The ceremony honored all submarines and submariners lost during the force’s 116-year history. The USS Bergall (SSN 667) has
been chosen to represent the 2016 event as a contributor to the advancement in undersea warfare.  In the years prior to 2012,
the service’s focus was on the 52 submarines and Sailors lost during World War II, as well as the losses of USS Thresher (SSN 593)
on April 10, 1963 and USS Scorpion (SSN 589) on May 22, 1968.  This changed when the World War II submarine veterans
where incorporated into the United States Submarine Vererans, Inc. (USSVI) in 2012. “During World War II, the submarine force
comprised of less than two percent of the Navy, but due to their gallant courage and daring efforts, submarine Sailors sank over 55
percent of the enemy shipping lost in the pacific.  In doing so, they suffered heavy casualties, losing over 3,500 [Sailors], and 52 s
ubmarines in the struggle for victory,” said Lt. Cmdr. Chris Bryan, SUBLRNFAC Executive Officer after greeting attendees.  “This
ceremony is held to express the submarine forces’ appreciation for the years of devoted service and sacrifices each submarine Sailor gives
to this country and allows our shipmates to honor those who have gone before them.”

The guest speaker for the event, Capt. (Ret.) Bill Tally, Commanding Officer of Bergall at its Commissioning in 1969, spoke to over
70 former USS Bergall Sailors and more than 100 attendees on the impact of USS Bergall on the submarine force.

“It was bitter cold and I could see tugboats out on the Thames River breaking up the ice to avoid any propeller damage as the ship slid into the river.
It was a spectacular occasion and I was proud to be a part of it,” said Tally, as he recalled the launching of Bergall on February 17, 1968.”

Not long after Bergall had been launched, underwent sea trails and received its commissioning, Tally found himself playing host to a wide range of
guests aboard the Navy’s newest nuclear powered submarine.

“Soon, each time Bergall went to sea, there were a large group of “riders” who worked during the off-hours of other projects.  “Multitasking”
became common with development work going on 24 hours a day,” said Tally.  “Some of these add-on projects were very successful and became
significant improvements to submarine combat systems.”

Bergall, named after the Balao-class submarine USS Bergall (SS 320), displayed five stars on the ships crest for the five war patrols of its namesake
in WWII.  As an anti-submarine weapon by design, Bergall was the first ship to be outfitted with the operational warshot configuration
of the MK-48 torpedo.

  “Another major task was the development testing of the new DNA sonar which became the BQQ-5 and later became the standard sonar
system for the SSN 688 Class and later submarines,” said Tally.  “During this period of development operations, there were many senior underway
visitors, including Navy admirals, senior Navy civilians, and even heads of corporations.  They always commented on the outstanding crew on Bergall
and asked if this was a special crew assigned for these priority operations.  I always assured them that this was a normal submarine crew but
they have the Bergall Spirit.”

“I see this induction into the Submarine Hall of Fame as the culmination of Bergall achievements,” said Tally.  “Thank you all for allowing
me to share in this occasion.”