.
The St. Petersburg Submariners' Club was founded as a non-profit organization in 1994. It was instrumental in ensuring aid was received by families of those lost on the Kursk. They have and continue to "look in" on the aging parents of Sergey Preminin, whose life (and heroic death) is actively honored. Russian devotion to their fallen is everywhere in Russia, but it's still impressive the degree to which they memorialize their military fallen and remember the military survivors.
Allow me to introduce myself...
My name is Lee Steele. I was a First Class Sonarman aboard the U.S.S. Archerfish (SSN-678) from June of 1975 (as my high school class was graduating) until February of 1980, for a total enlistment of six years, including a year as the Seaman Gang Leading Petty Officer, or "Leading Seaman." I spent my 21st birthday checking topside Rigged for Dive, pulling away from the tender in La Madalena. Best/Worst six years of my life. My thanks to Capt. Sam Ward for his fine example and his ability to manage.
I became involved with the St. Petersburg Submariners Club when I mailed a plaque to them to commemorate the life and death of a young Russian submariner named Sergey Preminin, whose final days are described in the book "Hostile Waters."
This lead to a visit to St. Petersburg, with subsequent meetings in Santa Barbara culminating in me being asked to represent the club in this country. The club currently has roughly 2000 Russian members and 236 foreign members from 25 countries including 61 U.S.A, 28 Great Britain, 16 France and a number of others.
This site is personally dedicated to all those who have Honorably served in defense of the United States of America, and to all submarine sailors of the world "Still on patrol."
Sailor, Rest Your Oar
The St. Petersburg Submariners' Club can be reached at:
FAX: (7-812) 323 07 78
Phone: (7-812) 323 24 67 (Be prepared to speak Russian.)
http://www.submarinersclub.narod.ru/
The St. Petersburg Submariners' Club has shown its dedication to International goodwill, understanding, and above all, communication. I am honored to be named "Ambassador" representing the "Sub Club," or SPSC, in the United States of America - the most tolerant and open nation that has ever been seen on Earth.
Intersite Links
Archerfish reunion and registration form, July 2007
The senior officers of the St. Petersburg Submariners Club
Photos from the 10th Anniversary celebration.
The SPSC meets the Oratory Society of New York (and former Archerfish captain Sam Ward.)
Tribute to the crew of the Kursk
Book plug "Rising Tide"
Photos from the Archerfish Polar ice run , '79.
Photos from my 2000 visit to St. Petersburg for the International Submariners Association Convention
The unofficial Archerfish "Ahoy" links
The Senior Officers of the St. Petersburg Submariners' Club are:
President: Hero-of-Russia, Rear Admiral (ret.) Alexander Berzin.
Vice President: Rear Admiral (ret.) Lev Chernavin
Chairman: Capt. 1st Rank (ret.) Igor Kurdin
Deputy Chairman: Capt. 1st Rank (ret.) Eduard Mikhaylovich Baranov
Honorary President: Hero-of-the-Soviet-Union, Fleet Admiral (ret.) Geogiy Egorov
An invitation to visit St. Petersburg from the Chairman.
A nice letter from Representative Dave Camp, (R) 4th District, Michigan
On the Occasion of the Tenth Anniversary of the founding of the St. Petersburg Submariners' Club:
The SPSC recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in St. Petersburg, Russia. Below are some photos of the event. I intend to get the name of the U.S. Assistant Naval Attache.
Adm. Mattey pours one for Adm. Chernavin while Capt. Kurdin looks on.
Adm. Mattey, a Captain First Rank, His wife, the Assistant U.S. Naval Attache, Probably his wife.
Adm. Egorov and the Assistant Attache.
U.S. Assitant Attache, Adm. Chernavin, Adm. Egorov, Captain Kurdin.
SPSC Meets the Oratorio Society of NY
-Exciting new-member information!-
In June of 2004 I was pleased to be contacted by a member of the Oratorio Society of New York. A member of the singing group informed me that the group was travelling to the Czech Republic and St. Petersburg "to do two concerts of Dovrak's Stabat Mater in St.
Petersburg. These will be held at the Novgorod Philharmonic Hall and at the Smolny Institute with the State Symphony Orchestra of St. Petersburg on July19 and 20." I was particularly excited about being able to help in this situation because the person contacting me is a former submariner. In fact, it is someone I sailed with on the Archerfish.
