John McArdle served  from 1974-1980 departing as an EM2 (SS).  John attended Nuclear Power School in Mare Island, then  attended A1W prototype school in Idaho Falls (1976). John served aboard the USS Narwhal (SSN 671)  from 1976-1980 as an Electrical Operator, earning  his Submarine Dolphins  in 1978.

 

John's work history post USN is as follows:

Stone and Webster Engineering 1980-1987 (Boston, MA)

Yankee Atomic Electric Company/Duke Engineering and Services 1987-2001 (Marlborough MA)

Town of Plaistow (NH) Volunteer Fire Firefighter/EMT 1990-2001

Town of Plaistow (NH) Fire Chief 2001-present

 

John married Judy May in 1984. They have two children, Erin born in 1988 & Maureen born in 1990. John and Judy currently reside in Plaistow, NH.

 

 

 

 

Dave Webster qualified aboard the  USS Tinosa in 1981.

 

Dave currently works as a Software Applications Engineer for Siemens in Portsmouth New Hampshire.

 

Dave and his wife Karen reside in South Berwick, Maine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert (Bob) Flannery was born in Queens, NY on January 9, 1933 and was raised in Hewlett, NY.

 

Bob was a Boy Scout for three years. During high school in the afternoons, and during the summer, he worked at Central Auto Electric Garage servicing vehicles. He graduated from Lawrence High School in Lawrence, NY in 1951.

 

Bob joined the Navy July 1951, and attended Boot Camp in Bainbridge. Bob completed Basic Submarine School in the winter of 1951. Bob then attended diesel maintenance S/M Engineering School in New London, Ct as a FN in 1952.

 

Bob served aboard the USS Quillback (SS-424) for three months in 1952 and was a member of the crew that brought the boat into PNS to be “Guppied”.

 

Bob transferred aboard the USS COD (SS-224) in the summer of ’52 as a FN at the Boston Naval Shipyard under overhaul. The USS COD then made runs as a “School Boat” before transiting to the Caribbean in support of war games during which Bob completed his Submarine Qualifications. Bob made FN3 before his transfer to USS ENTEMEDOR (SS-340) in the spring of ’53 on a coin toss.

 

Aboard the USS ENTEMEDOR (SS-340), Bob changed his rate to Auxillaryman and became an A-Ganger. The ENTEMEDOR made a Fleet Support Mediterranean run during which Bob was advanced to the rank of EN2 The ENTEMEDOR then proceeded for operations along the East Coast before entering PNS for a 3-month overhaul.

 

Close to his end of enlistment, Bob was transferred to the USS HALFBEAK (SS-352) operating out of New London (“River Rat”) in 1955. Having enlisted in a 4 year Active – 4 year Naval Reserve program, Bob completed his 4 year Naval Reserve at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, ending his enlistment in 1959 after making EN1 (SS).

 

After discharge in 1955 Bob moved to Portsmouth NH, and married a local girl, Mary McCaffery. Bob worked at New England Telephone in 1955  as a Cableman Apprentice. In 1984 Bob transferred to AT&T as a Systems Tech taking early retirement in 1986.

In 1986 Bob continued working in the communications field as a sub- contractor for seven years.

 

Bob and his Mary have lived in Portsmouth since 1955. Bob enjoyed taking his 16’ fiberglass outboard fishing in the river. Bob and Mary have visited all 50 States. It has taken several trips across country, and several cruises to accomplish this, and they have enjoyed every minute! Bob likes to garden, and continues this hobby working on several historic gardens and Portsmouth Adopt A Spot projects.

Al Page was born Oct 1, 1934 in Portsmouth, NH, and was raised in Greenland, NH.

He earned the level of an Eagle Scout and graduated from Portsmouth High in the class of 1952.

 

Al received an Associate’s Degree in Science at Mohegan Community College in Norwich, Connecticut followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, at Clear Creek Baptist College, Pineville, Kentucky.

 

Al enlisted in the Navy in 1952. Al’s first assignment was at the Naval Reserve Unit 1-34 at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from August 1952 until February 1957, working for Montgomery Ward in the Service Department.

 

Al then began his duty aboard Submarines in Key West aboard the  USS Quillback, (SS-424). Al earned his Dolphins in 1956 as an EM3(SS) USNR. He began his active duty in Key West aboard the USS Trutta (SS-421) from February until August in 1957 as an EM3. In August of 1957, Al transferred to the USS Sea Cat (SS-399), where he earned advancement to EM2(SS). In August of 1960, he transferred to the USS Marlin (SS-T2) where he advanced to the rank of EM1(SS) before his transfer in August of 1962.

