The organization was found by a small group of submariners who met at West
Orange, NJ for the purpose of founding an organization of submariners who
served  at any time since 1900.  The meeting was hosted by the New Jersey
delegation under the leadership of William Lawless, at the VFW in West
Orange.  Joseph E. Webb, former Flasher crew member presided as chairman of
the meeting.  The following officers were selected to head this initial
group until elections could be held the following summer;  Robert
Link/President, KO Walkington/V President, Joe Burgess/Secretary and Mike
Drucker as Treasurer.  Delegates at this first meeting
were from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

Formal Incorporation papers were drawn up and signed on 22 May, 1964 in New
London, CT., by KO Walkington, Joe Marion and Joe Negri.  The attending State
representative at this meeting was L. Patrick Gray, former submariner
skipper, and later head of the FBI.

In June of 1964 the first National Convention was held in Atlantic City, NY
(also site of the 2000 Convention.)  Nine states were represented at the meeting held
at the Traymore Hotel.  Joe Negri of Uncasville, CT was elected the First
President of the Organization.  Joe was still active and was serving aboard the USS Piper at
that time.

The Second Annual Convention was held in New London, CT at Schrafft's Motel
in August of 1965. Admiral J. Tyree was the guest speaker and Ring Bennett
was introduced as the oldest living submariner.  Ring was qualified in
1906.  Also at this meeting with Ring were 5 other men who had qualified
before 1929.

The Third Annual Convention was held in Groton, CT in 1966.  The Subvets of
Groton also raffled off a gold Cadillac to raise funds to purchase their own club
building which is still in use by the Groton Base at 40 School
Street.  Conventions have been held at; Atlantic City in 2000, Reno in
1999, Hagerstown, MD in 1998, Mobile, AL in 1997, Portland in 1996.  This
next year's meeting will be held in Reno, NV and is expected to draw
3000+ submariners for the activities and the many boat reunions held
concurrently.

 From the early days of 1963,  the group has now grown to 7025 members
located in some 72 Bases (chapters) around the country.  Current National
officers: Jack Ensminger of Waynesboro, Pa, John Andersen of Monrovia, CA,
John Peters of Aiea, HI, Tom Conlon of Harrison, NJ, and Dick Baker at
Virginia Beach, VA.  The Organization now has a National Office in
Silverdale, WA and may be reached toll free at: 1-877-542-Dive.
 

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Ron Martini