To perpetuate the memory of our Shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States government.

It seems like just recently we were celebrating the birthday of the Submarine Force, or remembering our Shipmates lost on Scorpion at our Memorial Service, or marching in Groton's July 4^th parade.

The summer came and went, and at SUBVETS Groton Base we stayed busy through it all. We marched with the SUBVETS WWII in the July 4^th parade. Afterwards the students from Submarine School who had helped us carry the Lost Boat flags joined us at the clubhouse for food and beverages, and good old fashioned SUBVETS camaraderie. Later on in the summer we had our Annual Family Picnic. We had an opportunity to say thanks to the students by having an Adopt a Sailor program. Members sponsored 40 students to join us at the picnic. The kids had a great time, and were very appreciative of the opportunity to join with us.

Throughout the summer we held brunches every week, and we raised money for the USSVI National Scholarship Fund. I am very appreciative of the hard work on everyone's part to keep our buffet brunches going through the dog days of summer, and for all who supported the weekly 50/50 raffles which helped out fundraising efforts for the Scholarship Fund.

In September we had the opportunity to welcome some new Chief Petty Officers. Congratulations to all, and thanks to the CPOs from PCU Jimmy Carter who helped us out around the club.

The National Convention in Peoria was a great success. We presented a check for over $2000.00 for 2002 for the National Scholarship Fund Drive. Many thanks to Phil Phillips and his members of Peoria Base for their hard work and a fine job. Many members of Groton Base attended the National Convention. It's always great to have folks come up to me and say "Hi. I'm so and so. I'm one of your members of Groton Base, but I don't get to come around to often. But I sure do enjoy being a member of SUBVETS, and Groton Base". Because we wanted to get this edition of Boat Notes by 1 October there was no time to include other comments or summaries of the National Convention.

Our biggest accomplishment was our 2001 Membership drive. We presently have 1485 members, but I feel confident that by the time that you receive this edition of Boat Notes we'll have gone over our goal of 1500 members. WOW! That's great work, and all of you need to be congratulated. It's because of your membership renewals; your efforts at recruiting; and the many new members who've joined up with us that we have made our goal of 1500 members so early in the year a reality.

So with this being the fall season what does that mean for us here at SUBVETS Groton Base? Several thoughts come to mind.

For starters, the House Committee is back in high gear. Brunches and many other events are scheduled between now and the New Year. But these events which provide us with great meals, don't come without hard work and efforts of Volunteers. Neither does the maintenance, or the great appearance of OUR CLUB. We need your help in this manner. Contact me if you can help in any way.

Next, October is when we start our membership campaign for 2002. We start pushing membership renewals. We already have over 200 members who have renewed for 2002. So start sending in those renewals. The more members who renew between now, and December 31^st the better off we'll be in 2002, and the less folks we'll have to chase down between January and March 31^st when the grace period runs out. I challenge you to have a 75% renewal rate by the end of the year. Also, new members you sign up between now and January get the added benefit of being a member for 2002 as well as 2001. What a great deal?

The next thing that comes to mind is that on November 11th we celebrate Veterans Day. This is a time when we remember all that have served their country. There are several events centered around Veterans Day. First we hold our CO/XO/COB dinner on 27 October where we will recognize some of the Leadership in the local Submarine Community. Then there's the Red, White, and Blue Mass on Sunday, 4 November at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Norwich at 10:30. This year's theme will be a tribute to those who served during the Korean War. There's the HOLLAND CLUB Induction ceremony, where we'll be inducting 40 Submarine Veterans qualified in Submarines over 50 years into the prestigious HOLLAND CLUB after our meeting on 5 November. Finally there's the SV WWII Memorial Service at the National Submarine Memorial East on Thames Street, on Saturday 10 November at 11am. When thinking of Veterans Day I ask you to read our creed again. "To perpetuate the memory of our Shipmates who gave their lives in the performance of their duties, while serving their country…" Folks, I strongly feel that Veterans Day is what being a member of SUBVETS is all about. What finer way is there to practice what we stand for than by participating in ceremonies like the Red, White, and Blue Mass, or the SUBVETS WWII Memorial Service. I hope you share my feelings, and I ask you for your support and maximum participation in these events. I hope to see you at one or all of these events. Your time that you are sacrificing to attend these events is minor compared to what those Shipmates that we are remembering sacrificed for us!!!