 

Al then began his first shore duty assignment as a member of the Enlisted Submarine School Staff in New London, Connecticut where he advanced to the ranks of EMC(SS), and CWO1(SS). In April of 1967, Al returned to sea duty aboard the Submarine Tender USS Bushnell (AS-15) making CWO2, and departing in July of 1969 for the USS Darter (SS-576). Aboard DARTER, Al made LTJG and earned his Gold Dolphins.

 

In August of 1972, Al began his second shore duty assignment returning as a member of the Enlisted Submarine School Staff. He was advanced to the rank of LT before departing in August of 1975 for one more sea duty assignment aboard the USS Fulton (AS-11). Aboard USS Fulton, Al served as the New London Production Officer until his retirement in 1977.

 

After the Navy, Al stayed in New London, working as a maintenance supervisor and driver for Savin Bus lines until 1978. He changed jobs and became a construction foreman at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Groton

 

In 1980, he was ordained as a Baptist Pastor leading denominations at the Pathfork Baptist Church in Pathfork, Kentucky, Hillside Baptist Church in Pembroke, New Hampshire, Mountain View Baptist Church in Lancaster, NH and the Baring Baptist Church in Baring, Maine.

 

Al performed volunteer work for Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and was a trainer and team leader for the Mud-out and Chain saw competition. Al also volunteered his construction skills at Northeastern Baptist College in Bennington, Vermont.

 

Al and his wife Rachel reside in Loudon, New Hampshire.

 

 

 

Charles Andrews was born in San Diego, a son of a career Naval Submarine Officer . He is one of five children. He lived and schooled from Maine to Hawaii and in between.

 

Charles enlisted in the Naval Reserve at age 17 when a senior in high school but entered the Naval Academy (Plebe (Boot) Summer) before attending enlisted boot camp. Took training cruises as a Midshipman in USS Des Moines (CA-139), USS Antietam (CVA-36), USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. (DD-850). Commissioned upon graduation 1957.

 

Charles served aboard the USS Columbus (CA-74) from 1957-58), followed by shore duty at Naval Submarine School in 1958), USS Dogfish (SS-350) from 1958-61, USS Diablo (SS-479) during 1961-62, Naval Postgraduate School Ordnance Engineering during 1962-64, USS Ethan Allen (SSBN-608) from 1964-66, Staff COMSUBLANT from 1966-69, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard during 1969-77. He retired from active duty 1977.

 

Charles operated a charter party fishing boat out of York Harbor (77-78), worked at Rockwell International Corporation on contract work for Navy (78-80) as an Electrical Engineer, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (80-92). He completed contract work for Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Jeddah, Saudi, Arabia (93-97), then contract work for Egyptian Navy, Alexandria, Egypt (97-98), working for Tyco Telecommunications in Newington, NH (99-08). Charles retired but continued to operate a small firearms and antiques business in York, Maine.

 

Charles was widowed in 2012 after 54 years of marriage and has 3 daughters, 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

 

Charles is a member of several veterans and firearms organizations. Also a member of the USSVI USS Sailfish Base, Venice, Florida. He resides in York, Maine and spends a couple of months each winter in Sarasota, Florida.

Robin E. Galeaz earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in 1991 from the Whittemore School of Business and Economics, University of New Hampshire. After graduation, Robin worked for Public Relations and Marketing department at NH College. Robin changed career paths and obtained a Masters in Education Degree in 1998 from the former Notre Dame College in Manchester, NH.

 

Robin spent the first two years of her teaching career teaching seventh grade math at Weare Middle School, in Weare, NH. Robin is currently in her 13th year teaching seventh grade math at the Henry J. McLaughlin Middle School in Manchester, New Hampshire. Robin serves on the McLaughlin Middle School Steering Committee and serves as the McLaughlin Middle School yearbook advisor and photographer. Robin is a member of the New Hampshire Teachers of Mathematics and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

 

Robin is a member of Portsmouth, NH Council of the Navy League of the United States. Robin is an Associate Member of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc and serves Thresher Base as the Newsletter Layout Designer & Publisher. Robin also serves as a member of the Planning Committee for the Annual USS Thresher Memorial Services.

 

 

Kevin M. Galeaz, a native of St. Jacob, Illinois, completed Basic Training at NTC San Diego in March 1976 followed by Basic Submarine School in New London and Ballistic Missile Fire Control Technician “A” and “C” Schools in Dam Neck, VA.

 

Kevin reported to the USS John C. Calhoun (SSBN 630) in May, 1977 which was six months into an overhaul at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) . Selected to earn his Dolphins and gain at sea experience prior to the Calhoun finishing overhaul, he spent the summer of 1978 on patrol with the USS Will Rogers (SSBN 659) Blue Crew. Kevin returned to the Calhoun at PNS, completing the overhaul and deploying for home port in Charleston, SC aboard the Blue Crew. He completed a post-overhaul shakedown cruise including a Demonstration And Shakedown Operation (DASO) and one patrol.

