Issuu

1,000 WORDS

Shine On

PHOTO BY MC3 THOMAS BONAPARTE JR.

The newly fitted copper of the Naval Academy Chapel’s dome glistens in the Annapolis summer sun.

1,000 WORDS

Major Promotion A promotion ceremony was held on 26 July for MajGen Brian W. Cavanaugh ’90, USMC, at Hopper Hall. Cavanaugh’s newest stars were added to his shoulder boards by MajGen Charles F. Bolden ’68, USMC (Ret.), and Col Chris McMenomy, USMC (Ret.).

2 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 3

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE

PHOTOS BY DEBBIE LATTA

By Byron F. Marchant ’78

Moments from the Class of 2025 Legacy Reception during Plebe Parents Weekend: Addressing the crowd; with Superintendent VADM Sean S. Buck ’83, USN; with Another Link in the Chain Representative and Class President Chris Cikanovich ’75; members of the Class of 1989 and Legacy Parents CDR Jim Joyner ’89, USN (Ret.), and RADM Sara Joyner ’89, USN (Ret.), Adrienne Brandicourt ’89 and Harry Brandicourt ’89, RADM Doug Perry ’89, USN, and JoAnne Perry, CDR Jim Clautice ’89, USN (Ret.), and Abby Clautice, Jan Washington and CDR Craig Washington ’89, USN (Ret.).

t the end of a typically busy and hot Annapolis August, we celebrated the end of Plebe Summer, Brigade Reform, the excitement surrounding Plebe Parent Weekend and the opportunity for families to reconnect in person with members of the Class of 2025. We were thrilled to welcome nearly 100 family members of Class of 2025 legacy midshipmen to Ogle Hall for a special reception honoring their families’ contributions to the Naval Academy’s rich tradition and bright future. We look forward to many more opportunities to gather with alumni and friends of all generations in the months to come. With all the joy and pride we feel with this start of what will surely be another remarkable academic and

4 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

athletic year at the Naval Academy, it is still impossible not to turn our attention to 11 September 2001. 9/11 will always resonate within the Naval Academy community as we remember and honor the 14 alumni lost that horriﬁc day. On this 20th anniversary of 9/11, we pause to reﬂect on the lives of those alumni and the thousands of others lost at the Pentagon, the World Trade Center buildings and in Shanksville, PA. The Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation will continue to support the families and friends whose loved ones perished, as well as alumni killed in action and operational losses through our Honor Our Fallen Heroes programming and the efforts of our Run to Honor Shared Interest Group. This issue concludes our

series commemorating the 9/11 attacks and their impact on the Navy and Marine Corps communities. Stories like this are integral to the Alumni Association and Shipmate mission, and one we’ve made specific strides to advance in recent months since Commander Craig Washington ’89, USN (Ret.), executive vice president for engagement and communications, became editor-in-chief of the magazine. In addition to Craig’s editor’s note reinforcing the significance of the contents of each issue and better showcasing how readers can connect with our enterprise staff, we have been intentional in spotlighting alumni who are living the Naval Academy mission in all aspects of their lives. You can find an example in this issue’s spotlight on Lieutenant Adam Johnson ’13, SC, USN, and Lieutenant John-Rex Spivey ’13, USN, with the Naval Junior Officer Counsel on page 30. Best wishes for a happy and healthy fall. We look forward to seeing you soon. a

Planned Fall 2021 Events As we went to press, we were looking forward to a series of events that would allow our Navy alumni community to celebrate the bonds that make the Navy family so remarkable. Uncertainty in the COVID-19 environment may ultimately shift some of the specifics of these plans, but our commitment to the ideals and principles they represent is unwavering. 2 September: 2020 Distinguished Graduate Award Medal Ceremony 11 September: Honor Our Fallen Heroes 1-3 October: 2/C Parents Weekend 21-23 October: President’s Circle Weekend 11 December: Army-Navy Tailgate and Game

SHIPMATE U N I T E D

S TAT E S

N AVA L

A C A D E M Y

A L U M N I

A S S O C I AT I O N

A N D

F O U N D AT I O N

VOLUME 84 • NO. 6

IN THIS ISSUE DEPARTMENTS 4 Letter from the President

THE DAY OUR WORLD CHANGED

Byron F. Marchant ’78

The widow of Captain Robert E. Dolan ’81, USN, shares her efforts to ensure those lost on 9/11 are remembered. 16

HONORING OUR FALLEN HEROES The Alumni Association welcomes families and friends of fallen heroes back to Annapolis. 20

6 All Hands 6 Advertisers Index 25 An Ocean Away

Commander Jack Holthaus ’05, USN

33 39 40 42 104 127 128 138 144

RUN TO HONOR The alumni community is preserving stories of honor and valor. 12

YARD WORK Plebe Summer prepares incoming midshipmen for the rigors of the Naval Academy. 26

SPEAKING UP Naval Junior Officer Counsel aims to be conduit to senior leadership. 30

IN MEMORIAM Remembering alumni lost on 9/11. 24

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

AN UPDATE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT Academy Superintendent notes challenges of navigating the pandemic, embraces signs of normalcy. 36 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.

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 American flags are lined along Stribling Walk by midshipmen each year to honor those lost on 9/11. Photo courtesy of USNA

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 5

ALL HANDS PHOTO COURTESY KRISTIN CRONIC ’11

Editor’s Note With this issue, we conclude our series recognizing the 20th anniversary of 9/11. I’d like to thank all those alumni and friends who helped us reflect on this painful moment in our shared history with dignity and grace, especially Lisa Dolan, widow of Captain Robert Dolan ’81, USN, whose column can be found on page 18. Captain Dolan was killed in his office in the Pentagon, and Mrs. Dolan has dedicated the years since to ensuring that he and others lost in the Pentagon that day are never forgotten. That commitment guides our Honor Our Fallen Heroes program and the work of the Run To Honor Shared Interest Group, particularly their Virtual Memorial Hall project. I encourage you to visit usnamemorialhall.org to add your personal memories of the classmates and shipmates memorialized there. This issue also features a spotlight on the Naval Junior Officer Counsel (NJOC), an effort spearheaded by Lieutenant Adam Johnson ’13, SC, USN, and now directed by Lieutenant John-Rex Spivey ’13, USN, president of the Class of 2013 and a member of the Alumni Association Board of Trustees. NJOC’s purpose is to provide senior Navy leaders information regarding interests and concerns LT John-Rex Spivey ’13, USN, with LT Adam Johnson ’13, specific to active-duty SC, USN and full-time support reservist junior officers in the Navy. Personally, I can see it affecting unit level readiness, while fostering Navy junior officer retention. This could become a more deliberate experiential leadership development model for junior officer training, and I commend Adam and John-Rex for their initiative and ingenuity in getting this new program, which is now recognized by the Chief of Naval Operations’ Task Force One Navy as a sensing and seeking element, off the ground. A key aspect of NJOC’s mission is bridging generational gaps, a goal that also helps guide the Alumni Mentoring Program (AMP). Initially conceived and supported philanthropically by the Class of 1969, AMP currently has more than 4,000 alumni paired in mentor/protégé relationships designed to help alumni at all stages of their careers navigate personal and professional challenges. You can learn more about AMP and how you can get involved at usna.com/amp. As we went to press, we were looking forward with great anticipation to increasing opportunities to reconnect in person and celebrate our Naval Academy connections in Annapolis and nationwide. Best wishes for continued health and happiness for the entire Naval Academy family. Sincerely, Commander Craig Washington ’89, USN (Ret.) Editor-in-Chief ®

6 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

A Naval Academy grad kept a love for art alive through a Navy career. Now, her art is on display at the Naval Academy Museum.

Naval Academy Museum Features Art by Cronic ’11 In 2007, while researching the Naval Academy before embarking on her own experience as an Academy plebe, Kristin (Otterson) Cronic ’11 discovered Pete Souza’s collection of Plebe Summer photographs. The black-and-white photos captured raw moments like detailers screaming at plebes and the meticulous craft of making a rack, which helped Cronic understand what to expect going into a summer like no other. As a plebe with a growing interest in art, Cronic remembers many moments she wished to capture herself, like the sun rising at a muggy morning parade practice and Stribling Walk at dusk. Nearly a decade later, Cronic was able to document such moments with her own 20-piece art collection, “A Midshipman’s Journey,” on display at the Naval Academy Museum for the next year. After being commissioned as a surface warfare officer and marrying her classmate Caleb Cronic ’11, Cronic began filling her free time between deployments with painting. Shortly after transferring to engineering duty, Cronic had a daughter and resigned from the Navy after six years. She hung her uniform up on a Thursday in 2017 and Hurricane Irma flooded her home just three days later. “No pun intended, it was a perfect storm of situations,” said Cronic. “I was losing my identity as an officer, I was a new mom and pregnant. I ended up taking a job that wasn’t a great fit. We were in the house as it flooded. I hit rock bottom and in that space, I started painting again.” In 2018, Cronic created an Etsy shop called Easel on Stribling and listed her first series of Academy-themed art using watercolors. Cronic’s collection grew in popularity and in 2020, the Museum reached out to Cronic to ask if she would be interested in curating a concept for them. Cronic’s collection, “A Midshipman’s Journey,” takes the viewer through the Academy experience, starting from the acceptance of an appointment to commissioning day. It will remain on display on the second floor of the museum for at least the next year as part of the Academy’s 175th Anniversary titled “Ex scientia tridens.” ®

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Herff Jones........................Inside Front Cover Jostens ..........................................................23 Navy Mutual Aid ........................................35 Riverside Health ..........................................19 USAA ..............................................................9 USAA ................................Inside Front Cover USNA Foundation ......................................32 Village at Providence ....................................3

Alumni Products and Services Alumni Merchandise: Chairs................41 Alumni Travel 2022..............................40 Service Academy Career Conference 2021..................41 Virtual Event Series ..............................40

Del Toro ’83 Confirmed as Secretary of the Navy The Senate confirmed Commander Carlos Del Toro ’83, USN (Ret.), as Secretary of the Navy in August. Del Toro, a former surface warfare officer, was the final Defense Department service secretary to be confirmed by the Senate. The Cuban-born Naval Academy graduate served in the Navy for 22 years in uniform before working as a Pentagon civilian and then as the head of a Northern Virginia information technology firm. “Carlos Del Toro’s lifelong pursuits and deep experience advancing America’s national security make him well-prepared to serve as the 78th Secretary of the Navy,” said Defense Secretary LLoyd Austin. “He understands firsthand the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing our Navy, from addressing the pacing challenge of China and modernizing our capabilities, to investing in our most valuable asset—our people.”

During his confirmation hearing, Del Toro said he supported a shift in global priorities for the Navy and Marine Corps and said he would advocate for more resources for the department in the next budget. “I believe that as our nation shifts from a land-based strategy over the past 20 years fighting the wars in the Middle East to a more dominant maritime strategy in the Pacific—particularly in our efforts to deter China— I do believe that our Navy-Marine Corps team will need additional resources to be able to fully field the combat effectiveness we will need as a nation to do so,” Del Toro told lawmakers. “And I am committed—in fact that it’s my responsibility—to make that case to the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the administration moving forward in the Fiscal Year [20]23 budget.” Del Toro has been a valued volunteer leader for the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, most recently serving on the Board of Trustees Special Committee on the Alumni Culture, Diversity and Inclusion as well as the Action Committee on Alumni Culture, Diversity and Inclusion. ®

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIDN JACK SHERMAN ’23

PHOTO COURTESY RADM TIM MCGEE ’78, USN (RET.)

Sherman ’23 and Father Save Boater Stranded 40 Miles Offshore

RADM Tim McGee ’78, USN (Ret.), uses familiar formula for success in winning the Don Backe Memorial CRAB Regatta.

McGee ’78 Uses Familiar Formula to Take the Lead at Don Backe Memorial CRAB Regatta In August 2020, Rear Admiral Tim McGee ’78, USN (Ret.), made history when he and a crew of former Naval Academy sailors captured the 14th annual Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) Cup, marking the first time one of CRAB’s Beneteau First 22A sloops was the overall winner of the pursuit race. In June 2021, McGee stuck with the same formula for success while competing in the 22nd annual Don Backe Memorial CRAB Regatta. The former captain of the Naval Academy intercollegiate dinghy team and All-American brought home the win with the same crewmates, Paul Van Cleve ’79 and Pam Corwin ’83. Van Cleve called tactics and trimmed the jib while Corwin trimmed the main as McGee won three of five races and posted a low score of eight points which placed the team six above runner-up Kevin Detwiler. “Paul calls the laylines and tacks and Pam is trimming the main at all times. They know how to keep the boat moving and make my job easy,” said McGee. “It was a really great regatta and Annapolis Yacht Club ran airtight races. They were johnny-on-the-spot with setting a fair course.” McGee, 66, lost function on the right side of his body after suffering a stroke five years ago. ®

Midshipman Jack Sherman ’23 and his father, Andrew, were deep-sea fishing 40 miles of the coast of North Carolina when a boat nearly ran them over. The pair, with more than five decades of boating experience between them, quickly realized no one was on board and began a frantic effort Roanoke father-son duo rescue missing boater to locate the missing captain. 40 miles off North Carolina coast. “As the boat passes 15 yards behind our stern, we look in and there’s a little cabin in front so you can’t really see what’s going on, but you can really easily see the pilothouse where the guy would be driving and there was no one standing there,” said Midshipman Sherman. The duo chased the boat down but after receiving no response from anyone onboard, they feared the captain had suffered a medical issue or fallen overboard. While matching the runaway boat’s speed of 10 miles per hour, Sherman was able to jump onto its stern and pull the two boats together. He immediately discovered the captain’s ID and other personal gear and notified the Coast Guard who sent an all-call out on the radio searching for a man overboard. The Shermans were worried about the amount of time it would take for the Coast Guard to begin searching so they took matters into their own hands. The un-manned boat had multiple GPS units onboard so the two were able to review their historical data and pinpoint where the boat had come from. They split up and began their search following the history in the GPS. After coming across a pair of boat shoes floating in the water, both Shermans feared the worst but after a few passes around where the boat had last been marked on a straight line, they found the missing captain, Sascha Scheller, flailing his arms in the water to get their attention. He had been treading water for nearly three hours and was close to complete exhaustion. “He said his legs were locking up, he was cramping really badly, and he just laid there on the back of the deck and recovered a little bit. Then he came in and we hugged, and he said thank you for saving my life,” said Andrew Sherman. ® SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 7

ALL HANDS

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT FREDERICK GOLDHAMMER ’93, USN

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT LAURA HATCHER ’92, USN

Hatcher ’92 Pays It Forward Captain Laura Hatcher ’92, USN (Ret.), was serving as an intelligence officer and living in Fairfax, VA, in 2015 when she decided to register for a night course in basic photography to help get her through the winter doldrums. The first few classes were filled with math equations— Hatcher’s least favorite subject— which led her to initially despise the course, but she pushed through and came to understand the camera as a sort of passport. Portrait of success: Veteran pays it forward. “What I discovered from my course teacher at the time is that you get access to places with a camera. If you’re not supposed to be there, you can beg forgiveness,” said Hatcher. After a class tour photographing the inside of the National Cathedral, Hatcher was hooked. In 2017, Hatcher found her way into a small photo studio in Alexandria, VA, and met photographer Katie Garlock. Hatcher asked Garlock to be her mentor. After Garlock loaned her lighting equipment to use at her home, Hatcher began offering free headshots to service members in the Transition Assistance Program, adding a professional headshot to their post-military job searches. “I’d spend time each month helping those over at Joint Base AnacostiaBolling and set up in the break room to give the entire class complimentary head shots,” said Hatcher. “I do it because that first year I was out of service, I was struggling to find my footing, and didn’t know what was missing. I realized it was a loss of community and talking to people that understood me.” Hatcher now collaborates with the Richmond, VA-based nonprofit, Boots to Suits, which provides veterans with business attire, enabling them to look and feel their best for job interviews, while she provides the professional headshots. This year, after four years of mentoring, Garlock retired and Hatcher assumed the rent on the studio, now the home of Laura Hatcher Photography. For her continued service, Hatcher was honored at the 2021 Virginia Women Veterans Summit in June with the Trailblazer Award from the Virginia Department of Veteran Services which recognizes creativity, vision, courage, commitment and tenacity in advocating for and creating changes to improve the quality of life for Virginia’s women veterans. ®

“I think it’s a very interesting place to come of age. Everyone comes in as a 17- or 18-year-old and they come out as officers and you’re driving ships and just doing things that aren’t normal for a 22-year-old. I ﬁnd that transformation interesting.” —Kristin Cronic ’11 on her Naval Academy Museum collection, “A Midshipman’s Journey,” which takes the viewer through the Academy experience, starting from the acceptance of an appointment to commissioning day. For more information turn to page 6. 8 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

RONALD REAGAN celebrates former First Lady’s 100th birthday with her favorite cookies.

Goldhammer ’93 and RONALD REAGAN Celebrate Late First Lady’s 100th Birthday with Favorite Cookies Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier RONALD REAGAN took a moment from their routines this July to celebrate a special anniversary with a sweet treat. In honor of the 100th birthday of former First Lady Nancy Reagan, wife of the REAGAN’s namesake, sailors prepared chocolate chip cookies on 6 July with a recipe provided by the Reagan Foundation’s Roland Mesnier, former White House executive pastry chef. The recipe was Reagan’s favorite cookie during her time as first lady and to honor her memory, the ship’s culinary specialists used it to prepare hundreds of cookies that were served on the carrier’s mess decks. “Our talented culinary specialists recreated a treasured dessert in her memory, and this is something that all of us can enjoy together,” said Captain Fred Goldhammer ’93, USN, RONALD REAGAN’s commanding officer. ®

Follow Us on Social Media and Share Your Stories! We want to share your great news and accomplishments so all can see the amazing things USNA alumni do. Be sure to share with us by tagging @usnaalumni on Facebook (www.facebook.com/usnaalumni), Instagram (www.instagram.com/ usnaalumni) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/ company/412006/ admin/). You can also send us a personal message on any of our social media channels with your stories, photos and shipmates’ accomplishments! Follow us on our social media channels and to share those with fellow classmates and company mates to stay connected and receive updates about USNA and alumni news. ®

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

FEATURE

10 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

As part of a year-long series commemorating the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Shipmate honors and remembers Naval Academy alumni lost on that tragic day. This issue includes the following stories that illustrate how the Academy community remembers them and all alumni who made the ultimate sacriﬁce for our country. In this issue, Shipmate features: Run To Honor: How the alumni community preserves stories of honor and valor

The Day Our World Changed: by Lisa Dolan, widow of Captain Robert E. Dolan ’81, USN

Honor our Fallen Heroes In Memoriam: Remembering alumni lost on 9/11

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 11

FEATURE

PRESERVING STORIES OF HONOR AND VALOR By Kim Catley

12 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

WE WILL

NEVER FORGET

n December 1944, Captain Francis Bridget, USN, Class of 1921, boarded ORYOKU MARU to be transported to Japan after being held as a POW in the Philippine Islands. The ship was sunk by American planes at Subic Bay and the survivors were boarded onto ENOURA MARU. While docked in Taiwan, the second ship was also bombed by American planes and many on board were killed. Bridget survived, but succumbed to his injuries while on board BRAZIL MARU before it reached Japan on 29 January 1945. Throughout the chaos and uncertainty, Bridget maintained command over the 800 American POWs packed into the ship’s holds. He repeatedly risked his life attempting to negotiate with his captors. For his efforts, he was awarded a posthumous Legion of Merit. Bridget’s story is one of sacriﬁce and valor—and one that might have been lost to time if not for the efforts of Run to Honor, a group of Naval Academy alumni dedicated to preserving the legacies of all fallen shipmates.

Honoring Shipmates Run to Honor has its roots in the Class of 1995 after three classmates were killed

in action in the span of two years in the Global War on Terrorism—Lieutenant Commander Erik S. Kristensen ’95, USN; Major Megan M. McClung ’95, USMC; and Major Doug A. Zembiec ’95, USMC. “When Doug Zembiec was killed in action in May of 2007, that really hit us hard,” said Commander David K. Richardson ’95, USN, a director and co-founder of Run to Honor. “He had a reputation not only among our classmates as a warrior, but throughout the Marine Corps.” Richardson and Jeffrey R. Webb ’95 were processing their grief when they separately arrived at an idea to gather a group of alumni and run the Marine Corps Marathon in honor of their fallen classmates. They each approached their class president with the proposal, who then connected them. Along with Lieutenant Commander Giovanna Kostrubala Meek ’95, USNR, they formed a committee to organize the run. Their goal was simple: get 95 people to run the marathon or the 10K in honor of the Class of ’95. “It exploded,” Richardson said. “We ended up having several hundred people participate that weekend. And we

The Class of 1995 pays tribute to the fallen members of their class in a 2007 Run to Honor event. SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 13

FEATURE

Col Justin Wickens ’60, USMC (Ret.), participated in the 2014 Marine Corps Marathon. Photo courtesy of Pat McConnell

had hundreds of supporters there and signs all over the course.” With the added interest, the committee decided to host a dinner at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium the night before the race to motivate runners and show support to the families of the deceased. Colonel John Ripley ’62, USMC (Ret.), known for his extraordinary service in Vietnam, was a mentor to Zembiec and guest speaker at the dinner. Special guests included former Superintendent Rear Admiral Tom Lynch ’64, USN (Ret.); former Commandant of Midshipmen Captain Randy Bogle ’68, USN (Ret.); and former Deputy Commandant of Midshipmen Major General Charles Bolden ’68, USMC (Ret.). The dinner also included a tribute to Zembiec, McClung and Kristensen, as well as three other classmates—Lieutenant Brendan J. Duffy ’95, USN;

Lieutenant Bruce J. Donald ’95, USN; and Lieutenant Richard S. Pugh ’95, USN—who were killed in military operations between 1996 and 2001. Dave Paddock ’77 was a member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees when he was invited to participate in the 10K race. He recalls the emotion in the crowd as McClung’s father presented the Penguin Award—which McClung created during the 2006 MCM Forward in Iraq—to the last place marathon ﬁnisher. “It just hit home how real it is,” said Paddock, who serves as president of Run to Honor. “It affected me, and I wanted to participate in this organization. In October of 1983, I had a classmate I didn’t know, Captain Michael J. Ohler ’77, USMC, who was killed by a sniper in Beirut. And then the next week, I’m watching the news and I see the name of two of my friends, Captain Vincent L. Smith ’76, USMC, and Lieutenant James F. Surch ’77, USN, who were killed in a bombing. “We all got involved because we wanted to do something to honor our shipmates, our classmates, and to make sure that the families know that we recognize them and their losses.” Webb and Richardson were also inspired by McClung’s father that day. After the race, McClung approached them about the success of the event and closed by saying, “See you next year.” Surprised, Webb and Richardson turned to each other. They had gone into the weekend thinking it was a singular event, but both agreed they had stumbled upon something special. The organizers soon decided to make Run to Honor an annual event and honor every graduate on the walls in Memorial Hall—and their families. “It’s not only doing all we can to tell the stories of the heroes that represent the best of the Naval Academy,” Richardson said. “It’s about supporting their families that are left behind. I’ve learned that that grief will never go away for them. As an organization, we have been able to do all that we can to, as a Naval Academy family, put our arms around them and let them know that we’re here for them in small ways and big.” Over the years, the dinner continued to expand, while the Naval Academy Alumni Association launched its own efforts to honor alumni killed in The Run to Honor Shared Interest Group is dedicated to preserving the legacies of all fallen shipmates. Participants often wear shirts, like this one from a 2014 event, emblazoned with the name of a loved one or friend. Photo courtesy of Pat McConnell

14 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

WE WILL

NEVER FORGET combat and during military operations. At ﬁrst, the two organizations held overlapping events during the same weekend. Now, the Alumni Association hosts Honor Our Fallen Heroes, a weekend-long event, as well as on-ﬁeld recognition of fallen classmates and their families during a football game. Run to Honor, meanwhile, has evolved into a Shared Interest Group within the Association and offers its support for the weekend’s events. Together, they’re planning the next weekend, which will be held on 11 September 2021 and will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the attacks and the alumni lost during the subsequent Global War on Terrorism. “[The Alumni Aassociation] is truly institutionalizing how we are honoring and remembering our fallen shipmates, and Honor our Fallen Heroes is the most visible aspect of that,” Webb said. “Run to Honor is like a startup that can move quickly and do what we want. They have a platform to bring together family members and to get the word out. There’s a place for both of these in the work that we’re doing, and we’ve collaborated well.”

‘Not Just a Name’ In 2015, Richardson received an email from Deanna Matzko Stash whose father, Major Dean Matzko ’66, USMC, died in 1979. She was up late one night, searching the internet for information about her father, when she stumbled across his name on the Run to Honor website in a program from the most recent dinner. Matzko and Richardson began corresponding. They traded stories about her father, a Vietnam veteran and pilot, and her brother, a Naval Academy graduate stationed in Maryland. Richardson responded by telling her about the purpose of Run to Honor and she attended the next dinner. Soon after, an idea began to take shape among the members of Run to Honor. What if they could tell the stories behind every name in Memorial Hall? The board approached Pat McConnell ’02, a computer science major who built a website for his class. They started with the list of names and McConnell began searching for any details he could find. Four million words later, the Virtual Memorial Hall (https://usnamemorialhall.org) is a digital record of the more than 2,700 names etched into the walls of the physical Memorial Hall. This includes alumni from the Class of 1846 to the present. Most records have at least their cause of death and a Lucky Bag entry, as well as awards and commendations. McConnell and two other researchers take one name at a time, scouring the internet, the Navy directory and officer register, Naval publications and genealogical history sites. The personal stories come in from family members, friends and classmates. Some stumble across the site, or a post on Facebook. There’s often an increase in submissions around Memorial Day. McConnell is eager to capture these stories. “I’ve got a lot of data, like, in 1904 they were stationed at this ship,” McConnell said. “What I’m more interested in is trying to find testimonials of them—he was a strait-laced officer, or he was a joker or everyone loved the guy. We’re trying to put some life behind the names. “Memorial Hall is an amazing place, but it’s also pretty cold. It’s a lot of granite, a lot of open space—and that’s perfect for what it is. But the benefit of a website is I can put every picture I come across, and make those linkages between other people in Memorial Hall, try to do our best to flesh these men and women out as people and not just a name or a statistic.” The website has become a destination for researchers. Last year, 128,000 visitors came to the site. They land on the site while researching a distant relative from generations past, or wondering what happened to a classmate from high school who served in Vietnam. Some of those visitors include the Naval Academy’s newest midshipmen. Thanks to a new program called First Link, every plebe is assigned a unique name in Memorial

Hall. They’re responsible for knowing the person’s story and many plebes start their research in the Virtual Memorial Hall. “As a current member of the faculty, it’s special to see the stories of these heroes live on,” Richardson said. “Knowing some of them personally, it’s hard not to get choked up when Doug [Zembiec] is the focus of a Brigade honor discussion or the plebes run by Erik [Kristensen]’s grave at Hospital Point and stop to learn about leadership. The valor and sacriﬁce of the Academy’s ﬁnest truly resonates and inspires the next generation.” Whether it’s recognition at a football game, or Marine Corps Marathon and Memorial Day runs, or an entry on a website, those remembrances—and supporting the families left behind— are the undercurrent of everything Run to Honor does. “It’s hard to conceptualize that feeling of loss until it happens to you,” Paddock said. “You feel it in an enduring way, even if you didn’t know that person; if he or she was a classmate or shipmate, you feel it. And you know, but for the grace of God, it could have been you. “So, each class has a responsibility to keep their classmates’ memories alive and stay connected to the families as long as they wish to be contacted.” a

CAPT Ralph E. Janikowsky ’77, USN (Ret.), and his wife, Linda, attended the 2015 Run to Honor ceremony. Photo courtesy of Pat McConnell

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 15

FEATURE

16 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

WE WILL

NEVER FORGET

THE DAY OUR WORLD CHANGED By Lisa Dolan, widow of Captain Robert E. Dolan ’81, USN

The Pentagon Memorial honors those lost when Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon on 9/11. It opened on 11 September 2008.

ur lives evolve and change every day until our days on Earth end. Hopefully, the evolution is filled with many blessings. Sometimes, a change can catastrophically alter our lives. September 11, 2001 changed the lives of thousands directly and millions indirectly. It’s been 20 years since the attacks of September 11, 2001 when many loved ones were heartlessly taken away. Mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, to name a few, tragically experienced the death of their loved one, while the world watched the painful evolution. My world changed on 9/11. I lost my husband; my two children lost their father. My husband, a naval officer, was working in the Pentagon on 9/11. His office took a direct hit from Flight 77, when it was purposefully flown into the west side of the Pentagon. I met Bob, a midshipman at the Naval Academy, 42 years ago. My brother planned some dates for me during his June Week 1979. One of those dates was with Bob Dolan ’81. My brother, Mark, and Bob were in 20th Company. Bob and I began dating that summer. During Commissioning Week 1980, I wore Bob’s class ring around my neck, and dipped it ceremoniously into the waters of the Seven Seas. Forty years ago, I stood on his left side, his mother stood on his right, and we each replaced his first-class midshipman boards, with his new ensign boards. He had a stellar career including commanding a ship, just before this tour at the Pentagon. Bob has been part of my life for 42 years. Thirty-eight years ago, we were married, and so began my life as a Navy wife. We had a wonderful life together, even if too short. We have two beautiful children—Rebecca and Beau are our greatest blessings. Our family has grown since Bob’s death. We gained a daughter-in-law and our first grandchild, our newest blessing. On 9/11, I dropped my children at school. I drove to the first day of school at the preschool where I taught. It was a beautiful day. The sky was a gorgeous hue of blue, sun, no clouds. Bob called me each morning before I began my workday, 9/11 was no different. He called me at approximately 8:55 a.m. and told me a plane hit the World Trade Center’s North Tower. We briefly discussed the horror. I was a native New Yorker. Bob was a native New Jerseyite. This horrific “accident” struck us. What else could this be, but a terrifying SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 17

FEATURE

“… ‘never forget’ isn’t just a motto for us. We were determined our loved ones’ lives were not forgotten.”

accident. However, at 9:03 a.m., a second plane flew into the World Trade Center South Tower, and I knew it was no accident. I tried calling Bob, but I never spoke to him again. I later learned he was working the crisis in the Navy Command Center. We didn’t know the Pentagon was next, or a fourth flight would try to take out another American institution. At 9:37 a.m., Flight 77 ripped through the West side of the Pentagon killing 184 men, women and children. Flight 93, the last hijacked plane, crashed into a field in Shanksville, PA, at 10:03 a.m. The passengers rushed the cockpit upon learning of the three previous attacks, realizing they were headed for a similar fate. Overall, 2,972 (per the Department of Justice) men, women and children were killed on September 11, 2001. Fourteen of them were Naval Academy graduates, of which 10 died at the Pentagon (three onboard Fight 77 and seven working inside the Pentagon). Immediately, the military set up a family center. A life preserver for the families, information was disseminated, families’ voices were heard, many different services made available. The officer in charge of the Pentagon Family Assistance Center was sensitive to our questions and needs. It was 18 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Lisa Dolan pins a shoulder board onto then-Ensign Robert E. Dolan following the Naval Academy’s Class of 1981’s graduation. Lisa Dolan is the widow of CAPT Robert E. Dolan ’81, USN, who was killed while working at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Photo courtesy of Lisa Dolan

important for the families to feel connected to their loved ones. We desperately wanted to be able to go to the Pentagon to be nearer to them. Lieutenant General John Van Alstyne made it happen. Being near where our loved ones perished was an underlying theme in the days, months and years after the attack. The families wanted a memorial dedicated to their family members, a place to visit them, a place to educate future generations about 9/11, a way to always remember. A family steering committee was formed to tackle a memorial. I was honored to be part of the steering committee. We decided the memorial should be next to the site of impact. Several site options were proposed by the Pentagon, but our committee held ﬁrm on the location. The committee evolved into the Pentagon Memorial Fund board of directors. I was doubly honored to be a founding director of the Pentagon Memorial. The memorial board met monthly. We had an important job, and we were determined to get it done before any of our elderly family members died. An international design competition for the memorial was held with more than 1,100 designs submitted. Family members were involved in the process. The memorial was completed in August 2008. The Pentagon was the ﬁrst of the three sites to open an official memorial. It was dedicated 11 September 2008. It sits next to the spot where the attack occurred. Educating the public on the events of 9/11 has always been important, “never forget” isn’t just a motto for us. We were determined our loved ones’ lives were not forgotten. In 2009, the memorial announced a docent program to share the series of events on 9/11, explain the memorial’s symbolism and to humanize the experience for visitors with stories of the fallen. We have a wonderful group of docents. Most of our docents are family members and Pentagon military and civilian employees.

WE WILL

NEVER FORGET These are people with ﬁrsthand knowledge of 9/11. Each of them had a profound experience that day. Their experiences are immeasurable; we are grateful to have them onboard. I am passionate about the park and happy sharing our families with visitors. Occasionally, I still give special tours. My favorite groups are school groups, but I recently had a group of adults. It always warms my heart when they learn something they didn’t know that touches them personally. When I am guiding a group, two of my “special” bench visits are to Dana Falkenberg and Captain John D. Yamnicky ’52, USN (Ret.). Dana was 3-years-old on 11 September 2001, the youngest to perish at the Pentagon, the same age as some of the children in my preschool class. John was 71-years-old and the oldest to die at the Pentagon. As we concluded the tour, I asked if anyone was born after 9/11. I had one young man speak up. He was 3-years-old on 9/11, the same age as Dana Falkenberg. He didn’t know anyone so young had died. The importance of educating our guests continues with the upcoming Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center. It will be adjacent to the memorial, and consistent to the path of Flight 77. I have been, and will continue to be, very active in volunteer projects to continue my husband’s legacy. Bob has left it to us to follow his inspiring, lifelong example of sacriﬁce and commitment to freedom, family and service. I have taken as our family motto, “First for Freedom,” the motto of JOHN HANCOCK, the ship Bob commanded prior to his tour at the Pentagon. a

The Pentagon Memorial includes the names of the 184 victims who perished when Flight 77 hit the Pentagon. SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 19

FEATURE

HONOR OUR FALLEN HEROES: WE REMEMBER

20 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

ongtime Honor Our Fallen Heroes attendee Jan Kennedy, sister of Ensign John Kennedy III ’79, USN, thought no one remembered her brother and his story. In 1981, Jan Kennedy, her sister and parents were sitting in Jan’s childhood home, when they received a knock on the door that would change their family forever. John Kennedy was lost when the T-2C jet trainer aircraft he was piloting crashed during carrier qualifications in the Gulf of Mexico. After being commissioned into the Navy, Kennedy went on to fulfill his dream of attending the U.S. Naval Academy and becoming a pilot. “The last thing in his life that he did was qualify for his wings,” she said. “He got his wings and flew to heaven. In great loss, it’s reassuring to know that we will see one another again.” It wasn’t until 2013 that Jan Kennedy returned to the Naval Academy, after Lieutenant Commander Stanley Clark Jr. ’79, USN (Ret.), John’s company mate, contacted her about the first Honor Our Fallen Heroes event hosted by the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation.

WE WILL

NEVER FORGET

“That was the first contact with anybody who knew my brother,” Jan Kennedy said. “Thirty-three years later, and it was really just so cool to know that people still remember. “I went back for Honor Our Fallen Heroes and a bunch of John’s classmates came to the game and tailgate because they wanted to tell stories about my brother and they were still talking about him like it was yesterday. They wanted to tell us that they still miss him, and they even invited us back to their 35th reunion. “(John’s companymates) are still family. I keep in contact with a whole bunch of them. My family always kept John with us. That’s what means so much to us about Honor Our Fallen Heroes, they want us to know that they haven’t forgotten either.” Memorial Hall is a sacred place of reflection and remembrance, honoring those Naval Academy alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation. In Memorial Hall, the walls display more than 2,700 names of alumni, whose lives and legacies continue to live on and inspire future generations of midshipmen. While ceremonies are held there on occasion and visitors are welcome, Memorial Hall is mostly silent, a place that serves as a reminder of valor and service; commemorating the legacy of these fallen alumni from classes 1846-2020. Their stories of sacrifice to something bigger than themselves are shared with midshipmen and the Naval Academy community.

Honoring Heroes The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation hosted the ﬁrst Honor Our Fallen Heroes event in 2013. Annually, families and classmates gather in the N* Room at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium to reconnect and remember their loved ones whose legacy and courage carries on throughout the Naval Academy and the alumni community.

Families and friends of Naval Academy alumni killed in action or operational loss are recognized during a 2016 football game at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. They are invited each year to the annual Honor our Fallen Heroes event. SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 21

FEATURE

Jan Kennedy and her grandkids, Caden and Cara Miller, in Memorial Hall in 2017. Photo courtesy of the Kennedy family

Members of the Michaud family attend a game at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Among those in attendance were: Karen Michaud’s sons, Micah (front) and Ian (second row, right), and her nephews Graham (second row, left) and Evan Hostetler (second row, middle). Photo courtesy of the Michaud family

22 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

During Honor Our Fallen Heroes, families come together to reconnect with their fallen loved one’s company mates. Each year, families of fallen alumni are invited to attend a Navy football game, where there is an on-field ceremony to recognize those lost and a time for the Naval Academy community to gather in honor of these alumni. While pictures of fallen alumni are displayed in the N* Room, families and alumni rekindle relationships and remember the impact their loved ones left at the Academy. Families and friends return to Annapolis for Honor Our Fallen Heroes because they appreciate knowing the Naval Academy and the Alumni Association have not forgotten them nor their fallen loved ones. Much like Jan Kennedy’s family, other families continue to attend the event and connect with Naval Academy alumni, sharing stories and recalling memories of their times on the Yard. Families that return year after year engage with one another, sharing an unbreakable bond. Family members of all ages are welcome to visit the Naval Academy to learn about the institution and their loved one’s legacy. “Returning to the Academy makes me think of all the times coming to see Seth and his friends, or more memorable times like Ring Dance,” said Karen Michaud Goldsmith, widow of the late Captain Seth Michaud ’98, USMC. “Seeing all the young midshipmen and knowing some of the experiences they are going to get. It really stirs up a lot of emotion, mostly happy feelings, but it is also hard to return without Seth.” Captain Michaud, who served in the Marine Corps after his time at the Academy, was killed in a live training accident in Africa in 2003. Ian Michaud lost his father at 18-months-old, but he visits Annapolis with his family to remember his father. “I return to the Academy mostly for this weekend,” Ian Michaud said. “It makes me feel proud of my father.” During the football game, families, representing their fallen, join the Superintendent and alumni on the football field for a moment of reflection and recognition. Honor Our Fallen Heroes also gives midshipmen a chance to speak with these families and learn about their stories. “(Honor Our Fallen Heroes) shows the midshipmen the legacy the Academy carries,” Ian Michaud said. “It shows the importance of being a part of the Academy community and provides a sense of belonging.” The Michauds, Kennedys and the families of all lost alumni will always be welcomed back to the Naval Academy and are encouraged to share their stories. “(Honor our Fallen Heroes) makes you realize you are not alone. It provides families an opportunity to come together with a fun environment that is focused on honoring their loved one,” Karen Michaud Goldsmith said. The Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation continues to honor more than 2,000 fallen alumni who were lost in an operational loss or killed in action. It is a privilege to welcome back these families and listen to their stories. The Alumni Association and Foundation will never forget about the sacrifice our fallen alumni have made nor their families. “A lot of people don’t know that people still remember their loved ones. I think they need to know and there is healing in that,” Jan Kennedy said. Honor Our Fallen Heroes is a celebration of life and memories, a chance for families and alumni to support one another and reconnect at the place where lifelong bonds were first formed. The Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation is committed to preserving the memories of our fallen heroes, said Naval Academy Alumni Association Executive Vice President for Engagement and Communications Commander Craig Washington ’89, USN (Ret.). Washington said Honor our Fallen Heroes is a tribute to those who gave all for our country. For that, he said, we are eternally grateful and we will continue to shine the light on our heroes and support their loved ones. “It is a time to remember what our fallen alumni stood for in their lives and to never forget the sacrifice they made for the ideals of this great nation,” Washington said. a

WE WILL

NEVER FORGET

HONOR BOUND R

ear Admiral Dave Thomas ’81, USN (Ret.), shared his memories of his post-9/11 service and what the challenge coins he presented to those under his command mean to him. “My friend/classmate/roommate/best man and I were both serving in the Pentagon on 9/11. He didn’t make it. A few years later, I participated in both the christening and commissioning of ARLINGTON, followed by a Combined Joint Task Force-Guantanamo tour. ARLINGTON honors the 184 victims and the thousands of emergency, fire and rescue personnel of Arlington County and localities in the National Capital Region who provided critical emergency assistance after the attack. In the wake of 9/11, I had the honor of commanding Joint Task Force Guantanamo. To this day, I remain incredibly humbled by the extraordinary professionalism, integrity, focus and courage of the team I was so privileged to lead. Every day of that tour I witnessed acts of exceptional performance. It was among the most unique and rewarding assignments of my career and I’m very grateful for having served with such a superb cadre. My most cherished challenge coins are the ones I presented to the women and men of my command who consistently comported themselves so magnificently under very challenging circumstances.” a

RADM David M. Thomas ’81, USN (Ret.), presented this challenge coin to those under his command at Joint Task Force Guantanamo post 9/11. Photo courtesy of RADM David M. Thomas ’81, USN (Ret.)

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 23

FEATURE

IN MEMORIAM

This month, we commemorate a solemn anniversary that shook America. Twenty years ago, terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes and took 2,977 lives. Over the course of about 85 minutes, the planes were crashed into the twin World Trade Center buildings, the Pentagon and a ﬁeld in Shanksville, PA. The horriﬁc memories of that day remain. However, the Naval Academy community will always remember and honor the 14 alumni lost that tragic day.

Captain John D. Yamnicky Sr. ’52, USN (Ret.), was aboard Flight 77 en route to Los Angeles on business for a military contractor, Veridian Engineering.

Rear Admiral Wilson “Buddy” Flagg ’61, USNR (Ret.), and his wife, Darlene, were aboard Flight 77, headed for a family gathering in California.

Kevin R Connors ’69 was working on the 84th ﬂoor of the World Trade Center South Tower.

Captain Charles R Burlingame III ’71, USNR, was piloting American Airlines Flight 77 before it was hijacked.

Kenneth M. McBrayer ’74 was at work on the 104th ﬂoor of the South Tower.

Kenneth E. Waldie ’78 was aboard Flight 11 that crashed into the North Tower.

Captain Gerald R. DeConto ’79, USN, was at the Pentagon organizing a response to the crisis in New York from his office in the D Ring.

Captain Robert E. Dolan Jr. ’81, USN, was in his office on the ﬁrst ﬂoor of D Ring in the Pentagon when Flight 77 struck.

Lieutenant Commander Michael G. McGinty ’81, USN, was working at Marsh USA as an insurance broker in the World Trade Center.

Commander Patrick S. Dunn ’85, USN, had recently been assigned to a position on the Chief of Naval Operations staff at the Pentagon. His office was hit by Flight 77.

Commander William H. Donovan Jr. ’86, USN, was in the Pentagon when Flight 77 crashed.

Lieutenant Commander Ronald J. Vauk ’87, USNR, was serving the second day of his annual Reserve duty at the Pentagon.

Lieutenant Jonas M. Panik ’97, USNR, was part of the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations Intelligence Plot and was working in the Pentagon.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Darin H. Pontell ’98, USN, was nearing the end of a 12-hour shift at the Pentagon when Flight 77 crashed.

To read their full biographies, please visit www.usnamemorialhall.org/ index.php/Category:9/11

AN OCEAN AWAY

20 YEARS OF SERVICE AND FRIENDSHIP By Commander Jack Holthaus ’05, USN PHOTO COURTESY OF CDR HOLTHAUS ’05, USN

nduction Day, 29 June 2001. The Class of 2005 was the last class to enter the Naval Academy before 11 September 2001. Our careers have been defined by wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, either serving on the ground, in the air or in the waters of the Arabian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea. While everyone who was alive remembers where they were when the towers fell, the graduates of the Class of 2005 were in places such as plebe chemistry, English or somewhere in Mother B. Our lives would become intertwined with the people whom we shared these events. Like the classes that came before and after the Class of 2005, our time at the Academy was a time to build friendships that would stand the test of time. We had the reality of war on the horizon after our time in Annapolis. We studied hard, played hard on the nights and weekends and traveled around the world to experience the fleet in the summers. With time spent in Bancroft, on liberty in Annapolis, visiting friends at other “real” colleges or through trips to the Army-Navy game—we built relationships that could be kept strong despite the miles or time that separated us. Then-Midshipman Rick Slye ’05, and I, and many of the other members of 30th Company, spent most of our four years living on the same floor of one of the largest dormitories in the United States. Almost all of us left the Academy and started our professional lives together as officers in the Navy or Marines. Slye (then a lieutenant) and I were first stationed together as commissioned officers at Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS) in Newport, RI, in 2012. As our families grew over the years, our spouses would become friends and our kids would play together in duty stations around the country. This story can be repeated by most of my classmates, whether they remained on active duty or decided to move on to other endeavors. COVID-19 had unprecedented effects on the Navy, the military, the country and the world. Commander Slye and I most recently found ourselves assigned as executive officers on ships across the pier in Yokosuka, Japan. Before this tour, we were both assigned to the Pentagon, and our families remained at our last duty station. Our spouses continued to meet, and our kids kept playing while we were halfway around the world. This is the third duty station we’ve shared since leaving Annapolis, and the bond that formed in 15th and 30th Companies, on 7-4, 8-0 and finally 8-4, has shaped this 20-year friendship. From bracing as plebes in Hotel Company, to running the day-to-day operations on our ships in 7th Fleet, we’ve come a long way,

CDR Rick Slye ’05, USN, and CDR Jack Holthaus ’05, USN, on the pier of their respective ships in Yokosuka, Japan: MUSTIN (DDG 89) and CHANCELLORSVILLE (CG 62).

supported by our families, who support each other wherever the Navy sends us. In the words of “Navy Blue and Gold:” “Four years together by the Bay, Where Severn joins the tide, Then by the Service called away, We’re scattered far and wide; But still when two or three shall meet, And old tales be retold, From low to highest in the Fleet, We’ll pledge the Blue and Gold” It’s easy to lose touch after leaving Annapolis, but I charge you to continue to gather with friends whenever the opportunity presents. U.S. Naval Academy graduates share similar values of duty to country and shipmate over self. Our families can reach out to each other when we are deployed and can lend a hand, share a story or help watch kids for a much-needed break. You never know when you’ll meet again and it’s great to have a liberty buddy anywhere in the world! a CDR Jack Holthaus ’05, USN, is a nuclear surface warfare officer assigned as executive officer of CHANCELLORSVILLE (CG 62), homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. Selected as a Bowman Scholar in 2004, CDR Holthaus attended the Naval Postgraduate School immediately after graduation. He previously served in CHAFFEE (DDG 90), ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), MAHAN (DDG 72) and GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) and on the OPNAV staff. In August, CDR Holthaus reported to the Stimson Center as a Federal Executive Fellow before his next aﬂoat assignment as commanding officer. SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 25

FEATURE

YARD WORK They sweat. They march. They memorize. Plebe Summer is a seven-week blitz designed to prepare incoming midshipmen for the rigors of the Naval Academy and eventually to lead others. The Class of 2025 faces the same gauntlet of mettle-testing tasks as their predecessors. These include individual challenges such as knowing the facts found in Reef Points or bouts in the boxing ring. They’re also placed in scenarios that stress the importance of collaboration and teamwork. Lifelong bonds are forged during Plebe Summer. Camaraderie is built as plebes perform drills during the hot and humid Annapolis summer. Their ability to adapt and perform under pressure is tested during damage control drills. Strategy, strength and teamwork are required to navigate obstacles and squad combat drills. Sea knowledge and competence is strengthened during sailing lessons on the Severn River. Plebes also begin mastery of synchronized precision with formal parade marches. The photos on the following pages reﬂect the challenges plebes face. More photos of Plebe Summer can be found in the Naval Academy Alumni Association’s photo program’s Plebe summer gallery at www.usna.com/photoprogram. All Alumni Association members have full access to the photo galleries.

Members of the 9th and 10th Companies participated in squad combat exercises on 28 July. 26 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

A formal parade was conducted on 6 August.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 27

FEATURE

Female midshipmen showcase their boxing skills on 5 August.

A plebe from 28th Company leaps for the net obstacle in early August. Plebes are expected to memorize important dates, extraordinary alumni and traditions of the Naval Academy.

A plebe from 10th Company receives instruction on using a fire hose. 28 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

An all-comers wrestling competition was held on 3 August.

Plebes from 11th and 12th companies got a taste of sailing on the Severn River on 6 August.

The challenges of Plebe Summer are designed to prepare midshipmen for the physical and mental rigors of the Naval Academy.

Plebes from 15th Company test their climbing skills on 4 August. SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 29

FEATURE

SPEAKING UP

NAVAL JUNIOR OFFICER COUNSEL

AIMS TO BE CONDUIT TO SENIOR LEADERSHIP

PHOTO COURTESY OF LT ADAM JOHNSON ’13, USN

LT Adam Johnson ’13, SC, USN

“We wanted NJOC to represent a tangible body of work (counsel) versus a standing body of individuals (council). Counsel is naturally inclusive, enabling any member of an organization to give and receive it. Councils are inherently exclusive by nature. Also, it’s a great ice breaker because most people think we just can’t spell.” —LT Adam Johnson ’13, SC, USN

30 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

ometimes enthusiasm and passion aren’t enough. In 2019, a group of Class of 2013 graduates began channeling their instincts and energy into an effort to give junior officers a greater voice throughout the Navy. They had concepts and strategies, but reality put a pause on their initial quest for speedy implementation in the 430,000-person ﬂeet as the world slowed to a halt in March of 2020. They call themselves Naval Junior Officer Counsel (NJOC). Through the guidance of mentors, supportive senior leadership, Naval Academy Distinguished Graduates and 1963 Another Link in the Chain members, the team of young leaders has climbed their way to the highest levels of the Navy’s chain of command. NJOC’s purpose is to provide senior Navy leaders information regarding interests and concerns speciﬁc to active-duty and full-time support reservist junior officers in the Navy. The organization’s scope and function focus on, but are not limited to: The Culture of Excellence (COE) campaign, Transformation, STEM and Innovation and Leadership Development. Ultimately, NJOC is designed to bridge generational gaps between junior and senior leaders to bolster communication and resiliency. They are working directly with the Office of the Chief of Naval Personnel and the Office of Naval Research to develop a system to leverage the junior officer network to make positive contributions to mission readiness. Lieutenant Adam Johnson ’13, SC, USN, conceived the NJOC idea and recruited some of his classmates and peers in the Supply Corps community to help craft a

program that aims to be a positive force for change. Creating an avenue for junior officers to share concerns, suggestions and solutions with senior leaders required patience and selflessness, Johnson said. The original founders include Lieutenant John Maslin, USN; Lieutenant Johnny O’Boyle ’13, USN; and Lieutenant Gene A. Krampen ’13, SC USN. Jasmine Carpenter, an analyst working in the Assistant Secretary of the Navy’s Office for financial management, came aboard after the initial launch and has provided critical civilian insight for the project since the summer of 2019. Johnson acknowledges use of the word “counsel” can be confusing during a pitch, but the spelling is a nod to the initiative’s inclusiveness aim, he said. “We wanted NJOC to represent a tangible body of work (counsel) versus a standing body of individuals (council),” Johnson said. “Counsel is naturally inclusive, enabling any member of an organization to give and receive it. Councils are inherently exclusive by nature. “Also, it’s a great ice breaker because most people think we just can’t spell.” Easing off the throttle during the pandemic allowed Johnson and his NJOC collaborators to examine more than their immediate mission. It created an organic pause for leadership to critique their proposition, enabling them to contemplate the intentional and unintentional effect their efforts could have across the fleet. “We’ve all been told, ‘it’s not about you,’ but that is one of the hardest things to execute when you are passionate about change,” Johnson said. “We were able to

challenge ourselves. Does the change I want to happen, need to happen? What are we frustrated about and why are we so passionate about it? “If it’s not happening fast enough, is it for the betterment of the entire organization? Or is it just for you— from an individual perspective and the perception our way is better?” Johnson said most junior officers don’t know how to work outside their chain of command or how to relate to issues of concern outside their speciﬁc responsibilities or community ethos. If they’ve discovered a potential solution to a problem beyond the scope of their billeted duties, there’s no concrete way to identify stakeholders or deliver line items to leadership who could act. That spurred the creation of NJOC. It was important for NJOC’s founders to contribute to improving processes and communication. They wanted to make tools available for junior officers and those they lead to deliver critical inputs and not simply identify potential vulnerabilities that could lead to failure. But, before the original four founders could tackle that challenge, they had to step back and appreciate the magnitude of their undertaking. Their resolve was tested, as they sought insights from senior leaders in Washington, DC, and around the globe. “We learned we weren’t really that patient,” Johnson said. “Leadership was saying, ‘yes’ but there weren’t many visible movements toward (implementation). We learned to accept and appreciate that NJOC isn’t their number one priority. Just because we prove something needs to be done, doesn’t mean our leaders have the bandwidth and/or resources available to accommodate that need. That’s what they get paid to do—prioritize requirements and make tough decisions.” NJOC’s founders were rewarded for their persistence and perseverance. In December 2020, Johnson and crew briefed the Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Admiral John B. Nowell ’84, USN, to request support and a path to establish official sanction. This moment punctuated

the work started in March 2019 which included the initiative’s testing, development and execution of proof of concept. A few months after receiving support from Nowell and his staff, Johnson handed NJOC’s leadership reins to Lieutenant John-Rex Spivey ’13, USN, as the organization’s inaugural director. “I spent nearly two years asking questions, gathering insights and testing ideas, but ultimately I was a disruptor,” Johnson said. “We needed someone to carry NJOC through the next crucial step of development—sustainment. I’ve watched John-Rex operate as my class president, my decade representative on the Alumni Board and even lead a Naval Academy Minority Association special committee of my peers. I knew he was right person for the job.” Johnson emphasized the need to establish an appropriate balance of authority and responsibility to manage future growth. Lieutenant Craig Veech ’13, USN, was selected by Johnson and the founding members to serve as deputy director and operations lead for the budding organization. “My Mom told me never to go into business with my friends,” Johnson said. “The nice thing about working with your classmates is that we’re more than friends, we’re family. I trust John-Rex and Craig to guide NJOC into the future and ﬁnd its appropriate place within the United States Navy.” SUPPORT SYSTEMS The Supply Corps community paved the way for NJOC to grow, speciﬁcally testing concepts within the acquisition community. Three of the four founding members, Johnson, Maslin and O’Boyle, worked in proximity on the Navy Yard in Integrated Logistics, Contracting and Financial Management roles respectively. Spivey said using the Supply Corps mission as a model to pilot NJOC was Johnson’s idea. “I had a good feeling that, if the Navy could trust John to manage the nuclear reactors budget for the FordClass Aircraft Carrier and Johnny to

oversee construction of a multi-billiondollar Raytheon contract, we could find a way to build trust for NJOC to grow,” Johnson said. The founders worked on the theory that, since the supply community supports virtually every other Navy community, it was the best shot at maximizing early exposure while mitigating disruption within the organization. “Supply Corps Officers support the entire fleet,” Spivey said. “Generally, they have no bias to any community or designator, only a bias to help the Navy meet its mission.” NJOC found an ally in Rear Admiral Peter Stamatopoulos, SC, USN, who served as flag advocate for the startup program. Stamatopoulos was director of supply ordnance and logistics operations in the office of the chief of naval operations when the NJOC initiative began. He is now commander of Naval Supply Systems Command and 49th chief of Supply Corps. In addition, NJOC benefited from the time and experience of many Academy graduates including a Another Link in the Chain Class of 2013 counterpart Captain Spencer Johnson ’63, USN (Ret.); Rear Admiral Julius S. Caesar ’77, USN (Ret.); Vice Admiral Dirk J. Debbink ’77, USNR (Ret.); Vice Admiral Ted Carter ’81, USN, (Ret.); Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck ’83, USN; Janie Mines ’80; and Chief of Navy Personnel Vice Admiral John B. Nowell Jr. ’84, USN. Those mentorships and relationships were critical for NJOC’s founders to successfully navigate the system. Tapping into decades of Navy experience helped NJOC organizers craft their messages with the correct tone and clarity when engaging with senior leadership. One key component was recognizing they didn’t have all the answers and welcoming direction from their predecessors. “An important part about NJOC is we get a chance to learn from and work with previous generations,” Spivey said. “We found it very empowering just to listen Continued on page 34 SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 31

THANK YOU As a result of the generosity of Naval Academy alumni, parents and friends, midshipmen have completed more than 2,600 international experiences since the launch of CALLED TO SERVE, DARING TO LEAD: THE NAVAL ACADEMY CAMPAIGN in 2012. C E L E B R AT I N G W I T H A Y E A R O F G R AT I T U D E

To continue your support, vist www.usna.com/give

CLEAR THE DECK Favorite Annapolis Destinations

PHOTO COURTESY OF CDR KARNBACH '84, USNR (RET.)

