Shipmate: March-April 2021

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1,000 WORDS

PHOTO BY DEBBIE LATTA

Ship Selection MIDN Joseph B. Wiedemann ’21 holds the Katana sword he was awarded for being the first midshipman to pick a ship based in Japan during Ship Selection on 4 February.

He received the sword from Japanese naval attaché Captain Hiroyuki Sano. Attendance at this year’s event was limited due to COVID-19. Only a few guests from the SWO community, a few admirals from the fleet, Academy leadership and SWO selectees were allowed to attend.

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1,000 WORDS

Forrestal Lecture

PHOTO BY STACY GODFREY

ADM Michael G. Mullen ’68, USN (Ret.), was the guest speaker during the 16 February Naval Academy Leadership Conference Forrestal Lecture in Alumni Hall. Mullen, who served as the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the 28th Chief of Naval Operations, spoke about the importance of integrity, accountability, competence and leadership. Mullen currently serves as vice chair of the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation Board of Directors.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF DILUCENTE ’76

Misspelling “BZ on shedding light on the diploma mistake for the Class of 1990 and its effective resolution. I have shared this embarrassing mistake with several friends and all agree it is very funny or left them howling. Was it really necessary to wait 30 years to share the chuckle?”

—Commander Scott L. Fitzpatrick ’80, USNR (Ret.)

Sink Rate

FEEDBACK

Dennis DiLucente ’76 (left) and Bill Ivey, USMA ’75, assist wounded veterans in rebuilding their lives through Homes for our Troops. They are holding the guidon DiLucente liberated during the 1974 Army-Navy game.

Team Building “I would like to begin by thanking Lieutenant Colonel Tom Dempsey ’75, USMC (Ret.), for filling in some long-forgotten details of a memorable Army-Navy pre-game heist (November-December 2020 Shipmate). I vividly recall the Army plebes willfully turning over their U.S. Corps of Cadet guidons, the distribution of these prized possessions through our ranks and the minor skirmishes on field once the Corps attempted to regain them.

Alumni, family and friends sweetened the post-game 19-0 victory celebration with free-flowing beer and tales of other past Navy high jinks.

I somehow ‘missed’ the order to turn in my captured guidon. Carrying it throughout the many years that followed, the coveted cloth became my symbol of Navy’s dominance over Army.

However, the guidon has now come to symbolize the Army-Navy game is but a fierce one-day rivalry fought for the past 121 years. In reality, we are all 4 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

on one team who has fought side by side since the 1974 acquisition of that guidon.

Bill Ivey, West Point Class of 1975, and I have now joined together in our post-active-duty lives to assist tragically wounded veterans in rebuilding their lives. Bill, pictured, is the executive director of Homes for our Troops (www.hfotusa.org), an organization for which I volunteer.

We bet on the game annually with the winner taking home the guidon ‘battle trophy’ and the loser making a donation to the HFOT charity. The loser is also subjected to performing the ‘walk of shame’ by wearing their rival’s jersey at public events.

With any luck, the statute of limitations has expired on my crime of guidon theft. Hopefully, sharing this story will encourage other classmates to come clean about the guidons in their closet.

I look forward to sordid Army-Navy game day heists in future editions of Shipmate.”

—Dennis DiLucente ’76

“Regarding the feature article ‘USNA Myths’ in the November-December 2020 issue of Shipmate: while I enjoyed the gouge I respectfully disagree with Sara Phillips’ statement in ‘The Weight of Knowledge’ that the Nimitz Library’s sink rate of less than a quarter inch per year is ‘so small as to be irrelevant to the design life of 75 to 100 years.’

At worst, a quarter inch per year is an inch per each class during their four years at the Academy. Over 100 years that’s 25 inches! Let’s say the sink rate is ‘just’ an eighth of an inch per year. That‘s a half inch per class, and 12.5 inches in 100 years. Twelve inches is not ‘irrelevant’ to any infrastructure, let alone two feet. What happens if parts of the building sink at different rates, which was humorously if not somewhat accurately represented by the graphic?

Also, if the Nimitz Library’s sinking is ‘irrelevant,’ why was Hopper Hall engineered differently?

Sounds to me like there’s more than ‘a fraction of truth to the story’ and should be taken a bit more seriously. It’s been 38 years since my I-Day and the library has sunk almost five inches and maybe 10 in that time. While I’m sure the Academy has taken measures to ensure the building is safe (anyone else remember the doors that sometimes were hard to open?), passing off the issue as a humorous anecdote does a disservice to the important lesson(s) obviously learned before building Hopper Hall.”

—Commander Scott G. Mitchell ’86, USNR (Ret.)

Inventors and Innovators Clarification In response to the “Inventors and Innovators” story in the October 2020 issue of Shipmate, members of the Class of 1968 provided additional details surrounding the first majors at the Naval Academy. Economics Professor

Emeritus Roger Little, who co-authored a 1985 paper on the subject, helped craft the following timeline: Former Superintendent Rear Admiral James Calvert ’43, USN, and Dean Emeritus John F. Kelley oversaw the finalization and implementation of a Brigade-wide majors program. However, preceding Superintendents Rear Admiral Charles S. Minter ’37, USN, and Rear Admiral Draper L. Kauffman ’33, USN, along with the Academy’s first civilian academic dean, Bernard Drought, were instrumental in initiating the process. Some pre-1969 graduates’ degrees listed specific majors.

In 1959, then-Superintendent Rear Admiral Charles L. Melson ’27, USN, established the Folsom Committee to advance technical proficiency among graduates. The committee’s report led to the implementation of the majors program, which was announced by Rear Admiral Calvert in September 1969.

Elective courses had been available since at least 1963 and members of the classes of 1971 and 1972, and perhaps a few from 1970, could have received such a degree if they had validations, had overloaded or had previous college credits that allowed them to accumulate enough discipline-specific credits before majors were required of everyone.

Thus, a true “lockstep” ended in the mid-1960s and some midshipmen had the opportunity to pursue “areas of concentration” and eventually minors. These opportunities were, to a large degree, a phase-in period for the majors program.

A true majors program, competitive with NROTC opportunities, required a significant upgrade to the faculty. In 1962, Secretary of the Navy Fredrick Korth directed the Academy to establish an academic program of national rank.

Drought arrived in 1963 to begin hiring Ph.D.

credentialed faculty so a true academic majors program could be initiated.

Corrections On page 140 of the January-February 2021 issue of Shipmate, an incorrect rank for LtGen Dave Beydler, USMC (Ret.), was used.

In the feature article “A Deeper Responsibility,” one of the deployment sites for Lieutenant Commander Andrew Agraviador ’06, USN, was misidentified. His deployments included Iraq and Afghanistan. ®

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

Submissions have been lightly edited for length/clarity.

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

ANCHORED IN SERVICE

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

By Byron F. Marchant ’78

MIDN Cayla Hannibal ’21, cyber operations major and 2nd Regimental Executive Officer, selected PORTER and will serve in the Surface Warfare Community with engineering duty officer (EDO) option.

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n February, the 273 members of the Class of 2021 entering the surface warfare community selected their first ships. The ceremony around ship selection night looked a bit different than in years past, but the enthusiasm and excitement around the selections were in full view via livestream. While the other service communities had planned a variety of celebrations to honor their newest members, many of those events were postponed or executed fully online in the midst of the rapidly shifting COVID-19 environment. The flexibility and ingenuity demonstrated by Yard leadership and the Brigade of Midshipmen in this fastchanging climate serves as a reminder of the caliber of the men and women who have chosen to serve our nation, and gives us even more hope for the future of service and for our Alumni Association.

It is with this spirit of optimism and commitment to the future of the Alumni Association and our mission that I urge all alumni to complete the survey we recently shared by email. This survey, the direct result of ongoing work by the Ad Hoc (Action) Committee on Alumni Culture, Diversity and Inclusion, is our first in-depth evaluation of alumni perspectives since 2010. Our last alumni 6 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

community survey played an integral role in the development of our Strategic Plan 2020, the priorities outlined in Called to Serve, Daring to Lead: The Naval Academy Campaign, and so many of the programs and services that define today’s U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation.

The Alumni Mentoring Program, Shared Interest Groups, expanded parents programs, new alumni chapters and enhanced outreach to younger classes all have their roots in the 2010 survey. So do the continued investments we’ve made in video, social media, WaveTops and other new communications tools. It was that survey that first revealed the need for the Alumni Association and Foundation Center we’ll break ground on this year.

This new 2021 survey will have a similar impact on how we approach our mission over the next decade and beyond. The survey remains open and we plan to begin analyzing results in the coming weeks.

Thank you to those who have shared their thoughts already. If you have not, now is the time to let your voice be heard.

One of the Alumni Association and Foundation team members most committed to hearing your voices and sharing your stories is moving on after 16 years. Kristen

Pironis, executive vice president for marketing and communications and editor-in-chief of Shipmate, has been named executive director of Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

Kristen’s leadership and wisdom have been essential to the success of so many of our strategic initiatives throughout her tenure, and I know you join me in wishing her fair winds and following seas.

Commander Craig Washington ’89, USN (Ret.), now vice president for engagement and communications, will assume the responsibilities of editor-in-chief of Shipmate and chief communications officer for the enterprise. For more information on this transition, see page 8.

We are fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteer secretaries and scribes who collect your stories and information and create columns worthy of reading, and sadly, we lost one of our most dedicated recently. Commander Howard Pinskey ’62, SC, USNR (Ret.), class secretary since his graduation, died on 31 January of complications from COVID-19. His wife Thea passed away from similar complications days later.

His enthusiasm for his class, the Academy and our community will be greatly missed.

His class has taken on his duties as class secretary and offered a tribute on page 64.

I am also sad to mark the death of 2019 U.S. Naval Academy Distinguished Graduate Award Recipient Dr. J. Phillip London ’59, a leading supporter of Naval Academy history and cyber programs as well as our Alumni Association and Foundation programs. London retired as a captain from the Naval Reserve in 1983 and had an illustrious business, educational and philanthropic career.

His classmates and family shared his obituary on page 136. I know many share in my sadness of losing these giants of the alumni community.

Their stories, service and their commitment to the Academy will serve as a model to all that follow. a

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VOLUME 84 • NO. 2

IN THIS ISSUE COMPASSION IN ACTION

DEPARTMENTS 4 Feedback 6 Letter from the President

Alumni step up to assist others during COVID-19 pandemic. 20

Byron F. Marchant ’78

8 All Hands 11 Advertisers Index 32 An Ocean Away

Midshipman Hannah Citsay ’22

39 40 43 107 124 125 145 151 152

COVID ON THE YARD The pandemic altered life on the Yard but did not derail the mission of educating and training midshipmen. 24

UNPARALLELED

The 1985-86 men’s basketball team reached the NCAA Tournament’s Elite 8, setting the standard for service academy squads.

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PIGEON POST SUPE RESPONSE Former Superintendent Mack demonstrated leadership and empathy in letter exchange with West Point cadet. 28

In the late 19th century, the Academy was the nucleus for testing homing pigeons for use by the Navy. 34

MUSEUM QUALITY WWII surrender sword illustrates role alumni played in Philippines campaign. 38 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.

Bravo Zulu Alumni Products/Services Class News Chapter News Shared Interest Groups Last Call Classified Ads Staff and Assistance Clear the Deck

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.

On the Cover

This photo of Navy’s women’s crew team was one of the Naval Academy’s “best of” pictures for the 2021 Lucky Bag. Here’s to life on the Yard—and across the country—returning to normal soon.

Photo by Midshipman Peter Pryharsk ’22

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ALL HANDS

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. NAVY

Academy Receives Department of Defense Research Equipment Grant

RADM Braithwaite II ’84, USN (Ret.), bade farewell to the sea service in January after eight months as its top civilian.

SECNAV Braithwaite ’84 Bids Farewell to Sailors and Marines Rear Admiral Kenneth Braithwaite II ’84, USN (Ret.), 77th Secretary of the Navy, bade farewell to the men and women of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in January. Speaking from Wake Island in a video posted online, Braithwaite called upon sailors to live up to their storied past and recalled meeting sailors and Marines around the world in his almost eight months as the sea service’s top civilian.

“I’ve had the honor of witnessing your service. I leave this office more confident than ever in the readiness and power of our force,” said Braithwaite.

During his time in office, Braithwaite announced significant changes to the sea service including the re-designation of the U.S. Fleet Force Command as U.S. Atlantic Fleet and the standing up of U.S. 1st Fleet, which will oversee the busy nexus of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Braithwaite served more than 30 years in the Navy and was serving as U.S. Ambassador to Norway when he assumed the helm of the sea service in May 2020. ®

“There’s a reason the Navy and Marine Corps have stood the test for nearly two-and-a-half centuries, and it has very little to do with who occupies the office of the Secretary of the Navy. As it was here on Wake Island in 1941, and as it remains today, our greatest strength will always be our people. Live up to that legacy. Semper Fidelis, Semper Fortis and thank you all. This has truly been the greatest honor of my life.”

—Secretary of the Navy Rear Admiral Kenneth Braithwaite II ’84, USN (Ret.), bade farewell to the men and women of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in a video from Wake Island this January.

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The Naval Academy was recently awarded the Department of Defense’s University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) grant for purchase of new research equipment. The Academy plans to use the $666,000 award to purchase an aerosol jet printer (AJP) that will benefit research across seven Academy departments including electrical and computer engineering; mechanical engineering; aerospace engineering; naval architecture and ocean engineering; weapons-robotics-control engineering; chemistry and physics.

“Aerosol jet printing is a new, disruptive technology in direct-write printing, additive manufacturing and microfabrication. It will enable the creation of intelligent devices with increased geometric freedom, mass customization and tool-less manufacturing; a game changer for our midshipman teaching and research activities,” said Hatem ElBidweihy, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering.

Midshipmen will use the AJP for independent and capstone research projects to manufacture parts such as antennas, sensors and thermoelectric generators as well as printing integrated power, communication and sensing systems on top of existing structures such as small satellites of ships.

One hundred and fifty university research programs across the country received a DURIP grant this year. ®

Washington ’89 Becomes Editor-in-Chief of Shipmate Commander Craig Washington ’89, USN (Ret.), vice president for engagement and communications at the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, has assumed the role of editor-in-chief of Shipmate as well as chief communications officer. Washington’s leadership Kristen Pironis CDR Washington ’89, USN (Ret.) of the communications outlets, which also include the WaveTops e-newsletter, social media and usna.com, follows the departure of Kristen Pironis, executive vice president for marketing and communications, who has been named executive director of Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (VAAAC).

“Kristen has been an invaluable member of the senior leadership team at the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation for the past 16 years. As a Maryland Terp graduate, Kristen has been ‘all in’ for the Navy Blue and Gold during her tenure,” said Byron F. Marchant ’78, president and CEO of the Alumni Association and Foundation. “Her numerous leadership achievements in support of our global alumni community will serve her well as the new executive director of VAAAC. Our Alumni Association and Foundation staff, alumni, parents and friends salute Kristen’s leadership and service. We wish her fair winds and following seas. As a significant contributor to Annapolis tourism, our Association and Foundation looks forward to working with Kristen in her new role. Bravo Zulu to my colleague Gary Jobson for his longstanding Annapolis community leadership and this new leadership chapter for VAAAC.” ®

Late Midshipman Johnson ’21 Celebrated by Classmates

Save the Date: All Academy Challenge Set for 16-20 May

Naval Academy midshipmen, faculty and staff joined together to celebrate the life of Midshipman John Johnson ’21 during his committal service and inurnment at the Academy Columbarium on 30 January. Johnson died in a drowning incident on 14 December 2020 while on vacation with friends.

“I’m comforted that part of John will always be here in this place, with his fellow midshipmen, faculty and staff. John’s life was a gift to me, a gift MIDN Johnson ’21 to us all and I’m confident that his gift will stay with us in the ways we relate to ourselves and in the ways we relate to others as we move forward,” said Kim Johnson, Johnson’s mother, during his service.

In honor of Johnson’s love for the Academy, his parents have started the Johnson Scholars Program which will sponsor first- and second-class midshipmen studying mathematics who pursue research in theoretical math. ®

Calling all Navy alumni!

The All Academy Challenge returns for its eighth edition on 16 May. Once again, Navy alumni will have a chance to prove their loyalty and commitment to the Naval Academy mission by making gifts of any size in support of the Academy and the Brigade of Midshipmen. Last year, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Naval Academy alumni came together and shattered all prior records for participation in this annual showdown against rivals at West Point, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine, while raising some $1.2 million for the Naval Academy Fund and other priorities.

Let’s raise the bar this year and finally show up perennial participation powerhouses Merchant Marine and Army. Watch your mail, email, social media and www.allacademychallenge.com for more information on this year’s Challenge. ®

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PHOTO BY NAVY COMMAND MASTER CHIEF ERIC KINNAMAN, USN

ALL HANDS

Jason ’97 Leads Turtle Rescue from Kayak

Academy STEM’s Moran Retires After 27 Years

Captain Christopher Jason ’97, USN, helped lead efforts to save an estimated 1,000 sea turtles stunned by historically cold Gulf of Mexico waters in Corpus Christi, TX, in February. After initial efforts to reach the turtles from shore with sticks and poles failed, Jason, commanding officer CAPT Christopher Jason ’97, USN, commanding of NAS Corpus Christi, jumped officer of NAS Corpus Christi, paddles two coldin his kayak to reach others. stunned sea turtles to safety during February’s brutal Texas cold snap.

“We looked at each other and knew it was a crazy idea,” Jason said. “But it was the only way to save them.” Jason also noted that many of the dozens of base retirees, Coast Guardsmen, sailors, soldiers and spouses who joined in the effort had no heat or hot water at home themselves following the brutally cold weather that swept through Texas and other southern states this winter. ®

After more than 27 years of hard work as a professor at the Naval Academy, during which she dedicated the majority of her free time to building the Academy’s Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Center for Education and Outreach, Dr. Angela Moran retired on 3 January.

“I’ve been very grateful to work with the like-minded faculty and midshipmen who have been willing to support our STEM efforts and believed in the STEM mission. It’s been extremely enriching and fulfilling,” said Moran.

After receiving her master’s and doctoral degrees in materials science and engineering at Johns Hopkins University, Moran researched advanced processing and manufacturing, rapid prototyping, nano engineering in powder metallurgy and rapid solidification materials characterization and failures analysis at the Naval Surface Warfare Center. She led the charge in developing the manufacturing process of spray forming, resulting in the development of an intelligent spray forming capability that allowed production of complex military parts. Moran also provided consultation on materials and manufacturing methods to several Navy entities including the Navy Undersea Warfare Center, Naval Surface Warfare Center and Naval Air Development Center.

Moran began her career at the Academy in 1993 as an exchange professor teaching mechanical engineering and then took a permanent position later that year in what is currently known as the mechanical engineering department. In 2003, she became the first woman at the Academy to be promoted to full professor in the School of Weapons and Engineering.

After spending time working with local students who came to the Academy for outreach programs, Moran began holding science and engineering camps on her own time. Her first workshop was a girls-only technology camp in 2007, and in 2008, she worked with the Academy’s Admissions office to develop the first iteration of the Academy’s Summer STEM program. By 2019, the program grew to more than 838 participants and is now one of the most robust STEM camps in the country. To date, the Academy’s STEM program has resulted in the recruitment and induction of 523 midshipmen, 188 of which were women and 69 minority women. ®

Two Midshipmen Selected for MIT/WHOI Joint Master’s in Oceanography Program

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PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

Midshipman Cameron Davis ’21 and Midshipman Michael Zimmerman ’21 were recently selected for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (MIT/WHOI) Joint Master’s in Oceanography Program.

MIDN Davis ’21 MIDN Zimmerman ’21 The Joint Program offers extensive knowledge of ocean processes, ocean vehicles and instrumentation, acoustics and signal processing and seeks to enhance understanding and application of operational oceanography as it pertains to the undersea warfare domain. More than 85 officers have received the degree since its inception in 1970.

The program offers two fields of study with the Applied Ocean Science and Engineering track hosted by the Mechanical Engineering Department and the Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department at WHOI and the Physical Oceanography track hosted by the Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Department at MIT and the Department of Physical Oceanography at WHOI. Davis will be on the Applied Ocean Science and Engineering track with a focus on remotely operated vehicles and unmanned underwater vehicles as the future of ocean exploration and undersea warfare. Zimmerman will be on the Physical Oceanography track with a focus on adding to the limited knowledge surrounding sea ice variability on a 30-to-60 daytime scale, along with atmospheric, oceanographic and cryospheric teleconnections. ®

After nearly 30 years at the Academy, Dr. Moran, director of the STEM Center for Education and Outreach, retired in January.

More than 80 years of Shipmate are available online to all Alumni Association members.

Visit usna.com/shipmate.

Action Committee on Alumni Culture, Diversity and Inclusion Launches Alumni Survey In December 2020, the Alumni Association Board of Trustees moved to establish an Ad Hoc Committee to continue the work of the Special Committee on Alumni Culture, Diversity and Inclusion. The new Committee, chaired by Trustee Tim Wolf ’87 and now dubbed the “Action Committee,” embarked first on analyzing the recommendations of the Special Committee and finalizing a survey that reached the entire alumni community in March.

Results of the survey will help guide recommendations to the Board on a wide range of topics and will play a critical role in the development of the Alumni Association’s next strategic plan.

“Inherent in the ideals and mission of our Association are matters of leadership and service to the nation, the Academy and each other.

The Board of Trustees committed to a review of who we are and who we aspire to be in authorizing the work of the Special Committee last year.

Subsequently, the Board was unanimous in its desire to continue on the path forward set by the Special Committee, particularly focusing on the areas of culture, diversity and inclusion,” said Wolf. “I think that Reverend Dr. King framed it best in saying, ‘The time is always right to do what is right.’ Now, as a next step on our path, we are most fortunate to have an immensely talented, representative and experienced committee who is invested in making us better. I believe that, together, we will contribute to making the Association one in which ALL of us can be proud.”

Action Committee Members: Tim Wolf ’87, Chair Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Gerson ’58, USAF (Ret.) General Carl Fulford ’66, USMC (Ret.) Commander Mark Rupprecht ’76, USN (Ret.) Janie Mines ’80 Commander Carlos Del Toro ’83, USN (Ret.) Jim Schwab ’88 Matice Wright Springer ’88 Tara Houlden ’05 Donnie Horner ’08 Caleb Cronic ’11 Lieutenant Kaila Julia ’12, USNR Lieutenant John-Rex Spivey ’13, USN The Action Committee posts information stemming from its regular meetings at www.usna.com/news/bot-ad-hoc-committee. Questions may be directed to alumnifeedback@usna.com. ®

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Academy Leadership ............................23 CACI ............................................................1 Falcons Landing ........................................5 Herff Jones ..................Inside Front Cover Jostens ......................................................12 Navy Mutual Aid Association................9 NCEES ......................................................19 Riverside Health System ........................11 USAA ........................................................13 USAA ............................Inside Back Cover

USNA Alumni Association and Foundation Center ............Back Cover USNA Foundation ..................................33 Alumni Products and Services Alumni Business Directory ..............42 Alumni Merchandise ........................41 Alumni Travel 2022 ........................40 Service Academy Career Conference 2021 ............42 Virtual Event Series ..........................41

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Alumni Community Mourns 60-Year Class Secretary Pinskey ’62

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MAJOR MICHAEL KUIPER

Commander Howard Pinskey ’62, SC, USNR (Ret.), who served as secretary of the Class of 1962 for more than 60 years, died on 31 January from complications stemming from COVID-19. Sadly, his wife, Thea, succumbed to the disease just days later on 5 February.

In addition to his service to his class, Pinskey was an active volunteer who supported a wide variety of organizations in Annapolis, particularly those aligned with his Jewish faith. He was CDR Pinskey ’62 the founding president and a board member of the Friends of the Jewish Chapel (FOJC), an organization that planned, developed and raised funds for the construction of the Commodore Uriah P. Levy Center and Jewish Chapel on the grounds of the Naval Academy.

Pinskey’s full obituary can be found on page 139. ®

CDR Pinskey ’62 with midshipmen on a bunker overlooking Syria (Gadot Lookout) during his last trip to Israel on 14 March 2019. They had just discussed the strategic importance of this position during the Six-Day War in 1967, and the role of the Golan Heights in the Crusades.

Pinksey insisted they take a picture on the bunker.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NAVAL ACADEMY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

FEATURE

The 1985-86 Navy men’s basketball team was 30-5, won the Colonial Athletic Association championship and advanced to the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament.

UNRIVALED NAVY’S 1985-86 ELITE 8 TEAM TOPS ALL SERVICE ACADEMY SQUADS 14 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

C

arl C. Liebert ’87 had to convince his own mother Navy’s season wasn’t done.

On the morning of Navy’s 1986 second-round NCAA Tournament game in the Carrier Dome, Peggy Liebert recapped the Midshipmen’s magical season to her son as if it were over.

Liebert, a starting forward on the team, remembers his mother noting how much the team achieved and how the program was set to do something special the following year.

This occurred in the hotel just a few hours before Navy tipped off against No. 8 Syracuse on the Orangemen’s home court. While few basketball observers held little hope the Midshipmen would advance to the Sweet 16, Liebert was a stunned to find doubt within his own family.

“I said, ‘Mom, we still have a chance,’” Liebert said, laughing.

The seventh-seeded Midshipmen not only stood a chance, they shocked the basketball world by claiming a 97-85 victory over the second-seeded Orangemen on 16 March 1986 in front of a Syracuse friendly crowd. The Orangemen boasted four future NBA players but two of them (center Rony Seikaly and point guard Dwayne “Pearl” Washington) fouled out as Navy avenged a 22-point loss to Syracuse on 7 December 1985.

Navy defeated Cleveland State 71-70 in the Sweet 16 before falling 71-50 to Duke in the Elite 8. The 1985-86 Midshipmen remain the greatest service academy men’s basketball team 35 years later. None of its service academy peers have ever won an NCAA Tournament game. The 1985-86 team won three and was No. 17 in the final Associated Press poll that year.

David Robinson ’87 led the NCAA in blocked shots and rebounding his second-class year, the 1985-86 season. He also claimed his second of three Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year awards that campaign. Robinson, a two-time National Basketball Association champion and one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players, might have been the biggest attraction on the Navy squad but he was supported by a cadre of teammates whose mettle was tested and hardened in the preceding season.

Although the 1985-86 squad reaped the rewards of a rejuvenated program, the seeds for success were sown during the early 1980s when Coach Paul Evans arrived. Members of the Elite 8 team point to the seasons immediately prior to their run as the genesis of their rise. While the foundation was laid by the 1982-83, 1983-84 and 1984-85 squads, the two Syracuse games during the 1985-86 season illustrate the growth, selflessness and unity that resulted in an Elite 8 showing.

Kylor Whitaker ’86 was Navy’s starting shooting guard on the Elite 8 team. His 13 points per game average was third best on the team behind Robinson (22.7) and Vernon Butler ’86 (16.4).

Whitaker said it took every member of the team, support from the Academy’s administration, the Brigade of Midshipmen and the coaching staff for Navy to reach its potential. He attributed the team’s run to an ego-free lineup, game plans tied to the Midshipmen’s strengths and a commitment by the players to execute Evans’ scheme.

“So many pieces had to be just right to fit that we captured lightning in a bottle,” Whitaker said.

In the final minutes of the second-round NCAA Tournament game, Evans substituted reserves as a stunned Carrier Dome crowd fell relatively silent compared to Navy’s appearance three months earlier. Twelve players saw action for Navy that day including senior Tony Wells ’86 who, while only starting a handful of games his collegiate career, was lauded by teammates for his selflessness and leadership.

As the last seconds ticked off the scoreboard, Liebert saw his brothers and parents celebrating behind the Midshipmen’s bench. He said the victory over Syracuse was the culmination of an effort years in the making and the product of dedication following a second-round loss to Maryland the year before.

“I remember tears of joy in my eyes,” said Liebert. “We had all showed up in that moment. This win was shaped in the work we put in the spring.”

A CULTURE OF WINNING Although Navy’s historic 1985-86 run was hardly predictable, a breakout season shouldn’t have been surprising. Navy hadn’t earned an NCAA Tournament bid in 20 years when Evans arrived for the 1980-81 season. The Midshipmen had only had seven

EVANS

Former Navy Coach Paul Evans led the Midshipmen to unparalleled heights. He resurrected the Navy program beginning in 1980 and led it to the Elite 8 in 1986.

“They were overconfident going into the game, that worked in our favor.”

COACH PAUL EVANS ON THE 1985-86 SYRACUSE TEAM

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 15

FEATURE

BUTLER

Vernon Butler ’86, who started as a freshman, scored 23 points on 11-of-15 shooting against Syracuse in the second round of the 1986 NCAA Tournament his senior season.

“The guys that laid the foundation for us and paid their dues were the generation right before us.”

VERNON BUTLER ’86

16 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

winning seasons in the previous two decades and hadn’t won more than 14 games in a season since the 1959-60 team went 16-6.

Evans’ first two Navy teams went 9-16 and 12-14. His third team rocketed to an 18-8 record but missed the NCAA Tournament and the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). In 1983-84, Navy set a program record with 24 victories. However, the Midshipmen were again denied postseason play for failing to win their conference tournament.

Butler started as a freshman on the 1982-83 team. He would graduate in 1986 as the program’s leading scorer and rebounder although Robinson would claim those crowns the next year. Butler and a host of players on Evans’ teams leading up to 1985-86 were instrumental in creating the culture of success at Navy. Members of the 1985-86 team credited players a few years ahead of them for initiating the program’s rise. Among those who helped lay the foundation are former players (with their service rank): Captain Cliff M. Mauer ’84, CEC, USN (Ret.); Lieutenant Commander Mike Jones ’84, SC, USN (Ret.); David A. Brooks ’83; Robert K. Romaine ’84; Captain James M. Kuzma ’83, USN (Ret.); and Lieutenant Gary D. Price ’84, USNR (Ret.).

“The guys that laid the foundation for us and paid their dues were the generation right before us,” said Butler, one of five Navy men’s basketball players to have their jerseys retired. “Those guys were the foundation for turning around the program. We reaped the rewards for that. A culture of winning is what happened in that first season and setting a higher standard for ourselves.”

Navy entered the 1985-86 season No. 19 in the AP poll. The Midshipmen would fall to St. John’s 66-58 to open the year. The Red Men (now the Red Storm) had four future NBA players and was ranked No. 4 in the final AP poll. The Midshipmen’s non-conference schedule also included a victory over Penn State, the December loss at Syracuse and a 67-64 victory over DePaul and an 82-64 loss to preseason No. 1 Georgia Tech in the Cotton States Classic in Atlanta.

Doug Wojcik ’87, the starting point guard on the 1985-86 team, said the team entered his second-class season committed to building off the success of the previous year.

“Winning was the biggest thing,” said Wojcik, who now is recruiting coordinator for Michigan State’s basketball team. He also has served as head coach at the University of Tulsa and the College of Charleston.

“We liked what happened in 1985, we wanted more of that.”

Liebert said the team’s goals were to win every home game, win the Colonial Athletic Association championship and cap the season by cutting the nets at the Final Four. Navy’s loftiest aspiration was posted on a sign above the door in the Midshipmen’s Halsey Field House locker room, Liebert said.

A victory over LSU in the previous year’s NCAA Tournament and the scars of missing postseason plays the two years prior to that motivated the Midshipmen in 1986. Navy would win 16-consecutive games between 25 January and 21 March. The team would finish the season 30-5 overall and 13-1 in league play.

The roots of the Midshipmen’s memorial run stretched back a few years, but their legacy was cemented at the Carrier Dome.

STUNNED SILENCE Navy’s players credited Syracuse for getting Midshipmen in foul trouble and setting the game’s pace in the December game. For many basketball pundits, the rematch would be a formality with the more talented, higher-ranking Orangemen using their home court advantage to advance to the Sweet 16.

Butler recalled a Syracuse cab driver asking him and Robinson if they thought they had a fighting chance against the Orangemen. However, it was the Midshipmen who dictated the style of play. Syracuse had no answer for Robinson and Butler who dominated the interior in March 1986. Navy trailed Syracuse by eight at halftime in the first game but led 32-31 after 20 minutes in rematch.

With the Orangemen in foul trouble, the Midshipmen took control of the game with a series of alley-oops to Robinson in the second half to run away with the victory. A Butler alley-oop to Robinson over Seikaly—who picked up his fourth foul on the play—demonstrated Navy’s dominance and precision execution.

With Robinson and Butler running the floor, Navy made the most of its fast-break and interior opportunities. If shots didn’t fall, the Midshipmen made the Orangemen pay from the line. Navy converted 41-of-52 free throws while Syracuse only attempted 20. When Syracuse’s zone defense clamped down on the big men, Whitaker, Wojcik and Cliff Rees ’88 shouldered the offensive load. Rees scored 14 points on 2-of-4 shooting from the field. He made all 10 of his free-throw attempts.

The Midshipmen were fueled by their improvement since the lopsided loss in Syracuse and the skepticism surrounding their chances in the rematch. A local columnist suggested the Orangemen had little to fear from a “bunch of short hairs.”

“That week of practice was awesome,” said Liebert, who is CEO of KWX, a holding company for the Keller Williams realty firm. “We felt a little disrespected. We were resolved that we had work to do.

“From the tip to the end of the game, we played to our potential.”

Wojcik made Washington earn his team-high 28 points, hounding the dynamic point guard from the first whistle. Facing a tenacious perimeter defense and a shot-blocking nightmare inside, the Orangemen could not sustain offensive efficiency. The combination of Wojcik, Robinson and Whitaker overwhelmed Syracuse, Liebert said.

“They put on a show,” he said. “We had never had them all click on all cylinders in a game like that.”

Evans wasn’t among those shocked at the game’s outcome. He said Syracuse’s 101-52 victory over Brown University in its NCAA Tournament opener two days earlier benefited his team.

“They looked at us like we weren’t much better than Brown,” Evans said. “They were overconfident going into the game. That worked in our favor.”

Butler commended Evans for setting high standards and pulling the best out of each player. The 1985-86 team reached its potential because the players saw something greater than themselves when they took the floor.

ROBINSON

David Robinson ’87 led seventh-seeded Navy to a 97-85 victory over secondseeded Syracuse in the second round of the 1986 NCAA Tournament with 35 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and seven blocked shots. He made 21 of 27 free throws.

“We had all showed up in that moment. This win was shaped in the work we put in the spring.”

CARL LIEBERT ’87

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 17

FEATURE

WOJCIK

Point guard Doug Wojcik ’87 led Navy with 251 assists during the 1985-86 season.

“Winning was the biggest thing. We liked what happened in 1985, we wanted more of that.”

DOUG WOJCIK ’87

18 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

“He was demanding but if he wasn’t at that level, we would have underachieved,” Butler said. “If you weren’t playing team ball, hitting the open man, you weren’t on the court very long.”

While the Midshipmen celebrated, the Syracuse faithful in the cavernous 30,000-seat Carrier Dome were stunned.

“We were up by double digits with five minutes left and you could hear a pin drop in the Carrier Dome,” Butler said.

Robinson finished with 35 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and seven blocked shots. He made 21 of 27 free throws. Butler added 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting and nine rebounds.

Syracuse’s four future NBA players—Seikaly, Washington, Rafael Addison and Sherman Douglas—combined for 45 points and 18 fouls.

“We knew we had it in hand with two-three minutes left,” Whitaker said. “We got to enjoy those last moments of stunned silence. We got to take it all in.”

Vice Admiral Albert H. Konetzni ’66, USN (Ret.), was the team’s officer representative. The submariner admits he had limited basketball knowledge when then-Superintendent Admiral Charles R. Larson ’58, USN (Ret.), asked him to be the liaison with the team.

However, Konetzni said he got a better appreciation for personal sacrifice and teamwork traveling with the team and attending practices.

The second Syracuse game was an emotional whirlwind for Konetzni.

“When we beat them, I cried like a baby,” he said.

A GREAT RIDE For 35 years, members of the 1985-86 Navy men’s basketball team have been linked by a magical spree unduplicated by any other service academy squad. They remain close and in frequent contact with one another. There are several text chains where the former players and coaches are updated on family additions, career milestones and stories featuring their exploits.

They’ve had reunions and group gatherings, including one at Chicago’s Wrigley Field a few years ago. Members of the teams preceding the 1985-86 team are invited, too.

Wojcik said retaining ties to college friends isn’t uncommon but being a part of such a special club will always connect the players and coaches.

“Winning creates those bonds,” Wojcik said.

Whitaker, who works for a medical company and lives in Northern Virginia, said the memories and affection for that team endure for Navy fans because it was so unexpected. For basketball royalty—Duke, Kansas, North Carolina and Kentucky—Final Four appearances are demanded by their fan bases. For one glorious season, recollections of a packed Halsey Field House, the Brigade meeting the team bus at T-Court and Annapolitans basking in the glow continue to be shared with wonderment.

“It was a great ride,” Whitaker said. “I am amazed at how many people remember that Navy basketball team 35 years later and how special it was. I’m so blessed to have been a part of it.” a

FEATURE

COMPASSION IN ACTION W

PHOTO COURTESY OF LCDR WELLS ’85

hen the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, Naval Academy alumni stepped up.

On 12 March 2020, the Naval Academy announced the delay of midshipmen returning to the Yard from spring break. COVID-19 was beginning its spread across the country.

In May, Commissioning Week was canceled, and the Brigade of Midshipmen completed the Spring 2020 academic semester virtually.

When normal routines vanished, alumni came to the aid of neighbors, classmates and the Brigade. Lieutenant Commander Susan K. Wells ’85, USN; Captain Gordon I. Peterson ’68, USN (Ret.); Perry Dempsey ’72; Commander Glenn L. Kaden ’72, USN (Ret.); and Commander Richard A. Robison ’72, USN (Ret.), shared with Shipmate photos and examples of alumni going the extra mile to assist others.

LCDR Susan K. Wells ’85, USN, delivers meals and other essential items weekly to seniors in Sheridan, WY, including World War II veteran John Holland. For some seniors who were homebound due to COVID-19, she was their only human contact during the pandemic.

20 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Home Help The Senior Center in Sheridan, WY, serves a population of more than 17,400 and is appropriately named The Hub. It provides services to the entire county with the goal of keeping seniors in their homes as long as possible.

Prior to COVID-19, the center delivered and served meals 365 days a year, including breakfast five days a week. Lieutenant Commander Susan K. Wells ’85, USN, began delivering meals as a volunteer in 2008, filling in weekly on all 12 routes when drivers

Masks for Charity In spring 2020, Commander Glenn “Flash” Kaden ’72, USN (Ret.), posted a photo on social media of himself wearing a USNA mask sewn by his daughter, Kelsey. Soon after, the idea was born to make and sell these masks with proceeds donated to a charitable cause. Perry “Dempsroc” Dempsey ’72 volunteered to manage the campaign, and, through the efforts of Kelsey and another seamstress, work began. Once the word got out through Facebook and the class company representative network, orders started flowing in far more quickly than they could be filled. It was decided to sell the masks for $72 each.

Charities were identified to receive the proceeds.

More than 160 masks have been sold to alumni from many classes living all over the world. Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck ’83, USN, Commandant of Midshipmen Captain Thomas R. Buchanan ’92, USN, and

Masks made by CDR Glenn L. Kaden ’72, USN (Ret.)’s daughter, Kelsey, were sold as a fundraiser by the Class of 1972. Masks were sold for $72 with proceeds benefiting several charities.

One member provided masks for the current stripers in his former company (10th Company).

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT GORDON I. PETERSON ’68, USN (RET.)

cancel. When COVID-19 began hitting the area in mid-March 2020, The Hub closed overnight. Home-delivered meals went from approximately 150 to more than 400 meals daily. Wells began delivering up to five days a week, equating to 30 to 90 meals a week, some days two routes, and helped with the sequencing of routes.

Some seniors had family members who contracted COVID-19 or were not able to travel for a visit. Delivery volunteers were often the only visit of the day and at the beginning ensured toilet paper, emergency food boxes and other requests were relayed and delivered. For Wells, it was a privilege to deliver to World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans, Gold Star parents and the widows of veterans and listen to their stories.

One of her favorite storytellers is World War II Army veteran John Holland who drove a truck in the European theater and then returned stateside and found himself driving General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Wells said it was quite poignant to deliver meals on all the holidays this year and spend some time and laughs with seniors.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PERRY DEMPSEY ’72

ALUMNI DELIVER ASSISTANCE IN A MYRIAD OF WAYS DURING PANDEMIC

Robert F. Duggan ’68 and Linda Duggan with facemasks Linda made in their San Diego, CA, home. Robert coordinated delivery for those needing masks.

“My heart and soul are full at the end of each (food drive). People to whom we deliver food are openly thankful, and some leave in tears.”

—Captain Dale W. Hendricks ’68, USNR (Ret.)

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 21

MISSION CONTINUES

Amid the pandemic, the Alumni Association and Foundation adjusted to meet the needs of alumni and the Naval Academy community. COVID-19 safety protocols eliminated in-person reunions, Commissioning Week activities, football game gatherings, Service Academy Career Conferences (SACC) and many other cherished traditions.

While the pandemic may have altered operations, the Alumni Association and Foundation turned to technology to continue its mission.

The SACC events scheduled for Jacksonville, FL; Washington, DC; San Antonio, TX; and San Diego, CA, in 2020 were moved online and were attended by a total of 862 Naval Academy graduates. This year’s SACC events will also be held virtually.

The Alumni Association launched an online business directory in April 2020 and within a month featured about 80 alumni-owned firms.

That number has nearly doubled since. The directory—www.usna.com/ directory/alumnibusiness—allows users to sort businesses by state, industry or class.

Several new virtual events were offered by the Alumni Association to help maintain connections to the Academy and share experiences.

A “Know the Ropes” Paint Night with artist Bob Baczenas ’72 filled quickly in September. The “Called to Serve” speaker series debuted with NASCAR driver Lieutenant Commander Jesse E. Iwuji ’10, USNR, in October. Iwuji showcased his racing simulator and detailed his journey from a high school football player in Texas to the Academy and his foray into NASCAR. Several C-Suite virtual events have showcased alumni in the highest levels of corporate leadership including Tony Wells ’86, chief brand officer for USAA; Joe Femenia ’98, global head of distressed trading and special situations for Jefferies Financial Group Inc.; Dan Greene ’93, senior vice president of U.S. Sales for Impossible Foods; and Craig Malloy ’83, founder and CEO of Lifesize Inc. The Alumni Association hosted an Army-Navy trivia night in December and a “Know the Ropes” event in February with author Jennifer Swanson ’90.

The Called to Serve Alumni Center update drew several hundred participants.

While the COVID-19 pandemic spurred some creative solutions to provide alumni access services and support, the Alumni Association remained steadfast in its commitment to the Naval Academy community.

When the Brigade of Midshipmen returned to the Yard in the fall, Hopper Hall, the Naval Academy Center for Cyber Security Studies, was ready for use. The cutting-edge $143 million project was officially dedicated 15 October and it is outfitted to provide security safeguards allowing midshipmen to receive classified offerings including teaching and research.

The Alumni Association and Foundation contributed $45 million toward Hopper Hall’s construction.

Later in the fall, nearly 700 alumni and friends rallied to contribute a combined $585,300 to the Midshipman Activities Fund (MAF). The campaign, which had an initial goal of $75,000, was designed to support the purchase of fitness equipment and provide movie nights, food trucks and other activities on the Yard to boost morale in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions.

Thanks to several generous challenge gifts, the campaign far exceeded its original goal by ArmyNavy game day. MAF resources can Award-winning children’s author Jennifer also be used to support ongoing Swanson ’90 participated in the Alumni Association’s virtual “Know the Ropes” event extracurricular activities, club sports in February. Swanson has written more than and more.

30 nonfiction and fiction books.

22 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

their wives were provided masks, as were several previous Commandants. One ’72 classmate purchased and donated masks to the current stripers of his former company (10th Company).

Class President Commander Robert C. Leib ’72, USN (Ret.), presented an initial gift of $7,200 and three subsequent donations of $720 from the Class of 1972. Warrior Events, in partnership with Marylandbased DRIVEN (an executive car service headed by Commander Edward P. McKinnon ’02, USN), delivered meals to first responders and hospitals.

Class of ’68’s Helping Hands Members of the Class of 1968 stood up in a variety of ways to assist others during the pandemic. In San Diego, CA, Linda and Robert F. Duggan ’68 produced facemasks for those in need. Linda, a member of a local quilting society, spent about 30 minutes crafting each washable face mask. Robert kept tabs on those needing masks and arranged delivery.

“It’s not a trivial task, but well worth the effort,” Robert said.

Zooming to Meet Eighteen of 24 members of the class’ 36th Company held a virtual, online reunion in April to reconnect.

Participants spanned three continents (North America, South America and Australia) and 18 time zones.

Some of the members said it was the first time in 45 or 50 years they had seen each other.

Aiding Sailors and Marines Lieutenant General Jack W. Klimp ’68, USMC (Ret.), helped ensure critical financial assistance was available to sailors and Marines in 2020 as president and CEO of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). Relief efforts included supporting the crew of BONHOMME RICHARD following the fire that ravaged the ship in July at Naval Base San Diego.

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society team provided 14,973 sailors and Marines with $14.1 million in support as well as $1.4 million to 1,429 Marines and sailors for COVID-19-specific assistance. On 12 July, BONHOMME RICHARD was in the final phases of a maintenance period when a fire broke out.

The staff at the NMCRS office in San Diego, CA, immediately went into disaster-relief mode. Working with the BHR Command Master Chief, they identified sailors with immediate needs and provided them with $100 gift cards to use at the NEX to begin replacing their losses.

Over the next three weeks, NMCRS provided almost $200,000 in additional grants to affected by

Helping the Hungry Captain Dale W. Hendricks ’68, USNR (Ret.), volunteers to help feed the hungry in the “Quad Cities” area of Davenport and Bettendorf, IA, and Rock Island and Moline, IL. Last spring, Hendricks volunteered to assist a friend at his church’s food donation program. For the next 20 Fridays, food was collected and distributed to families in need—more than 250,000 pounds.

Hendricks later pitched in at his own church to expand its food donation program. By October, his church delivered more than 70,000 pounds of food to neighbors in need. He has been involved in more than 30 food drives.

“My heart and soul are full at the end of each (food drive),” Hendricks said. “People to whom we deliver food are openly thankful, and some leave in tears.”

Hendricks’ wife, Captain Alison McCrary ’83, USNR, was on active duty beginning in late March 2020, working with COVID-19-related issues for FEMA region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska). a

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT GORDON I. PETERSON ’68, USN (RET.)

PHOTO COURTESY OF PERRY DEMPSEY ’72

the fire. In addition to monetary assistance, the local NMCRS thrift shop coordinated the donation of several boxes of uniforms and boots to those who lost everything.

Beneficiaries of the Class of 1972’s mask sales include Warrior Events which received an initial gift of $7,200 and three subsequent donations of $720 each. Warrior Events, in partnership with DRIVEN (an executive car service headed by CDR Edward P. McKinnon ’02, USN), delivered meals to first responders and hospitals.

CAPT Dale W. Hendricks ’68, USNR (Ret.), volunteered to help feed the hungry in the “Quad Cities” area of Davenport and Bettendorf, IA, and Rock Island and Moline, IL. He has participated in and coordinated collections for more than 30 food drives, which delivered hundreds of thousands of pounds of goods to those in need.

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 23

FEATURE

COVID ON THE YARD B

eginning with the extension of Spring Break 2020, COVID-19 disrupted life at the Naval Academy—mandating social distancing and mask wearing—but it could not derail education, traditions or training of midshipmen. In the year since, activity on the Yard continued, albeit modified to protect the safety of the Brigade of Midshipmen and staff.

Class sizes were adjusted to ensure midshipmen and faculty maintained proper distance. During the fall, some professors held classes outside. Meanwhile, the Academy rented dormitory space from St. John’s College to house about 375 midshipmen. That agreement allowed the Academy to set aside 130 rooms in Bancroft Hall to quarantine and isolate midshipmen who contracted COVID-19.

As the pandemic raged across the country, the Naval Academy canceled Parents Weekend and Thanksgiving break and limited liberty for midshipmen. Throughout the challenging year, many traditional milestone events were held including the celebration of the Academy’s 175th birthday, Service Selection and Ship Selection, in a modified fashion.

A year after the pandemic upended normal life across the world and in Annapolis, Shipmate reflects on the ways the Academy adjusted and carried on during COVID-19.

24 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

PHOTO BY MIDN ANNA WALKER ’21

COVID-19 MAY HAVE CHANGED THE WAY SOME THINGS ARE DONE IN ANNAPOLIS, BUT OLD GLORY CONTINUES TO RISE DAILY OVER THE ACADEMY AS SEEN IN THIS MORNING COLORS CEREMONY ON 31 AUGUST 2020.

MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2024 EXECUTE EVENING MEAL FORMATION DURING PLEBE SUMMER.

PHOTO BY MIDN KATIE HAWKES ’21

PHOTO BY MC2 NATHAN BURKE

ABOUT 375 MIDSHIPMEN RELOCATED TO DORMITORY ROOMS ON ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE CAMPUS IN SEPTEMBER TO MEET SOCIAL DISTANCING PROTOCOLS AND PROVIDE SPACE FOR MIDSHIPMEN NEEDING ISOLATION AFTER TESTING POSITIVE FOR COVID-19.

IN THE SPRING SEMESTER, SOME MIDSHIPMEN WERE HOUSED AT SPONSOR FAMILY RESIDENCES.

IN LATE SEPTEMBER 2020, ABOUT 260 MIDSHIPMEN FROM THE 6TH BATTALION RAN 110 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS AT NAVY-MARINE CORPS MEMORIAL STADIUM IN HONOR OF THE LIVES LOST ON 11 SEPTEMBER 2001. EACH FLIGHT REPRESENTED ONE FLOOR OF THE TWIN TOWERS. IN THE PAST, MIDSHIPMEN RAN THE STAIRS IN THE EIGHTH WING OF BANCROFT HALL FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF ON THE MORNING OF 9/11, BUT COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS FORCED THAT TRADITION TO BE ALTERED. MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 25

FEATURE

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

PHOTO BY KENNETH D. ASTON JR

A LONG-STANDING NAVY BIRTHDAY TRADITION WITHIN THE BRIGADE OF MIDSHIPMEN IS TO HAVE THE OLDEST AND YOUNGEST MIDSHIPMEN INITIATE THE FIRST CUT OF THE NAVY BIRTHDAY CAKE. IN 2020, MIDN CARLOS GALLARDOVALLE ’21 WAS THE OLDEST AND MIDN BROOKE MITCHELL ’24 WAS THE YOUNGEST.

FUTURE MARINE OFFICERS ON 2020 SERVICE SELECTION DAY.

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

MIDSHIPMEN ATTENDED A SOCIALLY DISTANCED 24 OCTOBER 2020 GAME AGAINST HOUSTON AT NAVY-MARINE CORPS MEMORIAL STADIUM. 26 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

LCDR JIM FALLON, USN, AN ACADEMY PHYSICS INSTRUCTOR, TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE BEAUTIFUL FALL WEATHER AND HELD A CLASS OUTDOORS IN THE ZIMMERMAN BANDSTAND, DISCUSSING NEWTON’S LAW OF GRAVITY.

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

MIDSHIPMEN STARTED RETURNING TO THE YARD THE WEEK OF 16 JANUARY IN PREPARATION FOR THEIR FIRST DAY OF CLASS BEGINNING 19 JANUARY.

A LIMITED NUMBER OF FANS WERE ALLOWED TO WATCH NAVY MEN’S BASKETBALL PLAY ARMY IN ALUMNI HALL IN JANUARY. THE MIDSHIPMEN DEFEATED THE BLACK KNIGHTS 69-62 ON 23 JANUARY BUT FELL 87-78 IN OVERTIME THE NEXT DAY. a MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 27

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OPSAHL/MACK FAMILY

FEATURE

LETTERS IN LEADERSHIP FORMER SUPERINTENDENT MACK PROVIDED EMPATHY, LIFE LESSON FOR WEST POINT CADET

By Kevin Opsahl 28 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY

“Doing the right things when people are not watching is something we all can learn from Admiral Mack.”

Jeffrey Bruckner as a West Point cadet. Bruckner, who retired from the Army as a lieutenant colonel, learned leadership lessons from former Naval Academy Superintendent VADM William P. Mack ’37, USN (Ret.).

I

VADM William P. Mack ’37, USN (Ret.), served as Superindentent of the Naval Academy from 1972-75.

His correspondence with former West Point cadet Jeffrey Bruckner served as a powerful lesson for the future Army officer.

n 1975, Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bruckner ’76, USA (Ret.), was not only known as a secondclass cadet at the U.S. Military Academy— he was a cow, too.

Nicknaming juniors after the animal, calling sophomores yearlings, seniors firsties and freshmen plebes, was all part of cadet jargon at West Point. But Bruckner’s actions during a lunch in the mess hall with his fellow classmates during the spring may have added distinction to his moniker.

That’s because he made a noise of disapproval after a cadet noted the 8 May 1975 lunch’s chief guest was Vice Admiral William P. Mack ’37, USN (Ret.), then-Superintendent of the Naval Academy (1972-75).

Bruckner was reprimanded for his actions, but decided to right his wrong by penning a letter to Mack. As a token of his appreciation to the junior cadet, the Superintendent, who was about to retire after a 42-year naval career, gave him Academy and West Point cufflinks.

“Doing the right things when people are not watching is something we all can learn from Admiral Mack,” Bruckner wrote in an email.

The act of midshipmen and cadets exchanging cufflinks—resulting in a mismatched pair—is a unique tradition. Astronaut Captain James Lovell ’52, USN (Ret.), swapped his Academy cufflink for a West Point version with former cadet Lieutenant Colonel Ed White ’52, USAF, who died in a fire during pre-launch testing for Apollo 1 in 1967.

At Bruckner’s Virginia home, Mack’s correspondence and cufflinks are still in his possession—the letter is framed and the jewelry is mounted. It serves not only as a lesson in leadership for him, but a reassurance he made the right choices as a young man.

“My fear that I had made a mistake by accepting an appointment to the United States Military Academy, that I did not belong, it always stuck in the back of my mind,” Bruckner wrote. “Admiral Mack made me understand that I did belong and our nation did need me. That was so important.”

HISS IN THE MESS HALL On 8 May 1975, Bruckner attended a lunch in which the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy was handed to the Naval Academy. The year prior, Navy beat Army 19-0.

Bruckner, a linebacker for Army, was seated in the “blue wing” of the mess hall and participated in the traditional “attention to order” before announcements were made. Then, a flag officer said West Point had an “honored guest” with them—the Naval Academy Superintendent.

“At which point, I hissed, which is typical,” Bruckner said in a video interview with Shipmate from his home. “Anytime you say, ‘Naval Academy,’ the whole corps of cadets hisses.”

What Bruckner didn’t know was that Mack’s counterpart, West Point Superintendent Sidney Berry ’48, USMA (Ret.), had an eagle eye view of him since he was seated on the poop deck.

Bruckner speculates Berry probably saw his table number, took a mental note of what had just transpired and after seeing the dignitaries off, “he wanted to see me.”

The young cadet later learned his classmates had been informed by their commanders that it would be inappropriate to engage in the traditional hiss when Mack visited. But Bruckner did not get the message because he was seated in a part of the mess hall that did not include his commander.

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 29

FEATURE

CADET BRUCKNER’S LETTER After meeting with his Superintendent—which Bruckner described as a one-way conversation—he felt within minutes he needed to apologize to Mack.

“I thought, ‘this got way out of hand. I’m going to write letters to apologize,’” Bruckner said, referring to several other officials who attended in addition to Mack.

Regardless of his typing skills or the time he could devote to things outside of class, Bruckner knew he had to get this letter right.

30 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

“Time was of the essence and yet I needed to make sure that I got my message across that I sincerely apologize,” he said.

Bruckner told Mack his letter, dated 13 May 1975, was more than just an apology; it was an explanation for what he did.

“My actions were not intended to be disrespectful toward you or any member of your party,” Bruckner wrote. “On the contrary, I believe it was an involuntary manifestation of the great competitive spirit I feel exists between our academies.”

He then noted how he has been part of West Point’s football team and has participated in Army-Navy games, giving him the chance to experience “the tremendous intensity of football’s oldest rivalry.”

But being a cadet at West Point had shaped more than just his athletic abilities, Bruckner said.

“I feel that West Point has instilled in me that fierce competitiveness and I hope that the men I lead someday have a similar attitude, whether it be on a battlefield or on an athletic field,” he wrote.

Bruckner wasn’t expecting to hear back from Mack.

But one night, after a busy day of classes, he found a box that was left in his room by a plebe, whose job it was to deliver mail.

“First of all, I was surprised he returned any correspondence at all,” Bruckner said. “Second of all, it was a very nice letter, and then when I opened the box of cufflinks, it was like, ‘I’ll go take my licks.’”

The cadet went before a disciplinary board days before June Week, which would signify his senior year at West Point.

“I knew at this board, I was not going to get off.

I was going to be punished,” Bruckner said.

Bruckner felt Mack’s letter proved “this hissing was a mistake, it wasn’t intentional,” so he showed it to the board.

“The letter changed their demeanor. It changed their demeanor from a situation where they felt sorry for me because they were going to have to deal with this situation harshly because of the deterrent factor,” he wrote in an email. “They could not send the message that hissing at flag officers at West Point was acceptable.”

In the end, the board punished Bruckner with 15 demerits, 22 periods of confinement and one-month loss of cadet privileges.

“If it wasn’t a harsh punishment, it wouldn’t mean so much,” he said. “You grow up a lot during a process like that.”

ADMIRAL MACK’S LETTER When Mack wanted to write a letter, he would dictate the message to his secretary, Winnie Rogers, who would then type it up, said Captain Harry A. “Chip” Seymour ’65, USN (Ret.), a young flag lieutenant and aide to Mack in 1975.

Though Mack passed away in 2003, Seymour—who lives in Annapolis—speculated on what might have inspired his close friend for more than 30 years to respond.

“I think he felt sorry for Bruckner,” Seymour said, “or wanted to make sure that Bruckner knew that he—being the admiral— did not find anything wrong with Bruckner getting all excited … and so he felt he needed to set an example by sending a letter carefully written and from the heart.”

In his letter, Mack said he did not hear any hissing sound, and if he had, he would have thought it was part of the “competitiveness and spirit of fun” that comes with meetings between the Academy and West Point. Mack’s letter is dated 28 May 1975.

Mack then offered Bruckner a token of appreciation: cufflinks. He explained the pair consisted of one from the Naval Academy and the other from West Point; he had traded links decades ago, when he himself was a midshipman, after a baseball game in which West Point “beat us rather soundly.”

“I am sending them to you in hope that in the years to come, they will serve to remind you of the value of competitiveness,” Mack wrote.

He closed his letter by saying, “May West Point win them all, except one.”

Though he was not privy to its inception, Seymour felt the letter to Bruckner was “particularly special” and wanted a copy of it, as did the rest of Mack’s staff.

“We all adored and appreciated Admiral Mack and it was our good fortune working for him,” Seymour said. “It probably didn’t take very long for someone to say, ‘Did you see the letter that Admiral Mack wrote to Cadet Bruckner?’”

To this day, the letter has stayed close to Seymour—who has a binder of mementos from heroes in his life, including Mack.

A LESSON IN LEADERSHIP Asked about what kind of leadership Mack showed in writing the letter, Bruckner initially responded by describing the Superintendent’s career, which involved devoting “his entire life to molding young men.”

And despite all of the challenges facing the Academy back then, Mack “takes the time to make a difference with a cadet that he doesn’t know but he feels is worth saving.”

“That is impressive,” Bruckner said, adding Mack “taught me to take the worst things in your life and make them the best.”

Following his commissioning, Bruckner served 22 years in the Army as an airborne ranger mechanized infantry officer with a secondary specialty of operations and training. He was stationed at bases in the United States, as well as overseas, from Germany to Iraq during the Persian Gulf War. Bruckner retired in 1998 as director of public safety and operations at Fort Lee, VA. Bruckner said Mack’s leadership helped mold his military career.

“(Mack) understood and lived by this code of ethics and inspired in me an intense desire to be the best cadet and future officer that I could be,” Bruckner wrote in an email.

Seymour agreed with Bruckner that his former boss showed leadership—it even added a tool in the Navy captain’s toolbox needed when he led two ships himself.

“The leadership is that the recipient, Bruckner, no doubt read that and probably said, ‘Wow! I did not expect to get a letter like this and I would sure like to emulate Admiral Mack,’” Seymour said, “and those of us who read the letter and have the letter—we’re down to a dwindling few—say the same thing: ‘I would love to be like Admiral Mack.’” a Kevin Opsahl is a freelance journalist based in Kirkland, WA, who has worked at numerous small community newspapers in the west. He is one of four grandsons to Vice Admiral William P. Mack and great-grandsons to Rear Admiral George J. McMillin, USN (Ret.), Class of 1911, and Commander Albert R. Mack, USN (Ret.), Class of 1911.

AN OCEAN AWAY

FRESH PERSPECTIVE

By Midshipman Hannah Citsay ’22

T

32 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

classroom but have not practiced them yet. The baseline level of practical professional knowledge here appears higher than at the Academy. At the Aacademy, your professional and naval knowledge can end up being what you make of it—get really involved or just get by passing the required qualification standards and practicum class. I understand our program at the Academy, and how we focus on creating the foundation of critical thinking and leadership skills necessary to handle the load of technical proficiencies, etc. that can be learned later in the community (ex. BDOC). However, I cannot help but wonder if the sheer time and repetition of five years of weekly practice is actually replaced with a summer training and a school after graduation. Of course, it is a lot less feasible to organize YPs and field exercises weekly for 4,000 students.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIDN CITSAY

he first week in March, called Instruction and Training week, has made me view our school and military from a different perspective as a result of better understanding the program at Escuela Naval Militar (ENM) in Spain.

Multiple times, I was asked what our week (at the Naval Academy) of Instruction and Training looks like or whether we do something similar. My standard answer is to explain navigation class, YPs and how the majority of our training happens during the summer and after graduation: all SWOs go to Basic Division Officer Course (BDOC), Marines go to TBS, etc.

Here inside the school, everyone is divided into two student bodies: Cuerpo General (SWO) and Infantería (Marine Corps). Every week, the Cuerpo General leaves in lanchas (YP equivalents), for an intense afternoon of naval exercises and spends another in the ship simulators or some other navigation exercise.

The Infantería has equivalent weekly exercises in the field. So far, this has been irregular with COVID, but the Instruction and Training week provided an opportunity for the students’ professional knowledge to become apparent. In lanchas, we did everything from cortinas (a formation that protects a high value unit like a submarine) to a replenishment exercise with an actual warship from the Armada Española. All of the fourth-year students took shifts as “oficial de la guardia,” or OOD, and commanded our ship. Secondyear students did all of the manual navigation work such as plotting approaches on the charts, recommending a course to follow in real time, and taking parallel indices from radar.

At times, I felt behind and explained I have learned certain things in the

MIDN Hannah Citsay ’22 is spending the spring 2021 semester at the Escuela Naval Militar in Spain.

Something else interesting to note is the structure of the degree here. Until 10 years ago, the course load was purely that which was needed to get a combined military degree and commission. The Central University of Defense was then added as a separate entity to the school to provide civilian professors and provide an engineering degree. Everyone here now graduates with a B.S. equivalent in mechanical engineering as a result of all the extra subjects that have been added.

I wonder if ENM will also shift as time goes on to become more of a university and put less weight on military items, as I believe has happened at the Academy.

Their switch to a degree is relatively recent and students have remarked on the shift in attention and “table of priorities” so to speak.

Overall, the “training week” which happens two times per semester provided an incredible opportunity to participate and learn practically. I took command of a sailboat, did damage control, practiced with a sextant, had two days in lanchas with my navigation team, and another regatta with the Interclubes team. I was on the water from 0900-1900 most days and even 2300 one night.

Having such an inside perspective to another nation’s navy may be my most valuable experience to date. a While all fall 2020 midshipman study abroad experiences were canceled, 15 midshipmen were able to study internationally in spring 2021. Midshipman Hannah Citsay ’22 is on a semester exchange with the Academy’s Spanish counterpart in Marin, Spain, as a Robert and Mary M. Looker Scholar. The others are studying in France, Germany, Israel and Italy.

THANK YOU You’ve helped us fund the next generation of warriors who will fight on a front we have never seen before. You’ve supported 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.

And your help is more important than ever.

CALLED TO SERVE. DARING TO LEAD. This is our rallying cry.

Learn more at

www.usna.com/daringtolead MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 33

FEATURE

PIGEON POST 19TH CENTURY PROFESSOR LAUNCHED EFFORT FOR NAVY ADOPTION OF HOMING PIGEONS

By Elizabeth G. Macalaster

W

hen Henri Marion arrived at the Naval Academy in 1887 as assistant professor of French, he had more on his mind than explaining French grammar to midshipmen.

He intended to convince the U.S. Navy Department to enlist homing pigeons for ship to shore communication.

While telegraph was available in nearly every port, at sea, the Navy still relied on flag, whistle, horn and gun signaling during the day, with lights to transmit Morse code at night.

However, unless ships were close enough, signaling was useless.

With feathered couriers, Marion knew messages could be sent beyond the reach of sight.

Homing pigeons had already become important components of European militaries. During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, Paris was besieged by the Prussian army and all communications severed. The only contact with the outside world was via pigeon post. Balloons leaving Paris for Tours, where a provisional government had been established, carried pigeons outfitted with messages and sent 130 miles back to their Paris lofts. The birds’ widely publicized success as couriers prompted nearly every European army, and some navies, to fortify their ranks with homing pigeons.

As a teenager in Tours at the time of the Siege, Marion would have been aware of Paris’ precarious situation and the last-ditch effort to establish two-way communication via pigeon.

34 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Proving Ground Marion’s venture at the Naval Academy was privately funded, but he quickly began a campaign for federal funding.

Writing in the influential Proceedings of the U.S. Naval Institute, Marion began to build an argument for pigeons as invaluable components of squadrons at sea. Marion started by citing successful experiments with pigeons in European navies, some of which had resulted in complete systems of pigeon stations along their coasts. He then reported on trials made with pigeons released during summer cruises out of the Naval Academy.

PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY DIGITAL COLLECTIONS

Adult correspondence shows Marion had prodigious knowledge of homing pigeons, so if he did not raise them himself, he must have worked with a fancier who did.

Although Marion’s dream of a universally adopted Navy pigeon messenger system wasn’t fulfilled, he did spur a movement to improve sea to land transmissions before the process was overcome by technological advances.

By the time Marion began teaching at the Academy, homing pigeons had undergone a few fledgling trials with the U.S. military, first with the Army on the frontier, then with the Navy at the U.S. Naval Training Station in Newport, RI. Some of the trials with birds out west were successful, but the effort to maintain and train them dampened any further efforts.

In 1888, the Army’s Signal Service trained a flock of pigeons to fly from Cuba 90 miles across water to their lofts at the Army’s Key West barracks. The operation was shut down in 1891 when the Signal Service morphed into the U.S. Weather Bureau. The Army gifted Marion their Key West pigeon flock, which he installed in the tower of the Academy’s boathouse, where masts were stepped.

It was from this aerie that he initiated an experimental pigeon station to demonstrate the birds’ value in flying messages across water.

Henri Marion is third from the left, standing.

By now, Marion’s boathouse loft would have been filled with a thriving, cooing population of homing pigeons.

They would have begun training at around four months of age, traveling in a crate a short distance from their loft and released to fly home. As the birds progressed, Marion would increase the distance from where he released his young fliers until they found their way home from 100 miles away.

On one of their training runs, the boathouse pigeons likely spotted the masts of CONSTELLATION, moored at the Academy docks for summer training.

Room had been made on the spar deck for a small pigeon cote, which held about a dozen homing pigeons. The first sea trials took place during the summer of 1892.

With dispatches tied to their tail feathers, 10 pigeons from the Naval Academy were released from CONSTELLATION at different distances along the Chesapeake Bay. All birds returned to the boathouse loft in good time with messages safely delivered. CONSTELLATION sailed on to Newport, RI, that summer, and before she left to return to Annapolis, birds from

lofts in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Massachusetts were brought on board.

On the return trip, several of these birds were released each day with messages to fly home. Nearly all pigeons arrived at their respective lofts the same day they were released, demonstrating their ability to fly home reliably over water from places they’d never been.

At this point, Marion wrote an article for Proceedings proposing 20 pigeon stations be built along the Atlantic coast.

An accompanying chart showed each station with a circle of a 240-mile radius drawn around it, indicating the zone in which trained pigeons could be relied upon to return to their home lofts. Any commercial or naval ship, Marion said, could be supplied with pigeons from these lofts.

During peace time, vessels with birds on board could report the position of disabled ships and local wrecks, and signal their own needs. In wartime, ships defending a coast could send transmissions ashore via pigeon to signal the approach of the enemy’s fleet and report its MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 35

FEATURE

PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY DIGITAL COLLECTIONS

Professor Marion installed homing pigeons at the top of the rigging loft of the boathouse in 1891 to begin experiments with the birds as messengers from sea.

movements. Marion asserted a pigeon could cover in eight hours the distance it took a vessel 24 hours sailing at 10 knots.

Commandant of Cadets Rear Admiral Colby M. Chester, USN (Ret.), Class of 1863, was impressed and endorsed Marion’s pigeon messenger service.

He recommended an appropriation be asked of Congress to carry out the proposed plans of such a service. Yet, no appropriation was made.

In a Proceedings article the following year, Marion reported a real-time situation on board CONSTELLATION, which had taken boathouse pigeons on another summer cruise. At about 12 miles out, Seaman Thomas Gilkie was killed in an accident. At 9:30 a.m., pigeons were released to fly back to the Academy with messages requesting a boat be sent for the body. By noon, the tug

36 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

STANDISH was alongside CONSTELLATION. This was no experiment. It was a real emergency during which pigeons transported an important message, and Marion must have been keenly aware of its significance.

Despite continued achievements, including a valuable endorsement from Captain R.L. Phythian, USN (Ret.), Class of 1857, then Academy Superintendent, the year 1895 saw the homing pigeon messenger service fighting for its life.

Would a highly publicized event in France help?

The French newspaper Figaro claimed pigeons could not fly 100 miles at sea and would grow seasick and unable to fly if left on board for too long.

The Le Petit Journal of Paris gleefully took up the challenge and hired the steamer, MANOUBIA, to prove Figaro wrong. About 4,500 pigeons were

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOOSIER STATE CHRONICLES

placed on MANOUBIA on 30 June 1895 at St. Nazaire. The trip lasted 10 days, during which the birds ate, drank and cooed, showing not the slightest sign of sea sickness. Four tosses took place from 91, 125, 187.5 and 312.5 miles from the nearest shore, Pointe du Croisic. Only 16 pigeons out of 4,500 refused to seek land and their home lofts.

The Navy Department remained unmoved. It was a different story the next year. In 1896, five years after Marion set up the first pigeon cote at the Naval Academy, the Navy agreed to fund a pigeon messenger service.

Appropriations were made, and the Bureau of Equipment began building

lofts at Portsmouth Navy Yard, Newport Naval Training Center, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Norfolk Navy Yard, Key West Naval Base and Mare Island Navy Base. Lofts were patterned after the one at the Naval Academy and painted with red and white stripes, which pigeons in flight could clearly spot. Six lofts were a far cry from the 20 Marion initially proposed, but it was a start. The Naval Pigeon Messenger Service was in business.

That same year, Marion patented a message holder that clamped on a pigeon’s leg, securing the message safely inside. These capsules were mass produced for the six lofts, and they became the prototype for pigeon message holders used around the world.

War Time Delivery Before all six pigeon lofts were fully operational, the United States entered a war with Spain in 1898 to free the Philippines and Cuba from Spanish rule.

In a few documented cases, the Naval Pigeon Messenger Service conveyed messages from fleets at sea to home ports on both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Many more pigeons likely flew unrecorded missions.

In 1901, Guglielmo Marconi sent Morse code for the letter “S” wirelessly across the Atlantic Ocean from England to Newfoundland. These three dots, transmitted in a matter of seconds, changed how the world communicated.

By 1902, all new Navy ships had provisions for installing wireless. The Navy’s pigeons were sold off, the lofts shuttered.

Marion died in 1913 and is buried at the Naval Academy. Although he never realized his dream of a fully feathered Navy pigeon messenger service, he did live long enough to witness the start of the rise of pigeon couriers into legend as their service with the Army and Navy in World War I and World War II was not only the best means of communication, but also life-saving.

In 1903, another type of bird flew the skies, one made of wood and cloth, and

Former Naval Academy French professor Henri Marion patented a message holder that clamped on a pigeon’s leg in 1886. The capsules became the prototype for pigeon message holders used globally.

powered by an engine. Shortly after planes took to the air, the U.S. Navy trained pilots to fly them. In planes, and later, in dirigibles and free balloons, Navy pilots were almost always accompanied by homing pigeons. Marion’s unshakable faith in the skills and reliability of homing pigeons built the basis for communications used by the U.S. Navy for more than 60 years, and his vision forms an enduring legacy of the Naval Academy. a Elizabeth Macalaster’s book, War Pigeons: Winged Couriers in the U.S. Military, 1878-1957, was published by McFarland Books in October 2020.

She lives on the coast of Maine with her husband, Daniel K. Sayner ’77, whom she met at the Naval Academy boathouse where they coached women’s crew for several years.

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 37

FEATURE

MUSEUM QUALITY: WWII SURRENDER SWORD IS TESTAMENT TO ROLE ALUMNI PLAYED IN PHILIPPINES CAMPAIGN

O

… that in disarming, Japanese officers be especially allowed to retain their swords, since these are private properties 38 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

handed down from father to son and represent their most cherished and honored heirlooms.

Yamashita and Okochi turned themselves in to Major General William H. Gill of the U.S. Army’s 32d Division at 0900 on 2 September 1945. Initially, they were permitted to keep their swords. Gill whisked them to the governor’s summer retreat outside the city of Baguio, arriving eight hours later. At noon the next day, Major General Edmund H. Leavey accepted their formal surrender at a ceremony arranged by Colonel George H. Bishop.