In closing, don't let those leaves get the best of you. Come on down to your clubhouse and relax for a while.

Thanks for making Groton Base the best in USSVI. It is because the aspirations of our predecessors, and of all of your collective efforts today that Groton Base members can proudly say they are part of the "FIRST AND FINEST" base in the organization.

Straight Board!!

John C.

Base Commander

There's so much that's been going on at SUBVETS Groton Base in the past few months, and even more in the next few.

We have three major accomplishments. We passed our goal of 1500 members for 2001; we exceeded our goal of $1.00 per member for Groton Base's donation to the National Scholarship Fund; and after over a yearlong project; our Groton Base Flag is now completed.

In other Base News that you'll read about there are several events coming up, some are House Committee, others are organizational events. In no particular order we have a Golf Tournament, the Annual Retiree Benefits Seminar, the Navy Birthday, the Red, White and Blue Mass, Italian Night, the HOLLAND CLUB INDUCTION Ceremony, Veterans Day Memorial Service, Base Field Day, and Steam Ship Round Dinner. We're also going to host a night for COs, XOs, COBs/CMCs called "Lets get Acquainted". Where we'll put on a dinner for the Senior Leadership in the area, as well as providing a general introduction to SUBVETS with the hopes of improving membership.

All in all, things at SUBVETS Groton are busy and going well, and getting better all the time. Continue reading Boat Notes to find out more.

The HOLLAND CLUB is a prestigious group within the SUBVETS Organization. The requirements to be in the HOLLAND CLUB are to be Qualified in Submarines for a Minimum of 50 years. They also must either be a Life Member of the organization with continuous membership for at least one year or they are Regular Member with continuous membership for at least five years.

Our members of the HOLLAND CLUB are our Heroes. We proudly salute them and recognize them for their contributions and sacrifices for our country and to the Submarine Force. The HOLLAND CLUB Wall of Honor is located in the "PUMP ROOM" of our clubhouse.

If you have been qualified in Submarines for over 50 years (1951 or earlier) and are just a regular member, upgrading your membership to a Life Member will reduce your wait time to be eligible for the HOLLAND CLUB.

The next HOLLAND CLUB Induction Ceremony will be on November 5th following the monthly meeting. The induction ceremony will be followed by a pot-luck dinner. Please bring a dish to share. Hopefully many members, present HOLLAND CLUB members, and family will be present to recognize, and welcome our newest members of this prestigious group.

The following members will be inducted into the HOLLAND CLUB: Frederick L. Allen; Blair Barrows; Kenneth D. Brown; Ralph Brown; Dudley W. Butler; Mike Cuseo; Robert H. Davis; Phillip G. Dionne; Alex Doucette; Fred Edlund; Earle M. Falvey Jr.; Edward C. Fogarty; Milton Gaedt Sr; John B. Gantnier; Edmond E. Gibbons; Paul W. Gruber; Orville E. Horton; William H. Jahns; Don Johnson; Edward F. Kalin; Theodore S. Kaszuba; David F. Katusha; Edmund Knight; Warren A. Lentz; Frank A. Limpert; Frank S. Logano; George W. Macgregor; Stephen Madigosky; John D. Manning; Charles Manza; Joseph Mehalick; David A. Nettleton; Wilbur P. Powers; Herman W. Schnabel; Talbot E. Sturgis; Charles Sutton Jr.; Gerald D. Vizena; Walter J. Wadja Jr.; and Warren F. Wildes. IF YOU FEEL YOUR NAME SHOULD BE ON THIS LIST OR IT IS ON LIST AND SHOULD NOT BE, PLEASE CONTACT THE BASE COMMANDER ASAP.

