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On Saturday, April 12, 2008 a memorial service will be held at the R.W. Traip Academy honoring the loss of 129 crew members, US Naval Submarine Officer Observers, and civilian support personnel aboard the USS Thresher during sea trials off of the New England coast on April 10, 1963.

The Memorial Service will begin at 1300.

The R.W. Traip Academy front doors will open at 1130 and remain open until 1500. Refreshments and appetizers will be served immediately after the service.

USS Thresher

Memorial Service Program

The Memorial Service consists of two parts. The first part consisting of the speakers and the Tolling of the Bells Ceremony is is held in the R.W. Traip Academy Auditorium. The second part is the Wreath Laying Ceremony. It is held directly behind the R.W. Traip Academy along the Piscataqua River.

The Memorial Service Program is shown below. The program that will be distributed at the event can be viewed at: 45th USS Thresher Memorial Service Program.

Invitations

Invitations to the 44th Memorial Service have been mailed by to the USS Thresher Family Members, former USS Thresher Crew Members, Submarine Veterans WWII & all Thresher Base Submarine Veterans. When you receive your invitation, please RSVP to attend with the number in your party to Kevin Galeaz via email: webmaster@thresherbase.org, or via phone at 603.268.0420. If you have not received an invitation and would like to attend, please contact Kevin Galeaz.

As of April 11, the number of those attending who sent an RSVP is 230. This number does not include the Submarine Sailors stationed at PNS who have volunteered to serve as escorts, the PNS Rifle Team, and the latest graduating class from the US Naval Submarine School, Groton, CT.

Reserved Seating for Family Members

Up front reserved seating will be available for family members of the crew members lost aboard the USS Thresher. When you arrive, please identify yourself and your party to the Sailors on usher duty for escort to your seats.

Directions to the R.W. Traip Academy
12 Williams Ave., Kittery, Maine

The R.W. Traip Academy is located directly across from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard at 12 Williams Avenue, Kittery, Maine.

For directions, click on the following image:

For a satellite view of the location of the R.W. Traip Academy, click on the following link: R.W. Traip Academy Satellite Image

Guest Speakers


Captain Robert W. Mazzone
Commanding Officer, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
Introductory Comments

Captain Robert W. Mazzone

A native of San Jose, CA, Captain Mazzone is the son of a retired Navy Captain and World War II Submariner. Raised in the “Submarine Capital of the World,” Groton, CT, Captain Mazzone graduated from the University of California in 1971 with a bachelor of science in biology. Prior to joining the Navy, Captain Mazzone earned a Ph.D. in physiology from the State University of New York, and was Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego.

Commissioned in 1983, Captain Mazzone’s initial assignment was at the Naval Medical Research Institute as a Research Physiologist. During this assignment he completed qualifications as a US Navy Deep Sea Diver. In 1985, Captain Mazzone was then selected for re-designation as an Engineering Duty Officer and subsequently selected for the Engineering Duty Officer Dolphin program. While onboard USS GEORGIA (SSBN 729), Captain Mazzone earned his Submarine Engineering Duty Officer Qualification.

Following his tour on USS GEORGIA, Captain Mazzone reported to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard where he served as a Senior Ship Superintendent, Shipyard Docking Officer and Shipyard Diving Officer.

In December 1991, Captain Mazzone completed his graduate education at the Navy Postgraduate School, earning a master of science in mechanical engineering.

Following Postgraduate School, Captain Mazzone served as Assistant Material Officer and Diving Officer for Commander Submarine Development Group ONE, Operations Officer for the Navy Experimental Diving Unit, Project Superintendent and Off-yard Operations Officer at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and Chief Engineer on USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69).

Upon promotion to the rank of Captain, Captain Mazzone reported to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility where he served as Production Resources Officer and Operations Officer from 2005 to 2007.

Captain Mazzone is currently serving as the 82nd Commander, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He assumed command on July 12, 2007.

Captain Mazzone’s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with three Gold Stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal.


William T Olsen
EMC(SS) USN Retired
Former Crew Member, USS Thresher
Keynote Speaker

William T. Olsen EMC(SS) Retired

William T. Olsen enlisted in the U.S. Navy at Erie, Pennsylvania in July 1955. After Boot Camp he attended Electricians Mate M "A" School at Great lakes Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon completion of the schooling Mr. Olsen was assigned to the USS Sierra AD 18 in Norfolk, Virginia. Subsequently, Mr. Olsen requested Submarine School and was accepted October, 1956. After completion of the training, Mr. Olsen was assigned to the USS Diablo SS 479, at the Submarine Base, Groton, Connecticut. He qualified in Submarines in June 1957 and was promoted to Electricians Mate 2nd Class later that year.

