Whidbey Crosswind, April 26, 2019

Whidbey Crosswind The Puget Sound Veterans’ Monthly | April 2019

Welcome back

Tavern holds event for Golden Swordsmen ❚ pg. 5 Whidbey Crosswind is a supplement to the Whidbey News-Times.

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Veterans become farmers in Boots to Roots Growing a new program at Greenbank Farm

By MARIA MATSON

mmatson@whidbeynewsgroup.com

Turning and sifting the rich, dark soil of Greenbank Farm in the palm of his hand, Mark Stewart gazes down at it in approval.

“There’s a lot of organic matter here,” he said. “It’s alive. People don’t believe that soil has life, but it does.”

The freshly tilled earth has proven fertile and ready to sprout new life, which is good news for Stewart and several other Whidbey Island residents who have recently teamed up to launch a new program that will pair veterans with farming.

The newly formed coalition, Boots to Roots, is now leasing five acres of land at the Greenbank Farm and will eventually become a fullfledged, free veteran education program, teaching former members of the military

to grow their own plants, properly care for agriculture and connect with each other.

Currently, Boots to Roots has four board members: there’s veteran Mark Stewart, veteran Kyle Flack of Bell’s Farm, farmowner and Whidbey Island Conservation District board member Anza Muenchow, and Whidbey Veterans Resource Center coordinator and veteran Dana Sawyers.

They plan to grow pumpkins, raspberries, sunflowers and more, Stewart said. As a nod to Greenbank Farm’s history, they may also put in some loganberries, he said.

The group began forming in the winter, with Stewart and the others coming together with a desire to utilize Greenbank’s untapped agricultural land and bring together veterans.

Greenbank Farm offered

Photo by Maria Matson

Mark Stewart’s tractor has come in handy for Boots to Roots. He’s tilled the soil twice so far and will do so one more time. the opportunity to make Boots to Roots a reality.

The program has taken

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and Flack said. So far, they’ve established connections with the Master Gardeners and WSU Extension programs.

The Master Gardeners donated $800 for the group to use toward purchasing tools, Flack said.

“We are just beginning and are trying to get our feet under us and get rolling,” Flack said.

Once they’re established, they want to offer free classes to veterans, weekend training sessions, internship-style seasonal training as well a fruitful farm, Flack said.

Photo by Maria Matson

Mark Stewart plants raspberry bushes, which were donated to Boots to Roots by the nearby Salty Acres Farm.

FARM

CONTINUED FROM A2 population to potentially grow the food of the future, Muenchow said.

“I think veterans are great because they care about security — national security — and food is a big part of that,” she said.

They get the outdoor (requirements) and timeliness of farming. Farming is not “whenever you feel like it,” Muenchow said.

The task-oriented work, the focus required and the driven-mentality of veterans all translate well to the

requirements of farming and gardening, Flack said.

“A lot of the veterans, when they get out of military, are ready to get their independence back,” Flack said. “I think agriculture is a really good way to do that.”

Not to mention, a program that brings together people of similar backgrounds will create a sense of community and teamwork, according to Sawyers.

“That’s something that veterans really miss once they separate from the military,” she said. “Frequently, people talk about how they miss their team.”

Sawyers envisions the program as being able to help

veterans earn employment skills and teach them practices that could help with running small businesses.

For now, the team members are working to establish their roots, develop workshops and get some crops growing. They’re also looking for volunteers and seeking people interested in becoming board members.

So far, they’ve hosted two work parties that successfully brought in a handful of interested volunteers.

They hope to hear from veterans interested in working on establishing and maintaining the farm, even if it’s only for a few hours a

week.

“It’s a farm. There’s always something to do,” Stewart said.

Some plans for the near future include a public Barn Dance fundraiser in September, Stewart said.

“We want to grow community, that’s what we want to do,” Stewart said. “It’s up

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• To learn about upcoming Boots to Roots events, to volunteer or find out more information, contact info@ bootstorootswhidbey.org or visit the website at www.bootstorootswhidbey.org or follow the Facebook page, Boots to Roots Whidbey Island.

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“There is something very rewarding about working with the earth, producing a product and seeing the benefits go to your friends and family,” Sawyers said.

