VOL 19, NO 49 , JUNE 19, 2007

Friday Program
"The Navy and Submarine Force Today," Rear Admiral Frank Drennan

Admiral Drennan (see bio below) was introduced by Jim Gordon.

Nuclear deterrence continues to be a major mission of the United State’s Navy’s submarine force. Among the missions now receiving new or expanded emphasis are intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; planting improved mobile mines; striking land targets with Tomahawk cruise missiles; and serving as covert platforms for the delivery of special operations forces. Many prospective missions remain classified. However, the US Navy has many other humanitarian and conventional warfare functions and activities. The Navy has put 50,000 men on the ground. It also supplies air controllers.

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Preliminaries

The invocation and pledge were done by John Hillock. Introduction of Rotarians, guests and visitors was handled by Bob Bowen.

Andrew Face, Fine Master and Sergeant at Arms, took bets on who would win the U.S. Open. Tiger Woods was the consensus choice for winning by the betters.

Ted Ederer reminded everyone to register for the Charity Golf Classic at Willow Run on Monday July 30th. Major sponsors are Microsoft, Seattle Boat, Helsell Fetterman, Kirkland Lincoln Mercury of Bellevue, and Bellevue Community College Continuing Education. (Teams of four are $700 and individuals are $175.00.)

Paul Harris Awards

Foundation Chair Don Chandler recognized Paul Harris award recipients for their contribution to the Rotary International Foundation during the 2006-07 year. Don noted the importance of The Rotary Foundation in enabling Rotarians to provide food, clean water, health care, education, and a better standard of living to people in difficult circumstances around the world.

The Foundation has strengthened its fight against poverty, hunger, disease, and illiteracy. Don quoted, Rotarian Foundation Trustee and Chair Frank J. Devlyn, “The Rotary Foundation has grown and thrived by adapting to changing times in a changing world. To keep our foundation going we must bring more quality people into Rotary, with every Rotarian giving to the Foundation every year. By applying the four T’s — our thinking, talents, time, and treasury — we can continue helping our Foundation carry out its mission of improving health, supporting education, and alleviating poverty in the world.”

In its global drive to eradicate polio around the world, PolioPlus has reduced the number of polio-endemic countries from six to four this year while boosting the capacity of the world’s health care infrastructure to combat HIV/AIDs, avian influenza, measles, malaria, and tuberculosis.

Paul Harris Awards:

Paul Chapman, $2,000

Paul Harris Society Members (Rotarians who have committed to donate $1,000 or more each):

Curtis Cummings, $1,500; Ruben Ladlad, $1,020; Jim Zidar, $1,000; Steve Lingenbrink, $1,000; John Martinka, $1,000; Jim Owens, $1,000; Steven White, $1000; Don Chandler, $1000; Steve Goldfarb, $1000

Others receiving multiple Paul Harris Awards (Sapphires) were:

Bob Vallat, Paul Chapman, John DeWater, Mark Hough, Norm Johnson, Margie Burnett, and Ruben Ladlad (5 sapphires)

New Member Proposed: Manfred Markevitch

The BBRC Board has voted to approve the application of Manfred Markevitch for membership. Manfred, his wife Patricia, and their toddler Elisa are residents of Bellevue.

Manfred is a consultant and is being proposed for the classification of “investment banker.” He is being sponsored by Steve Szirmai, and co-sponsored by Alan Pratt.

In accordance with our by-laws, if you have any comments on Manfred’s candidacy for membership, please contact Club Service II Director Tom Smith.

The Friday Program:
"The Navy and Submarine Force Today," Rear Admiral Frank Drennan

Admiral Drennan (see bio below) was introduced by Jim Gordon.

Nuclear deterrence continues to be a major mission of the United State’s Navy’s submarine force. Among the missions now receiving new or expanded emphasis are intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; planting improved mobile mines; striking land targets with Tomahawk cruise missiles; and serving as covert platforms for the delivery of special operations forces. Many prospective missions remain classified. However, the US Navy has many other humanitarian and conventional warfare functions and activities. The Navy has put 50,000 men on the ground. It also supplies air controllers.

Navy flies missions (Whidbey Island) 10,000 personnel on the ground to support war effort (train security forces, community relations, education, and humanitarian assistance around the world. USNS Mercy Operations are first on the scene internationally and in the US when natural disasters occur.

Manpower: The Navy has 340,828 on active duty including 52,328 officers and 284,159 enlisted and 4,352 midshipmen. There are 129,077 in the Ready Reserve (March 2007) and 175,161 civilian employees.

There are 277 deployable battle ships with 127 (46%) underway. Attack submarines away from homeport number 24 (44%) and 16 are on deployment.

