Shipmate: November-December 2019 by U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association

1,000 WORDS

Who’s Got Spirit? Our Supe does! VADM Sean Buck ’83, USN, mixed it up with the Navy Drum and Bugle Corps, trying his hand at a variety of instruments at the Alumni Association’s Come Home Open House on 26 October. Kicking off the morning of what would become a nailbiter of a Homecoming victory over Tulane for the Midshipmen, the inaugural event welcomed about 200 guests.

1,000 WORDS

Navy Alumni Take Home (Base) As part of Homecoming Weekend, 20 Navy baseball veterans returned to the Academy for an alumni game at Max Bishop Stadium on 25 October. While the playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hair was a bit grayer than the last time they donned Navy uniforms, their camaraderie was just as strong.

PHOTO BY USNA

FEEDBACK Navy sings second after beating Air Force on 5 October.

Navy Beats Air Force Navy fans celebrated the Midshipmen’s dramatic 35-24 victory over Air Force on 5 October by posting on the Alumni Association’s Facebook page. Among the comments were: “Oh what a beautiful sight it was to behold. Beat Army.” “Navy Zapped the Zoomies.” “Yeah Navy! Congrats on a great game! Let’s bring that Commander in Chief Trophy back to the USNA.”

Lest We Forget, Operation Forager John Long's interesting and informative Operation Neptune article in the June issue of Shipmate was a richly deserved salute to the U.S. Navy's role in the success of the allied landings at Normandy and a pointed reminder of the contributions that our Naval Academy alumni played at all levels in the chain of command. From a naval history perspective, one cannot help but marvel at the U.S. Navy’s overwhelming 4 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

dominance at sea by 1944—what a contrast to the dark days of 1942! It is worth recalling that when Operation Overlord commenced in June at Normandy, the U.S. Pacific Fleet was also poised to launch Operation Forager—the progressive invasion of Saipan, Tinian and Guam—that same month in the far-distant reaches of the Pacific’s Mariana Island chain. More than 500 combatant ships and auxiliaries were assigned to this protracted joint Army–Navy expeditionary operation. D-Day at Saipan commenced on 15 June, and operations continued until Guam was liberated two months later. Fighting was bitter. Combat losses were high. In the battle for Saipan alone, more than 3,400 U.S. Marines and Army soldiers were killed or missing; Japanese losses numbered roughly 24,000. Writing of this operation’s historical significance, Samuel Eliot Morison wrote in The Two Ocean War, “No amphibious operation on so vast a scale, with a final thousand-mile ‘hop,’ had before been planned, although Operation Torch [the allied invasion of North Africa in 1942] was a close approximation.” Again, just as at Normandy, U.S. Naval Academy alumni were front and center in the operational chain of command from “low to highest in the fleet,” beginning at the top with Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz ’05 as the commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Admiral Raymond A. Spruance ’07 ably commanded the U.S. Fifth Fleet and its armada assigned to Operation Forager. The battle-tested Vice Admiral Richmond K. Turner ’08,

commander of amphibious operations, is cited by Morison for drafting the operational concept for Forager in April 1944, just a month following the decision by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to continue U.S. offensive operations in the Marianas following the Marshall Islands campaign. Logistics support, an essential element for success, was the responsibility of Vice Admiral William L. Calhoun ’06, Commander Service Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and his subordinates. Carrier aviation was led with distinction by Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher ’10, commander of the Fifth Fleet's Fast Carrier Force (CTF 58). His four task group commanders were all Naval Academy graduates, including Rear Admiral Joseph “Jocko” Clark ’18 (CTG 58.1), Rear Admiral Alfred E. Montgomery ’12 (CTG 58.2), Rear Admiral John W. Reeves ’11 (CTG 58.3) and Rear Admiral William K. Harrill ’14 (CTG 58.4). Their leadership and the stellar performance of the aviators under their charge broke the back of Japan's naval aviation arm in the Battle of the Philippine Sea from 19 to 21 June with its famed “Marianas Turkey Shoot.” Like Normandy, Naval Academy alumni were in command and otherwise serving faithfully during Operation Forager in our fleet’s surface combatants, submarines, carriers, service-force ships and auxiliaries. The highly successful operation contributed significantly to all that followed in the Pacific War, culminating in Japan's formal surrender 13 months after Guam was liberated. Let us not forget! —Captain Gordon I. Peterson ’68, USN (Ret.)

FEEDBACK

Navy Officers I am writing in response to the Feedback comment on “Extending Service Commitments” [September 2019], specifically the comments made that “it is not a coincidence that the plethora of collisions and groundings in the Pacific were on ships commanded by non-Academy types.” The Navy failed those officers that were held responsible for the accidents in the Pacific. Lack of training, supervision and accountability, improper

monitoring of adequate rest and no continuing evaluation of command officers and watchstanders: this is what caused those accidents, NOT the accession sources. A tale of two sons: USNA—Top 100 in class, top in Intel School, selected for advanced Intel training. ROTC—top of class, the only ROTC graduate to be selected to METOC Designator, top 10% BDOC and Ship Handling. My advice to both of my sons upon commissioning—the field is level now, you will be judged on your performance and professionalism, nobody cares what college you attended. Perhaps the writer should note that on page 19 of the same issue, midshipmen were training on the USS MICHAEL MURPHY named for LT Michael Murphy, USN—Navy Seal, Medal of Honor, Penn State ROTC. —Mark Sawyer ’74

Correction In our September issue, we noted that Darrell Dempster ’53 was the sole Naval Academy alum to compete at this year’s Senior Games in Albuquerque. While Dempster was the sole USNA grad racquetballer, Ambassador Vincent Obsitnik ’59 competed in the 80 – 84 year-old groups in the 5k and 10k road races, coming in 14th place in the 5k with a time of 41:23 and 10th place in the 10k with a time of 1:24:17. We don’t want to miss any other standout Navy Senior games performances. If you were there, let us know how you did at comms@usna.com and we will include your achievement in an upcoming Bravo Zulu column. ® Submissions have been lightly edited for length/clarity.

Thank you for your feedback. To comment, correct or clarify, send your note and name to shipmate@usna.com.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

CLOSING STRONG By Byron F. Marchant ’78

VADM Sean Buck ’83, USN, at the inaugural Come Home Open House at Ogle Hall prior to the Homecoming game against Tulane. The open house event brought alumni and friends together prior to heading to Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium for tailgates and the game. The Alumni Association plans to increase pre-game event opportunities with the future Alumni Association and Foundation Center. For more information on the project, visit www.usna.com/alumnicenter.

y all measures, 2019 was a terriﬁc year at the Naval Academy and for the Alumni Association and Foundation. It included major milestones and activities, leadership transitions on the Yard and tremendous progress on the Called to Serve, Daring to Lead campaign in support of the Naval Academy and its strategic plan. As we close out the year and celebrate the beginning of 2020, I wanted to take a look back at what we accomplished together and in support of the Naval Academy. We opened 2019 in the Dark Ages, including battalion receptions with the Class of 2019 and the Class of 1969 joining together in Ogle Hall. In February we marked the 150th anniversary of Navy crew. In March, we celebrated the 2019 U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Distinguished Graduates— Dr. J. Phillip London ’59; Admiral Robert J. Natter ’67, USN (Ret.); Colonel Walter P. Havenstein ’71, USMCR (Ret.); Admiral Robert F. Willard ’73, USN (Ret.); and Captain Wendy B. Lawrence ’81, USN (Ret.). At Homecoming, we brought the Distinguished Graduates back to 6 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Annapolis for recognition during a terrific game against Tulane University. The Class of 2019 made their way to the fleet as summer brought in a new class of midshipmen and introduced the Class of 1973 to the Another Link in the Chain program with the incoming Class of 2023 on Induction Day. This spring and summer we welcomed new leadership at the Academy with the arrival of Superintendent Vice Admiral Sean Buck ’83, USN; Commandant of Midshipmen Captain TR Buchanan ’92, USN; and Deputy Commandant Captain Rob Mathewson ’92, USN. They have already hit the ground running in Annapolis and traveled far and wide to meet with alumni and friends. As Plebe Summer came to an end, we joined with midshipman parents for Plebe Parents Weekend. We had a terrific win over Air Force at home during our 25th anniversary celebration for President’s Circle donors. An exciting fall football season turned electric as Navy became bowl-eligible with its win over Tulane and, as of press time, Navy was 7-1 with a win over University of Connecticut. Homecoming

also marked the inaugural Come Home Open House event prior to the game. We had about 200 alumni and friends join us this year and we look forward to hosting an even bigger group of Navy fans for Homecoming in 2020, and when we open the new Alumni Association and Foundation Center in 2022. This fall marked the public announcement of the new Center in Shipmate. While the project has been part of the Academy’s and Alumni Association’s strategic plan for nearly a decade, major progress has been made in the past 18 months thanks to tireless work by the chairmen of the boards. Their work—along with that of the staff— will ensure that the Center is best in class and beﬁtting of our alma mater, which was named the 2020 Top Public Liberal Arts School by U.S. News and World Report. In November we celebrated the 75th anniversary of our Athletic & Scholarship Programs division and its impact on the physical mission. We also honored families of fallen alumni in the seventh annual Honor Our Fallen Heroes Weekend on 23 November. You can read more about these events in the January–February 2020 issue of Shipmate. As this issue of Shipmate hits mailboxes, we’ll be on our way to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia for the Army-Navy football game. And in this issue, one of our newest chapters—South Korea—submitted its ﬁrst column after being named an official chapter at the May 2019 Alumni Association Board of Trustees meeting. It was a great year, and we have our alumni community to thank for it. And 2020 is already shaping up to be one for the record books as we prepare for the Naval Academy’s 175th anniversary and the conclusion of the Called to Serve, Daring to Lead campaign late in the year. We look forward to celebrating these and many more milestone moments with you in the new year and beyond. Beat Army! a To view photo galleries and news from 2019, visit www.usna.com.

SHIPMATE U N I T E D

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VOLUME 82 • NO. 8

IN THIS ISSUE DEPARTMENTS 4 Feedback 6 Letter from the President

BEHIND ENEMY LINES They’re called squids. Their clothes are stolen. While midshipmen stick out at West Point and take their fair share of ribbing, participants in the Service Academy Exchange Program say the experience delivers invaluable leadership lessons. 20

TRIBUTE TO A MENTOR David B. Rich ’79 honored his mentor, Vice Admiral Charles Minter ’37, USN (Ret.), with gifts that further the Naval Academy’s goals for international programs and athletic excellence. 26

FULLY INVESTED Colonel Jeffrey Smitherman, the senior Marine on the Yard, shares his thoughts on the Naval Academy’s role developing officers and the qualities needed to thrive in the Marine Corps. 30

Byron F. Marchant ’78

9 All Hands 9 Advertisers Index 33 An Ocean Away Commander Erin (Miller) Meehan ’99, USN

36 37 39 113 136 153 154 160

EAT, DRINK AND BEAT ARMY!

Naval Academy alumni in food-focused careers provide tips for creating and enjoying the perfect meal. From a Richmond, VA, restauranteur to a South Carolina cattle rancher, these alumni offer insider information to make the most of your culinary adventures.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Bravo Zulu Alumni Products/Services Class News Chapter News Last Call How to Write an Obituary Classiﬁed Ads Staff and Assistance

Our Mission To serve and support the United States, the naval service, the Naval Academy and its alumni by furthering the highest standards at the Naval Academy; by seeking out, informing, encouraging and assisting outstanding, qualified young men and women to pursue careers as officers in the Navy and Marine Corps through the Naval Academy; and by initiating and sponsoring activities which will perpetuate the history, traditions, memories and growth of the Naval Academy and bind alumni together in support of the highest ideals of command, citizenship and government. SHIPMATE is the official alumni magazine of the United States Naval Academy. Distributed worldwide, the mission of the magazine is to keep alumni, midshipmen, parents, donors, legislators, faculty, administrators and friends informed, interested and excited about the Naval Academy and the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation.

Approximately 50 classmates of Captain Sunita Williams ’87, USN (Ret.), joined the astronaut at the dedication of a new elementary school named in her honor. The Sunita L. Williams School was dedicated on 11 October in Needham, MA. 34 Get the Goat

This Bill is hiding somewhere in this issue. Find him and email us at getthegoat@usna.com with the correct page number and you will be entered into a drawing for a prize from the Alumni Association. Good luck! The drawing is limited to the ﬁrst 100 correct answers, so get reading.

On the Cover Midshipmen are fitted with their U.S. Marine Corps officer uniforms. 2018 Photo by Peter Howard

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 7

8 SHIPMATE â&#x20AC;¢ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

ALL HANDS

PHOTO BY WILL NEWTON, THE WASHINGTON POST

Reitter ’03: EOD Unit Completes Successful UUV Cold Weather Exercise

ENS Christian Montgomery ’18, USN, sits with International Burn Camp member Josh Gray of Waldorf, MD, during a tour of the Naval Academy.

Burn Survivor Montgomery ’18 Volunteers at 2019 International Burn Camp

PHOTO BY SENIOR CHIEF MCS BRANDON RAILE

Ensign Christian Montgomery ’18, USN, is driven by two main commitments: to serve his country and the community of young people learning to live with burn scars. After a hot iron left a permanent mark on his face when he was only eight months old, Montgomery has spent his life embracing his scar and helping others do the same. “My scar is just something on my skin. It’s not any deeper than that,” said Montgomery. A graduate student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Montgomery flew from Boston, MA, to Baltimore, MD, to assist the International Association of Fire Fighters Foundation with its 2019 International Burn Camp. The camp brings young burn survivors and volunteers together in the Washington, DC, region for an all-expenses-paid, packed agenda which includes tours of the Naval Academy, Smithsonian museums and Arlington National Cemetery. It also features a carnival, barbeques and a banquet. When the day came for the camp attendees to visit the Academy, Montgomery was happy to take over the tour of the Yard and answer questions about life as a midshipman. While no campers were quite ready to commit to I-Day during their visit, Montgomery’s experience proved that they could. He was there, bearing the same marks they did, to tell them so. ®

An ordnance disposal unit commanded by Commander Brian Reitter ’03, USN, successfully tested its mine countermeasures capabilities in the Arctic Ocean in September during a 115-person cold weather exercise near Adak, AK, by Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit One. Unit One used the Mk 18 Mod 1 Swordfish and Mk 18 Mod 2 Kingfish unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) to conduct mine hunting, hydrographic surveys and intelligence preparation of the operational environment. The exercise marked the first time the UUVs have operated in cold-weather environments. “Navy EOD is the only EOD force that can clear underwater hazards, making the force a crucial enabler for the Navy and Marine Corps team to be able to maneuver where they want to, when they want to,” said Reitter. “We are excited about the training and evaluation opportunities this exercise has afforded us, and we can’t thank the local Adak community enough for hosting us here.” The Navy’s personal protective equipment has been tested against chemical, biological and radiological hazards through similar exercises in warmweather climates over the past two decades; these have provided invaluable expertise in mine-clearing missions in the Middle East. Unit One is hoping that their latest exercises will provide them with a clearer understanding of the amount of support UUVs can provide in cold-weather environments. ®

An Mk 18 Mod 2 Kingfish is launched in a U.S. Navy mine sweeping exercise near Adak Island in Alaska’s Aleutian chain.

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Army Residence Community ..................5 Boeing ......................................................31 CACI International ................................29 Carnival Corporation ............................25 Gulfstream..................................................1 Jostens ......................................................19

Knollwood ................................................13 Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society ......35 Navy Mutual Aid ....................Back Cover USAA Bundle ..............Inside Front Cover USAA Legacy ............................................8 USNA Navy Club Softball ......................11

USNA Foundation ..................................32 and Inside Front Cover Alumni Products and Services Alumni House Rental........................38 Alumni Merchandise ........................37

Anchors Away Alumni Travel 2020 ....................37 Service Academy Career Conference ......................38

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 9

ALL HANDS

Navy Golf Club Course Upgrade Underway PHOTO COURTESY OF NAVY SPORTS

The 2020 Navy vs. Notre Dame football game in Dublin, Ireland, will mark the first time ESPN’s College GameDay has broadcast its show from a location outside of the U.S.

ESPN’s College GameDay to Kick Off 2020 with Navy

PHOTO BY BARBARA HENDRICKS

ESPN’s College GameDay will kick off the 2020 season in Dublin, Ireland, when Navy takes on Notre Dame at Aviva Stadium on 29 August. The trip will mark the show’s first taping outside of the United States since it launched in 1993. The 2020 Navy–Notre Dame game marks the 94th meeting between the teams and their third game in Dublin. To find out more about the game and alumni travel, visit www.usna.com/ ireland. ®

NFCU Academy Location Dedicated to Sanford

President’s Circle Marks 25 Years Early October marked the 25th Anniversary of the President’s Circle, the Naval Academy Foundation’s leadership donor society. Guests were welcomed back to Annapolis with a reception featuring the Academy’s midshipman vocal groups, an annual meeting and Yard update from Superintendent Vice Admiral Sean Buck ’83, USN, and a top-notch tailgate before a triumphant victory over Air Force. ®

PHOTO BY DEBBIE LATTA

10 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CAPITAL GAZETTE

Navy Federal Credit Union dedicated its branch located at the United States Naval Academy to Annapolis resident and former Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation chief financial officer Captain Henry “Hank” J. Sanford, USN (Ret.), on 4 October. Sanford died on 16 October 2018. “It’s an honor that our location here at the Naval Academy will be dedicated to former Navy Federal volunteer official Captain Henry Sanford,” said Rebecca Gore, branch manager. “Captain Sanford dedicated 17 years to the credit union and serving our members, and it’s CAPT Hank Sanford, USN (Ret.) a privilege that now we get to dedicate a piece of Navy Federal to his memory.” Sanford spent 14 of the 17 years he served as a volunteer official at Navy Federal on the credit union’s board of directors. During his time with the credit union, Navy Federal grew from a $13 billion credit union to a $97 billion credit union and expanded from 90 to more than 300 branches. Sanford also logged 30 years of active duty service that included time as commanding officer of SIMPSON, commanding officer of Naval Station Pearl Harbor and three tours at the Academy, including acting as flag secretary to Academy Superintendent Admiral Charles Larson ’58, USN (Ret.). ®

PHOTO COURESTY OF NAVAL ACADEMY ATHLETICS

The Naval Academy Golf Club’s back nine closed 1 August, marking the beginning of a major enhancement project expected to continue until Labor Day 2020. The course’s upgrade will focus on restoration rather than renovation in honor of The Naval Academy Golf Club recently closed the its historic past. back nine for renovations. Shown here is the 10th “With the Naval Academy green, which is being reworked. hosting the Patriot League tournament (in the spring of 2021), it couldn’t come at a better time,” said course head pro and Men’s Golf Head Coach Pat Owen. “The course is scheduled to be 100 percent ready to play by Labor Day of next year, just in time for the tournament. During the restoration, the greens will be brought up to full USGA standards, the fairways, greens and tees will all be redone, and the sand traps will be redesigned and all filled with new sand.” The course’s restoration has been supported by club members who paid for a new irrigation system through their dues and assessments, and Friends of Navy Golf. ®

“Objective Zero” Suicide Prevention App Connects Classmates “No phone app can replace a solid handshake, a smile or a hug,” said Forman. “That is what local chapters, tailgates, meetups and reunions are for, but for all the interim moments, we’ll try to enhance the benefits of classmate bonds. One class at a time, we can achieve the objective of zero additional suicides.” ® IMAGED PROVIDED BY CAPT DAVE FORMAN ’98,

As Captain David Forman ’98, USN, and his classmates looked back at the Academy from the World War II Memorial across the Severn River during their 20th Reunion Memorial Service, they all felt the call to action. In 20 years, they had lost 18 classmates, four in operational losses, seven of the remaining 14 to suicide—more to suicide than to combat. “We wanted to add a USNA-specific resource to the palette of existing veteran support services,” said Forman, class president. “Our initial goal was to create an app where you could press a button and automatically be connected to another classmate. Fortuitously, we found an existing app (called Objective Zero, or “OZ”) that had nearly all of our desired features.” The OZ app allows users to text, call or video chat with one of many Volunteer “ambassadors.” Users can filter ambassadors to find a meaningful connection (Army/Navy/Air Force, gender, specific campaign, etc.) The only thing the OZ app lacked was the ability to find a classmate. ”The app’s creators, Chris and Betsey Mercado (an Army veteran and his spouse, who has extensive experience in military family readiness), graciously agreed to add the functionality,” said Forman. “Our class raised the money and made the change, and now [alumni of] each service academy can search by class year. OZ also supports many preventative self-care activities.” The app is available for download at www.objectivezero.com, the App Store or Google Play.

The Class of 1998 began spreading the word at the Navy–Air Force football game with this mosaic of pictures posted on social media with the hashtag #objectivezero.

NAVY CLUB SOFTBALL

BACK-TO-BACK NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 2018 & 2019 TEAM SCHEDULE 2019-2020

Learn how to support your Navy Softball Team at Facebook #FriendsofNavySoftball or via FriendsOfNavySoftball@gmail.com

14 September

NAVY @ CHESAPEAKE

Wye Mills, MD

29 September

GEORGETOWN @ NAVY

Annapolis, MD

5 October

AIR FORCE @ NAVY

Annapolis, MD

11 October

NAVY @ ARMY

West Point, NY

12 October

NAVY V. SETON HALL NAVY V. CALDWELL

West Point, NY West Point, NY

13 October

NAVY V. MANHATTAN NAVY V. UNIV. OF ALBANY

West Point, NY West Point, NY

19 October

NAVY @ TOWSON

Annapolis, MD

26 October

NAVY @ MARYLAND

Annapolis, MD

2 November

JOHN HOPKINS @ NAVY

Annapolis, MD

Deputy AD—Robert Dunn RDunn@usna.edu

21 March

GEORGE MASON @ NAVY

Annapolis, MD

Head Coach—Roxanne Rehberg RRehberg@usna.edu

28 March

NORTHEASTERN @ NAVY

Annapolis, MD

4 April

NAVY @ LOYOLA

Annapolis, MD

25/26 April

MID ATLANTIC REGIONAL TOURNAMENT

Annapolis, MD

www.usna.edu/WSoftball Support for ad provided by Captain James Van Metre ’56, USN (Ret.)

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 11

ALL HANDS

Northrop Grumman Grant Boosts Academy’s MakerSpace

More than 80 years are available online to all Alumni Association members. Visit usna.com/shipmate.

12 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

CAPT Scott C. Haney ’73, DC, USN (Ret.), at his retirement ceremony, accompanied by his wife, Jackie, Class President LCDR Kevin Callahan ’73, USN (Ret.), and his wife, Judy.

Navy Dentist Retires After 40-Plus Years Captain Scott C. Haney, ’73, DC, USN (Ret.), will miss the bonds the most. After arriving at the Naval Academy as a plebe in June 1969 and enjoying a decorated career as a Navy dentist, Haney was the man of honor during a retirement ceremony in Dahlgren Hall on 20 September. The Yuma, AZ, resident said he will forever cherish the bonds forged with friends and teammates at the Academy and during service to the country. “Those bonds will go on forever,” he said. Haney, a member of the Naval Academy Athletic Hall of Fame who coached track and field at the Academy from 1977 to 1981, still holds the school record for the shot put (60 feet, 6.5 inches). He completed sea tours on THEODORE CHANDLER and BAINBRIDGE before being discharged in 1980 to attend dental school. He was recommissioned in 1985 and launched a military dental career, including service as the White House and Camp David dentist. ®

Anchor to the Past:

Midshipman Memories From Time on the Hudson Commander Rich Hansen ’77, USNR (Ret.), left Annapolis in the fall of 1975 to participate in the first full-semester Service Academy Exchange Program at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Any anxiety about how the cadets would treat him quickly evaporated. He, like many of his successors in the program, found assimilation at West Point to be fairly seamless. Hansen said he was totally immersed in the cadet culture, including parade marches, intramural competition and friendship-building. Then-MIDN Rich Hansen ’77 His relationships with his company mates was so strong that he wasn’t apprehensive during Army–Navy week, when midshipmen are frequently the target of pranks at West Point. “My classmates said if they want to come here, they have to come through us,” he said. Read more about the exchange program and the lessons Naval Academy alumni learned during their time along the Hudson River on page 20. ®

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE 1977 LUCKY BAG

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT BRAD BAKER ’94, USN

A $150,000 grant from Northrop Grumman Corporation will support additive manufacturing (3D printing) programs in the Academy’s Division of Engineering & Weapons, specifically the further development of the USNA MakerSpace, a student-faculty 3D printing laboratory, and its associated engineering programs. Organized by the Academy’s Center for Material Characterization, the lab provides midshipmen with a modern, open and adaptable design facility to create materials Caleb Lucero ’19, USMC, displays a product for projects that will better equip 2ndLt from one of the Academy’s 3D printers during the warfighter. the opening of the USNA MakerSpace, which is benefiting from a recent Northrop Grumman grant. “Advancements in additive manufacturing are enabling the development of next-generation materials and equipment with reduced life-cycle costs to give our warfighters the tactical advantage against emerging threats in complex combat environments,” says Larry Ferranto, vice president for manufacturing at Northrop Grumman. “Investing in educational programs like this helps to develop critical manufacturing capability in future military leaders and further strengthens our important partnership with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.” The grant will also assist student Capstone projects aligned with Northrop Grumman Mission Systems’ additive manufacturing programs, which include: a satellite component for the International Space Station, components for the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers racecar competition and redesign of the U.S. Marine Corps All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment Pack. “Additive manufacturing has been a growing interest area for the Navy and the Naval Academy for the last several years, and support from Northrop Grumman will enable advanced student research across a wide array of interdisciplinary projects,” says Captain Brad Baker ’94, USN, associate professor of mechanical engineering at the Academy. “The Naval Academy’s research in additive manufacturing to support the warfighter aligns well with Northrop Grumman interests, and together we hope to better support overall Navy additive manufacturing goals by training the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps officers.” ®

The family of CAPT Joe Bellino ’61, USNR (Ret.), gathered on the 27 yard line during the Navy–Air Force Game.

Bellino ’61 Honored at Navy–Air Force Game Halftime of the 5 October Navy vs. Air Force football game featured a special ceremony in honor of one of Navy football’s greatest, 1960 Heisman Trophy winner Captain Joe Bellino ’61, USNR (Ret.). His Number 27 was permanently etched into the Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium turf, and a video tribute played with 100 members of his class in attendance. “After careful consideration, we felt that was an appropriate tribute to the great Joe Bellino,” said Navy Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk. “It’s been a sentimental exercise because we miss Joe Bellino dearly and wanted to remember him in a special way. What could be better than to have something that puts Joe front and center in our minds whenever the team takes the field?” Navy had previously named the auditorium in Ricketts Hall in honor of Bellino, who passed away in March, so his family was surprised when Gladchuk reached out for their approval for adding Number 27 to the stadium. “We were thrilled, quite honestly. It was unexpected but very appreciated, just as it was with Bellino Auditorium,” said Bellino’s son, Captain John Bellino ’89, USNR. ®

Midshipman Kade Heckel ’22 discovered a new vulnerability in a 3D printer while competing in a cybersecurity challenge at New Lab in Brooklyn, NY, in September. The cyber challenge, HACKtheMACHINE, is a Navy-hosted event that encourages civilians and military from a variety of HACKtheMACHINE, cybersecurity challenge. different backgrounds to come together to help solve current cyber and technological challenges. It aims to engage small businesses, startups and individuals in the tech field to develop solutions to the challenges posed by different sponsors. The event focuses on three obstacles, including a maritime electronic capture the flag event, a data science challenge and 3D printing. Heckel’s discovery is expected to bring new processes and threat training to the fleet as early as this spring. A computer science and computer engineering double major at the Academy, Heckel hopes to continue his work in the cyber field upon graduation. “I am currently pursuing a commission in the Navy as a cryptologic warfare officer, where I will work to defend American interests in cyberspace,” said Heckel. “I hope to continue to research artificial intelligence and continue developing the technologies of tomorrow.” ®

“Dad probably would not want that much fuss. He never wanted things to be about him. However, that being said, I’m sure he would be proud and honored because he had such great love for the Naval Academy and was a devoted supporter of its athletic programs.” —CAPT John Bellino ’89, USNR, on his late father, CAPT Joe Bellino ’61, USNR (Ret.), being honored during the Navy–Air Force football game on 5 October. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 13

PHOTO BY MCS 1ST CLASS BRYAN ILYANKOFF

PHOTO BY USNA

Midshipman Discovers Threat During Cyber Challenge

FEATURE

EAT, DRINK AND

BEAT ARMY!

THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO YOUR BEST MEAL EVER By Tequia Burt, Kim Catley and Claire Zulkey

14 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

PHOTO COURTESY OF LCDR KIM

hat does it take to create and enjoy a perfect meal? Just ask Naval Academy alumni. From a South Carolina cattle farmer to a Virginia cocktail bar owner to a trio of alumni running a beloved Annapolis oyster bar, Naval Academy alumni have found their way into an array of food-focused careers. In the pages that follow, they share the paths they took to get into their current positions—and hard-won knowledge earned over decades that you can use to make sure your next meal is your best yet.

LCDR Kevin Kim ’89, USNR (Ret.), is co-owner of farm-to-table restaurant Bolsa Dallas, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.

‘We were a part of that revitalization’ Bolsa Dallas celebrated a major milestone this year—its 10th anniversary. “In the restaurant business, that’s a long time,” said Lieutenant Commander Kevin Kim ’89, USNR (Ret.), co-owner of the farm-to-table restaurant that serves up everything from burgers to flatbreads to tacos. He credits Bolsa’s longevity to the relationship it has built with Oak Cliff, one of Dallas’ oldest neighborhoods. “When we first opened, Oak Cliff wasn’t the best neighborhood—the economy was in rough shape in 2008,” Kim said. “But around the same time, a lot of people also came in and bought these old houses and invested a lot of time and money into the community. We were a part of that revitalization. [Back then], the only reason you went to Oak Cliff was to go to Bolsa. We became a destination restaurant.” Though Bolsa calls Oak Cliff home, the restaurant’s influence extends far beyond the neighborhood’s borders, according to Kim. “A number of other restaurants have been born because of Bolsa—I would call it the Bolsa effect,” he explained. “All of our head chefs have gone on to start other restaurants in Dallas and elsewhere, and all of our bartenders have become head bartenders at other establishments or have opened their own bars or restaurants as well. It makes me proud to have had such a central role.”

Insider’s tip: “Always come in [to a restaurant] with a big smile. The person who’s seating or serving you might not be having a great night if it’s a busy restaurant. A pleasant attitude goes a long way toward getting the best service.” —Kevin Kim ’89

Class of 1994 graduates (left to right) Kevin Havens, Jim MacLaughlin and Chris Hannan purchased McGarvey’s Saloon and Oyster Bar in 2016.

‘Its soul comes from great memories and stories.’ Kevin Havens, Jim MacLaughlin and Chris Hannan, all from the Class of ’94, bought McGarvey’s Saloon and Oyster Bar in 2016.

MacLaughlin: I had zero restaurant experience outside of bussing tables in high school. Kevin, my original real estate partner, was in the same boat. Chris is the one with a career in restaurants and catering. Hannan: I graduated from business school in 2001. Then September 11th happened, and there was a massive rescinding of job offers. There were no corporate jobs to be had. So I helped my dad expand his restaurant business. Hannan: Mike Ashford (the previous owner of McGarvey’s) was 80 years old and entertaining the concept of selling. But he was pretty speciﬁc about how he wanted to go about it. MacLaughlin: It’s his legacy. He had been looking for seven years. He could have gotten substantially more money from national chains interested in the real estate. Kevin developed a good rapport with him, and Mike bent over backwards to help us get the deal. One of his running jokes was, “It’s gonna

take three Navy guys to run what one Air Force guy could run.” Hannan: We worked really hard to keep it the same. It’s been there since 1975. It’s an institution. Friends, supporters and everyone associated with the military— they were all over the moon, but it’s also an Annapolis bar. My biggest fear was that we wouldn’t have enough time to prove to everyone that McGarvey’s is McGarvey’s and it doesn’t matter who owns it. Hannan: Mike described it as a saloon. Its soul comes from all the great memories and stories. People come in because of the atmosphere.

Insider’s tip: Leave your phone at home. “Anything you can do to engage with people over a beer or some nice food, or talk to a server or bartender with an interesting story, or notice something on the wall—that’s what makes a great night.” —Chris Hannan ‘94 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 15

FEATURE

‘We’re getting recognized because we’re doing things that are unique.’ PHOTO COURTESY OF LIU

Since leaving the Marine Corps in 2014, Kevin Liu ’08 has assumed ownership of three businesses in the food service industry in Richmond, VA. “I had no experience in food service or in running a restaurant—all I had was some interest. I treated this like a ‘build your own adventure,’” said Liu. “I learned to cook decently well and fast in Afghanistan when I was deployed. I was on a small advisory team, and we cooked for ourselves every day for six months. I learned food production by doing it every single day.” Liu opened The Tin Pan, a full-service restaurant and music venue that serves up late-night dinner and a show, less than a year after leaving active duty in 2014. He purchased family-friendly Carytown Cupcakes in 2016. His latest venture, a cocktail bar, was born because the space next door to his cupcake shop became available. Sensing a new opportunity, Liu partnered with two

of the most sought-after bartenders in Richmond’s craft cocktail scene to launch The Jasper. “This year in the local press, The Jasper has won Richmond’s best new bar, best bartender and second-best bar overall,” said Liu. “We’re getting recognized because we’re doing some things that are unique and we’ve attracted the best team in town. I’m very proud of all the pieces coming together.”

Insider’s tip: “Always try to make eye contact with your bartender—look for that bartender who responds well to you. A good bartender will always pay attention to patrons and make them feel important. If you feel that connection, then you know you’re at a good bar. If you go to a place and they couldn’t care less, order a beer.” —Kevin Liu ’08

Kevin Liu ’08 behind the bar in Richmond, VA.

‘I try to take them in a different direction.’

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DONAHOES

Jerry and Jen Donahoe, both from the Class of ’94, own Mills Fine Wine and Spirits in Annapolis.

Jen and Jerry Donahoe, 1994 graduates, own Mills Fine Wine and Spirits in Annapolis, MD. 16 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Jerry Donahoe on the story of Mills Fine Wine and Spirits: “We’re the third owners since Prohibition. It was a general store back in the ’30s, Mills Cut Rate Liquors. Billy Mills was at least 72 years old when he sold it to Joe and Hillard Donner, a father and son, in 1946. They had it for 66 years, and then we bought it.” Jen Donahoe on stocking the shelves: “We try to keep an eye on larger trends. Right now, pinot noir is a hot item, and for wine collectors, Rieslings are popular. We stay true to our huge Bordeaux selection. But we also try to make sure we have a really eclectic selection for all different types of customers and palates.” Jerry on the store’s Bordeaux connection: “Our predecessor was a pioneer. He was credited by many for introducing Bordeaux to the

Mid-Atlantic. People would come from all over to buy high-end Bordeaux.” Jen on picking the perfect bottle: “Once I know what a customer wants to spend, I try to get a feeling for their wine taste. If they’re open to new experiences, I try to take them in a different direction. I might open their eyes to something new that they’ve never had before.”

Insider’s tip: “If you love pinot noir and you’re open to new ideas, you might try an interesting wine from northern Italy. It’s a cool, mountainous region with beautiful wines. We have a Schiava that’s gorgeous, but if you ask people what it is, they probably would have no idea.” —Jen Donahoe ’94

‘When it’s local food, it’s community.’

PHOTO COURTESY OF FARNOLY

When the Navy stationed her in San Diego, CA, helicopter pilot Lieutenant Commander Katie Farnoly ’03, USNR, found food. “When I got there, I fell in love with farmers’ markets,” she said. She enjoyed meeting farmers, hearing

LCDR Katie Farnoly ’03, USNR, is local farm coordinator and produce buyer for Maryland’s Coastal Sunbelt Produce.

about where the food was grown and learning what variables made for a good season for different crops. Following the path of her entrepreneur parents, Farnoly started her own mobile grocery business. From there she pivoted and moved to the East Coast. She met an executive from Maryland’s Coastal Sunbelt Produce, where she now works as the local farm coordinator and produce buyer. That executive, she said, “saw how passionate I was about my work in San Diego.” He also was impressed by her background as a helicopter pilot. “He was like, ‘Well, if you can do that, you can do this.’” At Coastal Sunbelt, Farnoly continues to focus on local food, meeting local farmers and seeing what’s growing well. “I loved the connection to place,” she said. “When it’s local food, it’s community. You learn about the people nearby.” Under her watch, Farnoly brought on more than 20 new farmers and grew her

team beyond just her, bringing on a sales rep and marketer. “Taking the initiative to build something and innovate—I’d say I got that from the Navy as a weapons and tactics instructor,” she said. “When I get it in my mind I want to get something done, I get it done.”

Insider’s tip: To get the best produce experience, touch base with a local farm, even if it’s just a pumpkin patch visit. “Go out and see what’s growing well now, and then go to your grocery store and see what they offer so you understand why the stuff looks the way it does. This helps customers make more educated decisions at the market. People expect to have juicy, tasty tomatoes year-round. That doesn’t exist.” —Katie Farnoly ’03 PHOTO COURTESY OF RAYHILL

‘You start to think you can do anything.’ After a career in the sky, Paul Rayhill ’87 saw an opportunity deep underground. When he left the Navy in 1994, Rayhill turned his flight experience into a business. He purchased a helicopter company he heard was going up for sale, even though he had no formal business training. “I think my training was the confidence you get coming out of the Naval Academy and working with the level of men and women that are in the services,” he said. “You just start to think you can do anything.” Rayhill steadily built his career in aviation services until 2015, when he learned that a struggling family-owned bottled-water company was for sale near his hometown of New Hartford, NY. After forming Alder Creek Beverages, Rayhill and a former high school classmate bought Nirvana, saving it from bankruptcy. Nirvana manufactures its own bottles, which are then filled with spring water

that ﬂows naturally to the surface at 43 degrees from two ancient aquifers on-site. Flavor-wise, Rayhill doesn’t think puriﬁed water holds a candle to natural spring water, which he describes as “clean and crisp.” He said that when he challenges people to taste tests, they always end up saying, “Holy cow! I wouldn’t have known it, but there truly is a difference.”

Insider’s tip: Rayhill partners with Dan Ballister ’86, creator of The General’s Hot Sauce. To spot a quality hot sauce, check the label to understand the percentages of water, vinegar and pepper. Most leading sauces are primarily vinegar-based, but the General’s are nearly 87 percent pepper. “He brings the fire and I bring the water,” Paul Rayhill ’87 said of his partnership with Dan Ballister ’86.

Paul Rayhill ’87 owns a bottled-water company near his hometown of New Hartford, NY. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 17

FEATURE

‘Eating well became a non-negotiable part of my life.’

PHOTO COURTESY OF CURTIS

Josette Curtis ’01, a registered dietitian, has been a nutrition coach with Stronger U Nutrition since August 2018.

Josette Curtis ’01 is a nutrition coach with Stronger U Nutrition.

“I joke that I survived high school on Steak-umm’s, Mrs. T’s pierogies, Kraft mac and cheese and Tastykake pastries. When I went to the Naval Academy, my palate had to expand. We were at the mercy of what was offered in King Hall. “When I was in ﬂight school at Pensacola, my roommates and I loved to meal plan, cook and work out together. We started experimenting with what we could cook each night. That’s when ﬁtness and eating well became a non-negotiable part of my life. “Today, I start with a client’s physical makeup and goals. Then we come up with how much energy they need to take in from food each day. I give them a framework that breaks those calories per day into a certain amount of protein, carbohydrates and fat. We don’t eliminate

any food groups. Each client has the freedom to meet those targets with whatever foods they want. “My clients call me ‘bean woman,’ because I’m a huge fan. They’re these tiny nutrient powerhouses. Beans and chickpeas and lentils are high in protein. They have iron, they have ﬁber, they have tons of B vitamins. I see them as the whole package.”

Insider’s tip: Get comfortable in the kitchen. “I am not talking about elaborate sevencourse meals that take hours to prepare. But if, instead of going out for Mexican, you chop up some onions and peppers and throw them in a pan with some beef, you can control so much more of what you’re eating.” —Josette Curtis ’01

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAGASER

‘I don’t know why you want to talk to me about buying a restaurant.’ After Jonathan Sagaser ’97, moved to Toledo, OH, his ﬁrst meal was at Sebastiano’s Italiano, a small restaurant just off the Ohio Turnpike. He soon became a regular, meeting his wife, Sarah, for dinner when he wasn’t working as the sous chef at a casino. One day, he got a Facebook message from the owners, Sebastiano and Helane Caniglia. They were planning to sell the restaurant and wanted to know if he was interested. “[I told him], ‘I don’t have enough money to buy a used car,’” Sagaser said. “‘I don’t know why you want to talk to me about buying a restaurant.’” But after a few conversations over dinner and wine, Sagaser came up with a business plan and lined up a few investors.

18 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

In taking over, Sagaser wanted to preserve the story behind Sebastiano’s. Many of the recipes stayed the same, with the exception of a new build-yourown-pasta menu—a nod to today’s culture of customization. A few regulars moved on, but plenty of new faces lined up to take their seats. Sagaser and his family live around the corner. Every afternoon, he picks his kids up from school and brings them to the restaurant, where they do homework and occasionally clear tables. Even the local Naval Academy alumni chapter meets monthly at Sebastiano’s. “There are so many ways to spend your entertainment dollars these days, and so much of it is impersonal,” he said. “But I really do believe people crave a personal touch, and we try to provide that.”

Jonathan Sagaser ’97 owns Sebastiano’s Italiano restaurant in Toledo, OH.

Insider’s tip: “Don’t overcook your pasta. Cook it about a minute or two less than you think is necessary and finish it in the sauce. Also, keep it simple. Focus on three or four ingredients and buy the best you can afford.” —Jonathan Sagaser ’97

PHOTO COURTESY OF BANNISTER

‘I’ll ﬁnd out when I get there.’ As Captain Randy Bannister ’77, USN (Ret.), approached retirement after a 28-year career in the Navy and 16 years with aerospace and defense company Northrop Grumman, a lot of people wondered what was next for him. A few years earlier, Bannister purchased the small farm in South Carolina where he grew up, and he planned to spend his days growing vegetables and raising a small herd of Black Angus cows. So, he crafted a tongue-in-cheek response to the queries. “I told them, ‘I’m going to be a gentleman farmer and cattleman,’” he said. “When they’d ask, ‘What is that?’, I’d say, ‘I’ll ﬁnd out when I get there.’” Bannister Farms, which at one point belonged to his grandparents, included a pasture that the previous owners rented to a cattle farmer. Bannister continued

to rent the pastures until the cattleman retired, two years before Bannister. That’s when Bannister purchased the original herd and, thus, became a hobby cattleman. He later bought the 44-acre farm across the road, where he now grows hay for the cows. “My herd produces ‘grass-fed’ Angus beef,” he said. “They only eat the green grass in the pastures and dried hay produced across the road. They are not exposed to antibiotics, hormones or artiﬁcial ingredients like cows fed on large, commercial farms.” While the demands of a farm give Bannister plenty of work to ﬁll his days, he said the cows have actually created a peaceful retirement. “There is just something soothing about cows grazing in a pasture,” he said. “It’s a nice part of the farm atmosphere.” a

CAPT Randy Bannister ’77, USN (Ret.), has a herd of Black Angus cows on his South Carolina farm.

Insider’s tip: Buy local. “Go to your farmer’s market and butcher shop for local meats and vegetables. They have a better taste than vegetables and beef that are grown commercially.” —Randy Bannister ’77 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 19

PHOTO COURTESY OF DENOVE

FEATURE

20 SHIPMATE â&#x20AC;¢ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

BEHIND ENEMY LIINES

ajor Mathison Hall ’03, USMCR, remembers the tirade. Following his ﬁrst parade at the United States Military Academy at West Point, a brigade tactical officer berated the visiting midshipmen for failing to dress in matching uniforms. Exchange students from other service academies are positioned in the front of their companies during parades. They stick out among the Corps of Cadets. The company commander lit into the midshipmen for their fashion faux pas. Confusion reigned until it was noted that the offending exchange student was from the Coast Guard Academy. While their uniforms might be similar, they were—in fact—from different institutions. “They take extreme pride in their drills,” said Hall, who spent 12 years on active duty in the Marine Corps and now serves in the Reserve. Hall participated in the semesterlong Service Academy Exchange Program during the fall of 2001. He was at West Point on 9/11. It is where he met his wife and where he gained insight into Army intricacies that aided him in war zones. In addition to Army and Navy, the exchange program also includes the Air Force and Coast Guard academies. The semester culminates with a “prisoner” exchange prior to the Army–Navy game.

Then-MIDN George Denove ’19, USN, and his fellow midshipmen recreate the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima on an Army parade ground during the fall of 2017. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 21

FEATURE

Midshipmen prepare to return to the Brigade prior to the 2007 Army–Navy game.

Some midshipmen carried lessons they’ve leaned on since departing West Point, while others’ leadership styles were sharpened by their time along the Hudson River. A few found spouses. The exchange program started in 1945 with weekend visits to rival campuses. The semester-long exchanges began in 1975. After about four months of learning and leading on their rivals’ campuses, the program participants on each side sprint to their respective brigades during pre-kickoff festivities at the Army–Navy game. The exchange is usually highlighted by messages scrawled in tape on the back of their uniforms. Midshipman messages in recent years include “Revenge” in 2017, “14 Years” in 2015 and “Navy > Army” in 2010. Shannon Lacy Murray ’92 said being a part of the 1990 exchange was “surreal” as patriotism swept the country with troops engaged in Operation Desert Storm in Kuwait and Iraq. “When they dismissed us, I remember running to the midshipmen and feeling like I was going home,” —Shannon Lacy Murray ’92 Murray said.

“When they dismissed us, I remember running to the midshipmen and feeling like I was going home.”

Midshipmen spell out ‘Navy > Army’ on the back of their uniforms during the prisoner exchange before the 2010 Army-Navy game. 22 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

LESSONS LEARNED FROM WHOOPS A change in scenery presented midshipmen new leadership perspectives, operating styles and honor codes. Naval Academy alumni who participated in the exchange program said successfully navigating the semester requires open-mindedness and adaptability. Oh, and a strong tolerance to being relentlessly called “Squid.” For each one of the 10 or fewer midshipmen at West Point during the semester, rapid assimilation into the Corps of Cadets is mandatory, said Murray. About 50 midshipmen apply to participate in the program each year. Applicants must be recommended by their company and battalion officers. Murray, who earned a varsity “A” playing for the Army softball team, said having a positive attitude and willingness to embrace the differences between the two institutions is critical. A thick skin doesn’t hurt, either.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MURRAY

Shannon Lacy Murray ’92 earned a varsity letter playing for the Army softball team during her semester at West Point.

‘MORE ADAPTABLE’ After boarding SEAWOLF (SSN-21), Colton Peterson ’14 said some of the lessons learned at West Point surfaced. Combined with his Naval Academy education and pre-fleet training, Peterson said his time at the Military Academy in 2012 was defined as quickly adjusting to a new situation as a squad leader. He said he wasn’t paralyzed by the unknown while serving on a submarine. “I showed up and had no idea what was going on,” Peterson said. “It wasn’t the first time I showed up and didn’t know what was going on. [West Point gave me] a chance to make myself more adaptable.”

The learning curve was sharp for a temporary student at West Point. Peterson said the experience helped bring critical leadership skills into focus. “You experience leadership when you’re not the subject matter expert,” he said. “That was a huge help to me. I was able to figure out that leadership isn’t necessarily knowing more than someone and telling them what to do. It’s about inspiring people to do their best. Give them guidance. Provide that framework so people can do their best.” Commander Rich Hansen ’77, USNR (Ret.), never felt like a “prisoner” at West Point during the fall of 1975. As a member of the first group of midshipmen to spend a semester along the Hudson, Hansen said he was welcomed immediately. On the soccer team, he said he took penalty kicks. His cadet peers allowed him entry into the barracks basement, which housed games and “where scotch and whiskey came out.” Prior to rifle inspection, his West Point friends helped him avoid failing. They also made PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHNSON

“You have to be ok with being the only one being called squid,” Murray said. “My company was great. It’s like an ambassador program.” Exposure to a different mindset and pushing past comfort zones were valuable experiences reinforced at West Point, Ensign George Denove ’19, USN, said. His semester at the Military Academy in 2017 made him realize the importance of using varying leadership skills when meeting new people who have different backgrounds and cultures. Denove said West Point made him recalibrate the way he approached relationships, academics, leadership, athletics and his personal time. He said serving as a squad leader in a foreign environment helped him analyze situations quicker and think faster on his feet. “Going to West Point shook up my world a little bit,” Denove said. “I learned to never get too comfortable where you’re at. Get out of your comfort zone. If you share, people are willing to listen. “To lead in an unfamiliar environment (was educational).” Jennifer (Hogen) Johnson ’97 found some of the differences between the Yard and West Point inspiring, but others were infuriating. She appreciated the

way cadets worked as academic teams. Each company had a dedicated room for study groups. West Point leaders were more involved in their cadets’ lives, Johnson said. She said her cadet leader made sure she was doing and performing well. “They had study groups all the time,” she said. “They emphasized ‘cooperate and graduate.’ We don’t really do that.” Johnson was culturally blindsided by the cadets’ honor code, however. She found Army rules and regulations were strictly black and white. There wasn’t much gray area for personal interpretation about what constituted an infraction. She said she was yelled at for having a ponytail in the fall of 1995. Then, there was the company photo in which she and her roommate switched uniforms as a prank. The Whoops weren’t laughing. “It’s the Army way, not to deviate,” said Johnson, who met her husband Jeremy at West Point. He is a 1996 West Point graduate. “Their honor code had a different feel than our honor concept at Navy. It seemed everyone was out to turn everybody in, instead of assessing the situation to determine if it’s in the spirit of the honor concept. “West Point felt more like ‘turn it in ﬁrst and we’ll ﬁgure it out later.’ You weren’t supposed to think about it too much; you were supposed to obey.”

Jennifer (Hogen) Johnson ’97 met her future husband during her exchange semester at West Point in the fall of 1995. Jeremy Johnson graduated from West Point in 1996.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 23

FEATURE

“We were all ready to be back in Annapolis. When we returned, we were back home. This is the good place.” —Major Mathison Hall ’03, USMCR sure he completed the two-mile run in combat boots. Hansen said the exchange program gave him an appreciation of the cultural differences among the branches of service. That paid dividends during his time at the Army War College and the Central Intelligence Agency. “I understood the Army more than a lot of my classmates at the Naval Academy,” he said. “I was able to use my knowledge learned at West Point. It beneﬁted me regarding the culture. It tied in very well.” Hall also said he picked up a lot of intangibles about Army culture while at West Point. He leaned on that knowledge during assignments at Fort Benning and when he was stationed in Iraq. Subtle differences in language and leadership protocols were familiar, which accelerated the adjustment period to working with Army personnel, Hall said. “Having that experience introduced me to those differences,” he said. After a semester along the Hudson River, Hall said he returned to the Yard with a new perspective. “They did everything different enough that it was a different experience,” Hall said. “It was also a Naval Academy appreciation semester. We were all ready to be back in Annapolis. When we returned, we were back home. This is the good place.” GAME WEEK PRANKS With the exception of frequent “Squid” taunts, exchange program participants said they found lasting friendships and camaraderie with their West Point counterparts. Each side learned that their experiences were more similar than different.

24 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Respect and appreciation were byproducts of their semester away from the Naval Academy. That was sidelined during Army–Navy week. Midshipmen endured their share of pranks—with some extracting retribution —leading up to the annual football game. Naval Academy students can expect their West Point hosts to steal uniforms and perfectly arrange their personal property—bed, shoes, desk—on the Superintendent’s lawn. Johnson had an alarm clock locked in a box attached to her bed. It rang in the middle of the night, forcing her to push her bed into the hallway and sleep on her mattress on the floor. Murray’s room was littered with upside-down cups filled with varying levels of water. While not confirming or denying that her fellow Navy exchange students provided reconnaissance, Murray noted that her class was responsible for

relocating Army’s mules the year after she was at West Point. Johnson said she and fellow midshipmen plastered Army’s Beat Navy Tunnel with Beat Army stickers. Peterson embraced the “goodnatured ribbing.” His uniforms were taken early in the week—and not returned until the day before the game—and replaced with two female dinner dress uniforms and a bathrobe. His reaction endeared him to the cadets. “I decided I wanted to change up my wardrobe, so I donned the dinner dress I was left with and confiscated a long grey overcoat and some boots from plebes in my company,” he said. “This was probably the best outfit of my military career, as I led the platoon in formation that day looking like some sort of androgynous space pirate.” Peterson said he returned verbal barbs when fired upon first. His willingness to engage in friendly banter with a smile on his face demonstrated that he wasn’t rattled by pranks or insults. That trait was instrumental in forging lasting relationships with cadets. “I was like the pet squid, it was like ‘only we get to mess with him,’” Peterson said. a

Midshipmen sprint to the Brigade following the prisoner exchange prior to the 2009 Army-Navy game.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 â&#x20AC;¢ SHIPMATE 25

PHOTO BY LAURA HATCHER PHOTOGRAPHY

FEATURE

The Minter Pavilion, which recognizes a gift from David Rich ’79 and Susan Rich in honor of VADM Charles S. Minter Jr. ’37, USN (Ret.), offers state-of-the-art hospitality space in the south end zone at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

TRIBUTE TO A MENTOR RICH HONORS MINTER’S LEGACY WITH INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVE, ATHLETIC INVESTMENT PHOTO COURTESY OF THE 1979 LUCKY BAG

lebe year was overwhelming for David Rich ’79. He left Winber, PA, thinking he was prepared for the trials of the Naval Academy’s demanding ﬁrst year. Rich said he didn’t exactly know what he was getting into when he arrived in Annapolis during the summer of 1975. He quickly realized he wasn’t prepared for military life. Fortunately, fate intervened. A serendipitous introduction to Vice Admiral Charles Minter ’37, USN (Ret.), Then-MIDN David Rich ’79 transformed his Academy experience, and his life. In Minter, Rich found a lifelong friend, mentor and inspiration. 26 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Minter retired and moved to Annapolis in the mid-1970s. He sponsored midshipmen and, coincidentally, a Naval Academy classmate’s son was Rich’s company commander. Commander Don Bringle ’76, USN (Ret.), sent Rich to meet with Minter. A seemingly random act sparked a nearly 30-year friendship that left an indelible mark on Rich. Rich credits Minter for easing his transition from civilian life to military life and, just a few years later, back to civilian life in the burgeoning technology sector, where he enjoyed a very successful career. The high tech executive said Minter was a model of integrity, loyalty and humility. Minter passed away in 2008, but his example still motivates Rich. Rich has honored Minter’s memory with gifts to the Naval Academy Foundation that promote international programs and support Navy athletics.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE 1937 LUCKY BAG

“I believe in the foundation built at the Naval Academy—character building and leadership. Admiral Minter was my reinforcement over the years of those leadership principles.” Then-MIDN Charles Minter ’37

These were passion points for Minter. That resonated with Rich, whose gifts are recognized in the Minter Pavilion at Navy– Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and Minter Legacy Scholars. “I believe the foundation that got built in me while at the Naval Academy—character building and leadership principles, were keys to my success in business and life,” Rich said. “And, Admiral Minter was my reinforcement of those principles over the years.” Minter earned his wings in 1941. He served as Air Operations Officer for the carrier RANDOLPH during World War II. He was commanding officer of ALBEMARLE and INTREPID. He also served as Commandant of Midshipmen (1961–64) and Superintendent (1964–65) of the Naval Academy, the only person to do so. Later, he served as Deputy Commander-NATO under Alexander Haig. After a career of service, Minter returned to Annapolis for retirement. He still had more to give, however. As a sponsor family, he and his wife Mary became second parents to Rich. Rich said the Minters would ﬁll in for his parents for events on the Yard. They regularly invited him for dinner on Sundays and an afternoon of watching football and/or golf on television. At that time, plebes were restricted on television watching. As a result, Minter and Rich bonded over athletics, particularly golf and football. Rich said he was initially intimidated by Minter, who was 6-foot-4, despite his mentor being affable and personable. The former Superintendent was “very buttoned down,” Rich said. Rich described himself as fairly gregarious and who “never met a stranger.” Thus he was very prone to wisecracking and joke-telling, which routinely got a belly laugh out of Minter. “I think that’s why he liked me, I wasn’t the average buttoned-down guy,” Rich said.

The Next Chapter Following graduation, Rich reported to Pensacola for ﬂight school where he wanted to follow in his mentor’s foot steps. Minter was an anti-submarine pilot which inspired Rich to seek a career in aviation. An injury suffered during ﬂight training revealed spinal stenosis. That diagnosis ended Rich’s military career. The Navy was downsizing at the time and Rich sought Minter’s counsel before making his next move. The only roles available were quite limited, Rich said.

—David Rich ’79 Minter convinced Rich a desk job with the Navy wouldn’t satisfy him. He nudged Rich to the private sector. “He was my advocate,” Rich said. “He said, ‘if I were you, I’d get on with the next chapter.’” Rich’s first civilian job was as a manufacturing technology engineer on the F-16 fighter program in Fort Worth, TX. After a couple of years as part of a large corporation, Rich said he wasn’t fulfilled professionally because it turned out to be a desk job, of sorts. He considered rejoining the Navy in the Supply Corps or intelligence. This time, Minter took a proactive role. Using his network of contacts, he investigated the opportunities available to Rich and how cumbersome the process would be to return to the Navy. After a few months of inquiry and battery of health tests, Rich’s request was denied. So, Minter advised Rich to remain in the corporate world. “He went to bat for me,” Rich said. “We tried. His guidance was to find a company or career where I feel the same passion.” Rich heeded his mentor’s guidance. He ended up joining Accenture (a global consultancy) where he had a long, distinguished career. Since retiring from them in 2012, he has enjoyed a lucrative and rewarding second career in corporate development which includes being CEO of several companies. He now serves as executive chairman of InContext Solutions, a Chicago-based virtual reality merchandizing/shopper insights company and CEO of Demand Bridge, a Baltimore-based marketing automation firm. He also serves on the Boards of First Command Financial Services, BlueStar SeniorTech, WebbMason Marketing and the Naval Academy Foundation. Throughout his career, Rich said he drew inspiration from Minter. “Frankly, it was motivation that I wanted to make him proud,” Rich said. “I wanted to be the equivalent of a ‘Battle Group Commander’ in industry.” Minter’s daughter, Meredith Hinkle, said her family was flabbergasted when Rich proposed plans to honor a humble man who loved the Academy. She said her father would have shied away from praise. However, Hinkle said programs designed to foster greater international understanding appropriately honor her father. “Those programs will last for such a long time and be the true legacy,” she said. “Outside his wife and family, nothing meant more to my dad than his beloved Naval Academy. He would do anything for his midshipmen.”

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 27

FEATURE

PHOTO BY DEBBIE LATTA

Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation CEO Byron Marchant ’78 said giving a gift in the name of someone who played a critical part in your development is a special way to celebrate their contributions. “Honoring a mentor who helped shape your character, sharpen your leadership skills or had a profound inﬂuence on your life is a meaningful way to highlight their legacy,” said Marchant. Hinkle said her father would have loved the Minter Scholars program. He saw the value of personal interactions, she said. “You get more things done when you get to know someone,” she said. “As much as my dad loved athletics, this is a lasting legacy.”

‘I Wanted to be Like Charlie Minter’ CDR Charlie Minter ’63, USN (Ret.), and Carol Minter along with Susan and David Rich ’79 were in Annapolis in October 2018 to celebrate the opening of the Minter Pavilion at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

Giving Back Hinkle and Rich said many of those in Minter’s sphere of influence recall his generosity, humility and kindness. They learned the value of giving back through Minter’s example during their time at the Naval Academy, in the fleet or in their post-service careers. Rich and his wife, Susan, honor Admiral Minter’s selflessness through funding for the Minter Pavilion at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and establishing cultural immersion and leadership programs. Minter’s legacy will be further cemented with the Minter Legacy Scholars program. Through the program, up to 10 midshipmen will be selected annually to participate in the International Programs Office’s STEM Chinese and Chinese Language Immersion programs. The STEM Chinese program allows midshipmen to participate in a two-week Chinese language program at the Academy, followed by an in-country immersive experience for four weeks, primarily focused on building a greater understanding of language skills. During the Chinese Language Immersion program, midshipmen who are Chinese Language minors or majors participate in a six-week in-country immersive experience primarily focused on further language development and cross-cultural competence. Rich said Naval Academy alumni can honor their mentors by targeting programs that exemplify the qualities impressed upon them as midshipmen. “That’s my hope,” he said. “For a lot us on the Foundation Board, it’s not enough to just donate our time and treasure. We need to inspire others to do similar things. “I wanted to repay the debt of a free four-year college education. The Naval Academy was critical to my success.”

28 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Rich wasn’t alone in his admiration for Admiral Minter. Naval Academy Athletics Director Chet Gladchuk called his introduction and friendship with Minter a “godsend.” Bimonthly lunches with former Alumni Association Board Chairman The Honorable Jack Sheehan ’52, Minter and former Academy Superintendent Vice Admiral William P. Lawrence ’51, USN (Ret.), at Les Folies Brasserie in Annapolis provided Gladchuk with invaluable insight into the Academy’s inner workings. Gladchuk joined that lunchtime gathering of Academy luminaries soon after taking the helm in 2001. Access to such a special group underscored the traits that define midshipmen: accountability, integrity and leadership. “It’s who you aspire to become,” Gladchuk said. “When I grew up I wanted to be like Charlie Minter. He was the most significant education in what defined leadership. “I was just lucky to be a part of it. It’s molded my life. It’s helped me deal with the way I do business at Navy. I’ve grown. This is where I’ve become fulfilled with my charge because of what they mean to me. You aspire to be what they represent; you don’t want to let them down. Even to this day.” Athletics play a critical role in leadership and character development for midshipmen, Gladchuk said. Minter and Rich appreciated the benefits sports provide future leaders, whether they participated in the varsity, club or intramural levels. The Minter Pavilion was dedicated in October 2018. The gold side recruiting suite is a multi-use site that is used for hosting prospective student-athletes, entertaining athletic donors, providing hospitality during sporting events and holding postgame press conferences. “We need people that understand it the way Dave does and will invest in it the way Dave has,” Gladchuk said. “We need them to help create resources and facilities, and develop philosophies that lend themselves to leadership development. “Charlie was a big part of the love and appreciation David has. It allowed him to have the core values through which he chartered his destiny.” a

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 â&#x20AC;¢ SHIPMATE 29

FEATURE

FULLY INVESTED SENIOR MARINE ON THE YARD EMPHASIZES VALUES, PRINCIPLES TO BURGEONING LEADERS

Col Jeffrey Smitherman, USMC

Colonel Jeffrey C. Smitherman, USMC, developed an appreciation for the Naval Academy at an early age, even if he chose to pursue his educational opportunities elsewhere.

mitherman, the senior Marine at the Naval Academy, jokes he went to Texas A&M University because there was no way he was following his older brother, Lieutenant Mark Smitherman ’90, USN, to Annapolis. He found his way to Maryland in August 2018 to serve as the Academy’s Humanities and Social Sciences division director. Though he is not a product of the Naval Academy, Smitherman said he appreciates the institution’s mission. He was drawn to Annapolis for the opportunity to help shape future leaders. He said he was impressed with the values the Academy instilled in his brother, and his friend, Brian Smith ’91, a former rack mate at Officer Candidate School. Smitherman, a 1991 Texas A&M graduate, served as the assistant chief of staff for Marine Corps Recruiting prior to arriving at the Naval Academy. He completed multiple tours in the operating forces and participated in Operations Just Cause in Somalia, Uphold Democracy, Iraq Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Fifteen percent of each Naval Academy graduating class is commissioned as second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Naval Academy graduates represent about 25 percent of Marine Corps officers. As the Marine Corps was about to celebrate its 244th birthday on 10 November, Smitherman shared his thoughts on the

30 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Academy’s role developing officers. He also discussed the qualities required to thrive in the Marine Corps. Shipmate: What steered you to a career with the Marines? Smitherman: I come from a military family. One brother was in the Marine Corps. Another brother came to the Naval Academy. If he was going to USNA, I wanted to go somewhere else. I went to Texas A&M and we compared notes along the way. My [friend Brian Smith ’91] … was a [Naval Academy graduate]. He was an F-18 pilot. I’ve always had peers and contemporaries who were Marines from the Academy. I’ve always had an affinity for the Naval Academy. Shipmate: What does the Marine Corps mean to you? Why do you continue to serve? Smitherman: The Marine Corps is just an institution that is about the people you serve with. I’ve always loved what I’ve done. I loved my career as an artillery officer, but more than anything I loved the Marines I was around. We try to live out every day the ideals of the institution and represent them and invest them in the young Marines around us. That’s what made it easy to come to the Academy for me. I don’t care if they go Navy or Marines, I want to instill in all of them the values and principles of the Marine Corps. I don’t know if it’s paying

it forward or back, but I want to invest in the future of naval officers. Shipmate: What are the biggest leadership challenges facing second lieutenants when commissioned into the Marines Corps? Smitherman: [They feel] like they have to prove themselves to the rest of the Marine Corps, and invariably they do that very well. It’s not about where you went to school, it’s how well you take care of those under your command. That’s the way they end up representing the Academy. Shipmate: What lessons learned in the Corps do you try to instill in midshipmen? Smitherman: I try to impress upon them the value of servant leadership. At the Academy, at The Basic School and their follow-on Marine Occupational Specialty School—at those three places, it’s all about them, but once they get in their operating forces, it’s all about the Marines. Shipmate: What advice would you give someone thinking about entering the Marine Corps? Smitherman: I tell the midshipmen they should consider all the services. Invariably, there are those who are interested—if they can meet the challenges of being a Marine. It’s about ﬁnding the right ﬁt. a

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 â&#x20AC;¢ SHIPMATE 31

MAKE HISTORY WITH US Help us fund the next generation of warriors who will fight on a front we have never seen before. Support the development of those rare individuals we all wish the world had more of—an uncommon corps of leaders on whose honor, intelligence, physical prowess and preparedness this nation and our world depend. CALLED TO SERVE. DARING TO LEAD. This is our rallying cry as we prepare to make history together. Join us.

Learn more at

www.usna.com/daringtolead 32 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 32

AN OCEAN AWAY

NAVY COACHES TEACH THIS

PHOTO COURTESY OF CDR ERIN (MILLER) MEEHAN ’99, USN

he may not read Seneca each day or knowingly strive to replace patheiai with eupatheiai, but early in the fall mornings Coach Carin Gabarra takes on the role of a Stoic master. She walks the pitch, reviews ﬁlm, reconsiders strategies and contemplates players’ acumen for mindful play. At the heart of Stoic philosophy is personal responsibility for behavior, premeditatio malorum and the goal of viewing others in order to further understand one’s self, to strive to become the pinnacle of yourself. As Gabarra’s 27th season began, the recently signed Education for Seapower Final Report was released. Its imperative is lifelong learning to build a more lethal force. It showcases the present-day obligation of military institutions to build resilience, self-motivation and clarity in purpose despite adversity. Applying Gabarra’s lessons to do those very things, I naturally thought of the education Annapolis gives beyond the classroom. Those of us coached by the Hall of Famer, Olympic gold medalist and Golden Ball recipient of the 1991 FIFA Women’s

From left, Christine Weeks ’99; Anne Kipp ’99; Assistant Coach Rob Blanck; CDR Erin Miller ’99, USN; Carin Gabarra; LtCol Nicole (Aunapu) Mann ’99, USMC; and Amy Mills ’99.

By Commander Erin (Miller) Meehan ’99, USN

World Cup know Gabarra as educating us in toughness above all else. Her requirement was simple: we do not quit achieving our best. My teammates and I remember craving time around Gabarra’s best, thinking it was both absurd and spectacular that she would stand at the doors of Macdonough Hall and demand we keep up with her during a weekly practice. For 26 years, the varsity women’s soccer coach has delivered many fine leaders, such as test pilots, commanding officers, doctors, business owners, politicians, CEOs, an astronaut and mothers. As a public thank you to coaches Gabarra and Rob Blanck, we offer a few of their lessons: Lesson 1: Are you hurt or are you injured? “Choose not to be harmed and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed and you haven’t been.” —Marcus Aurelius Critical self-reflection naturally produces resiliency. It is my responsibility to push through what hurts and it is equally my responsibility to recognize the difference between hurt and injury. While pushing through hurt can be uncomfortable, embarrassing and burdensome, getting the help you need to heal an injury, whether mental or physical, takes as much patience and determination. This question helps one recognize individual health as critical to a fielded team … or a deployed command. Lesson 2: Only you control being pushed around. “The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that

I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control.” —Epictetus It is my responsibility to prevent getting pushed off of the ball. Gabarra taught us why we gain weight, build muscle and get ﬁtter to pursue advantage. She gave us tools to assume responsibility for our bodies and our minds as parts of the force being ﬁelded. Lesson 3: Laziness is not an athlete’s trait. “It is in times of security that the spirit should be preparing itself for difficult times; while fortune is bestowing favors on it, then is the time for it to be strengthened against her rebuffs.” —Seneca In 2016, a female Marine told me she did not think she could meet the male Infantry standards. I remember wondering what Gabarra would have said. I politely reminded her that she is a Marine. Navy women’s soccer players never want to meet the standard, they want to beat it. Coach Gabarra gives her players preparation the framers of Education for Seapower would laud. Her style is not about kindness and camaraderie, it is about building strength after thorough recognition of vulnerabilities, a laser focus on the back of the net and building a climate devoid of ego. a CDR Erin (Miller) Meehan ’99, USN, is a cryptologic warfare officer serving as a military instructor at the Naval Academy and a former Navy women’s soccer player.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 33

FEATURE

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

THE FINAL FRONTIER

By Nick Campbell ’87

PHOTO BY STEVE TEDESCHI

he Naval Academy Class of 1987 has a long list of accomplished graduates: admirals, cabinet members, ship/sub commanders, Top Guns, CEOs, even a restaurant mogul … now, the best class ever to grace the Yard has a school named for one of its members.

CAPT Sunita Williams ’87, USN (Ret.), unveils a plaque at the newly opened school named in her honor in Needham, MA.

“Thank you, Suni, for lending your name, so that these children can be inspired for generations to come by a life well lived.” —Needham, MA, School Superintendent Daniel Gutekanst 34 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

On 11 October 2019, Captain Sunita Williams ’87, USN (Ret.), earned the distinction of seeing her hometown’s new elementary school named for her. Approximately 50 classmates from around the country made the trip to Needham, MA, to honor our distinguished friend. Needham School Superintendent Daniel Gutekanst opened the dedication by saying, “Thank you, Suni, for lending your name, so that these children can be inspired for generations to come by a life well lived.” Williams was a standout long before she joined NASA in 1998. Unconfirmed reports suggest the multi-sport athlete was even the highest female on Herndon in May 1984. After commissioning on a rainy 20 May 1987, she attended Dive School before heading to Pensacola. Her flight assignments grew in responsibility, as did her resumé: Williams eventually accumulated more than 3,000 flight hours on 30 different aircraft types. Upon relocating to Houston, TX, she spent nine days as a member of the second NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations crew. Her team lived 62 feet underwater off Key Largo, FL, utilizing the water environment to hone skills needed for future spacewalks. Soon after, she was assigned as Deputy, NASA Astronaut Office. Other people who ran that office include

PHOTO BY STEVE TEDESCHI

Approximately 50 Class of ’87 alumni attended the dedication of a school honoring their classmate CAPT Sunita Williams ’87, USN.

Major Deke Slayton, USAF (Ret.); Rear Admiral Alan Shepard ’45, USN (Ret.); Lieutenant General Tom Stafford ’52, USAF (Ret.); and Captain John Young, USN (Ret.). Williams’ first space assignment was quite an adventure: 197 days in 2006-07, spent mostly on the International Space Station (ISS). One of her first accomplishments was typical Suni: from 250 miles up, a barber appointment allowed her to harvest that prodigious head of hair and send it on the next bus home to Locks of Love. To spice up her long-duration flight, Williams requested some wasabi for extra flavor on her meals. Unfortunately, physics atomized the paste into a fountain upon opening, not good for high-value electronics in orbit. After that, she had to make do with Marshmallow Fluff, a less volatile favorite. On that same assignment, Williams outdid all comers on Patriots’ Day by running the Boston Marathon remotely. However, she gained extra kudos by completing not only the official 26.2 miles, but also adding an extra 75,000 miles as a kicker. In June 2007, the Space Shuttle ATLANTIS docked with the ISS to bring our classmate home. In typical ’87 fashion, Williams eschewed the traditional wake-up military marches or C&W songs for “If I Had a Million Dollars” by the Barenaked Ladies. Work hard, play hard, ’87. Her time upstairs includes 322 days and 51 hours of spacewalks, with more to come next year on the Boeing STARLINER spacecraft. In speaking to the young students attending the new school, 1987 Class President Jim Matheson said, “I challenge you to work diligently every day to live up to Suni’s amazing example of a life lived with courage, passion, excellence and humility, just as each of her Academy classmates have done over the past 36 years as we’ve run—literally, run as fast as we can—to keep up with her.” The guest of honor regaled the audience in her perfectly ’87 way. Little known fact: her childhood parish priest in Needham was Fr. George Pucciarelli, who became the Brigade Chaplain

soon after. It’s no surprise where Williams obtained her prodigious “staminer,” as “Father Pooch” was fond of saying during his King Hall prayers. Williams ended the dedication with a heartfelt “Thank you for making this school a reality.” In our First Class Lucky Bag, her roommates wrote: “Someday we expect her to go from the cover of Reef Points to the cover of Sports Illustrated or even Gourmet Magazine.” Clearly, Suni has gone much further. A supremely accomplished officer/astronaut and an incredibly well-rounded individual, Suni capped off her school dedication weekend by going camping with her sister before returning to Houston for the next space adventure. Congratulations, Classmate! a Author’s note: In the spring of Suni’s first spaceflight, I had relocated to Oregon and discovered that I would have a prime ISS viewing opportunity. After Suni transferred back to the Shuttle and undocked on 19 June 2007, both vehicles over-flew Central Oregon at dusk the next day. I was standing outside of the Sunriver Observatory watching not one but two points of light traveling overhead, with my classmate inside. Quite a moment.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 35

BRAVO ZULU 1950s

Tropf ’14 Wins Marine Corps Marathon

’58: RADM George Meinig Jr., USN (Ret.), had a building renamed in his honor at the Naval Combat System Engineering Development facility in Moorestown, NJ.

1960s ’68: LtGen Jack W. Klimp, USMC (Ret.), has been named president and CEO of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

1970s ’70: ADM Thomas B. Fargo, USN (Ret.), has been named the 22nd chairman of USAA. CAPT Ken Bowersox, USN (Ret.), has been appointed acting director of head of human exploration at NASA (associate administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate). CDR Eric Kalisky, USN (Ret.), has been named San Diego, CA’s, Best Real Estate agent for 2019 by the San Diego Union Tribune’s Best of San Diego readers’ poll. Maj Keith Davies, USMC (Ret.), now works for Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, FL, as their aviation program coordinator. The late CAPT Clyde Welch, USN (Ret.), has been honored with a hometown hero banner to be displayed through 3 May 2020 by The Avenue of Heroes Committee on the “Avenue of Heroes” at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, CA. ’73: VADM Cutler Dawson, USN (Ret.), a U.S. Naval Academy Distinguished Graduate Award

PHOTO BY AP/JOSE LUIS MAGANA

’56: Allen Reed was inducted into the Connecticut Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

LT Jordan Tropf ’14, USN, won the 44th Marine Corps Marathon on 27 October in 2:27:43, his first victory in seven attempts. The Ohio native and Navy cross country veteran, who earned his M.D. at Johns Hopkins University, had been juggling his marathon training with his responsibilities as an orthopedic surgery resident at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. “Training is really hit-or-miss with my job,” Tropf told the Washington Post. “It’s hard to be consistent because you’ve got to take calls. I don’t write anything down, so I don’t have to make goals in my schedule or feel bad about missing training. This is what I do for fun, and I love coming out here and being competitive.”®

recipient and former CEO of Navy Federal Credit Union, has published a book, From the Sea to the C-Suite: Lessons Learned from the Bridge to the Corner Office.

advisory board of Roberts & Ryan Investments, America’s first Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Financial Industry Regulatory Authorityregistered broker-dealer.

’78: VADM David Buss, USN (Ret.), former Commander, Naval Air Forces (“Air Boss”), has been named CEO of OpenDrives, Inc., a Los Angeles-based digital storage technology company.

’91: CAPT Rich Brophy Jr., USN, relieved RADM Dan Cheever, USN, as commander, Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center in Fallon, NV.

’79: David Stehlin has been named CEO of the Telecommunications Industry Association in Alexandria, VA.

1980s

’92: John Stammreich completed his three-year term on the Naval Academy Blue and Gold Officer Area Coordinator Steering Committee as a Region 4 representative.

Gold Officer Area Coordinator Steering Committee as a Region 4 Area Coordinator Steering Committee member.

2000s ’00: Kim Kesselman and 1stLt Lindsay Hawkins, USMC, became the first women to be inducted into the Navy Rugby Hall of Fame. CDR Tara Refo, USN, assumed command of Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Weapons School during a change of command ceremony in Norfolk, VA.

’94: CDR Brian Campbell, USNR, completed his service on the Naval Academy Blue and Gold Officer Area Coordinator Steering Committee as Region 2 representative.

’01: CDR Andrew Koy relieved CDR Sean Lewis as commander of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer STERETT during a change of command ceremony at Naval Station San Diego.

1990s

’95: CAPT Lance Lantier, USN, was selected by the Chief of Naval Operations as the Navy representative to the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence.

’09: LT Andrew J. Christopher, USN (Ret.), has joined Dowling & Yahnke Wealth Advisors as an associate advisor.

’90: Dr. Paul Webber has been named chairman of BakBone, a company he established, which creates a device to hold laptop computers and cellphones solidly and ergonomically in one hand. Mary Kay Wegner has joined the

’99: LtCol EJ Wunderlich, USMCR, made the All-Marine team for the Armed Forces Triathlon. CDR Jason Woodward, USNR, has been named one of the eight members on the Naval Academy Blue and

’89: Lt Col David Cloe, USAF (Ret.), has been named the Department of Homeland Security’s deputy assistant secretary of international affairs (Western Hemisphere), Office of Strategy, Policy and Plans.

Do you know someone who deserves a Bravo Zulu? Send to comms@usna.com.

ALUMNI MENTORING PROGRAM Open to all Naval Academy alumni, AMP is about alumni helping alumni achieve more in their careers and lives. Register with AMP today to be a mentor, protégé or both. Visit www.usna.com/amp

36 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

ALUMNI PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

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ALUMNI PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

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38 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

SACC • 247 King George Street • Annapolis, Maryland 21402 • SACC@usna.com

CLASS NEWS

“But still when two or three shall meet, and old tales be retold...”

’37

Life Membership: 0% Honorary Vice Pres and Sec’y: Meredith Minter Hinkle Daughter of Charlie Minter ’37 3603 Prince William Dr., Fairfax, VA 22031 e: mahink@cox.net

’38

’39 Sword with photos of Harry and Jean Thompson Seymour

Life Membership: 50% Sec’y: Donald E. Brown Son of CAPT C. Donald Brown, USN (Ret.) 4105 Elizabeth Ln., Fairfax, VA 22032-1453 p: 703-978-4571; e: donaldbrown@earthlink.net

’39

Life Membership: 50% Donor Participation: 0% Vice Pres: CAPT Chip Seymour, USN (Ret.) Son of Harry A. Seymour 309 Melvin Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401 c: 410-279-9195; e: seymour65@comcast.net Sec’y: Barbara Fidel Adams Also Sec’y for ’39 Navy Juniors Daughter of Jack and June Fidel 215 Ikerd Dr., Concord, NC 28025 p: 704-784-3876; e: adamsjimr@aol.com Thirty-Nine On Line: Barbara Fidel Adams e: adamsjimr@aol.com Webmaster: Roland Weybourn Schumann III Son of Bud Schumann 1011 Apollo Way, Incline Village, NV 89451 p: 775-298-2011; e: rolandws@gmail.com

You are receiving this Shipmate issue in the first week of December, as we reflect on December 7th. ’39 sailed to Pearl Harbor with the Pacific Fleet in 1940, and while many had gone onto other duty assignments by the 7th of December 1941, many Classmates were aboard the mighty battleships when the attack on Pearl Harbor began. One of those was ’39 Classmate, Harry Augustus Seymour.

Harry A. Seymour- 1939 Lucky Bag

His son, Harry Augustus Seymour, Jr ‘65 (better known as Chip) sent the following to us: M “When the Class of 1939 graduated from the Naval Academy, a ‘Two Year Rule’ was in place prohibiting Naval Academy graduates from marrying until two years after Graduation. As did many Class of 1939ers, our parents were married on 1 June, 1941. Since our Dad was stationed on the Battleship USS NEVADA, home-p--orted in Pearl Harbor, my parents were married in Honolulu. Our Dad was on board NEVADA that fateful morning of 7 December. My parents lived in downtown Honolulu. In the midst of the carnage, NEVADA was able to get underway but was ordered to go aground (at a spot still known as NEVADA Point) in order to not block the main channel. Our Dad’s sword was lost during the attack, but later recovered by divers. I am not certain how long it took for our Mom to know that Dad survived that fateful day. Fortunately, he did survive and completed a 30 year career of Naval Service.”

