Blueback Base Submarine Veterans Tour USS Frank Cable

Blueback Base Submarine veterans toured submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), June 24, after the ship completed a $30 million overhaul in Portland, Ore.

During the visit, Frank Cable Sailors led several tours for 70 submarine veterans through the ship’s spaces including the galley, carpenter shop, sheet metal shop, machine shop, boat deck, CO’s and XO’s staterooms, ship’s store and the bridge.

“All the feedback I have gotten from participating members has been nothing short of outstanding,” said Blueback Base President Ray Lough. “The crew showed us every courtesy and answered all questions. We were amazed at all the capabilities the USS Frank Cable has.”

“They were all very impressed by the crew and very happy,” said Frank Cable’s Executive Officer Cmdr. Timothy Sparks, who is also a member of another submarine veteran organization, Bowfin Base out of Pearl Harbor.

The Blueback Base is one of several submarine veteran organizations who promote the remembrance of shipmates that gave their lives for their country and served in the submarine force.

“The submarine veterans’ purpose is to bring together prior and existing submarine Sailors and officers to remember the sacrifices our shipmates gave, and every meeting we have a moment of silence for our lost shipmates,” said Sparks.

“We all served and it is important to us and the country that we be reminded of why we served and to see how our Navy has progressed without us,” said Lough. “We have grandchildren and nephews and nieces that may be looking for a career and we can make suggestions about what the Navy has to offer.”

Three World War II veterans attended the tour including Tudor Davis, a retired submariner who served aboard the USS Halibut (SS 232).

“Oh it was terrific,” said Davis. “I was never on a tender before except to walk across to go on liberty. Now I’m seeing the whole thing and it’s beautiful.”

The tour ended with the veterans eating lunch on the mess deck with the Sailors. All of the veterans said it was a visit they would never forget.

“We wish all of the crew fair winds and following seas, and a safe journey home,” said Lough. “Thank you again for a wonderful experience.”

Frank Cable is temporarily relieved from conducting maintenance of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility by the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39).

Following the dry-docking and maintenance, sea trials will be conducted prior to Frank Cable transitioning back to Guam.

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Naval Today Staff , July 4, 2012; Image: U.S. Navy