Damage Control Trainer Dedicated to Submarine Hero EMC(SS) John D. Rendernick

Since 08-26-04

From NSL UPDATE 08-20-2004

Damage Control Trainer Dedicated to Submarine Hero
By Journalist 3rd Class Corwin Colbert, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) and Naval Submarine Training Center (NAVSUBTRACEN) Pacific dedicated the NAVSUBTRACEN Damage Control Wet Trainer in honor of Chief Electrician’s Mate John D. Rendernick Aug. 17 at the trainer on Ford Island. Rendernick was awarded the Navy Silver Star posthumously for heroic actions while serving aboard USS Billfish (SS 286) during a war patrol in the enemy-controlled waters of Makassar Strait Nov. 11, 1943. When an enemy depth charge caused damage to his submarine’s internal piping and hull fittings, Rendernick took action from his battle station and led emergency repairs.

“This is a great occasion to honor a man of courage and a true patriot, and really exemplifies what a chief petty officer is all about,” said Rear Adm. Paul F. Sullivan. Rendernick was definitely a chief petty officer and a true submariner.” COMSUBPAC Force Master Chief Michael Benko said Rendernick is important not only to naval history, but to the chief petty officer heritage. “I think this ceremony was very fitting,” said Benko. “It is the officers who take the ship into battle, but it is the chief petty officers that run the ship. We are witnesses today to Chief Rendernick and his efforts to lead his men in saving USS Billfish.” “This dedication was a perfect fit to what Rendernick did,” agreed Chief Fire Control Technician (sel.) Benjamin Kern. “He saved his submarine and, more importantly, the lives of his shipmates. He was in a desperate situation, found a solution and took it for action. He is a role model for all chief petty officers to follow.”

Rendernick’s daughter spoke on her father’s behalf and expressed the importance of the dedication. “It’s such an overwhelming honor to be here,” said Mary Kay Rendernick, daughter of John Rendernick. “I got the call that this event was going to take place, and tears came from my eyes. I could not believe Dad was being recognized for something. He was a very secretive man in his day and he did not talk about being in the military too often,” she said. “I am amazed that he was chosen. If he were alive today, he would be overwhelmed. He said the submarine force is unique and unlike any other job. He called the old submarines 'cigars under the sea.' My father was not a man to cry, but there would be some tears sneaking by.”