Like his dad, Chip Seymour retired from the Navy as a Captain. He was a Naval Academy Class of 1965 graduate and career Surface Warfare Officer, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Captain Robert Rowe Thompson, Naval Academy Class of 1912 and his father, Captain Harry A. Seymour, Class of 1939. Chip commanded two ships, USS FORTIFY (MSO-446), which helped sweep the mines from Haiphong Harbor at the end of the Vietnam War as part of the peace agreement; and Guided Missile Frigate, USS COPELAND (FFG-25), which he put into commission in September 1982. During his Navy Career, he earned masters degrees at the Naval Postgraduate School and the Naval War College. His shore duty assignments included Flag Lieutenant and Aide to two Superintendents of the U.S. Naval Academy, as well as Executive Assistant to the Commandant of Midshipmen; Head of Officer Retention in the (OP-13) branch of the Chief of Naval Personnel; and Director of Admissions at the U.S. Naval Academy. Chip Seymour is a proud, retired Naval Officer and a proud ’39 Navy Junior. The ’39 Lucky Bag described his Dad in this way… ”Harry Seymour can always be counted on to lend a helping hand”…as his Dad’s ’39 legacy, Chip Seymour can always be counted on to lend a helping hand …

conducting tours of the Naval Academy; sponsoring Midshipmen; being a member of the ’39 SeventyFifth Reunion Executive Committee; acting as Vice President for the Class of 1939; representing the Class of ’39 at USNA funerals; helping organize the observance of the Eightieth Anniversary of the 1 June graduation of the Class of 1939, as well as the designation of a gift to the Naval Academy to commemorate their Eightieth (we will report on this in the 2020 January Shipmate ’39 column); and in competing on the USNA Macdonough Hall Senior Racquetball Players team: In the 2017 Maryland Senior Olympics, Chip won a Silver and two Bronze medals in Racquetball. In 2018 Chip reported the following about their team: “Almost daily, one can walk into Macdonough Hall from noon to 1:00 pm to witness action on the racquetball courts involving nearly two dozen Senior racquetball athletes- ranging in age from their early 50’s to 89 years of age. The action is very competitive and of high quality. This is borne out by the fact that five of those players competed in the 2018 Maryland Senior Olympics and won five Gold Medals and two Silver.”

L-r: Joe Parks ’89 (USNA Faculty/Staff, Darrell Demster ’53 (Mentor to all Senior Olympians!); Chip Seymour ’65 (Tour Guide at the Academy’s Visitor Center); Associate Professor, Mike Schwob of the Naval Academy Athletic Association; Russ Cesari, (Daughter- USNA Class of 1996, and Son-USNA Class of 1998).

Opinions expressed in Shipmate are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, its officers or editorial staff. All pictures are official Department of Defense photographs unless otherwise credited. Member, Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Shipmate (ISSN 0488-6720) is published monthly except for combined issues (January-February, March, April-May, June, July-August, September, October and November-December). Copyrighted 2019 by the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association, Inc., 247 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402-1306. Membership dues (including Shipmate) are $70 per year. Subscription rate is $70; Canadian and foreign subscriptions are $75. Single copies are $7 each. Periodicals Postage Paid at Annapolis, MD, and at additional mailing offices. All editorial matter should be addressed to Kristen Pironis, p: 410-295-4072, kristen.pironis@usna.com. Inquiries concerning membership or subscriptions and notification of change of address of members and subscribers should be addressed to U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, 247 King George St., Annapolis, MD 21402-1306; p: 410-295-4027; alumni@usna.com. Donor participation numbers as of 30 September 2019.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 39

39/43 CLASS NEWS In September 2019, Darrell Dempster ’53 earned another Maryland Senior Olympics Gold Medal, as did Chip Seymour and his Doubles Racquetball partner, Russ Cesari. They who won the Doubles Gold Medal in their Age Group, and Chip puts it: “it was a squeaker, a 3rd game tie- breaker (11-10) at the Maryland Senior Olympics…we are trying not to ‘let the Old Man in’!”

Chip Seymour and Russ Cesari with their Doubles Racquetball Gold Medals

(Editor’s Note: I would say they are certainly not ‘letting the old man in’ as Chip and Russ qualified for the National Senior Games held in Cleveland in 2013 - where they won the Bronze Medal in Doubles and Chip won the Gold Medal in Singles!). In addition to all of the above, Chip was personally responsible for organizing special birthday greetings sent from the Commandant and selected Members of the Brigade to each of our last three ’39 Classmates on the occasion of their 103rd birthdays Herb Kriloff (4 October, 2018), Nat James (2 March, 2019), and Calvin George (12 March, 2019). Chip contacted the Commandant and selected Members of the Brigade who sent birthday e-mails, and many were sent by the Class of 2019- celebrating their “80 Year Link in the Chain” with the Class of 1939. To say that all of these wonderful, congratulatory e-mail greetings meant a lot to Herb Kriloff, Nat James, Calvin George would be an understatement. It meant the world to them and their families as these emails poured in to be read in their final days. Chip personally wrote the following to Calvin George:

M “Dear Commander George…. While I feel like a real member of the great Class of 1939- thanks to my Dad- it is Classmates like you, Sir, who solidify my bond with ’39. I know several members of this year’s graduating Class of 2019 and am struck by the fact that these young men and women will graduate 80 years after your graduation…I hope that the Class of 2019 will not have to go through what the Class of 1939 did, but if asked to do so, they are prepared to perform thanks, in large measure, to you and your Classmates who set the bar of excellence and selfless service to Country so very high….” We lost all three ’39 Classmates at the beginning of this year, but we carry on remembering them with admiration, respect and love. ‘What about’39?’ What about ’39 Navy Junior, Chip Seymour— who set the bar of excellence, following in the wake of his father, Harry Seymour ’39 and his grandfather, Robert Rowe Thompson ’12. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Fidel Adams, ’39 Class Secretary

’40

Life Membership: 0% Donor Participation: 0% Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com

Wendy Ann Lowerre Marsh, the daughter of the late CDR Warren P. Lowerre, USNR (Ret.) and Mrs. Yvonne B. Lowerre writes in to let the Class of 1940 know that her mother and widow of Warren P. “Sunshiine” Lowerre turns 100 on October 21, 2019.

Yvonne Jane Belt – born October 21, 1919 Baltimore, MD. She met Warren P. Lowerre, USNA class of 1940, at Catonsville High School, Catonsville MD, where they were both students. Warren, aka: “Sunshine”, graduated from USNA in May of 1940. He and Yvonne married on May 18, 1942 in Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, CA while Warren’s ship, the USS Maryland, was in port. Yvonne stayed in San Francisco while Warren was on ship in the Pacific during the remainder of WWII. Their first child, William Griffin Lowerre, was born in San Francisco. While the ship was being decommissioned following WWII, they lived for a brief time in Bremerton, Washington. They moved to Dallas Texas in 1946 and had two more children; Richard Warren Lowerre (1948) and Wendy Ann Lowerre Marsh (1951). Dallas remained their home until they moved to Denton, TX in 2002 to be closer to their daughter. Warren passed away in October 2013 at the age of 95. Yvonne continues to live independently at Good Samaritan Denton Village, Denton, TX. She turns 100 on October 21, 2019.

’41

Life Membership: 50% Donor Participation: 0% Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com

’42

Life Membership: 67% Donor Participation: 0% Pres: CAPT John (Jack) C. Crawford Jr., USN (Ret.) 11405 Farmland Dr., Rockville, MD 20852 p: 301-881-4268; e: jcraw71544@aol.com Vice Pres/Sec’y: Joan Curtis Wife ofthe late CDR Richard E. Curtis, USN (Ret.) 14518 Faraday Dr., Rockville, MD 20853 p: 301-989-8885; e: joan@jfcurtis.com

Happy Birthday! 40 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Hello to Class of ’42 Classmates, Family and Friends, Happy Holidays to everyone!!!!!! Do you recognize the pictures of these Classmates (The Lucky Bag)?

They all celebrated their 100th Birthday this year! James David Borop, Dale C. Reed, John (Jack) W. Crawford, Jr., Thomas Eldredge Williamson, Jr., and Gerald E. Peddicord. (See the photo on the following page) What a Celebration! One Hundred Years Today! Lots of life experiences have certainly come your way and while you have been simply collecting stories (sea stories) just for you, you’ve also given memories which we can all share too. You are thought of so fondly, so it is a job to be Wishing you a Happy Birthday on this, Your Century!!!! The USNA Class of ’92 celebrated Jack Crawford’s 100th Birthday as the guest of honor at a luncheon in King Hall 30 August 2019 (see the article and pictures in the Class of ’92’s column in this Shipmate). Jack’s family is having a special celebration of his 100th Birthday in October. Jim Borop and his family celebrated his 100th Birthday on 3 April 2019 in Florida. As a frequent flyer of Virgin Atlantic, the airline gave him a party on the flight over from England and another on his flight back. Unfortunately, shortly after his return to England, he fell and fractured his hip, but is recovering nicely. Dale Reed celebrated his 100th Birthday 14 May 2019 with his family and friends and is doing fantastic! The Class of ’42 extends their prayers and thoughts to all of you, their families and friends. God Bless the Class of ’42. Enjoy the Holidays and have a Blessed New Year! Respectfully submitted, —Joan Curtis ’42 Class Secretary GO NAVY!!!!!! BEAT ARMY!!!!!

’43

Life Membership: 67% Donor Participation: 0% Acting Pres and Sec’y: Les Heselton e: heselton43@cs.com

It is now the first part of August and the USNA Class of ’23 has just finished Plebe indoctrination

43/44 CLASS NEWS Capt. Kevin Stone, President of the Class of 1976 mentioned that Dorothy F. Newlon, the artist who painted this portrait of Vice Admiral James Calvert ’43, which hangs in Dahlgren Hall, recently died. Her estate has two high quality prints that they would like to donate to the family. If anyone has information to locate them, please let me know at: heselton43@ cs.com and I will forward it!

’42 turning 100

which was celebrated with “Parents’ Weekend”. Friday there was a special noon meal formation for the parents and friends. The plebes then dashed to find their families & friends and, with much kissing and hugging tell them how tough it was! Then the Plebes had a three-day liberty to celebrate and recover from indoctrination before resuming Plebe Summer. I understand that there is another family week-end before classes start! Things certainly have changed!! It appears that our Class is beginning to be noticed. Three of us are included in the list of Twenty

Oldest graduates, with the rest not far behind!

VADM Calvert

IN MEMORIUM: Ann Burton Evans informed us that her father, William Burton ’43, died 29 August 2019. We will have more details and an obituary for the next edition of Shipmate. Mary Norris Porter Frese of Annapolis, MD, widow of Capt. Bernard William Frese, Mary Norris Porter Frese ’43, died 12 Aug 2019 at Bay Woods of Annapolis where she had lived for the past several years. Mary was born in Philadelphia, PA. While her father, RADM Robert Lee Porter was stationed at the Naval Academy, she met Berrnie, and she attended Georgetown Visitation Junior College. She married Berrnie upon his graduation on 19 June 1942. One of the highlights of her life was serving as the Matron of Honor for the Christening and launching of the USS CARL VINSON, (CVN-70). Mary is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth Norriss Frese of Washington, DC, three grandchildren and three great grandsons. A Catholic Funeral Mass was held 30 Sept 2019 at the Naval Academy Chapel for her. Charles W. Whythe Sr. of Ravenswood died 30 Aug 2019. Charles was with us at the Naval Academy during Plebe year but unfortunately failed academically. He then went on to Notre Dame Univ and served in the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II. His wife Eleanor Lilley died on 28 July 2010. They are survived by 11 children, 32 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren, and 9 great great-grandchildren. It’s Great To Be Forty-Three

’44

Life Membership: 53% Donor Participation: 7.14% Shipmate Corr Sec’y: William (Bill) Wakeland 9019 Antietam Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78239 h: 210-646-5870; e: wrwake@satx.rr.com

Charles Burlin recently recalled his travails of getting an appointment to the Naval Academy. In 1940 after the principal appointee passed his physical his alternate appointment was nullified. But to his surprise, he received a telegram in August to report for his physical for entrance. Much to his dismay, at first check he was told that he was a quarter inch short of the minimum height. He recounted how he grew the quarter inch in 30 minutes. His words, “The doctor said, “Now go in the next room, lie down on the gurney for 30 minutes, then come back and I’ll measure your height “I did so. He had a Navy Corpsman on each side of me at the height scale on the wall. Each put one hand under my armpits with a slight upward pressure, He exclaimed, “You’re a quarter-inch OVER the minimum! You pass the physical.” As a result, Charles became a ’44 classmate. Who else has a story to pique our interest? Come on now, think back to your academy and naval career days. Minding my own preaching, I’m thinking …Ahah! I have a story. Although I’m sure we all heard about it at the time, It’s interesting to recall, and think, “Thank god it wasn’t me!” After we got into the war it was decided that we embryonic naval officers would be a choice target for sabotage. So, since we all had been checked out in the rifle and had gun on the range, we were assigned guard duty after hours in likely spots for an intrusion. We were armed with ’44’s. The gun was carried without a round in the chamber, but to pass over the gun when relieved the routine was to 1. eject the clip, 2. Rack the slide to reject any round that was in the chamber so to prove that it was empty. And 3. Point it clear and

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 41

44/46 CLASS NEWS

’46

pull the trigger. If everything was proper, the only sound was a click. Well what do you know, It didn’t go that smoothly, Once. If, in haste, 2 was done first, then 1, then 3 KAPOW!! The round in the chamber was fired. (Thank god it wasn’t me!) When this happened, I decided to repeat step 2 twice. If two rounds were ejected it was pretty clear that something was wrong. Enough for this month. —Bill Wakeland, ’44, wrwake@satx.rr.com

’45

Life Membership: 59% Donor Participation: 11.48% Pres: RADM George F. Ellis, USN (Ret.) 1824 Milvale Rd., Annapolis, MD 21409-5923 p: 410-757-4423; e: ellisnav45@aol.com Corr Sec’y: Bonnie Boyd Daughter of CAPT E. L. Cochrane, Jr. ’45 4606 Marble Rock Ct., Chantilly, VA 20151 p: 571-342-2266; e: bonnieboyd2266@gmail.com Website: www.usna.com/classes/1945

The Class of ’45 met in August to hear our class president, George Ellis, update the group on Naval Academy happenings. He mentioned that one of the Academy’s chief objectives this year will be to raise the seawall around the school as the adjacent buildings have been susceptible to heavy flooding. Concerning Navy football, George stated that sadly we lost most of last year’s team due to graduation including our top-notch place kicker but that Superintendent Sean Buck did a fabulous job firing up this year’s team at their first practice.

Bill Geiger presents Mike Taylor with USS WASHBURN ship’s wheel

Also, at our August meeting, Bill Geiger presented to his good friend and former neighbor, Mike Taylor (Colonel, U.S. Air Force, Ret.) two

Life Membership: 48% Donor Participation: 6.80% Pres: CAPT Ernest E. Lowen, USN (Ret.) 9201 St. Marks Pl., Fairfax, VA 22031-3045 p: 703-691-0437; e: navyern@hotmail.com Vice Pres: Larry Baldwin 13708 Leland Rd., Centreville, VA 20120 p: 703 631 9817; e: owl22@cox.net DEFENDI RESPUBLICAM ADOLESCENS, NON DESERAM SENEX

’45: Class of ’45 gathers for August ’19 luncheon

memorabilia that he had collected early in his naval career. The commissioning pennant and ship’s wheel were acquired when Bill had command of the USS WASHBURN. She was designed to carry military cargo and landing craft, and to use the latter to land weapons, supplies, and Marines on enemy shores during amphibious operations. Mike has been coming to our ‘45 class luncheons with Bill for many years and this was a perfect way to show his appreciation for their friendship. George shared with the group what he does with his treasured keepsakes; he takes them to reunions where they can be auctioned off to raise money for that group. At September’s class meeting, George told the group that he had recently received a thank you note from the family of Donald E. “Rocky” Rockwell Jr. for attending their father and mother’s memorial service. Keeping true to our class custom, they sang the Navy Blue and Gold at the conclusion of the funeral. Bobbie Davidson (widow of Hub Davidson) informed that she had gone to Annapolis HS with Anne Steele Rockwell, Rocky’s wife. As usual, Navy football was discussed and George reported that seven assistant coaches had been newly hired this fall. He encouraged the group by noting that Malcom Perry, this year’s quarterback, looks impressive with his run-and-shoot offensive plays. Upon reading our class article in the September ’19 issue of Shipmate, Robert “Bob” Close sent word to clarify the relationship of Vice

42 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Admiral Sean Buck with ’45 classmate, A. Lester “Les” Buck. Bob explained that “the new Supe, Sean Buck, is the nephew of our classmate and that Sean’s father is Edward Guy Buck, class of ‘48.” Bob further explained that “Les lived here in The Towers in San Antonio from about 1990 until his passing some 3 years ago. I moved in 1994 and have enjoyed every minute.”

Les Buck and Bob Close taken about 5 years ago

Finally, George included a picture taken in early September to memorialize a reunion visit made by his good friend, Charles Hughes ’59, to his Annapolis home.

George Ellis and Charles Hughes ’59, Sep ‘19

Look Alive with ‘45!

Hello Surviving 1946 Class Members and Other Interested Shipmate Parties, I am grateful to receive copies of Shipmate each year, but I was dismayed to see no notes from the USNA Class of 1946 in the latest issue. This email is to update the record on my family and me since much has happened since our last contact. As many of you know, Capt. Wilson F. Engel, Jr., USN (USNA Class of 1946) passed on November 1, 2009. We all miss him terribly. Six years ago, I flew from Annandale, Virginia, where I had resided since 1964, to Phoenix, Arizona. That was a life-transforming transition. A relative owns two adjacent houses in Gilbert, Arizona, one of the many satellite cities of Phoenix. I occupied one of them. My oldest son and his wife occupied the adjacent dwelling. I ordered a cement walk poured between the two houses so we could visit often. Since my arrival, I have made my back yard an aviary with as many as two hundred twenty birds feeding simultaneously, including migratory songbirds and exotics like RosyFaced Love Birds and Indian Yellow-billed Babblers. When my two shelties passed three years ago, I acquired two feral cats from the same litter. CoCo and YumYum have acclimated to exclusive, indoor living and, when they are not playing with their toys or sleeping, spend the days fascinated by my back-yard birds as they see them through the glass sliding door. Living in the Sonora Desert has been a learning experience for me though my father and mother loved to vacation in Phoenix in the Nineteen

46/47 CLASS NEWS Forties. Through my example, I seem to have started a fashion in my extended family—to visit me in Gilbert. Some former Californians among them have even chosen to relocate permanently from that expensive state to nearby Arizona cities like Goodyear. I am lucky to have family who care for me and want to come for short visits to introduce my latest great grandchildren. As for the U.S. Navy, I will always cherish my family’s Naval Academy traditions that include one USNA Superintendent—Rear Admiral Philip Henry Cooper (USNA Class of 1864), whose second wife was Sarah Lawrence Stuart. My mother, Sarah Lawrence “Sallie” Cooper married Francis E. Fairman, Jr. (USNA Class of 1921) and my daughter Sarah Lawrence “Sallie” Engel married Capt. William F. Nold, USN, Ret. (USNA Class of 1971). My two brothers were both naval officers, Philip B. Fairman being a member of USNA Class of 1947. Likewise, Philip’s son James Fairman was a naval officer. My husband’s two brothers, Gordon R. Engel (USNA Class of 1948) and Richard L. Engel (USNA Class of 1959), were also Academy men. My own three sons left high school, too young to attend the Academy, but two became naval officers, and sons Frank P. Engel, Ph.D., and David D. Engel, Ph.D., made critical contributions to the U.S. Navy as defense contractors at the forefront of Battle Management software solutions—the most successful leg of President Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (aka Star Wars). In fact, a total of seventeen of my family’s and in-laws’ children and grandchildren participated in that continuing effort with Inter-National Research Institute (INRI) and Northrop Grumman Company. As for direct Naval Academy contact, a few of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren have participated in USNA summer youth programs, the most recent being my great-granddaughter Eleanor Nold, who attended two summer rowing programs. I am pleased to have continued my education through my years of raising four wonderful, happily-

married children and to have become a math and science tutor to hundreds of high-school students who returned to do exam and refresher study with me in Annandale, Virginia, from colleges throughout the US east of the Mississippi River. To female Academy members who wonder whether they can “have it all,” my answer is an emphatic yes! Believe in yourself and keep driving towards your goals, whatever they happen to be, and you will succeed! Best Wishes, Sallie Sarah Fairman “Sallie” Engel, current age 92 Spouse of Capt. Wilson F. Engel, Jr. (USNA Class of 1946) c/o Wilson F. Engel, III, Ph.D. son, 978-604-0247; wickengel@ aol.com

’47

Life Membership: 78% Donor Participation: 16.25%

One more throwback of some ’47 MIDs enjoying some adult beverages! To include: Ace Adams, John Jahant, Jack Sullivan, Jim Chapman and Floyd Bowdey! {Wish I was there!}

Another Legacy Home-Run from Team Foster!

Pres: CAPT Jack M. Stevens, USN (Ret) 200 Ankersa Way, Hunt, TX 78204-3400 Pp: 830-238-4355; e: captjack47@hctc.net Corr Sec’y: Eileen Marousek Daughter of Col. L. Marousek ’47 310 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314 p: 703.507.2350 e: eileen_marousek@hotmail.com Tres: Priscilla Myerson Wiife of Ed Myerson

Hello ’47s! It’s that time of year again. One of the greatest rivalries of all time! #BeatArmy! Let’s kick this update off with a FUN Throwback of the Donaldsons & Team Davis — all very good friends of many ‘47s! {Love this!}

Another throwback of CDR Ken Sears and FAM as he earns the Joint Service Commendation Medal circa 1966l! (Kids are Jonathan & Susan).

I was inspired recently by a beautiful photo of the Foster Family. Beau Foster was a decorated ’47 and his 3 sons followed in his footsteps at the Academy! Here is what I learned from Rick (Beau’s son and a ’74 graduate): M Captain William L. Foster, known to family & friends as Beau, and his wife Joni had three boys (Kim, Tom & Rick) and a girl, Lee. Kim followed in Dad’s footsteps—graduated from the Naval Academy (1970) and became a submariner. After nuclear power school he served 5 years in the submarine service and was ready to transfer and see what else the Navy had to offer. Unfortunately, the Navy wanted to send him back to sea on submarines. After many hours of discussion with dad Kim decided to enter the civilian world and see what they had to offer. He went to University of

Virginia to get his masters where he met and later married his wife, Lisa. He went to work for FMC and ultimately became their CFO before retiring. Before retiring he was voted one of the top 10 CFO’s in America. Dad could not have been prouder. They have three lovely children and one granddaughter. Tom, not to be outdone, also followed in Dad’s footsteps and entered the Academy with the class of ‘72, but chose surface line and after 5 years decided to convert to intelligence where he spent his next 15 years of service. He married and had two children, twins, Chad and Brady. Tom retired and started his own business selling, something Tom was very good at. He is retired and living in Jacksonville Florida. Rick (class of ‘74) the baby boy, spent 30 years in the Navy, had 4 command tours and retired in 2004 in Jacksonville Florida. He married Denise Zebrowski and they have three children and two grandchildren. There really was never much discussion about college, all the boys admired Dad and wanted to emulate him in every way. Lee, Dad’s princess, graduated from Mary Washington (at that time, women were not eligible to go to the Academy). She is married to Mike Decola, a very successful businessman and they now live in Naples, Florida. They have two lovely children. Dad was very proud of the Navy and would always tell “sea” stories and he and Mom enjoyed the Navy life. As kids we noticed his uniform always smelled when he came home from sea and he said that was diesel and we thought that was something special, Mom, however had other ideas about the scent. Despite his obvious love for the Navy, he never pushed us into joining, however it didn’t take. Kim (’70), Tom (‘72) and Rick (‘74). Letter from my friend Joe Flanagan (then ’47 Class Sec’y) to “Shipmate” on September 20, 1956: M “This morning (Sept 14th) the wives had a coffee at Jo Romatowskis with Dar Kiehl as co-hostess. Those present besides Dar, Jo and myself were Patty Nicholson, Jean Metzel,

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 43

47/48 CLASS NEWS Jo Hallet, Dutch Carlisle, Pat Davidson, Barbara Larcombe, Jo Cobean, Sarah Murray, Louise Slonim and Rosemary Mathews. We planned two parties – the Cobeans are having one on September 28 and the Metzels are having a Christmas party. Grant is on three months cruise to the Med. He will be back late next month. I’ll enclose a list of all the classmates in New London: Lou Romatowski, Elmer Kiehl, Jack (Nick) Nicholson, Jeff Metzel, Ollie Hallet, Chuck Carlisle, Alan Davidson, Lou Larcombe, Warren (Bus) Cobean, Stu Murray, Chuck Slonim, Mattie Mathews, Tom Brittain, Ted Davis and Dick Bivin.” {Fun to read Joe!} Superb photo of my pal Wilton Sanders in his new ’47 polo! {You look very relaxed & happy Wilton – Hugs}! Wilton also included a fun cartoon (of Wilton) crafted in late ‘43 by Bob Schwartz ‘47”! Thanks for sharing this amazing cartoon with the class! Schwartz and his wife later started their own studio “R& E Schwartz Graphics & Growing Arts <logo attached>! Prior to that Bob Schwartz was a space and missiles engineer at McDonnell Douglass. Nice pic of Tommy Sanders (Wilton’s brother from another mother <wink>) in his ’47 shirt! Thanks Tommy! Tommy sent me a note via text: “For the last couple of years, I’ve been trying to retire, somewhat unsuccessfully. But I have reduced trips to the office and I’m now

spending more time at home with Carolyn, my bride of 71 years.” {Thanks Tommy} Four generations of Townes! Handsome Navy photo of Team Townes to include Jack (’47), John III (’72), John IV and great grandson Tristian!

Final Hours: It is my sad duty to notify you of the passing of your Classmates and wives: Paul Gaddis, Dave “Davey” Crockett, Sharon Farshing (Don) and Margaret Bagnall (Robert)! May they ALL Rest in Peace.

44 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

PROFILE: PG Miller!! {Photos as a MID… with Doris in the early years…around mid-life and at the 70th Reunion!} What made you want to go to the Naval Academy? My desire to be on a big ship on the ocean!! {Love this PG!} Who nominated you (Congressman or Senator) to go to the Naval Academy? Senator Alben W. Barkley from Kentucky who later became Vice President with Truman. Did you go directly to USNA or did you work first or go to another College or Prep School? Left High School at 15 and ½ and went to Purdue for 2 years in West Lafayette Indiana, and had to be released from the then War Dept because I was in the ROTC and to be a Field Artillery Officer, and then to USNA! Did you play a sport at USNA or were you involved in a club or activity? I was qualified yawl commander. What Company were you in? Plebe year 6th – last year the 8th. Fun or Memorable story from while you were at Navy? I was a Five striper! Joe Flanagan was a Six Striper and on the wrestling team – so Joe was not available on weekends. On Sunday, Joe went to out in town church. He let me lead the Brigade to Chapel on Sunday mornings and march on at football games. I Loved It! Who was your closest friend at the Naval Academy? Edson Case, roommate. Jim Stockdale and Stan Turner and Bill Crowe were also friends – and I spent Brigade Staff and Flight Training and PaxRiver Naval Air Test Center, and time in San Diego area together with Jim and Sybil Stockdale. Lot of time with Sybil when Jim was a POW. And then with them both when he returned in Washington and on weekends at USNA. Both Bill Crowe and I shared a bedroom at the President’s House at the Naval War College in Rhode Island when Jim was President there. Who, When and where did you get married? Married Lucretia Dell in 1949 and then divorced. Married Doris Ingram in 1978.

What have you been doing the past few years? Playing a little golf and fooling around in an office I rent. Office rental to get out of the house before too many assignments for the day Where do you live now? 11203 Lutherville, MD 21093 Do you have any kids, grandkids, great grandkids? 2 sons and 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren Do you still keep in touch with classmates or their families? One or two – Emiel Meisel, Wayne Warlick and Paul Gaddis. Rest of those I was close to have gone. Several are on the hill in the cemetery at USNA Biggest difference in being at the Yard recently from when you were there as a MID? Everything and everybody are much more casual. No more fashion shows at Sunday Chapel.

———

That’s all for now Team ‘47! Look to the next Shipmate for more updates. Keep sending me your emails and snail mail. If you want a ’47 Polo shirt – drop me a note. I love hearing from ALL of you. Yours loyally for ’47. “FoBotS” (Fan of Best on the Severn) OX, Eileen

’48

Life Membership: 53% Donor Participation: 9.32% Treas: CDR Charles Mertz 1733 Kirby Rd., Apt. 1303, McClean, VA 22101 e: CM7200@aol.com Sec’y/Webmaster: John Tsiknas 15644 Caldas De Reyes San Diego, CA 92128-4414 p: 858-451-0967 e: johntsiknas@att.net Website: http://1948.usnaclasses.com

It seems like there is not much news out there lately, but I am happy to report that my friend Jean gave me a hot-air balloon ride for my 95th birthday. Not an as exciting as Tom Hayward’s sky dive, but a lot of fun. Much of the ride was over Rancho Santa Fe, a very exclusive community in San Diego County.

48/49 CLASS NEWS

’48: Waiting for lift off.

’48: Airborne over San Diego with our balloon companions.

Phil Rogers and I have been working on a Roster of Classmates similar to the one we got in 2008. Our goal was to publish and mail it by the end of October. If you did not receive it, it is probably because the Alumni Association does not have your current address and other contact information. In that case you can send your address and other info to me at the address that is shown at the head of this column and I will get it to the Alumni Association and also send you a copy of the roster. Since the last column we learned of the passing of the following: Classmates: D.R. Nolan, 19th Co., 7/10/19 I. Himmel, 21st Co., 8/03/19 H.N. Kay, 9th Co., 7/29/19 R.S. Curl, 5th Co., 9/17/19 Wives: Lucille Himmel, 5/06/18 Nancy Reams, 9/17/19

My next Shipmate submittal date is December 26. Please send me an early Christmas present.

’49

Life Membership: 68% Donor Participation: 15.79% Pres: CAPT Robert Tolbert, USN (Ret.) 1031 Tottenham Ct., Lynchburg VA 24503 e: red.tolbert1949@att.net Vice Pres: CAPT Rick Claytor, USN (Ret.) 701 King Farm Blvd., #203, Rockville, MD 20850 e: retxnavy@aol.com (comm. & add.changes) Sec’y: Paul Laric 299 W. 12th St., #8E, NY, NY 10014 e: 49paullaric@gmail.com Asst Sec'y: Ursula Vosseler Treas: CAPT Al Frost, USN (Ret.) Webmaster: CAPT Robert Tolbert, USN (Ret.) Website: www.usna-class49.org

From the President Soon the 70th Reunion will be forgotten, but hopefully it has

become one of your good memories. Of course, you are reading this in the November-December Shipmate planning your Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays. The Diurnal Equinox was September 23rd and winter has come. Brenda and I celebrated our sixth month anniversary on that day and are currently aboard the Holland America ship Rotterdam cruising from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Fort Lauderdale. I’ll be sending out my monthly ALL49 from aboard ship rather than looking for a Wi-Fi facility in some port, which are few between Casablanca and Fort Lauderdale. However, we will be back in Lynchburg for “Turkey Day.” For the 70th Reunion I had a new Class of 1949 Directory printed as a gift for attendees. The previous directory, printed in September 2015, no longer is of use because its information is incorrect. The “incorrectness” is that people’s addresses and communications have changed, according to recent downloads from the Alumni Association’s address database. I am asking everyone to confirm their addresses and communications as being correct. That brings up another problem — if you did not attend the reunion, you don’t have the new directory. Mail me a check for $4.00 (to cover cost of printing and mailing) and I’ll send you one. Alternatively, donate any amount to “The Association of the Class of 1949” and I’ll include a letter verifying it is tax deductible. The Winter Solstice occurs December 21st. Three weeks before that in1946 (November 30th) Army and Navy played one of its most memorable football games in Philadelphia. Army was undefeated with only a tie with Notre Dame. Navy had one win and “hope.” A disputed play left Pete Williams hovering near the goal line as time ran out. Go on the internet selecting “1946 Army-Navy football game” and relive that day. Two weeks later, Christmas Leave began with the Eastern states suffering the coldest winter in many years. I suffered 4 hours of extra duty for being 10 minutes late signing in. Marine LCOLs can be nasty! Red

From Your Scribes Integrity was his prime attribute. Who other than Norm Larson, later CAPT Norman O. Larson, USN (Ret.), would have fought in the World War II battle of the Rhine, earned a Purple Heart, two stars on the European theater ribbon and the U.S. Army Combat Infantry Badge, then wind up as a plebe at the U.S. Naval Academy, squaring corners and knocking off 49 push-ups, at the whim of upper classmen? He was also a true gentleman of which the Navy, the Naval Academy, the Class of ‘49 and all who knew him will always be proud. To Norm, the cruises which followed plebe, youngster and second class years, were the most significant and satisfying events of our midshipmen years and prepared us well for our careers as officers in the years ahead. He has never forgotten them and one day in the year 2000, he made sure that his classmen wouldn’t forget them either. He sat down and wrote his memoirs of each summer cruise in astounding detail. We don’t know whether his recollections were published, so it is with the utmost of pleasure that we bring you his “My Midshipman Cruises” as his most welcome gift to the Class of ‘49, and for all of us the satisfaction of fulfilling his intent. His subsequent decorations also included the Bronze Star and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Norm died in 2013 at the Wilson Health Care Center in Gaithersburg, MD. He was 87. His first marriage to Barbara Hayes ended in divorce. His second wife, Elizabeth Loughran, died in 1994. Survivors include children Douglas, Nancy and John from his first marriage, three stepchildren and seven grandchildren.

SHOP. CONNECT. ENJOY! Shop through our Amazon Partnership portal. usna.com/amazon

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 45

49/50 CLASS NEWS

Sergeant US Army, Norm Larson, with regrets for photo condition. Dates from WW II, some 75 years ago.

Midshipman Larson, also a vintage photo

CAPT Norman O. Larson, USN, shortly before retirement.

Youngster Cruise - 6 July, 1946 to 27 September, 1946 There were two ships on this cruise, the USS WASHINGTON (BB56) and the USS NORTH CAROLINA (BB55). The Third Class were on their ships for the full cruise and the

First Class were on the ships for half the cruise. Then a new group came aboard for the second half. I don’t know what the Second Class did (maybe visited a Naval Air Station) or what the First Class did for the other half of their cruise. I had engineering training for the first ever of the cruise and and Seamanship and Ordnance training for the second half. We were in ports as follows: Newport, 12-18 July, Guantanamo, Cuba, 22-25 July, Norfolk,1-5 August, Panama, 23-26 August, Guantanamo, 29 August - 2 September, Norfolk, 12-16 September, and New York, 16-20 September. I stood engineering watches and did such work as cleaning the interior of evaporator units to remove the scale that had formed during operation and was preventing the efficient generation of fresh water from salt water. Fresh water was a problem on the ship. We had to take salt water showers with soap and sea water, and then rinse off with fresh water. Sometimes the drinking water also got contaminated with fuel oil. That was gross! We learned how the steam turbine propulsion system worked and stood watches in the engine room and boiler room under the supervision of trained enlisted and officer personnel. I learned how hot it was standing those watches and doing work in those spaces when the ship was underway. Then for the Seamanship and Ordnance segments, we stood watches, chipped paint, painted, holystoned the teak decks, and I was assigned in succession to 5” and 40 mm guns during general quarters. We conducted firing exercises at sea for anti-ship and anti-aircraft drills, and then shore bombardment exercises on the range at Culebra Island. Ashore in Newport there was a dance. One afternoon, when a couple of us were walking down a road, a man picked us up in his car and took us to his home where we met a few girls. It used to be a custom that girls from rich families would get to know and then to marry midshipmen who became officers, but who

46 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

usually didn’t have a lot of money. However, the naval career was an exciting career, and many times officers were assigned to posts that were good, so that their spouses had a good life. In New York I went to the USO Club in a brownstone on 58th Street, and attended a couple of shows. “Life With Father,” “Arsenic and Old Lace,” and “Carousel” come to mind. I went swimming in Gitmo (Guantanamo) and Virginia Beach. There was also a party/dance for us in Norfolk. From your Scribe: Norm’s memoir has brought back some recollections of my own. I now recall and hear John Fishburn singing and strumming on his Hawaiian ukulele, in our sparse leisure times aboard NORTH CAROLINA, to the Hit Parade tune “Hey Babu Riba.” I also remember less pleasant times standing shaft alley and boiler room watches with sweat running down the full length of my back. Enjoyed Guantanamo but got quite ill sampling my first ever rum and Cuban cigar. Panama night clubs were a blast. Most enjoyable were beer parties on Culebra, bridge watches, gun practice with live targets and movies on the fantail. Your Scribes Wish You Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. In Memoriam Robert B. Aljoe, died August 23, 2019 in Mt. Holly, NJ. Morris “Morrie” Arnold Galter, (non-grad), died July 10, 2019 in Dallas, TX. LT Milton Nicholas Allen, USNR (Ret.) died May 29, 2019 in Essex, MA. James V. “Jim” Haley, died August 5, 2019 in Pittsburgh, PA. Terence Michael Flynn, (non-grad), died July 8, 2019 in Larkspur, CA. CAPT G. Morton Neely, USN (Ret.) died August 23, 2019 in Potomac, MD.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Best Wishes for the New Year from your Alumni Association and Foundation.

’50

Life Membership: 67% Donor Participation: 11.54% Pres: CAPT Thomas H. Ross, USN (Ret.) p: 410-757-3745; e: thasross@hotmail.com Vice Pres and Exec. Sec’y: CAPT John J. McNally, USN (Ret.) p: 703-765-8808; e: jmcnallyj@gmail.com Treas: Col William K. Rockey, USMC (Ret.) p: 703-842-3153; e:wkrockey@cox.net Shipmate Class contact: CAPT Charles L. Mull, USN (Ret.) 25 Thornton Way, Apt. 206, Brunswick, ME 04011 p: 207-729-0073; e: csmull@myfairpoint.net Email System Mgr: William H. Wulftange p: 860-633-5769; e: wwulf7@hotmail.com Webmaster: CAPT J. Patrick Kittler, USNR (Ret.) p: 612 481 7948; e: pkittler@me.com Website: http://usna50.mysite.com Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com

I am so sorry to have received this sad news about our Classmate, Chuck Mull, from his son, Charlie notifying me that Chuck had passed on 22 Sept 2019. Chuck had Charlie relay his message: “The worst has happened in the four days that I have been at MidCoast Hospital. Both the aortic heart valve and the heart have been found inoperable. Consequently, I must resign from being the class columnist and Shipmate contact effective immediately. I wish the class the very best of luck and I hope there will be a successor who can carry on.” Bill Wulftange, emailed this notice to the Class soon after. We shall miss Chuck, and his columns in SHIPMATE, and we express our deepest condolences to all members of Chuck’s family, particularly his wife, Sally. He was certainly a most loyal and dedicated member of the USNA Class of 1950. His service as SHIPMATE Class Contact was superb, and he dedicated many years to keeping us all informed of Class activities in SHIPMATE. Chuck will be greatly missed. Thank you for the notification, Charlie. Going forward, please send any news items that you would like in the column directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com and please

50/50 CLASS NEWS note in subject line- ’50 class news for Shipmate. Sincerely, CAPT Thomas H. Ross, USN (Ret.) President, USNA Class of 1950. Chuck’s Last ’50 column: While it is still August, I am preparing our class column early since I am faced with Aortic heart valve replacement within a couple weeks. I have had what early-on physicians called a heart murmur (or leakage) for over 35 years. Early this summer I began to experience shortage of breath when taking short walks of 200ft or so, and had to stop to rest for a couple minutes. So, my cardiologist arranged work-up tests. Aortic valve tests were completed at the Maine Medical Center Valve Center in Portland last week with the results that the valve’s functionality is significantly deficient in allowing blood flow into and from the heart. It should be replaced. I won’t go into details on this. Next week will be a heart catheterization which will require an overnight in Maine Med. Then, soon thereafter, assuming the heart catheterization tests are acceptable, the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) surgery will occur. This relatively recent surgical procedure was approved commercially in Europe in 2007 and in the United States in 2011. It involves minimal invasion of the heart, much less risk of loss of life, stroke, or other serious complications than the former open-heart surgery procedure. I left the preceding paragraphs in-tact with a follow up here. The heart catherization tests involved wrist injections of three colors of dye into arteries to my heart. The ultimate results were that six of many arteries were clogged, most likely with calcium deposits. Following these tests, a decision had to be made whether to proceed with the TAVR Aortic valve surgery at high risks or to accept the existing conditions with increased medications and self-care. The valve team assessment was that the risks were too high and a recommendation not to proceed with surgery. I agreed! So, no surgery. Later I was told that a similar

patient recently took the gamble and failed to survive. I do not look back at the disappointment, but rather look ahead to continuing the productive life I have led with the same enthusiasm and determination. It took 91 years for my Aortic valve to deteriorate, and hopefully its aging functionality will not be further reduced at a faster rate for a few more years with even more controlled living. The only reason for this dissertation has been to provide educational value to our readers. I hope it has been beneficial. The Washington area group luncheon meeting met on 1 August at LaPorta’s in Alexandria. Attending were Gail and JJ McNally, Char and Bob Monroe, Anna and Coordinator Bill Rockey, Kippy and Tom Ross, Marion and Milt Schultz and Margy and Bob Shultz. Bill advises, M Marion and Milt completed an 8-day cruise of New England, visiting Newport, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, etc. Tom reports all is OK in Annapolis following the Supe’s change of command ceremony on Friday, July 26th. He quips, ‘VP all the way!’ (Scribe’s inquiry ascertained that ‘VP’ refers to both principals having had duty with the very best VP patrol squadrons!) Anna and Bill just moved into a one-bedroom apartment in their retirement home after 78 years of collecting ‘stuff’ worldwide and never throwing anything away, (downsizing) was a nightmare! Char and Bob are relaxing in their ‘Enchanted Cottage’ while major renovations are being made to their retirement facility’s main building, and getting ready for football and our Tailgate. Thanks, Bill, for the great update, with apology for scribe’s privileged variations. We regret the passing of Mr. Ralf Lee Hartwell (36th Co.) on 16 August in Peabody, MA. According to our Lucky Bag, Ralf was a linguist, proficient in Japanese, French and Russian. The LB goes on to say, “Plebe and Youngster year, Ralf was an enthusiastic member of the Sailing Team, but he finally

gave up sailing dinghies to devote more time to out-foxing the Math Department and to his collection of good-looking drags.” Upon his resignation in 1955 as a Blimp pilot, he pursued a highly successful 31-year career with several General Electric Corporation facilities, becoming manager of the facility in Pittsfield, MA, according to the USNAAA Register of Alumni. His wife Marguerite died in 1992 after 40 years of marriage. We send our sincere condolences to his current wife Laura and his two daughters and their extended families. Ralf’s obituary should be in this or a future issue’s Last Call section. Capt. Stanley Neander, USN (Ret) (35th Co.) passed away on 4 August in Salem, OR. “Stan” was a company mate and a good friend. Sally and I maintained contact with him and June over many years. Stan was a big guy, a plebe and varsity football player, and very personable. How he would fit into submarines was always a mystery to me, but he did, and he had a very successful Navy career. He commanded the submarine USS Clamagore (SS-343), now a museum at the Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum at Mount Pleasant, S.C., across the Cooper River from Charleston. Stan’s civilian career was equally successful. From our Lucky Bag, in part, “He hated to admit it, but he became classic conscious in Bancroft despite an affinity for the worst form of jazz. Considering time spent on other things, Stan fared well in academics. …Stan will go into Submarine Service when they build one large enough.” We will miss Stan’s Christmas photo letter with his and travel companion Judy’s annual adventures, a few of which have appeared in this column. We send our sincere sympathies to his daughter Debbie and son David and their extended families, as well as to the Browder family. Stan’s impressive obituary should be included in the Last Call section of this or a future issue of Shipmate. An update on Brunswick Landing, the former U.S. Naval Air Station Brunswick. Now with over 130 businesses, more than 1850 employ-

ees, twice the number predicted at this stage of development only eight years after closure. And, as I recall from recent real estate reports, essentially all of the 700 former base housing units are occupied, mostly by new owners. The town of Brunswick’s 20,465 in the last census is growing. Brunswick Landing and the Town are temporarily housing some 90-100 asylum seekers from the African Congo and Angola nations, with 20-25 now living with host families in Brunswick. Many of these are children. About 400 arrived in Portland in June from southern borders, most of them were quartered in the Portland Expo Center until mid-august, the Portland YMCA, the Salvation Army facility and host families. A number of Maine cities and towns are helping provide assistance as these folks get settled and integrated into the communities of their choice. By law, they must have residence for six months before they can be employed. Brunswick has become the secondary location in Maine for hosting these folks. City officials and staff, town councils and over 75 local volunteers serving on committees are actively working to provide accommodations, schools, English language tutors, food and supplies. It is refreshing to see the extraordinary degree of public support the Maine newcomers are receiving. We certainly must admire their courage and ability to have survived the perilous journey they have endured to get to USA seeking a better life for their families. Our forefathers did the same. Maine’s First Ship program is a full-size replica of “shallow draft, bluff bow, square transom, some 30 tonne, and about 50 feet long”. She was the first English ship built in North America, built by the Popham Colonists for coastal exploration and trade. She was constructed in the fall of 1607 shortly after the colonists’ summer landing at the mouth of the Kennebec River, and called that place Fort Saint George and the settlement Popham Colony, only a couple months after Jamestown was settled. About half

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 47

50/51 CLASS NEWS of the 120 colonists decided to return to England that autumn, having chosen not to engage the uncooperative Wabanaki Indians and struggle through the winter. The remaining colonists, one a shipbuilder named Digby of London, and others built the Pinnace and named her “Virginia”. The hard winter, a number of deaths, reduction of supplies and the continued lack of favorable relations with the Indians caused the surviving colonists to return to England in 1608. The Virginia made the return safely, and later again sailed across the Atlantic to assist in replenishing the Jamestown colony that was the first permanent settlement in May of 1607. The Virginia has her deck fully installed, work has begun underneath and caulking of the hull has begun. A $300,000 capital fund drive was successfully completed this year, significantly supported by a single donor. Procurement of a Coast Guard mandated engine for auxiliary power during no-wind conditions and fabrication of the six sails are now underway. The ship is planned to be launched into the Kennebec from her building site adjacent to the restored 1890 Historic Bath Freight Shed in June 2020, Maine’s bicentennial year celebration. Christening should occur at that time. Volunteers, guided by knowledgeable shipwrights, work only on Wednesday and Saturday. Anyone can learn new skills and become a part of this experience. Women have a Shipbuilding Day, and some children have worked on the ship also. “The Virginia has enhanced the education of 10.000 children already! She will become a floating classroom for future generations to explore and experience Maine’s maritime history” is noted in a current brochure. With permission, a rendering of the Pinnace Virginia is presented as shown on the front page of the MFS brochure.

SHIPMATE More than 80 years available online to all Alumni Association members. Visit usna.com/shipmate

Maine’s First Ship

Bill Martin checks in for the San Diego/Coronado area. Since the lengthy rehab of the Coronado Golf Club restaurant has been completed, the area ’50 lunch group has been reactivated to meet in the board room. Attending their August lunch were Mark Frudden and his son Scott, Dick Martin and his sons Rick and John, and daughter Cherry and her husband, and Debby and Bill. Quite a family affair! Let’s hope more area classmates, especially those across the bay will make the trip across the bridge to Coronado. When Sally and I lived in Coronado, we certainly can remember taking the ferry across long before the bridge was built. I can also recall dodging those ferries when coming in and going out of the harbor while serving aboard an LST! They NEVER gave way to any Navy ships!!! Bill also describes his recent good fortune. M “Debby and I were in a small ship cruise of Puget Sound late this past May/early June. One of our stops was Bremerton. We berthed next to the Naval Shipyard. As we were eating lunch, we saw out of the

48 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

dining room window a group of sailors assembling on the pier at some distance. We decided to skip dessert and hurry up the pier to see what the event might be. Debby was about 15 feet ahead of me and she spoke to a person in uniform who grabbed her arm and motioned me to follow. We were ushered to a reserved seating area and soon the proceedings started. The guest speaker was CO of Stennis (CVA74), who was piped aboard by the Bo’sn. The date was June 6 and the ceremony was commemoration of the battles of Coral Sea and Midway. We were recognized by the CO by name along with several other vets. As an aside, my first CO was aviator Jimmy Thach who flew at Midway and his ship Sicily (CVE 118). Aviators might recall him for something called the ‘Thach Weave’, an aerial tactic which he developed. The five of us from ’50: Willard, Scribner, Congdon and Wagner (if I recall correctly) caught the Sicily at Guam. We went into Kobe, Japan, where we picked up VMF 214, Pappy Boyington’s Black Sheep Squadron gull-winged Corsairs. Same planes, different pilots. They gave close air support to the First Marine Division at Wolmi-do/ Inchon on 15 September 1950.”

’51

Life Membership: 69% Donor Participation: 17.50% Pres: RADM Leland S. Kollmorgen, USN (Ret.) 5 Park Pl. #619, Annapolis, MD 21401 p: 410-263-0216; e: tlk619@icloud.com Vice Pres: CAPT Thomas A. Boyce, USN (Ret.) 9014 Belvoir Woods Pkwy., Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060 p: 703-780-7525; e: moomapa51@gmail.com Sec’y: Lt Col Wallace G. Christner, USAF (Ret.) 8804 Gibbs Place, Alexandria, VA 22309 p: 703-780-8632, e: wallace.christner@aol.com Class Fundraiser: RADM Guy Shaffer, USN (Ret.) 7101 Bay Front Dr., #125, Annapolis, MD 21403 h: 410-269-6609; e: ghbs51usna@comcast.net Museum Rep: CAPT Bob Small, USN (Ret.) 874 Coachway, Annapolis, MD 21401 p: 410-849-2149; e: rhsusna51@verizon.net Website: www.usna51.com

PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS: Lee Kollmorgen You will receive this issue of Shipmate in early December 2019 and thus the Christmas season will be at the top of your holiday planning — and hopefully Army is successfully beaten. Maybe we can commission another desk paperweight as an early Christmas gift. My 51- 0 memento is right by my hand as write you today.

(Bold print added by scribe) Thanks, Bill, for sharing your unplanned experience and D-Day related comments. Many of us can relate to your account. Since this issue arrives in your mailbox shortly after Thanksgiving or early December, Sally and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! …With very best regards, Chuck However, as 2019 comes to an end we must focus on 27 April 2021 - as I write today (9-20-2019) we have but 584 days to the start of our 70th reunion - time really can fly can it not? I assure you that the Ruth & Bob Small team is working on the plans assiduously. It is my normal modus operandi to always think positive! And I do. But I must confess that becoming of an age that I did not expect to obtain; the slowness of thought and retention of memory, even short term, is

51/51 CLASS NEWS a bit of a drag. Hence; to run into shall we say a bit less than full exorbitant enthusiasm for what is to be our last, and I must add unique, in some regard, contribution to the Naval Academy is perplexing. However, I am reassured with each step forward on the project it will become a meaningful and proud part of the “class second to none” contributions. An update set of vu-graphs/ slides has been mailed to every class member on our BB mailing list. Guy Shaffer and I had opportunity to contribute to this project update. However, this project is one that must be seen to be appreciated; and come to full completion to be fully understood as a unique contribution to the art of making museums. It is hoped that all that can view the WWIB exhibit and the entire Physical Mission Center. It really is quite an undertaking. Let us know when you are in the area and we will see what can be done to give you a “tour”. It should be up and running by the 70th. I predict it will be a wow! Da Prez SCRIBE’S COMMENTS: John McGrew 17050 Andrews Circle, Riverside, CA 92518-2800 p: 1-951-567-5985 e-mail: jmcgrew2@aol.com The Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays are a very special time of year. They are interwoven with home and family and friendships. They seemed very special those years ago when we had Christmas leave. Each of us followed a path, often repeated year after year. Mine was to catch a train overnight to Chicago, spend the day in the Windy City and then, at 5 p.m. catch the City of Denver to my hometown, Marshalltown, Iowa, where the folks would be waiting for the 9:20 p.m. arrival. That’s where I found the meaning of friendships, for my high school class was slightly under 200 strong, large enough but not staggeringly large as were some of the high school classes I later worked with. My second home was the trade school and friendships made there or with classmates later on after graduation were for life.

Recently I was told of the kind comment made by an Academy chaplain to the wife of a classmate who had just been inurned at the Columbarium. “Thank you for bringing him home!” That really says it all. So, with this issue we send you best wishes for the Holiday Season hoping you have great memories of days gone by and many good days ahead. Classmate Bob Dunn sent in some information from one of his research contacts about a newly issued book Witnessing the American Century by another of our classmates Captain Allen Colby Brady US Navy (with Dawn Quarles). It was published early this year by Kent State University Press and promoted by Baker and Taylor Publishing Services (800-2547-6553). Al was one our Hanoi Hilton survivors (6 years) which he describes in the book, but he also presented an overview of the buildup of America as a super military power before and after World War II. I do not know where our class would rank in producing writers, but I do have in my library, books by classmates Sam Ginder, Wes Hammond, Pete Hilgartner, Jim Irwin, Boyd Johnson, Andy Kremm, Charles McIntosh (a play), Bob Miller, Al Raithel, Larry Treadwell, Jim Winnefeld, and myself. Welcome to the writer’s group, Al Brady. I have probably not come across a few classmate authors and would welcome others to the group. Let me know. (jmcgrew2@aol.com) I did have a good chat some days ago with Sam Ginder and his vision problems have curtailed his writing career. Most of his half dozen books are available through Barnes and Noble and other book stores. More Class of 1951 writers came to my attention. Lee Bolt wrote a multi-generational family history entitled Leland and Fern Bolt, Heritage, Family, Business and City Service. Leland and Fern Bolt were our Lee’s parents and this book encompassed three generations of family and several years of Lee’s research effort. It was published by Author House Press in late 2017 and is available for interested

historians in soft or hard cover. Bob Dunn has also completed extensive writing in his career, but mostly on professional subjects. Then I remembered at a reunion a few years ago the Stornettas had also prepared a book having to do with their community near Annapolis, as I remember. I also had a pleasant conversation with Paul Barnes and then received a follow up note from him with a copy of the memorial folder developed for Glenn Brewer Glenn Brewer’s memorial service in 2018. Glenn was our ace photographer who had an amazing career. Paul presented Reflections on Glenn’s life at the Memorial Service. Glenn served in the Navy as a photographer, deep sea diver, and submariner. He also raced hydroplane speedboats, flew

hang gliders, raced in wheelchair and swimming events, built a backyard garden train village, played the banjo and served as a city councilman in Fayetteville, Georgia, for 16 years.

Paul also sent along two archival photos (included below) from a class mini reunion at the NavyGeorgia Tech game in November 1996, 23 years ago. What a handsome group of classmates! Paul reported he had added a number of artificial knee parts and had several surgical procedures which sets off alarms when he passes through security check points. With all these projects he will probably live forever.

’51: Standing: Art Burkhalter, John Stark, Ed Flynn, Cliff Barnes, Walt Sheffield; seated: Mike Patton, Glenn Brewer

’51: Walt Sheffield, Ed Flynn, John Stark, Cliff & Karen Barnes; seated: Glenn Brewer, Mike & Emily Patton and Al & Becky Burkhalter NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 49

51/52 CLASS NEWS Bob Miller and his family were enroute to their Canadian summer retreat where he has spent time the last 90 years. I suggested that he wrestle a bear for summer exercise and he seemed interested in the challenge. We have received a fine letter from classmate Rudolph W. Pierce. M “Bravo Zulu to our dedicated scribes over so many years. You have been the cement and glue that has kept our Class of ’51 united. Much appreciated, for sure. Many memories: The 75th anniversary of D-Day was given much publicity. My older brother Frank was a US Army rifleman who joined the battle shortly after the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Bravery under fire. My oldest brother Edward was a survivor of the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor. He was a Sergeant in the US Army signal Corp stationed at Hickam Field during the attack. My brothers’ service influenced me to attend the US Naval Academy. I am most thankful for the privilege. Perhaps our classmates have stories to tell of their family members, too. (By the way if it would be of interest to the class, I have several stories to tell from my 40 years in the practice of medicine. And our classmates must have many stories to tell from their service careers and their civilian careers. Just a thought, John. Tempus fugit, indeed.) A hearty thanks you for the work of our scribes. I have been retired since 1996 and I am most thankful for each day that I am alive and functioningthough at a slower pace these days and relying on my walker and cane and my very loyal spouse, Sidney Ann. RWP” Bill Lawrence: It is entirely unlikely that any member of the USNA Class of 1951 knew all 800 plus (725 at graduation) classmates. If there was one who may have come close, it most likely was Bill Lawrence. We are pleased to honor him at Veteran’s Day and include photos of Bill and the William P.

Ensign in charge at Bancroft Hall and told him he now outranked him. Bill was called Rees at the academy because there were 2 William Phillipses. The other one died early, but even so, there was still occasional confusion. We cannot compete with the “other” Washington Spring Fling, but the MI Four + 1 from Shelton, (Phillips, Soracco, Hunt, Crawford, Childs) met at the Crawford home once again this September for our annual USNA ’51 gathering. Our numbers have diminished greatly, but the bond remains strong. ’51: USS WILLIAM P. LAWRENCE

Left to right: Kit Phillips, Sara Soracco, Margee Hunt, Barbara Crawford and Bobbye Childs

’51: Matthew Richard Lyons, grandson of Richard (Dick) Crawford with Boy Scout Troop

Lawrence (DDG 110) in our class column. Bill left us in 2005, but his memory carries on as our Brigade Vice Admiral William P. Lawrence Commander and first-Class President with many honors to follow. His statue is in the yard at Annapolis so he will have permanent duty there. Bill also should be added to our list of class authors with the publication of his Tennessee Patriot in 2006.

USS WILLIAM P. LAWRENCE

From the Northwest by Barbara Crawford: crawfb@comcast.net

50 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Honoring our Veterans Generation to Generation: Tahoma National Cemetery, Washington State Final Resting Place of USNA ’51 Classmates James Hunt and Richard Crawford

I would be very pleased to receive news, photos, reminiscences from anyone willing to share. Although the Northwest is my corner, I would like to hear from all corners, including the wives. My e-mail address is crawfb@comcast.net Thank you. BAC.

’52

Life Membership: 69% Donor Participation: 12.44% Pres: CAPT Jerome Rapkin, USN (Ret.) 801 Bridgeport Way, Annapolis, MD 21401-6852 p: 410-280-2698; e: jrapkin52@verizon.net Vice Pres: Jack Young 20624 Highland Hall Dr. Montgomery Village, MD 20886-4021 p: 301-208-3550; e: jcy52@verizon.net

Memorial Day in Mason Ohio From Kit Phillips, wife of Bill Phillips: Bill, AKA Rees Phillips spent 2 years at VMI. He enlisted in the Navy, too young for the V-12 program, and was commissioned an Ensign after helping navigate through a storm in the Gulf of Tehuantepec. He resigned his commission to go to the Naval Academy, but the word didn’t get through and he was promoted to LTJG as a plebe. He claimed he went and sat in the desk chair of the

Sec’y: CDR William J. Laux Jr., USN (Ret.) 2004 Whispering Ridge Dr. Great Falls, MT 59405-7813 p: 406-781-5475; e: wjlaux@verizon.net Treas: Col G. Hork Dimon, USAF (Ret.) 10240 Hendley Rd., Apt. 224 Manassas, VA 20110-3403 p: 703-944-6036; e: ghdimon@outlook.com CAPT Jerrold M. Zacharias, USN (Ret.) 950 Willow Valley Lakes Dr., H-508 Willow Street, PA 17584-9663 P: 717-464-1431; E: jzach52@yahoo.com Website: www.toughshoes52.org

The first Class Luncheon of the season was held at the Fort Myer

52/52 CLASS NEWS Officers’ club on Tuesday, 17 September 2019. Our speaker was Captain Bob Maxson, son of our late classmate, Major General Bill Maxson. Bob is the Director of the NOAA Aviation Weather Center located in Kansas City, Missouri. He also has an office at University of Maryland in College Park. Captain Robert W. Maxson NOAA (retired) is the Director of the NOAA Aviation Weather Center, an organization that issues critical aviation weather forecasts both domestically and globally. From 2005 through 2008 he was a research pilot with the National Center for Atmospheric Research, operating C-130 and Gulfstream V aircraft in support of the weather, climate and atmospheric research communities. A former director of the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center, Captain Maxson managed all NOAA aircraft activities as well as conducted hurricane surveillance missions with the NOAA G-IV aircraft. He holds multiple aircraft type ratings and received the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal for missions flown into Hurricane ISABEL in 2003. The Aviation Operations Center was also awarded the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal for providing accurate and timely storm data to the National Hurricane Center during the 2004 hurricane season. In addition to being qualified as a NOAA aviator, he is also designated as a shipboard Senior Watch Officer Underway, and as a NOAA Unlimited Diver with saturation and mixed-gas qualification. Captain Maxson is a graduate of the Florida Institute of Technology in Physical Oceanography, the United States Naval Postgraduate School in Physical Oceanography and Meteorology, holds a Ph.D. in Aviation Safety and Human Factors from the EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University, and was recently named a Fellow in the Royal Aeronautical Society. The title of his talk was “Appreciation of Aviation: The Maxson Family”. He spoke about the family’s association with aviation. Bob’s grandfather was involved in balloon racing around 1915. He also was involved in setting altitude

records for balloons. Jimmy Doolittle was a close family friend and was Bill’s inspiration to become a pilot. Those in attendance included Garnett and Rita Bailey, Phil Case, Bob Denbigh, Claude Berube (Claude is director of the NA museum, will be the speaker at the November luncheon), Dick and Bobbie Denfeld, Hork Dimon, George Lester, Kathy Lykes, Doug and Eloise Payne, Jerry and Jan Rapkin, Bob and Mimi Schulze, Jim Wilson, Bill and Pat Wyatt, and Jack and Jane Young. Class President Jerry Rapkin reports that the Annapolis area ’52ers, including widows and family, expect to continue to gather in the months that the larger Metropolitan area does not meet at Fort Myer, and noted: “We encourage others to get together in their local areas. It is great to keep in touch with good friends.” Red Stein will be honored at the dedication of the CAPT Norman Stein, USNA ’52 Showcase at the Uriah P. Levy Center, USNA, on Friday, 27 September. The display includes the following tribute: M “CAPTAIN Norman F. “Red” Stein, USN (Ret.)—USNA Class of 1952 “A former classmate of CAPT “Red” Stein coined the phrase “leadership leads” when asked about his friend, CAPT Stein. “CAPT Stein is always eager to assist in efforts of all the organizations that have helped to shape the student, officer and man that he has become.” He is still doing that over sixty years from his graduation from the Naval Academy. “This display represents windows into Red’s life after graduating from the Academy. The ships he served on around the world, the political figures he met from Presidents to Cabinet members and Admirals and celebrities. All experiences that shaped the leader he obecame. But the service men that served under him were a top priority as is displayed in the letter from one who was greatly impacted by his nurturing leadership. CAPT Stein credits his father, Harry Stein, for instilling in him the values of

“Red” Stein Showcase

dedication, patriotism and hard work and honors his memory with this showcase. “We are very grateful to CAPT Stein and his gracious wife, Lonnie, for their generous support to the Friends of the Jewish Chapel and the Naval Academy. CAPT Stein and Lonnie are presently living in Willow Valley, Pennsylvania, and enjoy visiting the Naval Academy when their busy schedule permits.” Our Tough Shoes 52 web page editor, Zack Zacharias, passed on the following observation: M “You probably recall that the ‘infamous’ Class of ’52 was known for leaving their shoes on field during their last parade at USNA on 6 June 1952. Our class President Jim Sagerholm was the recipient of immediate flak from the Supe, the Dant, and others because ADM Jim Holloway, the former Supe, was the senior reviewing officer for the parade. The Supe (VADM Harry Hill) was furious and threatened to hold up our commissioning because of our performance. However, when he found out that 1/4 of our class that had gone Air Force had already been commissioned, if he held up the Navy commissioning, the USAF classmates would have been senior to us. So VADM Hill relented and we were commissioned on time. Accordingly, we made VADM Harry Hill an honorary member of the Class of 1952.

“The Academy warned succeeding classes not to try to emulate the Class of ’52’s performance. (Scribe’s note: I can vouch for that. My son, in the Class of 2012, said that they were so warned. Sixty years later!) Strangely enough, after the Class of 2019’s final parade, there was ONE black shoe found on the parade ground. Apparently, we are still famous or infamous. (Another Scribe’s note: ONE black shoe? Nice try…) We have received notices of the passing of classmates and wives and widows. Col Hans G. Edebohls, USMC (Ret.), passed away on 12 December 2016. His wife Virginia G. Edebohls passed away on 5 December 2004. They are interred in the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. Janet McDonough Tonetti, widow of John S. Tonetti, passed away on 24 June 2018. Services will be held at the USNA Columbarium on 27 September 2019. Elizabeth Lockwood, widow of Douglas L. Lockwood, passed away on 8 June 2019. Services will be held at the USNA Columbarium on 11 October 2019. Col James Robert Bowser, Jr., USMC (Ret.), passed away on 10 July 2019 Services at the USNA Columbarium were held on 29 August 2019 He was predeceased by his wife Carroll Lillian Wells Bowser in September, 2018.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 51

52/53 CLASS NEWS Barbara Lavin, widow of CDR Charles V. Lavin, USN, passed away on 11 July 2019. Services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on 25 September 2019. RADM Whitney Hansen, USNR (Ret.), passed away on 2 August 2019. A celebration of Whit’s life will be held on Sunday, 22 September 2019, at the Shelter Bay Clubhouse in La Conner, Washington. John S Degnan, passed away on August 10, 2019. His last known residence was Juno Beach, Florida. No further information is available at this time. Lieutenant General Bruce K. Brown USAF (Ret.) (Age 88) passed away peacefully on August 23, 2019 in Potomac Falls, VA after a brief and courageous fight with cancer. His remains will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the: Elizabeth C. Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund, Texas Tech University or a charity of one’s choice. CAPT Jacob Calloway Brown, USN (Ret.), of Arlington passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Sunrise Senior Living in Alexandria, VA. A celebration of Jake’s life will take place at 1pm on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Calvary United Methodist Church located at 2315 S. Grant St., Arlington, VA 22202 with a reception to follow. Before Jake’s passing, the following was received: M “My name is Kathy Brown Nelson, the daughter of CAPT

Jake Brown. My beloved father has gone on hospice comfort care. He is still hanging tough! I wanted to share a heartwarming story about a recent honor that he had, bedside, at his assisted living suite. Capital Caring Hospice has an Office of Veterans Affairs. This office coordinates with DC area active duty and retired military who volunteer to honor military veterans who are in hospice. On Aug 10, fifteen military conducted a “pinning ceremony” to honor Jake. They placed a pin on his lapel, presented a certificate, read aloud a bio of his Navy service, sang “Anchors Aweigh” and concluded with a simultaneous salute. It was an amazing tribute to his 34 years of service to his country. Classmate CAPT Bob Denbigh, USN (Ret.), was in attendance.” Obituaries are distributed by e-mail, can be found in the Last Call section of the Class web-site, www.ToughShoes52.org, and are published in full in the Last Call section of Shipmate. Again, I encourage you to refer often to the Class website, as news items are available immediately as they are posted. This column is not generally published until two to three months after submission, and therefore is not a source of timely news regarding deaths, final services, etc. Let’s hear what is going on in your life. Please send in your news, both by Chapter and individually. Your Classmates would like to know what you’re up to!

’52: Honoring Jake Brown

52 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

’53

Life Membership: 66% Donor Participation: 18.42% Pres: CAPT Chris Zirps, USN (Ret.) 1902 Toll Bridge Ct,. Alexandria, VA 22308-2447 p: 703-780-6124; E: CZirps53@aol.com Exec Vice Pres: CAPT Alvin S. Glazier, USN (Ret.) 7619 Leith Pl., Alexandria, VA 22307 p: 703-768-2762; e: glophin@aol.com Admin Vice Pres & Corres Sec’y: CAPT Arthur C. Bivens, USN (Ret.) 7448 Spring Village Dr., Apt.323 Springfield, VA 22150 p: 703-270-5940; e: acbivens@aol.com Webmaster: CAPT Paul Dudley, USN (Ret.) e: pdudley@1953.usna.com Website: www.usna53.com

Change in Class Website Paul Dudley (12), our Webmaster, has changed our Website from www.usna53.org to www.usna53. com. See the column heading above. The old Class website supplier was with “Dream Host” and the Coronado Men’s Golf Club. The cost was lower because Paul was a member of the club. Paul has resigned from the club but is staying with “Dream Host” at a minimal annual cost of hosting our new domain name. [Got all that?] Bob Gorman (9) is Paul’s backup. Paul also mentioned that there will be a time when we are so few for the effort and possibly get an Alumni Association type website. While we still have a website, Paul is doing a magnificent job and you should check the website periodically. He posts my Shipmate columns about two months before it is in the magazine, and he enlarges the photos to make them more interesting. Navy Football Etcetera Those of our Class who are ticket holders for the home games have whittled down to Darrell and Sally Dempster, Chuck and Alix Fellows, Art Gilmore, Earl and Mary Lou Griggs, Judy Hubal, and family members. The rest of us who have CBS Sports channel can enjoy the games on TV. I neglected to order that channel on DirectTV that is provided by our Greenspring retirement community in Springfield, VA. And now Greenspring is shifting to COX cable. At this time in September our team has won two games, Holy

Cross and East Carolina. I’ve read in the news that QB Perry is superb. We do get the Big Ten channel (BTC) and Marcy likes to watch Penn State games as she is an alumnus. So I have to cheer for them. For the rest of the baseball season we are rooting for the Washington Nationals on TV. The Washington Redskins have lost their first two games. We’ll see what happens. Hurricanes September 2018 and 2019 After the September 2019 hurricane “Dorian” devastated the upper Bahama Islands it took aim at North Carolina and hit hard at the Outer Banks. I called Earl Griggs to find out if he had any damage to his vacation home near the Albemarle Sound – no damage. One year ago in September 2018 the hurricane “Florence” hit North Carolina with the ravaging eye on New Bern, NC. Walt Russell’s (21) home was severely damaged from flooding. I wrote a piece about “Florence” in the Nov-Dec 2018 Shipmate: Walt’s daughter, Allison, also lives in New Bern. Her home on high ground was not damaged. Hurricane “Dorian” swerved away from New Bern and no damage, but I decided to call Walt to find out how he’s doing a year after “Florence”. He still lives in New Bern renting a house from his daughter while refurbishing his old home and hopes to move in a month. He has raised the house up ten feet, this from an earlier raising of the house after flooding from an earlier hurricane in the 1990’s. Walt didn’t tell me how you do that. He sounded quite philosophical about it all. Passings George R. Ruddick Jr. (15) died July 5, 2018 in Cherry Hill, NJ. George entered USNA via NAPS. No info on his Navy Service other that he resigned from the Navy in 1957 as an LTJG. His wife, Jean, died several years ago. No children. His ashes were scattered at sea. See photos of the funeral service at sea.

53/54 CLASS NEWS

George Ruddick Ashes – Stern of Boat

George Ruddick – Funeral Service at Sea

George Ruddick – Scattering the Ashes

Katherine (Kitty) Ebert, wife of RADM Scott W. Ebert USN (Ret) (10), died July 9, 2019 in Crystal River, FL. In 1988 Kitty and Scott built and opened a paint and body shop in Ocala, FL. Survivors include her husband, Scott, 4 sons, and 6 grandchildren….* Elmer C. Fulcher (NG) died August 4, 2019 in Chapin, SC. Elmer enlisted in the Navy, became an ET 3, qualified and served in submarines USS Sea Fox (SS-402) and USS Tilefish (SS-307) in WWII. He entered USNA via NAPS. He was a boxer and played football at the Academy. After injury to his shoulder he resigned in his third year and transferred to University of Miami

on the GI bill and graduated with an electrical engineering degree in 1954. He worked for NASA and then Lockheed Missiles and Space for 35 years. His wife of 42 years, Maggie, preceded him in death. Survivors include 3 children and one grandchild. James D. Wright, CDR USN (Ret) (3) died August 5, 2019 in Leesburg, FL. Jim served on an unnamed Aircraft Carrier, then on other surface ships and submarines including Exec Officer of USS Argonaut (SS-475), Navigator on USS John C. Calhoun (SSBN-630, and XO of USS Elokomin (AO-55). He then attended USNPG School and received a BS Degree in Electrical Engineering; served CNO Naval Intelligence Command; then to Philadelphia Naval Shipyard for his twilight tour and retirement. His wife, Betty, preceded him in death. Survivors include one daughter and two grandchildren….* Forest P. “Bill” Anderson, CAPT, USN (Ret) (5) died August 9, 2019 in Salisbury, MD. Bill served at 12 different duty stations. He flew over 200 combat missions in Vietnam as a Fighter Pilot primarily flying the F-4 Phantom. He was Commanding Officer of Fighter Squadron VF-213; CO of USS Spiegel Grove (LSD-32); and CO of USS Oriskany (CVA-34). His awards include Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star (for Valor), the Air Medals, and the Presidential Unit Citation. After the Navy he became an Investment Advisor. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Hathaway “Happy”, 3 children, 2 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren….* Robert J. Raffaele, CAPT, USN (Ret) (23) died September 21, 2019 in Glen Dale, MD. Bob served in amphibs and destroyers and in command of a net tender, all in the Atlantic Fleet. His first shore duty was USNPG School. He then returned to destroyer duty on both coasts as XO and then CO, with three deployments to Vietnam. Tours at NISC, the Pentagon, and the Naval Sea Systems Command preceded retirement from the Navy in 1979. During the next 18 years he worked for Ratheon, JJMA and

EG&G. Survivors include his wife Norma, 3 children, 3 grandchildren, and 3 step- grandchildren. Close to Annapolis, Bob and Norma participated in many ’53 activities. [For several years, they opened their home for Classmates and wives to come watch and party during Army-Navy football games. Bob also was a member of our Class Executive Committee and was Company 23 Representative. His eye sight was poor during the last few years, but he came to all of our Class activities with Norma driving or one of his son or daughter to our Class luncheons up to just a month ago. Today, Sept 23, First Day of Autumn, is also my deadline. A more formal obituary may be in the ‘Last Call’ because their deadline is later] *See 50th Year Legacy Book Memories Greenspring, with about 1,500 residents have all kinds of activities: clubs, games, fitness, acting, dancing, singing etc. It even has its own American Legion Post. The Post commander immediately asked me to become one of the Officers. I declined. There is a monthly paper called “Memories” that residents can submit stories about their life. I submitted a story about my experiences with Admiral Rickover

titled “Charm School.” Residents Tom and Ginger Moran read my story and this started another story. Their son is married to the daughter of Tom and Minnie Mayberry (2) (also a nuclear submariner) and bingo, we have new Greenspring friends. ….ACB

’54

Life Membership: 57% Donor Participation: 16.14% Pres: CAPT George V. Zeberlein, USN (Ret.) p: 410-570-3233; e: gvzeberlein@gmail.com Exec VP: MGen William W. Hoover, USAF (Ret.) p: 757-221-0921; e: Hoovsf8@aol.com Acting Sec’y: Mr. Phillip N. Livingstone 718 Appomattox Rd. W., Davidsonville, MD 21035-1909; p: 443-607-8666; e: livingstonep1@verizon.net Sec’y: LtCol Edward C. Tipshus USMC (Ret.) 8315 Fairway Dr., Worthington Hills Columbus, OH 43235-1148 p: 614-846-7770; e: ed@tipshus.com Treas: CAPT Robert R. Briner, USN (Ret.) p: 757-464-4850; e: bobbriner@cox.net Webmaster: CDR Will H. Croom, USN (Ret.) e: willyaye@gmail.com Website: www.54net.org

Can you identify these Class Mates? Can anyone identify these classmates taken Summer of 1950? If you know send email to Phil Livingstone, at livingstonep1@ verizon.net.

’54 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 53

54/55 CLASS NEWS The Super Six In the Summer of 1950 there were two, significant events that had a dramatic impact on the United States Naval Academy. Vice Admiral Harry W. Hill welcomed the members of the Class of 1954 and he also welcomed Russel (Rusty) Callow to the staff as rowing coach of the Midshipmen. These two events ushered in an Olympic Championship and a string of consecutive, varsity wins that remains a record to this day, over a half century later. The performance of the Academy’s crew teams had been poor for several years. Adm. Hill welcomed Coach Callow with the comment “We haven’t been doing so well for the past few years. I’ll give you two years ...” to make some improvements. Not “doing so well” was perhaps an understatement. The area press described the performance of the Navy Crew in different terms. After a year of coaching the Midshipmen the progress was not significant. An article1 published in the newspapers stated that “June 16, 1951, is referred in Annapolis as ‘the worst naval disaster since Pearl Harbor.’ On that day the Middies entered varsity, junior varsity and plebe shells in the Marietta Regatta on the Ohio River. The official report filed at the Naval Academy by Ensign W. J. Herndon, Jr., Manager, ...” included the following, grim statements: “In the junior varsity race Navy lost a rudder before the race started and a new rudder was put on the shell. At the start, the Navy rudder was jammed and after three strokes Navy swerved into Princeton, demolishing the Navy shell ...” “In the varsity race Navy struck the stake boat crushing the stern of the Navy shell. The race was rowed with Navy rapidly falling behind, finishing last in a field of 12 ...” “In the freshman race as Navy approached the stake boat, one of the course buoys hit the Navy shell putting a hole in it, and sinking it … Since both of Navy’s other shells were wrecked, Navy used a Marietta College shell in the race. As Navy approached the course the Navy shell

took from 2 to 3 inches of water from a passing power boat. The Plebes rowed the race with the water in the boat and remained ahead until they had about a mile to go when M.I.T passed them and then Washington pulled ahead to win by a quarter of a length. Navy came in third.” Perhaps Coach Callow took notice. Watching a Plebe crew row a water-logged, heavier-thannormal shell and still take third place must have impressed him. In any event when the Midshipmen returned to the Academy in the fall of 1951 that team of Plebes from the Class of 1954 became the varsity crew team. Thus began an unbroken streak of varsity crew wins. By the time the Olympic Trials were held for the June 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland, the Navy crew was ready with a record of consecutive wins. The record continued with a nine-second victory over Princeton in the Olympic Trials. The winning time of 5:57:7 over the 2,000-meter course was a new Olympic Trials record. At the Olympics, the Navy crew posted a time of 6:25.9 to win the Gold Medal by nearly six seconds over the Russian team, eight seconds over Australia and nine seconds over England. In the winning shell were Ed Stevens, Wayne Frye, Hank Proctor, Bob Detweiler, Dick Murphy, Jim Dunbar, Bill Fields, Frank Shakespear and coxswain Dave Manring. All except Detweiler, Shakespear and Manring were in the Class of 1954. When the Midshipmen (less Detweiler, Shakespear and Manring, who had graduated) returned to the Academy in the Fall of 1953, the varsity crew had six of those who rowed in the Olympics at Helsinki: Stevens, Fields, Dunbar, Murphy, Proctor and Frye, all in the class of 1954. The winning streak continued. As commented on in the New London, Connecticut The Day: During the ‘53-‘54 academic crew season the varsity crew “surpassed all previous, consecutive rowing records, won seven cups and nine races. The cups involved were the NavyPrinceton rowing cup, the Adams trophy cup, the Rowe cup and the

54 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

’54

Evening Star trophy (both won in the eastern championships in Washington), the Western Sprint trophy and the Maxwell-Stevenson trophy for a win over Columbia...” The last challenge for “The Super Six” was the IRA championship on Lake Onondaga, Syracuse, NY, in June 1954. The attached newspaper clipping is quoted in part: “The Naval Academy’s varsity eight finished its third, successive season undefeated with a spectacular length-and-a-half victory ... This was the 29th consecutive victory for Coach Rusty Callow’s great crew. It was the final performance of the Middies’ “Super Six” who rowed in every one of the Navy’s sweeps from Mehlati Gulf in Finland to Newport Beach in California and they did it in typical fashion with the help of two newcomers ...” In summary, the combination of Coach Rusty Callow and six Midshipmen from the Class of 1954 allowed the varsity, eight-man shell to win 23 consecutive collegiate titles, 29 races overall including three, straight IRA varsity eight championships and three Eastern Sprint titles during the 1952-1954 period. This record of collegiate consecutive wins remains to this day - a span of over 65 years. The Super Six consisted of the following members of the Class of 1954:

Stroke was Ed Stevens 4th Battalion, 16th Company #2 Oar was Bill Fields 2nd Battalion, 6th Company #3 Oar was Jim Dunbar 1st Battalion, 4th Company; (Graduated Class of ‘55) #4 Oar was Dick Murphy 5th Battalion, 19th Company #6 Oar was Hank Proctor 1st Battalion, 2nd Company #7 Oar was Wayne Frye 4th Battalion, 16th Company

’55

Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation: 11.66% Pres: VADM J. Theodore Parker, USN (Ret.) Vice Pres: RADM R. R. Fountain, Jr., USN (Ret.) Treas: CDR Robert P. Pirie Jr., USN (Ret.) Sec’y: CAPT Thomas F. Stallman, USN (Ret.) e: staltom@aol.com Corr Sec’y: Frederick Schoenberger e: fredseod@gmail.com Website:: http://1955.usnaclasses.com/

Donald (Don) A. Lovelace (4) passed away in North Charleston, SC on August 27, 2019.