Long term, they will eventually work on developing a curriculum and bring in experts whenever possible to educate veterans, Stewart

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Oak Harbor Tavern serves a homecoming to remember

By LAURA GUIDO

lguido@whidbeynewsgroup.com

M

ilitary homecomings are known for scenes of spouses and children running to greet sailors on the tarmac. But for some, things can be little more subdued.

Alison Dolbow’s parents and family live far away and her Oak Harbor home was empty when she arrived from her most recent deployment.

One Oak Harbor bartender at a favorite Navy spot had an idea for when Dolbow and fellow members of Patrol Squadron 47 came back to Whidbey after their first deployment using the new P-8A Poseidon.

Johnny Baidenmann of the Oak Harbor Tavern planned a welcome home party to celebrate the return of the Golden Swordsmen, most of whom are frequent patrons.

“They kind of pay our paychecks,” Baidenmann said.

He wanted to show his appreciation for the men and women he’s come to consider as part of his family — it helps that one of them is indeed related to him. Baidenmann said his brother Cody Baidenmann helped inspire him to do something special for VP-47.

He received full support from other staff and owner Kelly Beedle. On the first weekend the whole crew was home, the historic tavern served up free hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecued chicken and more. The pool tables were temporarily moved to make room for long banquetlike tables for the crew and other patrons to sit and eat together.

“It’s a great opportunity to get together with each other and the community,” said Tyler Willsey.

Chief Neva Patterson said it’s nice to know she and her squadron can feel welcome as they return to Oak Harbor.

It makes the transition easier, Scott Thomas agreed.

The crew wasn’t the only generation of Golden Swordsmen present either.

Oak Harbor resident Ron Hancock, who served from 1960 to 1966, stopped by the tavern as well. He had been a member of VP-47 when it transitioned from seaplanes to the land-based aircraft P-C Orion.

He appreciated the significance of being there with the current squadron after another transition.

“It’s really rewarding to see the baton passed on and the game improved,” he said.

“It makes me feel good about raising grandchildren.”

Photo by Laura Guido/Whidbey News-Times

Alison Dolbow, a current member of VP-47, talks to Ron Hancock, who served in the squadron in the 1960s. The Oak Harbor Tavern hosted a welcome home party for the squadron after it completed its first deployment with the P-8A Poseidon.

Dolbow said it was a successful first deployment with the Poseidon, and it went more smoothly than she had expected. The Golden Swordsmen began their transition upon their arrival at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island from Hawaii in February 2017.

The squadron had been

based out of NAS Whidbey from 1960 to 1965 when the crew flew sea planes.

After completing rigorous training, the crew was designated “safe for flight” in November 2017, according to a press release.

Although the recent deployment was successful,

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everyone present at the party agreed it was nice to be home.

Dolbow said being surrounded by people she likes, food and music is an ideal way

to come home.

“This is my welcome wagon,” she said. “It’s nice.

It makes you feel remembered.”

Last P-3C squadron leaves for final deployment

By VP-40 PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The last active duty P-3C Orion departed Naval Air Station Whidbey Island on March 29.

Patrol Squadron 40 is the last active duty P-3C squadron. On March 25, VP-40’s first P-3C Orion aircraft departed NAS Whidbey to mark the beginning of the last P-3C squadron to deploy

in support of US interests worldwide.

After finishing a 12-month inter-deployment readiness cycle at NAS Whidbey, they departed across different countries and continents within the US 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility.

VP-40 has been flying the P-3C aircraft since 1975 and

have taken the platform all over the world in support of multiple exercises and operations.

While VP-40 is the last active duty squadron to fly P-3s, there will still be P-3s on Whidbey Island. The Naval Reserve squadron, VP-69, is not scheduled to transition away from the P-3C during 2019, but VP-40 sundowns the P-3C with this final

deployment. VQ-1 will also continue to fly E-P3s for a few more years.

The P-3 platform was introduced by Lockheed Martin to the Navy in 1962.

It has been utilized for decades in anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, drug interdiction and information, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.

The P-3C has operated over all of the world’s oceans and in many of U.S conflicts.

