REVEILLE ADMIRAL FARRAGUT ACADEMY •
Lunar Sample. Alumni and Friends gather for Dinner held in Charlie’s honor in the West Lounge of Farragut Hall.
•
Garden Theatre Moon Rock Presentation is open to the public Monday morning, May 8th at AFA.
•
Moon Rock is placed in display in the foyer of Farragut Hall
Charlie’s Professional Resume Pg 2 Apollo 15 Pictures Pg 3 Presentation by William W. Parsons, Deputy Director of the Kennedy Space Center Pg2-3 2006 Grads Ring the Bell as Alumni “Man-the-Rail” Pg 4 AFA Dinner Honoring Charlie Duke ‘53 Pg 5 Class News
Pg 6
Commissioning Ceremony for USS Farragut Pg 8 TAPS
MOON ROCK DINNER and PRESENTATION CEREMONY GRADUATION FOR CLASS OF 2006 USS FARRAGUT DDG 99 COMMISSIONING EDITION HOMECOMING INFORMATION
JUNE 20, 2006
Charlie Duke named Ambassador of Exploration by NASA and is presented with a
•
• • • •
Pg 9
Pictures of Commissioning Events Pg 10
“Moon Rock Lands” at Admiral Farragut Academy By CURTIS KRUEGER, Times Staff Writer Published April 29, 2006 “ST. PETERSBURG - Thirty-four years ago, a graduate of St. Petersburg's Admiral Farragut Academy landed on the moon. And because of that, a tiny piece of the moon has landed at Admiral Farragut. The rock, encased in a cylinder of Lucite, is a 0.056-ounce pebble that no one would notice if he stepped over it in the street. But risk and rarity make it a precious stone.”
Apollo 16 Astronaut Charlie Duke ‘53, the 10th man to walk on the moon. Brigadier General Charles M. Duke, Jr., USAF (Ret), AFA Class of ‘53, the 10th Man to walk on the moon during the Apollo 16 Mission was named Ambassador of Exploration by the United States of America for his gallant action as a member of the US Astronauts who participated in the first landings on the moon. In honor of this event a grateful nation presented Duke with a Lunar Sample which he subsequently presented on May 8, 2006 to his high school alma mater, Admiral Farragut Academy in a ceremony which was open to the public in the school’s Garden Theatre.
Honored guests for the occasion were the mayors and council members of many nearby Tampa Bay communities. A proclamation was read from the Mayor of St. Petersburg, Rick Baker proclaiming the day as Charles M. Duke, Jr., Ambassador of Exploration.
Following these events, The “Moon Rock” was then deposited in the newly constructed illuminated security viewingvault in the school’s foyer adjacent to the Quarter Deck. Immediately thereafter, Astronaut Charlie Duke retired to the West Lounge of the school and graciously signed autographs on the Souvenir which was To commemorate the event, given to all in attendance as a William W. Parsons, Deputy Director of the commemorative of this auspicious occasion. John F. Kennedy Space Center delivered a stirring talk to the crowd gathered at the Refreshments were served and school for the event and then presented the visitors filed past the illuminated vault Lunar Sample to Ambassador Duke who containing the lunar sample that had been then passed it on to RADM Richard G. picked up during the Apollo 16 Mission, Wheeler, Board Chairman and CAPT and had traveled 138,240 miles to its Robert J. Fine, Jr., Headmaster. honored location on the Admiral Farragut Academy campus.
Page 2
RESUME OF CHARLES MOSS DUKE, JR. (BRIGADIER GENERAL, USAF, RET.) NASA APOLLO 16 ASTRONAUT (FORMER)
PERSONAL DATA : Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on October 3, 1935. Married to the former Dorothy Meade Clairborne of Atlanta, Georgia. They have two grown sons. Recreational interests include hunting, fishing, reading, and playing golf.
selection as an astronaut, Duke was at the Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School as an instructor teaching control systems and flying in the F-101, F-104, and T-33 aircraft. He graduated from the Aerospace Research Pilot School in September 1965 and stayed on there as an instructor.
EDUCATION: Attended Lancaster High School in Lancaster, South Carolina, and was graduated valedictorian from the Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, Florida; received a bachelor of science degree in Naval Sciences from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1957 and a master of science degree in Aeronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1964; presented an honorary doctorate of philosophy from the University of South Carolina in 1973, and an honorary doctorate of Humanities from Francis Marion College in 1990.
