Sea Stories
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Lost Boats: Honoring those still on patrol...

SSN 680 Sea Stories

The Rash Statement Log

Joe Smith
Sea Stories - 680
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There were only a few books that I can think of that were permitted in Maneuvering. The RPMs (Reactor Plant Manuals), of course. Websters Collegiate Dictionary, so that our logs wouldn't contain spelling errors, was officially sanctioned. I think. It was kept in an aluminum can about 2 feet tall and 2 feet diameter that sat on the deck and usually resided near the sound powered phone mounted on the control panels. Just to the right of the RO.

I have a little niggling doubt about the dictionary because it was the final arbiter for the forbidden games of "Hangman" we would play while on watch. I mean, picture it: Doing ahead 1/3 for days, the reactor is at equilibrium xenon and there are 6 hrs to be used up. We're gonna play hangman. It was not without challenge. 

But the OTHER book we had was the "Rash Statement Log". U.S. Government Issue, green canvas cover, the purpose of which would be to enter rash statements to see if they stood the test of time. Like, "We'll be back in port before Christmas" and stuff like that. Or funny things that happened.

I only remember one entry for sure. The tracking party had been assembled and a target was being tracked. Bill Houley was the Captain and was running the drill. TM Jack was at the fire control panel and a water slug was primed to go. Things got to a point (I heard, I wasn't there) and suddenly they heard the sound of the torpedo tube cycling.

The rash statement was made, perhaps for the only time in history, by Cdr. Houley himself:

"Jack," he inquired, "Why did you fire that torpedo?"

Just one of those things, burned into my mind.

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John Montgomery
Well I never knew about that book but wish I had.
This sounds like a very submarine thing for someone to do on the Bates.
I almost rolled on the floor. I remember Cdr. Houley and it could only have been funnier if it was said to LT. Bates.
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Brad Williamson
John, check the THE LOGROOM >> ARCHIVES >> CREW PUBLICATIONS for Vol. 6 and Vol. 7 of the Rash Statement Logs - these are later than your time onboard, so the names might not be familiar, but you can you can use your imagination - many of the statements are universally funny.

Anybody have any earlier (or later) copies of the RSLs? Vol. 6 and 7 were stowed aft of frame 57 so most of the entries are by nukes, and the occasional soul wandering from up forward, but submarine humor is submarine humor!
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Dan Brakke
Last edited on 12.07.2022 09:01 by Guest
USS Aspro photos
I have some pictures from the 648 during my tour 1973 to 1975. Let me know if you want them. Example attached. inbound1990367148642633274.jpg
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Brad Williamson
On any boat's website that is active (orange highlighting on the Home page menus) there are upload menu items for the Boat, Men, Logroom, and Reunions. Simply follow the links: USS ASPRO (SSN 648) >> THE BOAT >> UPLOAD TO THE BOAT etc.

Give us the largest digital image you have, preferably without retouching, unless you're a pro, and fill out the info fields for each image. Because we are a Historical site, we want all the info about photos we can get, especially the names of shipmates in the photo. This is highly desirable.

Click submit, and the image will be uploaded, I'll be notified, and we'll work it into your boat's site ASAP.

Your attached photo is great - more like it please!
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Brad Williamson
"Liberty ports confirmed through Hobart!" ~ COB...is one of the more popular ones that comes to mind! If there is one thing that four and a half years on the Bates taught me it was to never, ever, ever, no matter what, refer to a Westpac liberty port as 'confirmed'.

Clearly some demonic Yeoman at Squadron would find out and that would be the last we'd ever hear of it.
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Brad Williamson
Rash Statement Log - Volume 6 (I think!)
Dennis Carroll has recently donated the USS William H. Bates (SSN 680) Rash Statement Log book, volume six, to the artifact collection of the SSN 680 here at Cold War Boats. Every page has been scanned and it is just a question of finding the time with that pesky day job of mine to create a place of honor for the 80-90 scanned pages here on Cold War Boats.

You're going to love it - many of you feature prominently!

Your patience is appreciated!
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Richard Hausvik
Change of Homeports
Moved back to my hometown of Doland, South Dakota, 57436.

Had to get out of Commiefornia!
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