2014 World War II Memorial Service Held

By Kevin Copeland, Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The annual Submarine Veterans of World War II Memorial Service was conducted today at the Submarine Learning Facility (SUBLRNFAC), Naval Station Norfolk. Hosted by SUBLRNFAC, the event is held each year prior to Memorial Day.

In past years the service honored the 52 submarines and the gallant Sailors lost during World War II, and the losses of the USS Thresher (SSN 593), April 10, 1963, and the USS Scorpion (SSN 589), May 22, 1968. But since the World War II submarine veterans were rolled into the United States. Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI) during the 2012 national convention, the ceremony also honors all submarines and submariners lost during since the submarine's force inception April 11, 1900.

Cmdr. Stan Stewart, Jr., SUBLRNFAC commanding officer, welcomed the more than 100 veterans, active duty Sailors, spouses, and visitors.

"Good morning and once again welcome to Submarine Learning Facility Norfolk," said Stewart. "We are grateful to have such a magnificent group gathered with us to celebrate our submarine veterans. I cannot express how proud my crew and I are to host such a prestigious, important and time honored event.

"As always, my greatest gratitude goes to United States Submarine Veterans of World War II and United States Submarine Veterans, Incorporated. Thank you so much for being here today - we are humbled by your presence. But more importantly, thank you for the contributions you and your families made and continue to make to our country. You established the standards we strive to maintain today.

"Today as we take the time to remember submarine heroes of the past, I wanted to emphasize the word "heroes". Too often we forget what the word means, and I believe it means something different to all of us. So today, I ask that you all take a moment and consider what the word hero means to you. Again, thank you all for coming and I hope you enjoy the ceremony."

Stewart then announced the ceremonial wreath would be presented by WWII submarine veteran Ed Kracker to Cmdr. Scott Luers, commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Boise (SSN 764). While underway, Luers and his crew will inter the wreath at sea to honor the fallen submariners. Kracker is the oldest submarine-qualified WWII submarine veteran in the Hampton Roads area. He got his submarine qualifications on the Balao-class submarine USS Bang (SS 385) in 1944.

Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Kent Siegel, the last commanding officer of the Tench-class diesel-electric submarine USS Pickerel (SS 524), was scheduled to be the guest speaker at the ceremony since the submarine was being inducted into the Submarine Hall of Fame. Dick Helm, a retired U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. who served briefly with Siegel as his engineer, read his speech.

"I regret that I could not be with you today," read Helm. "Cmdr. Stewart, I appreciate your invitation in offering remarks for the Hall of Fame induction for USS Pickerel. I extend my gratitude to the Submarine Veterans of the Hampton Roads Base who elected Pickerel to be inducted at the Submarine Learning Facility. As the last commanding officer before our boat's transfer to the Italian Navy in August of 1972, I am honored to represent the hundreds of fine submariners who served in Pickerel from 1949 to 1972. In her 33 years of operation Pickerel had an illustrious history. All of us from the commanding officers to the most junior hot-bunking Sailors who loved our boat thank you for this honor. I want to wish the submarine veterans a successful and enjoyable future in Norfolk."

Following the ceremony, Pickerel became the 16th submarine inducted into the Submarine Hall of Fame. Pickerel was commissioned April 4, 1949 and decommissioned Aug. 18, 1972. Selection into the Hall of Fame is merited by the submarine's contribution to national security, and is conducted by the Hampton Roads Chapter of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. organization.