With help from (of course) Kirill Lysenko, the tour group was entertaining for, and entertained by SPSC representatives, including Capt. Kurdin. In his own words in a message to Capt. Kurdin:
MESSAGE FOR CAPT IGOR KURDIN
Igor, my friend. First, I want to apologize for not writing earlier. Our trip to Moscow was interesting, but filled with activity. When I got back to NYC, there were many problems waiting for me, and it has taken me three weeks to get things settled.
My thirty friends and I had a great time on that Tuesday afternoon and evening with you and the Submariner's Club. Everyone has told me how important the visit to the cemetery was for them. We all felt privileged to see where so many military people were laid to rest. Everyone thought the Kursk memorial and the flower-laying ceremonies were particularly moving because Sasha was there. Thank you for arranging to have flowers there so we all could pay our respects to those brave submariners.
Our dinner party at the Club was simply outstanding. The dinner tables were spectacular - everyone commented on all the wonderful food, and the flags at every table. Your gracious remarks and kind presentations to me and our Oratorio Society president Richard Pace were most appreciated. I think the singing was a highlight, started by your clever introduction of "Yellow Submarine." Our group, of course, loves to sing. It made everyone very happy to see how much you and your friends all enjoyed singing, as well. It is an international enjoyment, true? We all left full of great food and spirits. Many of my friends did not realize how pleasant good vodka can be! I will be meeting with my Oratorio Society colleagues in early September to see if others might want to join your organization.
We were all very happy that some of your friends could come to see us perform at the Smolny Institute the next evening. It was nice to have an appreciative audience of new friends!
I regret that we were unable to have a private discussion that night, or the following night. I am hoping that we can have an email correspondence through Kirill over the coming months to discuss some of our mutual submarine experiences and to get to know each other better. I know we shall meet again, perhaps in St. Petersburg and perhaps in America. I am looking forward to further correspondence with you and the opportunity to meet you again in the future.
With warmest regards and sincere thanks for a memorable evening.
Sam Ward
That is right. In addition to the Society members who joined the SPSC, I am very pleased to welcome new member and former Archerfish Captain, COMSUBDEVRON 12 Commodore, and CARGROUP 7 Chief of Staff, and the signer of my Certificate of Qualification in Submarines (Feb. 29, 1976) S.L. Ward III.
Below are some photos of the Society's visit to the sub club's secret submarine pen. I hope Society members will view these photos and identify some of these folks. I have more photos - if I can get ID's I'll post more. Enjoy:
General partying and merry-making at the club house.
Oratorio Society members and submariners on shore leave doing what they're good at.
I've been missing some pretty good parties.
That's the spirit! The two on the left are Russian submariners, and the one on the right is an Oratorio Society member, a tenor named Lou Iacovino.
Let me tell you a little something about Russian vodka: it's different there. At the farewell dinner of the 2000 International Submariners Association I was privileged to be seated with Sergey Preminin's parents, Igor and Irina Kozyr, and lots of friendly people. Well, a formal Russian meal has a fair number of toasts, and every time I tried to use wine or water, Mr. Preminin would say: "Lee! Wodka, Lee!" I had an international responsibility. To make a long story shorter, I had about 20 shots of vodka, and learned the next day what 90 feels like. No headache, not sick to my stomach, got back to my room all by myself - I just had a real disinterest in ever moving again the next morning (day).
In addition to Captain Ward, it was my pleasure to be contacted by a USNR Captain named Ken Watkins from Georgia, and a friend of his named Mike Allison. Both have joined the SPSC, and sent to me a few photos.
I hope this section grows as more members (and prospective members!) visit St. Petersburg.
Sergey Preminin, the K-219, and how it all began for me.
The loss of the K-219 near Bermuda was very nearly a nuclear disaster unlike anything seen before or since. Total catastrophe was narrowly avoided. Motivated to save his crew mates, a Soviet sailor named Sergey Preminin selflessly entered the reactor compartment to hand crank the control rods, as told in "Hostile Waters." If the core had come out the bottom of the K-219 the steam explosion would have most likely spread radiation world-wide.
