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THE FINAL PATROL
He was a submariner, America’s best.
He proudly wore dolphins upon his brave chest.
With the sound of the klaxon and the order to dive,
He went deep beneath the ocean to keep peace alive.
As the Nation’s sentinel in Poseidon’s domain,
His vigil he stood and never complained.
When the klaxon sounded for his very last dive,
He slid silently under to be at God’s side.
He will be missed by his loved ones, but his shipmates know,
He now serves in God’s Navy on his Final Patrol.
The Subman
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George D. Arnold, MMC(SS) -
Dates Aboard: 1967 to 1968.
Paul V. Bargas, MSCS(SS) - passed away February 24, 2009.
Gold Crew Plank Owner.
| Nickname: "Stew".
Dates Aboard: 1963 to 1964.
Chief Bargas is survived by his wife Edwina and four children.
Career History: Paul joined the Merchant Marines in 1980 and worked as a Chief Steward.
Following his retirement in 1993, he was employed as a Chef in various upscale restaurants.
He was the Executive Chef at the Sheraton Eastland Hotel. He later joined the Navy. He
made Chief Petty Officer aboard the Grant.
Walter C. Brehler, FTM3(SS)
Blue Crew Plank Owner
Survived by wife Diane.
Groton, CT.
Robert E. Brown, IC2(SS) - passed away October 1, 2008 from brain cancer.
Gold Crew Plank Owner.
Dates Aboard: 1964 to 1965.
Bruce L. Bullough, Captain - died April 28, 2003 at home from 3 year battle with cancer.
Blue Crew Commanding Officer - 2 patrols.
Dates Aboard: 08/90 to 10/91. Last Blue Crew Skipper prior to Decommissioning.
Captain Bullough is survived by his wife of of 29 years, Cecilia Novotny Bullough, his sons Ben
and Jon and his daughter Liz. He was buried with full Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery
on May 19, 2003.
Career History: Bruce was a Naval Academy Graduate of the class of 1972 with a
degree in Mechanical Engineering. His distinquished 29 nine year naval career was dedicated to the
submarine service. He served aboard the USS Sunfish (SSN 649) and the USS George C. Marshall
(SSBN 654) Blue Crew. He was the Blue Crew Engineering Officer aboard the USS Daniel Webster
(SSBN 626) from 1981to 1984.. He served as the Executive Officer of the USS Tullibee (SSN 597)
from 1984 to 1986 and then as the Executive Officer of the USS Lafayette (SSBN 616) gold crew until
1988. He commanded the USS Jack (SSN 605) until her decommissioning in 1990. He then reported to
the USS Grant (SSBN 631) and made the last two blue crew patrols prior to her decommissioning. His
last career assignment was as the Director of Navy Undersea Warfare for Commander Operational Test
and Evaluation Force in Norfolk until his retirement in 2001.
After Naval retirement, he was employed by Sonalysts, Inc., in Waterford, CT.
Larry Burgess, SKCM(SS) - passed away in late 80's.
Blue Crew COB.
Dates Aboard: 1981 to 1983.
John Bushong, HMC(SS) - passed away November 12, 2009.
Mike R. Cannon, MM2(SS) - died in auto accident shortly after leaving Grant.
Gold Crew Plank Owner.
Nickname: Affectionately called "Boom-Boom".
Daniel Cardillo, EM(SS) - died from kidney failure on February 22, 2003.
Blue Crew
Dates Aboard: Early 70's.
Danny is survived by his wife Kathy.
John Chiarella, ET2(SS) - died from home accident on April 23, 2001 at age 60.
Blue Crew Plank Owner.
Dates Aboard: 10/63 to 03/66.
John is survived by his wife Ann and four children. Daughter Regina and her husband David Hinze,
daughters Gariann and Jennifer and a son John F. Chiarella. John was buried with full military honors
at State Veterans Cemetery.
Career History: John was born in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late John and Marie Chiarella. John was
an independent Industry Consultant to Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Plant where he had recently
retired. He was a member of the Haddam Lions Club, the Special Olympics and was active for the
Heart Association.