Sea stories and tales of the last real Plebe Summer are sure to flow when alumni gather—whether it’s for a reunion, sporting event or a celebratory meal. Apart from the Yard, alumni shared some of their favorite destinations when they return to Annapolis. Monumental I recently was able to visit a place that has great meaning to me, the French Monument onboard St. John’s campus. From the Maryland Historical Trust website: “The Monument to French soldiers and sailors of the American Revolution stands in a grove of trees above College Creek at St. John’s College in Annapolis. Facing east toward the lawn and playing fields, the monument is a high-relief bronze allegorical figure mounted in a pink granite stele with a gray granite base. The Monument, erected in 1911, is significant for its commemoration of the contribution the French made in the struggle for American independence. It is also significant as a representative example of Baltimore sculptor J. Maxwell Miller, and as a monumental stele memorial. During the war, French troops of Rochambeau camped in Annapolis 18-21 September 1781 on their way to Yorktown. The General Society, Sons of the Revolution erected the French monument at St. John’s College near where the French were camped, and on the site where unknown French soldiers and sailors are believed to be buried. It was dedicated on 18 April 1911 by a Chris “Kid” Karnbach ’84, USNR (Ret.), at the French Monument congregation which included President site on the St. John’s campus. William Howard Taft and French Ambassador Jean Jusserand.” As a member, and later vice-president of the Naval Academy French Club, I participated in an annual ceremony at the monument where we, the midshipmen, would wear our full dress blues and stand in formation while representatives from the French Embassy, the Academy and local political leaders gave short speeches honoring the brave French sailors and soldiers that died there on the way to Yorktown under the command of my hero Général Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, Marquis de La Fayette. I believe we played/sang the national anthems of both countries, played TAPS, then enjoyed champagne and snacks, not a bad way to get out of class! —Commander Chris “Kid” Karnbach ’84, USNR (Ret.) Buzzy’s Ah, if it only was still there—Buzzy’s Pizza. I fondly remember the fall of 1972 when I was a plebe. I was hanging out in a friendly youngster’s room decked out in jeans and a University of Michigan T-shirt (mistake 1) when the call for a T Court pep rally erupted

down the hall. Not one to miss out on the fun, I headed out to cheer on our football team (mistake 2). Soon things became very boisterous and the call for “over the wall!” was yelled by many. Once again enthusiasm overruled common sense and I joined the crowd (mistake 3). Upon reaching Buzzy’s, I was fortunate enough to procure a pitcher of beer (mistake 4). Being thoroughly engaged in having a good time, I stood up on one of the picnic tables to check out the crowd and sip beer from my pitcher (mistake 5). You can see that a serious lack of judgement was causing the mistakes to multiply logarithmically. The last and fatal mistake was unknowingly picking a table that just happened to be near several of my company’s first class. They were less than amused by my antics. I was quickly escorted back to Bancroft, braced and double timed, to undergo very loud questioning of my sanity by one of my favorite firsties, Captain Joe Klingseis ’73, USN (Ret.). I wasn’t ejected from the Academy, but I did burn a bunch of shoe leather marching off the load of demerits I accumulated. Thanks for the Schlitz Malt Liquor b-robe Joe! —Dan Nally ‘76 Chick & Ruth’s One of my favorite places in Annapolis is Chick & Ruth’s Delly. During my Plebe Year, 1963-64, it was owned by Milt Chepp, who lived across the bridge in Eastport. As a member of the Jewish War Veterans, Milt supplied the food for the “Jewish Church Party” breakfast each Sunday morning. Milt had a daughter, Shelia, about the same age as us back then, whom I met at a function during the fall of ’63. Me and my roommate, Al Shapiro ’67, received plenty of chow packages, and I attended many, many meals at their house over four years. When President Kennedy was assassinated and the Army-Navy game was postponed, we plebes were given Saturday night town liberty, and I had dinner at the Chepps’ house. Unfortunately, that later became known to a segundo in my company who had an interest in Shelia, and there was no shortage of come-arounds. Shelia and I remained friends for years, and I spent many a weekend afternoon (and later, evenings) eating at the deli for free! That led to my visiting there each time I returned to Annapolis after graduation, including being introduced to Ruth and Chick. My other favorite place was The Smoke Shop on Maryland Avenue which is now closed. During my time at the Academy, it was named “Archie’s Smoke Shop,” and it had a terrific inventory of pipes and their own tobacco mixtures. This was at a time when we were allowed to smoke in our rooms, the Mid Store sold tobacco products and we were each issued a Naval Academy ashtray. —Jules Selden '67 ® This issue’s question: Who was your mentor at the Academy—or post commissioning—and how did they inﬂuence you as a young officer? Please send responses (200-word maximum) to Managing Editor Jimmy DeButts at: jimmy.debutts@usna.com. Submissions have been edited for length and Shipmate style. SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 33

FEATURE Continued from page 31

PHOTO COURTESY OF LT JOHN-REX SPIVEY ’13, USN

to the stories of those who came before us. That’s why programs like Another Link in the Chain exist. Appreciating the perspective of our seniors helps our generation write its legacy.” Johnson said the support and advice he received from Lieutenant Commander William Morrison, USN, was invaluable during the creation phase of NJOC. He said Morrison preached patience and tenacity. Morrison, who Johnson served under for two tours at the Navy Supply Corps School and Naval Sea Systems Command respectively, frequently provided counsel for the upstart group.

LT John-Rex Spivey ’13, USN, said his efforts to establish the Naval Junior Officers Counsel has been assisted by mentors including Janie Mines ’80.

“An important part about NJOC is we get a chance to learn from and work with previous generations. We found it very empowering just to listen to the stories of those who came before us. That’s why programs like Another Link in the Chain exist. Appreciating the perspective of our seniors helps our generation write its legacy.” —LT John-Rex Spivey ’13, USN 34 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Morrison challenged NJOC organizers to keep pushing forward even when leadership’s answers weren’t what they wanted. “With commanding officers, he told us, ‘this is your journey and bag of life lessons to discover about yourselves,’” Johnson said. “I’ve called him more than my mother the past two years. We could not have done this without him” Understanding how to navigate the layers of a hierarchal organization that includes a “personnel pyramid” is crucial, Morrison said. He said each step in that pyramid represents another stage in development and you must constantly prepare personnel to perform in the next step of their careers. NJOC created a means to help junior officers bridge the gap in tactical performance and the ability to operate strategically, taking them from the micro world of daily tasking to the macro world of planning and change management. “That step in professional development is generally the hardest in career progression and NJOC gave us the capability to move in that direction using current and past roles as a frame of reference for providing feedback to various strategic initiatives,” Morrison said. Building credibility is an integral part of moving the NJOC initiative forward. Morrison said the adage that good ideas come from everywhere is true, but those making decisions must have trust in the people providing the ideas. He steered the team toward using an Enterprise Risk Management framework from the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The COSO framework was established to allow private sector organizations the ability to inform organizational strategy and manage organizational risk from all levels of management within a company. “It was a perfect match for the NJOC team because it allowed them to accomplish the mission of informing Naval Strategy while relying on a framework underpinning an industry best practice—the COSO Framework gave NJOC’s processes greater credibility,”

Morrison said. “After getting buy-in from the NJOC leaders, I conducted some training and practice sessions in using the COSO Framework. The team really ran with it and used the parts they found most poignant to scope out and execute projects.” Where Morrison provided Johnson and team the much needed near peer guidance they required, they were also guided by a host of senior commanders and captains, most notable of them, Captain Milton Troy, SC, USN, commanding officer at the Center for Service Support in Newport, RI. “He made space for us to ﬂesh out our idea by brieﬁng all operational Supply leads at the 2019 Navy Supply Corps School Board of visitors,” Johnson said. “He also recommended we bring Jasmine onboard. That decision and his continued guidance thereafter were integral to our success.” What resonates the most about NJOC is their commitment to make a difference,” Troy said. “No matter how big or small the task may be, all of their efforts are done so with pride and the sole intent of making things better for the future of the Navy.” Troy’s advice centered on setting the right tone. “Know when to be patient and when to respectfully push the envelope,” Troy said. “You are not brought in to repeat bad habits, but to make things better for all.” Following initial development, the team was afforded an unprecedented opportunity to support the Chief of Naval Operations’ Task Force One Navy as a sensing and seeking element. “Focusing on aligning interests to support the Culture of Excellence Campaign, Navy-wide, allowed us to stress our processes and build reliable internal controls,” Johnson said. “The plan is to expand that concept throughout the Navy as we grow.” Organizers hope this effort could provide a blueprint for initiatives crafted by other junior officers to provide solutions for future problems in conjunction with senior leadership.

“When concept is proven, we’ll have momentum in those areas,” Spivey said. “We’re paving the way for other affinity groups to appropriately provide their insights and concerns to the Chief of Naval Personnel.” ‘IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU’ NJOC’s organizers want the focus to be on creating a system that facilitates meaningful communication up and down the leadership chain. Johnson said a central component of their strategy is accepting that no one is always right. NJOC’s goal is encouraging their peers to replace condemnation of the system with solutionfocused cooperation. It’s essential, Johnson said, for junior officers to respect senior leadership’s perspective. This effort hinges on understanding and anticipating the ripple effects of any change within a large professional community.

“It’s not about you—that’s your filter,” Johnson said. “Are you truly pressing for change to better the community around you, or simply as a visceral reaction to your own negative experiences? It is perfectly natural and normal to be frustrated as a young person growing in the Navy. “However, it is our duty as leaders to feed our faith not our fear. Before we place blame on the system, remember that the ‘system’ is just a conglomerate of people, flesh and blood. We are an up and out organization. It is inevitable that we will take up the mantle along with the immense responsibility of leading the Navy. To prepare for that reality, we cannot just be competent, we must be considerate.” Johnson stresses NJOC is not designed to solve problems, but to seize and create opportunities for junior personnel to contribute to problem solution. “The difference is subtle, but powerful,” Johnson said. “Problems are infinite and

incestuous. If my goal is to solve every problem I have, I will never meet the mark. If my goal, however, is to maximize my chances for problem solution where possible, the burden of leadership becomes much more manageable and going to work is a lot more fun.” “The purpose of NJOC is to encourage our peers, across the department, to be their best and to be a part of the solution,” Spivey said. “We’ve come a long way since March of 2019. We’re excited about where we’re going and about ﬁnding ways to empower junior officers to be positive and constructive. At the end of the day, this is really simple. NJOC is an opportunity to help leadership make tough decisions and maintain our warﬁghter readiness in an ever-evolving world. Thank you to all of our friends, mentors and Naval Academy family for believing in us.” a

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 35

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA PAO

FEATURE

MIDN Chris Bohnam ’23, MIDN Lilli Hirth ’23, MIDN Erin Carson ’23, MIDN Cailin Duffy ’22, MIDN Caroline Johnston ’22, MIDN Luke Haider ’22, MIDN Mark Amdahl ’22, MIDN Sierra Avril ’22, MIDN Caleb Meyer-Hagen ’22, MIDN Zach Grant ’22, MIDN Jessica Laplante ’23 and MIDN AJ Gardner ’24 at Fagradalsfjall Volcano on the first night of the summer 2021 Language, Regional Expertise and Culture (LREC) trip to Iceland. 36 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

VADM Sean S. Buck ’83, USN

AN UPDATE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

n a recent hot, muggy July day on the Yard, I observed companies of plebes marching to and from Plebe Summer evolutions, midshipmen attending summer school classes in person and eating together in King Hall and local Annapolitans exercising and enjoying our dining establishments on the Yard. While historically this might seem like any normal summer day in Annapolis, the “normalness” of it all was an incredible reprieve in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic for our Naval Academy family and our community. The past 18 months were a profound challenge to navigate here on the Yard for everyone who lived and worked within these walls. Our leadership team had to make decisions on constantly evolving and emerging information, often on short notice. The midshipmen, faculty and staff had to respond to and live with those decisions—some of which they may not have agreed with. When I look back on the past year and a half, I am struck by a deepened respect for and appreciation of our team here in Annapolis. The pandemic reconﬁrmed, beyond any measure of a doubt, that our faculty and staff here are deeply committed to our mission and our midshipmen. The pandemic also provided an opportunity to forge deeper bonds with our local community outside our walls, which I wrote about in the Capital Gazette earlier this month. From our partnership with St. John’s College to lease dormitory space, to the local families who housed 190 midshipmen during spring semester, to the local hotels that helped quarantine midshipmen, to our many sponsor families who provided midshipmen respite during their limited liberty, to our local elected officials who worked with us to accomplish our mission from Navy athletics to Commissioning Week, we worked hand in hand with our community surrounding the gates. I realize that not everyone agreed 100 percent with the decisions made over the last year and a half regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and likely will not agree with all of my decisions moving forward as we continue to navigate our way through this next chapter. There is certainly a list of “pandemic lessons learned” that I pray future Superintendents never need to refer to in the coming years. But, all in all, I am incredibly proud of the way our team has handled the pandemic and want to share a few of the successes of our team:

n Our academic faculty rapidly moved our entire curriculum from in-person to online instruction in under a week during the spring semester of 2020. They then adjusted to facilitating hybrid in-person and online instruction during academic year 2021, adopting new technologies and pedagogical techniques to maintain a high standard of instruction across our academic disciplines. n We kept the accessions machine running and commissioned the Classes of 2020 and 2021 and inducted the Classes of 2024 and 2025 during the pandemic. n Our admissions team worked through an incredibly challenging year, bringing in a talented class from all 50 states, our U.S. territories and 13 different countries. The Class of 2025 is the most diverse class in USNA history and has the second highest percentage of women. n Our student athletes and coaches demonstrated incredible dedication and perseverance through very challenging and unpredictable athletic seasons; collectively, our varsity teams brought home our eighth Army-Navy Star Series title in the past nine years and our seventh consecutive Patriot League Presidents’ Cup. n Our medical team worked tirelessly to keep us safe on the Yard. From weekly surveillance testing, to patient care, to our mass vaccination exercise this spring, our Navy medical team has guided us through the pandemic safely. Through the herculean efforts of our medical team, we conducted more than 1,000 vaccinations per week throughout most of the spring; we were able to immunize nearly 99 percent of the Brigade and the vast majority of our faculty and staff ahead of Commissioning Week and summer training.

Our huge success in getting a signiﬁcant portion of our team here on the Yard vaccinated brought us several steps closer to life returning to normal on the Yard and allowed us to safely execute a “close to normal” Commissioning Week for the Class of 2021. Over the course of the week we enjoyed the annual Blue Angels performance, Color Parade, awards ceremonies, garden receptions and held our graduation ceremony in front of 9,000 family members and friends at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 37

FEATURE

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY STACY GODFREY

n Several of our midshipmen and an enlisted staff member saved the life of a motorcyclist who was trapped under a vehicle following a collision on a freeway in San Diego, CA. Midshipman Dagen Franks ’24, Midshipman Mariah Johnson ’24, Midshipman Calvin Jensen ’24 and Staff Sergeant Christian Esparza Garcia, USMC (26th Company SEL), with the help of several other midshipmen on PROTRAMID, lifted the vehicle off the trapped motorcyclist and rendered ﬁrst aid while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

Plebes practice noon formation, during Plebe Summer.

n Midshipman Jack Sherman ’23 and his dad rescued a boater in the water 40 miles off the coast of North Carolina.

38 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY ENS ANNA WALKER ’21

The vaccine also opened the doors to summer training once again and we used this summer to mitigate the impacts of lost training last summer. More than 1,600 of our midshipmen were on Navy ships and attached to Navy units around the country getting valuable exposure to the fleet and its different service communities. We also resumed PROTRAMID training this summer; over 1,100 third-class midshipmen participated in the four-week-long training program on the East and West coasts. And, 922 midshipmen chose to spend their summer learning more about the U.S. Marine Corps, participating in Marine-specific training such as Leatherneck, MAGTF Cruises and Marine Corps training schools. We also had midshipmen participating in training on the Yard to include Yard Patrol cruises, Offshore Sailing Training Squadron and the Powered Flight Program. We had 220 midshipmen learning valuable leadership skills in the great outdoors through programs such as the National Outdoor Leadership School and Northern Tier. Additionally, 427 midshipmen interned at agencies and laboratories around the country. Despite travel restrictions, and thanks to the diligent work of our International Programs Office, 150 of our midshipmen traveled abroad to 12 different countries this summer learning foreign languages and experiencing new cultures. Due to the high number of incoming plebes who showed up fully vaccinated or partially vaccinated, we were able to plan a very normal Plebe Summer. We hit the ground running right after Induction Day this year; it was wonderful to see the plebes conducting PEP, running the E-Course and O-Course, learning damage control, shooting pistols and rifles, sailing Colgate-26s and eating at squad tables as a regiment in King Hall. Our midshipmen are also standing out for their selfless and quick-thinking actions on and off duty which resulted in two lives being saved this summer:

Last but not least, I am beyond grateful for the overwhelming response by our Naval Academy and Annapolis community to the Cummings family following the tragic death of Mrs. Cummings in Annapolis on Induction Day. Naval Academy alumni from around the country reached out to see how they could be of service to the Cummings family during this time of tragedy and showed once again what the Naval Academy family is all about. I’d like to close out my update by noting that we hope we can see you all back in Annapolis and on the Yard again soon. At the time of publication, the Yard is open to the public. Our team is diligently working to ensure we can host as many events on our calendar as safely as possible this fall; we know many of you are looking forward to football games and reunions once again. We will continue to monitor COVID rates in our local area as they evolve and update our base access posture and mask guidelines based on DoD guidance. Please visit www.usna.edu to ﬁnd up-to-date information regarding our current Health Protection Condition, Yard access and hours of operation for our museum, stores and dining options. We’d love to see you in the near future enjoying the Naval Academy with your loved ones—we’ve missed you in Annapolis! a

Members of the Class of 2025 run the Endurance Course during Plebe Summer 2021.

BRAVO ZULU 1960s

Conley ’88 Assumes Command of MCICOM

1980s ’81: Dr. Noreen Leahy retired from the Lynbrook, NY, school district after a 20-year tenure in June. ’83: Pamela Horine joined Zume as vice president, product research and compliance in July. ’84: VADM David Kriete, USN (Ret.), retired after 37 years of distinguished service in July in front of NEW HAMPSHIRE at Pier 12 on board Naval Station Norfolk, VA. ’85: RADM Babette Bolivar, USN (Ret.), one of the first female divers in the U.S. Navy and one of the first Filipino-Americans to graduate from the Academy, retired after 36 years of service in July. CDR Jack L. Stem, USN (Ret.), has been named senior vice president, business development for Paragon. ’86: Tony Wells has been named senior vice president, chief media officer of Verizon. VADM William Merz, USN, was relieved as commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, during a change of command ceremony at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, in July. Merz is now Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy at the Pentagon.

USMC PHOTO BY CATHY CLOSE

’64: CAPT Ted Triebel, USN (Ret.), will be inducted as an inaugural member of the NC Museum of History on 9 October.

MajGen Edward Banta, USMC, congratulates incoming Commander, BGen Daniel Conley ’88, USMC, on the assumption of MCICOM.

’87: Timothy J. Reimann, has been named president of Veit and Company of Rogers, MN. ’89: RADM Carl Lahti, USN, became the 36th Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan and Commander, Navy Region Japan, during a change of command ceremony at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, Fleet Theater in July.

1990s ’90: Luke Ritter was named senior vice president for Maritime Solutions by ARES Security Corporation in July. ’92: Jake Ellzey won a special election in July to serve in the U.S. Congress representing Texas’ 6th Congressional District.

Brigadier General Daniel Conley ’88, USMC, assumed command of Marine Corps Installations Command (MCICOM) on 8 July relieving Major General Edward Banta, USMC. Conley comes from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, 29 Palms, CA, where he served as commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West (MCIWEST) and was responsible for promoting and ensuring Marine Corps combat readiness from the service’s West Coast installations. “This is the nitty gritty work of what it means to get the Marine Corps to where it needs to be and we take a lot of pride in that,” said Conley. “To the Marines, sailors and civilians at MCICOM, I am looking forward to joining this headquarters team,” said Conley. The establishment of MCICOM relieved the Fleet Marine Forces (FMF) commanders of the burden of managing bases and stations. Since MCICOM reached Full Operational Capacity (FOC) in 2012, the Command has focused installation management in direct support of the Marine Corps’ role as the naval expeditionary force-in-readiness. ®

’94: CAPT Michael Luckett, USN, relieved CAPT Jeffrey Grimes ’90, USN, as commanding officer of U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) during a ceremony at the base’s Commander William C. McCool Elementary/ Middle School onboard NBG in July.

2000s

’95: CAPT Michael Orr, was relieved by CAPT David Rueter, USN, as program manager of the Airborne Electronic Attack Systems Program Office (PMA-234), during a private change of command ceremony in August.

’02: Daren Williams successfully completed his two-year elected term as ASSP Engineering Practice Specialty Administrator.

’97: CAPT Eric Hanks, USN, assumed command of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Island County, WA, during a change of command ceremony in July.

’01: CDR Jason Grant, USN, received his Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in organizational leadership from Regent University, School of Business and Leadership.

’03: Brian Stann has been named chief executive officer of Hunt Companies, Inc. ’09: Bryan Watson has been selected as one of 60 individuals to receive the 2021 Tillman Scholarship, which honors applicants for their military service, academic passions and desire to make an impact.

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

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

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 39

ALUMNI PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

ARE YOU READY TO TRAVEL WITH ALUMNI, FRIENDS AND FAMILY? Reservations are steadily coming in for 2021 and 2022 tours. We cannot wait to explore the world with you.

Civil Rights: The Journey to Freedom 6-10 November 2021

Dutch Waterways: Featuring Floriade 15-23 April 2022

French & Italian Rivieras 25 April – 6 May 2022

Celebrating 50 years of travel in 2022. For more information on the above tours, and all of our offerings, visit www.usna.com/travel

THE USNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESENTS

THREE VIRTUAL EVENT SERIES

STAY TUNED FOR MORE UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS IN OUR SERIES For previous event recordings and to register for upcoming events, please visit www.usna.com/news/virtual-event-series. 40 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

ALUMNI PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

SERVICE ACADEMY CAREER CONFERENCE SACC-jobfair.com • SACC@usna.com

al Virtu

ADVANCED EDUCATION FAIR Recorded Webinars: 1 September Live Webinars: 8 September–6 October Live Virtual Admissions Fair: 6 October

SACC

al Virtu

Webinars: 1-3 November 2021 Career Fair: 5 November 2021

THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE THE CLASSIC CAPTAIN’S CHAIR A true classic, the USNA Captain’s Chair is crafted of kiln-dried solid maple hardwoods. They make great gifts and are available with up to 2 lines of personalization.

Visit www.usna.com/shop for these and other wonderful items for yourself or a friend.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 41

CLASS NEWS

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

’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

CDR Peter LeHardy ’89, USN (Ret.) presents the award to ENS Matthew Friedel ’21, USN.

CLASS O F 1 926

USNA Seamanship and Navigation Awards On 21 May 2021 Pete LeHardy, a member of Class of 1989 and grandson of Class of 1926 member CDR Louis Marcel LeHardy 1926, attended the USNA Seamanship and Navigation awards ceremony to present the Class of 1926 award for ship handling and leadership during YP cruise. During the ceremony Pete gave a short talk on the Class of 1926, with a focus on his grandfather. The awardee was Ensign (then Midshipman First Class) Matthew Friedel. He is a Surface Warfare—Nuke—and will soon be reporting aboard BATAAN (LHD 5) out of Norfolk, VA. He’ll head to nuclear power school after he completes his first tour. Very impressive young man! ®

’35

’37

Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com

Honorary Vice Pres and Sec’y: Meredith Minter Hinkle Daughter of Charlie Minter ’37 3603 Prince William Dr., Fairfax, VA 22031 e: mahink@cox.net Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com

Life Membership: 0%

’36

Life Membership: 0% Corr Sec’y: Gordy Carmichael Seaman Daughter of CAPT John H. Carmichael, USN (Ret.) e: gordy_seaman@bellsouth.net Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com

Donor participation numbers as of 30 June 2021.

42 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Life Membership: 0%

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

This September column is being submitted in June, and as the ’39 scribe is going on vacation, said scribe is referring to the 2020 June ’39 column for material! And why was that particular column chosen? It was selected because it was remarkable—not just for the ’39 Classmate featured and the four generations mentioned in the column—but remarkable also in what followed. In spotlighting the ’39 Classmates- who were represented by their family members at the 80th Celebration of the Graduation of the Class of 1939- we began with James Lloyd Abbot, known to his Classmates as “Doc”.

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

2021-2022

ISSUE: Nov-Dec ’21 Jan-Feb ’22 Mar-Apr ’22

DUE DATE: Sep 27, 2021 Nov 29, 2021 Jan 24, 2022

“Doc” Abbot from ’39 Lucky Bag

That column resulted in his son, Steve Abbot ’65 receiving many notes from friends who saw that column. We will share what Steve heard from some of those friends, but first a brief reprise of the 2020 June ’39 column….. M “In the ’39 Fifty Year Reunion book, Doc Abbot said of himself: ‘Born in Mobile, Alabama, I have resided here continuously since, except for a temporary absence of thirty-nine years, during which I wore a dark blue suit with brass buttons. In June ’35 I swore to support and defend the Constitution and to serve at the pleasure of the President. After graduation, I spent two years at sea in Enterprise (CVA-6) and Gilmer (DD-233), then went to flight training, and spent the rest of the time as a Naval Aviator. I was fortunate enough to command three aircraft squadrons, two ships, one Antarctic Support Force, and one Carrier Division. When I relieved Charlie Minter as CO of Intrepid (CVA-11) in March 1961 (as was told me by ’39 Classmate, Tom Weschler) I was the first man in ’39 to get a major command at sea.’ On 10 August 2012, Naval Aviator Rear Admiral James L. “Doc” Abbot … ’slipped the surly bonds of earth, put out his hand out and touched the face of God’… (paraphrased from “High Flight” by Pilot Officer John Gillespie, Jr.- an American serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force in WWII). At his Naval Academy Chapel service, the program included the following on his Navy career: Assigned to the Pacific Theater during WWII, he flew the OS2U Kingfisher and SBF Dauntless in the Island Campaign from 1942 1944. He was CO of VS-66 as a Lieutenant from March 1943-March 1944. Following the war, he transitioned to the F4U Corsair and commanded the Green Pawns of VF-42, assigned to the Franklin D. Roosevelt in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Subsequent operational commands included VU-4, USS Valcour (AVP-55) and

39/40 CLASS NEWS USS Intrepid. Selected to flag rank in 1966, he was assigned as Commander of U.S. Naval Antarctic Support Force, operating half the year from Christ Church, New Zealand, and flying the ski-equipped C-130 Hercules onto the ice at McMurdo Sound Station. His 1967 article in the National Geographic magazine chronicled the challenges of night operations on the Antarctic continent. The Abbot Ice Shelf is named in his honor.

RADM Abbot at the South Pole

Subsequent flag posts included Commander, Carrier Division SIXTEEN, and Inspector General, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. He retired in 1974. On 2 October 2008 RADM Abbot was at the helm of USS Intrepid (CVA-11) as ‘honorary skipper’ when Intrepid was returned to Manhattan Pier, NYC (after 22 months of extensive repairs and improvements) to resume its place as the INTREPID Sea, Air and Space Museum. His sons, Captain J. Lloyd Abbot, ’65 USN (Ret) and Admiral Steve Abbot, ‘66 USN (Ret) followed in his footsteps as Naval Aviators, as did two of his five grandchildren. Doc Abbot was represented at the 80th celebration by his son, Steve Abbot, accompanied by his wife Marjorie. Upon Graduating with distinction with the Class of 1966, then Ensign Steve Abbot attended Tartar Missile School; then deployed to Vietnam aboard Henry B. Wilson (DDG-7). He reported to Oxford University in September 1967 as a Rhodes Scholar, graduating three years later with a BA and MA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. After completing flight training, Steve was assigned to VA-27in Lemoore, CA

flying the A-7E Corsair II, participating in two deployments in the Western Pacific. He next received orders to U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, followed by assignment as a test pilot at Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, MD where he participated in the early flights of the FA-18, T-34C and TA-7C. After a tour as Commanding Officer of VA-86, he attended Naval Nuclear Power School in preparation for command in the Nuclear Navy. Assignments followed as Executive Officer of Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71); Commanding Officer of Caloosahatchee (AO-98); Chief of Staff for Operations of SECOND Fleet; Commanding Officer of Theodore Roosevelt during Operation Desert Storm; and Deputy Director Operations on the Joint Staff. Attaining flag rank, Steve served as Commander, Carrier Group EIGHT; Director, J-3 of the European Command; and Commander SIXTH Fleet. He completed his military career as Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command. Retiring from active duty on 31 October 2000, Steve continued his commitment to the nation and to the Navy, first as Deputy Homeland Security Advisor to President George W. Bush, and then in 2003 as President and CEO of Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Steve is a Distinguished Graduate of the Naval Academy, and has generously afforded his talents to the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Foundation, as well as the Athletic Scholarship Programs. The son, grandson, brother and Father of Naval Academy gradAdmiral Steve Abbot uates, Admiral Steve Abbot has exemplified service to the Navy, Naval Academy, and our Nation. Also representing Doc Abbot at the 80th were his grandson, CDR. Matthew Abbot ’00, USNR, as well as his great-grandson, Austin Abbot, (Matt’s son) and great-granddaughter, Elouise Abbot (daughter of Spencer Abbot). In October 2019, the Abbot

’39; L to r: Laura Abbot, Theo Abbot, Lisa Abbot, Wes Abbot, Matt Abbot, Austin Abbot, Grace Abbot, Eloise Abbot, Marjorie Abbot, Steve Abbot, Liz Radin and Sebastian Abbot).

family gathered in Kaneohe, Hawaii for Matt’s Change of Command as Commanding Officer of the Windjammers of VR-51. Matt Abbot proudly wears Doc Abbot’s gold wings and his sword. He also has a 1939 Lucky Bag which he received from CDR C.M. Wood ’65 USN (Ret). It had belonged to his father, C.M. Wood Jr, ’40 -who was on USS NEVADA during the attack on Pearl Harbor, then went to fight school and was killed in the Philippines in 1945Wood had gotten copies of the Lucky Bags for each year he was at the Naval Academy. His son still had the ’39 Lucky Bag in its original box, and wanted someone in ’39 to have it. Matt looks forward to sharing that Lucky Bag and the story of ’39 with his son, Austin, and telling him all about his wonderful great-grandfather, RADM James L. “Doc” Abbot.”….. Remarkable ’39 family, wouldn’t you say! As Paul Harvey would have said….”and now for the rest of the story”…..several months after the publication of the 2020 June ’39 Shipmate column, I received the following from Steve Abbot:

Shipmate and ’39 column. This is all to say it brought me an enormous amount of pleasure, as it did all the Abbot family. Matt was indeed very pleased with his pristine copy of the ’39 Lucky Bag, and his son, Austin (USNA ’37) is getting old enough to enjoy it! I can also report that my dad has another great- grandchild, Phoenix Radin Abbot (USNA ’42) born on 6 May in Pawling, NY to Liz and Sebastian Abbot!”…

M … “Barbara, I have received many, many notes from friends who saw this column. One friend saw it, sent me a nice note, a book on the Battle of Midway, and then made a substantial donation to the Theodore Roosevelt Association, one of my ‘projects’. So the column has had some very beneficial results! I was on a Zoom call with some Oxford classmates recently, and one of them started the session by holding up to the camera that

Corr Sec’y: Dr. Virginia Trimble Widow of Dr. Joseph Weber e: vtrimble@uci.edu p: 949-824-6948 ; fax: 949 824 2174

We give humble thanks to the Abbot family, for their commitment to the United States Navy and to the Nation, who for four generations have “worn a dark blue suit with brass buttons” and have “sworn to support and defend the Constitution”. What about ’39! What about “Doc” Abbot and the remarkable Abbot family! Respectfully Submitted, Barbara Fidel Adams ’39 Class Secretary

’40

Life Membership: 0% Donor Participation: 0%

Good morning, afternoon, or evening, depending on what time zone you are in! I am Virginia Trimble, widow of Joseph Weber, who, in his own words, stood very high in the class in “differential equations, thermodynamics, and other subjects of very little interest to the Navy, SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 43

39/43 CLASS NEWS but anchor in “fitness for the service.” He was also the one who wired the mess hall for sound, so that, one fine evening, the waves of Schubert’s Great C Major symphony rolled over the clatter of dishes. There are, I fear, no members of the class left, and rather few widows. I was a second wife, Joe’s first (his high school sweetheart” Anita Straus), having died in 1971; we married in 1972, and he died in 2000. But there must be lots of “only 40 is 4.0” children out there, who might be interested in communicating via Classnews in Shipmate. If you are one of them, please send me some items you are willing to share! I can cope only with plain email messages, not attachments, pdfs, and so forth. Email me at: vtrimble@ uci.edu with your news and updates to share. You will recall, I hope, the sad death of our previous class secretary, Wendy Winters, daughter of “Early” Winters, part of a group of journalists senselessly shot a few years ago. For what it is worth, I am still on “full active duty” as Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Irvine, where Joe and I spent half of each year through our 28 years of marriage.

’41

Life Membership: 25% Donor Participation: 0% Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com

’42

Life Membership: 40% 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 of the 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, SEPTEMBER IS HERE AND THAT BRINGS NAVY FOOTBALL!!!!!!

44 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

IN MEMORANDIUM Diana Fraser Seamans, 99, widow of James Otis Seamans, USN (Ret), passed on 19 May 2021 in New London, NH. Diana was born in Cambridge, MA to Prof. Cecil Eaton Fraser and Esther Stevens Fraser Brazer. She attended Buckingham, Wheeler and Beaver County Day Schools and Radcliffe College, graduating BA Magna Cum Laude in 1943. She served as a Navy WAVE Ensign “Code Breaker” during WWII in Communications in Washington, D.C., Attended Salem College, Winston-Salem, NC, Lesley College for her MA and Arizona State University, certified under the Institute for Reality Therapy, Los Angeles and taught for fifty- four years as an Academic Therapist and Learning Specialist in public and independent schools as an advocate for gifted dyslexics of all ages. Diana was also a lifelong student of Medieval and Renaissance literature, music, art and architecture. Diana is survived by her son, Richard and Eleanor Seamans of Harvard, MA, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held in New London, NH on 22 July 2021. Navy Football and tailgating is enjoyed by everyone. Picture is Homecoming October 2004 tailgate. Cdr. Richard E. Curtis and his wife Joan. Their grandchildren Ashley, Justin and Ryan.

GOD BLESS THE CLASS OF ’42 AND MAY EACH OF YOU HAVE A HAPPY AND ENJOYABLE FALL!!!! 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

Published in The Virginian-Pilot on Jun. 23, 2021 Captain Leon “Lee” Rathbun passed away on June 21, 2021. He was born in Portsmouth, Virginia in 1921, and later moved to East Aurora, New York. He graduated from high school first in his class in 1938 and then attended Lehigh University for a year. He was appointed to the Naval Academy in 1939. He graduated in 1942 with the accelerated class of 1943. His first assignment to DMS WASMUTH was nearly his last. While on escort duty in the north Pacific, WASMUTH was sunk in a violent storm near the Aleutian Islands in December 1942. Miraculously all hands were saved by another ship in the convoy. After a much needed survivor’s leave, Lee reported to the destroyer HALFORD in Bremerton. In the next two years HALFORD saw much action while operating with carrier task forces in the central and later the southwest Pacific.

In April of 1944 he volunteered for submarine duty, and completed Submarine School in New London, Connecticut in June. At this time he married his fiancée, Mary Ross Holts, who traveled across the country from Seattle to meet him. Lee next reported to BLUEBACK (SS-326) and made three war patrols in the Java Sea and East China Sea operating out of Perth, Australia and Subic Bay, Philippines. He received the Navy Commendation medal for his performance as torpedo officer on these patrols. At wars end in August 1945 Blueback and several other submarines were ordered to remain at Guam for five months. They finally returned to San Diego in January 1946, and Lee had a happy reunion with Mary Ross after eighteen months of separation. After a short leave, Lee was assigned to ENTEMEDOR (SS-340). He served as engineer officer and later as navigator on a six-month deployment to the western Pacific. This included a month in Tsingtao, China, which at that time was surrounded and under siege by communist forces. In 1948 he applied and was selected for graduate school and attained a M.S. in Electrical Engineering. He then became Executive Officer of CARP (SS-338) in San Diego, followed by staff duty on Submarine Squadron One at Pearl Harbor. He assumed command of BUGARA (SS-331) in February 1953. BUGARA then operated out of Yokuska, Japan, making surveillance patrols in the north Pacific. In 1955 he returned to New London and successively became Executive Officer of the submarine tenders NEREUS and then FULTON. He next was the commander of Submarine Division 82, and later became Director of Advanced Training at Submarine School. In 1961 he was selected for nuclear power training and reported to Naval Reactors Division AEC in Washington. In 1962 he was assigned as first Commanding Officer of the nuclear ballistic missile submarine, THOMAS JEFFERSON (SSBN-618) under construction in Newport News. He commissioned the ship

43/46 CLASS NEWS in 1963 and made three strategic patrols as commanding officer. He attended the National War College 1965-66 and then returned to New London: this time as Officer in Charge, and later Commanding Officer of the Submarine School. In this period, 1966-68, the Submarine Force was growing rapidly, and the School had to expand proportionately to meet the need for more trained submariners in the force. For his direction and management during this period, he later received the Legion of Merit. Lee retired in 1970 and began a new career as professor of mathematics at Miami-Dade Community College. He then served as Chairman of the Mathematics Department, and subsequently he was appointed as Associate Dean of the Natural Science Division, which encompassed the Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology Departments. Living in Miami, Lee and Mary Ross enjoyed cruising Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys in their 30-foot sloop. Lee also volunteered in tax counseling and literacy training. After surviving Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the Rathbuns decided to move north, and happily found a home at Patriots Colony in Williamsburg. Here they both continued to be active as volunteers, at Colonial Williamsburg, as drivers for “Meals on Wheels” and at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, as well as many activities at Patriots Colony. In May of 2021, Lee lost the love of his life, Mary Ross. His sons, Scott (Janet) and Ross (Melanie), as well as his granddaughter, Meghan, survive him. Lee and Mary Ross will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliams burg.com. Nelsen Funeral Home – Williamsburg 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd. Williamsburg, VA 23188 7575651141

’44

Life Membership: 43% Donor Participation: 16.67% Shipmate Corr Sec’y: William (Bill) Wakeland 9019 Antietam Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78239 h: 210-646-5870; e: wrwake@satx.rr.com

’45

Life Membership: 63% Donor Participation: 16.67% 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

’45: Another weekly Zoom meeting, June 23, 2021

Finally, there is one classmate’s death to report. Keith Wesley Kimball of Suwanee, Georgia was aged 98 years when he died on April 30, 2021. Please forward your celebratory story and the photo of your memorable event to your class secretary using the above email address. We truly want to include you in these articles. As always… Look Alive with ‘45!

Website: www.usna.com/classes/1945

Your ’45 classmates are still meeting weekly by Zoom and we would love to have you join us. Our meeting time every Wednesday is 12 noon EST sharp (9:00 am PST). Our ranks were thinned this particular week due to family graduations and summer getaways; however, some of us were able to meet: (top row, L-R) Mike Taylor (our Zoom host), Ted Cochrane along with your class scribe partially hidden on left, Charlie Sobel, and (bottom row, L-R) Nancy Taylor (widow of Thad Taylor), and Bill Geiger. There were two birthdays to announce in this issue. First was Bill Geiger’s who celebrated his 99th birthday on June 4, 2021, in his Annandale Virginia home. The photo was taken by his good friend, Mike Taylor, who conducts our weekly Zoom sessions and who is also an outstanding baker. In the photo Bill is about to blow out three candles which sit atop the Tart Lemon pound cake and which represent the past, present, and future. Mike wisely figured that having 99 candles might be a fire hazard!

Bill Geiger turns 99 years!

The second notable birthday celebration was for Bob Williams who turned 100 on June 23, 2021. To fete Bob on his special day, there was a virtual one-hour program via Zoom where some of his friends offered their thoughts on Bob’s amazing life and accomplishments followed by Bob passing along some of his own wisdom in a talk that was entitled: “How to Live to Be 100 –A 9-point Retirement Happiness Program.”

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

A patriotic Bob Williams celebrates reaching 100 years!

’46

Life Membership: 42% Donor Participation: 37.50% 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

Re: Shipmate recently received this important announcement for the friends and families of the Class of 1946 from Jim Craven: M Mary Kistler Stahl, the widow of CAPT Laurence E. Stahl, USN (Ret.), ’46, died March 1, 2021 in Needham, Massachusetts. Mary will be buried with Larry at the USNA Columbarium on Friday, November 12, at 1000. Her son, LCDR James B. Craven III, ’64 USNR, (Ret.) an Episcopal priest, will preside. SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 45

47/47 CLASS NEWS

’47

Life Membership: 86% Donor Participation: 38.89%

Classic photo of four ‘47s Proudly showing their command sea badges at NAS Quonset Point. Exelund (VS-39), Fritz (VS-31), Tucker (VS34) and CAPT Jack Stevens (VS-28)

Great update from Tom Hudner, III on his Dad Thomas Hudner Jr. ’47 upcoming movie “Devotion”:

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

Howdy Forty-Seven!! Hope you are all thriving and happy in the world. I would appreciate an update from all of you! Please let me know how you are doing. You know how to reach me! Kicking off with an awesome photo of my pal and your classmate, Howie Weiss and his horse “Hell Bitch” who was ridden by Tommy Lee Jones in “Lonesome Dove”. {Very kool Howie!!}

POTUS Jimmy Carter ’47 doing his John Hancock. Do not have notes from this image, but love it none-the-less. Hello President and Mrs. Carter!

46 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Beautiful photo of Charles Glisson ’47 on his plane. He passed away in the early 1950’s. I know he was married but not much information more. I just think this is such a beautiful photo of a Navy pilot. RIP Charles.

Football season is here and what a great ‘47 memory of 3, All-Americans!! Photo taken with “Bob” Jenkins ’47 (Back) “Ben” Chase III ’46 (Guard), Mr. Walsh from the All-American Board of Football & “Don” Whitmire ’47 (Tackle) —- Commander Oscar Hagberg Navy Head Coach (seated)…love this photo! OX

M Hi Eileen, Thank you for your note, and I hope you’re doing well. Yes, filming of the “Devotion” movie just wrapped about two weeks ago, so now the project is in post-production, and it seems that it will likely be released sometime in 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the schedule, and they managed through extensive and strict COVID protocols to ensure the health and safety of actors and crew. My immediate family and I were able to visit the set in February and we spent a week in Savannah, GA watching several scenes being filmed, which was incredible. And then I returned to the set in April to see the Corsairs in action, and visited the full-scale set of the carrier USS LEYTE that the production team had built on an airfield in Statesboro, GA. The entire experience of watching scenes from my father’s life that took place 70 years ago being recreated by actors was amazing and quite surreal for me, as you can imagine. (I brought Dad’s USNA class ring, his Medal of Honor, and his flight log book to the set, and Dad’s classmates will be interested to know that his real class ring as well as the real MOH were used during the filming of the White House Medal of Honor scene.) The aerial filming team that shot the new Top Gun movie (“Top Gun: Maverick”) also filmed the aerial scenes for “Devotion,” so the quality of the aerial footage should be incredible, and the team flew real Corsairs, Skyraiders, Bearcats, and other vintage aircraft. The father of the film’s director, JD Dillard, was a Black naval aviator, and was a Blue Angels pilot, so JD has his own

personal connection to Jesse Brown’s story, Jesse of course being a pioneer as the Navy’s first Black aviator. And given JD’s personal connection to naval aviation, he of course also feels strongly about the authenticity and accuracy of the aviation aspects of the movie. And the film’s cinematographer/director of photography, Erik Messerschmidt, just weeks ago won an Academy Award for his work as cinematographer on the movie “Mank,” which bodes well for the way in which “Devotion” has been shot. Actor Glen Powell plays my father, and Glen portrayed astronaut John Glenn in the movie “Hidden Figures,” and also plays a modern day naval aviator (call sign “Hangman”) as one of the featured pilots in the upcoming “Top Gun: Maverick.” Jesse Brown is played by actor Jonathan Majors, who is a lead in the HBO series “Lovecraft Country,” and was also in the cast of the 2020 film “Da 5 Bloods.” Everything I observed firsthand and have heard and read about the actors, director, producers, crew, aerial unit, etc., etc., has been incredibly impressive, and I have referred to them as “The Dream Team,” because as a family member, I feel fortunate that this is the team that is bringing the story to the big screen. And on a separate note, it happened that while filming of “Devotion” was taking place, the USS THOMAS HUDNER was on deployment in the same carrier strike group with my dad’s former squadron, VFA-32, which is the squadron featured in the movie. I hope this is helpful, and of course feel free to edit or share whatever details that the class would be interested in reading. And if you need anything else please let me know. Thank you again, Eileen, and take care, Tom Thomas J. Hudner III Fabulous Legacy piece from CAPT John Geary, USN Ret ’77. His Dad John Geary ’47.

47/49 CLASS NEWS

M I was born into a Navy family with deep roots in Annapolis. My maternal grandfather was a Navy surgeon in World War I, and postwar he became the first Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist in Annapolis. My mother’s brother was a Navy corpsman in World War II and went on to become a renowned retina specialist also with a private practice in Annapolis. My dad, a native of Phoenix, AZ, was a member of the Class of ’47 (Best on the Severn), where he was a crew jock and 5th Company Commander. Dad had an illustrious 31-year career in the Navy, during much of which he served as an Engineering Duty Officer with positions in the Naval Material Establishment in BUSHIPS, NAVELEX and NAVAIR. He was a noted Electronic Warfare and Space Systems expert and concluded his naval career as Commanding Officer, Naval Research Laboratory. It was clear that Dad had a very successful career and shared a strong bond and lasting friendships with his classmates. Following my birth in Coronado, CA, my family moved to Pearl Harbor. My dad’s next duty station was Norfolk, then Washington DC. I spent most of my school years in Alexandria as Dad rotated between Systems Command jobs, ICAF, NRL, etc. Dad and I shared a keen interest and love of Navy athletics. I can still remember listening to Navy football on the radio while in elementary school as I was “helping” Dad with yard work. An aspiring basketball player, I looked forward to our annual trips to watch the Army-Navy basketball and wrestling double header and remember those outings fondly. My mom and dad had instilled a strong love of country in me. I believe that Dad always hoped

that I would attend the Naval Academy, but never pressured me. As I progressed through school, my scholastic achievements made me a strong candidate, and although undecided on my future path, I applied and received an appointment. I had visions of becoming an architect and was attracted to GA Tech, where I had also been accepted for admission. Mom and Dad took me on a trip to Atlanta, and I was quite impressed with the school. However, before making my final decision, Dad suggested that we take one more trip to Annapolis for a critical look at USNA from the perspective of becoming a Midshipman. That trip sold me. I observed a close-knit group of young men and was able to envision a future where, like my dad, I could serve my country and make lifelong friends. I became a proud member of the class of 1977 and subsequently completed a 27-year career as an Engineering Duty Officer – following in my dad’s footsteps. I am thankful for the fine example my dad set for me and for helping me to embark on a most fulfilling career. John W. Geary, CAPT, USN (Ret.) {thanks John – great legacy} Final Hours: It is my sad duty to notify you of the passing of your Classmates Ralph Kinser and Mitchell Karlowicz. May these fine MIDs 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

Life Membership: 47% Donor Participation: 11.29% 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

’49

Life Membership: 66% Donor Participation: 14.84% Pres: CAPT Richard A. (Rick) Claytor, USN (Ret.) 701 King Farm Blvd.,#203, Rockville, MD 20950 e. retxnavy@aol.com

their 4-year tenure. Their sponsored midshipman, Ezra Haddock, Class of 2021, proved to be a great choice, and he and several of his company mates enjoyed many good times at their sponsors’ home.

Exec VP & Treas: CAPT Richard A. (Al) Frost, USN (Ret.) 6516 Bellamine Ct., McLean, VA 22101-1481 Paul Laric, Honorary Secretary of the Class of 1949 Sec'y: Ursula Vosseler 2214 Chesapeake Harbour Dr. Annapolis, MD 2140 e. navygolfergirl@gmail.com Webmaster: CAPT Richard A. (Rick) Claytor, USN (Ret.) Website: www.usna-class49.org

From the President For the first time since our graduation, I had the privilege of returning to Annapolis for Commissioning Week. In our day it was called “June Week”. Since graduation, commissioning, and associated activities are all now performed almost entirely in the month of May, that should be sufficient reason for changing the name of these festivities. Fortunately, the weather complied, and the actual graduation and commissioning took place under sunny skies on May 28th in the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, with 1,084 midshipmen receiving commissions as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. In addition, there were about a dozen international students who received commissions in the navies of their respective countries. I had an interesting exchange with one of these young international students, described later on. The main reason for my attending Commissioning Week was to be present for the graduation of a midshipman who had developed a close relationship with my stepdaughter and her husband who own a home overlooking Spa Creek in Annapolis. Four years ago, she and her husband volunteered to sponsor a midshipman consistent with the program that has allowed Annapolis residents to provide a local place to visit and be comfortable during

New Ensigns Ezra Haddock & Cesar Villalobos Mendoza (Peru)

Manuel Bentin

During my visit, I fortunately was able to get together socially with Ezra and his classmates all of whom were graduating with the Class of 2021. Among them was a midshipman in his company being commissioned into the Peruvian Navy. His name is Cesar Andres Villalobos Mendoza. I asked him if he was familiar with the Peruvian Navy midshipman from our 1949 SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 47

49/51 CLASS NEWS class who was universally admired and respected; his name was Manuel Bentin, who was also one of the top soccer players on a strong varsity soccer team. Cesar said he was not familiar with that name, but this was not too surprising because it has been 72 years since Manuel graduated. However, Cesar promptly picked up his cell phone and checked to find out that Manuel had reached the rank of Admiral in the Peruvian Navy. I’m sure our classmates are delighted to hear this good news. Cesar promised to do some research and provide me with details on Manuel’s career. I will be looking forward to hearing from him and will pass along to the class whatever I receive. Our readers and I will certainly miss Paul Laric’s inputs in the Class of ’49 Shipmate column with which he entertained us for nine years. Having reached age 95 a few months ago, his physical condition has suffered, prompting his resignation, as even typing on the computer keyboard became a painful chore. He has since been diagnosed as advanced arthritis. He let us have a story he wrote for the 60th Anniversary Class Yearbook. You will enjoy it. Regards from Ursula.

Paul and Dodo on their 50th

summoned before the Academic Board, along with other bilgers, most of whom had failed only one subject. Hence, their chances for getting re-exams were better than mine. The Academic Board was headed by Naval Academy Superintendent, Admiral James L. Holloway, Jr. The other members, all Captains, were Heads of the Academic Departments. Never before had mine eyes beheld a greater concentration of gold braid and fruit salad. Behind all that intimidating glitter were stares that could have shrunk a field of violets. “How come, Laric, that you’re doing so well in English, History & Government (or Bull, as we called it) and failing three technical subjects?” inquired a stern Captain. I mumbled a reply. It couldn’t have been much. “I see from your records that you’re quite a linguist,” said Admiral Holloway. “How did you acquire these languages?” I explained that I grew up in Yugoslavia and also attended schools in other countries. “Just how many languages do you speak, Laric?” inquired the stern Captain. “Six, Sir,” I replied. “What are they?” the Captain continued. “Well, Sir, I speak Slovenian, Serbo-Croatian, French, German and Russian, which I studied here. “But that’s only five,” said the Captain, counting on his fingers. “I also speak English, Sir“, I uttered in a whisper while trying to keep a straight face. With that, Admiral Holloway let go a rollicking, bellylaugh and was immediately joined by everyone around the table. I was given re-exams by unanimous vote along with Admiral Holloway’s admonition to “hit the books and get going.” I did just that and, on returning from Summer Cruise, passed them all. But the real lesson learned from this experience was one that I carried into both my naval and civilian careers: a touch of humor can open many a door. Thanks, Admiral Holloway.