55/55 CLASS NEWS

1955

2020 65th-Year Reunion Annapolis April 23-25, 2020

Thursday 4/23

Check-in at DoubleTree Annapolis Welcome Reception

Friday 4/24

Class Meeting Memorial Service (USNA Chapel) Luncheon (Navy Club) Superintendent Brieﬁng Dress Parade (TBD) Company/ Battalion Parties

Saturday 4/25

Presentation: USNA Virtual Tour Annapolis Trolley Tour* Banquet

Classmates/Widows: Register for the reunion ASAP $300 per person for full weekend Make room reservation at the host hotel DoubleTree Annapolis * personal expense NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 55

55/55 CLASS NEWS Raymond (Ray) A. Ways (23) passed away in Berkley Springs, WV on September 10, 2019. Edmund (Ed) B. Bossart, Jr. (6) passed away in Mill Creek, WA (near Seattle) on September 11, 2019. 65th Reunion Update “We’re well into Fall now and only six months or less out from our April 23-25, 2020 Reunion in Annapolis. See our ad in this month’s Shipmate. Time to get serious about Registration with the Alumni Association (our agent) and the DoubleTree hotel. Don’t wait too long for the latter as the hotel is popular with visiting sports teams and our reunion is in the heart of the Spring sports season. The DoubleTree will continue to fulfill requests at the Group rate so long as rooms are available. We need the Reunion registrations now in order to finalize plans for banquets, transportation, etc. At this writing we are about on schedule with sign-ups based on our earlier survey returns, and in fact have had several additional reservations from Classmates who didn’t respond to the survey at the time. With a few more than 300 classmates still alive and kicking our reunion target of 75 Classmates and 150 total attendance seems well within our grasp despite the health concerns of some. We’re not going to be moving around too much and transportation is in the plan for the less able so don’t let those concerns hold you back. If you’re fully fit, you have no excuse not to be there! If in doubt give yourself a Christmas present! Widows of Classmates are welcome and encouraged to join us to renew old acquaintances. If hesitant, contact Lucy Mustin (703 553 3960; or hmustin@comcast.net) who is coordinating the widows’ program. Who knows how many of us will be around for the 70th or 75th, so let’s have a big fling now! See you there!” Bob Fountain, Chairman Paul Grozen (7) and the Red Sox tribute.

Heroes” which honors an active duty or retired military person at each one of the Red Sox home games. My sister Debby, living in Massachusetts, knew of the “Hats Off” program and nominated me for this recognition. Next, I was contacted by the Red Sox organization, requesting that I provide them with highlights of my Navy career, such as commands and key positions held, number and length of deployments, length of time spent submerged at sea, and special recognition awards and citations. I provided the needed information and was requested to be present at the August 10th Red Sox – Angels game, when I would be the honoree. They also wanted to know whether I would like to stand on top of the Red Sox dugout or would prefer to avoid the climb and take a position on the ballfield. I chose the dugout. On that date, with both my children and a good number of family members and friends in attendance, I was escorted by two Red Sox staffers, who helped me climb onto the dugout roof as the teams were changing sides following the top half of the 4th inning. The “jumbotron” on the centerfield scoreboard carried a close-up video of me on top of the dugout. The public address system announcer recapped my Navy career, then asked the crowd to please doff their caps to honor our hero. I responded with a lot of waving and saluting the crowd. As a lifelong Red Sox fan, who has enjoyed their recent years’ successes, following a long history of frustrating endings, I was particularly touched by seeing some Red Sox players and security personnel come out of the dugout to applaud or salute me, along with some 35,000+ of the fans. My son Ted remarked that I had just completed a bucket list item that I didn’t even know I had.

M This summer I had the pleasure of receiving a special honor which, until recently, I had not even heard of. The Boston Red Sox have a program called, “Hats off to

56 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Fred McLaren (13) passed along the latest on his book. M The University of Alabama Press notified me that the paperback edition of my first book, Unknown Waters, A First-Hand Account of the Historic Under-Ice Survey of the Siberian Continental Shelf by USS Queenfish (SSN 651) is being printed and will be available on Amazon.com and many book stores beginning in early November 2019. Unknown Waters received a full-page write-up in the Science Section of The New York Times on 18 March 2008. Additional photos from the Annual Crab Feast that was held at the Pirate’s Cove Restaurant in Galesville, MD on July 10, 2019:

L to R Nora & Fred Schoenberger and JoAnn O’Brien

And two closeups taken by Anne Parker:

Spud Flowers & Marilyn Goodson L to R Genie Walter, JoAnn O’Brien and B.J. Straub

L to R Diana Delano and Wes Saunders

Fred & Nora Schoenberger

Front Betsey & Bob Fountain; Center Elaine Strass; Back Ted Hyman

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Best Wishes for the New Year from your Alumni Association and Foundation.

The Space Force starts up The Pentagon started up a new combatant command with the official launch of U.S. Space Command on 29 Aug. 2019. Speaking at a meeting of the National Space Council, Gen. Joe Dunford, the outgoing chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announced the date for the standup of the new organization, the first combatant command to be fully stood up since Africa Command was created in 2009. Upon its standup, SPACECOM head Gen. Jay Raymond will inherit 87 units, covering “missile warning, satellite

operations, space control and space support,” Dunford said. Raymond has said he expects to start with about 642 personnel pulled from U.S. Strategic Command. Army Lt. Gen. James Dickinson has been nominated to become the deputy commander. The creation of the new combatant command is the first step towards the creation of a full-up Space Force, an idea that has been heavily pushed by President Donald Trump. “This initiative is going to have a positive impact on our ability to grow the people and capabilities that we’re going to need in the future,” Dunford said of an eventual Space Force. “I’m confident the focus that a single service will bring to bear is going to have a profound difference.” “The direction is clear. We understand it. And we’re moving out.” LCM (Landing Craft Medium) to be replaced by Army MSV(L) Vigor has officially kicked off construction on the next generation of landing watercraft for the U.S. Army at its new aluminum fabrication facility in Vancouver, Washington. A keel-laying ceremony for the vessel, to be named SSG Elroy F. Wells, was held and attended by representatives from the U.S. Army, federal and local elected officials, and Vigor employees. The contract to build the Maneuver Support Vessel (Light), or MSV(L), was awarded to Vigor in October 2017. The contract calls for one prototype vessel, four vessels under low rate production, and up to thirty-two additional vessels over ten years for use by Army Mariners. The design of the MSV(L) is said to dramatically improve on the capabilities of the current LCM-8. It features an innovative tri-bow monohull that helps with seakeeping, beached stability and speeds in excess of 20 knots fully-laden. A raised center jet and a four foot draft fully-laden will enable landings on even the shallowest beaches.

ALUMNI HOUSE Wedding? Reunion? Conference? Host your special event at Ogle Hall. events@usna.com or 410-295-4018

’56

Life Membership: 71% Donor Participation: 11.66 % Class Executive Committee Chairman: Col George Mushalko, USAF (Ret.) (15) p: 703-768-4543; e: gmushalko56@gmail.com Shipmate: Dan Garges, USAF (Ret.) (24) p: 301-340-8197; e: magdan_56@yahoo.com Sec’y: CAPT Doug Hayman, USN (Ret.) (11) p: 410-268-0740; e: dfhayman@comcast.net Webmaster: CDR Casey Kenaston, USN (Ret.) p: 703-425-6962; e: caseyken@aol.com Website: www.usna56.org “Deo Fidelis et Patria”

Honored Luncheon Guests: Recently Congressman Bill Posey (R-FL) hosted a luncheon honoring classmates Pete Peterson (20) and Tom Schwartz (04) for their many years of service as members of the 15th Congressional District Service Academy Nomination Committee. Members of his staff and members of the four Service Academy committees were present (USMA, USMMA, USAFA, and USNA). Pete had served as Chairman of the USNA and USMMA for 26 years under four different congressmen and Tom had served for 20 years with Pete. Both felt that they had gotten out of touch with current practices at USNA. Although retiring from the committee, both Tom and Pete indicated that it was only one thing they were giving up; they would continue serving in their community in other ways. Might even run for office! General Notice to Classmates: There is a lost sheep page on usna56.org which has a list of classmates with whom we have lost contact. It currently includes Joseph Anthony (5), Robert Samuel Brown (24), Arsenio Delgado (3), Stephen G. Gardella (22), George Heidrich (8), Charles Manson (8), Donald Peter Murphy (20), James W. Newcomb (2), and James A. White (24). If anyone has any information that could help locate them, please contact by email or telephone either Dan Garges (magdan_56@yahoo. com; 301-340-8197) or Doug Hayman (dfhaymon@comcat.net; 410-268-0740).

55/56 CLASS NEWS The following announcements are made about the recent passing of classmates and classmate wives. Full obituaries for classmates will be presented in the Last Call Section of this or in a future issue of Shipmate. Mrs. Blanche Perry: There was a Service of Committal at the Columbarium on 14 August 2019 for Mrs. Blanche “Bunny” Perry who passed away on 26 March 2019. Bunny Perry is the wife of Lt. Col Clarence “Robert” Perry (13), USMC Ret. Mrs. Delores Quartz Miller: There was a Service of Committal at the Columbarium on 09 October 2019 for Mrs. Dolores Quartz Miller who passed away on 01 June 2019. Dolores Miller was the widow of deceased Navy Lt. John Michael Miller (06), Class of 1956. Capt. Robert Ashton Schade Jr. (23): There was a Funeral Mass in the Main Chapel on 16 October 2019 for Robert Schade Jr., USN Ret. who died on December 2, 2017 and Mrs. Cecelia McShane Schade who passed on July 6, 2019 due to complications from a stroke. Cecelia was 85 years old. Committal Service for both followed at the Columbarium. Capt. Harold Edmond Dolenga (14): There was a Service of Committal at the Columbarium on August 9, 2019 for Harold Dolenga USN Ret. who died on May 25, 2019. Col. John R. McIntyre, Jr. (15) USAF Ret.: Colonel Jack. McIntyre, Jr. died on August 7, 2019 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease as reported by his beloved wife Alice. Jack began flying as a navigator on heavy transports (C-124s) from Dover AFB. He flew MATS missions to Africa and the Middle East accumulating over 5000 hours flying time. Later he was assigned as Squadron Commander of the 9th Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale AFB. After retirement from the military, John joined GE Aerospace which merged into Lockheed-Martin. Lt. Col. Forrest Crone, USMC (02), passed away at age 87 on August 14, 2019 after a short illness. He did two tours of service in Vietnam as a helicopter squadron commander. After retirement Forrest was a consultant in the

aviation industry. Forrest is survived by his wife Anne and his son Forrest Crone Jr. Pierce Ferriter (16) died at 86 on August 28, 2019. He served in the United States Air Force as a Missile Officer during the sternest years of the Cold War. Following his military service, Peirce worked at the Applied Physics Lab in Maryland and for Honeywell Aerospace. He trained himself as an endurance runner and completed many marathons and Ironman triathlons. He also completed the Boston Marathon in less than 3 hours. Maurice Francis Tyler, Jr, (14) passed away on at age 88 on September 12, 2019 at his home in Cordova, TN. Maurice’s Navy career included Aviation, Surface Navy and Submarines in West PAC. He served on the USS Blackfin, the USS Tang, and the USS Odax Atlantic He earned his wings as an Aviator flying the F9 Panther and earned his Dolphins as a submarine officer. Al Reed (05) passed away March 13, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a goalkeeper on the Academy’s 1954 undefeated national lacrosse championship team. Upon graduation Al served four years as a U.S. Naval Aviator, and then another 16 years in the U.S. Naval Air Reserve, retiring as a Lt. Commander. He officiated in lacrosse for 30 years as a high school and collegiate referee.

CLASS SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES Send to: classnews@usna.com

ISSUE: Jan-Feb ’20 March ’20 April-May ’20 June ’20 July-Aug ’20 September ’20 October ’20 Nov-Dec ’20

DUE DATE: Nov 25, 2019 Dec 26, 2020 Feb 24, 2020 Mar 23, 2020 May 26, 2020 Jun 22, 2020 Jul 27, 2020 Sep 21, 2020

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 57

57/57 CLASS NEWS

’57

Life Membership: 67% Donor Participation: 18.33% Pres: CAPT David S. Cooper, USN (Ret.) e: dscooper57@aol.com Vice Pres: CAPT William H. Peerenboom, USN (Ret.) e: whp36@aol.com Sec’y: LCDR Paul O. Behrends, USN (Ret.) e: pobehrends@aol.com

what activities replace skiing (traveling, walking, TV shows and reading). Shown at the ladder at the Bluewater Inn are left to right, Jim Beatty (4), Harry Gimber (4), Bill and George. Bill says this is the only time his name ever appears in the Shipmate 57 column. We decided to take a separate picture of our wives since they are younger and better looking than we are. - LFC

Corr Sec’y: Col William S. Hamel, USMCR (Ret.) e: wshamel@aol.com Treas: COL John D. Regenhardt, USAF (Ret.) e: don.regenhardt@gmail.com Webmeister: CDR C. R. Hall, III, USN (Ret.) e: crhall@comcast.net Website: http//1957.usnaclasses.com/

We sadly note the passing of brothers in the Class: MAJ Gerald M. Anderson, USAF (Ret.) died at home on Molokai, HI, on 21 August 2019. He was 83 and had survived lymphoma for 18 years until his death. Charles J. Diehlmann, Sr., (8) died Saturday, April 6, 2019 in Columbia, MD. Lloyd Dallas Follmer (20) died in May of this year. A service of committal at the USNA Columbarium was set for Monday, 4 November 2019, for CAPT Carleton “Cookie” James King, Jr., (13) who died 22 October 2017. Robert H. Rositzke (21) died at the Fairfax Inova Hospital on 13 September. Funeral services were scheduled for 30 September. A service of committal at the USNA Columbarium was scheduled for 18 October 2019 for CDR John Bisset Shewmaker, CDR, USN (Ret) (3), who died 22 June 2019. W. Earle Smith, Jr. (11) died of cardiovascular complications on 6 September 2019. Earle played on the 1955 “Team Named Desire”, which beat Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl 21-0. Just in, news from George Lanman (6): M On 4 August, Lynda and Bill Kronzer (14) made their annual Brian Head reunion trek from Minocqua, Wisconsin, to the Left Coast to catch up with the Coronado crowd. The major discussions centered around food and aging and

At the Bluewater Inn, San Diego

The better halves of the Brian Head crew: Lynda Kronzer, Maxine Gimber, Anne Lanman and Carol Beatty

Bill Mickle reports on an earlier grand tour: M “Whenever Two or Three Shall Meet” These words took on a special meaning in May for classmates David Isquith , Bill Mickle, Bill’s son Richard, and Betty and Bill Peerenboom when they made a trip to Paris and cruised down the Seine. David’s bride, Clare, made superb arrangements for us and led us throughout the journey. We also were joined by David’s cousins, Bert and Jan Dann and friends Bill and Kathi O’Neill. We rendezvoused in Paris for a three-day pre-cruise visit that included a city tour, trips to Versailles and the Louvre, all arranged in advance by Clare and including the “must see” features of the City of

58 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Light. Our cruise down the Seine was on river cruiser Amalyra, which provided outstanding food and service as she motored through the beautiful French countryside. Daily port stops included pleasant (and not overly strenuous) walking tours, led by outstanding guides, of Chateau Gaillard, Honfleur, and Le Havre enroute as we came to the Channel. From there we were taken on a full day tour of the D-Day U.S. landing beaches, American Cemetery and monuments. That surely was the highlight of the trip! It was an awesome experience to see the immense difficulty of the terrain inland from the beaches and visit remnants of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall! During our return voyage to Paris, we stopped in the city of Rouen, capital of the District of Normandy - the equivalent of a state here. After Rouen, we cruised to Vernon, where we visited Giverny, home of impressionist painter Monet with its immense and exotic gardens. Next stop was Conflans where our appreciation of art was enhanced further by visiting either the town where Vincent Van Gogh settled and died, or Malmaison, the home of Napoleon and Josephine for a time. Then the ship returned to Paris and we began the trip home. For us classmates the trip resurrected long ago memories of youngster cruise, albeit there was no opportunity to holystone on the river cruiser – and nobody seemed anxious to recount any of their activities in Paris on that occasion back in 1954!

Mickle, Peerenboom, and Isquith: Armed and dangerous.

A report from George Philipps (17): M The Washington Chapter’s monthly golf outing was held 13 August at Forest Greens golf course

in Prince William County, Virginia. We managed eleven stalwarts (two from ’58) – “stalwarts” because the weather forecast called for severe thunderstorms that afternoon. Fortunately, except for a brief shower, we remained dry for the duration of play. Three teams, playing a scramble format, expertly handicapped, posted net scores of 67, 67 & 68. The two teams that tied for first place were led by Bob Crouch and Jack Adams ’58, and shared the combined purse. Awards were also made for “closest to the pin” on all par-three holes, the winners being Bob Crouch, Mike Salmon ’58, Jack Adams and Bill Hamel (23). Other players included Peter Junghans, Ginger and Jim Poole, Jerry Smith, Les McMenamin, Rich Enkeboll, and me. Unfortunately no photographs were taken, but rest assured all players look just as they did last year, just a bit older. Pohick Bay Golf From Taylor Keith (‘58): M Pohick, located near Lorton, Virginia, was new to us when we played on 14 September. It turned out to be a lovely and challenging course. Lots of narrow and rolling fairways, and demanding greens. The 13th hole was particularly interesting. There was a blind layup area about 150 yards from the tee. From there it was a 90 degree dogleg over water! We had two foursomes. Team 1: Bob Crouch (21), Bill Hamel (23), Rich Enkeboll (1) and Taylor Keith (’58), which defeated by four strokes Team 2: Mike Salmon, George Phillips, Jack Adams (‘58), and Doc Dugan (8). Closest to the pin prizes were won by Hamel and Adams. Jack also won “closest closest”, a new prize. Alas, there was no winner on hole 15 as no one made the green, which was a “monstrous” 121 yds away! A totally unexpected surprise was a “Goody Bag” for each of us that was labeled “Thank you for your service”. Certainly a thoughtful gesture on the part of the Pohick Bay staff.

57/58 CLASS NEWS From EXCOMM Chair George Philipps: M I attended the Navy, East Carolina game last Saturday, not only to cheer Navy on to victory, which they did handily, but also to show my son and granddaughter our stadium and its environs. We arrived at our ’57 assigned tailgate spots in time to witness 22nd Co. mids setting up for their post-game festivities. Our shared ’57 /’07 tent had been previously set up, and all activity was centered around the unloading of food stuffs and changing tents. All in all ’57 had a modest turnout in comparison to previous years. Our maturity is taking its toll. The accompanying picture tells it all. Unfortunately missing from the picture is Adam Bosma (’07) and family, who came by after the game and spoke to Bill Peerenboom. He made a commitment to attend our next class lunch in October. Pictured in the photo: Front row, Rosemary Hower, Don Regenhardt, Dede and Randy Brown, George Philipps, Maria and Jack Kersh (honorary classmate), Keith Hastie, Nancy Doolin. Back row, Joe Neary’s sister, Joe Neary, Joe’s son, Jim Hower, John Peerenboom (son), and the corresponding secretary for Class of ’47, just visiting. The post game tailgate featured an array of hamburgers and hot dogs with all the fixings as well as chips galore, beverages of both kinds, etc. The mids know how to do it right. Vice President Bill Peerenboom reports on a naval historical event:

M Every two years the Naval Academy hosts the McMullen Naval History Symposium. As of this year’s event, it has become the largest symposium of naval history in the world. Don Regenhardt and I were in attendance and found it to be a superb gathering filled with scores of the world’s most eminent naval historians. Our class can take particular pride in the recognition given to our 50th Class gift, “The Class of 1957 Chair in Naval Heritage.” The value of this gift was splendidly illustrated by the participation of its “alumni” historians who have been both our Class’s “Distinguished Professors” and post-doctoral fellows. Their collective participation took place in over twelve percent of the total of 54 events - including that of Professor David Rosenberg. He was featured as one of a distinguished panel at the keynote event, which showcased the careers of three eminent Chiefs of Naval Operations. Professor Rosenberg’s presentation described that of Admiral Arleigh Burke. Other distinguished professors and post-doctoral fellows presented papers, acted as chairs of panels or offered post-presentation commentary to give creative critiques and stimulate discussions among the audiences of historians and midshipmen. Missing were post-doc fellows Jason Smith and Mark Folse, in attendance but unavailable for the photo-shoot. Also, Don and I enjoyed having lunch in Dahlgren Hall with Midshipmen First Class Luke Cota

and Walker Russell, the 22nd Company’s “dynamic duo” as wardroom officer and tailgate impresario respectively. They are with us in the class tent at football games. Both are hoping for service selection as naval aviators. Looking forward to being able to say we BEAT AIR FORCE!

Professor Rosenberg

Pictured L-R are Distinguished Professors Kathy Williams, Craig Symonds, Post Doc Fellow Scott Mobley, Distinguished Profs Gene Smith and David Winkler and yours truly. Seated next to the actual Chair in Naval Heritage is Distinguished Professor Jim Bradford.

With that, we lay aside our laptop and look forward to savoring some cooler weather. Carpe diem.

’58

Life Membership: 64% Donor Participation: 17.24% Pres: Lt Col Gordon M. Gerson, USAF (Ret.) e: gordon.gerson@1958.usna.com Corr Sec’y: CAPT Bill Schramm, USN (Ret.) 17 Calera Canyon, Salinas, CA 93908 p: 831-484-9058; e: w_schramm@comcast.net Webmaster: CAPT Fred Victor, USN (Ret.) e: avictor@erols.com Website: www.usna.com/Classes/1958

’57: Tailgate

LARSON AWARD DINNER As you will recall our Class established an annual Charles R. Larson Ethical Leadership Award in honor of our deceased Classmate.

The award, which includes a cash prize, is given to a civilian or military member of the Naval Academy faculty or staff who has contributed significantly to the Academy’s mission to graduate ethical leaders for the nation. The winner of this year’s award is Dr. Christine Copper. Dr. Copper is a Professor of Chemistry at USNA and has been on the faculty since 1995. She is also the Faculty Athletics Representative at the Academy and was herself a three time All-American collegiate tennis player and team captain of a national championship team. She has an exceptional ability to connect with, inspire and teach college age students. Shown in the related photo are the VADM Sean Buck (USNA Superintendent), Dr. Christine Copper, Sally Larson (widow of Chuck Larson), Gordon Gerson (Class of 1958 President) and Dr. Joseph Thomas (Director of the James B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership).

“Presentation of the Charles R. Larson Ethical Leadership Award”

BUILDING 116A It is unusual in the Navy to name a building after a living person but in the case of RADM George Meinig USN (ret), 11th Company the Navy is making an exception. The building I refer to was built to support development and testing of AEGIS technology and during the past 50 years while on active duty and in retirement George has been Mr. AEGIS. George managed the engineering development of the AEGIS Weapon and Combat Systems and their integration into AEGIS Cruisers and Destroyers and he charted the course for sending the first AEGIS system to sea. In so doing he established the technical foundation for the world’s preeminent surface naval weapons system for generations to come. The name of the building will

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 59

58/59 CLASS NEWS be the “RADM George R. Meinig Jr. Integrated Air and Missile Defense Engineering Development Building”. BZ George. (Also see mention in the Bravo Zulu section.) THE REST OF THE STORY Kay Higgins, the widow of John L. Higgins Jr., 15th Company, sent me the photo of herself and the grandchildren. The young man on the left of the picture is John L. Higgins the IV and he is a 1/c Midshipman (Class of 2020) in the 8th Company. After graduation Larry went to Pensacola, but that did not work out so it was off to San Diego where he was assigned to the USS Noble APA-218 as the Navigator. After several deployments to the Far East (Kay remembers these as many deployments) Larry left the Navy in 1963 and took over his father’s Buick dealership in New Jersey. Phil McNall remembers that Larry was on the Navy golf team at the Academy and he played with Larry both in San Diego and later at the Ridgefield CC in New Jersey. Larry passed in 2014.

Harry’s subject was the upcoming Navy football season. He reported that Coach Niumatalolo (please repeat that name 3 times as fast as you can) decided after the 2018 season to make some changes. He replaced the defensive coordinator and four of the defensive coaches and changed the philosophy from “bend don’t break” to “attack, attack”. The new defense is a 4-5-2 and features blitzing and stunting. On the offensive side he hired the wide receiver Coach from the University of Hawaii and introduced the basics of the Hawaii run and shoot offense to go along with the basic triple option. As I write this column Navy is 2 and 0. Go Navy!

Harry Hurst and Jack Adams

Kay Higgins and grandchildren at the NJ seashore”

WASHINGTON DC/ANNAPOLIS CHAPTER LUNCHEON In August the following Classmates and spouses gathered for lunch: Jack and Ann Adams, Dan and Pat Bellay, Bill and Pat Dougherty, Whitey and Lois Edwards, Gordon and Jane Gerson, Mike and Eileen Giglio, Harry and Peg Hurst, Taylor Keith, Eric and Barb Mansfield, Paul Polski, Tom and Kay Powell, Pete and Julie Russell, Phil Taylor, Fred and Jackie Victor, Buff and Jean Walter and Bruce Wilcox. It is assumed the large turnout was due to, according to those present, the magnetic presence of the speaker who was (fanfare) Harry Hurst!

It appears Gordo needed extra instruction after Harry’s talk because Harry took him to a Navy football practice for a demonstration session. The photo shows Gordo with James Gregory, one of the smaller Navy players.

lectures. He reported that he has been spending about 150 days/year on such trips and clearly he knows a lot about cruising and cruise ships. So I asked Jim for some of his observations about cruising. He says the most enjoyable cruises for him are those linked to history such as cruises in the Baltic or the Med where there is lots of medieval history to enjoy. But his most interesting cruise of all was to Easter Island and Pitcairn Island. In his opinion the line with the best food is Oceania, and the one with the largest staterooms is Regent. The best entertainment is on MSC ships, the best dancing is on the Queen Marry II and the worst food is on the Fred Olsen Line cruises. One other hint. If you go to Alaska he recommends Holland America because they are grandfathered into Glacier Bay where other ships cannot go.

Jim Clement at sea

CLOSING RANKS Richard (Dick) Abel, 17th Company, passed away on 24 July 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. George Newnham, a non-grad member of ‘58, died on 19 August 2019.

’59

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 16.16% Chairman Exec. Committee: Gerald G Garbacz Gordo and James

ANCHORS AWEIGH In the October 2018 issue of Shipmate I reported on the very interesting life Jim Clement, 19th Company, has led since graduation. For the last 20 years Jim has been traveling on cruise ships giving

60 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

M On 5 June, Vince and wife Annemarie visited Dave (23) and Diane Gilmer at their 40-acre farm in Davis, CA. Dave has planted one acre in grapes and has a fabulous vineyard. The wine is great also. Dave and Vince were Sub School roommates in 1960. Both Dave and Diane have PhDs and we very much admire their commitment to their way of life. After Vince’s sons took jobs in Silicon Valley, he checked for classmates in the area and, to his delight, saw that Dave was in the area. That was about 20 years ago and they have been seeing each other maybe every 3-4 years. Pictures were taken in the vineyard. Note. This is a re-run of the article that appeared in the September issue. One of the pictures was incorrect. We received an apology.

Sec’y: CAPT Charles C. Pease, USN (Ret.) 20510 Falcons Landing, Cir., Apt. 1404 Potomac Falls, VA 20165-7596 p: 703-549-4285; e: classsec1959@gmail.com Shipmate Editor: Ed Hill p: 301-943-4185; e: hilled@aol.com Webmasters: Pete and Elaine Stout Website: www.USNA1959.com

Summer Travels, from Vince Obsitnik (3rd Co.).

L-R, Vince and Dave

L-R, Vince, Annemarie, Dave and Diane

Walt Szczypinski (18th Co.) writes: M A link continues between the Class of 1959 and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. On August 22nd Admiral Michael Gilday (’85), the nephew of Walt Szczypinski (18th Co.), assumed office as the 32nd CNO. He relieved Admiral John Richardson (’82), the son of Bill Richardson (2nd Co.). The proud families of both principals attended the

59/60 CLASS NEWS ceremony in the Sail Loft at the Washington Navy Yard. Bill and I were good friends during our time at the Academy. Thereafter, our paths crossed infrequently as Bill served in the submarine force, while I served in surface warfare prior to changing designator to Engineering Duty specializing in ship acquisition and program management. We had a proud moment together watching the young warriors pass the torch.

Tom Lukish (2nd Co.) reported the passing of his wife, Dolores Lukish, on 20 September, in Allentown Pennsylvania. She was surrounded by her loving family and passed peacefully at home. Her funeral service and inurnment are scheduled for November 12 at the Academy Chapel. There was a luncheon following at the Naval Academy Officers Club.

’60

Life Membership: 69% Donor Participation: 23.49% Pres: John J. Michalski 2039 Homewood Rd., Annapolis, MD 21409-5971; p: 410-757-6429 e: navygoat@comcast.net Sec’y: Bill Lewis 1300 S Hwy. A1A Unit 508, Jupiter, FL 33477 p: 804-334-6353; e: bilewis@comcast.net Website: http://1960.usnaclasses.net Admiral Michael M. Gilday and Walt Szczypinski at Navy Museum reception following CNO

TAPS. Anthony LaSala (18th co.) passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, in Wayne, New Jersey, on Friday, 23 August 2019. Funeral services were held on 28 August. Tony served for four years in Surface Warfare, and then changed careers, practicing law for more than 50 years. On 1 September, William Everett (15th co.) passed away peacefully at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A memorial service was held at Schaudt’s Funeral Home on 21 September. After a year on a destroyer and four years in submarines, Bill left the Navy to pursue his life-long career as an attorney, practicing in Casper and Tulsa. There was a Service of Committal and interment at the Columbarium on Monday, 30 September 2019 for Byron Julian Oistad (6th Co.). Byron passed on 24 April 2019, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. He served as a Navy pilot with two tours to Vietnam, then left the Navy to fly for Northwest Airlines for the next 35 years.

From Richard Harper (7): M Several years ago I received a copy of an Alumni Association PowerPoint presentation describing their offer to help classes create or upgrade their websites. The presentation described their offer to host any class website as a WordPress site and listed a few of the many advantages. The websites will be hosted at no cost to the classes. WordPress is a free, user developed software application specifically designed for creating websites and blogs. Recent articles indicate that it currently is the most popular website platform in the world. After reviewing the indicated PowerPoint presentation, I contacted the Alumni Association’s IT staff and asked for their help in setting up a trial website. But I soon got bogged down in a massive list of user guides and how-to videos. Creating websites using WordPress is a significant change from the Microsoft Software I had been using. And there was no straightforward way to convert any existing website into this new format. Frustrated, I set aside the effort to work on other priorities. I’ve now had time to overcome my procrastination and work through the required learning curve.

I’ve recreated our class website and expanded several sections. The new website is available for access at: http://1960.usnaclasses.net/. I like the results and hope you will agree. The Alumni Association’s IT staff said they would help revise our existing website http://usna60. com/ to redirect anyone addressing the old site to our new one, and revising the listings in Shipmate and on the Alumni Association’s website. We’ve gone live now, with the new website. —Richard Also from Richard Harper (7): M Class Luncheon Organizers, etc. Our new class website http://1960. usnsclasses.net is now up and running. The website’s improved design software should make it easier to use the site as a social communications tool for our class. One new feature is the “Calendar Page” section. Here, I can list various events such as the monthly class luncheons in various areas and football tailgate details. But, I need some inputs. I read about your luncheons and their attendees in Bill Lewis’ Shipmate articles after the fact. Do you have some sort of email notification that you distribute before each event. Can you include me in the distribution? I will have room on the class website to include the date and time of the event, the location, the contact person, and a brief agenda if appropriate. Richard Harper (7), Webmaster, And as responded by Ray Burkley (2): M Richard, Happy to include you on the Northern CA luncheon distribution and impressed that this information can be included on the class website. Occasionally we have some ‘out of towners’ show up at our luncheons as result of local contacts but if classmates will read the website maybe more will know of the luncheons and attend. Hope so. Thank you for all of your effort and hard work in getting the web site up and running and maintaining it. Best Regards, Raymond From George Marburger (20):

M Bill, during a vacation visiting family in Ohio, Ann and I decided that it had been too long since we had seen Joanne and Ronn Marshall (20) in Illinois. Ronn and I shared ‘Best Man’ duties shortly after graduation. Glad to report that all are still doing well. We spent a long time retelling ‘old tales‘ with minor embellishments. The picture was taken at the Caterpillar visitor’s center in Peoria, IL. —George From Rod Friedmann (5): M Bill, our groups merged and descended on one of our frequented luncheon establishments in Virginia Beach in August. The restaurant was Temps, an old favorite. The owner, Tiffany, created a special 3-course menu for our group at a very reasonable price. We were able occupy a separate room, where of course “old stories were retold.” Lots of good laughter and camaraderie. Sixteen classmates enjoyed a variety of entrees with excellent service. No one was unhappy with either the selections or the cost. In attendance were: Ed Clexton (10), Wick Parcells (12), Pete Chabot (14), Jim Eilertsen (21), Paul Cooper (5), Al Whitaker (16), Bert Johnson (10), Al Ablowich (16), Bob Ianucci (16), Mike McCullough (14), Frank Kay (8), Bill Kee (9), Jack Suddath (6), Bob Brenton (12), Bob Powers (8) & Rod Friedmann (5). Our next get together will be a Mike McCullough’s (14) restaurant, Fellini’s, in Norfolk on Tues., Sep 10 followed by a trip across the Chesapeake Bay to Bert Johnson’s, (10) Hampton Yacht Club, on 8 Oct in Hampton, VA.

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60/61 CLASS NEWS doing ok with a few health problems but everyone this age has some. I can still remember the time I took my car into the car wash/auto repair place on Madison Avenue and Wyatt way. I was having it diagnosed and it was parked out in front of Madison and the mechanic had me put it in neutral and try to start it, It didn’t start and the Mechanic and I went into the office to discuss recharging the battery and I did not set the hand brake, Mike was there on some other errand and saw the car roll across Madison (a busy avenue on Bainbridge) and bump into a tree. He came into the office and said, “Ron is that your car that just rolled across Madison and into a tree?” I looked out the door and sure enough it was my car. There was no serious damage to the car and how it had rolled across two lanes of traffic plus a left turn lane without a crash was a piece of luck. The mechanic, Mike and I had a good laugh about the runaway car! Now everyone in 17th Company knows about my runaway car. Ron, Beat Army! (also the rest of the alumni… Ed)

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Bill, here’s a few photos of our happy group taken by Jim Eilertsen (21). From Bob Osmon (17): M Several classmates asked me how my trip to Uganda went last week, so I thought I would send a few words. It was so rewarding. This year every child received a new pair of shoes, a bag of toiletries, I gave Mickey mouse dolls to eight little girls, my son donated BB shirts to the boys I support, and my grandson donated some of his Hardy Boys books. We visited four different schools to ensure our money was being spent properly. Visited McKrere Univ. where I hope to send one of the boys I support who just graduated with high honors from high school. It’s a long and grueling flight over and back, but so heartwarming to see how happy these children are and how our little organization means so much to their future. God bless and smooth sailing. —Oz Also from Bob Osmon (17) and the Treacy’s (Joan & Mike (20):

M Thank you for your visits to us at our home. Our conversations are always stimulating and bring back memories of times and places we all have experienced and enjoyed. We have appreciated the work you and others do not only for the 17th company, but also for the USNA community through the years. As you know, we are all fortunate to have this encouragement and support and do realize that your part of is so appreciated. - Joan M Thank you for the kind words. I feel blessed to have all my 17th Co classmates as such good friends and to live in the Hampton Roads area where I have gotten to know and enjoy so many more of our Class of 1960 classmates. I will keep Mike and you both on my prayer list. God bless. —Bob And Ron Booth (17) added: M Mike & Joan, I think it is great that Bob goes and visits with you two. I send you greetings from Bainbridge Island. Peggy and I are

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Life Membership: 71% Donor Participation: 24.35% Pres: RADM Jerome F. Smith Jr., USN (Ret.) Corr Sec’y: RADM E. S. (Skip) McGinley II, USN (Ret) 1935 Independence Ave., Melbourne, FL 32940 p: 321-622-4640; c: 202-549-2472 e: skip.mcginley@1961.USNA.com; skipmcginley@cfl.rr.com Webmaster: Howard Winfree e: winfree@1961.usna.com Website: www.USNA61.org

Well, here we are again, looking at another football season soon to start. This will be the first one that Connie and I won’t be attending for a long time, as we are selling our home here in south central Pennsylvania and moving permanently to our other home down in Melbourne, Florida in early November. We had been splitting the years between the two places for a long time. I guess we’re tired of moving back and forth every year (and this will also lend itself to more frequent

cruises, and somewhat less $ out the door). Our daughter is still heavily involved in NASA business/ops (now mostly concentrating on the future manned Mars Landing), and is moving into a very nice new home down there in Melbourne on the Indian River with her husband (who is handling the house do-over), while our son has retired from the Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps with last duty at the White House as Facilities Chief, and is now Chief Engineer for all the Federal Reserve System Banks (and, nope, he has NOTHING to do with interest rates, so stop the heavy breathing).

This article in from Dave Wright (Mr. ’61 reunion and 03): David Wright and Ginny Pusey visited grandchildren in CA in August and long-term friends Bob and Marty Mahan. Bob is a 1961 USC NROTC grad who joined with our USNA grads (50) at SubSchool Class #116. He went into nuclear power. Over the years he has kept in touch with old friends, shipmates (Permit (SSN-593) and Bancroft (SSBN643)) and his favorite USNA Class 1961, attending several reunions. We look forward to seeing EVERYONE at the 60th Reunion. Editor’s note: I also have maintained fairly close contact with Bob Mahan over the years. A good guy, who fit right in with us Canoe U. navals…served well in the submerged nukes during his time in the Navy. He owns his own very successful business way out there in the Far West…and, here is an extra added attraction in later from Dave: HEADS UP classmates! After being on cruise control for several months, the 60th Reunion Team will be rolling into action this fall, just two years in advance of the NEXT BIG ONE! The primary action will be to prepare and issue via the Company Reps a “60th Reunion Attendance Survey.” The response to the Survey will be critical for our planning actions, trying to firm up

61/62 CLASS NEWS Woopoos do push-ups). Editor’s comment: nice shot, guys! Who did the photo touch-ups? Or is that just the California sun? Will the Florida sun do the same for me?

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potential attendance in the wake of the class choosing Annapolis - Fall Football Weekend (September 2021) as the preferred venue. Tim DeGavre (11) sends: M On 26 August, a Celebration of the Life of Bob Kelly (11) was held at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Annandale, VA; Bob will be buried at Arlington at a date TBD. Shown above are the members and wives of Club 11 who were with Anne Kelly at this Celebration — Tim deGavre (11), Rod Bubeck (11), Caroline deGavre, Caryl Morgan, Dick Morgan (11), Mac Bubeck, Anne Kelly (Bob’s wife of 58 years!), Judy Onorati, Miriam Stem, and Jim Luper (11). Chuck St. Laurent (21) sends: M Hi. On Tuesday August 13th, the SOCAL 61 group held their bi-monthly gathering at the Rancho Bernardo Inn Terrace for lunch. Same place that our October 2018 Class Reunion was held. In attendance were Chuck St Laurent (21); Dick Rothwell (7); Bob Sheridan (24); Bill Eldridge (13); his guest Alan Armstrong-USMA Class of

1961; Bruce Maxon (15); Tom Bailey (16); Ralph Zimmermann (12); George Worthington (2); Bill Kraus (12); Jim Richardson (16); Leo Willets (5); and Don Coullahan (6). A variety of discussions ensued to include classmates who were married before they graduated; 3rd and 1st class cruises when men were men and ships went to sea; who just bought a boat and who was about to buy a boat; who is considering moving to smaller retirement centers in the area; and those that have had new hips and knees and those having had prostate cancer and recent cases identified—It was decided on further gatherings, that health related issues would be limited to 5 minutes of discussion and an attendee could only discuss one new item. In addition we voted in Alan Armstrong (USMA_61) as an honorary member as he has attended previous gatherings when we used to meet in Old Town; is a neighbor of Bill Eldridge; and a warrior friend of George Worthington. (To tell the truth we need him to attend our annual A-N game parties so he can show us how the

John C. Morris Jr. (’61), who passed away in November 2018, was watching from above on July 1, 2019 as Lieutenant General Eric Smith, USMC frocked John’s son, Jason Morris (’92), to brigadier general. The following day Jason assumed command of the Marine Corps Training Command, a position that places him in charge of all Marine Corps military occupational training schools. Nineteen colonel led commands and 91 Fleet Learning Center Marine Detachments report to him. Among those attending the events were Jason’s wife, Jane Conwell Morris, his mother and John’s widow, Brenda Morris, and his brother (both in the photo with him), John C. Morris III. Jane Liebler, widow of Sari Liebler (’61) and Ron Campbell (’61) and his wife, Linda, represented our class at both events. Sari and John were roommates at the Academy and remained close friends throughout their lives. Ron and John were fellow Marine officers and friends. John and Brenda, our classmates share your joy and pride over Jason’s accomplishments! From Jerry Smith: M By now all should have heard that we are proceeding with a new class project to honor Joe Bellino with a display in the Physical Mission Center (the spectacular addition to Ricketts Hall, the NAAA HQ and football locker room/health center). The display will have a bust

of Joe Bellino along with his Heisman trophy and other memorabilia. The location is superb and will provide a fitting memorial to a great athlete, naval officer, and classmate that many Naval Academy visitors will be able to view. Our goal is $100,000 and you can get on board by sending your donations to the Naval Academy Foundation marked for “Joe Bellino exhibit, fund 68610100”. David Wright will plan an event in this new space as part of our 60th Reunion. It would be great if we could have the entire project funded and complete by then. All of our other class projects are in great shape and doing exactly what they were meant to do. Get it done with ‘61.

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Life Membership: 74% Donor Participation: 18.86% Pres: CDR Walter F. Welham Jr., USN (Ret.) p: 703-501-1665; e: wwelham@aol.com Sec’y: CDR Howard S. Pinskey, USNR (Ret.) P.O. Box 3380, Annapolis, MD 21403-3326 p: 410-974-1962; e: PINSK62@aol.com Website: www.nampows.org/62.html

Greetings from Annapolis I hope you all enjoyed this past week’s celebration of Thanksgiving with family and friends and all the delicious foods that go with the holiday meal. We are very fortunate in America that we can celebrate our holidays in freedom. Many people throughout our history have fought and died to preserve this precious right – including our classmates who died on active duty in both peacetime and wartime. Let’s hope the young people of today understand their obligation to help keep America the land of the free and the home of the brave. Yes, Navy will play and beat Army in Philadelphia on Saturday, December 14th. Now for our class news. CLASS NEWS DON CHRISTY writes us that on August 21 he was with a group of 15th company classmates, including wives, gathered at Sebastiani Winery in Sonoma, CA. A beautiful day and venue! We sat up picnic

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tables under the cool shade of towering trees and enjoyed boxed lunches with monster sandwiches and Sebastiani wine, including a very special wine brought by Gill Inskeep (GEORGE’s favorite), and a box of fabulous ’62 Bill-the-Goat cookies made by Mary Lee Sprague. Attendees pictured left to right are: DON CHRISTY, Gill Inskeep, RICH GINIECZKI, Kyoko Christy, HERB SPRAGUE, Marietta Ginieczki, Mary Lee Sprague, Ann Honeywell and JIM HONEYWELL. PHIL and Mary JOHNSON and DUSTY SYKES, also Bay Area 15th Company mates, missed the party due to travels and other commitments. As you can see by GEORGE INSKEEP’s photos in front of Gill, he was with us in spirit and we talked, toasted and shared wonderful memories of GEORGE. He will always be remembered with greatest respect, love and admiration. JIM and I had the honor to share wonderful moments with GEORGE in his last days. He was one helluva fighter…in the air over North Vietnam, in his many business enterprises and in his final days. The camaraderie of our Sonoma outing was fantastic as we all caught up with one another’s lives, families and travels. Gill, JIM and Ann live in Sonoma. HERB and Mary Lee live in the Sacramento River delta town of Oakley. Kyoko and I live in San Mateo, halfway between San Francisco and San Jose. RICH and Marietta were in

San Francisco from their home near Philadelphia to visit their son and family. Living in the San Francisco area is wonderful (forgetting ridiculous traffic and population explosion of course) as, from time to time, we get to see other 15th company mates traveling through and visiting families. TOM and Sandi DRAUDE, FRANK and Jeanie WAGNER and TOM and Barbara GRZYMALA all have families here, so it’s great fun when we get to see them. Wishing all classmates, a great wrap-up of 2019 and very best wishes to all from the SF Bay Area 15th Company locals. BILL “DOC” STILWELL sends us word that BOB FULGHUM celebrated his 80th birthday on Sunday 18 August 2019 with a gathering of family and friends. BILL STILWELL, classmate and sometimes golfing buddy, brought the ’62 Class Banner to remind all when two or three shall meet old tales will be r etold and the newer versions are more glorious. BOB and BILL anchor the northeastern quadrant of the USNA Class of ’62, Charlotte, North Carolina Area Alumni. Others in this elite group include JIM DONAHUE, BOB MAJESKIE, JACK MECKLER and JEFF SEARCY. All are either past, at or rapidly approaching 80 and hanging on for the 2022 Class Reunion. STILWELL on the port side of the flag and FULGHUM on the starboard.

JOHN LINDGREN describes a recent gathering of classmates at his home in Newport Beach. A small but handsome group of 2nd company stalwarts gathered at my house last week for a mini reunion of sorts. It was triggered by RADM FRED LEWIS and his wife Allison passing through the LA area on the way home from attending their son, Lance, change of command ceremony when he took over command of the group at Iwakuni Air Station, Japan. It turned out the MGEN DON HARD and his wife, June, were also out this way so MYRON and Susan FLEMING drove up from San Diego and LARRY and Anne RANK drove up from Laguna Niguel. TOM and Julie HITCHCOCK were originally planning to attend but had to cancel at the last minute. CORBIN and Dorice McNEIL flew their own plane in from their place in Jackson Hole. The group had a nice dinner on Sunday at the famous Five Crowns Restaurant in Corona del Mar and then spent Monday afternoon at my place where we had a Mexican caterer set up on the patio serving tacos. We ended the get together

’62 64 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

with a dinner on Newport Harbor at the largest American Legion Post in the US. We managed to keep a pretty even score with four Navy veterans and four Air Force veterans to keep them out of trouble. There was a lot of noise this morning when the garbage truck tried to empty the wine bottles out of the cans. Yolanda Heine sent us this picture of two of our very successful reserve admirals. BILL HEINE and JACK NATTER making preps to get underway in Newport to avoid hurricane Dorian. Sept 5, 2019. A SWO and a SEEBEE. Presently on cruise to Halifax, Quebec City, etc. In Boston for extra day due to Dorian. Will skip Bar Harbor. Go Navy!!

Some photos from the class tailgate from the first game of the season when we beat Holy Cross. The men include: BILL MILLER, VIC MEYER, RAY MADONNA, GREG CHAUNCEY, DEL HUNT, DICK HAYES, ROY WALLACE, DICK LEE and STEW LINGLEY. The women included: Ann Hayes, Barbara Miller, Jacquie Lee, Naomi Broering, Susan Wallace,

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Sandy Meyer, Carole Hunt and Ruth Lingley. LAST CALL It is with great sadness that I inform the class of the passing of our friends and classmates KENNETH HOGG and JIM LEVANGIE. KENNETH STUART HOGG III, 80, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 25. He was born in New York City on July 13, 1939 to Kenneth S. Hogg and Mildred B. Hogg. He moved to Michigan at an early age and graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, MI in 1957. He was appointed to the Naval Academy in 1958 and served in the Navy until 1962. After military service, he held a number of sales and radio jobs in various cities, until enrolling at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay, where he graduated in 1970. After graduation, he was employed at UWGB in public relations, prior to moving to Duluth where he spent the rest of his life. He was a Director of the Duluth Recycling Center, worked at

St. Scholastica and then had a career in real estate. He had a strong sense of civic duty which led him to serve on the Duluth City Council for a number of years, including some time as President. He also served on many local boards and task forces, including volunteering for a number of Duluth Air shows. One of his early passions was leading the Duluth Taxpayer Alliance. He was a great ambassador for Duluth and gave freely of his time to help wherever needed. KEN was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Barbara Romano Hogg. He is also survived by his sister, Susan (James) Hardie of Portland, OR., brothers, Robert (Susan) Hogg of Marquette, MI. and John (Barbara) Hogg of Minneapolis, MN., and 6 nieces. JAMES CLEMENT LEVANGIE, 80, of Sebring, FL passed away Sept 8, 2019 in Sebring. He was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts on March 23, 1939 to the late Curtis T. and

Emelie A. (Proctor) LeVangie. He was a veteran of the US Navy from 1957 to 1982-US Naval Reserves (Ready), to Midshipman to Officer through Lieutenant Commander. He was a Technical Consultant and Computer Database Engineer working for Booz Allen & Hamilton in Washington, DC from 1982 – 1990. Then he worked for Computers Systems Center Inc in Springfield, Virginia from 1990 – 2000. He moved to Sebring in 2000 from Anne Arundel County, Maryland. He was preceded in death by his parents, numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by numerous cousins on both the LeVangie and Proctor side of the family, all living in Canada. There will be a memorial service and inurnment at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland at a later date. In addition, our classmate DICK LEE, of Centreville, Virginia, lost his wife Jacquie suddenly on September 23, 2019. The class expresses its sincerest sympathies to the families and friends of our departed classmates and family members. That’s our class news for this combined November-December issue of Shipmate. I wish all of you and your families a Merry Christmas and Holiday season and a very healthy, happy and joyous New Year of 2020. As always your contributions to our class column are greatly appreciated by all ‘62ers. Make a new year’s resolution to contribute and participate. Thank you. Keep in touch. Until next time…

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Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation: 16.19% Pres: CAPT W. Spencer Johnson IV, USN (Ret.) Sec’y: Michael H. Shelley 27 Cambridge Dr., Brevard, NC 28712 p: 828-506-2201; e: nstar@citcom.net Website: www.USNA63.org

As the end of summer approached, we learned of the deaths of several of our classmates. After you read their names below, be sure to visit the Last Call section of USNA63.org and read the obituaries and other information showing the richness of

their lives and their contributions to those around them. David L. Durfee passed away on 6 April. Dave’s widow, Vivian, can be contacted at 9989 Dishman Road NW, Bremerton, WA 98312 John J. Calande died on 8 August. His son, Steven Calande, can be contacted at 62 Johnson Road, Columbia, CT 06237. Charles A. Spadafora died on 8 August. Chuck’s widow, Linda, can be contacted at 255 Williams Street, Indiana, PA 15701. Frank R. Whalen passed away on 13 August. Dick’s widow, Marti, can be contacted at 1276 Mossy Oaks Court, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. Richard C. Jones, Jr. died on 25 August. Dick’s son, Kevin Jones, can be contacted by email at kevin@kajones.me. It is also with sadness that we note the 25 July passing of Susan Dunn, wife of our classmate Michael J. Dunn. Mike can be contacted at 9706 Beman Woods Way, Potomac, MD 20854. Here is some remarkable news from our class president Spencer Johnson about the future of the Class of 1963 Center for Academic Excellence at the Naval Academy. M On the 5th of September a dozen or so classmates gathered at Sparks Steak House in New York City. Present was Ron Terwilliger, who used the occasion to announce his commitment to a $27.5 million-dollar bequest from his estate to endow the 63CAE. In addition, any nearterm shortfalls in funding for 63CAE current and projected annual operations will be shared equally by Ron and the class. Once the Terwilliger endowment is activated, any funding shortfalls should be a moot point. Ron has ensured the financial viability of the 63CAE in perpetuity. Our name on the door will ensure the memorialization of our class and classmates long after we are gone. Ron Terwilliger is truly a Distinguished Graduate and a most esteemed classmate. I know I speak for the whole class when I say, “You have our salute, Ron. Well Done, Classmate !!”

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63/64 CLASS NEWS foursome and he had his foursome from Wexford Golf Club. As a matter of fact, Doug was instrumental in getting eight foursomes from Wexford to participate in the tournament.

’63: At the New York City luncheon

QUALITY – ‘63

Your continuing contributions, gifts, memorial funding, and estate bequests are all still needed and much appreciated as we continue to touch the midshipmen of the Brigade each and every day through the services of the 63CAE. Well Done!

’64 Tournament players Doug Tozour and Daryl Rabert

Mike Krause organized the luncheon at which Ron announced his bequest. Here is an excerpt from Mike’s after-action report. M A Class of 1963 luncheon was held at Spark’s Steak House in New York City on 5 September. For those not familiar with Spark’s, it was where the “Teflon Don” John Gotti knocked off “Big Pauli” Castellano in 1985. Pictured in the photo above of those who attended are (from left to right): Spencer Johnson, Ken Metviner, Rob Black, Jack Colyer, Ron Terwilliger, Chris Munger, Erwin Storz, Mike Krause, David Campbell (Bobby’s son), Bill Palafox, Scott Wilson, and Joel Gardner. Not pictured: Robbie Newton and Mike Bonsignore. This month’s demonstration of the Small World phenomenon came from Jim Koehn. M Judy and I were vacationing in central Oregon and ran into my 4th Companymate Mike Harman at the Sunriver resort golf course. Judy recognized Mike’s voice in the practice area! After knowing each other for 60 years it’s a small world!

HONOR CHAIRS Remember or Honor a loved one in Alumni Hall. Call 410-295-4100 for more information.

prescribed format or content; it’s up to you. To be included, just send your text and digital photos to our Webmaster, Steve Coester, at scoester@cfl.rr.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to record your information and have it available to your classmates, family, and others. If you have already submitted your current biography, please review it now and tell Steve about any updates or additions that should be made. Beat Army!

Mike Harman and Jim Koehn

Prolific author Pete (P.T.) Deutermann, our classmate, informed me that his latest novel will be published soon. M It’s called The Nugget and will be out in November. It is another WWII in the Pacific story, this time about a young naval aviator who participates in some of the Pacific war’s most important battles, including Midway and Guadalcanal, but it’s only after he’s marooned on a Philippine island that his greatest adventure begins.

Lou and I enjoyed a visit from Caroline and Austin Chapman on 20 September. They came from their home in Columbus, NC, for lunch at our new home in Brevard, NC. It was so good to spend time with them and compare experiences in downsizing from long-term homes to new, smaller residences.

Austin and Caroline Chapman and Mike Shelley

Life Membership: 64% Donor Participation: 23.68% Pres: CAPT Joseph B. Green Jr., CEC, USN (Ret.) e: debjaygreen@gmail.com Corr Sec’y: Roland Marquis 26439 N. Ridge Ct., Mundelein IL 60060 p: 847-970-7562; e: bigroland1@comcast.net Website: www.usna64.org

One of Chicago’s truly class acts, Charlie Jett and his Neo-Natal Surgeon wife, Nancy, are renowned for their “salons” where they host a wide range of notable artists, dignitaries and scholars in their swanky Chicago high rise. Their most recent salon featured ’64’s own Charlie Plumb where he shared with a select group of invited Chicagoans his stories and lessons learned from six years in the “Hanoi Hilton”. As might be expected the evening was riveting.

From the South Carolina coast came this note from Daryl Rabert: M I had intended to send this picture some time ago with a note saying that I joined Doug Tozour in May to play in a golf tournament on Hilton Head. I stayed with Gail and Doug and had a great visit. Celebrated my birthday tasting some of Doug’s wonderful selection of single malt Scotches. The tournament was to benefit the Low Country Foundation for Wounded Military Heroes. It is a wonderful organization. Doug and I played in different foursomes. I was part of the St. Simons Island

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Austin Chapman, Lou and Mike Shelley

The Current Biographies section of our web site provides an opportunity to record information about your career, family, activities, and personal interests. More than 400 members of the Class of 1963 have submitted their information. It is easy to do, and there is no

Captain Charlie doing his thing as only he can

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’64: Some of the attendees at the recent Jett Salon

‘64 attendees Dick Keyser, Earl Gorman, POW Charlie, Jody Gingiss, Mike Murray and Charlie their salon host

Recently MaryAnn & Sam Davies traveled to North Carolina for a granddaughter graduation from UNC Chapel Hill and another granddaughter graduation from high school in Asheville two weeks later. Between those events they visited for several days with the Honorable Bernie Maguire & his wife Joyce at their beautiful home in Wilmington, N.C. Joyce and Bernie were terrific hosts and it was great to catch up on events since they were last together as well as re-hashing events shared long ago (people our age do that kind of thing). On Sunday Dee & Dave Gould joined them for Mass following which they carried on the well-established Maguire-Gould tradition of breakfast at Denny’s. That fearsome foursome is well known by the Denny staff - always the same table, same server - nothing but the best. Later Dave demonstrated his fine model airplane flying skills and then all returned to Maguire’s for dinner including Joyce’s delicious North Carolina Barbeque. It was a thoroughly delightful visit with great friends.

Mac and Joyce, Dave and Dee, MaryAnn & Sam getting together at the Wilmington Maguire Compound

We close this month with a long but moving, emotional adventure described by Barry Beck: From late February through mid-March, I and seven fellow marines from the Second Battalion, First Marines (1965-66) returned to Vietnam to visit the sites of significant operations and battles. The program was sponsored by The Greatest Generations Foundation, which for seventeen years has returned veterans to their battle fields—primarily in the Pacific and in Europe. The Foundation’s motto is “Every Day is Memorial Day.” Programs in Vietnam are relatively new, but the Foundation’s goal is to sponsor 60 return groups over the next ten years. We started in Hanoi because the Foundation leaders wanted us to be there for the US-North Korea summit. Even though talks broke down early, Vietnam was proud to be hosting the event—thousands of US and North Korean flags were flying throughout the city and massive crowds lined the streets hoping to get a glimpse of the two leaders. From Hanoi, we flew to Danang where we were put up at the Hyatt

Regency Beach Resort on China Beach (near Marble Mountain). From there, we made day trips to battle sites, some of which were in very remote, hard to access areas. Deep into the Que Son Mountains of Quang Nam Province, we reached the base of Hill 407 where in December 1965 our company was dropped into a hot LZ and we lost 14 Marines with many more wounded. There we conducted a memorial service to honor the lives and sacrifices of our fallen marines. The ceremony was recorded by the drone that we launched overhead. Villagers of all ages crowded around to talk with us, but they were really captivated by the drone. We also visited Hill 41, which was part of the outer security defenses for Danang airbase. We traveled over Hai Van Pass on Route 1 to Hue where our group spent five days at the elegant Azerai La Residence Hotel. Thua Thien and Quang Tri Provinces were the northernmost in I Corps and the sites of the heaviest fighting of our young lives. We conducted a ceremony on the Phu Thu Peninsula, where on Operation New York our Fox and Golf Companies had wiped out an entire VC company prompting General Krulak (Chuck’s Dad) to fly to Phu Bai to congratulate us. We visited villages in which we had placed marine combined action squads to live and work alongside popular forces (PFs) to defend the villages. In one, Thuy Phu, we arrived in five vehicles unannounced, but the village tom-toms were active and within minutes it was 1966 all over again. We met the son of the PF commander, the daughter of the village chief ( I had photographed her Dad in ’66), the wife of the barber who cut our marines’ hair and many others who were excited to see us. Quang Tri Province was the “mother lode”—Dong Ha, Operation Hastings (largest marine operation of the war), Cam Lo, “the Rockpile,” the bridge at the 17th parallel that separated North and South Vietnam and Khe Sanh (now a coffee plantation). As a result of our experience this Spring, the Foundation has asked me to serve as an Ambassador—to

recruit and recommend individuals and groups for return programs and to help escort those returning veterans. Participants are required to get to LAX at their own expense, but, from that point, the Foundation covers everything except for incidentals. The optimal size for the group is about twelve and programs typically last about ten days. So far, the few return programs have been for army and marines, but we want to be inclusive and cover all branches who served throughout VN—I am thinking of riverine forces, Seabees, aviators, etc. Anyone who is interested can contact me at bbeck@ cbtd.com or at 432-685-8533.” Thanks for sharing Barry - BZ

Barry on his magnificent journey

Fair winds and a quartering sea, classmates.

’65

Life Membership: 64% Donor Participation: 41.94% Pres: CAPT Jim Minderlein, USN (Ret.) e: jimm65@verizon.net Corr Sec’y: CDR Dave Anderson, USN (Ret.) 1600 Ala Moana Blvd. #2208, Honolulu, HI 96815 c: 816-621-0878; e: daveand65@me.com; daveand65@earthlink.net Class of 1965 Home Page: http://www.daveand65.com/USNA65/ https://daveand65.wixsite.com/ usna65photos

Alas, we lost Wayne Hanson and John General in the last reporting period. From Jim Minderlein, 22 Aug M I regret to inform you of the death of our classmate, Wayne Lloyd Hanson. I received a phone call from Skip Orr this evening informing me that Wayne passed away yesterday in Evergreen, Colorado from a brain tumor. I’m sure you all remember Wayne as a halfback on our 1963 Cotton Bowl

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65/65 CLASS NEWS Team. Please remember Margaret and their son, Richard, as they go through this difficult time in their lives. Sadly, Jim Ed. Note. Wayne’s memorial service was held in Golden, CO on 13 Sep. Look for details on Wayne’s life and career in Last Call. From Jim Minderlein, 26 Aug M I have just recently been able to confirm the passing of our classmate, John Arthur General. Unfortunately, John passed away about 3 months ago. John spent 11 years on active duty as a naval aviator and was in the Naval Reserve until 1994, retiring as a Captain. Jim Ed. Note. Much more info on John’s life and career in Last Call.

From Phil Ferrara, 06 Sep ’65: Celebrating 54 years since graduation with Jim and Jo Roorbach

From Ron Bishop, 10 Aug M Report follows of our first Tuesday in August ’65 lunch together in the Tidewater area. I’m dealing tolerably well with this darn Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary condition (COPD) though the cumbersome oxygen tank and rollator slow me down some. But quality of life and ability to do minor things with/for my wonderful wife, Page, keeps me going like all of the time. The Tidewater ’65 Lunch Bunch was able to assemble a quorum of lively classmates at the Egg Bistro in Chesapeake, VA on 06 Aug. These meetings prove that oft repeated phrase “….when two or more are gathered together and sea/air/land/sub stories are told….” quite often there may be a minor (sometimes major) departure from the truth or actuality. But they are always thought provoking and interesting topics worth listening to or retelling at another time because at our age we often forgot who told us or when they did so. We were fortunate to have our Doctor of Medicine, Norm Dean, present to adjudicate during the “Organ Recital” discussions of new ills or new cures for old ills, or even old cures for new ills. We had a dozen less one souls in attendance at one long table. Among the several discussion topics, we all agreed to “Go Navy, have a better season this year!” Attendees enjoying the menu and being together again were: Rick

M Here are a few photos from the joint USNA’65 - 2020 Parents tailgate at the Navy-Holy Cross game.We had a good turnout of ‘65 classmates for this tailgate and attendees included: Wyman and Susy Howard, Jay and Lesley Cheney, Pat Philbin, Doug and Sharon Katz, Phil and Linda Ferrara with Bob and Meg Butterworth, Sonny Harrison, Jim and Diann Minderlein, Dan and Sharon Mitchell, Ted and Jan Krauss, Moke and Michele DeMatta, and Bill Erickson. Shown below at the tailgate – Pat Philbin and Sonny Harrison.

’65: Class of ’65 First Wednesday lunch in September

Williams, Ron Voelkel, Bill Newlon, Pete O’Connor, Neil Jenkins, Mike Hester, Tom Forbes, Bob Finley, Norm Dean, Ron Bishop, and Bob Beauchamp. The Tidewater Lunch Bunch rendezvous the first Tuesday of each month at either Egg Bistro – Chesapeake, or Egg Bistro – Virginia Beach. Please join us if you are in the area and check in with Ron Voelkel at Cell: (757) 377-1268 or Ron Bishop at Cell: (757) 3736158 as to which location is in use that month. From Jim Roorbach, 7 Aug M Photo above shows the dinner held at Jim and Jo Roorbach’s in The Villages, FL on 09 Jun to celebrate 54 years since graduation. Attendees: Pat and Larry Eggert, Dave and Geri Vigrass, Skip and Pat McAlexander, Jack and Caryll Moore plus Jim and Jo Roorbach From Phil Ferrara, 05 Sep

68 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

M We had quite a crowd for the September lunch of a couple of dozen ‘65ers, with Jim Minderlein, Skip Orr, Ted Nanz, John Collins, Doug Katz, Fred Vogel, Bob Andretta, Bob Sullivan, Charlie Morrison, Phil Ferrara, Doug Norton, Moke DeMatta, Pat Philbin, Conrad Best, Bill Matton, Frank Peterson, Sonny Harrison, Carter Refo, Dan Flanagan, Art Wittig, Jim Mashburn, Jim Stark, and Tom Kinder. Skip updated us on Frog Kristensen’s condition, and we’re hopeful he’ll be back in action in a couple of weeks. Jim got McGarvey’s Saloon to mount the ’65 crest and graduation photo on the wall in a prominently visible spot. It’ll get lots of admirers. Here’s a pic of the lunch bunch! And one of Bob Sullivan, Ted Nanz and Jim Stark before they carpooled to the lunch.

From Phil Ferrara, 15 Sep M Our group for the East Carolina Saturday’s tailgate and game included Mike and Renee Coyle, Doug and Sharon Katz, Phil and Linda Ferrara, Bill Erickson, Jay and Lesley Cheney, Dan and Sharon Mitchell, Chip and Mary Seymour, Hal Amerau and Carla Stucki-Amerau, John Wroten, Frog and Sam Kristensen, Moke DeMatta, and Sted and Robin Garber. Turnouts for the tailgate have been strong, and we hope to continue these successful events for the entire season and on into next year. Our partners from the Class of 2020 parents have been wonderful to work with. In the photo nearby: Dan Mitchell,

65/66 CLASS NEWS

Last but not least – the side of a “Spirit” 18-Wheeler tooling around Annapolis these days. The other side shows Joe Bellino. ’65: Berthrong Family

’65: Mini Reunion at Bainbridge Island, WA

Sted and Robin Garber, Sharon and Doug Katz and Sam Kristensen.

In late August Andrew Berthrong, son of Fred and Candy Berthrong, got married. Fred sent along a great fam photo. In the center there are son Andrew with his bride Sidney. To their right are Candy and Fred. Continuing in that direction are son Alex, his wife Moriah and their four kids Brandon, Travis, Frederick and Ruthann. On the other side, daughter Sarah, husband Barry, Kate and Jacob. The 10th (and 14th ) Company Happy Valley Alley crew got together again on one of their annual mini-reunions. This group of 8-10 classmates and spouses have been meeting up annually in one city or another in the US since 2004. This year it was Bainbridge Island, WA, hosted by Jim and Chris Taylor who

Thazzit, guys! Aloha, Dave live there. Chris was dealing with some health issues so the HVA gaggle descended on her and her neck of the woods. The group admired all the reconstruction work that Jim supervised at the Golf Club where he spends lots of his time. The group spent about 4 days wandering about the island and boosting Chris’ spirits. Shown in the above photo below are: Seated/ kneeling: Leahray Wroten, Chris Taylor, Jim Taylor. Behind: John Wroten, Fred and Anne Hufnagel, Fred and Candy Berthrong, Barbara and CM Wood, Loulie and George Kent, and Frankie and Gordon Clarke. Bill and Ann Bower and Judy and I are usually part of these gatherings but couldn’t make it this year. Next year the HVA group grope will be held in conjunction with the 55th Reunion at USNA. From Glen Welch, 13 Sep M I recently started playing golf at NAS North Island, Coronado CA. I parked my white mustang next to a cool red mustang. The owner of the red mustang happened to be our classmate, Dave Schlesinger, who was in the same golf tournament. What are the odds?! Glenn

’66

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 18.62% Pres: Gen Carlton W. Fulford, USMC (Ret.) Sec’y: CDR Mike Baird, USN (Ret.) 10439 Rivington Ct., Lone Tree, CO 80124 e: mike.baird@1966.usna.com West Coast Sec’y: Robert G. Johnson Jr., Esq. 41391 Kalmia St., Ste. 210 Murrieta, CA 92562 Website: www.usna66.org

Here we are again at the Holiday Season, one of my favorite times of the year. It marks a time of celebration and the passing of 2019. I hope this year has been kind to you, and the next one even better. I’ll begin with an interesting item that Tim Beard forwarded to me. It is now posted on our Class web site under “News Archives.” In 2001 Chris Hobson published a book called Vietnam Air Losses; a definitive account of all the fixed wing losses in the Vietnam War. Dave Lovelady contacted Chris, who has now retired, and he agreed to update the manuscript with new information and allowed Dave to put all of it on a website, so others won’t have to chase down a used

copy and pay as much as $896 to see what happened to their grandfathers. Dave thought the greatest value would be in having a searchable database, so he created one. In the database you can search for a name, day, month, year, military unit, home base (or ship), aircraft type (designation/model or nickname), service, or the disposition of persons (KIA, POW, etc.). On a separate form, you can search the narratives of the losses by keywords using Boolean search operators (explanation is on the site). So, if you wanted to look up the siege on Khe Sanh or Thanh Hoa, you can use that form. The only things you can’t search for that are in the database are the serial number of aircraft or the rank of the persons involved. Dave’s website which can be reached via this link. https://www. VietnamAirLosses.com. In it are 3,118 records. A “record” includes all the data on a loss event, which can often mean more than one aircraft. In fact, there were as many as six aircraft involved in a single event, but most often there were only a couple. Individuals in aircraft ranged from one to 30, with a great many with four, six, eight, 16, etc. One record contains a minimum of 13 pieces of data; the maximum contained in a single record was 129 pieces of data. Since Dave entered over 100,000 pieces of data into the database, he suspects he hasn’t yet found all the errors he made, but it’s worth visiting the site. Thanks to Chris and Dave. Sadly I announce the death of Lydia Vance, wife of Bob Vance (25th Company). With Bob’s permission, here is Lydia’s notice and picture. M Lydia C. Vance, 73, wife of Robert D. Vance of Phoenixville, PA died on Monday, 29 July 2019 at home after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Born on 11 May 1946 in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late Aldo and Adele (Callegari) Camana. Lydia and Robert met in 1965 at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and were married for 53 devoted years. Lydia worked as a dental hygienist and dental

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66/66 CLASS NEWS assistant as a young adult. She was an active volunteer in various organizations in the community and in the schools “LYDIA VANCE” throughout her life. The highlights for her were at FM High School, Christian Brothers Academy, Syracuse, Fayetteville Recreation Committee, and the American Cancer Society. She loved working with students as an FM High School Special Education Aide, and also made a big impact at Cystic Fibrosis as their Director of Fundraising. But her primary mission that she loved most was being an active mother and grandmother. Her greatest joy was being with her grandchildren and watching them grow. She was a hands-on grandmother that attended all the soccer games, lacrosse games, ice skating competitions, band concerts, grandparent’s day, birthday parties, and graduations, that she could. Also, just simply playing, reading, or talking to them made her day. The grandchildren likewise enjoyed their time with her. You could tell by the way they perked up or got more giggly and energetic around her! In addition to her loving husband Robert, she is survived by her two children Cheryl Vance of S. Burlington, VT and Brian Vance of Paoli, PA, her daughter-in-law Marcia Vance of Paoli, PA and her four grandchildren Kendrick Brayman, Garrett Brayman, Caelyn Vance and Jessica Vance. Lydia was also a member of St. Basil the Great Catholic Church in Kimberton, PA. Relatives and friends were invited to attend her Funeral Mass in St. Basil the Great, 2340 Kimberton Road, Phoenixville, PA on Friday, 16 August 2019 with a celebration of life to follow. In lieu of flowers contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. I know you join me in extending condolences and prayers t Bob and his family.

I also sadly announce the death of Rey Bald (29th Company). Rey died after complications from a stroke. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on 27 August. Interment is planned at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. Donations in Rey’s honor may be made to the St. Mary’s County Special Olympics, P.O. Box 921, Hollywood, MD 20636 or Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Please keep Rey’s wife Marcia and their family in your prayers. Ruth Herrera provided a follow up to Hank Herrera’s funeral. Art Bryant, who was also a Plebe year roommate to Hank, graciously spoke at his memorial service at the Naval Academy on 16 July. He shared funny stories of some of the prank’s he and Hank were part of during their time together Plebe year, and poignantly about the loss of his lifelong friend. It was a beautiful service at the USNA chapel, after which attendees followed the Navy Band to the cemetery. It was a lovely summer morning, with a soft breeze rising off the river as the group gathered in the shade of a large tree near the top of the hill at Hank’s final resting place. The committal service was very ceremonial with the band playing Ruffles and Flourishes and cannon reverberating across the yard for the 21 gun salute. A reception followed at the Naval Academy Club. Other Classmates in attendance were Pete Bernier, Lynn and Bob Nutwell, Jim Long, Joan and Bill Hickey, Carl Fulford, Rusty Rawson, Nunna and Clay Spikes, and Don Jackson.

to inter Clark Cooper’s ashes at the cemetery. It was a wonderful honoring of a Classmate on a beautiful Oahu day. Clark and Lea lived in the same building in Honolulu and they became fast friends. Lea had not met any of Clark’s Navy family so I was happy to represent USNA and the 24th Company. Many thanks to Robin for honoring our Classmate.

ROBIN AT CLARK COOPER’S INTERMENT

Jim Angel sent the following photo of himself and a group that includes the original, three Samford Sharks that have logged over 6,500 miles in swimming laps since they began in 1986. They were meeting for a reunion breakfast. Thanks, Jim. That’s quite the number of swimming miles.

JIM ANGEL AND SAMFORD SHARK

ART AND LYNNE BRYANT

Robin Bellas sent a photo of himself and friends of Clark Cooper. Here’s his update. M I joined Lea Kaneshige and her family at Punchbowl on 14 August

70 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

’66 FOOTBALL TAILGATERS

Kevin McCook has been very ill with pancreatic cancer. He’s been undergoing chemotherapy and has progressed to a rehab facility before being released home. Don Jackson provide the following info on Kevin’s status. M On 19 September, myself, Jack Drake, John Posoli, Rodger Carter and Kevin and Linda’s son Brendan, met with Linda and Kevin at Kevin’s temporary rehab facility in Tacoma Park. Kevin’s fighting a bladder cancer tumor. Kevin’s there for a short stay to regain his strength and undergoes daily physical and occupational therapy. His goal is to leave the rehab place late next week so Linda and he can enjoy being at their Edgewater, MD waterfront home (near Annapolis) to continue his rehab. Sometime later, when he’s ready, Kevin will return to Walter Reed, Bethesda, to continue the remainder of chemo treatments, #3 and #4. The treatments will consist of 3 days on Chemo, 18 days off, 3 days on Chemo, recover afterwards. Kevin was pretty fatigued the weeks after his second treatment with a very low white blood cell count (not unusual, but scary) and required some days in the ER to bounce back. Yesterday, after several days of recovery, Kevin was in good spirits and fully engaged conversing with us about all kinds of things. Thanks, Don. I know you join me in praying for Kevin’s success in the healing process. That about wraps up this article. I’ll close with some shots from the East

66/67 CLASS NEWS Carolina football tailgate. I hope everyone in the DC Area is taking advantage of the efforts of John Posoli, Don Jackson, and Charlie Jones, who put on the events at all the home games.

remembrances may be found at https://bit.ly/2kV0U5z. This puts our number of recipients at 40, with a total of 45 Purple Hearts awarded. Chuck now becomes listed as the last classmate to receive a Purple Heart. Please take a look at Don’s work on the Class web site. If you know of other Purple Heart recipients, please let him know. (don.fraser67 @gmail.com) A couple of columns ago I reported the April 2019 death of Charles Wiseman, a non-graduate Classmate who left USNA in March 1965. Dave Gentile sent a note filling in some blanks. He also put in a bit of personal update. A two-fer!

SAM MARRONE AND CLAY SPIKES

Also, don’t forget about the Class luncheons that occur next year. The proposed dates are 12 February, 13 May, and 12 August 2020. Contact me if you want to be on the luncheon notification list. Finally, I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and Happy New Year. Until February—All the best—Mike!!!

’67

Life Membership: 75% Donor Participation: 31.48% Pres: CDR David E. Church, USN (Ret.) Sec’y: LtCol Jim McNeece, USMC (Ret.) 1603 John Worthington Way, Crownsville, MD 21032 p: 410-849-3423; e: scribe67@gmail.com

Don Fraser sent an update on his Class of ‘67 Purple Heart project (go to www.usna67.com to see his work). M On 3 February 1984, President Reagan signed an Executive Order permitting the Purple Heart to be awarded to victims of terrorist attacks. On 13 April 1974, Charles H. Jeffries (16th co.) was killed in the Philippines, along with 2 other CEC officers by terrorists. I knew he was eligible but could not confirm he received a Purple Heart – until yesterday when I got an e-mail from his widow Ginny who had just learned of the project. His info and

M I am mainly writing to provide more information on Charles Wiseman. He was one of my r oommates Plebe year in the old 14th company (when we had 24 companies) in the 2nd wing along with Frank White and Marven Barg. Frank White was a former Marine who left the academy the winter of our Plebe year. Marven Barg also voluntarily left the academy Plebe year. Charles Wiseman and I made it through Plebe year but as you said he left in March of 1965. He was a happy-go-lucky guy. When he left I kind of felt like the last man standing. My wife, Hermenia, and I are doing well. I had always wanted to be an officer in the submarine force since 6th grade and took that path after graduation. My last tour was at Engineering Systems Schools at Great Lakes, NTC and retired from the Navy in October 1987. After leaving the Navy, I continued to use my Marine Engineering in various jobs until I fully retired in April 2017. Since then my wife and I have been traveling, cruising and spending time with our family, which now consists of six great-grandchildren. Six! During one of my eavesdropping sessions (allowed by Section IV, paragraph 2 of the Scribe Manual), I became privy to a sea story told by Hank Giffin and confirmed by Steve Woodall that is much too long for my meager word allowance. However, it should at some point be

posted on the Sea Stories page of www.usna.com. It concerns a hurricane avoidance event out of Norfolk where ships were directed to move and anchor in the Chesapeake Bay instead of heading out to sea to avoid Hurricane Gloria. Being one of the resident Marines, I’m not fluent in sailorese but basically a lot of ships went up the Bay, anchored on a mud bottom, were slammed by Gloria, and apparently executed a formation anchor drag except for Steve who was able to get his ship under way and hold in deeper water. The tale stands right up there with the aviator’s “there I was flat on my back...” Watch for it on the Sea Stories page or get hold of Hank or check the 67Chat posts. Note from Budd Goodwin after my Jul-Aug column with his photo from Kitty Hawk. Turns out I dropped Doug Matthews from the list of names. Referring back to that column (I know you still have it!), Doug is the 4th from the left with the dapper moustache in the picture. Didn’t mean to do that, but I was just so excited about getting a real paper note that came through USPS with a no kiddin’ stamp! Budd also said the person he originally couldn’t place, identified as “Dunno” in the picture and 5th from the right in the sunglasses and ejection seat harness, was Pete Thompson. Budd thinks he was a Vigilante driver. Dave Church got a short note from Jurene Slaughter, Jim Slaughter’s widow. She’s in the process of relocating from Minnesota to Albuquerque. When she wrote in September she did not have a firm New Mexico address but intended to either find an apartment or buy a house. As you know, the way I’ve been laying out our column has been to place what we’ve come to call “Sad News” at the top. I’ve become less happy with that arrangement since there has come to be a good bit more of that category. I got a suggestion to simply shift it to the end, and I’m trying that this time. Let me know your thoughts.

From John Guibert we received the news of the death of Jeff Johnson. M It is with a sad heart that we inform you that our fellow-Met and shipmate, Jeff Johnson, passed away on 20 August 2019. As some of you know, Jeff had been fighting a battle with MDS (myelodysplastic syndromes), a bone marrow failure disorder, which had subsequently transformed into acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive and fatal blood cancer. Jeff, a former Delta Air Lines pilot, died after a long battle with a number of health issues thought to be a result of exposure to Agent Orange while overseas in Vietnam. He was 74. He was born on 25 February 1945, in San Francisco. After graduating from Navy and earning his wings of gold, he volunteered to fly OV-10s with Light Attack Squadron Four (VAL-4), known as “The Black Ponies.” On 25 May 1969, Jeff was co-pilot of a plane on armed surveillance patrol in Vietnam when they responded to a call for help from ambushed US soldiers on the ground near R�ch Giá. During the attack on the enemy Jeff’s pilot was shot and killed. Jeff managed to regain control of the aircraft and get it back home. He received a Navy Commendation Medal for his meritorious service in that action. He also received a National Defense Service Medal, 17 air medals, the Republic of Vietnam Medal, and four Navy Commendation Medals. Jeff served in the Navy from 19671973 and in the Naval Reserves from 1973-1979. He flew for Delta until his retirement in June 2004. He received an MBA from the University of North Florida. He’s survived by his wife, Georgie; twin sons Jason (Anna) of Cartersville, Jeffrey (Sarah) of Dawsonville, and daughter Jessica Busbee (Chris) of Marietta, seven grandchildren and other family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Warrior Farms Project (https://bit.ly/2mbZZxT) and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (https://bit.ly/2kCokwe). A memorial service was held in Marietta, GA on 30 August 2019. Georgie is arranging for his interment in the USNA Columbarium.

