USS ODAX (SS-484) US Service 1945-1972 Tench-Class Submarine (1945), Converted to Guppy (1947), Converted Guppy II-Class Submarine (1951) This site is dedicated to the USS ODAX (SS-484), the officers, and enlisted men who served on board during her career in the silent service. E-MAIL WEBMASTER

USS ODAX (SS-484) On Eternal Patrol

This page is dedicated to our USS Odax shipmates who have departed on eternal patrol.

Prayer for those on Eternal Patrol I have one consolation that lives with me today. That God is near to them, in his own special way. So God in all Your mercy, keep near Thyself the soul, Of every Submariner, still on his final patrol. Lord, this departed shipmate with Dolphins on his chest is part of an outfit known as the best. Make him welcome and take him by the hand. You'll find without a doubt he was the best in all the land. So, heavenly Father add his name to the roll of our departed shipmates still on patrol. Let them know that we who survive will always keep their memories alive. Author: Unknown The Submariner's Prayer Almighty, Everlasting God, the Protector of all those who put their trust in Thee: hear our prayers in behalf of Thy servants who sail their vessels beneath the seas. We beseech Thee to keep in Thy sustaining care all who are in submarines, that they may be delivered from the hidden dangers of the deep. Grant them courage, and a devotion to fulfill their duties, that they may better serve Thee and their native land. Though acquainted with the depths of the ocean, deliver them from the depths of despair and the dark hours of the absence of friendliness and grant them a good ship's spirit. Bless all their kindred and loved ones from whom they are separated. When they surface their ships, may they praise Thee for Thou art there as well as in the deep. Fill them with Thy Spirit that they may be sure in their reckonings, unwavering in duty, high in purpose, and upholding the honor of their nation. Amen Author: Unknown

Forrest A. Young

Departed on Eternal Patrol 5/23/2026.
Served aboard USS Odax 1959

On May 23rd, surrounded by his forever loving family, Forrest Young born in Boston MA on April 21, 1940, passed away peacefully at home.

Forrest was a Veteran of the Navy, submarine division. He enlisted in the navy to honor his Uncle Harvey L. Nesbitt who was lost at sea while on duty on the USS Corvina 226. Forrest attended submarine school in Groton CT after graduating high school in Eliot Maine. He was on several submarines in both Key West Florida and Charleston South Carolina. The USS Thornback SS 418 (1958), his proudest patrol the USS Odax SS- 484 (1959) and the USS Darter SS-576 (1960). Forrest was honored to be a member of the Holland Club and the Sturgeon Base at Crystal River Florida, a chapter of the United States Submarine Veterans (USSVI), a veteran’s group that participates in supporting former submariners.

Forrest owned many businesses throughout his lifetime, Youngs American and the Tulsa, both gas stations in Portsmouth NH and most recently Evan’s Notch Motel and Cottages in Gilead Maine.

Forrest (Dad) loved his family more than anything and was truly cherished by his wife of 67 years, Gloria, their son Michael, son Mark and his wife Sherri, son Keith and his wife Stephanie and daughter Deanna and her husband Richard.

Husband, Dad, Veteran, Friend, Grampy, Great Grampy, you will forever be in our hearts, and we love you so very much and we know you love us.

Richard Nelson

Departed on Eternal Patrol 9/27/2020.
Served aboard USS Odax 1963-1964

Leslie W. Thomes

Departed on Eternal Patrol 11/5/2020.
Served aboard USS Odax 1962-1964

Frank Strahan

Departed on Eternal Patrol 5/2/2018.
Served aboard USS Odax 1954-1956

Gerald W. Rogers

Departed on Eternal Patrol 10/6/2013.
Served aboard USS Odax 1966-1969

James Edward Chase

Departed on Eternal Patrol 3/31/2018.
Served aboard USS Odax late 1950's

Jacque B. Vail

Departed on Eternal Patrol 7/30/2018.
Served aboard USS Odax 1947-1948
Jacque B. Vail died July 30, 2018 at Cadbury Care in Cherry Hill, NJ. Age 90. Jacque was born in Pittsburgh, PA. Mr. Vail graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a BS in Civil Engineering and received an MBA from Monmouth University. He was a registered Profession Engineer in New Jersey and Ohio. Mr. Vail taught computer science, served as a Division Chairman and Vice President for Business Affairs until retiring in 1995 from Burlington County College, where he had been on staff for about 27 years. Before he began a career in teaching Mr. Vail worked as a highway design engineer and manager of the Ohio Department of Highway's computer center in Columbus Ohio. In 1961 he joined RCA's Missile and Surface Radar Division in Moorestown, NJ where he managed the computer operations group of the Scientific Information Processing Center. Mr. Vail served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS ODAX (SS484). He lived in Burlington Township since 1961 and in Shamong Township since 1987. Beloved husband of Marie Vail (nee Neuweiler) for 65 years. Loving father of Thomas A. Vail (Laura) of Burlington, NJ and Karen Vail Widin (Rich) of Delran, NJ. Devoted grandfather of Gregory Vail; Stacey Schwoebel (Cameron); Jennifer Covington (Ernest, Jr.) and Brian Widin. Dear great grandfather of Ryleigh Schwoebel and Wesley Covington.

Randall V. Loreg

Departed on Eternal Patrol 1990.
Served aboard USS Odax 1945-1949

Joel Thompson

Departed on Eternal Patrol 11/2016.
Served aboard USS Odax 1969-1972

Thomas E. (Ted) Darby Jr.

Departed on Eternal Patrol 6/29/2012.
Served aboard USS Odax 1961-1962

Dale E. Hartsell

Departed on Eternal Patrol 9/9/2010.
after a short bout with cancer at Hope Hospice, Health Park. Born in Early, Iowa, the son of Charles and Lois Hartsell, Dale enlisted in the Navy upon graduation from Odebolt High. He served in the submarine corps. Following his discharge he graduated from the University of Iowa and joined Spiegel, Inc. rising to Vice President in charge of all east coast mail order stores. After that, he joined Moulton, Stevens and Nelan as a manufacturer's representative for sporting goods, until he retired to Fort Myers in 1985, where he remained an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. Dale is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary Bleasdell Hartsell, with whom he raised three sons: Steve (Mary Ann), Brian (Patti) and Terry, with grandchildren: Nathan (Jessica), Gabriel, Abbie and Kelsey. He is also survived by his sister, Velma Zehner. He was an active member of Cypress Lake Methodist Church and Whiskey Creek Country Club. A memorial service will be held in the chapel at Cypress Lake Methodist Church on Monday, September 13, at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow in the Memorial Garden at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hope Hospice, Health Park. He will be missed by all who knew him.