Celebrating the 82nd Anniversary of the USS Bowfin
This December marks the 82nd anniversary of the USS Bowfin (SS-287), a milestone that honors the pivotal role of American submariners in helping turn the tide of the War In The Pacific during World War II. Launched on December 7, 1942, one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS Bowfin (SS-287), she was appropriately dubbed as the “Pearl Harbor Avenger.”
On behalf of the Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base Submarine Veterans, we want to wish you and your family Mele Kalikimaka!
As we gather together with our families, our friends, and our neighbors to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas, more than any other day of the year, allows us to take a step back from the busyness of our everyday lives to thank God for the blessings he has bestowed upon us, our state, and our nation.
Regardless of what else is going on in our lives, we all can be thankful for his ultimate gift, the gift of his Son, which expresses the true meaning of Christmas and a love that knows no bounds; a love that we are called to emulate.
So, while we are celebrating with our family and friends this Christmas season, I would also encourage each of us to remember those who are struggling with problems we may never know. We must do our part to spread his love, and his blessings to our family, our friends, and our neighbors, who need it now.
It’s also a time for us to be especially grateful for the men and women in the U.S. Submarine Force and all our Armed Forces who are away from their families protecting us so that we may enjoy this holiday season. I encourage everyone to find time to take a special moment to say a prayer or just say “thank you” to those who are deployed during this holiday season.
May the Christmas season fill your home with joy, your heart with love and your life with laughter. Wishing you Mele Kalikimaka and we look forward to seeing you in 2025.
Mahalo, Paul Jurcsak Base Commander
T’was The Night Before Christmas at 400′ (A submariners Christmas poem)
T’was the night before Christmas, and what no-one could see, The men with the dolphins were under the sea. Most of the crew was flat on their backs, Snoring and dreaming all snug in their racks.
Those men on watch were making their rounds, Some manning the planes or listening for sounds. Back in maneuvering or down in the room, They all hoped the oncoming watch would come soon.
I’d finished some PM’s whose time was now due, And hoped for some sleep, even an hour or two. Against better judgment I took a short stroll, And found myself wandering into control.
The Nav had the Conn, the COW was in place, The COB had the Dive and a scowl on his face. The helm and the planes were relaxed but aware, The QM and ET were discussing a dare.
To comply with the orders the Nav told the Dive, To bring the boat up with minimum rise. The orders were given and soon they were there, At periscope depth with a scope in the air.
The QM confirmed our position with care, The broadcast was copied, we brought in some air. The Nav on the scope let out a small cry, He shook his head twice and rubbed at his eyes.
He looked once again to find what it was, That interrupted his sweep and caused him to pause. Try as he might there was nothing to see, So down went the scope and us to the deep.
I asked what it was that caused his dismay, He sheepishly said, “I’m embarrassed to say.” It could have been Northern Lights or a cloud, Or a meteorite he wondered aloud.
But to tell you the truth I guess I must say, Whatever it was it looked like a sleigh. And though it passed quickly and never was clear, I almost believe it was pulled by reindeer.
We laughed and teased him and I got up to go, When our moment was broken by “Conn, Radio.” They told us a message was just coming in, We looked at the depth gauge and started to grin.
“Radio, Conn, I feel safe to say, Your attempt at a joke is too long delayed. If it had been sooner it might have been neat, But I doubt we’re receiving at four-hundred feet.”
“Conn, Radio, you can come down and see, We’re not playing games to any degree.” I headed aft with nothing better to do, Surprised by the fact it was still coming through.
It stopped and was sent to control to be read, The Nav read it slowly and scratched at his head. Then again he began but this time aloud, To those that now waited, a curious crowd.
“To you Denizens of the Deep and men of the sea, Who risk your life daily so others stay free. I rarely have seen you on this, my big night, For far too often you are hidden from sight.
But purely by luck I saw you tonight, As your scope coaxed the plankton to glow in the night. And lucky for me I’ve finally won, The chance to say thanks for all you have done.
I know that you miss your families at home, And sometimes you feel as if you’re alone. But trust what I say and I’ll do what’s right, I’ll take something special to your families tonight.
Along with the gifts I’ll take to your kin, I’ll visit their dreams and leave word within. They’ll hear of your love, and how you miss them, I’ll tell them that soon you’ll be home again.
