Requin Base Meeting Minutes
August 12, 2017
Irwin, PA
Base Commander Huey Dietrich called the meeting to order.
Attendees: Mike Allen, Carl & Carol Benson, Eric & Marge Bookmiller, Lee & Patsy Bookwalter, Clair & Nancy Bouts, George Brown, Joe Campisi, Huey & Edie Dietrich, Rick & Judy Elster, Major & Loretta Galloway, Gerry & Linda Gaylor, Rick & Joan Guntang, Lou Hamil, James Kontier, Bob MacPherson, Vince Metz, Chip & Sharon Porter, Jeff & Eileen Simon, Carl Stigers, Jack & Ginny Sutherin, Mike & Tina Wyckoff,
Base Commander Huey Dietrich: Quote of the day: “Submariners are a bunch of intelligent misfits that somehow seem to get along, understand each other and work well together.”
Requin History: August 24, 1944 keel laid at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. August 14, 1945 two weeks after her arrival and three days before starting her first war patrol, WWII ended and the Requin was recalled and ordered back to the Atlantic. August 1, 1952 Requin was back in European waters, during September she visited the United Kingdom, then in October the submarine transited the Straits Of Gibraltar for regular 6th Fleet duty. August 15, 1959 upon her conversion to fleet snorkel configuration, the Requin was given hull classification SS 481 and rejoined Subron 6 in Norfolk VA for operations as a normal attack submarine, a role she retained until her decommissioning. August 7, 1990 Requin left International Ship Repair in Tampa FL under tow to Baton Rouge LA. August 11, 1990 Requin was lifted onto barges and began her ride up the Mississippi River and Ohio River to Pittsburgh PA.
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.
Boats Lost:
USS S 28 (SS 133) July 4, 1944
USS ROBALO (SS 273) July 26, 1944
USS GRUNION (SS 216) July 30, 1942
USS BULLHEAD (SS 332) August 6, 1945
USS FLIER (SS 250) August 13, 1944
USS S 39 (SS 144) August 16, 1942
USS HARDER (SS 257) August 24, 1944
USS COCHINO (SS 345) August 26, 1949
USS POMPANO (SS 181) August 29, 1943
We also wish to remember our shipmates of the Requin Base: Dex Armstrong, John Grienenberger, Neal Sever, Frank Gogul, John Irons, Louis Kleinlein, Ed Yoder, Joe Brenkus, Steve Kossler. Let us also remember the brave submariners who died performing their duties aboard submarines, some individually and some in groups, but where the submarine itself was not lost.
Chaplain Carl Stigers gave the Invocation.
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 and the Requin Base website. July meeting was cancelled. With no objections, the minutes were approved as published.
Treasurer Lee Bookwalter an accounting of base assets, expenditures, and deposits are available upon request. With no objections, the report was approved.
Eternal Patrol: Ed Covey, Robert Lindsay, Ron Shook, John Yaksich
Other Reports:
Binnacle List: Aaron Ellis, Bernie Sigler
Membership stands at 224.
Chaplain Carl Stigers reported on Eagle Scouts presentations.
Shipmate Joe Campisi reported on PA License Plate program.
Shipmate Vince Metz reported on purchase of Memorial Brick.
Shipmate Lou Hamil reported on the Traveling Wall memorial and static display of the Nautilus float
Memorials And Ceremonies:
Report was given on Canonsburg and Leetsdale parades
Efforts for memorial in Cemetery of the Alleghenies were discussed. Fund raising for memorial expenses are in process. Members wishing to contribute please contact Joe Campisi or Mike Allen.
Parades:
Veterans Day, Saturday November 11.
Social Events:
Change of Command Ceremony, Navy Recruiting District officers, September 22.
Navy Ball October 20, Harmar House in Cheswick PA. Two table are reserved, 12 people have signed up to attend with 4 seats remaining. First come first served, members must pay their own way. Contact Rick Elster if you wish to attend.
Old Business:
None
New Business:
VetTix is a website where veterans can get free tickets to major events.
For The Good Of The Order:
Veterans discount is given at the Lincoln Bakery in Bellevue, PA
There is a new menu for Base meetings.
Results of District Commanders election are in and Huey Dietrich has been reelected for another year.
Report on USS Pittsburgh activities was given.
Motion to donate $99 to the USS Scorpion 50th anniversary ceremony was approved by the members present.
Chaplain Carl Stigers gave the Benediction and blessing of today’s meal.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned.
Next meeting: Baden PA American Post 641 at 1230 hours on September 9, 2017.