He is a retired Air Force Reserve Brigadier General and was commissioned in 1957 upon graduation from the Naval Academy. Upon entering the Air Force, he went to Spence Air Base, Georgia, for primary flight training and then to Webb Air Force Base, Texas, for basic flying training, where in 1958 he became a distinguished graduate. He was again a distinguished graduate at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, where he completed advanced training in F-86L aircraft. Upon completion of this training, he served three years as a fighter interceptor pilot with the 526th Fighter ORGANIZATIONS: Member of the Air Interceptor Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Force Association, the Society of Experimental Germany. Test Pilots, Reserve Officer Association, Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship, Christian He has logged 4,147 hours flying time, which Businessmen's Committee; National Space includes 3,632 hours in jet aircraft. Society. Duke was one of the 19 astronauts selected by NASA in April 1966. He served as member of SPECIAL HONORS: Awarded the NASA the astronaut support crew for the Apollo 10 Distinguished Service Medal, the JSC flight. He was CAPCOM for Apollo 11, the Certificate of Commendation (1970), the Air first landing on the Moon and he served as Force Distinguished Service Medal with Oak backup lunar module pilot on Apollo 13. Leaf Cluster and AF Legion of Merit, and Air Force Command Pilot Astronaut Wings, the Duke served as lunar module pilot of Apollo SETP Iven C. Kincheloe Award of 1972, the 16, April 16-27, 1972. He was accompanied AAS Flight Achievement Award for 1972, the on the fifth manned lunar landing mission AIAA Haley Astronautics Award for 1973, and by John W. Young (spacecraft commander) the Federation Aeronautique Internationale and Thomas K. Mattingly II (command V.M. Komarov Diploma in 1973; named South module pilot). Apollo 16 was the first Carolina Man of the Year in 1973 and inducted scientific expedition to inspect, survey, and into the South Carolina Hall of Fame in 1973; sample materials and surface features in the and presented the Boy Scouts of America Descartes region of the rugged lunar Distinguished Eagle Scout Award in 1975. highlands. Duke and Young commenced their record setting lunar surface stay of 71 EXPERIENCE: When notified of his
such a positive role in the upbringing of your class of 1953 Valedictorian is honoring Charlie Duke, the 10th human to set foot on the moon. It is your fortune that Charlie has selected his alma mater and by extension the city of St. PeThank you General Flanagan tersburg to be the loan recipient for that kind introduction. And of NASA's prestigious Ambassathank you to everyone from the dor of Exploration award, a Admiral Farragut Academy who priceless piece of another world, coordinated this special event. albeit not as large as the 26 And Charlie, I thank you for pound rock that Charlie hauled allowing me to represent NASA back from the Decartes Highon this festive occasion. lands some 34 years ago. This It is most fitting this morning moon rock will join your muthat this school which played seum’s already impressive disRemarks for Bill Parsons Ambassador of Exploration Ceremony Honoring Charles Duke Admiral Farragut Academy St. Petersburg, Florida May 8, 2006
hours and 14 minutes by maneuvering the lunar module "Orion" to a landing on the rough Cayley Plains. In three subsequent excursions onto the lunar surface, they each logged 20 hours and 15 minutes in extravehicular activities involving the emplacement and activation of scientific equipment and experiments, the collection of nearly 213 pounds of rock and soil samples, and the evaluation and use of Rover-2 over the roughest and blockiest surface yet encountered on the moon. Other Apollo 16 achievements included the largest payload placed in lunar orbit (76, 109 pounds); first cosmic ray detector deployed on lunar surface; first lunar observatory with the far UV camera; and longest in-flight EVA from a command module during Tran-earth coast (1 hour and 13 minutes). The latter feat was accomplished by Mattingly when he ventured out to "Casper's" SIM-bay for the retrieval of vital film cassettes from the panoramic and mapping cameras. Apollo 16 concluded with a Pacific Ocean splashdown and subsequent recovery by the USS TICONDEROGA. With the completion of his first space flight, Duke has logged 265 hours in space and over 21 hours of extra vehicular activity. Duke also served as backup lunar module pilot for Apollo 17.In December 1975, Duke retired from the Astronaut program to enter private business. He is owner of Duke Investments, and is President of Charlie Duke Enterprises. He is an active speaker and Christian lay witness and President of Duke Ministry For Christ. Astronaut Photos and Biographies- Courtesy of NASA Lucky Bag Photos- Courtesy of USNA Archives
play about the Apollo 16 mission, and about Charlie’s fellow Blue Jacket in the astronaut corps, Alan Shepard. I am here today on behalf of NASA Administrator Mike Griffin who sends his greetings and regrets he wasn't able to be here to join us. I'll be reading a letter from the Administrator in a bit, but first I want to talk about why we're here today - to honor a true icon of 20th century exploration, Brigadier General Charlie Duke. Our honoree is one of many distinguished graduates of this institution to have applied what he learned about the naval arts
here at Admiral Farragut at the U.S. Navy Academy. Along with Alan Shepard, he is one of 12 Americans to have explored a world beyond our own. Once he graduated from Annapolis, Charlie became an Air Force pilot, and he was very good at it. He served as a fighter interceptor pilot with the 526th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, helping to defend freedom during the period of our history known as the Cold War. He later went on to fly at the Air Force (Continued on page 3)
(continued from Page 2)
Page 3
Pictures of Apollo 16 Astronaut Charlie Duke’s Moon Mission Astronaut Charles M. Duke Jr., lunar module pilot for the Apollo 16 lunar landing mission, worked at the Lunar Roving Vehicle in background. The lunar surface around Duke was scattered with small rocks and boulders.
