Copied from THE DOLPHIN (NLON SubBase Newsletter)
Thurs., Feb. 25, 1999
New barracks to be named "Bishop Hall"
SUBASE's new bachelor enlisted quarters, Building 560, will be named in honor of the late TMC(SS) Walter W. Bishop, the last chief of the boat (COB) on USS Scorpion (SSN589). Bishop was lost on active duty when Scorpion sank with all hands while en route to Norfolk, Va. on May 22, 1968. The dedication and opening ceremonies for Bishop Hall have yet to be announced.
Bishop was selected as chief of the boat of Scorpion in July 1962, while still a petty officer first class. This uncommon step was taken in recognition of then Petty Officer Bishop's outstanding and superb leadership characteristics, despite the presence of a number of chief petty officers in the crew.
Bishop's distinguished naval career began in June 1948. Upon completion of recruit training, he graduated from submarine school here in December 1948. He reported to USS Corporal for his first duty in submarines and later served on submarines Wahoo and Sargo before reporting to Scorpion in Sept. 1959.
According to CAPT H. A. Lincoln, Jr., Commanding Officer, SUBASE, Bishop's professionalism and dedication personifies today's Navy core values of honor, courage and commitment. "As one who gave the fullest measure to his nation and his shipmates, he is a shining example of personal achievement and a role model that today's Sailors should strive to emulate," Lincoln said.
"The loss of USS Scorpion is one of the great catastrophes of the Cold War era. By honoring TMC(SS) Bishop, we honor an era of Sailors who dedicated, and in Chief Bishop's case, lost their lives to fighting a nameless war against a faceless enemy.
The triumph of our democratic ideals over the forces of communism was brought by the sacrifice of Chief Bishop and the men he led in service to our nation," added Lincoln.