REUNIONS IN REVIEW     USS RUPERTUS (DD-851) The Ambassador New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana October 6-9, 2004 Chaired by: Keith Johnson and Jack Langford Attendance: 83 total/42 shipmates Highlights: We enjoyed a New Orleans bus tour, a Jean Lafitte Swamp excursion followed by a Cajun party at the Bayou Barn. We toured the Destrehan Plantation on the way to Baton Rouge where we held our memorial service and group pictures in the Nautical Center before touring the USS KIDD (DD-661). Tropical storm Mathew spoiled our Chalmette Battlefield plans, but we enjoyed a Mississippi River cruise and visiting the national D-Day Museum. At our annual banquet--Mardi Gras style new board members, Vice-President and President were elected. Lowell, MA was selected for our 2005 reunion site. USS RICHARD E. KRAUS (DD/EDD-849/AG-151) Holiday Inn I-10 Bellingrath Mobile, AL March 21-25, 2004 Chaired by: Bob and Lori Simon Attendance: 135 total/67 shipmates Highlights: 7 Plank Owners attended. Sunday—wine and cheese reception to welcome everyone. Monday—toured Northrop-Grumman Ship Systems which builds our destroyers; Naval Station Pascagoula; lunch and gaming at Boomtown Casino. Tuesday—Pensacola national Museum of Naval Aviation & IMAX theater; lunch at Mustin O’Club. Wednesday—USS Alabama Battleship Park, (with lunch in the ward room), submarine USS Drum and many aircraft; Bellingrath Gardens & Christmas Town. Evening banquet with D and dancing, guest speaker—Capt. Hal Pierce, USN (Ret.). Many thanks to everyone, especially Paul and Shirley Hebert, and Paul Keplinger. USS NOA (DD-343/APD-24/DD-841) Ramada Plaza Hotel & Inn Gateway Kissimmee, Florida March 24-28, 2004 Chaired by: Bill and Donna Cornellier Attendance: 86 total/44 shipmates Highlights: Our Memorial Service at Kennedy Space Center, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Theater, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show. Saturday night banquet with door prizes. We were entertained by our own Daniel Goins and Pat McAvinue. A good time was had by all attending. USS CARMICK (DD-493/DMS-33) Circus-Circus Las Vegas, Nevada March 28-31, 2004 Chaired by: Bill Allmon Attendance: 55 total/24 shipmates Highlights: Registration and visiting in hospitality suite continued well into the first night. This was a special meeting, for it was the first independent Carmick reunion in five years, and it marked 50 years since her decommissioning. In the suite, ship and personal pictures, official ship’s history, a personal diary of convoy duty in the North Atlantic, and a digest of the Ship’s log for her last deployment in the Korean War were sometimes consulted as factual anchors for some of our sea stories. Monday, after a business meeting, we had an all-hands party in the hospitality suite. At dinner Tuesday, five plankowners recounted memories of the Carmick’s commissioning in 1942, and one man described her unceremonious decommissioning in 1954. We also had lighter moments and more visiting, something like a big family dinner. We plan to meet again in 2005. USS HOPEWELL (DD-681) Lodge of the Ozarks Branson, MO April 18-21, 2004 Chaired by: Bob and Sue Lawson Attendance: 129 total/65 shipmates Highlights: Enjoyed the “Ride the Ducks” and a cruise on the Branson Belle with a great variety show and a wonderful meal. Had a short memorial service at the White River Landing provided by the Korean War Veterans  Association and another service at the Motel where the names of the deceased members were read. The banquet was outstanding with a very good talk by our own RADM John T. Natter, Ret. Aboard 1962-1964. We had group rate vouchers for the Veterans Museum for the crew to go to on their own. Many attended shows on their own and the Hospitality room was always busy with shipmates swapping sea stories, viewing pictures and mementos, and renewing old friendships. The reunion was deemed an overwhelming success and we voted to have the next one in Baton Rouge, LA in the Spring of 2006. USS KENNETH D. BAILEY (DD/DDR-713) Radisson Hotel Airport Charleston, South Carolina Chaired by: Robert H. Levine April 22-25, 2004 Attendance: 90 total/50 shipmates Highlights: Tour of City of Charleston and The Citadel Military Academy, as well as Patriot's Point, to visit the WWII carrier YORKTOWN; the destroyer LAFFEY and submarine CLAMAGORE. Friday evening was set over a great Karaoke performance by several shipmates and their wives. There was also a separate tour to a local plantation house for the ladies (and Captain John Pendergrass, who apparently has had his fill of museum ships.) Nine first time attendees and our lone orginal plankowner were able to attend, Bill Arps, joined in our banquet festivities on Saturday evening, along with three former Commanding Officers--Herman Fritzke, Bob Collins, and Jim Gills--who greeted former shipmates under their commands. Sunday morning was our Memorial Service ceremony and then the scattering of shipmates to their homes in all parts of the country, with pledges to meet again in 2005. A top notch reunion! USS McDERMUT (DD-677) The Hotel Blue Albuquerque, New Mexico April 22-24, 2004 Chaired by: Charles H. Pippitt Attendance: 76 total/33 shipmates Highlights: The Hotel Blue was a fine, cooperative facility. Our side trips were to Los Amigos Ranch for steaks, drinks and entertainment. Friday was a tour to Santa Fe where we enjoyed the sights and snow flurries. Our banquet on Saturday, served by Blue Plate Special was enjoyed by all and topped off a very successful reunion. USS HAILEY (DD-556) Best Western Mainstay Inn Newport, Rhode Island April 29-May 3, 2004 Chaired by: Dan Keenan and Lou Shellito Attendance: 71 total/44 shipmates Highlights: Tour of Newport with a special showing of the Astor’s Beechwood Mansion. Lunch at the Officer’s Club at the Navy Base followed by a visit to the Naval War College and Museum. A wreath-laying ceremony to honor our fallen shipmates was held on USS MASSACHUSETTS followed by lunch in the Ward Room. A tour of historic Providence including a stop at an old fashioned bakery where we sampled the scrumptious fare. A stirring Missing Man Remembrance Ceremony was narrated by Lou Shellito. John Nichelson closed the service and a wonderful banquet was enjoyed by all. Our 19th reunion will be in Branson, Missouri in 2005 chaired by Burdette Stier and John Craig. USS BOYD (DD-544) Doubletree  New Orleans, Louisiana,  May 10-12, 2004  Chaired by: Charles St. John  Attendance: 71 total/35 shipmates  Highlights: A tour of the USS KIDD in Baton Rouge and a tour of the D-Day Museum in New Orleans. We also enjoyed the music and food that makes New Orleans a great place. And most of all enjoyed the fellowship of our BOYD shipmates. USS GURKE (DD-783) Howard Johnson Branson, Missouri May 13-15, 2004 Chaired by: Dean Henson Attendance: 173 total/95 shipmates Highlights: Great reunion—our best. Many shipmates attended for the first time. Everyone saw lots of good shows in Branson. Elected new slate of officers. Our ladies conducted a successful auction and contributed the funds to the association. They are great. USS VAN VALKENBURGH (DD-656) Holiday Inn Historic District Philadelphia, Pennsylvania May 13-16, 2004 Chaired by: Richard S. Greeley Attendance: 53 total/31 shipmates Highlights: Visited the national Constitution Center, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall. Toured the USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62). Bus trip to Valley Forge National Park. Evening at the Philly Pops Orchestra with Peter Nero playing patriotic songs—very stirring. USS LONGSHAW (DD-559) Guest House Inn & Suites Branson, Missouri May 16-18, 2002 Chaired by: Louis Reynolds Attendance: 57 total/21 shipmates Highlights: We have always had sons and daughters of shipmates but this year we had many more—21 in all. Four shipmates were first-timers and brought family members. Several months ago an article appeared in Tin Can Sailor about Lou Reynolds returning the belt of Frank Clark, which Reynolds used as a tourniquet when the ship was sunk. A reporter from the Branson news came to do an interview and an article about the return of the belt appeared in the Branson News on May 18: the 57th anniversary of the sinking of the LONGSHAW and our 19th reunion. Thank you for the raffle items. USS KNUDSON (APD-101) Hilton Hotel Williamsburg, Virginia May 18-20, 2004 Chaired by: Tom Felton Attendance: 17 total/8 shipmates Highlights: Toured Jamestown Settlement, Colonial Williamsburg, and the largest US Naval Base, Norfolk, VA. Had dinner at an 18th century tavern and a Candlelight Walking Tour of “The Ghost of Williamsburg”. We had two shipmates from WWII era. Our next reunion will be in May 2005, St. Louis, MO. USS COGSWELL (DD-651) Clarion Hotel Charleston, South Carolina May 20-22, 2004 Chaired by Frank Wille Attendance: 114 total/74 shipmates Highlights: Everyone enjoyed the city of Charleston; our WWII vets remembered when the ship was decommissioned her in 1946. Many visited Patriots Point to tour USS YORKTOWN and USS LAFFEY. We adopted a Lifetime membership patterned after TCS, at the request of several members. Our Don Miller (former President) Locator Service contacted more than 100 shipmates since last year’s reunion and many have joined; several attended their first reunion. We now have 4 members who kept diaries (unauthorized) during WWII and these have been a great supplement to the official ship’s history. USS COGSWELL (DD-651) claims to be the first warship to enter Tokyo Bay at the end of the war. Our next reunion will be in Las Vegas, Oct 2005. USS SMITH (DD-378) Menger Hotel San Antonio, Texas May 20-23, 2004 Chaired by: Murray Epstein Attendance: 70 total/23 shipmates Highlights: On Friday we visited the Admiral Nimitz Museum and dedicated the USS SMITH plaque mounted on the Wall of Honor. Following the dedication and Memorial Service, our members toured the museum and the Pacific Combat Zone. On Saturday morning we had our usual breakfast followed by a business meeting. It was decided that the next reunion would be held in San Diego, California. The farewell banquet was held on Saturday night. Attendees spent their free time in San Antonio touring the Alamo, Mercado (Mexican market), River Walk and the may other historic and fun area attractions. USS EDSON (DD-946) Holiday Inn Bayside San Diego, California May 31-June 4, 2004 Chaired by: John Bedford Attendance: 117 total/64 shipmates, 8 plank owners Highlights: The daily sessions in our incredible hospitality room where cruise books, albums, slide shows and sea stories were shared. We formed the USS EDSON (DD-946) Association, adopted bylaws and elected officers. Activities included a bus trip to Tijuana, a San Diego city bus tour, a Preview of the USS MIDWAY and a BBQ night at the hotel including a fantastic, colorful Polynesian dance revue. A beautiful Silver coin was minted for the occasion. A dinner cruise on San Diego Harbor was well attended. To the delight of all, our farewell banquet was short on speeches but long on fun with dancing to the music of Herb Cohen and the Swing Set orchestra. USS LUDLOW (LUCKY LUD) (DD-438) Holiday Inn, Tanglewood Roanoke, Virginia June 6-9, 2004  Chaired by: Joan Danisch  Attendance: 22 total/6 shipmates  Highlights: 6/6, reception of finger foods was held in the hospitality room. 6/7, traveled to Peaks of Otter, in Bedford, VA. 6/8, visited the O. Winston Link Museum in Roanoke, VA. Museum consists of several decades of photographs on the Norfolk & Western Railroad. 