[Photos: NASA/Astronaut John W. Young, Apollo 16 commander]
Astronaut Charles M. Duke Jr., Lunar Module pilot of the Apollo 16 mission, is photographed collecting lunar samples at Station No. 1 during extravehicular activity at the Descartes landing site. Duke is standing at the rim of Plum crater, which is 40 meters in diameter and 10 meters deep. The parked Lunar Roving Vehicle can be seen in the background. (Continued from page 2)
Aerospace Research Pilot School, and was selected for the NASA astronaut corps exactly 40 years ago last month. Some of you may know that Charlie had the historic role as CAPCOM on the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. He was the person in Houston Mission Control who spoke directly to Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin when the world stood still awaiting the first landing of humans on the lunar surface. There’s a reason why Charlie was selected as CAPCOM that you may not know. Because he was the astronaut with the best knowledge and understanding of the Lunar Module, Neil Armstrong asked that Charlie be assigned to this critical task. And so it was, after we heard Neil say, “Tranquility Base here, the Eagle has landed,” we next heard the wonderful
southern drawl of one Charlie Duke state what billions of souls around the world were thinking: “Roger Tranquility, we copy you on the ground. You got a bunch of guys about to turn blue. We’re breathing again. Thanks a lot.” And yes, we all did collectively breathe again, delighted to witness this magnificent moment in the annals of exploration. It was three years later that as lunar module pilot Charlie and John Young guided the Orion down to the rough Caley plains, just west of the wonderfully named Sea of Nectar. And for the record, Charlie’s first words upon landing on the moon, fitting for his stoic nature, were: “Wowww! Whoa, man! Old Orion is finally here, Houston! Fantastic.” During their 71 hour stay on the moon, while Ken Mattingly
Footnote: Charles M. Duke, Jr. is one of two graduates of Admiral Farragut Academy to have walked on the moon. The other was Astronaut Allen Shepard ‘41(deceased) who is also known for having been the first American in space. No other high
orbited overhead, Charlie and John conducted 20 hours of activity, as they drove around on the lunar rover, and inspected, surveyed, and sampled materials from the rugged lunar highlands, eventually bringing home the largest collection of material brought home, some 213 pounds in all. They also set up a remote observatory and the first lunar surface cosmic ray detector. Now to signal our pride in the first great era of space exploration, and our great hope for what is to follow when as part of the Vision for Space Exploration we return to the moon by the end of the next decade, and then go on to explore Mars and beyond, two years ago NASA announced we would present to each of our legendary Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts, precious samples from the total of 842 pounds of Moon rocks and soil returned
during the six lunar expeditions between 1969 and 1972. I am honored today to present Charlie his well deserved Ambassador of Exploration Award, a precious sample of primordial lunar material that Charlie and John collected from Stone Mountain, one of their prime exploration objectives. In a moment I'd like to ask Charlie to join me to receive the Ambassador of Exploration award but before I do I have here a letter from NASA Administrator Michael Griffin that I would like to read: Dear Brigadier General Duke: Congratulations on receiving your well-deserved NASA Ambassador of Exploration Award. What a great honor for you to share with Dorothy, your family, and the many friends and supporters of the Admiral Far-
school in the world can claim two graduates who have walked on the surface of the satellite of our planet. Both of these graduates attended and graduated from the US Naval Academy before entering the US Space Program.
REVEILLE
R E V E I L L E
Page 5
Page 6
CLASS NEWS Anthony P. Skowron ‘39 Anthony lives in Cherry Hill, NJ with his wife Jane. He is a small business owner. He won a DFC on the first day of the Invasion of North Africa. He shot down 3 German fighters and 2 Italian Heavy Transports that were fully loaded and took out 8 Heavy Shore Batteries. You can catch up with his recent escapades by calling him at 856-428-7370. Robert F. Simes ‘42 CAPT USNR – Bob sent us an update. He is living in Hilton Head Island, Georgia with his wife Ann. He is retired. He and Ann have 3 children, and 3 grandchildren. Bob was a construction supervisor for 10 years for Habitat for Humanity. He is active in USTA Team Tennis, and has qualified for most State and Regional tournaments for the last 15 years. He says, “We live in the Moss Creek and enjoy the very active life style which includes 2 private golf courses designed by Tom Fazio. I would love to hear from any of my old classmates. You can reach Bob at his email address: rollo@hargray.com. Clayton S. Quimbach - ‘43 Clayton is living in Elkhart, ID with his wife Carol Jean. He was employed by Ford Motor Company as a Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing Engineer. He retired in ‘92. He and Carol Jean had 5 children (4 living), 5 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. You can reach Clayton at 574-293-0369. Alden H. Elsea BC— ‘51 Alden wrote us an email stating how much he enjoyed having the REVEILLE on line on the www.farragut.org website. He recently underwent knee replacement surgery on both knees and is undergoing rehabilitation at present. He is very hopeful
about attending this year’s Homecoming in November. Contact Alden at; aelsea@sbcglobal.net. (Thanks for the comments about REVEILLE on line. We can save $500-$600 on our publication costs if everyone who can get it on line lets us know they’d like to receive it via email notice.) James H. Marchbank ‘53 – Jim sent us an email update so we could let you know what he’s been up to since graduation. He says, “After graduation from AFA, Toms River, in 1953 I attended Colby College in Waterville, Maine and graduated in 1957. I received an MBA degree from the American University, Washington, DC in 1964. With a few stints in the for-profit world my career has been in finance and business in nonprofit human service organizations mostly in the medical and educational fields. My wife of 46 years, and I reside in Laurel, Maryland. We met at Colby. We are both retired and keep busy in local volunteer work. We have two sons, one living locally and one in England. We’ve managed to do some traveling in Europe, England and Scotland. We also have time shares in the US. Life is busy enough without being overwhelming; it’s sort of like Parkinson’s Law, the day just fills up without being bored. You can contact Jim at his email address: jhmarchbank@verizon.net. CAPT Geoffrey D. Cant ‘55 USN (Ret) — Sent us an email. He has a new address and is living in Sandpoint, ID. You can contact him at his email address grayowl@nctv.com, but warns that he has serious inbox limitations. Robert C. Waldman - ’55 Bob is the President of the BaseLine Wheelchair Tennis Foundation
(www.BaseLineWheelchairTen nis.org), a 501c3 tax deductible foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to heighten awareness of wheelchair tennis and to give WC Tennis Players their rightful recognition as outstanding athletes. Bob recently put on a WC Tennis Exhibition at AFA. We all got to see these brave people in action. Many are veterans who have paid the price for us. Others are those who were unfortunately injured in accidents. Nevertheless, they are an inspiration to us all. You can lend your support by going online or contacting Bob at his email address: Waldbob12@aol.com. Incidentally, Bob is heading up the formation of a NY Alumni Club. If you’d like to join, give him a call. James R. Case ’64 — Veteran Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge James R. Case ‘64 has announced he will retire this summer. Jim was first elected a circuit judge in 1984. His retirement was effective June 30th. In his 21 years on the bench, Jim has served in the criminal, family law, and civil divisions. He was the circuit’s chief judge from 1991 to 1993. You can congratulate Jim at his email address: case9282@msn.com. (We hope to see more of him at future Alumni functions now that he has the time.) Nate Porter ‘64— Nate wrote to share his recent experiences with Prostate Cancer. He recently underwent a Radical Prostatectomy and is now well on his way to recovery. He wants to be sure that everyone is aware that all men should monitor their prostate with a routine blood test known as a PSA test. If Prostate Cancer is caught early, it is curable, but once it gets out of the prostate and into the rest of the body
there is very little that can be done and it is a very painful death. I challenge each of you to have a PSA test in the next 60 days. If you’d like to know more contact Nate at: CAPTN8@aol.com. (Thanks Nate, you’re right!) Jay Ferry — ‘65 We received an email from Jay. He is a partner in a real estate firm. His specialty is raw land, mostly acreage. Jay spends most of his free time on the beach, flying his plane or riding his motorcycle. You can contact Jay at: Jay@realtycentralinc.com. William W. Walker ‘65 — Bill sent us an update. He is living in Vero Beach, FL. He and his wife Bobbi have been married for 36 years. They have two children, Katherine and Andrew. Bill retired from the BP Corporation in Los Angeles after 33 years. Now is engaged in such retirement activities as Treasurer/Board of Directors for the Vero Beach Yacht Club, and is Publicity director for the Vero Beach Chapter US Power Squadrons—See picture of Bill and Bobbi below. You can contact Bill at his email address: Arcoman50@aol.com.
