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Your Investments.

Whether you're saving for a new home, your . children's education or your retirement.

Navy Federal Credit Union can help you „ meet your goals. You'll find a variety of v?l certificates, money market savings accounts and IRAs, with different rates and terms to suit your needs.

And now Navy Federal Financial Group"^, our wholly owned subsidiary, makes available mutual funds, stocks and bonds through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc., to help complete your portfolio.

To open a certificate or IRA, call us at 1-800-914-9494 or visit our Web site at www.navyfcu.org. For information on Navy Federal Financial Group, go to our ^ W e b site and click on Investments and Insurance.

CREDIT UNION Navy Federal Credit Union can serve most active and retired Navy and Marine Corps military personnel, I ian employees and their families. Federal law generally prohibits federal credit unions from serving nonmeriibers.

Federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration ="2000 Navy Federal Financial Group, Inc. Securities sold thrc>(tigh;CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc., member NASD/SIPC 2000 Heritaae Road, Waverly lA 50677. Not federally Insured, may lose value, riot uriderwritten or guaranteed by the credit union.

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ISSN 0 4 8 8 - 6 7 2 0 (USPS 4 9 4 - 4 DPCEMBER

2001

V O L U M E 64, N o .

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AMERICA PRESIDENT'S CALL GeorgeP. Wattjr.'73

3

S U P E R I N T E N D E N T ' S Q<Si^ Commander Lawrence Heyworth III '70, USN (Ret.)

5

USNA

SUPERINTENDENTS:

8

A LEGACY O F LEADERSHIP Kari Schaeffler and Jennifer Sheppard M E N OF HONOR: PEARL H A R B O R , 7 D E C E M B E R Colonel Charles A. Jones, USMCR

1941

11

PEARL HARBOR, N I N E O N E O N E , A N D T H E U . S . NAVAL ACADEMY Vice Admiral Jerry Miller '42, USN (Ret.)

'51 U S N A

G R A D U A T E H O N O R E D FOR H E R O I S M

15 20

Sam Ginder '51 T H E GREAT CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE Colonel Pete Hilgartner '51, USMC (Ret.)

25

A

26

R E T U R N T O THE KREMLIN Karl Sommerlatte '46

OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES

2

RING STORY

19

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

3i

AN OCEAN AWAY

33

BRAVO ZULU

35

MAIL BOAT

35

ALL HANDS

36

NAVY ATHLETICS

38

STAFF & ASSISTANCE

41

CLASS NEWS

43

CHAPTER NEWS

131

LAST CALL

144

"IN BUSINESS" CLASSIFIEDS

154

E N T E R P R I S E S A I L O R S A S S I S T IN M A R I T I M E INTERCEPTION OPERATIONS Mark O. Piggott ~'S\

r-^ |~C * *

30

"Naval Academy in the Snow" courtesy of Gaylon Lemmon at LemmonArt. A full collection of Ms. Lemmon's work can be seen and purchased through www.lemmonart.com or by calling 410-643-2122.

N Shipmate, Deeember 2001

UNrTF.n S T A T F S NAVAr

S r U.S. Maval'Lcalemy Executive Staff ~M" Aliirnni Association

Ar^nvMv

FOUNDATION C H A I R M A N OF THE BOARD

ADM Charles R . Larson ' 5 8 , U S N (Ret.) Former Superintendent, U . S . Naval Academy C H A I R M A N OF THE B O A R D , EMERITUS

A D M James L. HoUoway III ' 4 3 , U S N (Ret.) Former Chief of Naval Operations

ses 2000-2001 Officers ^HAIR.MAN Ot THE Bm8& T S S x i O H SpRWyjOi ADM U i g h t o n W. Smith Jr. ' 6 2 , U S N (Ret.)

George P. Watt Jr. '73 Captain, U.S. ISaval Reserve (Retired)

V I C E CHAIRMAN EASTERN AREA TI!K<

TREASURER, USNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC. TREASURER, USNA FOUNDATION, INC.

Si'RiNCi 2002 Corbin A . McNeill Jr. ' 6 2 * PRESIDENT &

PRESIDENT

Ted Krauss '65 *

CEO

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, OreRATioNS

GeorgeP. W a t t j r . ' 7 > *

Terry Murray '68 Major General, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired)

George P. Watt Jr. ' 7 3 PAST C;IIAIRMAN o r THE BOARD MEMBERS

Maj Gen William A. Anders ' 5 5 , U S A F R (Ret.) Former Chairman & C E O , General Dynamics; Astronaut Michael R. Bonsignore ' 6 3 Chairman & C E O , Honeywell I n c .

T^> ' " .orable Beverly Byron r o r m e r Member, U . S . House of Representatives; Chair, Naval Academy Board o( Visitors A D M William J. Crowe Jr. ' 4 7 , U S N (Ret.) Former Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Ambassador William H . G . FitzGerald ' 3 1 Former Ambassador to Ireland Eric P. Grubman ' 8 0 Co-President, Constellation Energy Group . . r t T. Herres ' 5 4 , USAF (Ret.) Chairman & C E O , U S A A ; Former Vice-Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff A D M Jay L. Johnson ' 6 8 , U S N (Ret.) Senior Vice President, Dominion Energy, Inc.; Former Chief of Naval Operations James W. Kinnear ' 5 0 Retired President & C E O , Texaco C A P T James A . Lovell Jr. ' 5 2 , U S N (Ret.) President, Lovell Communications; Astronaut R A D M Thomas C . Lynch ' 6 4 , U S N (Ret.) Senior Vice President, Safeguard Scientifics; Former Superintendant, U . S . Naval Academy

PRESIDENT &, CEO, USNA ALUMNI ASSCX:IATION, PRESIDENT, USNA FOUNDATION, INC.

The Honorable John E. Sheehan '52

VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Henry J. Sanford Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired)

vHon-Vb' rRissu->tNi/i^EO EMERITUS

CAPT William S. Busik '43, USN (Ret.) SlJl'EIUNTENDfcNT's REPRESENTATIVE C A P T Robert C. Parsons ' 7 1 , U S N DE(I-I,DE o r THE 2000s MIDN 1/C Timothy R. Kain Jr. ' 0 2 , U S N Class President

COMMUNICATIONS

Lawrence Heyworth III '70 Commander, U.S. Navy (Retired) CAREER PntxmAMs David E. Church '67 Commander, U.S. Navy (Retired) FINANCIAL SERVICES

BoAiw COUNSEL John E. Nolan ' 5 0

Gerrie Farmer INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Tim Kobosko '80 UOH $l>lUN<.i C A P T P?8il'

NR (Ret.) !un SpRiNi; 2> 02 (Ret.)

EASTERN REI

C A P T Mase W e B s ' 4 7 .

WESTERN REGION TRL-STEE THR'.JLUH Si>RiNc! .

CAPT Robert G. Stevervson '60, USN (Ret.) MID-ATLA.NTK: REUION TRUSTEE THHOH.H SI-

2au

RADM John W. Adams '58, USN (Ret.)

PUBLICATIONS

Mike Collins '84 Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Naval Reserve EXE(;;UTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Dick Johnson "^ V.P. FOR PRINCIPAL GIFTS

Dan Struble '83 Commander, U.S. Naval Reserve V.P. FOR ATHLETIC AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS

Anthony M. Marks '59 CDR Kerwin E. Miller '75, USNR CAPT Jerome Rapkin '52, USN (Ret.) CAPT Lynn H. Widener '70, USNR (Reti

J.W. "Bill" Flight Jr. '56 Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired)

Editorial Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

J. Willard Marriott President, Chairman & C E O , Marriott Corp.

Dr. John J. McMullen ' 4 0 Norton Lilly International, Inc. Reverend Father J. Donald Monan Chancellor, Boston College T h e Honorable Robert Mosbacher Chairman, Mosbacher Energy Company; Former Secretary of Commerce

VADM Charles H. Griffiths ' 4 6 , U S N (Ret.) President, Council of Classes R A D M Roy D . Snyder ' 5 0 , U S N (Ret.)

Maria O'Shea

C D R Steven T. Middlcton ' 7 4 . U S N R 3R Steven G. Young ' 8 4 . U S N R | t L t Thomas O. Wagner II ' 9 7 , USMC

INR (Ret.) PSTON wcderick J.

Kevin W. Sharer ' 7 0 President & C E O , Amgen Corp.

C A P T Dennis R. Spurgeon '65, USNR (Ret.) *

T h e Honorable John E . Sheehan ' 5 2 Chairman, Rhome Management Corp.

i A P T Daniel B. Lear ' 6 8 , U S N R (Ret.)

Bernard E. Smith Jr. ' 4 7 Former Partner, Lawrence, O'DonncU & Marcus C o .

llchard h. Jcsmonth '78

MajGen Leo V. Williams III ' 7 0 , U S M C R Brand Manager, Ford Motor Company

CLASSES EDITOR

GREATER W A S H I N U I O N ,

D.t'.

HAMPTON ROADS

|EN>.>I I M \

hlLADEl.l'HIA nes J. Meeh.m 'M6 U(.tT S. 11'NU \ P T Colin H. Saari ' 6 0 . LISN (Ret.) ' ^ A N niI"(iO/('ORONAIiO LCDR Robert L. Rubin ' 8 2 , U S N R AN

OBITUARIES EDITOR

Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS

C D R Fredrick W. Weber ' 7 5 , U S N R (Ret.)

A D M James D . Watkins ' 4 9 , U S N (Ret.) President, Joint Oceanographic Institutions; Former Chief of Naval Operations; Former Secretary of Energy

Brianna Busch

Sandra Stansbury-Spadaro Sam Herman

Thomas G. Pownall ' 4 7 Former Chairman & CEO, Martin Marietta

Mr. J. Ronald Terwilliger ' 6 3 C E O & National Managing Partner Trammell Crow Residential

CHAPTERS EDITOR

Amy T. Voight

John E. Nolan 'SO, General Counsel Partner, Steptoe & Johnson

A D M Leighton W. Smith ' 6 2 , U S N (Ret.) Former Commander in Chief, Allied Forces Southern Europe; IFOR Bosnia; Commander in Chief, U . S .

Naval Forces, Europe

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Jackie Furton ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER

Peter D . Gness '65

Gen Richard I. Neal, U S M C (Ret.) Former Assistant Commandant, U . S . Marine Corps

Christian H . Poindexter ' 6 0 Chairman & C E O , Constellation Energy Group

Mike Collins ' 8 4 Lieutenant Commander, U . S . Naval Reserve

l-KANi:ISl,l'

:)R John L. Potter ' 5 8 , USNK cXAS ClUl.l C'AIAST ; i ) R Richard I,. Bulger ' 6 9 , USM (Ret.) ' " ' O R H ,1 IN/SOUTH\X'E'--I WASHIKH^TI >N

Douxlas M. Bomarito ' 6 8

Opinions expressed in Shiitmaui (ISSN 0488.6720) are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the U.S. N.ival Academy Alumni Association, its officers or the editorial staff. All pictures arc official Department of Defense photographs unless otherwise credited. Member, Council tor the Advancetnent and Support of Education (CASE).

Published monthly Oanuary-February and july-Augusr combined) and copyrighted 2001 by the United States N.aval Academy Alumni Association, Inc., 247 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 214025068; Membership dues (including Shipmate) $40.00 per year.

Subscription rate $40.00. Canadian and foreign $45.00. Single copies $5.00 each (for members, additional copies are $4.00 each). Periodicals Postage Paid at Annapolis, MD, and at additional mailing offices. All editorial matter, inquiries concerning membership or subscriptions, inquiries concerning classified services, and notification of change of address of members and subscribers should be avidressed to: U.S. Naval Academy Ahmtni Association, 247 King tieorgc Street.

Annapolis, MD 21402-5068; p; 410263-4448 cxc. 203.

Marters concerning comntetcial advertising, inquiries, insertion orders and space contracts should be addressed to, Mrs. Bobbi Collins (same address as above), pi 410-263-4448 ext. 13'); e; hobhi.collins速 usna.com.

The Publisher rc-^erv-es the right to rejecr any a.K crfisinj; rhat does not meet the standards set by the U.S. Naval Aca.l. my Alunnii Assoc.

Volume 54. No. 10 T.M. Reg U.S. Pat. Off Printed in U.S.A.

Shipmate, December 2(101

PRESIDENT'S CALL

By George P. Watt Jr '73

'L4t this season, 'Voben graduates of the IN^al ^lAcademy dlperyvphere greet another (Christmas and another year, the bonds of mutual interest and determination to respond to any callfor the defense of our (Country are felt 'Voith renewed strength."

W

e found the inspiring words above in a January 1942 Shipmate holiday greeting. I was taken by how appropriate then Rear Admiral Nimitz's words were after the attack on Pearl Harbor and how appropriate still for today's Midshipmen and graduates. Since the events of 11 September 2001, which took away fourteen of our fellow g r a d u a t e s and thousands of other American citizens, I have not been surprised, but rather awed by the conviction and support expressed by all who remain. Our extended Brigade, some 49,000 strong, is reaching out through letters, emails, phone calls. Shipmate articles, financial support, and more. Whether active duty or civilian it is clear that each of us understands, as only those who have pledged to defend the Constitution of the United States can, the fragility of freedom and the importance of supporting those who will ensure it prevails.

The holiday season is once again upon us, offering each of us an opportunity for reflection and introspection. In my one and a half years now serving as President and CEO of your Alumni Association and USNA Foundation, I can assure you each day has brought, and continues to bring, new challenges and new rewards. I greatly appreciate the honor of serving you in this capacity and the privilege of working with the 56th Superintendent (see page 5) and his dedicated and talented USNA staff. The staff here at the Alumni Association and the Naval Academy Foundation is equally aligned and committed to our collective mission. At the 30 November Board of Trustees' meeting, a portion of my semiannual President's Report was centered on the staff and the difference each one of them is making in support of the Academy and the Brigade of Midshipmen. Beginning with the January/February 2002 issue, we will introduce you to the special people who support you and the USNA cause.

Speaking of "the cause," three members of this exceptional staff, CDR Dan Struble '83, USNP Vice President for Principal Gifts;

Shipmate, December 2001

CDR Bart Rowe '84, USNR, Major Gift Officer; and LCDR Mike Collins '84, USNR, Editor-in-Chief of Shipmate, have recently been recalled to active duty. Given mere days to put their affairs in order and pack their bags, each faces assignments yet to be fully spelled out as of this writing. As with many of their

HANG YOUR SERVICE FLAG

Originally a grass roots effort encouraged by individual states and civic organizations, the Service Rag was officially recognized in World War II and became an icon of a nation mobilized for war. Families hung flags in windows, each star representing family members serving in the armed forces. Although reauthorized during Vietnam, the Service Flag and its representation of private sacrifice for public good have mostly faded from memory. It is time to revive the Service Flag. To recognize those among us who go in harms way.

To remind Americans that the military is not composed of faceless mercenaries but rather friends and neighbors. To honor the families whose sons and daughters, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom.

For the full story about the service flag, refer to page 13 of the November '01 Shipmate, Hang Up Your Service Flag by Lisa Rielage '9L

peers, they leave behind families who may be unsure as to when they will return, but who have pledged their unconditional support. They also leave their place of employment and their colleagues fully confident in the knowledge that we will join together in their absence to offer support and comfort to those families and to keep their jobs intact for their imminent return. I hope all of you will join me as we congratulate these three for their opportunity to continue to serve the nation and as we offer them our very best holiday greetings.

There is no question that this time in history will be recorded as one of overwhelming loss and devastating uncertainty. I feel equally assured as I travel, as I walk the Yard, and as I continue to meet and interact with today's Brigade, that this will also be remembered as a period of renewed patriotism and ultimate victory. The Midshipmen are focused, they know why they are here, and, perhaps most importantly, they understand that their time to serve will also come. Although the Naval Academy has always been relevant to the Naval Service and the nation, it may be even more so today. As Alumni, parents, and friends, let us reach out to today's Brigade and provide them as much moral, mental, and physical support as we can. And, at this time of the year, let us also reach out to each other.

Call a classmate y o u ' v e lost touch with...attend a chapter function and renew ties with other local shipmates.. .drag a friend and share the camaraderie of being part of the Naval Academy family. Finally, remember Dan, Bart, Mike, and all fellow alumni, service members and their families who are fighting the fight for our continued freedom in your prayers.

Nimitz concluded his December 1941 greeting with these words, "/ sincerely wish for every alumnus of the Naval Academy and for every officer...in the Naval Service a Merry Christmas and a New Year of happiness and success in every venture." I could not say it better Go Navy! Go USA!

USMC Photo

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SSF-SM 12/01

SUPERINTENDENT'S C A L L

Q& A WITH ACADEMY SUPERINTENDENT VADM JOHN RYAN

'67

By Commander Lawrence Heyworth HI '70, U.S. Navy (Ret.) This month, Shipmate presents an exclusive "question and answer" session with Superintendent VADM John Ryan. Our own Skid Heyworth, Director of Communications, discussed the significant progress made at the Academy over the past three years.

Shipmate: Why are you so enthusiastic?

Superintendent: In a word: Midshipmen. Although our Brigade mirrors the society they serve, we expect them to conform to a different and higher standard and the great majority of Midshipmen do just that. They are energizing, bright, ambitious, motivated, and talented— the single best part of my job here. Each day I find several more gems in the mine.

Some of you may know that Dean Dave Vetter suffered a heart attack in August. Fortunately for us, he's making a good recovery and we expect he will continue on as Dean of Admissions. We wish Dave and Royce all the best in their recovery, and our thoughts and prayers are with them. What is noteworthy about this near tragic incident was that MIDN 3/C Matthew Stainback '04, responded to the emergency and saved Dave's life with CPR. When I personally congratulated him, he modestly said "thanks," but that his "CPR was a Uttle rusty" and that he intended to renew and improve his skills as soon as possible. I could not be prouder of this young man who reacted in a heroic manner at a restaurant on a Sunday afternoon to save a Shipmate. Bancroft Hall is full of Matt Stainbacks, young men and women who are very capable and ready to respond to life's challenges, yet they want to be even better. That's what keeps me so enthusiastic.

Shipmate: Looking back over the past three years, what are the major success stories?

Superintendent: Well, there are about 3,000 of them—our graduates from the Classes of'99, '00, and '01. Our biggest accomplishment and greatest sense of pride come from providing outstanding Navy and Marine Corps officers to the Fleet and Fleet Marine Force each year. These patriotic men and women are volunteer warriors— Leaders for the Nation—serving around the worid in exciting, challenging, and rewarding career fields. That is our mission and our graduates provide those of us privileged to serve at this great institution with an immense amount of job satisfaction.

But, there is much to be excited about inside the Yard as well.

There are ongoing renovations and improvements to our facilities, curriculum, and processes Yard-wide. Many are already bearing fruit, and when they are all complete, the Naval Academy will be well positioned for the foreseeable future. For example, in the past three years, we have renovated Bancroft, Maury, Mahan, and Sampson Halls, buih the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility, begun an extensive comprehensive campaign, funded and hired numerous Distinguished Faculty Chairs, totally upgraded many of our athletic and workout facilities, and modernized our academic curriculum. We are preparing graduates who can keep pace with emerging Fleet needs in the Shipmate, December 2001

realms of Information Technology, geopolitical awareness, and the fundamental communication skills of writing and public speaking.

We have revamped Plebe Summer to make it more challenging and purposeful for both the Plebes and the upperclass detailers. We have taken the initiative to keep our faculty salaries competitive with the private sector to attract and retain only the best professors. And we are not stopping there. The plan is not just to keep going, rather to make choices in light of the mission of USNA, and as a result, keep growing and improving every day!

Shipmate: How has the Strategic Plan factored into those successes?

Superintendent: Simply put, the Strategic Plan is the foundation upon which everything rests. It is and has been our shared roadmap for the future. Over the past three years, the Plan has been our navigation chart for success, improvements, change, and has ensured that we stay true to the great heritage, legacy, and professionalism of our graduates, this institution, the Navy and Marine Corps, and the nation we serve. We aren't resting on our laurels here, either. We recently finished a top-to-bottom review of the Strategic Plan, incorporating once again, input from faculty, staff. Alumni, Midshipmen, and all our stakeholders. This review provided a refreshing new energy to the Plan, an increased sense of ownership for all, and will allow us to use it as our roadmap to the USNA in 2012.

Shipmate: What's different about today's Academy and the one you attended in the '60s?

Superintendent: It is better—much better It was a great institution when I graduated in 1967, but in many ways the Academy is a better place in 2001. We are winning the war for talent! Our Brigade and our faculty are both more diverse and talented. Our classrooms, laboratories and academic opportunities are world class. We are a forward-thinking institution that is well grounded in tradition. We believe our four-year immersion program must engage the minds and hearts of every Midshipman to learn about and practice the virtues of honesty, self-control, perseverance, respect, compassion, and service.

That is why we have strengthened our leadership, ethics, and character development programs.

This is an institution that remains true to its heritage, while at the same time, staying current in an ever-changing academic and professional military environment.

That's my challenge as Superintendent—to balance continuity and change. We must guard against complacency and satisfaction with the status quo. We—as an institution, and as individuals—must continually improve.

Shipmate: Some graduates are concerned with these differences.

What do you say to them?

Superintendent: We very much appreciate the ownership our Alumni feel about their alma mater, as it is critical to our success in the future. In our Strategic Plan, we started by stating that our shared values would continue to be our foundation. Within that framework, we then articulated a vision of change, continuity, and growth to transform USNA. A small segment of our Alumni want to cling to the past and see most change as a negative. We don't assume that every voice from the past has matters precisely right. We always listen respectfully, but in the end, our leadership must take action that prepares our graduates for leadership in the 21st century. The vast majority of Alumni are proud of our heritage, but even more are excited about and focused on our future. They are helpful, generous, and engaged with the Academy in a positive way. We learn a lot from this group of informed Alumni, and I often act on their advice and suggestions.

I invite any grad to come spend time on the Yard with today's Midshipmenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;go to class and sports practice with them. Talk to our professors and staff. Spend some time here absorbing the positive energy that surrounds this place. We are not Camelot and know we must keep improving, but I am confident that anyone who takes the time to learn all the facts about today's Naval Academy will come away with a firm sense that we are doing the best possible job developing Midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically to be leaders in today's Navy and Marine Corps. I can tell you that the Fleet and Fleet Marine Force think so!

Shipmate: Is Plebe Summer as difficult as it was in your day?

Superintendent It is not as demeaning or senseless as it was in my day or yours. If it were. Congress would have closed the school in the late '70s. Starting in the early '80s, Plebe Summer became tough without being stupid. Now it is tough for the right reasons.

Pointless harassment and abuse is gone, and very challenging purposeful training has taken its place. Anyone that thinks that translates to "easier" is misinformed. Come hit the new Tarzan Assault Course with me and see if you think any part of traversing a wire rope 40 feet off the ground is easy! Come with me to PEP every morning at 6 a.m. with the Plebes. There's nothing easy about that. I encourage our graduates to come observe Plebe Summer. You will come away with the satisfaction knowing that Plebes in 2001 are stretching for excellence every day of plebe summer and throughout plebe yean They are being challenged.

Most importantly, today's Plebe Summer is much better training for our upperclass. They are now exercising the same leadership techniques and skills they will need in the Fleet and Fleet Marine Force.

That doesn't mean we are satisfied! I am not. I'd like Plebe Summer to be a week longer, so that we can include some additional evolutions and training. The Commandant and I were discussing some options earlier today that will enhance and add further to the warrior spirit. We will find the additional time required to further build and strengthen every Plebe's mental and physical toughness.

Shipmate: Looking around the Yard, there are many new and recently renovated facilities. Tell us about them and, more importantly, what's next?

Superintendent What we are doing, as we are in all aspects of life here at Annapolis, is balancing continuity with change. Our academic facilities renovations are a prime example of that. We have maintained the wonderful historic architecture of structures like Sampson, Mahan, and Maury Halls on the outside, and filled the inside with state-of-the-art, 21st Century, multi-media classrooms and laboratories of excellence. We've done the same with new structures

like the privately funded Glenn Warner Soccer Facility, which opened on time in August. There, we constructed a worid-class athletic center with a high-tech interior, and yet we managed to integrate its outward appearance into the existing building designs and colors already on the Yard. Next year we will be finished with the $26IM renovation of the worid's largest dormitory, Bancroft Hall. That's a real success story and one that the Midshipmen benefit from on a daily basis. Also, we were able to keep our promise to the parents and put a small, but functional, medical clinic back in Bancroft. That, along with the dental clinic will significantly lessen the time Midshipmen spend getting medical and dental treatment and free up some valuable time for academics and professional development. We recently had the groundbreaking on the expansion of the Robert Crown Sailing Center.

Shipmate: You talk about the need for organizations and leaders to "challenge assumptions." What do you mean by that?

Superintendent: It means to ask why you do things, to think critically and examine the status quo. If you don't do that periodically at an organizational level, you stagnate and fail. Doing something simply because "well, we've always done it that way" is cause for concern.

It is a mindset of continual improvement, innovation, and growth.

This is not to say that you change things simply for the sake of change, or that you don't stay true to your institutional heritage and mission.

But the key here is to manage continuity and change effectively. That's the challenge facing senior leaders today.

Shipmate: Why are civility, dignity, and respect so important to your leadership style?

Superintendent: We are just going back to the future. John Paul Jones said it best and we need to practice what he preached. I believe a leader's job is to accomplish the mission and do it while fostering a positive, predictable, and ethical working environment where all are treated with dignity and respect, allowing them to perform at the best of their abilities. The rules of civility are also the rules of morality, so I am pleased that civility is on the rebound at Annapolisâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it is a steady drumbeat in everything we do. Our Midshipmen have gotten the message that it is not acceptable to denigrate someone because of their special interests, their heritage, or any other potential discriminator. We're giving them the tools to succeed too. We've reinstituted professional training for etiquette, manners, and social skills in the Brigade. Every Youngster reads Stephen Carter's book Civility on their summer YP cruise. Then they discuss it with the ProDev officers assigned to the YP. The staff and faculty are on board as well, and you know what? People tell me this is becoming a more professional, more effective place to live and work as a result. That's a good thing and it is going to continue.

Shipmate: USNA just kicked-off a $175M Comprehensive Campaign. How's that going and why is it important?

Superintendent Despite the rocky economy, the Campaign is off to a great start thanks to the strong support of our Alumni, parents, and friends. We've received nearly $84M towards our goal of $175M. I've said it before, but federal money at the Naval Academy for the most part maintains the basic necessities. It keeps the lights on, the Brigade fed, the roof leaks patched and the professors paid. But public dollars allow only marginal growth and improvements. We all know that if you aren't improving, your competition passes you in a flash. The key to our margin of excellence in the 21st Century will be private donations to this institution. That's where the real opportunity to transform this institution will come. Without it, i sense this Shipmate, December 2001

i

institution will struggle and be challenged to maintain its competiti\e edge. The talented young men and women and the faculty we are pursuing have choices; we must have great programs, facilities, opportunities, and challenges to win that war for talent.

acknowledge formally their magnificent achievements. Diane and I considered it an absolute honor and privilege to be able to host them in Buchanan House and play a small role in recognizing these special Americans.

Shipmate: The USNA Foundation is finishing its second year, how are they doing?

Superintendent: The Foundation, under the day-to-day guidance of Executive Vice President Dick Johnson, is doing a superb job.

Working hand-in-glove with my staff and the Alumni Association, the men and women of the Foundation are raising the bar of excellence in all they do. Their work in securing private funds will be key to developing USNA into a 21st Century center for academic and military excellence.

Shipmate: I have a personal interest in the Class of 2005 since my son is in the class. What has impressed you about this class so far?

Have they met your expectafions?

Shipmate: As a class, their desire, perseverance and service ethic are exceptional. They are the first of the Millennial Generation and my expectations for them are very high!

Shipmate: How has the Alumni Association helped you in your job as Superintendent?

Superintendent: The Alumni Association is critical to my communications efforts as Superintendent. They are a key player in all aspects of the Naval Academy. I meet with George Watt and Dick Johnson regularly and often, and I appreciate their support and include them in all my leadership meetings and conferences. The Web page, this outstanding magazine, and all the communications tools at Alumni House provide great value-added service to this institution and every alumnus.

Shipmate: Are the Alumni Association Trustees, Class, and Chapter Presidents helpful to you as Superintendent?

Superintendent:You bet. I think of them as a primary weapons battery out in the Heartland. Through the Alumni Association's communications team, we assist in arming them with information and data about USNA and they in turn pass it along to their troops. I liken them to the wardroom on a ship. They get the word from the CO and XO; pass it to the Chiefs Mess and on to the crew. We would not be as successful as we are without the assistance of the Trustees, Class and Chapter Presidents, and I am grateful for it.

Shipmate: Tell us why you think Colonel Ripley's group's work on Memorial Hall is so important?

Superintendent Colonel Ripley is a great American and I am honored by his work. I commend him and the fine team that have looked at our heritage and specifically Memorial Hall. Mem Hall is the soul of the Academy; it is hallowed and sacred ground. How we use and renovate that beautiful facility and for what types of events is an important question. I look forward to building on the results of the Ripley Committee's work and making Memorial Hall even more special for all who have and will serve America. We recently honored our five most recent Distinguished Graduates at a black-tie dinner in Memorial Hall.

Shipmate: The DGA weekend was a great opportunity to celebrate the achievement of several of our many graduates of distinction. You have been a major reason why the Academy celebrates this event in a first-class manner. Why is this important to you, the Academy and the Brigade?

Superintendent: These are each extraordinary graduates who make all of us very proud. They are all exceptional leaders who have served America in and out of uniform, and assisted this great institution over their entire adult lives. We are all grateful we have this opportunity to Shipmate, December 2001

Shipmate: How has the Brigade handled the tragedies of 11 September?

Superintendent: We have challenged them to stay focused on their duties as Midshipmen. They are doing a splendid job. This national tragedy has served as a reminder they, like so many classes before, must be prepared to answer America's call. My firm belief is, like so many previous graduates, they will make us all very proud!

Shipmate: In my days in the Navy, there always seemed to be that "10% who don't get the word." Our membership is no different. If we could get one message to all of our Alumni, what would that be?

Superintendent: Believe in the Brigade of Midshipmen. They are superb and continue to get better. If you don't want to believe me, ask officers like Admiral Hank Chiles, Admiral Bill Crowe, RDML Sam Locklear, Colonel John Allen, or others who teach or are on the staff here, -l

Have you lost your class ring?

Jostens has the original tools and dies for the following classes: 1951,1955,1956,1958,1959,1960,1961,1967, 1968,1971,1978,1980,1981,1984,1988,1989, 1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1996,1997 and 1998 For information, or to order your replacement ring, call our Naval Academy Service Center.

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USNA SUPERINTENDENTS:

E

A Legacy of Leadership

ngraved on a simple brass plaque located on the front right hand pew of the Naval Academy Chapel, are the names and tenures of the fifty-four USNA Superintendents to date. Fiftyfour men who continue to leave indelible marks on an institution briefly entrusted to their care. Of the many names listed, there are those few who due either to national and world events or innate personal foresight made unique and pivotal contributions to the institution itself and more importantly to those midshipmen in their charge.

Eight of these distinguished leaders are highlighted below. Although no longer with us, their legacies and those of all superintendents past and present, live on in the timeless traditions of leadership and service, hallmarks of the United States Naval Academy experience.

C o m m a n d e r Franklin Buchanan (1845-1847),

the first superintendent of the Naval School at Annapolis, was known as a strict disciplinarian as well as a leader committed to excellence.

During his tenure, Captain Buchanan established the Academy's original Academic Board, clarifying the merits of midshipmen, and reporting regularly on the system of instruction. Buchanan was at the helm when the war with Mexico began and, for the first time, midshipmen were called from the academy to war.

By Kari Schaeffler and Jennifer Sheppard, USNA AA Staff

Captain George S. Blake (1857-1865), the fifth superintendent, was a dignified, portly gentleman. He personally answered letters from parents of his midshipmen, mming out 1,000 replies a year throughout his eight years in office. During his tenure, the first officially approved midshipmen's association, the Lawrence Literary Society, was organized and a system of self-governance amongst midshipmen was instituted. It was during Captain Blake's term that the Civil War began. Midshipmen once taught to think nationally were now divided based on their roots. Many returned south, those who stayed were transferred "out of harms way" from Annapolis to Newport, RI. Due to the war. Captain Blake became the longest continuously serving superintendent in history.

Rear A d m i r a l David D. Porter (1865-1869), the Commander Cornelius K. Stribling (1850-1853), the

third superintendent, distinguished himself while in command of a sloop of war by capturing one of the last pirate ships to be taken by the U.S. Navy. It was during Admiral Stribling's tenure that the Naval School was given its military character and renamed the United States Naval Academy. Admiral Stribling brought the first practice ship to the Academy, instituted annual summer cruises and established the official "classmen" designations (fourth classmen, third classmen, second classmen, and first classmen) that continue today. The extent of the grounds quadrupled and the Naval Academy became the first public institution in the United States to have central heat and central light (infuriating Alumni, rumored to have groused that the Academy was "getting too soft").

sixth superintendent of the Naval Academy, he stood a mere five-feet, seven-inches, yet his broad shoulders and barrel chest gave him the appearance of a much larger man. It was during Admiral Porter's term that the Naval Academy reestablished its home, returning to Annapolis from a temporary stint in Newport, RI, after the Civil War. His greatest contribution to the Naval Academy was his success in physically restoring the Naval Academy while simultaneously acquiring new land. Admiral Porter's love of pomp and ceremony led him to institute regular balls and grand affairs on the yard often attended by members of Congress, foreign dignitaries, and, on one occasion. President Grant himself. "Porter's Dancing Academy" became a popular nickname for the school, leading Admiral Porter's legacy at the Naval Academy to be further marked by his great effort to increase midshipman morale.

Shipmate, December 2001

Rear Admiral Christopher R.R Rodgers (1874-1878 and 1881), the eighth and eleventh superintendent of the Naval Academy, brought the Naval Academy's standard of excellence to a new level. His primary focus was on the quality of education midshipmen were receiving. During his tenure he established the first curriculum in mechanical engineering in the United States and changed the midshipmen's course of study, emphasizing professional development for the first- and second-class years and adding upper-level electives. For revisions in the midshipmen curticulum. Admiral Rodgers' administration received international recognition and was cited as the "best system of education in the United States."

Rear Admiral Henry B. Wilson '81 (1921-1925),

the twenty-sixth superintendent, reported to the Naval Academy having just completed a tour as Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet, reverting from a four star billet to that of a Rear Admiral upon acceptance of his new orders.

An imposing figure, Wilson, ultimately referred to by midshipmen as "Uncle Harry,' believed strongly that the Academy's crucial task was the development of character, with truth as the cornerstone. Launching a campaign to make the academy "more humane," Wilson revised Christmas leave and inaugurated an Easter leave, as well. He had no tolerance for hazing and in its place instituted a system of "rates," or privileges, incorporating many traditional but unofficial practices into academy regulations. He created the first USNA department of physical training in 1923 and introduced one of the Academy's most romantic traditions, the Ring Dance, in 1925.

It is said that Admiral Wilson's administration constituted the transition between the cloistered academy of the nineteenth century and the open academy of the twentieth.

Photos courtesy of USNA Photo Lab

Shipmate, December 2001

Vice Admiral Aubrey W .

Fitch '06 (1945-1947), the

thirty-forth superintendent came to the Academy from the post of Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for air. A hero of the Battle of the Coral Sea and the first aviator to be appointed superintendent, he was charged with expanding the Academy's aviation program. A Department of Aviation was instituted during the academic year 1945-46 and having no success in re-establishing an air station in Annapolis, Fitch managed to have the escort carrier BLOCK ISLAND (CVE-106) assigned to the Academy for four years. With a contingency of N3N3 seaplane trainers, midshipmen received basic aviation training until practical aviation was discontinued as part of the academic-year curticulum in 1960.

Rear A d m i r a l James L. Holloway Jr.' 19(1947-1950),

the thirty-fifth superintendent, was a cultured and articulate man known throughout the service and ultimately throughout the Academy as "Lord Jim." Focused on ensuring a balanced, basic curriculum of mutually supporting courses, Holloway saw to it that literary work was extended from the existing two years of study to the full four.

He was further committed to boosting the morale of students, allowing first-classmen the privilege of owning cars, offering Catholic services as well as the existing Protestant services at the chapel, and temporarily suspending the practice of marching to class. Admiral Holloway's revival of a fledgling navy sailing program was without a doubt one of his most poignant achievements as superintendent. Recognized at the end of his tour with the institution of an overnight, big-boat competition, the Holloway Cup Race remains one of his legacys to this day. During his final year as superintendent, Holloway successfully defended (as he had in years prior) the rationale for maintaining separate military academies, presenting his case before the Congressional Service Academy Board that sought to institute a combined academy for officer candidates.

Admiral Holloway's great grandson is a member of the Class of 2005, continuing a fifth consecutive generation service academy tradition.

As noted, these eight distinguished leaders and their respective accomplishments are mere examples of the universal commitment and dedication displayed by every superintendent who has ever held the Brigade of Midshipman in his charge. Over time we hope to highlight the impact of our more contemporary USNA leadership. For now, we remember a few of those who have gone before. -L Works Cited: The U.S. Naval Academy, Jack Sweetman

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IVIEN OF HONOR: Pearl Harbor 7 December 194

By Colonel Charles A. Jones, U.S. Marine

O

n 7 December 1941, the Japanese fleet, commanded by Admiral Nagumo launched a sneak attack on the IJ.S. Fleet, based at Pearl Harbor. Fifteen Americans were awarded the Medal of Honor for their action during the attack on Oahu. Five of them were graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy.

• Rear Admiral Isaac Kidd, "Cap," Class of 1906; • Captain Franklin Van Valkenburgh, "Dutch " or "Van," Class of 1909; • Captain Mervyn Bennion, "Mary," Class of 1910; • Commander Cassin Young, "Ted," or "Cy," Class of 1916; and • Lieutenant Commander Samuel Fuqua, "Ben," Class of 1923.

All five were serving aboard ships along "Battleship Row." Seven battleships were moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor on Battleship Row in the early morning of the "date that will live in infamy," as President Franklin Roosevelt so eloquently described 7 December. CALIFORNIA ( B B - 4 4 ) and NEVADA ( B B - 3 6 ) were moored

alone at opposite ends of Battleship Row. Behind CALIFORNIA, MARYLAND ( B B - 4 6 ) , and OKLAHOMA ( B B - 3 7 ) were moored together; behind them, TENNESSEE ( B B - 4 3 ) and WEST VIRGINIA ( B B - 4 8 ) were

moored together; behind them and in front of NEVADA, ARIZONA ( B B 39), and VESTAL ( A R - 4 ) were moored together.

ARIZONA was flagship for Rear Admiral Kidd, who was Commander, Battleship Division O n e , comprising ARIZONA, NEVADA, and OKLAHOMA. ARIZONA'S commanding officer was Captain Van Valkenburgh. ARIZONA'S first lieutenant and damage control officer was Lieutenant Commander Fuqua.

Commander Young commanded the repair ship VESTAL. Captain Bennion, who had roomed with Van Valkenburgh at the Academy for three years, commanded WEST VIRGINIA. Of the 15 medal recipients, only five lived to receive their medals.

Of these five, two were Academy graduates. Only one of those two survived the war.

Captain Bennion's story is the most poignant. His citation is brief, noting only that after being wounded he "evidenced apparent concern only in fighting and saving his ship, and strongly protested being cartied from the bridge."

Behind those few words are a story of agony and determination.

With his ship listing to port, Bennion went to the ship's signal bridge.

He was just outside the starboard side of the bridge (the side facing TENNESSEE) when a bomb hit one of the guns on a turtet on TENNESSEE and sprayed fragments. He doubled-up and groaned as one of the fragments struck him in the abdomen. A chief pharmacist's mate dressed the wound as best he could.

Lieutenant D.C. Johnson and Lieutenant (junior grade) F.H. White were ordered to bring Bennion down from the signal bridge. Johnson

Shipmate, December 2001

Corps

Reserve

wrote that he went there, taking "a colored mess attendant with me—a very powerfully built individual, having in mind that he might pick the Captain up and carry him below." This man was Mess Attendant Second Class Doris Miller, the ship's heavyweight boxing champion. White arrived to see that part of the captain's intestines were protruding.

Initially, Lieutenant C.V. Ricketts and the chief pharmacist's mate thought they should leave Bennion where he was due to the nature of his wound. With the approaching fire and smoke, however, Ricketts decided he had to be moved. They first carried Bennion on a cot, which almost broke, to the ladder leading down from the signal bridge.

They returned him to the bridge since he could not be lowered down the ladder. Due to the pain involved with movement, he asked to be left there.

They lashed him to a ladder with the intention of lowering him to safety but fire, smoke, and flame—even the life jackets and signal flags were burning—defeated their efforts. They cut him loose from the ladder—he was still partially conscious—and moved him to the navigation bridge. The pharmacist's mate finally said that "the Captain is about gone." Soon he was dead. He was buried in Utah.

While the men were assisting Bennion, WEST VIRGINIA was suffering from her own battle damage—primarily torpedo hits—as well as from an oil fire from ARIZONA that had drifted alongside WEST VIRGINIA. Throughout, Bennion protested being carried from the bridge and showed concern only for his ship: although mortally wounded, he kept asking about the ship and insisting that the others leave him and go below. In this regard. Lucky Bag comments about him were incredibly prophetic: He usually gets the class jobs which require much labor and return little glory, but Mary (as he was nicknamed) goes into everything he does with the same heartiness of purpose, and invariably performs a little more than he has to.

However, if from this description you gather that you can bluff Mary into doing anything, you are sadly wrong. Like most quiet, good-natured men, he has his limits, and they are absolutely inflexible. Come as a friend and he will do all in his power for you, but try to force him and you'II find that you have been monkeying with the buzz-saw.

On 27 May 1942 at a ceremony aboard ENTERPRISE, Admiral Chester Nimitz (Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet) presented Doris Miller a Navy Cross to honor him for assisting the captain under fire and for manning a machine gun; he had also assisted a lieutenant in hauling people through oil and water to the quarterdeck. He was the first black sailor to receive a Navy Cross in Worid War E. He was lost at sea when his ship, LISCOME BAY, was sunk by a Japanese submarine on

PEARL HARBOR "0(c7.l94i APPQDXIMATE raSiriON OF UNnf D STATES StIiPS

L.usposiTionASCfMneoerMmuitl

24 November 1943, during the Gilbert Islands campaign. His name appears at the Punchbowl on the Courts of the Missing.

Kidd and Van Valkenburgh perished in the terrific explosions aboard ARIZONA. Their Medal of Honor citations cite the men for "conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage, and complete disregard of his own life." Kidd's citation adds that he "courageously discharged his duties" until his death. Van Valkenburgh's adds that he "gallantly fought his ship" until his death.

Kidd, the first U.S. flag officer killed in the war, was one of three Navy flag officers to receive a Medal of Honor in the war. All three were rear admirals; all three were killed in combat. The other two were killed in the same battle that claimed another Academy medal recipient.

Young survived Pearl Harbor, receiving his Medal of Honor in April 1942 from Nimitz. According to his citation, Young took command of one of VESTAL'S anti-aircraft guns until he was blown overboard by the explosion of ARIZONA. He swam back to the listing, burning VESTAL. With "extreme coolness and calmness," he moved VESTAL away from ARIZONA and finally beached her near Aiea. As with Bennion, Lucky Bag comments about him were incredibly prophetic: Teddy isn 't brilliant; he's too irresponsible to be considered as one of the more capable men in the Class, but he's got his nerve with him, and that alone should pull him through many a situation...

Teddy was made to enjoy life—that is, while he is young— but some day he'll grow up and his abilities, which in here were at times obscured by his indifference to mere matters such as regulations, etc., will come to the surface, and Ted will then get the confidence that his abilities deserve.

Promoted to captain, he commanded the cruiser SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38), an ironic assignment for several reasons. The ship was at Pearl Harbor on 7 December under the command of Captain Daniel Callaghan '11, who was born in San Francisco. In October 1942, Callaghan—by then a rear admiral—became commander of a task group and chose SAN FRANCISCO as his flagship.

Both men were killed on Friday, 13 November 1942, when SAN FRANCISCO was hit by fire from Japanese ships during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Young was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for his actions here. Four other men on SAN FRANCISCO were awarded

12

Medals of Honor for that November action: Callaghan; Lieutenant Commander Bruce McCandless '32; Lieutenant Commander Herbert Schonland '25; and Boatswain's Mate First Class Reinhardt Keppler.

Norman Scott '11, the other rear admiral killed on 13 November during this battle, received a Medal of Honor posthumously.

Fuqua received his Medal of Honor in March 1942. Ironically, his first tour was on ARIZONA, where he served from 1923-24. Seventeen years later, on 7 December he had rushed to the quarterdeck after hearing an air raid siren. He told a congressional committee that he told the officer of the deck to sound general quarters and to set "material condition ZED as final damage control condition for battie."

He continued: About this time 1 heard a plane overhead. 1 glanced up. I saw a bomb dropping, which appeared to me was going to land on me or close by.

The next thing 1 remember 1 came-to on deck in a position about six feet aft the starboard gangway. I got to my feet and looked around to see what it was that had knocked me down. Then I saw I was lying about six feet from a bomb hole in the deck. This bomb had hit the face plate of No. 4 (the aft-most) turret, had glanced off that and gone through the deck and had exploded in the captain's pantry...

Then I glanced up forward and saw the whole midship a mass of flames in that section of the ship.

After he regained consciousness, he directed rescue and firefighting.

ARIZONA then received her deathblow: a bomb hitting the forward part of the ship. Despite that explosion and enemy bombing and strafing, he continued directing rescue and firefighting.

Realizing that ARIZONA was doomed and that he was senior surviving officer, he gave the order to abandon ship.

His Medal of Honor citation notes that his performance of duty was "in such an amazingly calm and cool manner and with such excellent judgment that it inspired everyone who saw him and undoubtedly resulted in the saving of many lives." His conduct certainly drew the attention of ARIZONA'S enlisted men. E.C. Nightingale, a Marine corporal, saw Fuqua on deck and wrote that he seemed "exceptionally calm."

He added, "Charred bodies were everywhere." D.A. Graham, a first class petty officer, wrote: Mr. Fuqua was the senior officer on deck and set an example for the men by being unperturbed, calm, cool, and collected, exemplifying the courage and traditions of an officer under fire.

It seemed like the men painfully burned, shocked, and dazed, became inspired and took things in stride, seeing M r Fuqua, so unconcerned about the bombing and strafing, standing on the quarterdeck. There was no "going to pieces" or "growing panicky" noticeable, and he directed the moving of the wounded and burned men who were on the quarterdeck to the motor launches and boats.

His conduct proved the truth of this Lucky Bag observation about his ability to look after his shipmates: Ben in normalcy has the Sphinx snowed under, but once in a while we get wise to him. Ask "Jenny" or any of the boys about the night before the Penn State game in Philly and they will tell you how he brought them all back to the hotel safe and sound.

In 1942, he was assigned to the cruiser TUSCALOOSA ( C A - 3 7 ) , which

escorted Murmansk convoys and was in the Battie of Casablanca. He was later assigned to Navy Operating Base, Guantanamo, Cuba; to Naval War College; and finally to the staff of Commander Service Force Seventh Fleet in the Southwest Pacific, where he earned a Legion of Merit as the force operations officer. Upon retirement in 1953 he was promoted to rear admiral by a "tombstone" promotion that advanced officers below admiral one permanent grade upon retirement if they had been specifically commended for performance in combat.

Shipmate. December -\)0I

Fuqua, who served in the Army in Worid War I, died in 1987 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

A gruesome detail is the lack of biuial for the other three recipients. Fuqua told a congressional panel that the remains of Van Valkenburgh were not recovered, although aringwith his name was found. He also said that remains thought to be those of Kidd were found. In any event, the "tombstones" for these two men are the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl on Oahu, where their names are carved in stone with gilded lettering followed by a gilded star, all to indicate Medal of Honor status. Likewise, Young's name is on the Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines, since he was buried at sea.

The average person will never see Cassin Young's name at the cemetery in Manila nor even know it is there. Sadly, in the grand scheme of informing audiences about the attack on Oahu, movies, tours, and books—even books • about the Medal of Honor—in.^ /** completely or inaccurately cover the stories of the Medal of Honor men and their fate. In some cases, they omit the stories completely or relegate mention of the Medal to foomotes.

An understanding of the Oahu attack is incomplete, however, without some knowledge of the 15 Navy men who exhibited bravery on 7 December that earned them the Medal of Honor, ten at the cost of their lives. The citations for all of them—whether Academy graduates

or not—show men whose bravery and calm under fire truly inspired their subordinates.

Their stories are overlooked in the chaos and hurry of society today. So—unfortunately— many will never know of the hortor of Rear Admiral Kidd and Captain Van Valkenburgh perishing in the cataclysmic explosion of ARIZONA; of the cool leadership under fire exhibited by Commander Young, after he was blown off his ship and swam back to her, and by Lieutenant Commander Fuqua, regaining consciousness after the explosion of a bomb he thought was going to land on or near him; or how all the political and military events and planning before 7 December led to a dramatic scene aboard WEST VIRGINIA where crew members, including the ship's boxing champion, tried in vain to save their mortally wounded, nearly disemboweled Captain Bennion who—while bleeding on the deck of a ship engulfed in fire and smoke— showed concern only for the welfare of his command, ^l/ Colonel Charles A. Jones was a lawyer in the Marine Corps from 1981-92 and has been a drilling reservist in the Marine Corps Reserve since 1993. He is a writer living in Norfolk, VA. He became interested in the 7 December 1941 Medal of Honor recipients while on active duty for seven months on Oahu in 1999. He is grateful to James Cheevers of the Naval Academy Museum for providing Lucky Bag information used in this article.

United States Naval Academy Graduates at Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941 NAME Isaac Kidd Franklin Van Valkenburgh Mervyn Bennion Cassin Young Samuel Fuqua

CLASS YEAR 1906 1909 1910 1916 1923

NICKNAME Cap Van; Dutch Mary Cy; Ted Ben

GRADE rear admiral captain captain commander lieutenant commander

SHIP ARIZONA ARIZONA WEST VIRGINIA VESTAL ARIZONA

FATE ON 7 DECEMBER Killed in action Killed in action Died of wounds Survived; KIA 13 Nov 42 Survived; died 27 Jan 87

History OfThe Medal Of Honor

During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation creating the Medal of Honor. The law authorized Medals of Honor for enlisted Sailors and Marines who exhibited "gallantry in action" during the Civil War. Gradually, changes to the law expanded eligibility to all members—officers and enlisted—of all services. The general rule became this: the President, in the name of Congress, could present a MOH to any person who distinguished himself by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. The rules can be found in statutes in United States Code and in regulations for the different branches of service. Those with the MOH are properly called Medal of Honor "recipients," not "winners," which implies some type of contest where one "wins" the nation's highest combat award.

Citations and more information are in the book United States of America's Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients and Their Official Citations, Highland House II, Inc., 646 Sullivan Lane, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 (1998) or at the Naval Historical Foundation Web site at http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/awd/us-individ/moh-9.htm.

Shipmate, December 2001

13

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Pear! Harbor, Nine One One, and the II C ^J^V^I yVC^dCttlV

As the Class of '02 Looks Toward the Future, Author Jerry Miller Reflects on 60 Years Jerry Miller, USNA '42

7

Decembr 1941 was just 12 days before the Naval Academy Class of 1942 was scheduled to graduate. Early graduation had been planned for more than a year. When it became apparent that the United States would become involved in some kind of war, officials established an accelerated academic program in 1940. The Fleet was expanding, and more officers were needed. Midshipmen leaves were shortened or eliminated. Summer cruises were modified for some or completely cancelled for others. Classroom hours were extended. The Class of 1941 graduated in February instead of June, and the Class of 1942 was slated for 19 December.

Life was good for '42. Academics were about completed. Navy had beaten Army in football for three years in a row. All members had their orders to ships of the line and were looking forward to the perks and freedom of life in the Fleet. No one was headed for graduate school because regulations required that all graduates spend some time at sea before undertaking more academics.

When the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor reached Annapolis that Sunday afternoon, many members of '42 were engaged in preparations for graduation week, with all of the social functions that marked the culmination of four years together "by the Bay." Some were attending a "tea dance" at Carvel Hall, a hotel adjacent to the Academy grounds. Dances were a big part of the social life of midshipmen. The frequent formal dances in Dahlgren Hall featured a big swing band, about 1,000 midshipmen and 500 girls from surrounding colleges and high schools. The girls usually went home happy at the end of the weekend because the ratio of men to women was certainly in their favor.

The news of Pearl Harbor had a sobering effect though few details were known. There were no television pictures, and the media was prevented from publishing the details of the disaster, even if they knew the facts. Censorship became a new word in the lexicon. There were no immediate actions to increase security at the Academy.

After all. Pearl Harbor was thousands of miles away. Evening meal formation took place as scheduled, and the routine of the Academy continued. But life was now a serious affair. All of that academic and military preparation was about to be called into play. There was no saber rattling, no angry calls for immediate retaliatory action. For one thing, our retaliatory forces seemed to be out of commission, although there was a great lack of knowledge about the severity of the damage to the fleet. Uncertainty about the future was evident, and speculation was the order of the day.

On 8 December, President Roosevelt went before the Congress and delivered the call for a declaration of war. He alerted the nation that we were facing a long and costiy war. There was no question as to the identity of the enemy. It was HiUer and the Nazis, Mussolini and the Fascists, the emperor of Japan and every Japanese in the world. The conditions for termination of the conflict were simple: unconditional surrender. The mission for the future was clean The homeland of the enemy was positively identified. The location of enemy combatant forces would require some searching, but they could and would be found. Their destruction would require not only repair of our damaged assets but also construction of a new and vastly

Shipmate, December 2001

expanded arsenal. Commissioned officers and enlisted men were needed to man the new and meet the increasing requirements of the old. That meant massive recruitment and training activities. The task ahead was monumental. The President roused the nation to action, starting with the members of Congress who passed the declaration of war.

Hints of the extent of the damage to the Fleet became evident to '42 as changes in assignment orders began to trickle in. Many had been ordered to battleships that were no longer afloat. Their orders were modified requiring them to report to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in order to learn about a new device called "radar."

Although the Class had been in a technical military institution for well over three years, never once in their studies had they heard the word "radar," a new device for detecting objects on the surface or in the air It had been installed in a few units of the Fleet, but many ships were yet to be equipped. Officers who understood the equipment and its use were in short supply. So some of '42 became early users of this new device that could add so much to the ability to detect and hit a target.

Graduation was conducted in Dahlgren Hall as scheduled on 19 December. Of the 742 that had entered the Academy in the summer of 1938, 564 were graduated and commissioned. The keynote speaker was the Honorable Frank Knox, the Secretary of the Navy. Mr. Knox was a key member of the civil authority directing the war effort. Along with Henry Stimson, the Secretary of War, they held posts in the President's Cabinet since the office of a Secretary of Defense had not yet been created. Stimson and Knox were responsible for bringing in military leaders such as Generals George Marshall, Dwight Eisenhower, and "Hap" Arnold, in addition to Admirals Ernest King and Chester Nimitz. Together they formed a civil/military team that has seen no equal since. Some of the words of Knox's short speech are pertinent to the events of today.

"The surprise attack on Hawaii is now a part of history. It marks the beginning of what promises to be a long and costly war. It served the highly useful purpose of driving home with frightful force upon the minds of our military leaders the importance of guarding against surprise; the importance of never underestimating the boldness and resourcefulness of the enemy; and upon the civilian population it drove home with a sense of hortor the treachery of the foe we have to defeat.

This gave us what we must have and now do haveâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a completely united country for the prosecution of war to a successful conclusion.

So out of this affair of treachery, ultimate good comes."

With those prophetic words, '42 went to war. The first casualty occurred less than two months later as Norman C. Smith went down in the destroyer JACOB JONES when it was torpedoed off Cape May, NJ. What about the Class of 2002? What was the impact on them of the events of II September 2001, now referred to by some as Nine One One? When the tragic events of that day began about 10 a.m. local time, most members of '02 were attending classes. As the news artived, they were ordered to return to Bancroft Hall.

Upon their return to Bancroft Hall, many assembled in the company wardrooms to watch events unfold on television sets. Not many Plebes are allowed in the wardrooms, so the Class of '05 watched in their

15

rooms, clustered around their computers, which carry C-Span and severely restricted and it was a bit eerie to walk through the Yard on CNN cable channels. a beautiful day and see no one on the many walks and roads. But Following the custom for units facing a crisis situation, the Com- class routine continued as scheduled. Some classes, particularly those mandant of Midshipmen came on the air soon, informing all hands of for political science majors, devoted some of the opening moments increased security conditions and giving assurance that all was under of each class to discussions of the new war, but in math and science control. Probably because of the vast amount of information that was classes, it was on with the technical matter, learning more about the immediately available, there was no confusion or wondering about intricacies of weapons systems, which they would soon be manning the impact, as the Class of '42 had experienced with the Peari Harbor in the Fleet. debacle. All could follow the activities of the day and speculate on At the mess tables during mealtime, questions were asked of the possibilities for future action, of which they would be a part. There underclassmen about what action they advocated for retaliation was at least one who advocated immediate retaliatory actionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the against the tertorists. The opinions varied widely, but, in the end, "nuke 'em" response that occasionally erupted during the Cold War, many in '02 felt that the positions that they advocated as first classmen particularly during the Cuban missile crisis in 1962. Others were not were generally those accepted by the underclass. They seemed to sure that military retaliatory action was appropriate, possibly reflecting understand and applaud the actions being taken by the civilian/military the impact of the broader education received by '02 compared to '42, leadership of the country and are obviously very proud to be a part of with more emphasis on the social sciences. In general, the Class our uniformed services. was thoughtful, received the news calmly, and soberly considered One thing is for certain about the Class of '02. They are exactly the days ahead. what one would expect from an outstanding program for the production Some of '02 knew of the accelerated graduation experienced by of combat leaders. When you meet with them, you get some idea of '42 and other World War II Classes. They were ready to sign up for the great strides that have been made in the past 60 years. They seem such a program if offered. Some things never change, and that fourth to be better educated and are most certainly in better physical year at the Academy is long. Many would have welcomed an expedited condition than their World War II predecessors. They are sharp, fit, graduation, but they understood that no such action was very alert, and eager to move on to the challenges ahead, and their mothers probable or necessary. Unlike Pearl Harbor when our armed forces would be proud of them. At a luncheon with seven members of the were ill-prepared for the task at hand, '02 knows that the U.S. really Class, there were 16 elbows around the table. Only two managed to is a super power with an arsenal that is ready and has a leadership make it on the table itself during a lengthy meal. They were the elbows team that understands its responsibilities in this new struggle. of the author. The niceties of etiquette have not been overlooked in Not all members of '02 were surprised at the action by the terrorists. their preparation to be "officers and gentiemen." However, be it '42 Some had attended collegiate seminars on Middle East poUtics where or '02, the customs and traditions at the USNA continue to be much such scenarios had been discussed in detail. But in general, the reaction the same. Even after 60 years, any Alumnus feels at home with those was much the same as that experienced 60 years earlier by '42 after just entering the commissioned corps. What a fraternity! -L Pearl Harbor. There was surprise and then sober reflection, with Jerry Miller has recently completed a book published by the '02 able to cope with the issues much better, mainly because of Smithsonian Institution Press. It is titled Nuclear Weapons and Airthe information they were receiving about daily events. craft Carriers: How Tlie Bomb Saved Naval Aviation. A second Immediately following 11 September, much of the routine of book is under preparation tentatively titled: Stockpile: The Story Academy life continued for '02. Security was increased. Visitors were Behind 10,000 Strategic Nuclear Weapons.

L to r: ]im Small, The Honorable Jack Crawford, wearing his Distinguished Graduate medallion, and Frank O'Brien

Class of 1942^s Reunion

The Class of '42's tenacity and perseverance displayed in the previous six decades give them ample reason to celebrate this special reunion.

Class members planned an enjoyable reunion. There was a Class business meeting in Alumni Hall on Friday. At the Class meeting, VADM John R. Ryan '67, Naval Academy superintendent and Dr. William Miller '62, academic dean and provost, addressed the Class.

A luncheon followed at the Officers' and Faculty Club where George R Watt Jr. '73, President/CEO of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and President of the United States Naval Academy Foundation, spoke. Saturday the Class planned a formal banquet and gala accompanied by Strolling Strings at the Sheraton. The weekend concluded with church services followed by a farewell brunch at the Officers' and Faculty Club.

T

he United States Naval Academy's Class of 1942 returned to Annapolis on 18 September for its 60th Class reunion. Graduation day for the Class of '42 was a day most Naval Academy Midshipmen welcomed with open arms. However, on 19 December 1941, this special Class, with diplomas in hand had to immediately enter the throngs of World War 11 following the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The Class was also reported to be the most heavily represented Class participating in the famous Battie of Midway.

This year Captain John W Crawford, USN (Ret.) was awarded the Distinguished Graduate Award because of his selfless service.

16

L to r: |im Small and George Watt at the Friday luncheon Photos courtesy of Jim Small '42

Shipmate, December 2001

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From WEST VIRGINIA to Ebay B^ Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury, USNA AA Ring Bank Coordinator ' As some of you may know, it is not uncommon for Class rings from the Naval Academy (and the other academies), to show up on • Internet auction, Ebay. Each time this happens, the Ring Bank attempts to identify the original owner and reuim it to him, his family, or tW Class. Some negotiations are more successful than others, but win or lose, some of the stories that are revealed are nothing short of amazing.

O

n 9 July 2001,1 received an email from one of my West Point counterparts notifying me of an unusual Ebay auction. The listing read: "Here is your chance to own all three Major Military Academy Graduation Rings. West Point Academy, 1982, red stone, no inscription. Air Force Academy, 1967. silver with blue/gray stone, inscribed, comes with Officer's sword/scabbard. Naval Academy, 1936, 14K, Tiffany's, Green stone, inscribed. These will only be sold as a group. All are very high quality rings and vary in sizes. I would guess from 8-10. Sword is the match to the Air Force Grad. Ring, and is in excellent condition, made by Wolf-Brown, Stainless/Germany." The starting bid was $500, with a reserve price of $3,500.

While rings often appear, there had never been a lot like this and for those of us who watch these auctions closely, it seemed that the seller had no idea of what he was doing. Yes, there are collectors who are interested in certain academies, all the academies or perhaps swords, but they are probably filling in voids in their collections, not looking to purchase a lot of mostly unrelated items. The inclusion of a 1982 West Point ring sent off alarms because there had, (in the past year or so), been an influx of reproduction rings from that West Point class, and for it not to have an inscription backed up that suspicion.

Because of this. West Point was not interested in pursuing "their" ring, and Air Force began their investigation.

In the meantime, I contacted the seller via email, and we determined that the original owner was Captain Harry Boger Stark '36, USN (Ret.), son of Colonel Harry William Stark '11, USA (Ret.).

Sadly, Captain Stark had passed away two years prior and had been predeceased by his wife, Virginia. No other family members were listed in the Alumni Association's database. Not willing to give up quite yet, I dug out Captain Stark's obituary and learned that he was survived by a daughter and two sisters, whose names appeared in the obituary. One of the sisters had an unusual enough last name and that, along with the city where she lived, was enough to find a phone number on the Internet. While this doesn't always work, I had the correct person in just one phone call and was able to obtain the phone number for Captain Stark's daughter, Kathy.

Kathy was incredulous. The second anniversary of her father's death was just around the comer and to receive news that his Naval Academy ring had shown up seemed to be more than coincidence.

After she got over the initial shock, she remembered some important details about the ring. While her father had been sick, he told her that he had willed his Naval Academy ring to his nephew, Alan, who had great interest in their family history, BUT that this ring was not

D

his original. He had replaced it after the war and had worn the replacement ever since. Since Kathy still had the willed ring in her possession, the ring on the auction could only be the original and, that ring had been lost on 7 December 1941, while he had been on WEST VIRGINIA in Pearl Harbor!

Naturally, Kathy was interested in obtaining her father's ring. We contacted the seller, requesting that he stop the auction and come to some sort of agreement offline. In most cases, the family or owner would offer to reimburse the seller for his costs (many sellers are gold/coin/estate dealers who buy rings for their scrap gold price or in lots with other things). Some sellers are cooperative, others, not as much. Unfortunately, this seller fell in the latter category. He agreed that he would remove the Naval Academy ring from the auction, but that the family would have to pay $1,000 to get it back. Although initially intrigued by the story, he expressed doubts that it could be true, saying "the ring appears to have no wear whatsoever. The stone is not cracked, scratched, or chipped. As a matter of fact, it looks to be in 'new condition,' and I can not imagine this piece being at the bottom of the sea, or covered in the sand for any amount of time, without some sort of defect." He then went on to suggest that perhaps it had been pawned, sold, or given away.

Perhaps the ring hadn't been in the water at all—in 1941, Harry Stark only had been out of the Academy for five years. In that time, it was unlikely that the ring would appear worn. And, since he was aboard ship, maybe he hadn't been wearing it and the ring had been in his stateroom. Or, if he was wearing it, it could have been lost on the ship instead of having fallen in the water. Although WEST VIRGINIA had been hit by seven torpedoes and capsized, she was refloated in May 1942 and was initially repaired at the Pearl Harbor Shipyard.

She would later be completely rebuilt at the Puget Sound Navy Yard at Bremerton, WA. Perhaps the ring was found by one of the shipyard workers somewhere on the ship?

The auction was eventually stopped, and Kathy and Alan were faced with an agonizing dilemma—they could either pay a large sum of money to get a piece of family history back, or let it slip away again.

Both the original and the replacement ring held meaning: the first was a part of our nation's history, and the second was the ring that a beloved father and uncle had worn the rest of his life, accompanying him on his life's journey.

At the present time, Alan is in contact with the seller and is negotiating a way that Captain Harry Boger Stark's ring will return home, •l^

o you want to help? When you find a ring on the auction, first notify the appropriate person/Alumni group: Naval Academy: timothy.woodbury@usna.com; West Point: ya8199@usma.edu; Coast Guard Academy: cgaweb@dcseq.uscga.edu; Air Force Academy: classring@aog-usafa.org; Merchant Marine Academy: donitzl@usmma.edu.

If you want to write to the seller, please do, but PLEASE KEEP IT POSITIVE! Accusatory and judgmental emails jeopardize any future negotiations and work directly against efforts to return these rings home. Inform the seller that the Academies offer assistance in locating and returning rings to their owners. Encourage the sellers to get in touch. Explain how precious these rings are to the men and women who earn them. If too many negative emails are being sent to sellers, the rings will stop appearing on the auction, they will be sold offline and we will never have the opportunity to get them home.

Shipmate, December 2001

1951 USNA Graduate Honored for Heroism B)i Sam Ginder '51 Robert Adam Renneman Jr., 1st Lieutenant, USA was named an honorary member of the West Point class of 1951.

T

he Naval Academy Class of 1951 and the West Point class of 1951 honored Robert Adam Renneman Jr. '51, USNA during halftime ceremonies at the Navy vs. Boston College Homecoming Football Game. USNA '51 Class President, CAPT Robert H. Small, USN (Ret.) and Vice President RADM Guy H.B. Shaffer, USN (Ret.) presented a commemorative Army saber to COL Fred Rockwell, USA (Ret) and COL Godfrey Crowe, USA (Ret.) as the West Point class of 1951 officially named Renneman an honorary member of their Class. Members of the West Point Corps of Cadets at the Naval Academy on exchange for the sememster took part in the ceremony.

the other. Although wounded several times he led his troops on until he was finally downed and fatally wounded. He was so far forward his troops had to withdraw without recovering his body.

The enemy retrieved Renneman's body, cleaned it, repaired the bullet holes in his uniform, left his boots and Naval Academy ring on, and did not booby trap the corpse as they usually did. They also placed a note on the body. There are two accounts of what the note said. One is, ^ ^ H ^ K " * ^ H "B""^^^ soldier take him home." f ^ ^ ^ ^ ^f y o u r S for 1 The other is, "One of yours for I n i n e of O U r s . " ^ J nine of ours."

The next day the ifmm.«mmmm^.,mmmmMm,,mmm,mm,^ tMwi cncm the Blue Buffaloes to retrieve the body, and not a shot was fired while they brought him back. That in itself was remarkable.

For his extraordinary heroism, Renneman was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, and the West Point class of 1951 made him an honorary member of their class. Bob Renneman's courage, leadership, and devotion to duty—the qualities that both academies stand for—earned the respect of friend and foe alike.

The West Point class of 1951 will display the saber in the 1851 Room in the Old Barracks at West Point. The USMA class of 1951 sponsors the historical room that appears just as cadet quarters did at West Point 150 years ago. The 1851 Room, which reflects the strong traditions and history of West Point, is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to the Military Academy. The Renneman saber will reside in an honored place befitting the valor of an uncommon man. .1

YOUR HUNT IS OVER But there's no free lunch.

Bob Renneman graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy on 1 June 1951. He took his commission in the Army because at six feet, seven inches, he had grown too tall for shipboard duty.

After Infantry School, Renneman requested a rifle platoon engaged with the enemy in Korea. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Division, serving with members of the West Point class of 1951. The 17th Regiment, called The Buffaloes and the 3rd Battalion called The Blue Buffaloes, held their main line of resistance near Chorwon. Enemy troops maintaining positions on a hill in the middle of the Kumwah valley caused severe problems for The Blue Buffaloes.

First Lieutenant Renneman was ordered to assault the enemy position, destroy it, and take prisoners for interrogation. On the morning of 16 July 1952, Renneman moved his platoon out and led the assault. The enemy troops were well dug in, and the small arms fire so thick, according to witnesses, you could almost see and feel it.

Renneman led his troops firing a semiautomatic weapon with one hand while picking up enemy grenades and throwing them back with

20

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The Great

T M A S Adventure Colonel Pete Hilgartner '51, USMC (Ret.)

C

hristmas, 1947, was approaching fast. My friend, Bill Holmberg and I had no home to go to for the occasion.

Both of us were products of the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Bainbridge, MD, Marine Detachment. Since we had not taken our allotted 30 days leave, we still had our unused leave pay of about $60 each. This was a small fortune to two Plebes ofthe Class of 1951.

So what to do for Christmas that would be fun? It didn't take long for a bold plan of action to develop. We would take the train to Boston, stay in a fancy hotel and find some girls willing to go out with two ofthe world's finest and most handsome young men.

When the great day for Christmas leave arrived. Bill and I were ready, and off to Boston we went. Somehow, I recall our largess had grown to about $100 each, which went a long way then.

Boston was beautiful; snow was on the ground and the view from our hotel room was great. Breakfast in bed the following morning was even better. Shortly after that, I made contact with the sister of a former schoolmate, and she said she could line up a date for Bill. The next three days flew by. Patty had a car, and we went all over the Boston area. Then came time to depart, and the hard facts hit us. We only had funds for two tickets to New York City, and about four dollars left to spend there.

No problem! When we got to New York City, we would stay at the Soldiers and Sailors Club for about 50 cents a night. Some how the Lord would provide for our other needs.

Arrival in NYC went according to plan. Since we were wearing our Plebe uniforms, the club hostess gave us a friendly greeting and asked what we planned on doing while in NYC. I think our answer was stone silence!

Then she said, "would you boys like a couple of tickets to the radio show, 'Break the Bank?'" This was, then, a popular radio show emceed by Bert Parks, of future Miss America show fame. We jumped at the offer and accepted the two tickets. This was followed by highfives all the way to our bunks in the club.

There was a long line at Radio City Music Hall when I arrived in uniform. In response to an old lady's plea, I gave the extra ticket to her and went inside. Looking over the audience I spotted a West Point Cadet in uniform. He was sitting with an empty seat beside him. I headed for that seat like a bee to honey. When he spotted me, he jumped up and said, "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" and I answered, "You bet, partner." We then shook hands and introduced ourselves. His name was Dene Balmer, USMA, class of 1949.

The announcer came out and asked that any persons in the audience who wanted to be contestants, raise their hands. We stood up and raised ours! We were immediately selected. Getting onstage meant we each got $25. This was enough for two tickets back to Annapolis.

The next event was to survive the cut to determine those who would be contestants on the program. We were again selected. They just couldn't resist the appeal of a West Point cadet/Midshipman team.

Next came the quiz part of the program. I answered the first question correctly, and then Dene took charge. We were up to the $400 level before we missed a question. We were not disappointed. Instead, two very happy young men walked off the stage with $200 each in their pockets. I immediately headed for the train station; purchased two tickets to Annapolis and then called Bill.

Shipmate, December 2001

He informed me he had gotten a date for himself and that was the best he could do. I said not to worry and for them to meet me in the ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria. We were going to celebrate!

I arrived at the Waldorf well ahead of Bill and his date. In fact, I had time to eat something and listen to Russ Morgan's band and his lovely, young singer, Pat Laird. After a few tunes, the band stopped for a break, and the drummer came over and asked me if I'd like to meet the singer. I said, "I sure would!" So she came over, we met and she sat down to talk with me. About that time. Bill and his date arrived, and we asked Pat if she would like to go out with us after her show. She accepted our invitation.

That evening, and the next two nights, the four of us had a blast!

Our last night was New Year's Eve at the Twenty-One Club, where we became guests of Billy Rose, the owner. At midnight when the balloons came floating down, each girl popped a balloon and won a gift. Despite our special treatment at the Twenty-one Club, when we parted company with the girls, our pockets were empty!

The following morning two very sleepy, happy, and broke Midshipmen boarded the train to Annapolis. We had the Christmas vacation and adventure of a lifetime and were ready to meet the remaining challenges of our Plebe Year. A

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25

^"^R^m to Ae %jmdin

'By %arl ^ommerlatte '46

A

member of the Class of '46, graduating in June 1945, my orders took me to the South Pacific in search of BROCK, A P D 93â&#x20AC;&#x201D;location unspecified.

After camping out on various islands in the Pacific, I found myself on Okinawa when the war ended. I flew to Atsugi airfield in Japan landing there three days after McArthur. BROCK was serving as Harbor Entrance Control Vessel in Tokyo Bay. Returning to the states at the beginning of 1946, I volunteered for training in Bomb and Mine Disposal. I ended up serving as an instructor in the Ordnance Disposal Unit at Indian Head, MD. Early in the winter of 1947 I received a call from my Commanding Officer, ordering me to accompany him in driving to Portland, ME. There we were to be taken by Coast Guard cutter to the island of Matinicus, ME. Margaret Chase Smith, Senator from Maine and the ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee, said a mine had washed ashore and she wanted the Navy to deal with it. A similar mine had washed ashore, a few weeks earlier, and one of her constituents had lost his arm.

Leaving about midnight, we drove straight through to Portland and found our Coast Guard cutter waiting to take us to Matinicus. In those choppy waters that cutter did things no ship should do. I experienced my first, and happily last, bout of seasickness. I kept away from my mustang Commanding Officer since I felt he might take particular pleasure in seeing an Academy graduate seasick.

Locating the mine on the island, my Commanding Officer queried, "And what do we do now, Ensign Sommerlatte?" "Destroy in situ," I responded. We had 1964: Marshal Tito greeted in receiving line at brought along explosives to serving as Consul General do just that.

No way. Ensign Sommerlatte was ordered to carry that mine back to the cutter and place it in the trunk ofthe Plymouth we had drivenfromIndian Head. Back in Washington, my Commanding Officer marched me, still carrying the mine, into the old Navy Department building on 17th street.

There I deposited it on the desk of the officer whose duties included supervising our unit in Maryland. He was less than enthusiastic about receiving a deteriorating land mine, particularly in that building.

At that point, I began to think I might make a better contribution to the U.S. government in the Foreign Service. I passed the competitive exam and turned in my resignation prior to entering the Foreign Service, having completed my mandatory Navy service.

Assigned to Singapore in 1949,1 began to report on the Communist insurgency then enveloping the Malaysian hinterland. I came to think that this movement could only be understood by studying its source. I volunteered for Russian language training, and after completion I was assigned to our Embassy in Moscow. I arrived there a month before Stalin's death and stayed at our embassy building on Mokhovaya Place, on Red Square facing the Kremlin.

26

When Stalin died, I was sent to stay in the Metropol Hotel on the other side of Red Square. I was directed to make frequent trips between the Embassy and Metropol, using my diplomatic card to facilitate travel between the Embassy and the Metropol.

Moscow is laid out in concentric circles. The inner circle surrounding the Kremlin was completely sealed off from the rest of the city. Only carefully screened Russians were permitted to enter the inner circle and form the long line viewing Stalin's remainsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;around the clock.

Troops and militia were everywhere. Except for them and the line viewing Stalin, it was a ghost town. Even Embassy personnel movement was restricted, but since I was an Embassy employee bedding down elsewhere, my passage between the two points was permitted, albeit reluctandy and only after painstaking review of my documentation by all militia I encountered.

While doing just that, one trip I noticed unusual activity at Stalin's coffin. A number of viewers were being escorted to the head of the line, and I was able to see Georgi Malenkov, Lavrentiya Beriya, and Nikita Khruschev, in that order, at the head of the line.

This was thefirstindication we had that Malenkov would succeed Stalin as head of the Politburo.

The level of Western intelligence in StaUn's post war Russia was roughly equivalent to intelligence available to our government about Arab terrorism on 11 September 2001. In faimess to our intelligence agencies, humint or human intelligence, which is the primary means about gathering information of this sort, is probably the most difficult to acquire. When restrictions are placed on means of acquisition, as has recently been the case, it may be well nigh impossible to obtain.

So it is not suiprising that we first found the announcement in Pravda that the wily Khruschev had conspired with Beriya to have Malenkov removed and sent to a minor administrative post in Siberia. Later, Khruschev again conspired with other members of the Politburo to have Beriya declared an "enemy ofthe state" and executed. Khruschev then was clearly able to assume the reigns of power.

Prior to his death, Stalin tired of looking out from the Kremlin to see the American flag flying on Red Square. The Mokhovaya building had been offered to the U.S. Government in the halcyon days when Roosevelt recognized the Soviet Union in 1933.

We had been ordered to move to a new location, a few kilometers distant, on the second ofthe concentric circles that surround the Kremlin, and had been preparing for the move prior to Stalin's death. As general services officer, a major portion of this task fell on my shoulders. The attempt to organize the ensuing chaos of such a move resulted in a Russian language officer being assigned, for security reasons, to ride on each truck moving Embassy effects.

Shipmate, December 2001

This did give the officers one of the rare chances to meet and converse with Russians who were also assigned to the trucks. At the conclusion of the move, we were able to give a party in the new Embassy for those laborers. A party in Russia means vodka—and massive amounts were consumed. It fell to me the responsibility of getting out of the Embassy the significant number of Russians who could not, after imbibing, make it out on their own.

There are—or were at the time—a large number of "sobering up stations" where Russians may wear off their hangovers. I took the laborers to one, paid their fines that are more of a clean up fee, until they were able to make it home on their own.

After the move was completed, I was assigned to the political section.

Along with the CIA station chief, I was able to make one of thefirstpost war trips to Siberia on the Transsiberian Railway. We were able to overnight in Kurgan, one ofthe few cities in Siberia not closed to foreigners.

Again, our level of intelligence was so limited that we spent our time walking the city, attempting to locate significant buildings and make a rough map of the city.

On the return trip to Moscow, we counted boxcars as we had on the trip out, noting the times of trains as they passed. These were our instructions from the CIA since they had little information on the extent of traffic on the rail system in the Soviet Union at the time.

In October 1954 near the end of my tour in the Soviet Union, my then wife. Betty, asked a friend, Billie Stiff, to take a walk around the Embassy simply to get some outside air BilUe was the wife of the Marine Corps attache. A few blocks into their walk they came across an adorable small Russian child. BiUie carried a camera and asked the mother's permission to take a picture. At that point, two plainclothes men who had been following them appeared and herded them into a nearby building. When they saw there was nothing of interest there as had been suggested, they were accused of attempting to photograph trash which apparently had been in the background. As Betty attempted to leave the building, she was manhandled by one ofthe plainclothes men. Billie then courageously slapped the agent, and he dropped his hold on hen They were then permitted to make one call to the Embassy.

When I received the information, I grabbed an Embassy driver and scoured the surrounding area until I found them. I engaged in vigorous exchange with their Russian captors. I pointed out they were being held in violation of their diplomatic status. They were then released, and we returned to the Embassy.

Despite strong Embassy protests, the Soviets adhered to their version of the incident. They stated my wife, who had no camera, had attempted to photograph trash in the street and declared her persona non grata. She was ordered to leave the country. I, of course, departed with her and nearing the end of my tour of duty did not return.

Returning to Washington, I learned that Kenneth Landon, whose wife was Ann Landon and author of Anna and the King of Siam, had requested my assignment to Thailand. He had followed my reporting on the Communist insurgency in Malayasia, and wanted me posted as consul in the northern city of Chiengmai, a city closer to the border of Communist China than it's capital, Bangkok.

At that time, little could be learned about developments in Communist China where borders were virtually sealed to most Westerners.

The hill tribes, however; knew no boundaries. They traveled freely from Yunnan in southern China through Burma, Laos and northern Vietnam and Thailand. From and through them we were able to gain informafion about some developments in southern China.

Further assignments continued to focus on areas where the Communist threat was perceived. Returning from Chiengmai I was first assigned to Intelhgence and Research and then as the Department's desk officer for Czechoslovakia, the Soviet Union's most docile satelhte. After that tour of duty I was sent to Munich where I served in the Consulate General as the Photo courtesy of Karl Sommerlatte

Shipmate, December 2001

Department's liaison with Radio Liberty and Radio Free Europe, the CIA sponsored organs broadcasting to the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.

That tour was interrupted tofillinga vacancy as First Secretaiy of our Embassy in Prague, Czechoslovakia, now known as the Czech Republic after separating peacefully from Slovakia. Following that, I was assigned as Consul General in Zagreb, now Croatia, then in Marshal Tito's Yugoslavia, a Communist state that had broken away from Soviet domination.

After returning for a tour in Washington, I had remarried and the Department decided that since it was not I who had been declared/?e«o«a non grata I should return to Moscow as Counselor of Embassy. There I was, the second ranking officer between the extended period between Ambassador Beam's departure and Ambassador Stoessel's arrival.

When Minister Counselor Dubs was absent, I served as charge d'affaires.

During the Nixon visit to Moscow in 1974, just prior to his departure from office, I attended a reception in the Kremlin given when chiefs of state visit. There I observed Secretary of State Kissinger standing alone in the middle of the large reception room. Early in training in the diplomatic service, jimior officers were instructed not to allow senior officers, much less the Secretary of State, left standing alone at receptions. After inU-oducing myself to the Secretary, I found himfilming"he should not be up there along with Brezhnev. Especially in his situation."

Seeking to defuse the matter by switching topics, I said "Mr. Secretary, I want to thank you for the confidence you reposed in having me serve as charge during Minister Counselor Dubs absencefromthe Embassy." His reply came "But Dubs, Dubs..." trailing off in his heavy accent. That response told me that he had not himself read any reporting traffic from Moscow during the sometimes extended period that the Minister Counselor was absent. The Secretary undoubtedly felt he did not need information from the Embassy since he was getting all the information he required from the Soviet Ambassador in Washington. That, however, might not necessarily be the case. Developments contrary to Soviet interest would certainly not be relayed by Ambassador Dobrynin to the Secretary. A further consequence of not reading cable traffic is not knowing who is in charge of an Embassy. That is certainly not a requirement for the many, many missions abroad. But Moscow was and is a bit different. No other country had nuclear weapons at that point, and a man in charge of the mission there had, if nothing else, a capacity for mischief.

More than a quarter century has passed since my last departure from Moscow. I have not returned but cannot help but follow developments there closely. Since the breakup of the Red Empire just ten years ago, we have warmly embraced the unstable Yeltsin, the man formerly know as the Butcher of Ekaterinburg. That was the city where the Czar and his family were murdered and interred. Yeltsin ordered their remains dug up and destroyed so that a no Communist government would not be able to recover the bodies and give them a decent burial. And the man who "manned the ramparts" as the Gorbachev regime tumbled was the same one who sent Russian troops to destroy the building housing a democratically elected parliament only two years after assuming the presidency.

And this same man ceded power to Vladimir Putin, undoubtedly more stable than Yeltsin. Putin, however, is a former KGB office who served as station chief in East Berlin. And Putin is the man who has permitted export of strategic arms materials to such counties as North Korea and Japan. In the light of 11 September, however, we have no option but to accept whatever support Russia will lend to the antiterrorism war.

So when we are told that the Cold War is over, I certainly hope this is the case. I cannot fail to note however, that Russia retains its missiles and refuses reasonable—and reciprocal—offers of inspection of nuclear sites and arsenals. ^L After leaving the Foreign Service, Mr. Sommerlatte joined Morgan Stanley and is currently serving as vice president in Indialantic, FL. 27

U.S. Military Academy • U.S. Naval Academy • U.S. Air Force Academy • U.S. Coast Guard Academy • U,S, Merchant Marine Academy

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Shipmate, December 2001

A Fi tti n 2 TVibute '^'"''"'"'"'"'"""'' ......

v....... Hojy fo vVnfefl«Obituary

'" One of the most difficult tasks a person can have is writing the obituary of a friend or shipmate. This is especially true for younger writers, who. fortunately, have not had the duty of doing so. How does one do it? Where to begin?

A few of our Alumni have become very adept at writing obituaries for publication. They include Jesse Gay '35, Bill Ruhe '39, and Chet Shaddeau '47.1 have asked Chet Shaddeau '47 to provide a "Dutch Uncle's Guide" to writing obituaries, as a service to those who face this difficult task. Perhaps this will be of some help as you try to prepare a fitting and dignified tribute to a fallen shipmate. —Mike Collins

irst of all, get the obit into print ASAP. The normal print lag is about seven weeks. Don't add to it! I generally begin the obit with a flat statement, including full name and Utle, of the time, place, and cause (if available) of death.

I then proceed to place of birth, date of birth, age, early schooling and parents, as available and appropriate, followed by the source and type of appointment to the Academy. The description of their Midshipman career is usually very short, but may well expand if he was an All America, six-striper, Rhodes Scholar, or whatever, and I try to include clubs and sports as available. I always indicate which Company he (or she) graduated with, as it is invariably asked for

by Classmates. If married, I try to include wife's maiden name (or husband's name), home, and date of marriage. If multiples, be as accurate as possible—these can be dangerous rocks and shoals!

I generally follow this with his (or her) service career, in as much detail as possible, but keeping it concise. I try to ignore routine "meritorious" and "attendance" medals but highlight decorations for valor.

Ships, stations, aircraft squadrons I attempt to pinpoint as fully as possible, but exact dates are not usually included—hard to get right.

Civilian careers should be covered in just as much detail, and include honors, fratemifies, and civic distinctions as appropriate.

Advanced education and degrees are important in both civil and military careers. Fit them in where they occurred.

In full retirement, hobbies, charities, and clearly interesting activities should be included. Use judgment about detail in listing survivors—if there are only a few, be detailed, but if he had 14 grandchildren, don't name them all.

Finish off with known details about place, date, and manner of final disposal of remains and services. Probably best to avoid matters regarding memorial donations unless requested by family.

Remember that the family will be extremely attuned to details, so be cautious about making any assumptions as to relationships. Avoid them if unsure. Try to talk with a member of the family other than the widow, in most cases, who will be able to get details without inflicting further pain. I refer here to divorces, estranged children, live-in girlfriends, etc., but it refers to all details.

Try to get an obit from the local paper—it usually has much of what you want, but remember that you are writing for an audience (Academy Alumni) who is possibly interested in some things that the paper (and the family!) may not understand. (References to "driving battleships" when he was a DD skipper are not uncommon!) Correcting that is your job.

If you write the obit, sign it, if you wish. If the family writes it, credit them, even if you edit. Keep in mind that the family will probably clip and retain the obit, and it will be a keepsake for them. They deserve good work.

For God's sake, try to get all the names spelled correctly!

The following is just one (fictionalized) example, but you may find others in previous and subsequent issues.

F

Shipmate, December 2001

WATER TIGHT DOOR

'47

Water T. Door died of a stroke at Albion, KY, on 26 June 1999. He was 75 years old.

A native of Albion, "Leaky " attended Kansas State University prior to receiving his congressional appointment to the Academy from Alabama. He graduated with the Class of 1947 in June of 1946, a member ofthe 15th Company.

Upon graduation, he served briefly in JONES (DM-36), and decommissioned it, then operatedfrom the Philippines for a year in PCE-871 and another year out of Kwajalein in PC-1186. He served thereafter in WALDRON (DD-699)

until his resignation in 1949.

In 1949 he began his engineering career with Southland Widget Power Co., where he was to spend his entire civilian working life. He climbed the corporate ladder, and on the way up served as plant superintendent of two widget producing stations; superintendent of production; assistant chief engineer, then chief engineer; vice-president, executive vice-president, president in 1970, president and CEO in 1971, then chairman and CEO from 1984 to 1989, when he retired as chairman emeritus.

He served on the boards of numerous businesses, as well as on the Robert E. Lee Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Board of Trustees of Beauregard College and of Agnes Scott College, was a past president ofthe Albion Chamber of Commerce, and ofthe Paul Jones Society of America. He held membership in numerous professional, business, and technical societies, was a member of Sigma Chi and of Rotary, and was particularly active in working to keep Albion as host city for the 1960 International Widget Competition.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, the former Mary Lee; sons.

Water and Explosion; ten grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

Memorial services were conducted at the Albion Memorial Church.

Chet Shaddeau '47

Please note that we have recently instituted a maximum word limit of 400 words.

Obituaries may be submitted electronically to obits@usna.com, or via USPS to: Shipmate obituaries, 247 King George Sfreet, \ Annapolis, MD 21402-5068. One photo may accompany the text and will be returned once the magazine has been printed. We request that irreplaceable photos not be sent in case of loss or damage in transit. If sending the photo electronically, please be sure that the resolution is least 300 dpi.

If you have any questions regarding submission of obituaries to Shipmate, please contact either your Class secretary, or Shipmate's obituaries editor, Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury (410-263-4448 x l l 2 or fimothy.woodbury@usna.com).

29

Sarbrs Assist in Maritime Interception Operations ENTERPRISE

By jOC (SWIAW) Mark 0. Piggott

I

t's 6 a.m. as the sun slowly rises over the waters of the Arabian Gulf. In the distance, a 200-foot tanker is heading south along the Khawr Abd-Allah waterway. The ship could be carrying smuggled oil out of Iraq. What do you do?

That's one ofthe scenarios that ENTERPRISE ( C V N - 6 5 ) sailors faced during Marifime Intercepfion Operations (MIO) in the Arabian Gulf when they volunteered to provide boarding teams to augment those employed by various ships of an International Maritime Interception Force enforcing United Nations Sancfions against Iraq and as part of the Enterprise Battle Group.

"On most ships, this is a collateral duty, something you're assigned to do," said LTJG Loren S. Reinke, 27, assistant first lieutenant, and 1998 Naval Academy graduate. The Shawnee, KS, native was the boarding officer for one of ENTERPRISE'S

"I conducted boarding operations with absolutely no training last year while I was assigned to another ship," Reinke said. "All the VBSS training we received aboard ENTERPRISE, including the paperwork, hand-to-hand combat, and law enforcement tactics, sharpened my skills and reinforced a lot of 'lessons learned' from my previous experience."

ENTERPRISE sailors enjoyed "hands-on" training aboard the carrier from one ofthe creators of the VBSS training, LT Michael D. Grose.

Grose, 29, currently in the qualification process for propulsion plant watch officer aboard ENTERPRISE, taught VBSS at the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Atlantic (EWTGLANT) in Little Creek, VA, prior to reporting onboard.

He lent his expertise in VBSS operations to over 60 sailors in the ENTERPRISE battle group, including sailors aboard ARCTIC ( A O E - 8 ) ,

which also augmented boarding teams in the Gulf.

"I had to give these sailors the best tools they needed to do a dangerous job," the Williamsburg, VA, native said. "Trying to teach using a Powerpoint presentation in the carrier's foc'sle to 30 sailors while catapult shots are going off overheard wasn't easy."

Grose continued, "It was a far cry from teaching in a state-ofthe-art classroom back in Little Creek, but these guys were enthusiastic and motivated volunteers, which was not always the case with the students we used to get back in Little Creek."

With the help of assistant instructors ABFl (AW) Steven K. Shea and M A2 (S W) Arilan Ibit, Grose taught 30 people

12-man teams.

"The group of sailors from Bio E were volunteers, motivated to do the job," Reinke continued. "They were all very professional."

The boarding team consists of three two-man search or "sweep" onboard ENTERPRISE during teams for engineering spaces, the two three-day sessions, and 30 bridge and cargo and living quarsailors onboard ARCTIC in one ters, a four-man security force and four-day session to prepare two boarding officers. Their mission them for every possible conU.S. Navy photo by PH2(AV^ Darrly \.\Nao(i is to secure and account for all the tingency. Once their training LTJG Loren S, Reinke '98, assistant first lieutenant onboard ENTERPRISE crew members, ensure the ship is was complete, the teams were (CVN-65), leads his team on boarding operations in the Arabian Gulf seaworthy, and search for smuggled Reinke and his 12-man team of ENTERPRISE Sailors augmented boarding subjected to a rigorous three day or illegal goods in compliance with teams on PHILIPPINE SEA (CG-S8) during operations in the Arabian Gulf by assessment by the Maritime Inthe ENTERPRISE battle group. the U.N. sanctions against Iraq. tercept Commander upon their The team conducted five arrival in the Arabian Gulf, boardings during a week of operations in the Northern Arabian Gulf. which they passed with flying colors.

Their week began with a short notice boarding when a smuggler was "This is more like a police situation than a combat situation," Grose apprehended by an Australian warship, HMAS ANZAC, and needed a explained. "Everything is about de-escalating the situation, using your crew to safely move the ship to a holding area. Reinke's team responded mind and sound judgment instead of relying on brute force." quickly by flying to the Australian ship, transferring to and then board"VBSS is not normal warfaie," Grose continued. "We are dealing with ing the target ship, and then sailing it to a designated anchorage. foreign civilians so we employ the 'Use of Force Continuum,' similar to According to ENTERPRISE commanding officer. Captain James A. what is used in security and peacekeeping missions overseas."

"Sandy" Winnefeld Jr., Reinke was more than ready for the challenge.

The force continuum allows boarding team members to "dial-up" "Someone asked me why I sent a lieutenant junior grade in charge of their reaction to situations as necessary, from non-lethal pepper spray the boarding team instead of a lieutenant commander. I can't think of up to, and including, deadly force. To prepare them for any possible anything more exciting for a young officer," Winnefeld said. contingency, sailors were placed in scenarios during their training "I knew he could handle it and I know it's an experience he will to gauge their ability to react to possible threats. never forget."

For these ENTERPRISE sailors, the training paid off. "Every scenario After their first boarding operafion, the team moved to PHILIPINNE they trained us for happened at one time or another," said A 0 2 (SW/ SEA (CG-58) for a week of concentrated boarding operations.

AW) Raymond CoUett, 24, a member of the boarding team security force. The native of Morrow, GA, a weapons elevator technician, says Reinke credits his team's success to the Visit, Board, Search, and the training provided beforehand put the entire team in the right mindset.

Seizure (VBSS) training they received aboard ENTERPRISE to prepare "When we did our first boarding, everything went like clockwork them for the job at hand. Recognizing how stretched frigate, cruiser and destroyer crews are in the intense operating environment in the because everyone knew what their job was and what they had to do," Collett said.

Arabian Gulf, ENTERPRISE conducted extensive in-house MIO Gaining prior to arriving in the area.

"We debriefed after each boarding," Reinke added. "This allowed the team to grow and learn from each mission."

30

Shipmate, December 2001

Once a vessel is secured, the team begins searching the vessel and verifying the cargo aboard. Going through all the various paperwork, like bills of lading, port clearances and cargo manifests can be a tedious process, especially if you don't know what you're looking for.

"Paperwork inspection is just one difficult aspect of a boarding mission if you've never been trained on it," Grose explained. "I had to learn everything on the job during my first few boardings in 1998 aboard S.\N J.ACINTO, and that is a dangerous way to learn."

All ships inbound to and outbound from Iraq aie taken to a special anchorage area. Around the Arabian Gulf, the various anchorages are named after baseball parks. In the northern Arabian Gulf, they take the ships to "Comiskey Park."

"The best part for me was being able to drive the ship to the anchorage point," Reinke said. "I actually got to execute a precision anchorage for the suspect motor vessel. This was as real as it gets for me."

Through it all, the teams never let down their guard. Fear became a big factor for boarding team members.. .fear of the unknown.

"The biggest fear is not knowing what's aboard the suspect vessel until you begin your search," Collett said. "You could be dealing with smugglers," he continued. "They could say they're canning cardboard when in fact they're carrying weapons."

"You're constantly on guard," Reinke added, "but you have to focus on your job of searching the ship and checking their cargo."

One of the first priorities of the boarding team is to ensure the vessel is seaworthy and that there are no fire or flooding hazards that could endanger the team. According to DCC (SW/AW) Timothy R. DePow, 34, DC Division Leading Chief and engineering sweep team leader, his first priority is an immediate safety inspection.

"Most ships had clean, well run engine rooms," the Toms River, NJ, native said. "One ship was a mess. It was old, dirty, and hot, their engineering standards were nowhere near ours."

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Communication was also a factor during boarding missions. "Only a few people spoke English," DePow said. "We did a lot of finger pointing and writing things down to explain what we wanted done."

After a week with PHILIPPINE SEA, the boarding team returned to ENTERPRISE, satisfied with the job done. "This is something I've always wanted to do," Collett said. "I really wanted to do something different this deployment and this was it."

"When you're going over to board a vessel, you think about all the training you've had and you think 'I'm really doing this,'" Reinke added. "I would have liked to have done more. For me, this validates the deployment. It says we've done something good out here." -h

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alumnixravei42002 NEW FOR 2002 Germany's Legendary Holiday Markets (November 29-December 7, 2002) —A wonderland of majestic castles, twisting medieval lanes and opulent palaces, all decorated for the holiday season. This fabulous eight-day voyage abord M.S. EUROPA takes you to 15th century towns throughout Germany where they have been celebrating the holidays with one of Europe's most endearing traditions, the Christkindlmarkt, or Christmas market. Shop and sightsee in Miltenburg, Wertheim, Wurzburg, Rothenburg, Banberg, Nuremberg, and others. 9 days/from $1895 (incl. air from Dulles)/Alumni Holiiiays.

SMALL BOAT WILDLIFE TRIPS-soft adventures for everyone.

Baja and the Sea of Cortez-the Great Whales (March 9-16,2002) - A fully inclusive program in beautiful Mexico aboard the chartered M.V. WILDERNESS EXPLORER. Whale watching, desert hikes, and kayaking in the tranquil waters of the Sea of Cortez. 8 days/$2695 (incl. air)/Gohagan & Company.

British Columbia and Alaska (September 9-18, 2002) - the unspoiled beauty, of the sheltered coastline of the Pacific Ocean from Alaska's Inside Passage to British Columbia and down to Seattle. 12 days/from $2860 (plus air)/Clipper Cruises.

ALUMNI CAMPUS ABROAD -one-week Ions trips that stay in one location, making day trips to the surrounding areas.

I §8^ Alumni College in Ireland (Kinsale) - O u r September 2001 program has been moved to April 7-14, 2002. We have some additional space. Call for more information or visit the website for a complete online brochure. 9 Aays/%2295/Alumni Holiiiays Alumni College Down Under (April 10-22,2002) — A great new program that visits two countries. Five days in Cairns (Australia), then five days in Tauranga (New Zealand). Extensions to Sydney or Auckland also available. 13 days/$3695 (incl. ait)/Alumni Holidays.

Alumni College on the Rhine River (May 13-21, 2002) —Now a campus that floats! Cruise the Rhine River aboard the deluxe river cruiser M.S. ESMERALDA. Visit the Wine Road of Alsace, the Black Forest, Bonn, Mainz, Remagen, Worms, Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, and Strasbourg. 9 days/$2395 (incl. air)/Alumni Holidays.

Alumni College in the Italian Lakes District (fuly 15-23,2002) -Visit and cruise on Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, plus trips to Bellagio, Tremezzo, and Milan. 9days/$2295 (incl. air)/Alumni Holidays.

Alumni College in Scotland (August 7-15, 2002) —A week in Sterling to see the amazing castles, palaces and history made famous in the movie Braveheart. 9 days/$2295 (incl. air)/Alumni Holidays.

Alumni College in Sicily (September 7-16,2002) — Taormina is your home while you explore the architecture, Greek and Roman ruins, delicious cuisine, and friendly people of this wonderful area. Visit the golden temples of Agrigento, ride to the top of Mt. Edna. 9 days/$2295 (incl. ait)/Alumni Holidays.

Alumni College in Tuscany Chianti (July 21-29, 2002) - A repeat of our 2001 sellout.

EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES-Luxury river ships and a relaxing itinerary on the best rivers in Europe.

Europe's Golden Triangle (July IS-August 1,^002) — A leisurely discovery of the Netherlands and Belgium aboard the M.S. EUROPA. Trip concludes with three days in Paris at the deluxe Intercontinental Hotel. 15 days/$3695 (incl. ait)/Alumni Holidays.

Cotes Du Rhone (April 23-May 6, 2002) and (October 23-November 5, 2002) —The deluxe M.S. CEZANNE, elegant and delightfully French, is your home for a delightful journey on the Rhone and Saone rivers. Begin with four days in Paris, and then sail slowly to Avignon with stops along the way, then on to Cannes. 13 days/$3795 (incl. ait)/Alumni Holidays.

Waterways of Russia (May 15-31, 2002) —Two days to explore the city of St. Petersburg; including a city tour and the Hermitage, then cruise the waterways of the Neva River, Volga River, and others while exploring the cities and sites along the way. End with three days in Moscow. 13 days/ $2995 (incl. ait)/Gohagan & Co. Blue Danube 0une 16-27, 2002) —An all-inclusive program featuring the Wachau Valley and the Danube River, aboard the M.S. ERASMUS. Visit the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Slovak Republic. Includes three days in Prague, plus all sightseeing and shore excursions.

12 days/$3395 (incl. air from Dulles)/Alumni Holidays.

Normandy and the Seine River (September 4-15, 2002) — A 12-day journey featuring historic Normandy and the D-Day beaches including a seven night cruise on the new M.S. SEINE PRINCESS. Visit Paris, Deauville, Honfleur, Rouen, Vernon, plus others. 12 days/$3995 (incl. ait)/Gohagan & Co. Renaissance and the Po River (October 18-29, 2002) —Departs from Venice with its beautiful canals and bridges then sail to Cremona, Verona, and others, then back to Venice. Take first-class train service on to Rome, for three days in the "Eternal City" featuring private visits to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. 12 days/$3795 (incl. ait)/Alumni Holidays.

DELUXE LAND PROGRAMS —Special land programs that explore an area of the world in depth.

Mandarin China (April 28-May 15, 2002) — 2002 is the last year to see the Gorges of the Yangtze River before the river level is raised in 2003, so take advantage of this last opportunity to see the sheer cliffs and towering mountains that will soon be no more. 17 days/$5095 (incl. ait)/Gohagan & Co. Canadian Rockies (June 15-23,2002) — A deluxe journey by road and rail through the majestic Canadian Rockies, including Banff National Park, the sapphire-blue Lake Louise, and Jasper National Park's Columbia ice fields. 9 days/$3925 (plus air)/Trope/ Plans International.

Village Life in Wales (July 14-22, 2002) — stay in Llandudno while you explore the castles and history of the time of Edward the First and others. 9 days/$2595 (incl. ait)/Gohagan & Co. A N D SOMETHING NEW TO TRY—Trips we are offering for the first time, or again by special request.

Florence Escapade (March 1-8, 2002) —A week in fabulous Florence, to explore as part of our group and on your own. Your home is the fabulous Grand Hotel Baglioni, with its traditional Florentine atmosphere. 8 days/$1695 (incl. ait)/Alumni Holidays.

Changing Tides of History The Baltics (June 2-15, 2002) — A comprehensive look at history in the making, traveling the great trading route of Hanseatic merchants along the Baltic Sea's southern rim. Visit Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, and Denmark during a ten-day cruise aboard the M.S. KRISTINA REGINA. All excursions included. From $3595 (incl. air from ]VK)/Gohagan & Co. French and Italian Rivieras Aboard the Star Clipper (July 11-20,2002) — Cruise the Mediterranean aboard the new STAR CLIPPER. 10 days/$2995 (plus ait)/Travel Excellence.

These dates and prices are tentative, final arrangements will be listed in the brochure.

Complete online brochures available at www.usna.com, under products/travel. For more info, call Bobbi Collins at 410-263-4448, ext. 139.

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ADVENTURE I !

A N O C E A N A W A Y \ i>

A Call to Arms: of life and Death LCDR George S. Capen '89

A

s I write this column, the coalition forces fighting the War on Terror are completing the first month of offensive operations. As the war footage providing testimony to over whelmingly successful attacks hits the air waves, and as the President, his cabinet, and our military leaders tell us that this is the most significant military campaign since avenging the attack on Pearl Harbor; the protestors, peaceniks and all their ilk are climbing out ofthe woodwork in a growing force. America's tolerance for war, according to most polls, is much higher than the vocal minority would have us believe. Still, the extreme views attract the media and gain their own momentum as a result.

Thou Shalt not kill. (Exodus 20:13) These words, commonly known as the Sixth Commandment, have stirred a great debate in recent years. Even in the midst of calling our nation to arms once more, countless emails, conversations, and news highlights with those that think we ought to "turn the other cheek" to avoid further bloodshed, contradict the majority public sentiment barely several weeks into offensive operations. The genesis of this article is to check this growing sentiment and misrepresentation of the basic tenants of faith. This recent trend of questioning military moraUty is not unique to our generation, nor is it very different in the arguments presented, but it does not need to gain the support of ignorance or an unfettered media.

There is a time to kill. (Ecclesiastes 3:3) As often happens in time of conflict, the nation's collective conscience turns inward to personal faith and outward toward organized reUgion. Most peoplefindcomfort in these beliefs and activities, while a handful use them to turn wisdom into folly. The words in Ecclesiastes, also found in the Old Testamentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a compilation of books authoritatively respected by most of the world's major religions and many historiansâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;seem to contradict the Sixth Commandment. As warriors, bound to uphold the Constitution and the orders of our superiors, during war, we should be at peace with our duty and the literal meaning of these powerful words that under gird faith. In fact, an unshakable faith can make warriors more secure and, therefore, better able to focus on the task at hand. And that task involves killing.. .unequivocally.

During the air strikes in Kosovo several years ago, a friend of mine shared his own internal struggle with thoughts and concerns as he wrestled with the fact that his actions were taking human lives. About the same time, I also received a mass-mailed message, including many other military members in the address header, quesdoning the justice and moral authority of military action and imploring readers to pray for a cease of combat operarions. I assured my friend that he acted with due authority and in accordance with his own faith; these are consistent behaviors that need not torment the minds of those at the front. I also wrote the distributor of the mass-mailed message describing the mental anguish his words could cause to those Americans that needed his support the most. His well-intentioned message asking us to pray for peace was written in ignorance, undermining necessary resolve and generating unnecessary doubt. Of course, we pray for peace, but not because we doubt the legitimacy of orders or their effect on the enemy.

