![]() ![]() The commands also crafted center pieces for their tables which competed for a variety of light-hearted awards. “USS North Carolina had four break dancers dance when their chief of the boat was introduced.” “Everything came together to create a night to be remembered,” said Lynch for whom one entrance was notable. ![]() Commanding officers and chiefs of the boats, were carried by sedan, pulled by sled, or surrounded by a dancing entourage. The reverent and festive birthday gala gave each submarine crew an opportunity to show their camaraderie.Ĭrews performed well-practiced, or at least enthusiastic, entrances to music. “It was amazing to see the respect and admiration of all who made their way to meet this American hero,” said Booth. “Joe” Vasey (Ret.), a 99-year-old World War II submarine veteran. Gregory Booth was the chairman of the officers’ submarine ball committee and Chief Yeoman Joshua Lynch was the chairman of the enlisted submarine ball committee.īooth said one of his favorite parts was the attendance of Rear Adm. The Coral Ballroom’s dive alarm was used liberally throughout the celebration to remind the spirited crowd exactly which force was being celebrated.īoth balls were organized by officer and enlisted committees and funded by the sales of challenge coins, admission tickets and fundraising events.Ĭmdr. When the ultimate toast was given to the submarine force, cheers were punctuated by a dive alarm. Each military service received a toast and a flourish from the Pacific Fleet band’s Harbor Brass Quintet. ![]() Later, attendants were asked to “charge” their drinking glasses to make them ready in all respects for a series of toasts. The family presented Pearl Harbor’s newest qualified officer a pair of gold dolphins worn by the late commander.Īll submarines lost at sea, including USS Thresher, were honored by a bell-tolling ceremony performed by submarine veterans. John Wesley Harvey who was the final commanding officer aboard USS Thresher when she was tragically lost at sea with all hands in 1963. ![]() The officers’ ball was graced by the posterity of Lt. “Without your tremendous support, we could not be successful,” Roegge said. He went on to thank the families of those who serve. “It’s appropriate tonight that we honor submariners, past and present, who selflessly served our great nation with pride, professionalism and bravery,” said Roegge. Roegge remembered those who have served before as well as deployed Sailors who could not attend. Pacific Fleet, spoke at the enlisted ball on the 15th and at the officers’ ball. Fritz Roegge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. “I challenge each and every one of you to remember the legacy, heritage, professionalism, and values that make you a submariner.” “I can’t overstate how much the submarine force means to me as the fleet commander, and to the Navy,” said Swift. Pacific Fleet, was the guest speaker at the officers’ ball on the 16th where he asked the submarine force to remember its history. More than 2,000 Sailors and their guests tied their bow ties or neckerchiefs and put on their best dinner dress to celebrate the Navy’s purchase of its first modern submarine.Īdmiral Scott Swift, Commander, U.S. JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, Hawaii – Submariners celebrated the 116th birthday of their force at the Coral Ballroom of the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu, April 15 and 16. ![]()
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