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-In Memory of those on “Eternal Patrol”-
The Loss of the USS Thresher and USS Scorpion
On the morning of 10 April 1963, the Thresher proceeded to conduct sea trials
about 200 miles off the coast of Cape Cod. At 09:13 hours, the USS Skylark
received a signal indicating that the submarine was experiencing "minor
difficulties." Shortly afterward, the Skylark received a series of
garbled, undecipherable message fragments from the Thresher. At 0 9:18 hours,
the Skylark's sonar picked up the sounds of the submarine breaking apart. All
hands were lost -- 129 lives.
USS Thresher (SSN
593)
IN MEMORY OF THOSE ON FINAL PATROL
Lost 10 April 1963 / Crew of 129
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-t/ssn593.htm
(Source)
-Also, prior to the sea trials of the USS Sand Lance, the Scorpion was lost in 1968-
http://www.txoilgas.com/589.html
(Source)
Well time moved on ever so slowly so it seemed. and I personally became home
sick and had accumulated earned leave time that I promptly used to return
home and see my family. Prior to joining the Navy I had discussed getting
married to my then girlfriend and on my way off the boat to go home Senior
Chief Sonar Operator Gerry Pollard, Chief of the Boat remarked to me
“O’Neill, I don’t want to see you go home and get married young man, you get
back here safely and single you hear me?” “OK, Chief I replied, I’ll see you
when I get back.” Well making a long story short – about a week later I
telegraphed the boat and requested extended leave since I had done just eloped
and married my high school sweetheart.
Date May 09, 1970
I still have a copy of that Western Union telegram to this day. “Married on
May 09, 1970, requesting extended leave.” Needless to say, it was granted and
I had a little explaining to do I thought, upon my return to what the Chief
of the Boat (COB) had said. However all worked out in many ways then one. My
Wife and I have a wonderful family and raised 5 beautiful and loving
children. It was not without pain as we lost our oldest child Colleen
Lorraine, to meningitis and two other premature male children at 6 months of
development during pregnancy. We named the first Brian Scott, and the second
Brendan William. All three are at rest together in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in
Hanover, Pennsylvania.
Source: Personal
Memorabilia
-Away For Helmsman/Plainsmen Training-
While the Sand Lance continued to be constructed many of the crew had
individual training assignments to attend to, one such requirement was to
have qualified backup Helmsman and Plainsmen operators. These two functions
are responsible for the literal steering, diving and navigational control of
the submarine. My training for this crew role was conducted onboard the USS
Gato (SSN 615) pictured below.
USS Gato (SSN 615)
First Nuclear Submarine I was at sea on, 1970.
Helmsman/Plainsmen Training.
http://www.subnet.com/fleet/ssn615.htm
(Source)
-Chief Of Naval Operations 1971-Letter-
It was during this time in U.S. Navy History when a new style Chief of Naval
Operations took Command of the Naval Fleet. His Name was Admiral Elmo
Zumwaldt Jr. His personal philosophy was to openly communicate with every
member of the “New Navy”. So when I completed standing watch and assisting
with the check off and acceptance of the many newly installed shipboard
systems I found time to write Admiral Zumwaldt. His reply is contained
herein. I was an Enlisted Sailor who had made a case more coordinated family
leave time and starting what some would call today a “Mentoring Program”
whereby new enlisted personnel who expressed a desire to make the Navy a
Career would basically be taken under the guidance of a “Naval Officer
Mentor”. It would be the Officer Mentors role to coach, and provide a path of
advancement for Enlisted Sailors up through the ranks and eventually lead to
a Commissioned Officer role in the U.S. Navy.
In addition to personal communications to individual Naval Personnel The
Admiral was noted for Fleet wide communications called: “Z-Grams.” This was
his way of showing his open style of communications and quickly attempting to
alter the internal Naval Culture to a new more personal caring military life
where “Everyone” was appreciated and respected. It was, in my humble opinion
a battle that he would ultimately loose, for better or worse.
Admiral Elmo R.
("Bud") Zumwalt, Jr., USN (1920-2000)
19th Chief of Naval Operations, 1 July 1970 - 1 July 1974
Elmo Russell Zumwalt, Jr., was born in San Francisco, California, on 29
November 1920. Graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1942, with the
accelerated Class of '43, he served mainly in destroyers during World War II
and continued in surface ship assignments after the war. In 1950, Lieutenant
Commander Zumwalt received his first command, USS Tills (DE-748).
Subsequent commands included USS Arnold J. Isbell (DD-869), in
1955-57, and USS Dewey (DLG-14), in 1959-61.Promoted to the rank of
Captain in July 1961; Zumwalt attended the National War College and held
responsible headquarters positions in Washington, D.C., until receiving a
further promotion in July 1965. Rear Admiral Zumwalt then commanded Cruiser-Destroyer
Flotilla Seven and served in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He
became Commander Naval Forces, Vietnam in September 1968 and was promoted to
the rank of Vice Admiral shortly thereafter. On 1 July 1970, Admiral Zumwalt
received his fourth star and assumed the post of Chief of Naval Operations,
the youngest officer to hold that position. During the next four years, he
guided the Navy through a period of difficult personnel, fiscal,
technological, and operational challenges. Admiral Zumwalt retired from
active duty in July 1974. He was thereafter active in political, policy, and
business pursuits until his death on 2 January 2000.
Source: US News Magazine – Aol.com
-The Written Response Of The Chief of Naval Operations-
Source: Personal
Memorabilia
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