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Minneapolis/St.PaulSea Stories – Scuttle Butt
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Directory of the Sea Stories
Click on the BLUE title to view the story.
It is a Small World by Ken Tibesar
While on patrol, a very unusual message was received to extract an onboard sailor from our Polaris Submarine. His uncle (a US Senator) was on his death bed and the family requested his presence. A meeting that was against all odds occurred years later.
Bringing Back the Magic by Dex Armstrong, Revision by Ken Tibesar
Dex is a great writer, as seen in the numerous stories below. Dex gives credit to the USSVI (US Sub Veterans Inc.) organization for bringing back the pride of being a submariner. The opportunity to meet and exchange “sea stories” is a great gift provided by USSVI Base organizations.
The Diving Alarm Ballet by Mike Hemming
A detailed description of all of the steps required of the submariners working together to dive the boat. There is no music to this ballet, but the dance is a well-scripted performance that is executed in perfect harmony.
Country Preacher’s Test for Son Submitted by Steve Marquis
The preacher’s father wants to determine his son’s interest to assist him in choosing a profession. There is a submarine connection with a good laugh.
Once Upon a Time, There Was a Subbase New London by Bob ‘Dex’ Armstrong
The story starts with a leader ready to set the tone of what it means to volunteer for submarine duty. Dex then provides details of what it means to be a submariner; no signup bonuses, no educational benefits, the time spent in smoky bars and diesel boats with the finest men we would ever know.
Dive Dive For I Am a Submariner by John Chaffey Powell, Wyoming
The experience of submariners providing supporting duty proving that “Freedom is Not Free.”
Bunk Bags by Bob ‘Dex’ Armstrong
All about green bunk bags described as only Dex could define in detail.
The Thinning Ranks of Lockwood’s Iron Men by Bob ‘Dex’ Armstrong
Dex provides an endorsement of World War II submariners. Dex missed his calling as a prolific writer with his splendid and creative writing flare.
The DBF Pin (Diesel Boats Forever) by Patrick Meagher TMC(SS) USN RET.
Patrick describes the transition of diesel boat sailors to nuke boats and the changes to the operational philosophy. The diesel boats had to cover for nukes for years due to nukes operational problems. The coverage of the nukes by diesel boats provided the incentive for the DBF pin. By 1975 the nukes problems were resolved, and the last US diesel boat submarine was decommissioned.
Captain Spud’s Challenge by Lamar S. Taylor
In 1948 after shipyards in Philadelphia, Spud, the submarine captain, was challenged by guests of the Secretary of Defense. They did not believe he could get his boat underway. Spud said he could finish it in 5 minutes, and the challenge was implemented.