Thursday, December 31, 2015
WORLD WAR II CREWMEN
Did you know - one out of every five submarine crewmen in World War II never returned?
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Friday, December 11, 2015
HEROES BENEATH THE WAVES: Book Signing
LODGE AT RIVER BEND PARK
BOOK SIGNING: FRIDAY AFTERNOON, DECEMBER 18-(2-5)
HEROES BENEATH THE WAVES: SUBMARINE STORIES OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY By Mary Nida Smith.
USSVI Submarine Veterans Base of Mountain Home founded by Robert Buschbacker provided stories and pictures, plus many others across America shared war and peace time stories of how it was, and is, to live below the sea encountering the unknown. Few people know what a huge part the USS Submarine Service provides in protecting us and our freedom. Smith’s husband CPO Melvin Smith, served 16 years in submarines and 5 years in anti-submarine helicopters. He served, starting at seventeen in WWII, Korea and Viet Nam.http://submarinestories.blogspot.com.
Mary Nida Smith is a freelance writer, poet, artist, photographer and lifetime member USSVI Subvettes, Ladies of U.S. Subvets, several artist clubs, Ozarks Regional Arts Council Historian, Ozarks Writers League, Friends of the Library and founder of the Twin Lakes Writers. http://marynidasmith.blogspot.com
Location map at www.retiretoriverbend.com/contact us Information 1-870-471-0064 - Coffee while we visit A couple blurbs from the book.
Heroes Beneath the Waves: Submarine Stories of the Twentieth Century Submarine by Mary Nida Smith
Heroes Beneath the Waves: Submarine Stories of the Twentieth Century Submarine by Mary Nida Smith
USS
Boarfish (SS-327) William Dreher: The captain ordered
full speed ahead, hoping to reach the cove before daybreak. They reached the
cove safely and stayed submerged in approximately eighty feet of water. The
executive officer asked the captain how he planned on getting out with the
escorts blocking the exit. He replied, “I don’t plan on getting out. Those two
ships are worth more to the war effort than this old submarine.”
They sat there in what is known as “silent running.”
Everything was shut down except emergency lights, and one-third of the crew was
at their stations. It was difficult for the other two-thirds of the crew to
wait it out, for they had nothing to do to distract their minds from thinking
of the danger. (Page 8-9)
USS
Guavina (SS-363) Marion Shinn: “Words cannot express
the feelings and emotions that surged through my mind while waiting helplessly.
Many of the crew stretched out motionless on the deck on their departments.
From my position only, the men in the forward torpedo room and ward room were
visible. Some were emotionless, but most had a look of fear on their faces. One
man sat down on the floor and started to giggle, but soon brought it under
control. (Page 14)
HEROES BENEATH THE SEAS, FOR STUDENTS
STUDENTS/SCHOOLS Heroes Beneath the Waves: Submarine Stories of the Twentieth Century, is an ideal history book for students to learn and research how important submarines are for spying, transporting, and rescuing without the world knowing. The seas hold many secrets. Students will learn what training the submariners had to acquire to qualify, and how the crew lived and survived. Many young men starting at the age of seventeen signed-up, but few were chosen. Pets aboard were important to many, for this was their first time away from home.
STUDENTS/SCHOOLS Heroes Beneath the Waves: Submarine Stories of the Twentieth Century, is an ideal history book for students to learn and research how important submarines are for spying, transporting, and rescuing without the world knowing. The seas hold many secrets. Students will learn what training the submariners had to acquire to qualify, and how the crew lived and survived. Many young men starting at the age of seventeen signed-up, but few were chosen. Pets aboard were important to many, for this was their first time away from home.
Monday, December 7, 2015
Pearl Harbor Remembered
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony ~
"December 7, 1941, a date that will live in infamy ..."
USSVI Groton Base will conduct a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony at the WWII Submarine Veterans Memorial East in Groton commencing just a few minutes before 1:00 pm Monday, December 7, 2015.
