Sunday, 29th
JUNE 2008
Last week I started the Log with sad news on Boof's heart attack.
I am happy to say that he is much better now, the medication has well
and tryly taken affect and he is acting like a pup again. Still no
walks for him, so his mate Sheela (our other dog) and I bought an old
pram from the tip and we push him in it on our morning walk. He
loves it, but I think the neighbours think that I am one step away from
the looney bin.
This week has been all go, I am feeling much better and
full of energy. I have put in new gardens, one for vegetables
(onions, Brussel sprouts, spinach, leeks and Buck Choy) and one in the
terraced area around the pool for my roses. This has been
backbreaking, I am not as fit as I used to be (if ever?) and shoveling
dirt into a makeshift sieve to remove the rocks has been hard work.
I have another vegetable patch to start this afternoon and then I'll
start on the chook shed, fresh eggs and vegetables at twice the price of
the shops.
The possums have been active this week, holding drag
races on my tin roof at 0400 each day as they return home from a nights
rape and pillage. I am finally friends with the three that live
with me (two in the shed - mum and baby - and one in the toilet roof)
and they now accept their fruit from me on the verandah. They are not
too sure about Sheela so she has to stay inside at feeding time.
One of my neighbours is a 75 year old Queensland farmer
who can no longer drive so I sometimes take him to Tiaro shops, about 15
km from Bauple. On one trip the topic got around to Kevin 07 and his
appointment to Prime Minister. "Well, ya know," drawled the old
farmer, "this Rudd fella is what they call a fencepost turtle." Not
being familiar with the term, I asked him what a fencepost turtle was.
He replied, "when you're driving along a country road and you come
across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that's called a
fencepost turtle." The old farmer saw a puzzled look on my face, so he
continued to explain, "You know he didn't get up there by himself, he
definitely doesn't belong up there, he doesn't know what to do while he
is up there, and you just gotta wonder what kind of dill put him up
there in the first place!''
I have had several members ask why they will no longer
get their copy of the SAA newsletter, In Depth, by mail after the next
issue. The Treasurer, John Rana explained to me that our
sponsor for many years has not been able to assist this year. The
sponsorship amount was $4400 and the total was consumed in postage and
printing. With the majority of members having access to the web and
having an email address it is hard to justify the expense of dispatching
500 plus copies by mail. Without sponsorship the Executive
Committee decided, for economic reasons, that only one more issue of the
"In Depth" would be dispatched in hard copy. Members will be informed of
the reasons in this edition. The Committee took the view that
members without a computer could utilize their local library to down
load a copy. Branch Presidents were happy for their secretaries to make
a copy available on request. Anyone out their want to sponsor a
newsletter?
SUBMARINE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA News
President's Notes
I have received a letter from Admiral Rowan Moffitt AO RAN advising
me that the Chief of Navy has commissioned him to undertake a
wide-ranging review of the sustainability of the uniformed submarine
work force. He is to deliver his report at the end of October.
The Admiral would welcome input from the Association and seeks
collective or individual thoughts on any issues. As the time given to
prepare the Report is limited his preference is to hear from the
Association through a single interlocutor, so that he can avoid
allocating potentially large amounts of time to talking person to person
with individual members. That said, the Admiral is quite happy to take
written or e-mailed submissions from individuals and he will follow up
as he feels the need. The Admiral is also happy to guarantee anonymity
for those contributors who may want it.
His terms of reference are broad, similar to those for Captain Bill
Dovers' review of 1994 but he have less time than he had and his concern
therefore is that he need to get focused quickly on the main issues.
I have sent an email to all Branches for discussion and for them to come
back to me with any ideas. This is an opportunity to have an input
into the future of the “Submarine Workforce”. Time is obviously of
the essence.
To enable a consolidated Association response to be given to the Admiral
members are requested to forward comments or suggestions to me by
email as soon as
possible.
For those that wish to forward their suggestions directly to the Admiral
there are two ways.