Upon their arrival at Baguio on the afternoon of 2 September, Bishop relieved the captured officers of their swords. He apparently held them until the following day, when they were presented to Leavey at the start of the surrender ceremony.

Two days later, Supreme Allied Commander General of the Army

Douglas MacArthur sent the following telegram to the Naval Academy at Annapolis: 5 September 1945 I have directed that the surrendered sword of Vice Admiral Okochi, commander of the Japanese Imperial Naval Forces in the Philippines, be forwarded to the U.S. Naval Academy as a memento of the service rendered by its sons in the vital struggle which proved so decisive in the war with Japan.

Yamashita’s sword went to West Point.

Visitors to the Naval Academy Museum are invited to observe this historic Japanese sword on display in the Surrender Ceremony diorama. There, it pays lasting tribute to the critical role played by Naval Academy graduates in the grueling Philippines campaign of 1944-45 and the Allies’ final victory in the Pacific Theater of World War II. a PHOTO COURTESY OF THE USNA MUSEUM

ne of the most popular exhibitions in the Naval Academy Museum is the full-scale diorama that depicts the formal surrender of Japan at a ceremony held aboard the battleship MISSOURI on 2 September 1945, marking the end of World War II. To bring it to life, the diorama includes the actual table, tablecloth and chairs from the event, plus the uniform items worn by Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN (Ret.), Class of 1905. Even the fountain pen in his hand is one of two he used to witness the proceedings on behalf of the United States. The Instrument of Surrender is an official copy of the original document, now held at the National Archives.

The one object on display that was not present in Tokyo Bay that day is the Japanese sword displayed on the diorama’s right-hand side. Unlike the other objects, it hails from another ceremony that took place the next day—3 September— in the mountains of Luzon, the largest of the Philippine Islands, located 2,400 miles away.

When Japan’s government surrendered unconditionally to the Allies on 15 August, General Tomoyuki Yamashita’s last remaining forces in the Philippines were besieged in the mountains of northern Luzon. On 26 August, he and his Navy counterpart, Vice Admiral Denshichi Okochi, ordered a cease-fire and prepared a list of proposed conditions for surrender. Included at the end was the following request:

By Grant Walker and Tracie Logan, U.S. Naval Academy Museum

VADM Okoshi’s sword is a World War II Japanese naval officer’s katana Kaiguntō (海軍刀, naval sword). The handle and scabbard are covered with shark skin.

BRAVO ZULU 1960s ’67: Toby Hollander closed out a successful election season this winter after working on the political campaign of Samuel Zager ’97, who won a seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. RADM James Schear, USN (Ret.), received the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for his service in the Navy, Navy Reserve, PSA/USAir and FAA in September. In November, he was inducted into the State of Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. ’68: RADM Bill Center, USN (Ret.), was named the University of Washington’s 2020 Distinguished Alumni Veteran. ’69: Lawrence W. Townsend, Ph.D., was elected to membership in the International Academy of Astronautics in 2020. He was also recognized as one of the top two percent of cited scientists in the world by Stanford University.

1970s ’71: CAPT Frank Culbertson, USN (Ret.), has been appointed to a three-year term on the board of directors of the Space Foundation.

CDR Jeffrey Albright, USN, (Ret.), and his law firm, JAlbright Law, LLC, were selected in November 2020

by U.S. News and World Report and Best Lawyers as a Best Law Firm for 2021 in the areas of environmental law and administrative/regulatory law in Albuquerque, NM. ’73: RADM Steve Horton, JAGC, USN (Ret.), was elected a supervisor on the Sarasota Soil & Water Conservation District board. ’77: Col Henry J. “Hank” Donigan III, USMC (Ret.), completed his 300th marathon in Kingwood, TX, on 1 January. Since 2013, Donigan has been raising money for the Semper Fi and America’s Fund through his running. The fund provides immediate

Wright-Springer ’88 Named Booz Allen Hamilton Partner Matice Wright-Springer ’88, a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees and the Navy’s first Black female naval flight officer, has rejoined Booz Allen Hamilton as a partner and senior vice president in the firm’s global defense group as part of its aerospace account. In addition to her day-to-day role, Wright-Springer will serve as a key leader supporting the Department of Defense’s efforts to enable Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control, bringing firsthand experience on its impact as a former naval officer, defense civilian and industry leader. “I am excited to return to Booz Allen as a partner and senior vice president, where I look forward to working alongside some of the best and brightest subject matter experts in the defense industry,” said Wright-Springer. “I was drawn back to Booz Allen because I want to help solve some of the complex challenges that our customers face. The culture here at Booz Allen encourages continuous learning and innovative problem solving. We steer away from complacency and gladly embrace things that have never been done before. I look forward to leading customer engagements and collaborating with others across the firm to help grow the business and provide smart solutions that protect our nation’s security.” ®

financial assistance and lifetime support to combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, ensuring they have the resources they need during their recovery and transition back to their communities. CAPT Bill Hartman, USN (Ret.), took over as president and chief operating officer of Atargis Energy, a technology startup and the first firm to cost-effectively harvest electricity from ocean waves. ’78: CAPT Bruce Bole, USN, has been elected as a city commissioner for Atlantic Beach, FL. ADM Cecil Haney, USN (Ret.), was appointed to the board of directors of Tenet Healthcare Corporation in January.

CDR Lee Price, USN (Ret.), has been appointed as the Texas state director for the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. ’79: Kevin “Duke” Reilly, chairman of the John W. Danforth Company, was named “Contractor of the Year”

by Contractor magazine, a leading national industry publication.

Award, which recognizes a select group of career members for exceptional performance over an extended period of time. ’87: David Robinson received the NCAA’s 2021 Gerald R. Ford Award.

Timothy Reimann was named president of Veit and Company of Rogers, MN. ’89: The Honorable Paul Dabbar was awarded the Secretary of Energy’s highest Department of Energy award, the James R. Schlesinger Medal. Col Michael T. Cuccio, USMC (Ret.), received the 2020 Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s Award for COVID Pandemic Heroism for leading the Federal Emergency Management Agency team that procured and distributed hundreds of millions of personal protective equipment items to fulfill requirements across the nation in support of the historic logistical effort of the U.S. government.

1990s

1980s

’92: CDR John Ellzey, USN (Ret.), was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in November 2020.

’84: CAPT Paul Lluy, USN, was selected by the Department of the Navy as one of 13 senior executive service professionals to receive the Fiscal Year 2019 Presidential Rank

’94: CDR Scott Suozzi, JAGC, USN (Ret.), has been selected to fill the newly created position of president of the nonprofit Operation New Hope,

home of the nationally recognized Ready4Work reentry program. ’99: LTJG Eric Oehlerich, USN (Ret.), has joined the Middle East Institute as a senior fellow for technology and national security.

LCDR Josephine Nguyen, USN, was named to the 2020-2021 Class of White House Fellows.

2000s ’03: LCDR Nadia Tepper, USNR, has been named the next executive director of the Southeast Regional Maintenance Center. ’04: Johnathan Bernard, MD, has been appointed an adjunct assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at John Hopkins University. ’08: LCDR Fiona McFarland, USNR, was elected to the Florida House of Representatives 72nd District (North Sarasota County) in the November 2020 election.

2010s ’14: Kenneth Piech won a Fulbright Scholarship for research in South Korea through his graduate work at Georgetown University.

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

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 39

ALUMNI PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Dreaming of Travel?

Where do you want to go?

Whether it is to Yosemite, Death Valley & the Great Parks of California in September or the Civil Rights: The Journey to Freedom tour in November, we are ready when you are ready.

Visit www.usna.com/travel-2021 when you are ready. The 2022 travel schedule will be coming soon.

40 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

USNA Alumni Travel

ALUMNI PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

THE USNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESENTS

THREE VIRTUAL EVENT SERIES

Information can be found at www.usna.com/news/virtual-event-series and our social media channels

GREAT USNA GIFTS AVAILABLE Whether you or someone you know needs USNA apparel or great gifts, we have you covered. Visit our four online stores and shop for apparel (shop #2), beautiful chairs (shop #3), diploma frames for your upcoming graduate (shop #4) and distinctive gifts from MLaHart (shop #1) Find the perfect gift today. www.usna.com/shop.

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 41

ALUMNI PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

ALUMNI BUSINESS DIRECTORY Many Naval Academy alumni go on to launch and/or own businesses in a wide variety of vital industries. Many of those industries— and your fellow alumni and their families and employees—are currently feeling the immediate impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

If you’re in need of a product or service, the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association’s Business Directory can help you locate the right business by class, location or industry and support your fellow alumni at the same time. Sign up today at www.usna.com/alumni-businesses.

Questions, please email USNAAlumniBusiness@usna.com Inclusion in the directory does not imply endorsement.

42 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

CLASS NEWS ’38

Life Membership: 0% Donor Participation: 0% 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

As reported in previous ’39 columns, our 80th Anniversary celebration of the 1 June graduation of the Class of ’39 was held on 9 November, 2019. Among the honored guests were Tim Disher- Director, International Programs USNA, and Midshipman 2/C Lara Malaver - who was the recipient of the 80th gift from the Class of 1939.

prophetic these words would prove to be).

When we were planning the 80th celebration, we looked for an appropriate and meaningful designation to the Naval Academy for the ’39 gift. We selected International Programs USNA, which provides Midshipmen the opportunity to train and study overseas. Their annual goal is to send 500 Midshipmen overseas through one of several programs including semester study abroad, foreign language immersion, faculty-led program or professional exchanges with counterpart navies or naval academies. All ‘39ers had served overseas in some capacity during their careers- as well as going abroad during their Youngster Year.

“In the late 1950s and early 1960s, at the height of the Cold War between the US/NATO and the USSR/Warsaw pact, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Arleigh Burke oversaw the signing of the agreement to establish a Personnel Exchange Program (PEP) with the Italian Naval Academy.

Tim Disher and Lara Malaver at 80th celebration luncheon

At the 75th Reunion in September, 2014, then ’39 Class President, VADM Tom Weschler designated the ’39 Class gift be given to the new Cyber Warfare program since ’39 “had been at the forefront of WWII, Korea and Vietnam, and now would be facing a new type of warfare” (editor’s note: how

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

ADM Burke- who was very international-minded and later went on to co-found the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank- understood the importance of cultural and academic integration with our allies in order to fight authoritarianism and advance democracy.” (from the Livorno Link, Winter/Spring 2020 - ‘Celebrating, Connecting and Supporting PEP Livorno and U.S. Partnership’Newsletter for the Personnel Exchange Program, Midshipmen, Family and Friends since 1961).

How very gratifying it was for ’39 to provide the opportunity for Midshipman 2/C Lara Malaver to study at the Italian Naval Academy in Liverno, Italy during the Spring semester of her Youngster year.

We are now all too familiar with what happened to our world in the Spring of 2020, which also abbreviated Lara’s time at the Italian Naval Academy, and she had to return to her home in Elmsford, NY in early March. She sent the following letter to the Class of1939:

M “My beautiful relationship with the Italian Naval Academy and Marina, rooted in my stay on the VESPUCCI and nourished for two months this winter in Livorno, is one that has left me with a deeper understanding of and love for the Italian Navy, culture and people.”

Aboard the Italian Navy Ship and floating museum, Amerigo Vespucci, is a subtly displayed sign saying which every sailor can relate to…’ Non chi comincia, ma quel che persevera’: Not who begins, but who perseveres. Being the outsider in a world of difference including customs, language and every day routines that would seem natural to an insider, I have to say that this line reverberated with me and the new strength and adaptability I found in myself while abroad. While this implies a difficulty that most would equate with an unwelcome experience, for me this experience amounts to two months of time lived wonderfully and to their fullest extent. I spent two months re-working my English speaking mind to adapt to a language of new sounds and gestures; studying with the Navy’s future engineers, who definitely outpaced my humanitiesgeared mind; physically challenging myself while adjusting to foreign routines and standards and most of all, eating some of the best food I’ve ever imagined with friends that I now have for life.

From the moment I walked onto the VESPUCCI, and then from the moment I entered the Academy, I was lucky to inherit a new home and family. Whether they are yelling, gesturing, joking, fighting, or eating all together, the Italians are warm and welcome hosts that I would return to in a moment. Even in the times I felt the homesickness and the wariness of living in a foreign country like a punch in the face- literally in our martial arts classes- I would always come to a meal and feel the warmth and inclusion that I so craved, the comfort that I missed. Needless to say I

’39: Lara at 80th with ’39 banner Donor participation numbers as of 31 December 2020.

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 43

39/42 CLASS NEWS was well cared for, and of course I got to be the end of a lot of jokes, too- all of which I cherished.

My daily schedule went like this: Morning Quarters formation with everyone in the Piazzale (a square within the dormitorya much smaller Bancroft Hall) at 0750 followed by breakfast. My five classes started at 0835 and ended at 1310, with Noon Meal Formation at 1325 (lunch takes forever because for the Italians, meals are an important way to take a break from the day’s work and enjoy the company of others). In the afternoons there is a range of events that we are scheduled to do randomly, including: sailing lessons, martial arts lessons, swim lessons, and PE class in the gym or at the track. Dinner Formation was at 1940. I really enjoyed dinner, because it gave me the chance to practice the language and to get to know my classmates. After dinner, everyone relaxes and chats for a while before studying into the darkness of the night. I enjoy this time period because I get to chat with my Youngster (“Anziani”, which means something like elders- quite the juxtaposition from Youngster) friends a bit. There is also a different schedule for liberty. For third year students, liberty is authorized on Tuesday (after 1920), Thursday (after 1645), Saturday (after 1920), and practically all day on Sunday.

Liberty always expired at 30 minutes past midnight. We would often go get something to eat, sometimes see a movie, go bowling, or go to the pubs. It was always good fun.

The impact of my time in Italy will not leave me, as it has developed me in a way that no other experience could have. I discovered the beauty of cultural difference and being at the center of a world I knew little of; learned the importance of having open ears and an open mind in order to bridge the gap between the customs I take for granted and those I had yet to understand; and most of all, I lived every minute of it without pretending, retaining the essence of my own being while still uncovering more of myself along the way. It has been the pleasure of a lifetime, and I am endlessly thankful to all who 44 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

allowed me the opportunity and even more so to those who aided me in the perseverance.

I was plucked out of Italy and sent home to New York in early March, just when we were starting to get a sense of how terrible the pandemic would be. By the time my two-week quarantine ended, my home was completely shut down. In this environment, I figured out how to transfer over to finish the semester through USNA, while dealing with having to work from home for the first time since high school.

However, I was able to reflect and relish my two month experience abroad. The disappointment of having to leave so soon became recognition for all the ways I had grown in spirit, character, and as a disciplined future leader of sailors. I am truly grateful for the opportunity I was afforded by the generosity of ’39 to experience life from a different perspective. It was the most transformative time I have had through the Academy and will live on with me forever, in all that I do.”

’39: Lara Malaver and Italian Naval Academy classmates enjoying liberty in Livorno

’39: Lara Malaver with Italian Tall Ship VESPUCCI in background

19 November, 2020 and Lara is going SWO (Surface Warfare Officer) - her first choice! On 4 February, 2021 Lara picked her first choice ship, DDG 115, USS RAFAEL PERALATA out of Yokosuka, Japan.

We wish her Godspeed, and to tell Lara Malaver that she has made ’39 proud.

What about ’39!

What about Lara Malaver!

Respectfully submitted, Barbara Fidel Adams ’39 Class Secretary Lara Malaver aboard VESPUCCI

Lara Malaver is now in the second semester of her First Class year and is the Brigade Academics/Assistant Operations Officer. She is a member of the Women’s ECA Soccer team and member of the 22nd Company.

Lara is also president of the Labyrinth – the Academy’s art and literary journal, composed completely of work by Midshipmen- poetry, prose, photography, drawing and music.

Service assignments came out on

’40

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

’41

Life Membership: 25% Donor Participation: 100% Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com

’42

Life Membership: 43% 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

Hello Class of ‘42 Classmates, Family and Friends, HAPPY SPRING!!!!!!

IN MEMORANDIUM Vice Admiral Douglas C. Plate, USN (Ret.), 100 passed on 21 December 2020 in Charleston, S.C. Douglas was born 20 July 1920 in New York, New York. He graduated from Choate School in Wallington, CT and in 1938 entered the US Naval Academy and graduated in December 1941 with the Class of ‘ 42. Admiral Plate was awarded the Legion of Merit with gold star and the Distinguished Service Medal

also with gold star. He retired from active Naval service in 1975 and joined the staff of the Citadel in Charleston, SC as Special Assistant to the President. Admiral Plate retired from that position in 1981 and prior to “complete” retirement in 2005, served as a private consultant on a variety of civic committees and boards. Among them were The Surface Navy Association, The US Naval Academy Alumni Association, The Military Officers Association of America and many more. Admiral Plate was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, the former Peggy Deane of San Francisco who died in May of 2007. He is survived by his daughter, Margaret Deane Hahn of Thousand Oaks, CA; son, Douglas Weyand Plate of Merizo, Guam; a sister and four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

DID YOU KNOW? Chaplain William Nathaniel Thomas, USN. His Grandson, Richard Templeton, is trying to find persons that knew him or that have any information on him, that may wish to share, please contact him at: templetonrk@gmail.com.

Chaplain Thomas was the Command Chaplain at the Academy from 1933 to 1945, author of the Midshipman Prayer, the Dedication in Bancroft Hall and became the Navy Chief of Chaplains.

During this national pandemic of the COVID-19, may you and your families stay safe and well.

GOD BLESS THE CLASS OF ‘42 AND MAY EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL SPRING WEATHER AND FLOWERS THAT CHEER US UP SO MUCH! Joan Curtis ‘42 Class Vice President /Secretary GO NAVY!!! BEAT ARMY!!

’43

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

’44

Life Membership: 47% Donor Participation: 25% Shipmate Corr Sec’y: William (Bill) Wakeland 9019 Antietam Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78239 h: 210-646-5870; e: wrwake@satx.rr.com

We’re getting old – old, “The Fundamental things apply, As Time Goes By”. As long as we stay alive, we just get older. The number 100 seems to attract attention as we age. The following account is about one of our classmates who earned the magic 100.

George Casey turned 100 and had a big celebration about it.

Charlie Bomberger, ’74 (cbomberger74@gmail.com, 928-499-9605), sent this: M It was December and in the spirit of COVID social distancing, we did a drive-by 100th Birthday Party for George Casey at his home here in Chino Valley, AZ, with his family present. We had a great turnout.

For the car caravan, we had local Sheriff’s deputy escort and over 100 cars participated, several from over 100 miles away (Air flyover was called away due to shooting in Sedona AZ that afternoon). George was there sportily attired in his original Navy blues, LT stripes and cloth wings! A little cake, balloons and Navy Blue & Gold when it was all over. We had a great turnout with 2 current Plebes, class of 2024 (Nicole Babbitt and Charles Longacre) in attendance (80 years after the Class of ’44!), as well as Alumni from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

42/45 CLASS NEWS After graduation, George reported aboard the USS Stanly (DD 478) in September 1943 just off Guadalcanal and participated with Arleigh Burke’s Little Beavers squadron in the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay on November 2nd, 1943. The squadron earned a Presidential Unit Citation for their actions during that battle. In August, he received orders to become a Navy pilot, which had been his lifelong goal. George went to primary flight training in Ottumwa IA and then on to basic flight school in Corpus Christi. He received his Wings of Gold just as the war ended. He spent two years at NAS Atlantic City then resigned his commission.

Birthday car parade Class Losses: Sadly I report another classmate death. Cdr. Roy Phillips, ’44 died Jan. 2, 2021. He served in the Pacific area, first on a destroyer operating with a fast carrier task force and later on the battleship USS NORTH CAROLINA. He participated in battles at Tarawa, Saipan-Tinian, Iwo Jima and the surprise naval bombardment of Tokyo at night from the USS NORTH CAROLINA. He resigned his Navy commission in 1947 and joined the Navy Reserve from which he retired as a Commander in 1981.

Mary Reynolds and her husband Jon Reynolds informed the Alumni Association of the passing of Captain. Earnest (Jack) E. Reynolds USN (Ret.), on 31 January 2021. He was just a few months shy of his 100th birthday. CAPT Reynolds graciously served the class as secretary for a few years from 2013 -2015. Look for his Last Call obituary in this or a future issue of Shipmate.

Send updates on you and family, pictures make the report more interesting.

Bill Wakeland, wrwake@ satx.rr.com, 210 646 5870

’45

Life Membership: 53% Donor Participation: 85.71% Vice Pres: LtCol William P. “Bill” Cosgrove, USMC (Ret.) 10450 Lottsford Rd. #5016, Mitchellville, MD 20721 p: 240-770-7333; e: billcos45@yahoo.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 gathered on October 23, 2020, a cold gray day, to mourn the passing of RADM George F. Ellis at his Interment service in Annapolis. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the ’45 class members and their widows who were present solemnly sung the “Navy Blue and Gold” which is now a tradition for them at these sad occasions. Pictured from L-R are Rosemary Hsu-Brooks, Ted Cochrane, Bob Sherman, Bobbie Davidson, Kay Wilson, and Bill Cosgrove.

Sadly, classmate Howard Wesley Prier of Richardson, Texas, passed away on December 25, 2020. His memorial service was for family only.

Your class secretary sent out by email a draft copy of the list of ’45 classmates for updating. If you did not receive your copy by email, please call her as we want to be sure to include your current information on our list.

We are still meeting weekly on Zoom and we would love to have you join us. Wednesdays at 1300 hrs EST has been the usual appointed time for our sessions. You have the option of connecting to the group by either phone or internet.

If you are not receiving the information on how to connect, please contact your class secretary who will make sure that you are able to attend our next meeting. At our

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 45

43/47 CLASS NEWS Neat oldie picture of Stan and Marie Gary (married in 1952), shown below with Admiral Smith and Sec Nav Chafee. {Great pic Stan}

’45: RADM Ellis’ Interment at the USNA Columbarium

Wonderful Love letter from our First Lady Frances Stevens to our Class President CAPT Jack:

’45: Classmates & widows at the Interment of RADM Ellis

January 13thmeeting. Dave Ciccarelli, Class of ’81, mentioned how impressed he was with the two publications that the class of ’45 had prepared for their 20th and 40th class reunions. He had seen copies of both pubs at the USNA Alumni House and is interested in pitching a similar project to his class. Other topics discussed are our challenges and experiences with getting the Covid vaccine.

We miss your input. Please join us for our next meeting.

As always…

Look Alive with ‘45!

’46

Life Membership: 43% Donor Participation: 62.50% Vice Pres: Larry Baldwin 13708 Leland Rd., Centreville, VA 20120 p: 703 631 9817; e: owl22@cox.net Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com DEFENDI RESPUBLICAM ADOLESCENS, NON DESERAM SENEX 46 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

’47

Life Membership: 83% Donor Participation: 57.14% 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 Wife of Ed Myerson

Hello Team Forty-Seven!! Not much to put in the update at this time.

Moving forward I will only be able to place information in Shipmate that you send to me. I have been spending an inordinate time trying to get info from the Class and unfortunately I do not have the cycles to continue doing that.

So please send me a short update!

Thanks (Dick Gardier and Joe Flanagan…been trying to get your updates for a couple of years).

M Retired Capt. Jack Stevens, USNA ‘47, my Captain, the love of my life, needs prayers for smooth seas. At age 95, he is battling intestinal issues and double pneumonia at Peterson Memorial Hospital in Kerrville, Texas. Doctors have ordered several weeks of physical therapy for him, so I wait patiently for his return to the hill country ranch we both love so much. After 33 years of Naval service, including 2 tours of duty at the Pentagon, 25 years of flying on land and at sea, and as Commanding Officer of the USS Wichita, I know he can overcome this obstacle. We both agree that after nearly 75 years of marriage we still have more time left to laugh, love, and share together. BOTS (Best on the Severn) Frances Stevens

I received a note from Claire and Tom Teply: M Would you believe I turned 96 last month and Claire turned 97.

That proves that God has taken wonderful care of us all this time.

When we first met, Claire was thirty-five and I truly thought to myself, “Now, there is the very most beautiful woman in the world, who has never been married.” Now she has a few wrinkles, but I still believe the same about her beauty {love this Tom}. Truly, our infinitely wonderful Heavenly Father has taken marvelous care of us, even through COVID 19 virus. We really don’t care what He does to us from now on. After all, He is our eternal Savoir and because we have trusted in Him as our Savoir and Lord, He will eternally bless us, even if we think some things are not too pleasant.

We have lived in Willow Valley Communities in Lancaster, PA for seven and a half years now. We still think it must be the most wonderful place to find on earth before we go to heaven. The foliage is exquisite.

The trees are beautiful every season.

The whole place is kept up fabulously. The workers are joyously friendly and helpful. The meals are tasty. The disease from China keeps us cooped up pretty much, but we have each other. Our friends continue to greet us in the hallways when we pass. We still worship with two great Pastors on Daystar TV. Our children keep us stuffed with chocolates and cookies {good kids Tom}! We are lucky to have our great-gradchildren to keep in touch with us!

Final Hours: It is my sad duty to notify you of the passing of your Classmates and a wife: Jack Raftery, Dave Rogers, John Nicholson, John McLaren, Don Donohugh, Hope Bowdey (Floyd) and Eric Hooper. May they all Rest in Peace.

That’s all for now Team ‘47!

Look to the next Shipmate for more updates. I love receiving your notes in my mailbox, so please don’t stop sending them! Yours loyally for ’47.

“FoBotS” (Fan of Best on the Severn) OX, Eileen

48/49 CLASS NEWS

’48

we called “Got Leaks” (that’s their real name) who found two leaks.

They could only plug one, but we had to have a complete new skimmer assembly installed. We did get use of the pool through November, heated of course.

The year started well when, courtesy of our four children, old tail hook was treated to a “familiarization” flight for the first time in 17 years behind the controls. With minor assistance from the required instructor, Mary and I survived.

Getting me out of the cockpit afterward was a problem.”

Life Membership: 48% Donor Participation: 20.55% Sec’y/Webmaster: John Tsiknas 16061 Avenida Venusto, Apt. E218 San Diego, CA 92128-4414 p: 858-451-0967 e: johntsiknas@att.net Website: http://1948.usnaclasses.com

The holidays have come and gone and hopefully everyone missed or survived Covid-19. By now many of us in our age group should have received one of the Covid-19 vaccinations. I received my first Pfizer vaccination on January 11 and am looking forward to my second shot on February 1. I never thought that I would be saying that I am looking forward to a shot (unless it was gin or Scotch) but this case is different.

By the time you read this my shots will have been ancient history since this is bring written on January 24.

I am always happy and proud to see that our class donations go to good use. We received a letter from Captain D.S. Hughes, SC, USN (Ret.) V.P / Executive Office of the USNA Athletic and Scholarship Foundation reporting that he was honored to announce that Midshipman Lucy Maule was awarded the Class of 1948 Honor Scholarship.

He further reported that Midshipman Lucy Maule hails from County Wicklow, Ireland and spent a year at Western Reserve Academy as a result of the scholarship that our classmates established. Lucy is just one of 43 Naval Academy foundation sponsored students to enter the Naval Academy as members of the Class of 2024 thanks to the generosity of scholarships donors like our class. (Scribe’s note: Lucy’s mother is from Ireland and her father is a US citizen. The family lives in Ireland) I also received a very gracious letter from Midshipman Maule thanking our class for its generosity which allowed her to enter the Naval Academy via Western Reserve Academy (WRA) and to attain her goal since 2013 to become as US Naval officer. When she entered WRA at age 18 she did not know what to expect and was worried

’48: Standing: Bob Flood, John Fry; Sitting: Chuck Gorder, Warren Graham, Bob Smith

Thanks Paul. 2021 has to be a better year than 2020 even for us old conservatives. I am looking forward to your 2021 letter.

’48: Standing: Bob Flood, Tony Duncan, Chuck Gorder, Rhona Gorder; Sitting: Judy flood and Bob Smith

about adjusting to the American culture. She said that WRA helped her connect with her American roots and now sees herself as a true American even to the point of losing her Irish accent.

Rhona Gorder sent the following pictures taken at the 2011 Homecoming celebration. She said that even though only one classmate and one wife in the two photos are the only ones remaining, the pictures still bring back a nostalgia that is hard to forget. I totally agree and urge you to submit your favorite photos.

Paul Riley sent us his annual Christmas/New Years message and said that we could use as much of it as we wished. Following are some excerpts from his letter: M “2020: Good eyesight, bad foresight (a non-Happy Year.)

And then the Navy football team lost to Army.

For this 32nd Riley family Christmas letter, if we have your email address, that’s how you are getting it. No shopping for stamps and cards is our excuse.

“At Age 94+, I, Paul, am asked often about my health. The brain is well, body not so much. Once this year we did have to call the EMT’s to get me up off the ground. I no longer work at that level. I kept doctor’s appointments to monitor leukemia, glaucoma, and varicose veins. The last prevented swimming three months while encased in elastic high socks. With no barber visits, I grew a beard now at S. Claus length. Evelyn has done a neat job cutting my hair. She is now known as Barbara of Seville, a coy reference also to a stripper’s stage name.

We used much water last fall to keep our pool at proper level. Finally,

In Memoriam Classmates: Jacobs, S.A., 8th Co., 12/31/2020 Smith, R.C., Jr., 18th Co., 11/06/2020 Albanese, A.A., 3rd Co., 1/01/2021 Park, J.S., 13th Co., 1/07/2021 Spouse: Pauline Montgomery, 12/08/2020 Colleen Davenport, 11/29/2020 Alice O’Connor, 11/19/2020 Evelyn Hoffman, 1/10/2021

’49

Life Membership: 66% Donor Participation: 24.76% Pres: Vacant Exec VP: 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: 49paullaric49@gmail.com Asst Sec'y: Ursula Vosseler Treas: CAPT Al Frost, USN (Ret.) 6516 Bellamine Ct., McLean, VA 22101-1481 Webmaster: CAPT Robert Tolbert, USN (Ret.) Website: www.usna-class49.org

You will be royally entertained by our faithful raconteur, John Camp, who recalls - assuredly with a mischievous smile - a sea story you have never likely to have read or

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 47

49/49 CLASS NEWS heard. It didn’t come to fisticuffs, but almost, and that would have doubled the frosting on the cake.

John didn’t give it a heading, so let’s just call it... ...On Their Knees.

On the day that North Korea invaded the south, the carrier USS LEYTE (CV-32) was swinging at anchor off the port of Beirut, Lebanon. The ship had been on deployment of goodwill tours of countries fronting the Mediterranean coast, starting from the Rock of Gibraltar. That same day, it was ordered home for installation of additional anti-aircraft armaments before sailing to augment our presence in the Sea of Japan. In less than a month, the LEYTE was on station and at war.

The deployment resulted in the ship establishing certain records never before achieved by an American warship. One was a record number of continuing days steaming at sea. Replenishment of food, fuel, ammunition, supplies and personnel took place by rendezvous with supply vessels at sea, sometimes twice a week. Combat activities occurred day and night.

General quarters became a constant event. One day became like any other day. There were no scheduled off days. Weekends melded into weekdays. Inspections of crew and spaces were given a moratorium. I was paymaster during all this period.

I made it a habit of holding payday in the morning every 15 days. In those days pay was dispensed in cash at various assembly places on board. I deputized pay clerks to man these posts so payday could be accomplished for a crew of several thousand men simultaneously over a period of a couple of hours.

On one occasion the payday fell on Sunday.

It always amazed me how much money exchanged hands as men emerged from the pay line. Friends settled money borrowed, loan sharks collected debts, bets were settled and scores of games of chance were played. There was more shuffling of dollars among the crew than we were disbursing in the pay line. Thereafter whenever one went aboard decks, groups of men 48 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

everywhere crouched across from a bulkhead shooting craps, a game of chance bouncing dice against the bulkhead. High score would win the pot. This Sunday was no different.

Following payday, early afternoon, my disbursing clerks and I settled accounts by posting disbursements to each member’s pay record. It was a gruesome task requiring accuracy to the penny. Rare was the sailor who did not draw all the money he had earned to date. During that particular early afternoon, while my disbursing clerks and I were processing the accounts, the Chaplain, an 04 type Lieutenant Commander, came storming into my office and without as much as a “By your leave,” blurted out, “How dare you conduct a payday during the church services I was conducting on the hanger deck?” It seemed the crew gave precedence to payday, the money exchanges and games of chance thereafter rather than his simultaneous religious services he was conducting on the hanger deck? As he entered he startled me.

My crew were aghast at the belligerent intrusion. He was obviously seeking an apology or, at least, a humble, contrite response, an expiation of sorts like an atonement for sins. But he was not in my chain of command nor was I too concerned with the blemish mark in my service record, if he should file a complaining report.

I flippantly remarked, “Look at it this way, padre, I probably had more

sailors on their knees this morning than you did.” That did not go over well. He was not appeased at all. I watched him rise on his toes, inhale deeply, and bristling with rage storm out of my office. He never said goodbye. He just left agitated and furious, slamming the door behind him with such force that it would break the window in it, if there was one. Another Sunday did not occur during my tour on board.

It saved any repeat confrontation.

Seek and Ye Shall Find – Maybe Famous words but not always true.

What fun is there in courting frustration? Not much, but here’s a story that needs telling in the times with which we are blessed. Dodo and I are both approaching the mid nineties and with the raging virus and other hazards our lives have assumed a similarity from one day to the next that defies description.

Let me only say that the days repeat themselves with such accuracy that we’re hardly ever sure what day is today. Classmates our vintage, surely are experiencing this phenomenon.

One inevitable happening, an almost daily repeater, is losing things and spending a good portion of the day looking for them. When you’ve dropped a nickel or a dime out of your pocket as you get dressed, a search is hardly worth the trouble. If it’s your glasses we’re desperately dependent on them - that can be another matter and a time consuming one. We each reach for our flashlight and the

’49: It’s Sunday and what could be better than “Swim Call” as LEYTE sailors use her deck edge elevator as a diving platform? But two of the ship’s officers have an understandable difference of opinion.

search is on. Question: when something drops, why doesn’t it drop straight down where you can quickly retrieve it? No it propels itself under one of our beds or the couch and it’s so dark down there that beams don’t shine on them, but we’re privy to recovering something lost long ago and it’s finally surfacing.

So, there we are in the prone position getting nowhere. When thoroughly exhausted and ready to give up for a welcome rest, before resuming the search, rising to an upright position is chore that will demand a nap before all else. Then we don our spare spectacles and resume the search. Yippee, our toes will kick the well hidden glasses and push them further under the couch.

That’s if you’re lucky. If the lost item is a hearing aid the guesswork can be much more frustrating. But necessary as new ones cost mucho dinero.

Dodo has remarkable teeth.

In her entire life she had one extraction, caused by a sharp bite when she clobbered herself on a steep ski slope. The opposite can be said of my teeth; I wear dentures, upper and lower. Don’t like them.

Remove them frequently. Where I put them is often a very important question. Like yesterday, when I was reading a magazine in bed and deposited my dentures on the night table - or so I thought. Correction, I deposited one on the night table.

The other floated who knows where. Out came the flashlight that, true to form, revealed nothing.

But at least, I knew it can’t be too far away. Dodo came and helped me in the search with her flashlight.

No luck. How is that possible?

Let me tell you. After moving beds and night tables in vain and exhausted, as much from the frustration as from the painfully gained upright position, I settled back on my bed for a well deserved rest. And guess what. My tongue slid over the upper denture which, unbelievably, didn’t get dislodged.

In Memoriam LT William Clinton Sandlin, Jr., USN (Ret.) died November 26, 2020 in Dallas, TX.

49/51 CLASS NEWS Lena DiGiuseppi Dyer, wife of CAPT Gerald W. Dyer, USN (Ret.) died December 15, 2020 in Coto di Caza, CA. LTJG Andrew “Andy” Rembert Carr, USN (Ret.) died December 28, 2020 in Clarksdale, MS. Jack K. Hobgood, non-grad, died November 9, 2007 (stet) in Calhoun, GA. His widow, Glo Gay Hobgood died, October 6, 2016 (stet) in Calhoun, GA. CAPT Charles Francis Hickey, USN (Ret.) died on December 18, 2020 in San Diego, CA.

’50

Life Membership: 67% Donor Participation: 22.12% 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 Email System Mgr: TBD 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

Several Class Classmates and Widows have expressed a need for additional copies of the Class yearbook. To meet this demand, we have obtained a limited shipment of a more economical, soft cover edition.

However, the quality of this version is still evident, both in its prose and binding.

Accordingly, copies are now available to Classmates and Class Widows who would like an extra copy for their loved ones. Please advise me at 1250 South Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 of your requirements.

Since this edition is not one for general distribution, it is requested that those requesting extra copies make a donation of $10 per copy received to the Class Treasury to defray part of the cost. Please send your donation to Col. Bill Rockey, USMC, Class of 1950 Treasurer, at 3440 Jefferson St. #871 Falls Church, VA 22041.

The Class of 1950 Diaspora The geographical origins of the Class of 1950, lay, back in 1946, mostly in the fifty states, and, as we know, they came somewhat in proportion to each state’s population.

This proportion loosely follows the requirement that each Congressman and Senator is allotted five midshipmen at the Academy at any one time. However, the input is modified by the incorporation of 270 members from the fleet, plus our Service Junior cohort, plus children of Medal of Honor winners and those from territories and foreign lands. Nevertheless, the overall proportion of midshipmen entering the Academy probably resembles, to a greater or lesser extent, the relative populations of the fifty states.

Given that premis, what is it today? it might be instructive to see where surviving Class of 1950 members now reside. Have we followed the general demographic patterns of the country, which are said to be determined by weather, taxes, and familial factors, or has there been a special pattern, influenced perhaps by our final Service duty station locations, with their celebrated medical, exchange, and commissary conveniences?

According to recent subscriber mailing lists maintained by USNA AA, it appears that our surviving classmates and Class of ’50 widows have generally retired in accordance with national retiree patterns. The major exceptions seem to be about those classmates who have been strongly influenced by family fidelity issues and last duty station conveniences, enhanced by friendships developed over our years of service.

Virginia claims the largest number of surviving retirees and widows, at 68. Maryland ranks third, with 33. However, when examining the draw of the Pentagon and associated DOD activities, residents of both states must be counted, and this explains the relatively large number of MD and VA retiree totals, at 98. Of these, 46 live near D.C., and an additional 11 in Annapolis, thus illustrating the strong attraction of the Pentagon, the Academy, and nearby service

amenity facilities. In other major active duty sites in these states, Norfolk attractions claim another 13.

However, Quantico’s draw, isolated as it is, has not been as evident, with only three ’50 retirees currently listed as living within easy commuting distance.

Our 33 retirees in Florida are no doubt sun lovers, in accord with the U.S. population as a whole. This, plus the widely available DOD facilities, plus zero state income taxes, make retiring in Florida an easy choice Out West, the 60 residents of California, may ignore inconvenient state taxes, but otherwise combine the draw of convenient DOD service facilities with the joys of the plenteous sunshine. About 20 hail from the San Diego - Coronado Navy complex, and 4 learned ones live near the PG school in Monterrey.

In Colorado, we find 5 from ’50 living in or near the Air Force Academy complex, at Colorado Springs, that’s over half the statewide total of 8.

On the other hand, Pennsylvania boasts 19 Classmates and Class widow families in residence, even though neither sunshine, taxes, nor many obvious instances of convenient access to DOD service locations appear. Strong family ties may be the secret of these retirees, but let’s face it, the weather is what you make of it!

The same goes for Massachusetts, with 16 residents from the Class retired in the Pilgrim state; certainly the weather, previous duty, nor commissary/exchange conveniences appear to be primary attractions.

Other stalwart New Englander retirees include 5 in New Hampshire, 7 in Maine, 2 in Vermont, and our sole Rhode Islander, Roger Buck.

Are family connections the answer? (let’s not quibble about the weather in New England, I’ve been there!)

Texas, with 19 retirees, lists only 2 in Houston, and 3 in San Antonio, who might possibly enjoy their nearby DOD facilities regularly. The others? Sunshine, low taxes, family, or perhaps the wide-open prairies may attract them!

States hosting a dearth of ’50 retirees include WI at 3, DE, MS, UT, and ID at 2, and MS at 1.

What Is the draw of these disparate states? Family connections, or are the rest of us missing something?

Even harder to find are Class of ’50 retirees in Alaska, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

What’s wrong? There’s gold to find, and fertile fields to plow in those lands!

In summary, weather, taxes, and family connections, modified by DOD conveniences, seem to determine primary retirement location decisions by our independent folks from ’50. These choices seem to be similar, in some, but not all respects, to the U.S. population as a whole.

So, as the old saying goes, “different strokes…” with a dose of DOD conveniences thrown in!

JJ McNally

’51

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 28.13% 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 Dear Classmates; It should be of little surprise to those of us approaching a 70th Reunion of the Class OF 51 - SECOND TO NONE - that our ranks have thinned.

It will be all too apparent when we gather in JUNE. That is Correct — JUNE 8-10, 2021. That may surprise some of you; but fervently hope it is happily and favorably so.

Those of you who have followed the “51” web page are urged to do

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 49

51/51 CLASS NEWS so again as we will try to keep it up to date with any current events as and if they occur.

The January/February issue had the reunion advertisement for our 70TH REUNION with the new dates. The dates need to be slightly tweaked again. The reunion dates are JUNE 8-10. Please make a note of the date change.

The local Annapolis Newspaper “The Capital” had a great article with updated photography displaying The Terwilliger Center for Student Athletes in which the Class of 51 supports one of the featured displays.

The dedication of the center is scheduled for 23 April. We will hope to send copies of the Capital article out in a separate e-mail.

The “virus” still dominates our individual attention and concern and we are hoping that things will get better organized soon. Until early May keep the faith and - STAY WELL! Da Prez!

SCRIBE’S COMMENTS: John McGrew 17050 ARNOLD Dr. Apt G-107, Riverside, CA 92518-2800 p: 1-951-567-5985; e-mail: jmcgrew2@aol.com We are moving forward toward the reunion and information on it should have been received in last month’s Shipmate.

I did chat with Bob and Ruth Small and they once again are heading the reunion planning. We will have the same band which has been used for a number of reunions.

I also talked with the Prez who thinks we have had more casualties than we know about yet, so that is another good reason to try to launch a revised version of the class directory. Probably there are many address and phone number changes. The cell phone gives for great flexibility but many still have land lines, so if you have any changes to report, send a note or email Tom Boyce, our VP, whose number is as the head of the class column. In a recent conversation with Tom, he agreed we probably have had more losses than have been reported. Reported as lost last year (2020) were Richitt, Paul Smith, Allender, Robertson, Orem, 50 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Loferski, Rentz, Melchers, Burkhalter, Hooper, Schutz, Mitchell, Huyette, East, Shaver, Bruch, Dean, Torruella, and Casale.

When I went through the Blue Address book the first of the year, I did find 139 surviving. There were also 162 widows listed in the directory.

We received two letters pertinent to the class. One, classmate Richmond B. Neff is reacting to the passing of his plebe year roommate Tony Torruella who died May 2020.

We had nine foreign classmates as follows: Avila-Columbia, FourzanMexico, Guimaraes-Brazil, SaenzEcuador, Suarez-Venezuela, Taylorhardat-Venezuela, TorruellaPuerto Rico, Tovar-Venezuela, and Ysunza-Mexico. Another letter was from Tom Broadhurst of the Class of 1967 on the loss of our classmate Art Casale who was a close neighbor and friend of Broadhurst.

What a great salute!

From Richmond B. Neff, Jr.

or hat – or sometimes all four. He loved old movies about the Academy and about WWII surface warfare and never missed a Navy football game. Art came to USNA from a tough environment and often commented that the Academy had completely changed his life for the better.

Art spent his final years with his beloved wife Joyce in their home along the Potomac, thoroughly enjoying his view of the river with wonderful family and friends surrounding him. He was a true character, a loving husband, a dedicated USNA grad, as well as a close neighbor and friend. He will be sorely missed. V/R, Tom Broadhurst USNA ‘67” In addition, it is past time to recognize our class wives and widows one of whom passed away recently and had a wide list of accomplishments. This was Bea Hurd, the widow of Calvin Hurd who died in 2008, and Calvin was our class bag piper if I remember correctly.

Beatrice Ann Hurd died on December 21, 2020 and she like

Fernando Ysunza Rivera; Richmond B.Neff, Jr.; Antonio R. Torruella

Here is an example of what friends and neighbors occasionally do: From Tom Broadhurst Class of 1967 re classmate Art Casale M “Gentlemen: Just wanted to let you know that your classmate Art Casale passed away on 1 December 2020 at his home in Leonardtown, Maryland. Art was one of the most ardent supporters of USNA that I have known. After graduation he served four years as a black shoe, including Korean War destroyer duty. His civilian career was spent in corporate positions and government service, but he never lost his love for Navy. He was a dedicated runner and, up to about five years ago, he ran 5 miles a day – always wearing a USNA shirt, pants, jacket

’51

many of our ladies was multi-talented.

At one point she had studied voice at Julliard and even performed with the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York.

We are also pleased to present some photos of our newest class plebe and her grandmother.

Barbara’s Corner, News from the Northwest Photos sent to me by Olivia Hunt, granddaughter of Jim Hunt, shown with grandmother Margee Hunt.

51/52 CLASS NEWS

’51: Plebe Class ’24

’52

Life Membership: 70% Donor Participation: 26.28% Pres: CDR Robert H. Schulze, USN (Ret.) 1017 Towlston Rd., McLean, VA 22102-1116 p: 703-757-0332; e: rhschulze1@verizon.net Vice Pres: Jack Young 20624 Highland Hall Dr. Montgomery Village, MD 20886-4021 p: 301-208-3550; e: jcy52@verizon.net 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 Olivia and Margee Hunt

“I have attached a picture of me visiting my grandma in uniform over the Christmas holiday. I also attached a photo of all the plebes in my company (2nd company) in the rotunda, at the completion of our first-semester training.

Very Respectfully, O.J. Hunt, MIDN USN”

READ SEA STORIES Visit usna.com’s History and Tradition page.

Have a story to share?

Email to seastories@usna.com

Treas: Col George W. Lester, Jr., USAF (Ret.) 5400 30th St., N. Arlington, VA 22207-1502 p: 703-241-1989; e: geova@verizon.net 70th Reunion Cord.: CDR G. Phillip Case, Jr., USN (Ret.) 7452 Spring Village Dr., Apt. 107 Springfield, VA 22150-4947 p: 703-451-3937; e: casep29@gmail.com Webmaste: to be announced Website: www.toughshoes52.org

On 6 January I received this personal news note from our first Class President, VADM Jim Sagerholm: M “I have completed the manuscript for a novel about the Civil War that I have been working on for the past four years. This is the third iteration, and I hope to complete the selfpublishing chore no later than 1 August. My youngest daughter’s husband is a graphics arts man, and I will be working with him in February to do maps and sketches of the principal characters. The title is Sounded Forth the Trumpet and is a

“what if” about Lee’s retreat from Gettysburg and the question as to whether Meade could have crushed Lee after Lee’s defeat at Gettysburg.

“In the family category I have 12 grandchildren, divided 5 grandsons and 7 granddaughters, with two grandsons in the Navy and one in the Marine Corps. I am further blessed with eleven great-grandchildren and two more (twins) due the end of this month. My Marine is USNA ’08 and is a major currently on the staff of Cyber Command in Colorado Springs. His two Navy cousins are sons of my youngest daughter who resides in the mountains of northern Georgia; the older was a nuclear chief machinist’s mate in submarines whom I swore into the nuclear Limited Duty Officer program last January and is now in the Engineering Department of a carrier that is deploying soon.

His brother is a 2015 Naval Academy grad now piloting P8s currently deployed to Scotland. At age 93, I deem life expectancy to be one day, from day to day, but I still am looking forward to our 70th reunion that will be a great occasion for all under the very capable direction of Phil Case.

“And I always enjoy reading our class column that is so well done by Bill Laux.

“With all good wishes to all classmates still above ground, Jim Sagerholm” Thanks for sending that in, Jim! As your column editor, I love to receive notes like this (— and yes, the nice personal words of praise, too. I’m only human! Thanks, Jim).

Let us hear what others are doing!

The Class Zoom meetings are a big success. Our Class President, Bob Schulze, suggested a Zoom meeting during the forthcoming 70th Class reunion, scheduled during the spring of next year, to enable participation by Classmates who live too far away, or whose health or physical condition would not permit them to travel to Annapolis. Jack Young questioned, why wait for the reunion? Why not conduct them periodically, starting right now?

And so it began. Bob Schulze set up

the meetings, and five have been held so far.

On Tuesday, 5 January 2021, Bob sent an e-mail to the Class: M “Welcome to the 5th class of 52 Zoom meeting! Our meetings so far have been extraordinarily successful - recent attendance has been about 20 classmates. Jack Young has added about 5 family members to our list, so we may have even more participating this time. In order to keep track of those attending, introduce yourself when you join. I do not know everyone, and we have all changed in the last 69 or 70 years.

This time there may also be family members whom I do not know.

“Also, a caution: [Secretary’s note – especially important!] If you get up from your computer to stretch or talk with a family member, turn your audio off, because we can still hear you even when you have gone into another room. Go to the bottom of your screen and in the far-left corner, there is a small microphone. Click on that and it will put a red line on it. When you come back, click on it again and your audio will be back on.

“Join the meeting by clicking on the link below. Also, be sure to record the Meeting ID and the Password - you may need these to join the meeting.

“Robert Schulze is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Robert Schulze’s Personal Meeting Room Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/28 83882322?pwd=Wk1JQnFheVVyY nd6THNQSHdZbnFsZz09 Meeting ID: 288 388 2322 Passcode: Zoom52” Bob Schulze sent out a notice for the upcoming 4 February 2021 Zoom meeting. While the event will have already occurred when this column is available, I thought that the information that Bob included is sufficiently interesting that I am including it here: M “FOR OUR ZOOM CLASSMATES “Our DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland classmates have for years had four luncheons a year at the Ft. Myer Officers Club. These MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 51

52/53 CLASS NEWS luncheons always featured a guest speaker. Although we had no luncheons in 2020, we had a speaker, Commander Shawn Gallaher, scheduled for our luncheon in March. Since that luncheon never occurred, CDR Gallaher has now agreed to speak at our class Zoom meeting on Thursday, February 4th.

“CDR Gallaher is the Associate Chair of the Oceanography Department at the Naval Academy where he teaches physical and high-latitude oceanography. CDR Gallaher has a master’s degree and doctor’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. In 2001, he transferred to the Naval Oceanography community and in 2016 he was selected for the Permanent Military Professor Program at the Naval Academy. He is working in a program that includes Polar Oceanography and Global Climate Change. He works with Midshipmen in a variety of internship programs featuring polar science and technology.

“The Polar Science program at the Naval Academy is part of the Earth Science department. The program is intended to provide education in Polar Science for future naval officers who may have to operate in polar regions. Starting in 2011, the Naval Academy has participated in many arctic research programs working with the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, CalTech, the National Ice Center, the Naval Research Laboratory and, many more organizations and universities. The results of these contacts and field activities have been used in Naval Academy courses and summer internships.

Specifically, related classes given at the Naval Academy include: “Polar Oceanography Meteorology/Oceanography Senior Capstone Research High Latitude Environments Research on High Latitude Geophysics “The talk will also include a discussion of future ship traffic on the Northern and Trans-Polar Sea Routes.”

52 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

We continue to receive notifications of the passing of Classmates, wives, and widows. Received recently: • Hodges, Jerol R. (Non-Grad) 13 Feb 2012 • Pagane, Franke (Non-Grad) 24 Mar 2017; Pagane, Marilyn (Widow) 23 Jan 2020 • Palmer, William J. 17 Oct 2020 • Williams, Jack 19 Nov 2020 • Inman, John P. 29 Nov 2020 • Hittle, Kenneth E. 2 Dec 2020 • Kovarick, Frank L. 5 Dec 2020 • Bryan, Charles W. 20 Dec 2020; Bryan, Audrey (Widow) 19 Dec 2012 • McMillan, Helen (Widow) 20 Dec 2020 • Kamienski, Richard J. (NonGrad) 22 Dec 2020; Kamienski, Jean (Widow) 30 Oct 2006 • Scalese, Anthony C. 26 Dec 2020 • Yurth, William (Non-Grad) 27 Dec 2020; Yurth, Ester (Widow) 5 Sep 2020 Phil Case reported that he got a call from Charlie Darrell’s widow (Joyce) yesterday saying that his burial service at Arlington has been changed to 21 June 2021 at the Old Post Chapel at 1245 in lieu of 5 Jan 2021.

Obituaries are distributed by e-mail, can be found in the Class website, www.ToughShoes52.org, and are published in the Last Call section of Shipmate. I encourage you to refer often to the Class website, as obituaries and other news items are available immediately as they are posted. This column is generally not published until two or three months after submission, and is therefore not a source of timely news regarding deaths, final services, etc.

IMPORTANT! Timothy Woodbury, the Memorial Affairs Editor for Shipmate, sent the following: “This may be something to pass along to your classmates: https://www.moaa.org/content/ publications-and-media/ news-articles/2020-news-articles/ advocacy/arlington-cemeteryeligibility-changes-two-ways-tomake-your-voice-heard/ ” This has to do with eligibility for interment in Arlington National Cemetery, and I

urge you to give it your immediate consideration, if you are considering in-ground interment at Arlington, or in the columbarium. The rules have changed.

Let us 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 are up to!

’53

Life Membership: 66% Donor Participation: 27.35% 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

CLASS PRESIDENT CORNER A reminder that our 68th reunion is on track for 28-31 July 2021. We have about 85 people planning to attend. If you are interested in attending and have not so to date please let me know. The more the merrier.

Our Class Memorial Plaza Maintenance Endowment Fund is doing well. Against our $500,000 goal we have collected $402,000 to date. We are happy for any donations to the fund to the Alumni Association and Foundation.

Because of the COVID-19 restrictions we have rescheduled our Dark Ages Brunch at the ArmyNavy Country Club to 25 April 2021.

If restrictions are lifted at the Academy, we may also try for a Summer picnic in June.

New information for Carl Trost memorial service at the Main Chapel will be at 1100 on 20 September. Please add the date to your calendar and let Art Bivens know if you plan to attend.

In the meantime, please keep well and keep in touch. We are always happy to hear from you.

On that note Holly Powers at the Alumni Association is working on a project for the Academy Museum to collect stories and experiences from our midshipmen days. So far, she has only heard from three of us.

You can email them to Holly at: hipowers@comcast.net ….Best regards, Chris PASSING’S The obituary for Carl Trost (22) is in this issue of SHIPMATE, but there is more information. Carl was buried October 5, 2020 in the Naval Academy Cemetery. There were full honors including a flyover, remarks by the CNO, USNA Superintendent, and the Chaplin, a friend of the family. Regarding the memorial service 11:00 am in the USNA Main Chapel September 20, 2021 there will be a reception to follow after the service.

Clarence E. Brunson III, Col USAF (Ret) (16) died June 16, 2020 in Santa Fe, NM. Thanks to Our SHIPMATE obit person, Timothy Woodbury, grave listings were found for both Clarence and his wife Gloria, who died May 2, 2020. No obit or info of family.

Margaret “Peggy” Bicknell, wife of Robert S. Bicknell (19), died October 14, 2020 in Lexington, MA. She was a graduate New Jersey College for Women, now Douglas College of Rutgers U. Peggy was an avid volunteer, for many years working with aspiring ministers in training. Survivors include her husband of 67 years, two children, and five grandchildren….* Hazel Tiede, wife of COL Herbert R. Tiede USMC (Ret) (3), died October 18, 2020 in Woodbridge, VA. Hazel was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1931.

Hazel was working in the South Africa Embassy in London, England where she met Herb. They married in 1958 that lasted 62 years with stops all over the world as a Marine Corp wife. She volunteered with Navy Relief, local Hospital Auxiliary, and International Wives Clubs.

Before social media she maintained a network extending around the globe and across generations.

Survivors include Herb, three children and Four grandchildren.

53/54 CLASS NEWS Her daughter Jan Swicord married a West Pointer and “Hazel suffered one day [Army-Navy Football Game] wearing blue and gold, and black and gray”….* James F. Chesley, CDR USN (Ret) (1) died November 30, 2020 in Leonardtown, MD. Jim came to USNA via NAPS as a PFC, USMC. He graduated from USNA to USN and earned his Navy Wings in 1954 and completed a successful career as a Naval Aviator. He flew various aircrafts during his 27 years of active duty. In 1964, he attended foreign language school and served two terms in the diplomatic service as the U.S. Naval Attache in Singapore and later moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, served as Naval Attache for Air for two years.

Returning to Aviation, he became a flight instructor. Jim also graduated from the Naval War College. His last tour was at the Air Facility in Washington, DC, as a pilot for the Secretary of the Navy. Decorations included Joint Service Commendation Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. Survivors include his wife, Cecilia of 67 years, two children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Mercade A. (Mac) Cramer Jr. (21) died January 5, 2021 in Annapolis, MD. Mac at 6’4” was a stalwart member of the ’52-’53 basketball team that won 16 of the 20 regular season games and was invited to NCAA tournament. See Basketball in our “Lucky Bag.” Mac opted and served in the USAF for 8 years resigning as a LT. He then entered the business world, first with General Electric for 23 years moving through various executive management positions to serve as General Manager of the Military and Data Systems Operations. After three years with Perkin Elmer Corporation in Danbury, CT, Mac joined Vitro Corporation as President and CEO until he retired in 1993.

Mac’s civic service began as Vice Chair of the Navy Research Advisory Committee. For that he received the Navy Meritorious Award for Public Service. Mac served in other Defense and Air

Force Associations and was honored with several awards. And, he served on the Naval Academy Foundation Trustees Executive Committee.

Mac’s first wife, Barbara, preceded him in death. Their three children are surviving. Other survivors include his second wife, Nancy, her three Children, and a mix of 11 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren….* Allen B. (AL) Higginbotham, CAPT, USN (Ret) (21), died January 5, 2021 in Sarasota. FL AL served twenty years of sea duty in cruisers, destroyers, and twelve years in submarines including CO of USS Requin (SS-481). In his surface assignments he was CO of USS Trippe (FF-1075), two Destroyer Squadrons, an ASW Task Group in the Mediterranean, and served as Chief of Staff for Commander Surface Forces Atlantic. Al served in three Pentagon tours before retiring from the Navy. Al’s honors included two Legion of Merit Medals and the Meritorious Service Medal. After Navy, retiring Al worked at United Technologies as the Director of the Undersea Warfare Program, and then at Vitro Corporation as Director of Navy Business Development. Among Al’s civic volunteer time included “Habit for Humanity.’

Al’s son, CDR Allen B. Higginbotham Jr. USN (Ret), preceded death in 2009, and his daughter, Ann Adair, preceded in death in 2016. Survivors include Al’s wife Linda of 66 years, two sons, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren….* Bernard M. (Bud) Kauderer, VADM, USN (Ret) (8), died January 19, 2021 in Carlsbad, CA. Bud’s superb Navy service started in the destroyer USS The Sullivans (DD -537) and Exec in the coastal minesweeper USS Hummingbird (MSC-192). He decided submarines and after submarine school his first sub was USS Raton (SSR-270). A year of Nuclear Power Training led to successful to assignments in the USS Robert E. Lee (SSBN-601), the USS Skipjack (SSN-585), and the USS Grant (SSBN-631). Four years of command of the USS Barb (SSN-596), then three years in command of the Nuclear Power

Training Unit, Idaho Falls, and command of the submarine tender USS Dixon (AS-37).

From Chief of Staff at COMSUBLANT, Bud’s first flag assignment was Commander Sub Group Five in San Diego, followed by a Washington tour as Deputy Director of the Navy’s Research and Development Office. He returned back to Hawaii as Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet. In 1983, he was selected for Vice Admiral and moved to Norfolk as Commander as Submarine Force Atlantic Fleet. Bud retired from the Navy in 1986 Honors Included the Distinguished Service Medal, three Legions of Merit, and the Meritorious Medal In retirement Bud as a consultant, served 15 years as Chair of the annual Submarine Technology Symposium at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, five years as National President of the Naval Submarine League. Survivors include his wife of almost 67 years, Myra (Mickey), Two daughters, eight grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Their son CAPT H. Todd Kauderer was pre-deceased….* *See 50th Year Legacy Book Mail Bag Louis Schlaufman (9) sent a letter, November 23, 2020 from Hillsborough, NC. I was curious about two things; first, I graduated from Hillsborough High School in Tampa, Fla (Hillsborough County); and second, Lou went to NAPS in 1948 and I went to NAPS in 1949.

How was that? I called Lou. He was in the USMC Reserves at Brown University and was admitted to NAPS in 1948. Alternate appointments to USNA came late and he spent time waiting in Quantico in 1949 until he came in with us ‘53ers. Part of our phone call was our age, Lou 92 and me 91. Lou ordered and sent a cap to me with the caption “IT TOOK ME 91 YEARS TO LOOK THIS GOOD!”.....ACB

USNA.COM

’54

Life Membership: 56% Donor Participation: 24.89% 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 Sec’y: Mr. Phillip N. Livingstone 718 Appomattox Rd. W., Davidsonville, MD 21035-1909 p: 443-607-8666; e: livingstonep1@verizon.net Deputy Sec’y: LtCol Edward C. Tipshus USMC (Ret.) 8315 Fairway Dr., Worthington Hills Columbus, OH 43235-1148 p: 614-571-5565; 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

From Capt. Dave Smith, ‘54 M Hazardous Duty Pay Although all submariners enjoy the additional stipend provided by their hazardous duty, most do not know the origin of that provision. It happened 115 years ago, in 1905.

To President Theodore Roosevelt there was no such thing as the commonplace, and he lived on a high plateau of excitement. Thus, inspecting the newly invented submarine USS Plunger could be a genuine pleasure for the youthful president. Thus, on a dark and rainy day when he was at Sagamore Hill, when the Bay was covered with whitecaps and rain came in heavy squalls, the President, in oilskins, bounded out of a steam launch onto the deck of Plunger. Commanded by Lieutenant Nelson, the sixty-foot, cigar-shaped submarine with its seven-man crew, then made its way into the rough waters of the Sound.

For nearly three hours the submarine submerged and surfaced with the delighted President at the controls. The operation complete, the submarine returned to disembark the President. As he left the submarine he commented “I’ve had many a splendid day’s fun in my life, but I can’t remember crowding so much of it into such a few hours.”

Stay Connected and Informed.

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 53

54/55 CLASS NEWS It was this experience that caused President Theodore Roosevelt to initiate special duty pay for those serving in the submarine service.

Ref: TR, Champion of the Strenuous Life,

by William Davison Johnston

’55

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 23.39% 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/

Richard Barr McLaughlin (11) passed away on June 19, 2020, in Sedalia, MO. Robert Strickland (2) passed away on December 3, 2020, in Beavercreek, OH. James McLeod Carr, Jr. (16) passed away on December 10, 2020, in Melrose, FL. William Gordon Fairey (9) passed away on November 30, 2020, in Corpus Christi, TX. Calvin George Weaver (12) passed away on January 10, 2021, in White Plains, NY. Earl Harris Pace (22) passed away on December 29, 2005, in Salt Lake City, UT. Were You There on December 7, 1941?

Personal Recollections

by Norm Wallin (8) Saturday evening, December 6, 1941, in Honolulu, Hawaii was all that has been celebrated in story, song and verse. The soft trade winds kept the temperature moderate, and the winter rainy season had not begun. Our family, my father, a captain in the Navy, my mother, my sister and I lived in Waikiki in a garden apartment at Olohana Street and Kuhio Avenue. It was my father’s forty-eighth birthday.

We celebrated with dinner and an outdoor movie at Hickam Field, adjacent to Pearl Harbor. The movie title was “Caught in the Draft,” a

54 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

comedy based on the draft law, recently enacted to expand the Army. I was eight years old and have a clear memory of the evening and subsequent events. We had moved to Honolulu several months previously from Washington, D.C. My father was serving as Battle Force Material Officer, responsible for maintenance and repair of the battleships based at Pearl Harbor.

He was attached to the staff headquartered on the flagship, USS California.

Shortly after 8:00 AM on Sunday morning, December 7, we were awakened by our telephone.

My father was ordered to report onboard immediately —“This is not a drill!” My father and two other naval officers who lived in the small apartment building and regularly car pooled to work dressed in their immaculate white service uniforms, piled into a car and departed for Pearl Harbor. Despite the phone message, they assumed it was probably a drill. 1941 was a time of international tension. The major portion of the Pacific Fleet had been relocated from the west coast to Pearl Harbor earlier that year. Half of the fleet exercised at maneuvers at sea each week. There was talk of submarine sightings. Drills were frequent and maintenance and repair activity was intensified beyond usual peacetime standards.

The military anticipated eventual war. They just didn’t know when.

As Sunday wore on, it became clear that unusual events were occurring. The other officers’ wives and my mother gathered in our living room which happened to look west toward Pearl Harbor. We could see a pall of smoke rising ten miles away. The women drank coffee and listened to the radio. Rumors were repeatedly aired. There were reports of possible enemy landings.

The water supply had possibly been poisoned. We were advised to fill bath tubs and all available containers and boil drinking water. I still remember the flat unpleasant taste of boiled water. We hadn’t been advised to aerate the water by pouring from one container to another. Mid-afternoon an Army

officer who lived down the block appeared, disheveled, wearing a steel helmet on his head and a .45 on his hip. He announced that he was taking his family to refuge in the hills and offered to guard a convoy should others wish to go.

Our group thanked him and declined.

I remember a small cocker spaniel belonging to one of the women cowering under a sofa all afternoon.

He understood the situation. The radio announced that blackout regulations would be in effect starting that night. A flurry of activity ensued in hanging drapes and blankets over bedroom and bathroom windows. I don’t know how effective the blackout was, but I do remember the effect of cutting off all ventilation in a warm climate before the world was air-conditioned.

My father was able to telephone sometime on Monday to assure us of his safety. He returned home briefly on Tuesday or Wednesday to pick up clothing. His home on the USS California was gone. The battleships had been sunk. The world had changed. As a graduate naval architect and former naval constructor, he was appointed fleet salvage officer in general charge of raising and repairing the damaged fleet. He was to continue in that job until late 1942 when he went to the South Pacific on Admiral Nimitz’s staff to repair battle-damaged ships. Life in Hawaii changed with the rest of America. Civilians were registered and issued I.D. cards and gas masks – even us little tykes!

Schools were closed temporarily.

We could no longer swim in the blue Pacific Ocean a few blocks away. The beaches were fortified with barbed wire and machine gun emplacements. Rationing was put into effect and paper currency was stamped “Territory of Hawaii” for identification in case the island should be invaded. Non-essential civilians were evacuated to the mainland. My mother, sister and I traveled on a troop ship convoyed by a pair of destroyers. We departed from the Naval Supply Center through Pearl Harbor in late January.

I have vivid memory of the scene of sunken and mangled ships and

black fuel oil floating on the blue-green water. We were issued and wore large kapok life jackets all the time, a voyage of a week or ten days. We refugees landed in San Diego and traveled by train to Portland where several of my mother’s sisters lived. We rented an apartment and resumed school.

During the next 2-1/2 years my father appeared on short leaves while traveling to and from Washington conferences. In 1944 he was ordered to Seattle as Supervisor of Shipbuilding. He had contracted dengue fever on Guadalcanal and Seattle’s chilly and damp climate kept him shivering winter and summer. He recovered eventually and went on to command three naval shipyards and the Navy’s Bureau of Ships, the pinnacle of his profession.

Reflections On December 8 President Roosevelt addressed the Congress and used words such as “Dastardly, Treacherous and Infamy” in describing Japanese actions in their surprise attack.

He declared that a “state of war has existed” and the Congress without serious debate ratified his preemption of their Constitutional prerogative. America mobilized and fought and won in three and a half years a two ocean war on multiple continents. On September 11, 2001 America was attacked under different circumstances. I have never heard our leaders describe the attacks in terms stronger than “the tragic events” of 9-11.” No national sacrifice has been demanded. We were enjoined to keep on shopping. The country is bitterly divided. Years have passed, and no end is in sight.

John Nyquist (16) remembered it this way.

Sunday dawned that day in Hawaii like so many Sundays before and since. If you’ve ever spent a day, a week, or a lifetime on the islands, you can describe it as well as I can: temperatures in the mid-seventies, bright blue skies punctuated by a few puffy white clouds and warm trade winds bringing the faint scent of plumerias as the palm trees gently sway. But this Sunday,

55/56 CLASS NEWS December 7, 1941, was going to be far different from any of the others.

I grew up in the Navy, the son of a career naval officer, RADM Walfrid Nyquist (’21), who commanded two destroyers, a destroyer division, a destroyer squadron and a cruiser during his career. I was very proud to follow in his wake. On Saturday, December 6, my dad took command of the four destroyers of Destroyer Division One in Pearl Harbor. As was the custom, my parents were given a party to celebrate my father’s new command.

They returned from the party late in the evening and were still asleep around 0800 when my sister Irene heard explosions and woke them.

Ten minutes later, the phone rang and it was my dad’s squadron commander telling him we were at war and he would pick him up in his staff car in 10 minutes. Those 10 minutes were a blur but very quickly my mother, sister and I were on our own. We were living in the Pleasanton Hotel, temporary quarters for Navy families as they awaited Navy housing at Pearl Harbor. The Pleasanton was a beautiful old hotel located across the street from Punahou School at the intersection of Punahou and Wilder, about 15 minutes from the base at Pearl Harbor. Wives and children ate a cold breakfast and then gathered in the lobby. There was one radio in the lobby and one radio station in Honolulu – KGMB and we all listened intently. The announcer was clearly nervous and played scratchy violin recordings which he punctuated with reports from Pearl Harbor. The one I’ll never forget was, “The battleship West Virginia is on fire!” With that, a West Virginia wife leaped from her chair and cried, “Oh, I have to get to Pearl to see if Bill’s all right!” It took several wives to physically restrain her and calm her down. And later we were relieved to learn that Bill was all right. The battleship West Virginia was hit by seven aerial torpedoes and two bombs and was severely damaged, but later in the war returned to action, repaired and modernized. Meanwhile, my very adventurous 11 year old sister

whispered to me, “Johnny, let’s go see what’s happening!” Somehow, we were able to sneak out of the lobby undetected and headed for an attic on top of the hotel. When we got there we could look out toward Pearl Harbor and see the billowing smoke and hear the explosions.

Then, all of a sudden, we heard a plane’s engines and looked up and saw, not more than 100 feet away, a Japanese bomber of the second wave making his turn to go back to Pearl. The cockpit canopy was open and the Japanese pilot looked down at the two of us with a big grin on his face. To this day, I don’t know what we did other than to stare back in disbelief. What I do know is we decided that we’d better get back to our mother and we raced back to the lobby to her not-soloving arms. We spent the rest of Sunday rolling bandages, as many of the wounded were brought back to Honolulu including our hotel.

The night of Dec. 7 was terrifying.

We all thought the Japanese would invade. Guns were firing throughout the night and we slept in our clothes. In fact, we slept in them until Christmas.

In May 1942, my mother, sister and I were evacuated in a large armed convoy and sailed to the mainland. After so many months under blackout in Honolulu, we were shocked to see all the lights of San Francisco glowing at night. We settled in St. Paul near my mother’s sister in the Highland Village apartments. A Ford plant was nearby and we saw and heard Sherman tanks test-running around an oval track 24/7. Our father fought in the South Pacific until the summer of 1943 and was ordered (and we joined him) to the Naval Academy as head of the Electrical Engineering Department from 1943 to the summer of 1945. He was then ordered to command of the USS Atlanta (CL-104) at war’s end.

We lost over 2,400 soldiers, sailors, marines and civilians that Sunday. If you visit the USS Arizona Memorial, you will see the ghostly outline of the ship beneath you. Her fuel oil still bubbles to the surface.

The banks of the Pearl Harbor

channel are still black from burning fuel oil. But what will surely affect you most during your visit will be the roll call of the 1,177 officers and men who perished aboard, 900 of whom are still entombed within her hull. If they could speak, they would remind us of the timeless lesson learned on that terrible day –The price of freedom is eternal vigilance!

Remember Pearl Harbor!

’56

Life Membership: 72 % Donor Participation: 26.39 % Class Co-Chairman: Col George Mushalko, USAF (Ret.) (15) e: gmushalko56@gmail.com; p: 703-768-4543 Class Co-Chairman: CAPT Jim Van Metre, USN (Ret.) (4) e: jimvanm@aol.com; p: 410-224-3860 Shipmate: CAPT Pete Fitzwilliam, USN (Ret.) (13) p: 703-501-6776; e: petefitzwm@aol.com Sec’y: CAPT Doug Hayman, USN (Ret.) (11) p: 410-268-0740; e: dfhayman@comcast.net Webmaster: Alex Morris (2) p: 941-378-5598; e: alex.morris@1956.usna.com Website: www.usna56.org “Deo Fidelis et Patria”

Hi Classmates, I’m starting this month’s column with a write-up of a quiet and unassuming companymate of mine who had an exceptional naval career that most people likely have not heard about.

— Pete Fitzwilliam (13) Al Henry (13) Albert Luther (Al) Henry was the all-around average midshipman.

With normal participation and without being outstanding in anything good or bad, he graduated in the middle of the class. Born on 8 June 1935, he was also the youngest member of the class, born a full month after Bob Cecil, who had claimed the honor. Al was the only 20-year-old in the class when we graduated on 1 June.

While on his first sea tour in USS Bremerton (CA-130) and responding to a General Quarters alarm he suffered a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula of his left leg when an 800-lbs armored hatch was

inadvertently dropped on him. He was detached TEMDU to San Diego where the doctors debated whether or not to remove his left leg. They chose to save it and he recuperated in the hospital for 6 months in a full leg cast. He next went to temporary duty at the Amphib Base in Coronado for 4 months to continue recuperating, then in a leg brace.

In October 1958 he reported aboard USS Gearing (DD-710) as Gun Boss. He was still in the leg brace and still an ensign. After another 3 months he passed the promotion physical, and he was promoted to Ltjg in January ‘59.

His date of rank was back-dated to 1 December ‘57 and he was then at the tail end of our class, seniority-wise.

In October ‘60 Al was ordered as Aide and FlagLT to RADM E. A. Wright, Commander Charleston Naval Shipyard, where he remained for 2 years.

From July ‘62 to June ‘63 he attended the U. S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA and obtained an MS in Management.

From Postgradscol in June ‘63 he was ordered as CO of USS Seneca (ATF-91), a fleet tug. The highlight of that tour was the second year when he took charge of two other fleet tugs as a CTU (commander task unit) and towed the floating dry dock Oak Ridge From Norfolk to Rota, Spain.

But an “Oh, by the way” occurred when in the summer of ‘63 he was deep-selected to LCDR along with a half-dozen or so other classmates (including John Slough, Ben Poe, Jim VanMetre, Bill Flight, and others).

In April ‘65 Al was ordered to XO USS Lawe (DD-763), reporting aboard as a pink-cheeked 29 year-old. USS Lawe deployed to the Mediterranean in ‘66 and then onward through the Suez Canal to the Indian Ocean At the time, Eritrea (Horn of Africa) was part of Ethiopia and was in a strategic position controlling entrance and exit to and from the Red Sea and Suez Canal. NATO countries and the Soviet Union were courting Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, vying for base rights in

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 55

56/56 CLASS NEWS

USNA

CLASS OF 1956 (+ ) 1 65TH REUNION SAVE THE DATE

April 20-23, 2022 Reunion Headquarters: Crowne Plaza

*

173 Jennifer Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401

*

410-266-3131

To update your contact information, LOG IN to: www.usna.com to complete your profile or call a Membership Coordinator at (410) 295-4000 to update your information over the phone.

56 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

56/57 CLASS NEWS Eritrea. USS Lawe was to represent the U.S. at the graduation exercises of the Imperial Ethiopian Naval College in the port of Massawa.

Also present were British and French frigates and a Soviet destroyer.

His Majesty, King Olav of Norway and His Imperial Majesty Haile Sellassie presided over graduation ceremonies. All of the ships’ crews competed in sporting events and marched in a parade for the graduation. There was international attention paid to the affair. As it happened, USS Lawe personnel acquitted themselves well, reflecting great credit on the U.S. Navy.

In October ‘66 Al was ordered to Op605 in the Pentagon as a long range strategic plans officer. As a relatively junior Lcdr “action officer” in the Pentagon, he did his job very effectively and came to the attention of (then) Cdr Emmett Tidd.

Tidd was impressed by Al and apparently made a decision to become his “Rabbi”, by which I mean to say that he had seen in the younger man the intellectual and character traits that would, down the pike, make him a fine senior officer, and he had chosen to be his mentor.

Al was selected for Cdr by the 1968 selection board.

In April - May ‘69 Al attended River Assault training followed with one in-country tour in Vietnam 5 May ‘69 to 4 May ‘70. He was frocked to CDR as he entered Vietnam. For his first 6 months he was Commander River Assault Squadron FIFTEEN in the Mekong Delta. During his half-year tour there he went on several upriver ops and lost no boats and only one man to enemy fire. In October ‘69, for the second half of his in-country tour he was ordered to COMNAVFOR V (Commander Naval Forces, Vietnam) Staff as Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans where he developed the Navy’s phased withdrawal plans from Vietnam. Then Captain Tidd was Admiral Zumwalt’s Chief of Staff. There were four other assistant chiefs of staff — 3 captains and one commander — all considerably senior to Al. All went on to make

flag rank, and three of them, including Emmett Tidd, made vice admiral.

In July ‘70 Al was ordered as PCO USS Ouellet (DE-1077), which was commissioned at Charleston Navy Base (Commissioning Officer was Radm Emmett Tidd) was ordered to homeport in Pearl Harbor HI. Al deployed to WestPac Jan ‘72 and Ouellett saw action on the gunline off of Vietnam.

He departed Ouellet in Aug ‘72, and from Sept ‘72 to Jun ‘75 was Executive Assistant to Commander Naval Recruiting Command (Vadm Emmett Tidd).

Al was deep-selected to captain in Aug ‘72, was frocked in Nov ‘72 and his date of rank was Jul ‘73.

(I don’t know about the rest of you line officers, but I made the captain’s list in ‘76 and thought I was on time.)

Jul ‘75 to Jun ‘76 Al attended National War College (then Lcol Colin Powell was a classmate).

Aug ‘76 to Aug ‘78 he was CO USS Biddle (CG-34), seldom without a flag officer embarked from TEAMWORK ‘76 to the SIXTH FLT deployment in 1977.

As his tour in BIDDLE neared its end, Al’s NavPers detailer was after him to take a tour in Washington as an executive assistant to one of the DCNO’s . However, Al felt he had spent too much time away from his family and elected to retire instead.

He left Biddle and retired on 1 Sept ‘78 “...and never regretted it.”

Al, Shelby and their two daughters and family all reside in Knoxville, TN. 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 a future issue of Shipmate.

William J. (Dixie) Howell (23) of Norfolk, MA died peacefully last October 24th surrounded by family after succumbing to complications from a fall. Dixie came to USNA after a year at Louisiana Tech.

While at the Academy he was a 4-year member of the track team, attending the Heptagonal Games as a pole vaulter. After graduation he earned BS in electrical engineering at the USNPG School, Monterey,

CA. He was a line officer for 9 years, resigning in 1965 to join Polaroid Corporation, where he rose to Production Supervisor. Dixie is survived by his wife of 39 years Nancy (Colo) Howell, and his daughters Sarah Brunner of Vienna, Austria, and Elizabeth Brunner of Apex, North Carolina.

Dan Forby, Sr. (Company Unk, nongraduate) Had a successful career as a State Farm insurance agent, spent 26 years in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Survived by his wife of 64 years, Carol; children Dan Jr., Cheri, Fay and Tim; six grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Rosemary Ann Covey, wife of Ed Covey (07) passed away October 24, 2020 at age 80 in Wheeling, WV.

’57

Life Membership: 68% Donor Participation: 29.47% Pres: VADM Daniel L. Cooper, USN (Ret) e: dandbcoope@aol.com Vice Pres: CAPT William H. Peerenboom, USN (Ret.) 1003 Rachel Ln SW, Vienna, VA 221280 e: whp36@aol.com Sec’y: LTCOL Bart C. Campbell, USAF (Ret.) 4351 Kingspark Dr., San Jose, CA 95136 e: bcampbell57@packbell.net 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 Charles R. Hall, III, USN (Ret.) e: crhall@comcast.net Website: http//1957.usnaclasses.com/

What a “holiday season” this has been. As we make these marks, our nation is recovering from an assault on our Capitol, leaving five dead, a major challenge to our presidential election results, and (still) almost drowning in the covid-19 pandemic.

We in ’57 are all eligible for the new vaccines. Some have found them and others are still trying for appointments.

And still others have contracted the virus.

Meanwhile, we sadly hear taps sounded for classmates and brides: June Foss, wife of Bob Foss (3), died 14 January 2021 in Falcons

Landing, VA; she was born 16 July 1934 in Halifax.

Madeline Hall, widow of Ronald T. Hall (23), died 24 January 2021, of heart failure; Ron had died in 2011.

John Robert Johnson (15) died 22 July 2020 in Mt. Vernon, MO. A non-graduate, he was born 19 November 1934 in Springfield, MO. Mary Jane Koch, wife of Joe Koch (11) died 20 January 2021 in Brea, CA. She was born in Cleveland, OH, 17 February 1932, and married Joe 31 December 1968.

Lawrence E. Masten (22) died 14 November 2020.

Funeral services for Charlie Noll (6) are scheduled at Arlington for 11 March 2021 at 1245.

David M. North (6), long-time chief editor of Aviation Week & Space Technology, died 24 November 2020; he was born 31 December 1934.

Judy Ritchie, wife of Sherwood Ritchie (2) for 62-plus years, died 13 January 2021; Sherwood died December 2019.

James “Jerry” Spillane (1), died 4 December 2020 in Virginia Beach, VA. Arlington funeral services for Fritz Warren (4) have been postponed, probably into 2022 Mary Eva Wells, wife of Harry E. Wells (10), died in Columbia, SC, 15 June 2020; she was born in Steadman, SC, 13 September 1935.

And now, a few words from our new president, Dan Cooper (15): M It is my privilege to relieve Dave Cooper (no relation) as president of the Class of 1957. Dave has done an exceptional job, having served three terms as president and two additional as vice president. Despite COVID, “other” election activity, etc., we were able to communicate frequently (albeit not in person), and the turnover was greatly assisted by the fact that all the Class officers remained in place.

2020 was, and 2021 will be, a difficult year for the Naval Academy.

The superintendent and his staff have led the Academy through a very unpredictable time with maximum flexibility in every aspect, including using some dormitories at MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 57

57/58 CLASS NEWS nearby St John’s College, while dining everyplace but King Hall and keeping COVID well under control in the Brigade. Any support we can give them in these difficult times will be most appreciated.

For planning purposes: Pete Junghans and Dave Cooper have been planning hard for the next reunion, scheduled Wednesday 27 April to Sunday 1 May, 2021, in Annapolis. Hope most of you can make it.”

Dan Cooper

Bill Pendley (3rd) in the back row.

Tom Grimm, Pete Berg and Pete Westphal were unable to attend.

Hudson’s on the Docks at HHI

The Naval Academy Hospital that we knew

Editor’s Update, from the Capital newspaper of 25 January, as reported by Heather Mongilio: With St Johnnies returning to their dorms for the 2021 spring semester, the Academy is now reserving some 130 rooms in Bancroft for quarantining. A number of thus homeless mids, about 190 upper-class, will be commuting from nearby homes or even homes of willing sponsor families. These arrangements will be voluntary. Details at: www. capitalgazette.com – WH.

HOSPITAL POINT? I suspect that most of our Class would venture to say that Hospital Point has that name because the Naval Academy Hospital is located there. However, that is no longer actually true. The name of the point is the same, but the Hospital is no longer there. The old hospital building is still there but it is no longer a hospital. The USNA Alumni Association has some offices in the building as does the United States Naval Institute. Across the Severn River at the Naval Support Activity there is a modern medical facility and the Sick Bay in Bancroft Hall is much enlarged from what it was during our days as Midshipmen.

The first hospital at the Academy was built in 1846 but it was poorly built and in a bad location.

That building was replaced in 1852 with a new facility adjacent to the Officer’s Club. In 1868, after the Civil War, when the Academy returned to Annapolis, land was purchased north of College/Dorsey Creek and in 1871 a new hospital was built. Designed by RADM David Porter it was very modern for the day, but it had to be closed in 1876 because of a prevalence of malaria. The building, then known as Porter’s Folly, was used for storage. In 1903, Congress appropriated a large amount of money for rebuilding the Naval Academy facilities and a new hospital was opened in 1907. In 1939, and again in 1941, new wings were added and this was the building we knew as the Hospital. In 2017, the hospital function was moved across the Severn. An ever evolving Academy in a changing world.

IN THE LINE OF DUTY LCDR Robert Kornegay USN (13th Company) died on March 15th 1967 in a plane crash. At the time Bob was assigned to the Naval Ordnance Test Station at China Lake.

He was on a flight to Quonset Point as part of the crew of a Douglas A-3B Skywarrior. The plane was making a fueling stop at Lockbourne AFB in Ohio when it crashed short of the runway during a GCA approach. All three members of the crew were killed.

LCDR Alexander Lupfer USN (10th Company) died on 13 May 1967 as the result of the crash of the TF9-F jet he was piloting. At the time he was a flight instructor flying out of NAS Kingsville Texas. Alex had served in 5 different fighter squadrons in the fleet, had deployed to Vietnam and saw combat, had studied aeronautical engineering at the NPS in Monterey and had two years experience as a flight instructor prior to the crash. Alex was a very experienced and well qualified pilot, but sometimes events happen that are out of the control of even the best aviators.

’58

Life Membership: 63% Donor Participation: 29.47% 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

HHI LUNCHEON A small group of 58ers gathered in December for a Christmas luncheon. The location was Hudson’s on the Docks at HHI. Now perhaps you have not been to Hudson’s on the Docks or do not know what or who HHI is? Well, HHI refers to Hilton Head Island and I will guess that Hudson’s is a bar/restaurant owned

by Mr. Hudson. Since it is on the Docks it is probably near the water, but I am guessing that based on the photos on the wall in the picture.

Attending the luncheon and also in the picture were George Stubbs (17th) and Lee Polhill (19th) in the front row and Bob Mason (9th) and 58 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

FLAG OFFICERS AND GENERAL OFFICERS (continued) Phil McNall, 15th Company, was another of our Classmates who rose to Flag rank. Phil’s first tour was on the USS Estes (AGC-12). He then went to the Supply Corps School and transferred from surface line to the Supply Corps. Later, he would go to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey and earn a Masters degree in operations analysis. That was followed by a tour as the aide to the Commander of the Naval

Supply Systems Command. Then, back to sea on the USS New Orleans (LPH-11). His first command was the Fleet Materials Supply Office, then Naval War College and duty as the Supply Officer on USS Nimitz (CVN-68). He served as Commanding Officer of the Supply Center in San Diego, followed by a tour as Supply Officer for the 7th Fleet. His final tour was as Commanding Officer of the Aviation Supply Office. Phil retired in 1988 and dropped his anchor in San Ramon, California. In his retirement, Phil worked as a professional golf instructor (does that count as work?) and as a defense industry consultant. RADM Phillip McNall USN (ret) passed away on 28 November 2020.

RADM Richard Pittenger USN (ret), 17th Company, grew up with a love for the sea which was a bit strange for someone born in Nebraska. But Dick’s family moved to Washington State when he was young and he smelled salt air. As a school boy he was a Sea Scout/Sea Cadet and when he graduated from High School he joined the Navy Reserve. In the Reserves he applied for an appointment to the Academy and was accepted. During his career in the Navy, Dick had a lot of sea duty and loved every minute. His first ship was the USS Dupont DD-941. His other seagoing tours were USS Norfolk, DL-1, USS Farragut, DLG-6, USS Pledge, MSO-492 as Commanding Officer, USS Perry, DD-944 as XO, USS Connole, FF-1056 as Commanding Officer and DESRON 26 as Commander.

During his career, Dick became one of the Navy’s leading experts in ASW. That focus started with his earliest shipboard assignments and continued during his career. At the Naval Postgraduate School, he earned a Masters degree in underwater acoustics. Later, during duty with the staff of COMCRUDESLANT, he was the ASW officer on the staff and developed the concept of an “ASW Squadron”. The USS Connole was a part of that Squadron which won several Fleet awards during Dick’s tour as CO. During his final years on active duty, Dick served as

58/59 CLASS NEWS the Director of ASW programs for the CNO and as the Oceanographer of the Navy. After retiring from the Navy Dick RADM Richard went to work Pittenger USN (Ret.) for Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution where he was in charge of the WHOI fleet of research vessels, both surface and sub-surface, and served in that capacity for 14 years.

THE REST OF THE STORY In past Class columns, I have written about the careers of Classmates in the years following graduation, but I have not written about Classmates who did not graduate although I am sure many of them had distinguished careers. In this column, I would like to highlight the career of one such Classmate. His name is Reginald Vachon and he died in December 2020. I learned of his life from reading his obit and I feel the rest of his story is worth sharing.

Although he did not graduate from the Academy, Reggie did go on to earn a BS in engineering, a MS in nuclear engineering and a PhD in mechanical and aeronautical engineering. He also earned a law degree as well and was a member of the Alabama State Bar and admitted to practice before the Supreme Court. He was an engineer with NASA and with the Army and was a retired US Army Colonel.

During his life, he founded several engineering companies and was a registered engineer in six States, as well as in Europe and Asia. He worked internationally in Brazil, Honduras, Nicaragua, Belize, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Iran, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Russia. Reggie was also a distinguished academic and was a chaired professor of mechanical engineering at Auburn, an adjunct professor at Purdue and a recipient of the Outstanding Teacher award from the ASEE. In 2019, he was awarded the ASME Medal for eminent and distinguished

achievement in engineering.

During his career he served as President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Chair of the American Association of Engineering Societies, President of the Pan American Academy of Engineers, Vice President of the Union of Pan American Engineering Societies and Vice President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations, and the list goes on. (Note: if you knew Reggie during his time at the Academy or in late life and would like to share your memories please contact me.)

CLOSING RANKS Tom Powell, 13th Company, died on 9 December 2020 Bob Slaven, 1st Company, died on 3 December 2020 Chapin (Chip) Day, 23rd Company, passed away on December 23rd 2020 Phil McNall, 15th Company, died on November 28th 2020 Robert Pidgeon, 2nd Company, passed away on 30 December 2020 Ernie Luders, 3rd Company, died on 8 January 2021 David Eller (non-grad) died on 15 December 2020

’59

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 27.07% Chairman Exec. Committee: Gerald G Garbacz 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

Temporary Fighter Pilot, by Ed Hill.

In mid-October 1961, I was called into the Skipper’s office. ThenCommander Richard Rumble, USNA ‘44, informed me I was to be part of a small group deploying to the North Sea on the USS Essex (CVS-9). Commander Rumble had an enviable career, with tours as CO of a carrier air group, and CO of the

USS America. He later retired as a Rear Admiral.

Each year, the Navy looked forward to this major ASW exercise.

The 1961 version involved the Essex (an ASW carrier), about 25 additional ships (half ours and half from other NATO countries), and a dozen submarines, mostly ours.

The political situation was not good.

The Berlin Airlift was started in 1948, with military transports flying supplies into Berlin on a regular schedule. The situation never improved, and on 16 August 1961, the Soviet Communists started the Berlin Wall. The wall was now in process for Berlin and they planned to start soon for the rest of Germany.

The powers that be were close to canceling the ASW exercise, then decided they could go as planned if the Essex would include four fighters for additional protection. But the Essex could not handle the current Navy fighters. They were too heavy for the catapults and recovery equipment. Then they found a reasonable compromise. The “fighters” could be A4s, well within the capabilities of Essex, and modified to carry the Sidewinder air-to-air missile. The purpose of these fighters was to intercept – and be prepared to shoot down if necessary – any Soviet bombers that appeared to be on a mission to put the Essex out of business.

This probably made more sense to the old-timers, since the squadron’s earlier life was as VF-81, flying the F-9, an excellent fighter. They were issued A4s and redesignated as VA-81 in 1959.

VA-81 formed VA-81 Detachment 45. Four A4s were modified. Six pilots were picked. I was the nugget – the youngest and most inexperienced pilot in Det45.

When I joined VA-81 in the first week of August, I was designated the Ordnance Division Officer, managing twenty technicians. Now, in Det45, I was responsible for the Ordnance and Avionics Divisions.

Together, my two mini-divisions totaled about twelve personnel.

We visited some of the “real” fighter squadrons in the Oceana area to obtain more information on fighter tactics, and a technical document on the Sidewinder. Det45 consisted of six pilots. Our senior officer, Paul Tuzo, USNA ’51. was designated Officer in Charge. Byron Hodge, a former NAVCAD and a half-year senior to me, was to be my roommate on the Essex.

VA-81 was based at NAS Oceana, next door to Virginia Beach, and the Essex was out of New York. On 23 October, all but four pilots were flown to NY in a utility aircraft. Essex was underway the next morning, and the four A4s landed aboard Essex that afternoon.

Det45 was ready for action.

Our first stop was Southampton, England on 7 November, so the senior officers could finalize their plans for the first phase of the exercise. The Carrier Division 18 Commander, Rear Admiral George Koch, USNA ’33, was resident on the Essex, and he was responsible for all evolutions of the exercise.

The admiral called Paul to his office to discuss the A4 flight schedule.

Paul related the important messages to us, including, “Things are not bad enough to justify keeping an A4 in the air all the time. Besides, these weather conditions would probably keep us grounded anyway.” We were not going to log a lot of flight time.

During at-sea periods, Det45 pilots took turns as the alert pilot, sitting in the alert A4 for 4-hour stretches. We spent the majority of our days fully dressed, with our flight gear close by. We passed the time in the ready room, reading, playing cards, watching movies, and writing letters. Our pilots were averaging 1 or 2 flights per week; barely enough to maintain proficiency.

Ten days later, we anchored in Greenock, Scotland for another planning meeting. This was followed by several at-sea days for the next phase of the exercise. The A4s were grounded most of this period due to weather. The same routine was repeated at Belfast, Ireland to

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 59

59/59 CLASS NEWS make plans for the final phase.

Three more days and the ASW exercise was over. But the A4s were still grounded due to weather.

Almost a pay-off, Essex moved to an area with calmer seas, so VA81Det45 could do a fly-off to RAF Fairford, England for the remainder of December. RAF Fairford was open to NATO countries, and the USAF Strategic Air Command was using this as home away from home for the duty B52s and B47s. I logged 14 flights in a 3-week period. Paul and I invited our wives to join us for part of the Christmas holiday season. That was a welcome visit.

Our next stop was Hamburg, Germany, located 50 miles up the Elbe River. Essex was the first major US Navy ship to visit Hamburg, and the locals treated us to a wonderful welcome. The entire nine days was enjoyable, and then they treated us to a very impressive sendoff, with three bands entertaining a very large crowd.

Back in the open ocean and headed south to Rota, Spain, the sky was blue, and the wind was calm.

No more 20-foot waves. Two flights a day! This was great. One week later, we docked at NAS Rota. But first, we landed the A4s at the airport, so we could continue flying for these 8 days (I logged 14 more flights). We were still behind for cumulative flight hours, and this would help. We also enjoyed spending evenings at the Officers Club, where dinner was great, and the band was nice to listen to. We also enjoyed watching the younger adults doing that new dance craze, The Twist. The trip home was quiet, and Essex docked in Norfolk on 8 March to unload the VA-81 personnel. Liz and the kids were there to take me home.

TAPS Richard A. Lidstad (17) joined us as a midshipman in 1955 and resigned at the end of the second year to pursue an education elsewhere.

60 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Richard devoted his business career to the 3M Company, retiring in 1998 after 40 years of dedicated service. Richard died peacefully in his sleep 2 March 2020, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Commander Griffin Freeman Hamilton (12), USN Retired, passed away in the late evening hours of 9 December 2020. Griff served in several destroyers and minecraft of the Pacific Fleet. In 1966, he attended the University of Florida and received MS degrees in physics and mathematics under the Naval Advanced Science Program.

In 1970, he was assigned as commanding officer of the USS Roark FF 1053. He retired in 1979 as a Commander. Griff later founded the EASTAN Corp, a communications consulting company which operated for over a decade in both the government and private sectors.

Griffin remained a consultant until his second retirement in 2008.

Memorial services were scheduled for 18 December 2020. See details in his obituary, in the Last Call section.

Ed comment. During our USNA days, neither Griff nor I knew each other. Later, 1988, we were both with government contractors, working as business developers.

We were introduced by a mutual friend and got along just great. We finally wrote a winning proposal for a contract with the US Information Agency. I received a bonus and another title as the Project Manager.

Captain John William Hilt (24), USN Retired, passed away on 12 December 2020. He enjoyed a successful career in the Navy as one of the first volunteers in Admiral Hyman Rickover’s “Nuclear Navy”.

His service included two deployments during the Vietnam War, and duty as the Commissioning Chief Engineer of the USS Nimitz (CVN-68). He earned an MS degree in Operations Research from the Navy PG School, and then served as Commanding Officer of

three ships, including the USS South Carolina (CGN-37). He also served as Chief of Staff for Carrier Group Four. Memorial services were scheduled for 30 December 2020.

Details in his obituary.

Ed comment. John and I were good friends. After graduation, John went into ships and I flew airplanes.

Reunion visits were scarce, and there never was enough time to talk to all of our friends. At our 59th reunion (September 2018), we finally had an excellent visit. I told John some stories from my tour with CarGruSix, in 1968-1969. John replied with several stories while with CarGruFour, fifteen years later.

That was a fun day.

Captain James (Jim) Peter Cartwright (7), USN Retired, passed away peacefully on 28 December 2020. Following graduation and flight training, Jim reported to VS-41, flying the S2 ASW aircraft. They were stationed at NAS New Iberia, Louisiana, and Jim spent about half of his time at sea on aircraft carriers. In 1965, Jim received orders to the Navy PG School, in Monterey, California, followed by a year at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and then the University of Rhode Island where he received his Master’s Degree. Jim was then assigned as an Operations Analyst at the Naval Air Development Center; VS-37 as Commanding Officer; VS-38 as Quality Control, Aircraft Division, Airframes and Ground Training Officer; VS-41 as Operations Officer at NAS, North Island; Chief of Staff for Commander, Maritime Surveillance and Reconnaissance Forces, U.S. Sixth Fleet, Naples, Italy; Commander, Training Air Wing Two, Kingsville, Texas; and served on the Chief of Naval Operation Staff at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Navy Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal. After retiring from the Navy

in 1989, he was employed with Presidential and Midway Airlines, Information Spectrum, General Dynamics, and H&R Block, before officially retiring in 2010. More in his obituary.

Sue Pizinger, wife of Larry Pizinger (2), passed away on Sunday, 17 January 2021. Sue’s remains will be cremated and inurned at the VA National Cemetery, in Phoenix, AZ where they have lived for many years.

Captain Jack London, USNR Ret. (15), passed away from pneumonia on 18 January 2021 .Jack’s 12-year Navy career included flying ASW helicopters, back to school for 2 years, and then taught naval science courses at USNA for 2 years. He then left the navy and joined CACI as an engineer and proceeded to build the company from 30 to 23,000 personnel. Jack also transferred to the Navy Reserves, where he served another 12 years and retired as a Captain. Jack’s performance as engineer, president, and CEO of CACI earned him a handsome reputation for his industry leadership, as well as several awards. Memorial services were scheduled for 13 February 2021. More information in his obituary.

Comment from Don Smith. Jack London has been one of my best friends. Together, we rode the train from Oklahoma and signed in our first day in Annapolis. This is a big loss for the class of 1959, USNA, the Navy and our country!

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

2021 ISSUE: July-Aug ’21 September ’21 October ’21 Nov-Dec ’21

DUE DATE: May 24, 2021 Jun 28, 2021 Jul 28, 2021 Sep 27, 2021

60/60 CLASS NEWS

’60

Life Membership: 69% Donor Participation: 34.61% Pres: RADM Peter G. Chabot, USN (Ret.) 1310 Gulf Blvd. 5-C Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 p: 443-624-0094; e: pgchabot60@gmail.com Sec’y: Bill Lewis 1300 S Hwy A1A Unit 508, Jupiter, FL 33477 p: 804-334-6353; e: bilewis@comcast.net Website: www.1960.usnaclasses.net

NOTICE – The Class board met recently and reviewed the continuing effect of the COVID 19 virus on the Annapolis/Naval Academy area and our April, Class of '60 reunion.

The Board considered all the factors and reluctantly voted to cancel the planned reunion for April 2021.

Planners will review continuing progress in dealing with this health emergency and if appropriate, initiate plans for a future reunion.

Hope everybody’s staying safe.

I heard from Bob Osmon (17) recently: M Dear 1960 Classmates, yesterday, 25 September, was the inurnment ceremony for our good friend and fellow classmate Captain Henry (Hank) Lemle Phillips, US Navy (RET) at the Naval Academy columbarium in Annapolis. There were approximately 50 in attendance including family, friends, and seven of our classmates. The columbarium has been greatly improved since the last time I was there and is now an absolutely beautiful and inspiring place to hold a celebration of a USNA grad’s life.

The Chaplain opened with a prayer and read a very appropriate passage from the Bible. Hank’s two children, Blake and Kelly, took turns relating their memories and thoughts about their Dad, interspersed with humor and solemnity.

And they nailed him perfectly. At times gruff: but always loving.

Proud of the Academy: proud of his children. Loyal in his friendships: loyal to the USA and the Navy.

Their words certainly brought tears to my eyes remembering the times Hank and I have spent together in true friendship. I told Kelly and Blake that the day before he

went to the hospital he had called me. “Oz, cancer has invaded me once again, so I am headed to the hospital for some tests. BUT. just in case I don’t get to talk to you again, I want you to know how highly I have regarded our friendship.” Two days later Marion called me to tell me he was gone. How fragile is life.

Live your life today as if it is your last.

The Color Guard unfurled and then folded the American flag and presented it to Marion. We all then moved to that spot in the columbarium where Hank was to be inurned.

The urn was inserted and Blake added Hank’s USS RALEIGH CO cap which he so much treasured. Hank appreciated that, I know. The cover plate was inserted and the seven of us along with seven more Academy grads joined together for the singing of Navy Blue and Gold. We then all reluctantly moved off to make way for another ceremony. But our thoughts and warm memories will linger on. Rest in Peace, Hank.

Rest in Peace. Your tour of duty has come to an end.

Attendees from our class were Randy McHenry (7), Hank’s neighbor in New Smyrna, FL, Jim Kinney (17), John Michalski (6), Gene Gasser (8), Al Bissell (8), Jim Knorr (20), and me, another 17th Company mate.

While attending Hank Phillips (17) funeral, I was able to meet up with two of our company mates whom I have not seen in at least five years: Gene Burroughs (17) and Jim Kinney (17). I drove up to Annapolis early on Thursday and stopped at La Plata, MD to see Gene and Ann. We met at their favorite restaurant and had a great couple of hours together. Gene is suffering from arthritis and a few other things and needs a walker to get around, but was in great spirits and had lots of tales to tell. I was in their wedding 60 years ago this summer, so they are celebrating their 60 for 60 Anniversary as well. I was so pleased that their marriage has thrived. Ann looks great and bouncy as always. Attached are two photographs from our luncheon together.

Later that evening in Annapolis I met up with Jim Kinney (17) and Randy McHenry (7). Jim and Cindy drove up from Durham, NC that day and Randy and Sheri flew up from Florida. We all met for dinner at the Doubletree. Again, I heard more great stories from those two than I could ever recount. But it was wonderful camaraderie and gave me a wonderful sense of belonging to something much bigger than myself. I pray for us all that our reunion will take place this spring. Hopefully, we can all once again enjoy the friendship of classmates who mean so much to us. Attached are photos from that evening. God bless and smooth sailing. Oz

Classmates

to gather at the Le Yaca Restaurant in Williamsburg on Dec 7th for a mini-Class Christmas Party. Those able to attend included: Jan & Pete Chabot (14), Joyce & John Claman (3), Bob Osmon (17) & Guest, Paula & Rod Friedmann (5), Inge & Al Whitaker (16), Gloria & Bob Antonio (14), Joy & Dick Hamon (8). As usual, the food and service, were top notch, but best of all, the holiday spirit and joy of finally getting together we’re the high lights of the evening. A Merry Christmas wish to you and Linda. Rod Memories from Justin Wickens (18): M My favorite memory of Chuck (Agustin) (17) was Youngster Summer, when he, Benny Lomotan (17), and I hitchhiked (Space Available) to the Philippines to see our families. First leg was a B-25 out of Bolling with me in the nose, and Chuck and Benny in the bomb bay.

Various other hops and airplanes.

We even got to spend some time on Kwajalein. Quite an adventure.

Justin!

From Ben Hallowell (3) via Facebook:

From Rod Friedmann (5): M “Bill, finally something to celebrate and report. Eight couples were able

M “Here’s a photo of the Old Goats Kids Who Care and David Spatafore on Christmas eve on the way to deliver 50 desserts to the night shift at Sharp Coronado Hospital.

The Old Goats Kids Who Care project which kicked off a few weeks ago now has 97 host sponsors who have directed over $10,000 in business to our participating local restaurants. We intend to keep going as long as we can make a difference and really appreciate your support.

’60: Christmas Party in Tidewater MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 61

60/61 CLASS NEWS

’61

Life Membership: 71% Donor Participation: 35.67% 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

From Ned Kuhns ’60: Old Goats Kids Who Care

Happy New Year, the Old Goats Kids Who Care team.

Please let us know if you’d like to host a hero (wounded warriors, healthcare workers, other deserving young families) while at the same time helping a restaurant worker.

Hosts so far include Al Lansdowne, Hal Sperling (7), Joe Tranchini (14), Wayne Vinje (9), Wick Parcells (12), Sam Ward (8), Danny Musselman (5), Jim Maxfield (7), John Greenhalgh (9), Doug Johnston (5), Bob Fraser, Chuck Schroeder (23), John Michalski (6), Angelo Karampalas (22), Ron Hinkel (14), Tom Solak (2).

Happy New Year Ben From Rob Kunkle (10): M “Keith ‘Casey’ Jones (10), my roommate for 4 years at USNA, was in town Saturday and invited me to join him for breakfast and the ceremony at Frontiers of Flight Museum, Dallas, Texas.

Casey was C.O. of the Blue Angels, 1976-1977, and was invited to witness the ‘retirement’ of a F/A18 ‘Hornet’ at the museum. Casey and Janice, his wife of 60+ years, now live in Albuquerque.

Admiral Pat Walsh (Ret.), Dallas, another Blue Angels alum, and USNA grad, was the main speaker.

His name is on the F/A-18. Rob

Jones & Kunkle

With the social distancing brought on by the Pandemic a lot of “Class get togethers” have been impacted.

We have groups in Tidewater, DC, Annapolis, Southern California, and Northern California as a minimum.

Recently Ray Burkley (2) who helps run the Northern California group organized a 2nd Company get together via Zoom. What a great idea. An extremely short drive! The Class Board is attempting to benefit from this by electronically meet occasionally, in the future.

Something to think about.

I know of no 5th company folks within 100 miles, but there are a bunch who could meet “on line”.

Something to investigate.

M“The Tidewater ’61 held their first monthly luncheon of the new year in a virtual mode on 14 January, the second Thursday of the month as usual. Participating as shown on the nearby screen shot (left to right, top to bottom) were: Dick Hixson (19) via phone, Ned Kuhns (07), Joe Kuhn (03 Honorary), Bob Graham (18), Jay Decker (08), Tom McNicholas (09), Tom Markley (12), Ed Straw (07), Charlie Stewart (06), Fred Lowack (07), Ken Craig (07), and Ken Sydow (14) who joined us for the first time. Sorry that the lighting wasn’t so good for some photos. Joining us after the photo was taken was Mike Bradley (03). Had hoped to have more participants, including Walt Strobach (18), Kurt Rohdenburg (20), Jim Henderson (15), and Carlos Mercado (07) but it was a day when Naval Hospital Portsmouth was offering COVID-19 immunizations which took priority.

We will do another virtual on 11 February and then consider an in-person luncheon in March, depending upon control of the virus.”

HONOR CHAIRS Remember or Honor a loved one in Alumni Hall. Call 410-295-4100 for more information. ’61 January Zoom Meeting 62 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

From Warren Hoppe M In August 2013 Donna and I began a long weekend in Virginia Beach by joining in on the area’s monthly husband-wife dinner held by members of Sixty-One. This was our third such trip and on the way home we spoke about the good times we always have at social gatherings like this but in the DC area they can be too few and far between. I then decided that I’d bring up the possibility of sponsoring regularly-sceduled husband-wife dinners at the Executive Committee meeting set for September.

My thinking was that it would be added to the social calender for the Greater Washington Area for which the Class Executive Vice President is responsible. The reaction when I brought up the suggestion at the meeting was that it wasn’t a bad idea so “go ahead and do it, Warren.”

I didn’t intend for it to fall into my lap and therefore didn’t rush to make it happen. However, it stayed in my mind and by early spring 2014 I shamed myself into organizing what turned out to be a series of husband-wife luncheons. The first of these was held on Wednesday April 23, 2014. They continued on a monthly basis, then bi-monthly, and finally monthly again, until like so much activity in the country they were brought to a halt by the covid virus, with the last one taking place on Thursday, February 20, 2020.

We had expected to resume the luhcheons during last summer and then by early fall, but with outlook for restarting the live gatherings, at Bob Shere’s suggestion we resumed them as Zoom meetings at noon on Thursday, December 12, 2020.

61/61 CLASS NEWS Twelve participants at that session agreed to change the time for future gatherings to 4:00 pm, which was done with the latest one held on Thursday January 21. The attendees were Bob Sherer, who functioned as Zoom master, Donna and myself, Jay and Barbara Bower, Bill Ciesla and Kathy Rosenburger, Tom Corboy, Jim and Maryanne Ibach, Bonnie Campbell Kuhn, Vicki Sheahan, Ed Straw, Jess and Sue Stewart, Chris Umbeger and David Wright.

Zoom sessions are planned to continue at 4:00 pm on the third Thursday of each month. Feel free to join in - wherever you might be located. To be put on the mailing list contact Warren at wdjhoppe@erols.com or Bob at enavant1305@icloud.com.

From an anonymous 21st Company classmate: My wife and I decided to attend a Pavarotti concert to be given at the local indoor sports arena. We were not regular opera attendees, but, in spite of high ticket prices we said, why not. Once seated I looked around, there were more than 15,000 people in attendance. The concert was brief and featured Pavarotti and a single female singer plus local orchestra. I couldn’t help myself - 15000 people times $100 for a two hour performance in a venue with bad acoustics. A pretty nice payday. A while later I learned that a friend of mine had a friend who produced concerts and had an exclusive with Placido Domino to produce a single concert in the US. It turned out to be Detroit. What could go wrong? The three tenors were really popular at that time.

One thing followed another and we ended up producing this concert.

Along the way I decided ticket master was too expensive to sell tickets and ended up using my local office. My office person was not too pleased. When we arrived in Detroit (I had never been there) we found the performance center was located in the middle of burned out 1960s area. The venue was surrounded by fenced in barbed wire parking lots.

The police manned the area during performances. We mispriced the

tickets, quickly selling out the lower priced ones and ended up giving away higher priced tickets to fill the venue. The performance did go off.

Placido was great, but it was my first and only venture into the performance business. They were the highest priced good seats I’ve ever purchased.

From Warren DJ Hoppe: M This was from Dick Norman, a real gem from 21. He and I roomed together during Second Class Year - sharing one of the 4-person rooms in the Sixth Wing located above the two entrances to the terrace on the King Hall side (the mirror physical arrangement it has with the Fifth Wing).

During Plebe and Youngster Years Dick had roomed with Bob Hoffman and I had roomed with Gene Dvornick but all four of us had terrible results in the drawing for room selection for Second Class Year so rather than being split up and sharing three-man rooms with others in the company, we opted to go together in the Sixth Wing’s seaward four-man room on the 2nd Deck.

Anyhow, I think you will find what he’s sent in just what you’re looking for.

From Dick Norman M Those of us that did not stay in as a career went in many directions.

In my case, after getting an MBA I became involved in the startup of a couple of small businesses. One of them was a shipping venture. With two partners we formed a small shipping company. I was the only one who actually had gone to sea, but one of my partners had been a shipping broker. We did not own the ships nor were responsible for operating them. We time chartered them at a fixed price and had to find profitable employment.

We operated primarily in the Caribbean and west coast of South America. Needless to say life was eventful as, among other problems we had one ship seized and held at the Panama Canal for non payment of a bill we did not incur; the Captain of one of our ships was imprisoned in Haiti for drug crimes (he proclaimed innocence) and one

of our ships was held out of a Chinese port for more than two months due to a political dispute as we saw our bills pile up since we didn’t get paid until the rice cargo from Brazil was delivered. All in all it was interesting, but after about 8 years my charter experienced partner decided to go back to school at age 49 and learn Greek.

From Skip McGInley:

Mars Rover

By the time this column is published, the Mars Perseverance Rover will probably have landed on Mars (February 18, 2021), with the Ingenuity helicopter, after screaming thru the thin Martian atmosphere at a speed of over 12,000 mph.

A parachute and powered descent slow the rover down to about 2 mph. A large sky crane then lowers the rover to land softly on six wheels. The rover’s new home is Jezero Crater, a large impact crater about 28 miles wide, just north of the Martian equator. Jezero once contained a lake, which scientists think is one of the most ideal places to find evidence of ancient microbial life. Perseverance will have traveled 292.5 million miles, and Mars will be 130 million miles from Earth, requiring 11.5 minutes of time for communications to travel between the rover and Earth. This is just one complex mission in a series of intriguing missions that will eventually lead to NASA landing humans on Mars.

My daughter, Amanda (McGinley) Mitskevich, manages the team in the Launch Services Program at the John F. Kennedy Space Center, for Robert Cabana ’71, USNA, the Director of KSC. Amanda’s team was to ensure that the rover had a rocket ride to safely begin its journey from Earth.

Amanda and her team were responsible for procuring a most suitable rocket, years in advance of

the launch and working with the contractor to ensure that the rocket would function correctly so that the rover would stay intact during the launch phase. Perseverance was built by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA, and Amanda’s team worked with the JPL team to define interfaces between the Rover and the rocket and enable safe integration and launch on July 30, 2020 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

And so you probably noticed that the launch date was during one of the peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic. If preparing a rocket and spacecraft going to Mars wasn’t challenging enough (only 40% of missions make it there successfully), throw in a situation where everyone needs to socially distance and wear masks to protect the team… and in the final weeks of launch preparations, when you need to be in close quarters to assemble a rocket and a spacecraft and communicate heavily. The team encountered several technical issues that challenged them to launch in a restricted launch period that opened July 17 and closed August 11 (extended to August 15 with some very difficult analyses due to these issues). If Perseverance didn’t launch during this period, it would be delayed for over two years, when the planets aligned again to make the journey. So Amanda’s team, the JPL team, and the ULA team stayed focused as they worked together in difficult conditions for final physical integration of Perseverance with the rocket on Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force (now Space Force!) Station, and successfully launching early on a hot summer day at 7:50a Eastern Daylight Time.

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

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 63

61/63 CLASS NEWS

Amanda is the Program Manager of the NASA Launch Services Program at the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Her team is responsible for the acquisition, management and launch of the launch vehicles used by the majority of NASA’s most critical scientific missions. Since 1998, they have successfully managed the launch services for almost a hundred missions traveling to a wide variety of locations in our universe- studying the earth, looking for other planets, landing or orbiting other planet systems and the sun and the moon, and investigating the far reaches of the galaxy with amazing telescopes.

Some of the most notable missions besides Mars Perseverance have been the Mars Curiosity Rover, the Parker Solar Probe, and the GOES weather satellites for NOAA. Her team stays deeply cognizant of all commercial US launch vehicles, as well has knowledge of other launch vehicles around the world, so that they can provide advice to mission customers as they work in international partnered arrangements, such as that for the amazing James Webb Space Telescope, launching on an Ariane V rocket from French

Guiana later this year. They are even working with the new Commercial Crew Program to help ensure the success of human missions to the International Space Station.

Amanda started at NASA in 1987, after graduating with an Industrial and Systems Engineering degree from Georgia Tech. She began in the shuttle program, became an intern to the Center Director (Roy Bridges, Jr, USAFA ’65) and then moved to work with NASA’s science missions in 1998, where she has been ever since, progressing from a Mission Manager to the Program Manager thru the years.

When I was stationed in Charleston, SC, as the Production Officer, at the Charleston Naval Shipyard, we traveled down the Kennedy Space Center (Cape Kennedy is how most of us remember that area) as a family for spring break on the way to see my mom in Boyton Beach, FL. At the time, I think our kids thought of KSC as just another Florida theme park, so who would guess that one of them would end up having a full career there with NASA!

Amanda (McGinley) Mitskevich, Program Manager of the NASA Launch Services Program, receiving the Presidential Rank Award from former NASA Administrator, Charles Bolden, Jr., USNA ‘68.

’61: Final Readiness Review for Mars Perseverance launch. My daughter, Amanda, pictured at the table, on the far side. With Bob Cabana ‘71, Center Director of John F. Kennedy Space Center

64 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

’62

’63

Pres: CDR Walter F. Welham Jr., USN (Ret.) p: 703-501-1665; e: wwelham@aol.com

Pres: CAPT W. Spencer Johnson IV, USN (Ret.)

Life Membership: 74% Donor Participation: 27.25%

Acting Sec’y: CDR Robert Giles 1749 Baldwin Dr., Millersville, MD 21108 p: 301-395-4379; e: robert.giles@gmail.com

Walt Welham, our class president writes: M To be writing this notice in our Class news is so very difficult. It is especially poignant as I reread Howie’s entry in the Nov-Dec 2020 Shipmate that said, “I hope your families are healthy and coping as best you can with this coronavirus pandemic.“ As you would know from Stew’s email on Sunday, January 31st, Howie passed away that day, a victim of coronavirus.

It is very hard to imagine our class without Howie and his lifelong contribution to the Naval Academy, our Class and the Jewish Chapel among the long list of his worthy efforts. His spirit and enthusiasm added greatly to any gathering.

I’ve attached a photo from one of our class remembrances at the Columbarium taken in 2017 where Howie, as always, had great comments to add to the festivities.

We all used to joke with Howie that he would make it to 100 and he had that as a life goal. We are all trying to process that he is no longer with us and he will be greatly missed.

Sadly, his beloved wife Thea passed soon after on 5 February.

Please note our class header.

Classmate Robert Giles has volunteered to take up the secretary duties. Please send your news and photos to: robert.giles@gmail.com.

Howard and Thea Pinskey

Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation: 28.06% Sec’y: Michael H. Shelley 27 Cambridge Dr., Brevard, NC 28712 p: 828-506-2201; e: nstar@citcom.net Website: www.USNA63.org

I am sorry to begin this month’s report by telling you that we lost five members of the Class of 1963 family as 2020 ended and 2021 began. I urge you to visit the Last Call section of our web site to see their full obituaries and other information about their lives. Also, view their Midshipman photos and profiles in the virtual 1963 Lucky Bag in the Classmates section.

James Ronald Hand passed away on 22 December 2020. Ron’s widow, Frankie, can be contacted at 1605 Cottonwood Valley Circle South, Irving, TX 75038.

Don Gilbert Palen died on 31 December 2020. His companion, Carole Berren, can be contacted at 44 Bliss Mine Road, Apartment 1, Middletown, RI 02842.

John M. Hood died on 3 January 2021. Jack’s widow, Ginger, can be contacted at 21045 Cardinal Pond Terrace, Apartment 402, Ashburn, VA 20147.

Ronnie R. Radford passed away on 23 January. Ron’s widow, Nancy, can be contacted at 21 Lighthouse Avenue, St. Augustine, FL. 32080.

We also learned of the death of Pete Savage’s wife of 56 years, Katherine, on 11 January. Pete can be contacted at 962 Marco Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702.

Soon after our web site was established in 1999, volunteers from each of our 24 USNA companies became the key contact persons for class communications and business.

Dubbed “Company Webmasters,” they have relayed information to their companymates and passed news and information up the line to class leadership. As key links in our class chain, they have also performed the vital task of keeping up with their companymates’ contact information and submitting updates for the class roster.

63/64 CLASS NEWS Most of the original volunteers still serve as Company Webmasters.

We are grateful to them for being key links in the ’63 chain for so many years. Here are the names of our Company Webmasters: John Pfeiffer (1), Bill Anderson (2), Frank Hilton (3), Mike Shelley (4), Watt Miles (5), Bill Hughes (6), Phil Rooney (7), Dave Bingemann (8), Phillip Marsden (9), Bob Forster (10), Ed Gill (11), Mario Fiori (12), Pete Vreeland (13), John Dolby (14), Chris Munger (15), Jim Ring (16), Jack McDonald (17), Steve Coester (18), Doug Zanzot (19), Gary Baldwin (20), Alan McAnally (21), Chuck DiBari (22), Zimm Zimmerman (23), Tom Morgan (24).

Many thanks to these men for their service to their companymates and the Class of 1963!

Here’s a note from Mario Fiori telling of a source for photos and other information about American service members who were lost in the Vietnam war.

M I received a request for money by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and got totally sidetracked from the work I was doing. They have a photo of every person named on the Vietnam Memorial on their web site (www.vvmf.org), so I looked up my companymates Chuck Marik and Ken Buell. The VVMF exists to honor all who served, preserve the memories of those who left us, and educate current and future generations. Take a few minutes to visit the site. It will be time well spent.

This is the address to go directly to the Wall of Faces on the VVMF site and search for an individual — https://www.vvmf.org/ Wall-of-Faces/ From time to time I am asked about the status of Shipmate subscriptions for widows of our classmates. If you are a Life Member of the Alumni Association (62 percent of us are), your subscription will continue after your death until the passing of your widow. If you are an annual subscriber, the remainder of your subscription can be transferred to your surviving spouse or another family member.

Thanks to Bob Harper for sending this account of his holiday travel and visits with friends and family.

M This picture shows Tom Hammond ’64, me, and Tung Pham ’89 at Tung’s home in Virginia Beach. The occasion was my New Year’s Eve birthday and a few days’ visit with daughter Laura nearby.

Tom and I were in 17th company together. He was also a teammate of my roommate Max Ricketts on the indoor and outdoor track and cross-country teams.

In September 1985 I wandered over to Parent’s Weekend at the Academy and was surprised to see Tom, a bachelor, near Tecumseh.

Turns out he was living in San Diego, had sponsored a Vietnamese family into the U.S., and motivated their boys towards USNA. (Two eventually came and graduated; we sponsored both.). As the family couldn’t afford to come east for Parents Weekend, Tom came so Tung would have a friendly face.

Tung accepted us Harpers as Tom’s friends (despite my pranks and because of Carol’s cooking) and we have become great family. His brother Tommy came to USNA a couple of years afterward and just made a super bond even better.

Tom Hammond is now in Virginia Beach and enjoying frequent visits to the Pham household.

Here is another picture from my Virginia Beach visit. I went kayaking with Laura on Lake Smith in balmy 63-plus-2-degree weather. All is well here at our home in Frederick, MD, although our place in Winter Harbor, ME, really suits this Maineiac better.

Hammond ’64, Harper ’63, and Pham ’89

USNA.COM Bringing the Alumni Association to you.

Kayaking in Virginia Beach

I put Ron and Gerry in contact and a transfer of the B-robe was arranged. In a subsequent email, Gerry told me, “I’m happy to say that Ron was able to receive his hard-earned and well-deserved B-robe. We could have used Ron in the Army-Navy game this year!”

That’s all for this month. Don’t forget to send me news about yourself and our classmates. Please do your part to help keep this news exchange full of interesting content.

I need your help. Thanks!

QUALITY – ’63

’64

Life Membership: 64% Donor Participation: 29.35% Pres: CAPT Micheal Farmer, USN (Ret.) e: farmer.mike@comcast.net Corr Sec’y: Roland Marquis 333 Valverde Ln., St. Augustine, FL 32086 p: 847-970-7562; e: bigroland1@comcast.net Website: www.usna64.org

Ron Klemick’s B-robe

This is the rest of the story of the mystery ’63 Army B-robe. In the November-December 1963 Shipmate column was a photo of an unidentified man wearing a B-robe with multiple N-stars and 63’s. I had seen the picture quite by accident while looking for a photo of the Philadelphia Memorial Stadium. It was included with our column in an attempt to identify the original owner. Soon after the digital version of our column appeared on our web site I heard from Ron Klemick, who said the B-robe had been his and was lost in a move many years ago.

I traced the photo to the Pinterest web site where I learned that it had been posted by someone named Gerry Motl. Fortunately, it was easy to determine that Gerald Motl is a member of the USNA Class of 1968. I tracked him down and confirmed that he is the gentleman in the picture. Gerry is an avid collector of USNA football memorabilia and had bought the B-robe on Ebay more than ten years ago.

We open this issue with a photo of Terry Ward and Keith Waldrop standing in front of Terry’s 2014 Corvette and Keith’s 1970 Mercedes 280SL, which he has owned for 36 years. Both are members of a very active car club based in their large 8000 acre Big Canoe residential development located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 60 miles north of Atlanta.

The photo was taken this past October, at the last car club meeting of 2020. Since their homes are only about a 10 minute drive apart within Big Canoe, it is easy for them to get together to socialize, watch Navy football on TV (a rather painful thing to do during most of this last season) and swap sea stories about their respective Naval Air and Sub Service experiences.

Keith reports both guys are in reasonably good health having thus far evaded the dreaded Covid-19 virus and have appointments to get vaccinated shortly.

The following article is included with apologies to the 5th Company guys who might have seen it previously in a recent issue of Tony Taylor’s excellent “5th Company Gouge”. Since it was such a great MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 65

64/65 CLASS NEWS

’64: Two old farts in front of two beautiful autos

article about Tony’s family, the decision was made, with Tony’s concurrence, to share it with the Class.

It was on one of those days when I was about five years old that another story became a family legend; it all began when Mimi (my mother) had left me in care of one of her friends who lived in quarters overlooking Worden Field while she made a commissary-run. As Mimi would tell it, she had just returned from the commissary and was cruising slowly along Upshur Rd. looking for me knowing that I would most likely be playing on Worden Field; one of my favorite pastimes was searching for lost lacrosse balls.

At first, she did not see me, but then under a large shade tree near the pass-and-review stands she saw me sitting with a group of workmen apparently sharing their sandwiches.

With a smile she proceeded down to her friend’s quarters and went in to say that she was ready to take Tony home: “I just saw Tony sitting under a tree with a group of Public Works men and sharing in their lunch.” At first her friend responded by asking why my mother thought they were Public Works men. “Oh, they all had large ‘PW’ letters sewn on their backs.” With a loud laugh her friend said “Those weren’t Public Works men; they were German POWs who are here to act as grounds keepers since there is a shortage of manpower for maintenance jobs! The ‘PW’ letters are what they use to identify POWs, and there is always a security guard with them. From what I hear, the Germans love this work and the 66 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

sense of freedom while doing something that they enjoy. I understand that some of the POWs have told their guards that once the war is over, they want to stay in America.” The story behind this story is that Fort Meade was a major POW camp in Maryland and that the Army would assign the prisoners to numerous mini-camps around the state to pick farm produce and employ them to work in construction as well as in various menial jobs. Apparently one of these mini-camps was located at the Naval Station just down the road from the commissary. The prisoners were even paid a minimal amount of money (80 cents per day) in the form of script that they could use to buy candy or sundries, and would be allowed to exchange the script for cash once the war was over. This was in agreement with the Geneva Convention that states that soldiers who are in a POW status are authorized payment of 50% of the worldwide average per diem rate for each day held in captive status.

The WWII “Public Works” folks

As anyone recently submitting Shipmate gouge will attest, the

acknowledgement from your humble correspondent usually includes an entreaty like “While I’ve got your attention, how about a few bon mots for Shipmate regarding goingson in the (add a last name) Clan, hopefully with a few photos” Accordingly, in the “Practice What You Preach” domain, this month’s column concludes with a few bon mots from the Marquis Clan along with a few photos.

Florence (or Flip as she was known during our Academy days) and I are both retired, she as an Advanced Practice Clinical Nurse Specialist with the Veterans’ Administration and myself as a Northrop Grumman Product Line Director. After “snow birding” June Week 1961!! for a couple of seasons, we have been happily ensconced in St. Augustine for three years now where we thoroughly enjoy viewing Chicago weather telecasts! Golf occupies much of our time; although, thanks to our empathetic governor, most activities have been only moderately Covid curtailed - especially the restaurant scene which is flourishing.

We joined our youngest son, Ken and his family who have been decades long Northeast Florida residents. He and Joelle own and operate a large, diversified construction company with wharf and boat launch, home renovation, and roofing in their portfolio. The only law “counselor” Ken practices these days is keeping his parents from squandering the four sons’ inheritance.

Recently, another of our sons, Dave, ’85 (The 1st grad from our class – but who’s counting!!), and his wife divested from their Annapolis brew pub, which a number of ’64 classmates had visited, and set up shop about an hour away from us in Orange Park. Continuing with the Navy theme, they named their new place “Bulkheads” and will be again featuring the “Beat Army” pilsner

which garnered considerable acclaim in Annapolis.

Nuclear Engineer Roland Jr. has been a mainstay at the Portsmouth, NH Sub Base since 1987. He has been steadily working his way up the GS management chain and is having too much “fun” to retire. Our Michigan based fourth son, Mike, a Lehigh University Engineering Grad, is heavily involved designing and installing large high tech metal processing and recovery equipment.

The four boys have managed to provide us with thirteen grandchildren and - as of this writing - seven and a half great-grandchildren!

Besides a lot of golf, Florence, our classical pianist, puts in a lot of time on her Baby Grand. Both of us are Eucharistic Ministers at our church and are heavily involved with the St Augustine Historical Society, soaking up the centuries old multi-culture of the country’s oldest city. Life is good.

Fair winds and a quartering sea, classmates

’65

Life Membership: 64% Donor Participation: 52.08% 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

Two months have gone by since the last column and, a lass, there are more Classmate Losses to report.

We lost Pete O’Connor, Paul Noe, and Ed McCaffrey.

65/65 CLASS NEWS From Jim Minderlein, 14 Dec M It is my sad duty to inform you of the death of our classmate, Peter Edward O’Connor. I received a phone call this morning from Ron Bishop informing me that Pete passed away earlier this morning, probably from heart issues. Pete graduated from the 15th Company and retired as a highly decorated Navy Captain and became a successful businessman. He was a member of Ron’s ‘65 Virginia Beach Lunch Bunch. Ron said that Maureen is doing as well as can be expected during this trying time. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers during this holiday season.

Pete was from Philadelphia and served 26 years in the Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, retiring in 1991. He had three warship commands and was witty, a prolific storyteller, and left an indelible impression on all who knew him. A memorial mass was held for Pete on 19 Dec in Virginia Beach. Please check out Last Call for more info on Pete’s life.

From Bill Zuna, 02 Dec M Paul F. Noe, Jr. of Ridgewood, New Jersey passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife, children, and oldest grandchild on 22 Oct. Paul will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 52 years, Elizabeth Ruge Noe, and one son, one daughter and three grandchildren.

Paul was raised in New Jersey and graduated from USNA with the 11th Company. Paul had Swift Boat assignments during Viet Nam and after leaving the Navy earned an MBA from The Columbia School of Business and also became a CPA. He was employed for many years in Manhattan by Arthur Young & Company, including as Director of Technology. Please check out this or a future issue of Last Call for more info on Paul’s life.

From Jim Minderlein, 21 Jan M It is my sad duty to inform you of the death of our classmate, Edward Bernard McCaffrey, Jr. I received the word late this morning from Memorial Affairs at the USNA Alumni Association. Ed and I graduated with the 33rd Company along

with 22 of our classmates, Sadly, we have now lost eight of the 24 First Classmen in that Company. May he rest in peace, Jim. Ed passed away peacefully on 06 Jan in West Deptford, NJ. He served in the Navy four years after graduation and became a very successful entrepreneur who always considered his employees as family.

He was the devoted husband of 43 years to the late Maria McCaffrey and father of a son, daughter and three grandchildren. Funeral Services were private by the request of the family due to the current COVID-19 environment. A Memorial Mass and Life Celebration is to be held later during a healthier time period.

Please check out Last Call for more info on Ed’s life.

From Timothy Woodbury (with USNAAA), 09 Oct M I am forwarding this to you at the request of the Naval Academy Alumni Assoc. This may be of interest to or classmates if they plan on being interred at Arlington. https://www.moaa.org/ content/publications-andmedia/news-articles/2020-newsarticles/advocacy/arlingtoncemetery-eligibility-changes-twoways-to-make-your-voice-heard/ On to some more happier news!

From Phil Ferrara, 07 Oct M A small but talkative group gathered for the October lunch at McGarvey’s in Annapolis under beautiful sunny skies - Sonny Harrison, Frank Peterson, Art Wittig, and Phil Ferrara. We chatted about everything - Rich Harden’s rebuilding of a Harley, and Art never using monkey bars on his Harley, Sonny explaining how today’s electrons outdo COBAL and FORTRAN and Frank outlining all the stuff we learned so well to get A’s in Ward Hall. To top it all off, the waiter repaired Art’s helmet so he could get home safely. He used black duct tape.

Fame as a QB? Answer is ONE: Roger the Dodger. Only other Heisman QB in the Pro Football Hall is Paul Hornung of Notre Dame - but of course he was a RB in the NFL. The Packers had some guy named Bart Starr at QB. Best to the great Class of ‘65! Beat Army, Andy Wilson ‘77, Arlington, Texas From Phil Ferrara, 21 Nov It was a beautiful November 20th and Skip Shealy, Phil Ferrara, and Frank Peterson got together for another round of golf at Bay Hills in Arnold, MD. I’d formed a golf group five years ago that we named CLUB-19. With fifteen members we have plenty of fun. The group includes three ‘65ers plus another Navy graduate, a retired Navy professor, and a West Pointer from the ‘70s among the many others.

11-20-20, Phil Ferrara, Skip Shealy and Frank Peterson at BHGC, Arnold

From Ted Nanz, 02 Dec M A great Thanksgiving week family time in Florida with daughters, sons and grandkids, including ocean time on my son’s boat, visiting Peanut Island in the Lake Worth Inlet near Riviera Beach where JFK’s secret bunker was for his use when he was at the family estate on Palm Beach in case of a nuclear attack.

[Google “secret presidential bunker on Peanut Island”], the new Miami

Military Museum [www. miamimilitarymuseum.org ], sunrises over the Lauderdale-ByThe-Sea beach but no “green flash”, swimming by the powerful Hillsboro Inlet lighthouse, SCUBA lessons for 3 daughters, Everglades airboat rides seeing lots of alligators and large iguanas, watching alligator wrestling and more. Cherishing family, friends and good health. Ted From Jim Minderlein, 09 Dec M We more than achieved our goal of $100,000 for the Pat Donnelly Memorial Scholarship. More than 156 donors contributed $106,319 toward this goal. Of that number, 134 are Class of 1965 with six of our widows included. That is only about 20% of our class. There were also many donors from the ‘63 Cotton Bowl Team and the 1965 National Champions Lacrosse team. If you go to www.bit.ly/PatDonnelly you can view the video of remarks by Skip Orr, Roger Staubach and Neil Henderson. Scroll down to Donors and you will see a list of those who have contributed. Jim And Don Hughes ‘88, who managed this project for USNAAA, added this: M Each and every year, one of our Foundation Scholarship students will be awarded this Scholarship that honors the legacy of one of the Naval Academy’s all-time great two-sport athletes. As I am sure, all of you are aware, Pat Donnelly was so much more than just a great athlete. He earned two post-graduate degrees at Cambridge University and MIT, was the first Class President of the Great Class of 1965 and was

From Andy Wilson ‘77, USNA 18 Oct M Here’s a great trivia question: How many Heisman Trophy-winning QBs are in the Pro Football Hall of

'65: Nanz Clan MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 67

65/66 CLASS NEWS a 30-year career Naval Officer.

Pat had two sons that followed in his footsteps and attended and graduated from the Naval Academy.

Pat ‘89 played football and Sean ‘92 played lacrosse.

From Mike Epprecht, 11 Dec

From Dave Miller, 27 Dec

From Ron Bishop, 08 Jan

M Our granddaughter, Dr. Taylor Adams was married in a beautiful setting on the beach in Playa del Carmen. We spent Christmas in Mexico with our family enjoying the beautiful warm weather!

M This is just a short note to report out on the Tidewater ‘65ers Lunch Bunch Zoom Meeting on 05 Jan. Tom Forbes, Gordon Clarke, Mike Hester, Bob Finley and I met virtually and enjoyed an hour of general conversation remembering that we had lost three members last year, namely Frank Mixner, Norm Dean, and Pete O’Connor.

M We have an opportunity to visit a battleship and share an event with a classmate. As most of you know, Doug Katz was CO of the USS NEW JERSEY BB-62 from 1987 to 1989.

During this period the ship deployed to Korea for the 1988 Olympics and Australia’s Bicentennial. Doug will be donating his uniforms and memorabilia to the ship’s museum and that will happen on Wed, 01 Sep 21.

You are invited to join in this brief ceremony as well as tour the ship and lunch in the wardroom. For details on this, please contact Mike at: mike.epprecht65@gmail.com.

From Rick Rickard (his Holiday Newsletter), 20 Dec M Our year, much like everyone else’s, has consisted of shelteringin-place and lots of time interacting with friends and associates over Zoom. That said, we and our families are comfortable and healthy, and for that we give thanks.

We did manage a trip to Kauai in March, leaving California just before the full impact of Covid was recognized, and departing from Hawaii one day before their quarantine went into effect. Since returning home, we’ve gotten into the sheltering groove. Son Laird and his wife August have joined us a couple of times for al fresco dining on the deck, approximately masked and distanced, of course, their last visit being on Thanksgiving.

68 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

From Jim Minderlein, 20 Jan

From Jim Minderlein, 01 Jan 21 M I received my Nov/Dec 2020 SHIPMATE yesterday with our bronze goat statue on the cover.

There are 65 class columns in this issue starting with the Class of 1938. Each class has a donor participation rate for the year. I was pleased to note that the Class of 1965 donor participation rate is 45% which places us in a three-way tie with the Classes of 1978 and 1984 for the best participation rate.

We are the top donor participation class in the decade of the ‘60s. My thanks to all of you who continue to support our class efforts to help the U.S. Naval Academy achieve its mission. Jim From Phil Ferrera, 06 Jan M On a cold, damp day by the sea, but a great day for a ‘65 First Wednesday lunch, seven ‘65ers gathered at Middleton Tavern for noon meal.

We sat by the fireplace where George Washington once dined !!!

Attending were Ed Linz, Art Wittig, Phil Ferrara, John Bishop, Sonny Harrison, Jay Cheney, and Skip Shealey. We discussed the pandemic, opened New Years’ gifts, sports, health, et al.

M Under normal circumstances, the Class of 1965 would be conducting the five-year election during this time that is required by our bylaws. Mike Epprecht made a motion that was unanimously concurred with by the Executive Committee that we retain the current officers and committees in place to complete the planning of our 55th/56th Reunion scheduled for 01-05 Sep 21. Our next election will be an agenda item to be discussed at our Annual Meeting at the reunion. Jim

July-August 2021 – 24 May 2021 September 2021 – 28 June 2021 October 2021 – 28 July 2021 November-December 2021 – 27 September 2021 One final item before I get to the Class info. We are still in need of a new Web Master. John Jackson will remain in the position until 30 June 2021. If you believe you have the skills for the job, please consider contacting John before he retires from doing that work.

Jim Beesley sent an email and photo to document a rare event.

The photo is Nurse Becky prepping Jim for a prostate biopsy by Urology doctor John Williamson, as all enjoyed a “We Gotta Get Outta This Place” ’66 Classmate moment. Jim is “no jewelry” so John is displaying his black onyx Class ring. The good news is Jim’s cancer will be eradicated by radiation over nine weeks.

Jim, best wishes for a speedy recovery and thanks for sending this unique input.

Thazzit, guys! Aloha, Dave

’66

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 30.39% 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

As we get deeper into 2021, I hope and pray that this year will see the end of lockdowns, a return to nearly full indoor dining, and reasonable return to normalcy. To help you with providing me Shipmate inputs, I’ll provide you with my electronic deadlines for the remaining issues.

They are the dates I must transmit the article, so your submission needs to reach me before that date.

If a particular issue is full, I will let you know if your input will be moved to the next publication.

NURSE BECKY, JIM BEESLEY, AND DR. JOHN

Linda McCook and son, Brendan, participated in the Wreaths Across America at the Naval Academy cemetery on Friday, 11 December.

We went to the columbarium to lay a wreath in honor of Kevin, as well as Bob Scarbrough, his new niche mate. The Superintendent, VADM Sean Buck (’83), was on hand for the wreath distributions. Linda and Brendan then laid a few more wreaths for other ’66 Classmates, and one also for my late wife, Pat Baird. Many thanks to Linda and Brendan for their thoughtfulness.

DONATE ONLINE Support the Annual Fund, visit usna.com and click Give Online.

66/67 CLASS NEWS the Goodrum family. Wes is a helicopter pilot, based in Norfolk, VA. It was great to socialize and maintain the Another-link-in-thechain relationship with the Class of 2016. I was able to capture the moment in a photo.

BRENDAN, LINDA AND VADM BUCK WES (’16) AND MIKE (’66)

Robert Johnson sent the following update and Bo Wiley sent the following memory photo of him and Roy Bell sharing a bottle of wine after the Class Golf Tourney at our 35th Reunion. Great memories.

Thanks to Bo and Robert.

LINDA AT KEVIN’S NICHE

Sadly, I report the deaths of four more Classmates. Class-wide emails were sent for each Classmate with a detailed obituary or explanation of services and interment. They are Tom Gingrich (9th Co.), on 27 November 2020; Rich Madaleno (23rd Co.), on 12 December 2020; Andy Hunt (18th Co.), on 8 December 2020, and Bill Jeremiah (24) on 14 January 2021. Please keep Lynn Gingrich, Kathy Madaleno, Andrea Jeremiah, and the families of the deceased in your prayers.

Death of Mike Cuddington (17th Co)? No spouse; daughter -in-law, Jenn In Early February 2020, Leah and I attended a neighborhood party, at which, we met Rodney and Viviene Goodrum, parents of Wes Goodrum (’16). It turns out they lived just around the corner from our home.

Wes visited his parents over Christmas, and Leah and I were invited to meet him and the rest of

ROY AND BO

Just a reminder of the 55th + Reunion schedule: 1-4 September 2022. Hotels and tailgate site are already under contract. I will provide more on planning later this year. Finally, I’m hoping that most of us will have been vaccinated by the time this is published. In the meantime, stay safe and well!!!

Until May,All the best,Mike!!!

’67

Life Membership: 76% Donor Participation: 42.60% 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

As I was wrapping up this column, I received a note from John Sheldon relaying the news of the death of Bruce Rossing on 23 January 2021

after an extended battle with prostate cancer. At this time there’s not much information available.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Anita, but she is confined to a convalescent facility. John and JC Bates are in touch with their daughter, Robin, and will provide information as it becomes available.

Last year at the start of the pandemic, I received sad news from my predecessor, Don Fraser. His wife, Nancy passed away at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL on 20 January 2020 after a tenacious battle with cancer. She was 69 years old. Nancy was a Navy junior and a Registered Nurse. She served as a Navy nurse, both active duty and reserve, retiring at the rank of Captain. As a reservist recalled to active duty, she served with Fleet Hospital 15 in Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm in 1991. After additional degrees at the University of Maryland, she completed a Nurse Practitioner course at Emory University in 1991 and practiced in women’s health for the remainder of her nursing career. She and Don were married for 47 years. She’s also survived by her daughter CDR Jennifer Fraser, JAGC, USN (Jeff Widenhofer), her daughter, Jessica Hernandez, DPT (Randy) and four grandchildren.

At Don’s request, I held up on including this in a column until funeral plans could be firmed up.

Don has let us know that he has finally received a schedule for Nancy’s interment at Arlington National Cemetery. Services will begin at 1 PM at the Old Post Chapel on 23 March 2021. Full honors will be rendered. He advises that anyone who might plan to attend should check with the latest Arlington National Cemetery rules found at: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Funerals/Attending.

Don, please accept the most sincere condolences from your Classmates.

Michael Cathey passed the word that Jim Tamplin posted sad news on Facebook that one of his sons, Erik, unexpectedly passed away at home before Christmas.

The death of a child, no matter the age or the timing, is devastating,

and this came at an extraordinarily terrible time. Jim, we’re all so very sorry.

Somebody asked a couple of months back if I knew where Walt Newton had gotten away to. Don’t remember now who asked or why, but I went looking and found him in Helena, MT where he’s lived for 20 years. He had been teaching math until he had a stroke about 4 years ago. That has “taken him out of the work force” he said when I talked to him on the phone.

Don Hefkin asked me to include a note of appreciation in the column, and I’ll gladly do that.

Here’s his note: M The 2020 Fire Season finally ended officially in Mid-December marking the longest and most destructive fire season in Northern California in the past 25 years we have lived here. A thank you to all the many Classmates that reached out to us during the fires. Being exiled on this left coast and far removed from most of my Classmates, it felt good to be remembered. Thanks again to all.

A heads-up for any serious oenophiles in the Class – steer clear of the 2020 Napa Valley cabs, merlots, zins, cab francs, and petite verdots including the big expensive blends using these varietals. Much of the late harvest fruit (Reds) was likely tainted – smoke damage.

All the sparkling and white wines should be fine as this fruit was harvested before the fires got out of hand. (Don added a personal note that my and Pat’s favorite wine – O’Briens Family Winery – will probably be fine because of their location in the valley...jm67) One other positive note – another west coast Class exile (a nomad actually) – Jim (Poopie) Schear has again been recognized, this time twice, for his distinguished service. In September, Jim received the FAA’s prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for his service in the Navy, Navy Reserve, PSA/USAir and the FAA. Then in November, Jim was inducted for his service to the Country along with nineteen other veterans into the State of Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 69

67/68 CLASS NEWS I must remark that Poopie cleans up well, and to quote our late dear Classmate Harold B (One Kluck) Kluckhohn: “It’s nice to see that they are adding style to these larger sizes.” Well done Jim. Fred Heinemann had a nice chat with John Ryan in early January.

John and Diane are permanently moving to a gated community on the west coast of Florida, but Fred didn’t pinpoint it. Fred?

Dave Candler checked in from what he terms “ Sunny Connecticut.”

M I write the Shipmate column for the CT Chapter of the Alumni Association. Due to the pandemic our activities have been greatly reduced. In the past we annually host a contingent of the Academy Offshore Sailing Squadron in the Summer “Cruise” timeframe and have activities for candidates and their families as well as social gatherings. As a result there is a dearth of current information to write about. So I have added material called Memorable Mentors to highlight the personalities that Alumni remember the best or i nfluenced them the most from the professors and instructors beck in the day. Last month I featured Heinz Lenz of the PE Dept., who also taught German! And I’m, sure we all remember him teaching everything from Hand to Hand Combat to badminton and golf and swimming. “Up, Out!, and Skvvveeeeze togedder”. This month the featured personality is Mrs. M., aka Mrs. Marshall, the Social Director and you may remember instruction on the tango or cha-cha.

If interested in this type of memory, take a look at the Chapter News section of Shipmate: Connecticut.

Dave followed up and said that his wife Sandy remembered the weekend dance training practicing cha-cha, etc. in the Library Assembly Area with Mrs. M doing above and beyond. That comment from him tweaked my memory, too.

