Submarinars to honor their own - article

There was an article in the san diego tribune about a group of submarinars from the WWII era and beyond doing a good thing - honoring the ir fallen. They need some help with fundraising - money to make this dream come true. You see, they are going to have 52 or so Elm trees on
Liberty Station - what was the Naval Training Base in San Diego, California. Along with the trees there will be plaques of the submarines and crew who are on "eternal patrol". We wish these fellas all the luck in the world, they deserve our thanks.

The project is supposed to be finished by next year. So far, the group has collected 30 thousand out of the 250 thousand that is needed to finish this memorial. So, I call upon those who can spread the word - calling all hands- to help these guys out.

I have linked to the article so you may read all about it.
If you have any other questions about the project, or would like to contact the group directly,
here is the address:

sandiegochapter@san.rr.com
San Diego Chapter,
U.S. Submarine Veterans of WWII,
P.O. Box 81984, San Diego, CA 92138

Memorial Day

Its Memorial Day. Have a great weekend and remember those who are and have served in the armed forces.
Those who are celebrating (with alcohol): reminder - the cops are out there watching you.
Speaking of which, there is a rumor going around that a "social law" is being hashed out
in San Diego. Not sure if its going to take hold, but the law would mean that underage
drinkers just aren't (drinking). More deta ils to come.

Enjoy the "first day of summer"!

DPG

Submarines on Television Programs

This is classic Homer Simpson. He's at boot camp right now, but in the episode "Simpson Tide" ( somewhat of a parody of the movie "Crimson Tide") Simpson actually saves the other
submarinars from a fate worse than no beer. Found the picture at this website. In the same episode (we believe), there was a parody of the Village People's song "In the Navy" that
depicted a submarine (class unknown).

More to follow (just have to find them first).

UPDATE

Bubblehead has another on his site. Guess "24" is going to show some submarine on their program. We'll be looking for the critique later.

Found a webpage about the show "JAG" (now in rerun mode) that had mentioned the Dolphin in an episode called "Overdue and Presumed Lost".

As for the Dolphin crewmembers who were on board at the same time as I, the song from Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody - comes to mind. Ah, those were the days.

Why the Dolphin almost didn't make it that fatefull night...

FLASHBACK.... May 21, 2003 - the day that the Dolphin almost didn't make it .....

Berlitz created the reenactment in a commercial. To those who served on the Dolphin, you'll appreciate this little piece of irony.




DPG

Mercy Me! She's going again....to SEA

The USNS MERCY, and its crew (can't forget about the crew) is on its way to Southwest Asia..?
Ok... These brave men and women who are going out for a 5 month deployment are on a humanitarian mission.

We'll be waiting for you at homeport!
Best wishes.......




UPDATE: 29 May 06
I found the webpage that will give more information on what the Mercy is doing while at sea. To
view this webpage, click here. Lots of pictures there too!

Cool Pictures of the Dolphin at the Pier

Cool huuh? Its the Dolphin at the Pier!

Fossett in the News again...

This time it seems as though Steve Fossett is trying to go the deepest in a submarine..
We say, good luck to him. OF course, the USS Dolphin is THE deepest diving diesel submarine in the United States Navy! Got the information from BYMnews.com (to those who don't know what this stands for its Boating and Marine News). Not sure about the accuracy of the information - maybe he's trying out for another world record of another sort.

We here have a suggestion - for the best diving experience, maybe Mr Fossett might look into
going to Monterey, California, where there is actually a canyon down there and explore that.
Ok, maybe not.

Submarine Movies Real or Fictional?

Found a fictitional deptiction of the USS Dolphin actually portrayed by the USS Ronquil (SS - 396) in the Movie "Ice Station Zebra". Did you know that the Ronquil was also a diesel sub? Yup again. Kinda interesting how the story plot goes with the Dolphin in the arctic.

Bet you didn't know that the Ronquil changed names and hands in the 1970's. Yup. We gave it toSpain. They changed the name to SPS Isaac Peral (S-32) and was decommed in the 1980's.

