 | SubmarineSailor.com Find a Shipmate Reunion Info Books/Video | Binnacle List (offsite) History Boat Websites Links |
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| At random: In 1921, a United States submarine, the R-14, having run out of fuel at sea while looking for the missing tug USS Conestoga, rigged sails from blankets and hammocks sewn together. Bunk frames were used for yardarms and booms. The torpedo loading king post for a fore mast, the torpedo loading boom for a mizzen mast and the telescoping radio mast, for the main mast. The R-14 sailed 100 miles in five days to the port of Hilo, T.H. at a speed of two knots. It has been reported in March 2016 that the Conestoga has been located 3 miles off Southeast Farallon Island, probably sinking with-in a day of leaving port. All hands lost. |
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Master and Commander Posts: 1368 Location: NE Florida | Subject: Wednesday Obits and note Coyote will be cruising the remainder of the month, so postings might be erratic. Sorta like usual. 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. CROFT .. .. .. Robert A. “Bob” Croft, 91, passed away on January 9, 2026, in Lebanon, PA. Robert Croft was born on July 19, 1934 in New York, NY, to John and Jennie Croft. Robert served his country for 22 years with the United States Navy as a diver. During the periods of 1951 to 1953, and 1954 to 1974, respectively, Robert served on the following submarines: USS Bergall (SS-320), USS Blenny (SS-324), USS Halfbeak (SS-352), USS Hardhead (SS-365), USS Tusk (SS-426), USS Trutta (SS-421), USS Odax (SS-484), USS X-1, and Trieste II (DSV-1). He also served as an instructor at the Groton Submarine Escape Training Tank in Connecticut. Robert was a research subject for Navy doctors and scientists developing air packing techniques for breath-hold diving. During his younger years, Robert was a certified PADI/NAUI SCUBA instructor and avid freediver, teaching diving and spreading his passion everywhere from Nazareth, PA, to the beautiful Bahamas. He was the first human to freedive deeper than 200 feet, going on to set three world records (twice in 1967, and once in 1969). In 2016, Robert received a NOGI Award in the Sports & Education category from the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences, for his record of accomplishments and excellence; the NOGI has been called “the Oscar of the ocean world.” Robert worked for a time for Tarrytown Labs, Inc., in Tarrytown, NY, manufacturing recompression chambers to be used by oil rig divers in the Gulf of Mexico. Later in life, Robert continued to perform diving related guest speaking engagements throughout the US and was a truly recognized legend in the field. Robert also enjoyed a long career in various management positions, including Ingersoll Rand in Phillipsburg, NJ. He worked as a manager-and videographer creating training videos-for Dresser-Rand in Olean, NY until his retirement. At that point, he and his beloved wife Edna E. Croft sold their house, bought a fifth wheel camper, and spent the next five years traveling the country and visiting family and making new friends along the way. Robert and Edna then settled in Easton, PA, and eventually moved into Kindred Place Independent Living in Annville, PA. Robert is survived by wife Edna Croft; and their three children: Jennifer Schaadt of Lebanon, PA, Jeffrey (Karen) Croft of Fort Littleton, PA, and Randall (Mariann) Croft of Stroudsburg, PA. CHRISTOPH .. .. .. Peter "PJ" Christoph, a veteran of the U.S. Navy's Silent Service, died on January 2 near his home in Columbia Furnace, Virginia, surrounded by his family. He was 76. Born in 1949 in Erie, Pennsylvania, PJ enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1968. He served as a submariner aboard the nation's first nuclear submarine fleet, on the USS Abraham Lincoln, where he worked as an electronics technician. Following his service, PJ married the love of his life, Marsha Ann Boehmer, in 1977. Together they raised their two daughters in Sandbridge, Virginia, building a life rooted in family, service, and deep ties to their community. PJ was a steadfast pillar of the Sandbridge community. For more than ten years, he owned and operated his family business, PJ Christoph Electric, earning a reputation for integrity, craftsmanship, and trust. He also served as a certified emergency first responder with the Sandbridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, as well as the Volunteer Fire Lieutenant . Alongside Marsha, he was a founding member of Sandbridge Community Chapel, and for many years the two led the acoustic portion of worship services-PJ on guitar, Marsha leading the congregation in song. In 2005, PJ and Marsha moved to Columbia Furnace, Virginia, where they built their retirement home and embraced the natural beauty of the George Washington National Forest. There, they created a welcoming place for gatherings and treasured time with their family. PJ's creativity and ingenuity were gifts to everyone who knew him. He was a skilled draftsman and published cartoonist, as well as a talented woodworker whose creations still fill the homes of loved ones-custom bookshelves and cabinets, wooden toys for his children, and cribs for his grandchildren. There was no machine, gadget, or tool he could not fix. PJ's wit, humor, and quiet generosity filled every room he entered. He was happiest when he could make a full room groan at a pun. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his family: his wife of nearly fifty years, Marsha; his daughters, Jessica (Roger) and Sara (Randy); and his grandchildren, Leah, Callie, Jack and Max. In keeping with PJ's life-long commitment to supporting his fellow veterans, the family welcomes donations in his memory to the United States Submarine Veterans Charitable Foundation, Inc. To donate in his memory: https://ussvcf.org/donate-in-memory-of-submarine-veteran/. KING .. .. .. Malcolm E. King of Danville, Indiana passed away on November 26, 2025. He was born on May 26, 1950 in Speedway, Indiana. Malcolm served his country on a submarine in the Navy. He worked at Goodwill. Malcolm's family chose cremation. NULL .. .. .. Jimmy Lamar Null, EMCM, more commonly known as Pop-Pop, passed peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on January 12, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born January 27, 1942, in Birmingham, AL, to James Alexander and Lillie Mae Scott Null. He joined the US Navy in June 1960 and became a member of the “Silent Service”, which took him all over the world underwater. He married the love of his life, Eleanor, in June 1966 and had a daughter, Shannon, in 1971. The three of them lived in Charleston, SC; Dunoon, Scotland; Pearl Harbor, HI; and Orlando, FL. He retired in 1986, trading his military uniform for khaki pants, blue and white shirts, white New Balance shoes, and a Submarine Veterans hat he never left home without. He began working at the Charleston Naval Shipyard and later at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. In 2004, he retired again and moved to St. Augustine, FL, where he built his dream workshop and enjoyed retirement doing home inspections and helping others. When the grandkids visited, there would be a trip to Disney World, Cape Canaveral, or tubing at the Ichetucknee Springs. Another move in 2010 brought him to Columbia, SC, to be near the grandchildren. He took a slot in the carpool rotation and did many emergency lunch drop-offs for a grandson who “forgot” lunch. Often, he would be found cheering on the cross-country course, at a school performance, talent show, or some other activity of one of the boys; but one of his favorite things was the 10 pm calls from a grandson saying, “How about a world-famous Pop-pop milkshake?” In Columbia, he became active with several veteran groups: Project Josiah, a ministry for combat veterans, and Palmetto Submarine Veterans’ Base of USSVI, a network for fellow submariners. His greatest joy was his three grandchildren. He celebrated their births, graduations, weddings, and their presence. For those who knew him, it is a well-known fact that he was a lover of shrimp, cookies, and chocolate. He always had a collection of tools, used to help build ramps or railings for someone in need, and plenty more unused, “just in case you might need it.” He had a library of stories, sometimes told for the 3rd or the 15th time if you’ve known him long enough. He was a collector of military history books and had his own library for anyone interested in reading them. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Ruth Shokes, also known as Grammy, daughter, Shannon Blythe McCormack, son-in-law, Paul McCormack, also of Columbia, SC; grandsons, Connor McCormack and his wife Abigail Alvin, Kihei, HI, Jordan McCormack and his husband, Joseph Giordano, Columbia, SC, and Tyler McCormack, Brooklyn, NY. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as those who knew him as Pop-Pop. BROWN .. .. .. Lawrence Owen Brown, known to many as “OB,” a man of unwavering honesty, strength, and selfless service to his country, community, and family, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026. His passing leaves a deep and immeasurable void for those who loved him and for the many whose lives were shaped by his leadership, mentorship, and example. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Owen’s life was anchored in duty, principle, and purpose from an early age. Whether as a son, husband and father, student, naval officer, executive, or mentor, he led with integrity, earned trust, and inspired respect in every role he assumed. Owen began his undergraduate studies at Rice University before making a defining transition to Auburn University, where he joined the ROTC program and graduated from the College of Engineering — forming a lifelong bond with the institution he so proudly called his own. Even as a student, his leadership and loyalty were evident through deep involvement in campus life, serving as President of Auburn’s Interfraternity Council, as a member of the Spades, a leadership honorary, and as an active member of Pi Kappa Alpha. While attending Auburn, Owen met and married his first wife, Roselynne (Lynne) Griffin. During his early service in the United States Navy, they welcomed two children, Michele and Geoff, beginning what would always remain one of Owen’s greatest sources of pride and responsibility — his family. His distinguished naval career began when Admiral Hyman G. Rickover personally selected him to serve in the pioneering atomic submarine force, an extraordinary honor reflecting both his intellect and character. That call to serve became a lifelong compass, guiding every chapter that followed. In 1975, Owen married the love of his life, Brookes Hutchinson Brown, whom he affectionately called “Brookie.” Together they built a life grounded in partnership, devotion, and family, welcoming two more children, Amy and Chad. Their marriage became the steady center of Owen’s life—marked by enduring love, shared purpose, and a deep commitment to those they cherished. After his naval service, Owen transitioned into business, where he emerged as a visionary leader known not only for strategic brilliance, but for ethical clarity and genuine care for people. He held senior leadership roles at Digital Equipment Corporation and Xerox Corporation, served as President of Sun Microsystems, co-founded Migration Software Systems, and later became a respected investor and advisor to numerous venture capital funds and companies. Former colleagues and mentees remember him not simply as an accomplished executive, but as a leader who listened intently, taught