Just to get the facts straight, we should look more accurately at some ancient history and the original language of the writings often used incorrectly and out of context to justify pacifism. The Sixth Commandment contains the first occurrence of the Hebrew word rasath that is used only 38 times in the OT specifically to describe murder in all its degrees. A more accurate translation would read, 'Thou shalt not murder," according to many theological scholars. In Shipmate, December 2001

far many more instances, battles and annihilation of entire cities (including what we would term today to be "collateral" casualties) and nations are described with words that include justified killing (harag and haram). This is the case in "there is a time to kill." These are completely different words with unique meanings and context that should not be used to describe similar events or streams of logic. All of us plainly understand the distinctions between murder and justified. State-ordained killing.

The battle of Jericho, an example of a massive metropolitan annihilation, illuminates another challenge to our faith. On the seventh day, they marched and the walls fell. Some of those most vocal against our military action, inside and outside of America, would have us believe that it is inconsistent with one's faith to carry out a battle plan on a Holy day of rest or period set aside for worship. Yet, once again, we have evidence that God was on the side of those that marched every day. Joshua led his army around the walls of Jericho for seven consecutive days, and one of those would have undoubtedly been a day of worship. He did so believing he was following divine guidance and acted successfully leading his army into full combat on the seventh day. History is replete with similar examples among all religions.

Religion and faith have become very un-PC topics in many forums, and I suspect that some readers here take umbrage with my using this page to express these truths. I am not using this article to advocate any particular religion. Rather, I acknowledge that in combat a strong faith becomes a very personal and very real need to many.

All one need to do is listen to a stirring rendition of "God Bless America" during the seventh inning stretches of the recent World Series to grasp the significant role religion plays to Americans during these times of tumult. (Incidentally, contrary to a recent ACLU lawsuit desiring to ban this overtly "Christian" song, it was written by a Jewish immigrant.) It is because of this vast desire of many to act on a sense of their personal faith that I urge understanding the context and language of the principal documents. Know what you believe and why. Don't let ignorant and misguided arguments cause undue anguish in a time of duty.

Unparalleled patriotism is a force for good all its own. Yet, when the lights go out in the tent or sea cabin, we are all alone with our thoughts and fears. Faith can provide the calming confidence required in the most trying of times. When one has confidence in their faith, even the thought of death does not disturb. We should not be reckless in faith or arrogant in the righteousness of war, but we can have a firm understanding of what it means to act under proper authority and for a just cause.

In General Douglas MacArthur's famous last address to the cadets at West Point in May 1962, he concluded with these thoughts. "This does not mean that you are warmongers. On the contrary, the soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war. But always in our ears ring the ominous words of Plato that wisest of all philosophers, 'Only the dead have seen the end of war.'"

The faith of our fathers created and ensured the freedoms we enjoy today. For many of them, the military execution of their faith ended in death to this life. As Americans, we have been blessed and rewarded for our faith. This is an essential element of our struggle against evil just as killing and death are essential elements of war. God bless America, and God bless each of us as we perform our duty. -L Comments and suggestions are welcomed. For further information regarding your faith and service in the military, additional materials are available via your chaplain's office. GeoCapen@aol.com 33

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Shipmate, December 2001

BRAVO Z U L U^ '52: McKenzie Moss has been appointed chairman of the board of directors of Monterey Bay Bancorp and its subsidiary, Monterey Bay Bank.'59: LtCol William O. Harris III, USAF (Ret.) took over as executive director of the Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads.'64: VADM C.C. Lautenbacher Jr., USN (Ret.) has been nominated

by President Bush to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. RADM William H. Wright IV, USN (Ret.) has been named president of the Loral/HISDESAT X-Band joint venture company XTAR.'69: CAPT Ronald R. Mueller, USNR has written a new book on business taxes.'71: CAPT Michael J. Kehoe, USN (Ret.) is the new commandant of Culver Academies.'72: LCDR J. Paul Eisenhuth, USNR (Ret.) is the new president of EIS Integrated Services. CDR Glen A. Dilgren, USN (Ret.) has been named vice president of Bowhead Support Services' Charleston office.'73: CAPT Kenneth S. Reightler Jr., USN (Ret.) has been named senior vice president of Lockheed Martin Space Operations.'77: CAPT Thomas F. Keeley, USN graduated from the Naval War College in March '01 with distinction and assumed command of the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Pensacola, FL, on 26 June 2001. CAPT Thomas J. Frey Jr., USN

Do you know someone who deserves a Bravo Zulu?

Send to Anne Sharpe at anne.sharpe@usna,com

.

(Ret.) recently retired after 24 years of faithful service to our country and our Navy. CAPT James R. Miller, USN (Ret.) recently retired from the U.S. Navy after 25 years of faithful active duty service to our country and our Navy.'78: CAPT Richard B. Wren, USN is the new commanding officer of CARL VINSON ( C V N - 7 0 ) . '80: CDR John G. Speer, USN is the new executive officer of KITTY HAWK (CV-63).

'82: CDR Richard L. Simon, USN is the new commanding officer of VAQ-139 at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. '83: CDR Kevin T. Hale, USNR recently earned his M.B.A. degree from San Jose State University. '84: Donald J. Wallace has joined Rader, Fishman, Grauer & McGarry as an associate. LCDR Jeff H. McClellen, USN graduated from the Uniformed Services University ofthe Health Services in Bethesda, MD. CDR Jan E. Tighe, USN recently earned her master's degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. '88: LCDR Glenn R. Allen, USN is the new commanding officer of CORMORANT ( M H C - 5 7 ) . Britain T. Price was recently promoted to senior vice president of sales for SS&C Technologies, Inc. '89: John C. Lowrie has become an associate of Ford & Harrison LLP '90: LT Andrew B. Gentry, USN graduated from the Uniformed Services University ofthe Health Services in Bethesda, MD. '96: LT L.G. Black IV, USN and LT Aaron R. Austin, USN have recently earned designation as a Naval Flight Officers. '97: LT Matthew J. Marcuson, USN and LT Corry J. Kucik, USN graduated from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Services in Bethesda, MD. '98: LTJG Samantha L. Stahl, USN recently graduated from the Navy's basic Nuclear Power School.

^

M A I L BOAT The Difference W e Can Make

T

he somber gathering at the Naval Academy Chapel contrasted sharply against the magnificence ofthe day's brilliant sunshine.

Meant to be a celebration of 20 years of post-USNA life, instead the Naval Academy Class of 1981 found itself forlorn as we began our saddest of homecomings, celebraring a life taken too soon by senseless acts of senseless murderers. The funeral service for which we assembled, a moving tribute to the life of Bob Dolan, was a stark reminder to the unfathomable voids left in the lives of so many.

We of Bob's generation had become accustomed to joyous celebrations within these Chapel walls. Weddings, baptisms, confirmations, first communions, all celebrations of lives shared. This funeral was a sfrangely out of place event, its context bluired against a more pleasant backdrop of that which we had become accustomed. How does one go on with that life even as we struggle to say permanent goodbyes? But go on we must.

And perhaps that is the most poignant of lessons to be learned from this tragedy. The Naval Academy lost 14 shipmates that tragic day, two belonging to the Class of '81. These men touched the lives of countless others, and now we must go on without them. Across the sea of emotions flowing through this moving dibute, it was clear that despite the anger, the fear, the sense of loss, a deeper meaning had emerged from the events precipitating this gathering.

The sun's rays cascaded through arched Chapel windows, marching silently through the aisles, as it traversed the cloudless sky. A beam of sunshine struck clasped hands, turning them translucent, eerily alive. The sun moved over people, immersing entire rows in its warming strength. And then, just as quickly the resolute rays moved on to the next pew, shining on other saddened souls. As the sun touched each of us, one sensed a renewed obligation, a renewed commitment to go on with life, to make a difference, somewhere, in something.

Just as we set out to make differences 20 years ago, just as Bob Dolan would have made a difference, our task now is to make that Shipmate, December 2001

difference for him. In his absence from this life, and for all the others who senselessly lost their chance in this life, we must continue to do that which we do so well.

The continuity of life struck home as the Chapel emptied, the guests somberly escorting the flag-draped coffin outdoors onto the steps of the Chapel. Under the subdued sunshine, softened by our sense of loss, we said our farewells to Bob. A military honor guard volleyed shots, a lone bugler played taps. But even as those crystalline notes echoed amidst the towering oaks of the yard, beyond the concert gazebo from where the bugler wept, there resonated another rhythm.

Beneath the solemn chords of taps was the steady, incessant drumbeat ofthe timeless noon meal formation, calling the Midshipmen to their next task. A crowd had gathered to watch the precision and clarity of the marching Mids. As the columns filed into Bancroft Hall a warm round of applause rippled through that audience as the sound of taps wafted over their heads. On hearing the bugle, some turned their eyes towards the Chapel and realized the dichotomy. They solemnly turned, bowing their heads as they realized the weight of the moment. It was a striking and moving contrast.

For as we said our final goodbyes to Bob, yet another generation of Midshipmen, of Americans, were moving into position to take the reins set aside by Bob to continue the never-ending struggle to ensure freedom's reign. Oblivious to the funeral 100 yards away, these men and women were preparing themselves for what Bob had done so well these last 20 years, one day at a time. Bob made a difference in so many lives; so, too, must we make a difference in the lives of all those we touch. Tied together by the ability to make this difference, we must be renewed in our dedicafion to bring better things to more people. We do this for all those who have sacrificed for us. We do it for all those who perished so nobly on that saddest of days in September 2001.

Paul Hankins '81 35

ALL HANDS

L to r: back row: LT Chad Larges '93, LTJG Ben Oakes '99, LT Dan Morris '95, LT Dennis Volpe '96, ENS Seth Stegmaier '01. LT Lyden Toliver '97, LTJG Patrick O'Mahoney '99, and LT Adam Piepkorn '96; front row: LT Hartley Randall '95, LT Rob Sinram "97, CAPT Sean Viera '97, MAJ Kevin Shea USAFA '89, and CAPT Tom Wagner '97

under the law, it is indeed active duty service and is properly counted for social security benefits.

The administrator who challenged the discrepancy between my form filing and DD 214, when pressed by me, did some additional investigation into what indeed constituted active duty service and found I was right, and he was wrong. He apologized saying he had never run into that distinction before. His new problem now was how I could prove to him my four additional years of active duty service, or the fact that I did attend a service academy prior to my active duty history attested to by my DD-214. As I write this, that determinant has yet to be established. It occurs to me that the SSA might ask for a letter or certification from some official entity of the Academy, and for the life of me, I can't figure out who that might be. Do we have the equivalent of a Registrar?

I thought it worthwhile to get this word out to those within the above noted age window. Although, in my case, the additional time doesn't add significantly to my benefits, it is about 1.5%—enough to buy postage stamps for the year, or a quarter years's worth of gasoline for my pickup truck.

Although we are relatively few among the hordes of beneficiaries eligible each year—fewer than 3,500 from all service academies, in my reckoning—I'll bet only a small fraction of that number, if any, are aware of this nuance in the process. So, I seek to share it with you all who may be affected.

Armed Forces Rugby Championships he Armed Forces Rugby Championships were held in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, during the week of 8-12 October 2001.

USNA was well represented on both the All-Navy and All-Marine teams. Ten of the 28 All-Navy players were graduates of USNA and Neil Block '61 former ruggers here. Two members ofthe All-Marine team were graduates. The All-Navy team defeated the Marines 15-13 on a wet, rainy day that easily could have gone the other way. Holding on to make University of Michigan Business School ictured are the graduates ofthe University of Michigan Business the finals, the All-Navy team then lost a tough final (19-16) to the School, April 2001.

All-Army team for the championships.

For those unfamiliar with rugby, it is worth noting that USNA has a strong rugby history. The team has a Web site up for information on current events, and a visitor's page to sign in, Http://www.usna.edu/ Rugby/index.html.

If you are interested in rugby, or are a former USNA rugger, please visit the site. We are currently working on generating a database of former players, so that we can get the word out about the great things USNA Rugby is doing. They have made it to the NCAA Sweet 16 every year since 1991, and have gone to the final four in 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2001. Please show your support and visit the site.

Go Navy, Beat Army \ LT Daniel Morris '95

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An Open Letter to All i 961 Classmates and Shipmates up to the Class of i 967 "A Social Security Issue Affecting Us All" ersons requesting Social Security benefits are given a certain number of points per year for active duty service performed up to and through 1967 in the calculation ofthe benefits due them. The Social Security Administration asks for a DD-214 to verify that active duty service.

In filling out my request form, which, by the way, needs to be done at least 60 days before one's benefits are due, I noted that my active duty service began in 1957, from the rime we were sworn in as Midshipmen. That indeed was and is the case.

We were all on active duty as Midshipmen. And, while that rime doesn't count toward military retirement calcularion.

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L to r: top row: Dean Joe White, Professor Richard "Andy" Andrews '64, Greg Hryniewicz '94, George Freidenberger '91, and Michael Flatley "93; bottom row: Tom Crimmins "92. Jim Jackson '94, Paul Stangl '94, Ed Ballet '93, and Ken Shropshire '93; not pictured: MaU Friedlander '94, and John Lin '92

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MEDALS, AWARDS CASES, CUSTOM MOUNTING VETER.\NS, FAMILIES! HONOR A CAREER OF SERVICE TO YOUR COUNTRY.

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CALL TO COLORS, BOX 5403-N TOWSON, MD 21285-5403 Shipmate, December 2001

A L L HANDSXJ* Class of '64 Turnover Ceremony ormer Secretary of the Navy John Dalton '64, and George Watt '73, president and CEO of the Naval Academy Alumni Association, attended a turnover ceremony recently in the 10th Company Wardroom. During the ceremony, the Class of '64 turned over the role of wardroom sponsor to the Class of '73. Representatives from J2 each Class ate lunch with the Company, and Dalton donated a few •^ items from his Secretary of the Navy office to the wardroom.

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Thomas Cobb King he Executor for the estate of Thomas Cobb King '27 is searching for heirs. Anyone with information on this Naval Academy graduate please contact Diane M. Smith 703-527-5410.

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Naval Academy Trivia Game he Image Team of the Alumni Association is looking for infoimation on the creators ofthe "Naval Academy Trivia Game," copyrighted in 1986. There is a card inside with the names Bob, Don and John, but no last names. Any informafion would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Kari Schaeffler at 410-263-4448 ext.141 or kari.schaeffler@usna.com.

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Correction n our zeal to report the Class of 197rs taking command of the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Reels in the November issue, we incorrectly attributed Fifth and Sixth Fleets to VADM Fry and VADM Kearing, respectively. VADM Fry is taking over the Sixth Fleet and VADM Keating is taking over the Fifth Fleet. Shipmate apologizes and regrets the error.

I L to r: Hugh Risseeuw 64. MIDN 1/C Chris Kiesel. 10th Company CDR; Dave Tuma '64. George P. Watt Jr. "73. President. USNA AA: MIDN 1/C Tracy Robinson. Wardroom Rep; Chuck McKeone "73. Margaret Dalton. John Dalton "64. former Secretary of the Navy; Tom Storch '73. Bernie Maguire '64. LT David Richardson '95. 10th Company Officer; and Jerry Anderson '64

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NAVY A T H L E T I C S Weatherbie Relieved Of His Duties nnapolis, MDâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;The United States Naval Academy announced on 28 October, that head football coach Chariie Weatherbie has been relieved of his duties effective immediately and defensive coordinator Rick Lantz has been named the interim head coach.

"Coach Weatherbie's contributions to the Academy, both on and off the field, has been numerous and we appreciate his efforts over the past seven years," said Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk. "However, the head football coach at the United States Naval Academy assumes a very important responsibility. He is asked to annually field a highly competitive and successful program that reflects standards of achievement consistent with our institutional mission. This season, unsuccessful to date, has led us to the conclusion that the Midshipmen clearly need a new perspective and consequently new leadership. Change at season's end was inevitable, but acting today provides the administration with critical additional lead-time to invite and recruit interest from the coaching community for this important position. Defensive coordinator Rick Lantz, an experienced Division I veteran, will assume interim head coaching responsibilities for the remainder of the season."

"My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Naval Academy and our close association with the members of the Naval Academy Athletic Association, the Naval Academy Administration, and, in particular, the young Midshipmen involved in our football program," said Weatherbie. "While we weren't able to achieve more success during the past two years in terms of our won-loss record, I am extremely proud of our players and staff's efforts on and off the field. It was a privilege to have been associated with young men who will be the future leaders in our Navy and Marine Corps. I wish them all the best in their careers."

Lantz, who returned to Navy this year as the defensive coordinator after serving as the defensive coordinator the last 15 years at Louisville and Virginia, will have the opportunity to be a head coach on the collegiate level for the first time. "We are going to give it everything we have to win these last three football games," said Lantz. "I want these seniors to go out on a winning note." Lantz came to Navy from Virginia, where he had been the defensive coordinator for Naval Academy graduate George Welsh for the past 10 seasons. At Virginia, Lantz oversaw the Cavaliers' change from a 5-2 defensive alignment to a more aggressive 4-3 scheme. Since the change, Virginia has consistently boasted one of the best defenses in the Atlanric Coast Conference and the nation.

Lantz also coached the linebackers at Virginia for seven seasons and helped develop some of the greatest linebackers in school history, including current NFL standouts James Farrior and Jamie Sharper. Lantz came to Virginia from Louisville, where he spent five seasons as defensive coordinator and linebacker's coach.

During his final season at Louisville in 1990, the Cardinals finished with a 10-1-1 record and defeated Alabama, 34-7, in the Fiesta Bowl.

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As a 35-year veteran of collegiate football, he spent six years at the Naval Academy, and was an assistant coach with the New England Patriots ofthe National Football League in 1981. Before joining the Louisville football coaching staff in 1986, he served as defensive line coach for two seasons at Notre Dame and defensive coordinator for two seasons at Georgia Tech. His other assistant coaching stops include Miami (Florida) (1977-80), Navy (1971-76), Buffalo (196870), and Boston University (1965-67). While at Navy, Lantz was a defensive assistant for Rick Forzano (1971-72) and George Welsh (1973-76).

Lantz also served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and was the head football coach at Bridgton Academy in Bridgton, ME in 1964.

Army-Navy Update 2001-2002 Record Against Army: 3-5-1 (.389) 2001-2002 N-Star Record Against Anny: 3-2-1 (.583) Last Five Years Against Army: 100-34-2 (.743) Last Five Years N-Star Record Against Army: 68-22-2 (.750) 2001-2002 N-Star Victories Over Army: Golf, Men's Cross Country, Women's Soccer 2001-2002 Results Volleyball: Lost 3-2 (N-Star match); Lost 3-0 Sprint Football: Lost 24-7 Golf: Won 740-769 (N-Star match) Tennis: Lost 5-2 Women's Cross Country: Lost 19-40 (N-Star Meet) Men's Cross Country: Won 25-30 (N-Star Meet) Men's Soccer: Tied 0-0 (N-Star Game) Women's Soccer: Won 1-0 (N-Star Game) Navy Men's Cross Country Wins N-Star at Army, 25-30 est Point, NYâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Led by strong group running tactics, the Navy men's cross country team (7-0) defeated arch-rival Army for the N-Star on 12 October afternoon, winning the meet by a 25-30 count.

A trio of Midshipmen crossed the finish line in the top four to help the scoring cause. Eric Eckstrand (So.AVilmington, DE) turned in his best performance in a Navy uniform to-date, placing second with a time of 26:17 on the five-mile course.

Aaron Lanzel (Jr./Sugar Grove, PA) (third-place) and Dan Christensen (Jr./Medford, NJ) (fourth) both crossed the finish line in a time of 26:19.

Racing in his first Star Meet, freshman Ben Glaser (Des Moines, lA) ran to a sixth-place finish in a time of 26:27. Clinching the meet for the Mids was a sweep of the 10ththrough 13th-positions, as Ben Monns (Jr./Annapolis, MD) (26:49), Ray Driscoll (Jr./Avenel, NJ) (26:53), Erik Schmidt (So./Spokane, WA) (27:03), and team captain Michael French (Sr./Ellicott City, MD) (27:05) outkicked several Black Knights to the finish hne.

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NAVY A T H L E T I C S Navy Golf Defeats Army In Star Match, 740-769 nnapolis, MD—The Navy golf team successfully defended its Star Match title Sunday, defeating arch rival Army, 740-769, at the USNA Golf Course on a cold and blustery day.

The Midshipmen held just a 5-stroke lead (372-377) after the first 18 holes, but as the day wore on and weather conditions worsened.

Navy appeared to get stronger. Navy extended its lead and victoi7 to 29 strokes after the Mids shot a 368 in the second 18, while Army turned in a 392. Five of Navy's seven golfers turned in sub-80 scores in the last 18 holes, while five of the seven for Army were 80 and above.

Leading Navy's second effort were seniors Drew Craig (Marion, OH) and Marty Keogh (Newark, DE). Craig, Navy's team captain, turned in the best second-round performance with a 1-over par 72.

Meanwhile Keogh posted a 2-over par and owned the Mids' thirdbest score ofthe day at 8-over par (150).

"I'm ecstatic for our team," said Uth-year Navy head coach Pat Owen. "Drew and Marty are 4-0 against Army in Star competitions.

For our seniors to turn in our two best scores in the second round is a tribute to them." The top performer of the afternoon for either team was Navy junior Brian Crum (Fairfax, VA). Crum turned in the best score ofthe day with a first-round 1-under par 70. He followed up with a 74 to finish 2-over par (144). Meanwhile, Navy sophomore Billy Hurley (Leesburg, VA) and Army freshman Scott Manley posted 4-over par 148 performances. With the win. Navy has now won six of the last 11 meetings, including four in a row.

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Eddie McKinnon—A Pure-Bred Leader laying on a nationally-ranked lacrosse team in the Mid-Atlantic region can put an excessive amount of pressure on a college student-athlete. Couple this pressure to perform both on the field and in the classroom with a regimented military lifestyle such as that at the U.S. Naval Academy, and it can be too much to handle for some kids.

However, senior attack Eddie McKinnon not only welcomes these pressures with open arms, he also will take on a new leadership role by serving as this year's team captain.

"It is definitely a privilege to be voted by my teammates as the team captain," said McKinnon, an economics major. "I do not take an honor like this lightly, and it is pretty cool to me that they think I can be a good leader."

A good upbringing always seems to start on the home front, and in McKinnon's case, this old adage is 100 percent true. Growing up in Davidsonville, MD, he learned the morals and discipline necessary to succeed in life from his parents—Patrick and Barbara McKinnon.

Eddie greatly attributes his success at Navy to his childhood roots.

"My parents taught me everything I know about being a good human being," McKinnon said. "If they didn't teach me good morals, I would not have wound up here. You need good morals and discipline before you come here. If you do not have those, you will not make it through Plebe Summer."

McKinnon has also learned about leadership from two very importantfiguresclose to the Navy lacrosse program—CAPT Rick Stevens, USN, and CAPT Owen Thorp, USN, the lacrosse team's Officer Representarive and Faculty Representative, respectively. And as McKinnon explains, having a support system at Navy that includes these two gentlemen only helps the team to strive for well-rounded excellence. "They both want to see you do well. They act very unselfishly towards us, and they will put their time and effort out for us," said McKinnon. "That is one of the keys to being on an athletic team here, is to have a very good contact with your Officer Representative. Not only does (s)he teach you about military leadership, but (s)he can also teach you to become a better human being. CAPT Stevens is always there for us in that regard, and in any type of

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Shipmate. December 2001

situation, for that matter. "We all have understanding professors who we can go to for extra instruction," said McKinnon. "We can go to CAPT Thorpe, who always takes the rime to explain things in a little bit more depth."

McKinnon has recently been elected to another presfigious position at the Naval Academy—he will serve as the 2001-02 Team Captain's Captain. In this position, he states that he "provides a voice for the other captains to express issues, rather than having all 30 of us raise issues on an individual basis." As he feels about his team captain election, McKinnon is very flattered, yet excited, about his T.C.C. position. "It is very neat to have (the other captains) look up to me as somebody who can represent them well," said McKinnon. "It's a burden to accept more responsibility, but I do not mind being looked upon as a leader. I take great pride in being able to have this type of experience." McKinnon has clearly demonstrated that he is a leader on the lacrosse field during his first three seasons. The Honorable Mention Preseason All-America selection in last spring's "Face-Off Yearbook" has started all but one of his 40-career games, and has led the team in scoring the past two seasons. In 2000, the 6-1, 190-pound McKinnon scored 24 goals while dishing out 18 assists. Last fall, he followed up sophomore campaign by posting a 23-goal, 11-assist effort. "Eddie is a great leader by example," said assistant coach ENS John Tillman, USN. "He has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He has a relentless work ethic, and will be our leader on offense this season."

So with his final season of college lacrosse looming upon the horizon, McKinnon undertakes another challenge as a captain—to help modvate a squad that lost all five of its games during the 2000 campaign to top-20 teams, by a collective total of eight goals. Not surprisingly, McKinnon is fully confident the Mids will answer the call in 2001. "This year, we have a lot of first classmen coming back, and a fair amount of younger guys," stated McKinnon. "I think we will do very well because we bring a lot of experience back from last year." And given McKinnon's recent status as a leader, there is little doubt on the Yard that his outlook on the upcoming season will become a reality.

Navy and Army Play to a Scoreless Tie in Star Match nnapolis, MD—Navy and Army played to a 0-0 scoreless tie before a record crowd of 1,751 in the annual men's soccer team Star Match at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility.

"We had our chances in the first half, but could not capitalize," Navy head coach Greg Myers said. "In the second half. Army put the ball in the air and we could not stay with them up there. If you look at the way the game was played, it was a fair result at the end. We did not play well tonight, but Army didn't let us play well and that is credit to their team."

Navy (8-1-3, 2-1-2 Patriot League) opened the game with a fierce offensive attack, outshooting the Black Knights, 9-1 in the opening period. However, the second half was much different for Navy, as Army applied the pressure throughout the stanza. The Black Knights took control and outshot the Mids in the second half, 10-2.

Army (3-7-2,0-2-1) had an opportunity late in the second half when midfielder David Yu belted a 15-yard shot that Navy goalkeeper Brian Steckroth (Sr./Little Silver, NJ) batted down, with Mark Hillen's header off the rebound sailing high over the open net. Navy had two dangerous scoring chances in double overtime, the first coming with five and a half minutes left, as Matt Sanchez (So./Flushing, NY) took a pass off a fast break and fired from 10 yards out, just missing wide right.

With two seconds remaining in the match, Brye Gerhardt (Sr./Solon, OH) received a pass from Sanchez just to the left of the Army goal in the air. Gerhardt's header to the far post was saved by Army

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NAVY A T H L E T I C S Navy Names Bartels Assistant Men's Track and Field Coach nnapolis, MDâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Larry Bartels has been added to the Navy men's track and field program as an assistant coach, it was announced today by Navy head coach Steven Cooksey. Bartels fills the void left

by Jim Gulick, who left the Naval Academy to take the Vice President of Alumni Affairs position at La Salle University.

"I have known Larry for a long fime," said Cooksey. "He has coached some great sprinters, some 18-foot pole vaulters and some 60-foot weight throwers. We are more than pleased to welcome somebody with his expertise to our track and field program."

Bartels brings a wealth of experience to the Navy track and field program. For the past five years, he was the head coach of both the men's cross country and track and field programs at Division II Northwood University (Michigan). During his tenure with the Timberwolves, Bartels garnered three Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Coach-of-the-Year awards. He was named the conference's Outdoor Track Coach of the Year in 1997, and also received similar honors in cross country that fall. In 1998, Bartels received the GLIAC Indoor Track Coach of the Year award.

Prior to coaching at Northwood, Bartels was the head track and field coach at Division III Coast Guard where his dual meet record was a remarkable 74-6. He led the school to a lOth-place finish at the NCAA Division III Championships in 1995. Bartels led the squad to Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) championship in 1994, and he received both ECAC and New England Coach-of-the-Year recognition at the end of the campaign. Bartels coached 30 NCAA Ail-American selections and 30 NCAA Division III national qualifiers during his career.

Bartels, a native of Oklahoma, earned his bachelor of science degree from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1988, and he received his master of education from The Citadel inl991.Heisa member of the United States Track and Field Coaches Association and has chaired numerous committees during his career. J/

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goalkeeper Kevin Larrabee to end the game. Steckroth made six saves in recording his seventh shutout ofthe season, while Larrabee stopped four shots to earn his third shutout of the year. Both teams took 14 shots apiece in the game. Navy team captain Justin Fishburn {ST./ Boise, ID) took a game-high five shots, while Gerhardt fired off four.

A total of seven yellow cards were handed out in the game, four against the Mids.

The game marked the first time that a Star Match ended in a tie since 1989 when the two teams played to a 2-2 tie in Annapolis.

Memorable Night for Fisher and the Mids nnapolis, MDâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;All is well that ends well, and that it did for the Vavy women's soccer team 26 October in Annapolis. The Midshipmen (12-4-1/5-1 Patriot League) captured their fourth-consecutive N-Star over rival Army (10-7-1/2-4 Patriot League), defeating the Black Knights, 1-0, on a bitterly cold evening at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility. Meanwhile, with the win, the Mids also clinched a spot in the four-team Patriot League Women's Soccer Tournament held 9-11 November at a site yet to be determined.

Despite wind gusts nearly 20 miles per hour. Navy was able to subdue the chill in the second half when senior midfielder Justine Fisher (Tucson, AZ) took a slicing pass from teammate Nadia Sheikh (Canal Winchester, OH) off a comer kick and headed the ball in the net for the game winner (53:08). The goal also gave Fisher the points to tie the school's all-time career points mark of 109 set by Cori Thornton (1994-97). Meanwhile, Fisher continues to get closer to the all-time goals scored record of 45, as she is just three off the mark.

"I am thrilled with what Justine has achieved in her four years at the Academy and I couldn't be more happy for her tying the Navy scoring record tonight," said Navy head coach Carin Gabarra. Picking up her sixth shutout of the season was Navy senior goalkeeper Kate Macfarlane (Monkton, MD). Six shutouts ties for the secondbest single-season mark in school history, tying Amy Hakola's six shutouts in 1997.

Fisher tied the Navy school record for points (109) with her game winner against the Black Knights. Fisher and the rest of the Navy seniors swept Army over the last four years.

The Navy seniors will leave their mark in the record book, having collected four stars for their letter sweaters and posting an unprecedented 6-0 record against the Black Knights.

"This is a special night for all of us," said Fisher.

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Shipmate, December 2001

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41

i^;^6etm0s t0 (S>ur &^(md Q$)6rpi€& As America entered World War II, in the winter of 1941, government and military leaders here at home, took time to send messages of appreciation and support to our nation's sailors and marines through the pages of Shipmate.

Sixty years have passed yet these touching tributes are as relevant today as they were then. Once again we salute the men and women of our Navy and Marine Corps for their selfless service.

"In the crisis which confronts the nation, our people have faith In the steadfastness and the high devotion t o duty demonstrated by. ..all of our A r m y and Navy. You are setting an inspiring example for all the people, as you have done so in the past. . . l a m confident that during the year which lies before us, you will triumph on all fronts against the forces of evil which are arrayed against us."

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President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, December 1941

"George Washington once w r o t e that,'without a decisive naval force we can do nothing definitive. And with it, everything honorable and glorious.' More than t w o hundred years later, as we face the evil forces that are set in determined opposition against us, the United States Navy and Marine Corps remain the decisive and definitive foundations of our nation's commitment t o the cause of peace and freedom—not just in our own homeland, but throughout the w o r l d .

America's Sailors and Marines pursue a proud and noble vocation as they voluntarily choose to put their lives at risk in the honorable and glorious cause of defending the liberties we hold so dear—the liberties that define our nation and make it a beacon for freedom-loving peoples the world over.

I am proud t o have served in the Navy myself, and understand well the nature of your service and sacrifice. I want you t o know that, not only at this holiday season but through each and every day, you have the confidence, the admiration, the pride and the prayers of all your fellow Americans.

In all that lies ahead, I wish you fair winds and following seas."

Donald H. Runnsfeld, Secretary of Defense, December 2001 "As in those fateful days at the beginning of W o r l d W a r II, our Navy and Marine Corps today are deployed in distant places confronting the enemies of freedom. This holiday season we are engaged in a struggle to protect our country and remove the curse of terrorism from the world. Once again, our nation is solidly united in its resolve with great faith in, and respect for, the men and women who wear our nation's uniform. Our citizens thank you for your honor, courage, and commitment. I wish each of you a blessed holiday season and Happy N e w Year. God Bless you,your families, our Commander-in-Chief, and the United States of America."

Gordon England, Secretary ofthe Navy, December 2001

" O n behalf of the Brigade of Midshipmen, faculty, and staff of the United States Naval Academy, Diane and I wish every USNA Alumni a most joyous Holiday Season. W e hope that you will join us in 2002 as we w o r k together t o Raise the Bar of Excellence and produce more Leaders for the Nation."

VADM John R. Ryan, USN Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, December 2001 " O n behalf of all of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni, thanks! W e are grateful for, but even more, so very proud of what you are doing."

ADM Leighton "Snuffy" Smith, USN (Ret) Chairman, USNA AA Board of Trustees, December 2001

"This year's Christmas is the most fateful one in our nation's history. A coalition of corrupt cunning and savage power has opened a worldwide offensive against us.The dark hour finds us united in the determination t o match our Navy's proud example with our own supreme efforts. I greet the Naval Academy Alumni with the assurance that the Navy's highest traditions are being maintained and even surpassed by all units of the naval arm."

James Forrestal,

"The Superintendent, officers and midshipmen at the Naval Academy send Christmas and N e w Year greetings t o the officers and men of the Navy. As a gift t o the Fleet we are sending five hundred and twenty ensigns—not t o be unpacked until after the N e w Year."

RADM Russell Willson, USN Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, December 1941

Acting Secretary of tlie Navy, December 1941 "As we join w i t h family and friends t o share in the bounty of this Holiday Season, let us not forget our fellow Alumni and all men and women of our Naval Service, selflessly fighting the fight for freedom at home and abroad.

O n behalf of the staffs ofthe U.S.Naval Academy AlumniAssociation and the United States Naval Academy Foundation, I wish you and yours continued health and happiness in the coming year

George RWattJn, President & CEO U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, United States Naval Academy Foundation, December 2001

3f

CLASS NEWS

"But still when two or three shall meet. And old tales be retold.

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Annual Membership: 25% Life Membership: 0%

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Annual Membership: 20% Life Membership: 0%

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'26; Class Reunion

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COMMENDATION

Annual Membership: 12% Life Membership: 0%

The President of the U. S. Naval Academy Alumni Association takes pleasure in recognizing

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Annual Membership: 36% Life Membership: 7%

The U. S. Naval Academy Class of 1926

Pres: RADM Elliott Strauss, USN (Ret.) 2945 Garfield Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008 h: 202-332-5042 Send news directly to Shipmate.

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Annual Membership: 58% Life Membership: 1 1 %

Pres: RADM William B. Bailey, USN (Ret.) Send news directly to Shipmate.

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Annual Membership: 44% Life Membership: 12%

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Annual Membership: 65% Life Membership: 13%

For outstanding service, leadership, and inspiration for our nation.

This certificate is to aclcnowledge the extraordinary contributions of the men who formed the Class of 1926 from the U. S. Naval Academy.

Their service aboard our nation's warships, submarines and aircraft, at sea and on land during critical years is to be remembered with extreme gratitude. In combat, they fought with courage and determination; with unselfish duty many gave the most precious sacrifice of their lives.

We recognize the military and civilian leadership they provided throughout their lives and acknowledge the accomplishments and achievements they worked so hard to perform to better the world around them. They taught us leadership by example -leadership made up of the daily actions of character, integrity and dedication to one another.

We recognize the inspiration their lives have created for their families and all of us. Indicative of their legacy are the numbers of children and grandchildren who chose to go the narrow way of attending a military academy and military service. The Class of 1926 was graced with many talents and extraordinary spirit; and gratefully they shared these with our nation. We salute them and their families.

Pres: RADM Ben Scott Custer, USN (Ret) Send news directly to Shipmate.

Ward LeHardy, (USMA '56) a Class of 1926 Junior, s e n d s in an a c c o u n t of the 75th Reunion: The marvelous events of the 75th Reunion of the Class of 1926, where we recognized our fathers and grandfathers, seem to pale in light of the tragic events of 11 September.. .and yet, our whole purpose was to perpetuate the patriotic spirit we all Shipmate, December 2001

George P. Watt^ President and CEO , ,j,^._,

,

September?, 2001 Seventy-fifth Reunion

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'26; Commendation

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learned from our '26 forebearers, so here is my summary for all—those who made it and those who wish they could have.

Over 294 signed up for the Reunion from as far away as Hawaii to the west and Portugal to the east. 48 attended lunch with the Brigade and then we all gathered at Dahlgren Hall between 1 and 2:30 p.m.

About 80 went on a tour of the Naval Academy led by ' 26 Junior, Penny Fradd Vahsen.

All gathered at the Chapel for a very moving Memorial Service led by '26 Junior, Father Jack Chrisman '58. Peggy Moses, widow of Charlie Moses, escorted by her son, Jim Moses '69, was the only '26er able to attend and she was great throughout all the events!

After the Memorial Service, we strolled to the p-rade and occupied the bleachers just to starboard ofthe Superintendent's canopy. The Class of 1926 and those in attendance were recognized by an announcement during the p-rade. From there, we went back to the Officer's Club to socialize and renew old acquaintances. George Watt '73, president and CEO of the Naval Academy Alumni Association, presented a certificate of recognition to the group and stated that the Naval Academy would institutionalize the idea of a 75th Reunion for all Classes in keeping with the model that we had set. The Superintendent, VADM John Ryan '67, reiterated this to me the next day at the football game during which the announcer saluted the Class of 1926 and relatives, and the entire stadium stood in prolonged applause.

At the reception, Judy Corbin Housley read a proclamation to the Class of 1926 from the Maryland Governor's Office. We opened the "Last Man Standing" bottle of 1926 vintage wine (with the approval of the Class president), and toasted the Class of 1926 from shot glasses entitled "The Last Shot—75th Reunion" (a gift provided by Class of 1926 funds to each family attending), before we re-corked the bottle. Then Mick O'Beirne '58 passed the remaining l/5th of the bottle on to Scott Custer for delivery to his dad, ADM Ben Custer, Class president, for safe keeping for the last man standing from the Class of 1926.

To top off an incredible day, the '26 Reunion was featured in the headline article (front page—above the fold!) of Annapolis' daily newspaper. The Capital, on the day of the reunion (7 September 2001), as well as a great full page article in Trident, the Naval Academy weekly newspaper We'll try to put these on the Class of 1926 Web site.

The Class of '26 Web site is: home. san.rr.com/pauld53//usna26jrs. Paul Dudley '53 (Class of '26 junior) runs this for us from Coronado and will continue to keep it updated with your input: addresses/ emails/telephone numbers, any stories or announcements you'd like to share. Email input to either Ward LeHardy or Paul at pauld53 @earthlink.net.

God Bless America.

'26: L to r: Barden Smedberg and his parents, Ted Smedberg '58 and Bev, Pat Stroop '69, and Christina, Buck Buchanan '56 and Mary Gale

'26, L to r; BGen Ward LeHardy, USMA '56, Judy Corbin Housley, Mary Gale Buchanan. Judy Nevins LeHardy, and Pat Stroop '69

'26: Two life-long 1926 family friends gather on Wordon Field after the parade; Sally Taylor Cerreta (CAPT Ford N. Taylor '26). Richard Taylor. Brent W. Taylor '58. Charles A. Buchanan Jr (Buck Buchanan '56), and Mary Gale Buchanan (RADM Charles A. Buchanan '26)

Save the Date!

Luncheon—April 12,2002 44

Peggy Moses, wife of RADM Charles W. Moses, the only remaining widow of the Class of '26

Robert Pirie '55, former Secretary of the Navy, and Dennis Sullivan '55. Class president of 1955; both were at the 75th Reunion and are sons of 1926 graduates Shipmate, December 2001

John has his mother's charm. Roland's address is 4423 Conde Place, San Diego, CA 92103.

Chick L a w y e r ' s lovely wife, Catherine, died from a heart attack at Sun City, CA, on 8 September. Her services were held at St. Vincents Church on 14 September. In addition to Chick, she is survived by her son, Philip L a w v e r , and d a u g h t e r , ( M r s . ) A n n e E. Hoffman. Oiu- sincere condolences go to Chick and his family. Chick's address remains 25621 Cherry Hills Boulevard, Sun City, CA 92586.

CDR Pat Stroop '69. one of the coordinators of the Reunion event. Paul D. Stroop Jr. '54, and Mary Stroop

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Annual Membership: 54% Life Membership: 24%

Pres: VADM John B. Colwell, USN (Ret.) 230 West Galbraith Road, #1003 Cincinnati, OH 45215 Send news directly to Shipmate.

L to r: Paul D. Stroop Jr. '54. Pat Stroop '69, Peggy Stroop Wells, and Mary Stroop

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Annual Membership: 37% Life Membership: 23%

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Annual Membership: 50% Life Membership: 34%

Pres: CAPT Will I. Bull, USN (Ret.) 1725 Oak Lane, McLean, VA 22101 h: 703-538-5981 Sec'y: Bob Gamble 8311 River Crescent Dr., AnnapoHs, MD 21401 h: 410-266-8775

Pres: ADM U.S. Grant Sharp, USN (Ret.) Send news directly to Shipmate.

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Annual Membership: 55% Life Membership: 0%

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Annual Membership: 27% Life Membership: 45%

Corr. Sec'y: Dot Flatley Sandpiper Village, Apt. PI 1224 Village Creek Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 Send news directly to Shipmate.

Jack Roudebush

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Annual Membership: 29% Life Membership: 45%

Pres: RADM William O. Snead, USN (Ret.) Secy: CAPT John A. Moreno, USN (Ret.) 1214 Fifth Street, Coronado, CA92118 h: 619-435-3732 I h a d a v e r y nice c h a t w i t h R o l a n d McKnight's son, John McKnight. A m o n g other things John is a care-giver for Roland and says that Roland's mind is keen and sharp although his physical condition is not good.

Shipmate, December 2001

Happy Holidays to the members ofthe

(Robert oMems

Last August I had a most interesting phone call from Jack Roudebush. He lives on the top deck of a seven-story retirement home called Parklane. Jack sounded great on the phone, but he says that macular degeneration has shot down his vision so that he doesn't travel much anymore.

Jack is now remarried to a charming lady named Sheila who I am sure is the acting captain in their home. They share Parklane with 238 other people who like the fine view of Monterey Bay and the beautiful forest that is all around them. The Naval Postgraduate School is half a mile away so sailors are often seen in the area.

In his short biography in the Lucky Bag, two statements are worthy of note: (1) His philosophy "that petty worries make life dull." (2) He always had a keen sense of humorâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that genuine gloom-dispelling kind.

From our five-minute phone conversation, I can say that he still has these two excellent features that so help out in these years in the nineties.

During the war. Jack moved from Com-air Society Islands to exec on, NEHENTA BAY (CVE-74), where he saw a lot of Pacific action. After the war he learned to fly "low and slow," but soon returned to the sea as CO of WINDHAM BAY. NOW, on land for good, he lives on Monterey Bay. Many of you, long gone from the Chesapeake Bay, may wonder about the Bay. It will always be a treasured memory and you'll be glad to know that there is something being done to bring it back to its former good health.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) works on the restoration, and aims to bringing back oysters, grasses, forested buffers, and wetlands. It is hard work because of the increasing population.

Oysters filter out excess nutrients, and their reefs provide habitat. Long time abuse brought them down to 1%. The CBF, by building reefs and supplying seed oysters, has achieved a 2,000 rating: 2 out of 100.

Underwater grasses provide food and shelter for many species and also release oxygen and help calm erosion-making waves. 2,000 rating: 12 out of 100.

Forested buffers are one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent pollution from entering waterways; they also protect stream banks from erosion. 2,000 rating: 53 out of 100.

Wetlands remove much ofthe pollution that gets into the Bay. They also help control flooding and provide a great environment for a multitude of species. 2,000 rating: 42 out of 100.

It is working through the efforts of thousands of volunteers. Here at Ginger Cove we have a float for little "spats" to grow into little oysters. The CBF comes to transport them over to a reef where they must thrive on their own.

In a recent "Save the Bay" publication, their cover showed two hands holding a bunch of grasses and little oysters. It illustrated their motto "Bay Restorationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;In Our Hands."

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Al Cope and Willeye Bull have talked about how we can get some action going on our 70th.

To add fuel to the fire, I'd like to report that '26 is now talking about their 75th. While there are only nine known graduates, the Navy Juniors from '26 have grabbed the helm and are steering for action. Next June is coming up fast so if we want to get going we must be starting now.

Another item in the 7 September Trident concerns YP-679. It had fallen on hard times and was being scavenged for spare parts. Naval Research saw an opportunityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;"Let's make it into a floating laboratory and use it to train Mids in some of the latest technology." Right now it's using some ofthe latest tech ideas designed for use on the automated DD-21. David Taylor once made some great discoveriesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;maybe the old YP-679 can help repeat or improve on some of them that we can use today.

Today, 22 September, we entered the fall season in Annapolis. Our football team seemed rejuvenated from that horrible beating they took from Georgia Tech two weeks ago. It was thrilling to see the 4000 Mids march onto the field after the beginning of this strange war that started so dramatically on 11 September.

How can we fight this unseen enemy? Certainly the Tomahawk missiles can fly over Pakistan and hit targets chosen by either Marines ashore or pilots in the sky. Maybe unmanned aerial vehicles will be used although I don't understand just how they can tell a ship where to aim the missiles. Guns would seem to be of little value against enemies in the mountains of a land-locked country like Afghanistan.

When I think about fighting those terrorists, I feel that the Marines have an opportunity to show their stuff. Say they are in strong underground hideouts; it may be that a flame thrower is the appropriate weapon. Certainly it was efficacious on those Pacific Islands 58 years ago.

Of course, we are all so out of touch, it is useless to speculate. We can have trust in the brains of our military planners that they are capable and are making plans to root out these bad guys in some unpleasant way that will make them wish that they had never made this country so mad at them. By December, when you are sitting on an easy chair reading the '32 column, I'm sure we'll have something being done to give those b******* hell.

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Annual Membership: 50% Life Membership: 38%

Send news direcdy to Shipmate.

Our annual September luncheon on the Eastem Shore was again hosted by Al Moore's widow, Mary V., at Annie's at Kent Narrows.

In attendance were Mary V., Ann Smith, Trish Hill, Margie Christensen, Es Miller, John Cawley Green, Grayson Merrill, and Fid Murray. Betty Keller was recuperating from minor surgery, so she and Bill Keller weren't there, nor was Dorothy Bunevich, who was off on a tour.

As previously announced, and in order to achieve maximum attendance by those in the old Washington Baltimore and Annapolis area, Paul's Restaurant at Riva Road and South River will be the site of '34 Class luncheons beginning Thursday, 25 October. We can get perhaps 20 attendees there, twice the number of attendees at the Belle Haven Country Club.

We might try to get Janet MacLeod to host one at Vinson Hall and Mary V. Moore to host her annual September affair at Annie's. There is a carpooling plan in the works to support the Paul's attendance.

From Plebe Summer 1930 comes this month's remembrance: A good 50% of the Class must have answered the call for Plebe football practice and gone to the upper storeroom at the gym to pick from the supply of old football paraphernalia collected since the last century; the dropouts quickly reduced the squad to 44, and new equipment was issued; the concern of this squad was the scrimmage against the varsity, whom we held in great respect, if not awe; this feeling of catastrophe was exacerbated on the first play we ran, and Baumberger broke his leg; he was carried off to the hospital, and play resumed.

We learned later there was a similar incident a couple of years beforehand, when Dave Whelchel lay on the ground following a scrimmage. Billick, Dave's older brother, was an assistant coach at the time, and yelled, "Get up, Dave!" "Gee, Billick," replied Dave," I don't think I can. I think my leg's broken."

"Then roll on off the field," said Billick.

"You're holding up practice!"

Jean Clarey writes: Thank you so much. Fid, for taking over Ray Kirn, Francis Foley, Dot and Tut Tultle. and after the sad loss of Roy. Lou Kirn I have a little news of other widows. I spent four days in San Diego last month. Eleanore White had a beautiful luncheon. Brute brought Amy by so I saw him and then took Amy home afterward. They have moved to Annual Membership: 48% a beautiful retirement residence up in the Life Membership: 27% hills. Later that afternoon, Marion Smith, came by the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club Pres: ADM Thomas H. Moorer, USN (Ret.) for a drink. It's nice for me when I'm in the Corr. Sec'y: CAPT James M. Elliott, USN (Ret.) area because that club has a reciprocal ar6251 Old Dominion Dr. #373, McLean, VA 22101 rangement with the Outrigger Canoe Club h: 703-237-6639; e: Jimmea2@aol.com here. My two great-granddaughters came for San Diego Correspondent: Mrs. R.S. Riddell a swim. They live in Spain and were here 4037 Alameda Drive, San Diego, CA 92103 visiting my son, Steve, and Bonnie in h: 619-295-9091 Coronado. Helen Cole and I live here at

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Brooks and Sally Harral in Hong Kong 46

Shipmate, December 2001

Arcadia. Enjoy many of the same things.

Dorrie Smith lives just up the street. I see her and Karen Latham now and then. Kit Semmes and I send emails back and forth.

She is about to move into a lovely residence.

Piper Shores. It's just outside Portland, ME. Wish Hawaii wasn't so far away! It's a great place for a reunion. Aloha to all.

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Annual Membership: 30% Life Membership: 57%

Pres. Emeritus: CAPT Jefferson D. Parker, USN (Ret.) V.P. and acting Pres.: CAPT Rodney J. Badger, USN (Ret.) Sec y/Treas: CAPT Jesse B. Gay Jr., USN (Ret.) Corr. Sec'y: RADM Ed Keats, USN (Ret.) 3704 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218 h: 410-235-3803; f: 410-243-1960 e: edkeats@aol.com More Big Birthdays The Class extends its congratulations to Harvey Walseth who reaches the age of 90 on 10 December and to Wy Packard who becomes 90 on 13 December.

Get Togethers The Washington area group met for lunch at Clagg Claggett's Chevy Chase Club on 9 October. Those present, in addition to Poppy and Clagg, were their daughter, Anne Vickery, and granddaughter, Hannah, plus guest, Medford Canby, Phyllis and Rod Badger, Ida Mary Detweiler Boyd and Bill Boyd, Gwen and Jesse Gay, Ed Keats, Fran and Doyen Klein, Ruth and Wy Packard, Doris Tarantino Russell, and Beatty Sharrocks.

A Photo Record of Happy Times at the Beach A member of the Class, again rummaging among photos long hidden away on the upper

shelves of a closet, has come across a photo he took in the atrium of Phyllis and Rod Badger's house at Bethany Beach, DE, during the third weekend of September 1992. Two couples were houseguests of the Badgers and they put up one more at a vacant neighboring house. Another two couples joined Ida Mary and Det Detweiler in a condominium apartment on the beach Det had obtained for a week by his high bid at a charitable auction. And Joan and Vince Sweeney had their own apartment. All the guests arrived on Saturday morning. After lunching together many walked on the beach before assembling again in the late afternoon. Dancing in the open air on a wooden deck to the music of bands from the '30s and '40s played from Rod's store of cassettes followed a dinner provided and cooked by Phyllis. The photo was taken during a brief rest in a self-imposed intermission.

Sad News Bud Oliver died on 1 September.

The Class has just learned through a letter from Loretta Ann Pargas-Rosales, daughter of our Rafael Pargas who died in 1959, that her mother, Lita, died in January 1997. Loretta and Lita continued to live in the Philippines but Rafael's two sons reside in the U.S.; Rafael Jr. is in Washington working for the Corps of Engineers and Roy is a professor of engineering at Clemson University.

Good News Bette Wampler, widow of our French Wampler who died in 1983, married Clancy Mead, a widower she had known for years, on 28 April at the home of one of her daughters in Pacific Palisades, CA. Clancy received his wings as an early aviation cadet at Pensacola in 1936 and, now retired, had a career flying as a captain for Pan-Am. His wife, a high school friend of Bette's when they were growing up in Honolulu, died two years ago. Bette

'35: Front row (1 to r); Phyllis Badger, Beatty Sharrocks. Vince Sweeney, and Patsy Hutchinson; .second row (I to r): Ceil Daniels. Poppy Claggett, Sellen Keats, Ida Mary Detweiler, Joane Sweeney, and Spurge Sharrocks; back row (1 to r); Lou Detweiler, Clagg ClaggeU. Rod Badger. Roy Daniels, and George Hutchinson Shipmate, December 2001

reports that she and Clancy have five daughters between them. Her new address is 2999 East Ocean Blvd. #1130, Long Beach, CA 90803; 562-856-0721.

Change of Address Mrs. S.H. Dodge (Eleanor), 513 East Maxville Road, Cave City, AK 72521.

Missing Persons In a recent mailing 13 letters addressed to Classmates, Class widows, and other members of the Class family whom we have carried on our address list were returned as undeliverable.

Have they moved without leaving a forwarding address or telling us? Or, and we hope not, have they died without their families advising us? If you know their whereabouts please write to the Class Secretary, Jesse Gay, or the Corresponding Secretary. They are: Mrs. C.C. Alexander, Mrs. J.T. Bayol, Mrs. R.A. Black, Mrs. G.B. Campbell, Mrs. M.F. Henley, Mrs. R.C. Jacob, Mrs. K.H. McKee, Mrs. J.F. Murdock, Mrs. C A . Neyman, LCDR L.V. Parry, Mrs. J.J. Southerland, Mrs. W.G. Ward, and Mrs. R.W. Wright.

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Annual Membership: 41 % Life Membership: 49%

Pres: CAPT William N. Price, USN (Ret.) Sec y/Treas: CAPT O.M. Butler, USN (Ret.) 1101 S. Ariington Ridge Road Arlington, VA 22043 Corr. Sec'y: CAPT William A. Ellis, USN (Ret.) Goodwin House West #832 3440 S. Jefferson St., Falls Church, VA 22041-3127 h: 703-578-7546 Acting Sec'y: CAPT John H. Carmichael, USN (Ret.) 744 Oglethorpe Ave. St. Simons Island, GA 31522-4908 p: 912-638-2830; f: 912-638-0436 e: jhc36@earthlink.net From the President Because ofthe deadline for Shipmate, I am writing this three weeks after the horrible Tuesday (also my birthday!). I cannot comment on the "currenf situation well, because it is no longer currentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;things are changing too fast. We know that our President showed great leadership in his address to the nation, and we are in a war such has never been fought before. Our lives will be different, and not as comfortable as they have been. There is a striking similarity to us older people to that of 7 December 1941. We all remember where we were on that day, and how that sneak attack on Pearl Harbor angered and unified the country. I had recently completed a graduate course in Warship Construction at MIT and been assigned to join Classmate Moose Brown in the Boston Navy Yard.

Shipyard work tempo had increased to the point where I was working seven days a week.

I was dry-docking a cruiser in No. 2 dry-dock in the Boston Navy Yard, when a man came running out of the paint shop to tell us that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. I said he must be mistaken, but the news was soon 47

confirmed. The country quickly unified under the leadership of FDR. We remember his "day of infamy" speech and we were soon at war with Japan, Germany, and Italy. We won this war after the expenditure of many lives and much money. Now we are unified under President Bush—but with whom are we at war? A shadowy organization of religious fanatics known as "Al Qai'da," that exists in a number of countries and wants the world to be dominated by Islamic law of a type most Muslims do not accept. Our leadership is proceeding carefully. We must support them— for a longer period than we can estimate.

Class News John Court came forth with a way to protect airline pilots and their control area. Eighty years ago John's father was on duty in the Far East. One of his duties was to inspect our gunboats plying the major rivers of China. John accompanied his father on one of his trips.

These rivers provided access to interior China and were heavily trafficked with boats carrying cargo and passengers. A major problem for river traffic was the presence of murderous bandits along the way. Ships were designed to thwart this terrorism. The forward area and pilothouse were armored with heavy steel gratings; armed guards made sure passengers could not interrupt control ofthe vessel. Commerce went along with little interruption.

Historic principles do not change.

To be ignorant of them or to ignore is to be delinquent for they will come back to haunt.

Remembrance We who were at Okinawa in 1945 can relate to the victims of the catastrophic airborne terrorist attacks on the United States, for the Fifth Fleet was under almost constant suicide plane attacks for seven weeks. Navy killed reached 5,000 before the Army came ashore.

133 ships were damaged and some 26 sunk.

Admiral Nimitiz complained that he was losing a ship and a half per day. Admiral Spruance remarked that the suicide plane was a most effective weapon.

On 9 March the Fifth Fleet was moored in the Ulithi Atoll preparing for the Okinawa operation. As the Japanese air threat was ADM Spruance's primary concern, his OpOrder anticipated an enemy violent air reaction. His prediction came earlier than expected. Two kamikaze aircraft island hopping from Formosa hit RANDOLPH and struck the Mog Mog recreation island thinking it was a carrier. This Fifth Fleet's first encounter with the aircraft as a weapon—The kamikaze, portended what lay ahead at Okinawa.

On 31 March, the day before the invasion, INDIANAPOLIS, the Fifth Fleet flagship, was rendering gunfire support when a kamikaze hit on the port side aft about 7:10 a.m. I had the four to eight staff watch and was writing the log. I heard the "5" then the 40-mm. But when the 20-mm opened up I headed for the flag bridge to look. As I reached the door the entire signal gang rushed in knocked me head

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over heels backward. My relief. Burton B. Biggs '21, was dressing. As he reached for his trousers on the back of the chair, the impact of the plane moved the chair beyond his reach.

There were over 75 causalities and the ship had to be returned to the states for repairs. The staff shifted to NEW MEXICO on 5 April. On 6 and 7 April the first major air attack of over 700 aircraft (half Kamikazes) struck the Fifth Fleet. About 300 were destroyed, the rest got through. Three DD, one LST, and two AE were sunk ten DD on the picket line were damaged.

What several Kamikazes can do to a destroyer

On 12 May, as NEW MEXICO was approach-

ing her anchorage, two Kamikazes aimed for the flagship. One was shot down but the other hit a 40mm battery amidships killing 50 men and wounding over 100. Fire spread to the bridge and the flag bridge had to be abandoned—using rope ladders. My station was in CIC below the armored deck. The whereabout of the Admiral was unknown. My job was to find him. I called his orderly who reported that he was walking on the fantail. NEW MEXICO was repaired locally in two weeks.

The hit on NKW MEXICO

After over four strenuous months of continuous operations during the Iwo Jima and Okinawa operations ADM Nimitiz felt that the staff was beginning to fatigue. He sent ADM Halsey to relieve Admiral Spruance at midnight on 17 May 1945 during one of the heaviest, most prolonged air attacks of the campaign.

That casualities at Okinawa were military did not diminish the bereavement felt.

In Memorial The Class of 1936 had many casualties during World War II. We understand the agony, the uncertainty and the hurt that the people of New York, Washington, and the families ofthe heroes of United Airlines 93 are undergoing.

We offer our most profound sympathy.

Michael Combs, son of Bunny and Vince Combs, sent the following sad news:

I am sorry to report that Vince Combs passed away quietly in his sleep on 19 July 2001, in Port Townsend, WA. He was interned at the Fort Sam Houston Military Cemetery, in San Antonio, TX; along side of his wife of 54 years. Bunny Cotton Combs.

He was proud to be a member of the Class of '36, and the USNA Alumni Association.

Two sons; Tracy Combs '62 and Michael Combs '64; five grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren survive him. The Class sends its most heart felt condolences to the family.

Commentary Up to 11 September 2001 the United States has been invaded twice by foreign enemies; first by the British in 1812 and second by Japan's sneak attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Both miscalculated the mettle of the American character. Normally they are rather peaceful souls with patriotism in neutral until disturbed and angered by aliens. Then they become resolute to bring the full potential of the United States to bear on the intruders. Woe be to aggressors who fail to consider the fighting American spirit even if it might seem dormant.

Bin Laden's Al-Qa'ida conspiracy spread its barbaric cancerous cells through out the world with the quasi-religious mission of highjacking Islam. All Muslim nations are at risk for they have been charged with secularism that blasphemed Islam—weapons are assassination and civil war. All non-Islamic religions and their faithful are considered infidels and are targeted for elimination. Israel and the United States, the main barrier to their scheme of domination through terror, have been selected as their gambits in their unholy war. These terrorists declared Jihad not only upon infidels but also upon our advanced civilization—their agenda is to destroy democracy, freedom and liberty and drive mankind back to the tyrannical rule of the 9th Century.

Those who masterminded the 11 September insidious attack on the United States made a fatal miscalculation for Americans were not terrified but outraged as we were on 7 December 1941. The war against terrorism will not be a fast draw shoot out. It will be a meticulous, multifaceted surgical operation to excise the malignancy of Islamic militants.

They remembered the nobler things that brought her [America] into being and light her path—Bernard Baruch.

37

Annual Membership: 45% Life Membership: 45%

Pres: CAPT John S. Slaughter, USN (Ret.) Sec'y/Treas: RADM D.G. Baer, USN (Ret.) Corr. Sec'y: VADM William R Mack, USN (Ret.) 3067 Rundelac Road, Annapohs, MD 21403-1321 Patty Mehle Roulstone has supplied snaps taken at a 25 July gathering at the Lynnhaven Fish Pier at Virginia Beach. They were a happy group that had fun catching up on all the news of Classmates that they had.

Shipmate, December 2001

38

Jack Roulstone '46 and Patty Mehle Roulstone

Al Carr. Cynthia Pridmore. Leola Carr. Archie Soucek, Mary Barry. Paul Hartmann. and Betty Kelly

Jack Roulstone's son had a splendid cruise as commanding officer ofthe nuclear-powered CVN STENNIS, taking the Battle Efficiency pennant in both the Atlantic Fleet and the Pacific Fleet; as the result of a full power run to reinforce the Middle East Force. He is a helicopter pilot who once got a negative answer when, prior to taking command of STENNIS, he asked a senior heavier than air officer whether a helicopter pilot would ever command a strike carrier. The answer was an emphatic, "No." It seems well that the system changed for this one. Prior to STENNIS he commanded as AOR. I think ofthe LynnhavenA'irginia Beach bunch as the self-starting sub-division of our Class.

When they ran out of male candidates for coordinators, they appointed Betty Kelly and she has performed well ever since in that office.

Now in October we hear that Lois and Bob Erly are on the high seas cruising to Mexico on a cruise ship from San Diego. My immediate prospects for a cruise will be a day cruise to Block Island. During World War II we anchored in the harbor repeatedly but never went ashore because we didn't have a boat. My two eldest daughters and my hostess, Tory Harper, will accompany me on this adventure.

As this will reach you in December I want to send you all best wishes for a happy holiday season!

Keep Revvin'with '37!

Shipmate, December 2001

Annual Membership: 30% Life Membership: 55%

Pres: RADM M. H. Rindskopf, USN (Ret.) e: mrindskopf@earthlink.net Chairman, Wash. Area: CAPT Hugh M. Robinson, USN (Ret.) h: 703-532-3772; e: hughrobinsonl@webtv.net Sec'y: CAPT D.K. Ela, USN (Ret.) 3260 N. 12th St., #329, Grand Junction, CO 81506 h: 970-256-7174, f: 970-256-9120 e: dkela@gj.net President's Corner The annual convocation at Capon Springs assembled the day before disaster struck New York and Washington on 11 September. Much of the time our 14 Classmates and widows (Beshanys, Jones, Robinsons, Fleps, and Rindskopfs, with Ro Brown, Fran Pearson, Bill Boykin Deke Ela, and our distinguished compatriots from '37, Ethel and Fred Janney '37) were glued to the TV. We had trouble understanding the mental state ofthe perpetrators, and still do. Nonetheless, there was one foursome for golf, some bridge, a minimal gathering at the 62-degreepool, a lively meeting of all your Class officers, and an ample supply of food and drink. Everyone has signed on for 2002.

Planning for the 19th Leaders' Forum is moving within the Academy Leadership Department at an accelerating pace with major changes to be introduced. For the first time, representatives of civilian colleges will be invited to participate. Since this is the last Shipmate before the Forum, we hereby decree that all able bodied members of the Class mark their calendars for 16-18 January 2002, and plan to attend. (Parking close to Alumni Hall is guaranteed).

Class Comer The sad news first, as we learn of Charlie Pond's death on 30 September. He had recently moved to Irvington, VA, where Margaret survives him. His services were held at the Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church in Weems, VA, on 13 October. Memorials should be made to the church, PO Box 18, Weems, VA 22576.

On the sunny side in San Diego, Swede's lunch bunch continues to unite, Foley, Lovelace from Los Angeles, Olsen and Ready in propping up the bar at the Club. Swede has discovered that Elderhostel provides matriculation in golf After graduation from a course in Saint George, UT, he will head for our threshold, presumably with diploma in hand.

The sun wasn't limited to San Diego as our Prez reports above on the Capon Springs caper. Hugh Robinson provides the pictures at the column end. Mike sends a picture of his French chartered yacht. Herb Mandel sends a picture of Jan and Will Miner (who left us 1/C Year) and a suggestion of spring in Whispering Pines, NC. That's a far move from Connecticut where one of its founding fathers was Joshua Miner.

Hugh Robinson's Washington group neglected to log the weather for their very busy 27 September lunch. It was preceded by 65th reunion committee meeting called by Bob McNitt with a quorum: Beshany, Jones, Fran Pearson, Bill Boykin, and Hugh. They were joined for lunch by Margaret Jones, Bob Carter, Carl Fleps, Snowden Arthur, and Joe McDowell. They were unable to reach a consensus on the method for bin Laden's demise.

As we write, the first Tomahawks have landed.

Bob McNitt has been busy. 65th Reunion Bulletin #2 will have been mailed and you may have already replied. It outlined our plans to date and requested a reply about intentionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; No money down\ Just intentions. Of course we don't know when we're going to have a fall, break a rib, or sternum. And the government hasn't gotten around to protecting us from that certainty in old age, and the Occupational Safety and Hazards Agency hasn't inspected our residences for code violations. So, if a fall prevents ultimate attendance you can sue the government for mal protection. If you announce good intentions, you can have it both ways: the joy of reunion, or the joy of a government check. Think positive. Is there really and truly any good reason why not! That aching back won't ache any more at Annapolis than at home. There will be ample palliatives available. You'll have someone to tell about it. The program is designed around our limitations and some tips from the experience ofthe Class of '35 this summer.

Salutes The Leaders Forum convenes on 16 January 2002. It is one of the most significant of all legacies at USNA if for no other reason than it is dynamic and perpetual. It is always current in addressing the Brigade's mutual problems in Annapolis, West Point, Colorado Springs, New London, and New York. Its funding compounds about as does its expense, which insures program longevity. Above all, its design and conduct have benefited from the dedicated initiatives ofthe Leadership Department and the Superintendent. Without such management, the program could wither on the vine, could become in-grown and could lose its gage and significance. As Mike has stated in his comer above, the span and scope are being expanded. Civilian universities across the nation now recognize and address a general concern that their graduate product must include the leadership to manage change.

ADM Hank Chiles, Distinguished Professor of Leadership, is meeting the national challenge head on by inviting civilian participation. How prescient can he have been as we struggle with a totally different national threat concept, an amorphous terrorist underground.

It is no longer massed military forces and weapons. There is a crisis in military mission and function. While the Forum is not about strategy, its' participants face a career challenge radically different than we saw in 1938.

It is from such challenges that leaders arise.

49

R S R H (Reefed Sail R e t i r e m e n t H o m e ) Notes Fall colors have been brilliant. Our dining room at the institution has a pumpkin centerpiece at each table, small goblins hang from the ceiling, and pumpkin recipes occur on the menu, e.g. pumpkin cheesecake, which like all deserts should be served first, with seconds.

Less tasteful, conversations serve up bin Laden well done. Our elders here have experienced war and more. Yet there are no doubts. There is much confusion on how to finish him and his faction, but news that the Tomahawks have landed made our day as we go to press.

We've made a test run on Tricare For Life.

It works. The prescription—Celebrex. After some many years of avoiding Arthur I. he caught up with us. Perhaps inevitable, perhaps revenge for our attitude. Now he's gained our full respect and from the number of prescription refills, he intends to stick around.

Gigi Beshany, Fran Pearson, and Phil

The writer says: As the spirit lifted from his body we could all feel the room bathed in warmth and serenity. As in life, he faced his death with dignity as the great warrior he was in life. He is now with his wife, Polly, and his shipmates in heaven.

Then we were apprised of the death of Herbert Benham—the rough-tough boxer at the Academy. Herbert E. "Van" Benham, 83, of Kailua-Kona, HI, died on 25 April at his residence. A creative flyer, he held several patents on flight instruments, was an instructor in aerial navigation at the University of Coral Gables, FL, and authored the standard textbook Aerial Navigation.

Jan and Will Miner, Whispermg Pmes

Herb Benham Annual Membership: 40% Life Membership: 45%

Ro Brow n, Syl\ la Rindskopf, and Hugh Robinson

Mike, Deke, Peggy Robinson, and Margaret Jones

Acting Pres: RADM Daniel K. Weitzenfeld, USN (Ret.) Sec'y: CAPT William J. Ruhe, USN (Ret.) 1310 MacBeth Ave., McLean, VA 22102 e: CaptBillRuhe@aol.com Thirty-Nine On Line: docabbot@aol.com

Davis Cone died on 6 August 2001 at New Smyrna Beach, FL. He served in World War II as the torpedo officer in the BOWFIN, earning two Silver Stars and a Presidential Unit Citation. At the end of World War II he had command of CONGER and was featured as the skipper—complete with cigar and periscope— in the post-war movie Silent Service.

A series of deaths of '39ers makes for sadbad reporting. Under the title "A Great Submariner" CAPT Howard A. Thompson, USN (Ret.) has aweighed his anchor, we read of how Captain Howie breathed his last breath with all his children present.

Davis Cone

sisnpf yacht, CASSANDRA Howie Thompson

50

Bill Worden's widow, Beverly F. Worden, writes from 5846 Constitution Ave., Fairfield, C A 94533: It is with regret that I must report the death of my beloved husband. He died of heart failure on 23 March in the health center in our retirement village. Paradise Valley Estates, in Fairfield, CA. Although he resigned Shipmate, December 2001

This is the way, one after another of '39 are falling by the wayside. It's a mighty dismal story.

Bud Gore, a history buff emails George Washington's First State ofthe Union Address to the Congress; Washington says: To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace. A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined as well; to which end a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite; and their safety and interest require that they should promote such manufacturers as to render them independent of others for essentials, particularly for military supplies.

Ernie Schwab

Willy Stiles (ahem. General Stiles to his well populated fan club) called from the Arleigh Burke Pavilion. There he feels too much like a permanent resident. He wanted me to put in Shipmate that he would like to, but just can't send notes to all ofthe get-well wishers who've inundated him with their messages. Willy's voice had faded to just above a whisper and his optimism about the future was at a low key, but don't count him out just yet. He's a '39er!

Bud Gore

Ben Jarvis after World War 11 to open his own business, his love of the Navy remained steadfast throughout the years.

Ben Jar-vis is a next door neighbor. Bill Worden was president of three travel agencies for 48 years. CAPT Carl F. Pfeifer, USN (Ret.) died on 12 May at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, MD, of hydrocephalus after a long illness. His funeral was held in the Old Fort Myer Chapel on 14 June, following which he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

Carl Pfeifer

Shipmate, December 2001

Bud Gore also sent an email under the title of "Good Old Education" saying: Could any of us have passed the 8th grade in 1895? He then prints the 8th grade final exam of Salina, KS, at that time. "Give nine rules for the use of capital letters; name the parts of speech and define those that have no modifications; define verse, stanza, and paragraph; etc."

Yesterday morning very early, I received a phone call from Carolyn Hammett. I racked my brains to remember when I knew herâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; but her voice sounded familiar. Then the image of George Duncan took over my brain and I began remembering what a unique lovely guy he was. George had more panache than any other fellow I ever knew. No wonder Carolyn wanted to talk about George with someone who remembered his so vividly.

Ernie Schwab reports that there were five '39ers at Deacon Cone's funeral on 25 August: himself, Jim Glennon, Gordon Gayle, Pete Steen, and Bob Wood. When Cone's casket was transferred to a caisson, for the long march to Cone's resfing-place (the burial site in Arlington National Cemetery). Full military honors went into effect (performed by a large detail of rifle-carrying blue jackets).

Save the Date! (^hert oMham ^T^mmpson luncheon April 12, 2002

Willy Stiles

40

Annual Membership: 40% Life Membership: 50%

Pres: CAPT William M. Carpenter, USN (Ret.) 1119 Aquia Drive, Stafford, VA 22554 Sec'y: CAPT Jacob V. Heimark, USN (Ret.) 410 Old Gulph Road, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 Corr. Sec'y: CAPT Edward C. Sledge, USN (Ret.) 932 Shedand Court, McLean, VA 22102 Farewell It is my sad duty to bring you the news that Hertha "Bobbe" McKinney Johnson died in her sleep at home on 11 September. A series Q&0ddpof small strokes, followed by a bout with viral pneumonia this past summer greatly weakened '40's lovely lady to the point where her heart finally stopped. She was the wife of RADM Henry Johnson whom she married after her 51

first husband, our Classmate, RADM William R. McKinney, died suddenly in 1980.

After this California girl completed two years of college, she went to Hawaii where she became a reporter for the Honolulu Star Bulletin.

Bobbe also learned to fly airplanes, and, from time to time, sang with some of the big bands of that time. It was then that our ENS Bill McKinney on OKLAHOMA met Bobbe, and the two were married before Pearl Harbor.

Bobbe is survived by her husband, "Hank" Johnson; son. Bill McKinney Jr.; daughter, Bette McKinney; five grandchildren, and one great grandchild. To these survivors, the '40 family joins me in extending our deeply felt condolences. Her ashes now rest in Punchbowl National Cemetery alongside those of our Bill McKinney.

Bobbe was a kind and caring person who made a profound difference in many people's lives. As a dedicated Navy wife, Bobbe was the organizer and driving force behind the only '40 reunion that was held in 1998 in Hawaii. Here are a couple pictures from that happy occasion.

Sis Lacouture and Bobbe McKinney Johnson

52

[JSNACLUSS f iti ittH trm •

•

^

•

^

Coralie and Jim Vellis, P Clancy, J. Caldwell, Sis Lacouture, Pat Champion, and Bobbe McKinney Johnson

My thanks go out to Jim Vellis and Bette McKinney for providing '40 with all this helpful information.

In late September on a rainy morning, we almost had another/arewe//. It seems that Ed Hayes went out in the rain to pick up the paper. Walking along, Ed's foot landed on a wet piece of plastic and Ed fell so fast and hard that it broke the second vertebrae in his neck.

Fortunately, he was not moved until 911 responded. In the hospital he was placed in a head/jacket cast which locked his head in a fixed position. For the next couple weeks he will be in rehab while he learns how to move around safely while using this cast. Then he will be recovering at home. Maybe by Christmas the cast will be removed. To Ed, and Clare too, we all send our best wishes for a complete recovery.

With Ed facing a long recovery, now seems like a good time for us to show his and Johnny Lacouture's poetic skills by passing on to you their lighthearted poem, written some time ago, which shows them thinking a bit about the years ahead. They are convinced that the message that follows will lead them through the time barrier to being 90. Already, for most of us,'40 is halfway there: EIGHTY Dear Lord, I'm 80 and there is much I have not done I hope you will let me live 'til I'm 81.

But if I haven't finished all I want to do.

Would you please let me stay a while till I'm 82?

So many places I want to go—so much I want to see Do you think you could manage to make it to 83?

Many things I may have done, but there is so much left in store I'd like it very much if I could live to 84.

And if by then I'm still alive Then I'd just like to stay to 85!

The world is changing very fast, so I'd really like to stick.

And see what happens to the world when I'm 86!

I know, dear Lord, it's a lot to ask, and it will be nice in heaven.

But I'd really like to stay around 'til I am 87.

I know by then I won't be fast, and somedmes I'll be late.

But it would be oh-so-pleasant to be around at 88.

I will have seen so many things and had a wonderful time So I'm sure I'll be willing to leave at 89.

(Wellll—Maybe!)

A Sunday school teacher asked her little children, as they were on their way into the church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?" One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."

In August, Mary and Bill Carpenter spent 13 days in Russia, all "at sea." They flew to Moscow and immediately boarded a large river ship. LEV TOLSTOY, and lived there the whole time, going ashore for sightseeing, but returning for meals and to sleep. They spent four days in Moscow (pronounced Mosko), where they saw the sights, including Red Square, the Kremlin, and the wonderful Russian Circus, with its incredible flying acrobats.

Mary and Bill were also impressed by Russia's cathedrals with their "onion" shaped gold domes—they learned that their design comes from an attempt to represent the flames of the candles lighted in the Orthodox Catholic mass. On Sunday they had a chance to visit the Tushino Baptist Church with which the Carpenter's Church in Virginia has a cooperative relationship. One thing that impressed them is that after almost 80 years of communism, Moscow, (and elsewhere) still has many churches, cathedrals and monasteries that were built long before communism. During that period, some were turned into museums. However, most of these buildings survived and now, once again, they are used for worship.

TOLSTOY then got underway, spending the next five days on the inland waterway en route to St. Petersburg. On the way, frequent stops were made to visit interesting sites. These included villages that showed how the peasants lived in the time of the czars. Out in the countryside, contrasted to Moscow and St. Petersburg, the economic situation is hard. The badly inflated ruble, which used to be nearly equal to the dollar, is now 29 to one. So, Russians live in a partial barter economy. Dollars could be spent almost everywhere. Souvenir kiosks loved American money and price haggling was in order.

Three days in St. Petersburg were not long enough. They did get to visit the wonderful Hermitage, with its three million objects of art.

An evening highlight was a spectacular performance by the Russian Ballet at the Hermitage Theater. Mary and Bill also learned that this beautiful city with 300 bridges was built

by Peter the Great on a series of islands and is called by many the "Venice of the North."

This somewhat different visit to Russia was memorable. Living on board ship was far better than trudging off to a different hotel each night. They made the trip, which was to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with two dear friends who were also married in 1941.

Celebrating such a special occasion in this way made this an especially enjoyable experience.

Thanks, Bill, for this most interesting account about how to celebrate 60 years of maiTiage.

Shipmate, December 2001

Now, what do you two adventurers plan to do for your 70th?

Two engineering students were walking across campus when one said, "Where did you get such a great bike ? " The second engineer replied. "Well. I was walking along yesterday minding my own business when a beautifid woman rode up on this bike. She threw the bike on the ground, took off all her clothes and said.

"Take what you want."

The first engineer nodded approvingly, "Good choice; the clothes probably wouldn 't have fit."

On a trip to San Diego to attend a ship retmion.

Thanks to Harry Fisher making arrangements.

Bill Carpenter was able to meet for lunch at the Coronado Golf Club with the following Classmates who live in the San Diego area: Mike Alpert, Len Bassett. CMBimdy, Harry Fischer, John Hardy, Harvey Miller, Dick Parker, and Willy TVice. The group so enjoyed themselves that these Califomians have now resolved to get together on a regular basis. Here are a couple pictures of Classmates who have learned how to relax and enjoy life. Thanks, Bill, for getting this group together.

Front row: Hardy. Trice, Carpenter, and Bassett; back row: H. Miller. Alpert, Parker. Bundy. and Fischer

Hardy, H. Miller, Parker, and Fischer The Mid-California BAG luncheon group met on 9 September, arranged by John Sims at the Crow Canyon Country Club in Danville.

Members of the B A G group in attendance were: Ben Frana and Joyce Crowther, Betty and Bob N e w c o m b , T o s h i k o and O z z i e Osborne, Judy and John Sims, and D o c Weatherup with his daughter and son-in-law Ann and Stan Gage. Attendance was smaller than usual because a number were away on travel. Also, since the BAG group covers a big area, for some, getting to the location where the luncheon is scheduled can be a day's drive.

Caryl and Art Vamum had planned to attend but Art's stroke forced them to cancel. As is the case with this group, the attendees all seem to have a good time being together.

A certain little girl, when asked her name, would reply, "I'm Mr Flynn's daughter."

Shipmate, December 2001

Her mother told her this was wrong, she must say, I'm Jane Flyim."

In Sunday school, the vicar spoke to her and said, "Aren 't you Mr. Flynn 's daughter?" Jane replied, "1 thought 1 was, but mother says I'm not."

Thanks to Ed Donley who forwarded the following editorial that appeared in a Romanian newspaper. It shows that we do not stand alone in the world when we take a clear position on the side of "right." It also shows that more nations than we thought openly support and agree with our view. When you think the U.S. does not have friends in far-away places, read this editorial from a Romanian newspaper.

An Ode to America Why are Americans so united? They don't resemble one another even if you paint them!

They speak all the languages of the world and form an astonishing mixture of civilizations, some of which are nearly extinct, others are incompatible with one another, and in matters of religious beliefs, not even God can count how many they are.

Still, the American tragedy turned three hundred million people into a hand put on the heart. Nobody mshed to accuse the White House, the Army or the Secret Service that they are only a bunch of losers. Nobody rushed to empty their bank accounts. Nobody rushed on the streets nearby to gape about. Instead, the Americans volunteered to donate blood and to give a helping hand.

After the first moments of panic, they raised the flag on the smoking ruins, putting on Tshirts, caps and ties in the colors of the national flag. They placed flags on buildings and cars as if in every place and in every car a minister or the president was passing. On every occasion they started singing their traditional song: "God Bless America!"

Silent as a rock, I watched the charity concert broadcast on Saturday once, twice, three times, on different TV channels. There were Clint Eastwood, Willie Nelson, Robert de Niro, Julia Roberts, Cassius Clay, Jack Nicholson, Bruce Springsteen, Silvester Stalone, James Wood, and many others whom no film or producers could ever bring together. The American's solidarity spirit turned them into a choir Actually, choir is not the word. What you could hear was the heavy artillery of the American soul. What neither George W Bush, nor Bill CHnton, nor Cohn Powell could say without facing the risk of stumbling over words and sounds, was being heard in a great and unmistakable way in this charity concert.

I don't know how it happened that all this obsessive singing of America didn't sound croaky, nationalist, or ostentatious! It made us green with envy because you were able to sing for your country without running the risk of being considered chauvinist, ridiculous, or suspected of who-knows-what mean interests.

I watched the live broadcast and the rerun of its rerun for hours listening to the story of the guy who went down one hundred floors with a woman in a wheelchair without knowing who she was, or of the Californian hockey player, who fought with the terrorists and prevented the plane from

hitting a target that would have killed other hundreds or thousands of people. How on earth were they able to bow before a fellow human?

Imperceptibly, with every word and musical note, the memory of some turned into a modern myth of tragic heroes. And with every phone call, millions and millions of dollars were put in a collection aimed at rewarding not a man or a family, but a spirit, which nothing can buy.

What on earth can unite the Americans in such a way? Their land? Their galloping history? Their economic power? Money? I tried for hours to find an answer, humming songs and murmuring phrases which risk sounding like commonplaces. I thought things over, but I reached only one conclusion.

Only freedom can work such miracles!

Messages like this one, coming from someone who, only a few short years ago was a citizen of a Cold War enemy nation, go a long way to reassure us that the stand we are taking is the right one. Thanks, Ed, for passing this powerful message along to me.

A quote from Zsa Zsa Gabor: "I am a marvelous housekeeper Every time I leave a man I keep his house."

The last time 18-year old Miriam Mallory (now Granitz) saw her brother, Frederick Mallory, whom she adored, was at our graduation in 1940. Fred then reported to ARIZONA, and on 7 December, he was a World War II first day casualty.

I am in receipt of a letter seeking any sort of information about Fred, which Miriam could pass along to her children and grandc h i l d r e n . Since the last ' 4 0 s u r v i v o r on ARIZONA died a couple years ago, the best bet for stories or anecdotes involving Fred's life in the military has to be the USNA. Who were his roommates? They could be a good source of interesting stories. What company was he in his first three years? Were you with him on Midshipman cruises? Can any of you recall stories about Fred? How was he as a two-time 8th Company three striper or as a Company mate? What about his social life, or extra curricular activities? After 60-65 years, what you recall will usually be more general than detailed. Memories need not be earthshaking to be interesting. In fact trivial human interest stories are often better. Think of doing this as a way of honoring a Classmate who gave his life at the very start of World War II. At the same time you will bring great pleasure to his nearly 80 year old sister and to her children and grandchildren who never knew this family hero. Send your writings to me and I will see that they get to the right person.

Bumper sticker of a woman driver of a red convertible: SO MANY MEN, SO FEW WHO CAN AFFORD ME Here are more pictures taken at the September Class picnic. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Jake Only '40 is 4.0

53

Al Bergner and Helen Longino Patterson, Vickerys and Eckert

41

Annual Membership: 34% Life Membership: 54%

Chmn & Sec'y: CAPT Victor Delano, USN (Ret.) 5610 Wisconsin Ave., Apt # 1409 Chevy Chase, MD 20815-4439 h: 301-215-7532; e: Vdelano@aol.com Web page: http://www.usna.com/classes/1941/ default.html

As you probably know. Dr. Jonathan Dembo is the curator of our records at East Carolina University. This month, 8-14 December, he will be on the West Coast and will be available to conduct oral interviews of Classmates as well as interested spouses and widows. He also hopes to complete some unfinished earlier interviews along the coast from Seattle to San Diego and points in between. If you have not yet given an interview, this would be a wonderful opportunity. Please contact Dr. Dembo at ECU (emboj@mail.ecu.edu or 252-328-6671), if that fails, contact Bob Hayler who handles our liaison with ECU. Also, if you know a Classmate who ought to be interviewed, take

Mary Sledge, Bergner. and Chris Hanley

54

the bull by the horns and get him in contact with Dr. Dembo or Bob Hayler. In September, Jane and Frank Price took a 16-day cruise from Barcelona to Ft. Lauderdale, which I hope to tell you about next month.

In Silver City, NM, the Bright Funeral Home hosted a patriotic memorial service honoring America and its service men and women. Vic Moiteret was the keynote speaker and he talked about American pride. They could not have picked a better man for the job and I am sure he had their attention. A newspaper clipping showed Vic speaking but, unfortunately, it was not reproducible. He looked handsome indeed. After our 60th Reunion Joe Zirkle had thejobof distributing copies of our 60th anniversary book to those who could not attend.

Among the latter was Fran Polatty and she wrote such a nice note to Joe that I want to share it with you: Thank you so much for sending the Class of '41 60th Reunion book to me. My children and I have enjoyed reading every pageâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;what a great gift. We wish we could have been there and, for the record, Dave was so proud to be a part of the Class of '41 his family feels he was a gift to us.

Thank you, Fran, for such a nice note and I hope you will continue to stay in touch with the Class. Her and her family's enjoyment of the 60th book certainly reflects on the great job done by Jim Jamison and his fellow workers like Mac McLellon in putting together a book that all of us so deeply appreciate. While I am on the subject, Joe Zirkle's handling ofthe distribution is just one ofthe many things that Joe has done over the years for the Class. He is also one of the most, if not the most loyal attendee at Navy football games. He has stuck it out through thick and thin and in recent years, it has been pretty damn thin! Thank you, Joe. Now for a mystery that perhaps one of you

'41; Front: Kathleen Koecher. Kelley, Carole Kelley. Koecher, and Barbara Hayler; back: Steve Deller. Erickson (coach). Lucas (coach). Riley (coach), and Hayler Shipmate, December 2001

can help me solve. A nice gentleman in Warson Woods, MO, a suburb of St. Louis, found in some bushes near his house what appears to be a well-worn Class of 1941 ring.

When first found it had tape around the bottom portion, as if a female might have been wearing the ring. The stone is black and seems rather nondescript. The engraving inside starts with "Robert" and the second name starts out "Wies" or possibly "Wils." At first I thought it might have been the late Duke Windsor's but his son thinks not. Do any of you readers have some thoughts on whose ring this might have been?

Some of the late arriving 60th pictures are too good not to include so here they are.

The Byrds. Malcolm, and Nancy Vincent

Lenz and Delano

Haylers and Silverman (astern)

The Davenports, the Crenshaws. the Styers. and a lovely head

Happy Holidays to the members

ofthe (Robert cMham ^mpson ^ocietp

For those of you in the Washington-Annapolis area, and any others who might be visiting, our December Class coed lunch will be at Chevy Chase Club starting at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, 20 December. If you are not on the Washington-Annapolis calling list and will be in town that day, please come. Let Ned Hines or me know to be sure that you get fed!

Here in the Washington area we have lost another lovely spouse, Jane Doherty, who died in September after a long fight with Alzheimer's disease. Among other achievements, Jane was an accomplished artist and a fashion illustrator. Her paintings were exhibited at the Corcoran Gallery in Washington.

Until her final illness, Jane loyally attended the Class functions and her presence always added charm and sparkle to the event. She will be missed by all of us and I know that the Class joins me in extending our condolences to John and their son, JB. Birthdays in December? There certainly are and turquoise and holly are just what they need for prosperity: Bangert, Charbonnet, Delano, Greenlee, Kugler, Lilly, Lynch, JD Malone, Reade, Roderick, Seedlock, Silverman, and Slaymaker. It's a nice group isn't it? But so is all of 1941!

Out on the West Coast, some Classmates have had their area codes changed. Among these is Bill Jones with a new area code 858. Since I do not know who the others are with new area codes, please let me know so that our database can be corrected. Winnie Rogers has a new phone 301-424-6408. Vance Hudgins' correct phone number is 301-987-6653. Finally, here are some edress additions and changes; Rusty Crenshaw (rscrenshaw@earthlink net); Dick Foster (rfoster@myseniors.com); Jack Hadler (Jhadler@webb-institute.edu); Mac McLellon (WMMCLELLON83@aol.com); Frank Price (FP4646@aol.com). While on the subject of edresses, please remember that our Class of 1941 Web site has the latest information we have on Class edresses plus other bulletins of interest. Give it a look.

Merry Christmas to all and get ready for 2002.

McReynolds, and the Congers

Shipmate, December 2001

55

Hank Sweitzer, Kay and Carl Swenson, Peggy Tofalo, Jan and Dick Werner, Jeanette Annual Membership: 27% and Roy Werthnuller, Ray Wilhite, Evelyn Life Membership: 57% and Tom Williamson, Ann and BUI Willis, and Wayne Wittenberger.

Pres: CAPT James D. Small, USN (Ret.) Rain dampened the enthusiasm of all but the Sec'y: CDR R.S. Day, USN (Ret.) hardiest golfers and eliminated the tennis play2426 Chestnut St., Falls Church, VA 22043-3052 ers, but did little to slow down the stream of The 60th Reunion is now historyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;one enattendees through the hospitality suite and atjoyed by 193 individuals over the four days. tendance at the welcome reception and buffet.

Ninety-nine of the attendees were Classmates.

On Friday, we were introduced to the tight The horror of 11 September resulted in only a security in effect at the Academy. Although few last minute cancellations. Taking part in one the Superintendent had announced that the reor more events were the following: Lucie and union Classes would be given special considBuck Adams, frene and Corliss Adams, Anne eration in getting into the Academy grounds, and Lay ton Allen, Betty and Charlie Allsopp, we still had to observe security scrutiny. Our Frank Andrews, Jean and Parker Armstrong, buses from the hotel could not enter the AcadTed Balis and Peggy Norman, Shirley and Bill emy, so were driven to the stadium parking Barnett, Ann Beale, Peggy and Buzz Betzel, area where we transferred to Navy buses, afAmy and Bill Betzer, Vem Binion Jr., Alnora ter being individually screened and identified. and Charlie Bishop, Eleanor and George Bliss, We then were driven to Alumni Hall for our Millie and Al Bogart, Mim and Jim Borop, Class meeting. Once assembled in Alunmi Hall Mary and Bill Burchard, Ree Childers, Kay the Superintendent and the Academic Dean Cole, Betty and Jack Crawford, Jean and Bill provided an excellent overall look at the Naval Crawford, Joan and Dick Curtis, Hap Day, Academy today. At the conclusion ofthe briefLouise and Army Dennett, Betts and Bill ing, Rita Hill took charge of the group photo Divine, Jane Doyle, Trilby and Max Duncan, in the absence of the contract photographer Jeanne and Duke Easton, Mindy and Gene who was unable to penefrate the security corFarrell, Belle and Russ Flynn, Mary and Ed don. Getting her balanced on a stepladder alGallagher, George Gardes, Peg and Jake most turned it into a memorable event, but she Glick, Anne and Earl Greer, Rene Griffith, accomplished her mission with aplomb.

Swede Hanson and Bob Jr., Sonny Harbert, Lunch at the Officers and Faculty Club Duke Harwood and Booby Reed, Peggy and provided an opportunity for George Watt Bunky Hemdon, Aim and Jack Hill, Rita and '73, president/CEO of the Alumni AssociaJT HUl, and Jack Hinchey. tion and Foundation, to make a few remarks.

Bee and Don Holmes, Bill Houser and Jan He was followed by Bobby Lim who had Evans, Peggy Bergin-Hubbell, Shirley and asked for a few minutes to address the Class.

Harry Kelley, Angelique Kidd, Betty and Ace His remarks follow: King, Alice and Ed Kintner, Bill Layer and This is an extract of an email exchange Jim Young, Bobby Lim, Carolyn and John between my daughter Laida and myself just Lindbeck, Mary Lee and Dick Lowe, Mac after 11 September.

Mackown, John Marocchi, Tom Marshall, Laida led off, "For some reason, you're in the U.S. of A. again during another war, if Doris and HP McNeal, Maggie Liz and Bob war this is. How does the current situation McWethy, Fran and Ward Miller, Jo Ann and compare to 50 plus years ago?"

Jerry Miller, Sue and Bob Mills, Kieran and I replied, "Surprisingly similar. Everyone Jack Mitchell, Swede Momsen, Marion and is caught by surprise. We were not expectBill Montgomery, Nancy and Bill Morrow, ing another culture to do things not by the Ace Mullen, Dorothy and Max Munk, Muff values acceptable to the Americana rules. and Norm Nash, Kay and Nick Nickerson, And they have obviously done just that. It Edie and Frank O'Brien, Rosemary and Jim has kindled a reaction of solid patriotism, O'Donnell, Pattie and John Pat Patterson, loosened energy that a comfortable and rich country has lost. The Americans are finding Shine Payne, Marianne and Tom Pearson, themselves helpless in that they cannot, for Dave Peto, Margaret and Quinten Pierce, certain, determine who and how to engage Rufe Porter, Patricia and Art Rawson, the enemy.

Eleanor and Dwight Raymond, Barbara and Powerfiil as this nation is, they will prevail, Dale Reed, Reill Reilly, Anne and Bill but how they are going to do it is unknown as Richardson, Ginny and Paul Richmond, of now. They are girding themselves for the Betty and Dick Riley, Beverley and Bill challenges that they face. The young and unRobie, Jim Salassi and Dorch Putnam, Vira proven generation will get a chance to step Schoenfeld, Julie and Frank Sellars, Barb and forward to get things done, if only the conservative and past heroes will step aside and Dick Sewall, Buck Shaw, Betty Shear and get out of the way. This after all will be a new Kathy Shear, Charlotte and Ken Simmons, kind of war. Winning it will not be by the Martha and Pappy Sims, Carolyn and Mo military tenets of Sun Tzu, but by the psySlater, Peggy and Jim Small, Martha Jane and chological truths that Sun Tzu exposed.

Charlie Smith, Ginnie (Ehreke) and Tom This new war will not be won by armies Smith, Jean and Paul Smith, Marcia and Bill destroying regiments and divisions, or by Spiegel, Harriet Stegemerten and Richard fleets sinking enemy ships. It will be a war of (son). Babe and Ray Swanbeck, Ruth and the minds. It will be won by superior minds.

42

56

winning over the minds and will power of the other side. To do that they will have to use superior means of communication.

The destmction of those twin towers ofthe financial capital of the U.S.A. certainly clearly sent a message that with lesser force, but more ideas, the enemy has reduced the posture of the United States in the eyes of the third worid. What will the U.S.A. have to do to overcome that setback?

Do I bring out the similarity? In 1941 new weapons had yet to be invented or proven.

Radar was in its infancy, there were no atomic bombs, no fleets of airplanes to fill the skies. Those were yet to come proven and placed in service. You wait and see. The minds of all those that have been educated and trained will be applied to projects and efforts as yet not dreamed. Even now we marvel at the electronic and digital age, and how it is applied to communication. "You ain't seen nothing yet!" There will be a blossoming and acceleration of ideas that will be implemented. At thistimelet us just hope that the result will make this a better world for mankind." Mabuhay.

The Friday afternoon parade honored the four Classes celebrating reunions and the Distinguished Graduates, including our own Jack Crawford. Very impressive as always and richly deserved. Many attended a reception afterwards at the Superintendent's quarters for the honorees.

The day concluded with a spectacular crab feast on Kent Island, which atfracted 148 players. Crabs have been in short supply the last two years, but the owners of the Crab House didn't seem to know it as they produced some remarkable specimens. There was also chicken, com on the cob, baked beans and cole slaw, and a choice of desserts for those who don't favor crabs (if you can believe that).

Back at the hotel, we found that the Navy football squad was quartered thereâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a measure introduced for all football games in order to give the squad a chance to relax away from Bancroft Hall and to concentrate on winning the upcoming game. Seeing these young men up close was a plus. They are big, trim, and a credit to the Navy.

Saturday was a beautiful football day and our buffet at the Class of '53 pavilion at the north end of the stadium found everyone in good spirits. We were required to produce ID cards to enter the pavilion area where we found Marines carrying automatic weapons were manning the roof of the pavilion. All those entering the stadium were carefully screened and many did not get to their seats until well into the first half Much to everyone's surprise, three F-16s from NAS Oceana flew over the field just before the kickoff as they have done before every game for several years. Unfortunately, Boston College was not impressed by all the security and took all the bacon.

During the half, the Class was saluted by the stadium announcer who read a tribute penned by Rufe Porter: ThefirstClass to graduate after the outbreak of World War II is back with us today to celebrate its 60th reunion. Only 12 days Shipmate, December 2001

after the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, the Class of '42 left here for the Fleet and threeand-a-half years of Navy and Marine combat operations. During the Battle of Midway, '42 was reported to be the most heavily represented Class. Many ofthe fine young officers of "42 never returned. Others were wounded but survived and some of them are here for the reunion. This famous Class produced leaders in all branches ofthe naval service and in industry as well.

This year, a Distinguished Graduate honor was awarded to one of the outstanding members of "42. The Class ranks are thinning now, but they remain a credit to the Navy and the Academy. This afternoon they are seated together in a lower blue section.

Gentlemen, will you please rise so that we may welcome you.

The 60th Anniversary Recepfion, Banquet, and Gala was everything its planners, Barbara and Dale Reed, had hoped for. With a minimum of speechifying, it w a s possible to thoroughly enjoy the excellent dinner, the music of the Strolling Strings and the wonderful warmth afforded by Classmates and their guests.

Sunday closed out the gathering with chapel services and a brunch at the Officers and Faculty Club. This was a wonderful experience for all those who were able to make the trip and hopefully these words will bring some of the flavor to those who could not attend. I have not attempted to name all who contributed to making the reunion such a success, but would be remiss by failing to acknowledge the hard work Jack Mitchell pit into keeping all of the committee chairs and volunteers who served with them on the same page. It was a masterful job. (He has not volunteered for the 65th, however.) In closing, I want to thank Rufe Porter for a well conceived and executed booklet, "Reflections 1938-2001" he created for the 60th reunion. Calling on the memories of a number of Classmates, Rufe compiled their gentle reflections of long ago, beginning in 1938 and the changes that have transpired since we were Midshipmen, and the legacy by which the Academy will remember the Class of 1942.

A Lost and Found Notice has been provided

by Dale Reed. He is the recipient of an unusual "Indian" fawn colored wampum bag which contains lipstick and a comb found at the crab feast on Friday night and unclaimed at the gala.

Let me know and Dale will return it to the owner.

Returning home from the r e u n i o n , I found a very fancy invitation to attend t h e dedicafion of a building in Titusville, F L , on 25 October. Normally that would fall into the round file since going to Florida two days before my 81st birthday did not fit into my social schedule. However, curiosity got the better of me and I was delighted to learn that Astrotech S p a c e O p e r a t i o n s with w h o m Chet Lee was affiliated when he died, is indeed dedicating their new Spacecraft Processing Facility in his honor. Their newest and largest satellite processing facility is a state-of-the-art complex and gives Astrotech Shipmate, December 2001

enhanced capabilities not found anywhere else in North America.

Bill Engdahl died peacefully in his sleep at the Cornelia Nixon Davis Nursing Home in Wilmington, NC, on 22 September after a long decline in health. A naval aviator, Bill ended his career flying Navy hurricane hunter aircraft and in retirement served as an instructor at a Virginia community college before retiring a second time. He is survived by his two daughters and three grandchildren. His wife of 52 years, Peggy, had preceded him in death.

43

Annual Membership: 32% Life Membership: 54%

Pres: CAPT E. A. Robie, USN (Ret.) 2111 River Crescent Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401 h: 410-224-0850; e: edrobie@aol.com Sec'y: CAPT "Jack" Van Ness Jr., USN (Ret.) 7108 Broxburn Dr., Bethesda, MD 20817 h: 301-320-4564; e: Jvanness43@aol.com She Stories—Part II Going With The Flow Hopefully you will remember that, in the November 2001 column, as we approached the limit of 4,000 words for Class columns, there was not sufficient space for several "She Stories" that would be of great interest to you. So the promise was made that these would be included in the December 2001 column. Here they are, for your reading pleasure!

From Sheryn Scherer A group of '43ers—namely, Kitty and Ed Dankworth, Pat and Dale Cox, Mary Ann and Dewey Struble, Betty and Fred Gressard, and Sheryn and Lee Scherer— were on a spring fling trip to San Francisco, and took a day trip to Napa Valley. After a harrowing journey to get there we visited the Hess Winery, which also houses a first class art exhibit.

The exhibit was on the second floor and we used a glass elevator to go there. Dale Cox was the shepherd, hurrying everyone into the elevator. I was one of the first to get in and was against the glass, as far from the control panel as I could get.

After the door closed, we all stood there.

Dale turned and faced the crowd and made some profound statement like "finally we're all here."

And there we stood until I reminded him he had to press the button. Kitty thanked me for taking such good care of the group, and we went on to other misadventures.

From Peggy Smith Fenton and I were married in the Chapel at Annapolis, and spent our honeymoon in New York, Everett, WA, and San Francisco.

Our honeymoon was extended two weeks while he waited for transportation back to the war zone. While staying at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel we became good friends with the employees at the coffee shop.

The night before Fenton left for the South Pacific, my brother, James, unexpectedly checked into the hotel while we were in the lobby. We embraced and had a great evening.

The next morning Fenton kissed me goodbye and shipped out for Hawaii, so James and I went down to the coffee shop for breakfast.

I smiled at the waiters, cashier, and servers, but none of them would acknowledge us. We sat down for breakfast, but no one would wait on us.

After a half-hour of being ignored, I got up and walked over to the cashier and two waiters.

"What's the matter? Why aren't you serving us? You've been so good, so what is wrong?"

"You're not with your husband" one of them muttered.

"No" I started to cry. "My precious husband left early this morning to go back and fight the war in the Pacific. That man over there is my brother, who arrived just last night and he is headed for the war in the Pacific too."

"Oh" they murmured, "yourbrudder, yeah."

"Yes, my brother He is in the Air Force, and I haven't seen him in over a year, so were we ever surprised when we saw him checking in last night at the hotel. We had a wonderful time last evening as my husband and my brother got to meet and know each other."

"He don't look like your brudder," said one of the waiters.

"But he is my brother...really...trust me.

We grew up together and he is two years older than I am. Come on over and meet him—he is a good guy."

I led them over to our table. I introduced them to my brother, and he assured them that I was his "pip-squeak sister." We all relaxed, and they served us a delicious breakfast, talking and laughing with us, and wishing that my husband had not left so soon.

P.S.—That was the last time I saw my brother. He was killed returning from a bombing raid on Japan.

From Betty McCants In the late '50s, when Tom was exec of the submarine tender HOWARD W. GILMORE,

the wife of the chaplain and I flew to St. Thomas to join our husbands for a beautiful weekend in the Caribbean. One evening the proprietor of a club asked us, very politely, to leave. He felt we intimidated the young customers; he was losing business.

On returning to our hotel, we found we had been locked out. Being always able to handle any situation, the men located a ladder, counted the windows, and the chaplain climbed through the window to unlock the door for us.

We have shuddered for years when we realized what a scandal we could have caused if the chaplain had crawled though the wrong window!

From "Anonymous" Note: This "She Story" was sent in by a Classmate on behalf of his Lady...

My dear wife (of 50 plus years) recently confided to me a dark secret she has nourished and concealed since the Korean War. Here it is.

While deployed to WestPac in the Korean War, I left my wife and two young boys on a Navy Base, living in a half of a Quonset Hut. In the other half was a more senior Naval Academy grad's wife with three boys, whose husband was also deployed.

57

One day my wife observed, in the community laundry, that "Mrs. Senior" ironed all of her husband's skivvies! "Mrs. Senior" allowed that it was just a matter of "love and respect," nothing more or less.

This was not, and has not been, a practice in our household. But shouldn't it be?

Our anonymous Classmate then posed several questions, including: 1. How many Navy wives iron their husband's skivvies? (That's an easy one.)

2. Should Navy wives iron their husband's skivvies? (We'll have strong opinions here!)

3. If not, is this a sign of a lack of "love and respect?" (Stay cool; just answer calmly.)

"She Stories" Closing Note Thus ends our first-ever "She Stories," parts one and two. The writer hopes that you enjoyed this change of pace. Comments pro and con are invited. And a special A-plus for effort to Peg Kirkland.

Lee Scherer Leads The Invasion This interesting story was sent in by Classmate Lee Scherer and is told here in his own words...

My first ship after graduation was EATON (DD-510). We arrived in the Solomon Islands in early 1943. It may have been just a coincidence, but the Japs started their retreat up the "slot" about the time we arrived. Our Classmates on FLETCHER, O'BANNON,

etc.,

had done a superb job in the numerous sea battles of late '42.

Through '43 our forces pushed up the "slot" an island at a time. My main remembrance is of loading ammunition all day and shooting all night. By early November '42 only Bougainville remained. Plans were drawn up for the initial invasion. EATON was to escort six LSTs into Empress Augusta Bay. The charts we had were made by the Dutch, I believe, in 1907. We were informed

that the actual shoreline was about 5 miles further inland.

The admiral came on board to lead the invasion force. He said to our captain: "Give me a junior officer who can be spared." (I guess that the captain immediately thought of me.) My orders were to climb to the yardarm with a telephone and call out the bearings of the coral hears as we passed through the reefs.

The chief radioman and I went up the mast. We tied a pillow on the yardarm and a line around my waist and around the mast. I was given a phone that had been rigged with the longest line I had ever seen, running to a talker on the bridge. It felt like it weighed at least 50 pounds on my neck. The chief left me after cautioning that the cable in front of me carried 440 volts, so not to lean forward, and the line behind was also high voltage, so not to lean backwards either.

So there I wasâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;aloneâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;conning EATON with six LSTs following in our wake. Seeing the coral heads was easy, but I couldn't tell much about the depths below surface as I called out bearings to the bridge.

As we passed slowly through the reefs the ship, or at least the yardarm, had a surprising degree of roll. I had only a narrow view straight down between my knees and I was nearly always over water.