Brunches continue to do well. Because we had sufficient numbers of volunteers in the kitchen, we experimented with Buffet Brunches through the summer. We feel that it was successful and that we kept our customer base through the summer into the fall and learned some lessons for next year. Many thanks to all those "VOLUNTEERS" who helped to put these events on, and to our loyal customers who supported us, and for bearing with us as we tried different things. We will take the lessons learned and apply them next year. We have restarted our normal brunch schedule and have the usual Steak N' Egg Brunch (with full regular menu available also) served the first Sunday of each month and our normal Sunday Brunch menu will be served on all other Sundays of the month.

In August we had our Annual Family Picnic, and in September we kicked off the season with our Steak N' Lobster Dinner. Both of these events were huge successes. Many thanks to Doug Wood for his hard work, and to all the volunteers who donated their time, efforts, and money to make these so successful. There were many volunteers who helped make these events successful. To avoid missing some one we'll just say thanks to one and all. We couldn't do it without you.

Additionally, thank you to all who sponsored Submarine School Students to join us at our picnic. It was our way of saying thanks to the students for all that they do for us, and they had a great time.

Looking down the road we have several activities planned. The following are events through December:

Most of the dinners have a limit on the number of attendees that we can serve based on the ability of the kitchen facility. An event poster and sign-up sheet will be posted in the clubhouse a couple of weeks before the event. Our events fill up quickly. Sign up early to ensure that you will have a seat reserved. All Dinners are served from 6pm - 8:30pm.

It is with your continued support that the House Committee can provide Special Event Dinners and the Sunday Brunch’s. Your full participation is important to the Club and the House Committee.

Thanks to the membership on both sides of the brunch/dinner table for your continued strong support of the House Committee. We are always open to suggestions on how to improve our service and events.

A closing note and reminder. "VOLUNTEERS" not professionals put out our meals and special events. Please keep that in mind. We appreciate your patience at times when we get backed up. Also, because they are "VOLUNTEERS" and not paid staff, tips aren't included in the price. Please take care of the waitresses/bartenders when they take care of you.

Note: Box Scores are as of September 10, 2001

*All new members who join now are considered 2002 members as well as 2001 members.

*The cost to renew dues for Regular or Associate Members is only $20.00 if you renew by 31 Mar 2002, and $30.00 if you renew after March 31, 2002. LIFE MEMBERS are still required to pay $10.00 for Base Dues.

*Members who renew by 1 January will be eligible for the base's Early Bird Raffle, where 5 different prizes ranging from Membership dues for the next year to free lunches, hats and shirts are given out.

The following is a listing of all members who have joined/rejoined SINCE THE JUL/AUG/SEP EDITION OF Boat Notes:

2002 MEMBERSHIP DUES: Although we don't actually start pushing membership renewals for the new year until October, it's never too early to renew your dues. In fact, not counting HOLLAND CLUB members ,we already have over 80 members who have paid their dues for 2002. You can even pay in advance. We have some members who have paid dues out to 2010. So why wait. Renew/pay in advance any time. Better to be early than late. The more who renew early, the better we will be next March/April.

Andrew "Andy" C. Feindt In Jul USSVI, and SV WWII lost a very good shipmate. Shipmate Andy Feindt, 76 passed away 28 July 2001. Andy joined SUBVETS Groton Base in 1995 as a Life member, and inducted into the prestigious HOLLAND CLUB in 1998. He qualified Submarines onboard the S-12 (SS 117) in 1942. He also served onboard USS TILEFISH (SS 307), USS DIODON (SS 349), USS BOARFISH (SS 327), USS QUILLBACK (SS 424), USS ARGONAUT (SS 475), and USS IREX (SS 482) retiring as an EMC(SS) in 1962. Shipmate Feindt was also the Past Chapter President of the Thames River Chapter of SUBVETS WWII, and was recently serving as the CT State Commander, SUBVETS WWII, as well as a member of the SUBVETS Groton Base Board of Trustees.