I wound up Youngster year bilging not one, but three subjects: Steam (fluid mechanics), Juice (electricity & electronics) and Ordnance. I was

In Memoriam CDR John Alan McTammany, USN (Ret.) died June 8, 2021 in Hingham, MA

Pulling Through Midshipmen with failing grades were called before the Academic Board to explain their misfortunes and, if lucky, were awarded the privilege of taking a re-exam in the failed subjects.

48 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Irma S. Weaver, widow of Lt Col, Robert B. Weaver, USAF (Ret.) died April 8, 2021 in Sonoma, CA. CAPT James (Jim) Foster, USN (Ret.) died 22 June, 2021 in West Linn, OR.

’50

Life Membership: 66% Donor Participation: 12.12% 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

has volunteered to be our Webmaster and Shipmate scribe, vital positions that were vacant. I have always been a proud member of this class, but it became an immense pride during this reunion. We have left many indelible marks on the Academy. I had hoped for a larger attendance but the camaraderie displayed among attendees was overpowering. We will look for ways to unite classmates and family members at future events and solicit your help for suggestions, remembering that we classmates are all nonagenarians and although we are still bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, we do not fly like eagles anymore.

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

’51

Life Membership: 67% Donor Participation: 15.25% Pres: CAPT Thomas A. Boyce, USN (Ret.) 9014 Belvoir Woods Pkwy., Ft Belvoir, VA 22060 p: 703-780-7525; e: moomapa51@gmail.com Vice Pres: CAPT Bob Small, USN (Ret.) 874 Coachway, Annapolis, MD 21401 p: 410-849-2149; e: rhsusna51@verizon.net Sec’y: Lt Col Wallace G. Christner, USAF (Ret.) 8804 Gibbs Pl., 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 Communications: VADM Robert F. Dunn, USN (Ret) 819 Marshall Lane, Alexandria, VA p: 703-370-9589; e: robtdunn@aol.com Website: www.usna51.com

PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS Tom Boyce Our 70th Reunion was a definite winner and “51, second to none” echoed throughout the hallowed Academy halls and grounds. BRAVO ZULUS are due Ruth and Bob Small, architects of this very successful event. I would also like to thank Lee Kollmorgen for his presidency during some very trying times and hope and pray that Teddi makes a speedy recovery. I am extremely grateful that Bob Dunn

THE REUNION Thirty-six classmates, ladies, widows and guests made it to the 70th Reunion. While the numbers were small the camaraderie and socialization were great. Hats off to Ruth and Bob Small who organized the event and to Devon Clouse and Company who facilitated the schedule and to those who traveled great distances to make it. In total eighteen classmates, two widows, seven wives, and nine guests attended. One of the first and indeed a highlight event was the chapel service on Thursday. Though not part of the service per se, the Superintendent, Vice Admiral Sean Buck led off and got things started on a high note. He reviewed the class history and thanked us for our many contributions, both tangible and intangible, over the years and spoke just a bit about USNA today. Next there was a service of recognition and thanksgiving presided over by our thenacting President Tom Boyce and USNA Chaplain Jason Weatherwax. On completion of the Memorial Service our honorary classmate Monte Maxwell delivered a superlative demonstration of what our organ could do with a selection of most impressive tunes including, of course, Navy Blue and Gold and ending with a rousing rendition of Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever. See the website for more on Monte Maxwell, his renditions and his description of how an organ works.

51/51 CLASS NEWS A class meeting in the Billy Lawrence Room took place immediately after the chapel service. In early order of business new class officers were elected: Tom Boyce, President; Bob Small, Vice President; Chris Christener, Secretary. Guy Shaffer, Class Fundraiser, then presented the class financial status and reviewed the history of class giving. On Guy’s recommendations members present approved the doubling of the Class of 1951 Teaching Excellence Award from $5000 to $10,000 and approved the shift of funds previously earmarked for the Chet McDonough Award to a womens’ basketball award. A more detailed review of the meeting and Guy’s full report is available on the class website. After a superb lunch in the Lawrence Room it was on to the second floor of the Naval Academy Museum where Museum Specialist and old friend of ’51, Mr. Grant Walker and Bob Small conducted a personalized tour of the ’51 Gallery of Ships. What a superb and outstanding legacy for us to leave that is. Once more thanks to Bob Small for yet another job well done. Unfortunately, the visit to the Terwilliger Center for Student Athletes was disappointing. The exhibit, “Who Will I Become?” was not fully operable and several classmates remarked as to how weak it was. Given this is a work in progress the plan is for the class to support the project through 2022 then re-evaluate. As expected, despite the relatively low attendance, a total of 36, the Thursday evening dinner in the Queen Anne Ballroom at Crowne Plaza was superb. Fortunately, Bob and Marilyn Miller and Roy Malone and his son, Roy Jr., caught some of the scene on camera; photos reproduced here and on the website. CLASS OF ’51 WEBSITE While we all look forward to Shipmate the news it carries can be frustratingly dated. A quicker way to keep up with your classmates is through frequent checking of our class website. It has been said that

some senior citizens look upon email, websites and such as playthings for the younger set. But surely, anyone who passed Plebe Steam, sailed through a Nav P-work or got through Electric Lab without wearing rubber overshoes can navigate the World Wide Web. It’s strongly recommended that you tune into www.usna51.com and see what’s there. The site presently has but three pages, but plans are to go to four or more. The current three pages are Home, Necrology and Now Hear This. There are no rules for what goes on what page but generally the topics are as follows. The Home Page is a vehicle for class officers to communicate with you, bringing you up to date on the latest news with regard to the class and the Academy The Necrology Page posts the number of classmates lost and lists by name losses for the past two years. The Now Hear This page is for all other class news, get-togethers, travels, meet-ups, anecdotes and sea stories, memories. If you want to make an input, and we hope you will, please send whatever you have to Bob Dunn at robtdunn@aol.com and he will see that it gets posted. POTPOURRI. In case you missed it, the Chapel has a shiny new dome. The San Diego group has resumed its monthly luncheons. The National Capital Group will soon do the same. The San Diego group also make a point of representing the class at Southern California funerals for classmates, the most recent being Jimmy Rough and Walt Schutz. News of such doings, and other news as well, from classmates in other areas would be most welcome. Meanwhile, for those within range of Annapolis Bob Small is once again arranging space in the stadium parking lot for pre-football game tailgates. BEAT ARMY!

’51: SEVENTIETH REUNION ATTENDEES

’51: LUNCH IN THE BILL LAWRENCE ROOM

’51: HONORAY CLASSMATE MONTE MAXWELL AT “OUR” ORGAN

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 49

51/53 CLASS NEWS

'51 PRESIDENT TOM BOYCE AT THE CHAPEL

BARBARA AND TOM BOYCE AND WARREN ROTHMAN

MAXINE MILLAR AND DAVE GHYSELS

’52

Life Membership: 71% Donor Participation: 16.78% 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 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

Phil Case reminds us: “Our 70th reunion is planned for April 24 50 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

(Sunday) through breakfast on April 27 (Wednesday) 2022, at the Double Tree Motel in Annapolis. 33 classmates plan to attend (all things being equal) along with widows and families. I hope to hear from some more of you. casep29@ gmail.com. Phil” On 22 June 2021, Class President Bob Schulze sent out the following announcement: M “There will be a ’52 Zoom meeting Thursday 1 July at 3 PM eastern daylight time. Our program to have speakers at the meetings has been so successful that we will continue with classmate Jim Sagerholm as our speaker. Jim will give a short description of what transpired at Gettysburg after the failure of Pickett’s charge to break the Union line on the third day of battle. He will then lead us in a discussion of the decisions made by Generals Lee and Meade, focusing on whether Mead could have trapped Lee and have ended the war in 1863. This is one you will not want to miss! “I will put out a message next Tuesday that will invite you to join the meeting. If you are having computer problems or do not feel confident in joining the meetings, see if you can get someone to help. We have at least six classmates who are in assisted living facilities and have people there help them join the meetings. I have listed the helper’s email address on our Zoom list, and they get in that way. This works well, so if you have someone to help you, I will enter their address and you will be able to join us. Since we do not know all of the classmates who participate in our meetings and we have all changed a lot in the last seventy or seventy-four years, Jon Derr has suggested that classmates prepare a short brief on their name and details of their current lifestyle. This way we will get to know each other better, and we will be able to identify everyone who joins.” I realize that the announcement quoted above will be several months old by the time you read this in Shipmate, but the information that Bob provides remains valid regarding getting help with your

computer if you need to, and I think John Derr’s suggestion regarding classmates preparing a short brief, or biography, on their name and details of their current lifestyle is a valuable one. I hope more develops on that. I have a request to make to all Zoom participants, and it is with respect to carrying on off-Zoom conversations with wives or others, or answer a telephone, while a speaker or other classmate “has the floor”, without muting your computer. It is VERY distracting and tends to interrupt the proceedings and throw the legitimate speaker off his or her stride. Please – if you must carry on a side, non-meeting conversation, mute your computer! If you feel you must answer the telephone, please take it into another room to do so. I know that Bob Schulz has put out guidance several times on this point, but the problem persists. We continue to receive word of the passing of Classmates, wives, and widows. Received recently: CAPT Douglas Wilkinson Payne, USN (Ret.), 12 February 2021. Inurnment at U.S. Naval Academy Columbarium, 5 June 2021. Dr. Rita C. Hubbard, widow of R. George Hubbard, 18 June 2021. Interment at Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News, Va. 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! (—Still!) 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/publicationsand-media/news-articles/ 2020-news-articles/advocacy/ arlington-cemetery-eligibility-

changes-two-ways-to-make-yourvoice-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: 67% Donor Participation: 21.53% 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

The Memorial Service for Carl Trost (22) is 1100 Monday September 20, 2021 at the USNA Chapel. The Midshipmen Brigade upper Classes will be back from the summer and many of their cars will be parking in the Yard. Hope you find good spot. Passing’s Charlotte H. Maas, widow of COL Bertram A. Maas USMC (Ret) (5), died July 29, 2020 in Vienna, VA. She was a Marine Corps wife moving over states and countries in Japan, Texas, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, California, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania, finally retiring in 1980. They were married for 57 years, until Bertram passing in 2011. Charlotte was a lover of the arts. She performed in many theater productions. She also volunteered at her children and grandchildren schools. Survivors included six sons, their wives, and five grandchildren….* Stanley L. Bachman, CAPT, USAF (Ret) (11), died May 11, 2021

53/54 CLASS NEWS in Alvin, TX. Stanley After USAF retired, Stanley was employed by NASA from 1964 to 1983. He specialized in navigation, guidance and control for many space missions. He taught Sunday School and volunteered in both prison and nursing ministry. His wife, Doris, and his son, Stanley II, preceded him in death. Survivors include 5 children, 7 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Charles H. Wright Jr. CDR USN (Ret) (7) died May 31, 2021 in San Diego, CA. Chuck served on five diesel-electric submarines, including Commanding Officer of the USS CHARR. Shore assignments University North Carolina, the Naval Undersea Center, and a final tour as a Navy instructor for US Army officers at the Command and General Staff college at Fort Leavenworth, KA. Following retirement from the Navy Chuck received a Masters of Public Administration at National University. After the degree he worked for a few years in personal management. Survivors include his wife, Kathy, who he married in 1977, also three children and three grandchildren from their mother Patricia. Mail Bag Tom Southerland (24) sent A Sea Story - a Fond Remembrance The comedy movie Operation Petticoat was about a fictional WW II submarine, the Sea Tiger, with five Army nurses aboard escaping from the Japanese in the Philippines. It was primarily filmed in Key West where I was the Diving Officer on the SPIKEFISH in early 1959. When I learned that our submarine commodore was preparing a formal dinner several days away, I was asked if I would I like to escort the actress Dina Merrill. She was only one or two of the cast who would be attending. So I took it upon myself to go to a rest area near the filming where cast members could often found. Not only did I find her but invited her for lunch on the SPIKEFISH the next day. When I arrived to pick her up, I was delighted that Janet Leigh would also be coming. Leigh’s husband, Tony Curtis, was the other star in the movie along with Cary

Grant. So here I was in my bright blue Skyliner retractable hard top convertible with two attractive movie stars both on the front seat arriving for lunch. Back then there were no seat division. And, the top was down. As we got out of the car there were the usual upkeep noises of two other subs. And then it stopped cold turkey. Hatches were open, I may have seen a rising scope. Sailors were soon gawking and who could blame them. The luncheon was most enjoyable and thankfully uneventful. Merrill was not a bad tennis player and several times we played doubles. Leigh would come out to watch. Several weeks later the SPIKEFISH left for a good will trip to South America to the major eastern countries. In retrospect, it was a case of being at the right place at the right time. And that’s how I met my Margot in Georgetown in 1960 and were then married on 25 November 1960 — now over 60 years….* Chuck Walker (21) sent an e-mail from Coeur D Alene, ID: “We are celebrating Father’s Day with the three Walker kids: Pam, Chuck Jr, and Kelly. Pam snapped a picture at a brunch on Sunday at a dockside restaurant of the CDA Resort [on a lake]. As you can see Sue Skerrett (22) is as beautiful as ever and I still have some grey fuzz on my head! All the best to all of you, Chuck”….* *See 50th Years Legacy Book if you have one….ACB

’54

Life Membership: 56% Donor Participation: 17.37% 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

In a Service of tradition some things don’t change! Plebe Summer 1950? From Capt. Dave SmithM Here is a picture taken after noon formation, on the way to the dining

hall for lunch. Left to Right is Bob Gibson, Pete Yadlowsky, David Smith and Andy Hamlin. From Pete Easton: M For Shipmate. We had a good turn-out for our 15th annual girl/boy lunch at the Princess Anne Country Club on 17 June. A total of 17 attended and it was great to see so many after being unable to do so last summer because of Covid-19. We have been doing this for years and it is always well received, so if there are other 54’s in the Tidewater area that we did not know about and who would like to be included please contact anyone you know from the group mentioned Those that were there are (Table 1) Bill and Cheron Hargrave, Joan Daniels, Bob Briner and Ann Lamore (Table 2) Carl and Carolyn Masters, Rod and Marcia Crawford, Bunny Walsh and Sally Herzer. (Table 3) Pete and Kathy Easton, Priscilla Kinley, Ann Robertson, Ray Alvarado and Anne Glunt.

’54

Sue and Chuck Fathers Day

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE Log into Online Community at usna.com to update your profile. ’54: 15th annual girl/boy lunch SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 51

54/55 CLASS NEWS

’54: 15th annual girl/boy lunch

’54

From Capt. Dave Smith: Memories from 1951 pre A/N Game Navy won 42-7, in case you don’t remember. Check the food prices!

’55

Life Membership: 64% Donor Participation: 13.54% 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/

John Rick Ganey (19) passed away at his home in Osterville, MA, April 24, 2021.

’54 52 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

John Irwin Kelly (5) passed away in Bakersfield, CA on May 24, 2021. Chuck Masalin (8) passed away on May 31, 2021 in Bluffton, SC. Frederic LeRoy Tollleson (17) passed away on June 10, 2021, in Seattle, WA. Don Sturtz (23) reported that his beloved wife, Alice Sturtz,was interred at Arlington National Cemetery on June 30, 2020. Ed Lull (11) sends an update. M Hi Folks. It’s great being off the Pandemic leash. I made a trip to visit my son in Hardy VA. Here I am a passenger in his boat enjoying the ride and the breeze on Smith Mountain Lake. I hope this finds you and your families well. Ed

55/55 CLASS NEWS

JOIN CLASSMATES FOR THE CLASS OF 1955’S

67TH REUNION TO REKINDLE OLD FRIENDSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS APRIL 28-30, 2022 Headquarters Hotel: Double Tree Hotel, Annapolis Registration Packages Arriving Soon Be sure to Update your contact information with the USNA Alumni Association. SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 53

55/56 CLASS NEWS Editor’s Note According to an article I read in the ’52 Shipmate column, the plan to withhold commissions from the offending class was thwarted by the fact that 25% of the class already had commissioning orders from the USAF! Fred Schoenberger (11) remembers the Little Creek “Choir Practice.”

Fred Underwood (22) recalls the Class of ’52’s “shoe incident “ winding up our Plebe Year. M I don’t remember much about the rest of the year. But during June Week, it got interesting. The class of ‘52 had a substantial grievance with the administration. The Commandant of Midshipman wanted to restore the Monkey Suits that, in the years before WW II, were required uniform for dances and marching. Three classes had to buy them, ‘52, ‘53, and ‘54. They were just an expected part of the uniform kit for us. Because of this late buy, every member of the class of 1952 graduated up to $200.00 in debt. They decided that they would display their displeasure with the administration with a demonstration during the Color Parade. They all took the shoelaces out of their shoes, painted their swords like candy canes, and I can’t remember what else. The Firsties were either in front of the company as Officers or in the last two rows. We were formed up, on the parade ground, and all the formalities were over; the Brigade Commander then ordered “Pass in review.” Every one of the first classmen stepped out of their shoes and left them on the field. One of the Firsties in the rear of the 24th company had a red lantern hanging from his rifle. The Superintendent was infuriated at this show of disrespect. They talked about not letting them graduate. I guess that didn’t make sense, so they graduated on time.

M One of the few pleasures available for a single Junior Officer (JO) in Norfolk during the mid-fifties took place at the Little Creek Amphibious Base Officers Club - not the main dining room and bar for the brass hats and polite people, but the basement that had a flagstone floor and and an old upright piano in the rear corner. It had a long bar that sold beer in quart glass bottles, tables and chairs around the walls and (thankfully) a rear door that led to the parking lot behind the building. On Choir Practice nights (Tues. & Thurs. I believe) the piano was manned by Clyde Mosher or Pappy Walsh, retired Chiefs, and the atmosphere was akin to a Munich Rathskeller. “Hymnals” were available that contained all the words to the usual songs abused by the “choir.” I still have one I keep in my banjo case. After 11 o’clock, the songs grew “saltier” and weren’t found in the book. Most of the crowd were JO’s and wives who milled around clutching the glass quart beer bottles. On one memorable evening, I was standing next to the bar during a lull in the music when my bottle slipped from my grip and crashed with a resounding explosion on the stone floor. This started a simultaneous bottle-dropping everywhere in the room followed by gales of laughter and piles of broken glass in a few inches of beer on the floor. Before long, the Shore Patrol entered the scene and the crowd fled out the back door to the parking lot. But it didn’t end there. A cleanup crew came in and took care of the mess. A half hour later, we were all back at our usual places and the piano began to play!

’56

Life Membership: 73 % Donor Participation: 24.41 % 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”

Ron Amon (15) sent some mementos of his time as captain of the 150 lb football team, including correspondence from the Superintendent. The 1955 season culminated at Princeton University. Before the game the Superintendent, RADM Boone sent the telegram below to Ron, the team captain. With great grit and determination, Ron and his running mate and classmate, Bob Forster (7) led the team from a 20-0 deficit at halftime to a 20-20 tie that secured the National Championship for the “Mighty Mites”. Navy kicked off to open the second half and shortly thereafter gained possession of the ball on a Princeton fumble and moved to Navy’s first touchdown of the ball game. The midshipmen still trailed

USNA.COM Bringing the Alumni Association to you. ’56

54 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

by 14 points at the end of the third quarter. Then, Navy dominated the fourth quarter scoring two touchdowns and holding Princeton scoreless. Ron’s conversions added the extra points and the game ended in a 20-20 tie; however, Navy’s undefeated season record was preserved and earned the team the National Championship. Following that championship win, Naval Academy Superintendent RADM W. F. Boone congratulated Ron by letter, ”Not only were you able to come through an undefeated season, but to overcome tremendous odds against you in the last game in order to maintain that record. This characteristic of refusing to admit defeat will stand you and your teammates in good stead throughout your careers . . . Well Done!” 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. Captain Frank B. Tatom, USNR (Retired), (4) of Huntsville, AL, died on April 15, 2020. He was born in Montgomery, AL, on November 27, 1934, and for his lifetime was Frank Buck Tatom ’56 a loyal son of his state. After graduation he served two years each in USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) and USS Zellars (DD-777). He left active

56/57 CLASS NEWS duty in 1960 and continued to serve in the Naval Reserve for another 27 years, the last 14 as an Engineering Duty Officer, while also serving as a Naval Academy Information Officer. As a civilian he worked for DuPont before attending Auburn to earn his MSME. After teaching at Auburn for a year he went to work for Northrup-Huntsville for five years, then matriculated to Georgia Tech to earn his PhD ME. For three years he worked for Texas Instruments, then four years in Science Applications, Inc., after which he launched out to form his own company, Engineering Analysis, Inc. He ran EAI as president and chief engineer for more than 35 years. Frank was a licensed professional engineer in three states and was considered an expert in explosive damage assessment and tornado risk assessment. He held a patent and approximately 29 copyrights. Frank was active in his local chapter of the USNA Alumni Association and as a Rotarian in the Huntsville Rotary Club. He served as the first chairman of the Engineering, Science, and Technology Committee of the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce. He founded the Huntsville (ballroom) Dance Club, a nonprofit organization that conducted 1,000 dances during his tenure and raised $100,000 for local charities. Frank was a lifelong lover of wildlife, especially big cats (tigers, etc.) He was also an avid Bible history researcher. Frank is survived by sons Frank Thomas Tatom and John Wood Tatom daughter Briana Tatom Moseley, and their mother Roberta Wood Tatom as well as six grandchildren. Richard William “Dick” Shafer (23), who graduated number one in our class, was reported by his son to have passed away 7 June 2021. No other information is available at this time. Woodward, Corbin “Woody”, Jr. (14) passed away 8 May 2021. He was 87. His father, Corbin Woodward Sr., passed away when Woody was 11 years old. His mother, Mary Ivy Kelly, the “belle of Chatanooga”, insure, and that Woody was admitted to the prestigious McCauley Prep

School and then garnered an appointment for him to USNA. Woody was quiet, thoughtful, and congenial and a devout Christian. David Chartrand (5) is presumed to have passed away date unknown due to some undeliverable mail returned to the Alumni House. There is no other information... Charles Brush (19) (non-grad), who was Honorably Discharged, deficient in studies in Feb, 1955, is presumed to have passed on within the past year. There is no other information... Patricia Ann Cook, wife of Ross Earl Cook (8) passed away 17 May 2021 after a brief illness, with family at her side. Patricia was born 15 April 1935 in Glen Falls, NY to the late Dr. Frankenburg and Marguerite D. (Zimmerman) Falkenburg. While in elementary school during WWII she began corresponding with a pen pal her age and maintained a lifelong friendship with her. She was privileged to meet her in person in 1999 in Scotland. Patricia graduated from Mary Washington College (now University of Mary Washington) with a degree in psychology. She met and married Ross Cook in 1957 and they had two daughters. Throughout her adult life she was a gifted homemaker who volunteered in many roles at her church such as Children’s Sunday School Superintendent, Vacation Bible School Coordinator, piano player, teacher and nursery worker. She was also actively involved in her daughters’ PTA organizations, Girl Scout troops and 4-H club. In 2003 at the age of 68 she became a living kidney donor for one of her daughters. Motivation for her dedication to her marriage, her involvement in her daughters’ lives, her love of studying Scripture, and her generosity and hospitality came from her strong faith throughout her life. In 2008 she was preceded in death by Ross Cook, her husband of 51 years. She is survived by her daughters Christy Britt (Tommy) of North Carolina and Cindy Becraft of Pennsylvania, and three grandchildren: Sean, Heather, and Erin Becraft. She is also survived by her twin sister Barbara F. “Bobbi” Wright of South

Carolina and several nieces and nephews. Her ashes were to be buried beside her husband in a private ceremony in her family’s cemetery plot in Glens Falls, NY.

’57

Life Membership: 69% Donor Participation: 18.51% 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@pacbell.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/

Sad news continues: James H. Foresman III (3), of The Fairfax at Fort Belvoir, VA, died peacefully at the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital on 23 May 2021. He was born on 27 August 1932, in Scooba, Mississippi. Funeral services were held on 24 June 2021 at The Fairfax, just nearby to Fort Belvoir, attended by more than 100 classmates, family, and friends. Jim will be missed at every golf outing and Class reunion. Helen Kay Swanson, 85, of Cornelia, GA, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, Wednesday, 9 June

2021. The wife of Dean Swanson (23), Kay was born in Austin, Texas. Edward F. Welsh (7), 86, of Jefferson Hills, PA, died Saturday, 22 May 2021. Edward was born in Natrona, WY. Breaking news: The Athletic Association has invited each Class to nominate eight outstanding classmate athletes, as “Legends”, to be memorialized in a display in their newly renovated facility. A committee selected by President Dan Cooper (15) looked at 40 such standouts, finally settling on the following: Dave Mabry (24) 150-pound football Dave Smalley (21) basketball Monty Knapp (9) rifle Bob McElwee (5) football Earle Smith (11) football and lacrosse Dick Vosseller (14) pistol Walt Meukow (4) track & cross-country Andy Massimino (3) soccer. A report on our Class of 1957 Chair in Naval Heritage, from VP Bill Peerenboom (3): M Last year’s Class of 1957 Chair professor, Dr. David Winkler, asked his upper division mids to study the methods of conducting oral history. The 15 mids each conducted interviews with a member of our Class and captured their experiences during the Vietnam war. Then they shared their interviews, so that they could each write a chapter in a chronicle of the war. The book was published by the Academy. The copies arrived in the spring of 2021. After distribution to

’57 SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 55

57/57 CLASS NEWS participants, there are copies still available to interested classmates. Bill Peerenboom has them and will send them gratis when requested, on a first come-first served basis. Bill’s contact info is above, at the masthead of this Class News column. The photo features Professor McCarthy, department chair; Professor Winkler, presenting the book; and Bill Peerenboom accepting it. From Jim Googe (7): Jim writes from home in Memphis. M We decided to host a minireunion in Memphis of all our 7th Company classmates living in mid-America. By our count there are only four of us. One of us could not come, so we three hosts had a wonderful time at our own party. For “when two or three shall meet and old tales be retold” surely a good time will follow. A highlight of our get-together was telephoning Ed Welsh, then confined in hospice care, and sharing with him our individual remembrances of Academy hijinks. It was a joyous and spiritboosting call for all of us, and came only a few days before Ed’s passing. So let’s meet while we still can, “and with our voyage through, may we all muster up above, a-wearing Navy Blue”. The picture shows (L to R) yours truly, Gary Matthews (7) and Dick Sargent (7), youngster year roommates together again for the first time since graduation 64 years ago. And a report from the links: The 2021 JSO Golf Outing:

’57

On 15 June 2021 our truly veteran golfers gathered at the Fort Belvoir Golf Club to compete in our Jerry Smith Open (JSO) golf outing. We had 11 golfers at the starting tee and all 11 finished the grueling test. This year marked the 23rd anniversary for our JSO golf adventure, but we had missed 2020 due to Covid. In the early years the competition was based upon individual performance. This year, and for the future, the format is a user-friendly captain’s choice, with Paradise Rules to accommodate our ageing handicaps of golf and otherwise. The field included eight classmates (Jerry Smith (1), Bill Hamel (23), Dan Cooper (15), George Philipps (17), Doc Dugan (9), Mac McMenamin (12), Jim Poole (15), and Bob Crouch (21)); two from ’58 (Taylor Keith, Mike Salmon); and one very special ’57 spouse (Ginger Poole). Best team for 2021 with a score of 67 was Jim Poole, Ginger Poole and Crouch. Close runner-up was the team of Philipps, McMenamin, Dugan, and Salmon. Awards for closest-to-pins went to Philipps, McMenamin, Crouch and Ginger Poole. The JSO golf outing honors classmates who have experienced and overcome significant medical/physical challenges but continue to compete. Never give up. Jerry Smith captained Team Two and was the gracious host for our return visit to the Fort Belvoir Woodlawn course. The group photo captures the spirit of the ’57 D.C. Metro golf gang.

’57

And finally, from back in the day, a sea story from Nancy Piper, bride of Earl Piper (6): M My father was a career naval officer, commissioned at the Academy in June 1934. My mother followed his ship from port to port (San Diego, Norfolk, Bremerton, Honolulu, Long Beach, Boston, etc.) living in houses, apartments, and hotels. As the family grew we all became accustomed to our life of frequent travel, dockside goodbyes and happy homecomings since Daddy’s shipboard duties typically kept him at sea and away from home. When Daddy’s ship was assigned to home port in Honolulu, TH (Territory of Hawaii) we followed by ship and found a place to live in Pearl City, close to the main fleet anchorage. Such was the case in May of 1941. In Hawaii, Daddy was the gunnery officer on the USS Benham (DD-397) a single-stack destroyer. In Hawaii he frequently deployed to sea but was often in port on weekends and so could enjoy family time with us more than usual. Although just four at the time, I do remember playing with my baby brother, and with our neighbor’s two children. Late in November of 1941 Daddy’s ship left port as part of a task force of ships under command of the legendary Admiral Halsey. Their mission was to transport several squadrons of fighter aircraft aboard two aircraft carriers to Wake Island to beef up U.S. forces there. At that time there were many warnings of possible hostile action by the Japanese. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, Admiral Halsey’s task force had not

yet returned to port and its valuable aircraft carriers, thankfully, were out of harm’s way. On that Sunday morning I do remember hearing loud noises from the bomb explosions less than a mile away in the anchorage. My mother bravely kept my brother and me away from the ensuing chaos and frantic activity outside. While taking laundry off the clothesline in our back yard she could see the pilots in the cockpits of the Japanese planes as they swooped over the harbor. Our next door neighbors were Christian missionaries to Hawaii; they came to our rescue. Their family name was Naguchi. Yes - they were Japanese. They drove us to the Pali Ridge automobile tunnel which was being used as a temporary bomb shelter. We stayed there most of the day, through the second air attack, and returned home that night. Although the Naguchi family was interrogated after the attack they were permitted to stay on the island and were never evacuated to the holding camps in the States. Admiral Halsey’s force returned to Pearl Harbor the day after the attack to a smoking, heart-wrenching scene. We saw Daddy only briefly and then he was off to sea again after the ships were re-fueled. I have often thought about my “Navy life” growing up and how my mother especially rose so admirably to the difficult situations we faced; she always kept me feeling happy, safe and secure. The Pearl Harbor experience is my once-in-a-life-time story. My upbringing experience is a narrative of tough love and faithfulness. With that wonderful story, we cap the inkwell and press SEND. Carpe diem. SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 56

58/59 CLASS NEWS

’58

Life Membership: 63% Donor Participation: 19.05% 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

IN THE LINE OF DUTY In recent issues of Shipmate I have outlined the deaths of our Classmates who died in the line of duty. There were 28 of them and the last of the 28 to report on was CDR Jack Hoel USN, 6th Company. Jack died on 11 September 1974. At the time Jack was the Commanding Officer of the USS John Calhoun (SSBN-630) Blue crew. He was returning to his ship from a trip to Washington, DC when the Eastern Airlines DC-9 he was traveling on crashed on approach to Charlotte, NC. Of the 28 Classmates who died in the line of duty 20 were USN Officers, five were USAF Officers and three were Marine Officers. 22 of the 28 who died were pilots or flight officers. Three of the 28 were killed in action (KIA). CLASS ATHLETIC LEGENDS Each Class President was asked to present the names of outstanding athletes from his Class. In the last issue of Shipmate I described the achievements of Harry Hurst and John Griffiths. Here are the achievements of two more. Ben Montoya, 5th Company * Starting pitcher for the Academy Baseball team for three years * Captain of the Baseball team 1st Class year * Three N’s, two N-stars * Retired Rear Admiral * Served on the Academy Board of Visitors for 5 years including 2 years as Chairman * Selected in 2008 by the USNA Alumni Association as a Distinguished Graduate Ned Oldham, 6th Company * Captain of the Academy Football team

* Starting midfielder for the Lacrosse team * Scored all 14 points against Army in 14-0 victory in 1957 * Halfback on offense, safety on defense * Selected for 3rd team All American in Football * Honorable mention All American in Lacrosse HONORING BEN MONTOYA (PART II) Mike McLane 6th Company recently visited the Submarine Museum in Groton, CT and as he was looking at some of the new exhibits he came across a large picture of Ben Montoya. Mike was surprised because this was a Submarine Museum and Ben had been a Civil Engineer Corps Officer. Turns out this was an exhibit about the contributions of Hispanic/Latino Officers and Ben made a very large contribution to the Navy during his active duty career and in retirement.

IN THE WORDS OF JACK ADAMS, “HALLELUJAH!!!” The DC Chapter of the Class of 1958 gathered on 28 May for the first get together in over a year and over 30 Classmates, spouses and friends were present.The guest speaker was RADM Samuel Cox, USN (Ret.), Class of ‘80, who is the Director of the Naval Historical and Heritage Command and Director of Navy History and Curator of the Navy. He gave an inspiring presentation explaining how history can provide real lessons for current policy makers. In his talk he linked classmates from the class of ‘58 and parents of classmates to historic events and noted how our class’s continuing supportive efforts for the USNA Museum is so important. Those attending were Buff and Jean Walter, Fred and Jackie Victor, Mike Salmon, Pete and Julie Russell, John Rohrbaugh, Kay Powell, Eric and Barbara Mansfield, Roger and Kathy Lyons, Bob and Shelia Lance, Marty and Nancy Hill, Gordon and Jane Gerson, Whitey and Lois Edwards, Bill and Pat Dougherty, Charlie Brooks, Dan Bellay, Jack and Ann Adams plus guests from the Class of ‘80.

about 450,000 oysters a year and 70,000 lbs. of shrimp so they must be doing something right. If you want to find out what keeps bringing them back you can order Hudson’s Cookbook and/or Hudson’s Seasoning on line.

Pete B., George, Pete W., Bill and Lee from the left

CLOSING RANKS Jack Petit, 7th Company passed away on the 11th of June. Mike Cunningham, 18th Company died on 21 June.

’59

Life Membership: 66% Donor Participation: 16.51% 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

RADM Ben Montoya USN

WEDDING BELLS Bud Manazir, 12th Company, happily reported his marriage on the 22nd of May 2021 to the beautiful Paula Jane Jacobs and is looking forward to introducing her to the Class at our 65th reunion.

Bud and Paula Jane Manazir

Club Eleven. The Class of ‘59 Jack Adams and RADM Samuel Cox

MEANWHILE BACK AT HILTON HEAD Lee Polhill, 19th Company reported that he, Pete Westphal, 1st Company Pete Berg, 18th Company, George Stubbs, 17th Company and Bill Pendley, 3rd Company met for lunch at Hudson’s on the Dock on Hilton Head Island. Since this is not the first time this group has gathered at Hudson’s I decided to do a little research. Turns out that Hudson’s started out as an Oyster Factory in 1912 and evolved into the present-day restaurant. They serve

members of the 11th Company are a proud bunch and have referred to themselves as Club Eleven since Plebe year. We were copied on some of their recent emails, most remembering the honor of their color company award and the fine role of their company officer, then-Captain Al Haig, USA, the exchange officer from West Point. The following comes from the email of Henry Mauz (11). MWhen I was a commander serving on the staff of the US Mission to NATO in Brussels in 1974/5, I had the duty one weekend when General Haig was the Supreme Commander of NATO forces in

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 57

59/59 CLASS NEWS Europe. My job that day was to collect SACEUR’s armored limousine, meet him at the airport and accompany him downtown where he was to meet with a visiting congressional delegation. I told him I was in the 11th Company when he was there our Plebe year. He laughed and we shared memories of that year. Ever after when our paths crossed he would seek me out and introduce me to various military leaders, like Admiral Ike Kidd (then SACLANT). He’d say “Ike, you see this commander? Well, I trained him”. Ike Kidd then viewed me with a look best described as suspicious. Over the years I have told the story about how we won the colors under Al Haig. If instead we had a typical company officer, I believe the 11th Company would have finished somewhere in the middle of the pack. Al Haig was a wonderful example of how one person can make a difference. That was one guiding principle I always lived by. My War #4 by Freeman Neish (11). I served a 14-month assignment as an Advisor to the Vietnamese Navy River and Coastal Patrol Forces in the infamous Mekong Delta in 1969-1970. This was the most gratifying assignment I ever had in the Navy, despite that fact that people kept shooting at me which was quite distressing. It was also the only time in my entire adult life that I was awfully glad I was not 6 feet 4 inches tall. The Viet Cong were terribly poor marksmen and being vertically challenged as I am (5’ 6” on a good day), I was a relatively small target and survived the multiple encounters with the VC unscathed. Following this Tour of Duty, I was repatriated to the States on an Air Force aircraft. We stopped for fuel in Guam and Hawaii but of course passengers could not leave the Terminal Area. After some 20 hours in a canvas bucket-seat we finally arrived at Travis Air Force Base, adjacent to San Francisco. From Travis I took a commercial bus which dropped me off at the Saint Francis Hotel in San Francisco where I would spend the night, then board a commercial flight back home to see my family the 58 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

following day. As I got off the bus, in uniform, of course, with my Seabag and a Briefcase in hand, a Hippie Girl (probably a Berkeley student) was passing by, threw her lighted cigarette at me and screamed, “Mercenary Pig”. I replied that I was very tired but perhaps she could come back a few hours later and we could talk about it. She threw her newly lighted cigarette at me and shouted that she would never talk to a “Baby Killer” and stormed off. I realized after reflecting on this encounter that instead of being irritated I should have felt sorry for her. She was obviously poor – she could not even afford to buy cigarettes, she had to roll her own with little twisted ends. Additionally, I saw that she picked up the cigarettes that she had thrown at me and put them in her handbag. So sad, and true to her word, she did not show up for follow-on discussions. I would have been glad to buy her a drink and even a takeout meal plus a carton of genuine cigarettes. It is heartening to see how service members returning from deployments are treated today in airports, with handclapping and comments like “thank you for your service”. Certainly, a step up from the welcome(??) we received as we returned from Viet Nam, although as a VN Vet friend of mine has noted – he suspects that a significant number of the adult males are clapping in relief that with no Draft, they don’t have to be wearing those combat boots. First Day Plebe Summer, by Bob Harmuth (17). As I’m reading the instructions on how to stencil the jumpers, I’m stenciling the first jumper with my name clearly printed on the front - and the back backwards on the back of the jumper. I was still only minutes into Plebe Year when a “Firsty” entered the room, and I was handed my first W-2 for failing to remove all bedding from the mattress following reveille - one tiny corner of a sheet was still on a corner of the mattress. Jean McCall. On 21 June, we received a message from Jean’s

daughter informing us Jean was moving from North Florida Regional Medical Center, in Gainesville, to Haven Hospice. She can have visitors. For those who don’t know, she is the widow of Peter McCall (11) who died in April of this year. Patricia Crompton passed away on 4 April 2021 in Miami, Florida, after a 5-year battle with fallopian tube cancer. She was 83 years old. Pat was born in Miami Beach and lived in the area until her father joined the Navy at the outset of World War II. Pat graduated from the Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, Connecticut at the age of 16. She attended Bradford Junior College in Haverhill, Massachusetts and earned an Associate degree at the age of 18.

She married Thomas Crompton in 1956. Upon Tom’s graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1959 she became a Marine Corps wife, and her young family was assigned to Quantico, Virginia, Jacksonville, North Carolina and Key west. For almost 25 years Pat focused her efforts on raising four children and managing the home life of an active family. In 1984 her husband started Crompton Construction Company. Pat assisted him as the administrator for the next 20+ years. Simultaneously, she enrolled at Miami-Dade Community College and then went on to graduate with a degree in Biblical Studies from Miami Christian College in 1991. Throughout her life she volunteered with many civic and religious organizations. She gave her time to charity-based women’s clubs, parents groups at her children’s schools, local attractions, hospitals,

church youth groups, and as a Sunday School teacher for many years. Pat’s Christian faith was central to her life. She was active at Wayside Baptist Church in Kendall. She believed wholeheartedly that there was a heavenly plan for her, designed by an all-knowing, allpowerful, ever-present, and loving God. Her faith gave her comfort and strength through the good times and the difficult times. Pat is survived by Tom, her husband of 65 years, and her four children, Barbara Thompson, Kathryn Crompton, Thomas Crompton Jr., Penelope Lyn, twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A memorial service for Pat was held on 24 April. She will be inurned at the USNA columbarium at a future date. Catherine Beale Cant suffered from Alzheimer’s and passed away on April 8, 2021. She was born 10 March 1943, in Chattanooga, TN, but lived in suburban Maryland throughout childhood. When she was 14, the family moved to Key West, Florida, where Catherine attended Key West High School, graduating as valedictorian. She then attended Randolph Macon Women’s College, majoring in mathematics, and finished in three years, graduating magna cum laude. She received a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship for her master’s degree, which she obtained from the University of Connecticut. Catherine had the unusual ability to explain mathematics so clearly that even those who struggled with math could learn from her, and it was the classroom that she loved, teaching college math for 40 years. Although she enjoyed teaching more than administration, she spent the last 10 years as Department Chair because of her extraordinary patience and diplomacy, a role she served until retiring. Just before graduation from high school, Catherine met a young naval officer in Key West, through a shipmate who was a fellow Episcopalian. The two enjoyed each other’s company - she taught him how to drive his new sports car in rallies and gymkhanas - but it was clear that Catherine was going to

59/60 CLASS NEWS finish college. Upon her graduation, she and Geoffrey (22) were married 20 June 1964. By then he had gone into the submarine service, and their first home was in the New London, CT area. Catherine completed her master’s degree in mathematics and promptly started teaching. Subsequently, Geoffrey was ordered to Washington, D.C. and started at The George Washington University Law School, and Geoffrey and Catherine made their new home in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Catherine was a 12th-generation descendant of Clement Hill, who did surveying work for Lord Baltimore, founder of the Colony of Maryland. Hill was granted title to 1,000 acres on the west bank of the Patuxent River in Upper Marlboro, MD. That property remained in the family, and Catherine was given a 25-acre tract on which they built their home, called Ashcrest. Catherine started teaching math at Prince George’s Community College in Largo, MD. Catherine and Geoffrey made their home at Ashcrest for 38 years, where they raised their son, Christopher, and daughter Catherine (Katie). Catherine and Geoffrey enjoyed vacation trips out west and discovered Sandpoint, Idaho, where they ultimately chose to retire for the scenery, recreation, and, most of all, the wonderful people. Catherine and Geoffrey were happily married for 57 years and were active in Sandpoint, particularly in the Episcopal church. Catherine also enjoyed singing, both at church and in the Pend Oreille Chorale, and she loved being a grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Geoffrey, Captain, USNR (Ret.); their son Chris Cant and his wife Kim Compton, of Olney, MD; their daughter Katie and her husband, Chip Peterson, and three grandchildren: Charlie, Will and Emily. She is also survived by her sister Esther Yarnall Hatchett, and several nephews and grandnephews. A Memorial Service was held at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, in Sandpoint on 22 May 2021. And her Inurnment is anticipated this August in Annapolis, MD. Sharon Udebrock. We recently learned that Sharon, wife of Jack

Udebrock (14), passed away peacefully on 14 June 2021, in Gaylord, MI. Final arrangements are pending. We just learned that John Knief (2) passed away suddenly in his home on 5 May 2021. John spent his early years in California until he was accepted at USNA. After graduation, he chose to serve in the Marine Corp and attended flight training in Pensacola, FL After leaving the Marine Corp, John started a new career working for Social Services and living in California. John retired in 2019.

’60

Life Membership: 69% Donor Participation: 20.68% Pres: RADM Peter G. Chabot, USN (Ret.) p: 443-624-0094; e: pgchabot60@gmail.com Vice Pres: CAPT Douglas M. Johnston Jr., USNR (Ret.) Treas: CAPT Geoege W. Dowell III, USN (Ret.) Sec’y: Bill Lewis 1300 S Hwy A1A Unit 508, Jupiter, FL 33477 p: 804-334-6353; e: bilewis@comcast.net Web Master: Richard Harper p: 805-583-1640; e: Richard.Harper@1960.USNA.com Website: http://www.1960.usnaclasses.net

I recently communicated with Bob Johannsen (8) and was updated on some of his past experiences. He recounted a “Sea Story” from early on in his career which will be presented in its entirety on the Class Website under “Sea Stories”. Take a visit and enjoy Bob’s contribution as well as many others. As a matter of fact, try your hand at recounting that “experience on a dark and stormy night”. Send it in to Richard at the Class Website. Also, via Bob Osmon (17) from Ron Reese (13): M “Dear Bob, first, I’m not sure I thanked you properly for tracking me down to send me the lovely class commemoration of Ann and my 60th wedding anniversary. I had occasion in separate correspondence to thank Justin Wickens (18) for his cartoon contribution. Secondly, I want to thank you for your article in Shipmate about Hank Phillips (17). I first got to know

Hank during plebe summer running on the black cinder track at Thompson Stadium. We both ran the 440, and boy was it hot. One afternoon I was running a fever from one of the battery of vaccines they had shot us up with. Fever or not we had to be out there in the Annapolis summer heat and humidity. The last time I spoke with Hank to my knowledge was when we sat together on a DoD bus passing the Pentagon. I was working for the Institute for Defense Analyses advising OSD on Life Fire Test and Evaluation (LFT&E) program for the SAN ANTONIO LPD-17 Class, then in the design process. The Navy had proposed and OSD had concurred in the Navy’s conduct of a set of underwater explosions at decreasing range to validate an algorithm for prediction the onset of plastic deformation due to hull whipping. The test series was conducted on EX-RALEIGH (LPD 1), Hank’s former command, which you mention in your article. I had been present for the test which was conducted at sea off Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. The Raleigh’s hull was indeed bent as a result of the final test of the series. She was towed back to Rosie Roads, and I went aboard her the next morning to examine the damage. She was due to be scrapped, but NAVSEA made the decision to instead to sink her at sea off Puerto Rico. They didn’t want to have to salvage her if she sank somewhere alongside a pier during the disposal process. During our conversation on the DoD bus, Hank said to me, “You sank my ship!” I couldn’t tell just how much of Hank’s statement was truly from an emotional attachment to his former command at sea, RALEIIGH, and how much was just intended to pull my leg. Based on the ball cap that he apparently wanted interred with his ashes, I think he may have been serious. I’m not sure Hank understood what was learned from this series of tests conducted on his former ship, but I can say unequivocally that what the Navy learned from this test, performed under the umbrella of LFT&E, enhanced the Navy’s

understanding in predicting the survivability of this new amphibious ship class to underwater explosions. The LPD 17 has more survivability to threat weapons built into her than any previous amphibious ship class. Thanks again for your poignant article about Hank. I wish I could have been there that day. - Ron Reese With some Class activites starting up and a relaxation of some restrictions, folks are getting together again. Recently I heard from Bob Meck (19): regarding the Annapolis get together. M “Vicky and I plan to attend. We are bringing a neighbor and classmate, Harley Barnes (22). Harley is the new 22nd Co Rep. Harley and his wife Carol live about a block away in our 55+ community in Lititz, PA.” - Bob One of our Class of 60 Footballers was recently honored by his home area: Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League. Joe Tranchini (14) was inducted in the “Heritage Category” which honors individuals who were impactful “many years ago.” The Hall of Fame inductions began in 2007 Clairton’s QB on their 1954 WPIAL Class AA Football Championship Team. Joe was one of 23 players named to the WPIAL All-Time Scholastic Team by the Pittsburgh Press. May brought the Women’s LPGA to Kingsmill in Williamsburg, VA. Bob Osmon (17) and the Class of 60 followed one player and the caddy of a second. While neither won, Class of 60 gang gave them both a loud and boisterous greeting as they came by Bob’s home and they in turn recognized the attention with a wave to us all. Bob added: “Today we had Jack Greenhalgh (9), Gail & Bill Kee (9), their son Willie, Catherine & Ed Clexton (10), Joyce & John Claman (3), Bobbie and Bob Brenton (3), and Joy & Dick Hamon (8). It was great just sitting in the shade, chatting with good friends and watching the golfers come by. Great way for old retirees to spend an afternoon.” - Bob

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 59

60/61 CLASS NEWS Friedmann & Ianucci

From Doug Johnston (5):

Bob Osmon & Golfer Kelly Tan

From Rod Friedmann (5): M “To celebrate our graduation day of 8 Jun 1960, our W’burg & Southside classmates enjoyed a luncheon along one of the bays in Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach. Ten classmates enjoyed a mostly sea food luncheon at the Dockside Restaurant along the banks of the Lynnhaven River. Service was prompt and efficient, the entrees received a lot of compliments. Attendees included: Ed Clexton (10), Jim Eilertsen (21), Henry von Kolnitz (22), Bob Ianucci (16), Al Whitaker (16), Bob Osmon (17), Jack Suddath (6), Al Bissell (8), Bill Key (9) & Rod Friedmann (5)

M “I opened our June luncheon by describing my time in the Troy box at halftime during a Navy-Troy football game of about 10 years ago. Also present in the box was the Chancellor of Troy, a tall, solidly built Marine veteran. The Vice Chancellor was there as well; as well as a Marine vet, albeit on the short and feisty side. At one point, while the two of them were posing with two other Marine alums in front of a Marine recruiting poster, I said, “Of course, you gentlemen do realize you are part of the Navy Department, don’t you?” To which the short, feisty one responded, “Yeah, the Men’s Department.” Every Marine alive has probably heard that one at least a dozen times, but I don’t know of a single Naval Officer who isn’t proud to have Marines serving in the Men’s Department. All this was by way of introducing our classmate, Bill Keys (12), to speak to our group. Bill, as I’m sure most of you know, is a Marine General who holds both the Navy Cross and Silver Star and is known throughout the Corps as a “Marine’s Marine.” Bill then shared with us some of his wartime experiences, ranging from going down in a helicopter off an aircraft carrier (and then having the carrier run over him before being rescued) to leading the 2nd Marine Division into Kuwait during Desert Storm. Bill has been a great supporter of the Academy, and was honored by

’60: DC Group

the Alumni Association in 2008 as one of the two Distinguished Graduates from our class; Hank Chiles (21) being the other. It was a great time, and those joining us in the rich discussion that followed included Kathy and Gary Cogdell (7), Martha and George Dowell (19), Darlene Matulka, Barbara and Ward O’Brien (22), Becky and Dick Pariseau (1), Jeanne and Tom Solak (2), Bob Stevenson (2), Dennis Hickey (22), Dareen and yours truly.

Life Membership: 71% Donor Participation: 20.00% 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

Website: www.USNA61.org

M I read that the Navy will be starting work on a replacement to the Burke Class, DDG-51s. Two of our ‘60 classmates played key roles in the Burke’s start. Jack Shaw (2) as Program Manager, and Jerry

60 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

’61

Webmaster: Howard Winfree e: winfree@1961.usna.com

I also heard from Jim McKinney (11) concerning the recent inurement of his wife, Betty, at the columbarium in Annapolis at the Academy. Jim’s parents are also buried at the Academy a short distance away at Hospital Point. Finally, I heard from Dave Banner (24):

’60: Tidewater Group

Fee (18), as the ED basically handling the design effort. Both did good! - Dave

Greetings to the Class of ’61! As of this writing, it seems as though we’re slowly coming out of the COVID Crisis. I used to look somewhat askance at the V.A., but they got me my shots a couple of months or more ago, WAY ahead of anyone else down here in Florida. Connie & I had two great cruises cancelled; one to Antarctica, and the other to the Med, which included Jerusalem, places we’ve never been able to schedule before. She is now in the process of getting new dates arranged, although the cruise lines are still a little antsy. Probably due to their crews, who come from all over the planet. I don’t have as much this time for this article as usual, but actually, it is better than I had hoped for. For

61/62 CLASS NEWS

’61

those guys who sent in items for this, THANKS! If this issue looks a little skimpy, I have been debating putting together an input or two of my own Navy history, including a very interesting one on my submarine’s significant participation in the Cuban Crisis, which I have been told by OPNAV has now finally been declassified. If I don’t get any more inputs before I get this thing put together, I may go ahead and do it with this issue. Another is the time the submarine I was on was hit by an exercise torpedo from another ship, which penetrated one of our ballast tanks. Read and find out… The first one comes in from Bruce Maxon (15): M We met at the Rockin Baha Lobster Mexican restaurant on Tuesday, 8 June for our CV-19 delayed bi-monthly luncheon. We had all had our shots so that we could take off our masks and band together for comradery and sea stories. In the picture from left to right are the following classmates: Tom Bailey (16), Jim Cavanaugh (11), Gary Carlson (10), Dick Rothwell (7), Jim Richardson (16), Bill Kraus (12), Jack Allen (13), Bruce Maxon (15), Ed Oleata (10), Leo Willetts (5), Steve Perry (16), Dick Norman (21) and Chuck St. Laurent (21). Ned Kuhns (7) sends: M “The 7th Company held its’ monthly, hour long Zoom meeting on the third Sunday of April 2021 with nine of us participating: Bix Bicknell (Colorado), Ken Craig (Virginia), Bob Hofford (Florida), Chuck Metzler (Florida), Jerry O’Donnell (Ohio), Dick Rothwell

(California), Jim Sniezek (Maryland), All Smith (California) and Yours Truly, so we had good geographical coverage. Several others e-mailed that they wanted to join us but were traveling or had other commitments. Had good general discussions about the upcoming reunion, USNA activities and travel experiences. Al Smith had recently visited Hawaii including a stay at the Kilauea Military Camp (KMC) on the Big Island. The most interesting topic was how Jim Sniezek and Fred Lowack who are scheduled for a photo safari to Tanzania in mid-July are going to be able to get a Covid19 test to re-enter the USA when there are no test sites in Tanzania at the present time. We’ll give you an update in a future input. Wanted to take a screen shot of the group but couldn’t get it to work.” OK; I didn’t get anything else, so here goes my tale…it goes back to the middle 60s. I was on my second diesel submarine out of Norfolk, a LT assigned as the Engineer Officer. We were giving services to a couple of big new DDs, which were using us as a submerged target for their torpedo practice. All went well for the first hour or so. I was busy doing paperwork in the wardroom, and decided to go aft to the control room and watch whatever action was there. All of a sudden, there was a huge BANG!! Which sounded like it came from back aft. It was accompanied by a fast list of the submarine to starboard, but then it righted itself. I yelled up to the Captain in the Conning Tower that I was on my way back aft to see what was what…when I arrived in the Forward Engine Room, I saw all the

enginemen standing there, glassy-eyed. I asked them what happened; they said there was a tremendous BANG on the port hull of the Engine Room. They immediately checked for damage and leaks, and had not found any. Apparently, none of the systems seemed to be affected either. I ran back to the Control Room, and passed this info to the CO. We immediately surfaced. I never saw anything like it; when we went topside, looking aft on the port side, we could clearly see about a third of the torpedo’s rear end sticking out of one of the after Main Ballast Tanks, at about a 30 degree down angle. It obviously had been programmed improperly. Fortunately, the pressure hull had held; later examination showed that only the external ballast tank had been penetrated. Otherwise, we would have surely been lost. We radioed the DD and our Submarine Squadron to let them know; we were, as expected, ordered to return immediately to the Norfolk Navy Yard for repairs, and that there was fortunately an open drydock there. So, into the shipyard we went. For those of you who have been stationed in Norfolk, you know the layout. The channel first goes by the Norfolk Naval base on the port side, and the Norfolk Naval Shipyard is a few miles further downstream, to starboard. I had the watch on the bridge; the CO and XO were right there as well. I noticed that there was a total lack of traffic on either side, which at about 5 P.M. was VERY unusual, as that was the end of the 1st shift at both the Naval Station on our port side, and the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, farther down on our starboard side; this usually resulted in major traffic jams. We pulled into the yard, the Navy’s largest (I was to command it in another 20 years), and went into dock immediately for our repairs. We later found out that the Navy had ordered both highways closed to all traffic, as we passed by. The Navy had taken care of the potential rumors and uproars that accompany things like that. It took about two weeks to fix the ballast tank, and we got a nice paint job plus

some other minor repairs done as well, which is almost always better than getting them done by a submarine tender…and the incident never got into the local newspapers.

