Requin Base Meeting Minutes
June 10, 2017
Columbiana, OH
Base Commander Huey Dietrich called the meeting to order.
Attendees: Mike Allen, James & Jennifer Beachler, Eric & Marge Bookmiller, Lee & Patsy Bookwalter, Clair & Nancy Bouts, George Brown, Ron Campbell, Joe Campisi, Huey & Edie Dietrich, Gerry & Linda Gaylor, Ric & Joan Guntang, Lou Hamil, James & Charleen List, Mike & Carmella Markel, Bat Masterson, James Messer & Lee Nickels, Vince Metz, Rick Nelson, Frank Nicotra, Chip & Sharon Porter, Jim & Sondra Schwarz, Jeff & Eileen Simon, Dick Simpson, Carl Stigers, Jack & Ginny Sutherin, Don & Dolly Tasky, Mike & Tina Wyckoff,
Base Commander Huey Dietrich: Quote of the day: “Think of it this way, where can you go to sea in the most awesome piece of equipment ever built, have great chow, outstanding shipmates, piss off Ivan and get paid for it”
History of the Requin: June 3rd following shakedown off the New England coast, USS Requin departed Portsmouth New Hampshire in route to Hawaii. June 30, 1949 soon after her return to New London CT, Requin was transferred to Norfolk VA for duty with Subron 6. Into the spring of 1950 she operated in the western Atlantic ranging from Nova Scotia to the West Indies. From June to August 1959, the Charleston Shipyard in South Carolina removed all Requin’s radar equipment making her more streamline. June 29, 1968 Requin was reclassified as AGS-481. June 30, 1971 Requin was reclassified as IXSS-481. June 17, 1972 Requin was transferred to Tampa Florida as a tourist attraction. She remained in the role until 1986 when she was closed down due to a lack of funding and support. For four years she remained abandoned at the pier.
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 HERRING (SS 233) June 1, 1944
USS R 12 (SS 89) June 12, 1943
USS GOLET (SS 361) June 14, 1944
USS BONEFISH (SS 223) June 18, 1945
USS S 27 (SS 132) June 19, 1942
USS O-9 (SS 70) June 20, 1941
USS RUNNER (SS 275) June 26, 1943
We also remember our departed shipmate of the Requin Base Bill Britt and George Heron. 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 last meeting were published in the SVD and the Requin Base website. 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.
Other Reports:
Binnacle List: Huey Dietrich, Jerry Gaylor, Bob MacPherson, James Kontier, Bernie Sigler
Membership stands at 228.
Storekeeper/Librarian Frank Nicotra has submarine veterans hats, USS Requin hats, Requin Base sub lead pencils and other items for sale.
Chaplain Carl Stigers reported on Eagle Scouts presentations.
Shipmate Joe Campisi reported on PA License Plate program.
Base Commander Huey Dietrich reported on Kap(ss)4Kid(ss)
Memorials And Ceremonies:
Vietnam Memorial Wall Ceremonies, Hampton PA Community Center, June 28-July 4. Motion to leave the Nautilus float on display with the memorial wall was approved by the members present.
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.
Parades:
Canonsburg, PA July 4th 1000 hours. Participants need to muster before 0815 hours at the Canonsburg VFW Post 191.
Leetsdale, PA July 4th 1400 hours
Social Events:
Gateway Clipper veterans boat ride, Monday to Friday June 5 through November 3
Navy Ball October 20, Harmar House in Cheswick PA. Two table are reserved, first eight shipmates to fill 16 seats. First come first served, members must pay their own way. Contact Rick Elster if you wish to attend.
Old Business:
Fish Rodeo was a great success.
Carnegie, Sewickley and Coraopolis parades were well attended by Base members.
Members reported on the Requin induction to the Submarine Hall Of Fame ceremony in Norfolk VA.
New Business:
Navy Week June 19 through 25
For The Good Of The Order:
New Holland Club members are Bruce Ladrie and Ed Cramer.
Letter from Sandra Stass was read.
Oxford Development Co. has a boiler operator position open.
Chaplain Carl Stigers gave the Benediction and blessing of today’s meal.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned.
Next meeting: Baden PA American Legion Post 641 at 1230 hours on July 8, 2017.