Chaplain Jack Gallimore will conduct the service.
A saluting battery will be conducted during the ceremony.
A saluting battery will be conducted during the ceremony.
Open to the Public ... Hope to see you there.
We ask all to be there no later than 12:45 pm.
We ask all to be there no later than 12:45 pm.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Heroes Beneath the Waves: Submarine Stories of the 20th Century by Mary Nida Smith is dedicated to the love of her life, Chief Melvin T. Smith.
Navy Hymn for Submariners Chief Melvin T. Smith, STC (SS)USN-RET who served aboard the USS Snapper (SS-185), USS Quillback (SS-424), USS Sea Leopard (SS-484),USS Sennet (SS-408), and the USS Sea Fox (SS-402), went on his last patrol the 14 of November 2015.http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/mary-nida-smith
Thursday, December 3, 2015
USSVI GROTON BASE
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony ~
"December 7, 1941, a date that will live in infamy ..."
USSVI Groton Base will conduct a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony at the WWII Submarine Veterans Memorial East in Groton commencing just a few minutes before 1:00 pm Monday, December 7, 2015.
Chaplain Jack Gallimore will conduct the service.
A saluting battery will be conducted during the ceremony.
A saluting battery will be conducted during the ceremony.
Open to the Public ... Hope to see you there.
We ask all to be there no later than 12:45 pm.
We ask all to be there no later than 12:45 pm.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Book Signing Mary Nida Smith
Heroes Beneath the Waves: True Submarine Stories of the Twentieth Century
Author Book Sale and Signing Holiday Event
Event Type: Adults
Date: 12/5/2015
Start Time: 1:00 PM
End Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Knox Rooms A+B+Great Hall
Description: Author signing event and book sale.
Other: The Library will showcase authors at this holiday book sale and signing event. Meet neighbors who are authors and have them autograph your purchases. Books make great gifts, so shop locally and support talented authors! Authors: please register for booth space beginning November 1. No charge. Space will be available on a 1st come 1st served basis.
I'll be there, join me. Donald W. Reynolds Library Serving Baxter County http://submarinestories.blogspot.com
Author Book Sale and Signing Holiday Event
Event Type: Adults
Date: 12/5/2015
Start Time: 1:00 PM
End Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Knox Rooms A+B+Great Hall
Description: Author signing event and book sale.
Other: The Library will showcase authors at this holiday book sale and signing event. Meet neighbors who are authors and have them autograph your purchases. Books make great gifts, so shop locally and support talented authors! Authors: please register for booth space beginning November 1. No charge. Space will be available on a 1st come 1st served basis.
I'll be there, join me. Donald W. Reynolds Library Serving Baxter County http://submarinestories.blogspot.com
Saturday, November 28, 2015
USS Sennet SS-408 FTG2(SS)
Robert M. Fay
passed Thursday, Nov 12, 2015. He was bornOct 24, 1941 to Jewel and Robert Fay (both deceased). Survived by childrenTrina Malinak, Dana DeBuck, and Kelly Fay, their mother MaryEllen Hall;stepchildren Lauri (deceased), Karen, Bethany, Andy, their mother Carol Fay(deceased); sisters Anna Bass, Rochelle Lindsey, Jan Copes, and Rose-Marie Fay;numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousin. After 4 years in the USNavy, Bob received a Naval Scholarship to TheUniversityof Texas. After graduation, he was commissioned and returned to submarineservice. After leaving the Navy, he became a licensed Ship Master, laterworking offshore piloting boats in the gas/oil industry near AK and LA coast.Never able to get the salt water out of his veins, he returned to San Leon andbecame involved in the South Houston High School Alumni activities, was activewith the Crew DuRouge Madi Gras celebration, and Pasadena Kids Night Out.Memorial service will be held at the American Legion #0521 @ 2221 Preston Ave. Pasadena TX. Nov 30, 2015, noon. In lieuof flowers, make a donation to SHHS Alumni Assoc. 3820 S. Shaver S Houston, TX77587.