Leslie Nelson Jennings Lost Harbor

In addition to donations, I’d also like to thank the people who donated time and effort in helping to get the July/Aug/Sep newsletter put together and mailed. Typing, and addressing these newsletters is just as just as important as donations. We certainly could not get out our newsletter without both donations and volunteers to help. P.W. and Sandy Louthain who edit and type the newsletter. The folders and addressers whom I could not put this newsletter together without: Dee Carcioppolo, Dick Eng, Bill and Sue Jahns, Ralph & Dot Kennedy, Will Nelson, John Sullivan, Ben and Betty Travisano, John Wagner, and Bill Welsh.

Newsletter Boat Sponsorship Program: We have a Boat Sponsorship program similar to National’s Boat Sponsorship program to help get our newsletter sent to various commands so that more Shipmates find out about us, without cost to the base. This has been a very successful program. The cost to sponsor a command for 1 years worth of our newsletter (6 editions) is $10.00 for each copy. Each Submarine home ported in Groton is receiving at least one copy of Boat Notes. Our goal is to get at least 4 copies of our newsletter to each of the boats home ported in Groton, two for the crew, and one for the CPO Quarters, and the Wardrooms. Once a command is sponsored, a letter is sent to that command letting the CO know that you are sponsoring them, and a little bit about you. We are still looking for many sponsors for boats/commands in Groton that either aren’t sponsored, or aren't sponsored for 4 copies. For additional information or to sponsor a boat/command, contact the Base Secretary P.W. Louthain. Also we are looking for a volunteer to help the Base Secretary in coordinating and administrating this program. If you are interested in helping out, please the Base Secretary, P.W. Louthain.

2002 NATIONAL CONVENTION: The USSVI National Convention will be held 17- 22 Sep 2002 in Duluth Mn, hosted by Western Lake Superior Base. Information on Duluth and the 2002 convention can be obtained at http://member.aol.com/wlsussvi/conventn.html More information will follow as it becomes available.

U.S. SUBMARINE VETERANS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, INC. (FOUNDATION): The Foundation was incorporated in the State of CT on Nov 16, 2000 and received a 501 (c) (3) Determination Letter from the Internal Revenue Service on Dec 5, 2000. This means that our members, their families, friends or any person interested in supporting our charitable functions may now make tax-deductible donations to the Foundation. Instead of making a non tax deductible contribution to the USSVI Scholarship Fund, you can now make the same gift to the US Submarine Charitable Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Fund, Memorial Fund, or Library Fund and be able to claim a tax deduction on your income tax return. There will also be a "Special Purpose" or "Other Projects" Fund set up after the initial funds are established. NO MONIES will be returned once a donation is made. Individuals wishing to donate to the Foundation should make checks payable to US Submarine Veterans' Charitable Foundation, Inc. and mail them to the club. These donations will then be forwarded to the Foundation Treasurer. An individual contemplating making a donation should also check with their own tax advisor. Not all taxpayers receive tax benefits for donations made.

NATIONAL ELECTIONS: As of this writing the results of the 2001 USSVI National Elections have not been tallied and announced yet. Election results should be announced in your next American Submariner. Congratulations to any new elected officers. Thanks to all members who took the time to vote. There were 156 members who voted in the National Elections, 116 members who voted in the Eastern Region Elections, and 156 who voted in the Articles of Incorporation ballot.

