SubFest Returns to Groton
For the first time since July 2001, Subase New London will be lowering the threatcon level enough to hold SubFest. Looks like it's scaled back quite a bit, though; I remember back in 1998 they had Spin Doctors, 98 Degrees and Sixpence None The Richer. OK, so they're not the biggest names in music, but it's still better than the "circus clowns, trapeze artists, the Performing Poodles of Paris, and Liberty the Horse" that they have this year.
To be honest, I never really liked SubFest -- having all the civilians crowd onto the base made for a real pain in the ass weekend, especially if you had duty. I know it was supposed to promote good relations between the Sailors and townies, but I would have much preferred to have the Sailor's families actually be able to see the musical groups.
I know... I'm an elitist boob...
Going deep...
posted by Bubblehead at 8:10 AM
17 Comments:
Seems if you're on duty it would be more like "Go ahead - ruin my 4th!" It's something for KIDS to do on a special weekend.
6/30/2005 11:07 AM
I would also like to point out that those "pain in the ass" civillians are the ones PAYING the bills.
If anything, the military needs to be MORE open and honest, not less.
6/30/2005 12:44 PM
I think when I was at SOAC in 1996 they had that with Peter Frampton, REO Speedwagon, and a couple of other '70s-'80s bands whose names escape me. It was a good time. Drank a lot of cheap beer...ended up at the CPO club...staggered back to the BOQ...did not feel too good the next day...a good time was had by all.
6/30/2005 1:39 PM
SubFest, attended it as an E3 subschool nonqual in 1980. Rode a carnival ride called "The Bullet" and lost my sunglasses and loose change. Had it literally shaken out of me. Must have been a civilian Carny conspiracy to take advantage of us military types.
6/30/2005 9:30 PM
Subfest is a crock of shite, this is my 3rd yr on the base and 1st subfest, how is it possible to grab and ruin the weekend for over 90 personell on the base by making them do ASF for the weekend...This festival is for the birds, to hell with relations between the assholes on groton who up until the BRAC list came out couldn't have given two shits about the base or the sailors....And the entertainment sucks , what's up with that?
7/01/2005 8:33 PM
I have to agree that SubFest is just a big pain in the ass. At least I didn't have duty this weekend. With the diminishing benefits that are offered to those who serve, why does something that could be a good time have to be open to the public? Most of those I know stayed away because they'd rather not have to hang out with a bunch of townies who could've cared less about them until BRAC came along.
Of course, this extends right into the many other brilliant decisions made by SUBASE... Anyone ever stay in the Susse Chalet? Roughly four times the cost of staying in the Q, with half of the amenities. And was anyone suprised that the supporters of privatizing base housing said that they wouldn't open it to the public, just to see them do exactly that within months?
7/04/2005 8:24 PM
You know, I lived in this town all my life (22 years), and I went to Subfest-- and bash at the base-- more times than I like to admit. I hated it, but I went, and I gotta say I'm amused by the comments about securing good relations between townies and sailors.
From our side, it's between civilians and squids, thank you very much, although I'm in agreement that it doesn't really accomplish anything positive. As for the squids who'd rather not hang out with a bunch of townies, I have to say that it's possible to go and stay with your friends, like normal groups of people do-- it's not like subfest is a blind date with all of Groton.
Anyway, closing it to the public would only lose money, drastically reduce attendance, and damage community relations.
Finally- please note, I'm not suggesting that you all stop coming to our crappy mall or the town fairs.
7/05/2005 11:56 AM
Emilie, another out of towner says: I have lived in Pawcatuck for quite a while and I was married to one of you guys at one time. I am suprised at how you talk about we "townies" as you say. I never knew you were prejudiced against the people of your own country. For your information I have always suported and thought highly of you all. You should be ashamed to think of us in that way. There is no line between civilians and the navy; you drew it yourselves. So what you're saying is that all the navy friends that I have; really don't like me. Hey grow up this isn't pre school. I would like to know who on base teaches you guys to hate people. Write me at: dwoman3965@comcast.net
6/30/2006 10:51 PM
Danni - a military dependant: A military installation is for - guess who? The military! I don't think we should give the opportunity to vagrants to wander around and either get lost, cause a terrorist action, or anything that would hurt the base community (those who are helping defend our country) The civilians are saying you deserve to see what's behind the gates because you grew up here, but the base doesn't owe you anything. All the sailors and families it brings here helps your community and maybe you should show some respect.
