Task & Purpose | March 5, 2024
“With great power, comes great responsibility.”
In the U.S. Navy, the Chief’s Mess is the cornerstone of every unit. It’s the vital link between the lower enlisted and the higher echelons of the command.
In order to make it into the mess, a sailor must be selected for the rank of chief petty officer out of their peer group and undergo the chief’s season, or what is currently called the chief’s initiation.
Read Full Story HERE.
Stars & Stripes | February 29, 2024
The Virginia-class attack submarine New Jersey has returned to Newport News, Va., after several days at sea testing systems and components, Huntington Ingalls Industries announced Thursday.
Tests included submerging for the first time and conducting high-speed maneuvers on the surface and below.
“Taking New Jersey out for the first time is a significant milestone, and the first major test of the submarine’s capabilities at sea,” said Jason Ward, Newport News Shipbuilding vice president of Virginia-class submarine construction. “Both New Jersey and her crew performed exceptionally well.”
Read Full Story HERE.
Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum | February 29, 2024
During Black History Month, we proudly recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of the black community to the rich tapestry of U.S. Naval and submarine history. From Stewards and Steward’s Mates to Cooks and Mess Attendants, we pay homage to the courageous men who served aboard the U.S.S. Bowfin (SS-287).
These individuals, integral members of the Steward’s Branch during various patrols, made profound sacrifices, with some making the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Submarine Force during World War II.
As we pause to reflect on their service and sacrifices, it is imperative to acknowledge the dedication and bravery of black submariners who have illuminated a path of progress throughout history. Their resilience and contributions transcend their roles on the U.S.S. Bowfin, shaping the narrative of the U.S. Submarine Force and the military at large during a transformative era. Notably, the renaming of the Steward Branch in February 1943, marked a pivotal moment in addressing racial disparities within the U.S. Navy.
In 1983, Chancellor Alphonso “Pete” Tzomes shattered barriers by becoming the first African-American to command a nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Houston (SSN-713). Following in his footsteps, six African Americans ascended to command submarines. Known as the “Centennial Seven,” these trailblazers made history as the first and only African-Americans to command U.S. Navy submarines during the first 100 years of the Submarine Force (1900-2000).
These milestones observed during Black History Month not only honor the courageous individuals we’ve lost but also commemorate the enduring legacy of black servicemen and women in shaping the history of submariners and advancing progress within the U.S. military.
U.S. Naval Institute | February 20, 2024
The Navy’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget will ask Congress to fund one Virginia-class attack boat, a break from a steady two-per-year demand signal from the service and a sign that industry is still catching up to the current demand, three sources familiar with the proposed budget submission confirmed to USNI News.
The decision, initially contemplated last year, is a tacit recognition from the Navy and the Pentagon that the two shipyards building the attack boats and the industrial base can’t keep up with the two-per-year pace that the service says it needs to keep the fleet healthy, the sources all confirmed to USNI News.
Read Full Story HERE.
Stars & Stripes | February 4, 2024
What allows the Pasadena, as well as every submarine in the Navy’s fleet, to live up to the “anytime, anywhere” motto is the ability to be self-sufficient. This includes making its own fresh water and oxygen for the 140 sailors on board.
“Every time we make the decision to surface, we are saying, ‘Here we are,’ ” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Eddie Murray, the master chief of the Pasadena’s engineering department.
Read Full Story HERE.
U.S. Naval Institute | February 20, 2024
The Navy’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget will ask Congress to fund one Virginia-class attack boat, a break from a steady two-per-year demand signal from the service and a sign that industry is still catching up to the current demand, three sources familiar with the proposed budget submission confirmed to USNI News.
The decision, initially contemplated last year, is a tacit recognition from the Navy and the Pentagon that the two shipyards building the attack boats and the industrial base can’t keep up with the two-per-year pace that the service says it needs to keep the fleet healthy, the sources all confirmed to USNI News.
Read Full Story HERE.
Stars & Stripes | February 17, 2024
The Navy has begun the most expensive building project in its history with construction of a $3.4 billion submarine-repair dry dock in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The initial work of installing foundational piles into the harbor waters began this month, with project completion expected by early 2028.
The initial work of installing foundational piles into the harbor waters began this month, with project completion expected by early 2028.
Read Full Story HERE.
CSP Flag Secretary | February 13, 2024
Commodores, Commanding Officers, CSP N-Heads, Command Master Chiefs, and friends of the Submarine Community,
Aloha, the 2024 Submarine Birthday Ball message is out and provided below. This year’s theme celebrates and honors the warrior spirit and is “HO’ONĀKOA” – to be brave, bold, and have courage.
