Jack Gabler Papers
Historic Owner
Jack Gabler
Association
USS Growler (SSG-577)
Author
Robert L. Owens
DateJune 21, 1963–April 3, 1964
PeriodCold War
Mediumpaper, ink, pencil
ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts
Credit LineCollection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of Jack Gabler. A2017.56
Object numberA2017.56
DescriptionExtent: 1 folderThe Jack Gabler papers contain a newspaper clipping, three envelopes, and two letters from Gabler's time aboard the submarine USS Growler (SSG-577). Jack Gabler served on board Growler as a sonarman third class (SO3) from June 1963 through April 1964, just after the submarine was decommissioned.
Newspaper Clipping; Mare Island Grapevine, April 3, 1964
- Headline reads "Grayback and Growler Arrive To Up Workload Here"
Correspondence; Three (3) envelopes, two (2) letters
- June 21, 1963
Empty envelope addressed to "Mr. Harlen Gabler // Crespard // South Dakota;" return address reads "U.S.S. Growler (SSG-577) // c/o Fleet Post Office // San Francisco, California" and underneath the return address "Official Business" is printed in blue.
- June 22, 1963
Envelope addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Harlen Gabler // Cresbard, South Dakota". The letter describes the tests and preparations Growler was going through in Hawaii before leaving on patrol. Gabler describes training in each department on Growler, his specified job on board, the patrol Growler is about to embark on, and how he misses home.
- October 5, 1963
Envelope addressed to "Mr. Harlen Gabler // Cresbard, South Dakota;" return address says "U.S.S. Growler (SSG-577) // c/o Fleet Post Office // San Francisco, California" and underneath the return address "Official Business" is printed in blue. The letter is addressed to "Parents" and describes Growler's upcoming deployment, the importance of the work they are doing, and the secrecy needed. It goes on to inform the families that they will not hear from their sons until December, but families should rest assured that their sons are well taken care of. It also describes the short messages or "familygrams" the families may send, but warns the families to makes these messages cheerful and "free from the myriad of problems that may upset you." The letter is signed by "R.L. Owens, LCDR, USN // Commanding Officer."
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