“We could not be more proud of the effort given by the men and women of VP-40,” said Cmdr. Patrick O’Reilly, VP-40’s commanding officer.

“It’s had its challenges, but our sailors have succeeded in this fight with exceptional results.

“VP-40 has had many successes this IDRC, to include nearly perfect scores in the Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspection, the Chief of Naval Air Forces Aviation Maintenance Inspection and the Fleet NATOPS

Evaluation. They also dominated operationally by participating in exercises supporting the U.S.S. John C. Stennis COMPTUEX, U.S.S. Boxer ARG MEUEX, Air Wing Fallon, and manned the Homeland Defense detachment while simultaneously training and preparing for its upcoming deployment.

“Even when the aircraft fought against us, even when the tempo was high and the days were long, we continued to fight,” O’Reilly said.

“We intend to honor the platform’s final deployment by living the legacy of all those that have gone before us and continuing to fight to the finish.”

PBY Naval Air Museum holding dinner, auction The PBY Naval Air Museum and Memorial Foundation is holding its third annual Celebration of Flight Dinner and Auction at 5:30-10 p.m., Saturday May 18 at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge.

The cost is $75.

The event is PBY’s annual major fundraiser. Go to https:// pbymf.org/event/dinner-auction to reserve a ticket.

The museum’s mission is to collect, preserve and exhibit artifacts that promote understanding of the history of the PBY aircraft and all other aircraft flown from NAS Whidbey Island as well as the unique Navy-civilian community relationships on Whidbey Island.

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Marathon Man

Navy veteran Willy Mendoza completed 100th

By JIM WALLER

compete in his first marathon until 2002, after he turned 50.

For recreational runners, completing a marathon is often a bucket list item. Oak Harbor’s Willy Mendoza has checked off that box — 100 times.

He decided in 1981 to get into better shape after having “sore muscles for days” after competing in a squadron softball game; he also had a “desire to do well” in his semi-annual physical training tests.

jwaller@whidbeynewsgroup.com

Mendoza, wearing bib 100, ran his 100th 26.2-mile race at the Whidbey Island Marathon Sunday, April 14.

Fighting through injuries that hampered his training and ability to run at the local event, Mendoza took 113th in 4:47:52.

After growing up in the Philippines, Mendoza, 67, joined the Navy and moved to the United States at 19. In 1978, the Navy brought him to Oak Harbor, where he has lived except for a three-year tour aboard ship during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He retired from active duty in 1996 and has continued to work on base as a civilian.

Mendoza began running nearly 30 years ago but did not

When the building in which Mendoza works installed showers in 1987, he began running to and from work.

Since competing in his first marathon — Whidbey’s Wings of Gold Marathon in 2002 — Mendoza has run the distance in two countries and 10 states. Included are four trips to Massachusetts to take part in the United States’ most prestigious event, the Boston Marathon.

He was there during the infamous bombing in 2013, missing the explosion by 15 minutes. Mendoza also competed in Boston a year earlier when brutal heat — it reached the high 80s — took its toll.

“I almost had heat stroke,”

he said.

He qualified for the 2019 race but passed on the opportunity so he could run his 100th marathon at home. This year’s Boston race was the day after the Whidbey event.

In addition to running 100 marathons, he has tackled the Walt Disney Dopey Challenge the past five years. The event covers 48.6 miles in four days (5K Thursday, 10K Friday, half marathon Saturday and marathon Sunday).

About 10 years ago he started averaging about a marathon a month.

Mendoza ran the Whidbey Island Marathon despite health issues. “(I have) been having Achilles and knee problems and lately a pulled hamstring,” he said before the race. “I am committed…I will not be as fast but will do my best to finish.”

Mendoza is the patriarch of the family and the oldest of his siblings, and he petitioned

to bring them to the United States.

He also inspired many of them to take up running, according to daughter Georgette Mendoza Duggal.

Among them is daughter Mary Grace Mendoza Vu, who ran the Portland half marathon.

Some of the relatives, nieces April Mendoza and Ivy Mendoza Lim and Ivy’s husband Jimmy Lin, have completed marathons.

