The 1998 Albuquerque Convention
by: S.F. "Jack" Higgins (Dentuda)

Well, at long last I am going to sit down and try to give a brief report of the Albuquerque Convention. Albuquerque is a town where as I young child I spent several years. It is a home that I like to migrate to every so often. I feel at home among the Navajo Indians, both then and now. It is with real interest that I hear the stories of the Code Talkers. So many of the GI's returning home feel that they have been to the "big one". But my hair tends to become even more white, as I hear the code talkers spin their tales. And I am sure that that they are not just stretching the elastic. If you don't mind doing a bit of research look them up in your local libraries. But enough rambling.

Needless to say, it was really great to see all the old friends and buddies of long ago. Time seems to disappear when we get together. I guess we must have been having a very deep discussion and thoughts of long ago and far away when we were interrupted by a strong voice. As we turned in recognition there stood two gentlemen in dress whites. One I could not quite identify but the glint from the two stars on the shoulder bars of the other gentleman gave a start for all present. "Sir, you are the kind of people we like to see here". He says. I guess that we were all in awe at this, especially when he produced an introductory business card. As we fumbled with the card it read. Rear Admiral Al Konetzni; United States Navy; Commander Submarine Force Pacific Fleet. Now the second gentleman is identified as the Admiral's Aide. Well this made, to us, the personal highlight of the convention. After a brief conversation the Admiral, having been a friend of McCain's, extended an invitation to all those present that had been on the Dentuda's war patrol to come to Pearl and tour the base and some of the Nuclear boats. I have just returned from my personal visit as a guest of the Rear Admiral.

My impression of that tour was to carry me back 54 years. There is still that espirit-de-corps that was present so many years ago. As I looked into the faces of those aboard the USS Santa Fe SSN 763 and the USS Asheville SSN 758 there was that diligent smile and piercing eyes that told me of the dedication to their respected tasks. There is no doubt, in my mind, that I would not hesitate going to sea with the caliber of these men.

The tour of the Asheville was very complete. Down the hatch and through the officers quarters meeting the "Doc" and the Yeoman. Passing along I had discussions with the weapons officer, and the Sonar officer. So many things have changed to accommodate the crew of 130 men. The sophistication of the gear. Life support monitors not only looks at the Oxygen and Hydrogen levels but extends to Carbon Dioxide, Fluorine, Humidity and many other gases.

As lunch was being served I was invited to dine in the Wardroom. There, I was met by the boat's Captain, Comdr. Bruce Groom. A very tall gentleman and his Executive Officer. We all had discussion of what a war patrol can produce. I was so excited that I really did not eat very much lunch trying to answer as best I could. Time was running out as I had an airplane to catch. But before I could leave the captain presented me with a signed photo of the Asheville under way. There was a brief discussion of a forthcoming assignment wherein midshipmen would come aboard for an introduction into the elements of submarine activity and some sea trials. The Captain indicated that it might be helpful to take along some of the "old" timers to help in their indoctrination.

Needless to say I felt like a young kid at Disneyland. What a pleasure it has been. Convention attendance really pays off!

The Admiral plans to be at the next several Conventions as the National future goals is to do more with less men and equipment. What appears to be a bottom line requiring 72 submarines in the Pacific Theater the Congress and Administration has dictated a maximum of 50 boats to do the same tasks. This presents not only a political challenge, but also an economic and technological demand on development of new or better sensors.

Now for the upcoming Convention in Fort Worth. I, at this time, do not plan to be there. I will be in Phoenix for the centennial the following year. It appears that we will have a submarine stamp to be proud of. Additionally there is an effort to declare submariner's hearing loss as being a service connected disability. Do we all have hearing aids now? More recently I personally have been diagnosed as having lung scaring from asbestos. Last asbestos that I was around was on the mighty "D". Is that the connection, at this point I do not know, but it is being worked on.

I plead with you all to keep me updated with addresses and comments on activities, a post card will do.

As I close this brief letter I am reminded of a caption in the Admirals Office area and it really hits home .... "If you care enough to send the very best" Cheers and good sailing, lets hear from you.

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