Give your politics a rest, and take a look at a submarine hero. Hero-of-Russia Sergey Preminin sacrificed his life for the crew of the K-219 (and many American lives in the bargain if the reactor core had come out the bottom of the K-219) as depicted in "Hostile Waters" by Huchthausen, Kurdin, and White. "Sailor, Rest Your Oar."
A plaque I made and sent to Sergey's parents in Russia, via the Sub Club.
Another submarine hero from "Hostile Waters," this is Captain First Rank Igor Britanov (bottom, left). In complete defiance of Soviet authority, Captain Britanov scuttled his command rather than let any of his crew die needlessly, which would have surely been all their fates. This selfless act of course ruined his career.
The memorial bust of Sergey Preminin in his home town of Krasavino in the Vologda region near the White Sea.
Mrs. Preminin unveiling a memorial board at the Sergey Preminin School.
A memorial to Sergey at his statue on his birthday, October 17th, 1998. The Mayor is in front.
Sergey's parents.
Sailors of the Kursk, Rest Your Oars.
The loss of the SSGN KURSK is still acutely felt within the SPSC. The book Captains Kurdin and Kozyr collaborated on, "Rising Tide: The Untold Story of the Russian Submarines That Fought the Cold War," details the some of the close relationships between senior SPSC members and active duty officers on the Kursk. Of course, there is an on going need amongst the families, as well. 100% of SPSC membership fees collected by me is sent to St. Petersburg to be used for relief of Kursk (and other) submarine tragedies, not necessarily Russian.
The lost souls of the Kursk.
The Kursk in dry dock.
The Kursk.
A poem by Amy Cole.
Kursk Families' Fund list of donors.
Some of the recent Kursk memorial in Vidjaeva, Kursk, Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia.
Kursk, Russia (with President Putin)
Vidjaeva, Russia (Kursk home port)
Sailors, Rest Your Oars.
Admiral of the Fleet and Honorary President of the SPSC,
G. Egorov
Deepest condolences to Admiral Egorov's family and friends.
The SPSC wishes to extend its deepest sympathies for the loved ones and USS Minneapolis-St Paul crew mates of
Senior Chief Thomas Higgins of Paducah, Kentucky
Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Holtz of Lakewood, Ohio
made the ultimate sacrifice after falling overboard in UK waters near Portsmouth, England 12/29/06
The SPSC extends it's deepest condolences to the family of the lost crew member of the U.S.S. San Francisco (SSN-711), MM2 (SS) Joseph Allen Ashley of Akron, Ohio. Our heartfelt best wishes go out to that brave sailor's loved ones, and wishes for a speedy and complete recovery of the injured in the recent accident.
Most sincere condolences to the family of the lost crew member, Lt. Saunders, of the Canadian submarine HMCS Chicoutini.
A Special Tribute to an American Patriot: Mr. Pierre Claeyssens
December 16, 1908; October 22, 2003.
R.I.P.
It has been my great good fortune to have been included on a guest list for three years at Pierre's six (one for each branch of the service) annual Military Balls in Santa Barbara, all thanks to a fellow "bubblehead" who had already visited the Sub Club in St. Petersburg to commemorate the loss of the U.S.S. Scorpion and the K-119 - opposite oceans-same fate. Pierre's 4th Annual Ball happened to be in honor of the U.S. Submarine Service's 100th Anniversary. I have since attended two: U.S. Air Force, and the U. S. Coast Guard.
My first-hand experience with Pierre is the annual balls: the sheer generosity and the truly interesting and heroic guests. That's mostly what is presented here.
Great parties is not the reason I say Pierre Claeyssens is a great American Patriot. Pierre has been involved with veterans' support since well before it was popular: our forgotten Viet Nam veterans.
Pierre has contributed generously and continually for a number of projects ranging from designing the Veterans Memorial in Santa Barbara, to actually helping the veterans, themselves.
Mr. Pierre Claeyssens of Santa Barbara should be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for reasons totally unrelated to the Annual Military Ball.
At all of Pierre's Military Balls there is a Color Guard to Present the Colors, a reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and an Invocation. Entertainers sing patriotic favorites, guests speak, the Colors are retired and a dance band plays. Each party has had a different military theme and all three were the nicest events I've ever attended.