 

Kevin was selected for service aboard the USS OHIO (SSBN 726) Pre-commissioning Crew in September, 1979, and completed the first Trident Fire Control School class held at the Trident Training Facility (TTF) at the Naval Submarine Base, Bangor, Washington. He served aboard the USS OHIO Commissioning and Blue Crews, and assisted in launching the first C4 Trident Back fit missile during the DASO held in January, 1982. Planning on entering College at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) after his end of service in May of 1982, Kevin transferred to the USS Kamehameha (SSBN 642) which was undergoing overhaul at PNS for the last two months of his enlistment until his Honorable Discharge in May, 1982.

 

Kevin Galeaz earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from UNH in 1986. He currently works as a Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) & Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) design and validation contractor. Kevin is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers(IEEE), including the IEEE Computer Society, IEEE Communications Society and the IEEE Signal Processing Society.

 

Kevin is a member of the Naval Submarine League and the Portsmouth, NH Council of the Navy League of the United States. As a member of the United States Submarine Veterans Inc. Thresher Base, Portsmouth, NH, Kevin serves as the Commander & Webmaster. Kevin serves as the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the annual USS Thresher Memorial Services.

Larry Goelz was born in New London, CT and was raised in New Fairfield, CT. He attended the New Fairfield Elementary School, Henry Abbott Technical High School, then Norwalk Technical School (2 year junior technical college – went for 5 months). Larry was involved in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and was a member the New Fairfield Congregational Church and participated in its Pilgrim Fellowship group as well as participated in its junior choir program.

 

Larry went to the Great Lakes Naval Training Center for Boot Camp from April 1963 to July 1963. He then continued his training at the Naval Training Center Bainbridge, MD from July 1963 to February 1964, attending the Fire Control Technician ‘A’ School. Larry then proceeded to the US Naval Submarine Base New London, CT. from February 1964 to November 1964 for submarine school and torpedo fire control school.

 

Larry was assigned to the USS Theodore Roosevelt (Gold) from 24 June 1964 to 31 January 1966, earning his Dolphins on 3 October 1964. Larry returned to school at FAAWTC, Dam Neck, near Virginia Beach, VA for Fire Control Ballistic C School from 19 February 1966 to 4 November 1966. He was assigned to the Polaris Missile Facility Atlantic (POMFLANT) in Charleston, SC from 23 November 1966 to 1 November 1968, where he was involved in repairing and testing of Polaris Missile guidance systems/computers, and during which he rode a Navy transport to Rota, Spain to deliver missiles, guidance systems, and war heads.

 

He received orders to USS James K. Polk (Blue) but those orders were canceled while enroute, and changed to USS Henry L. Stimson (Blue) from 15 November 1968 to 11 April 1970, and qualified on Stimson on 1/16/69. Larry was discharged from US Navy on 13 April 1970,

 

On being discharged from the US Navy, Larry joined Digital Equipment Corp. and remained with them (and as they merged into Compaq Computer Co., then Hewlett-Packard Co.) for 37 years. Larry worked for them in Maynard, MA, Stowe, MA, Marlborough, MA, and Nashua, NH. He was involved in the Customer Service organization, starting out being a Corporate Support Engineer supporting products worldwide. Larry then became a service Product Manager, then Corporate Support Program Manager for the VAX Cluster program, then Corporate Support Program Manager for the Information Security Program, and finally was a Senior Contracts Manager developing and negotiating contracts with third party hardware and software companies to enable DEC to support the third parties products when installed in our systems.

 

Larry served as Chairman of the Cub Scout Committee in Pepperell, MA, Lions Club, Pepperell Finance Committee Chairman, and Pepperell Capital Equipment Committee. Larry is a Mason and belongs to the MA Masons out of the Charlton, MA Rose of Sharon Lodge.

 

Larry served as President of the Gate City Corvette Club of Nashua, NH for 2 years, and prior to that served as Vice President for one year. Each year this club donates over half of the monies raised to local charities including Nashua Food Pantry, Adopt-A-Family (Christmas charity), and we sponsor several Ice Cream Socials at the NH Veterans Home in Tilton, NH and make sizable monetary donations (both from the club and members) as well as donations of items.

 

Larry’s hobbies have included woodworking (all his life), stamp collecting, piano, gardening, cooking, firearms, and motor sports.

 

Larry & his wife Ingrid currently reside in New Boston, NH.

Tom entered the Navy in 1954 and was sent to Submarine School right after completing Boot Camp. He was then assigned to the USS Wahoo (SS-565) where he qualified in 1955. Tom continued his career attending ET School and then his next duty station was the USS Rock (SSR-274). This was followed by a tour at ComSubGroupWestPac. Tom then completed tours on the USS Volador (SS-490) and the USS Bugara (SS-331).

