WEBVTT 00:06.302 --> 00:08.180 - Staff at Submarine Squadron at Fifteen 00:08.180 --> 00:11.640 have gathered to celebrate the dedication of Konetzni Hall, 00:11.640 --> 00:13.030 and honor the life and service 00:13.030 --> 00:14.893 of Vice Admiral Albert Konetzni Jr. 00:16.080 --> 00:18.070 I would like to offer an especially heartfelt welcome 00:18.070 --> 00:20.260 to the friends and family of Vice Admiral Albert Konetzni 00:20.260 --> 00:21.093 in attendance. 00:22.120 --> 00:25.220 At this time we ask that all electronic devices be silent, 00:25.220 --> 00:26.053 or turned off, 00:26.053 --> 00:28.070 to minimize distractions during the ceremony. 00:33.754 --> 00:35.960 I also ask any staff members wearing security badges 00:35.960 --> 00:37.410 to take off your security badges 00:37.410 --> 00:38.810 and put them in your pocket. 00:43.330 --> 00:45.630 Please stand for the arrival of the official party, 00:45.630 --> 00:46.520 and remain standing 00:46.520 --> 00:49.800 for the singing of our National Anthem, in invitation. 00:49.800 --> 00:52.090 For the guests, today's ceremony is uncovered. 00:52.090 --> 00:54.500 Military guests under the tent are to remain uncovered 00:54.500 --> 00:56.610 and stand at attention during the arrival and departure 00:56.610 --> 00:57.710 of the official party. 01:01.752 --> 01:04.169 (band music) 01:06.020 --> 01:08.150 COMSUBRON 15 staff, attention. 01:10.874 --> 01:13.291 (band music) 01:28.054 --> 01:30.471 (band music) 01:47.820 --> 01:49.510 Ladies and gentlemen, today our National Anthem 01:49.510 --> 01:52.220 will be performed by Lieutenant Aaron Spencer. 01:52.220 --> 01:53.820 The Guam National Hymn will be performed 01:53.820 --> 01:55.570 by the Guam Territorial Guard Band. 01:58.000 --> 02:00.393 Color guard, raise the colors. 02:02.063 --> 02:04.396 (drum roll) 02:16.818 --> 02:21.413 ♪ O, say can you see ♪ 02:21.413 --> 02:26.413 ♪ By the dawn's early light ♪ 02:26.693 --> 02:31.403 ♪ What so proudly we hailed ♪ 02:31.403 --> 02:36.403 ♪ At the twilight's last gleaming ♪ 02:36.792 --> 02:41.792 ♪ Whose broad stripes and bright stars ♪ 02:41.848 --> 02:46.341 ♪ Through the perilous fight ♪ 02:46.341 --> 02:51.341 ♪ O'er the ramparts we watched ♪ 02:51.349 --> 02:56.349 ♪ Were so gallantly streaming ♪ 02:57.400 --> 03:01.721 ♪ And the rockets' red glare ♪ 03:01.721 --> 03:05.770 ♪ The bombs bursting in air ♪ 03:05.770 --> 03:10.260 ♪ Gave proof through the night ♪ 03:10.260 --> 03:15.260 ♪ That our flag was still there ♪ 03:16.208 --> 03:21.208 ♪ O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave ♪ 03:28.495 --> 03:33.495 ♪ O'er the land of the free ♪ 03:34.667 --> 03:38.334 ♪ And the home of the brave ♪ 03:45.608 --> 03:48.441 (Guam Hymn plays) 04:33.895 --> 04:36.228 (drum roll) 04:38.300 --> 04:40.717 - Color guard, retire colors. 05:01.773 --> 05:03.600 Lieutenant Commander Adams, our Command Chaplain, 05:03.600 --> 05:05.200 will now deliver the invocation. 05:07.560 --> 05:08.393 - Let us pray. 05:11.253 --> 05:14.800 Heavenly Father, on this day set aside throughout the ages, 05:14.800 --> 05:17.540 to remember your work amongst us, 05:17.540 --> 05:20.390 we are reminded by your word, we're to give honor 05:20.390 --> 05:21.773 to whom honor is due. 05:22.900 --> 05:24.910 So we thank you Lord, for the opportunity 05:24.910 --> 05:28.203 to reflect upon the leadership of Vice Admiral Konetzni. 05:29.370 --> 05:32.070 One to exemplify the spirit of servant leadership 05:32.070 --> 05:36.193 to the sailors, their families, and our Navy. 05:37.670 --> 05:39.670 May this building be named in his honor 05:39.670 --> 05:43.203 remind all who see it, strive towards those ideals. 05:44.170 --> 05:47.343 Bless those who work within with meaning and purpose, 05:48.270 --> 05:51.380 productivity and usefulness, 05:51.380 --> 05:54.520 so that even our smallest task 05:54.520 --> 05:56.483 greatly serves the needs of others. 05:57.670 --> 05:59.510 Thank you for the gifts you have given each 05:59.510 --> 06:00.523 to do their duty. 06:01.840 --> 06:03.813 Help us to not take them lightly. 06:04.810 --> 06:09.033 But commit to using our gifts responsibly and well. 06:10.230 --> 06:13.260 Bless all those whose lives are impacted by the work 06:13.260 --> 06:15.363 that happens inside these walls. 06:16.850 --> 06:19.530 And lastly, Lord, I acknowledge the need for your guidance 06:19.530 --> 06:23.643 in all spoken, thought and decided within, 06:24.570 --> 06:27.210 that it may bless and support our sailors, 06:27.210 --> 06:29.733 their mission, and our country. 06:30.921 --> 06:31.779 Amen. 06:31.779 --> 06:32.612 - Amen. 06:37.327 --> 06:39.220 SUBRON 15 staff, at ease. 06:39.220 --> 06:41.370 Will the guests and staff please be seated. 