Letters addressed 'personal' will secure confidentiality if it is asked
for:
Rear Admiral R.C. Moffitt AO, RAN
Submarine Workforce Sustainability Review
Russell Offices R1-4-C002
Department of Defence
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Alternatively, e-mails (which may be seen by others) can be sent to
Submarine Review
Secretary offline
I have received news that our National secretary has lost his email
connection and will be offline for a few weeks, watch this space.
this means that I cannot update the New Member's section or pass on any
news until further notice.
Queensland
Members are reminded that the next meeting of
SAA Qld Inc will be held at the Coorparoo RSL (Galaxy Room) at 1100 -
3rd August 2008. This Meeting will be our AGM and Secretary Rob Woolrych
asks as many of you as possible to come and have your say. Also to all
those of you who are non-supporters of SAA Qld Inc but whom are
diligently included in our correspondence when it is sent out, are asked
to come to this gathering and support us and join the Association.
If there are any of you who have any items you want discussed at the AGM
please forward to Rob. The President is interested in continuing in our
quest to pull the SAA Qld Inc out of the past and project it into the
21st Century but we cannot do that without your support and input. Any
valid proposal or idea you have which you may have to make our
Queensland Branch or the Association a better organization we would like
to hear it.
Secretary Rob Woolrych advises that the Branch
meeting scheduled for 11/12th October 2008 will be held at Stanthorpe
and for anyone that resides in the areas of Northern NSW this is the
ideal time for you to come and join us for a little experience of
Queensland “Kooth & Kulture”. The schedule below is that from
FLIPPO’s Tours for the Saturday of the visit. The Committee decided that
the Wine Tour will probably be sufficient for the day so we abandoned
the idea of a formal dinner in the evening..
Saturday Oct 11th. Pick-up from Motels 0930, finishes circa 1700.
Cost of this tour $70 p/p with lunch at the Pub included (Self serve
BBQ).
The meeting is scheduled to be held in the Stanthorpe RSL Club on the
1000 Sunday and after a quick social moment at Lunch you are then free
to proceed home. One reason for going to Stanthorpe was of course
the Food & Wine but an equally important reason was to include the
Northern Rivers people of NSW so all of you please come and join us and
make it a fun SAA weekend.
Let Rob know if you are
interested and he will get details of available Accommodation to you
ASAP.
New South Wales
Ken Williams advises that the Branch AGM scheduled for 13th July 08 has
been moved to 27th July 08. He hopes this does not cause to be to much
of an inconvenience to the members planning to attend. He said
"This should be a good meeting with feedback from
SUBCON being provided by Wallaby Ware and the election of your
representatives to the State Executive for the next twelve months."
Judge Judy to prostitute, 'So when did you realize
you were raped?' Prostitute, wiping away her tears replied , 'When the
check bounced.'
Around the Traps
Mailbag
If there is sufficient demand
Terry
Parsons will be taking orders for 'Crusty old
submariners walk for kids T shirts'. Terry will confirm
final pricing prior to placement of order. The more
ordered, the cheaper they will be. Names of those
interested required as soon as possible so that an order
can be placed. Contact
Terry
now.
Dave Luck reports on his trip to NQ to visit his
daughter. "Had a successful patrol
of Northern waters. Caught up with Shorty Needham,
Danny Carroll, Kev Marengo, Garth Schmidt and Craig
Cope, and we all enjoyed a QUIET drink together.
 |
 |
After our first rendezvous my
daughter organised a return bout at her house for a BBQ,
another success. Had a great time and thanks to
the North Queenslanders for their hospitality. On
the passage home I dropped in for Tot time with Fred
Fisher. Another good time with the Guinness flowing from
the Irish spring in Fred's backyard. Lots of
reminiscing back to RN days, and it was great to catch
up." I had a phone call from Kev Marengo
which confirms that it was only a QUIET drink, they were
too pissed to get loud, my how times have changed.
Congratulations to John Kidd on his promotion to PO1
Senior Electrician. John, currently serving on
HMCS Windsor writes "I was
promoted to petty officer first class and now serving as
the chief electrician (9 years and 4 rank changes on the
Windsor now). This is my last job on the
submarine, ime to relocate. Think the RAN could
use a good technician who is a bit old? I submitted my
overseas entry application RAN May 08." Always
looking for good men mate , even if they are can't speak
proper English.
