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 […]

What’s in a name? : USS Clamagore SS 343

Originally posted on theleansubmariner:
What’s in a name? : USS Clamagore SS 343 It’s been hard the last few years seeing the struggle of the Clamagore. There are so few submarines from her era still afloat and even the thought of losing one is hard for those of us who know their place in history.…

If only there was a way to skip April 27

Originally posted on theleansubmariner:
I dread this day. April 27th. Yet no matter how much I hate the day, it comes back again. I guess I should be happy that I am alive and in better health this year than many others. I just know that I will wake up again tomorrow and miss you.…

April 24th, 1972: The Oath

Originally posted on theleansubmariner:
April 24th, 1972 is a day that I first raised my hand. Like most kids, I was cocky, self centered, in too much of a hurry to be grown up and not as disciplined as I should have been. But everything began to change on that day. Up until that point,…

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 […]