Newsletter #88 May 2020
USS ALBACORE (AGSS 569)
NEWSLETTER #88
May 2020
The content of this newsletter is pretty slim as the corona virus has wiped out virtually all the gatherings where I normally pick up information to share with you. I have made some phone calls to shipmates to see how they are coping with this pandemic. All I have spoken to report they are doing OK, are trying to limit their people contacts and are getting out to get some exercise whenever the weather permits. Hopefully restrictions will ease up as we get toward the summer months.
On a personal note, I have good/bad news and good/good news. My son and his wife have had mild cases of the corona virus and have successfully recovered at home. Their three sons escaped the infection. That is the good/bad news. The good/good news is that they did not infect any of the others gathered to see our oldest grandson (an FT2 SS in Groton where he is an instructor at Basic Enlisted Sub School) get married on 13 March.
It has been suggested when a shipmate departs on Eternal Patrol that the next of kin provide us with a link to an obituary whenever possible. The following was recently received for LCDR. Robert Ball.
Robert L. Ball
March 13, 1934 ~ November 5, 2018 (age 84)
Obituary
On Nov 5 2018 LCDR Robert L. Ball USN Ret (SS) passed on to his eternal patrol, he was 84 years old. He was born in Hemple Mo. to parents Benjamin and Irmal Ball. In his final years he struggled with Alzheimer’s disease. He was lovingly cared for by the amazing staff at the New Hampshire State Veterans Home in Tilton NH. At the age of 17 Bob joined the US Navy and began a 25 year career that started with boot camp in 1951. Within 10 years Bob had advanced from enlisted ranks to a Commissioned Officer. Along the way he received countless commendations and awards. He Served aboard 9 submarines, diesel and nuclear powered. Some of the boats were: USS Snook, USS Sperry, USS Pomodon, the USS Redfish and his last boat was as engineer on the USS Albacore. He was a Qualified Submarine Service Officer. His other duty stations included Nuclear Propulsion Instructor and Ship Superintendent at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. This is a small sample of Bob’s contribution the US Navy’s success. Bob retired July 1976 at the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Bob enjoyed many hobbies throughout the years. He enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, and most of all golfing. He enjoyed Sunday drives through the mountains and countryside. Bob took up repairing golf carts at local golf courses here in New Hampshire and in Florida during the winter months.
Bob is survived by his wife Ruthe of 47 years, and her children, Paul, Judith, Virginia, John and Jill. He is also survived by his children from an earlier marriage, Ann, Sue, Jim, Dawn and pre deceased by son Robert. He also leaves behind his sister Nancy Pearce. He also has many nieces and nephews and adoring grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as Papa.
He will be deeply missed by all.
Run Silent Run Deep.
A service with Military Honors will be held on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018 at 11 am in the Chapel of NH Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy., Boscawen, NH.
Can anyone tell me anything about the above picture? Who created it? Was it a presentation from one person or from ship’s company? Apparently it was presented to LCDR Ball when he left Albacore upon her decommissioning.
Shipmate Alan Sharpe has moved to 429 Jeanette Drive, Utica, NY 13502-1924. As noted above, I regret to report that Albacore’s last engineer LCDR Robert Ball went on Eternal Patrol in of 2018.
Like many other visitor centers, Albacore Park was closed in mid-March and the staff was furloughed. Staff members were given two weeks’ pay to carry them through the unemployment waiting period. Just before the Park was closed, a new Point Of Sale (POS) system was installed in the museum store replacing a less capable/reliable one. The new system will get its shakedown when the Park reopens.
The deck tiles in the boat have been stripped of their wax and will get fresh coating just before the museum opens - whenever that may be. In anticipation of that event, plans are being drawn up as to what has to be done to prepare the Park and adhere to the probable social distancing, cleanliness and whatever other requirements are set in place. Currently, the target date for reopening is 1 July.
The 2020 year events have been severely curtailed. Memorial Day observances have been scuttled and September’s Navy Day celebration is in doubt pending possible relief from existing rules and any additional regulations that may be instituted.
The Park has requested funds under the Payroll Protection Plan so as to bring back its furloughed staff. Expecting funds to be available, a sizable list of projects has been drawn up to keep everyone busy. Tasks cover items to be done to clean up the grounds and refresh the Visitor Center, the boat and the Annex building.
On a brighter note, last month Albacore Park’s Executive Director Patti Violette became a grandma for the second time. Congratulations, Patti.
As part of the settlement with the New Hampshire Charitable Trust (NHCT), mentioned in the last newsletter, the NHCT is committing funds for a feasibility study to determine what has to be done to successfully complete the museum expansion project.
If our RI Governor doesn’t open barbershops soon, my wife is threatening to take me to PETCO to get groomed!
Until next time, shipmate, stay safe and stay healthy. We are all getting of the age where we are at greater risk from this virus.
Jack Hunter
11 Admiralty Drive, Apt 3
Middletown, RI 02842-6254
(401) 849-7282
“jhunter2007@cox.net