When Georgette went into labor with son Antony in 2010, her husband Vipin hustled Willy to the start of the Seattle Marathon then returned to Georgette’s side. Willy then completed the race in time to help greet Antony into the world.

A year later, Antony was at the finish line waiting for Willy, according to Georgette.

Now many joined Antony as they waited for Willy when he completed his 100th marathon earlier this month.

Submitted photo

Willy Mendoza, shown here running in the Seattle Marathon, will attempt to run his 100th marathon this Sunday.

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‘We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance’ Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.

The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves,

reciting prayers and singing hymns.

Tributes to the Civil War dead already had been held in various places. One of the first occurred in Columbus, Miss., April 25, 1866, when a group of women visited a cemetery to decorate the graves of Confederate soldiers who had fallen in battle at Shiloh.

Nearby were the graves of Union soldiers, neglected because they were the enemy.

Disturbed at the sight of the bare graves, the women placed some of their flowers on those graves, as well.

Today, cities in the North and the South claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1866. Both Macon and Columbus, Ga., claim the title, as well as Richmond, Va. The village of Boalsburg, Pa., claims it began there two years earlier.

A stone in a Carbondale, Ill., cemetery carries the statement that the first Decoration Day ceremony took place there on April 29, 1866. Carbondale was the wartime home of Gen. Logan. Approximately 25 places have been named in

connection with the origin of Memorial Day, many of them in the South where most of the war dead were buried.

In 1966, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y., the “birthplace” of Memorial Day. There, a ceremony on May 5, 1866, honored local veterans who had fought in the Civil War. Businesses closed and residents flew flags at half-staff.

Supporters of Waterloo’s claim say earlier observances in other places were either informal, not community-wide or one-time events.

By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day, and the Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities.

It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress,

though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some other federal holidays.

Many Southern states also have their own days for honoring the Confederate dead. Mississippi celebrates Confederate Memorial Day on the last Monday of April, Alabama on the fourth Monday of April, and Georgia on April 26. North and South Carolina observe it on May 10, Louisiana on June 3 and Tennessee calls that date Confederate Decoration Day. Texas celebrates Confederate Heroes Day January 19 and Virginia calls the last Monday in May Confederate Memorial Day. Gen. Logan’s order for his posts to decorate graves in 1868 “with the choicest flowers of springtime” urged: “We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten

as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”

The crowd attending the first Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery was approximately the same size as those that attend today’s observance, about 5,000 people. Then, as now, small American flags were placed on each grave — a tradition followed at many national cemeteries today. In recent years, the custom has grown in many families to decorate the graves of all departed loved ones.

The origins of special services to honor those who die in war can be found in antiquity.

The Athenian leader Pericles offered a tribute to the fallen heroes of the Peloponnesian War over 24 centuries ago that could be applied today to the 1.1 million Americans who have died in the nation’s wars: “Not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.”

To ensure the sacrifices of

America ’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance.

The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.

The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.” Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Guidelines for displaying the flag

Special Memorial Day observance planned at Maple Leaf Cemetery

Properly flying the flag can be complicated. Here are just some of the guidelines as presented by the federal government.

A committee made up of a wide range of service groups from Oak Harbor has been working hard to plan an expanded and special observance at the Maple Leaf Cemetery this year.

Traditional rules call for displaying the flag in public only from sunrise to sunset. However, the flag may be displayed at all times if it’s illuminated during darkness. The flag should not be subject to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag.

It should be displayed often, but especially on national and state holidays.

The flag should be displayed on or near the main building of public institutions, schools during school days, and polling places on election days. It should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

When carried in procession with other flags, the U.S. flag should be either on the marching right (the flag’s right) or to the front and center of the flag line. When displayed on a float in a parade, the flag should be hung from a staff or suspended so it falls free. It should not be draped over a vehicle.

When displayed with another flag

against a wall from crossed staffs, the U.S. flag should be on its own right and its staff should be in front of the other flag’s staff.

In a group of flags displayed from staffs, the U.S. flag should be at the center and the highest point.

When flags of states, cities or organizations are flown on the same staff, the U.S. flag must be at the top (except during church services conducted at sea

by Navy chaplains.)