That feeling was replaced by a call on my circuit: "Jap bogie coming down from Rabaul!" I felt like a sitting (and tied down) duck. Fortunately, this bogie was intercepted

by Marine fighters, and we saw no enemy aircraft that day.

As we approached the shorehne, there was no coral. The anchor was dropped only a couple of hundred yards out and I descended.

The LSTs went around us and up onto the beach. There was no enemy fire initially. The

Admiral called away our boat and went ashore. Our orders were to await his return.

As the day wore on, we heard spasmodic gunfire. Apparently the Japs had recovered their initial surprise in mid-afternoon, as suddenly a mortar shell fell close aboard.

Our chief pharmacist mate fell with a large wound in his ample abdomen. He was rushed into the wardroom, which served as an emergency room. But when the wound was uncovered it was discovered that the shrapnel apparentiy had come straight down, but had not penettated the several layers of fat!

Dusk came and still no admiral. In the fading light my lookout perch would be useless going out. Finally the admiral's boat returned and we hoisted anchor. The captain set a straight course out over the reefs and we didn't hit anythingl One might assume my valiant efforts guiding the invasion were unnecessary. I prefer to think the tide came in during the interval. However, I have been disappointed that through the years I have never found a chapter in a war history book headed "Sherer Leads Invasion Force Into Bougainville!"

Until now, Lee, as your gallant leadership related above is sure to go down in history, as is deserved.

We Are Ready As the writer is sure that you know, our Class demonstrates its readiness to take on any challenges by marching each year in the annual Annapolis Memorial Day Parade. Always there, always in step, right behind the band.

Once again, in 2001, '43 was there, including Wes Burnett, Bill Busik, Fred Feamow, Dick Lazenby, Jim Oliver, Les Heselton, Dave Holmes, Jack Barrett (all the way from the West Coast), Ed Robie, Bernie Frese, BUI Newlon, Det Detweiler, and Honorary Classmate, former Mayor Hopkins.

Two photos taken of this important appearance will be of great interest to you. The first is of our marching contingent, with Classmate Jack Barrett, in "West Coast Uniform" of white trousers and light blue blazer. The second, of five of our Classmates, resulted in a frap for.. .(gasp).. ."hands in pockets."

The William B. Kirklands A Committal Service was held on 5 September 2001 at the Columbarium at the Naval Academy for Peg and Bill JGrkland.

The two were laid to rest on a beautiful early autumn day, the anniversary of their marriage many years ago.

Robert McChesney McConnell Jr. Our Classmate Bob McConnell departed our ranks on 14 September 2001, in Jacksonville.

He leaves behind his beloved and devoted wife of 57 years, Mary, two sons, two daught e r s , p l u s nine g r a n d c h i l d r e n , and five great-grandchildren. A m e m o r i a l service was held in Christ Episcopal Church, Ponte V e d r a , on 20 S e p t e m b e r , f o l l o w e d by i n u r n m e n t in t h e N a v a l Academy Columbarium on 25 S e p t e m b e r 2 0 0 1 .

Bob was well known within our Class as a man of "deeds, not words." He survived the sinking of HORNET, only months after our

58

Shipmate, December 2001

graduation, and served the nation in aviation assignments for 22 years. Classmate Charlie Cooper served with Bob on HORNET, and recalls: We both went to HORNET in Pearl after graduation, and I got to know Bob well, even though for only the few months until HORNET was sunk. He was a wonderful shipmate, a genuine nice guy, and I have always had the highest admiration and respect for him. I never met a more likeable guy. His legend lives on in the wonderful McConnell family.

In 1939, Bob, Jim Oliver, Jim Aller, and Lou lUttle formed a four-man room, and all four survived wars, accidents, and illnesses, unfil Bob's death.

When asked about Bob, Jim Oliver said: Bob and I first met while standing next to each other in line, waiting for our physical exam in the attic of Bancroft Hall. We agreed to become roommates, and remained so until the day we graduated. We never had a single argument. He was a perfect roommate.

Jim Aller said of Bob: He was always both short with words and eager to do his duty. When he survived the sinking of HORNET, with immediate assignment to ENTERPRISE, he did not make a big deal of it. Just reported to his future bride in a censored letter: "Note change of address." He was a man of accomplishments—not boasting.

Lou Tuttle remembers Bob with these words: Bob McConnell was the silent one in our four-man room. He kept his own council, but always had great and solid ideas when pressed. This silence was even more apparent to us roommates after he married—Mary kept saying "As Bob always says"—we still wonder when he said it, as he did not talk much in large gatherings.

Viola S. Budding Viola Budding, devoted and beloved wife of 57 years of our Classmate Bill Budding, died on 15 August 2001, in Mystic, CT, after a long illness. Better known to her many friends as "Vi", she leaves behind, in addition to Bill, a daughter, a son, and one grandchild. A funeral service was held in Mystic on 21 August followed by burial the next day.

Vi was a longtime volunteer at the Mystic Seaport, an avid golfer and bridge player, as well as being a basket weaver and collector of antiques.

Her long-time friend, Anne Mowell, said of Vi: "She was a true friend—beloved by all who knew her."

Andrew Karl Simmons Just as the deadline for forwarding this column to Shipmate approached, we learned of the unexpected death of our Classmate "Andy" Simmons. Andy passed away unexpectedly and p e a c e f u l l y from natural causes on 21 September 2 0 0 1 , in Kerrville, TX. A memorial service, including military honors, was held in Kerrville on 1 October 2001. His remains were cremated and will be sprinkled over the Pacific Ocean at a date yet to be determined.

Shipmate, December 2001

Andy leaves behind his beloved and devoted wife, Mary, four sons, two daughters, 11 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two other children.

Eleanor Buckwalter Just as this column was being prepared for mailing to Shipmate, word was received that a committal service for Eleanor was scheduled to be held on 8 October 2001 at the USNA Columbarium. (Eleanor's death was reported previously in the September column.)

Sixty Countdown As this is written in early September 2001, 205 Classmates and wives have registered and paid $50 deposits. Fifty-nine Classmates and wives who indicated their intention in the May 2001 Survey to attend the Reunion have not yet sent in their registration form.

But it is still not too late. In January 2002 you should receive the final Reunion Program with sign-up forms and costs.

Some of you have asked about the planned USNA tours. One covers classroom and laboratories, including the towing basin, electrical/electronic labs, computer resources, and the wind tunnel. Also there is some discussion of our day, and present day.

Midshipman activities. Another tour covers the Yard, including the Chapel, monuments, and buildings. Then there is the Museum tour. The Museum has been enlarged and modernized and is well worth a visit. It is located near the O'Club.

See you at the reunion!

Fred Fearnotv, Chairman President's Comments Dear Classmates, By the time you receive this issue of Shipmate only six months will remain on the current three-year term for the present Class officers. Our By-laws state: "At least four months prior to any election of Officers or Directors, the President shall appoint an ad hoc Election Committee consisting of three members in good standing who shall: (a) Make and report nominations of Officers and Directors in accordance with Article V. (b) Prepare ballots. (c) See to the distribution of ballots to the members. (d) Receive and tally the ballots and report the results to the Board of Directors.

Article V covers Nomination of Officers and states the following: (1) Nomination of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the three additional members of the Board of Directors shall be made to the Election Committee of the Association in any of the following methods: (a) Nomination by ten members of the Association. (b) Selection by a Nominating Committee appointed from members of the Association by the President, excluding all members of the Board of Directors.

Having said all of the above, our present term is completed 1 July 2001 so a Nominating Committee should be in place no later than 1 February 2002. If any of you have suggestions for those to sit on this Committee, please let me know; otherwise I shall appoint them.

Ed Robie, President

Closing This Column This column is being written in the last half of September. As we will all remember for the rest of our days, it was during this period that the nation was recovering from the terrible, unexpected attack by terrorists. It was a time to count your friends and face your enemy.

It was during this fime that Classmate Joe Gould sent in an email, originated on/about mid-September 2001, rifled: "Letter From An Ensign At Sea To His Dad." It fit the fimes perfectly, and your writer shares it with you (edited just a bit to fit): We are still out at sea. Our port visits have all been cancelled. We have spent every day since the attacks standing high security watches, and trying to make the best of our time.

About two hours ago the junior officers were called to the bridge to conduct shiphandling drills. We were about to do a Man Overboard drill when we got a call from LUTJENS, a German warship that was moored ahead of us on the pier in Plymouth, England. While in port WINSTON S. CHURCHILL and LUTJENS got together for a sports day/ cookout on our fantail, and we made some pretty good friends.

Now at sea they called over on the Bridgeto-Bridge, requesting to pass us close up on our port side, to say goodbye. We prepared to render them honors, and our Captain told our crew to come topside to wish them farewell.

As they were making their approach, our Conning Officer announced through her binoculars that they were flying an American flag. As they came even closer, we saw that it was flying at half-mast.

Our bridge was crowded with people as the boatswain's mate blew two whistles— Attention to Port, the ship came up alongside and we saw that the entire crew of the German ship were manning the rails, in their dress blues. They had made up a sign that was displayed on the side that read: "We Stand By You." Needless to say there was not a dry eye on the bridge, as they stayed alongside us for a few minutes and we cut our salutes. It was probably the most powerful thing I have seen in my entire life, and more than a few of us fought to retain our composure.

We could not have asked for a finer day at sea.

That's '43 Family For Today And Proud To Be '43

Show your Navy spirit_with

Party in a

Great for any USNA gathering! .•

w

See page 14 for rnoredetaii 59

44

Annual Membership: 30% Life Membership: 51%

Pres: Fred Schnurr Washington Rep: CAPT Charlie Rozier, USN (Ret.) Sec'y: CAPT Bill Bennett, USN (Ret.) 46910 Grissom St., Potomac Falls, VA20165-3576 h: 703-404-4882; e: boppab@earthlink.net How does one get his mind in gear to write so soon after the 11 September tragedy? It's not easy! But after several prayers for all who lost their lives in this terrorist attack, here goes— Our monthly Headquarters Chapter luncheon was held at Army-Navy Country Club just four days before the terrorist attack so, the air was full of joviality. The pictures show us laughing, which a lot of us haven't done since

the 11th. Sea stories and good old fashioned baloney was being exchanged with pre-luncheon cocktails as can be seen in the photo.

Some of the other attendees appear in the next picture—Randy King, Margie King, Bill Alexander, Dawn Walter, and yours truly making the plea for printable stories and pictures to a table at which sat Mary Henderson (with pearls), Kit Carson, Walt Moore, me, Charlie Rozier, Joe Jennings, Tom Reese, and Dick Faubion.

There were ten wives, one widow and 20 Classmates in attendance and the quiche was delicious!

Our Class pharmacist, Vince Cassani, shows the way he takes care of all his Classmates wives when they come to Bethesda Naval Hospital.

Dawn Walter doesn't seem to mind a bit. We also have him to thank for making the arrangements at the club for this monthly affair.

In a letter from John Burke, he says: Louise and I flew to Denver in June for the graduation from high school of the oldest of my eight grandchildren. On Sunday, 3 June, we had a brunch at the Inverness Hotel, where we were staying. We were joined by my daughter and her husband, and by one of my roommates, Ray Ford his wife, Fran.

Dawn Walter and Vince Cassani

'44; L to r; Bucky Walters, Stan Henderson, Gene Walter, Bill Bennett, Charlie Rozier, and Jack Godfrey

By means of an exchange of several emails Lillian tells me that Tom Brown is having his problems.

He still does not accept his disability, and he will not do anything on the computer, even though I have it set up for voice command. He would not work to get his voice programmed in. I guess just send messages to me and I will print them out and give them to him to read. There is a question as to how well he reads because of several reasons, one, he has holes in his sight, two, he does not go to the left side of the page to begin the line of reading. His anxiety has increased.

It might be good to let his Classmates know how he is. He looks the same on the outside, inside is a different story.

Our prayers are with you, Tom! In his normal reliable way Art Battson supplied me with many pictures taken at the Sub Vets World War II Convention in St. Louis.

Attending the '44 luncheon were G.B. Adams, Mary Louise Hailey, Pete Hailey, Bill Burlin, Peg Burlin, Art Battson, Charlotte Miller and Hank Hansen (Charlotte is Hank's caretaker).

Also, Lloyd Yeich and O.B. Adams attended.

'44; L to r; Randy King, Margie King, Bill Alexander, and Dawn Walter

Lloyd Yeich, and O.B. Adams

'44: Clockwise around the table starting with Bill Bennett (standing), Charlie Rozier, Joe Jennings, Tom Reese, Dick Faubion, Mary Henderson, Kit Carson, and Walt Moore 60

This luncheon was held in an oyster bar, which served Cajun style New Orleans food, where several of these people ordered and ate alligator—repeat alligator. In the evening Elaine DeBuhr (widow of Cal DeBuhr, a sub school Classmate), her daughter. Heather

Shipmate, December 2001

t

I

'44: L to n O.B. Adams, Mary Louise and Pete Hailey, Bill and Peg Burlin, Art Battson, Charlotte Miller, and Hank Hansen

'44 L to r; Elaine DeBuhr. Heather Anderson, Roz Battson, Pete and Mary Louise Hailey, and Art Battson

Anderson, Roz Battson, Pete Hailey, Mary Louise Hailey, and Art attended the banquet.

A great time was had by all! It was unfortunate that, while Trudy and Walt Chadwick were waiting for the plane in Pittsburgh to go to St. Louis, Trudy became ill. Since they did not show up later, I will have to report more at a later date.

Since Art's note was dated 1 September and it said "recently," I assume that Ev and Gov Ward visited the Battsons at their cabin on Lake Cuchman, Hoodsport, WA, in August where this photo was taken.

Shipmate, December 2001

Art Battson, Ev and Gov Ward

A welcome note from Evelyn Cox related her most recent disappointment: Due to the recent turn of events, I was unable to fly to Iowa for a very important event called "The Iowa Walk of Fame." On 22 September in Shenandoah, lA, there were

festivities including speeches honoring their heros of Southwest Iowa; a parade, and three or four city blocks with plaques with the names of the honored. Vance Cox is on a plaque with two other admirals. Ken Carlson '63 and John Scott Redd '66.

She added that she hopes to make the trip to Iowa next year and take the "Walk of Fame."

That's greatâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;another Classmate honored!

When Don Miller was Walt Honour's guest they won first place in their flight at the threeday North Carolina, High Country golf tournament. George Talley has also been his guest.

This year, as in the last six years, Walt invited his son, Craig (refired navy captain). Each of these years they have been "bridesmaids for the big prize money but always managed to win a little to bolster our self respect." Walt was writing to me during the tourney and related that they were victorious over Gen John Casley '45, and Col Byron Green USMA'46, as they made a clean sweep this year and climbed the ladder to the winners circle. Great!

Maybe Vince Cassani and I will challenge you.

Walt's main purpose in writing to me was to inform us that he and Bobbie Sue are moving into Fleet Landing in Atlantic Beach, FL, on 1 October 2001 to join other Classmates who are already living there. Those Classmates and spouses there include Bill Chapman, Ruth and Bill Payne, and Arlene and Jim Wish. The Honour's new address will be: 5203 Antares Court, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233; 904-242-8942.

A very sad telephone call was received from Maury Hartle on 6 September 2001.

He informed me that Suzanne, his beautiful and loving wife of fifty-eight years, had passed away that morning in San Antonio, TX. Luckily, five of their seven children were with Maury when he called. She had been ill with colon cancer for over a year and also had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. A Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on 10 September.

Also, there was a memorial service in St. Andrew's followed by inurnment in the Columbarium at the U.S. Naval Academy. Our thoughts and prayers are for her and with you and the children, Maury. God Bless! Isn't it strange that both she and her twin brother, Dick DePrez, would die within a few months of each other?

Via email Chuck Wales informed us that Dr. Thomas Stanley Westcott, his roommate at USNA, died on 11 September 2001 in Pardeeville, WI. Other information is not available at publicafion fime.

As I said above, it is difficult to think happy times during these sad times when so many have lost their loved ones. Since this issue will be the Christmas season issue, I do want to wish each of you a very happy and holy Christmas and above all make it merry to show those terrorists that we will not be overthrown by such inhumane tactics. Freedom will survive! â&#x20AC;&#x201D;wlb

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45

Annual Membership: 26% Life Membership: 53%

Pres: CDR L. B. Findly, USN (Ret.) 6009 Oakdale Road, McLean, VA 22101-3334 h: 703-536-4781 Corr. Sec'y: CDR Robert O. Sherman, USN (Ret.) 4208 Ormond Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304-1621 h: 703-370-5867; e: rosherm@aol.com I ask your indulgence and forbearance for this month's foreshortened and, yes, inadequate column. As I write, some ten days after the abhorrent attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the nation still reels from the shock. We are now in a period of somber reflection while girding ourselves to right that odious wrong. The somberness that has gripped each and all has apparently reduced providing news for our column to that of small import; no newsfromthe Class has been received this month.

Perhaps news might still have been forthcoming but the time period for this month has been reduced. I leave shortly to accompany Al Blackburn on a trip to Bend, OR, there to pick up his new airplane, a Lancair Columbia 300. It was to be a joyous return that was to be extended as need be to visit Classmates along the way and out ofthe way.

We now plan to return expeditiously, in time, I hope, to attend memorial services at the Academy for Buck Oden.

Fortunately, Bill Hoover, Dutchy Ellenberger, and ADM William Lawrence have provided material now secreted in a backup file. This column draws upon material from Bill Hoover.

After the inurnment service for Jackie Thorsby, Bill Hoover invited those of us attending to his home. When departing Bill's home via the garage, I spotted a form beneath a canvas cover akin to a Jaguar XK-120, but not exactly "What is that. Bill?" Bill took off the wraps and proudly showed the Glasspar G-2, a kit car he built.

What you ask is a G-2? If you visit the National Museum of American History, you may see only a hand-full of automobiles deemed to be of great significance, including a curved-dash Olds, a Model T Ford, a Corvette, and a G-2.

The G-2 is an original design that paved the way for the kit car industry and pioneered the use of fiberglass in automobile construction.

As described in Kit Car magazine, in 1953 Bill Hoover—a young naval aviator flying Corsairs and jet fighters—wanted an imported sports car, until he heard about a car that you could build yourself Although he hadn't met Bell Tritt, the car designer, he purchased a G-2 body and frame kit and had it running by 1954.

Bill used the best parts available starting with a '41 Mercury convertible from which he pirated the suspension, brakes, steering, and gearbox. The Mercury three-speed transmission was used with a two-speed Columbia rear axle. A new '53 Ford Flathead V-8 was purchased for $300 and then chocked full of speed parts. Weiand 8.5:1 heads were fitted, along with a Weiand dual-carb, aluminum-intake manifold sporting twin Stromberg 97s. An Isky Sportsman cam with Lincoln valve springs and adjustable tappets upped performance and gave it an evil lope. A Mallory dualpoint distributor provided the spark and a 16-quart

'45: On hand for the Smithsonian induction celebration with Carolyn and Bill Hoover were Carol Jean. Greg Tritt, Glasspar designer Bill Tritt, G-2 donor Dale Dutton, Glasspar Registry keepers Jean and Joy Poirier, and Kit Car correspondent team Shelley and Harold Pace—all posing for photos prior to taking turns at the wheel of Bill's stunning car

62

radiator kept it cool. A set of Ford KelseyHayes wire wheels with hubcaps contributed to the sporting character.

The car literally bristles with custom touches, such as a stainless steel dashboard, Stewart-Warner instruments, removable hardtop. '40 Lincoln Zephyr bumpers, and custom-fabricated tail-pipe housings.

Bill acted as technical advisor when the G-2 was inducted into the Smithsonian, and hosted at his home those participating in the ceremony.

So Bill, why weren't you out chasing the girls, as every young naval aviator wants to do? "I wooed Carolyn in this car." Now you can understand why, although Bill rarely drives it, he keeps his cherished G-2 under wraps in his garage.

46

Annual Membership: 26% Life Membership: 51%

Pres: VADM C. H. Griffiths, USN (Ret.) e: griffc@bellatiantic.net Vice Pres: CAPT James W. Foust, USN (Ret.) e: jameswfoust@aol.com Treas: CAPT Wils F. Engel, USN (Ret.) 6807 Rosewood St., Annandale, VA 22003 h: 703-256-5832; e:wengel@bellatlantic.net Sec'y: Clete Kennelly 7911 Sleaford Place, Bethesda, MD 20814-4625 h: 301-654-7315; e: budkennelly@aol.com Corr. Sec'y: CAPT Ed Ellis, USN (Ret.) 5229 Barstow St., San Diego, CA 92117-2202 h: 858-278-8665; f: 858-576-0979 e: edmhe@aol.com Al Bowen (2) asked me if the Alumni Association could post the entire address list on their Web site. The answer is yes and it's been done. It was reported in the "All Hands" section ofthe January-February 2001 issue of Shipmate in an article titled "Alumni On-Line Lookup." Because I suspect that very few people still have that issue, I quote: The Alumni Association is pleased to announce a new feature available through the www.usna.com Web site. All Naval Academy Alumni will now be able to go online to look up their Classmates and other Alumni through the new Alumni Online Lookup program. The service wiU be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Adhering to our "privacy policy" (which is accessible on the Web site), this service and the Alumni information will be available only to Naval Academy Alumni.

To access this new service, you must register on the Association's Web site with your unique register number and PIN. If you are a current life or annual Alumni member of the Alumni Association, both numbers are located above your address on your Shipmate magazine mailing label. If you are not a member, you can contact Member Services at 410-263-4448 to acquire this information.

The Greater San Diego Group held their third quarteriy luncheon on 26 September 2001 in the Loggia Room, one of two banquet rooms, on the second deck of the relatively newly refurbished and seismically retro-fitted Shipmate, December 2001

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El Prado Restaurant in the Hospitality Center in the heart of Balboa Park. Attendees were Chic Bowling (8); Janet and Ted Dibble (18), from Thousand Oaks; Dona and Bert Decker (18); Harriett and Ed Ellis (7), our hosts; Fran and Bob Gautier (7); Bob Gorton (5); Bill Henningsen (16), Westlake Village; Jessie and Luke Maples (20), SantaAna; Flossie and Luke Mayes (9); Arlene and Corliss Nugent (2); Bea and George Pavis (19); Connie and Harmon Penny (14); Lil and Al Thomas (4); Harry Watson (7); Bob Wertheim (7); Shiriey and Bob Williamson (2); and our visitors from Williamsburg, VA, Maria and Joe Winslow (5).

Additionally, we were particularly pleased that the following unaccompanied ladies graced our party Rita Furland, widow of Fred Furland (5); Ann Lindsay, widow of Bob Lindsay (7); Peggy Peck, widow of Bill Peck (16); and, Bobbie Piehl, widow of Bob Pieihl (8). We've missed them at recent luncheons.

The Reverend Bill Eamhart, who had led the Remembrance Service at our 55th attended as the guest of our host. On this day, he said grace after Ed Ellis (7) led us in the "Pledge of Allegiance." We had a delightful luncheon starting with baby spoon spinach salad, followed by entrees, a choice between herb breaded chicken milanese and rum-glazed Mahi Mahi filet. Dessert was seasonal berries and fruits in a phyllo basket. Everything was delicious, made more so by the outstanding service and presentation.

After everyone had eaten, Ed Ellis brought them up to date on Alumni matters and read a portion of an email "Annapolis, our CoUegetown" written by Susan Reimer, Baltimore Sun columnist, deaUng with the closing of the Academy to the people of Annapolis because of the heightened security measures following the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. He also announced that our local Army-Navy game party will be held at the Herk Camps' (7) in DelMar and that a flyer will be forthcoming with food assignments and directions to the party site.

Additionally, he passed out copies of the list of names of Classmates who have formally requested additional information on the 57th and a half Reunion (Mississippi River Cruise).

As is our custom at these luncheons, thanks to

the largesse of our own local vintner, Bob Gautier (7), we drew numbers, matched separately against the luncheon registration list, for six bottles of wine from the Gautier Cellars. Our guest from Williamsburg won the last botUe. The accompanying photo shows (left to right) Ed Ellis, Maria Winslow, Joe Winslow, Fran Gautier, and Bob Gautier taken after the luncheon. Yes, that's right, Ed's got a beaid.

He's had it for four months. So, now it appears to be a fixture.

I announce with deep sorrow the death of Joseph "Joe" Casmer Bakos (3), on 12 September 2001 in Naples, FL. He was bom in Poland and came to the United States as a young child. A Memorial Mass was celebrated at St. William Catholic Church in Naples. He is survived by his wife, Julie, who resides at 120 Moorings Park Drive (Apt G-104), Naples, FL 34105-2169, his brother, Arthur, and numerous nieces and nephews. The sympathies of the Class are extended to Julie and his other survivors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Moorings Park Foundation, Inc, to the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, Class of 1946 or to a charity of choice.

The following have requested additional information on the 57th and a half Reunion and appropriate information has been mailed to them: Marilyn and Bruce Althoff (1), Annapolis, MD; Mary Jean and Kenneth E. Anderson (3), Baltimore, MD; Nancy and Vince Bacon (11), San Diego, CA; Jo and Art Bennett (16), Big Bay, MI (akbenn@ starband.net); Stuart Beyer (3), Schenectady, NY; Delly and Al Bowen (10), Annapohs, MD (abowen@aol.com) Geoi^e"Bud" Clark (18), Sioux City, lA (gtclarkl @aol.com); Charles A. Cox (8), Minneapolis, MN; Dona and Bert Decker (18), San Diego, CA; Janet and Ted Dibble (18), Thousand Oaks, CA; Joe Dolan (12), Walnut Creek, CA (joedolan@ mymailstation.com); Fran Dougherty (18), Charleston, SC; Flo and Louis Duersterburg (20), Mishawaka, IN; Carol and Granville Dutton (1), Dallas, TX; Harriett and Ed ElUs (7) (edmhe@aol.com), San Diego, CA; Pris and Jim Foust (7), Annapolis, MD (jameswfoust @aol.com); Fran and Bob Gautier (7), San Diego, CA (rhgautier@aol.com); Peg and Hoot

Gibson (6), Clearwater, FL (jgib731@ aol.com); Gloria and Dan Good (10), Colorado Springs, CO (dan4gloria@aol.com): Bob Gorton (5), San Diego, CA; Jean and Tbck Huey (1), Louisville, CO; Mrs. John A. Jandrall (Phebe) (10), Morro Bay, CA; Jerrie and Lucky Jordan (16), Vienna, VA (edwardjordfan@tcs.wap.org); Mary and Frank King (12), Diamond Head, MS; Bob Leuschner (15), Powell, WY; Sue and Ernie Litty (2), Naples, FL (quechee5@aol.com); Benny and Ken Lyons (14), Portsmouth, RI; Jane and Tom McCook (16), Cape Coral, FL; Barbara and Art Morrow (16), Dataw Island, SC (artbarb@sic.net); Arlene and Corliss Nugent (2), San Diego, CA (cnugent478)@ aol,com); Bob Phillips (13), Jacksonville Beach, FL (rphillips@uno.com); Mrs. Phillip Plummer (Kathleen) (10), Toluca Lake, CA; Virginia and Hallie Rice (15), Easton, MD (halliep@email.msn.com); Jane and Dick Richardson (19), Onancock, VA; Robbie and Trish Robertson (14), Durham, NC; Nonie and Joe Skoog (12), Issaquah, WA; Mrs Robert D. Thompson (Jan) (19), San Diego, CA; Mary and Carl Travis (17), Dallas, TX (wct22 @aol.com); Jerry and Hank Waddell (19), Cocoa Beach, FL (hwaddell@aol.com); Jean and Bud Willett (17), Anniston, AL; Maria and Joe Winslow (5), Fredricksburg, VA (mwinslow@bigplanet.com); and, Lillann and Stan Zipser (4), Carlsbad, CA (esszee@ utm.net). In addition, it appears that Joy Lewis, daughter of Ed Ellis, and her husband, Richard, and Gayle Watring, daughter of Fran and Bob Gautier, and her husband, Jim, will join us. Some ofthe foregoing have paid their fares and have cabins assigned. How long will we take reservations? As long as suitable cabins are available. Remember we're in competition with the public at large for cabins.

A separate hst ofthe foregoing, with addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses will be sent only to those who have expressed an interest in the Reunion/Cruise. The letter forwarding this information will also include thoughts on possible pre and post cruise Class activities. Members of the '46 family who do not plan to take the cruise, are welcome to join us in Memphis before the cruise and in New Orleans after the cruise. At this point, we think that might be a reception and, perhaps, a dinner the night before sailing in Memphis (1 November) and something similar the night of arrival in New Orleans (9 November). It's too early for any specifics on this. But, as these thoughts develop they will be included in this column.

Future Events The monthly luncheon of the Greater Washington, DC Group at the Army-Navy Country Club on the third Friday of each month. Call Wils Engel (4) for information.

The Greater San Diego Area Group ArmyNavy game party at the Herk Camps' (7) in Del Mar, C A, on Saturday, 1 December 2001. A flyer will be forthcoming. If you didn't get a flyer call Ed Ellis (7) for information and BeatArmy\

'46: Some luncheon attendees Shipmate, December 2001

63

47

Annual Membership: 24% Life Membership: 61%

Pres: VADM John G. "Jake" Finneran, USN (Ret.) Sec'y: Chester H. "Chet" Shaddeau Jr. 1972 Scott's Crossing Way, Apt. #002 AnnapoHs, MD 21401 h: 410-224-5890; f: 410-224-7613 e: stadir@erols.com Apotheosis Jake Finneran reports: Jim Doyle, Vernon Weaver, PG Miller, and I, with spouses, attended the Parade and Reception on Friday, 21 September for the newly-selected USNA Distinguished Graduates, which honored Jim Stockdale and Bill Crowe as two of the five honorees. The whole event was done with great style. The Parade was probably the best performance by the Midshipmen I have witnessed in recent years. I was particularly moved by the overwhelming and rousing "three cheers"

rendered by the Brigade to the honorees. One other highlight was the presence of a number of Jim's former "Hanoi Hilton" shipmates and the obvious devotion they have towards him and Sybil.

On Saturday 22 September, the celebration continued at the football stadium; the DGA honorees appeared at mid-field at the start of the Boston College game, for recognition by the fans. In addition, at halftime Dick Duden was introduced to the fans and received his formal award as the latest entry into the Football Hall of Fame. Navy lost 38-21, but it was the best-played game of the season.

It was a great two days for '47—still the Best on the Severn. Regards to all. Jake F. Final Honors We are grieved by the loss of The Rev. George Morgan Sheldon, whose death was reported to us by his wife Joan. An obituary appears in Last Call. And we share the grief of Shirley and Dick Beane, whose daughter Ruth died of cancer at Bethesda in September.

'47; At the 55th; Bobbie Barker and Rich Crane Share a laugh

'47; At the 55th: OUie and Millie Loper at breakfast

Ruthie was the wife of CAPT Dan Sigg '77.

The ashes of John "Cab" Callaway were inurned in services at the Naval Academy C o l u m b a r i u m on 19 October. We join in sympathy with all t h e s e m e m b e r s of our Class "family."

On The Road Again Here's a letter from Walker Larimer '52, COL USAF (Ret): I have the pleasure to advise you that a number of USNA and USMA graduates and their wives seized the oppormnity to take a classic Rhine, Mosel, and Neckar river cruise offered from 10 to 19 August by the USNA Alumni Association in collaboration with INTRAV. The attached photo (see nearby) shows all five Naval Academy Graduates, including the two from the Class of 1947, and the one from USMA. The river cruise was taken on the very comfortable MS Switzerland II, of Swiss registry, which can accommodate 102 passengers and is especially designed for cruising in shallow European river waters and under very low bridges. The atmosphere on board was very casual and friendly—no formal evenings, Broadway shows, or gambling casino. It can truthfully be characterized as being like a cozy home bringing Europe's great river history to your front door. A great time was had by all. The service and food was excellent, and the tour included interesting and colorful stops at Amsterdam, Arnhem, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Koblenz, Cochem, Boppard, Rudesheim, Mainz, Heidelberg, Speyer, Baden-Baden, the Black Forest, and Strasbourg. All the available cabins, except those designated for the crew, were occupied by American citizens; however, I was surprised to find that only five USNA graduates signed up for this cruise.

Perhaps our graduates prefer big cruise ships and deeper waters, but they missed a great cmise and a lot of fantastic scenery. This was one of the best cruises my wife and I have ever taken. Sincerely, Walker Larimer Lou Marckesano writes from Fort Pierce, FL: Ellen and I toured eastern Canada in August and had arranged a rendezvous with Shirley and Dick Beane at Rockport in the Thousand Island area of the St. Lawrence.

They joined our tour for lunch and the boatride among the islands. Having a home on one of the islands, they made wonderful guides and our tour group enjoyed their firsthand knowledge of the area.

After goodbyes we boarded our bus for Toronto—and about five miles down the road there were the Beanes—and their sign—which the enclosed picture documents.

We echo the sentiment—"BeatArmy\" Lou. In a quick note from New Orleans, George Grove tells us: ...here are a set of picmres {we printed only one CHS) I took when I stopped in Plains to see where our Classmate grew up. Not so much different from where I now live in Northern Vermont, but a world apart from where I grew up. I'm glad I stopped to see it. Best. George.

'47; At the 55th: Bernie and Ed Scoles—sitting next to Lopers at breakfast

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Shipmate, December 2001

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This historical marker at Plains. GA. photographed by George Grove, sums up the story pretty well

The Way We Were The nearby group picture of the mids in whites with their drags pictures the stalwarts of the 17th Company in the garden of their "Snake Ranch" in Annapolis during June Week of 1945. Joe Adelman. who supplied the picture, has identified almost all the mids, but says you are on your own as to ID'ing drags! Do you see anybody you know? Kneeling are one UD (Unidenfified Drag), Bob Roche, and Adelman's drag. Mary Minzer. Standing, first row are Bob Goldsborough and his future wife, two UDs, Rick Haney, three more UDs and one unidentified Mid. Standing second row, Paul Ratte '46, Al Maynard, Ed O'Callaghan, Joe Adelman, D.J. Roberts, and final UD. Do any former drags who are now wives recognize themselves?

Proud Papa Department The General's wife asked my son, Robert, if his parents were coming to Germany for his promotion, writes Jim Hatch. Robert is our youngest son, and asked me to wear my "choker" whites. I tried the uniform on and it fit perfectiy! I bought the uniform fifteen years ago when Robert was commissioned Ensign, upon graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The promotion ceremony and reception were at Robert's duty station, the U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. There were over 100 people at the ceremony, presided over by an Air Force General, as I swore Robert in as a Commander.

While we were in Germany, Robert and Eneida took Lynn and me on tours of Heidelberg Castie, the spas at Baden-Baden, and King Ludwig's CasUe. We spent six days in Germany—great food and good German beer.

Lynn and I then flew to Paris, where we toured Givemy (Monet's home and gardens), Chartres, Fontainebleau, and the Musee d'Orsay—all fabulous. We celebrated our 49th wedding anniversary with dinner at the InterContinental Hotel, 234 Rue de Rivoli, and I got a chance to use my French on the great food and excellent French wines before we flew home to Atianta.

Quick Takes Had a very welcome phone visit with Vem Dupy, who among other things reports that his Shipmate, December 2001

'47: June Week 1945 m the 17th Company—see The Way We Were for further details

'47; 1 to r on board MS Switzerland II: Don Wallace, Burce Hoefer, Tom Herren, USMA '55, Walt Larimer, '52, Karl Thiel, '48. and Brock Barkley, '49

'47; An unidentified rooter (at left) helps Dick and .Shirley Beane preach the un\amished word as the bus rolls by to Toronto

'47; L to r at the Hickam AFB Par 3 golf course, Ralph Barnard, Davey Crockett, Bruce Smith, and Tom Hudner celebrated Tom's recent visit to Hawaii 65

through the storms. He was unable to get a relight on either engine, so at about 5,000 feet, or so he directed his two crewmen to bail out, which they both did safely. The A-3 was designed with no ejection seats. Bailout was through the entry door in the bottom of the fuselage, and John did not get out. The date on the account is about right—I was on the West Coast at the time, so my recollection is based on hearsay, lyier Dedman may be able to validate this, as he was flying A-3s in heavy attack at the time. Maybe it does not matter.

John was a great guy and a severe loss to the Navy and the Class.

Amante Carlquist provides pictures and text this month.

'47; Pork Chops abound, and so do smiles, as Jim Hatch swears in his son, CDR Robert Hatch SC, USN, upon his promotion to that grade confreres in Naples (FL) area are looking forward to an appearance and talk later this fall

by Stan T\imer...Davey Crockett, enroute through the area on a Mainland visit, will be back in Hawaii by now. John Prehn and his Mary will very shortly be departing from their lovely "Magnolia House", where they have for so long been a vital part of downtown Annapolis, and will move to nearby Ginger Cove. He also pointed out that the magnificent cover photo of the Bancroft Rotunda on October's Shipmate was in fact the work of a John Prehn, as credited, but it was by his son John Prehn HI, '72. not old Dad!... I had occasion the other day to talk with Dorothy Williams, Jack Williams' widow, in Washington State. She reports all's well, and sends regards.. .1 had a long and interesting letter from W i l b u m D. (Bill) Murphy, which transmitted a batch of floppy disks containing pictures of '47 Classmates on board ANTIETAM in '47. My lack of computer skills being what it is, I ' m getting help with opening them, but then, look out Kiser, Rossi, Yuengling, et al.!... Jerry Lenihan wrote regarding the rumbles favoring a "fifty-seven-and-a-halfth" to recommend consideration of group travel by train—Amtrak and/or Canadian Railways, with stopoffs. Any comment or other ideas would be welcomed, and this is your forum...Only a few days left before the trip to Philadelphia, so echoing Lou M a r c k e s a n o in his letter a b o v e , B E A T ARMY! — C H S

Show your Navy spirit with

Party in a Bag. Great for any USNA gathering!

See page 14 for more details.

66

48

Membership: 22% Life Membership: 53%

Lee Strong, Bill Carpenter, and Roger Carlquist

Sec'y: CDR Sumner K. Moore, USN (Ret.) 308 Mansion Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 h: 703-549-8739; e: sk48moore@aol.com AU of our lives have changed as of 11 September, but I suspect that for us seasoned citizens of the Navy persuasion, our lives will be less likely to swerve much. We patriarchs will be more concerned with our families than to having to shore up our own personal fortunes and affairs. I am not privy to any dope other than what I hear from you out there, or t h r o u g h g e n e r a l a n n o u n c e m e n t s by the Alumni Association, but I am not aware of any major direct effects on Classmates by the events of 11 September. Please keep in touch by email, phone, or letter, keeping in mind that there is still a delay of almost two months between what I send to Shipmate and what you read.

This column may be a bit skinny. Not much news from the field. Also, I am suffering the results of having my hard drive on my threeyear old computer crash without warning, taking with it everything except some old files I backed up a year ago. Gone are the nice programs I had begged, borrowed, stolen, plus the entire AOL edifice and everything it contained. Some email addresses gone forever.

I have pretty much restored the machine, but those departed files, well...

Walt Spangenberg comes in with more on the Classmates lost in an operational duty status.

He reflects on his memories regarding John Sangster's death: My recollection is something of a hero story—John was flying and A-3 from Florida up the East Coast on a tmly "dark and stormy night," and was trying to go over the top ofthe thunderstorms. He experienced a double flameout, amd of course, had nowhere to go but down

Elizabeth and Lee Strong Enclosed is a picture of Roger Carlquist, Lee Strong and Bill Carpenter taken this summer when we visited the Strongs in Cashiers, NC. Bill came over for a visit from his home in nearby Highlands. Also enclosed is a picture of Elizabeth and Lee Strong. We had a great time in North Carolina visiting from the mountains in the west to Pamlico Sound in the east.

Mellencamps and Meyers in Sanibel

Shipmate, December 2001

From Sanibel, FL, Ed Meyers also provides picture and text.

I have a new title: "Great-Grandpa." On 8 August, Alex Steven Turner was born to my third grandson and his bride to be.

Those two sentences say a lot about the changed world in which we live. My eldest daughter, the baby's grandmother, wasn't conceived until Lois and I had been married nearly two years. Thinking back, maybe the cause was the monastic life we lived at USNA. In late July, Lois and I were within a few miles of Portsmouth, RI, at Providence airport en route to Block Island. I should have called. We spent several days on the island seeing old friends and planning for the future by inspecting our cemetery plots.

We did have dinner with our number two grandson who is working on the island as a lobster fisherman. You should see his muscular arms and upper body from pulling lobster pots. He will be back in school in Connecticut in September.

Returning to the mainland, we visited my daughter in Connecticut where among others were my other three Connecticut grandsons, who range from six-four to sixseven and their shorter sister. My daughter is five-nine and her husband is six-five.

The grandsons' girlfriends are all almost six feet. I am not worried about having any sand blowers in the family.

On 29 July weflewback to Sanibel where we are enjoying shark infested Gulf waters from our club pool. Enclosed is a photo I made of a mini '48 reunion last winter when the Mellencamps visited Sanibel. We spent late May and early Jime touring the Canadian Rockies. Beautiful country, but a bit cool on top of the glaciers. Among our fellow tourists was Col Tom McCormick '57, USAF (Ret.), and his wife, Sally. Needless to say we did a lot ofringknocking. Future plans call for flying to central Brazil and cruising from there on Princess Line back to Miami. I shot a couple of hundred photos in the Rockies, another seventy in New England. I dread to think of the photo filing I will have to do next winter The Class Endowment Committee has some words for all hands. You remember that the 55th Reunion marks the formal completion of our $2 million Class Gift to the Academy. You have responded well and at this time, we have $1.7 million in cash, pledges and commitments. Now we have a relatively small, but vitally important $300,000 to go to reach our goal to complete the Class of 1948 Endowment Fund. As you read this, the end of the tax year will be near. Now is the time to consider an additional donation or pledge. You may also wish to consider another structured alternative, a Charitable Gift Annuity, attractive in that it provides tax relief as well as providing the giver or beneficiary a dependable income for life. Special advantages include, a fixed income, a capital gains by-pass when using appreciated assets, and an income tax charitable deduction.

Further, your annuity entitles you to membership in the Robert Means Thompson Society.

1948 has the distinction of claiming the most members (25) of all classes, thanks in great

Shipmate, December 2001

part to your support of the Endowment fund.

Bravo Zulu. To explore details, call Heather Locke, Planned Giving, USNA Foundation (410293-1952). You may prefer to use the annuity option as an alternative to direct donation. Either way we will be grateful for yoiu" continued help. We are almost there! Let's go over the top!

Warren Hoss Graham reports that the 14 September luncheon proceeded with dignified gusto. A moment of silence was observed for those lost in the 11 September atiocities, which were on the minds and hearts of all hands. At the next luncheon, 9 November, the 24th Company Midshipmen will be our guests. On hand for this one with spouses were Tony Duncan, Bill Reed, Reuben Prichard, Tom O'Connor, Paul Keenan, Ed Stacy, John Dyer, Charlie Heid, Dick Sprince, and Cab Davis. Singles were Al Gamer, Ghormley, Bill Arnold, Welch, Goldman, Edelson, and the Hoss.

Rufo Robinson comes in with a great snapshot at USNA.

Rufo Robinson, his daughter, and grandson, Steven Schwarzer '05 Life is good here in Pensacola with the bridge and sailing clubs and classes at WWF when I am home. I go west each summer to see the kids, and travel at least once a yean I cruised around South America this year, Machu Pichu and the Amazon jungle. Next March, I am looking for a travel companion who is crazy enough to bus through Jordan, Syria, Turkey, and points west. I was proud to be at Parents Weekend with my daughter and grandson, Steven Schwarzer '05. Did we ever look that trim? The tour through the labs in Rickover Hall was mind boggling. It would be a good way to spend a morning during our 55th. Plebes get liberty! They won't get a Plebe year, but they are getting more book learning and lab experience than we did. Y'all come to the 55th.

Ks^

wW^^ 9 /.

J^

ii«***feSfcii^, J Splash —Ed and Mari Ortleib

Splash—Charlie and Jean Mertz Gloria, Joe Wilson's widow, went to the Summer Ball Class Splash Party and provides a first-hand peek with pics.

It was such a treat for me to attend, as the houseguest of Mari and Ed Ortleib in McLean that week. It was so good to be in the company of such fun people. Carolyn Ball and I were schoolmates in high school out in Bremerton many years ago. It wasn't until the 40th Reunion we first discovered we married Classmates. They do such a fine job of entertaining. More swizzling than splashing, with the best of cooks conttibuting to afinefeast. The after-dinner song-fest with George Ball and the Rasmussens leading with their musical talent was such a delight.

I for one, hated to see it end.

I have some very sad news. Bill Chandler died 30 September at home after a heart attack. Bill was in the 16th Company and was an outstanding varsity wrestler, on a great team which included Johnny Fletcher, Newbold Smith, Chuck Hathaway, and Hank Settle.

Bill and I were Classmates at St. Albans School in Washington before entering the Academy, as were Bob Chew and Len Mulbry. He was an aviator, and his daughter, Lynn, tells me he was at one point top gun in his squadron.

Maybe it was his wresUing training, but Bill was a very focused guy who knew where he was going and was pretty sure how to get there.

He and Barbara moved into the Washington area, Mclean, VA, in 1986 after 18 years in 67

Waterioo, Belgium, with ITT, and a year in Mexico City (Refer to the "Last Call" secfion for a full obituary.) Bai'bara passed on last year.

Barbara and Bill were always great fun and enjoyed a good party. When they moved to McLean, Bill engaged in the "Beltway Bandit" consulting circuit, and he really never quit, keeping various irons in the fire at all times.

His interment at Arlington Cemetery was scheduled for 26 October.

Another Homecoming will have come and gone by this time, and I hope the tightened security in the Yard and at the Stadium did not encumber things too much. Keep me going with letters, emails, and pictures, and have a Merry Christmas.

49

Membership: 30% Life Membership: 50%

Pres: John F. Barrow Sec'y: RADM Ralph Ghormley, USN (Ret.) RO. Box 10262, McLean, VA 22102-8262 p: 703-351-0964; f: 703-351-5864; e: rmghormley@aol.com Correspondence: Washington On Tuesday, 11 September five hard core lunchers met at the Army-Navy Country Club.

Four were Classmates: John Benoit, Ralph G h o r m l e y , Fred Grabowsky, and C M C Jones; the fifth was LtCol Craig Grabowsky, accompanying Fred. As we watched the news on TV and speculated, a series of young officers in uniform came into the room, went over to the window, and used their cell phones. Pretty soon we understood that they were trying to touch base with the members of their teams and report the result to their bosses. They were persistent; aU acted like they were getting good answers.

Annapolis Gene Shine writes: On Samrday, 15 September the AnnapoHs area '49ers joined together at Joan and Gene Shine's home alongside the golf course in Heritage Harbour for several hours of libation and fellowship. Carol Baysinger, Maureen and Bill Bennett, Helen and Bob Brady, Ella and Chet Davis, Dobbie and Marilyn Dobson, Rita and Keatinge Keays, Madelon and Mickey McDonald, Eileen Butler and Cal Roberts, Ursula and Voss Vosseler, and Jack Venable were there. Also attending were the newly married and radiant Betty (Whiteside) and her husband, an honorary '49er, Bill Warlick—a 30 year veteran at the NSA. A highlight was Ursula's attempt to scare three deer out of Gene's back yard. We tried, but failed, to get a photo of the '49 men. They just refused to stand still.

Mickey McDonald writes: Madelon and I were delighted to attend the recent wedding at St. Anne's Episcopal Church of Classmate Dick Whiteside's widow, Betty, and William Walter Warlick.

While Bill Wariick is not a USNA grad, he is a Navy Junior, his father having graduated with USNA Class of 1918, so Betty didn't stray too far from the fold. Following

68

the wedding, guests attended a lovely reception at Betty's house in its beautiful setting on the Severn. Among those in attendance were a number of Annapolis '49ers and one from afar: Tom Watkins, who introduced Betty and Bill. We welcome Bill as an honorary member of the Annapolis '49ers and have promised Betty that they will be included in our social events. I know all of you will join with us in wishing the newly married couple much happiness.

Tidewater Don Trueblood sent out a letter advising that his computer had been wiped out by a virus embedded in a message headed "HaHaHa." Having been warned, he did not download the attachment, but the bug snuck in anyhow. He finally got it cleaned up and is now reconstincting his files. The phrase "there, but for the Grace of God, go all of us" comes to mind.

Here and There Late in the afternoon of 13 September, Manuel Bentin sent the following email, title "I don't find a word to name it" from Lima Peru: I was in bed coming out of a bad cold, when I saw the second plane hitting his target, and then there was no doubt that this was a terrorist attack. If I can not find words for the message title, it is harder to find words to tell you how I felt. I was not calm until today and that is the reason why I didn't mail you yesterday or the day before yesterday. My feelings are not only with you, they are with £dl the U.S.A. My best desire is to go back in age, back to my younger years, when I was strong, and to be side to side, shoulder to shoulder with the American people to find and punish the cowardly terrorists that have dared to carry out this criminal attack.

Paul Smith writes: My wife and I celebrated our 50th anniversary on 31 August (last Friday) and were surprised as hell when invited to a "casual BBQ" at my daughter's home to find about 100 people waiting in the backyard. Attendees included Dick "Red" Gober, and Shep Jenks, representing 50 percent of the Albuquerque USNA Alumni contingent. I think photos will follow at some point in time. (Sec'y note: when they arrive, they will be featured.)

Linda Shanhouse sent on a feature from the Georgetown, TX, Sunday Sun "Country Life" section which featured Bill Shanhouse and his current hobby, kite flying. He notes that he has the changing winds and enough space to fly them dawn to dusk. His collection includes many shapes, including one between 60 and 75 years old that was used by the Navy for target practice.

ffT

Shanhouse and kites

D o n Fisher (fishdonchris@webtv.net) is organizing a reunion for all Classmates who were members of the 21st Company during Plebe Year. It will be held in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL on 21-24 February 2002. He will be putting out email and snail mail notices. Contact him at 132 Crane's Lake Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082-1611 for more information.

Mac Adams sent on this picture with a note.

This was taken at Ayers Rock in the dead (Red) center of Australia. It is the biggest monolith on earth—I'm not talking about the one sitting on my belt. Ninety odd percent of it is below ground. Naturally Hertz took care of me with the usual 49 plate.

Losses Our Classmate, Robert H. Krider, died suddenly on 28 June 2 0 0 1 . After a memorial service in Greenville, TX, his ashes were interred in the family plot in Peoria, IL, on 2 July 2001. Anyone having information about his activities while in the Service please send this information to Darcy Krider Zimmerman, Patterson Drive, Greenville, TX 75402-6927.

CDR Rudolph D'Ambra, CEC USN (Ret.) died on Monday, 10 September 2001, from complications following cancer surgery. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Matilda Lucy, and eight children (four of whom are Academy grads), Christine, Mary, David D'Ambra '80, Stephen, Michael D'Ambra '87, Charles D'Ambra '87, Mark D'Ambra '92, and Joanne, and 21 grand-children. Even though he lived in California, he made every attempt to make it back to the Academy for the major reunions. He was laid to rest at ArUngton National Cemetery on 24 September.

His widow's address is: Mrs. R.F. D'Ambra, 235 Lloyd St., Livermore, CA 94550-4026.

Address Changes W h i t e , R o b e r t L. ( b o b a n d m a r i l y n w ® msn.com) Excerpt ofthe month: "He would argue with a signpost."

Nothing Could Be Finer Than To Be A Forty-Niner

Shipmate, December 2001

50

Annual Membership: 26% Life Membership: 52%

Pres: RADM Roy Snyder, USN (Ret.) 3921 Colonel Ellis Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304 h: 703-823-2464; f: 703-823-4467: e: roydl314@aol.com Chief Fund Raiser: J. Richard Powell Jr. 8123 Dunsinane Court, McLean, VA 22102 703-893-4583 or 1-866-859-4362 Exec. Sec'y: Larry Hawkins 3916 Linda Lane, Annandale, VA 22003 h: 703-573-4256: f: 703-573-1661 (call first) e: llhawkinsl@juno.com Corr. Sec'y: CAPT Wayne L. Jensen, USN (Ret.) 499 Skyhill Court, Chula Vista, CA 91910 h: 619-421-6756; e: wayneljensen@home.com ElUs H. Buckley died on 3 September 2001 in a Virginia Beach hospital. Ellis was a retired senior engineer at Newport News Shipbuilding.

Survivors include his wife, Marlene; daughter, Betty Morgan; son. Dean; stepdaughters, Sharlet Marquez, and Sandra Bond; stepsons, Robert Moore and Mark Moore; and five grandchildren.

Funeral services were private. Classmate George Moore called from Texas to relay the information that Bill Rassieur had died at the end of September of cancer. No additional information was available as to arrangements.

Janet, Fred Leder's wife, had been struggling with a multitude of physical problems and she passed away on 6 September. Services were held at the USNA Columbarium and memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 132, Queenstown, MD 21658. Because ofthe terrorist attack on 11 September the funeral services for Gayle May scheduled for that date were rescheduled for 5 October at Fort Myer followed by burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

Melda and Mort Richardson along with Carolyn and Ken Ivanson took a 12 day cruise of the Eastern Mediterranean with visits in Athens, Rhodes, Ephasus, Istanbul, Port Said, Alexandria, Cairo, Naples, and Rome. Mort and Ken still enjoy working with Mort publishing the World Dredging magazine and Ken consulting with the U.S. Army on GPS. The photos show a dining scene on board ROYAL PRINCESS with English friends. Ken and Carolyn and Mort and Melda. In the other photo are Mort and Melda and Ken at the Placa District in Athens.

From 7-10 August, Mary Lou and Dick Thurston celebrated their fifty years of married life with a family reunion at their condo and at the clubhouse in La Jolla. Attending with the happy couple were six children with spouses, nineteen grandchildren and spouses and two great grandsons for a grand total of twenty nine. Just Mary Lou and Dick relaxed on 1 September with lunch at the beach.

Mort and Melda Richardson and Ken Ivanson in Athens

On 6 September at Hampton Roads at their '50 Chapter they gathered Tom Mulligan, Ron Kelly, George Jessen, Cliff Hopkins, Bill Grigg, Dick Fox, Fred Edwards, Jim DiNardo, and Ray Barber. Ulla and Cliff Hopkins together with Alice and Fred Edwards fraveled to Europe for several weeks in October. The October gathering at Hampton was cancelled since many would be playing in the Alumni golf tournament. The DC

'50 group on 6 September had Bill Diehl, Bill Rockey (Bill and Anna made their fourth trip to the former USSR this summer and report they were welcomed with a great spirit of friendship), Dick Powell, Larry Hawkins, Daryle Tripp, Marsh Treado, Charlie Hirsch, Tom Bigley, Law Kivlen, Tom Rogers, Tom Ross, Frank Sterner, Jim Lynn, Bob Oliver, Bob Satre, Bill Kiehl, John McNally, Bob Bisselle, Bob Shultz, Mih Schultz (taking off on a trip to Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to Paris, Normandy, Germany and Austrian Tyrol), Bill Simons, and Ward Lasley. The San Diego '50 group were at the NavSta Mariner Club on 7 September with Bob Muck, Frank Cassilly, Mark Frudden, Gene Wisenbaker, Stan Neander, Wayne Jensen, John Malloy, Dick Thurston, J.B. Farrell, Don Eliott, Charlie Clark, and Dick Smith. Partly as a result of the terrorist threat, the Mariner Club was closed for an October meeting, but the group vowed to persist in November. In Annapolis the group met on 5 October with John Cavanaugh,

'50: Mary Lou and Dick Thurston at 50th anniversary

'6HAPTER MEMBERSESX Keep in Touch Locally.

yy^ww.usna.com/chapters Shipmate, December 2001

'50: English friends and Ken and Carolyn Ivanson and Mort and Melda Richardson on ROYAL PRINCHSS 69

Jerry Coleman, John Henderson, Ed McLean, Jim Oberholtzer, Tom Ross, and Daryle Tripp. Homecoming events for 12 to 14 October were covered and 12th Company Wardroom support discussed. Tom Ross delivered a check for $ 1,000 to the Company Officer from our Class to provide for a replacement refrigerator and microwave. This was approved by our Class executive board and the need was validated by an inspection tour conducted

by Tom Ross and Tom Rogers.

Mark Frudden sends along a newspaper clipping from the Iowa State Press saying it is "More than football in the air at Navy." The sports writer, Mike Lopresti, wrote of the Boston College-Navy game by describing the stadium and the names on the walls with the fact that there soon may be the names of more battles painted there. He interviewed members ofthe Class of '42 who were there celebrating their 60th and compared their entry to war experience with what the Class of '02 playing football today, but who may be fighting our wars tomorrow. There may not have been "Four Horsemen" or "Seven Blocks of Granite" on the field but there were courageous Navy men there just playing football and tomorrow doing God knows what. The final score of the game, Mike wasn't sure.

Beat Army \ â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Wayne

51

Annual Membership: 47% Life Membership: 32%

Pres: CAPT Robert H. Small, USN (Ret.) 874 Coachway, AnnapoHs, MD 21401 p: 410-841-5167; e: rhsusna51@earthHnk.net Vice Pres. and Class Fund Raiser: RADM Guy H.B. Shaffer, USN (Ret.) 344 Martin's Cove Road, Annapolis, MD 21401 p: 410-757-9086; e: ghbs51usna@aol.com Corr. Sec'y: CAPT H.T. "Beau" Dietrich, USN (Ret.) 9508 Woody Lane, Great Falls, VA 22066 p: 703-759-5006; e: Beau9pnt5@aol.com Treas: CAPT J.L. "Jay" Woodbury Jr., USN (Ret.) 7515 Comith Drive, Alexandria, VA 22306 p: 703-768-3848; e: jaywood@juno.com Web page: www.usna.com/classes/class51/51a.html

President's Comer Now that the dust has started to settle from our 50th Reunion, I would like to thank the many Classmates and their wives who contributed so much to its success. The Reunion Committee has been acknowledged and thanked for its work and planning. They are known to all of us. In addition to the Committee, there were many other volunteers whose assistance helped make the Reunion a successful event. The people who volunteered to work in the Registration Room, prepared the seating plans for the banquets and arranged the Company dinners especially come to mind.

Special thanks are in order to Andrea Campbell, the Alumni Association's liaison with the Class, who helped to ease the way over many hurdles. Her assistance, coupled 70

with good humor, in making the best of the security restrictions imposed by the events of 11 September are especially noteworthy. Torii Campbell, daughter of Donna and Wes Hammond, and the hostess at Alumni House was a God-send in setting up the reception at Alumni House on Thursday evening on extremely short notice. For security reasons the powers that be dictated that the Museum reception planned for the Yard be moved. Although many of us grumbled a bit at these requirements, the reasons were understood and will be something we can laugh about in a year or so.

Reunion Ten days before the Reunion over 300 Classmates plus 284 wives, significant others, and widows had planned to attend. 11 September altered that figure. More than 25 Classmates cancelled their plans. Most of them had planned to ttavel by air and were understandably concerned about airline security. Others found their flights had been cancelled at the last minute with little hope of rescheduling. Special kudos to those who, after finding their flights cancelled, immediately jumped into their cars and headed for Annapolis. Despite some adjustments to the schedule, all events took place. The golf tournament on Thursday was rained out, but a few stalwarts outlasted the showers and managed to get in nine holes. Everyone was a winner.

The first official event was to be a reception rededicating our Class's participation in the modernization of the Museum. A tent between the Officers and Faculty Club and the Museum was to be erected for the event. Unfortunately security restrictions necessitated changing the venue to Alumni House. Special kudos to the staff of Alumni House who made the change on very short notice.

The Company dinners, all 12 of them, were highly successful. Four were held in facilities in the Yard, one at Alumni House, and the remainder at Classmates home in the Annapolis area. The coordinators. Bill Johnson, Frank McGeachy, John Stader, Bob Small, Trent Shaver, Al Burkhalter, Jim Winnefeld, Bill Hennessy, Wes Hammond, Paul Lautermilch, Sam Ginder, and Guy Shaffer deserve our special thanks for organizing these events.

Friday morning was the Annual Meeting. In addition to the usual reports, Guy Shaffer gave an excellent report on the status ofthe Reunion Fund. The report is included in a subsequent paragraph in the column. Bob Dunn presented a paining of the MIGHTY Mo at anchor in

Villefranche during our Youngster Cruise in 1948. Bob Small stated he intended to give it to the 16th Company to be mounted in their Wardroom. George Watt '73, president ofthe Alumni Association deviated from his planned remarks on fund raising and saluted our Class for its many contributions to the Academy, financially, physically, and spiritually. Only one Class has a higher percentage of dedicated pledges than '51 and that is only by 0.02%.

The Supe, VADM John Ryan '67, gave us an excellent briefing on the Academy covering everything from a demographic breakdown of

the Brigade to the Academy's future building plans and dreams. Our contribution to the modernization ofthe Museum was duly appreciated.

Several groups met following the Class meeting for a series of lunches. The "Iron Men in Wooden Ships" (Minesweepers) met and following an excellent Italian lunch tried to out do each other in "sea stories" ranging shiphandling in the Ashley and Cooper Rivers to remembrances of Commodore J.L.P. McCallum. The Marines sang "Semper Fi" and "The Marine Corps Hymn." The Air Force Classmates tried to out do them with "Off We Go into The Wild Blue Yonder." Our Undersea Brethren remained silent as is the custom of their service, and the Supply Types tried to figure out how to get one of the other groups to foot the bill. Special thanks to Bob Adier, Pete Hilgartner, Bob Kalisch, Paul Tomb, and Tom B o y c e for putting these events together.

Swapping sea stories at the Minesweepers Luncheon; 1 to r: Art Ismay, Jack Cromwell, Paul Lautermilch. and Tom Ward

L to r: Peter O'Kane, Gordon 'Van Hook, and Frank Conlon, fellow minesweepers

Bill Marin and Bob Kalisch

Shipmate, December 2001

Tim Hiers and Dave Weidenkopf

and his wife, Maggy, were our special guests.

It was a pleasure to talk to him and not to worry if your shoes were properly shined or if there was lint on your dinner jacket.

The highlight of Saturday was not the football game, but the tailgate, before, during, and after. Dick Inman deserves a thousand and one Bravo Zulus for his organization and efforts.

It was superb from soup to nuts or in this case from barbecued pork and crab cakes to ice cream sundaes for desert. To many of us, it was the best event of Reunion. For those of us who suffered through the football game or sat it out at the tailgate, the reward that evening was an informal dinner at Loew's Hotel with the opportunity to socialize with Classmates we had not seen in the first two days.

Sunday morning started out with brunch in King Hall (formerly known as the Mess Hall— oops sfrike Mess Hall, substitute Wardroom Mess—oops—delete Wardroom Mess, insert Mess Hall). Our honorary Classmate, Tom Hiers, preached at the Protestant service and enthralled us with an outstanding sermon entitled—"And if not." This powerful sermon reminded us as Americans of how we must deal with the problems resulting from the events of 11 September. A memorial service led by Tom Hiers and Grafton McFadden was conducted immediately following the regular Chapel service honoring the 211 Classmates who have gone before us. It was a somber, but fitting way to remember them and the bonds we had shared.

Ninety-five tireless Classmates and their wives, whose motors had not completely run down, enjoyed a three-hour boat cruise up and down the Severn. It was difficult to imagine that 50 years later, we would be cruising by Mother Naval, Bloody Mary in hand, and inside the seven-mile limit. For those of us embarked, it was a very pleasant way to conclude our 50th Reunion.

Brook and Susan Read

Many of us enjoyed the Friday afternoon P-rade honoring the Distinguished (jraduates and the four Classes who were holding their reunions that weekend. It was interesting to listen to the comments of us old grads as the Mids passed in review. I am sure there were some of us in '51 who could not keep in step, but who would admit it now.

The banquet Friday evening in Alumni Hall was a great success. Over 540 Classmates and their ladies attended. RADM John Delargy '45 Shipmate, December 2001

Ruth and Bob Small

Reunion Gifts For those of us who attended the Reunion, a Reunion book, a new Class directory, and two videotapes were included in your Reunion package. The 1951-2001 Lucky Bag is nearly finished and will be mailed to you next April.

The ladies who attended, received a blue and gold photo album with a picture of their favorite Midshipman, as he was over 50 years ago. For those who had to cancel, the Reunion book. Class directory, video tapes, and photo album have been mailed to you and the Lucky Bag will be mailed next spring. For those who did not sign up for Reunion, a Reunion book, and Class directory have been mailed. Some Classmates who did not plan to attend ordered Lucky Bags, videotapes, or photo albums separately. They will be delivered as stated above—albums and video tapes mailed already and Lucky Bags in the spring. The reunion book includes an order form for those who wish to order a Lucky Bag or possibly an additional copy. The two-video tapes were prepared as reunion gifts and can also be ordered. One is an excellent encapsulation of our Class and it's accomplishments over 50 years and the other is a history of the Model Ship Museum.

If you have not received any of the items that you ordered or believe you are entitled to, please contact me.

Deaths It is with sadness that I must report the deaths of three more Classmates in recent months. Bob Owen died in his sleep from a heart attack on 10 August. Ken Pruden suffered from Alzheimer's disease died on 5 September.

Robert E.Adams was the victim of cancer and died on 20 September in Longwood, FL. On behalf of the Class, our sincerest sympathies and condolences are extended.

Class Elections Lee Doggett, chairman of the Nominating Committee, submitted a slate for consideration as new Class Officers. Guy Shaffer, Beau Dietrich, and Jay Woodbury were nominated for vice president, corresponding secretary, and treasurer respectively. Art Ismay, George Patch, and Dick Inman were proposed as new board members (two-year terms). The slate was unanimously accepted by those attending.

Bob Small's term as president extends for another two years. Incumbent members of the Board of Directors are Jack Hamilton, Pete Hilgartner, and Bob Kalisch. A special vote of thanks is extended to off going members Al Burkhalter, Ward DeGroot, and Al Raithel for their service to the Class and as members ofthe Reunion Committee.

Authors Two of our Classmates have become published authors. Wes Hammond's second book, The Treaty Navy—The Story of the U.S. Naval Service Between the World Wars provides an extremely readable narrative of the Naval Service between the wars that is free of academic jargon and literary pretence. Sam Cinder's first novel, McKinnon's Way, is three stories skillfully woven into one. It is a 71

fast paced action story about submarine op- the reception following the change of command erations in Worid War II and the Cold War ceremony aboard CONSTITUTION. His son, Bill spiced with murder and revenge. It's also a Foster Jr., was the 66th Skipper and had comlove story about two young people torn apart manded OLD IRONSIDES for the past two years. by the turmoil of war; both hot and cold; and It is nice to know that a progeny of '51 coma deeply moving account of one man's search manded the oldest ship on the Naval Register. for meaning in the chaos of life disrupted by Homecoming '01 was a fun event. Attendance the catastrophe of war and the confusion of was down slightly for our Class when compared international intrigue. to the past few years, but considering that ReBob Renneman Memorial union had taken place several weeks earlier, it In a very impressive ceremony at halftime is not surprising. The less said about the footduring the Boston College football game, a ball game, the better; however there was one memorial saber, suitably engraved with the bright spot. The flyover by four F-14 Tomcats name of ILT Robert Adam Renneman and before the opening kickoff was led by CAPT mounted in an attractive case was presented Rodger Welch '78, commander of Air Group to the West Point Class of 1951. {Ed's note: 17 stationed at Oceana. Rodger is the son of see article on page 20 of this issue.) The story Nancy and Clyde "Tex" Welsh. Clyde had of Ish's heroism is well known to Classmates. perished in a fire aboard ORISKANY in 1967.

An article in the June Shipmate by Sam Ginder '26's 75th tells the story very well. Eight West Point Two weeks prior to our 50th, Beau Dietrich cadets (Exchange program) and eight Midship- and Jay Woodbury participated in the 75th men from the 16th Company formed a cordon reunion of their fathers' Class, the famous d' honour for the ceremony. Fred Rockwell, Class of 1926. Bill Smedberg, John Redfield, President of USMA '51 and Godfrey Crowe, and Max Leslie (deceased) are also '26 Junalso USMA '51, who was in the same battal- iors. Over 290 sons, daughters, grandchildren, ion with Ish, received the saber from Class nieces, and nephews attended. Events started President Bob Small and Ish's roommate, with lunch with the Mids in ICing Hall and a Jerry Lapides. The saber will be displayed in tour of the Yard. A stirring memorial service the Class of 1851 Room at the MiUtary Academy. led by Jack Chrisman '58, and also a '26 Ish had been made an honorary member ofthe junior was held in the Chapel. Following a West Point of 1951.

P-rade in the Class's honor, all adjourned to the Officers' and Faculty Club for a reception and an opportunity to rekindle old friendships.

The Class of 1926 graduated 426. Eighteen were killed in action during World War II. Two were awarded the Medal of Honor and 146 retired at the grade of rear admiral or above (tombstone promotions considered). At the reception, George Watt '73 announced that Godfry Crowe, Frank Rotkw cil, Bob Small, and Denny the Academy would institutionalize the idea Lapides of a 75th for all Classes in keeping with the model set by the '26 juniors. This sounds like a good idea. Being one who always thinks the glass is half full, I intend to be there. I hope the rest of you will join us.

50th Reunion Fund Report For those Shipmate readers that were not in attendance at the 50th Reunion, the following is a brief summary of the status of the 50th Reunion Fund as of 1 September 2001.

Revenue: Total Amount or pledged or in hand: $ 1,148,280.47; Number of Participants: 434=78.9% of the Class; Average Gift or Pledge; $1194 Expenditures: USNA AA Account Management Charge: $45,739.00; Cold War Video (Museum Version); $12,975; 100 Years 7 Forward Exhibit; $250,000; Pledge Write Off: $14,025; Marketing Costs: $800 Total: $324,539 Reminder Our Fund Drive does not officially end until 31 December 2001. It's not too late to make 26th and 75th: Beau and Ann Dietrich and Jay and Joan a donation or increase your donation to make Woodbury the amount raised even greater that the 114.8 Progeny percent we had achieved on 1 September!

The accompanying picture sent in by Bill Foster needs little explanation. It was taken at 72

Apology Although every effort was made to accurately report all 434 contributors to the Class Fund Drive, the inevitable result of using volunteer labor (Guy Shaffer) crept in. As best as we can tell, three donor names were left off the hst provided to the Reunion Class meeting. Many apologies to those we unintentionally slighted.

Acknowledgement And finally, many thanks to the Classmates, wives, families, friends, and corporations that contributed to this very successful fund drive, and especially to Ralph Hooper, whose challenge galvanized the Class to its best giving performance ever.

N3N Painting At the Reunion we displayed a 11x14 photo copy of a magnificent painting by Bill Pardee of an N3N flying over USNA circa 1947. The N3N has the aircraft number 51 on its side. It is an altogether super rendering of an aircraft everyone in' 51 flew or flew in while we were at USNA. We plan to present the photo, suitably framed, to the 16th Company to hang in their wardroom. We had a sign up sheet at the hospitality suite asking for indications of persons who might like a copy. Unframed, the photo will go for about $20-25 depending on whether we can get a discount for a quantity buy. The cost will include postage. Unfortunately, the sign up sheet never reached Guy Shaffer's hands after the Reunion. If anyone is interested, please let Guy know in the near future. To see what is being discussed, look at the article in the October issue of Shipmate. Full credit must be given to Bill Pardee who has agreed to let us reproduce his handiwork.

Cards and Letters In almost every colunm we have asked that you send us pictures and/or photographs of subjects to enter into this column. The response has been sporadic, either feast or famine. I mention this again, since a comment was made at the Annual Meeting that certain individuals seem to have more than their fair share of coverage in the column. While this has been true upon occasion, I can only comment that those so charged at least send in pictures for consideration. We can not print them unless we have them. While we can't guarantee that every picture article submitted will appear in the column, it would be nice to have the luxury of being able to select the best of the lot.

Season's greetings. From the authors of the column, Walt Boyes, Beau Dietrich, Jack Hamilton, Al Raithel, and Guy Shaffer, we wish all of you the happiness of the holiday season and hope that 2002 will find peace in the world and freedom from the teiTors that have plagued us in the past year. Cheers. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Beau

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Shipmate. Deceinber 2001

52

Annual Membership: 4 4 % Life Membership: 3 1 %

Pres: CAPT Jacob C. Brown, USN (Ret.) S e c y : CAPT Leigh Ebbert, USN (Ret.) 2514 Culpeper Road, Alexandria, VA 22308-2133 e: lebbertl@juno.com Webmaster: Howard McCoUum e: hmccollum@prodigy.net Class Web site: www.usna.com/classes/class52/ Default.htm Classmates and families were hit by the events of 11 S e p t e m b e r . S o m e d i r e c t l y , l i k e J o h n Yamnicky, who was aboard the aircraft that hit the Pentagon, others indirectly like the Argiros, whose two daughters were nearby the World Trade Center in New York. The Browns literally felt the impact of the Pentagon explosions in their home. People seemed to want to talk about the event. They needed to talk. My children called to see if Jean and I were okay and they wanted to talk. We thank Jann Yamnicky and her daughter, Jennifer, for being with us at the Fischer's seafood feast in late September J o h n , h i s wife, and d a u g h t e r w e r e at the Alexanders's crab feast. I will be glad to share your comments/questions in this space.

Jann and John Yamnicky and their daughter. Jennifer, at the crab feast On 20 September at the Washington, DC, luncheon, Allyn Bress tells us: The luncheon was a very different one compared to the average luncheon with a guest speaker: I turned it into a group discussion about the recent tragedy of nine days before. It was particularly poignant for us in view of the loss of John Yamnicky.

I divided the discussion into three parts; the world events setting the stage for the disaster, how the tragedy was executed by the terrorists, and what the country should do to prevent the recurrence of this, or related events in the future. There was spirited discussion in each ofthe three parts, and I could see that all of us were venting our steam pipes in a most cathartic manner. It went on longer than I would have expected. Personally, I felt better on leaving than when I arrived at the luncheon.

Thank you very much, Allyn. Attending were Jim Troutman, Bill Wyatt, Bob Caulk, Jim Stone, Paul German, George Lester, Walt L o c k e , C h a r l e s McDonald, Allyn Press, Jerry Zacharias, Howard McCoIlum, John Langford, Bob Lancaster, Tom Julian, Larry Layman, Jim Wilson, Jim Welch, Phil Case, Dick Smith, and Hork Dimon. Jim Welch, a non-grad, visiting from North Carolina, had called Gamett Bailey about attending. He did, and shared some of his story. We are happy that he was there.

A correction to the list attending the July luncheon that appeared in the O c t o b e r Shipmate, Dick Denfeld was there.

According to "Red" Stein, the tour to Four Corners really began in February 2000 when the Avallones and Steins were visiting the Copper Canyon in Mexico. He recalls: Nancy suggested the Southwest, and Lonnie began her planning. All the planning appeared in Shipmate, December 2001

jeopardy on 11 September with the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks. Nancy. Gene, Lonnie, and 1 left by car to Flagstaff on 12 September We were certain several of our tour members would not be able, or would be reluctant to fly. Would airports be open to passengers'? To me the most wonderful thing about the trip was the fact that all who signed on showed up on time in Flagstaff. '52 Can-do.

Thank you. Red. The ten-day adventure into the Four Comers of America created by Lonnie was a truly memorable trip for 17 couples: the Steins, the Spencers, the Argiros, the Nunneleys, Toxey Calift'and his fiance, Doris Lindsay (their wedding is planned for February), the Manaras, the Baileys, the Thompsons, the Denfelds, the Starks, the Avallones, the Browns, the Hippies, the Hattins, the Ebberts, the Rapkins, and friends Jackie and Bill Mitchell. We saw scenic landscapes, glided on the Colorado river through canyons, explored back country in four-wheelers, walked through namral archways that spanned areas the size of football fields, and concentrated on ancient lands of native Americans. Our driver, Ricardo Lopez, accommodated many of our special needs.

Not wanting to fully trust my own observations, I requested and have inputs from all. Thanks, gang!

On the evening of 11 September, Lonnie sent us a message of concern about whether to cancel, but because arrangements had already been made, the trip was on.

It took us four days to drive to Flagstaff, (notes Gene Avallone). We spent an afternoon in Santa Fe. The drive was uneventful, but sad, as we listened each day to the gory details of the destruction wrought by the terrorists.

We were very gratified that all who had signed up for the tour had in fact made it. I particularly learned a great deal about the Indians who occupied the Southwest, perhaps a poem best describes it; Indian lore and Canyons abound Ancient Petrographs and Pictographs abound

Mesa, Buttes, Hogans and Kivas Sunsets and sunrise surround us Time to enjoy the company and meals Too soon our South West Holiday ends.

Thank you. Gene. He also noted that many people (from Florida, Utah, and other parts of the Southwest) we met had never heard of the U.S. Naval Academy, and had no idea where it was located.

One from Oklahoma who had served four years in the Navy didn't know about it.

The Thompson's airline reservations had been made for months, however, as Art put it: The terrorist attacks changed it all. We decided to drive on Friday morning the 14th. Leaving Washington, DC, midday, we spent the first night in Knoxville, TN. and the next in Clinton, AK, arriving in Flagstaff late Sunday night. We traveled 2,185 miles in two and a half days.

Wow! Some of us were able to visit Sedona, AZ, before the trip. Joan and Vince Argiro observed: Not having ever seen this part of our country, we gained an appreciation for why it is so important that we guard and protect each and every one of our national parks and monuments. Although I was amazed at the beauty of all the places we visited, I found the chapel of the Holy Cross at Sedona one of my favorites. This Chapel is a majestic architectural masterpieceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a ninety foot crucifix built to blend into the side of the mountain.

Jim Nunnely capmred our itinerary from Flagstaff: '52 Goes to the Four Comers To Flagstaff we journeyed on nine-seventeen, To Little America Hotel midst pines serene; Where Lonnie was waiting with welcoming wine.

Our leader and teacher, the wife of Red Stein.

Then off to Grand Canyon after an overnight stay, We boarded our bus singing "Anchors Aweigh;" With Ricardo as helmsman and Lonnie as guide.

From the South Rim we marveled the canyon most wide.

To Bright Angel Lodge for Southwest eats.

Our first taste of Frybread, a Navajo treat; Then to Lake Powell, a man-made bay.

'52; The Southwest tour at Grand Canyon

'52; The Southwest tour at Four Corners

73

For a boat ride 'midst canyons for half the day.

We reached Antelope Canyon in an open jeep.

To see beauty in sandstone carved in the deep; To Monument Valley, no time to rest.

There's too much to see in the Great Southwest.

Doris and Toxey Lindsay commented: Quite a delightful trip! Especially after such a rough start. Thanks to our traveling companions (the Argiros), we got seats out of Baltimore after our Sunday flight out of National had been canceled. The highlight of the trip was the Antelope Canyon excursion and its corkscrew formation while at Lake Powell.

Esther and Vince Manara were visiting in Las Vegas, and drove to Flagstaff. They said: A marvelous tour with good friends and Classmates. Much natural beauty, interesting history of native Americans, and outstanding accommodations. Too many great sights and adventures to single out. A highlight was being able to drive the boat on Lake Powell. Great thrill for an E.D. See the picture at the South rim of the Grand Canyon—front row left to right: Rita Bailey, Muffy Nunnely, Lonnie Stein, Jan Rapkin, Peggy Hippie, Jean Ebbert and in the back row: Jim Nunnely, Leigh Ebbert, Jerry Rapkin, Vince Manara, Gene Avallone, and Vince Argiro. Narrator Nunnely: Westerns were filmed at these monuments.

The valley is covered with John Wayne's footprints; To Moab, Utah, next stop on our tour, A touch of the old west so all sailors ashore.

At a chuck wagon dinner, we had steak on tin trays.

Enough to remind us of Middle cruise days; A four hour jeep ride through Canyonlands, Left our bottoms feeling like cowhands's.

Many enjoyed the journey on the Shaffer trail located in the Canyonlands National Park. Gamett Bailey observed.

We have flown over, walked on, climbed down and up, over, around, amid, and under the Grand Canyon and its supporting scenery...The scenery is spectacular, and the presence of wonderful Classmates and wives makes it a complete vacation.

Dick Denfeld adds: No short summary can do justice to the magnificent scenery we have seen during our brief stay in the four comers area. Suffice to say we have been awestruck. We had not anticipated it would have been so magical. Flying over this area, which I have often done, does not do it justice. Lonnie and Red have done a marvelous job of organizing and guiding our tour. In spite of the great fun of seeing all

'52: The San Francisco group 74

this grandeur of nature, the best part has been the pleasure of being with Classmates (brothers) and their wives (sisters). 1 expect never to have so good a feeling about a tour of this type unless it is another tour with fellow grads and their wives.

Jim continues: We did the Colorado River in a speedy powerboat.

Our navigation slashes kept the boat afloat; Did we see arches in Arches National Park!

But stay off the arches, it's no place to skylark.

Mesa Verde brought kivas, pit homes and dwellings in cliffs, Not to mention more facilities for purchasing gifts; At Far View Lodge the deer begged for hors d'oeuvres, But we drew the line when they went for the Coors.

The Four Comers Monument is marked by a plaque, 'Longside Indian vendors who covet the greenback.

A group photo was taken where the four states meet, If everyone is smiling it will be quite a feat.

In addition to the group photo, we made our driver, Ricardo, an honorary Classmate. Red donated a Class hat, and Ricardo thanked us very much. After Four Comers we stopped briefly at an old trading post, J. Hubells, Jean found her ignorance of the Navajo language hampered her conversation with one of the cats wandering around the post. Gamett made more progress by stroking the cat's stomach. One of the store managers came to the bus and presented us a book. Sacred Legacy, by Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indian. In this picture and history book. Crowfoot's last words began with.

What is Life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of the buffalo in the winter time. It is the little shadow, which runs across the grass and loses itself in the Sunset...

We all signed the book, and left it in Lonnie's care. Jim again: Canyon De Chelly was an unusual trip.

Four hours in the sand on our jeep warship; On to the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest, There's beauty though survival is only for the toughest.

From Peggy and Bill Hippie: The Jeep ride through DeChelly canyon was spectacular with the orange of the walls accentuated by the green of the trees and the foliage.

Something different at every turn.

The Mitchells commented: '52 Whew! From Hippie's explanation of why their shoes are so hard to fill, to the curvy roads

that took us to the top of the spectacular Southwest's hills—the Mitchells have had a ball traveling with the best of all.

Thanks, Jackie and Bill, it was nice to have you along. Ron Hattin wrote saying: The five National Parks and three National Monuments were all spectacular in their own way.

The length of time it took 34 seventy-year olds to exit the bus and the obvious addiction of many to gift shopping were especially amazing. ...A great mini-reunion and a wonderful trip.

During the tour we celebrated the Thompsons's birthdays, and had typical conversations about the stock market, the tragedy, families. We counted the Marine Corps representative (Gamett Bailey); four E.D.s (Manara, Argiro, Avallone, and Nunneley); the five s u b m a r i n e r s ( B r o w n , Spencer, Stein, Hippie, and T h o m p s o n ) , two surface warriors (Rapkin and Stark), and four air (Denfeld, Hattin, Ebbert, and Califf). Four past Class presidents and Jake Brown, our current president, were with us: Ron, Vince Manara, Red Stein, and Pete Stark. Jake commented: Vast expanses of primordial beauty, clear blue skies with low humidity and incredible visibility— clean, invigorating air. An appreciation not realized before, was the difficulty of eking out a living by our native Americans in early days, as well as today.

This well planned and smoothly executed tour served to bond even more closely an already closeknit group. Why did it take us forty-nine years?

Jim concludes: Returning to Flagstaff for one final night, Met by Sue and Bob Michaels, a surprising sight; A last cocktail party and the Farewell Dinner, A fitting end to Fifty-two's Southwest winner It was Lonnie's idea to do the Southwest, She got seventeen couples to leave the nest; For nine days of bonding in the Four Comers sun.

We can't remember having so much fun!

At the farewell dinner, we celebrated the experience and expressed our gratitude to Lonnie for all her work. Betty and Harry Spencer: No way can a good/better/best rating be assigned to any of the better-than-best spectacular sights covered in '52's Four Comers adventure. Lonnie is the tour director extraordinary and the friendship and fellowship among Classmates and their wives was outstanding. All we can say about this wonderful trip is: "Where do we sign up for the next one?"

From the Starks: The feeling of being with family throughout the trip made our experience one of relaxation and sharing. Sharing in the ride on the Shaffer trail .

(Canyonlands National Park) and the beauty of Arches National Park were highlights.

From the Rapkins: Wow I What a wonderful trip with some wonderful people! As you can see. Jan and I had a terrific time. 1 thought that "Slot Canyon" was one ofthe highlights—just like a futuristic painting. I ate too much—the food was good and plentiful (Jerry, you are not alone!). I had never been on a kneeling bus before, what a great idea! As to my American Indian courting (Love) Flute. I have not gotten past a few notes but 1 am working on it.

We left Flagstaff on 26 September. I will share additional pictures as I get them.

The Southwest trip wasn't the only Class gathering. Charlie Wiseman writes: We '52ers from the San Francisco Bay Area got together for a brunch on Sunday. 19 August at the Rocky Point Restaurant overlooking the Pacific south of Carmel. The ocean view and sunny weather collaborated for a grand day while all of us told lies about how young each other looked and low the golf scores were. Nancy and Jim IMcFeeters and the Wisemans organized the do. After brunch. Nancy and Jim hosted mouth-watering Shipmate, December 2001

home baked desserts at their ocean side home at Monterey Dunes just north of Monterey. The picture affimis how young we look!

Thank you very much, Charlie. The picture, starting at the back row, left to right: Ellen and Ed Shiver, Wayne Hughes, Jim McFeeters, Mark Markum, Don Jensen. Joe Masi, Rey Alcarez, Dick Kersteen, Jack McPherson, and Bob Howell. Front row, left to right: Forrest Firth, Nancy McFeeters, Joan Hughes, Lorraine Markum, Jane Masi, Mary Ann Ingham, Hanna Wiseman, Angelica Alcarez, CharHe Wiseman, Janet Kirsten, Lori McPherson, and Rhode Firth.

The weather was a little threatening but then it was grand, as we gathered at the Fischers's along the creek in Annapolis for a seafood feast. Betty and Jim have been very gracious hosts for these annual events and we are all grateful to them. Attending were Rita and Gamett Bailey, Franciose and Allyn Bress, June and Jake Brown, Betty and Bob Caulk, Bobbie and Dick Denfeld, Jean and Leigh Ebbert and son, Frank, Mary-lin Jackson, Dolly and Ed Leonard, Rosemary and Walt Locke, Charles McDonald. Nan and Jim Quinn, Jan and Jerry Rapkin, Julia and Bill Ryan, Jean and Jack Sheehan and their daughter, Kelly Sheehan Silletto, Betty and Harry Spencer, Tom Thawley and Susan Kephart, Adele and Buzz Thomas, Jim Troutman, Petey and Biscuit Wev, Lillian and Jim Wilson, Jane and Jack Young, Betty and Jim Fischer and their daughter and grand-daughter, Margaret Piatt, and Jann Yamnicky and her daughter, Jennifer Joining us was the 17th Company Officer and his wife.

Major and Mrs. Mike Trabun and four Midshipmen; MIDN 1/C Joshua Hellwig '02 and Barcley Stamey '02; MIDN 2/C Jeffrey Webb '03, and MIDN 4/C Maia Molina-Schaefer '05. A great time!

53

Annual Membership: 43% Life Membership: 32%

Pres: CAPT A.E. "Gus" Hubal Jr., USN (Ret.) 6449 Johns Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 h: 703-533-3041; work fax: 703-534-8005 Secy: LCOL David B. Jones, USAF (Ret.) 6708 Pageland Lane, Gainesville, VA 20155-1513 h: 703-754-4492; e: djlocker@earthlink.net Webmaster: Paul Dudley e: pauld53@san.rr.com http://home.san.rr.com/pauld53/usna53

Your Executive Committee met on Monday, 10 September We acknowledged the kind words of George Watt '73 in the September Shipmate: Regarding the extended Brigade, I want to thank the caring and generous Class of 1952 for its already enthusiastic and caring bonding with '02...there is anticipation that '52 will prove to have the ultimate tough shoes to fill and leave behind an enduring legacy for many years to come.

Among other topics discussed was Howard McCollum's initiative to find a company representative (24) who would be willing to serve as a point of contract to get bios and information in for the Golden Lucky Bag. For those who have already submitted your information, you have done your bit. A reminder for everyone else: send photo and hard copy materials for the Golden Lucky Bag to: USN A Class of 1952. Golden Lucky Bag. PO Box 657, Merrifield, VA 22116-0657 or via email to jzach52 @earthlink.net.

We agreed to include the Ernie Schultz Memorial Tennis Tournament in our 50th Reunion activities. Gene Avallone will coordinate the event at the Naval Academy courts. Vince Argiro writes: Ernie, who was rated number three in doubles for his age group by the U.S. Tennis Association, passed away while playing doubles in a tournament in Tokyo. Liz Schultz was pleased to hear that the Class will honor Ernie in this way. She has kindly offered to donate a trophy in Ernie's name for this tournament. We encourage all tennis players (wives included) to sign up for this event.

Thanks, Vince. Who volunteered Gene to coordinate?

As I end this marathon note. Beat Army, and Merry Christmas.

Our Classmate Milton R. "Whitey" Rubb died of lung cancer on 14 September at the Anne Arundel Medical Center after a lengthy illness. Whitey went into submarines after graduation and was on the crew of TRITON when it made the first underwater circumnavigation of the globe. He spent 12 years on active duty and then worked for the Navy as a civil servant for more than 20 years. Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Peggy-Grace Rubb, two sons, Eric and Michael, a daughter Bonnie Leigh Beigel, and their spouses, as well as three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held for Whitey on 17 September and he was buried at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in CrownsvUle. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society's Annapolis Umt 110, RO. Box 4203, Annapolis, MD 21403. We send our most sincere condolences to his entire family.

Fortunately, I have not heard of any other deaths this month, but the Class sick list is getting pretty long. Jean DiGiacomo, one of the funniest ladies in the Class has begun chemo treatments and needs all the prayers, love, and support we can give her and Joe DiGiacomo. Bob Sheahan had a serious stroke a month or so ago and was in very guarded condition for awhile. Fortunately, he has taken a tum for the better and according to Ed Alves is getting up and dressed, goes to physical therapy where he is releaming things like speech, walking, etc. He is being moved to a more intensive rehab center where the process will continue. Ed says walking will be a problem for awhile, as he needs a hip replacement before he will regain his old walking ability. This also sounds like a case where the Sheahans need as much prayer and love as we can send them. Dave Wagner has been having all kinds of troubles with his left leg. An old injury had developed lots of scar tissue and the doctors tried to clean that out. Unfortunately, it didn't heal cleanly and then a staph infection set in and Dave spent 12 days back in the hospital. As of this point in time I haven't heard whether he has recovered sufficiently for Betsey and he to make their long planned trip to Australia and New Zealand. Better add Dave to our prayer list. Brad Mooney is suffering from prostate cancer and treatment and recovery are complicated by arthritis, which has him hardly able to get around, even with a walker. Put him on your list also. One positive note is the fact that Tricare For Life went into effect for most of us on 1 October?

While it doesn't provide instant cures for our sick friends it will help them get medical care with less financial hassles (we hope!). At any rate I am praying for all of the above and hope you will too.

A more serious closing. We give thanks for the lives of John David Yamnicky Sn, and Richard James Fleeson, who died on 11 September of cancer in his McLean home. We will miss them both.

Dick Fleeson had been at our Washington, DC, July lunch and was reported to be feeling fine.

Lloyd Giesy asked if I knew where he could get two tickets to the Navy-Air Force football game as his old roommate Steve Schoderbek was coming back for it. I told Lloyd he had come to the right place as Sally and I were going to a wedding that day and wouldn't be using our tickets. Lloyd wrote

Shipmate, December 2001

back accepting this offer shortly after the NavyGeorgia Tech game (final score Tech 70-Navy 7).

He said he remembered words that Bill Leftwich said to him at a long ago Class luncheon. Bill had just gone through a losing season as a Battalion football coach—Bill said "This year we built character, next year I would like to win some football games!" About now Bill would probably be saying that's enough of this character building stuff! Steve came to town and was a most welcome guest at the October luncheon. Haven't heard what he thought ofthe game (AF 24-Navy 18) but he really couldn't lose—not only was he an old Navy quarterback but he also had been a permanent professor at the Air Force Academy so one of his teams was bound to win.

While on the subject of the Navy team as I'm sure you know it hasn't been a good start for the team (0-4 as of this writing). Of course this may be because Sally and I have yet to see a game this yean We were on a golf outing for the Georgia Tech game, were playing in a club toumament for the Boston College game and were at the wedding of Dolores and Ed Dixon's son, Keith, for the Air Force game.

I am not sure whether Hart Sebring and Bob Raffaele really believe me when I say we didn't really plan to miss these games. However, I'm sort of glad we did as it gets pretty disheartening to see loss after loss, after loss. A West Point '53 friend was playing golf with us during the Georgia Tech game weekend and took pity on us when he heard the score and said, "you don't want to know." He was right. To those of you who may have expected to get my usual post game reports, the reason you have not received them is that I haven't seen any games yet. However, that will end, as we will be at the Homecoming game this upcoming weekend.

Win or lose this will be a good weekend because we will be able to see some of our late daughter Gary's best Iriends as '81 is having their 20th Reunion—that does make one feel old!

A note from Marge Dumont says she had been intending to write for several months and when the last issue of Shipmate came out and had no mention of Bruce Borthwick receiving his doctorate she decided no one knew. She was right. Marge goes on to say "At any rate Bruce received his Ph.D. on 12 May from George Mason University in public policy." That is great news. Congratulations, Bmce, and thank you. Marge, for letting us know.

On Tuesday, 11 September we were visiting Sue and Dick Albright at their Pawleys Island, SC, home. We were goofing off with coffee and the newspaper when Dick called and said tum on the TV. We did and saw the tragedies that I'm sure all of us saw. The only good thing about that day was that we could share the horror in the company of iriends. Somehow that seemed to make it a little easier to handle. That night we were joined by Barbara and Oz Dixon and Lynne and Red-Dog Cannon for a '53 dinner. The atmosphere was more serious and subdued than usual, but the camaraderie was still there. The picture shows Sally, Sue, Barbara, and Lynne in the first row with Oz, Red-Dog, and Dick in the back row. The next picture was taken a day later at the Georgetown, SC, waterfront.

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Party in a Bag^ Great for any USNA gathering!

See page 14 for more details.

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Dick Albright checking out Ingell Doyle's pilot boat We had gone looking for Ingell Doyle who has been a Marine pilot at Georgetown for a number of years. We could not find Ingell, but we found his pilot boat. The picture shows Dick standing by the boat. He says Ingell is very proud of the boat.

Norma and Bob Raffaele have just undergone an expensive leaming experience. Norma developed a terrible toothache on a weekend before they were due to go to Massachusetts for a ship reunion. She could not get to her regular dentist so looked in the phone book for dentists that were open on weekends.

She found a firm with four offices and numerous dentists on duty over the weekend. To make a long story short they made a very high pressure pitch and telling both of them that she needed extensive immediate emergency work. Norma hurt so much she didn't ask the additional questions she probably should have and didn't stop the excessive work the guys did. They wound up extracting three good teeth, destroyed a good bridge to perform a root canal, etc., etc. Norma's regular dentist was incensed when he saw what they did and is trying to figure out ways to repair some of their butchery. Needless to say the cost of this work was very high. The Raffaeles did make the ship reunion and had a very good time seeing much of the Massachusetts Cape area and Boston plus lots of old friends and relatives. Norma lived on heavy-duty pain pills and very strong antibiotics. She ate, but only after dicing all her food into teensy weensy pieces. With regard to

the events of 11 September, Norma says it was sobering to see the barricades and armed guards at the gates at Fort Meade and Andrews AFB as she has recently. Apropos of this the barricades and guards were at Fort McNair where we had our Class luncheon on 2 October. One Classmate who did not have a sticker on his car was showing his ID to the guard when the guard said, "This is torn." and immediately confiscated it. Hopefully, the Classmate has since obtained a new card, even though he was wondering how to prove that he was who he said he was. If your card is old, worn, or tom it might be wise to consider getting a new one.

Also at the October luncheon were Irv Boeskool and Ed Dixon. Irv was visiting from his Newaygo, ML, home. He and old roommate Oz Dixon (no relation to Ed) had met in Annapolis to arrange plans for the 20th Company's 50th Reunion activities and reserve restaurants, etc. Ed was back in the area to visit several of his kids and to participate as the best man in his youngest son Keith's marriage to Marybeth Stewart on 6 October. The Sebrings, Raffaeles, and Jones's had dinner with Ruth and Irv later Tuesday night. It was good to see them both again and leam that the mral wilds of Michigan haven't wom them down. Ruth is doing some substitute teaching while Irv is apart time manager of a storage facility and delivers the weekly Newaygo newspaper to the convenience stores and other commercial establishments in the area. He also does the harvesting on his sister's farm. When I asked what crops he was harvesting he said deer and fish. They didn't look like this tough life was bothering them. The picture shows Hart Sebring, Bob Raffaele. and Irv.

On the 5th we drove down to Kitty Hawk, NC, for the Stewart-Dixon wedding. That was a fun time. Dolores and Ed had driven back from their Pollock Pines, CA, home and all their five children and grandchildren had made the trip back as well. Many of you will remember Curt Dixon '84 who was a defensive back for three years on some very good Navy teams. Curt is now a lawyer iii Raleigh, NC, and a proud football father of some strapping young men, one of whom is called TD and lived up to that by scoring a TD in a game last week. Among the other guests were Marge and Freddie Franco '54 (but he started out with us) and Audrey and Dick Robey '54. Was good to see all the Dixon clan and the '54ers, but the best part was the wedding. It was a beach wedding and was held on the beach even though the weather turned very cold and very windy with a north east gale and some occasional heavy downpours. We all went out on the beach in between the rains and the wedding took place. The wedding party was in conventional dress; tuxedos for the men and lovely lavender blue evening dresses for the ladies with spaghetti straps and bare arms. The only departure from normal dress was that entire party was barefoot to aid in getting through the sand.

Some of us had listened to the weather channel and came prepared with warm clothes and rain gear. We were comfortable but the wedding party, especially the ladies were cold and very wind blown. Nevertheless, it was a memorable ceremony filled with love and ritual. The picture shows Ed and Keith with Dolores the somewhat shadowy figure in the background. Keith's hair shows some of the strength of the wind. The next picture shows Dolores and Sally with Ed. They clean up pretty well don't they? I think Marybeth and Keith will remember their wedding day for the rest of their lives and I'm sure most of the rest of will also. It was both memorable and fun.

Sebring, Raffaele, and Boeskool

Dolores and Ed Dixon with Sally Jones

Tom Southerland sent in a picture taken in Stockholm on a recent trip. It shows Tom with Bill the Goat's Swedish cousin. However it looks as if the cousin's goat keepers are Army types. Hope Tom straightened them out and that they now have sailors on the job. Thanks, Tom, I'm glad to see that you do some mammal watching along with your birding.

'53: Pawleys Island Reunion 76

Shipmate, December 2001

Tom Southerland with the Swedish Bill the Goat cousin A postcard from Chris and Chris Zirps had several prominent Bermuda landmarks on the front.

The message side confirmed that it was from Bermuda as the Zirps were there for the fifth time. They may have been scouting out locations for our 60th Reunion. They did note that there has been lots of growth since their last visit.

Last month I made mention of hearing from Dave Waldron. Here is a little more concerning him.

Dave became a pilot in the Air Force, went the course and made Colonel. Retired and settled in Anchorage, AK. In his note he says he has his business up for sale and all he needs is someone with money that is willing to work. He originally bought the franchise for his daughters but ended up ranning it himself (imagine there is a story there). As soon as he sells the business he hopes to retire back to his original home state of Michigan. He is planning on coming to the 50th and it will be fun seeing him and reliving some of our flying school experiences in the Missouri metropolis of Maiden. Thanks for checking in Dave.

I promised some news about the Albuquerque Don Rentes but kept mnning up against the 4,000 word limit. Here is some, both good and not so good. Don has found a unique cure for vertebra problems with associated pain (sore back?). He took apart-time job with his son-in-law's electrical contracting company and does a lot of lifting of boxes

and electrical components weighing up to 50 pounds. After working for six months he has no pain! Betty changed her primary care doctor to the one Don has been seeing for over 16 years. What he and the specialists he has sent her to see have done for her is remarkable. She still has the hearing loss, but every other problem has improved. She says she now feels up to 75percent better than she did earlier this year. 'While their physical health has improved they are having some emotional problems that sound similar to those some others of us have.

Their youngest son, a dot com type lost his good job in the east and has returned to the friendlier climes of Albuquerque. He has not been able as of yet to find a job even part way comparable to the one he had before the company went under. This is depressing him, his immediate family, and Betty and Don. It is a different world for our kids and grandkids and sometimes we don't have easy solutions to these new problems. Hope the Hente clan can find a workable solution to this problem. Betty and Don were planning a September auto trip to Missouri, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada to attend Hente reunions (there are Hente Family branches in both Missouri and Michigan and apparently one or two in Canada as wellâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;amazing what you leam in Shipmate). Hope the Trade Tower attacks didn't put a crimp in these plans. Thanks, Don, sorry for the delay.

Our leaders That is it. Don't forget Class luncheons are on the first Tuesday of each month at Fort McNair. Of the final two pictures, the first shows the balance of the group at the Virginia Beach party and includes good likenesses of our departed friends and Classmates, Jim Harris and Bill Campbell. The final picture shows our First Lady, Judy Hubal with Gus. Thanks to both of them for the long years and hard work they have put in for us. We will have a new president by the time you get this and hopefully will have beaten Army! Go Navy and Merry Christmas to all! â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Dave

54

Annual Membership: 38% Life Membership: 32%

Pres: Col Fitz W. Woodrow, USMC (Ret.) Sec'y: CAPT Oliver Shearer Jr., USN (Ret.) 9615 Podium Dr., Vienna, VA 22182-3338 h: 703-938-5211; e: ovshearer@erols.com Webmaster: Will Croom e: willyaye@hotmail.com Class Web site: http://www.usna54.net Class News On 5 September the Excomm met and heard recommendations from the Class Gift Committee for a gift to present to the Naval Academy at the 50th anniversary of our graduation in June 2004. Subsequentiy the Excomm decided to select the option of restoring the contents of Memorial Hall. An explanation of the selection process was made in a letter mailed to the Class of 1954 on 20 September 2001.

Each Classmate will be contacted and requested to contribute toward the goal of $ 1,954,000 to meet the needs of the Memorial Hall project.

Our annual Christmas luncheon, including wives and '54 widows, will be on 12 December at 11:30 a.m. in the Academy's Officers and Faculty Club.

Flyers have been mailed. If you don't have a DoD issued identification card, contact Bill Peery 410757-7730 for instructions on how to enter the Naval Academy. Scribe will provide this information via email by early December.

Sad News Dave Glunt (1) died suddenly on 12 September at his home in Virginia Beach, VA. Dave was a naval aviator, was awarded four DFC's and had several ship and shore commands. Memorial services were held on 16 September in Virginia Beach. A large number of Classmates in the Tidewater Area attended.

His remains were cremated. Our sympathies go to his wife, Ann, and their children. Memorials may be made to St. Aidan's Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 3201 Edinburgh Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.

From Joe Zable: I'd like to express my most sincere appreciation to the Class of '54 family that was so considerate during Louise's battle with cancer, and so compassionate after her death on 20 August. We have about twenty '54 wives in the Virginia Beach area who.during the past year, Louise called her support group. And they truly were. I will not try to list their names for fear I'll inadvertently miss one, but she could not have had better or more caring friends. In addition, since her passing we have received condolences and contributions to her favorite charities from friends over the years and Classmates I haven't seen since June 1954. Again my humble thanks to what Fitz calls, The Great Class of 1954.

Dick Hartley writes:

'53 The Virginia Beach group, part two Shipmate, December 2001

Kathy and Pete Easton, Jodi. and I returned in August from a fabulous combination trip to the inland waters of Southeast Alaska and the spectacular Canadian Rockies. We toured the Misty Fjords, visited Ketchikan, Metiakatla, Sitka.

Haines, and Skagway, watched spouting and leaping humpback whales and Dall Porpoises, listened to and smelled herds of seals and sea lions, sat for hours in peaceful ice-berglet filled waters and listened to the many glaciers calving. It was a wonderful experience; like living in a National Geographic article, all done on a small ship with a crew of 21 and 75 passengers. From Vancouver we spend a day on a bus, a ferry boat, walked Bouchart Gardens, took a float plane back to Vancouver and boarded a train for Jasper National park where we proceeded down the Canadian

77

Rockies for another gorgeous week of vistas. Pictured are the hardy travelers just returning from a kayaking trip in Sitka, watching bald eagles and harbor seals in their natural habitatâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all foreign to an ex-pilot and ex-submariner Ann and Fred Knops enjoyed a reunion with their family at the Glacier National Park in Alberta, Canada. Fred sent a photo of his family at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Alberta. Fred and Ann are in the middle of their son, DIL, two daughters with husbands and grandchildren.

Mike Basford (6), living in Arizona, is the author of a new paperback on the street America First, by Vantage Press. Ye Olde Scribe saw a copy in Fitz's kitchen and read the inside cover: Fasten your seat belts, put your seat up and get ready for a wild ride thru the world of big-time, big-money aerospace corporations as they battle for market shares. An Asian country attempts to steal U.S. secrets for the supersonic passenger jet of the future that will allow America to dominate the global market.

Looks interesting. This writer is heading for Borders bookstore to buy a copy.

The Georgia Tech game was a disaster but the '54 group had a good time tailgating before and after the game. Scribe tried out a new digital camera on Nan and Bill Hoover and Maxine and Dwight Agnew.

78

Barbara and Herb Crane at the Tidewater luncheon Okay '54. You've been awakened by the events of 11 September Now let's hear some news from you for the Class to readâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;especially those who are unable to read the Log and other interesting articles on the '54 Web site. Best wishes, your Scribe.

55

Annual Membership: 34% Life Membership: 35%

Pres: LCDR Dennis Sullivan, USN (Ret.) Sec'y: CAPT Thomas G. Kiefaber, USN (Ret.) 11814 Triple Crown Road, Reston, VA 20191 h: 703-758-1077; e: KIEF55@aol.com http://www.usna.com/classes/1955

The Agnews at Georgia Tech Game Since news from the Class was sparse again this month. Scribe will include some overdue photos from the backlog locker Will Croom, our versatile Webmaster, was framed just after he had updated Scribe's computer operating system.

At a luncheon on 20 September, Robin Pirie addressed the Washington, DC, Chapter of the Alumni Association. His subject was the encroachment on Navy facilities and operations by environmental, cultural and commercial interests. Some of these groups, he said, work to curtail or eliminate naval activity in their communities and surroundings. He mentioned specifically problems at NAS Oceana, NAS Miramar, and Viegues and stated that encroachment in the future at other bases might Shipmate, Deceinber 2001

my Norwegian immigrant grandparents settled in the late 1800s, homesteading and re-establishing their then-thriving fishing business on Lake Superior I have good pictures left over from previous events, such as: summer picnic, golf match and 2005 Reaffirmation Ceremony.

severely hamper Navy operations and readiness.