The hotel registration link is active and there are 50 rooms for each night at $202/night + $40 hotel fee. Current cheapest room through direct booking with Hilton is $305/night + various fees and taxes.
For the Wardroom, the EventZilla link is live and active, tickets can now be purchased. We are experiencing some difficulties with EventZilla redirecting to the Hilton hotel reservation link, so if you receive an error message, please try copy/pasting the link directly into a new window and it should work as intended.
EventZilla: https://events.eventzilla.net/e/124th-pearl-harbor-submarine-birthday-ball-officer-2138606437
Hilton Room Reservation: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/usnsubmarinebirthdayball/
We hope to see you there!
Very Respectfully,
LT Adam L. Davis
Flag Secretary & Staff Executive Officer
Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
—–OFFICIAL INFORMATION DISPATCH FOLLOWS—–
RAAUZYUW RUOIAAA9005 0440019-UUUU–RUOIAAA.
ZNR UUUUU
R 130015Z FEB 24 MID60010090253574S
FM COMSUBPAC PEARL HARBOR HI
TO RUOIAAA/COMSUBRON ONE
RUOIAAA/COMSUBRON SEVEN
RUOIAAA/NAVSUBTRACENPAC PEARL HARBOR HI
RUOIAAA/NAVSHIPYD AND IMF PEARL HARBOR HI
RUOIAAA/SUBREADRON THREE THREE
INFO ZEN/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI
RUOIAAA/COMPACFLT PEARL HARBOR HI
RUOIAAA/JB PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM HI
RUOIAAA/NAVSUP FLT LOG CTR PEARL HARBOR HI
ZEN/SDV TEAM ONE
ZEN/NAVSPECWARGRU EIGHT LOGSUPPU PEARL HARBOR HI
RUOIAAA/NAVIOCOM HAWAII
RUOIAAA/COMSUBPAC PEARL HARBOR HI
BT
UNCLAS
MSGID/GENADMIN/COMSUBPAC//
SUB/124TH PEARL HARBOR SUBMARINE BIRTHDAY BALL//
POC/DAVIS, ADAM/LT/COMSUBPAC/-/TEL:808-473-2458/
EMAIL:ADAM.L.DAVIS26.MIL(AT)US.NAVY.MIL//
POC/BREY,CHRIS/CMDCM/COMSUBPAC/-/TEL:808-473-1378/
EMAIL: CHRISTOPHER.L.BREY.MIL(AT)US.NAVY.MIL//
RMKS/1. 2024 MARKS THE 124TH ANNIVERSARY OF SUBMARINE SERVICE IN PEARL HARBOR. TO HONOR OUR PAST AND CELEBRATE OUR FUTURE, SUBMARINE ENLISTED AND OFFICER BIRTHDAY BALLS, RESPECTIVELY, WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, 12 AND 13 APRIL 2024 AT THE HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE. THIS YEAR’S THEME WILL BE “HO’ONAKOA” OR TO BE BRAVE, BOLD, AND HAVE COURAGE.
2. ALL SUBMARINERS – ENLISTED, OFFICERS, ACTIVE, RESERVE, RETIRED, AND ALL FRIENDS OF THE SUBMARINE FORCE, CIVILIAN AND MILITARY, ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PEARL HARBOR SUBMARINE BIRTHDAY BALLS. THIS MESSAGE PROVIDES THE LATEST INFORMATION FOR PURCHASING SUBMARINE BIRTHDAY BALL TICKETS AND RESERVING HOTEL ROOMS.
3. LOGISTICS.
A. PEARL HARBOR ENLISTED SUBMARINE BIRTHDAY BALL WILL BE HELD FRIDAY, 12 APRIL 2024 IN THE HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE CORAL LOUNGE AND BALLROOM, COMMENCING WITH SOCIAL HOUR (CASH BAR) AT 1700 AND PROGRAM BEGINNING AT 1800.
(1) TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE VIA COMMAND SUBMARINE BALL REPRESENTATIVES FOR $100 EACH.
(2) UNIFORM.
– FULL DRESS WHITES OR DINNER DRESS WHITE JACKET.
– CIVILIAN – BLACK TIE OR FORMAL BUSINESS ATTIRE.
– COVERS ARE NOT REQUIRED.