Mr. Olsen requested to enter the Navy Nuclear Power Program and attend the Nuclear Power School at the Submarine Base, Groton, Connecticut. Upon completion he was assigned to the S3G Reactor Training Site at West Milton, NY. After completing prototype training Mr. Olsen was assigned to the USS Thresher pre commissioning crew and attended the Westinghouse S5W training facility outside Pittsburgh, Pa. The ships officers and engineering personnel were given training in all aspects of the nuclear power plant that was installed on the USS Thresher.

Mr. Olsen was aboard Thresher during all phases of pre commissioning and sea trails. He was also aboard during the shock testing at Key West, Florida. When Thresher returned to the Portsmouth Naval shipyard for Post Shake Down Availability (PSA) he participated in many tests that were performed at that time.

Mr. Olsen reenlisted to attended the Electricians Mate "B" school at Great Lakes Naval Training Center and was transferred approximately three weeks before Thresher left for sea trails after completion of the PSA. After completion of EM "B" school he was ordered to the sister ship of the Thresher, the USS Tinosa, SSN 606. He participated in all phases of power plant testing and initial plant startup, sea trials, and independent operations. He served two tours of duty on the Tinosa for a total of 7 years.

After serving in the Navy for 20 years Mr. Olsen retired in 1974 as a Chief Electricians Mate (SS). Subsequently, he worked at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a Ship Test Engineer, attended New Hampshire Collage, earned a Bachelor of Science Degree, and worked as a Test Engineer for Stone & Webster Engineering Corp. and United Engineering Corp. at civilian nuclear power plants.

In 1997 Mr. Olsen joined the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, completed the Resident Inspector Training Program and was qualified as a Resident Inspector. He was stationed at Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant, Plymouth, Mass, Maine Yankee Nuclear Power Plant, Wiscasset, Maine and Seabrook Station, Seabrook, NH.

Mr. Olsen retired with 34 years government service in 1997. He presently lives in Wells, Maine with Naomi, his wife of 51 years. He has six children, Debra DuPont, Ruth Lund, William, Jr, Brett Olsen, Bart Olsen and Heather Bunn. He also has 15 grandchildren.


Rear Admiral Kevin M. McCoy
Chief Engineer, Naval Systems Engineering Directorate
Naval Sea Systems Command
Keynote Speaker

Rear Admiral Kevin M. McCoy

A native of Long Island, N.Y., Rear Admiral McCoy joined the Navy in 1977 under the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program. In May 1978, he graduated from the State University of New York at Stony Brook with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

In September 1978, he began his career at Naval Reactors Headquarters and completed seven months of instruction at the Bettis Reactor Engineering School in Pittsburgh, Penn. In October 1982, he attended the Submarine Officer's Basic Course in New London, Conn., and reported to USS Daniel Webster (SSBN 626) in January 1983 as part of the Engineering Duty Officer Dolphin Program.

In August 1983, Rear Adm. McCoy reported to Mare Island Naval Shipyard and served as both a Nuclear and Non-Nuclear Ship Superintendent, Shipyard Docking Officer, and completed submarine qualification. From June 1986 through June 1989, he attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and an Engineer's Degree (Post Master’s) in Naval Engineering.

Rear Adm. McCoy served at Charleston Naval Shipyard from July 1989 through May 1994. His assignments included Nuclear Repair Officer, Planning and Estimating Superintendent, Business Operations Officer, Senior Project Superintendent, and Operations Officer. While at Charleston Naval Shipyard, he attended the Executive MBA Program at Emory University and earned a Master's Degree in Business Administration in May 1994.

In June 1994, he relieved as Repair Officer on USS L.Y. Spear (AS 36). He completed Surface Warfare qualification in June 1995 and in July 1996 he reported for duty as Officer-in-Charge of the Navy Maintenance Support Office in Norfolk. There, he was Program Manager for the Advanced Industrial Management Program supporting the Shipyard and NADEP communities. In March 1997, he received the Claud A. Jones Award from the American Society of Naval Engineers as "Fleet Engineer of the Year." In July 1998, he reported to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard where he served as Business Officer and Operations Officer until June 2001. In October 2001, he became the 80th Commander of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

In March 2004, he was selected for promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral (Lower Half). In November 2004, he was assigned as the Assistant Deputy Commander of Industrial Operations of the Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C. He currently serves as the NAVSEA Chief Engineer of Naval Systems Engineering Directorate.

Rear Adm. McCoy is entitled to wear the Legion of Merit, with Gold Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars, the Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle Efficiency "E", Humanitarian Service Medal, and other awards.


