Welcome to the USS WILLIAM H. BATES (SSN 680) Association and website. Feel free to take a look around, and leave a comment here to let us know you stopped by, and what you liked (or didn't like!).
If you'd like to see more, you are invited to register for full access to the site, which includes thousands of photographs and sea stories from the men who served on the USS WILLIAM H. BATES (SSN 680). See the tab on the right side of your browser window on almost every page.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact your Site Lead or a member of the Staff using the CONTACT US link in the Watch, Quarter, and Station Bill on the starboard side of every page.
In the meantime, the smoking lamp is lit, so grab a cup of joe and relax as you wander around and experience what it was like to serve on one of the most sophisticated submarines dedicated to bringing an end to the Cold War.
Don't forget to leave a comment!
Brad Williamson - Lead Administrator
82-84 Crew
The Smithsonian Mag., June 2023Ask Smithsonian: Q: ... "height of the Cold War", A: ... "There was a second period of high tension during the early 1980's, although that cooled more quickly."
I am writing because of all that the crew went through, the personal life they went through, many lost, and me to. Today looking I see that internet history now reveals much more than the general public and even the informed service member knew during those years.
What no one else will ever know is the missions, things on the message board, behind the curtain, and what really happened before the 10/10 papers signed. We all did our duty, all paid a different price in service, and some paid a price afterwards. I told Brad that rare is the day my crew and time aboard does not come to mind. I left it all on the field with no regrets and the better part of me is because of the men I took care of.
Maybe some day all things will come out but until then my highest respect is to the 82-84 crew. I am very proud to have been a part of the Bates reputation, except for one unmentionable thing.
To this day I miss that coffee cup!
Larry
I feel much the same way. We left the baggage behind in stories that cannot be told, but there is not a day that goes by that I do not remember the bonds we forged during those long, dark nights under the sea. You and our shipmates are close to my heart (now that I'm old enough to admit it).
I trust this website and the Association we are building is a reflection of what you all mean to me!
Good Times
Carl Pate was the breakout cook who burnt water! Strong as an ox!The Billy B was my first boat and I have to admit the best since the crew was beyond awesome! I served with great men in A Division and learned much! Five years on the Billy B and I am proud of every year!
I want to catch up with as many people as I can! I have found only Tom O'Donnell.
I still have the Power and Light Company patch!
Too many things to put on here and yet I remember the great times we had as a crew, the Med run was great and as I tell many people after 20 years of serving on or working on a submarine.
What I miss are the friends I made and the places I went to see!
What I do not miss is going to sea or patrol on the many boats yet the Billy B stands out because we went to sea all the time it seemed actually! Especially with Commander Houley (Can not remember how to spell his name) the second commanding officer of the USS William H. Bates (SSN-680).
I still have my first pin put away safe!
I hope to hear from my friends who served on-board what we were told many times was the best submarine on the east coast and then not longer after that we were sent to the west coast! Go figure!
Well until I write again!
Dawg Years
Dawg is calling all SSN-680 shipmates who helped make my 3+ years on the Bouncing Billy awesome and unforgettable.I miss EACH & EVERY ONE of you!
Thanks for your service and your friendship!
Crew Member
Hi there,I was stationed on the Bates in Pearl Harbor from 1994 to 1996 as the Bull Nuke.
Tough duty...
Our Doc
It is great to see Doc Whitesel on here at last. He took care of us all. Welcome Doc!Bubbles?
Does anyone know what happened/or where "Bubbles" (Benny Dinnell) is? He was a cook 80-84. OllieBenny
Benny and I were connected on Facebook for years, then he became a monk (literally) and left FB. He was still in Red Bluff /Sacramento area.It would be awesome to see you John Mark. Come to the reunion next year!
Miss you,
Jeff
Cooks on the Bates
John, That cook's name was probably named Talley. His cooking was mediocre at best. The other one at that time was Carl Pate. He was a terrible cook! Those were good times. The crew was awesome.SPECOP Rider
Excellent site! The Bates was my first SPECOPS mission in NOV74-JAN75. The Crew was excellent! The chow (all us Rider's loved to eat) was great except for one meal when the Cook (I don't remember his name but he was a PO2) that cooked El Rancho Liver I believe. It was terrible and everyone on the Boat let him know.You don`t have permission to comment here!
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