Requin Base Meeting Minutes
May 13, 2017
Baden, PA
Base Commander Huey Dietrich called the meeting to order.
Attendees: Mike Allen, Carl & Carol Benson, Eric Bookmiller, Lee & Patsy Bookwalter, Clair & Nancy Bouts, George Brown, Tom & Deneen Calabrese, Ron Campbell, Joe & Jill Campisi, Huey & Edie Dietrich, Peter & Stephanie Foster, Rick & Judy Elster, Reno Farina, Dick & Beverly Geyer, Bob & Lynn Gourley, Bill & Donna Greenlee, Gary Gresh, Ric & Joan Guntang, Bat Masterson, JB & Sandra Messer, Bob & Judy Meyers, Frank Nicotra, Dave & Ann Sawin, Jeff & Eileen Simon, George Stass, Jack & Lois Stewart, Jack & Ginny Sutherin, Mike & Tina Wyckoff,
Base Commander Huey Dietrich: Quote of the day: “Dolphins, once pinned on your chest, leave a mark right over your heart”
History of the Requin: May 1, 1949 Requin sailed east for here first deployment with the Sixth Fleet. May 14 1949 arriving at Gibralter, Requin operated in the Mediterranean Sea. May 2 1955 Requin sailed for her 5th Mediterranean deployment. Detached at the end of July, she returned to Norfolk VA and remained on the east coast with cruises to the Caribbean until November 1957 when she resumed duty with the Sixth Fleet. May 28 1968 Requin departed Norfolk VA as part of search efforts for the missing nuclear attack submarine Scorpion SSN-589. May 24 1990 Requin was towed to Tampa Shipyard for dry docking and hull repairs in preparation for her move 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 LAGARTO (SS 371) May 3, 1945
USS SCORPION (SSN589) May 22, 1968
USS SQUALUS (SS 192) May 23, 1939 (Re-commissioned as USS SAILFISH (SS 192) 1940)
USS STICKELBACK (SS 415) May 30, 1958
We also remember our departed shipmates of the Requin Base Donald Trombolo, Ed Figas and Richard Tate. 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.
Base Secretary Jeff Simon 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. 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: Bob MacPherson, Gerry Gaylor, James Kontier
Membership stands at 228 making Requin the sixth largest base in USSVI and the largest located inland.
Storekeeper/Libraian Frank Nicotra has submarine veterans hats, USS Requin hats, Requin Base sub lead pencils and other items for sale.
Base Commander Huey Dietrich reported on Eagle Scouts presentations.
Shipmate Joe Campisi reported on PA License Plate program.
Memorials And Ceremonies:
USS Requin SS-481 will be inducted in the submarine hall of fame on May 19, 2017 in Norfolk, VA.
Memorial service on USS Requin, May 28th 0930 hours
Efforts for memorial in Cemetery of the Alleghenies were discussed.
Memorial Day remembrance ceremony, Homewood Cemetery, May 28th 1400 hours.
Parades:
Carnegie, PA May 28th 1400 hours
Sewickley, PA May 29th 1000 hours
Coraopolis, PA May 29th 1300 hours
Canonsburg, PA July 4th 1000 hours
Leetsdale, PA July 4th 1400 hours
Social Events:
Randy Vulakovich honored veterans of the 38th District
Gateway Clipper veterans boat ride, Monday to Friday June 5 through November 3
Navy Week June 19 through 25
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:
None
New Business:
Lunch at base meetings will now be $12 per person.
For The Good Of The Order:
Veterans Breakfast Club was discussed.
District Commander Election will be in June. A motion to nominate Huey Dietrich was approved by the members present.
Shipmate Peter Foster gave the Benediction and blessing of today’s meal.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned.
Next meeting: Columbian OH American Legion at 1230 hours on June 10, 2017.