Submariners' Association of Canada Anniversary Halifax NS Canada August 2004

Transcription

1 Submariners' Association of Canada Anniversary Halifax NS Canada August 2004 From the desk of the SAOC (East) Chairman Introduction: Within the relatively young history of our Canadian navy that dates back to 1910, there was a period of time during the 1950's where there was little known or publicized of a large contingent of our country's sailors who became unique in their identity and professional in a new environment. The year 2004 shall mark a combined event. The 50th Anniversary of the first block of RCN submariners entering the RN's submarine exchange program (the birth of modern day Canadian sailors in the submarine service), along with the 25th year in seeing the creation of the foundation of today's Submariners' Association of Canada. Background: The 50th Anniversary: The 26th of November 1954 marked a day in history for the Royal Canadian Navy where a total of nearly 200 officers and men as volunteers, were to be trained for duty in submarines. On that date, a directive was issued that 2 officers and 48 men of all ranks drawn from ships and establishments across the country, represented the first block draft of personnel that would undergo submarine training in the Royal Navy at H.M.S. Dolphin in the United Kingdom. On completion of training, they were to be assigned to duty in RN submarines, the majority of whom would serve in the newly formed Sixth Submarine Squadron based in Halifax. The squadron's purpose was to provide additional training facilities for the R.C.N.'s anti-submarine vessels, carrier-based air squadrons, and the R.C.A.F. maritime air squadrons. SM6 would be comprised of H.M. Submarines Ambush, Astute, and Alderney. By the 1960's the gradual emergence of more submarine volunteers provided that as three O-Class submarines were being constructed for Canada's purposes, preparation toward manning the vessels came through the supplementation of crews aboard British submarines in six other squadrons around the world including Singapore, Australia, and Malta. Meantime on Canada's west coast, the former US submarine USS Burfish was re-named HMCS Grilse and was to be manned by a completely Canadian crew on Canada's west coast. Following the mid to late 1960's as the Oberon class submarines became available and manned by those exchange personnel on the Atlantic coast, a second US submarine was acquired to replace Grilse in the Pacific and was re-named HMCS Rainbow. Since that time, the continued evolution of Canada's submarine service and the people therein has transformed into the personnel and support infrastructure of Canada's present day inventory of Victoria class submarines. The 25th Anniversary The over 500 member Submariners' Association of Canada of today is comprised of both, serving and retired submariners. They are stretched across Canada and geographically located as West, Central and East branches in Victoria, Ottawa, and Halifax respectively. The association's birth began in 1979, then as the Canadian Branch of the RN's Submarine Old Comrades' Association. The organization was created in order that submariners, whether former and serving messmates, could maintain a camaraderie and uphold the spirit and uniqueness as Canadian submariners. Now independently recognized as a completely Canadian organization, East Branch as well as it's sister branches of the Submariners' Association of Canada, remain inter-active with Canada's navy while engaging in several commemorative, communal, and social venues at a steady and agile pace. Intent: In order to celebrate these events, SAOC East is planning a four-day itinerary (19-22 August, 2004) that includes a multitude of events within the Halifax Regional Municipality while utilizing resources as may be provided by the Marlant Commander in ongoing deliberations. The association is seeking participation through extending invitations to national and inter-national submarine communities including Britain, Australia, the United States, and possibly New Zealand, while including other representation from the naval family as a whole. It is anticipated that a gathering of over 500 celebrants will partake in festivities anticipating as audience to the Lt. Governor of Nova Scotia, a provincial representative, the Mayor of HRM as well as the Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic.

2 Submariners' Association of Canada (East) Host of The SAOC Anniversary 2004 Halifax Nova Scotia, Canada From the Anniversary Chairman Greetings Shipmates and Submariners. On behalf of the Chairman of the Submariners' Association of Canada (East) and all members it is our great pleasure to send you particulars, and invite you to attend the SAOC Anniversary 2004 to be held in Halifax, NS. Canada during the period 19th to 22nd August As mentioned in the SAOC (East) Chairman's' remarks, this event is being held to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the first Canadians to enter the submarine service through the RCN/RN exchange program in 1954, as well as the 25th Anniversary of the founding of the Submarine Old Comrades (Canadian Branch) in Halifax in These members have now been incorporated into the new SAOC (East), but as many of us learned our submarine skills in the UK on RN Submarines, we have fond memories of that time. All submariners past and present, are encouraged to attend. A very able Committee has been formed who are hard at work to make this a great event that will be remembered for a long time. We wish to see all of you here in Halifax next August. It will be a great opportunity to renew old acquaintances, make new friends and just simply have a good time, as submariners have been known to do. We, the committee, will do everything possible to see that it will be an enjoyable experience. Invitations and application forms are being sent to UK Branches, Australia and the USA. All submariners, retired or serving, from any Country are welcome to attend. Registration: An application form is included. You are requested to return it as soon as possible to the address provided with your remittance payable to "SAOC Anniversary 2004." If for some reason you do not wish to commit yourself at this time, please send your intentions by phone, fax or . The numbers attending are of great importance to us to aid in the planning. The cut off date for registration will be July 15th, All registration on Thursday August 19th, will take place at the Fleet Club on Barrington Street. Friday registration will take place at HMCS Scotian. (times TBA). If you plan to arrive outside these times and know when, please enter this info with the mode of travel entry to allow us to accommodate you. Refund Policy: Refunds will be entertained up to July 15th 2004 for cancellations of a serious nature. From July 15th to August 19th refunds will only be given in the event of death or serious medical conditions in the immediate family. All refunds must be requested by letter and will be sanctioned by the committee as a whole. Accommodations: If you require accommodations, a list is included. It will be your own responsibility to book your rooms, but help is available by calling our Accommodation Chairman, Terry "Chooch" Chatham. Terry will assist you with your requirements. Halifax is very busy with conventions and tourists during the summer months. Most summers all hotels are fully booked. We advise you to book early so you won't be disappointed. Some hotels have been approached and are reserving rooms for us until June 1st. They are on the attached list. When booking, let them know you are attending "SAOC Anniversary 2004." Transportation: Our Transportation Chairman plans to run a shuttle service to and from the airport, the downtown hotels, and along the Bedford Highway where there are several motels. This is to enable you to leave your cars behind and enjoy yourselves. Please indicate your intended accommodations and mode of travel (if known) to help with his planning. We have appointed Air Canada as the official airline of the "SAOC Anniversary 2004" in Halifax August. Simply contact Air Canada's North American toll free number at or your travel agent and take advantage of special discounted airfares. Our convention number is CV By ensuring the convention number appears on your ticket you will be supporting our organization. Discounts of 25% or more are offered on all flights except seat sales. However if booking a seat sale please use the convention number above. Thank You. If you require a car rental our Transportation Chairman has negotiated very good discounts with Avis. To make a reservation call and quote our discount number J Food: As the program indicates, at least one food-related function is being planned for each day. There are many good restaurants within walking distance in downtown Halifax. Dress: Banquet and Ball Military Mess Kit / 1a s, Association dress, (Blazer) or business suit, w. medals Parade & Service Military 1a s, Association dress (beret if available) or business suit w. medals. All other functions - Casual dress (A naval/submarine motif is appreciated but not necessary)

3 N.B. Your official Anniversary name tag will be issued on registration and is required to be worn at all times while attending anniversary functions. It is your identification and pass for attendance. You may also be asked to provide picture ID when entering the Dockyard, therefore please carry some ID with a picture such as drivers license etc. Some Committee Members. Anniversary Chairman & Gerald W. "Jerry" Sigrist Registration Chairman Phone (902) , Fax (902) adpna.sigrist@ns.sympatico.ca Accommodation Chairman Transportation Chairman Public Relations Chairman Ways & Means Chairman Secretary Terry "Chooch" Chatham Phone (902) t.chatham@ns.sympatico.ca Ryan Conroy Phone (902) ryan.conroy@ns.sympatico.ca Jerry Conway Phone (902) conwayj@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca Wynn "Taff" Jones Phone: (902) taffwynn@hotmail.com John Clahane Phone (902) a.i.m.@accesswave.ca Questions? If you have questions call or the Anniversary/Registration Chairman or any of the above. We will be more than happy to answer your questions or help to sort out any little problems that might occur. Program: A tentative program is included which is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances and events that are still to be finalized. A complete up-to-date program will be included with your joining package when you register on arrival. If completed early, it will be mailed to all registered. The Public Relations Chairman is producing a souvenir booklet that will be issued at registration. If you wish to include yourself, your business, your club or association in this booklet, please call Jerry Conway. He will be happy to give you all the information including prices etc. Anything from a full page to a business card size is available at varying prices. There are several fund raising projects underway such as raffles, souvenir pins, and many other ideas, which are being worked on. You are encouraged to take part in these as the more money we bring in, the more and better entertainment we can put on for your enjoyment. If you have ideas you would like us to use, please inform our Ways & Means Chairman, Wynn "Taff" Jones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest. We hope to see you at what promises to be a very exciting four day weekend. Submariners are special people, and we are planning a special program for you at this Anniversary weekend.