War Veterans
To be killed in a war
is not the worst
that can happen...
To be missing in a war
is not the worst
that can happen...
But to be forgotten...is.
-Pierre Claeyssens
The 4th Annual Santa Barbara Military Ball.
November 12th, 2000
I was very fortunate to have been invited (thank you, Roger) to a military ball hosted by a Belgian-born but All-American patriot named Pierre Claeyssens.
Guests of Honor numbered five: Guy O'Neil, wartime commander of the USS Gunnel (SS-253); C.E. Moore, former Captain of the USS Halibut (SSN-587); Commander Scott Waddle, Captain of the USS Greeneville (SSN- 772 ); Captain of the First Rank Igor Kurdin (ret); and Captain of the First Rank Igor Kozyr (ret) of the Russian Federation.
The Military Ball's theme this year was submarines owing to the 100th Anniversary of the United States Submarine Service, and I am very lucky to be cyber- acquaintance to a former Halibut sailor, Roger Dunham. Igor Kozyr has co-written a submarine screenplay with myself and Germaine James, and I knew Igor Kurdin from my recent trip to St. Petersburg, so it was especially appreciated to see these old friends.
I spoke with many accomplished people, including Maj. Gen. Armstrong (ret) who was an island-hopping F-4U Marine Corps pilot in WWII, Medal of Honor winner and former Guest of Honor Walter Ehler, a Marine Corps Brigadier who was at least twice real-life size, many former Halibut crew members, and a few moments with my dear friends from Russia including Irina Kozyr, and Erina Kurdin, whom I had not met before. I gratefully accepted a request to introduce Santa Barbara matriarch (and game vodka drinker!) Mrs. Leighton Wilkie to the "Igors." A generous last-minute donation by Alana and Dale Grimm put the Kursk fund at $3625. The Igors needed cash, which I did not have on Sunday night, but the next morning the cash was in the hands of two gentlemen whose word I would trust anywhere, so, again - to all the generous contributors to my Kursk fund collection: Thank you, and rest assured every dime will go to the families. The awards I received are yours as much as mine.
Grateful appreciation to my good friend Cmdr. (ret) Mike Cuseo for all the photographs where I wasn't cut out.
Igor Kozyr, Me, Igor Kurdin.
My buddy Mike Cuseo.
Igor Kurdin, Connie Los, Igor Kozyr, Pierre, Irena Kozyr.
Irina Kozyr and me.
Captain O'Neil and me.
Captain O'Neil after being presented with the "Order-of-the-Buckle."
Igor Kurdin, Connie Los, Igor Kozyr, Pierre, Irina Kozyr
Me with Maj. General (Ret) Armstrong. I love talking to an old combat pilot like this Pacific war hero, and this man was 100% on top of his game. Great chat about F4Us. The General lost the top several inches of his head when a canopy exploded in combat - I have removed mine out of respect.
Captain Kurdin presenting me with the Kursk Memorial plaque.
Par-tay. Two of my very favorite people.
Me, my buddy Mike, and Coast Guard Commander (Ret) Robert Hilgerman. (MofC at the 6th Annual Ball honoring the Coast Guard.)
A gift from Igor Kozyr and a long-standing tradition - a Naval breast badge. White is often associated with charity. The Tsar couldn't stamp out breast badges.
A memorial plaque in honor of the Kursk. The tube contains water from the sinking site.
A certificate of appreciation from the Sub Club, signed by Admiral Hero of Russia Berzhin and Captain Kurdin.
The 5th Annual Santa Barbara Military Ball.
November 9th, 2001
Pierre Claeyssens Fifth Annual Military Ball was dedicated to the "54th Anniversary of the United States Air Force" It was held at the Bacara Resort and Spa in Santa Barbara.
Guests of Honor numbered three:
Major General William Looney III, U.S.A.F. Commander, 14th Air Force
Major General Wilbert D. Pearson, Jr., U.S.A.F. Commander, Flight Test Center
Colonel Bruce Hinds, U.S.A.F. (Ret) Northrup B-2 Test Pilot
My secret confession is that I sent away to the Air Force Academy when I was 12 to get the course catalog - good pilots don't wait to the last minute, you know. And Lee was going to be one of the best jet jocks that ever flew rings around the established best.
