***THIS PROGRAM IS VIRTUAL ONLY VIA ZOOM and REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED***

In 1939, off the coast of Portsmouth, N.H., one of America's newest submarines, the Squalus, was making a final test dive prior to her being commissioned by the US Navy. During what appeared to bel rescue of any trapped submariner a routine dive, somehow, tons of water flooded her and ultimately drove her to the bottom, 243' below the surface. Prior to that time, there had never been a successful rescue of men from any trapped submarine. As the rescue efforts began, on the surface was the Squalus's sister, the Sculpin. She and other Navy vessels would ultimately triumph and raise the Squalus from the depths. A major role in this endeavor was played by a dedicated; visionary Commander Swede Momsen who lead the entire rescue effort.

The Squalus would be refurbished and renamed Sailfish. Both she and the Sculpin would be in the Pacific at the outbreak of the war. Each would do their best to slow down the Japanese onslaught. Fate would not shine on the Sculpin and she would be sunk by a Japanese destroyer. Meanwhile, Sailfish would continue patrols against the Japanese. In an ironic twist, these two crews would come together again. This meeting is truly an example of "the fortunes of war". A tale of sacrifice and loss that warrants retelling. 

ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Bob Begin is a visiting lecturer whose take on historical events often reflects the great challenges and courage put forth by the people who made history. With a focus on the human element in every story, Bob’s lectures span a wide range of topics including Lawrence of Arabia, the USS Quincy, and the Cocoanut Grove Fire of 1942. Bob grew up in the Lewiston-Auburn area and worked as a carrier for the Lewiston Daily Sun and the Lewiston Evening Journal. He graduated from Babson College with a degree in business administration. He and his wife Mary have been married for 48 years, and they have two sons and five grandchildren.

***THIS PROGRAM IS VIRTUAL ONLY VIA ZOOM and REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED***