The year 1998 for the USSVI Bremerton Base was a period of transition, expansion, and national prominence as the base prepared for a massive gathering of “boat sailors” on the East Coast. Under the continued leadership of Commander Bud Berg and Vice Commander Jim Foote, the year was characterized by a focus on membership growth and the successful execution of regional traditions.
Leadership and Operations
The “Core Crew” remained largely consistent to maintain stability during a year of heavy planning:
- Commander: Bud Berg
- Vice Commander: Jim Foote
- Secretary: Dick Litscher
- Treasurer: Clyde Crowder
- Chief of the Boat (COB): Willie Spoon
- Base Storekeeper: Tony Jilek
A significant administrative change occurred in late 1998 when the newsletter was rebranded as “The Target” (Volume 1, Issue 1), reflecting a move toward a more professional and structured communication style for the membership.
The Road to Hagerstown
A primary focus of 1998 was the USSVI National Convention held in Hagerstown, Maryland, from September 8–13.
- National Roles: Bremerton’s own Dick Litscher served as the National Convention Chairman, coordinating a massive itinerary that included tours of the Naval Academy at Annapolis and the Antietam Civil War Battlefield.
- Reunions: The base was heavily involved in organizing specific boat reunions at the convention, most notably for the USS Gurnard (SS 254/SSN 662).
- Attendance: A dedicated group from Bremerton made the cross-country trip, including the Bergs, Footes, Spoons, and Litschers, representing the Pacific Northwest on the national stage.
Local “Liberty” and Traditions
The “Wolfpack” and Social Life
The Wolfpack continued its tradition of meeting at the Silver Palace in Port Townsend. These gatherings remained the social heart of the base, where “sea stories” were the primary currency. The group even participated in the Port Townsend Rhododendron Parade in May, displaying their pride to the local community.
Annual Picnic and Holiday Spirit
- July Picnic: Held at Hospital Point in Jackson Park, the annual potluck featured the usual competitive horseshoe pitching and camaraderie.
- Christmas Party: The year ended with a celebration at the Bremerton Elks Lodge, where the base continued its “Adopt a Family” program through the Subase Bangor Chaplain’s office to provide holiday help to junior sailors in need.
Advocacy and Community Impact
The “Crusader” Continues
Ed Ferris continued his high-profile advocacy for disabled parking enforcement. By 1998, his “crusade” had gained significant traction, with local police departments in Bremerton and Poulsbo actively using the volunteer patrols he had fought to establish.
Scholarship Success
Willie Spoon again led the Scholarship Raffle, which had become a major operation. By soliciting donations from “Subvet Friendly Merchants,” the base raised enough funds to continue supporting local students, awarding $500 scholarships to deserving seniors from North and South Kitsap High Schools.
Honoring the “Eternal Patrol”
The base maintained its solemn duty to remember fallen shipmates. Every issue of the newsletter detailed the history of “Lost Boats,” such as the USS Scorpion (SS 278) and USS Thresher (SSN 593), ensuring that the legacy of those on “eternal patrol” remained central to the base’s identity.
1998 Puget Soundings Newsletters
January-February
March-April
May-June
July-August
September-October
November-December
The Puget Soundings 