Ussvi Volunteer Base

09/20/2026

I received a letter from the wife of long time Volunteer base member Robert "Bob" "Firebug" G. Clark saying that he passed away April 9, 2026.
Bob qualified on the USS Triton SSN-586 in 1968. Bob served on 3 additional submarines in his 8 years in the Navy; USS Jack SSN-605; USS George Bancroft SSBN-643, and USS Stonewall Jackson SSBN-634.

Robert "Bob" Clark, passed away April 9, 2026, peacefully at his home.

He was a Graduate from Texas Tech University with a PhD, in Fire Ecology. He was a retiree from the Bureau of Land Management, and prior to college he served in the Navy on nuclear Submarines.

Survived by his wife Pat Clark, three step children Mark (Christine) Moore, Ellen Moore, and Neil Moore; three grandchildren Frankie Moore, Julia Moore, and Nathaniel Moore.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Mountain Home VA, Amedisys hospice nurses, and Cornerstone personal care for all their help.

In lieu of flowers the family have asked for donations tot be made to Greeneville/Greene County Humane Society.

There will be a service scheduled at Mountain Home National Cemetery at a later date.

The link to Robert's obituary ( https://www.jeffersmortuary.com/obituaries/robert-clark-apr-2026 )

05/12/2026

You’ve been given free access to this story from The Economist as a gift. You can open the link five times within seven days. After that it will expire.

America’s submarine dominance is under threat

Naval mockery of China is turning to alarm

05/12/2026

At the Volunteer Base spring picnic on Saturday we inducted two new Holland Club members — Submarine Qualified plus 50 years. Pleased to welcome Mike Gorham to the Holland Club ranks. Congratulations, shipmate.

05/09/2026

Terrific Volunteer Base picnic today at McKnight Park in Murfreesboro. Perfect weather to induct two members of the Holland Club, submariners who reached 50 years since qualifying. Mike Gorham and Stan Tennyson have joined the club.

A great turnout enjoyed a great picnic lunch organized by George Linkel, big 🎩 tip.

05/09/2026

Our newest Holland Club member Stan Tennyson is welcomed into the club by his fellow HC members.

Congratulations Stan!!!

04/11/2026

Happy 126th birthday to the United States Submarine Force!

We inducted 3 members into the 2026 Holland club, L to R: Jim Early STS1/S, Keith Carlaw MT1/SS, and Bob Luna SK1/SS.

2 of our 2026 HC inductees could not attend today’s meeting, Stan Tennyson LT and Michael Gorham RM3/SS. We will induct them at the next meeting they attend.

Congratulations to all our new Holland Club inductees, you and all your fellow Holland Club members rock!

04/10/2026

Sneaky submarine stuff.

British and Norwegian forces tracked and deterred Russian submarine activity near critical undersea infrastructure for more than a month earlier this year. Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed the operation publicly today, sending a direct message to Moscow: "We see you."

The vessels, including an Akula-class attack submarine and two specialist deep-sea research submarines designed to survey and sabotage underwater infrastructure, have now left the area. No damage was reported.

Russia's shadow war beneath the waves is not hypothetical. It is ongoing. Read the full report in the comment below.

https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-tracked-russian-submarines-north-atlantic-month-2026-04-09/

03/14/2026

Terrific Volunteer Base meeting today including wide ranging remarks from Jon Jacques, Volunteer Base founder and current USSVI National Commander.

01/29/2026

Tolling the bell in honor of LCDR Ed West, US Navy

01/29/2026

Saying farewell to our shipmate, Ed West.