ÓÔCopyright 2000-2013 and Trademark of the Navy Nuclear Weapons Association. All rights reserved worldwide.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS______________________________ President: Michael D. Snyder (415) 456-2876 waterdog99@att.net
Vice President: Frank Cantrell (864) 859-3056 Treasurer: Frank Kelly (843) 378-4026 frankcantrell@msn.com fmkelly0001@gmail.com
Secretary David L. Cobb (352) 454-2660 Webmaster: Ray Margeson (607) 732-0579 Davecobb2@comcast.net rmargeson@aol.com
Historian: Michael D. Snyder (415) 456-2876 waterdog99@att.net
Storekeeper Jack Grieves (352) 347-5269 Board Member: Ron Moran compactorjack@aol.com (702) 431-2712
Board Member: Edward Krenk Board Member: Larry Sneide (402) 289-3291 (804)986-5861
Board Member: John Gray (360) 895-3188 Board Member: Thomas Salisbury wtcs_sw@wavecable.com (360)254-5244 The Navy Nuclear Weapons Bulletin is produced by the Association’s Board of Directors and is distributed free to NNWA members. Edited by: Dave Cobb
The President’s message:
Dragon Keepers:
Let me welcome all the new and reinstated members highlighted in the Treasurer’s Report. We are pleased to have you as members of the NNWA. But, as you can see by his accounting, we’re getting slim. Only 43% of the people listed on the roster are active members. We need your help in shaking the trees to identify potential new members. Even though we are a “Last Man’s Club”, there are a lot of former Navy Special Weapons people out there who might be interested in joining the NNWA if only contacted. I ask everyone to help in this effort. Talk to your old shipmates and tell them about the joy of meeting like persons at wonderful venues around the country. The up-to-date reports by our Service Officer are a benefit unto themselves. And don’t forget to mention that the dues are only $20 bucks the first year and $10 annually thereafter.
I want to echo the good words offered by Tom Salisbury as Chairman of the Nominations and Elections Committee. The NNWA needs the active participation of its membership as directors to keep the association viable and current. For the past several years we enjoyed a stable, assertive Board of Directors who worked well together. Beginning last October this long-standing group slowly began breaking up to be replaced with new men interested in taking an active role in the direction of the NNWA. Think seriously about volunteering for a position on the Board. It is a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Frank Cantrell and Frank Kelly have put together what promises to be a spectacular reunion scheduled for 6 through 11 October in Pigeon Forge, TN. Oak Ridge is one of those fabled places few, if any of us, were privileged to visit. This will be as exotic as our tour of the Nevada Test Site in 1999, Alamogordo in 2002 and the Sandia Corp Museum in 2011. The Great Smokies are spectacular in October and the Biltmore “House” is something you should not miss. I quoted “House” because of its understatement. How many “Houses” do you know that can hold a destroyer in its dining room? I hope to see every one of the NNWA members and their guests at this years’ reunion.
And while we’re on the topic of reunions, we need to identify a host and location for the 2014 reunion. It should be in the western region, but that does not necessarily mean a site that allows you to dip your toes in salt water. Think about it? You could be our 2014 reunion host. There are a lot of experienced past-hosts to ask questions of and the Board of Directors has developed a time phased check list to walk you through the process. Nearly every past-host has indicated they thought it was a rewarding experience. Please contact me or a Board member if you are interested in being our 2014 reunion host.
See you in Pigeon Forge in October,
Mike Snyder
From the desk of the Vice-President:
Welcome all new and reinstated members. May I offer any help you may need. You will find my contact information on the Board of Directors page of our website. All hands please review our bylaws and pass down log, and pass to me any information you think needs to be changed or updated, Please inform other members of our 2013 reunion in Pigeon Forge, TN. I would like to see the biggest turnout we have ever had..
|
|
. |
The first to go was the SUBROC; a submarine-launched rocket introduced in 1965 to deliver a 5-kiloton nuclear torpedo against another submarine. The SUBROC was widely deployed on attack submarines for 24 years and retired in 1989.