6/9 we enjoyed a sit-down luncheon banquet, entertained by “KAROAKE” by Karen Moore, also door prizes for everyone. Looking forward to #25 Newport, Rhode Island 2005. Hostess will be Sharon Hurchala. USS GEARING (DD-710) Embassy Suites Hotel Salt Lake City, Utah June 10-13, 2004 Chaired by: Doug Dobson Attendance: 113 Total/60 shipmates Highlights: The USS Gearing 17th Annual Reunion was the best yet! The hospitality room was open each day with open bar and snacks and our traveling display of memorabilia. On Thursday evening we were privileged to be guests at a patriotic concert given by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir saluting all branches of the Armed Forces. On Friday we boarded the Heber Valley Railroad and took a scenic ride through Provo Canyon. We enjoyed a delicious lunch and all survived the “great train robbery” with our valuables intact. Our host scheduled free time for us to explore Sandy, Sundance, the Lion House, Snowbird, the Great Salt Lake, Kennecott copper mine, Temple Square and many of us traced our family histories. We ended the event with our annual banquet. Saying our good-byes at Sunday breakfast we agreed to meet again next year in New Jersey. USS BARRY (DD-933) Marriott--Quincy Quincy, Massachusetts August 5-8, 2004 Chaired by: Larry Loss Attendance: 130 total/68 shipmates Highlights: Memorial service aboard USS MASSACHUSETTS and tour of Battleship Cove. Tour and New England Clambake. USS PHILIP (DD/DDE-498) Danvers Sheraton Resort Danvers, MA August 8-12, 2004 Chaired by: Joe Kuhar Attendance: 38 total/22 shipmates Highlights: The treatment received by the Tin Can Sailor Staff. Meeting old and new friends. See you in St. Louis. USS PRESTON (DD-795) Doubletree Columbia River Portland, Oregon August 9-12, 2004 Chaired by: Richard Bass Attendance: 111 total/52 shipmates Highlights: The reunion keynote speaker was ADM Al Sackett. A tour of Portland and a luncheon on the 170 foot Willamette Star, touring the Columbia River, were the highlights of the reunion. There were 14 who served on vessel between 1944-1946. USS HENLEY (DD-762) Holiday Inn—Mountain View Albuquerque, New Mexico August 12-15, 2004 Chaired by: Richard L. LeBlanc, BMC (Ret) Attendance: 124 total/64 shipmates Highlights: Old and new came together, Plank Owners and decommissioning shipmates from years 1946-1973. The oldest was 84. Our Memorial Service was the highlight at the Veteran’s Memorial, where we honored 94 departed shipmates. The family of the last departed was in attendance. Our next reunion will be in Portland, OR 2005. USS TURNER JOY (DD-951) Washington Athletic Club Seattle, Washington August 12-14, 2004 Chaired by: Richard E. Asche and Tod Hale Attendance: 155 total/110 shipmates Highlights: Tour of the Boeing Aircraft Manufacturing plant in Everett, WA; tour of the Boeing flight museum at Boeing Field in South Seattle followed the next day by lunch and a wreath laying ceremony on board the USS TURNER JOY in Bremerton, WA. The wreath-laying ceremony was held by the first Commanding Officer, RADM Strat Wentworth, USN (Ret). A Saturday evening banquet was held in Seattle with the Master of Ceremonies being the former Commanding Officer during the middle 60’s, RADM Bob McClinton, USN (Ret). The guest speaker was a local conservative radio personality who stressed duty, honor and service to the United States. A fun time had by all. USS BUNCH (DE-694/APD-79) Holiday Inn Gaithersburg, MD August 30-September 3, 2004 Chaired by: David L. Hibbs, Sr. Attendance: 36 total/13 shipmates Highlights: First full day we went to Washington, DC and toured the WWII Memorial, from there we visited the Navy Yard for lunch and spent time at the Navy Museum. Final stop was the Navy Memorial with a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the departed shipmates. Food at the hotel and Navy Yard was the best of past reunions. USS PHELPS (DD-360) Embassy Suites Hotel, Rosemont Rosemont, Illinois September 1-5, 2004 Chaired by: Harold Placete Attendance: 111 total/23 shipmates Highlights: Video tapes of previous reunions, etc. ran daily in the hospitality room--the gathering point for renewing old friendships and a special lunch on Friday, September 3rd. Thursday, September 2nd found 56 people on a driving tour of Chicago with a tour guide pointing out the historic and significant sights. We saw some of the tallest buildings in the world, drove along the lake for an exquisite sight of the skyline; stopping at Planetarium Point for pictures. Friday night was music and dancing prior to dinner. The Saturday evening banquet was complete with pre-dinner music. The invocation was given by shipmate Max Rosenfeld, RDM 3/c prior to the memoriam for 16 shipmates deceased since the previous reunion in 2002. Shipmate Henry Griffoul, MM 1/c was the keynote speaker and spoke of days on the USS PHELPS. USS GHERARDI (DD-637/DMS-30) Sheridan Suites Hotel Alexandria, Virginia September 7-11, 2004 Chaired by: H.R. Hayes and M.J. Brech Attendance: 84 total/46 shipmates Highlights: A ship's plaque installed in the U.S. Navy Memorial; trips to the new Air and Space Museum, a Potomac River luncheon cruise, tour of the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD. A play at the Kennedy Center, a bus tour of Washington, D.C., a visit to the WWII and the Korean War Memorials. At the ship's meeting, Jacksonville, FL was selected for the next reunion in September of 2005. USS CHARLES J. BADGER (DD-657) Quality Inn Somerset, Massachusetts September 8-12, 2004 Chaired by: Robert A. Johnson Attendance: 71 total/40 shipmates Highlights: An Old Fashioned New England Clambake was held on Thursday at the Bristol, RI Yacht Club. The award-winning Rodeo Clowns Western Band provided entertainment. The Saturday night banquet was held at the Roger Williams University Conference Center in Portsmouth, RI. Several shipmates visited Tin Can Sailors, Inc. USS TURNER (DD/DDR-834, DD-648) Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Norfolk, Virginia September 8-12, 2004 Chaired by: Richard Shanaberger Attendance: 103 total/48 shipmates (8 first time attendees) Highlights: We began with a dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Norfolk. The next day we toured the new Norfolk and spent time in Virginia Beach shopping and eating. On our free day, we visited the USS WISCONSIN and the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial. Saturday we toured the Norfolk Naval Base, visited the USS HAWES (FFG-53) and had lunch at the Officer's Club. Eight shipmates attended their first reunion where they joined in all the sea stories floating around the hospitality suite. Our guests included the daughter of Captain Richard Antrim, medal of honor recipient and Turner's 2nd CO. Look out Philadelphia, here we come! USS LANSDOWNE (DD-486) Redick Plaza Hotel Omaha, Nebraska September 10-14, 2004 Chaired by Clifford and Violet Guion Attendance: 38 total/18 shipmates Highlights: Friday registration and get re-acquainted in the hospitality room. Saturday tour of Strategic Air and Space Museum and then on to Mahoney State Park for an excellent lunch. In the afternoon we toured the Wildlife Safari and that evening had a pizza party, good conversation and lots of war stories in the hospitality room. Sunday we held our business meeting with Major William Schmittel from Offutt Air Force Base giving a video presentation and command brief which is an overview of the STRATCOM roles and missions. At 1800 we had a cocktail party followed by a memorial service with a Navy and Marine Honor Guard. Our banquet followed with a live 4-piece band and a great singer. Monday we toured Henry Doorly Zoo with lunch at Tree Top Restaurant and then on to Omaha Botanical Gardens. Tuesday morning we said our farewells and headed for home. Our next reunion is scheduled for the Washington, DC area in the spring. USS FORSTER (DE/DER-334/WDE-434) Drury Inn Westport St. Louis, Missouri September 9-11, 2004 Chaired by: Will and Norma Jean Downey Attendance: 39 total/16 shipmates Highlights: This was our 18th ship reunion. St. Louis has many interesting things to see and do. We enjoyed golfing, Grant's Farm with the Clydesdale horses, Ameristar casino in St. Charles, city motor tour, the Arch, Union Station, Catholic Cathedral Basilica, Riverboat Cruise and Botanical Gardens. On the last evening we held our banquet at the Missouri Athletic Club. Next year's reunion will be held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. USS JOHN HOOD (DD-655) Comfort Inn "The Pointe" Niagara Falls, New York September 13-17, 2004 Chaired by: Al DiDonato Attendance: 78 total/43 shipmates Highlights: Eight new members who were involuntary recalled to active duty during Berlin Wall Crisis attended for the first time. They have not seen each other in 40 years. Also, 89 year old Bos'n Mate John Scagliula attended, oldest member. Registration and renewal of friendships. New attendees were welcomed. Tour of ships at Buffalo naval Park included the destroyer "USS The Sullivans" which resurrected many memories of navy life aboard "The John Hood." We also enjoyed a Canadian dinner show; Niagara on the Lake tour, "Maid of the Mist" boat ride. Our banquet was great, and all enjoyed winning raffle items as well as listening and dancing to music. At the memorial breakfast, a bell was tolled as the name of each deceased shipmate was read. Our next reunion will be in Mobile, AL May 2006. USS HERNDON (DD-638) Hyatt Dulles Herndon, Virginia September 15-18, 2004 Chaired by: Angus Schmelz Attendance: 53 total/25 shipmates Highlights: Visited the Air Space Museum at Dulles, VA. Took a bus to Washington, D.C. and visited the World War II Memorial, Korean Memorial, Washington Navy Yard Museum and visited the destroyer USS Barry (DD-733). Town of Herndon invited members to a brunch and later presented the State of Virginia and the Herndon flags. A proclamation for continuing efforts in reuniting men who served on the Herndon and for keeping alive the history of that gallant ship was also presented. That evening we had a banquet in remembrance of our skipper, ADM. G. A. Moore hosted by daughter, Jane Moore Roberts, III on her 50th wedding anniversary. USS ROBERT H. McCARD (DD-822) Hampton Inn Fall River/Westport Fall River, Massachusetts September 15-19, 2004 Chaired by: Wendell McElwee Attendance: 69 total/39 shipmates Highlights: Visiting with old shipmates and welcoming newcomers to our 15th reunion. Bus tour of newport which has changed greatly and visiting the War College. Touring Battleship Cove and conducting our first memorial service on the USS Massachusett's fantail followed with a luncheon in the wardroom. The orchestra at the banquet dinner was great. Looking forward to our next reunion in 2005 in Washington, D.C. USS LYNDE McCORMICK (DDG-8) Wyndham San Diego at Emerald Plaza San Diego, California September 16-19, 2004 Chaired by: Bob Wefald and Mary Lou Srur Attendance: 89 total/55 shipmates Highlights: Ours was an All Hands Reunion for all shipmates during our ship's commissioned service from 1961-1991. We had plank owners and decommissioning shipmates in attendance as well as shipmates in between those dates. On Friday we had a great tour of USS DECATUR (DDG-73) and on your own tour of USS MIDWAY, followed by a catered beach picnic in La Jolla. On Saturday we had the day to tour the sites of San Diego followed by a great banquet on Saturday evening with an excellent speaker and every shipmate saying a few words. It was wonderful to see old friends once again and to meet new shipmates. USS MURPHY (DD-603) Holiday Inn Express Vineland, New Jersey September 14-19, 2004 Chaired by: Pete Tisa and Family Attendance: 80 total/20 shipmates Highlights: Tour went to Atlantic City for those wishing to visit the casinos. (no luck at tables) At the Surf City, N.J. Veterans Park, the crew from the USS Murphy presented a monument in honor of 35 shipmates still entombed in bow of the MURPHY after the USS MURPHY (DD-603) was cut in half on August 23, 1943 by the SS Bulkoil a US tanker off the coast of New Jersey some 60 miles east of Surf City in 160 feet of water. Also a wreath was presented