THRESHER Memorial, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
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It was on an achingly beautiful spring day at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) in Maine when the Sea Cadets from NCBC Battalion joined with their shipmates with the Atlantic Seabee Battalion (the only other Seabee Sea Cadet unit in the northeast US) for a very special ceremony. An event considered near sacred in the submarine community, the 41st annual memorial was held on 17 April, 2004, honoring the officers, crew and civilians lost aboard USS THRESHER, SSN 593, which sank during sea trials on April 10, 1963. Over 200 family members and fellow submariners were in attendance, and speeches were given by PNSY Commander RADM (sel) Kevin M. McCoy, USN; and RADM William G. Timme, USN, Commander of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) and Naval Sea Systems Command, Deputy Commander for Undersea Warfare (NAVSEA 07). The Navy Hymn was performed by Lori Arsenault, Classical Guitarist, Singer and Songwriter, and the daughter of ENCA(SS) Tilmon J. Arsenault, who was lost aboard THRESHER. The ceremony ended with the dedication of Johnson Hall, a newly constructed enlisted barracks at the shipyard named in honor of Chief Torpedoman's Mate, Robert Eugene Johnson, THRESHER's last Chief of the Boat.
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Sea Cadets with RADM William Timme. |
Cadets set up to assist guests. |
Cadet surveys the scene. |
Cadet with program at the ready. |
NCBC & Atlantic Seabee Battalions meet. |
Cadets inspect one another. |
Cadets take their places under the tent. |
The ceremony gets underway. |
Families and friends take seats. |
RADM (sel) McCoy opens the ceremony. |
The audience listens attentively. |
SUBVET wears his colors. |
RADM (sel) McCoy introduces RADM Timme. |
RADM Timme gives the Keynote Address. |
RADM (sel) McCoy, Ms. Arsenault, RADM Timme. |
Ribbon cutting ceremony. |
The newly-dedicated Johnson Hall.
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