SUBMARINES LOST WW II

The dedication service and unveiling of the memorial tablet in honor of the submarine sailors of World War II took place at on Friday, April 11, 1958, on the occasion of the 58th anniversary of the advent of submarines in the U.S. Navy.

During World War II 52 American submarines never returned from their last patrols, and 3,505 courageous submariners, both officer and enlisted, lost their lives. Many of these submarines had been built or were readied at Mare Island, and many of those young submariners worshipped at St. Peter's before heading west to the battle area.

The memorial tablet was unveiled by Rear Admiral George L. Russell, USN, Commandant of the 12th Naval District, followed by the rendition of taps by a Marine bugler. The tablet was designed by Mr. Andrew Winniford, of the Design Section, Mare Island Naval Shipyard.

THRESHER PLAQUE

The loss of the USS THRESHER SSN-593 on April 10, 1963 was a severe blow to the entire naval service, and was acutely felt at Mare Island where sister ships PERMIT and PLUNGER were constructed, and where the THRESHER personnel had many friends.

Contributions by many made possible the tablet which was dedicated at a solemn ceremony on April 10, 1964. It was carved by Richard Gaser and Rene Trochet from the Pattern Shop, and ex-Mare Island apprentices. Gaser made the scroll and submarine, and Trochet the lettering and other portions.

Following the invocation by Chaplain J. D. O'Leary, a short address was given by Rear Admiral Edward J. Fahy, USN, Commander, Mare Island Naval Shipyard, a veteran of submarine service. The tablet was unveiled by Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Garner. whose son Yeoman John Edwin Garner was lost on THRESHER. Following the prayer by Chaplain Swift, there was a Memorial Volley and Taps, with Benediction by Chaplain W. P. Ude.