Requin Base Meeting Minutes
October 10, 2020
American Legion Baden, PA & Zoom
Base Commander Huey Dietrich called the meeting to order.
Attendees: Mike Allen, Lee Bookwalter, George Brown, Joe Campisi, Jason Deichler, Ed & Mary Jane Derr, Huey Dietrich, Rick Elster, Dick Geyer, Bob Gourley, Lou Hamill, Robert Lindsey, Bat Masterson, Frank Nicotra, Brian & Lola Peltier, Jeff Simon, Carl Stigers, Jack Sutherin, Mike Wyckoff
Base Commander Huey Dietrich: Quotes of the day: “Purpose of the Navy is to carry 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 exhibit 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, Salvatore Nigido, Eugene Camarota, Thomas Whalen, John Clarkin, Charles Tolbert, Lloyd Alfred, Charles Schwertfeger, Major Galloway, and Kato Davenport. 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.
Chaplain Carl Stigers gave the Invocation.
Members introduced themselves and the boats they qualified on.
Base Secretary Jeff Simon reported that Minutes of the previous base meeting were published in the SVD and on the Requin Base website. 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: Gwen Bushko, James Kontir
Membership stands at 201
Eternal Patrol: Kato Davenport
Storekeeper Frank Nicotra reported on small stores.
Shipmate Jim Metz is performing an Eagle Scout court of honor today.
Memorial And Ceremonies
All parades and ceremonies, including the Navy Ball, have been cancelled for the time being.
Dick Geyer reported on presentation of award and hat to Bob Watson.
Old Business:
Calendars won’t be here until the end of October and be sent out in November. Had to pay in advance. Prices will hold as last years. Dues notices have been sent out to the shipmates who do not want a calendar.
New Business:
Frank Hood and his brother authored the book “Poopy Suits And Cowboy Boots” which was recently designated as one of the best submarine books.
Navy Birthday Zoom conference will be held in lieu of the annual Navy Ball. Details will be emailed to the members.
Motion to fund new software for the Base website was approved by the members present.
For The Good Of The Order:
The Base is sponsoring the USS Idaho using monies previously approved. Communications from USS Idaho were read.
Chaplain Carl Stigers gave the Benediction and blessing of today’s meal.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned.
Next meeting: American Legion Baden PA at 1230 hours on November 14, 2020