06:44.520 --> 06:46.510 Ladies and gentlemen, Captain Tim Poe, 06:46.510 --> 06:48.423 Commander of Submarine Squadron 15. 06:52.490 --> 06:55.690 - The stage looks very sturdy, but the sun has worked it, 06:55.690 --> 06:58.210 so it's sort of, like in a fun house in here, 06:58.210 --> 07:01.713 so if you see some weird things happening, we'll blame that. 07:03.480 --> 07:04.313 Missy, 07:07.520 --> 07:09.700 Admiral Sawyer, Admiral Chatfield, 07:09.700 --> 07:11.770 Captain Shaf, Captain Grimes, 07:11.770 --> 07:16.550 Captain Locket, Captain Bradley, 07:16.550 --> 07:21.550 members of the armed forces community, fellow submariners, 07:21.990 --> 07:24.773 friends of Admiral Konetzni, good morning. 07:25.980 --> 07:28.620 Admiral Lee, former Commander 07:28.620 --> 07:30.827 of the Republic of Korea Submarine Forces, 07:32.367 --> 07:35.210 (in foreign Language) 07:35.210 --> 07:37.270 My Korean's not very good. 07:37.270 --> 07:39.237 and Mr Ando-san, 07:39.237 --> 07:42.024 (in foreign language) 07:42.024 --> 07:43.780 On behalf of Captain Hertel, 07:43.780 --> 07:46.680 the Commander of Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific, 07:46.680 --> 07:48.340 which actually owns the building, 07:48.340 --> 07:50.520 and the staff of Submarine Squadron 15, 07:50.520 --> 07:54.420 welcome to the building dedication of Building 4470. 07:54.420 --> 07:56.230 It is an honor to recognize 07:56.230 --> 07:58.483 the contributions of Admiral Konetzni. 07:59.640 --> 08:02.270 Those contributions he's made to the submarine force, 08:02.270 --> 08:04.053 especially here in Guam. 08:05.230 --> 08:06.190 Before I go too far, 08:06.190 --> 08:08.070 I'd like to thank the Guam National Guard 08:08.070 --> 08:09.630 for the color guard, 08:09.630 --> 08:12.510 and actually, and also the Guam Territorial Band. 08:12.510 --> 08:14.690 Thank you very much, I know it's Good Friday 08:14.690 --> 08:15.923 and a very busy weekend. 08:16.900 --> 08:19.170 Additionally I'd like to give my appreciation 08:19.170 --> 08:20.480 to Captain Grimes, 08:20.480 --> 08:23.850 for helping me get the building cleaned and painted, 08:23.850 --> 08:27.180 Chief Huvener, who's a jack of all trades, 08:27.180 --> 08:30.030 he's an FT by trade, not in missile tech, 08:30.030 --> 08:32.130 but he did some great work here on the ground 08:32.130 --> 08:33.720 to get ready for this. 08:33.720 --> 08:36.220 He also did some work on the Polaris missile, 08:36.220 --> 08:38.530 making that look good this morning. 08:38.530 --> 08:41.250 And also thanks to Commander Rivera 08:41.250 --> 08:43.030 who coordinated most of this endeavor, 08:43.030 --> 08:44.030 thank you very much. 08:45.840 --> 08:47.520 Quick sea story, a short story, 08:47.520 --> 08:51.120 I first met Admiral Konetzni 25 years ago this month. 08:51.120 --> 08:54.600 He was speaking at my very first submarine birthday ball. 08:54.600 --> 08:56.670 Elaine and I met him before dinner, 08:56.670 --> 08:59.920 and after a long evening of celebration, 08:59.920 --> 09:02.007 with no shortage of libations, 09:03.100 --> 09:05.910 I went up and I was telling the Admiral good night, 09:05.910 --> 09:07.800 saying let's go and give our regards to the Admiral, 09:07.800 --> 09:09.163 and thank him for coming. 09:10.460 --> 09:12.540 I said, good night Admiral, it's a pleasure meeting you. 09:12.540 --> 09:13.640 He turned and said, 09:13.640 --> 09:16.493 Tim, you and Elaine have a great evening. 09:17.640 --> 09:19.270 I don't know how he remembered my name, 09:19.270 --> 09:20.540 I'm glad his name was Admiral, 09:20.540 --> 09:21.992 because that's all I remembered. 09:21.992 --> 09:24.280 (laughter) 09:24.280 --> 09:26.940 I'm telling you this story because it illustrates 09:26.940 --> 09:29.710 what a people person Admiral Konetzni is. 09:29.710 --> 09:32.130 He understands beyond all the technology 09:32.130 --> 09:34.090 we have in today's Navy, 09:34.090 --> 09:36.963 the sailor is our most important asset. 09:38.030 --> 09:40.710 You don't get the nickname Big Al, the Sailor's Pal, 09:40.710 --> 09:42.410 by not taking care of your people. 09:43.690 --> 09:45.100 That reminds me, I'd also like to thank 09:45.100 --> 09:47.850 my predecessor Dave Schappert, he did a lot of the legwork 09:47.850 --> 09:51.230 to get the building naming approval done. 09:51.230 --> 09:52.830 And we talked earlier in the week, 09:52.830 --> 09:55.523 he's apologetic he couldn't be there. 09:55.523 --> 09:57.400 But we had a conversation of what we're going to, 09:57.400 --> 09:59.710 we know what the building's going to be Konetzni Hall, 09:59.710 --> 10:00.910 but what's the nickname? 