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At random: Beeman Center at Sub Base Pearl Harbor was named for Arthur C Beeman, PhMC aboard the USS AMBERJACK (SS-219) on 4-Feb-43 - He was killed while the sub was engaged in a in gun action with a Japanese ammo ship..

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Coyote

Posted 2026-01-02 3:07 PM (#105844)

Master and Commander

Posts: 1368

Location: NE Florida

Subject: Friday Obits

https://www.facebook.com/ussvi.eternalpatrol/

The above link goes to the USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.) Facebook page where their members who have gone on “Eternal Patrol” are noted.

I’ll keep my work here going, trying to get others who were not USSVI members. You’re encouraged to look there as well as here! Obviously, there’ll be some I miss and some I duplicate.

SWIDERSKI .. .. .. On December 20, 2025, our beloved Paul Jerome Swiderski went home to be with the Lord after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Paul was born and raised in Erie, PA and passed away at age 60 at home in Patterson, CA with his wife, Valerie, by his side.

Paul served in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service for 24 years. He began his career by graduating top of his class in Basic Electricity and Electronics School, Electronics Technicians Field A School, and Navy Nuclear Power Prototype, and #17 of 440 from Navy Nuclear Power School, earning him a position as Instructor at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in Ballston Spa, NY. He then served on the USS RICHARD B. RUSSELL (SSN 687) Fast Attack Submarine from 1988-1994 and was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for "extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy." Chief Swiderski was then selected as Reactor Control Division Chief and Joint Test Group Board member for the Design Team of the USS SEAWOLF (SSN 21) First-in-Class Fast Attack Submarine, followed by assignment as Instructor and Curriculum Developer for the Electronics Technicians Maintenance School in Groton, CT. In 2000, Paul relocated to Hawaii with his son, Paul, and served on the USS LOS ANGELES (SSN 688) Fast Attack Submarine. It was in Hawaii where he met his wife, Valerie. Chief Swiderski rounded out his Naval career as Engineering Department Director at Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific, Pearl Harbor, HI. Chief Swiderski was awarded many medals, ribbons, and commendations over the years, including the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and several others.

Upon retirement, Paul worked as a Field Engineer for Canberra Industries, VaCom Technologies, and at the Gallo Wineries facility in Livingston. We would like to thank you all for your kindness and support during Paul's illness.

As proud as Paul was of his military service, nothing compares to the love and longing he has for his children, grandchildren, and the wife of his heart. He cherished every moment with his son, Paul, after missing so much of his life during deployments. The time he had to share with his daughter, Morgan, brought joy to his life. The gift of not one, but two grandchildren renewed his spirit. During Paul's military service, he was exposed to ionizing radiation that eventually caused a metastatic cancer that he battled for seven years against all odds. He did it for us, for his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his family, his friends, his country, and his God – for His glory. Paul was loved by everyone who knew him, and his passing leaves a gaping hole in our lives. He was generous, gentle and kind with children, and brought a touch of whimsy everywhere he went. He was a great conversationalist, loved to travel, and had a story for everything.

Paul was a man of character and principle and exemplified the Navy values of "Honor, Courage, Commitment." He loved like Jesus loves: sacrificially. His greatest desire is that each one of us soften our hearts and come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, the only way to the Father in Heaven. Paul's faith is made sight. His hope is fulfilled. He is truly "home," and he wants to see you there.

Paul is predeceased by his mother, Joan (Wozneak) Swiderski; father Jerome Swiderski; and sister Romaine (Rea). He is survived by his wife of over 23 years, Valerie Mariano Swiderski (CA); son Paul, daughter-in-law Sarah (Keep), grandchildren Sloane and Oliver Swiderski (NY); daughter Morgan Stanton Odgers (NY); sisters Paula (Cassady) (PA) and Theresa (Olson) (PA); brothers Joel (PA), Steve (OH), and Shane (IL)

BARKER .. .. .. Johnny Shane Barker, born in Los Angeles, California, to Eileen Alice Cook and Sidney Eugene Barker, lived a life defined by service, devotion, and joy. A beloved son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather, Johnny touched countless lives with his kindness, humor, and unwavering optimism.

Johnny proudly served his country in the United States Navy for six and a half years as a sonar technician aboard the James Madison nuclear submarine. His military career included service during Desert Storm and humanitarian efforts following Hurricane Hugo in South Carolina, for which he received the Humanitarian Service Medal. After his honorable service, Johnny transitioned to a career in information technology, later dedicating eight years to the Delaware Tribe, continuing his lifelong commitment to helping others.

Family was at the center of Johnny's life. He was known for his playful spirit, quick humor, and warm smile. His gentle soul and kindness touched everyone he met. Johnny had an incredible memory for names and made friends wherever he went. He loved watching sports with his family, especially cheering for his favorite team, the North Carolina Tar Heels. In his younger years, he ran track, played basketball, and sang in an a cappella choir. A lifelong fan of science fiction, Johnny enjoyed shows like Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek.

Johnny was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He married Martha Carolina Bonner on August 28, 1985, in Meridian, Idaho, and later they were sealed in the Boise Idaho Temple, a testament to their enduring love and shared faith.

He was preceded in death by his father, Sidney Barker; his grandmother Barker; his grandparents Cook; and his aunt Sandra Jamison. Johnny is survived by his mother, Eileen Cook; his loving wife, Martha; his siblings, Michael Barker and Jacque Gingerich; and his children, Michael, Mariah, Joshua, Jared, and Deidra Rea. He also leaves behind three cherished grandchildren: Marcus Carter (13), Ava Werking (9), and Kelci Werking (7).

Johnny will be remembered for his boundless optimism, his devotion to family, and his ability to bring laughter and light into every room. His legacy of kindness and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

BEHNKEN .. .. .. Scott Behnken passed away on December 22. He was born in Stromsburg, Nebraska to Dorothy and Wayne Behnken on March 5, 1947. He grew up in York, where he enjoyed the many gifts of small town life. Scott attended UNL and earned a BS in Chemical Engineering. He participated in the Navy ROTC at UNL. After graduation he married Norann McGinnis, and they moved to Key West, FL, where he served as LTJG on the submarines USS Odax and USS Amberjack.

His early professional life was spent as an engineer for A.E. Staley and Hubinger Co. He and Norann raised their family in Keokuk, IA. Scott's later years were consumed by his bipolar disorder, which impacted all aspects of his life. He moved to Lincoln and found community at Fremont Pines, where he lived for the last 20 years.

Scott is survived by son Nick Behnken (Washington, DC), daughter Jane Kupersmith (Chris, Bloomington, IN), grandson Asa Kupersmith, and former spouse Norann Behnken (Omaha).

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