Model subs hit the water this weekend at War Memorial Park

By Keith Purtell
Phoenix Staff Writer

July 02, 2008 11:52 pm

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An unusual display of radio-controlled model submarines will highlight one of this weekend’s Independence Day festivities.
The Batfish War Memorial Park and Museum will host the unique sub demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Park Manager Rick Dennis said that for these two days only, admission to the park and museum will be free. Admission will only be charged to the USS Batfish.
“Access to the parks area will be free, and they can wander the grounds all day long,” he said. “We will have guided tours of the boat, which is something we don’t usually do, and the charge will be $5 for each adult, $3 for seniors and $2 for kids.”
In addition to park and museum attractions, Smokehouse Bob’s will be on site with barbecue and beverages.
One person who said she plans to be there is Pat Davis, former radioman in the U.S. Navy.
“The Fourth to me is all about the freedoms we have in this country,” she said. “Every time I see a flag, I cry. What’s going on out at the Batfish is fantastic. Vets gave their lives not only in a physical way but in a mental way also when they came back with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. They did it to protect the freedoms that we have here.”
Davis said the war memorial park and museum is ideal for a greater role in future July Fourth celebrations.
“I think the mayor should back the Batfish 100 percent,” she said. “That place would be perfect for the fireworks display because it represents what the Fourth is all about. I’m a kid when it comes to the fireworks display. There is a serious aspect to July Fourth plus a fun aspect. The happiness part of it is the freedoms we have.”
The remote-controlled model submarines will be demonstrated behind the museum, Dennis said.
“We’ll have a pond built up on the east side of the Batfish where SUBRON5 will start at 10 a.m. and hold demonstrations all day long,” he said. “They are part of an international group of hobbyists promoting submarines. These are not small models; they are highly customized full-detail and will give everybody an opportunity to find out about submarines and how they operate. We estimate approximately 15 subs.”
The area east of the artificial pond is a wide grassy area that forms a natural amphitheater. There are a few picnic tables, but Dennis recommends people bring blankets and lawn chairs.
“There will also be a small above-ground clear-water demonstration pool where the submarines will be ‘trimmed’ and adjusted,” he said.
Dennis added that veterans Jack Skags and John Dale will be at the war memorial to meet visitors and answer questions about their experiences during WW II.
“Both men were survivors of the Japanese invasion of Wake Island during the outset of the war,” he said. “They fought to defend the island and spent time in Japanese POW camps after their subsequent capture. Come out and help us honor our heroes and share their stories.”
As an extra bonus for the public on Saturday, an aero-modeling group named TRAMPS (Three Rivers Area Model Plane Society) will offer a special display of WW II model aircraft.

The Fourth at the Batfish
WHAT: July Fourth Celebration at the USS Batfish.
HOURS: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
LOCATION: USS Batfish War Memorial Park and Museum. Take Muskogee Turnpike to Exit 33, turn east, then turn north at the Batfish sign.
ADMISSION: Free. Tours of the Batfish are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for children.
PHONE: 682-6294.

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