BUILDING RENOVATIONS: The dining room has all brand new chairs and the old booths are gone. All of the folding chairs are now upstairs for meetings or other special events so they don't have to be carried up and down. The dining room looks bigger and better than ever and the chairs give us more flexibility. The old unused chimney still hasn't come down yet. Shipmate John Duddy will be taking that down hopefully before winter. Tom Connors has repainted the Front Door, and the Front Porch dramatically improving the appearance of the front of the building. Also thanks to the CPO Selectees from PCU Jimmy Carter we have run electricity up into the National Archives for their use. These Selectees also did a lot of other needed work around the club. We have collected approximately half of the amount of money needed to replace the siding in the rear of the building from donations, but still need an additional $2,700 for that project. Tom Connors is collecting donations for that and the replacement of the siding on the East Side of the building. These are very costly projects. Donations may be sent to the club marked Building Siding Project. Other renovations plans include: Point and seal the bricks on 3 sides of the building; convert second deck bar to a wet bar; and provide heat for the second deck; All of these projects take planning, manpower, money and coordination. All of your donations and volunteer support for these ongoing projects is always appreciated. Your club is better because of the combination of your donations and efforts. The club is owned by the membership, and the membership continues to help supporting upgrades, and needed repairs and facilities. Thanks to all who donated, or supported these projects, and as always thanks to Tom Connors for his coordination efforts.

On a separate note, Tom Bowler who was formerly responsible for Building Maintenance no longer has time to perform these responsibilities, and has stepped down. So we need to find a replacement for this position. Any one who has the time and is interested should contact the Base Commander. Thanks to Tom Bowler for all of his support.

BASE CLEANUP/BASE FIELD DAY: Thanks to all who continually donate time on Saturday mornings to clean our clubhouse, keeping it looking good for all members, and visiting guests. The club is being used more for many different events, and it takes more effort to clean. Only volunteers clean our club and it's not contracted out at a cost to the customers. Our volunteers always keep it looking good. Visitors often comment how clean our club is, and leave with a favorable impression of it’s good appearance. If I had to list one weakness that Groton Base has, I'd say that it was our support of weekly cleanups of "OUR CLUBHOUSE".

We have several long-standing volunteers that we are very grateful for who regularly clean our club on weekends. Additional help is always welcome. Clean up is every Saturday starting around 7:30am, and are usually completed by 10am. It is cleaned that early, so everything is done by the time the club opens at 10am. This includes allowing the wax to dry so the decks look good.

You don’t have to be there every Saturday, just whenever you can. Your support would be greatly appreciated. A couple extra bodies would be helpful in ensuring that the routine cleaning gets taken care of if some of the regulars are away on vacation.

We are the only Base with it's own clubhouse. The club belongs to all of us. Please pitch in and help keep it clean, and looking good for all to enjoy. We're open for any suggestions on how to do this better smarter and more efficiently.

It's also time for our semi-annual Base Field Day. This is where we take care of some of the deep cleaning around the club, and also clean up the outside grounds, including the leaves. Base Field Day is presently scheduled for Saturday 3 November from 9 - noon. In the event of rain Base Field Day will be Saturday 10 November. There will be a sign-up list at the clubhouse. In addition to volunteers, we will need members to bring rakes, and other garden tools as well as pick-up trucks with dump passes. All help and support is appreciated.

The SUBVETS VESTS are becoming increasingly popular for wear at SUBVETS meetings, events and Memorial Services. They are a great way to let folks know who we are. SUBVETS vests are also be ordered through Bud Atkins. There is also an order form and pictures on our web site, or they can be ordered at the club.

Our next Memorial Ceremony is scheduled for Veterans Day, there is plenty of time available now for you to order a hat or vest, and have them come in time. SUBVETS wearing the official SUBVETS Garrison hat will give a military salute when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, during the playing of the National Anthem, and at all other times when Military Salutes would be required in paying respect to our flag. Military Salutes would also be appropriate during the Tolling of the Boats and during Taps while wearing this hat.

USSVI SCHOLARSHIP FUND by Paul Wm. Orstad

Our Fund Raising efforts for the USSVI Scholarship Fund were again successful in exceeding our goal. This year's goal was to raise enough money to contribute $1.00 for each member to the National Scholarship Fund. Through many donations, 50/50 raffles held during the summer Buffet Brunches, and from money raised through a golf tournament we were able to exceed our goal. Thanks to your generosity $2,159.00 was recently presented from SUBVETS Groton Base to National at the National Convention. Many thanks to all those who supported this year's National Scholarship Fund Drive.