Memories: John enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening and attending jazz festivals. John was described
by family friends as "a loveable Teddy Bear" and "a person who made people feel at home". John was a
dedicated family man and had looked forward to traveling with his wife in retirement.
He will be dearly missed by all.
Gary Clooney, ET2(SS) - Passed away in 1973 from lung cancer.
Blue Crew.
Dates Aboard: 1965 to 1968.
Captain Charles L. Coleman, LDCR - passed away on January 19, 2005.
Blue Crew Weapons Officer. Plank Owner.
Nickname: "Charlie".
Dates Aboard: 12/63 to 03/66.
Charles is survived by his wife Sue and daughter Kimberly.
Career History: Enlisted in the Navy in 1949. Attended Submarine School the same
year. He attended Officer Candidate School in 1955 and graduated as a LTJG.
He served on the USS Bergall, USS Pickerel, USS Jack, USS Corporal and USS
Cusk. Charlie Graduated from Naval Intelligence School in 1961. He served
three years as a Navy Scientific and Tech Intel Analyst, during which he was
heavily involved with the Cuban Missile Crisis. In 1963, he attended the Navy
Guided Missile School in Dam Neck, VA. Upon graduation, he reported
aboard the USS U.S. Grant (SSBN631) as the Blue Crew Weapons Officer. In
April of 1966, he became the Executive Officer on the USS Salmon. He
realized his dream in June of 1968 when he became the Commanding Officer
of the USS Catfish. He and his crew were awarded the battle efficiency E
plaque two years in a row. From 1970 to 1973, he was the Submarine
Command and Control Officer for COMSUBFLOT 7 in Japan. He then joined
the Staff of the joint US-Taiwan Defense Command. While in Taiwan, he was
promoted to Captain. In 1976, he was assigned to serve in the Pentagon with
the Staff of the Submarine Command and Control. His final tour of duty was at
CINLANTFLT as Command and Control Officer. In August 1979, after 31
years of service to his country, he retired. His achievements include LOM,
MSM(2), JSCM and NCM awards. After retiring from the Navy, Charlie
spent seven years at VITRO Corporation in Maryland. He then joined his wife
part-time at Coleman Tax Service, Inc. They moved to Pinehurst, NC in 1988.
Charles A. Collins, EN1(SS) - passed away in 2001 in Florida.
Blue Crew Plank Owner.
Robert J. Cowels, Jr., YN3(SS) - passed away August 3, 2002.
Gold Crew.
Nickname: "Bob".
Dates Aboard: 03/74 to 03/75.
Robert is survived by his wife Ann and two sons, Kevin and Matthew.
Career History: Robert served on the USS U.S. Grant and the USS George C. Marshall,
SSBN654. He was a member of the Mare Island Base, USSVI. He received his
Bachelor's Degree in Finance and became a teacher. He participated in Scouts,
Little League Baseball and Soccer, boating, fishing and he liked to read.
Memories: Robert reported aboard the Grant as a YNSN. There was no bunk immediately
available, so he slept in the goat locker under a speaker for a couple of days.
His Grant memories posted in the Ships Log Book include the time the XO declined
use of the tug in the channel at Holy Loch. The boat ended up perpendicular to another
boat and narrowly missed a small boat dock just aft of the tender Canopus when
backing out. The boat then went back up the channel and asked for tug assistance.
The XO was awarded a driver's license by the crew for nothing under 50 tons. The
crew missed the last boat for liberty. His shipmates say that Robert was a top notch
Yeoman. He was well liked and will be missed.
David John Culligan, TMC(SS) - passed away June 17, 2008.
Blue Crew Plank Owner.
Dates Aboard: 1964 to 1966.
Captain Robert W. Dickieson, died of cancer October 3, 2004 at age 79.
Blue Crew Commanding Officer.
Dates Aboard: 2nd patrol 1965. One patrol and transferred to USS Kamehameha.
