FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | MAY 30, 2013 | THE FLAGSHIP | A3 U.S. Navy Submarine veterans salute as the American colors are posted at the beginning of the annual Submarine Veterans of World War II Memorial Service held at the Submarine Learning Facility.
World War II SUBVETS memorial service held By Kevin Copeland Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic Public Affairs
NORFOLK
The annual Submarine Veterans of World War II Memorial Service was conducted at the Submarine Learning Facility (SUBLRNFAC) on Naval Station Norfolk, May 23. Hosted by SUBLRNFAC, the event is held each year prior to Memorial Day. Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI) honored all submarines and submariners lost during the force’s 113year history. Cmdr. Stan Stewart, Jr., commanding ofďŹ cer, SUBLRNFAC welcomed the more than 100 veterans, active duty Sailors, spouses and visitors. “This is a great opportu-
The submarine force is a family business and all of you here today are a part of that family.� - Vice Adm. Michael Connor, Commander, Submarine Forces
nity to reect and remember those who came before us. Also, to honor them, so we just don’t remember them today, but we remember them in all that we do,â€? he said. “Every time I put my uniform on, I remember. Every time I hug my wife or children, I remember. I remember they forged the path to secure the freedoms we enjoy.â€? “Their sacriďŹ ces established the standard for honor, commitment and courage,â€? he continued. “Our duty is to continue their legacy – the highest honor we can give them.â€? He then introduced the guest speaker, Vice Adm. Michael Connor, Commander, Submarine Forces. “The Submarine Force is a family business and all of you here today are a part of that family,â€? he said. “Many of you are very familiar with our history. You lived part of it, and through the SUBVETS, you preserve it for future generations. I am proud to stand here today as part of the world’s best Submarine Force. Those of us who are still serving on active duty honor you. But more importantly, we look to you for inspiration and example. We look to you to hear and learn from your experiences. Our contact with the past is important to today’s success. During the ceremony, re-
The event is held each year prior to Memorial Day.
Photos by MC Alex R. Forster
Two World War II Veteran’s wives perform the ceremonial “Tolling of the Bells� ceremony, passing a replica of each U.S. submarine from the table to the basket during the annual Submarine Veterans of World War II Memorial Service held at the Submarine Learning Facility.
tired Navy Capt. Horatio Lincoln, former commanding ofďŹ cer of the USS Narwhal (SSN 671), announced the USS Scorpion (SSN 589) would become the 15th submarine to be inducted into the Submarine Hall of Fame. Selection is merited by the submarine’s contribution to national security and selection is conducted by the Hampton Roads Chapter of the USSVI organization. Built by the Electric Boat Division, General Dynamics Corp., Groton, Conn.,
HOT SAVINGS ZONE
Scorpion was commissioned on July 29, 1960. It was a Skipjack-class nuclear submarine and the sixth Navy ship to carry the name. Following type training out of her homeport in Norfolk, the submarine got underway on Feb. 15, 1968 for a Mediterranean Sea deployment. She operated with the U.S. 6th Fleet into May and then headed west for home. On May 21, her position was reported to be about 50 miles south of the Azores. Six days later, she was re-
ported overdue at Norfolk. A search was initiated, but on June 5, Scorpion and her crew were declared “presumed lost.� Her name was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on June 30. “Many thanks for your hospitality and camaraderie in extending the invitation to participate in today’s important remembrance event,� said Lincoln. “I consider the opportunity to stand in ranks with you today as a great privilege in honoring USS Scorpion and
her gallant crew – Cold War warriors and silent heroes who remain at sea faithfully standing the watch, forever remaining in our hearts. I thank you for keeping the memories of our shipmates and the history of the Submarine Force shining brightly as vibrant elements in our Navy’s culture. We stand on the shoulders of our Submarine Force predecessors, honoring their legacy and the value of our nation’s silent service.â€? “I consider it ďŹ tting and proper today to celebrate the legacy of USS Scorpion and her crew, we honor their service by pausing today to give thanks and to remember,â€? he continued. “Today, we also want to acknowledge the true treasures of our Navy’s Submarine Force – our people. I remain steadfast in my belief that all of the eye-watering technology today brings substantial warďŹ ghting capabilities to the Submarine Force and our Navy to carry out the critical mission of protecting our country. But that technology is worthless without our incredible Sailors.â€?
If you’re looking to save money on your car insurance, you have landed in the right place. GEICO has been proudly helping Military members save on their car insurance since 1936, and we’d love to do the same for you. We offer low rates, convenient payment plans, top-notch 24/7 customer service and a number of discounts designed for our Military customers. Now is the time to drop into the Savings Zone. Get a free quote from GEICO today.
ACTIVE VETERANS GUARD RESERVE RETIRED
geico.com | 1-800-MILITARY | local ofďŹ ce
6RPH GLVFRXQWV FRYHUDJHV SD\PHQW SODQV DQG IHDWXUHV DUH QRW DYDLODEOH LQ DOO VWDWHV RU DOO *(,&2 FRPSDQLHV *(,&2 LV D UHJLVWHUHG VHUYLFH PDUN RI *RYHUQPHQW (PSOR\HHV ,QVXUDQFH &RPSDQ\ :DVKLQJWRQ ' & D %HUNVKLUH +DWKDZD\ ,QF VXEVLGLDU\ *(,&2 *HFNR LPDJH k k *(,&2