from Peter Bailey, son of Captain Leonard Bailey, skipper of the MURPHY at the time of the collision. Present were some family and relatives of the deceased still entombed in bow. Crew next day attended a barbeque held in crews honor by the Volunteer Fireman of Bridgeton, NJ at their fire house. A balloon flight was cancelled because of weather. Saturday evening our banquet dinner was held in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall in Vineland. We were entertained by a Barber Shop Chorus of 1940 songs. Next year the reunion will be in Sheboygan, WI, October 2005. DESTROYER LEADER ASSOCIATION USS Norfolk (DL-1) USS Mitscher (DL-2/DDG-35) USS John S. McCain (DL-3/DDG-35) USS Willis A. Lee (DL-4) USS Wilkinson (DL-5) Hilton Norfolk Airport Norfolk, Virginia September 16-19, 2004 Chaired by: Walter Alexander Attendance: 255 total/125 shipmates Highlights: The tours that were arranged to Williamsburg, the Navy Base and lunch at the Breeze Point Officers Club, and the City Tour and luncheon cruise were enjoyed by everyone. The highlight of the reunion was a tour of the USS Mitscher (DDG-35). The buses were met by the Skipper of the Mitscher and he gave a very nice welcoming speech. At the banquet on Saturday night a Memorial Service was given by the Association Chaplin for our departed shipmates that passed away during the past year. USS INGERSOLL (DD-652/DD-990) Yogo Inn Lewistown, Montana September 16-19, 2004 Chaired by: Don Dormady Attendance: 95 total/55 shipmates Highlights: Thursday: Registration and hospitality room. That evening we had a get acquainted and turkey buffet with guest speaker, Connie Fry, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. Friday: Rode the Charlie Russell Chew-Choo Dinner Train and had a delicious prime rib dinner. This was followed by our memorial service conducted by John Orr and held on the Missouri River. Had a BBQ at James Kipp Park and then went to Slippery Ann Game Range and saw hundreds of elk. Saturday: Had our business meeting and raffle. There were 8 new members. Saturday evening our guest speakers were Monte Bawden and Grace Ingersoll. Had a nice banquet. Sunday: Farewell breakfast buffet enjoyed by all. It was one of the best reunions ever held. Next years reunion will be in Roanoke, VA. USS MITSCHER (DL-2) Airport Hilton Hotel Norfolk, Virginia September 16-19, 2004 Chaired by: Bill Labartil Attendance: 256 total/123 Highlights: This was a reunion of the five destroyer leaders. USS NORFOLK (DL-1), MITSCHER (DL-2), JOHN S. McCAIN (DL-3), WILLIS A. LEE (DL-4) and WILKINSON (DL-5). The reunion was outstanding. The hotels, tours, food were great. It was the best reunion I have attended. I am looking forward to our next reunion in Seattle, WA next September 2005. USS HICKOX (DD-673) Best Western Inn Towne Hotel Milwaukee, Wisconsin September 19-23, 2004 Chaired by: Jerry Cawley Attendance: 57 total/30 shipmates Highlights: Tour of the Harley Davidson Plant, Miller Brewery, lunch at miller Park, Edelweiss Cruise on the lake with lunch, tour of Pabst Beer owner's mansion, and a great banquet on the last night. USS NELSON (DD-623) Sands Resorts Hotel Myrtle Beach, South Carolina September 16-18, 2004 Chaired by: Arthur Heckel Attendance: 48 total/14 shipmates Highlights: On Friday the memorial service was held on the aircraft carrier USS YORKTOWN in Charleston. A wreath was lowered into the ocean as a tribute to our shipmates killed in action. The noon lunch was served in the Yorktown's Chief Petty Officers' Galley. Later in the evening we enjoyed the Dolly Parton Dixie Stampede while dining and viewing live acts of beautiful horses and skilled riders while a moderator kept everyone informed of the various acts. Saturday's tour was the Brookgreen Garden with boat trip through the lower countryside while a guide gave the history of planting and harvesting rice by slaves in the 1800's. After the evening banquet, we were entertained by the Blues Brothers singing and dancing to the music of the 50's with some participation by several member attendees. Sunday morning the getaway buffet was enjoyed and good-byes and well wishes were exchanged before departing to our homes. The next reunion will be held in Washington, DC. USS SIMPSON (DD-221) USS BROOME (DD-210) Radisson Corning, New York September 21-25, 2004 Chaired by: Walter Zehrfuhs Attendance: 27 total/14 shipmates Highlights: Guided tours of Corning Museum of Glass; Rockwell Museum; National War Plane Museum. Group photos at banquet dinner. Guest speaker--highlighting history of Corning and growth. memorial Service honoring deceased mates. This was the final reunion--we are decommissioned--shortage of available crew--Anchors Aweigh. USS GYATT (DD-712/DDG-1) Four Points Sheraton Burlington, Massachusetts September 22-26, 2004 Chaired by: William G. Myers Attendance: 92 total/47 shipmates Highlights: Early birds enjoyed at whale watching tour on September 21. We held our memorial service on Thursday, reading all the names of our 300 departed shipmates. After the memorial service we visited the USS Constitution and toured downtown Boston. Friday the men toured Battleship Cove, which included the USS J.P. Kennedy, two PT boats, a Russian corvette, some WWII airplanes, the Lionfish and a lunch aboard the Massachusetts. The women chose a trip to Newport, RI which included a tour of a 70 room mansion. Saturday we toured Cape Ann and the towns of Rockport and Gloucester. USS LAWS (DD-558) Airport Marriott Minneapolis, Minnesota September 23-26, 2004 Chaired by: Daniel Sundberg Attendance: 80 total/41 shipmates Highlights: Our hotel proved to be a good choice. Wednesday, a delicious buffet and renewal of friendship in our hospitality room. Thursday we went on a wonderful 3 1/2 bus tour of the "Twin Cieites". Friday we enjoyed a luncheon cruise on the St. Croix River. Saturday after a morning business meeting, we had time to visit the Mall of America. Later that evening, our memorial service and banquet dinner were held. A raffle of many fine gifts wrapped up the evening. Our 20th reunion will be held in Washington, DC. USS WILHOITE (DE/DER-397) Embassy Suites Rogers, Arkansas September 22-26, 2004 Chaired by: Bobby and Elisabeth Rider Attendance: 24 total/12 shipmates Highlights: Tours included were Eureka Springs, Battlefields (Civil War), Walmart Museum, Daisy Rifle Museum. Wonderful meals and Embassy Suites was wonderful with room rates being very reasonable. Taps was played by Dennis Lackwood of "Bugles Across America" at our Memorial Service and was very inspiring. We welcomed a new couple that has not attended a Wilhoite reunion before. Our next (2005) reunion will be in Pennsylvania with Frank Roche as host. USS LOWRY (DD-770) Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio, Texas September 23-26, 2004 Chaired by: Tom Long Attendance: 135 total Highlights: Members visited the National Pacific War Musuem and Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg, TX, toured the city of San Antonio, and visited the Alamo and SAS Shoe Factory. The highlight of the tour was the unveiling of a memorial plaque at the Pacific War Museum to honor the LOWRY, a veteran fighting destroyer in World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War. Known as the "LUCKY LOWRY", the ship won many battle stars and awards for combat efficiency. The ceremony was attended by ten original plank owners and WWII veterans. At the evening banquet, the guest of honor was our former commanding officer, CAPT. Charles B. Carroll, USN (Ret), who traveled from California at age 92 to be with his shipmates. Retiring President QM Bill Mackey was honored for his long service to the Association and was succeeded by the new President, LT Thomas R. Long, who will serve until the next meeting. USS O'CALLAHAN (DE/FF-1051) Holiday Inn Hotel of the Smokies Pigeon Forge, Tennessee September 24-26, 2004 Chaired by: Ed and Jerrie Boruff Attendance: 28 total/11 shipmates Highlights: 7 Plank Owners attended. Old friendships were renewed and lively "sea stories" were exchanged during the Friday night reception and dinner held at the hotel. On Staurday morning we attended a gospel show and breakfast at the Black Bear Jamboree featuring the Blackwood Brothers Quartet/Singers followed by tours of Cade's Cove (an 1800's settlement) and the Great Smokie Mountains National Park. As always, some attendees went shopping and visited local amusement parks. The Saturday night meeting and banquet were held at the Rocky River Grill and Brewery and new officers were elected. USS SOMERS (DD-381) Circus Circus Las Vegas, Nevada September 26-30, 2004 Chaired by: Herb Braverman Attendance: 29 total/12 shipmates Highlights: Open house in hospitality room Sunday night. Cocktail party Monday night. Hospitality room, banquet Tuesday evening in a private room. Raffle and commemorative pins distributed. USS SCHROEDER (DD-501) Holiday Inn West Chester, Pennsylvania September 27-October 1, 2004 Chaired by: Bob Schwartz Attendance: 55 total/25 shipmates Highlights: Visiting with shipmates--great as usual. Tour of Philadelphia, Longwood Garden. USS HARRISON (DD-573) USS SCHROEDER (DD-501) USS JOHN RODGERS (DD-574) Holiday Inn West Chester, Pennsylvania September 27-October 1, 2004 Planner: John Chiquoine Attendance: 119 total/42 shipmates Highlights: Three crews from DESRON 25 combined crews to share stories, photos and tour sites in the Brandywine Valley. Touring included Longwood Gardens, Valley Forge, Independence Hall and the new WWII Memorial. A welcome mixer with a Philly menu and a farewell banquet got folks together. Guests were welcomed from USS SIGSBEE, USS RINGGOLD, a USS HANCOCK rescued pilot. USS SELFRIDGE (DD-357) Eldorado Hotel Reno, Nevada September 27-October 1, 2004 Chaired by: Barbara and Jack Martin Attendance: 17 total/9 shipmates Highlights: City tours on our own. Visited the Casinos and went to the show at Tangiers, which was excellent. Plenty of food and snacks in the hospitality room. Thursday we had our business meeting in the morning and our banquet and raffle was in the evening. This was our last reunion due to attendance. USS CHAMPLIN (DD-601) Adams Mark Buffalo, New York September 29-October 3, 2004 Chaired by: Richard Berman Attendance: 35 total/17 shipmates Highlights: We had our memorial aboard the LITTLE ROCK--toured THE SULLIVANS, visited the grave of Commodore of Stephan Champlin who our ship was named for--took a ride on the Erie Canal--visited Niagra Falls--a great time was had by all--next year we'll dedicate our plaque at the Naval memorial in Washington, D.C. USS FARRAGUT (DLG6/DDG-37) Town and Country Inn Charleston, South Carolina September 30-October 3, 2004 Chaired by: Gene Jennings Attendance: 75 total/38 shipmates Highlights: We held a business meeting that included a vote to incorporate the Association, a vote to hold the 2006 reunion at Norfolk, the 2008 reunion at Baltimore and elected a new slate of officers. We plan to attend the commissioning of the new USS FARRAGUT (DDG-99). We enjoyed a tour of Patriot's Point and the city of Charleston. Prior to our banquet we held a silent auction of ship's memorabilia. Contact Thomas Randall (751)-570-8181 for information. USS PRAIRIE (AD-15) Peninsula Inn & Resort Hotel Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada September 30, 2004 Chaired by: Mary K. Pelton Attendance: 84 total/46 shipmates Highlights: We went to the Buffalo Naval Shipyard then took a tour of the Niagara Power Vista Plant. Everyone rode the Maid of the Mist boat at the base of the falls on a beautiful day with rainbows all around us. It was truly spectacular and at the end of the weekend we had a memorial service that was very fitting for the men who have passed this last year. USS HENRY B. WILSON (DDG-7) Mission Valley Marriott San Diego, California September 30-October 3, 2004 Chaired