• USS Barb (SS-220)
    The last two war patrols conducted by Barb (SS-220) are deserving of special mention. Under Commander E. B. Fluckey she commenced her 11th patrol 19 December 1944. The patrol was conducted in the Formosa Straits and East China Sea off the east coast of China, from Shanghai to Kam Kit. During this patrol, which lasted until 15 February 1945, Barb sank four Japanese merchant ships and numerous enemy small craft. On 22-23 January Barb, displaying the ultimate in skill and daring, penetrated Namkwan Harbor on the China coast and wrought havoc upon a convoy of some 30 enemy ships at anchor. Riding dangerously in shallow waters, Barb launched her torpedoes into the enemy group and then retired at high speed on the surface in a full hour's run through uncharted, heavily mined, and rock-obstructed waters. In recognition of this outstanding patrol, Commander Fluckey was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and Barb received the Presidential Unit Citation.
    Commander E. B. Fluckey
  • Hunley
    H.L. Hunley a small, hand-powered submarine, was privately built at Mobile, Alabama, in 1863, based on plans furnished by Horace Lawson Hunley, James R. McClintock and Baxter Watson. She began a series of attempts to attack United States Navy ships on blockade duty off Charleston. On 17 February 1864, these efforts were successful. H.L. Hunley approached the steam sloop of war USS Housatonic and detonated a spar torpedo against her side. The Federal ship sank rapidly, becoming the first warship to be lost to a submarine's attack.
    Hunley
  • Intelligent Whale
    Intelligent Whale was one of a number of submarines built during the Civil War. She was hand-propelled, and steered by horizontal and vertical rudders. Wooden doors on the bottom allowed a diver to exit with a mine. She was purchased by the U.S. Navy in 1869, and brought to the Brooklyn Navy Yard for testing. In September 1872, in her only official Navy test, Intelligent Whale flooded. The crew escaped, but the Navy's interest in her ceased. Intelligent Whale was an early experiment in a field now of great importance.
    Intelligent Whale
  • Plunger
    Submarine Plunger on a slipway circa the late 1890s, possibly while under construction at the Columbian Iron Works, Baltimore, Maryland. Plunger was built under an 1895 Navy contract with the Holland Torpedo Boat Company but was not accepted for Naval service. Note her triple propeller shafts. This halftone reproduction was published in the "Journal of the American Society of Naval Engineers", May 1938.
    Plunger
  • The Fenian Ram
    The Fenian Ram is the second experimental submarine built by Irish-born inventor and educator John P. Holland. It was financed by the Fenian Brotherhood, an Irish revolutionary movement in the United States that sought Ireland's independence from British rule. It carried a crew of three, and made frequent dives in New York Harbor. It led Holland to perfect four other experimental craft that eventually resulted in his Holland submarine of 1898, which was adopted by the U.S. Navy and commissioned as SS-1. Fenian Ram was placed in Paterson's West Side Park in 1928 as a monument to the inventor. In 1980, it was moved inside the Paterson Museum where today it serves as a reminder of the ingenuity of the "father of the modern submarine."
    The Fenian Ram
by Dr. Radut

May 2026 Meeting

Columbus Base held it's meeting on Saturday 2, May 2026 at the american  legion in Worthing Ohio. You car read the details of the meeting in the minutes. Tim Barker visited the USS Cincinnati Memorial & Peace Pavilion prior to its opening, several photos of the pavilion are posted.  Photos from the meeting are also posted.

Submarine Birthday Dinner and Holland Club Inductions

The Submarine Birthday Dinner / Holland Club Induction was held on Saturday 11 April. W all enjoyed a delicious meal, provided by Wendi’s Catering, that was arranged by shipmate Mark Rose, with able assists from wife Mimi and daughters Christina and Anna. BZ for another excellent event.

Shipmate Bill McCorkle was awarded a 70-year rocker for his Holland Club patch. The club will provide rockers for all members with 5-year multiples of membership in Holland Club.

Neither of our Holland Club inductees were able to attended the meeting. Shipmate John Fleitz is also a member of Toledo Base and will receive his induction ceremony there. Shipmate Ken Sewell had other commitments and was unable to attend.

Minutes and Photos of this event are posted on the website.

March Meeting

On Sat, March 7 2026,out Monthly meeting was held at the American Legion Post #239 in Worthington Ohio. Instead of the usual sandwiches and chips, this month we dined on "Paula Lombardo's Famous Sloppy Joes", Pasta Salad, Cole Slaw, Chips with Salsa/Guac and Brownies. Photos and Minutes for this event are posted. On Saturday March 14 The base pulled the float in the Dublin St. Patricks day Parade photos are posted. 

 

January Meeting

The January meeting was held on Saturday the 3rd, New base officers were sworn in:

  • Dave Hamel, Commander
  • Tim Barker, Vice Commander
  • Walt Fleak, Treasurer
  • Dick Moore, Secretary

The meeting was held at the newly renovated American Legion Leasure-Blackston Post 239 in Worthington Ohio. Photos and Minutes of this meeting are posted on site.

Christmas Dinner

We gathered for our traditional Christmas and Toys for Tots Dinner on December 6 at Hilliard Memorial VFW Post 4931, 2436 Walcutt Rd. Following the 17-1800 social hour, Commander Tim Barker called the meeting to order before the dinner with the salute to our flag and country. Chaplain Walt Fleak offered the invocation. The Tolling of Lost Submarines was done by Sharon Lloyd and Galin Brady. Commander Tim updated the progress of the Worthington American Legion remodel with the comment that it should be ready for the January meeting. We then enjoyed a delicious meal organized by Clutch Koogler. We had 26 members and 23 guests in attendance. After dinner, each member introduced themselves and their guest(s).
 

Secretary Dembo as Head of the election committee, announced the results of the Base Officer elections’ for 2026-2027. They are:

November Meeting

On 1 November the base held it's monthly meeting at the Hilliard VFW #4931 on Walcutt Rd. On 2 November we participated in the Delaware Veterans Day parade. We will also be in the Logan Veterans Day Parade Sunday November 9, 2025. Photos from the meeting and parade are posted.

Base Officer Elections in process. Please Vote by 22 Nov.

Our next meeting will also be at the Hilliard VFW and will be the Christmas Dinner and Toy Collection.

October Meeting

Columbus Base Meeting was held Saturday 4 October 2025, Twenty-Two members and guests present. The base float was at the Delaware County Fair, BZ to Dave Hamel. 

We will be in the Delaware Veterans Day parade Sunday November 2, 2025 and the Logan Veterans Day Parade Sunday November 9, 2025 check the calendar for times and locations. The Base's Christmas Dinner/Awards Celebration/Toys for Tots Collection will be at the Hilliard VFW #4931 check the calendar for times, locations and maps. 

Photos and Minutes of this event are Posted.

Columbus Base elections will be held next month. All offices are open. These are Base Commander, Vice Base Commander, Secretary, and Treasurer. Bill Anderson and Clutch will be the Election Committee. Get your nominations to Clutch, ASAP.