Dave
Sutherland (ex-CPOSY 1965-1987) is seeking all
members of the 10th JRTE intake (January 1965) with the
view to compiling a contact list, and, attending a Meet
and Greet in Sydney in August 2008. Contact Dave on
email (preferred) or phone (02) 9607-3637. Please pass
the word. Dave is also seeking contact details for Roger
"Salty" Saltmarsh, who was one member of his intake.
Pat
Heffernan, Vice President of the Victorian Branch sent
some photographstaken in his lounge room. He said
"We used to have one of those
square old-fashioned air conditioners and we replaced it
with a later model. Our problem of what to do regarding
the hole in the wall was solved when Margaret, the wife
of Gerry France, a former Chef in Boats, suggested that
we have a window made. It was much cheaper than having a
bricklayer reblock the recess, then having a plasterer
plaster it from inside and me having to paint the entire
lounge room over again. I came up with the idea of the
twin dolphins leadlight window to be included and we had
it made professionally. I'm able to use the window shelf
for Boats memorabilia. Now, any Submariners or
ex-Submariners, when visiting Mavis and I, must face the
window, stand to attention and salute. Skimmers, on a
visit, will have to get down on their knees, genuflect
and bow their heads. As they should!!!"
A great idea Pat, looks good.
Frank Powell said that he will be retiring from gainful
employment at Christmas 2008 and returning to Europe,
probably Portugal or Malta to live in early 2009. Sandy
is currently Assistant Director - Panel Management at
the Defence Business Training Centre in Canberra.
Vale - Captain R M "Max" Kohler
RN
Captain R M "Max" Kohler Royal Navy died on Saturday 21
June 08, aged 73. Submarine service:1960-1975 on
submarines HMS Sea Scout, HMS Auriga, HMS Otus and HMS
Repulse.
A Department of Water
representative stopped at a farm and talked with an old
farmer. He told the farmer, 'I need to inspect your farm
for your water allocation.' The old farmer
said, 'OK, but don't go in that field over there.'
The water representative said, 'Mister, I have the
authority of the Federal Government with me. See this
card? The card means I am allowed to go WHEREVER I WISH
on any agricultural land. No questions asked or
answered. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand?'
The old farmer nodded politely and went about his farm
chores. Later, the old farmer heard loud screams and saw
the water rep running for the fence and close behind was
the farmer's huge-horned prize bull. The bull was
gaining on the water rep with every step. The rep was
clearly terrified, so the old farmer immediately threw
down his tools, ran to the fence and shouted out.....
'Your card! Your card! Show him your card!'
Interesting Links
Sandy Freeleagus asks "Who counts the Admirals?" If you
are into Brit humor, check
this site out as it has to do with the Aircraft
Carrier that Britain is building that will become the
world's largest. There is also some other great
associated clips at this site.
Watch and wonder.....................this guy is
brilliant! There are several clips to watch at
this link.
Jon Farrar found an interesting
site where
Vietnam vets can get a certificate to print out of their
time in the area. I found mine there.
Your fortnightly online copy of
Navy News is now available. Items in this edition
include Chief of Navy VADM Russ Shalders saying his last
goodbyes.
This
link is well worth spending a few minutes viewing -
highly recommended! One of the world's largest
collections of aerial photography is being moved from
Keele to Edinburgh.
Vetaffairs is published three times a year and
distributed to more than 370,000 members of the veteran
community. It provides regular, up-to-date, information
of interest to the veteran community, including
important information about government policies,
programs and initiatives. June 2008 issue online
now.
For those bargain hunters, check this cheap booze
web
site out! Go to the website, type in the type of
stubbies/booze you’d like to drink this weekend, the
area you are in, and it will give you the cheapest
carton price available in your area and the surrounding
suburbs. Ingenious!!!
Go to
www.pictureaustralia.org, ype in place or .ship
name. A photo archive - good stuff
HEALTH MATTERS
Why can’t I get and keep an erection?
At some stage of their lives most men have temporary
difficulty getting and maintaining an erection. This is
usually due to stress, alcohol, or tiredness. However,
persistent, long-term problems getting and maintaining
an erection hard enough to have the type of sex you and
your partner want is known as erectile dysfunction (ED)
or impotence. It is a serious problem that can affect
men of all ages, but is more common in men aged 40-70,
more than half of whom have some degree of ED.
It is estimated that the majority of cases of ED have an
underlying physical cause, although emotional and
psychological factors may also be involved. Fewer than
20% of cases are purely psychological.
Erections occur because sexual stimulation triggers the
release of chemicals that cause columns of tissue in the
penis to become full (engorged) with blood. Anything
that affects the mind, blood vessels or nervous system
can cause ED.
It is important to dispel a few myths. ED does not occur
because of:
-
loss of interest in sex (libido),
-
lack of strength or manhood,
-
sterility, or
-
reduced virility.
It is not a natural consequence of ageing and there is
no muscle in the penis to tire. However, it is more
common in older men, with 1 in 5 men aged 70 having
persistent ED.
If you can achieve an erection by masturbating, or
sometimes get an erection in the morning or during the
night naturally, then ED is probably due to
psychological reasons, relationship problems, or drugs,
rather than any other physical causes.
The most common causes of ED are outlined below.
-
Physical - approximately eight out of 10 ED cases
are due to physical causes. These can include ageing combined with
arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and smoking, but also
diabetes, drug misuse, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease,
hormone deficiency, kidney failure, Peyronie's disease, as well as
neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal, or
back injuries, and other chronic (long-term) illnesses.
-
Psychological - conditions such as depression,
anxiety, stress, and trauma may be contributory causes of ED.
-
Relationship issues - such as performance anxiety,
poor communication, sexual inexperience, reduced attraction, fear of
intimacy, and infidelity, may all contribute to ED.
-
Medication, alcohol, and smoking - ED can also be
caused by the use of antidepressants and antihypertensives, smoking,
and regular heavy alcohol consumption.
Rarely, hormonal conditions can cause ED. For example:
-
abnormally low levels of the male hormone
testosterone (hypogonadism), or
-
producing too much of the pituitary hormone
prolactin (hyperprolactinaemia).
Tests for physical causes of ED include genital
examination, urine and blood tests, and a blood supply
test (Alprostadil injection). In the majority of cases
ED can be treated. Treatment options are listed below.
-
Medication - including Sildenafil (Viagra) and
Apomorphine (Uprima).
-
Injections into the penis - Viridal and Caverject.
-
Urethral pellets - MUSE (Medical urethral system of
erection).
-
Hormonal treatment - testosterone replacement
therapy.
-
Vacuum devices - battery operated suction pump.
-
Counselling and cognitive therapy - couples or
relationship therapy.
-
Psychosexual therapy - using the sensate focus
technique.
-
Surgery - penile implant.
Most men experience ED at one time or another. To
decrease your chances of it becoming a persistent
problem here are some lifestyle suggestions you could
adopt:
-
don't smoke, drink excessively, or use illegal
substances,
-
exercise regularly,
-
maintain a healthy diet that is rich in fruit and
vegetables,
-
try to keep your stress levels low - if you do
experience stress or depression speak to your GP who can offer
advice,
-
get plenty of sleep, and
-
have regular medical screenings and check-ups to
make sure problems are detected early to avoid long-term
complications.
Source -
NRH Direct
MEDICINE-MIXING
ALERT
Most people know not to mix certain medicines without
consulting their doctors. Some medicines cannot be mixed with certain
foods...and certainly most of us know not to mix certain medicines with
alcohol...although, some people think that mixing alcohol and medicine
is harmless.