10:00.910 --> 10:04.140 So we thought maybe we can hear people in the future say, 10:04.140 --> 10:06.870 hey, I've got to go to a meeting at the Al, 10:06.870 --> 10:08.770 or I've got a trainer at the Big Al, 10:08.770 --> 10:10.712 we'll see if that catches on. 10:10.712 --> 10:13.300 (audience laughter) 10:13.300 --> 10:16.460 But beyond Admiral Konetzni's sailor-first mentality, 10:16.460 --> 10:18.760 he was truly a visionary. 10:18.760 --> 10:22.150 To predict the future strategic importance 10:22.150 --> 10:24.740 of reconstituting the submarine squadron in Guam 10:24.740 --> 10:25.850 is amazing. 10:25.850 --> 10:28.340 Nearly 20 years later, the United States 10:28.340 --> 10:31.230 is in a great power competition. 10:31.230 --> 10:34.680 And Guam submarines provide a quick reaction force 10:34.680 --> 10:37.220 and we are ready and able to respond. 10:37.220 --> 10:39.120 Thanks to Admiral Konetzni, we are poised 10:39.120 --> 10:41.950 not only to compete in the power competition, 10:41.950 --> 10:42.803 but to win it. 10:44.530 --> 10:47.600 I'd like to now turn the mike over to Captain Bill Hicks. 10:47.600 --> 10:50.090 After serving the Navy nearly 30 years, 10:50.090 --> 10:53.090 I'm sorry, for 30 years, in active duty, 10:53.090 --> 10:54.920 he's now contributed another 18 years 10:54.920 --> 10:58.093 on the staff of COMPAC, COMPAC staff. 11:01.830 --> 11:03.720 I hesitate to tell you 11:03.720 --> 11:05.230 what his nickname is on the staff there, 11:05.230 --> 11:06.993 but they call him the Oracle. 11:07.856 --> 11:08.770 (laughter) 11:08.770 --> 11:09.603 He's all-knowing, 11:09.603 --> 11:11.560 and he was also instrumental, 11:11.560 --> 11:13.690 I don't know if I gave him full credit, 11:13.690 --> 11:15.930 but he definitely whispered, in 215 zero, 11:15.930 --> 11:17.210 it would be great to name the building 11:17.210 --> 11:19.130 after Admiral Konetzni. 11:19.130 --> 11:21.230 With that I'll turn it over to Bill Hicks. 11:22.876 --> 11:25.126 (applause) 11:34.770 --> 11:39.110 - Off the dais, Admiral Konetzni, Mrs. Konetzni, 11:39.110 --> 11:43.453 Admiral Sawyer, Admiral Lee, Admiral Chatfield, 11:44.290 --> 11:47.883 Captain Sif, Commodore Poe, distinguished guests, 11:49.480 --> 11:52.333 at all the times I've been to Guam, 11:53.170 --> 11:56.243 since my first visit in 1972, 11:57.260 --> 12:00.310 when Polaris ballistic missile submarines operated 12:00.310 --> 12:01.583 here at Polaris Point, 12:02.894 --> 12:06.240 B-52s flew daily from Andersen air force base 12:06.240 --> 12:08.063 to destination Vietnam, 12:09.000 --> 12:12.370 this is surely the first time 12:12.370 --> 12:15.033 I have ever worn a coat and tie here. 12:16.358 --> 12:18.750 (laughter) 12:18.750 --> 12:23.700 But it is so fitting for the honor of being able to attend 12:23.700 --> 12:26.623 this important dedication ceremony today. 12:27.990 --> 12:30.150 As COMSUBPAC back in 2000, 12:31.620 --> 12:34.440 Admiral Al Konetzni was the architect 12:34.440 --> 12:36.403 of the Homeport Guam initiative. 12:38.030 --> 12:40.910 It's gone through a few revisions over the years, 12:40.910 --> 12:43.540 as the number of homeported submarines, 12:43.540 --> 12:45.920 have grown from three to four, 12:45.920 --> 12:48.700 plus the addition of the nearly continuous presence 12:48.700 --> 12:52.823 of SSBNs as long as the second submarine tender. 12:53.750 --> 12:57.100 The formation cycle has undergone six, 12:57.100 --> 13:00.070 mostly minor, revisions, 13:00.070 --> 13:02.020 organic training facilities, 13:02.020 --> 13:04.970 and the Emergent Repair Facility has been added 13:04.970 --> 13:06.623 to the local support structure. 13:07.970 --> 13:12.040 But the original concept, as originally presented 13:12.970 --> 13:16.550 in Admiral Konetzni's Homeport Guam proposal, 13:16.550 --> 13:17.573 has been enduring. 13:19.070 --> 13:23.240 It offered an opportunity to make more efficient use 13:23.240 --> 13:25.640 of our Pacific attack submarines, 13:25.640 --> 13:30.470 in providing forward presence and crisis response 13:30.470 --> 13:32.720 and better meeting the requirements 13:32.720 --> 13:34.270 of our Seventh Fleet Commander. 13:35.380 --> 13:39.170 It provided a measure of reassurance 13:40.430 --> 13:42.053 to our friends and allies, 13:43.420 --> 13:47.130 for our national commitment to the Western Pacific, 13:47.130 --> 13:50.120 as well as giving any potential adversary 13:50.120 --> 13:52.053 something more to consider. 13:54.140 --> 13:59.140 Admiral Konetzni's 22 page highly detail-oriented 14:00.410 --> 14:02.240 Homeport Guam proposal 14:03.690 --> 14:07.840 was so thoroughly researched and prepared, 14:07.840 --> 14:10.620 that I ask you to consider what happened 14:10.620 --> 14:12.820 once Admiral Konetzni submitted this proposal 14:12.820 --> 14:15.493 on November 21st, 2000. 14:17.260 --> 14:21.350 Only 21 days later, on December 12th, 14:21.350 --> 14:24.390 the Commander-in-Chief of the US Pacific Fleet, 14:24.390 --> 14:25.850 Admiral Tom Fargo, 14:25.850 --> 14:28.390 forwarded the proposal to the Pentagon, 14:28.390 --> 14:29.653 recommending approval. 