Albany pays tributes to US submarine crews “still on patrol”

Seventy-five years to the month after the last US submarine was lost in World War II, US Navy Lt Cmdr Christopher Clevenger paid tribute to those of his predecessors “still on patrol”. Lt Cmdr Clevenger gave the formal address at the annual US Submariners Memorial Service at Princess Royal Fortress in Albany on Friday. In total, 52 US submarines and more than 3500 crewmen were lost during WWII, representing the highest casualty rate of any service in the US military. “I ask myself, ‘why do we do this? Why do we continue to carry on these traditions?’,” Lt Cmdr Clevenger said. “We do this because it’s important to remember our past and honour those whose actions were responsible for our freedom today and our freedom in the future. “We do this because war and the horrors and sorrow that accompany it are real, it happened — and it continues to happen. We do this because almost 80 years ago we came to a crossroads where the men of the submarine force chose the right path, the difficult path, to stand against tyranny, to protect our way of life. “These men were of unmatched principle and character. The men and women of the submarine force today are proud of this heritage and when measured against this standard hope not to be found wanting. “These ceremonies remind us real people ... have had to stand up for what they believe in — what we believe in — and sadly, sometimes they paid the ultimate sacrifice. “Those 3505 men of the US submarine force did not lose their lives in vain.” The first US submarine arrived at Albany on March 17, 1941, finding refuge when the war was on Australia’s doorstep. To coincide with Friday’s service, Albany received a port visit from Royal Australian Navy submarine HMAS Farncomb. Wreaths were laid by Lt Cmdr Clevenger, RAN Capt. Doug Theobald and RSL Albany president Laurie Fraser. Another wreath was laid on behalf of late Thai-Burma Railway survivor Harold Martin, who was rescued by the crew of the USS Pampanito after four days treading water in the South China Sea.