NAVAL SUBMARINE LEAGUE 2019-2020 Activities Pacific Southwest Chapter The Pacific Southwest Chapter continued to be on a “roll” throughout the year, until the COVID Virus changed things, as it did for most of the world. The April 2020 scheduled events got wiped off the slate and the COMSUBPAC Sailor of the Year activities and the Submarine Birthday Ball got re-imagined or can- celled, as did our April Luncheon and Forum. However, before the recent dramatic changes, our luncheons continued to be the high points in our outreach and activities plan. We had an outstanding group of speak- ers throughout the year that brought with them interesting and professionally related topics for our at- tendees. Our average attendance was at about 65, but we were pleased to see active duty attendees when they could break from their busy schedules. It was gratifying to see Midshipmen at several of our meetings from the NROTC Unit here which combines the students from five of the local colleges and universities. Our speakers included: Commodore Chris Cavanaugh, COMSUBRON ELEVEN, Retired CDR Ray Fer- brache “China’s Submarine Force”, CAPT Brien Dickson, CO of Naval Base Point Loma, CAPT Tim Slentz, CO of Naval Base Coronado, CAPT Mike Dowling, CO of the Tactical Training Group Pacific, Retired CAPT Zoltan Kelety, Marine Superintendent, Scripps Institution of Oceanography “Flooding Casualty on USS DOLPHIN”, CAPT Eric Cooper, USCG, CO Maritime Security Response Team West, RADM Tom Ishee, Director, Undersea Warfare Division, (N97) and Retired CAPT Charlie MacVean “Admiral Rickover-Up Close and Personal”. The Chapter has begun the practice of recognizing a sailor at each luncheon with the presentation of passes to either the MIDWAY Museum or the San Diego Maritime Museum. The sailor to be recognized at each luncheon is selected by the COMSUBRON ELEVEN Command Master Chief. Tours are always high on the list of “Items of Interest”. The tours are always predicated on asset availabil- ity. The Chilean submarine CS O’Higgins was enroute to San Diego when she was turned around to return to home port to comply with the COVID guidance from Chile. We were able to tour the USS ESSEX (LHD- 2) in the Fall of 2019. Time with the Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing was highlighted with “flight time” in the MH-60 Simulators. Tours of the Submarine Learning Center, the USS ALEXANDRIA and the Marine Mam- mal Facility rounded out our touring. We participated in the welcoming of USS ANNAPOLIS as she arrived in San Diego and we were also in the send off activities for USS PASADENA. In January 2020 we asked to participate in the grand sail away ceremony for the Peruvian submarine BAP ANGAMOS. Gifts were ex- changed and we watched them get underway for their 30 day transit home after their very productive and professional exercises with all manner of US Navy assets in the SOCAL areas. Although the COMSUBPAC Sailor of the Year activities were scheduled for San Diego, they got realigned into a virtual event which allowed the finalists to remain in their respective homeports. Still, we honored the terrific achievements of the winners as we provided VISA Cards to the COMSUBPAC Ashore and Afloat winners and the COMSUBRON ELEVEN Senior and Junior Winners Ashore and Afloat. The Chapter also honored the 2019 SUBRON ELEVEN Battle Efficiency Winner—USS HAMPTON. In this case we have giv- en money to the submarine’s FRG (Family Readiness Group) for them to use as needed. We likewise assisted in the arrival festivities for USS ANNAPOLIS. The Chapter continues to increase interactivity with the NROTC Unit which is physically located at the University of San Diego. Currently the Sophomore Class instructor is a submarine qualified Lieutenant who served on an SSN in San Diego and so he has been very keen on ele- vating NSL awareness among his students. And as always, we stand ready to support the Freddie Warder Award as requested. The Chapter was led during this period by: President—CAPT Sam Ward, USN, (Ret.) Vice President—Mr. Bruce Renne Second Vice President—CMDCM JR O’Donnell and Jeffrey Hiscocks, USN, CSS11 Treasurer—CAPT Keith Fargo, SC, USN, (Ret.) Secretary—CAPT Charlie MacVean, USN, (Ret.) CAPT Sam Ward with the CO and XO of the Peruvian Submarine BAP ANGAMOS
Transcript
NAVAL SUBMARINE LEAGUE
2019-2020 Activities
Pacific Southwest Chapter
The Pacific Southwest Chapter continued to be on a “roll” throughout the year, until the COVID Virus changed things, as it did for most of the world. The April 2020 scheduled events got wiped off the slate and the COMSUBPAC Sailor of the Year activities and the Submarine Birthday Ball got re-imagined or can-celled, as did our April Luncheon and Forum. However, before the recent dramatic changes, our luncheons continued to be the high points in our outreach and activities plan. We had an outstanding group of speak-ers throughout the year that brought with them interesting and professionally related topics for our at-tendees. Our average attendance was at about 65, but we were pleased to see active duty attendees when they could break from their busy schedules. It was gratifying to see Midshipmen at several of our meetings from the NROTC Unit here which combines the students from five of the local colleges and universities. Our speakers included: Commodore Chris Cavanaugh, COMSUBRON ELEVEN, Retired CDR Ray Fer-brache “China’s Submarine Force”, CAPT Brien Dickson, CO of Naval Base Point Loma, CAPT Tim Slentz, CO of Naval Base Coronado, CAPT Mike Dowling, CO of the Tactical Training Group Pacific, Retired CAPT Zoltan Kelety, Marine Superintendent, Scripps Institution of Oceanography “Flooding Casualty on USS DOLPHIN”, CAPT Eric Cooper, USCG, CO Maritime Security Response Team West, RADM Tom Ishee, Director, Undersea Warfare Division, (N97) and Retired CAPT Charlie MacVean “Admiral Rickover-Up Close and Personal”. The Chapter has begun the practice of recognizing a sailor at each luncheon with the presentation of passes to either the MIDWAY Museum or the San Diego Maritime Museum. The sailor to be recognized at each luncheon is selected by the COMSUBRON ELEVEN Command Master Chief.
Tours are always high on the list of “Items of Interest”. The tours are always predicated on asset availabil-ity. The Chilean submarine CS O’Higgins was enroute to San Diego when she was turned around to return to home port to comply with the COVID guidance from Chile. We were able to tour the USS ESSEX (LHD-2) in the Fall of 2019. Time with the Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing was highlighted with “flight time” in the MH-60 Simulators. Tours of the Submarine Learning Center, the USS ALEXANDRIA and the Marine Mam-mal Facility rounded out our touring. We participated in the welcoming of USS ANNAPOLIS as she arrived in San Diego and we were also in the send off activities for USS PASADENA. In January 2020 we asked to participate in the grand sail away ceremony for the Peruvian submarine BAP ANGAMOS. Gifts were ex-changed and we watched them get underway for their 30 day transit home after their very productive and professional exercises with all manner of US Navy assets in the SOCAL areas.
Although the COMSUBPAC Sailor of the Year activities were scheduled for San Diego, they got realigned into a virtual event which allowed the finalists to remain in their respective homeports. Still, we honored the terrific achievements of the winners as we provided VISA Cards to the COMSUBPAC Ashore and Afloat winners and the COMSUBRON ELEVEN Senior and Junior Winners Ashore and Afloat. The Chapter also honored the 2019 SUBRON ELEVEN Battle Efficiency Winner—USS HAMPTON. In this case we have giv-en money to the submarine’s FRG (Family Readiness Group) for them to use as needed. We likewise assisted in the arrival festivities for USS ANNAPOLIS.
The Chapter continues to increase interactivity with the NROTC Unit which is physically located at the University of San Diego. Currently the Sophomore Class instructor is a submarine qualified Lieutenant who served on an SSN in San Diego and so he has been very keen on ele-vating NSL awareness among his students. And as always, we stand ready to support the Freddie Warder Award as requested.
The Chapter was led during this period by:
President—CAPT Sam Ward, USN, (Ret.) Vice President—Mr. Bruce Renne Second Vice President—CMDCM JR O’Donnell and Jeffrey Hiscocks, USN, CSS11 Treasurer—CAPT Keith Fargo, SC, USN, (Ret.) Secretary—CAPT Charlie MacVean, USN, (Ret.)
As is normal at this time in the Spring, we will not have an April NSLPACSW Luncheon
and Forum.
April 11-14 activities are focused on the Submarine Birthday Ball
April 5-USS ALEXANDRIA Change of Command at 10:00 am
April 11-Pacific Southwest Naval Sub League Social Event
This is a first of many. Naval Base Point Loma is inviting us all to a 4 pm time together featuring a talk on the USS THRESHER, lost 4/10/1963. Retired Captain Jim Bryant will describe his research into and the results --=...:.Ss:5,_--
. . �- :!:-� of this event that changed so many aspects of our submarine's �,,;, construction and operation.
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April 12- 8:00 am, Tour Submarine Learning Center
April 12-10:00 Old Timers Luncheon (Tolling of the Boats and Taco
Buffet at the USS RONCADOR Memorial)
April 13-Submarine Birthday Ball USS THRESHER
(SSN-593) April 14-Oceanview Brunch Opens Its Season.
May 14-NSLPACSW Luncheon/Forum, RADM Ed Anderson from SPAWAR speaking
Tours of a ZUMWALT Class DDG and an SSN are still being worked on and are dependent on ship
availability.
Details for all of these functions or events have been provided separately. Should you have questions or need additional information, please contact NSLPACSW at:
"China's Submarine Force, Are They the Sleeping Giant?"