14:30.850 --> 14:35.510 A mere 30 days after that, on January 11th of 2001, 14:35.510 --> 14:38.830 the Vice-Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral William Fallon, 14:38.830 --> 14:40.053 recommended approval. 14:41.720 --> 14:44.500 Four days later, on January 15th, 14:44.500 --> 14:47.700 the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Vern Clark 14:47.700 --> 14:49.556 recommended approval, 14:49.556 --> 14:53.493 and finally, four days after that, on January 19th, 2001, 14:55.290 --> 14:59.270 the final day of the Clinton administration, 14:59.270 --> 15:01.140 the Secretary of the Navy, Richard Danzig, 15:01.140 --> 15:04.863 gave final approval to the Homeport Guam proposal. 15:06.900 --> 15:09.913 A total of only 59 days elapsed, 15:10.840 --> 15:15.030 which included the Christmas and New Year's holiday periods, 15:15.030 --> 15:18.670 between Admiral Konetzni's submitting his proposal 15:18.670 --> 15:22.063 and the Secretary of the Navy approving the proposal. 15:23.910 --> 15:28.580 That is absolutely unheard of, 15:28.580 --> 15:31.100 for something of this magnitude. 15:31.100 --> 15:35.320 And is a huge testament to the superb quality of the work 15:35.320 --> 15:38.683 that was done in preparing this Guam initiative. 15:41.180 --> 15:45.330 The enduring wisdom, foresight, 15:45.330 --> 15:48.730 and outstanding value of this decision 15:48.730 --> 15:53.270 to once again homeport American submarines in Guam, 15:53.270 --> 15:55.410 has proven time and again, 15:55.410 --> 16:00.410 by the sustained performance of USS City of Corpus Christi, 16:00.780 --> 16:04.580 USS San Francisco, USS Houston, 16:04.580 --> 16:08.810 USS Buffalo, USS Oklahoma City, 16:08.810 --> 16:12.560 USS Chicago, USS Key West, 16:12.560 --> 16:16.210 USS Topeka and USS Asheville, 16:16.210 --> 16:19.120 throughout the 16 and a half years, 16:19.120 --> 16:23.480 since USS City of Corpus Christi first arrived 16:23.480 --> 16:26.543 in the beautiful blue waters of Apra Harbor, 16:27.530 --> 16:29.373 on October 17th, 2002. 16:34.832 --> 16:39.530 So, as the architect of the Homeport Guam initiative, 16:39.530 --> 16:41.163 that has borne so much fruit, 16:42.110 --> 16:45.630 it is entirely fitting, that this building, 16:45.630 --> 16:50.090 the headquarters building for Submarine Squadron 15 16:51.000 --> 16:55.003 be dedicated today to honor Admiral Al Konetzni, 16:56.520 --> 16:59.663 a true Cold War submarine warrior, 17:00.640 --> 17:02.780 a bold and visionary leader 17:02.780 --> 17:05.813 as Commander of Submarine Group SEVEN, 17:06.910 --> 17:10.260 Submarine Force, US Pacific Fleet, 17:10.260 --> 17:12.890 and Deputy Commander, US Fleet Forces Command 17:12.890 --> 17:14.150 and US Atlantic Fleet 17:15.160 --> 17:19.480 and forever, Big Al, the Sailor's Pal, 17:19.480 --> 17:22.323 please welcome Admiral Konetzni. 17:22.323 --> 17:23.860 - I want to thank you for everything. 17:23.860 --> 17:26.180 Admiral Phil Sawyer, thanks for being here. 17:26.180 --> 17:27.460 I'd like to mention everybody, 17:27.460 --> 17:29.680 but I will run out of time, and it's hot as hell, 17:29.680 --> 17:31.840 and they've got beer and wine somewhere, 17:31.840 --> 17:32.673 (laughter) 17:32.673 --> 17:33.506 so we gotta get out of here. 17:33.506 --> 17:37.253 Admiral Lee, so many wonderful times. 17:37.253 --> 17:38.200 Shaf, thanks for being here, man, 17:38.200 --> 17:40.550 I appreciate it, you wear about 10 hats around here, 17:40.550 --> 17:42.120 I can only imagine. 17:42.120 --> 17:43.760 It was a lot easier in the old days, 17:43.760 --> 17:45.950 I mean, in the very very old days. 17:45.950 --> 17:48.460 Mr Ando, thank you so very much. 17:48.460 --> 17:50.587 Brian Demolina, old guy in the back there, 17:50.587 --> 17:53.670 was my science advisor, while I was in SUBPAC, 17:53.670 --> 17:56.900 and had a lot to do with a lot of the research we did, 17:56.900 --> 17:59.540 and may have made the farthest trip from the East Coast, 17:59.540 --> 18:02.050 but Brian, it's wonderful to have you. 18:02.050 --> 18:05.200 My dear friends from the Navy League, the Lubies, 18:05.200 --> 18:07.740 well, I knew the guy's old man, when he was young. 18:07.740 --> 18:10.760 So, it's great to have you here, 18:10.760 --> 18:12.200 family and friends. 18:12.200 --> 18:14.603 I know you squadron guys didn't have a choice. 18:15.610 --> 18:18.350 But I know that your spouses did, so that's pretty cool, 18:18.350 --> 18:20.610 thanks for being here. 18:20.610 --> 18:23.690 I don't know how to say again, or anymore, 18:23.690 --> 18:26.490 about being honored and humbled. 