Attending Classmates were: Buddy Parker, Tom Mclsaac, Ray Hine, Tom Stallman, Dick Peterson, Bob Hinton, Jerry Holland, and Denny Sullivan.

Robin, whose last position was acting Secretary of the Navy, is happily retired from government service and gainfully employed at the Center for Naval Analysis (CNA). He joins Bill Smith at CNA. On 7-8 September, the Naval Academy Class of 1926 celebrated the 75th anniversary of their graduation. Sadly, no member of the Class was present (nine are still living), but they were well represented by sons, daughters, and grandchildren.

Many '55 sons of '26 attended, including: Cal Weaver, Robin Pirie, Hugh Webster, Denny Sullivan, Larry Frost, and Ned Floyd. Mary Gale Buchanan, daughter of deceased RADM Charles A. Buchanan '26, USN (Ret.), was one ofthe chief organizers and main contact at the Academy. This was the first-ever 75th Reunion and events included a memorial service in the Chapel, several social gatherings and special mention at the Friday parade and Satiu'day football game. The weekend was an impressive tribute to the Class of 1926 that endured the Great Depression and fought in World War n and Korea. 456 graduated; two were awarded the Medal of Honor; 13 lost their lives in World War II; and 162 became flag officers in the Navy or Marine Corps.

It looks like Al Kozischek is in competition with world traveler Otto Zipf. Having recently returned from an extended visit to the South of France, Al has filed another trip report: Mary Ann Andersen and I toured Germany from 4-24 September and had a marvelous time! Picking up an Audi A-t at Frankfiut. we proceeded driving to the wine regions of Southwest Germany. Along the way. we visited Frankfurt. Aschaffenburg.

Odenwald. Mannheim. Heidelberg, Worms, Speyer. Rheinland Pfalz. and cities along the Mosel and Rhine Rivers. On a Friday at Heidelberg Castle, we observed three minutes of silence with an entirely German group in remembrance of the 11 September terrorist attack against the United States. While sojourning in the Odenwald Forest one of Germany's scenic namral park areas, we stayed a few days at a pension on the "Tromm" at an altitude of 577 meters. From there we undertook day trips to Lindenfels and Michelsstadt on the historic Siegfried Road. In addition, another day trip took us to Worms on the Rhine with its historic cathedral where Martin Luther delivered his protests to the Emperor's Court and the archbishops. Another cathedral trip found us in Speyer and the largest Romanesque cathedral in Germany. One trip highlight occurred on the Rheinland-Pfalz "Weinstrasse".. .a tripleheader so to speak. In two small wine villages, Deidesheim and Mussbach, we celebrated the festival of "Neuer Wein." In this region, Germans drink twoday old wine and eat zwiebelkucken, a form of quiche-like onion pizzaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all for good health and fun! Then on that same day, on to Bad Durkheim and the Bad Durkheimer Wurst Markt, a noted wine festival complete with food, carnival rides, games, and festival tents...smallest glass of wine served is a liter! Next on to the picturesque Mosel River and a visit to Trier founded by Caesar in 15 AD with its historic "Portu Negra" (Black Gate).

We stayed on the Mosel at Cochem, a beautiful scenic area surrounded by vineyards on both banks of the river Of course, we made a one-day boat excursion and viewed the verdant vineyards and castle rains climbing to the top of the hills bordering the beautiful Mosel. On the Rhine River, we attended the wine festival at Boppard. We ended our tour in the Sachenhausen section of Frankfurt noted for its apple wine restaurants and gemutlichkeit (comfortable surroundings).

Shipmate, December 2001

Otto Zipf. Si Fullinwider, and John Anderson

Koz and Mary Ann hoisting at the Bad Durkheimer Wurst Markt It is sad to report that George H. Volk (10) passed away recently in North Huntingdon Township, PA. Date and circumstances are unknown.

Hartley Holte reports: Since retiring last year and retuming to Annapolis. Sally and I really have been enjoying family and Class activities here. Our ten-year old greatgranddaughter has been participating in regional ice skating competition in the DC, Virginia, and Pennsylvania areas, including one held last March in Dahlgren Hall. In August, 1 survived six days in the Boundary Waters Canoe area of Northern Minnesota with our youngest son and three others. We paddled canoes, back-packed, potaged, and camped in one of the most beautiful areas of our countryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;up the Old Gunflint Trail, about 40 miles from Grand Marais. This is an area where

Fred ToIIeson, Dave Koonce, and Don Kellerman

Hartley Holte. MG Buchanan, and Pat Taylor Coming Events in the DC Area 2001 USNA Christmas Ball, Classes 1939-1957, 5 December, 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Fort Myer O Club (call Al Olsen '45 at 703-536-9484); '55 luncheon

'55 contingent at USNA AA DC luncheon

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A BLUE & GOLD OFFICER?

C o n t a c t C D R PJ Bradfield (bradfield@gwmail.usna.edu) or Don Nelson (dnelson@gwmail.usna.edu) in A d m i s s i o n s

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George Mushaiko recently received a phone call from one of our Class celebrities, George Welsh (1) who wanted to confirm that the reunion was still on in view of the events of 11 September George planned to attend everything except the Saturday night banquet. He had to return to Charlottesville Saturday night for a testimonial but planned to return for the Sunday memorial service and farewell brunch. His mother, who is 88, was also planning to attend the testimonial from Pennsylvania. George is working part-time in the University of Virginia Athletic Department but plans to retire full time within a short while. He owns a house in Nantucket and a condo across from the Academy (which he rents out) besides his digs on Charlottesville.

Coaching has gotten very demanding over the years with recraiting the biggest headache—long days without any letup except for a small window over the summer John Buckley (20) provided the following input from Green Cove Springs, FL. Although there are several USNA grads living at the Magnolia Point Golf and Country Club in Green Cove Springs, FL, '56 reigns supreme with a total of three, shown gathered here at the Gulick's lovely home for cocktails, dinner—prepared by Chef Roy—and camaraderie. The Buckleys and Gulicks have been here since 1994, and the Smiths, who have been renting, hope to move into their new home by the first of the year.

Joe Pope (5) sent the following conceming his relocation from Arkansas to Texas: While Elaine and I will not be able to attend the reunion, because we are relocating from Arkansas to Texas, I want to recognize the wonderful effort put forth by all involved with the planning and execution of the Reunion activities. We wish you all a good time and a Navy win. Perhaps we will see you on the 50th. We shut down here on the 15th and will give you a new email address after we get relocated.

Jane and Howard Burdick (1) seem to have made sailing a second career. They sent an interesting email recently conceming their trawler SEABURDS and their fumre plans which I have included.

'55 at 2005 reaffirmation on the porch at Portofino, 6 December; Dinner at Academy O Club followed by Midshipmen performance of "Pirates of Penzance," 22 February; and Dark Ages Party at A-N Country Club, 2 March.

56

Annual Membership: 37% Life Memb°ership: 38%

Class Executive Committee Co-Chairmen: CAPT Douglass F. Hayman, USN (Ret.) (11) COL George Mushaiko, USAF (Ret.) (15) Sec'y: Dave Swanson (4) 16 E. Del Ray Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301 p: 703-548-7240; f: 703-548-0272 e: hdswanson@aol.com Jay Ransom (21) provides comments concerning his trip back to Annapolis in September for the 75th Reunion of his father's Class of 1926: Dale and I recently returned from a trip back to Annapolis and vicinity (a trip which turned into an adventure starting 11 September—another story). Main event was the 75th Reunion of the Class of 1926, my dad's Class (James Ransom '26)—a magnificent tribute to those great men of

80

a far different age. Having our grandson, Jeff Ransom '05, a fresh-scrubbed Plebe present was a bonus.

A second significant but far less happy event was watching Georgia Tech totally abuse Navy to the tune of 70-7, a debacle made palatable only by the chance to tailgate with our Classmates and wives. Included (not an exhaustive list) were the Mushalkos, Roy Gulick Jr. (son of Roy Gulick '26), the Kelsos, the Haymans. Rod Flannery, Nancy Henry, the Carlsons, the Godstreys. the Gibsons, the Audilets, the Schultzes. the Seesholtzes, the Van Metres—and others I apologize for omitting. Our sons. Jim Ransom '80 and Tom Ransom'84. were also there with families.

(Tom survived the hit on the Pentagon unhurt, but his office was destroyed.)

But the main reason for this email is pass on a passionate request (well, a request, anyway) from George Mushaiko to "stir up" the '56 crowd in SoCal and encourage inputs to Shipmate. George and others are doing a great job on the right coast in keeping Class spirit up, and he has asked me to do the same here on the left. I assured him we would be well represented at the 45th. Meanwhile, let's not shrink from filling the '56 Shipmate column with news. It isn't difficult—Dave Swanson's email address is in the header. There—I've done my duty. Do yours!

Plan to be underway approximately mid-October for Stuart, FL (Howard's brother Gregg and Nancy at Stuart Yacht), via LI Sound, NYC, Jersey coast, Del Bay, C&D Canal. Chesapeake Bay. thence Intercostal Waterway (ICW).

Late season start to accommodate layover in Annapolis on 7-12 November for 45th Reunion of Howard's Class (old goats grin 'n grip.). Could possibly attempt New Jersey intercostal from Manasquan to Barnegat or Absecon Inlets, but from Atlantic City to Cape May must go outside due to water depth. Some security restrictions transiting E. River/New York Harbor, Annapohs, Norfolk, Morehead City and Camp Lejeune, NC, in wake of 11 September. Friends from Pt Judith ahead of us in their trawler, and were passing Governor's Island the moming of 11 September, when the South tower of the World Trade Center collapsed, engulfing them in the base surge of ash and debris...they were most likely the last boat through before New York Harbor closed down.

We know they'll keep us informed.

In Stuart, we plan some boat enhancements at brother's yard for our planned yearlong cruise commencing spring 2002. The planned route is North to the Hudson River, Erie Canal and Great Lakes/ canals to Chicago; via the following rivers (DesPlaines/Illinois/Miss/Ohio/TennA'ombigbee) to Mobile; Gulf Coast to Okeechobee or the Keys, to the Bahamas. Then back North the to Hudson and Lake Champlain, down the St. Lawrence River, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Maine, and return to Newport. Some modifications possible.

We are hoping to rent our digs (furnished) selectively for some or all of this venture, but relying solely on networking (no advertising), and nothing Shipmate, December 2001

l I | l *

In the meantime, your trusty Class organization, aided and abetted by the Washington Chapter and its Executive Committee, is doing its level best in ways great and small to send the message. Apart of the story is told by Bill Peerenboom, Class vice president, in a recent communique: On a recent Wednesday evening. Classmates Paul Behrends, Pete Boyne, Dave Cooper, Bill Peerenboom. George Philipps, and Skip Rutemiller had the pleasure of joining the 22nd Company for evening meal in Mother Bancroft's premier eatery, King Hall. The occasion was the annual presentation to the Company ofthe Class' supporting contribution of $1,000 for their wardroom. The group makeup derived from Class officers, executive committee members, and local Annapolis liaison Classmates.

'56: Back to firont. 1 to r are John and Lorraine Bucklev. Roy and Leslie Gulick, and Jim and Barbara Smith

firm yet—so we may be back home over the winter for a short period.

As in sail to Key West and return two years ago, we plan brief situation report (sitrep) every 10-14 days (when/where/what/how...) by email from wherever we can plug in along the way. We use an AOL 800 number, which enhances use of others' phones, and usually send and receive in less than a minute. Any incoming attachments are not noted until back aboard, disconnected, and are not likely to be downloaded/read.

Modem speed for email hookup to our cell phone is still too slow/unreliable, and uses too much air time to invest yet.

Ted Shultz (20) provided a nice treat for the Class of '56 tailgate prior to the Navy-Boston College game at Annapolis. He brought dozens of fresh oysters and donated his culinary skills to fry them.

There were no leftovers.

L to r: Rod Flannery (4) and Ted Shultz (20), the gracious chef, at the oyster feast

Are w Visit to upda Shipmate, December 2001

date? a.com address.

51

Annual Membership: 3 4 % Life Membership: 4 1 %

Pres: CAPT David S. Cooper, U S N (Ret.) Sec'y: CAPT E N . Howe Jr., USN (Ret.) 1 Walter Circle, Fredericksburg, VA 22405 e: fnhusna57@aol.com Webmaster: Fred Dammann Web site: www.USNA57.org We have been delivered all the way to early October now, and I was certain that by now something wise and useful would occur that I could pass along to my Shipmates. Something, I was hoping, that would help to put the events of the last few weeks in perspective. Of course this has been everyone's wish and, along with a lot of other, better minds, I have been unable to come up with anything original, let alone wise or useful.

Almost since we first came together these kinds of situations have found at least some of us standing into the breach. It seems somehow odd now not to be among those who are saddling up to ride out as instruments of national policy, not to know who is doing what and exactly what's going on, and not to be able to see where the pointy end of the spear is headed. All this is someone else's j o b now and that's hard to get your arms around.

In case you've not noticed though, I think there may still be room to participate. This opportunity is offered us by virtue of the fact that most of our kids' generation and their kids as well have never been in uniform past Boy Scouts, and many have no concept ofthe military's inner workings. So, after we get our flags hung, there is the task of helping these youngsters frame the work to be done. Central to this is making it clear that this time the minimum ante from everyone who intends to go on enjoying life as an American, is going to be unqualified support for our armed forces. This support starts on day number 1 and goes through day number last. Be alert.

Shipmates, for any opportunity to send this message.

Look who's coming to dinner Our visit was exceptionally pleasant, but its beginning, marked by sandbagged fortifications at all the gates and armed sentries, was a bit sobering. The Washington contingent, except Pete, carpooled and we and the Annapolis cadre connected at Tecumseh with MIDN 1/C Joe Campbell '02, 22nd Company Wardroom Officer Joe led us into the newly renovated 2nd Wing of Bancroft Hall, where we visited the Company area, saw the wardroom and observed the Class '05 join voices in the wonders of, "Sir and maam (!)— the menu for evening meal is... " A modernized version of the old refrain. We were joined in the company area by 22nd Company Officer (and acting 5th Battalion Officer) LCDR Scott Fever, who proudly presented his charges and welcomed us. At the appointed moment we all strolled out to the 2nd Wing Terrace for evening meal formation— which consisted oionly the 22nd Company. Turns out we came during week "X" when the Brigade is taking midterm exams, and outdoor formation is "optional." But the 22nd Company went the extra mile, and stood formation just for us—nice touch—and it was there that we presented the check to MIDN 1/C Campbell and Brett Elko '02, the Company Commander. From there we were escorted to King Hall, where the group broke up and joined individual tables for a hearty meal of chili con came and (just for us) cannonballs. Pete joined us for dinner—a victim of Beltway rush hour It was a great experience for all of us, and the Midshipmen impressed us with their dedication, sharp appearance, and keen intellect. After listening to them describe their midterms, we all breathed a sigh of relief that we did not have to contend with such heavy stuff! I was personally dazzled by a young Plebe from the Pittsburgh area who related the questions and answers he gave on a leadership exam that day. My host, MIDN 1/C Drew Satorius '02, is a potential Rhodes scholar, majoring in mechanical engineering. Impressive!

1 was able to fall back on age and cunning to hold up my end of the conversation.

Our evening ended with a brief visit to the Officer's and Faculty Club where we (George, Dave, and I) chatted over a beer with a couple of the firsties who are now patrons ofthe place... all in good order, of course!

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President Dave Cooper, in support of the forces adrift, cranked out the following message to the commanding officer of LAKE CHAMPLAIN (CG-57), with whom the Class has had a relationship since the Aegis cmiser was commissioned: Dear Captain Guillory; As the smoke clears and we begin to focus on the work ahead, our thoughts naturally turn to those whose job it will be to carry out the orders of our Commander-in-Chief and thereby carry the will of our people to our enemies.

I would appreciate it if you would pass on to your shipmates in LAKE CHAMPLAIN our continuing best wishes for your collective success in whatever part of the forthcoming activities you are called to serve. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all. Give 'em hell!

Most sincerely, CAPT David S. Cooper, USN (Ret.), president, U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1957.

LAKE CHAMPLAIN is homeported in San Diego.

Next comes a report on the stattis of administrative activities from our Class Secretary, Dick Scales: Seeing that various postings on the Class chatline discussed TriCare for Life (TFL), and that most Classmates who retired from active or reserve service probably "got the word" from official mailings or service-oriented magazines, we have made no effort to try to get any word out to our living graduates. But we did recognize that some of the Associate Members of the Class Association (i.e., the widows of our deceased members) might not be aware of their eligibility. Dave Cooper authorized the nominal funds to so inform them, and Bruce DeMars "recruited" Stan Severance to do the research regarding basic eligibiUty rules (Stan has been counseling senior citizens, whether ex-military or not, in northem Virginia for several years).

An email synopsis was sent out by Stan to the small percentage of over 80 widows involved for whom we had valid cyber addresses, some of whom responded with appreciation for the service rendered. All others were sent a snail mail letter of somewhat expanded information, and again several acknowledged receipt with their thanks for thinking of them. We got one reply, however, that totally justified the whole effort. It was from a widow whose husband was killed in Southeast Asia many years ago. She'd let her dependent ID card expire without replacement since she had no real need for it. Although she had read a few things about TFL she was certain she would not be eligible. On receipt of the letter, she checked with the appropriate authorities cited in the letter, and learned that she absolutely will be fully eligible simply by getting her ID re-issued. She expects it to save her hundreds of dollars every month that would otherwise have been spent on insurance premiums for a policy without drug coverage, and now she'll have better back-up coverage plus essentially free prescriptions. So, if any readers of this column want to get the same reference info that was sent out to our potentially eligible widows, let me know at vkct(a> mindspring.com and it will be forthcoming by mail.

As you've heard in the last several issues, we have also been actively pursuing an accurate update of all the information that goes into our Class directory through the Company Coordinators, and devoting a lot of effort to reestablish contact with the "unlocatable." A "Class asset" not previously recognized for his GGG qualifications (that's Genuine Gumshoe Guru) is Dave Stiller of the great 23rd, who has not so far provided a solution before being told of the mystery involved, but comes close on many occasions. Classmates who have been missing for 25-30 years have been found; widows who became such in the '60s, remarried and become lost for almost that long, have been tracked down. And as is so often the case in this kind of pursuit, we've learned of some further losses. I'll list losses here together with pertinent dates that, to my knowledge, have not been previously identified in any other communications to the Class as a whole. They are:

82

Ron Blackner: 2 May 1988, Ray Davis; 2 January 1996, Norm Gleneck; 7 January 2000, Tom James: 8 March 1994, Dick Kane; 30 July 1999, and Tom Vollmer; 4 April 1994. Also among the losses are widows Linda Lampert, Tina Chwatek, and Lois (Mrs. D. E.) Jones.

The Classmates who were "long lost" but are again reachable include Ray Vieira, Bob DeLashmitt, John Balent, Pete iviurdoch, Ron Shields, and Fritz Schwalbe; also the widows of Phil Davis, Bill Weaver, Kurt Gareiss, Tom Vollmer, Ray Davis, Howard Andre, and Ron Gibson.

Rather than clutter the column with the location details, anyone who may need the information is invited to contact me by email for the dope and I'll respond promptly.

Ah yes, the still lost are John Richardson, Tom Roth, and Herb West plus widows of Willie Rook, Tom Luke, Jack McHugh, and Doug Roysdon.

All leads or clues are welcome !

Bill Peerenboom has also forwarded the following note from our old friend Barbara Bartocci, John Bartocci's widow, who has achieved a handsomely deserved reputation as an author of family literamre: Classmates might like to know that my most recent book. Nobody's Child Any More: Grieving, Caring, Comforting When Parents Die (Sorin Books, $11.95) is into its fourth printing in less than a year and will be excerpted in Family Circle magazine (I November issue on sale at newsstands 9 October). It also won a National First Place Award from the Catholic Press Association for excellence in family life writing. Losing our parents is the one transition everyone goes through, so the book is meeting a need. For an autographed copy for yourself or someone in need, email me at BBartocciCs" AOL.com for more information or go to Amazon.com or Sorinbooks.com.

Family Circle has also purchased a piece I wrote after attending Grandpa Bartocci's 100th birthday in March '01. He outlived his son, John, by 66 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;more than two generations. But, as the events of 11 September have made so clear, none of us can predict how long our lives will be. And in the end, as those cell phone calls made so clear, what really counts is the love we feel for our families.

Thank you, Barbara, for continuing to remember us.

And now, hot out of the pumpkin (a la Whittaker Chambers): Crabtown Report US News and World magazine listed the Naval Academy as the number 6 rated engineering school in the country, ranked behind such prestigious schools as Rose-Hulman Institute, Harvey Mudd College, Cooper Union, and Cal Poly, tied with RPI. We were in a tie with USAF for sixth while USMA was ranked eight in a tie with Bucknell University. Not bad for a school who also levies other academic, military, and physical requirements on its students. This ranking includes those who take other majors while having to take the core course heavy on engineering subjects.

Reflecting the changing world environment.

USNA has restarted the Chinese language program with two sections; one in beginning Chinese and the other at the intermediate level. For those of us who remember required language courses. Foreign Policy majors are offered courses in French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish.

By now all of you have heard about the hiring of Chet Gladchuck as the Naval Academy's Athletic Director He comes to USNA from the University of Houston and is known for rebuilding athletic programs. Boston College is a prime example of where he established BC as a power in both football and basketball.

There have been several significant changes at the Alumni Association. The most notable are; (1) the hiring of retired Gen TM USMC Terry Murray '68 (Ret.), who will be the executive vice president for operations, responsible for day to day operations of the staff. He will concentrate on overall support of programs for the Alumni at

large, including Chapter and Class activities. (2) CAPT Hank Sanford was recently hired to be Paul Zambernardi's relief as the Association's financial guru. CAPT Sanford presently works in the Computer Services Division of USNA and was the former EA to ADM Chuck Larson.

Lastly, the Campaign for Excellence at USNA continues along. As of 31 August, $83 million has been collected or pledged toward the total goal of $175 million. Who ever thought we would be going after that kind of money from our Alumni and other friends, let alone raising over half the amoupt in less than two years into the campaign?

As you know Bruce DeMars and Ron Marryott have volunteered to co-chair the Class fund raising effort for our 50th. The good news is that every dollar given to the Class fund will count toward the overall campaign goal. I am sure we all will be hearing more from Bmce and Ron as they formulate plans for our Class campaign.

Dave Cooper has passed on to the Class the note that follows from Cookie King: Joan Simon and I were married 20 July 1957 after graduation and would have celebrated our 44th anniversary this past 20 July. Joan was diagnosed with GBM (Glioblastoma Multiforme) cancer of the brain on 21 July 2000. She fought this dam di sease for 3 9 weeks, but died on 3 May 2001.

Her funeral was celebrated on 8 May and was the largest funeral ever seen at St. Nicholas Church.

Our four children and I distributed her ashes in the Lynnhaven a short time after. Many of our Classmates came from very long ways to help celebrate her life. I will be eternally grateful all my Classmates and to my Companymates, specifically Mimi and Dave Cooper and Joan and Emory Zimmer for their constant emails of encouragement. Joan and I loved to read them all.

She was a great lady and loved and respected and admired by many, many people.

Thanks, Cookie, for sharing this with us.

Fresh back from getting their tickets punched in Hong Kong, Nancy and Bob Bowers are chilling out in Port Douglas, Queensland, readying for the great push south to Melboume and the ferry home to Tasmania for the summer.

And now, continuing with our "Get to know your local politician" program we move on to those trusties who populate the Washington Executive Committee as members, and thus respond to the bidding of M a r s e Bruce. These are the guys (O'Donnell, Philipps, and Poole) who do the hard stuff on behalf of all the local slugs who just attend the events they conceive and orchestrate. We're going to catch you up on these young fellows in alphabetical order over the next several months, starting with Jack, the recent relief of old Bob Lutz.

Since Jack was apparentiy too busy piloting the engines of commerce to join our effort with The First 30, we have to walk all the way back to Mother B to pick up his scent. Here's the last 44 years, according to Jack:

Army-Navy parties coast to coast.

See what the Chapters are doing Starting on page 131 Make your Chapter Count.

Become a Member! www.usna.com/chapters Shipmate, December 2001

Pat and Jack O'Donnell Upon leaving George Bancroft's B&B by the Bay I made the two best decisions of my young life; I married Pat. my high school sweetheart and was commissioned in the Marine Corps. I can relate early toiu^ of duty to the arrival of the kids.

Denise was bom in '58 while I was a platoon commander at what is now OCS; John in '61 while in the 2d Marine Division: Mary Pat in '63 while back at Quantico as a tactics instructor; and Mark in '66. one month into my advisor tour in Vietnam. In between came sea duty in BOSTON, and Amphibious Warfare School. After Vietnam I went to recraiting duty ('67 and "68â&#x20AC;&#x201D;not a good time to recrait). barracks duty at 8th and Eye. MS at Georgia Tech. more FMF (including four months back in support of RVN forces), another stop at Quantico. and a tour at HQMC. I consider the two tours at the Basic School in Quantico as tactics instnictor/platoon commander and later as the tactics group chief most rewarding and enjoyable. To train and influence lieutenants as they prepared to go out and lead young Marines was an opportunity without parallel. In March of'79, while attending the National War College, my genes and cigars caught up with me and I had a heart attack. Armed with a laminated light duty chit I remmed to HQMC for afinalshort tour in requirements and programs.

While putting together a resume and pondering ray future, a friend stopped by and said the small company (300 people) he worked for needed some help in doing a Mission Area Analysis so I interviewed. I realized how much help they needed when I received an offer letter stating that I would be performing a Missionary Analysis of Amphibious Warfare. And so I joined Advanced Technology Inc., (ATI) in early 1980 and immediately learned two things; timing is everything and there are no appropriations bills in industry. I started as an analyst and within the first year I took over a proposal effort and got to manage the job when won in 1982. Through taskings on this contract we were able to develop the capability and corporate experience to bid and win a major Army test and evaluation contract in 1984. We were also able to contribute to the company's steady growth. In April of 1985,1 inherited a threeperson office in Huntsville, AL. In an attempt to exploit the business opportunities there, I hired a locally well known aerospace engineer in November and two months later, the Challenger tragedy strack. I immediately hired 25 additional engineers and, with our key engineer in the lead, found work for them re-certifying the solid rocket booster We

Shipmate, December 2001

found the work but, as is usual in times of turmoil, the paperwork lagged. In five months we had run up significant costs for unbilled labor. Needless to say. I had frequent conversations with the CFG until the financials were cleared. I was appointed a vice president and division general manager in the fall of 1986 and the following year the decision was made to take ATI public.

As was customary in the '80s, when a company comes in play many potential buyers appeared on the horizon. In our case Emhart Corporation, an old line manufacturing company, was serious about getting into the information and engineering technology business. That "timing thing" came into play again as my Division was able to win our Army T&E recompete and orchestrate the Huntsville talent into a significant NASA win during the due diligence process for the purchase

by Emhart. Then started a real sleigh ride. There was a hostile take-over attempt of Emhart followed by a "white knight" purchase by Black and Decker Unfortunately. B&D was not knowledgeable of, nor interested in, our business line. We went through four CEOs and a series of reorganizations resulting in my promotion to deputy general manager of the engineering technology group in 1989.

At the start of 1992, the group staff was over 2100, our annual revenue over $22IM and the frustrations over the critical line, so I departed and did consulting work for four years, principally with Veda. Inc., retiring in 1996. After years of monthly phone calls from Bob Moore. 1 finally signed up for a Class lunch and at that lunch Jim Poole and Dave Cooper started our series of golf outings. I enjoy the initiation and rekindling of USNA friendships and a little volunteer work with the handicapped keeps me busy. Our four solid citizens are relatively close by and, best of all, the chief architect of those citizens, my high school sweetheart, and I are enjoying our first granddaughter with a second on the way.. .God has been good.

How right you are, Mr. Jack.

Can't fold up this tent without relating to those not on the Class Web a true story of the brave efforts of Ted Almstedt. Ted says that he got so spun up over current events that he called up Bupers and volunteered for whatever job they might have for him. After the lad on the other end of the line had taken down all the dope he checked Ted's phone number and thanked him for calling.

"Wait a m i n u t e , " said Ted, " w h a t ' s my c l a s sification?"

"41," said the yeoman.

"Well, son, what does that mean," asked Ted? "Admiral," said the weary young voice, "It means that if the enemy gets to 4th and I, we'll call you."

Stay strong. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; F N H

58

Annual Membership: 37% Life Membership: 37%

Pres: Lt Col Gordon M. Gerson, USAF (Ret.) e: usna58@home.com Sec'y: Col Warren S. Walters, U S M C (Ret.) 5664 Ravenel Lane, Springfield, VA 22151-2430 h: 703-321-9586; e: wwalters@erols.com Web page: http://www.usna.comi/Classes/1958/ Welcome to the last column of the year 2001.

Twelve months have slipped by, and as you have noticed, the greater the total number of months in your life book, the faster they seem to pass. At one time, the four years by the Bay just dragged on, plodding towards that ultimate goal of graduation day, and now the pages just keep rolling off the calendar No fair! This is when we could use some of that molasses perception of time from the '50s.

Adding to that inability to control time is the somewhat uncomfortable feeling that most of us are sideline watchers, as world events tum ominous.

Many junior '58ers are finding themselves in harm's way, and we have mixed feelings of pride in their actions, concern for their safety, and envy of their getting to do the jobs we did for years. By the time we gather for our 45th Reunion, we will hopefully have a historical perspective on the events ofthe last quarter of this year, 2001. Our Class was fortunate in not losing any Classmates to the terrorist attacks in September, and our thoughts are with those Classes that lost a total of 14 USNA shipmates. Like the rest of the country, we press on to 2002 and pray for the retum to a life of stability and peace.

May your holidays be peaceful!

Our cruising Classmate, Rupe MacLean (21) and his wife Joan were on the inland waterway, working their way across the Albemarle Sound to Manteo, Roanoke Island, NC. They attempted to raise the dock master in Manteo on their radio, to no avail, and ended up docking themselves at the municipal pier They later located the dock master aboard his boat moored at another pier, and he apologized and said that he had tumed off his V H F radio to watch the breaking news on the cable TV of the terrorist attacks on the Trade Center and the Pentagon. This was the first indication the MacLeans had of the events of the day, and they retumed to their boat and caught up with the news that had the rest of the country reeling. The preceding ten days had been leisurely cruising from AnnapoHs heading south, enjoying the beauty of the waterway. After l e a v i n g M a n t e o on 13 S e p t e m b e r , they s a w American flags in homes and businesses all along the waterway, and noticed fewer boats cmising and more politeness among those that were. Rupe's "Sail Grams" from this year's winter craise will undoubtedly continue to reflect changes in the way even the most mundane events are conducted, but they still provide the vicarious enjoyment that we non-sailors get from following their adventures.

A new approach to Class reunions was enacted on 8 September at the Georgia Tech game. The Class of 1926 had its 75th Reunion, and here to tell about it is Dave Willingham (19): Several members of the Class of '58 honored their fathers by attending a 75th Reunion of the Class of 1926 on a truly special day, Friday, 7 September This event, organized by children of members of the Class of '26, was a USNA first.

The Greater '58er sons of '26 who attended the reunion included Jack Chrisman (1), Mick O'Beirne (23), Brent Taylor (23), Ted Smedberg (19), Dave Willingham (19), and Lou Shane (16).

One son-in-law of '26. Chuck Larson (8) also was there; Sally's dad was the late RADM Kenneth Craig '26.

A small, dedicated committee of sons and daughters of the Class of '26 made this reunion happen, under the leadership of BGen Ward LeHardy, USMA '56. (I must acknowledge that West Point has a jump on us for putting on this kind of reunion, as they have held reunions for the descendants of centennial graduating classes since about 1965.) The "after action report" that follows is mainly taken from Ward's message to the Class of '26 family after the event.

Over 294 signed up for the Reunion. On Friday, 48 attended lunch with the Mids. and then we all gathered at Dahlgren Hall between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. About 80 went on a tour of the Academy, led by '26 Jr Penny Fradd Vahsen. All gathered at the Chapel for a very moving Memorial Service led by '26 Jr.. Father Jack Chrisman. (His homily about the remarkable lives of the members of '26, in war and peace, would definitely be worth distributing verbatim.) Peggy Moses, widow

83

of Charlie Moses '26, was the only '26er able to attend and she was great throughout all events!

We strolled to the parade and occupied the bleachers just to the right of the Supe's canopy area, and were recognized by an announcement during the parade. From the parade, we went back to the O'Club to sociaMze and renew old acquaintances. There, George Watt '73, CEO and President of the USNA Alumni Association, presented a certificate to the group and stated that USNA would institutionalize the idea of a 75th Reunion for all Classes, in keeping with the model we set. The Supe reiterated this to BGen LeHardy the next day at the disastrous Georgia Tech football game, during which the announcer saluted the '26 Class and relatives, and the entire stadium stood in prolonged applause.

At the Reception, Judy Housley read a proclamation from the Maryland Governor's Office.

Then we were able finally to open the "Last Man Standing" bottle of 1926 vintage wine, which RADM Frank O'Beirne had entrusted to his son, Mick, and all had a drop or two before we recorked it. Then Mick O'Beirne passed the remaining l/5th of the bottle on to Scott Custer for delivery to his dad. Admiral Ben Custer '26 Class President. Each family attending the reunion was given a shot glass entitled "The Last Shot".. .this purchased by funds provided by the Class of 1926.

All right, '58ers, tell your grown children and grandchildren right now that they will be expected to carry the Class of 1958 flag proudly in the year 2033! In this photo, you see the sons of '26, Mick O'Beirne, Brent Taylor, Ted Smedberg, Dave Willingham, and Lou Shane. Missing from the photo are Jack Chrisman, and Chuck Larson's wife, Sally Craig Larson, a '26 daughter.

The Sons of '26 Visiting Classmates at the first home game of the year included Bob Musgrove (5) from North Carolina, and Chuck Smith (20), John Halliday (6), and Marty McCullough (12), all three from California. Chuck and John were in Annapolis for the convening ofthe President's Circle ofthe Naval Academy Foundation, and Marty was passing through on his way back from Spain where he and Adrienne visited their daughter. Marty was surprised to find another out of town guest at the game, an old friend from Manila, Liz Cunanan, who was visiting the States along with her son, Richard, daughter Kathy Feliciano, and grandson Matthew Cunanan Feliciano, 18-months old. As our late Classmate Carlito Cunanan (6) missed out on the grandpa picmre, a stand in from the 6th Company posed with young Matt. For this month's grandpa picmre, you see Poj Walters (6) and Matt working the Blaze Ticket Agency, with George Ojalehto (24), Lou Shane, and Chuck Smith in the background.

Chuck Smith and family got the Class flag over to Europe this summer, and obviously showed it a great time. In one photo. Chuck and step-son Grant are holding the flag in front of the monument in Trafalgar Square in London, and in the other. Chuck is somewhere in France. He also has indicated that he would be happy to talk to anyone in the Class about a Gift Annuity to USNA, wherein one draws 7% interest for the rest of their life! He did it!

Among the summer travelers were Julia and Jim Corder (3), who took the admonition to "See America First" to heart, and toured scenic spots in the west. They were in Utah, Wyoming, and South Dakota, visiting such sites as the Bad Lands, Mount Rushmore, the Grand Tetons, Teddy Roosevelt National Park, Crazy Horse monument, Deadwood, SD, Cody WY, Yellowstone, Park City and Salt Lake City, UT, and the 2002 Olympic Park. While in Wyoming, they linked up with Glenda and Roger Minerman, a '58er who left the Class during Plebe Year and was Jim's roommate Plebe Summer Roger lives near Thayne, WY, and is a private pilot. He took Jim up in his plane for an aerial view of the Grand Tetons. From that whirlwind tour, here are two photos. In the first, Julia and Jim show the flag Mount Rushmore, and in the second, Jim and Roger salute the wide-open spaces of Wyoming!

Poj Walters holding Matt Cunanan Feliciano

Chuck Smith and Grant in London

U.S. NAV/VL ACA.DEâ&#x20AC;˘*ÂŤ

I

Chuck Smith somewhere in France

84

Jim Corder and Roger Minerman The last ofthe travelers for this column are Lenyr and Ron Fisher (17) who took a week's cmise of the Caribbean in early September. They had stops in Jamaica, Grand Cayman Island, Cozumel, Mexico, and Key West, FL. The entertainment, food and service were fantastic, highly recommended, and as Ron says, "Even better than destroyers!" The photo was taken in Key West with their cruise ship.

CENTURY being the one in the far background.

Bob Jones (3) passed information to the Class that Nancy Jane Hodkins, the widow of our late Classmate Bill Hodkins (20), passed away in the Norfolk area on 2 October.

The final entry for this column comes from Dianne Featherston, an airlines employee and wife of our Classmate Keith Featherston (8). On 1 October she wrote a heartfelt letter to the Class, which is perfect for this time and season.

During this very sad time in our countiy, I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

You too are America's heroes. The wonderful brave men that during your tours of duty in the military defended our country from this kind of evil.

Shipmate, December 2001

1 am so proud of you, my husband (a Marine forever) and all the military men and women who give so much so. that we can live safe and free here in the United States. God bless you and God bless America.

Our thanks for those kind and thoughtful words, Dianne.

'58 Trivia: The Vamarie question stirred up many memories, with replies from Bill Sachse (14), Ray Landrum (14), Joe Criner (3), and Wayne Scott (16). Hurricane Hazel is very much in our Class lore. For the last question, 380 Midshipmen were aboard IOWA on our First Class Cruise, according to the ship's newspaper of July 1957 provided by Gordon Gerson (11). Our port call was in Rio de Janeiro. Who was the Classmate that met his fiancee's parents for the first time during that port call? Hasta Luego! —WSW

IRP' B

^

'••^'

/MAG/fUTION

Lenyr and Ron Fisher Craising

59

Annual Membership: 31% Life Membership: 39%

Pres: VADM Francis R. Donovan, USN (Ret.) Chairman Exec. Committee: CAPT Norbert H. Bednarek, USNR (Ret.) e: bednarek@annap.infi.net Exec. VP: Joe Flynn Admin. VP: Gary Geist Exec. Sec'y: Bruce Nordwall Corp. Treasurer: Dave Osbum Sec'y: CAPT John A. Butterfield, USN (Ret.) 1270 Morse Blvd., Riviera Beach, FL 33404 w: 561-840-1104; h: 561-881-7077 f: 561-863-8984; e: jbsgma@aol.com www.usna.com/classes/1959/usna59.html Time? Where does it go? After the horrible attacks on 11 September, it seemed like time flew at Mach 2. Those were devastating blows, but I shall always remember, and treasure, the bravery of a small group on Flight 93 over Pennsylvania, and the heroic efforts in New York City and at the Pentagon. Those magnificent efforts continue, and let's hope and pray the sense of unity, countless acts of kindness, and sense of patriotism remain steadfast throughout the land.

Our Class of 1959 was spared during that dark day; but we share the loss of our 14 Alumni. Most all of us had friends, acquaintances, friends of friends, et al. who perished or suffered great loss.

And as I write this, we have forces deployed and units poised at the ready. I think we all want justice to be done. Thank God we have seasoned, moral, strong leadership that is at the helm!

Shipmate, December 2001

We shall all remember where we were when this series of cowardly attacks took place. I was on a Southwest flight, just beginning our descent into BWI (I had business in Washington) as the last kamikaze assault was taking place on the Pentagon. I had no knowledge of New York city or the terrorist situation until I was outside the BWI terminal and my daughter, Molly, yelled at me " Thank God you are okay. Something terrible has happened." What followed was a blur of phone calls to reassure family about me and to check on my brother who is with American Eagle out of Boston's Logan. He was scheduled to be flying with American on Monday, and perhaps Tuesday, 11 September as well. I was much relieved when I finally got good news from Norman, but of course he knew folks who had perished. Then I had to find a rental car (which was not easy during this time period; got one of the last vehicles available in AnnapoHs) and drive back to Florida. Meetings and events in DC and elsewhere were cancelled. Time to rush home and be with Pricilla, and to celebrate our 42nd anniversary on 12 September I want to thank the many Classmates, other Alumni, and friends who took time to share articles, poems, inspirational stories, reflections, etc. I know I will be overlooking some names, but Jack London was one of the first contributors with the commentary from a Canadian newspaper by Gordon Sinclair, who called upon the international community to remember the goodness of the U.S.A., and to come to our aid this time. Jerry Loveless made sure I saw Kissinger's piece on "Destroy the Network." Gary Geist and others shared that beautiful letter from a son, who experienced the concem and respect shown by a German ship at sea, for our country, and our Navy. Joni and Pat Schnauffer encouraged us to be part of "Flags Across America." Jimmy Brown offered a beautiful prayer for the nation. Noel Flynn expressed an outpouring of concem for the fallen firefighters, police, rescue workers, and others and hoped Class members would step up and contribute to appropriate agencies. Stan Cobb (a pilot and former airline executive) came forward with some thoughts about airport and airline security and safety.

Dick Robinson, Roger Erickson, Charlie Pease, and so many others forwarded thoughtful emails.

Jim Holds sent a number of interesting emails, but one expressed his feelings about a lost squadron-mate, John Yamnicky '52. I shall share a portion of Jim's letter.

I am shocked and saddened; John was one of the many victims in the terrorist attack. He was a passenger on American 77 which crashed into the Pentagon. John and I flew A4C Skyhawks with the VA-146 Blue Diamonds together off CONSTELLATION in the 1962-1964 time frame. John was OinC of a shore det at NAS Cubi Point. 1 had an ear infection, but 1 was to fly a post-maintenance test flight. John asked if 1 had an "up chit" and I tried to assure him I felt fine, I could get the chit later He thought better and grabbed his helmet and took the testflight.Not much time later a mech raced up to me at the BOQ to report "Mr. Yamnicky just crashed." 1 rushed down to ops and while most everyone was out at the crash site, there was Yamnicky scribbling away at a flight planning table. He still had his torso harness on. "What the hell are you doing?" I asked. John quickly replied " I wanted to write my accident report statement while it was all fresh in mind." John's aircraft had lost power just after take-off, and miraculously he made it back to the field, although shearing the landing gear off Jim Holds wrote, "That he was able to nurse that aircraft back to the field was a miracle. John was a wonderful guy, a skilled attack pilot, and a good friend. May God rest his soul."

Tom Lukish has been a saint for so many reasons!

He has shared heartwarming, inspirational stories, and what an encourager he has been I Tom wrote to the badly burned LT Kevin P. Shaeffer '94: I know you probably do not want to be called a hero, but you are. Let me try to tell you why. You are not afraid. You are determined. You have suffered pain, but you have not suffered defeat of either your spirit or your will to get better and live. You are an example to me, your loved ones, and the country that you cherish. You have seen hatred first hand, and you want to help liberate the enslaved ofthe world, whatever that takes. You are strong and will help lead us out of this. You believe in the goodness of mankind and will sacrifice for others, who may be weak and unable to do for themselves. You are my hero and I just wanted you to know it. I recall the words of Jim Valvano, the great basketball coach, dying of terminal cancer: Don't give up, don't ever give up!

Kevin, we want you to get better; your work on the planet is not done yet. God bless you and America!

Thank you, Tom Lukish. Beautiful!

Our Tom Monaghan (Tcm59usna@msn.com), 817-236-1506, c: 917-296-1506, sent this poem: God Bless America A land of democracy.

A place where we are free.

A place that's endured a tragedy.

God Bless America.

And those who have passed.

God bless the people of New York.

It has all happened so fast.

God Bless America, As we try to put our feelings into words.

With images so shocking, The mind can't comprehend.

God Bless America, A land with people who are so giving.

Where people are risking their lives To save their friends and perfect strangers.

God Bless America, Whose people won't allow terrorists To destroy our country And our spirit!

To all Americans: Our hearts are heavy, but keep your heads up in the time of terrible tragedy. Everyone has been touched and will be forever changed. Thanks you so much to all the Americans who have helped in the rescue efforts. We have come together as a nation, and our bonds can not be broken!

Now for some bites and bullets: Butterfield's situation is in limbo for a variety of reasons. No changes anticipated before 1 December, but if there is a change, I will ask Dave Sullivan to insure it is posed on the Class of '59 Web site. Keep the communications flow per the header of this column.

One relocation to report, Joyce and Bill Clautice, 410-573-5754, 2546 West Course Dn, Annapolis, MD 21401. Dave Sullivan (dsulliva9@home.com).

Jim Holds does a fantastic job for the Retired Officers Club of Sarasota. In the monthly newsletter called The Sarasota Breeze, for three years Jim has done a masterful job writing the legislative update column. The Breeze was declared best newsletter for a club their size by TRO A. No doubt about it, Jim surely helped! 28 September was Roger Erickson's last day at Boeing; he retired from his second career that day.

1 will miss the E-6 TACAMO program. I did not really leave he Navy when I retired, just serving it a little differently. My email will now be phyllama(s>aol.com. that is if Phyllis lets me use her computer.

Update on our Venezuelan Navy connection, Jose Cortes '83; he has been named director of analysis of defense. Bravo!

Here's a report from a Classmate who learned that I love to pick up at the mail buoy: 85

John, I have often read the Class column and thought about writing. I did jot down a few lines over the years, but those notes seemed to float away.

I left the U.S. Air Force in 1979 and have been in the Boston area since then. I was a program director and retired from the Dynamics Research Corp around 1990. I believe some Class members are still employed at DRC (?). Now I live in Everett, MA, with Julie Winch, and I am the chair of math, science, and computers at Fisher College. It's not a big school, but we get by. Julie's books are listed on the Web, and she has one coming out from Oxford University Press in another month or so.

Of my five grown children, my son, Doug, is an IS 1 in the Pacific Fleet in Japan. He wants to go to the Middle East to win the war. (Secy note: he may be headed there already!) I also have two grandchildren. The only Classmate I have seen in recent years, and who recognizes me, is Fred Yeatts.

Louis Cohen 21st Company. Lou writes from email lcohen@fisheredu. Now Fred Yeatts, we need a report from you!

You will read more about USNA's new athletic director elsewhere in this magazine. Athletic Director Gladchuk came from a similar position at Houston. Evidentiy our '59er Dr. Arthur Smith, the chancellor ofthe University of Houston, did not want to lose Gladchuk and offered him a significant pay raise to remain at Houston (reported in the Annapolis Capital by B. Wagner). I am sure that Art had many kind things to say about his athletic director, and although he wanted to keep him. Art's recommendations surely helped our new athletic director find his way to the banks of the Sevem.

Gladchuk has some Boston College background, and he was quoted saying his Jesuit roots and training made him feel he was a "perfect fit" for the Naval Academy. With lots of prayer and pursuit, may we see our athletic fortunes prosper, and Beat Army. But here, I feel compelled to remind the reader of a very brave young Army soldier, SFC Donaldson, who rescued LT Shaeffer from the blazing infemo at the Pentagon.

It is almost the eve of the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii. I love to remind people that '59er John Collins really founded this world famous event.

One sports magazine described the history this way: A Fortuitous Dare Amongst Friends. After a mnning race on Oahu in the late 1970s, an argument empted during the awards ceremony as to which athletes were more fitâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;swimmers, ranners, or other athletes. Navy Commander John Collins suggested a race that would settle the argument. The race would combine three existing endurance races on Oahu to be completed in succession, the Waikiki Roughwater Swim (2.4 mile), the Around-Oahu Bike Race (112 mile), and the Honolulu Marathon (26.2 mile). Whoever finishes first, we'll call the "ironman" said Collins. Fifteen men took the dare and a Navy LT Gordon Haller was the first of 12 who finished the race. He did it in just under 12 hours. It took one finisher 21 hours (cutoff is now 17 hours). The event was moved in about 1981 to the Big Island to avoid traffic problems.

Okay, John, time to check in from wherever you are sailing, scheming, organizing, cavorting, or knows what?

Frank Martin (nitram59@aol.com) checked in from Box 56-2018 Pinecrest, FL 33256-2018 with this email: Since 1 June 2001,1 have been the Blue & Gold area coordinator for area 308 (from Stuart, FL south to Key West, and north/west to Port Charlotte). I have been contacting Chapter presidents to reintroduce the Blue & Gold Officers in their areas.

One you know well, Tim Goering '89 has been fantastic in helping us out, talking to and encouraging prospective candidates.

You bet, Frank! Tim is terrific! Frank went on to

86

'59; L to r; Janice and John Pechauer, Josie and Dick Noreika, Sally and Dick Griffith, and Valli and Phil Powers

'59; L to r: Dick Griffith, Phil Powers, Dick Noreika, and John Pechauer say more, and hopefully I shall see him at the 6 October Chapter Picnic we are holding on Singer Island. Frank is "gung-ho" and will do a super job as Coordinator. Oh, Frank can be reached by email or call 305-238-8318.

A final check-in for this issue, this from our faithful Hawaii 5-0 correspondent, Phil Powers: I have been remiss in reporting some significant news from Paradise. Josie and Dick Noreika were visiting Honolulu for a week in August, and on Saturday, 4 August, they hosted fellow '59ers: Janice and John Pechauer, Sally and Dick Griffith, and Valli and Phil Powers at the Ihilani Hotel for cocktails and a fabulous dinner. Pictures record the event. We had an outstanding time reviewing old times and how everyone met their wives, etc. We all thank Team Noreika for their generosity and gracious hosting of a mini-reunion. The other local '59ers were not available to attend.

Other News Valli and I were on a ten-day cmise around Tahiti and we were entering Bora Bora on the morning of 11 September when we learned what had happened at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon (via satellite TV). It was unbelievable, just like a Tom Clancy novel or the movies! The cmise itinerary continued on for the rest of the week.

There were some changes required re. flights back to Hawaii, but cruise officials (Renaissance) were accommodating. We were able to take a half-day tour around the island of Papeete. It was much like the windward side of Oahu. We did notice the waters and coral reefs were so clear and untouched around the islands of Tahiti. It was really great snorkeling in the shallow lagoons among turtles, rays, plenty of colorful fish and coral, and sharks (not dangerous)...(S^c'y note: are any sharks of that description? Someone once told me 1 was not to fear a 'nurse' shark I spotted; maybe a nice sounding name, but a shark, is a shark, is a shark!... I got out of that snorkeling area fast!). In all, we visited Moorea, Raiatea, Bora Bora, and

Tahiti. We still think the Hawaiian Islands have it all over them!

Papeete had a memorial service before we left, on 14 September, for those who lost their lives on 11 September. There is a large amount of sorrow even in French Polynesia, with full support to the United States. Waikiki and the beaches here are relatively deserted! I imagine the local economy will take a major hit over the rest of the year. This is all for now, except to say we support the President and the War against Terrorism! Mahalo, and Aloha, Phil Powers.

Phil, thank you, and I think all I should say is Amen\ Rise and Shine great Class of 1959! â&#x20AC;&#x201D;John Butterfield

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Annual Membership: 3 6 % Life Membership: 39%

Pres: VADM Ed Clexton, USN (Ret.) 1000 Bobolink Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 h: 757-491-2141 e: clexboeck@aol.com Sec'y: Bill Lewis 14312 Cove Ridge PI., Midlothian, VA 23112-4337 h; 804-744-8808 e: bilewis@home.com W e b site: h t t p : / / w w w . u s n a . c o m / c l a s s e s / 1 9 6 0 / default.htm.

From Jack Shaw in San Diego: As you would know our luncheon on 11 September got cancelled. If you will take the article you put twice in Shipmate and make the following changes. The date is now Wednesday, 9 January 2002, cost $9.40. All the rest is the same. Thank you.

From Jim Knorr in Annapolis: 1 have an excellent picture of three Classmates in Annapolis after golf at Cantlers Restaurant.

Jack Lynch and colleague Bob Kissell came to Shipmate, December 2001

Crabtown and joined Jim Knorr and Ed Mangan on the Navy golf course for an afternoon "friendly match." Of course the day could not be complete without and evening of "smashing crabs" at a local restaurant. God Bless.

L to r; Ed Mangan, Beth Knorr, Bob Kissell. Jack Lynch. Molly Butterfield (daughter of John B. '59), Suzanne Mangan. and Jim Knorr

;;;HiHni»i»»":,„

Group photo on the steps of Old Town Portsmouth Landing by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum.

Post luncheon, outside of Roger Brown's Sports Bar and Restaurant. Old Town Portsmouth

From Ed Clexton: The Hampton Roads contingent had another outing today—in the rain—and on the Elizabeth River—when Joe Jaap and Jack Brockman took 20 Classmates to lunch in Portsmouth, VA—by boat from yacht basins in Norfolk and Portsmouth.

One Classmate, Dave Harden, missed movement, a class A offense, and another, Bob Rutherford (8th Company) joined us for the first time. We were also nicely surprised to see Dennis Terry (15th Company) rejoin the group after recovery from a serious train wreck some months ago.

Best wishes and God Bless America and our deployed forces. Ed! Attendees included: Joe Japp. Bob Rutherford.

Torry Rogers, Jack Greenhalgh, Bill Kee, Rod Friedmann. Paul Cooper. Wick Parcells. John Whelan. Ed Clexton, Bob Osman, Mike McCullough, Dennis Terry, Jim Eilertson. Bob Brenton. Ed McCaskill, George VanHouten, Jack Brockman. and Gene Tiicker.

From Rob Kunkle via email: I received another China assignment and leave for Hong Kong, then Xiamen on 2 October I'm sorry to miss the off year doings. I have some feedback on the Super Sixty flags I had made in China.

Shipmate, December 2001

1. Both Bob Osman and Ray Burkley experienced the lettering tape peeling off So they sewed it on for good. I can make this change if 1 make more.

2. Ray expected more than a bare yellow (gold) flag with blue lettering. He wanted more like '58s (can't find a Shipmate and picture right now— but I think they may have U.S. Naval Academy or other wording in addition to '58 is Great"?) You don't get much for $20 bucks.

3. Judging by the lack of interest so far I wouldn't invest much more time or energy into this project. If the Class wants to expand on this idea you might check domestic suppliers and see what you can get for what price. Ask '58 where they get theirs? Higher volume equals discounts for both of us.

4. 1 have four more flags—a total of six made so far. I'll keep one for my use. All the best!

From Bill Ellington via email regarding Homecoming: Jim Duffy, Bill, and Classmates: 1 must reply with regrets. Living in Utah makes going to USNA for a reunion a bit beyond the bounds of reason.

However, my thoughts and pride go to all of our Classmates.

In these horrific days, I join with all of you in remembering with compassion our fellow citizens in New York and the Department of Defense. If only my country would let me. I would happily and with great enthusiasm lead the first strike against the perpetrators. Barring that. I join you in offering best wishes for mission success and safe return to our war fighters, who, after all, are our heritage.

By the way. I attended on Thursday last, a dinner meeting of the Order of Daedalians (an association of current and former military pilots). Our guest was a USNA graduate from 1994, who has been an NFO (not a pilot, but we made an exception) who had done several successful SAR missions, and some EP-3 missions which she, repeat she, chose not to discuss. While I have never agreed and will probably never agree with the use of females in military, especially combat, aviation, I was nonetheless impressed with this young woman. If we're going to have them, 1 hope they're as good as she is.

Friends and colleagues, we seem to be about to go to war again. I guess our only option is support via our Congressmen and women, and our associations such as TROA. In the meantime, 1 still have a flight suit, G-suit, helmet and mask (which my Uncle Sam didn't demand that I retum), and if anybody can use a fighter pilot, just shoot me an email.

From Jerry Benson via email: Mary and 1 will not be at Homecoming. We will be there in spirit and know you will all have a prayer for our lost Classmates as well as those who were victims at the 11 September 2001 disaster. I heard the original pilot on the airplane that hit the Pentagon was USNA Class if 1971, but have not seen his name or that fact substantiated at this time. Thanks for keeping me on your email list, I always enjoy seeing your messages.

From Mario Zambra via email: My deepest condolences to all for what happened to the people ofthe U.S.A. Unfortunately, sending this message is all I can do at the time to be near you.

Perhaps, a moment of reflection of what happened in Argentina during the late '60s and the early '70s might be useful. As you might recall, during those years our society was suffering the attacks of Marxist-Leninist terrorists. Repression initiated by a constitutionally elected government in office at that time was not effective. The Armed Forces took over in 1976 and continued with the war against terrorist guerrillas. But, and this is the thought I feel might be important to have in mind, in order to annihilate the enemy, methods of repression used turned to be less and less acceptable for standards of civilized society. The Armed Forces

were condemned forever by public opinion.

1 am sure leaders of the U.S.A. will find a way to neutralize terrorism in a civilized manner Perhaps, you probably remember methods used by some European countries (Germany. Italy), when the same type of political phenomenon besieged them, and they could be a reasonable reference.

Of course, that modality will not render a prompt and clear "victory." but fewer mistakes will probably be committed. If Vietnam was difficult to manage because you couldn't be sure who the enemy was. this "war" will be even more difficult. That is because in this case you will not be able neither to be sure who the enemy is (each individual is a potential one) nor where in the world it is located (if anywhere in particular).

Understanding how Americans might feel, sharing the basic ideals of western civilization and honoring previous treaties. I understand Argentina will support with its limited resources your quest against terrorism. I hope this modest contribution to your future actions will serve the interests ofthe people of both nations. My best wishes for all.

From Jim Baker via email: Responding to your telephone call last Friday. I did receive an email from Ed Clexton regarding Homecoming. I will not be able to attend Homecoming as my daughter is due for our first grandchild on 10 October, but I will be attending the Navy-Notre Dame game on 17 November Walt Land is planning on going to the game. If any other Classmates are attending, good place to meet would be behind the ROTC building which is North ofthe stadium where the Notre Dame Navy ROTC unit will be hosting a tailgater prior to the game. Thanks for following up on the non-delivery of my email address. Beat Army'.

From Frank Clark to Paul Cooper via email concerning Buddy Flagg '61, 5th Company: Coop, I saw the article and remember Buddy as a tall skinny kid who was always smiling. We need to remember him, his family and all those killed in the unbelievable events of 11 September. God Bless America!

I heard from Ray Fitzgerald: Thanks for checking in. Sorry about the email address. The investment group that I had teamed up with sold Atlantic Aviation in December 2000 in a satisfactory transaction to all. As a result I am "between opportunities" as I tell people. I'm having so much fun that I think I am on the way to retirement but you never can tell. I've seen Karen and Tom Inderlied. Gail and Doc Doherty, Annalise and Harry Henning. and Connie and Bill Lloyd, all on a cross-country adventure.

I received the following from Ben Hallowell concerning his recent illness: Sent; Saturday, 25 August 2001.4:59 a.m. Subject: "If you gotta get cancer..."

Dear Kathleen, 1 write this to you not just as one ofthe unsung heroines in my ongoing drama but also as one who in your role as Commanding Officer Naval Medical Center Bethesda might appreciate an "inside" view of Navy healthcare providers. My address list for this letter includes those from all walks of life that have and continue to be there for me. I write this as a way of informing them but mostly to do the impossible, to attempt to communicate the overwhelming feeling of gratitude 1 feel towards all of you.

1 have read the first person newspaper and media horror stories written by people dying with cancer and undergoing radical forms of treatment.

All I ever felt was sympathy for the patient and family and just moved on in my mind. I've also lived a career in the Navy and know well, for example the tremendous teamwork, which it takes to effectively operate a modern aircraft carrier Some of my most rewarding moments were as a landing signal officer at night in the middle of a stormy ocean where 1 learned how much we all depended upon one another and how good we were

87

at what we did. Anyway, the tremendous sense of accomplishment and reliance seemed to override the well known disadvantages of long hard separations and the Navy life whenever I'd consider the alternative easy Boston Brahmin lifestyle available to me at that time because of family background. I added lasting value, stability, and love to my life as well as a lifelong partner when 1 met and married Avery during a whirlwind visit to Georgetown in 1968.

So with this as a background, fast forward to last month when I got my cancer. Like many other men I am told, ignore it and will it to go away.

When my golfing partners, notorious for their male toughness and lack of sympathy, begin to avert their eyes, I realized you can't ignore a "#$#ing" tumor, which was my way of referring to this malignant fibrous histiocytoma rapidly growing on my cheek. I covered it with Band-Aids and fought losing batUes with styptic pencils trying to stop the bleeding. It truly was an ugly "MF" so finally I find myself at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Following extensive work-ups and seven hours in the operating room last week, that "MF" tumor, now the size of a Softball or grapefruit, has been removed in a delicate operation which included lifting the nerve out of the cancer surrounding it so as to preserve my facial functions.

In simple terms, that's where I am today but inside I am so humbled that I have this tremendous need to share. I can never give it back, but I feel I can make a contribution by sharing. In no particular order or priority, here is some of what I need to "unload."

I was a private person, holding lots inside all my life. Whenever I faced real danger, I just reacted or relied upon my training. Only afterwards did I get scared and that got absorbed as part of a leaming experience. With a fast growing cancer, there's plenty of time to get scared and no way to fly out of it. That private person could not handle all of the ramifications, fear, and anger so fortunately I shared with Avery and a special friend.

That started the most amazing sequence. I realized I had to tum over control and to do that I had to share. The feelings, which surfaced from deep inside me, were overwhelming but included not just the tears but tremendous warmth, bonding, and love. It would be nice to say cancer made me a better, more complete person, but, for sure, it made me a different personâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;there's really no other way to put it. For instance, here's some of what I've lived in these past few weeks.

The Navy's Dr. Peter Martin, certainly an incredibly talented surgeon, told me up front that the most important person in all this is Avery. I am limited in what I can do, he deals with what he faces during surgery but the one who needs all the help is Avery. That is his approach, and it was wonderful.

People like yourself (whom I've never met) responding above and beyond, ready to help me in any way possible. In your previous position as head of the Navy nurses, you must have passed something on becauseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;doctors, residents, and interns are good and certainly well intended but, to a person, those ICU nurses were incredible.

Although their personalities varied from the Kentucky down home friendliness of a Pam Willits, who absolutely turned my apprehension into confidence with her protective instincts towards me when necessary even chasing out a "covey" of young doctors (do doctors travel in coveys?) telling them that's enough, she would take care of it (the covey leader immediately herded them all out), I don't think anyone takes on a dedicated Navy nurse protecting her patient to the sweetness of LT Laura Martin, who held my hand and protected and calmed me in her own way.

LT Stephanie Kapfer, a young cardio-thoracic surgeon working ICU and 16 hour days, sees the doctor "covey" trying to insert an arterial line. I am sweating profusely as one of the young coveyettes keeps missing the artery when all of a

sudden nurse Pam (see protective instincts above) winks at me says, "Don't you worry," shoos away the covey and this angel named Stephanie appears.

She slides in that line as if it were nothing and then, after already having put in a full day, decides I look hungry and on her own time goes out and gets me a Subway sandwich. From that time on, she worked behind the scenes in ways I never knew. She spent hours with Avery and when I came out of surgery, she had conducted a prescreening sort of contest to select the nicest nurse in ICU for me. All the others kept coming in saying I'm really a nice person but I didn't make Miss Kapfer's cut. I learned she bakes cookies in her spare time and leaves them for the nurses without their ever knowing who did it. That is an inadequate way of describing yet another very special Navy medical person.

At the same time so many of you start to rally behind me both directly and then in your support of Avery. I mean those same male chauvinist grubby old golfing buddies show up in the waiting room unannounced in their golfing attire to simply be with Avery for hours and hours during surgery. To do that, they had to give up a Wednesday round on Men's Day at Coronado. That is unheard of!

So, this is my way of expressing what I can from inside to some pretty special people in my life.

Without being sentimental, you have all reached me deeply so I thought I'd let it come out.

Many of us face bouts with the medical community, more and more often now, and Ben writes to show that Navy medicine has some reaUy outstanding folks to take care of us. Ben had a little more to say later when I asked him about printing the note: I'm as mean and irascible as ever and haven't done anything to merit sympathy. Really, the whole experience has been enlightening and positive in that so many people have come forward in support. I was also pretty lucky to get the Navy's best, admiral Kathleen Martin (married to Walt Martin '62), CO Bethesda, actually pay a visit to us in Coronado just to check up on me (I never even knew her previously) That's but one example of the quality of Navy medicine these days I hope this makes sense and by all means, if you can send a helpful or positive message, please feel free to write anything.

From Skip Larsen, via Ed Clexton: Thanks for the Homecoming information.

Working in Houston (for NASA) makes trips to the east difficult. While, 1 make the ones I can, 1 will have to pass on this one. In any case, it is always good to get the emails from you and others. Thanks.

For your information, for work, I am still involved (11 years now) in running the safety assessment process for all scientific experiments that fly in the shuttle and space station. I was active in B52's for seven years as a navigator, and then came to NASA, left for a seven-year stint with a rocket company in the Dulles area in the 1980s and then came back to NASA. I also managed to get 15 years in the local Texas Air Guard unit (F-101 and F-4), This was the President's old unit. There has been no problem staying busy.

For a retirement plan. Norma and I bought an RV, two years ago to be used as a pre-retirement activity. Then I threw a wrench in the plan last November by deciding not to retire. It was just not the right thing to do. That was a day Norma was not a happy camper. However, we lived through it. Now we use it when we can, on vacations, etc. The RV is up for sale, but the price is too high, so I suspect we will keep it.

For exercise, I row 8km (35 min) on an erg at our NASA gym five times a week. 1 got a T-shirt for one million km a couple of months ago. Of course it took me almost one year to do it. By the way, everyone needs to work out five times a week, or put in place a plan that will get them to that point. For free time recreation, I try to do some sailing. That means one has a boat, and if lucky

uses it a couple times a year. This is one area that "needs improvement," and I am working on that.

If you are in the area let me know, and 1 will be glad to show you around From Al Holden via email: Greetings to all of USNA '60 from one of the very last ofthe Class who lives and works in New York City! I hope all is well, albeit other Classes took some direct hits at the Pentagon, on the planes, and at the World Trade Center. My own experience on 11 September is undoubtedly unique among Classmates, as I was traveling to Fordham across the Manhattan Bridge on the subway observing both towers on fire and about to collapse.

You cannot imagine my grief at colleagues lost and rage about the physical destruction, especially since 1 had spent five years working in the World Trade Center number 1 as vice president of marketing and chief economist of FCIA and had enjoyed a great number of business luncheons and many evenings with Laurie observing the sunsets and changing seasons at Windows on the World.

But my real reason for writing is to thank all members of '60 for their thoughtfulness in responding to New York's worst disaster. Having lived and worked in New York City since 1968,1 am hardly naive about the many and varied U.S. attitudes about my favorite city. Thus, I initially beUeved that the city's grief and dislocation would not atttact such an outpouring of American assistance.

So, again, while speaking only as an unofficial emissary of New York, I want to extend than ks to all that have helped. We won't forget, and God Bless America. Carpe Diem.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A BLUE & GOLD OFFICER? Contact CDR PJ Bradfield (bradfield@gwmail.usna.edu) or Don Nelson (dnelson@gwmail.usna.edu) in Admissions

Shipmate now accepts (digital photos for publication.

(Prints are also acceptable.)

All photos for use in columns must be submittecd by the Class or Chapter Secretary.

Photos must meet these minimum stancdards for printing: Color: grayscale Resolution: 300 dpi Size: scan at 100%, minimum size is 2.5 inches wide Type: tiff or jpeg Name each photo with class year or chapter name and a photo number Submit photos as separate attachments.

Shipmate, December 2001

61

Annual Membership: 4 6 % Life Membership: 3 4 %

Pres: RADM Arlie Campbell, USN (Ret.) Corr. S e c y : C A P T Roger Onorati, U S N (Ret.) 1756 Point-No-Point Drive, Annapolis, M D 21401 h: 410-849-3812; w: 301-261-8862 f: 301-261-8669; e: rtrogero@starpowernet Web site: www.USNA61 .org In Memorium On Friday, 21 September, more than 75 Classmates and wives, along with many family, former shipmates, associates, and friends of D e e and Buddy Flagg gathered for a sad, but beautiful memorial service at the Naval Academy Chapel and their interment at the Naval Academy Cemetery.

The services were held 13 days after our 40th reunion and 11 days after the terrorist attack during which Dee and Buddy were killed as passengers on the plane that hit the Pentagon. Four other Classes were holding major reunions that weekend. Security was high and Annapolis was crowded, but neither factor kept Classmates from all over the country from coming to m o u m the loss of one of our best. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Dee and Buddy's sons. Marc Flagg '85, Michael and their families along with their many friends.

Attention All Classmates Before you read the meat of this column, I have one big action item for you. While trying to contact as many of you as possible regarding Buddy Flagg's funeral, it became apparent that our Class's email database was woefully out of date. To obviate this deficiency, and give our Class the capabiHty to get important information to you quickly, I ask you to please send me an email immediately at rtrogero@starpower.net. You don't even have to put anything in the text. Just send me an email so I can get your current email address into our database. I'll also send it on to our Webmaster, Howie Winfree, to update our Web page database.

At this time in our lives it is important to have the capability of getting certain information to all of you quickly. So in the future, as a matter of procedure anytime you change an address, phone number, or email address, I encourage you go into our home page at http://www.usna61.org and update your personal data directly. Thanx in advance for your help.

Company In The Spotlight (11th Company) This month, it's Club U ' s tum in the barrel. As your faithful scribe, who also happens to be Club U ' s Company Rep., I have been unhappy with the paucity of response to my constant carping for inputs, so I publicly declare open season on all my clubmates who have not responded. Their inaction to my requests was only partially ameliorated by their great showing at our 40th reunion.

On the evening of 6 September, prior to the formal kickoff of our 40th weekend, Judy and I hosted a Club 11 party at our home in AnnapoHs. In attendance were: John Bennett, Mac and Rod Bubeck, Jim "Cavs" Cavanaugh, GG and Bert Cassels, Tim "Pygmy" deGavre, Roger Goodall, Hank "Teddy Bear" Hahn, Marji and Milt Jones with two of their daughters; Kathryn and Megan, Ann and Bob "Charlie Brown" Kelly, Sue and Dick "Kiwi" Kievit, Pat and Jim Luper, Doris and Bob "Tiny" McLaughlin, Phil Oppenheimer, Mel Romine, Connie and Hank Schwirtz, Gloria and Dave "Raingear" Stem, and Joe Sullivan. Dot and Nelson Hulme didn't arrive until Friday, so for the weekend. Club 11 had 19 attendees at the reunion.

Shipmate, December 2001

three of whom were first time timers. Not bad for a bunch of old geezers. Raese "Suitcase" Simpson had to cancel out at the 11th hour when his bride, Ann, was hospitalized. I ' m happy to report she is now doing fine.

Here are some updates from the Club 11: Bert Cassels: GG and 1 have done a good deal of traveling: Ireland. Scotland, England, and Wales in September 2000. Class Cruise in 2000, various points of interest in the U.S. in 2000 and 2001 (Florida, Utah, California, Annapolis, and Maui in February 2001.)

Will be in Spain in October 2001. March 2000— I have been appointed to Georgetown, SC, County Planning Commission (Involved in zoning and the development of the Five Year Strategic Plan).

Member of Georgetown County Highway Cortidor Study for the future improvement of U.S. 17 Corridor and the development of a plan for an interstate through the County, Chairman of the Georgetown County "Complete Count" 2000 Census Committee. Member of the Georgetown County Emergency Preparedness Committee and the Flood Mitigation Committee for the 2001 Hurricane season.

Milt Jones (mhjones61@aol.com), 5 0 4 - 8 9 5 8445, w: 985- 641-0477, c/p: 504-451-3510: Since last update two years ago, the engineering company that I worked for (fabricating offshore petroleum heavy-lift apparatus, drilling/ production platforms and supporting underwater "jackets") went bankrupt (May of 2000). Marji and I celebrated the company's demise by taking time off for a long-awaited return trip to Italy and spent three weeks with daughters Kathryn (now 22) and Megan (now 17), traveling by mini-van through our old haunts and visiting friends and the kids' godparents back in Italy. Came back (As Charlie Brown says, "What? Me worry?") to find a position waiting for me and am now vice-president of the consulting firm PMCC, Inc. (look us up on the Web at http://www.PMCCTech,com), Marji and 1 celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary in April by taking a few days off over on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, 1 was elected president of the New Orleans USNA Alumni Chapter in December of 2000 and attended the May 2001 Alumni Chapter Presidents/Board of Trustees meeting back in Annapolis, mostly just to watch Onorati smoke a cigar.

We have a big house just outside the Garden District in New Orleans and only half a block off St. Charles Avenue, Classmates are sincerely welcomed. My son, Geoff, and his wife, Kathy, are still doing well back in the northem Virginia area and will join us for the 40th tailgate and the "Beat Georgia Tech" game on 8 September, My daughter, Cori Jones '93, is now an instructor pilot in the RAG at Whidbey Island and has flown her EA-6B "Prowler" on cross-country hops down to the New Orleans area several times recently to visit us. She'll be attending a class at Pensacola in early August and will fly in/back through New Orleans so we'll have another chance to see her then. (Sec'y note: Cori made it back to Annapolis for a family reunion during our 40th) Kathryn (22). who will join us for the 40th bash, just graduated from Texas A&M, took a position at a hotel here in New Orleans, She has temporarily moved back into her old bedroom in our place, pending her West Point grad fiance's return from deployment to Kuwait around year-end, some time after which we presume there will be a wedding scheduled, Megan (17) will also join us for the 40th reunion back in Annapolis, She's a senior at Sacred Heart Academy, here in Uptown New Orleans, and Marji will be taking her on a college-finding tour this summer, Jim Luper: Over the last two-plus years, Pat and 1 continue in reasonably good health (the usual getting old aches and pains, but nothing serious), I was let go

from a company I had been with since retiring in 1984, but found comfortable employment with another company fairly quickly. I am still a "Beltway Bandit" contractor supporting a Department of Defense Agency, the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, in the test and evaluation functional area. 1 sold my weekend/vacation house in Lewes, DE (near Rehobeth Beach), last fall and used some of the profit to upgrade my accommodations in the Washington, DC area by buying a larger condominium than I have had here since retiring. 1 only moved four miles west from Arlington to Falls Church, VA, My children have added a couple to my total of grandchildren (nine now and they think that will be all), 1 have to admit that I haven't been to any area 1961 luncheons the past year or so. but 1 do participate in the Class Executive Committee meetings as a nonvoting President-emeritus advisor. I enjoy being with Classmates at the football tailgate parties and other occasions. I had an especially good time last fall participating in the 40th reunion ofthe 1961 Orange Bowl Team, Hank Schwirtz: Biggest news, 1 guess, is that it is time to retire for a second time and get out of the family business. Most pressing reason—my golf handicap went up two strokes and demands more attention!

Spent a lot of the last two years shepherding a $5 million dollar facility update at our country club.

It was a love/hate relationship! Other news— grandson number three arrived, Joseph Douglas Schwirtz, a.k.a., J.D., so we now have J.D. (2), Zach (3), and Jack (4) to keep us going strong.

Connie and I will celebrate 40 years together 8 June 2001.

Dick "Kiwi" Kievit, 716-385-4314: After graduating USNA in June, I made my way slowly through many weddings to Quantico, VA, and the Basic School, From Quantico, I went to the Second Marine Division in Jacksonville, NC, where I was assigned a rifle platoon. Other assignments included a Recoiless rifle platoon and battalion intelligence officer. My next assignment was in Beaufort, SC, as the intelligence officer for MAG 31, and then on to an F-8 squadron VMF (AW) 235. I deployed with that unit to Vietnam and ended up being the intelligence officer for MAG 11. After my 13 month tour, I retumed to the States, and started my career as a sales rep with Xerox Corporation. I stayed with Xerox for 33 years and retired in January of 2000. During those 33 years, 1 had various assignments in both line and staff positions.

While in the Marine Corps, I married a younger woman (who is still younger—funny how that works), Suzanne M, Brechbiel, and we have been together ever since. We were blessed with two children, a boy, Rick, who is with Astra-Zeneca as a sales promotion manager in Charleston, SC, He is married to Lisha who has her Ph,D. in clinical psychology. They have one son, fared Michael, who is 20 months old. Our daughter, Kelly S. McElveney, is married to Sean and they have one son. Brant O'Hare. Kelly is a speech pathologist and her husband is a sales executive with Monroe Litho which is part of Wallace Printing, They live close to us here in upstate New York. Both Sue and 1 enjoy traveling. Hobbies include looking for antiques, collecting sports memorablia, and 1 continue to try to find a sport 1 can compete in, I love golf play in a 30 plus basketball league, play softball and one game of soccer each year at the Varsity/Alumni event the last weekend in April at USNA, Presently 1 am doing some consulting under the dba of Productivity Initiatives, and specialize in compensation, sales coverage, and pricing engagements. We will continue living in the snow belt of Rochester, NY, enjoying our children, grandchildren, and travel when we can (especially in the winter). Life is tremendous! If you are in the area (most likely you got lost), please look us up.

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Bob McLaughlin: Doris and I uprooted from Annapolis in 1998 for the warmer climate of southeastern North Carolina, We now reside in Ocean Ridge Plantation which is about six miles from the ocean and eight miles from the South Carolina border It is a golf community and we are enjoying it to the max.

Prior to retirement we were concerned that we might be bored—now we wonder how we found time to work as we are very busy doing the fun things in life.

Raese "Suitcase" Simpson: Far be it for me to dwell on the days when Mauz and LaCagnina were mnning our butts all over Bancroft or of time on Bainbridge DLGN-25. The former two are nothing but real old farts and the latter is razor blades. Sailing season is here, and I'm enjoying my 15th season racing on a J-29. A very competitive boat. Have done a bit of off-shore sailing as well—once even bumped into Tim deGavre in Antigua—need to come visit you again soon. Pigmy! Ann and I have enjoyed traveling in and around Europe over the last five to six years.

(New Years Eve in Paris can be a kick!) We have done a few Alumni holiday trips (Navy vs. Notre Dame in Ireland and the Seine River cruise). If you want to know how much fun a pint of Guinness on a rainy night in Ireland can be ask David Church '67. Ann and I also like to bum around on our own.

This summer I expect to spend some time in Italy and the U.K., retuming via freighter (Ann says she wants to stay home and make sure the gau-den she works so hard on, does not succumb to the July heat). We also enjoy coming back to Crabtown— made it three times last year. Good to see everybody at the tailgates, and when a Marine pilot does a fly over, it can be pretty exciting! The mini Club 11 reunions the last two years in 'Vegas have been a kick. Cavs (Jim Cavanaugh), Roger (Roger Goodall), Kiwi (Dick Kievit), and myself, with the Bear (Hank Hahn) being the center of attraction have had a blast. Despite being a big old fart, the Bear still beat me at arm wrestiing. We were at some up scale restaurant (fortunately we were stuck in the comer). This past year Tom "Mitch" Mitchell (a Vegas resident) also joined us for the fun. Expect we will pass in 2001 because of the big 40.

(The tmth is known. Kiwi won at the tables the first year and lost last year—Sue is making him take a year off). Plan to join us the fall of 2002! Pete Danna, Denny Moore, and I miss Jim Joyner and Sharon—our loss is 'Virginia Beach's gain. Looking forward to seeing everybody in September!

Upcoming Class Events Washington area Class luncheons on Tuesday, 11 January, and 14 March 2002.

Class Mediterranean Craise—Our original cmise was cancelled when Renaissance Craise Line went bankrapt in September. Stay tuned for more info on a substitute craise from Don Evans.

Class of 1961 Legacy Project Status Report Our Class of 1961 Legacy Fund was chosen to support the Academy's mission ".. .to develop leaders to serve the nation." Over the past four years, through various Classmate focus groups, we confirmed the Academy's need for private funding, and selected the Academy's sine qua non.. .Leadership Development... as our primary objective. The Class Execufive Committee voted to establish a $2 million endowment for The Class of 1961 Leadership Education Chair as a 40th reunion goal, and a Legacy goal of an additional $3 million by our 50th reunion.

We began our campaign in June 2000. To date, nearly 300 Classmates have pledged a total of over $4 million to support our Legacy; $2 million for 90

the Leadership Chair and the rest for other purposes.

Prior to our 40th, we received 19 major donations or pledges ranging from $25-$500 thousand and a $1 million-plus donation through a Charitable Remainder Trust. After hearing from the Superintendent, VADM John Ryan '67 and the President/ CEO of the Alumni Association, George Watt '73 at our Reunion Class meeting, many Classmates decided to step up and give something back by increasing their pledges or making an initial pledge.

This resulted in a $ 100,000 increase in pledges during our reunion weekend.

We can all share a great sense of pride in the Class of 1961s support to the Academy over the years. At the same time we can look ahead with confidence that the Class of 1961 will continue to lead the way.

"VADM John Ryan, George Watt, and Academic Dean, Bill Miller have all confirmed Leadership as the focus of the Academy's mission, and have publicly acknowledged on numerous occasions the significant effort and contributions from our Class.

Thanks to each of you who have given something back. For those who haven't, I encourage you to take the opportunity to be a part of this very important project!

Parting Shots In closing, Judy and I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and the hope that the year 2002 is a great one for you and for our country. —RPO

Bellino Ban- Westfalh at tailgate *

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* vmm^^^^

"^tW '•'^\^ ^m Attendees at memorial service

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Scott Thorell. Chariie Lyman, Tom Shields, and Fred West serenade Revelers at the cocktail party

Get It Done With '61 Shipmate, December 2001

62

Annual Membership: 41% Life Membership: 41%

Pres: CAPT Richard J. Hayes, USN (Ret.) h: 703-461-3582; e: USNA62@erols.com Sec'y: CDR Howard S. Pinskey, USNR (Ret.) RO. Box 3380, Annapolis, MD 21403-3326 h: 410-974-1962; e: PINSK62@aol.com Class Web site: www.usna62.com Greetings From Annapolis The town and Academy are decorated for the holiday season. Always a good time to visit.

Info on our 40th reunion, the weekend of 26-29 September 2002 will be promulgated electronically and by mail during the first quarter of next year.

Preparations are well underway.

Don't forget to cheer Navy on to victory against Army on Saturday, 1 December during the 102nd Navy-Army game. Since December 1958, for the 44th consecutive yearâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;'62 SEZ-ZONK-EM! Class News Our good friend. Marine, and boxing champ, Andy Hesser, writes us that it was tragic to hear of Dave Copley's sudden death. We were in the same crew Plebe Summer, and I found a picture of Dave, Jack Stramek, Jim Fuller, and myself Maybe our Classmates would find the picture interesting. We were younger then. It was taken Parent's Weekend, 1958,1 think.

Lex Fleming attended the Superintendent's reception in early September during the President's Circle weekend. The following photo includes some of ouff Classmates attending.

Last month's issue of Shipmate told ofthe honor awarded our Classmate RADM Tony Maness at the Marine Corps Base, Kaneohe Bay, HI. His lovely wife Karen is by his side. Congramlations again for this honor.

'62; L to r, Greg Chauncey, Len Leetsow. Naomi Chauncey. Lex Fleming. Pat Lawson, Corni Lingley, Stew Lingley, Toni Coppersmith, Jim Coopersmhh. Diane Mancini, and Brocks Mancini

'62: Walt Welham, Frank Wagner, Dick Hayes, Ray Madonna, Wayne Hickman, Howard Pinskey, Em Reistetter, George Phillips, and Stew Lingley, surrounding Geoff and Harriet

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Karen and Tony Maness

Shipmate, December 2001

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'62: Pam Welham. Ann Hayes, Renie Madonna, Jean Wagner, Thea Pinskey, Jeannette Hickman, Donna Reistetter, Comi Lingley and Barbara Phillips are surrounding Geoff and Harriet, along with Elizabeth Whaling (holding Jack) and Phil Whaling (holding Isabel) 91

A very special and joyous event took place at St. Andrews Chapel, Naval Academy, Annapolis, on Saturday, 29 September 2001, when our Classmate Geoffrey Nelson married Harriet Heise Knochel Stanat. Harriet's father was the regisfrar at the Academy during our academic days and she is the widow of our beloved Classmate, Charlie Knochel, who was killed in action in 'Vietnam in September 1966.

Geoff and Harriet met at our annual Homecoming party in 1999 and the rest is history. Their reception was at the Alumni House—Ogle Hall and among the guests were Harriet's father, Geoff's mother, and nine Classmates and wives.

Elizabeth is Charlie and Harriet's daughter and Jack and Isabel are his grandchildren. A very touching and fitting photograph (previous page.)

Congratulations to the newlyweds. May they enjoy much health and happiness.

From Stew's electronic notebook comes the following gouge: Pat Grafton's son, Graham, is a Marine captain in charge of the White House detail at Camp David, MD. Jud Sage is teaching history (and several other subjects) at Northem "Virginia Community College in Lorton, "VA. He invites anyone interest to visit his Web site at www.nvcc.vccs.edu/home/nvsageh/.

Congratulations to Tom Grzymala for Alexandria Financial Associates being selected as one of the top 150 independent wealth managers in the United States as listed in Bloomberg's "Cream of the Crop."

Walt Welham sent the following. Pam and I participated in a new program offered at Walter Reed, it's called the Electron Beam Computed Tomography (EBCT) program. What is it? It's a high tech procedure that provides information similar to that gained by angiograms, but in a much less invasive way. Using X-rays and computers, it measures five different areas of blood flow around/in/out of the heart and provides indications of any blockage. Any retired member and spouse are eligible for scheduling the process. Phone numbers to schedule are: 202-782-5108, 5111, 9128, 9113, 6934 and 0986.

Web address: www.wramc.amedd.army.mil/departments/ebct; email: is ebct@yahoo.com.

PCS Moves Fran and Tom Roberts—"Viennna, VA Dottie and Bob Lennox Crawford— Williamsburg, VA Cathi and Don Allee—San Antonio, TX Ellen and Dave Bradt—Vero Beach, FL Cindy and Larry Senn—Fall Creek, OR Prae and Dave Dupee—Kentwood, MI Sharon and Jim Lucas—Chester, MD Ted Sheafer—Central City, PA Marie and Dick Brodehi—New Bern, NC Ann and Jay Hyland—Alexandria, VA Look in the online roster for full addresses, phone numbers and other information.

That's our Class news for this December 2001 issue of Shipmate. I hope you and your family experience a happy, healthy, and joyous holiday season and may the year 2002 be a year of happiness and peace for all of us and the whole worid. Keep your cards and photos coming in, your Classmates enjoy them. Keep in touch. Until next time.

63

Annual Membership: 41% Life Membership: 38%

Pres: Hon. Stephen M. Duncan Sec'y: Michael H. Shelley 25 Sweetwater Lane, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 h: 828-862-4245; e: Class.Secretary@USNA63.org Web site: www.USNA63.org With the third day of air strikes in Afghanistan now in progress, I've tried to compose an appropriate opening to this month's report. It hasn't come easily, and I've decided that's because you know what I know and there's nothing much I can add to the eloquent speeches and opinion pieces which fill the media these days. Instead of words, I offer you an image which captures the strength and resolve of the American spirit. It appears at the top of the

December Shipmate column on the Class of 1963 Web site.

The Class of 1963 has donated $ 1,000 to the Pentagon ReUef Fund to benefit the families of those who were killed in the terrorist attack on 11 September The Alumni Association's Web site has photos and other information about the USNA Alumni who lost their lives at the Pentagon. I encourage you to visit the site at www.usna.com.

I hope you remember my standing invitation to our Classmates' wives and significant others to submit news and photos to be shared with our readers.

I was very pleased to hear from Lee Pekary's wife, Pat, recently, bringing us up to date on Lee and their busy family:.

Lee and I were married in the USNA Chapel many years ago, and came to the last Class reunion.

He is corporate controller of NetManage in Cupertino, CA. While at the Academy he was on the tennis and squash teams; he still plays tennis

'63: Lee Pekary with his children and grandchildren

Happy Holidays to the members ofthe

(Robert oMeans 13i0mpS0n Q^ocietp '63: Lee Pekary with his children and grandchildren

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Shipmate, December 2001

three times a week, (Secy's note: Lee was Captain ofthe tennis team) He still holds the USNA tennis record for the number of sets won during a season.

We have two sons. Shannon and Chris, and seven grandchildren—all perfect, naturally. Years ago Lee coached and refereed AYSO soccer for our sons' teams, and now he's a referee for our grandcliildren's teams. Shannon is AYSO soccer commissioner He has a B.S. and master's degree from Stanford in electrical engineering.

He lives in Palo Alto, CA. and mns his own small company that develops and sells software for the Palm Pilot, Their products are sold on the Web at www,handshigh.com. Shannon and April have five children.

Our younger son. Chris, has a B.S. in computer science and math from Pepperdine. and a double master's in divinity and counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary in Florida, He's the caring minister at Hope Presbyterian in Cordova. TN. Chris and Debbie have two sons.

On the previous page are two photos of our family. The first was taken this year in Santa Monica.

CA. of the entire family except me. (I'm taking the photo.) The adults are Lee. Shannon and April, and Chris and Debbie. The second picture show s Lee and me last December w ith Shannon, his wife and children, and her parents—Jim and Karen Brown—in a courtroom at the final adoption of Shannon and April's two new adopted children (who are real brother and sister). This is the only photo I could find with both Lee and me. Our photo at the Ring Dance was in the Lucky Bag—my. how we've changed!

Many thanks to Pat for sharing the news and the excellent photos! Pat works for Hewlett-Packard as pubHsher and manager of H P Books Publishing.

OK, ladies, why not follow Pat's lead and send me some news about your guy and your family?

We sure could use your help.

The scholarship assistance provided by the Class of 1963 Foundation continues to benefit the children of our deceased Classmates. As testimony to this, here is a recent letter from A m y Vigeant, daughter of our late Classmate Karl Kaup: Once again, I wanted to thank the Scholarship Committee for the $ 1,000 grant recently received

by Regis University. This has been an incredible assistance to me as I have been working towards my M.B.A. I am very excited because I should receive it in the next few months, about the time we will be moving back to San Diego, where Dennis will be an instmctor at HS-10. It will also be wonderful to be closer to family on the West Coast! Please extend my most sincere thanks and appreciation to all your Classmates. I hope these contributions continue as others pursue their educational endeavors!

Again this year, W i l m i n g t o n , D E , r e s i d e n t Chariie "Goose" Gosnell continued his impressive record of fund raising for the Multiple Sclerosis Society by riding in his 14th consecutive MS 150Bike-to-the-Bay. I finished the two-day ride on the afternoon of Sunday, 30 September, after seven hours in the "saddle." We started with over 1,100 riders and at least half finished. We're looking to break last year's record of $600,000. So far I have over $800 in pledges and am hoping break last year's $ 1.500 record. Hopefully some of our Classmates will respond. So far over 14 years I've managed to raise over $15,000 for Multiple Sclerosis. Both my wife Judy and I have been involved with the local Multiple Sclerosis chapter for quite some time.

She doesn't ride, but has been a volunteer and committee member for 13 years.

I missed Bob Harper this year and could have used his "moral support."

My oldest, Charies Jr, is finally getting married on 13 October They bought a house and he is finally coming into the "real world" of mortgage, etc.

Shipmate, December 2001

The death of Ned Snyder '53 this summer prompted our Classmate Pat Waugh to post a recollection on SNOOPY, the unofficial USNA discussion group on the Internet. (For more info about SNOOPY, contact me.) Pat had quite a story to tell.

LCDR Snyder. I remember him well. He was assigned to the 8th Company our Youngster year.

My first day back from Youngster Cruise and leave. I had a message to report to him. He had the pleasure to announce that I was the subject of a class A, charged by the local, concerned parents of transporting a female minor across state lines, etc. After six weeks of restriction and the help of a Bronx Congressman, in whose home we had stayed, I beat the rap, but my rep with LCDR Snyder, and our Ban Officer Lt Col Twisdale. was zero for the next year.

The following winter break, the said female, now 18 years old, left Maryland for Chicagoland to live with my folks and eight brothers and sisters—much to the consternation other parents who wanted her in their new home in Severna Park.

She came back for the spring dance with a red, white, and blue gown that my mother had sewn.

She stayed with her parents in Severna Park under a white flag, but her mother found some letters that we had exchanged during those dark days between New Years and Easter and the fan got clogged. She left her parents, moved to 52 Maryland Avenue, and the dram began to beat again.

Just before final exam week, I was Class A'd again for something close to "alienation of affection."

The parents were threatening Congressional investigations, blah, blah, blah.

By being restricted up to and through June Week, 1 was able to study enough to avoid reexams, etc. We actually all had a party when my name turned up on the TRAMID cruise list for Little Creek. In fact. I was designated as a Company Commander (not Brigade, mind you, but not a slick-sleever either).

When we finally got to Little Creek on those S%#'^cfe* empty ships, I actually sported the two bars on my collar and got my picture taken in one of those 25-cent booths. About the third day that we formed up, as luck would have it, LCDR Snyder showed up and inspected my company.

After a while, he came back and said, "Mr Waugh, what are you doing here?" My reply was, "Following my orders. Sir!" He promptly had me shipped back to the Academy on one of those flying boats, complete with a lieutenant junior grade who counseled me on how to dump my OAO to skirt the impending disaster.

Days later my Congressman from Illinois (Derwinski) and some unnamed CWO cut a deal that they would allow me to stay if I would agree to never see this young (now 19 years old) maiden again. There was no crime or real infraction, but they did not want to deal with these pesky parents and their threats, 1 was told by the Commandant that he could not discharge me on the Class A, but that if I would not resign they would give me enough demerits that I was no longer eligible to remain. This offer pre-dated The Godfather by a number of years, but it had the same effect, I was too young and idealistic to cave into "PC" just yet. In those days, in all the movies, the guy told the establishment to get screwed and took the gal.

So I ended up with my old seaman stripes and orders to Anacostia. Wait, there's more...

As luck would have it. this young maiden now lived at 2 Maryland Avenue, just outside Gate 3, definitely not with her parents. She often visited me in my room at the end of the 2nd Wing while the matter was adjudicated. She had to jump the moat, but what the hell, we were younger then. In that summer. I knew most of the '61 guys who were hanging around with their butter bars, and we had no OOD problems. They liked home cooked meals.

Jumping ahead, we were married that July at St. Mary's. Probably one of the few seamen that

had a full military honors wedding complete with swords. The son of the Secretary of Health and Welfare and the future attorney general of Ohio (Tony Celebrezze '63) was in the wedding party.

The picture got big play in the Evening Capital since said maiden's uncle was the editor Anyway, we became a half-way house at 2 Maryland Avenue. Got to know Joe Bellino and his wife and we attended many of the key Class functions. We went to the Sadie Hawkins dance when said wife, no longer maiden, was reasonably pregnant with number one son. Reef Points for the incoming Class of 1965 had my new wife listed as a staff member, C,J, Fitch, likely the first female staff member listed in this historic publication.

But let's get back to LCDR Snyder A really nice man, but a litUe slow on the uptake. The Class of 1963's Ring Dance was a very special occasion.

Remember, as part of my previous John Wayne impression, I had to cancel my ring order. That was the most symbolic thing that I have done in my life-to-date. As you who wear the ring, or who have let your three-year olds drop it down the bathtub, it is the crystallization of who you are, what you have done, and what you promised to do.

Anyway, an anonymous Classmate (from the Bronx), arranged for Cathy and me to attend the Ring Dance, Appropriate dress whites were furnished and Cathy wore her red, white, and blue gown from the good old days. My former roommate also arranged for his buddy, the son of the aforementioned Congressman, to attend. Joey was a disaster, what with his haircut and slouching demeanor. Anybody could have picked him out as a non-Mid, but they didn't. Cathy got her tiny miniature as part of the deal. After the dance, several of us strolled out back behind the pond, Lo and behold, here comes LCDR Snyder and his wife in the opposite direction!

There really was no choice but to bluff it through. "Good evening Mr Snyder," said I. "Congratulations, Mr. Waugh," said he! We just kept on going and so did he. To this day, I'll never know, if he knew, if he later remembered, or if it just passed him by. I'd like to think that he knew, and that he really knew...

BTW, she was my wife for 28 years, the mother of my three sons. I grew to love her father as my own, and I talk with her aged mother weekly. It is somewhat romantic to yeam for what might have been, but I have a son who is a practicing psychologist (not on me. mind you), another who is XO of a VMA, and still another who teaches marketing to Gateway nerds. There were no drugs, not too many illegitimate children, and they all do their own laundry. What else can you ask of life?

Ned Snyder, you hardly knew me, but you were an important part of my life, 1 hope that you were blessed, as 1 have been, and that the wind is at your back and you have smooth sailing from here on.

We'll close with another recollection from our Midshipman days. Many USNA Aumni have reported having recurring dreams about dicey situations that could have put them into very hot water if they had actually happened. Well, one such situation did happen to M i k e M o o r e : 1 remember the potentially most disastrous thing 1 did Plebe Year. When Billy Graham preached at the Chapel, 1 attended in one of the church parties.

As we marched smartly up the entrance to the Chapel and whipped our overcoats off smartly, I realized I had no blouse on! (We were in Service Dress Blue B with overcoats.) After frantically checking the inner liner of my overcoat, 1 realized I could not sit in the chapel in shirt sleeves, I did a "to the rear march" and went between the 1st and 2nd squads all the way through the formation.

1 came out the rear just as a church party from town was returning nearby, 1 quickly fell in, marched back to Mother B. and was dismissed. I returned to my room, not believing what had happened. I decided I was going to be guilty of false

93

muster unless I did something, so I went to my Company Commander's room and turned myself in, so to speak. He had me repeat my story a couple of times, and then he got is Classmates in the room, and I repeated it several more times. Fortunately for me, they thought it was all pretty amusing, and I suffered no immediate consequences. I've often wondered what would have happened had I sat in the Chapel in shirtsleeves! I have had nightmares about this.

I think you'll be glad to see this Amarillo, TX, citizen's letter to the editor which appeared in the Wall Street Journal on 4 October: Courage and Grace. I take exception to your description of students at New Haven and Cambridge as "The Best and the Brightest" in your 1 October editorial. The best and the brightest in the U.S. have always been students and graduates of USNA (Annapolis), USMA (West Point), and USAFA (Colorado Springs). These schools are as elite as those mentioned in your editorial but require the additional commitment to go in harm's way should the necessity arise. They have always served with courage and grace, Happy holidays, folks! As you enjoy some quiet times at year's end, please take a moment to send me a note or email with news to share with our C l a s s m a t e s . T h e success of our ongoing news exchange depends on you.

Quality—'63

64

Annual Membership: 3 9 % Life Membership: 36%

Pres: The Honorable Bernard "Bernie" A. Maguire Sec'y: Dennie Pignotti 10907 Wilder Point Lane, Reston, VA 20191 e: dpignotti@navalengineers.org Web site: www.usna64.org The great Class of 1964, it is hard to believe how much the United States has changed since my last column. Since the tragic events of 11 September 2001, our lives will never be the same. I know your thoughts and prayers are with our great nation and its leaders, military, citizens, allies, and friends as we wage this war on terrorism. As John Palombi aptly stated: Keeping this a solitary incident (the attack on the International Trade Center Towers and Pentagon) will require a great deal of sacrifice and resolve over many years. We will prevail—with God's blessings.

Our Class President Bernie Maguire's message: To the great Class of 1964: I have received the following information from a very reliable source; Andy Thompson is no longer allowed to remain home alone if there is work to be done. He is destined to become a couch potato or else he needs a sitter. My source tells me that neighbors recently were given the opportunity to inspect the soles of Andy's work boots after he became wedged in a man-sized hole that he had just dug to fix a drain line for a window well. Apparently, Andy was so proud of his handiwork that while he was leaning over the hole to maximize his admiration he tipped himself in, headfirst. Since his large body plugged the five foot deep hole, no one could hear his calls for help and he could not get enough leverage to push his wedged body out.

We are all happy that Andy's wife, Mary, came home about an hour later and called for a couple of neighbors to lift the now hoarse ditchdigger from his painful perch. No broken bones or other serious after effects, just this embarrassing notice to a few of his very close friends, I have already received this overiy dramatic comment from Andy: "Payback is painful!"

94

In addition to a rousing Class of '64 Bravo Zulu to Andy Thompson for his escape, several other Classmates recently appeared on our BZ radar screen. First, our favorite amateur golfer, Tom Flory, won the Senior Azalea Invitational Golf Tournament. Way to go, Tom. My admiration for your golf game is based upon my knowledge that if you and I were partners in a local tournament, my handicap would still earn our team at least a stroke a hole.

And we have another author! Congratulations to Jack Everett, the author of The Truth About Trusts, a trustee survivor's guide. Jack's book tells the average person how to manage a trust once it has been established. It's a good reference book to use if you are a trustee for an estate.

Waddy Garrett (sailgarret@aol.com) asked me to identify the following members of his 2004 Reunion Committee; Brent Bennitt, Sam Davies, Paul Fletcher, Bill Natter, Bruce Newell, Bill Sargent, Andy Thompson, and Reunion Money Man, David Wagner. If you want to add your name to this stellar group of volunteers, please contact Waddy via email.

Last but not least, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the members of the Class of '64 Executive Committee. They make my job as your Class President enjoyable and frankly, make me appear to be much more effective than I am. Thanks to Class Executive Vice President Dave T\ima, Administrative VPBob Gault, Treasurer Bill Sargent, Secretary Hugh Risseeuw, Corresponding Secretary Dennis Pignotti, At Large Committee Members Grant Fulkerson (Class Database), Gordon Clow (Ethics Book), Steve Claassen (Reunion Cruise), Waddy G a r r e t t (2004 Reunion), Keith Waldrop (Fundraising), Ed Conant (USNAA-GWC liaison), and Past Presidents Jerry Anderson and Bob Sutton, Please say thank you to these Classmates for their volunteer time when you see them.

Grant Fulkerson passed this sad announcement to the Class email network: It is with deep regret that we report the death of our Classmate Larry Benson. Larry died in his sleep at his home in Toledo, OH, at 5 a.m. on 19 September. As we reported previously, Larry had developed multiple myeloma. Larry had stopped his dialysis treatments following his 7 September treatment. His wife, Joyce, told me that Larry had been in good spirits and had spent a very happy last week with his family until going into a coma on Monday the 17th.

I talked with Larry's wife, Joyce, this afternoon and she wanted to express her heartfelt thanks to all ofthe Classmates who have called and written to Larry over the past few months. She said that really helped Larry keep his spirits up as his health deteriorated.

Joyce also asked that donations be sent in Larry's name to the Hospice of Northwest Ohio at 30000 Riviera Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551.

Please remember Larry, Joyce, and the entire family in your thoughts and prayers.

A Memorial Service was held on 22 September in Toledo, OH, and a separate memorial service was held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lowry, MN (approximately 100 miles NW of Minneapolis), on Saturday afternoon, 29 September. Larry was buried in Lowry.

Tony Taylor received this courageous email from Larry Benson on Saturday, 6 September: Tony, thanks for the mail and thoughtfulness. I deeply appreciate your kindness. I stopped my dialysis and chemo last Friday so my demise will occur in about 5 to 21 days from today. The funny thing is that I feel almost normal these past few days.

Both Ed Schoenberger (edschoenberger® home.com) and Bernie Maguire (BerMaguire (S>aol.com) are taking care of the Class stuff so you might ask them to tune you in. Again, thanks

for the ofl'er. There will be a memorial service here in Toledo followed by one in Minnesota where I will be buried.

My mother, sister, and daughter are here to help Joyce and me through this transition so we have plenty of help. It's rare that I can get to my email so it's probably not a good idea to send any to me.

And while I appreciate your thought about phone calls, my strength and transition process would preclude them.

Again, thanks for the kind thoughts. I too have respected you and enjoyed our friendship over these 41 years.

Tom Elsasser delivered "Celebrating the Life of Lawrence Paul Benson" during Larry Benson's memorial services in Toledo, OH, on 22 September 2001. Here is a portion of that celebration: Three young men were thrown together randomly in the mix-master that resulted in the assigning of roommates Plebe Year at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. There was the son of a chicken farmer from Ohio—Ed Schoenberger; a quasi street smart kid from Philly—Tom Elsasser, and a bright eyed recent graduate from Crystal Lake high school in Illinois who had an infectious smile and a warm and friendly personality that would be his constant companion for the next 41 years—Larry Benson. Over the years, the three Classmates shared an extraordinary mutual friendship. They lived together, sailed together, skied together, toured Europe together and got to know each other in a way that few college roommates ever do.

Larry wore many hats during his lifetime: Margie's son; Joyce's husband; father to Eric, Sara, Melissa, Ann, and Shelly; and grandfather (or "Far Far") to Isabelle, Max, and Maddy. He was a naval officer; musician of exceptional ability; professor at Duke University, University of North Carolina and University of Minnesota; a CEO and consultant in the health care industry and last but not least an accomplished athlete, skier and sailor He loved the Navy and had a lifelong commitment to Navy Blue and Gold. He served with distinction first on active duty and then as a reservist.

He answered the call and served his country in combat during the Vietnam conflict. His service as a swift boat commander on the brown rivers of Vietnam resulted in his exposure to agent orange and his contraction of multiple myeloma which caused him to leave us far sooner than he should have.

Larry wanted so much to make a difference in the world—to have an impact on those around him. "The Anchormen" were a group of four Midshipmen—Larry, Bob Lawrence, Connie Lautenbaucher, and Wayne Amy who came together as a folk singing group during the time they spent at the Naval Academy. "The Anchormen" performed with the Naval Academy Glee Club all around the country, competed at the 1st Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival and were the only collegiate group to ever appear on ABC's Hootenanny when it was broadcast from Annapolis. "The Anchormen" were offered an opportunity to tour the world for a year following graduation with the People to People program. They declined, anxious to get on with their naval careers. Now let's tum the clock ahead 40 years.

One recent night 1 was working late at the office doing some copying. Thinking 1 was alone, I was blasting "The Anchormen" tape to keep me company. One of our associates, an accomplished musician in her own right heard the music and picked up the tape box. She said, "1 remember these guys from the Philly Folk Fest—they were fabulous, what ever became of them? Did they ever make any money?" I explained the group became naval officers, never made any money singing, but performed periodically over the past 40 years at Naval Academy reunions. No wonder she remembered them—they won first prize in their category and finished second in the overall competition. They

Shipmate, December 2001

lost to a group from the Mormon Tabernacle choir.

1 guess by anyone's standard. Larry could feel satisfied that his musical contribution had a lasting impact on somebody, somewhere in the world.

Well said, Tom. We all remember The Anchormen and that young man with the infectious smile and a warm and friendly personality. I know I will not forget Larry Benson and his courageous battle.

George Leonard emailed me this message on Larry Benson's memorial service and burial in Lowry, MN. Ed Schoenberger, his wife. Fay. Andy Douglas. and I attended Larry Benson's memorial service and burial in Low ry. MN. on 29 September. Larry also had a memorial ser\ ice in Toledo the week before. Ed and Fay traveled from Walnut Creek.

CA; Andy came in from Providence. RI; and I drove up from Des Moines. I met Andy at the Minneapolis airport and since Lowry is a small farming town, population about 270, about 160 miles from the Minneapolis-St. Paul aitport. Andy and I had the opportunity to catch up on our lives, careers and families since 1964, Ed and Fay both did a w onderful job delivering portions of the eulogy at the service. Other family members also participated in the service. There were stories about Larry's very rich life, about the many friendships he developed over his years, about the Naval Academy ties, the Navy, and his early life in Minnesota including summers and other times at the family farm in Lowry.

Larry's ashes were placed with those of his grandson who. tragically, only lived about an hour earlier this year. The American Legion provided the military honors and his uncle, an American Legion member, presented the United States flag to Larry's widow. Joyce. The ceremony was touching and sad and I was very glad that I had been able to attend. My last email from Larry was only three or four days before his death.