 

After leaving the USS Bugara (SS-331) he was assigned to Submarine School as an Electronics instructor. Tom was then sent to the Commissioning Crew of the USS Gurnard (SSN-662). His next duty station was at ComSubFlot Seven. Tom finished his career back at Submarine school as an instructor.

 

Tom ‘s awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy unit Commendation, Five Good Conduct Medals, China Service Medal, Armed forces Expeditionary Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal.

 

Tom is a life member of US Submarine Veterans, the Fleet Reserve, American Legion and the VFW. He is the past Commander of Thresher Base United States Submarine Veterans. Tom currently serves as the Base Storekeeper. Tom is a Past Commodore of the Portsmouth Yacht Club. Tom is also Past Vice Commodore of the Portsmouth Navy Yacht Club.

 

Tom is now retired from Instrumentation Laboratories and Sun Microsystems. He and his wife Shirley reside in Atkinson NH.

 

 

 

Master Chief Petty Officer Gary R. Hildreth, a native of Schenectady, NY enlisted under the Navy’s Delayed Entry Program in September 1975. He completed Basic Training in May 1976 and went on to attend Basic Submarine School and Sonar Technician “A” and “C” Schools. In 1982 he completed Instructor Training in Groton, CT. He graduated from the US Navy Senior Enlisted Academy in Newport, R.I. in 1997 and has earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland.

 

Master Chief Hildreth served aboard the ballistic missile submarine USS DANIEL BOONE (SSBN 629) at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He has completed 14 deterrent patrols aboard USS DANIEL WEBSTER (SSBN 626) and USS GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER (SSBN 656) homeported in Groton, CT. He was “Chief of the Boat” aboard the fast attack submarines, USS PINTADO (SSN 672) and USS TUCSON (SSN 770) completing a Western Pacific deployment, three Eastern Pacific deployments and a South American Joint Exercise.

 

Ashore, Master Chief Hildreth served as an Instructor at Submarine School, Groton CT where he earned his designation as Master Training Specialist. Overseas he served as Submarine Group Seven Command Career Counselor, Yokosuka, Japan. Additionally, he has served as Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific Command Master Chief, and Submarine Squadron Seven Command Master Chief in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

 

Master Chief Hildreth served as the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Command Master Chief until his retirement. He currently works for the Public Affairs Office at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

 

He is entitled to wear the Enlisted Submarine Breast Insignia. His personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards) and various service and unit awards.

 

Master Chief Hildreth is married to the former Nancy L. Jackson of Preston, CT and has two sons, Matthew and Samuel.

Robert  (Bob) McAlpine qualified aboard the USS Tigrone (SS-419) in 1970.

 

Bob previously served as the Base Secretary, and is an accomplished promoter of all things USSVI & Thresher Base. Bob leads up recruiting efforts for Thresher Base.

 

Bob rings the bell at the Memorial Day Service held at Albacore Park. In addition, Bob has  operated the slide projector for the tolling of the bells ceremony portion of the  Annual USS Thresher Memorial Services. Bob currently serves as the point of contact for the USS Thresher story boards.

 

Bob currently works as the Facilities Director at the Straham Memorial Elementary School in Stratham, NH.

 

Bob volunteers his time as a Pease Greeter.

 

Bob and his wife Emily reside in Exeter, NH.

 

Jerry entered the Navy in January of 1970 and completed Boot Camp in San Diego. He attended Polaris Electronics “A” School and NAVAIDS Tech “C” School in Dam Neck, Virginia. Following SubSchool in New London, he was assigned to the USS George Bancroft (SSBN 643) and earned his Dolphins in December of 1972. He made a DASO and five patrols before being transferred. He did a short tour on the USS Compass Island (AG 153) prior to his discharge in December of 1975 at the rank of ET2(SS).

 

Jerry affiliated with the reserves in 1978. His first mobilization billet was to the USS Fulton (AS 11). After its decommissioning, his billet was moved to the SubBase in New London. He remained a member of the Naval Reserve until he retired as ETC(SS) in 1998.

 

Jerry has been involved in the Scouting program of Southeastern New Hampshire since 1982. He has served in many positions and capacities through the years. These include: Webelos leader, Scoutmaster, Order of the Arrow Advisor, Wood Badge course staff and director, National Order of the Arrow Conference staff, and National Scout Jamboree staff. Both Jerry’s sons participated in the Scouting program with one son earning his Eagle award and the other achieving the rank of Star Scout.

 

Jerry is employed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, currently as an instructor. He began work there in 1980 as a member of the Electronics Shop (Shop 67) and worked in the shop and on the boats for 21 years repairing and maintaining the sonar systems of both SSBN and SSN class boats. He became an instructor in 2001 where he teaches electrical/electronic process classes as well as general information classes.

 

Jerry and his wife, Jill, live in Rollinsford, NH.