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67/68 CLASS NEWS More details will be provided as they become available. Her address for condolences is 1495 Mountain Reserve Drive, Kennesaw, GA 30152, jefj1967@gmail.com, 770422-5577 (h), 404-697-9781 (c). Here is information on Pete Tzomes’ burial at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, 24 January 2020 at 1 pm EST. All are invited and welcome as Centennial Seven #1 is laid to rest. We will meet at the cemetery Administration Building on Memorial Avenue (main entrance to Arlington). According to the cemetery’s web site (see https://bit.ly/2l4sltD for the latest) guests should arrive 30-45 minutes before the start time. Stay to the right on Memorial Avenue to be directed to the appropriate queuing lane to follow the caisson to Pete’s grave site. Since funerals are on a strict schedule, please factor in traffic and security in your travel plans. Bill St. George, a non-graduate Classmate (old 13th Company), notified us that his wife Cheryl passed away peacefully at home on 17 August 2019 as a result of stage 4 colon cancer. She was born in 1953 and grew up in Lexington, MA. She was a 1975 graduate of Wheaton College and spent 20 years working in the fashion industry in the greater Boston area before devoting her time to philanthropy. She served on the leadership boards and fundraising committees of the Boston Conservatory, Bethany Hill Place, the Charles River School & Newton Country Day School, and the Walnut Hill School for the Arts. Bill and Cheryl married on 16 December 2016, and together they brought renewed light into each other’s lives. They traveled, enjoyed music, and socialized with cherished friends and family in the time they had together. Bill counts himself lucky that Cheryl was able to attend our 50th Reunion. A celebration of her life was held in Newport, RI on 9 September 2019. Memorial gifts may be made to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904 (https:// bit.ly/2mEOEGV). And...that’s where we are on the first day of Autumn 2019. The

season of holidays is coming soon and will be upon us when you read this. Saw Christmas trees in a department store yesterday. I wish the best for each of you as you gather with families and friends. Be thankful for the blessings we’ve all received and for the family the Class of ‘67 has become. Oh...and Beat Army!…That’s it….Goodnight!…Jim

’68

Life Membership: 60% Donor Participation: 21.36% Pres: CAPT Gary A. Storm, USN (Ret.) 66 Franklin St., Unit 509, Annapolis, MD 21401 p: 410-757-7156; c: 443-924-1130 e: gastorm@verizon.net Corr Sec’y: CAPT Gordon I. Peterson, USN (Ret.) 5200 Brittany Dr., S., Apt. #102 St. Petersburg, FL 33715 p: 703-282-3411; e: gpeters621@aol.com Website: www.usna68.com

The full-length version of this column is posted on our Class website. With the holiday season fast approaching, it is fitting that Bob Arneson and other intrepid wild turkey hunters started their Thanksgiving preparations early! According to Bob, following April’s annual hunt with Tom Mewhinney in Texas, some in the group went north to Kansas a few weeks later to hunt with Ned Garrigues and his brother Hal (Salty Sam from ’77) at their farm near Salina. Tom and Bob made the

trip, and they also met up with Kansas local Dave Samuelson. They encouraged Dave to hunt, and even though they didn’t get any birds at Dave’s he was hooked and will hunt again! “We all had a great meal with Dave and his wife, Ann, and then had a successful hunt the next day and got five birds,” Bob reported. Our Annapolis contingent turned out for another great season of tailgating at Navy home football games, spearheaded by Sandy and grill-master Bill Paine and other volunteers. Bill worked his magic with burgers, brats and dogs. Other attendees brought specialty dishes. During very hot weather early in the season, Bill also solicited cold soup recipes. In San Diego, Nancy and Jack Vellis graciously hosted classmates for game-watching at their home. And, again this year, Tom Teach and the Alumni Association co-hosted a tail gate extravaganza at the Notre Dame game in South Bend. Go Big Blue, Beat Army!

Fish tremble at the approach of Mike and Bill.

Where there’s Navy tailgate smoke, there’s Bill Paine at the grill! (Photo by Linda Hopkins)

In August, after seeing their son in Steamboat, CO, Sandy and Bill Boykin visited Sandy and Mike Moore, his

’68: Intrepid turkey hunters Ned, Dave, Tom, and Bob. (Photo by Hal Garrigues ’77)

72 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

20th Company mate. “Mike and Sandy have been in Steamboat for quite a while,” Bill related, “and are truly the outdoors folks—skiing, mountain biking, fishing, and hiking. We had a wonderful dinner with them and their daughter Dana who also lives there. Then Mike and I got on the Yampa river to teach the trout a lesson or two. Sadly, the fish won, but we had a great time fly fishing up a storm and trying every combination of flies possible. The river is breathtakingly beautiful, and the weather was perfect throughout the week.”

I received a welcomed update from the 20th Company’s Paul Wilson. He and Judy settled in Albuquerque, NM, following his Marine Corps retirement in 1992. Paul, who served mostly in aviation assignments as a helo pilot, culminated his career as a professor of naval science at the University of New Mexico. Paul subsequently began a second career in real estate in 1997 and currently serves as the president of the New Mexico Association of Realtors. Judy and Paul have three children and nine grandchildren. “We’re living life to the fullest in the Land of Enchantment,” Paul reports.

From left, Paul and Judy Wilson, former USNA commandant CAPT Robert Chadwick ’91, and Mary Lynn and Joe McGuire at a USNA alumni dinner in Albuquerque in April.

68/69 CLASS NEWS Closer to my new digs in St. Petersburg, FL, Al Burda serves as the president of the Alumni Association’s Florida Suncoast Chapter. He and Kate live in Venice, FL. In October, he organized his chapter’s observance of the Navy Birthday and the Academy’s Founder’s Day —a dinner cruise in the waters off Sarasota. Rick Buchanan, who now resides with Amy in Bradenton, FL, was the guest speaker. Bobbie and Dick Elliott also relocated to Florida in 2016 following his second career in Minnesota with GE and a follow-on position for 10 years as the dean of the Business School at the University of Northwestern—St Paul. They live in Hernando, north of Tampa. “While we love Florida,” Dick wrote, “we spend many weeks away visiting our four children and 11 grandchildren in TN, MN, and WA. Our 50th wedding anniversary is in January 2020. To celebrate, we are taking our two younger daughters, husbands, and seven grandchildren under the age of eight to Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.” Dick also said Marguerite Hermanson has been to see them us twice, and Debbie and Ron Ricci stopped by to visit them last February. At Kevin Dwyer’s invitation, Charlie Bolden was the keynote speaker at the 2019 Southwest Aerospace Symposium in Arlington, TX, in September. The annual event is jointly sponsored by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP), the Society of Flight Test Engineers (SFTE), and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). In addition to his speaking engagement, Charlie visited Fort Worth for technical tours of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics (home of the F-16 and F-35) and Bell Helicopter (home of the new V-280, V-22, and more). He also addressed and met enthusiastic STEM students from regional universities during his time in Arlington.

LUCKY BAG OF BOOKS To check out all the options for your reading pleasure, visit usna.com/LBB

Orthodox Church in Hempstead, NY, with interment at Maple Grove Cemetery, Kew Gardens, NY. Please see his entry in Last Call.

’69

Life Membership: 57% Donor Participation: 21.16% Pres: F. H. “Mike” Michaelis p: 703-998-9209; e: mikeusna69@gmail.com Vice Pres: Pat Stroop e: pstroop@hotmail.com Sec’y: Dr. Steve Hudock p: 571-419-0290; e: shudock@1969.USNA.com

Charlie Bolden at the controls of an F-35 flight simulator at LM Aero in Fort Worth. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

Looking ahead to April, Naval History magazine will publish Mike Slattery’s illustrated feature article on a Navy SEAL mission during the Vietnam War in which four of the six SEALS assigned to a search-anddestroy mission in the Cau Mau Peninsula were seriously wounded—three critically. Titled “Conspicuous Gallantry Under Fire,” the article describes how the heroic actions of the SEALs, supported by a Navy Seawolf helo-gunship fire team, evacuated their wounded comrades and then returned to even the score with the VC. Mike, a career SEAL and Vietnam combat veteran who served in UDT-13 and SEAL Team One, is still “in harness” professionally at Campbell University, NC, where he teaches military history and political science. Good on ‘ya, Slats! We lost two classmates from our ranks in August. The 2nd Company’s John Mortsakis was a star football player at his high school in Brooklyn, NY, who went on to attend the New Mexico Military Institute for a year before reporting to the Academy. Following graduation, he entered the nuclear power program, earned his gold dolphins, and served for four years in the fleet ballistic missile submarine GEORGE BANCROFT (SSBN 643). After resigning his commission in 1973, John worked as a senior executive in two maritime shipping corporations in New York. He especially enjoyed volunteer work at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons on Long Island, NY. John is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kathy, his children Yasmine and Dimitri, and other family members. A funeral service was held 12 August at St. Paul’s Greek

Treas: Ron Gumbert e: rongumbert@icloud.com e: ron.gumbert@gartner.com Website: www.usna69.org

Kathy and John Mortsakis.

The 23rd Company’s John Hamilton passed away on 17 August in Fort Myers, FL. Following graduation, he earned his naval flight officer wings and served in aviation assignments in Guam and Japan before resigning his commission to attend law school at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. After earning his law degree, he served with several law offices in the Dallas area before starting his own firm. John and his wife, Sally, were instrumental in establishing St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano, TX. John and Sally semi-retired to Fort Myers, FL in 2009. He is survived by Sally, his children, Scott and Michelle, and his brother, Jim. Please see his entry in Last Call. Susan and Boog Powell attended John’s memorial service in Plano, TX, in September. “We were overwhelmed by the parishioners’ attendance and emotions expressed,” he related. A narrative on John’s life was provided during the service. Boog said, “You could write a book on what he accomplished.” In closing, this column marks my 20-year mark for having the honor to serve as your class scribe for Shipmate and other class activities. I greatly appreciate the support shown by everyone who has contributed news and photos over the past two decades. Looking ahead, I hope that those of you who have not made an appearance on these pages will do so! Thank you … and good health and happiness to everyone in 2020. Best, Gordo

Class of ’69 Column for the Nov-Dec 2019 issue WHAT A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL AT OUR 50th!! We broke all the records for attendance and participation! Many thanks to all of the Activity Bosses for making it THE best one yet!! Our condolences to anyone who was not able to attend, we’ll have more to follow in subsequent issues!! Pictures will be posted to ‘69 website asap! Pete Blackledge reports ebulliently regarding an extraordinary act of Classmate loyalty, as Bill Hogan and his wonderful wife Candace drove across two states to participate in his “Saturday Afternoon Fever” party - joining with over twenty other former Disco Dude & Dancing Queen party participants, to taking a Retro Ride on the 70’s Boogie Train To Funky Town! Here’s the Funky Photo (l-to-r: Candace, Bill, me, Laura) which documents Bill’s “Message To Garcia” trip!

Our LOC69 on line document has been hailed as a wonderful idea by all who have taken the time to review the on-line contents, particularly those who provided an input. The document will be a treasured item for generations to come for reference purposes, for family genealogy buffs, or just for a few

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 73

69/70 CLASS NEWS good moments of reminiscing. Many thanks to the 400 of you that have contributed. For those who still are drafting/editing their inputs, Howie Bacharach and Tom Halwachs, our LOC69 Co-Chairmen, will be distributing directions via email shortly on how to add/update input. Howie & Tom and their team of Battalion and Company “editors” from across the Class provided thousands of hours of coaching, review and editing effort to help us all have the consistency we needed to make LOC69 as meaningful as possible. BZ and thank you guys!! We continue to receive congratulatory remarks about the plaque we installed at the WWII D-Day memorial in June. It was a truly remarkable effort by Roger Henderson and his band of Classmates to take us all the way from zero to $25K+ and deliver a beautiful plaque recognizing ALL USNA alumni who participated in the D-Day landings. For those of you who missed it. The Class of ’69 World Class “Might Fine Tailgate” is sunsetting following the end of the SMU Game on 23 Nov. Auggie Beaulieu, Dave Rose, Pete Renfree, and so many others in the Tailgate Crew will ring the bell following the game and hand the reins over to the Class of ’84 to carry on the unsurpassed tail-gaiting tradition we have established. BRAVO ZULU to all!! Finally, your BOD is looking ahead to developing a means to “mentor” rising classes in setting up a 501c(3) Foundations similar to ours which will allow them to build more ways to recognize USNA Alumni achievements in “the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship, and government.” More to follow. BEAT ARMY! – Doc

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Best Wishes for the New Year from your Alumni Association and Foundation.

’70

Life Membership: 59% Donor Participation: 33.95% Pres: CDR Michael J. Novak, USN (Ret.) 4701 Hopkins Dr., Dumfries, VA 22025 e: mike706160@aol.com Sec’y: CDR Royal Connell, USN (Ret.) 31-3 Cabaniss Crescent, Pensacola, FL 32508 e: royal70@1970.usna.com Webmaster: Ed Moore e: edmund.moore@gmail.com Website: http://1970.usnaclasses.com

Greetings all, as I write I’m sitting in my RV in a campground owned by Clint Adams’ brother and getting text updates to the Memphis game from Dick Folga. Is this a great country or what? Last month I noted the passing of Mike Malone. Since then his service was held and at least the following classmates were in attendance: Dan Bowler, Dick Click, Terry Dailey, Pat Dawson, Tom Fargo, Skid Heyworth, Gary Knight, Brock McMunn, Mike Novak, Dave Proffitt, Dan Rugg, }Bob Sonnenberg, Dave Wiedeman, Woody Sutton, Bill King, Carl Smith, and Casey Bahr. Dave Hogen, ’72 writes that there is a new Friends of Naval Academy Music, Inc. (FONAM), a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization established to raise funds to support and sustain music excellence at USNA. The goal is to maintain and continue the exceptional and meaningful opportunities many of you shared, enjoyed and experienced as a participant or audience in the USNA music program. Donations are needed due to appropriated funding cuts across the board for USNA in recent years that have deeply impacted the music programs. Moving to supplemental private funding is the course ahead. They would appreciate your help as private funds are necessary to maintain the musical excellence that was enjoyed by everyone. Please visit their website: www. FONAM.org for more information and to review the 2017 and 2018 Annual Reports along with a description of each of the musical ensembles. If you would like to support the music program via the

74 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

’70

Naval Academy Foundation, visit www.usna.com/give. Bob Sonnenberg writes: M On the weekend of Aug 8-11, Kathleen and Matt Breede graciously hosted an 11th Co. minireunion at their beautiful home in Portsmouth, RI. We had a great turnout, even though some who had intended to make it were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. The contingent included Matt and Kathleen, Helen and Jeff Lewis (accompanied by daughter Avery), Mark Lamb, Jeanie and Terry Bidnick, Jan and Mike O’Dell, Susan and Tom Zysk, and Bob and Nancy Sonnenberg. We all thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company during outstanding meals, breakfast at Belle’s Café on the Newport Shipyard docks, sailing on the Madeleine (a 72’ schooner) around Narragansett Bay, dinner at the Officer’s Club on the deck near the Naval War College, a very interesting tour of Fort Adams, and watching a Polo match at Glen Farm, an event which most of us had never seen. The days passed very quickly, but the stories continued apace and, as usual, have become more ‘enhanced’ over the years. Many, many thanks to the Breede’s for arranging and hosting the reunion. It was a fantastic long weekend for all of us. Frank Reifsnyder tells of another mini-reunion: M Jean and Phil Eslinger rented a house in Camden, Maine to get away from the summer heat in

south Florida. Chris and Gregg Sessler came over from New Hampshire to spend a few days with them. In addition to checking out the streets of Camden looking at all the tourist stores, hiking out to several light houses, and feasting on wild Maine blueberries, they went on the schooner Olad for a sunset cruise. On the way back to Florida, Jean and Phil stopped to visit Asheville, North Carolina, where they were joined by Barb and Buzz Savage. The attached photo shows the four of them riding their electric bikes. Sue and Gary Meyer flew out from Colorado to visit with grandsons and family in Florida. During their Florida visit they came down to Marco Island to spend a few days visiting with us. In addition to being Naval Academy classmates, Gary and I both attended Naval Postgraduate School, Nuclear Power School in Vallejo, California, and the S1W Nuclear Prototype Training in Idaho Falls, Idaho together. One evening prior to the start of Nuclear Power School, Gary and Sue played cards at our house, later that night Diane gave birth to our first child. Their wedding in the Naval Academy Chapel two days after graduation was one hour after our wedding in the same chapel.

LUCKY BAG OF BOOKS To check out all the options for your reading pleasure, visit usna.com/LBB

70/71 CLASS NEWS

Jean and Phil Eslinger, Gregg and Chris Sessler in Camden, Maine

Phil and Jean Eslinger, Barb and Buzz Savage in Asheville, NC

initiative of the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation (Woody is the last surviving Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient from WWII). Woody’s goal is to have at least one such memorial in each state. Erin is a very serious aspirant to the USNA class of 2027. We need leaders like her! Bill Jenkins finished his annual bike ride across Iowa (RAGBRAI) in late July, cycling 427 miles over 6 days. He came across a farm that had lots of goats, so was able to get up close and personal to the cuddly creatures. He’s coming to realize that goats are better pets than dogs. Anyhow, the annual ride was another great experience and serves as his personal motivation to keep in shape.

Frank and Diane Reifsnyder, Gary and Sue Meyer on Marco Island, FL

Rob Meyer with some of his fellow members of the Knights of Columbus presented a check for the Keller, TX Gold Star Families Monument Memorial. This memorial is being built to honor the Gold Star Families. Receiving the check is Keller High School student, 15-year old Erin Stillinger, who started fundraising for this project while in middle-school, and has raised over $56,000 of $75,000 needed. The monument is part of the nationwide

Reedo Clark sends another missive from the Middle East in his Beirut Bulletin:

M Took the Mini down to Beirut port today with a shipping agent, showed my US passport and tattered pink INDEF termed ID card from the 70’s, then motored up close to the USS Ramage (DDG-61). Much work has gone into finally getting a USN ship call here, with all the US reluctance one might imagine. She’s probably the first since prior to the civil war which commenced 1975. In regional geopolitics, this is a Big Deal. This while the US builds a new $1.4B hillside embassy, puts down over $350M this year in Defense grant equipment (including 200 Oshkosh medium multi-function trucks) and takes a squeeze on Tehran/Hezbollah. Never dull, but we’re having a good day, and the lady is staying overnight. First time I’ve seen one of these Burke’s since a dozen of us gathered at the Hopper’s (DDG-70) SF commissioning back in 1997. Charlie Carey, Jim Taylor, and Steve Bannat took a three-day white-water rafting experience on the Rogue River in southern Oregon, known for its rapids and scenery. Their wives were with them to keep them honest and put a damper on sea stories and enhanced tales of conquering the river. There were 21 other people on the trip and I’m certain they were left with a clear picture that their tax dollars were totally wasted on the three of them but were impressed with our total lack of sympathy for slackers. Little do they know....

Ring-A-Ding-Ding! Our Vision is 2020!

’70

’71

Life Membership: 61% Donor Participation: 26.78% Pres: CAPT Perry Martini, USN (Ret.) e: pjmartini@comcast.net Sec’y: CAPT Mike Longworth, USN (Ret.) e: duke.longworth@1971.usna.com Website: http://1971.usnaclasses.net/

The transition in the Yard from early fall to winter is nearing completion. The leaves are off the trees, damp, cold days predominate the weather and the midshipmen early count down the days until Christmas break! As you read this column, we will know the bulk of Navy’s success on the gridiron! Navy is off to a good start so I am hopeful our team will have a winning season. BEAT ARMY! First up is a note from Tom Hammons: M Duke, We presented the USNA ’71 Ethical Character in Leadership award to LTJG Drew Martzall on Thursday afternoon. We had five classmates in attendance: me (34th CO), Pat Doyle (23th CO), Bill Nevitt (35th CO), Steve Comer (31st CO), and Jim Bryant (20th CO). The presentation went well and I think we have developed the kind of connection with TR that our ’71 classmates in Norfolk had when she was homeported there. Tom Hammons. Nice photo! Great way to keep up with the operational fleet! BZ for your efforts to keep ’71 connected to THEODORE ROOSEVELT!

(L-R) Pat, Jim, LTJG Martzall, Bill, Tom and Steve

Members of the Class of 71 joined the entire Class of 2021, Our “Link in the Chain” (ALITC) Class, for an evening celebration of the special NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 75

71/72 CLASS NEWS Now is the time to shape the future of our great nation. There is plenty of work remaining as we increase our wisdom! Time, tide and column due dates wait for no man! Duces Virum, —Duke

’72

Life Membership: 57% Donor Participation: 26.59% Pres: CDR Bob Leib, USN (Ret.) e: rcleib1972@verizon.net ’71: Happy 2/c Midshipmen toasting apple cider bubbly to “2 for 7”

ceremony now called, “2 for 7”. This tradition for rising 2/c midshipmen occurs as the Brigade reforms in the fall. The Class of 2021 entered Memorial Hall by Battalion and personally retook their oath of office by signing a document agreeing to a commitment for two more years at USNA to graduation followed by a required minimum of 5 years of Naval Service, thus “2 for 7” years of service. Select members of the Class of ’21 hosted about twenty-five ’71 classmates, several classmate spouses, and special guests at a special welcoming reception in Dahlgren Hall. The ‘21 midshipmen hosts then escorted the ‘71ers and guests to King Hall for a special dinner with the entire Class of ‘21. After dinner, ADM Tim Keating gave a stirring speech on making a total commitment to serve. He spoke with authority as our longest serving classmate (40 plus years). The evening concluded with the new Commandant, CAPT T.R. Buchanan ‘92, giving the midshipmen oath of office again to the entire class of ‘21.

CAPT T.R. Buchanan

Sec’y: CDR Rich Robison, USN (Ret.) 3126 North Greystone Dr. Morgantown, WV 26508 e: Scribe72@comcast.net

have on this continuum. Therefore, if you would like to see a copy and respond, please contact Tom directly. His e-mail address is: robertson@usna.edu. “So, below is a photo of a character development symposium with the mids. Additionally, I asked Tom if he would introduce himself to the class by answering two questions: (1) What was your motivation for applying for the role? and, (2) What are the near-term goals you have set for the 2019/2020 academic year? Below is his response:

Website: http://1972.usnaclasses.net Class Listserv: TheGouge-USNA72@googlegroups.com Facebook: USNA Class of 1972

Our VP Mike McNallen telling “sea stories” in King Hall

It is my sad duty to announce the passing of our classmate, Bill Carter, who passed away Sunday, 8 September in Denver, Colorado surrounded by his loving wife, Dale, and son, Chris. Bill came to USNA in June ’67 from NAPS as an enlisted Marine. He was an active member of the 33rd Company who made it known that he was a Marine from the start. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second LT in the USMC. Bill served until resigning his commission as a Captain, USMC. A “committal of ashes” memorial service with military honors was held at the Naval Academy cemetery columbarium on 25 September. Too soon, it is time to close. Please keep our classmates and their families in your prayers for good health, healing when needed, and safety in their travels. Today is the gift of “the present.” Life is precious and too short – love passionately, give and share your blessings generously with others – as we are richly blessed so may we richly bless others. Our leadership at home, in our social circles, and in daily routines is vital to our nation.

Guest speaker Tim Keating with Commandant 76 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Well, folks, here we are sprinting into the Holiday season once again. So, have you noticed that the number of Christmas decorations in those storage boxes seem to double every year? After some research, I believe it to be somehow associated with this curious cultural phenomenon known as “QVC”… Class of ’72 Distinguished Military Professor (DMP) Update. Some great news here—first, from Jeff Beard: M Classmates—As you know, we’ve raised $1.63 Million (versus a $1.0 Million goal) during our last campaign to fund the Class of 1972 DMP for Character. The role had been filled by Jim Campbell. Jim’s been replaced in the role by Tom Robertson. Tom is quite excited about the role and the opportunity it brings in developing the moral character of midshipmen. He’s looking forward to meeting as many classmates as he can and will try and stop by the ’72 tailgaters during this season’s home football games. Tom’s first job was to develop a “character program continuum” to help him conceptualize the specific events which make up USNA’s overall character program. It’s not for publication, and too dense to include with this Shipmate article, but Tom has conveyed to the class that he would welcome any input or suggestions that anybody might

Hello Class of 1972. I’m looking forward to meeting more of you over the coming year. My answers to the two questions posed by Jeff are: 1. My motivation for applying for the role: I believe that leaders should humbly begin every day, no matter the prospects of that day, with a profound sense of gratitude for the privilege of serving in the position in which they find themselves. When I consider serving in the role of the Class of 1972 Distinguished Military Professor for Character Education, my sense of gratitude originates from the concept of “legacy”. The members of the Class of 1972, through your generous contributions to the class fund, certainly understand the value of investing in the next generation of leaders at the United States Naval Academy. In my role as the DMP for Character Education, my daily motivation is to partner with you in building a “living legacy”, one leader at a time. By teaching in the classroom, facilitating character capstone seminars, training incoming plebes, overseeing the honor remediation program and leading research and curriculum development projects, I purpose to join with you in mentoring midshipmen and positively affecting the character and quality of the USNA graduates who will lead us into the future. 2. My specific goals for 2019/2020 include:

72/72 CLASS NEWS Maintain and then improve upon the high quality of the 1/C Character Capstone seminars in terms of teaching modules, alumni involvement and guest speakers. Promote integration of character development efforts across all USNA programs by serving as LEAD Division adviser for “Character in the Curriculum” efforts. Promote collaboration in the field of ethical leadership with alumni and private/ public organizations and then facilitate their connection with the Brigade. Design new course material for both core courses such as NE203 Ethics as well as electives such as NP430 Ethics in Irregular Warfare. Meet with leadership/ character development representatives from USMA and USAFA to help establish a collaborative group to share “best practices” among service academies in an on-going effort also including USMMA and USCGA.” Of note, on September 12th, the Naval Academy had its annual Ethics Dinner to recognize the Ethics program excellence. The Superintendent gave out the Annual Vice Admiral Lawrence Award for best student in the Core Ethics Course. He also presented the annual Admiral Charles Larson award for yard-wide Leadership. Of note, this year, the Naval Academy initiated a new, perpetual “Captain William R. Rubel Award for Instructor Excellence”. Aside from the significance of having an award named after you, the first recipient of the annual award was—you guessed it—Tom Robertson. Rick Rubel personally presented the award, which read as follows: 1. You have been selected as the Captain William R. Rubel Ethics Instructor Excellence for Academic Year 2019. To earn this distinction, you demonstrated the highest level of proficiency, dedication, and enthusiasm in the classroom while serving as a Military Instructor for the United States Naval Academy’s core Ethics course, Ethics and Moral Reasoning for Naval Officers. 2. In particular, your peers and the senior faculty and staff of LEAD Division and the Leadership, Ethics &

Law Department have recognized your extraordinary level of engagement with your students, your consistency of effort while teaching five sections of NE203 over two semesters, and your creative pedagogy, which has not only proved effective in your classrooms, but has also inspired your colleagues. Your loyal commitment to LEAD Division and your fellow instructors was on full display when you stepped forward to take on a heavier teaching load to meet LEL Department needs. Your readiness to lend your expertise to the NE203 Pilot program has been instrumental in assessing the efficacy of this significant initiative. Most importantly, the superlatives that your students have used to describe their semesters in your sections were impassioned. They reflect the effectiveness with which you leveraged your own unique military experiences to connect moral theory to moral practice, your command of the discipline, your approachability, and your sincere desire to ensure your students enter the Fleet prepared for moral leadership. They are, furthermore, evidence of your consummate professionalism, and your steadfast commitment to teaching excellence and the mission of the United States Naval Academy. 3. Your unwavering dedication to the moral and mental development of your students has had a profound and lasting impact on the professional development and education of our future Navy and Marine Corps leaders. Please accept my congratulations and sincerest gratitude for a job well done!

On the Road Again Dept. Ray Berard dropped me a line to say that he and his wife, Anna Varnauskas, visited Jeanette and Steve Livesay at their home in Stavanger, Norway last summer. Seems that Ray and Anna moved to Antibes, France, following his retirement and still spend summers in Anna’s home country of Sweden…so, hey, Stavanger was a just a “short” 10-hour jaunt up the road. They enjoyed the beautiful Norwegian scenery, as well as Steve and Jeanette’s hospitality. Ray did caution, however, that—at Steve’s suggestion and with his company—they climbed the Pulpit Rock (604 meters overlooking a fjord). For a couple of youthful 69-year olds, it was not a trivial hike but well worth the effort (and Anna was kind enough to wait for them at several scenic points).

Congratulations to both Rick and Tom for these well-deserved recognitions!

On the subject of “going around”… autumn just wouldn’t be autumn without a note from the Class RV contingent. Andy Wehrle reports that he and Eva, along with Vanessa and Tim Hallihan, participated in the USNA RV Chapter Come-Around at Hornsby Hollow Campground in Watts Bar, TN back on 21-26 September. One-armed pushups? Uniform races? Hanging around listening to music? Even better… “We volunteered to fix breakfast for our merry band of 36 former mids and spouses. Nary a complaint and a hearty round of applause was the reward for a hearty meal of SOS, scrambled eggs, muffins, orange

Steve and Jeanette Livesay, Anna Varnauskas and Ray Berard

Come-arounds don’t get any better than this!

Does anyone have any muffins for Mr. Wehrle?

juice and coffee. Highlights of the week’s activities included a trip to the Cumberland Repertoire Theater for a buffet lunch and a live performance of the musical Young Frankenstein. Nice knockers! Hiking, a flag retirement ceremony, afternoon happy hours and a campfire every night made for a wonderful week of renewed friendships and camaraderie - all capped off with a heartfelt rendition of Navy Blue and Gold. From here, seven or more rigs head west to Memphis for the Navy-Memphis game. Go Navy!” Another Link in the Chain Dept. A significant event in our relationship with the Class of 2022 will be upon us in a few short months. Gary Coyle, our ALITC Coordinator, provides the details: M This coming April, we will have the Bonds of Gold Ceremony with the Class of 2022. At that time, we will donate some of our class rings to be melted and joined with the gold that will be forged into the rings of the Class of 2022. Our rings are more than heirlooms or memorials. They are the outward symbol of the promise the Class of 1972 made to our country, the Navy and each other. For the last fifty years, our Class has served, both in and out of uniform, always with Honor, Courage and Commitment. It is a fitting tribute to that service that a part of our Class continues on with the Class of 2022. These young women and men will carry on the traditions of the Academy and the Naval Service deep into the 21st century. I would like to believe that when these officers are challenged, as they will be, a small part of the Class of 1972 will stand with them. When our children and grandchildren hear of the achievements of the Class of 2022, they will reflect with pride on the part the Class of 1972 played in those achievements and celebrate the Honor, Courage and Commitment of the Class of 2022. “Donating this important part of your life is a difficult decision, but I ask all of the families of the Class to consider a ring donation. Tried and True.”

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 77

72/73 CLASS NEWS If you have questions or are considering donating your Class ring for this event, please contact Gary at your earliest opportunity at Gary.Coyle@jhuapl.edu. We were saddened to learn that John Timony’s wife, Yvonne, passed away on 26 June after battling breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer for a number of years. They had been married for 46 years and had lived in 14 different states. Our deepest condolences go out to John and their family. Well, here we are at the end of another year, dear readers. Count your blessings every day and make a point to keep those men and women now on active duty—particularly those serving with honor far from home—in your thoughts and prayers during this Holiday season. We thank them for their commitment and look forward to their safe return. And one more very important thing. Let us never forget…to BEAT ARMY!! More to come…next year. D. O. Tried and True with ’72.

’73

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 16.74% Pres: Mr. Dirk P. D. Mosis III Sec’y: CAPT James H. Chapman, USN (Ret.) 769 Largo Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23464-2417 p: 757-462-0344; e: chap769@yahoo.com

Happy Holidays Classmates! Susie and I hope you have a great holidays and a wonderful New Years. I have received a lot of great stories about our I-Day and first year which is super but unfortunately it also means it is taking me longer to publish your inputs. I am not sure how many know about the Another Link in the Chain (ALITC) Program. Joe Stewart leads our efforts and has done an outstanding job with the program and the Class of 2023. I asked Joe for a summary of our efforts and he provided the following; M Hi, Classmates, as many of you know, this year we launched our Another Link In The Chain (ALITC)

’73: Members of the Great Class of ’73, spouses and family on I-Day

Program. The Great Class of 1973 has officially taken the Class of 2023 under our wing. As their “Half Century Elders”, we are making ourselves available as mentors until the last Mid of ’23 graduates. Thanks to you, our ALITC Program is off to an exceptionally strong start. By all measures, our participation has far exceeded participation by previous classes. Well over 100 of us have participated to date, as well as scores of spouses and family members. To mention each of you by name is not practicable for this article. Nonetheless, you have put us on the map with the Class of 2023, their parents and the new Supe. We have had four major events this year: * The first occurred this spring when Classmates volunteered to represent us at more than 40 USNA Parents Club “Welcome Aboard ‘23” events across the country. Some Classmates were active in more than one state to represent our Class. We made a memorable and favorable first impression on the future Mids and their families. When the Parents of ’23 were in The Yard for Induction Day, they were already very well aware of us. These early engagements, more than any other event, were responsible for creating the momentum we needed to launch ALITC. We could not have achieved all that we have so far without our Classmates who volunteered for these engagements. * Then there was I-Day for ’23 on June 27th. More than 70 Class-

78 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

’73: The Classmates at the Honor Coin Ceremony

mates mustered in The Yard, many with spouses and family members. The day began early on Hospital Point where the parents and families of ’23 attended the Expo and Picnic while their soon-to-be Mids were processing in. Several thousands were in The Yard during the day and our Classmates and spouses were fully engaged with anxious families. Later in the day, we assembled at T-Court to witness the Class of ‘23 take the Oath. There is much more pomp and ceremony than our I-Day. But it all ends the same – the last member of the new Fourth Class Regiment eventually marches into Bancroft Hall and its great doors slam shut. The day ended with a Class Happy Hour at the Fleet Reserve Club along City Dock. * The next milestone event was the Honor Coin Ceremony on July 15th in Alumni Hall. This highlights the Class of 2023’s commitment to our Honor Concept. About 30

Classmates were witness to this signature occasion. To mark this commitment, Jim Campbell represented our Class to the Fourth Class Regiment. He delivered a highly relevant address emphasizing the lifelong dedication to the ideals we still embrace. At the conclusion of the Ceremony, our Classmates handed each Plebe an Honor Coin designed by our Honor Coin Committee Jim Campbell, Rick Elliott, Tom Gallagher, Tim McClay and Bob Wakefield.

Our Honor Coin

73/73 CLASS NEWS

Jim Campbell presenting an Honor Coin to a Plebe of ‘23

*The last official event for this year’s ALITC Program was the Turnover Parade on August 15th. About 20 Classmates, several with spouses and family, met on historic Worden Field as the Fourth Class Regiment was formally accepted into the Brigade. We, along with the entire Brigade, witnessed this event which was pretty much unchanged since our Parade 50 years ago. Our Classmate Eric Olson represented us as the reviewer. To Eric and all our Classmates who have taken time from their schedules this summer and returned to The Yard (many traveling great distances), your contribution to our ALITC commitment is greatly appreciated.

The Regimental Staff with Admiral Eric Olson

The next events aren’t until May 2020 when the Class of ’23 conducts its Sea Trials and then climbs Herndon. In due course we’ll be posting all the relevant gouge on the ALITC page of our Class website and via emails from our Class President. In the meantime, please keep in touch with the Parents Clubs in your areas to remind them of our commitment to the Class of ’23. Looking back since the beginning of this year as awareness of our ALITC Program grew, I have had a privileged vantage point to see all that you have made happen

on behalf of the Class of ‘23. I believe we have set a benchmark for the classes who come after us. In the meantime, we’re in it for the long haul, at least until the last Mid of ’23 graduates. At the end of Stribling Walk, in front of our Class bench, is our Class’ time capsule to be opened in 2073. I have shown it to parents and Mids of ’23, telling them that when the Class of 2023 is our age this will be theirs to open for their ALITC Class. They react emotionally to this and I think they realize that “this place” of legacy and tradition is like no other. And they express appreciation that we are part of all this.

Left to right: Kevin Callahan, Tim McClay, Tom Gallagher, Bob Wakefield, Bruce Hargus, Susan Wakefield

Dave Stacy, Mike Zimet, Chuck Stevens, Dudley Outcalt, Joe Stewart and George Watt outside the Naval Prison

The ship is USS Constitution

The plaque at the bottom reads: “Robert Wakefield USNA 1973 “NON SIBI, CLASSMATE.”

Our Time Capsule

Our last event this summer and arguably the greatest occurred on August 19th, when our Classmate Bob Wakefield became the first member of the Great Class of ‘73 to be presented with an Honor Coin. Previously, the only other recipients have been members of the Class of 2023. Bob is a member of our Honor Coin Committee. Despite ALS, Bob was fully engaged with the design of our coin. Most significantly, he ensured that our Class motto “Non Sibi” was prominently centered on the coin’s face. Classmates also conveyed appreciation to Bob’s wife Susan. Thanks to Susan, Bob was ready and able to make this lasting contribution to our “Another Link in the Chain” effort. Our sincerest appreciation to Bob and Susan Wakefield for the exceptional example of “Non Sibi” in action.

Joe, Bob, and all the volunteers for ALITC , On behalf of the Class thank you for your Great efforts with ALITC. On to other news. Dave Stacy passed along news of a 28th Co mini-reunion. “Jim, In July three groups of roommates converged on Portsmouth, NH after a successful running rendezvous of detachments arriving from Kansas, South Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and (we have yet to figure out where the Zimet’s actually live…their yacht is all over the East Coast but they call Oriental, NC homeport). Mike and Mari Zimet cruised north with the Mari Mi, mooring her in the Portsmouth Harbor while the second detachment gathered at Logan Airport before making an approach into Portsmouth where Dudley and Nancy Outcalt make their home. Great food, plenty of adult beverages, communion of 28th Co spirits, feats of days past and vast amounts of sea stories (some of which could be true) were all on the Plan of the Day. Of course, Nancy and Mari provided adult supervision to prevent any unintended stay at the Portsmouth Naval Prison located just across the river…the ladies did not inform us it was closed until the last day: smart.”

I have some sad news to pass on. Jim Russell, 7th Co, passed away on 1 August 2019 from complications of Huntington’s Disease. A Service of Committal at the Columbarium is planned for 25 October 2019. Dave Herr, 17th Co, passed away in May. I will pass on additional information when I receive it. Please keep Jim’s and Dave’s families in your thoughts and prayers and look for more on their lives in an upcoming Last Call.

I’m over my limit again and have to stop. Keep the news and stories coming. Again, we hope you have a Great Holidays and as always; Beat Army and Semper Fi! —General

CLASS SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES Send to: classnews@usna.com

ISSUE: Jan-Feb ’20 March ’20 April-May ’20 June ’20

DUE DATE: Nov 25, 2019 Dec 26, 2020 Feb 24, 2020 Mar 23, 2020

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 79

74/74 CLASS NEWS

’74

Life Membership: 58% Donor Participation: 19.57% Pres: John Yaeger Corr Sec’y: Roger McEvoy 745677 p: 559-905-7362; e: usna745677@hotmail.com

As you all know by now, I routinely struggle with writing a column to bring you timely news about the class, when that column will not be published for another two months. This month is especially dichotomous (yeah, it’s a real word). By nature, this column is historical. Its purpose is to relate various activities in which our classmates participated in. But the last week or two my focus has been almost entirely on final preparations for our 45th Reunion and my personal trip to get there. In about 30 hours from now, I’ll be getting in my car and starting my land-voyage east. On-line registration closed at 367 registered classmates for a total of 683 registered attendees. That’s pretty good for a 45th reunion. Your President, Vice President and Treasure have done a magnificent job putting the weekend together. Everything is ready, and just 10 days away, or two months ago. You already know how the football game came out. After a good start to the season, we have reason to be excited about the Air Force game. But of course, the Memphis game will come first, and I’m happy to report that I will be there at that game, also. Or…I was there? You figure it out. The bottom line…anticipation is running my life right now! But first some outstanding business: I got a note from Neil Rondorf (30th Co.) last month. Neil used to travel all over the world for business before he retired and started traveling all over the world. This summer it was domestic travel through the upper mid-west. His note to me follows: M This summer Cheryl and I took some extra time and did a road trip to northern Minnesota (ancestral home of the Rondorf Clan). We laid out our trip to maximize human interaction with family and people we knew might offer us an

overnight. Yes, we mooched our way across the country with surprising success. We are either very much in need of sympathy and everyone knows it or the people we know are a soft touch. You can be the judge of that. We left Virginia Beach on a Saturday (first mistake). The weekend traffic in the summer time on the east coast is a trip killer out of the gate. We did make our goal of Pittsburgh and stayed with some great friends that we knew from Virginia Beach. They had stayed with us when they first moved to Virginia Beach, so I cashed in an IOU. We next ventured to Cleveland, OH to visit Cheryl’s brother Dave Kruse, USNA 1981. We did a boat ride on the Erie and it was a pleasant adventure. The water was pretty clear, beautiful weather and we did a bit of sightseeing. We pulled up to the USS Cod (SS-224) on display on the Cleveland water-front. A good reminder of my underway days. USS Cod (SS/AGSS/IXSS224) is a Gato-class submarine, the only vessel of the United States Navy to be named for the cod, named after the world’s most important food fish of the North Atlantic and North Pacific. Her keel was laid down by the Electric Boat Company of Groton, Connecticut on 21 July 1942. The submarine’s five diesel engines were built by General Motors’ Cleveland Diesel plant located on the west side of Cleveland. She was launched on 21 March 1943 (sponsored by Mrs. G.M. Mahoney), and commissioned on 21 June 1943 with Commander James C. Dempsey in command. Dempsey had already won fame by sinking the first Japanese destroyer lost in the war while in command of USS S-37, a tiny World War I-era submarine. Next we were off to Madison, WI. One of Cheryl’s dorm mates lived there. We had a great visit and I squeezed in 18 holes of golf. It was not pretty (the golf that is - but the time was enjoyable). The 19th hole served a very nice local craft ale which was quite delightful after 18 holes. Then if was off to Thief River Falls, Minnesota. My Mom is still

80 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

there and going strong at 92. My youngest brother now runs the family farms and enjoys it. After church on Sunday we did take a side trip to the local Chippewa Nation casino to games of chance - lunch only. We then headed south via a night in St Paul, MN w/ cousin Paul who was an Army Artillery Commander in Korea. On to Champaign, IL where Cheryl visited another college dorm mate and I played a bit of gold and we toured a bit of Allen Strong’s classic car collection. Then it was on to Dayton, Oh. There might be mixed opinions on the attractions in the Dayton area but they do claim an Aviation Historical Area. However, that was not the focus of our visit. We tracked down Rick Adams (also 30th Co.) and his wife Melissa. They thoughtfully arranged a lovely lunch at a nice little place just off of US 70. It was a great time to catch up, compare notes, tell stories with a straight face to give them some credibility. Then on to Virginia Beach. Great road trip Neil

Neil, Cheryl and brother Dave Kruse

Neil, Cheryl and Edna

Neil, Cheryl, Rick & Melissa

Thanx for taking the time to write, Neil. I also got a note from Travis Brannon (34th Co.) this past week. You may recall that Trav plays host to several classmates that come to Nashville the weekend before Labor Day every year for the annual Army-Navy-Air Force Academies Golf Tournament. This year’s was the 24th edition. Unfortunately, Army was victorious this year, which brings Navy’s series-long record to 11 wins, 10 seconds and 3 thirds. Since Air Force joined in 19 years ago, Navy and Army have each won 8 Commander-in-Chief’s trophy, with Air Force taking the other three. I’m sure everyone is anticipating Navy taking the overall lead back from Army, and Trav invites anyone who wants to contribute to contact him and come on down to Nashville next year. The tournament will be held on August 31 next year. Participants from USNA ’74 this year were, from left to right in the phot on the next page: Joe Nuttall (13th Co.), Buck Haltiwanger (5th Co.), Bob Whitmire (29th Co.), Charlie Bomberger (34th Co.), Herschel Smith (11th Co.), Travis, and Dick Adams (34th Co.). And with a heavy heart, I pass on the sad news of the passing of classmate Bob “Hoagie” Hogan (24th Co.). He went into the hospital for a routine hernia operation nine days ago and had an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. After three days in the ICU, he finally passed. With the upcoming reunion, the pain and sadness of this event is especially acute. I didn’t know Bob all that well, but he was one that seemed to stand out in the swirling confusion that was Plebe Summer. He was in my Plebe Summer (Golf) Company, made up of the 19th,

74/75 CLASS NEWS Palo Verde is the largest nuclear generating station in the country. There were six Naval Academy graduates there: In addition to Frank and Mike, Donnell Williams ’97, Armando Aviles ’99, Rob Pierce ’99, and Joe Stevens ’04 serve in Palo Verde. Frank relocated from Arizona to Atlanta, where his daughter Andrea is VP- Graphic Design, and son Michael is Photographic Manager, both working at the fast-growing toy company “Elf on the Shelf.” He would like to hear from other Atlanta-based classmates.”

’74: Army-Navy-Air Force Golf Tournament

20th and 21st Platoons. Maybe it was because he was also from California. Or maybe because he was a Napster and from time to time would come down to the room I shared with another Napster, Bugsy Moran. But of the 120 guys randomly thrown together into Golf Company, I remember Bob was never without a smile. Never seemed to take things too seriously. His passing reminds us that our life here on earth is fragile, but the ties that bind us together as brothers transcends life itself. In closing, I know you will be seeing this a week or two before Army-Navy. With the Air Force game just two weeks in my future right now, it’s hard to get into the Army-Navy frame of mind. But for those of you who will be going to the game, please take pictures and send them to me. Those of you who will be attending Game Watching parties, please take pictures and send them to me. It’s time to reverse the slide. Go Navy, beat Army! —Rog

’75

Life Membership: 58% Donor Participation: 25.30% Pres: Chris Cikanovich e: chickc975@gmail.com Sec’y: CAPT Larry Warrenfeltz, USN (Ret.) 5732 Tamarack Dr., Pace, FL 32571 p: 850-525-8727; e: usna75scribe@hotmail.com Website: http//1975.usnaclasses.net/

Dear ’mates, Time, tide and formation wait for no man. Before you know it, we will

be scratching out “2019” and replacing it with “2020.” Next year, we will have a couple of major opportunities for the gathering two or three (or many) classmates and the retelling of old tales. In late August, the Navy and Notre Dame football teams will meet in Dublin, Ireland. Time to make your travel plans! A month later, at the beginning of October, the Class of 1975 will celebrate our 45th Reunion in Annapolis. Check out the nearby reunion advertisement to see what we have planned. Well, the remainder of this column should be easy! All I have to do this month is cut-and-paste, since classmates did the writing for us. Let’s start with Frank Marano who is retiring after forty-four years at four different Electric Utilities.

Frank Marano passes the “Old Goat” to Mike McLaughlin ‘81

M Talent Management Consultant Frank Marano was with APS/Palo Verde for five years before retiring on 3 September. As the oldest Naval Academy graduate with the company, Frank decided to present Mike McLaughlin ’81, (Vice President, Operations Support) with a replica of the Naval Academy goat mascot. With Frank’s retirement, Mike assumed the title “Old Goat.”

Bob and Dave were also with Wynn for the unveiling of a derelict pool table that had been recently retrieved from a field in northeast Texas. When uncovered, there was a black and gold table with a cue ball that was “way behind the eight ball,” and two cues with no tips (of course). It had an unmade “rack” with no linen and a whole complement of “deep pockets” with no bottoms. It reminded Wynn of his joint service days. By the way, the sign on the canvas covering it read, “ARMY INTEL CENTER.” Tom Kelley has a “small world” story for us. His nephew is engaged to Mike Fackrell’s niece. The wedding is scheduled for October (after column deadline) in Pasadena, CA. Tom promises a photo or two for the next issue. “Whenever two or three shall meet and old tales be retold ….”

Corley, Calland, and Guida

Tom Kelley relayed an input from Wynn Calland. (Wynn’s first one ever?) M Barb and I hosted the first-ever 25th company mini-reunion at our home in the DFW area in September. Dave Corley and Bob Giuda visited us. Dave is fully retired but is serving as a medical industry guinea pig in Plano. I retired a couple years ago. I am busy with church activities, three grandchildren (with another on the way), and goofing around with my model train collection and display. Bob is a retired United Airlines pilot, and is still holding the fort in Warren, NH continuing his stellar public service career as a state senator, and caring for his dear wife, Christine. Barb was a trooper. She prepared a wonderful dinner and listened to our endless sea stories. Time in the pool was a welcome relief from the 95-degree heat. None of us wore khakis in the pool. Bob volunteered to show us how he could inflate his newly purchased swim trunks. Dave and I calmed him down— maybe another day!

Evening sail to remember Marty

From Chris Cikanovich: M On 6 August 2019 we had the inurnment ceremony for Marty Schoenbauer. It was a beautiful day and fantastic ceremony. Seventeen classmates and several of our ladies came to say their farewells to Marty and be with his wife Jan. In the above photo are Steve Labbs, Greg MacDonald, Mark Klett, Don Batze, Jim Jackson, Mike Zeiders, Kate and Craig Galloway, Gary Lundeen; Pam and Rex Estilow, Jan Schoenbauer, George Melnychenko, Amy and Brian Shaw; Raleigh and Larry Weckbaugh, Brian Weaver, Monica and Steve Harmon; Diane and Chris Cikanovich; and Beth and Allen Embert. Following the inurnment, over 100 folks adjourned to the Fleet Reserve Club in Annapolis

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 81

75/75 CLASS NEWS

Class of 1975

45th Reunion

October 1 - 4, 2020 Air Force game weekend. The game may be in Colorado, but the Flower Children will be in Annapolis! Schedule of events (planned): THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1ST Golf Outing on the USNA Course (if repairs are complete). Crab Feast in N* room

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2ND Class Meeting Memorial Service Evening Banquet: Dahlgren Hall

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3RD Navy — Air Force tailgate: Ackerson Tower at Navy Marine Corp Memorial Stadium Saturday night: Company parties

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4TH Church Services Farewell Brunch with company mates as you wish. The Annapolis Westin is our HQ hotel Two other hotel blocks are in process 82 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

75/75 CLASS NEWS

Terry escorts Erin down the aisle

Finally, a great note from VP Gary Jones: ’74: Schoenbauer inurnment at the USNA Columbarium

for a reception and eulogies. Family and friends from around the world attended. Following the reception, Jan reserved the two Woodwind sailboats (the boats in the “Wedding Crashers” movie) for a final evening sail in tribute to Marty. As we sailed up the Severn River and passed the Columbarium we all manned the rails and paid our final respects. We closed out the evening back at the Fleet Reserve Club for retelling of old tales of Marty. My roomie would have been very pleased with his celebration of life.

Chick and Kerwin Miller celebrate the first 100 African American graduates

As we all know, Wesley Brown was the first African American to graduate from the Naval Academy (in 1949). It wasn’t until the class of 1975 that we reached the 100th African American graduate. Kerwin Miller had a hat made up commemorate that notable point in our class history. Chick was involved in the research, so Kerwin had a hat made

for him, too. Kerwin is Mr. 85 by the way. Cleve Cooper, graduating with 75.5 in the summer, was the actual 100th. And now (with some trepidation) I turn the keyboard over to Pat Sloan. Sloaner writes: M In Annapolis on 30 August 30, 35th Company initiated a new tradition—saluting brothers of 35 who have gone before us. We hoisted engraved shot glasses charged with Macallan 12 (courtesy of Steve Ferguson) to our brothers, William Halverson and Frank McKeone. We will down shots in future toasts until the last man standing salutes us all. (If this doesn’t sound tremendous, you’re not a true Flower Child.) Hal’s ashes were graciously provided by Allison Halverson to be returned to Davey Jones locker in Viking tradition. Members of 35th on-hand included: Annie and Chris Benigno, Beth and Paul Bowles, Dave Duffie, Heidi and Steve Ferguson, Allison Halverson, Maggie and Steve Hubbard, Janey Mangat-McKeone, Elizabeth and Mark Milliken, Jeanine and Rod Repka, Debbie and Pat Sloan, and Debbie and Phil Troy. Janey brought her 10-Terawatt smile and 1000-Gig laugh, which always adds a quantum leap of joy to our gatherings. 1st company—our brothers by another Mother B—were represented by Gertie and Mike “G2” Meier and Liane and Ron “Pony” Nicol. Nancy and Steve Laabs accompanied the Millikens. Dick, Lee and other new

additions were welcomed into our family with the gusto of a Heinz Lentz PEP workout. We topped off the weekend at the Laabs’ tailgater and celebrated a NAVY victory over a team we didn’t used to play, back when ARMY lost to them and we sang about it. ATTENTION lurkers and shirkers, who read Shipmate but don’t join our 75 family at games, reunions or minis. You’re not just missing great fun, but also the embellishments of old tales that make our Academy misadventures legend! (Note to Mark Harper: Steve Curley’s cop-car version of your Black N Chronicle beats yours, but your Rickover finale is PRICELESS.)” [Sloaner notes that the tone and content of the above paragraphs are on him and that the Scribe had nothing to do with it.]

M While some might say Terry Blake had a fleeting lapse in judgement, most would cite Terry’s gracious and generous nature. More likely than not it was Nan’s kind heart that allowed Terry to invite nine of his fellow FIRST COMPANY Classmates to the wedding of Nan and Terry’s daughter Erin. The wedding was held at Kirkland Manor in Easton, MD. Kirkland Manor was the site for filming of the 2005 movie “Wedding Crashers” which was eerily appropriate given the cast of characters in attendance from First Company. [Scribe’s note: Two Wedding Crashers mentions in one column! Maybe Vince Vaughn or Owen Wilson will send us a note.] Erin, a Penn State and Georgetown Law School grad, is currently practicing law at a firm in San Francisco. The groom, Tim Duran, is a USC grad and manages an international beverage distribution business. It was a beautiful wedding, and as the picture illustrates, Erin was a

’75: Fun One cleans up nicely!

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 83

75/76 CLASS NEWS stunning bride and the center of attention as the proud father-ofthe-bride escorted her down the aisle. The wedding was a formal affair, so tuxedo was the uniform of the day. The second photo shows that we can clean up nicely. Left to right are Ron Nicol, Jeff Bust, Bob Phillips, Gary Jones, Mike Meier, VADM Terry, Jim Miller, Dan Murphy, Dr. Mike Maynard, and Mike McDermott on the far right. With the exception of the formal attire, the photo could have been from plebe year as it clearly shows no one from the company has aged a day! Terry and Nan were exquisite hosts to all who were fortunate to attend this amazing celebration. Given Terry’s dedication to his company mates, we were seated with our brides at a table right next to the bar and buffet line—great planning by a great Classmate. Nan and Terry have another beautiful daughter, Tara, who is married to Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX). Nan and Terry’s son Lt. J. Terence Blake ’10 is an active duty naval aviator. Terry and Nan reside in Crofton, MD and are regulars at Navy home football games.

delayed a few days due to Hurricane Dorian, which thankfully caused little damage to the Wilmington, NC, area. Now to the mailbag… Kevin McNamara (31st Co.) sent me an email from Hawaii: M On 16JUL we became grandparents for the 7th time with the birth of our granddaughter, MacKenzie Agnes Grover, born to our daughter Maureen and husband Nate. Our newest family member is shown here being held by her Uncle Brian, USNA Class of ‘21. In August Kathy and I took a short vacation in Fairbanks, Alaska. Enjoyed lots of daylight and interesting day trips. Here we are we are shown officially north of the Article Circle. In the Navy we called this being designated as a “Blue Nose”. Trip took us 6 hours of driving each way on very bad road on the Dalton Highway. This is the highway that supplies the northern end of the Tran Alaskan Pipeline at Prudhoe Bay, same road as seen on Ice Road Truckers, just minus the ice and darkness. On another day trip to

Thanks to Gary, Sloaner, Tom, Wynn, Frank, Chick, and Kerwin for making your Scribe’s job a piece of cake for the NovemberDecember issue! ’75 Sir! Larry

’76

Life Membership: 57% Donor Participation: 20.33% Pres: Kevin Stone 928 Lynch Dr., Arnold, MD 21012 p: 410-974-4313; e: kevin.stone@1976.usna.com Sec’y: Mark Hubbard 5632 Tessie Ct., New Market, MD 21774-2918 p: 301-514-1645 e: Mark.Hubbard@1976.usna.com

’76: Kevin McNamara’s photo collage

Website: http//usna76.wordpress.com/

I finally retired from NASA as of 31 AUG. Barb and I packed up our immediate belongings and headed to Carolina Beach, NC, to take up temporary residence in a condo while our retirement home in Kure Beach goes through a renovation process. Our departure was

Class of ’76 meet at Champps Pentagon City

84 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Denali National Park we met Rose and Tom Wolfe ’70. Got to exchange old memories and tall tales and as they say, “Whenever two shall meet …”. Tom also served as the tour groups’ unofficial wildlife spotter which was the number one attraction during the tour of the park. In September we visited our son Brian ‘21 in Annapolis for a second Parents Weekend. This is a new event since our time. On 21AUG he made his commitment official at the “2 for 7” Signing Ceremony for his Class. This event marks one’s dedication to finish two more years of school at the Naval Academy and then serve in the Navy or Marine Corps for at least 5 years after commissioning. Looking forward to seeing classmates at the coming football games and of course, BEAT ARMY!!!

Metcalf, Steve Daughety, Tom Kennedy, Greg Vaughn, Tim Farrell, and Ed Gilmore. Reminder to everyone that our Class lunch is the fourth Thursday of every month at noon. Tim also reported on a recent USNA Chapter meeting: Our class was both senior and most represented at our monthly gathering for craft brew enjoyment and sea story swap of the Susquehanna Valley Chapter USNA Alumni Association for the second consecutive month. Dave Lawrence and I were there the previous month. Photo left to right: Gib Armstrong ‘91, Tim Farrell ‘76, Lee Erdman ‘76, Eric Moore ‘06

Tim Farrell reports on a Class gathering: M Pete Varsanyi took this at our class lunch 29AUG at Champps Pentagon City. Hugh Neighbour joined us after the picture was taken. Clockwise from front left: Derwood Curtis, Joe Vargo, Mark

Alumni at the Susquehanna Valley Chapter gathering in September

Tommy Gardner was present at the “Celebration of George Welsh and Rick Forzano” held in the Akerson Tower at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Friday, 30AUG. Tommy had the opportunity to meet with legendary sports figures Roger Staubach ’65 and New England Patriots Coach, Bill Belichick. Also present at the event were fellow ’76 varsity football players Mark O’Hare, Steve Barilich, Derwood Curtis, Chet Moeller, Dick Feckler, Carl Sharperson and Mike Yeager. Also present from our Class was Jim Taplett. According to Tommy, it was a “very emotional night. Great representation by ‘76 players…Phil McConkey ‘79 still looks like he could play. Belichick was like family there. That night everyone was a Cowboy, Giant and Patriots fan. The funniest part was when (sportswriter John) Feinstein introduced Roger with ‘normally I mention that he has two Super Bowl rings but seeing as how the man sitting next to him has eight, I will skip that part tonight’”.

76/77 CLASS NEWS CL A SS O F 1 976

LCDR PATRICK C. LAINE, USNR (RET.)

Avoiding Retirement Blues How to remain active after retirement? As a former aviator, I had planned to travel widely in my private plane. Those plans were scuttled when I was forced to sell the plane after a bout with cancer. I had to find an alternative activity more interesting than flipping between CNN and Fox News. A deep dive into the memory banks took me back to plebe year and sailing the Severn in knockabouts. The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea of returning to the sea. The fact that I knew almost nothing about sailing seemed a minor detail. It would be great fun learning all that black-shoe Navy stuff…and without much more analysis than that, a plan was born. A couple of week-long passages on a sailboat up and down the coast with a group and pro instructor provided assurance that, 1) I could enjoy this and, 2) I was neither too old to learn nor to hoist sails, etc. Three months later I bought the first boat I saw in my local marina that looked more or less seaworthy. A number of private lessons with a pro built my confidence that I could handle a 40-foot boat while sailing solo.

I awaited perfect weather conditions and made my first solo sail. My heart wasn’t pounding like during my first aircraft solo, but the anxiety of getting in and out of the marina alone, got the adrenalin flowing. Casting off lines at 0600 ensured I escaped the scrutiny of weathered sailors who are just as heartless as LSOs grading a landing on the carrier. Longer and longer coastal passages soon led to a solo overnighter. That was followed by a 350 NM solo across the Bay of Biscay --- a rite of passage. My respect for mariners of previous generations grew enormously. Cruising sailboats today are wonderfully equipped, and with no less than 6 different GPS sources, there was little chance that I would have to rely on a sextant and recall of Youngster Year Celestial Nav to get me safely to port. With little more than ‘intermediate’ skill level, I set sail solo for The Azores, followed by a circumnavigation of the UK and Faroe Islands, and this year a trip to and around Iceland. I posted these adventures on YouTube for the amusement of my upperclassmen. Retirement is great! ®

Sailing Solo Faroe Islands to Scotland

Patrick’s Bavaria 40 sailboat, ISABELLE docked in Siglufjordur, Iceland

The Captain at sea

That’s it for now. Big football game coming up this weekend when Navy faces Air Force – BEAT THE FALCONS!

Drink up, me ‘earties, indeed! Now, if you please, put down that tankard of ale, wipe the foam from your beard, adjust your eye patch and attention to brief.

’77

Life Membership: 74% Donor Participation: 15.62% Pres: John F. Vuolo 71 Hidden Gin, Hinton, WV 25951-5184 Sec’y: Thom McKee 1202 Shady Creek Rd., Marriottsville, MD 21104 p: 410-489-5080; f: 410-489-5071 c: 202-438-1541; e: magoo1310@verizon.net

Class of ’76 pose with football legends

Aye, but we’re loved by our mommies and dads Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho” – George Bruns

“Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me We’re beggars and blighters, ne’er-do-well cads Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho

At the top of today’s order, Ken Shearer (34th Co.) informed us Club 34 recently celebrated their 42nd Reunion in Detroit. Detroit … Detroit? What, every venue in Youngstown, Johnstown and Flint were booked?!? ;-) Keith Kanuit (34th Co.) and his wife Mary Ellen hosted the mini-reunion, which kicked off Thursday,

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 85

77/77 CLASS NEWS June 6th and included Linda & Dave Armitage (34th Co.) (Neptune Beach, FL), Bill Hartman (34th Co.) (Bernalillo, NM), Jennifer & Ray Cook (34th Co.) (Southport, NC), Harry Rouse (34th Co.) and his friend Lew Ellen Erickson (Tulsa, OK), Ken (Geneva, IL) Lynn & Ray Trygstad (34th Co.) (Naperville, IL), George Thompson (34th Co.) (Hampton, VA) and Linda & Dave Armitage (34th Co.), current city/area of residence unknown. Tom Edwards (34th Co.) had to cank at the last minute, as one of his mares was about to foal. Ray came immediately upon concluding his last class at the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he teaches in the Department of Information Technology and Management, while George arrived still recovering from a nasty staph infection he contracted on a recent scuba trip to Thailand. Detroit was selected as the site because Keith was only 9 months post-heart transplant, and his ability to travel was still uncertain when planning commenced. Fortunately, his health had improved sufficiently by the time of the big event to enable his full participation. On Friday, while most of the husbands played golf (or rode along to enjoy the inevitable sea stories), the wives toured the Meadow Brook mansion, home of one Mrs. Dodge of automotive fame. Ken said the Westwynd Golf Course was a beautifully maintained tract with lots of water and sand to keep things interesting. Ray and Dave were team captains in a scramble format which saw the team of Armitage, Shearer, Thompson and Hartman eke out a one stroke victory on the 18th hole of a grueling contest, after which both teams slaked their thirst with some local brews at the 19th hole. Shown below at the golf course are, left to right, Ray Cook, Keith Kaniut, Dave Armitage, Harry Rouse, Ken Shearer, Ray Trygstad, George Thompson, & Bill Hartman. Dinner that night was at the Sedona Tap House, which, according to Ken, earned its Yelp points by offering up some fabulous fare. Shown below at dinner are, left to right/clockwise, Harry Rouse,

Lew Ellen Erickson, Ken Shearer, Ray Trygstad, Lynn Trygstad, Dave Armitage, Linda Armitage, Ray Cook, Jennifer Cook, Mary Ellen Kaniut, Bill Hartman, & Keith Kaniut. Saturday was museum day, with half the group touring the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn while the other half walked around the adjacent Greenfield Village, a reproduction of a small American town circa late-1800’s. After a late lunch punctuated by multiple reminiscences, the group adjourned back to the hotel in Troy for some “downtime” (aka, a nap!) prior to dinner at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, MI. The stories continued to flow, with discussions generally involving children, grandchildren, retirement and travel. The intrepid and tech-savvy group were even able to tie in Terry Hamilton (34th Co.) and Derrick Owings via a video conference. Ken concluded by noting everyone looked great after so many years, a phenomenon he acknowledged MAY owe more to the group’s deteriorating eyesight than any magic resistance to the passage of time. Regardless, it was a special weekend, and Atlanta was selected as the probable locale for the next Club 34 Classic. Next, Rick White (8th Co.) gave us an update on the recent Capstone event attended by this salty looking crew from ‘77:

“I was glad to see everyone and, man, was I impressed with those Mids. It’s traditional for alums to josh around about how today’s Mids aren’t as tough as us, but these men and women are really impressive. The Navy and Marines are in good hands.” Capstone Seminar -Shown, left to right, are French Caldwell (20th Co.), Scott Harding (30th Co.), Sam Locklear (7th Co.), Ken Graber (31st Co.), Rick White and Henry Brus (6th Co.).

The Capstone seminar, which is attended by every Firstie, is a oneday event conducted by the Naval Academy’s Leadership and Ethics Department. The program provides small groups of 1/C training in a variety of real-world scenarios they might well encounter in the Fleet, with, in this particular case, our classmates acting as table moderators. Moderators spend the better part of a day with the Mids, including both breakfast and lunch, leading discussions on the training scenarios, answering questions, offering professional advice and telling spellbinding stories, all of which begin with “This is a no-sh*tter!” Rick finds this a great event which leaves him invigorated every time he’s involved, a feeling we share, having participated ourselves on several occasions. This was firsttimer French Caldwell’s take away:

’77 typically assists with the seminar once a semester, so if anyone would like more information or wish to participate, feel free to contact Rick at: rwcllc77@verizon.net. You’ll be glad you did. Then there’s one more photo of the last flight of Bill White (32nd Co.), this one with his wife Sherryl:

Bill White’s Last Flight

Bill, all the best in your retirement, including a LOT of quality golf! Finally, just as we were going to press, Bert Seither (16th Co.) texted us his son Brett made the Georgia varsity football team as a freshman. Shown below after the GeorgiaNotre Dame game are, left to right, Bert, Brett and Beth…

Club 34

Bert, Brett & Beth

…and Bert, his daughter Shannon, Brett, son-in-law Chris and Beth:

’’77: Club 34

86 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

77/78 CLASS NEWS At 6’5”/228 lbs., and still a freshman mind you, Brett has a bright future as a Bulldog, and we know you join us in wishing him great success. The only question we have is where Bert’s loyalties will lie if Georgia ends up taking on Navy prior to Brett’s graduation? In the meantime, how ‘BOUT them Dawgs!?! Magoo

Seither Family

’78

Life Membership: 80% Donor Participation: 27.03% Pres: Glen Woods Sec’y: Vince Balderrama 1320 Homewood Ln., Annapolis, MD 21401 e: canoeu78@aol.com Website: usna1978.org

Lots of “stray rounds” that I’ll try to fire off in this end-of-the-year column. Most will be in “short bursts”.

While we had long sad goodbye to our deceased classmates, Bill Kihn (2nd Co), who passed away in 1999 and John Martin (23rd Co), who passed away in 2018. This year they both were placed to their final resting places. In July, Bill was inurned in the Columbarium in the Yard. Regrettably, I was unable to make the ceremony. But I’ll be sure to visit Bill and other classmates who rest there. John was inurned on a warm August day. He was surrounded by family, friends, former

CLA SS O F 1 97 7

MEMORIAL FUND

Captain Owen G. Thorp By Thom McKee ’77 On October 29th, 2017, barely a week after its 40th Reunion, the Class of 1977 lost a stellar shipmate, and both the Naval Academy and Navy Lacrosse lost an invaluable friend and advocate. Few, if any, alumni were as dedicated to serving the needs of the Brigade and the mission of the Naval Academy as Owen Thorp. In addition to his 20 years of service as the Academic Officer Rep for the Lacrosse team, Owen was an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering and Weapons, where he taught some 23 different courses in both the Mechanical and Weapons & Systems Engineering Departments, educating and mentoring literally thousands of Midshipmen. In recognition of Owen’s decades of tireless service and to keep his memory alive, his wife Kathy is establishing the Captain Owen G. Thorp Memorial Fund. The funds would be disbursed to directly support midshipmen in completing specific Capstone projects to be selected annually by the Weapons, Robotics and Control Systems Engineering Department. The Capstone project, as the name suggests, is the culminating event in an engineering undergraduate’s educational experience. Midshipmen define the scope of an open-ended problem, use the tools they’ve learned in previous courses to analyze it, evaluate alternatives, learn to manage a long-term project and work as a team with their fellow students. This funding will provide increased resources and support to a growing area of systems engineering study, highlight the Academy’s efforts in

this regard, as well as provide recognition of a superb officer, systems engineer and midshipman mentor. Contributions can be made via check to U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, 274 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402. Please include “Captain Owen G. Thorp Memorial Fund” in the note section of the check. Those preferring to contribute online can visit https:// www.usna.com/giv, select where you would like your gift to go to: OTHER, then in the section which asks “How would you like this gift(s) to be used?”, type in: “Captain Owen G. Thorp Memorial Fund”. To learn more about the Engineering and Weapons Capstone program, visit www.usna.edu/engineeringandweapons and click on the Research & Capstone link near the bottom of the page. ®

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 87

78/78 CLASS NEWS squadron mates and classmates. Among the Class of ’78 who bade him farewell were: Joe Martin (10th Co), Bill Hession (32nd Co), Doug Grau (1st Co), Tom Martinez (19th Co), Sean Coffey (13 Co), and John’s 23rd Companymates John Rogers, Chris Powers, Charlie Dawson, Matt Leavitt, Jim Butler and Howie Seeger. (I apologize to those whom I may have missed. I didn’t see you among the crowd. Coincidentally, the Chaplain presiding over the service was the same who performed my father’s ceremony almost the year before. Eternal Father, strong to save….) Belated congratulations to my flight school housemate, Ken Bowersox (19th Co) on his appointment as the acting director of head of human exploration at NASA (associate administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate). Sox retired from the space programs several years ago and for a while had worked for SpaceX as their vice president of Astronaut Safety and Mission Assurance. Now he is back at NASA and one wonders if it will be a longer-term job or just “acting” for a while. Best to you Sox!

Along their travels they see classmates and friends, so be on the lookout! When in San Diego one ’78 classmate - and companymate to Pam – they visited with was Mark Peterson (28th Co) and Wendel.

Deke and Brendan McGinnis

Keith Davies (24th Co) now works for Sandhills Community College (SCC) in Pinehurst, FL as their Aviation Program Coordinator. After retirement from the Marine Corps, Keith worked in public education as a teacher and administrator. Keith said his original intention was to retire from public education after 22 years, but I guess he wasn’t content with relaxation. He saw that SCC was starting an aviation program. Being a rotorhead and aero major at Navy, he contacted the college to see if there might an adjunct teaching opportunity. Needless to say, the conversation he had led to an offer to be the full-time Aviation Program Coordinator. He started at the beginning of July. I guess those golf courses just weren’t enough to occupy his interest. Hmmm, aviation over putting a little white ball in a hole- I know what I would choose. Good luck, Keith and have fun!

Sox (courtesy of Houston Chronicle)

Deke Philman (24th Co.), like many of you carrier pilots still attends the Tailhook Conventions. At this year’s event he ran into a young pilot, Brendan McGinnis, whom Deke referred to as a “great young man”. To tie in a ’78 connection even further, Deke reported that Brendan’s dad was the best man in Ken Waldie’s wedding (Or maybe it was vice versa- Deke couldn’t quite recollect. Of course, he did say he had a few beers with Brandon.) Turns out that his dad was the best man in Ken Waldie’s wedding (or vice versa....can’t remember!). When Brendan visits his hometown, he routinely visits the memorial.

Keith Davies (courtesy of SCC)

Pam [Wacek ‘80] and Scott Rodgers (11th Co) are satisfying their wanderlust with a trip around the U.S. in their 45-foot mobile home. At the beginning of August, they sold their house (furnished) and put all their worldly possessions in a 7’ x7’ POD. They have a RV lot with 400 square feet Casita near Orlando and plan to winter there each year. For now, they say the “U.S. will be our backyard!”

88 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Wendel, Mark, Scott and Pam

Larry Easton (30th Co) sent a little update on his Companymate, Bruce Gearey [I spelled it correctly this time, Bruce!] He reported that he had visited Bruce in late July and that Bruce was already making good progress and his attitude was very good. Bruce was “sprung” from rehab in time for him and Robin to attend the 30th Co. gang “mini-reunion 12-14 September In Annapolis. (Sorry I couldn’t join you guys for the Severn Inn dinner.) Bruce came on the net to give me a more detailed rundown. In a couple of separate notes that I compile together, he wrote more detail about what he calls his “Lost Summer”: “On June 23, I woke up normal, went to church, and even worked out. As the day went on, my feet were tingling, and my legs felt weak. By the end of the day I could not walk. Robin took me to the ER on that Sunday evening. By the end of the day Monday, after extensive tests, I was diagnosed with Guillain Barre’ Syndrome. It is a neuro muscular disease that is quite rare. The treatment is an IV of immunoglobin for 5 days. All this does is slow the progression of the onset of symptoms and eventually allows the body to start healing. However, the symptoms get worse for 2-3 weeks. Bottom line is that I was pretty much paralyzed from the shoulders down for 3 weeks. Eventually I bottomed out and started to slowly get better. I transferred to an in-patient rehab facility on July 3rd and was there until I walked out on August 24th. My upper body function

slowly came back first, but lower body was particularly slow, and I had to learn how to walk again. Early days were 2-3 steps on a parallel bar. Eventually a few steps with a walker and a couple weeks ago, I could finally walk with a cane and then unassisted. Still a way to go, but most fully recover from this. It could have been worse as some die and a third of the cases affect the lungs and you have to be incubated for an extended time. Others can’t swallow and it can even affect eyesight.” [He later added that he] “got the Shingles vaccine around 5 days before getting hit with this. The Docs are pretty sure that is what brought this on as it can trigger the autoimmune system to turn on one’s own neuro-muscular system. Just getting a virus can trigger it as well as flu or any other vaccines. It is a rare side effect and I just won the bad lottery this time around. I always got the flu shot every year. While a recurrence of this is rare, the Docs have advised me not to get any vaccines going forward. I will say I have a lot of friends and family that are reconsidering these vaccines after hearing my story. I am not an anti Vaxer by any means, but I think I would rather have had the Shingles at this point.” Bruce ended a note by adding that he “…can’t call out enough the wonderful support that I got from ’78 classmates. It made a difference. Many folks have had worse to deal with in life and I consider myself blessed to have such great family and friends. It definitely gives one a new outlook on things.” I certainly agree, Bruce.

Larry, Robin and Bruce

Carl Abelein (19th Co) wrote in August that he and his wife had the pleasure of taking a “family and

78/79 CLASS NEWS friends cruise” with their son aboard USS Stethem (DDG-63) out of San Diego. Carl’s son is currently in his Department Head tour as Weapons Officer and has just recently been selected for LCDR.

With that jacket of his, he definitely stood out from the crowd- but I think it more likely was because of the “USNA 78” baseball cap he wore (courtesy of Joe Leidig (14th Co)). Next year- the winner’s podium, right Randy?

Abelein “Tiger Cruise”

Rusty Cone (11th Co) Connected with Aloha Phil Winters on a recent visit to the Bay area! Great to see Phil. Also had breakfast with Prentiss Hall! He also was there when Prentiss had open heart surgery. Prentiss came through with flying colors. Rusty was amazed at how quickly the docs had Prentiss up and about to kick start the recuperation process. By the time this magazine arrives at your house, I hope he is back at 100%. I had the pleasure of briefly seeing Phil and Matt Elias (11th Co) in Annapolis for ceremonies marking the retirement of the VCNO and our 11th Company Plebe, Class of ‘81’s own, Bill Moran.

Randy looking dapper

Well, that’s all for now. As this is another “two-month” edition of Shipmate, belated “Happy Birthday” to my fellow Marines; I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving; and have a Merry Christmas (Mele Kalikimaka for “Aloha” Phil Winters and all the folks living way out there in Hawaii!). Until the next edition- Launchin’ Spot Four.

’79

Life Membership: 91% Donor Participation: 31.37% Pres: LCDR Sean Cate, USN (Ret.) e: Sean.Cate@1979.usna.com

number of you that I haven’t seen since graduation, which was amazing. And there were a lot of you that I saw but never got close enough to say hi. Reunions are a lot like a big wedding: sometimes you don’t know who was there until you see the pictures. And I hope to start seeing those soon (that’s a hint, by the way). One item of class business that took place that weekend was the official announcement of our new class leadership. As you know, elections for class officers and class council were held this summer. The following classmates will begin 10-year terms commencing in January 2020: Class Officers • President Dave Jackson (17th Co) • Vice President Chuck Dixon (19th Co) • Secretary - John “Wiz” Withers (19th Co) • Treasurer Jeff Johnson (29th Co) Class Council • 1st Batt Rep – Rich Phares (5th Co) • 2nd Batt Rep – John “Fozzie” Miller (8th Co) • 3rd Batt Rep – Ralph Quarles (14th Co) • 4th Batt Rep – Kirk Michealson (22nd Co) • 5th Batt Rep – Stan Clark (29th Co) • 6th Batt Rep – J eff McFadden (36th Co)

Sec’y: LCDR John “Wiz” Withers, USN (Ret.) 42498 Regal Wood Dr., Ashburn, VA 20148 p: 240-556-0637; e: JDWithers@1979.usna.com Social Network Links: http://www.linkedin.com/in/wizwithers Facebook Group: USNA Class of 1979 Website: www.usna79.com Rusty and “Aloha Phil”

Randy Masters (34th) participated in the 2019 Brompton World Championship Bicycle Race in London. Those are the bicycles that fold-up. It seems Randy has been quite the biking enthusiast as some may have noted from his Facebook postings and the occasional Shipmate entry. Randy didn’t win the race but didn’t embarrass himself either.

Greetings, 79ers! What a great reunion!!! I know you’re reading this in December, but I’m writing this just a few days after the Class of 1979 40th Reunion weekend. This was our largest gathering since we threw our caps in the air, with nearly 500 classmates and just over 1000 people total attending. Personally, I had a fantastic time. I talked with a

Dave Jackson, Class President-elect and wife Chris

I thought this would be a good time to allow the incoming and outgoing class officers the chance to share a

few comments. First up, President-elect Dave Jackson: M Greetings Class of 1979! I was honored and humbled to have received Sean’s nomination for Class president and to have your support (at least those that voted!). Sean is still President until the first of the year, so what he says goes. I do want to thank him on behalf of you for his 25 years of dedicated service to the Class as VP for five years and President for the past 20 years. I’d also like to thank Fred Gerheiser for his service as VP for the past 20 years. Together they and the rest of your Board established a strong legacy for the Class of 1979. On Sean’s watch we took on many projects, including the NavyMarine Corps Stadium Class of 1979 Battle Arch that commemorates the Civil War; and a project begun by the Class of 1879 that is a plaque in Bancroft Hall which commemorates the Brigade Commanders. Additionally, we supported academic excellence by sponsoring the Trident Scholar Program. And finally, Sean led the charge by encouraging you to contribute a remarkable $1.4M to our 40th reunion legacy campaign, overachieving by 281% with 46% participation rate. Bravo Zulu! I look forward to serving you over the next decade as we provide another link in the chain and forge a strong bond with the Class of 2029. For those I may not have met, I am a firm believer of learn, earn and return. I learned at USNA and Naval War College. I earned during a 26-year Naval Career as a Surface Warrior and then in corporate America for ten years. For the past five years I have returned to USNA and am giving back as a member of the faculty teaching Ethics and Moral Reasoning to Youngsters, as Maintenance Director to Naval Academy Sailing and as a skipper that takes non-sailing Midshipman offshore each Summer in an outward bound-like experience. Please stop by the Cutter Shed on Santee basin if you are on the Yard. OV, —Dave

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 89

79/80 CLASS NEWS As Dave mentioned, Fred Gerheiser elected to not run for another term. And so I have the pleasure of Chuck Dixon, Vice introducing my President-elect roommate Chuck Dixon as Vice President-elect: M Greetings Classmates! Let me echo what our President-elect has said in that it is truly an honor and I am humbled to have the opportunity to give back to the class as the incoming Vice President starting in 2020. Many thanks to Sean and Fred for their dynamic tag team over the past 20 years. The attendance at our recent reunion and the fantastic execution of the weekend is a credit to the entire board and to our fearless event organizer, Valerie Gerheiser. Thanks Valerie!! I’m looking forward to our opportunity to provide another Link in the Chain (although not looking forward to what that says about my age) as well as finding ways to continue to keep us closely tied together, reflecting on our four years by the Bay. I’m also very pleased and thankful that Fred will still be our Tailgate Guru and Valerie will keep setting our food themes for each game. I hope to see many of you at the remaining games and now that we live in Edgewater and I work in downtown Annapolis, I hope to see many of you around town! All the best and O/V, —Chuck Thanks, Dave and Chuck, for your comments, and congratulations on your election.