Oh, forgot to say that the Dolphin in this picture is supposed to be a nuke.
There's a couple of actors you would probably recognize, others you'd probably not but hey, its a movie. Supposed to be a good one. Here's the link to the site where I found the info, they also have some other good movies about submarines real or fictitional.

The Politics of Political Cartoons

The Muslim population is upset about this cartoon. To know more about the history of this cartoon, click on the
cartoon, which should lead you to wikipedia's website. If you want to see a larger version of that cartoon page, go to this websitevia Faithfreedom.org. On the bottom left corner, there should be a green button with 4 arrows on it. Click that button on to see the larger pictures. IF you get adventurous, go see Muhammed's Believe it or Else pamphlet. Warning: It does quote the Q'uran

Wanna Rent the McGaw?

She's for rent... to someone who needs her.

The McGaw was the vessel that actually helped rescue the crew of the Dolphin. SO, to honor those people who actually helped the Dolphin, we give you the opportunity to browse their website. But wait! Look at the history log, you'll see info on the accident.

Aw c'mon, it wouldn't hurt, right?

Santa Barbara Experiment - Circa 1998

1998 - April
Santa Barbara Experiment
The USS DOLPHIN and the USS ACOUSTIC EXPLORER were there along with MIT.

So, without further ado, here is the weblink to the site and another one here. Caution: There are some .wav files on there that sound like *gasp* sonar!
Bathymetry. Whatarush!

Ah, they return to Duty.... this time, prepared....

December16th 2005 -

Just finding some information. This time from the MaritimeTechnology Reporter about the USS Dolphin doing what it does the best - testing. . In 2006, the shallow water acoustic torpedo testing will occur - to some, its the same stuff that they did before the accident. But to others its a new day, a new experience. In the meantime, hey, there's always a good fire drill that can be
squeezed in with all of the stuff thats going on!

Update - found another site that had the same interesting information.

Happy New Year

Its 2006.

Be safe. Drink, don't drive. Act stupid only when in public (just kidding) and don't do what this guy did.

Around San Diego County, law enforcement is out there. You don't want to be one of those guys who actually gets to go into the "drunk tank" just to stay for a couple of days until your court date. SO why drink and drive? Get a taxi, ask friends who aren't drinking, go by trolley or by train. Just don't get on the freeway, pass through a checkpoint and get caught.

Yes, this has happened tonight, er, last night believe it or not.
Just heard on the news that there was this unfortunate person, not sure if it was military, but thats what the news reported, underage too ( I believe it was 18), who got caught. He did the whole sobriety test. I believe I heard that he didn't really act drunk or look drunk - ok, whatever - but when he took the brethalizer test he didn't pass. Boy is his hiney in BIG trouble.

Will bring you more info on this later.
Go have fun now.

Happy New Year!

David

The Army Mascot

Hmm.. it looks fierce...

to read more about how the army got the mascot of a mule, click here.

To see a video about the two rival mascots, click here



The Navy Mascot
to read on how the navy got a goat as a mascot, click hereBTW, the goats' name is "Bill" and the navy is on number XXXII and XXXIII

The New and Improved Dolphin.............

This picture I got off of the Navy News Stand of the Dolphin all gussied up for their COC er., Change of Command which happened sometime in November. Looks the same on the outside, wonder what it looks like on the inside?



Thanks bubblehead for beating me to the post. At least I have a few pictures up my sleeve! ARRRGH!
UPDATE
As I said before, I have a few pictures up my sleeve... hehe
So, here's some from Frank Toon at submarinesailor.com when the Dolphin was up in Coo's Bay, Oregon.
Enjoy the view and I'll be back with some more!


Still looking for shipmates to exchange stories here.. :-)

Sailors, Away with ya!

May 21, 2002

I recall that day. 12 ft waves, flooding, the cry of "ALL HANDS ABANDON SHIP!" - oh yes, I recall that day.

The Dolphin was my home away from home. OH how I loved to go on away missions. But all of that changed after May 21, 2002.

After the accident, we were drydocked for a while. Now - about 3 1/2 years later, the Dolphin is going back to
sea.