by: Dan Marks Attendance: 135 total/87 shipmates Highlights: Wilson's first reunion with 25 plank owners attending, including the Skipper. Hotel was five star all the way. We had tours both Friday and Saturday with different companies, both excellent guides. There was a dinner at the hotel on Friday and a dinner cruise in San Diego Harbor on Saturday night. It was great to see shipmates we haven't seen in 40 years--made time stand still. Everyone is looking forward to the next reunion on the east coast. USS HUGH PURVIS (DD-709) Holiday Inn Select Baltimore, Maryland September 30-October 3, 2004 Chaired by: Tom Kelleher Attendance: 135 total/73 shipmates Highlights: We had a special guest at our banquet this year. Hugh Purvis' great grandson, Val and his wife, Nell, joined us. Val Purvis brought the port side board from the ship to display at the banquet. Val joined us at the Hugh Purvis gravesite in Annapolis. Steve Baron brought a marker to be placed at the gravesite and Val said a few words. We would like to thank Steve for donating the marker. We had 11 new shipmates attend this reunion. USS NICHOLSON (DD-442) Hotel Radisson Green Bay, Wisconsin September 30-October 4, 2004 Chaired by: Philip Hendrickson Attendance: 27 total/14 shipmates Highlights: A tour of the unique Green Bay Packer complex at Lambeau Field including lunch at Curly's Pub and a tour of the Hall of Fame. in the evening we had a banquet. On Saturday, there was a guided tour of Door County, WI with lunch at famous Al Johnson's restaurant. In the evening a delightful day was topped off with a traditional Door County "Fish Boil". On Sunday, we had a great tailgate party at Lambeau Field and saw the Giant-Packer game from a luxury box. USCGC VANCE (DE/DER-387/WDE-487) Sleep Inn at Court Square Memphis, Tennessee October 4-8, 2004 Chaired by G. Blast Attendance: 14 total/10 shipmates Highlights: We toured Graceland and ate supper at the Blue's City cafe on Beale Street. We enjoyed the music in the park and one of the crew, Bill Kaisikas, was able to sit in with the band. Photos will be posted on our website--http://www.ussvance.com as soon as we can. USS STOCKHAM (DD-683) Victorian Galveston, Texas October 5-7, 2004 Chaired by: Leon Whitehead Attendance: 29 total/11 shipmates Highlights: Battleship Texas, San Jacinto Monument, NASA Space Center, tour of Galveston and The Strand, Texas Seaport Museum, Tall Ship Elissa and Great Storm Film, Texas style barbeque. USS BRADLEY (DE/FF-1041) Hanalei Hotel San Diego, California October 7-10, 2004 Chaired by: Bruce Grottsch Attendance: 90 total/64 shipmates Highlights: The hotel and ML & RS, hired to plan and run the reunion, were outstanding. A Saturday morning tour of the Aegis Cruiser, USS Antietam impressed everyone. The business meeting was successful in organizing the association and electing new officers. Our banquet featured a special tribute to Capt. William Whaley by the Plank Owners. A moving memorial service ended the evening. next reunion in October 2006, Charleston, SC. USS CLARENCE K. BRONSON (DD-668) Embassy Suites Nashville, TN October 13-17, 2004 Chaired by: Ken Sullivan Attendance: 107 total/58 shipmates Highlights: Thursday evening was a delightful dinner/show cruise on the General Jackson. Friday evening everyone attended the Grand Old Opry, which was a great show and enjoyed by all. Saturday was our banquet with one of our own as guest speaker--Master Chief MM (Ret.) Bill Snively who lives in Hawaii and is a tour guide on the USS MISSOURI. USS CAPERTON (DD-650) Mt. Laurel Radisson Laurel, New Jersey October 14-17, 2004 Chaired by: Ted Speer Attendance: 136 total/68 shipmates Highlights: After greeting old shipmates on Thursday, Caperton sailors boarded two buses early Friday and headed for the boardwalk in Atlantic City for sightseeing and a visit to the row of big-name casinos. Others viewed colorful botanical gardens at Longwood Gardens. Saturday a full day of activities started with an early morning Memorial Service for deceased comrades aboard the battleship USS New Jersey, now a museum ship docked at Camden, NJ followed by guided tours of the giant warship. Saturday afternoon Caperton sailors, spouses and guests took in the many historical sites in Philadelphia's Independence Square. A banquet concluded the crews' 15 annual reunion. USS GEORGE (DD-697) Radisson Inn Fort Meyers, Florida October 19-21, 2004 Chaired by: Edward & Janice Johnson Attendance: 28 total/13 shipmates & 2 daughters & 1 widow Highlights: Great luncheon cruise, good company, very good food, wonderful friends, hot coffee and cold booze. Fabulous hotel. USS JOSEPH P. KENNEDY, JR. (DD-850) Hampton Inn Westport, Massachusetts October 21-23, 2004 Chaired by: Ray Samson Attendance: 44 total/28 shipmates Highlights: The former crewmembers association of the USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. (DD-850) held its tenth reunion at Westport, MA in October 2004. A memorial service was held aboard the ship on the morning of Oct. 22 honoring the memory of deceased crewmembers. That evening the attendees were treated to a comedy show, "Nick & Zita's Funny Fat Greek Wedding." This show was performed at White's of Westport where all the functions were held. The following evening the reunion banquet was also held at White's of Westport and as always the reunion attendees were treated to a fine meal and excellent service. It was voted to hold a reunion again in 2005 utilizing the same facilities. The dates for the next reunion are Oct. 20-23, 2005 and we are hopeful that more former shipmates and family members will be able to attend. USS MARSHALL (DD-676) Red Lion Hanalei Hotel San Diego, California October 21-24, 2004 Chaired by: Al Myers Attendance: 60 total/33 shipmates Highlights: Our captain, Capt. Valentine in command 1952-54 and Admiral L. Layman, both spoke. Admiral Layman was a new Ensign in 1952. Our Reunion Auction brought laughs and some monies. USS PRICE (DE-332) October 16, 2004 Concord University Athens, West Virginia USS Price celebrated their 50th Anniversary at Concord University. Edward Max Price namesake of the USS Price was an alumnus of Concord University. Click here for details of the event. USS KLONDIKE (AD/AR-22) Gold Coast Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Nevada October 24-26, 2004 Chaired by: Neil McLean/John Cretal Attendance: 159 total/84 shipmates Highlights: The 5th annual USS Klondike AD/AR-22 reunion was celebrated in Las Vegas with the largest attendance ever. The hospitality room was overflowing with shipmates, wives, and friends. Almost 100 toured the Hoover Dam and had lunch aboard the Princess Too on Lake Mead. On return to Las Vegas, we toured Ethel M. Chocolate Factory. The Association Banquet was held on Tuesday evening with 155 attending. Several highlights of the reunion were the attendance by 16 World War II shipmates and of the 1967-68 Captain E.C. Connelley. Everyone had a great time and plan to meet in Baltimore/Washington, DC in 2005. USS MERTZ (DD-691) Hilton Wilmington Riverside Wilmington, North Carolina October 28-31, 2004 Chaired by: James Powell Attendance: 63 total/15 shipmates Highlights: We took a 2 1/2 hour dinner cruise on the Cape Fear River, visited and toured the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. Welcomed first time attendee and wife and had a very memorable visit with old shipmates and their families. BATTLE OF ORMOC BAY ASSOCIATION USS COOPER, USS MOALE, USS LIDDLE, USS LLOYD and USS KEPHART) Clarion North Charleston, South Carolina October 28-November 1, 2004 Chaired by: William M. Dallam Attendance: 38 total/16 shipmates Highlights: Tour of Charleston, a visit to the Citadel, Patriots Point Maritime Museum and Fort Sumter. USS BLUE (DD-744) (Korean War Veterans) St. Louis, Missouri Chaired by: Ray Broussard Highlights: Our 2004 reunion was a success. Old friendships were renewed and new friendships made. The hospitality room was decorated with a Christmas theme and USS Blue Christmas ornaments were given to all attending. Some visited Harrah’s Casino and enjoyed the fabulous buffet dinner. We toured the city of St. Louis with the highlight being the famous Arch. We had lunch at Union Station and then on to Anheuser-Busch Brewery. A moment of silence was observed at our business meeting and it was decided that our next reunion will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah. CORTRON 3 USS BRIDGET (DE-1024), USS BAUER (DE-1025), USS HOOPER (DE-1026) and USS EVANS (DE-1023) Ramada Express Hotel and Casino Laughlin, Nevada March 6-10, 2005 Chaired by: Jack M. Price Attendance: 88 total/56 shipmates Highlights: Very first reunion which was received very well by all. Side trips to west end of Grand Canyon and the Oatman Mine and Town were very successful. The banquet was great with dinner and an auction and finally dancing with the Carl Grove Trio. A good time was had by all. USS HALSEY POWELL (DD-686) WWII Radisson Airport Hotel Charleston, South Carolina March 17-20, 2005 Chaired by: Casey Kraft Attendance: 73 total/21 shipmates Highlights: Memorial service aboard USS Yorktown honoring men who died in kamikaze attack and others who passed away in more recent years. Tour of historic Charleston and Boone Hall Plantation. Banquet at Radisson Hotel with birthday cake for Capt. Sydney D.B. Merril's 91st birthday. Much emotion on this the 60th anniversary of kamikaze attack. USS NICHOLAS (DD/DDE-449/FFG-47) Ashbury Hotel and Suites Mobile, Alabama April 17-22/2005 Chaired by: Leo Carr and Carl Walin Attendance: 118 total/59 shipmates Highlights: Toured:  D-Day Museum, New Orleans; Naval Air Museum, Pensacola, FL; Fort Conde, Mobile, AL; USS Alabama, Mobile, AL. Our Memorial Service was held aboard the USS Alabama and was supported by Navy Color Guard, Marine Honor Guard, Coast Guard Bugler and a Scottish Bagpiper. The service was a most colorful event with the memoiral message delivered by CDR. Bill Silkman, Commanding Officer of USS Nicholas (FFG-47). USS HAZELWOOD (DD-531) Adam's mark Hotel St. Louis, Missouri April 27-April 30, 2005 Chaired by: Dale Crosier Attendance: 123 total/54 shipmates Highlights: Motor coach tour on Thursday and Friday. Memorial Service was held at Jefferson Barracks--the 60th anniversary of Kamikaze hit on April 29, 1945. Our banquet speaker was RADM Gil Guilbault and we enjoyed patriotic music by Sgt. Michael McCraney, USMC (Ret.). Our next reunion is scheduled for 2007 in Indianapolis, Indiana. USS CHARLES S. SPEERY (DD-697) Lake Wright Norfolk, Virginia April 28-May 1, 2005 Chaired by: Roger Mueller Attendance: 120 total/50 shipmates Highlights: Tours on the Spirit of Norfolk and USS Wisconsin and the Leyte Gulf CG-55. Our guest speaker, Captain Zucker, gave an outstanding history of the tin can. Our next reunion is scheduled for April 28-May 1, 2006 in Branson, Missouri. USS SAUFLEY (DDE/EDDE-465) The Grand Hotel Ocean City, Maryland May 1-5, 2005 Chaired by Bill Manning Attendance: 52 total/26 shipmates Highlights: An Eco-Boat trip on the back bay of Assateague Island National Seashore with a private lunch at a local sea food restaurant. The best was a bus trip and tour of the U.S.N.A. at Annapolis, MD with a luncheon at the Officers Club and a visit to the Ship's Store. A great time was had by all. The raffle and the business meeting were a big success. The reunion was enhanced by our guest speakers, Chief of Police, Bernadette DiPino of the OC. MD., Police Department and the Attorney General for the State of Delaware, the Honorable M. Jane Brady. The 2006 reunion will be held in Key West, Florida, our home port. Check our web site for details, www.usssaufleydd465.com. See you there for another great time. USS HUGHES (DD-410) Four Points Sheraton Metairie (New Orleans), Louisiana May 18-22, 2005 Chaired by: Elaine Stine and Judy Mackles Attendance: 61 total/17 