We took a few digital photos while in Lowry, I am sending one of Ed, Joyce Benson. Andy, and me.

J ..

L to r: Ed Schoenberger, Joyce Benson. Andy Douglas, and George Leonard

1

I have been in Des Moines now for a little more than three years. 1 have been involved in another corporate turnaround, this time in the embedded software business, I was recruited for the company's CFO position and was made the COO as well about 18 months ago. This was a successful turnaround since we were able to find a buyer for the NASDAQ listed company. The buyer, RadiSys Corporation of Hillsboro, OR, has retained me at least until March 2002, I am now focusing mostly on the details of the integration ofthe two companies. We will see what happens next March. I may be out looking for another challenge.

!

I t I

Shipmate, December 2001

Ed Schoenberger is retired in California spending a significant amount of time fishing, skiing, and doing some work for his church. Andy is practicing law in Providence and Boston, Tony Taylor also provided this update on his personal battle with cancer: Although no longer serious. I am recovering from a cancer operation of my own on 29 August.

I had a carcinoma tumor on the lower left femur (leg bone near the knee). The bone was cut away and replaced by a tungsten/cobalt alloy leg bone.

So far there is no sign of cancer in any other bones or organs in my body.

I urge that none of my Classmates or friends ignore any early warning signs that there may be something going on in your body that is out ofthe ordinary. In my case, I noticed in early May that whenever I walked any distance my left knee would "give out" momentarily, but without pain.

Since I had never had a knee injury, I kept track of this behavior and by mid-June went to the doctor He ordered a series of MRIs and bone scans, and that was the first we knew that there was an abnormal growth near my knee. I was then sent to one of the top bone cancer specialists at the University of Washington (a former Navy doc). When it came time for me to go under the knife, I was told to put my initials or some other marking on the left leg as assurance to the doctors that they will be operating on the correct leg. Of course being a true Blue and Gold kind of guy. 1 inked on the leg the message "Go Navy." The doc later told me that when he saw that he knew that there was no mistake as to which leg to cut.

I think I will have this one beat as long as it seems to have been localized. The lesson is, don't wait to have the doctor check you out if anything regarding your health changes from the ordinary.

It has been five months since I first noticed a change; 3.5 months since I first went to the doc; and one month since my operation. I am well on my way to recovery and walking normally again with my bionic leg.

My best to every great Classmate in the Class of'64, Tony, thanks for sharing your experience with the rest of the Class, I hope others will read and heed your advice—do not ignore any early waming signs that there may be something going on in your body that is out of the ordinary.

Ed Conant reported on the Washington Class luncheon that was held at the Army-Navy Country Club, Arlington, VA, on Thursday, 27 September 2001. Ed reported that attendance was good and everyone had a good time. Classmates in attendance were Dave Ahem, Wayne Amy, Steve Claassen, Ed Conant, Lon Cooke, Rick Dow, Jerry Dunne, Bill Franks, Grant Fulkerson, Steve Laabs, Connie Lautenbacher, Mel Lyman, Bemie Maguire, Bill Malin, Bob Murphy, Dave Tuma, John Tweel, Dave Wagner, and Jerry Welch. Bemie Maguire led a prayer for those lost in the events of 11 September He discussed a number of issues being addressed by the Class Executive Committee (addressed in Bemie's portion of this column). Ed reports that the next Washington Class luncheon will be on Thursday, 20 December at Army-Navy Country Club, in Arlington. I hope some of you can make it.

These luncheons are always a lot of fun.

Grant Fulkerson sent the following email to the Class email network: Bernie Maguire has asked that I send out a request to all on the Class email list to help identify any Classmates and their families who may have been victims of 11 September terrorist attacks. We have heard that there may be Classmates who may have had family or friends killed, injured or still missing from the attacks. If you, or if you know of other Classmates who may have had family or friends killed or injured please let me know as soon as you can so that we as a Class can try and

help in some way. We will certainly respect the wishes and privacy of anyone who may not want to be identified or receive Class wide support. We have heard that one of the American Airline pilots was from the USNA Class of 1971. (Note: 14 USNA graduates were known to be lost when this column went to press. The Naval Academy Alumni Association has the list with amplifying information posted on their Web site www,usna,com,) We will not know for days the final toll from the terrorists attacks, but we certainly know that there are hundreds of families who are suffering due to the loss of loved ones. Please remember all who have been touched by these tragic events in your thoughts and in your prayers.

The following White House announcement is of interest to the Class: The President intends to nominate Conrad Lautenbacher Jr to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, He is currently the president and CEO of the Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education and was previously an Associate with Technology, Strategies and Alliances, A member of the U,S. Navy from 1964 to 2000, Lautenbacher served in a variety of positions at the Department of the Navy, He served as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations from 1997 to 2000, Director ofthe Office of Program Appraisal from 1996 to 1997, and Commander of the U.S, Third Fleet from 1994 to 1996, Additionally, from 1996 to 1999, Lautenbacher was Chairman of the Board ofthe United Services Benefit Association. He is a graduate of the U.S, Naval Academy and received both a master's degree and Ph.D. from Harvard University, John Howland passed this information to the Chicago Chapter: Chicago eCitizens, it's that time of year again.

Once every two years we get to vote for the Central Region Tmstee, one of four Regional Trustees. It's nomination time and we have a Chicago Chapter member who has indicated he wishes to be considered, Len Wass below. As this is a national list, the following states make up the Central Region: Alabama, Arkansas. Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. You. of course, must reside in one of these states to qualify. You should also know that we are aware of at least one other Alumnus who wishes to be considered for this spot—Art Bryant '66 currently president of the Detroit Chapter, That letter should be along in the next day or so. To my knowledge an individual Alumnus can sign more than one candidate's petition indicating that you wish to see that person's name on the Ballot come next March.

The actual vote for the position takes place then and not now. Please take the time to do this citizenship chore within the Alumni Association, This year's Class tailgate parties drew good turnouts in spite of no wins in our first four games (only games played before my deadline). Dee and Dave Gould continue their excellent support by setting up our tailgate area in the Navy side (west) parking lot—along Farragut Road about 80 yards from Cedar Run Road. Classmates who attended the Georgia Tech and B o s t o n C o l l e g e g a m e t a i l g a t e s included Dee and Dave Gould, Joyce and Bemie Maguire, Nancy and Stu Johnson, Bev and Ken Middleton, Sydney and Rich Ruble, Mary Ann and Ed Conant, Ann and Grant Fulkerson, Sandy and Jim Shanahan, Jim Maitland, Vangie and Bob Gault, Nita and Chuck L a s k e y , Jane and Bill S a r g e n t , Y v o n n e and J e r r y A n d e r s o n , B o b Orlosky, Peggy and Dick Curley, Linda and Dave Ahern, Susan and Jim Arrison, Steve Claassen, Bill Malin, Mardy and Steve L a a b s , Al Creal, Jerry Welch, Rose Mary and Jerry Ellis, Joan and Al Moored, Tom Barnett, Bill Natter, Gerrie and

95

Larry Elberfeld, Renee and Marty Phillips, Karen and Dick Murphy, Connie and John Gorman, Lynn and Matt Hutmaker, Sam Davies, Christy and Eric Wood, Dick Shapack, Karen and Keith Waldrop, and Dottie and Dennie Pignotti. I hope to have some pictures next month.

Grant Fulkerson passed the following note to the Class email network: I have received inquiries from Classmates unsure about how to retrieve information from or unable to update their info on the home page so I am including the URL and Scott Bushnell's instractions regarding passwords. These instructions can also be found under the USNA '64 Message Board heading on the homepage, www.usna64.org.

Scott Bushnell wrote: In order to protect the privacy of Classmates, I have password protected the database. You must be listed on the database, enter your First and Middle initials plus your last name in the following format: ESBushnell. Note that the first three letters are capitalized. The password is "temp." If you don't have a middle name, use "N." You may change your Username and password after gain initial entry using the above format. Change those parameters by following the link to the "Update My Info"update page. If you are not already one of the 1,263 already on the database you will not be able to gain entry. If you need to be inserted, you will need to contact Bemie Maguire or Dave Tuma (See the "Officer" page for their email addresses. If you experience any problems or have suggestions for improvement please email me at webmaster@ USNA64.org.

This is a list of our lost Classmates (name followed by company). If you have any information on any of these Classmates, please notify Bemie Maguire, Grant Fulkerson, or me.

Peter K, Bowden (1), Victor S. Baron (2), Eugene E. Kelly (2), Walter J. Gerard (3), Robert H. Lark (3), James H. Howser (3), Dennis A. Mon-is (3), Richard W. Halbert (4), James L. Williams (4), Eric G. Lohmann (4), Carl B. Papa (4), Leon P. Brooks (5), Richard G. Katz (6), Joseph M. Leonard! (6), George M. Davis (6), Raul A. Moreira (8), Geoffrey D. Nelson (8), Walter F Hauschildt (9), Thomas B. Sullivan (9), John D. Durden (10), Dennis E. Ray (10), Dale J. Lux (10), Patrick J. Reardon (11), Edward M. Fox (11), Carl Gallmeyer (11), Robert J. Dougal (12), William B. Lynch (13), Peter M. Syrko (13), Wilson G. Weed (14), Ron G. Georenson (14), Brian A, Amdt (14), Arthur W, Nelson III (14), Lothar S, Boeck (15), Jerry (n) Julian (15), William E, Jarvis (16), Frank (n) Johnson (19), John H. Frazier III (20), Gerald W. Snyder (21), Robert L. Solomon (23), Edward J. Bush (23), Barry V. Banks (23), Dan C. Bennett (24), and Cari E. Garrett (24), Please send me some updates on what you and other Classmates are doing. Do not forget to send pictures with your updates. May God bless America.

As a l w a y s , D e n n i e . G o Navy Beat A r m y ! Go U.S.A.!

65

Annual Membership: 4 0 % Life Membership: 36%

Pres: Pete Gness p: 410-757-4796; e: subman65@yahoo.com Sec'y: CDR Dave Anderson, USN (Ret.) 98-2039 P Kaahumanu St., Aiea, HI 96701 w: 808-477-7483; e: daveand65@earthlink.net H o m e page: www.users.planetcable.net/daveand Hello, Classmates. We hope that this finds all of you well and enjoying the holiday season and rejoicing another victory for the big Blue and Gold

96

over the black knights. All that is, at this point, in the future. In these early days of October, we find ourselves staying well tuned into the news of the day and wondering how this new world situation will play itself out. So, as we put these words to the hard drive there is a certain sense of the uncertain.

However, we remain supremely confident that everything will tum out ok as it always does when we keep on keeping on. On that note, let's get on with the news of the Class.

As you can imagine, most of the input in the past couple of weeks has been regarding the attacks on New York city and the Pentagon. This first item comes from Joe Luckard who was very close to the scene in the latter location. He reports on a couple of Classmates who are still working in the building.

Mike Concannon and Jim Amerault now work for contractors supporting the Navy, Mike was with George Sharp (out of Alexandria, VA) the last time I saw him, Jim now works for John J. McMullen (out of Jacksonville, FL) with many trips to their headquarters in Alexandria, VA. I hope to God neither one was in the Pentagon performing their support efforts. I missed being there to get my DoD badge renewed. Got side tracked in Crystal City. I'm watching TV like the rest of you to find out what fully happen. My nose would just be in the way. All I could see was dark black smoke from fuel burning.

As it tumed out (as far as we know) none of our Classmates were directly affected by the terrorist attacks of 11 September. Thanks be to God! Now for a perspective from across the pond we turn to a report from Denny Neutze: I thought that I would share with you what is happening on this side of the Atlantic. I can assure you that the mood is one of shock and outrage. The British press and TV continue to be dominated by the news of the multiple disasters that befell the United States on Tuesday. I have received many expressions of sorrow from British friends as well as from many different nationalities with which I work. As you may have seen, yesterday's Changing of the Guard, included for the first time and at Her Majesty's request, the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. Today is a National Day of Mouming in the U.K. A few minutes ago, we observed a three-minute period of silent prayer. My office is not too far from St. Paul's and we were summoned to this silent tribute by the bells of St. Paul's Cathedral. London became suddenly very quiet. The steady din of the buses and black cabs was eerily silent. I looked out of my window and could see people stopped and praying on the streets.

It was obviously something that I've never experienced and hope never to have to again. During this three minutes of silence, in addition to giving thanks for the safety of my family, 1 thought of all of you.

I also thought of our late Classmate. Mark Rein, whom many of you will recall, was the victim of a similar cowardly attack. Hopefully the absence of news to the contrary means that our remaining Classmates came through these incidents unscathed, 1 was sorry to hear that all our Alumni were not so fortunate, having read the emails about the two who were killed on the hijacked planes. Undoubtedly there were more Alumni killed in the attack on the Pentagon, The reason that I wanted to pass along my observations of this moming is to let you know that at last America is not standing alone. People finally realize what the United States has done for so many people for so long. It is unfortunate that it has taken such a tragedy to make us be appreciated for the sacrifices that American servicemen and women have made over the years to protect the freedom of others, I hope that they will continue to stand with us when it is time to hold the responsible people—and nations—accountable.

Thank you, Denny, for that view. We believe that all who saw the report on the changing ofthe guard

at Buckingham Palace on the day after the attacks were deeply touched. We now will hear from Denny Lough who is involved in the Pentagon renovation.

We were inundated with phone calls from concerned friends and relatives yesterday, and the phone circuits are still overloaded. I have had difficulty retuming calls to people who left voice mail.

Patsy and I are safe. I was close enough to the attack to hear and feel the concussion and to see the black smoke billowing from the side of the Pentagon. We are blessed and have a lot to be grateful for. I hope that you and yours are also secure.

Okay, clearly there has been a lot more traffic on the Net regarding the many and varied points of view of our Classmates. We will not try to include that here. Suffice it to say that we have all been impressed by the wonderful outpouring of concem for Classmates who may have been affected and the strong patriotic sentiments from all points of the compass. Now w e are going to shift gears to take a look at the major effort underway to chronicle and then organize the sea stories of the Class into a worthy tome. Okay, so what is a sea story? Do you have your own pet definition of exactly what constitutes this art form? Well, our good friend Jack Devine has word-smithed his w a y through that problem and gives us the following: What is a Sea Story? By Jack DeVine Among sailors, the term "sea story" is as broad as the ocean. These are the reminiscences we share with shipmates during long watches on a cold dark night at sea, or with our fellow pilots in the ready room—or years later, long after retirement, the ones we tell our wide-eyed grandchildren.

These are recalled fragments of our lives, on land and sea and in the skies, in war and in peace, in every comer of the globe. They are the highlights, the colors, the crests and the troughs of our service years. Some are serious, some not. They are tales of harrowing combat, of high seas, of peril and fear They are also comedy high and low, reflections on happy times with our brothers, foolish mistakes and satisfying achievements.

Some may be exaggerated in our memories, and grow with each retelling—but just as many others are probably understated recollections of moments when our hearts stood still. Each can bring back for us, in a flash, the fullness of the smells, the sounds, the tastes—the realities of these events.

Together, they weave a remarkable tapestry of our shared adventure in the service of our country.

Thanks, Jack, for that bit of literary brilliance.

We imagine that most of you know about the major effort headed up by Dick Zimmermann to encourage and collect sea stories from our Classmates. But did you know that they will be published in book form? To give you a glimpse of what is to come we are including here the proposed table of contents and hope that Dick Z. doesn't mind. We do so primarily to highlight the names of the contributors.

We should note here that this is a work in progress and there will, of course, be changes and additions as time goes on.

On The Gunline, Vietnam Jerry Robinson, HUGH PURVIS (DD-709) (plus a WaXeR); Dick Zimmermann, BUCHANAN ( D D G 14); Claude Lumpkin, HULL (DD-945) (plus a WaXeR); Jerry Robinson, SOUTHERLAND (DD-743) (plus a WaXeR).

All In A Day's (Or Night's) Work Dick Zimmermann, CHARLES H . ROAN ( D D - 8 5 3 )

(plus a W a X e R ) ; S k i p M c A l e x a n d e r , VW-4, Naval Air Station Jacksonville (plus a WaXeR); Bruce Kallsen, Saufley Field; Doug Burgess, JOHN WILLIS (DE-1027); Tom Murphy, VA-85 off KITFY HAWK (CVA-63) (plus a WaXeR).

In The Air Over Vietnam Bruce Kallsen, VA-115 off MIDWAY (CVA-41) (plus a WaXeR); Charlie Sapp, VA-82 off AMERICA Shipmate, December 2001

"

(CVA-66) (plus a WaXeR); Harry Hoffman, VA97 off CoNSTELL.ATioN (CVA-64) (working); Tom Murphy, VA-85 oft' KITTY H.WK (CVA-63); John Flynn, VQ-1 out of Danang.

Incidents That Can Ruin Your Whole Day Jerry Robinson, SOUTHERLAND (DD-743); Mike Concannon, VA-44 off LEXINGTON (CV-16); Dick Zimmermann, CHARLES H. RO.^N (DD-853); Ernie Lockwood, PLUNGER (SSN-595); Tom Murphy, VA85 off KITTY H.WK (CVA-63); Claude Lumpkin, H.^RRY E. Y.ARNELL (DLG-17).

On The Ground In Vietnam Dean Riehman. Battery C, 1st Battalion, 13th Marines (plus a WaXeR); Mike Malone, 1st Platoon, A Co., 1 St Amtrac Battalion, 3rd MarDiv (plus a WaXeR); Sim Pace, A Co., 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd MarDiv (plus a WaXeR); Lynn Wegner, Naval Gunfire Liaison Oft'icer, 3rd MarDiv; Dave Porter, USAF, 366th Combat Support Group, Danang Air Base.

Leaming The Ropes Brace Kallsen, Saufley Field; Pat Milligan, Saufley Field; Jerry Robinson, SOUTHERL.AXD (DD-743); Dick Zimmermann, CH.ARLES H. ROA.N (DD-853)

Away AH Swift Boats Doug Burgess, Coastal Division 12 (plus a WaXeR).

Movies Were Better At 15 Knots Dick Zimmermann. CHARLES H . ROAN (DD-853); Charlie Sapp, VA-82 off AMERICA (CVA-66).

Black Shoes And Brown Water Paul Rogers. River Assault Division 152 (plus a WaXeR) The Silent Service Jack De"Vine, SUNHSH (SSN-649) (to be released later); Pete Dolan, GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER

(SSBN-656); John Glenn, L.^PON (SSN-661); C. M. Wood, PATRICK HENRY (SSBN-599); John Stein, WH.\LE (SSN-638); Jack Camphouse, BARB (SSN-596) (plus a WaXeR); Jim Stewart, SEA ROBIN (SS-407)

Advising The Vietnamese Bob Andretta, Advisor to Coastal Group 14 (a few condensed ones); Charlie Morrison, Advisor to Secret Sword Patriots' League Navy So You Wanted To Be A Naval Attache Pete Galbraith, Naval Attache to Russia; Skip McAlexander, Naval Attache to Brazil Rendezvous In The Eastern Med, June 1967 Phil Ferrara, TRUCKEE (AO-147); Dick Zinunermann, CHARLES H . ROA.N (DD-853); Karl Stahike, A.MERICA (CVA-66); Tom Murphy, Iwo JIMA (LPH-2)

Operating With Foreign Navies Dick Zimmermann, CHARLES H . ROAN (DD-853); \ Fred Rowe, HMS LEANDER (F- 109) Hang Him From The Captain's Mast!

• Jerry Robinson, SOUTHERLAND (DD-743); Mike •' Malone, Naval Legal Service Office, Treasure Island; Hugh Gillogly, NIMITZ (CVAN-68); Denny Neutze, Navy Law Center, Norfolk I Jerry Robinson, HUGH PURVIS (DD-709); Bob

• ;

Andretta, JLXIUS A. PURER ( D E G - 6 ) ; Pat Milligan, ESSEX (CV-9)

The Hot Middle East Dick Zimmermann, CHARLES H . ROAN ( D D - 8 5 3 ) ; Tom Murphy, Iwo JIMA ( L P H - 2 )

Sound The...Alarm!

Dick Zimmermann, BUCHANAN ( D D G - 1 4 ) ; Tom Murphy, VA-85 off KITTY HAWK ( C V A - 6 3 ) ; Fred

Rowe, BRUMBY (DE-1044); Carter Refo, INDEPENDENCE (CVA-62) (working); C. M. Wood, SKIPJACK (SSN-585) (plus a WaXeR)

Shipmate, December 2001

Nightmares In The Fireroom John Flynn, Krrry HAWK (CVA-63); Doug Burgess, JOHN WILLIS (DE-1027); Dick Zimmermann, BUCHANAN (DDG-14); Fred Rowe, BRUMBY (DE-1044) Sounds Of Silence—At 30,000 Feet Tom Murphy; John McKinney, NAS Willow Grove; Don Hallwachs, Patrol Squadron One; Mike Scott, NAS Miramar Using The Newest In Technology Jerry Robinson, SOUTHERLAND (DD-743); Jim Roorbach, DEHAVEN (DD-727) (plus a WaXeR); Paul Rogers, WILSTIE (DD-716); Doug Burgess, NORRIS ( D D - 8 5 9 ) ; Mike Goodwin, LYMAN K .

SWENSON ( D D - 7 2 9 ) ; Dick Zimmermann, CHARLES

H. ROAN (DD-853)

Close Up Romeo!

Dick Zimmermann, CHARLES H . ROAN (DD-853); Mike Goodwin, LYMAN K . SWENSON (DD-729); Carter Refo, MILWAUKEE (AOR-2); Arnie McKechnie, P.^RICUTIN (AE-18) Relaxing After A Hard Day Bruce Kallsen, VA-115 off MIDWAY (CVA-41); Doyle Borchers, VF-33 off AMERICA (CVA-66); Steve McDonald; Tom Murphy, VA-85 off KITTY HAWK (CVA-63); Chariie Sapp, VA-82 off AMERICA (CVA-66); Jack Musitano, VF-51 off BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31)

The Passing Of A Great Gray Lady Dick Zimmermann, BUCHANAN (DDG-14) Afterword: The Class Of 1965 Roger Sherman So, there you have it, a preview of coming attractions. Well done to all of you contributors. Stay tuned as these literary geniuses continue to pull it together. Let's now go to a report about Tom Morgenfeld (this is a bit dated but we don't believe it was previously presented here in Shipmate).

It comes to us thanks to JV DeThomas.

Just a note to pass on to the Shipmate that Tom Morgenfeld, was the test pilot whoflewfirstflight in the Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter on 24 October of this year (2000). This was a major event and might be the last important first-flight for the 20th Century. Tom's been an experimental test pilot for the Lockheed Skunk Works for some years,flyingnumerous classified aircraft including the F-117 and the YF-22. Tom's a retired CAPT, USNR. He's the director offlightoperations for the Skunk Works, is a Fellow in the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and was a past president for that organization.

Just before firing this column off to the editor, we received the sad news that Sandi Mager, the beloved companion and helpmate of Classmate Lee Mager, died in early October. Lee, on behalf of the entire Class, we send our heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family.

Well, good friends, that brings us to the end of this month's column. We like to hear from you and to know of your ever-changing situations. We know that you don't want to put the spotlight on yourselves; like, "who wants to read about me." Well, we do, so drop us a line. Also, we all like those pictures so send them in.

God Bless this people and our leaders and BeatArmy\

66

Annual Membership: 39% Life Membership: 35%

Pres: VADM John S. Redd, USN (Ret.) Secy: CDR Mike Baird, USN (Ret.) 63 Franklin St., AnnapoHs, MD 21401 e: baird@toad.net West Coast Sec'y: Robert G. Johnson Jr., Esq. 30131 Town Center Drive, Suite 147, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Class Web site: www.usna66.org So we come full cycle again on another year. And what a year I'm writing this in October, one week before the 35th Reunion. The events of 11 September are still so vivid to all right now. Many of you, like me may have been on travel at the time. I ended up driving back from Oklahoma City. As we enter the Christmas season, I pray we can all keep touch with the past, but not let it make us afraid to focus on life ahead. There's still so much to celebrate.

That's my wish for you all. Now on with the news for this month.

Ned Samo sent me a note and the pictures you see from the first Navy football weekend. All were participating as part of the Alumni President's Circle. The first picture was taken at the superintendent's quarters after the P-rade. Art Byrant, Roy Bell, and Sam Marrone joined Ned. And the next day, still smiling despite the 70-7 drabbing were Tom Payne, Ned, Sam, and John Scudi.

I can attest to Ned saying it was a great weekend, weather wise. Ned also passed on the news that Joe Hasson's son, Joe Hasson III, was one of those lost in the World Trade Center on 11 September. He worked for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 105th floor My thanks to Ned, and I know you join with me in praying for Paulette, Joe, and their son's family.

Rod Rempt (Quarters AA, Newport, RI 02840 or prrempt@aol.com) was kind enough to send me a photo of his change of command at the Naval War College. It occurred on 22 August 2001. Pictured on the next page are, left to right, Duncan Ingraham, Tom Marfliak, Guy Mendenhall, Rod, Al Swinger, Dick Plotkin, and Dave Bill. Rod also provided me a copy of his remarks at the ceremony.

He began with a quote from a 1936 Navy recraiting pamphlet on the utility of the various types of weapons systems and vessels. For example, "the Battleship.. .is the backbone of the fleet; it is difficult to deploy submarines because of their vulnerability; the aircraft carrier is a floating airfield and has little offensive and defensive power." He then recounted how our perspective today viewed those same systems. Then he asked what the Navy would be like in 20 years? What would our forces be required to do? What will be expected of them? He stressed that it will take innovation and creative thinking. It will involve strategy, policy, national decision making, joint operations, doctrine and tactics, and especially cooperation with our friends and allies overseas. He stated that the War College is the catalyst for transforming the Navy, and the Navy, the Nation, and the entire world depend on us to get it right. I extend my prayers and best wishes to Pam and Rod for success in their new efforts.

Thanks, Rod. Jim Fleming provided an email, and Bill Geib forwarded pictures (following page) of a gathering on the Jersey Shore. Jim provided the narrative that follows. The first photo shows, left to right, Mike Chandler, Bill Geib, Jim Fleming, Charlie Cronan, and Paul Rasmussen. The second shows Mike Chandler, Irma Geib, Bill Geib, 97

P a u l R a s m u s s e n , Jim F l e m i n g , and Judy and Charlie Cronan.

Several members of the 32nd Company met at the home of Bill Geib in Spring Lake, NJ, the weekend of 1 -3 June 2001 for a Spring Fling. Irma and Bill hosted Judy and Charlie Cronan, Paul Rasmussen, Mike Chandler and Jim Fleming.

Dolly and Steve Kowalick were planning to be there as well, but had to cancel at the last minute.

The weather was totally uncooperative, but Irma's gracious hospitality in their lovely home, and the renewal of old friendship—spiced with many sea stories which just seem to get better and better as the years go by—more than made up for it.

Bill is quite the ocean fisherman these days, or so he claims. Several trips to the shore produced nary a nibble, but he assures us that both immediately before and after our visit he landed some big ones. Mike had to leave early Sunday morning to participate in an iron-man triathlon in Cape May, NJ, giving rise to such comments as, "Go for it," and "Better you than me." The rest of the group are more or less sane, with the possible exception of Charlie, who spends a lot of time on his two motorcycles (Harleys, of course).

My thanks to Jim and Bill. If you get any 35th Reunion tidbits guys, please forward them.

Rufe Taylor reports the birth of another grandchild. I'll let you read his account written in his own, inimitable style: New crew member Andrew Lackland Taylor reported onboard at 0132 PDT, Tuesday, 18 September 2001. "Doc" in sickbay reports initial weight of 10 pounds 8 ounces and height of 22.5 inches. He should have no trouble scrambling through hatches. Port of embarkation was Bremerton, WA. New seabag has been issued containing considerable "stuff," much of which is too small already. Healthy holler can be heard through the densest fog.

He takes a 40 pound backsuction on any food that gets near his face. Matches up well to refueling rig and so far no bottom blows or spillage during unrep sessions. Particularly fond of his rack after taking on stores. Sponsos are Sondra and Charles Taylor '92, both on hand at arrival. Andrew has been assigned to "I" Division and issued a slide rale, lacrosse stick, fieldball jersey, and seven "get out of jail" free passes to the academic board! All indications point to a likely blond-haired blue-eyed lady killer therefore master-at-arms has pulled liberty card until further notice. No other distinguishing marks or tattoos (yet). All hands doing well—smiles aplenty.

Cheers from the entire crew!

Thanks, Rufe. Sorry you weren't able to make the 35th. Glad everyone is doing well.

On 26 September, two Classmates conducted another Navy tradition. If you recall, earlier, Carl Fulford, four-star relieved Steve Abbot, four-star.

This time Bob Nutwell passed the Navy's Gray Eagle award to Mike Haskins at the September Association of Naval Aviation luncheon at the Washington Navy Yard. The Gray Eagle ceremony is one steeped in tradition, recognizing the senior naval aviator (longest since date of designation) on active duty. Congratulations to Mike and Bob. And that wraps up another article. Remember, if you have any 35th Reunion stories and pictures, please forward them to me. Before I close, I want to wish all Classmates a very happy holiday season in whatever form you celebrate. I also pray that next year brings each of you success and happiness. Until Febraary 2002 All the best! —Mike!

WWW-

'66; Art Bryant, Roy Bell, Sam Marrone, and Ned Samo

'66: Tom Payne, Ned Sarno, Sam Martone, and John Scudi

'66; Rod Rempt assumes command of the War College

'66; On the boardwalk in Spring Lake, NJ

xom '66: Fine dining to celebrate the moment Shipmate, December 2001

67

Annual Membership: 39% Life Membership: 41%

Pres: CDR David E. Church, USN (Ret.) Sec'y: LCOL Jim McNeece, USMC (Ret.) 1603 John Worthington Way, Crownsville, MD 2l032 h: 410-849-3423; f: 410-849-3623 (call before faxing); e: scribe67@aol.com It's good that there's a delay before these columns go to print. I'm writing this in early October; we've just begun the attacks on Afghanistan. By the time you read this, much more will have probably transpired...for good or ill. For that reason, I'll subject you to no essay of any kind, except to confirm that while the Class of 1967 lost no members in die attacks of 11 September, Classmates were affected directly. Some lost relatives, some lost associates, some lost friends, we all lost our perhaps naively comfortable notion that if we were ever hit, it would only sting. Nobody knew what the pain would really be like. As you can perhaps imagine, this has not been the greatest month for chitchat.

Everyone's been pretty preoccupied. I did receive a few things, though...and eavesdropped on email to get a couple more! Before I start that, let me wish you all a Merry Christmas and a super holiday season. Here's hoping that 2002 will be bright and prosperous for everyone, and that is my prayer. Now, on to the stolen material.

I looked at a couple if emails addressed to others. Actually, I was an info addressee on them. It's not like I know all and see all around here, though sometimes I can wish! In a note to Dave Church, Dale Fink said he's been in frequent contact with Jay Slough. Dale said he and Theta are enjoying their newest granddaughter a couple of days a week. Dale says she's "4 months old and a real sweetie." Their other two grandchildren are six and five years old.

Dante Marzetta checked in from Cleveland. Said things were going great there until the attack. He's head ofthe Cleveland hub for Continental Airlines, and they're having drastic cutbacks along with all the other airlines.

Terry and Bob in Paris Shipmate, December 2001

'67: Colleen and Norm, Patricia and Mike, Don and Nancy, and John Remember about a year ago I printed a picture of Terry and Bob Kelly at their latest romantic getaway discovery? Pan Mun Jom, Korea? He came up to me at one of the Navy football games.. .can't remember which one it was...we lost, I remember that part. At any rate, he had another picture just to show that they can be a bit more conventional in their choices of places to go. This one shows him and Terry in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. I didn't ask him which place was more fun, but I can sure guess.

I went to the Air Force game at FedEx Field last weekend...lost that one, too. Ran into Corky Caldwell's wife, Julie. She told me he's stiH ranning the airport in Anchorage, AK. They're doing well, but this is their 11th year up there. I think Julie's starting to lobby for a change of station.

Also had a quick exchange with Hank Giffin.

He didn't have to much time since he was heading out the door the next day for a race weekend. He said he races a 1959 Morgan in vintage races and his daughter races a 1959 Elva Courier This sounds like a good tale to hear, so I'm going to hound him for more...and some photos! Hank is vice president of the Systems Integration Group for Anteon Corporation in the Virginia Tidewater area.

I sent Larry Culver an email some time back.

While I was moving, I found a picture that included the two of us as Marine captains. He answered back and we chatted a bit. He and Lydia are empty nesters in Oklahoma City with a son and new daughter-in-law living in that city and a daughter, her husband and a couple of grandsons living in Las Vegas. Larry said he retired in 1991 from Kaneohe Bay, HI, and moved to Oklahoma in 1996. He just finished his M.B.A. in 1999 and is ready to launch a new career. He said he's doing a little flying and instmcting in the meantime.

Several weeks back, I got a note from John Craighill asking me if I knew that Mike Robertson got married last December Well.. .no, I didn't know that, but we got Mike to send a few words and a photo. So here it is, albeit delayed!

Patricia and I both work for Bell Helicopter in Ft Worth, TX. Patricia is director of engineering continuous improvement and administration. I work Life Cycle Support in the Supportability group. Our first get together was for a 30-minute cup of coffee at Barnes & Noble.

The wedding was at the First Presbyterian Church of San Leandro. The best man was my brother Ron—an architect from the Aspen, CO, area. (He proposed to his girlfriend at our reception.) The wedding party included my son, Steven, and my daughter, Kelly. Steve came the farthest— he lives in Tokyo and teaches English as a second language, Kelly came from San Diego but just moved to Vancouver, BC, where her husband has started work on his Doctorate. My brother, Jon, and sister. Sue. from Castro Valley, CA, sang at the wedding and were in the wedding party. The man of honor was Patricia's brother—Robert Levell, His son and daughter. Lance and Kate, completed the wedding party.

The reception was held at the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley, Live music was provided by "The Misfits," Jon's band. Friends from Texas, Idaho, Maryland. Oregon, and Califomia were able to be there, ATexas reception was also held in Ft, Worth, More specifically, those friends included Colleen and Norm Marks, Nancy and Don Tabb, and John Craighill. To put my Secretarial spin on things, I prefer to not consider this a late item, but one just in time to say "Happy First Anniversary!" Best to you both and I hope to kiss the bride at the 35th!

For those of you who have forgotten (or never knew). Rich Zino, along with Paul Laric '49, has published a book called Tales from Annapolis, a collection of stories from the halls of Mother B. They're working on another volume, so if you have sea stories from the Yard, get hold of Rich...he can make you famous! Really, he'd love to hear from you.

I guess that's about the end of it for this column, this month, this year My how time sHps away! I'm looking forward to 2002 with optimism, not for the least reason is that we have our 35th Reunion this year. Until I see you there, may you all enjoy the richest blessings in the year to come.

That's it.. .Goodnight!.. .and may God (by whatever name you call Him) bless America! —Jim

Save the Date! (^bat oMams ^'Chmpsm Q^ocielp luncheon April 12, 2002 99

68

Annual Membership: 39% Life Membership: 36%

Pres: Joseph V. Conway Exec Sec'y: Leo Kuehn 531 Wilson Road, AnnapoHs, MD 21401-1061 e: lkuehn@arinc.com Corr Sec'y: Gordon I. Peterson 7994 Hidden Bridge Drive, Springfield, VA 22153 p: 703-913-5404; fi 703-243-8251 e: gpeterson@navyleague.org Class Web site: www.usna68.com With the approach of the religious and holiday season, I hope that you all will share in the blessings of family and friends as the year draws to a close. Our thoughts and prayers are with the men and women of all branches of the armed forces, and their families, as they press forward with the war on terrorism at home and abroad. In this brave new world, we also should remember those who serve in the cause of homeland security here in the United States as well. God be with them!

I had the good fortune to travel to Parris Island, SC, for a week in October to document the work of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in transforming recruits into Marines for an article in our November Marine Corps issue of Sea Power. The staff, drill instractors, and recruits were simply tremendous. They continue to hone their skills as they prepare for the future. Let there be no doubt that today's generation of Marines will live up to the legacy of their predecessors. If you get the blues this winter, go spend some time with young Marines. You'll find it to be an exhilarating tonic—one that may make you wish you were enlistment eligible again.

I had one of our veteran Marines tell me that he had volunteered for recall from retirement to serve on active duty, but the good people at Quantico told him he was rated as "8th and I." When he asked what mobilization classification that was, he was told: "When the enemy approaches Marine Barracks Washington, DC, at 8th and I, we will call you."

Oh well—nice try.

Speaking of Marines, LtGen Mike Hagee hosted President Bush at Camp Pendleton last spring.

LtGen Mike Hagee. commanding general ofthe I Marine Expeditionary Force, welcomed President Bush to Camp Pendleton earlier this year As you would imagine, the events of recent months have kept Mike on the go, but he took time from his demanding duties to pen an article for my November Sea Power magazine on how his I Marine Expeditionary Force is forging a new Marine Corps doctrine of expeditionary maneuver warfare in a single-integrated battlespace.

You can read Mike's article on line by clicking on the Sea Power icon at the Navy League homepage (www.navyleague.org) and go to the archived issues for 2001. Better yet, if you are not a member of the Navy League and not seeing the 100

magazine regularly, send me an email and I will mail you a complimentary copy.

During this time of national emergency, many former members of the armed forces are asking themselves how they can "help" in the war on terrorism. The Navy League has provided the means to rally public support for the sea services for 99 years. Check it out!

I was again deeply saddened by the loss of another Classmate from our ranks in September when I was notified of the death of James T. "Jim" Dunn of the 16th Company. Survivors include his wife, Barbara; two sons, Andrew and Michael; and three sisters, Ellen Roberts of Florida, and Susan McNamee and Barbara Otty, both of New York. A funeral Mass was held on 14 September at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Shallotte, NC. There was an outpouring of email from many Classmates who recalled shared experiences with "T" (or "JT") through the years. Lenny Mrozak (lmrozak@aol.com) wrote that he had the pleasure of introducing Jim to Claire, his first wife (and mother to his two sons). Lenny was dating Claire's roommate, Chris, at the time. "Jim was his typical engaging self that night," Lenny said, "and after I told Chris about the terrible news the other day, she reminisced about when she and Claire met Jim for the first time. She remembered him sliding down a banister, and she thought, 'Hey, he has a sense of humor!' Boy, did she have Jim pegged right." Lenny continued: One incident that characterizes Jim for me is when LT Cosky. our Company officer First Class Year, stopped him in Bancroft Hall and wrote him up for being out of uniform earlier in the day. Jim couldn't for the life of him remember being out of uniform. It seems that "Casper" mistook Jim for me. Jim wound up with the 20 demerits, and when we figured out what had happened he still took the demerits—knowing that I was right at the limit before losing my First-Class privileges.

Jim took one for the team, and I really appreciated his loyalty. We lost a true friend when Jim passed. But to be sure, we all probably have some silly grin on our face thinking of one incident or another that we shared with him.

Recollections of such loyalty and a love of friends, good times, and a good laugh marked most of the stories I received about Jim. Chris Dozier (chris@xcelerix.com), another member of the 16th Company, had this to say: JT was a great person to be around. He was funny and never took too much very seriously. For awhile Carol and I lived near Jim and Claire when they lived in Sparta, NJ, We had some good times together, Jim was working for his father-in-law in the bowling business. In fact we were at the Dunn's the night Jim Kern came through when he was getting out of the Navy. We also spent some time at their house in upstate New York. We even visited Tom Hardy there after he left school. 1 wonder if anyone could contact Tom and let him know the sad news? There are many stories that 1 remember that added greatly to my experiences at Navy and in flight school. 1 will always enjoy remembering them and Jim Dunn. It is sad to know he is gone.

Jim Kern (jim.kern@juno.com), also from the 16th, said that the last time he saw JT was at our 30th reunion in 1998 when he, Jerry Porter, and Jim went across the Bay Bridge one afternoon to have a few beers and catch up on old times—a great afternoon with really good friends. Jim, who roomed with JT for three years, recalled the time during June Week 1968 when the two of them arrived at an empty Bancroft Hall on the morning of commencement—victims of cutting liberty too close a final time:

Everyone had formed up and was marching to the stadium for the ceremony. We drove out to Navy-Marine Corps Stadium after changing into uniform in Bancroft and made the company march-on about 100 yards from the entrance to the stadium. I recall we had a duty officer in hot pursuit, but we made it safely. The 16th Company entered the stadium as he was closing on us, and he decided not to make a big deal by busting a couple of soon-to-be graduates in front of the packed stadium! JT was a great guy—smart as hell (he got me through the Academy, and he studied less than I did), and he never seemed to let anything bother him. May Jim rest in peace until we all get together again.

A number of the notes I received from Jim "OB" O'Brien and others recounted the time of JT's first wedding in May 1969 when a big group from flight school in Pensacola flew up for the ceremony. JT and Claire flew back to Pensacola with everyone on the same commercial flight. The trip from Jacksonville to Pensacola included a number of stops, and each time the pilot got off for a quick inspection of the aircraft—only to have the "grade" for his last landing evaluated aloud at each destination by our novice SNAs (smdent naval aviators, remember). It's not clear just how he reacted to his impromptu in-flight evaluation, but it's not hard to guess!

Jim Cullen remembered how JT always was upbeat at the Academy. "He used to encourage us to lighten up and not take things so seriously," Jim wrote. "One of his sayings that I remember was 'get out of your hole!' He was always fun to hang Mound with."

I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to share their remembrances of one special Classmate with us—they traly captured JT's engaging personality and zest for life.

In late summer. Rick French (popndoc(S aol.com) brought me up to date on Chuck Stehle's accomplishment circumnavigating the United States in his 46-foot sailboat earlier this year. Chuck subsequently disabused me of any thought that he planned to make a solo voyage and, perhaps mindful of the old saying that a sailboat is nothing more than a large hole in the water into which you keep throwing money, he advised that he would likely sell his boat as soon as he finds a buyer! You'll enjoy Rick's narrative:

Chuck Stehle mans the rails on his sailboat during his circumnavigation of the United States last summer I met Chuck on the yacht-club pier at NAS Jacksonville, FL, on 2 June, He was lean, well-weathered, and deeply tanned. His graying mustache and black rupal hat all added to the mystery ofthe man 1 had not seen since our days flying with the Seawolves (HAL-3) in Vietnam 33 years eariier Over lunch that day, he began to tell me about the latest adventure of his life.

On Halloween of last year, as youngsters set out to trick or treat. Chuck embarked on his own voyage pursuing a challenge: sailing his 46-foot Kelly Peterson sloop SWINGSET from San Diego

Shipmate, December 2001

to Annapolis through the Panama Canal. Ultimately, he planned to dock at Louise and Dave Black's dock in Annapolis before 4 July. He made it—alone most of the time. Actually. Chuck set off in San Diego with a crew of six including Denny Rowley, They sailed west from San Diego out 100 miles and then steered south. It was fun sailing with the gang of good friends. The crew debarked about ten days later in Cabo San Lucas.

Mexico. From that day on. Chuck was solo.

The Pacific coast of Mexico was too beautiful to hurty past, so Chuck hop-scotched alone to the south, learning Spanish for "How much is the port tax?" and experiencing the generosity ofthe Mexican people firsthand—La Paz for two weeks. Mazatlan for six. then on to Puerto Vallarta. Manzanillo. Acapulco. Ixtapa. Z-town, and Huatulco.

After a voyage of 26 days, he w aited at the entrance to the Panama Canal for two weeks to repair four broken engine mounting bolts. With camera in hand and four Panamanian line handlers onboard. Chuck transited the passage and the locks to fulfill his dream. He glowed as he related the thrill of navigating the inland marvel of engineering. Upon reaching Colon on the Atlantic side, he was greeted with a very different ocean.

The Atlantic offered eight-to-ten foot seas and a steady 15- to 20-knot head wind. SWINGSET held up well to the pounding. It was then that he spent 13 continues days at sea. his longest time at sea alone. Finally. Grand Cayman emerged as his welcome haven of rest. It became his port of call for four weeks as he again awaited repairs. Finally departing Grand Cayman. Chuck headed for the Yucatan Channel.

About three hours out of the channel. Chuck noted a solid line of thunderstorms approaching.

Suddenly, everything became ver\- exciting. Running before the weather (and unable to further reef the mainsail or furl the headsail as he ran downwind with the storm), he used full radder and his undivided attention to maintain steerage and not broach while achieving speeds over eight knots.

SWTNGSET'S advertised hull speed. Finally, after several hours, the storm passed, and Chuck reversed course and resumed his heading through the Yucatan Channel. Annapolis by the 4th of July was still possible.

Sailing west around Cuba, Chuck reentered U.S. waters off Miami. FL. and then he made a port call at Fort Pierce. Among his first purchases was a cell phone! He was anxious to reassure all of his well-being and continued progress.

I met Chuck as he sailed north to visit Jacksonville. I then had the honor of sailing with him to Charleston. SC. During this trip. I became very aware of the magnitude of his accomplishment.

Chuck usually sailed all day and all night, taking cat naps every few hours and awakening to the sound of either his alarm or the warning signal of his surface radar! Although he had an auto pilot (which he called Otto), solo sailing required constant vigilance. Any time he ventured out of the cabin area at night or during inclement weather, he had an integrated life vest-hamess and secured himself to jack lines. There is no recovery from a man-over-board, I was very impressed with his patience and competence. The relatively short sail from Jax to Charleston required many rig changes and reconfigurations as the sailing conditions shifted.

He carefully engineered each with self-assurance and safety. Although I was there to spell him on watch so he could sleep longer, he continued to rise every hour to check the horizon and assess the sea conditions. It was a wonderful experience!

During our time at sea together, I asked what felt was his most memorable moments during the voyage. He said that they were the days at sea alone en route to the canal and the rapidly changing Atiantic weather and choppy seas. When I asked him about his most interesting time, he related stories of whales, dolphin, sea birds, and sea Shipmate, December 2001

turfles that had befriended him. One day, he had a guest fly aboard and try to have intimate relations with his talking stuffed parrot in the cabin! Another sea bird was garroted by fishing line and actually allowed Chuck to hold him to disentangle the noose that threatened strangulation, I left Chuck in conversation with Bill Davis at the Captain's Table Restaurant in Charleston, SC. He later wrote me of the continued adventure in the intercoastal waterway via Myrtle Beach, Beaufort, Norfolk, and eventually into the Chesapeake Bay. Did he make it by 4 July? With a week to spare!

After almost two months at Dave and Louise's dock. Chuck finally returned to his apartment in Washington. DC. He has moved SWINGSET to a marina as he prepares it for sale to another person with a dream to fulfill.

What a marvelous adventtire—and sincere thanks to fellow Seawolf Rick French for relating it in such a detailed and stylistic narrative. Now we all finally know why Chuck responded so enthusiastically when ordered by the Second Class on his table in the Mess Hall to "reef and furl" his neckerchief during our Plebe Summer back in (gasp) 1964!

Gordy Heitzman (gordy@usjet.net) ofthe 20th Company also emailed me in August to bring us up to date on his happenings. He reports that he and Carolyn still have their sons, BiH (19) and Steve (16) at home. Bill loves playing lacrosse with the University of Minnesota Bulldogs, and Steve is still making week-long bicycle tours with his dad a couple of times each summer Gordy was preparing to tackle " C A N D I S C " again when he wrote— normally a ride of 400 miles in seven days. (Hope you had good padding on that bike seat, Gordy!)

Gordy retired in August from the Army Corps of Engineers after nearly 23 years as a civil engineer with St. Paul District and about 32 years total federal service. He wrote that those folks with any hints on what to do next by way of a career transition should drop him a line! "Old gardeners never die; they just spade away." You also can contact Gordy (or choose from: Gord, Gordie, Gordo, or H o o t ) at his home in the woods: 2207 Gardenette North, White Bear Lake, M N 55110-3829; 651-429-9500.

Good luck with your career transition, Gordo.

Here's an appropriate quotation for your gardening T-shirt: "Do It Yourself—I'm Retired!"

In closing, I received several welcomed notes in recent months that, owing to space limitations, I had to defer to this column.

I was happy to hear from Steve Erb again at about the same time that Gordo wrote. Steve said that his wife, Judy, continues to work at In Stitches Needlework in Alexandria, VA, as well as keeping up with all those things needed to keep a household ranning. Steve and Judy made a trip to her sister's house in Salt Lake City to help celebrate her mother's 80th birthday in early September—shortly after they celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary. Steve said that his three sons are quite busy.

His oldest, Scott Erb '92, is now at sea on a WestPac and Indian Ocean deployment as operations officer aboard O ' K A N E , due back in January. With the war on terrorism in full swing, I ' m sure Scott will have some sea stories to tell upon his h o m e c o m i n g .

Steve was promoted last summer to senior group leader for the GeneExpress Product Management and Quality Control Group with Gene Logic, Inc., in Gaithersburg, MD. The promotion means that he will be coordinating all the activities involved in defining and delivering products to customers with a base that includes several of the top ten pharmaceutical companies in the United States, Europe,

and the Far East. As Steve noted, this work tends to keep him busy.

Great note, Steve. I know whom to contact when I need a discount for some aspirin for writer's cramp! Another welcomed voice from the past was heard from Ward Masden (wjmasden@aol.com): I retired as a captain 1500 aeronautical maintenance duty officer in 1994 and took a job with R.M. Vredenburg & Co. of Reston, VA, as senior engineer with this information technology and contract-support company to the Naval Sea Systems Command. It since has expanded its' services to multiple DoD, Navy, federal, and state clients, 1 am on contract to the Department of the Navy's chief information officer as the logistics and industrial base sector head for critical infrastructure protection for the Navy, (Sec 'y note: Ward; How do you fit that titie on your desk nameplate?)

I have been conducting in-depth assessments of our advanced weapons systems reliance on nonorganic (commercial) support to identify potential vulnerabilities to terrorist attack, natural disaster, man-induced failure, etc. It is an extremely most interesting area to analyze to learn how our weapons and systems programs have evolved based on the curtent Navy and DoD guidance. My office is in Crystal City.

My youngest daughter, Jenny, graduated in May from the Medical College of Virginia (MCV), married one other doctor classmates, and started her residency at MCV in the specialty field of surgery. My oldest daughter. Caroline, is completing her doctorate in education administration at the University of Virginia, My wife, Jeanne, is the leading interior designer with the Colony House Fumiture Store in Arlington, VA. near Roslyn. We live near Tyson's Comer, and I can be reached at home at 703-448-1945, Great to hear from you. Ward, after so many years. I am sure the aftermath ofthe horrific events of 11 September have kept you especially busy these recent months.

Mel Walters (noahslark@aol.com) read a recent update on our Class Web site (thanks to Dave Tyler for keeping the site current—a thankless task at times), and he dropped a short note: Marty and I and our family have had a difficult 18 months as our four-year old granddaughter, Khyla, was diagnosed with leukemia in January 2000. We immediately moved up to Vancouver, WA, from our Flagstaff, AZ, home to help the family. Thankfully, Khyla, after 12 months of intensive chemo, is in remission and is doing very well.

She still has a ways to go to be completely free of the cancer, but her age is on her side. Her progress has been remarkable. Khyla's progress has permitted Marty and me to relocate, and we have done so by moving to Stevensville, MT, about 25 miles south of Missoula in the Bitterroot Valley. We bought a log home on 11 acres and moved in last week with all of our animals. We certainly welcome visitors as we are only a few hours from both Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

Marty, who is an accomplished spinner and weaver, will be retuming to her crafts and focusing more attention on her llamas and sheep.

Our son, MJ, is a Marine first lieutenant selected for captain, and he is presentiy in Okinawa. He is in love with the Marines, and I expect him to make a career of it. His twin brother, Jason, is in the restaurant management business. He is presently relocating to the Boston area where he and a friend plan to open a restaurant in the next year 1 continue to work for Logica North America in the Consultant Practice of the Energy and Utilities Division, We have been working primarily in the deregulation area but have recently expanded into other utility areas. My short note got a little long. We look forward to hearing from some Classmates and, perhaps, seeing a few in Montana. Our address; 377 Hillview Drive. Stevensville, MT 59870-6745; 406-777-2421.

101

It was a relief to leam that Khyla responded to treatment, Mel, and thanks for the invite for the Class to drop by to say hello up in the wilds of Montana. We have just formed a fly-fishing club numbering approximately 250 Classmates here on the East Coast, so we'll be sure to stop by for a week or so in the spring!

Jim Cullen reported a nice tumout of 13 Classmates at our last luncheon here in the Washington, DC, area in October. Jack Klimp has joined the Phoenix House in New York as the vice president and director of N e w York operations. Phoenix House runs a nationwide drug rehabilitation program. WeH done to Jack on such a successful career transition—it's reassuring to know that his dynamic leadership will continue to serve our nation's domestic security: the well-being of our citizens fighting the scourge of drag abuse. The next lunch is on Thursday, 6 December, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Terrace Restaurant in Crystal City. We will celebrate our victory over Army!

I'll close with a traditional wish for continued health and happiness in the new year and the prayer that our nation—and the civilized world—will prevail in the fight against the forces of darkness and barbarism. The steady supply of emails and images was gratifying during the past year. Please keep those messages coming in 2002 so that I can help to tell your story!

All the best! — G o r d o

69

Annual Membership: 4 1 % Life Membership: 3 1 %

Pres: CAPT Edwin "Steve" Potts, USNR Vice Pres: F.H. "Mike" Michaelis Sec'y: A.L. "Al" Cipriani Treas: Steve Ward h: 703-864-1775; w: 703-620-2279 Corr Sec'y: Dr. Steve Hudock 6006 Woodlake Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315-2637 e: hudocksa@ingalls.com Greetings fellow '69ers! Hope the holidays were safe and fun for all of you out there. It seems like a surprisingly large number of our Classmates are beginning to take up the leisure life of semi-retirement. Moving on to second or third careers and taking more time to enjoy the home life and grandkids!

Isn't it great] There are a few of us working folks left, but the numbers are dwindling.

We had a few brave souls show up for the Air Force game tailgate at Redskins Stadium (a.k.a. FedEx Field) in DC. Dave Rose, Pete Renfree, Steve Ward, Walt Geraldi, Howie Bacarach, Owen McLean, and Mike Michelas to name a few. All enjoyed some good sea stories before and after the game.

Much of our frivolity was overshadowed by the loss of Kevin Conners, from 23rd. At the Boston College game tailgate, the Class held a moving memorial service for all in attendance. His wife, Sylvia, who traveled to the attend the tailgate ceremony was extremely appreciative, and somewhat amazed at the extensive outpouring of concem and hope from each of you who have written, called, or emailed, and for the close support of folks like Billy M c C a u l e y . S y l v i a is r e c e i v i n g e m a i l at sylq@aol.com. She has been buoyed throughout the ordeal by our Classmates' concem for her family, and remarked about Kevin's emotions about USNA. It seems he, like so many of us, loved it more with every step away from it. The Hartford Courant ran a great article about Kevin:

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The family of Greenwich resident Kevin P. Connors waited until 22 September to schedule a memorial to mark his death in last month's attack on the World Trade Center. The 55-year-old senior vice president at Euro Brokers Inc. had survived two days in a life raft off South America while attempting to sail around the world in 1975, and last July had bicycled 550 miles across the state of Iowa. "This was a strong, fit, strategic, smart, surviving kind of guy," said his sister. Sheila Connors LeDuc. Connors also has four brothers.

"The journey that we took from hope to comforting each other was a slow one. A very slow one," LeDuc said. "We figured Kevin could elude any kind of danger. It turned out not to be true," Connors spent the last minutes of his life trying to aid a co-worker, according to the information his family has pieced together in the weeks since hijacked jets crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. He was escaping the 84th floor of his office in the south tower when he and a colleague returned to help a co-worker, who was frozen in fear, according to a story recounted by a relative of one of the workers who got out of the building safely, LeDuc said. The decision apparently cost Connors his life, Connors grew up in Quincy, MA, He won an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, where he was commissioned an ensign in the U,S, Navy in 1969, HeeamedhisM,B,A. from Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.

"Kevin wanted to work in the New York financial markets and he pursued it with zeal," said his brother, Christopher. "He sent applications to nearly every bank, investment firm, stock and bond house and then papered his dormitory bathroom with the responses, and he got his first job and, of course, became extremely successful."

We'll all miss Kevin a great deal. He was a shipmate. Classmate, and friend to so many.

On a l e s s s o m b e r n o t e . B o b M u e l l e r ( m o e l l e r _ r o b e r t @ b a h . c o m ) , w: 7 0 3 - 9 1 7 - 2 6 4 5 , writes that he is still working with Booz Allen & Hamilton in their McLean, VA, headquarters. His wife, Cindi, decided a year ago to take a permanent sabbatical from her job at NAS Patuxent River and is enjoying life without work. He wanted to let the Class know that our Classmates in the 33rd Company (including those that were "graduation challenged" and those that started with us in 9th Company and were realigned to other companies during our Second Class year shuffle) are planning a 33rd Company, 33rd Reunion in Las Vegas on 24-26 February 2002. John Blaue and Jim Kimmel have been active in organizing the event, and it has generated an unprecedented blizzard of emails back and forth between Company Classmates. A full calendar of events is being planned and hopefully everyone will stay out of jail. The duty company lawyer, Tom Mitchell, may be busy with dealing with the local law enforcement agencies, and we have Father Tom Burdick to forgive them of any really bad transgressions that may occur during the event.

He also noted that he is missing good location information on a number of Company Classmates and is asking for everyone's assistance in tracking them down. If anyone has a phone number, address, or email on the following people, please contact me. The "MIA's" are: Dick Colton, Bill Doig, Dave Purcell, Larry Parker, and Bill Wallace. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Finally, our Prez, Steve Potts sends a message to All Hands: Dear Classmates and Friends: Our very few who remain active in our Navy and our Corps prepare to lead, as many of our sons, daughters, nieces, and nephews prepare to fight.

Many ask once again what we can do for our country. You need to know about four actions.

1. In September, before the Boston College game our Class held a small memorial service to remember Kevin Connors and the Alumni and family members who were lost and injured in the attacks, and to recognize those who must now pick up the sword to defend our nation. We were privileged to have Kevin's courageous wife, Sylvia, and three of their children with us. Channel 9 was there to capture Navy's reaction to the crisis, and did a sports feature on the Class of 1969's reaction. Sylvia's statement that "the love and support of so many of Kevin's Annapolis Classmates buoyed her and brought her peace" became a highlight for the evening news. Our message has reached tens of thousands. Kevin's memorial service was held on Friday, 5 October, in Greenwich, CT. 2. The Friday, 21 September, The Washington Post published our Class view (eloquently drafted

by Dennis Yatras) in an open letter to President George W. Bush. It reached hundreds of thousands. You may have received an email copy from Pat Stroop. If you choose to send it to your email lists, it will reach thousands more.

3. The Class foundation is establishing the Class of 1969 Counter-Terror Fund for those who want to give in the name of our Class. It will be administered by the Class/Foundation Board of Trastees to render aid and assistance to those who have been affected by acts of terror, beginning with 11 September 2001, The priority for assistance will be; 1, Class of 1969 members and family, 2. Navy and Marine Corps members and family. 3. Members ofthe U.S. military. And, 4. To stimulate the Academy to establish a counter-terror program to teach midshipmen how to protect themselves and their families, and how to begin to fight this scourge. We will do what we can. We invite you to give what you feel is right. Make out checks to "USNA Class of 1969 Foundation—for the Counter-Terror Fund." Mail checks to our Class Treasurer, Steve Ward, at 11205 Lapham Drive, Oakton,VA 22124-1317.

4. Our Class is issuing a "Call to Arms." Tom Murach (tom.murach@us.pwcglobal.com) has offered the idea and will collect and coordinate your ideas, suggested initiatives and strategic thoughts about what can be done and how we can help—individually, in small groups, and as The Class of 1969. In Tom's words "We represent almost all segments of society, and probably every state in the U.S., as well as many foreign locations. Between this wide and deep base of experience, knowledge, and maturity, and our common bond as a Class, we are in a unique position to serve our President and our country," His rally is attached. If you have ideas to be considered in the early actions, please email them to Tom, The early actions will be discussed at the Class annual meeting on 12 October at 2:30 p.m. in Dahlgren Hall.

Finally, from Washington I can assure you that no one in this town has a patent on ideas or initiatives on how to win this war. All past initiatives are now dust, and everything is on the table. As of today, even key leaders on the Hill do not know what form the new domestic initiatives will take, but they are being inundated with offers of help from people who have no idea how. Let's help our government figure it out. support them, and then do what we can to make it happen.

Thank you, and God bless America.

That wraps up our column for this issue. Please keep the cards and letters coming! Beat Army \ —Steve

Show your Navy spirit with

Party in a Bag. Great for any USNA gathering!

See page 14 for more details.

Shipmate, December 2001

70

Annual Membership: 48% Life Membership: 27%

Pres: Fred Hall Sec'y: CDR Royal Connell, USN (Ret.) 1978 Valley Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401 e: njrotc@arctic.nadn.navy.mil Greetings all, it's getting harder and harder to get information out of you. There isn't much to say, so I can't say much.

Some of you may have noticed the following from the email postings. Lynn Widener noted that when a call was made to Brad White's home on 31 August, by one of the IDC callers during the Class of '70 phonathon for our Class gift that Brad was in critical condition from a car accident and was in Fairfax INOVA Hospital. As of 4 September, Brad was no longer in critical condition. When Lynn called, he was being taken to a physical therapy session.

Neil Midkiff has had a recent life change. In June he started with Accenture (formerly Andersen Consulting) out of the Reston, VA, location with the purpose of bringing the firm (75,000 people and $10 billion in revenue) into the energy market to help the transformation of the generating companies into competitive businesses. A big part of this will be with the nuclear plant owners, who are in the best position they have been in 25 years. (Despite a Shipmate article in the Class of '67 section in May he did not take over ranning Tim D. Martin '67 and associates from Tim upon his retirement.). He was with Tim's company for almost nine years along with Don Price '73 where he had an impact on the success of the power industry and got to see quite a bit of the world in the process.

Bits and Pieces: Bob McPhail's son, Mike McPhail '98, is flying LAMPS helos with HSL 47 and his son Bob (UCLA '94) is now an attomey practicing in the Los Angeles, CA, area. Marc Ferris sends that there was a nice picture and article on Kevin Sharer and Amgen in the 3 September 2001 issue of Forbes magazine.

And that's it. As an old computer phrase had it: Garbage in equals Garbage out.

Ring-A-Ding-Ding!

71

Anni/al Membership: 53% Life Membership: 24%

Pres: CAPT Perry Martini, USN (Ret.) Sec'y: Jim Yeakley 10879 Chinon Circle, San Diego, CA 92126-2567 e: jyeaklel @ san.rr.com http://www.usna.com/classes/1971/usnal 971 .htm Welcome to my first column as your newly elected Class scribe. With your support I hope to make it my last column, as I will be relying on you to submit the news, the stories, the pictures, and the information that I will need to make it "our" column. You will provide the input necessary to make this column a primary source for news on Classmates, their families, their achievements, their joys, and even their sorrows. You will provide the input necessary to make this column a primary medium for sharing news on the Classmate gatherings, both large and small, that strengthen our remarkable brotherhood. You will provide the incisive criticisms and suggestions I will need to better do Shipmate, December 2001

my job for you, like forwarding me suitable PC terms for "brotherhood."

To ensure a lively and interesting column, 1 urge everyone to participate to the greatest extent possible in Class-wide and local Class activities. Each of us has an obHgation, I think, to unselfishly share ourselves, whenever we can, with perhaps the most wonderful collective body of friends we ever will have—our Classmates, their wives, and their families. If you have avoided Class activities in the past because of old hurts or grudges—get over them!

Life is too short and too precious to allow old wounds to decay and fester like marine life under a matttess. We already are reaping the "rewards" of occasional apathy. By allowing me to run unopposed for office, we have surrendered ultimate control of this column to one who, by most accounts, is very much deranged.

I invite all who participate to send me their ideas, their pictures, and their stories, and I will do my very best to compose, arrange, and edit "our" column in a manner that you will find thought provoking and hopefully entertaining. If I can even approach the level of success achieved by outgoing scribe Brian Horais, I will consider myself successful. Great job, Brian. Our thanks.

In the spirit of participation and volunteerism, please send me an email message if you have experience in Web site maintenance and you think you have the time available to support me in this particular aspect of my job. While I believe myself capable of learning what I need to know, I would much prefer to have someone on board who already knows how to do this stuff and actually gets a charge out of doing it.

Before moving on to the Class news, I need to point out that you probably will see a difference in the reporting styles of my predecessor and myself.

While some embrace and seem comfortable with my approach, others variously describe it as "over the top," "a bit much," and my personal favorite, "outlandish." I apologize in advance for any discomfort I may cause during the transition and throughout my tenure, and I eagerly look forward to hearing from you when you care to register your displeasure. Conversely, should I ever include something that particularly delights, please feel free to let me know about that as well.

Our outgoing scribe forwarded me a letter and a photo he received from Bill Cocos. BiU lives in St. Louis, where he says he still is trying to master the plumbing contracting business. He maintains regular contact with Michelle and Dan Brown, and Mary and John Martin, and recently reunited, at Parent's Weekend, with Lisa and Kevin Dolan, and Don Jenkins, all happy and proud to see their sons complete their Plebe Summer training as members ofthe Class of '05. Bill noted that he would not be attending the reunion, but would be calling Brent Greene to provide some long distance, positive guidance for the 27th Company party Brent and Debbie were to be hosting. Bill also was looking forward to seeing classmates the weekend of the Air Force game, which he planned to attend. Bill concluded by thanking and lauding our outgoing scribe—carrying on, ad nauseam, about all of Brian's hard work and significant accomplishments—making it next to impossible for me to ever fill the Horais Florsheims.

Siblings, Marie and Will Cocos '05 with their father Bill Cocos Tanya Macklin (sandbelly@aol.com, 417-3385108 and 417-861-4221, 44 Golden View Ct., Branson West, MO 65737) widow of Mark Macklin, reports that she and the boys "loved the reunion." In a most gratifying request, from my perspective, she notes that she does not want to lose touch with the Academy. Great to have you continuing your relationship with us, Tanya! Tanya also reports that she lost a charm bracelet at our 25th reunion. While acknowledging that it almost certainly is lost forever, she hopes that anyone who might have found it, not knowing how, or to whom to tum it in, will read this appeal and get word to her. The bracelet is gold and has the Class crest, a gold heart, and a Charleston charm, among others.

If you have not visited the Class Web site to see and hear Frank Culbertson's 30-year reunion greetings from Space Station Alpha, I urge you to go there now, before you do another thing. Files are in RealPlayer and MP3 formats. Run them both.

As Frank notes in his remarks, those attending our 30-year reunion in September found it a bittersweet experience. Still reeling over the diabolical violence visited on our nation a week before, we grieved for our nation and for ourselves, over the loss of our much-beloved Chic Burlingame, and for Chic's grieving family, who lost a loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and brother to the despicable evil of Islamic extremism.

On Thursday afternoon we gathered with Chic's colleagues and friends from the air travel industry to honor Chic's memory under the dome and within the walls of our beautiful chapel. From the pulpit, Mike Marks shared memories of Chic that reminded us of what it means to be a Classmate, and why Chic was the quintessence ofthe term. Mike's anecdotes were poignant and humorous, giving us a chance to set aside, if but for a moment or two, our collective outrage at the soulless, hate-filled people who took Chic from us, and to recall personal memories of how Chic had made a difference in our own lives. For me, I always will remember how Chic's boyish smile and infectious good humor could make me look forward to going even to my most dreaded Classes if it meant a chance to grab a seat near Chic and get his ever-amusing slant on life. I had not seen Chic since graduation, yet I cannot help but feel that I have lost a most wonderful friend. I shall miss him just knowing that he no longer is among us, as shall we all.

On Friday afternoon we again gathered in the Chapel, this time to remember all in '71 now deceased. The service opened with a beautiful solo offering of "The Lord's Prayer" by Audia and Bill Otto's daughter, Candace (Miss Kankakee 2001),

Happy Holidays to the members of the

(Robert oUems ^'Chompson Q^metp 103

and concluded with a flawless rendering of "Taps" and rousing reveille call from the trumpet of Lisa and Kevin Dolan's son, Dan Dolan '05. In between were welcoming remarks by Class president Perry Martini, hymns, prayers, a '71 memorial roll call led by Steve Bruce, readings from the Scripture by Mike Hecomovich, Chuck Boyer, and John Jarabek Jr., son of our late Classmate Jack Jarabek, and a comforting message about death and life from Reverend Bill McKinney.

Beyond the solemnity of the memorial services was the indescribable joy of celebrating our fellowship with Companymates, Classmates, wives, and progeny. Whether it was participating in Class-wide events like the Friday evening dinner craise, or the catered '71 tent and the Boston College-Navy football game, or in smaller, company-organized eventsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;or just knocking down a little of Mario Summa's rotgut in the hotel breakfast nook with Mario and Jim Ward at an hour well past my bedtimeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;we elated in being together once again.

In an email message from Lucho Alvarez, who traveled with Quela all the way from Peru to be with us, Lucho describes the reunion experience so well. In part, he writes: .,, Friday we went to the memorial services for [our] deceased Classmates. At Quela's request we went to Worden Field to watch the parade for a few minutes before returning to the Chapel. At the parade the announcer was introducing some distinguished Alumni and greeting the Classes of 1941, 1976, and of course, 1971, Then he paused and said, "Welcome Home." Folks, that hit me. I realized I was home, I was with dear friends, at known places, sharing common experiences...

More on Lucho's thoughts in our next column, but first I need to get my own thoughts down before they all go fuzzy on me. I imagine there are hundreds of reunion stories that bear retelling, and I look forward to receiving them all from you.

My own story begins with me flying out early from San Diego to be with my 12th Company Classmates most immediately affected by the horrific attacks on America. I departed as soon as I could after the airports reopened. Lambert "Bo" Heikes picked me up in Baltimore at around 1 a.m. Sunday moming and we headed north for breakfast at the home of Sara and Cris Farley, in Brielle, NJ. From there, we piled into Cris' SUV and headed for Lowell, MA, leaving Sara with her sister in Rhode Island. Along the way, we paused to look with anguish, from a distance, at the devastated Manhattan skyline.

We picked up Dave "Marmaduke" Maskaluk in Lowell and continued north into Maine, where we would spend two wonderful evenings and one great day with Meredith and Frank Wnek. While Meredith worked at her job on Monday, Frank took the rest of us fishing on Harpswell Cove. The fish weren't biting, but none of us cared, except for maybe Frank, who takes his fishing seriously. Just being with one another through a difficult time and enjoying the beautiful Maine morning made the day for the rest of us.

By early aftemoon we had given up on fishing and were basking in the sun at Cook's Lobster House on Bailey Island. With several pounds of bivalves in our bellies, and no female companionship lined up for the reunion, Marmaduke, Bo, and I were in a particularly flirtatious frame of mind.

We tooled Frank's neighborhood in his Morgan (which looks like a salamander up on Dunlops). One of us would ride in the passenger seat while the rest of us would hang on for dear life. Frank drove us to see the chapel he erected last year for some

104

impoverished nuns, who insist on calling him "Schmidt." At the comer market where we stopped to provision for our evening meal, Mary, the checkout counter girl, was very pretty and very sweet.

She also is very young. Her father, Ray, the proprietor of the enterprise, tended the butcher counter If the Naval Academy teaches us anything, it's never to flirt with a girl whose father stands less than 20 feet away with a meat cleaver in one hand and a bone saw in the other, so we never asked Mary to ride south with us. We took a few pictures, bought a few groceries, and headed back to the Wneks' to greet Meredith upon her retum from work.

When Meredith returned from work, we all togged up and played a few sets of tennis at the local hard courts, except for Marmaduke, who took a nap. Since returning to bachelor life, Marmaduke has been experiencing severe soreness in his shoulder He needs to start dating again.

12th Company netsters in Maine; Jim Yeakley, Bo Heikes, Meredith Wnek, Frank Wnek, and Cris Farley We feasted that evening on beef tenderloin. The previous evening's fare: Maine lobster. Anyone driving around in Maine, in the vicinity of Harpswell, should drop in on the Wneks. They have some of the best groceries of anyone I've ever mooched off.

On Tuesday moming Cris drove Marmaduke, Bo, and me back to Lowell, then headed for Rhode Island to pick up Sara for their retum to Brielle. The Three amigos cruised the streets of Lowell, under the thin veneer of Marmaduke taking us on a guided tour. We dined at Marmaduke's favorite watering hole, where we tried to talk Carolyn, the waitperson, into coming south with us for the reunion. Carolyn is not at all fat for a young lady that eats as much as she does. I think she just wanted to keep a lot of food in her mouth so she wouldn't have to talk to us so much. I'm still not sure what her answer to us was, but it sounded a lot more like, "Aye yawl-ready toll Juneau, yeah Seoul," than it did like, "Why yes; I'd love to come along with you and your friends."

On Wednesday moming the three amigos climbed into Marmaduke's Merc and headed south for Brielle. Somehow we failed to notice the exits for either of the two Indigenous-American gaming pavilions in Connecticut as we drove past them, even though a big part of our plan involved bringing the tribes to financial ruin along our way.

We arrived at the Parleys' gothic manor shortly before the Wneks arrived from Maineâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;me still kicking myself for not asking pretty supermarket shopper Janice to accompany us to the reunion. I suspected from the boxes of Fruit Loops and Cap'n Crunch that I helped her load into her conveyance that she had little ones to tend after and that her response would be negative, but one never really knows for sure about these things.

Sara and Cris treated us to a wonderful dinner, with shrimp, and chicken, and side dishes that

included a cornucopia overflowing with (oddly enough) corn. Then they made us a great dessert out of ice cream, bananas, and some kind of potable (may have been Ovaltine). It was really good!

Sara and Cris perform final QA inspections before ringing the dinner bell After dinner, Cris and Sara took us to a lively place where, according to Cris, a lot of single women look for Mr. Goodbar. The Three Amigos found themselves about 30 years too old for most of them, and Cris had no time to introduce us to any of the older ones because he had become part of the entertainment. I've no idea what Cris was singing; the music was too loud.

We arose early Thursday morning to begin our journey to Crabtown. No one wanted to miss, or even be late for Chic's memorial service. The Three Amigos departed first, after bolting down a hearty breakfast. Marmaduke drove his Merc, while Bo and I went in Bo's track. Bo let me drive while he fed me directions and made cell phone calls to everyone he had ever known in his life and a couple of complete strangers. Marmaduke took station astem of us and navigated on the movements of Bo and me.

Bo became so engrossed in a conversation he was having with someone at a number he had punched up at random, that he failed to issue me an important heading order. When we realized that we had missed an exit and, upon further inspection, concluded that we had driven off our map, we decided to take the first exit to anywhere, followed by the first byway that would keep us heading south.

We took the first off-ramp and quicker than any of us could say, "Billy Mumy," we found ourselves engulfed by what appeared to be several hundred thousand acres of unusually tall com. Roads led off in all directions, always retuming us to the same spot. Marmaduke guessed that we were in Iowa.

Finally escaping the corn, we arrived at the reunion headquarters hotel with just enough time to dry-shower, iron a shirt, and dress for Chic's memorial service. Our room was small and we bumped into each other a lot, but Youngster Cruise had trained us for this sort of thing. Marmaduke drove us to the stadium, where we cleared security and boarded the bus that would take us onto The Yard.

Seeing the gate fortified and sandbagged the way it was, and the machine gun emplacement some 30 yards beyond, caused me to pause and reflect on what we had lost with the attacks on America. I felt sad and sick.

Arriving at the Chapel, though, I felt like Lucho felt at the P-rade. So many friends assembled to honor Chic's memory. I felt the warmth and affection in their hugs and kisses, and not a word needed to be exchanged among us; it was as though everyone knew how everyone else felt, so where was the good in discussing. I was home.

Shipmate, December 2001

[

.

, •

J

, •

73

Annual Membership: 44% Life Membership: 32%

Pres: Tom Storch Sec'y: RADM Tom "TJ" Wilson III, USN 8310 Gushing Court, Springfield, VA 22153 h: 703-913-0094 e: wilsontom@earthlink.net

Dave Maskaluk encounters Brace McClure's son, Jason (USAFA '03), and wife, Lin, across from the Chapel My editor has advised me that my loquacity has far exceeded her capacity. Look for more reunion coverage in the next installment, including thoughts, stories, and pictures from Lucho, Glenn Montgomery, Phil Sagi, and more.

72

Annual Membership: 47% Life Membership: 26%

Pres: CDR Dave Hogen, USN (Ret.) Sec'y: CDR Rich Robison, USN (Ret.) 12695 Catawba Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22192 f 703-413-5376; e: robison_rich@prc.com Class Web page: www.usna72.org Class listserv: TheGouge@usna72.com Although the mailbox is empty this month, our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who are defending the cause of freedom, overseas in remote locations and here in the United States. While some of us are still in uniform and the rest of us have spread across a myriad of other professions, we all share a common abhorrence of the senseless murder of Americans and the intimidation of our lives, which has followed. Our strength, as a Class and as a nation, is in our faith, our pursuit of trath, and in our freedom—the everyday freedoms that we take for granted. Thousands have died so that we can live in freedom. Terror, anarchy, and fear must be given no quarter—not in this country, not now, not ever.

From time to time, bits of timely information are forwarded to the Class list serv, and we disseminate them on a daily basis. We try to keep these related to professional subjects, timely matters and items of interest related to the Academy and ourselves as Alumni. I would encourage those of you who are not signed up to drop me an email; I will put you on the list immediately. In these rapidly changing times, it is a good way to stay connected with each other in a common foram.

Wishing you the very best this Holiday season.

May you and your families be safe, happy, and blessed, and may those who are facing the enemy on any front be protected and strengthened. Know that we are behind you, and we look forward to your safe renim.

More to come, next year. D.O. Tried and True with '72.

Classmates, The last time I sat to pull this column together the idea of predicting what would be what two months in the future was just an empty and idle game. Now trying to predict what the world will be like in December when you read this is much harder and much more serious. As none of us would have realistically predicted recent events none of us can any longer accurately predict future events except to say that we will never forget what was done to us on 11 September.. .and never, never, never, never give up until justice is done. Never.

Before I go into my brief comments for this month, let me express, on behalf of the entire Class of 1973, our collective condolences for all those who lost family and friends in the New York and Washington attacks and the plane crash in Pennsylvania. You and your departed loved ones will remain in our thoughts and prayers.

There is, understandably so, very little in the mailbag; therefore, this will be short. Chuck McKeone did email that his office in the Pentagon was completely destroyed. Although everyone in his space got out safely, those in the office just next door were not so fortunate. Chuck, we're all very glad to hear you're all right. If memory serves, your office was just below the impact point.

I have received much email from Classmates, such as Don Marquart, expressing great support to those of us who remain on active duty. Words cannot express what they mean. But in a larger sense we are all in this together. We are now fighting for our homes and freedom. That isn't a bumper sticker...that's the bottom line trath. We owe our very best effort to our children and grandchildren.

Here are the photos that I mentioned in the November column of Shipmate from George Watt of the Robert Heinlein Chair for Aerodynamics at USNA. Photos courtesy of Wayne McCrea, USNA Photo Lab

L to r: RADM Rand H. Fisher USN, MIDN 1/C Matthew G. Fisher and George P Watt. Jr

Show your Navy spirit with

Party in a Bag^ Great for any USNA gathering!

See page 14 for more details.

Shipmate, December 2001

Lunch at Buchanan House. Heinlein Chair dedication

Let me stop before I get too carried away. Please keep me posted on your events. My backlog of information is currently zero. Also I extend to each and every one of you wishes for a warm and peaceful Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Non Sibi

74

Annual Membership: 47% Life Membership: 26%

Pres: Steve Middleton 516 Green Forest Drive, Sevema Park, MD 21146 Corr Sec'y: LtCol John Brown, USMC (Ret.) 3928 Red Bird Lane, Woodbridge, VA 22193 h: 703-583-9713; c: 703-568-0385 e: jrbrown74@home.com Gentlemen, as I write this article in mid-October, things in the world have changed to a degree none would have suspected. Given the events of recent days, I will delay some information and pictures not relevant to these life-changing events and will focus on reporting information that scribes never like to see. In addition, I am happy to provide some proof that our Class is still contributing in different ways to our country.

The 11 September attacks had significant impact on several on the Academy and our Class. First, we lost Ken McBrayer in the attack on the World Trade Center At the time of this article, a memorial service was being scheduled at the Academy in memory of Ken. Our collective thoughts and prayers should continue for his wife, Marsha, and the rest of Ken's family.

The following note from Marshall Nadel (mnadel@bigfoot.com) reveals how another Classmate was impacted: The 11 September attack on freedom probably hit a bit closer to home for me than for most. The company for which I work, Aon Corp was one of the largest tenants in World Trade 2 and had most of the top six floors, with 1,100 employees. We lost nearly 200 employees—many acquaintances, friends, and personal friends of mine. I had been in that building many times on business, and could easily have been there that day.

It is more than refreshing to see the support of the American people for our military right now, particularly with USNA Alumni and even our Classmates being involved in bringing these criminals to justice.

Over the past year I have been able to see a few of my Classmates from 2nd Company including John Peskuric in Austin, Dan Steele in San Diego, Dave Pattillo in Atlanta, and Saul Zavala right here in Dallas. John Branchflower and Tom Lozier were even kind enough to treat me for a beer in the Harvard (gulp) Club in New York when I was passing through last year; and 1 have probably been one of the repeat patrons during Mick Halbreiner's DC restaurant career If any Classmates are passing through Dallas, please feel free to call or stop by. I can be reached by email. And yes, amazingly, I am still married to the girl I dated First Class year, Doll (now known as Beth) and we have two great daughters, Laura (22), a senior at USC, LA and Elissa (17), a high school junior. Peace.

As you all know, many of our Classmates are still directly involved in the defense of our country. In past articles, I have noted that many of our Classmates have made flag rank and are in key positions within the Naval Service. Whether it is active duty or as part of the defense industry, our Classmates are contributing and we should all be proud!

105

First, I received the following on Joe Sweeney, who is definitely a key figure in the aviation arena: Joe Sweeney, Lockheed Martin Aerospace's director of flight operations, was inducted as a Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) at the organization's 45th International Symposium held in Los Angeles on 29 September.

The distinction of Fellow is one of the highest honors in the SETP, bestowed on the basis of stringent professional requirements, technical achievements and election by peers in the flighttest community.

Joe continues to serve LM Aero as a senior experimental test pilot at Fort Worth, and was project pilot for the X-35C (Navy) version of the Joint Strike Fighter concept demonstration aircraft. He has accumulated more than 4,700 hours of flight time in jet, propeller and rotary-wing aircraft in 30 years of flying.

Joe flew the A-7 in his Navy career and was assigned as the operational test director for the F/ A-18 Hornet in the eariy 1980s. He directed the Navy's Operational Evaluation of the F/A-18 in 1982. Upon leaving the Navy in 1983, he was employed as an engineering test pilot and project engineer at Calspan in Buffalo, NY, where he participated in project engineering for the VISTA/F16 testbed aircraft.

Joe has flown nearly every version of the F-16 since joining LM Aero in 1985. He was project pilot for F-16 digital flight controls, the F-16 Multi-Axis Thrust Vectoring (MATV) demonstrator aircraft, the initial F-16 conformal fuel tank demonstrations, and F-16 diverterless supersonic inlet flights. He holds a B.S, degree in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S, Naval Academy, and an M.S, degree in Aeronautics from the California Institute of Technology. He has served as an academic and flight instructor at both the Navy and Air Force Test Pilot Schools.

Joe was named manager of flight operations at Fort Worth in 1991, and was named to his current position in March 2001, He lists the first flight of the X-35C on 16 December 2000, as one of the highlights of his career.

Way to go, Joe! As reported last article, I was unable to meet the deadline to get a picture in that was sent to me

by Joe Adan '81. So, here it is! The following picture of Steve Firks, CO of NIMITZ and his large

contingent of boat school grads was taken before their post-Refueling Complex Overhaul Sea Trials in June.

I will leave you with some Classmates memories of Ken McBrayer. From Chris Perrien: I didn't know Ken long or well but share two vivid Midshipmen memories of him: on one ofthe

few long weekends that I earned—he had plenty of them as a striper smart enough to be a pre-med major—we ran across each other in a Weapons Class and agreed that visiting Gettysburg batUefield would be a good idea. Don't ask me why. We drove up through Baltimore where he charmed the young and old friends of my family, that they insisted we drive back through Lutherville, MD, to have Sunday dinner with them.

All along the way to Pennsylvania and back, I marveled at the ease with which Ken spoke of a broad range of topics; that impossible bio-chemistry class of his curriculum. One Flew Over the Cuckoo-Cuckoo's Nest, Naval Academy vs. Real Navy, Rugby, and of Georgia. Confident as he always seemed to be we drove down the narrow street of our hosts in my 1973 Chevy van with the wide mirrors. Our hosts were gathered in front of the house, by seeming coincidence, recognized us and waved. Ken honked and returned their greetings while driving close enough to the curb that the right mirror knocked their neighbor's white mailbox over the small picket fence and to the foot ofthe porch. Midshipman Ken smashed the brakes and hopped out of the van, apologized too many thousands of times as he lifted the slightly dented mail box into his arms. Everyone was laughing, first at incident itself, and then his reaction, and then the honking of several cars who had to pass our vehicle blocking the narrow road. He cradled the mailbox to the neighbor's house and began to explain the incident starting with the moment that we left Gettysburg. After Ken's lengthy explanation, the perplexed elderly owner ofthe once-white mailbox, simply asked if it would fit back on its post and closed the door. As you might expect.

Ken hammered and twisted the mailbox back into place and I suspect it is still there today.

In the spring of our First Class Year he organized a trip to the University of Georgia at Athens so that Charlie Cannon and crew could understand first hand the high caliber of people in his home state. Use your imaginations, but let's agree that he knew what he was talking about. Cannon was enthralled with someone he met that as they drove around Athens, Charlie's sweater was caught in the door and dragged around town that one sleeve was ground away to the shoulder. Didn't bother Charlie—fair pay for the privilege. I think he has the sweater in his sea bag still.

Chris, thanks.

From Thomas R. Horrigan: Ken was one of our best. He excelled at the Naval Academy in many areas; academics (better than 3.4 GPA), Midshipman duties (he made Brigade Staff 4-striper during the year and for Honor Set), athletics (crew, sailing, football, Rugby to name a few), and Classmate and

'1 A: first row: Craig Union '88, Edmund Turner '81, Joseph Adan '81, Steve Firks, James Gigliotti '79, Bill Frietas '83, and Damon Bateson '86; second row: Brian Sprague '97, Derrick McCoy '96, Trevor Ellis '98, David Randle '85, Robert Hoppa '85, and Chip Ambrose '87; third row: Jason Cournoyer, Jason '97, Abigail Goss '97, Paul Datka '97, Stacey Sutoon '97, and Brian Fairweather '00: fourth row: Andre Bonakadar '98, Dave Galuzian '91, and Christopher Stefanski '99 106

companymate well liked and respected). He was a regular guy, too; rode motorcycles, drank beer and ate steamed crabs, liked rock 'n roll (particularly Southern rock and bluegrass), enjoyed having a good time and pulling pranks, and loved his family and friends. Ken stole the ladies' hearts with his "All American Hunk" good looks, cool clothes. Southern charm, and disarming smile.

Ken was a determined guy who took on tough tasks and made things work. From a pre-med major at the Academy to one of the early Surface Warfare Officer school graduates as a junior line officer, he qualified for challenging opportunities and mastered them, one-after-another. After leaving the service, that character and drive led him eventually to success in the New York financial market as a Principal for Sandler O'Neill in [tower] Two World Trade Center.

Ken served as my best man at my wedding, and got me to the church on time. But, from there he was a tough act to stay ahead of The New England ladies in the wedding party and my bride's family were struck by his Southern (Atlanta, GA) gentlemanly look and dash, and he nearly stole the show! To this day, folks who'd never seen him before or since still ask; "What ever came of that wonderful best man?"

F r o m R u s t y K o l l m o r g e n , t h e following thoughts: Allman Brothers music constantly emanating from his room. Soft spoken Georgia drawl made all take note. Quiet leader, never unnerved, never rushed (in and out ofthe service). Known to have been organizing the office in the WTC (he was in the second tower hit on 101st floor) to take actions to get out. Relayed by others who were on the phone describing what was going on. Typical take charge kind of guy. Quick witted. quick study; consistent smile in his eyes even when confronted by absurdity (like demented Firsties and no logic rules in the yard); accomplished athlete—helped us win all Rugby parties. Always cool under pressure—dedicated to his country, family.

G o d Bless K e n , e a c h of you and m a y God continue to Bless America! Roamer sends.

15

Annual Membership: 48% Life Membership: 28%

Pres: R A D M Craig Quigley Sec'y: CAPT Larry Warrenfeltz, USN 21 Colony Trail Drive, Mandeville, LA 70448 h: 985-626-4964; e: usna75scribe@hotmail.com Dear 'mates, I know that this issue of Shipmate has a completely new and somber feel compared to the last 60 to which I've had the pleasure to contribute. This is the first issue in many years to have its column deadlines fall during wartime. The cowardly and despicable terrorist acts of 11 September have not only stolen our old way of life, they have robbed our USNA family of far too many Alumni (the last count I heard was 14). While we in ' 7 5 did not lose a Classmate, we share the grief of the Classes and the families who did.

There have been many beautiful, inspirational, patriotic, and thoughtful words and columns written in the last four weeks. I am not skilled enough nor do I know enough to offer you anything new or insightful. However, I can strongly say that I firmly believe that our country will emerge stronger than ever. The low blow may have put us on one knee for a count or two, but w e ' r e back up and ready to go as many rounds as it takes to win the World War on terrorism. I know that it is up to God (or Allah, if you will) to render final judgement on bin Laden

Shipmate, December 2001

and his fellow terrorists. However, I think it's just fine for us to make sure that judgement happens sooner, rather than later Bill Squires has had an enormous responsibility since the attack. As the vice president and general manager of Giants Stadium, he's been close to Ground Zero every day. The wonderful show they put on for the Giants and Jets first home games of the year were major steps in the healing process for the New York/New Jersey region, and for the rest of the country as well. For the Monday night Jets game against the 49ers, Bill arranged for the USNA Men's Glee club to perform during the half time festivities.

Okay, now I'm going to lay claim to a Shipmate first. I'll bet that I'm the only Class scribe ever to have retired from active duty, then "un-retired."

Glance back at the column header and you'll see that the romeo-echo-tango after my name has disappeared. How could this happen, I hear you wonder?

It was almost like a Plebe Summer night in the 7th Wing. "All 0-6s planning to retire on 1 September, take one step forward." ".. .Not so fast, Warrenfeltz!"

While on terminal leave (uhh, I really don't like diat word) in August, I went to sick call at NAS Pensacola to have them look at a small lump under the skin above my right ankle. I was inspired to go before I became one of the multitudes of retirees scrapping for medical care. The doc cut out what we thought was a simple fatty lipoma and sent me on my way. Four days later he called me and said, "That thing was malignant, and we don't know what it is." Eight more days before the Armed Forces Instimte of Pathology finally pegged it as a very rare and very vicious skin cancer known as Merkle cell carcinoma. So the evening of 10 September I had surgery to remove a very large chunk of my right leg between the ankle and the bottom of the calf. I plan to tell people that the rare Gulf of Mexico "square mouthed shark" attacked me. That made 11 September even more surreal for me. One week later we started an aggressive chemotherapy schedule that will continue for the next several months.

On 24 September I had another surgery to skin graft the surgical wound. So I have a few physical challenges ahead. Fortunately, my mental and spiritual fitaess has never been higher.

Obviously, my retirement physical had been overtaken by events. But since the paperwork to transfer me to the retired list was processed on 1 September, I had to appeal to the Board of Correction of Naval Records. Thanks to the great work of the METOC detailer, Phil Renaud '79, the BCNR decided my case in two days and un-retired me.

A number of 'mates have called and sent encouraging emails. The arms of Mother B are long and extend through many years. Jay Carrizales called one of our 9th Company Plebes, Lee Price '78, and assigned him to stop by the Naval Hospital. We had a nice visit. Lee is the Chief Staff Officer for Training Wing Five at Whiting Field. Carl June offered the resources of the University of Pennsylvania Oncology Research department, which he directs.

It was very reassuring to hear Carl say that my doctor's plan of attack is exactly what he would have prescribed. I also liked hearing from other cancer warriors. Lance Armstrong writes in his book It's Not About the Bike that once you hear the words "you have cancer" and think "I'm going to die," you're in the club. Once you're in, you never leave.

If I could ask of favor of all of you, 1 would ask that as you pray for our country, that you add me to your list as well. Believe me, your prayers help.

Go Navy! Go Army! Go Air Force! Go Marines!

Go f/.S.A.!â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Larry Shipmate, December 2001

76

Annual Membership: 55% Life Membership: 28%

Pres: Chuck Gorum 146 Prince George St., AnnapoHs, MD 21401 h: 410-263-3337; e: cgorum@annap.infi.net Sec'y: Chuck Dirienzo 9309 Newfound Way, Elk Grove, CA 95758-4002 h: 916-691-1556; e: cldjr@earthlink.net Well, those of you that weren't here for the 25th sure missed out! What a wonderful weekend we had in Annapolis!

About 275 of our Classmates retumed to a weekend of old friends, reminiscing, laughs and a reaffirmation of that strong feeling of service to our nation we all share. The Academy was simply beautiful. Its massive granite walls, haunting cannon and towering monuments to our national heroes stood defiant even in its defensive posture. Fortunately, in the days immediately preceding our weekend, the Superintendent challenged his staff to refine their security measures to better reflect trast for the Alumni. As a result, the impact on our celebration was minimal.

Friday night found about 280 of our guys and their spouses enjoying a wonderful atmosphere and fine food on the upper level of Dahlgren Hall. What a great ice breaker for the rest of the weekend! Seventeenth Company seemed to bilge the rest of us with what I believe was 19 companymates returning for the weekend. See the picture of the crew accompanying this article.

Saturday moming we all met under the big white circus tent for the tailgate party. About 550 joined the crowd enjoying the pleasant sunshine and the music of our own 20. Mark Hubbard, Doc Doherty, and Doc's cousin. Barb, treated the crowd to music from the sixties, seventies and current hits throughout the aftemoon! O'Leary's catering did a magnificent job feeding the crowd and topped off the food extravaganza with the biggest "Nutty Buddies" I've ever seen. Although the Navy football team didn't do particularly well, there was magic in the crowd as patriotic emotions ran high.

Saturday evening the Radisson hosted our dinner dance for approximately 260 folks. A fine dinner buffet was followed by dance music by Key Lime Pie featuring great Jimmy Buffett tunes. Now a Buffett buffet is a wonderful thing...and at the end of a great weekend it really hit the spot!

Tim Farrell makes the following muster report on 27th Company: 27th Company present at the Reunion: Derwood Curtis. Tim Farrell, Dan Gahk, Jim Grayson, Scott Jenkins, Kip Nicely, John Stamos, Steve Stroebel, Tim Traaen, Dave Tribout, Tony Violante, Mike Weltsch, and Jerry Willett.

Authorized absence: Rick Weldon, at site of former World Trade Center issuing ID's for quick access to medical info to firemen and rescue workers. Visit his Web site: http;//www,vitalid.com/ to learn more about his new business venture.

Unauthorized absences: Tim Hagen. Tim Harris, Mike Hughes, John Lovasz, Bob Lowe, Mark McKinley, Bob Miller, and Dave Smith.

Thanks, Tim! Kent Higginbotham sends the following updates: Tom Bonner (his wife is Suzanne) is the vice president of Asset Management for Cogentrix out of Norfolk.

Col Stewart Navarre (his wife is Yanna) is in the Expeditionary Policies Branch of the Marine Corps at the Pentagon, Wayne Rogers (his wife is Valerie) is president of Synergies, Inc in Annapolis, MD.

Kent Higginbotham (his wife is Vickie) is the head man at Higginbotham Construction in St. Louis, MO. He is a captain in the Naval Reserve and commanding officer of the VTU in St. Louis.

Tim Naville (his wife is Julie) is a partner in the law firm of Lorch & Naville in New Albany, IN. He is a captain in the Naval Reserve and a member of the Fleet Maintenance Unit in Louisville, KY. Ralph Scherini advises: 13th Company held a reunion party at my quarters on Porter Road. We are still waiting on pictures and will send them in for the next issue.

Mr Reunion Registration, Ray Putt, writes: A good time was had by all 8th Company Classmates in attendance Brant Carter, Lee Moss, Pat Nevitt, Bob Guild, Peter Harris. Steve Wiley, Mike Abbott, and Ray Putt. Word has it that Rafael Dacanay is cuirently the Philippines Military Attache to Pakistan. Rafael has a daughter, Rae Dacanay '05, in the Plebe Class.

18th Company was represented by yours truly, John Locks, Ken Lombart, Mike Bosworth, Eric Gardner, John Bickings, Bruce Petit, Joel Swanson, and Hoot Wade. What a great time seeing so many of the guys after a long spell!

Many of you probably know by now that we have once again shifted the Class listserve to Yahoo. We think the service will be much better here and there are more features for the Class to utilize. If you are not on the email listserve, you can easily join. Simply send a message to usna76subscribe@ yahoogroups.com. You will get a return email asking you to confirm your subscription. Simply follow the instractions and you'll be in! We really want to get as many people as possible signed up. It makes it so much easier for us to communicate with this connection. If you want to send a message to everyone on the list, simply send the email to: usna76@yahoogroups.com. Also, make sure you visit the USNA76 Yahoo Groups page, try http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/usna76. "^ou can read old email, we'll have photos up and a place for everyone to share their shots.

On to another topic. Because of the security issues, our Class meeting scheduled for Saturday of the Reunion weekend, was cancelled. Among the many things we'd have liked to go over at that session was the election of new Class officers. I promised to facilitate nominations and elections by other means so here we go! After discussions among our current representatives, we decided that it was important that we try to get as much participation in this process as possible.

As a result this is what we'd like to do. This article should hit the streets in the December issue of Shipmate. Anyone either wishing to be considered for election or wishing to nominate someone to either the President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer positions, need to notify either my self. Chuck Gorum (cgorum@fticonsulting.com) or Chuck Dirienzo at (charles.l.dirienzo.jr@intel.com) of their intention. We must receive all nominations, confirmed by the individual that might have been nominated by another person, by 31 December We will promptly prepare a ballot to be mailed to all Classmates with a good mailing address in the Association's database. Votes will be due by 31 January, the results tabulated and announced within days. We will work at getting an online method of returning your ballot which might be as simple as an email to whoever we have tabulating the votes.

So, if you or someone you wish to nominate want to participate, please speak up! We have a number of individuals already who are interested, but we always want to encourage more people to become involved in the Class!

107

18th Company

^^H^^^^^^^^^^^U^.ÂŤ*|^^^p^^^^^^^^l^^^^H^^^^^|

18th Company So let's do it! Get your nominations to us ASAP...don't let the short deadHnes slip by you!

So anyway, it is after midnight on Shipmate deadline day...so I guess I'm late! Until next month...you guys take care! â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Chuck G.

'76:You guys never cheered for p-rades like this when we were there

77

Annual Membership: 29% Life Membership: 58%

Pres: CAPT Richard "Rick" White, USN 1404 Hunting Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21403 w: 202-781-0938; h: 410-295-0089 e: (w) WhiteRW@navsea.navy.mil; (h) betwhite@erols.com Sec'y: Bob Sanderson 210 Autumn Chase Drive, AnnapoHs, MD 21401 h: 410-571-6267; e: mbsanderson@earthHnk.net From the Yard It's hard to write this column without thinking of the tragic events of 11 September 2001 in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania, and how our lives have been forever changed as a result of them. The changes were never more apparent to me than when I drove by the usually welcoming Academy gates and discovered some disturbing but understandable changes there. The most obvious differences were the Jersey barriers that zig-zagged across die entrance and exit lanes to prevent direct access through the gates (car traffic was only allowed through Gate 8 for a time), and the small group of Marines who were dressed in full combat gear and armed with machine guns positioned behind sandbag foxholes at each gate. Other changes were less obvious to those of us who were not allowed on the Yard: non-military USNA workers were required to park at the Stadium and were bussed into the Yard; two 24-hoiu- CMOD watches were established in each Company area along with a Battalion Security Rover who was required to personally observe each CMOD every 30 minutes and report back to Main Office; and Midshipman watch slanders were stationed at every outside entrance of Bancroft Hall to check the ID cards of each person who wanted to enter the building. I felt a small sense of isolation at not being able to have access to the grounds where I spent the better part of my college life, but I fully understood the serious nature of the precautions while I hoped that they would soon be unnecessary.

Shipmate, December 2001

I

'*iN, 9*:^:

'76: 18th Company

Although I am personally unaware of any Classmates who died or are missing in any of the events, I'm sure many of our Classmates, both military and civiHan, were seriously impacted by them, and many other active duty Classmates are directly involved in various aspects of Operation Enduring Freedom; risking their lives so that the rest of us can enjoy the freedom we've come to expect. Our hearts and prayers go out to them and their families as our nation simultaneously battles world-wide terrorism and strives to maintain some sense of normalcy in our everyday lives. Let's hope that this upcoming holiday season brings each of us some small joy to celebrate, and that the world has made noticeable progress toward a more lasting peace (and peace of mind) for us all.

From the Mail Bag WeU, it's been another light month for mail (I guess I shouldn't complain), but some did manage to "trickle in." Bruce Campbell (brace.campbell @ gsfc.nasa.gov), who's been trying to locate some of his lost 18th Company Classmates, sent-in a couple of emails that he recently received with some updated (and not so updated) information. The first email was from Andy Wilson (awilson@vha.com) who was reporting on his last conversation with Mark Kozicz, which happened sometime in late 1984 while he was still on active duty. Andy was at Recruiting Area Seven in Dallas, TX, and Mark was at Recruiting Area Three in Macon, GA, and had just come off an operational tour on a P-3 (or possibly some other aircraft according to Andy). An Area Three nuke recmiter named Mark Lusted, who also happened to be Andy's old roommate, arranged the phone call between Andy and Mark Kozicz. Andy didn't provide much other information about Mark Kozicz other than to observe, "As Forest Gump would say, 'And that's all I know about that,'" but he was able to relay a little more information about Mark Lusted, who had gone back

Shipmate, December 2001

to St. Olaf College after leaving the Naval Academy, and then entered the bubblehead world via OCS. (I sure hope that you're not as confused as I am about all of these Mark's!)

Fortunately, Ben Stein (landetwins@home.com) provided Brace with a little more up-to-date information about Dave "Mankirk" Kirkman (dkirkman@holdenonline.com), who called him in early September and finally gave him his new office email address. Dave had not yet set up a new email service at the big house that he and Erin bought in the "Great White North" (Alaska, maybe?).

Ben received Dave's call just before he left for his two-week reserve course at the Naval War College in Newport, RI, which tumed out to be more interesting than Ben had originally suspected. For the CENTCOM staff planning exercise, the instractors replaced the canned exercise with one that looked at a campaign in Afghanistan. Ben said, "Whether or not we actually do something remains an open question, but it did help us come to grips with the difficulties that U.S. forces face when they need to conduct an operation a long way from the ocean. We are, after all, a sea power (hmmmm, maybe that's why we have a A'ava/Academy!)." Ben also reported that John Locks '76 was one of the primary instractors for course; unfortunately, he had to miss most of the second week to travel to Arlington, VA, when his father passed away. John's current plan is to spend one more year as an instractor and then retire next summer Ben said that John had not made any specific plans for what he will do after retiring, but would like to find something in Virginia. As for Ben, he was glad to have been in Newport for the course; otherwise, he probably would have been at the Pentagon on 11 September 2001; as it mms out, no one in his office at the Pentagon was hurt in the attack.

Of the six reservists who are assigned to his branch, only one junior officer has been called, and Ben does not anticipate getting mobilized any time soon since

they're now out of desks (good thing were not out of weapons!). Ben's says life goes on back in Denver, CO; Louis and Ethan are starting to walk, giggle a lot, and are lots of fun. At the State Treasury Department, they are beginning to see the signs of a recession; their cash coming in the door (which is know as "taxes" for those of us outside the govemment) is way down, and the legislature is now trying to figure out how to cut $267 million from the annual budget. As Ben put it, "We certainly live in interesting times."

Class Communication For those of you who may be interested, we held our second 25th Reunion Planning Meeting on 7 October 2001 at the home of Dave Harding (dph@arinc.com) in Annapolis, and had a reasonably good mmout. In addition to me and Tom "Soup" Campbell (Tom.Campbell@longandfostercom), we had appearances by (and even some valuable input from) Carl Moore (cmoore7354@aol.com), Richard ""Rig" McGraw (tug_mcgraw@sri.com), Rob Mickle (Mickle_Robin@prc.com), and Ken Trass (kenneth.trass@dtra.mil), who retired on 28 September 2001 and is now overseeing a new NROTC Program at a high school in Maryland.

Here's a brief review of some of the basic reunion information, most of which has not changed, but much of which has been confirmed. Our 25th Reunion is still scheduled for the weekend of 2022 September 2002, which is one week before Homecoming Weekend. The Dinner Dance is scheduled from 6 p.m.-TBD at the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront on Friday, 20 September 2002, and includes a cocktail hour (with light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar), a buffet dinner (with complementary wine), and dancing (to the music of a DJ). Due to space constraints, this event is limited to Classmates and one guest only. The Tailgate Party (which is open to Classmates and any number of guests) will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday, 21 September 2002, and continue until approximately 6 p.m. (broken up intermittently by watching Navy pounce the Northwestern Wildcats, of course!). It will be catered by O'Leary's, and include both a small moming branch and a full aftemoon lunch (with drinks appropriate to each occasion, of course). We have reserved a block of 200 rooms for Friday and Saturday nights (125 rooms at the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront (410-268-7555) and 75 rooms at the Sheraton Barcelo Annapolis (410-266-3131), which is just outside of town in Parole), and reservations can now be made.

We spent quite a bit of time discussing the memorabilia package, and here's what we decided. All items would be optional (i.e., no standard memorabilia will be included with any of the event packages), they would be purchased directly from the vendor, who will set-up a Web site just for our Class (check-out other Class's Web sites at www.usnaclasstore.com), and they would be shipped to each of us before H omecoming weekend. The final combination of items and logos was still being determined at press time, but we should have that task completed by the time you read this column, and will provide that information to you in a registration package that you should be receiving after the first of the year.

We will continue to provide additional information to everyone about the reunion as it becomes available, but for now it's important for everyone to verify their contact information with the Alumni Association, since we plan to use their records for our mailings. To verify and update your listing, simply go to the "Alumni Only" Hnk at www.usna.com, look-up your record, and makes any changes that are needed 109

(they've really made it simple for everyone to stay current now so there should be no excuses).

Closing Remarks If you're anything like me, the last few months have been a trying time for us all, but I trust that the Army game will help improve our outlook toward many things. Keep rooting for the good guys and always be ready to kick some.. .Mule (and take names)! Go Navy! —Bob Sanderson

78

Annual Membership: 18% Life Membership: 70%

Pres: Arch Griffin Sec'y: Vince Balderrama 45 Little Fawn Drive, Shelton, CT 06484 e: VBalderrama@Sikorsky.com Class Web site: http://usnal978.org I've been staring at this blank screen for so long, unable to get started with this month's column.