With CDR Ray Ferbrache, USN, (Ret.)
Captain Brien Dickson, the Commanding Officer of Naval Base Point Loma, was originally scheduled to be our speaker
for June 11th. However, "Needs of the Service" have dictated a change in his plans and availability. We have assurances
that he will return to our podium in the Fall.
Commander Ray Ferbrache was born and raised in Turlock, CA. He was a graduate of the
California Maritime Academy in 1960 with a Bachelor's Degree in Nautical Engineering and a
US Coast Guard License as 3rd Assistant Engineer for Steam and Diesel, Any Horsepower, Any
Ocean. He then served for one year in the Merchant Marine before being called to active Duty
by the United States Navy . . Commander Ferbrache served for two years on a Destroyer Es
cort, then was assigned to Submarine School, New London, CT .. He completed his submarine
Qualification on USS CAI MAN (SS-323), then served as the Ops/Nav Officer on USS CARBA
NARO (SS-337), Then on to Executive Officer, USS TANG (SS-563), Following that, he was
the Commanding Officer, USS TRI NGA (ASR-16) and then the Executive Officer of USS
EMORY S. LAND (AS-39). Commander Ferbrache's Staff Duties included those in the Intelli
gence Field. His last Naval Service assignment was at the Operational Test and Evaluation
Force where he was the Test Director for the evaluations of
the Tomahawk Missile Block I set, then the Mk 48 ADCAP
Torpedo and finally the CCS MK1 Combat Fire Control System. Ray Ferbrache married
Patricia Ann and they have 3 Children and 4 Grandchildren.
Commander Ferbrache has long followed and studied the navies of foreign countries.
We will be hearing of his latest focus on the Chinese Navy and its growing submarine
force.
Ray Ferbrache has been a long time member of the Naval Submarine League and the
United States Submarine Veterans, Incorporated.
June is A Special Month
Without any Major Holidays, June probably has more celebrations than any other month. Weddings, Anniversaries, Graduations and family birthdays all seem to populate June. In recognition of the Joys of June, we are recommending
that you all bring your spouse or best friend to our next Luncheon on June 11. We will look forward to hearing Commander Ferbrache and catch up with shipmates and spouses.
Captain Dickson is the Naval Base Point Loma Commanding Officer. He entered the Navy following high school graduation from Casper, Wyoming. He graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering. He has served for over twenty years as a Submarine Warfare Officer.
After basic submarine and nuclear training, his first assignment was onboard the USS KAMEHAMEHA (SSN 642), where he served as in a number of capacities including Damage Control Assistant. While on board, the ship conducted deployments to the Western Pacific supporting various Naval Special Warfare missions as the Pacific's only Dual Dry Dock capable ship. In August, 1997 he reported to the University of Nebraska NROTC Unit as Assistant Professor of Naval Science, where he earned a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following advanced submarine officer training, he reported to the USS OHIO (SSBN 726) (Blue) as the Strategic Weapons Officer. He completed three patrols including the last C-4 Follow-on CINC Evaluation Test before entering shipyard to begin the USS OHIO's conversion to become the first SSGN. He worked as a Submarine Ballistic Missile Planner assigned to United States Strategic Command from January 2004
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until December 2005. Serving as the USS LA JOLLA (SSN 701) Executive Officer, he deployed to the Western Pacific in 2006. Following a tour as the Operations Officer for Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, he took command of the USS JEFFERSON CITY (SSN 759). Under his command, JEFFERSON CITY deployed to the Arabian Gulf in 2011 -2012 earning a Meritorious Unit Citation and was awarded the Battle "E" for 2012. Following command of SSN 759, heserved as the Deputy Commander for Training on the staff of Commander Submarine Squadron ELEVEN and as Director, Operational Support for the Chief of Naval Operations (N2/N6F21 ).
Captain Dickson is authorized to wear the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal. The Naval Submarine League recognized him with the RADM Jack N. Darby award for inspirational leadership and excellence in command for
the year 2013.
June Election Results Our June Meeting saw the Election of the Officers for the 2019-2020 Session
Captain Timothy Slentz is a native of Dayton, Ohio, the birthplace of aviation, and is a 1993 graduate of the University of Notre Dame. He was designated a Naval Aviator in July 1996. Before taking command of Naval Base Coronado, he served as the base's executive officer. His sea-going assignments include service in Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124, VAW-125, VAW-121, and Carrier Strike Group FOUR. He served as the Commanding Officer of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121, the Bluetails, from September 2011 to January 2013. During his time in command, VAW-121 earned both the
2012 Battle "E" and the RADM Fred Akers Award in recognition for being the premier VAW squadron in the Navy. Captain Slentz's shore assignments have been at VAW-120; the United States Naval War College; Headquarters, United States Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany; and Navy Installations Command, as the Executive Assistant to the Commander. He earned a Master of Science in Management from Troy University in 1994, as well as a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in 2007. Captain Slentz has accumulated over 4,300 flight hours and 440 carrier-arrested landings. He is a recipient of the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and numerous unit commendations and awards. Captain Slentz was named the E-2C Hawkeye Pilot of the Year in both 2000 and 2003 and was honored with the Naval Air Forces NAVY AND MARINE ASSOCIATION Leadership Award in 2005 and 2011. In April 2014, he was selected for and attended the Executive En-ergy Leadership Institute program at the National Renewable Energy Labor-atory in Golden, CO.