As a Public Service the AMA and Health Canada have recently published a
new warning being distributed via pamphlets in pharmacies across the
U.S. and Canada. Tis is the cover jacket of the pamphlet
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs seeks Vets input
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, is travelling to each
state seeking the views of veterans on the best way to give them a more
effective voice at the highest levels of government. Minister
Griffin said meetings to be held nation-wide would discuss the structure
and role of the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Ex-Service
Matters—a key election commitment. “More than 100 individuals and
organisations from all around Australia responded to a discussion paper
on the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Ex-Service Matters released
earlier this year,” Mr Griffin said. ”Their submissions demonstrate very
strong support for the Advisory Council and its role, but have raised
issues that need further discussion.
“During the parliamentary recess I will be travelling to
meet veterans in every state and territory to discuss
these issues in person. “There are a number of options
on the table, including membership, appointment of the
chair, how matters are referred to the Council, how it
should operate and how it relates to my Department. "The
Government is also reviewing all consultation mechanisms
between the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the
broader defence and ex-service communities. This will
also be discussed at the meetings.
“I encourage all veterans and members of the veteran
community interested in the Prime Ministerial Advisory
Council to attend the meetings and contribute to the
discussion. “Following this round of consultation I
intend to appoint the Advisory Council by the end of
August.” Meetings will be held in each capital city
during July and early August. Further details of
meetings and copies of submissions, are available at the
DVA website.
DEFENCE NEWS UPDATES
BAE Systems Australia’s buys
Tenix Defence
The Minister for Defence, The Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP,
today welcomed the news that BAE Systems Australia’s
acquisition of Tenix Defence is now complete. This
acquisition follows the recent decision by the Foreign
Investment Review Board allowing the sale, and makes BAE
Systems Australia the largest defence company in
Australia. The acquisition provides BAE Systems
Australia with a broad range of defence capability areas
including naval shipbuilding, armoured vehicles,
aircraft support, systems integration and electronic
warfare.
To protect Defence interests, BAE have provided specific
assurances through a Deed with Defence relating to the
amphibious ships contract, agreed between the
Commonwealth and Tenix in October 2007. The Deed
also prevents BAE Systems from buying ASC Pty Ltd
(formerly the Australian Submarine Corporation) if it is
sold by the Australian Government.
The U.S. Navy's newest attack
submarine christened
The U.S. Navy's newest attack submarine, the New
Hampshire, was christened Saturday, delivered eight
months ahead of schedule. The New Hampshire will begin
sea trials this summer and be delivered to the Navy in
October.
The New Hampshire was christened by the widow of a pilot
killed in the September 11 terrorist attacks. "I believe
I'm looking at heroes," said Cheryl McGuinness of
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, looking at the ship's crew.
"You all are my heroes." Thomas McGuinness was
co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 11, which was flown
into the World Trade Center's north tower.
The submarine, built by General Dynamic's Electric Boat
and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, is the third Navy
vessel to carry the name of the Granite State.
"Now it's time for this New Hampshire to continue the
seafaring legacy of the ships before," said Adm.
Kirkland Donald, director of naval reactors. "We'll soon
depend on this crew to take this submarine into harm's
way."
The submarine is scheduled to begin sea trials this
summer and is expected to be delivered to the Navy in
October, in a ceremony at the Naval shipyard in Kittery,
Maine.
Damaged Royal Navy sub returns
home
A Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarine that hit a rock
last month in the Red Sea, damaging its sonar equipment,
has returned to Britain, the Ministry of Defence said on
Saturday. After hitting a submerged pinnacle after
passing through the Suez Canal, HMS Superb underwent
repairs at the NATO facility in Souda Bay, Crete, before
returning to Devonport naval base in Plymouth under its
own power.
An assessment will now be made before a decision is made
on the future of the 272ft long Swiftsure-class attack
submarine that was about 80 miles south of Suez when it
struck the rock.
No other vessel was involved and an investigation is now
being carried out into the incident by the Royal Navy.
It is not the first time a Royal Navy vessel has run
aground. A recent report described how the
nuclear-powered submarine HMS Trafalgar struck the
bottom of the sea at more than 14 knots off the Isle of
Skye in 2002 after basic navigational errors during a
training exercise.
