The history of the USSVI Bremerton Base in 1997 was defined by a deep commitment to the “Submariner’s Creed”, perpetuating the memory of fallen shipmates while fostering a tight-knit community through social “liberty” and local activism. Led by Commander Bud Berg and a dedicated crew of officers, the base navigated a year filled with cross-border camaraderie, scholarship successes, and a relentless “crusade” for veterans’ rights.
Leadership and Community Spirit
The Base was steered throughout the year by a consistent leadership team:
- Commander: Bud Berg
- Vice Commander/Newsletter Czar: Jim “BIG” Foote
- Secretary: Dick Litscher
- Treasurer: Clyde Crowder
- Chief of the Boat (COB): Willie Spoon
Meetings were held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Fleet Reserve in Bremerton, where sea stories and business were shared over coffee and donuts.
Major Events and “Liberty”
The Canadian Connection
In May 1997, a large contingent from Bremerton traveled to Victoria, B.C., for the Submariners Association of Canada Reunion. The trip, which began with a ferry crossing on the M.V. Coho, was a highlight of the year. Members attended a moving ceremony at HMC Dockyard to bury a 50-year time capsule in the Submarine Cairn. Commander Berg noted the hospitality was so great they would return at any time to revisit their “Canadian friends”.
Social Gatherings
- The Wolfpack: This informal group met regularly at the Silver Palace (formerly The Surf) in Port Townsend for lunch and “sea stories” that continued until their “ears got tired”.
- Annual Picnic: Held in July at Jackson Park, the event featured a potluck, games, and a spirited horseshoe tournament where Willie Spoon and Clyde Crowder challenged all comers.
- The Birthday Bash: In April, members celebrated the Submarine Service’s birthday with a formal ball at the Trident Ballroom on Subase Bangor.
- Christmas Party: The year concluded with a seafood buffet at the Bremerton Elks Lodge, featuring music by Black River Falls.
The “Crusader” and Local Activism
The year was marked by the persistent efforts of Ed Ferris, dubbed the base’s “Crusader”. Upset by the abuse of handicapped parking in Kitsap County, Ferris “bulldogged” the issue by hounding local commissioners and state officials. His work led to the creation of volunteer citizen patrols to ticket violators, a program eventually adopted by Bremerton and Poulsbo police.
The Base also engaged in a political “battle” for a 100th Anniversary Submarine Stamp. Members were urged to write to President Clinton and various Senators to protest the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee’s rejection of the commemorative issue.
Legacy and Service
1997 Scholarship Program
Under the leadership of Willie Spoon, the base achieved its most successful scholarship raffle to date. They sold over 1,500 tickets, allowing them to award two $500.00 scholarships to local high school seniors Russell J. Collins and Tara K. Schreiber.
Remembering the Fallen
True to their creed, every newsletter included a “Lost Boat” report, detailing submarine losses from the relevant months of World War II to ensure their “supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation”.
Veterans Day at Granite Falls
In November, five members and two WWII veterans participated in the Granite Falls Veterans Day parade. Jim Foote towed the base’s float,a replica of the USS Bonefish (SS 223) superstructure. The experience was described as deeply moving, especially the interaction with local students who had raised money to bring a Vietnam veteran “hero” to the event.
Puget Soundings Newsletters for 1997
January-February
March-April
May-June
July-August
September-October
November-December
The Puget Soundings 