And on top of that, making all the ASF people lose their 4th for the townies sucks ass for their families.
7/01/2006 2:28 AM
Looking at these posts, I think back to fond memories of my "holidays" when I was on the USS Sunfish. We (M-Div) would go into shift-work to do maintenance, like cleaning the sea-water side of heat exchangers. It wasn't an exception, it was a regular thing for "3 day weekend holidays". That was back in '81-82
I never had the opportunity to visit Groton, but we attended a similar event in La Maddelana(sp?), Sardenia, where good ol' American hotdogs and hamburgers were grilled up free for everyone and the US Navy Rock Band out of Naples came to play some great tunes. Everyone there seemed to be having a great time. It helped us get to know the townfolk, and them us, and we were even able to overcome our language and cultural differences.
Everyone I've met who was a Groton Townie, always has the nicest things to say about the Submariners stationed there.
Few people realize how hard life in the Navy can be. And it's easy to get a poor outlook on things when you are dealing with that hard life. But later in life, you will look back at those times, remember these sacrifices, and have something to be very proud of and rightfully so.
Take advantage of every opportunity you can to get to know the local folks. They are the reason we do this. And know that civilians across the US admire, respect, and appreciate what Submariners have done for them.
6/26/2007 4:38 PM
I've lived along the thames for seven years now and never wanted to go to subfest. If the navy personell want it to go private, let it. After all, over the 4th of July Holiday mostly all elsewhere is private. Look at the tall ships down in rhode island. Activities end at six, but not really. I could go on and embellish what goes on but then we could stereotype it all too.
As I say every summer "no xmas card..." I'm goin to the beach today and next weekend up to the american lemans at limerock for some speed.
6/30/2007 9:09 AM
My Dad's been in the navy all my life, I'm only 17 and we've been stationed in Groton since I was four. Subfest is a great memory. All you Navy people: If you don't want to deal with "townies," do what we do and go to Military Night the night before. It's cheaper anyway! And waaaaaay less crowded. Super short lines.
Tonight is military night and I'm super excited!
7/03/2007 11:28 AM
Too bad some of you bubbleheads hate subfest and hate your townie neighbors. I have to admit, the base in Groton is not a very welcoming place... especially compared to Pearl Harbor, and yes it does suck to have to work on a holiday. Just remember though, many civilians have to work holidays too. "Townies" often have to tolerate drones of testosterone-driven drunk sailors when they finally hit shore and have leave, especially if the port is a desireable one. I've experienced this first hand many times. And while the experience may not be the most pleasant for the locals, the sailors deserve to have some fun for a change. Remember, somewhere out there is a civi or townie who is a relative, friend, or neighbor of yours, who appreciates your service, and who contributes to the funding that pays for your housing, medical, etc. And although your benefits may not be the best, at least you have job security at a time when people are being laid off and are struggling to make their rent and house payments. Show a little respect for yourself and others in your community.
7/01/2008 7:33 PM
I'm a dependant in Groton with my husband stationed there, and I grew up here as well as a "townie". What's wrong with opening it up? We sure as heck use the towns resources. We use Groton's public schools for our children, we use the towns recreation public parks beaches and amenities, all free of charge though we pay no taxes to this state, why not return the favor? Iv never seen a line between "us" and "them" I am proud to have my son go to school with civillian children as well as military children, and use all the same community features. I just don't see what is so wrong with opening the base up for a weekend for all to enjoy. Neither does my husband. Shoot, if it wasn't for subfest 9 years ago, we never may have met.
7/03/2008 9:05 AM
PLEASE remember that this townies thing...is the opinion of ONE man in the Navy....ONE......not one million, not one billion.......ONE INDIVIDUAL!
7/04/2008 8:57 AM
This can't actually work, I suppose like this.
11/18/2011 1:33 AM
This can't work in reality, that is exactly what I suppose.
3/31/2012 10:14 AM
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