Mark H. Epstein ‘66 – Mark lives in Englewood, Colorado and will be celebrating his 40th Class Reunion in November this year. He sent us an email update. “I was recently in Florida and had the opportunity to lunch with Ramon Usategui ’66S and (Continued on page 7)
R E V E I L L E (Continued from page 6)
have dinner with Mike Cowart ‘66S and his wife Beverly. Glen Caruso ‘66S and I speak frequently on the phone and I have seen Corky Newcombe ‘66S a couple of times as he resides in Colorado Springs.” “I have been in the Mile High city of Denver since 1971. I came to Colorado to join my uncle, Al Ross, AFA 1949 in the greyhound racing industry. Race track management was a large part of my life for over twenty years. Subsequent to that, some time and efforts in real estate and homebuilding were followed by my passion for clothing and my present career with luxury retailer Neiman Marcus.” He continues, “I have been married to Teri for 32 years and have a daughter, Jeni (30) who lives in Chicago.” Again, “I thank you for your follow-up and do hope to make the 40th. I am looking forward to beating Usategui on the golf course.” You can touch bases with Mark at his email address: mhepstein@mac.com. William G. Lohse ‘67 — Bill emailed us. He’s been on the road quite a bit lately. “It’s hard to believe its been 38 years since the “good old Farragut days”! I attended FSU on a football scholarship. I graduated in ‘71 and went to work for Walt Disney World. In ‘72 I married my college sweetheart, Jan Osher. We’ve now been married 34 years and have one son and one daughter. Both are FSU graduates. Since ‘85 I have been in sales in the medical field with Bristol Meyers. . .I think often and fondly of my 4 years at AFA. They helped me to be the man I am today.” You can contact Bill at Lohse@vivusmfg.com. Peter C. Bradley ‘68 — Peter wrote to thank us for the invitation to the Farragut Commissioning. Though he couldn’t attend, he passed
Page 7
CLASS NEWS along his thoughts about AFA. “Its been 38 years since graduation (Pine Beach) and you wouldn’t imagine how many great dreams and pleasant thoughts I have forever from Admiral Farragut.” You can reach Peter at his email address: pcbradleyc@yahoo.com. Kim J. Buckman -‘68 Kim has been living in Santa Rosa, CA for the past 11 years. The most exciting news he wanted to relate was the fact that he is becoming a grandfather this year for the first time. He promised to give us a later update when the baby arrives. If you can’t wait, you can contact him at his email address: Kim.Buckman@Fairmont.com.
Kirk W. Reasoner -’71 Kirk is living in Elk Grove Village, IL and is a Security Consultant with Protection One. He is retired from the Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant. He worked as a Loadmaster in Viet Nam and Desert Storm. He is presently working in the Chicago Metro Area. You can reach Kirk at his email address: kirkreasoner@hotmail.com. Richard Clegg ’75 – Rick was unable to attend the USS Farragut Commissioning due to the fact that his wife, Carol was undergoing surgery. We hope that Carol has a speedy and successful recovery. You can email Rick at his business: sherlockhomefinders.com. The following members of the class of ‘75N gathered for the Commissioning of the USS Farragut at the Mayport Naval Base on June 10, 2006: William Boustany, RDML Mark Buzby, Bob Florance, Daniel Fooks, Lorenzo Lamas, David Lipsky, Tom McFadden, Ray Opthof, Harry Theurer, Cyrus Reitmeyer, and Bob Pfeifle ‘76, R. Pettenio, and Coach Slaby.
