The Periscope is a monthly publication of the Los Angeles-Pasadena Base of USSVI.
What’s Inside
General Meeting Minutes
Tolling the Boats
Minneapolis-Saint Paul Sail
“I am a Veteran” Poem
New Russian Lada Sub
Dex Armstrong
Chapter News
Calendar Events
“The Silent Front” Poem
Read full newsletter HERE.
Stars and Stripes | November 4, 2025
A U.S. Navy fast-attack submarine is undergoing maintenance at an Australian base where a multinational force of nuclear-powered boats may be in position in just over a year, according to the Australian Defence Department.
The Virginia-class USS Vermont (SSN 792) docked Oct. 29 at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia, marking a significant advance toward the country’s goal of operating and maintaining nuclear-powered submarines, according to a department news release that day. Read full story.
We’re open! Despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, please know that the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum and USS Bowfin submarine at Pearl Harbor remain open to visitors. During the current shutdown, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum and its museum partners – Pearl Harbor National Memorial (USS Arizona Memorial), the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum – have jointly agreed to provide private funding to keep all four Pearl Harbor Historic Sites open.
The submarine museum at this time will remain open and operate at normal hours during the government shutdown. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to the submarine museum, we look forward to welcoming you aboard!
In commemoration of Veterans Day, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum will host a special Kama‘aina Sunday during Veterans Day weekend (Nov 8-11). Hawai‘i residents, active-duty service members, retirees, dependents, and veterans are invited to enjoy free admission to the museum.
Please note that up to 6 pre-registered tickets per party will be allowed. Valid Hawai‘i or military ID must be presented at entry for all adult ticket holders. Ticket reservations will be available soon—stay tuned for details on how you can join us in honoring our veterans.
What’s Inside
Honoring the Navy’s Birthday & Navy Day
Celebrating a Special 30th Anniversary
Read full Newsletter HERE.
Stars & Stripes | October 10, 2025
The Navy officially has a new “backbone” of its submarine fleet that is bigger, faster, quieter, and has more endurance and firepower than the Vietnam War-era design it passed by in sheer numbers this past summer.
Admirals, U.S. senators and other VIPs gathered April 5 at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn. Sailors in dress blue uniform were given the traditional command: “Man our ship and bring her to life.” They ran up the gangplank to formally commission the new Virginia-class attack submarine USS Iowa.
Read more Here.
On the 3rd Friday of September each year, we observe POW/MIA Recognition Day, honoring and remembering the brave individuals who served in submarines during World War II and were captured as prisoners of war, including those who never made it home. These submariners, driven by a strong sense of duty, faced tremendous challenges – some enduring captivity in the line of service – with all making sacrifices for their country. Read HERE.
What’s Inside
A Fresh Look at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
Apply for Dolphin Scholarship
Family Ties Sail Aboard USS Bowfin
Celebrating USS Tucson’s Birthday
Read full Newsletter HERE.
The Periscope is a monthly publication of the Los Angeles-Pasadena Base of USSVI.
What’s Inside
General Meeting Minutes
Tolling the Boats
Aboard a Nuke Boat…
Dreadnought Keel Laid
New Kilo-Class Boat
Dex Armstrong
Chapter News
Calendar Events
Read full newsletter HERE.
“No one stands so tall as when they stoop to help a Child”
Abraham Lincoln
Each year K4K Week is celebrated around Veterans Day (November 11th).
Fortunately, more and more Child Health Care Facilities are reopening their doors to us post-COVID.
In addition to other K4K visits made during the year, I encourage USSVI Bases to schedule and make a K4K visit to Kids as close to Veterans Day as possible.
This is done to:
1. Take advantage of a period when Child Health Care Facilities are more likely to welcome visits by Veterans. If your base does not have a K4K Program, it is a perfect time to start one. If your base has a K4K program but is experiencing difficulty accessing a facility, this is a great time to approach them.
2. Obtain local and national recognition of USSVI’s Kap(SS) 4 Kid(SS) Program andlet our communities learn about who we are.
3. Have Sub Vets interact with Children, their families, and facility staff when appreciation for Veterans is at its highest.
4. Bring joy to sick Children, their families, and the Sub Vets who visit them!
“We begin by imagining that we are giving to them; we end by realizing that they have enriched us”
Pope John Paul II
Thanks for all you do for sick Children and their families, by participating in this Life Changing USSVI Community Outreach Program!
John Riley
Link to: KAPS(SS) 4 KID(SS) PROGRAM Video, Guidelines & Honorary Submarine Certificate
US Submarine Veterans KAP(SS) 4 KID(SS) Program
National Chairman / Charitable Foundation Fund Manager
kaps4kids@gmail.com
(203) 668-9131
Shipmates,
REGISTRATION IS OPEN for the USSVI Western Region Roundup scheduled for April 16–19, 2026 at the Sam’s Town Hotel in Las Vegas and hosted by USSVI Base 51. The preparation is well underway, and the committee is looking forward to holding this year’s event at this exciting casino.
Registering is easy using our online Registration, Hotel and RV Park 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 https://wrroundup.com/.
As always, the goal of the Roundup is to provide a way for all Submariners to gather for their mutual benefit and enjoyment.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Western Region Roundup Committee
Military Times | September 2, 2025
The keel for the U.S. Navy’s second Columbia-class submarine was laid during an Aug. 27 ceremony in Kingstown, Rhode Island, marking the beginning of the sub’s construction.
The vessel, currently designated SSBN 827, will be known as the Wisconsin, becoming the third in a line of warships that served with distinction in U.S. history. The original Wisconsin was the flagship of the Pacific fleet until 1903, while the second was an Iowa-class battleship that fought in numerous World War II Pacific battles and was resurrected twice to serve in the Korean and Persian Gulf Wars. Read More!
Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base 