’62

Life Membership: 75% Donor Participation: 16.90% Pres: CDR Walter F. Welham Jr., USN (Ret.) p: 703-501-1665; e: wwelham@aol.com Sec’y: Robert Giles 1749 Baldwin Dr., Millersville, MD 21108 p: 301-395-4379; e: robert.giles@gmail.com

I travel with my Class Banner & trusty Roster, the one I received at the 2017 Class Reunion (Prepared by our own Stew Lingley). Colleen & I made our post-covid grand child visit to our daughter’s home in Phoenix, AZ. While there, I was fortunate to make contact and have lunch Fred Badger who lives just North of Phoenix in Scottsdale, AZ., to be near his daughter. Fred came to Navy from NY state, graduated to pursue aviation until a near mid-air collision helped change his direction, he ultimately completed his obligated service and started and completed a successful new career with IBM that involved recruiting potential VP’s for IBM. After retirement, he started his own business in the same field. Fred loves golf and has the physique and tan to prove it. I enjoyed our short visit.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 61

62/63 CLASS NEWS

Earlier this year Jack Hanley submitted a very interesting article telling us about his experience that resulted from the Assassination of President Jack Kennedy. During our initial discussion, Jack told me that his apartment in NYC overlooked the Hudson River, while explaining to Jack that his article was a big hit, I mentioned that the only thing I could imagine that would make his article any more interesting would be a report that he had observed Sully’s “Miracle on the Hudson” occur. I am pleased to forward herein, Jack’s response. As Jack & I were enjoying the success of his previous submittal about the South pole, I told him the only story that would top it would be if he could say he saw Sully in full glide down the Hudson River. I made that comment to him because I remembered him telling me that his 33rd floor apartment built by the Trump Organization has a clear view up and down the Hudson River. To my surprise he told me that they actually did observe the event.

As the event unfolded, Jack was in his home office dealing with an Apple technical problem that had taken him 90 minutes to get to the third tech level while Maureen was at their apartment window, and later described seeing what she described as a very quiet Airbus 62 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

A320 gliding by their window. She wondered if the city had built a runway South of their apartment along the Hudson River, then she must have realized what was happening and panic set in for her. As Jack said, she actually squealed for his attention. Then there’s Jack realizing Maureen’s serious distress meant he was going to have to abandon his contact with the correct HELP guy at Apple to help his wife. He rushed to the window, saw the actual splash-down and was able to reassure his wife that the airplane had landed without breaking up, and that people would be safe. Its final splash-down was just beyond the Intrepid Aircraft Carrier Museum They tried calling 911, but the lines were already swamped, so they watched patiently as people safely exited onto the aircraft’s wings.

It seemed an eternity before any signs of help arrived. The first was a large Ferry Boat. Thank God for the awesome Help My Brother Attitude of the folks in New York City.

According to Jack who understands landing on ice and/or snow, all involved were extremely fortunate because the river was relatively calm and ice-free that day. Three days later, after a cold spell, there were ice flows from shore to shore. He told me he hesitated to think what would have happened had Captain Sullenberger tried to glide into an ice pack. Jack with his two tours as an NAO at the South Pole should understand the danger. As a

point of interest, we have friends who are recent grads of the USAFA, and they were quick to point out that all undergrads at Air Force had to learn how to fly a Glider just like we had to learn how to handle the YP’s. I love these sea tales that remind us of the value of the training we received and learned to pass on having attended a Service Academy.

’63

Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation: 19.05% Pres: CAPT W. Spencer Johnson IV, USN (Ret.) Sec’y: Michael H. Shelley 27 Cambridge Dr., Brevard, NC 28712 p: 828-506-2201; e: nstar@citcom.net Website: www.USNA63.org

In just the past month we have lost five members of the Class of 1963 family. Due to space limitations they receive brief mention below. 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 profiles in the virtual Lucky Bag in the Classmates section. Donald Terry Rogers passed away on 22 May. Terry’s widow, Gloria, can be contacted at P.O. Box 606, Jackson, WY 83001. Jay N. Whiting died on 1 June. Jay’s widow, Kathy, can be contacted at 519 McIndoe Street, Wausau, WI 54401. Peter A. Browne passed away on 3 June. Peter’s widow, Jackie, can be contacted at 3432 Barger Drive, Falls Church, VA 22044. John S. McCabe died on 16 June. John’s widow, Diane, can be contacted at 607 30th Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. Betty Ann Fitzgerald, widow of our classmate William C. Fitzgerald, passed away on 22 June. She was the Ship’s Sponsor of USS FITZGERALD (DDG 62), named to honor Bill for his heroism and ultimate sacrifice in action in Vietnam. Her obituary is now posted with the Last Call entry for Bill Fitzgerald. The ship posted a notice on its Facebook page reporting her death and noting her lasting dedication to

the ship and its crew. Here is an excerpt: M An avid supporter of the ship and crew since commissioning, Betty will be sorely missed by the Fightin’ FITZ family. Through her annual Christmas cards to every crew member, and meeting with each CO at her home in Vermont, Betty kept a vital connection with the crew of FITZ and her husband’s legacy. Thanks to Dave Moore for sending an article about the recovery of an F-14A Tomcat and its AIM-54A Phoenix missile from 1,800 feet of water northwest of Scotland in 1976. The aircraft had been lost in an accident on the flight deck of USS JOHN F. KENNEDY that September. The loss of the Tomcat with its state-of-the-art electronics and the advanced Phoenix air-to-air missile sparked a race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, both of whom attempted to recover it. The article, published in the online magazine Historic Wings, describes the use of the Navy’s then-Top Secret nuclear submarine NR-1 to effect the successful recovery. To see this fascinating story, go to http://fly. historicwings.com/2012/09/ tomcat-deep/

Launching NR-1 in January 1969

63/64 CLASS NEWS

The Navy’s smallest nuclear submarine

Displacing only 400 tons and with a length of 147 feet and a beam of 12 and a half feet, NR-1 was the smallest nuclear submarine ever put into operation. It was never commissioned. (A comment in Wikipedia.com says that Admiral Rickover wanted to avoid the oversight that a warship receives from various government bureaus.) The crew included three officers, eight enlisted men, and up to two scientists.

Mike McQuown ‘63

The account in Historic Wings briefly mentions our classmate Mike McQuown, who was preparing to become OinC of NR-1 and was on board for the recovery operation. Upon completion of that assignment, NR-1 began a transit back to the United States. Because of her small size and limited speed, the submarine was being towed, as was customary, by USS SUNBIRD (ASR-15). An electrical failure led to the shutdown of the nuclear power plant. Once the electrical problem had been given a temporary fix, the reactor startup was delicate and risky but was done successfully. Later, in a major storm, the tow cable parted and became fouled in the

submarine’s screws. Mike’s tough decisions and heroic actions resulted in the submarine’s safe return home. I believe that very few of us were aware of NR-1’s existence and fewer still knew of Mike’s courage and leadership on that occasion. A book about NR-1, titled America’s Secret Submarine; an Insider’s Account of the Cold War’s Undercover Nuclear Sub, can be viewed online. Visit http://www.nr1-book.com/ Chapter19.html to view Chapter 19, which tells of the recovery of the Phoenix missile and profiles Mike McQuown. Chapter 20 tells the story of the problem plagued transit from Scotland to the United States. Earlier chapters tell of the loss and recovery of the Tomcat, as well as information about other deep submersible vessels, development of the NR-1 program, and some earlier operations. The book is a spellbinding read. Were any other ‘63 classmates associated with NR-1 by assigned duty or operationally? If you were and can talk about it today, please tell me about it and I’ll share your story with our classmates. I was surprised to hear from Gregg Smith ‘83, who sent this note and a nice photo. M Here is a picture of me and Mr. Albert Watkins Key, III, USNA ‘63. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Key in May at the wedding of his grand-daughter Elizabeth Anderton and my nephew Trent Bordenkircher. The wedding was in Mr. Key’s hometown of Point Clear, AL. While he and I could not match the beauty of the bride nor the distinguished presence of the groom, we did our best to represent our respective classmates! “Quality — 1963” and “1983 — A Class Act”!

Gregg Smith ‘83 and Al Key ‘63

Being short on news this month, I’m including four photos from

past issues to jog some memories. The first was taken at the funeral of our classmate Bill Howard in November 2009. Pictured in front are John McDermott, Frank Edrington, and Stuart Settle. Standing are Jerry Mulholland, John Kelly, Birney Pease and Alex Daunis.

November 2009

The second picture, submitted by Jim McClure, was published with this note in 2008.

Van Buren, Fitzgerald, and Wilkinson

Wilkinson, Van Buren, and Fitzgerald

A repeat notice: 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. That’s all for now. My mail bag is empty, and I need your help. Please keep sending those letters, emails and photos. QUALITY — ‘63

Jim and Tom McClure

M In May I was in Scotland at my niece’s wedding (much older brother Tom’s daughter; he is class of 1960). So he wouldn’t be alone he asked me to also wear a kilt. Since he was kind to me Plebe Year, I agreed. We wore the U.S. Navy Tartan — very nice looking. This is a picture of the two of us; I’m the tall, good looking one. Our final photos were published in the June-July 2006 issue. The three 11th Company roommates shown in their Bancroft Hall room are (L-R) Bob Van Buren, John Fitzgerald, and Skip Wilkinson. The companion image was made at Skip’s home in 2005.

’64

Life Membership: 64% Donor Participation: 20.46% 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

We open this month with the following introductory message from Class Prez Mike Farmer: “In late May 2021, I received notification of a very special award presented that month to our classmate Dave Lipscomb by the Farmington Valley, CA Chapter of Trout Unlimited for his work in developing and leading the Project “Healing Waters Fly SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 63

64/64 CLASS NEWS Fishing” program for injured service men and women and Disabled Vets. The award reads: Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) takes great pleasure in presenting the Phil Johnson Exceptional Leadership Award to David Lipscomb for his dedicated and inspiring service to our organization from 2011 to 2021. During this period, his selfless efforts and extreme generosity were directly responsible for the growth and continuous improvement to the PHWFF Martinez Program while serving as its Program Lead.

In 2011, David started the PHWFF Martinez Program in partnership with the Diablo Valley Fly Fishing Club. For ten years, his leadership, energy and innovation have achieved success for the Martinez program, other regional programs, and increased national program awareness. David is an Annapolis graduate, retired Captain in the United States Navy, Submarine Commander, and a truly exceptional leader. He provides calm guidance and clarity of mission and humbly acknowledges successes by recognizing others. David is a giver. He spent countless hours on recruiting, training, wading safety, organizing fly fishing outings, fundraising, and communicating the Program’s effectiveness to others. His focus and genuine concern always remained on healing and nurturing the program’s participants along their path towards post-traumatic growth. All who know him respect and appreciate him greatly. David’s leadership of the Martinez Program 64 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

resulted in a PHWFF Club Excellence Award that was presented to the Diablo Valley Fly Fishing Club in 2020. Al Peterson has been a PHWFF Martinez volunteer for 9 years and currently also serves as Diablo Valley Fly Fishing Club President. Per Al — “Everyone involved in the Martinez PHWFF program knows the key reason for its growth and success – David Lipscomb. That’s why the club awarded David a Club Service Award in 2019. David started, nurtured and innovatively grew the Martinez program. He has a commitment to helping disabled veterans that is inspiring and contagious. Our veterans love him. Our volunteers and donors respect and like working with David”. David contributed significant leadership and effort towards fundraising as well. The Martinez program generates fishing trip funding through fundraising programs as well as in-kind lodging space and guide time donations. Martinez began holding online auctions, as an early user of Bidding for Good software, in 2015. In addition, David raised over $40,000 through various fundraising activities. As a result, the program’s participants enjoyed regular fly fishing outings throughout Northern California as well as special outings to Nevada, Oregon and Wyoming. David’s influential leadership extends beyond the PHWFF Martinez Program. In addition to serving as a Deputy Regional Coordinator for the PHWFF Southwest Region, he also helped start the PHWFF San Francisco and Chico programs. He also joined another program volunteer to partner with a nationally known outdoor photographer, Val Atkinson. Together, they piloted a PHWFF feature article in Catch Magazine on an outing to California’s Fall River. The 2018 article was entitled “Healing on the Fall”. A second Catch Magazine article featured a combined Martinez and Bend Oregon program outing. David also served as an advisor on a third article featuring the PHWFF San Francisco program.

The Bay Area USNA 64 Lunch Bunch Counter-clockwise from right: Todd Dudley (93), Rick Mahan, Joe Boeddeker, Chuck Welty, Tom Swartz, Connie Lautenbacher, Bob Lawrence, Keith Claxton, Ed Schoeberger, David Lipscomb Not in picture - John Alich, Jerry Ellis, Bob D’Ambrosio, Tom Stick, Brian Baumruk, Charlie Shoemaker, Al Cirino (USAFA)

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. is proud to bestow upon David Lipscomb the Phil Johnson Exceptional Leadership Award for his tireless and extraordinary service to our organization and to those wounded, ill and injured Servicemen and Servicewomen and disabled Veterans whom this organization serves. Dave insists any award he has received should be shared with all the great volunteers who made the program’s mission a success for the veterans. Among those volunteers and donors was an astute group called the USNA 64 Lunch Bunch comprising 15 USNA grads and one USAFA 64 grad. This group has been meeting regularly for lunch once a month for over six years. About five years ago, they decided to start their own Santa Maria barbecue at Dave’s house and raise money for Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing. A tradition was born and they’re about to have their fifth gathering. A well earned ’64 BZ, Dave! For someone who had been silent for ages, Ray Michelini has become a regular Shipmate

contributor, recently posting: “With COVID restrictions amply relaxed in Virginia, a number of Classmates and wives drove to the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in a beautiful Suffolk, VA pastoral setting to attend the graveside services and pay final tribute to Joe Saul, who died of ALS on May 12th in Virginia Beach, VA.” “Between his Company mates and Tidewater Chapter (TW-64) members, sixteen classmates and several wives were present to honor Joe and show respect and support for his wife, Perla; his daughter, Katherine (Micah McMillan)); and son, James (Alex Dulucenay) and granddaughters, Kate and Charlotte Dulucenay-Saul.” “Joe’s 14th Company mates in attendance were led by Company Rep Chuck Wilde and included Donna & Bart Corgnati, Larry Oppenheimer, Carmond & Dick Robbins, Ginny & Jim Doubles as well as Tide Water-64 members besides Ray, Butch Ballback, George Christian, Marcus Friedman, Tom McFeely, Tina & John Meyer and Andy Murphy.”

64/65 CLASS NEWS “The military graveside service was conducted by a Navy Chaplain under a beautiful open granite pavilion and included the rendering of Honors/Taps by a Navy Color Guard. Following remarks by Katherine, Chuck paid tribute to Joe’s 26 years of service in the Surface Warfare community, his valuable service as a Naval Warfare contractor, and his solid character as a person. Chuck then led Joe’s classmates in the Final Honor Salute - an established Class tradition providing a final tribute to our fallen classmate.” “The graveside service was also preceded by a viewing in Virginia Beach on May 22nd, which was attended by Dave Gray and Alex Krekich in addition to many of the above classmates. ‘ With the Class of 2025 coming aboard this month, it’s entriely appropriate to close this month by letting the new mids know what a real plebe year was like, thanks to Ted Lyster, 64’s poet laureate! PLEBE YEAR She welcomed us with open arms Of cold, gray, weathered stone. We came from all across the land, Unsure and all alone. It wasn’t long ‘til we were shorn And issued brand new clothes. We learned to answer “Aye, Aye Sir!!”, To stand and march in rows. We learned to stand while “bracing up”; To eat while “shoving out”. Since upperclassmen cannot hear, We quickly learned to shout. The dreaded words were “Come Around!”; A trip to Hell and back. A Form Two from the OOD Meant hours on the track. Our rooms, drab gray, were spotless, Our racks stretched tight and taut. Our lockers stowed with all our clothes, Each item in its spot. Our shoes, spit-shined like mirrors, All brass was polished bright. All uniforms were razor-creased, Our caps were sparkling white. We marched to class; we marched to meals,

Sometimes we marched asleep, And if we didn’t march in step ‘Twas demerits that we’d reap. In class we studied “Skinny”, And “Math”, and “Steam”, and “Bull”, And we didn’t have computers, Just a sliderule that you pull. And girls were a distraction Unless you counted dreams. As Plebes we weren’t allowed to “drag”, We saved our strength for teams. Some had the skills to play a sport From high school or before, While others had to learn from scratch On good old Severn’s shore. The colors change with seasons, To khaki, white, and blue. Each uniform prescribed by rules You’re told just what to do. And words took on new meaning, Like “ladder”, “deck”, and “chow”. Our roommates now were known as “wives”, We all learned “How’s the cow?”. We formed friendships for a lifetime As we drilled and studied hard. We all were bound together By “The Wall” around “The Yard”. We all learned to follow orders, You must earn the right to lead. We learned that teamwork was the way That well-laid plans succeed. Those days are long behind us now, Some sailed the oceans blue, While others chose to join the Corps To do what they must do. And some were lost along the way From stress, poor grades, or health; But what we learned those early days Has added to our wealth. To function under pressure, To overcome our fear, To do our best and never quit Is what we learned Plebe Year.

Fair winds and a quartering sea, classmates

’65

Life Membership: 64% Donor Participation:43.65% 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

Phil Ferrara, on 25 April, sent in some photos of the ‘65ers watching Navy beat Army at this Lacrosse game at the stadium. The group included Frog and Sam Kristensen, Dan and Sharon Mitchell, Chip and Mary Seymour, Skip and Merry Orr, Diann and Jim Minderlein, Meliza and Ted Nanz with daughter Karina, Jeff Gaugush, Phil and Linda Ferrara, and Kurt Schildknech’s son Jon and his family. Phil and Linda returned to the stadium on 30 Apr to sit with Hal and Carla Amerau and watch the Navy women play Bucknell. Hal’s grand-niece, Caroline, plays for Navy as part of the Class of 2024. Here’s a pic of Linda, Carla and Hal.

a three-time letterman at End. He served in Vietnam and was killed in an aircraft mishap while enroute to NAS Oceana on Apr. 24,1970 in a F-4J as a member of Fighter Squadron 101. He has a marker in Arlington National Cemetery. From Jim Minderlein, 27 May M The Director of Athletics has requested that each class provide up to eight names of classmates considered to be Varsity “Legends” in their respective sport for display in the newly created Ron Terwilliger ‘63 Center for Student -Athletes in Ricketts Hall. These are classmates considered by the class to be highly accomplished in their sport and who contributed in a significant way to Navy’s athletic program. By unanimous vote, our class Executive Committee named the following classmates as Navy Legends: (Our classmate, Roger Staubach is already the leading name in this exhibit) Pat Donnelly - Football and Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Skip Orr – Football, Basketball and Lacrosse Star, Brian F. Lantier - Captain of the 1965 Lacrosse Team National Champions, Dennis Wedekind Lacrosse Goalie on three National Champion Teams, Gerald Franzen, Jr. – Wrestling, Paul Daulerio - Team Captain for the 1964 Soccer National Champions, Norman P. Fluhrer – Fencing, Neil Henderson – Lacrosse and Football, and Doyle Borchers Captain of the 1965 National Champion Crew Team. Congratulations to these men on their inclusion in this august group of outstanding Naval Academy athletes! From Harry Fulton, Jr. 29 May

There happens to be a Navy Football Brotherhood. Not surprising! Bob Whitmire, a good pal of mine from the Class of 1974 sent me this update, citing Fallen Brothers, on 14 May: Douglas McCarty, Class of 1965 (April 24, 1970): - Doug was

M Turns out I have quite a family legacy at USNA! Here’s a report from my son, Harry III, USNA ’94: The Fulton family celebrated an Academy legacy milestone when Harry Fulton Jr.’s grandson, Harry IV, graduated with honors on Commissioning Day 2021. Harry IV returned his first salute to his brother, Gabe (2024), after Gabe swapped out his plebe for youngster boards at Mach speed. Harry Jr., our family patriarch and hero, humbly beamed with pride throughout the week and shared another legacy family’s celebration with classmate SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 65

65/66 CLASS NEWS Dave Schlesinger. Representing four Fulton family generations of naval service to the Nation, Harry IV reports to Pensacola this summer for pilot training while Gabe spends youngster summer with a MAGTF at Camp Lejeune and New River and then in San Diego on PROTRAMID. I don’t think we are thru yet. There are two other grandsons who have expressed an interest.

together again. Jim gave us an update on the Ricketts Hall sports exhibits and our nine sports legends from ‘65. Ted gave a Memorial Day testimonial to our classmates who served in Vietnam and were killed or wounded. Here is a photo of Jim and Sim during the Class President update. Phil

From Ron Bishop, 02 Jun M While USA is trying to resume with a new-normal, the Tidewater USNA ‘65 Lunch Bunch returned to the Egg Bistro on Kempsville Road for the second luncheon of the new season on June 01. Ron Voelkel is back organizing and planning the monthly luncheons as before COVID days some 16 months ago. The following attendees were present: Mike Artherholt, Bob Beauchamp, Bob Finley, Mike Hester, Carl Spangler, Ron Voelkel, and Dick Williams. The Lunch Bunch meets first Tues of every month at 1130 until roughly 1230 at an Egg Bistro in Chesapeake or in the Upton Shopping Center of Va Beach. So when in the area or for a change of dining view call Ron Voelkel at 737-377-1268 for latest details of where and when. Ron From Phil Ferrara, 02 Jun M Twenty-one ‘65ers assembled for lunch at the Saloon on 02 Jun John Collins, Phil Ferrara, Charlie Morrison, Frank Peterson, Ted Nanz, Sim Pace, Dan Flanagan, Fred Vogel, Bob Andretta, Moke DeMatta, Doug Norton, Tom Kinder, Carter Refo, Bill Matton, Art Wittig, Dan Mitchell, Jeff Gaugush, Denny Wedekind, Jim Minderlein, Skip Orr, and Bob Green. As our lunch gathering numbers increased back to the norm, all got a charge out of being

66 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

From Bob Stanfield, 03 Jun M It has been a long time since checking in with you. Here is a photo of Kris and me with a couple of ‘93 USNA grads, Todd and Terry Dudley, with whom we crossed paths at a Hobee’s restaurant in Palo Alto, CA last weekend. They are twins, actually two of a set of triplets, with a sister being the third part of that threesome. We had a fun chat and shared several sea stories of our Navy careers. Kris and I are both retired and staying active with community and church activities. I have been playing accordion with two musical groups, a Norwegian folk dance ensemble and also lead an oompah/polka band of seven members. We are finally seeing the Covid restrictions ease up (June) here in California. Nice to get out and rejoin the community. Bob

From Phil Ferrara, 11 Jun M During our three-week June road trip through 14 states we stopped in Denver for four days to visit our

daughter. On arrival we rendezvoused with Laddie Coburn and John Owens for lunch in a downtown favorite of John’s. Linda listened to old tales being retold, and we had a great time catching up together. All are looking forward to ‘65’s 56th palindrome reunion. In the photo are Laddie, Phil and John.

Roger and Annamelia Smith, Jim and Frances Jenkins, Moke and Michele DeMatta, Mike Scott, Dave Schlesinger, Jim and Diann Minderlein, Frog and Sam Kristensen, Wyman and Susy Howard, Phil and Linda Ferrara, Bob Andretta, Forrest Horton and Ted Nanz.

From Jim Wilson, 20 Jun

Thazzit, guys! Aloha, Dave

M CAPT(Ret.) Denny and Karen McComb honored Jim and Alice Wilson for being trailblazers in the initial Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine trials. Denny said it took Jim 78 years to get his ”ACT” together as his T-shirt shows. ACT stands for Anaheim Clinical Trials. The Wilson’s welcomed the McCombs to their new home in Southern California.

’66

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 18.65% 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

From Phil Ferrara, 25 Jun M A funeral service was held for Gordy White at the USNA Chapel on Thursday, 24 Jun. In attendance were many ‘65 classmates and their spouses plus a large contingent of his 32nd Company classmates. A stirring and heartfelt eulogy was given by Roger Smith who was Gordy’s long time roommate. Roger left all of us with a gentle smile of gratitude on our faces. Following the Chapel service we travelled to the cemetery for the inurnment and the formal military ceremony. Upon conclusion all gathered again at the Naval Academy Club for refreshments and camaraderie. ‘65ers present were Barbara White,

Wow! September already! Looks like football games will be fully attended and tailgates are on again. Great news for everyone. Not a huge amount of news this issue, but there is some, so here we go. Chuck Grutzius continues to lead the efforts on behalf of the Class Leadership Awards for HUE CITY (CG-66) and GONZALEZ (DDG-66). Here is the latest on HUE CITY. M The Leadership Award for the Enlisted Person on HUE CITY was made on Thursday, 15 July 2021, on board HUE CITY at Norfolk Naval Station. Pierce Johnson made the presentation. We make an award for a Junior Officer since there are only two officers assigned to HUE CITY during her three-year Modernization Program. There are currently 34 Enlisted Personnel assigned to HUE CITY. The Chief’s Mess and CO selected a very deserving GM2 for the Leadership Award. Also, the

66/67 CLASS NEWS

’66: DAVE, DENISE, MIKE, AND MARLENE

current Navy budget submitted to DOD and the White House does not include money to continue HUE CITY’s modernization program, the Navy again is proposing to decommission HUE CITY. The Navy proposed to decommission HUE CITY previously, but Congress did not agree. The ceremonies for GONZALEZ were slated for mid-August to early September. The ship was supposed to decide on the date by mid-August. Class President Carl Fulford is scheduled to officiate. I’ll have more on both ships’ ceremonies in a later issue. Sadly, I report the deaths of John Ling (13) and Linda Caldwell, wife of Dwight Caldwell (35). John Ling died 20 May 2021. A Class-wide email with his obituary was sent. A memorial service was held 19 June 2021. Linda Caldwell died 29 May 2021. A memorial service was held at the Missouri National Veteran’s Museum in Perryville, MO. Classmates attending with Dwight were Bob Spooner, Nancy and Tom Petillo and George Becker. Please keep both families in your prayers. On 7 May 2021, services were held for Mike Cuddington (17). Dave Lovelady provided a copy of the very moving eulogy Marlene Mervine, long-time companion of Mike, delivered at the service. It is too long to include here but has been added to the bio information for Mike on the Class web site,

usna66.org. She also provided a picture of Denise and Dave Lovelady and Marlene with Mike Cuddington taken at a Navy tailgate event. Many thanks to Dave. Carl Fulford forwarded an email from CAPT Paul Tortora, USN (Ret.) (’89). Paul is the Director, Cyber Security Studies at USNA. Here’s the text. M We successfully completed our cyber trip to Estonia - thank you again for you and your class’s support for our cyber efforts. Here is a link to a PAO article summarizing the trip, please feel free to share with your classmates: https://spark. adobe.com/page/qaJu7Utoo5Blb/. You can view the article by entering the link into your browser. The link is also posted on the Class web site. Linda McCook (Kevin McCook) has additional information for wives of deceased Classmates who would like to join her “Sail on Solo” group. Here is her update. M “We are a group of ’66 wives of deceased Classmates who would like to maintain contact with the Naval Academy, a particularly important part of our husbands’ lives. Although we come from different parts of the country and different circumstances, we share a unique bond with each other. Therefore, we have established a network to form friendships and offer mutual support, helpful advice, useful information and comfortable camaraderie to one another.

All ’66 wives of deceased Classmates are welcome to join our group. We connect primarily through emails, texts, notes, cards or calls and a Zoom meeting on the first Monday of the month at 4 pm (EDT or EST time). We look forward to opportunities to meet in person, either at a tailgate or reunion in Annapolis “where Severn joins the tide” or perhaps in other locales “when two or three shall meet, and old tales be retold.” In this way we hope to keep the ties that bind us to the Navy Blue and Gold. If you are interested in being included in our ’66 Sail On Solo group, please send your contact information to: Linda McCook at limccook@gmail.com.” Thanks, Linda. Finally, anyone still wanting to attend the FL Comearound from 27 to 30 October, there are still spaces available. Please contact Wayne Lynn at: wrlynn66@gmail.com. Until October—All the best—Mike!!!

’67

Life Membership: 76% Donor Participation: 25.89% Pres: CDR David E. Church, USN (Ret.) Sec’y: LtCol Jim McNeece, USMC (Ret.) 1603 John Worthington Way, Crownsville, MD 21032 p: 410-849-3423; e: scribe67@gmail.com

Don Priest sent the word that Jim Potts had passed away on 30 May 2021 from pancreatic cancer. After graduating with us, Jim went nuclear power and served on THOMAS A. EDISON (SSBN-610). He left the Navy in 1973 and went to work for PEPCO for 33 years. He retired in 2006 as PEPCO’s Vice President of Environmental Health and Safety and worked on various nonprofit boards when he wasn’t doing home improvement projects, working out, playing drums, hiking and traveling. He was known as a driver for positive change. He will be remembered as a man of faith and moral integrity. Jim is survived by Barbara, his wife of 53 years, sons Jim and Jonathon, daughter Angela, six grandchildren and four brothers.

Jim will be inurned in Arlington National Cemetery. We’re in touch with Barbara and will pass the word when information on his services becomes available. Barbara’s address is: 1316 Swan Harbour Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744. Buzz Lawlor sent a remembrance: M Jim and I graduated from the same high school (Silver Spring, MD) in 1963. Jim was very smart and very popular. He graduated at or very near the top of our graduating class. Jim will be dearly missed. Sincere condolences to Barbara and family. I talked to Mary Barrett, Jim Barrett’s widow. She told me that on 22 May 2021 they took a boat out to the mouth of the Severn River where it feeds into the Chesapeake Bay and scattered Jim’s ashes as he had wished. It was a small family event. Everyone contributed to memories of Jim. She said it was a wonderful experience. So... Jim Barrett now rests “where the Severn meets the tide.” We received word that Tom Allen, a non-graduating Classmate, died on 9 June 2021. Tom, a former Marine, left USNA in the fall of 1965. He worked in the aerospace industry for over 40 years before retiring as the CEO from Selmet, Inc., a manufacturer of complex titanium castings and machined components for the aerospace and defense industries, in 2012. Tom, who lived in Salem, OR is survived by his six children and five grandchildren. He enjoyed spending his time backpacking, mountain climbing, skiing, golfing and watching all sports. In lieu of a service, his wishes were to have his ashes spread where he used to backpack at Mt. Jefferson. Donations in his honor may be made to the Union Gospel Mission of Salem, OR (https://ugmsalem.org/). A bunch of us, mostly from the Annapolis area, attended a sort of combination Dark Ages/I-Day observance with an afternoon lunch at the Severn Inn restaurant. The event was produced by Dick Meade, who moved us inside from what would have been a sweltering

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 67

67/67 CLASS NEWS picnic outside. Thanks, Dick! According to Dave Church, the long distance travelers were Bill Gaffney in from Maine and Dave Candler from Connecticut. Most of the usual suspects were there including John Craighill, Mike Williams and Key West refugee Pete Nanos. Things have been jumping into my inbox this morning! This good note is from Bill Vivian: M …We have been quite busy. Linda and I just celebrated our 51st anniversary on June 26: so we were married 7 years after our Class of ‘67 I-day. In April we sold our Michigan summer home in favor of just one home in Florida. We have been in our Ormond Beach house for over 16 years now. I have completed 10 years on the Board of Directors for VyStar Credit Union headquartered in Jacksonville with 800,000 members. I am Vice Chair of the Board. Linda uses her computer graphic art skills doing book designs for non-fiction authors. We are both genealogists and have written a number of family histories ourselves. My latest is a Kindle book entitled 1944 Diary of a Navy Wife. Our travel schedule is full and we are looking forward to a return to more international travel when restrictions are relaxed. Hope to attend a Navy football game this year and/or we look forward to the 55th reunion. So that’s what we are up to. No health issues and neither of us are on any meds. Navy has had a sport/professional parachute club for many years. We now compete in the nationals against many schools, including Army & Air Force, whose teams are Division 1 level supported. We do very well competitively living on the shoe string of club funding. Herb Fauth took the lead a year or so ago and led a private ‘67 fund raising project to purchase a full parachute rig for the club, so one of their canopies has a “67” logo. Here’s a link to the video of a jump by Lauren Modica ’21 into Worden Field before graduation this year. It’s a picture of USNA you’ve likely never 68 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

seen before! The link goes through the Southern Arizona Chapter to the City of Annapolis Facebook page: https://rb.gy/281cjq. A note from Don Fraser, and then Pete Young: M Pete Young, a squadron mate of mine from the Vietnam era, has written and published a novel about the air war along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. It is titled One Hundred Stingers. A gifted wordsmith, he has woven experiences from combat tours with VA-196 and VA-115 into an exciting page turner. I was fortunate to get an early pre-published read and was impressed by the detail and also the inclusion of perspective from the North Vietnamese point of view. (Since I also was an early reader of Steve Coonts’ Flight of the Intruder, perhaps there will be some karma carryover for Pete’s tome). Pete is too humble to reveal that with his pilot, new tactics were developed that vastly improved results against moving targets along the Trail - an A6 Intruder specialty. On the cruise I made with Pete in late 1969 and early 1970, we lost four aircraft in combat. Only three of the eight downed airmen survived. Of the five lost, one was our classmate Dick Deuter. Two others were Nick Brooks ’66 and Bruce Fryar ’66. Pete and I will be raising a glass to their memory on Memorial Day. In closing, if One Hundred Stingers is too many for you, the recipe for one is 3 parts brandy or cognac and 1 part white creme de menthe – chilled as you like. As we attack bubbas used to say “One Hundred Stingers for my friends and a saucer of milk for the fighter pilots.” From Pete: M As Don mentioned, I actually began the book almost 50 years ago when I wrote the first chapter (which has survived with relatively few edits). That was followed by the final chapter/epilogue and another chapter (as a short story) more than a decade later. “Life” got in the way until I retired in 2016 and got serious. COVID had an impact on the publishing industry but I finally

settled on an independent regional press. One Hundred Stingers is not for the faint of heart, however. It comes in at around 800 pages and is available from Amazon. Back in May Rick Poole was still running…and biking: M I had the good fortune to win my age group at Duathlon National Championships in Tuscaloosa, AL. (5k run, 20k bike, non-drafting, 3k run). I also finished 3rd in the draft-legal Championship. Happy to be vertical!

The Winnah!!

Paul Ward got really popular in mid-June as his (edited) note of desperation shows: M I was hacked! I have a Hotmail email account, and this is what I learned. Using a Microsoft service I found that multiple failed attempts had been made to hack into my account from Viet Nam, China, Nigeria and the US. Finally, Nigeria was successful. A month later they were able to “Sync” the accounts even though I had changed my password. (Then through a series of steps) they sent a query e-mail from my account to many of the e-mail addresses that they had taken from my contact list. It was very cordial and asked the addressee “Can i ask you a Favor?” However, the grammar was less than one would expect from a USNA graduate. Many of my contacts responded and they received a follow-up e-mail requesting an Apple Cash Card to help one of my friends in need. I

never saw these since all my mail was being rerouted around me. Recommendation: Anytime you are not getting the e-mail you would normally get, or are getting no e-mail, first check the Rules for your e-mail service and then check for attempts to sign into your account. Only good part was that I got to talk to and e-mail friends with whom I hadn’t had contact for many years. And over the transom came a note from Steve McHargue, a nongraduating Classmate who left 9th Company and USNA in the spring of 1965. One less “Lost Soul”! He’s trying to get back in contact; email address is danielmchargue@ yahoo.com. He says: M I lost touch with my Navy & Marine pals when I deserted the USN to join my older Brothers as an officer in the US Air Force. I still think my time at Annapolis was the best time of my life. My wife Teri and I celebrated I-Day with our four Grandsons (all under five years of age) and their parents, some of our seven kids who live locally in Ventura County, CA. We also just purchased Amtrak passes on sale for 10 stop 30 day excursions to visit our other offspring in Seattle and New York, a victory of hope over reality as I hope to have the doctors fix my old sore back before hearing “All Aboard!” And from Jim Aldrich down in the North Carolina mountains: M Loretta and I are still in the mountains of NC, outside Hendersonville, and still enjoying life and the climate here. We got thru Covid without infection, thankfully! One thing that helped me through Covid was the 3rd Company Zoom sessions we had each month – in fact, we have been continuing the Zoom sessions each month for those who want to do so. Ted Stearns sets them up, and we have a grand time sharing info on family and what’s going on “in our neck of the woods.” Great fun!! Things here in NC are getting back to “normal.” We have become more active in our church here, and that has been a blessing! Also, Loretta

67/68 CLASS NEWS has developed into quite an expert quilter. I’m still building and flying my model airplanes; and I’ve switched from 50-55 cc gas engines to 60cc-equivalent electric motors – building a 91-inch wingspan aerobatic model right now. And yeah, I have a ducted fan jet that goes about 100 MPH. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the 55th! That’s where we are for this time. Thanks for the great notes. We’re going into summer as I write this and some of you are facing tremendously dry and hot weather. Please take care!…That’s it…Goodnight! … Jim

’68

Life Membership: 61% Donor Participation: 14.29% 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. The Class of 2021’s graduation 28 May was notable in several respects, but our Class—particularly Patty and Jim Niehus and Sharyn and Ken Pyrz—had a special interest in the memorable ceremony. The first classman Patty and Jim sponsored for the past four years, ENS Nicholas Walden ’21, graduated with distinction as number one in his class academically and number six overall. As Jim reported, “Nicholas received the award for the top cyber student and from the sailing team as the best coach. He left for the UK in July to study at the University of Southampton for a year followed by a year at Cambridge University.” The story behind the story is that Nick will begin his post-graduate education with $22,400 in scholarship funding at Cambridge thanks to Jim spearheading a fund-raising

’68: Nick Walden’s USNA graduation party in May with, from left: Jim Niehus, Nick Walden ’21, Marie Walden, Patty Niehus, and Mike Walden.

drive that resulted in a gift from our Class and additional personal donations from other classmates (and one West Point alumnus). Nick expressed his deep gratitude in a letter to our class. “I wanted to thank you for your generous donations to fund a scholarship for my studies at Cambridge,” he wrote. “Without your help, I would not have been able to study abroad and pursue my passion in international policy and cybersecurity.” “Nick is a very special person,” Jim related, “who selected information warfare for his service selection. He also founded the Information Warfare Club at the Academy and spent his first-class year on the Brigade staff as the midshipman information systems liaison officer (MISLO).” Nick’s father is a retired E-8 aviation rescue swimmer. Jim and Patty met Nick five years ago when Ken sought a classmate on the East Coast who would look after him when he attended the Academy’s summer seminar program before his senior year in high school. Ken’s wife, Sharyn, was Nick’s first-grade teacher in San Diego. After reporting to the Academy, Nick asked Patty and Jim to be his sponsors. Jim described the past four years as “a real delight.” Sharyn and Ken attended another graduation party for Nick in June in San Diego. “It’s gratifying for Sharyn to see someone she ‘jump started’ do so well,” Ken said. Congratulations, Nick— and best of luck!

Our class ring and its miniature hold a special place in our hearts and minds. We were familiarized with their significance and symbolism early during our midshipmen years when we watched the movie Ring of Valor. “Midshipmen earn the right to wear the ring,” said narrator Robert Taylor. Our miniature class ring is also rich in symbolism—an expression of love, devotion, and a couple’s shared experiences in the service of our nation. Any number of our classmates presented their wives with a miniature ring to seal their bond in marriage. In late May, Lou Cimaglia was surprised to learn that the miniature ring he had presented to his late wife, Sharon, had been found more than four decades after it was lost. With the assistance of Dick Holmes and his friend, retired CAPT William “Rick” Rubel ’72, a military professor of ethics at the Academy, the ring was finally returned to Lou in June. His description of the ring’s recovery is poignant: “Sharon and I sold our home in Bay Hills, Maryland, to a couple from India more than 40 years ago. While living in that house, she lost the miniature that I originally had given her. Ultimately, I purchased a replacement and totally put the matter behind us. Some time after we moved from Bay Hills, however, the folks that purchased our home found the ring. Not knowing much at all about the Academy at that

time, they simply placed it in a drawer and forgot about it. “Eventually, they moved to Crownsville. One of their neighbors turned out to be Rick Rubel. The couple decided recently to move to New Jersey. While packing for their move, they came across the ring. Of course, after so many years had passed, they now knew a great deal about the Academy and asked Rick to assist them to return the ring to its rightful owner. They told Rick that I was the former owner of their previous home in Bay Hills. After identifying it as a Class of 1968 miniature, Rick tracked me down straight away with help from Dick Holmes. “Unfortunately, Sharon passed away from colon cancer in November 2019. Her original miniature class ring has special meaning to me and my family. We are most grateful to be able to touch it once again after I thought it was lost forever!”

Lou Cimaglia and his daughter, Amanda, holding Sharon’s original miniature class ring.

Rick Buchanan attended the Academy’s Leadership Transition Ceremony in Tecumseh Court 1 June when his son, TR ’92, was relieved as the 88th Commandant of Midshipmen by COL James “J.P.” McDonough ’94, USMC. “TR was recognized by Academy Superintendent VADM Sean Buck ’83 with the award of the Legion of Merit and was promoted to rear admiral (lower half),” Rick reported. “His first flag assignment will be as the deputy for plans and policy at the U.S. Central Command at MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL. Don Wallace, my roommate in 30th Company, joined us for the ceremony. We are very proud of TR’s accomplishments,

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 69

68/70 CLASS NEWS and we welcome TR to Florida where he will be 45 minutes north of us.”

and the Northern Arabian Sea,” Bob noted. “She is now serving as chief mate (think XO) on American Cruise Line ships on cruises of the Chesapeake Bay and the New York City to Boston area.” Bob’s younger daughter Simone spent more than 16 months in full “PPEs” as a speech and language pathologist at various nursing homes and rehab centers in the San Antonio area. “Celia and I are very proud of our independent young ladies,” Bob said.

TR and Rick Buchanan following TR’s promotion to rear admiral (lower half) in June at the Academy.

Dick Holmes was also honored to administer the oath of office to his son, Brian, during his promotion to captain, U. S. Navy, following his change of command ceremony with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41 (HSM-41) in Coronado, CA. Dick previously administered the oath to Brian when he was commissioned ensign 20 years ago. Brian is currently assigned to the staff at Commander Naval Air Forces Pacific with orders to USS BOXER (LHD-4) as commanding officer. Dick and Laurie celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary in June (along with many others married right after graduation in ’68). They currently reside in Eagleville, TN, just south of Nashville.

Dick and Laurie Holmes, son Brian and his wife, Tricia, following the HSM-41 change of command ceremony.

The 26th Company’s Bob Crotteau donned his uniform in May for commemorative photographs with his two daughters when the CDC recommended that all fully vaccinated people could unmask! “My eldest daughter Madeleine served six years as a deck officer (3rd mate and 2nd mate) with Military Sealift Command providing stores and fuel for U.S. Navy and allied ships deployed to the Med 70 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Bob Crotteau with his daughter Madeleine, a chief mate with American Cruise Line.

With an “aloha from paradise,” Dave Tyler reports that things are as normal as they can be in Hawaii given the fact that there is not any normal during the pandemic! “I had shoulder-replacement surgery in October that was a great success,” he said. “I wish I done it long ago rather than suffer with an arthritic shoulder. Looks like a left-knee replacement later this year. I am sure glad my wife, Teresa, got the extended warranty on me!” Dave’s first trip off the island during the pandemic was in June when he spent a week with his son in San Jose, CA. Of late, Dave has been working closely with Dave Spooner on his Kilmartin Prints project, he added, and with the 55th Reunion Committee as its planning gathers momentum. At the end of May, Nancy and Jay Cohen enjoyed an extended lunch with Betsy and Ollie North along with Dr. Mary Hendrix and her husband, Chuck, at Magnolias Restaurant in Bluemont, VA. “Mary is the renowned daughter of CAPT “Monk” Hendrix ’39” Jay wrote, “and like Ollie, he was a Silver Star awardee. Monk taught oceanography at USNA when we were Mids and

was a mentor to me.” In other respects, Jay reports that he and Nancy are in good health and looking forward to attending our 55th reunion in San Diego. “COVID was challenging,” he said, “but fortunately, Nancy and I were both able to get our Moderna Covid vaccine shots in January. So far so good!” In closing, Jim Kiffer and fellow running great John “Buzz” Lawlor ’67 had a surprise rendezvous at a gathering in June of former naval aviators who gather once a month at the River Rocks restaurant on the Indian River Lagoon in Rockledge, FL. “I arrived for a few cold ones,” Jim reported, “and after a few minutes in walked Buzz. It took us a few seconds to recognize each other since we had both aged a bit since our last encounter maybe 30 years ago! Buzz has lived on Merritt Island—maybe 10 miles away from my home in Satellite Beach— for the last 30 years,” Jim said, “and we never bumped into each other. Crazy. It was nice to have a few beers together and catch up. It never ceases to amaze me how strong the Academy bond is.”

Buzz Lawlor and Jim Kiffer enjoyed an impromptu rendezvous in June.

All the best, Gordo

’69

Life Membership: 58% Donor Participation: 19.24% 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

’70

Life Membership: 60% Donor Participation: 18.42% 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

Greetings all, this will probably arrive about the time of our 50th (+1) reunion, so I can’t predict whether any info I have for the event will be timely enough to help anyone. However, I expect each of you who attended to send me your after-action reports and photos! And for those who weren’t there, all of you need to send me a narrative of the sea-stories you would have told had you been there! Do it now, because I know that every time we have a reunion, I have a drought of news for months afterward because you each think you’ve said it all to everyone… you haven’t! Now then, as Paul Harvey would say, it’s time for news! Sound the Last Post: Bob McPhail passes along that that Russ Panico (5th co) passed recently. He apparently suffered a major heart attack. We are told he had recovered from a heart attack a couple of years back. Bob says that he played a lot of basketball with Russ back at the Academy and at Naval Postgraduate School, where they turned around the Public Works Team to their first ever winning season!! He was a good athlete, a great friend and an even better person. We will miss him dearly. At the time of this submission, I didn’t have any funeral details other than Russ should be cremated. Ed Moore got an email from Gjermund Kjerkreit, who is the Inspector of Accidents for the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA): M Hello sir, I am trying to get in contact with the family of Henry Nicholas Pilger, to see if they received his Alumni Ring from the

70/70 CLASS NEWS

’70

US Naval Academy. It was found by someone who was hunting in the area of the crash. I believe the person in question returned it to the US Embassy in Norway back in late 1993 or early 1994. He never heard anything else and he feel it would be a shame it if just ended up in a drawer in the US Embassy, and is therefore wondering if we could help him trying to find out what happened to the ring. I was therefore wondering if you had any way of getting in touch with his family? Regards, Ed has provided what family contact data we have to the Alumni Association, who are also working on a response to his inquiry. If anyone has further info, please contact Ed. The RV Chapter of the Alumni Association had its first ComeAround since Covid at Mt Dora, FL in June. Marc Farris and Dale Gange (and Jack Perry ’67) all sent me info and photos. Although 12 coaches signed up, one had mechanical difficulties and didn’t make it. Marc reports that he has bought an RV lot in Mount Olives Shores South, a Class A gated community and will be spending more time down there. Not far from Jim Neale, and Al Hales. They joined the group for one of the evening activities. We had five 1970 attendees at the recent Mt Dora RV chapter event: Dale Gange (who put on the event), members Tom Wolfe and Marc Farris and guests for parts of the event, Alan Hails, and Jim Neale. While they were all able to resume the spirit with “Happy Hours” each day,

one of the unexpected highlights of the event was the “Farkle” practices and tournament. It was great fun with many people in tears from laughing so much. (Farkle is a dice game, first introduced to us by Tom Shields, which leads to laughter for everyone at the table). Grant Thorpe sends that he and “Charlie Lewis during did a bike ride of the Erie Canal from Buffalo to Syracuse NY in June. Also riding was Rich Housh from ‘70. 40-50 mile days made for sore bottoms but the weather and scenery were superb, as was the fellowship. We got a dinner cruise through a lock and delightful dinners and adult beverages.”

Finally, Brock McMunn sent me an article from the Annapolis Capital Newspaper about local students reporting for the class of 2025. He entitled his email 70 Grandson

’70: Students from Anne Arundel going to service academies at the World War II memorial in Annapolis. Front, third from left: Alexander Hoot, Naval Academy Photo by: Paul W. Gillespie/Capital Gazette

Plebes, and a severely edited portion is included below. Paul Hollenbach’s grandson, Ryan, didn’t make the photoshoot, but is mentioned in the article. Dan Bowler’s grandson (his daughter Brandy’s son) is Alexander Hoot. M “Generations at Academy, By Heather Mongilio “If Alexander Hoot graduates from the Naval Academy, he’ll be the fourth generation in his family to do so. His father, uncle, grandfather [Secy Note: Dan Bowler] and great-grandfather all attended the academy. “I heard a lot of great stories,” Hoot said. “I know everything the Academy can offer, and I’ve really had a lot of exposure to it, which I think I know what I’m getting into and I really like it.” His family was a partial factor in choosing the academy, as well. “Well, first and foremost I want to serve the country in the military,” Hoot said. “I think this country has great values and I’d love to serve it.” It was always the Naval Academy for Hoot, who will graduate from Old Mill High School. If he did not get into the academy, he would have done ROTC in college. The Naval Academy has been the goal since he was four or five years old, he said. Hoot’s looking forward to meeting his

classmates. He predicts he’ll miss his high school friends, and the liberty he’s had as a high school student. He is not sure about his major yet, but he wants to study some form of engineering. “Ryan Hollenbach will be one of Hoot’s new classmates. Hollenbach will be a third-generation midshipman. His grandfather [Secy Note: Paul Hollenbach] was class of 1970, his father class of 1997 and his uncle class of 2000. Attending the Naval Academy is “deeply rooted” in the Hollenbach family, he said. Hollenbach, a soon-to-be graduate from South River High School, was checking his academy portal for what seemed like the 50th time when he saw the academy made a decision on his application. “I knew this was either going to be the best day of my life or the worst day of my life,” he said. When he saw the acceptance, he raced to tell his parents. “I was just overwhelmed with emotion,” Hollenbach said. Hollenbach plans to study engineering, likely mechanical. He is looking forward to the culture of the academy, where everyone pushes themselves.” Ring-A-Ding-Ding!

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 71

71/71 CLASS NEWS

’71

Life Membership: 61% Donor Participation: 18.52% 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/

Summer is nearing the end! If July and August were anything like June this year will be a real scorcher! I really like the fall! You likely remember some of my fond memories of fall in the Yard: the leaves turning color, cool days, the warpaint on Tecumseh, and the football games! This year we have our 50th reunion, so this is a very special year! I hope to see you there! Our 50th reunion is just a few weeks away when you receive this column! Registration closed August 15th, so I hope you are all set to be there! This reunion promises to be top notch! See you soon! Here’s a timely note from Jocko Jastrab: M “Duke, Trust all is well and that you’re looking forward to the 50th reunion as much as I am. It’s shaping up to be a great time. The reunion committee has done a fantastic job putting the program together and deserves a resounding BZ for their efforts. Can’t wait to see everyone again! “Wanted to let you know about a recent event here in SW Florida that involved our class and ‘Another Link in the Chain.’. Here’s the text of what transpired written by Al Burda ’68, President, Florida Suncoast Alumni Chapter: “At a recent joint Florida Suncoast Chapter of the USNA Alumni Assn. and Sarasota Manatee Council of the Navy League luncheon, classmates Jocko Jastrab and Mario Summa presented a beautiful USNA Alumni Association Captain’s Chair donated by Jan Milligan as ‘Another Link in the Chain’ award to ENS Cameron Hancock USN ’21. They made the award as representatives of the USNA Class of 1971 from the Florida Suncoast Chapter to Cameron as the most outstanding local USNA Class of 2021 graduate. Cameron Hancock’s 72 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

parents, Connor and Mayumi accepted the chair on his behalf as he was in training in San Diego.” “Unfortunately, Jan could not attend to present the chair, so Mario and I pinch hit for him. It was a wonderful day and opportunity to meet several USNA alumni who attended. That’s it for now. Take care and see you this fall. Jocko.” Thank you! Jan had not mentioned this to his company-mates! Glad you passed along this info! I’ll see you and Jan at our reunion!