A brand-new pair of glasses for near-sightedness the next year is probably all that saved all three Guests of Honor from being humiliated by my airmanship and aggressiveness. They became greats - I served where the depth of field is 30 feet - max. So it goes. Have any of them landed a Piper Cherokee so softly their Mother had to ask "when are we going to land"? Flight testing? Just mild aerobatics with an airplane that MIGHT come apart on you. Air combat? Just aerobatics with bullets. Flying your mother in the right seat? That's pressure.
(The preceding paragraph is a cry for help: I need a ride in a jet fighter.)
The event was splendid. The entrance stair case was flanked by two rows of Air Force cadets (not Academy) who Presented Arms with sabers for every guest. Double-smoked duck hors d'oeurvre, patriotic calendars and CDs for every guest, a great exhibit from Vandenburg, prime rib, wine, free bar - I'm surprised I remember any of it.
The Guests of Honor spoke of the very recent attacks of 9/11 and possible military responses, Air Force tradition, modern Air Force capabilities and goals. The slide presentations were excellent and the program was very upbeat. I saw some old friends, such Scott and Jill Waddle and Connie and Stan Los from the year before, made some new ones, and basically thought once again that the party broke up way too early at 11:30.
I don't seem to have any pictures.
The 6th Annual Santa Barbara Military Ball.
Pierre Claeyssens Sixth Annual Military Ball was dedicated to the United States Coast Guard. It was held at the Fess Parker Double Tree Resort in Santa Barbara.
The Guest of Honor was Vice Admiral Terry Cross, U.S. Coast Guard, Pacific Area.
Back at the Double Tree where the Fourth Annual Ball was held, it was very special for me: I was seated at one of Guest of Honor tables, between my dear friend Igor Kozyr and former U.S.S. Gunnel skipper, Captain Guy O'Neil.
Pierre financed the return visit of Captains Kurdin and Kozyr and their lovely wives and daughters. He also extended his heart to Fleet Admiral Georgy Igorov and his translator. Captains Kozyr and Kurdin presented me with a Russian submarine veteran medal plus another beautiful breast badge. I gave my Sons of the American Revolution medal to Admiral Egorov. Captain Kozyr proudly displayed my 1968 All-American Soap Box Derby medal. We was stylin'.
I have just really enjoyed these parties. Frankly, they're not the sort of parties a person of my social status attends. To be seated with past Guests of Honor - there are no words. My deepest appreciation to Dr. Roger Dunham for all his consideration and concern and Stephanie Ball, Pierre's personal secretary.
And to you, Pierre: you sure are doing it 'Your Way," and I am grateful and appreciative to have been witness to at least a small portion of it. Please continue doing it your way.
L - R: Captain Kurdin, Captain Kozyr, Roger Dunham, Rear Admiral O'Donnell, Fleet Admiral Egorov
L - R : Admiral Egorov, Captain Kurdin, me, unidentified, Captain Kozyr
Captain and Mrs. O'Neil with Captain Moore behind
Rising Tide: The Untold Story of the Russian Submarines That Fought the Cold War
is a new book out by Gary E. Weir and Walter J. Boyne. It was heavily contributed to by several senior members of the SPSC, most notably Rear Admiral Lev Chernavin and Captain First Rank (ret) Igor Kurdin, as well as my dear friend Captain First Rank (ret) Igor Kozyr.
Our club's got a movie star. Our club's got a movie star.
Lt. Lysenko has since become the SPSC's special correspondent to the far flung outpost here in the United States. Kiril is helmsman on a race boat, proud papa and husband. Here are some current photos. Ladies, please remember: he's married.
My friend Lt. Kiril Lysenko with his father.
A photo of me and my brothers which I thought was very similar.
In addition to his graduate degree studies and active duty naval obligations (including hanging out with Hollywood A-list types), Kiril has been the shot in the arm needed in the U.S. Representative's office.
Photos of my time on the U.S.S. Archerfish (SSN-678), mostly our 1979 Arctic run.
Control. .
Iceberg, Right Ahead!
Stores load.
Arctic shot.*
Arctic shot.
Arctic shot.
Arctic shot.
New London arrival.
Preparations for departure.
Stan Kupka modeling arctic hatch wear.