18:26.490 --> 18:29.973 But I must tell you that, to be serious for a moment, 18:31.400 --> 18:33.650 I guess my hope and my prayer, 18:33.650 --> 18:35.410 you got to watch out when I say the word prayer, 18:35.410 --> 18:36.910 likely to get lightning on me, 18:38.206 --> 18:39.760 for this magnificent structure, 18:39.760 --> 18:42.890 will really help the members of SUBRON 15, 18:42.890 --> 18:47.890 the ships that belong to it, now and clearly in the future, 18:47.960 --> 18:51.270 to be able to properly respond to issues and threats 18:51.270 --> 18:53.533 to our peace in the Western Pacific. 18:55.590 --> 18:58.060 I hope that it'll keep doing that. 18:58.060 --> 19:00.500 I will tell you, and Bill said a little bit about it, 19:00.500 --> 19:03.380 and Phil knows this more than anybody. 19:03.380 --> 19:07.373 The genesis of the effort was in the late '90s, 19:08.620 --> 19:11.560 when the lack of submarines in the Western Pacific 19:11.560 --> 19:12.493 was hurting us. 19:13.364 --> 19:14.990 To the operational commitments, 19:14.990 --> 19:19.740 allied training, responsibilities, friendships and so forth, 19:19.740 --> 19:22.293 and war plan guidelines, we just weren't doing it. 19:23.428 --> 19:24.860 And somebody said, well, just build more submarines. 19:24.860 --> 19:28.150 Well, we had had a building hiatus for 10 years, 19:28.150 --> 19:30.577 that was not going to happen overnight, 19:30.577 --> 19:32.913 and this looked like the best thing. 19:34.133 --> 19:37.876 Now as I get older and older I'm realizing, 19:37.876 --> 19:39.080 and I think it comes with old age, 19:39.080 --> 19:41.260 that really, the only important thing in life 19:41.260 --> 19:43.303 is good moral influence. 19:44.190 --> 19:48.560 And it was really clear to me that, 19:48.560 --> 19:51.470 and it's clear to me now, as I look at guys like Phil, 19:51.470 --> 19:55.250 I'd like to think morally and responsibly and influence 19:55.250 --> 19:59.260 that my 130 guys on the USS Grayling, 19:59.260 --> 20:01.540 SSN 646 in 1983, 20:02.577 --> 20:06.130 had a little bit to do with influencing this young admiral 20:06.130 --> 20:07.890 to come into this business. 20:07.890 --> 20:10.020 I'd like to think that some of the influence we had 20:10.020 --> 20:13.360 with the rock Navy and their brand new submarine force 20:13.360 --> 20:16.100 has helped them to become a leader 20:16.100 --> 20:18.970 in submarine forces around the world. 20:18.970 --> 20:22.920 I'd like to think the things that Brian Demolina and I did, 20:22.920 --> 20:24.300 and the submarine staff helped 20:24.300 --> 20:26.900 with target motion analysis, ranges, 20:26.900 --> 20:29.290 and, quite frankly, to get submarines to Guam. 20:29.290 --> 20:31.430 I know for a fact that the influence we had 20:31.430 --> 20:33.050 back and forth with the Navy Leaguers 20:33.050 --> 20:36.210 here in Guam and so forth, really helped. 20:36.210 --> 20:39.320 Because Bill's right, when you look at that report, 20:39.320 --> 20:41.170 it got approved pretty quickly, 20:41.170 --> 20:43.000 kind of funny how timing's all about. 20:43.000 --> 20:45.840 The Democrats were leaving, let's get rid of it, move on, 20:45.840 --> 20:47.810 okay, whatever it takes. 20:47.810 --> 20:51.110 But there were some sideshows that were pretty cool. 20:51.110 --> 20:53.490 And it was influence that made them happen. 20:53.490 --> 20:56.020 So, it always hits me 20:56.020 --> 20:57.250 in the very beginning of this thing, 20:57.250 --> 21:00.530 that really providing permanently stationed here, 21:00.530 --> 21:03.360 SSNs in Guam, 21:03.360 --> 21:06.230 would really resolve the turnaround issues, 21:06.230 --> 21:07.180 the transit times, 21:07.180 --> 21:09.500 and it provided more importantly, I think, 21:09.500 --> 21:11.860 for the guys and ladies on the staff 21:11.860 --> 21:14.330 a number of submarines in the Western Pacific 21:14.330 --> 21:17.910 to ameliorate fast attack shortfalls, 21:17.910 --> 21:21.610 as we rebuilt, we're doing that now, our submarine forces. 21:21.610 --> 21:23.370 But I do think there were three lessons learnt, 21:23.370 --> 21:25.420 and I'll get the heck out of here, folks. 21:25.420 --> 21:27.453 And it goes to the young people here. 21:29.050 --> 21:32.410 I'm honored, I mean, I wish my mother and father were alive, 21:32.410 --> 21:34.280 I said, this is pretty cool. 21:34.280 --> 21:35.610 Who would have known about, and I want you to know, 21:35.610 --> 21:38.340 I didn't have a damn thing to do with this. 21:38.340 --> 21:39.650 All right, I didn't do it. 21:39.650 --> 21:43.130 When I saw the damn letter signed by Tim's predecessor, 21:43.130 --> 21:46.732 I said holy moly, this guys must have been drunk one night. 