USS Sennet SS-408 FTG2(SS) 1960-62
USS Sea Robin SS-407 LTjg 1966-68
Friday, November 27, 2015
Heroes Beneath the Waves: Submarine Stories of the Twentieth Century
Author Book Sale and Signing Holiday Event
Event Type: Adults
Date: 12/5/2015
Start Time: 1:00 PM
End Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Knox Rooms A+B+Great Hall
Description: Author signing event and book sale.
Other: The Library will showcase authors at this holiday book sale and signing event. Meet neighbors who are authors and have them autograph your purchases. Books make great gifts, so shop locally and support talented authors! Authors: please register for booth space beginning November 1. No charge. Space will be available on a 1st come 1st served basis.
I'll be there, join me. Donald W. Reynolds Library Serving Baxter County
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Heroes Beneath the Waves:
Mary Nida Smith's Heroes Beneath the Waves: Submarine Stories of the 20th Century! http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/pass-on-the-word-that-mary-nida-smiths-book-heroes-beneath-the-waves-submarine-stories-of-the-20th-century-is-now-available
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Melvin Tolbert Smith STC (SS) USN-RET Found Peace on this Day.
Chief Melvin T. Smith, STC (SS)USN-RET Sailed his last journey to be with our Lord - 11/15/2015.
Monday, November 9, 2015
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Heroes Beneath the Waves... has been released
My book, has been released, check out Mary Nida Smith Facebook.
Sailor, Rest Your Oars.
Sailor, Rest Your Oars. God Bless you and
thank you for your service.
Subject: Tuesday Obit
SVWWII-L-03431
(Bay State West Chapter, MA)
ALDRICH,
Walter Scott, Jr., died Sunday, Nov.
1, 2015, at the Center for Extended Care in Amherst. He was born April 16,
1924, to Walter Scott, Sr., and Doris (Campbell) Aldrich in Pelham. He was
raised in Pelham and attended Amherst regional schools and left high school to enlist
in the US
Navy. He proudly served aboard the submarine USS Sea Fox (SS-402) [Plankowner]. In 1942, Walter
married Rosetta Jacque. He and his brother Ray founded Aldrich Auto Supply in
Amherst in 1959. He held many positions including second class engineer at the
University of Massachusetts Amherst and chief engineer at the Holyoke Soldiers
Home. He was also a member of the Pelham Church, U.S. Submarine Veterans,
U.S. American Legion, Holland Club, and the Variety Club of New England.
Walter is predeceased by his wife Rosetta in 2006, his son James Aldrich in
1998, and his brother Raymond Aldrich in 2015. He is survived by his son
Jeffrey Aldrich and his wife Lorraine of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina;
his two daughters, Donna Boston of Chicopee, and Janet Keegan and her husband
Kim of Sunderland; his brother Donald Aldrich and his wife Shirley of Port
Charlotte, Florida; his sister Joan Yorke of York, Maine; nine grandchildren;
and seven great-grandchildren. Calling hours will be Thursday, Nov. 5, from 9
to 11 a.m. at the Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst. A graveside service with
military honors will follow at the Pelham Valley Cemetery in Pelham. Donations may
be made to Shriners Hospital for Children , 516 Carew St.,
Springfield, MA 01104. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other
obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.
Published in Daily Hampshire Gazette on Nov. 3, 2015
Thursday, October 29, 2015
USS Snapper, USS Sea Fox,USS Sennet, USS Quillback, USS Sea Leopard and HS-7
 |
| Melvin T. Smith served in WWII, Korea and Viet Nam |
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
HEROES BENEATH THE WAVES: TRUE SUBMARINE STORIES OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY by Mary Nida Smith. PRE-ORDER MY BOOK AT
Walmart, Amazon, bokus.com, Total Library Solutions, NewSouth Books, Barnes & Noble, BAM, Powell's Books, book stores and the publisher http://skyhorsepublishing.com - Pre-orders only. Release date November 2015. Skyhorse Publishing – Jeanie Loiacono, Agent
The unbelievable stories of the heroic men who sailed under the sea.