Connor & Mayumi Hancock with Mario Summa and Jocko Jastrab

Jocko Jastrab at the Florida Suncoast Chapter

Next is an update from the San Diego Chapter ’71er John Ball: M “Hi Duke! Sixteen of us San Diegans gathered at Lana and Tom Hammons’ beautiful Southwestern Yacht Club on June 9th for a delicious buffet dinner and drinks on a splendid evening on the Bay. Since many wives attended as well, most of us were on good behavior as we regaled them and each other with new and old stories, some of them true. We toasted the class with champagne, toasted the Navy wives with champagne, and - well you get the picture. For most of us it was a nice opportunity to wear our class rings again in solid company. The evening was a great start to summer weather here in San Diego and we look forward to the 50th Reunion in Annapolis. Classmates in the photo

’71: San Diego '71ers celebrating 50 years!

below with (company # in parens): Jim Ward (7), Ed Hebert (10); Scott Burd (8); Russ Stahlak (12); Steve Pelstring (8); John Ball (26); Brad Closson (3); Joe Anthony (3); Jim Bryant (20); Fred Mallgrave (22); Steve Comer (31); Tom Hammons (34); Rick Smith (34); Chuck Bongard (12); Dave Bolduc (12); and Pat Doyle (23). John.” Excellent work by our San Diego classmates! You guys are tops! The San Diego input continues with this note from Tom Hammons: M “Duke, You received an update from John Ball on the San Diego celebration of our graduation. So, I thought I would give you a quick note on Club 34 celebration. We set up a Zoom call for 1130 EDT on Wednesday to toast our successful 50-year journey from graduation. We had 13 Company-Mates participate: Jerry Acton, Tom Bowman, Mike O’Connor, Dick Cheliras, Jim Gosma, Tom Hammons, Randy Harper, Bill Hatcher, Chuck Janes, Charlie Keating, Mitch Marich, Dan McConnell, Kevin O’Connor, and Mike O’Connor. A few tails were told and we had a chance to catch up on the latest medical reports. All in all, a great way to kick off a Wednesday morning in San Diego, champagne before 0900. Tom.” That sounds like an excellent way to start the day, especially when you are celebrating our 50th year since graduation! Well done, Shipmate! Have you heard the good news! The following classmates were selected as Naval Academy Class of 1971 Sports Legends. The Navy Sports Legends section will be an integral addition to the newly constructed Ron Terwilliger Center

’63 Center for Student-Athletes in Ricketts Hall. Congratulations to these selectees with this welldeserved recognition for sports excellence achievement as midshipmen 1967-1971! Class of 1971 Sports Legends: Tom Abernathy (tomusna71@ att.net) – Soccer Jim Bloom (jlbloom2@cox.net) – Track and Field Jack Conrad (jlconrad71@ comcast.net) – Basketball Bob Custer (custer@earthlink. net)– Squash and Tennis Lew Mason (kathyt_98837@ yahoo.com) – Wrestling Mike McNallen (mcnallen15@ aol.com) – Football Mike Morrell (mmorrellsm@ gmail.com) – Lightweight Football / Track and Field Steve Newberger - Boxing Dave Pearl (dapper.search@ comcast.net) – Swimming Karl Schwelm (karlschwelm@ gmail.com)– Lacrosse Since my last column I received the sad news of the passing of our classmate and friend, John (Jack) Balcom. Jack passed away in New Hampshire on Tuesday, Jun 22nd. He graduated from 1st Co and selected USMC as a career choice. While at the academy, Jack was always the life of the party coming up with ideas to act out. Maybe that is why he was in the Thespians and choir. He became an expert in logistics and after the Marines, worked for Ford as an engineer and then BAE Systems and SAIC Corporation. Later in life he entered local politics and became a State Representative in the New Hampshire 21st District (2000-2004 and 2014-2016) working in the

71/73 CLASS NEWS legislature directing the Office of Education. He is survived by his wife Marie, daughter Lindsay, son Jon, and six grandchildren. I note the date of submission for this column is 28 June 2021! 54 years and going since taking the oath of office as a midshipman. Certainly, I hope there are many more years to go! See you in September! Too soon, it is time to close. Please keep our classmates and their families in your prayers for good health, especially continuing protection from the COVID-19 virus, healing when needed, and safety in travels. The pandemic highlighted that today is the gift of “the present” and 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: 21.86% 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

Greetings, everyone. On this Thursday as I pen this month’s column, here are some TBT events for you. During a recent 17th Company Zoom call with Eric Anderson, Saul Klein, John Sexton, Mike Tierney, Dave Coleman, Nic Torelli, we discussed some of the fun things that used to occur in the mess hall back in the day. Someone recalled how we used to

carry special guests or people we wanted to honor through the mess hall while they were seated in their chairs…and everyone would throw slices of bread at them in tribute (the closest thing we had to confetti). Someone else mentioned how they still cannot bring themselves to eat brussels sprouts without associating them with the taste of A-1 Sauce (and seasoned salt, cinnamon sugar, peanut butter, ketchup and every other condiment on the table) blended together in a… “milk shake”. (It took some of us a few years to get over that one.) On the other hand, where else could you have strawberries and ice cream for breakfast? Earlier this summer, John Chalker dropped me the following note: M “The week of June 7th saw the annual Hard Corps 24th Company mini reunion resume after a COVID-imposed shutdown in 2020. Diane and John Van Maele hosted the group at their beautiful home in Lantana, Texas with two days of golf and delicious dinners prepared by hostess Diane. The usual Anchor Man Award, presented for the worst golf score, was eagerly passed by Rodger Rawls to Ray Decker… The historic 24th Company Mug, which has been passed among the company members since our class rings were christened in the Mug 2/c year, and coincidentally, can hold 72 ounces of beer, was passed from Ray Decker to Fred Dohse (see photo). While the boys swung their clubs in the Texas heat and humidity their lovely spouses in the accompanying photo (left to right) Lois Argue, Carmen Kubo, Cindy Baczenas, Kathy Cavanaugh, Diane Van Maele, Laurie Brandon, Tracy Lunga-Rawls, Dede Dohse, Muffy Boylan and Bonnie Chalker enjoyed classes in cooking and glass blowing. Everyone is looking forward to next year’s 50th Reunion where all expect to be in attendance. Earlier in the year, Chalker, Rawls, Koss and Van Maele met for the annual Mountain Bros. Ski Weekend at Chalker’s home in Park City, UT where great snow and good food, wine and whiskey were in abundance for the 10th meeting of the ski group.”

’70: Hard Corps 24 Mini-Reunion: Larry Kubo, Ray Decker, Clark Argue, Fred Dohse, John Van Maele, John Chalker, Bob Baczenas, Andy Koss, Rodger Rawls and Jack Cavanaugh

’70: 24th Company Spouses

Well, folks, it’s a short one this month. Got a vacation photo or some anecdotes-send them this way. Hope to see you at a Big Blue game in the next few months. Meantime, stay safe (and get vaccinated if you haven’t already done so). More to come. D. O. Tried and True with ’72.

Passing the mug

50th Reunion Reminder: 27-30 October 2022. Save the Date. By now you have probably heard of the death of MIDN 1/c Michael Myles James ’22 back in June while he was on leave in Georgia. As I write this no details are available, but all of us know the pain of losing a Classmate… a friend and a comrade…unexpectedly. The Class of 1972 extends its deepest sympathies to MIDN James’s family and loved ones.

’73

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 30.67% 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 everyone, I hope you had a great summer and are enjoying Navy Football! I am looking forward to getting some tailgate photos and news (hint). The mail buoy is riding so high in the water that it may have a “negative GM” and be in danger of capsizing! However, I do have some news to pass on so let’s get to it. SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 73

73/74 CLASS NEWS Solid USA team with alumni from 1975 and 1977 as associates. No plans to retire - too much fun changing a multi billion dollar low code platform industry.

’73: 1st Company and Families

First is from Bill Clair reporting on First Company’s memorial service for its fallen shipmates. Bill wrote; M “On 8 June 2021, members of First Company met at the Naval Academy to honor Ray Wenderlich, Ray Herring, and Tim Hale (left during Youngster Year) who passed away recently. This event was a reprise of a service held in 2000 to remember Brian Cardiff, Mark Wheeler, and Kurt Rohrkemper (who did not graduate). Attending were: Conrad Donahue, Patricia and Bill Montgomery, Bill Decker, Marie and Ron Provencher, Mary and Jack Evans, Cheri and Jim Carter, Deborah and David Hoagland, Andy Pease, Eileen and Bill Clair, Ed Cotter, Thom Holt, Chris Myers, and Bill Rogan (who also began with us but did not graduate). Members of the Herring and Wenderlich families, including Barbara Herring and Vicki Wenderlich, were our guests, along with several of Mark Wheeler’s family. Organized by Conrad Donahue, with assistance from Bill Montgomery, the event began at the Class of 1973 Command Bench. Conrad welcomed everyone, explained the Command Bench’s significance, and briefed everybody on the planned proceedings. The group posed for pictures around the bench, then moved to the front of the Chapel for a prayer (led by Jack Evans). All then proceeded to Memorial Hall, where we gathered near the plaque commemorating our classmates who have been killed in the line of 74 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

duty (our company-mate Brian Cardiff is one name on that list). David Hoagland led a short remembrance there, recalling the significance of Memorial Hall and relating that to the service of our fallen comrades. A longer service was held at Triton Light, where Bill Montgomery led several other classmates in recalling our friends Ray, Tim and Ray. Vicki and Barb then offered their thoughts as well. Missy Hale (Tim’s wife) was unable to attend but provided a moving tribute that was read by Andy Pease. We also remembered Brian, Mark and Kurt from the initial ceremony in 2000. Following a prayer, a wreath was committed to the waters, along with several roses from family members. The ceremony closed with the Navy Hymn and Taps. The group then retreated to Cantler’s Riverside Inn for a luncheon and an opportunity to catch up with classmates, wives, and families. Several of the group followed lunch by taking advantage of an offer by Kevin Callahan to lead a Yard Tour (which was cut short by a typical afternoon thunderstorm).

Thom Holt, Andy Pease and Ed Cotter with the memorial wreath

Memorial Wreath at Triton Light

Conrad and Bill, Thank you and “BZ”. I am sure this was very moving and greatly appreciated by the families. I love getting updates and notes from folks who I have not heard from in a while. Eric Patton sent the following; M “Jim, A quick update since 1973. Wife Debbie and I raised five children and now two grandchildren. After the Academy I spent 5 years on sea duty in USS WABASH (AOR 5) and USS CORAL SEA (CV 43) as an engineering officer. Retired as a Commander from the Naval Reserve in 1995. Graduated with a MBA from Indiana University. Career has been software high tech - seven startups. Currently President of OneVizion for last 20 years. Biggest claim to fame is - if you remember the Sprint guy about speed on TV, we enabled that speed with our software platform. Currently deploying entire T-Mobile 5G in a single database, Samsung, US Cellular etc are customers. Most unique system is Ministry of Finance for Uzbekistan to manage $15 billion in projects. Have 21 Russian programmers - good idea in 2001 and still is - they are family.

I asked Eric where he and Debbie lived and what they do for fun and got back; “Lived in Marietta, GA since 1991and for fun travel in the USA. Visiting weird places - for instance in Kingsland, GA is a full Star Trek 1960s movie set Who would have thought.” I have some sad news to pass on. Dwight Handforth, 4th Co, died at his home in Virginia Beach, VA on Saturday, June 12, 2021. I do not have a lot of information but Dwight had been ill for several years. Please look for more on Dwight’s life in an upcoming Last Call and please keep his wife, Susan and family in your thoughts and prayers. A little admin. I received a couple of emails recently appearing to be from classmates. The emails did not include names of who sent and just looked suspicious. I responded asking who the senders were and did not get anything back so I deleted the emails. If you send me something please be clear on what it is and include your name. Thanks Just a reminder if you have any pictures of your midshipman car or stories that you want to share please send them on. I hope you are having a great fall, can attend Navy football games and Navy is winning! As always, Go Navy! and Semper Fi. Thanks. General

’74

Life Membership: 59% Donor Participation: 33.33% Pres: John Yaeger Corr Sec’y: Roger McEvoy 745677 p: 559-905-7362; e: usna745677@hotmail.com

This column was due to be submitted to Shipmate yesterday, June 28th. But I couldn’t resist the temptation to wait one extra day to sit down

74/74 CLASS NEWS and correspond with you all on June 29th. If you do not understand the significance of that date, please stop reading here! You will soon be excommunicated form the class, and most likely have your birthday revoked. If you do understand, then you may continue reading. My Company (8th Co.) has been exchanging e-mails this morning sharing our memories of that first day. Typically, most of us don’t remember a lot in detail. That first 24 hours was a blurrrr, with one or two occurrences sticking out in our individual memories. But it is interesting to know that most of us look back upon that day in the context of a new beginning. Not just the fact that we were beginning a new adventure in our collective lives, but that June 29th, 1970 marked the beginning of our adult lives. A day when we accepted commitments to the Navy, to the Academy, to the US Constitution, and to 39 other guys who were destined to be our brothers. Of course, it was impossible to grasp the full gravity of that day, as we lived it. But looking back, it is how we see that day now. Pressed to recall the experience, most memories are centered around one or two firsties that made a significant impression (in most cases, impressions tied to fear and terror), standing in lines, meeting new roommates…you all can relate. One vivid memory of that day which I’d like to share, was of our first formation in T-Court. The 21st Platoon (of Golf Company), formed up right up front, just off the end of the 2nd Wing. We faced that lovely little grassy area that became the border between T-Court and the marble wall that held back the multitude of mothers and father, sisters and brothers, girlfriends, aunts, uncles, etc. there to say “Good-bye” to the new midshipmen. All of a sudden, someone started signing “God Bless America”. Before the second line was sung, the entire group of wellwishers were joined in unison signing what I then believed (and still do today) was the perfect sentiment to the day. At that moment, I, and I suspect many of you, started to sense that that day was to have

much greater significance than we had previously considered. Fifty-One years ago today. Time buys perspective, and it is comforting to know, looking back, that for most of us, we grew into the commitments we made that day. As I mentioned in the last column, I had plans in the Dallas area on June 5th, so I called Steve Shigley (12th Co.) and suggested that he and Saul Zavala (2th Co.) put their heads together and come up with a list of all our classmates that reside in the DFW area, and invite them to a dinner on Saturday, June 5th. (By virtue of the fact that we have already weeded out all those who did not know the significance of June 29th, I trust that all of you who are still reading do not need to be told the significance of June 5th! So carry on.) Saul and Steve came up with a lengthy list, not just for the DFW area, but for all of Texas. BZ to both of you for your effort. We ended up having 12 classmates get together in Richardson, Texas to eat some Texas BBQ and tell lies about the last 50-some years. The list included the following: Don Chappell (29th Co,) Jack Kutzer (26th Co.), Tom Lozier (19th Co.), John Murdoch (23rd Co.) Joe Nuttall (13th Co.), Jim Ratts (25th Co.), Jerry Rudd (17th Co.), Steve Smith (36th Co.), Kyle McCain (non-grad) along with Steve and Saul and me (8th Co.). It was especially nice to see Kyle, our plebe year class President. He had attended Texas A & M for 3 semesters before accepting his appointment to USNA, so Kyle had some previous experience in an Academy-like training program. He seemed to be headed for big things in the Navy. We were both on LPD 9 USS JUNEAU for Youngster Cruise. One nice warm day at sea, the Skipper slowed the boat, opened the tail gate, flooded the well deck, raised the tail gate, and announced that swimming liberty was being held in the well deck. That, of course was before any of us had Naval Architecture. So none of us understood that thing called “free surface effect”. Kyle went swimming, and as the boat rolled, and waves randomly

’74: June 5, 2021 - Richardson, Texas

reverberated in destructive interference patterns, Kyle got thrown against the bulkhead and messed up his shoulder pretty bad. He was thereafter NPQ for any combat warfare specialty. He subsequently resigned and headed back to Texas. The class lost a good man, but Kyle never lost his emotional ties to Navy. It was very special to see him at our June 5th dinner. He has had a great career in municipal management within Texas, and resides just a little north of Fort Worth. Great to see you, Kyle! Most of the guys who attended that dinner live in and around the DFW area. But Jerry Rudd, and his lovely bride, Susan, drove up from the hill country outside Austin. A special thanx to Jerry for making the drive to raise a glass with classmates. Unfortunately, Doug Foster (8th Co.) and his lovely bride Lisa could not make the dinner in Richardson, as family commitments took them out of town that day. But Kim and I met them for brunch Sunday morning. Doug is still working in the advertising/marketing realm, where he is one of the key players in the launching of a new seniors emergency communications service. One of these days I think he’ll retire, but until then I guess our meetings will be reserved for Sunday brunches over Texas Mimosas (for the un-initiated, a Texas Mimosa is very dry champagne with a couple of drops of orange juice added for color. Lisa Foster is an aficionado, so she picked the restaurant.) And while I’m addressing classmate reunions, I’ll share a coincidental event that comes under the heading of “you ain’t

gonna believe this”. After leaving Dallas on our way back to California, on a whim, Kim and I decided to visit Santa Fe, NM, as we’d heard so much about the town, and neither of us had ever been there. We were about to leave Santa Fe, when Kim said let’s go and see this “Oldest House in North America” before we get on the road. Now this was not at or near the top of my priority list of places to spend time straining my already aching knees. So I said, “Great idea. I’d love to.” So we parked the car, walk into this little adobe hut, and I start to walk down a ramp into the original living area, when the guy coming the other way says to me “Did you go to the Naval Academy?” Other than my wearing a dark blue T-shirt that said US Naval Academy in large, gold lettering, I thought, boy, this guy is really perceptive. I guess he can tell by my confident swagger and general aura of being squared away, so with the wit and charm of a USNA Grad, I said, “Yeah”. He asked “what year?” So I thought, OK, he knows someone who went there once upon a time. So I said, “I graduated in ’74”. To which he responded, “me too.” Rick Mendenhall (3rd Co.). USNA Class of 1974. After a stint in the Nuclear Navy, Rick went to Indiana University to get an MBA. He ended up staying to get his PHD in Finance, then spent 33 years teaching at Notre Dame, serving as Department Chair the last 10 years. In 2019 he retired and moved back to his home town of Franklin, just south of Indianapolis. There he met Jeanie Edney. They had both grown up in Franklin, but had never met until last year. They are now “a SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 75

74/75 CLASS NEWS couple”. Without a lot of forethought, they decided to take a driving trip through the Southwest. Touring Santa Fe seemed like a good idea, and while there, decided to tour the oldest house in North America, on the same afternoon as Kim and I. I’ve always said that physics and irony make the world go round. Maybe I have been right all these years???

Rog & Rick Mendenahll

Rick and Jeanie

Sometime back I received a nice note from Bob Whitmire (29th Co.). Bob used to live in the JAX area, and I had asked him to confirm he was still there, as my 6 company mate and golfing partner, Phil Cereghino (8th Co.) (JAX Beach) and I were discussing a get-together for golf with classmates in that area. As usual, I was behind the times. Bob recently moved out of Florida, and in bringing me up to date, he also had a word about two other classmates, John Scott (29th Co.) and Bob Stumpf (26th Co.). Rather than paraphrasing, here is Bob’s note in its entirety: M After living in Florida for over 25 years, Jenise and I moved to the 76 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Memphis area. Coincidentally, we live just 5 miles from fellow 29th company classmate, John Scott, and we are able to meet weekly for coffee and sea stories. We bought a home across the street from 3 of our grandkids and it has been a great decision for our family. We also own a small cabin in Olympia, WA near our other 3 grandkids so that we can make extended visits with them. We are blessed that retirement is treating us well. I want to promote a new book written by our accomplished classmate, Bob Stumpf ... stroke seat of the Navy crew team and former Commanding Officer of the Blue Angels. “Letters to Imogene” provides a well written history of World War 2 in the European theater as seen through family letters. His mother, Imogene corresponded with her father, an Army General, and two West Point grads, her brother who was a fighter pilot and Bob’s dad who fought in too many battles to mention. The numerous letters are the foundation of the true story. I have enjoyed reading the other books written by ‘74 classmates, and this one will certainly not disappoint. Otherwise, all is well and we look forward to life returning to normal so that we can get together as in the pre-pandemic days. Go Navy! Thanx for sharing all this with us, Bob. If I don’t get through Memphis before September 2024, I’ll plan a stop in Memphis for a round a golf on my way to our 50th reunion. For those who have not heard, Bert Calland (25th Co.) has been suffering from memory loss and dementia problems associated with past football injuries and head trauma associated with some of his Navy Seal activities. There has been very little that approved medical treatments in the United States have been able to do for Bert. However, Fred Stuvek (26th Co.) learned of a break-through treatment based on RF therapy that has shown remarkable success in cases similar to Bert’s. Bert’s 25th Company Mate, Houston Jones, has accompanied Bert to Monterrey, Mexico so Bert could begin treatment.

Fred started a Go Fund Me page, to help cover the cost of this expensive therapy. The Navy Football Brotherhood has also started a non-profit organization to help defray the cost. I spoke with Fred just a few days ago and he said that thanx to our classmates, the therapy is now fully funded. Fred is going down to Monterrey this coming week, and hopefully will be bringing back some good news when he returns home a week later. On behalf of the class, I’d like to thank Fred and Houston, for going above and beyond to help their old teammate. And thanx also to Mick Halbreiner (8th Co.) for his work with the Football Brotherhood when Bert needed their help. And I’m sure Bert and Cathy Calland would send their thanx to all who contributed to Bert’s therapy. Maybe I was only partially right. I think maybe its physics, irony and loyalty that make the world go round! And I am saddened to report that Ken Pisel (3th Co.) passed away on May 25th after a lengthy battle with cancer. We also just learned that John Marckesano (17th Co.) passed away last year on June 22th. And the beat goes on… Rog

’75

Life Membership: 59% Donor Participation: 16.84% 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, As I write, the Class of 2025 — our Another Link in the Chain class — is preparing for their arrival in Annapolis and induction into the Brigade. Appropriately, I-Day on 30 June was exactly 50 years after ours. As you read, Parents Weekend has come and gone and the Brigade has returned. Our ALITC brothers and sisters are learning to balance the academic, military, and physical demands of being midshipmen. In

their now well-worn Reef Points, they found a message from ’75. It isn’t so much a class history as it is a letter to ’25. (A LINK-letter if you will. Yet another reference that means absolutely nothing to them. Kids say the darnedest things.) M “It was a cold, damp evening in the winter of 1974 — not unusual weather for the “Dark Ages” in Annapolis. The Commandant of Midshipmen had summoned the class of 1975 to Mahan Hall for a little session of constructive criticism. The ’Dant was not pleased with our grooming, uniform standards, or our general attitude. His frustration culminated with his pronouncement that “The Class of ’75 are the Flower Children of the Brigade.” (Google “flower child” to get the proper historical perspective.) We immediately adopted the name as a badge of honor, and to this day, we proudly wear it on ball caps and football jerseys. We are THE FLOWER CHILDREN OF THE BRIGADE. Now, in 2021, the Flower Children have become mentors. At every major event during 2025’s four years together by the Bay, you will be able to look around and see some rather older dudes smiling encouragingly. To us, you are “Another Link in the Chain.” On Wednesday 30 June 1971, nearly 1,350 young men reported to Bancroft Hall to form our class. Women would not arrive until exactly five years later, when the class of 1980 joined the chain. Except for NAPSters and prior enlisted men, we were in our civilian clothes when we recited the oath of office and were inducted as midshipmen late that afternoon. (Those civvies were shipped back to our homes in short order.) Plebe summer — indeed, much of our time at USNA — was punctuated with the background “Pa-CHUNK-a” sound of pile drivers filling in the Severn River to create the added land that the Academy needed for the Nimitz Library and Rickover Hall, and eventually, for Alumni Hall. In addition to Nimitz and Rickover, the Robert Crown Sailing Center was added to the growing footprint of the Naval Academy before we graduated.

75/75 CLASS NEWS On Sunday mornings during plebe year we mustered for mandatory attendance at religious services. We had our choice of Catholic or Protestant services in the Chapel, Jewish services elsewhere in the Yard, or we could join a “church party” to attend a church of our choice in Annapolis. During our Youngster Cruise in 1972, the courts ruled that mandatory chapel attendance at the military academies was unconstitutional. Some slept in for the next three years, but most of us continued to attend services in the stunning USNA Chapel. When June Week arrived in 1972, the Flower Children set our first standard as a class. Using strategy, teamwork, and raw brute strength, we climbed Herndon Monument in twenty minutes. That record (for a greased Herndon) stands to this day. Records are made to be broken. We really wouldn’t mind if 2025 was to become the class that moved our time to second place! Youngster year saw the first women arrive as faculty members at the Academy. Female officers and civilians in the front of the classrooms helped prepare the way for female midshipmen in 1976. In the early 1970s, Navy football was not very competitive. Navy had not been to a bowl game since the Roger Staubach era. We beat Virginia in the very first game of 1971, but won only two more games that year. Navy’s records during our time in Annapolis were 3-8, 4-7, 4-7, and 4-7. We did experience a few highlights, including a victory over 8th-ranked Penn State in Happy Valley, two wins over Air Force, and two over Army (by a record score of 51-0 in 1973). Navy won the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy for the first time in 1973. The Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal dominated the news during our time as midshipmen. Memorial Hall was more solemn than ever as names of recent graduates were routinely added to the lists of those killed in action in Southeast Asia. The break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington’s

Watergate hotel in 1972 haunted the Nixon Administration until his resignation shortly before our 1st class year began. Growing public disapproval of the Vietnam War led to strong opposition for and mistrust of the military throughout the country. Long hair, “Make Love Not War” chants, a growing drug culture, coupled with social unrest resulted in many of us being ostracized and disrespected by our college-age peers. Being spit upon and ridiculed when traveling in uniform was not uncommon. Notably, while on our Youngster Cruise in 1972, some of our Classmates were the last midshipmen to earn the Vietnam Service Medal. USS VANCOUVER (LPD-2) and USS DUBUQUE (LPD-8) operated in the war zone conducting a two-day support operation during the penultimate U.S. campaign of the Vietnam War. Vietnam, an anti-military atmosphere, and the fact that the draft ended during our Youngster year led to the Class of 75’s second USNA record. Our attrition rate (>39%) is the highest of the modern era. This is a record that we do NOT want 2025 to even approach! Despite the low expectations of our Commandant, the Class of 1975 has been extraordinarily successful. We entered the Fleet and Corps at the height of the Cold War, and proudly served with Honor, Courage and Commitment as we were taught at the Academy. Despite our small class size, we boast more than 20 flag and general officers, including a former Chief of Naval Operations and a Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion. We claim a doctor who is curing cancer and leaders in business, industry, medicine, religion, and government. As the Laws of the Navy poem cites “…on the strength of one link in the cable, dependeth the might of the chain…” The Class of 1975 welcomes the Class of 2025 and is committed to helping you “…bearest the strain…” that binds us all into the proud and distinguished legacy of the Naval Academy.” Throughout the country, parent’s clubs and alumni chapters sent the

’75: ALITC San Diego

’75: ALITC San Francisco

Class of ’25 off to Crabtown with going-away dinners and picnics. In each case, volunteers from ’75 were on hand to welcome the new plebes to the brotherhood/sisterhood. Here are just a few notes. Dave Frost reports that the San Diego region was blessed with 21 appointees for ’25, plus a couple of NAPSters headed for the class of 2026. Nearly all attended a 1 June recognition event, along with their families. Kudos to the San Diego Flower Children and surviving spouses who underwrote ALL of the BALI HAI dinner costs for the special guests! Larry Conrad, John McTighe, Speer Ezzard and Frosty spoke about their demerits and such in impromptu fashion, as the dinner program ran VERY long. Our Country is in great hands with fine young Americans like the ones that Larry, Speer, John and Dave met as our first — yet NOT last — link across 50 years. In San Francisco, Steve Hall and Marc Siedband did the honors. Steve says, M “The parents were really happy that we were there. I’ve been attending the events for the past

12 years, and this one with us was the best ever. Marc stayed right on message with great words and advice. I, as a submariner with ADHD, ran off script at every opportunity … which resulted in us getting kicked off the stage so they could stay on schedule. It was great to see Marc for the first time since we were at Prototype in Idaho.”

Steve and Marc welcome ’25

ALITC New York state

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 77

75/76 CLASS NEWS In central New York state, Howard Gutzman and Dan Wheeler helped welcome three new links in the chain — Alexis Smith (Fayetteville, NY), Michael Magee (Manlius, NY), and Hannah McCarthy (Deerfield, NY). Dan was the Blue & Gold Officer for Alexis and Hannah. I hope to see you in Annapolis in November! ’75 Sir! Larry

’76

Life Membership: 58% Donor Participation: 16.05% 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/

As I write this column, we are less than 90 days from the start of our 45th Class Reunion. When did we all get so well-seasoned and prudent?! We’ve travelled many miles and have experienced such a wide array of joys and sorrows, regrets and surprises, but the bottom line is that we all share a common bond of comradery that began on July 6, 1972, when we all raised our hands as Plebes in Tecumseh Court and took the oath of office. From Mark Alfers (14th Co.): M My wife, Nancy, and I visited with our son, Major Mark Alfers on

Oahu HI in April 2021. He is completing his 14th year in the Army. He is stationed at Fort Shafter on Oahu, in the middle of his third year there. Could not visit him in 2020 due to COVID restrictions. One highlight for us was visiting the USS ARIZONA at Pearl Harbor together. Nancy and I have officially been “snowbirds” since my retirement from PetSmart in 2017. We spend half the year in Phoenix and the other half in Cincinnati. Looking forward to our 45th reunion! Lee Smith (33rd Co) has an update: M Only 45 years since graduation so figured I should send a quick Smith family update. Retired from the reserve in Feb 2000. Been working for DHS as fed or contractor since 2003. Immensely proud of my family graduates the last 2 years. Daughter Kathleen graduated 2019 BS Physics from University of Mary Washington, now a contractor for Defense Health Agency CTO. Son Christopher graduated May 2021 BS Engineering from James Madison University and I put on my uniform to swear him into the lighter shade of blue service (USAF). Gail (my bride of 26 years) graduated June 2021 from the Washington School of Psychiatry after completing the National Group Psychotherapy Institute 2-year course of work. So happy for them! Looking forward to the 45th reunion!

The Smith Family

Phil Kumpis (26th Co) is taking an extended road trip with his wife: M I’m taking my sweet time, but my wife and I are driving our RV across the country for the reunion. We hope to see many of our classmates there. We left California last month and are having a great time. We spent Memorial Day weekend in Fredericksburg, Texas, the birthplace of Admiral Nimitz and the home of the National Museum of the Pacific War. It’s an outstanding museum and well worth the visit if any of our classmates are passing through the area.

Maine they met up with John Strand, retired and doing much traveling around the world. Have heard from a few in the company who plan to attend the reunion, to include Bill Glenney, Leroy Washington, and Chris Grazel (who, coming from Dubai, should win the farthest traveler award). Any others who may be coming, would like to hear from them. My email is rscottmoore@hotmail.com. For 24th Company, Marty, Stu, and I have been contemplating a Mississippi River cruise in a year or two and would love to turn it into a company expedition if any are interested (you listening, Mike Witt? Could use some of your travel planning expertise.)

Lois and Scott Moore

Deborah & Martin Brittingham joined Barb & Mark Hubbard at a “Summer Cruise 2021” social event sponsored by the USNA AA Cape Fear Chapter in Wilmington, NC, on June 16th. Phil Kumpis with Admiral Nimitz

Scott Moore provides a brief update on 24th Company: M Lois and I celebrated, like many of our classmates, our 45th wedding anniversary this June. We now have four grandchildren, the latest born in January. I fully retired in May (went to part-time last year). As soon as COVID is done, we hope to travel a bit. We get together with Cheryl and Stu Funk regularly; they live in Haymarket, VA. He continues to work at LMI. Stu runs into Pete Cornell occasionally on the golf course. and Marty Sloane stopped by on their way from Florida to Maine for a family reunion. While in ’76: The Alfers Family in Hawaii 78 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Brittinghams & Hubbards at the Cape Fear Country Club

Several Classmates were present for Memorial and Inurnment services for Elliott Bloxom, in Annapolis on June 22nd & 23rd. The 23rd was also Elliot’s birthday. He may be the

76/77 CLASS NEWS

’76 in Annapolis for Elliott Bloxom’s Memorial Service

only Academy grad to have been born and placed to rest on Hospital Point on his birthday. Those present for the Memorial Service included Tom Kennedy, Peter Varsanyi, Mike Edwards, Steve Taylor, Al Clarke, John Brownell, Bob Kenny, Lee Smith, and Ed Gilmore. Attending the Inurnment Ceremony were Steve Rudiger, Kevin Stone, Steve Taylor, and John Brownell.

’76 at the USNA Columbarium for Elliott Bloxom’s Inurnment

The son of Felix Swierski III (19th Co), Felix Swierski IV, graduated from Georgetown University earlier this year with family in attendance

Kate Swierski, Felix Swierski IV, Karen Swierski, Jeanne Swierski, Felix Swierski III

Tim Farrell wants to remind everyone that our classmates may view June Week 1976 issues of the Annapolis Evening Capital through our class website.

Here is a final update from Bruce Petit regarding the fast approaching 45th Reunion: M Our 45th Reunion has been challenging unlike any in memory, given the combination of covidinduced restrictions and the instability of the 2021 Football schedule. But we’re ready for rollout and eager to welcome YOU to Annapolis on 30 September! DO plan to arrive on Thursday 9/30. For this first time in our collective history, almost all of us are fully or at least mostly retired. So “time off” or “leave days” aren’t a consideration in your scheduling; come early and stay till the end! Reunion events kick off simultaneously with Check-in opening at noon at our base hotel, the Graduate Annapolis - while our Golf Tournament tees off at 1330 with a shotgun start. Most of you will arrive at the hotel or your other lodgings mid-afternoon, and we anticipate Reunion check-ins to ramp up then. So, for the “mob” at the Graduate, our Meet and Greet kicks off at 1630; we will have cash bars set up for the Class in the Atrium, right where you check in for the Reunion. It’s your chance to meet your friends, see who all has come, and enjoy a beverage while deciding where among the dozens of nearby choices to go to dinner. Simple, informal, easy . . . the only other thing we could ask for is no rain! Friday 1 October will be a full day. In addition to the perennial favorites for Classmates and wives and guests: Mid Store, Visitor Center, Noon Formation, Museum - and

Annapolis Town - there’s an agenda. The Class meeting and election start things off at 0900, somewhere in the Yard (we’ll let you know). A Memorial Service in the Chapel follows during which we remember our Classmates no longer with us. Lunch break will be over 2 hours, that is plenty of time to join one another - and meet our wives for lunch in Town or dine at one of the Academy facilities. Afternoon activities consist of a meeting with the Supe, VADM Buck and the 1600 Dress P-rade. Then our own dressup affair, the Dinner-Dance, caps a busy day. It’s 1930 in the Graduate ballroom. And nobody will have to rush; the schedule provides plenty of time after leaving the Yard to join in cocktail hour festivities in the Graduate Lobby before dinner. Saturday 2 October is the Main Event - Navy Football hosting the UCF Knights! The morning gets off to a spiritual start with a prayer breakfast in the Graduate Hotel Power House room at 0900. Details will follow, but this increasingly popular event is now on the Reunion docket which allows you to register to attend. At 1300, all attention shifts to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and our magnificent and sure-to-be memorable ‘76 Tailgate. Once again this “come hungry and thirsty” party is sited in the stadium’s premier venue, the N-Star Room. Menu details will be provided soon, but you can count on a buffet featuring beef, chicken, and all manner of Chesapeake seafood; vegetarian and gluten free choices; and an array of beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages. And Nutty Buddies in the 4th Quarter! A cash bar is available for those who prefer a cocktail. The Tailgate wraps at about 1900, and companies are encouraged to plan get-togethers Saturday evening. Sunday 3 October we all say good-bye and make plans to meet before 2026! Chapel services are available and encouraged - Catholic mass early and Protestant service late morning. No specific breakfast event is planned; however, dining opportunities abound near the Graduate and throughout Annapolis.

Stay tuned for announcements of Class of ‘76 merchandise being offered. We will loudly and widely alert you to the rollout of the Registration website - and you’ll be able to sign up for our Fabulous Forty-Fifth! See you there! Here are the Reunion prices: - Registration - covers all admin and logistics, and for Classmates includes Class of ‘76 stadium bag and tumbler (fee required for all Reunion participants, regardless of # of events selected) * Classmates $76 * Spouses, guests $20 each - 9/30 Golf Tournament at USNA GC $120 - 9/30 Meet & Greet at the Graduate Annapolis Hotel: No charge (Cash bar) - 10/1 Dinner Dance $110 each (Cash bar) - 10/2 Prayer Breakfast $30 each - 10/2 Tailgate * Adults $115 each * Young adults (ages 13-20) $75 each * Children (12 and under) $35 each - There will be a request for contribution to the upcoming Another Link in the Chain program in which our Great Class of ‘76 actively participates in the development of our 50-year partner Class of 2026. Looking forward to seeing you at the 45th in September!

’77

Life Membership: 74% Donor Participation: 15.13% 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

“People who live in glass houses shouldn’t spot naval gunfire support.” – Jim Surch, in a classic one-liner courtesy of John “Amazing” Grace. Make all preparations for getting underway. Set the special sea and anchor detail. Single up all lines fore and aft. Let go all lines. Underway. Shift colors. Set Condition X Ray. SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 79

77/77 CLASS NEWS Secure the special sea detail. Set the regular underway watch. If that series of commands doesn’t bring back memories, you might be either senile or reading the wrong alumni magazine. Either way, attention to brief! First up, you’ll recall last October, Dan Olivier (14th Co.), Kevin Sullivan (14th Co.), Rob Lamb (6th Co.) and Joe Christopherson (4th Co.) visited a bench dedicated in 1993 to memory of Jim Surch (21st Co.) at Beattie Park in Lompoc, CA. The four decided to replace that bench, at their own expense, with a sturdier version matching those at the nearby Lompoc Valley Fallen Warriors Memorial. In May, they dedicated the new bench and plaque.

Shown below with Jim’s sister Patty Barnett clockwise from front left are Dan, Tom Behrle (14th Co.), Craig Turley (36th Co.), Rob and Kevin.

Patty thought the world of her brother, so it’s great to see Jim’s friends and classmates making the time and effort to honor his memory. BZ, boys, BZ. Next, Skip “King Rat” McKenzie (9th Co.) forwarded this announcement from Kristi 80 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Scott on the occasion of the retirement of her husband, Frank Hodnett “Hods” Scott (9th Co.): M So this guy...has served his time... military kid, U.S. Naval Academy “Hods” ‘77, Army Ranger (10th Special Forces Group), DVM (LSU), and USDA (til Friday). Time to retire and do some binge watching/ beachcombing/boy raising/Bible studying/sleep past 3 am/do whatever you want time...looking forward to breakfast together my sweetness! see everybody at the next reunion!! Congrats Frank Hodnett Scott!!!

Hods, here’s to Kristi and you enjoying many relaxing years together. P.S. Are you still curling 225? Since we’re on the subject of both 9th Company and retirement, after some 44 years Vince Tsai (9th Co.) decided to break EMCON and forward his first submission to Shipmate. Vince recently met in Walnut Creek, CA with Mike “Mac” McCarthy (19th Co.) and Mike “Ducky” Laviano (20th Co.). Both Ducky and Vince live in the Bay Area (Ducky up in the Sonoma wine country, Vince in San Jose), while Mac, who was in the area for a family wedding, resides in Oklahoma. That’s Mac, Vince and Ducky shown left to right above. Along with a few other classmates, the three get together several times a year for golf, skiing, etc. Ducky retired from United Airlines almost two years ago (How time does fly!), and though Mac is still working in his wife’s business, he’s also planning to hang up his spurs in the near future. As for Vince, he’ll be retiring at the end of September after a

whirlwind career in both the surface Navy and Silicon Valley. He’s looking forward to a little relaxation, more time to enjoy his wife and three wonderful children ranging in age from 18-35, and, perhaps most importantly the freedom of finally achieving official empty-nester status. Retirement will also allow Vince to pursue his passion for music, in his case, once more tickling the ivories. He recently joined with his former USNA bandmates to reconstitute their old group Variations, and they’re tentatively scheduled to perform next April back at Boat School at a TBD venue. He’s enjoyed getting his chops back while practicing virtually with bandmates scattered across the country utilizing the latest software and technology. Vince, if you’re willing to break radio silence a second time to give us a date and location certain, we’ll be happy to pass it along. Until then, enjoy your well-earned retirement. Turning now from music to the world of sports, Dan Whitsett (11th Co.) informed us the Class of ’77 was well represented at the USTA’s Over-65 National Hard Court Championships held in San Diego May 17th- 22nd. Mark Jee (11th Co.) (former #1 at Navy) and Dan participated in the singles, while Jeff Heely (6th Co.) did double duty as Mark’s doubles partner and “Player Coach” for the group. In addition to conducting daily pre-match warm-ups, Jeff reportedly employed a number of… unique…coaching techniques, some of which involved a broom, an unstrung racquet and a…corkscrew?!? Reports Coach Heely’s other tools included fur-lined handcuffs, leather chaps and a riding crop remain unconfirmed at press time. Seriously guys, what happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but you were in San Diego! Later in the week, Larry Indiviglia (11th Co.) coordinated a little 11th Company get together. Shown below from left to right are attendees Dave Frederick (11th Co.), Mark, Larry, Dan, Larry Becker (11th Co.),

Mike Moffat (11th Co. Officer), Jeff and Hank Donigan (11th Co.).

Owen Thorp’s (22nd Co.) wife Kathy wrote to inform us she just married her youngest daughter Lauren off to one Robert Stamper, a former Marine, on May 8th at the Baltimore Basilica. Attendees included Jean and Bobby Holman (22nd Co.), Owen’s old roommate. Shown below left to right at the blessed event are MAJ Gina Thorp, USA, along with her twins, Maddy and Michael, Kathy, the bride and groom, LT Matt Thorp, USN and Andrew Thorp (USNA ’09):

In an interesting sidenote, Michael Reagan is an artist who, upon returning from Vietnam, started drawing his comrades killed in action as part of his healing process, giving the finished product to the families they left behind. He has since completed thousands of portraits, including Presidents and other famous individuals, fallen police officers and Gold Star families and their lost loved ones. Mr. Reagan was kind enough to gift a sketch of Owen, which was

77/78 CLASS NEWS displayed next to the Missing Man table at the wedding reception, in recognition of the impact and legacy Owen left on everyone who came in contact with him. We know you join us in wishing Lauren and Robert a long and happy life together…along with more grandchildren on which Kathy can dote. Moving on, Marc Troiani (4th Co.) forwarded a photo of his middle son Joe and himself after winning their flight at the Maryland Golf & Country Club Member-Member tournament up in Bel Air, MD. Though they eventually lost in a shoot-out (Joe undoubtedly let the side down, ‘cause everybody knows Marc’s an ace!), Team Troiani was the BIG winner ($$$!!!) in the Calcutta. And as every golfer knows, crystal is nice, but you can’t spend it on new clubs! Speaking of Marc Troiani, he was part of a five-man ’77 contingent in attendance at the recent Gettysburg Leadership Experience. Shown below in the tall grass where George Pickett’s division bivouacked the night before they marched forward into immortality are, left to right, your humble scribe, Dan Gearing (12th Co.), Jim Lare (35th Co.) and Marc.

Scott Harding (30th Co.), who coordinates the program on behalf of the Class, was also in attendance and acted as our photographer. More on our experience will be forthcoming in a future column. For now, suffice it to say we highly recommend anyone who can attend the GLE to do so. And last, but not least, we thought we’d share a somewhat disturbing experience we had upon receiving this picture from Jeff Johnson (USNA ’79), who was in the goal our senior year. So what, inquiring minds might wish to know, would disturb us about a home lacrosse schedule J.J. found in a Delaware second-hand store? The fact that if you’d wagered us $1,000 we’d played either Dartmouth or Delaware, and double or nothing we’d played both, we’d have taken the bet…and you’d be up two grand! Geezing sucks, but it certainly beats the alternative. Magoo

’78

Life Membership: 81% Donor Participation: 33.33% Pres: Glen Woods Sec’y: Vince Balderrama 1320 Homewood Ln., Annapolis, MD 21401 e: canoeu78@aol.com Website: usna1978.org

The group is shown below on the steps of the Pennsylvania Monument.

As you know, in February Terry O’ Brien (10th Co) left us to be part of that heavenly “Advanced Party”. Well, on June 11th, Wendy O’ Brien and daughter Kristen, hosted a celebration to honor Terry’ s life at the Army-Navy Country Club in Fairfax VA. Their instructions to all were to “Leave your sadness at the door, but bring your stories, your laughs, and

’78: Celebrating Terry O’ Brien’ s Life

your happiness over a life that was lived to the fullest.” That instruction was fully obeyed as the large crowd reminisced about “O-B” and “sea stories” and happy memories of him were regaled. Among friends and classmates who attended were: 10th Companymates and spousesJudi and Guido Manzo, Marla and Al Baker, Libbie and Craig Diffie, John Curtis (Who was travelling about the country, visiting family in his RV.), Karen Yeager (who came up from Pace, FL), Sue and Joe Martin, Debbie and Steve Petri, and Bob Gulley; Sherry and Bill Hession (32nd Co), Karen and Bob Schmermund (15th Co), Case Runolfson (15th Co), Steve “Jock” Maloney (16th Co), Ray Kwong (32nd Co), John Rudder (12th Co), Ray Bracy (25th Co), Dan Holloway (27th Co) who was soon to be retiring from Huntington Ingalls), Bob Vogt (35th Co), John Rudzis (25th Co), Karen Yeager’s brother, Willie Taylor (‘ 81,) and yours truly. Many also know that on June 18th, John Young’s (4th Co) beautiful wife, Julia “Julie” Gordy Young, passed away peacefully at their home in Dallas, after a 7-year battle with Metastatic Breast Cancer. She spent her last days surrounded by family, dear friends and her devoted dog, Ruby. John and Julie were married for 20 amazing and have two sons, Jack and Will. Her obituary noted that “She never missed a chance to celebrate them and their many achievements. Throughout the different places they lived, Julie and John formed lifelong friendships, which Julie deeply cherished. She

forever made you feel special when you were together.” Julie was engaged in a variety of interestsreading and photography, travel and history, education, and personal growth. She was a passionate advocate for adoption, involved in her church and her children’s schools, and volunteered tirelessly for numerous charitable organizations. Julie had an infinite love for her family and friends and her strong faith. She had a brilliant smile, calm nature, and heartfelt interest in everyone she knew. In lieu of flowers, John asked that donations be made to the Park Cities Learning Difference Association (https:// pclda.org/donate/) or to the SMU Catholic community (https:// smucatholic.org/donate). Our prayers and warm thoughts pour out to John and the boys. We are here for them and will chose to remember the happy memories of Julie’s well-lived life.

“Julie” Young

Congrats to Patty Babcock. In early June, the Florida Bar Foundation announced she was appointed as a SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 81

78/79 CLASS NEWS public member to serve a three-year term on the board of The Florida Bar Foundation, a statewide charitable organization whose mission is to “provide greater access to justice”. Dave Babcock’s (6th Co) better half is a licensed clinical social worker with a PhD in social work from Florida State University. Recently, she served as the deputy secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families, where she oversaw policy and operations for family safety, substance abuse and mental health, and economic self-sufficiency. Prior to that, she was the inaugural director of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare at FSU’s College of Social Work and had been co-director at FSU College of Medicine’s Center for Behavioral Health Integration from 2016 to 2019. She also sits on the Florida Dependency Court Improvement Panel.

’78: Tom Trudell’ s Ordination

It was the closest to my Operations Analysis, Naval Academy major, as I’ve done in decades. Our playoffs, coincided with the end of the NBA season, where teams rested their superstars. I worked the waiver wire, to get the most players, playing each day; so although, I had the third best regular record, I came out on top in the playoffs.” Charlie noted that “55 years ago he won a Port Washington Youth Activity (PYA), basketball trophy that a brother threw into the fireplace. This time, he said he will guard this trophy to present to the next champion.

8th grade and Bruce got his in early 9th grade. Bruce noted that Noah laughs when he sees which President signed Bruce’s card, adding “No it wasn’t Abe Lincoln, but it was Richard Nixon”. Noah’s reward was to get an iPhone. Before you go high and to the right, Bruce highlighted that it meant Noah is now the last one in his class to get one. Congrats Noah!

Jennifer and Paul Ross, Tammy and Les Wallace, Dee and Tom Trudell, Jim Carr, Bob Engel, Walt Haberland, Carol and Mike Moore, Cindy and Reny Pili, Kim Tageson, Mary Jane and Kevin Walsh (8th Co. Kevin is a parishioner in Tom’s “home church” in Great Mills, MD.), Jane Tageson. In closing, we wish the best of luck to John Storvick (21st Co) who in mid-June was awaiting a good match for a kidney transplant. Hope all went well, John. Launchin’ Spot Four.

’79 Patty Babcock

Noah and his Eagle Project

On 12 June, Charlie Dawson (23rd Co) posted to Facebook “Thanks to my Naval Academy roommate James Butler, for sharing the moment of winning his Fantasy Basketball League Championship trophy.” Charlie sent a photo of him hoisting it with Jim observing. Charlie added that “…okay this isn’t exactly the Stanley Cup - but, as a “Pensioner,” my “moments of glory,” are limited. [In the photo] Jim, behind his beard, is trying to keep a straight face. My league, mainly, just a couple Navy civilian lawyers, nerds, that focus on pro basketball, was dumped, upside down, with Covid. I couldn’t pick an NBA superstar out of a police lineup, but treated fantasy basketball, as a bunch of multi-lateral equations.

Kim Tageson (36th Co) posted on his Facebook page and his companymate, Jim Gafford, sent in a bunch of photos about Tom Trudell’s (36th Co), “3rd career” as an ordained Catholic Deacon. On the weekend of June 26th, Tom was ordained at the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. Friends, and Companymates and spouses from 36th, joined in the weekend of events (ordination, Mass the next day and other “mini-reunion” activities). The “gang” included: Tom Grodek (6th Co and also an ordained Roman Catholic Deacon.); and from 36th Co- Jim Gafford, Ann & Ralph Scaffidi, Julie & Mike Sears, Drew Nienhaus, Jim Pointer,

82 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Jim observes Charlie’ s Championship Season

Bruce Gearey (30th Co) had a “good news” story about his son Noah completing his Eagle Scout project to replace the old wooden carpool benches at his school with composite material. Noah raised $6000 by washing cars and getting some fundraising help from friends, family, local businesses, and some of our classmates. His real goal was to beat his dad’s time to make Eagle - which he did. Noah just finished

Life Membership: 91% Donor Participation: 18.52% Pres: CAPT Dave Jackson, USN (Ret.) e: djackson@usna.edu Sec’y: LCDR John “Wiz” Withers, USN (Ret.) 1886 Woodpoint CT, Lawrenceville, GA 30043 p: 240-298-1006; e: JDWithers@1979.usna.com Social Network Links: http://www.linkedin.com/in/wizwithers Facebook Group: USNA Class of 1979 Website: www.usna79.com

Greetings 79ers! This has been quite a summer! After 2020 put everything “on hold”, there are lots of positive signs: things are opening up, mask mandates are being lifted, people are taking vacations, and (hopefully) kids will be back in the classroom. My next-door neighbor has resumed business travel with a vengeance – his company is sending

79/80 CLASS NEWS him around the country to give refreshers to their reps on face-to-face selling. In my world, I’m beginning to teach “live” in-person classes again. I’m grateful that I could fall back on Zoom when it was necessary, but I much prefer speaking to live audiences rather than to a lens on a webcam. Of course that means wearing “complete” business attire, rather than “news-anchor casual” that has become all the rage on Zoom. Some of us, though, are still dealing with the effects of COVID on a daily basis. Dr. Wayne Elmer (22) s still in the trenches as a pulmonary / critical care physician in the Duluth, MN area. Kimberly and Wayne welcomed the arrival of their first grandchild in March, and Wayne is very much the proud grandpa. Their grandson is named after Wayne’s father, Dean Elmer, a career USAF pilot who was shot down (and rescued) on his 68th mission over North Vietnam in 1966. Congrats to Kimberly and Wayne, and welcome young Dean!

Proud grandpa Wayne Elmer with grandson Dean Vetter

Staying with the grandparent theme, I also heard from Judd Knecht (30) who sent along a couple of photos as well. Judd recently retired, and after living in the Norfolk, VA area for many years, he and Sheri moved up the coast to Baltimore, MD to be closer to their four grandchildren. Judd’s email included a photo of Doug Mitchell (36) who, in Judd’s words, “recently beat me out as world’s greatest grandpa.” Congrats, Judd, on your retirement, and I’m sure

you and Sheri will enjoy much more quality time with your grandkids!

That’s going to do it for now. I have a couple of get-togethers coming up with a few 79ers, which I’ll update you all on next month. Until then, have fun, take lots of pictures, and send ‘em in. Beat Everybody on the schedule! Wiz…

’80

Life Membership: 96% Donor Participation: 17.00% Doug Mitchell, “World’s Greatest Grandpa”, captured at last.

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

Sheri & Judd Knecht’s grandkids

Also checking in this month is Steve Walsh (12). While he was up in Bedford, NY visiting his mom and sister, Steve had lunch with fellow Marines Tom Colella ’76 (20) and Steve Clark ’76 (31). Tom works as an executive recruiter, retiring from the USMC reserves as an O-6. Tom was a firstie in my Plebe Summer company, and although I can’t be sure, I think I escaped getting fried by him (although his classmates found other opportunities to develop my military bearing!). “Father Steve” Clark was a Marine helicopter pilot until he received the call and became a Catholic priest. Fr. Steve’s current parish is in Mt. Kisko, NY and, as Walsh says, “is still 100% Marine despite working for the Lord.”