shipmates Highlights: Five great tours including: Steamboat Natchez; walking tour of the French Quarter; National D-Day Museum; Mardi Gras World, including lunch with cooking school; and Swamp tour. Banquet with entertainment by a great four piece jazz band concluded with classic New Orleans style "Second line" with Mardi Gras decorated umbrella "strut". Memorial service was very moving, emotionally as it stated with a Navy Honor Guard and ended with taps by a Navy Bugler. USS ATHERTON (DE-169) June 21, 2005 Chaired by: Preston & Carol Davis Highlights: Four USS Atherton (DE-169) sailors, Preston Davis, wife Carol and son Tim, Tom Ciaccio with wife Rosella, Joe Huyer wife Carol and Alan Wright with wife Bobbie made it to the reunion aboard the USS Slater (DE-677) Destroyer Escort Historical Museum in Albany, New York June 13, 2005. Guests were Mrs. Kay Langone, widow of Gene Langone RT3/c, daughter and 2 sons, widow of Art Spotts SOM3/c Geraldine and sons Glen and Dean Spotts, Rick and Tom sons of John Austin SoM2/c, Alan Greendale grandson of Horace Greendale QM1/c and great-grandson. Photo USS LAWRENCE (DD-250/DDG-4)/USS KING (DD-242) Barrington Hotel & Suites Branson, MO June 22-26, 2005 Chaired by: Craig Bernat Attendance: 43 total/19 shipmates Highlights: Everyone was welcomed with a BBQ the first evening. Day one had us "riding the ducks" and seeing Yakov Smirnoff. On Friday we attended the Jim Stafford show. After the show Jim posed with the group for a photo. Saturday we sailed on the showboat Branson Belle for a show and dinner cruise. Before boarding we had a short memorial service for our departed shipmates. We hope to see everyone next June in Las Vegas. USS DALY (DD-519) Millennium Hotel St. Louis, Missouri August 5-11, 2005 Chaired by: Ed Dunn Attendance: 27 total/15 shipmates Highlights: Our reunion was held in conjunction with the Tin Can Sailors National Reunion. Enjoyed greeting old and new friends. The speakers were super. USS AULICK (DD-569) Millennium Hotel St. Louis, Missouri August 7-11, 2005 Chaired by: Henrietta Hays and J.C. Hays Attendance: 31 total/13 shipmates Highlights: Meeting other ship members. The movie's shown. The Ship Store and also the crew from the Tin Can Sailors. USS BROOKE (DEG/FFG-1) Doubletree New Orleans, Louisiana August 24-28, 2005 Chaired by: Steve Hunt Attendance: 68 total/35 shipmates Highlights: Cajun Swamp tour. Court of Two Sisters Jazz Brunch. D-Day Museum. reole Queen Paddlewheeler Dinner Cruise. French Quarter and Riverwalk. Lastly, Hurricane Katrina! 17 Survivors! USS EDWARDS (DD-619) Historic Inns of Annapolis, Annapolis, Maryland August 31 - September 3, 2005 Chaired by: Bud and Shirley Kahlanbeck Attendance: 34 total/7 Shipmates Highlights: The City of Annapolis and the Hotel were great choices for our reunion #18. Our 2nd floor Hospitality room came complete with a veranda overlooking the main street of historic Annapolis. Our Tour of Washington D.C. was highlighted by the laying of a wreath at the Navy Memorial, visiting the WWII memorial and the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery. Our Saturday night banquet at the hotel was excellent, complete with the hotel staff arranging a memorial table for our departed shipmates. A wonderful time was had by all who attended and we look forward to meeting again in 2006! USS CALLAGHAN (DD-792) Holiday Inn Bath, Maine August 31-September 4, 2005 Chaired by: Joe Byrnes Attendance: 50 total/16 shipmates Highlights: Shopping trips to Freeport, LL Bean and Boothbay Harbor via trolleys which were available to us during our stay. Our Memorial Service was conducted on the banks of the Kennabeck River with a color guard from the Naval Station. Visited Maine Maritime Museum with a trip to Popham, which was Maine's first settlement. Friday night we enjoyed a lobster bake at the hotel. The ceremonial flag which was flown over the US Capital building on July 29, 2005 was provided by our local congressman Tom Allen and was awarded to the oldest survivor present, who was Fred Taylor age 87. At our business meeting it was decided that our next reunion will be held in Fredericksburg, Virginia. USS GRIDLEY (DD-380) Handlery Hotel & Resort San Diego, California September 7-12, 2005 Chaired by: Bob Millhouse and John Maggio Attendance: 35 total/15 shipmates Highlights: Tours of the USS Midway Museum, San Diego Harbor and Lawrence Welk Theater for the show Gypsy. Get togethers in the reunion's hospitality room for conversation, sea stories and games. Closing with a lively banquet on Sunday night and a farewell breakfast until next year. USS McKEAN (DD/DDR-784) Adam's Mark Hotel Buffalo, New York September 9-11, 2005 Chaired by: Chuck Horvath Attendance: 94 total/25 shipmates Highlights: A celebration of 60 years since ship's commissioning, a memorial service aboard the USS LITTLE ROCK (honoring 53 departed shipmates) then a tour of the USS THE SULLIVANS, and a boat cruise on the river. The attendees then toured both sides of the US/Canadian border at Niagara Falls. Banquet speaker featured USN Recruiter LCDR James Wiggs. An auction (a meeting highlight) and subsequent meeting decided for a 2-year delay (2007) for our next reunion in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. USS PUTNAM (DD-757) Handlery Hotel and Resort San Diego, California September 8-12, 2005 Chaired by: Warren H. Savage, Jr. Attendance: 53 total/22 shipmates Highlights: Enjoyed the hospitality room. Friday attended Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Graduation and lunch at Tom Ham's Lighthouse Restaurant. Saturday--Ship's tour, USS RENTZ (FFG-46) and USS MIDWAY (CV-41). Toured Seaport Village. Sunday--Champagne brunch on the harbor--Shelter Island, Bali Hai, tour of La Jolla and the Stephen Birch Aquarium and Mt. Soledad. Monday--Farewell Breakfast. Next reunion will be in Chicago, Illinois, September 2007. USS WILLIAM R. RUSH (DD/DDR-714) Millennium Hotel, Buffalo Airport Buffalo, New York September 11-15, 2005 Chaired by: Bernard Caprera Attendance: 145 total/78 shipmates Highlights: Our meeting in Buffalo was our 7th since our beginnings over 12 years ago. From seeing the Buffalo Bills Football team in our hotel lobby, to the tours to Niagara Falls, Buffalo Naval Park and surrounding areas and, impromptu visits to the Anchor Bar & Grill, we enjoyed the camaraderie only Destroyer shipmates and their wives can enjoy. We also held a "Yankee Swap" for our wives, a "Welcome Aboard Reception", an informal "Picnic, Raffle, and Silent Auction" in the hotel's atrium, and a formal "Banquet and Awards program" with guest speaker, Col. Cunningham of the Naval Park, during the course of our most successful reunion. Our next will be held in 2007. USS BLACK (DD-666) Sam's Town Las Vegas, Nevada September 13-16, 2005 Chaired by: Sam Piearcy Attendance: 128 total/66 shipmates Highlights: This year's reunion was outstanding and even a few made some money gambling. The hospitality room was great and the banquet dinner was excellent. It was so nice to see old friends and meet new friends. USS IRWIN (DD-794) Holiday Inn--Historic District Philadelphia, Pennsylvania September 15-18, 2005 Chaired by: Ed Fields Attendance: 207 total/79 shipmates Highlights: This was our most attended reunion to date. We had shipmates from WWII, Korea and up to 1958; their wives, sons, daughters, and grandchildren, even some great grandchildren. It was truly an "Irwin Family" reunion. We toured Ground Zero and the Battleship New Jersey. We had 21 historic sites within a seven block walking area of our hotel. Truly a home away from home. Our Saturday banquet was attended by 221 shipmates, family and friends. We had quality food, accommodations, and quality time together. Every attendee received an Irwin windbreaker jacket as a welcome gift. Tin Can Sailors sent an excellent gift package which we auctioned off. USS KNAPP (DD-653) Peoria Radisson Peoria, Illinois September 15-18, 2005 Chaired by: E. Pete Smith Attendance: 95 total/50 shipmates Highlights: Thursday--dinner and entertainment--Par-A-Dice Casino. Friday--tour of Peoria; Wheels-O-Time Museum; Caterpillar, Inc. Tour; Moonlight cruise and dinner on Spirit of Peoria paddlewheel boat on the Illinois River. Saturday--Memorial Service at Riverfront Park; Ocktoberfest; business meeting; banquet. Summary--It does play in Peoria. USS STRONG (DD-467/DD-758) Millennium at Airport Buffalo, New York September 20-25, 2005 Chaired by: Peter Lemak Attendance: 106 total/54 shipmates Highlights: Visit to USS LITTLE ROCK and USS THE SULLIVANS where our memorial service was held. Tour of the Niagara Falls and lunch at the Table Rock Restaurant on the Canadian side. USS GRAYSON (DD-435) Crowne Plaza St. Louis, Missouri September 21-25, 2005 Chaired by: Dave Craigmile Attendance: 34 total/10 shipmates Highlights: Tour of the city of St. Louis. Trip to top of the Arch. The Botanical Garden, Anheuser Busch/Budweiser Brewery. Banquet with CDR. Jagger, USN, CO Navy Recruiting District. Sunday a.m. Anchors Aweigh Memorial Breakfast. USS HALSEY POWELL (DD-686) Clarion West Hotel Omaha, Nebraska September 21-25, 2005 Chaired by: Michael R. Baker Attendance: 63 total/33 shipmates Highlights: Great time enjoying each others company. Hotel, don't go there. Tour to Boys Town was wonderful as was tour to SAC Museum. Tour to Liberty Park was very disappointing, don't go there. Next year (2006) we will go to Providence, RI area. USS CURRIER (DE-700) Salina, Kansas September 22-24, 2005 Chaired by: Don and Shirley Smith Attendance: 39 total Highlights: During the three-day festive affair, the crew toured the Eisenhower Museum, home  and grounds in Abilene, KS, then the Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure and Museum after which they were feted to a chicken dinner at the world-renowned Brooksville Hotel.  Before returning to Salina, the crew visited the Russell Stover candy factory and stocked up on “sweets”. As part of the reunion affairs, the Currier crew took time out to remember their deceased shipmates at a Memorial held at the Sunset Gardens in Salina, where VFW’s Post 1432 presented and retired the US Flag, and held a military flag folding ceremony, presenting the flag to the wife of a recently deceased highly esteemed crewmember.  The final event was a formal banquet at the Mid-America Convention Center where the Cawker City Players entertained the crew.  