generously, and deliberately elevated others — especially women —expanding opportunities, shaping careers, and leaving an enduring imprint on countless lives. A fiercely devoted alumnus, Owen gave back to Auburn University through years of dedicated service, including as President of the Auburn Alumni Association and as a member of the Auburn University Foundation Board. In retirement, OB continued to serve Auburn with the same passion and purpose. His contributions were recognized with the Distinguished Graduate Award from the College of Engineering and the Greater Birmingham Distinguished Alumnus Award. He also devoted himself to the Order of the Knights of St. John, holding numerous leadership roles. After relocating with Brookie to Hoover, Alabama, he became an active member of the Lakeshore Foundation, where he was later asked to serve on the board. Owen’s faith was not loud or performative, but steady and lived daily through service, generosity, and quiet leadership. Owen’s greatest legacy, and the place where his absence will be felt most profoundly, is his family. In retirement, he became joyfully devoted to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, pouring his energy into creating memories that will endure for generations. Nowhere was this more evident than in the planning and execution of “Cousins Camp,” an annual tradition that spanned 15 consecutive years, took place in locations across the country, and culminated in 2025 in Auburn, Alabama, where Owen and Brookie also celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Cousins Camp was the highlight of the year for everyone involved — filled with laughter, connection, and cherished rituals, especially the beloved light parades. Extended family often joined in, and they too treasure those joy-filled moments. True to Owen’s spirit, the camps were fueled by his all-time favorite treats: burnt sourdough toast, trips to the ice cream parlor, and an abundance of snacks. OB cherished these staples so much that they became daily non-negotiables that happily dictated his retirement rhythm. Owen is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Meredith Brown and Edna Owen Brown; his stepmother, June Brown; his brother, Donald Brown; and his beloved dog, Digby, his loyal and cherished canine companion in retirement. He is survived by his devoted wife, Brookes Hutchinson Brown; his sister-in-law, Nancy Brown, and her daughters, Katherine Brown and Elizabeth Brown; his four children, Michele Brown Steeb (Jim), Geoff Brown, Amy Brown Jeffers (Allen), and Chad Brown (Mychelle); his eleven grandchildren, Jacob Steeb (Marlene), Zach Steeb (Lindsey), Joey Steeb (fiancée Julia Davena), Christian Steeb (Lexi), Brooklynne Steeb, Ansley Jeffers, Blake Jeffers, Carlee Jeffers, Addysen Brown, Ella Brown, and Josie Brown; and his four great-grandchildren, Jackson Steeb, Jamie Medeiros, Callan Steeb, and Margaux Steeb, with another great-granddaughter expected in April 2026. OB lived a life that truly mattered — anchored in principle, defined by service, and rich in love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the lives he shaped, the values he modeled, and the family he cherished so fiercely. CHILDS .. .. .. George "Pee Wee" Childs, age 88, of 905 Berkley Street, Plymouth, Indiana, passed away at 3:16 a.m., Friday, March 18, 2011, at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth, with his family by his side. George was born on March 19, 1922, in Lacon, Illinois, to George and Pearl B. (Dyson) Childs, Sr. George married the former Priscilla J. Draus on October 16, 1945, in Hartford, Connecticut. The Childs' owned and operated the G&W Supermarket, where George spent many years as the local butcher. George was a member and Past Commander of the Illinois U.S. Submarine Veterans of WWII, Past Post Commander of the Walter Guede American Legion Post 593 in Lacon, a member of the American Legion Post 27 in Plymouth, and a member of the Lions Club in Gibson City, Illinois. He was also the Lacon Band Mascot, at the age of two. George proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, during WWII, as a Torpedoman, First Class. On October 27, 2010, George and his son, John, were privileged to take the Honor Flight for WWII Veterans in Washington, D.C. George's "Bottom Gun" Hat made quite an impression on the other Veterans, where he made many new friends. George is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Priscilla Childs; their two sons, John (Susan) Childs of Plymouth and Bill (Patricia) Childs of Kankakee, Illinois; eight grandchildren, Joshua Childs of La Porte, Indiana, Margaret Smith of Lake Station, Indiana, Kimberly Sherwood of La Porte, Jason Craig of Wyoming, Jennie D. Childs of Chicago, Illinois, Chris G. Childs of Kankakee, Kari L. Childs of Kankakee, and Lisa A. Easton of Las Vegas, Nevada; six great-grandchildren; and his sister, Helen Zerkel of Kankakee. George was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Hayward and his brother, James Childs. A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, March 25, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. C.S.T. at the Lacon Cemetery in Lacon, Illinois, with the Rev. Casey Taylor, officiating. Full military honors will be provided by the Walter Guede American Legion Post 593. | ||
| Don Gentry |
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Admin Posts: 2375 Location: Renton, WA | Subject: RE: Wednesday Obits and note Bob Croft was a hero of mine as an incredible deep diver (no air). I became a certified diver at age 15 and he and Jaques Cousteau were definitely heroes to me. After surviving Navy Diver's School, I wrote him once thinking that I would never hear back - but I did, and his response was lengthy and quite friendly. RIP Robert Croft | ||
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