Perch Base USSVI April, 2021, ASSM Dedication

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Perch Base
ASSM Dedication

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The Arizona Silent Service Memorial (ASSM,) located in Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, just east of the Arizona Capitol Building was dedicated on April 17, 2021. Over 120 people were present for the ceremony, including Jack Holder, one of two remaining survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack by the Japanese on December 7, 1941.
The Keynote Speaker was Vernon J. Parks Jr, Captain, USN, retired. Captain Parks, a career Naval Officer, served as a Submarine Officer and as a Joint Officer in various and diverse assignments, over the course of 30+ years. He recently retired as a Captain from the US Navy and started a second career as a Senior Professional member of The Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU APL).
In the Navy, Vern commanded Submarine Development Squadron TWELVE (DEVRON 12) from May 2012 - June 2014, where he was responsible for leading tactical development and the center of excellence for the US Submarine Force as well as manning, training, and equipping 9 front-line Los Angeles-class and Virginia-class fast attack nuclear-powered submarines.
He also commanded USS SANTA FE (SSN‑763) from January 2007 - January 2010, during which time his crew completed a Depot Modernization Period, conducted a homeport shift and interfleet transfer from Portsmouth, NH to Pearl Harbor, HI, deployed to the western Pacific and was awarded the COMSUBRON SEVEN Battle Efficiency "E" award for calendar year 2009, as well as several other ship and department awards. At‑sea, he served in USS BATON ROUGE (SSN‑689), USS HYMAN G. RICKOVER (SSN‑709), PCU/USS LOUISIANA (SSBN‑743G), and USS HELENA (SSN‑725). See additional details in the Event Program.
See additional photos of the ASSM Construction HERE.
See additional photos of the ASSM Groundbreaking HERE.
See additional photos of the ASSM Paver Addition HERE.

A good turnout.

ASSM Co-Chairman Marcus Hensley, ETCM(SS) (ret), opened the Dedication Ceremony and welcomed the attendees.

Perch Base Chaplain Governor Joy, TMCS(SS) (ret), conducted the Invocation.

The Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Phoenix presented the Colors.

Perch Base Commander George Woods conducted the Tolling of the Boats ceremony.

ASSM Co-Chairman Chris Urness, LCDR(SS) (ret), read the ASSM Proclamation.

Vern Parks, CAPT(SS) (ret), presents his Keynote Address.

ASSM Co-Chairman Chris Urness, LCDR(SS) (ret), discussed how the ASSM progressed to completion, including credit to major donors.

The Sea Cadets helped before and after the ASSM Dedication to setup and put away chairs.

Perch Base Chief of the Boat (COB) Jim Andrews MMCM(SS)(ret.) and wife, Marcie. Jim tolled the bell during the Tolling of the Boats ceremony.
Photo courtesy of Marcie Andrews.

Some VIPs in attendance:
(l-r) Chicago Base Commander John Connon, Past Western Region Director and Perch Base Past Commander Jim Denzien, Tucson Base Treasurer Wes Linton, Western District 1 Commander Dennis Ottley, Perch Base Commander George Woods, Gold Country Base Commander Barry Wyatt.
Photo courtesy of Perch Base Secretary Marcia Unser.

(l-r) Tracy Quisenberry (CAPT Parks' guest), Keynote Speaker Vernon J. Parks Jr, Captain, USN, (ret), ASSM Co-Chairman Marcus Hensley, ETCM(SS) (ret).
Photo courtesy of Perch Base Secretary Marcia Unser.