That's not wholly trae. I can start the column but I just can't get through it. A sentence gets tapped out on my keyboard only to be erased with the stroke of the "delete " key. It's not the first time this has happened to me but the circumstances behind my writers-block are far different than my lacking news or ingenuity of prose (though many of you would no-doubt already question the ingeniousness of any of my writing). Tlie fact of the matter is that I am simply "overwhelmed." I'm overwhelmed by the magnitude of the impact of attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, to our nation, our national psyche, our Naval Academy family, in particular—our Class. How can I possibly articulate it? After all, the events of these last few weeks and the emotions exposed by the swath of crashing airliners have been captured in text and speech by many far more talented and eloquent than me. Perhaps overly articulated to some minds. So how do I with my just-SAT-to-graduate mind and Marinelimited vocabulary ever expect to do justice to the matter at hand? I guess in Marine-like fashion, by saying it simply and straightforward. That's always been the best approach for me. Whew, I'll just get to the point and let the eloquence within your own hearts speak for me. Here goes.

In the terror wrought before our nation's eyes on 11 September, our friend and Classmate, Ken "Waldo" Waldie was lost among the first casualties in this newly home straggle that has been called a "war on terrorism." Waldo was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11 when it strack one of the towers of the World Trade Center that Tuesday moming.

Ken wasn't originally supposed to be on that flight. He and his fellow workers at Raytheon were scheduled to leave the next day. But difficulties experienced by a customer caused a change to that itinerary and put Waldo and his co-workers aboard that fateful flight.

Ken is survived by his wife, Carol, a second-grade teacher at Sacred Heart Elementary School in Lawrence, MA, and their four children, Andrew (24), Jeff (20), Meredith, (16) and "J.T." (14).

Those of us who knew Ken understood that the answer to our regularly asked question "Where's Waldo? " laid in the priority he set in his life—family first. Recently, that meant that he was usually found coaching his budding baseball star and "sidekick" J.T. at Little League or seen on the sidelines cheering on his only daughter, Meredith, as she excelled at field hockey and basketball. Just as he had done with their older brothers years before. That 110

meant, as always, that he was around home, around his community, with Carol and the kids, doing family things.

Waldo and team Statisticians have estimated that throughout our lives we come in to contact with over 500,000 people. If that is trae, then Ken by his very nature probably came into personal, intimate contact with most of his share, even in his short life. This was especially evident by the standing room only crowd of people who filled Sacred Heart Church to celebrate his life. The Class of '78 was present, represented by the two Steve Maloneys (Jock and 2nd Company's Stephen), Arch Griffin, Dan Surfass, Van Berry, Shaun Bradley, Mike Brown, Gary Vinciguerra, Kevin "Grinch" Lynch, Ron Uglow, John Ehlers, Dave Williams, Scott Darling, Ed Reid, John Kovalcik, Mark Bolin, Bob Destafney, Brian Kirk, Herb Nyberg, Chris Hassler, Mike McCaffrey, Alex Callas, Jack Christensen, Craig Diffie, George Demarco, Gary Simpson, Chris Dougherty, Fred Sheehan, Paris Farwell, Jim Shulson's mom and sisters, and myself, as well as Pete Grieve '77.

'78 paying respects to Waldo As this comes to print, we are deciding on an appropriate remembrance of Waldo, one that is representative of the life he led, fulfills our own needs as a Class and certainly includes Carol's wishes.

As for Carol and the kids, a scholarship fund has been established by Raytheon and the state of Massachusetts is reportedly offering scholarships for the families of all it victims. His son, Jeff, is in the Coast Guard serving his nation as his father once did.

Andrew is now married. We know he'll be an excellent husband and father. After all, he had a great role model in Ken. For Carol, Meredith, and J.T, they are carrying on with life, supported by family, countless friends and Classmates, and aided too by the echo of Ken's daily guidance to "Trust in God. Do your best."

In closing, we are also grateful for those who were spared, like our own Steve Jones, who worked with the Port Authority in Tower Number One. He escaped in time. Finally, our prayers and condolences go to all the families of tlie victims of the World Trade Center and let's not forget the Pentagon and our Naval Academy Shipmates among them.

I'll end this now.. .go and kiss Michael and EHzabeth goodnight...vowing never forget to count my blessings...to never forget....Semper Fidelis and God Bless America.

Kenneth E. Waldie

79

Annual Membership: 4% Life Membership: 88%

Pres: LCDR Sean Gate, USN (Ret.) e: scate79@home.com Sec'y: LCDR John "Wiz" Withers, USN (Ret.) 22445 Bluebird Court, Leonardtown, MD 20650 h: 301-997-1980; w: 301-342-4936 ext. 156 e: (h) WithersJ7@starpowernet; (w) WithersJD@navair.navy.mil Class Web site: www.usna79.com Dear Classmates, By the time this issue of Shipmate reaches your mailboxes, we'll be about three to four weeks from celebrating Christmas. The decorations are going up (they've been up for a while in the stores). The office parties have begun, and the kids are participating in school or church plays. For those of you blessed to be living in the northem states, winter weather is fast approaching, and the talk once again turns toward the chances of seeing a white Christmas. There's a lot to do, and precious little time to get all those things done. And somewhere in all of that, we remind ourselves to still enjoy the season.

I had big plans for this particular column. I promised all of you—in print—that I was going write the whole thing as a Christmas poem. I was considering a parody of The Night Before Christmas, and I was also toying with the idea of following the Naval tradition of composing the New Year's log of the fictitious USS OMNES VIRI in verse. In all

seriousness, I thought about this several times throughout the last 12 months, and promised myself I would be ready to write it when the time came.

Well, that time is now here, but I just can't bring myself to do it. Rather, I have the distinctively unpleasant task of updating you all on how the Class was affected by the horrid events of September 11.

First, we lost Gerry "Fish" DeConto (7th Company) in the attack on the Pentagon. After successful tours as CO of SIMPSON and Chief of Staff for the Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean, Gerry had been recently assigned to N35 as the director of the Navy Command Center (NCC). After the first attack on the World Trade Center, Gerry took control of the NCC watch, and was in the process of Shipmate, December 2001

reporting the situation status and actions taken to CNO and SECNAV. The NCC had recently been relocated to a newly renovated section of the Pentagon, which turned out to be in the direct path of the airiiner No one in the NCC survived.

In the aftermath of the attack, Carl Rehling (Cwrehling@aol.com) provided regular email updates on Gerry's status, and kept close contact with his family in Massachusetts. Most recently, Carl sent the following: For all. Gerry's memorial service was held Saturday (29 September) in Sandwich. MA. Pat McGrath. Tim Olivier, Kim and Armando Gonzalez. Bill Pong. Chris Dowd. Becky and Jon Jaques and myself represented the Class of '79.

There were numerous other Alumni, and Navy personnel who had served with Fish that also made the trip.

On Friday aftemoon, several of us were able to attend a ceremony prior to the Sandwich High homecoming soccer game where Gerry's high school jersey was retired. The current coach was also Gerry's coach on the 1974 team that was undefeated. Gerry was the team captain.

Friday night was family visitation at the local funeral home. The room was nicely done with all ofthe beautiful flowers that had been received, a mural of photos of Gerry with family, friends.

Classmates and shipmates through the years, and several scrapbooks from our days as Mids. I had forgotten how long Midshipmen hair was back then. There was a tremendous tumout for the visitation, with the line being out of the funeral home door for four hours.

The memorial mass on Saturday was hard for everyone, but I believe that it was also uplifting for everyone. Gerry's brothers and sisters all had speaking parts in the service, as did Bill Pong.

The DeContos asked me to speak about Gerry.

That was by far the most difficult thing that I have ever done. I tried to speak for all of Gerry's Classmates, ftiends. and shipmates.

The DeContos are a strong, close-knit "Navy" family and are holding up well. Pat DeConto, Gerry's mom. has been an inspiration to us all.

They asked me again to pass on their deepest gratitude for the calls, notes, flowers and prayers. Take care of yourselves and each other.

Carl also passes that the family is seeking to have Gerry's funeral service at the USNA Chapel, followed by interment at Arlington. The dates of these are still uncertain, as the family had not yet received the remains. I'll pass along more information as I get it.

There are two memorial funds that have been established in Gerry's name. The first is a scholarship fund established by the DeConto family for scholar athletes in the Cape Cod area. Contributions may be sent to: C A P T Gerald F. DeConto Scholarship Fund, PO Box 824, Sandwich, MA 02563. The other fund, established by the Class of '79 and gratefully accepted by the DeConto family, is the donation of an Honor Chair at Alumni Hall in Gerry's name (Carl's quote: "Fish would have p r o b a b l y p r e f e r r e d an h o n o r c h a i r at Riordan's."). Contributions may be sent to: USNA Foundation, PO Box 64740, Baltimore, M D 212644740. Please clearly denote that the funds are to go to the Honor Chair in Alumni Hall in memory of CAPT Gerald F. DeConto, Class of 1979.

Carl, I just wanted to send a special thanks for all the things you've been doing for the families. They are indeed fortunate to have you working with them.

Within a week of the attacks, I received an email from Jill and Butler Newman (20th Co.) informing me that Mark Tempestilli's (20th Co.) sister, Lisa, lost her husband at the Pentagon. A week later, I received the following from Mark: Friends and Shipmates: On 11 September, my sister's husband, CAPT Bob Dolan '81 perished

Shipmate, December 2001

in the terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Bob was not only my brother-in-law. but also a close friend and shipmate. He met my sister while he and I were both Midshipmen in the same Naval Academy Company.

1 must share a brief and miraculous story with you. Last week. 1 received a phone call from an FBI agent working at the site of the Pentagon attack. He was a USNA '89 Alumnus, As buckets of debris were being removed from the site, he noticed a Naval Academy 1981 Class ring, which turned out to be Bob's, 1 went down to the Pentagon to receive the ring, Lisa now wears Uie ring around her neck, just like she did the day of Bob's USNA ring dance.

Family and friends have set up a fund to support Bob's wife. Lisa, and their two children, Rebecca (15) and Beau (9). In the very near term, the fund will be used for critical family expenses and eventually it will be used as a conduit to an education trast for the children. I am personally administering the fund, so you can trust me that it will be used as intended. In the near future we hope to have a Web site established for point-andclick credit donations, but as of now donations are being received by check. Anyone that would like to contribute can do so as follows; Make checks payable to; The Captain Robert E. Dolan Fund Mail to; The Captain Robert E. Dolan Fund, Attention VA4027 (Donnell Keamey).

First Union National Bank, PO Box 7606, McLean, VA 22106-9853, I am so glad you are all safe. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. God bless you and God bless the USA. We will prevail.

S e a n Cate recently forwarded the following email that he received from Andy Adamshick (andy.adamshick @ aditech.com): Sean: 1 am sad to say that John Quigley, 3rd Co.. Class of '79. lost his brother on Flight 175 from Boston to LA, which struck one of the WTC towers. Patrick Quigley was 40. and was a partner at Price Waterhouse Coopers. John and I were roommates for three and a half years at Canoe U, and needless to say I got to know his family pretty well. Although I haven't seen John's parents, Pat, or his sister Ruth in many years, John and I are close friends and see each other routinely, so this has hit me pretty hard. My thoughts and prayers go out to John and his family.

At this point, I'd like to pass along the following message from our Class President, Sean Cate: The events of 11 September and beyond have stunned, saddened, angered, and hurt us all deeply.

They have also given us increased patriotism, pride, fortitude, and a newfound respect for the things we cherish the mostâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;our friends, families, and the heroes in our communities. The Naval Academy family and our Class of '79 has been hit hard. We all mourn our lost shipmate, Gerry DeConto, and our extended family members, Bob Dolan '81, and Patrick Quigley. We pray that God may grant comfort to us and to the families who have lost so much.

1 have never been more proud of our Class than I have been since this criminal tragedy. Each of you, I know, is coming through with prayers and support to Gerry's family and the other victims.

Many have asked what they can do to help, 1 ask for your continued prayers and for your generosity in the following endeavors, Patrick Quigley. the brother of John Quigley, leaves behind a five-year old daughter and a wife who is expecting another child this month. At press time, 1 do not have information on any fund to support this family. When and if that information becomes available, it will be posted on our Class Web site.

To those Classmates on the front lines of the war against terrorism, it is a noble cause you undertake. We are grateful for your sacrifice. Godspeed. Omnes Viri, Sean

Following up on one of Sean's comments, these events have forced some action in the area of the Class Web site. With the help of some cash from an anonymous Classmate, the site has been moved to a commercial host, where it is currently up and operating. Colin O'Neill has taken over the fulltime Webmaster duties, although he still gets plenty of support from Dan Vortherms and Doug Auyong.

The site is being revamped a little, but we're making every effort to get-and maintainâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all information up-to-date. I'm working at getting my Class photo bank organized so we can post them. I don't want to steal his thunder, but Sean also wants to update our Class email list. And of course, the site will be the best source of getting the latest information on our 25th reunion in 2004. So, when you get a few minutes, please log on and check out the site. CoHn is standing by for any suggestions you might have. And thanks, Colin, for taking on this daunting task.

One of those "little miracles" that you hear about these days happened to Bill Toti (9th Co.). Bill was in the Pentagon on the morning of the attacks, and after the second airliner hit the W T C , Bill told his boss that he was heading over to the NCC to get the latest info. His boss, however, told him to stay put, words which ultimately saved his life from the crash that occurred a few minutes later I received his email in a roundabout way, and it contains some rather harrowing details of the rescue efforts in the hours after the crash. I haven't had the chance to get Bill's permission to publish it, but if/when I do, I'll pass it along.

Guys, there are undoubtedly more of you that have been directly or indirectiy affected by these attacks.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in the aviation industry, which appears to be facing an uncertain future. Perhaps there are others who have friends or family still missing in New York. Karen and I are keeping all of you in our prayers. Please don't hesitate to let me know how you're doing, or if there's something we as a Class can do.

As I write this, four weeks have elapsed since the events of September 11, and two days ago the first air strikes took place. The services are calling up the Reserves and putting a hold on some retirements. A lot more may happen by the time you hold this magazine in your hands. We are facing the possibility of some uncertain times in the near futore. But the bonds that formed us as a Class so many years ago can also give us the courage to step forward and face these times head on. I could wax eloquent here, but I can find no better way to express these sentiments than in t h e f o l l o w i n g w o r d s from B o b S m o u t (rsmout @ govproposals .com): To Classmates on active duty, in the active duty reserve, and those who will be called to active duty: In the weeks, months, and perhaps years to come, you may be asked to make many sacrifices, and possibly the ultimate sacrifice, in our nation's quest for freedom and justice. I hope I speak for the rest of '79 when I say that I'm ready to do what I can to mitigate the impact on you and your family. If a problem arises, please contact me or have your family contact me and I will find a way to help. God go with you and may God bless America.

To the rest of the Class: We have many resources. Please consider how we can bring those resources to bear for our warriors and their families in time of need. If you have any ideas, please pass them along, 1 will work with our Class officers to put those ideas to work.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and God bless you too. Bob Smout. '79/22nd Company.

I know the line to join Bob in his offer to help is a long one, but I count myself in it. If you know of

111

a way we can help the family of a Classmate, please let Bob, Sean or me know.

Next month, I'll be back to normal. I have some good things from several of you, including some photos from Bob Tata and Alan Whiting. So until then, enjoy your Christmas. Take the time to make this the most special Christmas you have ever experienced.

I'll close with the text of Carl Rehling's remarks at the memorial mass held for CAPT Gerald F. DeConto, USN, in Sandwich, MA, on 29 September 2001. (Thanks, Carl! Our best to you and the rest of the "Sea Dogs".)

I was truly honored when the DeConto family asked me to speak today. But as I began to gather my thoughts, I became a little apprehensive, mostly because I was afraid that many of the stories I could tell you about my life with Gerry would probably be more appropriate to discuss privately with Father Bouchard in the confessional as opposed to here at this service. So I will try to gloss over some of the less essential details, Gen-y left Sandwich, MA, on 5 July 1975, On 7 July we were thrown together in the same room as Plebes in the United States Naval Academy Class of 1979, We were younger then, and very apprehensive, but early on something clicked. We ended up rooming together the entire four years, something we were both very proud of although I'm not sure if it was that we got along so well, or that no one else could put up with either one of us. My contribution to Gerry during those early years was his nickname. The Class of 1979 was large, about 1,000 men. Not everyone knew Gerry DeConto. But everyone knew "Fish."

The bond that formed in those days together at the Naval Academy formed a friendship that was cherished, and while Naval service conspired to take us both in different directions, me as an aviator and Gerry as a surface warrior, somehow, maybe it was fate; our paths had an uncanny way of crossing in many diverse regions of the world.

Many of the colorful details of those path crossings make up some of the stories that 1 referred to earlier as better left out for now. But I cherished those times we had together, not just for the laughs that we shared, or the shenanigans that became legendary, but more so because Gerry, like no one else I have ever known, had a gift, one which all of you have also come to know, a gift to renew the spirit of whoever he was with.

Whether it was a sarcastic one-liner at the most appropriate time, an outrageous act of physical derring-do, or just a few encouraging words that could tum situations that seemed to be gray, into black and white, Gerry could brighten a room of one, or a room of one thousand with equal ease.

It was this presence, this magnetism, this ability to make anyone with him know that they were special and important to him, that was always uplifting, no matter what the situation or no matter how far apart service to the country took us.

And I believe that I was blessed, just as all of us were, every time paths crossed with Gerry.

I never had a brother until I met Gerry, but I now know the heartbreak that it is to lose one. He was the best man at our wedding, as I was his. He carried on brilliantly at my wedding despite serious wounds from events of the night before. The details are again probably best left out here. He was also the clear choice to be godfather for our oldest son.

Gerry was not the top student at the Naval Academy, but then again, the academics side was not a real strength for most of the Class of '79. What '79 was pretty good at, though, was leading, and no one did it better than Gerry DeConto. Gerry slept through the class where potential naval officers leam the path of political correctness, and leam to put their well-being and their ability to advance above all else. Although this wasn't a real curriculum, sometimes you couldn't tell out in the fleet, based on the actions of some of our fellow

112

officers, Gerry flatly rejected this approach. Instead, he truly embraced the essence of leadership: He put the well-being of those entrusted to his care first, above all else. He fully comprehended that doing the right thing for the division, for the staff for the ship, didn't always mean doing what was right for him personally. He was tough, but compassionate, and he demanded accountability. Rather that worrying bout where his next job was coming from, or how to get it, he threw his energy into making the job he was in better for the guy coming behind him. When it was time to work, he worked hard. When it was time to play, no one did it like Gerry, It was these skills that set Gerry apart from all others as a leader. 1 saw it at every station: on EXCEL, FRESNO, HEWITT, LAKE ERIE, Cargm Seven, and the

SIMPSON, every enlisted person and every junior officer that I met and talked with possessed a level of cohesiveness, a sense of purpose, and a level of pride in the unit in particular, and Naval service in general, that exceeded all others. The common denominator in all of them was Gerry DeConto.

Many ofthe Navy people who knew Gerry have asked over the last ten days, "What can I do?"

Well, my answer to the naval officers here today, past, present and future, in fact, my answer to all of you, is being more like Gerry! Be more like Gerry DeConto.

President John F. Kennedy, when asked about his experience and a naval officer, offered the following: "I can imagine a no more rewarding career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, 1 think can respond with a great deal of pride and satisfaction: I served in the United States Navy," No one embodied the spirit of this statement more than Gerry DeConto, He was proud of our country's Naval heritage, he was proud of the Naval Academy, the Class of '79, and Seventh Company. He was proud of every person and ship that he served for and with, and he was proud to put his life on the line every day in service to his country and shipmates.

On 11 September, Gerry was on duty as director of the Navy Command Center, a position for which he was handpicked based on his superior track record for clear, rational decision-making under pressure, his meticulous organizational skills, and his ability to inspire and lead. After the attach on the World Trade Center, Gerry assumed control of the Navy Command Center watch and began to clearly and concisely direct the efforts of Navy operations and manpower. He was reporting situation status and actions directly to the Chief of Naval Operations and the Secretary ofthe Navy.

Throughout what must have been a hellish period of information management, the Navy Command Center team under Gerry performed their duty flawlessly. In the words of his boss, RADM Zortman, Gerry was three moves ahead of everyone. For those of us who knew him, served with him, or observed him in positions of leadership and command, that comment is no surprise.

All or us here grieve for our tragic loss. Life will never again be quite the same for any of us.

But over the last ten days, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to have spent some quality time with some old friends, classmates and Gerry's family, and through the course of these visits or talks, we retold many of the tales of Gerry's zest for life, and our times together with him, and his ability to pick us all up. And a strange thing began to happen to me: the grief, the anguish, and the knot in the bottom of my stomach that we have all had since 11 September, slowly began to be replaced with a smile, a few tears still, and some hearty laughter from stories retold of ways that Gerry touched us all. And it became clear to me that this is that spirit that Gerry always shared with us in life. This is that same uncommon ability that he had to lift us all up and renew the zest in our own lives, Gerry's influence

in our lives was God's gift to us all. This is the gift that Gerry leaves to us.

May the spirit that was Gerry's zest for life be with us all, today and always.

May God bless and keep all of you safe in this most holy of seasons. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; W i z Omnes Viri!

80

Annual Membership: 2% Life Membership: 95%

Pres: Tim Kobosko Sec'y: CDR Joseph A. Grace Jr., USNR 15 Allard Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70119 h: 504-486-9040; w: 504-539-9255 fi 504-539-9257; e: jgrace@notc.org Class Web site: http://www.USNA1980.org It is very hard to believe that it has been one month today since the tragic events of 11 September 2001.

Our hearts go out to all of those whose lives have been direcdy affected and to all of the families of those Academy graduates who were killed during the attacks. We were very fortunate in that no one from our Class was killed. Other Classes were not so lucky. For a complete listing of casualties, go to www.usna.com. As a result of the tragedy and all of the subsequent communications that followed, I have worked to keep the Web site much more current (www.usnal980.org) so please go there and see if your information is updated.

I've also recraited a new batch of Company Reps, so please take the time to check in with your Rep and give us an update. Special thanks to all who helped to keep us informed as to the safety and whereabouts of Classmates during this difficult time. The role of the Rep is to gather information on each Company and send the info to me, the Class Secretary, for Shipmate or any other communications that we have to create. The Rep helps keep the addresses, phone numbers, emails, and other bio data current for each company. One of the best things about Company Reps is that they create a real synergy within the Company and bring the group together Please check out the Web site and see who your Company Rep might be and if there isn't one, and you would be interested in fiHing the position, send me an email (jgrace@notc.org) or give me a call. For all of our Classmates who are sailing, flying, jumping or just going into harms way, our prayers and thoughts are with each of you and your families. Please let me know if you have been activated and if your family needs some help.

On to the "Mail Bag" and some general news: Tom Ryan (Tomryan80@aol.com) has indicated that in a note from Ron Shockley, a lockdown at the Academy is in place like no one has ever seen.

Must be a lot of fun to be there when they keep everyone inside. Mike Wykoff is retired in San Antonio. Wayne Reif (WREIF@aol.com) is a Delta airlines Captain. Eric Forde is a pilot for American. Evelyn Shorts wrote in a note about her husb a n d , C A P T V i n n i e S h o r t s (jtfswa.j3.ddir Špsab.af mil) who is TDY to PS AB, Saudi Arabia, and has been since July. He was expected to retum in November (If you would like to contact him use his email address.) Steve B e n s o n , (SJBensSO @aol.com) had his office on the "4th Deck" ofthe Pentagon and was evacuated right after the crash.

He reported that he didn't see any Classmates in the evacuation group.

Allen Bartow ( A L N K O Z @ a o l . c o m ) is with American Airlines, currently FO on 777, based in

Shipmate, December 2001

Miami and living in Ft. Worth, TX. On 1 October he will retire from the U S M C .

Barbette Henry Lowndes

(slowndes®

mediaone.net), 24th Company, will be detaching SPAWAR in October and assuming command of Defense Contract Management Agency Boston in November. She is now a CAPT, SC, USN. Mark Whittle ( M a r k W h i t t l e @ a o l . c o m ) , 3rd Company, reports that lots of Classmate aviators that retired at 20-21 years and pursued the major airlines are going to lose their jobs. He just did with American Airlines and says that it "looks like I'll be a Beltway Bandit after all." This report was after he beat me up for not printing his earlier submissions. When the going gets tough.

Ray Damm's (squeez@islc.net) wife, Julie, wrote in that he is preparing to deploy with his squadron VMFA 2 5 1 .

Gene H u e t h e r ( E U G E N E . G . H U E T H E R @ saic.com) sent me a note to let me know that he had been recalled to active duty. He said, " I ' m just doing my part, as we all were trained to do. I appreciate your concem. I'm currently assigned to Navy Conunand Center, but have been called to JCS National Military C o m m a n d C e n t e r ( N M C C ) , mnning current operations and planning futirre activities. Thank you for all you do for our Class. God Bless America!"

CAPT Jim Houck, (HouckJW@clfnavy.mil), 15th Company, is the JAG at CinCLantFlt in Norfolk. Steve Cadwell, (spcadwell@erols.com) is a civilian w o r k i n g for t h e U . S . A r m y at F o r t Monmouth, NJ. Here are a couple of email changes: Joel Ross— now: joelross45@home.com. JJ Stenzoski, an old Russian C l a s s b u d d y is n o w at j j s t e n z o s k i ©netscape.net. His other data is: 11341 Watts Bar Ct., Indianapolis, IN 46229; 317-894-4079.

Douglas F i o r i n o is n o w at: d o u g l a s f i o r i n o @home.com.

The first letter of this very busy month came in from Rod Von Lipsey (VonLipsey@aol.com) who was one of our delinquent writers: I'm well! Sorry to have never written. Here's the short story: Retired last summer; final assignment was at the White House, where I served as a director at the National Security Council. Moved into the private sector in August 20{X) as a vice president with Goldman. Sachs and Co., a New York investment bank. One year later. I had just moved from New York the week before the attacks to our Goldman office in Philadelphia where I'm focused on building a private wealth management business down in the Baltimore—Washington—Northem Virginia area. My wife, Kori, and I have a home in Falls Church; she is a professor and U.S.-European security expert at the National Defense University in DC. so we alternate weekends between Virginia and New York (now Philly) when we're not traveling on business.

My firm was quite fortunate in this recent tragedy, as none of our New York offices or people were directly involved. However, between the Pentagon and World Trade Center, we have all lost colleagues, friends or loved ones.

It will take some time for healing and clarity; my prayers are with all who are suffering as well as those who have been or will be called upon to continue to serve in our nation's defense as a result of these attacks.

CDR Dan Tanner (TannerD@cotf.navy.mil) sent in this quick update: Doing well here in Virginia Beach. Will be interesting to see what the next few weeks hold. Lots of calls being made to determine where people are and their current availability. We really have cut the force awfully deeply in the last ten years or so. This one will probably take a lot of folks out of comfortable jobs to some a little less comfortable.

Shipmate, December 2001

My wife, Pam, and my littie ones at ages seven and five are doing well. Law school is indeed a grind, screwing up a lot of nights and weekends, but I am well over half way through and it is going well. Keep the faith.

T h i s note is from G a r y S i e m s (S1EMS5@ aol.com), 3rd Company: I work in midtown for Pfizer Fortunately 1 was not affected by the terrorist acts of war. My wife, Carmella, and I were anxious for our daughters and for members of our church. Fortunately through email and cell phones my daughters, Nicole ()unior at Stevens Institute of Technology) and Ashley (freshman at University of Pennsylvania) were able to let us know they and their friends were okay.

When I headed home on Tuesday two items sttuck me. Midtown Manhattan was empty of traffic to the point that you did not have to wony about crossing streets. The other was the calm and determination felt by the people walking out of downtown. I am confident that our Commander-in-Chief's response will be swift, just, and overwhelming!

A short letter came in from Bill Stuehler's wife, Nancy, (S2LER@aol.com) of 5th Company: Bill works for Naval Intelligence at Suitland Federal Center He was on his way to a meeting at the Pentagon and saw the fireball when the plane hit. He was running late and had he been on time, would have been at the impact site. Life is good at the Stuehler house. You just don't realize that today could be your last day. I hope all of his Classmates are safe.

We have had a few of our Classmates activated by the Reserve. Russ Granier (russ.j.granier@ exxonmobil.com) was one ofthe first to contact me: Yep, after 12.5 years as a SELRES, I have been recalled to active duty effective 1 October in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I got the phone call on Thursday and will be reporting to the Naval Support Activity Midsouth in Millington, TN. My whole Reserve unit of 24 officers and 12 enlisted have been recalled in order to man up the Emergency Response Cell within Bupers Pers-9. I'll be standing watch again! I'm not exactly sure what the unit does, because 1 was just transferred to the unit and have never drilled with them, but I expect that we will be responding to inquiries on Reserve personnel issues involving recalls from CNO, CNRF and other Reserve activities, I don't know how long this will be, but the orders read "Involuntarily Recalled to Active Duty for a Period not to Exceed One Year," By law, the CINC can hold any ready reservist for 24 months during a partial mobilization. It's very open-ended now and will depend on how international events unfold. It's a bit of shock to be back on active duty, but I am happy to serve in this time of need.

My company has been very supportive. My current supervisor is a former submariner (Virginia Tech ROTC) and his boss is a 1972 grad and former naval aviator, so I am hopeful that they will cover my six when 1 am gone and offer me a decent position when 1 get back.

Stacie has been great. She is just thankful that 1 wasn't recalled with my old unit. Right now they are standing by to be recalled to 7th Fleet, I would rather be headed out to WestPac and the 10. but 1 guess I'll be flying a desk in Millington, My old squadron is also anticipating a recall for homeland defense missions. The kids are okay, but they're somewhat used to me traveling on business.

This weekend, we've kept our normal schedule of tennis, birthday parties and barbeques.

I mentioned up above that I am working to further d e v e l o p the C o m p a n y Rep role. Derik M e e k (erekmeek@standardcorp.com), has assumed Company Rep duties for 20th Company. Gary McLean (gdmclean@pacbell.net) will handle 6th Company as their Rep. Ed D i M a r c o (pedwarddimarco@ mindspring.com) will assume the role as 22nd

Company Rep. Kevin Ketchmark (kcketchmark @aol.com), is the 32nd Company Rep. Jim Wilson (JWilson403@aol.com), who lives in Richmond, acted informally as 29th Company Rep. to help get things together for Homecoming last year. He is now formally the 29th Company Rep so give him a call.

He is in touch somewhat frequentiy with Tom Paulk, Bill Crow, Bill Webber, and Frank Cassiano from the company.

Ross Levin ( L e v i n R B M J M @ y a h o o . c o m ) has assumed the con as the 1st Company Rep. In order to update the company's files, he requests "each of you email him with your standard info (i.e.: name, address, phones, emails (primary/secondary), work info, job tide, etc.). Any other interesting information about you or life in general would be appreciated as well." Here is his first note: Last week. 1 let you know that I'd pick it up for Fun One. I contacted as many 1st Company guys as I could (given the lack of good email addresses), and will forward their comments to you soon. No one thus far in 1 st was negatively impacted by the events (that I've heard of anyway). I did however, hear from Mark Whittle who was one simulator ride away from his check ride in American Airlines' MD-80s, and he was two weeks away from flying paying passengers. He was furloughed last Friday, He's back to pumping out resume's.

Thanks also for all ofthe work you've done for '80, You've been a busy man!

Robert Wohlschlegel (wolfybob@hotmail.com) recenfly moved and is now at USCinCPac J38 staff and having a ball. Scott Jasper is there as well.

Rick Atwood (mongo@whidbey.net) sent me this brief plea: As I mentioned in an earlier email to you, I'm on sabbatical here in the Florida panhandle. So I think it's time to get a job just to keep me from going nuts! I'm in the process of relocating my family to Pensacola. Right now my oldest son is with me so he could start high school on day one.

My wife, Susannah, is still in Washington and will remain there until the house sells. I'm currentiy looking for work. If any of our Classmates know anyone in the Greater Pensacola Bay area looking for IT help, have them drop me an email!

(Flippin' burgers at Micky D's is starting to look like a promising career.,,) If we have any Classmates on active duty or those who get called up, who live in this area please have them give me a call or drop me an email if they need any assistance. I'll do whatever it takes! Keep up the great work you are doing! AT 850-501-1559 This brief note came in from Mel J. Meinhardt (mmeinhardt@tlrgroup.com): I pray that your loved ones and Companymates are well after the terrorist actions. Fifteenth Company seems to have escaped intact. Jim Houck was in Norfolk, He's now working for ADM Natter Steve Huber was not in the Pentagon, He's okay.

Ann Stencil, whose office was destroyed by the aircraft, was down the hallway with her staff at the time. Only one of her staff is currently unaccounted for as of this morning, 12 September. Bob Cotterell, now retired from USMC, flies Boeing 767s for American Airlines on transcontinental routes. He was not piloting the aircraft hijacked.

I don't know if others may be living in New York City. From 15th, only Larry Ingeneri comes to mind, but he's rumored to be living in Ireland. Mel J, Meinhardt (mmeinhardt(a'tlrgroup,com) 350 East Las Olas, Suite 1220, Ft, Lauderdale, FL 33301; w; 954-527-5262 ext, 28; c: 786-374-3297, Mark R. Lewers (mlewers@usa.net) with this brief email: I am currently a financial advisor for Morgan Stanley in Chicago and sadly have a slew of other issues related to our presence in 2 World Trade Tower. I was there for three weeks this time last year, work with associates there daily, and had

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local office associates in the building at the time of the first plane's impact. 1 cannot see straight for the anger and helplessness I feel. 1 think I'll go to bed now.

This note came in from John Rand Langmead (langmead@ugs.com or randyl@eai.com): I was on the 9:05 a.m. flight from WashingtonDulles to San Jose, CA, on Tuesday, 11 September 2001. The pilots throttled back about 3,000 AGL during climb-out, made some abrupt course corrections, and then continued without comment.

They throttled back again around 15.000 feet, again making some rather abrupt course corrections. Seasoned travelers took note and uncomfortably glanced about, but without word from the flight crew were uncertain about what to expect.

When we started to descend about 60 minutes into the flight, the pilots told us that we had been asked to land by the FAA. A few minutes later they told us that our destination was now Columbus, OH, We landed without incident and debarked in Columbus, and only then did we leam about the tragedies in New York and Washington.

Rumor had it that the first maneuver was based upon a decision not to return to Dulles after the attack on the second Twin Tower, and the second maneuver was based upon a second diversion redirecting us from Pittsburgh to Columbus after the crash in rural Pennsylvania. I still don't know, but both sound pretty plausible.

Many flights were diverted to Columbus, and those stranded soon swamped the rental car counters. All vehicles were taken within a hour of the grounding. What impressed me was the way people pulled together to help each other out. As someone got a car, they shouted out a destination and filled the car with others headed their way. I watched "slug lines" form for Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh; filling cars, vans, and even a U-Haul truck. No panic, just an orderly crowd organizing itself in the face of a new reality in America.

I was lucky to find with four engineers from NAVSEA stranded en route from the Washington Navy Yard to Sunnyvale, and they invited me to join them in a rental mini-van for the drive back to DC. My thanks go out to John Hartranft and the folks from NAVSEA Code 05Z for helping me get home on this tragic day.

My sympathy goes out to the families of those whose lives were taken by this cowardly act, both on the four hijacked aircraft and on the ground at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

And to those of you still on the front lines.

Godspeed in the missions that lie ahead.

Randy Jackson (jrjackson@starpowernet), 32nd Company, sent in a short letter: I'm currently stationed at NAVFAC Headquarters in the Navy Yard, about five miles from the Pentagon. Although I was not personally involved in this tragedy, I did come much closer than I had realized. According to some reports, the primary target of the plane that hit the Pentagon was the White House—and my wife and I had just completed a White House tour at 9:30 a.m. (just immediately before impact at the Pentagon). Putting it all together, we would have been inside the White House if it had struck. A little scary in retrospect, but our hearts and prayers are with those who are truly suffering this evening.

Dan King (not sure which company he was with) is also at NAVFAC Headquarters, and he's doing very well also. Mark Tomb, a 32nd Companymate, works at OSD, but I've heard from him and he's also fine. Thanks for pulling this together.

Hugh Nixon, (hughnixon@i2k.com) sent in this update: My family and I are doing great, thanks. My older brother works in mid-town Manhattan, and he spends about half of his time in the Worid Trade Center Luckily, he wasn't there on 11 September Neither was Tom Burke, whom also

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works on Wall Street. Both of them have neighbors whom were lost, however 1 was going to rendezvous with Mac (Mike MacDonald) and others from '80 at the Navy-Northwestem game on 15 September, but that is called off (and rightfully so). College football has ceased to be important after Tuesday. Keep up the good work!

This very poignant note came in from C A P T Mark Guadagnini (guadagmd@CCG8.navy.mil):

Thought I would drop you a line and forward a digital picture of some Classmates. The photo was taken at a two-day Captain's Seminar for newly selected captains in the Engineering Duty Community. The photo is the FY02 USNA Engineering Duty selectees and was taken by Michael Savall of the Navy Research Laboratory.

Here is a picture I thought you might like to see. The flag being raised on the yardarm of THEODORE ROOSEVELT (the one on the left) is the

flag that the New York City firefighters raised over the ruins of the world trade center. The day was fitting for the raising: on a u,s, aircraft carrier, on the high seas, with 5500 proud sailors and Marines steaming with one purpose—to defend truth, justice, and the American way of life.

The flag is signed by the governor and mayor of New York, and the commissioner of firefighters of New York City. There was not a dry eye on the ship when it was raised. Later on, the folded flag was passed reverently around from crewmember to crewmember (just like the Stanley Cup, only better), with looks of awe and pride on the faces of all. Thanks for taking the time to write, Joe. The president told us tonight to be ready; you can tell all the people you know to feel confident, because we are ready and we have the will to succeed. At altitude.

The flag Joe Heil (jheil@spa-inc.net) sent in a 19th Company update; I've talked to a few of you and have emailed a few others, but wanted to let everyone know that we had a couple close calls this past Tuesday but everyone is alright from 19th Company, When the plane hit, Al Easterling was quite near to the impact area but was uninjured (shouldn't have picked the day to come to the Pentagon from Patuxent River); Don Babcock was at a meeting (but his office was destroyed), and Gene Huether had just been in the Navy Command Center about an hour before impact. I've heard (but haven't confirmed) that no one who was in the Navy Command Center at impact survived.

Chris Bayack (cbayack@copperfieldbiblechurch.org) sent in this letter from Ray Griggs: The plane hit the Pentagon in a section that our office used to be in. just a few corridors away. We were watching the news about the New York City disaster when we heard what sounded like heavy artillery, KARUMP, and then the building shook for a few seconds. Looking out one of the windows you could see smoke coming up and debris coming down. Everybody in our office is fine.

After accounting for everybody and checking in with the general, we went home to await further orders. Thanks for all the calls and emails, I'll let you know more as I learn it. Pray for the families who suffered deaths and injuries to their loved ones. Semper Fidelis, This note and photo came in from one of our newly selected captains in the EDO Community, Charles Behrle (BehrieCD@NAVSEA.NAVY.MIL):

USNA engineering duty selectees From left to right: Kevin Taylor '81, (acmally the Class of '80 plus 1), currently stationed at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard; Peggy Feldmann, she just recently assumed duties as the program manager for Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System; Joe Giaquinto, the Analysis Branch Head for the Single Integrated Air Picture at Naval Sea Systems Command; Jeff Reed, recenfly reported to OPNAV Staff working in the N81 shop (Navy Requirements); Charlie Behrle, technical director for DD 21, the premier surface combatant for the 21 st century; Joe McGettigan, currentiy C O at Surface Combat Systems Center at Wallops Island, VA, and will soon taking over as the program manager for Aegis International Programs at NAVSEA; Ed Connolly, deputy program manager for Deep Submergence Vehicles at NAVSEA, and Pat Sudol, deputy program manager for Auxiliaries and Small Craft at NAVSEA. I guess you could say we are all doing well and are all productively engaged in making the Navy even greater than it is today!

Well, that's it for the column for this month. I am very appreciative of all of the help that I received during the events following the 11th terrorist attack. I must h a v e received a thousand emails and communications from the Class. It was a very tense time and it was a real inspiration to see how the Class immediately came together in concern, prayer and compassion. We have a fantastic group of people who are members of the 1980 family. It is really a privilege work with each and every member!

As I always end the column, I hope this finds you healthy, happy and wiser today than you were yesterday. Our innocence has been taken—but our resolve and unity cannot be shaken. Please contact a Classmate, keep in-touch, let someone know that their friendship means something—you never know when the world as you knew it will change! As always, BeatArmy\ —Joe

Show your Navy spirit with

Party in a Bag. Great for any USNA gathering!

See page 14 for more details.

Shipmate, December 2001

I I

i J ( I

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Annual Membership: 2% Life Membership: 94%

Pres: Robert D. Ravener Jr. 190 Bennetts Farm Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877 h: 203-438-0867; w: 201-934-2080 e: THERAV5@aol.com Sec'y: Dave Ciccarelli 38484 Sorgum Court, Purcellville, VA20132-3738 h: 540-882-4225; w: 703-416-0153 e: chicsan@aol.com Class Website: www.usna.comyclasses/1981 Navy for Free: (To a waltz beat) I remember back once on a long ago time By a river that ran to the sea That we held up our hands standing all in a row And we went to the Navy for free And as children we Uved there with no other thought Than to graduate with a degree Yes, I was a child and you were a child In a room with no A/C And we sweated a sweat that was rancid and wet There at the Navy for free With a sweat diat our roommates wiU not soon forget Drenching both you and me That wasn't the reason that so long ago By the river that ran to the sea We stayed right past Youngster Year nailing Our fate to the Navy for free In air, on ground, or in surface line In the Na'vy on the sea Detailers, not half so human in BuPers Kept detailing you and me To fleet and to shore-side we all had to go Every year or two or three It was this that so disheartened some That they walked from the Na'vy for free But others stayed on to their middleton years Promoted past mere 0-3 They sailed or flew or ground pounded far From that river that ran to the sea And went off to duty stations new Every year or two or three Yet the sweat that was sweated back so long ago By that river that ran near the sea Connected us each to friends known and not Who were there at the Navy for free And we now have old tales to be retold When we meet as two or three And that sweat made us stronger by far than the bonds Of a state university And neither the living of all the years since Nor regretting what was not to be Can traly distinguish ourselves from ourselves Since we went to the Navy for free So much different and so much alike are we Ask our kids and you will see It affected our talk and the way that we walk Happ'ning so unconsciously And our friends who stayed back home on the block Said we all changed quite noticeably Every year we reprise with some good girls and guys By the river that rans to the sea The events of our lives, boring husbands and wives

Shipmate, December 2001

Who've heard all of the old repartee Nay, I jest 'cause I'm just Hke the rest of the rest Who went to the Navy for free Years from now, decades hence, at homecoming events Past 2023 When we're pock-marked and gray, mostly bald sans toupee Or, if female, then matronly We'll all sip on our drinks and then ponder, methinks When we went to the Navy for free It is night as I write, all this poetry-Hte Putting thoughts down for you to see But nearby, dark, unseen, on a farm there's a stream That begins inconspicuously And its waters course the countryside On its journey to the sea Wand'ring westward then northward then south ward by east Driven on by gravity It follows its way, now river, now bay 'Til it finally reaches the sea And at night as I write all my poetry-lite It connects the sea and me My intent's not to bore with this trite metaphor All who read my soliloquy But to make a point and with water anoint What's not lost from our memory We're connected, the lot, whether like it or not Since we went to the Navy for free To my Classmates and theirs, best wishes I wish Hope of New Year's prosperity And to you and your crew wherever you are Fair winds and a following sea Rest assured that 'twas good that so long long ago We all went to the Navy for free With apologies to Edgar and Annabelle. Later, Chic.

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Annual Membership: 1% Life Membership: 97%

Pres: Maj T. Gordon Thomson, USAFR h: 804-360-8448; e: president@usna82.org Vice President: Matt Moury h: 410-263-7640; e: vicepresident@usna82.org Treas: CDR Terry Benedict, USN h: 703-913-7183; w: 703-607-1036 e: treasurer@usna82.org Business Sec'y: Dan Proulx h: 410-280-5282; w: 410-293-6884 e: businesssec@usna82.org Corr Sec'y: CDR Greg Eisman, USN NEMOC, PSC 819 Box 31, FPO AE 09645-3200 (34) 956-82-4322 e: eisman82@terra.es Class Web site: www.usna82.org HeUo, Class of '82! I am writing this column in the wake ofthe 11 September terrorist attacks. The experience is completely sobering and numbing. At last count www.usna.com reported 14 USNA grads either dead or missing. Jeff Cramer and I had the pleasure of working with the captain of United Airlines Flight 93 while we instracted at the UAL Flight Training Center Jeff and his wife, Pam, are close neighbors and friends of the Jason Dahl family and

assisted them with great compassion. Many of our neighbors, as well as so many others, have some sort of connection to that tragic day. The losses are tremendous and mind-boggling. The inventory of the aftermath in all respects will take a lot of time. I'm sure we will still be grieving for those we have lost as we navigate our way into the holiday season. Let us also remember those who are hurting emotionally, those who are financially distressed and may have lost their jobs, and those who journey into harm's way during the planning and execution of retaliatory actions. While it seems difficult to imagine sometimes, God blesses each and every one of us! It's always time to reflect on our blessings and be traly thankful.

I'm writing this column because Greg Eisman is rotating from Spain to Mississippi. Please send Gordon Thomson any news at tgthomson82@cs.com until Greg is back on line. We're always looking for inputs so we can publish a column. On another note, make sure your personal information is correct with the Alumni Association. It can be updated on www.usna.com. It's especially important since the 20th reunion is around the comer and Class elections will be held before then.

Many thanks to Bill Dawson for arranging the leadership plaques and savings bonds for LASSEN (DDG 82). We tried to fly him down for the ceremonies, but he opted to deploy. Dan Proulx represented the Class during the commanding officer's reception the night prior to commissioning. I'll start with the commanding officer's letter: To USNA Class of'82, On 21 April 2001, LASSEN was commissioned in Tampa, FL, as the 32nd ARLEIGH BURKE class aegis destroyer Over 3,000 guests enjoyed a fabulous sunny day as LASSEN'S crew "brought her to life" at the Florida Aquarium pier in downtown Tampa. LASSEN is named in honor of CDR Clyde Everett Lassen, who as a LTJG, earned the Medal of Honor whileflyinga helicopter rescue mission over North Vietnam in 1968. Operating from PREBLE on station off North Vietnam, LT Lassen successfully rescued two downed F-4 pilots, demonstrating remarkable courage, tenacity and airmanship. He became the first naval aviator and the fifth Navy man to be awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery in Vietnam, During the commanding officer's reception the night prior, the USNA Class of 1982 inaugurated an annual tradition by recognizing the initial awardees of the USNA Class of 1982 CDR Clyde E, Lassen Leadership Award. Sponsored by your Class, organized by CDR Bill Dawson, and presented by CDR Dan Proulx, the awards recognize LASSEN'S top chief petty officer and junior officer, as selected by their peers, with a $1,000 savings bond and commemorative plaque.

The rescued F-4 pilots, CDR Lassen's co-pilot, and two enlisted crewmembers from the rescue were present at the ceremony. They were able to articulate the intense emotion of the rescue, which was especially impactful on my young crew. The Leadership Award is especially appropriate in that every year during the commissioning anniversary, LASSEN crewmembers will pause and remember CDR Lassen's superb leadership under extremely trying circumstances, while simultaneously recognizing the finest wardroom and chief petty officer's mess leadership with tangible rewards, 1 could not be more proud to be LASSEN'S commanding officer, 1 speak for all crewmembers in thanking your wonderful Class for sponsoring this inspiring award. Leadership is what we are all about, and this award is tangible recognition of our principal officer trainers (CPO's) and our future Commanding Officers, From "Courage, Life," Sincerely and very respectfully. Sean O'Connor '83

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Dan Proulx writes of his experience: The trip to Tampa for the commissioning ceremony went very well. We went down on Friday aftemoon and went to the CO's reception, where 1 was informed we would be making the presentation. There was a small crowd of about 400 people including the builders, contractors. Navy, locals, etc. There was also another Classmate, Al Greece who had come down officially from NAVSEA. One of the ensigns on LASSEN was one of my rugby players when I coached at the Academy, and she filled me in on the two winners. The process they used was pretty unique, the chiefs' mess and the wardroom both nominated three people and then passed their nominees to the other mess, so the chiefs picked the best officer and the officers picked the best chief I think this was a stroke of genius. The officer was prior enlisted and everyone spoke of him very highly. The chief seemed to be a great guy also. I made a small speech with the general message that this was a small investment in developing leaders by the Class of '82 that will payback tenfold for the greater Navy, One of the interesting aspects of this reception was that it is designed to present the ship with a number of mementos to carty forward. I pointed out that we wanted to recognize individuals who best represented the ship. I also pointed out that this was a start of a relationship between LASSEN and the Class of '82. I presented both of the winners with a gift certificate that was issued with the bond.

The Chief's mess and wardroom were visibly and vocally appreciative and excited about the awards. They traly appreciated them and 1 honestly think they will have a positive impact on the ship. Bill Dawson did a great job arranging this. I was the lucky guy able to see it come to fruition.

It was a real honor to represent the Class, thanks for the opportunity.

In addition to our Class being engaged with the Fleet, our financial contributions to the Class projects continue to pay dividends. I have received a copy of the first Leadership Video Case Smdy that we sponsored with the Class of '91. It's a high quality production that addresses assertiveness training using the collision between LEYTE GULF and THEODORE

ROOSEVELT. The back cover states, "The United States Naval Academy Leadership Department appreciates the generosity of the Classes of 1982 and 1991 for making the following case smdies possible."

We should all be proud of our Class' motivation to better USNA and the Fleet. Our Class commitment is to raise $300,000 and we are striving to make that goal. I ask that everyone who has made a pledge to continue to fulfill it. If anyone else would like to make a pledge or a contribution, please contact me. For those who can give more, I personally thank you now. All money donated by our Class is counted toward the total amount even if it's designated to another activity. This is part of the new Legacy program for gift giving.

Our relationship with 1 st Company continues to evolve. During second semester last year, the Class gave substantial funds to 1st Company to retrofit its wardroom. The list included a D'VD player, DVD discs, surround sound receiver, microwave, and VCR. (And we thought our turntables were so cool—heck, my daughter says "what's that?") 1st Company will continue to work with us when we sponsor tailgaters.

Ward "Mooch" Carroll's influence is still prevalent at USNA where he is a professor of Ethics and English and is a resident author as well. I seem to remember that James Webb '68 was also a resident author who didn't obtain tenure. Anyway, and most importantly. Ward's book Punk's War has been published. I highly recommend it and while the story takes place amongst a flying

squadron, the story has universal appeal. I queried Ward about the latest and greatest: The tour has slowed down a bit, but the demands on my time in my capacity as an author have not.

I've been doing a lot of TV and radio (so far ABC, NBC, TV-2 Denmark, KIRO Seattle, KHOW Denver, and I'm slated to appear live on Fox News network Monday afternoon (3:10 p.m. EDT)).

Next week (6-7 October) I'm signing books for two days in Virginia Beach at the USNI Convention down there, and I'm doing the occasional keynote speech between now and the holidays (including the Pax River Alumni Association in November, brokered by Tommy Garrison). I'm writing the follow-up in earnest (through 200 pages ofthe manuscript at this writing), and working with Signet on the marketing ofthe paperback, which is coming out in May '02.

Hope all is well with you. Fly safe. Resolve and vigilance.

Other news from the world of '82 includes the llth Company beginning with Bill Ault: Not sure if you saw my ship, HIGGINS featured on CNN last Friday, but it was a blast having them on board, 1 even got a CNN golf hat out of the deal. We also had the San Diego Union-Tribune onboard, and they wrote a nice article about us.

Of note is the part at the end about HIGGINS and STETHEM, another DDG here in San Diego commanded by our own 11th Company Tiger, Craig Faller. It would be great for these two ships, named for victims of terrorism and commanded by 11th Company types to get to fire thefirstshots.

Here is the link to the article: signonsandiego.com/ news/uniontrib/sat/news/news_l n29patrol.html Phil Goodman also reports that John Volkoff (jvolkoff(a>erols.com) has been ordered back to active status effective immediately for an indefinite period. John has been with a DIA unit for some time, and with his language skills we can all imagine what's in his immediate future. To reach John and Amanda, use their email address. Godspeed to John and to all who serve.

Special agent Dave Price and wife, Noreen .. .their first child, a baby girl, named Amelia, was bom on 2 February 2001. Drs. Cecile (DDS) and Chuck Toner (USN) (tonerdocs@hotmail.com this address may be invalid)...welcomed their second child, a baby boy, named Alexandre, bom on 17 August 2001. On 28 August 2001, Chuck and his family moved to Guam. Those on active duty requiring dermatologist care; Chuck's your man. CDR Mike Fierro had his change of command and is now a past CO of KINCAID. CDR Bill Ault will have his COC on HIGGINS 14 December 2001—those who can attend please advise Bill.

I have received several emails in the past few weeks from Classmates. Doug Tracy is the Vice President, Architecture, of the Federal Reserve Information Technology division here in Richmond.

Don Parrot wrote to advocate a deal for our Class with Land's End catalog clothiers for the reunion— stay tuned. Andy Shelter is helping John Fernandes with our Class Web site.

As for Homecoming 2002, Matt Moury (matthewm@dnfsb.gov) is the point-of-contact. He is actively recruiting any volunteers. We plan to fully automate the process as much as possible to include Web based reservations, outsourcing manpower for registration and other tasks, etc. If you can help, please contact Matt or myself Nominations for new Class Officers are now open. Nominations will be open from 1 December 2001 until 1 March 2002. The election cycle will be held from 1 April to 30 June 2002. Nominations should be forwarded to our past-president Tommy Garrison (GarrisonTP@navairnavy.mil) via email or regular mail to: 44491 Boxwood Drive, Callaway, MD 20620. Nominate only those persons

who want to ran. Self-nominations are valid. The nominees will be given the opportunity to make their positions known prior to balloting. This procedure allows the elections to be completed and an effective turnover initiated prior to Homecoming.

The positions are president, vice president, treasurer, business secretary, and corresponding secretary.

The positions of president and vice president are self-explanatory. Tlie treasurer maintains our Class account and disburses any funds. The business secretary is a catchall position who is a liaison with USNA, the Alumni Association, and Classmates for projects like regular tailgaters, etc. The corresponding secretary writes our Shipmate articles.

I want to thank Tommy for taking the time to head the elections. He's been busy with his family and reports Chris is well. Matt is walking (neariy 14 months), and another baby is due any minute.

He reports that Rick Nicklas' change of command occurred this summer in Phoenix.

It has been a wonderful four years—soon to be five—serving our Class. I consider it a great honor and a privilege. This Class organization has brought our Class to the next level of commitment and stewardship that directly impacts USNA and the Fleet.

Because I believe an organization of this type can benefit from different leadership and fresh ideas, I will not seek reelection.

That wraps up this column. Again, please send any inputs to me as soon as possible. Your Class officers wish you and your families the very best during this holiday season and for the New Year!

God Bless you! —Gordon

83

Life Membership: 100%

Pres: CDR James H. Flatley FV, USN h: PSC477 Box 296, FPO AP 96306-1299 h: 011-81-3117-64-6408 w:VF-154 Unit 25431, FPO AP 96601-6123 e: (h) fivefam@ata.attmil.ne.jp; e: (w) f4jflatl@cvw5.navy.mil Sec'y: Richard F. Woodford Jr. 7329 Cresfleigh Circle, Alexandria, VA 22315 h: 703-313-4170; w: 703-292-4999 e: (w) rwoodfor@nsf.gov Class Web site: www.usna83.com As I write this column in early-October 2001, our country is going through a great trial by ordeal.

Though there is not much good in the news thus far, it is good to know that many of our '83 Classmates have command and are "taking charge" in other areas, military and civic. So far, I have not received any word that we've lost any Classmates directly on 11 September 2001 in the WTC and Pentagon attacks, although I am sure that there are many '83 families and friends who are grieving someone lost that day. Our thoughts, prayers, and support are with all of the families of our fallen shipmates and countrymen.

I regret to report that two of our Classmates have passed away recenfly: Stephen Quan-Yuh Wu (August 2001) and Christopher Jay Henkel (12 September 2001). I do not have a lot of information to pass on yet, but I hope to have more next month. I can tell you that I was able to visit with

Are w Visit w to updat

date? a.com address.

Shipmate, December 2001

Chris Henkel's sister and pass on condolences on behalf of our Class. One of Chris's memorial cards reads as follows: Afterglow I'd like the memory of me To be a happy one. I'd like To lea\ e an Afterglow of Smiles when day is done.

I'd like to leave an echo...

Whispering softly down the Ways of happy times and Laughing times and bright And sunny days, I'd like The tears of those who Grie\e to dry before the Sun of happy memories That I leave behind when Day is done.

Please remember the Wu and Henkel families in your prayers.

There are a few other bits of news to report: Jackie Blackwell will be retired by the time you read this. Her ceremony was in late September at NAS Patuxent River with an official date of 1 N o vember 2 0 0 1 . I believe that makes her the first female retiree for "83. Also "swallowing the anchor" is Pete Stitt, from Craiser-Destroyer Group 3 in Everett, WA aboard ABR.AH.A-\I LINCOLN on 19 October 2001. Congratulations and thanks for all those years of service to both Jackie and Pete!

I wish that I had been able to attend these retirement celebrations, but as the saying goes, duty called. Yes, I've been recaUed to active duty, so I ask your patience in keeping up with the mail bag over the next few months.

My apologies to any contributors who have been "preempted" by the extraordinary events of the last quarter. Please be assured that your stories and photos will appear in this space in future Shipmate columns. Meanwhile, keep your powder dry and your spirits high.

Thought for the Month '"Tis trae that we are in great danger; the greater therefore should our courage be."

—Wilham Shakespeare, "King Henry V." Go Navy—Beat Army on 1 December 2001.

I hope to see some '83 A Class Act football jerseys in Philadelphia, I'll have mine on!

1983—A Class Act!

;84 ]js ^ R gj :[: g jf J J c ol it $ -

I

Life Membership: 100%

Pres: CDR Steven G. Young, U S N R c/o MSDW, 11311 McCormick Road #450 Hum Valley, M D 21031 w: 410-229-8206, 888-435-2281 e: Steven.G.Young@msdw.com Sec'y: Karen (Malloy) Halverson 3111 Bent Creek Drive, Valrico, F L 33594 h: 813-681-4088; e: dkhalverso@aol.com Class Web site: www.usna84.com Dear Classmates, Rarely do I find myself at a loss for words, nonsensical though those words may be. As I write this, it is four weeks since the attacks in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Yesterday began the air strikes against Taliban forces in Afghanistan. I can't imagine what else will have occurred in our now vastiy changed worid by the time you read this article. I don't know what else to say but to offer condolences to those of you who have been personally touched by diese events, and to pray that those of you who go into harm's way will keep safe until you come home again.

Shipmate, December 2001

My partner in crime, Robin Franke, has decided to give up Class secretary duties, despite my incessant pleading that he stay. Robin was a tremendous help to me when I was overseas dealing with a severe lack of material and a possessed c o m p u t e r From Robin: I just wanted to thank everyone for being so helpful. After co-writing the article with Karen for the last some odd months. 1 am turning over my part to her. She will now write the article from her home in Tampa. FL. As usual, I would love to hear from people. My email address at work is robin.franke(a>tbe.com. If you are planning a trip up (down?) to Annapolis and require assistance. 1 can either help you myself or put you in touch with someone better equipped to do the job. It's been a lot of fun. Beat Army'.

Thanks, Robin, for all the help and for a year's worth of great articles.

From Lou Anne (Nesta) Demattei we received confirmation that the U . S . Marine Corps officer singing at the re-opening of the N e w York Stock Exchange on Monday, 17 September was indeed Rose-Ann (Wix) Scrignoli. Thanks for the information, Lou Anne and congratulations. Rose-Ann on an incredible performance.

Bill McMasters wrote from JOHN F . KENNEDY with lots of news of Classmates aboard.

'84 Classmates aboard JOHN F. KENNEDY

The picture was taken during the September/ October Competitive Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in the south Puerto Rican operating area. Bill writes that JFK was pushing away from the pier on a scheduled work-up at sea period as the terrorists impacted the World Trade Centers. The embarked air wing from Carrier Air Wing Seven were waiting to fly aboard for carrier qualification. After news of the attacks spread, all CAG-7 jets were launched in a matter of hours from N A S Oceana and recovered aboard both JFK and GEORGE WASHINGTON, which was also in the north Atlantic at the time. All pilots completed carrier qualification refresher in record time, making JFK and G W ready to respond to any national tasking within a matter of hours. As crisis planning evolved to contingency planning, JFK resumed her original schedule. JFK, together with CAG-7, conducted intensive overland strike missions into the Vieques target range, multiple air defense exercises, an air-to-air missile exercise, continuous intelligence collection and dissemination, and numerous shipboard drills and evaluations. CAG-7 topped it all off by sinking the former GUAM (LPH-9) using just about every air-to-ground weapon in the aviation, surface, and sub-surface inventory. By the time you read this. Bill will be finished with his command tour (change of command 26 October). The remaining Classmates featured in the photo will still be aboard JFK as she makes her upcoming deployment (pictured left to right with billets as of 1 October): Steve Chachula, JFK Air Operations; John Stamos, VFA-131 Wildcats X O ; Chris Aquilino, VF-11 Red Rippers CO; Bill McMasters, VF-143 Pukin' Dogs

CO; Tom Quinn, VAW-121 Blue Tails X O ; Tom Downing, VFA-136 Nighthawks XO; Doug Conkey, Carrier G r o u p 6 Strike Operations; and Danny Moore, JFK Air Operations. Thanks for the great information. Bill, and congratulations on the successful completion of your command!

Jan (Chinn) Tighe (tighes@attglobal.net) wrote with the news that she, her husband, David, and children Matt (13) and Natalie (7) have moved back to the east coast where Jan has reported aboard as the chief engineer at the Naval Information Warfare Activity in Suitland, M D . Last March, Jan was awarded a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and a master's of science in applied mathematics from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. Jan and David are happy to be back on the East Coast after five long years living on a coast too far away from all their family. They have settled in Severna Park and are looking forward to reconnecting with some old friends. Thanks for all the information, Jan, and congratulations on your tremendous academic and professional achievements!

Steven Skinner (steven.g.skinner@accenmre.com) wrote with an update on his busy Hfe. Steven writes: Since the last time I wrote in the early '90s, much has changed. I received my M.B.A. from the University of Chicago with concentrations in strategy, marketing and business economics. After getting promoted to a principal at IBM Global Services in 1997,1 took the great leap and moved to Andersen Consulting as an associate partner in July of 1999. I was selected as a partner in September of 2000, and the name of our firm also changed to Accenture. 1 am in the retail strategy practice and focus on M&A, marketing strategy, and electronic commerce as well as lead the restaurant industry practice. I was lucky enough to get in on the very ground floor of our IPO, so life is good as they say. Our firm is now at 75,000 people with sales of over $12 billion, and so far we have been relatively stable through the economic slowdown. I also stayed in the active Naval Reserve and was promoted to commander prior to going into the inactive Reserve in 1999. While in the Reserve I drilled with Sherman Neal who lives in Naperville and is doing great with his wife and kids. Our family has changed much as well.

Our oldest child (Steven II) died on 26 December 1996 while we were visiting his Aunt Donna Stephenson '88 in Annapolis (he, his younger brother, and I were actually just outside the Annapolis Mall when he died), and he is missed greatiy. His final resting-place is at the Naval Academy Columbarium facing the new basketball stadium (Alumni Hall)and we get back there frequently. The autopsy unfortunately was unable to determine the cause of death—he collapsed and died before he hit the ground according to the doctor We have been blessed with three additional children: Andrew (6 and our soccer/chess star), Joseph (3 and our football star) and Sarah (1 and the family boss). Lisa stopped working back in 1992 when we moved from Southern California to Geneva, but manages to stay even busier than I am with the kids and the church. Her kid sister.

Donna (see above), also got out of the Navy and is now an FBI agent (and is very, very busy these days). Unfortunately, something weird has happened to Donna and she is now dating some grunt from West Point, who happens to be in the FBI as well. Fortunately he is a great guy! Our family lives in Geneva, IL, which is west of Chicago about 45 miles. We are very active in our church, St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, My wife and I recently led a church fund-raising effort of over $1 million for various initiatives within the Rockford diocese. She also is the president of the women's club at the church. 1 do get to play basketball still (we even won the league championship last winter), as well as get to watch my Cubs suffer their usual end of year meltdown.

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Chicago is doubly sad this year now that Jordan is suiting up for the Washington Wizards (what is up with that'!). At least there is hope for the Bears, That is it for now. My email is Steven.g,skinner® accenture.com for those of you who want to drop me a line.

Thanks to everyone for writing. God bless you all, and God bless America. Talk to you later. —Karen

85

Annual Membership: 2 % Life Membership: 94%

Pres: Bob Smith e: upsbobs@hotmail.com w: 410-293-6652 Corr. Sec'y: CDR Dave McDonnell 88 Bowyer Road, AnnapoHs, M D 21402 w: 410-293-6585; h; 410-626-0347 e: dclomcd@aol.com; mcdonnel@gwmail.usna.edu I am writing this article at the end of September, the month of the terrorist attacks on our country.

Although we were all affected by the attacks, I would like to dedicate this issue to two of our Classmates who were directly involved, Pat Dunn (15) and Marc Flagg (31).

Pat Dunn was killed during the attack on the Pentagon on 11 September 2001. A memorial service was held in the Naval Academy Chapel on 26 September 2001, and Pat was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery the following day with full military honors. A special thanks goes to Tom Plofchan (15) who so eloquently spoke about what a great guy Pat was and to Kurt Menke (12) for volunteering his outstanding singing voice during the memorial service. Additionally, thanks go to Barry Davis (6), Eric Olson(28), Jack Stem (2), and Tim Croy (15) for acting as ushers during the service. Over 100 Classmates attended one of the two ceremonies, most of whom attended both. I also received hordes of emails from Classmates saying they were unable to make it, but would be there in spirit. It is clear to me that Pat was a close friend to all who had the opportunity to be associated with him. I met Pat during a few tailgaters and can only say he was an easy going, fun loving individual who was great to have around. The following pictures are from the ceremony for Pat at Arlington National Cemetery.

Marc Flagg's mother and father were both on the plane that crashed into the Pentagon. The funeral service for R A D M Wilson "Bud" Flagg '61 and his wife, Darlene (Dee) Flagg was conducted on 21 September 2001 at the Naval Academy Chapel, and they were buried side by side in the cemetery on Hospital Point. Numerous Classmates attended the services that included full military honors and featured a missing man formation of F-18s.

Please keep Stephanie Dunn, Marc Flagg, and all those who lost loved ones in the terrorist attack in your prayers diis holiday season as well as all those who are going into harm's way to combat the terrorists.

I have extracted a few of the emails I received following the attacks from those who knew Pat well that I would like to share.

Greg Maxwell (15): It's a real shame. We all left the Academy destined to serve our country, and we all expected that if our time came to sacrifice our lives for our country, it would be on a ship, in an aircraft, on a sub, or on the ground during a battie or at our duty station.

It's not right that Pat's sacrifice had to be sitting at his desk in the Pentagon at the hands of cowards.

Tom Hobbib (15): I'm sure the list of stories about Pat is long and colorful. My wife, Mary, only got to meet Pat at the ten year reunion and remembers how he ventured out into the Annapolis/Eastport night at about 11 p,m, Saturday night in search of more beer He retumed triumphantly about an hour later, proudly brandishing several six-packs of cold Budweiser's (where and how he found them I have no idea). In just about all of our pictures from that weekend, the redheaded, red-faced Irishman was right in the middle of the party. A few years before that (like Plebe/Youngster Year?), three of us (Dunn, Hodges, Hobbib) ventured down to Atiantic City to check out the casinos. It must have been during Christmas or Spring Break. Go figure—we all lost, but had a blast, until we got back on the Garden State Parkway at about 1 a.m. and realized that we collectively didn't have enough money for the tolls.

I think Pat was driving his mom's car. I remember us looking under car seats and floor mats to scrounge up any loose change we could find, but not having much luck. We wound up mnning a tollbooth or two just to get off the highway, and then Pat led us on a bizarre trek through a bunch of unlit back roads in southern New Jersey, 1 hope that the sense of family and friendship that "15" will show, will in some way help Steph and the rest of Pat's family through this tragedy. God Bless America.

Austin Coleman (15): I greatly apologize for the late reply, but the family and I will not be able to attend the memorial service. I am scheduled to be at a church conference (I am also an ordained minister now), and I am required as part of my ordination orders to attend this particular conference tomorrow. I have also delayed in writing because I have been at a loss for words since 1 got the news. I have been doing some reading lately on how we move from being "successful" people to being "significant" people. I mean, when we look back on our lives can we truly say that we were significant in how we impacted the lives of people in our community and those in the world at large, as opposed to being successful in our chosen occupations. When I think of Pat, I see a man who lived a significant life. He surely impacted my life for the better, for he had a large hand in helping me get through that first tough summer at USNA; an experience that shaped my life. Though it has been a few years since I saw him last, I don't think 1 will ever forget the impact he made. I believe when we all look al how Pat impacted our lives we will see a man of significance. The Bible tells us that there is a peace of God "that passes all understanding." It is a peace that the world cannot give, but it comes from God, and goes beyond our ability to comprehend it. 1 pray that this peace would rest on Shipmate, December 2001

Stephanie, the Dunn family and all of our companymates and families during this time of reflection. My wife. Melissa, and sons. Elisha (2) and Isaiah (3 mo,), send their love. God bless you. and God bless America.

Eric Quinn (15): I just wanted to let everyone know how comforting the emails have been to me since learning the tragic news about Pat last week. I think Tom Hobbib was right when he wrote that it is hard to explain what "15th Company " means to co-workers and friends. It is at a time like this that the strength of the friendships we forged 20 years ago is fiilly appreciated. We are blessed to ha\e this bond. 1 look forward to seeing everyone that will be with us next week in Annapolis and will miss each of you that cannot attend. Barb. Eric. Lauren, and I send our prayers to you and your families.

Fortune Favors the Brave.

Steve Genu (15): I couldn't agree more with Q. Even though I didn't graduate with the Class. I still feel strong bonds to you guys. My time at the Academy helped me appreciate the good times, persevere through some rough times (in and out of uniform) and still "maintain an even sttain." I ran into Pat about a month ago at the Pentagon. I was there on some civilian business, not Reserves, so I was in a suit and of course Pat comes up and asks me if I was lost from the Pentagon tour—always a joke and a smile. He "beamed" me his new info and proudly told me that he and Stephanie were expecting. I had not seen him since before his wedding since Julie was at around the nine-month point with Zachary. but it was very easy with Pat to just pick up the conversation where it left off two years earlier. I don't have to tell you guys how happy he was and proud to be in uniform and sporting his silver oak leafs. After I got home from work on Tuesday I started calling everyone I knew that was at the Pentagon and if I had not bumped into Pat it probably would've taken a little longer to find out. I called Stephanie that night, and she was a rock. She was confident the Pat would tum up.

We joked about how he would be looking for a cold one. and she talked about having a big party for him. I still remember Plebe Summer rooming with Pat and Austin. Pat had gone to NAPS, and he was only 19 but he always stmck me as an old salt. The Firsties used to like to ask him: "How long he'd been in the Navy..." I can still picture Pat squaring his comers on the way to "the head" on Sunday moming, with the entire newspaper tucked under his arm. One day during Plebe Summer I mentioned that my knee was bothering me, Pat pulled out one of those instant ice packs from his trainer days, and I was able to chill it. In Febraary '84. Pat was with the crew that came down for the Derbes-hosted Mardi Gras, I remember weaving through the French Quarter with Pat, a few others and a million of our closest drunken friends. That Sunday night Pat and 1 got sent out for "provisions"—we had run out of beer. We ended up in a very bad part of town (not difficult in NO) had a littie bit of a scare, but I think we still managed to bring back a few cases and laughed about almost getting killed for it. One silver lining to this ugly cloud is being able to reconnect with 15. I look forward to seeing whoever can make it Wednesday and Thursday.

Steve Powers (11): I was the Captain ofthe ice hockey team at Navy, and Pat Dunn was our trainer. His nickname on the team was "Braiser" since he threatened to beat up a very large man (a security guard as I remember) on one of our hockey trips to Boston. Although he was the trainer, he was considered part of the team because of his great sense of humor and his outgoing personality. He taped my ankles, knees, shoulders, and everything else while I was there. He even used to walk down to my room in 11th Company to check on me away from the rink. He was a very special part of Navy Hockey!

Shipmate, December 2001

John Nolan (25): I did not know Pat until he arrived in Italy to take over as XO on LASAI LE (ComSixthFlt Flagship). We hit it off right away, 1 think partly from being Classmates and fellow SWOs and also since both of us never met a cold beer that we didn't like. He was a great shipmate and a fantastic XO who was well respected by the ship's crew and SixthFlt staff which as most of us know, is next to impossible.

Both Pat and his wife. Stephanie, always had time for everyone in the community to say hi and to give them a smile and a joke. We enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner last year together, and 1 will always remember to give thanks for having the opportunity to have a good friend/Classmate and shipmate like Pat. I miss him already, Doug Borrebach '84: Pat and 1 were both at the Pentagon together I lived two decks up from him when the plane came in, I don't really remember Pat from the Academy, but we worked closely together during our first tour in the building. He was in N3/5 and I was in N81.

If you know Pat. he's a tell-it-as-it-is type of guy, and everyone liked him. Recently we both retumed to the Pentagon and the first time I saw him again, we laughed and said, "Can you believe we are back?" I saw him frequently in the morning getting coffee. Can't tell you how sad I am now for Pat (and others). It's very difficult to think of, T.L. "FLASH" Adams HI (5): Got to spend time catching up with Pat in the Navy Command Center since my Reserve unit stands 90 percent of watches there. He was still the funny hardcharging guy I remembered during Academy years.

He and the entire staff (active and Reserve) who are no longer with us will be sorely missed, Tina Higgins (24): I did not know Pat well, but did have the opportunity to come to know him during the year prior to our 15th reunion. Pat emailed me from Italy on a number of occasions, for information and to offer help with the organizational effort. Subsequentiy, I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie at several tailgaters, Pat impressed me with his spirit, his intensity on all fronts, and his true love for his profession. Since the reunion, 1 have seen him on a number of occasions in the N3/ N5 spaces—again running around "organizing" (a golf event most recently), of course, in addition to his regular duties. So. although my acquaintance with Pat and Stephanie was brief it will indeed be cherished.

The following email is from Pat Dunn to a bunch of his friends that I think presents his fun loving personality at its best: Pat Dunn (15): From the Mediterranean Sea: Hello to All. Get ready to stick a fork in me because I'm down to my last two weeks as XO of LASAU.E ( A G F - 3 ) .

SixthFlt command ship, homeported in lovely Gaeta, Italy, Currently underway, making way to our next port visit, this time to Malta for another "engagement" opportunity of friends here in the MED. Just a note to let you all know we are ramping up here on LASALLE for Army v Navy, By we, I mean '85, of course. Our newest arrival here is Pat Mooney (24) straight from his tour as XO in HUE CITY, Also on board is CDR Brett Genoble (11) (Flag Sec) and CDR John Nolan (25) (N7 exercise shop). With all this great "connectivity" here in LASALLE. we and the other "boat schoolers" on the staff and in the ship will be cheering for Navy from the east. (Note; In reference to the great connectivity, it will probably just come down to a couple of coat hangers and some wire which will get us the game.)

As 1 mentioned. Stephanie and I will be leaving in two weeks. We are heading back to Washington.

DC to be assigned to N3/N5 again. So to Pat McPherson (13) and all the 85-86 home game tailgaters—get a cold one ready for us. and by one I mean a case. We plan on starting early, too: Lacrosse season. Ciao for now and Beat Army.

A fund in memory of Pat Dunn has been set up at the Naval A c a d e m y F o u n d a t i o n to be used at Stephanie Dunn's discretion. Classmates can make donations in Pat Dunn's memory through the end of December 2001, in one ofthe following manners: 1) Checks: Make checks out payable to "USNA Foundation Class of 1985" and put "In memory of Pat Dunn" on the bottom of the check.

Send checks to: United States Naval Academy Foundation, 291 Wood Road, Beach Hall, Annapolis, M D 21402-5001 or 2) Credit Cards: Call the Naval Academy Foundation direcfly at 410-293-1964 to provide credit card information over the phone.

I would like to echo the many thanks to Bryan Caisse (8) for administering the tedious job of keeping up the email database of Classmates, It enabled us to quickly and efficiently get the word out to our entire Class during this crisis. Mike Casey (15) summed it up in the following email to Bryan: You might think you didn't do much ("1 just pushed a button"), but the impact is what counts, not calories expended. Without the email list, we wouldn't have had nearly the attendance that we got at the memorial services. 1 guess the biggest positive to come out of this whole disaster is that now everyone wants to stay in touch more, which just makes your job (and Skip's) all the more important, I know I've got Companymates coming over to the house for the next two weekends, and we're planning some other events later. Again, BC, thanks for all you've done.

With every national tragedy that besets the American people, it seems our patriotism is galvanized more strongly, and we are made to understand what is traly important in life, our family, friends, and faith. The American people have grown closer togedier and stronger in the face of the terrorist attacks. Displays of patriotism have been evident around the country from the gravesites to the stadiums and die nationwide support of our military forces is unquestionable. For all those that were killed in the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, and for all those who will sacrifice their Hves in the eradication of the threat of future terrorism, we salute you. They did not die in vain. —Skip

86

Life Membership: 9 9 %

Pres: Daniel H. White e: dhwhite@cablespeed.com; daniel_white @ ml.com Sec'y: Paul Costello 4705 Grainger Trail, Ft. Worth, TX 76137 p: 817-485-8824 e: paulandkathie@compuserve.com Class Web site: www.usna86.org William Howard Donovan Ronald James Vauk '87 May God Grant You His Mercy May Light Perpetual Shine Upon You May You Rest In Peace By the time you read this, months will have passed and many lives will have changed course from the present. It is only a few weeks since the attack on our homes. On 11 September 2001 our Class lost two of its finest members. Bill and Ron. Both were serving our nation in uniform at the Pentagon. Both had their earthly lives ended in an instant. We shall never forget their sacrifice. Nor shall we forget that they died in service to us and to our families.

I am writing this column on Friday, 5 October, the day of Bill Donovan's memorial service. At

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10 a.m. today. Bill's family, friends, and Classmates will file into the Naval Academy Chapel to say farewell. Thank you to those Classmates that will be in attendance representing us all. I would also like to take this moment to thank Tom McGovern (tfmcg@yahoo.com) and Greg Morin (morings @ att.net) who have stood by Elaine's side during these trying days. Thank you for representing us all so well. I wish I could attend, but I have joined the ranks of those retuming to active service. Bill is survived by his wife, Elaine, and their three children. For those who didn't have the chance to attend the memorial service, please note that an education fund has been established for Bill and Elaine Donovan's three children. Gifts in Bill's memory and Elaine's honor can be sent to: Donovan Children Education Fund, NFCU Springfield, 6225 Brandon Ave Suite 130, Springfield, VA 22150; Althea Jackson. Please give generously.

Bill Donovan came to us from Nunda, NY. After graduating. Bill served as a naval aviator in Patt-ol Squadrons 11,31, and 1. He also served as a member of the wardroom of GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-

73),

and had joined the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations in July 2000. He had many decorations including two awards of the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and three awards Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.

Ron Vauk was memorialized on Friday, 28 September 2001, by his family and colleagues at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.

Ron's widow, Jennifer, was presented the Purple Heart. The next day Ron was buried in that place where heroes rest, Arlington National Cemetery.

Ron was born and raised in Nampa, ID, and eamed bis appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1986. Ron graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science graduating with the Class of 1987. In his six years on active duty as a submarine officer, he served on two fast attack submarines and on the staff of Commander Submarine Force, Atlantic Fleet; he had been in the Naval Reserve since 1993. Ron joined the staff of Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in 1997 and in 1999 eamed a master's degree in technology management from the University of Maryland.

He was the assistant supervisor of the Operational Assessments Group and was instrumental in expanding the group from nine staff members to 24 in roughly ten months. Ron recenfly spearheaded a series of training lectures to help each new staff member better understand the Navy, the laboratory and their specific projects. His technical contributions spanned a variety of projects from developing tactics for the submarine force as project manager of the SSBN Security Tactical Development Program to developing the concept of operations for the Joint Biological Early Waming System. Recently, Ron was a principal member of an APL team that won a $6 million contract to develop the operational requirements for the Navy's next generation multi-mission maritime aircraft. He also was involved in several initiatives associated with submarine at-sea exercises and the development of the advanced submarine combat systems. Ron was best described as a "devoted husband and a caring and attentive father. He was also quick to offer help to family and friends alike, fun to be with, someone to tum to for solid advice, an all-around class act."

Ron is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and a 3-yearold son, Liam. Their second child is due in November Other survivors include his parents, four brothers, four sisters and numerous nieces and nephews. Donations 120

can be made to the Vauk Memorial Fund through First Mariner Bank at 1801 S. CHnton St., Baltimore, MD 21224.

Our deepest sympathies also go to a great friend of our Class, CDR Patrick Dunn '85. Pat was a member of the 15th Company and was also working in the Pentagon. Pat leaves a wife and child due in the spring of next year.

I have received emails from Classmates around the globe who have shifted colors since the attack and headed off to protect us all. Please know that our Class is represented on dozens of ships, subs and squadrons now sailing in harm's way. Our Classmates are patrolling the skies in the Air National Guard and aboard NATO AWACS both at home and abroad.

Classmates now serving with the FBI, CIA and other intelligence services are uncovering the inner workings and networks of these evil terrorists. We musm't forget the contribution of Classmates who rebuild our economy, fly our airliners, and teach our children.

Please continue to proudly display your patriotism and above all: Pray for our nation.

Etemal Father, strong to save.

Whose arm hath bound the restless wave.

Who bidst the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep; Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea!

Lord, guard and guide the men who fly Through the great spaces in the sky.

Be with them always in the air.

In darkening storms or sunlight fair; Oh, hear us when we lift our prayer.

For those in peril in the air!

O Trinity of love and power!

Our family shield in danger's hour; From rock and tempest, fire and foe.

Protect us wheresoever we go; Thus evermore shall rise to Thee Glad hymns of praise from land and sea, Audemus Esse Magnos

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Life Membership: 99%

Pres/Sec'y: Tim Wolf 11409 Rouen Drive, Potomac, MD 20854 h: 301-299-6409; e: shipmate87@aol.com Class Web site: http://usna87.com Washington, DC â&#x20AC;˘Where to begin.. .as we enter this holiday season, we have much to be thankful for and many reasons to count our collective blessings. But writing this in early October, it's the events of 11 September and the loss of another Classmate this year, along with the United Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;led action against terrorists, that weigh on my mind.

As most of you know, Ron Vauk was killed at the Pentagon while serving as the Navy Department Duty Officer in the Navy Command Center on 11 September, the second day of his annual two-week reserve training with NR NCC Unit 106. An Idaho native, Ron came to Annapolis with the Class of' 86, but wound up being a member of 24th Company and graduating with us. Following a couple of tours as a submariner after graduation, Ron came to work at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. At a ceremony honoring Ron, hosted jointly by the Lab and the Navy, Classmate Mike Cantwell made a presentation on behalf of die Class of' 87. Ron's family was given the Purple Heart Medal awarded to him at this ceremony. Ron was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on 29 September Playing the

bagpipes. Classmate Fred Woodaman added a meaningfiil contribution at the internment. Ron is survived by his wife Jennifer, son, Liam, and their second child, whom Jennifer was expecting, in early November.

If you have any photos, notes, or other momentos of Ron or Dave Hemela that you would be willing to share, please send them to me. I intend to pass them along to the Vauk and Hemela families, so that their children will have something to help them leam about and remember their fathers. Thanks!

While the tragic events of 11 September, the ongoing military actions, remain in our thoughts, we carry on. Here are some tidbits to share.

Curt Hartman is an attomey with the law firm Ulmer & Beme in Cincinnati, OH. His practice is in the litigation area, primarily defending pharmaceutical companies.

Down in Peru, Luis Polar is one of our first 0-5s. He was promoted to Commander this past January and works as a planning officer on the commander of Pern's Surface Forces.

Christine (Keller) and Duncan Hart live in Oregon, where they work for Intel.

Chris Merriam finished active duty as TAO aboard THEODORE ROOSEVELT and joined RWD Technologies, Inc. in Columbia, MD. Currently, Chris is director for operations at Latitude 360, a division of RWD Technologies. He manages a global online training and certification environment. Chris married wife, Paige, in Annapolis in December 1999.

Steve Bailister works in the Program Executive Office for Theater Surface Combatants at NavSea in Washington. He is the deputy branch head for combat system ship integration. Steve and Shawn have four girls: Nicole, Briana, JiUian, and Indigo.

Dr. Mike Radice lives and works in Davenport, LA. Jamie and Tom Doman, with their children Taylor and Ashley, moved from Charlotte to Rochester Hills, MI. Tom is with CapGenuni Ernst & Young and working on a project with Ford Motor Company.

He still serves in the Marine Corps Reserve.

Jason Hardebeck in the chief executive officer of WhoGlue, Inc. in Baltimore. Through its software and Web-hosting platform, his company aids organizations in maintaining contact with their membership. Jason has been working with others to raise funds for victims of the 11 September attacks by coordinating a cross-country bicycle ride fundraiser In the CEC community. Erica Sahler relieved Brant Pickrell as commanding officer of Underwater Constraction Team TWO in Port Hueneme, CA. Classmates Kathy Allen, Robin Noyes, and Michaele Laforge attended the change-of-command event.

Kathy mentioned that Barry and Susan Williams Hochberg have a baby girl, Jalyn.

Sand castle architects and builders at Kiawah Shipmate, December 2001

Here's a note from Tina and John Hesse: As you can see. the 20th Company Alumni are enjoying civilian life. Mary and Ken Dunn, and their son. Colby, live in Statesville, NC. Ken is product specialist with Coming Cable Systems in Hickory. NC, John and Tina have two children.

Phillip and Emily, and live in St. Louis. MO, John is a vice president with Mertill Lynch and is the resident manager in the Chesterfield. MO office.

While on vacation at Kiawah Island in July. Ken used his expert engineering knowledge in designing an elaborate sandcastle, with John using his management training skills to supervise the effort.

God bless America! Go Navy!

From the h o m e of the c h e e s e h e a d s — K i r k Benson sent a note from Green Bay with his latest news and that of other Classmates: 1 departed my job at Seventh Fleet on 1 June in Sydney. Australia, and said good-bye to the Far East after five years. Sure do miss it. After schools in Virginia and New Orleans. 1 am settled in the states. On 14 July. 1 took command of Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center. Green Bay. WI and Naval Reserve Facility. Marquette. Ml. I was fortunate to get two commands, so I split my time between the two. Command is fantastic!

My son. Phillip, and I were able to attend the Packers/Broncos Monday night game. What a blast. We also caught a Milwaukee Brewers game.

In the picture. I am joined by Classmates John Hair. Jeff Stec. and Paul Espinosa.

„ ji |j ^ J, Q. ^ g jj,

John is an FBI special agent in Baltimore. Paul works for a computer company in Omaha, NE. Jeff is a pilot for United Express out of Colorado. He and his wife Keni, a teacher from Australia that Jeff met in Japan, were married in the spring. They're a great couple.

Other Classmate news that I am aware of: Dave Bragg transferred to the Navy Safety Center in Norfolk; John Fuller is executive officer of CURTIS WILBUR in Japan; Marc Dalton is executive officer of ANTIETAM in San Diego; Carlos Zengotita is at Pax River working on the U n m a n n e d Vehicle Program; James Duke is executive officer on GARY in Japan; Scott Herbener is still on Seventh Fleet staff; and Stuart Littlejohn is commanding officer of Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center in LaCrosse, WI. In More News Cheryl and Paul Bevans live in Washington, DC, where they keep active renovating a 100-year-old row house in the Capitol Hill area. Paul completed his second masters degree in September, graduating from the Joint Military Intelligence College. He works as a scientist for the Navy.

Gabriel Gomez works for Summit Partners, a venture capital group, in Boston.

After many years in sunny Florida, Susan and Jim Fisher are experiencing a real winter, having moved from Jacksonville to Newport, RI. Recently, Jim fransferred to the Naval War College. The Fishers have two boys, Jacob and Patrick.

Angela and Tom Taliaferro are expecting their fourth child in late Febraary. They have three sons: Zachary, Benjamin, and Nicholas. Tom works for Ceridian as a major account representative.

Shipmate, December 2001

Anyone interested in obtaining one or more of the old King Hall chairs, or giving them as a gift, should view: www.kinghallchairs.com.

In closing, while many events, both personal ones and news-making ones, will have happened between the time I write this column and when you're reading it, I sincerely hope that you, your families, and friends are healdiy and safe. Also, please remember the Vauk and Hemela families, along with the families of Classmates who previously passed away, in your prayers this holiday season. Finally, I urge the many of you no longer in uniform to contact a Classmate still serving on active duty or in the Reserve, and offer diem our collective thanks and appreciation for their service and sacrifice. Peace on earth, goodwill toward men! And BeatArmy\ —TJW

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Life Membership: 9 9 %

Pres: Kennon A. Artis e: Navy88@aol.com Sec'y: Eric Reinhold 101 Southhall Lane, Suite 400, Maitland, FL 32751 w: 407-667-4825; fi 407-667-4883 e; Academyfinancial@mindspring.com Can you believe the end of 2001 is finally here?

It seems like I've been doing this forever now, but it's really been less than one year. Every month the d e a d l i n e s e e m s to get s h o r t e r a n d s h o r t e r .

Okay...okay...enough whining from me.

Since articles run two months behind, this is the first time I've written since the 11 September terrorist attacks. As I'm writing this, the United States is making their first retaliation, and who knows what will have gone on between now and when you actually read this. I do know that our prayers need to go out to those in our Class who are in the direct line of fire. As I receive any updates, I will be sure and pass them along.

Our first entry this month is from Mark Bible.

Acmally, it's from his wife, Shirley. Mark must have had his wife read, "A Message to Garcia," because she's the one who took the initiative to send this in.

Way to go, Shirley!

We have never submitted an entry into Shipmate.

Why? I don't have that answer considering Mark (15th) still worships the Academy grounds. We visit home (Bowie, MD) every summer, making at least two trips to Annapolis. Mark and I were married on 8 July 1989 at the Chapel. After serving in the Navy as a SWO, mostly in Norfolk, we opted to get out in May '94. We have four beautiful children: Kaitlin (10), Ashlen (7), Christopher (6), and Connor (3). We are currently living in Conyers, GA, where Mark is the operations manager for General Mills. Who knows how long we will be here considering this our fourth move with General Mills since May '94. Mark's goal is to be a plant manager within the next one to two years. We would love to hear from Classmates, and if you ever find yourself in Conyers, look us up.

Here's a short note from John Kropcho: I am in what seems like a "mini-'88" reunion at PXO sub school, Groton, CT, Six of the nine submarine PXOs in our Class are from '88; Mark Guevarra (PITTSBURGH), John Zimmerman, Paul Savage, Roger Isom (CHEYENNE), Rod Mills, and John Kropcho (JACKSONVILLE), I apologize for not listing everyone's boat in parentheses, but we'll submit a full update and photo in the next few weeks.

New England in the early fall is beautiful! More soon.

Next we have a nice letter from Paul Savage with a photo of his PXO Class. {Ed's note: Unfortunately the photo was too low of a resolution for publication.)

Eric, heard you are putting the Shipmate articles together for our Class. USNA '88 comprised six of nine students in our submarine PXO class, thought it would be appropriate to send in a picture to Shipmate. I've included the names of the non-USNA grads as well because the submarine community has become extremely small and our fellow submarine '88ers probably know these guys too.

Besides, our column has become so sparse lately that 1 didn't think we would be limited in room.

From left to right are: John Kropcho (coming from ComSecondFlt with orders to JACKSONVILLE (SSN699) in Norfolk); Rod Mills (8th Company, coming from engineer of Squadron 22 with orders to WE-ST VIRGINIA (SSBN-736) Gold in Kings Bay); Mark Guevarra (coming from the Pentagon with orders to PITTSBURGH (SSN-720) in Groton); Al Holt (coming from STRATCOM with orders to ALEXANI:)RIA (SSN-757) also in Groton); Robert Burgio (coming from weapons officer ComSubRon 20 with orders to PCU TEXAS ( S S N - 7 7 5 ) in Norfolk); John Zimmerman (27th Company, coming from engineer ComSubRon 11 via the Naval War College with orders to MARYLAND (SSBN-738) Gold in Kings Bay); Paul Savage (Club 34. Coming from OIC Advance SEAL Delivery System and the Naval War College with orders to RHODE ISLAND (SSBN-740) Gold also in Kings Bay); Roger Isom (7th Company, coming from company officer of 12th Company USNA and adds "12th Company leads the way!" He has orders to CHEYENNE (SSN773) in Hawaii); Ed Harrington (coming from the NPEB with orders to SEAWOLF S S N - 2 1 ) ; and the instmctor CDR James Pitts.

Sorry, Paul, looks Hke John beat you to the punch, but you get the award for greatest detail! Our next letter comes from Kirk Delmas: Hi from Kirk Delmas and family (17th Company/ varsity baseball), my first entry after 13-plus years.

I have been out since January of 1995 and am currently the general manager for Cintas Corporation in San Jose, CA. I married Laura three days after graduation, and we're doing just fine. We are raising two boys (Anthony (8) and William (6)) and doing well in our civilian life. We feel fortunate to have that which we do, especially in light of what happened last week. Our prayers and thoughts go out to all victims and their families, and hopefully no Class of '88 members or their loved ones were hurt. For those of you who knew him or knew of him, I was also saddened by the death of legendary baseball coach Joe Duff earlier this year. Mike Schultz (the only Classmate with whom I regularly correspond) informed me of the news. Coach Duff was not the easiest coach to play for, but he taught me a great deal about baseball. Thanks for the opportunity to give an update, and I look forward to the next Shipmate edition.

And now from another guilty grad, Brian Bell (650-366-1331) who apologizes for not sending in a note sooner Don't beat yourself up Brian, it's a common dilemma.

The procrastination stops here. I am writing via email to give a short update, which is long overdue. I am currentiy living in the Bay area and have been a high school teacher and coach since leaving active duty from the Marine Corps in 1994. I was an aviation logistics type and finished my last tour with MALS 12 in Iwakuni. Japan PCS unaccompanied for 36 months. It was a great time, and 1 had a wonderful experience. I left active duty and went back to school for a teaching credential and got right into the classroom. I started coaching high school water polo and teaching science.

1 have had a great time learning from my students and love being a teacher After seven years in the classroom and working with teen-agers all day, 1 have a whole new respect for any instructors/ teachers, anywhere/everywhere. Luckily, I was introduced to a wonderful woman named Pam through my work, and we married one year ago on 7 October in the Memorial Chapel at Stanford University where she works. We are doing well

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and have a small house in Redwood City, CA, right in the middle of the Bay area in-between San Francisco and San Jose, CA. Mike Bramble (my roommate of three years at USNA) was in my wedding party and Tom Victory who I also roomed with came by for the festivities. He works for Oracle Corp. and lives in San Francisco.

My sponsor family (Don and Cheryl Campbell) also made it out for the very small wedding. Tom Teshara. who was a Blue & Gold officer for many of us from Northem California was in attendance with his wife, Jeannie, and we had a great time. I have not been good about keeping in touch with many good friends from USN A but hear of all kinds of stories and read the column in Shipmate religiously each month hearing about our Class all over the world and the U.S.A. 1 should have written sooner and have no excuse for not taking or making the time sooner. 1 hope everyone in our Class is safe and sound, and if anyone is ever in the Bay area, feel free to give us a call or email. My best to all the Class of 1988 and I wish everyone well.

Thanks, Brian, and now some words from Jim O'Brian.

I hope all is well with you and your families.

Okay, here goes...Since leaving HSL-32 in 1993, I spent 18 months as an aide in Chicago, left the Navy, spent five years in personnel consulting in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Baltimore; lived four years in Annapolis; taught high school math for one year in the "combat zone" in Baltimore City; we had our first child (Mason James) on 9 July last year, and quit work to stay home and raise him while Melanie continues her naval career.

While in Annapolis, we sponsored C.J. Simones' little brother. Ben Simones '02. A great young man—a highlight of our stay in Annapolis was seeing him mature into a young naval officer. We moved from Annapolis to Sioux Falls, SD, in May of this year, and Melanie, now a TAR line officer after transitioning from Nurse Corps, assumed command of Naval Reserve Center, Sioux Falls.

She is the senior active duty naval officer in the state of South Dakota—pretty cool if you ask me.

Life here is great—never going back to the east coast if we can help it. I raise Mason full time— good work if you can get it. He is traly a miracle— after thirteen years of trying, God decided it was our turn. Matt Aaron is Mason's godfather. He was baptized at the Naval Academy Chapel last August. 1 plan to stay home until he goes to school, at which time I will retum to teaching high-school math. For now, I get to see my son grow, and I go fishing a few nights per week to unwind. Melanie has a ten-minute commute—eleven minutes if there is traffic, and we spend time together instead of with other enraged beltway commuters. The Midwest is tmly a better quality of life. It will all come crashing down in three years when we move to New Orleans or DC for Melanie's next tour, but we will likely return to a more mral lifestyle when she retires in 2010, There are dues to pay for all good things in life ,.,and life could not be better than it is today. I would really love to hear from any of you. Come catch some walleyes or shoot some ducks with me here sometime—anytime—I mean it. Best wishes...goin' fishin'.

Wow! Jim, sounds Hke life has been very good to you, and that you're keeping things in perspective. The news keeps coming in. Send emails at any fime, and I'll keep them on file for the next edition.

Next we get an update from Drew Wannamaker: Great job! I have been pleased to see the increase in '88 input to Shipmate over the past few months, so thought I'd add to the mix! It has been inspiring to see so many of our Classmates heading back to sea, and I'm ready to join them! As my last week winds down as aide to General Shelton, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff I'll be heading to PXO School before reporting as executive officer on GEORGIA (SSBN-729G) out in Bangor, WA. This move across country will be

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a bit different from previous ones, as I am no longer single. I was married last year to the former Kristen Koelbel of Long Island, NY. Although we will miss the Washington area, we are looking forward to experiencing life in the beautiful Northwest.

Some news on other Classmates: Mike Schultz and his wife, Kathy, recently were blessed with the birth of their third son, Isaac. They reside in San Diego, where Mike works at Qualcomm. Dave Valadez is still an active duty Coast Guard officer; he and his wife, Gidget, left Washington, DC, this summer and moved out to Hawaii where he has retumed to sea duty. Paul Simpson and his family are living in Italy, where he is the executive officer of NSA La Maddalena. Don Hensley and his wife, Kylie, live in Northern, VA, where he commutes in to work on the OPNAV staff. And I believe a couple of our Classmates are still serving in Japan. Joe Lyons, Holly and their kids; and Dr. Juan Rivera, who is working at the Yokosuka hospital. Thanks, and keep up the good work!

It doesn't seem like time has flown by so quickly.

I used to think the X O of a ship was such a lofty position and now I'm writing about Classmates who are there. Speaking of which, here's an update from Bill Seaman.

I am currentiy serving as XO in KINKAID ( D D 965), and we are in Pearl Harbor getting ready to embark Tigers and head home to San Diego after an Arabian Gulf deployment. My son, Patrick, who just turned 8, will be on the Tiger Cruise as will my father—three generations of Seamans on board! My wife, Lori, and I have been married since 1992, and we also have a six-year-old daughter, Kerri, We are living in Chula Vista, CA. Classmate updates; Andy Howell got out after his second department head tour and is attending law school at William and Mary. Joe Valecruz is admin officer at HSL-43 in San Diego. Al Perpuse is XO of RODNEY M . DAVIS. Dave Hallisey is XO of O'BRIEN. Mike Kunkel is XO of COWPENS. All

the XOs listed above went to XO School together—'88 is taking over! That is all I have for now, have to dash off to reenlistment on ARIZONA Memorial, Exciting stuff! Thanks, Bill. And now back to our CivLant brethren, Craig McCarter. Take it away Craig: I got a call from Sam Dipaola a few weeks ago.

He had the good fortune to come into possession of four box seats for an Orioles game. 1 packed up my three year old, Finn, and met Sam at his office downtown. Something came up late at work, so he gave us two tickets, and we planned to meet at the game. With two outs and two strikes in the ninth inning Sam finally made it. Classic Sam. The next pitch was a strike and the game was over.

At least Finn and 1 got to see Cal hit a home run on his farewell tour Maybe Sam and I will catch a down or two of a Ravens game this fall!

Kim (Boyer) Nikodym gives a short update: Not much to add to last submission. Cheyenne Alice Nikodym—latest member to Class of 2023 (oh yeah, and me too).

Nothing like short and sweet. Here's an update from Rat on M . Paul Qualey: Paul is out of the Navy, living in Atlanta. GA, and working as a patent attomey at an intellectual properties law firm. He is married to a wonderful lady and has four great children (two girls and two boys) ranging in age from 5 months to 7 years.

I c o u l d n ' t agree with B r u c e F a u v e r ' s first sentence more: Email is a wonderful thing. Now we have no excuses to keep our Classmates updated on our lives.

Rachael and I just reported to Navy Recruiting Region Central (Great Lakes) for a three-year tour We found a house about 25 miles straight west of the base in Johnsburg. Our oldest son, Steven, just turned 10 and is on the cross country team at his

junior high. Our other boy, Ryan, just started first grade and will be 7 in January. We have only been here for a few weeks but have already fallen in love with the area. We will let you know if we change our opinion after the snow comes. We have plenty of room to put up any Classmates and their families that are visiting or passing through. Please do not hesitate to email us if you would like to stop by for a visit or to stay.

George Davis has an update for us now, speaking in third person, or is that first person omniscient?

Anyway here it is: Hey...here is a quickie...George Davis (15th Company) is off active duty and living in Los Angeles flying 767s for United Airlines. Currentiy serving in the Reserve as USNA Blue & Gold Officer (renamed USNA Liason Officer). Married last summer in Laguna Beach to Kamilyn K. Henry of Santa Rosa, CA. At the wedding were John Dobbins— 15th Company, John Marc Wiemann '86, George's brothers-in law, Curt Coughlin '80 and Craig Wallington '80 who all served as groomsmen, and also in attendance were Brian Rathjen and George's father RADM Henry J. Davis '53. George and Kami just had theirfirstbaby—a boy, George Walton Davis 111, on 14 July. Mom and baby are doingfine!Praise the Lord!

And now another flyboy who has a split personality, speaking in both first and third person. Just kidding guys!

LCDR Patrick Porter is in Japan flying F-14A's with VF-154, serving as the Operations Officer. I'll be transferring to Newport in November for the War College, Wish I had some other gouge on '88ers, but haven't seen any in quite a while.

Last, we have an update from one of the most humble individuals you will ever meet. Our illustrious reunion leader. Tucker Hite. Please send Tucker an encouraging email as he takes on this thankless role. He has a fragile ego, so be kind!

It was my goal at one point to never be mentioned in Shipmate, but priorities change, especially after Eric Reinhold threatened another picture of his children...! am currentiy an associate at Academy Financial along with Eric and Chad Watson, who is a partner I am married to Kate, who I am convinced is a saint, and we have two children. Chase (5) and Mackenzie (3). We live in Millersville, halfway between Annapolis and Baltimore.

I have ran into Bern Werner a few times who is doing great in Pittsburgh. He and a partner are ranning a very successful computer consulting company. He and his beautiful bride. Jeanie, have three great kids. The last time I spoke to him, Scottie Granger was a professor at USNA giving the poor Mids a hard time. He is still married, and will be eternally grateful for me standing up for him as the bridesmaid at his wedding (long story). One question I do have is where did Dave Dawson go? He was in Pittsburgh and fell off the face of the earth.

I would like to thank Brian Rathjen for all of his hard work getting the email addresses together 1 am the coordinator for our 15th reunion (only two years away). This one will be awesome so make your reservations eaiJy. Rat's hard work will be a great help. If you have not sent your email address to him yet. please do so. We would like to run the entire registration for the reunion through email. It will save the Class a pretty penny, I would also like to thank Eric for his hard work on the column. He has some serious medical problems as of late and has not missed a beat. Thanks, Eric...keep up the good work.

I wasn't going to get into my health issues, but since Tucker spilled the beans, I'll give you the nitty gritty.

At the beginning of September after working in the yard (ripping out bushes etc.) I came down with a fever that wouldn't go away. No other symptoms but some back pain. After a week, I was convinced I had one of our famous Florida ailments, like West Nile Viras, etc. I went to the doctor, who sent me home

Shipmate, December 2001

with muscle relaxants. He probably didn't appreciate me telling him, "1 don't agree with your diagnosis."

Anyway, after another week of fever in the moming then chills and a fever beginning around noon, I went back to a different doctor After listening to my heart and asking a few questions, he sent me to die hospital emei^ency room drinking I had a bacterial infection in my heart. After all sorts of tests, his diagnosis was confirmed, and diey started me on IV's and I was checked in. Apparentiy, my aortic insufficiency, which I was diagnosed with during my commissioning physical, to go Supply Corps, had worsened more quickly than diey had diought. I spent a week in die hospital and after more tests, it was determined diat I would have to have my aortic valve replaced widi a mechanical valve. It's pretty amazing to be sprinting and working out three to four times a week and then go see the doc for some pills and be hooked up to FV's for a week in die hospital dien a shunt put in your chest for three more weeks of rV's at home, before open-heart suigery! Right now the surgery is scheduled for 16 October and then six weeks of recover time. By the time you read this, I should be as good as new (weU except for that Uttie clicking noise you might hear from the valve).

I was unable to include that in the article, since we need to have an Alum in the photo as well, but if you'd like a copy, email me and I'll forward it to you. Here was Ed's note: A few days before our world was rocked with tragedy, my family had the pleasure to spend some time witii a few Classmates at the Georgia Tech tailgater 1 was greatly relieved to hear that those (Classmates) serving at the Pentagon were unharmed. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were lost and their loved ones. Attached is a picture of Old Glory flying high above NavyMarine Corps Stadium with the '89 Blimp in the background. May it fly high through this difficuh time. Thank you, Andy Caufleld, for coordinating the tailgater, Ingar Grev. for coordinating the blimp, and all that attended for sharing part of their lives (and chocolate chip cookies) with us, 1 look forward to the days when going to a tailgater is the major thought for the day. but until then. Godspeed to our Armed Forces and God Bless America!

Thanks, Ed. If anyone has any more photos from Navy tailgaters this season, please send them along.

Our articles have been lacking photos for some time now!

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. As we like to say at our church, God is good.. .all the time.

Thanks for your encouraging words and prayers.