The Captain is survived by his wife Alice, three daughters Jan Dickieson, Peggy Bodin, Cathy Hasbun
and his son Jeff.
Career History: Bob enlisted in the Navy in 1942. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1947.
He served on an AKA and an AO before going to Submarine School in 1949. As a junior officer, he
served on the USS Sea Cat, Angler, Icefish and Hardhead. He next served as Executive Officer of the
Stickleback, Bream and Scamp. This was followed by command of the USS Sculpin, Grant, Kamehmeha,
Vallejo, Nereus and Fleet Submarine Training Facility, Pearl Harbor. Captain Dickieson retired in 1973
while on CINCPAC Staff, having completed 30 years service at the age of 47. In addition to graduating
from the Naval Academy, he earned a Master’s Degree in Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School and
the University of California’s Radiation Laboratory at Berkeley. To prepare for retirement, Captain
Dickieson earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Hawaii. He also
earned his Master Mariner license from the U.S. Coast Guard. After leaving the Navy, he was Vice
President for Operations and Maintenance for the inter-island hydrofoil company, Sea Flite. After serving
a two-year apprenticeship, he formed his own company to represent owners, insurance companies,
classification societies and governments of foreign merchant ships calling in Hawaii. He had a dredging
company for a short time. He owned Bob Dickieson’s Yamaha Marine in the late 1980’s. He served as a
subject matter expert for the American Boat and Yacht Council. His last business endeavor acted on
behalf of the U.S. Department of Labor in the matter of certifying cranes used in long shoring.
The Captain’s personal interests included participation in the Windward Orchid Society as its Treasurer,
the Navy League of the United States, the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, the Navy Submarine
League, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial Association, and the U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc. He was
a private pilot, who was known on occasion to have flown beer into the leper colony on Molokai. He is a
plank owner for the Battleship Missouri Memorial. He served as a Hawaiian delegate to the national
GOP convention in 1996. Captain Dickieson was an avid lover of history and travel. His travels included
Australia, Alaska, China, Antarctica, Scandinavia, Europe, Tahiti, and Bora Bora. His shipmates all agree
that he was an extraordinary man.
George Gyling Dover, ETR3(SS) - passed away July 3, 2001 at age 58.
Born: Oct 11, 1942.
Gold Crew Plank Owner.
Dates Aboard: 1964 to 1967.
George is survived by his wife Patricia, a son James and two daughters, Trisha Taylor and Lenna-Kaye
Himmelstein and six grandchildren.
Career History: George joined the Navy in 1961 and retired in 1984 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He
served aboard four FBM submarines and made 18 patrols over his 23 years of submarine service. He was
then employed as a senior logistics analyst with General Dyanmics, E/B Division, for 17 years. He was a
Christian and enjoyed reading, particularly historical and scientific documentaries. He was an avid reader of
Louis L’Amour and science fiction books. George was a man of integrity, a sense of humor and a devoted
family man. He will be missed by all.
Gary Lewis Elmore, IC2(SS) - passed away from heart attack December 23, 2005.
Born: Feb 25, 1952.
Blue Crew.
Dates Aboard: 1977 to 1981.
Survived by wife Marty Wildes Elmore.
Gary received a military burial at sea.
Career History: Gary was born in Munich, Germany, a military dependent.
He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1975 and was honorably discharged
in 1981. After retirement, he worked in the shipping department for the
Godfrey Group in Clayton, NC. Always willing to lend a helping hand
to others and was well liked by all who met him. He will be dearly missed.
Samuel P. Eveleth, ICC(SS) - passed away from cancer in late 1999.
Blue Crew Plank Owner.
Survived by wife Eva.
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James L. Fay, MM1(SS)
Gold Crew
Howard J. K. Fichtl, FTCM(SS) - passed away March 19, 2010.
Blue and Gold Crews.
Dates Aboard: 1966 to 1972.
Captain John L. From, Jr. - USN(Ret) - passed away March 19, 2004 at age 82.