The lessons I took over there were in December. I know that because to this day if I ever tried to cha-cha (which, by the way, ain’t happening!)

I’d have to visualize where the 70 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Christmas tree was so I’d know which way to turn. I guess the problem would be that I’m really not sure at this stage whether the turn was toward the tree or away.

I’m writing this in late January when some states have expanded eligibility for COVID vaccinations to a younger cohort that includes many of our child brides. These young ladies didn’t make the 75 year old age cut. I’m watching the message traffic and the tales of finding a shot. It’s quite an adventure out there in VAXland. One thing that’s really come clear is that Classmates are taking care of Classmates. The Legends out in Southern California have had a constant stream of gouge going around about where to go and how to get through the vaccination process. I had a cryptic text message show up on my phone one evening to “check your email.” I did and there was a phone number to call. Did it right away and got an appointment in the next few days. So far, it pretty much looks like a maze out there. Some have gotten shots at military facilities, others at VA, some at state and county. I’m waiting in a virtual line right now to try to get Pat an appointment at a grocery store pharmacy. I hope by the time this gets to your mailbox, we’ll all be immunized. But we’ll still be masking, washing hands, and keeping our distance.

I don’t have a lot of material this time so I’ll take the opportunity to mention that if you send me pictures for the column, please send them as attachments, making sure the file size is over 300kb or so. Don’t just copy the picture into the body of the email. It will look fine on screen, but will probably not be suitable for printing.

And that’s all there is. Go wash your hands...That’sit...Goodnight! ...Jim

’68

Life Membership: 61% Donor Participation: 26.95% 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 was distributed by e-mail class wide and is posted on our Class website.

Prompted by the photo of Bill Boykin with his new granddaughter, the 20th Company’s Dave Steere reports he is now the proud grandpa of the newest member of the Class of 2041! “The little tyke shown is Orin Clarke Nester; after three granddaughters, there is finally a male member of the family,” Dave said. Following his Navy retirement in 1995 (where he served as the CO of Coastal Systems Station Panama City), Dave and Sayre remained residents of Panama City Beach for 23 years before moving to the Pacific Northwest to be near their family.“Our new home is in Bonney Lake, WA (a suburb of Seattle),” Dave wrote. “It’s a great life here, but very different from the beach scene in Florida. We would love to host classmates who would like to come for a visit.”

READ SEA STORIES

Dave Steere and grandson Orin.

Visit usna.com’s History and Tradition page. Have a story to share? Email to seastories@usna.com

From Houston, Peter VanDerlofske reports his life is probably a bit different than many classmates in that

he is still gainfully employed. “I’m semi-retired, but self-employed in the financial services business with an established number of long-term clients,” he wrote. “My office is five minutes from home but, since the pandemic, I’m working mostly from home. One result is that it’s allowing me to ease into full retirement.”

Peter said his life prior to the pandemic was occupied with work, travel, family, and friends. “A planned trip to Eastern Europe has been put on indefinite hold. During normal times we visited our daughters in Nevada and Idaho and my siblings on Long Island for our annual family reunion.”

Peter has supported various charities and volunteer groups in the Houston area and tries to keep up with classmates in Houston including Ron Cook, Ron Lemon, Bill Powell, and Jim Von Suskil.

“My post-pandemic life is quite calm. Francoise and I stay very close to home. She retired from United Airlines (formerly Continental) after 44 years of flying. The pandemic made it a truly disappointing way to end such a long and enjoyable career. Now we cook, workout, do yard work, read, and keep up with our children via the phone and social media. We are looking forward to the day when the world opens up once again and we can enjoy the life we knew before the pandemic.”

Sherry and Gary Burger of the 13th Company were also numbered in our classmates living near Houston until they relocated to Florida in December. “We’re living in a very nice, post-55 community in Leesburg,” Gary reported in January. “We’re adjusting to living in a smaller house—and still unpacking. People are friendly, and there’s no yard work!” Post-pandemic, Diana and I are looking forward to a reunion with Sherry and “Ham.” He was my roomie all four years at USNA. Welcome to Florida!

USNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION We are available and working remotely. Contact us! www.usna.com/covid-19 for updates.

68/68 CLASS NEWS

Arnie Shapack and his beautiful ’67 Corvette.

Sherry and Gary Burger with, at left, their oldest son Gary Jr ’91 and his wife, Karin during a January visit.

The 32nd Company’s Bill Ruch also works from home in Midlothian, VA, “as needed” for the company he “retired” from five years ago. “My part time work has not really been bothered by the pandemic,” Bill wrote. “Since 2001, I’ve been working for CHA, a consulting engineering company out of Albany, NY, and 95 per cent of the company is still operating from their home. I’ve worked as a mechanical engineer since retirement from USN in 1990, but in the last 20 years I’ve usually been a project manager taking a project from conception through construction and start-up.” Bill and Kimberly have lived in Midlothian since 1990. Bill stays very active with volunteer work at his church and other charity groups. “I’m still very mobile with the aches, pains, bruises, bumps, titanium joints, and plastic eye lenses of the age. I can’t wait to get moving after all the lockdowns, closures, etc. are in the past,” he said. “Beat Army!”

In my last column, Denny Garrity reported he still drives his “first class” car, a 1968 442 convertible, and wondered how many other classmates still have theirs.

Arnie Shapack responded that he has driven his 1967 Corvette daily for a decade—except in winter when he protects it in a zipped-up cover. “The car drives like new,” he said, “but somehow it’s a bit more difficult to enter and exit.

Maybe it’s me?”

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

In other car news, Bill Boykin and his son Skip spent a year-end, three-day weekend at the famed Sebring International Raceway, FL, with the Porsche Club. “We each drove in separate events,” he said.

“Skip is faster, and the events are divided by car and driver speed. We were on the track for about threeto-four hours each day. The events had about 40-50 cars on track at a time, mostly Porsches, but also BMWs, Corvettes, Audis, and even a McLaren. What a blast to drive your car as fast as it will go and stop as fast as it will stop. You never experience this on the road!”

Skip and Bill Boykin put their Porches to the test at Florida’s Sebring International Raceway in December.

In closing, I regret to report that we lost the 16th Company’s Patrick Sabadie and the 11th Company’s Tommie Hardin from our ranks in December and January. Please see their Last Call entries.

Patrick died at his home in Rogers, AR, on 26 December following a 22-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. As a midshipman, Pat was an enthusiastic participant in Company and Battalion sports, and member of the Brigade Hop Committee, Public Relations Committee, and the Spanish Club. During his 23-year Navy career, Patrick served as a surface warfare officer, an advisor to the RVN Navy at Fleet Command in Vietnam, and in the Secretary of the Navy’s Office of Manpower and Reserve Affairs in

the Pentagon. He retired as a commander in 1991, following two years at Readiness Support Group, Mayport, FL. Patrick had a passion for serving others. When his son Mark was born with spina bifida, Patrick became involved in the local and national chapters of the Spina Bifida Association, including serving as president of the Spina Bifida Association of America for three years. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Suzy; sons, Erik (Kim) and Mark; sister, Francisca Sabadie (Rob); and two loving grandchildren. Donations may be made in his memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (www. michaeljfox.org/donate). Company mate Guy Eastman offered this remembrance: “Patrick was kind to everyone he met and easy to get along with. All who worked with him gave him a lot of respect. Patrick was a man of few words, but when he spoke, one needed to listen since he gave sage advice. He made complicated things simple to understand. He had great compassion for others as demonstrated by his many years of serving and leading the national Spina Bifida Association. Patrick was also involved with youth in the state of Florida setting up Boys and Girls Clubs in Nassau County. He was steadfast in his beliefs. Patrick was a great shipmate and friend.

We will miss him.”

Patrick and Suzy Sabadie

Tommie Hardin succumbed to cancer at Goa, India, on 2 January.

He is remembered for his easy-going approach to academics, but

competitive approach to intramural wrestling, football, basketball, softball, and handball teams. The 11th Company’s slow-pitch softball team was brigade champion during our first-class year. After 22 years of active and reserve duty, Tom retired as a commander in 1998. He traveled extensively while in Europe, but during a trip to India, he and his wife, Janette, fell in love with the country, and they moved to Goa. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Janette Hughes; son, Amrut Jake Hughes Hardin, and daughter Alexandra Hardin. Memorial services were conducted at their home in Goa. Donations in Tom’s memory may be made to the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation (www.usna.com/donate).

The Hardin family, from left: Alexandra Hardin, Tommie, Amrut Jake Hughes Hardin, and Janette Hardin.

Jim Cannon, Tommie’s roommate first-class year, recalls how he avoided a major conduct violation.

“Tom was coming back late from liberty in DC on a Saturday night.

He was clocked by the highway patrol doing 100 MPH. To his very good fortune, the officer realized what the consequences would be for a midshipman and let him go with a warning.”

Ivan Larsh said Tom loved everything that reminded him of Southern California. “When spring finally arrived in Annapolis, he would spend as many Sunday afternoons as possible sunbathing on the roof of the mess hall. In the last months before graduation, he worshipped the sun in his MGB with the top down too. I’m sure the hot climate of India was very appealing to him.”

Ken Raglin also remembers Tommie’s strong ties to California.

“Tom was an avid UCLA basketball fan, and the Bruins were basically invincible in those days. I remember MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 71

68/70 CLASS NEWS the night that Elvin Hayes (the Big E) and Houston upset UCLA with Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul -Jabbar) 71-69. Right after the game Tom announced that he would take UCLA and give any takers the entire field in that year’s NCAA Tournament.

UCLA, of course, did win it again, and Tommie, of course, collected on his bets.”

Tim Frank said Tommie never seemed to worry about anything.

“I was amazed at how he would not start a paper until the day before it was due. I last saw Tom in 1975 or 76 when I was stationed in Memphis.

He was there for a short TDY, so we had a few weeks of really good times.” A fondness for British cars persisted following Tom’s graduation, as Rick Thompson recalled, “The last time I saw Tom was when he drove up to our house in Annapolis in the mid-70s driving a Bentley and wearing a panama hat and a white linen suit.To me, that best describes Tom’s outlook on life.”

Take care and stay safe, Gordo

’69

Life Membership: 58% Donor Participation: 28.38% Pres: MAJ Steve Comiskey, USMCR (Ret.) e: swcomiskey@gmail.com Vice Pres: Pat Stroop e: pstroop@hotmail.com Sec’y: Dr. Steve Hudock p: 571-419-0290; e: shudock@1969.USNA.com Treas: Ron Gumbert e: rongumbert@icloud.com e: ron.gumbert@gartner.com Website: www.usna69.org

Happy Spring Classmates ! hopefully you’ve all been able to get your COVID shots and are in the clear.

We had quite a mix in emails for the Class Column last month. Gremlins in the system. We were able to email the entire submission for the column to everyone via the Company Rep Chain shortly after Shipmate went to print, so each classmate should have received a copy. If you didn’t, then please contact your Company Rep and ensure he has your current email address. Our Company Rep Email Chain has been 72 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

working very good for many, many years.

Thanks for the question Jim and the answers Todd/Pat!

’70

Life Membership: 60% Donor Participation: 31.88% Pres: CDR Edmund E. Moore, USN (Ret.) e: edmund.moore@gmail.com Sec’y: CDR Royal Connell, USN (Ret.) 7230 Meir Henry Rd., Pensacola, FL 32506 e: royal70@1970.usna.com Webmaster: Ed Moore e: edmund.moore@gmail.com Website: http://1970.usnaclasses.com

The Parka lives on!

Dave Carter’s grandson Edwin finally made it as a Plebe in the class of 2024. He could have gone to Air Force the previous year, but in spite of being told about their longer runways, no night carrier landings, and better golf courses, he hung out at Ole Miss for a year and was successful at Navy the second try. Not too shabby a mustache for only one week into Christmas leave.

It seems our coveted Parka is no longer offered at the Mid Store.

Edwin was able to salvage his great grandfather’s parka. Thanks to Mr. Robert Dorsky, Academy Tailor Shop Manager, a special ’24 patch was fabricated just for the special occasion. With all of the sad news lately, not only our classmates, but now their wives are passing on, I don’t know whether to admit it is time to start feeling older, just be thankful we are still here, or both! I spent time with Randy Henderson at our 50th to catch up and sat in front of Chip Uhlemeyer at the football game. Thanks for the note Dave. BZ Edwin!! Looks like you have raised a winner Dave!!

Not a lot of mail so far this winter. That’s it for this issue.

Let’s BEAT ARMY often!! – Doc

2021 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Follow Navy Football online at: navysports.com 1-800-US4-NAVY

Greetings all, and welcome to the new world. I’m reminded of the old song (I think it was: ‘I’m Henry the 8th, I am.) which called out: “Second Verse, Same as the first, a little bit louder and a little bit worse.”

Sound the Last Post: We got word from Roger Hill that Bob Lewis passed away in December from a pulmonary embolism. Bob went SWO after graduation. He left the Navy and entered the Naval reserve. Bob had a variety of interesting civilian jobs. For the last 20 years he has lived in Brazil with his wife Perla.

Christmas Greetings: From Betsy and Frank Grubb, down in Summerville SC, they got as far as Jekyll Island GA before the Covid lockdowns, a trip to the mountains and another to the beach, and played lots of tennis. But his work with tax advice to seniors and Betsey’s quilting group have yet to re-start.

Linda and Tom Howard are still living between Ponce Inlet FL and Chattanooga TN, although rumor has it they might even decide to consolidate and stop the three state commute sometime in the near future. They have been unable to really enjoy their ‘new’ 30’ travel trailer because of the travel restrictions, but managed to have to bug out from a couple of hurricanes with it. Linda was hard down quarantined alone in Tennessee with the virus for two months, but now recovered.

Tom has finally retired and has been playing golf around his Florida condo I hear.

Marijo and Skid Heyworth are living the life in Annapolis. They have been enjoying having their son Lawrie locally while he was Flag Sec to the Supe, VADM Buck. He’s been

promoted to CDR and headed for the PXO/PCO pipeline in Norfolk.

They did get in some amazing travel before the recent unpleasantness though: Machu Pichu and the Galapagos; Kenya; Iceland Greenland and Nova Scotia; and the Bahamas.

Can you imagine where they might have made it had they not been so restricted? Skid is also working on raising his golf handicap with some infrequent strolls around the links.

Brenda and Gary Knight also rang in the new year hoping for a better deal this time around. What with his shoulder replacement, and a botched robotic procedure on his prostate; as well as Brenda’s congenital neck and back pain has had them visiting the doctors way more than they would wish. Gary continues his activity on veterans’ issues as the Vice Chair of the Maryland Veterans Home Commission that runs Charlotte Hall, the large Maryland-owned veteran’s home in St. Mary’s County. He is still on the board of a large local homeless shelter that, in part, serves veterans. His writing has slowed but he still has three books in print to choose from.

Our Citizen Advocate, Teacher, and Author from Mason, OH, Bob Viney reports that during the pandemic, he has focused on completing his book on the divisiveness in our politics and the lack of effective, bi-partisan governing that has grown over the past several decades. This process will hopefully be completed by the spring 2021.

Just as COVID-19 surfaced, he too entered the hospital for prostate cancer surgery. No visitors or family allowed, and mask wearing required at all times by him and all nurses and doctors. Fortunately, recovery went very easy physically and he and Shelly played tennis and golf frequently and walked a couple of times each week during the summer and fall. While not being able to dine out, they enjoyed many evenings “dining out” on the deck.

Shelly continued “Zooming” in her several community service roles: chairing the Think Regional annual conference; hosting a local cable TV show with topics of interest to the “over 50” audience; work on the

70/71 CLASS NEWS curriculum committee for Miami University’s Institute for Learning in Retirement program; and she meets with many members of her high school class and an American Association of University Women.

Bob did volunteer to be a Census Worker for 6 weeks and served as a Precinct Election Official, to help ensure these key activities of importance to the country were staffed in their area. He learned a lot about how most volunteers put personal politics aside and worked together to make our Constitutional actions happen. They did work in an early trip to Jacksonville, Orlando and Nashville to visit family and friends.

In Other News: Dan Bowler presided on behalf of the class at a delayed 2020 graduation. Three more 2020 grads…one woman who went Navy – Surface Warfare; one woman who went Marine Corps; one man who went Navy – Submarines. Better attendance that the earlier delayed graduation he attended. Some Mids from the grads’ companies were there; some family members were there. All in all, a very nice ceremony.

He spoke to the ‘Dant. He indicated there remain two more Class of 2020 Mids to graduate.

You all may be aware that the class officers have recently revised the criteria for naming honorary classmates. One of the first awardees was our main POC at Alumni House, Holly Powers. Believe me, class reunions would be next to impossible without her help. And postponing one because of Covid… well, never mind! Anyway here she is with her official notification.

Walt Havenstein. Ed Kellogg also joined us but had dropped off before this photo was taken. Serve now, serve all, serve together, David.”

Excellent photo! Sounds like a good time for good friends!

Here’s a note from Bruce Gallemore with a blast from the past: Barry Steelman’s sons were also so honored for their work on years of Army -Navy tailgates. Elliot sent the following to Brock McMunn who is helping run this program.

M “Happy New Year and I hope you and the family are well. I received the amazing plaque (photo of me and the boys— Jacob (11) and Felix (8)) from the USNA Class of 1970. I am truly honored to be an honorary Class of 1970 classmate.

All the best to you and the rest of the Class of 1970!”

And while we’re at it here’s a photo of Peggy Kimbo’s daughter Tira with the plaque we sent her. She was honored back in 2010 for her support of so many Mids back in the day.

Ring-A-Ding-Ding!

’71

Life Membership: 61% Donor Participation: 34.09%

M “I found this old picture of some of our crew on a happy day in 1986.

We were all stationed in Washington and had a great evening at Garry Holmstrom’s house. One person did not get the dress code memo.

Hope you all are weathering the ‘storm’ enjoyably. Bruce.”

Excellent photo! The crew was a happy group!

Pres: CAPT Perry Martini, USN (Ret.) e: pmartini71@gmail.com Sec’y: CAPT Mike Longworth, USN (Ret.) e: duke.longworth@1971.usna.com Website: http://1971.usnaclasses.net/

What a crazy fall and early winter!

It seems life keeps throwing us challenges as the days pass! I am looking forward to a more “normal” time when we can meet again in Annapolis for a football game!

Speaking of football, I joined several classmates on a Zoom call for an Army-Navy “tailgate” prior to the game. You can rest assured the tailgate went well; however, the game results were not what we hope to see!

Here’s a note from David Laws: M “Duke, 14th Company had a Zoom call to watch the Army-Navy game together. Although we were disappointed in the results of the valiant efforts of our Navy team, we had a great time catching up, learning how each other is doing in pandemic times, and occasionally telling stories that had not departed too much from the original. A few wives joined us from time to time, but for some reason, when they heard the stories we were telling, they left. From left to right, top to bottom, Bob Capra, Rick Burgess, Roger Young, Bill Organek, Bill Williams, Mike Newman, Bob Goodwin, Chip Slater, Steve Raphael, Dave Laws, Denny Desmond and

(Left to right) Craig Welling, Garry Holmstrom, Mark Horgan, Ron Spratt and Bruce Gallemore

Tom Bowman and I recently shared several emails in which we discussed our shared experience at VA-174 in Jacksonville, FL. Tom was completing A-7E training as I arrived to start training. Our sea duty paths did not intersect after A-7 training. Tom and Becky are very happy as you can see in the photo below!

Tom and Becky Bowman

Sadly, since my last column four classmates have passed away.

Bruce Eric “Rick” Rychener of Salisbury, MD, peacefully passed away on Monday, December 14, 2020 at his home. Born in Toledo, Ohio. Rick graduated out of the 33rd Company and was a proud member of the Drum & Bugle MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 73

71/72 CLASS NEWS

’71: 14th Company watching Army-Navy

Corps. Following graduation he served two tours on active duty.

Rick then worked as a Surface Naval Engineer, building ships for the US Navy, at the Pascagoula Shipyards in Mississippi. He also worked as a defense contractor in Crystal City, VA and later Wallops Island, VA. Finally managing his own kitchen and bathroom design company, CEA Associates out of Salisbury, MD. He was a member and past commander of the American Legion Post 64 (Salisbury, MD) and the VFW Meuse Post 194 (Salisbury, MD) where he enjoyed playing shuffleboard. Rick owned a sailboat and continued to indulge in his love of the sea. He and Coral very much enjoyed travelling together in their retirement, especially cruising to areas including Alaska, the Mexican Riviera, and the Caribbean Islands.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Coral Lee Reyer Rychener; three daughters: Boni Jean Rychener; Beth Anne Townsend; and, Beki Lynn Bradford, and seven grandchildren. A memorial service will be held June 14th, 2021, at 2:00 pm, at the USNA Chapel and Columbarium. Please visit: www.hollowayfh.com to express condolences to the family.

Michael C. Shell died on 4 December 2020. After graduating from Walton County High School in Defuniak Springs Florida in 1964 he attended two years of college before graduating from NAPS in May 1967. Mike was a member of the 33rd/14th company and departed USNA after plebe summer in September and later completed his service commitment in Vietnam prior to his honorable discharge in 74 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

1969. He was a loving husband to Sandra Strickland Shell and father to Jennifer Steele and Chris Shell and three grandchildren. Michael and Sandra recently celebrated 50 years of marriage and devoted their marriage to their family, travel, and serving others. Michael shared his love of travel with his family. He and Sandra traveled around the world seeing over 100 different countries.

Edward C. “Ted” Hines passed away in Tidewater Virginia on 1 December 2020. Ted graduated out of 28th Company. Unfortunately, I have no other information regarding his passing.

Vince Esposito suffered a heart attack in Martinsburg, WV on 30 June 2020; however, news of his death only reached us early in January. Vince came to us from New Jersey after spending a year in ROTC and raised his hand on T-Court 28 June 1967. Vince was a Log cartoonist and helped design the ’71 Class Crest. He also led the building of all the Homecoming Floats 1st Class Year, as well as the exhibits in the Yard during football season. Following graduation out of the 19th Company, Vince entered the nuclear submarine force serving on active duty for ten years aboard the USS BERGALL (SSN-667) and later on the USS TINOSA (SSN-606) both out of New London, CT. He then served ten years in the reserves retiring as a commander. Vince began his public career as an Engineer and received his Master of Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). He then workded in finance for several utility companies and international consulting firms. For the last 15

years he had a successful career in the Civil Service with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Health and Human Services, before he retired from government service in March 2020. His ashes will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery at a date yet to be determined.

Too soon, it is time to close.

Please keep our classmates and their families in your prayers for good health, especially protection from the COVID-19 virus, healing when needed, and safety in their travels. Today is the gift of “the present.” Certainly, this pandemic highlights how 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 maintaining our nation’s constitutional republic. Now is the time to shape the future of our great nation as we strive for a more perfect union. 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: 34.09% Pres: CDR Bob Leib, USN (Ret.) e: rcleib1972@verizon.net Sec’y: CDR Rich Robison, USN (Ret.) 3126 North Greystone Dr. Morgantown, WV 26508 e: Scribe72@comcast.net Website: http://1972.usnaclasses.net Class Listserv: TheGouge-USNA72@googlegroups.com Facebook: USNA Class of 1972

Happy March, Ladies and Gents!

As I write this, it’s one of those days with freezing rain, occasional snow showers, and generally grey skies.

You know…Dark Ages weather.

Now, it so happens that we have two dogs—a golden retriever who absolutely loves this sort of weather and runs outside happily to play and roll around in the snow (especially after she’s just been groomed. After all, got to get rid of that nasty, stinky

fru-fru smell…) The other is our daughter’s puggle (that we have been dog-sitting for a couple of years now), who gives me something of a put-upon look whenever I remind him that it’s time to go outside. However, the puggle, not surprisingly, is the watchdog of the two…letting out with a wail and a howl, running madly to alert me every time some poor, unsuspecting person, dog or deer walks within ten miles of the place…scrambling out the door in a gallop to chase the intruder away. (You’ve got one of those, too? Yeah.) Well, the UPS guy (a frequent visitor) has figured it out and carries a stash of dog biscuits which has proven effective in bringing about a temporary cessation of hostilities…at least until he gets back in his truck to drive away. (Thank goodness for Invisible Fence.) The golden, of course, is happy just to trot out to greet Mr. UPS and get a free treat out of the deal. Never a dull moment.

“U-Been-There?” Dept. So tell me, you old salts, have you ever passed through the realm of Neptunus Rex? Are you a Loyal Shellback? Mark Pistochini is. He passes along the following, entitled: Classmate Loyalty – or – Crossing the line in 1973.

M “Shortly after graduation in June of 1972 and immediately following my 30 days of “free” leave, I reported to my first ship in mid-July, which was the USS PONCHATOULA (AO-148) homeported in Pearl Harbor. She was an “oldie but a goodie” with more than her fair share of deployments to WestPac, as she was one of the few oilers that could still carry Aviation Gasoline (AVGAS). As the newest Ensign, I was naturally designated “George” and assumed all the duties forthwith.

“Instead of getting to spend a few months in the Hawaiian paradise, but much to the delight of the crew, in October ‘72 the “Poncho” made an early departure for another WestPac deployment. As fate would have it upon reaching Subic Bay, we received another addition to the Wardroom in the person of Ensign, and classmate, Robert J. “Goldy” Goldstein (13th Company).

72/72 CLASS NEWS As I had spent my time with the Buds in 33rd Company, Bob and I hadn’t really known each other at the Boat School, but we became pretty good friends on board the Poncho as we shared many of the responsibilities of “George” and took a bit of good natured heat from the other JO’s. With the exception of the skipper, we were the only Academy grads in the wardroom.

Certainly, one of our most memorable events, at least for me, was crossing the equator in February ’73, just prior to a port call in Singapore. As mentioned, the Poncho was a frequent deployer to WestPac and as such more than 70% of the crew and all wardroom officers were Shellbacks – except of course Goldy and me! Suffice it to say the two classmates received extra special attention that day from Davy Jones and his entourage (Royal Barber, Royal Executioner, etc.) as we passed through the initiation together from Pollywogs to Loyal Shellbacks (see photos). I also remember we were both eating standing up for the next few meals!

“It was certainly one of those “glad I did it” and “never want to do it again” experiences but, looking back on it, getting to go through it with a classmate made the experience even more memorable. However, taking no chances, I have kept my original Shellback card in my wallet and on my person every day since then.

“Y’all stay safe and healthy – and BEAT ARMY!”

A few months ago, in a desperate moment while crafting one of these epistles, your old Scribe drew upon a trusty (albeit slightly corroded) source of material and posed the question: What was the WRNV top song of the 1960s as voted by the Brigade (in January 1970)? Well, I received a number of responses…

John Sexton (among others) thought it must have been “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” by The Animals. Good guess and a great Class favorite bringing back all of those fond memories of our Plebe Summer noon meal formations out in T-Court…but, alas, no cigar. Turns out it was a little more subdued than that: “Cherish” by the Association. (OK, who stuffed the ballot box?) At any rate, does anyone want to hazard a guess as to what #2 was?

Regrettably, it seems that Class columns aren’t complete these days without adding to the list of those who have gone before us. We have lost two Classmates in the past few months…both from 14th Company.

William Franklin Galli passed away on 30 November 2020. Bill came to USNA from Grants Pass, OR, and was a place kicker on the football team before he left the Academy in 1970 after incurring sports related injuries. He went on to obtain his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University, and worked for companies in Portland, San Francisco and Seattle before he formed his own company, The Galli Group, which he subsequently

moved back to Grants Pass. He was a well-respected businessman and parent in the community and was recognized as Father of the Year by the Grants Pass Rotary Club in 2002. He is survived by his wife, Caryn, two sons, a daughter, two brothers, one sister, several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The Class extends its deepest sympathies to Caryn and their family.

Kenneth Patrick McKay passed away peacefully on 3 December 2020. Originally from Bozeman, Montana, Ken graduated with us in June, 1972, and went on to serve his country as a “Seabee” in the Civil Engineering Corps. He retired in 1994 with the rank of Commander.

Ken took great pride in being a naval officer and in his professions as an engineer and lawyer. Regrettably, Ken’s wife of 49 years, Sandy, preceded him in death by only about a month. I had the opportunity to meet and speak with their son, Don, at Ken’s visitation in December, who was enduring the loss of both parents in such a short timeframe. Ken is also survived by two daughters, three brothers, and five grandchildren. He was inurned at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA. Memorial contributions may be made to The Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association (https:// www.seabee.org/get-involved).

The Class extends its deepest sympathies to their family.

Please keep the families of all of our deceased Classmates in your thoughts and prayers. On a

separate note, I would again ask that, if you become aware of the loss of a Classmate or a spouse, please notify me, Bob Leib and/or Bill Moffatt at the earliest possible opportunity. In this recent situation above, only because we heard about a Classmate’s death shortly after it happened from another Classmate was someone that lived nearby able to attend a visitation and—in doing so—effectively represented our Class to the family. It’s a seemingly minor effort and, admittedly, one that often isn’t possible… but on those occasions when we can get the word out quickly and afford a Classmate the opportunity to attend a visitation or memorial service, it means a lot to those who are experiencing the grief and loss of a family member.

Well, Mates, time, tide and meal formation wait for no man. As always, stay safe and stay in touch.

More to come. D. O. Class Editor’s note: Page 78 of the Jan-Feb 2021 Shipmate, regrettably had a mistake. In describing the Bonds of Gold Ceremony 19722022, it should have read DANIEL G. Hawthorne, 7thCompany not DAVID G. Hawthorne.

Tried and True with ’72.

SHIPMATE More than 80 years available online to all Alumni Association members.

Visit usna.com/shipmate

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

2021 ISSUE:

DUE DATE:

July-Aug ’21

May 24, 2021

September ’21

Jun 28, 2021

October ’21

Jul 28, 2021

Nov-Dec ’21

Sep 27, 2021

’72: Some events are just…unforgettable MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 75

73/73 CLASS NEWS

’73

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 33.64% 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

Hello everybody, I hope you are doing well and enjoying spring. I do not have much news which is not surprising since the Dark Ages are typically slow. Unfortunately 9th Company was not able to have its annual Dark Ages Party at the Golay’s due to COVID restrictions and concerns. Hopefully by the time you read this the vaccination program will be in “High Gear” and folks will be able to get the vaccine and return to what they like doing.

I do have some news to pass on.

The first is an announcement from Max Lindner, Mike Zimet, Mark Kohring, George Watts and Dirk Mosis, our 50th Reunion Leadership Council; M “Greetings Classmates! As we continue to sail toward our 50th Reunion gathering in Fall of 2023, I am taking this opportunity to update everyone on where we are with our 50th Reunion Gift Campaign and to announce an innovative intra-Company level competition.

As I write this, we are enjoying remarkable progress against our Campaign project goal of $2 million, as well as our over-arching goal of raising (or exceeding) $7.3 million in all time class giving (since graduation). Additionally, through the generosity of over 300 Classmates thus far, we’ve been able to establish two significant opportunities for excellence at the Naval Academy: 1) The Heinz Lenz Fellow in Physical Mission; and 2) The recently announced Fred Minier Ethics Fellow position in the Stockdale Ethics Center. Therefore, I am confident our Class will rise to the occasion and meet or exceed our financial goals in academic, athletics and leadership/character excellence.

That said, we are well short of our stretch goal of 73% of overall Classmate participation. Of all of our campaign objectives, this one 76 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

best epitomizes our motto of Non Sibi and reminds us of the bonds that unite us all. With that, your 50th Reunion Campaign Leadership Council is launching the 50th Reunion Campaign Color Company Competition to help boost the participation in all of our 36 Companies. Scoring metrics and reunion recognition details will be forthcoming, but the ultimate goal is to increase campaign participation while having some fun. The Company achieving the highest percentage of participants in our 50th Reunion Campaign will be declared the Class of 1973 50th Reunion Color Company, and be recognized as such when “two or three shall meet” in October 2023. So, no marching…no Class standing…no Order of Merit…no grease. Just participate and give your Company a shot at the most unique Color Company Competition in 175 years of Naval Academy history!

George Watt, Campaign Chair, and I want to thank Classmates Mark Kohring, Max Lindner and Mike Zimet for their innovative thought leadership and willingness to run with the Competition, coordinating with Company Reps, to further evidence that ’73 cares and supports our alma mater!

Thanks CLASSSSSSMAAAATES and remember: Every Gift Counts …

Every Classmate Matters!”

In other news I received a “Bucket List” input from Art Kuehne who wrote; M “A couple of years ago, my ex-roommate, Dan Thigpen, and I spent a couple of days together at Dan’s deer hunting lease in south Texas. As is to be expected, we spent many hours together in a hunting blind discussing the world situation, children and grandchildren, cars, careers, etc. Somewhere in the discussions we also discovered that both of us dreamed of someday going on an elk hunt in the Western U.S., and we resolved to make it happen before we got too old! After two years of planning, scheming, and repeated frustrations, Dan and I were able to make our dream a reality this past October. With the help of our wives, B.J. Thigpen and

Linda Kuehne, we each made the long drive to Bozeman, Montana, where we had rented a cabin where they would stay while Dan and I were on our elk hunt. Our elk hunt was to be from a tent basecamp deep in the Snowcrest Range of southwest Montana. To get to the camp required a two hour drive in a 4WD truck over progressively worse roads to the trailhead where we picked up our horses for the three hour ride to basecamp. For the remainder of our time in camp we would be riding horses, with only an occasional short hike. As Dan would later characterize it, the riding was “varsity level” on steep and narrow forest trails, often covered with snow and ice, and navigated in the dark. On a number of occasions our travels took us to altitudes above 9,000 feet. Unfortunately for us, weather turned out to be a major negative factor during our hunt. On the first day of the hunt, we awoke to a temperature of -6 F. The second day was worse, -16 F. Although the weather warmed during the remainder of our stay, the initial cold weather significantly disrupted the elk movement patterns.

We did see a number of elk, but they were always either already too far away or moving quickly as they fled. Although we did not harvest an elk during our hunt, it was nonetheless an epic adventure and a once in a lifetime experience. Dan and I would especially like to thank our wives for their support and understanding in our pursuit of youthful dreams.”

Art and Linda Kuehne

Dan and B.J. Thigpen

Dan and Art high in the Snowcrest Range of Montana

I asked Art what he was doing now and received back; M “I retired from the Navy in 1994, and then from the State Department in 2015. My wife and I decided to move out of Northern Virginia as soon as we could after I retired.

We found a great property here in Lexington, VA. We have 19 acres, an apple orchard and a trout pond.

I spend most of my time doing various jobs and projects here on the property. I am active in our church, Timber Ridge Presbyterian, but I also belong to the local chapter of the Military Officers Association of America where I’ve helped with the various fundraising projects, etc.

I’ve also helped with the VMI fishing club but they haven’t been active this past year because of the COVID. I’ve also gotten back into shooting skeet here. We have a private shooting range I belong to where we shoot trap once a week, and a friend has an informal “sporting clays” range on his property where we also shoot once a week, weather permitting.

It’s funny that some days it seems you just can’t miss, and the next day you can’t hit anything.

73/74 CLASS NEWS

’73 Looking sharp!

Art, Thanks for the news. That sounds like a fantastic and really cold adventure. I go skeet shooting most every week with some 9th company friends. I seem to have a lot of days not hitting much!

I thought I would pass on this picture from our plebe summer I received from Bruce Hargus. It’s hard to believe we looked so young.

As a reminder if you want to send on some memories and possibly a picture of your “midshipman car” that would be super! Also what you are doing to stay active and have fun during the pandemic.

That’s all the news I have. The good news is I still have not heard of anyone getting COVID 19.

Keep it up! And stay safe. As always, Go Navy! and Semper Fi! General Shipmate editor's note: In the January-February '21 issue the '73 class column from NovemberDecember '20 was inadvertently repeated and published. Please look for the January-February '21 '73 class news in the May 2021 issue. Shipmate staff apologizes for the oversight.

’74

Life Membership: 59% Donor Participation: 37.22% Pres: John Yaeger Corr Sec’y: Roger McEvoy 745677 p: 559-905-7362; e: usna745677@hotmail.com

Oh boy. 2021. A new year. A new start. Still, more of the same issues, experiences and bad news that

seemed to permeate every small crevice in the landscape of 2020.

My year started by informing my (8th) company that one of our brothers was entering hospice.

On January 8, 2021 Don Hagerling passed away from cancer. The next day, we lost Bob VerSchure (11th Co.) also as a result from cancer.

And the beat goes on…

Don Hagerling

By the very nature of the profession for which we were trained, many of our classmates ended up doing work that cannot be talked about in social settings, or even at reunions between classmates. We may have some idea of the general subject matter of a particular individual’s work, but not the details. And so often, it is those individuals who are quietly making

the most significant contributions to our nation. Such is the case of Don Hagerling. I will not go into detail here. Please read his obituary in the Last Call section of this or a future issue for those details. But I cannot submit this column without sharing the knowledge that Don was truly the father of computer/ cyber security measures for the Navy, and for the US Government in general. Don was a quiet man of good humor. He was loyal to his associates. And in the face of adversity, he never resulted to passing blame, or degrading those who opposed him. His strength of character and his stamina to persevere is what we remember most about the man. And in his dying days, he prayed for his company mates. Every one of my 8th Co. brothers is better for having Don as one of our numbers, and the nation should be grateful for his service.

I spoke with Doug Bloomquist (13th Co.) a couple of days ago, and learned that he and his significant other, Lynn, recorded/released their first album and a single late last year. In case you don’t remember, plebe summer, Doug was one of the founders of the band that played all the 60’s music (including the Rice Krispy’s theme song) at the talent show on parent’s weekend, at numerous hops through our four years, and, under the name Danforth, has been playing at our reunions since graduation. A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure to sit in on a practice session of Danforth West at Doug’s house in Los Gatos, California, as he and Pat Haney (7th Co.) were getting ready for their next gig. With the covid-19 pandemic getting in the way of routine practice, and shutting down of group gatherings where they would normally perform, Doug and Lynn started spending time writing their own songs this past year. With their first album now available through most of the mainstream streaming services, they are working on their second album. They perform under the name of Second Story Duo, and you can access their work by googling @secondstoryduo | linktree. There

is a personal story that Doug shares on the site that needs to be read, and the related song needs to be listened to. I won’t go into more here.

Just go to the link, and explore what Doug and Lynn have put together.

Doug & Lynn Bloomquist

I also got a note from Rick Vizzier (17th Co.) last week. Viz was actively encouraging those of us on his USNA e-mail list to not hesitate to get our covid-19 shots. He reported that Tom Lozier (19th Co.) got his shot a couple of days earlier and was doing fine. But then I received a note from John Branchflower (also 19th Co.) relating that Loz woke up that morning with hair growing on his tongue, so I’ll leave you all to your own judgment here.

I’m sure you all recognize that when I resort to including a note like this from Branch, I am out of current info to pass on. The pandemic has certainly curtailed social gatherings, limited travel and confined many of us to our homes. So it is understandable that I’ve heard little form the class these past two months.

But there is more than just hope on the way. By the time you read this I suspect that hospitalizations and deaths from the virus will be considerably lower than in recent days.

Like Viz, I also encourage you all to get your vaccinations. I have it on good authority that, despite what you read on the internet, it will not sterilize all the woman in our country, and there really isn’t a trackable chip included in each inoculation. (Unfortunately, I can’t be so sure about your cell phone.)

Stay healthy.

Roger

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 77

75/75 CLASS NEWS

’75

Life Membership: 58% Donor Participation: 25.90% 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, Once again we must bid a sad farewell to two members of the class of ‘75 family. Condolences to the families and loved ones of Dr. Glenn Amundson and also of Elaine Weyand (wife of Bill Weyand).

Damn COVID and damn cancer!

On a happier note, we received a fun note from AJ Ronacher in San Diego.

M There’s a little informal Wednesday afternoon dinner party at Gator Beach on NAB Coronado. The Flower Children in the area proudly “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic” by joining this weekly party and enjoying the social act of … freedom.

They cap off the pride in our freedom at the end of the party with a salute to evening colors. Pursuing “Life, Liberty and Happiness” were Rox and AJ Ronacher, Lynn and Jim Tenuto, Tom Gadzala, Tim Naple, and Joyce and John McTighe.

Credit goes to organizer Alana (wife of John McTighe’s long time Frog friend and mentor, Joe Quincannon).

The gathering has become known as the COVID Survivors Club. If you are ever in the San Diego area on a Wednesday afternoon, by all means join the “club.” As members of the Class of ‘75, we have a reputation to uphold and a fight worth fighting!

COVID Survivors Club on Gator Beach

78 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Paul “Beef” Barreto checked in with an aviator report from Florida.

M “After retiring from United Airlines and the Naval Air Reserves, I began a search for a used Vans RV8 airplane. The quest started because many of my retired Navy Pilot and Reserve squadron mates had already purchased planes and hangars. They established the Dreamland Squadron at Haller Airpark in Green Cove Springs, Florida.

I was anxious to get back into the Squadron camaraderie and flying.

Totally by chance, a friend told me about a government auction that included a complete RV8A kit.

The kit had been purchased by NASA to use in the development of an unmanned air vehicle before funding for the program was lost.

Twelve years later, the kit was auctioned off and I won it. The assembly began in my barn in Welaka, FL and ended four and half years later in “Hangar 75” at Haller Park.

My mentor throughout the build was Pat “Bonzo” Lee ‘72 a former squadron mate. His help, as well as from other fellow pilots at Haller, was invaluable. The paint scheme I chose was a compilation of my memories of the Academy, the Class of ‘75 and historical Naval Aviation. After the initial flight testing is completed (40 hours) I plan on having our mascot “Bill” painted on the left cowling with the plane’s name “Old Goat” placed underneath. Mickey and I currently reside in Vilano Beach, Florida. If you are in the area look me up and we’ll take a spin around North Florida in the Old Goat.”

Paul’s RV8 — The Old Goat

Walt Flippin was a donor and a player in the Folds of Honor golf challenge held at the Country Club of Landfall (CCL). Walt played with pro partner John Whitaker while sporting Navy covid masks procured through the Cape Fear alumni chapter. The fund raiser reached $40,000 when donations were closed at the end of December.

West Point Raid (Episode Three—Return to Mother B). At the end of Episode Two in the Jan-Feb ’21 Shipmate, six classmates … Tom Dempsey, Bob Meissner, Jake Jennings, Tom Gadzala, Mike Reust, and Harry Lee … were in custody in the West Point Provost Marshall’s Office a couple of nights before the Army game of 1974.

Their mission had been a success however, because while they were causing havoc with GO NAVY sheet posters and painting BEAT ARMY on the parade field, H. Ross Perot ’53 was able to enter the Cadet Chapel and play Anchors Aweigh and the Marine Corps Hymn at midnight.

Demps concludes the story:

’75: Walt Flippin (left) in the Wilmington NC Folds of Honor golf fundraiser

M “Apparently before I arrived at the Provost Marshall Office, Bob was questioned multiple times and kept insisting he was one of Perot’s associates, which was technically truthful for that evening, until he was asked directly if he was a Midshipman. He told them yes.

Once he confessed who he was, he and the others were locked up.

During their confinement, they gamed the system and wound up getting a bunch of Woops locked up with them. Most of the Cadets were in their gym gear at the rally and not carrying their ID cards or didn’t have upper class Cadets in uniform to vouch for them, so they were picked up by the MPs. As soon as these “undocumented” Cadets arrived at the PMO, they began loudly protesting their innocence. Bob and the others seized the opportunity to screw with them, telling them to own up to their Midshipmen status and that the gig was up. Bob and the others called them by various made-up names and saying “go ahead and admit you’re a Mid, they know there’s dozens of us up here.”

It played right into the MPs’ fears that there were a hundred or more Midshipmen roaming the grounds at West Point. At one point, they had about ten Woops in custody because they couldn’t prove they weren’t Midshipmen and of course the three known Midshipmen kept saying “Hey Fred, hey Joe, hah, hah, they got you too, huh?!”.

During the Provost Marshall’s Office lock-up, the Deputy Corps Commander showed up and insisted that the arrested Midshipmen had to go back to the Cadet Barracks during the early morning hours to apologize. He told Bob and the others that he was also their Honor Committee chairman and threatened to have us all kicked out for honor offenses. He tried to pull rank on us because he was a five striper. I think to a man we each told him to what he could do — no apologies offered.

The initial “arrested group” were initially charged with “impersonating a Cadet” since two of them had on Jake’s dad’s uniforms. It turns out that there was no such regulation

or law, so everyone was prepared to be released. Shortly after those who had spent some time behind bars were taken out of lock-up, Paul Bucha, the retired Army Captain, showed up (although I’m not sure how he knew we were there) and told the MPs to let us all go since we were Perot’s “associates” and had nothing to do with the events of the evening. At that time, Bob pointed to the ring on his finger and proudly said, “No we’re not. We’re Midshipmen.” At hearing this, Bucha wheeled a hasty about face and looked dead in the eye of the Police Sergeant, said, “Book ‘em!” and left us there.

Seconds later, Perot came through the door to be processed as well. He went behind closed doors with the MPs. Later, I found out that when he was given an opportunity to make a phone call, he asked to speak to President Ford since he was a personal friend. Shortly after that we all got released once and for all. Perot promised that we would all leave West Point and never again come back. We were escorted back to the Hotel Thayer by the MPs, told to gather our stuff, get in the car, leave West Point, and never come back.

The MPs allowed only one of us to enter the hotel to retrieve our gear for fear that we would escape and cause more trouble. One of us went upstairs (although for the life of me I’m not sure who it was). The rest of us remained in the car and as we prepared to load the trunk and leave, Bob and Mike slipped out and started rolling up the Hotel Thayer door mat. I’m pretty sure they never got it in the trunk since it was so big. I do know that Jake and Tom Gadzala were able to grab trash cans out of the Presidential Suite and have proudly carried those with them since 1974.

We were escorted all the way to the turnpike by several MP cars with their lights flashing. The upshot was that the Woops and MPs never did know how exactly many of us were there, so while we were speeding back toward Annapolis, the entire Corps of Cadets was up most of the night searching for non-existent Midshipmen raiders.

As we sped down the highway to make it back to the Yard before noon meal — perhaps a little too fast — Bob got ticketed for speeding somewhere around the Delaware Memorial Bridge. The police took us to a local justice’s house (some old lady in a house coat). The fine was going to be almost $250. If we didn’t pay, we’d be locked up again — two arrests in one night. We used some of the cash that Perot had given us. Once we paid, they let us go.

We found out that the Provost Marshall Sergeant had called the Navy front office sometime that night telling anyone who would listen to him that he had three first-class Midshipmen locked up at West Point. When the Mate started laughing at him, he demanded to speak to the senior duty officer. Of course when he told our classmate, the MOOW, he started laughing too which caused the Provost Marshall Sergeant to explode in a fit of rage.

He sent a charge sheet down to the Navy OOD the next morning charging Bob personally with more than fifteen UCMJ violations and wanted him kicked out. Not sure where that charge sheet ended up, but no Form 2 was ever issued, nor was Bob brought up on charges.

Long story short, we made it back safely and at the Anchor before “Brigade, Seats” we announced to the Brigade that we had successfully conducted a raid on West Point and that Anchors Aweigh and the Marines Hymn were played at midnight at the West Point chapel.”

’76

75/76 CLASS NEWS

Life Membership: 58% Donor Participation: 22.35% Pres: Kevin Stone 928 Lynch Dr., Arnold, MD 21012 p: 410-974-4313; e: kevin.stone@1976.usna.com Sec’y: Mark Hubbard 774 Settlers Ln., Kure Beach, NC 28449-4907 p: 301-514-1645 e: Mark.Hubbard@1976.usna.com Website: http//usna76.wordpress.com/

2021 is getting off to a fast start.

Here I am writing the second column of the year and by the time you receive this Shipmate magazine, we’ll be celebrating the arrival of spring accompanied by warmer weather. Can’t wait! Nice to be headed out of the Dark Ages and COVID-19 (my wife, Barb, and I were diagnosed in late December with coronavirus, but we’ve managed to get through it).

Scott Goodson provides his first ever submission to Shipmate: M In the Dark Ages gloom of prolonged COVID Cabin Fever, I recently had the pleasure to host a 34th Company Zoom Reunion. We managed to get 19 (plus 6 wives) together for more than two hours of fellowship. Club 34 members in attendance included: John & Kathy Allen, Alfredo Bequillard, Mark & Cindy Costello, Nick Flacco, Jim & Michelle Francis, Larry Jones, Pat Laine, John McEwan, Mark Nesselrode, Nick Nunn, Fred Raley, Dick Spencer, Gary & Linda Stark, Kevin & Barb Stone, Jim Stuller, Al Turk,

CJ Weiss, Zeek & Pam Zimmerman and me. Some I’d seen recently, some not since Graduation Day! As you would expect, as we shared our life’s journeys, the years seemed to melt away.

Peter Harris sends a quick update: M Peter Harris sends his best regards to all his classmates. Still working as an aviation security consultant living between Newport, RI, and Palm Beach, Florida. Harriet and I have three grown kids, five grandkids and two grand dogs.

Keep up regularly with good friends Don Bringle, Tom Bakke, Kurt Hoffman, David Manners and my 8th Company mates. For fun, still playing racquet sports including some national senior level tennis tournaments – you gotta love that label “senior”!

Peter and Harriet Harris enjoying lobsters

Tim Farrell met up with Dave Lawrence for lunch in Gap, PA, in early January.

You might think that this is the end of the story — not so fast my friends! Tom has discovered some additional background information that he will share with us in the May issue. Is your Scribe stretching this great story to help fill multiple columns? Well … yes he is. Without a shred of shame.

‘75 Sir! Larry

USNA.COM Bringing the Alumni Association to you.

’76: 34th Co. Zoom Reunion

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 79

76/77 CLASS NEWS

Dave Lawrence and Tim Farrell

Dave Winters was recently visited by a French news network team: M I sat up on election night to periodically summarize and post my analysis of trends and anomalies, as the counting progressed. Without knowing at the time, on that night alone I apparently gained some devoted followers who thereafter depended on me for explanatory commentary. From that, one thing led to another, until the night a European television news network team visited my home to interview me. The production is in French and can be seen at the following link: https://youtu.be/gogE0IGUH4A The attached photo shows the blonde interviewer and his cameraman with Debbie and me.

this epic battle that JPJ exclaimed, “I have not yet begun to fight!”

The battle took place in Filey Bay, England.

The Filey Bay Bonhomme Richard Group, after spending over a decade and untold tens of thousands of dollars of their own money, believe they have found the remains of The BHR. The JPJ Birthplace Museum, Scotland, has teamed with Filey Bay to get the US Navy to come out to Filey Bay and examine the site. As a trustee of The JPJ Museum I have been working with several organizations, including the US Navy, to make this site examination happen.

Dr. Robert Neyland, Director of the Underwater Archaeology Branch of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) is the lead for the US Navy in determining whether to investigate the Filey Bay site.

If you are interested in promoting this endeavor, please send Dr. Neyland an email (robert.neyland@ navy.mil) urging him to support the US Navy to investigate the Filey Bay site.

For more information on the Filey site, check out Filey Bay - BHR Group (http://fileybay.com/fbi/ fbi.html), Merlin Burrows Limited BHR find and fileybay.com.

There is also information at: johnpauljonesmuseum.com.

Payne Kilbourn reports that 6th Co. Classmates visited with Keith Champion in January to catch up with him. It was a good time.

Debbie and Dave Winters host a French news crew in Clarksville, TN

Jim Poole has information of a historical significance: M On Sep 23, 1779; John Paul Jones onboard THE BONHOMME RICHARD (BHR) defeated HMS SERAPIS in the greatest naval battle of the Revolutionary War. It was during 80 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Woody Dasilva, Keith Champion, Payne Kilbourn and Jim Janosek

Art Nalls appeared on CNBC for Veterans Day: M I recently appeared in a segment that was aired on Veterans Day on the Shephard Smith hour. A few months ago, I was interviewed

about an upcoming project with Scott Sanders (also a USNA grad and retired RADM). Scott owns a distillery in St. Mary’s County, very close to our hometown airport - St. Mary’s County. St. Mary’s is actually the birthplace of what we now know as bourbon. It was distilled here - -with corn - - around 1635, before the families moved further west into what eventually became Bourbon County, Kentucky. But it was first made here. We’ve modified 2, 190-gallon drop tanks to each carry 3, 15-gallon oak barrels filled with bourbon. I plan to do a highspeed run down the Patuxent River, hopefully next spring. in the Harrier, with the tanks attached and filled with bourbon. Without the tanks, I can hit 720 mph easily, but with the drag, we’ll see. The low pressure from the altitude, should force the raw bourbon in and back out of the wood, so there should be some ‘rapid aging.’ All will then be specially bottled, a few goodies added, and sold to benefit the Semper Fi and America’s Fund. All for charity.

See: https://www.cnbc.com/ 2020/11/11/veterans-specialbatch-of-whiskey-to-age-withspeedin-a-harrier-jet.html Here is a 45th Reunion update from Bruce Petit: M I’m writing this report in late January, knowing it will be out of date when you read it. Since I effectively have “no news” I could submit nothing; however, it’s vital you know that your reunion committee, reunion planner, and class officers are all working to bring together a great time for all of you this fall.

The agenda for our 45th was announced in the October 2020 Shipmate, and it remains intact.

But as of today, the dates are undecided: When, just before Christmas, Navy and Air Force announced the 2021 game will occur in Annapolis on the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 bombings, our Reunion game date of 2 October suddenly had no football!

So, at this moment we’re in a holding pattern, not certain whether our Reunion date will shift to the 9/11 weekend, remain 9/30-10/3, or be rescheduled on an as yet, undetermined date (based on the

Navy home schedule). By the time you read this, however, our date should be determined and disseminated. In addition, whatever the date, we are closely monitoring COVID-19, both the status of vaccinations and continuing impacts of the pandemic. There is great hope - and strong expectation - that Navy Football will return in full glory this fall and that we classmates, wives and guests will be able to comfortably assemble. As Reunion updates occur, we’ll push them out via the normal channels and post on the website.

On a sad final note, I received news that we’ve lost another Classmate: Thomas Alexander Dowell (10th Co.) passed away on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020. Our deepest condolences to his wife, Barbara, and children (Lori, Tom, Mike, and Bob) as well as his mother and extended family.

’77

Life Membership: 74% Donor Participation: 23.02% 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

“Roll on, thou deep and dark blue Ocean – roll! Ten thousand fleets sweep over thee in vain; Man marks the earth with ruin – his control stops with the shore.” – Lord Byron Welcome, me hearties. We begin this edition with a conundrum, a riddle as it were: the first Old Salt among ye who provides us a transcription of the following message in Morse wins a round at the new and improved Navy golf course in the company of Skip “King Rat” McKenzie (9th Co.) courtesy of Kirk “Buddy” Barker (9th Co.): __.. __ __ __ __. __ / __ __. .. …__ . / ..__ .__ __. / __ …. . / … …. .. .__ __.

Since you’d have better luck milking Bill the Goat than getting a round out of Buddy, what say we just buy our lucky winner a beverage…or two…at the 45th Reunion golf dinner.

77/77 CLASS NEWS Now, attention to brief!

First up, Pierre Thuot (11th Co.) informed us on 1 JAN, Hank Donigan (11th Co.) ran his 300th marathon when he competed in the Sawblade.com Texas Marathon in Kingwood, TX, immediately northwest of Houston.

’77: Old Dominion

Hank’s 300th

Hank has been using his running to raise money for both the Semper Fi and America’s Fund, which “provide immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, ensuring they have the resources they need during their recovery and transition back to their communities”.

Apparently, Hank was late in joining an 11th Company Zoom session back on 19 DEC because he’d just finished his 298th marathon, and when his company mates learned numbers 299 and 300 were scheduled for 26 DEC and 1 JAN, they determined they’d donate money in Hank’s honor.

They reached out to our esteemed Class president, John Vuolo (12th Co.), who transmitted a class-wide email on 23 DEC to get the rest of ’77 involved. Bob Powell (11th Co.) drove from Dallas and joined Houston-area resident Bruce Smith (11th Co.) to see Hank off at the start and present him with a “big” check Bob had prepared at the finish.

Bob, Hank & Bruce

Pierre said Hank was both surprised and honored by the donation in his name. We thought the signature on the check was a nice touch.

Hank, who still teaches at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College at Camp Pendleton, began running marathons in 1980. And though statistics Pierre received from the Marine Corps History Division indicate he got off to a slow start, taking some 35 years to complete his first 100 marathons, he’s aged rather well, completing his next 200 in a mere 60 months.

Bravo Zulu, Hank. You’re looking good, and you’ve done the Corps, your Class and Heinz Lenz proud!

Since we’re on the subject of those doing ’77 proud, Skip McKenzie mentioned the son of the legendary

George “Bear” Sprung (9th Co.) and his bride Susie is up for two Grammy’s this year. Geoff is a member of Old Dominion, and the band’s song Some People Do has been nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance as well as Best Country Song. Geoff is shown below immediately behind Wally “Gator” Tart (9th Co.) back on 19 FEB 2019 when Old Dominion played at National Harbor: Also featured in the photo are, standing left to right, the proud Papa Bear, band members Brad, Trevor, Matthew and Geoff, the proud Mama Bear, band member Whit, along with Deb, Skip and Judy “Gunny” Tart. George said, even if OD doesn’t win, Susie and he are happy Geoff is enjoying success at something he loves to do. A hearty BZ to Geoff and Old Dominion, and sincere congratulations to Susie and Bear.

Since this was a rather short column, we thought we’d close with a little walk down Memory Lane, and one of our favorite sea stories from the Summer of ’76, prefaced by the admission the recounting is to the best of our recollection, as well as one of the parties involved.

It was a dark and stormy night, and John Grace (7th Co.) was in a mischievous mood, so he decided to send two of his young Sea Dogs to douche out the MOOW, who, if memory serves, was Tom Lindner

(17th Co.). Stealthily approaching Main Office down a darkened 3-0 with a trash can full of the highest quality H2O Mother B could provide, the daring duo was surprised by the unexpected appearance in the passageway of the MOOW himself through a side door immediately in front of them. Tom yelled, “Plebes halt!”, at which point one snapped reflexively to attention while the other, MIDN 4/C Jeff “Little Magoo” McKee, dropped the bucket, smartly turned and booked it back to his rack, where he was shortly wakened and handed a Form-2 awarding him 75 and a deuce for DDO, which remains one of my brother’s prized possessions to this day.

Though Little Magoo was prepared to take his punishment like a man, MIDN 1/C Grace, in the best tradition of the Naval Service, interceded on his behalf, stating that if anyone was going to be fried, it should be him, as he’d been the one who ordered up Tom’s latenight shower. When presented with the facts, Tom had an understandable change of heart, and there were no further repercussions, excepting whoever had to mop up all the water on 3-0.

That’s all for now, shipmates.

Keep those card, letters and emails coming, and please include photos whenever possible.

P.S. Our sincere appreciation to our eldest son Major Jon McKee, USAR for the t-shirt, and Pete Hyers (16th Co.) for the coffee mug, face mask and other Navy-themed swag he so kindly sent us.

Yours Truly

Magoo MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 81

78/78 CLASS NEWS

’78

Life Membership: 81% Donor Participation: 46.98% Pres: Glen Woods Sec’y: Vince Balderrama 1320 Homewood Ln., Annapolis, MD 21401 e: canoeu78@aol.com Website: usna1978.org

As this arrives at your mailboxes, we will be deep into the “Dark Ages”. One can arguably say that we have been in it for the last 15 months. It certainly seems that way as over the past year my columns have had some mention of loss- the loss of a classmate or classmate’s spouse. Sadly, I have to say, this month’s edition is no different.

In January, we put out word of the death of my Foxtrot Companymate, 12th Company’s, Bill Davis. He succumbed at Bill Davis his home to pancreatic cancer, but throughout it he was strong- like the Marine he was. Bill was one of our more senior classmates, having come to Mother B after a couple of years as an enlisted Marine. A quiet, sure of himself, “Texas cowboy”, he was a solid guy and a true friend. Our prayers go out to his family, his widow, Chery, and our brothers in 12th Company, who knew him best.

You can read his obituary on the Memorials tab on our website, along with the many others we know we have lost to date. (By the way, please let me or our webmaster, Matt Elias (11th Co), know of anyone we’ve missed or to pass on a missing obituary.)

Our deepest sympathy also goes out to our brother, Mark Peterson (28th Co) over the loss of his husband, Wendell “Wayne” Murphy.

In recent years, Wayne had been suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Throughout, many of Mark’s friends marveled at his devotion and loving care of Wayne. It was the embodiment of unconditional love.

Anyone who has been a caretaker 82 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

for a loved one knows what a toll it can take out on you. That is especially true for dementia caregivers. It was no different for Mark. On occasion, he relied on the wonderful memories of their travels together, fine dining and the arts to sustain him. Other times he needed the bolstering of help from friends and classmates, and their prayers, hugs, and humor. He still needs it - so we are here for you, brother.

uplifting aspects of your lives and of the things you are doing in the world to make a difference.

Among them are new beginnings - like the new life together of Vinny DiGirolamo (26th Co) and his new bride Susanna Deruvo. Vinny and Susanna were married this January.

We wish them a long life together.

Vinny and Susanna

Mark and Wayne in Happier Days

But where there is grief, there is always relief at some point; some “light at the end of the tunnel” of the Dark Ages finally appears.

Something eventually comes or happens that takes the place of SCREAMING out our goat court window and is the pressure relief valve that keeps us from exploding.

For me, one “light” is the positive news that you send or which I glean from social media, classmate “sightings”, rumor control and graffiti (okay- maybe not graffiti).

I am buoyed by hearing those

Other inspiration comes from hearing of the work you do to enrich lives- like the work of Ed Henkler (20th Co). He dropped an update that shows his rewarding post-retirement work. After early retirement from Merck, Ed became very involved in a passion driven by his Mom’s loss of sight in the early 1990’s. He created a website called The Blind Guide (theblindguide.com) that helps people (and their caregivers) thrive with vision loss.

He said he’s had the privilege of supporting around the world a few young startups that are developing novel assistive technology. That technology includes beaconless indoor navigation, smartcanes, tactile

tablets and more. Most recently, he’s focusing on reducing unemployment for veterans, military spouses, and people with disabilities (especially blindness). Ed would appreciate classmates directing any relevant jobseekers to the “Employment Partners” tab on his website (https://theblindguide.com/ employment-partners/). Even betterif you can provide an introduction for him to companies that believe in hiring these wonderful candidates, he’d really appreciate it - because that’s the goal!

I also love hearing of how you manage to arrange for time together (“when two or three shall meet…”).

Scott Provow (21st Co) reported on their Company second “mini-reunion”. It was held at Grayton Beach, FL. Despite COVID, they had six couples attending: Maria and Jerry Swartz, Karen, and John “Zip Zap” Simmons, Dana and Charlie Nickell, Carol and Steve Sutton, Caroline, and Jeff Carpenter and of course, Leslie and Scott Provow. Scott wrote that, “It was fun”. He noted that they celebrated John’s 65th Birthday and Leslie’s retirement from United after almost 32 years of flying. Scott added that Jerry retired “for good” from CENTCOM after 16 years as a “post action/lessons learned debriefer”.

Jerry and Maria are planning a move to Venice, FL this year. As Maria wrote on her Facebook page, the mini-reunion was “Epic stories, great food, and amazing company!

Simply, the best of times!” With good friends together, how could it not be the best of times? (By the way, Scott says they still have their weekly-Wednesday Company Zoom calls.)

Dana, Caroline, Carol, Maria, Karen, and Leslie ’78: Jerry, Scott, Steve, “Carps”, John and Charlie

What is also uplifting is reading how guys like Lloyd Prince (7th Co) and Alan Jaquith (3rd Co) rebuild homes, neighborhoods and lives with their volunteer work with church, community, and disaster relief organizations. I know they are representative of a lot you who do the same and the rest who also “serve” and help your communities in other ways.

’79

Life Membership: 91% Donor Participation: 23.07% Pres: CAPT Dave Jackson, USN (Ret.) e: djackson@usna.edu 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

Lloyd and Al

If all that fails to uplift me (or you).

Go to a window. Open it… and yell “AUUUUUUUUUUUGH!!!!” There, feel better?

In closing, many of you have probably gotten ballots in the mail for the Alumni Association’s MidAtlantic Trustee position. That position covers DC/MD/VA. Yup, that’s me on the ballot. I was nominated by some buddies from ‘79Scott Bruce and Ken Russell - and I made the cut. If elected, one thing I want to do is to engage alumni in the region to ensure their voices are heard in what the Alumni Association does and asks of us. I want to try to be a little proactive by soliciting their input and not reporting “after the fact”. I hope I can count on classmates in the area for your vote (and for all of you to spread a good word about me to alumni friends). Regardless of how it ends, you’ll always find me here. In the meantime, I must go “kiss some babies”. Launchin’ Spot Four.

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.

Greetings, 79ers!

Last month I updated you on the arrival of Bill Jones’s new grandchild. Right after I sent the column off, Bill emailed to say that he just had a minor heart operation right before Christmas – if there is such a thing as a “minor” heart operation!

The surgery went well, and Bill was describing the developments in medicine that have taken place in our lifetimes. For example, Bill was up and walking the very afternoon of his surgery! He went home a few days later, and by the time you read this he should be back in the left seat of an airliner. Glad your recovery is going so well, Bill – hope the airline industry recovers as fast and as completely!

Bill’s wife B-J always sends me in their annual Christmas letter. It was – like most – a list of what DIDN’T happen in 2020, and how they made it work anyway. They were especially sad to miss their 40th wedding anniversary trip to the Orient. But their second-best news (after the arrival of their granddaughter) was that everyone in the family was still employed, although at the proverbial “new normal.” Still, they’re all grateful and are looking forward to better things in 2021.

Dave Stehlin emailed to say that he and his wife Heather are the proud grandparents of three boys, ages 5 years, 4 years and 5 months.

As all you grandparents can attest, Dave and Heather are having the time of their lives!

Dave also mentioned that he was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the American National Standards Institute. ANSI’s mission is to enhance the global

78/79 CLASS NEWS competitiveness of U.S. businesses.

Among other things, ANSI works to foster and develop voluntary consensus standards across the globe.

To that end, it represents more than 270,000 companies and organizations and 30 million professionals worldwide. Congrats, Dave, on your election and we applaud all you do to help US businesses and our economy.

I recently received a great email from my company-mate Gary Rossi. Gary and I have not crossed paths since we left Bancroft Hall in 1979, although we “see” each other every so often on Facebook. After recovering from CV-19 he found a great opportunity with Right Management as a Senior Career Management advisor. The best part is that the job allows him to work completely remotely. He’s also working with a boutique management consulting firm owned by two NAVY grads, so he’s not lost for things to do!

During Plebe Summer I had to memorize Gary’s hometown (“Napa California, Sir!”). After many years living in San Diego he was looking to return to the Napa Valley. Unfortunately, he lost his father in January 2020. However, his new remote gig allowed him to move to Napa last summer to help his mom and brother with the family ranch/ farm there.

Gary got married to Maria while still in San Diego “in a nice beach wedding”. Like many multi-career couples, they are doing the “geographic bachelor/bachelorette thing” right now. Maria remains working as a Regional Hospice Marketing Leader in San Diego.

She’s positioning herself to work remotely and simultaneously expand the business to the Napa Valley area, hopefully within a year.

After completing his career as a Navy SEAL, Gary developed a training program to help aspiring young frogmen/SEAL prospects to gain entry to BUD/S. He did this in San Diego for over 9 years and had a good track record of getting his trainees accepted into the program.

Now he’s looking to develop a similar program in northern California.

He closed with an invitation to any classmate in the area to stop by for a visit, where good wine and cold brews are always available.

Thanks, Gary, for the great update.

Congrats on your marriage, and good luck in all your endeavors.

Hope to take you up on that invitation when travel returns to some sort of normalcy.

I was fortunate to receive several Christmas letters over the holidays, including one from Diane and Mac Silvester. In our first careers Mac was a fellow LAMPS pilot, and more recently (before the pandemic) we met up a few times in northern Virginia to train for cycling events.

Mac retired from the US Postal Service Engineering last October.

He says he doesn’t miss the day-today grind, but it was difficult saying goodbye to his talented and devoted co-workers. He’s found that retirement is as much an exercise in time management as being employed. Much of his time is spent downsizing – archiving several generations of items and donating where possible. He also was recently elected to an “at large” board member for his Hawaii State Society chapter. Even with all that, he still finds time to work part time at the local REI in the camping/ backpacking department.

Mac’s wife Diane is still working as a public health nutritionist for Fairfax County, VA. She has given notice she will be retiring in March 2022 but hopes to stay involved part time. Otherwise she enjoys her role as “Nana” and also keeping Mac on a short leash. Congrats, Mac, on your retirement. The place has clearly gone downhill since you left – I was still receiving Christmas cards in the mail in February!

I also received the annual family letter from Cindy and Pat Dennis.

Like all of us, they ended up canceling a lot of their plans for 2020, including a trip to Europe to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Instead of their normal year of traveling, they enjoyed a simpler pace with scenic day trips and hiking. Pat still works for TSA, albeit remotely these days (which their cat loves), and he also teaches

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 83

79/80 CLASS NEWS virtually as an adjunct professor.

Cindy’s day job keeps her busy – although communicating via screenshare has replaced her face-to-face meetings with her contacts in the UK. She also revamped her non-profit ministry for remote teaching.

Company-mate Kevin Derbin and wife Pam sent their annual letter as well. Most classmate Christmas letters tend to be written by the wives, but not this one. Derb is definitely the author. I know that because he goes into exquisite detail about Pam and the kids and grandkids – and completely omits anything about himself. Clearly, Derb was NOT an aviator! In addition to having kids temporarily move home (to escape the pandemic in NYC), Pam was busy keeping the “quilting” in the Derbin’s Food, Wine and Quilting Emporium! It was a year of focused family time, and all are grateful for their health.

That’s about it for now. Looking forward to warmer weather and friendly faces without masks. Please keep those cards, letters, emails and cell phone photos coming. See you next month!

Wiz…

’80

recently finished updating the By-Laws and put them out for review on the website and via Class-email. Special thanks to Toni Verducci and the By-Laws Committee for the diligence and hard work in pulling this document together.

In accordance with the new By-Laws, this spring we will be having elections for the positions of Class President, Class Secretary and Outreach Coordinator. The election should be in full swing by the time you get this in print. Tim Kobosko has reconstituted the Nominating Committee, under the continued Chairmanship of Bruce Grooms, to make this happen. Also, the Reunion Committee is back in session and we are working diligently to pull together a fantastic event the weekend of November 4-7, 2021.

We hope that there will be great attendance and that we will be able to make this happen once the vaccine is distributed and restrictions are relaxed. We shall see!

Beth also shared a photo from 5th Company of Pete Andreasen, pandreasen1@gmail.com, Danny Archer, darcher@mitre.org and Jerry Dalo, jerry.dalo@trilogyfs. com, at the Best of Class of ‘80, San Diego Army-Navy Golf Tournament.

Life Membership: 96% Donor Participation: 25.09%

Thank you for the job that you do every month supporting our class. I have no idea how much time you devote to the class, but I am certain it is considerable. I don’t think I have ever sent in a single submission so here goes a first.

I am still very happily married to the most beautiful woman I have still ever seen that I met in Memorial Hall during dance instructions.

Mary Jo and I now live in Covington, Virginia while I work as a manager for WestRock. We have 3 children and 5 granddaughters. Fortunately, they are all within 6 hours, so until this year we saw them reasonably often. I am retiring this May so if we can get vaccinated, we hope to visit them more often again. It’s our plan to get a motorhome and cruise the country’s sites, sometimes with our older granddaughters. Maybe we’ll have the motorhome for the reunion this year. I fully expect so.

I wish everyone well along with fair winds and following seas.

Michael “Gator” Reed, gatoreed@ yahoo.com, one of my fellow folks from New Orleans wrote in with this update from some of his Shipmates in 31st Company: M Joe, Jenifer and David Clement (clementdb@live.com): After completing my second 20-year career, I retired from full-time law practice on December 31st. I am

Pres: Tim Kobosko Sec’y: CAPT Joseph A. Grace Jr., USNR (Ret.) 15 Allard Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70119 p: 504-915-6711; e: joe.grace@1980.usna.com Website: http://1980.usnaclasses.net

Greetings Classmates, We’re deep in the Dark Ages. In this time of COVID-19 uncertainty and national unrest – it brings a whole new meaning to the phrase.

The entire Brigade is now back from Christmas break and the Academy is juggling with remote classes, distancing, quarantine, isolation, modified routines and a world that we can only imagine. When we were Plebes … might have a story to it for this current Class.

The Class Officers and some great Committee Members have

84 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

One of the great treats of this role of Secretary is hearing from Classmates that haven’t written in before. This note came in from David Olsen, olsend22@gmail.com who is enjoying life in Virginia and would love to hear from one and all: M Hi Joe,

’80: Skip Anderson and Family

still an Of Counsel for the Smith Anderson law firm in Raleigh, NC but expect this to be very modest demand on my time. Jenifer and I are enjoying our new flexibility of schedule and plan to use Cary, NC as our base of operations for the foreseeable future. We have two children in Minneapolis/ St. Paul, one in Alexandria, VA, and one here in Cary. We have 6 grandkids we dote on (1 on the way) so we’re frequently in the Twin Cities or Northern Virginia. We plan to do a lot of hiking, backpacking, biking, and traveling to visit old friends and family once the pandemic lifts.

Daniel Herrscher (baldonia@aol. com): I’ve been rebuilding my largest model steam boat. I had a new boiler made and it’s set up for burning coal. I have a couple of weeks of plumbing and testing before it’s ready for the model boat pond.

Char and JR Haley (jrhaley80@ yahoo.com): They have moved from Texas to Florida for warmer winters.

Jeanette and Brian Lair (pawlair 58@gmail.com): Spending the New Year in their 5th wheeler and somewhere in Death Valley (real social distancing.)