I'll have lots of time off from work to put the monthly column together. Until next time, —Eric

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Life Membership: 100%

Pres: Ingar Grev 2721 Summers Ridge Drive Odenton,MD 21113-1589 h: 410-695-0747; w: 703-872-4027 fi 419-818-7319; e: igrev@bwwonline.net Corr. Sec'y: Margaret R a y b u m 605 S. Oakland St., St. Johns, MI 48879 h: 517-227-2503; fi 425-871-2697 e: mlmr89@hotmail.com or mlrl @yahoo.com Listserv: USNA89@mde.com Listserv subscription: send email to usna89-request@mde.com, in body of message write: subscribe Webmaster: Tony Newpower e: newps@sprintmail.com Class Web site: www.usna89.org Hi '89! It is the beginning of October as I write this, and I know when it hits your mailbox, 2001 win be drawing quickly to a close. I submitted the last article just prior to the attacks on the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon, after which a flurry of '89 emails began. In one way or another it touched each of us close to home, and it was so great to know that you all were out there in one comer of the world or another On one hand I am thankful that we didn't lose any Classmates, but on the other hand, I am saddened knowing that we lost far too many shipmates, civilian and military alike. I know I speak on behalf of the Class when I say that many thoughts and prayers go out to those of you directly affected, and our thanks go to those of you who were on the "frontlines" helping America rise out of this attack.

I did receive a few updates from some folks throughout the month, so I'll get right into those.

First, Ed Drew sent a note and photos from the Georgia Tech tailgater out to the listserve. He included a photo ofthe '89 blimp flying over Navy/ Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, with the American flag in the foreground. What an awesome sight!

Shipmate, December 2001

Navy/Georgia Tech tailgater. September 2001 I g o t a q u i c k n o t e from S e a n M o r i a r t y ( S e a n n p e g g y @ a o l . c o m ) , w h o drops me a line every now and again to keep in touch. I thought I'd share his update...

Well, it's been a while since I last emailed you. It was just after my fourth daughter was bom back in October of '97 in Monterey. CA. We left Monterey with our pack of girls and went to department head school, and then 1 reported to STOUT as engineer, followed by a tour on NORMANDY as engineer, I was then TAD to 2nd Fleet for six months, after which I reported to my cuaent duty station, student in the August class at the Naval War College. As for others from 22nd Company. Ray Benedict is in DC, Jim Ehlert is in Hawaii and out of the Navy. I ran into Kris Davis while 1 was in Monterey, 1 graduate in June and start the PXO pipeline and report to RAMAGE as XO sometime next fall.

1 have lost track of so many people. Do you have any idea where Brian Colton is? I haven't seen him since graduation. If you have any news on any 22nd Company people, send me a note, I would be interested to find out where people are.

Well, got to go, the girls (Bryn-10, Alina-8, Seana5, Siobhan-4) are running me ragged.

Thanks for the update, Sean. Sounds like you and Peg have your hands full! It also sounds like there is a call out for an update from Brian Colton! Are you out there? Send me some news, and please drop Sean a note.

Ingar Grev forwarded a note to the listserve from Edwin Henderson who was checking in to say hello: Edwin "Chocks" Henderson here. Just a quick note to say that we '89ers on the "Tip ofthe Spear" have all of you in our prayers and are standing ready to carry out whatever mission we're called to do. We wish we could do more right now, but we figure we'll get our chance eventually if the news is any indication. By the way, other '89ers out here with me are: Tony Blankenship, Tony Pham. JR Tucker, Kevin Claffy, and Gary Krause, God bless you all! We've got the watch!!

Who knows where "here" is by now, but we hope that you are all safe and sound, Edwin, and thanks

for sending along a note. Keep in touch! We have another Classmate to infroduce, courtesy of Betsy and John Kainer: I thought some good news was in order in light of recent events! John "Jack" Robert Kainer infiltrated this worid at 12:19 a.m., 14 September, weighing a whopping 7 pounds 2 ounces. Betsy and Jack are both doing great. Not even Hell Week could prepare you for this!

We have been traly blessed and look forwaid to showing the little guy off on Homecoming weekend.

Hope to see you there!

Congratulations, John and Betsy! Baby news is always good to heai! Speaking of baby news, as promised in a previous article, Luis and Maria (Chapman) Long have an update., ,they are the proud parents of twins! Samuel Clayton and Sofia Rosana joined the family four weeks early on 29 August 2001, and they were a strapping 5 pounds 10 ounces and 4 pounds 10 ounces respectively. Congratulations, roomie!

Now we'll be waiting for the family picture.,,I'm planning on visiting Maria early in November, so I'll snag a picture then. She and Luis are now living in Williamsburg, VA. Last but certainly not least, I solicited an update from Michelle LaDuca (MCLADUCA89@aol.com), whose name came across the listserve one day not long ago. I realized that it had been a long time since I talked to her, and figured that must be because she'd never sent in an update! So she gladly obliged and sent this in: Let's see,,.It has been a long time with no update, so here goes. After 12 years and six major PCS moves and two deployments (Washington.

Maryland, CaUfomia (Southern), Spain, Guam, Califomia again (Northem), Japan, Califomia yet again).

I'm currently in sunny San Diego. I'm still enjoying life in the Civil Engineer Corps, right now on the Regional Facilities staff. Besides the "death by Power Point" of staff work, regionalization of facilities is a pretty new concept, and I'm fortunate enough to be involved in the beginnings of this organization, developing new standards, new policies, etc. 1 am actually located at Naval Station San Diego, so I pry myself away from my desk as often as possible to drive by the piers and see the massive gray ships and remember why I stay Navy.

The weather is great here, and I have picked up the sport of triathlons (sprint and Olympic distances only) as a hobby and have also participated in a couple of half-marathons (sloooow and steady). My other hobby is working on my condo.

1 bought a place here with, let's just say. a lot of potential! So far so good, new kitchen, new master bath, new paint.

I see some '89ers every so often. Most recently I got a chance to see Donna Stephenson, she's in the FBI now and very busy with recent events. She is in Annapolis and still involved in crew in a local club, 1 also saw Tony Blankenship just before he deployed on the VINSON, He was kind enough to give me and my folks (visiting from Virginia) a tour He and his family are out of Washington, and his kids are so cute they should be in commercials.

Before Greg Wagner went to Japan, he, Ed Gray and I had dinner, and it was nice to catch up. Everyone 1 run into is doing great and looks great (am I the only one getting older here?) I'm up for orders again as early as March 2002, but if anyone's in the San Diego area, drop me an email.

I will try not to wait 12 years between updates.

Thanks for responding, Michelle—it's great to hear from you and I'm glad you are doing so well!

That'll do it for now, but don't forget me! I ' m still h e r e and still n e e d i n g u p d a t e s ! S e e y o u in 2002.. .Take care, '89. — M L M R

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90

Life Membership: 100%

Pres: Jonathan Salkoff Corr. Sec'y: Major Carter Honesty 2625 N. Hwy. 360, Apt. 926, Grand Prairie, TX 75050 h: 817-649-5873; w: 817-280-4481 e: clhonest@aol.com; chonesty @ bellhelicopter. textron .com Webmaster: Ron Surfield e: rsurfield@netrail.net Class Web site: www.usna90.org Happy Holidays '90! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner and was able to spend the day with family and friends. Before I get into the emails and notes, it is my sad duty to report that on 5 October 2 0 0 1 , Maj Allan Ziegler U S M C , passed away from a sudden illness. Al had been serving as a pilot and the aviation safety officer at the Marine Corps' V-22 training squadron, VMMT204, MCAS New River, NC. A memorial service was held on 12 October 2001 at the MCAS New River Chapel. A Catholic funeral mass was held at the Naval Academy Chapel on 15 October 2001 followed by a committal service at the U S N A Columbarium on Hospital Point. This is all I have to report at this time given the proximity of his passing and the Shipmate column due date. Please continue to keep Al's wife, Denise, and daughter, Abigail (8 months), his family and his friends in your thoughts and prayers especially during this difficult holiday season.

I'll start things off with a note from native New Yorker Dave Mitchell who offered some of his thoughts following the 11 September tragedy: On 8 September 2001, I saw what was one of my favorite sites in my favorite city for the last time. My wife and I left the city on the MetroNorth train from Grand Central Station after spending two wonderful days in the city. The New York City skyline was remarkable that sunny weekend ...stunning and beautiful as always. I was born in New York City. I can remember walking or driving past the World Trade Center countless times as a child with my father who worked in the city as a NYPD detective in the 1970s and 1980s. I am a civilian now working as a businessman and watching how the Honorable Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, the people of New York, the Marines, sailors, and soldiers at the Pentagon, and the rest of America dealt with this attack on our nation.

My heart, like those of others, has been broken by the loss of fellow Alumni, and the thousands of others lost in the rabble of the World Trade Center and Pentagon, I just want to thank those of you from the Class of 1990 who are still serving our country and offer all Alumni still serving my thoughts and prayers as they leave to rid this world of our enemies. The future of my wife and three year old son depend on you. You are protecting us now. You sacrifice everything for our country and are, in this difficult time, our heroes.

Thanks for the kind words of support Dave. Those of us still serving greatly appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Next, some comments and thoughts from Tony Watson: I am still in Maryland working as an engineer for the Food and Drug Administration. 1 am also attending the University of Maryland part-time to get my masters in management information systems. On top of that, 1 am the head coach for a youth football team. So, I stay busy. I catch up with Chris Straw online every now and then. Last I heard from him he was in Kuwait teaching them how to defend themselves. He is married, and 1 think he has one son. John Kracht is married to a â&#x20AC;˘ 124

Russian bride named Luta. They had two kids last I knew. Nelson Craig is out there somewhere as well. He is martied with a lot of kids. As for me, I got married a year ago to a beautiful young lady named Heather. No kids yet. She is a social worker and has provided counseling for some of the victims of the tragedy. It is amazing how much this tragedy has touched everyone. A friend of my family was severely injured in the Pentagon attack.

He had just left a conference room that was destroyed by the plane on impact. He was struck in the head and knocked unconscious by flying debris. An Air Force colonel came to his aid and helped him out ofthe wreckage. He is doing well.

He was fortunate, although so many were not. I also work with another Navy grad, Peter Zautke '71. He lost a Classmate who was piloting the AA flight that struck the Pentagon, One of our football coaches is a rescue worker and a member of the Montgomery County (MD) Fire and Rescue Department, He has been involved with the recovery effort at the Pentagon. 1 spoke with him two days after the incident and asked him why he was not down at the Pentagon. He told me he had been down there for the past two days and he was being temporarily relieved. He spoke for 30 minutes, telling me about the horrific sights he had seen. 1 was not interested in the morbid details, but I felt it was important for him to talk to someone. So I just listened. He is a real hero to me and 1 told him so. Well, that is about it for me. I hope all is well with you.

Thanks Tony! Also, don't forget that your wife is a hero for doing what she does. My aunt has been a social worker in Washington, DC, for over 30 ycMS and much like firemen and police officers, their daily role in society is not truly appreciated (on a large scale) until there is a tragedy such as this. Congratulations to you and Heather and best of luck in the future!

Next, I received a follow-up photo of Bryan Wright and his son. Walker Gabriel, who was bom in July. Thanks, Bryan!

Walker and Bryan Wright A n d , a f o l l o w - u p n o t e from D e r e k F r a s z (sandyderek@yahoo.com). This is pieced together from a couple of conversations he and I had about our days in Monterey and life in the DoD acquisition world.

Thanks for asking about me in Shipmate. 1 enjoyed talking to you in San Diego last summer Do you catch yourself way too often reminiscing about those phenomenal wine-tasting days in Monterey? I don't know about you, but if given the chance, the Mrs, and I would head back to Monterey in a heartbeat. It became the gold standard against which to compare all other tours. The post-Monterey tours haven't been too bad...

Pensacola and now Bangor, WA. Two years ago, thejoy of our lives, our daughter, Sofia, came into the worid. She is constantiy on the move, climbing, opening up closets, drawers, cabinets, and emptying their contents. We like Bangor; surprisingly better weather than we expected. Talk about life in acquisition being hard! I don't know yet if

construction at Bremerton has gone as sour as the V-22, but I'll find out soon. I think you and I are doing the same thingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;I buy construction and you buy helicopters. Unfortunately, I must leave my job at Bangor Subase, WA, to do the same thing at the Bremerton Shipyard. I am headed there to augment that field office (temporarily) while it squeezes out this one particularly painful MilCon, which we might label "the Bremerton V-22." The two bases are only about 20 miles apart, but I'm sure going to miss the subase with its countryclub-grade facilities. Submarine bases were extremely well funded in the recent past, while shipyards.. .not quite so. Before getting orders to Washington, I did public works planning in Pensacola, mostiy putting together long wish lists, working long hours to justify them, and only getting funds for a minute portion of what I had requested on my list. I laterally transferred out of ES-3A NFO after two craises, just before the Navy decommissioned them, I haven't looked back.

Consider this, "A bad day of contracting is better than a good day at sea." Next time I see you we canswapcontractorhorrorstories. Hopefully we'll again be in a nice place like San Diego. If any Classmate is coming around, send me an email.

Thanks, Derek! Actually, I've never been to the Pacific Northwest, so maybe I'll see you up in Washington before you leave. Best of luck to you with your projects and send some pictures of the family! "Welcome Aboard, Sofia!"

I have also received a few emails from Art Gibb.

He's back on duty in the VP community and is currently serving as Det OIC for VP-8 in Puerto Rico and El Salvador. He's looking forward to retuming to the states for some serious skiing at his timeshare at Snowbird (Utah). Just let me know Art, and I ' m there!

Next, a funny story from Tom Hofer's wife, Laura. Thanks for the note Laura, and your patience.

I apologize for being so late with this: It was Presidents Weekend 2001 and the Hofer clan of four decided to check out some DC tourist sights and get a tour of dad's new office cubicle.

Another family of four followed us to DC and we scored two great parking spots along South Capitol St, The city was quite deserted on this cold Sunday morning. While parking we casually noticed a Ford Tauras with a Marine Corps sticker and an USNA '90 sticker Both families climbed out and bundled up. We got everyone moving in the same direction for about a half block and I glanced back at the cars. I saw a man come out of one of the town homes and look at each vehicle.

Then he quickly started walking toward us. I turned to Tom and in a tme wifely manner stated, "This guy is pi''"*ed we parked in front of his house...you handle it!" The man came closer and then smiled, stuck his hand out and said, "Hi Tom." It was Classmate Martin Culbreth. He has been working for the FBI and living in the heart of DC for five years now. We looked at him in amazement trying to figure out how he had identified us from such a distance. Then he pointed to the bag on my shoulder. I was carrying the blue and gold "USNA '90" bag that we got at the reunion. He had been sitting at his computer by the window, heard the cars pull up, and as he glanced out the window he saw the bag. Hmmm, a bag that attracts men. I may loan it to some single girlfriends.

Next, a note from newlyweds and new parents, Linda and Steve Majewski: Since I recently got married 1 thought I'd take a minute to update you on what I've been doing since I last saw you at NPS. Don't know if you knew then, but 1 got picked up for TAR and detailed to HS-75 at NAS Jacksonville. I had aspirations of flying VR and thought that at least 1 had my foot in the door at that point. Jacksonville was okay but I've always been a West Coast kinda guy, so 1 accepted orders to roll early into a job as the Air O at DesRon One in San Diego with Shipmate, December 2001

the understanding being that I would have followon orders to VR. Ironically. I went TAR to avoid a disassociated tour, but here I am. 1 deployed over the summer on RUSHMORE (LSD-47) to participate in exercise CARAT and got to see how the Marines work. I'm enjoying this job more than I thought I would, but can't wait to get back into a flightsuit! Linda ,ind 1finallytied the knot in Las Vegas, in September and have been enjoying our new house in Chula Vista with our son Johnathan (born 13 No\ ember 2000). I have pictures of my new family and recent marriage online at home.att.net/~hoverin2UV.

'91: 18th Companymates and their Lucky Bag.t: Chris Lockett. Evan Barnet, Paul Reinhart, Tony Delucchi, Ed Moninger. Chris Harmer, and Larry Suter

i; f The Majewski family '90 Thanks, Steve! Congratulations to you and Linda on your nuptials and "Welcome Aboard, Johnathan!" Finally, it has been almost eight years and I have never submitted a photo of me and my son, Cameron. He's an amazing kid.. .a heckuva lot smarter than I was at seven and coordinated beyond his years. I'm 35 and I still cannot throw a football in a spiral. He just started pee-wee football and is having a blast although the overall weight of the equipment is kicking his butt. I can't help but laugh.

At 7 years old, they all look like the kid from the Jack-in-the-Box commercial...tiny body with a great big helmet. Too funny! His team is made up of all first year players, so they're not too good.

But, they're leaming fast and that's all that counts.

Carter and Cameron Honesty I want to thank all of you for your submissions to the Class column over the past six months and I am looking forward to hearing from many of you about your holiday adventures. Everyone should have a digital camera or a scanner (remember 300 dpi resolution) on their Christmas wish Hst. Also keep in mind, my deadline for submission to the March 2002 issue will be 10 January 2002. I am capped at 4,000 words (w/pics) and each one column photo accounts for 150 words. First come-first served. Happy Holidays and Semper Fi! —Carter

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Hope, everyone is well and settling in for the Holidays and the Dark Ages ahead! Only a bit of news to pass on this month...

It seems that a group of 18th Companymates got together in late summer in Lake Tahoe. A summary of those taking part in the festivities and their latest goings on: Chris Harmer is currently a combat search and rescue pilot with CVW-14 in San Diego, still single and chasing ladies around the world. Ed Moninger, also a bachelor, made an appearance from Seatfle, where Amazon has made him wealthy as an executive dot.com'er. Ed's roommate, Tony Delucchi, is also single (noticing a trend here...I always thought there was something odd about those 18th Company guys), and came from Stockton where he is an executive in a tomato-crushing plant in Congressman Gondii's home district. Paul Reinhart, also single, is also in Seattle, where he is a catapault officer aboard CARL VINSON. Paul is dating a flight attendant and is planning to get engaged (hopefully our article doesn't rain the surprise!). Chris Lockett drove up from Santa Clara where he works for Loral, making satellites; he assures us that few components make it to China. Chris is married (finally!) to Marissa and has two beautiful children back in the South Bay. Larry Suter, Chris' roommate from USNA, also drove up from the Bay Area, where he flies 737s for United Airlines. Larry's wife, Alexis, has civilized him enough that she now allows him to be seen in public, apparentiy. Eric Otten made the long trek from San Diego, where he is a TAR pilot for HC-85, flying the venerable UH-3 SeaPiggy. Eric is engaged to be married in January. Evan Barnet flew from Connecticut where he is president of BametAssociates.com. Evan and Pam are the proud parents of two children.

An enclosed photo shows the group at dinner. A second photo shows Tony Deluchi and Ed Moninger taking their oath of office as LCDRs in the USNR. Paul Reinhart, 18th Company's first hinge, administered the oath. Thanks to Larry Suter and Chris Harmer for putting together the update.

Annual Membership: 1% Life Membership: 97%

Pres: LT Richard Brophy, USN Sec'y: LT John DeVine, USN 1701 Tyler Green Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080 e: john_devine@mckinsey.com

Shipmate, December 2001

Tony Delucchi and Ed Moninger take the Oath as 0-4s.

USNR

This is our first article written after the 11 September events, and to the best of my knowledge we did not have any Classmates directly impacted by the tragedies of that day, though I'm sure there are many of us who knew somebody or even had relatives that were directly affected. In a way, I felt proud that day in the immediate wake of our reunion, having just been reminded of the strength of our Class, and certain of the leadership that our Class members will provide in response to those events, whether in uniform and in ranks, or in our respective communities, and even in our own famiHes. I'm reminded of our Class motto, as printed on our rings, "Sember Defende Libertas." —JD

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Life Membership: 99%

Pres: LT Scott Hottenstein, USN Sec'y: Robert Pothier 63 Ashland St., Apt. #2, Medford, MA 02155 e: rbpothier@yahoo.com Class Web site: www.usna92.com Is it just me, or is everything out of joint nowadays? Case in point: I've got one more class to go before I get my master's degree in joumalism. It's a rab class; an elective I've got to take outside the department. So wag that I am, I choose the polisci department. This is nothing new—a few quarters ago I took a class offered by that department called American Political Thought, and I also sat in on a lecture given by the Duke: yep, former Govemor of the Commonwealth and Democratic Party presidential nominee in '88 himself, Michael Dukakis.

How to Have a Good Time, part 1: If your political leanings are less statist than Franco, and you ever get a chance to sit in on a political science course offered by any one of America's large, private universities— especially a northeastern one^-do it. Mention that Stalin engineered the Ukrainian Famine and watch the sparks fly.

Anyways, on 24 September I go to my first class expecting to do battle with the usual "blame America" crowd, the "America sucks" clique, and the even more repulsive "America had it coming" collective. (Yeah me, the same slob who drew a peace sign in all his Annapolis covers, quit giggling.) And what do I hear instead? Biff Drinkmore talking about joining the Marine Corps PLC program (does that even still exist?). Suzy Creamcheese talking about hooking up with Air Force ROTC. On Monday, 10 September 2001,1 sat in the bleachers at Yankee Stadium and watched a torrential rain wash away what was left of a dismal Boston Red Sox 125

late sununer Little did I know that a mere 12 hours later, while I was standing on a terrace outside my hotel room at E 59tii Street and Park Avenue, a torrential firestorm may have burned away what was left of a dismal late 21st cenmry America.

I hate people who say there are no words to describe what happened. There are; we've just been so conditioned to have others express our feelings for us we forget how to express them ourselves.

Everyone of you has been affected by this: write in and tell me how. I'll publish each and every one.

For our brothers and sisters still out there on the front lines, and for all of us here on the sidelines at home: Let's Roll.

Complete change of pace, part 1: If any of you webgeeks out there wants to take over the '92 email list, I'd appreciate it. With the book coming up, I'm going to have no time to update it by hand anymore. Truth be told, it really shouldn't be updated by hand anymore. One of you rocket boys, perhaps a dotcommer with a little time on his/her hands, could write a four-line Jscript and take care of it in a second. Let me know.

Complete change of pace, part 2: George Papich checks in: I'm currentiy a single income, married with dual toddlers kind of guyrightnow. I work for Well Point Health Networks' IT program office. I just started the executive MBA program (EMB A 44) at Pepperdine's Graziadio School of Business as well as accepting the largest IT project to date ($23M worth of a corporate data center relocation).

Have you heardfromJudson Johnson at all? He was my Youngster roommate. We were like brothers.

Hey Judson, pick up the phone. Alright? Peace/out.

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Annual Membership: 1% Life Membership: 96%

Pres: LT Matt Arny, USN VP/Treas: LT Matt Arnold, USN Treas: LT Efren Mojica, USN Sec'y: LT Jim Mills, USN Corr. Sec'y: Capt Shogo Cottrell, USMCR 4166 San Ysidro Way, Rockledge, FL 32955 h: 321-636-2649; e: shipmate@usna93.com Class Web Page: www.usna93.com Since my last article, our country has come under attack, and I am sure that many of us will never forget the events of 11 September. As I write this, we have begun attacks in Afghanistan. I pray for peace and justice. I also hope that our service members are protected from harm as they help defend our country and our freedoms. I haven't heard any word that any of our Class members were directiy involved in the terrorist acts against the Pentagon and World Trade Center, but I know that each and every one of us were affected in one way or another This past month, I received only a couple of updates.

First was from Joe Dorrian.

A quick Shipmate update. I have been living and working in Shanghai, China for the past year with GE Aircraft Engines. In late November 1 will re-locate to Xiamen, China, to run GE's engine Overhaul facility located there. Last month Jon Shieldsflewover for a one-week visit. It was great to see Jon and catch up on all the latest with USNA friends and family. Everywhere he went he was at least a foot taller than the locals. 1 was watching CNN live when the ferocious attack on America occurred. My heart dropped. 1 managed toflyan American flag from my 29th floor balcony for a week before the local authorities asked me to take it down. The American Consulate is located across

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the street from my apartment. TheyflewOld Glory at half-mast, as we all did, in honor and remembrance of those we lost on 11 September. 1 thank all of our Classmates still on active duty for their service and wish them all the best as they move out to conquer terrorism and all who support it.

Our prayers are with you. For all my Classmates, if your business or personal travels ever bring you to China, please send me a note. The locals are very fond and friendly to Americans. We'd love to have you as our guest.

Joe, thanks for taking the time to write. George Cooper wrote me a quick email saying, "I'm living in Seatfle, have been out of the Navy since '98, and my last tour was aboard RAINER (AOE-7), based in Bremerton, WA. I recently left an e-commerce company, where I was a business development manager Currently, I'm looking for new opportunities, as well as traveling with my free time."

Thanks all for your updates. If you've PCS'd, moved, or left the service this past year, please take a few minutes to write me a quick email and let us know what you're up to. Thanks!

God Bless everyone and the United States of America! â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Shogo

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Life Membership: 98%

Pres: IstLt Scott K. Hornbuckle, USMC PSC 556, Box 506, FPO AP 96386-0506 h: 011-826-11-737-0083 e: hombuckle@hotmail.com Vice Pres/Treas: Kirk Clermont PO Box 5459, Saint Marys, GA 31558 h: 912-510-8537; e: Clermont@eagnet.com Sec'y: Chris Williams 1050 USS Georgia Avenue, Kings Bay, GA 31547 h: 912-673-2739; e: csgh@subasekb.navy.mil Corr. Sec'y: Jim Keck U.S. Naval Hospital Guam, Primary Care Dept 34 Turner Rd., Nimitz HiU, Asan, GU 96910 h: 671-477-5115; w: 671-344-9461 e: Jkeck@usna94.com Web page: http://www.usna94.com Hello, 94! Wow...the U.S. and the world has changed in dramatic ways since I last labored over my keyboard to type out this article. I can't begin to describe the ways in which so many lives have been touched, and I haven't met a person yet who hasn't known someone affected by this tragedy. Our Class is no exception. Though I haven't heard of any '94 deaths, we did have a close call. For those of you who haven't heard yet, Kevin Shaeffer of the Pentagon OpNav staff was wounded in the 11 September attack on the Pentagon. His story is an amazing one: A young Army sergeant rescued Kevin, literally extinguishing his burning body and carrying him to safety. Kevin was conscious the entire way to Walter Reed Army Hospital and was even able to give the sergeant his wife Blanca Shaeffer '95s cell phone number before going into shock. He was taken to the Burn Unit at the Washington Hospital Center with burns on the upper half of his body. President Bush visited his room and told him they would go golfing together when he was better. Mrs. Bush hugged Kevin's mom and spent some time talking to them. His recovery will be a long struggle, but reports say Kevin is surrounded by family and friends, and he has a positive outlook. Let us come together as a Class to show our support for our wounded Classmate. The book of Proverbs says that "pleasant words are as honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the

bones" and "a word spoken in due season how good it is!" In addition to saying a prayer, please take a moment out of your day to write an email or send a card to Kevin. The Washington Hospital Center Burn Unit will accept cards only for Kevin. The address is: Washington Hospital Center, Burn Center, Kevin Shaeffer, 110 Irving St. NW, Washington, DC 20010, emails can reach Kevin by being forwarded to Scott Suozzi '94 at scottsuozzi@email.com or Jake Zissu '96 at jake.zissu@mail.house.gov. Kevin's parents' address is: The Shaeffers, 39 Clarion Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22405. Feel free to post a message of support on the '94 Web message board. (www.usna94.com).

We have some good news to report: Brandon Dominguez wrote to announce that on 3 September, his wife, Julie, gave birth to a baby girl, Anna Elaine Dominguez. She weighed 9 pounds 9 ounces and was 21.5 inches long. Look to the Web site for baby pictures.

Unfortunately, I have some more bad news to pass on. Jay Schultz and one other guy from the USNA Class of 1994 were jumped while they were in downtown Chicago while visiting for the NavyNorthwestem game (which was eventually cancelled). Jay was hospitalized in critical condition with a closed head injury and had to undergo brain surgery. His condition has been improving since.

Please check the Class message board for updates.

Finally, it is with great sadness that I must inform you that CAPT Michael G. McCarthy Jr., USMC, a native and long time resident of Mobile, AL, died in Dana Point, CA on Saturday, 1 September 2001.

More information can be found on the message board and in the obimary section of Shipmate.

These past two months have been a trying time for not only for our Class, but our nation. I am confident that we'll remain strong and support one another.

Please reach out to others in need. The Class Web site has been a valuable tool in passing information. If you have any information you would Hke to pass to the Class, please email me or use the message board.

I'd like to thank all of you who have posted messages, sent updates, called, or in other ways have given of yourselves. You make me proud, '94.

Until next time, '94. Take care and God bless you...and God bless the USA. C-ya...Jim.

95

Life Membership: 98%

Pres: John Fleet e: classpresident@1995.usna.net Sec'y: LT Don Jamiola, USN Patron 26 Unit 60170 FPO AE 09501-5915 DSN 314 624 2457 Class Web site: usna95.com e: djamiola@hotmail.com So, the holidays are once again just upon us. I hope this article reaches everyone in good spirits. 1 am writing this column shortly after the 11 September attacks. Please continue to include anyone and everyone involved in these fragedies in your thoughts and prayers.

Well our first, and second letter with the corrections after he proofed it, comes from Joe Geary (gearyjoe@aol.com). Joe writes: 1 am writing for Dan Sullivan, who mairied the beautiful Kelly MacCoimick, Dan and Kelly got maiTied in Rochester, NY on 30 June, and they could not have asked for better weather I was lucky Shipmate, December 2001

enough to get some time off from my training schedule for the big weekend and was Dan's best man. Al Sprenger. Mike Kirwan. Mo Curran w ere there representing the Class of '95, Al is currently stationed in Oklahoma and says flying is keeping him out of all the country bars, Mike is a financial consultant in Philly. and Mo is working in New York City.

Dan got out of the Supply Corps last year and resides in Rochester, where he and Kelly bought a house. Dan is currently working as a project manager heading two teams, one in Rochester and the other in Las Vegas. He spends half of his week in Vegas and retums to Rochester for the remainder of the week and the weekend. He is doing great, and 1 expect him to continue to move up the chain. I take all the credit, since he. was after all. my roommate for all four years. I always tell him when he makes his first million, he owes me a Corvette.

I keep in touch with the gang from 14th Company, and all are doing great. We even talk about how great of a time we had at ole USNA. That can only mean we are getting to be the old farts who tried to sneak back into Bancroft Hall on Homecoming. 1 also keep in touch with all the '95ers in SPEC WAR and those stationed in the Virginia Beach. Norfolk, and Oceana area.

I am living in Virginia Beach, but I think my neighbors believe the house to be vacant, since we are never there. I live with John Dowd and Doug Zembiec, Our bachelor pad is in Chicks Beach on the Chez Bay. and there is never a dull moment when we are in town. If anyone needs a place to stay, call us. we only charge a six pack per person; 757-222-0189.

I love my job and plan to continue serving our Navy and country. I even took the Naval Special Warfare Officer Bonus and gave it all to my financial planner. Jon Sanchez, who has been in charge of my money for a little while now. Nine years ago when Jon and I were at Scuba School, as brand new Youngsters. I never imagined that Jon would be in charge of my finances. He is doing a terrific job. and 1 should have enough money to buy a Yugo next year. Take care '95.

Our next letter c o m e s from R i c h R o d r i g u e z (richcrisrodrig@netscape.net). Rich writes: This is Richard "Rowdy" Rodriguez. Just wanted to clear things up a bit here, Ben Shupp had his info sort of right about the Rodriguez's.

My brother. Raymond Rodriguez, is out of the Navy now. He was a CEC officer out of Camp Pendleton Hospital. He is now residing in Fresno, CA. with his wife. Dana, and their two kids (Caleb and Kylie) with another on the way. His new job in Ufe.,.a pastor at the Calvary World Outreach Church. He rightfully chose this path, vice a three figure engineering job. As for me. I have been here at Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, since December '99 trying to get my master's in mechanical engineering. My last two assignments were the HARRY S . TRUMAN ( C V N - 7 5 )

also. He is now stationed at NAS Norfolk. I also ran into one of my best friends (from high school and throughout USNA) Kevin H. Delano '94, 1 ran into him at home (Sanger, CA) at his brother's wedding. From my Company, I saw Carla Jones, and Blanca (Funes) Schaeffer. Jeff (also from 15th) was just visiting Monterey. CA for a one day conference on terrorism. He works in the Pentagon and was present during the attack on 11 September. Also, if you didn't hear about it, please post this in your next letter for best wishes to Blanca (Funes) Schaeffer. Her husband. Kevin Shaeffer '94. was badly burned at the World Trade Center Please send her my regards. It's just terrible for them. Before they left here, Kevin Schaeffer was in a teirible motorcycle accident (broken leg) here in Monterey. CA, As for my family: I am married to Cristin Elizabeth Weir whom I am happy to say I met at the University of Pittsburgh after serving 45 days of restriction, I have two wonderful children. Julia Nicole (5) and Johnathan Richard (1.5 years old).

I have to admit it. I have lived the old saying here at NPS. You'll get a possible of the one of the four D's. Divorce. Dependent. Dog, and Diploma.

1 will have three of them! Thanks to a '95er, Damon Dixon who graduated last year from NPS, I now have a Vizsla (Hungarian pointer). Why am I studying mechanical engineering vice ITM? Well, I didn't learn my lesson the first time. I thought I could prove to myself that 1 can do engineering. I can! 1 will be graduating with a 3.0!

As for pictures...well, I will send some later (Navy Ball 2001 and a family picture in December '01). 1 hope you will put it in the letter when I send it to you, Don. (Unavailable at deadline-ed.) Anyway, please send a "where is message" for Michael Digman, Ron Gaines, Eric Hamstra, Joey Freeman, Dave Basset, Jeremy Clauze '97, and Harold Blackmon.

One last thing. My wife and I are going to ran our first marathon 20 October. It's the Humboldt Redwoods National Park Marathon in Weott, CA. Why do 1 mention this? Well, It reminded me of the time I was training for my first marathon, the Navy/Marine Corps Marathon when 1 was a Plebe.

Unfortunately 1 sprained my ankle a few weeks before the event. At that time, a few of my Companymates participated in the marathon. Carla Jones. Becky Allen, and Drew Priddy, The cool part of this is that the last ten miles of the marathon, each of them had a shot of whisky per mile, I win not duplicate their likeness, but instead will complete my first marathon. Wish me luck. Until next time, take care!

Once again, I hope this article finds everyone in good spirits, especially during the holiday season.

Keep the letters and emails coming. Also a special thanks to M i k e Davies and all those involved in putting together numerous excellent tailgaters this season. Take care. — D o n

and

PENSACOLA (LSD-38).

Rob Fortt was with me on PENSACOLA. I am glad to read about him being in SWOS. RI, for Dept.

Head School. Believe it or not, that die hard SWO thought about getting out. The last time I saw him, he was "The Lady's Man." Hopefully, this won't get him in trouble. Say hello to him for me. I have seen a few of my Companymates (15th and 34th) here over the last year and a half. (Most of the '95ers had been mentioned already except Dan Valascho, Steve Perchalski (misp). John (Pinky) Pientoski (misp), Doug Williams (just got married in New Orleans), Richard "Kitch" Kennedy, and Robert Sanchez.) I even saw one of my Firsties. Scott Vandagrift '91 and two of my Second Class. Eric Peck '94 and C a r l o s Washington '94.

Dan Valascho and 1 are playing volleyball here at NPS. Another USNA grad who just completed NPS with honors. Bill Palermo '94 played volleyball

Shipmate, December 2001

96

Life M e m b e r s h i p : 9 9 %

Pres: LT B a r t Phillips, U S N 7980 Sevan Court, Unit D, San Diego, CA 92123 h: 858-278-2739; e: bartphillips@ibm.net Sec'y: C a p t Tonya R. B a r z , U S M C 6416 Sugar Maple Court, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 h: 540-548-3344; e: barztr@tecom.usmc.mil Greetings, ' 9 6 ! I am sure that most have recovered from the reunion at this point (look forward to seeing some "Kodak Moments!" Our first news arrives from C h a d F u l g h a m who resigned on 31 May this year to work as a senior consultant for Arthur Andersen's Technology Risk Consulting in Manhattan. Chad and his fiance (Becky Williams

of Norfolk, VA) bought a condo in Hoboken, NJ, and plan to marry on 23 March 2002 at the Chapel.

Thanks, Chad.

The other great news is from J a k e J e n k i n s who tied the knot at the Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas on 10 September Jake's bride is Kristen Corbett, a native of the Baltimore area (where Jake is currently stationed at the USMC Recraiting Station). The new couple plans a formal reception in January—as they had a small private ceremony in Nevada. Congratulations, Jake! Our best to both of you.

Well, ' 9 6 , this is short and sweet. Standby for reunion highlights next issue (only the ones I can print!). Until next month... — T o n y a

97

Life M e m b e r s h i p : 1 0 0 %

Pres: 1st L t Tom Wagner, U S M C h: 703-784-2036 e: towags@hotmail.com Sec'y: L T J G M i k e M c G r e e v y , U S N 1869 Somersby Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 h: 757-430-7815; ceH: 757-343-4438 e: groovel997@hotmail.com There was memorial service held on Monday, 24 S e p t e m b e r 2 0 0 1 at the C h a p e l for LT J o n a s M a r t i n P a n i k , USN, w h o was killed when the American Airline Jet crashed into the Pentagon on 11 September. I was in the Chapel not so long ago for C h r i s G u b i t o s a ' s funeral. Chris' mother called me a few days after 11 September to see what role I was playing in our national response. She told m e her daughter was just blocks from the World Trade Center and had a high rise office view of what happened. Thankfully, she was uninjured. Even after the loss of her son and her daughter's close call, she only asked me to be careful. As you do whatever is asked of you to prevent this from happening again, I ask the same of you. Be careful, friends.

And to Jonas' wife, parents, and friends we offer our condolences, continued prayers, and any other assistance we can provide.

R y a n R o b e r t s says he is thinking of Classmates out there and wishing them protection as they lead troops into harm's way. J o h n E v a n s wrote to let me know he and Jonas were the only '97 guys he knew who worked at the Pentagon, so there is no more concem over possible other Alumni lost. John asked that we please keep Jonas' family and loved ones in our prayers.

Jose Fikes (josefickes@home.com), 619-6568403, sends his best wishes to everyone and their famiHes during these tough times. Jose, Dave L a r k , and S h a n n o n D u r r e t t are at FCTC Point Loma, San Diego and doing well there on shore duty. Jose says hello to all friends and shipmates, and God bless the Class of ' 9 7 .

Kevin G a l l o w a y and Lysa S t e w a r t wrote on behalf of '97 folks embarked aboard BOXER ( L H D 4) for WestPac l - ' O l . Surprisingly, there are 13 Classmates onboard. They are spread amongst the various units there such as: l l t h M E U , HMM-268 (Rein), BLT 2/1, MSSG-11, CPR-7, BOXER, and HC11. Right after the photo shown was taken, R y a n Phillips flew back to San Diego (HC-11 is switching out pilots for training) and unfortunately before John Jaeski had to head home on emergency leave. Friends on BOXER hope both are doing well, while they're still out!

I'll let Kevin and Lysa tell the rest of the slightly dated story:

127

BOX ARG is just about two-thirds of the way through deployment and just about ready to leave the Persian Gulf and start our transit back home (mid-September in San Diego). Deployment has been relatively uneventful (East Timor ops at the beginning and a couple of exercises in the Gulf) with the ever-changing ThreatCon just enough to shake things up. As for individual plans, Kevin Galloway has been slated to head back to USNA in December, but the detailer is still working to figure out what billet (something instructor-like).

Sammy LaNasa (in between playing basketball and rack ops) is the R and S coordinator for 11 th MEU, and he looks forward to keeping Steve Salata and Brett Lowry out of trouble for the remaining libbo ports (if we ever get any). And he's pretty excited about being Salata's best man in his Hawaii wedding to his special ensign. He is also the last guinea to get promoted in '97-congrats Sammy! He'll be going back to 1st MarDiv at Pendleton to be an S-2. He hopes to eventually join Cornwall in teaching professionalism at Luce Hall! Steve Salata is doing well, spending most of his time in the gym getting big for all the ladies and is the NOLO for BLT 2/1 and will be heading to Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, CA when we retum. Mike Shea is here as the MSSG-11 supply officer and traly feels that he hasn't had this much fun since Plebe Summer! He plans on heading to Philly around November (PCS) to NAS Willow Grove and is looking forward to spending some quality time with his daughter Annie. Woody (Brian Wood) is the supply officer/fiscal officer for the BLT. and he gets drunk every chance he possibly can. He misses Griff a lot and still plays hockey-his team won the championship before we

left. You will be happy to know that he's still a dmnk and a bum; so nothing's changed! Shana Gritsavage is also here as the MACG liaison officer to the 11th MEU CE. She works in the S-3 shop, and after deployment she'll go back to Miramar to be on the MACG staff From the ACE, Drew Leppert is here as the Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer for HMM-268 (Rein). He plans on getting out immediately upon his EAS in May '02. It's been a fun ride, but., ,okay who is he kidding? It's been plain awful. On a more personal note-Drew married his high school sweetheart, Sheri, at the Academy last March. It was great for him to see Paul Allegier, Joe Jankowski, Matt Rutherford, Pete Sheehy, and Tom Poulter who were in attendance (even if Tom was 2 hours late!). Also, if anyone has seen Clay Smith, tell him to call Drew when we get back to SoCal in September,. .he's a dead man. Also, with the Ace is Ben Frye who is the aviation supply officer and spends his time in the gym and working on his M.B.A. Ben also plans on getting out upon his EAS. Lysa Stewart is the Assistant Operations Officer for MSSG-11 and currently has PCS orders to the Quantico/DC area. She's still undecided as to whether she will accept them at this point.

However, she's engaged and plans on getting married next May in St. Louis. Ken O'Donnell says that he's getting out to fly big planes since he can't do that in the Navy...and because vacations in the Arabian Gulf just aren't what they used to be. He'll probably stay in California, and he plans on riding quite a bit more as well, Brett Lowry is also getting out upon his EAS so he can go to Wall Street and continue to chase girls and drink lots of beer As for others we know of, Cory

'97: L to r; LTJG Mike Fleshman, LTJG Dave Lundhal '97, USNR, LT Dave Adams, LTJG Chariie Pugh '97, USNR, Capt Thomas Catuogno '97, USMC, Mrs. and LTJG Roy Zaletshi '97, USNR, 1st Lt Chris Benson '97, USMCR, LCDR Michael Althouse '86, USN (Ret.), LTJG Luke Radlinski '98, USNR, LTJG Clay Smith '97, USNR, and MIDN 3/C Daniel Emmert, USN

Martin is flying AH-lWs and just got back from a deployment with 31st MEU. Cory still enjoys sleeping and reportedly is applying the old USNA motto; "If you sleep 12 hours a day you're only here for two years." Brett St. George is flying HH-46s with HC-5 out of Guam and quickly coming up on two years happily married to his wife Jill. Brett says he'll head back to USNA for shore duty if they'll let him. Rick Brown (Air Force cross-commission) picked up his EE master's degree at the Air Force grad school and is working at Wright-Patterson AFB doing secret things he can't talk about. Rick is enjoying the Air Force, INC. and looks very puzzled when any of his Navy Classmates mention deployments or duty.

Aaron Shelley has been ever busier flying USMC CH-53's in Okinawa, before and after the terrorist attacks, but can be reached via his dad's email nstar@citcom.net.

John Comerford was lucky enough to be LT Shane Osbom's right hand man for a hero's hometown welcome this fall. LTs Osborn and LT Comerford, were among a crew of 24 that spent 11 days in China last spring after their EP-3 survived a midair collision. LT Osborn's alma mater.

University of Nebraska at Lincoln, invited him back with two tickets for the game of his choosing, and he picked the Nebraska-Notre Dame game, inviting John along. They got to spend a few weekdays and the weekend; Receiving a standing ovation at the UNL Chancellor's weekly tailgate party, starting a scholarship award in Osbom's name, wearing whites for pre-game honors on the field, tossing the coin and turning down luxury box seats so they could sit in the student section and watch a 27-10 Nebraska win. John compared the level of excitement to the ArmyNavy game.

Nothing else now. Stay alive, stay in touch â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Groove

LiiM ihHii row I.) sa .Stewart middle row; Ryan Phillips and Brett Lowry back row: Brian Wood, Kevin Galloway, Shana Gritsavage, Ben Frye, John Jaeski, Ken O'Donnell, Mike Shea, Steve Salata, Sam LaNasa, and Drew Leppert (photo by Jason Chung '98)

98

Life Membership: 100%

Pres: David Forman h: 843-763-6458; e: DSForman@aol.com Vice Pres: John Chau Treas: Daniel J. Martin Sec'y: Shawn C. Gee e: shawngee@aol.com Corr. Sec'y: Carrie Howe 44237 Webster, Canton, MI 48187 e: Ljohowe@aol.com

'97 "Extreme 15": Top head: Frank Meyer, second: Spencer Robinson, Tammy Mason, Nikki Poeples. Laura Murphy, Joe Ertel, Kelli Hooper, bottom: Jane and Jon Gilhody

128

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year, Great'98!

Here we are at the end of another year. Unbelievable. As president, I wish I could always bring you good news in these articles. However, this is the first article written after the attack on 11 September, and as such, I have yet to write about the loss of another one of our Classmates. Darin Howard Pontell joined the naval intelligence community, and was in the Shipmate, December 2001

Pentagon on the day of the attacks. His life, along with so many others, was prematurely ended on that terrible and unforgettable day. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.

Just a few days after the 11 th, I ran into Sumner Lee and Jen Seguin at Duke's. Sumner was on the first flight from California to Hawaii, and Jen had just come off deployment. I shared the news about Darin witii them, and they were equally shocked, just as I was, that we had lost another Classmate.

I also ran into Erie Sager while at a party at RADM John B. Padgett's '69 house (yes, our Plebe year Commandant). Small world. Eric is doing well with his wife, Myra.

Jimi Bailey wrote me a letter from Okinawa, Japan. He talks a lot witii Johnie Chau, Brendan Higgens, Sumner Lee, Jake Harriman, and Donnie Faul, and he says everyone is doing well.

That is all the news I have this month. I wish I had more, and I wish it was all good news, but as many others have written about and commented on: It is difficult to rejoice at a time when American servicemen and women are in far off lands fighting for America. I'm sure many of our Classmates will support our war on terrorism in many ways. I hope diis article finds all of you safe and well. For those of you on the front line, our prayers are with you, and we thank you.

Fair winds... DSF

99

Annual Membership: 5% Life Membership: 88%

Pres: Buster O'Brien e: obriencj@29palms.usmc.mil Vice Pres: Ben Adeyemi e: nigeriansteele@hotmail.com Treas: Jason Mendenhall Sec'y: Minh-tu Nguyen 6716 Stonecutter Drive, Burke, VA 22015 h: 703-644-7924; e: nunhm99@yaboo.com HeUo, '99, and happy hoHdays. It's unbeHevable that we're coming upon another set of holidays but rather then dwelHng on it, we'll just go right into the letters and updates to see how everyone is doing: Congratulations to Lonnie and Jim Paxton who were married on 2 September in Ellwood City, PA.

Jim and Lonnie are now in Merdian, MS. Next, we have an update sent to us from Johnie Bleidorn: Just writing to give you the latest from Mayport, FL. Amy Lynn Carson '98 and 1 were married on 29 July. She will transfer from THE SULLIVANS (DDG-68) in a few weeks and retum to Newport for Department Head School, after which she is slated as weps on STETHEM (DDG-63) out of San Diego. I am finishing my tour on O'BANNON (DD987) and will be transfering to Bahrain for a year, after which 1 will join Amy in San Diego. In other news. Joey Parker and company are here in Mayport flying SH-60Bs for HSL-40, much beer has been drunk. Overall, the past years have been very good to us, I look forward to hearing from the rest of the Class in your column.

Thanks for the update, Johnie.

Our biggest update of the column comes from Derek Duford: 1 thought I would give you a quick update about what is going on down here in beautiful Kingsville, TX. I just got winged on 28 September 2001 along with Brad Gilroy, Christopher Rapin, all three of us were in VT-21, and Bob McClure from VT22. Brad. Chris, and Bob are all going to Oceana to fly Hornets, and I am heading to Lemoore to fly Homets. Jeb Cole and Brandon Harjer are getting winged this Friday, 12 October They should find out what they are flying in a couple of days.

The jet pipeline was not short, for the guys 1 mentioned it took about 13 months in Kingsville alone.

On another note, I have seen some guys around from Meridian and Corpus Christi. Justin GrifGn, Jeff Rodgers, Kenyon Kellogg, Paul TWly, Josh Greene, and Dan Stahlschmidt all were in Jacksonville for our initial carrier qual on GEORGE WASHINGTON around the 28 August, and I saw some of them again out in El Centro, CA, while on Det shortly after the boat. While in Jax I saw Meg Philson, Joe Pasco, Dave NeaU, Josh Gann, Joe Hall, and Rob Carton.

Left here in Kingsville, are Jeremy Whitcomb, Brendan Stickles, and Dennis Duffy, I have been attending the very rewarding class BOLTC up in Corpus before I can depart. While up there I saw Adam Crecion and Harold (Duffy) Cully, I do know the whereabouts of a few more Classmates, Dave Bringle and Bill Lehner are Prowler NFOs up in Whidbey Island, Bob Majoris is almost through with the E-6 RAG in Oklahoma City, Chris Delong is flying helo's in San Diego. Brian Schuiz is an S-3 NFO in San Diego. Mark Haas is in the F-14 RAG in Oceana. I am going to join Brad Trosclair in the Homet RAG in LEMOORE. Steve Dean, Doug Booher, and Britt Boughey are flying Super Homets, and Gary Buxton is a Super Homet NFO. Paul Vidal is on his way to S-3s, Whew! I'm sure I forgot a few, sorry!

Here are a few photos to post as well. The picmre from my wedding (July '99) is old but oh well!

Jim and Lonnie Paxton

The wedding reception was held on her parents' farm in Harmony, PA, and attendees included Mark Strom, Chris Geoi^e, Jason Kaufmann, Tim Tormey, John Fisher, Greg Clancy, Jason Woodruff '00, and Jim's younger brother, Thayer Paxton, who is currently a Plebe vinth the Class of '05.

Derek with his parents and brother on his wedding day

Derek with his wife, Kate, on his wedding day

Derek and Kate's wedding, July 1999, on Main Street in Annapolis. MD

Thanks for the great letter, Derek. It's always great to hear from the aviators. In other news, I hear from Matt Severson now and then. He's stationed on CoLOMBUs (SSN-762) out in Hawaii and having a wonderful time in his five bedroom, four bath house that happens to be 100 yards from the beach with a hot tub and a fire pole that goes from his bedroom down to the living room. Also, Kevin Simmons has now moved down to Houston, TX, to work with Chevron Overseas Petroleum, Inc. He says that the job is great, very challenging, and has a lot of international travel. Sounds just perfect for you, Kevin. Let me know if anyone would like to get in touch with either Matt or Kevin. David Perry was named captain of the 2001 All Navy Soccer Team this September in Everett, WA. Navy placed third in the toumament against Airforce, Army, and Marines. His wife Megan is very proud of him.

That's all the news for this month. I hope everyone gets the chance to come home to their loved ones during this holiday season; but if not, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless, take care, and until 2002, I'll leave you with one final thought: We are not weak, if we make proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power... The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Patrick Henry

()0

Life Membership: 94%

Pres: J.V. "Murph" McCarthy Vice Pres: Art Terry Treas: Nick Lalota Sec'y: Tim O'Connor 317 N. Pleasant Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 e: ShipmateOO@yahoo.com To all who shall see these presents greetings: Another month down. Three years and about eight months left for the short timers. Forever left to go for pilots. We have news from a couple of weddings and a humorous tirade from a SWOrrior in Hawaii.

Brown Bagger update is as follows. Chris Abbott married Kathryn Wrightson on 15 September Chris is with VT-35 down here in Corpus. Chuck Coursey and J.D. Sullivan were the only ones that could get flights to the event due to those idiots whom we are purging from the planet right now. Shaun Lynch married Jessica Palatka (see wonderful narrative below by Leslie Alexander). The Shoop wedding pictures are in.

On that note how did someone as ugly as Shoop end up with three good-looking sisters? See the pics.

Timmy Rhatigan got married up in Cape Cod and Scott Scheutter was married in Annapolis, pictures as they arrive.

I heard a pretty solid ramor that Gerald Paul "Gerry" Gallagher '98 of notorious "lets take the Jimmy leg car for spin" is living with Jamie Doffermyre out in San Diego. Can you say Good Cop-Bad Cop?

Greg Clancy, Jason Kaufmann, Mark Strom, and Chris George at Jim Paxton's wedding Shipmate, December 2001

129

Tavis Powell got jets and so did Cliff Branch.

Gary Stephens is going helos, and he is still the happiest person I have ever met.

Quote of the month: While inquiring about what the soup and sandwich ofthe day was at the O'Club, L u k e B r a h a m l e a r n e d it w a s a roast turkey sandwich and Mexican chicken soup. Luke prompfly replied "I didn't even know they had Mexican chickens." Priceless.

Lesley Alexander writes: The "Wedding Nightmare ofthe Year" award goes to Shaun Lynch and Jessica Palatka. For several days leading up to 15 September, there was some doubt as to whether the groom would be in attendance at his own wedding. Jes probably would have gone ahead without him. knowing the hours she spent planning everytiiing down to the last detail.

Shaun is in primary flight training in Corpus Christi and was scheduled to fly out Thursday evening before the wedding. As one of the bridesmaids, I was also on that same flight out of Corpus, After the terrorist attacks on the 11 th, however, everything changed. On Wednesday. Shaun called me to ask if I wanted to drive to Annapolis because he was worried that we wouldn't be able to fly out. While that was not high on my list of fun activities, I was willing to do it. My squadron, however, felt that "it would be too dangerous for two young ensigns to drive that distance." So. without me along, it was now one young ensign driving the 1,700 miles to Annapolis.

About four hours into his trip, Shaun had a flat tire at 2:30 in the morning. He put the spare on but realized that it will not take him to Maryland.

So he waited until a repair shop opened the next moming (Thursday) and had it changed. At the same time, he found out that one of his other tires was going to blow soon so he had that one replaced as well. A few hours after that, Shaun was sideswiped by a tractor-trailer If he had not had that second tire changed, he would probably have been seriously injured. Fortunately, he was fine but his car was not.

At this point, it's late in the day on Thursday and he's still hundreds of miles from his fiancee. He stopped in Birmingham, and his father bought three separate one-way airline tickets for him to get to BWI on Friday. Jes, in the meantime, was informed that she would have to find another location for the rehearsal, the rehearsal dinner, and the wedding itself, because the Naval Academy was closed to all visitors. Could anything else go wrong?

Thankfully, no, Shaun made it to the rehearsal in one piece. Ironically, I beat him by 15 minutes, after an uneventful flight from San Antonio that moming. Also in attendance were Mike Digangi, Dan Levy, Matt Cole, Bill Filip, Ken Hockycko and Mark Hermanson.

After a beautiful wedding on a perfect autumn Saturday, Shaun and Jes woke up early the next day to start the lovely honeymoon drive to Corpus with a stop in Birmingham to pick up Shaun's car.

Their daughter. Siena Rose, is excited to become a Texas cowgirl, and I'm thrilled to have one of my best friends living two miles down the SPID. Dan Piontkowski wrote in and he is still pure Ski, read and heed: Greetings from the land of pineapples. Amy and 1 just celebrated our first anniversary this past June, no kids yet, none on the way, and one sassy German Shepard running rampant in our house.., (Thank God for govemment housing!)

On board CROMMELIN, the day I checked on board we went into a four-month dry dock period. Nothing better than stepping right into some hi-tempo ops eh?

On board with me is Jesse Sprague (pronounced "spray-goo") and Ricardo Roman '99 and Cesar Morales '99, along with a few older Alumni guys that taught mles of the road at USNA. We have gone nowhere and done nothing.

First I was the assistant DCA, then three weeks later I was just an engineering geek, then a week later they made me IstLt/Deck DivO. Me leading 25 deck seamen...just think about it.

I had my OOD U/W quals all signed off... and then my BMCS tossed them overboard during a recent underway. So now I am back to being the dumb ensign working on my quals all over again.

Hoo Yah! Two things Sprague and I have learned about the Navy so far.. .FFG does not stand for frigate, but. Forever F.. .Gone. The lowest point of a ship is NOT the sonar dome...it's morale. This is Piontkowski from Alcatraz—out.

Colorful chap that Piontkowski, is he not? In random sightings and address changes we have Steve Williams now in Groton, CT, John Gagnon in Everett, WA, and Brian Glaser in San Antonio, TX. D a v e M a y o r is h e r e in C o r p u s . H e has a Mustang and a stt-eet bike that are matching loud yellow. He gets a boat, and he will be Batman on bananas. Timmy O'Connor has had frouble adjusting to life off the ship since back from deployment. At Timmy Rhatigan's wedding to the lovely former Miss Daigenault, (pictures next month) O'Connor got confused when served beer in a can. He got the thing in his hand and sort of looked at like he had never seen one. He smelled it sort of like an animal would and then ate it. Yes, that is what I said. He ate it. He is the top draft choice for any social gathering.

This issue's training tip: When superior commissioned officers ask for personal favors you are not obligated to obHge them. I thought I would be a nice guy and let LT Ted Bohl '97 borrow my track so he could put his new boat (SS M R . HANKY) in the water at the boat ramp down the sheet. I figured this guy is a SWO, he should know enough about boats. My track ended up making an amphibious landing in the Corpus Christi intercoastal waterway, up to the headlights.

I wish I were kidding. That is all for now. Send us smff! ShipmateOO@yahoo.com. I am working on a way to make our Class golf shirts available for some Christmas cheer. $20 bucks. Check the Web site for details.

Godspeed. — M u r p h

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01 Pres: 2d Lt. Aaron Fielder Vice Pres: E N S Dave Harrington Treas: ENS Andy Henwood, SC, USN Sec'y: ENS Angela Karalekas 7 Gladding Ct., Newport, RI 02840 e: usna2001navy@yahoo.com

02 Pres: MIDN 1/C Tim Kain Vice Pres: MIDN 1/C C.J. Simonson Treas: MIDN 1/C Hannah Martin Sec'y: MIDN 1/C Greg Chapman

Shoop wedding trolley ride 130

Shipmate, December 2001

C H A P T E R N E W :SsV \ jJ Some thought had been given to changing to die Redstone Arsenal Golf Course, but after considering the security difficulties some members who do not have post access might have, it was decided that Dr. Roy A. Smith III '73 530 Bayhill Ridge Circle, Hoover, AL 35244-3338 we would again meet at Diamonds, the Tennessee Valley's foremost sports ban h: 205-979-8070: e: RoyS5564@aol.com Although we have been unsuccessful in previous years in gaining the Woo-Poos" attention for this flagHuntsville Chapter ship event, it was agreed that we will try again.

Another item, which unexpectedly came up, is LCDR Frederick N. Steiner '57, USN (Ret.) that the Steak and Ale Restaurant is closing its doors 1059 Teenajo Drive SE later in the month. This meant that we were going to Huntsville, AL 35803-3907 have to find yet another spot to hold our meetings. h: 256-650-5423; e: navy57@aol.com Many things the current Chapter president may be, The Huntsville Chapter met on 9 August for but indecisive is not one of them. The Fogcutter its regular monthly meeting at the Steak and Ale Restaurant, which had so radely stopped serving lunch Restaurant. Attending were Al Morris '50, Bob without notifying us, has resumed midday service.

Brown '49, Tom Cogdill '60, Hector Negroni They have agreed to take us again with a promise diat USAFA '61. John Robbins '68. John Snyder '47, diey will Cneat us better, and dieir offer has been accepted.

Mike Stroop '54, Frank Tatom '56, and Fritz Informal discussions centered on Navy's floundering Steiner '57. We were delighted to welcome as our football fortunes and the aftermath of the terrorist newest member, J.D. Hall '83, who has recenfly attacks. Based on their performance against the Air moved to Huntsville.

Force Academy, it appears that if we can cut down John Snyder provided interesting information on tumovers and quit committing critical penalties, about the Reserve Officers Association. Fritz brought there still may be Hfe in the Mids. BeatArmy'. along the cherished birthday present from his son, Fritz Steiner '57 David, an authentic gold Navy football helmet signed by our greatest player ever. Roger Staubach '65.

On Saturday, 25 August, we met at Annabel and Al Morris "50 lovely Morgan County home for a A R I Z O N A sunset barbecue. The setting was beautiful, the bar- Arizona Chapter becue was delicious, and the company was great.

Attending were Bob and Libby Brown, Frank Tatom William D. Morrison '57 11801 E. Juan Tabo Road, Scottsdale, AZ and his lovely lady friend, Glenn and Carol Morris, 85255-5907 John and Carolyn Morris, John and Pat Snyder, John and Sue Harvilla, Tom and Patty Cogdill, Fritz and h: 480-585-1867; fi 480-473-3262 Nancy Steiner, and of course our gracious hosts, Al e: billmorr@qwest.net and Annabel.

Web site: http://www.usna.coTn/Chapter/us/arizona We held our regular September monthly meeting The Arizona Chapter of the USNA AA met at at die Steak and Ale restaurant on 13 September. In Aunt Chilada's restaurant in Phoenix at noon on 12 attendance were Bob Greenman '62, Tom September 2001. President Bill Morrison '57 opened Hartline '81, John Harvilla '54, John Snyder '47, die meeting announcing that our next meeting will be Mike Stroop '54, Herb Woods '56, and Fritz most appropriately held on "Navy Day," 10 October.

Steiner '57. Naturally enough, discussions centered In recognition of the tragedy of 11 September we on the horrific events of Tuesday, 11 September. observed several minutes of silent prayer. In the Nevertheless, there were numerous comments following days it became apparent that we suffered about the terrible shellacking Navy's football team the loss of 14 Alumni. absorbed at the hands of Georgia Tech the previous Following lunch, our speaker was Preston Saturday. To paraphrase Admiral Beatty's famous Westmoreland, a talk show host for 620 AM KTAR. understatement at the Battle of Jutland after Preston is a former Marine who served in Vietnam watching the three ships in line ahead of his flagship as a joumalist. He regaled us with his days in the get sunk in rapid succession, "Something seems to Corps, broadcasting and fiying as a private pilot. be wrong with our bloody football team this year."

He told us of his opportunity to interview Paul We even told a few humorous sea stories. Those Harvey for a full hour following his recent throat shipmates who couldn't attend missed a helluva surgery. Preston then told of an attempted good meeting. highjacking of his airplane by some dranken toughs Our regular meetings are held on the second in the wilds of New Mexico. He inadvertantiy landed Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Steak in a notorious area known for drug smuggling and Ale restaurant on University Drive. We will be operations. Using his skills as a Marine and gift of laying plans for our Army-Navy game get-together gab he and his wife were able to fly back home and our Christmas luncheon in subsequent meetings. with a good story to tell.

Itinerant shipmates are always welcome.

In attendance were Bob Thomas ' 4 1 , Jim The Huntsville Chapter held its monthly luncheon Seamans '42, Bob May '45, Art Kinneberg '46, Jack on 10 October at the Steak and Ale restaurant. In Fisher '47, Beth Kwart (Phil) '47, Art Mehagian attendance were Bob Brown '49, J.D. Hall '83, John '48, Bill Burr '54, Chuck Horowitz '54, John Harvilla '54, John Snyder '47, Mike Stroop '54 and Pustay '54, Roy Hejhall '56, Bill Morrison '57, his guest. Col Al Reeser, USAF (Ret.), Frank Tatom Walt Peters '58, Gus Litflefield '59, Mrs. and '56, Tony Toniella '51, Bill Watts '38, Herb Woods Denny McComb '65, Mrs. and Pete Reiniger '65, ' 56, Hector Negroni USAFA '61, and Fritz Steiner ' 57. Roy Jones '64, Mrs. and Ron Stoll '67, Tom Business items addressed were the locale for our Marquart '73, Bill Jeffries '82, Ed Brzezinski '85, annual Army-Navy game get together, and whether and Tom Short'91. we should attempt, again, to have local West Pointers join us.

ALABAMA Birmingham Chapter

Shipmate, December 2001

C A L I F O R N I A Los Angeles Chapter CDR Alan B. Lerchbacker '74, USN (Ret.) 131 E. Holly St. #213, Pasadena, CA 91103-3936 e: alerchbacker@taylor-dunn.com Corn Sec'y: Susan Minton '92 e: SMinton@home.com Monterey B a y Chapter CDR John J. Branson Jr. '50, USN (Ret.) 1281 Sylvan Road, Monterey, CA 93940-4942 h: 831-375-8603; e: JJBransnjr@aol.com

Sacramento Chapter CW4 George R. Simmons '61, AUS (Ret.) 10785 Penstock Trail, Auburn, CA 95603-9556 h: 530-888-0860; e: gsim@mindspring.com We're back on the air after technical difficulties forced outages over the summer months. On Thursday, 7 June 2001, 22 members and guests attended an interesting meeting at which two future USNA Midshipmen spoke. At the time of this writing, they are undoubtedly enjoying the Plebe year experience and leaming menus, movies, and vital statistics of starting members of the Navy offensive and defensive teams.

Jean and SOPA Wally Nelson '35 headed the group, which also included Stan Hogshead '43, Bill Goode '43, Joe Drachnik '43, Tom Hartigan '47, Betty and Bill Spencer '47, Bill Doddy '48, Mary Lee and Ed Axtell '48, Barry Whittlesey '49, John Haynes '55, Bruce Friederich '57, Robert Johnston '57, George Simmons '61, Steve Berg '66, Terry Brown (Ph.D.) '67, Brian Grubbs '92, Chris Ochoa '91, UCLA alumnus '92, and guests and future members of the USNA Class of '05, MIDN 4/C Barry Carmody '05 and MIDN 4/C Corinn O'Connor '05.

John Haynes '55 described his final meeting as an official member of the Alumni board and George Simmons '61 spoke about the Chapter presidents' forum. Both reported that the superintendent and commandant gave good presentations, in which they touted today's Mids as having more savvy than predecessors due to the availability of news about the world, technical breakthroughs, domestic issues, etc.

There is now a telephone in every room and every Mid has a computer Tom Hartigan '47 described his 55th Class reunion in San Diego, attended by Jimmy Carter '47 among others. Featured banquet speaker Admiral Crowe explained that he was an "Okie" who moved to Califomia, thereby raising the average IQ of both states.

Our two guests spoke briefly but eloquently about tiieir road to USNA. Barry Carmody, a Jesuit high school smdent hopes to pursue an engineering major and aviation. During the sixth grade, his family made some trips to Washington, DC, and Annapolis. He liked the campus and the area, spent time there during a summer seminar, remained in touch, and never considered other academies. Corinn O'Connor is a soccer player from Mira Loma High School with aspirations of becoming an intelligence officer at graduation. During her sophomore year of high school, some USNA speakers visited the school, handed out flyers and candy and she was suddenly interested. She atended a soccer camp and wass recruited. Her familiarity comes from her attendance at a summer camp for candidates with an introduction to classes, rates, etc, 131

In September, the Chapter enjoyed a very successful potluck dinner at the home of Pat and Jack Everett '64, in Granite Bay. Seventeen couples gathered and shared food and companionship. The group paused at the beginning of the evening to recognize the (then) 12 Alumni lost in the tragic 11 September events.

The October meeting was held on Thursday, the 4th, again at the Hofbrau restaurant at the corner of El Camino and Watt. SOPA(s) this date Joe Drachnik '43 and Stan Hogshead '43, were joined by Betty and Bill Spencer '47, Tom Hartigan '47, Lou Renz '47, Bill Doddy '48, Barry Whittiesey '49, Jim D'Orso '52, Joyce and John Haynes '55, Betty and Roy Ostrander '57, President George Sinunons '61, Steve Berg '66, Frank Blake '68, and Bill Metzger '80.

Our scheduled speaker was a U.S. Army Reserve captain who was to speak about his experiences in Bosnia and Albania, but his failure to show led us to believe he was involved in a call-up. Perhaps at a future program he can tell us about Afghanistan.

Table talk included Bill Metzger's relating word received from a Classmate attending Top Gun school in Fallon, NV. On Thursday night following 11 September the pilots-while at the O'Clubwatched President Bush speak on television. When they got word of deployments being moved up three to four months, the cheering was a moving experience.

Lou Renz answered questions about his 99-day craise around the world and aU the countties he visited.

Steve Berg mentioned three books recently or soonto-be completed, including The Emperor's General

by James Webb, Duty by Bob Greene, and The Ghost Soldiers, by Hampton Sides. While most of Duty dealt with Paul Tibbets (whose mother was named Enola Gay), one sentimental Chapter talked about a dinner function at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, OH, honoring the 17 remaining members (still able to travel) of the original 80 Doolittle's Raiders. One of the backup members for the "Jan and Dean" group and his girlfriend had arranged for the evening's music, and everyone expected "Help Me, Rhonda" and "I Get Around." Instead, however, die mosdy-seventies-and-eighties Raiders and their wives were touched immensely when the pianist hit the keys and the singer began with "I've Heard That Song Before," followed by "Where or When," "White CHffs of Dover," and "I'll Be Seeing You." John Haynes explained that security has been beefed up at the home office, and extensive ID is required to enter the Yard. Instead, tourists park at the Navy-Marine Corps stadium and are bused to the Academy. From a recent visit, John reported that "ships in the yard" were PC's that have been in service for seven years. A QM1 with whom he spoke explained that they had been used for drag interdiction and coastal activities. Not long ago, they enjoyed a Med tour involving 42 ports-of-call in six months. Tom

Hartigan is quite involved in gerontology-the smdy of aging-"My kids told me to just look in the mirror for a real-life case smdy"-and he has attended many functions and activities at the Ethel Hart Senior Center here in Sacramento. He said that the social gatherings lead to more upbeat attitudes and more fun for seniors. This is important, since die 30 miUion seniors in 1990 America will grow to 65 million by the year 2030. President George Simmons adjoumed the meeting at 1:30 p.m.

San Diego Chapter CAPT Thomas J. Hammons ffl '71, USN (Ret.)

Committee. Linda Postenrieder '82 and Beth (Goodman) Cobos '97 presented a history of women in the Navy and at the Naval Academy Pat Moran (widow '58) helped to organize this locally televised event. Our thanks to Pat for her efforts in helping us educate the San Francisco area about USNA! Though Heet Week was canceled in San Francisco, we carried out our Candidate Awareness Program events with our host, Ed Cotter '73. Thanks, Ed! With the Golden Gate Bridge as our backdrop on 6 October, we presented the details ofthe admissions process to over 120 candidates and their families.

The BGO team held another presentation to more area candidates on 11 October

13423 Salmon River Road, San Diego, CA 92129 h: 858-538-9824; e: tjhammons@aol.com Web site: www.usnaaasd.com Corr. Sec'y: CDR Dave Ray '80, USNR p: 619-698-4808; e; davidray@adnc.com

San Francisco Chapter Linda G. Postenrieder '82 14 Makena Court, Petaluma, CA 94954 h: 707-773-2899; b:415-235-9413 e: post82@pelicanassociates.com NanaAdae '91: 1 st Vice President; e: nana.adae@gs.com James Ryan '86: 2nd Vice President; e: james@peisales.com The San Francisco Chapter members join with the rest of our Alumni community in expressing our deepest sympathy for our fallen shipmates from the tragedy of 11 September 2001. We also join in the support of our naval forces and extend our thoughts and prayers for swift, safe deployments.

The last couple of months have been busy in the Bay Area. The local BGO group met to kick off our cycle. Alumni included in our outstanding BGO team are: Brant Carter '76(AC), Howard Aschwald '76, Jack Boniface '71, Jim Cochrane '85, Rudy D'Ambra '49, Mike Kim '94, Wayne Nobles '83, Scott Perkins ' 75, John Pfeiffer' 63, Linda Postenrieder '82, John Potter '58, and Dave WilHams '74. These BGOs have between two and 28 years of service assisting our Ceuididate Guidance Office, and we salute the efforts!

September brought out all the Service Academy grads for the latest Academy High Tech Interest Series Event. On 10 September, over 70 grads and guests were treated to a presentation by Bill Coleman (USAFA), CEO of BEA Systems. The next event is planned for 12 November 2001 at the Marine's Memorial in San Francisco.

On 26 September USN A A A SF Chapter participated in the Concord City Status of Women

Lydia Chilton '06, LT Beth (Goodman) Cobos '97, Linda Postenrieder '82, and Pat Moran at the Concord, CA, Status of Women Committee meeting Here is what is scheduled for the next few events: 12 November: 7 p.m.-9 p.m.: Academy Connect High Tech Interest Series, Marine's Memorial San Francisco, $20. Contact Linda.

1 December: 8:30 a.m.-lp.m.: Army-Navy Football, Scores in San Mateo, $20. Contact James Ryan.

9 Febraary: 2002 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Tour and lunch at the Culinary Instimte of America (CIA) in St Helena. $70 person with limited seating. Contact Linda.

Linda G. Postenrieder '82

Santa Barbara Chapter CDR William J. Stewart '63, USNR (Ret.) 1617 Las Canoas Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 h: 805-962-0703; w: 805-963-1863 e: tenbears@silcom.com

COLORADO Colorado Chapter CAPT Daniel Branch Jr. '59, USN (Ret.) 555 Apollo Drive, Boulder, CO 80303-5002 h: 303-499-0337; w: 303-966-4833 e: dbranchjr@aol.com Web site: www.usna.com/Chapters/US/Colorado/ default.htm

CONNECTICUT Connecticut Chapter Tom Hogsten '85 33 HoHister Drive, Avon, CT 06001 h: 860-673-0033; e: thogsten@aol.com Web site: www.usnact.org

L to r: Dave Ward, treasurer; Mike Borns, president: Joel Febel, secretary; coach Don DeVoe. guest speaker; Tom Heilman, board member; Bill McUvain, vice president; Tom Faulders. board member; and Bill Carrier, board member 132

Shipmate, December 2P01

COSTA RICA Costa Rica Chapter Claudio A. Pacheco '64 Apt. 4307-1000, San Jose, Costa 1 h: 506-224-4325; w: 506-256-3855 e: cpacheco@sol.racsa.co.cr The Costa Rica Chapter expresses its condolences to our American friends at this time of tragedy. The govemment of Costa PUca decreed National Mouming on Wednesday and Thursday, 12 and 13 September as a sign of solidarity with the U.S.A. The attacks last week were targeted towards humanity and civilization. We hope that the end result of this ordeal will be the elimination of state sponsored terrorism across the globe. We are sure that the U.S.A. will take die lead and bring to success this mighty challenge.

Alvaro Ventura '80 Chapter Secretary

FLORIDA Fort Lauderdale Chapter CAPT William J. Aston '51, USN (Ret.) 659 Coconut Drive SW, Fort Lauderdale, FL33315 h: 954-463-3047; e: saltysam@bensouth.net Alert after the summer's tropical slumber and aroused and inflamed by the events of 11 September 30 members of the Fort Lauderdale Chapter gatiiered for their "third Thursday of the month" rendezvous on 20 September The venue was the tropical flavored Bimini Boatyard restaurant, located just off of the intercoastal waterway in the heart of the yachting world. A beautiful multicolored sunset finalized an otherwise lead-spirited day. South Florida is not proud of having given both training and hospitality to the murderous people who have done such harm to our country. Our Chapter is blessed with an active membership including World War II, Korean, SEASIA, and Desert Storm veterans. Willard Nyburg '42 was the senior member present. There was much chat about the days that lay ahead, and many worthwhile sea stories were told. Membership Officer Talisa Jones introduced new members and encouraged all hands to keep their email addresses current.

The key event of the evening was a Memorial Ceremony starting with the recitation of the names of those graduates known to be dead or missing.

Chapter Vice President Drew Jones '85 did the honors. He was followed by Chapter Colorguard Charlie Walsh '52, who delivered a prayer provided for the occasion by our President Bill Aston '51.

The Chapter president then proposed and made a toast to the President of the United States and to all who wiU serve under his orders during the days ahead.

A draft schedule of events for the year will be voted on at the October meeting, which will be held in a private waterfront room at the Bimini Boatyard.

Visitors to South Florida are encouraged to stop in on the "third Thursday of the month."

Gainesville Chapter CAPT J. Michael Smith '61, USNR (Ret.) 10424 SW 41st Place, Gainesville, FL 32608 h: 352-376-6611; w: 352-376-3301 e: mickey@acceleration.net

Shipmate, December 2001

Jacksonville Chapter CAPT Michael O. Borns '70, USN (Ret.) 1185 Sah Marsh Circle Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082-2543 h: 904-273-4714; w: 904-693-5630 e: mboms@meridianmgmt.come Web site: usnaaajaxchap@usa.net The first post summer meeting of die Jacksonville Chapter was held on 3 October 2001 at the River City Brewing Company on die banks ofthe St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville. Coach Don DeVoe, head basketball coach ofthe USNA Varsity basketball team, was the feattired guest speaker Luncheon was served in one of die upper dining rooms of the restaurant and a gathering of Alumni, spouses, and friends listened to the interesting and entertaining remarks of the Coach.

Coach DeVoe played basketball on some of the great Ohio State University teams where he graduated in 1964. He received his master's degree in education and went on to die U.S. MiUtary Academy where he was assistant coach from 1965 to 1969. He then went on from there as head coach at Virginia Tech, Wyoming, Tennessee, and the University of Florida before he assumed his present duties at Navy in 1990. In 11 years. Coach DeVoe's Navy teams have won five Patriot League championships, three Toumament crowns, three NCAA round of 64 tournament berths, and was named Patriot League Coach of the Year three times. He has a record of 22 wins and one loss against Army.

guests, Mrs. and CDR Orion Keifer '73, CDR Bill Mcllvain '57, CDR Pete Miller '76, CAPT Tom Moore '67 and guest, CAPT Bill Payne '41, CDR Tom Reilley '75, RADM Scott Semko '70, LCDR Mike Soha '72, CDR Courhiey Stanton '59 and guest, Mrs. and LCDR Dave Ward '45, and CDR Robert Zvacek '66.

Chapter President Mike Borns

Miami Chapter Richard W. Ogden '66 5590 SW 92nd St., Coral Gables, FL 33156 h: 305-665-9641; b: 305-663-5860 e: billo@kcl.net Sec'y: Zachariah R. Bell '89 e: zbell@cenetec.com

Naples-Fort Myers Chapter William H. Vonier '51 2065 Imperial Circle, Naples, FL 34110 p: 941-514-4031; e: bvonier3@home.com Sec'y: Sid Davis '56

Orlando Chapter LtCol George V. Ruos Jr. '50, USMC (Ret.) Guest speaker Coach Don DeVoe Today the Patriot League is issuing athletic scholarships that will strengthen Navy's competition in the league. Recraiting continues to be critical to success, as is selecting the proper assistant coach.

The new Alumni Hall facility helps recrait. Coach DeVoe indicated the critical elements at Navy are first class leadership and giving the future Midshipman a year of preparation at Newport (NAPS) to help the athlete mature.

Those in attendance at the meeting were LCDR Dave Bingaman '63, CAPT Mike Boms '70, Mn Robert Brathune '73, CAPT Bill Carrier '45, CDR Bob Crowell '34, Mrs. Ann Farmer, associate, and her sister, Pat, LCDR Bill Famsworth '65, Mrs. and RADM Tom Faulders '46, Mrs. and LCDR Joel Febel '60 and Joel's mother, Stephanie, LCDR Brett Feinstein '86, Mn John Gilcrist '70, Mr. Kirk Hanson '70, Mrs. and CDR Don Haberling '46, Mrs. and CDR Tom Heilmann '68 and their two

950 Kersfield Circle, Heathrow, FL 32746-1936 h: 407-804-1308; e: georgeraos@aol.com

Palm Beach Chapter CAPT John A. Butterfield '59, USN (Ret.) 1270 Morse Blvd., Riviera Beach, FL 33404 h: 561-881-7077; w: 561-840-1104 e: jbsgma@aol.com What a great start to the season and the school year, when we meet regularly and try to increase our education (thanks to good speakers), or we practice embellishing our lies and stories that we love to tell at such gatherings. There were some sad moments during the 19 September meeting at Ballen Isles Country Club, because it came on the heels of the 11 September horror We prayed for our country, for those who were lost, and injured, for wisdom and leadership, for Alumni and friends, or friends of friends, who were lost, and for the families affected.

The Chapter had a marvelous tumout, about 60 people.

133

and we thoroughly enjoyed a scramptious meal, the ambience, and the camaraderie. In John "Jack" Shirreffs '59 absence, our host and BICC resident Alan Mayer '45 ensiu-ed all went well. The Commissioning Ceremony of the latest Association of Naval Aviation Squadron #62 McCampbell Aces was excellent, and die speaker RADM RD. Smith USN (Ret.), president/ CEO of ANA, gave an inspiring talk. He acknowledged the conttibutions of those who had flown and served before; affirmed the capability and readiness of our forces today; and boldly stated that for our future survival, we must stamp out diis terrorist scourge.

The late CAPT David McCampbell '33, the Ace of all Navy Aces, would have been pleased with the proceedings. In attendance was his wife, Buffy McCampbell, along with David's buddy, Jim Gregory, and 20 some ANAers. There were 40 representing the "USNA family" and in good voice to sing the "Star Spangled Banner," "God Bless America," and Navy Blue & Gold. Chapter VP Al Haworth '57 gave a meaningful Invocation, and RADM Swoose Snead '47 had some wonderful words of welcome. Peg and Hank Gorman '44, Dave Kroupa '81, and Priscilla and John Butterfield '59 gave some reflections about losing USNAers and friends to terrorism. Some of those in attendance were Rita and Gil Barbe '63, Commodore and Mrs. John Becker '35, Bemie Bennett '43, Irv Bobrick '49, BiU Cliff '54, Dotty Coney ' 19, LCDR Sean Fuller '89, Beveriy and Gene Gralla '46, Betty and Al Haworth '57, JuHe and Joel Jacobs HON '54, Pierce Jensen '45, Carl Keske '59, Charlotte and Bob Lees '69, RX. O'Neil '54, Carol and Ed Perron '55, Mary and Joe Pidkowicz '52, Norm Rantz '82, Fred Simcich '49 with his son, Mike, Bette and RADM Swoose Snead '47, Ed Tipshus '54, Keith Weaver '76, and last but not least CAPT Arthur "Speed" Graubart '25, with his nurse, Pia DiDonna. Speed is sharp and does not miss a thing. He stood up at one point and praised his Naval Academy and gave thanks for what it did for him. He recited "Etemal Father Strong to Save" as a prayer There were a few tears for sure! Earlier at lunch he had delighted the audience by singing and remembering three verses of "Armored Craiser Squadron." What a man!

He is such an inspiration. We are cheering him as he now stands as the seventh oldest on the Alumni list, and we want to help him celebrate his 100th birthday on 8 December 2001.

Our USNA Chapter again met on 6 October at the Palm Beach Shores Town Pavilion and Beach for a family picnic. We were blessed with wonderful weather, so the aftemoon was a resounding success.

Special thanks to our host. Bill Hayes '58, who is PBS Town Councilman, and to our chef, John McNabney '50, who good-naturedly endured the hot sun and roasted some delicious frankfurters for everyone. There was plenty of good food, and the special setting made for a delightful outing. Those present were Anne and George Bole '54, Jean and Bill Brovm '71 and their son. Art, Priscilla and John Butterfield '59 and friends John Spannuth (executive director Water Fitness Foundation) and Andy Ramotnik (POW WWII/Stalag 17), Bill Cliff '54, Sally and Sean Fuller '89 and their son, Eric, Kim and Tim Goering '89 and their daughters, Aislinn and Sienna, Peg and Hank Gorman '44, CAPT Arthur Speed Graubart '25, his nurse, Pia DiDonna, and her sister, Lucy Brancaccio and her son, Albert Brancaccio, Betty and Al Haworth '57, Bill Hayes '58, Bob Lees '69, Frank Martin '59, area Blue & Gold Coordinator, and his guest, Tom Murray, former area Blue & Gold Coordinator, Lydia and John McNabney '50, Karen and Bas Palomo '82 and their daughters, Laura and Lea, Mary and Bill Schall '77

134

and their sons, James and Andrew, Diana and Walter Whipple '57 and their daughter, Margaret Whipple, and grandsons, Stephen and Michael Lee. John Butterfield '59 conducted our business meeting and led us in the Navy Blue & Gold. Speed Graubart adso addressed us and while acknowledging his forthcoming 100th birthday on 8 December, challenged us all to beat his record.

Walt Whipple '57

Pensacola Chapter CAPT Glenn H. Montgomery '71, USN (Ret.) 1152 Ceylon Court, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561-3214 h: 850-934-4757; e: monty4gb@aol.com With a strong sense of being together and having weathered many storms and battles amongst us, the Pensacola Chapter held their first lunch of the Academic Year on 18 September, one week after the sneak attack on our country.

It was very gratifying under the circumstances to have graduates in attendance ranging from the Class of 1927 through the Class of 1997. VADM Tim Wright, deputy director of the Center for Human Cognition at the University of West Florida, provided an overview of the cutting edge technologies that are being developed. A recent addition to ADM Wright's team at UWF is CAPT Larry Warrenfeltz '75, USN (Ret.), the Class of '75 secretary, who's monthly columns in this magazine are always insightful.

We welcome Larry to the area and wish him well bouncing back from medical treatments.

The Class of 1954 had the largest number of grads at our lunch with a showing of four Our most veteran grad was the irrepressible RADM Jack Monroe '27 accompanied by his lovely wife, Phyllis. The "boot" grad in the crowd was LT Xavier Balderas '97.

We were pleased to have our senior grad, ADM Mickey Weisner '41, join us for the day. It was great having four active duty in attendance, including Lyn Slowikowski '82, John Chilson '91, Xavier, and JR Knight '76. JR, our former President, has retumed to active duty and will be serving on the amphibious carrier ESSEX, homeported in Sasebo, Japan.

Those attending in September included Dave Babcock '78, Pete Baker '71, Xavier Balderas '97, Harry Barton '37, Pete Booth '56, Bob Brandon '72, John Brick '50, John Butts '51, Spencer Butts '56, John Chappell '45, John Chilson '91, Len Duffy '55, Mike Duffy '64, Bob Fellingham '52, Dick Folga '70, Dick Gaskill '54, John Haynie '43, Jan and Jack Horsefield '57, Bob Jacobson '72, Richard Jesmonth '78, JR Knight '76, Mike McCrabb '78, Kent McKnight '54, Gordon Meriwhether '48, Phyllis and Jack Monroe '27, Glenn Montgomery '71, Bill Ramsey '53, Dan Rowe '71, Lyn Slowikowski '82, Gordon Snyder '43, Sara and PB Wall '44, Don Wehrenberg '82, Mickey Weisner '41, Bob Wilmer '54, and John Woodward '54.

We hosted Seth Gulsby and his parents. Seth is a Gulf Breeze High School senior who is striving to join the Class of 2006. If any of you are aware of good teen-agers interested in the Academy challenge, please contact our Blue & Gold area coordinator, Mick Milo '72 (vectorfl@aol.com), via email. We'll host tiiem to a lunch and in vite them to the Army-Navy party.

Our major fall event will be the Army-Navy Party on Saturday, 1 December at the Angus Steakhouse.

We welcome all grads along the Gulf Coast to join us for a great outing. A particular welcome is made to those in the Classes of 2000 and 2001 currently in flight training. Enjoy a terrific game with no march-on\ Give our Secretary, Dave Babcock '78

(d3840bab@aol.com), a call at 850-934-4550 or email for reservations.

Please keep in your hearts and prayers the victims of the awful sneak attack of 11 September We've lost 14 Alumni and have LT Kevin Schaeffer '94 in serious condition from major bums suffered in the Pentagon attack.

Discuss the importance of battle yet to be waged amongst your college and high school age children.

Many ofthe antiwar protesters ofthe '60s and '70s are back now as college and high school professors and administrators. Within a few weeks of the attack some are out protesting against our own govemment when we have yet to respond. After suffering an attack with a death toll three times that at Pearl Harbor, overwhelmingly innocent civilians going about their lives, it is sad to see these sleepers come out to protest. Academy grads, don't be a silent majority! Speak out against those opposing our govemment's actions. We've all served to protect freedom of speech. Use your own ability to speak out in support of our nation's objectives and our marvelous members of the armed forces carrying out the mission. God Bless America!

Fortune Favors Boldness, CAPT Glenn Montgomery '71, U.S. Navy (Ret.)

Space Coast Chapter CAPT Peter C. Peterson Jr. '56, USN (Ret.) 401 Third Ave. Melboume Beach, FL 32951-2537 h: 321-952-2066; e: peteusna@aol.com The Space Coast Chapter held its September luncheon at the Rockledge Country Club. This was the first gathering since May, when we suspended activity for the summer We had a good tumout after die long rest period, with 57 members, including spouses, attending. We were happy to welcome a new member, Shogo CottreU '93.

Our guest speaker, Dn Chris Kirkpatrick, discussed skin care and the potential problems associated widi exposure to the sun. Dr. Kfrkpatrick served in the Navy from 1981 to 1993. He did his residency and internship in dermatology at the Naval hospital in San Diego.

The attack on die World Trade Center and subsequent casualty toll dampened the occasion, as it should.

As we look forward to good fellowship and dining, we would like to remind the Alumni that visitors are always welcome at our luncheons. We meet the third Saturday of each month, except for June, July and August. If you are in the area and wish to attend, call Pete or me 321-255-5452.

Those attending the luncheon were: Ginnie and James Aldrich '44, Jo Ann and Howard Blum '45, Rhoda and Don Bosely '49, Dottie and Eugene Branson '46, Betty and Bill Budd '44, Lacy and Frank Clifford '45, Shogo Cottrell '93, Nancy and Russ Croft '44, Janet Callaway ('47), Dorotiiy and George Darfus '45, Majorie and Bob DeTemple '46, Carolyn and Stan Dodd '48, Shiriey and Ed Eassa '55, Ginny and Jim Ferguson '46, Norma and Swede Hansen '56, Anne and Frank Keith '47, Ellen and Lou Marckesano '47, Susan and Red Oberton '45, Ed Peresluha '57, Peg and Pete Peterson '56, Jody and Sam Powel '50, Betty and H.A. Spanagel '53, Donna and Ed Speaker '50, Merle and Tom Schwartz '56, Marry Lou and John Straker '40, Marilyn and Bob Stricter '41, Helen Ward ('42), and Bill Young '58 and guest Fran Hutchins.

Tom Schwartz '^^

Shipmate. December 2001

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Suncoast Chapter Clifford P. Hermann '45 7979 S. Tamiami Trail #338A, Sarasota, FL 34231 e: amorency@aol.com

Tampa Bay Chapter CAPT John S. Kamen '77, USN 1105 Culbreath Isle Drive, Tampa, FL 33629 h; 813-288-9548; e: Kamenj@socom.mil This is a recap of our USNA monthly Alumni Chapter meeting at Champions at the Marriott on 3 October It is the first Wednesday of the month from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Although we had four total, two new and two members who had not attended in over a year, we now have a $25 carryover for the "kitty." We continue the newer tradition of a free drink for any new or non-recent attendees!

Attendees included Bud Alexander "56, Bob Courtney "59, Ray Ellis '66, Gary Polansky "69, Mark Krivonak "71, Bud Sawyer "74, John Kamen '77, Brett Ayotte "78, Steve Swift "87, and Joe Wiendl '93.

I wanted to make a special note tottiankBob Coumey '59 and Ray Ellis '66 for attending for their first time, (at least in my history!). Also, happy to see Brett Ayotte '78 there given his impending move to Virginia depending on the outstanding job prospects he has there. It was great to see Bud Alexander '56 there, as well; our thoughts are prayers are with you and your family.

1) Luncheon rescheduled to the end of January 2) Tall Ship updatefromBud Sawyer '74—10 November dinner on Tall Ship cmise (linked in with the Tall Ship Committee) 3) Army-Navy Game 2001 Party—1 December at Raymond James Stadium 4) Lightning Game for January and Febmary 5) Golf Toumament—3 May 2002 (tentative date) Luncheon Rescheduled to the End of January We rescheduled the luncheon from 5 October due to the base restrictions and are looking at the end of January for the next one. Bud Alexander' 56 brought up the good point of trying to have the new athletic director come down and be able to speak at a luncheon and all be able to meet with the right folks for the Army-Navy game committee for 2004. Looking at 25-27 January for now based on his schedule.

Tall Ship update from Bud Saviryer The Tall Ship committee is allowing us to lend the Tampa USNA Alumni Association's assistance and support. Some of the group attended this dinner craise onboard STARSHIP, a 180-foot dinner yacht, now berthed at Jackson's across from the Convention Center This is in support of the Tall Ships, 10 of them, in late June 2002.

Army-Navy Game 2001—1 December at Raymond James Stadium Gary Polansky '69 is working on the planning.

Navy gets to coordinate this year, however it sounds like reservations are made through West Pointer, Mark House already (thanks John for the update).

The Coordinators are looking at having food at about $25 per person.

Lightning Game for January and February Brian Schultz '95 (Jabil Circuits) and Jorge Ortiz '60 (Citibank) and I will figure out the best date based on the schedule and sky box availability.

We hope diat we'll just have to pay for food! Looks like potential dates are 12,18 or 19 January at this point. It depends on availability of the sky box! The only cost would be food to be split up amongst the group.

The backup plan would be to pick a date and get a group seating.

Shipmate, December 2001

Golf Tournament—3 May 2002 (tentative date) Not to early to be diinking of golf—looking at Navy setting it up this year—tentative date would be 3 May 2002, the first Friday in May. We talked about locations and determined that Bardmore, Lansbrook, and Westchester are all potentially good locations to bold the toumament. We had a great tumout last year and are looking for an even better one this year. Mark your calendars now to set aside the date! (John Kamen '77 and Gai^ Polansky'69 to coordinate for now— with Bud Alexander's help.) Have a great month!

John Kamen. Chapter President

GEORGIA Atlanta Chapter Robert R. Schultz'71 ^ ,^ 5219 Meadowdale Ct, Norcross, GA 30092-1682 h: 770-448-4299; w: 770-236-7891 e: RobertS71@aol.com Sec'y: Matthew Kirby '94 h:404-351-2534; w: 404-504-7882 e: matthew.kirby@iesg.com Web site: www.usnaaaa.com Monthly Chapter Luncheons Anthony Principi '67, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, will be our speaker at the November luncheon. This wiU be the first time in the Chapter's 55-year history that we will have a member of the President's Cabinet as our guest speaker.. .and he is one of us!

What: Secretary of Veterans Affairs speaks at November Luncheon When: Noon, Wednesday, 28 November 2001 Where: Cherokee Town Club, 155 West Paces Ferry Road, Aflanta Dress: Gentiemen, coats; Ladies, appropriate Cost: $25.00/person Guests: Encouraged and welcomed!

Reservations: A must\ Your check is your reservation.

Please mail checks before Wednesday, 21 November payable to USNAAAA: Jim Ravenel '45, 230 Lakeview Ridge East, Roswell, GA 30076-3205.

For our September luncheon. Chapter president Bob Schultz '71 prepared a program appropriate in light of the tragic events of 11 September The program included a personal coping strategy story, "Bob's Quest for a Flag," and a brief memorial Service for our fallen and missing shipmates.

The President's Comer In the past few weeks, since the attack on America on 11 September, I have had time to take notice ofthe many things around me that have changed in some way.

Of course, there are the many obvious ones that are hard to miss. People are depressed, afraid, sorrowful, concerned about the future, and more subdued than normal in going about their daily lives. And then there are the physical signs. The empty airports, the stock market reaction, the closed businesses, the layoffs and lost jobs, the pile of rubble where two proud towers once stood, the gaping wound in the side ofthe Pentagon building, and the thousands of lost Hves.

However, I want to bring your attention to a much more subde change that I've noticed in the halls of the corporate offices of Scientific-Atlanta where I work. This change, though it saddens me, also gives me great hope for the future.

In die past few years, I have made a habit of posting various military graphics on the bulletin boards in die break rooms on eachfloorin my particular building.

I also usually post one just outside my office. I post them on Veterans Day, on Memorial Day, and on 6

June (D-Day), each year. They consist of a collage of various military graphics that I've collected and arranged on a page, usually surrounding a central graphic. The cenfral graphic simply says, "Freedom is Not Free."

Sometimes it's text alone on a plain background, other times it is in the foreground over a bald eagle or an American flag.

I think that probably the one with the most visual impact is the one I post on D-Day. The "Freedom is Not Free" graphic is at the top followed below by several pictures taken by military photographers during the actual invasion of Normandy. There is a trench full of soldiers bandaged from head to foot from their just-received wounds, a picture of Higgins boats coming ashore, a picture of soldiers running up the beach dragging a wounded comrade behind them, and a picture of fallen soldiers being attended by medics. The most haunting however, is a picture taken from the back of Higgins boat with the landing ramp down, having just emptied its complement of soldiers into the water All that you see is a dark foreboding view of the beach in the distance and the soldiers moving slowly toward it. It looks, for all purposes, like the gateway to hell itself I can only imaging that for those veterans it surely must have felt that way as well.

For a week or two after I post these pictures I take note of the reactions that I see and hear from various co-workers. Those who stop and take time to reflect upon the images have been folks primarily in their fifties and olden It was a rare occasion when a person in their twenties or thirties would comment or even notice at all. When they did, I would usually find out that their father had served in a branch of the armed forces.

In the past few weeks there has been a dramatic tumaround in this trend. My "Freedom is Not Free" graphic has met with comments from people of all age groups. The most vigorous and heart felt of those comments now coming from those folks who I consider young!

On 11 September, a new generation of Americans had the trae meaning of the phrase "Freedom is Not Free" suddenly and abraptly forced into the very core of their consciousness, along with the rest of us.

As I said earlier, while it saddens me that such a hard lesson had to be learned, it also gives me great hope for the future. I think that all Americans now stand more united in this country than we have been for many years in the recent past. Look around you and just try to count the number of American flags you see flying from every possible post.

God bless America, and God bless our troops deploying to the Middle East.

Chapter Announcements—New Board Member Matthew Kirby '94 volunteered to take a Board position and serve as Chapter Secretary.

Kirby recently earned an M.B.A. from Emory's Goizueta Business School, and he works for Insignia/ESG, Inc. in commercial real estate brokerage and investment. Joe Solymossy '68, our past secretary, retired and moved away from Atlanta.

Current Director Nick Ward '74 was quick to take Joe's place on a temporary basis. Thanks Joe, Nick Eind Matthew for your service.

Show your Navy spirit with

\

Party in a Bag^ : Great for any USNA gathering!

See page 14 for more details.

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GUAM Guam Chapter LCDR Noel M. Enriquez '84, USNR P.O. Box 26849, GMF, Barriguda, GU 96921-6849 h: 671-477-4382; hfax: 671-472-1966 w: 671-649-9629; wfax: 671-649-8870 e: nmenriqu@ite.net

HAWAII Honolulu Chapter

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CAPT Harvey Gray Jr. '52, USN (Ret.) ,^ 1117 Akumu St., Kailua, HI 96734-4012 ^ h: 808-261 -9722; e: hamgray @juno.com http://members.xoom.com/hawaiialumni

ILLINOIS Chicago Chapter CDR Fredrick W. Weber '75, USNR 2134 Evert Court, Northbrook, IL 60062-6612 h: 847-559-9381; w: 312-750-8899 e: fredrick.weber@rosshardies.com 1 December—Navy to beat Army. Check the Chapter newsletter or the Yahoo Web site for all the details on the annual good time in Chicago.

Chapter Breakfasts Check the Chapter newsletter for dates andtimesof our three monthly breakfasts throughout Chicagoland.

Next up: Northem Burbs on 6 December, Western Burbs on 1 December and Chicago Loop, normally on the fourth Thursday ofthe month, takes November and December off.

Chicago Loop Breakfast. Fred Weber filed this report from the 27 September Breakfast and Biannual Meeting: What a tumout! We had our largest group ever meet downtown at the old Wall Street Deli, now called Rebecca's Cafe, in the new Boeing headquarters building, SW corner of Randolph and Chicago Riven We had 15 Naval Academy Alumni and one West Pointer join us.

The breakfast served as the Chapter's biannual meeting to approve the slate of officers and directors.

The large turnout unanimously approved your officers and directors for the next two years. Just remember that we are always looking for volunteers to plan and execute our wide array of programs.

There was a lot of discussion about the change in world events and how many of our Alumni were directly and indirectly affected. We also got some inside scoop from some of our Alumni that are working with the investigation, apprehension of the terrorists and maintenance of critical systems after the attacks. It always amazes me the depth and breadth that Academy grads achieve after leaving the service. We also had some good networking going on for those that are looking for positions, have positions available and some that can steer others to appropriate career options. It's a great place to help each other out.

The following attended this month's breakfast: Dean French '50, John Howland '64, John Scully '69, Greg Serwich '70, Fred Weber '75, Dave Frey '79, Mike McDonald '80, Don Harker '80, Gene Kessler '83, Joe Wright '85, Jim Wilson '86, Greg Stefanon '87, Rob Sandri '91, Michael DelGrosso '94, Craig Wilson '97, andTeiry Tiemey USMA'70.

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West Burbs Breakfast. Ken Smith reports: Attendees on 11 October were Jeff Grant '72, Ken Smith '73, Marc Dapas '82, David Linton '83, Ed Elkins '84, and Tom Kam '93. Navy football, Notre Dame ticket sources, airport security and recent national events were topics of discussion. There was some knowledgeable discussion regarding actions about, as two attendees are Nuclear Regulatory Commission members, as word of mouth brings new attendees in.

Mark Rahmel '73 reports on the 13 September breakfast, 48 hours after the infamy of 11 September: A large group met on Thursday morning in Naperville to reflect on the week's events, to be with friends, and talk with others who share a common bond. Attending were Tom Banfield '54, Dave Leather '73, Ken Smith '73, Mark Rahmel '73, Fred Aalbue '79, Ed Elkin '84, Ted Anderson '87. Also attending were two USMA friends Drew DiUon '90 and Doug Katz '93. Special attendee was Len Wass '64—most of us early risers (and long commuters) had aheady gone by the time Len got diere. Sorry, Len —see you next time! Note that Class of '73 representation!

North Burbs Breakfast. Mike Isabelli '83 reports on the 4 October breakfast: I'm pleased to report that some folks that we haven't seen in a while dropped in for breakfast. In attendance were Phyllis and Lou Balestra '67, Dave Gentile '67, George Schmoll '69, Kevin Hart '75, and Mike IsabelH '83. Discussion never strayed much from the 11 September tragedy and subsequent events including SECDEF's eloquence under media pressure. This was our first breakfast since the 11 September events and it was good to hear a commercial pilot's (Lou) point of view regarding some of the events of that day, arming of pilots, airport security, and the airline's "assistance" package provided by all of us taxpayers. Kevin has been traveling and has confirmed that air travel has been getting busier over the past week, that lines at airports are longer, and that security checks are more involved. He was at USNA within the past few weeks and said that the gates look much different with armed marines, but protecting what amounts to many years of future naval leadership is a concem of the USNA administration.

Chapter eList If you have successfully graduated to the Intemet world, then you need to be on the Chicago Chapter eList. Send an email request to John Howland '64 at MoneyMinds@aol.com to get plugged in and get all the up-to-the-minute news on all things USNA. If you are already on the eList, then make sure you are "Registered" with Yahoo so that you have access to all of the good stuff at our site. And, check out our Chapter Web site at www.usna.com/Chapters/ US/Illinois/Chicago/.

Rob Sandri '91 is our Chapter Webmeisten John G.B. Howland '64

INDIANA Indianapolis Chapter CDR Charles A. Rainey '84, USNR 12804 Double Eagle Drive, Carmel, IN 46033 h: 317-815-0575; e: crainey@flilbi.com

Michiana Chapter CDR John T. Haizlip '72, USN (Ret.) 15246 Longford Drive, Granger, IN 46530 h: 219-273-2939; e: CHaizHp@aol.com

JAPAN Tokyo Bay Chapter CDR Nolan D. Villarin '82, USNR U.S. Space and Naval Warfare Systems PSC 473 Box 5, FPO AP 96349-1901 e: vinarin@drs-tsi.com

KENTUCKY (see also Ohio)

Louisville/Southern Indiana Chapter CAPT Gregory R. Reinhardt '79, USNR 712 Talon Place, Louisville, KY 40223-5575 h: 502-244-7707; e: greinhardt@telocity.com Sec'y: Jim Hibbler '87 h: 502-897-6917; e: jimhibbler@aol.com

LOUISIANA SE LA/SW MS Gulf Coast (formerly New Orleans) Chapter LCDR Milt Jones '61, USN (Ret.) *^ 1632 General Taylor St., New Orleans, LA 70115 h: 504-895-8445; e: mhjones61@aol.com CDR Joseph A. Grace Jr. '80, USNR 15 AHard Blvd., New Oleans, LA 70119 h: 504-486-9040; e: jgrace@notc.org The 21 September Chapter luncheon was restructured to provide an opportunity for the Chapter to hold its own memorial service for those friends and shipmates killed, wounded or missing as a result of the 11 September terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. The luncheon meeting at Tavern on the Park was opened with an invocation by Fn Joseph Doyle, Headmaster at St. Augustine's School, and this was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag ofthe United States of America. Fn Glynn Harper '58 then assumed leadership of the meeting and lead a very appropriate service of remembrance for the victims, whose names were read out loud

by Joe Grace '80 during the prayers. This followed a very moving homily by Fn Harper Specific prayers were also offered for the quick recovery of Chapter member Larry Warrenfeltz '75 now in Pensacola Naval Hospital recovering from cancer surgery.

Moving on to the original program, the 30 attendees were fortunate enough to have the opportunity of a short address by Mn Robert Kuhner, President of the New Orleans Navy League, who also extended to Chapter Alumni an invitation to participate in "Navy Day" observances on 12 October Our second featured guest and speaker was MIDN Jeremy Brand '02, who attended along widi his parents, Jim and Theresa from Slidell. MIDN Braud was in New Orleans to further recraiting and had just completed being escorted to various schools and civic organizations by Candidate Awareness representative Tom Cruser '69 on Thursday and by Doug Schutz '87 on Friday. MIDN Braud reported that his message of "opportunity and service" had been well received by all his target audiences and that his Friday morning activities were well covered

by TV Channel 26 for the evening news.

Milt Jones '61 indicated that he would like to receive names of volunteers to get involved in the candidate interview process for other members of Congress, similar to what is now being done for

Shipmate, December 2001

Rep. Vitter. Once we have sufficient volunteer names in hand, the intent would be to contact the various Congressional offices and offer active Alumni involvement in their candidate processing. It was reported by Co-Chair Milt Jones diat Louisiana House resolution 394, which regards specialized USNA license plates for autos, had been passed into law, but diat a caveat had been attached requiring a minimum of 1,000 to sign up. Hugh Smith '60 reported that he had recently made a special trip to the office of State Rep. Hunt Downer to personally thank him for his involvement and leadership in this effort.

The meeting was closed 'with a benediction offered

by Fn Glynn Harper and Navy Blue & Gold, was led by Joe Grace.

For information the Chapter Secretary/Treasuren Doug Schutz '87, can be contacted via email at dschutz@entergy.com or at schutzd@saic.com or by work telephone at 504-364-7649. He can also be contacted at home at: 344 South Peters Street Loft 13 New Orleans, LA 70130, 504-566-7678.