21:46.732 --> 21:47.740 (laughter) 21:47.740 --> 21:49.750 What the hell they're doing, they've nothing else, 21:49.750 --> 21:53.070 and I have to, I've always been of the ilk that says 21:53.070 --> 21:57.270 the stupid Navy will call a building 123, XYZ, 21:57.270 --> 21:58.530 or whatever, like beers. 21:58.530 --> 22:00.123 It's Beer Alpha Bravo, 22:01.010 --> 22:03.480 Chesbay, I still have my water in a wharf, 22:03.480 --> 22:05.680 even though it's not a wharf, and it's not used, 22:05.680 --> 22:07.200 but it smelled good. 22:07.200 --> 22:09.705 But I'm convinced that's how it happened. 22:09.705 --> 22:11.510 But the lesson learned here, I think is important. 22:11.510 --> 22:12.503 First of all, 22:14.031 --> 22:15.640 and Admiral Sawyer knows this very well, 22:15.640 --> 22:16.900 you all know this. 22:16.900 --> 22:21.750 Intellectual arguments will always win the day. 22:21.750 --> 22:24.070 The problem is, that you never know 22:24.070 --> 22:25.957 what day you're going to win. 22:25.957 --> 22:26.790 (laughter) 22:26.790 --> 22:27.730 And it's a little bit like we did 22:27.730 --> 22:30.780 when we wanted to get the car as teenagers from parents. 22:30.780 --> 22:33.340 You wait for the right time, you have the right moves, 22:33.340 --> 22:34.691 and you'll do it. 22:34.691 --> 22:35.990 There was an awful lot of that here. 22:35.990 --> 22:40.230 Second, I do believe this, and I hate to be preachy. 22:40.230 --> 22:42.660 In leading, leaders got to keep 22:42.660 --> 22:45.940 the main thing the main thing. 22:45.940 --> 22:47.490 We could have got a thousand meetings 22:47.490 --> 22:49.839 in Group SEVEN or SUBPAC, 22:49.839 --> 22:51.600 but it was clear to me, 22:51.600 --> 22:55.490 that we can't keep violating our own national rules 22:55.490 --> 22:57.830 about the number of submarines here. 22:57.830 --> 23:00.180 So we did keep the main thing the main thing. 23:00.180 --> 23:01.270 We knew, and I think 23:01.270 --> 23:03.770 all the guys and all the ladies on the staff knew, 23:05.060 --> 23:08.690 that if everything is important, then nothing's important. 23:08.690 --> 23:11.419 And they did keep the main thing the main thing. 23:11.419 --> 23:12.920 And the third, 23:12.920 --> 23:16.150 in keeping with the main thing the main thing thing, 23:16.150 --> 23:21.150 strong teams of staff members can be formed. 23:21.180 --> 23:23.140 Because you're focused, 23:23.140 --> 23:25.640 they're able to develop and implement a plan of action. 23:25.640 --> 23:27.623 Bill has the original report, 23:28.470 --> 23:31.339 half of that crap I never knew what they were talking about. 23:31.339 --> 23:32.172 I didn't do it. 23:32.172 --> 23:36.070 But guys like Marty Pace, who was the scheduling officer, 23:36.070 --> 23:38.840 guys like An Won, who didn't even know 23:38.840 --> 23:40.260 how to spell personnel, 23:40.260 --> 23:43.960 Al Gonzalez, Rodriguez Scipoqintano, 23:43.960 --> 23:46.170 they figured it out, how many people. 23:46.170 --> 23:48.979 They figured out that three was the right number, 23:48.979 --> 23:50.900 so you could beat down the naval reactor's guys 23:50.900 --> 23:52.760 when they talked about nuclear safety 23:52.760 --> 23:54.953 and all of that kind of stuff, 23:56.210 --> 23:57.043 and they did it. 23:57.940 --> 23:59.200 And it got approved. 23:59.200 --> 24:03.092 They came up with a plan of action, they made things good, 24:03.092 --> 24:04.790 and to me, and this goes for the staff, 24:04.790 --> 24:07.137 I don't care how junior you are. 24:07.137 --> 24:09.737 When you can imagine something that hasn't happened, 24:10.770 --> 24:12.200 and move toward it, 24:12.200 --> 24:14.800 I don't care whether it's in your own personal life, 24:14.800 --> 24:17.040 I don't care if it's in the Navy, 24:17.040 --> 24:18.630 that's pretty cool. 24:18.630 --> 24:21.430 This was not previously imagined by the Navy, 24:21.430 --> 24:24.700 and the leadership and even the Congress, 24:24.700 --> 24:28.343 but a couple of wonderful young people made it happen. 24:29.810 --> 24:31.150 I'll always be grateful to these teams 24:31.150 --> 24:34.410 who were my staff members and others. 24:34.410 --> 24:38.410 Finally, to me the most amazing thing about this, 24:38.410 --> 24:39.370 and Missy and I talk about this, 24:39.370 --> 24:40.760 she won't even listen to me anymore, 24:40.760 --> 24:41.723 she goes like this, 24:42.792 --> 24:44.190 well, I don't blame her, 24:44.190 --> 24:46.122 you know, being old, and I can't hear, 24:46.122 --> 24:49.232 there's a couple of, we don't really want to, fine. 24:49.232 --> 24:51.030 (laughter) 24:51.030 --> 24:53.123 The most amazing thing to me today, 24:54.580 --> 24:56.803 is that the young folks and they were young, 24:57.910 --> 24:59.593 Phil was young, 20 years ago. 25:01.200 --> 25:02.680 They're not so young today, 25:02.680 --> 25:04.720 I know it's easy when I say that, 25:04.720 --> 25:06.380 but they never forgot. 