Jeff Johnson, Treasurer

Jeff Johnson returns for another term as our treasurer. Jeff doesn’t get much press, but his strong fiscal

guidance over the years has been responsible for our excellent financial shape. Ever humble, Jeff pledges that he will continue to be a good and prudent steward of our class funds. And all classmates visiting in or around the Sarasota, FL area are welcome to give him a call for a visit. Sean and Fred have served as our class leadership for the last 20plus years. To thank them for their service, I asked them to each offer a few remarks as they step down from their positions. First, our outgoing Vice President Fred Gerheiser: M I am grateful to have been the Class of ’79’s Vice President over the last 20 years and to have been able to assist Sean in any way that I could over the years. I think the main contributions were my involvement to get the reunions much better organized and in venues where we could get as many classmates to return as possible in the Annapolis area while still being cost conscious. My wife, Valerie, and I took over the planning and organization of the 20th reunion in 1999 following in the footsteps of Frank Dombrowski and his leadership to plan and organize our 15th reunion. Due to the turnout that was expected for the 25th, we moved a little “out of the box” and chose the BWI Marriott for our major class social and HQ venue which worked out well. I think the reunions have been going well ever since and the involvement of more volunteers over the years has been tremendous. Going forward, I think we’re in great shape for the upcoming reunions. I also wanted to get the class more involved with Saturday afternoon football game tailgaters in the fall. When we started back around 1999, there was very little interest from the classmates living in the immediate area and the tailgaters were quite sparsely attend by our classmates. We kept at it, though, and it grew to where it is today. Adding the permanent perimeter tailgating spot helped tremendously. I will continue to assist wherever possible and look forward to the upcoming class initiatives such as the “link in the chain” program with

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the Class of 2029 and future reunions and, of course, fall Saturday afternoon tailgaters!! Sean Cate will be sending out a farewell email, but he asked that I include these few words in this, the final class column with his name on the masthead: M Old sailors never die, they just move closer to the middle of SHIPMATE. Classmates, it has been one of the highest honors of my life, and one I never expected on May 30, 1979, to be your Class President for the past 20 years. So many of you expressed your appreciation of my efforts at the Reunion in September that all I can say, it has been my pleasure. I want to thank so many of you for your support and confidence I won’t name names lest I exclude someone whom I shouldn’t, but it is those of you who have stepped up to assist me on projects and other undertakings that were the real keys to the success of our class. You know who you are, and you have my eternal gratitude. It is time for me to pass the watch to the classmate who will lead us through our most important post-service operation - the fiveyear Link-In-The-Chain experience. Know, good Sir, that I am not going anywhere, and I am here to assist in any way I can, but this is your class to lead now. And I wish you and Christine every success and happiness this position brings. Fair winds and following seas my friend! Captain Jackson, I stand relieved! Omnes Viri 1979! —Sean Sean and Fred, I join all ’79ers in echoing Dave’s comments thanking you for your service. And we all know that, while you give up your official titles, you both will still be actively involved in ’79 activities.

Wiz Withers, Secretary

Finally, classmates, I too want to thank all of you for allowing me to continue serving as class secretary. So many of you at the reunion specifically thanked me for my work in publishing these columns in SHIPMATE. I truly do enjoy hearing from all of you and chronicling the adventures of ’79ers across the globe. It’s always fun getting to know classmates that I didn’t interact with much as a midshipman. And every column I put together reminds me that our class bond today is just as strong now as it was at graduation. My wife Karen and I wish each of you a very happy holiday season, and I’ll be back in 2020. Until then… Omnes Viri, Wiz…

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Best Wishes for the New Year from your Alumni Association and Foundation.

’80

Life Membership: 96% Donor Participation: 18.45% Pres: Tim Kobosko Sec’y: CAPT Joseph A. Grace Jr., USNR 15 Allard Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70119 p: 504-915-6711; e: joe.grace@1980.usna.com Website: www.USNA1980.org

USNA CANDIDATES Start the youngster you know on the road to USNA. To request infor or apply online, visit usna.edu/Admissions

Greetings Classmates, We have a date for the Reunion – the weekend of the 12th of September 2020. Right now, we are in the planning stages of the weekend festivities so there will be much more to follow. If you would like to

80/80 CLASS NEWS participate and help – or have any questions, please get in touch with me and let me know. The 40th Reunion planning is very dependent on our ability to get the word out to every member of the Class (graduates and non-graduates, family members of deceased classmates and anyone who has a connection to our Class. 40 years comes but once – so I am hopeful that we will haves a large attendance. It is really important, and a good time for Company Reps to begin reaching out to the Class to make sure that we get the word to everyone. If you would like to get involved – let me know. One of our Company Reps, from 5th Company, Beth Leadbetter Gordon, has started the process and was able to connect with our Chilean Classmate, Charles Le May, clemayv@gmail.com, who has agreed to attend. He and his wife Vicky have five children and four grandchildren. It will be great to reconnect! In addition to letting me know how others are faring, Beth also sent in a great heartfelt update and Family photo.

Bret,’80, daughter Kate, Beth ’80 and son Blake

M Greetings Joe! I’m continuing to “work” in a variety of support roles: as one of Dad’s caregivers, as a job coach and mentor for my son with autism; and as an assistant to my daughter in her first post-college position as a finance director for a state political campaign. Additionally, I have been holding down the fort at home in Media, PA while Bret prepares to move back from Seattle where he has been living for the past few years while working for Amazon. At long last, the Moving POD has been rented and hubby dear will be home soon! I’ve started a Honey Do List that will keep him busy for a while. Maintaining our property and home plus everything else mentioned

above has been about as challenging as Plebe Year, and I’m happy to report that I survived Bret’s “deployment” to the Pacific Northwest! I was recently named the Outreach Coordinator for our church and have been busy making connections with area organizations that serve veterans, senior citizens, area youth and people with autism. My volunteer responsibilities help take my mind off of the Dad’s worsening dementia and declining physical health. Thankfully my sister lives close by and we lean on each other to get through the more challenging days with Dad. The recent emails from you about the sudden deaths of two more of our classmates and Last Call in SHIPMATE gave me great pause for thought about our own longevity. You are so right when you write “How precious our time on this earth is and that tomorrow should not be taken for granted.” I have been thinking about the upcoming Navy Football Season and am hoping that we see even more of our Classmates at the Class of ’80 tailgates, especially those who rarely or never come back to the Academy. I want to encourage classmates to return and reconnect and am curious about what keeps people away? If it’s because their spirit was crushed and the overall USNA experience was so scarring that it took decades to recover, I can relate to that. That was my experience. It took me many years to come back to the Academy and to feel

comfortable going to Class events because I was projecting painful memories from the past into the future without knowing how much things have changed. I want to encourage our Classmates who haven’t returned due to unpleasant memories to come home and rewrite the end of your Academy story. I promise that you will be welcomed with open arms! An overdue Thank You - I was pleasantly surprised last fall when I asked on Facebook for someone to help my son with college level Java Programming, and Probability and Statistics homework. I was delighted to have had 3 responses immediately and want to thank Bob Stucky, Rich Cacace and Tom Ryan for that! I wasn’t surprised that Bob volunteered to help because we were FRAT 5 company mates. Rich and Tom unexpectedly came to the rescue out of the blue. One thing that Bob said really struck a chord with me, “Hey – Classmate, the BEST part of USNA are the people who have your back, always, for life.” I guess I really didn’t realize that Bob’s philosophy applied to me too, so here I am, at 61, still learning new perspectives and feeling even more grateful to be part of our class. Bret and I are planning to go to the Army Navy Game if we can secure tickets and if we can’t, we’ll go to Plan B and head to the Verizon Center across from the stadium. I wish I had more news to share about other classmates, but I haven’t received any updates from

Fabulous FRAT 5 and I don’t have everyone’s contact information. So, send me an update guys and gal because your lives and stories matter. Either forward them directly to Joe, or to me at: beth.gordon@ 1980.usna.com. —Beth Bill Metzger bmetz1980@gmail.com wrote in with a great update on a recent gathering that he hosted for many members of the Class. As many of you know, Bill suffered a broken neck in 1982 while body surfing and was medically Retired. He put together an amazing reunion that is described below along with some great photos: M Joe, I’m still living in Napa, CA these days. I moved back here in 2001 from Sacramento after retiring from Hewlett Packard. I wanted to be closer to my longtime home and help with my aging parent’s affairs. My mother passed away in 2009 and my father, Robert P Metzger ’48 passed in 2013. After settling their estates, I built a house with my longtime girlfriend. We wanted to be nearer to downtown but still live in rural Napa. I’m doing as well with no major complaints. We spend a lot of time flower gardening and tending to our huge vegetable garden and numerous fruit trees. Our young German Shephard also keeps us on our toes! We enjoy the wine country atmosphere and love to host friends travelling to the Bay Area.

’80: Those in attendance were L to R, front row: Scott Sanders, Mike Dorris, Tom Ryan, Jeff Best, Bill Metzger, Mike Petrofes, Mark Crook, Tony Verducci and Bob Russell. Back row: Bob Johnson, Tom Metzger ’86, Paul Remington, Martin Wenzel, Rich Chuday, Mike Kane, Nels Frostenson, Scott Stewart, Rob Catalano, Ken McIlhenny, Roger Sexauer, Kris Elliott, Mike Mason, Jim Bianchi ’81, Mike Rose, Pete Fyles and Steve Colon ’81. Maureen and Dave Quessenberry had another obligation and missed the Saturday event. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 91

80/81 CLASS NEWS System, I’m eligible to retire again next Spring—by applying my USNA time to my DOJ retirement. I’m not in any hurry, but it’s nice to know I’ll have the freedom to walk away. Thanks again for helping to keep us all closer in touch. Beat Army, Bruce Ross

’80: Wives in attendance were L to R, front row: Cathy Ryan, Terry Stewart, Jane Sexauer, Cherie Mason, me, Janet Weis, Connie Frostenson, Peggy Verducci and Helaine Catalano. Back row: Julie Best, Storrie Johnson, Terri Crook, Shelli Rose, Maria Russell, Tracey Elliott, Frankie Chuday, Jane Sanders, Martha Bianchi and Janet Kane.

’80: Front row L to R: Margaret and Rick Campbell, Nancy Honan :Back Row L to R: Jim Huck, Chris Geving, Cal Shintani, Mark Arnold, Steve Honan, Charlie Kanewske

I wanted to give you a brief update regarding a mini-reunion held August 9-10 at our house in Napa Valley. We had a small gathering last year and had such a great time that we decided to do it again. We hosted a bigger group of our classmates along with a few from ’81. The group gathered in Sonoma wine country for two events on Friday and we hosted a party at our place all day Saturday. As time goes by for all of us, I realize it is so important to keep in touch with our extended Navy family. One of our attendee’s, Rich Chuday, passed away in a tragic swimming accident only three weeks after our party. Everyone is devastated by the passing of such a dear friend. Renewing friendships after so many years was the highlight of the gathering and we all had our time with Rich and his wonderful wife, Francine. Rich will be sorely missed by his family, friends and classmates. What a great update! This is what really keeps the Class together – gatherings and making the effort to reconnect! Thanks Bill! Speaking of getting together, once again DC Area classmates

met up on Thursday, 12 Sep 19, at Sine Irish Pub & Restaurant, Pentagon Row, Arlington, VA. Under the guidance of our own Jim Huck; ten classmates and family turned out for this event. If you’re in the DC area and can make it over to the event – it’s always a good time! It’s always a pleasure to open up your inbox and have notes from Classmates that you haven’t heard from in a while. Bruce Ross baross@mac.com wrote in with a brief update after some prodding and answers to my requests for gouge! M Joe, After retiring Sept. 1, 2011 as a CDR, I went to law school in Seattle. I landed a great job after graduation as a Trial Attorney in the US Dept of Justice—Civil Division’s Aviation & Admiralty litigation section. I handle lawsuits against the US that involve ships and aircraft—e.g., ship collisions, seaman injuries, and aircraft accidents that involve federal agencies. (RADM Mark Guadagnini once introduced me as the Blue Angel’s lawyer). Due to a provision in the Fed Employees Retirement

92 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

In the past few months we have lost a few more Classmates; Larry Burks, Jimmy McKee, Alex Schwan, Ken Hall, Brian Porter and Rich Chuday. Their untimely deaths are a constant reminder of how important it is to be Shipmates to one another and keep in touch. Plan now to come to the 40th Reunion. It will be a wonderful chance to catch up with Classmates and friends. Please reach out to the families of these Classmates, and all who have gone to their Last Call and invite them to remain a part of the Class. As Beth mentioned above – I guarantee that it will be well worth the trip and all will be welcome! In Closing, I hope that this finds each of you healthy, happy and wiser today than yesterday. Please take a few minutes to renew a friendship, call / visit a Classmate and take care of each other – you never know what a difference you can make or how many more times you can make that difference. Plan on attending the reunion NOW! As always, BEAT ARMY, Joe

’81

Life Membership: 95% Donor Participation: 23.28% Pres: CDR Otto Stutz, USN (Ret.) 1529 Odman Dr., Chesapeake, VA 23321-1852 c: 757-618-4487; e: otto@1981.usna.com Vice Pres: CDR Tim Disher, USN (Ret.) 314 Locust Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401 c: 410-507-9040 e: timothy.disher@1981.usna.com Corr Sec’y: Ken Aiman 113 Keithwood Lane, Cary, NC 27511 c: 703.626.3465 e: classof81scribe@gmail.com Webmaster: Patty Crandlemire Whitney Website: www.usna1981.org Classwide messages: usna1981@yahoogroups.com

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas ’81!

Now around the time this issue gets to you, our team should be getting prepped for another classic battle on the field against our archrival – Army. And Army is looking pretty good this year (yeah, I know, blasphemy being spoken) … so it will be a good game. And I predict, a NAVY victory!!! Not much in the mailbox for this column, so just a short and sweet one. Let’s start off with David Fuquea (5th):

Pat and David in Louisville, Ky

M I must admit, now going on 38 years after graduation, this is my first submission… I am attaching a photo of myself and classmate Pat Kanewske (29th) (“When two or three shall meet….”) Pat and I ended up in Louisville, KY on the 19th of Aug at a dinner honoring Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee, Jr, USNA Class of 1908. The State of Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame inducted Lee as a part of their Class of 2019 for his performance at the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium where Lee won 7 Olympic medals for shooting: 5 golds, one silver, and one bronze (Prominent in the background of the photo). Lee’s record for medals won at a single Olympiad stood for 60 years. His classmates into the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame included the NBA World Champion, Derek Anderson and the Super Bowl MVP, Deion Branch. I am currently on sabbatical from eight years of teaching at the US Naval War College in Newport and hold aspirations to write a biography on Willis A. Lee. Still always nice to put on Marine Dress Blues and represent the Academy and the Department of the Navy. Like me, Pat retired from the Corps and now has a very interesting position as the Director, Ministry and media relations at the “Ark Encounter” in Hebron, KY.

81/82 CLASS NEWS His proximity and dedication to USNA brought him to the dinner that evening to recognize Lee. My research on Lee should lead me back to Kentucky this Fall, where I hope to link up with Pat again for a longer reunion. Meanwhile, numerous 81ers at the War College (Timm Garrold (6th), Peg Klein (31st), Don Marrin (4th), Jim Murray (29th)) gather periodically to reminisce about the “old days.” Thanks for that great update. And I will admit I have been remiss with the report on Pat Kanewske (29th). I gathered some information in the past and will share it now. Thanks for poke in the ribs to get me going, David! Pulling from email with Patrick the beginning of the year. Pat’s words – “We moved to Kentucky from Florida not long after retiring from the Corps in 2011. I’m currently the Director of Public Relations at Answers in Genesis which operates the hugely popular Ark Encounter on I-75 in Williamstown, Kentucky, between Cincinnati and Lexington. I invite all classmates to join me at this world-class attraction should they decide to travel to The Bluegrass State. Over two million guests in our first two years…a really cool place. Happy to meet you guys there whenever you decide to visit. Patrick Kanewske Director, Ministry and Media Relations Answers in Genesis.” Lyle Humpton (9th) and his lady visited the Ark Encounter this week. We literally ran into each other there. Great to see a good friend after so many years.

Here we have four dubious examples of the class of ‘81 in the aftermath of an epic battle against some 4 dozen Blue crabs at the home of Dave Mutzabaugh (23rd) in Virginia Beach. Also part of the tailgate practice event were Ted Morse (33rd), Mike Carucci (32nd) and myself. Beat Army!!

’81- Second to NONE!

’82

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 18.05% Ted Morse, Dave Mutzabaugh, Mike Carucci, Henry Holt

Jon Haugen (14th) sent in the following information as well as a photo: M Wendy Lawrence (13th) was in Bellingham WA as the featured speaker at Airfest Bellingham. Great slide show and video presentation. As usual Wendy was funny, clever and informative covering her four Space Shuttle adventures. Tom Boyhan, Class of 1966, is a neighbor. As a Navy Seal in Vietnam he said helicopter pilots, like Wendy, are his among his favorite people. I have been with Delta 31 years. I’m flying the 777 to Tokyo, Seoul, Paris and Sydney.

Wendy Lawrence, Jon Haugen and Tom Boyhan, (Navy Seal, Class of 1966).

Love the commercials I see on tv and yes, Pat, I see the change in the format since we first began emailing each other! Great job!! Henry Holt (2nd) sent a photo with some incriminating evidence

real praise comes from you and others. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and I let the ‘Last Call’ provide further details as that is from someone who knew them well. With that, I bid you and your families a wonderful holiday season and an early Happy New Year! One year closer to our 40th! Go NAVY! Beat Army!

The last item I have to share is that we had a couple more classmates that have moved on to their heavenly home, among them Glenn Wildfong (3rd). I will publish stories about our parted classmates, as the

Pres: Janeann Treadway Conley p: 410-251-7893; w: 301-342-2363 e: Jtcnaples@yahoo.com Vice Pres: Matt Moury p: 410-263-7640; e: vicepresident@usna82.org Treas: VADM Terry Benedict, USN p: 703-913-7183; w: 703-607-1036 e: treasurer@usna82.org

M Much has been noted in recent years about the success of the Class of 1982, which produced 20 flag officers, in addition to many more who made other contributions to the Navy or who became leaders in their own right in industry. Among the graduates: a chief of naval operations, a vice chief of naval operations, two Naval Air Systems Command commanders, a head of Naval Air Forces, a head of Naval Surface Forces, a combatant commander and more. As Adm. John Richardson retires from the Navy and leaves just three classmates behind in active service, several of his classmates reflected on their time at the Naval Academy, progressing in their careers alongside classmates, and what they attribute their collective success to. (Continue reading at http://bit.ly/USNA82LooksBack)

Corr Sec’y: Rett Rasmussen 1710 Dana Pl., Fullerton, CA 92831 p: 714-871-1860; w: 562-696-8718 c: 562-822-0755; e: rett@rasmussen.biz Website: http://1982.usnaclasses.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/USNA82

Good Morning, ‘82! With sadness, I report the passing of our classmate Charles ‘Chuck’ Murphy (23) on August 21, 2019. Chuck died unexpectedly from complications of a massive heart attack in Murrieta, California. A private memorial was held on Friday, August 23, 2019. The family has asked that those wishing to help with Chuck’s final medical expenses contribute via their GoFundMe page https://www. gofundme.com/jd398-chuckmurphy039s-final-expenses. ADM John Richardson (26) was (finally) relieved as CNO on August 22, 2019, by ADM Mike Gilday in a ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard. Because of an unexpected delay in gaining a successor, our class did not have the opportunity to bookend his CNO tenure with a ceremony at USNA. But, a wonderful article about John and our great Class was written by Megan Eckstein of USNI News, available at http://bit.ly/USNA82LooksBack An excerpt:

’82’s own CNO, John Richardson, lives on in the iconic Reef Points.

The three ‘82ers remaining on active duty are ADM Phil Davidson (6), Commander of U.S. IndoPacific Command; VADM Bruce Lindsey (25), Deputy Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command; and Dee Mewbourne (31), Deputy Commander, U.S. Transportation Command. Dee was relieved as Commander, Military Sealift Command (MSC) on June 28, 2019.

Dee Mewbourne addresses service members and civilians at Military Sealift Command™s Change of Command ceremony aboard the expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10), at Joint Base Little Creek-Fort Story, June 28. (U.S. Navy photo by Jennifer Hunt/released)

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 93

82/82 CLASS NEWS Mark “Stick” Converse (31) reported on the July 26, 2019 remarks by CNO John Richardson at the USNA Superintendent Change of Command: M As VADM Ted ‘Slapshot’ Carter, ’81, passed the Supe reigns to VADM Sean Buck, ’83 at USNA, our classmate CNO set a new, high bar for the ‘opening monologue’ for a Change of Command and Retirement ceremony! See the video at http://bit.ly/SUPECOC ...well worth the three minutes, in my view. Other ’82 in attendance included Matt Klunder (5) (83rd Commandant of Midshipmen), Chris Paul (30), and me.” Stick also submitted: M The Navy Sailing championship crew from the classes of ’82 and ’83, who won the Kennedy Cup (Collegiate National Champions, spring 1982) and McMillan Cup (Collegiate East Coast Champions, fall 1981), came together on June 7, 2019, for a gift for their retiring

teammate, VADM Dixon Smith, ’83, and his wife Kiki. Joe DiRenzo (10) sent in: M This summer my command, the USCG Research and Development, hosted for the first time four Naval Academy Midshipman for their summer internships. All were 1/C Mids and Ops Research Majors, and three were Varsity athletes. They participated in some unique projects: Steven and Morgan worked with our Modeling and Simulation Center on aircraft issues; Jamie worked with our Intelligence officer on an intel focused effort; and Tommy worked with me on our Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response project. During their month-long internship all the Mids had a chance to “experience” the Coast Guard, including visits to Sector Long Island Sound (including visiting the command center and getting underway on our incredibly maneuverable small boats) and USCG AirSta Cape Cod.”

The back-to-back championship crew is in the attached photo at the Robert Crown Sailing Center (front row: Dixon Smith- helmsman, ’83, Mark Converse- tactician, ’82, Mike Case – cockpit, ’82, Dennis Wells – trimmer, ’82, Pete Sherman – foredeck, ’82, Al Wilde – foredeck, ’82; back row: Mike Crosby – cockpit, ’83, Steve Carroll – mainsail, ’83, Seamus Flatley- cockpit, ’83, missing- Craig Bertolett – cockpit, ‘83).

’82: June 7, 2019 retirement of VADM Dixon Smith ’83. ’82 classmates in the photo include: Dave Johnson (17), Dennis Wells (17), Virginia ‘Randy’ Kurtz (27), Eric Reinke (3) and Mark Converse (31). 94 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Midn. Jamie Miller, Midn. Morgan Frazer, Midn. Steven Ferdovich, Midn. Tommy Reader, and Joe DiRenzo.

Joe continues: “One thing is very clear...the Midshipman that we hosted here at the USCG RDC were poised, confident, exceptionally engaging and were exceptional examples of the Naval Academy. I can’t tell you the number of my colleagues that remarked what a pleasure they were to work with. Bottom line...everyone in our class should really take pride in the fact that Navy is maintaining a level of excellence that will serve the nation long into the future. If these four future junior officers represent the direction the service is headed — we are in very good hands.” Andy Wilson (15) checks in from the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, Maryland:

The Wilsons: Andy, Clara (12), Grace (14) and Andrea.

M I’ve been working as a Product Team Lead in the P-8A Mission Systems Program office for the last four years, and I work right next door to a hanger I was a stash Ensign in, flying P-3s, in ’82! It’s been fun to be back near Annapolis and my family and I get up there pretty regularly. To give you a short recap of my career – I flew with VP-49 (Jacksonville) as an NFO, a staff tour in Pensacola, and served as Assistant Operations on Kitty Hawk (CV-63) at North Island. I also attended Postgraduate School in Monterey (Space Systems Operations). I joined the Reserves in 1993 and flew with VP-65 (Point Mugu) for 7 years, until joining a SPAWAR Reserve unit, retiring in 2008. I met Andrea out in San Diego, introduced by our mutual friend Tom Billings (Class of ‘59), and we were married in Cooperstown in 2002. I worked at SPAWAR in San Diego after leaving active duty, in several program offices, and wrapped up my time there as the Project Officer for the Navy’s ground-based space surveillance radar system. After our first daughter was born, we relocated to the Finger Lakes region of New York, where I worked in the defense industry for several years, and then came back in to the Government in 2012, here at Pax. It’s great to be back in a Navy town with the sound of freedom overhead (except when my wife is trying to homeschool our daughters and the F/A-18s and F-35s are in the pattern!), running in to classmates regularly, enjoying sailing, camping, and all the activities being near DC offers. Your Humble Scribe Rett Rasmussen (21) and Evin Thompson (30), friends since I-Day minus one, were in Montana, south of Bozeman,

’82: The crew’s gift to Dixon Smith – a double-side photo pillow.

82/83 CLASS NEWS during August at The Wild Adventure (www.twa.us). Five days of fly fishing the Madison River and private lakes, eating expertly prepared food, and having conversations on the big issues of life with ten other great guys. We then went to the Rasmussen family cabin outside the NE Entrance of Yellowstone for two more days of lake fishing. Not once did these ol’ water polo players take a dive into the water! Roommates Puppy Dogs ’83: USNA Women of ’83

Rett Rasmussen and Evin Thompson fishing out the Madison River. Make America Wild Again!

Rett Rasmussen and Evin Thompson at The Wild Adventure in Montana. TCBTBWOYL

Thanks to all who submitted input. For those whose content isn’t in this column, it will be in the next issue. Email your Shipmate update photo and paragraph to rett@rasmussen.biz. BEAT ARMY! Looking good, ‘82! – Razz

’83

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 17. 24% Pres: LCDR Stephen L. Fischer, USN (Ret.) 31 Call Ct, Fredericksburg, VA 22405-2144 p: 540-840-7051 Vice Pres: Ms. Geraldine W. Santos Treas: Frank Vernet e: fgvernet@gmail.com Sec’y & Shipmate Contact: CAPT Chris Pietras, USN (Ret.) 9404 Jackson St., Burke, VA 22015 c: 860-885-9009; e: 83shipmate@gmail.com Facebook: USNA 1983 LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/83

It’s the first day of fall, yet it was over 90 degrees in the DC metro area (I think the 59th day this year over 90 degrees), and 2 more days

this week with expected temperatures over 90. It sure doesn’t feel like fall. What does feel like fall is football. Navy is 2-0 and looks pretty good, scoring lots of points (83 plus 4) and holding our first 2 opponents to 17 totals points. So off to a good start, though as someone said we can’t sing we don’t play Holy Cross any longer, and the tougher part of the schedule is ahead (Army is 3-1 and they played top 20 team Michigan to the bitter end; Air Force is 2-1). And now, Da Newz: Many of our classmates gathered in California and posted a group shot of their celebration. • From our prez (little p) Steve Fischer: Great turnout for the events surrounding the promotion of Sean Buck to Vice Admiral, installation as Superintendent, and the various parties after. The protocol people told me there were 229 people signed up from 83 (alums + spouse/guest). There is no question we out-did the Class of (83-2) with our rowdiness. Break • For those of you who aren’t aware, Classmate Jess Posey runs a DC-centric business mixer every month (all service academies), plus puts out position opportunities. To get on his email list contact him at bwjessposey@gmail.com. For service academy grads that do business locally, this is a way to meet other area service academy grads and to expand your network. Format: Casual, business-oriented, no speaker, just networking, on the 2nd Tuesday of each month (usually). Double break

• Steve and his wife (and youngest Fischer family member) went to the pre-season Navy Football Fan Fest. Bumped into a few Classmates (Tony Bennett, Scott Bell & his terrific wife Laurie), and this somewhat shady guy wearing a Navy uniform. Sean… um… Sean something. Also took a quick pic of the receivers group of the team. And noticed my favorite player on the Navy team this year, #83. He looks… so young…

83 all around

• Scott Watson checks in: Hi Chris - stopped by Morristown TN to give my roommate for 3 of 4 years at USNA update on Supe Change of Command. Ralph Williams’ nickname was “puppy dog” and he’s shown here with his beautiful daughter’s puppy Otis! I introduced Ralph to Patty back in 1991! Great seeing you Ralph and Patty! We facetimed with Craig Husa (9th) while I was there.

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE Log into Online Community at usna.com to update your profile.

Roommates Puppy Dogs

• Is this a retraction or a correction ? Hmm, I’m not sure, so you be the judge. In any event, I learned something at the Supe’s Change of Command. A couple of issues ago I started the column with “and then there were 5” as I thought with the recent rash of Flag retirements we had but 5 classmates remaining in uniform, but I was wrong. It should have read: “And then there were 7:” and gone on to include Denise Newell and Lynn Thomas. Lynn and Denise are both still active on the Reserve side of the house, and not flag officers. There is law and policy detailing how we still have other classmates representing all of us in uniform. The gist of it is that nurses and women officers with Reserve commissions on 30 SEP 1996 are exempt from high year tenure/mandatory removal dates and, if otherwise fit and qualified, can serve until reaching the statutory age limit. So, Lynn and Denise still serve and until relatively recently Pam Corwin was also in the still serving club. I apologize to all three and if there is someone else please let me know. • Lynn Thomas also did a check in and says she hadn’t written in 26

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 95

83/83 CLASS NEWS years, so... In other news, chapters end, and my chapter as a college physics teacher ended two years ago. I miss the kids and the teaching, but starting this month (August 2019) I’m back in school as a full-time student working on a doctorate in Applied Earth Science. To fill in the gaps in my schedule I was recently elected to the Board of Trustees of the National Association of Rocketry. Remember the rockets in Weapons class (well, the non-engineer’s version, anyway)? I’ve been throwing those at the sky since I was a kid, and still have a ton of fun doing it. The national championship meet is a ton of fun, sometimes more for the delightful people than the rockets. So, I tossed my name in the hat to give something back. Rick and I traveled to London over the 4th of July week, so he could teach a day in an Indiana University study-abroad course run by a friend of his. The rest of the visit we were tourists, but not always typical gawkers. The British Museum had an exhibit of Rembrandt drawings and prints that was fascinating. Most of them were actually prints made from copper-plate etchings, some in multiple stages as he refined the image. We spent a delightful day at the Natural History and Science museums looking at dinosaur fossils and the evolution of steam engines, to name just two. Rick took pictures and collected ideas for teaching his fall classes while I gawked at the Natural History Museum’s architecture (it’s a Victorian-era building, and gorgeous). We had to walk through the bird exhibit to get to the dinosaur gallery. That was very crowded with both people and exhibits, but the one that just grabbed my attention was the pair of dodo birds, one each of two species. I’ve seen drawings, but these were real. It made me kind of sad to such strange, wonderful creatures and know that they’re all gone. My favorite site was the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, where we stood on the Prime Meridian with a foot in each hemisphere (as defined by the astronomical meridian, but 5

arc-seconds west longitude based on the current worldwide datum. After that it gets complicated.) That comes at the end of a pretty cool tour complete with audio guide. It turns out that the meridian has been moved a couple of times over the centuries as the instruments improved, but the total shift is less than 20 meters, so the world is still safe for navigation. I was looking for a photo to include, and so I went to Lynn’s FB profile and found a perfect one – in uniform and cuddling her grandniece.

• August 28, 2019 gathered at the Crystal City Buffalo Wild Wings. L2R: Jeff Clark, Matt Feely, Steve Fischer, Chris Biow, Rich Rivera, and Brian Antonio.

7th Fleet

BWW

• Celebrating the Navy win over ECU in the Yeager Pavilion inside the stadium: Joe, Luke, Chris, and Joe.

• Pete Stitt is always sending me pictures of meet-ups with classmates – he sure gets around: Bruce Dammeier & I ready for an adventure! Flew Kenmore Air seaplane from Seattle Lake Union to Roche Harbor. Then by boat to Tacoma! Go NAVY! Yeager

Still Serving

• Jim Nail was elected as Junior Vice Commander for the Veterans Of Foreign Wars, Department of Missouri. Assuming all goes well, in 2021 he will be the VFW Commander for Missouri and will be attending the National Convention in Baltimore MD (and he’ll be looking for classmates to visit in the area as well). Scribe note – I think Jim ran for junior vice commander rather than senior vice commander as it’s the only job at our age where someone calls you junior.

Junior

96 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Pete-Ups

• Mike Salvato writes in to say: I attended the U.S. Seventh Fleet Change of Command in Yokosuka, Japan on 9/12/19. Our very own VADM Phil Sawyer was relieved by VADM Bill Merz ’86. Phil and I were roommates in 16th Co. The ceremony was presided over by another 16th Co alum, ADM Chris “Lung” Aquilino ’84, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Several other grads were in attendance and, of course, several foreign dignitaries. Phil and his wife Lisa are headed back to DC where Phil will be the next Deputy CNO (DCNO) for Operations, Plans, and Strategy (OPNAV N3/N5). L2R: Bill Merz, Chris Aquilino, Phil Sawyer, Mike Salvato.

• Please keep our Classmates and family members in mind. Pick up the phone, send an email or knock on a door – Life is fragile. Please be sure to reach out and touch your loved ones, reconnect with an old friend or roommate, whether in person or on the phone. Just do it today, as we can never count on the opportunity to be able to do so tomorrow. Please write in with your newz. I don’t want the first time you appear in a column to be your last time. Got Newz? send to: 83shipmate@gmail.com Once a classmate, always a classmate. ’83- A Class Act!

CLASS SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES Send to: classnews@usna.com

ISSUE: Jan-Feb ’20 March ’20 April-May ’20 June ’20 July-Aug ’20 September ’20 October ’20 Nov-Dec ’20

DUE DATE: Nov 25, 2019 Dec 26, 2020 Feb 24, 2020 Mar 23, 2020 May 26, 2020 Jun 22, 2020 Jul 27, 2020 Sep 21, 2020

84/85 CLASS NEWS

’84

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 21.88% Pres: CAPT Toni Kasprzak, SC, USN (Ret.) e: tonitalks14@gmail.com Vice Pres: Blake Ratcliff e: blakedratcliff@gmail.com Treas: Melanie V. Doherty e: lambchop_nh3@yahoo.com Sec’y: Kevin Monahan 428 Santa Mesa Dr., San Jose, CA 95123 p: 408-624-0773 e: kevin_monahan@comcast.net Website: www.usna84.org

Bruni Bradley was ship sponsor christening high-speed transport, USNS Guam (HST 1) in April. Bruni’s husband is Ambassador of the United States to the Republic of Korea Harry B. Harris, Jr. ’78. I ran across an article noting how the oldest serving Naval Aviator, The Silver Eagle, by tradition gives a set of Naval Aviator Wings to a Nugget. We were Nuggets once, now the Silver Eagle is our own Chris Acquilino, Commander Pacific Fleet, handing ‘em over to a 23-year old. Makes one feel old. You Poor NAPSTERS are a year older than old. Just trying to cheer everyone up. Short note this time out. Reunion is 4 weeks from this weekend and I have no idea if I can make it. Beat Army.

’85

Life Membership: 95% Donor Participation: 12.80% Pres: Bob Smith 1009 Caiman Ct., Sellersburg, IN 47172 p: 502-432-6185; e: robertsmith5@att.net Vice Pres: Stephen J. Pimpo e: sjpimpo@comcast.net Corr Sec’y: Vic Otero e: vic@otero-pearl.com

We have some big news for our class since last Shipmate input: Mike Gilday (3rd) is our CNO! Mike was nominated by the President on July 17, confirmed by the Senate on August 1, and relieved ADM Richardson (82) at the Washington Navy Yard on August 22. Congratulations Mike! The class is so happy for you and Linda, and happy the Navy is in such good hands.

It was a pretty short news cycle, but many classmates were able to attend. It is safe to say all of us felt honored to be there and proud of Mike, our class, the navy, and our country. Several pictures are included from the ceremony and the reception that followed. The night before the ceremony, ‘85 had some minireunions. Third Company (Mike’s) got together for dinner while other classmates convened at a nearby watering hole. There are some pictures from these mini-reunions. On-hand from 3rd Company were Andrew Cheney, Steve Debonis, Mike Fazzio, Bob & Trish Goodman, Chris Hickey, Dan & Vickie Holzricther, Dale & Sandy Horan, Rick Merriman, Chuck & Myra Mills, Frank & Allison Novak, Mark Poindexter, Paul Rosmilso, and Mark & Kim Waterman. Also, Leigh-Anne Cade, the wife of Steve Cade, was there in geo-bachelorette status because Steve had prior commitments. Plus, 3rd Co. had the pleasure and honor to see another company-mate: VADM John & Jo Nowell (84). Other classmates, besides 3rd Company, included: me, VADM Andy Lewis, VADM Tim Szymanski, RADM Ricky Williamson, Bob Smith, Brad Olds, Sly Mata, Paul McElroy, Tom Plofchan, Joe Wright, Joe Beadles, Rick Snow, Dave Weiss, Bob Underwood, Steve Pimpo, Bob Byron, David Oliver, Rob Haidvogel, Steve Kintzel, Frank Gunsallus, Lee Clay, Allan Assel, Nick Olmsted, Dan Stout, Mike Huggins, Paula Niera, Chuck Merritt, Tom Fritz, Kent Kettel, Duane Schroeder The event put everyone in great spirits. It was fun to catch up with classmates and to celebrate this

amazing accomplishment by one of our own. And of course it was great to see Mike. He went to the mini-reunions and was cheerful, seemed relaxed, and made time to talk with almost everyone personally. His list of accomplishments and accolades is obviously long, but his style is still low-key and he remains humble. As Mike & Linda Gilday embark on this extremely demanding 4-year assignment and continue to sacrifice for our country, all of us should keep them and their two college-age sons in our thoughts and prayers.

’85

’85: CNO dinner

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 97

85/86 CLASS NEWS 2nd LTs. The events of grad week are truly stunning as a visitor and a parent (so different than being a mid!!); from Herndon, the Supe’s Reception, Grad Ball, and everything in between. We were completely humbled to watch as Lauren led the brigade in the Color Parade as the 2nd Semester Brigade Commander. Lauren will go on to the Nuclear Surface Navy and will be marrying 2nd LT Jared Stephenson (‘18) next fall. The future is bright and in good hands.

’85

’86

for dinner as he is currently working as an engineering consultant in NYC on a MTA project.

Shelley, Lauren and Brian

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 10.99% Pres: CAPT W. Scott Gureck, USN (Ret.) 514 Emory River Rd., Harriman, TN 37748 p: 808-227-2576; e: scott.gureck@gmail.com Vice Pres: Jeff Hornberger Treas: A.C. Raines Sec’y: CDR K.J. Delamer, USN (Ret.) Corr Sec’y: CAPT Anne G. Hammond, USN (Ret.) e: annegham@aol.com; p: 410-980-6460

’86’ers, A few inputs this month… First from Bob Bazan:

In other great news Mike & Luz Wray (10th co) got married and had some of his 85 classmates present. Stuart Price (10th co), John DeNardo (32nd co), Jeff Bernardi (16th co), Napoleon McCallum (27th co), Jack Stem (2nd co), Gerry Padich (26th co). Congratulations to both of you. Next issue will recap the Bianchi Golf Tournament. GO NAVY BEAT ARMY VO

M I had a nice long weekend in Park City, UT pictured on the mountain with Joe Herlihy, Paul Obsitnik and Ed Dempsey. Great hiking and an intense bobsled run at Olympic Park. Of course, the whiskey bar and saloon wasn’t too bad either for us to catch up with each other. Joe is in Ohio running the family moving business celebrating its 100th anniversary, Paul is an executive in California with an integrated circuit company, and Ed is running his own sales software business in Colorado. I am in New York managing large commercial projects for lighting and controls. Phil Munaco and I live near each other on Long Island and are members in the local American Legion post together. I also recently got to meet up with Nick Peterson

21st Co in Utah

And from Brian O/Malley: M We had an amazing Commissioning Week in Annapolis this year as we celebrated our daughter Lauren (‘19) and her classmates as they became commissioned Ensigns and

’86: O’Malley Graduation 98 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Brian O’Malley and Steve Wisotzki

ATB, —Anne

’87

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 11.45% Pres: Jim Matheson e: jmatheson@1987.usna.com Shipmate columnist: Robert Pinataro 7 Meadowood Ln., Binghamton, NY 13901 e: rob.pinataro@stny.rr.com; p: 770-722-6373 Website: www.usna87.org

Hello ’87! Fall is here and with it, Navy Football! May you all have an enjoyable Fall, plenty of time to watch Navy play, and perhaps the time to get to Army-Navy. We have some tremendously good news regarding recognition of our classmate, Sunita Williams, as a role model in leadership, science, space exploration and more. On October 11th, the town of Needham, MA, dedicated Sunita L. Williams Elementary School located at 585 Central Avenue, Needham, MA 02494. Scores of classmates are planning to attend that event as I write on 9/24. Congratulations to Sunita on this tremendous recognition and on her selection to be one of the first astronauts who will return to space in the new age of commercial space travel.

Sunita L. Williams Elementary School, Dedicated 10/22/2019

Jim Lelio sends his thoughts on the untimely passing of John Titus: M I wanted to share a quick note on my two recent visits to the home of our classmate John Titus and his lovely wife Amy. This past June I stayed with John & Amy in their Philadelphia suburban home while on an East Coast business trip. John had limited mobility due to recent knee surgery so we spent hours together on the back porch drinking cold beer, listening to country music and talking about

87/88 CLASS NEWS every subject under the sun…from challenges of our work to the latest accomplishments of each other’s children (we each have a 23 & 21year old), and as always we ended up thanking God for the wives He brought into our lives some 25+ years ago. The only regret John mentioned that day was his recent purchase of new golf clubs just prior to injuring his knee. And though it was going to take months for his knee to heal and rehab, John committed to be ready for a scheduled southern Arizona golf-outing in 2020 to celebrate my 55th birthday. At a similar event for my 50th, John not only played exceptional golf but also took 1st prize in the tequila tasting competition…John was truly a renaissance man. Just two weeks later I was back at John & Amy’s home to honor him along with admirals, politicians, business executives and Naval Academy classmates who had joined family and friends at his memorial service and military burial – it was a wonderful celebration of a life well-lived. I’ll personally miss his great sense of humor, our random phone calls & visits throughout the years and most of all, his exaggerated stories of greatness from our youth. John will live on in the memory of everyone fortunate to have known him and through those he helped the most – whether it was junior officers, veterans’ groups or young Comcast employees, John always gave willingly of his time and wisdom to support the advancement of their careers. I was very fortunate to have been both a classmate and roommate to John while at the Academy, and I was proud to call him my best friend these past 32 years. Fair winds and following seas John, we’ll miss you until we see you again. ~JL

And now for the start of a series of “blast from the past photos”, with huge thanks to Ralph Nelson and Mark Belcher, fellow 3rd Company plebe year partners in crime, I present bootleg photos from plebe summer. Just wait, future columns will feature “Working Uniform Batman” and “Working Uniform Mickey Mouse” among others! Mark took quite a few photos, and I’ll be salting them into our column over the next many months. Enjoy, and if you have any from your company, send ‘em along!

Class of ’87 3rd Company Plebe Summer, (L to R) Patrick Walsh (I hope I’m right on that), Cary Manhertz, Rob Pinataro, George Ganahl, and Ralph Nelson

Class of ’87 3rd Company Plebe Summer, Rob Douglass with a great message. It’s worth imagining… what if?

Please send your news to Rob.Pinataro@1987.USNA.COM with “Shipmate” in the subject line. Beat Army!

CLASS SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES Send to: classnews@usna.com

The Titus Family

ISSUE: March ’20 April-May ’20 June ’20 July-Aug ’20 September ’20 October ’20 Nov-Dec ’20

DUE DATE: Dec 26, 2020 Feb 24, 2020 Mar 23, 2020 May 26, 2020 Jun 22, 2020 Jul 27, 2020 Sep 21, 2020

’88

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 9.88% Pres: Jim Schwab c: 972-489-4061 e: jschwab@crimstonepartners.com Vice Pres: Henry Stoever w: 202-572-2102; c: 301-787-9700 e: henry.stoever@gmail.com Sec’y: Sara Salas Wickard c: 757-589-0678; e: swickard88@gmail.com Website: www.usna.com “find my class”

’88, “As naught may outrun the destroyer, So it is with the law and its grip, For the strength of a ship is the service, And the strength of the service the ship.” First “Law of the Navy”, Admiral R.A. Hopwood, R.N. (Ret), pg 49, Reef Points 1984-1985 r/Sara From the Severna Park Voice, Monday, 23 September 2019: Mike Binnix Awarded Leader of the Year in County Scouting . “ If someone could personify the term “scout for life,” that person would be Mike Binnix, scoutmaster for Troop 918, which is based out of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Severna Park. On June 10, at a Four Rivers District dinner, Binnix was recognized as the 2019 Scouts BSA (B) Leader of the Year…Binnix grew up in Annapolis and was a member of Troop 396, in which his father served in leadership roles and in which Binnix achieved the rank of Eagle in 1983. When his own sons wanted to get involved with scouting, Binnix naturally wanted to be a part of their experience. He’s been a BSA volunteer for the last 10 years and served as a den leader, cub master, assistant scoutmaster, scoutmaster, and will soon be troop committee chairman…Binnix doesn’t measure success by what he accomplishes but rather by what the youth can achieve…Binnix’s message is simple: make a difference. “I would encourage everyone to volunteer with our youth. Coach, help the congregation youth group, teach, volunteer at school, or come join us with the scouts,” Binnix said, “but go be important to a kid.”” (The article, in its entirety, can be found online.)

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 99

88/90 CLASS NEWS Craig Foster. And another bittersweet image, this time of Mike Bice and Joe Daugherty goofing around. Speaking of goofing around, do you remember our “casual” company photos? Kwan Lee shared 14th Company in all their glory! Brian Filler

Muir and Vernazza

Plebe Year mini reunion

’88: First tailgate of the 2019 Season with Jeanne Cooper, Rodney Luck, Bob Cooper, Kennon Artis, Jim Schwab, Jim’s son Jack, Ed Grinnell, Jim Lanoue, Dave Albritton and Jackie Schwab

’90

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 12.79% Pres: Lawrence “Kai” Yeh e: kyeh@mpsgc.com

Takesuye and Sanchez

Stoneman and Creasey

Vice Pres: Frank Bendik e: fbendik90@yahoo.com Ops: Maj Carter Honesty, USMC (Ret.) e: carterhonesty@yahoo.com Treas: Tom Callender e: tmcallender4@verizon.net Mike Binnix – Leader of the Year in Anne Arundel County Scouting

’89

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 21.48% Pres: Ingar Grev 904 Barbury Pl., Annapolis, MD 21401-6485 p: 410-571-0105; w: 703-243-6613 f: 419-818-7319; e: igrev@1989.usna.com Corr Sec’y: Scott McFadden e: jscottmc89@yahoo.com Listserv: usna89@yahoogroups.org Listserv Subscription: send a blank email to usna89-subscribe@yahoogroups.com from the address you wish listserv traffic to be sent To Post a Message: write your messag and send it to usna89@yahoogroups.com Unsubscribe: send a blank message to usna89-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Webmaster: CDR Dave Klain, USN e: dave@klain.net

Sec’y: Trey Alexander e: shipmate1990@gmail.com Website: www.usna90.com

Ashliman and Sanders

Archbold and Colandrea

Facebook: USNA Class of 1990

By the time you’re reading this, we will be about one year away from our 30th reunion! It is scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 22-25, and we will share planning details soon. Being in a nostalgic mood … anyone need a Blue Book? Ha! Here are some great images from an archive copy of the Trident day planner, courtesy of Mary Kay Wegner. Mike Sherman in a classic brace-up. How many faces do you recognize from the Fieldball team? From Two for Seven Night? Or with the Supe during Army Week festivities? And which did you spend more time doing: sunning on Red Beach or marching tours? Plus, three happy faces on a YP – Kyle White, Monica Schrodt San Jose, and Jerry Highberger … and then there’s

100 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Reyes and Sevidal

’90: Tideline pretailgate

Bendik and Howard

90/91 CLASS NEWS

So how many ’91rs does it take to rig a TV?

’90: Reinhold retirement

Larry Dickinson provided this brief update from Gulf Shores, Alabama: “So happy Clay Stackhouse and family came over from Pensacola to visit. I haven’t seen this dude in 30 years! Great to see them all.” As we’ve said before, if you’d like to contribute input for this column, but are staying away from social media – or if I’ve overlooked a gem on Facebook that needs more coverage – just send your pictures (300 dpi or better) and stories to shipmate1990@gmail.com, and I’ll include them in an upcoming column. Also, don’t forget to update your contact information at USNA.com, especially email addresses and phone numbers. If you don’t remember your login ID and/or password, you can send an email to: onlinecommunity @usna.com for assistance with resetting them. Until next time … Go Navy! Go ’90!

BLUE & GOLD OFFICER Would you like to mentor interested students about the opportunities at USNA? Become a Blue & Gold Officer and contact USNA Admissions at 410-293-1813.

STAY CONNECTED Find a Chapter. usna.com/FindAChapter

’91

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 14.84% Pres: Evan Barnet e: evan@USNA91.info; p: 203-249-0071 Admin VP: Julie Shank e: julie@USNA91.info Exec VP: Ray Barata e: ray@USNA91.info Treasurer: Mike Smith e: Mike@USNA91.info Sect: Nelson Santini e: tgsantini@USNA91.info; p: 203-249-0071 At Large: Jen Lednicky e: Jen@USNA91.info At Large: Gib Armstrong e: gib@USNA91.info

cheer for THE TEAM on the field. We look forward to the opportunity to see familiar faces at the “homecoming of all homecomings”. We look forward to sing “Blue and Gold” last, but no matter what, to sing it as one voice. Yeah, it’s “Army-Navy” time, and we look forward to seeing you all there to cheer! (Ok, to eat some ridiculous amounts of guacamole, wings, burgers, bratwurst and nachos)(Just to be clear - there may be some beer drinking as well, but that has to be “in moderation”) So be safe, pack TUMS, hand warmers and get fired up to see NAVY BEAT ARMY!

Website: www.usna91.info

“IT’S ARMY-NAVY TIME, AND WE HUNGRY!!!” It’s Army-Navy time. Tailgaters have been awesome, we got silly on Halloween candy and we will have more triptopham flowing through our systems after Thanksgiving than we could handle 30 years ago after a “chicken a la King with white rice evening menu on Thursday night before a holiday weekend. It’s GO TIME and we need to break the cycle and post a big @$$ “W” on the board and add a STAR to Varsity “N” sweaters – JUST SAYIN. Can’t have the class of 2020 have perfect vision and flunk “celestial NAV’ (Get the reference to the “Star” there? - I know, I amused myself on that one). We look forward to the annual classic and to the opportunity to once more face the elements to

CLASS REUNION As a reminder, we are already working on our 30th reunion. Please update your contact information with the Alumni Association (www.USNA.com). This will allow us to better inform you about the planning taking place. Also, think about volunteering to assist with the reunion. We have some that have stepped up already, but we can always use more. Reach out to Scott Shepard (scottjshepard @hotmail.com) or to Dan Morio (Dan@GoNavyTravel.com). Calendar check time...Homecoming Weekend 2021 (21-24 October 2021) is our 30th! WITH HEAVY HEART, BUT FULL OF HOPE This last September we laid to rest Bryan Spano at the Academy Columbarium. Many classmates joined in paying tribute to, and supporting his family during this difficult time. You can see the support and effort that classmates and company mates put in to show their respects. Bryan is already missed. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers … a part of 91 is now watching over us all.

The signs are EVERYWHERE!

’91: The TAILGATING CREW show the brand new tailgating tent near Marine Corps Memorial Stadium… (and it has a head!!) NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 101

91/92 CLASS NEWS

USNA’91 says PRESENT remembering our classmate Bryan Spano.

USNA91 representing!!!

WHO DIS? Here is a good one for you… do you recall these guys? Remember, you can see these and many others in our group in Facebook. If you haven’t please consider joining to laugh with us… (and avoid us just laughing at you, just saying!)

Class News! Please send Shipmate information about our Classmates to: tgsantini@USNA91.info

Konrad Schroder, Kelly Davis and…? Possibly a selfie before the iPhone

And where 2 or 3 or 5 may meet… Here are some classmates hitting the links.. because; why not!

JP Ayubi, Greg Price, John DeVine, Bill Bollwerk… Note: Everyone shot a 91 on their official cards.

And this happened… Remember guys.. admit nothing, deny everything, immediately launch counter-accusations! “TICKLERS” Some action items and other “admin” (the exciting) stuff:

USNA ’91 NETWORKING Please BOLO for our monthly networking calls hosted by Gib Armstrong. If you are transitioning, have kids about to join the workforce, want to help out classmates or just want to stay in touch and connect with other classmates, please join us for our regularly scheduled calls. For more information about upcoming events, please watch our Facebook page or reach out to gib@USNA91.info As well, please help us reach out to all classmates! Although tough, we are trying to achieve 100% connection to all classmates and we are using all tools. If you are on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter (or your favorite social media), please reach out to classmates and let’s make sure that we are all connected. We have plenty to share, and do, and want to ensure all feel part of all class activities. USNA Class ‘91 Support Foundation The leadership team has been able to put together a program to help classmates helping classmates in the time of need. We have set up an official foundation to collect funds to help classmates and their families. If you know of a classmate in need, please let us know by reaching out to ray@USNA91.info 91 SWAG Looking for ’91 SWAG? Please check out www.USNA91.info and click on SWAG. Evan’s garage needs to free up some space! Reach out to him at evan@USNA91.info

102 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Class Objectives As a reminder, our key themes are: 1-Outreach – We are reaching out to connect to as many classmates as possible via any and all possible communication tools. 2-Giving Back – We are looking into ways and means to give back in a meaningful way to those whom we leave behind and the Academy. 3-Leadership – We are assuming increased responsibilities within the class and Alumni community and seek leaders from all groups. 4-Engagement – We are looking for classmate engagement and participation in events and service to represent ’91 and impact the community. Your participation, support and ideas are both needed and wanted. Please reach out to any member of the leadership team and share your thoughts. No idea is out of bounds (some just may need extra time to cure). “THE HELM” Amazing that we are wrapping up another year! Some of the highlights include opportunities to get together at tailgates around the country, the company and regional reps having events, to just connecting electronically! We have upped our tailgates with a large ’91 tent and more people are attending than before. It has become a great way to spend a game day with great friends, sea stories, and some Navy football!

Sadly, we have said goodbye to some classmates that will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Let’s remember them by sharing great classmate stories. If possible, please let their families know they are welcome at all ’91 events. The class needs volunteers to keep our engagement going strong. First our reunion team needs volunteers in leading the events and helping make for a great opportunity to reconnect with classmates. We also need support in class operations, class data, and class engagement. Please let me know if you would like to help. Off to 2020! Go Navy! —Evan sends

’92

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 13.53% Pres: Creighton Armstrong Corr Sec’y: CDR Doug Barber, JAGC, USN (Ret.) Gentry Locke, 10 Franklin Rd. S.E. Suite 900, Roanoke, VA 24011 p: 540-983-9300 e: DougBarber@1992.usna.com Website: www.usna92.com

Hello ‘92, Some of you are aware of our interactions with ’42 on various occasions. Sans the formal process, we have forged our own “Link in the Chain” relationship and it has been a tremendous experience. On 1 SEP, Captain (Ret.), 2001 Distinguished Graduate, and Acting President of ‘42 Jack Crawford celebrated his 100th birthday. To honor a living legend, and all his

92/92 CLASS NEWS

’92: Celebrating Captain Crawford’s 100th in King Hall

classmates ‘92, led by our own Captains Donnie Kennedy (USNA Special Events), TR Buchanan (DANT), and Rob Mathewson (DEP DANT) put together a once in a life-time two-day celebration. The festivities began 30 AUG with our own “outdoor formation” at the East entrance to King Hall. Pictured are (front row) Dennis Dias, Steve Phillips, Joe Zurzolo, Shannon (Lacy) Murray, Cal Foster, Andy Salunga, Krista Lamoreaux, Tim Cornell, (back row) Kevin White, Mike Mangan, Laura Hatcher, Bill Lawrence, Donnie Kennedy, Rob Johnson, and seated the guest of honor Captain Jack Crawford (’42) wearing his ever present Enterprise hat (he helped build her after all). Excused from formation were TR and Rob as they were conducting the actual noon meal formation for the Brigade. To kick off this one of a kind class lunch featuring the most ’92 members in King Hall since a long-ago 27 May breakfast, TR gave an outstanding introduction for Captain Crawford to the Brigade. The hush over King Hall when he mentioned the Captain’s service aboard Yorktown at Midway was unique to say the least. I do not think I’ve heard King Hall that quiet even when it was empty during renovations. TR wrapped it up by leading a rousing three cheers for Captain Crawford that shook the rafters. Nearly filling two tables, after a Happy Birthday chorus, TR and

others chatted with Captain Crawford at the head table. Meanwhile, at the Striper table, Cal Foster led the conversation with the Brigade Commander and staff, including telling the story of the Army Mules visit to USNA. There were several stunned mega-stripers when “Lefty” Lawrence showed them photos of Spartacus, Traveler, Trooper and Ranger in T-court being led, and ridden by ‘92 Mids (albeit with much less gray hair). Ever the leader, as Class VP, Lefty did the proper safety reminder that it was a different time back then, and not to try this in the 21st Century. After lunch with dozens of Mids stopping by to meet him, Captain Crawford and his son spent the afternoon at the museum before attending the first formal P-rade of the year as guests of the SUPE in the reviewing tent on Worden Field.

The true master of special events, Donnie thought of everything. Saturday capped off the festivities with the Captain attending the SUPE’s pre-game tailgate at the stadium. There was a reunion of White House fellows as well (more admirals and distinguished folks than I could keep up with), but when the SUPE introduced Captain Crawford there was a full-on standing ovation. The Captain enjoyed watching the game from a table in the Flag Bridge level at the stadium (Donnie, me, Captain Crawford, and his son Jack III). Several folks came and spoke with him through the game. The conversations and his “sea stories” were the history of the Navy come to life. All capped off by a runaway Navy win. Our own Laura Hatcher is a professional photographer these

’92: Left to right; Donnie, Joe, Captain Crawford, and his son Jack III at the game.

days, and I urged all of you to check out the rest of the gallery of photos she took for the occasion on her site at https://www.laurahatcherphotography.com/Military-Related/ CAPT-Jack-Crawfords-100thBirthday-30AUG19/. They are also posted at the class Facebook site. One last BZ goes out to our own trustee Dave Lillefloren. We had hosted Captain Crawford at our June class lunch in Annapolis after which Dave insisted that I come up with something big for a class lunch for the Captain’s hundredth birthday. That insistence was the spark passed to Donnie making this all happen. It was a great series of events honoring both Captain Crawford, and by extension all of his classmates. Even if you could not attend, everyone should be proud of what our classmates did, and how they represented all of us. Particularly TR’s speech in King Hall, and Donnie’s planning mastery. Captain Crawford, and his son have both extended their deepest thanks and appreciation for the events celebrating his 100th birthday, and for all of the ‘92 support and participation. The Captain says he plans to stay around another hundred years and do it again. I would not be surprised if he does. Thanks, Joe And lastly, this note from Creighton Armstrong: M Doug, Thank you for you hard work, perseverance and standing watch over the Class of 1992’s Shipmate articles. We will forever be in debt to you. You have carried the word well and we wish you all the best on your retirement from this position. We all look forward to buying your beer at our next event. From the entire Class of 1992!!!! The Class of 1992 is looking for a new Class Secretary to continue to carry the torch for our Shipmate submissions. If you are interested, please contact Creighton Armstrong at: Creighton.Armstrong @am.jll.com. This is a very important job that has amazing benefits.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 103

92/96 CLASS NEWS You have access to all our classmates and will help to ensure the 1992 word is heard loud and clear. We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you in advance!

Coast Symposium at Naval Base San Diego on 22 August. There were 6 of us total, but we couldn’t round everyone up at the same time due to busy schedules, so I’ll include two photos here.

’93

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 10.97% Pres: Bob Kuberski e: bob@usna93.com Vice Pres: CAPT Colleen C. Salonga, SC, USN (Ret.) Corr Sec’y: Maj Shogo Cottrell, USMCR Treas: Jay Matzko e: jtdjm@yahoo.com SHIPMATE Correspondence: Maj Shogo Cottrell, USMCR 20902 W 117th St., Olathe, KS 66061 h: 913-782-8149; e: shogo@cottrell-family.com Website: http://www.usna93.com

’94

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 9.01% Pres: Jim Keck c: 904-477-2133; e: JKeck@usna94.com Vice Pres: Julie Spencer e: jspencer@1994.usna.com

Left to right includes CAPT John Skarin, Major Program Manager at PEO Integrated Warfare Systems (IWS 4.0), CAPT Rafael “Ray” Acevedo, Commanding Officer of Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division, CAPT Jeremy “J.R.” Hill, from OPNAV N95 at the Pentagon, CAPT Tom Dickinson, Major Program Manager of Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Weapon System at Missile Defense Agency, and CAPT Ken Ebert, Major Program Manager at PEO C4I Ship Integration Program Office (PMW 760).

Treas: Brian Bruggeman e: btbruggeman@hotmail.com Sec’y and Corr Sec’y: Maria J. Pallotta p: 410-440-7552; e: mariapallotta@yahoo.com

’95

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 7.78% Pres: Andre Coleman CDR, CEC, USN (Ret.) c: 571-344-0336 e: andre_coleman@hotmail.com Vice Pres: CAPT Robert “Bobby” Coogan, USN e: flynavy95@gmail.com Tres: Maj James B. Burke, UMSMCR c: 808.228.3877; e: burkejbusmc@yahoo.com Comms Dir/Webmaster: Ed Galloway e: edward.galloway@1995.usna.com Sec’y: Kate Dooley c: 202-320-6776; e: ktdooley@hotmail.com

Hi classmates, this is Ken Ebert here with my first-ever submission to Shipmate, reporting on an unplanned “mini reunion” with some ‘95ers who converged at the Surface Navy Association’s (SNA) West

M Three cheers for those we leave behind…. my daughter Emma graduated with the class of ‘95+24 in May. Her commissioning week brought back a flood of memories from ours. The color parade is still a test of endurance, firsties still celebrate too much the night before then pay penance in their parade uniform baking in the sun waiting to “pass in review”. Remembering our commissioning week my wife Charlotte and I told our daughter, “don’t stress about spending time with us, we’ll see you enough, enjoy time with your classmates.” Charlotte and I had time at night to sit by the fire at our hotel and talk about the adventures we’ve had since ‘95 threw our covers in the air. I’m still in and currently serving as the military director for systems engineering at NAVAIR. There are several ‘95ers working here at NAS Patuxent River: Molly Boron, Errol Campbell, Chris Cox, John Dougherty, Bobby Orr, Jon Meyers, Ken Grzymalski, Bill Coleman and for those I missed. I apologize. I’ve included a post-commissioning photo of the three generations of Scott grads: Emma (19), me, and my dad Dick (67). Also included is a pic of Lance Lantier (95) and his new baby. Landry and Emma could quite possibly be the bookends of 95, at least of 27 Co. I look forward to catching up with ‘95 at our 25th reunion next fall. Catch the red corvette, ‘95. Non Sibi Adam Scott Until next time… Kate

CAPT Drew Carlson, Commanding Officer of USS ZUMWALT (DDG 1000).

Other recently reported sightings of ‘95ers in San Diego beyond the SNA Symposium include Brian Harbison, Pete LaShomb, Darron Lee, Al Lopez, CAPT Ryan Mahelona, and Mike & Heather Szilard. Looking forward to seeing everyone next year at our 25-year reunion, hopefully we’ll have a good showing then! Sincerely, Ken Got a great update from Adam Scott:

104 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

’96

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 19.25% Pres: Nagel Sullivan Vice Pres: Bill Pennington Sec’y: Cara Albright e: caramalbright@1996.usna.com Treas: Nikki Battaglia

Greetings ’96, Hard to believe, but this is the last column going to print this year! I’m still trying to figure out where

July and August went. The feature story of this column comes from Sam Messinger, who submitted his first ever Shipmate contribution (after a 23 year hiatus) to report on an August change of command ceremony, and saved me from a column largely devoid of news. Sam writes: My old roommate from 15th and 21st Company, CAPT Pete Kennedy, just took command of the USS NEW YORK (LPD 21) in Mayport, FL. In attendance were his beautiful family and a number of USNA alum/classmates. One of our other company mates, Bob Chiaruttini, was in the airport ready to join us in FL when storms canceled many flights, including all that would have gotten him there on time. I am damn proud of Pete for this achievement, especially since the ship has a rich history, including steel from the World Trade Center wreckage from 9/11.

CAPT Pete Kennedy and Sam Messinger at Pete’s change of command ceremony aboard USS NEW YORK on 08AUG19

Many thanks, Sam! It’s been so exciting to see the great Class of 1996 rise to assume major command in fleets and ports around the world this year. I also have two more photos to share. The first is from Rhoan Boucher, who met up with Tim Phillips and Skip Muller for dinner in Baltimore towards the end of the summer. The second is from Harrison Schramm, who crossed paths with CloudFrame founder and CEO Rob Lantz ’00 at a “Data As A Resource” workshop in Washington, DC. Harrison and Rob are part of a growing community of

96/98 CLASS NEWS

’98

USNA grads in data science, both in and out of defense

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 6.34% Pres: David Forman c: 904-321-6459; e: DSForman@aol.com Corr Sec’y: Mark Symmes 529 W. 29th St., Baltimore, MD 21211 e: shipmate98@yahoo.com Temp Corr Sec’y: Alex Savage e: asavage98@gmail.com ’96 enjoying dinner in Federal Hill, Baltimore (Rhoan Boucher, Tim Phillips, Skip Muller) ’97: Included in photo with John Valle are Dom Pastorin, Alvin Concepcion, Christopher Gavino, Rommel Salgado, Alex Mabini

Harrison Schramm and Rob Lantz ’00 following a session on Data Management and Ethics at CSBA’s “Data As A Resource Workshop.” Nice tee shirt!

Thanks for sharing, both of you! To all of you reading this, have a wonderful month of December and a restful and joyous holiday season. Hope to see many of you at the Army-Navy game and in the New Year! BEAT ARMY — Cara

’97

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 7.83% Pres: Tom Wagner e: twagner1@san.rr.com Send news to: LtCol Aaron Shelley, USMCR (Ret.) 1148 Via Jose, San Jose, CA 95120 c: 619-980-8297; e: apshelley@hotmail.com

Hey 97! As 2019 comes to a close, I wanted to acknowledge more classmates on some major milestones. This represents both material that was sent to me or that I came across in passing. I realize I am missing many of you, so please reach out and let me know so that I can share your details with the class in a future Shipmate issue.

First, congratulations to several Marines who were recently selected for FY20 Command: LtCol Speros Koumparakis (Marine Corps Base Hawaii), LtCol Chuck Dudik (Marine Corps Air Station Yuma), LtCol Llonie Cobb (Marine Aircraft Group 49), LtCol Kemper Jones (HQ Battalion, 2d Marine Division), LtCol Aaron Angell (Marine Corps Logistics Operations Group), LtCol Dan Skuce (11th Marines). For those of you who have already been promoted to O-6, another, congratulations. And, I owe you a beer. As for some recent retirements… LtCol James Richardson, Jr. retired from the Marine Corps in Memorial Hall in September. CDR John Valle celebrated his retirement aboard USS MIDWAY in San Diego. James and John, thanks for your service and commitment the past 22 years! All the best in your future endeavors. I caught up with Pat Perdue via phone a few months back. Pat is doing well, residing in Connecticut and working in Manhattan as a Manager Director, Head of Fixed Income for AmeriVet Securities. Here is a photo of Pat at a USO golf event in Fiddlers Elbow, NJ back in July. Pat was joined by Sam Lanasa and Tom Heptig. Clearly, Pat did not get the ’97 shirt memo.

Sam, Pat, and Tom

Finally, an update on a couple of our classmates who ventured to our rival service academies this past year. Nikki Peoples visited West Point in August and proudly wore her Beat Army t-shirt around that day.

Mike Loeffler and wife Alicia visited the Air Force Academy (against his better judgment, he admits) while his findings were that Annapolis is clearly better. No argument there, Mike. Here is a photo of Mike and Alicia during their trip.

In closing, I wish each and every one of you a happy and safe holiday season. Please continue to stay in touch. Beat Army! —Aaron

The following was passed to us by CAPT William “Spig” Reed ’95 (CAG CVW-7), CDR Cade “FRUMBA” Hines ’00 (CO VFA86), CDR Kevin Barnard ’01 (CSG12 N2), and CDR Robert “Bonesaw” Stimis ’02 (XO VFA-86).

M ’98: It is our honor and privilege to share some news with you regarding your classmate, LT Darin Pontell ‘98. As many of you are well aware, Darin was designated a Naval Intelligence Officer after graduating from Annapolis. Upon completing his training, he received orders to the intelligence department on the staff of Carrier Air Wing SEVEN (CVW-7) from February 1999 to February 2001. As the air wing collections officer, he was responsible for analyzing the threat order of battle, leading watch teams in the collection of all-source intelligence information, advising strike planning teams on the location and readiness of enemy air defense systems, and providing up-to-theminute aircrew pre-flight briefs. During Air Wing SEVEN’s 2000 DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Battle Group deployment to the Adriatic Sea, Persian Gulf, and Mediterranean Sea, Darin stood out among his peers, embodying the ideal of U.S. Navy intelligence support to the warfighter. Demonstrating absolute commitment to the

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 105

98/98 CLASS NEWS success of air wing missions, he was tireless in his quest for accurate, relevant, and critical threat information. Well-known as an intelligence expert of the highest caliber, a true shipmate, and a friend, he was respected, trusted, and admired by all air wing aircrews. His enthusiastic, last-minute aircrew briefings were crucial to their success and survival during missions over Kosovo and combat operations in Iraq. He was also an impressive Navy leader who was a passionate and persuasive advocate for the professional development and personal welfare of his Sailors. Darin was a distinguished member of the Staff’s Junior Officer Protection Association and a key instigator in the camaraderie and spirit that makes Navy life so special and unique. He exemplified the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Following a highly successful tour with CVW-7, Darin reported to one of the most challenging and demanding billets a junior officer can be assigned to as part of Chief of Naval Operations Intelligence Plot (CNOIP) in March 2001. Tragically, on 11 September 2001, Darin perished during the terrorist attack on the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight 77, a hijacked Boeing 757, crashed into the west side of the Pentagon at 0937 where the CNO-IP office was located. In his naval career, he received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Naval Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal. The LT Darin Pontell Memorial Award recognize intelligence officers assigned to CVW-7 who best exemplify the qualities of leadership, professional expertise, commitment to shipmates, and devotion to air wing success that made LT Pontell one of the very best. The 2019 awardee, LTJG Tom Trettin (VFA-86) was recognized on Friday, 20 September 2019 during a ceremony in USS Abraham Lincoln’s Foc’sle. Tom is a graduate of Tulane University and the Officer Candidate School. The dedication, service, and sacrifice of your classmate inspires us daily.

We also received this update from Mark Brophy: M Hi everyone, I figured it’s time for a quick update now that I have something interesting to send to the class. In late July, we flew out to USNA to watch our oldest son, Kurt, join the Class of 2023. The whole process provided a really cool insight into the power of the USNA family and how interconnected we all still are! On I-Day, Brad Hipp, his son Mack, and Dustin Byrum all came out for the day and swearingin ceremony. While there I ran into Chad Graham, who is the head of the Seamanship and Navigation Department. We also got a major assist from Nate Bailey’s wife, Angela, who is the Protocol Officer to the Commandant/Social Instructor to the Brigade, when she let us stash our uniforms in her office for the majority of I-Day. She has also taught a few protocol classes to Kurt during Plebe Summer and has been able to sneak us a picture or two. The Plebe Summer Regimental Commander was none other than Beth Regoli (’99), who was my plebe 20-plus years ago! I think Kurt also ran into Jody Smotherman (we were in the same company plebe year) during the I-day uniform issue when he recognized Kurt’s last name. After the official swearing-in ceremony, I was able to personally swear-in Kurt at the base of the Chapel steps, which is where I met my sponsor immediately following our Class of ’98 swearing-in ceremony. Our personal ceremony was a really special and emotional event that will definitely be one of the highlights of my life. On hand to capture the moment was Kurt’s cousin, Tommy Brophy (’21), who was there as a Plebe Summer Weapons Detailer. During the weapons qualification day of Plebe Summer, Tommy was able to work directly with Kurt in order to get him qualified. We were assured he received no special family treatment during the qualification. Just to stay on the theme of our tight-knit USNA family...Kurt is being sponsored by Coleman and Bridget Ruiz. The day after I-Day,

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our family was able to go over to their new house in Annapolis. Dave Silverman’s wife, Hollis, came in from DC to say hi and we all had a great time relaxing by the pool while our son Hunter swam with Ollie and Ben Ruiz, and Matthew Silverman. Just a few hours before I sat down to write this update, Kurt was able to have his first “meet n’ greet” with his sponsors in Alumni Hall. Bridget and Ollie brought some great looking cookies and cheezits (a favorite of Kurt’s). After we returned home from I-Day, I learned that Gabe Mauldin’s son, Caleb, will be Kurt’s youngster in 3rd Company! The ’98 network just keeps on going. In other Brophy news, my older brother Rich Brophy (‘91), relieved RDML Dan Cheever as Commander, Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) in Fallon, NV. Although Rich’s wife, Kara Brophy (’90), was unable to make the ceremony, their oldest daughter 2ndLT Meghan Brophy (’18), along with other members of our family, were able to attend. As for me, I retired in 2017 and was fortunate to be hired by United Airlines. Nicole, Hunter, and I live in Carmel, CA and just bought a house in the same neighborhood I grew-up in. I fly out of San Francisco and have had the great pleasure of running into fellow United pilots Jarret Stricker, Drew Ballinger, Paul Till, and Jim Schroeder (’99). Nicole is teaching math at our local junior college and Hunter is keeping

’98:

busy as a California State Ocean Lifeguard during the summer and when he starts his junior year of high school next month, he will continue to play water polo, wrestle, and swim during the school year. Included are some recent photos of I-day, my brother’s change of command, and an updated prom photo of my boys. If you and your family are traveling through Carmel, please feel free to stop by for a night...we now have an extra room.

The Brophy Boys

99/00 CLASS NEWS

’99

Life Membership: 93% Donor Participation: 6.84% Pres: Minh-tu Nguyen Greenberg 1123 Gaither Rd., Rockville, MD 20850 e: 1999USNA@gmail.com Vice Pres: Jason Birch Sec’y: Darlene Viscusie Treas: Carmen Ehert Communications Director: Sonja Hanson Website: www.usna99.org

Happy Fall everyone! Kids are back in school, the first semester is almost over and we are already talking about the holidays. This time of year is the time we take a moment to reflect on what we are most thankful for. Thankful for family, our health, friends and loved ones. This year I am thankful for the new connections and reconnections I have made with being a part of the Executive Committee and helping plan our 20th reunion. It’s amazing to see all the support, humor and good times from Classmates. So much has changed over the last 20 years. Many have become parents or grandparents, many are continuing their service as we see them pin on O-6 (which still blows me away that we are THAT old!), and many are excelling in the private sector. I am so thankful that we have been able to celebrate with each other either via social media or in person. Makes me ALMOST wish I could go back to 1995 so that I could meet you all again or for the first time! In the September issue, Dave Ostwind submitted a write up and a picture regarding Classmates who served as facilitators for a session of the Naval Academy’s Character Capstone Program. The picture was inadvertently left out of the publication so I wanted to resubmit.

MERCHANDISE To order your class, chapter or parent club specific merchandise, visit usna.com/shop or call 410-295-4016

’99: From left to right includes: Major Travis Ritchie, USMC (Ret), Major Aron Axe, USMC (Ret), Liesel (Danjczek) Schopler, CDR Keith Kulow, USN, CDR James Solomon, USN, CDR Pete Ladowicz, USN, and CDR Dave Ostwind, USN

We wanted to share some information about a non-profit organization that supports the Naval Academy music programs, of which many of you participated while at the Academy. Friends of Naval Academy Music, Inc (FONAM) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization established to provide private financial support for Naval Academy Musical Activities. The most recent sequestration resulted in the cancellation of several major musical events. FONAM funds are 100% allocated towards musical activities, with no restrictions in times of defense budgetary cuts or sequestration, making them more vital now than ever. If you would like to donate, you can visit their page at www.fonam.org. Along the lines of donations, being this is the time of year for thanks and helping others, please consider helping those less fortunate than ourselves or supporting those who find this time of year a struggle. There are many organizations available, and if you are wondering where you can find the top rated military and veteran organizations you can find a great listing at Highly-Rated Military and Veterans Organizations : Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org). As I was doing a l ittle research for top rated military and veterans’ organization, I came across the history of the Toys for Tots. I always knew the Marines were associated with it as they have iconic advertisements with smartly

dressed Marines in their Blue Dress “B”s, but I had never really looked into the history. Toys for Tots began in 1947 as the brainchild of Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks, actually it was his wife, Diane, who was the real inspiration. She had crafted a few handcrafted dolls and asked Bill to deliver them to an agency that supports children in need. When Bill reported back to his wife he could not find such an organization, she instructed him to “start one!” Major Hendricks and the Marines in his reserve unit in LA collected and distributed 5,000 toys in 1947. There are many organizations out there, so if you are so inclined, please consider donating. There are so many ways to keep up with what’s going on with our class. We have the class website, www.usna99.com, the class Facebook Page as well as the class Instagram account. Keep an eye out for updates and announcements regarding the next round of class elections. As I sign off for the last of the 2019 SHIPMATE issues, I wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season and new year! Navigamus HonoreDarlene

’00

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 7.80% Pres: J.V. “Murph” McCarthy Vice Pres: Art Terry Treas: Nick Lalota Sec’y: Tim O’Connor e: Shipmate00@yahoo.com

Shippies, There was recently a blur spotted at the USA triathlon Age Group Championships in Cleveland. It turns out it was Jack Bonnette, who finished in the top 10 in the Olympic and Sprint Distance Events. Bonnette, when not managing real estate, got back to some serious fitness this year. Having been away from sport since 2002, it looks like he got the rest he needed!

Jack Bonnete

Tre Calisch writes: M ’What’s up 2000? Got some swag coming at you from Tail Hook ‘19 in Reno, NV. It was like a mini class reunion. Had a chance to get a pic with Bryan Grubert, Will Mathis, Andy Mariner, and my old roomie Scott Menzies. As you can see from our patches (and Bryan’s civilian clothes) our careers have started to diverge. And if you look closer, you’ll see that we already have a two paygrade gap in our class. Andy got on the fast train and made O-6 in 19 short years. You tell us Murph, but I think he’s the first in our class. Other 2kers I saw on the Nugget convention floor were Tim Myers and Matt Morgan. Wish we had gotten them in the pic but glad I at least got to see them. I’m sure there were others. Apologies that the brain cells housing those memories didn’t make it through the meleé. I had a great time at Tail Hook mixing it up with the new generation of JO’s, but it led me to a sad realization. I get older, and they stay the same age. Speaking of getting old, retirement is coming up fast. Looking forward to flying the friendly skies in my next life. That’s all from Coronado. Can’t wait to see everyone at 20! -TRE

Jason Budde writes: M Hey Murph, check it out - Four score and seven years on restriction and I finally learned how to stand at attention. Who said old dogs can’t learn new tricks? Even a crusty old Marine needs to appreciate how locked on I look. I also attached a photo with my wife (and daughters) taken

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00/05 CLASS NEWS ’02 Leadership continuedAt-Large Directors: LTCol Elizabeth (Kreft) Brienza, CDR Sean McClintock and Charlie Mello Send Submissions to: shipmate2002@gmail.com Website: www.usna2002.org

’03

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 4.97% ’00: Grubes,Mathis,TRE,CAPT Mariner,Menzies at Tailhook 19

Pres: John C. Reeves Vice Pres: Fernando R. Reyes Treas: Meagan Barnett Sec’y: Heather M. Selig Shipmate submissions e: navyclass2003@gmail.com

’00: Jason Budde’s COC

’00: The Budde Family

immediately after she openly questioned the Navy’s judgement in giving someone command who’s never obeyed orders. I responded “Neither did Admiral Nelson”, but that just got an eye roll (her Naval History is weak). Honestly, she’s got no need to worry, because the cream of the 2000 + 3 class, Tom Murray, is my XO, and his military ranking was really high - so we’re all good. Had Chris Lankford, Brendan McAndrews, Anthony Bruno, and Skipper Chris Brenner swing by to help me generate a respectable tab after the ceremony - all four are crushing it. I’d send a pic of that, but it appears we were too wise to take any ;) —Buddah

Keep it coming!