It might not be much I know that is true, To thank you for all the things that you do. But I’ll do what I can, while you do what’s right, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight.”
The USS Virginia returned to Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn., on Friday after a six-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area of operations.
Excited families and loved ones waited in anticipation on the pier. Santa was also seen waving from the ship as it was guided back into port by tugboats.
An Australian naval officer recently became the first of his countryman to earn the U.S. Navy Submarine Warfare Device, often referred to as “dolphins.”
The Australian lieutenant commander, identified only by his first name, James, received the award during a Dec. 12 ceremony at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, according to a Navy news release Tuesday. It did not list the officer’s last name, citing Australian navy guidelines.
“It is always an honor to pin dolphins on a Sailor’s uniform and welcome them into an elite community of undersea warfighters,” Rear Adm. Chris Cavanaugh, commander of Submarine Group 7, said in the release.
Midshipman Blake Horvath shines as Navy dominates in a 31-13 victory over Cadet Bryson Daily and No. 19 Army
This was an Army-Navy game unlike any before it. The teams had combined for 19 victories this season before their annual clash, a record for the rivalry.
Of course, only one of them would be responsible for No. 20 — the biggest win of them all.
Blake Horvath outplayed Bryson Daily at quarterback, accounting for 311 yards and four touchdowns to help Navy beat No. 19 Army 31-13 on Saturday. Horvath threw for 107 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 204 yards and two TDs.
Fourteen years after the Navy began integrating women into submarine crews, the population of enlisted women and officers in subs continues to grow steadily year-over-year — and the service projects it will name the first female submarine commanding officer by 2028.
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 December 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, Dan Del Monte, Nelson Greer, Ace Parker, Thom Sousa, Wade Thode, and Joe Winzenried.
Welcomed Guests – Dolores Brown, Miya Bilek, Sandy Parker, 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 ofDecember.
The nuclear submarine USS Arkansas was christened Saturday, almost a decade in the making since the U.S. Navy announced that a Virginia-class submarine would bear the state’s name.
Carlotta Walls LaNier, one the nine Black students who desegregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957, launched a bottle of sparkling wine into the hull of the Virginia-class submarine at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia.
You’re invited to a special presentation by the Commanding Officers of PCU Arizona (SSN 801) and PCU Utah (SSN 803). These amazing submarines are under construction and the Commanding Officers are in Pearl Harbor over the next week and will be providing these presentations in person. There is no charge to attend.
Please join us thisThursday December 5, 2024, Noon to 1:00pm at the Arizona Memorial – Pearl Harbor National Memorial Theatre for a historic presentation by
The Commanding Officer of the Future CDR Chris Hornung, U.S. Navy Commanding Officer PCU USS Utah (SSN 801) Read more HERE.
Please join us thisSunday December 8, 2024, at 10:30am at the Arizona Memorial – Pearl Harbor National Memorial Theatre for a historic presentation by
The Commanding Officer of the Future CDR Tom E. Digan Jr., U.S. Navy Commanding Officer PCU USS Arizona (SSN 803) Read more HERE.
NOTE: Please be advised that bags are not allowed in the park and there is a $7 parking fee for those who drive and park at the park.
Today, across the nation and here in Hawai’i Nei, we celebrate Thanksgiving – a day to gather with family and friends and give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy in our lives every day. It is also a time to be thankful for the many people who contribute every day to our communities and country.
As we take this time to pause and reflect, let us remember those who are quietly celebrating while underway or forward deployed around the world. While we talk with family, they have the watch. We’ve all been there and know those mixed feelings of pride at accomplishing the mission, but also missing our loved ones while deployed during this time. For those at home, please keep these shipmates in your thoughts and prayers.
But, Thanksgiving is also a time to remember those less fortunate, and to show compassion to those in need – not only today, but every day.
“In this spirit, Thanksgiving has become a day when Americans extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. Long before there was a government welfare program, this spirit of voluntary giving was ingrained in the American character. Americans have always understood that, truly, one must give in order to receive. This should be a day of giving as well as a day of thanks.” Ronald Reagan
So today, as we give thanks for all our blessings, let us look for new ways to give generously of ourselves, too. All of our actions, no matter how small, have an impact.
From our ‘Ohana to yours, we wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving (Hau’oli La Ho’omakika’i)!
Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base 