| FORMAL DECOMMISSIONING CEREMONY OF THE DIAMOND CHAPTER WW II SUBMARINE VETERANS Thanks to the USSVI Snook Base for Hosting this event. |
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| THE SUB VETS OF WWII DIAMOND CHAPTER DECOMMISSIONED Sat. October 10, 2009, the formal decommissioning of the Diamond Chapter was conducted at the Clarion Hotel, In Bentonville, AR by the USS Snook Base of USSVI. US Submarine Force Master Chief Jeff Garrison paid tribute to the WWII veterans for their courage and example in accomplishing the sinking of over 55 percent of all Japanese Naval warship losses and over 1,150 merchant ships with only 1.6 percent of the total Naval Manpower. Master Chief Garrison assured the WWII Sub Vets the tradition continues as he provided the State of the US Submarine Force today. Congressman John Boozman presented each of the WWII Sub Vets present or a member of their families with a copy of the Congressional Record which recognized the accomplishment of the Submarine Veterans of World War II. The formal decommissioning ceremony included the Tolling of the Boats lost in WWII and presenting the flag from the USS Snook Memorial to Bob Wight the last commander of the Diamond Chapter. There were many USS Razorback Base members present at the festivities. Greg Zoner spoke for the Base members assuring the Diamond Chapter vets the USS Razorback Base accepted the challenge as stated in the purpose of the Sub Vet WWII organization. “To perpetuate the memory of those shipmates who gave their lives in Submarine Warfare: to further promote and keep alive the spirit and unity that existed among United States Navy Submarine Crewmen during World War II; to promote sociability, general welfare and good fellowship among its members . . “. The Diamond Chapter members were shown current pictures of the USS Snook Memorial to demonstrate the efforts of the Razorback Base and the City of North Little Rock to perpetuate its maintenance and assured them the up keep of the memorial would be ongoing until the last Submariner was on Eternal Patrol. Submitted by Jim Franks, USS Razorback Base |