HAPPY BIRTHDAY
The “Submarine Force Birthday” is April 11. Holland VI was purchased by the U.S. government for the sum of $150,000 on 11 April 1900 from John Phillip Holland's Holland Torpedo Boat Company. She was considered to be the first truly successful craft of her type. Holland VI was modified after her christening, and was renamed USS Holland (SS-1) when she was commissioned. The United States Government soon ordered more submarines from Holland's company, which became the Electric Boat company. These boats were to be known as the Plunger class. These became America's first fleet of underwater naval vessels.
Some Submariners consider April 11 to be "Wear Your Dolphins to Work Day."

VETERANS CRISIS LINE
Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?
Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. It is confidential and available every day, 24/7.
Click on the picture, above, to go to the VETERANS CRISIS LINE.

ASSM PAVER INSTALLATION
The Arizona Silent Service Memorial (ASSM) finances the cost of continuing maintenance by donations, challenge coin sales and sales of paver bricks.
Go to the ASSM website to purchase pavers.
On Saturday, April 10, 2021, Perch Base members added new pavers to the Memorial, in preparation for the official ASSM Dedication Ceremony, scheduled for the following Saturday.
Additionally, the ASSM artist, Nate Decker, was onsite to do some "touch-up" work on the Monument.
Note the Missile Tech with the hammer! View more details and pictures HERE.

NEW OFFICER INSTALLATION
Congratulations to Carl Miner, our new Base Vice Commander.
The recent installation of George Woods as our new Perch Base Commander resulted in a vacancy in his previous position as our Vice Commander.
Carl Miner replaced George as our Vice Commander and took his Oath of Office at our April 10, 2021, meeting. The photos show Carl, on right, taking his Oath of Office from Vic Van Horn, the USSVI Western Region Director, on left, while our Perch Base Commander, George Woods looks on from the center.
Thanks, Carl, for your previous service as our Chief of the Boat (COB)!
Our previous Membership Chairman, Jim Andrews, has accepted the appointment as our new Chief of the Boat.

Lest we forget to perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. . .
58 years ago, on April 10, 1963, the USS Thresher (SSN-593) sailed off into history on her final and eternal patrol.
Lost on April 10, 1963 with the loss of 112 crew members and 17 civilian technicians during deep-diving exercises. 15 minutes after reaching test depth, she communicated with USS Skylark that she was having problems. Skylark heard noises "like air rushing into an air tank" - then, silence. Rescue ship Recovery (ASR-43) subsequently recovered bits of debris, including gloves and bits of internal insulation. Photographs taken by Trieste proved that the submarine had broken up, taking all hands on board to their deaths in 1,400 fathoms of water, some 220 miles east of Boston.
SAILORS, REST YOUR OAR! YOUR WATCH HAS ENDED.
Your Brothers of the 'Phin Have the Watch.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmates.

Visit the Perch Base Eternal Patrol page.

EXTRA, EXTRA! Read all about it!
The new MidWatch newsletter is published. Click HERE to read the new issue.

VACCINES FOR VETS
Our Perch Base Life and Holland Club member and Base Event Coordinator, Don Unser, was at the Phoenix VA hospital on Tuesday, March 23rd and they were accepting walk-ins for vaccinations. They are for anyone who is a vet regardless of the age group. Even as you walk into the hospital they are offering shots to people. There was no waiting and it went super smoothly.
So if you're a veteran and haven’t received your vaccine you may want to head on over there. They use the Pfizer vaccine.
The expanded program includes all Veterans, their spouses and caregivers, including Veterans who are not eligible to enroll in VA health care.

UNITED ARIZONA VETERANS
Jim Denzien is our Perch Base representative to the United Arizona Veterans (UAV.) Jim is looking for an alternate.
The UAV meets monthly, and Jim stated that all future meetings through the end of 2022 will be ZOOM meetings, so little effort is required.
We haven’t had an alternate since Lou Reynolds went on Eternal Patrol.
If you are interested, or want to know more, contact Jim or one of our Base Officers.

CHANGE OF COMMAND
Congratulations to George Woods, our new Base Commander.
George is shown, above, taking his Oath of Office at our March 13, 2021, meeting, from our now Past Commander, Howard Doyle, who has been our Base Commander since he stepped in to complete the term of Richard Kunze when he passed on to Eternal Patrol in August 2017. Thanks, Howard, for your service!
View more photos HERE.
As stated in Flash Traffic 3-3-2021, with George Woods becoming the new Base Commander, we need to fill the vacated Vice Commander office for the remainder of his term.
Nominations are now being called for and will be accepted upon the written consent of the nominee that they accept the nomination and will serve if elected.
The Secretary shall ensure all candidates are Regular Members in good standing, with the election being held at the April 10 regular Base meeting.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact any Perch Base officer.

