United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
25003 SE 146th Street Issaquah, WA 98027

Minutes of the November 18, 2004 Meeting
Held at the Redmond VFW Hall, 4330 148th Avenue, Redmond, WA 98052-5152
Commander Bob Opple called the meeting to order at 1900.

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Robbie Robertson and Base Treasurer Jim Harper 
led the opening invocation.  Thirty-seven members and two guests were present. 
Members and visitors introduced themselves.

Tolling of the Boats: Ric Hedman and Ted Taylor led the ceremony.
Binnacle List report: Tom Rice is recovering from cataract surgery and 
Jay Davis is recovering from knee surgery; Jim Marr’s wife continues to 
recover from a stroke.

Secretary minutes were read and approved; Jim Harper gave the Treasurer’s Report; 
there is a net balance of 7,542 in the Base account, including payments to date for the 
Christmas lunch; everyone was reminded to pay dues or sign up for life membership; 
storekeeper Bill Giese reported $160 in 2005 calendar sales and about $300 additional 
sales from the FOXTROT.

FOXTROT submarine: Cobra COB Dave Goodson reported that the FOXTROT closed 
for business on November 15 and is expected to remain closed until May 2005.  
Volunteer maintenance by Seattle Base will continue and Ric Hedman continues 
as the only employee.  Ric can be contacted to provide access for maintenance 
volunteers during weekdays and Dave will continue to organize Sunday work parties.

Base Library is not active because virtually all the books have been borrowed 
and not returned.

Auburn Veteran’s Day Parade, November 6:  Submarine veterans, with WWII 
and post WWII, were the honored group this year.  The USS Bonefish float and 
accompanied by “marching” submarine veterans were at the front of the parade 
and there was good news coverage in several Puget Sound newspapers.  
Seattle Base Commander Bob Opple as the featured speaker at the post-parade 
lunch and Cliff Nutter, President (Associate) of Lockwood Chapter of Submarine 
Veterans of WWII  was the Grand Marshall.  Attending were six WWII vets and 
34 USSVI members from various bases.

Public Service:  Seattle Base member “Diamond” Friedley spoke about the Navy 
and the Submarine Service as Best High School in Kirkland on November 11.  
Diamond reported being well received and moved by the experience.

Break at 1945 and Meeting Resumed at 2000: There was a 50:50 raffle at intermission

Program
Seattle Base member Jay Davis (Captain, USN (Ret)) gave an interesting presentation 
about his experience attending commissioned officers’ submarine school and then 
qualifying as an officer in submarines on USS Razorback (SS-394) in 1955.  
He showed his extensive qualification book and also described qualifying as 
commanding officer of USS Spinax (SS-489) and other interesting assignments, 
including being a liaison officer with the Turkish submarine service.  Jay is currently 
consulting on the design and testing of a new diesel-electric powered yacht.

Subvet Honor Guard: Don Du Four described an effort he has undertaken to form an 
honor guard to be present at ceremonies for submarine veterans’ funeral services.

Christmas Lunch:  Arrangements were described and an attendance update was provided.
2005 Seattle Base Officers:  Applicants are still needed for open positions.
Jim Harper led the closing prayer
Meeting adjourned at 2055