Blue Crew Commanding Officer. Plank Owner. 1st Blue Crew Captain.
Dates Aboard: 1964 to 1965.
Captain From is survived by his wife Mary Jane and three children, Deborah J. Fletcher,
Tina L. Egge and Michael E. From. The Captain was laid to rest at Arlington National
Cemetery with full military honors on March 30, 2004.
Career History: Captain From was a native of Norfolk and a 1943 graduate of the Naval
Academy. He received a Master’s Degree from George Washington University. He made six
war patrols in the Pacific in WWII and later commanded a diesel-electric submarine. In the 1960’s,
he commanded the USS George Washington, the first Polaris Missile Nuclear Submarine. He
reported aboard the USS Grant in 1964. His final naval assignment was as the commanding officer
of the Naval Submarine Base at Pearl Harbor. Among his decorations received were two Legion of
Merit Awards. He retired in 1972 to McLean, Virginia where he worked 12 years as the Vice
President of Research and Development for Science Applications International Corporation.
Harlan E. Frost, TM2(SS) - passed away in Utah in 2007.
Gold Crew Plank Owner.
Dates Aboard: 1964 to 1967 (6 patrols).
Richard Allen Groder, LT - Gold Crew - Assistant Weapons Officer.
Passed away Oct 10, 2006 in Carollton, Virginia.
Gold Crew Plank Owner.
Dates Aboard: 02/64 to 07/67.
Dick is survived by his wife Mary and four children, Dick, Margot, Elizabeth and Jack.
Career History: Commanding Officer of USS Baracuda (SS-T3).
Officer in Charge of Naval Guided Missile School Detachment in Norfolk.
Dick loved to hunt and fish. Retired CDR in 1984.
Memories: Believe the words painted on DD Ault to be “SS Omar Mung” vs “Bang,
You’re Sunk”. MT’s John Darling and Dave Ward should know which Lieutenants name
was painted on Cape Canaverals’ Water Tower.
William Leroy Hatcher, FTB1(SS) - passed away October 20, 2004 at age 65 from cancer.
Born: February 8, 1939.
Gold Crew Plank Owner.
Nickname: "Lee" and "Mother".
Dates Aboard: 1963 to 1966.
William is survived by his partner Mary Lahann, two daughters, Cambria Grelle and Leanne
Youngren and grandson Lane Youngren.
Career History: William (Bill or Lee) joined the Navy in 1957 and served in the U.S. Submarine
Force for 10 years. He served aboard the USS Rock SSR274, the USS U.S. Grant SSBN631,
the USS Tecumseh SSBN628 and the USS Bugara SS331. After his military service, Bill traveled
the world with Motorola Field Services for 20 years before starting his own successful carpet
cleaning business in Prescott, Arizona. He retired at age 62 and became a full time student pursuing
an agri-business degee. He was a member of the USSVI Perch Base Group of Phoenix, Arizona.
Donald Lamar Hayes, RM1(SS) - died January 2, 2005 at age 64.
Gold Crew Plank Owner.
Dates Aboard: 09/63 to 08/65. (1 patrol)
Donald is survived by his wife Beverly and his daughter Monica.
Career History: Donald was a native of Wigham, Georgia and had lived in Albany since 1979.
He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Albany Junior College. He was very involved as a host in
the Exchange Student Program. He was retired from the Navy and had received various awards.
He served aboard the USS Sterlet, USS Tiru, USS U.S. Grant and the USS Finback. His interests
included woodworking, camping and traveling. He was a good shipmate and will be dearly missed.
Alexander W. Hazuda, Jr., YNC(SS) - passed away February 3, 2005 in Evans, Georgia.
Blue Crew.
Nickname: Al/Alex/Yeo.
Dates Aboard: 07/75 to 04/77.
Career History: Serverd on USS Permit, SSN594 from 1969 to 1972. Served on
USS U.S. Grant, SSBN631 from 1975 to 1977 where he was commissioned a
Warrant Officer (CWO2). Served on Simon Lake, AS33 from 1977 to 1979 and
the Canopus, AS34 from 1979 to 1980. Originally from Ft. Lewis, Washington.