Yours Truly Michael Reed (gatoreed@yahoo.com): I did a driving trip out to California. My sister-in-law rented a house near Lake Tahoe for her, her friend, my four nephews (ages 21 - 28) and

80/82 CLASS NEWS one of their girlfriends so we could all spend Christmas together and the younger crew could take advantage of the slopes. Uncle Michael was the Chef for the Week, cooking Poor Man’s Jambalaya, Shrimp Creole, Shrimp and Tasso with cream sauce, Rack of Lamb for Christmas dinner to name a few.

When not in the kitchen whipping something up, I was in the hot tub or feet up with a good book next to the fireplace. A good driving trip, great to see family and friends and the great outdoors of the Western USA. Since home I have been doing a lot of cookie baking (for Mom Reed (94) and her caretakers, the local garbage men, lawn care crew, family, and friends.) I bake something different each week so it keeps my hands in the baking world. As a firearms instructor, most every weekend I am teaching or assisting in courses as there is a large demand for training. Also keeps me proficient in my marksmanship.

In previous emails and Shipmate, I have mentioned Skip Anderson danderson@san.rr.com and his journey to regaining his health. Jim Gosnell, jim.gosnell@viasat.com has been a great friend and kept us informed as to how he’s doing: M Good Day Classmates!

My wife Nancy and I recently had the privilege of visiting Skip and Susan. Skip and I went on a walk and I had to take two quick steps to his one to keep up! It was wonderful to spend some time alone in the presence of a great man like Skip and listen to his inspiring thoughts.

He is deeply grateful for his life’s worth of blessings, his families, classmates and friends’ support. His example in life is something we all want to emulate. He is in fantastic spirits and marches on every day!

Never lose faith and keep praying for Skip and his family, all of our classmates and their families and our country, they all need strong prayer at this time! God Bless the Class the ’80 Rex Alexander rhalex09@gmail. com sent in a great update from

28th Company where he is doing an amazing job as Company Rep. M Joe, I’ve done a little additional work with Beth Leadbetter Gordon to continue finding lost souls. Not much progress but we continue to plug away. I had the sad experience of finding the first of my companymates that would rather be left alone but of course that’s his right. At least we got his contact info updated.

Mark Riddle, mark.riddle@ gdit.com, helped finally get hold of Dixon Robertson who is an attorney in Columbia, SC. I also reconnected with my old roomie Doug Biesel, doug.biesel@ gmail.com who currently resides in Virginia with Beth where he conducts sensitive defense work in small windowless rooms after a successful 32 year and 26 move journey to Rear Admiral that went through Guam. They now have two grandchildren and are looking forward to “real retirement” near their son along the eastern Connecticut shore.

DJ Stahl, stahl@usna.edu, checked in with an update on what’s happening under the bubble in the Yard where he is Deputy CIO. Dave says the Class of 2024’s plebe summer consisted of a month of telelectures! Really?! Were they at least braced up during the lecture?!

Don’t know why but it reminds me how much I looked forward to those rare visits to an air-conditioned classroom during our Plebe Summer.

Remember that? It was heaven.

Anyway, fall classes have been almost all remote learning as well so they’re really roughing it. DJ’s department has handled the transition to computer learning flawlessly (of course).

Steve Chafin, stevechafin@live. com, checked in from a fishing trip to South Padre Island, TX. Steve helped me reach Chris Blackburn’s three daughters (including twins) who are very excited for the opportunity to attend reunion, meet their dad’s classmates and hear our stories, whenever that may be.

I’ve copied both the Blackburn and Merrill family on this newsletter.

On a personal note, Barb and I have moved. We kept getting approached to sell our dream home and finally relented. Two full price offers on the first day and a bidding war - later we were homeless!

I haven’t played golf in quite a while with my foot issues but our house sits on the sixth green of a Pete Dye championship course, so at least I can watch after I retire (sigh).

Well, that’s it for now. I’m famous for saying time is our most precious asset and God doesn’t promise us tomorrow. I’m rarely successful living my life that way but it is something I strive for, especially as I get older. I hope you have the opportunity to give and receive that precious gift of time with friends and family over the holidays. In fact, I want to challenge each of us to open the Company directory and reach out to a Company-mate you haven’t talked to in a while. I promise it will put a smile on your face and theirs. When you connect make sure to give me an update! Rex In closing, Rex said it quite well in his own way. I hope that this note finds you healthy, happy and wiser today than yesterday. Please take a few minutes to renew a friendship, call / visit / zoom / teams / text a Classmate and take care of each other. You never know what a difference you can make. This week is both the Superbowl and Carnival (Mardi Gras) here in New Orleans.

No fans, no parades, no floats, no beads – what has the world come to? Looking to happier times – but thankful for every moment!

As always, BEAT ARMY, Joe

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

2021 ISSUE: July-Aug ’21 September ’21 October ’21 Nov-Dec ’21

DUE DATE: May 24, 2021 Jun 28, 2021 Jul 28, 2021 Sep 27, 2021

’81

Life Membership: 96% Donor Participation: 32.49% 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

’81 Second to None!

’82

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 26.81% Pres: CDR Janeann Treadway Conley, USN (Ret.) p: 410-251-7893; e: Jtcnaples@yahoo.com Vice Pres: CAPT Matt Moury, USN (Ret.) p: 410-263-7640; e: vicepresident@usna82.org Treas: VADM Terry Benedict, USN (Ret.) p: 703-913-7183; e: treasurer@usna82.org Corr Sec’y: CDR Mark Shields, USN (Ret.) 3 High Meadow Ln., Newark, DE 19711 p: 302-234-0835; c: 302-229-1085 e: m.shields75@yahoo.com Website: http://1982.usnaclasses.net Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/USNA82

Greetings to the great class of ’82!

By the time you are reading this, we should have survived another wintertime “dark ages”. Let me also begin this column by thanking Rett Rasmussen, who has done an outstanding job as our class Corresponding Secretary (i.e. “scribe”) for the past 12 years! The ’82 column has been consistently top-notch, thanks to your input combined with Rett’s talent and dedication. That same level of dedication has been extended to me in the turn-over of these scribe duties. Bravo Zulu, Rett! For those of you who don’t know me, I am Mark Shields from the 24th company, and following in the footsteps of other distinguished scribes from the 4th Batt: Greg Eisman (24),

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 85

82/82 CLASS NEWS Ward Carroll (21), and Rett (21).

Following our graduation, I did 6 years on active duty (surface line). I continued to serve in the reserves until 2000, retiring as an 0-5. For the past 32 years, I have been a teacher/department chair (history) and coach (soccer) at an independent school in Northern Delaware. I just retired this past June, having had the experience of teaching remotely for my final 2 months due to Covid-19. I have been married to Renie for 36 years and we have a married daughter, a son (former Army officer), and 3 wonderful grandkids who thankfully live close by. As a new retiree, I help out with the grandkids, volunteer at my former school, hike/bike almost every day, read, and look forward to a post-Covid world when I can start to work on my extensive “bucket list” of travel destinations. First upAcadia Park in Maine and Canada’s 3 Atlantic Provinces! Going forward, I hope that each and every one of you will consider occasionally taking a few minutes to send me updates on your current life, encounters with other classmates, adventures, or even those fond memories of our 4 years at the “Boat School.” I look forward to hearing from you and sharing your submissions!

On to some class news:

Rick Stein (18) sent in two letters that he wrote to his folks at home back in ’78. I’m sure that we can all relate to much of the content in these letters! The first letter was published in the previous column.

Here is the second one, dated 2 September, 78: M “Dear All, How is everything? I’m doing just fine here. I’ve had no problems since I last heard from you. They were not kidding when they said Academics was rough. I study about 2 hours a night. But I love it! Calculus, Naval Science, and Chemistry are great; Computers are a blast, and I don’t foresee many problems with English. But History is kind of tough. I’ll let you in on my progress later.

I do have a problem. I have missed placed my Birth Certificate.

I’m sure it is around somewhere. I’ll send it as soon as I find it. (I seem to remember having an issue on I-Day….the Birth Certificate I brought was not acceptable, so I had to get another one sent from home.)

Tomorrow, the Choir is going to Emmitsberg, PA to the Shrine of Mother Seton, the saint. That will be fun. I got a postcard from Eva (a Great-Aunt). She said a lot of nothing, but I love it.

I’m going to call John & Sharon this week. There is a good chance I can spend all day Saturday (1200-

2400) with them. I guess John will have to shine my shoes this time!

Getting back to Academics, they handed out a schedule for the whole semester in each class. It has a list of all the assignments. This way I’m able to get a couple of days ahead. That’s the way you have to do it.

Oh yes, I do have a suggestion for my birthday present! My watch broke last Tuesday. I think that is the best thing I could use. I got Mom’s check. I’ll buy what she want’s sometime this week. No Problem. (I think It was a B-Robe for my Grandfather ... I still have it!)

Last night on my way to the Library, I walked out of the Rotunda and was overwhelmed by the night effect on the Yard. I’m really glad I’m here. BUT, 111 days ‘till Xmas Leave! Leave is from December 22 until January 18, but I might be able to leave as early as 18 December.

That would be a whole 31 days. It is going to be great.

Last night we had a rumble.

Thirty plebes against the only two first class that were still here. About 30 gallons of water; not counting the involuntary showers; 2 cans of shaving cream, and a bottle of baby powder. It was great. And then after taps about 10 people from another company had a ‘Toga’ Party on the tennis courts. It’s hard to decide if this is a college or an asylum.

Not much else is going down. I got a little homesick this morning when the paper reported all the local high school football games. I hope ole FJH does well. I’m sorry about the Spirit Award. That’s what happens when ’78 graduates. Keep me informed on how everything goes.

Take care and lots of love.

Rick” Bob Rubin (23) reported in on a recent ‘82 golf outing:

’82: The dapper looking ’82 “Backs the Blue Crew” on the links 86 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

M ”Tom Parry, Bob Rubin, Mark Williams, & Craig Smith had a great time playing in the Army-Navy Golf Tournament at The Vineyard GC in Escondido, California. The “82 Backs the Blue” foursome managed to shoot par with the assistance of paid donations affording 8 mulligans & 2 one putts. Great fun, great camaraderie, but no talent on

display!” Sounds like we did better on the golf course than on the gridiron that weekend!

Andy Shelter (08) came through with a great memory of how to avoid restriction: M “The second semester of plebe year I had somehow accumulated 110 demerits. But because I was a nominal member of the sailing team, I was allowed to defer those demerits until the end of the year.

My partner in crime, Javi Suarez (RIP) also had over 100 demerits.

Mostly because we did things together and therefore got in trouble together. Now, it goes without saying that every one of those demerits was unwarranted. Javi and I were just being picked on by our second semester 2/c squad leader, who was going to make us his “personal project”. But we’ll save that story for another day. Anyway, as June week approached, 3 wonderful firsties (Jim Burton, Tommy Thompson and Bubba Nixon, ‘79) actually agreed that our squad leader has been picking on us the whole time. (I TOLD YOU that most, or some, or maybe 5 of those demerits were unwarranted). Those 3 firsties were part of the USNA concert committee, and they gave us with one of the best Navy Good Deals I’ve ever had: work the concert as roadies and get 10 demerits per hour taken off. No marching, no restricted to quarters, just work the concert. And we were on the clock from the minute we entered Halsey Field House until the last concert truck left USNA. That ticking clock Included the entire concert, which Javi and I watched in the front row, laying on a pole vault mat. We started around 10 am and wrapped things up before midnight that same day. 11 hours and change I think. So, thanks to a few great ’79 ers, we scrubbed 110 demerits off in a single day, no worse for wear. Not sure we learned any lessons, but not sure that mattered. And always have a soft spot for those 3 firsties.”

Wow, sounds closer to a reward than a punishment to me!

I’ll close out this column with the observation that you know you’re

82/83 CLASS NEWS getting old when you qualify for the annual “senior bonus” from USAA. For those of you who might not be with USAA, after 40 years with the company, you start to get an additional annual distribution from your “Subscriber’s Savings Account”. Not complaining about the bonus, just the old part! Speaking of 40 years, 2022 and our next big class reunion is now visible over the horizon.

Stay tuned for future details! Finally, depending on the size of my “mail bag”, I plan to include in the next column the recipe for the always popular “Neeb’s Loaf” (scaled down to family size) as well as a recipe from one of our classmates that was served in King Hall during our time there!

I’m keeping Rett’s signature ending of Looking good, '82!

Mark

’83

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 27.39% 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 Website: http://1983.usnaclasses.net

As many know from Facebook posts and classmail we have very sad news to report once again.

Classmate Eric Jackson, 15th company, passed away on 12/31/2020. We are waiting on details of services and remembrances and will post to classmail and Facebook when they are available. Please keep Eric, his family and each other in your thoughts and prayers. Stay healthy ‘83.

Rest in Peace Classmate.

The Newz: I turn 60 in just 2 days, like much of the class many/most of us will do the same in 2021 if they haven’t already. I find it difficult to believe

that I’m turning 60. I recall when my parents did so, long ago, as well as my two older brothers. I’ve known my wife about 55 years as she’s also a ‘61 babe (yeah don’t tell her I put her age in Shipmate), but she’s nearly a year younger than me with her birthday on Veterans Day. While there were many older Classmates, and a very few younger ones, we were mostly a group of 18/19 year old women and men in July 1979. Now 42 years later we are getting older (I’m NOT saying we are old), a little bit more gimpy and a lot more crotchety. Where have the years gone?

A reminder that I am looking for the classmate that raised their right hand to serve our country first. I am looking for who put the uniform on every day (so no delayed entry).

Mike Walsh was my first candidate from March 1976.

Dan Clague chimed in that he “reported to the Military Entrance Station on 16 February” 1976, but also pointed out that John Stuber (16th) and Jim McKinley (1st) both arrived USNA as PO2’s wearing a Navy Good Conduct Medal.

Therefore they must have an active duty date before 4 JUL 75.

Several folks nominated Steve Zotti as a potential early right hander “Came in as a grizzled Marine Sgt I think ... plus he did a year at NAPS. Hell, he had more life experience than the firsties at the time. I recall him literally smirking when getting yelled at during Plebe summer. Was the perfect role model for those of us fresh out of HS.” Well Steve ?

And if my fuzzy memory serves me right, Terry Keith (17th) was a Marine Sargent on arrival, so he could be in the mix as well; Terry ?

Jim Duran (12th) chimed in as well, with an August 1976 date.

So who’s on first ?

Jim Mathers (17th) reached out looking for a copy of a picture that Craig Walker took on our last day as Plebes. It’s on Facebook and is just before 17th company took off running for Herndon. All pictured are Classmates; those that graduated and those that didn’t.

Those faces really ring bells for me, first roommates, brigade leaders,

’83: 17th Company – Herndon

’83: Craig Faller

company leaders, smart a$$es, leaders in and out of the Navy, Marine Corps (and yes Air Force too); sad to say that there are several faces among our deceased Classmates as well. By the way, Jim owes me a family update and he promise done as well – I’m holding you to it Jim (otherwise my next picture might be of an old Halloween photo …)

Mike Byman (18th) sent an electronic Christmas letter full of lots of family newz. Mike works for SPA (Systems Planning and

Analysis), and he published a book Barabbas, a work of historical fiction depicting the life of the Biblical figure. Better half Michelle works for a non-profit applied scientific research and development organization headquartered in Pennsylvania, supporting the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy at the Pentagon. Their kids are pictured; John is a high school senior and Phoebe is a sophomore.

The baby (Kyle) isn’t a true offspring, but as Mike puts it “has probably been the family member MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 87

83/84 CLASS NEWS who most enjoyed the past year.

He definitely prefers having continuously available humans in his home, and regularly demands and receives attention.” I remember visiting Mike and family in Newport when his kids were wee little things while Mike was in Command at NUWC, Newport.

Lunchtime

Byman offspring

Like most conferences and symposiums in the past year, the Surface Navy Association January 2021 Symposium was virtual. But it was an opportunity to catch Classmates in charge: Bill Galinis (Commander Naval Sea Systems Command) and Craig Faller (Commander US Southern Comand).

Screenshots from the laptop, but nonetheless, good seeing our Classmates at the top.

Bill Galinis

Vic Mercado checks in: M One of the highlights of my time the past few months in the Pentagon has been a weekly lunch with brother/classmate/shipmate and great friend VADM Phil Sawyer / OPNAV N3/5, who just turned 60 during this lunch. Notice that we are appropriately socially distanced in the Navy Executive Dining Room!

Vic {Scribe note: Vic is the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans and Capabilities}

88 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Our Class President Steve Fischer chimed in on Vic’s email and I wanted to include his funny comment: “Awesome! I used to eat there in a previous role (well, at McDonalds, not the Exec Dining room…)”

Speaking of Steve Fischer, in his monthly DC centric email (if you want to get on his email blast list drop him a line) he added a blurb on the latest in Cruise Planning: For the Class cruise to Northern Europe that was targeted for Summer 2022, I’m uncertain how to proceed.

Certainly we’d like to think covid impacts would be gone by then, but I don’t know if everything will be back to normal or some new normal (for example, will all cabins be open, or only some? Passengercount limitations? What about health-based restrictions at ports of call?). So for now I’m just in a Pause mode. I hate it, but there is a significant effort to put this all together and I’d like to be more assured of an event happening. If everything shakes itself out kind of quickly, I’ll look at planning it. However, if 2022 is just too murky, then we’ll go for summer 2024 (with 2023 being our 40th reunion, that year is verboten).

If any likely cruisers have thoughts, please let me know.

For those who HAVEN’T gone on one of our cruises yet, you are missing out! Whether we go in 2022 or ‘24, plan for it. SUCH a great time!

And then speaking of our 40th reunion, it is just 2 plus years away if you can believe it. And planning has already started! No, we don’t have a date yet, because the football schedule isn’t set and won’t be until 2023, but it’s a big reunion year so we will have some dibs on dates/locations, except if 1973 covers over us.

As part of our 40th reunion we are working our Class Legacy Gift with a $1M goal for the class. We are nearing the 50% mark. The class gift is directed in 4 veins: Academic Excellence; Midshipman Activities Fund; Naval Academy Fund; and Physical Mission Support.

If you have already contributed to the Class Gift, thanks! If you haven’t or if you want to make another contribution, here is how to go about it to make sure it counts towards the class gift.

• Go to www.usna.com • Click on the gold box “Donate Now” near the top-right of the page.

• Click on the gold box “Other Donation Options” that is inside the bigger blue box • Click on “Support my class project” inside the “What would you like to do?” box • Select a Class: 1983 • Enter the Gift Amount and select whether you want it to be a one-time gift, a monthly gift, or a pledge amount ~One Time Gift means just the amount of that gift ~Monthly Gift – note this means forever and a day ~Pledge – when selected, a pledge opens up some additional options (frequency and a time period) If you are making a major gift, I recommend you reach out to our class gift coordinators Turk Powell and Neal Davidson Send me your newz: Please tell us what is going on (what went on) in your life. Don’t make the first time your name shows up in the column be the last time.

Several Classmates are in their most important battle – if you know who they are, keep them in your thoughts. And if you pray, then pray for them and their families.

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.

Pick up the phone, send an email or knock on a door – Life is fragile. Just do it today, as we can never count on the opportunity to be able to do so tomorrow.

Got Newz? send to: 83shipmate@ gmail.com Don’t forget our Legacy Giving effort. Go here: http://www.usna. com/give/1983 Once a classmate, always a classmate.

1983 - A Class Act!

’84

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 46.78% Pres: Mr. Brian D. Goodrow e: goodrow2@comcast.net Vice Pres: Karen M. Halverson e: dkhalvy@earthlink.net Treas: Mr. Stephen J. Shepherd e: stephenjamesshepherd@gmail.com Sec’y/Shipmate Contact: Kevin Monahan 428 Santa Mesa Dr., San Jose, CA 95123 p: 408-624-0773 e: kevin_monahan@comcast.net Website: www.usna84.org

Sad news to start this month.

Earl Panico passed away from complications of COVID in San Diego on December 23, 2020. Earl joined us from Ventnor City New Jersey and was a rower on the Ventnor City Beach Patrol and Holy Spirit High School and Navy crew teams. He was in the 1982 Intercollegiate Rowing Association and Eastern Sprints 2V Championship boat and the 1983 Varsity Intercollegiate Rowing Association Silver Medal boat. He earned an MBA from the University of Tennessee while on active duty and, after leaving the Navy, joined Morgan Stanley Dean Witter in Northfield, NJ, as a Financial Advisor. Earl remained in the US Navy Reserves assigned to the Navy Criminal Investigative Services and served as the President of the Navy League for many years. Earl’s wife, Dr. Bonnie Mazur passed away a few years ago and they are survived by their son, Nicholas Panico.

Anthony St. Clair passed away in his hometown of Cerritos, California in December after a bout with Cancer. Tony left The Academy after Youngster Year, attended

84/85 CLASS NEWS

’85: Navy LAX Team

Long Beach State and worked as a systems and QA analyst at Stanford University, Hewlett-Packard, Walt Disney Group, Fox Interactive Media and Mattel among others.

Brett and Pam Comstock lost their son, Andrew, 16, unexpectedly on January 14, 2021 in Canton, Michigan. Andrew is the youngest brother of Grace, Gabe, Luke, and Caleb Comstock and brother of the heart to Hanna Aburouman.

Ken Braithwaite stepped down as 77th Secretary of the Navy in January. Ken served as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway before being appointed SECNAV and steered the Navy through the challenges of this past year. In December, Ken visited the Naval Academy and earned cult like status by granting amnesty to Restrictees.

’85

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 17.95% 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

My second note is from Steve Trost (35th co) I want to pass along my congratulations for the great job that our very own CNO is doing for the Navy and my personal thanks for his participation at my dad’s burial at USNA on 5 Oct '20. I can’t thank ADM Mike Gilday (3rd Co) and his staff enough for all of the help that they provided after my dad’s death in late September.

Also many thanks to the USNA Superintendent, VADM Sean Buck (’83), and the Memorial Affairs team. As can be seen from the picture, many of the finest Navy traditions were on display that day for my dad, ADM C.A.H. Trost (’53), who was CNO from 19861990. Receiving the flag from Mike was a great honor, and the entire day reminded me why we all should be proud of the U.S. Navy. We all are thinking of the entire Trost Family during this tough time.

Corr Sec’y: Vic Otero e: vic@otero-pearl.com

My first note is from Mike Midgley (22nd co) he reports an incredible act of kindness by everybody’s favorite UPS Pilot Charlie Giles (22nd co) Charlie organized and funded a huge pizza party for the current USNA 22nd company the night before the Super Bowl. Charlie obviously knew that Tom Brady was going to win the Super Bowl and covered the pizza without a problem.

All of this was spurred on by the fact that the current mids have not had liberty since returning from Christmas leave and food is not even close to the food we were used to back in the day. Big BZ Charlie and Jenn you guys rocked it.

SECNAV Ken Braithwaite at Restriction Squad Decommissioning Ceremony in December

Brian Goodrow has secured the posh room at The Stadium for the Lacrosse Tailgate Party during the Army Navy Lacrosse Doubleheader on April 24, 2021. More information regarding sign up will be sent via email.

Stay Healthy

Steve receiving his dad’s flag from CNO

With a heavy heart I report on the death of Mike Hajosy (9th co) and John Shippey . Both Mike and John were great guys. please keep their familiesly in your prayers and thoughts.

On a brighter note Roger Roland from Colombia reports that Jorge Gaviria (15co) has been battling hard against COVID 19. After a long time in the ICU he seems to have turned the corner and continues to improve. We will keep our fingers crossed.

My next note is from Greg Miller (23rd co) and Kim met up with Chris Lowery and his wife Betsy at Keuka Lake in Upstate New York on the 4th of July. They attempt to make this an annual party, I guess I missed the invitation of this annual event.

Greg and Kim with Chris and Betsy Lowery

Also have a picture of Chris Lowery hosting President Trump at Avanos Medical facility. They are a key company in the manufacturing of face masks during this pandemic.

Thanks Chris.

Chris Lowery hosting President Trump @ Avanos Medical facility. They sell a lot of face masks.

My next note is a picture from Tim Riis (8th co). Throwback pics of many of our classmates. See if you know #15, #18, #34 and can you find Tim Riis and Gerry Padich. These guys looked studley back then.

Great picture of Brendan Fahy (11th co) and Bob Byron (11th co) who is the sole proprietor of a Brewery in Asheville, NC called the RYE Knot. Bobby built and runs the Rye Knot and welcomes all classmates. Visit Bobby and enjoy his pride and joy.

I would like to take this time to thank all of our company reps, they are helping a great deal on class communications and getting organized on important class news.

If you would like to know who your Company Rep is please reach out to me.

Go Navy and Beat Army VO

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

Charlie as the CMOD

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 89

86/88 CLASS NEWS

’86

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 16.88% 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

’87

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 16.40% Pres: Jim Matheson e: jmatheson@1987.usna.com Shipmate columnist: Robert Pinataro 7 Meadowood Ln., Binghamton, NY 13901 e: rob.pinataro@1987.usna.com p: 770-722-6373 Website: www.usna87.org

Hello ’87!

A note from our class president, Jim Matheson: M 24 January 2021 Dear Classmates, It is still January so “Happy New Year” seems appropriate. Like me, I imagine you were glad to see 2020 recede into life’s rear view mirror.

With the craziness of the election and subsequent events in DC behind us, and the prospect of warmer weather and vaccine supported herd immunity in front of us, hopefully 2021 will be a better year. But the last year has been a tough time for many, including family, friends, Classmates and Shipmates, so I wanted to share a few ways we can help support others in this difficult time. We don’t have a Class fundraiser for the next couple of years, so these are all great opportunities for you to join me in supporting USNA. First and foremost, our Classmate (and NAPSTER) Alan Rodgers is demonstrating true courage in both battling Stage 4 face & throat cancer and also being willing to ask the Class and others for help.

Please take a few minutes to visit

90 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

his GoFundMe site and donate whatever you can - Alan and his family deeply appreciate it! https://www.gofundme.com/f/ need-help-metastatic-face-andthroat-cancer?qid=254e5386a30b 90c7ad2c884c9b1fb79a And I was on a call with the USNA Foundation last week and I asked how the Middies were hanging in there and not surprisingly, it has been tough on them. They have had significantly curtailed liberty, social and family contact and many of them are struggling. Throughout the course of the pandemic, requests for support from the Midshipmen Development Center (MDC) have increased dramatically.

The MDC’s counseling services, covering topics including peer advising, eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, depression and anxiety, continued via secure video teleconference and phone calls when in-person support was no longer possible, ensuring that midshipmen in need of support have ready access to critical resources. While some midshipmen with serious concerns may need to be referred for medical treatment, the MDC’s services are not part of a midshipman’s medical file, which can be helpful for those who fear seeking support could affect career prospects.

Our Classmate, Len LaPorta has generously established a fund for the MDC which will be used to purchase stress/performance management equipment and technology as well as staff/brigade professional development. Support to this fund will assist the MDC with enhancing access and support available to midshipmen. You can make a gift online via the Naval Academy Foundation’s secure form.

Select “other” as the fund and indicate The LaPorta Family Fund for the Midshipmen Development Center in the box below.

COVID-19 has drastically transformed how current midshipmen learn and live together.

The Midshipman Activities Fund (MAF) provides flexible funding that benefits every midshipman.

Now, more than ever, support is

needed to support key areas of the midshipman experience to boost morale. In March, the Academy was closed to outside visitors which drastically reduced business for the Midshipman Store, Drydock Café, the Visitor Center and the Naval Academy Club, all operated by the Academy’s Business Services Division. The profits, which fund the MAF, have been diminished but the need remains.

The MAF supports Midshipman physical fitness facilities which is especially needed given social distancing policies. It also produces many morale enhancing programs and extra-curricular activities including musicals, the Glee Club and other initiatives that are particularly critical now. Please consider making a gift to the Midshipman Activities Fund online via the Naval Academy Foundation’s secure form.

On a brighter note, we’ve started the early planning for our 35th Reunion slated for the Fall of 2022.

We expect that by then things will have settled down enough for us all to be together to watch a Navy football game, drink some cold beers and enjoy simply being together.

In the meantime, take care of one another and if you find yourself in a difficult spot, remember that the Class is here for you so please reach out for support!

With warmest regards, Jim Matheson President, USNA Class of 1987 jmatheson@1987.usna.com (m) 617-510-9264

Please donate to help Alan Rodgers and send your news to: rob.pinataro@1987.usna.com with “SHIPMATE” in the subject line.

’88

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 20.73% 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 – “Damn the torpedos. Full speed ahead.” Admiral David Farragut, Battle of Mobile Bay. To receive timely class information, classmates are encouraged to update their profile at the Alumni Association website, especially email addresses. r/ Sara Friends of 20th Company met in Charleston for mental health retreat this past fall (see photo nearby).

Bob and Maryanne Hamilton

’88: Lori Sorokatch Sulmasy and Kristin Bakkegard organized a Zoom social in December.

88/89 CLASS NEWS

’88: Jeff Kendrick, Theresa and Chris Payton, Kristin and Don Packard and Andrew Wickard

’89

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 24.88% Pres: Denise (Shorey) Willert 1700 Pilgrims Mews, VA Beach, VA 23455 h: 757-464-0429, m: 757-238-1102 e: denise.willert@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 message and send it to usna89@yahoogroups.com Unsubscribe: send a blank message to usna89-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Webmaster: Ingar Grev e: igrev@1989.usna.com

Hey, all you 89ers! Several of you have sent in your updates, so lets get this party started!

First, from Denise (Shorey) Willert: M “Hello everyone, and happy Spring! First, please allow me to give a shout-out to Tom Peck, who has recently taken on the role of Chief Information and Digital Officer at Sysco Corporation, the $38 billion global foodservice distribution company. From a news article by Peter High, a contributor

to Forbes online, Tom will “lead Sysco’s strategic efforts to accelerate its business transformation through customer-facing technology solutions and will lead the company efforts to modernize its technology infrastructure.” Congratulations, Tom! Well done and best of luck in your new assignment. We are truly proud of you.

If you’re not already aware, the Alumni Center is building a brandnew, state-of-the-art facility that is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2022. To this end, significant opportunities exist to donate to this effort both individually and as a class. These include a $12,500 plankowner donation as well as class recognition at the $100,000 and $250,000 levels, with plankowner donations counting toward class totals. Please look forward to additional information about the Alumni Center project on our Facebook page and through class email in the near future.

I realize that we just recently finished a significant class gift fundraising project for Hopper Hall, but I’m hopeful that you might consider contributing to this very exciting project! As always, if you

have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or to any member of the class board.

On a personal note, I had a wonderful time in February visiting with my dear friend Karen (Somsel) Quilty. She and her husband Chris are “empty nesters” in St. Petersburg, Florida with their three grown children out of the house — Emerson, who’s preparing to study at the University of Boulder; Reagan, a USNA plebe; and Zack, a USNA 2020 grad who’s currently in Nuke School. It’s always so much fun to see her and catch up with each other ... and of course, tell sea stories about the “good old days” of Mother B and Navy Crew.

I hope as you read this column that we’re well on our way to put COVID-19 behind us and look forward to better times ahead.

Wishing you all the best. Stay healthy and be well.

Now’s the Time, 89! ~Denise And Ken Blalock sent in a note about our class listserv: M The Class has transferred the listserv from yahoo groups due to its obsolescence. We are now active on Google Groups. You can join through your google login by searching for “USNA Class of ’89” in Google Groups. Or, if you want to join from another domain, simply send an email to usna-class-of-1989subscribe@googlegroups.com.

Thanks & Beat Army! ~Ken And Heidi Fleming reported in: M I hope everyone’s 2021 has started off healthy and happy. With 2020 in the rear view mirror (Hindsight is 20/20), I was fortunate to have a couple socially distanced gatherings with Cathy (Donohue) Phillips and family along with Ruth (Chasen) Popp. It is always great when we can get together even though we are only a little over an hour away. Ruth and Tom Popp had to manage planning a wedding for their second oldest daughter early during COVID. It turned out great despite the small family gathering due to COVID limitations. As for me, I am still in Pax River after retiring from NAS Pax River CO job and now work for Lockheed Martin

Government Affairs. I took over the Director of the Pax Field Office when Rich O’Hanlon (76) retired.

The job is more customer relations as we interface with NAVAIR and our business areas. Fortunately, I have a great boss up in our Crystal City HQ, Mark Creasey (89+1). BZ to our classmates in his company, you trained him well. Denise (Shorey) Willert has been an awesome Class President leading our Board of Directors. We have been meeting every quarter and all have been engaging conversations and discussions. During COVID, it can be the little things that can be uplifting. I have been amazed by the breadth of talent we have in our class.

On that note (pun intended), for those on Linked-in Don Gabrielson composed his own version of Carol of the Bells...all while commanding FOURTH Fleet. I have also enjoyed Scott Love’s incredible art posts on Linked-in.

What about 89!? Additional Shipmate Shoutouts: Mike Priefer led the Cleveland Browns to their first NFL Playoff win in 26 years as their interim head coach! He is their Special Teams Coordinator. We served together in the USNA PE Department during our second tours, along with Jim Bell and Ingar Grev all wearing the blue and golds.

Congrats, Mike!

Dana Dewey is down here in Pax as well. Congrats to Dana who just got promoted to VP at Smartronix!

Stay well, classmates!

Casey (Jamieson) Johnson follows up with her update: M Along with staying 6 feet from each other, we survived being 6000 miles apart from our girls in 2020.

Kylie, a 2019 grad deployed on the USS BATAAN from Dec 13 – Jul 18 to the Arabian Gulf and Shannon, a 2017 grad, deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from Jun 30 – Dec 15. Kevin and I could not be more proud that during a year characterized by uncertainty, our girls were broadening their perspective and solidifying their patriotism while serving abroad in defense of this great nation! We could not be more thankful to have had them both home for Christmas.

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 91

89/90 CLASS NEWS Being the helicopter parents that we are, we were present for both homecomings with signage and furry friend in tow!

And that’s a wrap for this issue!

Take care and stay safe!

Scott

’90

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 20.72% Pres: Frank Bendik e: bendik90@yahoo.com Vice Pres: Joe Gugluizza e: joe@academyglobalinvestments.com Ops: Maj Carter Honesty, USMC (Ret.) e: carterhonesty@yahoo.com

Finally, Sue (Seaman) Boré checks in: M Beth Thomas and I (companymates for 4 years and lifelong friends) spent a day together honoring Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the Supreme Court and visiting the Black Lives Matter Plaza. It was a beautiful day to honor all Americans by visiting our nation’s capital, and wonderful to honor RBG by offering a heartfelt thank you to her for what she did to help make us all better officers.

DONATE ONLINE Support the Annual Fund, visit usna.com and click Give Online.

92 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Treas: Lawrence “Kai” Yeh e: kyeh@mpsgc.com Sec’y: Trey Alexander e: shipmate1990@gmail.com Website: www.usna90.com Facebook: USNA Class of 1990

Let’s jump right into things. First: 30th Reunion, take two. Your leadership team is working very hard prepping for an exciting “30+1” this Labor Day weekend (02-06 Sep 2021). To check your registration status or to make changes, go to the “SignUpNow.events” site. The link is available in your email and on the Facebook group post from Frank Bendik on Jan. 15. You do not need to re-register for the 30+1 reunion if you registered for the 2020 cancelled event. Please check emails and messages from your class president and company rep, as important reunion info will be passed via multiple channels over the coming weeks and months.

If you’d like to contribute your own dreams, memories or current events for this column – or as part

of our 30th anniversary reunion – just send your pictures (300 dpi or better) and stories to shipmate1990@ gmail.com. 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, or simply call (410) 295-4000 and do it over the phone.

Now, since there was nothing in Mail Call this month, here are some posts lifted from our class Facebook page – though I’d much rather be sharing fun stuff that everyone emailed to me … hint-hint!

This month’s “the Goat is old and gnarly” award goes to Henry Guy: M Check out the last article of (a) recent edition of SHIPMATE ... I know it’s cliche to say we had the last real plebe year but … these days: “just three come arounds per week”, “no eyes in the boat” at meals once Plebe Summer is over, Cannonballs with Hard Sauce is off the menu and Plebes aren’t issued bathrobes. Perhaps some of this evolution is for the better ... I’m not sure. But what is this place they call USNA?” His post elicited a nostalgic and humorous string of comments regarding changes over the decades (before and after us), as well as Zenith 248s, WordPerfect, dot matrix printers, and 5 1/4” floppy disks.

From Duane and Holly Sand: M This photo was taken 4 years ago. Allen will graduate in May, and he is spending his last year at the Academy in the VERY SAME ROOM in Bancroft that Duane had 30 years ago. Per Duane, “Walt Scott and I had the corner room furthest from Main Office of any room in Bancroft, on 8-4, where my son lives now! So weird when he Facetimes me and is sitting where I sat ... and his bunk bed (after the dumb room remodel they did a decade plus ago) is directly above where my rack was.”

Steve Williams: M “At my parents’ house for Thanksgiving, found this gem in a closet, purchased for my dad Christmas 90-4! Fits me like a glove!!”

Williams gold Navy tee

Now for some “Go Navy-Beat Army” motivation, which was sorely needed back in December … there’s always next year!: A vintage spirit button uncovered by Greg Schmeiser; four more shared by Tanya Worthy Mihailov, and 20 from Kent Anderson; plus four more items from Renee Cornett.

90/90 CLASS NEWS

30th (+1) REUNION CLASS OF 1990

September 2-5, 2021 (Labor Day Weekend)

Registration is NOW open through https://www.signupnow.events/Home.aspx Full Schedule of Events Available Online - Highlights Below Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday: Monday:

Informal Mix and Mingle Memorial Service, Superintendent Breifing, Parade and Cocktail Reception N Star Room Class of 1990 - Tailgate at the Water Tower Navy vs. Marshall - Time TBD Sunday Services and Dinner Cruise Labor Day

*

Company Reps will be reaching out to you shortly to assist in your registration or answer any questions. Hotels will quickly sell out, SO register TODAY!!!

Remember to purchase your class apparel online through Registration Link!! * Football Game will be broadcast at Water Tower Tailgate; Block of Football tickets will be available online for those wishing to enter the stadium.

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 93

90/90 CLASS NEWS

’90: Zoom 13th Company

they escaped the dastardly effects of the shrinkage fairies? ’90

Also cheering on the Mids were Rob Cameron and Lynnette Reed: “Not in Philadelphia this year but having wings and beer at Philly’s Finest in JAX Beach. GO NAVY!”

Ed Murdock, his wife Maria, and their daughter also joined in the Go Navy spirit!

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

94 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

I’m not sure if they’re trying out for the next runway in Milan, or trying their best to prove that clothes don’t always shrink over time, but check out the Navy 90 jerseys modeled by Steven Daggs and Tony Bunosso! I know I still have mine – somewhere; who else wants to dig theirs out to see if

13th Company muster: “13th Company, all present or accounted for” ... ok, at least 15 of them, anyway … and mustering via Zoom on the eve of the failed win over West Point. That’s Alan Reyes, Becky Weber, Rick Reynolds, John Choi, David Dorton, Mark Mineo, Joachim Cox, Brian T. Smith, Vinnie Schiavone, Joe Giacobbe, Lisa Bozzelli, Phil Valent, Todd Mayfield, Kent Thompson, Ray Ott, and James Kollar, with a guest appearance (not captured here) by newly inducted honorary member, Tara Traynor Cook.

Finally, this photo brought back lots of memories. Left-to-right are Jeff Wiemann, Ed Sanville, R.J. Roberts, David Haas and Hector Rodriguez with a lovely young lady. Dave provided these additional details: “That is Bobbie Burke, Arleigh Burke’s wife. I assume since I am in civvies, I just returned from their home in Virginia, and she came and visited us one weekend. I went to the Burke’s house a bit when I went to the Academy, as I knew them from Boulder, Colorado, a hometown I shared with the Admiral, and

90/91 CLASS NEWS whose namesake elementary school I attended. When I was nominated and we all did the DODMERB stuff before gaining our appointments, I needed to get a medical waiver due to a ‘history of asthma after my 12th birthday’.

I went to a hospital and took a breathing fitness test to show I didn’t have asthma and sent in the results. DODMERB said no, and I didn’t know what to do. Since my parents had been presidents of the elementary school PTO, and we had the Burkes over for dinner when I was 10, I had also kept in touch with them - for me more of a pen pal relationship. They were kind of my Uncle and Aunt if you will. But at that time, he was the only guy in the Navy I knew. So I wrote him a letter explaining the situation and asked him who I should talk to … little did I know WHO I was actually talking to. Well, needless to say, I somehow received a waiver.”

Until next time … Go Navy! Go ’90!

’91

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 16.80% Pres: Evan Barnet p: 203-249-0071; e: evan@USNA91.info Admin VP: Julie Shank p: 858-663-9852; e: julie@USNA91.info Exec VP: Ray Barata e: ray@USNA91.info Treasurer: Mike Smith p: 847-421-5850; e: Mike@USNA91.info Sect: Nelson Santini p: 404-641-6034; e: tgsantini@USNA91.info At Large: Jen Lednicky p: 703-568-8049; e: Jen@USNA91.info At Large: Gib Armstrong p: 717-371-0124; e: gib@USNA91.info Website: www.usna91.info

“Let the dark ages end!”

Ok … so hear me out. March and April are supposed to be the end of

And because Culvers is heavenly …

Here is Dave Blackwood.

We could have used these in King Hall... just sayin. ’91: Novak, Folders, Grierson, Ward, Forkel and Finney. It’s like 2-1 showed up!!

the “academic dark ages”. You know, that period of time that begins with the return of the Bridage from Christmas / Holiday break and end with Easter; I mean Spring Break.

My question is, did we get a break from COVID19 at the end of 2020, or are we still building up to the car chase portion of the movie?

The end of 2020 was nothing more than chaotic and the beginning of 2021 said “hold my beer”.

If you ever wondered the reason for the existence of some clauses of your oath of office; wonder no more.

All that said, I have to believe that THE dark ages of 2020 have to come to an end with the advent of Spring in 2021. What better time to help in that cause than now as we prepare to commemorate our 30th class anniversary.

Take a moment to remember how 100’s night felt. Remember the excitement of knowing that in 100 days we were going to head out to the fleet and change the world.

Press CTL-ALT-DEL and reboot your heart. As we gear up to come together and celebrate our 30th anniversary, let us focus on what brings us together more than that which separate us.

Reach out to your old roommate.

Re-connect with your long lost classmate. Prepare to connect again and let’s make the next 30 years a great adventure. Let’s change the world a bit more, and let’s carry on in the quest to make our beautiful USNA, and our country a better place than that which we knew in 1987 and sent us on our way in 1991.

Let’s look for understanding, equality and fairness. Let’s listen and learn one from the other. Let’s remember that we are stronger when we work together, like when we OWNED Herdon at the end of our last dark ages.

Talking about small reunions, here is one from my fellow “Double Deuce 22” shipmates!

(See photo nearby.)

CAN YOU SEE THE ’91? Ok …

I thought I was all about finding the ’91..

And I freaked out when I saw this one. I wasn’t sure if Josh was in the inset or part of the team scaling the walls of the Capitol. I mean, we did get some practice on doing that at Mother “B”.

Josh is the SME on the left inset.

Shameless plug for the USNA chapel dome coins… Did you get yours?

Chapel dome coin END THE DARK AGES – GET CHARGED UP!

’91: Look for this picture in the class page in FB!

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 95

91/92 CLASS NEWS Yo.. and let us set the mood … go to our Facebook class page and follow the link with the picture nearby.

You will get a tour of 1991 music in 1 hr … IT IS SO COOL!!

“30th Class Reunion – Yeah, the gray hairs are fo’real” So, we are planning ahead, but need to be “Semper Gumby” on this one… Scott Shepard and Dan Morio are co-chairing the reunion planning for our 30th graduation reunion in October 2021, and we all need to help them out!

Here are some simple asks: 1. 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.

2. We still are looking for volunteers to assist with the reunion. We have some that have stepped up already, but we can always use more. The more people who help, the less each person has to do and the more enjoyable the reunion can be.

3. Reach out to Scott Shepard (scottjshepard@hotmail.com) and Dan Morio (Dan@GoNavy Travel.com).

4. With Homecoming Weekend currently set for 21-24 October 2021, please keep the dates marked and open! (It is our 30th!, kinda big deal) “TICKLERS” Some action items and other “admin” (the exciting) stuff: Classmate Obits Thank you to Christian Wortman, John McVay, Barry Tanner, Art Glasglow and Walter Finney for helping refresh our In Memoriam page and help keep our thoughts and memories of our fallen classmates.

USNA’91 Networking and Sharing Monthly Conference Call 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 out Facebook page or reach out to gib@USNA91.info. The calls 96 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

are open to classmates and they happen on the third Tuesday of the month at 9PM EST. 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 Company Reps and Regional Reps Monthly Call Everyone ... Julie Shank has a Company Rep and Regional Rep call once a month on the first Monday of the month at 9PM EST. Please reach out to Julie a: Julie@USNA91. info to engage and help keep good comms with companymates, local classmates and the class.

Class News!

Don’t be shy! ... Please send Shipmate information about our, you, your family, or Classmates to tgsantini@USNA91.info 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).

Get Involved Please help us reach out to all classmates! Please keep your information up to date on USNA.com as that is the first way to make sure we can reach you via email or other

means. 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. If you find someone not connected, please let them know how to engage and be part of our communications. We have plenty to share, and do, and want to ensure all feel part of all class activities.

“THE HELM” Hi Classmates! Spring is coming!

As we continue push through the COVID “extended deployment”, please know that the class is here to support you through helping companies have virtual calls our class networking calls or any of our social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter). The reunion committee is doing its best to be prepared for the celebration of our 30th! So let’s stay connected! ...

Evan sends…

’92

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 25.38% Pres: Creighton Armstrong e: Creighton.Armstrong@am.jll.com Corr Sec’ys: David Ornstein and Jerry Deren e: USNA1992ClassUpdate@gmail.com Website: www.usna92.com

’92, No “special business” this month – just a quick reminder to please get updates in to: usna1992 classupdate@gmail.com and to keep checking the class LinkedIn and Facebook groups for timely info or to share same.

For anyone who missed it, two of our own had a fantastic spirit-raising episode of the Naval Academy Museum podcast, “Preble Hall.” In Episode Number 92-2 posted on 2 December 2020, Steve Philips interviews Brett Odom for the definitive story of “The Class of 1992 Great Mule Caper.” Great job by both Steve and Brett on the pod, which is a rollicking-good listen.

Movie rights presumably have already been optioned.

Jerry Deren shares the gouge on Jake Ellzey: M Classmates: I want to take a second to brag on my fellow Texan, Kevin “Jake” Ellzey (note: I’m an Iowan by birth, but I got here as fast as I could!). I first met Jake on Youngster Cruise in Kiel, West Germany … we were both assigned to the USS Ticonderoga for our “grey hull” cruise, and boy did we have a good time with follow-on port visits to Stockholm and Amsterdam. With an accent not too dissimilar from Robert Duval’s in Lonesome Dove, Jake was obviously from Texas. And even though he’ll deny it to this day, Jake made it very clear to me that he intended to become a Navy fighter pilot after graduating, and to eventually become the Governor of Texas! So here’s an update on Jake—he’s too humble to brag, so I’m going to do it for him. Jake finished second in primary flight training, which would normally result in follow-on orders for jets, but there was a “helo draft” on that week, so his dream of flying jets was not to be. But he didn’t give up. After a very successful JO tour flying H-60’s, he requested and was granted a lateral transition to jets.

For the remainder of his 20-year career, he flew F-14’s, F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets, served as Social Aide at the White House for George W. Bush, and finished his career as Air Boss on USS Ronald Reagan.

After retirement, he picked up a commercial gig with Southwest Airlines to “pay the bills” while pursuing his political career on the side. He’s since served on the Texas Veterans Commission and made an unsuccessful bid for the Texa House of Representatives in 2018. But being the stubborn and determined Texan that he is, he ran again in 2020…and won in a landslide! In the attached photo, you’ll see Jake at his desk in the Texas State House in Austin, alongside his wife, Shelby, and two beautiful daughters. Congratulations, Jake…you’re definitely fulfilling the USNA mission: “…to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.” Texas Governor in 2032?? I wouldn’t bet against him…

92/92 CLASS NEWS it is a great place to land and in my current role, I lead the TF33 Program. The TF33 engine powers the B-52 bomber, JSTARS and AWACS aircraft – so, all in all, a good place for a former pilot of an aging multi-engine aircraft. Glad I can still contribute in a small way to national defense efforts.

My last tour was a blast. I was able to finish up as the CO of NAPS – Naval Academy Preparatory School – working directly for VADM Ted Carter (the then-Supe). Helping to lead these young men and women was inspiring and invigorating.

My last group of NAPSters are now Firsties at USNA. As I conducted my retirement /Change of Command, I was blessed to have three classmates attend: Gardner Smith, Scott Miller and Tim Flecker.

I attached a photo with these greatest of friends.

Rest of career included some great tours flying P-3’s including command of VP-45, at the bureau, a CVN shooter tour and couple years in Bahrain. ’92: Jake Ellzey and family as he moves towards “assuming the highest levels of…government”

Gardner Smith, Mike Doherty, Scott Miller, and Tim Flecker

’92: Mike Doherty leading from the front as CO of NAPS

We would love to hear other stories about our classmates’ continued service in the military, citizenship and government, so please let us know what you—or our classmates—are doing to continue the USNA mission!

Mike Doherty sends: M I retired about 3 years ago and have settled back in my hometown

of Glastonbury, CT with my soulmate, Beth, and our blended family of 6 kids. Two of the kids are in college, 3 in high school and 1 in middle school. They give us gray hair, but in seriousness, we are truly lucky with them all. I am working at Pratt & Whitney (jet engine manufacturer) in East Hartford, CT where my father worked for his entire career. As a former P-3 Pilot,

Beth and Mike Doherty

Bill Blozinsky shares some reflections on service: M This is a photo of me at the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur -Mer, Normandy, France. All along the Normandy coast you can still find remnants of the events that took place there. German bunkers and artillery. Mortar pits. Tank

traps. And through the hedgerows and countryside you will eventually come to the American Cemetery.

Beautifully maintained and inevitably emotional. The displays there say that there were approximately 10,000 allied casualties on just the first day, June 6th, and an estimated 25,000 allied casualties in the first two months of the invasion. And it is entirely appropriate now, at the end of 2020, which has been a tough year, to mention this. Let us remember that we have sacrificed before. And if you ask any veteran of that war or any other, they will always say that the real heroes are the ones who never made it home, and who are left buried where they died. We must remember that no matter how bad things can get, part of the legacy of the veteran is to provide us with perspective so that we understand that these honored dead, only beginning their lives when they began to watch each other die, never got to come home, they never got to see all of those World Series and Super Bowls, they missed all of those Thanksgiving dinners with family and all of those Christmas mornings with presents under the tree. 2020 has been a year of great sacrifice for the people who are fighting fires and treating patients and all the families who have lost loved ones. Let us remember, at the end of this year, those who tried to make a difference during this year, and that though they may be gone, we must remember them in order to appreciate what we have, and to understand that things can always be worse if it were not for those who stand up for us against those things that could destroy us.

“Veteran,” is something that I can say I am proud to be.

And Crispin Crispian shall ne’er go by, From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be rememberedWe few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he today who sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother, be he ne’er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition; MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 97

92/93 CLASS NEWS Group and COO of Revolutionary Integration Group Inc. Jason was also president of the Connecticut chapter of the Navy League.

He is survived by his father, Thomas A.; children, Moira, and Liam Wathen of Stamford; Erin Wathen, mother of his children, and his sister, Kimberly Oliver and her husband Abdelkhalek Massaoudi of Louisville, KY. A Memorial Service was scheduled for Saturday, January 30, 2021. ’92: It was really all over as soon as ’92-1 saw this fearsome force massed at the first tee!

And gentlemen of England now a-bed Shall think themselves accurs’d that they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks That fought with us upon St. Crispin’s Day. - William Shakespeare, Henry V

’93

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 17.15% 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

Bill Blozinsky, paying respects to those that went before us

Bonus Content: A couple more pics from the 2020 T-Cup which couldn’t fit into our space last issue:

Dave Lillefloren reclaiming the T-Cup for ’92

Signing off for this issue Stay Bold ’92!

98 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

This issue of Shipmate should be hitting your mailboxes in time for spring weather. As I sit and write this, we have a fresh layer of snow on the ground and I can only wish for spring to be here. Unfortunately I have a bit of sad news to share – we recently received word that classmate Jason Wathen passed away on Sunday, December 27th, 2020, in Stamford, CT. M LT Jason Thomas Wathen, USN (Ret.), of Stamford, CT, formerly of Louisville, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2020.

He was born September 8, 1971 in Louisville to Thomas A. Wathen and the late Bonnie Wright Desjardens Jason was a 1989 graduate of DeSales High School, and graduate of the Naval Academy with specialty in Nuclear engineering. He was also a graduate of the University of Chicago with a master’s in business.

After retiring from the Navy, he became the managing director and investment partner at Blue Harbor

Bob Kuberski has a class business update: M Welcome to 2021 and Happy New Year!

Your class officers and I met virtually in the beginning of January to discuss some initiatives which I will summarize below. I’d like to encourage each of you to connect with the Class Officers if there are items you’d like us to consider as we’re here to serve the great Class of ’93.

30th Reunion—we will begin to assemble the Reunion Committee well in advance of our 30th and we are looking for volunteers to assist in the effort. Several members of our 25th Reunion Committee have weighed in as either repeat volunteers or ready to assist in transition. We’d like to have a Coordinator for each Company in addition to the Committee staff. Please let us know if you’d like to be a part of the planning!

Class Project—we forwarded along an email from Jay Matzko, Class Treasurer, on 20 JAN with a report on our legacy giving as well as our progress toward our Class Project goal of raising $500,000 in support of the Naval Academy so please check your inboxes if you missed Jay’s message.

Class Bylaws—we will work to update and ratify our Class Bylaws and we are looking for volunteers to serve on a Committee to help facilitate. Please indicate your interest in contributing.

Class News—I’d like to encourage each of you to contribute to our Class News in Shipmate. We’ve put in place some controls to make sure we don’t miss any updates and are considering Company-based news

liaison’s as a way to encourage and enable better news flow.

Social Media—we are looking into adding some guidelines for our Facebook page that will establish responsible posting practices.

Please let us know if there are ways we can better serve you, our classmates and the Class of '93!

Thank you.

Very Respectfully, Bob Looking forward to the 30th reunion – hard to believe that isn’t all that far away. Next we hear from Allen Hobbs who is living it up in Texas: M It’s been some time since I’ve come across any ’93 classmates in person or visited the Academy.

In fact, I’ve only been back to the Academy three times since our graduation in May ’93. That’s certainly a long time but not uncommon. I still read Shipmate every month, catch any Navy-related news most days, and definitely reflect on our four years by the Bay. I recently joined the Alumni Association Texas Gulf Coast Chapter, but of course COVID-19 put a damper on our periodic lunch meetings until recently. Looking forward to joining the get-togethers again in the near future.

After spending a career as a SWO and retiring in 2013, I moved back to my home state of Texas.

I eventually ended up in Houston with an oil & gas company then transitioned to an industrial automation company in Beaumont.

My job as a project manager keeps me busy these days. I was unable to attend the Class of ‘93 25th reunion a couple of years back, but certainly plan to be there for the next big event.

A special hello to my friends and classmates from 21st / 12th Company. Lots of memories there.

Please drop me a line at: hobbs. texas@gmail.com if you get a chance. Like all of us, I’m also on social media and business networking (you know the ones). Although admittedly, I’ve spent less and less time on social media in recent years (seems like a losing battle, to be honest). Finally, a shout out to those still on active duty. Thanks for your continued service to our nation.

93/95 CLASS NEWS May God continue to bless you.

Allen L. Hobbs

Allen Hobbs hard at work

Thanks for sharing that update, Allen. Glad to hear that you’re doing well and I think we all join you in hoping that the mess around Covid19 is over soon. Our last update comes from Matt Testerman who is representing ’93 back on the yard: M An update from those of us still on active duty at USNA. I’m sure you’ve seen the announcement that the next Commandant is from the class of 93+1, so we are all officially old goats on the Yard.

Congrats to CAPT (sel) Jeff King and Andy Gish. Jeff recently took the reins as chair of the aero department and Andy, after serving as Deputy Director for the E&W Division, is now the Director of Graduate Education. CAPT John Stevens is chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

CAPT Beth Sanabia (Oceanography), CDR Keith Kintzley (EE), CAPT Jay Foraker (Math), CDR Jeff Krause (ProDev) continue to do great work in and out of the classroom working with mids, and keeping this place on track. If there’s something you don’t like, I’m sure it’s their fault. And if I’ve overlooked a classmate on the Yard, that’s entirely my fault.

All of us have been part of the USNA response to the pandemic switching to remote teaching after spring break; teaching nearly the entire Brigade in summer online classes instead of the usual cruises and training; and navigating public health constraints through the fall that had us shifting from all online, hybrid, and (for some) all in-person teaching and labs. The effort continues

this spring, but we’re cautiously optimistic that the situation will improve.

I’m serving as Military Deputy to the Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences (yes - divisions became schools), still teaching Poli Sci, and my oldest son graduates this spring. We’re hoping for a more or less normal graduation and commissioning in the stadium. R/Matt CAPT Matthew “TUT” Testerman, PhD Military Deputy to the Dean School of Humanities and Social Sciences United States Naval Academy testerma@usna.edu Office: (410) 293 6303 Sampson 259 Thanks for the update on everyone who’s there at the Academy teaching the future leaders of our Navy & Marine Corps. That’s all the news for this month. Please keep those updates coming! Until next time, Carpe Diem! — Shogo

’94

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 11.07% Pres: Jim Keck c: 904-477-2133; e: JKeck@usna94.com Vice Pres: Julie Spencer e: jspencer@1994.usna.com 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: 12.19% Pres: CDR Andre Coleman, 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, USMCR 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

Hello, ’95!

Another summary of the class activities, courtesy of Heidi (Huerter) Lenzini: From PMA-271 PAO (lightly edited for space): *Note, both Bill and Adam were wearing their original issue O-coats!

M The Airborne Strategic Command, Control, and Communications Program Office (PMA-271) bid farewell to Capt. William E. Coleman, Jr. as he relinquished command to Capt. Adam T. Scott during a change of command ceremony Jan. 8. The unique outdoor winter event saw family, friends, and co-workers look on from their cars or over the internet as two former United States Naval Academy classmates exchanged responsibility of leading the program.

Marine Maj. Gen. Greg Masiello, program executive officer for air anti-submarine warfare, assault, and special mission programs (PEO(A)), spoke about the program’s success.

“I’m impressed not just in Bill Coleman, but the team that he has led the last few years,” he explained.

“The fleet knows how deeply involved you are and the dedicated hard work that you do. You directly supported the security of our nation and allies.”

PMA-271 supports the Navy’s airborne communications aircraft, the E-6B Mercury, whose primary mission is to deliver strategic messages to ballistic missile submarines, via very low-frequency radio transmissions.

Coleman touched on many of the team’s accomplishments during his tenure; bringing the first ever-multiyear cybersecurity authority to operate for the E-6B weapons system, modernizing the aircraft’s very-low-frequency power transmit system, improving budget execution, finishing an $880 million supply support contract and releasing the request for proposal for the block two production contract.

“I asked you many times to approach old systems in new ways, to question standard thinking,” Coleman said as he addressed the crowd. “I think this organization is stronger today because we brought new perspectives to our work.”

Scott comes to the program after serving at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division as an executive director. He has an extensive history with the E-6B having served in all three Fleet Air Reconnaissance squadrons and as a test pilot with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 20.

“It is a privilege to be your program manager,” Scott said.

“I will strive to create an environment where [employees] can grow, bear fruit, and succeed. And through your success, PMA-271 will succeed. We have many challenges ahead of us; I look forward to tackling them together.”

After the change of command, Coleman held his retirement ceremony where he thanked family and friends for their support and touched on his career that spanned more than 25 years.

“I’m not sure I set out to have this career progression, but I’m very thankful for the twists and turns the Navy dealt me,” he explained. “I don’t quite know where I’m headed next, but I know the Navy will always be in me.”

Adam with Charlotte, plus Emma ‘19, (slated to earn her NFO wings in April) and Andrew, 2/c NROTC mid at the Univ. of Oklahoma plus Sarah and Laura.

’95 to ’95 Change of Command

USNA.COM Bringing the Alumni Association to you.

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 99

95/96 CLASS NEWS Thank you, Frankie!

CAPT Bill and Sara Coleman and family retire from the Navy

Marine Col. Frankie Patrick Delgado at Joint Base Andrews

Dave Faehnle writes: M In 2007, after the death of several classmates in the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan, over a hundred classmates joined together to run the Marine Corps Marathon.

Jeff Webb evolved that effort into Run To Honor, an organization dedicated to memorializing the family members of USNA Alumni who have died in military operations.

The organization built tremendous success, eventually developing the Virtual Memorial Hall (https:// usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ USNA_Virtual_Memorial_Hall) and succeeding in bringing together USNA and the Alumni Association

Classmates — looking for a volunteer!

to develop the Honor Our Fallen Heroes (HOFH) annual event. Run To Honor is still going strong and needs your support. With a Board of Directors spanning almost three decades of alumni and family members of those lost, the organization continues to host events in conjunction with the Marine Corps Marathon, HOFH, and other events across the nation. We need motivated volunteers – please visit runtohonor.com and reach out to Dave Faehnle at: secretary@runtohonor.com.

Non Sibi!

Heidi and Kate

’96

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 19.73% Pres: Nagel Sullivan Vice Pres: Bill Pennington Sec’y: Cara Albright e: caramalbright@1996.usna.com Treas: Nikki Battaglia

Capt. Adam T. Scott and Capt. William E. Coleman, Jr. cut the cake

Greetings, ’96!

Happy Spring! Launching this column with a letter from Ann (Maginnis) McCann and Wes McCann, who are wrapping an overseas tour in Singapore and reporting on a recent ’96 gathering.

Wes writes:

Another peaceful transition of presidential power was made even more secure under the watchful eye of Marine Col. Frankie Patrick Delgado at Joint Base Andrews.

He writes: M My billet was Task Force Special Events Commander, and I was responsible for oversight of Title 10 participation in any events that were not the Inauguration and Inaugural Parade. Typically, this would include the galas and balls in a non-COVID environment. For this year, my team had coordination oversight of the departure ceremony for 45th POTUS, the Wreath Laying at Arlington, the 46th President’s arrival at the White House and the Lincoln Memorial Welcome Festivities on the night of the 20th.

It’s been an incredible experience and I’ve been blessed with an incredible team of teams with representation from all the services.

It’s had its challenges since my arrival in Oct. through the elections, COVID and the subsequent riot.

I am very proud of our team’s support of time-honored peaceful transition.

100 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

’96ers sharing Ann and Wes’s table in Singapore for a class dinner

’96: Ann’s change of command ceremony in Nov ’19: John “Rabbit” Kipper ’10; Tom Ogden ’98; Sam DeCastro and his wife Jill; Wes, Ann, and Tezzy McCann; Matt Jerbi ’95 and his wife Kerenza and their daughters in front.

M We had a fantastic gathering last night. All of the 96ers in Singapore came over to the house. There are actually six of us on the “Little Red Dot” - who’d of thunk it?! What great fun to see some of the guys we haven’t seen since Firstie Year, and a couple who we’ve crossed paths and kept in touch with over the years.

Ray Owens, Chuck Dwy, Sam DeCastro, Tommy Hsu, Wes McCann and Ann (Maginnis) McCann

96/96 CLASS NEWS Tommy Hsu immediately left for Singapore upon graduation to join the Republic of Singapore Navy, where he stayed until 2014, then joined the Ministry of Education here. He is now a Director and is heavily involved with their multi-ministry force on the country’s COVID planning.

Ray Owens came to Singapore in the middle of last year as the Defense Attache following a successful tour in India. Since joining the FAO community he has been in the Asia-Pacific Theater where he has spent most of his career, previously as a pilot. He’s here with his wife, Akane, and their children.

Sam DeCastro has been in Singapore for over a year and has had quite the ride here. He was diagnosed with Stage 3 Rectal Cancer shortly after arriving as COMLOGWESTPAC Chief of Staff and underwent surgery and several rounds of chemotherapy before being pronounced cancer-free this past summer. He said it is most definitely not a weight loss program he would ever recommend. He is now the Commodore for MSC Far East.

His oldest son, Ben, is currently a plebe at the Academy! His wife, Jill, is a nurse at the Embassy, while their other two kids are plugging away at school trying to make heads or tails of distance and in-class learning rotation. Their daughter, Annie, also provided Tezzy several swimming lessons before school started back up again.

Chuck Dwy is currently the ACOS for logistics (N4) at COMLOGWESTPAC and will be heading to Brunssum, Netherlands with his wife, Lisa, and their two kids in a few months. He’ll be the J3 at NATO Log Command. As usual, Disco was the height of entertainment and merriment for the evening.

Ann is in the final month of her tour as Commodore, DESRON SEVEN. Overseeing the first normalized deployments of LCS ships to the theater was quite the undertaking (they were logistically based in Singapore through several crew swaps) and they were able to perform several missions that

traditionally would have been carried out by larger combatants.

As Deputy and Commodore, CDS 7 was involved with quite a few exercises involving more than a dozen area navies, including Singapore, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei, Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, and several more I am forgetting. She made trips to most of those places during the mission planning and execution of the exercises. It has definitely been a fascinating tour.

Ann is heading to OPNAV N1 (MyNavyHR) as the Director of the Commander’s Action Group next, so we are going to be able to move back into our house in July (how many times do any of us get to say that?). We are looking forward to the home games and tailgates next season, as well as the reunion. Has it really been 25 years? Weren’t we Ensigns just last month?

took over with some partners in 2019. We revamped it into a fantastic music venue, hosted several acts, including Opeth, in a fantastic small concert venue, then things dried up as tourism shut down. I won a few awards for my beers and ciders in 2019 and 2020 at the SouthEast Asia Brewing Conference, so it was still a good experience. My last project in Singapore before departing is installing another new craft brewery in the Sembawang neighborhood.

Even though I will not be here long enough to brew a batch, I hope to have the equipment in place with only the regulators to inspect and approve before moving on.

Sam officiating Ann’s change of command ceremony in Nov ’19 while the Admiral was out of town; Sam was CTF73 COS at the time

The year of COVID has been an interesting one to say the least.

Being in Singapore has proved to be not so bad during this time, since the island itself was able to isolate and local transmissions are almost zero. The country began opening up during the summer (there are really no seasons here, except rain or more rain, but I try to maintain the “home” calendar), and we have fully entered Phase 3, so we were able to make the gathering last night happen.

The biggest downside for us personally was cancelling all of the travel plans we had for this year.

Everyone else has experienced pretty much the rest of the “sky is falling” stuff this past year as well, so I hope everyone came out of it okay.

The only other real downside was the closing of the brewpub I

The McCanns in front of their brewpub in Singapore

I’ve also committed to rebuilding my woodworking shop and home brewing lab when we get back to Virginia, with a few surprises planned for the tailgates. Here in Singapore, I almost finished turning the garage into a full-fledged woodworking shop before things went into lockdown and the flow of power tools stopped. Regardless, I’ve made dozens of bowls, platters and small items, selling some and keeping some. Our daughter, Tezzy, has been a great joy and inspiration on several projects. Even at 4-1/2, she loves to come down and “play” while I work away. She has also grown up so quickly, that I forget she was not even 2 when we left home to come here - so small, and now so big and definitely sassy.

Ann and Tezzy on the bridge of USS Blue Ridge (PQS starts at a young age!)

Well, when any two or three shall meet… and not to be derailed by COVID. Glad you were all finally able to share a table together before the departures begin. Great stories, all! And yes – absolutely, we were just Ensigns the other day. I’m sure that will be evident in September.

Speaking of September, I know I’m stoked for the reunion and hope you all are too. Your reunion committee, led by Thomas Leahy, has been putting a lot of time and energy into coordinating a great weekend. BZ to all involved! Please spread the word amongst yourselves and make sure everyone has the appropriate gouge. Anyone who placed an early bird merchandise order from the class store should be receiving their gear not too far behind the Shipmate issue you are holding in your hand (orders ship week of 5 April). Look for the store to be open again this summer leading up to the reunion (http://www. usnaclasstore.com/96store.html).

As a reminder, the hotel room block at the Westin is open and game ticket link is live. See the class website for details and an updated schedule of events (http://1996. usnaclasses.net/class-reunions).

Expect registration to go live by Memorial Day Weekend.

Finally, shout out to Jennifer Campbell for another fantastic season of the New 96 Hour. If you haven’t had a chance to (or if you have!), please join us! We have a couple of great interviews on deck for April and May, so check out the schedule online (http://1996.usna classes.net/the-new-96-hour) and watch for registration links on LinkedIn, FB, or the website. We’ve got Josh Prueher on deck in April and Jennie (Smith) McClellan in May, so tune in to hear their stories MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 101

96/03 CLASS NEWS and chat live with classmates! And with that, I wrap this column. Hope you are all well and weathering 2021… see you in September.

Beat Army — Cara

’97

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 10.54% 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

Greetings, ‘97. I have only a couple of updates to share with you for this issue.

To begin on a very sad note, I am sorry to tell you that we have lost one of our classmates. CAPT Jason Leonard Chuderewicz, USN, of 23rd company passed away on November 20, 2020. Funeral services were held in late November. We received the news of his death from the Alumni Association late last year and posted the information on our class Facebook pages in December.

Here is a link about Jason taking command of Training Air Wing 6 in Pensacola in late September, just a few months before his passing. https://www.navy.mil/.../ chuderewicz-takes-helm-ofnaval.../ Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

need your help. Consider the ’97 column as a news exchange: the more news that’s submitted, the more news that will be available for everyone’s enjoyment. Please take a minute soon to send me an email saying what you’ve been up to lately and any classmates you have seen or heard about. A photo or two would be a nice bonus. Thanks!

Dan Bozung is officially a published author, having released his book in late 2020, titled “This Civilian Sh*t is Hard,” which provides valuable insight for veterans transitioning from active duty into the civilian workforce. Congratulations on this accomplishment, Dan! That’s all for this time. I look forward to hearing from you by email, phone, or postal mail. My contact information appears above.

Wishing everyone a brighter year in 2021!

Beat Army!

-Aaron

’98

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 11.70% 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

Hey classmates, I hope everyone is having a good year so far! Scotty Meushaw sent in this update for us:

CAPT Jason Chuderewicz

We want to share news about our classmates with the USNA ’97 family and other Shipmate readers in a timely fashion. To do that, we 102 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

M “Hey everyone, It’s hard to believe it’s been almost 27 years since we showed up on I-day. Twenty years ago I would never have written an update but I’ve really enjoyed seeing what everyone is doing. The further I get away from our time at USNA the more my school pride increases.

The ’98 column is sometimes a little thin so hopefully I can add some content!

A quick update on the Meushaw clan. I took a job at California Closets in Langley, Virginia and I’ve really enjoyed working from home during the pandemic. It’s helped us all evaluate what’s really important.

I’ve been envious of all our classmates still in a position to help our country as we navigate this global pandemic together. My wife Karen and kids Joe (12) and Don (9) are all doing really well. They’re both back in school and of course playing lacrosse! Langley isn’t too far from home (Maryland) so it’s been great seeing family so often.

I’m coaching lacrosse on the side as well as running events as a Blue and Gold Officer both virtually and in person as permitted.

As far as other guys in ’98 here are some updates. Brendan Higgins is doing great up in New York as he practices medicine. Kevin Robb is flying at American after recently retiring. He also runs a Jersey Mike’s franchise and has a dog named “Marmaduke”. Scott Mattson is running his own Amazon store and coaching lacrosse on the side. Bert Geis is flying for a cargo charter outfit out of Kalamazoo and coaching lacrosse. Alex Borcz ’99 is the government rep to L3 in Wichita, Kansas and has been involved with multiple government contracts pertaining to the pandemic response. He sends his best wishes to everyone during these difficult times.

I hope all is well with all our classmates and I’m looking forward to a little more normalcy by the time the 25th reunion rolls around.

Hoo ya ’98!

Scotty “Snake” Meushaw”

’00

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 9.69% Pres: J.V. “Murph” McCarthy Vice Pres: Art Terry Treas: Nick Lalota Sec’y: Tim O’Connor e: Shipmate00@yahoo.com

’01

Life Membership: 96% Donor Participation: 12.54% 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: 10.09% 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 At-Large Directors: LTCol Elizabeth (Kreft) Brienza, CDR Sean McClintock and Charlie Mello Send Submissions to: shipmate2002@gmail.com Website: www.usna2002.org

So far, so good. Keep the updates rolling in for 2021!

’99

’03

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 7.47%

Life Membership: 93% Donor Participation: 79.29%

Pres: LtCol Lisa (Steinmetz) Cordonnier, USMC e: lisacords03@gmail.com

Pres: CDR Jason Birch e: jb1999@me.com

Vice Pres: CDR Fernando R. Reyes, USN e: delux1981@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Dr. Joy Zelinski-Marquez e: drjoymarquez@gmail.com

Treas: CDR Megan Barnett, USN e: mmbarnett03@msn.com

Sec’y & Shipmate Contact: Darlene Delk e: darlene.delk@yahoo.com

Sec'y: Heather M. (Garland) Selig e: heather.selig@2003.usna.com

Treas: Stacie M. Gibson e: staciegibson22@gmail.com Communications Director: CDR Jose Pehovaz-Diez e: jose.pehovazdiez@gmail.com Website: www.usna99.org

Class Website: http://2003.usnaclasses.net/ Webmaster: CDR Kevin Hagan, USN e: kevin.r.hagan@gmail.com Shipmate Submissions: Kenneth Michel e: kennethmichel03@gmail.com

Update from the Class of 2003 Officers:

03/04 CLASS NEWS ‘03, 1. Thank you to everyone for their feedback from the last update.

The draft for the new class bylaws is under review as of this writing.

Many thanks again to Jeff Sommers and his team.