Shipmate00@yahoo.com —Murph

’01

Life Membership: 96% Donor Participation: 12.67% Pres: Jen (Bohr) Tyll p: 302-528-9306; e: jenbohrtyll@gmail.com Vice Pres: Amy (Baxter) Laczek p: 240-393-9120; e: laczekaxter@gmail.com Treas: Adam Borcz e: adamhenryborcz@gmail.com Sec’y: Jen McCullough e: jennifer.mccollough@gmail.com

’02

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 8.91% Pres: David Gravseth Vice Pres: Kate (Kranz) Jordan e: katherine.kranz@2002.usna.com Sec’y: Kristi (Tjoa) Laughlin e: shipmate2002@gmail.com Treas: Andy McCann

108 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Happy Fall, Over the Summer, our class was presented with a philanthropic request from one of our classmates. The class was asked to sponsor a hole at a golf tournament benefiting a fallen shipmate from another class. We put out a quick vote to the class to see if this was something the class would like to support with our funds. We received approximately 200 votes and the majority voted to support the donation. However, the class officers realized that the class should have a set of guidelines in place to ensure that future requests are handled fairly and that we are being good stewards of the monies that you all entrust to our class. We are putting together draft guidelines which we will share with the class for review, comments and voting to incorporate in our class bylaws. Please let us know if you have any input as we draft, and please feel free to engage with any of us with questions or concerns. We want to ensure that everyone in the class feels that their voice is being heard. Happy Holidays to all! Heather, John, Fernando and Megan Heather’s Personal Update: I just wanted to share an exciting detail that I just finished up. I spent 35 days in Australia on TDY as part of my role with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I was supporting Joint Exercise Talisman Sabre.

I worked with counterparts in the Australian Department of Agriculture, Australian Border Force, Australian Department of Defence, and U.S. Department of Defense. I was the leading Marine Reservists from MARFORRES that were trained in Agricultural verification inspections to ensure that DOD equipment met Australia’s strict biosecurity requirements. I worked alongside LtCol Mike Shea, USMC (‘97) and Capt. Hayden Conrad (USMA ’15). As part of the Australian agriculture requirements, any insect pests found on board the participating vessels needed to be identified by Australian entomologists on shore. I was lucky enough to get a package of specimens delivered to me by CAPT Ulmer (USS Mackin Island).

’04

Life Membership: 95% Donor Participation: 7.21% Pres: Lincoln Lukich e: Lincoln.Lukich@gmail.com Vice Pres: James Brobyn e: Brobs@2004.usna.com Treas: LT Joseph Zukowsky e: JMZukowsj@gmail.com Sec’y: Andrew Froistad e: froistad@hotmail.com

’05

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 5.06% Pres: Maj Thomas A. Kulisz, USMC Monterey, CA p: 210-445-9083; e: tkulisz@gmail.com Vice Pres: LCDR Matthew J. Bernhardt, USN Annapolis, MD p: 619-889-1968; e: mjbernhardt@gmail.com Treas: Allen J. Murphy Cherry Hill, NJ p: 410-212-1082 e: allen.murphy.2005@gmail.com Sec’y: LCDR Reed A. Kitchen, USN Coronado, CA p: 619-208-0770 e: reedkitchen@2005.usna.com Website: 2005.usnaclasses.net

WARNING ORDER Next year is our 15-year reunion and we have set the date for October 24, 2020 (Homecoming). If you’re interested in helping or have any ideas, please shoot me a note.

05/07 CLASS NEWS First order of business: WHO HAS THE BLIMP?! Cheers, —Reed

’06

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 6.92% Pres: LCDR Andrew Lukich e: andrew.m.lukich@gmail.com Vice Pres: LCDR Joshua Campbell Treas: LCDR Jeffrey Foulds

The Biellos write in: M Chris Biello and Sarah Biello welcomed a son - William Edward Biello on July 2, 2019 at 3:00pm. Weighing a whopping 9lbs 2 oz, 21-inches long. William is named after his great-grandfather William Alfred Albert class of ‘45. Everyone is healthy and happy!

testimonials from some of our amazing scholars, please visit www.fallenshipmate.org.

year. Does anyone have plans to go? Anyone already bought their tickets? Anyone interested in setting up an informal ’07 International Reunion? If so, contact Dan Bellomo @dbellomo@umich.edu.

Navy vs. ECU Radio Interview, 14 Sept ’19

Sec’y: LCDR Jamison Lupo e: jamisonlynn@gmail.com

’06, I hope everyone is enjoying the Navy football season and ready for Army vs Navy! I’m happy to share solid updates from around the class. Congrats to Jaci (Hanna) Bengfort on publishing her second poetry chapbook. For those interested, its available for (free/donation) download from the Ghost City Press (https://ghostcitypress.com/2019 -summer-microchap-series-1/ suitable-for-all-methods-of -communication). Thank you to Justin Freeh and the Biello Family for writing in and sharing your news! Lastly, I’m excited to report The Custodes Libertatis Memorial Foundation has raised and provided a substantial $38,000 in scholarships for children of fallen USNA graduates. Congrats to Justin Freeh, Dan Runzheimer, and Jared Sprunk for their truly important work. Keep it up guys! Please keep the updates coming (Andrew.M.Lukich@gmail.com) Go Navy! —Andrew

Jaci Jaci’s book cover for her new book

“Bellomo Baby” = Milk for Midrats!!

In a bit of a change, instead of announcing other classmate’s babies, I get to announce my own! Lanaya (Martin) (30th Co) and I (Dan Bellomo) were excited to welcome Zoey Ann into our family on 6 September. She reminds us both of meals during Plebe Summer – just like the salt and pepper were swim buddies and had to go everywhere together she gets to go everywhere with us. She has been the greatest swim buddy ever. She is happy and has already developed a love for midrats. (see photo!) Brad Feige submits the below photo of some great patriots having a chance meet-up at the Navy Football home opener. Pictured in the photo from left to right: LCDR Emily Laraway, LCDR David Meadows, and LCDR Bradley Feige. Thanks Brad!

Edwin Riddle, Andrew Lukich, and Dave Haines watching Navy pull out the win vs Air Force!

’07

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 6.88% Pres: Brady Beauchamp Vice Pres: Major Benjamin Tuck e: Benjamin.Tuck07@gmail.com

Custodes Libertatis Memorial Foundation’s Justin Freeh writes in: M I had the opportunity to participate in a WNAV live radio interview prior to the Navy vs. ECU football game on September 14th, 2019. The theme of the broadcast was 2/C Parent's Weekend at the Academy, with a focus on the families of midshipman. I was able to speak about the sacrifice of many USNA families in the post 9/11 era and the work that the Custodes Libertatis Memorial Foundation is doing to fund educational scholarships for the children of fallen USNA graduates. A special thanks to Byron Marchant and the USNA Alumni Association for making this interview possible. To learn more about the work our foundation is accomplishing and to read the

Treas: LCDR Patrick Sullivan e: patrick.timothy.sullivan@gmail.com Sec’y: LCDR Dan Bellomo, USNR e: dbellomo@umich.edu Send Articles to: classofficersUSNA2007@gmail.com

Fall is here; football is a go, and the Reds are getting ready for winning the World Series in 2020! Navy Football started with a bang this year, here’s to a great season and solid win over Army. This edition of Shipmate has some updates from Classmates near and far. Keep sending in your Shipmate submissions! It may be a little early to start having this conversation, but who’s excited for Navy Football in Ireland in August 2020? Navy looks to start their 2020 season with a solid international win over the Irish next

“Meet Up” = Football!

A bit of housekeeping in this next section in preparation for our FIFTEEN YEAR REUNION! —it is only three years away! The Alumni Association recently ran a check on their records regarding connectivity with members of the Class of 2007. There are 268 members of our Class with bad/broken/old email addresses in their Alumni Association profile. Please visit

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 109

07/09 CLASS NEWS www.USNA.com and click “LOG IN”. Here is what the Alumni Association recommends: “Go to www.usna.com today and review and update your profile. Click on “Find and Connect” at the upper left of the home page. Then click on “My Account” in the sentence, “Log in to My Account to update your profile.” Then log in. If you do not currently have a profile, you will be able to set one up. You do not have to be a member of the Alumni Association to have a profile. Keep the Shipmate submissions coming! To our classmates currently deployed and/or away from home – be safe and come back soon. We miss you! Your friends, classmates, and loved ones wish you the best. That’s all for now!

’08

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 40.61%

Lauren Wilson (née St. Pierre-Hetz) starts our Reunion Recap by sharing some photos of her fellow 14th Company classmates: Lauren and Pat Wilson’s daughter, Maddie ’38, takes a stroll down Stribling Walk.

’09: Ladies from NAPS gathered from when we first met over a decade ago! Front left to right: Gabrielle Francisco (2nd Company), Samantha Holloway (7th Company), Elizabeth McKenzie (5th Company), Vanessa Wancea (3rd Company), Alexa Maranhao (2nd Company), Megan Labossiere (25th Company), Terry Borja (16th Company), Nicole Terwey (23rd Company); Back left to right: Hannah Roberts (30th Company), Apphia Maxima (19th Company), Jamie Carter (18th Company), Marissa Strausser (20th Company), Natalie Rose-Jenkins (15th Company)

Arom left to right: Pat Wilson, Lauren Wilson, Adrien Malone, Jeff Walker, and Crystal Walker (USAF Veteran) enjoying some ice cream at Kilwins on Main Street. ’09: From front left to right: Jamie Carter (née Howe), Demarcus Gilliard, Katherine Arnall (née Wirtz), Caroline Johnson, Jon-Michael McCartney; Back left to right: Kevin Schrodt, Micky Matus, Megan Selbach-Allen and Danny Canham

Pres: Donald H. Horner III Vice Pres: LCDR Gerald Brooks, USN Treas: LCDR Daniel E. Foose, USN Sec’y: LCDR Dianna Dietrich, USN e: dianna.dietrich@gmail.com

’09

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 41.36% Pres: LT Andrew Poulin, USN e: andrew.poulin09@gmail.com Vice Pres: LT Art Griffin, USN

Lauren and Pat Wilson watching Navy beat Holy Cross.

Next up, Nicole Terwey (née Ruiz) not only enjoyed a USNA 10-year Reunion, but also a NAPS Reunion, as well!

Treas: LT Cody Forsythe, USN Sec’y: LT Micky Matus, USN e:michaelmatus09@gmail.com Shipmate Submissions: e: usna2009@googlegroups.com

’09, Our 10-year Reunion was a resounding success—hope everyone who was able to make it had a blast! The Alumni Association told us to plan on 200-250 graduates to attend our 10-Year Reunion, with 225 Alumni on average from previous classes...but as usual 2009 came out in force! We had over 400 Alumni and a several hundred more family members attend. For the second reunion in a row, we surpassed all expectations.

Nicole and Alan Terwey: “We had such an amazing time. We are so excited for the 15-year reunion!!”

110 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Alan (11th Company) and Nicole Terwey (23rd Company) enjoy a pint at Ram’s Head.

Lastly, 18th Company shares their #GlowUp reunion photo during the ’09 Tailgater at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium—lookin’ great, Yarddogs!: Please join us in a huge THANK YOU to everyone who pitched in to make this another ‘09 event for the record books: Chip Hardie (21st Company)—Hotel Block Reservations; Matt Sealy (14th Company)— Navy Football Ticket Reservations; Alan Helm (12th Company) and Kayla Lyon (13th Company)— Memorial Service, Christian Giles (23rd Company) and Megan Stateler (10th Company)—Cocktail Hour; Steven Hayworth (17th Company) —Nametags; and Christina Montoya (14th Company)—Registration.

And of course, none of this would have been possible without the herculean efforts of our Reunion Chairman, Johnny Orr (4th Company). We have been planning this reunion for more than a year and a half and Johnny has been setting the pace the whole way. Somehow, he balanced all of the planning with his full time Navy job, his family, and a cross-country move in the middle of everything. This success would not have been possible without Johnny and the rest of our stellar volunteer team, so if you see any of them, give them an extra shout-out and a pat on the back for another job well-done! Until next time, please keep the stories, life updates, and pictures coming our way via our USNA ’09 facebook page or our Class Slack channel: usna09.slack.com. ‘Til we meet again by the bay, -’09 Class Officers

SHIPMATE More than 80 years available online to all Alumni Association members. Visit usna.com/shipmate

10/11 CLASS NEWS

’10

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 38.70% Pres: LT Robert Battle, USN e: rhbattle@2010.usna.com Vice Pres: LT Garth Thomas, USN Sec’y: LT Margaret Boyle, USN e: mcboyle@2010.usna.com Send Articles to: Shipmate2010@gmail.com

2010, On July 3rd, Dan Ruffin and Liz Leckie, completed the 22 mile round trip to summit Mount Whitney at 14,505 feet, the tallest mountain in the contiguous US in one day. This is the same USNA flag that Liz brought to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2017 and to the world cup in Russia last year! Way to go Dan and Liz! Also, Tony (25th Company) and Kyndra Chitwood (27th Company) offer congratulations to Charles and Kollette Carafano (24th company) on Charles’ recent promotion to Director of Worldwide Operations ACES at Amazon. After both Charles and Kollette fulfilled their commitments to the Marine Corps, Charles started as an Operations manager at Amazon and worked his way up to Senior Ops Manager, General Manager, and now Director. Kollette has been such a selfless and supportive wife and mother to their 4 kids Rocko, Gunner, Hunter, and Scout. Since starting with Amazon they have moved from California to New Jersey and are now settling in Seattle, Washington. We love you and are so proud of you guys. By now the football season is rolling to the end but in case you missed it, the great class of 1960 reached out to 2010 this summer and offered to share their tailgating space this season! The tent is in the west side parking lot and backs to Farragut Road near the intersection with Cedar Park Road. Look for the Class of 1960 banner on Blue and Gold striped tent. If we have enough interest and engagement, we intend to split the cost of the tailgate space with 1960 for the next few seasons. Looking for feedback! If you’re interested in continuing the tailgate,

’10: On Mount Whitney at 14,505 feet,

’10: The Chitwood family

being a part of the tailgate team or think it’s a good (or bad) idea, please write and let us know. Fleet warriors, we want to hear about you! Post your #2010recognition story about that Department Head who was your Mother B roommate or Rifle Company Commander you played intramurals with (or against). If you haven’t already, join your 220+ classmates and counting at: https:// www.linkedin.com/groups/ 12169108/ and as always… INVICTUS!

’11

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 24.74% Pres: Michael E. Orzetti, CIV Vice Pres: LT Ricky Dobbs, USN Treas: LT Matthew Pierson, USN Sec’y: LT Natalie Woodward, USN e: NNWoodward@2011.usna.com

2011! It has been 8 years since we graduated! Can you believe it?! As a class, we have done some pretty

major things both in and out of the service and I’m sure I speak for everyone by saying it’s really amazing to watch 2011 graduates succeed in so many endeavors. But then again, could you expect anything less of the class that had the last real plebe year?! Recently, Julius Bratton was selected to join the Blue Angels 2020 demonstration team, Anastasia Abid just played for the U.S. Womens Armed Forces Soccer Team in the military world games in China, and Caleb Wright just argued a case at the Ninth Circuit (and Won!). John Vick is campaign manager for a governors’ race in Louisiana and about to deploy with the Reserves as an exercise planner for CJTF Horn of Africa, Kenneth Barnes recently completed a 5,000 mile bike trip across the U.S., passing through 20 states in 85 days, and Rob Roy started a podcast called the Adventure Bound Podcast where he interviews people who believe that getting outside, breathing fresh air, and taking risks along the way are critical to living a fulfilled life.

One of our token 2011 power couples, Caleb and Kristin Cronic, are doing some pretty cool things in the civilian world. Kristin is an amazing artist, has started both Kristin Cronic Fine Art and Easel on Stribling, and has recently closed a deal with the Naval Academy Museum for an 18 month show starting May of 2020, which should be up for our 10 year! If you haven’t checked it out her work yet, you should! Caleb is the Alumni Association President for the Jacksonville, Florida chapter and organized a massive Army Navy Watch Party at the Jaguars NFL Stadium as a city-wide event for this year’s game. If you are in the area, you should definitely attend! Another classmate, Aaron Rosa, has started his own photography business and recently shot the cover of Shipmate Magazines donor report. In addition, we have several classmates who have recently gotten out, completed grad school, and landed some pretty major jobs in the civilian work force. A big congratulations to all! Last, but not least, our 10 Year Reunion is only 2 years away! Kristin Lein is leading the Reunion Planning Committee and the reunion is set for fall of 2021. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

LT Grace Carlson and LT Jenny Rudewicz flying together in Lake Tahoe, California summer 2019.

Melanie Alexander celebrating the birth of her second child.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 111

11/20 CLASS NEWS

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projects ongoing within his district to include Aegis development in Moorestown, NJ and advanced carrier aviation technology development in Lakehurst, NJ.

Erin Platt celebrating the birth of her second child.

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Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 67.27%

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 54.72% Pres: 1stLt Eric B. Kellogg, USMC Vice Pres: 1stLt Matthew L. Chavez, USMC Treas: LTJG Renata M. Bucher, USN Pete Nguyen (23) had a surprise when fellow company-mate and firstie, Mike Byrd (Class of 2010), gave him his instructor check-ride at NAS Corpus Christi.

Pres: LT John-Rex Spivey, USN e: johnrexspivey@gmail.com Vice Pres: LT Daniel Murphy, USN Treas: 1stLT Ted Baumgardner, USMC

Kenneth Barnes Biking across the US.

Let me know if you need anything else from me!

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Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 42.57% Pres: Capt Ian Cameron, USMC Vice Pres: LT Nicholas DeMasters, USN Treas: LT Nicolas Woods, USN Sec’y: LT Jane M. Baird, USN Send Articles to: shipmate2012@gmail.com

Anand Jantzen with Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Richardson ‘82 and Chief of Legislative Affairs for the Navy Rear Admiral Loeblein ‘85

While working in Congressman Andy Kim’s (NJ) office, Anand Jantzen had the pleasure of meeting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Richardson ‘82 and Chief of Legislative Affairs for the Navy Rear Admiral Loeblein ‘85. Anand facilitated Congressman Kim’s discussions with Navy leadership regarding the latter’s

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Best Wishes for the New Year from your Alumni Association and Foundation.

112 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Send Articles to: Shipmate2016@gmail.com

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Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 41.57%

Sec’y: LT Hannah Yun, USN

2013, 1) We have had a successful first season of establishing the Class of 2013-1963 Tailgate! Thanks to all who have come out and look forward to growing the tailgate in the years to come. 2) Become a Blue and Gold Officer - USNA Admissions could use more folks from our decade to serve as Blue and Gold Officers. They would love younger, more vibrant folks to step up. I hear it is a great way to give back and is rewarding. If interested, email our classmate Erin Sleister (nee McKenna) at esleiste @usna.edu. You can do it all over the world, even if you are on active duty. 3) Getting out of the Navy or Marine Corps? Don’t forget about the valuable resources the USNA Alumni Association provides. Take advantage of the Service Academy Career Conference or the Alumni Mentoring Program. Please visit the association’s website for more information. 4) USNA Survey of Graduates… Long story short, USNA is conducting this survey to receive feedback on what graduates do after graduation (particularly those who leave the service). While it might take time, data points like this can legitimize the value of graduating from USNA. Please continue to check your emails for the links. -John-Rex

Sec’y: 1stLt Zachary L. Coffman, USMC

Pres: 2ndLt Chosnel Raymond, USMC e: chosnel.ra@gmail.com Vice Pres: ENS Robert Winning, USN e: robertwinning34@gmail.com Charles Royster, EJ Halton, Jorge Corona at the class tailgate for the AF game.

Treas: ENS Theodore Schopf, USN e: tedschopfii@gmail.com Sec’y: ENS Molly McGuckin, USN e: mollykmcguckin@gmail.com

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Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 39.50% Pres: ENS Dan Stitt, USN Vice Pres: ENS Michael Pahissa, USN James Saylor (left) and Hannah Legler (right) also enjoying the class tailgate.

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Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 61.62% Pres: 1stLt William R. Roberts, USMC Vice Pres: 1stLt Conor J. Kearney, USMC Treas: LTJG Emily L. Kreyenhagen, USN Sec’y: LTJG Elizabeth J. Powers, USN Send Articles to: shipmate2014@gmail.com

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Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 53.68% Pres: CAPT Ward “Bubba” Scott III, USMC p: 603-236-1011; e: wardscottiii@gmail.com

Treas: ENS Gio Hernandez, USN Sec’y: ENS Rachel LaBuda, USN Send Articles to: 2018usna@gmail.com

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Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 29.73% Pres: 2ndLt Isaac Phillips III, USMC Vice Pres: ENS Tate Schumacher, USN Treas: ENS Leor Golan, USN Sec’y: ENS Gil Wright, USN

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Pres: MIDN Mike Smith, USN Vice Pres: MIDN John Finnegan, USN Treas: MIDN Grayson Gossett, USN Sec’y: MIDN Nolan Kreipe, USN

Vice Pres: LT Dylan Cawdery, USN p: 801-638-0724; e: dcawdery@gmail.com Treas: LT Joshua David Elliott p: 772-643-4468 e: joshuaelliott2015@gmail.com Sec’y: CAPT Madeline Zell, USMC p: 410-370-3068; e: mad.zell.15@gmail.com

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE Log into Online Community at usna.com to update your profile.

CHAPTER NEWS Alabama BGO Area Coordinator: Brian Campbell ’94, USNR p: 251-776-4000 e: Brian.Campbell@1994.usna.com

USNA Alabama Alumni Chapter Pres: Lt Greg Hess ’85 p: 205-307-9191 e: greghess8599@charter.net Vice Pres, Central Alabama: Eric Riddle '94 p: 469.363.4295 e: ericriddle94@gmail.com Vice Pres, Northern Alabama: Michael McFarland p: 713.410.2155; e:mjmcfarland7@aol.com Treas: Dennis Read ’59 p: 205-879-6617; e: dsread2010@gmail.com Exec. Assist: Julie Holstad, son, Hunter ’20 e: usna.ala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/search/ top/?q=usna%20alumni%20association% 20-%20alabama%20chapter

South Alabama Chapter Pres: Brian Campbell ’94, USNR p: 251-776-4000 e: Brian.Campbell@1994.usna.com

Herb Fauth ’67 and his wife Sue met with the USNA Arizona Parent’s Club in Scottsdale to advise the parents of new plebes on what to expect when they travel to Annapolis for the upcoming Parent’s Weekend. At a separate meeting, Herb and Sue and Chapter member John McCarthy ’76 met with Joe Fagan ’89, the assistant Director for Engagement Operations for the Alumni Assoc., to discuss AZ alumni activities, the Blue and Gold Program, and new capabilities for alumni chapters. In September, Herb and Sue travelled to Prescott and joined alumni from the area to watch Navy defeat ECU. The following week, the Chapter held its first official event – a potluck dinner at Herb and Sue’s home. Twenty-two chapter members and spouses attended. The same week, Jim and Wendy Hillenmayer represented the Chapter at the Navy Memorial’s annual Lone Sailor award dinner in Washington DC.

Sec’y: Ruth Lichtenfeld p: 251-343-6264; e: ruth29@bellsouth.net

Arizona Pres: Capt David M. English ’86, USMCR e: David.English@1986.usna.com www.usna.com/Chapter/us/arizona Sec’y: Steven W. Ranes ’02 e: StevenWRanes@gmail.com Website: http://arizona.usnachapters.com

Southern Arizona Chapter Pres: Herb Fauth ’67 p: 520-977-8550; e: 6eagle7@cox.net Sec’y: Jim Hillenmayer ’73 e: jhillenmayer73@msn.com Website: http://southernarizona.usna chapters.com

With the Chapter off for the summer, Jim Hillenmayer ’73 and his wife Wendy travelled back to Annapolis and represented the Chapter at the Induction ceremony for the class of 2023 as part of the “Another Link in the Chain” program. In August, Jim and Wendy and Chapter President

Pres: Mori Nixon ‘81 1-15-19-301 Minami-Aoyama Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062 Japan: 090-9402-1291 / US: 253-656-6992 e: mnixon@gns-inc.us

BGO Area Coordinator: Scott Pursley e: Scott.J.Pursley@gmail.com

Arkansas Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Blackwell e: contactwesblackwell@gmail.com

Pres: Denny East ‘08 e: denny.east5@gmail.com Vice Pres: Rebecca Aten ’98 e: beckya10@yahoo.com

California

Sec’y-Treas: Eric Biggers ’97 e: biggersje97@gmail.com

Los Angeles Chapter Pres: Ernie Medina ’03 e: ernie.medina@nmfn.com

Asia

Corr Sec’y: Tom Lavino ’03 e: trlavino@hotmail.com

Guam Chapter Pres: CAPT Noel M. Enriquez ’84, USNR PO Box 26849, GMF, Barrigada, GU 96921-6849 h: 671-472-9629; f: 671-472-1966 c: 671-777-9629; e: NME@1984.usna.com BGO Area Coordinator: LtCol John Turner ’93, USMC (Ret.) e: john.sebastian.turner@gmail.com

Philippines Chapter Pres: COMMO Alberto B. Carlos ’89, AFP p: +63-2-525-1003; m: +63-917- 521 1637 e: carlosabet@yahoo.com

During the summer, long time Chapter member LtCol Howard L. “Rich” Richey ’60, USMC (Ret.) passed away. A memorial service was held on 5 October in Green Valley, AZ. Following the service, the Chapter gathered to watch the Navy/Air Force game at a local Tucson pub. Details of past and upcoming activities can be found on the chapter website at http://southernarizona. usnachapters.com/index.html.

BGO Area Coordinator: (Orange/East LA County) CDR Steve Shatynski '83, USNR (Ret.) p: 714-255-6108; e: Stephan.shatynski@wellsfargo advisors.com BGO Area Coordinator: (Riverside/San Bernardino) CAPT Stephen Andres ’67, USNR p: 858-454-6755; e: StephenMAndres@gmail.com

Monterey Bay Chapter Pres: LT Vic Kanth ’15 e: usnaalumnimontereybay@gmail.com

Website: www.groups.yahoo.com/community usnaphil

Corr Sec’y: Steve Tackett ’87 e: stackett99@yahoo.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Blackwell e: contactwesblackwell@gmail.com

Website: http://montereybay.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Brian Murphy ’84, USN (Ret.) p: 408-776-3804; e: brian.murphy@harris.com

Pres: Say Yong Tan ’05 e: say@2005.usna.com Sue Fauth, Mona and Mike Samuels ’67, and Herb Fauth ’67 at the Navy / ECU football game gathering in Prescott AZ

BGO Area Coordinator: (LA County) Kevin Glynn e: kglaca@gmail.com

Sec’y: Capt Carl Roy Catalan ’08, PMC (PN) p: +63-917-706-8042; e: Roitime23@gmail.com

Singapore Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: Capt. Chris Palmenberg e: palmenberg@yahoo.com

Arizona Chapter

Tokyo Bay Chapter

Arkansas

Sacramento Chapter

Vice Pres: Andy Harrell e: andyh125@gmail.com

Pres: Dennis P. Joyce ’61 p: 916-996-1333; e: djoyce1961@hotmail.com

Sec’y: LTJG Nicole Uchida ’12, USN e: Nicole.Uchida@fe.navy.mil

Vice Pres: Dr. Terry Brown ’67 p: 530-676-0327; e: twbrown@innercite.com

Chapter Email: USNASG@gmail.com

Sec’y: Bob Bartron ’73 e: bobbartron@hotmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Blackwell e: contactwesblackwell@gmail.com

Treas: Jack Everett ’64 e: jeverett@quicknet.com

Republic of Korea Chapter

Website: http://www.usnaaasac.org

Pres: CDR Chong (John) M. Yi ’85, USN e: John.M.Yi@raytheon.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Bob Proano p: 530-274-9205; e: rproano730@gmail.com

The Chapter News – RADM Jung Seung-Kyun (Class 91, ROK Navy) put on his second star this summer. Big Congratulations to him and his family. Capt Kwan Lee (Class 90, USN) finished his Naval Attaché tour at Seoul and PCS’ed to Navy IPO, Washington DC. The Chapter is going to have an end of year party in Dec. We expect to have 15+ chapter members and their families.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Best Wishes for the New Year from your Alumni Association and Foundation.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 113

CHAPTER NEWS Santa Barbara Chapter Pres: Stephen L.A. Callahan '81 Treas: CAPT Stephen H. Huber '80, USN (Ret.) BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Greg McGiffney e: gmcgiffney@gmail.com Chapter email: usnaaasantabarbarachapter@gmail.com Web: http://santabarbara.usnachapters.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/santabarbara. chapterusna.9 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ usnaalumssantabarbara/

San Diego Chapter: Seated left to right: Jon Brenner ’03, Natalie Lamb ’08, Craig Smith ’82, Kyle Christmas ’06, Michael Bice ’90, Alan Lerchbacker ’74; Standing left to right: Dan Archer ’80, Tina Reed ’12, Charlie Carey ’70, Efrem Venters ’90, Steve Rasmussen ’88, Barbette Lowndes ’80, and Dick Evert ’68

EVENT: Lots of fun during our Navy vs. Air Force watch party. Thank you members for participating. Also great fellowship with a Zoomie.

San Diego Chapter Pres: J. Craig Smith ’82 e: President@usnaaasd.com Corr Sec’y: Charlie Carey ’70 p: 619-589-0945; e: cdcarey@1970.USNA.com Website: http://usnaaasd.com BGO Area Coordinator: Mr. Mike Philbrook ’83 e: michael.philbrook@1983.usna.com

August was busier than usual this year as we had a special luncheon aptly named the Sea Story Telling Competition. We’ve done this for a few years to see who can really deliver a great yarn. This year the five participants included Earl Chin ’52, Dave Wynne ’64, Steve Miller ’72, John Branson ’74, and Barbette Lowndes ’80. Our own Rich Carlquist ’80 was the MC.

RADM MAC McLaughlin ’72 and USNAAA San Diego President Craig Smith ’82.

September brought us RADM John “Mac” McLaughlin ’72, President and CEO of the USS Midway Museum to bring us up-to-date on the Midway Magic in San Diego. Some tidbits of information for us all: Midway is in its 15th year of operation and is visited yearly by approximately 1.4 million visitors making it the most visited ship museum in the U.S. There are currently 32 aircraft on the flight deck and Midway hosts hundreds of events every year from re-enlistments to full scale charity galas. If you’re in San Diego visit the Midway. Charlie

San Francisco Bay Area Chapter Alan Lerchbacker ’74 and John Branson ’74 holding a picture of Lerch in his younger days.

The San Diego Chapter has maintained a strategic plan for some years now and August is when we update. The majority of the Board got together and reviewed our past, present, and future plans under the guidance of Mary Evert (wife of Dick Evert ’68). In addition to this we held our regular day at the races in Del Mar and had a sold out turnout to bet on the ponies.

Pres: Liam Lane ’02 e: usnaaasf.president@gmail.com Vice Pres: Eric Shangle ’97 e: usnaaasf.vp@gmail.com Sec’y: Cheriene Griffith ’02 e: usnaaasf.secretary@gmail.com Treas: Mark Lundstrom ’86 e: iblucky86@earthlink.net Website: http://sfbayarea.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Brian Murphy e: brian.murphy@exelisinc.com

114 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

ANNOUNCEMENT: USNAAA Santa Barbara Chapter Navy Army Viewing Party Date: 14 Dec 2019 Time: 1130 – 1600 Price: $50.00 Location: Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort 1050 Schooner Dr, Ventura, CA 93001 Purchase ticket at: https://santabarbarachapterwatch party.bpt.me

Colorado

suffering from dementia, moved into hospice in early August. Bill passed away on September 8th. A local memorial service was held in Colorado and attended by several of his company classmates. The Chapter is registered with Amazon Smile. For those not familiar with Amazon Smile, just go to smile.amazon.com and log on as usual. The site recognizes everything about you that the amazon.com site recognizes. You can then choose any registered charity or nonprofit and that organization will receive 0.5% of your purchase – at no additional cost to you. All Colorado alums are reminded that our new website is up and operating. You can find us at usnacolorado.com, and we encourage Colorado-based alumni/alumnae to register on the site with your email and contact details in order to stay aware of our Chapter’s news and events. Finally, if you’ve changed any of your contact information and wish to remain in touch, please update you Alumni Association profile since that is also a source of the contact information that we use.

Colorado Springs Chapter Pres: LCDR John Sledgianowski ’87, USN (Ret.) p: 719-287-2187; e: sledgesix@msn.com BGO Area Coordinator: Thomas Gregory CAPT, USN (Ret.) e: thomas.gregory@bgo.usna.com

Connecticut

Colorado Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: Evan Barnet ’91 p: 203-453-9493 e: evan@barnetassociates.com

Pres: CAPT S. Guy Higgins ’69, USN (Ret.) e: guyhiggins1234@gmail.com

Connecticut Chapter

Website: http://usnacolorado.com

Pres: Alan Weigel ’79 p: 860-376-5775; e: aweigel@blankrome.com

BGO Area Coordinator: (Denver) CAPT Dick Eason ’84, USN (Ret.) p: 720-747-4615; e: dick.eason@lycos.com

Vice Pres: Tom Hodgson ’83 p: 203-318-8870; e: t.h.hodgson@comcast.net Treas: Tom Hogsten ’85

A USNA team of Barry Hubbard ’81, John Virden ’76 and Will Giury ’00 won the Rindahl Trophy in the annual Colorado Tri-Service Golf Tournament with a total score of 17 under par. The tournament is a scramble format and was held at the Air Force Academy Eisenhower course. We heard from Dale Carter whose husband, Bill ’71, has been

Sec’y: Eric Irwin ’86 p: 860-857-8748; e: irwiner@comcast.net Comms Dir: David Candler ’67 p: 860-823-0862; e: davcandler@aol.com Meeting Chairman: Vacant Website: http://connecticut.usnachapters.com/ Naval Academy Parent Club of CT Website: http://ct.usnaparents.net

Here is updated information for our CT region of USNA Alumni:

CHAPTER NEWS Perhaps the most recent Navy events locally were the festivities and camaraderie related to the Navy-UCONN football game early in November. These included: Thursday 31 October 2019. Connecticut Alumni Chapter Blue and Gold Happy Hour. The Chapter held an informal no-host Blue & Gold Happy Hour at City Steam Brewery, 942 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103 (downtown Hartford) on Thursday evening. No RSVP was necessary. Friday 01 November 2019 Navy Tailgate. The Connecticut Chapter along with the Connecticut Parents’ Club hosted a tailgater 3 hours prior to kick off to 1 hour after the game under the tent in the Cabela’s parking lot at 475 East Hartford Blvd. N., East Hartford 06118 (directly adjacent to the stadium parking lot). The Navy Cheerleaders and Bill the Goat along with the Superintendent joined us to cheer Navy to victory against the “Huskies.” The Tailgate featured a BBQ from Cabela’s Candlewood Grill for $33. A kid’s meal was available for $15. The menu included Hamburgers/ Cheeseburgers, Chicken Fajita Kabobs, Grilled Kielbasa, and all the fixings. A big THANK YOU to Chapter Presidents Alan Weigel ’76 who did the planning and execution of the past two Navy-UCONN tailgates and dinners, and to Dave Stryker ’61 who took the bull by the horns and invented the Navy-UCONN pregame process and secured significant corporate donations to defray expenses for the first such conference game with UCONN. It was great seeing not only our New England contingent, but also Shipmates from some distance away. A football game has more and more been just cause to declare a minireunion of folks from all over the globe. My guests included former USNA 8th wing roomies who now live in Annapolis and Panama. With Mystic and our casinos we can overcome the winter weather and have a good time telling of the past and recaching the game.

If you have had similar Shipmate experiences, please let me know! Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year ! Dave Candler, ‘67

Costa Rica BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Blackwell e: contactwesblackwell@gmail.com

Costa Rica Chapter Pres: Claudio A. Pacheco ’64 Apt. 4307-1000, San Jose, Costa Rica p: 506-2224-4325; w: 506-2225-4239 c: 506-8876-1394; e: cpacheco@1964.usna.com

Delaware BGO Area Coordinator: Maj Brad Boyd ’87 p: 302-377-4479 e: Brad.Boyd@bgo.usna.com

Delaware Chapter Pres: Chris Dierkes ’85 e: Christopher.F.Dierkes-1@usa.dupont.com

YO HO HO…A SHIPWRECK IN OUR OWN BACKYARD….ARRR!

Left to right: Greg Pearsall ’74, Chris Dierkes ’85 and Jim Ring ‘63

In early September, a small group of Delaware alumni got a “behind the scenes” look at an actual Royal Navy shipwreck from the late 1700’s. HMS De Braak met its fate near Cape Henlopen along the Delaware coast, when it succumbed to a sudden, summer squall. The captain ignored the pilot’s urgent warnings to take down the sail, and the brig-sloop quickly listed. Top-heavy with new rigging and added guns, the ship could not be righted. It capsized within sight of shore, but many of the crew perished. In 1986, almost 200 years after her sinking, the De Braak was salvaged and found its way to the State Park for all to admire. No treasure was ever recovered – it may still be out there! Joining chapter president Chris Dierkes (85) and his wife Judy, was Jim Ring (63) and Greg Pearsall (74)

and his wife, Barbara. A small, overloaded wooden ship trying to navigate the local waters reminds me a lot of summer YP cruises. Gratefully, our training was a little better. We still learned a lot from these hearty souls who sailed in a different age. Photo and write-up submitted by Chris Dierkes. We would like to wish everyone a very, very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Remember…if you have something to share with your USNA Delaware friends, contact Chris Dierkes…let’s get it printed for all alumni to read.

are invited to attend. Especially invited as our guests are academy graduates currently attending the University of Florida.

Florida

NAVY FOOTBALL It may still feel like summer in Jacksonville but Navy fans are eager for a chance to support the Blue and Gold on the gridiron. We’ve consolidated our official “watch parties” to a single site at Hoptingers at Jacksonville Beach. Over 40 alumni and guests showed up to watch Navy take the season opener against Holy Cross and the following week a crowd of 60+ cheered as Navy beat East Carolina. We partnered with the Northeast Florida USNA Parents Club for some of these events and on Thursday, September 26th Alumni, Parents, and guests gathered at Veterans United Brewery (complete with food truck) to watch Navy take on the Memphis Tigers. Navy looked strong the first half but could not stay even with the Tigers after halftime. Nonetheless, we look forward to a great season of Navy football!

Gainesville Chapter Pres: CAPT J. Michael Smith ’61, USNR (Ret.) p: 352-450-9758; e: mickey61USNA@yahoo.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR e: sswift@1987.usna.com

The United States Service Academies Alumni Club of Gainesville held a regularly scheduled meeting Thursday 19 September 2019, at the Gainesville Country Club. This was the first meeting since the beginning of summer. Though the calendar showed fall soon arriving, it was still high summer here. Naval Academy Alumni in attendance were Art Nussel ’55, Russell Henderson ’58, Peter McCall ’59, Walt Wynn ’59, Tim Austin ’60, Jerry Kennedy ’61, Mickey Smith ’61, Steve Jones ’68, Ty Tyler ’76, Charles Baker ’87, and Franz Federschmidt ’06. Attending from the Military Academy was Jack Martin ’50. Attending from the Merchant Marine Academy was Walt Visniski ’56. The conversations ranged from “What have you been doing over the summer?” to “What did you do in your career?” Turns out aviators can’t tell a tale without flying their hands and though the content seems about the same Army guys don’t call them sea stories. Our meetings are held at the Gainesville Country Club, 7300 SW 35th Way, in Gainesville, Florida, at noon on the third Thursday of each month. Meetings last about an hour. Alumni and their families, current and future midshipmen and cadets

Jacksonville Chapter Pres: Caleb Cronic ’11 e: caleb.cronic@raymondjames.com Vice Pres: CDR Peter Garfield ’60, USN (Ret.) e: pjgarfield@comcast.net; p: 904-314-9691 Treas: CAPT Scott Bethmann ’80, SC, USN (Ret.) e: scottbethmann@1980.usna.com Sec’y: CAPT Scott Neidhold ’77, USNR (Ret.) e: scotneidholdsr@gmail.com Website: jacksonville.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard O’Sullivan ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 407-687-6877; e: raaos@aol.com

Navy Fans Enjoy Cheering on the Blue and Gold against Memphis at Veterans United Brewery

ARMY – NAVY 2019 Jacksonville Chapter leadership, along with the local West Point Society, has been working for several months with the City of Jacksonville on a major event for Army – Navy

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 115

CHAPTER NEWS 2019. We are pleased to announce that we have secured the use of TIAA Bank Field (home of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars) as the site for our 2019 Army – Navy Game Watch Party on December 14, 2019. We are working with local businesses, military organizations, and government officials to create an exciting atmosphere at the stadium where we’ll have use of the Jumbotron viewing system along with food and beverages for guests. Jacksonville is a great Navy town and we expect to have a large contingent of Navy fans cheering as Navy beats Army! Details on the event will be available to our local alumni, parents, and others in the coming weeks.

new 2019 graduates who have begun volunteering to help out. You are all part of our crew and if we all pull together, we can go far. Please find and follow us on Instagram (@pensacola_chapter_ usnaaa) for the latest Chapter news. You can also find a schedule of future activities, and much more information on our new Chapter Website: pensacola.usnachapters.net.

Southwest Florida Chapter Pensacola Chapter: Alums and #RoadToDublin at Miller’s Ale House watching Navy Football!

Sec’y: Herbert John Andrews ’68 e: herbiejohn383@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Dennis R. Neutze ’65, JAGC USN (Ret.) p: 305-807-9648 e: dennis.navy65@googlemail.com

Greater Miami Chapter

Website: southwestflorida.usnachapters.net

Pres: Thor C. Gould ’09 e: thor.gould@gmail.com Website: www.usnamiami.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ USNAMiami BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Dennis R. Neutze ’65, JAGC USN (Ret.) p: 305-807-9648 e: dennis.navy65@googlemail.com

Orlando Chapter Pres: Peter Krug ‘79 e: orlando_chapter@alumni.usna.com Sec’y: Jason Ketelsen ‘98 e: jketelsen1@gmail.com Webmaster: Stan Clark ’79 e: shredder110@gmail.com Website: http://orlando.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard O’Sullivan ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 407-687-6877; e: raaos@aol.com

Palm Beach Chapter Pres: Ivan Rosa ‘84 e: irosa@1984.USNA.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Dennis R. Neutze ’65, JAGC USN (Ret.) p: 305-807-9648 e: dennis.navy65@googlemail.com

Pensacola Chapter Pres: Kathy McCartan ’85 e: usnaaapensacola@gmail.com Sec’y: John Klose ‘78 e: jpklose78@gmail.com Website: Pensacola.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Joan Platz ’81, USN (Ret.) p: 850-304-1626; e: joan.platz@1981.usna.com

The Pensacola Chapter is back in full swing cheering on Navy Football at Miller’s Ale House and socializing at our monthly luncheons at the

Pres: Doug Backes ’70 e: dougbackes@aol.com

Pensacola Chapter: Robert Deal ‘76, WWII Vet LCDR Cash Barber, USN-R and Guest Speaker Roy Kinsey

Pensacola Yacht Club the 3rd Wednesday of each month. The #RoadToDublin Contest is in full swing at all football games with the button showing up in many Chapter members social media posts. The season is off to a great start, and the excitement of Navy Football makes each gathering a fantastic social event for all Alumni. Be sure to come join the crowd on December 14 for Army-Navy at Miller’s where we’ll have a 50/50 and more raffle, as well as a Navy holiday gift sale. At our monthly luncheon in September, we were particularly pleased to host Alumni from the classes of 1947 to 2019! Our Meeting Chair, Robert Deal ’76 did a fantastic job by inviting prominent attorney and aviation buff Roy Kinsey who is the Director of Veterans Flight, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that uses vintage Stearman biplanes to fly WWII Veterans to kickoff the annual Pensacola Air Show. The chapter

116 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

got a fantastic overview of their operations and several heartwarming “sea stories.” We were also delighted to host local resident and WWII Veteran LCDR Clyde “Cash” Barber, USN-R who has been flown on several of the Veteran’s Flights. You can learn more about Veteran’s Flights by going to www.veteransflight.org.

Roy Kinsey talks Aviation History and Honoring Our WWII Veterans.

The Chapter has also set the goal this fall is to encourage more alumni, particularly those who graduated between 1985 and 2019 to get involved in our local Alumni Association. We especially thank all the Chapter Advisors and the

President’s Comments: As I write this, our 2019-2020 “Season” is about to start. I am excited to return to Southwest Florida to be home, be with friends and enjoying all the area has to offer. For USNA alumni this includes membership in our chapter (we would love to have you participate) and connection to classmates and fellow alumni living and visiting here. Will you be a snowbird vacationer in the area this season? We will honor your paid membership from your home USNA alumni association chapters, and you are more than welcome to attend our luncheon/meetings and events. Details of this season’s events are provided below. Doug Backes’70 President COMING ATTRACTIONS: Next season we will keep our same focus: five luncheons, one ArmyNavy tailgate, and the tri-service academy golf outing. We are changing things up a bit on our venues. Our Tuesday, November 12, 2019, and Tuesday, April 7, 2020 Luncheons, as well as the Saturday December 14th Army-Navy Tailgate, will be hosted by the Wyndemere Country Club (off Livingston Rd in East Naples). For the months of January, February and March 2020, when our attendance is greatest, we have been able to again retain Audubon CC off Tamiami Trail in

CHAPTER NEWS North Naples. Luncheons there are held on the second Mondays of those months as we have done with Audubon the past three seasons. Speakers are a large part of our luncheon agendas and we are lining up some interesting folks. First off for our Tuesday November 12th Luncheon at Wyndemere will be Mr. Quang “Q” Nguyen. Quang’s family fought side by side with Americans since the escalation of the Vietnam war in 1965. Some managed to stay alive, most didn’t. In April of 1975, when he was 12-1/2 he was loaded up on a C-130 with an older brother at Tan Son Nhut airport for the long journey and one that defined him as a new American. After rejoining with the rest of his family, who made it out on a barge and picked up by the U.S. Navy at sea, he started a new life learning what was needed for an opportunity to be a U.S. citizen. His story of that life’s journey, his perspective looking back on the sacrifices US Servicemen made to facilitate that journey and his views on the gift of being a citizen in America are interesting and inspirational. Saturday December 14th will be our Chapter sponsored Army-Navy Tailgate. This event will be hosted by the Wyndemere Country Club (off Livingston Rd in East Naples) in their large ballroom (plenty of room and a great audio visual set-up. Good food, good drink and fellow alumni cheering for their team; WHAT COULD BE BETTER? – HOW ABOUT A BIG WIN TO GO WITH ALL THAT! GO NAVY BEAT ARMY! 2020 starts out with our speaker coming from our sister service, the US Coast Guard. We have invited RADM Eric C. Jones, Commander Seventh USCG District and former military RADM Eric C. Jones, adviser to the Commander Seventh Secretary of USCG District Homeland Security and assistant Superintendent of the USCG Academy, The US Coast

Guard is facing many challenges and opportunities and have scored some impressive wins lately in defending our nation’s sovereignty. With Admiral Jones’s extensive background in Coast Guard leadership it should be a great talk. Also in January is our local area All-Academies alumni golf tournament. Details will be forthcoming in December. Monday February 10th will be our Valentine’s special luncheon where we pull out all the stops for the pleasure of having our significant other’s join us. Our special speaker will be Father Bob Kantor who was a Navy chaplain in Afghanistan, taking care of our troops in combat zones in a country that is certainly not known to be supportive of Christians, troops or otherwise. Father Bob is currently pastor of St. Agnes parish in Naples and been described as a first person type inspirational speaker. For March 2020 we are hoping to once again entice USNA Director of Athletics, Mr. Chet Gladchuk to join us during his occasional recruiting trips through Southwest Florida. Chet and his staff give us the best possible information on USNA plans and actions to provide a superior athletic experience for Midshipmen as well as nationally ranked varsity teams. Tentative date is Monday March 9th at Audubon CC. Date could change to accommodate Chet’s schedule. At our April 14th luncheon possible speakers include Navy experts on climate change, Academy Cyber Command, Miami based DEA officials discussing the threat of drug and other smuggling coming in through our south Florida ports and several others, TBD. Our VP, Hank White ’68, is coordinating our programs and if you have any good ideas or speaker possibilities, please contact him. GO NAVY; BEAT ARMY!! Herb Andrews ’68, Secretary

Space Coast Chapter

Suncoast Chapter

Pres: CAPT Pete Peterson ’56, USN (Ret.) p: 321-952-2066; e: RETEP401@gmail.com

Pres: Alois (Al) Burda '68 e: alburda3@verizon.net

Sec: LtCol Tom Schwartz ’56, USAF (Ret.) p: 321-255-5452 e: thomasschwartz@bellsouth.net

Vice Pres: Craig Harvey ’76 e: harveyct@hotmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard O’Sullivan ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 407-687-6877; e: raaos@aol.com

The Space Coast Service Academy Nomination Committee for Congressman Bill Posey recently met for lunch honoring the retirement of Tom Schwartz ’56 and Pete Peterson ’56 at Tuscany Grill in Suntree. Pete has served as Chairman of the USNA and USMMA nominating committee for 26 years under 4 different congressmen of the district and Tom had served for 17 with Pete. Along with their wives Robyn and Merle were Robert Watts ’73 and members of the USAFA and USMA committees and Cong Posey’s staff. Jim Tulley ’69 will replace Pete in November. Although Pete and Tom were retiring from the Committee they indicated that they would continue providing volunteer services around the community.

Robyn, Pete, and Congressman Posey

Treas: Dick D’Anna ’68 e: dannari68@comcast.net Sec’y: Vacant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ usnaalumnifloridasuncoastchapter BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR e: sswift@1987.usna.com

On August 31 at Gecko’s Grill and Pub off Clark Rd. in Sarasota, a loud and spirited crowd showed up for a tailgate to watch Navy pummel Holy Cross 45-7. It was a respectable outing for both Navy Football and the Suncoast Chapter. Biggest crowd to date for a non-Army game for this Chapter. The attendees spanned the classes from 1937 to 2008: Margrit Messenheimer (widow of Clifford ’37), Don Harvey ’48 and Debbie Harvey, Larry Chambers ’52 and Sarah Jones Chambers, Vic Reiling ’62 and Nancy Bushnell, Dick Fredlund ’64 and Betty Fredlund, Al Burda ’68 and Kate Burda, Jim Garrow ’71, Jocko Jastreb ’71, Mario Summa ’71 and Sue Summa, Steve Bartek ’74 (attended but is missing from the photo on the next page), Bob Clark ’75 and Jayne Clark, Bo Hamrick ’79, George Chamberlain ’82 and Carolynn Chamberlain, Mike Masica ’95, Matt Melton ’08 and Fiona McFarland ’08.

ENS Chris Cantillo ’18

Merle, Tom and Congressman

The Space Coast Chapter is still active meeting at various locations around the space coast. Call Tom at 321-255-5452 for location and dates.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 117

CHAPTER NEWS

Suncoast Chapter: Go Navy! Navy beat Holy Cross 45-7

Tampa Bay Chapter: The East Side Crew Watching Navy Beat Holy Cross

Suncoast Chapter: Annual meeting at Pub 32

The Florida Suncoast Chapter held its annual meeting on September 17 at Pub 32 in Sarasota. It was attended by 16 members and guests: Don Harvey ’48 and Debbie Harvey; Fred Derr ’57; Stewart Seaman ’60; Rob Harlan ’60; Gayle Thompson ’61; Dick Fredlund ’64; Al Burda’68 and Kate Burda; Steve Bartek ’74; Bob Clark ’75; George Chamberlain ’82 and Carolynn Chamberlain, and guest speaker Chris Cantillo ’18 and Chris’s parents Tom (ex Navy pilot) and Mary. President Al Burda conducted a short meeting going over Chapter finances, membership and schedule of events for the rest of the year. Then he turned the mike over to our

speaker, ENS. Chris Cantillo ’18, USN who is returning from a year of study at the University of Cambridge as a Marshall Scholar, and is enroute to flight school in Pensacola. Chris talked about his experiences as a Midshipman where he was a Trident Scholar and Captain of the USNA Offshore Sailing Team. He was the number one graduate in the USNA Class of 2018. He then turned to speak of his year in England where he earned a Masters in Energy Technologies. Quite a change from his years in Mother Bancroft! Members are encouraged to check our Chapter Facebook page for updates and future events.

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118 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Tampa Bay Chapter: Tampa Bay Wine Tasting at the Detrick’s Home

Tampa Bay Chapter Pres: CAPT Chris Heath '72, USN (Ret.) p: 813-210-2615; e:christopherheath.fl@gmail.com Sec’y: Ron Seits ‘88 e: ronald.g.seits@gmail.com Website: https://usnatampabay.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ pages/USNA-Alumni-TampaSt-Petersburg/ 120095454740213?sk=wall Communication Director BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR e: sswift@1987.usna.com

RECENT EVENTS: It has been a busy early fall in the Tampa Bay Navy world. The start of another Navy football season has brought old and new friends together to tailgate on both sides of the bay.

Christopher Thompson ’92 and Christian Thompson ’23(!) in the Yard

Good cheer and better wine were had by all at Connie & Miller Detrick’s ’63 home for our annual USNA Wine Society & Pot Luck NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 118

CHAPTER NEWS Dinner. Shipmates and their spouses raised a glass (and filled their bellies!) to good times and good friends. Thanks to Connie and Miller for hosting this event. In October the Tampa Bay chapter hosted our annual Founder’s Day Dinner Event at Feather Sound Country Club. Prospective midshipmen and their parents joined with alumni spanning six decades to share what USNA is all about. Presentations were given by representatives from each warfare specialty, putting a fine point on what each service provides and expects from its members. Many thanks to the Tampa Bay Team and especially Rebecca Myers ’03 for taking the lead on this major recruiting event! We hold our monthly meetings at Tate’s Pizzeria on Westshore on the first Wednesday of each month at 1800. Look forward to seeing you there and your first drink is on us if you are a newbie! FUTURE EVENTS: 28 March 2020: Tampa Bay Lightning Game CHECK US OUT: Look for the Chapter on our Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/ pages/USNA-Alumni-TampaStPetersburg/120095454740213?sk =wall), our Website – https://usna tampabay.com/ and LinkedIn Dues: Annual membership is $30 per year. Dues may be mailed to our Treasurer, Jim Newsome ’90, or paid online via PayPal at https://usnatampabay.com/ Communications: Stay up to date with our alumni activities by making sure that our Communications Director, Steve Swift ’87, has your email address. Contact Steve at sswift@1987.usna.com.

SHIPMATE More than 80 years available online to all Alumni Association members. Visit usna.com/shipmate

Georgia Atlanta Chapter

Pres: DJ Marzetta ’94 p: 404-996-7019; e: djmarzetta@gmail.com Sec’y: Capt. Paul Hurst ’62, USN (ret) p: 770-509-7300; e: phurst62@att.net Website: http://WWW.USNAAAA.COM BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Anthony Evangelista e: tonysevangelista.usna@gmail.com

Hawaii

The August Atlanta Chapter luncheon at the Golden Corral was an excellent event, with presentations on the Veterans Empowerment Organization (VEO) and the upcoming Navy football season. Debbie McKinley ’95 gave an impressive rundown on the history and success of the VEO, of which she is Board Chair. She told a touching story of VEO’s origin, sparked by the discovery that two employees of her company were actually homeless veterans. A comment on the VEO history from its website states, “Since 2008, Veterans Empowerment Organization (VEO) has provided Housing, Supportive Services, Job Training and Placement to over 5,000 homeless veterans and their families.” Functions of the organization include providing meals and shelter, getting veterans connected with the VA, and helping them get reconnected with their families and friends. Debbie is very proud of the fact that they have an 87 per cent success rate. Please look at https:// www.veohero.org/p/mission.html

National Chapter Trustee: Steve Colon ‘81 Pres: Makani Christensen ’03 p: 808-780-1253 e: usnaaa.honolulu@gmail.com

A preview of the upcoming Navy football season was presented by Steve Peters ’84 and Tom Tarquinio ’83. Both Steve and Tom were Navy football players. They gave us some insight into coaching changes, profiles of key players, and some new strategies for this year. https://navysports.com/

Honolulu Chapter

Vice Pres: Ted Peck ’88 Shipmate Scribe: Paul Christensen e: makani.christensen@icloud.com Treas: Creighton Ho ’04 Parent’s Club Pres: Karen Sabogi e: usna.hi.parents.club@gmail.com Hawaii B&G Officer: LtCol John Turner ’93, USMC (Ret.) e: john.sebastian.turner@gmail.com Website: http: honolulu.usnachapters.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ honolulu.usnachapter

Idaho BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Roy Ledesma ’87, USN (Ret.) p: 208-954-3379; e: roy.ledesma@gmail.com

Northwest Chapter Pres: Col Kenneth W. Moore ’66, USMC (Ret.) 31048 E. Hayden Lake Rd., PO Box 2020 Hayden, ID 83835-7059 p: 208-772-7494; e: eyehawk35@gmail.com

Our Chapter has met for every Navy Football game this fall. Joint ventures with Air Force Alumni and the upcoming game with West Point are our only two joint ventures. A great deal of camaraderie, fellowship, laughter and just plain fun take place. If you are in the Coeur d’ Alene area on a football weekend, please join us.

RADM WHITEY FEIGHTNER On 13 October we celebrated the 100th Birthday of our oldest living member. RADM Whitey Feightner, adopted member of the Class of 1942, for his achievements in the Battles of the Philippine Sea. On the previous day a reception is being held for him at the Hayden Lake Country Club, hosted by Pete Optekar, ’63. The local Coeur D’Alene Press will publish a special story of this outstanding officer and Hero, and the memorable impact he imparted to the Naval Service. Whitey was born in Lima Ohio, home of five other Navy Admirals. Valedictorian and Class President of his High School Class opened a full academic scholarship at Findlay College in Ohio. While a student at Findlay, he became an undefeated NCAA Wrestler, learned to fly, was also College Class Valedictorian and joined the Naval Flight program. By this time he had more stick time flying than many of his Instructors. Off to WWII, his carrier was sunk, his plane returned to Hawaii and he became Butch O’Hare’s assistant in outfitting a new Squadron. Whitey then returned to the Pacific, became an ACE with 9 kills, and 22 probables. He was a member of the Blue Angels. Later he was a Squadron Commander of VF-11, and then a CAG. Later he commanded two ships, and then an LHA. He is an inspiration to everyone who comes in contact with him. Pictures of his party will follow in the next addition.

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CHAPTER NEWS Southern Idaho Chapter

Michiana Chapter

Pres: Andrea Hovey '03 e: andrea.hovey@gmail.com

Pres: John Ross ’94 e: johnwmross@me.com

Vice Pres: Paul Campbell ’98 e: Paul.Campbell@1998.usna.com

Vice Pres/Sec’y: CDR John (Chris) Haizlip ’72, USN (Ret.) 15246 Longford Dr., Granger, IN 46530 p: 574-273-2939; e: CHaizlip@aol.com

Sec’y: Joan Taylor (Wife of Rufus Taylor ‘66, CAPT, USN (Ret.)) e: foozhigger@gmail.com Treas: Dennis Hanrahan ’68 e: dennisdannyehanrahan@gmail.com

The Southern Idaho Chapter (SIC) met at Bear Island Brewing for an All Service Academy event on August 28th. Many graduates and their spouses/significant others joined in the fun. It was great to have alumni from a wide range of services and classes at the tasting.

Treas: John Strauss ’69 e: e:jstrauss3373@att.net Mike Campbell ’04 talks with brother Paul Campbell ’98 and Denny Hanrahan ’68. Mac McCann ’63 and his wife Judy (seated) and Roy Ledesma ’87 talks with Andrea Hovey ’04 are in the background.

The Southern Idaho Chapter (SIC) meets monthly, January–May, on the third Tuesday at 6:30 PM at Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill, 3210 E Louise Dr. Meridian, ID. Alumni and their spouses/SO’s visiting the Boise area are invited to join us. If you are relocating to or would like information about the Boise area please contact Rufus Taylor ’66 via email at <medmoored@ hotmail.com>. Please include your contact information so a representative year group alumnus from our chapter can contact you.

Illinois

Chicago Chapter Van States ’91 and Andrea Hovey ’03 greeting alumni at Bear Island Brewing

The first annual SIC picnic was held at Eagle Rock Park. Andrea Hovey ’03 secured the site and provided music, Paul Campbell ’98 arranged great catered BBQ fare, and Rufus Taylor ’66 tended the fire. Also attending were Naty and Tom Neville ’68, Laurna and Tom Simmonds ’73, Liz Campbell and children, Judy and Mac McCann ’63, Dannye and Denny Hanrahan ’68, Emily and Mike Campbell ’04 along with their children, Roy Ledesma ’87, and Joan Taylor.

CDR Fredrick W. Weber ’75, USNR (Ret.) 2134 Evert Ct., Northbrook, IL 60062-6612 h: 847-559-9381; w: 312-845-3444 e: Fred.Weber@2comm.com Website: http://chicago.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: (Northern, IL incl Chicago) Robert Falardeau p: 847-359-2990; e: raffamily@comcast.net

Greetings all. Winter is on the horizon and we are feeling the effects. The bright spot for our local group continues to be our monthly chapter luncheons. Remember, the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Bar Louie at 12PM, University Park Mall. All alumni, friends and Navy fans are welcome to attend. And speaking of winter, the Navy-Notre Dame football tailgate is coming up on November 16th… our winter parkas and electric gloves are ready! The tailgate will be huge! Even if you don’t have game tickets… you absolutely have to attend the world famous tailgate. The tent will be heated, the TV’s will be on and the bar will be open! A great time to be had with fans from all over the country...sign-up at USNA.com/tailgates. The location is just off campus… at the same place as the 2017 tailgate…at 18443 Bulla Rd. South Bend. Be there or Be Square! We always win the tailgate & the flyover. Some recent luncheon fotos of our South Bend group:

BGO Area Coordinator: (Southern, IL) Gene Marquez e: gdsm_marquez@charter.net

Louisville/ Southern Indiana Chapter Pres: CAPT Gregory Reinhardt ’79, USNR (Ret.) 712 Talon Pl., Louisville, KY 40223 p: 502-244-7707; e: greinhardt@1979.usna.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Gregory Reinhardt ’79, USN (Ret.) p: 502-244-7707; e: greinhardt@1979.usna.com

Iowa See Minnesotta Send Shipmate input to: Nathan CW Smith ‘98 e: nathancwsmith@outlook.com Iowa Blue & Gold Area Coordinator: Ted Olt III ’85 p: 563-355-1709; e: tolt@l-wlaw.com

Louisiana Louisiana Chapter

Pres: Garrett Miller ‘95 p: 985- 590-2425, e: torrens.miller@gmail.com Vice Pres: Bob Ferrante ‘90 p: 985- 237-2091; e: mbrlj5@gmail.com Sec’y: Wayne Morgan ’98 e: wayne.morgan@1998.usna.com Treas: Drew Dodenhoff ’70 e: drewdode@yahoo.com Website: http://www.USNALouisiana.org BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Jessica Thornhill '01 e: jessica.mp.thornhill@gmail.com

Maine

Maine Chapter Pres: Jen Bohr Tyll ‘01 e: jenbohrtyll@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: LT Jen Bohr Tyll ’01, USNR p: 207-829-8159; e: jenbohrtyll@gmail.com

Maryland Annapolis Chapter

Indiana

Pres: CDR Scott J. Shepard ’91, USN (Ret) p: 540-419-5564; e: scottjshepard@hotmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Timothy Naville ’76, USNR (Ret.) p: 812-944-4833; e: tnaville@twc.com

Vice Pres: Bob Roberts ‘94 e: wvbobroberts@gmail.com

Indianapolis Chapter

(L-R): Gene Dehnert ’63; Pat Sloan ’75; Paul Bradfield ’53; Wendy & Kirk Daniels ’75; & John Strauss ’69.

Sec’y–Shipmate Contact: Liesel (Danjczek) Schopler ’99 e: lieseldanjczek@hotmail.com Treas: Chuck Dixon ‘79 e: CBDixon@firstcommand.com

CDR Lynn Thomas ’83 h: 317-329-1773; e: lynntw@aol.com

Website: http://annapolis.usnachapters.net Join the Chapter: https://www.signupnow. events/USNAAlumniChapter_Annapolis/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook. com/groups/1118214745191/ (or search for: Naval Academy Alumni Annapolis Chapter)

READ SEA STORIES Visit usna.com’s History and Tradition page. Have a story to share? Email to seastories@usna.com

BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Charles Mello e: Charlesmello@gmail.com (L-R): John Strauss ’69; Paul Bradfield ’53; Pat Sloan ’75; & Chris Haizlip ’72

120 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

CHAPTER NEWS Baltimore Chapter Pres: Jason Hardebeck ’87 p: 443-269-1599; e: jhardebeck@whoglue.com BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Charles Mello e: Charlesmello@gmail.com Join the Chapter: https://www.signupnow.events/USNAAlumni Chapter_ Annapolis/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1118214745191/ (or search for: Naval Academy Alumni Annapolis Chapter)

Rocky Rauch ’85, Joe Eversole ’87, Bert Race ’90, Errol Campbell ’95, Bill Coleman ’95, Douglas Lemott ’95 Sonja Lemott ’95, Adam Scott ’95, Peter Arrobio ’96, Matthew Farr ’96, Lydia Frage ’97, David Calhoun ’03, Nicholas Mulcahey ’05, Chris Dailey ’08, Daniel Jewett ’09, Joshua Foxton ’10, and Honorary Life Member, Hank Caruso.

Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Pres: Michael DeManss ’73 PO Box 277, Compton, MD 20627 p: 301-475-7028

Detroit Chapter: Fully fed with food and knowledge are from left back row Louise Sloan ‘99, Graham Sloan ‘97, Ted Bohls ‘97, Jamie Bohls, Teddy Bohls and Art Bryant ‘66; Front row Jack Sloan, Sadie Sloan, Nick Sloan, John Bohls, and Jenna Bohls.

Corr Sec’y: Michael Dougherty ’73 p: 240-925-7518; e: doughertymj8@aol.com

“FRIED FALCON” BREAKFAST – 4 OCTOBER 2019 It’s also FOOTBALL SEASON…What a great time of the year!!! I’m sure the River’s Edge Staff wondered what all the noise was about. Reality is: Who knew how much noise we could make because we’re playing the Zoomies? (Pictures will be in the next available Shipmate.)

Website: http://www.navyalumni.org BGO Area Coordinator: Kevin Schaaff e: schaaff1@comcast.net

EVENTS CRAB FEST ’19 – 24 AUGUST 2019 “Tis the Season, HO-HO-HO….Uh, not that season, yet…IT’S CRAB SEASON!! And the attending Alumni and their guests did themselves proud in dealing with “The Bounty of the Bay.” In addition to Senior Alumnus, Stu Fitrell ’60, and Junior Alumna, Amanda Foxton ’10, well-fed attendees included: Ted Herring ’67, Bill McCracken ’67, Dick Meade ’67, Jim Sandberg ’69, Terry Dailey ’70, Mike Demanss ’73, Mike Dougherty ’73, Andy Mechling ’73, Rick Snyder ’75, Patrick Jacobs ’76, Glen Ives ’78, Scott Bruce ’79, Bob Buttrick ’79, Barb Ives ’80, Ken Carkhuff ’82, Greg Olson ’83, Dave Marquis ’85,

“Just like a USNA Nametag”

ALUMNI IN THE NEWS: During the F/A-18 & EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265) change of command ceremony July 11, 2019 at NAS Patuxent River, CAPT Jason Denney ‘95 assumed command from CAPT David Kindley, who retired after 29 years of service.

“Ken Carkhuff ’82 receives the GSMC Hero Award for his service to the Chapter. Presenting is Chapter President, Mike Demanss ‘73”

Greater Southern Maryland Chapter: We’re in Maryland. Everybody loves Crabs!

COMING EVENTS 2nd Tuesday of Every Month (1700) Chapter Social / Business Meeting, Flight Deck Lounge (Please Note that we’ve changed the format and will include a short Social period at the beginning of each Meeting before we get down to business. Be there! Aloha!) Friday 13 December — Eggs ‘N Legs Breakfast, 0730, River’s Edge Center Saturday 14 December — Army-Navy Game Day Party, Time and Venue TBD Friday 7 February 2020 — “Dark Ages” Dinner, 1830, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Piney Point, Maryland (Please check your email and the GSMC website: www.navyalumni.org for updates!)

Massachusetts Boston Chapter

Pres: James Kras ’69 141 Dorchester Ave, Unit 406 South Boston, MA 02127-1836 p: 617-645-1032; e: jameskras@comcast.net Shipmate contact: CAPT Pete Seibert ’65 p: 781-235-5909; e: pkseibert@comcast.net Website: http://boston.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: Mr. Kimber Johnson e: kimberjohnson@verizon.net Eastern Mass: LCDR Bill Neill e: bneillwork2@comcast.net Western Mass: LTC Mike Cousins e: cuztri67@gmail.com

Michigan Detroit Chapter

Pres: Arthur W. Bryant ’66 1811 Hollywood Ave. Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236-1311 h: 313-885-2174; c: 313-590-0301 e: arthurwbryant@gmail.com Website: http://detroit.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator (Eastern): Col. Benjamin Richmond ’93, USMCR e: brichmond97@earthlink.net BGO Area Coordinator (West & Upper): Michael Johnson e: MichaelDJohnson@eaton.com

We changed our August Lunch to a joint picnic at Historic Fort Wayne on the Detroit River with the West Point crew of grads. They were dedicating an Artillery Plaza with three mounted guns that several of their members lead by a Navy guy have worked very hard for several years to create. The cannons consist of two 30-pound Army Parrot Rifles that weigh in at 4,200 pounds, and an 1891 breech-loading Naval gun weighing 10,000 pounds from the

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 121

CHAPTER NEWS Spanish Cruiser Viszcaya sunk by the U. S. Navy at Santiago, Cuba. We had a wonderful tour of Historic Fort Wayne, and a great picnic lunch. The kids and adults learned a lot about Fort Wayne, it’s structure and life. It is prominently located on the American side of the future Gordy Howe International Bridge.

Brady Turnbaugh ’27, Josh Rich ’97, Bob Berger ’72, Chris Vansickle ’91, Matt McCroary ’81 and Dave Turnbaugh ’89

St Louis Chapter: Boley, Thompson, Dunham, Rich, Vansickle (kneeling), McCroary, Berger, Hassell, Simpson Turnbaugh (kneeling), Carnes, and Saunders, Higginbotham

Mississippi The Naval gun from the Spanish Cruiser Viszcaya.

Minnesota

Upper Midwest Chapter Pres: CAPT Ashley Fischer ’11, USMCR p: 240-778-8116; e: aefisch36@gmail.com Shipmate Contact: Nathan CW Smith ‘98 e: nathancwsmith@outlook.com Website: www.USNAUpperMidwest.org Facebook: www.fb.com/USNAAAUpperMidwest BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Mark Salmen ’73, USN (Ret.) p: 651-271-6690; e: mjsalmen@aol.com

Twin Cities Monthly All Service Academy breakfasts: *West side - first Friday Kip’s Authentic Irish Pub, Marriott West, I-394 & US 169. *East side - second Friday The Machine Shed, I-94 & Inwood Ave., Lake Elmo. On Friday, October 11th at the Minneapolis Club, the Upper Midwest Chapter held its annual Anchor Sponsor Dinner, a night of appreciation for all of our local sponsors as well as a course setting for the coming year. The evening’s guest speaker was 32-year veteran Read Admiral David W. Titley, whose duties included as commander of the Naval Meterology and Oceanography Command. Admiral Titley shared his insights on climate change and its impact on our national security. The evening was attended by alumni and sponsors, and everyone came away with new wisdom. Go Navy!

BGO Area Coordinator: David Price ’78 e: dep-78@sbcglobal.net

South Mississippi Chapter Pres: CDR E. Spencer Garrett IV ’88, USNR PO Box 1792, Gautier, MS 39553 p: 228-497-5050; e: esgarrett44@aol.com Sec’y: CAPT Harry J. Rucker ’73, USN (Ret.) e: navynomad50@caldeone.net

Missouri

Greater Kansas City Metro Chapter Pres: Bob Culler ‘74 p: 913-488-6319; e: bculler@sbcglobal.net Vice Pres: Victor Hurlbert ‘10 p: 816-665-1647; e:vhurlbert@wradvisors.com Treas: Jack Rush ‘73 e: jackrush7376@gmail.com Website: http://KansasCity.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: Lee Gilgour e: Gilgour42@gmail.com

St. Louis Chapter Pres: Dave Turnbaugh ’89 Website: http://stlouis.usnachapters.com Shipmate contact: Raese Simpson ’61 1138 Westmoor Pl., St. Louis, MO 63131-1320 c: 314-757-1221; e: raese1961@gmail.com

announcements. Currently we expect Army/Navy to be at the same place as last year - the Brew Hub on Oakland Ave. July 13 was a warm day, but all who made it to Shaw Park for our annual picnic had a good time of fun and fellowship. Also a special thanks to Dave Turnbaugh ’89 and Josh Rich ’97 for making this all happen. We had our annual meeting and the biggest change is that Kent Higginbotham is now our Blue & Gold Area Coordinator. Have a Canoe U prospect? Note Kent’s contact information above. Enjoying the day were… Bob Berger ’70 & Gloria, John Boley ’63 & Margarette, Mike Carnes ’74 & Annie Vogt, Mike Dunham ’70, Steve Hassell ’88 & Sue with Sarg, Kent Higginbotham ’76, Matt McCroary ’81, Josh Rich ’97, Phil Saunders ’63 & Marie, Raese Simpson ’61 & Ann, Gary Thompson ’57 & Scotty with Leslie, James, Kat, & Cliff, Dave Turnbaugh ’89 (Chapter Pres.), & Brady ’27 and Reagan ’28, and Chris Vansickle ’91.

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Kent Higginbotham ’76, USN (Ret.) e: kenth@hbistl.com

Not getting the Gouge? Make sure you are registered with National!! Go to: usna.com. Click on: Find & Connect (top left of the page). Scroll down to the bottom of the page click on: My Account, then follow your nose. You can sign up or check to see if your profile and email are current. Look for game watch

122 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Montana BGO Area Coordinator: Andy Metroka e: METROKA@MT.NET

Nebraska BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Jerry Hodge '86, USN (Ret.) e: gerald.hodge@1986.usna.com

Omaha Chapter Pres: Ray Foran ’00 p: 402-312-4917; e: rayforan@2000.usna.com

Nevada BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Scott Shire ’88, USN e: rshire88@gmail.com

Southern Nevada Chapter Pres: Tessa Carlson ’91 p: 702-809-6827; e: TessaCarlson@1991.usna.com Website: http://southernnevada.usna chapters.com/

New Jersey Pres: Patrick Hurley ’87 e: patrick.hurley@1987.usna.com BGO Area Coordinator: (North NJ) Cam Winkelstein e: ccwinkelstein@gmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator: (South NJ) Martha Christinziano e: MarthaChristinziano@gmail.com website: www.usnanj.org

Boley ’63, Carnes ’74, (Annie Vogt), Higginbotham ’76

BLUE & GOLD OFFICER Area Coordinators See a complete list at www.usna.edu/Admissions/ BGO.php

CHAPTER NEWS

New Mexico New Mexico Chapter

Pres: John Scott Kraus ’73 2304 Madre Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112 h: 505-296-7409; c: 505-366-7457 e: skraus@aquilagroup.com; or jkraus2304@aol.com Sec’y: Joseph McGuire ’68 p: 505-857-9679; e sunnymack@msn.com Vice Pres: Dr. Doug Meints ’77 p: 505-888-6800 e: dmeintschiro@gmail.com NM Parents’ Club Pres: Ms. Karen Hanthorn-Rhodes e: KBHant@aol.com; p: 505-507-5543 Website: http://newmexico.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT David Swingle e: dswingle@newmexico.com

The New Mexico Chapter mourned the passing of member James E. (Jim) Russell ’73, who succumbed to a long illness on August 1, 2019. Jim’s cremains will be put to rest at the USNA cemetery at a time to be announced. Memorial services were held in his widow Pauline’s hometown of Belen, NM, and were attended by 3 Chapter members, President Scott Kraus ’73, Jim’s classmate, and Secretary Joe McGuire ’68. At the lunch following the August 26th service, a distant relative of the widow, also from Belen, introduced himself as Francis L. (Leonard) Castillo ’55. Following the delicious post-memorial lunch, Mr. Castillo offered to show Joe and Scott around Belen, if they had an extra 15 minutes. As they later found out, Leonard is founder and owner of one of the largest businesses in the State, Castillo Prestress, who makes those graceful concrete forms seen on overpasses all around our nation. He was glad to show his guests where he was raised and came back to live following his Navy career. Nearly 3 hours later, Leonard dropped Scott and Joe off after giving them the full guided tour of Belen, a treatment he only offers to very few visiting “dignitaries.”

The cremains of Jim Russell ’73 rest with the folded flag presented to his widow Pauline

Through his former employer, Chapter President Scott Kraus ’73 had access to “Luxury Suite” seating on August 28th at the local Albuquerque minor league baseball team’s home, Isotopes Stadium. He treated Chapter Officers to the game, along with their guests and families as a bit of a reward for the hours and effort of their volunteer service. It was a beautiful night for baseball, and the “Skybox” seating allowed everyone to either watch the game on the suite’s air conditioned big screen TV, or step outside and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the contest. Unfortunately, this squeaker was taken by the Las Vegas Aviators 3-2, but with the special treatment we, our family, and friends received, the opportunity was appreciated by all. Attendees were President Scott Kraus ’73, Vice President Doug Meints ’77, Treasurer Ken Fladager ’78, Mary Lynn and Joe McGuire ’68 with his brother’s family Don and Liz McGuire.

Chapter Officers at Isotopes Park. From left are Ken Fladager ’78, Joe McGuire ’68, Scott Kraus ’73, and Doug Meints ’77.”

Our next planned Chapter event is a meet-up to cheer the USNA Mids against the USAFA Zoomies for our interservice football victory on October 5, 2019. Details will be published on our Chapter bulletin board. For additional information on New Mexico Chapter personnel and events, be sure to visit our online bulletin board at www. newmexico.usnachapters.com. This site was created and is maintained by our Chapter Webmaster, Mike Blackledge ’63.

Metro New York Chapter (NAANY)

New York

North Carolina

New York Capital District Chapter Pres: Frank Hughes ’80 p: 518-432-9193; e: frankhughes2@yahoo.com

Pres: George O’Garro ’05 e: georgeogarro@gmail.com HotLine: 1-800-234-USNA (8732) Website: http://www.NAANY.org BGO Area Coordinator: Scott Dinkel e: gsdinkel@msn.com

Western New York Chapter Pres: Jeff Bartkoski ’84 h: 585-398-7790; o: 585-396-0584 e: jbartkoski@mercyflightcentral.org Website: http://westernny.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: Doug Peters ’73 e: douglastpeters@gmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Mike Roberts p: 303-638-7560; e: ncbgo9376@gmail.com

Sec’y: Gordon Lattey 40 First St., Troy, NY 12180 p: 518-274-4989; e: ussslater@aol.com

Cape Fear Chapter

Website: http://capitaldistrictny.usna chapters.com

Vice Pres: Charles Smith '95 e: charleswsmith20@hotmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Jeff Hughes e: jandahug@earthlink.net

Sec’y/Treas: Steve Yandle '75 e: sryusna75@gmail.com

Pres: Ray Decker '72 p: 703-939-0202; e: dax24@icloud.com

Central New York Chapter Pres: Steve Erb ’68 e: steveerb@windstream.net Sec’y/Treas: Bob Fegan Jr. ’64 e: bobfegam64@gmail.com Website: CentralNY.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: Mr. Tom Ravener e: tom.ravener@gmail.com

Alumni, family and friends are encouraged to attend the weekly Wednesday lunch at 1200 at Clear Path for Veterans in Chittenango, NY. You can call (315-687-3300) to let them know if you will be attending a lunch but calling is not necessary…just show up. Alumni, family, friends, USNA parents, and others with an interest in the Naval Academy are welcome to join the Chapter at all Chapter functions. Call (315-655-5949) or e-mail Bob Fegan to let us know if you plan to attend a function. Future Chapter activities will be addressed as they are planned. The Chapter’s website is a good source of current information.

As reported in last month’s Shipmate, the Cape Fear Chapter’s August lunch meeting hosted Ed Hawfield of Wilmington. Ed presented an insightful view of life in the trenches during WW1 as reported by his grandfather in letters sent home. Additionally, Ed set up a table of his grandfather’s wartime gear, letters, and photos for members to view. Sixteen members attended this interesting program. Michael Brown ’70, John Casey ’78, Ben Currin ‘12, Muffy Boylan and Ray Decker ’72, Alan Frelich ’61, Dave Gould ’64, Rick Haley ’72, John Hicks ’56, David Lee ’71, Hugh McWilliams ’72, Newt Morgan ’69, Charlie Pangburn ’78, Dave Scheu ’67, Paul Smith ’71, JJ Sullivan ’70, and Steve Yandle ’75. A special guest was Colonel John Thomas (JT), USA (Ret.) USMA ’73 – President of the West Point Society in Wilmington. With planning underway for a joint ArmyNavy Game party with the Society, it was great to introduce JT, the local leader of the ‘Black Knights,’ to the Chapter. The Cape Fear Chapter celebrated its September’s Bring Your Company Mug or BYCM at the Flytrap Brewing Company in Wilmington. Since the

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 123

CHAPTER NEWS their spouses mingled, reconnected and heard about Chapter plans. The Charlotte Chapter is growing and planning new events. Our website is up: Charlotte.usnachapters. net. You can email us at usnaaa charlotte@gmail.com.