Benjamin W. Heber, MMC(SS) - passed away November 23, 2009 in Summerville, South Carolina.
Dates Aboard: 1973 to 1976.
Captain William Herndon, USN(Ret) - passed away in 1977 in Virginia.
Blue crew Commanding Officer.
Dates Aboard: 09/65 to 03/68.
Charles Leo Hicks - MM1(SS) - passed away August 15, 1999 from cancer.
Blue Crew Leading Petty Officer for ‘M’ Division.
Dates Aboard: 1977 to 1980.
Stephen Hicks, MM3(SS) - passed away November 18, 2008 in Meridian, Idaho.
Dates Aboard: 1966.
William J. Horve, passed away April 30, 2009 in Decatur, Illinois.
Dates Aboard: 1977 to 1981.
Demain O'Neill Huggins, MM1(SS) - died in motorcycle accident in Sept of 1987.
Gold Crew.
Nickname: "Bear".
Dates Aboard: 06/78 to 12/82.
Thomas V. Iaquinto, YN2(SS) - passed away April 7, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida.
Gold Crew.
David Jimenez, LTJG - died in accident in heavy seas. Swept off missile deck into sea.
Gold Crew. Passed away April 6, 1987 at age of 24.
Lt. Jimenez was a native of Puerto Rico.
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Edward A. Kelemen, EN1(SS) - Passed away March 18, 2005.
Born: 9 March 1930.
Gold Crew Plank Owner.
Dates Aboard: 07/63 to 01/67. (4 patrols)
Ed is survived by his daughter Terri-ann and son Carl.
Career History: Ed retired after 22 years Navy service. He was the first man to report to the
Grant Gold Crew in July of 1963.
Allan D. Lesser, QM1(SS) - passed away February, 1980, from cancer in Brevard, Florida.
Born: 19 July 1930.
Blue Crew Plank Owner
Career History: Also served on the USS Robert E. Lee (SSBN601) Gold Crew.
Memories: Described by shipmates as a thoughtful and incisive man, a good, steady shipmate.
Edward T. Majors, QM1(SS)
Blue Crew Plank Owner.
Steve Manning - was killed with wife Angie in auto accident in Charleston, SC in 1987.
Blue Crew
Survived by two daughters.
Keith Wayne Miller, ET1(SS) - passed away April 22, 1999.
Dates Aboard: 1964 to 1969.
Rex Dale O’Dell, YN1(SS) - passed away February 4, 2004, from lung cancer.
Born: Jan 19, 1931.
Blue Crew Plank Owner.
Nickname: “Yeo” and “Digger”.
Dates Aboard: 08/63 to 04/66. (3 patrols)
Rex is survived by his wife Barbara Jean, two sons, Dan and Gerald and his
daughter Debra Kay. Military Honors burial in Napoleon, Michigan.
Career History: Rex enlisted in the Navy in March of 1948. He served 21 years
and was honorably discharged in October of 1969. He served on the USS George MacKenzie
(DD836), USS Pompon (SSR267), USS Tullibee (SS284) and the USS U.S. Grant (SSBN631).
Memories: Rex enjoyed playing the guitar, camping and studying military history. He was well
liked and respected by all his shipmates. He will be missed.
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Timothy Paul Palmer, EMC(SS) - passed away on January 27, 2010 in Naples, Florida.
Lyle G. Patterson, EMC(SS) - passed away on December 5, 2002 in Amanda, Ohio.
Blue Crew Plank Owner.
Dates Aboard: 1963.
John W. Pfusch, SOC(SS) - passed away from heart attack in 1997.
Gold Crew Plank Owner.
Dates Aboard: 1964 to 1966.
Chief Pfusch is survived by his wife June; 4 daughters and six grandchildren.
Kenneth Joseph Ploeger, ET1(SS) - passed away August 15, 2007 at age of 67.