25:06.380 --> 25:08.540 Whatever happened, if they were drinking around a bar, 25:08.540 --> 25:10.400 came, I don't know, 25:10.400 --> 25:11.740 but they never forgot. 25:11.740 --> 25:14.875 The Dave Schapperts of the world, the Tim Poes, 25:14.875 --> 25:17.750 Phil Sawyers, John Richardson, 25:17.750 --> 25:20.730 my command of Honolulu there, of SUBPAC, 25:20.730 --> 25:24.833 whatever they are, and whatever they came from, 25:25.770 --> 25:27.360 they didn't forget. 25:27.360 --> 25:28.230 And I will tell you, 25:28.230 --> 25:31.750 this is my last very parochial statement, 25:31.750 --> 25:33.793 that is the most amazing thing about, 25:34.690 --> 25:37.640 this is still parochial, so I want you to forgive me there, 25:38.610 --> 25:40.213 bubbleheads never forget. 25:41.466 --> 25:42.299 They don't forget. 25:42.299 --> 25:43.710 You can say anything you want about them, 25:43.710 --> 25:46.620 call them nubs, whackos, you do whatever you want, 25:46.620 --> 25:47.750 but they don't forget. 25:47.750 --> 25:50.690 That's why, that's why there's a memorial, 25:50.690 --> 25:54.560 privately funded in every state of this nation. 25:54.560 --> 25:57.080 That's why there are more of these Mark 14 torpedoes 25:57.080 --> 25:58.030 around in every state, 25:58.030 --> 26:00.080 than any other community ever thought of. 26:01.020 --> 26:02.553 They didn't forget. 26:02.553 --> 26:04.030 So for all of you out here, 26:04.030 --> 26:05.930 hey, thanks for never forgetting. 26:05.930 --> 26:08.660 I think that's what makes Submarine Force strong. 26:08.660 --> 26:10.907 And Tim and you wonderful folks out here, 26:10.907 --> 26:13.470 and all the folks in the Pacific, 26:13.470 --> 26:15.730 I just really wish the heck, 26:15.730 --> 26:19.070 that you have wonderful, continued success. 26:19.070 --> 26:22.160 With that all said, this you know, I truly bless, 26:22.160 --> 26:22.993 I'd like to, 26:22.993 --> 26:24.033 God bless this nation, 26:25.019 --> 26:27.520 and the Submarine Force of the United States Navy, 26:27.520 --> 26:32.030 all the folks who're deployed, all the services. 26:32.030 --> 26:36.210 This wonderful band and wonderful folks of Guam, 26:36.210 --> 26:37.173 the color guard, 26:38.050 --> 26:39.844 and I just want to say 26:39.844 --> 26:43.300 I hope you'll join us all for a bite to eat, maybe a liquid, 26:43.300 --> 26:45.390 I like that term, liquid libation, 26:45.390 --> 26:46.223 it really changed, 26:46.223 --> 26:48.190 I used to call a beer a beano, that's it. 26:49.082 --> 26:51.917 Thank you so very very much, we are very honored. 26:51.917 --> 26:54.167 (applause) 26:55.020 --> 26:56.603 This is a trick stage. 26:57.680 --> 26:59.240 - I'll now read the citation engraved 26:59.240 --> 27:01.100 on our dedication plaque which is displayed 27:01.100 --> 27:02.600 at the front of Konetzni Hall. 27:03.750 --> 27:05.020 Konetzni Hall, named in honor of 27:05.020 --> 27:08.500 Vice-Admiral Albert H.'Al' Konetzni, Jr. 27:08.500 --> 27:10.700 Highly regarded for his extraordinary character 27:10.700 --> 27:11.870 and integrity, 27:11.870 --> 27:13.300 Vice Admiral Konetzni's career 27:13.300 --> 27:16.460 was marked by enormous contribution to our nation. 27:16.460 --> 27:19.600 A career submariner, his unique vision and leadership 27:19.600 --> 27:21.830 strengthened the US global maritime presence 27:21.830 --> 27:23.270 by orchestrating the return 27:23.270 --> 27:26.150 of forward deployed submarine forces to Guam. 27:26.150 --> 27:29.150 Professionally known by those with whom he served 27:29.150 --> 27:31.420 as Big Al, the Sailor's Pal, 27:31.420 --> 27:33.590 his deep regard and resolute commitment 27:33.590 --> 27:36.470 to people who make up the United States Submarine Force 27:36.470 --> 27:39.020 embodied the core values of the United States Navy. 27:40.565 --> 27:42.023 SUBRON 15 staff, attention. 27:43.290 --> 27:45.030 Will the guests please stand for the benediction 27:45.030 --> 27:46.560 and departure of the official party. 27:46.560 --> 27:48.960 Chaplain Adams will now deliver the benediction. 27:50.660 --> 27:52.440 - Chaplain gave me permission to take a picture 27:52.440 --> 27:53.979 while I'm saying my prayer. 27:53.979 --> 27:54.812 (laughter) 27:54.812 --> 27:56.373 So if you see lightning, I did it. 27:58.388 --> 27:59.221 - Let us pray. 28:01.330 --> 28:03.344 Father, again we thank you for this day, 28:03.344 --> 28:04.220 (soft music) 28:04.220 --> 28:05.838 and for Admiral Konetzni. 28:05.838 --> 28:08.370 We ask your blessings upon the Konetzni family, 28:08.370 --> 28:11.700 and as always we pray for those who are leaning forward, 28:11.700 --> 28:15.430 deployed to the front lines, securing our freedom. 