2. Company Reps, 20th Reunion Chair and Reunion Committee Members, and a Class Historian: All interested, please send an email to the Class Secretary (info above).

We promise we won’t put you on all-calls.

‘03! TBD on the SCCDI’s all-alumni census/survey. It was supposed to be pushed in 2020, so hopefully, it’s been sent and completed by the time you’re reading this. Also, the Board of Trustees is creating an Ad Hoc Committee on Alumni Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion to continue the work of the Special Committee and in integrating the Special Committee’s recommendations. Lots of work remains to be done in making lasting changes for the better.

Stay healthy, classmates.

Beat Army!

-Class of 2003 Officers Class news: An update from John Dalby: M Greetings, Classmates! I figured there’s no better time than 17.5 years in, to say hello and to make my 1st ever submission to Shipmate!

Many thanks to Agur Adams (who put in a good word for me),

’03: Dalby family

I married a TBS classmate, Leizl, who swore she’d never date a USNA grad nor drive a minivan.

Well, I obviously won her over with my charming academy smirk, because she’s come a long way. She even surprised me with motivating license plates - “03USNA” - the last time I requested her to renew my vehicle registration while I was deployed several years ago. And every time the Alumni Association sends stickers in the mail, she proudly slaps them on the Honda Odyssey she unashamedly drives around as a soccer mom & coach. Allow me to introduce to you our fire team McKenna 12, Ainsley 10, Asher 6, and Brielle 4. We took these pictures just before the Army-Navy game a few weeks ago, on what had to be the windiest day ever! We’re just glad the tripod didn’t fly away with the iPhone. Still enjoying activeduty, I’m also now an elder at Pillar Church. Pillar is a family of Gospelcentered churches near military installations worldwide.

To learn more about our effort, visit praetorianproject.org. Also checkout https://www.tuntavernfellow ship.org/. Tun Tavern Fellowship (TTF) is a network of Christians in and around the Marine Corps.

TTF can help you identify other Christians in your unit or area and to increase awareness of fellowships, studies, and events occurring all over the Corps. It’s been great to

stay connected to so many of you ‘03ers throughout the years (like Rudd Olmstead, Perry Akin, Katherine & Rob Franklin, Nathan Fleischaker, Sam Fletcher, Ryan Heineman).

Semper Fi, John Dalby

An update from Steve Healy: M Hey ’03! Greetings from the Healys! I hope that your 2021 is off to a fantastic start. Our lives have been a whirlwind over the past few months, but I can truly say we are grateful for all blessings we have experienced despite our circumstances. Back in October of 2019, my family was rocked by the news that my incredible wife, Nikki, had Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer. Shortly after the diagnosis, she endured 10 chemotherapy treatments, 28 rounds of radiation, and multiple surgeries over the course of the following year. Despite all of those efforts, and much to the shock of all involved in Nikki’s care, it was determined in October of 2020 that the cancer had spread to both her liver and lungs. Needless to say, conventional medicine gave her a very dire prognosis. Despite consultations with over half a dozen hospitals and cancer centers, each doctor we spoke to stated that Nikki’s disease was unbeatable.

Thankfully, my old USNA’s roommate’s wife, Lauren Fonvielle, alerted us to a treatment center in Scottsdale, AZ that offered an individualized and holistic path forward, blending both conventional and natural therapies, but more importantly a hope that Nikki could still beat her disease.

Due to the fact that a majority of the medical expenses are not covered by insurance, there was a significant financial hurdle to clear to make this all possible. I am forever indebted to my Academy roommate and brother-from-another-mother, Mike Silver, for spearheading the effort to start a GoFund Me account for Nikki to get the care she needs. Because of Mike, and the enormous generosity of so many of you, well over 50% of our financial needs have been funded and we were able to transition Nikki’s care to the Envita Medical Center in Scottsdale, AZ, beginning her new treatment on January 4th. So, on behalf of myself, Nikki, Bailey (16), Rian (13), and Everett (9), thank you, may God bless you, and we are praying that that the best is yet to come for all of us in 2021!

The Link for the GoFund Me page: https://www.gofundme.com/ f/healing-nikki-for-christmas?qid= 1c4f7aeb3b702be7b800165310514 a66

’04

Life Membership: 95% Donor Participation: 7.72% 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

2021 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Follow Navy Football online at: navysports.com 1-800-US4-NAVY MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 103

05/08 CLASS NEWS

’05

’07

Pres: LtCol.Thomas A. Kulisz, USMC hometown: Wilmington, NC e: kulisz@2005.usna.edu

Pres: Brady Beauchamp

Vice Pres: CDR Matthew J. Bernhardt, USN hometown: Annapolis, MD p: 619-889-1968; e: mjbernhardt@gmail.com

Treas: LCDR Patrick Sullivan e: patrick.timothy.sullivan@gmail.com

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 6.13%

Treas: Allen J. Murphy hometown: Severna Park, MD p: 410-212-1082 e: allen.murphy.2005@gmail.com Sec’y: CDR Reed A. Kitchen, USN hometown: Arlington, VA p: 619-208-0770 e: reedkitchen@2005.usna.com Website: 2005.usnaclasses.net

Hello from Arlington, Class of 2005!

Hopefully all of you are doing well during arguably the weirdest Dark Ages on record.

Joey Snelgrove recently moved in down the street from Tuck Ragon and me and Warren Fogler got here a few months ago and is living near James Sauls. It seems like a bunch of our classmates are punching the DC ticket and I’ve seen some familiar faces in the halls of the Pentagon and NSF Arlington.

Drop me a line at reedkitchen@ 2005.usna.com - I would love to hear how you’re doing. This column isn’t going to write itself.

Peace out, Reed

’06

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 6.93% Pres: LCDR Andrew Lukich e: andrew.m.lukich@gmail.com Vice Pres: LCDR Joshua Campbell Treas: LCDR Jeffrey Foulds Sec’y: LCDR Jamison Lupo e: jamisonlynn@gmail.com

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

104 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 7.66% Vice Pres: Major Benjamin Tuck e: Benjamin.Tuck07@gmail.com

Sec’y: LCDR Dan Bellomo, USNR e: dbellomo@umich.edu Send Articles to: classofficersUSNA2007@gmail.com

His iteration is written on the other side of the calendar flip – it is now 2021 – we did it. Hopefully it is a new year full of shots in the arm, epic Masked Dancer reveals, family reunions, calm seas, and ultimately a return to normal. Hopefully by now you have also seen the comical memes of 4/C Bernie Sanders standing CMOD. We continue to look forward to seeing what the future can bring.

Together we will get through this.

Go Navy, Beat Covid!

Here is a shameless copy and paste from last month: We need Shipmate Submissions!

Sooner or later the general populace is going to get bored of Dan’s Cincinnati Reds updates. By taking a page right out of the Class of 2004 and their Nov/Dec 2020 Shipmate article, we are offering incentives for every Shipmate Submission between now and our next reunion.

Dan will personally reward all those who submit content with a free beer/cocktail/soft drink at the Harry Brown’s upstairs bar in Annapolis, maintaining positive vibes that it will still exist post Covid!

Over the holiday lull, Dan recently did some digital cloud purging while doing some late-night Christmas movie watching. While digging through multiple folders labeled some version of ‘USNA stuff’, he found a series of notes and memos that were written as a Plebe to our then 2/C Training Sergeant.

What was the common theme – shower shoes. Apparently 4/C Bellomo did a lot of griping and complaining about the ultimate Plebe perk that was liberated tootsies and the fact that the perk

kept getting taken away. Oh how priorities have changed!

A quick shout-out to classmate Hunter Parden who got mentioned on page 34 of the November/ December Shipmate edition. Hunter – congrats on the Vanderbilt scholarship!

A bit of housekeeping The Alumni Association recently ran a check on their records regarding connectivity with members of the Class of 2007. There are 200+ members of our Class with bad/broken/old email addresses in their Alumni Association profile.

Please visit 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.

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.

Representatives 72nd District (North Sarasota County) in the November election. This was a highly contested race for an open seat which received significant national and State attention. She first won an extremely competitive and contentious Republican primary against two opponents last summer.

In the general election, Fiona won by a 9.4% margin and began her two-year team in January. Throughout her campaign, Fiona embodied the core values of character and leadership that we learned at the Naval Academy. You should be very proud of her achievement and her conduct throughout the campaign.

Fiona served on active duty for eight years as a Surface Warfare Officer, and then transitioned into the Reserves. She is married to classmate Matt Melton, and they recently welcomed a baby boy, Graham, in February 2020. Matt works for Amazon. After leaving the Navy, Fiona worked for McKinsey and Company before moving to Sarasota and running for office. We are pleased to have Fiona representing Sarasota and proud of her continued service to our nation.

’08

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 29.54% 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

Hello 2008! We hope everyone is well and healthy and getting ready for Spring! Enjoy the wonderful updates below and keep sending us your news: From Steve Horton, RADM, JAGC, USN (Ret.) Class of ’73: M I wish to report to the Class of 2008 the proud accomplishment of one of your classmates—Fiona McFarland, LCDR, USNR. I, and other USNA alumni, in Sarasota helped with her campaign. Fiona was elected to the Florida House of

Congratulations to Beth-Ann (Dick) Martin and her husband, Aaron, on the arrival of their baby girl Romie on January 13, 2021! Beth-Ann and Aaron are both SWOs and can’t wait to get Romie in a little blue-rim onesie!

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

08/12 CLASS NEWS

Beth-Ann (Dick) Martin and Romie

Aaron Martin and Romie

’09 Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 29.72% Pres: LCDR Andrew Poulin, USN e: andrew.poulin09@gmail.com Vice Pres: LCDR Art Griffin, USN Treas: LCDR Cody Forsythe, USN Sec’y: Micky Matus, USN e: michaelmatus09@gmail.com Shipmate Submissions: e: Shipmate09@gmail.com

Class of 2009, we trust this issue of Shipmate finds you all as you are hitting your stride in 2021. This month’s update comes from our very own Matt Mitchelson: M Even time cannot diminish the bonds of friendship forged at the Academy. As midshipmen, Gregory Veteto ’08 and Matthew A. Mitchelson ’09 established a camaraderie based on faith and athletic competition. Years later, Greg and Matt reunited at the Naval Postgraduate School in ’14 and have maintained their brotherhood ever since. Through this long term friendship that began while 28th

company-mates and football teammates, LCDR Matthew A. Mitchelson contacted Maj Gregory Veteto, Commanding Officer Recruiting Station (RS) Lansing, Michigan, in early ‘20 inquiring as to whether he knew of a recovering Marine who would be interested in participating in a guided hunt provided by Lazy Lab Hunting Club (LLHC – lazylabhc.org).

The ministry of LLHC aims to improve the overall emotional and spiritual wellness of profoundly injured U.S. service members and their dependents by providing high-quality outdoor expeditions that allow fellowship in a way not found simply under the care of physicians. In doing so, LLHC has evolved from a private outreach established in ’08 to a recognized non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Funding for LLHC is entirely generated through sponsors and donation. These sponsors and private donors cover all expenses, with 98% of donated funds being applied towards outings for the recipients as all LLHC staff officers, support personnel, and board members are unpaid volunteers.

LLHC dubbed this outing The Marine Meet-Up, which is a fitting title for this fully guided, fully funded, trophy whitetail deer hunt coordinated with and executed at the Premier Whitetail Retreat (PWR) in Ashland, Ohio.

SSgt Martin Gorenflo was selected as the recipient of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity after being recommended by RS Lansing Senior Enlisted Personnel. Maj Veteto and SSgt Gorenflo arrived at PWR on the evening of December 10th, ‘20, and were greeted not only by the professional guides of PWR but also the LLHC Cofounder, Mr. DJ Desrosiers, and the LLHC Vice-Chairman, Mr. Matthew Kuchera. Through the course of a three-day expedition, SSgt Gorenflo was provided the opportunity to harvest a beautiful non-typical trophy whitetail deer.

This event proved to be everything that all parties hoped it would be. From the fellowship shared among newly established

friendships, to the thrill of new experiences, The Marine Meet-Up is a simple reminder to us all the incredible work that can be done when leaders come together to serve those in need. LLHC looks forward to the future as we endeavor to continue working with organizations like PWR and the Michigan Marines in order to more effectively serve our nation’s active duty personnel, veterans, and their families.

Mr. Desrosiers provided this quote after the completion of the expedition, “While small, The Marine Meet-Up facilitated the creation of bonds that will permeate the entire life-cycle of every branch. Whether you are a recruit, active duty, or a veteran suffering from PTSD, we are all a part of one brotherhood and have an obligation to be there for each other.”

On behalf of all who contributed to ensure this event came to fruition, and to all in the mighty classes of ‘08 and ‘09 who provided their incredible support, we thank you. Please be assured that LLHC, Greg Veteto, and Matthew Mitchelson remain dedicated to the service of others and will forever be on the hunt to mend the heart.

Please visit: lazylabhc.org for more information.

’10

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 30.39% 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

’11

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 19.21% 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

’12

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 29.52% 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

Congratulations to Garrett (USNA ’12) and wife Melinda Long who welcomed their second child and daughter Harper last July. (See photo below.)

The Marine Meet-Up team led by LLHC Cofounder, Mr. DJ Desrosiers, LLHC ViceChairman, Mr. Matthew Kuchera, and Maj Gregory Veteto. SSgt Gorenflo is stationed adjacent to Maj Veteto above.

SSgt Gorenflo with his majestic harvest.

From left to right, LLHC Vice-Chairman, Mr. Matthew Kuchera, SSgt Martin Gorenflo, and LLHC Cofounder, Mr. DJ Desrosiers.

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 105

12/20 CLASS NEWS

’16

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 41.04% Pres: Capt Eric B. Kellogg, USMC Vice Pres: Capt Matthew L. Chavez, USMC Treas: LT Renata M. Kolinko, USN Sec’y: Capt Zachary L. Coffman, USMC Send Articles to: Shipmate2016@gmail.com

’17

’12

Garrett, Melinda, Tucker (2.5 years old) and Harper are having a blast in Utah!

’13

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 44.91% Pres: LT John-Rex Spivey, USN e: johnrexspivey@gmail.com Vice Pres: LT Daniel Murphy, USN Treas: 1stLT Ted Baumgardner, USMC Sec’y: LT Hannah Yun, USN

’14 WELCOME TO THE WORLD! Congratulations to Kelly (Reightler ’12) and husband Nate Thomson (’09) on the birth of their daughter Hazel Ann Thomson! She was born in January, weighing 8lbs 12oz. Kelly is a Human Resources Officer stationed at USNA.

Treas: ENS Theodore Schopf, USN e: tedschopfii@gmail.com Sec’y: ENS Molly McGuckin, USN e: mollykmcguckin@gmail.com

’18

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 35.32%

Pres: 1stLt William R. Roberts, USMC

Treas: LTJG Gio Hernandez, USN

Vice Pres: 1stLt Conor J. Kearney, USMC

Sec’y: LTJG Rachel LaBuda, USN

Treas: LTJG Emily L. Kreyenhagen, USN

Send Articles to: 2018usna@gmail.com

Sec’y: LTJG Elizabeth J. Powers, USN

Cy and Brittney (Bruns) Payne (both ‘18) welcomed their second baby girl Quinnly Ruth into the world on January 7th, 2021. She joins her year and a half old sister Emrys to round out their happy family of four!

Send Articles to: shipmate2014@gmail.com

’15

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 43.23% Pres: CAPT Ward “Bubba” Scott III, USMC p: 603-236-1011; e: wardscottiii@gmail.com

Sec’y: CAPT Madeline Zell, USMC p: 410-370-3068; e: mad.zell.15@gmail.com

106 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Vice Pres: ENS Robert Winning, USN e: robertwinning34@gmail.com

Pres: LTJG Dan Stitt, USN

Treas: LT Joshua David Elliott p: 772-643-4468 e: joshuaelliott2015@gmail.com

MATCHING GIFTS

Pres: 2ndLt Chosnel Raymond, USMC e: chosnel.ra@gmail.com

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 43.96%

Vice Pres: LT Dylan Cawdery, USN p: 801-638-0724; e: dcawdery@gmail.com

Call 410-295-4178 to find out how you can match your recent contribution.

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 30.12%

Vice Pres: LTJG Michael Pahissa, USN

Cy, Brittney and their daughters Emrys and Quinnly Ruth

’19

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 12.10% Pres: 2ndLt Isaac Phillips III, USMC Vice Pres: ENS Tate Schumacher, USN Treas: ENS Leor Golan, USN Sec’y: ENS Gil Wright, USN

’20

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 3.82% Pres: 2ndLt Mike Smith, USMC Vice Pres: 2ndLt John Finnegan, USMC Treas: ENS Grayson Gossett, USN Sec’y: ENS Nolan Kreipe, USN

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

2021

ISSUE: June ’21 July-Aug ’21 September ’21 October ’21 Nov-Dec ’21

DUE DATE: Mar 30, 2021 May 24, 2021 Jun 28, 2021 Jul 28, 2021 Sep 27, 2021

CHAPTER NEWS Alabama BGO Area Coordinator: Brian Campbell ’94, USNR p: 251-776-4000 e: Brian.Campbell@1994.usna.com

USNA Alabama Alumni Chapter

Southern Arizona Chapter Pres: Thom Rossa ’63 e: TRossa@hayes-soloway.com Sec’y: Jim Hillenmayer ’73 e: jhillenmayer73@msn.com Website: http://southernarizona.usna chapters.com

Pres: Lt Greg Hess ’85 p: 205-307-9191 e: greghess8599@charter.net

Arkansas

Vice Pres, Central Alabama: Eric Riddle ’94 p: 469-363-4295 e: ericriddle94@gmail.com

Arkansas Chapter

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

BGO Area Coordinator: Scott Pursley e: Scott.J.Pursley@gmail.com

Pres: Denny East ’08 e: denny.east5@gmail.com Vice Pres: Rebecca Aten ’98 e: beckya10@yahoo.com Sec’y-Treas: Eric Biggers ’97 e: biggersje97@gmail.com

Asia GO Area Coordinator: Wes Trubeville e: bgoarea501coordinator@gmail.com

San Diego Chapter: Golfers signing in for the tournament

Tokyo Bay Chapter

Sacramento Chapter

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

Pres: Dennis P. Joyce ’61 p: 916-996-1333; e: djoyce1961@hotmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Blackwell e: contactwesblackwell@gmail.com

South Alabama Chapter Pres: Brian Campbell ’94, USNR p: 251-776-4000 e: Brian.Campbell@1994.usna.com Sec’y: Ruth Lichtenfeld p: 251-343-6264; e: ruth29@bellsouth.net

Arizona BGO Area Coordinator: Capt. Chris Palmenberg e: palmenberg@yahoo.com

Arizona Chapter 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

Guam Chapter Pres: CAPT Noel M. Enriquez ’84, USNR P.O. 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 Sec’y: Capt Carl Roy Catalan ’08, PMC (PN) p: +63-917-706-8042; e: Roitime23@gmail.com Website: www.groups.yahoo.com/community usnaphil

Singapore Chapter Pres: Say Yong Tan ’05 e: say@2005.usna.com Vice Pres: Andy Harrell e: andyh125@gmail.com

CHAPTER SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES Send to: chapternews@usna.com

2021 ISSUE: July-Aug ’21 September ’21 October ’21 Nov-Dec ’21

DUE DATE: May 27, 2021 Jul 1, 2021 Aug 2, 2021 Sept 30, 2021

Sec’y: LTJG Nicole Uchida ’12, USN e: Nicole.Uchida@fe.navy.mil Chapter Email: USNASG@gmail.com

California Los Angeles Chapter Pres: Ernie Medina ’03 e: ernie.medina@nmfn.com Corr Sec’y: Tom Lavino ’03 e: trlavino@hotmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: (LA County) Kevin Glynn e: kglaca@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: (Orange/East LA County) CDR Steve Shatynski '83, USNR (Ret.) p: 714-255-6108 e: Stephan.shatynski@wellsfargoadvisors.com BGO Area Coordinator: (Riverside/San Bernardino) CDR Bill Lauper, USN (Ret.) p: 619-840-2846; e: wmlauper@gmail.com

Monterey Bay Chapter Pres: LT Vic Kanth ’15 e: usnaalumnimontereybay@gmail.com Corr Sec’y: Steve Tackett ’87 e: stackett99@yahoo.com Website: http://montereybay.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: Paul Kepner e: paulkepnerGONAVY@gmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Blackwell e: contactwesblackwell@gmail.com

Republic of Korea Chapter Pres: CDR Chong (John) M. Yi ’85, USN e: John.M.Yi@raytheon.com

2020 Distinguished Chapter

Vice Pres: Dr. Terry Brown ’67 p: 530-676-0327; e: twbrown@innercite.com Sec’y: Bob Bartron ’73 e: bobbartron@hotmail.com Treas: Jack Everett ’64 e: jeverett@quicknet.com Website: http://www.usnaaasac.org BGO Area Coordinator: Bob Proano p: 530-274-9205; e: rproano730@gmail.com

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: Mike Philbrook ’83 e: michael.philbrook@1983.usna.com

On December 11, 2020 the San Diego Chapter hosted a Covid Compliant “Beat Army” Golf Tournament at the Vineyard Golf Club in Escondido, California. Twenty-nine foursomes participated that included 57 USNA Alumni from 32 different classes ranging from 1967 to 2016. The “Old Salt” was Pete Burggren ‘67 and the youngest pricipating graduate was Thomas Hand ‘16.

Each golfer received a goodie bag filled with items from the event sponsors including hand sanitizer, a custom face mask, water, snacks, and multiple “Beat Army” spirit items.

The day also included a putting contest, hole-in-one prize, and closest to the pin and a longest drive holes.

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 107

CHAPTER NEWS Golfers were offered the opportunity to buy tournament extras to help lower their scores and fund Midshipmen outreach programs. The favorite was the “Beat Army” package that included four Mulligans, a One Putt advantage, and 20 raffle tickets!

The tournament format was a 4-person Scramble. The J Team of Justin Knisely ‘15, Jordan Cook ‘15, Jordan Bravin, and Jacob Pilarski were the winning foursome with a score of 53. Close behind in second place was Team 101 made up of Andrew Zetts ‘04, Chris Bromley ‘06, Niko Rautanen, and Josh Southerland with a score of 54. Team Raptor and Team Travis Manion both had 55 with the tie breaker going to Team Raptor.

Team Weapons of Grass Destruction rounded out the pack with a score of 77.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Chris Bromely ‘06, Josh Southerland, and Francis Fox (‘08 USNA parent). The winner of the Longest Drive was Justin Knisely ‘15.

A Bravo Zulu goes out to chapter officers Steve Rasmussen ‘88, Mike Philbrook ‘83 and Craig Smith ‘82 for putting on a great event: A special THANK YOU goes out to Jason Surya and Brendan Jones ‘11 from our primary sponsor First Command.

Thanks to all of our outstanding volunteers and the Vineyard Golf Course, the tournament was held safely following all CDC guidelines and raised over $7,000 to help fund Midshipmen outreach programs here in San Diego and at USNA.

San Francisco Bay Area Chapter Pres: Lauren (Baker) Cosgrave ’04 e: usnaaasf.president@gmail.com Vice Pres: Gordon McDonald ’06 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 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook. com/groups/usnaaasfbayarea Instagram: @usnaaa_sfbaychapter BGO Area Coordinator: LT Paul Kepner '04, USN (Ret.) e: paulmkepner@gmail.com

The SF Bay Area Chapter closed out 2020 with gusto. We hosted a

108 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Connecticut BGO Area Coordinator: Evan Barnet ’91 p: 203-249-0071 e: evan@barnetassociates.com

Connecticut Chapter Pres: Alan Weigel ’79 p: 860-376-5775; e: aweigel@blankrome.com Vice Pres: Tom Hodgson ’83 p: 203-318-8870; e: t.h.hodgson@comcast.net Treas: Tom Hogsten ’85 Sec’y: Eric Irwin ’86 p: 860-857-8748; e: irwiner@comcast.net San Francisco Chapter: Viewing of our virtual tailgater and one of the tailgate items being put to good use!

“Virtual Pre-Game Tailgater” for the Army Navy game via Zoom. Despite the disappointing outcome of the game, we had a wonderful time swapping sea stories and sharing comradery with graduates spanning SEVENTY years. The event was very well attended (despite having an Army fan in our midst) and we had a ton of fun, overall. Special shoutouts go to Spence Leslie ‘74 for giving us a guided tour of his prolific Navy Football Memorabilia room with some very unique and rare items and to the Alumni Association for providing the “Tailgate in a box” items for us to enjoy. The Chapter’s official position on Navy’s performance is that the cause was merely due to the tumult of 2020. We will be back in force next year to start a new #winstreak. Thanks to all who attended!

If you missed out on our virtual event and are interested in getting involved, we invite you to join us!

We’re planning a “Watch Party” movie night in the future, which should be fun. Full details to follow.

Make sure your email is up to date on USNA.com in order to receive updates on these events and more!

Call for board participation! We are still growing your SF Bay Chapter board. Help us shape the future of the chapter. Low commitment.

We meet once a month to connect over a virtual happy hour and discuss plans for the chapter. Interested?

Email us at usnaaasf.president@ gmail.com and I’ll add you to the invite. Just come check out a meeting!

We meet the first Tuesday of every month at 1700 PST.

Hope to see you all soon!

Be well and GO NAVY BEAT ARMY! ~ Cheriene Griffith ‘02, Sec’y

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/

Colorado Colorado Chapter Pres: CAPT S. Guy Higgins ’69, USN (Ret.) e: guyhiggins1234@gmail.com Sec’y: CAPT Matthew McLaurin ’92 e: matthew.s.mclaurin@gmail.com Website: http://usnacolorado.com BGO Area Coordinator: (Denver) CAPT Dick Eason ’84, USN (Ret.) p: 720-747-4615; e: dick.eason@lycos.com

Colorado Springs Chapter Pres: LCDR John Sledgianowski ’87, USN (Ret.) p: 719-287-2187; e: sledgesix@msn.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Thomas Gregory, USN (Ret.) e: thomas.gregory@bgo.usna.com

Comms Dir: David Candler ’67 p: 860-823-0862; e: davcandler@aol.com Meeting Chairman: Vacant Website: www.Connecticut.USNAchapters.net Naval Academy Parent Club of CT Website: http://ct.usnaparents.net

Aloha, Shipmates As discussed in previous issues, the lack of activity in the nation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic also causes a dearth of information to forward to Shipmates in the region in these articles.

And thus, I will continue to provide articles that discuss some of the historical features of our time on the Severn to expand upon current reports.

Shipmate Memorable Mentors: Mar 2021 In the last article we featured Heinz Lenz, the Physical Ed. Instructor, coach and German language instructor who was a vivid memory for many of us attending in the 1960s-1980s. In this article we feature someone very different and who was not only memorable but had an important impact of the future lives of Mids who were dating on the Yard and may have gone on to marry those ladies. This was Mrs. Mary Emma Marshall, the Social Director, and dance instructor in the 1960-1970s. AKA Mrs. M., “Emmy”, et al… Some, it is rumored, learned even more formal Naval Etiquette than their mothers and Second class combined.

Mrs. Marshall that we saw largely taught dance (in late 60’s this was usually in the Library Assembly area between 7th and 8th wings). Not pop dancing like The Twist, but Foxtrot, Tango, Waltz...

Like other classes, this was focused on preparing us for future needs,

CHAPTER NEWS not so much current ones. On the other hand, her duties also included coordinating the Tea Fights, organizing the formal events like the Ring Dance, and all manner of Academy functions for the Supt. Her background included being Widow of CDR James G. Marshall, USNA Class of ’32. She joined the staff of the Academy initially as a member of the Public Works Dept. before accepting the role of Social Director in 1959. And another bond with the Academy: her son, James Allen Marshall graduated in the Class of ’62 (Submariner). And for the period 1967-1971 there was the unofficial Brigade Dog: Dodo, under her charge.

Florida Gainesville Chapter Pres: Vacant BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR e: sswift@1987.usna.com

Jacksonville Chapter National Chapter Trustee Caleb Cronic ’11 e: caleb.cronic@raymond james.com Pres: Caleb Cronic ’11 e: caleb.cronic@raymond james.com Drag’s Handbook Cover 1963

There was a wide diversity in her responsibilities, but a couple more would be counseling Midshipmen on how to sail the unfamiliar waters of attending a White House Reception and becoming a blind date for a Senator’s daughter.

For those members that paid their membership dues last year, your membership will be extended for 2021 as well. To join or renew your membership, look on our website - http:// orlando.usnachapters.com. To receive updated events and communications please join our social media group on MeWe @ https://mewe. com/join/ usnaalumniassociationorlandochapter.

Hope to see you in our 2021 in-person or virtual activities. Go Navy, Beat Army!

Turhan

Palm Beach Chapter

Vice Pres: Glen Hamilton ’85 e: glenhamilton@cbvfl.com

Pres: Ivan Rosa ’84 e: irosa@1984.USNA.com

Treas: Dave Bingemann ’63 e: dmbr@aol.com

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Dennis R. Neutze ’65, JAGC USN (Ret.) p: 305-705-4722 e: dennis.navy65@googlemail.com

Sec’y: CAPT Scott Neidhold ’77, USNR (Ret.) e: scottneidholdsr@gmail.com 50 Year+ Alumni Liaison: CDR Peter Garfield ’60 USN (Ret.) e: pjgarfield@comcast.net p: 904-314-9691 Website: jacksonville.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard O’Sullivan ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 407-687-6877; e: raaos@aol.com

Pensacola Chapter Co-Pres: Jose Perez ’10 Co-Pres: Joey Walker ’02 e: usnaaapensacola@gmail.com Sec’y: John Klose ’78 e: jpklose78@gmail.com Website: Pensacola.usnachapters.com

The Social Director, Mrs. Mary Marshall.

Greater Miami Chapter

Mrs. M attended the University of Tennessee in her home town of Chattanouga. She was on staff from 1959 to 1981 and retired to Annapolis.

Included in her wide array of facilitating materials are announcements of activities, Dance Cards for all the dances and hops, and Drag Handbook for the ladies (insights for drags when dating Midshipmen). These were about 36 pages long, included woman-to-woman words of wisdom, recommended logistics (bus from Washington or Baltimore!), maps of the yard, list of recommended Drag Houses, lighthearted cartoons, and descriptions of what to expect on finding and meeting your Mid, Saturday noon formation and afternoon potential activities, Sunday morning Services, Sunday afternoon (sailing?), several pages of common Salty Slang words (e.g. Gedunk, Gouge, Grease, Guard, Gyrene…).

Pres: Thor C. Gould ’09 e: thor.gould@gmail.com Website: www.usnamiami.com

Working with some Stripers. And note the white gloves! The proper thing to do!

All of us who attended the Academy in the 60’s and 70’s remember Mrs. M. fondly! There was a great deal of information that she provided that others in the Yard were simply not equipped to provide.

Costa Rica BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Turbeville e: bgoarea501coordinator@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 p: 302-256-8949 e: Christopher.F.Dierkes-1@usa.dupont.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ USNAMiami BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Dennis R. Neutze ’65, JAGC USN (Ret.) p: 305-705-4722 e: dennis.navy65@googlemail.com

Orlando Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: Ryan Bedner e: rhbrjb@yahoo.com

Southwest Florida Chapter Pres: Doug Backes ’70 e: dougbackes@aol.com Sec’y: Herbert John Andrews ’68 e: herbiejohn383@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Dennis R. Neutze ’65, JAGC USN (Ret.) p: 305-705-4722 e: dennis.navy65@googlemail.com

Pres: Turhan Hidalgo ’93 e: Orlando_Chapter_President@alumni.usna.com

Website: southwestflorida.usnachapters.net

Sec’y: Jason Ketelsen ’98 e: jketelsen1@gmail.com

Space Coast Chapter

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

The Orlando Chapter activities have been quiet during the last year due to COVID-19. While we hoped the COVID restrictions would pass, it seems they will remain in place longer than most of us anticipated. For said reason, we are reaching out to our Alumni for suggestions on in-person or virtual activities you are interested in that can be conducted under our current restrictive environment.

Please email your suggestions to me or Jason.

Pres: CAPT Pete Peterson ’56, USN (Ret.) p: 321-952-2066; e: RETEP401@gmail.com Sec’y: LtCol Tom Schwartz ’56, USAF (Ret.) p: 321-255-5452 e: thomasschwartz@bellsouth.net BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard O’Sullivan ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 407-687-6877; e: raaos@aol.com

Suncoast Chapter Pres: Alois (Al) Burda ’68 e: alburda3@verizon.net Vice Pres: Craig Harvey ’76 e: harveyct@hotmail.com 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 MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 109

CHAPTER NEWS

Tampa Bay Chapter: Hand drawn Gridiron Map from Nov 29, 1941 Army-Navy Game (Navy 14, Army 6).

Tampa Bay Chapter January Meeting celebrating our recognition as a Distinguished Chapter for 2021.

Tampa Bay Chapter Pres: CAPT Chris Heath ’72, USN (Ret.) p: 813-210-2615 e: christopherheath.fl@gmail.com Communication Director CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR (Ret.) e: sswift@1987.usna.com Sec’y: Leon Jablow e: leon.r.jablow@gmail.com Website: http://tampabay.usnachapters.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ USNA-Alumni-TampaSt-Petersburg/ 120095454740213?sk=wall BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR (Ret.) e: sswift@1987.usna.com

Recent Events: Our chapter has been fortunate in that we had the opportunity to meet in December to close out 2020 and again in January to welcome 2021. Turnout was excellent for both events as we mustered alumni across five decades and introduced a future alumnus for the next decade. It’s Florida – we meet outdoors (see picture)!

The Chapter met in early December with “Beat Army” on our minds. In attendance were: Tom Draude ’62, Miller Detrick ’63, Tim Corcoran ’67, 110 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Gary Polansky ’69, Perry Dempsey ‘72, Bill Graham ‘72, Chris Heath ‘72, Don Aiken ‘78, Mark Arnold ‘80, Jane Lochner ‘84, Brock Stolley ‘84, Paul Matthews ‘85, Steve Meyer ‘87, Steve Swift ‘87, James Castano ‘91, Joe Wiendl ‘93 (visiting from JAX but still a member!), Jon Calvert ‘95, Clay Robinson ‘96, Dave Bennett ‘07, Matt Leyndyke ‘09 and Brian Tsai ‘16.

Although the game outcome did not go in our favor, some 40 chapter members and guests enjoyed the game while socially distancing (and geographically distancing) at watch party sites on both sides of the bay.

While the turnout was smaller than usual, our spirits and sense of history were peaked.

With the game fresh on our minds, we had a unique and rare treat at our January chapter meeting when Derek Chesser, West Point alumnus and neighbor of Jason Jorgenson ‘91, displayed and regaled us with the history behind five hand drawn Army-Navy Game tracks from the 1940’s and 1950’s when alumni

groups gathered around radios and drew the game on gridiron parchment.

Our witnesses to a piece of Army-Navy history at the January meeting were Tom Draude ’62, Tim Corcoran ’67, Trey Cassani ’72, Perry Dempsey ’72, Chris Heath ’72, John Kamen ’77, Mark Arnold ’80, Jane Lochner ’84, Paul Matthews ’85, Steve Swift ’87, Ron Seits ’88, Leon Jablow ’91, Chris Thompson ’92, David Bennett ’07, Robert Buckholtz ’09, Tim Keily ’09, Matt Leyndyke ’09, Brian Tsai ’16 and Midshipman 3/C Andrew Matthews ‘23.

In another nod to history, the nephew of our shipmate Jerry O’Connell ’56 made a $1000 donation to the USNAAA TBC in Jerry’s memory. Our shipmate passed away in November just two days before his 88th birthday. Chapter leadership decided that part of the donation would pay the bill for our January meeting. and it was Jerry’s practice each year to fund the November chapter meeting. Jerry’s nephew revealed that Jerry thought very highly of the folks in the Chapter and the events and activities we support. Supporting the Chapter was a big part of his life.

Giving us another reason to celebrate the New Year, the Tampa Bay Chapter was honored to be recognized as a Distinguished Chapter for 2021, as well as a member of the USNAAA Board of Trustees.

Coronavirus continues to impact many of our annual events. However, our chapter intends to meet on our regular schedule for monthly meetings.

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 Monthly Meetings (for now) CHECK US OUT Look for the Chapter on our Facebook Page (https://www. facebook.com/pages/USNAAlumni-TampaSt-Petersburg/ 120095454740213?sk=wall), or our Website – http://tampabay. usnachapters.net/

Georgia Atlanta Chapter

Pres: DJ Marzetta ’94 p: 404-996-7019; e: djmarzetta@gmail.com Website: http://www.usnaaaa.com BGO Area Coordinatos:: Atlanta/North Georgia: Deborah Catrini e: deborah.catrini@gmail.com Southern Georgia: Ryan McDonel e: rmcdonel.usna@gmail.com

Hawaii

Hawaii Chapter National Chapter Trustee: Steve Colon ’81 Pres: Ted Peck ’88 p: 808-371-7514 e: ted.peck@gmail.com Vice Pres: Keno Knieriem ’06 e: keno@honokea.com Sec’y: Deni Baykan ’04 e: deniz.baykan@mac.com Treas: Tom Marzec ’87 e: tamarzec@gmail.com Parent’s Club Pres: Mason Savage (Jacob ’22, Jordan ’24) Hawaii BGO Area Coordinator: John Turner ’93 e: john.sebastian.turner@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/USNAAA.Honolulu/; https://www.facebook.com/NavalAcademy Hawaii/

Aloha! A small but mighty group of the Hawaii chapter cheered on Navy during the Army Navy game on December 12, 2020 in Kailua, HI

Hawaii Chapter: Dawn and Keno Knieriem ’06, Code Kercha (prior Marine) and son of Clifford Kercha ’77, Zack Merrick of the Baltimore band All Time Low, and future moms of Midshipmen.

Not pictured, Steve Colón ’81.

CHAPTER NEWS

Southern Idaho Chapter: Chapter Vice President Paul Campbell ’98 and three of his children join other Navy fans to watch the game at White Dog Brewing Company.

Northwest Chapter: Keel-laying photo courtesy of KPVI/General Dynamics

at Treehouse Coworking. The Hawaii chapter is planning events for this year and beyond, so for alumni stationed or living in Hawaii, be sure to update your email address with USNA.com so we can include you in our distribution.

Idaho BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Todd Severance ’92, USN (Ret.) p: 208-620-9436; e: tjseverance1992@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

As the Fall of 2020 came and then slipped away, our Chapter had settled in to our familiar annual pattern of gathering to follow Navy Football.

Many of us have faithfully attended these gatherings since the inaugural get together on the occasion of the 2002 Army-Navy Football game.

It was at one of our recent gatherings that we were treated to an announcement from Henry Netzer, ‘74 about the build progress of the US Navy’s latest Virginia-Class submarine, SSN799 USS IDAHO. The nuclear boat is currently being built in Connecticut by General Dynamics, following the keellaying ceremony. Progress can be followed on-line at www.ussidaho committee.org asupdates become available.

The IDAHO is the 5th vessel of it’s name, and will be a state of the art submarine that is capable of being upgraded throughout it’s lifetime. The sub’s nuclear technology as well as it’s acoustic technology came from our

state, and it was given it’s name to honor the history the state of Idaho has with the US Navy. 4 sailors from Idaho have taken the unique opportunity to serve among the initial crew of this submarine, named after their state.

We are starting to see an influx of USNA Alumni into our beautiful Northwest, as many are abandoning the political climate in large cities or wanting the more relaxed environment we enjoy, regarding pandemic lockdowns and restrictions. We welcome you into our Northwest Chapter! Please...reach out to Chapter President Col. Ken Moore ‘66 to be added to our e-mail list and to be informed of Chapter gatherings or events of interest eyehawk35@gmail.com John C. Kowsky, Reporting Secretary Lifetime Associate Member USNA Alumni Association Northwest Region

Southern Idaho Chapter Pres: Andrea Hovey ’03 e: andrea.hovey@gmail.com Vice Pres: Paul Campbell ’98 e: Paul.Campbell@1998.usna.com Sec’y: Joan Taylor (wife of CAPT Rufus Taylor ‘66, USN (Ret.)) e: foozhigger@gmail.com Treas: Dennis Hanrahan ’68 e: dennisdannyehanrahan@gmail.com

Indiana BGO Area Coordinator: Kurt Greggs e: Greggsusnabgo@gmail.com

Indianapolis Chapter CDR Lynn Thomas ’83 h: 317-329-1773; e: lynntw@aol.com

Michiana Chapter Southern Idaho Chapter Rufus Taylor ’66, Denny Hanrahan ’68 and Dannye Hanrahan are wearing the latest fashion style.

Alumni and their spouses/SOs living in or visiting the Boise area are invited to join us. If you would like information about SIC activities, contact Rufus Taylor ‘66 at medmoored@gmail.com.

Illinois

Chicago Chapter 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) LCDR Drew Thomas ’04, USNR p: 317 682 8441; drew.thomas@bgo.usna.com BGO Area Coordinator: (Southern, IL) Gene Marquez e: gdsm_marquez@charter.net

Pres: John Ross ’94 e: johnwmross@me.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 Treas: John Strauss ’69 e: e:jstrauss3373@att.net

Greetings all. Winter has arrived and hit the Michiana area with full force...snow, ice and arctic temperatures have reminded us that we live in the shadow of Lake Michigan and lake effect snow country. The snow plows have been busy taking out mailboxes and keeping the roads clear! Some good news: we have finally mastered technology and the chapter now uses Zoom to continue their monthly meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Hopefully we’ll return to the new and improved Bar Louie sometime in the future.

Idaho Parents’ Club President: Michelle Widmier (Trey ’21) e: nwidmier@gmail.com

The Southern Idaho Chapter met at White Dog Tavern in Boise to watch the Navy-Air Force game. They are all smiles in the photo nearby as the game started.

No other chapter activities have been held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michiana Chapter: Zoom Meetings MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 111

CHAPTER NEWS

Maryland

ALUMNI IN THE NEWS Please see the next Shipmate.

Pres: CDR Scott J. Shepard ’91, USN (Ret) p: 540-419-5564; e: scottjshepard@hotmail.com

COMING EVENTS 2nd Tuesday of each month: Monthly Board of Directors’ Meetings via Zoom.

All other events are TBD. Please check your email and the GSMC website www.navyalumni. org for updates throughout early 2021!

Annapolis Chapter

Vice Pres: Michael Rapp ’91 e: michaelrapp999@gmail.com Sec’y–Shipmate Contact: Liesel (Danjczek) Schopler ’99 e: lieseldanjczek@hotmail.com Treas: Chuck Dixon ’79 e: CBDixon@firstcommand.com Membership: James McNeal ’86 e: jamesm@ispards.com Website: http://annapolis.usnachapters.net Join the Chapter: https://www.signupnow. events/USNAAlumniChapter_Annapolis/

Massachusetts Boston Chapter

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook. com/groups/1118214745191/ (or search for: Naval Academy Alumni Annapolis Chapter)

Pres: James Kras ’69 141 Dorchester Ave., Unit 406 South Boston, MA 02127-1836 p: 617-645-1032; e: jameskras@comcast.net

BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Charles Mello e: Charlesmello@gmail.com

Shipmate contact: CAPT Pete Seibert ’65 p: 781-235-5909; e: pkseibert@comcast.net Website: http://boston.usnachapters.com

Baltimore Chapter Pres: Jason Hardebeck ’87 p: 443-269-1599; e: jhardebeck@whoglue.com Michiana Chapter: Zoom Meetings

The most interesting news lately has been the announcement of the 2021 Notre Dame football schedule and the return of the Navy-Notre Dame game to South Bend on Nov 6th.

Something to look forward to after everyone’s had their vaccine shots!

Some recent Zoom fotos of our South Bend chapter have included: Paul Bradfield ’53; Dick Swanson ’72; Bob Gamso ’80; Dale Szpisjak ’87; Kirk Daniels ’75; Jim Baker ’60; John Strauss ’69; Pat Sloan ’75; John Ross ’94; Ron Scudder ’73; and Chris Haizlip ’72.

Iowa See Minnesotta Send Shipmate input to: Nathan CW Smith ’98 e: nathancwsmith@outlook.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

Kentucky

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

112 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Join the Chapter: https://www.signupnow.events/ USNAAlumni Chapter_ Annapolis/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1118214 745191/ (or search for: Naval Academy Alumni Annapolis Chapter)

Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Pres: Michael DeManss ’73 P.O. Box 277, Compton, MD 20627 p: 301-475-7028 Corr Sec’y: Michael Dougherty ’73 p: 240-925-7518; e: doughertymj8@aol.com Website: http://www.navyalumni.org

Iowa Blue & Gold Area Coordinator: Ted Olt III ’85 p: 563-355-1709; e: tolt@l-wlaw.com

Louisville/ Southern Indiana Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Charles Mello e: Charlesmello@gmail.com

2021 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Follow Navy Football online at: navysports.com 1-800-US4-NAVY

BGO Area Coordinator: Kevin Schaaff e: schaaff1@comcast.net

EVENTS Same Old, same old. We’re hopeful, but realistic in our planning for future events, such as the “After Very Dark Ages Dinner”, the “They’re Way Too Young To Be Graduating” Midshipman Luncheon, and eventually the “We Made It Through-Crab Fest”. Fortunately, the Election was able to continue. (Voting closed as of 31 January). More to come on that in the next Shipmate.

Please check your email and the GSMC website www.navyalumni. org for event updates throughout early 2021!

BGO Area Coordinator: Mr. Kimber Johnson e: kimberjohnson@verizon.net Eastern Mass: David Grim e: david.grim@1982.usna.com Western Mass: LTC Mike Cousins e: cuztri67@gmail.com

Michigan Detroit Chapter

Pres: Maj. Joe Zane ’07 USMCR P.O. Box 710, Birmingham, MI 48009 e: joseph.zane.2007@gmail.com Vice Pres: Shawn Hoch ’08 e: shawn.hoch@2008.usna.com Website: http://detroit.usnachapters.net Communications Sec’y: Chris Bernard ’88 e: gcb117@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator (Eastern): Michael Johnson e: MichaelDJohnson@eaton.com BGO Area Coordinator (West & Upper): Col. Benjamin Richmond ’93, USMCR e: brichmond97@earthlink.net

COVID-19 continues to impact our normal operations, but our chapter has worked to make the best of it.

Army/Navy 2020 was different on so many levels, but the pandemic didn’t stop us from holding our annual joint Army/Navy with the West Point Society of Michigan!

Like so many other things during the pandemic it had to be held virtually, but fun was had by all.

Admittedly, we would have had more fun had Navy won, but in the end it just wasn’t our year. As a result, we had to hand off the Pickle Barrel trophy to the West Point crew, a ceremony captured in a photo shown here that

CHAPTER NEWS

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 Detroit Chapter: Charles Schott (’85, left second row) hands off the Pickle Barrel to Jeff Kopp, president of the West Point Society of Michigan, (USMA ’90, left, bottom row). Also in attendance during the handoff were (clockwise from top left) chapter President Joe Zane (’07), chapter Vice President Shawn Hoch (’08), Art Bryant (’66), Mitch Bonnett (USMA ’65), Bob Perkins (USMA ’71) and Chris Bernard (’88).

Pres: Dave Turnbaugh ’89

represents so much of how we spend time together during COVID. Unfortunately, in-person chapter activity is likely to be significantly curtailed for the foreseeable future.

However, while we work through the difficulty of a COVID lockdown, we continue to work to improve the chapter. As we announced in our previous update, the biggest development in the past few months was the introduction of the Detroit Chapter online membership management system. From now on, if you would like to join or renew your membership in the chapter, go to https:// www. usna.com/detroit-chaptermembership and follow the prompts. This allows members to join or renew memberships online with a credit card (and there is no fee charged to members for this transaction). Note, there are now three membership levels (with each year-long term expiring on 12/31 each year) 1-year ($20) 3-year ($50) - save $10!

5-year ($80) - save $20!

If you still prefer submitting your membership dues via check, please contact the chapter leadership at USNAAA.Detroit.Chapter@gmail. com for mailing directions.

We will be reaching out to different members going forward to ensure that their membership is up to date, so expect an e-mail in the coming months reminding you to sign up or renew. Thank you to all those that have already signed up!

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Kent Higginbotham ’76, USN (Ret.) e: kenth@hbistl.com

Finally, congratulations to our VP, Shawn Hoch (‘08), and his wife, Jaclyn Hoch (also ‘08) whose third child, Alexander (Alex) Charles Hoch was born on January 19th. If Shawn is a little bit slow in responding to e-mail or if our social media outlets seem oddly quiet, he has a good excuse!

That is all for now, but as always, feel free to reach out to either Joe (joseph.zane@2007.usna.com) or (shawn.hoch@2008.usna.com) if you have any questions or suggestions.

We would love to hear from you!

Stay safe!

Joe Zane ‘07

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

Mississippi BGO Area Coordinator: David Price ’78 e: dep-78@sbcglobal.net

South Mississippi Chapter Pres: CDR E. Spencer Garrett IV ’88, USNR P.O. 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

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

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: rwowseray@gmail.com Website: http://omaha.usnachapters.net/

Nevada BGO Area Coordinator: Joe Holland ’03 e: joe.holland03@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) Marcy Abbate e: Abbate.Marcy.M@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: (South NJ) Martha Christinziano e: MarthaChristinziano@gmail.com website: www.usnanj.org

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

As Webmaster for the New Mexico Chapter of the USNA Alumni Association for many years, Mike Blackledge ‘63 has spent countless hours in setting up, operating, and maintaining the Chapter’s online bulletin board, found at http:// newmexico_usnachapters.com.

Like many of us during this unique period of U.S. history, while the pandemic known as COVID-19 has severely limited our travels and interactions with the public, alternative activities are being pursued to keep ourselves productive. Mike turned his attention to his family genealogy, bringing together a compendium of his family information, photos, and stories. The result is a 644-page volume titled, “Blackledge Stories....and other BS,” now available from Amazon and your other favorite booksellers. The book is also offered at cost on Mike’s own website, BlackledgeBook.org The preface explains that this book is a companion to a much larger and more scholarly work, the 3300-page three-volume work “Blackledges in America,” guaranteed to keep their next family genealogist busy far into the future.

Besides entertaining the reader with Blackledge family lore, this new book’s appendix provides helpful suggestions that face us all such as what to do with family heirlooms and setting up a “Turnover Notebook” with information critical for your survivors.

The book contains the never-beforepublished “History of USNA Prep Schools and Entrance Examination” MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 113

CHAPTER NEWS flavor— sweet or tart, sour or acidic. Michael Allan Blackledge has compiled generations of valorous and amusing family stories in “Blackledge Stories: and other BS,” for us to taste and delight in. Louise Farmer Smith, author of “Woman Without a Voice.”

New York

New York Capital District Chapter Pres: Frank Hughes ’80 p: 518-432-9193; e: frankhughes2@yahoo.com Sec’y: Gordon Lattey 40 First St., Troy, NY 12180 p: 518-274-4989; e: ussslater@aol.com Website: http://capitaldistrictny.usna chapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: Jeff Hughes e: Jeffrey.M.Hughes1@gmail.com

Central New York Chapter Pres: Steve Erb ’68 e: steveerb@windstream.net Sec’y/Treas: Bob Fegan Jr. ’64 e: bobfegan64@gmail.com Website: CentralNY.usnachapters.com

New Mexico Chapter; Cover of Blackledge Stories by author Mike Blackledge, ‘63

by James W. Cheevers, retired senior curator of the USNA Museum.

Finally, for a shocking eye-opener, try out the appendix, “1922 U.S. Naval Academy Entrance Exam”, where Mike’s research found that of the 1,216 candidates who took the exam, only 452 passed! Which group would you be assigned to?

A copy of the book has been donated to USNA’s Nimitz Library by Mike’s sister, Penelope Blackledge Woods in memory of their father CAPT Allan Douglas Blackledge, USNA Class of 1920. Penny was Cotton Bowl Queen in 1958 when Navy defeated Rice. Another chapter in the book is titled “A Century of Service” and documents the family’s military involvement from April 1916, when Allan Blackledge passed the USNA entrance examination, until September 1, 2014, when Mike’s son LtCol Douglas Faust Blackledge, USAFA ‘92 retired from the U.S. Air Force.

Reviews of this book published on Amazon give it high praise: What makes a family unique?

114 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

It’s the lives and the stories they tell. From Annapolis to Thailand, this collection of family anecdotes, images, lessons, and relationships will inspire, surprise, and delight.

Presented within the categories of Childhood Memories, Family Stories, War Stories, Passions and Pursuits, Writings and Essays, and that dreaded family area for avoidance: Religion and Politics. There is something for everyone.

Advanced Praise for Blackledge Stories – and other BS At the end of my first read, my thought was “I want to meet this family.” Actually, the thought was that I wanted to be a part of this family. The emotion which came through on subsequent reads was a feeling of warmth and love. An excellent read. - Jack Saux, author of “Clueless in New Orleans” and “Men By Nature Are Foolish.”

Jack is a USNA ‘63 classmate of Mike Blackledge.

It is the family stories, those fables passed down from the old to the young that reveal a family’s

BGO Area Coordinator: Tom Ravener e: tom.ravener@gmail.com

Due to the pandemic we were not able to get-together at the Brae Loch Inn in Cazenovia for the Army-Navy game. Hopefully we will able to this coming December.

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.

The Chapter recently instituted the payment of a Life Membership Fee as an option to Annual Dues.

As the information was provided through the USNA Alumni Association, there a quite a few

Alumni in the CNY area who may not have received the information so it is being provided herewith.

The Central New York Chapter leadership has discussed offering Life Membership and with inputs from a few Alumni, the following table shows what we have decided: Year Groups Life Membership Fee 1941-1950 $0 1951-1960 $50 1961-1970 $75 1971-1980 $100 1981-1990 $125 1991-2000 $150 2001-2010 $175 2011-2020 $200 2021-¥ $200 If 40% of the Alumni in the Central New York area opt for Life Membership and with over $2,000 currently in the Chapter’s non-profit checking account with M&T, the Chapter would have over $10,000 which is more than enough to support the Chapter’s financial commitments through 2030.

Alumni who have paid Dues for the Chapter year 1 June 2020 to 31 May 2021 and for subsequent years may apply those Dues to their Life Membership Fee. Also those Alumni who have made Donations to the Chapter may apply all or part of the Donation to their Life Membership Fee. Each Alumni to whom the above applies should contact Bob Fegan (bobfegan64@gmail.com) (315663-7490) and let him know what to do or to check your Dues status.

For those Alumni who choose not to pay the Life Membership Fee, the annual Chapter membership fee of $20 will be continued.

Additionally, the Chapter year is being changed from “1 June to 31 May” to “1 January to 31 December”.

Those Alumni who have paid dues for the current Chapter year (1 June to 31 May) will have their membership extended to 31 December 2021.

The Chapter year of “1 June to 31 May was established in 2005 when the CNY Chapter was recognized by the USNA Alumni Association (AA) by a letter dated 11 May 2005.

Changing the Chapter year to “1 January to 31 December” aligns with the traditional calendar.

CHAPTER NEWS Payment of Dues (Life Membership or Annual) can be made in cash or check at a Chapter function or by mailing a check payable to “CNY Chapter of USNA Alumni” to Bob Fegan, 1570 US Route 20, Cazenovia, NY 13035-9202.

Please provide a note to indicate your USNA AA status (Life Member, Annual or Not a member) and your email address to ensure that the Chapter’s database is complete and up-to-date.

Metro New York Chapter (NAANY) 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: Scott.Dinkel@bgo.usna.com

Western New York Chapter Pres: Dan Sullivan ’95 p: 585-410-1941; e: daniel.sullivan@savox.com Vice Pres: Pete Owen ’86 p: 949-702-2733; e: pfowen0302@gmail.com Website: http://westernny.usnachapters.net/ BGO Area Coordinator: Doug Peters ’73 e: douglastpeters@gmail.com

Howdy! We had an election in September 2020. Here are our new chapter officers: Daniel Sullivan ’95, President Pete Owen ’86, Vice President Dick Kievet ’61, Treasurer Mark Pedersen, Secretary The chapter cancelled its annual Army-Navy Game viewing due to the pandemic. For the same reason, we are still deliberating whether to hold our annual May dinner recognizing our area candidates to the service academies, ROTC programs, and preparatory schools.

North Carolina BGO Area Coordinator: Gary Sokoloski e: rgsokolo3@aol.com

Cape Fear Chapter Pres: Ray Decker ’72 p: 703-939-0202; e: dax24@icloud.com Vice Pres: Paul Normand ’74 e: paulnormand@mac.com Sec’y/Treas: Steve Yandle ’75 e: sryusna75@gmail.com

2021 has finally arrived as the battle against Covid-19 continues across the country and here in

Cape Fear Chapter: 16 January ZOOM meeting

North Carolina. With pandemicrelated meeting restrictions in effect, the Cape Fear Chapter motors on via ZOOM meetings.

We are looking forward to future, safe, in-person meetings as the threat abates with increased vaccinations.

On 15 December, the Chapter invited Julie Wilsey, Director of Wilmington’s International Airport and a West Point graduate, to provide an update on the current expansion of the airport and the pandemic’s impact on its operations and budget. Twenty two Chapter members were in attendance for this informative presentation: Michael Brown ’70, Russ Brune ’92, Jerry Cameron ’72, John Casey ’78, Ray Decker ’72, Dave Gould ‘64’ Rick Haley ’72, Gregg Hamelin ’72, Bob Lakis ’79, Bernie Maguire ’64, Tim Marvin ’59, Tom McQueen ’69, Newt Morgan ’69, Paul Normand ’74, Charlie Pangburn ’78, Dave Parsons ’69, Dave Scheu ’67, Alan Smith ’64, Jim Strouse ’66, Dick Tobey ’79 and Steve Yandle ’75. Later in the meeting, Ens. Maddie Maguire ’20 shared her observations from duty in the yard while serving as a company officer with the incoming class of 2024. She is currently in the “pool” waiting to commence her NFO flight training at NAS Pensacola.

Good luck Maddie!

The first Chapter ZOOM meeting of the year on 16 January hosted Admiral Kirk Donald, USN (Ret.) Class of 1975 and a 2020 Distinguished Graduate as our guest speaker. The Admiral shared his keen observations on the US Navy’s key role providing assistance in response to Japan’s Fukushima nuclear reactor crisis in 2011.

As the senior American military officer leading the effort, the Admiral’s firsthand account of this disaster highlighted the value of the US Navy’s nuclear knowledge and experience as well as its ability to provide critical humanitarian and medical support. Twenty-three Covid-free Chapter shipmates were present for duty: Russ Brune ’92, John Casey ’78, Jack Dambaugh ’64, Walt Flippin ’75, Ray Decker ’72, David Green ’79, Rick Haley ’72, Eve Krauss ’06, Bob Lakis ’79, Bernie Maguire ’64, Hugh McWilliams ’72, Paul Normand ’74, Charlie Pangburn ’78, David Parsons ’69, Craig Rankin ’75, Steve Rogness ’75, Dave Scheu ’67, Alan Smith ’64, Paul Smith ’71, Jim Strouse ’66, Dick Tobey ‘79, and Steve Yandle ’75. A special shout-out to Steve Rogness ’75 who coordinated the Admiral’s participation in our program. BZ Steve!

A special welcome to our newest member, Eve Krauss ’06. She served as a SWO (USS CURTIS WILBUR DDG-54 and USS MCINERNEY FFG-8) and later in a NATO billet in Italy. After her service, Eve worked for a large winery in California before moving with her husband to Wilmington. Happy to have you on board, Eve! Our 16 February ZOOM meeting will focus on Chapter business with the rollout of our proposed 2021 calendar, a 3 year budget, call for Board members, and planned membership drive.

With the ramp up of vaccinations in our area, the Chapter is hoping to hold its first in-person gathering (conditions permitting) in June/ July at the Cape Fear Country Club.

We are calling this informal cocktail party – “Summer Cruise 2021.” Chapter members and their “drags” will be encouraged to wear cruise attire and share youngster cruise stories on the Club terrace!

The Chapter’s next ZOOM meeting is planned for 16 Mar at 1600 so mark your calendar for another special guest speaker.

Our inaugural Cape Fear Army – Navy Golf Tourney will be held sometime in late 2021. Details TBD. Thank you, Gregg Hamelin

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 115

CHAPTER NEWS ’72 and Hugh McWilliams ’72 for leading the effort!

Our 3rd Annual Dark Ages Dinner will be postponed until March 2022.

Under normal non-Covid conditions: 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 on the second Thursday of the month except when a quarterly BYCM (Bring Your Company Mug) social or other special event like our Army-Navy Game party occurs.

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 the Club staff. Cost is $18 cash at lunch.

Please visit our website at capefearnc.usnachapters.net for current activities or contact one of the chapter officers for more information.

Go Navy!

Charlotte Chapter Pres: Christopher (Nix) M. Nickels ’91 e: CHRISNIX@AOL.COM Email: UsnaaaCharlotte@gmail.com Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/ usna-alumni-association-charlotte251965968210794/ Website: Charlotte.usnachapters.net LinkedIn Group: http://linkedin.com/groups/8344487

Many thanks to our outgoing Vice President, Zeb Daniels ’07!

On behalf of the chapter, a heartfelt Bravo Zulu, Zeb! In January the chapter conducted its first Board meeting with our two board members and four chapter officers. Several items were discussed during this meeting with a focus on safely operating under Covid rules.

We discussed chapter engagement for 2021, more virtual connects and outdoor events later in the year if safe and permissible. We are hoping late April potentially for our first outdoor get together; keep an eye out for chapter updates through email.

116 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Note: To ensure you’re receiving chapter emails, list our chapter email, USNAAACharlotte@ gmail.com as a trusted contact.

Please also use this email to ask questions and send your ideas.

Eastern North Carolina Chapter Pres: Rob Skrotsky ’67 P.O. Box 847, New Bern, NC 28563 h: 252-514-0299 e: robert.skrotsky@1967.usna.com Vice Pres: Rick Kunkel ’67 p: 910-347-6251; e: rkunkel@ec.rr.com Sec’y: Tim Marvin ’59 P.O. Box 731, Kure Beach, NC 28449-0731 e: tmarvin738@charter.net Treas: Randy Bogle ’68 4308 Periwinkle Pl, New Bern, NC 28562 p: 252-631-3109; e: rbogle1968@gmail.com Website: http://easternnc.usnachapters.com

North Carolina Triangle Chapter Pres: CAPT Steve Gillespie ’87, USN (Ret.) e: smgillespie44@gmail.com Sec’y: Chris Perrien ’74 e: ibmchris@mac.com National Chapter Trustee CDR George Lipscomb ’87, USN (Ret.) Website: www.usnatriangle.com

Greetings from the Research Triangle Park of North Carolina, As we’re in the midst of the Dark Ages can Spring Leave be far behind?!

In our 4th luncheon of the Virtual/ Zoom series, George Lipscomb ’87, our representative on the USNA AA Board of Trustees, launched the new year with a discussion of current initiatives at the Academy including the Cyber Center (Hopper Hall) and the new Alumni Hall; the Chapel Dome Copper Program; USNAAA in COVID, Diversity and Inclusion survey. Grads in attendance included: Dave ’80 and Jenifer Clement ’81; Chris Perrien ’74; Steve Gillespie ’87; Paul Stiller ’58; Norm Elliott ’58; Tom Clemons ’93; Girard Lew ’60 and George Lipscomb ’87.

For our February and March Virtual Chapter meetings, we’ll speak with Captain Shaun McAndrew ’93 USN (Ret.), aviator and most recently the CO of the NROTC unit in Idaho and Eastern Washington.

Shaun was a Battalion Officer from 2014 to 2017 and will share related

North Carolina Triangle Chapter: “Very pretty, But, can they fight?” Dirty Dozen

insights from those experiences on the deck-plates of Bancroft Hall.

Colonel Christian Cabaniss ’90 USMC will join the March luncheon for a discussion of our Marine Corps Force Design 2030 initiative. Our partnership with the Piedmont NROTC Consortium (Duke, University of North Carolina and NC State) is in its 13th year. The current CO, Captain Andy Hertel USN, by coincidence, is the first Executive Officer of our USS North Carolina, SSN-777.

Recently, Captain Hertel graciously accepted Sankey Blanton ’71’s donation of his own well-rounded library of Vietnam Riverine Warfare books for distribution amongst the Consortium’s wardroom libraries.

IN MEMORIAM: Midshipman 1/c John Monroe Johnson, Class of 2021, passedaway over Holiday Leave in a tragic accident. Mr. Johnson and his family helped in 2017 to initiate our now annual Welcome Plebe Picnic and he returned for the picnic in 2018 to brief the North Carolina class of 2022 of his own plebe year experiences. His talent and example of selfless leadership will be missed across our chapter.

Recognized for the 4th consecutive year as a Distinguished Chapter in the USNA AA network, our Triangle Chapter comprises 170+ active members from eight 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 https://www.usnatriangle.com or follow us on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/USNAAARTP

Piedmont Triad Chapter Pres: Tom Cornejo ’00 e: thomas.cornejo@yahoo.com Sec’y: Josh Fogle ’03 e: foglejw@gmail.com

North Dakota Upper Midwest Chapter See Minnesota Send Shipmate input to: Nathan CW Smith ’98 e: nathancwsmith@outlook.com Blue & Gold Area Coordinator: Susan Canham p: 701-226-2204; e: scanham2@gmail.com

Ohio

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: http://www.usnacinci.org BGO Area Coordinator: Bryan Grubert e: bryan.grubert@gmail.com

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: Doug Cabarle e: douglas.cabarle@bgo.usna.com

CHAPTER NEWS Columbus Pres: CDR Tony Konecny ’79, USN (Ret.) e: adkonecny79@gmail.com Sec’y: Dave Goins ’84 e: dgoins84@gmail.com Treas: Jim Waddell ‘71 e: jbwaddell@columbus.rr.com Shipmate Contact: Robert White ’94 e: robwhite614@gmail.com Chapter email: USNAAACbus@gmail.com Website: https://columbus_usnachapter.net/ FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/100549757152451/ Twitter: @USNAAACbus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ groups/12356597/ Instagram: USNAAACbus Parents’ Club President: Maureen Marsico e: marsicopsu@aol.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT D. Michael Crites ’70, USNR (Ret.)

e: mcrites@dinsmore.com In case you missed the email notification, here is an announcement of significance from President Tony Konecny: M I would like to share some exceptionally good news with you.

Each year the national office of the Alumni Association evaluates local chapters that meet certain criteria as to their overall organization and effectiveness. The areas that are considered are the chapter’s leadership team, communications, promoting & supporting the Naval Academy’s mission, coordination with local affiliated organizations, and membership growth. It is my distinct pleasure to announce that the Columbus Chapter excelled in each of these categories and has been designated as a Distinguished Alumni Chapter. This award is in recognition of very hard work by the chapter’s officers and board members and the support of a great many alumni and associate members.

Along with the designation of being a Distinguished Chapter, the Columbus Chapter has also been offered a seat on the Alumni Association Board of Trustees.

This seat will give us the opportunity to provide input on the issues that are important to us.

Receiving this recognition does not mean that we are done. We plan on building on our efforts to date by increasing our membership,

continuing to offer our members rewarding activities, and furthering our efforts of promoting the Chapter, the Naval Academy, and the US Navy.

Not much activity to report on in this edition. The SARS-Cov-2 virus continues to prevent us from gathering in large numbers. Hopefully, by the end of summer enough herd immunity will allow us to start up our socializing again.

By the time you receive this issue, the Chapter dues campaign will be winding down. If you have already paid your dues, thank you.

If you have not paid your 2021 dues of $15.00 (a reduced amount due to the pandemic), it is not too late.

Feel free to contact one of the officers in the header of this article and ask for assistance. Your participation as an active member of the Chapter is greatly appreciated.

Continuing our discussion of Chapter communications platforms, we will be discussing our Facebook (FB) page in this edition. The Chapter page can be found by searching for Columbus Chapter of the US Naval Academy Alumni Association. We will use FB to announce upcoming events, welcome new members to central Ohio, congratulate alumni successes, and share news from the Alumni Association, Naval Academy, and the Navy. The page is for members only, so there should be no harassment from outside sources, and as such, one will be required to request to join and be authorized by the page administrator limiting access to those with a need to know.

Congratulations to Chris Rosen ’90. Chris is a realtor with Cutler Real Estate in New Albany, OH and was recognized as the top individual agent for sales production at the company’s annual awards ceremony.

Chris has been a successful agent for 30 years.

We have one new move-in to our area of responsibility.

Rachelle Smith Nowliln ‘92 (29th Company) is a Clinical Associate Professor in the College of Dentistry at The Ohio State University. Rachelle lives in Upper Arlington with her husband David.

Welcome aboard Rachelle and David.

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: Jonathan Mason ’07 e: jrmason03@gmail.com

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 Website: http://tulsa.usnachapters.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USNA-AlumniTulsa-Chapter-2202431113307009/

Oregon

Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter Pres: CDR John Adams ’69, USNR (Ret.) e: john.adams@1969.usna.com Vice Pres: CDR Mike Carmichael ’69, USNR (Ret.) e: mikec@1969.usna.com Treas: CDR Ted Scypinski ’90, USNR (Ret.) e: ted.scypinski@flir.com National Chapter 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

The Chapter was pleased to learn that for the third time in four years we have been selected as a distinguished chapter. Although mired in the Covid-19 nightmare, the chapter is proceeding with some leadership changes. Effective February 1, John Adams ’69 will replace Mike Carmichael ’69 as President of the Chapter. Mike will assume John’s role as Vice President.

Additionally, Butch Bewick ’63 will begin transitioning the Oregon BGO Area Coordinator role to Jill Richards ‘94. That transition should complete June 1. Butch will end several decades of incredible BGO

Area Coordinator leadership. The Oregon/ SW Washington Parent’s Club is also going through leadership changes. Dawn Brucker (Evan ‘21) will be relieved as President by Shelley Liscom, (Kirk ‘23). We thank our outgoing leadership on the Council, BGO Organization and Parent’s Club for their tireless and highly effective efforts.

Like most of the chapters we continue to live in a virtual existence.

We continue our weekly virtual happy hours each Wednesday.

We have been doing them for over seven months now and participation continues to grow. The participants in December and January are: Mike Carmichael ‘69. John Adams ‘69, Ted Scypinski ‘90, Mark Cooskey ‘72, Doug Ballard 74, John Frerichs ‘50, David Lutes ‘63, Tim Myers ’64, Janette Sandberg ’96 Tex Hawkins ’67, Ron Smith ’72, Jack Kohl ’65, Chuck Lameaux ‘71, Frank Swientek ’66 and Paulin Finn (a candidate for the class of 2025).

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

Pittsburgh Chapter Pres: Conor McKenzie ’06 e: cmckenzie@janney.com Website: Pittsburgh.usnachapters.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ usnaaapittsburgh/ 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

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 117

CHAPTER NEWS

Recreational Vehicle American Chapter Pres: Jack Parry ’67 e: eeusna67@aol.com Sec’y: Scott Rodgers ’78 Treas: Dale Gange ‘70 14518 Black Bear Rd Palm Beach Gardens, FL Shipmate inputs to: ‘Nita Parry e: mauryplace@aol.com Website: www.rv.usnachapters.net Facebook: USNA RV CHAPTER

Ever wondered about trying RVing?

Here is a first hand HOW-TO account of “RENTING AN RV FOR OUR 1ST EXPERIENCE” from the daughter of a squadronmate.

M “2020 was a year to safely explore the open road and “test” if we like the RV life. For some context, we live in New Orleans and traveled to Annapolis in October 2020 on a 2-week adventure. We had never driven an RV or traveled with three dogs.

Once we finalized our travel dates, we researched our RV rental options among many quality online options; “RV Share” & “Outdoorsy” were our primary focus. A quick spreadsheet tracked the RVs we liked, with pros & cons, size, costs & availability. This helped assessing the options because we looked at a lot of “rigs” from Sprinter vans to full size Class B’s & C’s. Since this was our first RV drive, we stuck with smaller motorhome options, choosing a 26 foot Ford Freedom Elite located only a short drive from our home.

Luckily we had experienced friends to talk with ahead of this trip, which was very helpful! If you can talk to anyone who has RVed before to answer some questions and give feedback, we recommend that being one of your first steps.

2020 was a big RV year so we actually had a several sources, but tended to rely on the advice and feedback from those with lots of RV experience. The most important advice we got through the whole experience was to take the “rig” for a short weekend “test” before our big 2-week trip. This was so helpful

118 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

in getting our feet wet on how to do hook-ups, actually driving the “rig” and generally how it would all feel. This was also very helpful in planning our packing list. After our weekend “test” trip, we had a better idea of what to bring for kitchen supplies and what wasn’t needed.

Additional recommendations from the experienced RVers was to follow the Rule of 3’s: 1) Take a driving break every 3 hours; 2) Try to check-in to your overnight site by 3 pm; 3) 300-miles is a reasonable day.

There are three primary types of traditional RV locations: RV resorts, RV parks & RV camping.

The RV resorts tend to be larger, have amenities like laundry, pools & full hook-ups. RV parks tend to be smaller & will have most, if not all hook-ups, but maybe not full amenities. RV camping can be ‘primitive’ without electricity and water hook-ups. “Primitive” can be a great way to fully unplug and get the camping experience. If you chose to drop off the grid, don’t be concerned - just be prepared. Your RV will be able to run off of it’s generator for your basic needs, but you will want to think through your gas supply, available food to eat, showers & if you need any additional electricity &/or internet.

We found it helpful to have food already prepared for ‘primitive sites’ like soups or something we had brought or cooked ahead of time.

We were lucky to get some great recommendations from the RV pros we spoke to about some sites to visit. Outside of word-ofmouth we used the state park websites. RVshare.com offers some tips on locations and recreation.gov was a great help. We also found some sites through a general web search and many find Hipcamp.com helpful. Our route took us through five states. We prioritized places that were dog friendly, had access to biking or hiking and not too far off our driving path.

One thing we would do differently is to slow down! We moved quickly, staying only 1-night at most sites.

