Perch Base USSVI August 2020 Ray Marshall 100th Birthday Drive-By Celebration

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Perch Base
Ray Marshall's
100^th Birthday

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Monday, August 3, 2020, ENC(SS) Raymond Marshall, a WW2 veteran who made 12 war patrols on two different boats, was 100 years old. We celebrated his birthday the day prior, on Sunday 8/2/2020, due to traffic considerations and availability of his neighbors that are working folks and would be unavailable on Monday.
The celebration was, for most attendees a drive by affair, because of COVID‑19 concerns. Ray, his daughter Marion, and his son-in-law Ron are all in the high risk group and have been self isolating for months.
Those 3 were under a shade structure in front of the house and NOBODY, including the base members that were there as part of the work crew, got any closer than that shade structure to them. There were no handshakes, hugs, high fives or kissy facing. Anyone out of their vehicles were required to mask up and to the extent possible maintain social distancing.
The Perch Base USS Phoenix (SSN‑702) float was there parked on the street near the house bearing a birthday banner.

In addition to the photos, below, follow this LINK to a YouTube video of Ray Marshall's 100^th Birthday Drive‑By.

Click on any thumbnail for a larger picture.

August 2020 Ray Marshall 100th Birthday Drive-By

The fine print, "and STILL the best looking guy in the room"

Ray and Charles Tobias

Ray and his daughter, Marion Marshall

Ray and his son-in-law, Ron Lloyd

Ray with with Miss Gilbert 2020, Danielle Skranak (fyi, an Army veteran) and Gilbert Town Councilmember Bill Spence (fyi, a submarine veteran Lieutenant Commander Nuclear Engineering Officer, serving nearly 24 years on seven submarines and two aircraft carriers.)

(l-r) Base Commander Howard Doyle, Ray Marshall, Miss Gilbert 2020 Danielle Skranak, Gilbert Town Councilmember Bill Spence, Base COB Carl Miner.

(l-r) Base Commander Howard Doyle, Ray Marshall, Miss Gilbert 2020 Danielle Skranak, Gilbert Town Councilmember Bill Spence, Base COB Carl Miner, Base Webmaster Dan Marks.

(l-r) Perch Base members Glenn Posniack and Doug La Rock.

Base Vice Commander George Woods.

The parade begins including 4 Gilbert Police vehicles and 2 Gilbert Fire vehicles.

Perch Base member Glenn Posniack.

Perch Base Event Coordinater Don Unser and Secretary Marcia Unser.

Perch Base member Don Robertson.

Perch Base member John Zaichkin.

Ray joined the Navy in January 1939 and retired as a Chief Engineman in 1959. His first assignment was on the destroyer USS Mahan (DD‑364) from 1939 to 1940, but then was assigned to the Submarine Service in 1940. He qualified in submarines in 1941 on the USS Porpoise (SS‑172). Ray made 12 war patrols during WW2 on two different boats. He served for six war patrols on the Porpoise, leaving as a Motor Machinist Mate First Class, then six more war patrols on the USS Guavina (SS‑362) where he became a Chief Motor Machinist Mate.

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Ray Marshall's qual boat, the USS Porpoise (SS‑172). Ray rode this boat on 6 war patrols while assigned between 1940 to 1943.

Japanese Naval Radio Station on Enubuj Island, Kwajelein Atoll, Marshall Islands. The two tripod radio masts are estimated to be 120’-150’ high and 250’ apart. Taken thru the periscope of Porpoise (SS‑172). Photographed 10 May 1943 while Ray was on board.

The USS Guavina (SS‑362). Ray rode this boat on 6 war patrols while assigned between 1943 to 1947.

Ray also served on the following other submarines:
USS Brill (SS‑330)
USS Sealion (SSP‑315)
USS Wahoo (SS‑565)
USS Bergall (SS‑320)
USS Blenny (SS‑324)

Click on any thumbnail for a larger picture.