Three Marines: Tom Colella ’76, Steve Walsh, and “Father Steve” Clark ‘76

Greetings Classmates, Forty-five years ago today, we raised our hands in T-Court and took our Oath of Office. Hard to believe where the time has gone or how we suddenly became the old folks walking around the Yard telling the Mids “When I was a plebe….” So much water has gone under the transom and so many life changes for all of us. 45 + 18 = 63 or the average age of our Classmates. Simply Amazing! One of the changes recently was a tragic occurrence, Delores and Brian Carmichael, beedeecee@ sbcglobal.net, lost their daughter Danielle unexpectedly. I spoke with Brian, and he is celebrating his daughters’ life as best he can! Many Classmates have reached out to the family to show their support. This note came in from Greg Mislick, gmislick99@yahoo.com who

attended the funeral services in California: M Hi Joe: Sadly, Brian Carmichael’s daughter, Danielle, passed away unexpectedly. Brian Kosinski, bknamaste@sbcglobal.net, and I had the privilege of attending her memorial service in San Jose. There were a few hundred people in attendance and the ceremony was truly amazing! Fantastic speakers with heartfelt eulogies, and a good combination of serious and funny memories. Danielle obviously made valuable contributions at her job with NASA, and was a very positive, well-liked, upbeat young woman. Brian can be very proud! At the reception, there were a total of seven 1980 classmates who came to show their support: Despite the terrible circumstances, the service was upbeat and honored her life. Brian and Delores are doing as well as seems possible, but I am sure they would be happy to hear from as many Shipmates as possible. Here is his information: 4623 Sidlaw Ct, San Jose, Ca. 95136 Cell 408-315-9163

’80: Left to right; Greg Mislick; Larry McCauley; Earl Gay; Brian Kosinski; Bob Miller; Brian Carmichael and Roosevelt Johnson. SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 83

80/80 CLASS NEWS Thank you Greg, and Larry, Earl, Brian, Bob and Rossevelt. It is so important that we support each other. Brian and Delores our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. My note about 45 Years since “I” Day brought about a series of great responses. Here is a smattering that came in – and I hope I’m not sharing too much (mostly from my 33rd Herd) – but it notes the sentiments: After 2 years of living in an apartment, majoring in fraternity beer bashes and slacking off at that famous party school Johns Hopkins, I started asking myself what in the world I was thinking, starting the minute I entered the field house on I-Day. Good news is that didn’t last too long and passed quickly after we climbed Herndon. ; ) To the best group of lifelong shipmates and friends anyone could ever hope for. Alan Lewis I treasure my time with you and our time on 3-1 and 8-4 together. You are honestly my oldest and dearest friends. Pete Kilger Blessed indeed. I never would have made it without all of you! Doug Purin That day is such a blur. I don’t remember much except standing in lines, Cheese Rowan screaming at us, and then lying in bed that night on 3-1 in the hot, humid room listening to sounds outside in T-Court and talking to Ray about “what the heck were we getting ourselves into?” The short answer is that we were getting into the greatest group of friends one could ever imagine. Joe Hayden Joe, I believe both you and I celebrated our birthdays there on I-day. Not the most fun we ever had on our Bday but surely the most life changing and momentous. Mark Tomb Always a pleasure to sit at the Fleet Reserve and think back to our first days together. Jeff Mertens Truly an exceptional day … and fortunate to have been thrown into The Herd with all of you! That made all the difference these past 45 years … Pete Stanford Not to take away from my Wedding Day (many of you were there to witness) ~and as you said:

84 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

6 July 1976 was also THE most significant day for me. Becoming lifelong friends with each of you changed my life in so many ways. Dale Lumme I can’t believe I have known all you ‘slugs’ for 45 years – today. It is still one of the most significant days of my life – primarily because of all of you! Joel Ross 45 Years – where has the time gone? Paul Thrasher It’s amazing how powerful that day was 45 years ago today! Friends and Shipmates forever. Not all memories are wonderful – but hopefully time has brought healing and a different perspective for all of us! Recently, our 8th Company Rep, Cheryl Spohnholtz, sponzie80@ gmail.com was in the Yard visiting with some friends from France. She shared this photo.

As is often the case, my emails get some fun response about things we didn’t know about each other. On Father’s Day, I shared that my father, also CAPT Joe Grace, was the Class of 1944, a submariner and diplomat. Pete Stanford’s father, COL Norm Stanford, was also Class of 1944 and a decorated Marine. Would have never thought to have a roommate whose father was a Classmate of my dad’s. There were 6 of us who had father’s from the Class of 1944 including Bob Morris, lambmorris@verizon.net who wrote: “Thanks for your thoughtful words—my father was also a member of the Class of ‘44, and I miss him as well.” Mike Ales, mike.ales80@gmail.com shared a fun memory for me: Joe, I still remember your dad telling me that

he didn’t like class reunions. “Every time I go there are all these OLD guys claiming to be my Classmates! I went to Navy with young men!” Was said with a wink. Others shared information about their connection to the Greatest Generation: Joe Heil, jphssh1@aol.com - My Father passed away in 1985 at 63 (only one year older than I am now). He was a P-40/P-47 Fighter Pilot in the China-Burma-India Theater in WWII and set a record at the time with 238 Combat Missions. Also, that’s where he met my mom; an Army Nurse - they married in Burma in 1945 before V-J Day. Gary “Smitty” Smith g.garysmith@ icloud.com - My mom was in the Navy Reserves in WWII. I still have her pin. Bruce Ross, 6th Company, baross@mac.com, Joe, your email brought back some memories. My father was a 1948 grad (perhaps your father was one of his Firsties). He often mentioned how disappointed he was to have missed out on “the big the fight,” though he spent time in the Korean War aboard a tin can before switching to submarines. I often teased him that, while he was a Submariner, as a P-3 pilot I was an “Anti-Submariner.” Thank you for brightening my day. Sharon Disher, yessharondisher@ yahoo.com, - I am celebrating with my father right now in Sedona. He was a 26-year veteran in the Air Force. B-52 pilot. So many of our Classmates have significant military ties within the family! Share them and lets celebrate their lives! This last month we had some Shipmates go above and beyond the call of duty in taking our Classmate Jim Maple out on the town for a beer and steak. As you know Jim, a non-grad, has been confined to a home since suffering a life debilitating stroke about ten years ago. I’ve mentioned him several times in the Column and our Classmates have stepped up in ways that are truly commendable. Here is what just took place and some photos to capture the moments. This note came in from Jim Allison jimallison80@ gmail.com, who got together with Nels Frostenson, frostynels@aol.com, to make Jim’s night.

The first note is from Jim Allison: M Greetings, If you only get one really good steak and one beer every ten years, get a Filet Mignon and a Warped Wing Gamma Bomb. Nels and I joined Jim Mapel and one of his former (and most beloved) aides, Teresa at the Firebirds Steak House in Springboro, OH last night. Jim had a great night. Jim made sure he consumed every ounce of his beer and steak. Once again, this night could not have happened for Jim if it wasn’t for Wayne Reif, wreif@ aol.com. Thank you. Additionally, this night would not have gone so well without the incredible help of the staff at Otterbein, especially Teresa. Watching her was amazing. I honestly don’t believe Nels and I could have pulled this off without her. To me, the most telling tale of Jim’s enjoyment was our drive back to Otterbein. He was pretty subdued on the drive to Firebirds, but on the return trip, he had to adjust everything in my car. AC, fan, vents and when Bad Company came on the local classic rock station, the volume went up and he moved to the beat. Nels, I love you man! Go ‘80 and Beat Army! This second note (very personal) is from Nels to Jim, M Hey Jim! The last couple nights drinking beer and telling sea stories have been priceless. Proves again that a remote chance to rendezvous with a Classmate, get to know them better, and share our life experiences is so totally rewarding. Sorry we did not cross paths at USNA. Let’s make a pact not to miss the opportunity to do it again if able. YOU are a class act and have traveled a rewarding path. I talked to Wayne this morning as he was breaking his back, moving into the house in Raleigh. Wayne’s commitment to Jim Mapel is a real testimony to friendship and comradery. Such an unbelievable situation. Great to be part of the joy in Jim Mapel’s eyes as he savored every morsel of steak and sip of beer. He really did not want to leave.

80/81 CLASS NEWS Thanks for pulling it all together and your spirit in executing the plan. Nels

If this isn’t love and Classmate loyalty in action – I don’t know what is! It absolutely puts into action these words: In closing, I hope that this note finds each of you healthy, happy and wiser today than yesterday. Please take a few moments to renew a friendship, call / visit / teams / text / zoom a Classmate and take care of each other. You never know what a difference you can make. Thanks to all of our wonderful Classmates who take care of each other every day! BZ! Please keep Skip Anderson and Mark Vaughn in your prayers. They are facing some heavy challenges and need our support every day! As always, BEAT ARMY, Joe

’81

Life Membership: 95% Donor Participation: 31.00% Pres: CDR Otto Stutz, USN (Ret.) 217 Coyatee Court, Loudon, TN 37774. c: 757-618-4487; e: otto@1981.usna.com Vice Pres: CDR Tim Disher, USN (Ret.) 1405 12th St NW Apt #2 Washington DC 20005 c: 410-507-9040 e: timothy.disher@1981.usna.com Corr Sec’y: Chuck French e: classof81scribe@gmail.com chuck_french@charter.net Webmaster: Patty Crandlemire Whitney Website: www.usna1981.org Classwide messages: usna1981@yahoogroups.com

Solemn greetings Great Class of 1981. I launch into writing this issue’s content with a very heavy heart. While I was planning on writing about lighthearted things like our upcoming reunion, I must

sadly report the passing of my company-mate Ted “Ballgame” Wirginis (21). Ted left us this past weekend (25-26 Jun) after a short but typically heroic battle with lung cancer. Ballgame was classmate, friend, teammate, and so much more to so many of us, he will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Fun ’21 has been on a rather busy group text thread over the past several months, and in the past few days we have been reminiscing, consoling each other, fondly remembering the great human being Ted has always been. And I have observed some remarkable heroes from our company…most notably Dan McElroy (21), who flew in to be at Ballgame’s bedside in his last hours, and kept us all not only up-to-date, but remarkably positive throughout. Dan, my respect and admiration for you still have no bounds. I also commend Mike McCloskey (21) and his wife Jamie, who dropped everything and drove down to also be at Ted’s side during his final hours. Mike and Jamie, our company and our class cannot thank you enough for representing all of us. I must also give a shout out to Doug Kurtz (21), who “took the message to Garcia” over the past year organizing our company communications, and who gets all credit for enabling Fun ’21 to stay up to date on Ted’s situation. And, I have to plagiarize from a text Doug sent to us to help us through all this: “I am in awe of Ted’s ability to light up a room under any circumstance. Truly the greatest of guys. I am also in awe of his mother’s strength. Like all moms, she is a superhero”. Ted’s mom had lost another son to an auto accident many years ago… can’t imagine her grief, I hope you will all pray for her. And, as many of you also already know, this is all on top of the situation with our class and company mate Chris “Deke” Forbes (21). As you may recall from my last article, Deke suffered a traumatic head injury falling from a ladder at his home and has been in a TBI specialty in-patient facility in Atlanta. As of this writing, I don’t have a good update on Deke’s

status and prognosis, but thoughts and prayers are both needed and welcomed. As it turns out, Ballgame was in direct contact with Deke’s wife Erin, and was the point man providing updates to many classmates on Deke’s condition…all while he was going through his own ordeal. Our class officers are now in contact with Deke’s wife Erin, and hopefully will be able to share some good news about Deke’s condition soon. In memory of Ballgame, here are a few photos that have brought a smile to my face over the last couple of days:

Ted “Ballgame” Wirginis (21) and Chris “Deke” Forbes (21)

Doug Kurtz (21), Jeff Edgar (21) and Ted Wirginis (21). Jeff and Ted sporting those sexy 80’s era mustaches!

Ted “Ballgame” Wirginis (21) and Patty Crandlemire Whitney (4) – this one really shows Ted’s zest!

Carl Cramb (21), Ted “Ballgame” Wirginis (21), Gary Whitman (21) at our 30th reunion

And in true scribe fashion, I will again steal words, this time from my hero Dan McElroy, who texted shortly after Ballgame passed: “Be encouraged everyone! We can and should mourn Ted’s loss. However, even in death, he remains the exceptional human being we know and love! I promised him that Fun '21 and ’81 will be OK and carry on his legacy”. Indeed, we shall. I received one piece of input to include this month, thanks to my rugby and golf buddy Willie Taylor (25), who wrote: M “I don’t believe I’ve ever submitted to Shipmate, so a quick 40-year update may not be possible but here goes. P-3s in Jax followed by an instructor tour at NAS Whiting where I met my lovely bride of 32

’81: Standing, R to l; Dan McElroy (21), Chuck French (21), Jeff Edgar (21), Ted “Ballgame” Wirginis (21); Seated: VADM Tom Moore (21) and Doug Kurtz (21) at our 35th reunion.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 85

81/82 CLASS NEWS years, Sandy (“Stop in the name of”) Love. I’ve been with AA for the past 33 years, and we have 2 awesome kids, Grace (UNC ‘16) who has been working for a tech startup (Bublup) in DC for the past 5 years, and Liam (NC State ‘18) who was fortunate to have ADM Harry Harris (USNA ‘78, and acting PACOM at the time) as the guest speaker at his NCSU NROTC commissioning, and has just been winged at South Whiting. Although we were not able to attend his actual winging ceremony due to Covid protocol, we were able to attend the Blessing of the Wings service just prior to his winging and held a proper celebration at his home in Pcola. He is now in Norfolk qualifying to fly the mighty MH-53E Sea Dragon…needless to say, we are very proud of both kids!” Great stuff, thanks Willie!

• Please get your biography in the for the class book, see info at the class website www.usna1981.org • Contact George Basil (gbasil99@ yahoo.com), Dave “Woody” Woods (dwoods81@cs.com) or Jaime Navarro (navycrew@aol.com) regarding the reunion golf outing on Thursday, 2 Sep at the Renditions Golf Course. I hope you all have had great summer, and that you enjoy our 40th reunion in early September. Hope to see you all there! V/R, Chuck. ’81 Second to None. GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY! ’81 Second to None!

’82

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 21.68% 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

Willie Taylor (25) and son Liam

Willie Taylor (25), daughter Grace, son Liam, and wife Sandy at Liam’s winging

There is some class business to cover quickly: • Visit the class website at www.usna1981.org for details and registration information for all 40th Reunion events. You can also link there from the class facebook page. • See information about the reunion bike ride being organized by Tony Perotti at this link: https://forms.gle/s3aSLLBaZ3EYxKAV7

86 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Greetings to the great class of ’82! You should be receiving this copy of Shipmate at some point in September, which not only means that your weather should be cooling down somewhat, but that Navy football should be heating up with games against Marshall (9/4), rival Air Force (9/11), and Houston (9/25) on tap for the month. I am sure that we are all hopeful that the “men of Ken” show improvement this season, and especially get to sing second on December 11th! My wife, Renie, retired this summer and we are starting on our travel “bucket list” with a trip to Cape Cod and Acadia National Park. So on to class news: Was great to hear from Vidal Rodriguez (17) regarding a beautiful Bavarian wedding that took place earlier this year:

’82: Top left - Linda & Vidal, Top Right -Rodriguez Family- Vidal, Sr, Vidal Jr, Kelli (Mom) & Francis; Bottom left - Vidal, Jr & Francis and Bottom Right - Joseph Travers, Vidal, Jr & Francis

M ”Hope you are well. This is from Vidal Rodriguez (17th Company). I wanted to update you on the marriage of my son Capt. Vidal Rodriguez, USMC, USNA 2011. Vidal Jr married Linda Rahammer from Munich, Germany. They were joined in marriage and blessed by Fr. George Fleming and Pastor Karl. His Best man was his brother, Francis Rodriguez, 1st. LT USMC, USMMA 2016 and his groomsman was fellow classmate LT. Joseph Travers, USNA 2011. Their blessing and ceremony was held at the Herrenchiemsee Palace, Bavaria, Germany with friends and family from both sides of the Atlantic.” Congrats to the entire Rodriguez clan! Vidal included a great picture collage: It is always great to see ’82 classmates reunited as in the next two posts. I received the following from Will Morris (1): M ”Had a wonderful visit and cocktail with company mate Tim Krese (1) and his spouse Wendy at the Hotel Emma at Pearl in San Antonio, Texas. I was there with my wife Barb to celebrate her birthday, while Tim and Wendy were in town from

South Carolina to attend the wedding of their eldest daughter’s USNA roommate. Tim’s daughter Whitney was the matron of honor and her daughter and son served as flower girl and ring bearer respectively.”

Left to right: Barb, Will, Wendy, and Tim

Also received an email from Craig Leonard (36) who was able to spend some quality time with Mark Converse (31) in Annapolis: M ”Mark “Stick” Converse (31) and I connected in a perfect June day in Annapolis to watch the Naval Academy Dinghy Sailing Team (NADS) (including my daughter Kimmie Leonard (‘22)) compete in the 2021 College Sailing National Championship. Over four days of competition, Navy won both the Team Racing and Fleet Racing

82/83 CLASS NEWS Championships, a feat accomplished by only one other Navy team. In addition to winning, the team put in tremendous effort to host a first-class event - Go NADS!” Gotta love that ending acronym!

Craig Leonard (36) and Mark Converse (31) Navy Sailing Superfans

I also received an email and pic from Dana Moss (12) highlighting a family celebration: M ”I’ve attached a photo of my son’s pinning after being commissioned into the Air Force following his graduation from Norwich University (sorry classmates, despite having nominations to the Academy and receiving an NROTC scholarship, the Navy eventually turned him down due to his color vision deficiency and he ended up in a different shade of blue). I had the privilege of swearing him in a few minutes earlier, but since Joah is so ‘vertically-endowed’ and my wife, Kim, is ‘vertically-challenged,’ his first order from the Mother-in-Chief was to bend down so she could pin on his bars! Kim and I have enjoyed our New Hampshire empty nest this past year with our younger son also in college, being a freshman at Husson University in Maine. Looking forward to our 40th next year! Go Navy! Dana.”

my next column (and to make it a bit longer) by sending me an email with your favorite football marchover, p-rade, pep rally, or Army game memory. Life and family updates, or classmate encounters are also great. Finally, a recent class email listed 27-30 October 2022 as the dates for our 40th reunion-keep those dates open as it is just over a year away! I hope that everyone is doing well and enjoys the upcoming fall season. GO NAVY, BEAT EVERYONE! As always, looking good ’82!! Mark

’83

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 21.31%

It wasn’t a 5 year reunion, but we gathered as a very large group at the Supe’s house – Sean Buck and his lovely bride Joanne welcomed the class into their home and go anywhere they wanted. The one hands off request was on the liquor collection (but I think I spied some pours). While many gathered, there were thoughts of those who could not be with us and hopes that we will gather strong once again at our 40th reunion in just a couple of years. There are many pictures posted on the class Facebook page (USNA 1983), but I will add just one here. Carlos Del Toro has been nominated by President Biden to be the Secretary of the Navy. By the time this issue is in your mailbox Carlos could be SECNAV – which comes with a cool flag as well.

Also by the time you are turning this paper, Navy football will be back, and with fans in the stands. I am looking forward to mingling with Classmates at the gaiter and cheering on the team towards a winning season and a thrashing of the zoomies and the woops. The first 2 games of the season are home games against the Thundering Herd from Marshall and the Air Force Falcons. Out for dinner on a beautiful night just north of Chattanooga. R2L Annetta Miller, Cathy Whitbeck, George Whitbeck (2nd), and Bruce Miller (12th).

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

Charlie Voigtsberger (4th) and Dennis Yeatman (26th) sharing memories and NAPS 2-3 legends.

Facebook: USNA 1983 LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/83 Website: http://1983.usnaclasses.net

So where do you start this column with all the good newz that abounds. Do you start with the nomination of the next SECNAV, covid restrictions lifted just about everywhere, or the gathering of classmates from near and far? Lots of good newz – so keep on reading. We emerged post covid and without masks to gather once again.

The proud parents pinning Joah

Well, to quote Porky Pig- “That’s all folks”! YOU can help me to write

’83: Superintendent VADM Sean Buck and his wife, Joanne welcome the class SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 87

83/84 CLASS NEWS Several Classmates posted pictures of their 83 Pennants flying proudly from the bow of their boats. I don’t recall whose this one is, but it was the best of the photos I saw (not sure it will be good enough for printing though)

Tim Bonnett posted – Something we can all agree on.

Beat Army

Scott Watson celebrated his 60th at a birthday Palooza with his grandson, Grayton Joynt USNA ’40. Pete Stitt (Melissa) were here to celebrate along with Lynne my terrific wife who organized the whole thing - children Bryan ‘09, Dr. LCDR Jody, Dr. AF Ben, Katy Bi ( AU ‘23) and Super Cally (Baylor ‘25)

Wanted to share a truly memorable experience I just enjoyed when my son Stephan ’21 graduated and commissioned May 28th at USNA. The first pic is me swearing him in and the second is the new Ensign with my brother RADM Mike Shatynski ’79 and me. We truly enjoyed celebrating with my roommate Mike Price and wife Cynthia, who were the best sponsors imaginable for four years for our son. They’ve been much more than his “East Coast parents.” It was also great to see and spend some time with Supe VADM Sean Buck and Rich Whelan, who was supporting the Blue Angels Foundation during the performance. It was especially gratifying to see the Naval Academy emerging, thanks to the resilience and hard work of Sean and staff, from the pandemic and opening up to families and the public. Though there was rain and plenty of humidity during the week, when it was needed, the weather was spectacular! Young Stephan will report to Basic Division Officer Course and then USS MOBILE BAY (CG-53) in San Diego in August after TAD in Admissions at USNA (supporting me in the field as I’m Blue & Gold Area Coordinator in LA/Orange County CA). GO NAVY!! BEAT ARMY!! Steve Shatynski 21st Co, CDR USN (Ret)

Larry Vonier, Dixon Smith, and Peter Hunt after a day of racing.

’84

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 41.10% 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

I’m still looking for the earliest classmate on Active Duty. I believe the earliest that I have confirmed information on is Dan Casmey with a June 17th, 1975 date. Is there anyone else out there that can beat his date ? A reminder for you to update your profile on usna.com Only you can do it. Update with your latest mailing address, your correct phone number, your spouses name (if you have one – or at least update it to the correct one). And when you retire and move, update it again – that’s the only way you will get Shipmate in your mailbox. https://www.usna.com/profile 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.

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

Never once indicted for being the smartest guy in the room, I allowed an error to seep through my up until now stellar quality assurance practices and into the May Column. There is no excuse. Perry Higgins recently retired as Professor in the Mathematics Department at Pima Community College in Tuscon, AZ. Prior to our recent well planned, near flawlessly executed Reunion, I was looking for Perry and found online professor ratings from his students. Glowing reviews pointed out his great teaching style and ability to make the challenging curriculum understandable. All said they would take every math course at Pima with him and it doesn’t look like he was nicknamed ‘The Rocket’. On July 1, VADM David and Kathleen Kriete were honored at the Navy Retirement Ceremony on U.S.S. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 29th Company classmates flew and drove in from every time zone in the continental United States to show their love and support to the Kriete’s 37 years of service. Dave and Kathleen are moving to Amelia Island near Jacksonville FL.

1983 - A Class Act! ENS Shatynski swearing in

88 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Dave Kriete being piped ashore

84/85 CLASS NEWS either too old to create Second Class Summer Level memories or too savvy to not relate any for print. I cannot discern for I am neither. Rocky Goins and George and Kasey Carradini organized Tulsa Area Service Academies’ first joint event with alumni from all academies at a Tulsa Drillers Minor League Baseball Game and were honored as “Hometown Heroes” on the mound by the team. George and Kasey helped create the Tulsa Alumni Chapter and Kasey continues in Chapter leadership. ’84: Dave Kriete and The 29th Company, Front Row; Mike and Liz Midas, David and Kathleen Kriete, Bayly Taff; Second Row: Mike ‘Max’ McGee, John Parillo, Dave ‘Black N Star’ Alber, Mark Stys, Bob Curbeam, Annabelle Orton, and a very sharp looking Mike Groody; Third Row: Tom Nolen, Lynn and Rocky Goins; Back Row: Ross Wilhelm, Jim Churbuck, Bill and Margaret Few, John and Tina Morrow, George Zamka and Bill Orton

attend. (More information to follow.) Volunteer to help on either or both Saturdays. Though the mask mandate has, in the words of Commodore Edney, ‘gone the way of the Reflection Pool’, VP (Very Pissed-off) Karen Halverson is having glitter bomb packages placed on her doorstep every day until the guy who stole the custom Lacrosse Tailgater masks off her porch goes for another bite of the apple. It would come as no shock if the ‘glitter’ was replaced with a stronger message. Looking back, it’s amazing to think that Tiger King was the most normal thing about 2020.

George and Kasey Carradini Down Under with Mike Hile in ‘93

’85

Life Membership: 95% Donor Participation: 16.29% Pres: Bob Smith 1009 Caiman Ct., Sellersburg, IN 47172 p: 502-432-6185; e: robertsmith5@att.net Vice Pres: Stephen J. Pimpo e: sjpimpo@comcast.net Corr Sec’y: Vic Otero e: vic@otero-pearl.com

’84: This must have been at the very start of The Tour… Top Row (L-R) Top Row (L-R) Mark Lyons, Clay Tettelbach, Mike McCracken, Rich Laufer, John Fluhart; Kneeling Row (L-R) Rob Froncillo, Mark Openshaw, Mike Allman, Brad Drummond, Tom Dalton

Dave arranged for a tour of USS NEW HAMPSHIRE and breathed a sigh of relief when no one pushed any shiny buttons (even with two Astronauts in attendance). That night, The Krietes hosted an outstanding reception at their home, The Missouri House, where all were quite impressed that David Alber can still fit in his Black “N” sweater.” (This Marine is quite impressed that Alber still deserves to wear it #SpringBreak83.) In other moves, Wedding Crasher George and Elisa Zamka recently moved to Jacksonville FL. Tom and Flo Nolen moved to a new house in the Scranton, PA area.

My one time court appointed guardians Mark and Carolyn Stys moved to Front Royal VA to start their hobby farm (and I look so forward to Carolyn’s stories about her Gentleman Farmer…). Tod Ray has moved to Rio Rancho NM to be closer to his family as an awesome Granddad! John Fluhart, Mark Openshaw, Tom Dalton, Mark Lyons, Clay Tettelbach, Rich Laufer, Mike McCracken, Mike Allman, Rob Froncillo, and Brad Drummond of The 14th Company held an All Hands in Kentucky and sent a picture from Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown. Obviously they were

Rocky Goins and Lynn Flinn.

First football game of 2021 versus Marshall is on September 4th. The always happening ’84 Tailgater will be held in the newly branded Class of ’84 Tent. Of note: Bing Lengyel’s father Jack Lengyel was Marshall’s Head Coach in the ‘70’s, restarting the Marshall program after tragedy (Matthew McConaughey, really the only actor who could pull off being an ’84 Dad), and also served as Navy Athletic Director decades later. Navy Air Force Game on September 11. Brian Goodrow is setting up a rave the evening before in Annapolis so put in a snivel to

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

2021-2022 ISSUE: Nov-Dec ’21 Jan-Feb ’22 Mar-Apr ’22 May ’22 June ’22 July-Aug ’22 September ’22 October ’22 Nov-Dec ’22

DUE DATE: Sep 27, 2021 Nov 29, 2021 Jan 24, 2022 Feb 22, 2022 Mar 28, 2022 May 26, 2022 Jun 27, 2022 Jul 25, 2022 Sep 25, 2022

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 89

86/89 CLASS NEWS

’86

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 11.11% 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

Dear USNA ’86 Classmates, By the time this article makes it to print it will be September 2021: ONE month to go until our 35th Class Reunion which will take place October 7-10, 2021. We hope by now everyone has registered on the reunion registration website. But if not, it’s not too late. Register now at: SignUpNow. Events/USNA1986 And remember to buy your game tickets. Your company reps will have additional information. The full agenda and details for each event can be found in the registration link. Check it out: SignUpNow.Events/USNA1986 Even if you have already registered and paid, take a look and read the details again as refresh and reminder prior to traveling next month. Highlights below: Golf: The Reunion Golf Outing is scheduled for Thursday, 7 October 2PM at Compass Pointe Golf Courses in Pasadena, MD. For questions please contact Chris Castelli at cwcastelli@aol.com or 540.809.5120. Flag and General Officer Panel: This is a no cost event on Friday, 8 October. We need everyone to register so we get a proper headcount to reserve meeting room accommodations in the yard. You don’t want to miss this first ever senior leader class panel where we will get to hear directly from our classmates who reached these ranks. By the way, we have 23 classmates who attained the Flag and General Officer ranks. Reach out to Jim Kilby (35th company) kilby86@verizon.net with any questions. 90 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Memorial Service: Please join and pay special tribute to our classmates. Thanks to Mike and team in advance for this special tribute. No cost. Friday, 8 October. Reach out to Mike Cadwell (35th company) at Michael.cadwell@accenture.com with questions. Women’s Brunch: The USNA ‘86 Ladies’ Reunion Brunch will be held at the USNA Club on Saturday, 9 October, from 0800 to 1130. Make your reservations today! Please contact Robbie 757-410-9953 (cell) or roberta.belesimo@navy.mil or Deb Livingood (35th company ) at debra.livingood@verizon.net with any questions. Reminder: SEND YOUR BIOGRAPHIES to Deb and Robbie NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 11th. Tailgate & Game: A few general comments. You WILL need to purchase game seats to get into the tailgate. We want to make sure everyone is connected with that and all who register for the tailgate, purchase game tickets. Thank you to AC Raines and JT Young (35th company) at jty2664@gmail.com for managing the intricacies here! And for Chris Castelli one of our class footballers who sorted the game ticket situation. You ROCK! Sunday Brunch: Join our closing event on Sunday in the N* room for Brunch. Cost will be $86 per couple/$43 per person. Looking forward to seeing everyone next month. Safe travels and be well. Marie (Schanz) Burris (35th Company), marieburris@me.com; 858-740-4271

’87

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 13.28% Pres: Jim Matheson e: jmatheson@1987.usna.com Shipmate columnist: Robert Pinataro 9953 Watermark Ln. W. Jacksonville, FL 32256 e: rpinataro87@gmail.com; p: 770-722-6373 Website: www.usna87.org

Hello Classmates, The dog days have come to an end and it’s time for Navy Football, live and in person! I hope this

column finds you well and enjoying the fall weather. This month, Jeff Colwell shared some proud family news along with an update on his post-USMC career. M “Our oldest son, Jeremy Colwell, was promoted to lieutenant colonel June 6th with a small ceremony at Camp Pendleton. Jeremy, a field artillery officer, currently serves as the Executive Officer for 11th Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton. “I retired from the Corps as an 0-6 in 2012 and was hired as Clerk of Court for the United States District Court located in Denver. I oversee all Federal court operations in the District of Colorado.” Semper Fi, Jeff Colwell

Please send your news to rpinataro87@gmail.com with “SHIPMATE” in the subject line.

’88

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 15.39% 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”

’89

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 17.99% 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

LCOL Jeremy Colwell ’04 and his proud parents, Jeff and Alicia

Jeff Colwell ’87 and son, Jeremy ‘04

It has come to my attention that my email address on the @1987.usna.com domain has not been forwarding emails to my personal account. If you’ve sent news to that address and saw that it was never published, you now know why and you have my apologies for the technical issue. To avoid that problem in the future, please use my gmail address below.

Unsubscribe: send a blank message to usna89-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Webmaster: Ingar Grev e: igrev@1989.usna.com

Good morning, friends! As I type this, I’m waiting for the movers to come today to pack us out for our move to Germany. But as you read this, we’re settled and already into the new school year. Again, if you’re ever our way, please reach out! We’re in the Northwest corner of the country near the border with the Netherlands. Lots of opportunities for sightseeing nearby, and we’d love to host you. Just a quick note today to thank those who provided input for the USNA “Sports Legends” digital display that NAAA is developing for the Terwilliger Center. It was hard to narrow down the candidates, as all were exceptional. For your awareness, we’ve submitted the following eight outstanding members of the class of 1989: Tom Popp, Heidi Fleming,

Chuck Bailey, Paul Basile, Tim Gaulladet, Dale Hurley, Carol Womack, and Mike Priefer. May their outstanding contributions to the Naval Academy Athletic Association be a shining star for other young prospective USNA athletes in training. We submitted the Herff Jones paperwork in June to customize several Chapel Dome products with our class crest and USNA seal. These products (holiday ornament, challenge coin, paperweight) should be available for ordering very soon on their website, if not already. As always, I’ll keep you updated through our Facebook page. That’s all for today. I wish you all a beautiful fall, full of fantastic football tailgaters and big “Go Navy” wins! Now’s the Time, 89! Fondly, Denise From Ingar Grev: M Hey classmates! We’ll be tailgating this fall for the first time in almost 2 years, so we look forward to seeing you back in Annapolis, breaking bread and hoisting a cold one together! Besides our listserver, our Facebook group, and our Twitter account, you can always get the latest gouge on our “updates” feed on www.usna89.com. We can’t wait to see you all again in person!

89/91 CLASS NEWS

’91

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 12.70% 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 Sec’y and Shipmate Contact: Sue (Slaven) Macaluso e: sue@usna91.info p: 631-365-2070 Treasurer: Mike Smith p: 847-421-5850; e: Mike@USNA91.info At Large: Ian Hadden p: 501-313-9597; e: ian@USNA91.info At Large: Craig Benson p: 612-203-4280; e: craig@USNA91.info Website: www.usna91.info

One Month and Counting… Until Our 30th Reunion! By the time you read this article, our 30th reunion will be right around the corner, next month in October. We have a great weekend planned for our classmates, families and friends! If you haven’t done so already, REGISTER, REGISTER, REGISTER by going to https:// signupnow.events/usna1991 and let us know which activities you will be attending The schedule of events can be found on the full-page

’91: Picture left to right - Sydney Mowery (‘25), Scott Mowery (‘91), Richard Norvell (‘91), Sam Norvell (‘25). Photo credit, Charlene (Hughes) Mowery (‘91+1)

advertisement, along with reunion organizers contact information for any questions. Looking forward to a great weekend! See you there! Two More Links in the Chain… We received an update from fellow classmate Scott Mowery… “But still when two or three shall meet” would probably be a good opener, as Richard Norvell ‘91 and I found ourselves unknowingly sitting

’90

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 10.46% Pres: Frank Bendik e: fbendik90@yahoo.com Vice Pres: Joe Gugluizza e: joe@academyglobalinvestments.com Ops: Maj Carter Honesty, USMC (Ret.) e: carterhonesty@yahoo.com Treas: Lawrence “Kai” Yeh e: kyeh@mpsgc.com

nearly next to each other at the Hampton Roads Alumni Association Plebe Recognition Dinner held on June 3rd in downtown Norfolk, VA. The really great news to share is that ’91 will be adding two links to the chain, as Richard’s son Sam Norvell and my daughter Sydney Mowery will both be reporting on June 30th for induction into the class of 2025! I’d be remiss not to mention that ’91+1 also made a significant contribution to this effort, as my wife Charlene (Hughes) Mowery (’91+1) played a large part over the past 18+ years.... Thanks to Charlene for taking the attached picture of the two old ’91ers and two very young prospective ’25ers! (Note - Charlene constantly reminds me that my hair is “unsat” — I’m all in on the old-man ponytail thing.) Thanks and take care, Scott Beat Army! Change of Command News Our very own Rear Adm. Robb Chadwick was relieved by Rear Adm. Timothy Kott (USMMA, 91-1) as Commander of Navy Region Hawaii (CNRH) and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific (MIDPAC) in a June ceremony in Hawaii. Robb took command in 2019 and led his team through the challenges of

Sec’y: Trey Alexander e: shipmate1990@gmail.com Website: www.usna90.com Facebook: USNA Class of 1990

’91: Robb’s Change of Command Ceremony in Hawaii in June. SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 91

91/91 CLASS NEWS

CLASS of 1991 30th Reunion Schedule of Events October 21-24, 2021 THURSDAY 21 OCTOBER 2021 (1000-1500) USNA Class of 1991 Golf Tournament (USNA Course) + Post-Tournament Reception at Severn Inn (1200-1700) USNA Class of 1991 Reunion Registration (The Graduate Annapolis Hotel) (1800-2200) USNA Class of 1991 Reunion Registration and No-Host Social at McGarvey’s Oyster Bar and Saloon Downtown Annapolis

FRIDAY 22 OCTOBER 2021 (0800-0930) Breakfast at the USNA O’Club (0800-1700) USNA Class of 1991 Reunion Registration (The Graduate Annapolis Hotel) (1000-1100) USNA Class of 1991 Memorial Service (Main Chapel) (1210-1225) Noon Meal Formation (Tecumseh Court) (1350-1500) Superintendent Briefing/Alumni Association Welcome to all classes (Mahan or Alumni Hall TBD) (1600-1715) Dress Parade (Worden Field) (1800-2100) USNA Class of 1991 30th Reunion Party (N Star Room and Navy Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium) (1915-2030) Jewish Service (Levy Center)

SATURDAY 23 OCTOBER 2021 (0800-1100) USNA Class of 1991 Reunion Registration (The Graduate Annapolis Hotel) (0900) Tailgate Party CRNE/Class of 53 Pavilion at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (starts 3 hours prior to kickoff) (1200) Football Game: Navy vs Cincinnati at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium Post-Game Company/Team/Other joinups at various locations

SUNDAY 24 OCTOBER 2021 (0900-1200) Farewell Brunch at the O’Club (0900-1000) Catholic Service (Main Chapel) (1100-1215) Protestant Service (Main Chapel) Please Register for the Reunion at: https://signupnow.events/usna1991 Note: A Football ticket is required for each person for entry into the Tailgate because it is inside the Stadium.

Contact Info: 30th Reunion Co-Chair: Dan Morio C: 540-624-0140; dan@gonavytravel.com 30th Reunion Co-Chair: Scott Shepard C: 540-419-5564; scottjshepard@hotmail.com 30th Reunion Treasurer: Mike Rapp C: 757-620-0070; michaelrapp999@gmail.com 92 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

91/92 CLASS NEWS Keep Us Updated! Share your news with our classmates and help get connected! To submit information to be included in Shipmate magazine, please send to: Sue Macaluso at email: sue@USNA91.info. “THE HELM” Amazing that we are coming up to the Reunion! Thanks to everyone on the Committee team for their hard work and attention to detail to make a great event. Please reach out to your circle of friends and company mates and encourage them to come. Tell an endless list of sea

’91: Robb departing at the end of the ceremony.

Covid-19. Robb’s new assignment will be in San Diego as Commander, Carrier Strike Group NINE. Congratulations and Bravo Zulu!

Robb addressing attendees during his Change of Command ceremony.

Indy Isn’t Just for “Drive-In,” But Also “Fly-In!” As always “1991” continues to push the boundaries… “They can’t fry us all!” Ringing any bells?!? LOL! A group of our classmates met in Indy in May, mostly by “fly-in,” and some by “drive-in,” and had a great weekend of activities and fun! A huge shout out to David Mann for hosting, and was also attended by Bill and Jocelyn Abrams, Gib Armstrong, Cory Bouck, Scott Chandler, Rod Coleman, Dave Hauth, Todd Troha, Alex White, and Keith Kintzley (91+2).

’91: From Back Left, Counterclockwise to Right: Jocelyn and Bill Abrams, Scott Chandler, David Mann, Keith Kintzley (91+2), Cory Bouck, Todd Troha, Gib Armstrong, Dave Hauth, and Rod Coleman.

stories or mid stories and nostalgically reminisce about “the days when…” We have a great class, and I look forward to seeing you all! Go Navy!...Evan sends…

’92

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 17.95% 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, Delighted to be coming to you this month with lots of great news of ongoing classmate achievements and fellowship. One class business note: Our 30th reunion will be planned for a home game weekend next fall. The game schedule won’t be finalized until this winter, so just go ahead and hold all of your fall ’22 weekends free to be in Annapolis! Date will be confirmed ASAP. On 1 June 2021 TR Buchanan handed over the Brigade of Midshipmen to Colonel James McDonough (‘92+2). Classmates turned out in force (see pics) to T-Court to see TR conclude his tour as ‘dant and to pin on some nice new shoulderboards. VADM Buck was effusive in recognizing TR’s leadership in steering the Brigade through the pandemic, and TR even admitted that it wasn’t quite the tour he’d expected. BZ TR (and also BZ to our classmates who were Col. McDonough’s 2/C back in the day and prepared him to fill TR’s big shoes)!

’91: More “Fly-In” Festivities

13th Company-mates: David Ornstein, Calvin Foster, RDML TR, and Shelby Mounts

Some of the “Fly-In” Festivities

’91: A great end for the gathering… Bill A’s takeoff, wheels up for a while… SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 93

92/94 CLASS NEWS

’92 showed up strong for TR’s hand-over and frocking: L to R: Donnie Kennedy, Amy Semeraro Donegan, Don Donegan, Mike Mangan, Eric Thomas, RDML TR, Rob Schulte, Christie Niebuhr Nunnally, Dave Lillefloren, Calvin Foster, Byron Ogden, David Ornstein, and Brad Dunham

Forbes ran a great interview with our own Dan Goldenberg about the great work he is doing as Executive Director of the Call of Duty Endowment (Just Google “Goldenberg Forbes” to read the full piece). The Endowment was created to help veterans find jobs, and to date has placed more than 81,000. ’92 Underway!: Don Cunningham, Dave Sauers, Gavin O’Hare, and Rob Owen

A crew of Don Cunningham, Dave Sauers, Gavin O’Hare, and Rob Owen took the initiative to have a mini-reunion at the tail end of COVID. They expertly navigated the Chesapeake south to land at the Tides Inn and actively recuperate from the pandemic. A few classmate career updates, gleaned off the Interwebs (Ed. Note – we’d love to hear from these folks, or any others, with more details on their current billets. We are taking input 24/7/365 on usna1992 classupdate@gmail.com) BGEN Jason Morris is now Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Western Recruiting Region (aka MCRDSD). In May, RDML Beau Hornbuckle assumed duties as commander, Fleet Readiness Centers, Naval Air Systems Command.

Thanks to Alan Schraeder for passing the word that RDML Brad Collins is now Commander, Navy Region Northwest. And to sign off with still more great news, a big BZ Reserve RDML Brad Dunham, newly confirmed by the Senate! Please keep sharing your exploits and adventures to usna1992classupdate@gmail.com Carry on smartly ’92!

’93

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 10.83% Pres: Bob Kuberski e: bob@usna93.com Vice Pres: CAPT Colleen C. Salonga, SC, USN (Ret.) Corr Sec’y: Maj Shogo Cottrell, USMCR Treas: Jay Matzko e: jtdjm@yahoo.com SHIPMATE Correspondence: Maj Shogo Cottrell, USMCR 20902 W 117th St., Olathe, KS 66061 h: 913-782-8149; e: shogo@cottrell-family.com Website: http://www.usna93.com

’94

Dan Goldenberg, Executive Director of the Call of Duty Endowment

CDR Danny Dunaway’s retirement from the Navy Reserve was held on Saturday, May 15th at his home in Virginia Beach to recognize over 27 years of service. Many family members, friends and ‘92 classmates were in attendance. Dan’s last duty station was 2016-2020 United States fleet forces command, N35 future operations chief responsible for the operational planning for fleet response to daily homeland defense and crisis response operations. Dan is presently the Executive Director of maritime engineering services for ManTech international corporation out of Virginia Beach.

’92: Don Cunningham, Dave Sauers, Gavin O’Hare, and Rob Owen

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 7.55% 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

’92: Tom Frosch, Tony Salgado, Marc McGuire, Marc Baliotti, David Britt, Kevin Kennedy, Dan Dunaway, David Lillefloren

READ SEA STORIES

Dan Dunaway and Dave Lillefloren at Dan’s retirement

94 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Visit usna.com’s History and Tradition page. Have a story to share? Email to seastories@usna.com ’92: Bonus shot from ‘92s T-Cup victory as covered here in the last issue! BZ Team ’92!

95/95 CLASS NEWS

’95

What a fascinating career, Christy! And finally, an update from CDR(Ret.) Patrick Modlin:

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 13.97% 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

The 1995 25+1 Class Reunion is next month! Check your email for more info from Andre Coleman — our esteemed class president — and looking forward to seeing as many classmates as possible at the Westin in Annapolis (our reunion headquarters). Events begin Friday and extend through the weekend! Our first update is from Jeff Webb, with yet another successful “E-Day” to honor one of our fallen classmates. M A bunch of 95ers celebrated the life of Erik Kristensen on June 26 (an event held annually by his family around the anniversary of Erik’s ultimate sacrifice on June 28). Chris Ognek, Brooks McFeely and wife Tara (USNA ‘94), Bill Conner, Michael O’Hara and wife Nora Connelly O’Hara ‘93, Jarret Roth, Tim Berzins, Jonathan Bingham and his wife Nola were present. Can’t forget my wife, Shannon Revell Webb ‘04. I am sure I am forgetting one or more classmates - help me out! (Michael O’Hara noted that Jim “Goat” Bates and Andrew Ledford made it early for softball, as well as Michael Davis ’92 and John Ismay ’99.) There were at least three little Eriks in attendance - my son, Jarret’s son, and the son of Jeff Eggers ‘93. It was terrific to see Admiral Edward K. Kristensen and Mrs. Suzanne Kristensen and other family members.

Brooks McFeely, Mike O’Hara, Jonathan Bingham, Bill Conner, Jeff Webb (All rowers!)

It was a special surprise to be with both Tim Berzins and Mike O’Hara at the same time. The three of us were on the same flight from Chicago to Annapolis on the day before I-Day 30 years ago. My plan was to check in at Bancroft Hall, which I think was Tim’s plan as well. Memories were shady on how our final plan came together, but we ended up sharing a room at the Maryland Inn after grabbing dinner at Armadillos. I can remember the feeling of excitement mixed with a little bit of apprehension and fear of the unknown. What a special day to reconnect with old friends, to celebrate Erik and see his family, and especially see kids of all ages running around and having a good time together. [**Check out Erik’s entry on the 3rd floor of Ricketts, honoring outstanding athletes!] An update from CDR(Ret.) Christy Goode Cowan:

Christy Goode Cowan and Chris Cowan

BLUE & GOLD OFFICER Area Coordinators See a complete list at www.usna.edu/Admissions/ BGO.php

Chris and Christy Goode Cowan

M I began my SWO career after spending seven months in Newport, and joined the Spruance-class destroyer USS Hayler (DD-997) in Norfolk, VA. After that tour, I became a METOC officer and was assigned to the European forecasting center in Rota, Spain. Next tour was on exchange to the British Royal Navy in London. The tour was rewarding for many reasons, not least of all meeting my husband, Chris, who was a RN supply officer. He left the RN and followed me to Navy Postgraduate School. After NPS, I served aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) in Norfolk as well as follow-on shore tours as XO of the forecasting center, at JFCOM, and 2nd Fleet Oceanographer. Then there was a rare opportunity to go back on exchange to the RN. With my kids being dual-national citizens, it was an obvious choice- a chance to experience life in their “other” homeland. After returning from London, I worked a very rewarding twilight tour in Fleet Experimentation at Navy Warfare Development Command. During that time, Chris became employed as a GS through the Military Spouse Priority Placement Program. Even after 9 years as a full-time stay-at-homeDad, his career quickly took off. After retiring, and a year as a contractor with AUSGAR (a company I highly recommend), I became a GS at US Fleet Forces, doing environmental compliance for the Navy. I ensure the Navy stays in compliance with the endangered species act and marine mammal protection act, so that training and readiness are not impacted by legal restrictions. My oldest daughter is applying to USNA class of ‘26!

Pat and Claudine Modlin

The Modlin crew!

Team Modlin

M Hello friends, I’m looking forward to seeing you all at the reunion. After Navy retirement in 2016, my wife Claudine and I decided to put roots down in Newbury Park, CA. With my business partner (Matt “Torch” Ansley), I started a flight test & aviation safety consulting company in 2017. ORANGE Aviation and Autonomous Services (www.orange-aero.com) helped Google’s Loon project fly 1.9M flight hours accident free, currently supports Google’s Wing, and started a contract with the Point Mugu Sea Range for Mission Assurance Services. As a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small business, our goal is to provide the highest level of service while offering quality jobs suited for veterans.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 95

94/96 CLASS NEWS Jumping back to the beginning: Fleet life started in F-14s in VF-154 based in Atsugi, Japan, flying with CVW-5 off of USS Independence and USS Kitty Hawk mostly in the Middle East. While in Tokyo, I met my future wife, a beautiful actuary named Claudine Kazanecki, in Paddy Foley’s in Roppongi (she was on a work trip from Chicago). Returning stateside, we married in Chicago and moved to Point Mugu, CA for VX-30 Tomcat Test. Next was Test Pilot School, then Hornet Test in China Lake, CA with VX-31. We had our first daughter Carys while living in the Mojave desert. I transitioned to AEDO, and reported to CNAF in Norfolk, VA as the Hornet Class Desk. Our second daughter Scarlett arrived soon thereafter. Then an IA to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where I ran the Expeditionary Judicial Complex logistics…many stories from my time there. Next, we moved to Patuxent River, MD where I joined PMA-201, and then Test & Evaluation leadership. Our third daughter Penelope rounded out our family. Our last Navy move was back to Point Mugu, as Military Director of Threat/Targets System Division, full of hundreds of drones, rockets, and remote-control boats and ships. Throughout all these moves, Claudine excelled in her career as an actuarial consultant, and now an insurance industry executive. On a personal note, I just passed the 10th anniversary of a melanoma diagnosis - if you know anyone facing this challenge, I’m happy to share my experience and hope. Best, Pat Modlin, patrick.modlin@orange-aero.com. So happy to hear of your continued health, Pat! Lastly, Spencer Abbot’s name tag and squadron patch were flown to the International Space Station on ISS Expedition 63. Loyal classmates had the tag and patch framed with certificates of authenticity and pictures showing them in space. Reuben Brigety, dear friend of Spencer and his family (and godfather to Spencer and Laura’s son, Theo), presented the tag and patch to Laura Abbot and their children (Eloise, Grace, and Theo) in Ipswich, 96 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

MA. Spencer and our other fallen classmates will never be forgotten.

That’s all for this issue. Hope to see you all at the reunion! NSSP, Kate and Heidi

’96

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 13.91% Pres: Nagel Sullivan Vice Pres: Bill Pennington Sec’y: Cara Albright e: caramalbright@1996.usna.com Treas: Nikki Battaglia

Hello, ’96! I sit here to pen this short column 29 years after we raised our right hands in T-Court, and I have to say, it’s a little surreal. I hope you are all having a safe and enjoyable summer. By the time you read this column, we’ll have one home game

in the books and be prepping for Chair Force, along with what promises to be a rockin’ reunion! Our marquee story this month comes from Gina (Foltz) and Les Payton, who sent a plebe off to continue the tradition after them. Gina writes: M Our oldest, a Marine CPL aircrewman in the back of his dad’s platform, graduated from Naval Academy Prep School in May. Wow, has that place changed! It was so much fun to meet a new classmate CAPT John Baehr, who was our son’s CO at NAPS. After graduation in Newport, he came to the panhandle of Florida with us and did permissive temporary duty with the 40th Test Pilot squadron on Eglin AFB. It gave him a different service view and he enjoyed the family and driving his little convertible in the sunny weather. Les was unable to make his Oath of Office for I-day due to work obligations, so my mother and I went, while I left the other 3 kiddos at home. This was mom’s second I-day, and she said this one (for her grandson) was just as hard! We got a few fun pictures of him for the 20 minutes we hung with him, and then I was able to connect with two other classmates with new plebes too! We hope to make it to reunion, but we shall see. Raising 4 kids and home educating them all for the past 20-ish years has kept me working in the home since I left the Marine Corps. I would not change a thing, but it certainly limits our resources. Thankfully, Les is now an

’96: This is our family on Father’s Day, all together, which has been rare over the last 20 + years.

airline pilot, so that helps with traveling to see our two adult children and taking this crew anywhere. - Gina Here is a Pastel-Payton combo with our son and his new classmate, the son of Teague Pastel. It was so fun to see a few of our classmates there with new plebes too.

Thank you, Gina! It is wonderful to see the stories unfold related to the younger generation carrying on traditions and becoming truly another link in the chain. No announcements in this column, because by the time you read this the reunion will be nigh. Hope you’ve all had a safe and wonderful summer, and I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at football games this year! BEAT ARMY! — Cara

’97

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 7.82% 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

’98

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 6.37% 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

’99

Life Membership: 93% Donor Participation: 5.89% Pres: CDR Jason Birch e: jb1999@me.com Vice Pres: Dr. Joy Zelinski-Marquez e: drjoymarquez@gmail.com Sec’y & Shipmate Contact: Darlene Delk e: darlene.delk@yahoo.com Treas: Stacie M. Gibson e: staciegibson22@gmail.com Communications Director: CDR Jose Pehovaz-Diez e: jose.pehovazdiez@gmail.com Website: www.usna99.org

Greetings from hot and sunny Scottsdale, AZ! I recently moved from Lynchburg, VA to Scottsdale, AZ, and in true fashion, I chose one of the hottest weeks on record to make the move. Hope everyone is doing well. Not a lot to report this month, but an exciting submission from our Communications Director, recently retired CDR Jose Pehovaz-Diez. He writes:

97/99 CLASS NEWS M On 18 June 2021, after a 22-year career that started the day we graduated on 26 May 1999, I was piped ashore for the last time and will retire officially on 31 July 2021. It was an honor to serve the country that adopted me, that trusted me to fly the mighty H-46 and the MH-60S, that asked me to serve in Iraq with the Army and Air Force, and that allowed me to represent the U.S. Navy at the Peruvian War College in the country that saw me grow up. My 22 years of service were my way of giving back for every opportunity that I was given and for the opportunities that my entire family will have in the future. My niece MIDN 3/c Emma Andrea Granada (’24) (pictured nearby) participated in my ceremony and honored me by reading “The Watch”. I am excited to hear about her journey and the new generations to come. I hope that I have been able to positively influence some of the many fine sailors, marines, coastguardsmen and airmen that I had the privilege to work with and lead because they are the blood of our armed forces. We are blessed to be entrusted to lead such a talented force. I also hope that I served with honor and left the reputation of our great class in high regards. Many of our classmates still bear the strain and I thank them for their continued sacrifice. To my classmates, you all have influenced me in one way or another for my entire career and your fingerprints are all over my journey. I want to say “thank you” for that and you can be sure that I will be there for you anyplace and anytime. Finally, I don’t want to end this article without thanking my family for all their support since this journey began next to the Severn on 30 June 1995. Thanks to my step dad Bob (retired AO1) who passed away in 2005, my mom Emma, my sisters Emma and Sara and especially my bride Mady for all their love and support. And of course, beat Army.

