The Cold War Boats website has posted three logroom archive articles from the spring of 1968, courtesy of Carl Seitz, a shipmate from the USS HALIBUT (SSGN 587). These bi-monthly newsletters, titled "Periscope," were published by SUBMARINE FLOTILLA ONE at SUBASE POINT LOMA and offer a fascinating glimpse into life aboard submarines during the late sixties.

The first of our Periscopes, from April 19, 1968, highlights the return of the USS SEGUNDO (SS 398) and the USS CAIMAN (AGSS 323) from WestPac, the USS FLORIKAN (ASR 9) on her twenty-fifth anniversary, the 68th anniversary celebration of the Submarine Service, along with advancements and recognition of the contributions of shipmates of all local commands.

The second Periscope, from May 03, 1968, includes successful advancements of USS NEREUS (AS 17), the largest group in the ship’s history. Noted is the Ballast Point visit by the HMS TABARD (S 42) and recent adventures of the USS MEDREGAL (AGSS 480) after changing her homeport to San Diego and logging another WestPac. A visit to San Fransisco by the USS NEREUS (AS 17), and the decommissioning the USS ARCHERFISH (AGSS 311) fill the newsletter with a great deal of interesting news.

Finally, the third Periscope, dated May 29, 1968, offers a timely tribute to the boats and men lost during WWII and a moving memoriam to those that have gone before us. The return of the USS BUGARA (SS 331), a new skipper for the USS VOLADOR (SS 490) (and a new baby for the skipper and his bride!) and the issue wraps up with local news, sporting activity, and other highlights.

These Periscopes offer a brief glimpse into daily life in the Navy of the late Sixties, whether at a shore command, a tender, or aboard a submarine. They include news about sports teams, social events, wives clubs, and, revealing how much the world has changed in fifty-five years, a bikini-clad pin-up in almost every issue!

These newsletters are an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of submarines and the Cold War era. They showcase the technological advancements and strategic maneuvers that were crucial to the United States' efforts to maintain its military dominance during this period. We are grateful to Carl Seitz for sharing these articles with us and are pleased to make them available to registered users of coldwarboats.org.

I hope that they provide a deeper understanding of this critical period in our history and the sacrifices made by those who served aboard submarines during this time.

They can be found in the Carl Seitz Collection:

HOMEPORT >> HISTORY & HERITAGE >> COLLECTIONS >> HALIBUT HISTORY BY CARL SEITZ or,

in SUBASE POINT LOMA’s Logroom Archive at:

HOMEPORT >> SUPPORT COMMANDS >> SUBMARINE BASES >> SUBASE POINT LOMA >> THE LOGROOM >> ARCHIVES >> PUBLICATIONS

Click on either of the above links to find the Periscopes, and remember you must be registered and logged in to view them.