Diablo News
Crew members are encouraged to post news on this page Email: TIM479@aol.com
A beloved shipmate has gone on eternal patrol. Perhaps the most well known attendee at reunions and almost always the first one to sign up has embarked. Tom Hopely has sailed off to calmer waters. He will not only be remembered as a great shipmate but also an outstanding citizen. Tom was always willing to lend a hand at reunions and sold more raffle tickets than anyone. He was always ready to help and was there for any of us who hosted reunions. Tom was a couple of years ahead of me in the service but became a true friend and one who’s company I much enjoyed.
Tom was serious about his work but easy to be with. He treated all of as family and gave us a sense of belonging. Tom shared many meals with us and quite a few more brews. He was a gentleman of the first order and a man who exemplified what a true submarine sailor should be.
Our condolences go out to Sara Lee and Tom’s family. Although we feel a sadness at his lose his memory will long fill our souls with joy.
Thank you Tom for your friendship and your dedication to your shipmates.
Lord welcome a superb addition to your Navy.
S
ara Lee please know that all of Tom's shipmates would be most appreciative if you would consider joining us at the reunion.Hi:
I am Alfred C. Grosskurth. I was Yeoman onboard USS DIABLO (SS479)
for about six months in 1957. Transferred to COMSUBRON TWO Staff.
Please add me to your lists. My address is (removed by Tim to protect
privacy) E-mail grosskurth@netzero.net.
If the reunions are close enough, I'll try to attend.
Alfred "Grasshopper" Grosskurth YN1(SS)
P.S. Few on board knew my last name, all new my nickname.
_____________________________________________________________
The 2008 reunion will be in Tennessee at
the Park Vista Hotel from October 1 to October 5. Steve Springer will coordinate. For a look at the
beautiful accommodations check out
www.parkvista.com
In 2009 the reunion will be in Jacksonville Florida
A very enjoyable 2007 reunion was appreciated by the crew. The success was attributed to the efforts of Bob & Fay Johnson. Harry Beila, Roy and Lou Large, Tom Hopely and Ken Scott. Walt Burkett took many pictures and he will make them available on line in about three weeks. To view the photos: leave an E mail address at WaltBurkett@juno.com/ with the notation Request Diablo Reunion Picture code.
Bob Johnson (Robert Vernon Johnson alias "Johnny") RM3 51-54 was coerced into the job of reunion coordinator. Roy Large EM3 51-54, con artist of the first magnitude, convinced Bob he was elected, appointed and it was God's will he have the job. Bob at the time choking on a donut was only able to bob his head up and down. This my mates is how great men attain their high status in life. Bob and his wife Faye live in Melbourne Fl.. Bob has an accounting practice there and has a large clientele. Bob is also now the man to see for hats and patches.
Captain Tom for many years coordinated all the reunions, did the mailings, sold the hats and did the work of twenty volunteers. No one has done more for the remembrance of the ship or making opportunities for old shipmates to gather and relive our youth and service to country. Captain Tom now at four score has relinquished some of those tasks but we still expect to see him on the bridge overseeing our navigation.
A couple of pictures taken in Baltimore Harbor during the Army Navy game. The Swift can cross the Atlantic in two days. Some may recall we took 15 days in 61.

Dr Stacy (Calvert) Langsdale with parents Tim & Carol and husband Dan at graduation from UBC in Vancouver. May 07
Megan Calvert (center) ( a recent Peace Corp volunteer) taught English in Kyrgyzstan. This picture was taken Thanksgiving 2007 with her family
In February 07 I was once again at sea doing my maritime history lectures. This time on the NCL Sun in the western Caribbean. The ports were Costa Maya, San Tomas Guatemala, Belize and Cozumel. We left from New Orleans for two cruises.
From top left to right: waterfall in Guatemala, street in Guatemala, Costa Maya beach, River through Belize City, Tim with Rosemond the Caribbean middle weight champ, Bourbon St, a rental VW ($33.00) in Cozumel. The VW was a blast, it would not stay in gear, nothing except the engine worked including the seat belts. It was the most fun car I have driven in years.
In November and December 06 I was on the NCL Wind in Hawaii and had a whale of a time. I went with a friend a few days early and got to see Pearl Harbor. The sub is the Bowfin, the BB is the Missouri and the memorial I sure all of you will recognize. The deck gun on the Bowfin is a 5" 25 cal. Tim
Click on picture to enlarge
I love this whale. Would anyone care to donate $31,000.00 so I can have it.
