SSBN ^%& Eternal Patrol Listing

Please e-mail any death notices to ssbn657@comcast.net We would like to have any details or confirmation source, if possible. If you knew any of the shipmates listed and would like to send in some comments to be posted, please send them in to me as I know it is very comforting to the families to read the messages regarding their loved ones.

Remember - submariners never die. They simply go on extended patrols and can resurface in your mind at any time. - rc

Antos, Thomas	Master Chief & COB 87 - 91 Gold Crew died February 5, 2005 From the Charleston Post and Courier, 5 Feb 2005 ANTOS, Thomas, 56, of Summerville, a retired Navy Submarine Corps veteran, retired systems manager with Westinghouse Savannah River Site and husband of Mallory Beital Antos, died Thursday February 5th.
Bankert, Jacob This is a picture submitted by LT Tom Wagner showing Jacob in middle level missile in 1991	MT3SS "Boot" July 92-April 94 -- Decommissioning Crew. Killed by a drunk driver who crossed the center line and struck Jacob. Received this letter from Ples Reynolds regarding his friend Jacob "Jim" Bankert. "You have him listed on your Eternal Patrol page. I have been trying to find him via the Internet for several years with no luck and to find him listed that way was a shock to say the least. I met Jim (which he preferred to be called when I knew him) when he came onboard during the refit prior to patrol 67. It was my first time going to sea also but I had been there for all of off crew. I remember that people (MT3 Mason and MT3 Ortiz) keep getting his name mixed up. They keep saying his last name was Shankert. So of course that became his nickname “Shank”. He was a funny guy who could crack you up on the mid-watch with his Andrew Dice Clay impressions. He did help make the time pass and he was always willing to help when there was work to be done. We had our ALOS and LOS boards on the same day (ALOS – Patrol 69, LOS – Patrol 71). And I remember he hid in the tubes behind launcher while Capt. Weitz was grilling me on my LOS quals so he could find out what he was going to be asked when he came next. We made the Decomm transit and left about the same time to go back to Kings Bay. We were supposed to be in the same class for the D-5 school but he got held back for some reason. I think we had to many people and he volunteered to wait until the next class. I went to the Nebraska and after he got out of school he went to the Rhode Island precomm crew. I met him again while I was working at SWFLant and the Rhode Island came down to Kings Bay for Strat On-Load. Later he transferred to the Trident Training Facility as a teacher. About that time I got out of the Navy and he came to see me several times but I lived in Atlanta and so the visits up here and me going down there got farther and farther apart until we just lost touch. I guess I will always remember certain events where he was concerned. Going to the Guns and Roses / Metallica concert outside Charleston, S.C. with him and his date (he had asked out the girlfriend of one of the ET’s we knew, that did not go over very well). Having a grease gun war in the turtle back during one of the refits and me sliding down the side and almost getting stuck because I was covered in grease and could not get any traction. Being on our hands and knees while we and Duprel scrubbed the floors and re-waxed them in MCML every three days during our first re-fit. Watching him get taped to the tube in lower level by Mason, Ortiz and Bowers, just like he watched while they taped Duprel and me together. Man did that EB Green tape hurt coming off. He got his Dolphins his second patrol, and the Officers were cracking down on hazing so nobody wanted to tack on his dolphins because the Doc kept checking him and the others for signs that this was happening. Of course prior to that you only would not tack on the dolphins of somebody that you did not think really earned them, So he was upset that so few people would do him the honor of tacking them on Hearing him talk about how much he loved hot food, so we went to this wing joint on the water front in St. Mary’s / Kingsland and watching him order the hottest ones they had and his face swelled up. Riding in his car one night , going out the back gate at Kings Bay and getting pulled over by the base police because he was driving 5 miles below the speed limit. I guess the cops were bored that night because 5 minutes later we looked back and I think every cop on the base was around us with their lights on. We got the treatment, car searched twice by cops and the drug dog once. All while half the base drove by. Loaning him the key to my barracks room in Kings Bay while I was going to school and coming back to my room and finding him in my bed with one of the female yeoman from TTF. He spent 2 days cleaning my room after that and he had to get me new sheets. She was UGLY. Him calling me while I was on leave to tell me the results had come in from the last advancement exam and I had made P.O.2. Grilling steaks at my new apartment in Atlanta when he came up to help me move and about catching it in fire because he put to much lighter fluid on the charcoal. Or sitting at his apartment in Charleston and his roommate an A-Ganger off the Key had just put an alarm system in his car and was leaving and me and Jim sat there by the window with the spare remote and every time he turned the alarm off we would turn it back on. This went on for 20 minutes and that guy was so mad he was about to rip the alarm out because he thought it was defective. Or during off crew going over to MT3 Mason, Ortiz and Westberry’s apartment almost every night. And the deal was everybody who showed up had to bring something beer or food to cook and sitting around drinking and eating until 2 in the morning. Well Jim it was fun and you are in some of my best memories of me Navy days. So until we meet for that last patrol on the Key. Keep it straight"
