Wesley G. Chronister

Wes and I reported aboard the USS Will Rogers (SSBN659) submarine Gold crew in 1966. Neither of us were submarine qualified yet. As the first crew we are referred to as a "Plankowner". He was our cook while I was a sonarman. I loved going down to the crew's mess after my watch and enjoying some of those sticky buns Wes made with a hot cup of coffee. Submarine duty truly is the best duty in the Navy and we were among shipmates we considered family. The USS Will Rogers Veterans Association,...

I served FOUR Polaris Missile submarine patrols with Wes on the USS Will Rogers from 1966-1969. We are both “Plankowners.”
Wes prepared some of the best food on board we could ever ask for. Mmmm, loved those sticky buns.
The members of the USS Will Rogers Veterans Association, Inc. will memorialize Wes at our next reunion in Bremerton, WA in 2015.
Ed Greany, STS (SS)
USS Will Rogers, SSBN659 (Gold)

On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans (USSVI), our condolences and sympathy to Paula and all of Senior Chief Chronister's family and friends in this time of grief and sorrow. Our prayer is that God will bless you with peace, comfort you, and heal your broken hearts. We are especially thankful for Wesley's long and dedicated service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service and to the USS Springfield base,USSVI. To our “Brother of the Dolphin” we say … "Sailor, rest your oar. We...

I, too, knew Wes from the Sheriff's Department when he ran the kitchen. I don't think there was any meal that Wes made that wasn't the best he could make it and the inmates were very lucky to have him. I remember a conversation we had one time about navy bean soup. I told him that I hated navy bean soup and hadn't eaten any since I was a child. Wes said I would like his and after much, much cajoling, he did get me to try it. I have to say, it wasn't bad. What a great guy. My sympathies to his...

Here it is June 9 and I just heard about Wes. I was privileged to know him from the Sheriff's Dept. What a card and what a gentle man. I was a part of hiring him and he was just the perfect candidate. Wow, I'm still in disbelief I really liked him and am so sorry. My sympathy is extended to Paula, the family and friends that were so blessed to have known him.