DISTRICT COMMANDER ELECTION
In an uncommon alignment of the sun, moon and planets, four past Western District 1 (AZ, NM) Commanders were in attendance at the October 10, 2020, Perch Base USSVI meeting.
(l-r) Jack Messersmith, Jim Denzien, Dennis Ottley and Vic Van Horn.
Dennis has been filling the District Commander position since the previous District Commander (Our Perch Base member Vic Van Horn) was elected as the Western Regional Director. The election of a new District Commander (or perhaps re-election of Dennis, if he runs) is now open for nominations. The detailed requirements for the position and how to nominate a candidate can be viewed HERE.
In summary, the basic requirements are that the Regional Director or any regular member in good standing within a District may nominate any other regular member in good standing living within the same District for District Commander of that District provided that: 1. The Nominee is currently serving or has previously served as a Base officer. Currently serving District Commanders are eligible to continue to serve in their positions, irrespective of this requirement. 2. The nomination is accompanied by a letter from the Nominee indicating that they have read and understand the requirements of the position and indicating their willingness to accept the nomination and willingness to serve, if elected. 3. The Nomination Letter includes details of the Nominee’s qualifications in less than one hundred (100) words.

Lou Reynolds Eternal Patrol
Perch Base Life Member and Holland Club Member Lou Reynolds departed on Eternal Patrol on February 3, 2021. Lou was a dual member of both Perch Base and White Mountain Base. Our condolences to Beulah, and the rest of the family.
Lou joined the Navy in 1943. His first submarine assignment was as a Radioman (RMSN) on a Sub Relief Crew and assigned to the USS Hackleback (SS‑295) in 1944 which was also his qual boat.
Lou also served on the USS Sawfish (SS‑276) and the USS Apogon (SS‑308) in 1946, the USS Blenny (SS‑324) in 1947, and the USS Tilefish (SS‑307) from 1951 to 1952, prior to his discharge as a RMN2(SS) in 1952.
A Celebration of Life service for Lou Reynolds was held February 23rd at Thompson Funeral Home and followed by the Interment later that day.
Read more about Lou and view more pictures in the full Eternal Patrol Notice HERE.
SAILOR, REST YOUR OAR! YOUR WATCH HAS ENDED.
Your Brothers of the 'Phin Have the Watch.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmate.

CONGRATULATIONS TO CHUCK LUNA!
Congratulations to our Midwatch Editor, Chuck Luna, on the Perch Base Midwatch Newsletter being awarded the Class I Second Runner Up Award.
The awards are normally presented at the National Convention, but since the 2020 National Convention in Tucson was postponed, it took quite a while for this award to catch up to us.

Gene Luellig Eternal Patrol
We are sad to report that Perch Base Life and Holland Club member Daniel E. (Gene) Luellig, EMCS(SS) (ret) went on Eternal Patrol on February 23, 2020.
Our condolences to his wife Gail and other members of the family.
Gene's first boat in 1964, and his qual boat, was the USS Bream (AGSS‑243). It then appears that he became a nuke electrician and was assigned aboard the USS Patrick Henry (SSBN‑599). His next boat was the USS Bergall (SSN‑667) from 1968 to 1969, which would place him as a plankowner on the commissioning crew. Gene was also on the commissioning crew of the USS Guitarro (SSN‑665) from 1969 to 1971. He next served on the USS Archerfish (SSN‑678) from 1971 to 1976. He made Chief Electrician Mate during construction of the USS La Jolla, (SSN‑701) from 1979 to 1980 and ultimately Senior Chief Electrician Mate prior to his retirement in 1983.
View the full Eternal Patrol Notice HERE.
SAILOR, REST YOUR OAR! YOUR WATCH HAS ENDED.
Your Brothers of the 'Phin Have the Watch.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmate.

Bob Lents Eternal Patrol
We are sad to report that Perch Base Life and Holland Club member and SVWWII member Robert Wayne Lents went on Eternal Patrol at the age of 99 on November 23, 2020.
Our condolences to his wife Carolyn and other members of the family.
Shipmate Robert C. "Bob" Lents, was believed to be the sole surviving member of the crew of USS PERCH (SS‑176), our Perch Base namesake. The USS Perch was forced to scuttle herself after being mortally wounded in a depth charge attack. All crew members were picked up by the Japanese, and sent to Prisoner of War camps. Six crew members of USS Perch (SS‑176) died as Prisoners of War.
View the full Eternal Patrol Notice HERE.
SAILOR, REST YOUR OAR! YOUR WATCH HAS ENDED.
Your Brothers of the 'Phin Have the Watch.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmate.