The Salina, KS Chamber of Commerce welcomed the USS Currier crew to Salina and provided overwhelming support. USS BALLARD (DD-267/AVD-10) LaQuinta Inn Branson, Missouri September 26-28, 2005 Attendance: 17 total/9 shipmates Highlights: This crew was the last crew to serve on the World War II vessel. We decommissioned her in Philadelphia, PA. I understand it was sold to Gillette Razor Company. It was voted to be the last reunion of the BALLARD. Due to age of crew and the hardship of today's travel. Someone needs to interview the Captain, Nichandros--he has a lot to tell about the old flushdeck destroyers, especially the BALLARD. USS HILARY P. JONES (DD-427) Best Western Airport Inn Albany, New York September 26-29, 2005 Chaired by: Al Malcomson and Pam Dundon Attendance: 21 total/7 shipmates Highlights: This was our thirtieth reunion. Everyone met at a memorial service in the Downtown Visitors Center. It was held near the USS ALBANY ship's bell. 4-2-7 was struck to honor the deceased crew members from the past thirty Jones reunions. A cruise on one of the Aqua Ducks was next, touring the downtown area and on the Hudson River. We went past a replica of the Hendrick Hudson sailing ship and the USS SLATER tied up at the Snow dock. Lunch was at the Purple Pub. Day tow, a short bus trip downtown to visit the New York State Educational Museum. A 911 exhibit with actual artifacts from the Ground Zero area was interesting to everyone. A banquet at the Inn in the evening and breakfast Thursday morning, also at the Inn, terminated with everyone eager to meet again in 2006. USS WILKES (DD-441) Holiday Inn-Airport Asheville, North Carolina September 26-30, 2005 Chaired by: Floren James Attendance: 42 total/15 shipmates Highlights: A tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway and an introduction to the beautiful crafts of the area, a tour to the Biltmore Estate and Winery and the ship's banquet. The banquet speaker was Capt. John Davenport, retired survivor of the USS OKLAHOMA when it was sunk at Pearl Harbor. It was interesting to note that the whole Pearl Harbor attack only lasted about one-half hour. Joe LePage, son of a deceased shipmate was elected President of the USS WILKES Association. The 2006 reunion will be held in Connecticut. USS UHLMANN (DD-687) Boardwalk Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada September 27-30, 2005 Chaired by: Bob "Jim" Jimenez Attendance: 110 total/47 shipmates Highlights: We enjoyed tours of the Hoover Dam, the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory, and the backstage workings of Balley's Stage Show. Our banquet included our guest speaker, Jim Jefferies of the Navy League, as well as the presentation of the colors by the El Dorado High School Navy Jr. ROTC Color Guard. A great time was had by all. USS CONE (DD-866) Howard Johnson's Green Bay, Wisconsin September 28-October 2, 2005 Chaired by: Jerry O'Dell Attendance: 37 total/18 shipmates Highlights: Small turn-out. Great camaraderie, excellent time, delicious food, weather good. Enjoyed men's tour of EAA Air Museum and lunch, women's day at Door County shopping and lunch. Tour for all, of Lambeau Field, Green Bay Football Hall of Fame, Taste of Green Bay Dinner, hosted by Jerry O'Dell. Successful meeting; have sites for next four years. An ornament exchange for the ladies. Banquet with champagne punch, frozen tundra ice cream. All looking forward to next years fun in Maryland. USS EVERGLADES (AD-24) Radisson Northbrook, Illinois September 28-October 2, 2005 Chaired by: Ronald Curtis Attendance: 78 total/33 shipmates Highlights: Attendees at our 20th annual reunion enjoyed four days in the Chicago area. The itinerary included: a city tour of Chicago, dinner cruise on Lake Michigan and a trip to the Museum of Science and Industry. Our banquet on Saturday evening included guest speaker, HMZ(FMF) Alan Dementer, a bronze star recipient while on duty in Iraq. USS OZBOURN (DD-846) Airport Radisson Hotel Charleston, South Carolina September 28-October 2, 2005 Attendance: 80 total Highlights: Our seventh semi-annual reunion. In addition to the camaraderie enjoyed by shipmates, there were several tours of the Charleston area. First was a trip to Fort Sumter where the opening shots of the Civil War were fired followed by a bus tour of the city. That evening we enjoyed dinner on board a cruise vessel while we traveled through Charleston Harbor. Other activities were a trip to Patriot's Point where the destroyer LAFFEY (DD-724) and the aircraft carrier YORKTOWN (CV-10) are moored and on Saturday a tour of the Boone Hall Plantation. The latter is noteworthy because a photo of the entry driveway was used in the old classic "Gone With the Wind." A memorial service commemorating our departed shipmates was held on board the YORKTOWN. We were honored at our banquet on Saturday evening with an address by Prof. Clark Reynolds, one of the leading historians of naval aviation. He recounted the destroyer experiences of Admiral "Jocko" Clark before he left for a career as a naval aviator. The reunion concluded with breakfast on Sunday morning. USS GWIN (DM-33) Crown Plaza St. Louis, Missouri September 29-October 2, 2005 Chaired by: Larry Loss Attendance: 13 shipmates Highlights: Arch visit. Reunion was held in conjunction with Naval Mine Warfare Association. USS STURTEVANT (DE-239) Fairfield (Market Square) San Antonio, Texas October 3-9, 2005 Chaired by: William White Attendance: 30 total/15 shipmates Highlights: Small attendance due to changes and short notice. Everyone had a great time renewing old friendships and reliving past stories. Great location. Next reunion to be held at Virginia Beach in June 2007. USS MONSSEN (DD-798) Settle Inn Branson, Missouri October 6-9, 2005 Chaired by: Earl A. McClure Attendance: 21 total/10 shipmates Highlights: 2 of the 10 shipmates were WWII veterans. The rest served on the USS MONSSEN (DD-798) between 1951 and 1959. The group voted to have 2006 reunion in the Boston, MA area. The shows we saw in Branson were very good. The Jim Stafford show was outstanding. USS ARNOLD J. ISBELL (DD-869) Radisson Old Town Alexandria, Virginia October 7-9, 2005 Chaired by: Barry Dahlberg Attendance: 40 total/20 shipmates Highlights: Twenty shipmates, including 4 plank owners and twenty guests attended. Registration and an evening reception were held Friday, October 7. A memorial service was held at the Lone Sailor Memorial in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 8. After a buffet dinner, Sunday, October 9, Master of Ceremonies, Bill "Bear" Kelly, introduced our guest speaker, Captain Albert Shimkus, NC, USN, Deputy Commandant Naval District, Washington. USS DAVID W. TAYLOR (DD-551) Comfort Inn & Suites Decatur, Alabama October 12-14, 2005 Chaired by: Robert J. Strehle Attendance: 47 total/20 shipmates Highlights: Toured 3M film plant and Boeing Rocket Factory Historic Old Bank of Civil War era. The employees of the 3M plant lined the streets of the plant facility waving flags as we passed by. The citizens of Decatur expressed their gratitude for the sacrifices we made to fight for the freedom they now enjoy. This was spontaneous and these old sailors were overcome with emotion with such a display of gratitude. USS FRONTIER (AD-25) Radisson Beach Hotel Corpus Christi, Texas October 20-23, 2005 Chaired by: Robert Smith Attendance: 67 total/40 shipmates Highlights: Thursday, check in, was followed by a welcome reception, including hors d'oeuvres in cocktail lounge. Friday, an outstanding chartered bus trip to a day long Texas BBQ on the cattle ranch of one of our members, William Rudellat. A side trip to see his neighbor's antique collections including 20 plus restored cars and farm tractors. Saturday, tours aboard the USS LEXINGTON or Texas State Aquarium, afternoon business meeting, followed by pre-dinner cocktail hour, photos and then the prime rib banquet dinner including a memorial service. Sunday, private buffet breakfast and saying goodbye until the next reunion in San Diego in Oct. 2007. NEWPORT DEALEYS (DE-1006, 1014, 1015, 1021, 1022, 1027, 1028, 1029, 1030) Holiday Inn, Airport Jacksonville, Florida October 20-23, 2005 Chaired by: Charles J. Holzschun Attendance: 138 total/78 shipmates Highlights: We had a wonderful time touring the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY in Mayport, FL. It was inspiring to see all the young faces of the KENNEDY crew remembering that was the way we were 45 years ago. We honored the USS HARLEY (DE-1029), which was transferred to the Colombian Navy and became their ARC Boyaca (DE-16). We welcomed two former members of the Boyaca crew who told us how the ship was used by the Colombian Navy. We were updated on the project to convert the last remains of the Hartley/Boyaca into a museum type tourist attraction in Guatape, Colombia. USS ALLEN M. SUMNER (DD-692) Clarion Hotel at the Palace Branson, Missouri October 27-30, 2005 Chaired by: Joe and Dottie Gall, Jack and Ann McCormack Attendance: 121 total/67 shipmates Highlights: Memorial service for WWII KIA. Thursday and Friday All Hands buffet. Saturday night banquet and dance Sunday morning goodbye breakfast. Stage shows like Andy Williams and Irish dancers. Everyone had a chance to go with friends to all kinds of entertainment including train ride and Branson Belle Dinner and Showboat. Annual meeting and election of officers. USS CORRY (DD/DDR-817) Grand Hotel Cape May, NJ November 3-6, 2005 Chaired by: Jim Shaftic Highlights: Thursday evening we held a buffet to welcome shipmates and guests. Friday there was a tour of Cape May and later a bus to Atlantic City. On Saturday we toured the Cape May Coast Guard Base and then had a luncheon and a dolphin cruise. That evening we held our banquet. next year, our reunion will be in Pensacola, FL. USS JOHN PAUL JONES (DD-230, DD-932, DDG-32, DDG-53) Handlery Resort & Hotel San Diego, California February 16-20, 2006 Chaired by: John McKechnie Attendance: 41 shipmates Highlights: The group was graciously hosted by currently in commission DDG-53 for a day tour on Saturday at 32nd St. Naval Station. The group also visited the San Diego Maritime Museum featuring a Russian 1970's FOXTROT submarine, B-39, in addition to the 1863 Star of India, a full rigged sailing ship, "HMS Surprise" replica of a Royal Navy 18th century frigate from the movie Master and Commander and four other historic ships. An all day city tour was also part of the package. Our long running Association President, Captain A.R. Olsen, Jr. USN (Ret), DD-932 CO, retired and turned the reigns over to our new president, Doug Weiser, DDG-32 and VP Bob Hildebrand, DDG-32. Carry over officers are Secy. Pete Maytham and Treas. John McKechnie. The highlight of the reunion was our banquet speaker CDR James Housinger, CO DDG-53 bringing us up to date on today's Navy and our ship. Guests from the ship included the XO LCDR Kristen Stengel, Command Master Chief Charlie Ratliff, Bull Ensign ENS Figel, SC, and Lt. (jg) Spencer our tour coordinator. Next reunion will be held in Newport, RI in the fall of 2007. USS ROBINSON (DD-562) Quail Run Lodge Savannah, Georgia April 14-15, 2006 Chaired by: Carl Slack Attendance: 14 total/8 shipmates Highlights: This was a special reunion held in Savannah because the last four years the Robinson was in commission it was a reserve trainer and the reserve units assigned were from Savannah, Georgia. USS MULLINNIX (DD-944) Valley Forge Hilton Valley Forge, Pennsylvania April 19-23, 2006 Chaired by: Bob Houghton Attendance: 101 total/51 shipmates Highlights: Events during the reunion included an "early bird" wine and cheese reception Wednesday evening, a bus trip to Lancaster County, PA with lunch in an Old Order Amish home Thursday and a bus trip on Friday with a choice of a morning visit to either the Battleship New Jersey or the NJ State Aquarium and an afternoon stop in the Philadelphia Historic District to visit the new National Constitution Center. Friday evening we conducted our annual auction, held our business meeting Saturday AM and concluded the weekend with our Saturday night Banquet featuring the Villanova University Navy ROTC Color Guard. USS YOSEMITE (AD-19) Admiral Semmes Radisson Mobile, Alabama April 19-23, 2006 Chaired by: Military Reunion Planners Attendance: 65 total/35 shipmates Highlights: The nice weather in Mobile was great. We went on a few tours and one riverboat cruise and dinner. The people at the hotel were OK and service at the hotel was not the best. The hotel was old and had a lot of trouble, etc. USS HARRY F. BAUER (DM-26) Savannah, Georgia April 23-27, 2006 Attendance: 36 total Highlights: Believe it or not, it was great weather during the 50th anniversary celebration of the decommissioning of the "Can with the Bam!" A grand total of 36 happy people swapped sea stories, attended meetings and frolicked like kids in the picturesque southern city for a really long weekend. During the 2006 meeting, all officers were unanimously, and with a standing "O", re-elected. Rip Ruopoli "The Bowler" will continue to lead the group as president. Ed Thorne, "The fisherman from New York City" will remain as treasurer. Jim Whalen, "Mr. Business" will continue as Vice President, and Toni Vasquez "Snow White among the dwarfs" remains in the Secretary's chair. Attendees