On future RV adventures, we will try to have time to stay a little

longer because the setting up & breaking down can be taxing. It’s really lovely to settle-in and get to know your surroundings. We kept somewhat detailed notes on our route of which sites/locations we liked & even the campsite number we would return to or recommend to others.

We mostly cooked in the RV because we love to cook. All the kitchen supplies we needed were part of our rental so we didn’t really bring any additional items.

While in Annapolis visiting family, we had access to a full kitchen and leftovers which we stocked up on for our drive back South. One thing that is helpful to have is a hot plate for cooking outside of the RV. The kitchens are small & just heating up oil in a pan can set off the fire alarm (ooops - sorry neighbors).

By the end of the trip we got into a rhythm of cooking one big item that we easily enjoyed multiple days.

Our dog “family” really enjoyed this RV adventure, seeing and smelling new places while exploring alongside us. Many of the resorts & parks require your dogs to be on leashes of certain sizes and or limit the length of a leash. Each RV location has different pet rules so if you’re traveling with your pet(s), be sure to check out the policies.

We also found varying policies about campfires. If fires are allowed, you will want to use local firewood which is usually available at the RV location. Part of the RV experience is spending time outside thus most sites provide a picnic table. We brought along a plastic tablecloth, lanterns and comfortable beach chairs. You will see many different campsite set-ups from the fully decked out tables with party lights and flags to more bare-bones camping. It’s fun to decorate, but when you’re new and moving quickly, we found keeping things minimal & homey worked best.

We met so many great people “testing” this RV lifestyle. Everyone was friendly, generous with tips about the locations & conscious of their noise level. RV life tends towards a quiet family lifestyle &

one that we can see sinking into over the years. We hope that your trip is as joyous & safe as ours & sharing our story helps you try RVing.”

Huge thanks to our guest writers, Mikal Matton & Tung Bach Ly If you want to learn more and/or join 2021 fun adventures, go to rv.USNAchapters.net

Rhode Island BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Stuart Craig ’86, USN (Ret.) e: sbcraig@1986.usna.com

Rhode Island Chapter Pres: CAPT Mike Junge ’90, USN (Ret.) e: michael.junge@usnwc.edu Sec’y: COL Paul Muller ’88, USMC (Ret.) p: 401-248-3405; e: usmctanker@cox.net Treas: CAPT Conrad Donahue ’73, USN (Ret.) p: 401-302-9406 ; e: cdonahue@cox.net

South Carolina 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

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 January 18, 2021, The Charleston Chapter held its Monthly Luncheon. Our Speaker was Christopher Will, COL, USAF (Ret.); Chair, Department of Aeronautics, Charleston Southern University; In Attendance were: Fuzzy Knight ‘53; Jim Flatley ‘56; John Nuernberger ‘64; Bill Caiazza ‘66; Bernie Magdelain ‘67; Jim Beltz ‘73; Bill Konrad ‘75; Dave Shimp ‘76; Mark Galloway ‘77; Rick Stein ‘82; Perry Ramicone ‘83; Greg Shore ‘84; and Jerry Maniscalco ’07.

The Charleston Chapter meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 12 Noon in Mount Pleasant. No reservation required.

CHAPTER NEWS Low Country Chapter Pres: Tom Anderson ’60 2 Oyster Ct., Okatie, SC 29909 p: 843-987-0121; e: tommanderson2@gmail.com Sec’y: Doug Ogden ’67 424 B.B. Sams Dr., Dataw Island, SC 29920 p: 843-838-0077; e: DouglassOgden@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

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

South Dakota Send Shipmate input to: Nathan CW Smith ‘98 e: nathancwsmith@outlook.com Blue & Gold Area Coordinator: Sharon Holt ’00 p: 605-390-3430; e: holtsharonl@aol.com

Spain BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Trubeville e: bgoarea501coordinator@gmail.com

Knoxville-Oak Ridge Chapter Pres: Kristen Daniel ’02 e: kristenandwesley@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

(Shipmate apologizes for the omission of the Distinguished Chapter Award in the January-February issue.

Congratulations on recieving the award.)

Al Henry ’56 donated his display of a stamp and postmark commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Naval Academy in 1995 with the hope that it would some day be passed down to a member of the class of 2045 to mark the 200th anniversary. Captain Robert (Bob) Hawthorne Jr. ’67 USN (Ret.) will deliver the display to his son, Captain Robert Hawthorne III ’95, USN, to make sure it gets passed down a quarter century from now. Rob, who is on active duty in Coronado, is a 4th generation USNA grad starting with his late great-grandfather Colonel William Hawthorne ’16, USMC; then his late grandfather Captain Robert Hawthorne ’43, USN, and then his dad Bob. Rob’s son is a HS senior this year in Coronado and is applying for admission to USNA. Could there be a fifth generation? Again, many thanks to Al Henry for keeping this memory alive.

Rota Chapter

Alamo Chapter: Alamo Chapter group at the 2020 Army-Navy game

we can maintain social distance and avoid any issues with being indoors in enclosed spaces. Chapter president Dennis Yates USMA ’89 has in-laws who live on 50 acres in nearby Kingston with a nice flat area with lots of space for parking and for a couple of fest tents. They have access to chairs, tables, and a 10kW generator. They plan to have the event catered and plan to have a large screen TV with an HD antenna. The best possible solution would be to pull up an RV with an outdoor TV, just like a University of Tennessee tailgate party. Our hope is that when you are reading this in early 2021 that Navy has retained the Commander-in-Chief trophy after a huge win over West Point.

GO NAVY!!! BEAT ARMY!!!

Memphis Chapter Pres: Henry W. Papa Jr. ’86 p: 907-244-7492; e: hankpapa@aol.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 P.O. 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 ’63 p: 210-275-4011; e: daved@frand.com

Bummer. Apologies for missing Jan/Feb issue/still virtual/loss to Army/no meetings (sigh). We did manage a gathering for the Amy/ Navy game at San Antonio’s Flying Saucer Draught Emporium. They have hosted us for the last five years and this year they helped up comply with county COVID-19 restrictions, we’ll likely return again.

BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Paul Schuhlein ’85, USN (Ret.) p: 901-751-2225; e: pschuhlein@yahoo.com

Pres: Michael Carsley ’88 e: michael.carsley@eu.navy.mil Vice Pres: Ryan Eilerman

Nashville Chapter

Treas: Cassidy Masey ’06 e: cassidy.a.massey@gmail.com

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

Sec’y: Dustin Cunningham

Tennessee Chattanooga Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: Thomas Forsythe ’79 e: tom_forsythe@kyzen.com

Pres: Richard “Scott” Jones ’00 9935 Penneywood La., Ooltewah, TN 37363 p: 804-363-3589; e: rsjones23@hotmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard Cataldi ’69, USN (Ret.) p: 865-966-4677; e: cdrcataldi@tds.net

Our chapter is excited that the West Point Society of Knoxville plans to host the Army-Navy football game party this year with a no-kidding outdoor tailgate so that

EXPLORE & LISTEN

Tailgate in a box’ swag courtesy of Alumni Association.

To Compelling Topics Online www.usna.com/podcasts

Manager Katie Schliessmann and her team have treated us well. We utilized the ‘Tailgate in a box’ for swag and generally enjoyed the

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 119

CHAPTER NEWS camaraderie in spite of the loss.

On the bright side, we have had a good year recruiting new BGOs, adding three with two in the pipeline currently. The Chapter Board will be meeting in early February to plan for ‘21. You will be reading this March/ April so you will already know our plans. Also, as I write this (Jan 28) the availability of COVID-19 vaccines is improving in the area. I received the first Pfizer shot from the VA after hours of listening to recordings or ‘all lines are busy, please call back’.

United Kingdom

Austin Chapter

Chris Robinson ’98 email: naples98@gmail.com

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 ’63 p: 210-275-4011; e: daved@frand.com

North Texas Chapter Pres: Clif Colbert ‘09 e: pres@usnaaa-ntx.com Sec’y: Frankie Delgado ’95 e: secy@usnaaa-ntx.com Website: www.usnaaa-ntx.com BGO Area Coordinator: Tom Eschenbrenner p: 972 740 4060 e: eschenbrenner@gmail.com

Texas Gulf Coast Chapter Pres: Bill Pritchett ’01 Vice Pres: Jordan Mack ‘08 Sec’y: John Augusto ’02 e: m020234@2002.usna.com Treas: Rich Bulger ’69 e: rlbulger69@gmail.com Website: txgulfcoast.usnachapters.net Facebook: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USNAAATxGC/ Email: txgulfcoast.usnachapters@gmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Turbeville ’01 e: bgoarea501coordinator@gmail.com

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: Tony Cox ’89 e: tony.cox@gboutdoorfires.co.uk

As our latest seemingly interminable lockdown drags on here in the UK, we would like to remind all our members and readers to please observe appropriate safety protocols so that we can all get through this pandemic together.

Given that all UK Chapter events have been suspended until further notice, we were very fortunate that our Army-Navy Game Watch on 12 December 2020 fell between the end of Lockdown 1.0 and the beginning of Lockdown 2.0. For just a few weeks, government-imposed rules that were designed to stem the transmission of COVID-19 were relaxed … and as if the clouds parted between storms, we had the go-ahead to gather, socially distanced and with key safety measures firmly in place, to watch the game at Passyunk Avenue, home of Navy sports on this side of the Pond.

The reputation of the UK Chapter has evidently spread, because about 10 former WOOPS joined us

to see for themselves exactly how Navy throws a game-watch party, and bam! The perfect set-up was in place to re-live the most celebrated collegiate sports rivalry in America, right here in the heart of London.

We had a terrific time hosting alumni of our most celebrated gridiron opponent, and all would agree that the rivalry between these two fine service academies lives on.

Unfortunately, this year Army sang last, marking the mids’ humiliating 15 - 0 defeat, but all Navy fans agreed that next year, the mids would prevail.

In attendance this year were Christina Mock and her husband, a colonel in the Spanish Marine Corps, and their offspring, one of whom is in her 4th Class year at USCGA. Also cheering for Navy were Dan Meltcalf, Cody Nissan, Claire Ramsbottom, Michele Bryceland, and Tim Fox. Alumni Association members are reminded to please update their contact information at www.usna.com. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it helps your classmates find you! Until next time, GO NAVY!

Utah

Intermountain Alumni Chapter Pres. Robert Allen ’67 e: ba@robertallen.org Vice Pres. Ryam Merrell ’00 e: ryanmerrell@yahoo.com Treas. Mike Hester ’69 e: mikehester46@gmail.com Sec'y Tabeetha Moesinger ’91 e: tabeetha@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: Darrin Briggs ’03 e: Darrin.Briggs@gmail.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

Without a way to gather in the usual numbers and feel comfortable with the risk of COVID transmission, most Central Virginia Chapter members decided to view the ARMY NAVY game from home, while Doug Zanzot ‘63, Alex “Rattler” Rucker ‘67, BGO Steve Trotta ‘80, and Bill Murray ‘83 mustered at Shadwell’s on US 250 near Pantops in Charlottesville.

Navy never created a wake, idling cautiously through the dense fog that Army had so deftly deployed over Michie Stadium. Only once did joy erupt from our small group, when it appeared that Navy had breached Army’s goal line stand, and Rucker and Murray cranked out 7 push-ups - only to have the call go against us. Apparently, the premature celebration sealed Navy’s fate, as the Army Mule handed our Asses to us 13-0.

The highlight of our small gathering was to appreciate the awe with which Rucker (a VA Tech grad who also joined us last year) regarded our tradition of standing at attention for both teams’ alma maters. RESPECT IN VICTORY AND IN DEFEAT.

BGO Area Coodinator: Rick Mawdsley e: rmawdsley@gmail.com

Happy 2021! Hopefully by now we start seeing the benefits of a vaccine. Also, hopefully you start seeing in-person events planned on our website or FB page. Otherwise, we plan to offer a wide range of Zoom based virtual lunches this spring, free for our members.

Membership pays off! So consider joining if you haven’t already.

Keeping this short, but stay tuned.

120 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

United Kingdom Chapter: Left to right: Navy fans Dan Meltcalf, Niamh Fox, Emma Fox, Cody Nissan, Claire Ramsbottom, and Michele Bryceland helped cheer on the mids during the 2020 Army-Navy Game Watch.

We eagerly anticipate the rapid deployment of COVID vaccines, a resumption of Chapter activities

CHAPTER NEWS with the All Services golf tournament in early May, and a revitalized Navy football team for 2021.

BEAT ARMY! Bill Murray ‘83

Hampton Roads Chapter Pres: Renee Reedy ‘81 e: reedy81@usnahamptonroads.com h: 757-312-8969; w: 757-328-0030 Website: www.usnahamptonroads.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ USNAHamptonRoads BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR David Lannetti ’81, USN (Ret.) p: 757-423-8602; e: dlannetti81@gmail.com

With the restrictions imposed by the pandemic continuing to put a damper on Hampton Roads Chapter events, the Dark Ages have indeed been tougher to handle this year.

However, even though face to face meetings and gatherings are not happening, except in small numbers, we have endeavored to embrace the virtual world and move forward as best we can.

We had hoped to be able to conduct our annual Army-Navy Party at Shorebreak Pizza as a “live” event and plans to do that were well underway; but when Virginia state COVID-related limits on group numbers for social gatherings were significantly decreased in early December, we were forced to call an audible (note the cleverly inserted football reference). At pretty much the 11th hour, former Navy football player and leader of the local Navy Football Brotherhood, Shalimar Brazier ‘04, spearheaded a virtual Army-Navy Game Week Celebration!

Shalimar had only a few short days to devise the concept and set up an event schedule; but by employing his imagination and exceptional creativity on the Chapter’s Facebook page, he almost single-handedly pulled together a terrific event.

The week kicked off with 19 video “spirit spots and skits.” Some were new and others were repeat favorites, but they all served to set an upbeat tone for the week’s events to come.

Tuesday’s video was a great presentation by current Navy Football Recruiting Coordinator David Mahoney ‘07. David filled us in on

some of the aspects of his job, talked about Navy’s 2020 season up to that point, and thanked our Chapter for its support of Navy football and the proactive interaction with and mentorship of former players stationed in Hampton Roads.

Next on the schedule were highlights from the 2019 Army-Navy game in which Navy broke a threegame West Point winning streak and Malcomb Perry ran wild to lead the Mids to a resounding 31-7 victory in Philadelphia. Despite the up-and-down nature of the 2020 season, revisiting that game helped us get “fired up!”

Thursday’s event provided an inside look at some local former players and their personal experiences in Army-Navy games past.

Ted Digges ‘85 discussed the thrill of playing in the 1983 game at the Rose Bowl – the only time the game has been played on the west coast. Bob Tata ‘79 regaled us with a tale about his experience as a placekicker and a bad snap from center in the 1978 game that resulted in a Navy touchdown; and Shalimar Brazier remembered the excitement of watching a teammate make a one-handed pass reception in the 2003 contest. CDR Bobby Jones ‘01 and Brandon Diggs ‘07 also expressed their pride and excitement to have been participants in college football’s greatest rivalry.

Saturday morning on game day Shalimar posted some pre-game videos, and Dick Enderly ‘71 provided a history of the evolution of Hampton Roads Chapter ArmyNavy Parties over the last several decades. In a nutshell, the event has grown from a modest gathering at various area Officers Clubs (remember those??); standard O’Club dining fare; and rented TVs that had to be wired up by Chapter members, to what has become a gala event attended by several hundred alumni and friends at a very accommodating sports bar with several dozen TVs and plenty of food and drink for all!

Chapter President Renee Reedy ‘81 and Events Chair Al Ponessa ‘68,

were thrilled with the outcome of our week-long celebration; and several positive comments by Chapter members echoed their feelings.

In fact, even if we can return to our “normal” Army-Navy Party in 2021, we plan to include some aspects of this 2020 virtual success.

In other virtual events still going strong, our Business Development Group led by Rob Hanckel ‘78, has continued to actively support USNA and other service academy alumniowned businesses and service providers in the Hampton Roads area through monthly meetings, an online business directory, and various networking events. And speaking of networking, Networking Breakfast coordinator Adam Kinnear ‘94 got us off to a good start in January with Bryan Stephens, CEO of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce providing an interesting and comprehensive presentation on what his organization’s efforts to promote growth in our area. A full slate of meetings and speakers is planned for 2021.

Please stay safe out there, and as the uncertain way ahead continues to develop, continue to check our website and Facebook page for information on Chapter initiatives and events as well as USNA news and updates.

Dick Enderly ‘71

Quantico Area Chapter Pres: Philip Salinas ’82 e: ne14soccer@comcast.net Vice Pres: John Keenan ’81 e: john.keenan2@usmc.mil Treas: Ron Diefendbach ’00 e: QACUSNAAAtreasurer@ yahoo.com Sec’y: Melanie Salinas ’09 e: Melanie.Salinas.18@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: James Ripley e: James.M.Ripley@gmail.com Website: http://usnaalumniquantico.com

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

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: James Ripley e: James.M.Ripley@gmail.com

Virginia Peninsula Chapter (formerly the Williamsburg Chapter) Pres: Ben Francisco ’73 p: 757-784-0786 e: roger.benton.francisco@gmail.com Vice Pres: Kathleen Jabs ’88 e: kjabs@aol.com BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR David Lannetti ’81, USN (Ret.) p: 757-423-8602; e: dlannetti81@gmail.com Website: vapeninsula.usnachapters.net

We have been fleshing out zoom events for the 1st half of 2021.

We are working on in person events and planning a Plebe Recognition Picnic on June 12th at Spence’s “The Beeches at Capital Landing”.

The 2nd Wednesday each month we host a Joint Service Academy SB BD Forum zoom meeting. Mike Ohlhaver ’75 is the host of these meetings.

Here’s our mission statement: Vision: Provide a Business Forum for Service Academy Graduates on the Virginia Peninsula that celebrates and reinforces the inherent trust and shared values flowing from our common Service Academy experiences.

Mission: Our USNAAA Virginia Peninsula Chapter’s Business Development Group will actively support Service Academy Alumni owned or led businesses and nonprofits.

Strategy: We will facilitate awareness and relationship-building through a morning meeting each month on 2nd Wednesday, an online Alumni Business Directory and various networking events.

We will promote support for one another by encouraging referrals, assisting business-to-business arrangements and identifying strategic teaming opportunities.

We will expand the impact of our mission by closely coordinating with the Hampton Roads Chapter’s BD Group.

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 121

CHAPTER NEWS January 20th at 10:00: We held a General Chapter meeting with Bob Lynch as the keynote speaker. Bob is the assistant manager of the large Blue and Gold network in all of Hampton Roads. He reviewed what happened in 2020, current Candidate selection process and how 2021 is looking.

February 10th at 10:00: Ken Reightler ‘73, Retired Astronaut and Tig H. Krekel ’75 Distinguished Chair in Space Science at USNA. His topic will be “Getting some ‘Space’ at USNA”: Naval reliance on space, NASA and commercial space activities.

March 10th at 4:00: Howard Hoege lll, USMA ‘94, President and CEO Mariners Museum and Park. Howard will share how they survived 2020 and what is new at the Park.

April 14th at 10:00: John Maxwell, Commissioner Virginia Department of Veterans Services. Details to follow.

May 12th at 10:00: Captain Bryan Cochran ’93 will discuss his Command tour at Joint Task ForceCivil Support (JTF-CS). It is a subordinate command of United States Northern Command headquartered at Fort Eustis.

June 9th at 10:00: Rick Dwyer, AF ’94, HRMFFA Deputy Director and Board Secretary will discuss the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance.

June 12th at 12:00: Picnic at the “Beeches” with incoming Plebes and their families.

August TBD: tour and beer tasting at AleWerks Sep 11th at TBD: Navy – AF game party at Revolutions Golf and Grille; AF alumni will again join us.

Sep 9th at TBD: Meeting with Congresswoman Luria Oct 18th at 11:00: Meeting with Congressman Wittman at Patriots Colony and follow on luncheon I look forward to seeing you at our Zoom meetings.

Margie Lynch, our Chapter Secretary, manages our Zoom account. Look for the monthly invitations from “Robert Lynch”: Suggestions for zoom meetings are appreciated along with ideas for gatherings once we’re inoculated.

Ben Francisco 122 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Washington BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Michael Beard ’00, USNR e: m-mikebe@microsoft.com

of more than 53,000 personnel at 10 Navy Regions and 71 installations around the world.

Washington, DC Area Greater Washington Chapter: Pres: Luis Martinez ’01 e: president@usnagwc.org

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

Vice Pres: Anthony Calandra '88 e: vicepresident@usnagwc.org Sec’y: Crysta Gonzalez '18 e: secretary@usnagwc.org

Website: http://hanford.usnachapters.com

Treas: Jennifer Shaar '92 e: treasurer@usnagwc.org

Puget Sound Chapter

Outreach & Engagement: Heidi Lenzini '95 e: outreach@usnagwc.org

Pres: Linda Postenrieder ’82 e: usnaaa.psc@gmail.com

Diversity & Inclusion: Alberto Ramos '10 e: diversity@usnagwc.org

Corr Sec’y: Chris Bajuk ’04 e: chrisbajuk@gmail.com Website: http://pugetsound.usnachapters.net

Trustee: Fred Latrash '87 e: trustee@usnagwc.org Website: www.usnagwc.org

Puget Sound Chapter (PSC) is honored to be a 2020 recipient of the Distinguished Chapter Award.

The hard work of the PSC Board paid off. Our Speaker Series has been the cornerstone of our success in the last 12 months as we adapted to the restrictions of COVID. Our series continued in January 2021 with Representative Rick Larsen of the US 2nd Congressional District of WA state. * Washington state’s Second Congressional District, which includes portions of Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties and all of Island and San Juan counties.

Where his family has been for over a century. * Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, * Chair and most senior Democrat of the Aviation Subcommittee where is states “the PNW is the aerospace capital of the world” * Co-chair of the bipartisan U.S.-China Working Group * Co-founded the Congressional Arctic Working Group It was great to get his view of many subjects from the craziness in DC on 1/6/2021, to the challenges in the South China Sea to the noise on Whidbey Island. We’re grateful for his time and insights.

Our speaker in February is VADM Mary Jackson ‘88 USN (Ret.).

VADM Jackson served as the 6th Commander, Navy Installations Command from March 2017 to May 2020, where she led the Navy’s shore enterprise comprised

Shipmates, I hope you had a fabulous holiday season and that you and your families are healthy and safe.

Thankfully, our medical professionals’ hard work has resulted in vaccines.

Hopefully, that will turn the tide of this pandemic and we can return to our normal lives.

I am very excited to announce that USNA GWC has been recognized as a distinguished chapter by the USNA Alumni Association and Foundation. This is a hard earned and prestigious award as we are considered among multiple chapters across the nation. Learn more about the distinguished alumni chapters and parent clubs award, visit the national website. Thank you all for your support and engagement.

We will continue to serve our community by supporting both our fellow alumni and our school.

Dec. 12 was our first-ever virtual watch party for the Army-Navy game.

While the outcome was not what we hoped, it was still fun to have some company from GWC members!

We are coordinating more career transition events which focus on transitioning to a variety of professions so keep an eye out for this newsletter and event announcement emails. Rear Adm. Fred Byus ‘76 hosted an informal on-line forum Dec. 15 for alumni on professional organizations. We focused on mid-career alumni and enjoyed presentations by Capt. Tim Oliver ‘67 (Ret.) (Executive Director of

Linda “Postie” Postenrieder ‘82 Puget SoundChapter President welcoming Rep. Rick Larsen.

Ryan Casey ‘01, attending the zoom session from his car

Rep. Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District of WA)

Todd Nichols ‘72 PSC National Trustee

CHAPTER NEWS the Naval Submarine League), Capt. Zdenka Willis, (Ret.), (President of the Marine Technology Society, Univ. South Carolina ‘81), and Capt.

Dale Lumme ‘80, (Ret.) (Executive Director of the American Society of Naval Engineers). Benefits including professional development, mentoring, professional presentation opportunities, leadership development and other opportunities were discussed with alumni attendees.

On Feb. 1, we held our next diversity and inclusion event in partnership with the Naval Academy Minority Association (NAMA), and led by Alberto Ramos ‘10. We are the first chapter to host a session to discuss anti-racism and have received a couple of emails inquiring about the event and the phrase “anti-racist.”

Given the level of interest in this event, the questions received, and the importance of this topic as naval officers, it is vital that we highlight the significance of this effort. As of the writing of this letter we have over 40 registrants, which includes alumni of classes from 1971 to 2018.

As many of you are aware, the Naval Academy has become significantly more diverse in the last 20 years than it has ever been. I invite you to read the class portrait for the class of 2024 which demonstrates the range in not only gender and race, but also in post-high school experiences in education and enlistment. This has created a dynamic where those of us who have grown up serving in a less diverse military find ourselves leading a fabulously diverse officer and enlisted corps. Additionally, these service members enjoy and expect diversity and inclusion amongst themselves and in the organizations with which they are aligned.

As leaders, command climate is our responsibility. We can unintentionally create environments that are divisive. A result of our unconscious biases and unquestioned stereotypes that we project onto others. Wikipedia defines “anti-racism” as:

“A form of action against racial hatred, bias, systemic racism, and the oppression of marginalized groups. Anti-racism is usually structured around conscious efforts and deliberate actions to provide equitable opportunities for all people on an individual and systemic level.

As a philosophy, it can be engaged by acknowledging personal privileges, confronting acts and systems of racial discrimination, and/or working to change personal racial biases.”

To answer a question posed to us by one of our members - “If I am not anti-racist, then am I racist?” No. However, being anti-racist means actively committing to oppose racism wherever you find it, including implicit racism within both institutions and individuals. This, along with many more topics, is what we will explore in our diversity and inclusion events.

Feb. 3 we hosted our quarterly chapter meeting (virtually). These meetings are your opportunity to provide feedback on past and future events. Our community would not be what it is without your participation, so these chapter meetings are one of the most important events we hold.

Our first policy series event was a great success so we hosted our next session with CAPT Jill (Quinton) Rough ’96, as she led a discussion on “The State of America’s Civil-Military Divide.”

We will continue our popular bike rides this year. Please be sure to thank Lt. Col. Kate Murray ‘00 for all her great work coordinating these events and hosting them.

Don’t forget about our mentorship program! We are very excited about this effort. Sign up on our website to either be a mentor or mentee in our new program.

Finally, we are posting videos to the USNA GWC YouTube channel and by the time this is published, we should be live on our Red Beach Radio podcast, thanks to Sean Papso!

Be sure to subscribe to the channel and participate.

Go Navy! Beat Army! Crush COVID! Semper Fidelis, Luis Martinez, USNA ‘01 President, USNA GWC

Wisconsin BGO Area Coordinator: James Coulson e: navyair@sbcglobal.net

Chapter Trustees Hawaii CAPT Steve Colón ’81, USNR (Ret.) Through Spring 2021

Greater Washington, DC CDR Fred Latrash ’87, USN (Ret.) Through Spring 2020

Hampton Roads Wisconsin Chapter Pres: Timothy Mahoney ’10 e: mahoney@2010.usna.com At Large: Chris Adams ’75 p: 414-553-0982 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

CDR Mark Rupprecht ’76, USN (Ret.) Through Spring 2021

Los Angeles Brian DeJarnett ’98 Through Spring 2023

North Carolina Triangle CDR George Lipscomb ’87, USNR (Ret.) Through Spring 2021

North Texas Gregory Colandrea ’90 Through Spring 2023

Puget Sound

Regional Trustees Central Region Trustee CDR Richard Cataldi ’69, USN (Ret.) Through Spring 2023

Eastern Region Trustee CDR William Squires ’75, USNR (Ret.) Through Spring 2023

Western Region Trustee CDR Steve C. Hall ’75, USN (Ret.) Through Spring 2021

Mid-Atlantic Region Trustee CAPT Dale Lumme ’80, USN (Ret.) Through Spring 2021

Todd Nichols ’72 Through Spring 2021

Oregon & SW Washington LtCol Doug Ballard ’74, USMCR (Ret.) Through Spring 2021

San Diego/Coronado CDR Alan Lerchbacker ’74, USN (Ret.) Through Spring 2021

Texas Gulf Coast Bret Leach ’08 Through Spring 2023

Jacksonville, FL Caleb Cronic ’11 Through Spring 2021

Upper Midwest Tim Wolf ’87 Through Spring 2023

USNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION We are available and working remotely.

Contact us! www.usna.com/covid-19 for updates.

SEA STORIES A Navy tradition

Stories of action and inspiration Entertaining and educational https://www.usna.com/sea-stories

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 123

SHARED INTEREST GROUPS NAMA Pres: RADM Julius S. Caesar ’77, USN (Ret.) e: executive-director@usnama.com Vice Pres: LCDR Valerie Mansfield ’92, USN (Ret.) e: deputy-director@usnama.com Sec’y: CDR Calvin Bumphus ’97, USN e: chief-of-staff@usnama.com Treas: C.J. Willis ’75 e: treasurer@usnma.com BGO Area Coordinator: Nikki Betz ’05 e: bgo@usnama.com

If you have not already done so (No excuse!), visit the www. usnamemorialhall.org, a Run To Honor project.

To Honor!

David G. Paddock ’77 ~ President president@runtohonor.com (757) 373-0977 www.runtohonor.com www.facebook.com/runtohonor www.usnamemorialhall.org

Shipmate Contact: Lorenzo Santos ’13 e: communications@usnama.com

USNA Women

Website: www.usnama.com

Pres: Barbette Lowndes ’80 p: 858-243-2142 e: Barbette.Lowndes@1980.usna.com

Run to Honor Pres: David G. Paddock ’77 p: 757-373-0977 e:president@runtohonor.com Website: www.runtohonor.com

Run To Honor honors and remembers the over 2,700 men and women listed in the U.S. Naval Academy’s Memorial Hall. We remember them, and their families, by running, walking, swimming, and biking in events nationwide and around the world.

These past year’s events were driven to become virtual ones.

Unfortunately, it looks like that trend may continue. Check our website and Facebook pages for the latest.

We are looking for volunteers to assist our RTH Board in its Mission.

We would love to hear from you.

Contact us. Let us know how you would like to serve.

Our Run to Honor Board elections were held during the dark ages in January and February. The results are now on our RTH website.

Maybe your name should be there next year?

Sign up at www.runtohonor.com/ mailing-list/ and follow us at www.facebook.com/runtohonor.

124 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Sec’y: Susan Smith ’99 p: 757-814-9800 e: suzjsmith@yahoo.com Website: https://women.usnagroups.net

By the time this issue of Shipmate hits our mailboxes, the trajectory of the Women’s SIG will have taken a significant change upward with new leadership. Elections will not have been completed by the time of the submission deadline, so you will have to check our website to see who is on the leadership team (https://women.usnagroups.net ) Special thanks go out to the Committee members who dedicated so many hours during the summer and fall reviewing our originating Charter, the recommendations of the Special Committee on Alumni Culture, Diversity and Inclusion, and the bylaws of so many Chapters and Classes to draft the revised Bylaws for the Women’s SIG. Committee Members included: Rhonda Scott ’97, Becky Baltes ’01, Josette Curtis ’01, Deniz Baykay ’04, Elizabeth Gilles ’04, Margaret Jackson ’01, and Kaila Julia ’12.

Women Shared Interest Group: Fireside Chat with RADM Kate Gregory USN (ret) ’82 and SIG members

Following the outstanding revision to the Bylaws, the Nominations and Elections Committee began a search for a diverse leadership team to take this SIG into the future. Those Committee Members included: Jill Rough ’96, Candice Passerella ’04, Leslie Vaughan ’06, Stefanie Peskosky ’08, and Clara Short ’09.

Finally, a Distinguished Graduate Award Nomination Committee was stood up to look at current and future nominees for this annual award. The Women’s SIG is proud to submit and support several packages for consideration by the selection committee. As of the submission deadline for this article, no selections have been announced.

Thanks to the members of the DGA Nominations Committee for your diligent efforts to recognize some of our most deserving

alumnae. Committee Members included: Wendy Lawrence ’81, Greer Lautrup ’85, Robin Tyner ’88, Holly Johnson ’92, Quinci Martin ’03, Danica Middlebrook ’05, and T ara Houlden ’05.

In case you missed it, since our last submission, we had a STEMfocused Fireside Chat with RADM Kate Gregory ’82, USN (Ret.) about the CEC, and her current work with energy resources. We also had two Book Club events.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Women’s SIG, follow us on Facebook (USNA Women’s SIG) or on our webpage https://women.usnagroups.net.

We are a donation-based organization.

If you are interested in supporting the Women’s SIG, there is a link on our webpage for donations.

LAST CALL

“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

Douglas Caulfield Plate ’42 VADM, USN (Ret.) 21 December 2020

Robert Meredith Lucy ’48 Col, USMC (Ret.) 20 January 2021

Amedeo Henry Galvani ’43 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 18 December 2020

John Spruance Park ’48 6 7 January 2021

Charles Waters Bryan Sr. ’52 Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) 20 December 2020

Andrew Rembert Carr ’49 28 December 2020

Richard Joseph Kamienski ’52 22 December 2020

Charles Francis Hickey ’49 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 18 December 2020

Frederick Wendell Kraft ’52 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 9 January 2021

Paul Tennyson Williams ’49 11 January 2021

John Irvine Paulk ’52 2 February 2021

Ralph Ensign Wilson Jr. ’49 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 18 December 2020

Anthony Carmine Scalese ’52 26 December 2020

Robert Simpson Lewellen ’44 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 26 December 2020 Roy Stribling Phillips ’44 CDR, USNR (Ret.) 2 January 2021 Ernest Eli Reynolds ’44 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 1 February 2021 Earle Frank James ’45 6 LCDR, SC, USNR (Ret.) 7 June 2020

Clyde T. Winkler ’49 7 June 2020

Howard Wesley Prier ’45 25 December 2020

Ronald Jackson Hays ’50 ADM, USN (Ret.) 11 January 2021

Harold Bierman Jr. ’46 12 February 2021

Leo Joseph Innerbichler ’50 11 December 2020

Richard Allen Everist ’46 LT, USNR (Ret.) 3 February 2021

Warren Lee Morgan Jr. ’50 6 6 February 2021

William Hamilton Porter ’46 26 January 2021

King Woodward Pfeiffer ’50 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 4 January 2021

Wade Hampton Foy Jr. ’47 6 29 September 2020 Eric Monroe Hooper ’47 31 December 2020 John Harris Nicholson ’47 VADM, USN (Ret.) 7 November 2020 Wilton Turner Sanders Jr. ’47 CDR, USN (Ret.) 8 January 2021 Augustine Albert Albanese ’48 LT, USNR (Ret.) 1 January 2021 Charles Rease Braley Jr. ’48 CDR, SC, USN (Ret.) 22 January 2021 Stanley Arthur Jacobs ’48 31 December 2020

Dennis Bernard Sullivan ’50 Brig Gen, USAF (Ret.) 14 December 2020 William Thomas Caldwell III ’51 8 January 2021

Gerald Henry Rosette ’51 29 November 2020

Jack Williams Jr. ’52 19 November 2020

Andrew Laurens Hamlin ’54 CDR, USN (Ret.) 24 December 2020 John Taylor Marshall Jr. ’54 CDR, USN (Ret.) 29 January 2021 Charles Frank Rutherford Jr. ’54 6 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 13 August 2020 John Edgar Wagner ’54 CDR, SC, USN (Ret.) 12 November 2020 Roy Edward Arterburn ’55 25 December 2020 Cecil Augustus Edwards Jr. ’55 3 February 2021

William Yurth ’52 27 December 2020

John William Roberts ’55 CDR, USN (Ret.) 3 January 2021

Dean Albert Abrahamson ’53 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 4 August 2019

Walter Elisha Ware Jr. ’55 4 February 2021

Clarence Edgar Brunson III ’53 Col, USAF (Ret.) 16 June 2020 Mercade Adonis Cramer Jr. ’53 6 5 January 2021 Allen Bane Higginbotham ’53 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 5 January 2021 Bernard Marvin Kauderer ’53 6 VADM, USN (Ret.) 19 January 2021

Calvin George Weaver ’55 COL, USA (Ret.) 10 January 2021 Daniel Patrick Forby ’56 12 September 2020 Ronald Lee Hogue ’56 22 January 2021 Donald Leroy Hugdahl ’56 4 December 2020 Lyle Milton Ishol ’56 7 June 2020

Walter Huntt French Jr. ’51 LCDR, SC, USN (Ret.) 9 January 2021

James Arthur White ’56 CDR, USN (Ret.) 1 February 2021

Searle Franklin Highleyman ’51 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 24 January 2021

Douglas Bancroft Gibson ’57 6 1 February 2021

Carl William Huyette Jr. ’51 LT, USNR (Ret.) 20 February 2020

John Robert Johnson ’57 22 July 2020

Charles Clark O’Brien ’51 6 Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) 4 August 2021 6 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.

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 125

LAST CALL

Donald Leslie Mitchell ’57 CDR, USN (Ret.) 14 January 2021

Charles Edward Koch II ’60 6 September 2019

Grant Dale Fulkerson ’64 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 23 January 2021

Vincent John Esposito III ’71 6 CDR, USNR (Ret.) 1 May 2020

Burr Caldwell Hartman ’64 26 January 2020

Jeffrey Dale Welsh ’73 24 December 2020

Bert Morse Concklin ’58 23 December 2020

Paul Whitney Sparks ’60 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 20 January 2021

George Littrell Denny II ’58 6 30 January 2021

Samuel Ralph Wills ’60 22 January 2021

Bert James Mackaman ’64 25 January 2021

Donald Woodford Hagerling ’74 6 8 January 2021

David Kearney Eller ’58 15 December 2020

John Howard Edson ’61 LCDR, USNR (Ret.) 9 February 2021

Edward Bernard McCaffrey Jr. ’65 6 January 2021

Robert Mark VerSchure ’74 6 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 9 January 2021

Ernest Celestino Luders ’58 CDR, USN (Ret.) 8 January 2021

Harold Eldon Harden ’61 24 December 2020 Michael Charles Roth ’61 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 28 December 2020

Lee Melvin Meador ’58 8 February 2021 John Lawrence Nulty Jr. ’58 6 23 January 2021

Thomas Clay Lofton Jr. ’62 23 December 2020

Robert Huntley Pidgeon ’58 CDR, USN (Ret.) 30 December 2020

Howard Samuel Pinskey ’62 6 CDR, SC, USNR (Ret.) 31 January 2021

Reginald Irenee Vachon ’58 24 December 2020 Frederick Lauriston Wales ’58 6 13 July 2020 James Peter Cartwright ’59 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 28 December 2020 John William Hilt ’59 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 17 December 2020 J. Phillip London ’59 6 18 January 2021 Walter Lee Owen ’59 Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) 3 February 2020

Raymond Nagle Fitzgerald ’60 Col, USAFR (Ret.) 29 December 2020

6

Joseph Davies Jaap ’60 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 1 February 2021

126 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

William Lewis Jeremiah ’66 14 January 2021 James Edward Stoll ’66 LtCol, USMC (Ret.) 9 February 2021

Thomas Alexander Dowell ’76 CDR, USN (Ret.) 4 December 2020 Donald Stephen Love ’76 27 January 2021 William Edward Davis ’78 6 7 January 2021

Bruce William Rossing ’67 CDR, USN 23 January 2021

Eric Keith Jackson ’83 31 December 2020

James Ronald Hand ’63 22 December 2020

Vernon Eugene Wright ’67 2 February 2021

James Michael Kuzma ’83 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 5 February 2021

John McCoy Hood Jr. ’63 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 3 January 2021

Marvin James Franger Jr. ’68 28 December 2020

William Michael Horton ’63 18 December 2020

Tommie Dean Hardin ’68 6 CDR, USNR (Ret.) 2 January 2021

Don Gilbert Palen ’63 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 31 December 2020

Raymond Lynn Maki ’68 24 January 2021

Allan Russell Coulson ’64 CDR, USNR (Ret.) 28 January 2021

John Reed Williams '59 23 January 2021

Craig Robert Betts ’66 CDR, USN (Ret.) 11 March 2020

Glenn Martin Amundson ’75 1 January 2021

Victor George Reiling Jr. ’62 1 February 2021

Ronnie Reginald Radford ’63 6 Col, USAF (Ret.) 23 January 2021

Elbert Grant Rees ’59 24 January 2021

Harold Allen Sandstede ’65 1 February 2021

William Peyton Dobbins Jr. ’64 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 26 December 2020 Matthew Strohm Evans Jr. ’64 6 January 2021

Patrick Alfonso Sabadie ’68 6 CDR, USN (Ret.) 26 December 2020

Earl Anthony Panico ’84 LCDR, USNR 23 December 2020 Michael Francis Hajosy ’85 CDR, USN (Ret.) 6 January 2021 John Thomas Shippey ’85 14 December 2020 Scott Duncan Goodwin ’86 26 December 2020

William Harold Smith ’68 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 10 February 2021

Maurice Edward Jarrell ’86 LT, USN 24 December 2020

John Thomas Tschirhart ’68 1 February 2021

Robert Bernard Pothier Jr. ’92 6 14 February 2021

Charles Lynn Butler ’69 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 31 December 2020

Jason Thomas Wathen ’93 27 December 2020

Michael Thomas Swanson ’69 23 November 2020

Andrew Hunt Froistad ’04 28 January 2021

LAST CALL

AMEDEO HENRY GALVANI ’43 Captain Amedeo H. Galvani, USN (Ret.), passed away peacefully on 18 December 2020 in Virginia Beach, VA, at the age of 100.

Born in Plymouth, MA, “Al” was the son of Italian immigrants, Peter and Leonilda Galvani.

He excelled academically and athletically in the Plymouth schools and entered the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, in 1939 with a congressional appointment. A member of the Class of 1943, he graduated with his class in June 1942 due to the Academy’s accelerated wartime program.

In February 1943, he married Helen F. Pierce of Hyde Park, MA. The newlyweds moved to Charleston, SC, where he joined the pre-commissioning crew of the FLETCHER-class destroyer, BURNS (DD-588).

He served aboard BURNS throughout World War II as the destroyer operated with fast carrier task forces in the western Pacific. In 1944, the Navy awarded him the Bronze Star with Combat V. Following the war, he received post-graduate training in ordnance engineering at Annapolis and Lehigh University, where he was awarded a Master of Science degree in chemistry. During his distinguished 30-year naval career, he commanded two destroyers, a destroyer tender, a naval ammunition depot and a naval station. When he retired from the Navy in 1973, he and Helen moved to Virginia Beach.

Al and Helen enjoyed traveling, whether it was cruising the Virginia coast in their cabin cruiser or driving on long vacations in Europe. The couple moved to the Westminster Canterbury retirement community in Virginia Beach in 2003 and were active members of that community.

Amedeo was a kind, compassionate man, a friend to so many of those who had the good fortune to know him. He was a skilled and dedicated golfer who competed in local tournaments well into his 90s.

His beloved wife, Helen, passed away in 2015 after 73 years of marriage.

Al is survived by their four children; sons, Captain William Galvani, USN (Ret.) (a former SWO) (and his wife, Pam) of Bainbridge Island, WA, and James Galvani; daughters, Jane Galvani and Linda Galvani Simet (and her husband, Lieutenant Commander Steve Simet, USN (Ret.) (a former SEAL)) of Virginia Beach, VA. He had three grandchildren, Richard, Stephanie and Tom; and four great-grandchildren, Tom, Mallory, Asher and Keaton.

Interment of Al and Helen’s ashes will be at Arlington National Cemetery. S

Bravery is the audacity to be unhindered by failures, and to walk with freedom, strength and hope in the face of things unknown.

—Morgan Harper Nichols

EARLE FRANK JAMES ’45 Lieutenant Commander Earle F. James, USNR (Ret.), died on 7 June 2020 in Roanoke, VA, due to natural causes. He was 99 years old.

He was a native of Los Angeles, CA, born to Arthur and Betty James. He enlisted in the Navy in 1938 on a minority cruise. His enlistment service included MARYLAND (BB-46), the San Diego Destroyer Base and NAPS. He received his appointment to the Naval Academy from Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox, entered in 1941 with the Class of 1945 and graduated in 1944 (wartime-shortened course) as a member of the Tenth Company.

After graduation, he completed the Supply Corps Training Course at Harvard University before reporting as supply and disbursing officer aboard BRAZOS (AO-4) during the battle for Okinawa. After decommissioning BRAZOS and serving aboard TALUGA (AO-63) as supply and disbursing officer, he reported for shore duty at the Naval Air Technical Training Center, Millington, TN, as assistant ships service officer. In 1948, he resigned from active duty and accepted a Naval Reserve line commission.

On returning to Los Angeles, he was employed by North American Aviation, working in engineering and administrative positions until retiring in 1984.

His retirement years were spent in Los Angeles, CA; Friday Harbor, WA; Laguna Woods, CA; and Roanoke, VA. His hobbies included photography, personal computers, community service and aerobic swimming. He had life memberships with the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, U.S. Naval Institute and the American Legion.

Earle was predeceased by his wife of 72 years, the former Elizabeth J. Atkinson, in 2018. They are survived by two daughters, Patricia James and Janet Hyde (and her husband, David); and a son, Mark James. His three grandchildren, Irene, Joshua and Devlin, gave him much pleasure during his later years.

There were no services and his ashes will be spread at sea.

The James Family S

DONALD LEE DONOHUGH ’47 Captain Donald L. Donohugh, MC, USNR (Ret.), 96, died on 20 December 2020 in Pacific Grove, CA. “Don” was born in Los Angeles, CA, son of William Noble Donohugh and Florence Virginia (Shelton). He attended UCLA, and then was appointed to the Naval Academy and graduated in 1946 with distinction. He was awarded a BS degree and was commissioned as a Navy ensign.

He attended the University of Hawaii to complete pre-medical requirements while on active duty. He left the service as a lieutenant and received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco (1956).

Don joined the Naval Reserve (1966) and was called to active duty during the Vietnam conflict as a line officer in the Pacific and Asiatic areas.

He received various campaign medals, including four Combat Stars in Korea.

He retired in 1984.

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 127

LAST CALL

He was the Director of Medical Services in American Samoa under the Department of the Interior. He earned master’s degrees at Tulane University School of Medicine (public health and tropical medicine). He became a Fellow of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. He taught at the Tulane University School of Medicine, then at Louisiana State University School of Medicine. In 1963, he was assigned to the International Center for Medical Research and Training in Costa Rica as consulting epidemiologist and was instrumental in creating the University of Costa Rica Medical School. In 1967, he became Director of Medical Services at UC Irvine Medical Center.

He opened a private practice in Orange County, CA. Don loved the ocean and enjoyed bodysurfing, spearfishing and sailing.

He moved to Hawaii (1985) and became an internal medicine consultant on Kauai and lectured at the University of Hawaii Medical School.

An acclaimed author of numerous books and articles in professional journals, he also wrote historical books on Koloa. He was also the co-translator of Rashomon by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa. He was listed in Men of Achievement and Who’s Who in America.

He was predeceased by his first and third wives, Virginia Eskew McGregor and Beatrice Ivany Redick. Survivors include his children, Ruth Donohugh (Minnes), Laurel Donohugh Burks, Marilee McGregor and William Hugh McGregor Donohugh; 11 grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.

His remains will be scattered at sea.

Memorials may be made to the Food Bank for Monterey County (www.foodbankformontereycounty.org). S

WADE HAMPTON FOY JR. ’47 The family of Dr. Wade H. Foy Jr. is sad to announce that he passed away peacefully and quietly on 29 September 2020 in Suffolk, VA, from renal carcinoma. He was 95 years old.

The son of Eliza Belle Wilkinson Foy and Wade Hampton Foy Sr. of Richmond, VA, Wade received a congressional appointment to the Naval Academy after attending Randles Prep in Washington, DC. After graduation in 1946, Wade served in HENLEY (DD-762). In 1948, Wade entered the Naval Reserve and attended North Carolina State University to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He was called to active duty and assigned to PURSUIT (AGS-17) stationed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, NYC. There, he met Raymonde van Laar from Berne, Switzerland. They were married on 19 May 1952.

After serving on PURSUIT, Wade resigned his commission to attend MIT for a master’s degree in EE, followed by a year at Cal Tech in Pasadena, CA, and culminating with a PhD from Johns Hopkins in EE. While at JHU, he worked on the Vanguard missile project at Martin Co. Upon graduation, the family moved to the San Francisco Bay area in 1961, where Wade began a 30-year career at Stanford Research Institute (now SRI International) in Menlo Park, CA, undertaking projects such as the effect of wind shear on aircraft. Wade also became a part-time professor at Santa Clara University in the Applied Mathematics Department, teaching MS and PhD students.

Wade retired from SRI in May 1991.

Retirement with Raymonde consisted of travel with trips to Europe.

In 2005, Ray had a stroke, from which she died in 2006. Wade moved to Smithfield, VA, to live with his daughter, Ginny, and son-in-law, Captain Matt Streeter ’77 for the next 12 years, reestablishing old friendships with 128 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

school chums from Richmond and delighting all he met. Dementia set in and his last year was spent at an assisted living facility in Suffolk, VA. His wish was to be cremated and have his ashes scattered in Lake Geneva, where he had scattered Raymonde’s ashes, to be with her always.

He commemorated his love for Raymonde and their life together by authoring, A Rose for Raymonde (available on Amazon).

Along with Ginny and Matt, Wade is survived by his son, Charles of California; and grandson, Zachary (and his wife, Kaitlyn, and their daughter, Charlotte) of Virginia.

The Foy Family S

JOHN SPRUANCE PARK ’48 John S. Park passed away on 7 January 2021.

He was 96 years old.

“Jack” was born on 23 April 1924 to Edna Jones Park and Eugene Lunt Park in Los Angeles, CA. He lived most of his youth in the Philadelphia, PA, area. He graduated from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1948 and served on active duty as a Supply Corps Officer for five years. He then continued to serve in the Naval Reserve while working full time for General Electric.

Jack married Emma James Douthat on 7 October 1950. He was recalled to active duty in 1952 due to the Korean War and was stationed in New London, CT, on the submarine tender TACONIC. In 1954, Jack returned to General Electric for their Management Training Program. He chose sales in the Lamp and Photographic Lighting Department, and the family lived in Southampton, PA, where Jack was one of three governing township supervisors.

Jack was eventually transferred by General Electric to New York City.

He and his family resided in Edison, NJ, for 23 of his 33 years with the company. He was president of the New York Chapter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association.

Jack retired in 1983 and moved with Emma to Ocean City, NJ. Attending USNA Homecoming events and football games continued to be highlights for them each year. Jack especially enjoyed the beach, boardwalk, baseball, books and playing bridge. He was a Red Cross volunteer for many years and served on the American Red Cross board in Cape May County, NJ. He was a trustee and a member of the Ocean City Museum Board and a volunteer for the Ocean City Pops Orchestra.

Since September 2005, Jack and Emma have been residents of Fleet Landing Retirement Community in Atlantic Beach, FL. Jack was predeceased by his loving son, John S. Park Jr. ’75. Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Emma D. Park; sons, Stephen J. Park (Kay) and Richard B. Park (Elizabeth Copley); daughter-in-law, Pamela H. Park; four grandchildren, Daniel (Pretty), Margaret, Stephen Jr. (Kelly) and Lauren; and two great-grandchildren, Harper and Madison.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Jack had asked that donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org), an organization that the John Park Jr. family dedicated many hours to over the course of many years.

The Park Family S

DO YOU HAVE YOUR DD-214? http://www.usna.com/DD-214

LAST CALL

CHARLES FRANCIS HICKEY ’49 Captain Charles F. Hickey, USN (Ret.), passed away of natural causes in San Diego, CA, on 18 December 2020. He was 96 years old.

Charles was a California resident since 1926 and though his Navy career took him and his family to live in other parts of the country, he called San Diego home from 1932 to the present. He attended Hoover High School and graduated in 1942.

He then went on to attend San Diego State University, which was interrupted in April 1943 when he joined the Naval Reserve and attended boot camp at the Naval Training Center, San Diego.

While an enlisted man, he applied for and was awarded a Secretary of the Navy appointment to become a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy.

After graduation with the Class of 1949, Charles remained at the Academy as an instructor and it was there that he met his wife, Betty Lou Boak. They were wed on 16 October 1954 and together they had five children.

Charles’ career in the U.S. Navy started out as a seaman apprentice and advanced to rank of captain from 1943 to 1974. He was a naval aviator attached to several multi-engine aircraft squadrons, an educator for naval officers and enlisted personnel, and in his later years he was involved in manpower management Navy-wide. Charles flew and traveled throughout the world during his career in the Navy, including several wartime deployments.

Upon his retirement from the Navy, Charles began a second career with the San Diego Community College District. He worked in the District’s Facilities Services Department for 13 years as a facilities planner and retired again in December 1988.

Charles enjoyed his retirement by watching his grandchildren grow up and as an active volunteer in community groups and at the Mission San Diego de Alcala. He and Betty Lou also enjoyed travel and cruising with the missionaires to all parts of the world.

Charles was loved and respected by his family and friends. He served as an excellent example with his loving service to his family, his community and his country.

Predeceased by Betty Lou in 2013, he is survived by their children, Charles Jr., Michael, David, Gregory and Anne Marie; along with six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren who brought him much pleasure.

He was very proud that his children all graduated from a California University and became employed in business or industry in California.

The Hickey Family S

RALPH ENSIGN WILSON JR. ’49 Captain Ralph E. “Rollo” Wilson Jr., USN (Ret.), passed on the morning of 18 December 2020 due to natural causes in Dana Point, CA, by the sea. He had been exercising (practicing social distancing), surrounded by friends and loved ones.

He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Born on 3 April 1927 in New London, CT, to Martha Elizabeth (Powell) and Vice Admiral Ralph E. Wilson ’24, Rollo was a 1949 graduate of the Naval Academy; the Naval Postgraduate School (MSEE); the Naval War College; and The George Washington University, where he attained an MSBA. After graduating from USNA, he served as a Navy line officer aboard ROANOKE, DYESS, Staff ComDesFlot6 and BENHAM; as chief engineer aboard KEARSARGE; as captain of JOHN S. MCCAIN and EPPERSON in Hawaii during the Vietnam War; back to DC; then on as commodore for ComDesDiv 82/162;

and his last command, as CO for JOUETT in San Diego, CA. He deployed to locations around the globe for peacekeeping, including duty in our Nation’s Capital; as U.S. liaison for U.S. NATO forces in Portugal; and finally, for Sperry Gyroscope in New York.

Respect for his exceptional maneuvering and navigational skills as a “sailor” (CO) aboard MCCAIN earned Rollo the nickname, “Follow Me Damnit Wilson,” when he proclaimed confidently that he did NOT need the tugboat pilots, although “procedural” to dock any of his 80,000 horsepower destroyers!

After retiring from the Navy, he lead the Radar Systems Security at Hughes Aircraft in El Segundo, CA, and lived in Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, finally settling down in 1999 in Dana Point, where he served his community on the board of directors for The Fountains.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 40 years, Hazel Elizabeth “Lee” Struble Wilson, in 1990 (daughter of Admiral Arthur Dewey Struble ’15, 7th Fleet Commander, one of three of General MacArthur’s Inchon Landing planners and a member of the U.N. Security Council) and his wife of 29 years, Virginia (Kudroff) Blakely Wilson, in 2017.

He is survived by his daughter, Laura (Wilson) LaPoint; son, Ralph Ensign Wilson III; stepson, Gary Kudroff; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his dear friend, Mary Elin Ellis.

Rollo and Virginia will be laid to rest alongside his “Beloved Sailor’s Wife,” Lee, at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date. Family and friends are invited. Please email Laura (LauraLaPoint2021@gmail.com) for details. S

WARREN LEE MORGAN JR. ’50 Warren Lee Morgan Jr. died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Dayton, OH, on 6 February 2021.

He was 93 years old.

A native of St. Louis, MO, “Lee” received a principal appointment to the Naval Academy in 1945 and entered USNA in 1946. He earned three N* as starting soccer goalie, beating Army each of his varsity years. He was voted MVP by teammates that third year. His cruise assignments included the battleships WISCONSIN and MISSOURI, and the aircraft carrier CORAL SEA. He graduated in 1950 as a member of the 20th Company and was commissioned into the Air Force.

Upon graduation, he received orders for Korea. He was assigned as the 4th Fighter Interceptor Group flight-line maintenance officer for three F-86 squadrons’ radar gunsights. He was awarded a Bronze Star for maintenance successes on this new technology.

When he returned stateside in 1953, he provided maintenance for F-86s and nuclear capable F-84Fs. He attended graduate school at the Air Force Institute of Technology in Dayton, OH, and graduated with an MBA in Lab Management. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson AFB. He was promoted to major in the fall of 1959. He resigned his commission but continued his work with the Air Force as a civilian. His work with the Air Force (whether in a military or civilian capacity) totaled 37 years. His specialty was foreign aircraft development. He continued his training in aerodynamics design, wind tunnels and high-energy laser development.

He received a Department of Defense service award for his work in these areas. He left the Air Force in 1982 and spent the next ten years working for PRC in computer modeling.

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 129

LAST CALL

Lee’s retirement gambit was senior softball. He played for 18 years for three different teams. Lee loved all sports (particularly the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Reds). He was an avid reader, music lover and a regular for breakfast with friends at his neighborhood diner.

Lee was predeceased in 2013 by his much-missed wife of 63 years, Ann Casey Morgan of St. Louis, MO. They are survived by four daughters, Chris Gardiner, Peg Morgan, Laura Morgan and Beth Hamelberg; eight grandchildren, Casey, Matt and Maggie Gardiner, Anna, Amelia and Isaac Johnson, and Morgan and Patrick Hamelberg; and seven great-grandchildren.

Lee’s ashes will be interred alongside his wife’s at Woodland Cemetery in Dayton, OH. S

KING WOODWARD PFEIFFER ’50 Captain King W. Pfeiffer, USN (Ret.), died of COVID-19 in Dover, NH, on 4 January 2021.

King, known as “Si” to his family, was born in Peoria, IL. Upon graduating from Philips Andover Academy, he enlisted in the Navy in the Spring of 1945 and went on active duty. Winning a Fleet appointment to the Naval Academy, he graduated with the Class of 1950, 30th Company.

After two years aboard LLOYD THOMAS (DD-764), he attended Submarine School and was assigned to GRENADIER (SS-525).

In 1953, King married Patricia Taylor of New York City. He continued sea and shore duty, and in 1961, became the first U.S. exchange officer at the Federal German Naval Academy, Flensburg, Germany. In 1963, then-Lieutenant Commander Pfeiffer took command of the Charleston, SC, based THORNBACK (SS-418). That year, THORNBACK was the Atlantic Fleet ship recognized for battle readiness with the Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award.

Later, while serving in London, he participated in the SALT Arms Control negotiations, for which he received a Legion of Merit (LOM). King’s final Navy tour was at the University of Notre Dame, where he was a professor of naval science and headed the Naval ROTC program until his retirement in 1978. He remained at Notre Dame, earned his PhD and taught there for several years. His wife, Pat, died in 1984. Moving to New Hampshire, King married Karola Luft in 1987, and taught U.S. Foreign Policy at the University of New Hampshire until his 2002 retirement.

King’s retirement years were busy and filled with domestic and international travel with Karola.

King is survived by his wife, Karola; two children, Robert Pfeiffer and Caroline Rose (Charles); one grandchild from his first marriage, Ben Rose; two stepchildren, Stefanie Luft (Adam Nulman) and Michael Luft (Sara); and four grandchildren from his second marriage. He was predeceased by his grandson, Sam Rose.

Interment will be at the Naval Academy in the of Spring 2021. S

CHARLES CLARK O’BRIEN ’51 Lieutenant Colonel Charles C. O’Brien, USAF (Ret.), died on 31 January 2021.

Charles was born in Philadelphia, PA, on 4 August 1928. He was the son of Michael James O ’Brien and Clementine C. O’Brien. He attended parochial schools, St. Joseph College and was a 1951 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a BS in Electrical Engineering.

After graduation, the midshipmen were allowed to choose their branch of service. Charles chose the Air Force. During his 130 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

career, he and his family were stationed in Salina, KS, Lincoln, NE, and Washington, DC, where he first attended Strategic Intelligence School and later, Spanish Language School. He was chosen as the youngest assistant air attaché to be sent abroad with his family. It was a two-year tour filled with adventure in New Delhi, India. He was accredited to Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Upon returning to the U.S., he commanded a missile site near Topeka, KS. His next assignment was March AFB in Riverside, CA, where he flew KC-135s. He then was selected to attend Command and Staff College in Norfolk, VA. After graduation, it was on to Cape Kennedy, FL, where he was recording the launch and re-entry of the Gemini space missions.

He then trained for Vietnam at Luke AFB, AZ, and Elgin AFB, FL. Charles departed for a one-year tour in Vietnam flying many missions a week.

Afterwards, he returned to Virginia for Spanish Language School in preparation for Teguscegalpa, Honduras, as Air Force Section Chief. After his posting in Central America, he was assigned to Scott Field, IL. His final station was in Myrtle Beach, SC. His decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Bronze Star and Distinguished Flying Cross.

After his retirement from the Air Force, Charles earned an MS in Social Work and was employed by DSS, South Carolina in Child Protective Services.

Charles was an avid squash, racquetball, tennis player and golfer.

Charles was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Captain James M. O’Brien ’43, USN, and John C. O’Brien, a World War II submariner; and his son, Alan Doud O’Brien. He is survived by his wife, Donna; sons, F. Scott O’Brien (Angela) and Charles Michael O’Brien; daughter, Heather Coggin (Jeffrey); and grandchildren, Chandler Coggin and Conor O’Brien.

He will be buried in a private service with full military honors in Florence National Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to McLeod Hospice House (www.mcleodhealth. org/foundation) or the Naval Academy Foundation (www.usna.com/ donate) attn. Class of 1951. S

FRANK LUTTER KOVARICK ’52 Commander Frank L. Kovarick, USN (Ret.) died on 5 December 2020 in Solvang, CA. Following the Naval Academy, Frank began his naval career as assistant navigator on MISSOURI (BB-63). After flight training and designation as a naval aviator, he served in Fighter Squadron VF-114.

He subsequently returned to the “black shoe” Navy after marrying Susan Harmon from his hometown of Stroudsburg, PA. After a tour on CARTER HALL (LSD-3), he attended the Naval Postgraduate School in their weapons systems curriculum. Later in 1962, he joined the nucleus crew of the guided missile frigate, LEAHY (DLG-16) in Bath, ME. Hands down, LEAHY was his favorite ship/duty tour.

He entered the Cruiser-Destroyer Force, Naval Ordnance Guided Missile Division and had successive tours as XO of DLG-20 and CO of DD-847; then Naval Postgraduate School (MS, Defense Systems Management).

After retirement in 1976, Frank attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, graduating summa cum laude. He returned to Stroudsburg to practice for the next 16 years, fulfilling his innate healing ability.

Frank and Susan moved to Solvang in 2013 to be closer to their beloved daughters and grandsons.

Frank’s legacy is one of love, generosity and stewardship. His enormous heart embraced so many, including “surrogate” daughters, sons and others.

His friendships were steadfast and cultivated with kindness, loyalty and a

LAST CALL

few oft-told jokes that had him laughing before the punchline. He served his church, community and country with pride and humility.

His intelligence, analytical mind and problem-solving abilities were guideposts in his career and family life. His conversance in politics, finance, philosophy and religion inspired colleagues, friends and family.

His daughters recount, “One of the remarkable things about our father was his readiness to learn and grow. He may have appeared to be fixed at times in his beliefs; however, the pull to move forward was stronger than that to stay stagnant. He opened his mind and heart, always available to listen to us, believe in us and celebrate us. How intoxicating to have such a fan club as in Frank Kovarick!

In the last year of his life, as his mind sometimes drifted to other realities, he talked about waiting to hear if he was on the next NASA astronaut crew.

Right before he died, we told him he could mark off the last of his “pre-flight” checklist, that he had done absolutely everything right in this life and was free to FLY.” Godspeed, Daddy! S

MERCADE A. CRAMER JR. ’53 “Mac” Cramer died peacefully on 5 January 2021, in Annapolis, MD, at the age of 88.

As a midshipman, he was a two N* basketball player and was a member of Navy’s 1953 NCAA Tournament team.

Upon graduation in 1953, Mac was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. In Germany, he was the Headquarters Squadron Commander for a communicationselectronics wing and a member of the USAFE championship basketball team. He received a master’s degree in Engineering Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and left the service as a captain.

Mac held senior executive positions at the General Electric Company in King of Prussia, PA, and the Perkin Elmer Corporation in Danbury, CT, where he managed the companies’ government business. In 1993, he retired as CEO of Vitro Corporation of Silver Spring, MD. Since 1970, Mac had served as a trustee of the Athletic and Scholarship Division of the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation and was on its executive committee for many years. He annually presented the Foundation’s David Robinson Basketball Award. He served as vice chairman of the Naval Research Advisory Committee and on the board of directors of the Security Affairs Support Association, the American Defense Preparedness Association, the Defense Intelligence College Foundation and the National Security Industrial Association.

Mac’s awards include Montgomery County, MD’s “Spirit of Free Enterprise” award (1993), the Air Force Award for Significant Achievement (1977) and the Department of the Navy Meritorious Award for Public Service (1996).

Mac and his family lived in Wallingford, PA and spent their summers in South Hero, VT. He and his wife, Nancy, spent their time together in Annapolis, Charleston, SC, and North Hero, VT. Mac was the patriarch of a large blended family, of which he was very proud.

Mac is survived by his wife, Nancy (Caldwell) Cramer of Annapolis, MD; his children, Gay Van Pelt (Jim) of Lake Elmo, MN, Cathy Cramer of Dublin, OH, and Scott Cramer (Wendy) of Idaho Falls, ID; his brother, Jim Cramer of Anaheim, CA; his stepchildren, Meredith “Mimi” McCollum (Gary) of King George, VA, Robin Wilson (Chuck) of Amissville, VA, and

Robert “Bobby” Cooke (Karen Johnson) of Boise, ID; 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Mac was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara Spaulding Cramer of Wallingford, PA. Mac will be inurned at the Naval Academy Columbarium.

Condolences may be sent to the family at (hardestyfuneralhome.com). S

HENRY JEFFERSON DAVIS JR. ’53 Rear Admiral Henry J. Davis Jr., USN (Ret.), died on 12 October 2020. He resided in Westminster Oaks in Tallahassee, FL. The son of H.J. Davis and Sara Jewel Davis of Quincy, FL, “Jeff” graduated from Gadsden County High School. He attended University of Florida, Florida State University, the Naval Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School. He held a BS in mathematics and an MS in electronics engineering.

Commissioned in 1953, he was assigned to naval cryptology. In the Pacific, his assignments included Wahiawa, HI (Oahu); Kamiseya, Japan; and San Miguel, Philippines. In the Atlantic, he was commanding officer of the US Naval Security Group Activity, Winter Harbor, ME. For four years, he was Director, Naval Security Group Pacific and Assistant Chief of Staff (Cryptology) to CinCPacFlt. He was also Officer in Charge, Naval Security Group Detachment, Pearl Harbor, for cryptologic manning and equipping deployments.

At the Naval Security Group headquarters, Washington, DC, he was Director of Cryptographic Equipment for the Navy and Marine Corps.

He was cryptologic advisor to CinCPacFlt and was Director, NSA Pacific.

He also served as staff assistant for cryptology in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He then was Assistant Director NSA for cryptologic plans and resources, where he was senior U.S. representative for cryptology to NATO. Admiral Davis completed active duty with three years of service as Deputy Director (Operations) National Security Agency. He retired following 30 years of service.

A veteran of the Korean, Vietnam and Cold wars, among his many medals and citations, he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Upon retirement in 1982, Jeff provided communication security consultation for the Florida Information Resource Commission, establishing plans and policies which currently reside in Florida statutes.

He served ten years on the Gadsden County School Board; was a founder and trustee of Quincy Music Theatre and Gadsden Arts Center; trustee of the Baptist College of Florida; and a member of the Quincy-Gadsden Airport Authority.

He served as deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years at First Baptist Church Quincy and was an active church member at 14 different duty stations in his career.

Jeff was predeceased by his wife, Emily Ernestine Hunt (Tully) of Okeechobee, FL. They are survived by four adoring children, Frances Wallington (Craig ’80), Jessica Coughlin (John ’80), Jeff Davis V and George Davis II ’88; eight grandchildren (including four USNA alumni/ spouses, classes of 2011 and 2013); and seven great-grandchildren. S

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 131

LAST CALL

ALLEN BANE HIGGINBOTHAM ’53 Captain Allen B. Higginbotham, USN (Ret.), passed away on 5 January 2021. He was 91 years old.

“Al” was born in Portsmouth, OH, on 9 December 1929 to Chloe Adair and John Crockett Higginbotham. He was reared on Horse Creek, near Iaeger, WV. After graduation from Welch High School, he attended Duke University for two years before entering the U.S. Naval Academy in 1949.

Upon graduation in 1953, Al commenced a predominantly sea-going career, including service in and command of destroyers, cruisers and submarines. He commanded the submarine REQUIN (SS-481) from 1966 to 1968. REQUIN is on permanent display at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburg, PA. In 1970, Al commissioned the frigate TRIPPE (FF-1075), which he commanded until 1972. Further naval service included direction of anti-submarine warfare activities for the Sixth Fleet, commander of two destroyer squadrons and service as chief of staff and deputy to Commander Surface Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Al served three Pentagon tours and was awarded two Legions of Merit by the Secretary of the Navy and the Meritorious Service Medal by the Chief of Naval Operations.

After retiring from the Navy in 1982, Al worked at United Technologies as Director of the Undersea Warfare Program Office and at Vitro Corporation as Director of Navy Business Development.

Al and his wife, Linda (née Wood, of Annapolis, MD) were married in 1954. After a long military service career involving many relocations and the raising of four children, they retired to Sarasota, FL, in 1993. Al spent much of his retirement time in service to others, including Habitat for Humanity, and on mission teams to Honduras to establish and support an eye clinic for the needy. In Sarasota, Al and Linda founded Time Tithers, an organization of individuals who devote at least ten percent of their free time to doing the Lord’s work. Al and Linda were also members of the Church of the Palms in Sarasota, where Al served on the Board of Elders.

Captain Higginbotham was preceded in death by his son, Commander Allen B. Higginbotham Jr., USN (Ret.), in 2009; and by his daughter, Ann Adair Prohoniak, in 2016. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Linda; two sons, Robert W. Higginbotham of Fairfax, VA, and David B. Higginbotham of San Francisco, CA; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. S

BERNARD MARVIN KAUDERER ’53 Vice Admiral Bernard M. Kauderer, USN (Ret.), died of natural causes in Carlsbad, CA, on 19 January 2021. He was 89 years old.

A native of Philadelphia, PA, “Bud” was a 1953 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He attended Submarine School in 1957 and was selected for a year of training in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. As commanding officer of BARB (SSN596) from 1966 to 1970, he conducted Cold War operations in the Western Pacific. Next, he commanded the Nuclear Power Training Unit at the National Reactor Testing Station. From 1973 to 1975, he served as commanding officer of DIXON (AS-37).

In 1977, while serving as Chief of Staff to Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Kauderer was selected for promotion to rear admiral.

His first command as a flag officer was Submarine Group Five. In 1979, he was ordered to Washington, DC, as Deputy Director, Research, Development, Test and Evaluation on the staff of the Chief of Naval 132 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Operations. He returned to Pearl Harbor to command the Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In 1983, he was promoted to vice admiral and ordered as Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

This assignment was unique in his service as commander of the submarine forces of both fleets. He served concurrently as Commander Submarines Allied Command Atlantic, a NATO post.

Admiral Kauderer retired from active duty on 1 August 1986.

He became a consultant to industry, academia and government, and served as national president of the Naval Submarine League for five years.

He was the founding general chair of the annual Submarine Technology Symposium conducted at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory. In 1997, he was appointed to NASA’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (3) and the Meritorious Service Medal. For his work as Vice Chairman, Undersea Warfare Committee, National Security Industrial Association, he received the Meritorious Public Service Award.

Admiral Kauderer is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, the former Myra Frances “Mickey” Weissman of Brooklyn, NY; daughters (and spouses), Heidi Becker (Larry ’77) and Robin Taffet (Allen); daughter-in-law, Nancy N. Kauderer; eight grandchildren, Amanda Berg, Robert Kauderer, Heather Bryan (Adam ’05), Chuck Becker ’02, Adam Becker ’05, Aaron Taffet, Marty Taffet and Brooke Taffet; and 16 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Captain H. Todd Kauderer, USN (Ret.).

Memorial services were held at El Camino Memorial Chapel, San Diego, CA. S

CARLISLE ALBERT HERMAN TROST ’53 Admiral Carlisle A.H. Trost, USN (Ret.), of Annapolis, MD, died on 29 September 2020 from complications related to a fall. He was 90 years old.

“Carl” was born in Valmeyer, IL, to Elmer H. and Luella Trost. As a child, he spent summers helping out on his grandparents’ farm. However, his true passion was school. He worked several jobs to pay his high school tuition and attended Washington University on a one-year scholarship.

At the end of that year, uncertain the scholarship would renew, Carl applied for an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy and entered as a member of the USNA Class of 1953.

Distinguished Graduate Entering the Academy changed the trajectory Award Recipient 2002 of Carl’s life. He excelled academically and graduated first in his class, but, perhaps more importantly, he met the love of his life. While serving as Brigade Commander, Carl fell in love with Pauline Louise Haley of Cottage City, MD. They married in May 1954. Together, they embraced the many challenges of military and family life, raising four children and building lifelong friendships.

In his 37 years of commissioned service, Carl had a distinguished career culminating in 1986, when he was nominated by President Reagan to serve as the 23rd Chief of Naval Operations. To date, he is the only Chief of Naval Operations who also graduated first in his class from the Naval Academy. Carl remained involved in the Navy community following his retirement in 1990.

LAST CALL

Carl often said that he wished to be remembered as a good naval officer but, more importantly, as a loving husband, father and friend.