They were all invited to a CO’s reception onboard the Farragut on Friday night. David C. Kleimeyer - ’85 is living in Panama City, FL. He had been inactive in our database records for sometime and we were glad to hear from him. He is planning to attend Homecoming this November. You can contact David at his email address: daveck9@hotmail.com. CDR Vincent H. Scott -‘85 USN Graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1989. Vince is now a full Commander in the Navy and has been stationed in Naples, Italy where he was on the staff for Commander US Naval Forces Europe and Commander, US Sixth Fleet. This May he is headed to be the XO of the Naval Information Operations Command at Fort Gordon Georgia. Vince and his wife Kristina have two children, Jacob (9) and Shelby (7). His personal awards include DMSM (x3), JSCM, NCM, NAM, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Jyri L. Palm - ‘87 Jyri has give us a lot of assistance in getting the REVEILLE deliverable on line. He welcomes this approach as it is cost effective and we can pass along the savings to the Academic side of the ledger. He has suggested that many Alumni would rather download the entire file which runs from 16 to 30 pages. I should mention, however, that others like the idea of breaking it up into segments that don’t take too long to download. We will offer it both ways and each Alumni can decide for himself how it is best downloaded. Nevertheless, we appreciate all of the assistance and suggestions, and welcome others to lend their voices as well. You can contact Jyri at his email address, which is:
palmj@fulton.com. Craig M. Olah ‘89 — Craig is living in Covina, CA and is a plant manager for a financial printing company. He has been with them for 14 years. Craig has been married for 3 years to LaVonne and they have a 2 year old son, Dominic Joseph Olah. He also has 3 step-children ages 1822. He loves to spend time with his family and participating in car shows, or drag racing his Trans Am. He’s going to try to make it to Homecoming this year. You can reach him via email at: Craig.Olah@merrillcorp.com. See Dominic Joseph Olah below.
Keith N. Groves -‘90 sent us an update. He lives in Port Hueneme, California. Keith is working at the Naval Satellite Operations Center. He maintains and all Naval Communications Satellites. You can contact Keith at one of his email addresses: keithgroves@yahoo.com or keith.groves@navy.mil. CPT Alexander Braszko, Jr. US Army — ‘93 sent us an email update. He has just finished a year long assignment at USSTRATCOM as Team Chief, Space Control Targeting Team for USPACOM, USSOUTHCOM, and NORTHCOM. He is currently assigned to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, to work on earning his Masters Degree in Space Systems Operations. His wife,
Page 8
Class
THE COMMISSIONING OF THE USS FARRAGUT DDG 99 JUNE 10, 2006 AT THE MAYPORT NAVAL STATION WHAT IS A “PLANKOWNER?”
(Continued from page 7)
Jessie, and he are expecting their first child, a daughter, Lillian Grace in September 2006. He would like to hear from his classmates or any AFA alumni. You can contact Alex at: Alexander.braszko@us.army.mil.
The act of placing a ship in commission marks her entry into active Navy Service. At the moment when the commissioning pennant is broken at the masthead, a ship becomes a Navy command in her own right, and takes her place alongside the other active ship of the Fleet.
Austin Hampton ’05 – Austin is completing his first year at North Carolina State University. He is a member of the NCSU Swimming Team and is one of the outstanding members of its diving team. Austin is majoring in biomedical engineering. You can reach him at his email address: ashampto@ncsu.edu.
This ceremony continues a tradition of some three hundred years, observed by navies around the world, and our own Navy since December 1775, when the Alfred, the first ship of the Continental Navy, was commissioned in Philadelphia. Once commissioned, the commanding officer and crew are entrusted with the privilege, and responsibility of maintaining their ship’s readiness in peace, and of conducting successful operations at sea in time of war. Approximately 2,500 people gathered on the dockside slip of the new USS Farragut, DDG 99 at the Mayport Naval Station on the bright sunny morning this past Saturday, June 10, 2006.
Practice makes perfect! James Oros—’05 James is currently attending Norwich which he is enjoying very much after having been prepared by the military format at AFA. The have parades that are very similar to Farragut. James is noticing that the physical intensity has been stepped up and he has lost about 40 pounds since beginning his new educational process.
They were former members of the crews of other FARRAGUT vessels which have been decommissioned, the latest being the USS Farragut DDG 37. The official ship’s bell from the DDG 37 now is proudly displayed and has become a part of the tradition of Admiral Farragut Academy’s graduation ceremony described at Man-The-Rail.
Class of ‘75 Alumni Gathering
A contingent of Alumni from Admiral Farragut Academy were on hand, and were recognized during the commissioning ceremony, to celebrate the commissioning of the latest US Naval Ship named after America’s first Admiral, David Glasgow Farragut. These alumni had
gathered from all around the United States. Many were from the class of ’75, whose fellow classmate RDML Mark H. Buzby, Admiral Farragut Academy graduate, was on hand to speak during the commissioning. RDML Buzby is in charge of the deployment of all US Naval Ships and told those gathered at the commissioning, that it was his honor to have graduated from Admiral Farragut Academy, the nation’s first preparatory school with naval training as a young man beginning his educational career which destined him to become an Admiral in the US Navy. RDML Buzby was, in his words, partially responsible for the appointment of CDR Deidre L. McLay as the first Captain of the new USS Farragut. Also present, members of the families of those who would before the end of the day, become the latest Plankowners for this proud new warship. The term “plankowner” dates back to the early years of shipbuilding when sailors were made of iron and ships were made of wood. Tradition states that, according to the sacred law of the sea, each Sailor who serves a member of the commissioning crew owns one plank of the ship, which he or she may claim after the ship is decommissioned and disassembled. Although USS FARRAGUT (DDG99) has not been build with wooden planks, the tradition continues and each sailor aboard will receive a certificate to commemorate the occasion and have the distinction and right to claim the title of “Plankowner.” (Continued on page 9)