28:15.430 --> 28:19.130 Keep them safe and grant them success we pray. 28:19.130 --> 28:19.963 Amen. 28:28.660 --> 28:29.910 - Thank you so very much. 28:32.199 --> 28:34.147 (applause) 28:34.147 --> 28:37.305 - We are now going to conclude, this concludes the ceremony, 28:37.305 --> 28:38.800 but if you gather round the flagpole, 28:38.800 --> 28:40.617 we're going to unveil the plaque. 28:41.730 --> 28:43.420 - If you don't mind, Tim, can we go ahead 28:43.420 --> 28:45.546 and name this after my wife? 28:45.546 --> 28:47.796 (laughter) 28:51.325 --> 28:54.825 (indistinct conversation) 29:04.675 --> 29:05.508 Oh boy. 29:08.240 --> 29:10.627 He's one hell of an ugly dude. 29:10.627 --> 29:11.940 (laughter) 29:11.940 --> 29:14.010 You may have to cover this up, Tim. 29:15.234 --> 29:17.885 - Admiral Lee would like to present a... 29:17.885 --> 29:18.718 - Sir, please. 29:18.718 --> 29:19.560 - After you. 29:19.560 --> 29:20.910 - I believe I get over here. 29:20.910 --> 29:21.993 - Thank you, sir. 29:26.660 --> 29:29.583 - As a representative of the Korean Submarine League, 29:31.120 --> 29:36.120 we would like to present the memorable photos 29:36.340 --> 29:40.490 when Admiral Konetzni was working as a COMSUB of SEVEN, 29:40.490 --> 29:43.370 and then as a COMSUBPAC, 29:43.370 --> 29:47.170 and I really never forget a lot of support 29:47.170 --> 29:50.740 provided from US American forces 29:50.740 --> 29:54.540 and support from Admiral Konetzni. 29:54.540 --> 29:59.540 So in order to remember all those histories, 29:59.660 --> 30:03.553 we would like to present these photos to Admiral Konetzni. 30:04.420 --> 30:05.533 - Thank you so much. 30:06.542 --> 30:10.980 And I am so, very very honoured. 30:12.217 --> 30:15.690 Everybody knows this will be hung very proudly 30:15.690 --> 30:17.920 in the SUBRON 15 headquarters. 30:17.920 --> 30:20.960 So thank you, Admiral, my dear friend. 30:20.960 --> 30:22.840 Thank you so very much. 30:22.840 --> 30:24.130 Thanks for being with us, 30:24.130 --> 30:26.430 can I ask you to get in here, sir, real quick. 30:30.424 --> 30:34.250 Now it's midship in 1983, we've come a long way. 30:34.250 --> 30:35.380 - A lot of time's passed since. 30:35.380 --> 30:37.264 - I told him to get a haircut then. 30:37.264 --> 30:39.456 (laughter) 30:39.456 --> 30:40.530 Thanks, Admiral, thanks guys. 30:40.530 --> 30:42.790 You got it? I love you, sir, love to your bride. 30:42.790 --> 30:43.623 Thanks, Admiral. 30:44.710 --> 30:47.860 - We'd like to get a Squadron 15 photo with everyone. 30:47.860 --> 30:49.670 - Oh, would that be okay? 30:49.670 --> 30:51.433 - That circle area, that's even better. 30:53.370 --> 30:56.403 All right, ready, one two three, 30:57.460 --> 30:58.380 and we'll do another one here. 30:58.380 --> 30:59.453 One two three. 31:01.359 --> 31:02.647 - Thank you, man. 31:02.647 --> 31:03.805 - Now everyone jump up. 31:03.805 --> 31:06.382 (laughter) 31:06.382 --> 31:08.687 - COMSUB COMMers would like a photo. 31:08.687 --> 31:11.083 - Aww, super, super, super, guys, thank you. 31:13.160 --> 31:13.993 Thanks, fellas. 31:15.694 --> 31:17.027 Thank you, guys. 31:20.783 --> 31:24.693 Thank you so very very much, I appreciate it, really. 31:24.693 --> 31:27.110 (band plays) 31:56.475 --> 31:58.744 - Ladies and gentlemen, if you want a picture 31:58.744 --> 32:00.744 with Admiral, wait here. 32:07.078 --> 32:10.245 - Hey Admiral, great to see you again. 32:12.178 --> 32:15.178 - Come on, guys, gather around here. 32:36.557 --> 32:38.616 - You didn't get to work out today, young man. 32:38.616 --> 32:41.693 - I work out every day, sir. 32:41.693 --> 32:44.276 - Are you ready? One two three. 32:46.518 --> 32:47.548 All right, good to go. 32:47.548 --> 32:49.715 - Beautiful, thanks, guys. 32:50.818 --> 32:51.901 Come on over. 32:57.534 --> 32:58.728 - Ann Lee. 32:58.728 --> 33:00.145 - I know you are. 33:03.065 --> 33:05.482 (band plays) 33:47.473 --> 33:48.806 - One two three. 34:08.723 --> 34:11.223 - You guys, thank you so much. 34:14.067 --> 34:15.234 Come on, guys. 34:53.314 --> 34:54.564 Thanks, ladies. 36:10.816 --> 36:15.316 I do appreciate you guys, thank you so very very much. 36:20.804 --> 36:22.971 I want to get us together. 36:38.079 --> 36:40.162 All right, get over here. 36:46.169 --> 36:47.502 - One two three. 36:48.604 --> 36:50.854 Another one, one two three. 36:57.556 --> 36:58.463 - Okay, I'm getting a picture right here. 36:59.889 --> 37:01.235 Do I look okay? 37:01.235 --> 37:02.960 - How does my hair look, all three of them? 37:02.960 --> 37:05.570 (laughter) 37:05.570 --> 37:06.620 Thanks so much, guys. 37:12.970 --> 37:16.023 Yeah, can I get my wife here too, come up, babe. 37:30.997 --> 37:32.063 - Aw, I missed it. 37:32.063 --> 37:33.813 - All right, come on. 37:35.096 --> 37:37.346 - Oh, you nearly missed it. 37:40.510 --> 37:42.393 - Thanks everybody, God bless you!