Stryker Base and Stryker the Man History

Stryker Base History

The Phillips C. Stryker, Jr., Base of U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc., (USSVI) was founded on 21 June 1997, and named in honor of the late submariner LCDR Stryker who passed on just over a month prior to the group's formal establishment. Members range throughout South Texas: north to San Angelo, west to Del Rio, south and east to Corpus Christi with the majority in the San Antonio and Hill Country areas.

LCDR Phillips C. Stryker, Jr.

The late LCDR Stryker, Jr., for whom Stryker Base was named, was born on 6 March 1930 to Irma Wilkie and Phillips C. Stryker, Sr, in Newark, NJ. Stryker attended schools in south Jersey and graduated from Rumson High School in 1948. He attended Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania.

Stryker's Navy career began with his enlistment in March 1951 during the Korean War. He graduated basic training at USNRTC Great Lakes as Honor Man in his company, graduated Basic Submarine School, New London, then served as an EM (Electricians Mate) on USS Tench (SS-417) and USS Angler (SSK-240). He was accepted for Nuclear Power Training in 1953 and underwent training at Union College, Schnectady, New York. He then joined the crew of USS Sea Wolf (SSN-575) at the Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) in West Milton, NY. In September 1956 he became an instructor at Nuclear Power School while awaiting orders to the commissioning crew of USS Skate (SSN-578).

Stryker joined USS Skate (SSN-578) in June 1957. During this tour Skate made her historic first surface at the North Pole in August 1958. In MarchStryker married Francine Prendeville on 2 May 1953 and they had two children: Phillips III and Christine, both now deceased.

Stryker died from complications from his cancer on 3 May 1997. A memorial service was held 17 May 1997 at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church in Fredericksburg, TX, and his ashes were later buried at sea.  1959 she returned to the North Pole and buried the ashes of famous arctic explorer Sir Hubert Wilkins.

Stryker was transferred to the commissioning crew of USS Scamp (SSN-588) in September 1959. During this period he was advanced to EMC (Electricians Mate, Chief) and was commissioned as an Ensign, U.S. Navy in July 1961.

After obtaining his commission, Stryker served as Engineer Officer in USS Ronquil (SS-396); as Engineer Officer on Staff, Commander Submarine Division 53; as Material Officer on Staff, Commander Submarine Flotilla Seven; as Navigator/Operations Officer in USS Volador (SS-490); as Assistant Officer In Charge of the Bathyscaph USS Trieste (DSV-1) (Stryker was the Navy's 36th hydronaut); and as Commanding Officer, Naval Facilities Pacific Beach. He was qualified for Command in Submarines. He retired in 1975 with the rank of LCDR.

Notes:
Phil’s widow, Francine, married Frank Simpson on Jan 2, 1998

Phil Stryker’s daughter Christine passed away on Feb 12, 2005.

Phil Stryker’s Son Phillips son passed away on Oct 25, 2010