MIDN 3/c Emily Andrea Granada (’24) and her uncle, CDR(ret) Jose Pehovaz-Diez (’99)

L to R: CDR(ret) Jose Pehovaz-Diez, his wife, Mady Pehovas-Diez, and RDML Tedford (COMOPTEVFOR)

Jose commissioned his own retirement coin to present to those who were able to attend his ceremony. It identifies our Class and his two USNA companies, as well as the commands he has been stationed at.

L to R: CRD(ret) Jose Pehovaz-Diez, Ms. Emma Pinto (Jose’s mother) and RDML Tedford (COMOPTEVFOR)

Jose, we are beyond proud of your accomplishments and wish you much success in your new career.

L to R: CDR(ret) Jose Pehovaz-Diez, Emma Granada, Sara DiNicola, and RDML Tedford (COMOPTEVFOR)

The Fundraising Committee has been working closely with the Alumni Association to develop fundraising ideas that will help further our mission as a class as well as supporting the strategic mission of the Naval Academy. Be on the lookout of updates from Stacie Gibson, Class Treasurer. That’s all I have for this month. Hope you all have had a wonderful summer and are getting pumped for some Navy football! Navigamus HonoreDarlene

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 97

00/02 CLASS NEWS

’00

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 6.94% 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: 29.69% 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

Greetings, Aught One! “Cheers to 20 Years!” is nearly here – next month, by the time this magazine is in hand - during Homecoming Weekend - October 23, 2021. More details below! Third time’s a charm, so here is how to make sure we have your up to date contact information through the Alumni Association (if you did not receive the “20th Reunion Update” sent on April 22, 2021, then your information is not up-to-date): > Go to www.usna.com – > login in the upper right – > click on your photo or “My Profile” in the upper right – > Update your profile, and scroll down to the bottom to hit SUBMIT. (Don’t forget to hit SUBMIT!!) For the Facebookers, be sure to join our page to get details as they become available here: https:// www.facebook.com/groups/ usna2001/ Here are the quick and dirty details on 2001 specific events: Reunion Schedule of Events: Thursday 21 October Be on the lookout for a Women’s SIG event. More info to follow! Friday 22 October 1100-1200 Class Meeting on the Yard (location TBD) 1200-1215 Noon Meal Formation

98 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

1350-1500 Superintendent Briefing and Alumni Association Welcome for all reunion classes 1500-1800 Reunion Check-In Opportunity #1 - 33 Upshur Road (CDR Alana Garas’ house on Worden Field!) 1600-1715 Dress Parade on Worden Field Saturday 23 October 1000-1400 Reunion Check In Opportunity #2: Navy Marine Corps Stadium 1000- 90 minutes post-game: Reunion Tailgate: Navy Marine Corps Stadium; Class Ring Northeast (inside the stadium; tickets to the game must be purchased to even access the reunion location) 1200 Navy vs. Cincinnati (game visible from reunion location) Sunday 24 October 1000-1100 2001 Class Memorial Service (Levy Center) Football Tickets: As noted above, all persons interested in participating in the class tailgate MUST PURCHASE A TICKET to enter the stadium. Our reunion location is inside the gates and the game will be visible from the Class Ring Northeast location. Game tickets may be purchased by going to www.navysports.com; under the Tickets tab, go to “Enter Ticket Promo Codes”; and then enter “2001” in the menu. Standing Room only tickets are fine to get you in the gate and to the reunion location. You may purchase a specific seat if you’d like and our assigned seat section is right in front of CRNE. Please note: the cost of reunion registration to get into the tailgater does NOT include a general admission ticket! Reunion Registration & Tailgate: Registration will be open and online by the time this magazine is in your hands! Please check your email - it should have been sent over class mail! (HINT HINT if you haven’t updated your account information and preferences at the Alumni Association website) and/or Facebook for links you can just click or go to https:// signupnow.events/USNA2001 to register! If you still haven’t received

it, can’t get the alumni site to work (with or without your kids help), and or cut and paste isn’t an option, please contact Jen (Bohr) Tyll at: jenbohrtyll@gmail.com or 302-528-9036 to get your very own, personal invitation/link sent to you! Class Memorial Service: Thank you in advance to our very own Aaron Fuller for agreeing to lead the services scheduled for Sunday, October 24, 2021, at 1000 in the Levy Center. If your schedules allow, please plan to spare some time to join us as we properly honor and remember those classmates we have lost. Lodging: Because of so many rescheduled events from COVID, hotels and lodging in Annapolis were impossible to reserve as a block. (Trust us, we tried.) So we concurrently apologize and applaud your honed “Message to Garcia” skills. AUGHT ONE Gear: Enormous thanks goes to Jake Dulle for spearheading the effort to put together a class link where everyone can get their 2001 SWAG. We have partnered with Authentically American, a great company owned by a grad of that other academy, to provide all the class gear you could need to celebrate 20 Years. Every item is made in the USA with quality materials and whether you can make it to the reunion or not, show off your AUGHT ONE spirit - we’ll be expecting pictures! SWAG can be ordered at www.authenticallyamericanbrand. us/pages/usna-2001. PLEASE NOTE: you must order by September 6 in order to guarantee your items will ship (directly to you) in time for the reunion. (We are also hoping to do a second run post-reunion in case you get there/see pictures and have gear envy...) Class Gift: As you may recall, we announced at the 15-Year Reunion that 2001 will be supporting Remote STEM Outreach, the Athletic Excellence Fund, and the Naval Academy Annual Fund as recipient elements of our 20-year Class Gift. Our goal

is to raise $250,000 before the reunion, so there’s no time like the present to contribute! Sign into the Alumni Association at www.usna.com. This time go to the big “Donate Now” button —> click on “Other Donation Options” —> click on “Support My Class Project” on the right hand side —> from there choose “2001” from the drop down menu. Thank you in advance to anyone and everyone for their contributions - big or small! Super excited to see everyone next month! GO NAVY, BEAT ARMY and CHEERS TO 20 YEARS!

’02

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 8.88% 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

2002, It’s getting close to fall y’all! Summer is out and school is in. I hope this Shipmate edition continues to find everyone safe, happy and healthy. We heard from two classmates recently, Pete Scheu (’02) and Dominic Nicolini (’02). From Pete Scheu: M Went to VFA-86’s Change of Command where we had eight 2002ers together for Skipper Rob Stimis (’02) passing of command to Skipper Nelson Keyser (’02). In attendance (left to right) were myself, Pat O’Connor (’02) who currently is at the VFA-122 SAU as a reservist and flies for Delta; Sean Holman (’02) who works for Space X, Nelson (the new Skipper), Rob (the outgoing Skipper, heading to the Pentagon); George Schmuke (’02) who is at the Anchorage, AK NOSC as a reservist and flies the MD-11 for FedEx; and

’05

02/07 CLASS NEWS

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 2.79%

Chuck Shehadi (’02) who lives in Portland and is at Zoom.

Pres: LCDR Andrew Lukich e: andrew.m.lukich@gmail.com

Vice Pres: CDR Matthew J. Bernhardt, USN hometown: Annapolis, MD p: 619-889-1968; e: mjbernhardt@gmail.com

Treas: LCDR Jeffrey Foulds

Sec’y: CDR Reed A. Kitchen, USN hometown: Arlington, VA p: 619-208-0770 e: 2005@oxblood.33mail.com

From Dominic Nicolini: M You never know when you’ll see another GOAT! At the Live Love Lax Tournament at New Castle, Delaware with my daughters and who is coaching on the other sideline…Eddie McKinnon (’02). Eddie and his girls Teagan and Stella got the better of my daughter Campbell’s team that afternoon, but great to see the little ones battle. Updates: I live in North Baltimore with my wife Kristin, daughters Sutton (11) and Campbell (9) and son Quinn (6), now Executive Director at Morgan Stanley going on 17 years now. Eddie is in Annapolis with his wife Jen and daughters Teagan and Stella, working as President at Driven, a private transportation company. Hope to see you all at a Navy football game this year or Army/Navy in the Meadowlands!

Thanks Pete and Dominic for the updates and pics! It’s great to hear from you! 2002 - Please continue to send in your Shipmate submissions. We want to hear from you!

’03

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 4.79% Pres: LtCol Lisa (Steinmetz) Cordonnier, USMC e: lisacords03@gmail.com Vice Pres: CDR Fernando R. Reyes, USN e: delux1981@gmail.com Treas: CDR Megan Barnett, USN e: mmbarnett03@msn.com Sec'y: Heather M. (Garland) Selig e: heather.selig@2003.usna.com

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 8.90%

Pres: LtCol.Thomas A. Kulisz, USMC hometown: Oceanside, CA e: kulisz@2005.usna.edu

Treas: Allen J. Murphy hometown: Severna Park, MD p: 410-212-1082 e: allen.murphy.2005@gmail.com

’02

’06

Website: 2005.usnaclasses.net

Classmates, By now, you should have received our Class President’s note on our 15+1 Year Reunion. We hope to see you there! In order to stay up-to-date on reunion details, please update your contact information on usna.com or email usnaaughtfive@gmail.com to be added to the distro. Tom Kulisz will be sending periodic updates via Classmail and the class Gmail account. Finally, congratulations to David Farrell on welcoming his third child (first girl), Hope. Three under three - wow!

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

’04

Life Membership: 95% Donor Participation: 3.69% 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

David Farrell with his newest family member

Sec’y: Andrew Froistad e: froistad@hotmail.com

Best wishes, Reed

Vice Pres: LCDR Joshua Campbell

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

’07

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 5.06% Pres: Brady Beauchamp Vice Pres: Major Benjamin Tuck e: Benjamin.Tuck07@gmail.com Treas: LCDR Patrick Sullivan e: patrick.timothy.sullivan@gmail.com Sec’y: LCDR Dan Bellomo, USNR e: dbellomo@umich.edu Send Articles to: classofficersUSNA2007@gmail.com

Summer is here, good vibes are flowing, and Navy football is getting ready to hand Army another defeat. We continue to look forward to seeing what the future can bring. Go Navy, (continue) Beat(ing) COVID! Let’s keep the congrats rolling. It appears that offering frothy/ bubbly/virgin/alcoholic beverages and good conversation have been alluring enough to drive up our submission rate for Shipmate articles! So congrats and thanks to the following individuals: Chris Meek and Kristi Coonfare Bickel. They answered the call (aka desperate plea) for Shipmate submissions. They join Pat and Lisa as the proud recipients of a paid beverage courtesy of the Class Officers. Will there be more? 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. Speaking of reunions…we will start rolling out information surrounding our 15th graduation anniversary in the next few months. SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 99

06/06 CLASS NEWS

CLASS15 OF 2006 R TH

EUNION

THURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2021 0900-1700 0900-1700 1900-2200

*Mid Store – All Day (0730-1600)* Visitor Center Hours Museum Hours No Host Social & Class Party (informal) is TBD

FRIDAY, 22 OCTOBER 2021 0900-1700 0900-1700 0900-1000 1000-1100 1200-1215 1350-1450 1600-1715 1915-2030 1600-2100

*Mid Store – All Day (0730-1600)* Visitor Center Hours Museum Hours Class of 2006 Meeting location is TBD Reunion Memorial Service Dedication in Memorial Hall Noon Meal Formation in T-Court Superintendent’s Reunion/Homecoming Address w/Classes 1991, 1995, 2001 & 2006 - location is TBD Formal Dress Parade on Worden Field Jewish Service in Levy Center Check-in & Welcome Reception at Ackerson Towers (NMCS - Gold Side)

SATURDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2021 900-1700.1 0900-1700 1030-1700 1200

*Mid Store – All Day (0730-1200)* Visitor Center Hours Museum Hours Class of 2006 Reunion Tailgate at the Water Tower (NMCS - Gold Side) Navy vs. Cincinnati Kickoff at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium Note: The tailgate will continue throughout the game and after “Navy Blue & Gold”

SUNDAY, 24 OCTOBER 2021 0900-1700 0900-1000 1100-1700 1100-1215

*Mid Store – CLOSED* Visitor Center Hours Catholic Service in Main Chapel Museum Hours Protestant Service in Main Chapel

*NOTE: These events are subject to change based on USNA schedule of events. To view a map of USNA, visit: https://www.usna.edu/_ﬁles/documents/USNA_Visitors_Map.pdf

100 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

07/12 CLASS NEWS We just hit 14 years post-graduation and that means our reunion is right around the corner! Kristi (Coonfare) Bickel provides the following update and submission. Congrats to you and Brannon! Will Marianne be joining us at Harry Brown’s? Kristi and Brannon Bickel (‘97) are thrilled to share the news of their newest addition and future Navy Women’s Soccer player for the class of 2043, Marianne Rose- who joined their family on February 5th, 2021. Her older brothers, Bennett (7) and Lucas (5), are doing a super job reading to her, holding her, and teaching her how to do handsfree somersaults on the couch. She is the sweetest baby, and when she’s not napping and dreaming about soccer preseason or cheering for Navy football, she’s smiling and charming everyone she meets.

section. Please make sure you eventually read the actual submission as Chris provides great insight and commentary to his tour as a Company Officer. @ Chris thanks for letting us double dip and we hope that your mustache will be able to join us at Harry Brown’s during the reunion.

Pres: LCDR Andrew Poulin, USN e: andrew.poulin09@gmail.com Vice Pres: LCDR Art Griffin, USN Treas: LCDR Cody Forsythe, USN

Shipmate Submissions: e: Shipmate09@gmail.com

Nuke School!

’08

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 26.38% 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

Definitely a Charmer

Our next semi-submission in fact comes from Chris Meek’s spectacular mustache. This marvelous entity, on behalf of Chris, wrote an awesome submission for a different (An Ocean Away) section and a future 2022 Shipmate that we are going to selflessly borrow from to make this month’s section longer. (we got a sneak peak!). In case we ultimately forget or the photo does not do justice to Chris’ mustache, we went ahead and did a little photo editing and are submitting it here in our Class’

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 26.86%

Sec’y: Micky Matus, USN e: michaelmatus09@gmail.com

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.

New Family Addition

’09

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

2021-2022 ISSUE: Nov-Dec ’21 Jan-Feb ’22 Mar-Apr ’22 May ’22 June ’22 July-Aug ’22 September ’22 October ’22 Nov-Dec ’22

DUE DATE: Sep 27, 2021 Nov 29, 2021 Jan 24, 2022 Feb 22, 2022 Mar 28, 2022 May 26, 2022 Jun 27, 2022 Jul 25, 2022 Sep 25, 2022

’09, This issue’s submission comes from our own Brian McMenamin and his new company Mellö Beans, see below: Classmates, Mellö Beans is proudly committed to finding a good story in our coffee, which is why we are “Reinventing Coffee from the Grounds Up” by delivering only the finest, most exciting roasts to our customers. From our “Pura Vida” Costa Rican brew, or our premium Ethiopian “Kaffa,” Mellö Beans is committed to providing unique experiences for the most worldly of pallets. Life is too short to settle for swill - embark on a global adventure of taste with us. Mellö Beans also takes no small amount of pride in a roast-to-order model that guarantees a level of freshness that most roasters simply can’t deliver: the roast we send you will never be more than one week old. We’re always hunting to deliver you a truly unique coffee experience. If you think the taste of our brew doesn’t pass muster, then maybe a gander at the world’s best coffee referral program, the Mellö Fellö club, will intrigue you. If you like drinking quality coffee, learning how to brew the best cup possible, and saving money while doing it, then stop by and learn some more. We’d also like to offer a 10% discount on our coffee products with the discount code “USNA.”

A fresh roast from Brian McMenamin’s (’09) new coffee company, Mellö Beans

’10

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 25.30% 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: 16.91% 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: 26.00% 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

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 101

12/12 CLASS NEWS

Emory James Scherger

Emily and Dillon Scherger, ’12, welcomed their first child, Emory James Scherger, into the world on April 15th at 8 pounds 2 ounces and 20.5 inches. Emory looks forward to attending Navy sporting events and Beating Army! We all have those USNA buddies who are certified studs—who absolutely dominated all aspects of midshipman life and who we knew would be gamechangers in the future. My USNA roomie Mollie Hebda was the epitome of that prototype. A four-year varsity letter winner for cross-country, indoor track, and outdoor track as well as a UK and International Scholarships Program (UKISP) scholar finishing in the top 5% in our class, Mollie set a sterling standard. To think that I even tried to keep up with her is laughable now, but I partly owe my own grit to her example. Mollie’s legacy of bada**ery has only ballooned since graduation. While serving as a Marine Corps Logistics Officer in Okinawa, Mollie began training and competing with the Marine Corps Triathlon Team. Since transitioning to the Marine Corps Reserve in 2019, Mollie continues serving others as a non-profit leader at Team RWB while working towards her dream of becoming an elite athlete. This spring, Mollie took the leap to race as a professional triathlete and is now racing against the world’s top competition. Mollie and I had a chance to catch up recently—sharing her story below. Enjoy!

102 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

M Janie: You were always a runner growing up. When did you decide to pivot to triathlons? Mollie: I grew up running and swimming, and I always had a hunch that I would enjoy triathlons. I loved my track and XC family at USNA though, and I just wasn’t ready to make the transition at the time. It wasn’t until after TBS when I was stationed in Okinawa that I had the opportunity to shift focus and start training. There was an amazing triathlon group there, and I was eager to join not only for the training but also for the community. It was so much fun training with friends. It was there that I really fell in love with triathlons. Still, it’s been a steep progression curve over the last few years, given that the athletes I’m racing have been training and competing at the Olympic level since college. Janie: And when did you decide that you wanted to pursue professional triathlons? Mollie: Early in my training, I traveled from Okinawa to Taiwan to compete in my first Half Ironman (70.3) race where I won my age group and qualified for the World Championships. Because of that race, I was picked up for the Marine Corps Triathlon team and raced in the Armed Forces National Championships for the next several years. I just kept getting better and better. In 2016, I was named the Marine Corps “Athlete of the Year” and won the Armed Forces Triathlon championship for the next three consecutive years. I realized then that it likely wasn’t a coincidence and that I could probably be quite good. Still, my goal wasn’t necessarily to be a professional triathlete but rather to be the best athlete that I could be personally. Racing helps me achieve that goal. It betters me both as an athlete and as a person. I qualified for my professional license in 2019, but I decided to hold off racing at the elite level until I felt that I was ready. During COVID, I realized that if I wanted to do this thing, I just needed to go for it. Who knows when the opportunity to race will be taken away from us again?

Janie: I’m sure COVID hasn’t been the only barrier or, in your case, impetus to training and racing. What has been the hardest part of your journey and what helped you to overcome and succeed through that challenge? Mollie: The hardest part for me has been building the strength needed for longer distance races. I’m a naturally petite person—I’m a runner. Putting a lot of muscle on my body for the bike segment takes a lot of time to build. I still have a long way to go in the bike to keep up with the top women Pros. And second, the steep progression curve I mentioned before. I’m racing athletes who’ve been competing in the professional circuit since college, and it’s hard not to compare myself to them. It’s easy to get sucked into social media and start comparing yourself, and that’s just totally toxic and self-destructive. Janie: I can imagine maintaining mental toughness or a positive mindset is vital to your training and racing. How do you manage that imposter syndrome? Mollie: I try to avoid getting sucked into what others are doing and will instead focus on me. I’ve found that the more I can delve into the details of the process vice the outcome, the more that I can and will improve. For example, I’ll focus on my stroke count to a buoy or my cadence on the bike vice looking ahead and seeing where I am relative to the competition. Racing in Des Moines this June, I was down the entire race but continued to focus on putting one foot in front of the other and ended up placing in the top eight, including against two world champions. Janie: How has your USNA and Marine Corps experience played a role in your journey as a professional triathlete? Mollie: I owe my resilience and toughness—my ability to gut it out—to USNA and the Marine Corps. There are so many times in training and racing when you feel terrible or when you want to quit. Being able to push through that

adversity and persist in the unknown are valuable skills that I acquired throughout my time at USNA and in the Marine Corps. Now, as a rookie professional traveling all over the country and world to compete against the sport’s best athletes, I find that I’m less flappable. I’m more adaptable to challenges as they arise, and I’m comfortable in ambiguity. I usually travel alone, whereas my competitors have support crews. I’m self-reliant. I thrive in this new, uncertain, challenging environment. Janie: And what’s next, globetrotter? What are your goals and dreams for the next few years? Mollie: In the short term, I would love to compete at the World Championships as a pro. It’s a bit unheard of to qualify in your first year as a rookie pro, but I did it! I won’t be racing though—I declined my spot, since I don’t feel fully ready to compete. I’m hoping that with one more year of training, I’ll feel ready and that I can hold my own in that race. In future years, I want to progress to full Ironman races (140.6 miles). I’m already starting to train like a full Ironman athlete, including with more endurancebased workouts and with 140.6 training mates. I just need to slowly work up to that distance over the next few years. Janie: Any advice for USNA alums who are aspiring elite athletes? Mollie: It’s hard to do alone; it’s all about the community and connection. Find a group of friends who have fun training together! If you’re a veteran, check out Team RWB which works to connect sports-minded veterans. To learn more about Mollie’s journey, check out the podcast IronWomen which featured Mollie after her impressive back-to-back races at Texas 70.3 and Florida 70.3.

’13

’16

Pres: LT John-Rex Spivey, USN e: johnrexspivey@gmail.com

Pres: Capt Eric B. Kellogg, USMC

Pres: 2ndLt Isaac Phillips III, USMC

Vice Pres: Capt Matthew L. Chavez, USMC

Vice Pres: ENS Tate Schumacher, USN

Vice Pres: LT Daniel Murphy, USN

Treas: LT Renata M. Kolinko, USN

Treas: ENS Leor Golan, USN

Treas: 1stLT Ted Baumgardner, USMC

Sec’y: Capt Zachary L. Coffman, USMC

Sec’y: ENS Gil Wright, USN

Sec’y: LT Hannah Yun, USN

Send Articles to: Shipmate2016@gmail.com

’14

’17

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 41.01%

Mollie running at Florida 70.3 where she placed 4th... just one week after her 11th place finish (and pro debut!) at Texas 70.3.

12/22 CLASS NEWS

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 41.18% Pres: 1stLt William R. Roberts, USMC Vice Pres: 1stLt Conor J. Kearney, USMC Treas: LTJG Emily L. Kreyenhagen, USN Sec’y: LTJG Elizabeth J. Powers, USN Send Articles to: shipmate2014@gmail.com

’15

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 39.54%

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 28.28% Pres: 2ndLt Chosnel Raymond, USMC e: chosnel.ra@gmail.com Vice Pres: ENS Robert Winning, USN e: robertwinning34@gmail.com Treas: ENS Theodore Schopf, USN e: tedschopfii@gmail.com Sec’y: ENS Molly McGuckin, USN e: mollykmcguckin@gmail.com

Pres: CAPT Ward “Bubba” Scott III, USMC p: 603-236-1011; e: wardscottiii@gmail.com

’18

Vice Pres: LT Dylan Cawdery, USN p: 801-638-0724; e: dcawdery@gmail.com

Pres: LTJG Dan Stitt, USN

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 38.04%

Treas: LT Joshua David Elliott p: 772-643-4468 e: joshuaelliott2015@gmail.com Sec’y: CAPT Madeline Zell, USMC p: 410-370-3068; e: mad.zell.15@gmail.com

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 34.43% Vice Pres: LTJG Michael Pahissa, USN Treas: LTJG Gio Hernandez, USN Sec’y: LTJG Rachel LaBuda, USN Send Articles to: 2018usna@gmail.com

’19

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 6.37%

’20

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 2.49% Pres: 2ndLt Mike Smith, USMC Vice Pres: 2ndLt John Finnegan, USMC Treas: ENS Grayson Gossett, USN Sec’y: ENS Nolan Kreipe, USN

’21

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 2.49% Pres: ENS Cameron R. Kinley, USN Vice Pres: N/A Treas: ENS Lakayla D. Deshields, USN Sec’y: Ann M. Jackson

’22

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 0.0% Pres: MIDN Andre C. Rascoey, USN

Throwback to Mollie’s midshipman days where she was a four-year varsity letter winner in cross-country as well as indoor and outdoor track.

Vice Pres: MIDN Jonathan D. Miranda, USN Treas: MIDN Hampton B. Boyd, USN Sec’y: MIDN Rory S. Cox, USN

2021 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Follow Navy Football at: navysports.com

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

USNA.COM ’12: The USMC Triathlon team is proudly represented by USNA alums. Listed left to right: Kelly Darmody (’13), Christine Taranto (’09), Colleen Randolph (’13), Mollie Hebda (’12), and Catherine Nuar (’12).

Bringing the Alumni Association to you.

4 SEPTvs Marshall 11 SEPT vs Air Force –TV/CBS 25 SEPT@ Houston (Houston, TX) 2 OCT vs UCF 9 OCT vs SMU 14 OCT @ Memphis (Memphis, TN) 23 OCT vs Cincinnati 29 OCT vs Tulsa (Tulsa, OK) 6 NOV @ Notre Dame–TV/NBC (South Bend, IN) 20 NOVvs East Carolina 27 NOV @ Temple (Philadelphia, PA) 4 DEC AAC Championship TBD 11 DEC @ Army –TV/CBS (East Rutherford, NJ)

1-800-US4-NAVY SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 103

CHAPTER NEWS Alabama

Arkansas

California

BGO Area Coordinator: Brian Campbell ’94, USNR p: 251-776-4000 e: Brian.Campbell@1994.usna.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Scott Pursley e: Scott.J.Pursley@gmail.com

Los Angeles Chapter

Arkansas Chapter

Vice Pres: Adrian Montecinos ’14 p: 562-587-3690; e: admont19@gmail.com

USNA Alabama Alumni Chapter

Pres: Denny East ’08 e: denny.east5@gmail.com

Pres: Lt Greg Hess ’85 p: 205-307-9191 e: greghess8599@charter.net

Vice Pres: Rebecca Aten ’98 e: beckya10@yahoo.com

Vice Pres, Central Alabama: Eric Riddle ’94 p: 469-363-4295 e: ericriddle94@gmail.com Vice Pres, Northern Alabama: Michael McFarland p: 713-410-2155; e: mjmcfarland7@aol.com Treas: Dennis Read ’59 p: 205-879-6617; e: dsread2010@gmail.com Exec. Assist: Julie Holstad, son, Hunter ’20 e: usna.ala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/search/ top/?q=usna%20alumni%20association% 20-%20alabama%20chapter

South Alabama Chapter Pres: Brian Campbell ’94, USNR p: 251-776-4000 e: Brian.Campbell@1994.usna.com 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

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

Sec’y-Treas: Eric Biggers ’97 e: biggersje97@gmail.com

Asia BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Trubeville e: bgoarea501coordinator@gmail.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

Pres: Shane Skopak ’05 e: shane.skopak@yahoo.com

Sec’y: Russel Hill ’06 e: hill_russ2@live.com Treas: Michael Seaver e: michaelseaver@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: (LA/Orange County) CDR Steve Shatynski ’83, USN (Ret) p: 714-255-6108 e: Stephan.shatynski@wellsfargoadvisors.com BGO Acting Area Coordinator (LA County) Jim Trotter p: 909-631-7669; e: Jimstrotter@yahoo.com BGO Area Coordinator (Riverside/San Bernardino) CDR Bill Lauper, USN (Ret) p: 619-840-2846; e: lauperwm@gmail.com

Monterey Bay Chapter Pres: LT Vic Kanth ’15 e: usnaalumnimontereybay@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 Sec’y: LTJG Nicole Uchida ’12, USN e: Nicole.Uchida@fe.navy.mil Chapter Email: USNASG@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

Pres: CDR Chong (John) M. Yi ’85, USN e: John.M.Yi@raytheon.com

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

Sec’y: Cheriene Griffith ’02 e: usnaaasf.secretary@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Dr. Terry Brown ’67 p: 530-676-0327; e: twbrown@innercite.com

Treas: Mark Lundstrom ’86 e: iblucky86@earthlink.net

Sec’y: Bob Bartron ’73 e: bobbartron@hotmail.com

Website: http://sfbayarea.usnachapters.net Facebook Group: https://www.facebook. com/groups/usnaaasfbayarea

Treas: Jack Everett ’64 e: jeverett@quicknet.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Bob Proano p: 530-274-9205; e: rproano730@gmail.com

Pres: Steve Rasmussen ’88 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

CHAPTER SUBMISSIONS SHIPMATE DEADLINES See page 106

104 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

2020 Distinguished Chapter

Pres: Lauren (Baker) Cosgrave ’04 e: usnaaasf.president@gmail.com Vice Pres: Gordon McDonald ’06 e: usnaaasf.vp@gmail.com

San Diego Chapter Tokyo Bay Chapter

San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

Sacramento Chapter

Website: sacramento.usnachapters.net

Republic of Korea Chapter

normal but will have a much better story for the October issue. In addition to the Officers reported on for the July-Aug issue we also elected new members to our Board of Directors. Full list follows: Directors Terms Expiring 2022 Dan Archer ’80 Caroline Rodi ’98 Efrem Venters ’90 Scott Darren ’01 Directors Terms Expiring 2023 Bill Killea ‘80 Brian Grana ’96 Mark Powers ’06 Mike Wentz ’08 Directors Terms Expiring 2024 Rick Smith ’71 Jesse Lankford ’96 James Rossi ’07 Steve Lorentzen ’88 Associates (Non-voting board position) Dick Evert ’68 Charlie Carey ’70

San Diego here. California is back open and the Chapter is organizing the resumption of all of our normal activities. Because of our submission dates there’s not much to say for this issue as we are still returning to

Instagram: @usnaaa_sfbaychapter BGO Area Coordinator: LT Paul Kepner ’04, USN (Ret.) e: PaulkepnerGONAVY@gmail.com

Greetings! With the lifting of restrictions in California, the SF Bay Area Chapter is excited to announce our first in-person meetings in over a year! Please see below for our upcoming schedule of events. We would absolutely love to see you there, even if you’re new to the area, or new to the chapter! Full details to follow via email and our social media pages: * Saturday, September 11th, 12:30 pm - Air Force vs. Navy football at Northstar Cafe in San Francisco

CHAPTER NEWS * Saturday, October 9th, time TBD -San Francisco Fleet Week Meetup, location TBD * Saturday, November 6th, 12:30 pm - Navy vs. Notre Dame football at Northstar Cafe in San Francisco * Saturday, December 11th, 12:00 pm - Army vs. Navy football at Northstar Cafe in San Francisco If you’d like to participate in any (or all) of these events, please make sure that your dues are current with the chapter! Go to https://sfbay area.usnachapters.net/ and follow the instructions on the main page to pay your dues. Of note, the 2020 Membership drive is still live and a great deal to sign up for multiple years of membership for the price of one. Furthermore, we are going to offer the first round is on us at our summer meetup in August for any active members who are in good standing. We hope to see you there! We will continue to hold monthly board meetings, which all members are welcome to join to listen or contribute to. Email usnaaasf.president@gmail.com to request an invite to the call if you’re interested. Beat Army! ~Lauren Baker Cosgrave ’04, Pres and Gordon McDonald ’06, VP

Santa Barbara Chapter Pres: Stephen L.A. Callahan '81 Treas: CAPT Stephen H. Huber '80, USN (Ret.) BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Greg McGiffney e: Greg.McGiffney@bgo.usna.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: CDR James Keating e: James.keating@bgo.usna.com

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 Treas: Tom Hogsten ’85 Sec’y: Eric Irwin ’86 p: 860-857-8748; e: irwiner@comcast.net Comms Dir: David Candler ’67 p: 860-823-0862; e: davcandler@aol.com Meeting Chairman: Vacant

Connecticut Chapter:

Website: http://connecticut.usnachapters.net Naval Academy Parent Club of CT Website: http://ct.usnaparents.net

Aloha Shipmates, The effects of the pandemic are waning a bit. Some activities are returning. In CT the USNA Offshore Sailing Squadron made two visits to our shores at Stamford and Mystic and our group was delighted to provide support and welcoming for those visits. Looks like the sports (yes, football too) will be back in action. The Academy Yard will return more to normal and Bancroft will be more of a home, with St. John’s College no longer used as an auxiliary dorm. So more news in the future editions. Meanwhile: You may have missed the era of Heinz Lenz, or even Professor Potter, during your opportunities at the Boat School in Crab-town. But you certainly were very closely familiar with the Chapel, even if it was where you started your measurements for how far you could go on liberty (if you had Liberty during your tenure). Many of you remember the services inside, perhaps had your wedding there, or drew your sword for another couple as they walked down the steps. (I cannot envision a more wonderful and magnificent location to have that ceremony in the USA). And you fondly remember passing by several times per day en route

classes, and perhaps sports, labs, library, and later Museum and Officer’s Club. Of course back then the dome was always aged, copper with the patina of green. That copper dome required replacement due to age and being climbed upon in recent years, culminating on 25 June 2021, several days before the Class of 2025 I-Day. The day before I made this photograph: Looks rather coppery, but it will get to where it should be. I will provide some expanded coverage in future Shipmate editions, but here are some early-year items you may have forgotten: April 17, 1866 Congress appropriated $7,000 for enlargement of the chapel and erection of memorial tablets in memory of naval officers who sacrificed their lives in service of their country. May 1866 Memorial window placed for Rear Admiral Parker who died as Superintendent April 16, 1891 Memorial window for officers and men lost in the storms at Samoa in March 1889 Dec. 1898 Tablet in memory of LT F.W. Jenkins who lost his life in the Maine disaster unveiled. June 1, 1904 Ceremony of laying the corner stone of the New Chapel. “Digging” even further, here is what was inside:

List of the articles placed in the Copper Box for the Corner Stone of the Naval Academy Chapel, June 3, 1904. Photograph of Theodore Roosevelt, President Photograph of William H. Moody, Secretary of the Navy Photograph of Admiral George Dewey, U. S. Navy, Admiral of the Navy Photograph of Captain Willard H. Brownson, U.S. Navy, Superintendent of the U.S.Naval Academy. Photograph of Ernest Flagg,, Architect. Regulations of the U.S. Naval Academy, 1902. Regulations for the Interior Discipline and Government of the U.S.Naval Academy, 1901. Register of the Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the Navy of the United States and of the Marine Corps, January 1,1904. Annual Register of the United States Naval Academy,1903-1904. Regulations Governing the Admission of Candidates into the U.S. Naval Academy as Midshipmen, October,1903. Examination Papers for admission to the U. S.Naval Academy, August 1901 to June 1903.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 105

CHAPTER NEWS List of Officers on duty at the U.S.Naval Academy Soley’s History of the Naval Academy. Plan of U.S.Naval Academy. Evening edition or Annapolis Capital, June 2,1904. Evening edition of Annapolis Chronicle, June 2, 1904. The Baltimore Sun, June 3, 1904. The Baltimore Herald, June 3, 1904. The Baltimore American, June 3, 1904. I know this discovery of items in the corner stone probably makes some of you try to remember what was put in your high school, or personal, Time Capsule. So I will pause for now to let you ponder that. Beat Army! Dave Candler ‘67

Florida Gainesville Chapter Pres: Vacant BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR e: sswift@1987.usna.com

Jacksonville Chapter Pres: CAPT Scott Neidhold ’77 USNR (Ret.) e: scottneidholdsr@gmail.com Vice Pres: Glen Hamilton ’85 e: glenhamilton@cbvfl.com Treas and Chapter Trustee: Enochia Anderson ‘94 Sec’y: Britney Brown ‘12

Southwest Florida Chapter: Path of Elsa

Communication Director: CDR Nels Frostenson ’80 USN (Ret.) e: frostynels@aol.com

Pensacola Chapter

50 Year+ Alumni Liaison: CDR Peter Garfield ’60 USN (Ret.) e: pjgarfield@comcast.net p: 904-314-9691 Website: jacksonville.usnachapters.net

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: CDR Richard O’Sullivan ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 407-687-6877; e: raaos@aol.com

Greater Miami Chapter Pres: Thor C. Gould ’09 e: thor.gould@gmail.com Website: www.usnamiami.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ USNAMiami BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Dennis R. Neutze ’65, JAGC USN (Ret.) p: 305-705-4722 e: dennis.navy65@googlemail.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Maj Brad Boyd ’87 p: 302-377-4479 e: Brad.Boyd@bgo.usna.com

Orlando Chapter

Delaware Chapter

Sec’y: Jason Ketelsen ’98 e: jketelsen1@gmail.com

Pres: Chris Dierkes ’85 p: 302-256-8949 e: Christopher.F.Dierkes-1@usa.dupont.com

Pres: Turhan Hidalgo ’93 e: Orlando_Chapter_President@alumni.usna.com

Webmaster: Stan Clark ’79 e: shredder110@gmail.com Website: http://orlando.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard O’Sullivan ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 407-687-6877; e: raaos@aol.com

CHAPTER SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES Send to: chapternews@usna.com

2021-2022

ISSUE: Nov-Dec ’21 Jan-Feb ’22 Mar-Apr ’22 May ’22 June ’22 July-Aug ’22 September ’22 October ’22 Nov-Dec ’22

DUE DATE: Sep 30, 2021 Dec 2, 2021 Jan 27, 2022 Feb 24, 2022 Mar 31, 2022 Jun 1, 2022 Jun 30, 2022 Jul 28, 2022 Sep 29, 2022

106 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Palm Beach Chapter Pres: Ivan Rosa ’84 e: irosa@1984.USNA.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Dennis R. Neutze ’65, JAGC USN (Ret.) p: 305-705-4722 e: dennis.navy65@googlemail.com

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 BGO Area Coordinator: Capt. Joan Platz e: joanplatz.bgo@gmail.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 Website: southwestflorida.usnachapters.net

PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS: Greetings from our sunny Southwest Florida chapter; just keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Elsa. We have gotten some much needed rain in SW Florida and our drought warnings are over. To date I have not received any reports of serious distress from our members (although our chapter’s secretary did suffer a mild case of Covid-19 in March after receiving his two vaccinations - his orthologist thinks his immunotherapy treatment might have affected the efficiency of the shots, but he made it fine and is even in remission from cancer), but we continue to encourage all SWF alumni here to buddy check each other and we defer to “class” organizations as the logical phone/ email tree break-down to do so. We are hopeful that we can resume normal operations in the fall. At that point we invite you all to once again

come on down. And remember, alumni, their spouses and guests, USNA parents and midshipmen visitors are always welcome to join us at any of our events. Wishing a safe and happy summer to you all! Doug Backes’70 Our Chapter is now in its summer hiatus and we will begin planning for our November and December 2021 activities over the summer break. We are again asking all alumni in the area to work with their fellow classmates to take on the process of forming informal calling trees to keep track of our alumni in SW Florida during these last months of Coronavirus pandemic. If you are having difficulty connecting to classmates please email your information to me at herbiejohn383@gmail.com and I will see about getting you the connectivity you need. We have a lot of work to do to set up our schedule of luncheons/ events for next season and establish some orderly change-out of our slate of officers. If you would like to serve as an officer or know of someone who may want to serve, or if you have a link to an interesting speaker, again please email me at herbiejohn383@gmail.com. We will be doing our business by email, on the phone and on the web getting ready for 2021-2022 season. We are planning a September 11th Navy-Air Force watching party at an area bar venue. Finally, as summer starts it appears we are finally recovering socially and getting the COVID-19 medical situation under control (meds and especially Coronavirus vaccines),

CHAPTER NEWS so soon we can return to a near normal where we again will be able to enjoy each other’s company. Stay safe & well till we meet again. Herb Andrews ’68, Secretary

Space Coast Chapter 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 Second Vice Pres: George "Bo" Hamrick '79 e bhamrick@financialpreservation.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

Summer’s almost over and we’re looking to slightly cooler temperatures here on Florida’s Suncoast. COVID 19 did not stop us here in Florida from opening up and enjoying why we moved here. On June 17, at the venerable Sara Bay Country Club, where Bobby Jones once played match play with Walter Hagen, the Florida Suncoast Chapter of the USNA Alumni Association and the Sarasota Manatee Council of the Navy League held a joint luncheon meeting to honor recent local appointees to the U.S. Sea Service Academies and NROTC Scholarship Awardees. One of the honorees was Elizabeth Jendrysik who will attend USNA as a plebe this Summer. She is the sister of Marie ’20 and the daughter of Stephen and Catherine ’91. Navy League Council President Tim Rocklein and Florida Suncoast Chapter President Al Burda ’68 welcomed and recognized Elizabeth and her parents. Paige Morrison of Congressman Buchanan’s Staff was present to congratulate her as well as her Blue and Gold Officer Carl Cramb ’81.

From left Catherine Jendrysik, Paige Morrison, Elizabeth Jendyrysik ’25, Steve Jendrysik ’91, and Carl Cramb ‘81

About fifty attendees supped on a delicious lunch and then heard Chapter Member and Florida State Representative Fiona McFarland ’08 who is also LCDR USNR deliver a Fiona McFarland ‘08 wonderful motivational presentation to the young and soon to be student mariners. She stressed the subordination of “Self” to “Ship” and “Shipmates” to be a successful Midshipman and Officer. After Fiona spoke, Mike Jastrab and Mario Summa (both ’71) presented a beautiful USNA Alumni Association Captain’s Chair donated by Jan Milligan, also ’71, as a “Link in the Chain” award to ENS Cameron Hancock USN (USNA ’21). They made the award as representatives of the USNA Class of 1971 from the Florida Suncoast Chapter to Cameron as the most outstanding local USNA Class of 2021 graduate. Cameron Hancock’s parents, Connor and Mayumi accepted the chair on his behalf as he was in training in San Diego.

Fiona was surprised to see her classmate LCDR Erica Reid Dixon USN ’08 Fiona (l) and Erica (r) in attendance. Other chapter members in attendance were RADM Don and Debbie Harvey ’48, George Francis and Rachel Taylor ’55, Roger Betts ’56, Jim and Debbi Brengle ’68, Dick D’Anna ’68, Al and Kate Burda ’68, Jerry and Jan Gallagher ’69, Steve Bartek ’74, George “Bo” Hamrick’ 79, Wade Evans ‘92, and Nancy Bushnell (widow of Vic Reiling ’62). We welcome Jerry Gallagher to the Chapter as he just moved to the Steve (l) and Jerry (r) Sarasota area after retiring as a Test Pilot Instructor at PAX River. He was reunited with Steve Bartek, one of his students. You should be pleased to know your Chapter dues are going to worthy causes. The Chapter contributed $300 to the Naval Academy Summer Seminar(NASS) Scholarship Program for financially needy students. We’re looking forward to watching Navy Football this Fall at our familiar haunts in Sarasota. We’ll start with going to Gecko’s off Clark Road on September 11 to watch Navy vs Air Force. We’ve got to avenge last year’s lopsided loss. Clear the decks for this one! For other games, watch for announcements in our emails and check our Chapter Facebook page and consult the quarterly Chapter Newsletter “The Gouge” for updates and future events.

Recent Events: Riding the crest of the wave from our recent USNA Information Day Picnic, which brought in more than 400 potential candidates and their families to learn about USNA, the Tampa Bay Chapter assembled for our monthly gathering at Tate’s. In attendance to review the after action report and feedback from our picnic were Warren Hahn ‘60, Tom Draude ’62, Miller Detrick ’63, Tim Corcoran ‘67, Chris Heath ’72, Peter Damisch ’75, Blaise Miller ’76, Don Aiken ‘ 78, Jane Lochner ’84, Paul Matthews ’85, Steve Swift ’87, Tom Mercer ’87, John Miles ’89, Carl Newman ’89, James Castano ’91, Leon Jablow ’91, Christopher Thompson ’92, Bill Breckinridge ‘96, Derrick ’98, Tim Keily ‘09 and Brian Tsai ’16. Beyond sharing the news of potential candidates, we were captivated by a story from one of our Alumni. Tom Draude ’62 shared the account of how he was recently recognized by his hometown for his distinguished career of service that took him from Midshipman to Brigadier General. Tom was honored with a public ceremony as the first “Local Hero” at the Kankakee County Museum. Returning to his first “port of call,” Tom donated personal memorabilia from a career that took him across the globe from Vietnam, where he earned a Purple Heart, to Desert Shield/Desert Storm where he served as Assistant Division Commander,1st Marine Division.

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: CDR Leon R. Jablow IV, ‘91, USN (Ret.) e: leon.r.jablow@gmail.com

From left Mario Summa ’71, Mayumi Hancock, Connor Hancock and Mike Jastrab’71

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

Midshipman 2/C Christian Thompson ’23 and Midshipman 2/C Drew Matthews joined their fathers and alumni at the June Chapter Meeting before heading off to summer training (L to R: Chris Thompson ’92, Christian Thompson ’23, Drew Matthews ’23 and Paul Mathews ’89).

From discussing potential candidates to honoring distinguished graduates, our meeting would not have been complete without the attendance of

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 107

CHAPTER NEWS two Midshipmen. Drew Matthews ‘23 (son of Paul Mathews ’89) and Christian Thompson ’23 (son of Chris Thompson ’92) joined our meeting and shared their USNA experiences from the previous year. After a brief stay at home, Drew will be participating in Marine Corps summer training while Christian will be serving aboard the USS BUNKER HILL (CG-52) and participating in Plebe Detail. Christian and Drew also shared their Herndon stories which led to a jovial debate amongst our alumni and revealed an interesting fact: Our alumni attendees represented classes with the fastest and slowest climbs recorded. Derrick Clark ’98 was a member of the class with the slowest time on record – 4 hours, 5 minutes, 17 seconds. Chris Heath ‘72 was a member of the class with the fastest time on record (greased) at 20 minutes. James Castano ’91 and Leon Jablow ’91, with the class that posted a time of 43 minutes, 44 seconds, suggested that ’91 has set the standard (with more grease than ’72) and established a record that has stood for 30 years. Closing out the month of June, our Chapter Board met for its annual meeting to chart the Tampa Chapter’s course for the upcoming year. Tim Corcoran ‘67, Chris Heath ’72, Jane Lochner ’84, Dave Spoerl ’82, Steve Swift ’87, James Castano ’91, Leon Jablow ’91 and Christopher Thompson ’92 joined together to outline plans for the chapter picnic, founder’s day, sporting events, candidate recruitment and supporting the Brigade of Midshipmen.

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 Football Game Gatherings Founder’s Day Dinner (October 13) Wine Tasting (November 13th) CHECK US OUT Look for the Chapter on our Facebook Page (https://www.face book.com/ pages/USNA-AlumniTampaSt-Petersburg/120095454 740213?sk=wall), or our Website – http://tampabay.usnachapters.net/

Georgia

and receive a presentation on Another Link in the Chain from the Class of 1975. The Picnic took place at the Kaneohe Bay Yacht Club on a beautiful Saturday morning. In attendance from the incoming appointees was Gavin Buchanan, Isaia Togia, Aidan Alexander, and LCpl Tyler Funk, a Fleet Appointee from HMLA-367 stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe Bay. Hosting and putting together the event were USNA Hawaii Chapter President Ted Peck, Class of 1988, Bill Hicks, Class of 1975, Jason Afong, Hawaii BGO Area Coordinator and Class of 2006, Keno Knieriem, Class of 2006, Reyn Kaupiko, Class of 2008,

and Mason Savage, President of the Hawaii Parents Club. MIDN 3/C Jordan Savage was able to provide his words of advice as he had the unique perspective of life at the Naval Academy in a COVID environment and his memories (nightmares) were fresh from his Plebe year experience. Bill Hicks ‘75, and Ted Peck ‘88, gave an inspiring and motivational presentation to all in attendance on the impact and importance of the Naval Academy and naval service. We look forward to having Aloha Fridays and Pa’inas (party) as the COVID situation improves in Hawaii.

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) BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Jason Afong ‘06 e: jason.afong.navy@gmail.com

Hawaii Chapter pcnic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/USNAAA.Honolulu/; https://www.facebook.com/NavalAcademy Hawaii/

The Tampa Chapter USNAAA Board - (standing L to R) - Dave Spoerl ’82, James Castano ’91, Chris Heath ’72, Tim Corcoran ’67; (sitting L to R) Leon Jablow ’91, Steve Swift ’87, Jane Lochner ’84 and Christopher Thompson ’92.

Our chapter holds our regular monthly meetings at Tate’s Pizzeria

108 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Aloha, we were fortunate that restrictions on group sizes and social gatherings eased up in June in the 50th State. Our first official event post pandemic was a picnic for the incoming USNA and NAPS Class of 2025. The Picnic was an opportunity for the appointees and their parents to meet one another prior to I-Day, receive mentorship from a Youngster,

Hawaii Chapter pcnic: left to right. Ted Peck ’88, Jordan Savage ’24, Jason Afong ’06, Bill Hicks ’75, Isaia Togia, Reyn Kaupiko ’08, Aidan Alexander, Tyler Funk, Gavin Buchanan, and Keno Knieriem ’06

CHAPTER NEWS

Indiana

Annapolis Chapter

Indianapolis Chapter

Vice Pres: Michael Rapp ’91 e: michaelrapp999@gmail.com

CDR Lynn Thomas ’83 h: 317-329-1773; e: lynntw@aol.com

Michiana Chapter Pres: John Ross ’94 e: johnwmross@me.com

Southern Idaho Chapter: Alumni join to congratulate Avery Konecni, Sam Kerley, and Abbie Thomson as they prepare to join the USNA Class of 2025.

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

Idaho BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Todd Severance ’92, USN (Ret.) p: 208-620-9436; e: tjseverance1992@gmail.com

ENS Trey Widmier, USN, Surface Warfare; ENS James Love, USN, Submarines; 2ndLT Stephen Harr, USMC, Marine Ground; and ENS Larry Wineman, USN, Navy Air.

Northwest Chapter

Iowa See Minnesotta Send Shipmate input to: Nathan CW Smith ’98 e: nathancwsmith@outlook.com

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

BGOArea Coordinator: Ted Olt III ’85 p: 563-355-1709; e: tolt@l-wlaw.com

Southern Idaho Chapter

Kentucky

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 Idaho Parents’ Club President: Michelle Widmier (Trey ’21) e: nwidmier@gmail.com

The Southern Idaho Chapter (SIC) held its Welcome Aboard Picnic for the appointees to the Class of 2025 from Idaho who could attend. It was a beautiful day to get together outdoors as the restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic are continuing to relax. Many thanks to USAA military affairs representative Eric Page for supporting the gathering. Bravo Zulu to Todd Severance ’92, BGO Coordinator for Idaho, and his team of BGOs for their hard work under uniquely difficult circumstances. Congratulations to the following Idaho graduates of USNA Class of 2021: ENS Garrett Booth, USN, Surface Warfare; 2ndLT Casey Cobb, USMC, Marine Ground; 2ndLT Alysia Santa Cruz-Cernik, USMC, Marine Air;

Louisville/ Southern Indiana Chapter Front row: Rufus Taylor ’66 and Denny Hanrahan ’68 Back Row: Tom Simmonds ’73, Paul Campbell ’98 and Tom Neville ’68 are enjoying themselves at joint service academy social hosted by USAFA Boise Area AOG at Powderhaus Brewery.

The Southern Idaho Chapter (SIC) meets monthly. 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

Maryland

BGO Area Coordinator: Kurt Greggs e: Greggsusnabgo@gmail.com

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

Pres: CDR Scott J. Shepard ’91, USN (Ret) p: 540-419-5564; e: scottjshepard@hotmail.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/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook. com/groups/1118214745191/ (or search for: Naval Academy Alumni Annapolis Chapter) BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Charles Mello e: Charlesmello@gmail.com

The Annapolis Chapter closed out 2020 with a social on November 8th at Wild Kid Acres Farm, a Small Educational Biodynamic Farmstead in Edgewater, MD that is owned and operated by Gerardo Martinez ’11. In addition to the petting zoo, attendees enjoying a cookout and bonfire. The Chapter held its first social in 2021 on June 2nd at McGarvey’s Saloon & Oyster Bar, which is now owed by Jim McLaughlin ’94, Kevin Havens ’94 and Christopher Hannan ’94. Please be on the lookout for future socials and be sure to join the Chapter if in the Annapolis area.

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

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

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

Gerardo Martinez ’11 posing with some of the animals at Wild Kid Acres Farm

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 109

CHAPTER NEWS

Annapolis Chapter: The USNA alumni attendance at the November 2020 chapter social at Wild Kid Acres Farm.

Greater Southern Marylanc Chapter: “The Young Guys” Members of the Class of 2025: Ryan Lowe, Joey Lusby, and Kroy Myers

Julie Shepard, wife of Scott Shepard ’91, posing with a new friend at Wild Kid Acres Farm.

Greg Bailey ’99 and Gerardo Martinez ’11 at the June 2nd social at McGarvey’s.

Greater Southern Maryland: “The OldER Guys” GSMC Board of Directors with “The Young Guys”: Stu Fittrell ’62, Vice President: Scott Bruce ’79, Mike DeManss ’73, Ryan Lowe ’25, Joey Lusby ’25, Kroy Myers ’25, Dennis Bostich ’74, Treasurer: Ted Herring ’67, President: Mike Thumm’75, Mike Dougherty ’73, Andy Mechling ’73, and Jim Sandberg ‘69

Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Pres: Micheal W. Thumm '75 e: thummer75@md.metrocast.net Julie Shepard, Scott Shepard ’91, Tyler Turvold ’91 and Jeff Woodbury ’91 enjoying the chapter social at McGarvey’s.

Corr Sec’y: Michael Dougherty ’73 p: 240-925-7518; e: doughertymj8@aol.com Website: http://www.navyalumni.org

Baltimore Chapter Gordy Schaaf ’58 and his wife Ginny enjoying the bonfire at Wild Kid Acres Farm.

Pres: Jason Hardebeck ’87 p: 443-269-1599; e: jhardebeck@whoglue.com BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Charles Mello e: Charlesmello@gmail.com Join the Chapter: https://www.signupnow.events/ USNAAlumni Chapter_ Annapolis/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/11182147 45191/ (or search for: Naval Academy Alumni Annapolis Chapter)

Alumni and their families enjoying the social at Wild Kid Acres Farm.