came from California, New Hampshire, Florida, Massachusetts, Maine. . .and on, and on, and on. . .North, South, East, and West. They toured, shopped, played Bingo (Everyone got  "really cool" prize, and they chowed down on Georgia's best food. . .including 15 pizza's ordered especially for the bingo games. Almost half the reunion crowd watches Paula Dean's television program on the Food Channel, so they just had to visit her Savannah restaurant. Believe it or not, they hired a small bus to take them to her "Food Heaven" for lunch and, to say the least, it was most successful. They loved the place. Before heading home, the membership voted to meet in Washington, D.C. in 2007. . .and everyone immediately filled with anticipation of another "Blast from the past"!! Then it came time for the big, scrumptious dinner with all hands aboard. This time it was beautifully catered by one of Savannah's finest chefs. Our requested meals, made before our very eyes! Praises for the caterer were heard from all sections of the dining room and, like they say. . ."A good time was had by all." USS JOSEPH STRAUSS (DDG-16) Holiday Inn Conference Center Virginia Beach, Virginia April 23-27, 2006 Chaired by: John Aldredge Attendance: 66 total/30 shipmates Highlights: Visits to Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, Virginia. Air and Space Museum at Hampton, tour of Naval Station norfolk, Harbor lunch cruise on "Spirit of Norfolk", Nauticus and Wisconsin (BB-61). USS MACOMB (DD-458/DMS-23/USS DOYLE (DD-494/DMS-34) Victorian Condo Hotel Galveston, Texas April 26-30, 2006 Chaired by: Terry McManuels Attendance: 48 total/37 shipmates Highlights: The reunion began Thursday with an open-air train tour of the island's many historical sites. There was free time in the afternoon to check out old town Galveston. The evening concluded with a pizza party in the hospitality room. Friday morning began with a tour of the Lone Star Flight Museum and Aviation Hall of Fame. The planes from World War II era and after are operational and fly in many air shows. We next toured Moody Gardens where we enjoyed visiting the aquarium, the rain forest and an exhibit on bones. There was also an IMAX movie about sharks and other sea creatures. Saturday, at the business meeting, it was decided that next year's reunion would be in Memphis, TN. Due to bad weather an outdoor memorial service for deceased shipmates had to be cancelled and held at the banquet Saturday evening. At the conclusion of the banquet there were lots of good-byes, hugs and kisses and the phrase "see you next year." USS LLOYD THOMAS (DD/DDE-764) Boston, Massachusetts Area May 4-7, 2006 Chaired by: Bob Scherrer Attendance: 126 total/63 shipmates Highlights: The USS Lloyd Thomas (DD/DDE-764) reunion in New England proved to be a wonderful and rewarding success. Of special note was the gorgeous weather the group experienced during our touring excursions. Thursday 4 May, the group bused to Newport, touring some of the more accessible base facilities, War College Museum and lunch at the "Old Man's Club". The group motor toured "The Mansions", downtown Newport, the Ocean Beaches and other sights of interest. On Friday May 5th, the group boarded "The DUCKS" for our inner city Boston tour. Included were the Golden Domed State House, Bunker Hill, Fleet Center, Boston Commons and Copley square to the "Big Dig", Government Center to Newbury Street where we "DUCKED" into the Charles River. The cruise highlighted the Boston and Cambridge skylines, debarking at Faneuil Hall for lunch at an eatery of their choice. The group then visited "Old Ironsides" at the Navy Yard and the USS Cassin Young (DD-793). Approximately 2/3rds of the group attended a dinner show featuring "Trooper Dan" in Westport. Saturday the 6th the group toured Battleship Cove and the USS Massachusetts, USS Lionfish, USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr, the Russian built SCUD missile corvette Hiddensee, PT boats 617 and 796 and an LCM. It was on the "Big Mamie" that we conducted our Memorial Service, which included a Wreath Laying. The Battleship actually runs a "MESS". Here, the group had a very nice lunch. We concluded with a dinner/dance. Anyone wishing information regarding the above presentation should feel free to contact Bob Scherrer at scherrerva@aol.com. USS STEINAKER (DD/DDR-863) LaQuinta Hotel San Antonio, Texas May 4-7, 2006 Chaired by: John Evans Attendance: 63 total/41 shipmates Highlights: On Friday, May 5, we assembled in front of the hotel and boarded a bus which took the reunion guests to Fredericksburg, TX, which is the home of the National Museum of the Pacific War. We placed a plaque on the wall of the USS STEINAKER (DD/DDR-863). It was a very enjoyable weekend by all who attended. USS WILLARD KEITH (DD-775) Holiday Inn Rosslyn/Key Bridge Washington, D.C. May 4-7, 2006 Chaired by: Don Hempstead Attendance: 66 total/33 shipmates Highlights: We toured the Capital Building and the White House. Held "Laying of the Wreath Ceremony" at the Navy Foundation. We visited all of the War Memorials. The WWII Memorial was very touching. After the banquet we roasted our outgoing Reunion Association Chairman, Bruce McVey. He was chairman for 14 years. He was presented a model of the WILLARD KEITH as it looked when he was on board during WWII. DESDIV 59/60 USS DUPONT (DD-152), USS BERNADOU (DD-153), USS ELLIS (DD-154), USS COLE (DD-155), USS DALLAS (DD-199) Howard Johnson Springfield, Illinois May 10-14, 2006 Chaired by: Louis D. Segal Attendance: 44 total/23 shipmates Highlights: Visited Lincoln Tomb, new Lincoln Memorial Museum and many other sites. Banquet at the hotel. Speaker was a returning sergeant from Iraq. USS THOMAS E. FRASER (DM-24) Holiday Inn Greentree Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania May 15-18, 2006 Chaired by: Larry Saxon and Lou Gentile Attendance: 105 total/42 shipmates Highlights: Most enjoyable! A nice luncheon cruise on the river and a look at downtown Pittsburgh. Several enjoyed a golf outing and many, many sea sea stories. Floyd Cole presented an excellent slide presentation of New York City, Navy Day, October 27, 1945. USS YARNALL (DD-541) MCM Elegante Albuquerque, New Mexico May 18-21, 2006 Chaired by: Gene Weaver Attendance: 35 total/18 shipmates Highlights: Tour to Santa Fe and lunch stop at "City of Gold" Indian Pueblo then on to Los Alamos, New Mexico, the home of the "Manhattan Project" where the atomic bomb was developed in World War II. A top secret project. A really good tour. USS WALTER B. COBB (APD-106) Comfort Inn--The Pointe Niagara Falls, New York June 4-8, 2006 Chaired by: James G. Plough Attendance: 52 total/28 shipmates Highlights: Shipmates from 21 states enjoyed the beauty of Niagara. A tour of the Naval Park in Buffalo followed by lunch of chicken, wings and pizza at the famous Anchor Bar was enjoyed by all. Another tour of Niagara Falls with a ride on the Maid of the Mist the following day. Fireworks on Sunday night was an unexpected surprise. USS ORLECK (DD-886) Wilmington Hilton Riverside Hotel Wilmington, North Carolina June 22-25, 2006 Chaired by: Bob Orleck, Nephew of Lt. Joseph Orleck Attendance: 230 total/122 shipmates Highlights: Our 9th reunion brought us back to the East Coast. During the days people were transported around by an old trolley dedicated to their use and were treated to a horse drawn carriage ride and more. The highlight was the opening night in the Grand Ball Room at the Hilton. A fabulous steak dinner was served on the evening that would have been Lt. Joseph Orleck's 100th birthday had he survived. We experienced a showing of the professionally filmed Arlington Memorial Service for Lt. Orleck with Senator Bob Dole as our guest speaker. The movie was filmed, produced and set to music by professional moviemaker, Matt Michelson, son of Bob Michelson, USS ORLECK sailor. Following this emotional movie, a survivor from the USS NAUSET (AT-89), William Mutert, came and told the harrowing details of German bombs from high above landing on the deck of the NAUSET, spreading fire, destruction, death and injury throughout the vessel and the heroic actions taken by Joe Orleck on that fateful day as he watched his shipmate and Captain perish right before his eyes. The night was captivating and brought to an end by the special and fabulous singing group from Vermont, "The Woods Tea Company" and their combination of singing and humor had the audience in their hands for a 3-hour fantastic show. Friday night we had a relaxing dinner banquet aboard the Riverboat Henrietta II and live music by Jazz Guitarist El Jaye Johnson. Saturday was very special as we were transported to the USS NORTH CAROLINA by a converted Navy Launch and enjoyed a ribs dinner catered by Sticky Fingers. Chaplain Joe Correa conducted a moving Memorial Service and Wreath Ceremony during which 350 flags were presented in honor of those ORLECK sailors who have died. This was followed by an eye-opening talk by former USS ORLECK sailor who later in his career became Admiral John Bepko. Sunday at our church service we said our farewells until 2008 in Little Rock, Arkansas. USS DASHIELL (DD-659) Dolphin Beach Resort St. Petersburg Beach, Florida June 22-26, 2006 Chaired by: Edson W. Murray Attendance: 93 total/43 shipmates (6 WII/38 Korea 1 served in both) Highlights: Everyone had a great time. The weather was perfect. USS FORREST B. ROYAL (DD-872) Airport Hilton Norfolk, Virginia June 22-25, 2006 Chaired by: Ron Larsen Attendance: 128 total/71 shipmates Highlights: We toured the naval base with lunch at the Officers Club on Friday. At Nauticus we went aboard the USS WISCONSIN. We toured the harbor on the Spirit of Norfolk on Saturday and then visited the MacArthur Memorial. The New Norfolk is a great place to visit. Time didn't allow us to do and see all that is available in that area. USS SEMMES (DDG-18) Holiday Inn Grand Island, New York June 23-27, 2006 Chaired by: Tom Camann Attendance: 87 total/43 shipmates Highlights: Day at the Falls tour, Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist were highlights. Grand lady cruises took us on the Niagara River from Holiday Inn to Buffalo Naval Park where a memorial service was held on the USS LITTLE ROCK. The Lockport Locks Erie Canal Cruise was held on Monday along with a fantastic farewell dinner at the hotel. USS CARON (DD-970) Norfolk Airport Hilton Norfolk, Virginia July 20-23, 2006 Chaired by: Donald Pennington, Jr. Attendance: 62 total/48 shipmates Highlights: Events included a tour of the USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG-51), a memorial service for our fallen shipmates was held aboard the USS WISCONSIN (BB-64) in historic Downtown Norfolk followed by a personalized tour of the ship. A dinner banquet was held on Saturday evening with three former Commanding Officer's in attendance where they shared a few of t heir tales of commanding such a great destroyer. Also honored at the banquet were CARON's first two OMBUDSMEN. The decision to form the USS CARON Sailor's Association was made and her first officer's were elected. Also, plans are in place to hold a reunion next year at Camp Le Jeune in Jacksonville, NC commemorating CARON's 30th anniversary of her commissioning at the HM3 Wayne M. Caron medical Clinic where the helm and lee helm assembly off of CARON are located. USS FECHTELER (DD/DDR-870) Sheraton Waterside Norfolk, Virginia July 30-August 3, 2006 Chaired by: Robert Webb Attendance: 30 total/16 shipmates Highlights: Good reunion. Poor hotel. USS TRUXTUN (CGN-35) Hampton Inn & Suites Bremerton, Washington August 2-6, 2006 Chaired by: Jerry Lane Attendance: 99 total/51 shipmates Highlights: Attendees enjoyed a Seattle City Tour, Blake Island Indian Salmon Dinner and Show, and a KITSAP Penninsula Tour. Dinner was Saturday night at Naval Base KITSAP (Bangor) Club. Two