Barth, Nicholas	MT2SS - Gold Crew Plank Owner 8/65 thru mid 68 --Accidentally killed in 1968 on a hunting trip. 11/09/07 - Received this e-mail from Joe Heflin TM3 Gold Crew and roommate of Nick's. "It was a kick in the rear, when I got a letter from our old landlord about Nick's death in 1968. We lived together in the little town of Pine Grove outside of Niantic, for what seemed like a life time but was just a year and half. Nick was on another boat before the Key and had been around Niantic. He showed me how to rake for scallops in the cove down from the house. We also went clamming on Niantic Bay Beach ( I’m from the mountains in Western Maryland ). Hell he even got me to go swimming in April, we didn’t stay in the water long though. I don’t know how we got started in the business of digging basements/crawl spaces for some of the neighbors in Pine Grove but we dug about four or five of them around there. You could stand up under the house, in a couple we just enlarged them, putting jacks up to hold the floor beams in place. Glad it was all sand and I guess the money was good. Skateboarding was just getting started up there and Nick got one somewhere (I think from the landlord’s son), we took it down the fire ramp (the town had this ramp to the cove so the could park the pumper truck to get water) and before it all ended we were in the water. A couple days later we went over to a friend’s house that had a pretty good hill and Nick fell and tore himself up, didn’t feel a thing as I remember. We had lots of parties at the house, more than I can remember but here is one that stands out. Nick was riding some guy' making fun of him or something' and the guy asked me to ask Nick to stop. Nick and I are in the kitchen and started to talk, before it was all over we were beating on each other. Broke the kitchen table, all kinds whiskey bottles, it was really a mess. Could not tell you a thing that happened after that but the next morning we were both standing the kitchen and just started laughing. We were friends forever. Hell my second daughter’s middle name is Nicole and she knows why. He was from St. Louis and I know one of his brother Mike. He was stationed on the tender in New London for awhile. I see that Stovall remember the steak. (See next e-mail below) We found a market in Niantic that would cut steaks to order. It got so all we had to say was what kind or steak and a one to one and a half inch was ready. The place even had a milk machine outside. For .50 cents you could get a half gallon. Put your money in just like a coke machine and out came quarts or half gallons (great place to stop coming home later from partying). All that time together and I don’t have a single picture of him, that’s just sad. He was a good friend." I received this e-mail on 11/06.07 from William Stovall regarding Nick Barth. Russ, I just saw that Nick died in 1968. I knew him well, we had a snake ranch close to one another in Nantic, Conn during new construction. He was an MT and so was I. He went to the Gold Crew and I went to the Blue. Nick lived with a TM# named Joe Heflin. Nick loved Rib Eye steaks, he ate I bet, three a day. We got together a lot for touch football.
Baura, Shane	We were notified on April 1, 2008 by Lee Tilton of Shane's passing. Shane was an Electrician in the early 80s. 04/12/08 - Daniel Foster sent this e-mail regarding Shane's passing: The news of Shane's death - shocked me and here are some memories of "MY SEA DAD" Shane was not a submariner out of nuclear power pipeline - in fact he sometimes forgot he was not on an aircraft carrier - he taught me to work hard - play hard and how to be a nuke The Division - Randy Shackett - Jim Whitright - were probably closest to Shane - we all got to go to his wedding to Kevin - how he landed her we never could figure out - he says it was because he was a "love machine" - Shane drank the most obnoxious drink - 3/4 cup of coffee - 12 sugars - 3 hot chocolates - Shane was proud of being a submariner and would welcome those who earned their dolphins with a friendly thump on the chest - usually knocked back 4-6 feet Shane loved to tinker and made things work - the one time he had to explain to the engineer why he did not need both sets of overloads in a motor when one of them grounded out - he got the motor back in operation in under an hour - when asked what was wrong Shane got this look and then proceeded to provide an electrical engineering description of the unit and the reason for jumpering out the bad overloads - the engineer looked at him - and asked did you really do that - Shane in a surprised manner - Of course - lying is not acceptable - the Engineer laughed and said well we can explain it to the CO since he needs to know about it - Shane loved to have fun - he and I managed to tape up our EDEA on day and even let him loose after the engineer Officer asks us to since he needed the EWS to review logs Shane - Randy - Jim - Danny - taught me verbatim compliance - to laugh and have fun - to take care of the troops - take care of the equipment - then command items would work out - he was everything a "SEA DAD" should be. I regret not knowing sooner - but know he is laughing in heaven as he tinkers with whatever he wants
Berst, Robert	77 - 81 He passed away on April 4, 2007. I found his obituary on the web on 10/22/07. It is in a pdf file. Click here to read it.
Brayton, Roger Tyler	April 19, 2008 - We received notice of the passing of shipmate Tyler Brayton Gold Crew 1976 - 79. Below you can read his obituary. Roger Tyler Brayton, 55, of Newport News , Virginia , formerly of Vero Beach , Florida , departed this life on April 19, 2008 . He fought a long and courageous battle against cancer. Tyler was born October 25, 1952 in Summit , New Jersey , the son of the late William Elting and Rosemary Tyler Brayton. In 1975, Tyler began his military career, serving 24 years in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard. Following his transition from military service, Tyler was employed as an instructional designer. Tyler ’s many interests and hobbies included his love of music, tennis, traveling, and Miami Dolphins football. He leaves many memories of love and laughter with his wife, Kathy, and his wonderful son, Tyler Austin. He is also survived by his brother, Arthur E. Brayton of Flag Pond Tennessee , two sisters, Deborah Young and Barbara Brayton Walker of Vero Beach , Florida , and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Kathy and Tyler Austin would like to express their deep gratitude for all the love and support their personal friends and family provided, in particular the Rosenbaum family, business and staff, the Kellam family, Dr. William Stembler and staff at C² Technologies, Inc., Dr. Elizabeth Harden, the medical staff at Virginia Oncology Associates, the Palliative Care Unit of the Hampton Veterans Administration Hospital, the Riverside Hospital Oncology Critical Care team, and the many others who tenderly attended Tyler’s needs. Friends are invited to gather from 3 to 4 PM , Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N Armistead Ave. in Hampton , Virginia , where a Celebration of Life service will be held at 4 PM . Interment will follow at a later date in Vero Beach , Florida . In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Palliative Care Program, Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Hampton VA 23667 . Friends are encouraged to visit www.mem.com to share words of comfort with the family.
