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<click here for printable version in Word format> P. O. Box 6365
Dear Deterrent Park Brick Owner, The purpose of this letter is to update you on the status of the Park and provide you the exact location of your brick(s). What is the current status? Deterrent Park was “Dedicated” and officially turned over to the U. S. Navy in a partially constructed condition in May 2000. In May 2001 the park was officially “Opened” in a ceremony conducted by Commander, Submarine Group Nine and is being used on a regular basis for re-enlistments, retirements, reunions, awards ceremonies and like events. Additionally, we have numerous visitors to the park each week. While the park is currently being used there are still those few finishing touches that need to be completed. The ex-WOODROW WILSON Sail, with periscopes, and the Rudder have been incorporated into a concrete, and I must say very realistic, replica of the submarine hull. As a matter of fact during the “Opening” ceremony we had numerous folks who had to “knock” on the hull to see if it was steel! The simulated missile deck of the submarine houses 5000 bricks, of which about 2000 are engraved with remembrances from individuals who have “purchased” their brick with a $40 donation. There is large brick ceremonial area, bounded by a decorative wall on the port side of the simulated hull, with handicapped walkways to provide access. We have landscaped the area around the submarine and the ceremonial area. Lights have been installed around the ceremonial area and in positions to illuminate the sail of the submarine at night. Additionally, the Navigational “Side” Lights on the sail of the submarine come on automatically at dusk. There is a “sub-memorial” in the landscaped area that remembers all submariners who have been lost in submarines and who remain on “Eternal Patrol”. The “sub-memorial” consists of a restored WWII MK 14/16 Torpedo and a large brass plaque that lists all submarines that have ever been lost, the number of men lost and the situation under which the ship/men were lost. We have installed both Marble and Brass Plaques on individual monument mountings to list all who have been so generous as to support Deterrent at levels beyond a brick purchase. All in all, the Park is a fitting remembrance for those who gave so much. So what remains to be done? Like all major projects such as this there continue to be small things that have to be pursued for us to be truly “finished. We still need to provide a brick/paver walkway and lighting on the starboard side of the submarine, and need to extend the electrical power to the site to allow permanent electrical hookups for lighting, microphones, speakers, and other facilities needed for ceremonies. A permanent irrigation system to assist in maintaining the landscaping is also planned. It should also be noted that we have two major renovations to the Park in progress. First, we are in the process of re-painting the hull of the simulated submarine to bring the appearance back to prime condition. As is common in our corner of the country, the weather did not cooperate during the time leading up to the “Opening” ceremonies. We had to apply the original coat of black paint to the hull in less than optimum conditions (this is Pacific Northwest "speak" for the fact that it was raining). Secondly, in the very near term (in the next 2 months) we will be replacing the currently installed engraved bricks, with brand new bricks that have been engraved using a better and more legible engraving technique. It became evident to us, and also to many of you, that the engraving became virtually unreadable shortly after our original installation of the bricks. Because of this problem, bricks purchased after April 2001 have yet to be installed. These bricks will be laid at the same time that we install the replacement bricks. We truly apologize for these “glitches”, but as with many projects that are one of a kind, there are some “bumps” along the road. Please know that in the end we will provide you with a lasting product of which you will be proud. The building of Deterrent Park has been possible only with the financial support of all of you, and by the unselfish contribution of many man-hours by a small number of on-site submarine veterans who managed one challenge after another along the way. It has been a privilege for all of us to be involved in this outstanding and satisfying project. Many of you have asked about brick locations. The brick number that we sent to you in the letter acknowledging your donation was used as a tracking number for our database and for the installation of the bricks. That number will not be assist you in locating your brick at the park. A Letter and a Line Number now define your brick's location (s). i.e. the location B7, means that your brick(s) is in section B (there is a section brick engraved with a large letter B on the port side of the missile deck) and is in line 7 of the B section. Note that you can find the location of currently installed bricks using the brick locator on our website at www.deterrentpark.org. Ultimately, it is our intention to have a weather protected locator book at the park, so that you can also research your location on site. Again, thank you very much. Your generosity has made “Deterrent Park” possible. The park will be a constant reminder for future generations of the contribution of those who went before and hopefully an inspiration for those to yet to come. We are just about there funding-wise, but can still use some help to fund the continuing small projects at the park. There are still about 2500 un-engraved bricks available -- so if there is anyone you know who does not have a brick -- or who wants to assist in a more substantial way, we can use the help. All the Best! Sincerely, M. P. “Mike” Gray, Captain, USN (Ret.)
Note: 1. I can be reached at: 2. PacNorWest Heritage Association E-mail: buyabrick@deterrentpark.org |
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