of the ships ten commanding officers attended. USS CHARLES H. ROAN (DD-853) Branson, Missouri August 8, 2006 Chaired by: Richard Souza Attendance: 215 total/100 shipmates Highlights: Excellent entertainment with a memorial for our departed shipmates and veterans before boarding the Branson Belle for a lake dinner cruise. DESDIV 38 DD-609/610/611/628 Seaport Marina Long Beach, California August 9-13, 2006 Attendance: 36 total/21 shipmates Highlights: Queen Mary tour, Titanic Exhibit, Harbor Cruise and Long Beach Aquarium. USS RICHARD B. ANDERSON (DD-786) San Mateo Marriott San Mateo, California August 16-20, 2006 Chaired by: John Bedford Attendance: 52 total/34 shipmates Highlights: Included a sunset dinner cruise on San Francisco Bay, Wine Country tour, City of San Francisco tour, a visit to the USS Hornet Museum and lots of food. Our group had a warm and fuzzy reunion with laughter and enjoyment being the primary objective. USS O'HARE (DD/DDR-889) Chicago, Illinois Click here for photos USS MEYERKORD (DE/FF-1058) Quality Inn Suites San Diego, California August 17-20, 2006 Chaired by: Raymond R. Robbins Attendance: 41 total/25 shipmates Highlights: Reunion was held at San Diego, CA. Various activities were done, including tour of USS MIDWAY (CV-41), harbor dinner cruise, tour of US Navy Installations. All had a great time and want to have another reunion around 2-3 years from now. Notification will be posted for next reunion after committee meets. USS HARLAN R. DICKSON (DD-708) Sheraton--Station Square Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania September 3-7, 2006 Chaired by: George McCardel and Phillip Leasure Attendance: 65 total/37 shipmates Highlights: We toured Heinz Stadium--home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. had our Memorial Service at the Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum. Enjoyed a dinner cruise on the Gateway Clipper. We toured Penn Brewery and had a delicious lunch there. The John Kelly Memorial Banquet closed the reunion. Our time spent at the Sheraton--Station Square was most enjoyable. USS HUNT (DD-674) Holiday Inn Select Naperville, Illinois September 6-11, 2006 Chaired by: Ron and Martha Ritchie Attendance: 48 total/27 shipmates Highlights: 18th reunion and continuing. We had a nice Hospitality Room on the first floor. Hosted by John and Lori Cummings. Day one was registration and camaraderie in the Hospitality Room. This was followed the next day with a bus trip in Chicago to go up the John Hancock building and to the Navy Pier for lunch. This was followed by a quick cruise on the Chicago River and then back to Naperville. The next day was an early departure to attend the Graduation Ceremony at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. We had a nice lunch on the grounds at the Port of our departed shipmates. The following day was a bit of a long bus ride to the Museum of Science and Industry in the south part of Chicago. Lunch was on our own and several people got to tour the only German U-boat taken on the high seas during wartime (U505). Sunday we had our board and general meetings and then went to our fine banquet with the nice table pieces (lighthouses) made by Susie Wilson. These were later distributed to different people as raffle prizes. There was a fine vocalist who entertained all during the banquet then we went to the hospitality room for our 50/50 drawing. During the reunion there were many fun games played in the hospitality room and I did hear a few complaints about the Englehardts winning all the time. Monday was the anniversary of the 9/11 attack on the USA and we said our so longs until 2007 in Boise, Idaho with Craig Kern at the helm. USS WEBER (DE-675/APD-75) Comfort Inn Suites Albany, New York September 6-10, 2006 Chaired by: Joe Retcho Attendance: 37 total/13 shipmates Highlights: Our 16th reunion. Visited the Baseball Hall of Fame, toured Cedar Mill, went on board the USS SLATER (DE-766) and all the shipmates were reminiscing their navy days and showing their wives and guests where they slept and worked. After that we cruised the Hudson on a luncheon cruise on the Dutch Apple. To top the reunion we rode an Aqua Duck through Albany, had our ship's dinner at the hotel restaurant. Another great reunion. USS COGHLAN (DD-606) Doubletree Hotel--Portland Lloyd Center Portland, Oregon September 7-10, 2006 Chaired by: Gene Ross Attendance: 40 total/15 shipmates Highlights: Our banquet entertainment, a piano and bass duo was a big hit. This duo played music from the WWII era, which prompted singing and dancing among the banquet attendees. The bass player served in the Navy after the Korean War. The piano player is the daughter of a deceased WWII Army Air Corp vet. She came dressed in a WWII Army Air Corp uniform with vintage hair-do and make-up. She also brought WWII memorabilia she's collected from her father as well as from other veterans who see her in the lobby of the local VA hospital where she and the bass player volunteer their music every Tuesday. USS RICHARD P. LEARY (DD-664) Hilton Dulles Airport Herndon, Virginia September 7-10, 2006 Chaired by: Nicholas Hoyda Attendance: 80 total/22 shipmates Highlights: WWII Memorial, Iwo Jima, Arlington and the Changing of the Guard, the White House Tour and the camaraderie in the Hospitality Room. TIN CAN SAILORS CHAT ROOM Maierhafer Home and The Village Inn Wapaca, Wisconsin Chaired by: Leon Maierhafer Attendance: 6 shipmates/11 total Highlights: We participated in the Horse and Buggy Day Annual parade with the VFW riding in Leon's restored 57 Ford convertible. Next we visited a cheese factory. Then to a cheese store where we stocked up on a good supply of cheese. A model RR layout at one of Leon's friends home; a ride down the Wolf River on a Pontoon boat stopping for dinner at a riverside restaurant, The Slip Knot; also visited a farm experimenting with the use of manure in making methane gas. Otherwise we enjoyed good food and drink at the Maierhafter farm with a lot of talk and sea stories. Our first reunion was held in 2004 at Santa Fe, Texas at Tom Marling's home. Only four members attended. USS GOLDSBOROUGH (DDG-20) Four Queens Las Vegas, Nevada September 10-15, 2006 Chaired by: Thomas L. Weaver Attendance: 76 total/40 shipmates Highlights: This is our greatest attendance to date. We attended a BBQ dinner at Bonnie Springs Old Nevada, a dinner cruise on Lake Meade, a tour of Valley of Fire and a tour of the Thunderbird Hanger at Nellis Air Force Base. I heard only praise for all functions. USS CHEVALIER (DD-805) Days Inn Sault Ste Marie, Michigan September 12-16, 2006 Chaired by: Bill Hoffman Attendance: 94 total/45 shipmates Highlights: Our group had great accommodations at the Days Inn due to efforts of Christina Jump and staff. Studebaker Restaurant and Lounge had Early Bird Buffet dinner on September 13; a golf tournament September 14; tour boat trip through the Soo Locks September 15 that included a prayer for the traditional salute to our deceased buddies and lying of the wreath. Tours of the Ore Boat Museum Ship, Valley Camp; the Army Corps of Engineers Park and Museum alongside the Soo Locks; some visited Mackinac Island. A dinner banquet held September 16 closed the week. USS CALDWELL (DD-605) Holiday Inn-Independence Ohio Cleveland, Ohio September 13-16, 2006 Chaired by: Clarence Osborn Attendance: 30 total/14 shipmates Highlights: Lolly the Trolley was our transportation. We toured the city, lunched at a wonderful Polish restaurant, toured the Federal Reserve Bank, some went to the Indians vs. Minnesota baseball game. We toured the Westside Market and had a luncheon cruise on the Nautica Queen. Awards and tributes were given at our final banquet as we were serenaded by David Kasper, Megan Clay and Eric Banbic. We'll meet again in one year. Everyone had a great time. USS EVERETT F. LARSON (DDR/DD-830) Sheraton Mission Valley San Diego, California September 13-17, 2006 Chaired by: John (Jack) Palmer Attendance: 115 total/62 shipmates Highlights: The Sheraton Hotel sponsored a welcome party the first evening. The next day was a tour of the USS MIDWAY with individual phones that described the many activities aboard a carrier. That afternoon a harbor cruise was conducted, which included a memorial service. The next day the group had a guided bus tour of San Diego and Coronado. Saturday included the business meeting in the morning and banquet in the evening, which included a high school NJROTC Color Guard and entertainment by a high school choir. The DJ took over for the remainder of the evening. The 2007 Reunion will be at Wright-Patterson in Ohio with Tom Nordquest as coordinator. See Larson web site for upcoming details at www.uss-everett-f-larson.com. USS JAMES C. OWENS (DD-776) Clarion Hotel Branson, Missouri September 13-16, 2006 Chaired by: W. Keith Nelson Attendance: 126 total/63 shipmates Highlights: Toured Veteran's Memorial Museum, Showboat Branson Belle and Celebrate America Show. Had a great banquet and dance. Visit our web site at http//www/jcowensdd776.org. USS McCAFFERY (DD/DDE-860) Holiday Inn Buffalo-Amherst Buffalo, New York September 13-16, 2006 Chaired by: Bill and Evelyn Maslak Attendance: 230 total/120 shipmates from 31 states and Puerto Rico Highlights: Early daily continental breakfast and camaraderie in the hospitality room (open into late evening). Complimentary wine and cheese. Over several days we toured: the Erie Canal and Locks; RoundAbout Niagara, viewing the spectacular falls from both sides of the border; had a great lunch high above the Canadian Falls; got wet on the Maid of the Mist; walked the decks and passageways of USS LITTLE ROCK (CG-4/CL-92); the national historic landmark THE SULLIVANS (DD-537); and the WWII sub USS CROAKER (SS-246). Picked up a few coins at the casinos but probably dropped more (but it was fun). Ended the reunion with great hors d'oeuvres and excellent buffet dinner to the nostalgic music of the Barroom Buzzards. Next reunion in 2008 at Great Lakes Training Center. USS SOLEY  (DD-707) Doubletree, Airport San Antonio, Texas September 13-17, 2006 Chaired by: Mike Pollack Attendance: 111 total/56 shipmates Highlights:  Sep. 13: Welcome Reception at Hotel.  Sep. 14 AM:  Visited National Museum of the Pacific War and Admiral Nimitz Museum, held Memorial Service, and toured Fredericksburg.  Sep 14 PM: Visited the River Walk, took River Cruiser ride, shopped and dined along the River Walk.  Sep 15 PM:  Rodeo, Texas Bar-B-Q dinner, dancing and line dance instruction.  Sep 16 AM:  IMAX Theater to view "Price of Freedom" movie, toured the Alamo and El Mercado Mexican Market.  Sep 16 PM:  Business Meeting.  Sep 17 PM:  Banquet with 50/50, Door Prize, Raffle Prize drawings, 3 Plank Owners present, 3 attended their first reunion.              USS WEISS (APD-135) Holiday Inn Express (Airport) Nashville, TN September 13-17, 2006 Chaired by: Paul S. Rubin Attendance: 43 total/23 shipmates Highlights: Enjoyable tours, great food, renewed friendships and held a very meaningful memorial at the Tennessee World War II Memorial, conducted by USS WEISS Association members. USS HANK (DD-702) Best Western Grenfield Inn Allen Park, Michigan September 14-16, 2006 Chaired by: Michael B. Carrier Attendance: 109 total/60 shipmates Highlights: Presentation of the ship's actual bell, restored by the Conner family and the Memorial Ceremony. This included wreath laying ceremony, Honor Guard, beautiful rendition of America the Beautiful and ringing of the USS HANK Bell for deceased shipmates. Toured Ford Rouge plant, Henry For Museum, Grosse Pointe War memorial and Greenfield Village. USS SHELTON (DD-790) Double Tree Guest Suites Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania September 14-17, 2006 Chaired by: Richard Petrowich Attendance: 44 total/21 shipmates Highlights: We toured Valley Forge National Park,