Stan Kupka eating chow.
This is why they were officers.
More COB in Control.
Mr. Gumbert, very reposed, in Control.
ICC(SS) Frank Piechowski. "Hey, sailor, want to get lathed?"
A bunch of Annapolis grads looking undignified.
(L - R) Me, Stew (Oz) Van Osdalen, and Steve (BamBam) Schramm.
"Rantin' and Ravin'" Red Padgett, doin' that "COB thing."
"Rantin' and Ravin'" Red Padgett, Mess Cook, and TMC(SS) Art Oman.
Gumba, displaying the effects of bad parenting.
Peekaboo! Is that the cutest little rudder?
They're plotting, I know they are.
A Royal Sheriff shows off Jalepenos stuffed w/ peanut butter and sardines for the Royal Celebration with Dennis McAuliffe DS2(SS)
Hangin' with Chief Johnson, North Pole.
MM2(SS) Richard "Rock" Wolven meets the Royal Baby's belly.
Close up.
Eng meets the Royal Baby's Belly. (Big hand for a good sport, Tony Watson!)
Blue nosing.
MM1 (SS) Stu Bruce being tortured.
None the worse, Bruce helps torture w/ STS2(SS) Jeff Cienkus.
More arctic.
See above.
An arctic view with a difference.
Me holding Baxter B. Bunny (The bravest bunny in the world!) at Ice Station: Cold.
TMSA(SS) Micheal Roberts. Can you spot Baxter B. Bunny?
Baxter B. Bunny standing watch with STS3(SS) Al Long. Fore: STS3(SU) Dan Dragoo. Back: ET2(SS) David Hirshman U/I with Baxter.
Baxter B. Bunny standing watch with ET2(SS) David Hirshman U/I.
Brits. Gotta love 'em.
An actual submarine race. This photo classified TOP SECRET/ SHRED EYES
USS Archerfish (SSN-678) Naples, Italy, 1977. Cmd. S.L. "Sam" Ward III, commanding.
Hangin', with Athens waaaaay in the background, 1977.
St. Petersburg Submariners' Club, My Trip
Some photos of my May 2000 trip to attend the International Submariners Association 37th Congress held in St. Petersburg, Russia.
President of the St. Petersburg Submariners' Club, Hero-of-Russia, Rear Admiral Alexander Berzin.
Chairman of the Membership Committee and co-author of "Hostile Waters," Captain, First Rank (ret) Igor Kurdin.**
Fellow sub club member and cyber friend, Captain of the First Rank Igor Kozyr (shown in uniform of Captain, Second Rank). Congratulations, Captain Kozyr.
An Honor Guard starts the march for a wreath laying at a St. Petersburg cemetery for those who died in the 900 day seige of WWII. Note the statue in the distance. From the steps to the statue are mass graves.+
Cmd. Mike Cuseo with Captain 1st Rank Britanov next to the statue in the distance in the previous photo.
After a wreath laying at a St. Petersburg cemetery for those who died in the 900 day seige of WWII, there was a service at St. Nicholas by Father Bogdan. This is afterward, Captain Britanov in the middle, one of my favorite Russian Admirals, Rear Admiral Mormul, and me.
St. Nicholas, "the sailor's church." During lunch here, Admiral Berzin clearly stated how happy he was that the submarine force could now openly support the church.
Here's a good sailor. A freshly minted officer, Kirill Lysenko had the dubious honor of being at Admirals' and Captains' beck and call to take care of details, which he did in an unflagging and enthusiastic manner, and I have no doubt he will be a fine officer.
This is the fellow who took the picture of me with Capt. Britanov. Note the third medal, second row.
Submariners' Avenue
Submariner's Avenue is memorial dedicated to all submariners. The ceremony included a brass band (which played Anchors Aweigh) and a speech by Admiral of the Fleet, Hero-of-the-Soviet Union, Georgy Egorov asking for closer ties to the US military. Several trees were planted by the various countries represented by their delegations.
Admiral of the Fleet Gregory Egorov (ret) with Admiral Jean Marie Matey (ret), Captain Kurdin (ret), and Royal Harrison, head of the US delegation at the dedication.
This plaque identifies Submariner's Avenue, which is in English, as well as Russian. Unfortunately, it now commemorates 118 more souls.
