Requin Base Meeting Minutes
October 14, 2017
Baden, PA
Base Commander Huey Dietrich called the meeting to order.
Attendees: Mike Allen, Eric Bookmiller, Lee & Patsy Bookwalter, George Brown, Joe Campisi, Huey & Edie Dietrich, Rick & Judy Elster, Gerry & Linda Gaylor, Rick Guntang, Bill Lindsey, John Lukasik, JB & Sandra Messner, Vince Metz, Bob Meyers, Frank Nicotra, Chip Porter, Dave & Ann Sawin, Bernie & Dot Sigler, Harry Sills, Jeff & Eileen Simon, George Stass, Carl Stigers, Jack & Jenny Sutherin
Base Commander Huey Dietrich: Quote of the day: “The function of the Navy is to carry the war to the enemy so it is not fought on US soil.”
Requin History: On October 1, 1947 Requin moved north for exercises with her sister radar picket submarine Spinax SS-489. On October 1, 1966, Requin cruised around the South American continent with various South American navies. On October 20th Requin was dedicated as a memorial and exibit and opened for tours.,
Base Commander Huey Dietrich: Let us at this time, with a moment of silent prayer, remember our Shipmates who made the supreme sacrifice that we may gather here in Peace. We dedicate this meeting to our Shipmates on Eternal Patrol, to perpetuate their memories in our lives and to honor our Shipmates on active duty in the service of the first line of defense of our Nation.
USS SEAWOLF (SS 197) October 3, 1944
USS S-44 (SS 155) October 7, 1943
USS WAHOO (SS 238) October 11, 1943
USS DORADO (SS 248) October 12, 1943
USS ESCOLAR (SS 294) October 17, 1944
USS SHARK II (SS 314) October 24, 1944
USS DARTER (SS 227) October 24, 1944
USS TANG (SS 306) October 25, 1944
USS O-5 (SS 66) October 29, 1923
We also wish to remember our shipmates of the Requin Base: Jack Hart, Thomas Whalen, Eugene Camarota, John Clarkin and Charles Tolbert. Finally let us remember all the brave submariners who died performing their duties aboard submarines, some individually and some in groups, but where the submarine itself was not lost.
Chief Of The Boat Chip Porter led the Base in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members introduced themselves and the boats they qualified on.
Base Secretary Jeff Simon reported that Minutes of the June meeting were published in the SVD. With no objections, the minutes were approved as published.
Treasurer Lee Bookwalter gave an accounting of base assets, expenditures, and deposits are available upon request. With no objections, the report was approved.
Other Reports:
Binnacle List: James Hughes, Clair Bouts, Jude Myers
Membership stands at 226.
Storekeeper Frank Nicotra reported on available small stores including new items from National Storekeeper.
Chaplain Carl Stigers reported on Eagle Scouts presentations. A total of 55 presentations will be made this year.
Shipmate Joe Campisi reported on PA License Plate program.
Memorials, Ceremonies and Parades:
Submarine memorial dedication at Cemetery of the Alleghenies on October 21, 2017 at 1230 hours.
Veterans Day in Pittsburgh, Saturday November 11.
Social Events:
Navy Ball October 20, 1800 to 2300 hours, Harmar House in Cheswick PA. Two tables are reserved, 14 people have signed up to attend with 2 seats remaining. Contact Rick Elster if you wish to attend.
Christmas luncheon will be December 9th at the German Club.
Old Business:
Change of Command for Pittsburgh Navy recruiters was attended by base members.
Dues collection is underway.
Longevity pins were given to Peter Foster (5 years) and Jeff Simon (10 years).
New Business:
Bernie Sigler is appointed as Base Election Chairman
Efforts are underway to obtain WWII jeep siren for mounting on the Nautilus float.
Motion to spend $75 for three years Liability Insurance Policy was approved by the members present.
November base meeting is cancelled due to participation in the Veterans Day parade.
For The Good Of The Order:
President of the Lapon Association is available as a guest speaker. Cost and schedule to be discussed by the board.
United Way is making a donation to the base.
Several items being raffled at the base meetings will be awarded at the December meeting.
A donation will be given to the base memorial fund from the United Way.
Chaplain Carl Stigers gave the Benediction and blessing of today’s meal.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned.
Next meeting: December 9, 2017 1230 hours at Teutonia Mannerchor (German Club), 857 Phineas St., Pittsburgh PA 15212. Meeting starts at 1230 hours (Election, Tooling of the Boats, POW/MIA Ceremony). North Star Kids perform at 1400 hours. Members are encouraged to participate in a $10 gift exchange (male, female, generic). RSVP to Huey Dietrich.