R E V E I L L E
TAPS
COMMISSIONING NOTES (Continued from page 8)
Ian David Lipsky ‘75 sent us an email after the Commissioning Ceremony for the USS Farragut. We share this as an inspiration of what the Farragut Brotherhood is all about and what the potential is for Alumni Clubs and Alumni Gatherings. Dear AFA Brothers: Another outstanding weekend spent with my AFA schoolmates comes to an end. For those of us who came together we further realize the importance and value of our friendship. Perhaps most meaningful is the fact that we are amongst true friends where we can simply be ourselves and let down our hair (what is left of it) as attested when Buz through back that bottle of tequila in a toast to all of our Classmates, who were not present. I think it is wonderful how well our spouses connect further solidifying our bond and camaraderie. I know I speak for all of us when I say, “How PROUD we are of Admiral Buz”. Your speech at the Commissioning Ceremony saluting the crew and combat ready condition of the FARRAGUT was outstanding. Further recognition of your AFA experience and acknowledgement of your classmates was icing of the cake for us. Thank you for all the arrangements it took to include us as VIP’s in both the CO’s Party Friday night and Saturday's Commissioning. I will begin work on our next excuse to come together again sooner than later. Possibility as of now: The launch of the USNS ALAN SHEPARD Saturday, October 7, 2006, at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO in San Diego, CA
RDML Mark H. Buzby ‘75 sent us an email cc: following the Commissioning of the USS Farragut. Again, we share it with all Alumni as it also speaks to the AFA Brotherhood created by the Farragut educational experience. FARRAGUT was probably the 10th Commissioning ceremony I've attended, including one where I was part of the commissioning crew. NONE were more memorable than this past weekend spent with my AFA shipmates, honoring the namesake of our school, and our Navy's first Admiral. You all paid Gina and I a high honor by traveling to be there to join me in doing my duty of bringing this great ship and crew into the Fleet. I I've gotten great feedback and admiration all day from folks in the Pentagon who heard about my "cheering section" and the circumstances that brought you all to Mayport on Saturday. I know it was oppressively hot, but hopefully you took away some great memories and renewed admiration for the young folks wearing the cloth of our country who man our ships of the line. I know it makes me proud to be counted among them. Our second reunion also drove home for me that even though Pine Beach is gone, Farragut is wherever and whenever we gather. Its really up to us to keep it that way, and I for one think that we will only grow closer in the coming years. I truly look forward to it.
Let us pause to reflect upon our Alumni whose duty in this life has bee fulfilled… May They Rest In Peace!
Col. Harry C. Harvey USAF (Retired) ‘36N – Harry passed away at his home on April 3. He was raised in Mount Kisco, NY where he attended elementary school. He graduated from Admiral Farragut Academy in Toms River, NJ and the United States Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1941. After flight training, he served 22 years in the USAF. While on active duty he received a Masters degree in teaching and a Professional Diploma in Geography from Columbia and entered his second career as a Social Studies teacher and Assistant Principal. He is survived by his wife Kathryn (Kay) Johnston, son, Harry (Randy) of Summerville, SC; son Peter of Katy, TX; daughter, Barbara Knowles of Pawling, NY and seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. James Boyce Harman, Jr. ‘63N – We received an email from Frank M. Harman ’66 concerning the passing of his brother J. Boyce on January 8, 2004. Boyce was a 1963 graduate of AFA in Pine Beach, NJ. He attended Villanova, Boston University, Columbia, and NYU. Frank says, “Boyce was marked by his family’s Virginia heritage, and is remembered by his family as “a true Southern Gentleman; a jovial, sincere and generous man; and a wonderful conversationalist who brightened the lives of all who passed his way.” Boyce was a veteran of both the television and film industries and lived in New York City most of his adult life. His film career spanned more than 3 decades and touch upon genres from TV commercials to docudramas to science fiction. Over his career he was involved in the production of more than 30 feature films and television movies taking him to locations all over the world. Boyce is survived by his wife, Leslie Barrett of New York, and his brother Frank Harman ‘66 and his wife Mildrene of Princeville, Hawaii. Richard E. Reilly ‘68S – We received an email notification from Jay H. Kaiser ‘68S indicating that Richard passed away the second week of April, 2006 while scuba diving in the Keys. Richards family lives in Denver, CO. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
George Francis Geiger, Jr. ‘61S - Tiny passed away March 15, 2006 at his Tampa home. He was an attorney and was known for his community involvement and received two awards for his pro bono work with the needy. As a I salute you, gentlemen! member of the Florida Bar he practiced as a prosecutor with the office of the State’s Attorney. Yours aye, He was a graduate of the University of South Buz Florida and received his Juris Doctorate degree from the Mississippi College of Law. His is survived by his partner in (RDML Mark H. Buzby) life, Alberta Long; his brothers, James Robert and John David; his sisters, Judith Geiger and Mary June Geiger Sullivan; and his nephew, (Continued on page 10) William Lovelady.
Page 10
(Continued from page 9)
Page 11
ALUMNI SHIRT ORDERS ARE OUTSTANDING! ASK ANY ALUMNI OWNER HIS OPINION OF THE QUALITY OF THE SHIRT… ORDER YOURS TODAY!
