We are invited! The USS GRENADIER (SS-525) is having a reunion in Jacksonville, Florida, this coming September! While we are always willing to help spread the word for our "brothers of the 'fin", this reunion is special in ways that set it apart from the others.
First, we've been invited! I know it's hard to believe, especially given our reputation in the 'Po, but I have it on the good word of their reunion organizer, Reggie Thurlow, that they'd actually like to see us in Jacksonville.
Of course, you might be wondering why. After all, the USS GRENADIER was a diesel boat launched in December of 1944 (but not actually commissioned until 1951). One of the first 'Guppy' submarines, with an actual snorkel even, this Tench-class boat was one of those blockading Cuba during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
She ended up her career sailing out of Key West (rough duty, I understand) and was finally stricken from the register and sold to the Venezuelan Navy in 1973, about the time our own USS WILLIAM H. BATES (SSN 680) was commissioned and joining the fleet.
So what on earth would connect a group of old smoke-boat sailors from a boat several generations removed from a nuclear powered Sturgeon-class stretch-hull and a group of young whippersnappers such as ourselves?
In two words, one man! Beyond all being members of the esteemed Silent Service, our connection is due to one Leon J. Uplinger. Many of us know him as the fourth Commanding Officer of the USS William H. Bates. On board from July of 1982 until his retirement in July of 1985, he led us through three WestPacs, and handful or two of SpecOps, and kept us mission-oriented through some of the most exciting and memorable times of our lives.
But back between 1960 and 1962, he was assigned to the USS GRENADIER, SS-525, where he faithfully executed his duties as a Second-Class Machinist's Mate, and I expect created a few exciting and memorable times of his own!
So second, our mustang CO is the other reason this is special, especially having been told he has already committed to being there!
Here are the details in a nutshell.
When: September 11-14, 2014
Where: Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Riverfront, Jacksonville, FL
What: Friday - Kings Bay, GA Tour, St. Mary's Submarine Museum visit, Saturday - Lunch Cruise on St. John's River, Evening Banquet
Cost: Register - $15 Kingsbay - $65 River Cruise - $45 Banquet - $35
Info: Reunion Website
How: Reservations, call 800-233-9527
Mail Checks To: Reggie Thurlow, 1584 North Meadowcrest Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34429
Short notice, but we don't have to do the planning! All you have to do is show up, which fits nicely with our sub sailor personalities.
For those of you from the 82-85 time frame, this will be a once in a lifetime chance to get together with Captain Uplinger, and say thanks. Don't miss out!
Of course, now you've got me thinking about the next REGROUPEX!
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