Carter, Dave	FTB1 Gold Crew 1980 - 1983 Received this e-mail from Don Lennox on 12/14/07 Hey Russ. I really hate these kind of e-mails. But it is our turn to continue the cycle of life. Just got off the phone with Jane; Dave's girlfriend. He had a heart attack on Monday12/10/07. He lived in Fremont Calif. He will be brought back to the High Point NC area for his funeral. I just contacted Dave about 3 weeks ago and was glad to talk with him. He was very excited to be back with The KEY and looked forward to re-establishing contacts with his mates. I hope you had that chance. Dave passed away Monday from a heart attack. The family is having a private funeral but will have another for friends. He will be in High Point NC for the funeral. After I speak with his daughter; will forward more details. Please feel free to e-mail any comments for his daughter and family to enjoy. 1dlcarter@comcast.net or call his girlfriend; Jane; to express your care. 510-656-7937 Jane may also receive your e-mail at swedejes@sbcglobal.net If you have any photos; please forward for their enjoyment as well. Regards mate Don
Cashion, Charles " Chuck"	MMCS M-Div Gold Crew 76 - 77 Received this e-mail from Stan Rarden I do have the sad duty to inform all that MMCS(SS) Charles L. "Chuck" Cashion is serving on eternal patrol. After a long battle, Chuck died of cancer at his home in Sanford, North Carolina in January of 1985. I was at his bedside when he passed. When he was first diagnosed with this illness he was serving as a Navy Recruiter in that area, and he underwent several operations and treatment for nearly four years. Chuck was a man of tremendous faith. He put up a great fight, and always believed he'd be healed. Prior to his passing he was medically retired from the service, and I've attached the newspaper clipping of that retirement ceremony. Chuck was one of the best friends I ever had, on or off the boat. With respect to all the other excellent sailors I served with, during the two years I was aboard the Key, Chuck was the best, most competent "back aft" sailor I ever knew. Then, after he'd qualified everything aft of the tunnel he went on to qualify all the forward watches, to the degree that I think he and a couple A-gangers and maybe a NavET or two could have run the whole boat by themselves. I was pleased to be a family friend also, and through the years, which extended after I left the Navy, his Mom, brother and sister and other kinfolk in Sanford, North Carolina always treated me like one of their own. His family and I remain great friends to this day. During his career Chuck also served aboard the USS John C. Calhoun and the USS Daniel Boone, and had many friends throughout the fleet, so shipmates who may have not known Chuck aboard the Key might have crossed paths with him on these other commands. Click here for article on Chuck's retirement ceremony shortly before he passed It includes a picture of Chuck.
Cole, Larry	A Gang -MM2 - Gold Crew- Died in 1971 while on sea trials off of Spain of viral meningitis. The only person we know of to pass away on duty onboard the Key. Jerry Falls, Quartermaster on the Gold Crew sent this description of that day in 1971. "Larry Cole was a big kid who was very popular with the crew. He was a great shipmate. His symptoms started just after we left the training area for Patrol. It started much like the flu. Fever, Headache, Chills. As the day wore on he became delirious and towards late afternoon he rambled through the boat and went to sick bay to see the Doctor and Chief Corpsman. They worked furiously to find out what was wrong with Larry. By the time they had diagnosed it, It was too late. Larry had no more than four hours to live. When he passed away we sent a message and left our Patrol area to off load his body in Rota. The crew was started on Penicillin. The next day Naples Italy ordered the Doctor to take the crew off Penicillin and to return to the training area for one week to cover our targets and to see if anybody else had it. After one week in the training area we went on our normal Patrol. {note from Russ: It was at this time that the Blue Crew was notified of what had happened and we were put on standby to fly back to Rota to relieve the Gold Crew at the first signs of another shipmate coming down with the disease.} It was later learned that Larry was in downtown Rota and drank water with his booze. At least that was their theory. We had nobody come down with the viral meningitis. We lost a good shipmate." Received this e-mail on Jan 19, 2007 from John Linville, MM1 Gold Crew; "I remember the tragedy of Larry Cole. As I remember he had done 8 years in destroyers, was newly married and decided to try submarine duty. He was sick and you could hear him in his delirium calling out names. I remember someone coming around the night he passed away and waking us up to tell us what had happened. We were all pretty shook up about it. I remember the body lying in the missile deck between the tubes and that A-Div guys took turns standing honor guard on the transit back to port. The boat went back to Rota and tied up along the pier. The transport of the body across the base raised all kinds of hell with the Spanish Admiral because they were afraid of infectious disease. To keep us occupied while we were tied up they brought down some barbecue grills and set them up on the missile decks so the cooks could grill for us while we took those horse pills and had six inch swabs poked up our nostrils." 02/16/07 - Received this e-mail from Mike Robertson TM2 Gold Crew 69 - 72: After Larry Cole died, we were put back to Rota and we were given a barbecue on deck (see picture). The story went around that if we tried to leave the boat, some Marines would shoot us. So, we didn't leave. That's Tom Courtien behind Gus. The shoe belongs to Tom Anderson RM 2 Couple of my running buddies. On the back of the picture is the date 12 Sept. 1971 If any shipmates have anything else they would like to add, just send your comments to Russ at ssbn657@comcast.net
Coon, Carroll Don	IC1SS "Coondog" -- On board from 1972-77 Gold Crew From Ron Marchand 8/23/07 - Chief Peterson assigned Carroll Coon as my "Sea Daddy". Best thing that ever happen to me. A few years back, I was in contact with QMC(SS) John "Hollywood" Troia. Those who knew him, knew why we called him that. He told me that my "Sea Daddy" IC1 Carroll Coon had passed. I was proud to be Coondog's "Sea Slug". I also saw where Chief Weich, Wags, and Pullen had also passed. Great Guys, Great Shipmates.
