Shipmates,
The time has come again to look to the future of our Bremerton Base. As we approach the 2025 election season, I want to speak to you not just as members, but as shipmates in a proud tradition. Our organization only thrives when good members step forward to take the conn, to steady the ship, and to steer us toward tomorrow.
We are now officially opening nominations for our five elected leadership positions:
- Base Commander
- Vice Commander
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Chief of the Boat
Each one of these roles carries not just responsibility, but the deep honor of serving your fellow Submarine Veterans. Whether you’re a seasoned hand or relatively new aboard, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact, to shape the course of our Base, and to be the shipmate others count on.
Here’s how it works:
Nominations open on Saturday, July 19 and close August 30 at 23:59. Every nomination must be submitted using the official Nomination Form, which includes both the nominator’s and the nominee’s signed consent. No form, no go. And remember—only members in good standing can nominate or be nominated.
Completed forms must be submitted to the Election Chairman, Past Base Commander Dave Bowman. Once nominations close, a list of confirmed candidates will be published in alphabetical order, at least thirty days prior to the election.
If you don’t make the paper deadline, there’s still one more shot: floor nominations will be accepted at the November business meeting—November 15—but the nominee must be physically present and must accept the nomination in person at that time.
Elections will be held during the November meeting. If there’s only one candidate for a position, we’ll vote by raised hands. If there’s more than one, we’ll go to secret ballot.
New officers will be installed in January 2026.
Now let me close with this:
Shipmates, leadership isn’t about rank. It’s about service. It’s about standing watch not just over what was, but over what can be. Our Base needs members willing to step up, take ownership, and guide us into the future. Don’t wait to be asked. Be the one who raises a hand, not because it’s easy, but because it matters. If you’ve ever said, “someone ought to do something,” this is your moment. That someone is you. Let’s not drift. Let’s sail with purpose.
Thank you.
-Dave Bowman, FTB1(SS)
Past Base Commander
ARTICLE VIII. BIENNUAL ELECTIONS (Amd 10-18-11)
Section 1. The Chairman of the Nominating Committee shall conduct the nominations for the five elected offices.
Section 2. The chairman of the Nominating Committee shall call for nominations of eligible candidates for the five elected offices to all members on or before August 30. Nominations shall be submitted by any member in good standing on or before October 30, to the Chairman of the Nominating Committee, but only if such nominations are accompanied by consent of the nominee that he will accept the nomination and serve if elected and he must be a member in good standing. Upon receipt of all nominations, the Chairman of the Nominating Committee shall have published the names, in alphabetical order, of all candidates properly nominated, at least thirty days prior to the date of elections. Additional nominations, when called for, shall be made from the floor, on the day of the election, and shall be accepted upon the oral or written consent of the nominee that he accepts the nomination and will serve if elected. Elections will normally be held at the business meeting in November. The new officers shall be installed during the month of January. (Amd 10-19-10 & 10-18-11)
Section 3. For any position with more than one candidate, elections shall be by secret ballot vote of attending members in good standing. If any position has only one candidate, election may be determined by simple showing of raised hands of attending members in good standing. (Amd 10-18-15)