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CAPT BULMER REMEMBERED Jack Dalton sent a copy of pages from the Change of Command 31 August 1966 in Groton when CDR Bulmer relieves CAPT Priest. "Commander Robert W. Bulmer, U.S. Navy is a veteran of fifteen years submarine service. Prior to entering submarine school, he served in the USS JUNEAU.... After completeing submarine school, Commander Bulmer served in USS SPINAX, USS TRUTTA and had the distinction of serving as Navigator in USS TRITON during the world's first submerged circumnavigation. After nuclear power training, he served as Executive Officer of USS DACE. Commander Bulmer's most recent tour was as commanding officer of USS BARB. Commander Bulmer, the son of Mr. And Mrs. George W. Bulmer of Sterling, Illinois, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1949. ...
Capt Bulmer and I were shipmates on the USS SPINAX(SSR489) for the entire time I was on board (26 months in 1951-53) I believe. He was Torpedo and Gunnery Officer when I came aboard. As I was not qualified yet, I learned a lot from him. I stood JOOD watches with him until I qualified as OOD underway on a submarine. It was a lot different than on a surface ship. He was a good shipmate and was a pleasure to serve with. I am saddened to hear of his passing. With wishes for calm seas and a following breeze. Jack DeWitt, Cdr, USNR(Ret)
I was saddened to read of the passing of Capt. Bulmer. He signed my "Qualified in Submarines" certificate on 22 Nov. 1968. I think that was our first patrol out of the yards in Newport News. That was a proud day for me and I remember it well. I met Capt. Bulmer at a training conference in Gatlinburg TN in the late '70s. We had a good visit and talked at length about the TJ. I still have my qual card. I couldn't help but notice that Kenny Holcomb signed off my Damage Control Practical Factors in OBA, EAB, and Assault Mask. Smooth Sailing Paul Hobbs
I too was very saddened to hear Capt. Bulmer has passed away. He signed my "Qualified in Submarines" certificate on 3 Nov. 1969. This was my 3rd and last patrol on TJ. My hitch was up and I left the Navy. I remember being his Duty Driver when we were in Charleston loading a couple of dummy missiles to be shot off of Florida after the end of refit in 1968. We were in port three days and all I did was sit around waiting for Capt. Bulmer to go somewhere. I took him to the airport to meet the Gold Crew's XO. The XO was doing his Quals for command and was going to sail TJ to Port Canaveral FL. The XO's plane was late due to fog at the airport in New York. Capt. Bulmer asked me how I liked Charleston. I replied I didn't know how it was because I was assigned as his driver and stayed aboard. He asked me if I liked beer and I told him I did. He bought both of us a beer. I bought the second one and he was about to buy the third when I told him that I still had to drive us back to the boat. He replied. "I have a driver's license." I told him that i would have another. Capt. Bulmer and I spoke a little and then the XO's plane landed. I weighed 120 lbs. Back then. I was alight weight drinker and I was starting to feel the three beers as I was carrying the XO's luggage. I guess I wasn't walking a straight line because the XO asked Capt. Bulmer if there was something wrong with me to which he replied. "Nothing at all." Calm Seas Mark Pawlowski |