The Daring Gambler Held All the Cards – The Plunger Legacy

There are few other submarine names that show the progression of the growth of America’s submarine propulsion power as clearly as the family of boats named Plunger I wanted to end Submarine Month (April 2020) with a classic story and a tribute to one of the most decorated submarines of the Cold War at the […]

The Battle of Bull Run and the First Official Submariner

The Battle of Bull Run and the First Official Submariner Since April is Submarine Month, I thought I would add to the history of our great institution. Warning: This is a long article… I struggled to cut it down to size and even thought about doing a two part story. But the more I found […]

Question for Smoke Boat Sailors from the Vietnam Era

I don’t often do this, but thought it was worth asking this question for a new follower of the blog. As a long time Submariner, I am sure that many of the environmental factors we were exposed to have long term effects. You should see my medical history. But I know that the use of […]

April 20, 2020 #FreePennsylvania

Today (April 20th, 2020) is Freedom day in Pennsylvania. Seems funny after all these years that we would have to talk about freedom, but a number of people are starting to think that our government is being a bit overbearing. Its obvious that a national crisis has brought about many changes but it is beginning […]

April 19, 1945 – Happy Birthday Sailor

Today’s story is a personal one. On April 27, 1993, my Dad went on eternal patrol as a result of a long struggle with heart disease and its many complications. Dad was 66 years old, having just turned that age on April 19. Both days have been significant in my life ever since. His […]

End of Watch USS Pittsburgh SSN 720 April 15, 2020

This will be the final chapter in the USS Pittsburgh story. On April 15, 2020, Commander Jason Deichler posted his farewell note on Facebook. He is leaving the boat for his new assignment and this was his last official act as the skipper. USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720) was a Los Angeles-class attack submarine. The Los […]

Thank you for your service… A new Way to Show your Thanks

We have many people in our country that are hurting. Veterans are very high on that list. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have resulted in many younger veterans joining the ranks of the older vets that served with honor but now need some extra help. Those younger families are often the first ones […]

The submarines now in operation are sea-worthy and the living quarters are commodious – April 1920

One hundred years ago, most discussions around submarines focused on two things. First, for most of the world. The all too recent painful memory of the death and destruction caused by the German U-boats. The strangling effect on the English economy was still being felt long after the last ship was sunk. Submarines were viewed […]

2020 Virtual 120th Annual Submarine Birthday Ball – 1900 Hours

You are invited to the 2020 Submarine Ball https://www.facebook.com/2020-Virtual-120th-Submarine-Birthday-Ball-107783274227633/ We are separated by distance and forbidden to gather because of the Covid 19 But we are Submariners. We adapt, we overcome, and nothing gets between us and a party I invite you to join us here at theleansubmariner or on our Facebook page tonight at […]

Happy Birthday Submarine Family – 120 Years of Excellence

Happy birthday family. It feels a little odd saying that. For most of the years I was an active duty Submariner, you could just say “Happy Birthday Brothers” on April 11 and that would be accurate. After all, we were “Brothers of the Phin” by the shared connection of having completed submarine qualifications. My actual […]