Perch Base Submarine Veterans (USSVI) held its Annual Awards Banquet on 1/13/2024 at the Pebble Creek Clubhouse in Goodyear, AZ.
Congratulatlions to our Communications Officer and MidWatch Editor, Chris Gahan, who was awarded the 2023 "Sailor of the Year" Award.
The Keynote Speaker was Rear Admiral Michael E. McLaughlin (ret). At the time of his retirement, Admiral McLaughlin was the Commander, Submarine Group TWO, comprising the 25 attack submarines on the East Coast and associated 4,000 men and women. Earlier in his career, he commanded the submarine USS LA JOLLA (SSN‑701)
Holland Club Inductions were performed for Gerald Benham, Christopher Gahan, John Mammetti, Charles Tobias, upon achieving 50 years as Qualified in Submarines. Samuel Mecham and Joseph Foram were also recognized for induction into the Holland Club, but were not present at the Awards Banquet.

As we arrived, the members and guests initially met in the reception area, until the dining area opened.

Click on any thumbnail for a larger picture.

At 7:00 PM, the dining room opened and the ceremonies started. Perch Base Commander George Woods welcomed the guests, Governor Joy gave the invocation and George Woods led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Perch Base Commander George Woods awarded our Communications Officer and MidWatch Editor Chris Gahan the "Sailor of the Year" award. In addition to the responsibilities for Flash Traffics and the MidWatch, Chris was recognized as our Perch Base representative to the Unified Arizona Veterans, Director of the SSN‑702 Cold War Monument Foundation, Gilbert Veterans Advisory Board for SSN‑803 Sub Committee, a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, the Military Officers of America and Mariposa Veterans Group, and more.

Click on the thumbnail for a larger picture.

Perch Base Commander George Woods then conducted the Holland Club Induction Ceremony. The Holland Club is a special group of members of the United States Submarine Veterans who have been designated "Qualified in Submarines" by the United States Navy for 50 or more years. They dared to do what others feared and went where others dared not. They hold pride in whom and what they were and are today. Pride in whom and what they represent today, the United States Submarine Veterans, and pride in the Silver or Gold Dolphins on their chests.

Click on the thumbnail for a larger picture.

Following the Evening Meal, Base Commander George Woods introduced our Keynote Speaker, Rear Admiral Michael E. McLaughlin (ret). At the time of his retirement, Admiral McLaughlin was the Commander, Submarine Group TWO, comprising the 25 attack submarines on the East Coast and associated 4,000 men and women. Earlier in his career, he commanded the submarine USS LA JOLLA (SSN‑701). George Woods presented the Admiral a plaque of appreciation, a Perch Base challenge coin and an ASSM challenge coin.

Click on any thumbnail for a larger picture.

Chief of the Boat (COB) Don Robertson tolled the bell for the January "Tolling of the Boats" ceremony, and tolled the bell in remembrance our Perch Base members who passed on to Eternal Patrol during 2023:
Harry Ellis (Died 2/4/2020 — Grave found 2023)
Dick Noreika 04/05/23
Royce Pettit 04/17/23
Emil Schoonejans 06/01/23
Wayne Braastrad 09/24/23
William Monk 11/27/23
Richard Bernier 12/17/23
And we remembered several wives that passed:
Karen Emmett 07/02/23
Nancy Nelson 08/15/23
Governor Joy explained the meaning of each of the items on the Submariner's Eternal Patrol table.
Governor Joy gave the benediction to close the dinner.

Click on any thumbnail for a larger picture.

Members, families and friends attending the banquet. Apologies to any that were up from their tables as pictures were taken.

Click on any thumbnail for a larger picture.

A silent auction was conducted.

Click on any thumbnail for a larger picture.