Pictured, is one of the newly adopted collared Alumni Shirts that we presented to each of the graduating Seniors following their graduation on May 20, 2006. We asked them to wear this shirt each time they return to campus, and of course on the day of the Dress Parade at Homecoming Celebrations. The shirt color is “Butter and Navy.” This shirt is made of high quality pima cotton, which is very soft, comfortable to wear, and holds up well over many, many washings. The shirt boasts the newly designed and embroidered AFA Alumni Association Logo with the year of graduation also embroidered beneath. This shirt will be available to all Alumni on an ordered basis with delivery within three weeks time. The basic cost is $39 plus $10 shipping and handling for all orders within the Continental United States. For other orders, please write, telephone, fax, or email for additional charges. All we need from you is the year you graduated, and the size you want, and whether you want the male or female shirt.. Shirts are available in adult sizes from small (S) to extra large (XL) for $39 plus shipping and handling charges within the US. For sizes extra, extra large (XXL) add $3. Extra, extra, extra large (XXXL) add $5 to basic cost of $39. We will ship multiple shirt orders at the base $10 shipping and handling charges. Please indicate below:
NUMBER ORDERED
COST EACH
=
SUB – TOTAL
□ MALE SHIRT
___________
___________
=
$___________
□ FEMALE SHIRT
___________
___________
=
$___________
SIZE
□ SMALL
□ MEDIUM
□ LARGE
□ XL
□ XXL
□ XXXL
TOTAL $______________
□ XXXXL (Special Order)
NAME: ________________________________________________________________ YEAR GRADUATED: ______________ ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY: _________________________________________________ STATE: __________ ZIP CODE: _____________________ EMAIL ADDRESS: _________________________________________________________ PLEASE ENCLOSE CHECK FOR TOTAL COST: $______________
Make out checks to:
Admiral Farragut Alumni Association
Mail to:
501 Park Street North Saint Petersburg, FL 33710
OR USE CREDIT CARD:
FAX TO: (727) 384-4717
VISA OR MASTERCARD
Please charge my Alumni Shirt purchase to my ________________________________________________________ Print Name of Charge Card Used Name as shown on card __________________________________________________ Please Print Name Credit Card Number ____________________________________ Expiration Date of Card _____________________ MM / DD / YR
________________________________________________________Signature
R E V E I L L E
Page 12
Attend the 2006 Homecoming Reunion Dinner FREE!
The Alumni Association and the Development Office have teamed up in an effort to increase Alumni participation in the AFA Annual Fund Campaign. A contest has been created to give the class with the highest percentage of participation complimentary attendance to the 2006 Homecoming Reunion Dinner. While reaching this year’s goal of $300,000 is important to the Academy, increasing our percentage of participation is equally important. Your gift not only gives you an opportunity to make a difference and be a part of AFA’s growth, but it also has a direct effect on our chances of receiving grants and major gifts from foundations and corporations. Giving percentages from the Annual Fund are used as a measurement of approval. According to the NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools), average alumni giving for an Independent School in our category is 29%. AFA currently holds a 4.5% alumni giving rate. This does not even put us in the running for such grants and gifts. Therefore, a goal of the Annual Fund is to involve as many Alumni as possible. Realizing that each of you has unique circumstances, we encourage you to give generously as you can. Call your classmates and ask them to support the Annual Fund and help create excitement for this year’s Homecoming with its possible FREE Reunion Dinner! Even if you don’t plan on attending the 2006 Homecoming Reunion, please consider the difference you can make by sending in a check of any amount today! This offer applies only to those alumni who have given a gift to the Annual Fund by 8/1/06. Winners will be announced in the 2006 Fall issue of the Reveille.
WE NEED YOUR HELP GET REVEILLE ONLINE! All Alumni who have email accounts are requested to help us save printing and mailing expenses. If you are able to receive email and would like to receive each edition of REVEILLE by email, we encourage you to let us know. Printing and mailing expenses are on the rise. Every penny we can save through the use of the electronic medium of email means more money for our academic programs here at the Academy. Return mail for the REVEILLE is very expensive and time consuming. Therefore, we can save a considerable sum of money by delivering the REVEILLE directly to your computer via an email link. We are striving to reduce the required amount of memory by placing the Alumni Newsletter into segments which you can open through links, one at a time, but you will still have the option of downloading the entire newsletter at one time. This should facilitate your being able to enjoy REVEILLE by opening the Newsletter R E V E I L L E
section by section. If you’d like to be placed on our electronic delivery status for each edition of REVEILLE, the Alumni Newsletter, please send us an email and let us know. Simply email your EMAIL ADDRESS TO alumni@farragut.org and state: “I WANT TO RECEIVE EACH EDITION REVEILLE VIA EMAIL LINK.”
You will also need to set your filter so that you can receive EMAIL from AFA without kicking back a note for approval each time we send you the REVEILLE LINK electronically. Thank you! REVEILLE is compiled, written, and edited by CDR Bill Monrose, Director of Alumni Admiral Farragut Academy 501 Park Street North Saint Petersburg, Florida 33710 (727) 343-3678 or FAX (727) 384-4717
Page 13
Homecoming Information DATES FOR HOMECOMING—NOVEMBER 3rd & 4th 2006 CLASSES CELEBRATING SPECIAL HOMECOMING REUNIONS 1941 celebrates their 65th Reunion 1946 celebrates their 60th Reunion 1951 celebrates their 55th Reunion 1956 celebrates their 50th Reunion 1961 celebrates their 45th Reunion
1966 celebrates their 40th Reunion 1971 celebrates their 35th Reunion 1976 celebrates their 30th Reunion 1981 celebrates their 25th Reunion 1986 celebrates their 20th Reunion
1991 celebrates their 15th Reunion 1996 celebrates their 10th Reunion 2001 celebrates their 5th Reunion
Tentative Schedule of Events (Subject to change) FRIDAY 0900—1400 1400 —1500 1530— 1615 1630—1700 1700—1800 1900— 1915— 1925— 1930—
November 3rd Registration in the Alumni House Tours and Visitations on Campus Annual Dress Parade at Ross Field Alumni Drill Competition at Ross Field (Immediately following Dress Parade) Tailgate Party (South End of Ross Field) Awards Presentations at Ross Field Introduction of Football Teams (AFA vs. Bradenton Preparatory School) Presentation of the Colors and the National Anthem Homecoming Football Game Kick-off