The ASROC was next in line; a ship-launched rocket introduced in 1961 to deliver a 10-kiloton depth bomb against submarines. The ASROC was widely deployed on cruisers, destroyers, and frigates for 29 years and retired in 1990.
The third non-strategic nuclear weapon to be unilaterally retired was the nuclear Terrier; a ship-launched surface-to-air missile introduced in 1961 to deliver a 1-kiloton warhead against aircraft. The nuclear Terrier was retired in 1990 after 29 years.
The Regan administration planned to replace all of these weapons with new types: the SUBROC would be replaced by the Sea Lance rocket; the ASROC would be replaced with the Vertical ASROC; and the Terrier was to be replaced by the Standard 2 missile. But all of these replacement programs were cancelled. The Harpoon cruise missile was intended to have a nuclear warhead option, but that was also canceled. Originally 758 TLAM/Ns were planned but only 350 were built, with 260 remaining when the Obama administration decided to retire the weapon.
After the unilateral retirement of the SUBROC, ASROC, and Terrier missiles, the Navy was left with B61 and B57 bombs on aircraft carriers and land-based anti-submarine aircraft, as well as the TLAM/N. Work initially continued on the B90 NSDB (nuclear strike and depth bomb) to replace the naval B61 and B57, but in September 1991 President George H.W. Bush unilaterally cancelled the program and ordered the offloading and withdrawal of all non-strategic nuclear weapons.
The Clinton administration’s 1994 Nuclear Posture Review followed up by denuclearizing the entire surface fleet, leaving only TLAM/N for some of the navy’s attack submarines. The missiles were stored on land, however, and never made it back to sea.
In the early part of the George W. Bush administration, the Navy wanted to retire the TLAM/N, but some officials in the National Security Council and the Office of the Secretary of Defense insisted that the weapon was needed for certain missions in defense of allied countries. As a result, the TLAM/N survived the 2001 Nuclear Posture Review, and up through 2005 the Navy continued to test launch the missile from attack submarines. Some officials and lobbyists tried to protect the TLAM/N during the 2009 Congressional Strategic Posture Commission process, but they failed. The Obama administration’s 2010 Nuclear Posture Review determined that the TLAM/N should finally be retired because it was redundant.
IMPLICATIONS
More than two decades after the end of the Cold War, and tens of millions of dollars and countless of Navy personnel hours spent on retaining the TLAM/N, the weapon has finally been retired and the Navy is out of the non-strategic nuclear weapons business altogether.
This is monumental achievement marks the end of a long process. In 1987, the U.S. Navy possessed more than 3,700 non-strategic nuclear weapons for use by almost 240 nuclear-capable ships and attack submarines in nuclear battles on the high seas. Today the number is zero. Submarine crews can finally focus on real-world operations without the burden of non-strategic nuclear weapons, while government officials from the United States and its Pacific allies can finally begin to think about how to structure extended deterrence without clinging to the Cold War illusion that it requires tactical naval nuclear weapons.
I only wish the Obama administration and its allies were not so timid about the achievement. The unilateral elimination of naval non-strategic nuclear weapons is an important milestone in U.S. nuclear weapons history that demonstrates that non-strategic nuclear weapons have lost their military and political value. Russia has partly followed the initiative by eliminating a third of its non-strategic naval nuclear weapons since 1991, but is holding on to the rest to compensate for superior U.S. conventional naval forces.
This publication was made possible by a grant from the Ploughshares Fund. The statements made and views expressed are solely the responsibility of the author.
By Hans M. Kristensen
March 18, 2013
Mike Snyder, NNWA Historian
NAVY NUCLEAR WEAPONS ASSOCIATION
28TH ANNUAL REUNION
Sunday, October 6, 2013 through Thursday, October 11, 2013
***Mark these dates on your calendar NOW***
Note: The completed Reservations form and
Check must be received by the
NNWA Treasurer No Later Than August 15, 2013
Oak Tree Lodge
1620 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862
Ph: 1-800-637-7002
Hotel reservations must be made no later than September 21, 2013.