Cape Fear Chapter: August meeting

Stephanie Daniel, Mrs. Tobin, Mike Tobin ’87, Kevin McGoff ’90

Cape Fear Chapter: BYCM

President was AWOL in Spain, Charles Smith ’95 VP and Steve Yandle ’75 Secretary/Treasurer led the BYCM. A thirsty crew of fifteen alum plus several spousal units attended this quarterly event. Shipmates in attendance: Russell Brune ’92, Jerry Cameron ’72, Dave Gould ’64, Michelle and Rick Haley ’72, Bob Lakis ’79, Bernie Maguire ’64, Newt Morgan ’69, Gail and Paul Normand ’74, Connie and Charlie Pangburn ’78, Dave Scheu ’67, Kimberly and Garrett Shaw ’09, Charles Smith ‘95, Paul Smith ’71, Ed Sullivan ’87, and Steve Yandle ’75. Gail and Paul Normand ’74 recently migrated south from the DC area where Paul was a member of the Greater Washington (DC) chapter. Welcome shipmates! During the social Garrett Shaw ’09 reported that he had accepted an active USMCR billet in EUCOM

(Stuttgart, Germany) which would cause his extended absence. While he will be missed, the Chapter wishes Garrett, Kimberly, and kids a fun and successful tour in the land of great beer and tasty brats! The Chapter BYCMs are held on a Tuesday or Wednesday starting at 1730. BYCM date and location information is passed at the preceding Chapter meeting. The next BYCM will be in February with coordinating details to be passed during the 9 January 2020 lunch meeting. This year the Cape Fear Chapter will join forces with members of the local West Point Society for the 1st Annual CF Army-Navy Game party at JohnnyLukes Kitchen Bar in Wilmington. Details are being coordinated between the two organizations for a civilized gathering. This first ever Wilmington rally of Naval Academy and West Point graduates, spouses, parents of

124 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

graduates or midshipmen, and special friends during this legendary game promises to be an event you will not want to miss! Wear your colors and help root for Navy. More information later but mark your calendar: 1500 Saturday 14 December – Johnny Lukes! BEAT ARMY! Chapter lunch meetings begin at 1145 and are held at the Cape Fear Country Club. All members planning to attend should contact Michael Brown ’70, our Senior Mess Officer and Club sponsor, mcb0347@ gmail.com at least 2 days before the meeting so he can coordinate food service with Club staff. Cost is $18 cash at lunch. All local graduates, Blue & Gold Officers, and parents of midshipmen or graduates are invited to join the Chapter and participate in our events. Most lunch meetings are held at the Cape Fear Country Club on the second Thursday of the month except when a quarterly BYCM social or other special event like our Army-Navy Game party occurs. Please contact one of the chapter officers for more information or to confirm a date.

Charlotte Chapter Pres: Christopher (Nix) M. Nickels ’91 e: CHRISNIX@AOL.COM

Keith Bennett ’78, Deborah Bennett, Sue Lambert, Rich Lambert ’67

General crowd

Officers, Zeb Daniel ’07, Vic Perez ’10, Chris Nickels ’91, Adam Kimball ’08

Website: Charlotte.usnachapters.com

From Chapter President Chris Nickels ’91: The Charlotte Chapter had a great social/meeting at Essex restaurant in August. Alumni and

GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY!

CHAPTER NEWS Eastern North Carolina Chapter

www.facebook.com/pg/USNAAARTP/ events/?ref=page_internal

Pres: Rob Skrotsky ’67 PO Box 847, New Bern, NC 28563 h: 252-514-0299 e: robert.skrotsky@1967.usna.com

Piedmont Chapter

Vice Pres: Rick Kunkel ’67 p: 910-347-6251; e: rkunkel@ec.rr.com

Vice Pres: Tom Cornejo ’00 e: thomas.cornejo@yahoo.com

Sec’y: Tim Marvin ’59 PO Box 731, Kure Beach, NC 28449-0731 e: tmarvin738@charter.net

Sec’y: Josh Fogle ’03 e: foglejw@gmail.com

Treas: Randy Bogle ’68 4308 Periwinkle Pl, New Bern, NC 28562

North Dakota

Pres: CAPT Claude Lumpkin ’65, USNR (Ret.) e: clumpkin@1965.usna.com

p: 252-631-3109; e: rbogle1968@gmail.com

Upper Midwest Chapter

Website: http://easternnc.usnachapters.com

The meeting convened at 1200 on 21 August 2019 at the Officers Club, MCB Camp Lejeune. Eleven (11) members and their guests attended. Mr. Rick Kunkel ’67, the vice-president of the chapter, presided. He greeted the attendees including, LtCol Aaron Adams ’95, USMC (Ret.). He also noted the members from the local area who were drawn to the meeting to hear the speaker’s presentation. Mr. Randy Bogle ’68, Treasurer, reported the bank balance. Mr. Kunkel reminded the members of the upcoming Founder’s Day celebration at the New Bern Country Club on 29 September starting at 1230. Members were encouraged to promote this annual event. Mr. Kunkel finished his remarks by introducing Mr. Joe Yannessa, the chairman of the board for the Crime Stoppers program in Jacksonville and Onslow County. Mr. Yannessa explained that the Crime Stoppers program in Onslow County encompasses the City of Jacksonville police department, the Onslow County Sheriff’s Department, MCB Camp Lejeune, and MCAS New River. All the county schools and the DOD schools participate. It is a system for a citizen to report a crime anonymously and with an added incentive of a cash reward if an unsolved crime is solved. The program includes a scholarship program for the high schools and an achievement award for Coastal Carolina Community College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training courses. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer organization that depends on donations for its programs.

See Minnesota North Carolina Triangle Chapter: Pissaro, Mario, Paris, Wolf, Captain Hertel, Gillespie, Hamilton, Cheaure, Sena, and Perrien

Send Shipmate input to: Nathan CW Smith ‘98 e: nathancwsmith@outlook.com

After a question and answer period, the meeting adjourned at 1330. Tim Marvin ’59, Secretary

Blue & Gold Area Coordinator: Susan Canham p: 701-226-2204; e: scanham2@gmail.com

North Carolina Triangle Chapter Pres: CAPT Steve Gillespie ‘87, USN (Ret.) e: smgillespie44@gmail.com

Upcoming events include: Brigadier General Thomas Gorry USMC (Ret.) of the Veterans Life Center of NC on 4 October; we’ll celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday on 3 November; and the annual Army-Navy Party at the Top of the Hill in Chapel Hill on 14 December.

Sec’y: Chris Perrien ’74 e: ibmchris@mac.com

Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky Chapter Pres: Gaby Blocher’98 p: 513-316-5903; e: Gabrielle.Bolton@gmail.com Vice Pres and Shipmate Submissions: Jen Yuchasz ’98 p: 847-754-5841; e: yuchasz@gmail.com

Website: www.usnatriangle.org

Greetings from the Research Triangle Park of North Carolina, Our fall luncheon series kicked-off with a September discussion, the State of our Naval Academy, led by Chapter President Steve Gillespie 87, USN (Ret.) who has just completed his BGO training in Annapolis. Change is constant and our Triangle is happy to learn that the caliber of the Brigade and the potential for excellence of our grads remains high. September concluded with the annual Battle for the Boot, a fiercely contested day of golf amongst Army, Navy and Air Force grads. 80 participated with Army earning the prize. Our Navy team was represented by: Paul Passaro 22 (Parent), Jeremy Mario 20 (Parent), Lou Gregus 87, Matt Gieszl 08, Pat Cheaure 61, Gray Tompson 07, Captain Andy Hertel (CO of the Piedmont NROTC Consortium), Luke Wolf 08, Steve Gillespie 87, Matt Baker 06, Brandon Davis 03, Mik Visgauss 08, Stephen Diss 03, Jim Kinney 60, Chris Perrien 74, Bill Flannery 83, Kevin Hamilton 94, Tal Holloway 23 (Parent), Bill Sena (95), Jack Moody 70, Paris Scott 12, Bob Hetz 09 (Parent), Guy Guidry 11 (Parent).

Ohio

Website: http://www.usnacinci.org BGO Area Coordinator: Bryan Grubert e: bryan.grubert@gmail.com

Captain Steve Gillespie 87 USN (Ret.) is officially Chapter President. Not official until the B-robe is presented!

Our Triangle Chapter comprises 170+ active members from seven decades of USNA classes, their families, and a growing set of supporters (parents, friends, all-Navy veterans and families). To view the schedule of future events, please visit www.usnatriangle.com/events or follow us on Facebook: https://

The Cincinnati Chapter of the USNA Alumni Association got together last night and we introduced the new President of the Chapter, Gaby Blocher, a Class of ’98 former Marine and VP, Jen Yuchasz, a Class of ’98 former helicopter pilot. We thought it was a great turnout and look forward to more great events with the group. Lots of laughter and sharing Bancroft Hall stories during various eras. Cheers! Jen

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Chapter:

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 125

CHAPTER NEWS Cleveland Chapter Pres: CAPT Fred W. Bergman ’75, USNR (Ret.) p: 440-570-3564; e: FWayBergman@aol.com Sec’y: John Blackburn ’82 e: joblackburn@clevelandtrack.com BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Thomas Hartline ’81, USNR (Ret.) p: 216-433-5298; e: thomas.w.hartline@nasa.gov

Columbus Chapter Pres: CDR Tony Konecny ’79, USN (Ret.) e: konecnya@hotmail.com Comms: Dave Goins ‘84 e: dgoins84@columbus.rr.com Treas: Chris Rosen ‘90 e: crosen@cutlerhomes.com Shipmate Contact: Eric Marquardt ’07 e: eric07usna@gmail.com Webmaster: Robert White ‘94

Columbus and Central Ohio Chapter: Founders Day annual meeting e: robwhite614@gmail.com Parents’ Club President: Tom Klitzka e: tklitzka@columbus.rr.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT D. Michael Crites ’70, USNR (Ret.) e: mcrites@dinsmore.com

Chapter President Tony Konecny ’79 was on hand to help celebrate CDR Jim Prouty ’00 and his completion of a successful tour as Commanding Officer of the Navy Operational Support Center, Columbus,

OH on Saturday, September 7, 2019. His next assignment will be closer to the waterfront at SUBPAC where he will be the Operational Support Officer.

E A ST E R N N O RT H C AROL I N A C H APT ER

174TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE NAVAL ACADEMY

Annual Founders Day Celebrating 17 years By Captain Robert Skrotsky ’67 The Eastern North Carolina Chapter held its annual Founders Day Celebration on Sunday, 29 September 2019 at the New Bern Golf and Country Club. Thirty-seven members and their guests attended in the nicely appointed ballroom. The Sunday luncheon was a celebration of the 174th anniversary of the Naval Academy founding and the 17th year of the Chapter. Rob Skrotsky ’67, the chapter president, after a social hour with cash bar called the meeting to order at 1315 and welcomed several guests. Mary Paramore, parent class of 2021, attended again this year along with Rick Kunkel ‘67, guests Anne and Wade Ward. Wade had been a Navy dentist. The chapter thanked the New Bern Golf and Country Club for sponsoring the use of the club, which again did a fine job for us in a great setting. After leading the guests in a round of toasts, Capt Skrotsky identified the classes and members present: the senior class was represented by Nancy and Bill Ritchie ‘53 and Walt Russel ’53, who was accompanied by his daughter Allison and grandson Luke Bowser, an applicant for the class of 2024. Also attending were Chris Skrotsky, Tim Marvin ’59, Pat and Andy Beck ’66, Patti and John Kieffer ’67, Ann and Rick Kunkel ’67, Jany and Tom Leiser ’67, Belinda and Tom Scheber ’67, Joanie and Randy Bogle ’68, Sharon and Charlie Henke ’68, Debbie and Michael Metcalf ’68, Louise and Ron Sirmans ’70, Nancy and Mike Newman ’71, Diane and Rock Rockwell ’71, Carla and Tom Stevens ’71, John Christenson ’81 and Matt Christenson ’20. 1967 led the attendance with 5 classmates while Ron Sirmans ’70 and Matt Christenson ’20 represented Another Link in the Chain. Rick Kunkel delivered a very meaningful invocation. When dinner was completed we had a fabulous presentation with our guests, Vice Admiral John Christenson ’81 , USN (Ret.) and his son, Midshipman First Class Matt Christenson ’20. The two engaged in an animated, back and forth discussion, ADM Christenson began by pointing out that as a young company officer at USNA, the leadership example

126 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Founders Day attendees

The head table with left to right Wade Ward, Midn Christenson ’20, Ron Sirmans ’70, Louise Sirmans, Adm Christenson ’81, Anne Ward, Ann Kunkel, Rick Kunkel ’67

that always inspired him was his battalion officer, our LCol Rick Kunkel. Then, as ADM Christenson talked about several aspects of his Navy experiences, he interspersed the discussion, handing to Midn Christenson who provided today’s Brigade focus on the relevant moral, mental and physical development missions. This was a truly engaging afternoon followed with just enough time for a few questions and comments. After singing Navy Blue and Gold the luncheon adjourned at 1500. ®

CHAPTER NEWS

The Columbus Chapter celebrated Founders Day and conducted an

annual meeting on Sunday, September 8, 2019 at the Worthington Hills Country Club. The guestspeaker was Craig Washington ’89, Director of Engagement Operations at USNAAA. In attendance were Tony Konecny ’79, Dave Goins ’84, Deke Lang ’49, Jim Youse ’53, Jim Worthington ’60, Jerry O’Donnell ’61, Jim Cowardin ’66, Joe Stewart ’66, Chuck Hoffman ’69, Tom Gomia ’70, Wayne Hallenbeck ’71, Jim Waddell ’71, Dave Guza ’78, Richard Olsen ’86, Jeff Uhde ’91, Mark Venzor ’97, Janine Curcio ’04, and Dean Zettler ’13.

Toledo Chapter Pres: David B. Puckett ’63 5051 Chatham Valley Rd., Toledo, OH 43615-1107 e: dpuckett@buckeye-express.com BGO Area Coordinator: Mr. Arthur Wickerham E: artwickerham@gmail.com

Oklahoma BGO Area Coordinator: Jeff Stewart e:jeff.stewart@hpidc.com

Oklahoma City Chapter Pres: Braden Merritt ’06 e: braden.merritt@gmail.com

William M. ‘Mike’ Grammar ’65 to the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame. This year, on October 26th, we will see another alum inducted: CAPT Phil Butler ’61, an Oklahoma native who persevered through 2,855 days as a POW in Vietnam. Additional naval inductees will include: CDR Danny Glenn, OU ‘63, POW 2,266 days; LCpl Harvey Pratt, ’63, Vietnam, selected to build the Native American Memorial in D.C.; Battleship USS Oklahoma (BB-37) For more information, visit www.okmhf.org.

Last year, our OKC Chapter was involved with the induction of 1stLt

OR EGO N A N D SW WAS H I N GTON C H APT ER

Annual Picnic – Saturday, 3 August For our annual picnic, our Chapter again hosted our membership, families, guests, USNAAA Parents and current midshipmen across the Columbia River at Parker’s Landing Historical Park/Rose Arbor just outside of Camas/Washougal, Washington. A hearty “Bravo Zulu” to Ray Kutch ’63, Susan Mead ’90, John Adams ’69, Ted Scypinski ’90, Janette Sandberg ’96, and Mike Carmichael ’69 who planned and orchestrated a most enjoyable afternoon for close to 90 attendees, including three midshipmen on leave. An hour into our festivities, President Mike Carmichael ’69 led all attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by David Lutes ’63 with grace. Mike then recognized our local USNAAA trustee Doug Ballard ’74, Kathy Barnes our current President of the Oregon — SW Washington USNAAA Parents’ Club, and ‘Butch’ Bewick ’62 our Area Blue & Gold Coordinator who all briefed us regarding their current programs. Mike in concert with ‘Butch’ & Kathy encouraged joining their ranks and in particular, attending this year’s Joint Midshipmen/Cadets’ Parents Clubs’ “All Academy Ball” at the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville on Saturday, Dec 28th. He also hoped to see everyone on October 9th at the Old Spaghetti Factory to celebrate both our Navy’s & USNA’s birthdays. Mike then introduced Joe Fagan ’89, the Assistant National Director of USNAAA Alumni Chapters Programs, who was visiting the Northwest, and who provided a brief on current and future Brigade support activities. In addition to “swapping sea stories”, numerous activities occurred including croquette & bean bag toss matches and a silent auction table with numerous navigation/nautical books, USNA memorabilia & keepsakes, and a full table setting of fine USNA Gorham Elegant China donated by Jane Johnson Jones, daughter of Carl Arthur Johnson ’29. Capt Johnson was a submariner & had a tour at USNA as a department head; his last tour was as CO of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine. After about three hours into our festivities, we sang “Navy Blue & Gold”. Members & guests included: Janet and Bart Dalla Mura ’54, Dianne and ‘Jake’ McMichael ’58, Louise Jardine and Wayne Hildebrand ’59, Penny and Butch Bewick ’62, Nancy and Joe Broz ’62, Pat and Donald Coughlin ’62, Donald Grant ’63, Judy and Ray Kutch ’63, Dave Lutes ’63 and family, Carol and Art Roper ’63, Joan and Jack Kohl ’65, Jim Hough ’66,

Frank Swientek ’66, Cecily and ‘Tex’ Harkins ’67 (and family), Linda and Calvin Meek ’67, Doug Bomarito ’68, Suzie and Mike Carmichael ’69, Susie and Mark Cooksey ’71, Margaret and Bruce Thompson ’73, Doug Ballard ’74, Judy and Blaine Peterson ’75, Jody and David Jensen ’77, Marc Backstrom ’79, Dave Moroney ’79, Joe Padula ’79, Brett Baumann and Susan Mead ’90, Jennifer and Ted Scypinski ’90 [Parents of Jack ’22], Chris Lockett ’91, Tiffany and Demian Bailey ’94, Candi Edwards ’94, Lisa Evans ’94, Scott Vogt ’94, and Midshipmen Taylor Barnes ’20, Evan Brucker ’21, and Jack Scypinski ’22. Additionally, we were joined by USNA parents Jay & Maureen Williams [Ryan ’13], Kathy & William Barnes [Taylor ’20], Dawn & Charlie Brucker [Evan ’21], and Janet Schwartz [Levi ’23]. ®

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 127

CHAPTER NEWS Tulsa Chapter Pres: Rocky Goins ’84 e: rockygoins@hotmail.com Vice Pres: Patrick Hamilton ’87 e: patrickhami@gmail.com Sec’y & Treas: Kasey (Cregge) Carradini ’84 e: kcarradini@hotmail.com

Oregon

Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter Pres: CDR Mike Carmichael ‘69, USNR (Ret.) e: mikec@1969.usna.com Vice Pres: CDR John Adams ‘69, USNR (Ret.) e: john.adams@1969.usna.com Treas: CDR Ted Scypinski ‘90, USNR (Ret.) e: ted.scypinski@flir.com Trustee: LtCol. Doug Ballard ‘74, USMCR (Ret.) e: Cassandra.alpha61@comcast.net BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT “Butch” Bewick ’62, USNR (Ret.) p: 503-319-4653; e: Jsbewick@aol.com Website: oregon.usnachapters.net

On Wednesday September 12th our Chapter met for its monthly meeting at Portland’s Old Spaghetti Factory with President Mike Carmichael ’69 leading all attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by David Lutes ’63 with grace & remembrance for those alumni who perished on 9/11. Mike then recognized our oldest alumnus present John Frerichs ’50 and our youngest Chris Paulson ’12. During lunch a pristine copy of the “Class of ’29 Reef Points” (courtesy of Jane Johnson Jones, daughter of the late Carl Arthur Johnson ’29) was passed among the attendees for examination. Many of its entries were the same as most present remembered of their own plebe year’s version – including “The Laws of the Navy” which most of us could still recite. Halfway through lunch our Chapter VP John Adams ’69 provided a detailed presentation on the history and development of aircraft carriers – both foreign & US through the present. Following a responsive Q&A session, Mike concluded our meeting with all singing “Navy Blue & Gold”. Members & guests included: John Frerichs ’50, Bart Dalla Mura ’54 (& wife Janet), Tony Lash ’58 (VMI), Wayne Hildebrand ’59, Ed Whitehurst ’60, Butch Bewick ’62,

Dave Lutes ’63, Jack Kohl ’65, Dick Barnette ’66, Frank Swientek ’66, ‘Tex’ Harkins ’67, John Adams ’69, Mike Carmichael ’69, George Schultz ’72 (NESEP), Bruce Thompson ’73, Scott Fitzpatrick ’80, Mark Springer ’89, and Chris Paulson ’12.

Craft Brewing in East Petersburg to enjoy craft beer and swap sea stories. Please join us next month and bring friends and family with you. The Class of 1976 was both senior and most represented class in September. The Class of 2006 was junior class represented.

Pennsylvania Philadelphia Chapter Pres: Kevin McCloskey ’93 e: kevin@mccloskeymail.net Sec’y: Nick Rygiel ’04 e: nick.ryg@gmail.com Website: http://philadelphia.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Tim Farrell '76, USN (Ret.) e: tim.farrell@1976.usna.com

The Greater Philadelphia Chapter is holding a general election for all officer positions. If you’re interested in becoming more involved, please visit the chapter website (http:// philadelphia.usnachapters.net) for complete details and to submit your nomination. An online general election will take place in January for all contested positions. If you’re not on our email distribution list (or not sure), please sign-up on our website. The chapter’s mission centers on fostering community and providing service. This is a personally rewarding endeavor and a great way to stay connected with area alumni!

Left to right: Gib Armstrong ’91, Tim Farrell ’76, Lee Erdman ’76, Eric Moore ’06

Beat Army! Tim Farrell ’76

Recreational Vehicle American Chapter Pres: Jack Parry ‘67 e: eeusna67@aol.com Sec’y: Scott Rodgers ’78 Treas: Glenn Shindler ’64 4530 Lasheart Dr., La Canada, CA 91011 e: gshindler64@earthlink.net Shipmate inputs to: ‘Nita Parry e: mauryplace@aol.com Website: www.rv.usnachapters.net Facebook: www.rv.usnachapters.net

Pittsburgh Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT David Gates ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 724-632-6621; e: LJreese357@aol.com

Susquehanna Valley Chapter Pres: Del Becker ’85 p: 717-537-5732; e: delbecker@gmail.com Sec’y: Gib Armstrong ’91 e: gibshar@gmail.com Treas: Charlie Perkins ’71 e: CharlesPerkins71@gmail.com Website: http://www.usnasvc.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Matt Chabal ’77 e: chabal@1977.usna.com

The Susquehanna Valley Chapter gathers the second Thursday of every month at 1630 at Mad Chef

128 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Rhode Island BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Stuart Craig ’86, USN e: sbcraig@1986.usna.com

Rhode Island Chapter Pres: Capt John Griffin ’86 (Ret.) e: j.grif@yahoo.com

South Carolina

Pres: Conor McKenzie ’06 e: cmckenzie@janney.com Website: Pittsburgh.usnachapters.com

event with the Peabody Hotel Duck Parade, followed by a private tour with the Duck Master and lunch in a private room at Capriccio Grille. A hearty Welcome Aboard to Sherry & Dan Hansen ’77 of Edwards, CO and Jenny & Dick Findlay ‘78 of Webster, MA. Hansen’s, unlike most chapter members, have acquired a 1966 Travco 270 old school RV that should be road trip worthy by Spring 2020. Hope to welcome all at one of these upcoming Come-Arounds. Mark your calendars for Come-Arounds in Key West from 2 - 10 February 2020; National Come-Around in Mount Dora FL, 27 April - 4 May 2020; Fall 2020 Caravan to include Mason City, IA, and Navy at USAFA on 3 October; Americus, Georgia touring Fall 2020 depending upon Navy football schedule; Watts Bar Fall 2020 from 19 - 25 October; Key West 21 February 2021. For more information check rv.usnachapters.net or FaceBook, USNA RV Chapter.

RV Chapter members were in the stands at the Liberty Bowl honing their USNA cheers as Navy played AAC rival Memphis. Attendees included: Firsties ‘Nita and Jack Parry ‘67; Dee and Bill Bradford ‘63; Patti and Jay Williams ‘67; Eva and Andy Wehrle ‘72; Susan and Don Baldwin ‘74; Beth and John Vuolo ‘77; Catherine and Jim Heffernan ‘81. RV Chapter attendees joined pregame USNA Alumni Association events with the Supe and Dant on Memphis’ famous Beale Street plus the BBQ Tailgate Party across from the stadium. The day after the game, the focus was Memphis’ famous

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT A.J. Olsen e: Aljolsen_1920@yahoo.com

Central Savannah River Area (Aiken, SC; Augusta, GA; and surrounding areas) Pres: LtCol Dave Smith '73, USMC (Ret.) e: dsmith708@atlanticbb.net Sec'y: Bob Van Buren '63 e: bobjanvb@aol.com Website: http://csra.usnachapters.com

Susuehanna Valley Chapter Monthly gathering and Sea Story Swap Read the Class of ‘76 report, p. 84.

CHAPTER NEWS Charleston Chapter Pres: CDR Rick Stein ’82, USNR (Ret.) 784 Preservation Pl., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 p: 843-856-6591; w: 843-557-7021 e: USNA_AA_Charleston@Comcast.net Website: www.RickSteinOnline.com

On Monday, August 19, The Charleston Chapter held its Monthly Luncheon. Our Speaker was LCOL Brad “Spicoli” Hipp ’98,

USMC; CO, VMFA-115, In Attendance were: Chuck. Horne ’52, Fuzzy Knight ’53, Tom Mayberry ’53, Jim Blandford ’55, Jim Flately ’56, Larry Elberfeld ’64, John Nuernberger ’64, Ray Setser ’65, Bernie Magdelain ’67, Jim Welsch ’67, Chuck Mayer ’68, Charlie Young ’70, Bill Bobo ’72, Al Olsen ’72, Steve Weise ’72, Bill Konrad ’75, Dave Shimp ’76,

Denny Simon ’77, Bill Druce ’82, Rick Stein ’82, Greg Shore ’84, Dennis White ’87, Jim Miller ’89, Wes Smith ’90, Kai Yeh ’90, Andrew McMarlin ’91, David Kern ’92, Steve Bates ’94, Rich King ’96, and Paul Mallory ’10. The Chapter mourns the passing of Dwight Agnew ’54 and Wynn Harding ’68. The Charleston Chapter

meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 12 Noon in Mount Pleasant. No reservation required. On Monday September 16, The Charleston Chapter held its Monthly Luncheon. Our Speaker was CAPT Tony Lott ’91; Commanding Officer, Nuclear Power Training Unit In Attendance were: Max Hill ’51; Chuck Horne ’52; Fuzzy Knight ’53;

R ECR E AT IO N VEH I C L E C H APT ER

17TH ANNUAL GATHERING

Watts Bar Lake Come-Around

The traditional chapter gathering in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains welcomed Fall for the 17th time along the banks of Watts Bar Lake, Tennessee between 16th - 22nd of September. Those joining this ComeAround fun enjoyed campfires; telling jokes and sea-stories — some exaggerated; happy hours; two birthday celebrations; The Cumberland County Playhouse (one of the 10 largest professional theaters in rural America) electrifying adaptation of Mel Brooks’ monstrously funny film “Young Frankenstein”; classes on “No Bake Freezer S’mores” plus realdeal s’mores around the campfire; hiking the beautiful Tennessee hills; boat rides on the lake; bike rides on scenic country roadways. The 2nd Annual Flag Retirement Ceremony was traditional, solemn and emotional as both family members and classmates/shipmates were remembered. The grand finale again included Connor’s HUGE fireworks extravaganza, reflecting light and color off the lake waters. Watts Bar attendees included: Dee and Bill Bradford ’63; Karen and Keith Waldrop ’64; Stevie and Hank Giffin ’67 and Pattie and Jay Williams ’67 and ’Nita and Jack Parry ’67; Vanessa and Tim Hallihan ’72 and Eva and Andy Wehrle ’72; Pam and Lee Van Oss ’73; Susan and Don Baldwin ’74 and Come-Around Firsties Lynn and Jim Connors ’74; Sandy and Scott Goodson ’76; Eileen and John Madaio ’77; Catherine and Jim Hefferman ’81 and Tim and Joan Platz ’81; and Associate Chapter Members Mari and Jerry McIlwain LSU ’65; in addition to friends of

The other important members of the RV Chapter.

Connors and Wehrles. Heffernan’s son, Aubin Heffernan USMA ’14, joined the Saturday fireworks show from his post at the Army’s Cyber Center of Excellence School, Fort Gordon, Georgia. Sharon and Larry Weaver ’59 joined the luncheon and theater performance from their home nearby. USNAAA 2nd Annual Flag Retirement Ceremony Central Regional Trustee Rich Cataldi ’69 joined the Board and General membership meetings. After farewells were shared, half of the chapter attendees moved on to the western side of Tennessee for the Navy at Memphis football game. ®

RV Chapter’s traditional Fall Come-Around in the Smokey Mountains

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 129

CHAPTER NEWS

Palmetto Chapter: September Luncheon: Helping to find the next generation to “Take the watch”

Bill Spearman ’60; Ray Setser ’65; Bernie Magdelain ’67; Chuck Mayer ’68; Steve Johnson ’68; Charlie Young ’70; Bill Bobo ’72; Bill Cook ’72; Ron Malec ’74; Jim Lyons ’74; Denny Simon ’77; Greg Hightaian ’80; Rick Stein ’82; Greg Shore ’84; Dennis White ’87; Dave Wheeler ’88; Jim Miller ’89; Wes Smith ’90; Kai Yeh ’90; Andy McMarlin ’91; and Paul Mallory ’10. The Chapter mourns the passing of Dwight Agnew ’54 and Don Lovelace ’55. The Charleston Chapter meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 12 Noon in Mount Pleasant. No reservation required.

job in Ohio. Also, we tip our hats and glasses to Kristie Colpo ’04, our always positive fun-boss (MWR Chair) who was swept away by the Green Wave to work at Tulane University. We are tremendously happy to welcome Suzanne Hopper, bride to John ’95 and mom to Selik ’23. As the newly minted volunteer secretary for both the SC Parents Club and our Chapter, she brings a wealth of experience and positive attitude. Her dual role is sure to help strengthen the bond between our organizations.

South Carolina Low Country Chapter Pres: Mr. Thomas Cavanaugh '69 32 Flagship La., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 c: 516-220-9896; e: tomcusna69@gmail.com Sec’y: Mr. Thomas M. Anderson ’60 2 Oyster Ct., Okatie, SC 29909 p: 843-987-0121; e: tommanderson2@gmail.com

Palmetto Chapter Pres: Jerry Pilewski ’97 e:palmettousna@usna.com Sec’y: Suzanne Hopper e: hoppermomx6@gmail.com Vice Pres: Mike Epprecht ’65 e: mike.epprecht65@gmail.com Treas: “Mac” Mclain ’69 BGO Area Coord: Al Olsen ’72 e: aljolsen_1920@yahoo.com

Wow! What a great fall for the Palmetto Chapter! Before getting into any news, a quick hail and somewhat delayed farewell. Congrats again to David Caruso ‘05, who was serving as our Mentorship Chair and was recruited to fill an amazing

Proud Mom, Suzanne, with John ’95 and son Selik ’23 after being sworn in by VADM Scott Van Buskirk (Ret.) ’79

In September, our luncheon crowd of about 40 welcomed Paul Howell and Courtney Jackson, who chair the nomination committees for SC Senators Graham and Scott respectively. With several 2024 candidates, Blue and Gold Officers, and even one potential 2025(!) candidate present alongside Alumni, the audience represented Naval service across over seven decades! Not too shabby for a city four hours removed from the coast.

130 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

We will stay busy through the fall, continuing our regular third Thursday luncheon (every month except December). For only $15 for a great meal and even better company, it is located at the Commerce Club in downtown Greenville. October will feature local accomplished author Kathryn Smith. Her new book tells the fascinating story of Gertrude “Gertie” Sanford Legendre, a SC-born woman who worked for the OSS, among many other exploits. Robyn Grable headlines our November luncheon. CEO of Veterans Ascend and a Navy vet herself, her locallybased company has developed an exceptional service that helps match the right veterans with right civilian jobs across the nation. On the doorstep of winter, we will join with the West Point Society for our annual Army/Navy football viewing party. Plan for forces to converge upon the Brass Monkey (723 Congaree Rd, Greenville, SC 29607) on December 14th. The venue has plenty of space, free parking, and a layout that will allow us to mingle and taunt the Woops. The restaurant has welcomed and encouraged us to pre-decorate their space, so get your spirit gear ready! To join our mailing list, RSVP to events, send pictures and stories, or to let us know that you want to lend gear for the Army/Navy game, write to PalmettoUSNA@ gmail.com. You can also find us on FaceBook and Instagram @/ #PalmettoUSNA. Huzzah and Beat Army! Jerry Pilewski ‘97

South Carolina Midlands Chapter Pres: Craig Augenstein ‘87 4847 Furman Ave., Columbia, SC 29206 p: 803.309.3060 e: Craigaugenstein@gmail.com Sec’y: Chuck Tebrich ’66 e: chuckteb@gmail.com Website: www.usnasc.org

President Craig Augenstein presented results from a survey of members. While the membership is satisfied with the lunch meetings and will continue to hold them over the next year, the consensus is to add some variety to the schedule in hopes of adding new members who might not be able to attend regular noon meetings. Plans are being made to replace occasional lunch meetings and/or add evening get-togethers in order to accommodate potential new members and allow members to become better acquainted. Efforts are also underway to better utilize social media in chapter communications and hopefully reach a wider audience, including parents of current and former Midshipmen. The membership also took the opportunity recognize the great contribution made by the previous Chapter Secretary, Katy Hirsch. Katy and her late husband George were instrumental in the formation of the Midlands Chapter in Columbia, SC, and she continued to remain an active member and serve as Secretary after George’s passing right up until her death earlier this year. Katy will be sorely missed. Chuck Tebrich, Class of 1966, agreed to serve as Secretary for the Chapter.

South Dakota Send Shipmate input to: David Bruns ’88 e: david@davidbruns.com Blue & Gold Area Coordinator: Sharon Holt ’00 p: 605-390-3430; e: holtsharonl@aol.com

Spain

Rota Chapter Pres: Michael Carsley ’88 e: michael.carsley@eu.navy.mil Vice Pres: Ryan Eilerman Treas: Cassidy Masey ’06 e: cassidy.a.massey@gmail.com Sec’y: Dustin Cunningham

The Midlands, SC Chapter has traditionally had a guest speaker at a noon luncheon on the 3rd Thursday of each month, September through May, as well as occasional social functions throughout the year. A planning session was held on September 19th at which chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Blackwell e: contactwesblackwell@gmail.com

MATCHING GIFTS Call 410-295-4178 to find out how you can match your recent contribution.

CHAPTER NEWS

Tennessee Chattanooga Chapter

Pres: Richard “Scott” Jones ’00 9935 Penneywood La., Ooltewah, TN 37363 p: 804-363-3589; e: rsjones23@hotmail.com

remains to be seen how this is going to work because by the time you read this our football season will be completed except for Army. Our thanks to Grant for the insights.

BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard Cataldi ’69, USN (Ret.) p: 865-966-4677; e: cdrcataldi@tds.net

Knoxville-Oak Ridge Chapter Pres: Mitch Eisenberg, ’99 e: MITCHELL.EISENBERG@GMAIL.COM Sec’y-Treas: CAPT Mark Kohring ’73, USNR (Ret.) e: mark_kohring@mac.com Website: http://k-or.usnachapters.net/ BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard Cataldi ’69, USN (Ret.) p: 865-966-4677; e: cdrcataldi@tds.net

Grant Moody ’03 addressing Alamo Chapter meeting.

Memphis Chapter Pres: Henry W. Papa Jr. ’86 p: 907-244-7492; e: hankpapa@aol.com BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Paul Schuhlein ’85, USN (Ret.) p: 901-751-2225; e: pschuhlein@yahoo.com

Nashville Chapter Pres: CDR John F. Ohlinger ’69, USN (Ret.) 880 Lakemont Dr., Nashville, TN 37220-2124 h: 615-370-1441; w: 615-594-7628 e: john.ohlinger@usna.1969.com BGO Area Coordinator: Thomas Forsythe ’79 e: tom_forsythe@kyzen.com

Texas

Alamo Chapter Pres: CAPT Ron A. Sandoval ’81, USN 18010 Keystone Blf., San Antonio, TX 78258-3436 Please send Shipmate Submissions and all correspondences to: Sec’y: Dave Driskell ’63 PO Box 461564, San Antonio, TX 78246-1564 e: info@alamogoats.org Website: http://www.alamo.usnachapters.com Facebook: Alamo Chapter NAAA BGO Area Coordinator: Dave Driskell p: 210-275-4011; e: daved@frand.com

After several reschedules Alamo Chapter held its annual Football Brief meeting on Tuesday, September 23. Grant Moody ’03 presented an ‘inside the ropes’ view of how the triple option works with white board diagrams of options, blocking schemes and read keys. Over the past several years opposing teams have figured out defensive schemes designed to eliminate options. In response several new coaches have been brought in to change our approach and add options (passing). It

Area BGOs engaging with potential candidates at Round Rock CAD.

In other news in the area, the BGO program has been busy attending Congressional Academy Days in the Rio Grande Valley area and Round Rock. Round Rock was the biggest by far with well over 300 attendees. Congressman John Carter sponsored the event but it was supported by the nomination staffs of four Texas districts and both Senators. BGO Hal Haskell (son is ’09) did a great job assembling a team of BGOs to handle the crowd. Also, September/ October is the timeframe for College Nights at Texas schools so our BGOs are fully engaged in spreading the word about USNA across the state. Respectfully Submitted, Dave Driskell ’63

Austin Chapter Pres: Brad Holbrook ’06 p: 410-718-8839; e: bradley.holbrook@gmail.com Treas: Kevin Windbigler ’86 p: 512-923-5010; e: hans2886@austin.rr.com Shipmate Contact: CDR Don McAlister ’63, USNR (Ret.) p: 512-365-7068; e: don.mcalister@austin.rr.com Website: Austin.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: Dave Driskell p: 210-275-4011; e: daved@frand.com

This will be my last column for the Austin Chapter. I have enjoyed

doing it for all these years. And I want to thank presidents and officers and alumni who have helped me be able to write the columns all that time. Austin chapter meetings are held at 11:30 am on the fourth Tuesday of each month except November and December. We meet at Mimi’s Restaurant at The Shops at Arbor Walk, 10515 N. Mopac Expy., Austin, TX 78758. All USNA graduates and their spouses in the Austin area are invited to participate. Reservations are not required. Attending in July were: John Tyler ’57, Chuck Morris ’61, Buzz Needham ’61, Don McAlister ’63 and wife Ginny McAlister, Bob Jones ’64, John Rogers ’70, Bob Perch ’70, Gary Lundeen ’75, Don Brummett ’79, Joseph Hartigan ’79 and wife Betty Prince, M. Scheiern ’86, Dan Nicosen ’84, Kevin Windbigler ’86, Chris Swindell ’94, Ross Piper ’95, Eric Montgomery ’04, Brad Holbrook ’06, Hal Haskell ’09. Also attending was Kathryn Sturdivant. Attending in August were: Don McAlister ’63, Bob Jones ’64, Neil Duarte ’65, Hank Nothhatt ’66, John Rogers ’70, Bob Perch ’70, Gary Lundeen ’75, Joseph Hartigan ’79 and wife Betty Prince, Don Brummett ’79, Dan Nicosen ’84, Kevin Windbigler ’86, Ross Piper ’95, Brian Fitzpatrick ’95, Brad Holbrook ’06, Frank Rivera ’11. Also attending was Phillip Granger. Attending in September were: Bob Granger ’59 Chuck Morris ’61, Ted Langworthy ’61, Don McAlister ’63, Bob Jones ’64, Neil Duarte ’65, Tom Felger ’66, John Rogers ’70, Bob Perch ’70, Vern Williams ’74, Gary Lundeen ’75, Joseph Hartigan ’79 and wife Betty Prince, Don Brummett ’79 and wife Chyrl, Dan Nicoson ’84, Kevin Windbigler ’86, Chris Swindell ’94, Michael Dube ’95, Brian Fitzpatrick ’95, Brad Holbrook ’06. Others attending were Michael Plumm ’86 Citadel, and Steve Cobb. Like alumni in many chapters and many in the Navy Sports family, we were saddened by the death of Buddy Wellborn ’59. For many years, Buddy has visited the Austin Chapter to give us the benefit of his inside knowledge of Navy football.

Both his insights and his humor made him a welcome guest. A member of the Austin Chapter, John Rogers ’70 stepped in at the August with a great deal of research to give an excellent summary of the season ahead. As always, the season will be nearly over by the time this Shipmate sees print. In September, the guest speaker was Jacob Shapiro, Director of Analysis at Geopolitical Futures’ (GPF). He is responsible for GPF’s team of analysts, the company’s forecasting process, and the day-to-day analysis of important geopolitical developments. Mr. Shapiro was formerly with Stratfor. He gave the chapter an aroundthe-world review of countries of greatest concern to the United States. Among them was China which, he said, had been shaped in its current world relations by its history of being dominated by western countries and Japan. He called it a “century of humiliation,” and said it drives their current response to its dealings with foreign countries. India is an economic power potential , “Think of it as China in the 1980s.” “The Iranians had hated us for 30 years,” Mr. Shapiro said, “ going back to the imposition of the Shah.” That was the ultimate cause behind the 1979 revolution and the continued antagonism between the countries. As for North Korea, he said, “Nobody knows what is going on there.” Mr. Shapiro also talked about current situations in Russia and Turkey. Don McAlister ’63

North Texas Chapter Pres: Junior Ortiz ’81 e: pres@usnaaa-ntx.com Sec’y: Carrie Busch Murdock ’99 e: secy@usnaaa-ntx.com Website: www.usnaaa-ntx.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Thomas Kaprurch ’75, USN (Ret.) p: 972-317-6218; e: purch@1975.usna.com

USNA.COM Bringing the Alumni Association to you.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 131

CHAPTER NEWS Texas Gulf Coast Chapter Pres: Bret Leach ’08 e: bret.e.leach@gmail.com Vice Pres: Dan Hanley ’10 Sec’y: John Augusto ’02 e: m020234@2002.usna.com Treas: Rich Bulger ’69 e: rlbulger69@gmail.com Website: txgulfcoast.usnachapters.net Email: txgulfcoast.usnachapters@gmail.com BGO Area Coodinator: Rick Mawdsley e: rmawdsley@gmail.com

On Saturday, December 14, our Chapter, along with the West Point Club and Combined Arms, will welcome the greater Houston community—Alumni, veterans, active military and civilians alike— for a family-friendly afternoon including games, food, craft beer and football. This game is a show of mutual respect and solidarity, and a time for Alumni to unite after the uniform and come together to celebrate USNA, our traditions and our country. Join us at Little Woodrows in Midtown. RSVP on our website, Facebook, or just Google “Army Navy Houston 2019”. Although the year is coming to an end, the TxGC Chapter events aren’t. Join us in January at our Annual Smith McCool Sword Lunch, honoring the highest ranked 1/C Midshipman from the area. This is one of the crown jewels in the crown of our TxGC Foundation. Please join us, and be part of the tradition. Details on our website. Respectfully, John Augusto

alumni, friends, and family members (as well as any WOOPS who feel like cheering on the better team) are welcome to gather for the 2019 Army-Navy Game Watch right here in London. As we did last year, we’ll meet at Navy sports’ home away from home on this side of the Pond, Passyunk Avenue in Fitzrovia, at 6 PM on 14 December to watch the mids take on the Black Knights for the 120th time since the rivalry began. The game will be played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philly, and a dedicated website (www.armynavygame.com) can quickly bring game watch attendees up to date on the team roster, schedule, and coaches. Please RSVP directly to chapter president Tim Fox (timfox97@hotmail.com) so we have a good idea how many to expect. Blue and Gold attire is strongly encouraged! Last year we had a record turnout with 27 alumni in attendance, not counting friends and family; let’s try to top that number this year! And speaking of our esteemed president, Tim Fox was recently in New York City on business with his new job at Sharegain, a financial tech company, and managed to pull together a mini Class of ’97 reunion while there.

United Kingdom United Kingdom Chapter Pres: Tim Fox ’97 e: timfox97@hotmail.com Vice Pres: Cody Nissen ’11 e: cnissen.mba2018@london.edu Sec’y: Lisa Aszklar Wife, Henry ’81 e: lisa.aszklar@gmail.com Board of Directors: Evan McNeer ’06 e:emcneer.mba2018@london.edu BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Blackwell e: contactwesblackwell@gmail.com

Where did autumn go?! As difficult as it is to believe, the most anticipated gridiron match of the year — at least, for Navy fans — is just days away, and once again all

L to R: Class of ’97 alumni Tom Heptig, Tim Fox, Sam LaNasa, Andrew Clark Ross, and Colin Keenan

Congrats on the new job, Tim, and safe travels. Alumni are strongly encouraged to update their profiles at www.navy. com. It’s fast and easy! Remember: if you don’t keep your info updated, your classmates can’t find you. Until next time … BEAT ARMY!

132 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Central Virginia Chapter: Central VA Joint Ball Strike Force

Utah

Intermountain Alumni Chapter Pres: Robert Allen ’67 e: ba@robertallen.org BGO Area Coordinator: Darrin Briggs ’03 e: dbriggs@snowfly.com

Virginia Central Virginia Chapter Pre: Bill Murray ’83 e: whmurray34@gmail.com Vice Pres: Ty Schieber '87 e: ty.schieber@gmail.com Sec’y: Ed Borger ’80 e: ed.borger@honeywell.com Treas: Steve Hill ’74 e: swhill74@cstone.net BGO Area Coordinator: Don Aldridge e: n774pk@gmail.com

SHIPMATES: On Wednesday September 18th, the Central Virginia Chapter joined the West Point Society of Monticello, Air Force Academy alumni, and other veterans and friends for the annual Fall All-Services Golf Classic at Glenmore Country Club. Captain’s Choice Format ensured that the 32 participants pictured here remembered only their good shots. NAVY’S team consisted of Jack Renard ’55,Tom Otterbein ’70, Mark Metcalf ’76, Scott Thomas ’77, Tim Stark ’78, CB Morgan ’83, Bill Murray ’83, Ken Meyer USN, Steve Bernstein USMC and Dave Clark USMC; UVA NROTC team Kevin Kennedy USN, Pat Funk USN, David Mann USN; and friend of the Naval Services, Andy Wicks. It was a beautiful day with great weather and course conditions. The Navy/Marine Corps team captured the TOP 3 prizes, with 41 (Otterbein/ Thomas), 35 (Funk/Morgan) and 34 (Bernstein/Clark). We used Stableford scoring for this tournament (4 points

for eagle, 3 for birdie, 2 for par and 1 for bogey). Army took 3 of the 4 closest to the Pin winners, but Navy’s Bill Murray put it closest on hole #16. Next tournament is currently planned for May 6, 2020. GO NAVY! CB Morgan ’83

Hampton Roads Chapter Pres: CAPT Dick Enderly ’71, USN (Ret.) p: 757-467-567; c: 757-647-5155 e: president@usnahamptonroads.com Website: www.usnahamptonroads.com BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR David Lannetti ’81, USN (Ret.) p: 757-423-8602; e: dlannetti81@gmail.com

With Navy football back in full swing the Navy faithful in Hampton Roads have been gathering in significant numbers at Shorebreak Pizza in Virginia Beach to cheer on the Blue & Gold. Even on a Thursday night for the Memphis game that didn’t kick off until 8:00 PM the “dedicated Navy section” of the establishment was filled with about 80 alumni, family members, and friends. And has been the case for the last three years, the regular season will culminate with our huge Army-Navy Party at that venue on 14 December.

Nick Kesler ’03 and his wife are all smiles at Shorebreak Pizza while watching Navy whip ECU

CHAPTER NEWS The Navy-William & Mary exhibition soccer match at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex on 17 August brought out a larger-than-expected crowd of about 1200 with well over half of them being enthusiastic Navy fans! The Tribe prevailed 1-0 in a very competitive contest; but we certainly made it sound and feel like a home game for the Midshipmen. Parents Club President Andrea Kinnear and some of the Club members also pitched in by putting together welcome

bags of snacks and drinks that were waiting for the team when they arrived at their hotel. Rainy weather the next morning put a damper on a youth Soccer Clinic planned by the team, but a large crowd of youngsters still came out to gather on the Sportsplex concourse with Navy players who enthusiastically signed autographs, talked to kids and parents, and provided some well-received soccer playing tips. Without a doubt the overall visit to Hampton Roads

was a positive experience for the Mids and their fans!

Rick Severinghuas ’73 is flanked by Navy soccer players Matt Benedettini ’20 and Tait Thorne ’23 at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex.

Our Networking Breakfast on 18 September featured a motivational presentation on finding your niche and achieving your goals by Frank Hruska, President of the South Hampton Roads Habitat for Humanity organization. And on 16 October Vince Bowhers ’85 spoke about what the Lynnhaven River Now organization is doing to restore watersheds in Virginia Beach and the highs and lows of working for a local non-profit.

HAMPTON ROADS CHAPTER

HABITAT FOR HEROES GOLF TOURNAMENT EXEMPLIFIES SUPPORT AND SERVICE FOR LOCAL VETERANS By Dick Enderly ’71 On 19 September the Hampton Roads Chapter hosted the Sixth Annual Habitat for Heroes Golf Tournament in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads. All proceeds from the event are dedicated to building houses for local veteran families using the Habitat Model of a “Hand-up; not a Hand-out.” The tournament, originally envisioned by Habitat Board members RADM (Ret.) Stan Bryant ’69 and Dan Lear ’68, raised over $150,000 the first five years; and another $40,000 in sponsorships was added this year. It has been supported by the Chapter and its President Dick Enderly ’71 as a unique and special opportunity to serve the Hampton Roads veteran community. Major sponsors were Ironclad Technology Services owned by Wick Townsend ’87, and Rowena’s Specialty Cakes & Drizzles owned by Stephen Leaman ’69. A foursome of local Combat Wounded Warriors was sponsored by Shorebreak Pizza and Taphouse, Chapter supporters and gracious hosts for all Navy football watch parties, including the Army-Navy Party. Over 130 participants were treated to perfect golf weather, lunch, beverages, prizes, and a delicious Outback Steakhouse dinner. Dave Story ’71, Travis Jones ‘’02, Rich Fortier and Lex Murphy earned the title of “Championship Foursome.” First Place in the First Flight went Bill McGloon ’75, Clay Absher ’75, “Flash” Gordon ’75 and Steve Burich. Second Place in the First Flight was taken by RADM (ret) Phil Olson ’62, Butch Meier ’68, Mike Gaffney ’71 and Rob Ploeger ’68. Third Place in the First Flight went to Sean Gillespie ’92, John Gillespie and Paul Hurst; and the “Goat Foursome” of Cathy Harris, Edith Fields, Rebekah Monteith and Rebecca Fergueron won the prize for “most fun.” Other alumni players included Bob Perry ’72, Cal Lassetter ’73, Dave Brown ’72, “Doc” Blanchard ’72, Bill Coxe ’69, Jack Lahren ’69, Jack Lewis ’69, Judd Knecht ’79, Tim Moon ’79, Ron Rahall ’79, Dan Chang ’79, Rick Kumer ’67, Eric Gardner ’85, Vince Bowhers ’85, Dave Baker ’85,

Left to right Rich Fortier, Lex Murphy, Dave Storey ’71, and Travis Jones ’02 earned Championship Foursome honors at the 6th Annual Habitat for Heroes Golf Tournament

Left to right Classmates Vince Bowhers ’85, Eric Gardner ’85, and Dave Baker ’85 enjoyed a great day on the links in Hampton Roads

Jerry Reina ’81, Ben Francisco ’73, Rich Johnson ’74, Jim Suhr ’70, and Joe Gibaldi ’84. Volunteers included Chapter members Karin McElvein, widow of David McElvein ’66, Ken Marks ’71, Dennis Plank ’69, Bill Ungvarsky ’73, Bob Stuhlman ’71, Ken Berger ‘73, Frank Murphy ’74, Perry Miles ’63, Associate Member DJ Allen, and a contingent from the Virginia Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP). There is no question for the sixth consecutive year a resounding “BRAVO ZULU” is richly deserved by all involved! ®

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 133

CHAPTER NEWS

Quantico Area Chapter: QAC members and their guests participate in a social event that included a picnic, winery visit, and tour of the Bull Run Battlefield, providing them with insight to the battle and military history.

On 19 September the 6th Habitat for Heroes Golf Tournament, a collaboration between our Chapter and the South Hampton Roads Habitat for Humanity organization, was again a very successful event. An Event Profile article highlighting this exciting event is found on the previous page.

L to r Cal Lassetter ’73, Bob Perry ’72, Bob Blanchard ’72, and Dave Brown ’72 at the 6th Annual Habitat for Heroes Golf Tournament in Hampton Roads

Information on all events is promulgated on our website, announced via email announcements and posted on Facebook. Dick Enderly ’71

Quantico Area Chapter Pres: Nancy Springer '87 e: nancy.a.springer.nancy @aol.com Vice Pres: Philip Salinas ’82 e: nancy.a.springer.nancy @aol.com Treas: Ron Diefendbach ’00 e: QACUSNAAAtreasurer@ yahoo.com Sec’y: Melanie Salinas ’09 e: Melanie.Salinas.18@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT James H. Czerwonky ’63, USN (Ret.) p: 703-533-3566; e: jczerwonky@verizon.net

The Quantico Area Chapter (QAC) held a monthly breakfast in August with guest speaker CAPT Roger Herbert, USN Ret., who is a Distinguished Military Professor of Ethics at the Naval Academy. He presented a brief titled, “7 questions that will change your life…and maybe save it.” He provided personal vignettes and spoke about questions to ask yourself when faced with moral dilemmas and tests of integrity. The Chapter also hosted a council meeting in August. Topics of discussion included a review of the financial report, the annual Army/ Navy watch party, chapter goals, committees, and mentoring for new graduates. The Chapter also bid farewell to a fellow shipmate in August, as Chapter member and U.S. Marine Corps Captain Sean Blochberger, Class of 2013, transitioned out of the Marine Corps and was accepted to the University of Virginia’s School of Law. Blochberger’s last assignment in the USMC was as the Modernized M9 ACE/Joint Assault Bridge Project Officer at Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, Va. The Chapter hosted two events in September. The first being a monthly breakfast with guest speaker Dr. Joseph J. Thomas, Director of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership and Class of 1961. He spoke about the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership and brought

his wife Jackie to the breakfast. The second event was a Battlefield and Winery tour and social, Sept. 28. QAC member Scott Moore led the group on a tour of the Bull Run Battlefield, providing them with insight to the battle and military history. A picnic and visit to the winery followed. Chapter members also attended and participated in various Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) mixers at The Basic School in Quantico, Va., where they had the opportunity to interact with USMC Second Lieutenants and to mentor them on the military and specialties. The Chapter encourages all alumni in our area to join the Chapter. Please visit http://usnaalumni quantico.usnachapters.net/ for more information about the Chapter.

QAC member, Captain Sean Blochberger, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal from his leadership at Marine Corps Systems Command, Aug. 1. Blochberger transitioned out of the Marine Corps and was accepted to the University of Virginia’s School of Law.

Richmond Chapter Pres: Michael Metzger ’89 e: michael.metzger@1989.usna.com Sec’y: Matt Laser ‘97 e: lasermatthew@gmail.com Website: http://richmond.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR David Lannetti ’81, USN (Ret.) p: 757-423-8602; e: dlannetti81@gmail.com Dr. Joseph J. Thomas, Director of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at USNA, speaks to some of the Quantico Area Chapter members at the September monthly breakfast.

It is hard to believe that when this Shipmate issue comes out another Army-Navy game will be upon us. It feels like summer just began. With that, the Richmond chapter had an

Website: http://usnaalumniquantico.com

Remember Distinguished Chapter Award AND Chapter crest

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE Log into Online Community at usna.com to update your profile.

134 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Richmond Chapter: Members and their families braved the heat and enjoyed a Richmond Flying Squirrels Baseball game.

CHAPTER NEWS active summer. In July several new chapter officers began their term to include VP Jeff Brown ’84, Member at Large Ed Lehre ’69, Secretary Matt Laser ’97, and Webmaster Jerome Dixon ’97. In early August several of the more heat-resistant chapter members and their families “enjoyed” a Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball game in 99F heat. Most members agreed that white works would have made the heat slightly more bearable and reminiscent of plebe summer on the Bay. A few of our friends from the West Point Society of Richmond joined us for the game. The chapter kicked off the football season for the East Carolina game at Park Lane Tavern with a football event hosted by our new VP Jeff Brown. The new facility was a perfect setting for the chapter event and will be a great location for the remaining football games. The chapter has an exciting Fall planned with additional football games, our traditional fall luncheon, and another joint USMA event for the Army-Navy game.

Shenandoah Valley Chapter Pres: David McLellan ’73 p: 540-722-2060; e: dcmclmd@earthlink.net Sec’y: LCDR Grayson Redford ’63, USN (Ret.) p: 540-662-6142 BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT James H. Czerwonky ’63, USN (Ret.) p: 703-533-3566; e: jczerwonky@verizon.net

Virginia Peninsula Chapter (formerly the Williamsburg Chapter) Pres: Ben Francisco ’73 p: 757-784-0786 e: roger.benton.francisco@gmail.com

Washington

Washington, DC Area

BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Michael Beard ’00, USNR e: m-mikebe@microsoft.com

Greater Washington Chapter

Hanford/Tri-Cities Chapter Pres: CAPT Edward Schwier ’69, USN (Ret.) 1196 Brentwood Ave., Richland, WA 99352-8540 h: 509-627-7288; w: 509-372-0176 e: Edward_G_Ed_Schwier@rl.gov; eschwier@charter.net; egschwier@aol.com Website: http://hanford.usnachapters.com

BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR David Lannetti ’81, USN (Ret.) p: 757-423-8602; e: dlannetti81@gmail.com Website: vapeninsula.usnachapters.net

Vice Pres: Burlie Brunson '67 e: burlie@aol.com Sec’y: Teresa Kennedy ’16 e: teresadkennedy16@gmail.com Treas: Sean Papso ’08 Outreach & Engagement: Shelby Mounts ’92

Puget Sound Chapter

Vice Pres: Kathleen Jabs ’88 e: kjabs@aol.com

Pres: Fred Latrash '87 e: president.usna.alumni.gwc@gmail.com e: fred.latrash@gmail.com

Pres: Craig Wiesen ’97 e: usnaaapugetsoundpresident@gmail.com Corr Sec’y: Chris Bajuk ’04 e: chrisbajuk@gmail.com

Website: www.usnaaagwc.org BGO Area Coordinator: Rob Breakiron ’02 e: rbreakiron@gmail.com

Wisconsin

Website: http://pugetsound.usnachapters.net

BGO Area Coordinator: James Coulson e: navyair@sbcglobal.net

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Best Wishes for the New Year from your Alumni Association and Foundation.

DONATE ONLINE Support the Annual Fund, visit usna.com and click Give Online.

CHAPTER SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES Send to: chapternews@usna.com

Pres: Timothy Mahoney ’10 e: mahoney@2010.usna.com At Large: Chris Adams ’75 p: 414-553-0982

2020 ISSUE Jan-Feb March April-May June July-Aug September October Nov-Dec

Wisconsin Chapter

DUE DATE: 2 Dec 2019 2 Jan 2020 27 Feb 2020 26 Mar 2020 28 May 2020 25 Jun 2020 30 Jul 2020 24 Sep 2020

Website: http://wisconsin.usnachapters.net/ WISNAPA Co Presidents: Andy and Laura Kittleson e: kittleson5@yahoo.com Website: http://wisconsin.usnaparents.net/ BGO Coordinator: CAPT James Coulson '77, USN (Ret.) e: Navyair@sbcglobal.net

2020 Triennial Chapter Count Per Section 3.1 of the Bylaws of the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association, a chapter’s roll of active members shall be submitted to the Association annually. The 2020 Chapter Count is the Triennial Count which will be used for seating the nine largest Chapters on the Board of Trustees (BOT) as stipulated in the Operating Manual, Section III. B. 1. Below are links to both the Bylaws and Operating Manual of the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association. Please review them in order to conduct the annual Chapter Membership count this year. Submissions are due to Joe Fagan (joe.fagan@USNA.com) on 31 January 2020. Detailed instructions will be sent out in early December to assist with accessing your Chapter list on USNA.com and how to use it to help determine your Chapter’s roll of active members. Bylaws: http://s3.amazonaws.com/pdfs.usna.com/BOT/2017/Bylaws_asof_07_24_2014.pdf Operating Manual: http://s3.amazonaws.com/pdfs.usna.com/BOT/2018/OpsManualREV12.06.2018.pdf ®

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 135

LAST CALL William Johnston Burton ’43 29 August 2019 Charles William Whyte ’43 30 August 2019 Donald Henry Brooks ’45 BGen, USMC (Ret.) 12 October 2019 Maurice Patrick Donnelly ’45 LTJG, USN (Ret.) 29 August 2019 Donald Brown Edge ’45 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 28 August 2019 Charles Burbank Crockett Jr. ’47 u CAPT, USN (Ret.) 20 July 2019 Paul Otto Gaddis ’47 u 11 September 2019

“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 morning, we will remember them.” —Laurence Binyon, 1914

Guy Morton Neely Jr. ’49 u CAPT, USN (Ret.) 22 August 2019

James Arthur McKenzie II ’54 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 26 September 2019

John Snyder Holmes ’50 CDR, USN (Ret.) 29 September 2019

Charles George McLean ’54 Col, USAF (Ret.) 8 October 2019

Beverly Glass Jakimier ’50 CAPT, USNR (Ret.) 6 October 2019

George Wallace Post ’54 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 20 September 2019

Charles Leroy Mull ’50 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 22 September 2019

Edmund Belfour Bossart Jr. ’55 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 11 September 2019

Robert Byron Fuller ’51 RADM, USN (Ret.) 4 October 2019

John Joseph Flynn Jr. ’55 14 September 2019

Bruce Kilroy Brown ’52 Lt Gen, USAF (Ret.) 23 August 2019

Clyde James Musholt ’47 23 September 2019

Jacob Calloway Brown ’52 u CAPT, USN (Ret.) 7 September 2019

Jack Baruch ’48 25 September 2019

John Samuel Degnan ’52 u 10 August 2019

Robert Stedman Curl ’48 17 September 2019

Whitney Hansen ’52 RADM, USNR (Ret.) 2 August 2019

John Burkam Ferris ’48 20 August 2019 Joseph Elwood Weatherly Jr. ’48 31 August 2019 Robert Belknap Aljoe ’49 23 August 2019 James Edward Edmundson ’49 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 6 October 2019 Morris Arnold Galter ’49 10 July 2019 Milton Donald Goldberg ’49 15 August 2019

Forrest Patterson Lockwood ’52 u 29 September 2019 Richard Hilling Scott ’52 Col, USAFR (Ret.) 20 July 2019 Leo Peter Cuccias ’53 CDR, USN (Ret.) 13 October 2019 Donald Joseph Killian ’53 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 5 October 2019 Robert Joseph Raffaele ’53 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 21 September 2019

Donald Alexander Lovelace II ’55 u CDR, SC, USN (Ret.) 27 August 2019 Lawrence Gilbert Moody ’55 7 September 2019 Raymond Arthur Ways ’55 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 10 September 2019 John Stanley Boyd ’56 CDR, USN (Ret.) 15 September 2019 Peirce George Ferriter ’56 u 28 August 2019 Raymond Joseph Fleming ’56 Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) 15 September 2019

Myron John Ricci ’56 1 October 2019 Benton George Thompson ’56 u 31 August 2019 Maurice Francis Tyler Jr. ’56 CDR, USN (Ret.) 12 September 2019 Gerald Marshall Anderson ’57 u Maj, USAF (Ret.) 21 August 2019 Leon Neely Beard Jr. ’57 10 October 2019 Charles Joseph Diehlmann ’57 6 April 2019 Lloyd Dallas Follmer Jr. ’57 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 10 May 2019 James Patrick McMurrough ’57 8 October 2019 Robert Hugh Rositzke ’57 CDR, USN (Ret.) 13 September 2019 Tommy Don Sawyer ’57 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 26 August 2019 William Earle Smith Jr. ’57 u CAPT, USN (Ret.) 6 September 2019 Ernest Alvin Merritt ’58 u CAPT, USNR (Ret.) 30 August 2019 Albert George Newnham Jr. ’58 19 August 2019 Sinkler Warley Jr. ’58 3 October 2019 John Joseph Bray Jr. ’59 18 August 2019

u Obituary appears in this issue

This list consists of alumni deaths we have learned of since our last issue. Full obituaries will appear in Last Call if/when families send them in. 136 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

LAST CALL

Henry Grady Perkins Jr. ’64 u CAPT, USN (Ret.) 18 August 2019

Thomas Joseph Herrmann ’79 CAPT, USNR (Ret.) 9 October 2019

John Maye Quarterman Jr. ’61 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 11 October 2019

Wayne Lloyd Hanson ’65 u 21 August 2019

Richard Dean Peck '79 u LCDR, USNR (Ret.) 1 July 2019

Anthony John LaSala ’59 23 August 2019

Kenneth Stuart Hogg ’62 25 August 2019

Reynald Alfred Bald ’66 24 August 2019

James Brenan Rucker Jr. ’59 CDR, USN 21 September 2019

James Clement Le Vangie ’62 8 September 2019

Jeffrey Bruce Johnson ’67 20 August 2019

Bradford Donald Smith ’62 CAPT, USNR (Ret.) 25 September 2019

Robert John Shields III ’67 CAPT, MC, USN (Ret.) 30 September 2019

William Richard Dukes ’63 u 9 September 2019

Daniel Timothy Hogan ’70 CDR, USN (Ret.) 9 October 2019

William Hume Everett III ’59 1 September 2019

Harold Robert Melendy ’61 11 October 2019

Angelo Domingo Fernandez ’59 Col, USMC (Ret.) 11 October 2019

Glenn Lee Barton ’60 30 August 2019 Jon Howard Esslinger ’60 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 25 May 2019 Robert Victor Gamba ’60 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 18 September 2019 James Dietrich Joyner ’61 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 8 September 2019

Richard Carl Jones Jr. ’63 u 25 August 2019 James Raymond Phillips ’63 3 October 2019 William Raymond Fromme ’64 u 2 September 2019

DONALD BROWN EDGE ’45 Captain Donald B. Edge, USN (Ret.), passed away peacefully at his assisted living home in Chula Vista, CA, on 28 August 2018. He was 97 years old. Born in Laverne, IA, but raised in Emmetsberg, IA, “Don” attended Kemper Military Academy before his appointment to the Naval Academy. Upon graduation from USNA in June 1944, with the wartime-accelerated Class of 1945, he married Beverly Beale Feldmann. He was quickly sent to the Pacific Theater for duty aboard CANBERRA as gunnery officer, then MONTPELIER as gunnery and navigation officer. He commenced flight training in January 1946 and received his Wings of Gold in July 1947. Over the next 27 years, he flew and mastered numerous attack and fighter planes, accumulating more than 4,246 flight hours in 15 different aircraft and a remarkable 1,615 fixed wing carrier landings. His aviation commands included VF-213; Carrier Air Wing 14; KAWISHIWI (AO-146); and Naval Air Station North Island. Aviation combat tours included the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, where he completed 89 combat missions and was awarded 4 Air Medals, as well as numerous campaign ribbons.

William Brian Carter ’71 u Capt, USMC 8 September 2019

Richard James Chuday Jr. ’80 u CDR, USNR (Ret.) 1 September 2019 Kriss Michael Kennedy ’81 CAPT, USNR (Ret.) 22 September 2019 David Lawrence Kroupa ’81 1 October 2019 Stephen Paul Gardella ’86 22 September 2019 John Joseph Zuhowski ’91 CDR, USN (Ret.) 13 October 2019

David Paul Dudek ’72 CDR, USN 7 October 2019

Other assignments included associate professor at the University of Nebraska; air operations officer aboard BON HOMME RICHARD; Joint Chiefs of Staff action officer; and Chief of Staff, Carrier Division Three. He also received a Master of Arts degree in Education from Stanford University in 1959. Following retirement in 1974, Don and Beverly established residence in Coronado, CA. He obtained his real estate brokers license and opened a real estate management firm. Don enjoyed tennis and boating and many volunteer positions in the community. He was active in the Navy League, Tailhook, the USNA Alumni Association, the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation and the “Coronado Unconcerned Citizens.” He also was selected to the prestigious Golden Eagles (the Early and Pioneer Naval Aviators Association). Always proud, Captain Don Edge loved the Navy, flying and service to his country. He was cherished as a father, grandfather, husband, friend and peer. He will be missed. Don was preceded in death by his lovely wife of more than 65 years, Beverly, in 2010. He is survived by their four children (and spouses), Debbie Beauchesne (Charles), Donald Edge (Chloe), Diane L. Edge, DDS (Ruth) and Dorian Edge; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Interment with full military honors took place on 8 November 2019 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, where he rests with Beverly. H

MEMORIAL AFFAIRS RESOURCES https://www.usna.com/memorial-affairs

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 137

LAST CALL CHARLES BURBANK CROCKETT JR. ’47 Captain C.B. Crockett Jr., USN (Ret.), passed away peacefully in his sleep on 20 July 2019. He was 94 years old. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, on 19 June 1925, “Davey” was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1947. He then became a naval aviator and saw action in the Korean War, flying night support for the Chosin Valley battle. He made the transition to jets and flew the A-4D Skyhawk for the remainder of his aviation career, including three carrier deployments in the Sixth Fleet. After attending the National War College, he moved to the Pentagon as Director of Naval Astronautics, then he and his wife, Bobby, moved to Hawaii in 1970. After various assignments with CinCPacFlt, his final assignment was as the Navy’s co-liaison to Kaho’olawe, where he worked with the EPA and the Protect Kaho’olawe Ohana to reduce the bombing exercises, begin conservation efforts and to reopen the coastlines for local fishermen. Davey retired in 1980 with 34 years of service in the Navy and to his country. He then volunteered his time working for the Hawaii Blood Bank, as a bailiff in the First Circuit Family Court for Judge Mike Town and as an AKC judge/trainer for utility and tracking in both Hawaii and the Mainland. Davey was an avid golfer and sailor over his last 50 years. Davey is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Lorri Crockett, who both reside in Hawaii. Military honors and interment took place on 12 September 2019 at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. excerpts from the Honolulu Star Advertiser H

PAUL OTTO GADDIS ’47 Paul O. Gaddis died on 11 September 2019 at Brentwood, TN. He graduated with the Naval Academy Class of 1947’s 24th (Color) Company; served aboard BOXER (CV-21); and was ordered to Rensselaer Polytechnic for a master’s degree in engineering. He met Martha Louise Rinker, a senior at Russell Sage College, and they were married in 1948. He completed tours at Guam with the 103rd Seabees, Newport, RI, and the Naval Ordnance Plant, Forest Park, IL. In 1954, he resigned from the service and joined Westinghouse, working in atomic power on the NAUTILUS (SSN-571) project. He served as president of the Pittsburgh USNA Alumni Chapter; and was nominated by Westinghouse for a Sloan Fellowship at MIT, earning his master’s degree in industrial administration. His MIT graduate thesis about corporate accountability in the U.S. won the Dean’s prize as best of the year. His book, Corporate Accountability, was published by Harper. He returned to Westinghouse International in New York as Director, Overseas Investments, acquiring subsidiary corporations in Europe and Asia. He moved to Westinghouse headquarters as the company’s chief information officer, then was elected Vice President, Corporate Strategy. In this role, he felt considerable frustration in being unable to convince top management of the future hazards he perceived in the directions the company was pursuing. He departed Westinghouse in 1972, was elected Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration at the University of Pennsylvania, where he learned the mysteries of financing Ivy League universities and taught at the Wharton School. H

138 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

In 1979, he was selected as dean of a new graduate management school at Dallas in the University of Texas System, serving there for 26 years. He served on corporate boards of directors; wrote articles for the Harvard Business Review; and was editor of The Journal for Corporate Growth. He was president of the La Napoule Art Foundation in France; was elected to Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in the World; was an elder in the Presbyterian Church; played serious tennis; and was an active Rotarian. His most gratifying work was teaching business strategy to MBA candidates. His greatest joy came from partnering with Martha, his beloved wife of 63 years, in successfully raising their three children. He is survived by his sons, Paul Gaddis (Claire) of Tennessee and Commander David Gaddis, USNR (Ret.), of Washington; daughter, Holly Chrysler of New York; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. H

WILLIAM MARKEY GEORGEN ’47 Commander William M. Georgen, USN (Ret.), died on 26 April 2019 at his home in Annandale, VA. He was 95 years old. Born in New York City in 1923, “Bill” was one of two sons of Clarence Belden and Maud Josephine Markey Georgen. Early in childhood, the family moved to Glen Rock, NJ. After graduating from Ridgewood High School, he received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. After graduation with the wartime-accelerated Class of 1947, he embarked on a naval career that included tours in Honolulu, HI, Newport, RI (twice), Monterey, CA, Annapolis, MD, Key West, FL, Charleston, SC (twice), and Washington, DC. He served in engineering, gunnery, communications, personnel, operations, minesweeping and command billets, and as an instructor at the Academy. He attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, where he studied operations research and engineering. During his second tour in Charleston, he was commodore of Mine Sweeper Division 84. In Washington, DC, he was Head of the Special Studies Section, Strategic Systems Project Office. Following his retirement from naval service, Bill used his military and engineering experience working with several companies in the Washington, DC, area. After his second retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family and working on house and garden projects. Up until recently, he actively maintained connections with his relatives, former shipmates and acquaintances. He also did significant genealogical research in discovering and compiling information about the Georgen family tree, including taking trips to Canada, Ireland and Germany to investigate his family heritage. Bill is survived by his wife of 72 years, Elizabeth “Tish” Pleines Georgen; four sons (and their wives), Bob Georgen (Beth) of Charleston, SC, Tom Georgen (Pam) of Falls Church, VA, Dick Georgen (Carolyn) of Round Hill, VA, and Bill Georgen (Kathy) of Vienna, VA; grandchildren, Robert (Suzanne), Sarah, Jennifer (Eddie), David (Christina), Michael (Sarah), Katie (Robert) and Matthew; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, and their families. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Stephen Matthew Georgen; and his brother, Robert Dwyer Georgen, a World War II Army veteran who fought in the European Theater. Funeral services, with full military honors, were held at Arlington National Cemetery on 30 September 2019. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (www.nmcrs.org). H

LAST CALL ROBERT WILBURN WISE SR. ’47 Captain Robert W. Wise Sr., USNR (Ret.), died peacefully in his sleep on 18 July 2019, during his brief stay at White Oak Estates Retirement Center in Spartanburg, SC. Born on 30 October 1923 to Pauline and Robert F. Wise in Greensboro, AL, “Bob” graduated from Savannah High School. He then attended Northern Georgia College in 1941, enlisted in the U.S. Navy and later attended Pre-Flight School in Athens, GA. Attending the U.S. Naval Academy had been a lifelong ambition of his and he graduated with the Class of 1947. He married Edythe Stephenson and Bob had sea duty aboard destroyers and minesweepers, later joining the Naval Reserve and retiring with the rank of captain. Bob and Edythe moved to Spartanburg, SC, to join Milliken, Inc. for many years. Later, he built and managed Whitestone Chemical (now BASF) in Spartanburg. He designed and operated other businesses as well, including Riceboro Chemical Co., WACCO and Enviro Air. In his spare time, Bob enjoyed playing golf and refereeing college football games. He was active in the Episcopal Church of the Advent, where he served as a Sunday school teacher and senior warden. His club memberships included Country Club of Spartanburg, Piedmont Club of Spartanburg, the Savannah Yacht Club and the Skidaway and Oglethorpe clubs of Savannah. Predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Edythe, in 2015, he is survived by their daughter, Ange Pickens (Jim); son, Rob Wise; five grandchildren, Edy Levin (Danny), James Pickens (Kendall), Bert Pickens (Suzanne), Aimee Wise and Robert Wise III; and seven great-grandchildren. Bob is also survived by two sisters, Polly Wise and Betty Walden; and several nieces and nephews. Services were held on 25 July 2019 at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, followed by a reception in the Parish and Community Life Center and committal in the church columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Advent, 141 Advent Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302; (www.churchofadvent.org). H

IVAN HIMMEL ’48 Ivan Himmel died on 3 August 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He was 93 years old. Born in Chicago, IL, on 2 May 1926, Ivan graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1948. He served in the Navy for eight years, first on PROVIDENCE and later, in naval intelligence. Foregoing joining the family’s fur business, he started his own real estate construction and development company, Maritime Construction Co., at age 27, attending DePaul Law School simultaneously. A committed scholar of Judaism and advocate of Jewish causes, he was named Honorary Director of the Chicago Board of Jewish Education and later honored as a Lifetime Director of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. Ivan’s devotion to his family was paramount. With fierce intelligence, a constant thirst for knowledge and an endless sense of adventure, Ivan set the highest bar for himself and his children. His life motto was, “never be bored.” He was loved and admired by all, the rarest of true gentlemen. Ivan was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Lucille Himmel; parents, Vera and Louis Himmel; brother, Harold Himmel; sister-in-law,

Joyce Himmel; and sister Jeanne Friedman. He is survived by his devoted children, Jeffrey Himmel (Cindy), Joan Himmel Freeman (Rickey), Scott Himmel (Deborah) and Allyson Bass (the late Mark Bass); 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren (with another on the way). Funeral services were held on 6 August 2019 at Anshe Emet Synagogue in Chicago, IL, followed by interment at Oak Woods Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Cognitive Alzheimer Disease Center (CNADC) at Northwestern Medicine, 420 E. Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611. excerpts from the Chicago Tribune H

WALTER SPANGENBERG JR. ’48 Captain Walter Spangenberg Jr., USN (Ret.), passed away on 8 May 2019. Born in Washington, DC, on 28 April 1926, “Walt” entered the Naval Academy in July 1944. He participated in plebe track and fencing, winning an N* during First Class Year. Commissioned an ensign in 1947, he reported to the Pacific Fleet cruiser PASADENA until entering flight training in 1949. Designated a naval aviator (1950), Walt served in fighter-bomber squadrons aboard carriers BON HOMME RICHARD and PHILIPPINE SEA during Korean hostilities. A sea tour in VF-91, including a WestPac deployment in TICONDEROGA, was followed by air missile evaluation work at Point Mugu. After a year as operations officer of VRF-31 (Norfolk), Walt returned to the Pacific as XO and CO of VFA-143. The squadron saw Vietnam service aboard the carriers CONSTELLATION and RANGER. He commanded the dock landing ship MONTICELLO (1970-1971) and transported personnel and material to the Indian Ocean atoll of Diego Garcia for development of a naval communications station. Walt earned a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering (Princeton, 1956). In 1960, he completed Test Pilot School (Patuxent River), and subsequently served as project officer and test pilot in the evaluation of new naval aircraft. He visited the Royal Navy Test Squadron at Boscombe Down, England, flying and evaluating several Royal Navy aircraft. He presented a technical paper on aircraft handling qualities to the NATO Advisory Group for Aeronautical Research and Development in Paris (January 1963). Walt attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, concurrently earning an MBA (The George Washington University, 1967). Project management at Naval Air Systems Command Headquarters involved Walt in the development of the EA-6B carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft (1967-1970). Returning in 1971, he served as a major project manager until his retirement from active duty on 1 July 1974. Walt’s decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (17), Navy Commendation Medal w/Combat V (2), and numerous campaign service medals. Walt subsequently worked in the aerospace industry in engineering-related activities, including time in Singapore managing flight testing of re-engined A-4B/C for the Singapore Air Force. Retiring to Puget Sound in 1992, he stayed current with aero-technical and naval/foreign affairs, language study, wood and glass work and flying with the Whidbey Island Navy Flying Club, where he was a director. Survivors include his partner, Sonia Kazanjian; children, Eric, Peter (Jean) and Jill (Jerome); five grandchildren; and his former wife and friend, Virginia Thomas. H

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LAST CALL ROBERT JORDAN GILLILAND ’49 Robert J. Gilliland died in Rancho Mirage, CA, on 4 July 2019 at 93 years of age. Born in Memphis, TN, on 1 May 1926, “Bob” made aviation his life, culminating during the Cold War as the chief test pilot for the SR-71 Blackbird at Lockheed’s “Skunk Works” in Burbank, CA. Beginning his schooling in Memphis and graduating from Webb School at Bell Buckle, TN, he enlisted in the Navy, but was soon appointed to the Naval Academy. Upon graduation with the Class of 1949, he was selected to take his commission in the newly separate U.S. Air Force, where he trained in America’s early jets before being assigned to a veteran front line fighter squadron in Germany. As a second lieutenant, he won his air wing’s aerial gunnery competition in Tripoli, which second lieutenants were not supposed to win. During the Korean War, he was reassigned to Taegu Air Base, where he flew F-84s in combat over North Korea. After returning to America, he was assigned to the Air Force Research and Development group at Eglin AFB in Florida. Following his active military service, Bob was hired as a civilian test pilot at Lockheed’s F-104 Starfighter test flight group in Palmdale, CA. In early 1962, he was selected to lead the test flight program for the highly secret “article,” known as the A-12 Blackbird at Area 51. Bob flight tested the “article” for later delivery and use by the CIA. Bob also flight tested the interceptor version of the Blackbird, the YF-12A. Subsequently, he was hand-picked by Lockheed’s chief designer, Kelly Johnson, to fly the final and newest version of the Blackbird— the SR-71. Bob successfully piloted the SR-71 on its maiden flight on 22 December 1964. During his test flights, Bob accumulated more Mach 3+ experimental flight test time than any other pilot in the world. Since its declassification, Bob has been honored with virtually every significant aviation award in the western world, including the top award: induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. He leaves two children, Anne Gilliland Hayes and Robert J. Gilliland Jr.; as well as five grandchildren, Laura, Nathaniel, Stuart, Scott and Heather; and a brother, James. A Celebration of Life was held on 28 September 2019 to honor Bob’s extraordinary life with his family and friends. Donations in Bob’s name may be directed to either the Palm Springs Air Museum (www.palmspringsairmuseum.org) or March Field Air Museum (www.marchfield.org). H

GUY MORTON NEELY JR. ’49 Captain Guy Morton Neely Jr., USN (Ret.), died of pancreatic cancer on 22 August 2019 at his home in Potomac, MD. “Mort” was born on 31 October 1927 in Washington, DC, the son of Mildred and Guy Morton Neely ’23. A lifelong Washington area resident, he attended Roosevelt High School. After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1949, Mort’s first assignment was to ROCHESTER (CA-124), which saw combat during the Korean War. Subsequently, he spent the bulk of his 28-year Navy career in destroyers at sea and in plans and policy ashore. Mort had several sea commands, including LAWRENCE COUNTY (LST-887) and FLOYD B. PARKS (DD-884), command of Destroyer Division 72, and 140 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Destroyer Squadrons 23 and 9. While with DesRon 23, his ships participated in enemy action off North Vietnam. He held several significant posts, including tours as aides to Commander Seventh Fleet, Commander-in-Chief U.S Naval Forces in Europe and Commander-in-Chief Allied Forces Southern Europe. He also held the prestigious post of White House aide to President Eisenhower. Despite these high-level positions, the one he most enjoyed was teaching marine engineering at the Naval Academy. In recognition of his extensive experience, Mort’s final assignment was Head, Current Plans and Policy Branch in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, with responsibility for developing the Navy position on all current issues of interest to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Captain Neely was awarded the Bronze Star, the Joint Services Commendation Medal and Meritorious Medal (2). On retirement, Mort joined the investment banking firm of Alex Brown & Sons in Washington, and later, with his wife, Adaline, engaged in a rewarding antiques business. He was most proud of serving as chairman of the investment fund of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and treasurer of the diocese, having been recruited for this job by Bishop John Walker. As head of the Investment Committee, he visited all 88 parishes in the Diocese and achieved a significant increase in participation. Mort is survived by his wife of 51 years, Adaline Blount Rowe Neely; their children, James Rowe (Suellen), Jennifer Blanchard (Daniel) and Morton Neely (Ann); and grandchildren, Amanda, Mackenzie, William, Charles, Rachel, Rebecca, Daniel and James. Amongst family, Mort was often referred to as the “Rock of Gibraltar.” Known for his unwavering loyalty, integrity and love of family, he will be greatly missed and his legacy cherished. Memorials may made to the St. Columba’s Episcopal Church Endowment Fund (https://www.columba.org/giving/planned-memorial-giving). H

STANLEY BROWN NEANDER ’50 Captain Stanley B. Neander, USN (Ret.), passed away at home on 4 August 2019 in Salem, OR. Born in Wenatchee, WA, on 29 March 1927, “Stan” was raised and attended schools in Portland, OR. During the summers of 1943 and 1944, Stan worked as a journeyman burner for the OR Shipbuilding Corp, building Liberty and Victory ships for the World War II effort. Stan enlisted in the Navy in 1944, and after WWII, received an honorable discharge. He attended Oregon State University until he entered the Naval Academy in 1946 with a congressional appointment. At USNA, Stan was a varsity football player. Upon graduation with the Class of 1950, Stan was assigned as gunnery officer on ST. PAUL. During the Korean War, Stan was in charge of the fiveinch gun batteries, participating in numerous combat actions with hostile forces. After Submarine School, Stan’s assignments included the submarines SCABBARDFISH, DIODON and STERLET; engineer officer for Submarine Squadron One in Hawaii; chief staff officer for Submarine Squadron Three in San Diego. He was an NROTC instructor at University of Washington for two years. His tours in the Pentagon were with the Submarine Warfare Divisions for the Chief of Naval Operations. Attending the Naval War College in Newport, RI, he received a MA degree in international affairs from The George Washington University. He commanded the submarine CLAMAGORE in New London, CT, and Submarine Division Thirty-Two in San Diego. His last assignment was as commanding officer of the Naval Ordnance Engineering Facility in Bangor, WA.