Other rules for displaying the flag can be found at www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/flagdisplay.pdf.

The remembrance will be 10 a.m., Monday, May 27.

Capt. Matthew Arny, commanding officer of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, and Oak Harbor School Board member Peter Hunt are special guests of honor and will speak at the event.

Oak Harbor High School NJROTC will participate and the High School Chorus will perform as well. Honors to be presented with assistance from NAS Whidbey honor guard team and Navy Band Northwest.

The remembrance will be hosted by Island County Cemetery District No. 1 and sponsored by the Oak Harbor Lions and the Whitehead-Muzzall VFW Post 7392.

Come Worship With Us!

Whidbey Island CHURCH DIRECTORY To promote your religious services in the Whidbey Crosswind Crosswind, please call 360-675-6611.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH SERVICES

South Whidbey Community Church A place to begin… A place to belong!

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Sunday Morning Worship 10:00am Adult Sunday School 9:00am Deer Lagoon Grange 5142 S. Bayview Road, Langley Home Bible Studies available Darrell Wenzek, pastor

15910 HWY 525 Sunday Service Times 8:30 & 10:30 AM Nursery and Children’s Church available in both services 5373 Maxwelton Rd, Langley 360.221.1656 www.swagchurch.com

Home of Island Christian Academy

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360-341-2252 • Bayview Senior Service Center - Bayview Sunday Worship: 9:30am Sunday Bible Classes: 10:30am Call regarding Wednesday Bible Class

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www.concordiaoakharbor.org 590 N. Oak Harbor St 360-675-2548

Unity of Whidbey St. Hubert Catholic Church 804 Third Street, Langley 360-221-5383

Masses: Saturday 5:00pm Sunday 8:00am and 10:30am Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri. 8:15am Wednesday 10:30am Fr. Rick Spicer, pastor E-mail sthubert@whidbey.com www.sthubertchurch.org

5671 Crawford Rd, in Langley, just off Hwy 525 www.unityofwhidbey.org We welcome you to our Sunday Worship Celebration at 10AM. Potluck on the first Sunday of the month. While Unity is considered practical Christianity, we embrace many of the sacred teachings throughout the world. Join us for supportive and inclusive spiritual community.

CALVARY APOSTOLIC TABERNACLE

SOULS HARBOR

Saturday Worship 11am Bible Study 10am Find Respect, Honor, Friendship

A SAFE PLACE TO CALL HOME Sunday Morning................10am Sunday Evening.............6:30pm Wednesday...........................7pm

360-632-7243

Go to 31830 State Rt. 20

Pastor Greg Adkins

FIRST CHURCH I John 4:16

OF

Sunday Service Times: (Living Word Kids all services: Middle School Service: 3 months - 5th at Grade) Wednesday’s 6pm 8am 9:30am 11am (LivingGroup WordSunday Kids all Evenings: services: Youth 3 monthsSchool - 5th Grade) Middle 4pm YouthHigh Group Sunday6pm Evenings: School Middle School 4pm High School 6pm

Sunday Service: 10:30am Children, Youth, & Adults

1780 SE 4th St. (360) 675-3032

CHRIST, SCIENTIST

Sunday Service and Sunday School 10 a.m.

Wednesday Testimony Meeting 2:30 p.m.

Christian Science Reading Room

Tuesday and Friday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

721 SW 20th Ct at SW Scenic Heights St 360-675-0621. csrroh@comcast.net

Worship Services..........8 & 10:30 am Sunday School ........................9:15 am Nursery Available Sunday Evening Prayer 6:30 PM at St. Mary Catholic Church in Coupeville Jeffrey Spencer, Lead Pastor Pastor Marc Stroud, Associate Pastor

360-679-1561

oakharborlutheran.org

Langley United Methodist Church Sunday Service 9:30am

Nursery and Sunday School during service Adult Forum 11am Rev. Mary Boyd, Pastor

www.langleyumc.org

360-221-4233 3rd & Anthes lumc@whidbey.com

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oak harbor foursquare Oak Harbor

www.livingwordoakharbor.com 8am 9:30am 11am

NW 2nd Avenue & Heller Road Across the street from OHHS Stadium

Celebrating Our 57th Year

LIVING WORD oak harbor foursquare LIVING WORD 490 NW Crosby Ave 490 NW Crosby Ave 675.5008 Oak Harbor www.livingwordoakharbor.com Sunday675.5008 Service Times:

Lutheran Church

The First Baptist Church of South Whidbey island

(The Pentecostals of Island County)

Located on Goldie Road

Oak Harbor

Worship Hours: Worship Service: 10:00am Contemporary Service: 1:30pm Children’s Sunday School 10:30am Everyone is welcome. Come join us!