The Oak Tree Lodge Pigeon Forge Hotel is your choice for lodging in Pigeon Forge and the Sevierville area. Our hotel is within walking distance of fine restaurants, great attractions, shows and across the street from Tanger Outlet Mall. But there is more to a great hotel than just location. At the Oak Tree Lodge you'll find all the best amenities like: an indoor pool and outdoor pool with slide, an on-site convention center, workout facility, free deluxe continental breakfast and warm friendly hospitality from our staff. Some rooms have a fireplace and hot tub.
Room rates are $65 per night for queen (two beds) and $69 per night for king. These rates are good 3 days before and 3 days after the reunion.
Be sure to mention that you are with the Navy Nuclear Weapons Association Reunion.
They do have a NO PETS ALLOWED policy.
NNWA REUNION TOUR INFORMATION:
OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY (ORNL)
Monday, October 7, 2013: Cost for this tour is $50.00 per person.
The bus will depart the hotel at 8:00AM and return to the hotel about 5:00PM. First stop will be The American Museum of Science and Energy for a tour of the museum. We will next stop for lunch at the Double Tree Inn. Cost of lunch is included in the tour cost. We will proceed to Oak Ridge, TN. for a SPECIAL CUSTOMIZED tour of ORNL at 12:30PM, which will include current missions and research and development at ORNL, history; including the Manhattan Project, a working reactor, and much more.
NOTE: THIS EVENT IS RESTRICTED ACCESS. YOU MUST HAVE DOCUMENTS TO PROVE YOU ARE A U.S. CITIZEN. THIS CAN BE A PASSPORT OR BIRTH CERTIFICATE AND A PHOTO ID.
The ORNL campus.
GREAT SMOKEY MOUNTAINS
Tuesday, October 8, 2013: Cost for this tour is $60.00 per person. The bus will depart the hotel at 9:00AM and return to the hotel about 2:30PM. This tour will take us to the upper reaches of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park (The most visited national park in the country). We will experience spectacular panoramic views of the Smokes. Our guide will give us the history of the park along with information about the area wildlife and legends of the region. The foliage in early October is awesome! Lunch will be at Carvers Apple Orchard in Gatlinburg, TN. Their menu offers great food at a reasonable price. Lunch cost is included in this tour. Take time to browse the farmers market next door. Later, we will stop at a Bush Bean Factory and tour a very interesting museum and sample a wide variety of bean recipes.
BILTMORE HOUSE, GARDENS, AND WINERY
Wednesday, October 9, 2013: Cost of this tour is $65.00 per person.
The bus will depart the hotel at 8:00AM and return about 6:00PM.This is an all day, self-guided tour of the beautiful Vanderbilt Estate, Gardens and Winery. We will visit America’s largest privately owned residence. Built by George Vanderbilt in the mid-1800s, this 250 room mansion is filled with art and fine antiques. The mansion covers an incredible four acres of floor space! You can stroll through magnificent gardens and have lunch, on your own. Lunch is not included in cost of this tour. There is a restaurant at the Biltmore Estate. Lunch is on your own. After touring the estate and gardens, you will load the bus for a short drive to the winery. Note: A lot of walking is involved in this tour. Special needs should be addressed prior to tour time.
NOTE: THERE IS A MINIMUM OF 40 PEOPLE AT THIS RATE
******************************************************************************
RV CAMPGROUNDS: River Plantation RV Park located at 1004 Parkway, (Phone
865-429-5267), and Up The Creek RV Park located at 1919 Little Valley Road, (Phone
865-453-8474), are just two of several available. Others can be found on-line by searching
For RV Parks in Sevierville, TN.
TRANSPORTATION:
McGhee-Tyson Airport, (Knoxville) is the closest commercial airport to the hotel in Sevierville which is 27 miles. Shipmates, sharing the ride to the hotel may be best option since the airport doesn’t have a shuttle.