Gold Crew Plank Owner.
Dates Aboard: 1963 to 1967.
Jerome Reynolds, FTG1(SS) - Passed away August 1, 2002.
Gold Crew.
Nickname: “Jerry”.
Survived by his wife Lea.
Career History: Served on the USS U.S. Grant.
Was a member of the Bremerton Base of USSVI.
Robert A. Rich, EN1(SS)- passed away from cancer on June 8, 2005.
Born: Jan 11, 1930.
Gold Crew Plank Owner.
Nickname: “Bob”.
Dates Aboard: 01/64 to 02/66. (2 patrols)
Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years, Delphine, sons Robert and James
and daughter Patricia Ragland. Bob received a Military Burial at sea.
Career History: Bob enlisted in the Navy on Jan 17, 1947. In 1959, he made the
decision to enter the Submarine Service and served on five submarines;
USS Sarda (SS488), USS Thomas A. Edison (SSBN610), USS U.S. Grant
(SSBN631), USS Sea Dragon (SSN584) and USS Scamp (SSN588).
He retired on August 1, 1966. He was a plank member of the Sub Vets
Corvina Base of Reno, Nevada.
Memories: Bob loved the submarine service and wore his submariner ball hat
everywhere he went. He had a sign on the back of his van that stated,
“There are only two types of ships - Submarines and Targets”.
Bob was a super nice man and a great shipmate. He will be missed by all.
Glenn S. Robinson, ETCM(SS) - passed away October 30, 2009.
Gold Crew
Dates Aboard: 07/78 to 06/82 and 12/85 to 04/89.
John Raymond San Fellipo, Sr., TMCS(SS) - passed away October 26, 1986 (brain tumor).
Blue Crew Plank Owner
Nickname: "Flip".
Dates Aboard: 1963 to 1972.
Chief San Fellipo is survived by his wife Mary Jane; six children, Mary Ann, Barbara, Tina,
John Jr., Tony and Linda; five grandchildren, Joel, Aaron, Brandon, Madison and Blake.
Career History: John was born in Washington, D.C. on July 16, 1928. After serving on the
USS Grant and the USS James Polk (72-73), he was assigned shore duty at the Strategic
Weapons Facility Pacific in Silverdale, Washington. He retired in 1977. Two weeks later,
Lockheed called him to work, in the same building, doing the same job as a senior mechanic.
John worked for them for nine years. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal,
Navy Commendation, six Good Conduct Medals and the Armed Forces Expeditonary Medal.
Chief Fellipo was a credit to his uniform and dedicated to his work in the service of his country.
Memories: Chief "Flip" enjoyed bowling and yard work. He had a terrific personality and
was well liked by all who met him. Crewmembers remember the Chief as a very lively character
and a good and decent man. Mary Jane and the family miss him greatly. Mary Jane states that
"It brings me comfort knowing we have young men today with the same qualities as Flip had;
Loyalty, Dedication and a Love for those `Silent Giants of the Sea'. God bless them and all
of you who served us so well".
David A. Scruggs, ETR2(SS)
Gold Crew Plank Owner.
Dates Aboard: 12/63 to 07/67.
Career History: Retired Navy as ETCM(SS). Reported aboard the USS Redfin (SS272) in
December of 1961. Served on board the USS U.S. Grant (SSBN631), USS Guardfish (SSN612),
USS Ray (SSN653) and the USS Scamp (SSN588) before retiring in 1981. Nuclear power trained.
Walter Wesley Snyder, ST1(SS) - passed away September 15, 2008 at age of 72.
Blue Crew Plank Owner.
Dates Aboard: 08/63 to 07/68.
Luther Stewart, TM2(SS) - hit and killed by drunk driver on March 9, 1996 in Rixford, PA.
Blue Crew.
Dates Aboard: 1984 to 1987.
Luther is survived by his wife Nancy and son Andrew.
Michael K. Stowe, ELT2(SS) - passed away March 31, 2001 at the age of 47.
