JUST IN:  Pappy White is on final patrol!
Frank Lydell spoke with his grandson this morning and was informed that Pappy passed two years ago. Dang! He'll be missed.
Rest your oars, Pappy!

Letters From the Editor  

"Me Bloody Mates"
by Philip "Buzz" Solomon LT RANK
28 October 2000
A retired Aussie Submariner
HMAS Orion, HMAS Onslow, HMAS Otway, HMAS Oxley

I have served aboard a sub or two in my years at sea,
They have stayed on in my memory, each one dear to me.
I saw their sleek black bodies and tasted that diesel smell,
I felt the deck beneath me as it rose, and as it fell.

The heat, the noise, the fumes, the taste, the closeness of her sides,
The stillness of her breathing as beneath the waves she hides.
Yes, those boats and me were bonded as we shared our common fates,
But they would have been only shapes of steel without me bloody mates.

Me mates were the backbone of that fighting ship of steel
They were the might in each frame, the firmness in its keel.
Me mates were the power that surged throughout its breadth and length,
They were the welds that held it sure, against the ocean’s fearful strength.

Without me mates I could not have endured the endless days at sea,
The hours on watch, the fitful sleeps, the longing to be free.
They shared the dangers with me and joked when things got strained,
With no thought of what I owed them, or what they could have gained.

 

I can still see their smiling faces when I close my eyes at night,
They are waiting quietly in the darkness to shine that guiding light.
Some of them are still of this world, but so many have gone ahead,
To prepare the boat for that last patrol where all our names are read.

I know one day I’ll see them all again alongside that golden pier,
When I will step across the brow to join them, amidst a mighty cheer.
They will laugh and joke as usual, asking why I’m bloody late,
Then tell me which watch I’ve got, and ... welcome back old mate.
By the way...we now have a "guestbook" on the Spinax home page. If anyone wants to leave a message, feel free. Gripes also welcome!

Pecos
Reunion News

Friday Aug. 26th to Tuesday Aug. 30th, 2005
Hyatt Regency Crown Center
2345 McGee, Street. Kansas City, MO - 1-800-233-1234
Our Reunion will overlap USSVI Convention - http://ussvi.org/
USSVI Convention August 29 to Sept. 4, 2005

Hotel Map and Information:
 Click Here

KC Crown Center map:
Click Here

 

Click on arrow for more reunion information
Mates: It's time to get your hotel reservations. We've only got 16 confirmed. Call them today at:
 1-800-233-1234
Tell them it's for the Spinax and USSVI Convention!
Hello all,

Well, it's getting closer to show time.

At this point, each one of you should have your room assignments and dining arrangements all made.

The Hyatt is now closing out its room assignment "free for all" and will begin to offer unused rooms to outside takers.

Those of you who do not have a room assigned at this point are still welcome to ask for a room, but requests will only be considered on a first-come-first-served basis and there is no guarantee you'll get one at all.

Thank you for your attention.

Nolan - Hyatt Regency Crown Center
Shipmates
Found Shipmates:

 • None?

 

 

Many thanks to this months "Booster Club" supporters:

:(

• Thanks for helping to keep the Spinax spirit alive and well!

Pecos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I'm going to start listing web pages of our crew. If you have one that you would like me to list, please let me know. ralarsen@comcast.net.

* Brownley Artworks
 Larry Brownley is a renowned artist up in the great northwest. He was on Spinax in 1963 as an ET3(SS). He left Spinax to go to Nuke school, and retired as a Commander after 20 years.

* River Photo.com
Fred Skinner is a photographer on the McKenzie river in  Oregon. He served on Spinax as an SN(SS)

* CarCzar and AirCzar
Peter Kendig's CarCzar, restores and maintains high performance sports cars and trucks.
AirCzar is a new addition...a helicopter service.
Pete was on the Spinax from '62 - '66 as a RM(SS)

 
This Issue:
"Lefty's Left!" from Pete Cameron
Send a vintage WWII greeting card by email!
The Whistler, Inter Sanctum, The Lone Ranger....Old Time Radio Shows
Put your favorite sub on your checks
Neat shirts and stuff on NavyChief.com
Photos from the "Great" generation
Heavy Weather II - Dex
Word War II Silent Service
The Silent Service - Art from submariners in WWII
Lowdown of the Silent Service
Brotherhood
Military Chapel
Help support your military men and women
Chief of the Boat
The World of a Submariner
Tales of Tinosa
Submarine for sale!! Let's get it! Good place to hold reunions!

 

Historic Naval ShipVisitors' Guide
Sally - Tales from the USS Darter (SS-227)
Sub Vet and Bride Renew Vows
The Volunteers of Spritz's Navy
New Duty Station
Japanese Talent Show Winner...movie
Mary Sue and Hong Kong too
The War on Terror
For I am a Submariner
By John Chaffey
Atule POW
Remembering the Forgotten War: Korea, 1950-1953
Revelations from the Russian Archives
The Hunt for the Alligator
It is just another Memorial day
Photo of the Month
Toll the Bell

Officer, sailors disciplined for hazing!!!(?)