Lori Arsenault
Classical Guitarist - Singer/Songwriter
Daughter of ENCA(SS) Tilmon J. Arsenault
Keynote Speaker & Performer

Portrait of Lori Arsenault, Guest Performer, Daughter of ENCA(SS) Tilmon J. Arsenault. Lori was raised playing various instruments and creating things for enjoyment. She was first introduced to the steel-stringed folk guitar at a young age by her Aunt Lorraine. She later began formal study of the guitar and lute, performing in master classes by classical guitarist, Rey de la Torre, and lutenist Rodrigo de Zayas. After a break of 19 years to work and study in other areas, she picked up the guitar again to earn her Bachelor's in Music Performance from the University of Southern Maine with a work study concentration in arts promotion, communication, and media relations.

In 1995, while studying with Michael Katz at USM, Lori won first prize at the Down East Society for the Classical Guitar, College Division competition. She is a member of the Boston Classical Guitar Society, and has performed in master classes by Jad Azkoul, David Leisner and Antonio Lopez, and attended classes by Ben Verdery, Sharon Isbin, Eliot Fisk and William Kanengeiser.

A member of the Maine Public Relations Council, Lori is Webmaster for American orchestral conductor, Lawrence Golan based in Denver, Colorado. Sole proprietor of Arsenault Artist Management, she also manages web sites for the USM School of Music, USM/Bank of America Youth Ensembles, Sussex County Youth Orchestra of New Jersey, jazzman Scott Reeves of New York City, the Nordica Trio, the USM/Aegean Cultural Exchange, the latest exhibits of the Osher Map Library, and several others including a memorial web site for the USS Thresher, lost at sea in 1963.

Also a singer and songwriter, Lori has been a cantor, musician, and guest minister of music throughout New England for various faith communities. She is currently the cantor in English and Spanish at Sacred Heart / St. Dominic Parish in Portland, Maine, and also the webmaster and current chair of the Pastoral Council.

In the workplace, Lori is the Administrative Manager in the office of the Dean of the School of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology at the University of Southern Maine, where she takes an active role in promoting higher education in Maine, particularly in the areas of the applied sciences and music.

As the mother of two boys, she is the fundraising chairperson, communications director and volunteer coordinator for Northern Force Team 172, one of Maine's four FIRST Robotics teams for high school students. 

Lori is the third of five children of ENCA(SS) Tilmon J. Arsenault, lost at sea on the USS Thresher (SSN 593), and Hilda (Jill) Arsenault Robinson of New Hampshire. She inherited her versatility and love of music and technology from her father, her volunteer spirit and compassion from her mom, and her drive for improvement from her stepfather, Theodore T. Robinson of New Hampshire. She continues her journey to find a single profession for all her many interests from her home base in Gorham, Maine, but thinks that may not be possible.

Guest Performers

Patrick Boyle
Piper

Patrick Boyle, PiperPatrick Boyle is the Pipe Major for the Ancient Order of Hibernian's Pipes and Drums located in Manchester, NH. Mr. Boyle will play Amazing Grace during the Tolling of the Bells, and the Navy Hymn during the Wreath Laying Ceremony.

 

 

 

 

 

 





Jay Daly
Trumpeter

Jay Daly, TrumpeterJay is considered "one of the most versatile trumpet players in the Boston area" according to the Boston Globe. He has performed extensively throughout New England at many of the finest performance arenas - Symphony Hall, the Tweeter Center, the Wang Center, Bank of Boston Summer Pavilion and Tanglewood. Over the last 28 years, he has been privileged to be among Boston’s “1st call” trumpet players performing with great artists such as Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis and many more. He has toured throughout the country with Natalie Cole, Linda Rondstadt, and The Moody Blues. He has also toured every year since 1995, with the Artie Shaw Orchestra which has taken him all over the world. He plays 1st trumpet for the national tours in the Boston theatre district and the Performing Arts Center in Providence, RI, including most recently “Spamalot,” “Wicked,” and “Dirty Rotten Scoundrals.” He also performs regularly at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, NH and the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Ma. His own group, the distinguished New England Brass, has been entertaining audiences since 1980. They have enjoyed frequent performances for formal evening and summer park concerts, plus many concerts every year in public schools all over New England. In addition to his extensive performing schedule, Jay enjoys coaching bands and orchestras of all ages and teaching private trumpet lessons.

Jay was interviewed by Shay Zeller on May 10th, 2006 for the NH Public Radio program, The Front Porch. The program is available in either mp3 or Windows Media Player format on the following NHPR link: Jay Daly on the Front Porch.

 

 



Point of Contact

Please direct all questions regarding the Memorial Service, including those pertaining to invitations, media and program details to the following point of contact:

Thank You

Thresher Base extends our deepest gratitude for their contributions to the 45th USS Thresher Memorial Service

Last updated by Kevin Galeaz on April 11, 2008 13:41
webmaster@thresherbase.org

http://www.thresherbase.org