Commanding Officer, Tactical Training Group Pacific
Captain Dowling is a native of East Northport, New York. He Attended the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School and is a 1991 graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a B.S. in Oceanography. He holds a M.S. in Military Studies from the United States Marine Corps Command & Staff College and a Master of Systems Analysis degree from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Captain Dowling was designated a Naval Aviator in October 1993 and has accumulated more than 2000 hours in the CH-46D, MH-53E, and MH-60S helicopters. His aviation tours include HC-8 in Norfolk, VA; HC-4 in Sigonella, Sicily; and HSC-3 and HSC-23 in San Diego, CA. Captain Dowling also served as the Officer in Charge, 2515th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment in Kuwait. He was selected for aviation command and had the privilege of serving as the Commanding Officer of the HSC-23 Wildcards from 2009-2010. Captain Dowling also completed sea tours as the Navigator on the USS INCHON (MCS 12) and Air Boss on the USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8). Captain Dowling recently completed his major command tour in Sasebo, Japan as Commodore, Mine Countermeasures Squadron SEVEN.
Ashore, Captain Dowling served as the Aide to the Commander, Naval Base Norfolk, VA and as a Programmer/ Future Capabilities Officer at USSTRATCOM in Omaha, NE. While at USSTRATCOM, he also served as the Executive Assistant for the Capability and Resources Integration Director (J8). Captain Dowling later served as the Deputy Director for Operations and Sexual Assault Prevention Officer for Commander, Navy Region Southwest.
Captain Dowling is currently serving as the Commanding Officer of Tactical Training Group Pacific in San Diego, CA.
Personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars and various unit and theater awards and citations. He is also the recipient of the 2000 SURFLANT Shiphandler of the Year award.
Captain Eric Cooper assumed command of Maritime Security Response Team West (MSRTW) in June 2019. MSRTW is the Coast Guard's west coast Short-Notice Maritime Response/ counter-tenorism unit, which includes Direct Action Sections, Tactical Delivery Teams, and command of all operational divers across the three Regional Dive Lockers in Honolulu, HI, San Diego, CA, and Portsmouth, VA.
Prior to assuming command, Captain Cooper was the Pacific Area Chief of Ctment Operations, Deployable Specialized Forces, and Shore Forces and was responsible for all U.S. Coast Guard missions from the Rocky Mountains to the waters off the East Coast of Africa. Captain Cooper also served at the White House as the Director for Maritime Security and the Director for Arctic Region Policy for the National Security Council from 2013 to 2015. Captain Cooper's previous assignments include: Deputy Sector Commander in San Diego, where he was responsible for all U.S. Coast Guard missions in San Diego and Imperial Counties out to 200 nautical miles offshore, as well as Arizona, southern Utah, and southern Nevada; Commanding Officer at Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego; United States N01thern Command, where he served as a maritime planner and Crisis Action Team member in the Operations directorate; Executive Officer of Maritime Safety and Security Team Boston (91110); US Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he served in the Naval Architecture Division of the Marine Safety Engineering and Standards Department and as a U.S. delegate to the International Maritime Organization; Operations Officer aboard the USCGC WILLOW (WLB 202); and as the Navigator aboard the USCGC CHASE, where he enforced UN sanctions in the Northern Arabian Gulf.
Captain Cooper joined the United States Coast Guard in 1992 and is the third generation in his family to serve as a United States Coast Guard officer. He is a 1996 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington. Captain Cooper was selected to attend the Naval War College in Newport, RI where he received a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strntegic Studies in 2008. He was the senior U.S. Coast Guard Fellow at RAND Corporation from 2017 to 2018. _ I- Captam Cooper's personal awards and honors mclude the Presidential Service Badge, advanced
► Boat Force Operat10ns Ins1gma, Defense Supeuor Service Medal, Defense Meutouous Service 'J Medal, tluee Coast Guard Meutouous Service Medals, two Coast Guard Commendat10n Medals,
.-,.( ""' the Global War on Tenor Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrnr Service Medal, the
,.,_]'"'< Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Coast Guard Overseas Service Ribbon and various service
•• •. :,;-'.'-J._ and umt awards.
Captain Cooper manied Kimberly in 1996 and they have tlu·ee children.
