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At random: "... The Navy's best are found upon; The pigboats black and trim; For men must be of sturdy stuff; To sink and still to swim ..." part of a poem, author unknown

Wednesday Obits, one special to Coyote Moderators: Jump to page : 1 Now viewing page 1 [25 messages per page]
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Coyote

Posted 2025-10-15 10:25 AM (#105715)

Master and Commander

Posts: 1305

Location: NE Florida

Subject: Wednesday Obits, one special to Coyote

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.

To start today’s post, we have two inputs from the Groton Base of USSVI:
We learned yesterday that Shipmate Timothy Mazza passed away on 08 October. His obituary is here: https://www.biondifuneralhome.com/obituary/Timothy-Mazza

MAZZA .. .. .. Tim Mazza enlisted in the US Navy in 1973. While in boot camp, Tim said he was intrigued by a talk he had with a submariner, who he guessed was trying to get submariner volunteers. Tim especially liked the idea of a small tight knit crew and thought he'd enjoy a specialized service. He volunteered for submarine duty and was assigned to the newly commissioned USS WILLIAM H. BATES (SSN 680) out of Groton. Tim Qualified in Submarines aboard the USS WILLIAM H. BATES in the Spring of 1974. His Qualification Walk Through was conducted by the BATES Engineer, Lieutenant Commander Konetzni. Shipmate Mazza was Honorably discharged in 1976 as a YN3(SS)
Tim joined USSVI as a Regular Member of New Jersey North in May 2022. He later joined Groton Base as a dual member in 2024 and was inducted into the prestigious Holland Club in 2024.

LIGGETT .. .. .. We learned yesterday that Shipmate Dale Liggett passed away on 06 May 2025. His obituary is here: https://www.crosbyneal.com/obituaries/dale-liggett
Dale enlisted in the US Navy in 1955. He attended Boot Camp in Bainbridge MD. After Boot Camp he was assigned to the USS GREENWICH BAY (AVP41) Dale was a Signalman 3rd class when In 1958 he passed all the requirements and attended Submarine School. After Submarine School Dale was assigned to USS SEA POACHER (SS 406) where he Qualified in Submarines in 1959. Additionally, he served aboard USS HADDO (SSN 604) and USS ATULE (SS 403). Having had 13 years of sea duty he was then assigned to Shore duty at the Naval Photographic Center in Washington DC as the Career Counselor. While on Shore Duty he wanted to go back to Sea duty he told his detailer he didn’t want a boat in the Shipyard, or New Construction. His detailer asked him about a PBR, and he wasn’t talking about a Pabst Blue Ribbon. He took those orders as it was the fastest way out of town. He flew to Viet Nam on his 30th birthday and was assigned to River Division 515. While on this duty he was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat V along with the Combat Action Medal.
After Viet Nam he served aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (SSBN 600) and USS LAFAYETTE (SSBN 616). His final tour of duty was at the Naval Air Station Brunswick ME. Liggett retired from the Navy in 1975 as a QMC(SS).
After retiring Sea Duty stayed in his blood. He qualified as an able bodied Seaman and sailed deep water ships like general cargo, container and tankers. In 1982 he was given his Masters license and captained large supply vessels in the gulf. \Dale Liggett joined USSVI in 2011 as a Life Member and was inducted into the prestigious Holland Club in the same year.
……………………..
Here’s another special obituary, that of Alfred Scott Mclaren. It comes from the website of the Explorer’s Club in NYC at https://www.explorers.org/in-memoriam-captain-alfred-fred-mclaren-ph-d-med71/ .
Fred was a LT shipmate of mine aboard USS Seadragon (SSN584) in 1959-62. I corresponded with him until last year. He was one of a kind, there’ll never be another:

Sep. 26, 25
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of an Explorers Club legend, our former President, Captain Alfred “Fred” Scott McLaren, PhD.
Fred was a larger-than-life character, a submarine captain whose life left a powerful wake wherever he went. Just about everyone who met him has a “Fred story.” I’ll never forget mine . . . In the mid-1990s, he took me under his wing and guided me up the ranks of the Club. Years later I was thankful to have the opportunity to tell him how much he meant to me and that if it were not for his mentorship, I’d never have become a director or president. Though he shrugged it off as a simple compliment, I know he knew how much he meant to me.
Fred was a transformative leader. As the Club’s 37th President, serving from 1996 to 2000, he brought an essential sense of order and discipline that the Club was previously lacking. He instituted military-like protocols that were a direct reflection of his distinguished career, and many of these procedures are still followed at the Club today, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Even at the age of 93, Fred’s dedication never wavered. Having recently moved back to the East Coast, he reengaged with the Club, offering sage advice that was invaluable not just because it was solid, but because it came from his many years of experience.
As a decorated U.S. Navy Captain and a veteran of the Cold War, Fred was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal and two Legions of Merit. He pioneered submarine exploration as the senior pilot of the SAS Super Aviator submersible, sharing his incredible journeys in his books, Unknown Waters and Silent and Unseen. He also served as President Emeritus of the American Polar Society, a testament to his boundless passion for the world’s most remote places.
His legacy is one of remarkable generosity, humor, and a deep, abiding love of exploration that touched and inspired us all. I hope you will join me in taking a moment to reflect on this extraordinary man. His impact on our mission and on all of us will never be forgotten.
Richard Wiese
President, The Explorers Club
…………………………

NOXON .. .. .. Delmere Eugene Noxon, affectionately known as Gene, was born on November 18, 1932, in Burlington, Colorado. He was a devoted family man whose life was a rich tapestry woven with laughter, love, and service. After a remarkable journey that began in a small town, Gene departed this world on October 11, 2025, in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by many.
Gene dedicated 42 years of his life to Gates Rubber Company, where he thrived as an electrician. Remarkably, he honed his craft without formal schooling, demonstrating an incredible aptitude for learning and a work ethic that was second to none. His pride in his profession resonated deeply, as he delighted in sharing his skills with anyone in need, always ready to lend a hand or a tool to friends and family alike.
Gene's joyful spirit shone through in everything he did. He was a natural jokester, known for his humor that could light up any room. One memorable instance of his good-natured humor unfolded when his daughters decided to surprise him with a splash of cold glacier water—a moment that may not have elicited a smile at the time, but surely became a cherished family tale they would recount with laughter in the years to come. His love of music was evident through his guitar playing, which he shared with several family members, creating melodies that echoed the warmth of their bond.
His passions extended beyond music and family. Gene was also a devout Denver Broncos fan, enjoyed building on to his family home, and had a heart full of compassion and adventure that led him and his beloved wife, Joan, to visit nearly every state in the nation. Gene’s love for fishing and camping brought him closer to nature and enriched his life's experiences, providing him with countless memories to treasure.
In addition to his family life and dedicated career, Gene honorably served in the United States Navy on the submarine USS Stickleback. His military service was a testament to his character and commitment to the values he held dear.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joan, with whom he shared over 68 years of marriage—a remarkable milestone filled with mutual support and unwavering love. Gene leaves behind daughters Teri and Lori (David), and son Jim (Dawn). His pride also extended to his grandsons Justin (Jen) and Bradley (Nicole), and granddaughters Whitnie (Sean), Amy, and Carrie (Jeff), along with many friends and extended family who were touched by his kindness and warmth.

(Ed): A full CV on CAPT McLAREN can be found at: https://cambridge.academia.edu/AlfredMcLaren/CurriculumVitae

Edited by Coyote 2025-10-15 5:13 PM

Doc Gardner

Posted 2025-10-15 2:34 PM (#105716 - in reply to #105715)

Master and Commander

Posts: 2276

Location: Foothills of the Ozarks

Subject: RE: Wednesday Obits, one special to Coyote

I served with Capt McLaren when he was Lt McLaren and Engineer on USS Skipjack SSN 585. He was a “by the rules guy but if you asked him a question you got a clear understandable answer. I enjoyed serving with him 64/65

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