Danzis, Steve	Radio Chief Blue Crew Died in 2006. Got this e-mail from Jeff Burke on 12/6/06 when he read about Steve's passing. My name is Jeff Burke, I was stationed onboard the Key from Jun 85 - Oct 88 as a RM1(SS). I made Chief in Sep 88 and was transferred to the Madison. I just read in the "KEY SHIPMATES ON ETERNAL PATROL" section where RMCM(SS) DANZIS had passed away. Do you have any information on his death. or where I could contact his family. You have his name spelled wrong (We fixed it) and he was the Blue Crew Radio Chief until 1987, when he transferred to RTC Orlando. Made Master Chief and retired in FL somewhere. Steve was the best Communications Chief I ever served under. He didn't take crap from anyone. He always took care of the radiomen on both crews. He made sure there was cold beer waiting in the parking lot when the boat came back from sea. We would always send RM-RM grams to each other saying "ED was on the Pier" Meaning Ed McMahon who represented Budwiser. Would appreciate any information. 2/14/07 Received this e-mail from CAPT Paul Denham: assigned to COMNAVSEA; on fellowship at the National Defense University, Washington, DC 2006-2007. RMCS(SS) Danzis was my senior chief and a terrific guy, I was saddened to hear that he passed away. The crew loved and respected him.
Dooley, Joseph P.	Plank Owner TMC died June 14, 2007 according to a report in www.legacy.com web site. Chief Dooley is standing in the picture to the left.
Dougherty, James R	Plank Owner RM2 - Received an e-mail from Key shipmate William Stovall reporting the death of J.R. Dougherty on Thanksgiving, 2004. Here is William's e-mail: "I'd been trying to connect up with Jimmy Dougherty. This morning I received word that he took his finale dive Thanksgiving, 2004 due to heart failure from cancer treatments. Jim was my best friend but lost contact - I talked to others that talked to him etc. but not Jimmy. I was in Dalton, GA in 2000 and should have drove to Ringgold, GA to see him but didn't. His brother also a sub vet, told me he talked about me all the time. Jimmy and I had a Snake Ranch together during new construction, for a while. He was a member of my Wedding in Old Lyme, Conn. and had a blast. Just ask C. Burrow about the party at the Castle on Conn. River. Set the Father-In-Law back about 20 G's and that's in 1966. Jimmy was a Plank Owner. His brother say's he is going to send me any photos, news clippings etc. that he can find. I will mail you copies if he does as said. Jim and I had old car horns installed under our beds and would hit the switch on each maiden dive. He had a big Honda Cycle that he would try to get off the back screen porch when got drunk. More than once I had to dive off the front door stoup and tackle him and the motorcycle to stop him from driving it (ride her up). Ask C. Burrows about me not letting someone driving drunk. I LOVED JIMMY LIKE A BROTHER, IN FACT MORE SO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gaut, Robert "Bob"	Missile Tech Blue Crew mid 70s I found this obituary in www.legacy.com web site: Mr. Gaut died Nov. 1, 2006 in Adair County, Oklahoma at the age of 50 years. Bob was born to William and Alvie Gaut in Morton, WA on June 23, 1956. He graduated from high school in Stroud, OK, and joined the United States Navy Submarine Force. He was stationed aboard the Fleet Ballistic Missile submarine USS Francis Scott Key (SSBN 657) in Charleston, SC. Thomas Lee, MT2 from the mid 70s remembered Bob and sent this e-mail. "Bob was a Missile Tech. for a spell in and around '75 or '76. We were out of Charleston, Blue crew. I'm not sure he ever qualified and do not believe he was attached to the FSK for more than 2 patrols. He was gregarious and had a beard with a shlock of red hair. May he RIP. Sorry, that's about all I can tell you about him." . Rick Baker wrote in an e-mail on 2/6/08 that he remembered that Robert fell off the top of the dry dock in Rota Spain and was seriously injured but survived.
Graves, John C	HMC(SS)- Plank Owner.
Harmon, Larry	Saw a posting on Military.com from his wife Judy stating that he had passed in 2003 and he had served on the Key. If anyone remembers him, please send me some info for his crew listing.
Helmase, Mark	MS3 Gold Crew died 11/29/94. Anyone with more information on Mark, please send it in.
Jolly, M.E	Plank Owner Gold Crew- passed away on May 21, 1988.