MICHIGAN Detroit Chapter Arthur W. Bryant '66 1811 Hollywood Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236-1311 h: 313-885-2174; fi 313-881-2333 e: lynorart@home.com

SKIVS entertaining

Baltimore Chapter CDR Steve G. Young '84, USNR c/o Morgan Stanley 11311 McCormick Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 w: 410-229-8206; e: Steven.G.Young@msdw.com

Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Jack Pappas '61 RO. Box 154, Dowell, MD 20629-0154 h: 410-326-5496; e: jackpappas@msn.com http://www.navyalumni.org

MARYLAND Annapolis Chapter Joseph P. Ferrara Jr. '65 902 Ravelston Terrace, Arnold, MD 21012 h: 410-757-7760; e: pferrara65@aol.com The Annapolis Chapter celebrated the 156th birthday of die USNA in October with a lunch featuring an address by former Superintendent ADM Charles Larson '58, USN (Ret.), now Chairman of the Board of the Naval Academy Foundation. The Admiral spoke about the influence of the Academy on his life and his •view of the Academy's importance to the nation. The 76 guests were also entertained by the Midshipman musical group the SKFVS with an animated performance. While surrounded by naval signal flags stating, "Happy Birthday," a birthday cake was cut by two Alumni representing the oldest and the youngest classes in the room, retired ADM Charles Minter '37 and MIDN 3/C Brad Thompson '04.

Our winter and spring schedule continues on Sunday 16 December at 5 p.m. with the Holiday party at the O&F Club. Our guest wiU be noted author, sports announcer, and radio commentator John Feinstein.

Our schedule is as follows: January—Lunch with John Feinstein (author of A Civil War) Febmary—Lunch with new Athletic Director March—Lunch with the Supe April—Breakfast with Congressman May—Tailgate at sporting event June—Cocktail party with Parents and Candidates from "06 In addition, the Chapter will host a monthly business networking breakfast. It will be held at 7 a.m., on the second Thursday of each month, at Denny's Restaurant, 2095 West St., Annapolis. The purpose of the breakfast is to exchange business experiences, network for business opportunities, and explore employment contacts. To attend a business networking breakfast, RSVP to Annapolis Chapter Council member, Sean O'Donnell '98 (SEANABBY® aol.com), at 410-991-5623, or email.

Interested in Becoming a Blue & G o l d Officer?

Contact:

CDR PJ Bradfield (bradfield@gwmail.usna.edu) or Don Nelson (dnelson@gwmail,usna,edu) in Admissions

Shipmate, December 2001

Despite the events of 11 September and our great sense of loss, we decided, with the Detroit Army Chapter, to proceed with our golf outing on Sunday, 16 September although some changes were required.

It was decided, however, that all the money set aside for prizes would be donated to two funds set up for victims of the Pentagon attack, one Army and one Navy. In addition, the money wiU be doubled by using matching funds from one of our local companies. A few prizes donated by companies, including a weeks use of a luxury Volvo by Ford, were drawn for in the raffle. The day was absolutely perfect, and the fellowship was the best there is. We paused to remember our friends.

The Chapter was pleased to welcome ADM Leighton "Snuffy" Smith '62, USN (Ret.) as its luncheon speaker on 20 September at the Cedar Point Officers Club onboard NAS PATUXENT RIVER.

ADM Smith delivered a dynamic discussion of current world events, including his perspective on the U.S. response to the terror attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. The Admiral tied his discussion to the mission of the Academy, saying that today's Mids would be called on in just a few short years to provide leadership in positions of great responsibility as they defend American national security interests.

Tom Cook. Glenn Nenninger USMA '65. and Bill Peake '(S4

i HAVY ACAC GOLF C

Three guys and Gary Rheam, who carried them

Admiral Leighton "Snuffy" Smith, USN (Ret.) USNA Class of 1962 inducted as honorary member of the GSMC by Chapter President C.J. "Jack" Pappas '61 The Chapter sponsored a highly successful bus trip to the Navy-Air Force game at FedEx Field on 6 October Fumre activities include the next Leadership Luncheon Series event, a luncheon to be held on 15 November in which CDR Ward Carroll '82, author of Punk's War, will speak to the Chapter The ever-popular Army-Navy game party will be held on 1 December onboard NAS Patuxent Riven CAPT Steve Eastburg

MASSACHUSETTS Boston Chapter Michael L. Mowins '79 *" 41 Mount Vemon St. #2, Gloucester, MA 01930 h: 978-281-2258; e: mmowins@aasp.net

Out of 40 participants including Alumni and guests of both schools, the Navy Alumni present included Bill Prince '58, John Mehelas '51, Gary Rheam '72, Art Bryant '66, Fred Botero '80, Bill Peak '64, Tom Cook '57, and John Vena '82. More pictures next month.

MINNESOTA Upper Midwest Chapter Darrel Gonyea '61 1053 Peninsula Point Road, Shakope, MN 55379 w: 612-882-1112; e: GONYEALAND@aol.com

MISSOURI Greater Kansas City Metro Chapter Kyle E. Martin '74 16901 Meadow Lane, Belton, MO 64012-4112 w: 913-498-8088; e: kmartin@milepostrans.com Sec'y: Joe Spencer '92 e: jspencer@go-onpoint.com

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St. Louis Chapter LCDR Ronald M. Hill '70, USN (Ret.) 1026 Parkwatch Drive, Ballwin, MO 63011-3642 h: 636-207-9376; e: rmaxhill@aol.com Corr Sec'y/Treas: Michael Dunham '70 10423 Willowdale Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 h: 314-432-8598; e: mikedunham@earthlink.net On Saturday, 8 September, the annual summer picnic was held at the Willowbrook Condominium Clubhouse and pool. Thirty-five members, spouses, and friends enjoyed the food, drink, and spirited conversation. Those in attendance were: Dorodiy and John Kane '44, Clyde Winkler '49, Mary Ann and Jim Kohoutek '54, Joe Sestric '60, Margarette and John Boley '63, Gloria and Bob Bei^er '70, Terry Councillor '70, Tina and Mike Dunham '70, Ron Hill '70, Mike Games '74, Rick Roustio '78, Kathleen and John Winkler '85, Sonya and Alex Von Muehlen '90, Sally and GU Niedenthal '91, Marty and Tom Lo Russo, (A), and Marydelle Thomaides, (H).

I wish to thank those who came early and helped in the decoration and preparation ofthe clubhouse.

Elections were held at the picnic and the slate of Officers and board members for the coming year are as follows: President Alex Von Muehlen, Vice President Greg Hightaian '80, Treasurer Mike Dunham, Secretary John Kane. Board Members: Ron Hill, Mike Games, Dan Sullivan '56, Julie Zavodny '95, and Marydelle Thomaides.

From 28-30 September, the Navy Women's soccer team was in town to participate in the Fifth annual Service Academies Classic to benefit the U.S. Marine Corps' "Toys for Tots" drive. We whipped Air Force 2-0 on Friday, lost to Wright State 2-1 on Sunday, and won the toumament on goal differential. On Saturday, 29 September, the four participating teams were honored on the field at Busch Stadium prior to watching the Cardinals beat the Pirates 2-0. The Cardinals organization provided 170 complimentary tickets for the teams, families, and friends. On Friday night, 28 September, the Navy team was taken to dinner at Growler's Pub on South Lindbergh Blvd.

We all enjoyed meeting and talking with these classy ladies. An interview of Navy team Captain Erin Kelly '02, and her Army counterpart was aired on Channel 5 while we were at Growlers, and both of the Captains conducted themselves with great aplomb. They were professional, articulate, and came through as sterling representatives of Service Academies and the Military. Well done, Erin! Dan Sullivan sent me his thoughts on the tournament, which I'll reproduce in its entirety: Hooked on women's soccer. As Navy left St. Louis winner of the Service Academies Classic for three of the five toumeys, they continued to deliver just what you'd want of an Academy teamâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a focus on winning and sportsmanship; exemplary appearance and conduct, on and off the field; demonstrated recognition of their role as representatives ofthe naval service by their strong support of "Toys for Tots;" attitude and play that wins them the right to travel the country as our school's representatives. Catch a game! You'll be as hooked as the St, Louis Marines and some Alumni are. Watch their faces, see the effort!

There are some leaders of leaders growing in this program, I'm sure of it! 1 think our team is grooming career coaches in their sport, not just a few stars. Leadership through athletics, 1 think that's why we have teams! Proud to know them! Proud, too, to participate in an event with West Point and Air Force to demonstrate to the public, and our considerable local service population, that right from the start we recognize the importance of mutual respect.

Chapter members and spouses attending these events were: Dorothy and John Kane, Mary Pat and 138

Dan Sullivan, Tina and Mike Dunham, Greg Hightaian, and Julie Zavodny.

Tina Dunham and Julie Zavodny '95

Las Vegas Chapter meets at a monthly luncheon, usually on die third Tuesday ofthe month (11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m.), September through June. Meeting place is usually Landry's Seafood House, 2610 W. Sahara Avenue. For the 11 September opening meeting, a social was held at the Lodge in Spanish Oaks. Use of the lodge was occasioned because the hosts, Bette and Frank Sain '49, had suffered a disastrous fire which has forced them from their home for an indefinite rebuilding period. A catered and very tasteful buffet dinner was enjoyed by: Joey and Bob Border '39, Bette and Frank Sain '49, Bob Titus '49, Betty and Hal Lewis '52, Hugh Benton '52, Joan and Jim Stephens '53, Barbara and Gene Sasso '56, Judy and Jim Koehn '63, Ed Carlton '71, Aleida and Art Vangel '86, Tessa and Brad Carlson '91, and Chris Walsh '94 with his date, Angelica. The evening was curtailed and saddened by the horrific events that had occurred earlier in the day at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Many local Alumni had called to cancel their reservations due to these events. Prior to ending the evening, tiie group stood and sang Navy Blue & Gold.

I will conclude my report on the soccer toumament with a story of how our team received their championship trophy. Because of Navy's loss to Wright State on Sunday moming, the championship was not decided until Air Force beat Army in the second game 2-0. Our team had to leave before the issue was decided due to increased check in time and security procedures at Lambert Airport. A Navy mother called her daughter, Justine Fisher '02, and passed along the word of the victory. Dan Sullivan gave me thett-ophyand I took off up 1-270 to try and get it to the team before they left. I was driving my old (1983) "blue bomb" and couldn't go faster than 55mph. After much travail, and a judicious use of my DEA credentials, I was able to persuade one of the security screeners into deUvering the trophy to our team at the departure gate. My ID probably would have enabled me to go to the gate without aticket,but I didn't think I could explain how carrying a three-feet tall soccer trophy was related to "Official Business."

On Friday 5 October, the monthly happy hour was held at the VFW post on Mid-land Blvd. Those attending were: Dorothy and John Kane, Dan Sullivan, Jacque and Cliff Schoef '56, Tina and Mike Dunham, Kathleen and John Winkler, Jeff Bennett '86, and Sonya and Alex Von Muehlen. A good time was had by all, and we were pleased to be joined at our tables by Dave Murphy, 1st Sgt. USA (Ret.) and Dave Rodriguez, SSgt. USA (Ret.). Dave Murphy is the son of Thomas Murphy '45, who saw Wold War II service in Honolulu (CL-48) before transferring to the Army and retiring as a colonel.

Mike Dunham,'70 Dan Sullivan '56 DEXA

1916 Momingside Drive NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 h: 505-255-4253; e: petrofes@flash.net

N E B R A S K A

Western New York Chapter

O m a h a Chapter CAPT Dennis R. Fox '79, USN 2113 Christine StreeL PapilHon, NE 68133 h: 402-597-8862; w: 402-294-3722 e: fox79@hotmail.com Sec'y: LCDR Chris Verdoni '88 4605 Longview Street, PapilHon, NE 68133 h: 402-292-3230; w: 402-294-8309 e: cverdoni@email.msn.com

Bob Titus '49 Corresponding Secretary

NEW MEXICO Albuquerque Chapter Michael J. Petrofes '80

N E W Y O R K Capital District Chapter ^^^ LCDR Thomas M. Owens '84, USNR 205 Colonial Ave., Albany, NY 12208-2404 h: 518-446-9278; e: towens@uswired4ed.net' Metro Ne-w York Chapter RobertA.Black Jr.'63 102 Columbus Drive, Tenafly, NY 07670-1634 b: 201-569-8925 e: rblack.rbc@carroU.com Chapter HotHne: 1-800-234-USNA Web site: www.NAANY.org

CAPT Nelson A. Blish '69, USNR (Ret.) 3840 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14618-3729 h: 716-248-9739; e: nelson.blish@kodak.com

NORTH CAROLINA Charlotte Chapter Bryan Dolan '76 5629 Laurium Road, Chariotte, NC 28226 h: 704-364-6451

NEVADA Las Vegas Chapter

Piedmont Triad Chapter

Bradley Carlson '91 2246 Darwin Circle, Henderson, NV 89014-3105 h: 702-433-7248; w: 702-433-2100 e: BCarlson@goidc.com

LtCol Gary L. Beaver '77, USMCR 10 Silver Oak Court, Greensboro, NC 27455 h: 336-288-8792 e: gbeaver@adamskleemeiencom

Shipmate, December 2001

Triangle Chapter

the direction of Dn John Barry Talley, chairman of musical activities at USNA, then gave a wonderful Dr. Helmuts Feifs '66 sample of the Glee Club's repertoire. The next day, Festive Fen Acres Monday, 8 October at 8 p.m., the Glee club gave a 6242 Dello St., Durham, NC 27712 free concert to the public in Veterans Memorial h: 919-477-3148; e: vanags@mindspring.com auditorium located in downtown Columbus. The It felt good to get together widi fellow Alumni large auditorium was packed, and overflow was on 5 Octoben our first meeting since the terrorist relegated to die balcony. Ohio fans gave them a warm attack of 11 September We took time for prayer welcome and standing applause in their wonderful and rememberance of our 14 shipmates who were response to their exceptional program. killed that day.

During the Midshipmen's stay in Ohio, they gave Andy Finlayson '66, having spent several years two performances the day of their arrival on Sunday in Saudi Arabia working with the Saudi military, in Cincinnati, and also performed at six Columbus gave us an overview of how the al-Qaeda network area high schools before departing Wednesday. A operates and offered his thoughts on how the network recent issue of The Columbus Dispatch diat announced could be shut down. As would be expected, there dieir arrival and program included a magnificent large were more questions diantimeto have them answered. color picttue of the Glee Club, and headlined above Enjoying the luncheon were: Jim Brown '35, Ben was "Inspired Notesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Naval Academy Glee Club TerreU "47, Jim Mellencamp "48, BiU Smith '51, brings patriotic songs to Columbus." The article also Bion Bierer "53, Bill Dehart "53, Mih Forsytii '57, mentioned their recent hit in Giants stadium the Gary Lew "60, Gary Chapel "61, Chuck Adams '63, previous Monday. There the Glee Club gave that Jeff Jeffries "64. Helmuts Feifs "66, Sarah and Andy crowd rousing pre-game and half-time concerts and Finlayson "66, Paul Rasmussen "66, Loni and Tom helped professional sports resume, as the New York Runkle "66, Bill Gautier "67, Sankey Blanton '71, Jets played their first home game since the terrorist Will Pearce "78, Dave Green "79, Dave Clement attacks. Their patriotic presentation had more "80, C.C. Felker "81, Jenifer Clement '81, John significance since the terrible day of 11 September, Montgomery "84, Dave Ruden "87, Jim Stewart '88, and, as it came to be, they provided added emphasis Chris Mosakewicz '90, Ron Bogle (guest). on the day of their arrival in Columbus, when the We are looking forward to two upcoming eventsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; forces of freedom and liberty struck back at those a presentation by Thomas J. Kimmel, grandson of terrorists who murder and abet murderers.

Admiral H.E. Kimmel titled "A Comparison ofthe Ed Tipshus '54 Pearl HarborAttack and the 11 September Attacks;" and an "Army-Navy Alumni Shoot-Off pistol Toledo Chapter competition at a local firing range.

The Chapter meets for lunch on the first Friday of Robert J. Lauer '45 each month at Newton's Southwest Restaurant, at the 3825 Sulphur Spring Rd., Toledo, OH 43606-2325 Harrison Avenue exit of 1-40 in Gary. For member- h: 419-536-4462; w: 419-475-2061 ship infonnation, call Joe Matza '85 at 919-816-8050. e: rjonlauer@aol.com Dr. Helmuts Feifs '66

OHIO Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Chapter Michael F. Simon '73 757 Maidstone Court, Cincinnati, OH 45230-3827 h: 513-231-3174; e: msimon757@aol.com

Qeveland Chapter CAPT A.O. Rule III '50, USNR (Ret.) 90 Pheasant Run, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 h: 440-247-4379; w: 440-247-5100 x328 e: raleni@aol.com

Columbus/Central Ohio Chapter CAPT Wm. "Mick" Taylor '68, USMC (Ret.) 850 Katherines Wood Drive Columbus, OH 43235 w: 614-416-3501; fi 614-416-3668 e: wmtaylor @ greatiandinsurance.com The Chapter, along with the Greater Columbus Ohio Council-Navy League ofthe United States, and the USNA Parents Club of Central Ohio sponsored a visit to Columbus by the U.S. Naval Academy Men's Glee Club. The prime mover was Roy Girod '53, who handled the arrangements and worked hard to put it all togethen The Midshipmen arrived in Columbus via Cincinnati late Sunday aftemoon on 7 October, and after a catered dinner with sponsors, met at 8 p.m. for a reception that included hor's d'oeuvres and a cash bar. The Midshipmen, under

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OKLAHOMA Oklahoma City Chapter CAPT Charles C. Coley '34, USN (Ret.) 411 NW 14th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73103-3510 h: 405-235-0234; e: cccusn@aol.com

TYilsa Chapter CDR Harry V. Rouse IV '77, USN (Ret.) 2623 East 33 Place, Tulsa, OK 74105-2334 h: 918-748-8650; e: HVRouse@aol.com

'73, Alex Sharp '79, Ken Fink '80, Scott Fitzpatrick '80, Lee Hall '80, and Mark Middleton '81.

We began the luncheon with a minute of silent reflection in memory of the Classmates, former shipmates and all the other people who lost their lives during thetiagicevents in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania on the moming of 11 September 2001. Several people spoke with concern about friends or relatives who were visiting New York City at the time of the terrorist attacks. This concem included Bruce Thompson '73, our Chapter president, who was on a trip back east and scheduled to be in "The City" on 11 September.

John DeZell '55 and Scott Fitzpatrick '80 The guest speaker was our own Alex Sharp '79. Alex is a captain in the Naval Reserve and Commanding Officer of Naval Reserve Naval Air Systems Command 0187. Alex's talk, which proved to be very topical, was about today's Naval Reserve.

Alex spoke about his unit's mission, the problems and rewards of being a member of the Naval Reserve, and other experiences he has had in the past two years.

For those of us in the audience, it was a real eye opener to leam how much the Naval Reserve has changed from when we were on active duty. It traly appears that now there really is only "One Navy."

The location for this year's Army-Navy game viewing party is yet to be firmed up, but probably will be a joint event with the USMA Alumni as last yean It is not too early to mark your calendar for 1 December, there will be a party to celebrate another win for Navy! Check die Chapter Web site, I shall make sure that it is updated as soon as we know aU the details.

The Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter meets for lunch the second Wednesday of every month at The Georgian Room Restaurant, Meier & Frank 10th Floor, Downtown Portland, 6th and Alder, at 11:30 a.m. Please join us. Call Brace Thompson '73 at 503-292-8833 for any additional information, or check our Web site.

Joe Kavale '68

OREGON Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter Bruce G. Thompson '73 8425 N.W. Copeland St., Portland, OR 97229 h: 503-292-8833; w: 503-226-6491 e: brace@btelderlaw.com Web site: http://usnaaa.com/Chapters/US/OR July Luncheon The Chapter met for our monthly luncheon on 12 September 2001. Attending the luncheon were: Jack Barrett '43, Ken Lissy '45, John Frerichs '50, Jim Lieser '51, John DeZell '55, Jake McMichael '58, David Lutes '63, Jack Kohl '65, Alex "Tex" Harkins '67, Cal Meek '67, Doug Bomarito '68, Joe Kavale '68, Mark Cooksey '71, Skip Phipps

Alex Sharp

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PENNSYLVANIA Philadelphia Chapter Paul James '81 323 Minuteman Drive, CoUegeville, PA 19426-3494 w: 610-669-6700; e: USNAPhil@Yahoo.com http://www.usna.com/Chapters The Army-Navy football game will again return to Philadelphia this year, with the game scheduled to take place at Veterans Stadium on Saturday, 1 December 2001. The USNA Alumni Association of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Sports Congress will sponsor a gala on Friday night in the Grand Ballroom of the Philadelphia Convention Center located at 12th Street and Arch Street from 7 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. Tickets will be $75 and include an open bar, dinner buffet and an exciting rally and program.

An Army-Navy Tailgate will also take place before the game on Saturday at the First Union Center from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30a.m. Cost will be $35 and include open bar and a breakfast/lunch buffet.

The Naval Academy Alumni Association will advertise weekend events in Shipmate with registration and ticket information.

Upcoming Events Sponsored by USNA AA of Philadelphia: 30 November; A-N Football Gala, Philadelphia 1 December: A-N Tailgate. Philadelphia 1 December; A-N Football Game, Philadelphia 27 December: Joint Services Military Ball 14 February 2002: Membership Telethon 9 March 2002: USNA Info Day USNA AA of Philadelphia events will be preceded by a mailing to dues paid members. Anyone interested in helping to ran events throughout the year, please contact Keith Smith '74 (KSmith@ Prodesco.com).

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Pool party Visit our Web page found in the Chapter section of the USNA Web page. Mark Meltser '86 is our new Webmaster and is doing a great job keeping it up to date.

Philadelphia Chapter news input for the Shipmate should be emailed to Paul H. James '81 (USNAPhil@yahoo.com).

Paul James '81 Pittsburgh Chapter William E. Otto '71 4105 Tartan Court, Murrysville, PA 15668-1045 h: 724-325-4281; w: 412-856-3500 e: Figaro4105@aol.com

PHILIPPINES Philippines Chapter CAPT Rafael V. Dacanay '76, PN Apt. F5E JOQ, Bonifacio Naval Station Makati City, Philippines h: 632-894-4121; w/fi 632-815-3420 x6458 e: rvd76@yahoo.com Sec'y: LCDR Julianito Bucayan '85, PN Head, Info Systems Office AFPRSBS, Camp Aguinaldo, QC p: 911-4071 x275; e: jun@nisfimU.ph and mleague @ compass .com.ph Mila Aquino Albert peacefully joined her creator on 17 September 2001. She is siurived by her children.

Ma. Rita and Michael Rudden, Dominic, Amanda and Joseph Albert. Her remains were cremated at the Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City on Thursday, 20 September 2001 at the Loyola Memorial Park, Marikina City.

We all hope and pray for the etemal repose of the soul of Mila, who joined her husband, the late Carlos "Charlie" L. Albert '39 on 17 September 2001.

Mila was the sister of the late martyr Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jn, for whom was named Manila's Ninoy Aquino Intemational Airport (NAIA), from whose tarmac he was slain by an assassin on alighting from a CAL flight in 1984.

The late CAPT Albert was an outstanding officer in the Philippine Navy with a distinguished careen His professional competence contributed immensely to the development of policies and procedures when the Navy was created out of the former Philippine Naval Patrol (PNP) (formeriy Offshore Patrol or OSP of the Army, which figured prominenfly in the short-lived defense of Manila and Corregidor in 1941-42) in the early '50s. He retired early in protest against unprofessional policies and lack of support for the Navy in 1962, entering politics, first as councilor, then vice mayor of Quezon City. He died of cancer in 1975.

In 1957, President Ramon Magsaysay died in a plane crash. His Vice President, Carlos R Garcia, succeeded him. For some reasons, "Magsaysay

boys" led by Gen Jesus Vargas did not like Garcia and allegedly plotted a coup in 1958 when Charlie was J-2. The alleged coup did not materialize, but those involved or identified (correctly or not) in that attempt were summarily relieved, including Charlie.

His reputation suffered, and thus, Charlie (who was a shoo in as the next PN Chief) was forced to retire prematurely. One of his accomplishments after he was elected Councilor was to reform the QCPD. To do this, he placed a tough PC officer. Col. Tomas Karingal, to head Quezon City's finest, in the mid '60s. Charlie was also noted for his no-nonsense approach towards the Quezon City's squatters.

Alex Melchor '52 provides a fitting tribute to Charlie below.

A Tribute to the Memory of CAPT Carlos J. Albert, USNA I had heard of his service reputation, but didn't get to know up close Charhe Albert, as a consummate military professional until I submitted my resignation from the Navy. He called for me and asked why I was resigning my commission. I candidly replied that I did not like what I saw was a decline of professionalism in the Navy.

My reply apparently stmck a chord with CAPT Albert, who was then the ACofS for intelligence at GHQ. He talked me into joining his staff at J-2 instead of abmprty ending my naval career. He assigned me to Domestic R&A at the Production Branch, ISAFP CAPT Albert had the habit of dictating his thoughts into an old wire reel voice recorder before going to sleep. It was my additional task to transcribe his thoughts into something coherent. It was his style as the country's top intelligence officer to anticipate problems of national concem and submit a timely intelligence report to guide the decision-making of the country's top leadership. It was my task to either confirm or disprove his hypothesis with essential elements of information already collected and collated and provide my initial comments.

This, thank God, did not happen every night. Nor were these mere hunches on his part. Albert was a knowledgeable man of extensive miUtary experience who would pmdentiy cross-check his hypothesis in periodic nightly meetings driving up and down Highway 54 with Father Walter Hogan. the famous Jesuit Labor priest.

Father Hogan was a great resource for domestic intelligence. He was also my spiritual director He administered the sacrament of marriage at my wedding, baptized all of our children and counseled on social issues to include the labor situation in the country.

When the local media reported that "sacadas" from Iloilo were burning sugar cane fields in Negros and were being incited to do so by a rebel "Red Priest." I was instructed by CAPT Albert to put these reports, which were confirmed by our field intelligence sources, into its proper context and brief the General Staff In the discussions that followed that briefing, Charlie Albertfranklystated his concem that the country's sugar interests may be unduly influencing the decisions of the military's leadership.

The next briefing topic CAPT Albert assigned me was intended to alert the country's national leadership that the Philippines was targeted as a market by a state-mn opium trade. This hypothesis was readily confirmed by ourfieldsources that even described the modus operandi for this illicit trade.

CAPT Albert wanted to bring to the attention of the national leadership how the country was being subverted economically and morally by being abetted by three congressmen from the north. It was a controversial report and was never released for dissemination.

When CAPT Albert instructed me to brief the General Staff on the topic of Pan-Islamism and its implications to our national security. I loyally dissented by stating that on the basis of the

Shipmate, December 2001

information available at that time there no basis to support such a conclusion.

CAPT Albert immediately relieved me of my duties and assigned me to the AFPSITS. He then instmcted the Director of the AFP's top military school to assign me as my thesis topic. "PanIslamism and its Implications to Our National Security," 1 concluded my thesis paper by quoting the last sentence of Gammal Abdul Nasser's book.

The Philosophy ofthe Revolution - "What would happen if all our brethrens in Islam from the .\tlantic to the southern shores ofthe Philippines were united?"

I was allowed to graduate but not allowed to present my thesis paper, which was deemed too controversial in that it identified thefirststirrings of a Muslim independence movement and named prominent political leaders who were associated with this movement. This proved to be too embarrassing for the incumbent administration.

CAPT Albert's name, as well as my own. because I was known as an "Albert-boy", were implicated in an alleged coup attempt. It was fortunate that it was another navy professional. CAPT Heracleo Alano. who relieved Charlie Albert as ACofS (J2). Later events proved the prescient mind of CAPT Albert but he found himself abruptly retired from the military service and 1 "exiled in good standing" to Washington. DC. I thank the Academy Alumni for inviting me to wTite of my personal experience and my professional association with CAPT Charlie Albert on the passing away of his widow. Mila Aquino Albert.

CAPT Albert w as 13 years my senior and I deUberately maintained a professional distance as the way I could best serve a consummate military leader of sterling character whose naval career was often marked by controversy for his outspoken advocacy for military professionalism. By way of now bridging this professional distance, I appreciate the opportunity afforded me of reviving the memory of a great military mind to his family that I never knew and to our young Alumni who only knew him by the service reputation he left behind for all of us to emulate, Vic Mamon '61 and the bin Laden 窶｢yic Mamon'61 reaUy has cause to ran after Bin Laden. Vic and Biyeth and dieir son were enjoying dieir stay at Marriott World Trade Center on 11 September when the whole episode at the World Trade Center that all of us now know about started. On that day Vic and family lost everything except the clothes they wore, but thank the Lord, they are safe and sound with us today. It of course delayed their stay in the "Big Apple" not only because ofthe cancellation of flights but also because their passports had to be issued.

Vic had just attended his 40th reunion at Annapolis, where he had occasion to meet Bobby Lim '42 and Romeo "Butch" Aguenza '76, who provided him transport and accommodations.

It's My Fault Some of my faithful followers may have noticed that my Chapter column was missing last month. It is my fault! The first time I dropped the ball in almost two years. I am sure that there will be a form two for me to sign in the company office and I have no excuse sir! What you did see was an input from Terry Sutherland. It isn't the first time that a Classmate has bailed me out.

Come Arounds in Works Southwest Oregon- It will be history by the time you read this but as I am writing the column it is still two weeks away. Firsty John Detweiler '63 has sent me a preliminary roster and POD that looks like a good number of the old standbys have made the long trip from the east to join some of the left coasters. John's count is something Hke 18, but that included me and I am not going to be there. The point is that there will be many first timers. I sure hope that some of them will take the ball from John and keep it moving in the west.

The Great Outdoors- Please don't let the price discourage any of you. If you haven't been there or done that, I assure you that this triple ten facility has eamed their rating. Our thanks to Bev and Lee Hebbard '53 for making the arrangements.

Class A Converts After more years than I can count, the faithful "Wally World" Airstreamers Marilyn and Jay Smith '54 have made the switch to a Class A motor home. I hear that Jay is now running on less than a 100-mile bladder and needed to be closer to a fully functional head. Don't know for sure if that is the reason, but if it is I can relate to it and suspect that many of our older members can as well.

Daisy's Boyfriend Some of us are old enough to remember the TV show "Dukes of Hazard" I don't think many of us would admit that we watched it. It was about a bunch of rednecks in the south, Kentucky I think.

Daisy was one ofthe Duke clan and she had a crash on this fellow, Luke, I think, was his name. Anyway, in my plea for picmres, I got one input that reminded me of that show. It came from one of our Kentucky members. He owns a tree farm in Big Lick Hollow, population eight. The photo shows him hard at work doing what, I think, tree farmers must do. Do you know who he is? I' 11 give you one clue. This man holds die record for the largest number of combat missions flown over North Vietnam. One more. Some of us know him as Zoomie. Daisy is out of luck because he is very much in love with a gal named Mary Lou.

RECREATION All VEHICLE American Chapter CAPT James N. Roberts '59, USN (Ret.) 152 Springlakes Drive, Martinez, GA 30907 h: 706-860-6430; e: jrobe92528@aol.com To join, contact Sec'y/Tres: LtCol Michael C. Stevens '59, USAF (Ret.) 900 Big Lick Hollow Road, New Haven, KY 40051-6211 h: 502-549-3610; e: mstevens@bardstown.com Shipmate inputs to: Mike Stroop '54 138 Cantebury Drive, Madison, AL 35758 e: pstroop@earthlink.net Chapter Web site: www.clik.to/rvnews

Shipmate, December 2001

Guess who Sickbay Report Check the Terryweb for the most current and up to date and progress on members that have had some serious problems recently.

Gary Snyder '64 had a stroke and has had a tough row to hoe. Read about it in a series of reports that get better and better as he fought this problem. Still not back to battery but well on the road.

Mary Lou Stevens got Lyme disease from a tick bite in the navel. She didn't know that it was there until the symptoms appeared. This particular location is a central point of all the major systems from pre-birth, so the infection appeared throughout her body. It has been a long battle but she is winning.

Bunny Bassett and Bev Hebbard both have broken their arms. My assumption is that both these gals will have made a complete recovery by the time you read this.

I know that you all join me in sending our best wishes to these members for a rapid and complete recovery.

Please let us know when any problem like this occurs. There may not be much any of us can do, but we are all family and we do care. I know that prayer and expressions of concem can mean a lot to those that are faced with misfortune.

Mike, Annie, and Cricket

RHODE ISLAND Newport Chapter ADM James R. Hogg '56, USN (Ret.) 2556 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871 401-841-2625

SOUTH CAROLINA Charleston Chapter CAPT James E. Welsch USN '67, (Ret.) 1093 Deleisseline Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 h: 843-849-1979; e: jamesew@awod.cM http://home.sc.rr.com/mitt/navy Monday, 17 September Luncheon Meeting Our guest speaker at the September Alumni luncheon was CAPT Rich Cellon '78, CEC, USN, Commander Southem Division窶年aval Facilities Engineering Command and a 1978 graduate ofthe U.S. Naval Academy. CAPT Cellon briefed the luncheon gathering concerning his command's missions, area of responsibility, and contracting budget. Of particular interest to Chapter members, he discussed his command's responsibilities for cleanup and disposition of Naval Base Charleston, including issues related to transfer of acreage.

CAPT Cellon also described ongoing activities at the former Naval Base and Naval Shipyard. Finally, he offered his comments regarding future military construction (MILCON) and base realignment and closing (BRAC).

Attendees were Edwin Malloy ' 4 0 , Walt Robinson '42, Jerry Nuss '47, Al Drew '50, Dave Emerson '50, Dick Dalla Mura '51, Max Hill '51, Al Baciocco '53, Fuzzy Knight '53, Tom Mayberry '53, Don Lovelace '55, Jim Flatley '56, Jim Kenney '58, George Lisle '58, Mike Afford '60, Ed Szweda '60, OUie OHver '61, Larry Fulton '62, Joe Gamboa '62, John Neumberger '64, Jim Welsch '67, BiU Nold ' 7 1 , Bill Bobo '72, fim Beltz '73, Dennis Simon '77, Rich Cellon '78, Bob Jordan '80, DeAnna Adams '94, and ENS Bill Dull '01 with his father, associate member. Bill Dull.

Chapter luncheons are usually held the third Monday of each month at the Omar Shrine Temple facility

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adjacent to Patriot's Point in Mount Pleasant. No reservation needed. If you are visiting from out of town, contact a member for directions and, by all means, come and give us the pleasure of your company.

South Carolina Midlands Chapter Rev. Aris P. Metrakos '78 9 Baying Hound Way, Blythewood, SC 29016-8743 h: 803-786-8100; e: navyjenkins@mindspring.com Web site: www.members.aol.com/usnaaasc William B. Swent '88 Leatherwood, Walker, Todd & Mann, PC. 100 E. Coffee St., RO. Box 87 Greenville, SC 29602-0087 w: 864-242-6440; e: WSwent@LWTM.com

Low Country Chapter John R. Rodman Jr., '66 30 Persimmon Place Hilton Head Island, SC 29926-2868 h: 843-342-2856; e: jrodman@hargray.com Over 45 Low Country Chapter members, spouses and children attended our first annual fall picnic on 15 September The event at the waterfront in Hilton Head Plantation was the Chapter's first event since early spring and was an enormous success. Those in attendance included Hazel and George Whitmyre '36, Grace and Ralph Parker '47, Joan and Norm Altman '49, Virginia and Al Schaufelberger '49, Paula and Bill Bell '53, Anne and Bill Pendley '58, Arden and Lee Polhill '58, Jean and George Stubbs '58, Susan and Kelson Slayman '58, Bob Mason '58, Sara and Mike Lees '60, Richard Burgess '60, Cindy and Denny Tomlin '63, Doo and Rich Weidman '63, John Rodman '66, Claudia and Don Mills '72, Jane and Pete Hyers '77, Nancy and Jim Gay '79, Deborah and Sam Ridder '84, Alida and Paul Bertholf '88, Mike Rentz '91, and Lisa and Shawn Callahan '92.

Low Country Chapter fall picnic The next Chapter event is an Army Navy game party on 1 December Beat Army!

TENNESSEE Chattanooga Chapter Charles T. Higgins '64 RO. Box 15427, Chattanooga, TN 37415-0427 h: 423-877-0776 x l l ; fi 423-874-0852 r: 423-886-1111; o: 423-877-0776 x 11 e: cthiggins64@home.com

Knoxville-Oak Ridge Chapter CDR A. Jerry Popp '62, USN (Ret) 106 Heron Court, Vonore, TN 37885 h: 865-483-0258; e: PoppJ@pathwayb.com

142

Memphis Chapter CAPT Edward A. Lyons '69, USNR 2557 Park Creek Cove, Germantown, TN 38139 h: 901-755-1286

South Texas Chapter CAPT Michael Stoffel '54, USN (Ret.) 520 North River, Seguin, TX 78155 h: 830-379-2373; e: mstoffel@satx.rr.com

Nashville Chapter

Texas Gulf Coast Chapter

CDR John F. Ohiinger '69, USN (Ret.) 880 Lakemont Drive, Nashville, TN 37220-2124 h: 615-370-1441; w: 800-242-8613 e: johlinger@worldnet.att.net

Lynn A. Wegner'65 6909 Northhampton Way, Houston, TX 77055 w: 713-263-8001 x265 e: lwegner@rectorseal.com USNA Birthday Celebration, 28 September Our Chapter celebrated the 156th birthday ofthe Naval Academy onboard TEXAS (BB-35), only 20 miles east of downtown Houston, on 28 September, TEXAS is the only surviving battleship to have served in both World Wars; and is now the official state ship of Texas under the stewardship of Texas Parks and Wildlife.

The celebration began at 6 p.m. As we gathered on the main deck, Lynn Wegner '65, Chapter president, welcomed shipmates and guests. After a tour of the ship, a bugler sounded Officers' Call and we assembled on the forecasfle. At that point 'Taps" was played and we had a moment of silence in respect for the dead and missing from the 11 September terrorist attacks when at least eight shipmates died, with six more listed as "missing."

Then, our special guests were introduced to the crowd: RADM Bill Miller '62 USNR, Academic Dean USNA; Rich Bulger '69, Chapter trastee; Peter VanDerlofske '68, Blue & Gold area coordinator; and Bart Rowe, USNA Foundation. The senior alum was Jack Keller '44, the junior Alumni were Richard Jay '91 and Rob Gibbs '92.

We then had a number of ceremonial toastsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to the Commander-in-Chief given by Mike McGee '78, to the Navy by Jack Keller '44, to the Marine Corps by Eric Woods '64, to all military personnel on active duty around the world by Art Smith '59, to the Naval Academy and the Brigade of Midshipmen

by John Gates '69, to the spouses and dates by Marty Block '64, and to our distinguished guests and visitors by Zeb Alford '48.

We were served dinner in the ship's galley.

After dinner, two Academy birthday cakes were ceremoniously cut (with swords) by the three Alumni who were present at the Academy, as Midshipmen in 1945, during die lOOtti anniversary celebrationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;^Tom Watt '46, Zeb Alford '48, and Paul Riley '48.

TEXAS North Texas Chapter

^ ^

LCDR James M. Bethmann '77, USNR 2203 Creekside Circle South, Irving, TX 75063 w: 214-954-1834; e: jim.bethmann@komferry.com Kurt Metcalf '91 Advanced Technology Practice Kom/Ferry Intemational, 2100 McKinney Ave. Suite 1800, Dallas, TX 75201 w: 214-954-1834 x3014; fi 214-954-1027 Web site: http://www.kornferry.com The North Texas Chapter held its monthly luncheon on Tuesday 2 October at the Lincoln City Club in Dallas. 25 Chapter members attended, including: John MarshaU '64, Rick Lottie '69, Ken Smith '72, Mark Lambright '75, Jim Bethmann '77, Mike Huber '78, Steve Colon '81, Dave Rich '81, Kelly Mayer '85, Jon Dom '85, Ross Beaton '87, James Johnson '90, and Kurt Metcalf '91. Jim Bethmann '77 discussed upcoming events for the Chapter including November's Navy-SMU basketball game and the SMU Ethics in Leadership Seminar Jim Bethmann will be returning this year as Chapter president, Kurt Metcalf '91 will serve as treasurer, and Keith Tibbits '77 as secretary.

John Marshall '64, Ken Smith '72 and Rick Lottie '69 Upcoming Events for December Include Blue Chip Dinner, Royal Oaks Country Club Wednesday, 19 December, 6:30 p.m. Cocktail Hour December monthly Chapter Luncheon, Lincoln City Club 5440 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy.,Dallas, TX 75240 Tuesday, 4 December, 11:30 a. m.

Tri-Services Breakfast, S&S Restaurant, SW Comer of Tollway and Lovers Ln. Tuesday, 11 December, 7 a.m.

Army-Navy Game, American Airlines Center Saturday, 1 December 9:30 a.m.

Please direct questions concerning upcoming events to Kurt Metcalf '91 or Jim Bethmann '77.

Kurt Metcalf'91

L to r: Zeb Ali'ord '48 (sport coat), Paul Riley '48 (coat and tie), and Tom Watt '46 (Navy cap) cutting birthday cake As a prelude to introducing our guest speaker, Lynn Wegner '65 reminisced about the accomplishments of Greg Mather '62, a member of our local Chapter.

Greg was an AU-American in football in 1961. As a kicker, he scored 91 points in three seasons, Shipmate. December 2001

including seven points in a 13-7 win over Army in 1961. Greg Mather was then called to die podium to introduce his Classmate RADM BiU Miller "62, USNR. Academic Dean and Provost USNA. Greg Madier reminisced about some of his Navy football experiences and his academic challenges. Greg then introduced his Classmate Bill Miller and called him to the podium. Bill explained how the Academy is implementing its Strategic Plan by undertaking specific initiatives. He described the sense of "momentum and renewal" that he has experienced first-hand at the Academy.

VIRGINIA Blue Ridge Chapter

.^m^Hmmmmsmmmtm CAPT Roger C. Adams '70, USN (Ret.) 6609 Fairway View Trail, Roanoke, VA 24018 h: 540-989-6198; w: 540-362-7389 e: radams3491@aol.com

Central Virginia Chapter CAPT Anthony A. Hastoglis '55, USN (Ret.) 102 Shawnee Ct. Chariottesville, VA 22901-1034 h: 804-973-7846; e: a.hastogHs@att.net

Hampton Roads Chapter CAPT Peter K. Glasier '62, USN (Ret.) 1105 Glenside Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 h: 757-467-7476; w: 757-340-6700 e: pete62@erols.com

Richmond Chapter CDR William L. Ruch III '68, USN (Ret.) L to r; Lynn Wegner '65 and "Texas Admiral" Bill Miller '62 (sport coat) Afterward, Lynn Wegner "65 thanked Bill for coming to Houston for this special occasion and presented him with a certificate, signed by Texas Govemor Rick Perry, proclaiming Bill Miller's commission into the Texas Navy with the rank of "Admiral." Bill was clearly pleased to receive this great honor As the evening came to a close. Jack KeUer '43, the senior Alum, lead us in singing Navy Blue & Gold.

Chapter News We'll gather for our annual Navy-Army football game party at SRO Sports Bar-Woodlake on 1 December Please contact us for details. The Michael J. Smith '67 Memorial Sword presentation will take place during the 4 January luncheon. Traditionally, the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter presents a sword each year at our January luncheon to the Midshipman 1/C (from our area) with the highest Class ranking. As you remember, Mike Smith '67 was the pilot of the Space Shuttle Challenger when it exploded on 28 January 1986. This annual sword presentation to the deserving Midshipman, with his or her family proudly in attendance, is always a memorable occasion.

Chapter Meetings Chapter meetings are usually held on the first Friday of every month (7 December, 4 January, 1 February, 1 March, 5 April, and 3 May) at Brennan's Restaurant (11:30 a.m. refreshments, and 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. lunch). Please join us! For any additional information on any item in this column, please call me at 713-750-8868 or send an email to kleinl985@aol.com.

Ed Klein '72

UTAH/IDAHO/ MONTANA/WYOMING Intermountain NA Alumni Chapter J. Kevin Dolan '71 2415 East 10305 South, Sandy, UT 84092-4416 h: 801-942-7240; e: kdolan@fonix.com

5707 Maple Brook Drive Midlothian, VA 23112-6320 h: 804-739-3664; e: wlr68@sprintmaU.com S h e n a n d o a h Valley Chapter David V. Langfitt '74 125 Henrico Road, Front Royal, VA 22630 w: 540-636-2138; e: davidlangfitt@netscape.net Williamsburg Chapter Allen P. Whitaker '60 2304 West Island Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185 h: 757-258-4628; e: whitaker57@home.com

WASHINGTON Hanford/Tri-Cities Chapter CAPT Edward G. Schwier '69, USN (Ret.) 1196 Brentwood Ave., Richland, WA 99352-8540 h: 509-627-7288; w: 509-372-0176 e: egschwier@aol.com

an immensely successful year under the steady leadership of Chuck Grutzius '66.

Our May luncheon meeting was headlined by VADM James F. Amerault '65, deputy chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics, who gave a fascinating talk on readiness issues facing today's Navy. Following a short summer break, monthly luncheon meetings began again in September, with an outstanding slate of speakers. Monthly meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month and all Alumni are encouraged to attend.

The Annual Army-Navy Golf Tournament was held in September, with a large number of Alumni participating in one of the areas most eagerly anticipated events. This is just the beginning of our exciting schedule of special events that we hope will include a cocktail party before the 6 October Navy-Air Force football game, family picnics, careerbuilding get-togethers, and a group trip to the ArmyNavy football game.

We are always looking for ways that the Chapter may be able to support the Brigade, as well as looking for ways to include an even broader spectrum of Alumni in the greater Washington, DC, area. We welcome your thoughts and suggestions and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible!

WEST VIRGINIA West Virginia Chapter Joe Dailey '51 1226 Mount Vemon Road Charleston, WV 25314-2528 h: 304-346-6193; e: josephdailey@excite.com

WISCONSIN Wisconsin Chapter Winston C. Williams '46

,i:^;-:Sr:;:?:-,;i;^:-,

, ;-^ r

13350 West Bluemound Rd. ^2 â&#x20AC;˘* ^'^t Elm Grove, WI 53122-2538 ^ h: 262-782-6645; w: 262-782-'MI0 : ^ g | i e: winwill@execpc.com e: cook.phillip@milwaukee.va.gov

m

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A BLUE & GOLD OFFICER?

Puget Soimd Chapter CAPT Colin H. Saari '60, USN (Ret.) 12503 Ninth Ave., NW, Seattle, WA 98177 h: 206-361-1192; w: 206-543-1363 e: saari@apl.washington.edu Web site: www.usnaaa-psc.org

Guicde prospective U S N A stu(dents in 'your area.

WASHINGTON, DC AREA Greater Washington Chapter RADM Kenneth P. Barausky '67, USNR 111534 Hemingway Drive, Reston, VA 20194 h: 703-904-9231; e: Ken.Barausky@eds.com The Naval Academy's largest Alumni Chapter continues to provide Alumni in the Greater Washington Area a venue to work together to support the Academy and our members. A new leadership team led by Ken Barausky '67 took the reins following

Contact CDR PJ Bradfield (bradfield@gwmail.usna,edu) or Don Nelson (dnelson@gwmail.usna.edu) in Admissions ^

Shipmate, December 2001

143

LAST CALL Requiescat in Pace They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the moming, we will remember them."

-Laurence Binyon, 1914

Berry, CliveV.'48 18 October 2001 Best, Richard Halsey '32 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 28 October 2001 Boyd, RandaU Thomas Jr. '41 CDR, USN (Ret,) 27 October 2001 Brady, Edward Allen '46 12 October 2001 Brady, Robert Cochran '47 CDR, USNR (Ret.) 17 October 2001 Caimes, George Henry '35 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 10 October 2001 Chandler, WUliam Dwight HI '48 CDR, USNR (Ret.) 30 September 2001 Clark, Daniel Burrell '60 26 October 2001 Clark, Henry Davison '41 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 17 October 2001 Combs, Walter Vincent Jr. '36 RADM, USN (Ret.) 19 July 2001 Connors, Kevin Patrick '69 11 September 2001 ROBERT EDWIN BROWN JR.

'26

Robert E. Brown Jr of Boynton Beach, FL, formerly of Boca Raton, FL, died on Sunday, 9 September 2001. He was 96 years old.

A native of Fort Valley, GA, Mr Brown was retired from the Aetna Casualty & Surety Company, where he had worked for 42 years.

Most of his career was in the company's home office, in Hartford, CT. At the time of his retirement in 1968, he was director of advertising for the Casualty & Surety Division. Before joining the Aetna, he had attended the U.S. Naval Academy for three years with the Class of 1926 and was a member ofthe Naval Academy Alumni Association and served as president of many organizations while in Hartford and in Florida.

He was also an active tennis player until the age of 89.

During his career at Aetna, one of the highlights was his responsibility in coordinating the company sponsorship of the first television programs produced by the National Geographic Society, which provided information and

Davis, Sidney Fant HI '56 24 October 2001 Deragon, William Nolin '34 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 4 July 2001 Donner, Frank Edward '46 10 October 2001 Donovan, William Howard Jr. '86 CDR, USN 11 September 2001 Harrison, Edwin Davies '39 CAPT, USNR (Ret.) 23 October 2001 Jolly, John Chapman '39 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 14 October 2001 Kraus, Walter John '49 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 5 October 2001 Lenhardt, Harry Fehl Jr. '56 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 3 October 2001 Lincoln, Horatio Alonzo '30 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 11 September 2001 McBrayer, Kenneth Miles '74 11 September 2001 Michaels, Robert John '52 CDR, USN (Ret.) 12 October 2001

Moravec, Robert '52 4 October 2001 Paddock, Charles Guy '70 CDR, USNR 16 October 2001 Paist, Stanley Scott Jr. '37 1 October 2001 Petty, William Gordon '50 4 October 2001 Pond, Charles Ellsworth '38 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 30 September 2001 Putman, Charles Francis '37 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 5 September 2001 Rassieur, William Theodore Jr. '50 25 September 2001 Seamans, James Otis '42 13 October 2001 Tarver, Charles Andrew Jr. '55 CAPT, USMM 21 October 2001 Ziegler, Allan '90 Maj, USMC 5 October 2001

pleasure for millions of people everywhere over JAMES THOMAS LAY '31 Captain James T the years. Additionally, he and his late wife, Lay, USN (Ret.), died Florence Pierce Brown, served for many years on Thursday, 13 at national insurance conventions as the host and September 2001, at his hostess for Aetna hospitality rooms. Their home in Wellfleet, MA. memory of individual names of visitors year after He was 92 years old. year was phenomenal and greatly impressed Captain Lay was agents and others. bom in St. Clair, MO, on This much-loved man is survived by two 6 January 1909. He daughters and sons-in-law, Mrs. Flo Snodgrass graduated from the U.S. and her husband, Paul, of Vienna, VA, and Mrs. Barbara Gargiulo and her husband, Al, of Naval Academy with the Class of 1931. During Asheville, NC; four grandchildren, Chris Perry World War II, he served with distinction in the of Boynton Beach, FL, Timothy Perry of Pacific theater with the Third Amphibious Force.

Walkertown, NC, Charles Perry of Haines City, He saw action at the Aleutian Islands, FL, and Marjorie Knight of Great Falls, VA; and Guadalcanal and at Leyte Gulf.

After the war he held several commands, the three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, last being the guided-missile cruiser, HELENA, 15 September 2001, in Lantana, FL, with the flagship of the U.S. Seventh Fleet. Other Reverend Daniel Cassellberry officiating, assignments included work with the Bureau of followed by inurnment at the Boca Raton Ordinance and the Armed Forces Special Weapons Project at the Pentagon.

Mausoleum.

Palm Beach Postâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;13 September 2001 After retiring from the Navy, he worked with Raytheon at their Submarine Signal Division in Portsmouth, RI. He retired again and moved to Wellfleet, MA, in 1972.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Catherine Nimitz Lay; three sons, James T. Lay Jr. of Blue HiU, ME, Chester N. Lay of Brewster, MA, and Richard F. Lay of Wellfleet, MA; seen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mrs. Edgar L. Murray of St. Clair, MO. Memorial donafions may be made to the Visiting Nurses Association of Cape Cod.

To submit an obituary to appear in Shipmate, please see "A Fitting Tribute: How To Write an Obituary" on page 29 of this issue of Shipmate.

The Lay Family 144

Shipmate, December 2001

LAST CALLXI CHARLES DOUGLAS LEWIS '34

ELTON LEWIS K N A P P

Charles was bom to Dn Henry and Katherine Street Lewis on 21 March 1911 at Beech Grove, their family's 200-year-old plantation in Amite County, MS. He attended Liberty (MS) High School, Marion Institute in Alabama ( 1 9 2 9 ) , and Mississippi State University (1930). At Annapolis, his wiry frame made him adept at boxing, fencing, and tennis.

His best M i d d l e cruises were those to Scandinavia and the Mediterranean; he joked with his kids in "Academy Spanish" for the rest of his life.

As a lieutenant junior grade on destroyer duty in the Pacific he served on RATHBURNE, then on NEVAD.^ and MEMPHIS. Charles married his wife of 65 years, Bea Stewart, in an Episcopal ceremony with traditional crossed swords at Coronado, CA, on 11 June 1936. Based next at Pearl Harbor, the couple lived in Waikiki until Charles was billeted to San Diego Naval Hospital with kidney failure.

Upon his recovery (and temporary retirement), they retumed to Mississippi, built a house designed by Bea on the family farm, where CDL Jr. "Doug" was bom on 30 April 1938.

Charles was recalled to active duty with the Naval Ordnance Office in 1941, and moved his family to Washington, DC. In 1942 he was ordered to the Naval Ammunition Depot at Hawthome, NV. There he became a skilled producer and supplier of ordnance to the Pacific fleet. With his young officer colleagues he hunted canvasbacks, sage hens, and deer in the Sierra; with their wives they traveled to Reno, Tahoe, Yosemite, and "Frisco." He and Bea's second son, Fenwick, was bom at Hawthome on 27 January 1944, causing Doug's upbringing to be handed over to the base's Marines.

After V-J Day, Charles was summoned before Admiral John S. McCain '06 and was awarded his discharge with special commendation. In 1946 he and Bea returned with their sons to Mississippi, where he settled into a happy halfcentury of livestock farming and surveying, as well as both high school and college math teaching. Their daughter, Jane, was bom on 21 May 1948, and their third son, Michael, was bom on 21 March 1956. The children all married, and had collectively seven grandchildren, plus three great-grandchildren. Charles' funeral, with full military honors, was held two days after he died on 23 August 2001; the elder members of the family were all present. Bea had just died over a year earlier, and they are buried together in the family cemetery at Beech Grove.

Captain Elton L. K n a p p , USN (Ret.), died of pneumonia at the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, IN, on 13 September 2 0 0 1 . He was 86 years old.

"Knappy" was born on 15 October 1915 in M o n r o e , M I . He attended the University of Michigan for two years before entering the Naval Academy with the Class of 1938. He was commander of the 3rd Company during the fall and spring sets, and won the Color Competition. He also was a four-year member of the crew, serving as coxswain of the second varsity in his Second Class Year, and of the first varsity in his First Class Yean He steered many of his Classmates in those two boats.

Douglas Lewis

Shipmate, December 2001

'38

Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, M e m p h i s , TN 38105.

Indianapolis Star & RADM M.H. Rindskopf '38

C H A R L E S ELLSWORTH P O N D J R . ' 3 8

Captain Charles Ellsworth Pond Jr., USN (Ret.), a resident of Rappahannock Westminster/Canterbury in Irvington, VA, died on 30 September 2001. He was 86 years old.

Born on 3 January 1915 in Frankfin, VA, Captain Pond entered the Navy in 1932, and after two years was accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy. He was a member ofthe 4th Battalion.

In the words of his roommate. Captain Lee Rogers, "Most ofthe regiment marches in front of Charlie, but he is one ofthe biggest littie men in the Fourth Platoon." He was a wrestler and graduated with the Class of 1938.

Captain Pond served the nation for 34 years.

Upon graduation, Knappy was ordered to the cruiser TUSCALOOSA, and later served in the destroyer GOFF, after which he attended flight school in Pensacola. He flew with VP-14 in the Pacific. He was a watch officer at Kaneohe Bay MCAS when Pearl Harbor was attacked. After He served in MILWAUKEE, WILSON, BAILEY and was commanding officer of KING (DD-242), receiving his master's degree in aeronautical BANCROFT ( D D - 5 9 8 ) , POWER ( D D - 8 3 9 ) , engineering from the California Institute of Rushmore (LSD-14), Destroyer Division 302, Technology, he served as an AEDO at the Naval SIERRA ( A D 1 8), and Destroyer Squadron TWO. Air Base, Okinawa, on the Staff of Fleet Air Captain Pond's assignments ashore included Western Pacific in Guam, at the Naval Air Materiel Center in Philadelphia, PA, the Naval tours at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, the Air Station, Jacksonville, FL, and as assistant Pentagon, duty as a student and faculty member director of the Power Plant Division of the of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Bureau of Naval Weapons. His final tour was as Logistics Planning Officer of CinCLantFlt, Strategic assignment to the Plans Division of commanding officer of the Naval Training Device Center in Port Washington, NY. He OpNav, Chief Staff Officer to Commander Fleet Training Group G u a n t a n a m o Bay, Cuba, retired on 1 July 1963.

Upon retirement, the Knapps settled in operations and readiness officer for CinCLantFlt, Indianapolis, IN, where he joined the Detroit and Senior Navy Officer on the staff and faculty Diesel Allison Division of General Motors. In of the United States Army War College in his many contributions to the Class of 1938 L M C ^ Carlisle, PA. During World War II, Captain Pond Bag updates, he commented that life in the participated in numerous Pacific Theater naval civilian world was differentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;he had a boss in operations including: Borneo, Gilbert and the next officeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but he proved his worth and Aleutian Islands, and the Philippine Islands.

Captain Pond retired in 1966 to Kilmamock, enjoyed his 13 years. ,VA, where he taught math and physics at Knappy said it best: "I loved the Academy.

Lancaster High School from 1966 until 1972.

It's where it all began; and I am grateful for all Captain Pond was a member and president of the years we had together." the Kilmamock/IrvingtonAVhite Stone Rotary His survivors include his wife. Vera Ford Club where he and his wife were honored as Knapp, and three daughters. Sandra Smith is a Citizens of the Year in 1980.

He was a board registered nurse, Jean Andrews is the widow of member and president of the Lancaster Commander Michael Andrews '62, a surface warrior who died in 1996; and Nancy Parisi, who Community Library, and an active member of retired as a commander in the Supply Corps, and the Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church of is married to Captain A . M . Parisi, C E C . Weems, VA. He was an elder in the church where Also surviving are five grandchildren and two he also taught an adult Bible class for many years.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, great-grandchildren.

Margaret Trevilian Pond; his son, Charles E. Services and inurnment were in the Naval Pond III, his wife, Toni, and their two daughters, Academy Columbarium on 19 October 2001.

Kara and Maura; his daughter, Carole Pond Contributions in memory of Knappy may be Sutton, her husband, David, and two children, made to the St. Jude Children's Research James and Kathryn; a brother, Robert B. Pond

145

LAST C A L L \ of Westminster, MD; and many nephews and nieces. A brother, William B. Pond, and a sister, Bertie P. Guckert, preceded him in death.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, 13 October 2 0 0 1 , at Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church in Weems, VA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church, RO. Box 18, Weems, VA 22576, or the Lancaster Community Library, P.O. Box 850, Kilmamock, VA 22482.

The Pond Family & The Virginian Pilot

HOWARD AUSTIN THOMPSON

'39

Captain Howard A. "Howie" Thompson, USN (Ret.), of Los Gatos, CA, died on 18 August 2001 from multiple strokes.

His beloved wife of 56 years, Polly, had died nine months earlier of pancreatic cancer.

Howie was born in Belmont, MA, on 20 March 1916. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where he excelled in baseball and went on to graduate with the Class of 1939.

He graduated from the U.S. Submarine School in 1941.

He was a highly decorated warrior of the silent service, serving with distinction in the Pacific theatre of World War II, and was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, a Letter of Commendation with Combat V, and the Legion of Merit for his submarine exploits.

He retired from the Navy as a captain on 1 July 1969, after 35 years of service. After retirement from the Navy, he moved his family to Los Gatos, CA, where he worked as a trust officer at the Palo Alto Crocker National Bank until 1979.

His hobbies included golfing, gardening, and fumiture refinishing.

Howie is survived by his four children, Peter H. Thompson, Robert P. Thompson, Karen P. Aidi and Charlene F. Riley; and five grandchildren.

He was interred with his loving wife at the USNA Columbarium after a memorial mass at the Naval Academy Chapel, which was attended by his children and surviving Classmates. He was buried with full military honors and a Scottish bagpiper played "Amazing Grace Slow Air" befitting his Highland heritage.

Donations may be made to the Aplastic Anemia and MDS Intemational Foundation, Inc., RO. Box 613, Annapolis, MD 21404-0613.

CAPT W.J. Ruhe '39

'^;i^mm<-y/-7,,--//.

146

A L F R E D B E N E D I C T ELLIS

'43

Alfred B. Ellis died on Saturday, 7 July 2001 at his home in Friday Harbor, WA. He was 82 years old. He was bom on 28 May 1919 in Butte, NE, the son of Jess J. and Bemice Amo Ellis. Both of his parents were deceased before Al tumed 16.

Al completed his high school education in Butte, joined the Navy at age 18 and served aboard OKLAHOMA. In 1939, he received an appointment to the Naval Academy from the fleet and went on to graduate with the Class of 1943.

Al served aboard MASSACHUSETTS, entered flight training and received his wings in 1945. He served as a lieutenant commander until 1956, at which time he sought employment with Hughes Aircraft in Culver City, CA. Upon retirement, Al moved to Friday Harbor, WA, where he had resided for the past eight years.

Al was very active at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church in La Mirada, CA, where he assisted in the production of two records of the local church choir. Al had remained active in singing with the Island Chordsman. He was active in sports, having placed in the NCAA Eastem Collegiate Championship in gymnastics, and became an avid sports supporter for all the children and young adults on the island. He was a member of St. Francis Parish, the Naval Academy Alumni Association, Tailhook and the Island Chordsman.

Al was preceded in death by his sisters, Florence and Sylvia; and his brother, George Ellis. Al is survived by his wife. Sheila A. Ellis; four daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Bob Ayotte of San Dimas, CA, Cynthia and Dale Johnson of Castana, lA, Robin and Tim Garcia and Michele and Lucas Melbome, all of Friday Harbor, WA; son and daughter-in-law, David and Kathy Ellis of Casa Grande, A Z ; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his brothers and sisters, Leo Ellis of Newhall, lA, Grace Halbur of Milwaukee, WI, Dale Ellis of New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Delia Reiser and Rose Coe of Homosassa, FL. A mass of Christian burial was held on 14 July 2001 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Friday Harbor, WA, with burial at St. Francis Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Francis Caring and Sharing, RO. Box 1489, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

The Islands'Sounderâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;18 July 2001

Tfie only e^tisefor war is that we may live infeace unharmed.

-Cicero

A N D R E W K A R L SIMMONS

'43

Commander Andrew K. S i m m o n s , USN (Ret.), passed away on Wednesday, 26 September 2 0 0 1 , at the >*^ Kerrville VA Medical Center, in Kerrville, TX. He was 81 years old. i He was bom on 23 D e c e m b e r 1919 in Norwich, PA, to Dimitri "Michael" Simmons and Mary Fran Simmons.

Andy entered the U.S. Naval Academy as a Midshipman in July 1939, and in an accelerated program, the Class of 1943 graduated in June 1942. In June 1942, as ensign, he was assigned to HAMMON ( D D - 4 1 2 ) , however before arriving for assignment, HAMMON, along with YORKTOWN were sunk. He then was reassigned to FRAZIER (DD-607) during the Pacific War. He served as an officer on a destroyer in China service during the Asian Occupation. He served 15 years as naval aviator, including aircraft carrier operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean.

From 1956 to 1958, he was assigned to Sanford Naval Air Station in Sanford, FL. From 1959 to 1961 he served in Germany in liaison with NATO. He served as professor at Yale University Naval Officer's Program teaching navigation and other related naval science classes.

Commander Simmons retired from the Navy in 1962 and was then employed by Gmmman Aerospace as an aerospace engineer and as liaison with the U . S . Navy. He later was employed by Naval Air Systems Command in Washington, DC. He retired from civil service in 1982 to the beautiful Texas Hill Country in rural Kerr County, TX. He was a member of the FRAZIER (DD-607) Association, the American Legion, the U.S Naval Academy Alumni Association and was a supporter ofthe U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation.

Andy married Mary A. Wolffer on 9 September 1964 in Mazatlan, Mexico.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dimitri and Mary; brothers, Peter and Samuel Simmons; and sons, John Polidor and Louis Marc Simmons.

He is survived by his wife, Mary A. Simmons; brother, Michael Simmons Jr. and his wife, Jane; sisters, Arlene Lerch and Mary Wehrfritz and her husband, Jim; sister-in-law, Lillian Simmons; sons, Andrew Karl Simmons Jr., James "Jimmy" Forrestal Simmons and his wife, Barbara, Mark Rhys Simmons and his wife, Pamela, Roy Andrew Simmons and his wife, Kathy; daughters, Ashley Karen Hotz and her husband, Richard, Diana Marie Brown and her husband, William "BiU" Brown; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends.

'm^.

Shipmaie. December 2001

L A S T CALLVJ* LV. Memorial services were held on Sunday, 7 The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Michael Martin and the nurses at the October 2001 at United Methodist Church of Kerrville VA Medical Center who cared for him, Westport and Weston in Westport, CT. George Pitcher as well as the doctors and staff at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. Memorial services, with military honors, were THOMAS STANLEY WESTCOTT '44 held on I October 2001. ^ Dr. T.S. Westcott of Memorial contributions may be made to the PardeevUle, WI, died on American Cancer Association.

Monday, 10 September The Simmons Family

WILLIAM MORRISON PITCHER ' 4 4

William M. Pitcher died at home on 16 August 2001. The son of Edward A. and Helen P. Pitcher, he was bom in B e t h l e h e m , PA. The family soon moved to West Orange, NJ. In 1940 he entered the U.S. Naval Academy as a member ofthe Class of 1944 and graduated on 9 June 1943.

Diuing World War II he served aboard the cruiser PHILADELPHIA, then operating in Mediterranean waters. Once off the French coast, young Ensign Pitcher was sent ashore in a small plane with a radioman to gather information about the number and disposition of enemy forces in the area and also to determine the exact location of an enemy gun emplacement that had been bombarding our ships. With the help of French villagers and members of the French Forces of the Interior, he got all this important information and more, and sent it from "Station Pitcher" b a c k to PHILADELPHIA and to the

command up the line. For this he received a Navy letter of commendation for "exceptional ability, courage, and outstanding devotion to duty."

In 1945 he entered flight training and served as a fighter pilot aboard KEARSARGE. In 1946 Lieutenant Pitcher married Audrey "Bunny" Thompson, of South Orange, NJ. He resigned from the Navy in 1948.

Rejoined the Esso Standard Oil Corporation, now Exxon, where he had a successful career until his retirement in 1981. After several moves, the family moved from Houston, TX, to Weston, CT, in 1967. Pitch was a devoted husband and father, an expert fly fisherman, an avid reader and had enjoyed traveling, gardening, birding, and golf. He was known for his integrity and great sense of humor.

He is survived by his beloved wife. Bunny; brother, George, of Princeton, NJ; daughters, Wendy Laing, and her husband, Richard Martin Passaro, Kim Leslie and her husband, Richard Lawlor Cooper III; son, William Morrison Pitcher Jr., his wife. Vera, and their son, William Morrison Pitcher HI. Memorial contributions may be sent to a charity of one's choice.

Shipmate, December 2001

2001 at the Saint Mary's Hospital in Madison, WI of multiple myeloma and other comlications. He was 80 years old.

"Stan" Westcott was born on 16 May 1921 in Fillmore, MO, the son of James Thomas and Nellie Ruth (Wyckoff) Westcott. He graduated from the Naval Academy on 9 June 1943 with the Class of 1944, and on 4 August 1943 he was united in marriage to Jean Covington.

Stan served in the U.S. Navy unfil 1948 when he resigned to enter the University of Kansas School of Medicine. During this time, he and his family lived in half of a Quonset hut in Sunflower, KS, while Jean supported the family as a schoolteacher. After his intemship he moved to Pardeeville, WI, in July 1954. Dr. Westcott served the Pardeeville community and the surrounding area for 39 years as a family physician, truly a dedicated "country doctor," retiring in 1991. He made house calls, and every fall he gave free athletic physicals to students.

He was particularly proud to be preceptor for his son as he entered the medical field. Dr. Westcott brought many lives into this world and touched many hearts.

Stan served on the Pardeeville area school board for many years. He enjoyed curling, motorcycle riding, flying his Grumman Cheeta, never missing an EAA fly-in, and traveling with Jean in their motor home. He was an Eagle Scout.

Funeral services for Dr. T.S. Westcott were held on Saturday, 15 September 2001. The Pardeeville American Legion and VFWW Posts resented full military honors.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jean Westcott of Pardeeville, WI; three sons, Tom Westcott of Portage, WI, Steve Westcott of Sheboygan, WI, and Paul Westcott of Phoenix, AZ; eight grandchildren, Angela Rodewald, Adam Westcott, and Ethan Westcott all of Sheboygan, WI, Michelle Johnson of Chandler, AZ, Debra, Elizbeth and Cody Westcott of Portage, WI, and Lauren Westcott of Phoenix, AZ; a brother, James Westcott of Mexico, MO; a sister, Beverly Bostwick of Fort Worth, TX; and two great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Dr. T.S. Westcott's name to a memorial fund to provide improvements and equipment for Westcott Park, which

the village of Pardeeville established a few years ago. Contributions may be sent to Mrs. T.S. Westcott, W5751 Lintner Road, Pardeeville, WI 53954.

OSCAR NORMAN DALE '45

Captain Oscar N. Dale, USN (Ret.), died on 26 August 2001 in Los Angeles, CA. Ozzie, as he was affectionately known, was bom in Brinsmade, ND, on 4 October 1922 to Stephen and Louise Dale. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1944 with the Class of 1945 and proudly served in the Supply Corps, until his retirement on 2 June 1970, dedicating himself to 26 years of active duty.

While in the Navy, Ozzie successfully completed the Navy Supply Corps School, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and eamed a master's degree in business from The George Washington University. He was a veteran of World War II and the Vietnam War, serving overseas on numerous assignments.

Ozzie began a second career as a stock broker for Prudential Bache and lived in Bethesda, MD, where he belonged to the Rotary Club of Bethesda and the Lakewood Country Club. Upon semi-retirement in 1994, he moved to Williamsburg, VA, and became a member of the Kingsmill Country Club, continuing his avid love-hate relationship with the game of golf.

He enjoyed traveling, challenges of all kinds and was known as a grand debater, no matter what the topic.

Ozzie was preceded in death by his wife of 26 years, Teddy; his stepson, Allen Poenack; and his brother, Lester Dale. He leaves his daughters, Heidi Dale of Jacksonville, NC, and Deidre Dale of Los Angeles, CA; his stepdaughter, Wendy Poenack of Williamsburg, VA; grandchildren, Monte Sanchez Jr., Heather and Tyler Thixton, and Buddy Kientz. Ozzie is also survived by his brothers, Marvin Dale of Phoenix, AZ, and Otto Dale of Denver, CO. Funeral services were held at Arlington National Cemetery Chapel on 27 September 2001 with a reception at the Ft. Myer Officer's Club.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association, 919 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, Attn: Research Fund Dept.

The Washington Post â&#x20AC;&#x201D;4 September 2001

blessed are the peace-maf<;ers: for they shalt be called the cMldren of god. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Matthe'w5:9 147

LAST C A L L \ # EMMETT KEY FERRYMAN JR. '45

Emmett K. Ferryman Jr. of Crystal River, FL, died on Thursday, 5 April 2001, in Seven Rivers Hospital in Crystal River at the age of 79. He was the husband of June Fowler Ferryman.

A native of Florida, Emmett attended Emory University prior to entering the Naval Academy in 1941. He graduated from the Academy on 6 June 1944 as a member ofthe Class of 1945, 3rd Company, and was assigned to TWINING ( D D -

540) in the South Pacific. While attached to TWINING, he went ashore in Tokyo Bay area as part of the initial occupation force at the end of Worid War II. Emmett left the Navy in late 1946, and in 1947 joined Bethlehem Steel Corporation where he was an administrative manager in the sales department, until his retirement in 1979.

He was president of the Bethlehem Jaycees, former president of the Rosemont Parent Teacher Association and a board member of Allentown Hospital. He was a member of the Beaver Run Hunting and Fishing Club and the Saucon Valley Country Club. He was also active in Republican politics in Bethlehem.

In Crystal River he continued his civic activities. He was a member of the Friends of the Library, the Audubon Club, the Crystal River Rod and Gun Club, and the local Power Squadron.

He is survived by his wife, June, whom he married on 28 June 1946. He was predeceased by a son, Robert, and a daughter, Janet.

Memorial services were held at the First Presbyterian Church in Crystal River, where he had been an elder. excerpts from The Morning Call (Allentown) —7 April 2001

GEORGE MORGAN SHELDON '47

Lieutenant Commander George M. Sheldon, CHC, USNR (Ret.), died of cancer at his home in Lacey, WA, on 25 September 2001.

George was bom in 1925 to Loren and Viola (Kramp) Sheldon, in Pasadena, C A . He attended schools in Olympia, WA, and graduated from Olympia High in 1943, then received a Congressional appointment from that state, and entered the Academy with the Class of 1947. He was a member of the fencing and water polo squads, and graduated with the Class in 1946, a member of the 19th Company.

After two tours in the Pacific destroyer fleet, he was accepted for flight training. He received his orders to Pensacola while on his honeymoon, after having married the former Joan Redden at Moffatt Field, CA, in June 1948. In August 1950, he deployed to Korea with VA-115 in PHILIPPINE SEA

148

(CV-47). He flew 71 missions in AD-4s, earning a Distinguished Flying Cross and five Air Medals.

He retumed to serve at NOTS, China Lake, and was ordered to Monterey in 1952, graduating from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1955. After serving at Moffatt Field with VR-3, he left the service in 1959 and entered Church Divinity School of the Pacific at Berkley, CA, to prepare himself for priesthood in the Episcopal Church.

George was ordained a deacon at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco by the Right Reverend James Pike, and ordained to the priesthood in 1963. In 1964 he retumed to the Navy—now commissioned in the Chaplain Corps—and attached to the SeaBees. He deployed with Construction Battalion Five in April 1965, completing three tours in Vietnam, including the amphibious landing at Chu Lai. He returned to the States for assignment in 1968 at NAS Jacksonville, and in 1971 retired from the Naval service.

Retuming to his home area, in and around Olympia, WA, George and Joan built a home on his family's property and he worked as a systems programmer for the State of Washington, simultaneously serving as a mission priest and serving several churches in the vicinity. From 1982 to 1984 he and Joan were missionaries in Quito, Ecuador, helping create an Episcopal seminary for the diocese of Quito, and where George exulted that he finally got to use the Spanish he "starred" in at USNA. Upon their retum, he served Epiphany Church at Chehalis from 1990 until 1992, and subsequentiy supplied many churches in Southwest Washington, most recenfly St. Germaine's in Hoodsport.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joan; his daughter, Jennifer; and son, David, both of Olympia, WA; his brother, L. Edward Sheldon of San Jose, CA; and his surrogate daughter, Jie Li and her children.

His ashes were inumed in the Columbarium of St. Benedict's Episcopal Church at Lacey, WA, on 6 October 2001.

Memorial gifts may be made to St. Benedict's Episcopal Church, Lacey, WA 98509.

Joan Sheldon

Only a peace Between equals can last. Only a peace the very principal of which is equality and a common participation in a common Benefit.

—Woodrow Wilson (1917)

WILLIAM DWIGHT CHANDLER III

'48

Commander William D. Chandler III, USNR (Ret.), a native Washingtonian who was a telecommunications engineer, died on 30 September 2001 at his home in McLean, VA, after a heart attack.

Commander Chandler was a graduate of St. Alban's School and a 1948 graduate ofthe U.S. Naval Academy, where he lettered in wrestling.

He became a naval aviator and served on aircraft carriers during the Korean War. He retired from active duty in 1955 and from the Reserve in 1985.

In his early civilian career, he worked in the Washington area as a radar and avionics engineer for Martin Marietta and Lockheed. From 1968 to 1986, he lived in Waterloo, Belgium, while working as a microwave switching program manager for Intemational Telephone and Telegraph.

He then spent about a year in Mexico City, helping plan and install a national telephone system, before setthng in McLean, VA, in 1986 as a govemment contracting consultant.

He was a member of the Washington Assembly and an avid bridge player.

He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Barbara Ann Chandler, in 2000. Survivors include four children, Lynn C. Harrison of Rockville, M D , Christopher Chandler of Kirkland, WA, A. Scott Chandler of Placitas, NM, and A. Kathleen Chandler of Hemdon, VA; three sisters. Amy C. Krulak of San Diego, CA, Betty Hester of Harrison, AR, and Dorothy Reigart of Charleston, SC; a brother, Charles Chandler of Fort Belvoir, VA; and five grandchildren.

The Washington Post—7 October 200!

WALTER JOHN KRAUS '49

Captain Walter J, Kraus, USN (Ret.), died on 5 October 2001 at Chariotte Hall Veterans Home in Charlotte Hall, MD, after a long batde with cancer. He was 77 years old.

Walt, the only child of John K. and Anastasia Kraus, was bom in Minneapolis, MN. He attended lower schools in Amery, WI, and was president of his high school senior class.

Walt enlisted in the Navy in 1942, attended an accelerated officer candidate program at the University of North Carolina and served in the Pacific during World War II. In 1945, he was one of 16 ensigns to enter the United States Naval Academy with the Class of 1949.

Shipmate. December 2001

LAST C A L O His first tour of duty after Naval Academy graduation was aboard FORT MARION (LSD-22) which participated in amphibious operations in Pusan, Hungnam and Wonson, Korea.

Upon completion of Submarine School in New London, CT, Walt served onboard the submarines DACE and SEA LEOPARD. He dien attended the

.

i ;

* i' -5 i'^ i. :.

I «

Command Communications Curriculum at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. After graduation, he joined the Staff of Commander Submarine Squadron Ten. Walt was executive officer of the submarine TUSK and commanding officer ofthe submarine CAVALLA (SS-244), which participated in the Cuban blockade. After tours with Commander Anti-Submarine Warfare Force Atlantic and Commander in Chiefi U.S. Atiantic fleet, he reported aboard the Polaris submarine tender CANOPUS, deployed in Rota, Spain, as executive officer.

Following a tour with the Chief of Naval Operations and prior to reporting as Commanding Officer, U . S . Naval C o m m unications Station, Iceland, Walt became the senior submarine inspector on the U.S. Naval Board of Inspection and Survey, Washington, DC. During this tour, the board of inspection and survey was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation by the Secretary of the Navy for its contribution to fleet readiness during wartime operations. In this position, he worked directly for Rear Admiral John "PT" Buckeley. Walt was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding performance increasing readiness of submarines. His decorations also included the Korean Service Medal with three battle stars.

He received his m a s t e r ' s degree in engineering administration fi'om The George Washington University. After his Navy retirement in 1977, he helped organize engineering m a n a g e m e n t m a s t e r ' s degree program for Catholic University of America. He directed the program for 17 years before his second retirement. He was an avid participant in racquet sports for most of his life.

He was interred with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery on 22 October 2001.

He is survived by his wife, Alice; son, John (and daughter-in-law, Anna) Kraus; daughters, Jeanne and Carol (and son-in-law, Cliff); and three grandchildren, Nathan and Scott Hamal, and Allison Kraus.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Hospice of St. M a r y ' s , P.O. Box 6 2 5 , Leonardtown, MD 20650.

John F. Kraus

ROBERT LEE ADAMS J R . '51

Captain Robert L. Adams Jr., USN (Ret.), died on 20 September 2001 at home in Longwood, FL. Captain Adams was born on 8 October 1928 in Long Beach, CA, the first child of Captain RobertL.AdamsSr.'25 and his wife, Mary. As the son of an active naval officer. Bob was eligible for and received a presidential appointment to the Naval Academy.

He graduated with the Class of 1951 and was immediately assigned to MCCARD (DD-822), first as deck officer and later as weapons officer From there, he took command in 1954 of EUNICE ( P C E 846) in New Orleans, LA. Following this, he was billeted to the Naval Academy, where he served for two years as 9th Company Officer. His next tour of duty was as executive officer aboard LANSING (DER-388) in Pearl Harbor.

In June 1960, he reported to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, where he completed a degree in steam engineering. He was then sent back to Hawaii as commanding officer of GRAPPLE ( A R S - 7 ) . From Pearl, he spent a tour at the Pentagon (OP-03T), before reporting for training at the Armed Forces Staff College in Newport, RI. In 1967, he retumed to sea duty as the chief engineer of PRINCETON ( L P H - 5 ) and later held two back-to-back commands including ULHMAN (DD-687) in San Diego, CA, and MEREDITH (DD-890) in Mayport, FL. Bob next served with the SeaBees at the Pentagon. Following his promotion to captain, he reported to the commander ofthe Second Fleet as assistant chief of staff for operations. His final tour of duty was with the Naval Sea Systems Command, from which he retired in 1977. Bob then proceeded to work for Automatic Data Processing in Orlando until 1990.

Since fully retiring, he had actively participated in the Orlando Chapter ofthe USNA Alumni Association, serving as its president, as well as functioning as commander ofthe Orlando Coast Guard Auxiliary Rotilla, and as an active' member ofthe U.S. Power Squadron.

Captain Adams' military decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, the Navy Occupational Medal, the Navy Meritorious Unit Citation, and service ribbons from Vietnam. He was also awarded the Coast Guard Commendation Medal for service during space shutfle launches #1-13.

Captain Adams is survived by his wife, Bonnie Jean; daughter. Dr. Sherry Adams; six stepchildren, Linda Gemsch, Lori Aasheim, Lisa Chuzas, Robert Aasheim, Captain Larry Aasheim (Merchant Marines), and Ronald Aasheim; nine grandchildren, David, Meredith, Jessica, Jocelyn,

;; Ihe condition upon which Qod J; hathgiven liberty to manis eternal • vigilance. —John Thilpot Curran Shipmate, December 2001

Kristopher, Amanda, Carolyn, Ryan, and Sarah; and one sister, Mary Alice Betts.

The family requests that memorials be sent to the Saint Stephen Lutheran Church, 2140 W State Road 434, Longwood, FL 32779.

The Adams Family

THOMAS RICHARD GRONLUND

'52

Thomas R. Gronlund passed away on Thursday, 7 June 2001, after a brief battie with pancreatic cancer. He was 71 years old.

Tom was bom on 15 January 1930, in Iron M o u n t a i n , M I . He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1952 and entered flight training at Pensacola, FL. He received his wings in the spring of 1954, and was subsequently stationed in Jacksonville, FL, Patuxent, MD, and Great Lakes Naval Station in Illinois. He resigned from the Navy in 1958.

After earning a master's degree in business administration from Northwestem University in 1959, Tom joined Texas Instruments in Dallas, TX. He continued his career in finance at E.F. Hutton in New York City, and Carborandum in Buffalo, NY. In 1976, the family moved to McLean, VA, where he served as administrator for Grant Thornton accounting firm; he retired in 1992.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mimi Clark Gronlund; five daughters, Gail Gronlund of Arlington, VA; Laurie Mortenson of Greenbelt, MD; Mary Gronlund of Vienna, VA; Julie Gronlund of Charlottesville, VA; and Susan Baker of Burke, VA; six grandchildren; and a sister, Lorrice Adolphson, of West Palm Beach, FL. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, 13 June 2001 in Falls Church, VA. Donations may be made to the National Pancreas Foundation, P.O. Box 935, Wexford, PA 15090-0935.

Let every nation ((now, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shallpay any price.

Bear any Burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liBerty.

—John 7. %ennedy (1961)

149

LAST CALL JOHN DAVID YAMNICKY '52

Captain John D. Yamnicky, USN (Ret.), was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 77, which crashed into the Pentagon on 11 September 2001, ending his hfe.

Bom in Barren Run, PA, in 1930, John attended McKeesport Pennsylvania High School, a footbaU power-house where John was a stand-out on a team which won the state championship and then played in the Scholastic Orange Bowl on Christmas Day 1947.

He also played basketball and set records as a member of the championship 880 yard relay team.

John was a scholar athlete with an outstanding academic record, sought after by numerous schools. He was a key member of the team that defeated Army 14-2 in the 1950 classic.

John was a jewel in the Navy and Naval Academy crown, a warrior who fought in Korea and flew three combat tours in Vietnam. After the Gulf of Tonkin incident, John flew some of the first strikes into North Vietnam. Then following a year at the Senior War College in Rhode Island, during which he also earned a master's degree in intemational affairs, John returned to squadron 172 as XO, later as commanding officer.

Shortly after graduation, John was an assault wave commander carrying Marines ashore in Korea and then began a career in naval aviation, which resulted in more than 900 carrier landings.

Only those who have landed a high performance jet aircraft aboard a pitching, rolling aircraft carrier deck, operating in thunderstorm seas at night, can tmly appreciate that achievement.

John was a test pilot's test pilot. A graduate of the Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, John was later director of the school. In recognition of his splendid work there, he was elected to be a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.

Retiring in 1979 John became a consultant to the Test Center at Patuxent River. On 11 September 2001, John was en route to China Lake to work on a missile program.

His salient characteristics were his humility and lack of self. He turned down a major command so that he could be a father during the development stage of his four children, John David, Lorraine, Mark, and Jennifer, and to help his wife, Jann, after so many years of combat and non-combat sea duty.

A devout Roman Catholic, John rose to the highest degree of The Knights of Columbus Order. He was also involved in too many civic and other activities to list here.

Mark Twain wrote that one should live so that when one dies, even the undertaker would be sorry.

150

There were 1,200 people at John's memorial service—some standing on the sidewalk.

John Yamnicky's life was a gift to the Navy and the nation. The sage who asked "where do we get such men?" was surely thinking of John Yamnicky—one of the very best.

Jack Sheehan '52 & The Yamnicky Family

W I L S O N FALOR FLAGG

'61

R A D M Wilson F. " B u d " Flagg, USNR (Ret.), and his wife, Darlene "Dee" Flagg, ^.^•iiki tW^ tragically died when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon on 11 September 2001. They were on their way to a family gathering in California. Memorial services were held in Winchester, VA, and at the Naval Academy Chapel. They were buried in the Naval Academy Cemetery with full military honors and a missing-man fly over.

Bud and Dee who were high school sweethearts and were both bom in Califomia in October 1938. When Dee graduated from the University of Califomia in I960, she moved to Annapolis and taught school. They were married in 1961.

Bud was very successful in three careers. In 1962 he eamed his wings and reported to Fighter Squadron 162 at Miramar. He made three deployments to Southeast Asia flying the F-8 Cmsader. He left active duty in 1967 to pursue an airline career with American Airlines. While undergoing training in Dallas, TX, for American, he was asked to join the Reserve F-8 squadron in Dallas. He commanded two reserve squadrons VFP 206 and VFP 6366. He flew F-8s on active duty and in the Reserve for 18 years, becoming the high time crusader pilot with over 3,200 hours. As a captain. Bud was given the opportunity to work for the Under Secretary of the Navy for Reserve Affairs. This gave him a great sense of accomplishment. In 1986, he was selected for flag rank and pinned on his first star in 1987. At the same time he upgraded to captain for American Airlines. As a flag officer, he served as Deputy AirLant and in OpNav as OP 05BR. He retired from the Naval Reserve as a rear admiral in 1995.

Bud's decorations included the Distinguished Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V. His second career ended when he retired from American Airiines in 1998 as a senior captain flying the Boeing 767 intemationally. His third career was as a Virginia farmer raising Angus beef cattle in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

He and Dee owned and operated the Daybreak Farm in Millwood, VA, where they established and operated the farm while enjoying the company of friends from around the world as gracious and generous hosts. They were members ofthe Blue Ridge Hunt Club and active members of the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Winchester, VA. Bud and Dee enjoyed every aspect of life and were loved by everyone. They made friends and spread joy wherever they went. With their generous spirit, they never missed a chance to do something kind for others. They are survived by two sons. Marc and Michael; and four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Mitchell, Michael and Natalie.

LAWRENCE P A U L B E N S O N

'64

CDR Lawrence R "Larry" Benson, USNR (Ret.), passed away peacefully at his home in Toledo, OH, on 19 September 2001 after a nine-month bout with multiple myeloma. A memorial service was held in Toledo on 22 September and his ashes were placed in a cemetery near his family home in Lowry, MN, on 29 September.

Larry was bom in Duluth, MN, on 25 January 1942 and graduated from high school in Crystal Lake, IL. He entered the Academy in July of 1960, joining the 18th Company and later moving to the 14th Company. He participated in all aspects of Academy life and was a member of the Glee Club, chapel choir, cheerleading squad, and ocean sailing squadron. He, along with three other members of the Class of '64 formed the Anchormen, a folk group that appeared on ABC's "Hootenanny 1963" and were the only collegiate group to be so honored.

Following graduation, Larry served first on BLANDY (DD-943). Next, Larry saw combat in Vietnam as a swift boat commander and as chief staff officer of DCS-63. From there, he served on SELLERS (DDG-11) and finally as director of the Navy's enlisted engineering and leadership schools in Great Lakes. During his reserve service, he was staff engineer for the "Combeh Fleet" in the Great Lakes, chief staff officer for a group of Norwegian NASXY-class PT boats, and served for 16 years as a special consultant to the surgeon general. Larry retired after 28 total years of service in November 1988 with several combat and service awards.

Larry was nationally recognized in the healthcare industry as an executive, educator, and consultant. His 29 years in healthcare management were preceded by a MBA from the University of Chicago and a master of healthcare

Shipmate. December 2001

LAST CALL administration from Duke University. Larry's experience in healthcare and related industries as an entrepreneurial manager and consultant encompassed physician groups, hospitals, and managed care.

Larry will be remembered for his integrity, generosity, and compassion. Rarely, if ever, did he have an unkind thing to say about anyone, regardless of the situation. Throughout his lifetime, his kindness and consideration touched his family and all those around him. A lover of the outdoors, Larry especially enjoyed the time he spent with family and Classmates skiing and sailing in the Caribbean.

Larry is survived by his wife, Joyce Meadowcroft; mother, Margorie (Ken) Jensen of Minnesota; children, Melisa (Ron) Watson of Michigan, Ann (Mike) Cormier of Michigan, Eric (Frencesca) Benson of Minnesota, Rachelle Meo of Michigan, and Sara Benson of Illinois; sister, Louise (Douglas) L e a t h e r d a l e of Minnesota; grandchildren. Maxwell Cormier, Madeline Cormier, and Isabel Benson; and sisters-in-law, Diane Twaddell and PhyUis Isaacs, both of Texas.

Tom Elsasser '64

JAMES T H O M A S D U N N

'68

James T. " J i m " Dunn, of Sunset Beach, NC, died on 10 September 2 0 0 1 . He was 54 years old.

He was born in Nassawadox, VA, the son of Thomas and Jean Miller Dunn, formerly of Chatham Center, NY. He was a 1968 graduate ofthe U.S. Naval Academy. After flight training as a helicopter pilot in Pensacola, FL, he served six years as a lieutenant at several Navy bases, including Iceland.

Mr. Dunn was co-founder and partner in Advertising Images & Embroidery, Inc. of Richmond, VA, since June 1985.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Dunn; two sons, Andrew Dunn of New Jersey and Michael Dunn of Colorado; three sisters, Ellen Roberts of Florida, Susan NcNamee and Barbara Otty, both of New York.

A funeral mass was held on Friday, 14 September 2001, at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Shallotte, NC. Donations in his memory may be made to the Christian Children's Fund in Richmond, VA, and the American Heart Association.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch —23 September 2001

Thereneverwasaaooawaror a Badpeace. —(Benjamin Jranfqn Shipmate, December 2001

JOE ALLEN SLATTERY

'68

Joe A. Slattery passed away on 6 September 2001, after suffering a massive stroke on Labor Day at his home in Littiestown, PA. Joe, or "Slats" as many knew him at the Academy, was a member of the 34th Company. As a First Classman, he was one of two Midshipmen to be elected to lead two extracuiricular activities at the same time—serving as captain of the cheerleaders and producer of the Masqueraders drama club. Both activities prospered under his active leadership, and Joe continued to inspire top performance in all of the organizations in the Navy and private life that benefited from his involvement.

Joe met his wife, Linda, in 1968 while he was attending flight school in Florida and they were manied the following year in a military wedding at the "Chapel of the Air" at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL. Joe transitioned to the public affairs specialty in 1976 when he was flying with a fleet logistics COD (carrier on-board delivery) squadron in Norfolk, VA. Perhaps one of his most memorable Navy assignments was duty as the public affairs officer for Naval District Washington, DC, during the nation's bicentennial celebration. The visitor's center he created for that event is still in use by the Navy today in our nation's capital.

Following a final public affairs tour at the Pacific Missile Test Center at Point Magu, CA, Joe elected to take his considerable writing, promotional, and public-speaking talents to the public sector. He worked in the insurance industry in Arizona until 1990, but then transitioned to public relations work for the state of Arizona. This led to another career move to work for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid services of Baltimore, MD. He was a public affairs specialist at that agency at the time of his death.

Joe was in high demand as a popular public speaker, and his sudden loss sparked an outpouring of condolences to Linda and her family from across the country. Classmate Mick Taylor delivered Joe's eulogy at the funeral service at the Bethel Assembly of God Church in Littiestown. He was buried with fuU military honors at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, AZ. In addition to his wife, Joe's loves and passions live on in the four surviving sons in whom he took such pride. Allen, the eldest, continues the tradition of Joe's naval service as a petty officer assigned to the SpRUANCE-class destroyer DEYO (DD-989). Alex picked up Joe's love of baseball and is now a professional baseball scout for the Chicago White Sox. In his family, Joe was known as the answer-man and

Sean hopes to carry on that reputation as he pursues a career in law. The youngest, Ryan, is now emulating J o e ' s theatrical bent as a burgeoning actor having several television and commercial roles to his credit. Joe and Linda lost their eldest son, Michael Taylor Slattery, at age 12.

Gordon I. Peterson '68 & William "Mick" Taylor '68

CHARLES FRANK BURLINGAME III

'71

Captain Charles F. "Chic" Burlingame III, U S N R R (Ret.), was killed on 11 September 2001, by Islamic terrorists, shortly before American Airlines Flight 77, of which he was captain, crashed into the Pentagon.

Chic always will be remembered for his endearing smile. An aviation enthusiast from the age of six, when he built his own model airplane as big as he was out of scrap material, he fulfilled his dream of an appointment to the Naval Academy in 1967 upon graduation from Anaheim High School.

He successfully avoided "Lady Madonna" and the upperclassmen while excelling during Plebe Year. Nicknamed "Gramps" for his choice of slippers, he took it all in good fun. One Classmate recalls the time Chic set 14 alarm clocks to go off at various times of the night to retaliate for a previous incident.

His roommate, George Flinn, remembers how Chic could spend most of the week in preparing his wardrobe for the weekend and still manage his Aero load. He also was an active member of the Drum and Bugle Corps where he became friends with Frank Culbertson (commander of the Intemational Space Station). Frank was in space at the time of Chic's death and sent a tape with Frank blowing taps for Chic as a tribute to his family.

Chic became an aviator and flew F-4 Phantoms on SARATOGA. He left the regular Navy to pursue a flying career at American Airlines.

He continued to drill with the Reserves and was recalled to acfive duty during the Gulf War. He retired as a captain after 25 years of service.

Much more than words can describe. Chic was a Classmate. He was known to have wired a Classmate's house while the guy played golf; when the golfer finished. Chic was ready to give him an inspecfion tour of his handiwork. That is a Classmate. He drove ten hours in his Corvette to attend Classmate Ross Burkhead's wedding in a mral town in Pennsylvania. He still is fondly remembered by the entire wedding party. That is a Classmate. He would not take no for an answer when a Classmate needed temporary

151

f€ LAST CALL lodging for his family including three small children. The lodging he was offering was a bachelor pad with white carpets and white fumiture. That is a Classmate.

Above all Chic will be remembered for his caring and his unbelievable smile that never let you feel down. He helped in ways that will make him unforgettable to all of us lucky enough to have known him.

Chic is survived by his wife, Sheri; daughter, Wendy; grandson. Jack; stepsons, John and Chad Harris; brothers, Mark and Brad; and his sister, Debra.

Mike Marks '71

CHRISTOPHER JAY HENKEL '83

Christopher J. Henkel died in Washington, DC, on 12 September 2001 of heart failure after complications from surgery.

Born on 20 March 1961 in Michigan, Chris graduated from Charlevoix High School in 1979, and from the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1983.

He served as a lieutenant on the nuclear submarine KAMEHAMEHA and since leaving the Navy, had been a systems engineer.

"Splash" will be remembered for caring for others, for his love of sailing, and his ever-present dry wit.

He is survived by his children, Rudy II and Leilani; his parents, Helen and Rudy Henkel of Charlevoix, MI; and his sisters, Pam Taunt, Mary Henkel, Cheryl Lawton, Kathryn Krug, and Deborah Halasz.

PATRICK D U N N ' 8 5

Commander Patrick Dunn, USN, died on 11 September 2001, while proudly serving in the Navy Command Center at the Pentagon. He was 39 years old.

A 1985 graduate of the Naval Academy, Pat proudly served operationally on INCHON, ELMER MONTGOMERY, and THEODORE ROOSEVELT as well

as on Commander Carrier Group Eight and culminating by serving as executive officer aboard LASALLE (flagship of the U.S. Sixth Fleet). He and his wife recently moved back to the Washington, DC, area to serve his second tour on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations in the Pentagon.

Patrick will always be remembered for his great stories, his sense of humor, and his love for his family, his country and the United States

152

Navy. He will live in the hearts of many loving friends, shipmates, family and especially his unbom child.

He was the beloved husband of Stephanie R. Dunn of Springfield, VA, formerly of Mt. Lebanon, PA; dear son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Dunn of Fords, NJ; devoted brother of John F. Dunn, of Kailua, HI, James A. Dunn of Toms River, NJ, Elizabeth Dunn Hinkle, of Buckhannon, WV, and Mary Dunn Matt of Chatham, NJ; and son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. James P. Ross of New Bern, NC. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

A memorial service to celebrate Commander Patrick Dunn's life was held at the U.S. Naval Academy on 26 September 2001. A Catholic burial mass was held at the Ft. Myer Chapel on Thursday, 27 September, followed by interment with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, Class of ' 8 5 , in memory of Pat Dunn, U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, 291 Wood Road, Beach Hall, AnnapoHs, MD 21402-5001.

DAVID ANDREW HEMELA J R . '87

David A. Hemela Jr. passed away on 24 August 2001. He was 36 years old.

Born on 9 August 1965 in Detroit, MI, Dave spent many years of his youth in Indiana before moving to Florida with his family in 1980. He came to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1983 as a product of Oviedo High School (outside Orlando). Dave was a Plebe in 20th Company, and then became a member of 18th Company. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical science and received his naval commission on 20 May 1987. After a short stint of temporary duty at NAS Jacksonville, he started flight training in Pensacola, FL. In early 1989, Dave was assigned to the Fleet Training Center in Norfolk, VA. As a division officer and department head, he performed various duties such as budget management, fund-raising, and quality control.

In 1992 Dave resigned from acfive duty, moved to Lake Worth, FL, and embarked on a civilian career in science and governmentaffiliated environmental agencies. He worked for McGinnes Laboratories from 1992 to 1994, serving as a field technician and environmental analyst. Then, from 1994 until his recent passing, he was employed by the South Florida Water Management Disttict (SFWMD). There, Dave worked in the Water Quality Division, serving

as a scientific technician, senior scientific associate and specialist associate. At SFWMD, he received numerous accolades, certifications, and promotions. In addition to full-time employment, Dave enrolled in Florida Atiantic University's Environmental M.B.A. program in 1999. His remarkable campaign at SFWMD— as was his service both within and beyond the Navy—was characterized by the very qualities that USNA and other influences ingrain in their people: loyalty, dedication, and passion.

In November 1998, Dave married Michelle George in Key Largo, FL. In January 2000, the couple gave birth to a beautiful daughter, Juliana.

Dave was a consummate family man; his steadfast love for and devotion to Michelle and Juliana were unparalleled.

In May 2000, Dave was diagnosed with brain cancer. Ever the warrior, Dave showed a determined spirit and unwavering positive attitude in his battie. The courage and conviction demonstrated by Dave and Michelle will forever serve as inspiration to those of us who knew and loved him.

He is immediately survived by his wife, Michelle Hemela; daughter, Juliana Hemela; parents, Carol and Dave Hemela Sr.; and sister, Gigi Raulerson. Additionally, many relatives, friends, and associates share in mouming Dave's loss.

A fine man. A devoted Christian. A solid, upstanding citizen who sought the most from life, yet gave his all to those that he knew and loved.

Your love of God, family, America, and the ocean waters perseveres well beyond the short time you were here on Earth. Fair seas, Dave. We know your Spirit is at peace.

Dennis McGee '87

RONALD JAMES VAUK *87

L i e u t e n a n t Commander Ronald J. Vauk, USNR, a supervisor at the J o h n s Hopkins U n i v e r s i t y Applied Physics Laboratory, was killed on 11 September 2001, in the attack on the Pentagon.

He was a resident of Mount Airy, MD. Ron was bom on 25 January 1964 in Nampa, ID, the youngest ofthe nine children of Dorothy and Hubert "Cubby" Vauk. The love of Ron's life is his devoted wife Jennifer (nee Mooney), whom he met and later married at the Academy on 29 August 1987. Ron and Jennifer have a 4-year-old son, Liam, and their second child is expected in November.

Ron graduated from the Naval Academy with a bachelor's degree in political science with the Class of 1987. While on active duty, he served on the submarines GLENARD P. LIPSCOMB and

Shipmate, December 2001

LAST CALL\ * as well as shore duties on the staff of ComSubLant. While in the Naval Reserve, he served on tire SubLant Battle Group 306 Staffi the ComSubGru Ten Force Protection Unit 1, and the Navy Command Center Detachment 106. In recognition of his outstanding service, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal (two awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal (three awards).

Ron joined the Applied Physics Laboratory in 1997 after several years at Delex Systems, Inc. and RS Information Systems. He served as an assistant group supervisor in the submarine department and was a vital contributor to numerous new business efforts, being uniquely able to combine strong technical, interpersonal, and marketing skills.

First and foremost a devoted husband and father, Ron also enjoyed golf, woodworking, and home remodeling. Just before his tour of duty at the Pentagon, he had spent time with family and friends at the beach in Ocean City, MD, and, as he did every year, returned with his family to Idaho to vacation in his hometown.

In addition to his parents, wife, and children, Ron is survived by his siblings, Charles Vauk, of Boise ID, Teri and Bill Masterson, of Carson City, NV, Celia and Ken Shikuma, of Huntington Beach, CA; David and Suzie Vauk, and Lynne and Alan Caba, all of Nampa, ID, Gary and Julie Vauk, of Grapevine, TX, Patricia Vauk and Paul Wilson, of Minneapolis, MN, Dennis and Donna Vauk, of Houston, TX; his parentsin-law, Pat and Carol Mooney, of Catonsville, MD; his sister- and brother-in-law Alissa and Chris DeBoy, Mount Airy, MD; and 19 nieces and nephews.

Ron was interred at Arlington National Cemetery on 29 September 2001. For those desiring, donations may be made to the Ronald James Vauk Memorial Fund, c/o 1st Mariner Bank, 1801 South Clinton Street, Baltimore, MD 21224.

Chris DeBoy

OKLAHOMA CITY,

JACOB J. WIEBE '93

Captain Jacob J. Wiebe, USMC, was born on 19 June 1969 in Jacksonville, FL, and died on 22 August 2001 when the F/A-18 he was piloting crashed near Yuma, AZ. Memorial services were held in Jacksonville, FL, Fayetteville, AR, and at MCAS Beaufort, SC, where Jake was stationed with VMFA-115; the "Silver Eagles." A graveside service was held in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

After spending a year at the University of Arkansas, Jake joined the Naval Academy and the warriors of 4th Company, where he quickly established himself as a leader and friend to all.

His easy-going demeanor and can-do attitude made him one of those people who everyone knew. Jake was in 36th Company his final two years at the Academy. He was commissioned a second lieutenant upon graduation, and was assigned to "A" Company (01-94) The Basic School. From there, he attended primary flight training in Pensacola and intermediate and advanced training in Meridian, MS. He received his wings of gold in 1997, after which he was assigned to NAS Cecil Field, FL, for fleet replacement training in the F/A-18 Homet. He served his final billet as the operations officer of VMFA-115, where he earned the Navy Commendation Medal for the stellar job he had done.

Jake is survived by his mother, Judy Barrett; father, Albert J. Wiebe; brother, Matthew Wiebe; grandmother, Marian Cassidy; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jake's cousin, Thomas, has established a Web site in his memory, and all of his Classmates and friends are invited to tell their "Jacob Stories" at www.jacobjwiebe.com.

The family requests that contributions be made in his memory to St. Jude's Children's Research Center, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Jake was a friend in the truest sense. He was our "security blanket," the one person who made the dangers of our profession easier to endure, as we knew he would take care of our families in the event of our passing. His life was rich with experiences, family, and friends, as evident by the numerous photo albums he painstakingly maintained, which chronicled his life and loves.

After his death, Jake's brother, Matthew, found the following quote hand-written and placed inside one of these albums: "We won't always know whose lives we touched and made better for our having cared, because actions can sometimes have unseen ramifications. What's important is that you do care and you act." This, above all else, is how Jake lived his life. He touched everyone he met and made a difference.

We could all hope to be so blessed. Semper fidelis, friend. We miss you here.

Brian Blalock '93

MICHAEL GAINES MCCARTHY JR. '94

Captain Michael G. McCarthy Jr., USMC, a native and long time resident of Mobile, AL, died in Dana Point, CA, on Saturday, I September 2001.

He had been a member of the 34th Company and graduated with the Naval Academy Class of 1994.

He is survived by his parents, Debra and Michael G. McCarthy Sr., brother, John Bright; sister, Jennifer McCarthy Bolton; maternal grandparents. Bill and Jeanie Dobbs; paternal grandparents, John and Betty McCarthy; stepbrothers, Robert House, Michael House, and Matthew House, all of Mobile, AL; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church on Monday, 10 September 2001 with interment in Mobile Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Toys for Tots.

To submit obituaries for publication in Shipmate, please submit no more than 400 words. If it is possible to submit the obituary in electronic format, whether via email or on disk, it would be greatly appreciated.

One photo for publication with the obituary may also be submitted. We ask that you do not send irreplaceable photos through the mail and encourage you to send them electronically, provided that it is at least 300 dpi.

Please mail to Shipmate, lAl King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402-5068, or email to obits@usna.com.

•!• >.[> •>!> •!* -iA • 1 ' •!• -I* ^ • J ' • 1 ' ^ •>!• • J ' st" *^ *J> 5J^ ^ ^ P|^ ^ > JJi <^ * ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ n * ' ^ 'T* ' T ' *T* *l* 'T' "i*

Obituaries for Shipmate must be submitted by the family or a Class representative. If a Classmate's obituary has not yet appeared, please contact the Class Secretary for information.

Shipmate, December 2001

153

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