EP63 Generations Below: Patrick Roche's Legacy in the Silent Service
Join Bill Nowicki as he delves into the compelling life of Patrick Roche—a submariner shaped by family tradition, personal responsibility, and decades of experience beneath the waves. From growing up in a Navy family to serving on both diesel boats and missile submarines, Patrick shares intimate reflections on family, service, resilience, and camaraderie in the US Navy's Silent Service. ### Highlights & Key Points **[00:00:00] - Beginnings in Groton & Naval Heritage** - Patrick grew up in Groton, Connecticut, with his father serving on submarines. - Graduated high school in 1965; influenced by his father's Navy career. - Joined the Navy after moving to San Diego ("I guess that's where I got the…") - Family tradition: Patrick and his father served together on the USS Ronquil (SS-396), completing three WestPac deployments to Japan and Vietnam. **[00:03:00] - Life Aboard with Family** - Served with his father but led separate lives aboard; father was a chief quartermaster. - Never faced negative bias due to his father's position. Liberty meant different things for each—dad to the chief's club, Patrick and friends to the beach. **[00:05:00] - Family Life & Responsibility** - Married at age 18, became a father early. - Now the proud father of four daughters, eight grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. - Emphasizes responsibility and "growing up quickly" as a driving force behind his life choices. **[00:09:00] - Naval Career & Historic Moments** - Started as a fireman apprentice with a guaranteed school for submariners. - Went from diesel to nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), including the USS Theodore Roosevelt (SSBN-600). **[00:12:00] - Life and Duties on Submarines** - Served as an interior communications electrician ("IC man"), specializing as a gyro technician (explains the importance of gyros for navigation and missile launches). - Patrolled with the George Bancroft (SSBN-643); recalls the predictability of SSBN rotations—three months on, three months off. **[00:13:00] - Homecomings & Family Dynamics** - Kept family routines stable by letting his wife handle finances and household matters. - No issues adjusting to or from life at sea; credits strong partnership with his wife. **[00:15:00] - Submarine Evolutions & Technological Changes** - Comments on advancements from older boats to modern fast attacks and Virginia-class submarines. - Describes watchstanding: battle helmsman responsibilities, auxiliary duties, and the unique experience of bunking arrangements. **[00:19:00] - Challenges & Close Calls** - Survived a major flooding incident on the Roosevelt due to a head valve left open during snorkeling—highlights the ever-present dangers of submarine duty ("…we were down at 80-90 feet with the head valve open…"). **[00:20:00] - Advancement, Brotherhood & Initiations** - Rose through the ranks to Chief in 12 years; shares stories of chief initiation rites. - Reminisces about camaraderie, qualification processes, and the support systems in place—especially as a "legacy" submariner. **[00:24:00] - Civilian Career & Life After Service** - Transitioned to civilian roles with NAVSEA (Supervisor Shipbuilding), working in San Diego, New Orleans, and Bath, Maine. - Reflects on moving frequently for assignments, supervising ship construction. **[00:25:00] - Retirement & Reflections** - Currently resides in Gales Ferry, Connecticut, after retiring 10 years ago. - Considers returning to Maine for its beauty and tranquility. - Stresses the importance of staying in touch with Navy friends and the legacy of the submarine community. **[00:27:00] - The Holland Club & Submarine Brotherhood** - Member of the US Submarine Veterans' Holland Club—honoring 50+ years of qualification. - Describes the meaning of these traditions and the enduring bonds among submariners. **[00:29:00] - Lasting Partnerships** - Acknowledges the unwavering support of his wife, Barbara, throughout their 60 years of marriage. - Offers closing reflections on the rewards of naval service and maintaining life-long friendships. --- ### Notable Quotes: - "I had a responsibility and had to do it." - "People treated you a lot different, too, when you're not dink (delinquent in qualifications)." - "I just enjoyed being on the boats—wouldn't trade it for anything." - "She [his wife] is a winner. Sixty years coming up in December." --- ### Listen For: - Insights into multi-generational Navy life (00:00:00–00:04:00) - Early marriage and parenting in the military (00:05:00–00:07:00) - Historic submarine incidents (00:09:00–00:10:00) - Submarine technology and daily operations (00:12:00–00:16:00) - The legendary Holland Club tradition (00:27:00) --- ### Closing **Want to hear more voices from beneath the waves? Subscribe and leave us a review!** **Got a story to share, or questions for a guest? Email us or visit our site to connect.** --- **Contact & Resources:** - Want to learn about the Holland Club? [USSVI Holland Club](https://www.ussvi.org/) - More about the Nautilus Memorial: [Submarine Force Museum](https://www.ussnautilus.org/)
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