Logan, Joseph B	First Gold Crew commanding officer on November 12, 1998. Captain Joseph Bailey Logan, USN Retired, 68, of Dendron, Va., died Thursday, Nov. 12, 1998, in Williamsburg, Va. A native of Arkansas, Captain Logan enlisted in the Navy in 1948. He attended the U. S. Naval Academy where he graduated with the class of 1953. The majority of his career was spent serving in the Submarine Force aboard the USS Reguin, George Washington, Patrick Henry, James Madison and as Commissioning Commanding Officer of the USS Frances Scott Key. He also served as Commander Submarine Division Sixty Two and later on the staffs of Comsublant, Comsubpac and Cinclant/Cinclantfit. Following retirement from the Navy, he was employed for 13 years for Virginia Power at the Surry Nuclear Power Plant. He was a member of the Retired Officers Association, the Submarine League and the Submarine Veterans Association. Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Dianna Logan; one brother, Wilson Logan of Aurora, Colo.; and two stepsisters, Linda Venters of Virginia Beach, Va., and Caroline Hawley of Springdale. A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Yorktown Naval Weapons Station Chapel with Captain Edward Richardson, USNRetired, officiating. Funeral was held on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at Fort Myers Chapel in Arlington, Va., with interment and full honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
McNinch, Terry	October 15, 2006 of a heart attack in Stafford, VA. Reported by Ted Delaney who served with Terry on the SSBN 641. Terry will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery. His obituary is below. Terrance McNinch Retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Terrance Ray McNinch, 55, of Stafford County, passed away Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006, at Mary Washington Hospital. He retired after 21 years of submarine service with the U.S. Navy, and worked as a budget analyst at Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico. He is survived by his wife, Susan McNinch; a son, Thomas Alan McNinch; his daughters, Carrie Ann and her husband, James Edwards, and Christy Lynne and her husband, Daniel McFarland; his father, Gerald T. McNinch and his wife, Marie; his sister, Cheryll Behm; his grandchildren, Kara, Kristen and Jimmy Edwards and Jackson "J.T." McFarland. He was the son of the late Elvera McNinch. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2006 at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, Stafford Chapel.
Paine, Lee	Sonar Tech -- Blue Crew On board approx. 1984-88 passed away, along with his dad, in an auto accident in Atlanta, Ga., sometime prior to 1993.
Persons, Bill -	On April 14, 2008 I received an e-mail from Mark Persons, Bill's brother. He found Bill's name on the Key's eternal patrol list. Mark was kind enough to send more information on Bill. Here is Mark's commentary. Bill enlisted in the Navy 23 Oct 1969 in Salt Lake City, UT., and after 2 years in basic and nuclear power school he served on the Gold crew of the USS Francis Scott Key. He attained the rank of ETR3\SS and was the Sub Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator - Reactor Control on the Key from 1971 - 1975. He earned the National Defense Service Medal; Good Conduct Award; Enlisted Submarine Dolphins; Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine Patrol Insignia with 2 stars. According to a letter received from his CO P.M. Beard Jr., Bill's duties included serving as an Electronics Technician, publications petty officer, ship's qualification petty officer and his watchstanding duties were Reactor Operator & Shutdown Maneuvering Area Watch. In addition to his service on the Key he also served on the USS AJAX AR-6; NPS, Vallejo, California; NPTU, Idaho Fall, Idaho. His nick name was "Half-Life" and he always said that he earned this because of his role working with the radioactive systems of the ship. After the Navy he returned to Colorado to attend school at CU Boulder and then began his career in civilian life as a quality control engineer working for several medical manufacturing companies in Colorado. Bill was born on 19 June 1951 and died after fighting lung and brain cancer on 14 September 2001. Here is a copy of his obituary. William Bader “Bill” PERSONS: 50 years old: Quality Engineer Bill Persons passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer on September 14, 2001. Bill was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on June 19, 1951, to the late Rev. William R. Persons and Mildred Persons. He served in the United States Navy for six years aboard the Submarine, U.S.S. Francis Scott Key. For more than 25 years Bill has worked for several medical and manufacturing companies in Colorado as a quality control engineer. He was an accomplished photographer and writer. He loved the outdoors enjoying camping and hiking during all seasons. He is survived by longtime friend, Madalene Becker, of Edgewater; his mother, Mildred Persons of Littleton; three sisters, Diana Wright of Houston, Texas; Peg Beach of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Judy Faulder of Littleton; one brother, Mark Persons of Overland Park, Kansas; five nephews and five nieces, cousins and an Aunt and Uncle. I was 11 years younger than Bill but I remember when he enlisted as he was fresh out of High School and looking to find something he could call his own. When I went to pick him up six years later in Charleston, SC. on his discharge I could tell that he was a changed man and he had found on the Key that which he would call his own. After the Navy Bill struggled to find the same deep connections and level of trust that he experienced in the sub service. I don't know that he ever trusted anyone as much as those he lived with on the boat. I know that there is something shared among the crew that the rest of us will never understand or comprehend. I know that what ever it is, it changed Bill's life and created an unbreakable link to the boat and those who served her. I think your web page helps keep the links strong and I appreciate your work. All my best. Mark Persons