LAST CALL

After retirement in 1975, Stan worked 12 years for Systems Exploration, Inc. in San Diego as a senior operations analyst/engineer. He was active for many years in the San Diego Chapter of the Naval Submarine League and enjoyed life with travel, family reunions and golf. Stan was married to the former June Pickett of Ely, MN, for over 49 years before she passed away in 2007. They had two children, Debbie (Larrey) Owens of Salem, OR, and David (Julia) of Seattle, WA. Both children survive him, as do his four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. After June’s death, Stan reconnected with an old friend, Judy Browder. They spent the next 11 years sharing life and traveling the world. He was a beloved “Stanpa” to Judy’s children and grandchildren. Memorial services with full military honors took place on 22 November 2019 as Stan and June were interred in the columbarium at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. H

JACOB CALLOWAY BROWN ’52 Captain Jacob C. Brown, USN (Ret.), of Arlington, VA, passed away peacefully on 7 September 2019 in Alexandria, VA. “Jake” was born in Pikeville, KY, and moved to Orlando, FL, as a youth. He graduated from Orlando High School (1946) and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Assigned to the destroyer, DYESS, a junior officer took note of Seaman Brown’s leadership and intelligence and proposed that he study for the entrance exam to the Naval Academy. After a successful year at NAPS in Bainbridge, MD, he entered the Academy in 1948 and graduated as a member of the Class of 1952. It was not all study for Jake. Two days after graduating, Ensign Brown made one of the better decisions of his life and married the beautiful and talented June Winters of Baltimore, MD. Jake had a 34-year Navy career, 12 of which were sea duty aboard five submarines. Along the way, he had duty stations in New London, CT, Baltimore, MD, Washington, DC, Arlington, VA, Norfolk, VA. Charleston, SC, and Key West, FL. Jake graduated from the National War College in Washington, DC. Among his career achievements were tours as commanding officer of the diesel submarine TROUT and commanding officer of Oceanographic Systems Atlantic, which included 13 naval facilities from Nova Scotia to Puerto Rico. Following his retirement in 1980, Jake’s engagement with the Navy continued. His extensive experience with submarines and knowledge of that community put him in an ideal position to become a consultant to the Navy for the Trident Submarine Program. Jake was an avid power walker, loved doing crossword puzzles and sudoku, and also enjoyed rooting for the Washington Nationals and tailgating at Navy football games. But mostly he loved his late wife of 65 years, June, who doted on him and steered the ship at home. Jake is survived by their daughter, Kathryn Nelson; son, David Brown ’79 (Sue); grandsons, Russell (Natalia) and Lieutenant Eric Brown, USN; and sister, Joyce Oglesby. Jake checked all the boxes. He had a long life of good health, love, enduring friendships, adventure, service and faith. He was a man of few words, but showed who he was by his long service to his country, his many hours of volunteer work at Calvary United Methodist Church and his devotion to his beloved family. A celebration of Jake’s life took place on 21 September 2019 at Calvary United Methodist Church in Arlington, VA. H

ROBERT ALEXANDER COOKE ’52 Commander Robert A. Cooke, USN (Ret.), passed away peacefully at his home in St. Petersburg, FL, on 10 March 2019. He was 89 years old. “Bob” was born in Schenectady, NY. Although he was the only child of Anna Christison, he had the advantage of being raised in her extended family, which included Scottish immigrants who instilled lifelong virtues of hard work and integrity. He earned a vice presidential appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1952. His subsequent service as a naval aviator included an assignment as executive officer (1968) and commanding officer (1969) of Patrol Squadron 19, chasing Russian submarines around the world. Bob also served as navigator of the attack aircraft carrier CONSTELLATION (1970-1971). Bob took his wife, Nancy (nee Caldwell), and their growing family from coast to coast as he pursued his career. His daughters, Meredith “Mimi” and Robin, and son, Bob Jr., enjoyed seeing so much of the country their dad served. After retiring from the Navy, Bob continued to serve his country by sharing his aeronautical and management expertise with professionals involved in commercial, private, business and military air safety. During his decades-long affiliation with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Bob provided analysis and comment on federal air regulations and aircraft/ operations safety for organizations, airport management and governing entities, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the House and Senate Subcommittees on Aviation and Transportation. He retired from NBAA as the Vice President of Operations and ended his career as a consultant to the Flight Safety Foundation. Bob maintained his commercial pilot license for years, as well as his professional affiliations with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), National Aeronautics Association, Washington Aero Club and the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association. “The call of the sea” remained strong, and even as he worked for NBAA, he spent his nights on the languid Potomac River with his second wife, Marcia (nee Schuler). Their shared love of boating and adventure made Florida an ideal retirement destination, and they shared many happy years in Madeira Beach and St. Petersburg. Bob is survived by his wife, Marcia; children, Meredith McCollum (Gary), Robin Wilson (Charles) and Robert Cooke Jr. (Karen); their mother, Nancy Cramer; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. H

JOHN SAMUEL DEGNAN ’52 John S. “Digs” Degnan died on 10 August 2019 in Juno Beach, FL. He was 90 years old. A graduate of the Naval Academy Class of 1952, he was commissioned as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. His service took to Biloxi, MS, Cocoa Beach, FL, and Bitburg, Germany. After his military service, he began his career working for RCA for ten years. He obtained a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Villanova University in 1966. In 1967, John left RCA, becoming one of the co-founders of SEMCOR, Inc, based in South Jersey. SEMCOR provided technical engineering and management services to the U.S. government. As president, his company grew to having more than 40 offices across the country. In 1983, he became vice president until selling the company in 1998. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 141

LAST CALL

John had a love for football, especially the Philadelphia Eagles. The Naval Academy’s John S. Degnan ’52 award was created in 2005 for the “Most outstanding freshman of the Navy Sprint football team.” He also had a love of boats (he owned a few), an occasional cigar and a good martini. John is survived by his wife, Margaret; children, John (Janna) and Janine (Alex); three stepchildren; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his former spouse, Jeanne. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org). H

WILLIAM JOE RICHARDSON ’53 Colonel “Will” Richardson, USAF (Ret.), passed away surrounded by loved ones on 19 October 2018. He was born in Ottawa, KS, in 1930, the son of Hazen and Nita Richardson. After high school, he received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated with a degree in engineering and was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force in 1953. He had a distinguished Air Force career, flying over 250 combat missions in Vietnam as a navigator in the B-57 fighter-bomber. Other tours included duty as a strategic planner and educator, with tours at the Pentagon and on the faculty of the Air War College. He had an MBA from the University of Chicago and a master’s degree from The George Washington University. His military awards included the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Legion of Merit. After retiring from the Air Force as a colonel in 1980, he taught Management at the University of Texas and was a management consultant in Austin. Will was an active volunteer in the community and was instrumental in successful efforts to enhance the availability and accessibility of public libraries in the state of Texas. He was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church. He applied his talents to help others as a Stephen Minister and through the Kairos Prison Ministry. He married Jean Stith, also from Ottawa, KS, in 1953 and they shared 62 years together before Jean’s passing in 2016. They had traveled the world and had enjoyed a full life. In retirement, they lived in Austin, TX, for 34 years before moving to Charlottesville, VA, in 2014. They raised two children, David Richardson of Charlottesville, VA (married to the former Victoria Takara) and Linda Richardson Smith of Huntsville, TX (married to Brian Smith). Will has five grandchildren, Emma, Claire and Rose Richardson, and Riley and Murphy Smith. Will was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His impact on the lives of many will be long remembered. He was loved and admired; his impact has been significant and enduring. His was a life well lived. He will be missed. H

PAUL OLMSTED JESSEN ’55 Paul O. Jessen passed away at the West Seneca Health Center in West Seneca, NY, on 19 July 2019. He studied Electrical Engineering at Cornell University for two years prior to his appointment to the Naval Academy, where he played battalion football and company sports. He graduated with the Class of 1955 as a member of the 10th Company.

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Paul served on active duty in surface ships and submarines for five years following graduation. He remained in the Naval Reserve until 1963, rising to the rank of lieutenant commander. He worked for 32 years as a facilities electrical engineer at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, NY. While living in Chili, NY, he served as president of the Chili Volunteer Fire Company. Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Carolyn; daughter, Anne Mackiewicz (Garry); sons, John Jessen (Wende), Mark Jessen, Robert Jessen (Hilary) and Michael Jessen; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Private services were held on 18 October 2019 at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Hammondsport, NY. H

DONALD ALEXANDER LOVELACE II ’55 Commander Donald A. Lovelace, SC, USN (Ret.), 87, died of heart failure at Hanahan, SC, on 27 August 2019. Born in Norfolk, VA, on 6 June 1932, “Don” was the son of Donald A. Lovelace ’28 and Helen Lovelace. He graduated from Punahou School in Hawaii and at the Naval Academy, was a member of the Fourth Company, a varsity swimmer and captain of his battalion water polo team. He received a master’s degree in business management from Central Michigan University. Don entered the Navy Supply Corps School in 1955. While there, he met his future wife, Nancy Hodgson of Bowman, GA. His military tours included disbursing officer of WHETSTONE (LSD-27); supply officer aboard the new construction, HARTLEY (DE-1029); supply officer of CinCLantFlt Headquarters Flag Administrative Unit; supply officer for Airborne Early Warning Barrier Squadron Pacific; supply officer for MCAF New River, NC; supply officer aboard FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (CVA-42); duty in the Aviation Supply Office, Philadelphia; supply officer at NAS Kingsville, TX; OinC of the Navy Audit Office Charleston; and finally, OinC of Mine Warfare Command, Charleston. Don retired in 1980. Don became a real estate agent, then was hired by RCA. As defense contracts were re-awarded, he moved to Vitro, then MSA, Inc. He performed as senior engineer for the integration of Intrusion Detection Systems at world-wide Navy/Marine Corps activities. He was a life member of the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), president of the Charleston Chapter and treasurer of the state council; president of the USNA Alumni Association, Charleston; life member of the USNA Alumni Association, the Navy League, the U.S. Naval Institute and the VFW. He was a former Trustee of the USNA Alumni Association. Don enjoyed handball. Upon shifting to racquetball, he was an excellent player into his late seventies. He and his wife enjoyed travel and dancing, and he was president of two Charleston dance clubs. Don is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy; sons, Colonel Donald Lovelace III, USA (Ret.), Stephen and Gregory; daughter, Malia Ritchie; and eight grandchildren. Memorial services were conducted on 14 September 2019 at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church in Hanahan, SC, with interment at Carolina Memorial Park, North Charleston. “To be an American, to have a wonderful family and friends, to have religious faith and to be a member of the Class of 1955.” He said these were his priceless gifts. H

LAST CALL

JAMES MANSFIELD CLARK ’56 Lieutenant Commander James M. Clark, USN (Ret.), passed away on 10 July 2019. He was 86 years old. Born in Ashland, OH, to Noreen and Howard Clark, “Jim” graduated from the Naval Academy on 1 June 1956. He married Suzanne Gunn (also from Ashland) the very next day in St. Andrew’s Chapel at the Academy. Jim and “Suzy” enjoyed the summer together sightseeing the continental U.S. before settling in Long Beach, CA, where Jim’s first ship, WORCHESTER was homeported. Jim was assigned to the engineering department during his two years aboard. Jim was sent to Nuclear Power School in Idaho and worked until completion on the first dual reactor. Ordered to MURRAY in Norfolk, VA, as operations manager, his ship chased submarines as a part of Task Force Alpha (19601961), and cruised to Richmond, VA, and up the St. Lawrence River to Quebec twice. Jim and Suzy had a house in Virginia Beach. Ordered to postgraduate school in Monterey, CA, he gained another degree, this time in electrical engineering. Nuclear Weapons School (1964) led to reassignment as missile officer, then weapons officer of BAINBRIDGE. About that time, the ship’s doctor diagnosed diseases in Jim for which there was no cure. Jim continued his tasks and was promoted to lieutenant commander in early 1967 and deployed to Vietnam. Jim and Suzy enjoyed a tour of duty in Washington, DC, with Terrier Fire Control System. In January 1970, the Clarks moved to California so Jim could take over the Combat Systems Department at NSWSES, Port Hueneme. They bought a house on a channel in Ventura that would be their forever home! Jim retired from the Navy in 1976 as the head of three departments, including the largest. During retirement, Jim entered the real estate profession with Merrill Lynch Realty and in 1981, founded his own firm, Tugboat Realty, and was president of Harbortown Realty. The Clarks enjoyed cruising and sport fishing as members of Ventura Yacht Club, acting as commodore in 1985, and SCYA commodore in 1992. They attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Ventura since 1970. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Peter; half-brother, Jesse; and his wife of 56 years, Suzanne (2012). He is survived by his half-brother, David Clark (Gretchen) of Scottsdale, AZ; and half-sister, Catherine Vinson (Norm) of Bonsall, CA. Condolences may be sent to (TedMayrFuneralHome.com). excerpts from the Ventura County Star H

PEIRCE GEORGE FERRITER ’56 Peirce G. Ferriter died on 24 August 2019. He was 86 years old. Few among us have lived as active or as purposeful a life as Peirce. He was a man of many gifts, rare wit, keen perception, mathematical skill and extraordinary physical ability. Peirce was born to Rear Admiral Charles A. Ferriter ’24 and Ann (Flanigan) Ferriter on 11 May 1933. He grew up in a military family, was admitted to the Naval Academy via NAPS and graduated from USNA with the Class of 1956. Peirce selected the U.S. Air Force and served as a missile officer during the sternest years of the Cold War.

Following his military service, Peirce worked for the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, and later settled in the St. Petersburg area, where he raised three wonderful daughters and had a long career as an inertial systems analyst working for Honeywell Aerospace. Peirce sustained a lifelong passion for the sea and sailing, frequenting both Gulf and Atlantic waters. For several years, he lived aboard a finely made sailing craft of his own construction, moored at St. Petersburg. Always an athlete, Pierce trained himself as an endurance runner and is remembered as such by the running community. He completed several Ironman triathlons in Hawaii and many other marathons and triathlons, once completing the Boston Marathon in under 3 hours. His track history included the famous 6-Day Endurance Race, where he ran over 400 miles. Later in life, with no formal training, Peirce demonstrated great talent as a landscape painter working in vibrantly colored oils. His magnificent paintings are treasured by his family. Preceded in death by his brothers, Charlie and Jack ’58, Peirce is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Sylvia; three daughters, Kate, Susan and Amy; brothers, Nicholas ’62 and George; sister, Sue; and two stepchildren, Jerry and Dawna. Peirce was an extraordinary person. He will never be forgotten by those who knew him. Ave Atque Vale. H

JOHN ROBERT M C INTYRE JR. ’56 Colonel Jack McIntyre, USAF (Ret.), was welcomed into the arms of our Lord on 7 August 2019, surrounded by his loving wife of 60 years, Alice, and his children. “Jack” grew up in the Tenleytown neighborhood of Washington, DC, attended St. Ann’s Parish School and then St. John’s High School, before attending the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1956. Jack was commissioned in the Air Force and began flying as a navigator on heavy transports (C-124s) from Dover AFB. He flew MATS missions to Africa and the Middle East, accumulating over 5,000 hours flying time. After an assignment to Air Force ROTC duty at Catholic University, he attended Intelligence School in Denver, CO. He spent the rest of his military career in Air Force Intelligence, serving at stations around the country, twice in Vietnam, as well as in Germany. During this period, he spent five years with the SR-71 Strategic Recon Program. He reported to the Defense Intelligence Agency at the Pentagon in 1972. He then was assigned as Squadron Commander of the 9th Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale AFB in 1975. After a tour in Germany, Jack became commander of the 548th Reconnaissance Technical Group at Hickam AFB, HI. He earned a number of military awards, medals and citations for his service. Jack retired from the Air Force in June 1986 and worked for GE Aerospace, which was sold to Martin Marietta and then merged with Lockheed-Martin. Jack met Alice LeVangie at the 1955 Army-Navy game and they were married in 1958. They had five children, which was a lot to drag around the country in a station wagon from base to base, yet this made the family closeknit—true to this day. In later years, Jack and Alice traveled extensively and were active in their church community, until Parkinson’s disease stole Jack’s mobility. Unsurprisingly, Jack handled Parkinson’s every cruelty with humor and dignity, while fighting the disease each step of the way. In the end, Jack, the good and faithful servant, left this life surrounded by love. He is survived by his wife, Alice; sons, John (Francesca) and Jim (Sarah); daughters, Teresa Lent (Steve) and Martha Kem (John); daughter-in-law, Jennifer McIntyre; and 14 grandchildren. His son, Kevin, passed away earlier this year. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 143

LAST CALL

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Sterling, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to the Parkinson’s Foundation at 200 SE 1st Street, Miami, FL 33131; (www.parkinson.org). H

BENTON GEORGE THOMPSON ’56 “Ben” Thompson passed away on 31 August 2019. He was 86 years old. Born on 21 February 1933 to M.B. and Margaret Weick Thompson in Austin, MN, Ben spent his younger years in Austin and Chicago, IL. When he was a freshman in high school, his family moved to Fremont, NE. Following graduation from high school in Fremont, he was appointed to the United States Naval Academy, where he played basketball. After graduating with the USNA Class of 1956 with an engineering degree, he was engineering officer on FRANK E. EVANS and LITTLE ROCK. In 1960, he went to work for 3M; beginning a career which would span 35 years. In New Ulm, MN, Ben was not content just running a successful operation for 3M and many of the communities he lived in benefited from his service. He was senior warden at his church, a Mason and a Shriner, Rotary Club president, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Country Club director, Toastmaster’s Club president and a member of the hospital board. Ben was known to his friends and family as “Big Ben” and “Gentle Ben.” He loved to play golf, hunt and fish. During his retirement, he scored two holes in one at the golf courses at the Hills of Lakeway. He is survived by his wife, Diane; daughters, Lisa Haeg of Puyallup, WA, and Leigh Ann Thompson of Austin, TX; son, Mark Thompson (Laura) of Rochester, MN; brother, John Thompson; sister, Margot Trowbridge; and two grandchildren, Courtney Haeg Thomas of Sumner, WA, and Zachary Thompson of Dallas, TX. Memorial services were held on 20 September 2019 at the Lakeway Church, in Lakeway, TX. Gifts in Ben’s memory may be made to the Lakeway Church (www. lakewaychurch.org) or to the Austin Humane Society (www.austinhumane society.org). H

GENE LOWRY WOODRUFF ’56 Gene Woodruff died on 22 May 2019 in Corvallis, OR, of complications following treatment for CLL and AIHA. He was 85 years old. The son of Clarence O. and Avie Woodruff, Gene was born in Greenbriar, AR, on 6 May 1934. The family moved to Conway, AR, in 1939. Gene graduated from Conway High School in 1952, where he was co-captain of the football team and president of the student body. He received a congressional appointment to the Naval Academy. At USNA, Gene excelled in academics, winning the Mac Short Award in Aerospace Engineering studies and graduated 12th in his class. He was the Second Company Commander in the Spring set of First Class Year and graduated with the Class of 1956. Gene reported for flight training at NAS Pensacola. On completion of advanced training, Gene was named as one of the top four students graduating in 1957. He was ordered to VF-33 aboard INTREPID, flying F-11 aircraft. He left the Navy in 1960 to get a PhD in nuclear engineering at MIT. In 1960, Gene met Marylou Munson when he and Charlie Wilson went to New York to meet Charlie’s sister on her return from Europe. Marylou was Sharon’s cabin mate. Six months later, Gene and Marylou were married. 144 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

In 1965, Gene and Marylou moved to Seattle, WA, to begin his 30-year career at the University of Washington. He served as Professor of Nuclear Engineering, Director of the Nuclear Reactor and for nine years, as Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Research. Nationally, Gene chaired the GRE Board and the Association of Graduate Deans. In 1986, he received the Arthur Holly Compton Award from the American Nuclear Society. Gene and Marylou had three sons. The eldest, Mark, died in 1980. That loss sharpened Gene’s connection to his other sons. Nothing made him happier than being with them. In 2013, he and Marylou moved to Oregon to be near them. There, he hiked the neighborhood trails of Corvallis, cheered grandkids’ soccer games and became an active member of the Association of Lifelong Learning (ALL,). Gene is survived by his wife, Marylou; sons, Greg and David; daughter-in-law, Karrie; grandchildren, Adlai and Sylvia; and sister, Violet Holman. His ashes are buried at a small cemetery in Newport, OR, overlooking the Pacific Northwest coast, which Gene loved. H

GERALD MARSHALL ANDERSON ’57 Major Gerald M. Anderson, USAF (Ret.) died at home on 21 August 2019 with his wife of 60 years, Edie, at his side. He was 83 and had survived lymphoma for 18 years until his death. “Gerry” was a “Navy brat” born in Shanghai, China, on 14 October 1935 and spent most of his growing years in Denville, NJ. As a proud member of the Naval Academy Class of 1957 and the 22nd Company, his fondest memories always centered on academics, time on the squash court and the close friends he made, many of whom remained close throughout his life. After graduation, his career took him into the missile field with postings at Hanscom Field, Eglin AFB and Wright-Patterson AFB. He earned his master’s degree from MIT in 1961 and his Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan in 1966 before joining the faculty at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) School of Engineering, where he became a tenured professor. Upon retirement from the Air Force after 20 years, he joined ORINCON Corp. in San Diego, CA, and later in Kailua, HI, where he served as chief scientist. After almost 20 years with Orincon (later gobbled up by Lockheed), he retired again to spend more time on Moloka’i, HI—the island Edie and Gerry fell in love with. They owned and published the island’s weekly newspaper for over ten years before retiring again to devote their time to home and hearth. Throughout their married life, they traveled the world and emptied their bucket list many times over. In 2002, Gerry was diagnosed with lymphoma and carried on valiantly for some 18 years thanks in large part to his wonderful team of doctors at Tripler Army Hospital (BEAT ARMY CURE NAVY!) in Honolulu. Gerry is survived by his wife of six decades, Edie; children, Glenn in Germany and Anne in Georgia; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Pat Anderson of California and Sharon Gillen-Davis of Virginia; and brother-in-law, Geoffrey Feiss of Maine. Interment will follow at a later date at Moloka’i Veterans Cemetery in Ho’olehua, HI. He joins others who hold the Naval Academy dear as a devoted member of USNA’s Robert Means Thompson Society. H

LAST CALL WILLIAM EARLE SMITH JR. ’57 Captain W. Earle Smith Jr., USN (Ret.), died of cardiovascular complications on 6 September 2019. He was 85 years old. A native of Mobile, AL, “Earle” stood out at a young age as a truly great athlete. In 1949, he was the runner up to the Alabama Junior Golf Championship. In 1951, he was named as the Mobile, AL, Amateur Athlete of the Year after earning 14 letters in four different sports at his UMS high school. Earle was inducted into the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame in 2010, along with such notable athletes as Hank Aaron. At the Naval Academy, Earle was a member of the 1955 “Team Named Desire” football team that won the Sugar Bowl against Ole Miss, 21-0. During his last year at the Naval Academy, Earle served as captain of the football team and was the #1 golfer on their golf team. That year, Navy beat Notre Dame 33-7. The family still has that “game ball.” The USNA golf team also won the Eastern Intercollegiate that year. Earle graduated in the Class of ’57 as a member of the 11th Company. Earle served onboard diesel boat submarines. As a young lieutenant, he was credited for saving the lives of several crew members after a torpedo misfired on TIRU. He was awarded the Navy/Marine Corps Medal for his efforts. Other subs included TANG and BARBEL and he had command of REMORA. He was XO and CO of both SUBASE Pearl Harbor and SUBASE Bangor. It was his after-Navy career that garnered Earle much praise. The local Bremerton area newspaper, the Kitsap Sun, put a lengthy article on Earle’s passing on their front page, 13 September 2019 edition. He was the region’s first economic development director and a linchpin in bringing the Turner Joy Museum to the Bremerton, WA, waterfront and in the resurrecting of the Admiral Theatre, which is now a dinner theater with live performances. Earle is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sandra Howes Smith, who is herself a retired Navy captain. They met in Yokosuka, Japan, while working on a “war game” exercise. He is also survived by his son, W. Earle III; daughters, Shannon and Jennifer; and grandchildren, Anthony, Natalie and Alayna. A Celebration of Life was held at the Admiral Theatre in Bremerton, WA, on 2 November 2019. He will be buried at sea off a submarine in Hawaii. Please visit the online memorial at (www.miller-woodlawn.com). H

RICHARD CHARLES ABEL ’58 Richard Abel passed away on 24 July 2019 in Salt Lake City, UT, after a long fight with heart disease. “Dick” was born in Detroit, MI, in 1936. With a desire to be an aviator, he attended the Naval Academy and graduated in 1958 as a member of the 17th Company. Unable to pass the eye test at the time of graduation, he chose the U.S. Air Force and was sent to graduate school, where he earned a master’s degree in meteorology. He persisted, however, in his desire to fly and was finally rewarded by being selected for Air Force flight school. In the mid-1960s as an Air Force pilot, he flew C-141s in support of American forces in Vietnam. After seven years in the Air Force, he resigned to become an airline pilot for Western Airlines. Western later merged with Delta Airlines, where he continued to fly for many years as a captain. Dick retired from Delta in 1991 due to medical issues. In his retirement years, he was very active as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and enjoyed teaching Bible truths for many years.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Jeri Lynne Huffman-Dean; daughters, Leslie and Julie; stepchildren, Jesse, Katie and Jonathan; sister, Pat; and several grandchildren. H

ERNEST ALVIN MERRITT ’58 Captain Ernest A. Merritt, USNR (Ret.), of Chandler, AZ, died on 30 August 2019 from lung cancer. He was 83 years old. A native of Los Angeles County, Ernest graduated from South Gate High School prior to receiving his congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy from California. He was on the varsity pistol team and graduated with the Class in June of 1958 as a member of the 19th Company. He served in Pacific Fleet ships LOS ANGELES (CA-135) and ISHERWOOD (DD-520) prior to attending Submarine Officers School in New London, CT. He then served in Atlantic Fleet submarines ARGONAUT (SS-475) and SAM RAYBURN (SSBN-635). After four Gold Crew deterrent patrols as navigator in SAM RAYBURN, he joined the staff of Navy Astronautics Group, Pt. Mugu, CA, operating the Navy Navigation Satellite System. In 1970, he transferred to the Naval Reserve and started his 27-year teaching career in Ventura County as a middle school math teacher. He completed 25 years before his Navy retirement, having commanded two Encino, CA, Navy Reserve units. He was a Master Mason and member of the Camarillo, CA, Masonic Lodge. He held membership in Optimist International, serving as officer and board member in Optimist clubs in Camarillo, CA, and Gilbert, AZ. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, the former Amy Corrine Rohrbough of South Gate, CA; sons, Ernest, Scott and Jon; and six grandchildren, Sam, Kirsten, Ethan, Daniel, Tyler and Eric. A memorial service was held in Chandler, AZ, on 28 September 2019. Ernest A. Merritt & Thomas Gibbons ’58 H

DONALD BERLIN CAMPBELL ’61 Captain Donald B. Campbell, CEC, USN (Ret.), passed away on 31 March 2019 in Easton, MD, surrounded by his family. “Don” was born on 8 November 1938 in Lexington, MS, to Otho Ray and Johanna Ruth Sanders Campbell. Don was active in his church, served in the Mississippi National Guard, graduated from Durant High School and attended Mississippi State University for a year before joining the 22nd Company at the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated with the Class of 1961. Don also earned a civil engineering BS and MS from Tulane University and an international relations MS from Boston University. Don’s first tours were at sea aboard ZELLARS (DD-777) and VOGELGESANG (DD-862) (flying remotely piloted QH50 DASH drones). His Seabee combat tours in Vietnam were OPS, MCB 121 (designing and building from scratch a 6 MGPD water treatment plant) and XO of MCB 128. He was commanding officer of the Public Works Center, NAS Pensacola (when Oshkosh quit building the Aircraft Crash and Rescue Truck NAS needed, PWC bought the parts and built the apparatus themselves); Fleet Engineer for CinCUSNavEur; Director Public Works, Naval Facilities Engineering Command; XO SouthDiv NavFac EngCom; and Force Engineer, Commander Fleet Air Forces Mediterranean. Other tours include OPS of the 22nd Naval Construction Regiment; Public

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Works Officer Naval Medical Center Bethesda; and many other facilities and construction tours. His decorations include the Legion of Merit (3), Bronze Star Medal w/V, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3), Combat Action Ribbon and various campaign service medals. Following his naval service, Don was Director of Facilities, Montgomery County Community College (1991-2001), where he wrote the book for facilities management at the school – then taught it, taught aerobics and when students asked for koi to be put in the fountains, he created an “adopt a fish program,” where so many people eagerly sponsored koi, that there were enough funds to run koi operations for years! Don was predeceased by his parents; sister, Ruth Ray Dinstel (Woody); and his wife of 40 years, Martha Ann “Martie” O’Boyle Campbell. Don is survived by his second wife, Kathryn; and sons, Captain Donald B. Campbell Jr. ’84, CEC, USN (Ret.) (Ann Marie), Captain Joseph A. Campbell ’87, CEC, USN (Ret.) (Susanna) and Richard O. Campbell (Kris); seven grandchildren; and two stepsons, Jason D. Alim (Shelley) and Nicholas C. Alim (Dorothy) and their six children. Burial at Arlington National Cemetery will be held at a later date. H

ROBERT FRANCIS KELLY JR. ’61 Captain Robert F. Kelly Jr., USN (Ret.), passed away on 2 August 2019 in Fairfax, VA. “Bob” was born in Englewood, NJ, and was the son of Commander Robert Kelly ’36, a submariner who served in the Pacific in World War II. Growing up, Bob had the unique experience of living at both USNA and USMA, as his father was a faculty member at both. Bob entered the Naval Academy in 1957 and graduated with the Class of 1961. Upon graduation, Bob served on MANLEY and then attended Submarine School. On his first submarine, DANIEL BOONE, he made the first strategic deterrent patrol in the Pacific. He served on five nuclear submarines, completing 20 deterrent patrols with five as commanding officer of SAM RAYBURN. While in command, Bob was fortunate to have classmate Tom Bailey ’61 as his counterpart on the opposite crew. Bob and Tom had a close and supportive relationship, which was reflected in their crews, and this resulted in the ship receiving the Squadron 14 Battle Efficiency E two years in a row. Bob subsequently served as CO of L.Y. SPEAR, a sub tender. Bob’s shore duty included BuPers, the Pentagon, Recruiting Command and postgraduate school in Monterey, CA. He received advanced degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School and Catholic University and graduated from the Advanced Management Program at Harvard. Upon retirement in 1991, he worked extensively as a consultant in the utility industry throughout the U.S. Bob’s recreational interests included travel, military history and sports. He completed six Marine Corps marathons and played on a local soccer team for 25 years; several years with his son, Tim, as a teammate. For over ten years, he was very active in St. Joseph’s Mission Fund, a small organization which supports an orphanage and home for the elderly in southern India and provides substantial assistance to natives in villages in remote parts of northeastern India. Bob traveled to India in 2007 to assist in the work there. Bob was very proud of his family, who cheerfully supported him during his service on seven ships. He is survived by his wife, Anne; four children, Tim Kelly, Kathy Breslin, Julie Wheatley and Greg Kelly; and 13 grandchildren. 146 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

A Requiem Mass was celebrated on 26 August 2019 with burial at Arlington National Cemetery to be held at a later date. H

WILLIAM RICHARD DUKES ’63 William R. Dukes died on 9 September 2019 in Henderson, NV, of natural causes. He was 79 years old. “Bill” was born on 2 August 1940 in Detroit, MI, and grew up in Toledo, OH. After one year as a mechanical engineering student at the University of Toledo, he received a congressional appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He graduated on 5 June 1963 as a member of the 21st Company. On graduation day, Bill married Hettie Merkel (also of Toldeo, OH) in the Naval Academy Chapel. Bill was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force and was stationed at McClellan AFB in Sacramento, CA, as a procurement contract officer. He was the base squash champion for three years and competed in several Air Force worldwide tournaments. After receiving an honorable discharge as a captain, he began a successful career in business. He completed his MBA at the University of Denver in 1976. Bill was the president, CEO and director of several high-tech electronics, hardware and software companies in Nevada and Washington, ultimately leading two successful public stock offerings. He retired in 2010 after the sale of a venture capital-owned company he was managing. In retirement, he was the co-founder of the Friends of Nevada Southern Railway Live Steamers in Boulder City, NV. The volunteer group built the only 7 1/2” gauge public railroad in Nevada and provided free rides on scale railroad equipment to thousands of adults and children each year. He is survived by his wife, Hettie; brother, Gerald (Colette); three sons, James (Paris), Todd and Jason (Marie); and three grandchildren, Natalie, Grace and Jacob. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Leona; and daughter-in-law, Alison Thomas-Dukes. H

RICHARD CARL JONES JR. ’63 Richard C. Jones Jr. died unexpectedly on Sunday afternoon, 25 August 2019, outside his home in Annapolis, MD. He was 78 years old. Richard grew up in the area surrounding Greensburg, PA, and attended Greensburg High School, where he would meet his sweetheart and future wife, Kay McSteen. After high school, Richard accepted an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Immediately after graduation with the Class of 1963, Richard married Kay at the Naval Academy Chapel on 6 June 1963. Richard served as an aviator for the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam, flying over 250 F-4 combat missions and receiving numerous medals for his bravery and actions, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, multiple Silver and Bronze stars, as well as other decorations. At the completion of his Marine Corps service, Richard went to work for Xerox and IBM, and obtained an MBA from Xavier University before settling in the Annapolis, MD, area for the duration of his life. He was a businessman and entrepreneur working in and/or owning businesses involved in the aviation, trucking and financial services industries. Devoted to his alma mater, Richard and his entire family supported and cheered for all things Navy and participated in the Academy Chapel’s music

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program until the very day that he died. Like his beloved wife, Richard could also be found on the sidelines of many local sports venues supporting his children and later, his beloved grandchildren. Richard is survived by three of his four children (and their spouses), Wendy Jones Skeggs (Neil), Kevin Jones (Meredith) and Tracy Jones Atcheson (Michael); and five dearly loved grandchildren, Megan, Macey, Benjamin, Brooke and Lauren. Richard was predeceased by his wife of nearly 50 years, Kay Elizabeth Jones, in 2012. Kay and Richard lost their eldest son, Brian, in 1971. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a project near and dear to Richard’s heart. The Class of 1963 Center for Academic Excellence at the U.S. Naval Academy is widely and actively supported by many from the USNA Class of 1963, offering “the highest quality academic support programs for all midshipmen seeking to improve their academic performance.” (www.usna.edu/AcCenter/index.php) Memorial services were conducted at the Naval Academy Chapel on 7 October 2019, followed by a reception at the Officer’s Club. H

FRANK RICHARD WHALEN ’63 Captain “Dick” Whalen, USN (Ret.), passed from this world on 13 August 2019. A dedicated family man, visionary leader and civic ambassador, he served 30 years on active duty, was a trailblazer in the Hampton Roads soccer community and lived life at “full speed ahead.” Dick was born on 11 November 1941 in Honolulu, HI, to Commander Frank D. Whalen ’38 and Eva Kuehn. The son of a career naval officer, Dick had a passion for service and became an Eagle Scout before graduating from Maury High School in Norfolk, VA, in 1959. Dick was a proud member of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1963. He served on six ships in the Atlantic Fleet; commanded THOMAS C. HART; and was the commissioning commanding officer of MOBILE BAY. In his final assignment, he served as commanding officer of the Hampton Roads Naval ROTC consortium. His decorations included the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal. He retired in 1993 and became the first Director of Military Activities at Old Dominion University, where he continued to serve the military for another 19 years. Dick was a self-taught maritime artist and his ship portraits routinely appeared on the covers of national magazines. He founded Seaman’s Eye Marine Art and achieved widespread acclaim for his paintings, which can be found in museums and public and private collections across the country. Dick was perhaps most well-known for his unwavering advocacy of youth soccer in Hampton Roads, culminating in his induction into the Virginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame and selection as a “Tourism Ambassador” for Virginia Beach. As president of Beach FC, he led the creation of the non-profit Hampton Roads Soccer Council and its premier 75-acre soccer complex. Dick then founded the North American Sand Soccer Championships (NASSC), serving as director for 25 years and raising over $5M. Dick is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Marti; sons, Scott ’93, Todd (an active duty Navy captain) and Matthew (NASSC Director of Operations). Dick was laid to rest on 9 September 2019 at the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA. Condolences can be offered at (www.hollomon-brown.com) and memorial contributions may be made to the Dick Whalen Memorial Fund at (www.sandsoccer.com/dick-whalen-memorial-fund). H

THOMAS DAVID FLORY ’64 Thomas D. Flory of Madison, VA, passed away on 5 August 2019. He was 76 years old. “Tom” was born on 18 February 1943, in New Britain, CT. He was 6 years old when his family moved to Annapolis, MD. He began playing golf at the age of 10 and it quickly became his lifelong avocation. Tom received his appointment to the Naval Academy as a result of his golfing ability and he was captain of the 1964 USNA Golf Team. After graduation as an ensign in the Class of 1964, he served in engineering officer positions aboard Second and Sixth Fleet ships, finishing as a chief engineer. After five years of active duty, he resigned to enter the family business, Azar Storage Inc., a household goods moving company. He sold the business in 1978 and pursued commercial real estate as an investor and manager. Tom and his wife, Priscilla, were married in 1965. They bought land in Madison County, VA, where they built Providence Farm. They not only built their home, but also constructed living facilities with which they could serve widows and orphans who needed help by inviting them to live there with them as extended family. The buildings include a beautiful chapel in the woods. He loved golf all his life and continued to prosper as a senior (55+). He was ranked as high as #5 nationally, won the 2001 Virginia Senior Amateur, was Virginia Senior Player of the Year and ranked #1 in the State of Virginia for three years. Most importantly, he actively worked in faith-based sports ministry for over 25 years, sharing the Gospel of Jesus of Nazareth literally around the world. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Marion L. Flory and his mother, Patricia C. Duffy. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Priscilla Ripperger Flory; his children David (and his wife, Martha), Emily Ellingwood (and her husband, Tom) and Ashley Bodkins (and her husband Gregory); six grandchildren, Lexy, Megan, Isabella, Lucas, Ava Grace and Mica Rose; brother, John Jacob Flory (and his wife, Patricia); and sister-in-law, Harriett Clark. A celebration of Tom’s life was held on 10 August 2019 at Renback Barn in Rochelle, VA. Funeral services with full military honors were held at the National Cemetery in Culpeper, VA, on 12 August 2019. H

WILLIAM RAYMOND FROMME ’64 William R. Fromme of Davidsonville, MD, passed away peacefully at his home on 2 September 2019, after a two-year bout with cancer. “Bill” was born on 6 August 1942, the oldest of three sons of Galen Fromme and Margaret Fermier Fromme of Baltimore, MD. He was a 1960 graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, where he was president of his senior class. He graduated from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1964, where he had been a member of the Navy’s 1962-1964 National Championship lacrosse teams. He received his pilot Wings in December 1965 and served with VR-3 and VQ-3 flying C-130s before he resigned his commission and went with Northwest Airlines in 1970. After being furloughed, he returned to active duty in VAW-121, where he earned his coveted Centurion Award for 100 carrier landings. During this time, he also earned a master’s degree in management from The George Washington University and later a PhD in civil engineering from the University of Maryland. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 147

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He then served as a consultant for Booz, Allen & Hamilton (1972-1974); in senior positions for the Federal Railroad Administration and the DOT (1974-1981); as acting administrator of the New England Region for the FAA (1981-1987); as acting secretary general and technical director of ICAO in Montreal, Canada (1987-1995); as Vice President, Strategic Planning of ARINC (1995-1998); as CEO of Intelligent Management Solutions (1998-1999); and as a principal consultant with CALIBRE (1999-2014), where he developed programs and flight safety initiatives fundamental to the FAA NEXTGEN. Bill coached over 30 junior women’s lacrosse teams in the Annapolis area, many under his own Central Lacrosse Club organization. His other interests included his Harley Davidson motorcycle, his boat, his 1955 Buick and classic cars, reading, classical and 50’s music radio stations, and all his friends, family, neighbors, colleagues and canine pals. Above all, he cherished being a father and grandfather, often remembered as saying, “My greatest pleasure has been watching all of you grow up.” He is survived by his brothers, Daniel Fromme and Ben Fromme (Kay); sons, Brian Fromme and Eric Fromme (Brenda); Brian and Eric’s mother, Terri Bracken; daughters, Mary Fromme and Maya Fromme; Mary and Maya’s mother, Elena Kanina; and grandchildren, Raymond Fromme and Linda Fromme. A funeral service was held on 7 September 2019 at Grace Lutheran Church in Bowie, MD. H

HENRY GRADY PERKINS JR. ’64 Captain “Grady” Perkins, USN (Ret.), 78, died of heart failure on 18 August 2019. He battled lung disease for several years and was cared for by his loving family. Grady was born in New Orleans, LA, in 1940 and graduated with honors from Bay High School (Bay St. Louis, MS) in 1958, where he lettered in four sports. He studied aeronautical engineering at Mississippi State University (1958-1960) and graduated from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1964. He earned his Naval Flight Officer wings in 1965 and completed two Vietnam cruises with VAW-114 aboard KITTY HAWK, flying the E-2A Hawkeye. Other flying assignments included tours as an instructor in the E-2B aircraft in RVAW-110; operations officer in VAW-116 aboard NIMITZ; and CO of VAW-114, flying the E-2C off KITTY HAWK. Non-flying assignments included tours at the Armed Forces Staff College; National War College; CORAL SEA; ComCarGru Seven; and operations officer for ComNavStrikForSouth in Naples, Italy. His final assignment was CO of Tactical Air Control Group One, with temporary duty to ComPhibGru Three aboard TARAWA (LHA-1) and a deployment in support of Operation Desert Storm. He considered this tour, including a humanitarian mission to provide relief and aid in the wake of the 1991 cyclone in Bangladesh, as one of the most meaningful accomplishments in his distinguished military career. Grady’s peers described him as a “superb Naval officer,” and an “exquisite ambassador of the United States and the Navy.” He loved the United States and served his country proudly. He retired in 1992 after 28 years of service. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (5), Navy Commendation Medal w/Combat V, Navy Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation with Bronze Stars (3) and numerous theater, allied and campaign ribbons.

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In retirement, Grady and his wife, Judy, moved to Hansville, WA. He loved his family, friends and Navy colleagues. He loved traveling, collecting and sharing premium wines, observing wildlife, curating legendary fishing expeditions and was always ready to tell a great story. He will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Judy; stepchildren, Todd, Jamie and Eric (Michele); as well as his treasured grandchildren, Tyler, Cole, Emily, Zack, Carlee and Hannah. Services were held in Hansville, WA, on 2 November 2019. Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org). The Perkins Family H

ROBERT FREDERIC COOK ’65 “Bob” Cook passed away on 19 July 2019. He was 75 years old. Bob came to the Naval Academy from Colorado Springs, CO, and was in the 33rd Company during First Class Year. After graduation, Bob followed in his family’s tradition and was commissioned in the United States Air Force. He flew 0-1 Bird Dogs in Vietnam and recieved a Purple Heart. After leaving the service, Bob was a successful entrepreneur with an entertaining sales person’s personality. He enjoyed his hobby of woodworking and created both functional pieces, as well as works of art. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Deborah, and is survived by his daughters, Sheryl (Neal) and Cindy; grandchildren, Graham, Gracia, Riley and Liam; and his sister, Sue (Dewey). Bob will be missed by many and remembered as a loving husband, father, Papa and a dear friend. A Celebration of Life was held on 8 August 2019 in Lakewood, CO. Sheryl Williams & Bill Zuna ’65 H

JOHN ARTHUR GENERAL ’65 Captain John A. General, USNR (Ret.), died peacefully at his home on 5 June 2019. He was born on 26 July 1943 in Dunfermline, Scotland, and spent a year at Columbia University prior to entering the Naval Academy. At USNA, he was in the 28th Company during his First Class Year, excelled in academics, was a member of the varsity track team and made the Academy’s record book for the triple jump. John served on active duty from 1965 to 1976 as a naval aviator and received an MS in operations research from the Naval Postgraduate School. He remained in the Naval Reserve, where he worked primarily with the Navy Inspector General, until retiring as a captain in 1994. Prior to his 1984 founding of Delfin Systems, an industry leader in information and communication technologies, John held management positions at TRW, Ketron and the Stanford Research Institute. From 1996 to 1998, he was executive vice president of ST Research, where he was responsible for business development, strategic planning and operations. From 1998 to 2001, he was president of Avalon Consulting, specializing in strategic planning for small technical firms.

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More recently, John was Vice President for Corporate Development at Synergia LLC, which specialized in modeling, analyzing and improving organizational behavior. He was also executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Region Technical Center of Excellence, a 501(c)(3) corporation focused on incubating technology-based companies on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. In 1992, John purchased and restored All Saints Church in Easton, MD. In 1998, he founded the Avalon Foundation, which revitalized and restored the Avalon Theater, also in Easton, MD. And in 2000, John and his son/partner, Matt General, opened General Tanuki’s Restaurant. John was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Margaret General; and his two brothers, Bruce and Roderick. He is survived by his son, Matthew; daughter-in-law, Kate; grandchildren, Marshall Yaap, Jenny Yaap, Stuart Yaap and Cecile Storm; great-grandchildren, Carrigan Yaap, Shylo Yaap, Hazel Yaap, Wednesday Storm and Freya Storm. John will be missed by all who knew him and he wished that everyone would remember him for the great times, good conversation, laughter and love. His lifelong favorite saying was the answer to the Reef Points question, “What’s up?” which is, “Fidelity is up and Obedience is down on our bayonet belt buckles.” Matt General & Bill Zuna ’65 H

WAYNE LLOYD HANSON ’65 Wayne Hanson passed away on 21 August 2019 in Lakewood, CO, at the age of 76. Wayne was born on 29 November 1942 in Salt Lake City, UT, to Sidney and Doris Hanson. At the Naval Academy, he was in the Sixth Company during First Class Year. He was also a member of the varsity football team and excelled academically. After graduation with the Class of 1965, he became a naval aviator. After serving in the Navy, Wayne initially became a pilot for Eastern Airlines and later was employed by United Airlines in the early 1990s, quickly attaining the rank of captain. Wayne is survived by his wife, Margaret; three children, Wendy Levin, Richard Hanson and Nicole Thompson (Scott); five grandchildren, Maxim and Macy Levin and Isabella, Margo and Willem Thompson; and his brother, Ed Hanson. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Steve Hanson. A memorial service for Wayne was held at Rockland Community Church in Golden, CO, on Friday, 13 September 2019. Richard Hanson & Bill Zuna ’65 H

CHARLES JOSEPH WISEMAN III ’67 Charles J. Wiseman III died on Sunday, 21 April 2019, at the age of 76. “Cary” was born in Tillamook, OR, on 30 October 1942. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1967 and left USNA during the 1964-1965 academic year. He joined the Portland Police Department in 1965 and worked in the crime lab until 1967. He then became a patrol officer for the department, where he served until 1970. He earned his BS in chemistry from Lewis & Clark College in 1970.

In 1971, he became an investigator for the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. Cary went on to earn his JD from the Lewis & Clark Law School in 1973 and became a well-respected trial attorney throughout Oregon – in the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office (1973-1976), then with the Lane County District Attorney’s Office (1976-1977). In 1977, he went into practice for himself as criminal defense attorney and ran his own law firm for 42 years. He was a licensed attorney in both Oregon and Washington. Cary was known for his quick wit, his honesty and his compassionate spirit. His remains were cremated. His good friend, Doug Bomarito ’68, can be reached at (dmbomarito@dbmpc.com) for additional information. He is survived by his brother, Tom Wiseman. H

WILLIAM BRIAN CARTER ’71 William B. Carter died 8 September 2019 after a heroic, but graceful, life battle versus Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. Born on 30 July 1946 in Southampton, Long Island, NY, “Bill” grew up loving the outdoors and having a keen interest in “tinkering” with mechanical things, especially model trains. He distinguished himself in high school as a wrestler and gifted student, especially in math and science. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after high school graduation and was quickly recognized as Naval Academy material while completing USMC basic training at MCRD Island, his first of three “boot camps.” His second was the Naval Academy Prep School, which led to his third during USNA Plebe Summer 1967, when he joined the Class of 1971. Midshipman Bill Carter was a champion to his military novice classmates Plebe Year, generously showing them his secrets of proper military uniform, grooming and room preparation, learned so arduously in previous boot camps. Bill took to academics and intramural sports at USNA and was commissioned as a Marine second lieutenant on Graduation Day, 9 June 1971. While at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Lieutenant Carter met and married the love of his life, Dale Jean Cole, on 12 August 1972. He went on to well serve his country as an USMC armor officer, resigning his commission in 1977 as a captain. Accepting an engineering position designing guidance systems in the vicinity of South Bend, IN, Bill ultimately moved to the University of Notre Dame Chemical Engineering Department in Research for the remainder of his working years. Bill also continued honing his noted mechanical abilities, “healing” many work/family/friends’ machines (i.e., cars, computers) after a cheery (and correct), “I can fix that!” and building model train sets for family fun. He even built a beautiful, fully functional, mechanical grandfather clock from scratch to popular acclaim. Ever a source of good wisdom and technical advice, and quick with a smile at funny and warm words, “Carts” is Much Missed. Well Done, Marine! Bill is survived by his wife, Dale Cole Carter; three children, David, Chris and Rachel; and four grandchildren, Owen and Gena Carter, and Dylan and Marco Colombo. Services were held on 12 September 2019 at Grace Presbyterian Church in Highlands Ranch, CO. His ashes were interred at the USNA Columbium on 25 September 2019. Steve Martin ’71 & Mrs. Dale Carter H

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 149

LAST CALL MICHAEL JOHN VORIPAIEFF ’73 Michael J. Voripaieff, 68, died from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on 11 September 2019 at the VA Hospital in Northport, Long Island, NY. “Mike” was born in New York City on 30 December 1950 to Captain Alexander and Helen Voripaieff. He grew up in Syosset, Long Island, and spent his summers in France and Montauk, Long Island. He spoke Russian, French and English fluently. He graduated from Syosset High School (1968) as a multi-sport athlete and an accomplished leader. He spent a year in prep school and entered the Naval Academy on 28 June 1969 as part of the great class of 1973. Mike, better known as “Big Mon V,” quickly distinguished himself with his creative cadence calling, his uniform race expertise, his uncanny ability to attract unwanted attention and his chronic disregard for inconvenient rules and regulations. He was a member of the rifle team and a handball phenomenon. An avid fan of rock music, he especially enjoyed Joe Cocker and Leon Russell. Sadly, and against his wishes, he was medically discharged from the Navy at the end of Spring Set 1972. After leaving USNA, Mon V became a successful member of the Prudential Insurance organization. Despite that success, he realized that his real passion was in the restaurant business. He was a talented entrepreneur and became a co-owner in an exceptionally successful waterfront restaurant in Montauk, Long Island, which he later sold. After that, he spent his time continuing to work in that industry and snow-birding between the Hamptons and West Palm Beach. A loyal Navy football fan, Big Mon V attended every Army/Navy game, beginning in 1969. The 2015 game was the last one he watched from the stands, which capped the end of Navy’s 14-game winning streak. After that, his health prevented him from attending any more games. He kept in close touch with his ’73 Seventh Company Sea Dogs and participated in multiple Fat Boy Olympics. He is survived by his daughter, Alexandra of Fabius, NY. Mike was a big man with strong passions, strong opinions and a generous heart. He will be missed by the many people who knew him, but most especially by his Seventh Company classmates. See you on the other side, brother. Memorial services were conducted at Our Lady of Kazan in Sea Cliff, NY, followed by interment at Calverton National Cemetery in Riverhead, Long Island, on 18 September 2019. John Kenny ’73 & Leonard Aube ’73 H

RICHARD DEAN PECK ’79 Lieutenant Commander Richard D. Peck, USNR (Ret.), of Virginia Beach, VA, passed away on 1 July 2019. He was 62 years old. Richard was born in Spain on 29 March 1957, to Edward Hubert Peck and Emma Elise Klamm Peck. Richard grew up as a military child with his parents serving in the United States Army and Air Force. He spent most of his childhood in Cocoa Beach, FL, during the height of the space race and graduated as valedictorian at Cocoa Beach High School in 1975. Richard proudly joined the Naval Academy Class of 1979, where he was a member of 29th Company. While at USNA, Richard developed a love for running and ran in the Marine Corps Marathon. He was also on the Silent Drill Team, which was part of the Drum & Bugle Corps. Richard graduated 150 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

near the top of his class in June 1979 with a BS in physics and as a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society. Upon graduation, he attended Nuclear Power School and began his career in the Navy as a submarine nuclear engineer. He went on to serve 20 years on active duty and Reserves and retired as a lieutenant commander. His career continued as an engineer at Norfolk Naval Shipyard until 2019. Richard proudly dedicated the entirety of his professional career, over 43 years, in the service of the United States Navy. Richard will always be remembered as a loving father and friend. He loved Scouting and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He spent much of his adult life supporting his children’s scouting journeys, helping them all attain the highest ranks of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts respectively. He was a strong advocate for the American Red Cross and Donate Life. Over the course of his life, he donated blood countless times, helping to save several lives in the process. His legacy will forever be cherished in the lasting memories he made with his family. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, the former Mary Lynn Bozza; four children, Anthony, Maryanne, Andrew and Michael; grandson, Frankie; and granddaughter, Abigael Rose, born on 1 October 2019. Memorial services were held on 20 July 2019 in Virginia Beach, VA. Military honors were provided by a naval honor guard. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery. H

RICHARD JAMES CHUDAY JR. ’80 Commander Richard J. Chuday Jr., USNR (Ret.), passed away unexpectedly on 1 September 2019 in a tragic water-related accident in Cape Hatteras, NC, while vacationing with family. He was 61 years old. “Rich” was born in Bethlehem, PA, to Nancy Flint Chuday and Richard James Chuday ’54. He grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Cinnaminson High School in 1976, where he served as class president. After receiving an appointment to the Naval Academy Class of 1980, Rich became a member of 16th Company. At the Academy, he was involved in club sports and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. Upon graduation, Rich became a Surface Warfare Officer and served operationally on a full spectrum of ships (minesweepers, frigates and cruisers). His shore tours included: AEGIS Engineering and Training Center, Moorestown, NJ; Destroyer Squadron, Newport, RI; and commanding officer of the Naval Reserve Center, Lawrence, MA. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2) and various campaign, unit and service awards. In 2001, Rich began government consulting work that spanned various companies, most recently SAIC, where he was a senior IT portfolio analyst. He was involved in his community, serving as a member of the Franklin Farm Board of Trustees. Rich enjoyed productive hobbies, like woodworking and landscaping his yard. He leapt at the chance to help family, friends and neighbors and went above and beyond to see a task to completion. He loved feasting on lobster and crab legs, cheering on the Eagles and Navy athletics and completing Sudoku puzzles. Rich cherished time spent over the years with his family and friends at beaches up and down the East Coast. He was very competitive and prided himself on his nearly undefeated record in family games of backgammon.

LAST CALL

He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Francine “Frankie” Mino Chuday of Whitesboro, NY; three daughters, Lauren Chuday Gallagher (and her husband, Patrick Gallagher Jr.), Kimberly Chuday Bailey (and her husband, Zachary Bailey) and Jennifer Mino Chuday; three siblings; and extended family members. A memorial service with military honors was conducted on 30 September 2019 at the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel, with interment at the USNA Columbarium on Hospital Point. The Chuday Family H

KENNETH BEACH HALL ’80 Commander Kenneth B. Hall, USN (Ret.), 60, passed away unexpectedly in Council Bluffs, IA, on 7 August 2019. “Ken” was born in Muncie, IN. After obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout and graduating from Adams High School (Rochester, MI), he accepted an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was a member of the 34th Company and the Naval Academy sailing team. Upon graduation in 1980, Ken reported to Submarine Squadron Eight in Norfolk, VA, aboard BUFFALO (SSN-715) and became a plankowner upon her commissioning. He then was assigned to GATO (SSN-615), JAMES MADISON (SSBN-627) and finally, MARIANO G. VALLEJO (SSBN-658) as executive officer. After three strategic deterrent patrols, he reported to the U.S. Strategic Command in Bellevue, NE, where he served in the Operations and Logistics Directorate as the Chief, Joint Training and Exercise Assessment Branches. He then assumed duties as Executive Officer, Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, Chicago area, supervising officer training at the Illinois Institute of Technology and Northwestern University. Ken returned to the U.S. Strategic Command in the Plans and Policy Directorate, serving as Chief of the Requirements Branch for the post-Nuclear Posture Review and Command merger. In 2002, he reported to the Joint Experimentation Branch, where he stayed until retirement in June 2003. Commander Hall’s military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit, Navy Meritorious Unit, Battle Efficiency Ribbon and the Navy Expeditionary Medal. Post-retirement, Ken returned to his desk as a Department of Air Force civilian, where he remained as the Senior Integrated Air and Missile Defense Advocacy Analyst until his death. In addition to his education at the Naval Academy, Ken also completed a MS in Intelligence and Strategic Planning (U.S. Naval Postgraduate School) and a MS in Technical Communication and Information Design (Illinois Institute of Technology). Ken was an avid sailor, reader and explorer—a true renaissance man. He was a man of faith, intellect and integrity and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Ken is survived by his parents, Beach and Marianne; wife, Marlene; siblings, Veronica (Fred) and David (Lynn); and daughter, Stephanie. A celebration of life was held on 23 August 2019 at Offutt AFB, NE. Memorials may be made to U.S. Naval Academy Sailing Team or Military Working Dog Team Support Association (MWDTSA). Condolences may be sent to P.O Box 115, Council Bluffs, IA 51502-0115. H

ALEXANDER SCHWAN III ’80 Alexander Schwan III passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on 5 February 2019 at his home in Arcadia, FL. He was 60 years old. “Alex” was born in Lynchburg, VA, to Alexander and Barbara Schwan on 4 March 1958 and was raised in Toledo, OH. Graduating from Sylvania High School in 1976, Alex entered the Naval Academy with the Class of 1980 and was a member of the 30th Company. Graduating with a degree in Marine Engineering and being selected by Admiral Rickover for Nuclear Power, Alex proceeded to Orlando, FL, and then Groton, CT, for Nuclear Power School, Prototype and finally, Submarine School, before heading to Charleston, SC, where he deployed aboard several submarines. He completed his naval service aboard WOODROW WILSON (SSBN-624) in 1985 as a lieutenant. After leaving the Navy, Alex pursued business opportunities with General Dynamics’ Electric Boat Division, performing engineering work on the initial SEAWOLF (SSN-21) submarine and then with Primerica, before pursuing his dream of business ownership through the creation of Fusion Engineering, where he served as president/CEO until his passing. Always doing things his way, Alex lived life to its fullest, never letting any obstacle get in his way. There was never a task or problem too big, or too little, that he could not solve. He enjoyed being with his family on their ranch raising cattle, horses and other barnyard animals. A true believer in Christ, he was active in his local church, Faith Life Church in Sarasota, FL. He will forever be remembered to his family and friends as “Bubba” or “Big Al.” Alex is survived by his wife of 27 years, Anne (Appelmans) Schwan; daughters, Jamie (Greg), Laura and Rebecca; son, Nathan; mother, Barbara Schwan; brothers, Mark ’81 (Bonnie) and Kevin (Rafaela); grandchildren, Carson and Maddison; several aunts and numerous cousins; as well as his former spouse, Ann; and their daughter, Alana. Alex was predeceased by his father, Alexander Schwan Jr. A private family memorial service/Celebration of Life was held in Arcadia, FL, on 11 February 2019 at the local Veterans Memorial Park, followed by a church ceremony on 21 February 2019 at Faith Life Church of Sarasota, FL, which was attended by members, friends and clients. Alex will be buried at sea with military honors, according to his last wishes. The Schwan Family H

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. —Ralph Waldo Emerson

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 151

LAST CALL BRYAN MICHAEL SPANO ’91 Bryan M. Spano died of cancer due to HPV 16 in Vienna, VA, on 9 August 2019 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family, friends and his priest. He was 49 years old. A native of Weymouth, MA, Bryan graduated from Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree, MA, in 1987. Following high school graduation, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy. Bryan was a physics major and graduated in May of 1991 as a member of the 18th Company. Following graduation, Bryan completed the Naval Nuclear Power School and Naval Submarine School before reporting to WHALE (SSN-638) in Groton, CT. Shortly after he reported onboard, WHALE departed on its final cruise before decommissioning. This deployment included scientific experiments, surfacing at the North Pole and a circumnavigation of the globe. Bryan resigned from the Navy in June 1996. Bryan’s first job after leaving the Navy was as a financial analyst for MBNA, a finance company located in Belfast, ME. In 2001, Bryan returned to federal service as a Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He worked out of the Baltimore field office and specialized in cybercrime. In 2005, Bryan founded his own energy consulting firm, Eta Energy Systems, and simultaneously worked as a project manager for Tennessee Valley Infrastructure Group. In 2007, he was recruited to the instructional staff at what is now known as the Department of Defense (DOD) Cyber Crime Center (DC3). There, he trained federal law enforcement agents and DOD personnel in cyber security, forensic analysis and counter-intelligence. In 2014, he joined United Health Group as Director of Cyber Intelligence Services. He then founded his second company, KSAcyber, as well as joining Triumph Enterprises, continuing his work in the field of cyber security. Throughout his life, Bryan loved spending time outdoors and shortly before being diagnosed with cancer, completed the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail hike. Bryan regularly contributed financially to the Disabled American Veterans and Archbishop Williams High School. He is survived by his wife of six years, the former Suzanne Ratelle of Edina, MN; his mother, Karin Recupero; father, Michael Spano; sister, Christine Egan and her family; and extended family. Memorial services were conducted on 22 August 2019 in Vienna, VA, and on 27 August in North Weymouth, MA. Bryan was inurned at the Naval Academy Columbarium on 5 September 2019. H

JOSHUA LANCE DRABLOS ’15 Lieutenant Joshua Drablos, USN, of Forest, VA, was killed in a plane crash in Hawaii on 21 June 2019. “Josh” was born in Montgomery, AL, on 28 December 1991. He attended high school in Forest, VA, and was a state champion pole vaulter. At the Naval Academy, Josh was a member of the 21st Company and the Men’s Track and Field team. Named to the 2014 Patriot League Men’s Track and Field Academic Honor Roll, he was also an N* athlete. Upon commissioning, Josh selected NFO, later transferring as an Information Professional. Josh reported to Fleet Cyber Command in November 2018 and began contributing to the mission in support of USIndoPaCom, helping to align defensive lines of effort to theater priorities. As a plankowner, he held several roles while the new organization defined itself as the coordinator and synchronizing element for all cyber operations within the IndoPaCom AOR. As Future Operations Officer for Defensive Cyber Operations, he conducted planning of operations for over 700 cyber warriors in one of the Department of Defense’s largest theaters of operations. Excelling in that role, he became the Current Operations Officer for Defensive Cyber Operations, ensuring tracking and execution of numerous on-net defensive operations. These efforts helped to create detailed reports provided to USIndoPaCom and Fleet Cyber Command flag officers and general officers, informing decisionmaking and allowing for rapid adjustment of defensive posture. In February, he attended the Maritime Staff Operator’s Course in Newport to hone skills in operational level planning, increasing Task Force, Pacific’s cadre of personnel capable of providing support to USCyberCom and IndoPaCom decision cycles in dynamic and complex environments. One of only six who had completed the class, he was poised to be a major contributor as an integrator of defensive cyber operations into the plans of IndoPaCom and its maritime, air and land components. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. Fearless, Josh loved adventure. When he wasn’t working on or riding his jet ski, he was in the water on his boat or kite board, hiking, sky diving or building furniture out of pallets. Josh didn’t have an “off” button and was in constant motion, full of ideas and planning his next adventure. Survivors include his parents, Dave and Gaynor Drablos; and siblings, Jonathan Drablos ’17, Katherine Anderson (Spencer) and Anne Marie Drablos. Memorial services were conducted on 11 July 2019 at the Naval Academy, with interment at the USNA Columbarium. H

Love and compassion are the mother and father of a smile. We need to create more smiles in our world today. Smiles, after all, pave the way to a happy world. —Steve Maraboli

152 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

LAST CALL

A FITTING TRIBUTE:

HOW TO WRITE AN OBITUARY

By Chet Shaddeau ’47

irst of all, try to get the obit into print ASAP. The normal print lag is about seven weeks. Don’t add to it! And be aware of the prevailing length limit (presently 400 words). I generally begin the obit with a flat statement, including full name and title, 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 the Midshipman career is usually very short, but may well expand if he was an All American, a sixstriper, 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, home, and date of marriage. If there has been more than one spouse—for whatever reason— be as accurate as possible—these can be dangerous rocks and shoals! I generally follow with his (or her) service career, in as much detail as possible, but keeping it concise. I ignore routine “meritorious” and “attendance” medals, but highlight decorations for valor ships, stations, and aircraft squadrons. I attempt to pinpoint as fully as possible, but exact dates are not usually included-- they are too hard to get right. Civilian careers should be covered in similar detail, and include honors, fraternities, and civic distinctions as appropriate. Advanced education and degrees are important in both civil and military careers. Fit them in where they occurred. In retirement, hobbies, charities, and clearly interesting activities should be included. Use judgment about detail in listing survivors—if there are only a few, detail is possible, but if he had 14 grandchildren, don’t try to name them all. Occasional mild humor is not out of place—but pick your subjects carefully! Finish off with known details about place, date, and manner of final disposal of remains and services. It is probably best to avoid matters regarding memorial donations unless specifically 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 give details without inflicting further pain. I refer here to divorces, estranged family, live-in girlfriends, deceased or disabled children, etc., but it refers equally to all details. Try to get an obit from the local paper - it usually has much of what you want, but remember that unlike the local Daily Bugle, you are writing for a specialized audience of Academy alumni, who are probably interested in some things that the paper (and the family!) simply do not understand. References by hometown papers—and widows—to “steering battleships” when he was a DD skipper are not uncommon! Correcting that is your job. Navy acronyms (like COMSUBORDDEVDET) probably should be avoided if their meaning is not obvious. If you write the obit, sign it. 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.

And for God’s sake, try to get all the names spelled correctly! The following is a ﬁctionalized example, but you may ﬁnd other useful ones in previous and subsequent issues of Shipmate: WATER TIGHT DOOR ’47 Water T. Door died of a stroke at Nowhere, NE, on 31 June 200X. He was 75 years old. A native of Nowhere, “Leaky” attended Enormous State University prior to receiving his congressional appointment to the Academy from Connecticut. He was a varsity fencer , was Fourth Battalion Commander, and graduated with the Class in June of 1946 as a member of the 15th Company. Upon graduation, he served briefly in JONES (BB-96), and decommissioned her, then operated from the Philippines for a year in PCE-871 and another year out of Kwajalein in PC-1186. He served thereafter in NEVERSINK (DD-999) until his resignation in 1949. In 1949 he began his engineering career with Acme Widget Corp. where he was to spend his entire civilian working life. He served as plant superintendent of two widget-producing plants; superintendent of production; assistant chief engineer, then chief engineer; 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 corporations, as well as on the Robert E. Lee Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Multiple Numbness Society, the boards of trustees of Beauregard College and of Agnes Trundleberg Seminary, was a past president of the Nowhere Chamber of Commerce, and of the Amos Glotz 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 make Nowhere the host city for the 1960 International Widgeting Competition. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, the former Mary Ann McCarthy of Clam Beach, CA; sons, Water Jr. and Airtight; ten grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Memorial services were conducted on 4 August at the Nowhere Memorial Church, with interment at Serenity Memorial Gardens in Nowhere. Military honors were provided by the American Legion, Nowhere Post 246. Chet Shaddeau ’47 H

OBITUARY GUIDELINES Please note that we have a maximum word limit of 400 words. Obituaries may be submitted electronically (preferred) to obits@usna.com, or via U.S. Mail to: Shipmate obituaries, 247 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402-5068. Please be sure to include a contact phone number. If you have any questions regarding the submission of obituaries to Shipmate, please contact Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury (410-295-4064 or obits@usna.com).

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 153

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The Biblical Links To America’s Founding 158 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 • SHIPMATE 159

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MISCELLANY

STAFF AND ASSISTANCE

EXECUTIVE OFFICE Byron F. Marchant ’78 President Gwenn Dennis Executive Administrator for the President

VOLUME 82 • NO. 8 Publisher Byron F. Marchant ’78 410-295-4090; byron.marchant@usna.com Editor-in-Chief Kristen Pironis 410-295-4072 kristen.pironis@usna.com Editorial Senior Editor Courtney Jolley 410-295-4075 courtney.jolley@usna.com Senior Writer Jimmy DeButts 410-295-4085 jimmy.debutts@usna.com Associate Editor Samantha Casamassima 410-295-4027 samantha.casamassima@usna.com Assistant Editor Anne Sharpe 410-295-4078 anne.sharpe@usna.com Bridie Bryant 410-295-4081 bridie.bryant@usna.com Design and Production Art Director/Production Manager Jackie Furton 410-295-4073 jackie.furton@usna.com Assistant Production Manager/ Classes Editor Maria O’Shea 410-295-4074 maria.oshea@usna.com Chapter and Classes Editor Sandra Stansbury-Spadaro 410-295-4076 sandy.spadaro@usna.com Obituaries Editor Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury 410-295-4064 timothy.woodbury@usna.com Graphic Designer Heather Payne 410-295-4033 heather.payne@usna.com Copyeditors Bayley Freeman Captain Andrew Wilson ’77, USNR (Ret.) Contributing Editor Captain David Poyer ’71, USNR (Ret.) Contributing Photographers Barbara Hendricks Debbie Latta Contact Shipmate 410-295-4000 Main 410-295-4003 Fax 410-295-4074 Classified Advertising 410-295-4020 Display Advertising 410-295-4000 Address Updates and Corrections Submissions Editorial shipmate@usna.com Address/Delivery alumni@usna.com Bravo Zulu comms@usna.com Chapter ColumnsH chapternews@usna.com Class ColumnsH classnews@usna.com Obituaries obits@usna.com Register of Alumni registerofalumni@usna.com H For Secretary use only, please

ENGAGEMENT OPERATIONS Craig Washington ’89 410-295-4089 Vice President, Engagement Cathy Wagner 410-295-4011 Executive Administrator Joe Fagan ’89 410-295-4035 Assistant Director, Alumni Chapters Holly Powers 410-295-4017 Associate Director, Class Programs Elizabeth Beedenbender 410-295-4166 Associate Director, Parent Clubs/Programs Noreen Frenaye 410-295-4016 Associate Director, Alumni Special Programs Cynthia Belt 410-295-4000 Member Services Coordinator Carrie Carroll 410-295-4000 Member Services Coordinator Programs and Services Dave Church ’67 410-295-4013 Director Tonya McGinnis 410-295-4022 Assistant Director, Career Programs Melissa Nelson 410-295-4117 Coordinator, Joint Service Academy Career Programs COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING Kristen Pironis 410-295-4072 Executive Vice President, Communications and Marketing Joanne Rennie 410-295-4043 Executive Administrator Communications Courtney Jolley 410-295-4075 Director of Communications Jackie Furton 410-295-4073 Associate Director, Publications Jimmy DeButts 410-295-4085 Senior Writer Anne Sharpe 410-295-4078 Assistant Director, Communications Maria O’Shea 410-295-4074 Assistant Production Manager Sandra Stansbury-Spadaro 410-295-4076 Communications Specialist Samantha Casamassima 410-295-4027 Communications Specialist Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury 410-295-4064 Memorial Affairs Heather Payne 410-295-4033 Graphic Designer Bridie Bryant 410-295-4081 Communications Coordinator Events and Marketing Nadine Smith 410-295-4020 Director, Enterprise Events and Marketing Alexandra Dooley 410-295-4012 Associate Director, Events and Marketing Shannon Spillane 410-295-4175 Campaign Events and Marketing Logistics Wendy Owen 410-295-4018 Event Manager Judy Buddensick 410-295-4094 Partnership Marketing Liason TREASURY AND OPERATIONS Bryan Roach ’97 410-295-4040 Chief Financial Officer Scott Gaiser ’05 410-295-4068 Director of Operations Strategy and Special Projects Colleen Peabody 410-295-4014 Director, Strategy and Special Projects Elliott Saunders 410-295-4086 Business Analyst, Strategy and Special Projects

Address emails to individual staff as follows: first name . last name @ usna.com 160 SHIPMATE • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

410-295-4090 410-295-4091

TREASURY AND OPERATIONS CONTINUED Treasury Lisa Strobel 410-295-4051 Senior Director, Finance and Treasury Operations Mike Mundt ’83 410-295-4041 Senior Director, Investments and Treasury Operations Angela Berteaux 410-295-4053 Senior Staff Accountant Janet Douglas 410-295-4057 Staff Accountant Jenny Bolton 410-295-4055 Staff Accountant Linda Reyes 410-295-4056 Staff Accountant Julie Boberg 410-295-4047 Staff Accountant Jim Scally 410-295-4058 Staff Accountant Information Technology Larry Rogers 410-295-4084 Senior Director, Information Technology Jordan Bailey 410-295-4060 Computer and Information Systems Manager Denise Clark 410-295-4079 Database Administrator Garrett Keating 410-295-4087 Senior Software Developer Derrick Planz 410-295-4067 Application Developer Rick Clark 410-295-4088 Systems Administrator Facilities John Cooper Facilities Manager John Taylor Facilities Assistant

410-295-4031 410-295-4029

HUMAN RESOURCES Heather Scott 410-295-4048 Director, Human Resources Sara Westcoat 410-295-4054 Human Resources Generalist DEVELOPMENT Bill O’Connor Executive Vice President Abby Repko Executive Administrator/ Principal Gift Administrator

410-295-4101 410-295-4103

Development John Rudder ’78 410-295-4189 Vice President of Development Caroline Rossiello 410-295-4190 Assistant Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations Major Gifts Michael Hoffman Director Major Gifts Ashley “AJ” Bauer Major Gift Officer Ted Jeffries Major Gift Officer Frankie Melvin Major Gift Officer John Maconi Major Gift Officer Dean Castaldo Major Gift Officer Kate Peterson Major Gift Coordinator

410-295-4184 410-295-4160 410-295-4181 410-295-4191 410-295-4185 410-295-4052 410-295-4178

Planned Giving Patti Bender 410-295-4187 Director, Planned Giving Keisha Watkins 410-295-4186 Assistant Director, Planned Giving Annual Programs Rusty Yeiser ’74 410-295-4174 Senior Director, Annual Programs

DEVELOPMENT CONTINUED Janine Bailey ’97 410-295-4127 Coordinator, Annual Giving Programs Dan Quattrini ’81 410-295-4167 Director, Class Legacy Gift Programs Gabbie Kulcsar 410-295-4147 Director, Annual Giving Development Services Kelly Carter Rollison 410-295-4110 Senior Director, Advancement Services Dawn Beach 410-295-4115 Director, Foundation Data and Reporting Natalie Brianas 410-295-4102 Director, Donor Relations and Stewardship Jill Cook 410-295-4121 Associate Director, Research Kellyn Caldwell 410-295-4111 Assistant Director, Donor Relations and Stewardship Gift Administration Team Liz Root Director, Gift Administration Elvira Reyes Gift Administrator Anna Galloway Gift Administrator Kate McGraw-Pokorny Gift Administrator Shirley Crawford Gift Administrator

410-295-4126 410-295-4116 410-295-4120 410-295-4049 410-295-4071

FOUNDATION ATHLETIC AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS Ed Wallace ’72 410-295-4096 Vice President (Retiring 12/2019) Don Hughes ’88 410-295-4049 Vice President (Future) Chris Knott 410-295-4097 Office Manager and Administrative Assistant Tracey Cook 410-295-4164 Associate Director Mariola Baker 410-295-4098 Senior Administrative Assistant QUICK REFERENCE Death Notifications

obits@usna.com 410-295-4064 Class Ring Information classrings@usna.com Register of Alumni registerofalumni@usna.com Address/Delivery alumni@usna.com Donate 410-295-4115 Membership Updates 410-295-4000 U.S. Naval Academy Main Phone 410-293-1000 U.S. Naval Academy Athletics 410-293-2700 CONTACT US United States Naval Academy Alumni Association 247 King George St., Annapolis, MD 21402-1306 Main Phone 410-295-4000 Ogle Hall Fax 410-295-4001 49 House Fax 410-295-4004 Human Resources Fax 888-980-1058 Payroll Fax 888-980-0987 Cottage Fax 410-295-4003 Foundation Development 274 Wood Rd., Annapolis, Maryland 21402 Main Phone 410-295-4100 Fax 410-295-4107 Foundation Athletic and Scholarship Programs 25 Maryland Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401 Main Phone 410-295-4095 Fax 410-280-5534

NO GIFT HAS GREATER POWER to uplift and transform the Naval Academy, the midshipman experience and the alumni community than one to the NAVAL ACADEMY FUND. Such unrestricted gifts are the lifeblood of Naval Academy philanthropy, fueling all Naval Academy Foundation fundraising efforts, providing Academy leadership with versatile resources to launch and expand vital programs and strengthening Naval Academy Alumni Association services that bind alumni together in all corners of the globe.

Make an impact today. Make your gift to the Naval Academy Fund. 410-295-4100 | www.usna.com/give

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