In Heroes Beneath the Waves, many brave men who rode submarines to great depths and across the oceans into unknown territory share their experiences, fears, and thoughts. They allow us to travel back in time through their memories. Trained for years to keep silent—for “loose lips sink ships”—many still believe what they know to be classified and refuse to disclose even the minutest of recollections. Others, however, want to leave a legacy of reminiscences for people to learn and live by—to know that freedom is not free.
Some stories will never be told. Held within the secret confines of their souls, these deep sea veterans block them out for self-perseverance. Yet, there are others who will never escape their own minds; they relive their underwater experiences over and over with eyes open or shut.
Heroes Beneath the Waves is about teenage boys who left farms, small towns, and inner cities to defend the United States and democracy worldwide. Signing up for United States Navy submarine duty was an adventure of a lifetime during the early 1940s. Dreams of torpedoing Japanese and German ships and subs consumed their thoughts. Those who returned home as young men were older and wiser. Heroes Beneath the Waves was written to honor these men—gallant heroes—who served and are serving today on submarines.
In Heroes Beneath the Waves, many brave men who rode submarines to great depths and across the oceans into unknown territory share their experiences, fears, and thoughts. They allow us to travel back in time through their memories. Trained for years to keep silent—for “loose lips sink ships”—many still believe what they know to be classified and refuse to disclose even the minutest of recollections. Others, however, want to leave a legacy of reminiscences for people to learn and live by—to know that freedom is not free.
Some stories will never be told. Held within the secret confines of their souls, these deep sea veterans block them out for self-perseverance. Yet, there are others who will never escape their own minds; they relive their underwater experiences over and over with eyes open or shut.
Heroes Beneath the Waves is about teenage boys who left farms, small towns, and inner cities to defend the United States and democracy worldwide. Signing up for United States Navy submarine duty was an adventure of a lifetime during the early 1940s. Dreams of torpedoing Japanese and German ships and subs consumed their thoughts. Those who returned home as young men were older and wiser. Heroes Beneath the Waves was written to honor these men—gallant heroes—who served and are serving today on submarines.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Sam LaGrone, U.S. Naval
Institute News, Oct 21
The Navy is
investigating adding an anti-ship missile to its submarine force – bringing it in
line with the majority of the world naval submarines, the director of Naval
Reactors said on Wednesday.
In response
to a question from the audience at the 2015 Naval Submarine League Symposium,
Adm. Frank Caldwell said the Navy was exploring adding the capability to the
fleet.
“For this
audience, I’ll tell you we are considering that and we are taking some steps to
delivering that kind of capability to our submarine force and I can’t really
say any more than that,” he said.
The U.S.
submarine fleet did use the UGM-84A Harpoon anti-ship missile but that Harpoon
variant was retired in 1997. The current primary attack submarines is the
anti-ship weapon is Mk 48 heavy torpedo and is limited in its range relative to
anti-ship missiles developed and deployed with foreign navies.
In
particular, Russian and Chinese submarines field a variety of anti-ship
missiles with ranges that far exceed the Mk-48s.
For
example, the emerging Chinese YJ-18 supersonic anti-ship cruise missile,
capable of launching from a People Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) attack boat has
an estimated range in excess of 300 miles. Likewise, Russia’s newer Oscar-class
attack boats field the supersonic P-700 Granit – known by NATO as the SS-N-19
Shipwreck – with a more than 300-mile range.
For the U.S.
submarine fleet it makes sense to return anti-ship missiles to boats to provide
a greater standoff range for the force, Eric Wertheim – naval analyst and
author of U.S. Naval Institute’s Combat Fleets of the World – told USNI News on
Wednesday.
