USS Growler - SSG-577

During Hector's Branson performance on April 24, 2004, Hector met the crew of the USS Growler who were in Branson enjoying a reunion. Hector played some very special maritime music while displaying on the large side screens various scenes of the exterior & interior of the submarine Growler.

Following the performance, Hector & Lieve were invited back to the Growler's reunion hotel where a very special inauguration ceremony was held for Hector.

Now, share Hector's pride and gratitude to the crew members of the Growler as they honored their new shipmate - the honorary appointment of Chief Petty Officer Hector Olivera.

Hector commencing with a special tribute to the Growler's grew

Continuing, but now wearing the official Growler reunion T-shirt

And receiving a standing ovation from the crew

Some quiet chat time with the audience

Thank you, ThankYouVeryMuch...

Hector with his new crewmates: (L to R) Uel Smith, Hector, Tom Coffman, Larry Noon

The Growler crew on stage with Hector

(Above & below) Charles Kreuger pins on CPO insignia on Hector while Tom Coffman looks on

We now present Hector as an honorary Chief Petty Officer

Tom Jones congratulates Hector on his "promotion"

Tom Coffman & Dave Straka talk over some Growler background information with Hector

Receiving his sailing orders from John Taylor with Don Bosetti right behind him

Tom Coffman showing Hector a photo of a Regulus 1 guided cruise missile launch off the Growler while at sea off Roosevelt Rhodes, Puerto Rico during a post shakedown restricted availability cruise.

Learning about the torpedoes from John Taylor, with Don Bosetti in the background

With the wife of a Plank Owner Mrs. Jerry Carlson

Sharon Coffman, Hector, Tom Coffman & Lieve (Mrs. Hector)

Following a concert in the LA area on December 7, 2004, John Anderson (FTGC (SS) - USN-Ret), (USS Growler - SSG-577, 1960-63) & Hector had a chance to chat a bit.

For additional information on the USS Growler (SSG-577) please visit their web site. U.S.S. GROWLER was a pioneer when she departed on her first Nuclear Deterrent Patrol in 1960. Armed with Regulus nuclear cruise missiles, she helped usher in a new era of strategic defense. You are encouraged to visit the Growler crew site as well. You are encouraged to visit the Regulus Guided Cruise Missile web site as well. The Regulus was the Navy's first nuclear armed cruise missile. Of course when you visit NYC, be sure to stop by the actual Growler, moored along side (see image below) the Aircraft Carrier Intrepid at the Intrepid Sea Air and Space museum in New York city, Pier 86, 12th Avenue & West 46th Street, New York (NY), phone: 212-245-0072.

Again, our appreciation to the crew members of the USS Growler for honoring Hector in this manner.

We also, appreciate the use of the Growlers' web site background wallpaper - the submariners dolphin insignia

On May 31, 2004 Hector had an opportunity to go aboard the USS Growler. He experienced, in a small way, what it was like within the SSG-577. (See below for two photographs). For additional images, CLICK HERE