NORFOLK, Va. – Members of the United States Submarine Veterans Inc. (USSVI) held the annual World War II Memorial and Submarine Hall of Fame ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk on May 16.
The ceremony is held each year to remember and honor the submarine veterans who served during World War II and to recognize a submarine that performed above and beyond the call of duty.
“’Service above self’ was what submariners then and now display and with that the sacrifice of time with family, hardship at sea, and the risks inherent to undersea operations,” said retired Capt. Kenneth R. Karr, the ceremony’s guest speaker.
The service opened with a solemn observance known as “the Tolling of the Boats,” during which a bell is rung once for each submarine lost as its name is read aloud.
Following this time-honored tradition, Master Chief Logistics Specialist (Submarine) Brett Adams, USS Helena’s (SSN 725) chief of the boat, presented a wreath to Ed Kracker and his wife June. Kracker qualified on the USS Bang (SS 385) during WWII and is the oldest submarine qualified veteran in the Hampton Roads area.
The Submarine Hall of Fame ceremony followed the memorial service with the USS Baton Rouge (SSN 689) becoming the next submarine to be inducted into the hall of fame.
Karr, Baton Rouge’s second commanding officer, spoke on behalf of the ship and his shipmates.
“Baton Rouge joins a distinguished elite that includes Nautilus, Norfolk, Halibut, Parche, Triton and more,” said Karr. “Those of us fortunate to have been a part of this legacy are honored.”
Several submarine veterans, including former Baton Rouge crewmembers and civilians attended the event.
“The general public doesn’t really know what the submarine community does,” said Brian Daugherty, a former chief petty officer. “So this ceremony is a great way for them to get involved.”
Daugherty also said this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Submarine Hall of Fame ceremonies.
“Service above self and sacrifice lay the foundation for excellence,” said Karr. “Submarining by its nature demands competence, attention to detail, finely honed skill, intensive training, backing each other, and appreciating candid feedback—all prerequisites to excellence.”
The ceremony concluded with lunch where active duty and former submariners had the opportunity to exchange their own experiences about serving in the silent service.
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