“When you
look at potential combat operations and you can see how an anti-submarine
missile from a sub could prove useful,” Wertheim said. “I do think it would add
options to today’s submarine fleet to operate farther from high threat
environments. Standoff capability adds a lot of options for military
commanders.”
If the U.S.
elects to include anti-ship missiles in its submarines there are several
options to choose from beyond the legacy Harpoons.
The
Norwegian company Kongsberg – that recently partnered with Raytheon – unveiled
a subsurface launched version of its Naval Strike Missile in 2014. Lockheed
Martin’s Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) being developed for DARPA is
currently air launched, but Lockheed has examined firing the missile from a
surface ship and it could likely be adapted for submarine use.
Additionally,
U.S. attack submarines all field Raytheon Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM).
Earlier this year, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) tested a Block IV TLAM as
an anti-ship missile.
“If you have
Tomahawks already onboard then it could be dual purpose [land attack or
anti-ship],” Wertheim said.
Studying a
sub-launched ASM conforms to an overall trend in the Navy in the last few years
to empathize high-end warfare after years of supporting the low intensity
conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Mary Nida Smith, is sorry she hasn't been updating her post. Her husband who served in submarine for 16 years and anti-submarine helicopters for 5 and served in WWII, Viet Nam and the Korea War has been in and out of the hospital. He will be 90 January 2, 2016. He has two stories in her book and his interesting career is the inspiration for writing and publishing her two books - Submarine Stories of World War II and Heroes beneath The Waves: True Submarine Stories of the Twentieth Century. Release day for the last book is November 17th and can be ordered at several locations on the internet. Thank you for your patience.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Friday, September 11, 2015
US Navy - HullNumber.com VIETNAM Special Edition
Newsletter
50 YEARS AGO - The Big Build Up in Vietnam
Thru the Spring and Summer of 1965 US troops in Vietnam
rose from approx. 25,000 to 183.000. The
US Navy began stationing two carriers at Yankee Station and one at Dixie
Station. Interdiction of costal shipping
started along with construction of Naval Facilites by the SeaBees.
----- ALL HANDS Magazine -
Vietnam: On Scene Reports - MAR 1966 :
-----109 Vietnam ALL HANDS Articles are posted at:
-----TONKIN GULF YACHT CLUB .com
Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club is underway. Tonkin Gulf Yacht
Club is SUB-Website of Hullnumber.com, concentrating on the 927 US Navy Ships,
Subs and Air Squadrons that operated in the Vietnam Theater between 1950 and
1975:
-----Never forget our fellow Veterans sacrifices.
With the youngest Vietnam Veterans now turning 60, I
thank them all for their service to our country and for their contributions
since.
If you know a Vietnam Vet let them know they are
appreciated.
----- SUPPORT HULLNUMBER .COM
Rocker = U.S.S. SEA FOX
Rating = SONARMAN
----- LINKS TO YOUR COMMAND ROSTER PAGE(S) ARE:
---My best wishes to All Hands on your end,
Dave Schultz - Web PO
--- HullNumber.com sends a Spring and Fall E-Letter to keep
members current on developments.
Filipinos WWII Military Service
http://filipinos-ww2usmilitaryservice.tripod.com/index.html A very interesting website.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
VETERANS DAY PARADE
NEWS-01: 2015 NYC Veterans Day Parade
Submitted by: William C. Andrea on 9/3/2015
------------------------------------------------------
All Hands:
USSVI has been invited to
participate in the 2015 New York City Veterans Day Parade. This will be our
fifth year of participating. The parade always takes place on Veterans Day,
rain or shine. For a complete overview of the parade, go to http://americasparade.org/
. In order to coordinate with the parade organizers, we need to get the
approximate number of participants, and a firm number of float participants.