Youth Ministries-Choirs-Bible Studies Pastor David Parker ...................................................................... Pastor Erin Tombaugh....... ....................................... Young People’s Ministries Christina Queeno ................................................ Music & Worship Arts

360-675-2441 • 1050 SE Ireland St, OH • oakharborfumc.org Like us on Facebook @OakHarborFUMC @OHFUMCyouth

2277 Newman Road, Langley Sunday School 10:00am Morning Worship Service 11:00am Evening Service 6:00pm Wed. Evening Bible Study & Prayer 6:00pm

360-321-4457

Coupeville United Methodist Church 10:00 Sunday School 11:00 Worship Service Free child care available

Pastor Jin Ming Ma 608 N. Main St. • 360-678-4256

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Andy Bronson, Herald file

Naval Station Everett’s commanding officer, Capt. Mike Davis, gave his first State of the Station speech in April.

Navy growth could mean expansion at Everett base

Currently no plans have been made but officials hope to add 70 ships by 2050

By STEPHANIE DAVEY Everett Herald

The Navy is looking to increase its fleet by 20 percent in the next few decades.

That means more ships could be assigned to Naval Station Everett in the coming years, said Capt. Mike Davis, the base’s commanding officer.

However, there are no set plans to expand the installation.

Davis gave his first State of the Station address in April. The event was sponsored by the Economic Alliance Snohomish County.

He became the installation’s commanding officer last summer, following Capt. Mark Lakamp.

Hundreds of elected officials and local representatives listened to Davis speak as they had lunch on the naval base. Round tables filled the banquet room, where a giant American flag was displayed on the wall.

The gathering was sort of a celebration. April marked 25 years that Naval Station Everett has been open. Davis cut a birthday cake with white-and-blue frosting that was passed around for dessert.

He’s been in the Navy for 31 years and has been stationed all over the country.

“I will tell you, of all the other installations I’ve been to, the relationship between the community and the naval station here is so much better than any other place I’ve seen before,” he said.

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers talked about how the shore’s landscape has changed in the past quarter-century.

“A number of us can remember the working waterfront of Everett — the mills that were here and the belching smokestacks,” he said. “It was hard to envision when they were talking about a naval port, but what a beautiful facility this is and an important part of our city, county and country. We are so proud to be home to Naval Station Everett.”

The base has two piers.

There currently are five warships homeported there.

The Navy announced its plan in 2016 to boost its force.

It currently has 289 vessels, and hopes to increase that number to 355 by about 2050.

Davis estimates that about a dozen ships could eventually dock in Everett.

“We don’t have enough power to support the ships we would expect over the long term,” Davis said.

More resources would like-

ly have to be built, such as cafeterias, barracks and dock space.

Vessels anchored here now include the USS Momsen, the USS Kidd, the USS Gridley, the USS Sampson and the USS Ralph Johnson. All are destroyers.

There also are two smaller Coast Guard ships: the USCGC Henry Blake, a buoy tender, and the USCGC Blue Shark, a patrol boat.

The USS Ralph Johnson is the most recent addition. It arrived nearly a year ago, just after it was commissioned.

One of the longest-homeported ships left in February.

The USS Shoup anchored here in 2002. After a lifetime in Everett, its new home is San Diego.

Each destroyer has a crew of about 300. Aircraft carriers are much larger, with nearly 3,000 sailors. It was announced earlier this year that the carrier USS Nimitz would not return to Everett as expected.

The Naval station brings a big economic boost to the region. Each year it generates about $340 million and provides 4,000 jobs, between both the waterfront and Smokey Point campuses, spokeswoman Kristin Ching said.

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