Shipmate,

The periscope was successfully installed in the museum build on schedule on 28 September.

Despite best efforts, a couple of minor glitches arose which were quickly remedied. The installation was finished in one day as intended. The new scope has proven to be a big hit with Park visitors as it can be rotated thru 360 degrees as opposed to the scope on the boat which is fixed. Visitors are jokingly cautioned about looking in adjacent homes. The raised platform allows younger visitors easy access to the scope.

As seen in the below photo, Albacore Park is the proud owner of one of the largest lightning rods in the area.

As a consequence of the installation, it was determined that the museum building needed a new roof as the existing shingles were in bad shape. Shipmate Ken Latchaw found a roofing company between jobs and a new roof was installed in three days.

The final event of the year will be the Park’s participation in the Wreath’s Across America celebration. It will be held live on site on Saturday, December 18th. Following the ceremony, there will be a small refreshment gathering inside the museum gallery. This will mark the end of the 2021 visitor’s season. If the weather cooperates, the Park will open on weekends in January thru mid-February when it will reopen seven days a week to coincide with school vacation schedules.

I regret to report the shipmate William Miller departed on Eternal Patrol on 28 September. In addition, Gerald Blanchette departed on Eternal patrol on 6 September. Gerald was a CS3 on Albacore during ‘63-‘64. EN1 Clifford Johnson departed on Eternal Patrol November 5th, 2021. Cliff was on Albacore ‘55-‘56. David Emery went on Eternal Patrol on 28 November 2019. He was a CS3 when on Albacore from ’65-’66. Lastly, former Ship Supt. Steve Cuff went on Eternal Patrol 24 August of this year. Steve was an avid supporter of all things Albacore and it was his first “Cuff Challenge” in 2003 that led to the formation of the Friends of Albacore. He and wife Jean attended several Albacore reunions. A tribute to Steve is planned for this coming Memorial Day.

We also have lost another great supporter of Albacore Park. Captain Gerald (Gerry) Sedor, (ED) USN (Ret) passed away on 24 October of this year. Gerry was the Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Portsmouth Submarine Memorial Association (PSMA). A graduate of the Naval Academy in 1957, he went on to take a graduate degree in engineering from MIT and a Ph.D from the University of New Hampshire (UNH). Gerry had a distinguished career as an Engineering Duty Officer. During his 26 year career, he served on three submarines and three submarine shipyards. Following his retirement from the Navy, Gerry taught courses in engineering at UNH. He retired from the UNH faculty in 2008. Gerry was the chairman of the Albacore Advisory Committee, a group set up to provide the PSMA Board of Directors with advice and council on the Boards efforts to carry out its mission. Gerry also was a member of the education sub-committee. Needless to say, Gerry’s passing leaves a number of big shoes to be filled.

Please note a correction to Austin ‘Butch’ Jordan’s email address of “beej1123j@aol.com”.

By the way, check out Jim Herbig’s contribution of “No I Haven’t” posted on the website on the Shipmate’s Remember page.

Until next time, shipmate, have a happy Thanksgiving and stay safe and healthy.

Jack Hunter

11 Admiralty Drive, Apt 3

Middletown, RI 02842-6254

(401) 849-7282

“jhunter2007@cox.net”

NEWSLETTER #97 NOVEMBER 2021