Please consider joining our ranks and promoting the United States Submarine
Service and USSVI in this monumental event. Please contact me as soon as
possible by email (wcandrea@bellsouth.net)
or phone (561-790-1287 or 561-389-3032) I will also be at the National
Convention in Pittsburgh, so you may also contact me there if you are attending
also. If you plan on marching or bringing a float: I will need to submit float
information, including make & model of towing vehicle, approximate length of
towing vehicle and float, and brief description of float. All vehicles must
have proof of registration and insurance upon request and all drivers must be
legally licensed for the vehicle they will be driving. Floats are especially important, as they are
real crowd pleasers and attention grabbers Please don’t drag your feet on this one. There are thousands of
participants, and the parade organizers need as much time as possiblehe lineup,
staging, police, security, etc. Contact me at the above email or phone #’s for questions or info. Let’s make USSVI shine, and I hope to
see you in New York.
Bill Andrea, NJVC
Monday, September 7, 2015
Sunday, September 6, 2015
BOOKS-A-MILLION Heroes Beneath the Waves
Heroes Beneath the Waves : True Submarine Stories of the Twentieth Century
Overview - The unbelievable stories of the heroic men who sailed under the sea.
In "Heroes Beneath the Waves," many brave men who rode submarines to great depths and across the oceans into unknown territory share their experiences, fears, and thoughts. They allow us to travel back in time through their memories. Read more...
In "Heroes Beneath the Waves," many brave men who rode submarines to great depths and across the oceans into unknown territory share their experiences, fears, and thoughts. They allow us to travel back in time through their memories. Read more...
PRE-ORDER NOW:
This item will ship on November 3, 2015. If you order this item now, it will not delay the rest of your order.
FREE Shipping for Club Members
Not a member? Join Today!
This item will ship on November 3, 2015. If you order this item now, it will not delay the rest of your order.
FREE Shipping for Club Members
Not a member? Join Today!
More About Heroes Beneath the Waves by Mary Nida Smith
Overview
The unbelievable stories of the heroic men who sailed under the sea.
In "Heroes Beneath the Waves," many brave men who rode submarines to great depths and across the oceans into unknown territory share their experiences, fears, and thoughts. They allow us to travel back in time through their memories. Trained for years to keep silentfor loose lips sink ships many still believe what they know to be classified and refuse to disclose even the minutest of recollections. Others, however, want to leave a legacy of reminiscences for people to learn and live byto know that freedom is not free.
Some stories will never be told. Held within the secret confines of their souls, these deep sea veterans block them out for self-perseverance. Yet, there are others who will never escape their own minds; they relive their underwater experiences over and over with eyes open or shut.
"Heroes Beneath the Waves" is about teenage boys who left farms, small towns, and inner cities to defend the United States and democracy worldwide. Signing up for United States Navy submarine duty was an adventure of a lifetime during the early 1940s. Dreams of torpedoing Japanese and German ships and subs consumed their thoughts. Those who returned home as young men were older and wiser. "Heroes Beneath the Waves" was written to honor these mengallant heroeswho served and are serving today on submarines.
"
In "Heroes Beneath the Waves," many brave men who rode submarines to great depths and across the oceans into unknown territory share their experiences, fears, and thoughts. They allow us to travel back in time through their memories. Trained for years to keep silentfor loose lips sink ships many still believe what they know to be classified and refuse to disclose even the minutest of recollections. Others, however, want to leave a legacy of reminiscences for people to learn and live byto know that freedom is not free.
Some stories will never be told. Held within the secret confines of their souls, these deep sea veterans block them out for self-perseverance. Yet, there are others who will never escape their own minds; they relive their underwater experiences over and over with eyes open or shut.
"Heroes Beneath the Waves" is about teenage boys who left farms, small towns, and inner cities to defend the United States and democracy worldwide. Signing up for United States Navy submarine duty was an adventure of a lifetime during the early 1940s. Dreams of torpedoing Japanese and German ships and subs consumed their thoughts. Those who returned home as young men were older and wiser. "Heroes Beneath the Waves" was written to honor these mengallant heroeswho served and are serving today on submarines.
"
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