Two Years Before the Periscope. Lahaina at Last!

Just as hundreds of years ago when the natives would paddle out in outrigger canoes to greet Captain Cook or Captain Bligh, the natives come to greet the Sterlet as it pulls into the ancient whaling port of Lahaina, Maui. Sterlet remained anchored off-shore because there was no place to moor a submarine in Lahaina.

Swim Call! Crew goes swimming off the stern of the Sterlet while she is anchored off Lahaina. Gee, the Navy was fun!

USS Charr SS-328 in Yokosuka Drydock

Here is our good friend the USS Charr getting some repairs after some "minor" problems. This picture was taken sometime in January 1963 by Bob Polk with his new camera bought at the Naval Exchange at the Yokosuka shipyard. A nice camera could be had at a very good price.

Sterlet and Charr SS-328 in Kobe Japan

Sterlet and Charr on a cold winter day in Japan

Looking forward from the aft end of the Sterlet. Crewman make repairs on top of the sail of Charr.

Sterlet is moored outboard Charr in Kobe, Japan.

Another view of Sterlet and Charr in Kobe.

The Sterlet in Hong Kong 1963

The Sterlet SS-392 sits outboard the French Frigate "Victor Schoelcher" in Hong Kong Harbor. Victor Schoelcher, 1804–1893, was a French humanitarian and statesman. He was involved in the abolition movement, and presided over a commission that secured the abolition of slavery in French territory. Photo was taken in 1963.

Crewmembers watch the Hong Kong sights from the fantail while a little Sampan comes along side in search of discarded food. August Nagy sits on the cleat.

Clarence Wahlstrom, TM1, also known affectionately as "Cuddles" sits on the Sterlet gangplank enjoying a smoke.

Happy Thanksgiving to All

Enjoy, your blessings and remember those who are not as fortunate. Perhaps, some deed of goodwill would be appropriate. Let us not forget the greatest gift we all have is life itself and that we have in our power as unique individuals to bring peace and joy to others or pain and suffering. The choice is not difficult.

Submarine Sterlet SS-392 Rests in Guam

Sterlet in Yokosuka

Here I am in front of the Sterlet. We are docked inboard of Wahoo. My friend from Portland, Rich Haggerman, was on board Wahoo, unbeknownst to me. He spotted me coming up the after-battery hatch. It was an exciting reunion because we were so far away from home.

Bars, Hostesses and Cherry Drinks

After a long patrol in the Sea of Japan, Sterlet sailors were glad to get a little time off on the beach. But there wasn't much time for sightseeing. Here is beautiful Yokosuka with night fall approaching, and all the lights on Honcho Street beckoned, "Come on in". But this was a quick way to go through your money. The truth is we were a long way from home and the ladies who worked in the bars, hostesses as they were properly called, were lovely and friendly. The introduction from the hostess was, "You buy me cherry drink?" The cherry drink was actually tea and it was very expensive. But probably worth it because it bought you some time with a friendly hostess. Pictures are from 1963.

Clarence Wahlstrom, aka "Cuddles" TM1(SS) Torpedoman on the Sterlet poses outside one of the many rest and recreation spots in Yokosuka.

Teamwork Defined Over Southern California

The Sterlet in San Francisco, Guam and the South China Sea

The Sterlet passes under the Golden Gate. Bigelow and Wallace are aft topside on anchor detail.

Here is another sailor getting ready to unfurl the flag as we pull into port.

The Sterlet steams past Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay

Crew in the After Battery Compartment somewhere in the South China Sea. White is to the left and Hirsh is to the right. Sailor in the middle is unnamed.

More rest and relaxation for Crewmembers in Guam. Nearest is our Yeoman. Center at the back is Rousch, Torpedoman's Mate 1st class. (My Boss).

Don't Tread On Me! Any Questions?

A View of 9/11 on 9/12

I guess I have been having a hard time dealing with the anniversary of 9/11. This was the most barbaric and murderous attack on innocent people in the history of the United States. The visions of Arabs dancing for joy in their streets still haunts me and my heart is filled with anger. 9/11 will always be a sad day for me. 9/11 has affected every life in this country and we will never be the same. I don't even know how to approach 9/11 in the blogosphere arena. So I just decided to post a picture I really like. Here it is. I hope you like it, too.