Gilbert Veterans Day
Eight Perch Base members brought the USS Phoenix (SSN-702) to the 2020 Town of Gilbert, AZ Veterans Day Ceremony on November 5, 2020, at the Gilbert Regional Park.
The "Master of Ceremonies" was our own Perch Base Associate Member (and Miss Gilbert 2020), Danielle Skranak.
Just in case we didn't feel safe, this tank was parked right in front of the USS Phoenix to protect us!
View more details and pictures HERE.

Visit Our New Facebook Page
Come and visit, LIKE and FOLLOW our new Facebook Page, USSVI Perch Base Arizona.
Building a successful Social Media network for any organization is no longer a "we’ll think about it" topic. Today, it is a MUST DO for all nonprofit organizations, including United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI) and its Bases. It is critical if we want to expand our membership growth and communicate our unique mission story in an effective and cost-effective manner.

After not having a meeting since June and March, it was great to finally get together again at Dillon's BBQ in Glendale, AZ, for a meeting on October 10, 2020.

ADM Carlisle Trost, USN (Ret.)
Some of you may have served with Admiral Carlisle Trost. It is with deep regret that we inform you of the passing of Admiral Carlisle A. H. Trost, former Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on September 29, 2020. He was 90.
He qualified in submarines, aboard the USS Sirago (SS-485) in 1956. He also served on the USS Swordfish (SSN-579,) as the Executive Officer on submarine USS Scorpion (SSN-589,) as the Executive Officer on USS Von Steuben (SSBN-632 Blue,) and Commanding Officer on USS Sam Rayburn (SSBN-635 Blue.)
View the Eternal Patrol Notice HERE.
SAILOR, REST YOUR OAR! YOUR WATCH HAS ENDED.
Your Brothers of the 'Phin Have the Watch.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmate.

ASSM Opening Ceremony
Monday, September 28, 2020, the ASSM Committee conducted a Ribbon Cutting ceremony, or as is the traditional greeting of a Submarine returning home to Pearl Harbor from a successful WestPac mission with a Hawaiian Lei instead of the ribbon.
View more pictures and discussion HERE.
SAVE THE DATE: April 17, 2021, for the ASSM Dedication Ceremony.

We Trained For This!
With all the recent activity and cancellations as a result of the Corona Virus, this speaks for itself!

WANT TO CARPOOL?
NEED A RIDE?
The image, above, shows that we have members all over metropolitan Phoenix. Left-click on the image for a larger view. If you are a Perch Base member and would like to consider carpooling, you are willing to pickup another member, or you need a ride to meetings or events, send an email to the webmaster at webmaster@perch-base.org.
The Board of Directors will attempt to match you with another nearby member who has similarly asked to carpool, or is willing to pickup another member. The Board will then provide the name, email, and phone number to the interested members that can then get in touch with each other to make specific arrangements. We are not publicly posting names or personal information to maintain privacy.
Keep in mind that if you wait until the last minute to request a match-up for a particular event, we may not be able to respond in time.

JOIN US AT A MEETING.
We meet the second Saturday of every month at 1200 hours (noon if you’ve been out a while) at Dillon's Restaurant, 20585 North 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308-6821 (Left-click address, or the map above, for a Google map to Dillon's.) Come at 1100 for time to "socialize."
NOTE: Several recent meetings have been cancelled or moved due to the coronavirus. Check our SAILING ORDERS page before "dropping in" on a meeting!

BOAT SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
The purpose of the Boat Sponsorship Program (BSP) is to make the active duty submarine force members aware of USSVI and provide them with information about our activities through sponsorship of the American Submariner to the various Submarine related organizations. After all, these force members represent the future core membership of USSVI.
Perch Base is a sponsor, but did you know that individual members may sponsor each Fast Attack Submarine and/or each crew of the Boomers? Magazines are also sent to VA hospitals, NROTC units, schools and other places. The cost is $30 per year for a total of 12 magazines (three each of the four annual volumes.)
Our Perch Base Life Member Vic Van Horn is the USSVI BSP Program Manager. Let’s make Vic proud. Check your copy of the American Submariner to sign up for the program.

Lt. (jg) George Herbert Walker Bush
In the upper picture, above, the crew of the USS Finback (SS-230) rescues downed pilot, Lieutenant Bush of Torpedo Squadron 51 on September 2, 1944 after Japanese antiaircraft defense shot down his torpedo bomber between the northeastern end of Minami Jima and the southern tip of Chichi Jima. (Left-click the picture to enlarge.)
In the bottom picture, Rescued pilots and the crew and officers of the Finback. Lt. (jg) George Herbert Walker Bush is second from the left in the front row.
Bush, and 4 other rescued aviators remained on the Finback as "guests" while she tracked and attacked convoys, endured depth charges from Japanese escort ships, and sank two ships (an oiler and small cargo ship). The five ended their stay on the Finback on Midway Island on September 29, after 29 days aboard the submarine (and crossing the international date line).
Read more about how the submarine service performed "Lifeguard Duty" during WW2 in the National Archives HERE.