The USSVI Scholarship Fund is coordinated by National and gives different scholarships to applicants who are children, stepchildren, or grandchildren of members of SUBVETS. This year as the last two years, one of our members children was a USSVI Scholarship Recipient.

At the August meeting we had the privilege of recognizing one of the Scholarship recipients and presented a check for $750.00 to Lindsay Matias is the daughter of Johny and Beverly Matias.

[BELOW: Lindsay Matias one of 10 USSVI Scholarship recipients is presented a check for $750.00 from USSVI National Scholarship Chairman Paul Orstad.]

CLUB NEWS: Lunches at the club are very popular. Shipmate Chris Quijada does an outstanding job in preparing lunches on weekdays that are tasty, filling and very reasonably priced. Chris does the cooking, serving, and clean up with help from the day bartenders Gloria, and Tom Connors when they can help out. Lunches are served from 11am to 2pm. Well done and thanks to all for their efforts in putting out these great meals.

If you are planning on bringing a group for lunch, advance notification would allow for proper planning and ensure enough food is available for your group. Give Chris a courtesy call at 445-5262 so he can anticipate your needs.

Also welcome to new bartenders Scotty Fusco and Mary who have recently started volunteering behind the bar.

CLUB ISSUES As we start the membership drive for the new year for clarification to all members, old and new alike, the following is a brief refresh on the Bar, and it's operations, and some of the clubhouse rules.

SUBVETS Groton Base is the only Base in the entire USSVI organization that has it's own clubhouse and Bar. However, the USSVI Organizational issues and structure are completely different and separate from bar issues and structure. The Executive Board controls USSVI Groton Base issues. The Permittee and Board of Trustees control bar issues.

The Permittee, Chris Quijada, works for the Board of Trustees. There is a Chairman of the Board of Trustees (CBOT) who is appointed by the Executive Board. The CBOT is Charlie Warrington. In addition to the CBOT the other members of the Board of Trustees are: Al Atkinson, Bill Fatek, Mike Hurley, Bill Jahns, Billy Urban, and Dan Westhusen. The Board of Trustees meets at least quarterly, reviews issues makes decisions and provides direction to the Permittee in the running of the Bar. Although the two boards work closely together, all bar issues (No Exceptions) should either be referred to the Permittee, placed in the suggestion box, or given to the CBOT or one of the members of the Board of Trustees, and not to Base Officers on the Executive Board.

These are some important house rules required to comply with the State of CT Liquor Laws:

1. Guests: All guests of members (not including spouses) must be sponsored by members in good standing and signed in the guest book on the podium at the bottom of the stairs. Please write clearly and do not use dittos or arrows. Sponsors are responsible for the conduct of their guests, and must remain in the club while there are guests present. If the Sponsor departs the premises, the guests must also leave.

2. Spouses: Spouses are not required to sign the guest book. Spouses may sponsor guests in the absence of the member, providing the member is in good standing.

3. Visitation: Guests who are eligible for membership in USSVI i.e. Qualified in Submarines are allowed up to three sponsored visits before they must join the organization as a member.

DISTRICT ONE by Paul Wm. Orstad: USSVI District 1 meeting will be held in Portsmouth, NH on 6 October 2001 at the American Legion Club, 96 Islington Street. The meeting is open to all members in District One and they are encouraged to attend. The meeting is scheduled to start at 1000 and will be followed by a light lunch. There is a small charge for the lunch. The meeting should last about two hours. Thresher Base is the host. There will be a tour of USS Albacore in the afternoon. There are plenty of interesting things for you wife to do while you are attending the meeting including the outlet malls in Kittery just across from Portsmouth.

