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| The Crew of USS ARCHERFISH
AGSS311, in conjunction with our Reunion in
Chicago, 16SEP99 thru 20SEP99, decided to sponsor a new
Recruit Company (now called Recruit Division) at Naval
Training Center, Great Lakes. The Recruit Division will
carry a USS ARCHERFISH AGSS311 flag
throughout their training. We have provided USS
ARCHERFISH ballcaps for every member of the
training group (and several others...110 in all). As part
of our Reunion activities, we will be attending the
Recruit Graduation Ceremony, on 17SEP99, at Great Lakes,
and wishing our young counterparts "smooth
sailing" and a rewarding Navy career. (Ed. note:
Eight members of the ARCHERFISH Recruit
Division have volunteered for Submarine Duty!) (Thanks to Shipmate George Hughes, Reunion 99 Coordinator for making this "happen"; thanks to Shipmate Bill "Robby" Roberts for coordinating the ballcap order; thanks to all the Shipmates who supported this activity.) |
| Recruit Division 340 Commissioning |
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| Presentation
of the Company Flag |
| "You are now commissioned
Recruit Division 340". With these words Lt.
Todd Hoot passed the division guidon to MMC(SS)
Paul Minotti who in turn handed it to guidon
bearer Richard D. Godfrey. However, this
was not the end of the division's commissioning ceremony.
Lt. Hoot told the men they were a
special division that was being sponsored by the former
crew of the USS ARCHERFISH (AGSS-311).
The ARCHERFISH and those who served in
her, have a proud history of service to the nation. The
recruits would learn that history, from IJN
SHINANO, to Seascan, and to her
final dive as the target for a Mk 14-5 torpedo fired by
the USS SNOOK (SSN-592), insuring our
submarines would always put to sea with the best weapons
available. (more) |
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| Presentation of the ARCHERFISH
Flag |
| The ARCHERFISH Flag was
then passed by MMC(SS) Minotti, a former
crew member of USS ARCHERFISH (SSN-678),
to guidon bearer Trey L. Speed. (more) |
 ARCHERFISH Flag |
 Presentation of ARCHERFISH Ballcaps |
 ARCHERFISH Ballcap |
 Shipmate George Hughes Addresses the Recruits |
| George Hughes, ETCS(SS),
an ARCHERFISH(AGSS-311) crew member
thanked the recruits on behalf of his shipmates and all
men who served in ARCHERFISH for making
the commitment to serve our country courageously and with
honor. He encouraged them to work and study hard
following the example set forth by their Recruit Division
Commanders and instructors so the ARCHERFISH/SEASCAN
crewmembers who attend their graduation will be able to
share their pride in a job "Well Done".
(more) |
| GRADUATION 17SEP99 |
 Presentation of Colors |
 Rear Admiral Edward J. Fahy, USN, Dir. of the Plans and Policy Directorate (J5), United States Transportation Command, addresses the Graduates |
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| Recruit Choir and
Recruit Rifle Drill Team Perform |
| At the graduation review
50 ARCHERFISH crew members proudly
watched as their division passed in review. The music of
the recruit choir and band, precision drilling by the
state flags and rifle drill teams, and 750 sailors in
spotless dress white uniforms brought back that feeling
of Navy Pride. With Anchors Aweigh playing, many old
sailors looked at the newest sailors through very moist
eyes, proving once again that the sailor can leave the
Navy, but the Navy stays with that sailor forever. (more) |
 "Strike up the (Recruit) Band"
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The new sailors are really the centerpieces of the graduation ceremony. Anyone who has concerns about the youth of our country needs to attend a Recruit Graduation, talk to a Recruit Division Commander, or a Recruit and those concerns will vanish. These are young men and women committed to excellence, willing to courageously serve and bring honor to our country. It is very evident that the staff of the Recruit Training Command is dedicated to the task of training those who will defend our country. The ARCHERFISH crew was proud to play a small part in the making of these sailors by acting as a division sponsor. Recruit division sponsorship is a very
special way to support the young men and women entering
our Navy. Many organizations such as professional sports
teams, business corporations, and veterans groups like
the Submarine Veterans of WWII have become involved in
the sponsorship program. The ARCHERFISH/SEASCAN
crew sponsorship marks the first time a
ship's crew has ever participated.
Sponsorship by a ship's crew brings to life the meaning
of sailor - crew - Navy, establishing a bond between each
generation of sailors. ARCHERFISH crew encourages
all submarine crews to seriously
consider the sponsorship program to
commemorate their boat and inspire future generations of
Navy men. Whether these men stay for an enlistment or a
career, they will better understand the Navy is an
on-going, never ending, organization committed to serving
and defending our country. They will also always remember
they were part of ARCHERFISH. (end)
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copyright ©1999-2001 by George Hughes & Jerry Cornelison Last revised: November 09, 2001. |
