Diablo News

Crew members are encouraged to post news on this page Email: TIM479@aol.com

The 2010 reunion will be in Virginia Beach, Harry Biela will be our host coordinator.

The 2011 reunion will be in Groton, Joe Impellizeri will be our host coordinator.

As of today we have $635.00 to send to the USSVI Scholarship Fund in memory of LCDR Tomme J. Lambertson, the last skipper of the Diablo and reunion coordinator for many years. I did not serve with Tom, but he became my friend and shipmate and it was my pleasure being with him and his lovely wife, Francelle at the reunions.

Any contributions received by Dec. 15^th will be included in the check to USSVI.

Many of our shipmates could not attend the reunion due to health problems Keep them in our prayers.

Also our shipmate Bob “Goody” Goudreau is having knee replacement Monday, Nov 23^rd. He had a heart stent placement just before the reunion. Keep Bob in our thoughts and prayers. He is scheduled to go to rehab after surgery.

My wife Kim is the eldest of two daughters of Walter Israel, who served on the USS Diablo during 1959-60, according to your records, although Kim believes he was on this boat or a similar boat during 1961 as well. Born in Providence, RI November 19, 1936, Walt passed away on March 26, 1998. He left wife Janet, two daughters, Kim and Autumn, and five grandchildren. Walt retired from IBM after 30+ years of service there. Feel free to write if you have any questions about this submittal. Thanks for maintaining this website.

Note we hold no view about this post. Those that have an interest may chose to look into it.

Good afternoon Tim Calvert-

I recently came across the USS Diablo SS 479 website -- thanks for making important resources like this available.

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For ten years, Mesothelioma Web has been one of the most comprehensive sites on asbestos and mesothelioma, providing information and support to those who have been exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma Web has also achieved HON (Health On the Net) code approval (HON is a non-profit organization focused on providing health information that respects ethical standards).

Would you consider adding some information on mesothelioma to your website? Perhaps it would be helpful for one of our writers to create something tailored specifically for your website. We can provide you with content to place on your site regarding mesothelioma and its implications, so that your website visitors could learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. It is important to get this information out to the public; will you help with these efforts?

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<a href="http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org/mesothelioma.htm">Mesothelioma</a>

Cheers,

Lauren

Just wondering if the Diablo Vets have a Families section.

A place where we can swap stories from the family side of life with the extended crew and their families.

My Dad was Chuck Prey, he was assigned to the Diablo from 11/51 to 11/53. He passed away in December 2003 after fighting the effects of a massive stroke for over 9 years.

I have some memories as a child eating glazed donuts fried chicken and watching movies in the torpedo room on weekends when my dad was the OD. Diablo family gatherings on the 4th of July and other get togethers. I have an 8mm movie of Havana from the deck of the Diablo during the time when Castro was just starting his revolt in the outback of Cuba, and a stainless steel ashtray made from surplus Stainless Supplies liberated from a secrete supply hut....and other stories from that time.

Can family attend future annual gatherings if their family Diablo vet has passed on?

I love the web site and the work everyone has put into it.

I have the love for the Diablo that only a little kid could get from a great time visiting with the crew on those weekends at port.

Steve C. Prey
oldest son of Charles W. Prey, USNR

Steve all family members of the crew are always welcome at reunions, Please join us. Thank you for sharing your story.

Well, it is over. The service was just exactly what I wanted it to be except for the fact that some of you couldn't be there. Lou and

Roy came which was a very nice surprise and some local Sub Vets came as well. Next time you send out a notice re: the reunion, please add

a thank you for me to those who have called or sent cards and messages. They have truly meant so much and I keep them separated

from the other cards. I am on my second read-through of them and they help. I am fine and expect to remain that way except a periodic

melt-down, but they aren't too frequent. My niece left this morning and our son goes home early Sunday morning. Anyway, that's where I

LCDR Tomme J. Lambertson, the last skipper of the Diablo passed away Tuesday afternoon June 23^rd.