B. PEARL HARBOR OFFICER SUBMARINE BIRTHDAY BALL WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, 13 APRIL 2023 IN THE HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE CORAL LOUNGE AND BALLROOM, COMMENCING WITH SOCIAL HOUR (CASH BAR) AT 1700 AND PROGRAM BEGINNING AT 1800.
(1) TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE VIA EVENTZILLA,
https://events.eventzilla.net/e/124th-pearl-harbor-submarine-birthday-ball-officer-2138606437 SELECT THE EVENT, 2024 PEARL HARBOR
OFFICERS SUBMARINE BIRTHDAY BALL, OR SEARCH EVENTS BY LOCATION, HONOLULU, HI.
– SELECT THE NUMBER OF TICKETS, DINNER PREFERENCE AND COMMAND, RETIREE, OR CIVILIAN. TICKETS ARE $110 EACH FOR O3 AND BELOW OR $130 EACH FOR O4 AND ABOVE AND CAN BE PURCHASED WITH A CREDIT CARD OR BY PAYPAL.
– TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED NO LATER THAN 5 APRIL TO ENSURE GUESTS ARE SEATED WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE COMMANDS.
(2) UNIFORM.
– O5 & ABOVE: DINNER DRESS WHITE JACKET.
– O4 & BELOW: DINNER DRESS WHITE OR OPTIONAL DINNER DRESS WHITE JACKET.
– CIVILIAN – BLACK TIE OR FORMAL BUSINESS ATTIRE.
– COVERS ARE NOT REQUIRED.
(3) INFORMATION FOR ASHORE AND AFLOAT COMMAND RECOGNITION AND CENTERPIECE COMPETITION WILL BE PROMULGATED SEPCOR.
4. HOTEL RESERVATIONS. FOR BOTH THE OFFICER AND ENLISTED
SUBMARINE BIRTHDAY BALL, A BLOCK OF ROOMS AT THE HILTON
HAWAIIAN VILLAGE AND HILTON DOUBLE TREE ARE AVAILABLE. SPECIAL RATE ONLY APPLIES FOR ROOMS BETWEEN 12-13 APRIL 2023.
(1) HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE
– 50 ROOMS ARE AVAILABLE PER NIGHT.
– NIGHTLY RATE OF $202, $40 PER NIGHT FOR OVERNIGHT PARKING.
– EVENT LINK: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/usnsubmarinebirthdayball/
5. ALL WHO READ THIS MESSAGE ARE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN THIS TIME HONORED TRADITION AS WE CELEBRATE THE 124th
ANNIVERSARY OF OUR FORCE AND PROVIDE TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US TO DEFEND FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY FROM UNDER THE SEA.//
BT
#9005
NNNN
Dolphin Scholarship Foundation | February 13, 2024
Contest Rules
1. Twelve (12) drawings will be selected for the 2025 Dolphin Scholarship Foundation cartoon calendar.
2. Drawings are to be humorous and submarine themed depicting life in the Submarine Service.
3. All cartoons must be:
- Original artwork, not copies.
- Hand drawn in black ink (not pencil) on white paper OR black & white computer generated.
- Landscape orientated on 8 ½ x 11 paper.
4. Please print on a separate piece of paper:
- Artist’s Name;
- If current or former military member: rank/rate and duty station;
- If dependent: sponsor’s name, rank/rate, duty station, and artist’s age if under 18;
- Mailing address, e-mail address, & phone number.
5. Please DO NOT fold entry.
6. $100.00 cash prize for each selected cartoon.
7. Entries due by June 15, 2024.
Direct all entries (keep the originals!) or questions to:
Dolphin Scholarship Foundation
4966 Euclid Road, Suite 109
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Or Email To: admin@dolphinscholarship.org
***IF SENDING DIGITALLY, PLEASE RETAIN ORIGINAL. WE MAY REQUEST A PAPER COPY IF A HIGHER RESOLUTION IS NEEDED FOR PUBLISHING***
Our Contact Information
Dolphin Scholarship Foundation
4966 Euclid Road, Suite 109
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
757-671-3200
http://www.dolphinscholarship.org
Stars & Stripes | February 9, 2024
A second, larger contingent of Australian sailors is training alongside U.S. counterparts on Guam as part of an agreement to create a nuclear-powered submarine force for the Australian navy.
Australia sent 37 officers and enlisted personnel to Naval Base Guam to train aboard the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land, according to a Feb. 4 news release from the country’s Department of Defence.
Read Full Story HERE.
Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base 