symbolized the sea and the unbreakable bond of those who dare to challenge it.

From that day forward, every officer and enlisted man who qualified in submarines wore the Dolphins with honor – gold for officers, silver for enlisted – on the left breast, a visible mark that they had mastered the most demanding duty in the Navy. Enlisted versions first appeared embroidered on sleeves before transitioning to the metal pin we know today.

Whether gold or silver, the Dolphins still mark the same truth they did in 1924: only those who have qualified know the true weight of the watch, the depth of the commitment, and the unbreakable bond of the Silent Service.

To all who wear them – past, present, and future – fair winds and following seas. May we continue to honor those who earned them first and those who still earn them today.

With Perpetual Remembrance and Eternal Vigilance!

Bowfin Birthdays for the Month of March

Posted on March 1, 2026 by Brett Kulbis

From all of us to each of you, we wish you a Hauʻoli Lā Hānau!

John C. Brandes
James F. Caldwell Jr.
Harold M. Darcey
Raymond E. Engle
Christopher C. Gaines
Paul T. Jurcsak
Roderick Riessen
Michael Rodriguez
Jeffrey M Snider
Timothy Sparks
Richard S Taltavall
Robert W. Wasson

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Monthly E-Newsletter – February 2026

Posted on February 28, 2026 by Brett Kulbis

This February, we honor Black History Month by proudly recognizing the contributions of African Americans to the submarine force. Throughout history, Black servicemen and women have played a pivotal role in shaping submarine history and advancing progress within the U.S. military.

During World War II, the Navy took significant steps to expand opportunities for Black sailors. In 1944, the Navy commissioned the “Golden Thirteen,” its first African American officers, opening the door to greater inclusion in leadership roles. Among the many heroes were the Stewards, Steward’s Mates, Cooks, and Mess Attendants who served aboard the U.S.S. Bowfin (SS-287).

By reflecting on these trailblazers, we honor their legacy and inspire future generations to serve, lead, and continue building a Navy rooted in diversity, excellence, and service.

What’s Inside

Collections Spotlight

Museum Renovations Underway

Bring Your Family to Bowfin

Read full Newsletter HERE.

New commander of US Navy Submarine Force Atlantic takes over

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Brett Kulbis

Military Times | February 25, 2025

The U.S. Navy ushered in a new commander for one of its two submarine commands, known collectively as “The Silent Service,” according to a Navy release.

On Friday, Vice Adm. Richard Seif relieved Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher as commander of Submarine Force Atlantic during a change-of-command ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Read Story Here.

🌴 Tradewinds February 2026 🌴

Posted on February 10, 2026 by Brett Kulbis

Volume 79

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, Treasurer Pat Suenaga, COB Gary Johnson, and members Dave Atkins, Jim Bazemore, David Bilek, Rodney Boucher, Dan Del Monte, Karl Dye, Nelson Greer, Gary Grisham, John Johnson, Ben McGowan, Ace Parker, Crichton Roberts, Tom Schmidt, Thom Sousa, Wade Thode, Ken Voorhees, and Joe Winzenried.

Welcomed Guests – Miya Bilek, Nancy Kreis, Judy McGowan, Ann Gosling, William and Wesley Thode.

Binnacle List – Please keep all our members and their families in your good thoughts and prayers.

Hauʻoli Lā Hānau! Bowfin Birthdays for the month of February.

Patrol Reports

✝️ Passing of Wayne Standerfer
USSVI National Commander from 2018 to 2022 ✝️

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Monthly E-Newsletter January 2026

Bowfin Holland Club Members

This Month in Base History

2011 – Established Stanley K. Nicholls Award – awarded to the Base Member who, by his personal individual efforts and participation during the preceding years contributed the most to the advancement and embodiment of the USSVI Creed and Agenda, and by his dedicated service and support to the Bowfin Base Pearl Harbor and his fellow Submarine Veterans exemplifies the meaning and spirit of the word, “Shipmate.”
2011 – Base begins efforts to produce a plaque for the USS Growler, the Hawaii State Boat, to place at the Arizona Memorial.
1986 – Members encouraged to write Congress in opposition to turning Fort DeRusy land over to the State of Hawai’i.

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