Italian submariner takes over
as NATO's top military officer
An Italian admiral took over Friday as NATO's top
military officer. Giampaolo Di Paola replaced Canadian
Gen. Ray Henault as head of NATO's Military Committee.
Henault retired after serving his three-year term.
NATO's strategic commanders report to the head of the
Military Committee, which serves as a link between the
military and the alliance's political leadership.
Di Paola, 63, was chosen by NATO defense chiefs in
November ahead of rivals from Spain and Poland. A former
submarine, frigate and aircraft carrier commander, he
has been Italy's chief of defense staff since 2004. "I
am strongly committed to continuing the process of
shaping NATO military structures and policies," Di Paola
said. "Building on the relationships we have with new
partners and new members-to-be will also be a top
priority of mine."
Di Paola is the second Italian to hold the post since it
was made a full time, elected position in 1963. European
officers traditionally hold the top job while both
NATO's strategic commanders are Americans.
Groton 'submarine capital'
title challenged by base in Washington
The outgoing commanding officer of Naval Base Kitsap
wants the “Submarine Capital of the World” sign removed
from Interstate 95 and instead placed at the entrance to
his base in the state of Washington. ”The new
submarine capital is Kitsap,” Capt. Reid Tanaka said in
a speech given earlier this month as he relinquished
command of the base.
But Capt. Mark S. Ginda says the sign, and the title,
will stay in Groton. ”Even if he agrees to pay for
shipping, it's not going anywhere,” said Ginda,
commanding officer of the Naval Submarine Base.
Sixteen fast-attack submarines and the Naval Research
Vessel (NR-1) are in Groton, compared to 14 submarines
at Kitsap. But Tanaka argues that Kitsap is home to all
three classes of submarines - ballistic-missile,
guided-missile and fast-attack. Two of their submarines,
USS Connecticut and USS Seawolf, were homeported in
Groton until recently. ”The shift of Navy assets
to the Pacific Fleet makes Kitsap all the more
important,” Tanaka said, according to the transcript of
his speech.
After the staff in Groton heard about Tanaka's remarks,
Ginda said “there were no emergency meetings to figure
out how we were going to counter this blasphemy, if you
will” because Tanaka has a “tough road ahead of him” if
he wants to continue to call Kitsap the new capital. ”We
have the natural synergy of the base and Electric Boat,
right down the river, where the latest class of subs are
built,” Ginda said. “We have sub school, where officers
and enlisted cut their teeth on a submarine profession
that started here, as the first submarine base, and
continues on as the submarine capital of the world.”
Russian sub salvage operation
Members of a joint Army-Navy salvage crew watched as the
Juliett 484, a Soviet-era missile submarine, emerged
from the bottom of Providence harbor. At top, the sub’s
conning tower shows its Soviet red star. The sunken
Russian missile submarine that had been resting on its
side on the bottom of Providence harbor, poked above the
water for the first time in more than a year.
The conning tower of the Cold War-era missile sub came
out of the water gradually, rising over the course of an
hour until the red star, symbol of the Soviet navy, was
fully visible. After a year underwater, the hull was
rusted slightly, and flecked with green and gray from
the marine life that has grown on it. Most of the
submarine remains underwater, but it is now sitting
mostly upright, and on track to be brought fully to the
surface around July 15.
The submarine, a museum ship in Providence since 2002,
had been on its side in the 35-foot-deep water off
Collier Point Park since it sank in a storm in April
2007. The sub lay at a 48-degree angle, with the tower
facing East Providence.
The military salvage team, which is refloating the
submarine as a training exercise, needed to pull the
submarine upright and stabilize it before they could try
to bring it fully to the surface. It still rests on the
bottom of the harbor, but now it tilts at roughly a 7-
to 10-degree angle.
As the top of the submarine broke the surface yesterday
evening, a team of Navy and Army divers and salvage
experts breathed a sigh of relief. This was the most
important — and dangerous — moment in the year-long
process of raising the sunken submarine, and it went off
without a problem. If they had miscalculated even
slightly, the submarine could break the suction holding
it to the harbor floor, and leap out of the water toward
the pier, causing a catastrophe on the water’s edge.
