NB Kitsap Submariners Celebrate 107 Years of History
More than 1,100 submariners and their guests attended the 107th Enlisted Submariner's Birthday Ball at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel Grand Ballroom on April 28. Twenty submariner commands from the Naval Base (NB) Kitsap region attended the event, which included special guests: Rear Adm. Frank M. Drennan, the commander of Submarine Group 9; Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SW/FMF) Joe Campa Jr.; Pacific Fleet Command Master Chief (SS/SW) Rick West; U.S. 3rd Fleet Command Master Chief (SS/SW) Mark Rudes; Submarine Force Pacific Command Master Chief (SS) Mo Pollard.Campa addressed and thanked the crews for what they do for the country and thanked the family members for their support of our submariners. “I respect what our submariners do not only for the Navy and our nation from the depths of our oceans,” said Campa. “I really appreciate the many sacrifices our Sailors make to continue to serve, train and fight for our country. I understand it is not an easy job.” For many Sailors the event was important to show gratitude and respect for those who have gone before. Before dinner began, a special presentation of tolling of the bells and a slide show was played to reflect on the history of submariners who have lost their lives in war.