Peterson, Gus "Pete" Gus is in the center	COB mid 70's Gold Crew. Death reported by his brother. Gus died in 2006 of a stroke followed by a heart attack. Click here for his obituary. Received 11/21/07 from Thomas Ryan 70-71 A-Gang Gold - I am sad to read of "Pete's" passing, one of the true Characters you could ever hope to meet. I recall my checkout on either T&D or M&V, after answering a zillion questions and my third trip back with "look it up's" I was late to turn in my Qual Card for the week, Pete sharpening his knife and me all but begging for his signature, he asked to see my hand, and zip, he sliced my thumb and I hollered and he laughed and cut his own thumb then signed my card, I grabbed it and hauled ass to COB Jordan he looks at my card and smiled and asked who Mickey Mouse was, of course I had one more trip back to Pete, who laughingly finally signed his name. I miss him and the boat. I have come to realize the short time I spent on the boat was the most fun, gratifying experience of my life. Received from Philip Crump 69 - 75 Gold Crew (11/12/2007) I was sad to hear of Pete's Passing. A fond memory is going to him for Trim & Drain check off for qualification. Once I got my nerve up, I approached him. He gave me his classic look and asked me to draw the Trim and Drain system. After completing the drawing, I handed it to him and as he looked at it he again gave me that look. I figured I had really messed up. He asked me a lot of questions and then had me go look up the ones I didn't know. When I returned, he signed my card. Later I was approached by some other non-quals who were unhappy with me. Pete had taped my drawing on the back wall of the mess hall with a note: To all non-quals, this is what Iexpect from you as well. Apparently he liked my drawing. Received this e-mail on 01/08/2007 from Gary "Dutch" Kaiser: - "Ralph Harris related this story to me at the Memorial for Gustav "Pete" Peterson. Ralph Harris and I both new MMCM(SS) Gus Peterson as we were stationedwith him on the USS Francis Scott Key SSBN657. Ralph became the COB on the Gold crew when we left overhaul at PSNS in 1973. Ralph had the Chief of the Watch and Gus was the Diving Officer while an inspection team was aboard determining whether the ship was ready to receive missiles and proceed on patrol. Suddenly some of the gages on the Ballast Control Panel became very erratic and Ralph reported to Gus and asked him if he knew what was going on. Gus Peterson looked at a box and saw a Lt. from the inspection team pulling modules out of the box. Gus said, "Get away from that box and don't pull anything else out or I'll deck you." The Lt. said, "You can't talk to an officer that way," and a voice of someone who was watching the action from the Conn said, "Oh yes he can!" That's the kind of Chief Gus was and we had a great Captain (CDR Beard) who stuck up for his men when they knew what they were doing. Received this e-mail on 02/16/07 from Mike Robertson: "My name is Michael Robertson TM2 SS and I served aboard the Key in the early 70's . I was saddened to read of the passing of Gustav A. Peterson. I knew him well, so well in fact that he had no problem showing me just how sharp his home made knives were. One day while I was traversing the ladder in AM1 to upper level Missile, Pete was sitting in his usual seat honing one of his knife blades. I made the mistake and asked if it was sharp yet. One quick swipe and that question was answered. I can look at that shin and smile now. Then, I was too busy stopping the bleeding. I am inclosing a few photos of Pete in hopes that you can find a place for them for others to enjoy. He was a character for sure." Click here for picture 1, picture 2 of Gus. Received this e-mail on 8/23/07 from Ronald "Lonnie" Marchand ex RM2(SS) Key Gold 75 - 78: "It sadden me greatly to learn that Chief Pete had passed. I posted this tribute: Chief Pete was my COB during my 3 years onboard Key Gold (Radio). He knew more about the Key than anyone onboard. He prep me for my Qual Board and of course he was first in line to "Tack" on my Dolphins after Captain Beard pinned me. He hit me so hard it nearly killed me LOL, but I was very proud to have him do that. You see, Chief Pete only "tacked" on the Dolphins of people he respected. He was a great man. Smart, funny, and knowledgeable. He also assigned Carroll Coon as my "Sea Daddy". Best thing that ever happen to me. I was never on the "Dink" list because I did not want Chief Pete on my case. On of my fondest memories of Chief Pete was when I got my last siggie on my Qual Card, he took a match to my card, I still have that Qual Card today. Lastly, Chief Pete was not only my COB, but my friend. He molded me and made a lasting impression upon my life. Rest in Peace Chief. A few years back, I was in contact with QMC(SS) John "Hollywood" Troia. Those who knew him, knew why we called him that. He told me that my "Sea Daddy" IC1 Carroll Coon had passed. I was proud to be Coondog's "Sea Slug". I also saw where Chief Weich, Wags, and Pullen had also passed. Great Guys, Great Shipmates. For the Record: Every year I was on the Key we won the "3 Battle E's", 2 "A's", and 1 Communications "C". Ronald Marchand Base Communications Manager - BCO Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, TX."
