Robert "Ben" Benites, LCDR, USN (Ret)
February 21, 1923 – January 10, 2008
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Robert "Ben" Benites, age 85, of Sacramento, California, departed on eternal patrol January 10, 2008 at his home in Sacramento.
For several decades, Ben has been a driving force in the Submariner and Diver’s communities. He was an active member of the Submarine Veterans of WW II, seldom missing a meeting in his home town of Sacramento, California. He was the National Scholarship Chairman for the WWII Subvet organization for more than 20 years, until the fund and management of the fund was transferred to the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation, 5040 Virginia Beach Rd, Ste 104A, Virginia Beach, VA. in 2003. Scholarships continue to be given to submarine sailors kids each year from the US Submarine Veterans of WWII by the managing DSF organization.
Ben was a key member of the leadership in the ISA-USA for many years, having held every position in the organization over the past 20 years.
Ben qualified on submarines while serving as a Quartermaster on board USS Springer, USS Catfish, USS S-43 and USS Bream. After making chief, he earned his commission and ultimately served as Commanding Officer on the USS Coucal, ASR 8.