Messages

1

New Member Introductions / Re: Hello to everyone Fact finding for a GATO class submarine

« on: March 04, 2011, 11:17:22 AM »

Since the pix of Mapiro didn't work, here is one of Hammerhead, another Manitowoc "EB" Balao, instead.
http://www.navsource.org/archives/08/0836506.jpg

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New Member Introductions / Re: Hello to everyone Fact finding for a GATO class submarine

« on: March 04, 2011, 11:03:08 AM »

That colorized photo at the beginning of the thread is not a GATO class.  It is a Balao class boat, EB design.  You can tell by the chariot style fairwater and the dimple extension in the fairwater (right side fwd on the fairwater) where the conning tower hatch is (Gatos did not have that feature).  The GATOs (which is what the other pictures are) has a higher bridge and by the end of the war most were cut down leaving vertical ribs showing, the so called 'covered wagon' effect.  Cobia was one of the boats that did not receive that mod, however.

That 'colorized' boat in my opinion, is shown in a post WWII configuration.  During 47-48, in an effort to streamline the boats in SubPac. on many the guns were removed and the fwd and after gun decks were trimmed back to remove the overhang. (some just fwd) in what was called a "Pearl Harbor" conversion.  This left a rather bare looking fleet boat, which is consistent with the colorized photo. 

Here is a link to a photo of MAPIRO on sea trials in Lake Michigan, a Manitowoc built "Balao" class boat, to compare to the first photo.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KZKtgQBJEn0/RuY520ag6JI/AAAAAAAAIf8/2jIDZvvIPlA/SUBMARINE%20USS%

Here is another link to a Gato class (USS Rasher running on Lake Michigan) to illustrate the difference.
http://www.wisconsinmaritime.org/typo3temp/pics/aebd302953.jpg

I'm not suggesting the colorized photo is of MAPIRO, it is just for comparison.

3

Museum Submarine Discussion / Re: Get your 2009 USSVI calendar featuring museum subs!

« on: July 25, 2008, 11:09:06 AM »

I am the Editor and Chuck Senior (LA-P Base) is the publisher.

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Museum Submarine Discussion / Re: Get your 2009 USSVI calendar featuring museum subs!

« on: July 25, 2008, 11:05:48 AM »

All the US Submarines on display appear in the calendar.  Twelve are the 'calendar girls', chosen for the quality and size of the photo available.  The remaining boats are displayed in smaller pix.  Also featured will be a map showing locations and a supplemental page showing Floats from some of the bases.

Which boats are featured?  Pampanito is on the cover.  For the rest, you'll just have to wait and see... 

The calendars will be available at the USSVI convention, and for pre-order through Huey Hahn starting Aug 1st.

5

Museum Submarine Discussion / Re: USS Marlin (SST-2)

« on: July 03, 2008, 05:26:23 PM »

From the USSVI Subvet news dated 5/18/2008

A bulletin from HSNA regarding Freedom Park, home of USS Marlin (USS T-2)

I have been advised by Mr. Dennis Bryers, who is a Landscape Architect and Park Planner with Omaha Parks, Recreation & Public Property Department, in Omaha, that the city of Omaha plans to reopen Freedom Park this coming Memorial Day Weekend.

Thanks to CRD Carl Schmidt, for sending along this information.

6

New Member Introductions / Reporting aboard as ordered

« on: June 28, 2008, 11:48:52 PM »

I've been periodically monitoring this board and am very glad to see so many shipmates interested in the preservation of our historic legacy, which is what these museum submarines are.  Getting more subvets interested in actively supporting the museum boats with elbow grease and treasure is and has been a goal of mine.

Since Dean shot up a flare and invited me to log in, I've dug out my round tuit and so here I am.

Those of us who are USSVI members have probably already noticed an uptick in the subvet news broadcast talking about our museum boats this year.  This is no accident.  I've personally been touring the various museum boats to get a better sense of what is going on 'on the ground' and doing some intercession between subvets and museums when things get tense.

As you will soon see, the 2009 USSVI calendar is going to be in FULL COLOR   and it will exclusively feature our museum subs.  It is not yet a 'done deal' but I've asked the board for their ok to put a portion of the sales proceeds towards the museum boat fund in our CF charitable foundation.

I've noticed a lot of chatter about USSVI doing this or not doing that.  There is something that needs to be clearly understood by all.  USSVI as a national organization is a confederation of chapters who operate under the rules of our constitution and bylaws, but beyond that are free to pursue their own goals and objectives.  No member or base is compelled to do anything the national organization tells them to do.  Our national authority flows from the force of good ideas and persuasion.  I've been intimately acquainted with membership issues for quite some time and the truth is, we have in effect 70% of our total membership who are magazine subscribers, that that is the extent of their involvement.  We have another approx 20% who will get involved in issues that  'float their boat'.  There is another 10% who talk a good game but never find their 'round tuits' when the rubber hits the road.  That's reality, and we have to deal with it.  To be effective, we must appeal to those things that bind us together, and minimize our points of disagreement.  We are a fraternal organization, after all.  As in every walk of life, we have boneheads and bigots, cranky curmudgeons and we also have incredibly dedicated and hardworking shipmates who believe in our creed and work to fulfill it.

There is no point fretting about the money being donated toward scholarships.  The members are speaking with their dollars.  They want to do this and there is nothing wrong with this generous impulse.  If we are to raise more money for museum boats, you need to start a grass roots movement, preferably coordinated, to raise the conciousness of our membership to the value of these historic beauties and explain why it is a good thing to contribute time, money and effort to keep them in good shape. 

This is the path I am on, and I invite you to work with me to make it happen.