Pyne, Dennis	Cook - 75 - 78 Died of cancer following unsuccessful surgery .in July 1979. Reported by his friend and shipmate Tim Brooks. Click here for a picture of Dennis shown standing on the left. 10/15/2007 - We received this e-mail from Stephanie, the sister of Dennis Pyne. I was surfing on the internet and discovered your site. I was sad to see my brother Denny's name on eternal patrol. I would so appreciate your updating some of his information. I am happy to see you have a picture of him and that his information was passed on to you by his friend Tim Brooks. My brother Dennis passed away on July 27, 1979 - from a pulmonary embolism due to a surgery from cancer. He was a wonderful guy. I was 15 when he died. Denny was seven years older than me, and like all little sisters, he was my hero. I can still see his smile and hear his laugh when I close my eyes. I am fortunate to have all good memories of him. His life was cut short, too short. He had a love of music and enjoyed people and loved his family. His love for cooking and baking was passed on to him from our Mom. He was fortunate to join the Navy and see the world. His commitment to the military - he got that from our Dad. Daddy was in Korea and than he was a member of the NYFD. My parents were so proud of him. He enjoyed his time on the Key. My brother taught me to drive, when he would come home on leave, he would take me out driving. I had my first beer with him, he said - "I know you are gonna drink, so you will have your first one on me", he was being a cool big brother. His way of making sure that I could handle a beer and knew what to expect, so I wouldn't have a bad experience. Denny was the kind of guy that made you want to be a better person. I remember when I got my first car, after he passed away. My Daddy ordered a vanity plate for me - it was SSBN - 657. I got stopped more times than not - not for speeding, but because it was a magnet for active and retired alike. It was a lot of fun to be able to tell people that it was for my brother. He passed away too soon. He had a zest for life and the spirit to go along with it. He never worried about things until they happened, and if they did happen - he handled things and got on with it. Always made me feel safe - something big brothers do. I so appreciate seeing his name associated with the Key. I thank all of you for the comfort that he will always be remembered. As there is not a day that goes by where I don't think of him and remember his beautiful smile. Regards, Stephanie Pyne-Esler Ormond Beach, FL 32176 Received 1/04/08 from a friend of Dennis My name is Rick Meuser, and I grew up with Dennis Pyne in a town called Commack which is on Long Island. We were best buddies - we played sports together such as basketball, baseball, football and hockey. Most importantly we listened to a lot of music together, particularly The Beatles and The "Brothers". This led us to starting our first band together (embarrassingly called "The Beatles of Invention", although we thought that it was cool at the time). Denny was the drummer in the band, and he was also a big Yankees fan - he would have his AM radio on his lap with earphone in place while playing the drums during band practice, which used to drive me nuts. Sometimes I think he did it on purpose just so he could chuckle at my reaction - and he had a great laugh. I really miss his laugh. He also used to crack us up by doing this dance where he would stick his bare belly out of his shirt and thrust his arms out sideways which would make his belly jiggle - it was a sight to behold. When you lose a close friend, you lose a piece of your heart. Dennis was a close friend and a great guy, and my heart still aches for him. My heart still aches for his father who passed on several years back. My heart still aches for his mom and his sister Stephanie, who have endured great loss. This was a loss that came way too soon. I don't question God's choices - the only thing that I can do is fill the void left in my heart with fond memories of my good friend Dennis Pyne, of which there are many. God I miss him.
Potts, Robert L	FTBC -- Blue Crew Aug.79-Oct. 82 teddibitbear@mindspring.com ---If anyone who served with him would like to contact his wife, Nancy, she would love to hear from them. She still lives in Union Grove, Al.. Robert passed away on Sept.16, 2001. Received 11/17/07 from Dave Carter - 80 - 83 Weapons Gold I was really sorry to hear about Bob Potts' passing, he was always a good guy and I know how he loved to fish... I'll drop Nancy a line soon.
Puckett, Billy	Gold crew late 1970's - Shown here in the laundry room on the Key 12/13/2007 - Received this e-mail from Jeff Burke: I didn't remember until recently that William (Billy) Puckett (Key Eternal Patrol) was on the Madison the same time I was. William was serving on the USS Madison in 1991 and had just been selected for Chief when he died of a massive heart attack while playing Wally Ball in Kings Bay. He was promoted to Chief posthumously and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery
Pullen, Craig	On board late 70's- early 80's from Ron Marchand 8/23/07 - A few years back, I was in contact with QMC(SS) John "Hollywood" Troia. Those who knew him, knew why we called him that. He told me that my "Sea Daddy" IC1 Carroll Coon had passed. I was proud to be Coondog's "Sea Slug". I also saw where Chief Weich, Wags, and Pullen had also passed. Great Guys, Great Shipmates.
Rice, Don	MS3 on board in the late 70's died in an auto accident in Oregon
Robinson, William	Passed away on 11-04-05 according to John Selleck.
Scanlon, Michael F Mike Scanlon is on the right	Plank Owner Weapons Div - Passed away on Jan.17, 1996--His daughter, Michele (Scanlon) Ippoliti, would love to hear from any crew members that remember her dad. Email MFI@peirce.com or phone 215-879-5461.
Spaulding, Richard L	Plank Owner 1965 - 1967, Cook, Gold Crew. Passed suddenly on June 27, 2000 at the age of 63. Richard's wife Dolores notified us of his passing July 18, 2008. A memorial quilt patch was created for Richard on the National Kidney Foundation -Donor Families web site. To the left is the quilt patch and below is the story that accompanies it. Richard L. Spaulding 3/26/37 - 6/27/00 Richard L. Spaulding (SPUD) was born in N.H., joined the Navy at only 17, didn't weigh enough, so had to go out and eat bananas. He joined with 2 other boys, they said they were going to be lifers, a person that retires from the Navy, Richard was going to get out after 4 years, well the other 2 got out after 4, and Richard retired after 20 years. He was a cook in the Navy, but he always looked like he needed a few more bananas. He was proud of the fact he could still get his uniform on after 20 years
Sminkey, Robert Loys	Received from Bob Sminkey on July 28, 2008 My father passed away today 25 July, 2008. I was wondering if you could enter his information in the Eternal Patrol section of your site. Here is his info: Robert L. Sminkey, Lt. (SS) Plank Owner Gold Crew Navigator 1966-1970 I would really appreciate it very much. My father was very proud of his service on the Key and told me many "sea stories". He really enjoyed his tour. I was attempting to take my father to the last reunion, but he was too sick. He would have really enjoyed the reunion.