4 SAOC ANNIVERSARY 2004 ACCOMMODATIONS The following is a list of Hotels/Motels and other accommodations in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) that have been contacted for use during the Anniversary weekend. All rooms must be booked by June 01, 2004 as they will no longer be held for our anniversary after this date. Please indicate you are attending the SAOC Anniversary when booking. The Anniversary Accommodation Chairman is Terry "Chooch" Chatham who will be more than happy to assist you with any problems. He can be reached at and by at t.chatham@ns.sympatico.ca The Lord Nelson Hotel and Suites is ideally located, 1515 South Park Street overlooking the famous Victorian Public Gardens. There are 243 tastefully renovated and redecorated guest rooms. 150 of these rooms have been put aside for our purposes at a rate of $139.00/night based on single or double occupancy plus 1.5% marketing levy and 15% HST. Toll free reservations Hotel phone number (902) Under the shadow of the Old Town Clock is Prince George Hotel. The address of this gracious place is 1725 Market Street (902) Prince George has set aside 100 deluxe rooms for our anniversary at a rate of $169.00/night plus 15% HST. This hotel is just minutes away from shopping, fine entertainment and restaurants. Toll free number in North America The Holiday Inn Select Located a short distance from the Dockyard and the downtown areas at 1980 Robie Street (Willow Tree) and across from the Halifax commons. 75 rooms at varying prices depending on the type of room and floor selection. The prices are $139.00/night for a standard room. $145.00/night for the Priority Club Floor and $155.00/night on the Executive Floor. All rates are plus 15% HST. Phone (902) www,holiday-inn.com/halifax-centre. Located just a good walk from the Dockyard and across the Old Bridge at 99 Wyse Road is Holiday Inn Harbour View. This hotel has been a landmark in the HRM for many years and undergone an extensive upgrade. It is offering 175 rooms at $119.00/night plus 15% HST. These rooms are well appointed and typical of a Holiday Inn. Phone number (902) For the individuals who would like to re-live their college days, Dalhousie University is offering 100 double at O'Brien Hall (24) located on Morris Street at Barrington and Shirreff Hall (76) on South Street. These are all clean and individual rooms however bathroom facilities are shared. Meals are also available by arrangements ranging in price $4.46 (breakfast) to $9.91 for dinner. Box lunches also $6.74. Six suites are open in Shirreff Hall for $61.48 (2 Bed)/night $77.14 (4 Beds)/night. Phone number (902) or By far the best value. Both of these are about minute walk from the Dockyard. For returning Submariners who miss the sunset over the waters, this next group of Motels is what you may be looking for. All are situated along the Bedford Highway, These are: Bluenose Inn and Suites at 636 Bedford Highway - phone (902) rooms as follows: 6 non-smoking $119.00/night 10 Non-smoking rooms with 2 double $95.00/night 2 smoking rooms with 2 double $95.00/night 12 non-smoking rooms with a queen $85.00/night All rooms are plus 15% HST Econo Lodge and Suites 560 Bedford Highway phone (902) rooms as follows: Room with one double bed $89.95/night Room with two double beds $104.95/night Room with one king bed $124.95/night Room with two queen beds $89.95/night Room with two queen beds, micro and fridge $129.95/night (deluxe) and Room with two queen beds, separate room micro and fridge $144.95/night All room rates are plus 15% HST

5 Esquire Motel (902) No rooms guaranteed but will give $5.00 reduction on rate. One queen $80.00/night Two doubles $85.00/night Rooms are plus HST. For those traveling with an RV, these are the nearest campgrounds to the city. They have not been contacted by our committee but are listed here for your requirements if needed. Woodhaven Park, Hammonds Plains (902) Hammonds Plains Road, 20 km/s from downtown Rates $23 - $28 Shubie Park Campground, Dartmouth (902) or Jaybee Drive off Rte 318 (Waverley Road) Dartmouth, Close to bus & downtown. Rates $21 - $28 Halifax West KOA, Upper Sackville (902) or Hwy 1, Upper Sackville, Central for day trips to city. Rates $20 to $32

6 SUBMARINERS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA - ANNIVERSARY 2004 (Halifax N.S. Canada August, 2004) TENTATIVE PROGRAMME Thursday 19 August : Fleet Club (Atlantic) Commence noon- Registration - Continues for balance of the day. Reception with buffet refreshments, cash bars, Meet and Greet, kit issue, souveniers and display booths. Check in to assigned / reserved accommodations. -Friday 20 August: Day sails Chicoutimi x2 (or submarine designate) Priority to out of town attendees. Alternating: Harbour tours via MCDV/civilian craft. Static tours of ships and submarines alongside. Tour submarine school. o/c: SAOC presentation to school. (Steady-state summer 2004) Evening: HMCS Scotian: BBQ and Sunset Ceremony (Royal Canadian Sea Cadets) Saturday 21 August: Naval Gun Run exhibition. Site TBD. Free time. Visits to Marcom/ Maritime museums, tours of city and outlying. Evening: Banquet and dance, (Stad Band combo??) TBD: Pier 22, Sheraton, or WTCC. (Head table to include Comd Marlant, MOG 5, appropriate naval and SAOC representatives, the Mayor HRM, and other dignitaries as yet to be affirmed) Sunday 22 August: Pancake Breakfast Sackville Landing or other venue TBD. o/c: Parade and March Past Comd Marlant reviews. Dress for contingents: 1A s / nation uniform/assoc. Blazers w. medals and head dress Route: From the down town to Jetty NC via Lower Water St. to Rainbow Gate (low bed for the cane bearers) Saluting dais: HMCS Scotian or from Admiral s Gate via Rainbow Gate. Saluting dais at bottom of Jetty NC Order of Contingents: Colour parties Stadacona Band International guests Serving submariners (Cdn) Past submariners (Cdn) Low-bed as applicable Members SAOC (West) (Central) (East) Anniversary Planning Committee On arrival NC: Face to port alongside submarines - Colours/national anthems of nations participating. Wreath-laying memorial P2TD Laverne Macleod - submarine Sidon explosion Church service. Officiant Rev. Father Frank Ralph (SAOC Chaplain) On completion: Up Spirits! Submariners to muster at the monkey. Toasts: To parted comrades To the submarine fleets Dolphin 38: Diesel Boats Forever On completion: MOG 5 open messes/ Sods Opera/ Farewells.

7 Submariners' Association of Canada (East) Host of The SAOC Anniversary 2004 Halifax Nova Scotia 19th to 22nd August 2004 Registration Chairman SAOC Anniversary 2004 c/o Mr. Jerry Sigrist RR#1, Blockhouse, Nova Scotia, B0J 1E0 Phone: Fax: Cell: Web Site: ******************************************************************************** 1.To register please complete this form and mail to the above address with your cheque or Money order to cover your requirements. All cheques payable to: SAOC Anniversary Registration deadline July 15th, 2004 (no refunds after this date) 3. Register prior to April 1st 2004 and be eligible for early bird draw. (2 free registrations, or cash value $170.00) 4. Your cancelled cheque is your receipt. If one is required check here. 5. Any questions? Call, fax or the above for details. *********************************************************************************************** * Name: (First) (Last) (Nickname) (Use names you want on your nametag) Companions Name Address: (St. #, Box # etc.) City/Town Province/State Postal Code: Phone: (Include area code) Fax Mode of travel Intended Accommodations: (if known) Emergency Contact: (Name & Phone # of someone not attending) Cost: 1. Complete coverage of all functions including Banquet & Ball $85.00 Per person. ($ for two) 2. If you do not wish to attend the banquet you may register for all other functions for $60.00 per person. ($ for two) My remittance of is enclosed to cover # 1. or # 2. above. Signature (over)

8 Registration: Thursday 19th to 2000 at the Fleet Club Barrington St. Friday 20th - HMCS Scotian - Times to be promulgated. Saturday 21st - TBD N.B. Nametags must be worn at all times while attending Anniversary functions. Tickets will be issued for the banquet and will be required at the door. To make it easier to find people by boat, and leave a bit of history for our archives, we are producing a log book that will be made available at time of registration. Please complete this form as best you can remember, and you will be entered under the boats in which you served. Submarine Dates or Year Served Any other info you might wish to include: ********************************************************************************* Please do not write below this line (For committee use only) Date rec'd.ck #.MO.Amt.Bank. Filed Rcpt #......