The Carriers

USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - Pacific Ocean

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - Arabian Gulf

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - Arabian Gulf

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - Atlantic Ocean

The Submarines
In 1998 the independent Defense Science Board reported to the Department of Defense on "The Submarine of the Future." The Board concluded that "SSNs are a key and enduring element of the current and future naval force," advising that "more, not fewer," will be required, given the increasing vulnerability of surface and air forces to ever-improving sensors and precision weapons. Subsequent study by the Chairman of the Joint Staff projected the need at 68 SSNs by 2015.

The greatest advance in submarine technology occurred on January 21, 1954, with the launch of the U.S.S. Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered vessel. Nuclear power enabled submersible vessels to become "true submarines," operating underwater for indefinite periods of time.

Just as the U.S.S. Nautilus was nearing completion, a parallel revolution in submarine design was advancing. In an effort to reduce underwater resistance, a "Tear Drop" shaped hull was introduced. This new design allowed greater underwater speed and maneuverability.

Today's submarines are a culmination of more than 200 years of advancing science and technology. Nuclear power, hull design, air generation and electrical sensors have created the "true submersible," a vessel that can stay underwater indefinitely. What will be the next major scientific breakthrough in submarines? The answer is unknown. One thing is certain though; the evolution of submarines is far from over.

Special operations forces. Many prospective missions remain classified.

• • •

Drennan commanded the USS Portsmouth. In the Same Boat was written about the sub and its challenges and endeavors.

Rear Admiral Frank M. Drennan
Commander, Submarine Group TRIDENT

Rear Admiral Frank M. Drennan is the Commander of Submarine Group TRIDENT, headquartered at Naval Base Kitsap, Silverdale, Wash. and is responsible for administrative command and control of all U.S. SSBNs and SSGNs.

A native of Elberton, Ga., RADM Drennan graduated in 1976 from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. Prior to command, he served at sea aboard USS James Madison (SSBN 627), USS Birmingham (SSN 695), and USS Louisville (SSN 724). He served ashore on the staffs of COMSUBRON 16, COMSUBPAC, Naval Submarine School, OPNAV, and the Joint Staff.

RADM Drennan commanded USS Portsmouth (SSN 707) from August 1992 to March 1995. During his tour, Portsmouth was awarded the Submarine Squadron 3 Battle Efficiency "E" for excellence in combat readiness and all-around ship's operations, as well as the Engineering "Red E" and the Supply "Blue E" departmental awards. RADM Drennan commanded Submarine Squadron 6 from August 1999 to August 2001. From January to June 2000, he carried out additional duties as the Undersea Warfare Commander for Commander, George Washington Battle Group on the staff of Commander, Cruiser/Destroyer Group 2.

Following selection for flag rank, he served at U.S. Strategic Command as Director for Strike Plans, Director for Information Operations, and Deputy Commander for Space and Global Strike Component Command. RADM Drennan took command of Submarine Group 9 in June 2005 and assumed additional duties as Commander, Submarine Group 10 in January 2006. RADM Drennan holds a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from the Catholic University of America and is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.

RADM Drennan is a U.S. Pacific Fleet recipient of the James Bond Stockdale Award for Inspirational Leadership during his command of Portsmouth. He also received the David Lloyd Award for excellence in leadership during the Submarine Officer Advance Course. He is entitled to wear the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (five awards), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), and the Navy Achievement Medal.

Web Fun

LAW OF ...
Courtesy of Ernie Hayden

Law of Mechanical Repair
After your hands become coated with grease,
Your nose will begin to itch or you'll have to pee.

Law of the Workshop
Any tool, when dropped,
will roll to the least accessible corner.

Law of Probability
The probability of being watched
is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.

Law of the Telephone
If you dial a wrong number,
you never get a busy signal.

Law of the Alibi
If you tell the boss you were late for work
because you had a flat tire,
the very next morning you will have a flat tire.

Variation Law
If you change lines (or traffic lanes),
the one you were in will start to move faster
than the one you are in now (works every time).

Law of the Bath
When the body is fully immersed in water,
the telephone rings.

Law of Close Encounters
The probability of meeting someone you know
increases dramatically when you are with
someone you don't want to be seen with.

Law of the Result
When you try to prove to someone
that a machine won't work, it will.

Law of Biomechanics
The severity of the itch is
inversely proportional to the reach.

Law of the Theater
At any event, the people whose seats
are furthest from the aisle arrive last.

Law of Coffee
As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee,
your boss will ask you to do something
which will last until the coffee is cold.

Murphy's Law of Lockers
If there are only two people in a locker room,
they will have adjacent lockers.

Law of Rugs/Carpets
The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich
landing face down on a floor covering
are directly correlated to the
newness and cost of the carpet/rug

Brown's Law
If the shoe fits, it's ugly.

Wilson's Law
As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it.

Doctors' Law
If you don't feel well,
make an appointment to go to the doctor.
By the time you get there, you'll feel better.

Don't make an appointment and you'll stay sick.