Phillip Saul has come through in a big way with his recent contributions. Somehow, through all those moves (and all those years!) he managed to hang on to some real treasures from the early days of the boat. He packaged them up and sent them to me recently for scanning and archiving, which was generously trusting a precious heirloom to a near stranger, even if we had served on the same command.
I spent a few days with white gloves and the computer, dissassembling, scanning, and reassembling the documents. They now reside in the Logroom >> Ship's Archives with all the other notable items we have accumulated.
Now, the SSN-680 website finally has a copy of the Commissioning Booklet! These pamphlets were handed out to the crew and guests at the commissioning ceremony in Pascagoula, Mississippi, on May 5, 1973, and included photographs of most of the officers and crew.
Commissioning Booklet - May 5, 1973
Deep Doodles, Volume One and Two are collections of 'art' and humor drawn by various crewmembers and organized by artist/publisher MM2(SS) Dusenberry during the first two cruises of the William H. Bates, in the winter of 74-75, and fall of 1975.
Deep Doodles, Volume One - Part One
Deep Doodles, Volume One - Part Two
Deep Doodles, Volume One - Part Three
Deep Doodles, Volume One - Part Four
The Redfish Rag, Volume One, is a ship's newsletter that contained information on the first Mediterranean port of call, Bizerte, Tunisia, as well as other entertainment both for the crew, and at the crew's expense.
The Redfish Rag, Volume One, Issue One
These artifacts will be quite a hit with those that served during the 1973-1976 timeframe, and provide a unique snapshot of those days on the Bates. Given the nature of the humor, the years may have changed, but the sailors were still the same!
Thank COB Saul for his contribution, and get off your duff and start sending in your photos and memorabilia!
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