NEWSLETTER #101 SEPTEMBER 2022

Shipmate,

Navy History Day is truly history for another year. The weather was terrific with mild temps and gentle breezes. Several former crew members greeted visitors in Albacore’s Control Room and shared experiences during their time onboard. The honored submarine this year was the USS Cheyenne (SSN 773). The theme was “Brave Men in Iron Tubes” and focused on the search for USS Albacore (SS 218). Executive Director Patti Violette presented a history of the boat and alluded to the probable finding of its wreckage. Pearl Harbor is planning to conduct a memorial service on 7 November – the day she was presumed lost. Groups participating in the day included Thresher Base of USSVI, the Wright Museum from Wolfeboro, NH, the Kittery Naval Museum and Historical Society, the local radio club and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. One of the more interesting parts of the day was the opportunity to tour the modular mission payload bay of Juliet Marine System’s the GHOST. As you know, the GHOST is on display at Albacore Park. Free tours were led by company Chairman of the Board Gregory Sancoff. Access to the payload bay was via a tall ladder leading up to the rear of the bay area.

Visitors also had the opportunity to learn about Buoyancy and Density: Sink or Float using a variety of materials. This is one of variety of educational programs developed and being offered at the Park. Among the others are: Morse Code & Telephone Communications, Semaphore Flags, Oculus Virtual Reality, Corpsman Up!, Naval phraseology, DIVE!DIVE! The History and Technology of Submarines …to mention a few. 

 The following photo shows the result of the recent hull preservation effort. The bright, shiny props seen here illustrate the effort also applied to the propellers in the propeller field outside the museum building.

Shipmate Tom Bachman has relocated to 1984 Astor Street Apt 202, Orange Park, FL 32073.

Until next time, shipmate, stay safe and healthy. 

Jack Hunter

11 Admiralty Drive, Apt 3

Middletown, RI 02842-6254

(401) 849-7282

“jhunter2007@cox.net”