The San Diego Times Tribune has a good article about the Dolphin.

Will share stories later.

David

Veterans Day is Today!

Hope everyone has a memorable Veterans Day.

Adrian Camacho on Trial, Finally!

There's no doubt that Adrian Camacho, a mexican citizen, documented gang member and a recidivist (he keeps coming back to the US illegally) killed Officer Tony Zeppetella in the parking lot of the Navy Federal Credit Union in Oceanside on June 13, 2003.

The defense is trying to play the "slightly innocent" card by saying he was not in his right mind. We'll keep you informed about this outcome.

UPDATE

Adrian Camacho was found guilty on November 14th, 2005 of first degree murder with special circumstances in the shooting of Tony Zeppetella, an Oceanside Police Officer. There were seven women and five men on the jury. The penalty phase will be conducted on November 28th. In this trial, the jury will decide whether he should be sentenced to death or life without the possibility of parole.

UPDATE

Adrian, I'm so sorry dude. The people vs adrian camacho - the people of the jury have decided for the death penalty. May god have mercy on your soul. amen

UPDATE 1/6/06

A stretch of State Route 76 in Oceanside has been dedicated to Tony Zeppetella. For more on the dedication, go to NCTimes.com's webpage.

UPDATE 2/7/06

Adrian Camacho sentenced to death. Judge said while she can forgive him, she cannot forgive his actions. Camacho will be on death row (along with others) until his execution.





At one point in time, Officer Zeppetella was in the Navy.

Watch out Military Bloggers! The DOD is watching

You heard correct. The DOD is watching the content of certain types of blogs.
So, as a guideline, the DOD has posted a website on what is appropriate and not.

Here is an exerpt from an article on Military.Com's website:

October 4th, 2005


WASHINGTON — Army officials this week issued new warnings to soldiers
about posting personal stories from combat zones on the Internet and
taking photos at overseas bases, saying those actions could jeopardize troops’ security.

The list of prohibited activities includes taking photos of Defense Department facilities, posting any official Defense Department information and releasing information detailing job responsibilities.

“Whether it is a family Web page or a personal blog, safety and
security measures must be strictly observed,” the message said.
“Sensitive DOD information must not be divulged to the public at
large for national security reasons.”

The message also notes that even some unclassified information “may
not be appropriate for use on the Web” and directs all other
questions related to prohibited activities to security managers.

Army spokesman Paul Boyce said the goal isn’t to prevent soldiers
from writing about their time in a combat zone, and said he knew of
no discussions considering shutting down blog sites or banning the
use of personal cameras.

But Boyce said soldiers need to know that simply taking photos could
threaten operational security.

“We’re just re-emphasizing the danger here,” he said. “We have warned
soldiers to please be extremely careful of any photography,
especially street scenes, because they could be useful to the enemy.”

Boyce said shots of the aftermath of insurgent attacks or roadside
bombs are especially dangerous, because insurgents could use them to
gauge the effectiveness of their attacks.

Officials said the new guidelines were designed to be a reminder to
troops and were not prompted by news this week of a Web site offering
free access to pornography in exchange for gruesome war photos.


Some guidelines

There are new OPSEC guidelines which have been put forth by DOD and the Army regarding internet safety. Whether it is a family Web page or a personal blog, safety and security measures must be strictly observed. Sensitive DOD information must not be divulged to the public at large for national security reasons.

Below are some facts regarding security and important links to sites which provide valuable and timely information regarding this important topic.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the posting or dissemination of certain information, do not hesitate to contact your security or OPSEC manager.
Photography is prohibited in most DOD facilities. Do NOT post any photographs on any Web sites.
Be careful never to divulge information regarding official DOD information. Even if DOD information is unclassified, it may not be appropriate for use of the Web.
Do not give information regarding the job you do for DOD. Log on to AKO to see an important message from the Chief of Staff of the Army regarding OPSEC Security.
Source: The Pentagon OPSEC Working Group

Just a reminder from "Big Brother" that he's out there watching.