Blue Crew.
Dates Aboard: 02/79 to 1981.
Mike is survived by his wife Delores, 6 children (4 boys, 2 girls), 3 grandsons, his father, sister
and brother. He grew up in Cocoa Beach, Florida near Cape Canaveral.
Larry V. Thompson, TMC(SS) - lost at sea when swept off missile deck in heavy seas.
Gold Crew. Lost on April 6, 1987 at age of 37.
Ralph C. Turner, CS1(SS) - died in auto accident Sept, 1968.
Blue Crew - Plank Owner.
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Andrew N. Urbanc, Captain(MC) - passed away May 20, 2001 from prostrate cancer.
Gold Crew Medical Officer. Plank Owner.
Nickname: "Andy" & "Doc"
Dates Aboard: 1963 to 1965.
Doctor Urbanc is survived by his wife of 53 years, Beverly Urbanc of Fallbrook, a son and
daughter-in-law Steven and Maeve Urbanc of Durango, Colorado, a daughter and son-in-law
Susan and Michael Flynn of Herald Harbor, Maryland and granddaughter Anna Urbance of Durango.
Career History: Doc Urbanc was aboard the Grant from commissioning through the Panama Canal
on New Years Eve of 1964 and into port in Hawaii, where the Blue Crew took over the boat. He
was then transferred to the USS Ben Franklin, which was under construction. He was a member of the
commissioning crew of the Franklin and made one patrol aboard her. He was then reassigned to
Subron Sixteen as the Medical Officer in Rota, Spain for two years. He then returned to the states
and took a residency in Dermatology and practiced at Camp Pendleton for the next 10 years.
He then retired from the military as a Captain, Medical Corps, and opened his own private practice
in Fallbrook. In January of 1990, he 'retired from everything' (his words), and had been working with
some researchers on Gulf War illnesses.
Memories: The Doc had been searching for a submariner who was a crewman on the ill-fated
Scorpion when he was the SUBRON 16 Medical Officer in Rota aboard the tender Canopus.
Dr. Urbanc had examined the crewman in May of 1968 and decided he should stay with the medical
unit on the tender for a few days. Arrangements were then made for the crewman to fly home on one
of the many Polaris Crew flights that came to and from Rota for change of command. This Scorpion
crewman was spared from the tragedy of the Scorpion. Anyone who ever met Doctor Andrew Urbanc
would not soon forget him. He was a very pleasant person, easy going, liked to chat with crewmembers,
had a good sense of humor and most of all - - was a darn good Doctor. He will be remembered by
many for the good man he was.
Willliam H. Vickers, ETCA(SS) - passed away in 1987.
Blue Crew Chief Nav ET. Plank Owner
Survived by wife Carol.
Gary L. Wagner, ET1(SS) - passed away May 26, 1996.
Blue Crew Plank Owner
Dates Aboard: 10/63 to 04/66.
Gary is survived by his wife, Mary J. Wagner, a son Erich J. Wagner and his wife Sharon, a son
Kurtis M. Wagner and his wife Ruth, a daughter Andrea J. Wagner and two grandchildren, Alex
and Austin, sons of Erich and Sharon.
Career History: Gary graduated from Submarine School in Groton in 1958, attended "B" school
at Treasure Island, CA and Navdac Tech School in Dam Neck, VA. Gary served on the USS
Cavalla (SS244) from 1958-60, the USS Seawolf (SSN575) from 1960-61. Gary worked at N.C
National Bank in Charlotte, NC after leaving the service in 1966. In October of 1967, he went to
Houston to work for Lockheed Electronics at NASA. Gary founded Computer Extension Systems Inc.
(CESI) in Houston in 1977. The company is still owned by his wife Mary and his son, Kurt, who is
now President of the firm.
Memories: Gary loved to sail on his Catalina 30 sailboat and camp in the East Texas Piney Woods.
His wife Mary remembers Gary's excitement about the First Patrol out of Pearl Harbor in January
of 1965. They enjoyed spending time at Sunset Beach at their home during the 3 month R&R's.