The teams spent much of the day yesterday pulling on the
submarine using wires attached to six giant hydraulic
motors. They would tug at the sub, check the resistance,
then pump water out of the submarine to lighten it. This
process went on all day, until at 5:30 p.m., the
submarine began to turn slightly.
The salvage team will now allow the submarine to settle
for several days, and ensure that the water still inside
does not shift around and cause the submarine to move
again. They will then put large pontoons on either side
of the boat to stabilize it. Once it is locked in place,
divers will burrow under the submarine and place
inflatable equipment called “belly bands” underneath the
sub. When the remaining water is pumped out, and the
belly bands are inflated, it should give the submarine
the buoyancy it needs to rise to the surface.
Juliett 484 was commissioned by the Soviet Union in 1965
and served in the Soviet Baltic and Northern fleets
until its decommissioning in 1994. It was then sold and
moved to Helsinki, Finland, to become a restaurant.
When that venture failed, it was sold to a group in St.
Petersburg, Fla., where it became a museum. In 2001, the
submarine was used in the filming of the Cold War
thriller K-19: The Widowmaker, starring Harrison Ford.
A retired submarine Coxswain
appeared before St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. Have you
ever done anything of particular merit? St Peter asked.
Well I can think of one thing, the Coxswain offered.
"Once on a trip to the Brisbane, I came upon a gang of
bikers who were threatening a young woman. I directed
them to leave her alone, but they wouldn't listen. So, I
approached the largest and most heavily tattooed biker,
smacked him in the face, kicked his bike over, ripped
out his nose ring, and threw it onto the ground. I
yelled; "Now back off...or I'll kick the shit out of
you.
St. Peter was very impressed, "When did this Happen.
"Just a couple of minutes ago...
The
Hunt For HMAS Sydney DVD - Discounted Pre release in Stock at Slops Van
Now
AFTER 66 YEARS, AUSTRALIA'S GREATEST MARITIME MYSTERY IS FINALLY SOLVED.
IN MEMORY OF THE 645 CREW WHO LOST THEIR LIVES.
The wreckage of HMAS Sydney, sunk off the West Australian coast in 1941,
has at last been found. The Sydney's entire crew of 645 went down with
the ship in the Indian Ocean and its location has been a mystery for 66
years. The Hunt for HMAS Sydney tells the incredible story of a ship
lost in the middle of nowhere and that of the dedicated search team who
always had a strong belief they would find it. This special DVD release
will include the history of the Sydney and German raider Kormoran, along
with interviews with bereaved family members, naval personnel,
historians, and those who have made the search happen with their
determination to bring closure.
The following DVDs are still available from the
Slops Van
-
Ultimate
Battles: Waterloo
-
THE KURSK -
A Submarine in Troubled Waters
-
SUBMARINERS
- THE DVD
-
The Voyage
of the Nautilus (Hubert Wilkins)
2008
SAA National Subscriptions Overdue
The following members'
subscriptions for 2008/09 became due and payable as of 1 April 2008.
Subscription rates continue to remain at $10 per year or $40 per five
years, a third option of 25 years for $175 is also available, and it
would be appreciated if you will consider one of the latter two options
to help keep administration requirements to a minimum. Early payment
will also assist.
