USSVI Bremerton Base

USSVI Bremerton Base General Meeting Summary – October 18, 2025
Fleet Reserve Association #29, Bremerton, WA | 10:00 AM

The October meeting of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI) Bremerton Base opened promptly at 10:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and recitation of the Submariners’ Creed. The traditional “Tolling of the Boats” honored submarines lost in October, including Seawolf, Wahoo, Tang, Shark II, Dorado, Escolar, and O-5, with the Base Commander reading their fates and crew sacrifices. The Chaplain followed with an invocation, giving thanks for those who served beneath the sea and for the safety of today’s submariners.

New Members and Introductions

Several new and returning members were introduced, including Lewis Johansson, a Navy cook who served aboard Puffer and Michigan, and Wayne Newby, who completed patrols aboard five submarines including Stonewall Jackson, Lafayette, and Nevada. Rusty Stahl, who qualified aboard Guitarro in 1985 and later served with Submarine Group 9, was also welcomed back. Members shared sea stories and camaraderie, setting a friendly and lighthearted tone for the meeting.

Officer Reports

Secretary’s Report: The September minutes were briefly summarized with thanks to volunteers for the summer picnic, reminders about the Spaghetti Feed, and updates from the National Convention. Members were informed that Jim DeMott remains District 4 Commander and that the next national convention will be in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 2026.

Treasurer & Membership: Membership increased to 251, up seven from September. Members were reminded to update contact information and pay dues on time to avoid being dropped from the rolls. The base ended September with $55,788.23 in funds. Fundraising efforts included $430 in cork challenge donations and $2,870 raised from the annual Spaghetti Feed, which was praised for both turnout and community spirit.

Chaplain & Welfare: Reports were shared on several shipmates recovering from illness or surgery, including Steve, Dave Bowman, Kay (John’s wife), and Don Quinn. Members were encouraged to check in on one another.

Storekeeper: New patches and limited-edition 250th Anniversary Coins were available, with more to arrive before the Halloween Bash.

Committee and Event Updates

Kitsap Halloween Bash: The largest topic of the meeting was the upcoming Kitsap Halloween Bash scheduled for October 26. The event, co-sponsored by community organizations, expects 5,000–10,000 attendees. The base will serve 500 free hot dogs, cider, and cocoa, with volunteers assisting in raffles, setup, and security. The Navy League and other local partners will help manage “trunk-or-treat” stations, raffles, and crowd control. All proceeds benefit the Bremerton Submarine Memorial. Members were urged to donate candy, raffle items, and time for setup on October 25.

Historian & Webmaster: Reports noted that Dave Bowman’s Patrol Reports podcasts are available on Spotify and the Bremerton Historian website. The Gertrude Check website is being expanded to incorporate Puget Soundings, ending the printed newsletter in favor of an integrated online platform that includes minutes, calendars, and veterans’ resources.

Vice Commander’s Report: The next USSVI National Convention will be held in Corpus Christi, September 6–11, 2026, hosted by Sea Turtle Base at the Omni Hotel on the bayfront. Upcoming conventions include Reno in 2027 and a proposed Norfolk convention in 2028. The Western Region Roundup will take place in Las Vegas, April 2026, with elections for committee positions early next year.

Community and Outreach

The Base was recognized for its growing community outreach since COVID, supporting relief efforts for active-duty sailors in need. Members donated nearly $2,000 through the Navy League and Submarine League to assist a deployed crew. The Base also helped the Central Oregon Base fund construction of a new float and memorial—reviving a struggling chapter now back to 25 active members.

Announcements

• Deep Sea Day at the Keyport Undersea Museum is tentatively scheduled for November 8, pending museum staffing.
• The Base will not march in the Veterans Day Parade, instead supporting the Pavilion event.
• A Crafting for Events fundraiser will be held November 22 at the FRA Hall.
• Wreaths Across America fundraising continues, including a spaghetti dinner at the Port Orchard Eagles.
• Medicare supplemental benefit briefing: November 3, 2:30 PM, Bremerton DAV.
• Members were reminded not to wear USSVI attire to political events to preserve the organization’s nonpartisan reputation.

Closing Business

Members stuffed giveaway bags for the Halloween event while enjoying a potluck meal featuring kielbasa and sauerkraut. The 50/50 raffle raised $130 for the base, with several prize drawings following. The meeting closed with the Chaplain’s benediction asking for fair winds, following seas, and safety for all.

The next Bremerton Base meeting will be held Saturday, November 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., Fleet Reserve Association Branch 29.