Gary loved having his "Guys" over to cookout and relax. Many of them were single and needed some
place to go besides Honolulu. Gary was a good husband, father and shipmate. Although we will miss
him, he will always be in our memories.
Calvin O. Walton, TM1(SS) - USN(Ret) - passed away Sept 13, 1997 in Charlotteville, VA.
Lead Launcher Control Tech on Gold Crew - Plank Owner
Nickname: "Wally"
Dates Aboard: 01/64 to 07/66.
Survived by wife Arlene, three children, Pamela, Cindy and Kevin, and nine grandchildren.
Career History: Served aboard USS Wasp (CV18), three diesel boats, the Tench, the Sea Robin
and the Sea Leopard and three FBM's, Thomas Edison, Ulysses S. Grant and the Henry L. Stimson.
He was sworn in as TMC(SS) Walton upon reporting to the Stimson. Served as an Instructor at
Submarine School in Groton, CT. He retired from Navy after 20 years on Sept 8, 1969.
Calvin was employed at Electric Boat in Groton for 22 years as a Test Operator Engineer. He spent
the last two and one-half years of employment at Vickers Shipyard in England as a consultant to the
Royal Navy Trident Program.
Memories: Calvin "Wally" Walton loved his family and his fellow submariners. He was a good
husband and father and had a positive impact on all he touched. He was buried at Arlington National
Cemetery with full honors. We will all miss this wonderful man.
George E. Watson, MMCM(SS) - passed away February 29, 2007 at age 75.
Nickname: "Gene".
Dates Aboard: 12/65 to 07/68.
Survived by his wife Mary and sons George and Robet Watson.
Career History: Retired as a Warrant Officer in 1973. Served on USS St. Clair County (LST 1096)
and the USS Paul Revere. Graduated Nuclear Power Training School in 1961 and then served on
USS Tinosa (SSN606) and USS U.S. Grant (SSBN631). Received the Navy Achievement
Medal Meritorious Unit Commendation while serving on the Grant. After retirement, he worked for
SDG&E for 20 years at the Encina Power Plant as a Shift Supervisor. He retired in 1994. He was
an avid bowler and bowled a perfect 300 game in 2000. He enjoyed playing cards and vacationing
with his family in Hawaii. His leadership and loyalty to his shipmates are remembered by all.
James Roy Wehner, LCDR - passed away May 1, 1967 in Utah.
Blue Crew Operations Officer. Plank Owner.
Career History: Retired as LCDR. Also served on USS Chopper in Key West.
Richard T. Welzant, EN2(SS) - passed away April 23, 2002 from cancer.
Gold Crew - Plank Owner.
Nickname: "Weasel".
Dates Aboard: 1963 to 1966.
Survived by wife Caroline and son Richard Jr.
Howard G. Wurzbacher, - MT1(SS) - Passed away May 30, 2001 at age 72 from lung cancer.
Blue Crew - Plank Owner. Lead Missile Tech on Blue Commissiong Crew.
Nickname: “Wurz”.
Dates Aboard: 1963 to 1966.
Survived by wife Alice, four children, Howard G. Jr., Cindy, Karren Banyas, Amanda Barnes and
eight grandchildren.
Career History: Howard was born October 23, 1928 in Duquesne, PA, son of Robert and Johanna
Wurzbacher. He served 22 years in the Navy and retired as a Chief Petty Officer. After his naval
service, he worked for Bell Telephone Company for nineteen years. Howard was an excellent leader
and admired by all his shipmates.
Walter R. Yoho, TM1(SS) - Passed away September 1, 1997 in Oregon.
Gold Crew - Plank Owner.
Donald Frank Zimmerman, HMC(SS) - Passed away June 22, 2009 in North Carolina.
Blue Crew - Plank Owner.
Nickname: "Doc".
Dates Aboard: 1963 to 1966.
Survived by wife Rose and three children, Donna, Gerald and Samuel
and their families.
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