The Association now accepts Direct Debit, details are: Bank:
ADCU Account No: 705414 BSB 802 397. Please ensure your
name is included and use SAA2008 as the reference please. Your
cheque/money order should be made payable to the Association and
forwarded to the National Treasurer John Rana, 5 Mirror Cove, Waikiki WA
6169
|
ANDERSON RW |
FRENCH WR |
MEAKIN-JONES D |
|
ASHMORE RW |
FRY L |
MILLS RC |
|
BAILEY G |
GORSCH DJ |
NICHOLLS RA |
|
BANNEAR TS |
HAHN R |
O'REILLY WP |
|
BENSON L |
HANSON M |
PARTON JC |
|
BOYLE J |
HARRIS A |
ROPER EA |
|
BUCK DK |
HAYWOOD P |
RUBLY CE |
|
BURGESS WG |
HICKIE MT |
RUSSELL PJ |
|
BUSHE CJ |
HODSON RJ |
SERBERT PS |
|
CAHILL PD |
HOLLAND JM |
SPRIGG RM |
|
CAIN TR |
HOLLIS AS |
TAAFFE JA |
|
CONLON S |
HOOPER GC |
TOOGOOD PBG |
|
DATE MR |
HUMPHREY WJ |
VON THRUM J |
|
DAVIS DF |
JAMES H |
WAIXEL KS |
|
DELOSA DK |
KEATING JG |
WILLIAMS CJ |
|
DRAPER MS |
KELLY G |
WILSON GRW |
|
DURRANT P |
LANE R L |
YOUNG M |
|
EGAN-LALOR K |
LEATHAN HT |
ZANKI PA |
|
FOWLER CM |
McCORMACK J |
|
The following memberships lapsed in 2007 and are requested to contact
John Rana to renew.
|
Surname |
Branch |
Subs Paid To |
Surname |
Branch |
Subs Paid To |
|
|
NSW |
2007 |
LYONS CG |
OS |
2007 |
|
BRAN JC |
NSW |
2007 |
MADDOCK EA |
NSW |
2007 |
|
CACCIVIO J |
ACT |
2007 |
MILLBANK AA |
NSW |
2007 |
|
CORNEY DG |
NSW |
2007 |
OOMENS K |
QLD |
2007 |
|
DAVIS GK |
WA |
2007 |
PHAROAH JR |
VIC |
2007 |
|
FEIGE GW |
QLD |
2007 |
PHILLIPS R |
TAS |
2007 |
|
FINN P |
QLD |
2007 |
ROLLINSON K |
NTH QLD |
2007 |
|
GRAY JK |
NSW |
2007 |
SANDERS SL |
NSW |
2007 |
|
GREEN PA |
WA |
2007 |
SHORT A |
NTH QLD |
2007 |
|
KENNEDY WD |
VIC |
2007 |
SLAPE B |
NSW |
2007 |
|
LILLIMAN D |
WA |
2007 |
TUCK F |
NSW |
2007 |
|
LOWE DM |
NSW |
2007 |
WIGG DA |
NSW |
2007 |
Remember, the National Executive are always available to listen to what
you have to say, if you have a suggestion or want to air your concerns,
contact us.
Come on Boof, work to be done ............
Sunday, 22nd
JUNE 2008
Many thanks to all those that contacted me this week, I
am happy to say that things are getting back on track and I am starting
to get on with things, full steam ahead. I promise to get my
finger out and start on the web update as soon as possible, especially
the entries for Buddies in Boats.
However, I start this week's Log with sad news, Boof had
another heart attack on Tuesday and I thought that he had started his
final walk. I had three sleepless nights giving him medication and
trips to the toilet (he still has his pride and dignity) and I am happy
to say that he is much better now and is sticking to me like shit to a
blanket. I am realistic enough to know that at 16 he is nearing
the end, but not until he tells me.
If you were at SUBCON and managed to take some photos I
would appreciate copies to create a photo album for the site. I
managed to take a couple on the Friday night and have received a couple
which I will put up today I hope.
Winter has set in and the log fire is getting a workout,
the sun goes down and the temperature plummets. Lucky that I live
on the edge of a pine forest, no problems getting firewood. I
thought that snakes went away in winter? A load of crap, my
neighbours reported a snake was heading for my roof via the power lines
until a pack (flock?) of birds attacked it and it fell (jumped?) off.
It landed in the mulch under the mango tree and disappeared quickly.
The said that they thought it was a python about two metres long.
'Think' is not good enough, that garden can turn to weeds for all I
care!
While
discussing the snake situation with my neighbour I noticed a big red
mark on his forehead. I asked how he got it and he replied
"It was caused by Menopause Jewelery."&n