Rocky Top Tours provides airport shuttle services for groups or individuals to and from McGhee-Tyson Airport or Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport by reservations only. Price is based on number of passengers on the shuttle. Beware If only one person is on the shuttle it will cost $70.00, for two people the cost will be $40.00 each. For a bus load the price would be more reasonable. To make reservations or for more information contact: rockytoptours@bellsouth.net or call 865-429-8687. Their toll free number is 877-315-8687.
Rental Cars may be the best bet for several people.
Taxi Service: These taxis are available to and from the airport. Discount Taxi 865-755-5143, West Knox Taxi 865-539-6119, Fast Service 865-539-9500, A&B Ground Transportation 865-389-0312. The average cost is $65.00.
Trolley: Day long trolley tickets can be purchased for $2.50 (subject to change) and run to and from Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Trolley schedule, with pickup/drop-off points will be available at the reunion.
LOCAL RESTAURANTS: There are numerous restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. Damon’s Grill, Logan’s Roadhouse, Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, Bennett’s BBQ, Taste of Tennessee, Mellow Mushroom, Mama’s Farmhouse are just a few in the area.
DINNER- DANCE: Our dinner dance will be held in the Convention Center, at the hotel. Dinner will be catered by Damon’s Grill. We have a selection of grilled chicken, grilled salmon, or prime rib as our entrees, side items are red potatoes and steamed vegetables, salad, dessert, beverage, and rolls.
The Hospitality Room will be open for social hour and during the dinner-dance.
Entertainment for the dance will be provided by The Adam Carter Band from Central, SC.
They play a variety of music, including oldies and country.
50/50 Drawing & Necklace Raffle: Tickets for the 50/50 drawing and tickets for the raffle of the turquoise necklace will be available for purchase throughout the reunion. Members selling tickets will be in the hospitality room, daily. The drawings will be held at the dinner/dance. NO tickets will be sold during the dinner/dance.
Gift Exchange: Please bring a gift for the gift exchange. Gifts should be wrapped and marked (man, woman, or both). Gifts should be valued at approximately $20.00 and, if possible, be something from your particular state. They will be exchanged at the dinner/dance.
Auction: There will be an auction Friday morning at 0930 of left over supplies and Booze in the Hospitality Room.
We are really excited about this reunion and look forward to seeing each of you!
2013 Reunion Schedule of Events
Sunday, 6 October
1500 - ??? Registration in the Oak Tree Lodge Convention Center
1800 - ??? Meet & Greet in the Oak Tree Lodge Convention Center
1200 - ??? Hospitality Room open located in Convention Center
Monday, 7 October
0800 - 1700 Oak Ridge National Laboratory & American Museum of
Science & Energy Tour will depart from hotel. Bus will
Arrive at 0730. Lunch will be at the Double Tree Inn.
0800 - ??? Hospitality Room open
Tuesday, 8 October
0800 - ??? Hospitality Room open
0900 – 1430 Great Smokey Mountains Tour with lunch at Carvers Apple
Orchard in Gatlinburg. Bus will stop at Bush Bean Factory
before returning to the hotel.
Wednesday, 9 October
0800 - ??? Hospitality Room open
0800 -1800 Biltmore Estate Tour bus leaves the hotel. This is an all day tour. Be
sure to wear comfortable shoes . Lunch will be on your own at the
Biltmore Estate.
Thursday, 10 October
0800 – 0900 Hospitality Room open. The Hospitality room is closed during the
Business meeting.
0900 Business Meeting in the Convention Center. Everyone is encouraged to
attend.
1800 -1900 Social Hour – Come, fellowship with all.
1900 -2300 Dinner/Dance in the Convention Center. Bar will be set up in
the hospitality room. Drawing winners will be announced and
gift exchange will take place.
Friday, 11 October
0800 - 1200 Check out and Departure – Any help packing up the Hospitality Room and
Memorabilia will be appreciated.
0930 - ???? Auction of left over supplies and Booze in the Hospitality Room
Click for Reservation Form