SATURDAY 0730—0900 0900—1000 1000—1130 1145—1230 1245—1330 1330—1545 1330—1430 1430—1600 1830—2000
November 4th Alumni Breakfast in Mess Hall with Cadets (Just wander in when you’re ready!) Registration still open at Alumni House Alumni Association Annual Meeting in DeSeta Chapel Alumni Lunch in Mess Hall (Exclusively for Alumni and Guests) Admiral Farragut Academy Foundation Meeting in DeSeta Chapel Annual Alumni Rife Range Competition (at the Range) Waterfront Open for Alumni Visitation Annual Alumni vs. Cadets Softball Game at Libby’s Corner Softball Field Homecoming Reunion Dinner at the Sandpiper Hotel & Suites
Hotel Accommodation Information Bilmar Beach Resorts—Discounts for Admiral Farragut Alumni Phone (727) 360-5531. Ask for the “Blue Jackets” Room Rates. www.bilmarbeachresort.com Sandpiper Hotel & Suites—Discounts for AFA Alumni Phone 1(800) 808-9833 and ask for the Admiral Farragut Room Rates. www.tradewindsresort.com Don CeSar Beach Resort a Loews Hotel 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706—Phone 1-866-728-2206 Known as Florida's Legendary Pink Palace since 1928, the luxury resort is revered internationally for its sprawling, sugar-white beach, unparalleled dining, rejuvenating Beach Club & Spa. Renaissance Vinoy Hotel —501 5th Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33710-Phone 1-888-303-4430 Located on the Tampa Bay waterfront, just 4 blocks from downtown St. Petersburg Featuring a private marina, 18-hole golf course, 2 heated pools and 12-court tennis complex • www.vinoyrenaissanceresort.com
Watch Online Information for updates. . .on the www.farragut.org Website R E V E I L L E
Page 14 (Continued from page 4)
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2006
This year’s graduating class was comprised of 49 cadets. They participated in the new “Man-the-Rail” Alumni Tradition immediately following their commencement exercises in the Garden Theatre. They will be remembered at the first class to walk through their fellow Alumni at the conclusion of a graduation ceremony. As they passed down the walk on their way to the final “Hats-in-the-Air” finale they were congratulated by members of the Alumni representing classes from 1947 through 2005. The Alumni Association President, Christian T. Chiari ’92 personally welcomed them and shook their hands immediately before they sounded the bell of USS Farragut DDG 37 which was a permanent gift to AFA, but was never employed in any similar ceremony prior to this event. The bell had been rescued by Alumni of the Northern campus and was recently brought to our campus where it was serviced, cleaned, and temporarily mounted so that each of this year’s graduates could sound it loud and clear as they proceeded to the conclusion of their graduation ceremonies. Combined, the Class of 2006 earned $2,622,000.00 dollars in scholarships. They will be attending the following colleges and universities in the fall: Assumption College Case Western Reserve University Colorado State University Cornell University Daytona Beach Community College Eckerd College (2) Elon University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida State University George Washington University Indiana University at Bloomington
Bell from USS Farragut DDG 37
Jacksonville University Lynn University (2) New College Norwich University Presbyterian College Rhodes College Stetson University (2) University of Central Florida (2) University of Denver (2) University of Florida (2) University of Massachusetts
CAPT Fine and MajGen Flanagan lead the final Procession to the Front Grinder
Ring that Bell!
Parents, Family and Friends await the famous “Tossing of Hats” finale!
Alumni “Man-the-Rail” in anticipation of the Class of 2006 Processional to the “Tossing of Hats.”
R E V E I L L E
University of North Florida University of South Florida University of Tampa (4) University of West Florida (2) USF – Saint Petersburg United States Naval Academy USNA Post Graduate Valencia Community College Wofford College (2)
Howard Sakolsky and Bill Soenksen await the “Man-the-Rail” Event in the Alumni Office
Phil Barnhill flanked by the Morris Twins enjoy Museum Gathering!
Picture from various venues on Graduation Day May 20, 2006. They are offered to give you the flavor of what you missed. Alumni from Class of 2005
Page 15
Reservation Form
2006 Homecoming Celebration November 3rd and 4th Please tear this form along the perforation and mail in with your payment or credit card information by October 1, 2006.
Alumni Name ______________________________________________________________ Class ____________ N or S ____ Please Print Spouse Name ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please Print Additional Guest (s) ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Please Print ——————————————————————————————————————————————————— Please Print ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please Print Event Description Cost Number Total Alumni Continental Breakfast
N/C
______
Alumni Lunch in Mess Hall
$6.00
______
_______
Tail gate Party before Football Game
$10.00
______
_______
$15.00
______
_______
Choices NY Strip
$50.00
______
_______
Seared Salmon Filet
$45.00
______
_______
Vegetable Ravioli
$45.00
______
_______
Chicken Piccata
$45.00
______
_______
Total Due
$_________
Alumni vs. Cadets Softball Game (Includes Shirt & Hat) (Please circle to indicate your Shirt Size (s) M L Homecoming Reunion Dinner Reservation Please indicate choices of Main Entrée) (All dinners include: Chef’s Selection of Seasonal Accompaniment — House Salad—Mixed Seasonal With choice of 3 dressings —Freshly Baked Rolls And Butter or Appropriate Bread—Brewed Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Tea—Florida Key Lime Pie)
XL
XXL
Please charge my Reservation to my ______________________________________________ Print Name of Credit Card Name as shown on Card _____________________________________________________________________ Please Print Credit Card Number __________________—___________________—_________________—__________________ Expiration Date: _________________________________________________/ 2006
___________________________________________________________ Signature Please mail your Reservations to: AFA Alumni Office 501 Park Street North Saint Petersburg, FL 33710 or, FAX this form to: (727) 384-4717
The Great Adventure Begins and Ends
Lift-off Apollo 16
REVEILLE ADMIRAL FARRAGUT ACADEMY Alumni Association 501 Park Street North Saint Petersburg, FL 33710
Apollo 16 Patch
Apollo 16 Moon-Rover
Splashdown Apollo 16
Charlie Duke - Picking up “Moon Rocks”
Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID St. Petersburg, FL
Charlie presents the Lunar Sample!