They rolled out the proverbial brass band.
The whole formation, plus one.
Tourist
Me, in front of the Neva River, with the fortress of Peter and Paul in the background.
The ARCH OF DEATH in the fortress of Peter and Paul. Oooh. Not Scary.
Unless you were a prisoner, and you found yourself on this side of it. Now you'd have something to worry about, because you ain't comin' back.
This is the spire in the background of other pictures - the church in the fortress.
The Summer Palace - Peterhof
Woo, Hoo! Talk about your basic nice pad! One thing I noticed, though, was how the rooms on the floor we saw went one right after another, so you could literally fire a gun at one end, and pick up the bullet at some point. I'd want some roller skates if I lived there. Beautiful porcelin on the backs of all the fire places, and there's one in nearly every room. The floors are all inlaid with different designs, the ceilings are all unique. It's something.
A stair way.
A single door panel (8/ door, all unique) in a single door (at least 500) in the Peterhof (Summer Palace). The floors and doors alone are a museum.
A floor.
Just a nice place, you know?
Room to entertain.
The Summer Palace.
The Winter Palace
Winter Palace, or what I like to call "The Big House." Just when you've seen the Summer Palace, ready to restart the Revolution, you find out that the Peterhof really is "just the summer place." The Winter Palace represents wealth beyond imagination even excluding any of the art treasures.
Me, at one end of a very long room.
Here's a nice room. One of umpteen dozen.
Oh, yeah, kickin' back, with a bag of Cheetos.
Misc
An exciting rendering of the sort of shadow boxing and cold-war stealth often practiced by the crews of Fast Attack submarines. Set to rhyme and meter, I am proud to present "Chief Mac and the Contact" by Mr. Dave Stoops.
My close friend Igor Kozyr gave me his Captain's hat, which I know was very dear to him. Captain Britanov gave me the enlisted man's cap, on top.
I painted this Archerfish plaque (I even mixed some sand in the paint to make non-skid on the very top) and sent it to former Archerfish CO, Captain S.L. Ward III (ret) who was good enough to inscribe: "To the St. Petersburg Sub Club - with deep admirationand respect, we are all members of an exclusive fraternity. Take her down!" to present to the sub club. Thanks, Captain Ward.
Same plaque on the club's "Pride Place," far right.
USS Pampanito (SS-383). The Pampanito is open to the public, and is moored near Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco.
Booty. Igor gave me the Captain's watch, Pietre gave me the shark ("Akula! Not Permit!") the pins got put on me as I wandered around drunkenly at the farewell dinner, and my medal, presented the day before aboard the cruiser Aurora by Rear Admiral Berzin for "service to the club helping organize the convention." Hey - works for me, but it's for supporting the museum for Sergey Preminin.
The south end of the Golden Gate Bridge, Cap'n Lee at the controls.
One of my sets of Beatles' autographs.
Pie rat training on San Francisco Bay, 1980.
Me meeting Governor Carter (that's also how I addressed him) at a book signing. We exchanged a few words, and he somehow must have got the idea I was active duty because he made some under-his-breath comment about "haircuts in the Navy today." I only mention this because of a particularly cruel email I received from an individual who shall remain anonymous, but whose initials are Jeff Smith, who referred to my "half mullet" haircut after visiting the Nova site which has my photo. Sir: I have been told to get a haircut by a former President of the United States of America, and you can never take that away from me!
Anatomy of a Sea Story, as demonstrated by Cdr. Mark Patton, CO of the USS Topeka (SSN-754)
As a special feature to my readers here at the temporary home of Newbeard! the Pie Rat, and in conjunction with the US Navy Dept. of Training, I am pleased to present: "Anatomy of a Sea Story," as acted by Captain Mark Patton in March of 1999. I wish to thank Capt. Patton for his gracious hosting of our Mare Island USSVI group. He was an excellent host, and I'm sure a superb CO, as demonstrated by his professional officers and crew.
This instructional presentation is in three main parts - the same as any sea story worth its calibration sticker. Each main part has three possible captions. The first is the master's way. The second is the average, and third is an example of the unsuccessful attempt at this great tradition of the sea.
In a special agreement with the St. Petersburg Submariners' Club, this online course will be accepted as a Critical Training Requirement (CTR) for acceptance into the SPSC.