Captain Tom was admired and respected by all of under his command. For many years Tom did an excellent job setting up the reunions and doing most of the work. Because of his leadership many Diablo sailors still enjoy each other’s company at reunions.

Tom and Francelle were married 63 years. It is our fervent hope the Francelle will be no stranger at ship’s reunions. She is loved by all.

Johnny Johnson reports Harry Biela underwent a triple bypass surgery and is recovering nicely. Harry graciously hosted two reunions in Virginia Beach. We wish him a speedy recovery and future good health.

John Barnes EN3 1961 has been located in Florida. John we would love to see you at the reunion especially me as we were oilers in the engine rooms together.

Best regards,
T i m Ve A r d
www.ussvi.org - Chief Technical Officer, US Submarine Veterans, Inc

On about April 15, 2009, LCDR Dick Underwood passed away in Newport News, VA. He qualified aboard DIABLO in 1946, and returned to her as skipper in the late nineteen fifties. We were shipmates on DIABLO in 1946. Gerald F. Rester

The web site was down for over a month. Bob Genung our web provider has moved our site to commercial servers. Previously we were on Bob’s servers out of his small office. Bob experienced many difficulties with his Comcast connection and decided this was the best way to proceed. This new arrangement should give us excellent service.

Bob has provided us with a free web site for many years and has been very generous in helping me with technical problems. I am most grateful.

In the process of moving and due to the way the new servers operate some information and pictures were lost. I have most of the pictures stored and will be reinserting them on the appropriate pages in the near future. Unfortunately information regarding crew status updates is about a year or two behind. I would appreciate help in restoring that section. If you know of a shipmate who has been located or who has passed in the last year please check the crew list to see if it is correct. If you note an error E mail me at TIM479@aol.com and I will promptly correct the list.

SCOTT, Arnold David (Scotty), 87, of Red Lion, PA died on Thursday, August 14, 2008 following a lengthy illness. He was born in Maida, ND, on November 24, 1920, He was the husband of Dorith (Lehn) Scott, to whom he was married for 63 years. tt. Mr. Scott served in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service, Pacific Fleet, during WWII and in the Naval Reserves until 1960. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1976. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of York, Rural Letter Carriers Assoc., US Sub-Vets, VFW, and NARFE. Scotty was an ENC on the Diablo 44-46

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.

Hello Francelle and Tom,

I have your email address only because Tom forwarded items from you like your health progress and your move to more convenient digs. I didn’t know if you or any of the subvets heard about my dear Tom. We were at a Coast Guard Auxiliary conference in York PA the last weekend of March. I was using the separate bed because of getting over a cold. When I awoke a little after six in the morning to use the bathroom I saw that he was sitting up in his bed. I decided to snuggle in bed with him cause he was uncovered and looked cold. He never woke up after he fell asleep the night before. He came back from the hospitality suite and I was almost asleep. He turned up the TV you know “submarine ears”. I had my back to the room. I glanced at him and his chin was on his chest. With his eyes closed. I said, “if you’re sleeping Tom turn off the TV.” He answered he was watching it. He did turn it off shortly after that and I slept very well until after six. He never changed his position from when I glanced at him. My sweetheart slipped his mooring in the early hours of March 31^st. God bless him he loved me the best of anyone my whole life.

I can’t remember how to get in his computers, laptop or hard drive. Maybe one of the boys have and notified members of the Diablo.

His family has been nice to me. It’s hard to write to you. I’ll miss all of you and know a bell will be tolled for him. He was cremated and the ashes sent to the Navy for burial at sea as he wished.

I was looking forward to the reunion in Gatlinburg. Sure hope all the rest of the Diablo crew are doing fine. Give them my regards.

God is good,

Sara Lee Fink

Sara Lee please know that all of Tom's shipmates would be most appreciative if you would consider joining us at the reunions.

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 was held in Tennessee at the Park Vista Hotel from October 1 to October 5. Steve Springer coordinated. For a look at the beautiful accommodations check out www.parkvista.com

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.

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