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PROJECT INDEX...A-to-Z
Albatross
Ash Sphere
Bookcase
Dovetail Box
Gold Dolphins
Grandfather Clock
Jewelry Store
Lacewood Bowl
Lacewood Desk
Mendocino Vessel
Predator
Rocking Chair
Rolltop Desk
Spalted Vase
Stagecoach Chest
Stopper & Vessel
Telephone Table
Violin Case
Walnut Vase
X-ray Devices
Ron Renner
Geppetto's Woodworks
Vancouver, Washington
360-606-2949
They are a rite of passage.
If you have not earned the right to wear them, you cannot understand what is behind them, and it will serve little purpose to ask. My gold dolphins were my second set of dolphins. I also wore silver dolphins during my enlisted years in the United States Navy.
Dolphins are the signature element of the submarine service. I earned my gold dolphins on USS Sailfish (SS-572).
I ultimately retired from the United States Navy in spring, 1983 as a Lieutenant. My dolphins, like the rest of my awards, were relegated to the back of a dresser drawer.
About a year ago I received a call from one of the youngsters who worked in my weapons department on a submarine named USS Grayback (SS-574). After all these years, he found me. He claimed that I had something to do with who he has become. He had bootstrapped himself from a second class petty officer (E-5) to the enviable position as a Commander, United States Navy (O-5), and was wearing gold dolphins. We now communicate regularly.
I decided soon after we had found one another that my dolphins could have a second life. I designed and built this small case and sent the dolphins to the Commander.
There’s a bit not told about the gold dolphins. When they were pinned on, my commanding officer recalled that the dolphins dated back to a time prior to WW II. They were presented to the officer who was the first to complete the rigors of qualifying while under that commanding officer. Prior to my receiving them, that tradition had cycled several times, as the officer who received them eventually himself became a commanding officer. I broke the mold. I retired as a lieutenant. I was extremely honored that a youngster who long before had been under my tutelage was able to attain the rank of commander.
He now wears those dolphins on a daily basis.
He is scheduled to retire in the fall of 2009.
The gold dolphins in their walnut case.
End view, bottom and top.
A skoosh open.