Stage one - establish the ground rules.
Cdr. Patton sets the stage for what is about to follow.
Caption 1: "OK, we all know the difference between a fairy tale and a sea story...."
Caption 2: "Guess what I heard."
Caption 3: "You guys probably wont believe this..."
click here
Stage two - spin yer yarn!
Cdr. Patton tells a riveting tale of bravery and skill upon the high seas.
Caption 1: "White! he was - like snow! And THIS 'ere big, a-twixt 'is cold, dark eyes, black as night!"
Caption 2: "I get him close to my brother-in-law's bass boat, and his mouth is THIS big!"
Caption 3: "He was just a minnow, but I got THIS close to him."
click here
Stage three - challenge dissent.
Cdr. Patton finishes with a flourish, and awaits the inevitable skeptic. Heads here turn to an anonymous shout of: "Bullshit! Next story!" the time-honored response of approval to the well-spun yarn.
Caption 1: "Duty officer - have the TMs take that man into custody."#
Caption 2: "If I'm lyin', I'm dyin'!"
Caption 3: "I'd be careful about who you called a liar."
click here
# Can actually be an extremely successful technique, but not available to most yarn spinners.
Remember - there are no bad sea stories - only bad sea story tellers, and lies that weren't big enough.
The Order-of-the-Buckle originated on the Pie Rat Submarvessel "Sea Lamphrey" (That's how I spell it) and carried over to the only Awards Ceremony ever held at USSVI base Cyberspace Base.
The official award is only presented to submarine combat veterans, and has been awarded twice: Richard B Fason, EM1 (SS) for service Above and Beyond the Call of Duty as COB of Cyberspace Base,
Captain Guy O'Neil,. WWII Commanding Officer USS Gunnel
In addition, the Order-of-the-Buckle has been presented to the St. Petersburg Submariners Club.
The buckles were made by Mr. Ed Lyons.
Front view. Dedicated to the fleet boats of the Gato (SS 212), Balao (SS 285) and Tench (SS 417) class submarines.
Vacation Photos!
Kirill has sent me some photos of his families recent vacation to the Crimea.
The port with Kirill's wife and son in the middle distance.
Now, when former sonarman Mike (name with held to protect the guilty) goes on vacation, he takes pictures of....what else? Old Soviet sonar stacks (operators' consoles). Enjoy!
Unofficial U.S.S. Archerfish (SSN-678) crew mate "Ahoy!" site.
I occasionally hear from long-lost Archerfish crewmates and have decided to start an unofficial place for former SSN-678 crew members to send messages. A virtual candle is always burning for Bill "Weird George" Burton.
Greg Mitchell, QM3 (SS) (72-76) of "Mitch's Portable People" cartoon fame seeks contact with former crewmates.
Hey Mitch - weren't you onboard during the Med run when that guy getting off the boat said you'd all remember him, and then took every last damn bit of salt with him? Except for the packets Evertt Gould happened to have? And (Mario Agripino used to tell this story) he would pretend to pray over his meals, with his hands folded over the plate, but he was really sprinkling salt on his food?
Mike Cary, TMSN is now a writer in San Antonio, Texas, and invites former crewmates to drop a line and say "Howdy."
Paul Van Betham, Former "nuc" on the Archerfish circa 1976-78 is currently in Bahgdad, recalled to active duty for design work to protect troops. "Keep your head down, Commander." This is one of Saddam's palaces, now Camp Victory.
International Community of Submariners Association
Sons of the American Revolution National home page.
SHARKHUNTERS - Official Publication of U-Boat History, and close friends to the Sub Club
Best government reference site, ever. Check out Uncle Master Chief Sid's - Yup! That's North of Sevey Corners, Sid! - Bubblehead and reference site. It's, like, way now.
Sites in Russian
Under construction
This web site is under construction, and fervently hopes to be more useful in the future. But I'm a former submariner (for all you Brits, say it with me: sub ma REEN er) and I believe: If you can't be useful, you might as well have fun.
(This background color is Fast-Attack Black. Ask for it by name!*)
*I receive no compensation from nOn-Skid TM Indoor/Outdoor paints.
Email me at lsteele@california.com
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