He was devoted to his family and was happiest spending time with them at the family beach house. Carl impressed his family with his kindness, decency and perfect memory. When asked about his successes, Carl said, “I realized when I was young that I could remember things I was interested in, and fortunately I was interested in a lot of things.”

Carl is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pauline, and his sister, Mardelle. He is survived by his four children, Carl, Laura Lee Carrico (John), Steve ’85 (Gail) and Kathleen; along with six grandchildren, Scott Carrico, Megan Sugrue (Alexander), William Trost (Michelle), Justin Carrico (Arielle), Haley Trost and Alexa Trost.

His memorial service, previously scheduled for April, has been rescheduled for 20 September 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Naval Academy Chapel. S

CHARLES FRANK RUTHERFORD JR. ’54 Charles F. Rutherford Jr. died in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, on 13 August 2020.

He succumbed peacefully in his sleep to multiple system atrophy (MSA) at the age of 90.

“Charlie” was born in Garden City, NY, to Charles and Florence (Macky) Rutherford and attended the Admiral Farragut Academy in Pine Beach, NJ, before entering the Naval Academy.

At USNA, he was a member of the 23rd Company and played center on the Navy basketball team.

After graduation, he served as chief engineer in HANK (DD-702) and on the DesLant staff until 1958.

Charlie returned to his home state of New York after resigning his commission. He took over the family business as a partner in Braun and Rutherford Office Furniture Company (1959-1980). He started C.F. Rutherford and Associates in 1980, a business office furnishings and services firm. He later owned and operated a bed and breakfast in Delaware and another later in Key West, FL, before founding Blue Grass Spa in Stomping Grounds, KY, a residential health spa specializing in diet control, aerobics and recreational exercising. He retired to Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 1991 and since 1994, had resided in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico.

An active athlete, Charlie enjoyed snow skiing, running the New York City Marathons, golf and tennis. He was member of the Malanquin Golf Club and the San Miguel Duplicate Bridge Club, where he was a Life Master.

A free spirit, Charlie enjoyed a multi-year trip in a camper traveling around the U.S. and Mexico after the B&B enterprises. He enjoyed several European and Caribbean Naval Academy cruises over the years and his USNA 50th reunion with his loving companion of 19 years, Judy McKay of San Miguel. Friends and family who knew Charlie are unanimous in their heartfelt praise of how unfailingly kind, gentle and good-humored Charlie always was to everybody, traits that he demonstrated at the Academy and throughout his life.

Predeceased by his wife, Daphne Eckles of Jacksonville, FL; he is survived

by Judy McKay; his daughter, Rebecca Rutherford Doran (and her husband, Thomas) of Hicksville, NY; son, Gregory Rutherford (and his wife, Brenda) of Valley Stream, NY; and granddaughter, Sydney Rutherford.

The pandemic precluded all but a private ceremony at which a few of his longtime friends celebrated Charlie’s life. His cremation and interment were in San Miguel de Allende. S

JAMES KELLY OLSON ’56 On Saturday, 7 November 2020, James Kelly Olson died from health complications in a hospice near Martinsburg, WV. “Jim” was born on 3 April 1932, the fourth of seven children, and attended public schools in Duluth, MN. After two years at the University of Minnesota, he was appointed to the Naval Academy. He graduated in 1956 “with distinction,” 95th in his class of 682.

He was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force and his first assignment, after flight training, was to the 21st Fighter Day Squadron at George Air Force Base, flying F-100Ds and F-100Fs. After one year, he deployed to Aviano Air Base in Italy.

Jim then attended the University of Southern California for two years, obtaining a master’s degree in aerospace engineering. While at USC, he saved his civilian roommate’s life, pulling him out of their burning apartment.

After USC, he was assigned to Air Force Systems Command.

In 1964, Jim was accepted into the Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards AFB, graduating at the end of 1965.

In December 1965, Jim volunteered to go to Vietnam. Reporting to Eglin AFB, he was grounded for “neuropsychiatric depression,” and was hospitalized for six months. His military flying time behind him, he left the Air Force 1966.

After his discharge, Jim purchased and ran a laundromat California, moved to Georgia to work for his brother’s construction company, then moved to Hobart, IN, where he worked for 12 years at the Tube Works of U.S. Steel Corp.

From Hobart, Jim ran for mayor (1983) and then for U.S. Congress (1984).

When the Tube Works plant closed, Jim moved to Lawrenceville, GA. In 1988, he ran for the Georgia House, winning his primary, but not the general election.

In late 1988, Jim moved to Baltimore, MD. His activities there included field deployments with the Lyndon LaRouche organization and sailing in the Chesapeake Bay. Later, Jim moved to Leesburg, VA, until his macular degeneration caught up with him. In 2015, he moved into an assisted living facility.

In and out of the VA hospital for complications arising from his COPD, his health gradually deteriorated.

He is survived by his sister, Carol in Excelsior, MN; and brother, Ralph in Monroe, GA. Jim’s remains were cremated, and at his request, his ashes will be interred at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth, MN, near his beloved Caribou Lake. S

We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction, that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.

—Franklin D. Roosevelt

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 133

LAST CALL

DOUGLAS BANCROFT GIBSON ’57 Douglas B. Gibson died of natural causes at Houston, TX, on 1 February 2021. He was 85 years old.

“Doug” was born at home in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ, and grew up in Hamden, CT. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America from Cub Scouts through to being awarded Eagle Scout rank. A graduate of Hamden High School Class of 1953, he was a member of the swim team and yearbook staff.

Having received a congressional appointment from Connecticut, he entered the Naval Academy in June of 1953 and graduated with the Class in June of 1957 as a member of the Second Company.

Upon graduation, he served in STODDARD (DD-566) as DCA and then as engineering officer. He attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, graduating in 1963 with a MS in Electrical Engineering and was detailed to the staff of Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla Eight.

Subsequently, he served as engineering officer of JOHN S. MCCAIN (DL-3).

In 1966, he shifted designator to Engineering Duty Only (EDO) and was detailed to Long Beach Naval Shipyard, where he served as docking officer and type desk officer. While docking officer, he supervised the final docking of QUEEN MARY prior to her conversion to a convention center in Long Beach.

A tour of duty with the main Board of Inspection and Survey in Washington, DC, as the boiler inspector was followed by several assignments in the Naval Sea Systems Command.

Following retirement in 1977, Doug worked for several engineering management consultant firms in the Washington, DC, area retiring again in 1996 from ROH, Inc. where he was project manager supporting the German Navy through the FMS office in NavSea. Following his second retirement, he and his wife relocated to Florida for 13 years before settling in the Houston, TX, area.

Doug is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, the former Abbie L. Shoop of Mason City, IA; his loving brother, Ronald B. (and sister-in-law, Judy) of Warren, NH; daughters, Jennifer A. Gibson (and son-in-law, Chris Agharabi) of Chevy Chase, MD, and Jill D. Shokery (and son-in-law, Raouf Shokery) of Lewisville, NC; grandchildren, Ava Agharabi, Andrea Hayes (Robert Hayes) and Adam Shokery; and two great-grandchildren, Ramsey and Daphne Hayes.

Memorial services will be conducted at a future date, with inurnment to take place at Arlington National Cemetery with appropriate military honors. S

PHILIP NEWTON MANDEL ’57 Captain Philip N. Mandel, USNR (Ret.), a resident of Danbury, CT, passed away due to congestive heart failure on 7 October 2020.

He was 85 years old.

Phil was born in Brooklyn, NY, on 26 September 1935. When he was a young boy, his family moved to Kingston, NY, where he graduated from Kingston High School. He received an appointment to the Naval Academy, graduating in 1957 as a member of the 13th Company.

After serving on a destroyer out of Pearl Harbor, HI, for three years, he was selected for flight training and received his Wings in 1961. He was assigned to a squadron based in Alameda Naval Air Station, where he met his future wife Carol Ann (Johnston), a Navy junior. They were married in 1964 in the Naval Air Station Chapel.

134 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

After eight years, Phil decided to leave active service and began his career as a pilot for Trans World Airlines. Since he was based at JFK, they moved to that area, first to Long Island, and then in 1969, to country life in Danbury.

He was hired at TWA as first officer on the Lockheed Constellation, and during his 33-year career, he accrued over 25,000 flying hours. He also flew the Lockheed 1011, Boeing 707, 747, and as captain on the 767. During this time, he was also active in the Naval Reserve, and was an area Blue & Gold officer, mentoring students in local school high schools during their process of applying to the Naval Academy.

Soon after joining TWA, daughter Cindy was born, followed by Andrew two years later. Both children attended the University of Washington in Seattle and were in the Husky Marching Band. Phil soon became an avid fan of the Huskies, and for 30 years, he and Carol Ann had season tickets traveling to Seattle for home and to away and bowl games.

Phil was immensely proud that both of his offspring became pilots for TWA, following in his footsteps. They were the first and only father, daughter and son pilot combination for the airline.

Phil was a kind, thoughtful and generous man with a terrific sense of humor who dedicated himself 110% to everything he cared about, be it his family, friends, the Navy, TWA or cheering on the Navy and UW sports teams.

Phil is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol Ann, and daughter, Cindy Mandel. He was predeceased by his son, Andrew. S

GEORGE LITTRELL DENNY II ’58 George L. Denny II died in his home in Austin, TX, on 30 January 2021 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was 84 years old.

He was born in Indianapolis, IN, to George H. Denny and Mary-Lois Ketcham Denny. His family moved to Pasadena, CA, where he graduated from San Marino Prep. George received a Congressional appointment to the Naval Academy and entered at age 17. At Annapolis, he excelled in Spanish classes and loved intramural sports.

Upon graduation in 1958 as a member of 19th Company, George was commissioned in the Navy and served on ships, including HOLLISTER (DD-788) as ASW officer, and as boat group commander on CAVALIER (APA-37.) In September 1961, he was aboard CAVALIER as it passed through the eye of Typhoon Nancy in the West Pacific, somewhere between Japan and the Philippines.

After leaving the Navy in 1962, he worked for Texaco in sales, then enrolled at Long Beach State University to become a teacher. He married the former Barbara Forbes Turner in July 1963 in San Marino, CA. In 1976, he earned a Master of Library Science degree from the University of Oregon.

George had a 37-year teaching career, teaching mathematics at Marina High School in Huntington Beach, CA, and Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Waimea, HI. He was a librarian at Spicewood Elementary School (Round Rock Independent School District) in Austin, TX, for 23 years. He retired from teaching in 2000.

He spent more than 20 years in the volunteer position of Blue & Gold officer, helping high school students from the Austin, TX, area navigate the application process to USNA. George was an avid reader, tennis player, runner and golfer.

Time was often made to attend USNA class reunions. He owned several Texas Longhorns on his property northwest of Austin when he retired. Well-traveled, he visited every continent except Africa, even visiting Antarctica in 1993.

LAST CALL

He will be remembered for his kindness, compassion, humor and he leaves behind a legacy of positively impacting the thousands of students whose lives he enriched.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Barbara. He is survived by two sons, Roger Denny of Tulsa, OK, and Russell Denny of Austin, TX; and three grandchildren.

The Denny Family S

RONALD BRISCOE KIRK ’58 Lieutenant Commander Ronald B. Kirk (USNR) (Ret.) of Knoxville, TN, passed away on 17 September 2020. He was 87 years old.

Born in Knoxville, TN, on 14 September 1933, “Ron” attended schools in both Knoxville and Oak Ridge, and graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1950. Attending first the University of Tennessee, Ron received notable awards, one being the distinguished military engineering student. Ron then received his congressional appointment to the Naval Academy. The Lucky Bag yearbook noted that, “His participation in the various Academy phases always reflected an enthusiasm and a love for the military that was hard to match.”

Upon graduation, Ron served two years on STEINAKER (DDR-863) in Suda Bay, Crete, as an anti-submarine warfare officer, responsible for the ship’s sonar equipment. In 1960, he completed Submarine Officers’ School and served aboard QUILLBACK (SS-424) as communications officer and assistant engineer. Before transferring to the Naval Reserve in 1963, Ron served as electronic warfare and assistant CIC officer on the cruiser, NORTHAMPTON (CC-1).

In Civil Service from 1966 to 1973, Ron was head of the Engineering Branch Quality Assurance Department at the Naval Weapons Station in Yorktown, VA. Returning to Tennessee in 1973, Ron then spent 11 years as a chief quality engineer for the Clinch River Breeder Reactor Plant for TVA in Oak Ridge.

Ron was later self-employed as an engineering consultant and as a photographer. His 50-year love of photography was his great joy, and he turned it into a business, taking team and sports action pictures for Powell High School, as well as photographing local models in the Knoxville area.

He spent his retirement years with several four-legged companions, who he adored. He was a benefactor for the local animal shelter, YoungWilliams, as well as many local young people. He also sponsored children abroad through World Vision.

Ron was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Sandra Kirk Gambacorta; both his adoptive father, James Henry Kirk, and his birth father, Roscoe C. Word; and his mother, Julia Briscoe Kirk. He is survived by his sister, Julia Kirk Phillips; son, James Franklin Kirk; daughter, Marianne Kirk Fallen; grandchildren; many nieces; a nephew; several grandnieces; and a grandnephew.

A memorial service date is pending, with interment at Berry Highland West in Knoxville. S

Believe you can and you're halfway there.

—Theodore Roosevelt

JOHN LAWRENCE NULTY JR. ’58 John L. Nulty Jr. of Sarasota, FL, died at home of congestive heart failure on 23 January 2021. He was 85 years old.

“Jack” was born in Orange, NJ, on 28 March 1935, the son of John L. and Catherine Gavin Nulty. He graduated in 1952 from St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, NJ, and attended Newark College of Engineering prior to entering the Naval Academy.

At Annapolis, he was an avid rower and earned awards in crew. Jack graduated with the Class of 1958’s Ninth Company.

Jack met the love of his life, Barbara McGreevey, while traveling home (she from Georgetown, he from USNA), on Christmas leave First Class Year. They were married in February 1960.

Jack earned his Wings in December 1959 and reported to VP-7 in Brunswick, ME. He resigned his commission in June 1963, taking a position with Bell Telephone Laboratories in Whippany, NJ, working on Ballistic Missile Defense. He also earned a master’s degree in EE from NYU. In 1968, he moved to Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory in Buffalo, NY, working on Ballistic Missile Defense, including designing operational tests for the Nike-X ABM system.

In 1980, Jack joined Braddock, Dunn, & McDonald Corp. in Albuquerque, NM, for work with the MX missile system and was program manager for air defense simulation. At his request, BDM transferred him to the Washington office, where his son, Jim, could be treated for leukemia at the National Institute of Health.

In 1985, Jack was recruited by Planning Research Corp as Vice President of Systems Engineering. In 1990, he went to Xerox to manage Army Computer Aided Logistic Support and Navy Engineering Drawing Management Information Support. He finished his professional career with TRW. Jack retired in 2001. He and Barbara moved into their retirement home

by River Creek Golf Club in Leesburg, VA. They became avid golfers and active parishioners at St. John the Apostle Church. In 2017, Barbara and Jack left Virginia for the warmer climate in Sarasota, FL. Jack was predeceased by two sons, James (age 21) in 1985 and Stephen (age 49) in 2020. In addition to Barbara, Jack is survived by their daughter, Patricia Blaha (Albert) of El Dorado Hills, CA; sons, Mark of Vienna, VA, and Peter (Dorothy) of Anna Maria Island, FL; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Jack will be buried in the McGreevey family plot, next to his sons, in St. Catharine’s Cemetery in Sea Girt, NJ. S

LEO THOMAS POWELL JR. ’58 Leo Thomas Powell Jr., 85, passed away 9 December 2020 at his home in Accokeek, MD, after a brief battle with cancer.

“Tom” was born on 23 September 1935 in Dover, NJ. He graduated from Mountain Lakes High School, where he lettered in track, football and basketball. At USNA, he was on the varsity track team and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1958.

After graduating, Tom did not receive a commission for physical reasons, although he ran track for four years. He joined International Telephone and Telegraph Corp and worked in Cuba and later in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

In 1960, Tom joined Westinghouse Electric Corp. as a field engineer MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 135

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specializing in shipboard electronics. He loved his time at sea repairing and testing radar, where he could really support the Navy. In 1963, he took a position with the Naval Electronics Maintenance Engineering Center in Norfolk. There, in 1964, he met and married Katherine “Kay” Gardner. In 1966, they moved to Washington, DC, where he took a position with the Naval Electronic Systems Command.

After earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Maryland in 1981, he left civil service for a new venture in accounting as a CPA. During this time, he served as the Prince George’s County (MD) representative to the Washington Metropolitan Council of Government’s Public Advisory Committee, dealing with FAA plans to expand National Airport and control aircraft noise.

In 1991, he began work with the FAA in the Aviation Security Research and Development Service at the FAA Technical Center in New Jersey. He became the Chief of the Security Division for the Director of Intelligence and Security under the Secretary of Transportation, where he retired in 1994.

Tom was an active member of the 13th Company, served as class treasurer for a number of years and hosted the hospitality room at class reunions.

He loved golf, travel, Navy football games and socializing with classmates.

He could always be counted on to regale you with stories of his days at USNA. Tom is survived by his wife, Kay; their children, Leo Thomas III, Laura Elizabeth Price (Todd) and Roger Andrew; and grandson, Liam Thomas Price.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Tom’s name be made to the Admiral Larson Ethical Leadership Fund (www.usna.com/ donate) or the Alice Ferguson Foundation (www.fergusonfoundation.org).

His ashes were laid to rest at the USNA Columbarium in January 2021. S

FREDERICK LAURISTON WALES ’58 Frederick L. Wales of Revere, MA, passed away surrounded by his family on 13 July 2020 at the age of 86.

Born in Springfield, MA, on 14 June 1934 to the late John G. and Anna (Renison) Wales, “Fritz” received a congressional appointment from Massachusetts to the U.S. Naval Academy and entered on 28 June 1954. He graduated four years later as member of the Class of 1958 and the 19th Company.

Fritz proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict and was honorably discharged after 14 years of service.

He was a middle school math teacher in Malden for many years.

He was the beloved husband of 50 years to Carol (Brauer); devoted father of Christopher Wales (and his wife, Amanda) of Athol, MA, and Lisa Sinopoli (and her husband, Joe) of Billerica, MA; cherished grandfather of Mia and Dean Sinopoli; dear brother of Elizabeth Diel (and her husband, Jack) of Connecticut and the late John R. Wales ’51 (and his wife, Alice) of Maryland. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, including Cathy and Nick Cherpak, and Valerie and James C. Brauer, to whom Fritz stepped in as a substitute father figure after the tragic loss of his dad.

He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

A private burial was held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA, with military funeral honors. S

There’s only one way to be the master of your fate or the captain of your soul. It’s owning who you are—it’s owning your character.

—J. Phillip London ’59 136 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

J. PHILLIP LONDON ’59 Dr. “Jack” London, 83, passed away on 18 January 2021. A luminary of the government contracting industry, his signature was “Always my best— Jack.” It was both a promise and an expectation.

His passions were his family, the Navy and CACI International, the company he led for 49 years, and as Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board, grew into a $5.7 billion information technology juggernaut.

Jack was born in Oklahoma City, OK, on 30 April 1937, to Harry R. and Evalyn P. London, both small business owners. His family has a legacy of military service in all of America’s wars and he was a member of both the Society of the Distinguished Graduate Cincinnati and the Sons of the American Revolution.

Award Recipient 2019 His genealogical research traced his ancestors back to Charlemagne, as well as Captain Samuel Nicholson, the first commanding officer of CONSTITUTION. Jack graduated from the Naval Academy in 1959 (15th Company).

After flight training and designation as a naval aviator and helicopter pilot, he was assigned to ASW squadrons. He participated in the blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was with the airborne recovery team for John Glenn’s flight in Friendship 7. He was the pilot in three successful life-saving missions and was awarded a Life Saving award from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. He received an MS in operations research the Naval Postgraduate School (1967) and was inducted into the USNPGS Hall of Fame (2011). He was a Naval Science and Strategy instructor at the Naval Academy, then was designated an Aeronautical Engineering Duty Officer. He served twice as aide to Admiral J.D. “Jack” Arnold, first in the Admiral’s position as Vice Chief, Naval Material Command, then as Chief of the same command. In 1971, Jack joined the Naval Reserve and commanded Reserve aeronautical engineering units in the Washington, DC, area. In 1971, he received a doctorate with distinction in business administration from George Washington University.

He retired in 1983 as a captain, USNR. As a nationally recognized authority on organizational ethics, the Ethisphere Institute named him one of the Most Influential People in Business Ethics (2014). He also was named a USNA Distinguished Graduate; received the Navy Memorial Foundation’s Lone Sailor Award (2019); was inducted into the Washington Business Hall of Fame (2010); and was bestowed with the Greater Washington Contractors Awards Hall of Fame (2012). Dr. London received countless awards from military, naval and historical organizations and CACI has been named one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune magazine.

Dr. London was a prolific author of industry and historical articles and books, including two manuscripts soon to be published: a memoir, Ever Vigilant, and Profiles in Character: Sixteen Americans and The Traits That Defined Them. However, he is best known for Character: The Ultimate Success Factor, which he referenced in speeches around the country. In it, he made the case that character is the one trait you can control and the most important contributing attribute to success.

He is survived by his loving wife, soulmate and life partner, Dr. Jennifer London; his adult children, J. Phillip Jr. (Jennifer) and Laura (Jed); his young sons, Jackson, Jayson and Jonathon; six grandchildren, Evan, Andrew, James, Charlotte, Riley and Jasper; brother, Gary (Liz); nephews, Greg and Hunter; and niece, Lauren.

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A Masonic funeral ceremony was held at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial on 13 February 2021. Services will also be held at the Naval Academy Chapel and Washington National Cathedral.

Dr. London will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Please visit (http://jphilliplondon.com/index.html) for additional details on Dr. London’s extraordinary accomplishments and future services. S

ROBIN LEE STARCK ’59 Commander Robin L. Starck, USN (Ret.), passed away on 27 January 2021, with his beloved wife, Carol, at his side. He was 83 years old.

Born in San Pedro, CA, “Bob” was the son of the late Commander Louis Charles Starck, USN, and Lovie Crabtree Starck. He graduated from Bremerhaven American High School in Germany and at the Naval Academy, was a member of the 12th Company.

Bob graduated from USNA with the Class of 1959 and went on to serve in the Silent Service, aboard submarines. He rose to become executive officer of LEWIS AND CLARK and then commanding officer aboard CASIMIR PULASKI. He retired from the Navy in 1982 and earned his MBA from Old Dominion University before working as a defense contractor.

Bob was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, where he served on the vestry and went on several mission trips locally and abroad. He enjoyed numerous hobbies, including Native American history and art, sailing, photography, traveling, biking and model trains.

Bob also loved going to Smartmouth, Elation and other local breweries.

He was a devoted husband, loving father and proud grandfather.

He will be remembered most for the years of happiness, unwavering companionship and love he brought to his family. In addition to his wife of 58 years, Carol Lentz Starck, he leaves behind a daughter, Michele Starck Dinsmore (Christopher) of Baltimore, MD; sons, Stephen Starck of Munich, Germany, and Michael Starck (Juli) of Longmont, CO; four sisters, Barbara Starck, Shirley Goldberg, Rosemary Kavadias and Julianne Cronin; his sister-in-law, Pamela Starck; eight grandchildren, Eleanor, Grayson, Hattie, Lily, Amelia, Stella, Audrey and Hilda; his godchildren, Betsy Shiner and Charles Goldberg; and many, many other family and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by a brother, Edward G. Starck.

A private family memorial service and inurnment will be held at the Naval Academy Columbarium at a future date.

Everyone who remembers him is asked to celebrate Bob’s life by raising a glass of their favorite beer in memory of our beloved Pops.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd, 7400 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23505, (www.goodshepherdnorfolk.org); or Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, 601 Children’s Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507 (www.chkd.org/ Support-Us/Donate).

Online condolences may be sent to the family through (www.hdoliver.com). excerpts from the Virginian Pilot S

COLUMBARIUM For more information, visit usna.edu/cemetery/

RAYMOND NAGLE FITZGERALD ’60 Colonel Raymond N. Fitzgerald, USAFR (Ret.), flew from this earth for the final time on 29 December 2020, at home in Niantic, CT, with his wife and soulmate, Rachel, by his side.

Ray battled lung cancer for five years and lived a wonderful life full of adventures and creating memories until the last call.

“Fitz” was member of the Naval Academy Class of 1960, 21st Company. After graduation, he became a naval aviator, assigned to VF-32, flying the F-8 Crusader, and made two deployments to the Mediterranean with the Sixth Fleet.

Ray resigned from active service in 1965 to attend The University of Connecticut Law School, graduating in 1968. Subsequently, he flew the A-4 in the Naval Reserve and the F-100 and A-10 in the Connecticut Air National Guard. The highlight of his flying career was a tour as the commander of the 118th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Ray retired as a colonel in 1986, having loved his time as a fighter pilot, dancing with supersonic angels among the clouds.

Ray practiced law as in-house attorney at Kaman Corporation, and then found his passion for business and aviation management.

He reached the pinnacle of his career as President and CEO of Atlantic Aviation Corporation (AAC), retiring in 2000, while continuing to consult and serve on numerous boards of director. In 2007, Ray received the National Air Transportation Association’s highest award, The Ong Award for Extraordinary and Meritorious Service to the Aviation Industry.

Ray volunteered on Habitat for Humanity Global Village builds to seven countries, most memorably Madagascar, where he met Rachel. Ray loved to spend summers at their home on the shore in Connecticut, and the winter season skiing in Whistler, Canada. In the shoulder seasons, Ray and Rachel had a passion for travel, visiting over 50 countries and all seven continents together.

Ray was blessed with good health and an adventurous spirit. He loved athletics, participated in marathons, triathlons, racquet sports, heli-skied black diamonds, raced cars, sailed blue waters and hiked to gorgeous vistas. He also loved all things Irish, and riding Harleys across the country, to Sturgis, and around New Zealand.

Ray also leaves behind five children; his sister, Patricia Burns of Worcester, MA; and numerous grandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins. Ray wanted to be remembered by those he loved as someone who lived life to the fullest: as a husband, father, friend, squadron-mate, classmate, business colleague and sports participant. S

JOSEPH DAVIES JAAP ’60 Captain Joseph D. Jaap, USN (Ret.), passed away peacefully with his family by his side on 1 February 2021.

“Joe” was born on 2 October 1937 in Coronado, CA, to Frances (Davies) and Rear Admiral Joseph Abraham Jaap ’32. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1960 and three days later, married Rowena Stanley at the Naval Academy Chapel.

Married for 27 years, together they raised three children.

Joe began his naval career on INTREPID (CVA 11), then transferred to submarines. He joined the Supply Corps in 1963 and pioneered the transition of the Supply Officer billet on nuclear submarines to Supply MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 137

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Corps Officers. He served at PMOLant Charleston and NSD Yokosuka, Japan. He earned an MBA (University of Michigan) and served in Vietnam (1971-1972). Joe served as chief of a Defense Contract Management Agency office in Oklahoma City. He attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (1975-1976), then served as supply officer of LY SPEAR (AS-36) and ComSubRon Two. He finished his distinguished 23-year Navy career as inventory control officer at Naval Supply Center, Norfolk.

In 1983, he and Rowena co-founded Rowena’s and Captain Jaap’s Jam and Jelly Factory, famous for its Wonderful Almond Pound Cake. Later, he was president of the Swiss Hospitality Institute in Washington, CT, a junior college for hotel/restaurant management, and in 1996, was named president of Cooper Career Institute in Virginia Beach.

In 1995, Joe married Christy Hagan. They enjoyed travel and their grandchildren. Together, they moved to Colonial Heritage in Williamsburg, VA. After Christy’s death in 2009, Joe moved to Patriot’s Colony, where he enjoyed all aspects of life with his friend Martha Frakes.

Beloved father and Grumpa, Joe will be remembered for his great faith, quiet generosity and dry sense of humor. He was a great listener; enjoyed golf and sailing; served his community delivering Meals-on-Wheels; and was a Hospice House and Patriot’s Colony Health Center volunteer. He was parish council president at Sacred Heart Church, Norfolk, and an active member at St. Bede, Williamsburg.

Joe is survived by his children, Mary Frances Bellman (Tim), Rowena Post (Brett) and Joseph “Jody” (Lori); grandchildren, Grace, Josephine, Ethan, Payton and Zachary; and his sister, Anne Jacobson (and family).

A Funeral Mass took place on 11 February 2021 at Saint Bede Catholic Church, Williamsburg. Joe will be inurned at the Naval Academy Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Williamsburg House of Mercy (www.williamsburghouseofmercy.org). S

THOMAS JAMES TERRY JR. ’60 Captain Thomas J. Terry Jr., USN (Ret.), passed away on 28 November 2020 at the age of 81.

“Tom” was born in Washington, DC, and moved several times before landing in Marietta, GA, where he attended high school. Tom received a congressional appointment to the Naval Academy and, after graduation in 1960, married his wife, Joan.

Tom served 11 years on active duty, beginning with destroyers and ending with nuclear submarines.

After active duty, Tom served in the Naval Reserves and attained the rank of captain. During this period, Tom also attended Johns Hopkins University and received two master’s degrees: one in management science and another in computer science.

Tom worked for several aerospace companies, where he was involved with the design concepts of advanced torpedoes and various weapon systems. Prior to his retirement in 2005, Tom was the CIO at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Besides his family, Tom was most proud of leading the team to build the first Catholic website in the world, the Catholic Information Center Internet (CICI). This was such a feat that, when Pope John Paul II visited New York in October of 1995, Tom had the honor of meeting with him to introduce CICI. Throughout the years, Tom enjoyed doing home improvement projects and excelled in his woodworking skills, creating many family heirlooms, including his first grandchild’s cradle and a sleigh for Santa.

138 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

Retirement brought Tom and Joan to their home on the water in Ocean Pines, MD, where they spent many years on “vacation” with family and friends. Their recent move to Charlotte, NC, to be near their youngest grandchildren has been joyous.

Tom is survived by Joan, his wife of 60 years; daughters, Kathleen (Joe) and Maureen; sons, Tom, Steve (Pat) and Ken (Jenn); and four grandchildren, Matt, Katie, Patrick and Lauren.

His brilliance never overshadowed his extreme kindness, faith and love for his family. We will be forever grateful to God for the memories that fill our hearts.

Services will be held at the Naval Academy Columbarium in June 2021. S

MICHAEL CHARLES ROTH ’61 Captain Michael C. Roth, USN (Ret.), of Bowie, MD, died at his home on 28 December 2020 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 82 years old.

“Mike” was born on 9 October 1938 to Gertrude Kairies Roth and Charles Roth in Minneapolis, MN. He was a 1956 graduate of De La Salle High School and attended St. Thomas College for one year before being appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Following graduation with the Class of 1961, Mike entered naval flight training in Pensacola, FL, and received his Wings of Gold in December 1962. His duty stations included VP-23, Brunswick, ME; VT-29 Corpus Christi, TX; Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, where he received a master’s degree in computer science; JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) Norfolk, VA; VP-23, Patrol Wing Atlantic staff and VP-44 commanding officer, Brunswick, ME; curricular officer, Naval Postgraduate School; Naval War College, Newport, RI; Washington Navy Yard and commanding officer of Data Automation Command, SF, in Alameda, CA. He retired from the Navy on 1 July 1989.

Mike volunteered at many of his church parishes. He was a Eucharistic minister/lector and served on the Finance Committee and various other committees. He was president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Castro Valley, CA, and Bowie, MD. He volunteered at the SVDP soup kitchen in Oakland, CA, washing pots and pans. (Ruth said he never did that at home.) He worked at SOME in Washington, DC, serving food to the needy.

Mike was a Renaissance man who enjoyed telling a story, a loooong story. Don ’t spill the beans, but sometimes they were more entertaining to himself than to those listening.

Mike’s lasting legacy, he leaves behind a family that loves and supports each other.

His parents predeceased him, along with infant grandson, Michael.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Ruth; children, Steve Roth, Liz Waller (Bill), Kristin Weakland (John) and Margaret Roth; eight grandchildren, Eric and Tyler Roth, Matt (Michelle), Megan and Thomas Waller, Nicole Wilson, and Logan and Mackenzie Weakland; brother, Ed Roth (Sharon); and sister, Mary Nielsen (Peter).

Since he had a love of maps and geography, as well as a keen sense of direction, he should not have a problem finding his way to Heaven!

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Pius X Church Bowie, MD (www.spxbowie.org/give-now) or Hospice of the Chesapeake (www. hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now).

Mike will be interred at the Naval Academy Columbarium. S

LAST CALL

HOWARD SAMUEL PINSKEY ’62 Commander Howard S. Pinskey, SC, USNR (Ret.), 81, a successful businessman and a pillar of the community, passed away on 31 January 2021 with his family by his side.

Howard was raised in Scranton, PA. He celebrated his Bar Mitzvah and became an Eagle Scout at the conservative Temple Israel.

At the Naval Academy, he studied electrical engineering and graduated with a BS degree in 1962. He served on active duty and in the Naval Reserve for 21 years, retiring in 1983.

Howard’s professional career was primarily in fast-food restaurant businesses and in real estate development. He was involved in all aspects of the restaurant business, having been associated with over 47 food establishments. Howard was a vice president of the Taubman Company, a nationwide premier shopping center development company, and in the development of a 250-room luxury retail and hotel complex in Charleston, SC. Additionally, he owned, developed and constructed office, commercial and residential locations in Maryland and Florida, most notably, Ann’s Dari-Crème, a Maryland fixture for more than 70 years.

Howard was a member and past president of the Annapolis Housing Authority’s board of commissioners, board member of Congregation Kneseth Israel for over 20 years and a member of the Jewish War Veterans, often using his 1970 Jeep for their group in the Annapolis Memorial Day parade. Howard was the founding president and board member of the Friends of the Jewish Chapel (FOJC), which planned, developed and raised funds for the construction of the Commodore Uriah P. Levy Center and Jewish Chapel at the Naval Academy. He is the only USNA Class Secretary to serve for over 60 years.

A fixture in Annapolis since 1983, his larger than life personality and booming voice made him one of a kind; everyone knew and remembered Howard.

He was the ultimate Navy football fan and could often be heard shouting from his box on the 50-yard line “GO NAVY.” Howard was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Fannie Pinskey.

His loving wife of 55 years, Thea, passed away on 5 February 2021.

He is survived by his sister, Raleigh Pinskey; nieces, Cindy Siesel, Amy Applestein (Brian) and Stacy Frazier (Dwayne); and his beloved great-nieces and nephew, Jaclyn, Bridget, Tori, Karli and Logan.

Services were held at the Uriah P. Levy Center and Jewish Chapel.

Howard and Thea were interred at the Naval Academy Columbarium.

Memorial donations may be made to the Friends of the Jewish Chapel (www.fojcusna.org). S

JOHN McCOY HOOD JR. ’63 Captain “Jack” Hood, USN (Ret.), died on 3 January 2021 at his home in Ashburn, VA. He was 80 years old.

Jack was born in Mason City, IA, on St. Patrick’s Day in 1940. He graduated with the Naval Academy Class of 1963, as a member of the Ninth Company, with a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering.

Jack was designated a Naval Aviator in 1964, ranked first in his flight training class. He actively flew as a helicopter pilot for 22 of his 24 years in the Navy. He received a master’s degree in

aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1968.

Jack subsequently transitioned to Aerospace Engineering Duty and spent the remainder of his career in helicopter test and development assignments.

He retired from active duty in May 1987.

After retirement, Jack served as a high school physics teacher in Pensacola, FL, for over a decade, before retiring for good in Ashburn, VA. He enjoyed many great years completely retired with his wife of 58 years, Virginia “Ginger” (Senter) Hood.

Besides being a faithful husband, exceptional pilot and dedicated teacher, Jack was a role model father. His older son, John (also a retired captain and naval aviator), followed him into the Navy, and younger son, Tom, followed him into high school teaching. He was an expert fisherman who knew every fishing hole in Iowa, the Florida Panhandle and Northern Virginia. He was a grill master who could cook a steak to perfection every time and who never let a little (or a lot) of snow keep him away from the grill. He taught his sons the value of a dollar and how to grill, fish, water ski and operate every power tool known to man. His only flaw was a fondness for cheap beer, despite attempts by his sons to expose him to a wider range of options.

He enjoyed good health up until just a few weeks before his passing due to pancreatic cancer. He died at home with Ginger and Tom by his side. We should all be so lucky.

Besides his wife, Ginger; sons, John and Tom, and their wives; Jack is survived by his sisters, Susan and Cathy; and four grandchildren.

No services are planned at this time. His ashes will be spread off the coast of Pensacola, where he enjoyed many years of his life.

The Hood Family S

HOWARD FRANCIS LANGLEY JR. ’63 On Thursday, 26 November 2020, Howard F. “Sonny” Langley Jr., devoted husband and father of five children, passed away at age 81.

Howard was a 1958 graduate of Gonzaga High School in Washington, DC, and a 1963 Naval Academy graduate. He was a proud Marine and served his country during the Vietnam War. Upon returning from his service in Vietnam, he was stationed at Marine Headquarters in Washington, DC, as a survival assistant officer, making notifications to the next of kin family members of fallen Marines. Out of respect for his fellow fallen Marines, he marched from Fort Myer to the sacred hallowed ground at Arlington National Cemetery more than 300 times a year.

After Howard left the military, he became an entrepreneur and businessman with adventures all over the country. His longest running business, Howard Motor Company, is still thriving in Williamsburg, VA. Howard retired a happy man, loved golfing, reading, traveling and spending quality time with his grandchildren. He was a member of St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach, FL, and Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in West Point, VA. Howard was preceded in death by his mother, Eileen Langley. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan B. Langley; five children, Barbara Swann, Christine Obaugh, Cate Langley, David Hogge (Shelly) and Jeff Ammons (Kristi); two sisters, Pat Langley and Diane Naedel; nine grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite American Veterans Association.

Howard will be interred with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date to be determined. S MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 139

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RONNIE REGINALD RADFORD ’63 Colonel Ronnie R. Radford, USAF (Ret.), passed away on 23 January 2021 surrounded by family at his home in St. Augustine, FL. He was 81 years old.

Born on 2 March 1939, Ronnie’s story is one of achievement. Raised from birth in St. Augustine by his parents, George and Lillian, he came from very modest means, and committed himself to success early. He graduated from Ketterlinus High School, having been the valedictorian and president of his class, captain of the football team and a multi-sport varsity athlete.

He received an academic scholarship to attend Davidson College.

Halfway through his education at Davidson, he received an appointment to attend the Naval Academy. After four years, which included many advanced courses due to his two-year head start at Davidson, he graduated 10th in the Class of 1963. His academic performance garnered the notice of the United States Air Force, which recruited him away from the Navy to attend Stanford University.

Upon graduation from Stanford with a master’s degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, he served his country for 24 years as an engineer and program manager supporting crucial Air Force defense initiatives, including an Air Force adjunct to the NASA Gemini space program, the F-16 fighter jet, the Advanced Cruise Missile and the B-1 bomber, rising to the rank of colonel, and in the last two years of his career, taking on general officer roles leading thousands of personnel.

After his retirement from the Air Force, Ronnie continued his service in leadership and consulting roles in the commercial defense industry until he retired to St. Augustine in 2007.

Ronnie’s work ethic was legendary, his rigor for perfection was limitless and his sharp reasoning skills buoyed his work and wit. He was an active father and put family and country above all else. He was known for always doing the right thing, regardless of consequence, and for a keen sense of humor, which his family misses most of all.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy (whom he married within hours of graduating from the Naval Academy); brother, James Radford; children, Joel Radford, Laura Radford and Gina Radford Mangus; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Private services were held in St. Augustine, followed by interment in Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Ronnie Reginald Radford’s honor to The Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org). S

Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity.

—Joseph Sugarman

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WILLIAM PEYTON DOBBINS JR. ’64 Captain William P. Dobbins Jr., USN (Ret.), passed away in San Diego, CA, on 26 December 2020 after suffering a heart attack.

Born in San Antonio, TX, on 18 April 1942, “Peyton” graduated from Alamo Heights High School before being selected to attend the Naval Academy. His first year at USNA, Peyton was the consummate plebe <sarcasm>. When he finally stopped receiving “come-arounds,” he would have slept until reveille if the stewards weren’t so noisy restocking King Hall. After a few salvos of water balloons, the stewards were soon cured of their raucousness! Later in his Academy days, he bought a Corvette from a classmate and would race down the highway. He may have even spun out one night. Fortunately, Peyton would prove to be a much better pilot than race car driver.

On his first Med cruise, Peyton caught Hepatitis A, and was left behind at Naval Hospital Naples, while his squadron returned home. Catching Hep A was, as Peyton described it, a “magnificent misfortune.” It just so happens that there was a beautiful Australian nurse named Felicity working at the hospital. It should have come as no surprise when Peyton returned to the States, he informed his squadron he had fallen in love and was going back to Italy for his Felicity—this was the stuff of movies! John Denver’s new song, “I’m Leaving on a Jet Plane,” was the perfect skewer with which his squadron mates lovingly and continuously poked him!

He served 31 years as a fighter pilot and naval officer. Peyton was the consummate professional. He brilliantly commanded at the O-5 and O-6 levels and was recognized throughout the fleet for his superb ship handling skills, and ship fighting leadership as a navigator and operations officer.

Professionally, Peyton was a mentor, coach, teacher and a life-long student of history and poetry, which gave him wonderful insights, including one he shared with his fellow Texan, Ernest May: “History does NOT repeat itself…but it does rhyme.”

Most importantly, Peyton was so much more than a list of professional, noteworthy skills and jobs. In his personal life, he excelled as a family man.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Felicity; children, Katie, William III ’99 and Mark (Elizabeth); sister, Mady; and grandchildren, Will, Matt, Lexi, Charlotte and Jack. He is deeply loved and now greatly missed.

Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will take place at a later date. S

MELVILLE HENRY LYMAN III ’64 On 8 July 2020, Captain Mel Lyman, USN (Ret.), died at his home in Marina, CA, with his wife, Elizabeth, and son, Christopher, by his side. His death was unexpected and came after a short illness.

“Mel” graduated from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1964, where he was one of the first Trident scholars. He went into submarines after nuclear power training. He served in a number of ships including command tours in CASIMIR PULASKI (SSBN-633) and DANIEL BOONE (SSBN-629). During this period, he developed an expertise in strategic missiles. Mel’s final tour in the Navy was as the Head of Fleet Ballistic Missile Operations, Test, and Evaluation on the staff of Director, Strategic Systems Programs in Washington, DC. Mel retired from active duty in 1990 and went to work for the Applied Physics Laboratory of the Johns Hopkins University. During his 15 years there, he created a program that supported safety studies of the Navy’s strategic missiles. He subsequently worked for Northrop Grumman in

LAST CALL

Sunnyvale, CA, initially in ordnance safety, but eventually as the head of system engineering for deployed systems.

Mel and Liz moved to New York City in 2010, where Liz was appointed Head of Corporate Communications for the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi at their headquarters for the Americas. While in New York, Mel volunteered as a math tutor for inner city high school students.

After moving back to California in 2018 to be near his son’s family, Mel returned to the Applied Physics Laboratory, and worked for the lab remotely until his death. He was posthumously presented with the FBM Lifetime Achievement award for 50 years of service from APL in October 2020.

Mel is survived by his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth, son, Christopher, and grandson, Marshall, all of Monterey, CA. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.

Memorial remembrances may be directed to the Naval Academy Foundation (www.usna.com/give), for the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. S

NILS ALEXANDER SILLIMAN PEARSON ’64 Lieutenant Commander Nils A.S. Pearson, USN (Ret.), 78, died at Dorchester, WI, on 5 November 2020, after living eight years with Alzheimer’s disease.

Nils was born on 24 February 1942 to Henry and Louise (Lung) Pearson in Newtown, PA. He graduated from the Naval Academy with the 14th Company of the Class of 1964.

While in flight school following graduation, he married Brenda Eklund. They had two sons, Eric and Daniel.

Nils flew SH-3 Sea King helicopters during two Vietnam tours, followed by duty in San Diego, graduate school at Monterey (MS in Meteorology), and subsequent tours in Guam and Hawaii.

Following his retirement in 1984, Nils began a new life in Kauai, HI, unencumbered by marriage and children. After teaching aboard ships for several years, he returned to his hometown and rekindled a high school romance with Margaret “Peg” Hentz, whom he married on 11 July 1987, creating a marriage with four sons. Following seven years in Newtown, Nils and Peg moved to ’Town of Hill ’ in north central Wisconsin, where they found a community of Quakers that became a major focal point of their lives.

Nils and Peg led Couples Enrichment retreats at Quaker gatherings in the U.S. and Canada. He was socially conscious and active in justice issues, including visiting death row inmates, caring for the environment, worshiping with and visiting their extended LGBTQ family, and promoting love and peace through letter-writing, singing and laughter.

Nils had a lifelong passion for figuring out how things worked. He liked to tinker and fix electronic and mechanical things, working as a handyman in retirement with a card that said Fix All, Do All, Repair All—and his family would say Know All. He raised chickens, rabbits, bees and ducks, but never got the pig he always joked about. A part of his spirit was his sense of humor that flowed throughout his life, including growing old gracefully.

Nils is survived by his first wife, Brenda (Eklund) Pearson; their two sons, Eric Pearson and Daniel Pearson; his stepsons, David Brock and Joshua Brock; five granddaughters; his sister, Alice Pearson; and his brother, Peter Pearson. Nils was preceded in death in 2018 by his loving wife, Peg Pearson.

Nils chose to be cremated and the family will hold a Celebration of Life at the family homestead in early July 2021. Please contact Eric Pearson (619-799-4641) for more information.

Charles Wilde ’64 & The Pearson Family S

RICHARD SAMUEL RUBLE JR. ’64 Richard S. Ruble of Camp Hill, PA, passed away on 10 December 2020. He was 80 years old.

Richard was born on 6 March 1940 in Lewistown, PA, the son of the late Richard Samuel Ruble and Mary Adalyn (Dughi) Ruble. He grew up in Lewistown and graduated from Lewistown High School. After attending Bullis Prep School, he attended the U.S. Naval Academy graduating with the Class of 1964. While there, he was in the glee club, Catholic choir and Newman Club.

He then served six years as a Navy pilot. While in flight school, he met Sydney Johnston of Carthage, MS. They were married on 23 April 1966 in Pensacola, FL. While serving in Helicopter Combat Support Squadron One (HC-1) stationed in Imperial Beach, CA, he deployed twice in HANCOCK (CV-19) during the Vietnam War, flying search and rescue missions on Yankee Station.

He joined EDS in 1970 and relocated to the central Pennsylvania area, where he lived until his passing, with the exception of two years when he worked in Columbia, SC. He worked nearly 35 years in the Information Technology industry, during which he managed large systems contracts and assisted companies deal with the massive changes in computer technology that took place in the 1980s and 1990s.

Richard was a sponsoring member of the Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz and past president of the board of directors of Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area.

Richard is survived by his wife, Sydney; and two daughters, Meredith Logan Ruble (and her children, Sydney Catherine DelBello and James Rocco DelBello) and Mary Cameron Ruble (and her husband, Jesse Jong-Shik Suh and their daughter, Logan Yuri Suh, and son, Beckett Joohyung Samuel Suh).

Also surviving are his sisters, Mary Suzanne Birch of Phoenixville, PA (and her children, Andrew, Melissa and Matthew, and their spouses and children) and Clara Jane Williams of Gladwyne, PA (and her children, Jennifer and John and their spouses and children); and an extended family of cousins, grand nieces and nephews as well as numerous Naval Academy classmates, and friends and acquaintances.

Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA. Memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area (www.harrisburghabitat.org/donate) or Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz (www.friendsofjazz.org/donate). S

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.

If you have any questions regarding the submission of obituaries to Shipmate, please contact Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury (410-295-4064 or obits@usna.com).

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 141

LAST CALL

PETER EDWARD O’CONNOR ’65 Captain Peter E. O’Connor, USN (Ret.), departed this life unexpectedly on 13 December 2020.

“Pete” was born on 8 March 1943 in Philadelphia, PA. He graduated from West Catholic Boys High School in 1960. At the Naval Academy, he was in the 16th Company during First Class Year and graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1977.

Pete served his country with honor and distinction as a Surface Warfare Officer until his retirement in 1991.

He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and during his service, he commanded DONALD B. BEARY (FF-1085), YORKTOWN (CG-48) and PHILIPPINE SEA (CG-58).

Pete loved and respected his sailors.

Pete underwent heart surgery in 2001, which gave him an additional 19 years of life. He called this his “extra time,” allowing him to witness weddings, births, plays, sporting events and graduations that he otherwise would have missed. He cherished every moment of those 19 years, and we are forever indebted to the doctors who gave him his “extra time.”

Pete was a long-time parishioner of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia Beach and loved both his faith and his diverse church family. He was witty, a prolific storyteller and left an indelible impression on all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his father, John J. O’Connor Sr.; mother, Mary Tinney O’Connor; and brother, John J. O’Connor Jr. Left to deeply mourn are his wife of 55 years, Maureen “Mo” O’Connor, to whom he was completely devoted; sister, Mary O’Connor (Sr. Maureen Peter, IHM); children, Kimberly Melnyk (George), Sean O’Connor (Heather) and Amy Fullen (Craig); grandchildren, Madeline Melnyk (Christopher), Andrew Melnyk, Joshua Fullen and Grant Melnyk; and sisters-in-law, Diane, Mary, Dorothy and Sally; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial Mass was held on 19 December 2020 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will follow at a later date.

Donations in Pete’s honor can be made to the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Beach Bag Program, which provides meals for students in need. (www.vbschools.com/community/community_support_ programs/beach_bags).

Beat Army!

Mrs. Maureen O’Connor & Bill Zuna ’65 S

TOMMIE DEAN HARDIN ’68 Commander Tommie D. Hardin, USNR (Ret.), succumbed to cancer at Goa, India, on 2 January 2021. He was 74 years old.

A native of San Bernardino, CA, Tommie received a congressional appointment to the Naval Academy and graduated with the Class of 1968 in June 1968, as a member of the 11th Company. He is remembered for his easy-going approach to academics, but competitive streak on the intramural wrestling, football, basketball, softball and handball teams. The slow pitch softball team won the Brigade intramural championship during his First Class Year.

Upon graduation, he served a tour in Saigon, Republic of Vietnam, and then began a series of assignments, commencing on the staff of Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe in London, UK. 142 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

After 22 years of active and reserve duty, Tommie retired as a commander in 1998. He traveled extensively while in Europe, but during a trip to India, he and his wife fell in love with the country and they moved to Goa. Tommie had many business interests and invested in property in several countries. In his later years, he became an avid photographer with a broad portfolio. He became well known in Goa for his photographs of local birds.

Tommie is survived by his wife of 34 years, Janette Hughes; son, Amrut Jake Hughes Hardin; and daughter, Alexandra Hardin.

Memorial services were conducted at their home in Goa, India.

Charitable donations in Tommie’s memory may be made to the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation (www.usna.com/donate). S

PATRICK ALFONSO SABADIE ’68 Commander Patrick A. Sabadie, USN (Ret.), died at his home in Rogers, AR, on 26 December 2020 following a 22-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He graduated from Jesuit High School in New Orleans, LA, and spent one year at the University of Toronto before receiving his appointment to the Naval Academy, where he graduated with the Class of 1968.

During his 23 years in the Navy, Patrick served as a surface warfare officer in RICHARD L. PAGE (DEG-5), in PATTERSON (FF-1061) and as executive officer in W.S. SIMS (FF-1059). He served as advisor to the RVN Navy at Fleet Command in Vietnam. Patrick served five years in the Secretary of the Navy’s Office of Manpower and Reserve Affairs in the Pentagon. He retired from the Navy as a commander in 1991, following two years at Readiness Support Group, Mayport, FL. Patrick had a passion for serving others. When his son Mark was born with spina bifida, Patrick became involved in the local and national chapters of the Spina Bifida Association, including serving as president of the Spina Bifida Association of America for three years. He was instrumental in founding two Boys & Girls Clubs in Nassau County, FL, and was very involved with St. Michael’s Catholic Church while living on Amelia Island.

In civilian life, Patrick worked in real estate, including being the executive coordinator of Keep Nassau (County) Beautiful.

Patrick was kind and steadfast, prioritizing his family and faith regardless of life’s circumstances. He lived his life according to his favorite saying: “You play the game with the hand you’re dealt.” He was respected by all who had the good fortune to meet him. He loved his time with Suzy, whether traveling the globe or going to the movies. He enjoyed quality time with friends, playing racquetball or listening to some Aaron Neville.

Patrick is survived by his wife of 51 years, Suzy; sons, Erik (Kim) and Mark; sister, Francisca Sabadie (Rob); and two loving grandchildren, Alex and Nick. He was preceded in death by his father, Alfonso; mother, Margaret; and an infant brother.

A Funeral Mass was held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Rogers, AR, on 4 January 2021. Following the Mass, Patrick was entombed in the family mausoleum at Pinnacle Memorial Gardens.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (www.michaeljfox.org/donate). S

LAST CALL

VINCENT JOHN ESPOSITO III ’71 Commander Vincent J. Esposito III, USNR (Ret.), passed away of a heart attack in Martinsburg, WV, on 30 June 2020. He was 72 years old.

A native of Wayne, NJ, he joined the Naval Academy Class of 1971 as a Plebe in the First Company, graduating as a member of 19th Company with a degree in mathematics. Vince was a cartoonist for The Log and helped design the ’71 class crest. He also led the building of all the Homecoming floats First Class Year, as well as the exhibits in the Yard during football season.

Upon graduation, Vince attended Nuclear Power School, and spent ten years in the nuclear submarine community. He first served on BERGALL (SSN-667) as and then on TINOSA (SSN-606) both out of New London, CT. While on TINOSA, he was awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal and Navy Achievement Medal. Following his time on active duty, Vince entered the Naval Reserves and retired from the Reserves in 1992 at the rank of commander.

Vince began his public career as an engineer and received his Master of Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He then went on to work in finance for several utility companies and international consulting firms. For the last 15 years, he had a successful career in the Civil Service with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Health and Human Services, before he retired from government service in March 2020.

Vince is survived by his ex-wife, Inge, and two grown sons, Vincent J. Esposito IV and Jonathan A. Esposito, all residing in North Carolina.

He is also survived by four grandchildren, Isabella, Vincent, Josef and Maximilian; as well as his brother, George, and sister, Clara, who reside in Washington State.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother and he will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Vince’s ashes will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined. S

DONALD WOODFORD HAGERLING ’74 Lieutenant Commander Donald W. Hagerling, USN (Ret.), passed away on 8 January 2021 from cancer.

“Don” was born on 10 March 1952 in Pittsburgh, PA. His mother was in the second class the Navy held for WAVES during WWII. His father was a Marine officer who served at Guadalcanal and Guam during WWII and went ashore at Inchon at the beginning of the Korean conflict and served at Chosin Reservoir. He rose to the rank of colonel, USMCR, while working for the CIA. Don spent the majority of his childhood living in Taichang, Taiwan, where he attended Morrison Academy. After graduation, he attended the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago for a year, before accepting an appointment to the Naval Academy.

Don remains one of the most unique individuals we have ever met. His 1590 SAT score underlined his innate intelligence but his unique outlook, his personal strength, determination and big heart make him a standout to those of us who knew him well. He became a Naval Flight Officer, selecting fixed-base ASW duty on the P-3 Orion. His prowess on the ASW systems as a TACCO on-board the P-3 singled him out as a wiz on computer systems.

This led him to classified duty in North Africa, and eventually being

appointed Head of Computer Security for the Navy. Performing work that is shrouded in security and privacy, his work was not well known outside his small circle of associates. Suffice it to say, Don led our entry into the realm of computer/cyber security, not only in the Navy, but for our nation as a whole.

Plagued with health threats most of his adult life, Don was medically retired in 1995 and was tagged by the Treasury Department to be the newly-created Director, Computer Security. After 9-11, he was moved to the White House Communications Agency (WHCA) as Chief Information Security Officer, and in 2003, became a “plank holder” within the newly created Department of Homeland Security.

Our Nation owes a great debt of appreciation to Don, but due to his character and his unwavering belief that we all serve to the best of our ability, he never bragged about his accomplishments or held himself up as a particularly important individual. In his last days, he prayed for the well-being of his Eighth Companymates.

Don is survived by his wife and life-long best friend, Carol; his 27 brothers from Eighth Company; and a grateful nation. S

ROBERT MARK VerSCHURE ’74 Robert M. VerSchure passed away on 9 January 2021 in Winter Haven, FL. He was 68 years old.

A native of Baldwinsville, NY, “Bob” was born in San Diego, CA, on 15 November 1952 to Marvin and Arlene VerSchure. After graduating from Baker High School, he received a Congressional appointment to the Naval Academy and reported to Annapolis six days after his high school graduation.

Majoring in Electrical Engineering, Bob was a solid student as well as a gifted athlete as a member of the varsity lacrosse team.

After graduation in June 1974, Bob headed for flight school in Pensacola, FL, where he earned his Wings of Gold and selected the P-3 community.

His initial tour was with VP-22, “The Blue Geese,” at NAS Barbers Point, HI, followed by a tour with the Reserves in VP-92, “The Minutemen,” at NAS South Weymouth, MA. After leaving the Navy, Bob was a commercial airline pilot flying for People Express, Continental, Northwest and Delta Airlines. He retired from the airlines in 2017 and he and his wife, Carol, made their home in Sturbridge, MA. Bob is survived by his wife, Carol (Gillett) VerSchure; son, Tim VerSchure (and his wife Gretchen, and their children Jade, Tyler and Reilly); daughter, Keri Kansagor (and her husband, Dave, and their children, Cole and Reese); brother, Tom VerSchure (and his wife, Liz); as well as his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Arlene VerSchure; and his sister, Barbara (VerSchure) Slye.

Bob was a loving husband, father and grandfather. A true gentleman, he was a great man with more patience than you’ve ever seen—humble, honest, quiet, with a warm smile, a generous heart and strong will. Bob was often described as the “kindest human you’d ever met,” who was always willing to do anything for anyone, wanting nothing in return. His family and friends will miss him every day but will always carry him in their hearts.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held in late July.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (donate3.cancer.org) and LifePath Hospice (lifepathhospice.chaptershealth. org). Friends and family may express their sympathies online at (www.legacy.com). S

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 143

LAST CALL

WILLIAM EDWARD DAVIS ’78 William E. Davis was born in Leesville, LA, on 7 October 1952 and succumbed to pancreatic cancer at his home in Mariposa, CA, on 7 January 2021.

During the Vietnam War, “Bill” joined the Marine Corps. An officer encouraged him to attend the Naval Academy and Bill graduated with a degree in history.

Following Annapolis, Bill returned to the Marines. He married his first wife, Linda, and they spent much of their time at Camp Pendleton. Bill obtained an MBA from National University, left the Marine Corps as a captain and went on to work in finance positions.

He and Linda started a dinner club in their Penasquitos neighborhood of San Diego, which included Bill’s best friends for over 30 years. Bill and Linda divorced in 2001 and one of the dinner club members set Bill up on Matchmaker.com, where he met Chery. They were married on 24 March 2002 at the Captain Kidd Naval Base, a gorgeous setting overlooking San Diego Bay. Chery and Bill retired and moved to Mariposa in 2005.

Bill worked as the Manager of Internal Audit for Delaware North Parks and Resorts in Yosemite. He was sworn in as Mariposa County Auditor on 4 January 2011. He worked hard to ensure that taxpayers’ funds were properly budgeted, controlled, spent and accounted for. He retired again in January 2015.

Bill enjoyed many hobbies, but one of the things he liked best was traveling. He and Chery took trips almost every year to U.S. National Parks and to locations around the world. Close friends from England would join them for trips to Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, England, Andorra and the U.S. Photography was another of Bill’s hobbies. At places like Bryce Canyon, Arches or Death Valley National Park, he would get up before the sunrise and hike out to a viewpoint that he had scouted the day before. Those photos almost always exposed the red reflection of the morning sun on rocks, cliffs, arches or hoodoos.

In 2018, Bill and Chery visited the Naval Academy for Bill’s 40th class reunion, where numerous stories about life as midshipmen were shared among Bill’s classmates.

Bill will be sorely missed for his knowledge of seemingly everything, his strong sense of right and wrong and his playful sense of humor. He usually had an impish smile and a funny remark that kept us all laughing. S

RICK ARTHUR MILLER ’81 Rick Miller passed peacefully on 5 November 2020 following a difficult year of poor health related to cancer, a battle that began for him as a midshipman at the Naval Academy. In spite of the setbacks that go with chemotherapy treatments, Rick graduated on time with his shipmates and then completed training in Athens, GA, to become a supply officer. His first assignment was back at USNA as midshipmen services officer until June of 1984, when he reported to Yokosuka with his new bride, Lisa Kaminkow of Annapolis, to become the assistant supply officer aboard FRANCIS HAMMOND until 1985. He served next as supply officer for FLETCHER until 1988. He was then assigned as contracting officer for DCMAO San Francisco, and then to the Oakland supply center until June 1993, when he transferred to the Naval Reserve.

144 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

In the private sector, Rick served more than 30 years as project/ program manager.

While work would sometimes take Rick away from the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills where he and Lisa lived, he always considered that to be his home. Rick had a wonderful sense of humor, a gift for gardening – especially growing hot peppers that he smoked in his wood fired smoker to create some awesome culinary treats. Rick also had a love of motorcycles and rode his 1990 Harley on long rides until his health declined in recent years.

Rick was a great patriot and a great American. He was a great friend and a terrific husband to Lisa. He will be sorely missed by all. Fair winds and following seas shipmate. S

ROBERT BERNARD POTHIER JR. ’92 “Bob” Pothier Jr. passed peacefully in the arms of his wife and in the presence of his mother and father, on Sunday, 14 February 2021, following a heroic battle with cancer.

Born on 23 May 1968, Bob was the first of four sons born to a naval aviator. He followed in his father’s footsteps to the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated with the great Class of 1992, earning a degree in political science and many lifelong friends.

Following his service, Bob met his wife, Brenda, on the softball field in 1996, where he stole her position and her heart. A great love affair ensued.

Bob went on to further his academic prowess by earning a master’s degree in journalism from Northeastern University and enjoyed working for Bank of America as Vice President of Interactive Design.

Bob was a devoted father, masterful writer, fierce athlete, incredibly talented musician and the most well-read person in the room. But his true opus is in the way he lived and loved.

Bob is survived by his wife of 20 years, Brenda Pothier; sons, Lucien and Julien; his father, Robert B. Pothier Sr. ’67; mother, Elaine Regan; three brothers, Matthew Pothier (and his wife, Carri, and their children) of Ewa Beach, HI, Christopher Pothier (and his wife, Katherine, and their children) of The Dalles, OR, and Jeffrey Pothier of Warner, NH. Bob is also greatly missed by Brenda’s family and countless nieces and nephews.

Funeral services and interment were private.

In lieu of flowers, Brenda requests that you consider furthering her initiative “Project Love” by writing someone who has had a positive impact in your life to let them know. If someone has wronged you, write it down, crumble it up and throw it away. Anger is a poison we drink, and you are too worthy to suffer.

Memorial donations may be made to the scholarship fund that has been established in memory of Bob’s godson, David Pothier, at Gold Medal Foundation, c/o Reading Cooperative Bank, 180 Haven Street, Reading, MA 01867; or to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center (https://giving.massgeneral.org/cancer/donate).

Please visit (www.driscollcares.com/obituary/Robert-PothierJr) to leave condolences for the family. S

The music is not in the notes, but in the silence in between.

—Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE • ANNAPOLIS

REAL ESTATE • ANNAPOLIS

REAL ESTATE • ANNAPOLIS

CHARLOTTE CHURCH (Wife of Dave ’67 and Mom of Kimberly ’91)

“Navy Wife Serving Annapolis and Anne Arundel County For More Than 35 Years”

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* 410-266-0600

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MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 145

CLASSIFIEDS RREAL ESTATE • EAST

REAL ESTATE • EAST

REAL ESTATE • EAST

Duncan Ingraham ’66 dningraham1@gmail.com Cell: 401-640-5928

Jeannie Ingraham jsingraham@aol.com Cell: 401-640-5929

AMY HOAG (Dexter ’96) CRS, ABR, GRI, ePRO Broker Associate 401-608-2906 office 401-481-5135 cell Amy@AmyHoag.com email www.AmyHoag.com

Your Real Estate Expert in Newport, RI MATTHEW COHEN PHOTOGRAPHY

PENTAGON, DC, NORTHERN VIRGINIA

********** Military Relocation Specialist Cutting Edge Marketing Listing, Sales, Rental Wife of Scott ’94 Associate Broker

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146 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

CENTURY 21 Top Sail

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REAL ESTATE • EAST

REAL ESTATE • MIDWEST

Angela Abernethy MRP,ASP Certified Licensed in Virginia

703-300-1693 (Cell) 703-357-9200 (Office) Wife of Thomas Abernethy ’78 Sister-In Law of Syd Abernethy ’81 and Mom of Alana Abernethy ’10

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REAL ESTATE • WEST

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Annapolis Waterfront Specialist

ALUMNI STORE Your source for class, club and chapter logo apparel and gifts. usna.com/shop

MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 147

CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE • WEST

REAL ESTATE • WEST

FINANCIAL SERVICES

The San Diego Union-Tribune Selects Eric Kalisky as the Best Realtor for San Diego For Honest and Expert Real Estate Representation Call Eric.

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Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

SERVICES

San Diego’s Number One Real Estate Company

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CAROL (BERRY) VASINA ‘87 Broker/Owner

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“18 years of exceptional Denver and Colorado Springs area real estate expertise, specializing in active duty and veteran transactions” 148 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

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CLASSIFIEDS FINANCIAL SERVICES

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MARCH-APRIL 2021 • SHIPMATE 149

CLASSIFIEDS MISCELLANY

MISCELLANY

MISCELLANY

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150 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

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EXECUTIVE OFFICE VOLUME 84 • NO. 2 Publisher Byron F. Marchant ’78 byron.marchant@usna.com Editor-in-Chief Kristen Pironis kristen.pironis@usna.com Editorial Senior Director of Communications Courtney Jolley courtney.jolley@usna.com Managing Editor Jimmy DeButts jimmy.debutts@usna.com Associate Editor Samantha Casamassima samantha.casamassima@usna.com Assistant Editors Anne Sharpe anne.sharpe@usna.com Bridie Bryant bridie.bryant@usna.com Design and Production Art Director/Production Manager Jackie Furton jackie.furton@usna.com Assistant Production Manager/Classes Editor Maria O’Shea maria.oshea@usna.com Chapter and Classes Editor Sandra Stansbury-Spadaro sandy.spadaro@usna.com Obituaries Editor Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury timothy.woodbury@usna.com Graphic Designer Heather Payne heather.payne@usna.com Copyeditor Captain Andrew Wilson ’77, USNR (Ret.) Contributing Editor Captain David Poyer ’71, USNR (Ret.) Kat Braz Contributing Photographers Captain Laura Hatcher ’92, USN (Ret.) 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/Corrections Submissions Editorial shipmate@usna.com Address/Delivery alumni@usna.com Bravo Zulu comms@usna.com Chapter ColumnsS chapternews@usna.com Class ColumnsS classnews@usna.com Obituaries obits@usna.com Register of Alumni registerofalumni@usna.com S

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Address emails to individual staff as follows: first name . last name @ usna.com 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, MarchApril, May, June, July-August, September, October and November-December). Copyrighted 2021 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.

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Byron F. Marchant ’78 President Gwenn Dennis Executive Administrator for the President ENGAGEMENT OPERATIONS Craig Washington ’89 410-295-4089 Vice President, Engagement Elizabeth Beedenbender 410-295-4166 Executive Administrator Scott Gaiser ’05 410-295-4068 Director, Real Estate, Facilities and IT Operations Joe Fagan ’89 410-295-4035 Director, Career Programs Holly Powers 410-295-4017 Director, Class Programs Carrie Carroll 410-295-4062 Membership/Records Assistant Cynthia Belt 410-295-4000 Member Services Coordinator Santina Rivera 410-295-4000 Member Services Coordinator Programs and Services Tonya McGinnis 410-295-4022 Assistant Director, Career Programs Melissa Nelson 410-295-4021 Coordinator, Joint Service Academy Career Programs Strategy and Special Projects Elliott Saunders 410-295-4086 Business Analyst, Strategy and Special Projects Information Technology Garrett Keating 410-295-4087 Director, Information Technology Jordan Bailey 410-295-4060 Computer and Information Systems Manager Denise Clark 410-295-4079 Database Engineer Derrick Planz 410-295-4067 Senior Software Developer Rick Clark 410-295-4088 Systems Administrator Ashley Norfolk 410-295-4084 SQL Application Developer Facilities John Cooper Facilities Manager John Taylor Facilities Assistant

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STAFF AND ASSISTANCE DEVELOPMENT CONTINUED Gabbie Kulcsar 410-295-4147 Director, Annual Giving Megan Farmer 410-295-4188 Director, President’s Circle Clay Evans 410-295-4034 Coordinator, Class Legacy Gift Programs Hannah Geib 410-295-4127 Annual Giving Programs Coordinator Development Services Adriana Bitoun 410-295-4150 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 Shirley Crawford Gift Administrator Laura Brashears Gift Administrator

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FOUNDATION ATHLETIC AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS Don Hughes ’88 410-295-4099 Vice President 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

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CLASSIFIEDS

CLEAR THE DECK Best Advice 2 Naval Academy alumni have found inspiration from mentors, their predecessors at the Academy, faculty and their peers in the fleet.

The response from alumni regarding best advice was so great for the January-February issue, Shipmate is publishing a second round.

Penny Pinching A classmate with prior fleet service huddled a bunch of us plebes at the start of Plebe Summer in 1964 to teach us how to spit shine our black shoes to a high gloss. As we all opened our brand new flat cans of KIWI shoe polish, he told us a secret.

Place a penny in the center of the black wax.

As you dab your shine rag into the wax from now on, dab into the area AROUND that penny. That will prevent the wax from being used just from the center, resulting in a hole in the middle, and having to scrape subsequent wax from the edges.

He said it would make that can of KIWI shoe polish last longer.

When I graduated in 1968, I was still using my plebe-issue can of shoe polish! I shined a lot of shoes in those previous four years. I was still using that can of shoe polish well into my subsequent commissioned service!

I passed on this advice to my son who was in the Class of 1997. He, too, was able to extend the life of his Plebe Summer can of KIWI shoe polish.

—Captain Don Vtipil ’68, USN (Ret.)

152 SHIPMATE • MARCH-APRIL 2021

be better informed of your options. Assess where you spend your time; find the areas in your daily battle rhythm that aren’t helping you reach your service selection goal and put the rudder over hard to ensure your daily habits put you on a path charted towards achieving your service goal.

—Lieutenant Commander Eric D. Smitley ’08, USN PCO WARRIOR

Gator Aid It was fall of my second-class year in 1981, and I was drinking water from a fire hose. Cables was impossible to understand, Materials Science was pure Chinese and I had a ‘D’ in Celestial Navigation. I just couldn’t prioritize my academics. Plus, I was playing rugby, so I was always tired, beat-up and sore.

That was when a grizzly, ol’ firstie told me “You’ve got to fight the alligator that's closest to the boat.” That phrase got me through my second-class year.

—Lieutenant Colonel John Scanlan ’83, USMC (Ret.)

Tracking Time When I started keeping track of my study time, I found I was studying maybe 15 hours per week.

That was surprising. This was when Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, USN (Ret.), Class of 1922, made a big deal about studying 30 hours per week. I worked to better my study time quality and quantity. Trips to the head and steerage did not count.

I tracked my time daily. I used the Trident calendar to write down my assignments, two weeks out or further for some things. I also took a speed-reading course, it certainly helped.

My grades went from 1.72 to 3.0.

Interestingly, when I went to see Admiral Rickover, he noted the improvement and asked me how many hours a week I studied. I had just gone back through about three years of Trident calendars to prepare for that question.

I told him “27.4 hours per week sir.” He told me not to be a smart aleck. I told him I had been recording my study time, that was the actual average over the last three years and the low was x, the high was y, the median was this, the mode was that and during finals it was such and such.

We quickly went on to the next topic!

—Captain John Kittler ’75, USN (Ret.) ®

Service Selection Sage Best advice from my time in Annapolis would be to think about your service selection early and often, and seek out senior officers who are willing to mentor. Foster a spirit of professional curiosity to learn about all the communities and PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VTIPIL FAMILY

Pick A Ship That Needs Help The best advice came during a Superintendent’s call with then-Vice Admiral Kinnaird R. McKee ’51, USN (Ret.). He talked about the importance of conducting oneself in a professional manner at all times. I will never forget his words. He said that a true professional does best what he likes least. Those words stuck with me my whole career. I believe it helped me become a more complete naval officer as I embraced learning new things and becoming proficient at things that I otherwise might have shrugged off.

One other piece of valuable advice concerning service selection came out of that same call with Vice Admiral McKee, and following that advice changed the trajectory of my career in the Navy.

McKee recommended we not pick the newest, shiniest ship, but rather, we pick a ship that needed help. As a SWO, I chose an aircraft carrier

even though my class ranking afforded me the opportunity to pick a newer ship. I was told by some officers that I would be lost on a carrier and would never earn my SWO pin. But my commitment to do best, what I liked least, served me well in that environment and I earned my SWO pin on SARATOGA while still an ensign.

Thank you, Admiral McKee. —Commander John M. Kurowski ’78, USNR (Ret.)

Editor’s note: This is a feature in which Naval Academy alumni provide short answers to questions about their experiences on the Yard or in the Fleet.

This issue’s question: What advice would you give to midshipmen prior to their ship selection?

Please send responses (200-words or less) to Managing Editor Jimmy DeButts at: jimmy.debutts@usna.com.

CAPT Don Vtipil ’68, USN (Ret.), and his son, LCDR Richard D. Vtipil ’97, USN (Ret.), during the 18 June 1993 retirement ceremony for CAPT Vtipil.

Submissions have been edited for length and Shipmate style.

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