Swanson Jr, Theodore A	USSVI Groton Base issued this notice that we received on April 2, 2008 regarding Plank Owner Gold Crew Ted Swanson Jr Shipmates, It is our sad duty to inform you all of the passing of a shipmate. Theodore Arnold Swanson Jr., 77, passed away on March 28, 2008, at Cape Cod Hospital. Born on Nov. 9, 1930, in Norwich, Conn., he was the son of the late Theodore Arnold Swanson Sr. and Lillian (Barnes) Swanson. He was the husband of Lois (Woodard) Swanson of Osterville. He is survived by a son, Jeffrey E. Swanson and wife Teresa of Glen Allen, Va.; three grandchildren, Stephanie, Brian and Matthew; a brother, Ronald of Connecticut; several cousins; and stepchildren Kimberly, Karen, Kevin and Brian. He was a 1948 graduate of Norwich Free Academy of Norwich, Conn. Ted retired from the Navy after 20 years of faithful service as an ET1(SS). He was assigned to submarines, and while serving on the USS Batfish (SS 310) he received his Dolphins signifying his warfare qualification. He completed three strategic deterrent patrols while assigned to these ballistic missile submarines that were part of "The 41 for Freedom," USS Thomas A. Edison (SSBN-610) - Commissioning Crew (Gold) USS Casimir Pulaski (SSBN-633) - Commissioning Crew (Gold) USS Francis Scott Key (SSBN-657) - Commissioning Crew (Gold). After retirement from the Navy, he worked in the nuclear power field as an operations supervisor for both Wisconsin Michigan Power Co. and Virginia Power. He also taught the operations of nuclear power generating systems to utility companies from the U.S. and Asia while working for General Electric and Combustion Engineering, before retiring again and moving to the Cape. Ted joined USSVI Groton Base in 2002, he was a Life Member and he was inducted into the prestigious Holland Club, signifying having received his submarine qualifications more than 50 years ago, in 2006. He was also an avid ham radio operator. A service with military honors will be held on Friday, April 11, 2008 at 2 p.m., at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.
Stebbins, Thomas J.	Plank Owner - First Gold Crew COB - passed May 25, 1995. We received this e-mail from his daughter Cathy on January 8, 2008: My father, QMCM (SS) Thomas J. Stebbins served on the Key from December 1965 until 1967 I believe. He was chief of the boat, gold crew, at the commissioning. My Dad died May 25, 1995, my mom, Betty, died March 11, 2005. It is hard for us children to believe that our parents are no longer here but we still remind each other of the sub stories that Dad told that make us laugh and keep us in awe of those who serve/served on submarines. I was 11 years old before I knew that there were vessels other than subs in the Navy fleet! I am in contact with some friends of my parents from their Navy days and love to hear their stories. I am proud to say that I am the daughter of a submariner and I am also a wife of a retired submariner. My sons have visited this web site - it is a great way to let them see what Navy tradition is about. Thank you. Catherine Stebbins Freel
Suarez, Orlando	Electrical Officer and DCA Blue Crew 1990-1992 -- Died unexpectedly in Mar. 2004 in Bangor, WA as a result of injuries he suffered while in a bicycle accident while in training for a triathlon. At the time of his death, he was the XO of USS Nevada (Blue). He was in his 27th year of Naval service.
Wagner, Roger	TM3 -- Died in April of 1977 while a member of the Gold Crew in Charleston, SC. From Ron Merchand - 8/23/07 - A few years back, I was in contact with QMC(SS) John "Hollywood" Troia. Those who knew him, knew why we called him that. He told me that my "Sea Daddy" IC1 Carroll Coon had passed. I was proud to be Coondog's "Sea Slug". I also saw where Chief Weich, Wags, and Pullen had also passed. Great Guys, Great Shipmates.
Weich, Ivan E. " Bud"	ETCS --Gold Crew 1975-1978 ( possibly in the late 60's also). Passed away March 8, 2000 in Bremerton, WA of cancer. 8/24/07 from Ron Marchand - A few years back, I was in contact with QMC(SS) John "Hollywood" Troia. Those who knew him, knew why we called him that. He told me that my "Sea Daddy" IC1 Carroll Coon had passed. I also saw where Chief Weich, Wags, and Pullen had also passed. Great Guys, Great Shipmates.
Wilber, Harold A.	SK1 Plank Owner - Blue Crew - 1965 - 1970. His son Tom Wilber sent this e-mail on Jan 29, 2007. "Please add to the Eternal Patrol list, my father, HAROLD ARCHIE WILBER, SK1(SS). Dad was part of the precom crew at Electric Boat. He passed October, 1990. I happened upon the Key web site looking for basic ships data to include in a file about my mom and dad, as part of a family history project. Once I found the web site, I found the pictures and description quite interesting. My only memorabilia of the Key is a bronze ships plaque that my mother gave me. Both my father and mother are buried at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown , Connecticut ." 01/29/07 - From Russ Christie: I remember Wilber from my first patrol. We shared a bunk room in the missile compartment. Wilber was an old-salt first class to me. He never gave me any crap like a lot of the old guys did to new grunts. I remember him as a very classy guy who also had the biggest ring of keys I ever saw. He must have had a thousand keys, one for every lock on every storage locker on the boat. 07/14/07 - From Bil Hole Harold was one of the nicest "Old" guys on the Key. He was friendly and always had a smile. As to the biggest key ring, I think he had a key to every locker and spares as well. I attended his retirement ceremony and have always wondered where he went. His replacement, as I remember it, was Vaughn "Skippy" Stahl from Frederick, MD. Harold Wilber: On eternal patrol; gone but not forgotten. Bil Hole CS3 SS 68-71 FSK 657 Blue The picture shows Harold sitting in Crew's Mess. The picture was from the Key's commissioning booklet. Harold is in the back left of the picture, wearing glasses.
Williams, George	ETCM(SS) Pre-Commissioning Blue Crew-Passed away in 1968. At the time he was working for Westinghouse at the North Anna Nuclear Power Plant.

Richard L. Spaulding

3/26/37 - 6/27/00