RED, WHITE AND BLUE MASS: All members and guests are invited to participate in the Annual Red, White, and Blue Mass on Sunday, 4 November starting at 10:30am at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 213 Broadway in Norwich CT. The Red, White, and Blue Mass is an annual service for active duty, retired and reserve personnel, Veterans, and Veterans organizations. The purpose of this mass is to honor our service men and women for their selfless dedication to God and Country, to recognize their sacrifices and those of their families, and to commemorate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in the line of duty.

This will be the 10th annual Red, White, and Blue Mass and will celebrate the men and women from the Korean War Era.

The Red, White and Blue Mass is a very moving mass that is well attended by the community, and by active duty personnel and a good showing by SUBVETS is very good publicity for SUBVETS. There's a free reception for all attendees in the basement of the church following the service.

SUBVETS GROTON BASE FLAG: The SUBVETS Groton Base Flag is now completed. Thanks to the efforts and a significant personal donation from Shipmate Ray Briggs who coordinated this project. Ray took care of all the details, and ensured we received a good product. The flag is a beautiful blue and gold color. It has the SUBVETS Emblem in black and white in the center. Above the emblem it says "GROTON BASE", and below the emblem it says "FIRST AND FINEST". The flag will be used in future parades, and ceremonies. Many thanks also to Associate Member Sam Reese. Sam constructed a stand to hold the flag so it is always on display upstairs in the hall, and can easily be displayed at other functions away from the club as well.

SUBVETS GROTON BASE COLOR GUARD: Charlie Starratt has been selected to be Captain of the USSVI Groton Base Color Guard. He plans are to recruit about eight other members to staff our newly formed unit. Only about four members will be needed for an event, so every member of the unit will not have to perform at every event. He plans to have everyone dress "uniformly" probably with vests and garrison hats. If you are capable of being a member of our Color Guard, please call Charlie at (860) 859-0583. The first event will be at the Red White and Blue Mass on Sunday November 4, 2001 in Norwich.

GOLF TOURNAMENT: We will be holding a SUBVETS fall Golf Tournament. The Golf Tournament is scheduled for 12 October. It will be at Birch Plains Golf Course in Groton. The cost will be $40.00. This covers the cost of green's fees, grinders and beverages on the Golf Course. Afterwards there will be a dinner for all participants at the club. All profits from the Golf Tournament will go towards the 2002 National Scholarship Fund. You can sign up for the Golf Tournament at the club. For additional information contact Dick Eng at (860) 448-6499.

NAVY BIRTHDAY: On October 13th, our U.S. NAVY will be celebrating it's 226th birthday. Although the Submarine Force has traditionally only made up a very small part of the U.S. NAVY, it's still a great feeling of pride, knowing that we were/are part of the best and most powerful Navy in the world.

To our Active Duty Shipmates presently "standing the watch" in the Submarine Force and U.S. NAVY today HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We thank you for your service, and appreciate your work and many sacrifices for our country.

The annual Navy Birthday Ball hosted by COMSUBGRU TWO will be Friday 9 November with cocktail hour starting at 6pm, dinner at 7pm. The guest speaker will be Groton Base Member, Admiral Konetzni who is the Deputy Commander for CINCLANTFLT. At present we don't have the cost of the tickets, but hopefully by the time that you receive this a price will be known. Estimates are that tickets will be between $20-30.00 each. If you are interested in attending please contact the Base Commander directly not the clubhouse.ANNUAL RETIREE BENEFITS BRIEFING: On 20 October SUBASE will be hosting their Annual Military Retiree Benefits Briefing. This briefing is open to all Military Retirees, and provides an informative update on Military Benefits. For additional information on this briefing call the Retired Activities Affairs Office at (860) 694-3284. While you are there stop by and say hi to Tom and Carol Connors who will be manning the Coffee Booth.

SMALL STORES: There are plenty of things that we have for sale in Small Stores. We have Golf Shirts, several types of ball caps, Brothers of the Phin CDs, Calendars, License Plate Frames, Garrison Hats, Vests, and other items. So stop on by and shop. For you wives who read Boat Notes, it's not to early to do some early Christmas Shopping for your SUBVET.