USS William H Bates (SSN680)
There Are Only Two Types Of Ships: Submarines and Targets.
The Honorable William H. Bates
United States House of Representatives
1950-1969
U.S.S. William H. Bates was named in honor of the late United States Representative William H. Bates of Massachusetts, a man devoted to the vital importance of the nation's seapower. He served in the U. S. Navy for ten years, resigning his commission as Lieutenant Commander after being elected to Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of his father, George J. Bates. Congressman Bates served as representative from Massachusetts' sixth district from 1950 until his death in June 1969, becoming the senior Republican member of the House Armed Services Committee and the second ranking House member of the Joint Atomic Energy Committee. He was a vigorous advocate and effective supporter of the development of nuclear power for Naval vessels.
The Submariner
Only a submariner realizes to what extent an entire ship depends on him as an individual. To a landsman this is not understandable, and sometimes it is even difficult for us to comprehend, but it is so! A submarine at sea is a different world in herself, and in consideration of the protracted and distant operations of submarines, the Navy must place responsibility and trust in the hands of those who take such ships to sea. This is perhaps the most difficult and demanding assignment in the Navy. There is not an instant during his tour as a submariner that he can escape the grasp of responsibility. His privileges in view of his obligations are almost ludicrously small, nevertheless, it is the spur which has given the Navy its greatest mariners - the men of the Submarine Service. It is a duty which most richly deserves the proud and time-honored title of.....Submariner. "This country can be proud and grateful that so many of its sound, young, eager men care enough about their own stature in life and the welfare of their country to pool their skills and match them collectively against the power of the sea." Read Dr. Joyce Brothers' essay on Submariners. Click to read "HOW A SUBMARINE IS ORGANIZED" This was by far my favorite drill. It was quite a ride as the Billy B shot out of the ocean Download a video of an emergency surface.(2 meg avi file) Check out the slideshow! 
Photo Gallery.....
I have a mixed collection.
Thanks to Jerry Hopkins, Michael White,
and to the 'lost' lava.net site.
View the gallery by clicking on that stunning portrait of a young seaman.
Click for the stats and status of the Billy B
Click for an overview of Sturgeon class submarines.
"EMERGENCY SURFACE"
like she didn't want to be wet any more. Adrenaline junkies don't get any higher.
High speed maneuvers were also "lots of fun".
Click to read "Life Aboard A Submarine?"
Drop me a line.....
I'm sure to get it
at the next mail buoy.