110 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

BGO Area Coordinator: Kevin Schaaff e: Kevin.Schaaff@bgo.usna.com

EVENTS 26 June: Welcome Cookout at Mike and Patti Thumm’s for Newly Selected Midshipmen and NAPSters and their families. A passing rainstorm could not dampen the spirit of the day, merely relocating the festivities from outside to inside. The event was definitely for a good reason, to welcome members of the Class of (are you ready for this) 2025 and it also was great to get together in person, i.e., not on Zoom. Many thanks to Mike and Patti for

hosting. Alums present were: Fred Victor ’58 (Jackie), Stu Fittrell ’62 (Lynn), Ted Herring ’67 (Bobby), Jim Sandberg ’69 (Marja), Mike DeManss ’73 (Leslie), Mike Dougherty ’73 (Alice), Andy Mechling ’73, Dennis Bostich ’74, Mike Thumm ‘75 (Patti), Scott Bruce ’79, CAPT USN David Randle ’85 (Fiona), Jim Hudson ’90 (Julie), Chris Williams ’92 (Nancy), Sharon Barbins ‘96 and Hank Caruso (Honorary Alumnus). Please check your email and the GSMC website www.navyalumni. org for all event updates throughout the remainder of 2021! ALUMNI IN THE NEWS 17 June: Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Weapons Program Office (PMA-242) Change of Command: CAPT USN Alex Dutko ’97 relieved CAPT USN Mitch Commerford.

CHAPTER NEWS COMING EVENTS 2nd Tuesday of each month: Monthly Board of Directors’ Meetings. All other events are TBD. Please check your email and the GSMC website www.navyalumni.org for all event updates throughout the remainder of 2021!

be closer to normal than the last two years!

Massachusetts

Minnesota

Pres: James Kras ’69 141 Dorchester Ave., Unit 406 South Boston, MA 02127-1836 p: 617-645-1032; e: jameskras@comcast.net

Website: http://boston.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator (Boston and SE Mass) Kimber Johnston e: Kimber.Johnson@bgo.usna.com BGO Area Coordinator (N Shore and Central Mass) - CDR David Grim e: david.grim@1982.usna.com BGO Area Coordinator (Western Mass): 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

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

Boston Chapter

Shipmate contact: CAPT Pete Seibert ’65 p: 781-235-5909; e: pkseibert@comcast.net

should have already occurred, hosted by Mike Droogleever ’05, on his boat The Nauti-Buoy. Keep an eye out on the next issue for pictures and look to e-mail and social media for information on other upcoming events. I hope to see everyone at an in-person event soon! Joe Zane, ’07, President

Upper Midwest Chapter Pres: CAPT Ashley Fischer ’11, USMCR p: 240-778-8116; e: aefisch36@gmail.com Joe Zane ’07, Rick Fresquez ’85 and Art Bryant, ’66, at the June 30th Defense Entrepreneurs Forum event

Shipmate Contact: Nathan CW Smith ’98 e: nathancwsmith@outlook.com Website: www.USNAUpperMidwest.org

Since the June 13th event, things are starting to open up in Michigan, and we’re working on building a regular slate of in-person events. As of the time of this writing (July 1st, 2021), we send out our first in-person invite in this case to an June 30th event hosted by the local chapter of the Defense Entrepreneur’s Forum. Overall turnout was robust (~25), with 3 USNA Alumni in attendance (see above picture). By the time you’re reading this, our second in-person event, scheduled for July 29th,

Facebook: www.fb.com/USNAAAUpperMidwest BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Mark Salmen ’73, USN (Ret.) p: 651-271-6690; e: mark.salmen@1973.usna.com

Mississippi BGO Area Coordinator: David Price ’78 e: dep-78@sbcglobal.net

South Mississippi Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: Lee Gilgour e: Gilgour42@gmail.com

St. Louis Chapter Pres: Dave Turnbaugh ’89 Website: https://stlusna.000webhostapp.com/index.html Shipmate contact: Raese Simpson ’61 1138 Westmoor Pl., St. Louis, MO 63131-1320 c: 314-757-1221; e: raese1961@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Kent Higginbotham ’76, USN (Ret.) e: kenth@hbistl.com

Montana BGO Area Coordinator: Andy Metroka e: METROKA@MT.NET

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://detroit.usnachapters.net Communications Sec’y: Chris Bernard ’88 e: gcb117@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator (Eastern) CAPT Michael Johnson ’79, USNR mj007mj@hotmail.com BGO Area Coordinator (West & Upper): Col. Benjamin Richmond ’93, USMCR e: brichmond97@earthlink.net

Just a quick update this month. Time is moving steadily forward, and that means more midshipmen from Michigan are starting their Naval Academy careers. The USNA Parents Club of Michigan, led by President MJ Berklich, hosted a virtual “Welcome Aboard” event on June 13th, 2021. While the in-person event would have been great, the virtual format enabled families from across the state to attend (see picture). A total of 17 Michigan Midshipmen started at USNA this summer. We’re hoping their Plebe year will Detroit Chapter: The USNA Parents Club of Michigan hosted a virtual Welcome Aboard for the new Michigan midshipmen.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 111

CHAPTER NEWS

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: Corwin Karaffa ’77 e: cjkaraffa@gmail.com Sec’y: Glenn Truitt ‘97 e: glenn@idealbusinsspartners.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: Christinziano.area114@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 e: dswingle@newmexico.com

After keeping masked and socially distanced for over 15 months, the New Mexico Chapter was finally able to hold its first in-person social

112 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

event on Sunday, June 13, 2021. It was a joyous day to re-unite for our annual Chapter Family Picnic event. Normally, this event is held the first Sunday of June at the Elena Gallegos Open Space managed by the City of Albuquerque. The event was last held in 2019 but was missed in 2020 due to the uninvited visitation of Covid-19. As venues were opening back up this year, the City advised that improvements were required for the Open Space that we normally use, so its re-opening was being postponed beyond June. Our Chapter Treasurer, Ken Fladager ‘78 stepped forward and volunteered his home in Rio Rancho, NM as a substitute picnic space, and the planning commenced. Our winning formula for several years has been for the Chapter to provide cold soft/juice drinks and a plethora of smoked, fried, and spicy chicken; while the attendees bring their best veggie, fruit, and dessert sides to round out the buffet. The final challenge was overcoming the day’s weather, which was operating in the high 90’s, but Ken’s home air conditioning was up to the challenge. Attending the Chapter’s summer soiree were Janice and Keith (Casey) Jones ‘60, Mike Blackledge ‘63, Mary Lynn and Joe McGuire ‘68, Rebecca and Tom Gutierrez ‘70, Lynden (Tolly) Toliver ‘71, Scott Kraus ‘73, and Doug Meints ‘77. Associate Chapter members attending were Phyllis Rohr ‘55 and Ashby Albright ‘71. Host Ken Fladager had set up several comfortable dining spots for groups to meet and chat, and as “whenever two or three shall gather,” there were many Sea Stories to be told and much catching up to be done. The Chapter is now ready to return to full pre-pandemic socialization and looks forward to a planned bar meet rendezvous for the USNA/ USAFA football game scheduled on September 11th. Meanwhile, we hope everyone’s summer is safe, enjoyable, and adventurous! Joe McGuire ’68 NM Chapter Secretary

New York

New York Capital District Chapter Pres: Frank Hughes ’80 p: 518-432-9193; e: frankhughes2@yahoo.com

The following photograph shows (left to right) Howard Gutzman ’75, Alexis Smith, Michael Magee, Hannah McCarthy and Dan Wheeler ’75.

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 BGO Area Coordinator: Tom Ravener e: tom.ravener@gmail.com

The annual Welcome Aboard Event, sponsored by the Central New York Parents Club and supported by the Central New York Chapter of Naval Academy Alumni and USAA, was held this year at the Bailiwick Market and Café in Eldridge, NY on Sunday, 13 June 2021. The Welcome Aboard Event is just that….to welcome aboard the local candidates and their families to the large Navy family as well as to congratulate the 2021 CNY USNA graduates. Alumni able to attend were Bob Fegan ’64 and his wife Marilyn, Mike Mowins ’79 and his wife Elsie, Howard Gutzman ’75 and his wife Mary, Dan Wheeler ’75 (a local Blue & Gold Officer), Pat ’86 and Peg Morocco ’86, and their daughter Lisa ’21 who will soon begin her training to be a Marine helicopter pilot, and Britton Smith ‘98. Current midshipman in attendance was Aidan Longley ’23 and his parents Dave and Colleen Longley. Candidates for the Class of 2025 able to attend were Michael Magee (Manlius) with his parents Dan and Pam Magee, Hannah McCarthy (Deerfield) with her mother Tammy McCarthy, and Alexis Smith (Fayetteville) with her parents Britton ’98 and Jennifer Smith. Howard Gutzman ’75 made a presentation about Another Link in the Chain (ALITC). The Class of 1975 is the ALITC sponsor for the Class of 2025.

The 2021 CNY USNA graduates and their hometowns/service selections are: Maclean Crossley (Watertown/ Navy pilot) Miranda Donato (Watertown/ Seabees) Kyra Johnson (Manlius/Surface Warfare) Abigail McGinn (Jordan/Submarines) Lisa Morocco (Marcellus/Marine pilot) Emerson Pratt (Sauquoit/Navy pilot) Commemorative clocks were presented by Bob Fegan to Pat and Peg Morocco in recognition of their daughter Lisa’s recent graduation, and to Terry and Suzanne McGinn in recognition of their daughter Abby’s recent graduation. Abby will soon begin her training to be a submariner. The following photograph shows (left to right) Pat & Peg Morocco, Bob Fegan, and Terry & Suzanne McGinn for the commemorative clock presentation.

The next two photographs show Pat & Peg Morocco with their daughter Lisa and their clock, and then Terry & Suzanne McGinn with their clock.

CHAPTER NEWS

Triangle Chapter

Metro New York Chapter (NAANY) Pres: George O’Garro ’05 e: georgeogarro@gmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Doug Peters ’73 e: douglastpeters@gmail.com Beat Army!

HotLine: 1-800-234-USNA (8732)

North Carolina Triangle Chapter

Pete

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

Commemorative clocks for the parents of this year’s CNY USNA graduates not able to attend the Welcome Aboard Event have been mailed to the parents. Alumni, and Navy family and friends are encouraged to attend the weekly Wednesday lunch at 1200 at Clear Path for Veterans in Chittenango, NY when they are again open for business. You can call (315-687-3300) to see if they are open and to let them know if you will be attending a lunch. 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 (315-663-7490) or e-mail Bob Fegan to let us know if you plan to attend a function. Future Chapter activities will be addressed as they are planned. The Chapter’s website is a good source of current information.

As the pandemic recedes, we are planning two Army-Navy game viewings for 11 December: one in the Rochester area and another in the Buffalo area. All USNA and USMA alumni will be welcome, and we’ll publish details here when they are set. We also may have a NavyNotre Dame Game viewing with the Rochester Notre Dame alumni club on 6 November. The Western New York Chapter is proud to congratulate six appointees from our area to the Class of 2025 and one Foundation prep school awardee! The Western New York Chapter welcomes alumni to join at any time. Please contact us as indicated below: Pres: Dan Sullivan ’95 (585) 410-1941 daniel.sullivan@savox.com VP: Pete Owen ’86 (949) 702-2733 e: pfowen0302@gmail.com Website: http://westernny.usnachapters.net/

Pres: CAPT Steve Gillespie ’87, USN (Ret.) e: smgillespie44@gmail.com Sec’y: Chris Perrien ’74 e: ibmchris@mac.com

North Carolina

National Chapter Trustee CDR George Lipscomb ’87, USN (Ret.)

BGO Area Coordinator: Col. Kevin Hart, Ret. e: kevinphart@gmail.com

Website: www.usnatriangle.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

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

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

Greetings from the Research Triangle Park of North Carolina, We greeted the summer season by wishing Hail and temporary Farewell to the North Carolina Class of 2025 at our 4th annual Welcome Plebe Picnic. 55 guests gathered representing the year-groups of 1960 through 2025 including grads, Mids (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), family and friends. The event enjoyed an outstanding location at the Holloway Farm (Class 2022 parents), fine late June weather, music and a proper fantail-like BBQ Grads in attendance included: Pat Wilson ’09, Lauren Wilson ’09, Steve Gillespie ’87, Grey Tompson ’07, Girard Lew ’60, Shaun McAndrew ’93, Chris Perrien ’74, Alex Dworjen ’10, Jason Mazzoni ’10, J.D. Cunnnigham ’84, Tom Clemons ’82, Dave Clement ’80, Jenifer Clement ’81, Mike McQuire ’81, Reece Morgan ’89 and Brad Osmun ’08. Midshipmen present and accounted for: Will Groce 22, Seth Holloway 22, Tyler Profio 23, Beka West 24, Mara Hirtle 24, and Ben Grieb 25. In an effort to better affiliate our RTP Navy, our Chapter initiated in 2009 the George Herbert ’45 Leadership Award for presentation to a commissioning NROTC midshipman exhibiting the highest

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 113

CHAPTER NEWS standards of academic, athletic and military achievement and aptitude. The recipient selected by the Piedmont NROTC Consortium staff. Over the past 13 years, additional awards sponsored so that each of the three universities comprising the Consortium (Duke, University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University) may present a dedicated award. The 2021 recipients are: Duke University, Admiral Frank Bowman Leadership AwardEnsign Chris Lyon USN; North Carolina State University, Ensign Worth Bagley 1895 Leadership Award - Ensign Ryan Burke USN; University of North Carolina, George Herbert 45 Leadership Award - Ensign Catherine Rena Strong USN. Upcoming events: our newly formed Golf Squad led by Warren Schultz ‘71 is underway now that reliable good weather in forecast and CV restrictions loosening. Our next outing will be at the Lochmere Golf Club in July; in August, we’ll meet -hopefully in person- with Cdr. Dave Campbell USN (Ret.) to discuss submarine service special operations; in September, our annual Family Picnic at the Durham Bulls Ball Park. Flash News: Chapter proud to announce that Captain Ted (Hawk) Triebel ’64 informed on 2 July that he will be inducted as an inaugural member of the North Carolina Military Hall of Firsts. He will be recognized in a ceremony at the North Carolina Museum of History on October 9, 2021. Ted’s achievements as an F-4 fighter pilot may only be equalled by his example within the community and across our Chapter. Hawk awarded 13 Combat medals including Air Medals (4), Bronze Star (2), Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Accommodation Medal (4) and Purple Heart. Ashore, he service included

114 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Commanding Officer of Duke University’s NROTC and he retired in 1993 as Chief of Staff to the Superintendent at our Naval Academy. Recognized for the 4th consecutive year as a Distinguished Chapter in the USNA AA network, our Triangle Chapter comprises 165+ 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: Mary Plumb e: mary.plumb@yahoo.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

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: Eric Forrest e: Ea4rest@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT D. Michael Crites ’70, USNR (Ret.) e: mcrites@dinsmore.com

Thank you to all who voted in the most recent Chapter officer election. Seventy-six percent of all active members voted. That is an astonishing result. In many cases, responses of twenty percent of members is considered a success. The Columbus Chapter proved that we are an active, involved group. The results of the election are: President - Tony Konecny ‘79 Vice-President - Ben Sandman ‘10 Secretary - Dave Goins ‘84 Treasurer - Jim Waddell ‘71 Board Members 60-70s Jim Worthington ‘60 80-90s - Todd Forney ‘86 00-10s - Michel Plumley ‘09 Based on recent recommended changes to the By-Laws, officers and board members will serve for a two-year term. The current slate of officers were installed in June 2021 and will serve until June 2023. The current group of leaders have been serving for some time now. It is time to bring in new leadership and fresh ideas. Please consider taking a more active role in the Chapter and becoming either an officer or board member in the next

election cycle. We will be forming a nominating committee to evaluate and recruit new officer holders. Over the past couple of weeks, the Chapter has received several phishing emails asking that money be transferred to a bank account. The emails use names of officers and are being sent to our Treasurer, JIm Waddell. Fortunately, Jim has been aware of the schemes and has been proactively taking steps to report the activity. It is possible that the perpetrators have gathered the information from our board meeting minutes that are posted on the Chapter website. As a preventative step, we will no longer be posting financial information on the website. If you are interested in viewing the financial documents, please contact Jim Waddell and he will provide you with the necessary information. Our finances are safe and are being monitored by the officers. Additionally, our finances are audited every other year to ensure proper accounting. Richard Frawley ‘72, passed away on March 13,2021. Rick left Columbus several months ago and moved to Greenville, DE to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Some of you may remember Rick as he spoke at the Parent Club Hail & Farewell in 2018 as part of the “Another Link in the Chain” program. We will continue to monitor the COVID situation and will plan Chapter activities when appropriate. Please continue to look for Chapter news from all of our sources: email (unsaaacbus@gmail.com), Facebook, Chapter website, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

Toledo Chapter Pres: CDR Meghan Michael ’97, USN (Ret.) e: meghanmichael@me.com BGO Area Coordinator: Mr. Arthur Wickerham e: artwickerham@gmail.com

CHAPTER NEWS kept the chapter together and has even attracted some new members. Participating in May and June were: 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, Herb Colomb ’67 Jack Kohl ’65, Frank Swientek ’66, Butch Bewick ’62, Jill Richards ’94, Brian Collins ’64 and Shelley Liscom (Parent’s club President). Tulas Chapter

Oklahoma BGO Area Coordinator: Jeff Stewart e:jeff.stewart@hpidc.com

Oklahoma City Chapter

Pennsylvania

Pres: Jonathan Mason ’07 e: jrmason03@gmail.com

Tulsa Chapter Pres: Rocky Goins ’84 e: rockygoins@hotmail.com

Harry Rouse, Jeff Stewart, Kasey Carradini, George Carradini and Rocky Goins.

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/

On June 25, The USNA Tulsa Alumni Chapter hosted the first joint service academy social at the minor league baseball (Tulsa Drillers) game. Alumni and Parent Club members from USNA, USAFA and West Point attended the friendly “beat the pandemic” rally. After the last inning, the Driller invited the entire party to the baseball field and honored the alumni with the “HOMETOWN HEROES” award, providing the alumni with a the commemorative bat to the USNA Alumni Chapter and a spectator’s standing ovation! Attending the event from the USNA Alumni Chapter were George Carradini ’84, Kasey Carradini ’84, Shea Farrell ‘81, Rocky Goins ’84, Harry Rouse ‘77 and Jeff Stewart ‘00.

included the Oregon SW Washington Alumni Association as well as parents and current midshipmen. In addition to being the Area Coordinator Butch is a member of the Oregon SW Washington Alumni chapter council. His tireless efforts have led to an incredibly strong relationship between the BGO organization, the Parents Club, and the Alumni Association. This relationship has made all three organizations much stronger and more effective. We welcome his relief Captain Jill Richards and look forward to her continuing the tradition that Butch has established. The picture nearby is Butch and Jack at one of the BGO recognition picnics.

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. Jill Richards e: gillianac@comcast.net Website: oregon.usnachapters.net

June saw many significant changes for the chapter from the past year. First, we have set our first Luncheon since March of 2020 for July 11, 2021, at the Old Spaghetti Warehouse in Portland. It will be great to get together again. This will be followed by our annual picnic in Washougal Washington on August 21st. We will be joined by both West Point and Merchant Marine Academy folks. Our weekly Zoom Happy Hours have

By far the most significant activity in June was the transition of the BGO Area Coordinator for Oregon from Captain Butch Bewick’62 to Captain Jill Richards’94. Butch has been our BGO Area Coordinator since the late 90s. In his Twentythree (yes Twenty-three!!!!) years as the Area Coordinator for Oregon Butch has taken an organization that was struggling in a state with little interest in military (over 1/2 of the teens in Oregon have never heard of the Naval Academy) and no military installations, to one that consistently produces 10 to 15 midshipmen yearly. Butch has been a teacher and mentor to us all. His support of the BGO process is unparalleled. He took steps to make it easier for BGOs to receive refresher training in the state, vs a cross country trip to Annapolis and with Jack Kohn ’65 funded and put on a picnic annually to honor the BGOs which

Philadelphia Chapter Pres: Rob Bender ‘73 p: 267.625.3459 e: rbender@travismanion.com 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

Several proud Alumni (and family) gathered on an unseasonably cold Memorial Day Weekend to watch the Blue Angels Air Show in Latrobe, PA. The weather was not the only disappointment as the show was

Pittsburgh Chapter

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 115

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

Pittsburgh Chapter

cancelled due to cloud cover. Challenging weather conditions were unable to prevent the flowing of beer, the grilling of burgers, and the telling of sea stories. Thanks to all who came and braved the elements and we’ll see you at our next event! Congratulations to Eric McElvenny (USNA Class of 2006 and Pittsburgh resident) for making the USA Paralympic Triathlon team! We wish him all the best in the competition.

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

Pittsburgh Chapter

116 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

RV Chapter

While all chapter members adjusted to several delays, the RV Chapter’s Annual Come-Around gathering was held in Mount Dora, FL in early June, just as COVID restrictions were being eased. It was fantastic to have 10 RVs join this fun as new board members were installed and plans for Fall Come-Arounds were detailed. Check the Chapter website at RV.usnachapters.net for details so you can join this Fall Chapter fun. Attendees were: Su and Dale Gange ‘70 as Firsties demonstrating great perseverance; Marie and Jim Roberts ‘59; Maryjane and Bob Metcalf ‘61; Pattie and Jay Williams ‘67; ‘Nita and Jack Parry ‘67; Val and Gary Polansky ‘69; Rose and Tom Wolfe ‘70; Marc Farris ‘70 and guest Joan Ashton Tucker; Jacquie and Greg Weistead ‘74; Susan and Don Baldwin ‘74; as well as enthusiastically welcoming new members Don Brady ‘82 and Angela Goehrig Brady ‘83 of Ocala FL. POD highlights included: Traditional Happy Hours every night which Jim Neale ‘70 and

CHAPTER NEWS Allen Michaels ‘70 joined on Tuesday; Yalaha German Bakery, where the added calories required walks and bike rides of 8+ miles; Mediterranean dinner at “Olive Branch” where Kitty and Mike Bolier ‘67 joined from their near-by home and the conversation of “old tales be retold” got more vocal as the evening progressed; tour of Charles Homer Morse Tiffany Museum in Winter Park which displays the sensational, universally praised and widely imitated art glass; and a Walking Wine Tasting with four wines at each of six stops in cute shops of Historic Downtown Mount Dora. Thursday Happy Hour was entitled “Remembering the OLD Days at USNA”, thus requiring that one wear an appropriate USNA item. Winner in our almost-totallyarbitrary-awards were: Tom Wolfe ’70 for the uniform you were least likely to fit into today; Bob Metcalf ‘61 for B’robe with the most adornments; Angela Brady ‘83 for most authentic with her Crew Coxswain shirt and crew sweater. 1st Friday Event in Downtown Eustis FL got rained out, but the “Farkle Tournament” (a dice game) returned to become the Come-Around highlight. The final tournament had almost everyone playing with Jim Roberts ‘59 earning an “official” chapter badge of “Farkle Plebe” and a special dice cup. This recognition was added to Jim’s traditional breakfast feast and humorous role as White Elephant Sale Auctioneer with proceeds supporting chapter events. Auctions are always fun while adding over $200 to the chapter treasury! After 7-months travel restrictions for Chapter gatherings, this Annual Meeting kicked off 2021. Some RV mechanical issues proved that these RVs are not designed to simply sit in storage. Plus, we welcome even more new chapter members: Jill Hawkins Votaw ’80 and Rick Votow from San Diego. Sure hope we put faces with names sooner than later y’all!

Rhode Island BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Stuart Craig ’86, USN (Ret.) e: sbcraig@1986.usna.com

Rhode Island Chapter Pres: Mike O’Sullivan ’73 p: 401-742-7091 e: michael.osullivan1973@gmail.com Sec’y: COL Paul Muller ’88, USMC (Ret.) p: 401-248-3405; e: usmctanker@cox.net

It’s been a while, but we have some news for the next issue of Shipmate coming out of the Rhode Island Chapter: The COVID year was a tough one for our Chapter, as for most. Lacking the ability to gather, but still possessing funds, we decided to sponsor an essay contest for the Midshipman Candidates at the Naval Academy Prep School (NAPS) here in Newport. The essays were to be based on this prompt: The global pandemic has impacted the Navy’s ability to educate and train its next generation of leaders. Tackling a tough challenge brings out the best in all of us. What has attending NAPS during the COVID19 pandemic taught you about leadership and teamwork? Essays were to be approximately 750 words in length, and we received a number of excellent entries. The essays were judged by a panel of chapter officers, with cash prizes for the winning entry and runner-up. There are plans to submit the winning entry for publication in a future issue of Shipmate. As we emerge from the lockdowns, we held Chapter elections, and look forward to visiting Newport Polo, as well as cheering on NAPS as they take on Army in football and basketball, along with our annual Army-Navy Football Game viewing party. More in the works as life slowly returns to normal! Paul Muller ’88, Chapter Secretary

SEA STORIES A Navy tradition

Stories of action and inspiration Entertaining and educational https://www.usna.com/sea-stories

Low Country Chapter: Callawassir Island Club

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

Dan Cloyd ‘79; Chris Cechak ‘82; Rick Stein ‘82; Seamus Flatley ‘83; Greg Shore ‘84; Josh Castaneda ‘09; and Paul Mallory ’10. The Charleston Chapter meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 12 Noon in Mount Pleasant. No reservation required.

Low Country Chapter Pres: Dave Igyarto '74 p: 770-419-0678 e: igyartodp@cloud.com Sec’y: Doug Ogden ’67 p: 843-838-0077; e: DouglassOgden@gmail.com

Website: www.RickSteinOnline.com

Treas: John Scanlan '83 p: 843-342-2793 e: ping1@hargray.com

On Monday June 21, 2021, The Charleston Chapter held its Monthly Luncheon. Our Speaker was Anthony Jackson, Senior VP and COO, Roper St. Francis Health Care. In Attendance were: Max Hill ’51; ; Fuzzy Knight ‘53; Jim Flatley ‘56; James Kinney‘58; John Common ‘64; John Nuernberger ‘64; Bernie Magdelain ‘67; Chuck Meyer ‘68; Bill Cook‘72; Jim Beltz ‘73; Michael Bosse ‘74; Jim Lyons ‘74; Dave Shimp ‘76; Denny Simon ‘77;

On Saturday, 12 June 2021, the Low Country Chapter held its Spring Luncheon at the Callawassie Island Club in Okatie, SC. Chairman Tom Anderson ‘60 called the group to order, and a Moment of Silence was observed for the passing of our friend Chuck Masalin ‘55. After lunch, Chairman Anderson then introduced the Guest Speaker, RADM Ron Henderson, USN (Ret), RADM Henderson is a graduate of Harvard University, and he flew SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 117

CHAPTER NEWS F/A-18 fighters, commanded an F/A-18 Squadron, and was Commanding Officer of USS JUNEAU (LPD-10) and USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). He has put together a series of lectures, and his talk focused on the Medal of Honor, from its inception during the Civil War to recent awards from conflicts around the globe. A question and answer period ensued, and the day ended with a drawing for door prizes, and the traditional singing of Navy Blue and Gold.

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 BGO Area Coordinator: Sharon Holt ’00 p: 605-390-3430; e: holtsharonl@aol.com

Spain BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Trubeville e: bgoarea501coordinator@gmail.com

Rota Chapter Pres: Michael Carsley ’88 e: michael.carsley@eu.navy.mil Chairman Tom Anderson ‘60 and speaker, RADM Ron Henderson

The turnout was evidence of not only interest in the speaker’s topic, but a chance to gather again as a Chapter. Attendees included the following: Art Morrow, 46; Max Baldwin ‘56; Lee Polhill ‘58; Tom Anderson ‘60; Dave Woodward ‘60; Buzz Galbraith ‘61; Ray Sisk ‘62; Rich Weidman ‘63; Ed Conant ‘64; Rick Eckstein ‘64; Dave Neal ‘65; Bill Bina ‘66; Rick Brown ‘66; Charles Armentrout ‘67; Doug Ogden ‘67; Dave Spisso ‘67; Steve Woodall ‘67; Tom Cavanaugh ‘69; David Jennings ‘69; Rick Jacobs ‘72; Mike Lundblad ‘72; Max Mills ‘72; Jim Graham ‘74; Dave Igyarto ‘74; Pete Hyers ‘77; Barry Wilbur ‘77; Jim Gay ‘79; Roger Mau ‘79: Craig Wallington ‘80; John Scanlan ‘83; George Davis ‘88; Kelly Federal ‘93; and Tim Johnson ‘02. Numerous guests, spouses, and Honorary Members also attended, including RADM Sam Yow, USN (Ret.), and Capt. Jim Thornforde, Capt, USN, (Ret.). Doug Ogden ‘67

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

118 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Vice Pres: Ryan Eilerman Treas: Cassidy Masey ’06 e: cassidy.a.massey@gmail.com Sec’y: Dustin Cunningham

Tennessee Chattanooga Chapter

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

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

The Knoxville-Oak Ridge chapter held its annual Welcome Aboard Picnic for the USNA Class of 2025 on Saturday, June 5, 2021. The Class of 2025 plebes-to-be present included Tripp Crockett from Science Hill High School and Spencer Tipton who attended NAPS this past year. Mark Kohring ‘73 filled in for the Class of ’75 and made the Another Link in the Chain (ALITC) presentation. Other East Tennessee appointees

Knoxville-Oak Ridge Chapter: Back Row: Brian Horais ’71; Tripp Crockett ’25; Mark Kohring ’73, Shawn Tallant ’78; Spencer Tipton ’25; Otto Stutz ’81; Mike Gouge ’73; kneeling: Lynn Casity ’85; Bob Milhiser ’64; Ed Whiting ’57; Rich Cataldi ’69

include Will Dallas who is an Oak Ridge HS grad currently attending the University of Tennessee, Sarah Moore from Notre Dame HS in Chattanooga, James Justice from Gatlinburg-Pittman HS, and Jackson Davis from Walker Valley HS in Cleveland. Rich Cataldi ‘69, the Central Region trustee for the USNA Board of Trustees, presented the 2021 Rear Admiral Samuel P. Carter award to Ensign Joshua Gable, USN, USNA Class of 2021, via speaker phone. The award recognizes Josh as the highest ranking graduate of the USNA Class of 2021 from east Tennessee. Josh received a check for $400. He is TAD this summer at USNA and will be reporting for flight school in Pensacola on August 6. Josh encouraged the soon-to-be-members of the Class of 2025 to do their best at USNA and one of them may be receiving this award in four years. In her absence, our chapter president, Kristen Daniels ’02, sent in a video welcome and encouragement to the Class of 2025. She indicated that the opportunity to attend USNA was so special to her, she would do it again! She encouraged the Class of 2025 to really get to know their classmates who would become lifelong friends. Kristen plans to keep in touch via e-mail with the Class of 2025 midshipmen from east Tennessee. Rich Cataldi also presented the chapter with the 2020 USNA

Alumni Association Distinguished Chapter Award. He related that the selection committee was extremely impressed with our “signature event” which is the annual hosting of the Naval Academy Lightweight Crew team for over twenty years. We look forward with great anticipation to the rowers returning to Oak Ridge for their 2022 Spring Regatta training week next March.

We recently learned that one of our members, Bob Hawthorne Jr ’67, is the third of a line of four USNA graduates who all achieved the rank of O-6. Bob’s grandfather William was the only Marine of the family from the Class of 1916 ; his father Robert was Class of 1943, and his son Rob, recently retired, is Class of 1995. Bob’s grandson Grant Hawthorne has received an appointment to USAFA with the Class of 2025. What a tremendous legacy! Congratulations to you, Bob, and your family on five generations of service and dedication to our nation.

CHAPTER NEWS Memphis Chapter Pres: Henry W. Papa Jr. ’86 p: 907-244-7492; e: hankpapa@aol.com BGO Area Coordinator: Drew Wyrick e: wyrick03@gmail.com

Nashville Chapter Pres: CDR John F. Ohlinger ’69, USN (Ret.) 880 Lakemont Dr., Nashville, TN 37220-2124 h: 615-370-1441; w: 615-594-7628 e: john.ohlinger@usna.1969.com BGO Area Coordinator: Thomas Forsythe ’79 e: tom_forsythe@kyzen.com

Texas

Alamo Chapter Pres: CAPT Ron A. Sandoval ’81, USN 18010 Keystone Blf., San Antonio, TX 78258-3436 Please send Shipmate Submissions and all correspondences to: Sec’y: Dave Driskell ’63 P.O. Box 461564, San Antonio, TX 78246-1564 e: info@alamogoats.org Website: http://www.alamo.usnachapters.com Facebook: Alamo Chapter NAAA

North Texas Chapter

(Rep Henry Cuellar). They are both unmasked in the picture so that readers can see the ‘real’ Mid’n Chavez. Also, there is a picture of BGO Chris Swindull ’94 presenting an appointment to Mid’n Joshua Kang ’25 of Westwood High School in Round Rock, TX. You will be reading this in September. We play AFA on 9/11 and will definitely have a viewing party. The Chapter’s board is definitely in favor of returning to our monthly meetings as soon as possible.

North Texas Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: Dave Driskell ’63 p: 210-275-4011; e: daved@frand.com

Alamo Chapter held our second in-person meeting June 26 at our favorite ‘hang out’, Flying Saucer. Over 20 souls showed up including spouses and widows. The theme was purely social in nature. Treasurer Tom Colbourn did his usual great job in setting up the details for a smooth event. President Ron Sandoval brought our Distinguished Chapter award for all to see. (picture included). We were also pleased to see Melinda Farrell, widow of RADM Gene Farrell ’42. BGOs continue to present appointments to NAPS and class of 2025. In the previous submission, I made much of the appointment of Noah Chavez. In the picture submitted we were both masked up in accordance with local requirements. I am including another picture of Mid’n Chavez with his ‘real’ BGO Roman Sanchez who participated in Noah’s appointment ceremony by his congressman

Pres: Clif Colbert ‘09 e: pres@usnaaa-ntx.com Sec’y: Frankie Delgado ’95 e: secy@usnaaa-ntx.com Website: www.usnaaa-ntx.com

L to R: chapter Treasurer Tom Colbourn(’68), chapter Sec’y Dave Driskell (’63) (holding Distinguished Chapter award), chapter VP Eric Challian (’69) and chapter President Ron Sandoval (’81) Mid’n Noah Chavez (’25) with BGO Roman Sanchez.

Respectfully Submitted Dave Driskell ’63, Secretary, Alamo Chapter NAAA

Austin Chapter Pres: Brad Holbrook ’06 p: 410-718-8839; e: bradley.holbrook@gmail.com Treas: Kevin Windbigler ’86 p: 512-923-5010; e: hans2886@austin.rr.com

Mid’n Joshua Kang (25) with BGO Chris Swindull

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

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

BGO Area Coordinator: Tom Eschenbrenner p: 972 740 4060 e: eschenbrenner@gmail.com

Greetings from North Texas! As we ease into the Fall, we take a moment to recognize the members of 2025 who have now completed Plebe Summer. Prior to their leaving the area for I-day, the North Texas Alumni in conjunction with the North Texas Parents Club, hosted a “Welcome” ceremony on June 12th at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Addison. The incoming Plebes received orientation briefings from alumni, current Midshipmen as well as the parents of current Mids. It was a tremendous showing and we are excited to welcome the Class of 2025 and their families to the Naval Academy family. Keep an eye on the North Texas Alumni page to get updates on upcoming events in the DFW area! We hope to see you there! Beat Army! Semper Fidelis-LIVE IT! Colonel Frankie P. Delgado, USMCR SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 119

CHAPTER NEWS

Intermountain Alumni Chapter: First Thursday Breakfast Group – May 6, 2021 Texas Gulf Coast Chapter: Bill Prom ’09 talking about some impressive shipbuilding feats

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 Coodinator: Rick Mawdsley e: ramawdsley@gmail.com

Since many of us travel through the summer months, we usually don’t have any formal events June-August. But after this last year, we’ve been aching for the company, so we added another June luncheon to our schedule. We’re glad that we did. It was nice to see several new faces join some of our usual crowd. Our very own, Bill Prom ’09 gave a presentation on expeditious shipbuilding during the War of 1812 and what lessons it has for today’s naval service. It led to some engaging conversation. Many of the chapter also joined the local Parents Club for a welcome aboard event for the incoming Class of 2025 Midshipmen and Class of 2026 NAPS and Foundation candidates. Mike Yeager ’76 spoke to the incoming Mids about what to expect and Jim Fay ‘75 and Marty Blacklock explained the Link in the Chain program. Seeing how young these incoming Plebes are made us feel old, but we’re thrilled that so many want to be a part of the Naval Academy and serve their nation.

120 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

By the time this prints, we should be into the fall sports season. The Navy-Houston game will be here in just a couple of weeks. If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, contact us to see if we have any more available. There should be lots of information out about the tailgate and any other events. If you need help finding it, be sure to check out our website (http://txgulfcoast.usna chapters.net/) and Facebook page. Go Navy! Beat Houston!

United Kingdom 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 Chris Robinson ’98 email: naples98@gmail.com

Utah

Intermountain Alumni Chapter Pres. Robert Allen ’67 e: ba@robertallen.org Vice Pres. Ryam Merrell ’00 e: ryanmerrell@yahoo.com Sec'y Tabeetha Moesinger ’91 e: tabeetha@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: Darrin Briggs ’03 e: Darrin.Briggs@gmail.com

“NETWORK BREAKFAST AT THE ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE, FORT UNION, UTAH” MAY 6, 2021

It was all USNA at the ‘First Thursday‘ breakfast in May. This was our first time at this new venue, a location more in the center of the Salt Lake Valley, and with an easy off-on exitentry to the Interstate I-215. We expect USAMA and USAFA to join with us next month. Attending: USNA – Bob Allen ‘67, Nick Candela ‘90, Damon Fetters ‘91, Tony Cox ‘92, Todd Vandegrift ‘93, Ryan Merrell ‘00, Darrin Briggs ‘03, Mark Petersen ‘15P-BGO, and Mark Vincent ‘25P-BGO “NETWORK BREAKFAST AT THE ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE, FORT UNION, UTAH” JUNE 3, 2021 All academies ‘ friends gathered for the ‘First Thursday ‘ breakfast. Attending: USNA –Nyles Christensen ‘75, Damon Fetters ‘91, John Pereira ‘91, Todd Vandegrift ‘93, Darrin Briggs ‘03, Mark Petersen ‘15P/BGO, Jaimeson Meyer ‘21, Moses Tauteoli ‘23, Mark Vincent ‘21P/BGO, Christopher Vincent ‘21, Jack Lange ‘25, Jill Lange ‘25P, Josh Milford ‘25, Gavin Nielsen ‘25, Rhys Winter ‘25 and Christian Swenson USMA – Kevin Riedler ‘81 and Ted McAleer ‘87 USAFA – Jerry Parish ‘85 ALL HANDS INVITED FIRST THURSDAY EVERY MONTH EXCEPT JANUARY There have been some new faces and some familiar ones since resuming activities after the brunt of the pandemic.

Damon Fetters ‘91

Tony Cox ‘92

Nick Candela ‘90

Ryan Merrell ‘00

Todd Vandegrift ‘93

Darrin Briggs ‘03

Mark Petersen ‘15 Parent/BGO

Mark Vincent ‘21 Parent/BGO

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

CHAPTER NEWS

Central Virginia Chapter: 2025 Appointee, Stephen Smith ‘25 - flanked by alumni and fellow midshipman Saige Haney ‘22 Hampton Roads Chapter: “Meet and Greet” with YP Summer Training Block 1 Midshipmen

Cebtrak Vurgini Chapter: Central VA Alumni and Support Team

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

On Saturday, June 12th, the Central Virginia Chapter had the opportunity to celebrate our appointee to the Class of 2025, Stephen Smith ‘25 of Albemarle High School, Charlottesville, Virginia. Stephen and his parents, Nathan and Melody Smith were our guests at Burton’s Grill in The Shops at Stonefield in Charlottesville. We also took pleasure in recognizing the attendance of Saige Haney ’22, our 2018 appointee, and Karen Farabaugh, parent of Megan Toth ‘19. Other guests included Chris and Ames Winter, parents of our appointee from last year, Tyce Winter ’24. Blue and Gold Officers were represented by Don and Cheryl

Aldridge (parents of Brent Aldridge ‘15 and Emily Aldridge ’15), Amee and Mat Cantagallo, and Michael Cathey ’67. And last but not least, our Central Virginia Alumni Chapter was represented with the following list of faithful and their guests: Jack Renard ’55, Doug Zanzot ’63, Alex and Deanie Rucker (Virginia Tech grad ’65), Alan Swinger ’66, Patricia and Michael Cathey ’67, George Jurand ’69 and Mary Sullivan, Pat Riley ’72 and Nancy Cook, Steve Hill ’74, Tammy and Gary Jones ’75, Mary and Jeff Bust ’75, Mark Metcalf ’76, Sheila and Ed Borger ’80, CB Morgan ’83, Bill Murray ’83, Emily Harman ’85 and Will Murray ND ’15. Wow, what a difference a year makes, right? Last year’s event confined us to Zoom so we took pleasure in finally meeting face to face our last year’s appointee’s parents, Chris and Ames Winter along with this year’s Stephen Smith and parents Nathan and Melody Smith. Overall attendance was one for the record books, a post-pandemic 35 strong all packed into Burton’s dining room enjoying each other’s company after enduring 15 months of Zoom meetings and phone calls.

During the luncheon, Gary Jones ’75 gave a rousing speech that initiated the bond between his great class of 1975 and Stephen Smith ’25, class of 2025, signifying the 50-year commitment of Another Link in the Chain. ALITC creates relationships between current midshipmen and members of the 50-year class counterpart throughout the four years in the Yard and beyond. Gary reminded us that midshipmen like Stephen will be buoyed and encouraged by the physical presence and moral support of the senior alumni and members of the 50-year class counterpart in their development as officers. Congratulations, Stephen, well done, Gary, and thank you to all for being able to join in the celebration!”

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

Once Virginia’s COVID restrictions were relaxed our Chapter went from dead slow to full speed ahead! Events Chair Al Ponessa ’68 and his team swiftly transitioned from event cancellation mode to scheduling multiple events; and we fully expect the momentum to continue to the end of the year!

Our Memorial Day Run to Honor run/walk and our annual Plebe Recognition Dinner, are highlighted in Event Profiles elsewhere in this issue, but the list of other completed and upcoming events is lengthy and challenging – which is just the way we like it! On 26 June Dave Duffie` ’75, assisted by Vince Bowhers ’85, Dick Enderly ’71, Ken Marks ’71, and Al Ponessa orchestrated our annual Summer Barbeque Bash/ Picnic at Norfolk’s Captain Slade Cutter Park. Mother Nature did not fully cooperate, but despite some rainy and muggy weather, over 70 alumni and guests enjoyed a Mission BBQ-catered event as well as horseshoes, volleyball, corn hole, and a challenging trivia contest. The next day Ted Digges ’85 led a half dozen bikers on a Pedego Electric Bike tour of downtown Norfolk. On 30 June over 50 alumni took a midday break to enjoy a luncheon in the historic Norfolk Room at the Sewells Point Golf Course. After Chapter President Renee Reedy ‘81 presented a brief “State of the Chapter” report, the attendees were honored to welcome ADM Mark Ferguson ’78, USN (Ret.). His insightful remarks on his first month in service as Chairman, USNAAA Board of Trustees gave us an inside look at what is happening at USNA and within USNAAA in the near term; and more importantly, what he believes the future holds for the Naval Academy and its alumni. Our real excitement was several unique opportunities to directly interact with Midshipmen! What a pleasure it was to meet and talk to

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 121

CHAPTER NEWS these outstanding young men and women! Four Summer Training Block 1 YPs with about 120 embarked Mids and staff moored at Little Creek from 20-23 June, and on the 22nd, twenty alumni hosted about 45 of them at a “meet and greet” at the Azalea Inn in Norfolk. Blocks 2 and 3 were expected to be in town from 18-21 July and 14-16 August, respectively. On 30 June, at the “Big Wisky” Porch adjacent to the Nauticus Museum and USS WISCONSIN, about 25 Chapter alumni hosted the first of two groups

of Mids here for Summer IW Training; and another group followed in July. Suffice it to say once again the Mids proved they can easily consume mass quantities of chow – especially pizza and tacos! Future IW Officers Enjoy a Dave Duffie`’75 Sea Story

Alumni and Mids Share Food and Experiences

We took a break from our Networking Breakfasts in July and August but will pick them back up again on 15 September. Also scheduled for mid-September is our Fall Golf event,

which this year will be conducted in partnership with the Armed Forces YMCA. How great it is to be just about back to “normal!” Please check our website, LinkedIn, and our Facebook page for information on uture Chapter initiatives and events as well as USNA news and updates. Dick Enderly ‘71

HAMPTON ROADS CHAPTER

Hampton Roads Recognizes Incoming Plebes By Dick Enderly ‘71 A vital mission for any Alumni Association Chapter is “to seek out, inform, encourage, and assist outstanding, qualified young men and women to pursue careers as officers in the Navy and Marine Corps through the Naval Academy.” For 28 consecutive years, the Hampton Roads Chapter has earned a well-deserved reputation for doing just that through one of our signature events - our Plebe Recognition Dinner (PRD). On 3 June 2021, thirteen local students about to embark on their four-year adventure on the Severn River, or attend NAPS or a Foundation School, were feted by nearly 100 alumni, family members, and guests at a sit-down dinner at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel. State COVID restrictions regarding social distancing and event participants impacted initial planning, and the early odds of the PRD even happening “in person” were less than favorable. However, when the rules relaxed in mid-May, Chapter Events Chair Al Ponessa ’68, assisted by Chapter President Renee Reedy ’81, Chapter Vice Presidents Ted Digges ’85 and Dick Enderly ’71, Ken Marks ’71, and Area BGO Coordinator Dave Lannetti ’81, applied a hurried but steady strain to pull together another first-class event. Master of Ceremonies Brad McDonald ’77 skillfully sequenced through a program that included the Prayer of a Midshipman delivered by MIDN Sam Beach ’24; a message from the Chapter President; welcoming words for parents from Parents Club President Amy Zablan, USNAAA’s Director for Parent Programs, Lori Coogan, and USAA representative Paul McElroy ‘85; a presentation by RADM (Ret.) Gary Jones ’75 who introduced his class as the Class of 2025’s Another Link in the Chain partner; and Ken Marks ’71 “circulating the room” with a microphone to give each new Plebe an opportunity to introduce themselves and take their first crack at public speaking. PROTRAMID participants LT Paul Kostka, CHC, USN, MIDN Cole Martin ’24, MIDN Caroline O’Neill ’24, and MIDN Sam Beach ’24 also joined us to offer advice and encouragement to the aspiring Mids. The evening’s highlight was an outstanding presentation by Guest Speaker CAPT Mary Katey Hays ’99, CO, Afloat Training

MIDN Cole Martin ’24 Provides Good Gouge and Advice

CAPT Mary Katey Hays ’99 Cuts Ceremonial Cake with New Plebes Group, Atlantic. In short – she nailed it! Her message was inspirational, insightful, and entirely relatable for the incoming Plebes and NAPsters. In fact, more than one alum was heard to say, “After that speech I am ready to sign up all over again!” Without question, mission success was achieved, and we are already looking forward to a repeat performance in 2022! Proud Dad and Daughter at Hampton Roads PRD

122 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

CHAPTER NEWS

Quantico Area Chapter: Run To Honor Remembrance Run Zoom Call featuring 1stLt Nairn’s family and classmates

Quantico Area Chapter: First QAC Speaker Series gathering of the 2021-2022 Chapter year

Quantico Area Chapter Pres: John Keenan '81 theskinans@gmail.com Vice-President: Dan Morio '91 dan@gonavytravel.com Treas: Ron Diefenbach '00 QACUSNAAAtreasurer@yahoo.com Sec'y: Nancy Springer '87 nancy.a.springer.nancy@aol.com BGO Area Coordinator: Jim Ripley '74 james.m.ripley@gmail.com Website: http://quantico.usnachapters.net

Quantico Area Chapter (QAC) conducted virtual elections in May. In accordance with the QAC

bylaws, Vice President John Keenan ’81 succeeded to the Presidency when the new Chapter year began on 1 June. Other officers and Decade Representatives (Board Members) are as follows: Vice-President: Dan Morio ‘91 Treasurer: Ron Diefenbach ‘00 Secretary: Nancy Springer ‘87 60s & Before Representative: Walt Giraldi ‘69 70s Representative: Steve Ritacco ‘73 80s Representative: Don Schmieley ‘84

90s Representative: Greg Lane ‘94 00s Representative: Kevin Barnard ‘01 10s Representative: Bob Taylor ’74 (Advisor-At-Large) On 31 May, Chapter members and friends gathered virtually for QAC’s 4th Annual Run To Honor (RTH) Remembrance Run that paid tribute to all our fallen alumni and highlighted this year’s honoree, 1stLt David Nairn ’81, USMC, who made the ultimate sacrifice on 23 October 1983 in Beirut. To personalize the observance, the QAC RTH team arranged two Zoom calls during which David’s family and classmates memorialized him. A highlight this year were comments made by guest speaker, LtGen William “Smoke” Beydler ’81, USMC (Ret). Race organizers sold T-shirts emblazoned with David’s name and the day he fell for runners/walkers to wear during their individual journeys. Those proceeds, combined with very generous donations, will provide ample funding for scholarships to USNA Summer Programs for deserving high school students, exemplifying the event slogan, “Never Forget! Preserve Their Legacy by Investing in the Future!” QAC publicly recognizes event coordinator Mike Russ ’97, planning team members Lynn Malinowski ’95, Clayton Hill ’76, and Steve Ritacco ’73, along with 2020-2021 QAC President, Phil Salinas ’82, who made this year’s event a reality! On 4 June, 13 QAC members kicked off the new Chapter year with our monthly speaker series event featuring guest RADM Mike Giorgione ’81, CEC, USN (Ret) and former Commanding Officer, Camp David and author of the book, Inside Camp David: The Private World of the Presidential Retreat. RADM Giorgione shared the history of Camp David itself, summarized the historical (and ordinary) events Presidents hosted at this retreat, and offered personal observations from his time as the Commanding Officer, 1999-2001. His talk was very interesting and provided a

unique perspective into a world very few see. All area alumni and visiting alumni are welcome to join our events. Next on the schedule is the 6 August breakfast speaker series installment during which we will host Mr. Martin Culbreath ’90, former Special Agent in Charge of the Norfolk FBI Field Office. Please consult our calendar for all the details: quantico.usnachapters. net/calendar Additional information is on the Chapter Facebook page. Go Navy!

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

2021 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 4 SEPTvs Marshall 11 SEPT vs Air Force –TV/CBS 25 SEPT@ Houston (Houston, TX) 2 OCT vs UCF 9 OCT vs SMU 14 OCT @ Memphis (Memphis, TN) 23 OCT vs Cincinnati 29 OCT vs Tulsa (Tulsa, OK) 6 NOV @ Notre Dame–TV/NBC (South Bend, IN) 20 NOVvs East Carolina 27 NOV @ Temple (Philadelphia, PA) 4 DEC AAC Championship TBD 11 DEC @ Army –TV/CBS (East Rutherford, NJ)

1-800-US4-NAVY

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 123

CHAPTER NEWS Virginia Peninsula Chapter (formerly the Williamsburg Chapter) Pres: Ben Francisco ’73 p: 757-784-0786 e: roger.benton.francisco@gmail.com

We welcomed Micah Williams 2026. He is headed to NAPS soon and we all enjoyed talking with him and meeting his parents

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

Virginia Peninsula Chapter: Picnic

On June 5th we held our first in-person event in well over a year for a picnic at Spence Witten’s family estate, “The Beeches,” in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Micah Williams ’26, chapter president Ben Francisco ‘75 and host Spence Witten ’78

Check our website for pictures of our picnic: https://VAPeninsula. usnachapters.net .

HAMPTON ROADS CHAPTER

Hampton Roads Chapter Honors Fallen Shipmates By Dick Enderly ‘71 Many of our lives have been impacted by the loss of a relative, friend, or classmate who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our country’s freedoms. Whenever possible, we of course strive to remember them in our own way, but one organization provides a lasting and deeply meaningful vehicle to honor Naval Academy alumni lost in combat or military operations in service to our Nation – Run to Honor. In a spirit of camaraderie and through participation in athletic and memorial events, Run to Honor perpetuates the memory of our fallen brothers and sisters and expresses support for the families they leave behind. On Memorial Day 2021, over 50 Hampton Roads Chapter members, led by Chapter member and Run to Honor President Dave Paddock ’77, gathered at the Virginia Beach oceanfront on an overcast but comfortable morning at “zero dark thirty” to reflect and remember. With the early morning sun breaking through the clouds, the group gathered near the surf’s edge. Mark Ruppecht ’76 served as the standard bearer for the First Navy Jack, and Scott Hardy ’77, who drove all the way from Elizabethton, TN, displayed a “Don’t Give Up the Ship” banner.

Dave began the moving program with these heartfelt words, “It is hard to conceptualize that feeling of loss until it happens to you. You feel it in an enduring way even if you did not know the person that well, because you know it could have been you. We all have a responsibility to keep their memories alive, and... to stay connected to their families.” When asked to take a place of prominence in front of the group, several individuals took the opportunity to honor and remember those they knew or had lost, while others listened silently and reflected on the importance and meaning of the memories being shared. And as we prepared to break for the exercise portion of the morning – running or walking the boardwalk, The Prayer of a Midshipman was recited by all. The event was multi-generational with Bob Hopkins ’65 identified as SOPA, while Michael Zanti ’22 and Mary O’Flaherty ’22 were the junior participants. And it was also “joint!” Jeff Geraci ’83 and George Nyfele ’84 represented Army West Point and Tom Reel ’70 joined from the Air Force Academy - proving again that we all share a common bond and honoring the fallen is absolutely not bound by service affiliation.

Run to Honor President Dave Paddock ’77 Leads the Way

Sun Breaks Through as Run to Honor Participants Gather on Memorial Day

124 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

CHAPTER NEWS The Virginia Peninsula Chapter is sponsoring two highly qualified high school students to participate in Academy Summer Programs. Chapter member Bob Lynch solicited applicants via his network of high school guidance counselors and our Chapter Board approved the funds. 1. Derek Boyle, a ninth grade student, was selected to take part in this year’s (virtual) STEM Program. He is currently a student council representative for his class. He earns excellent grades in all classes with a real interest in science and math. Derek also plays Baseball for his high school and a local travel team. 2. Conner Pate is currently finishing his junior year in high school. His application to Summer Seminar serves as a preliminary application to the Naval Academy and the Class of 2026. Conner has consistently earned excellent grades throughout high school, participated in Boy Scouts, and is a two sport athlete playing football and running track. Conner is interested in majoring in Mathematics. Supporting local students who have a high potential to become Midshipmen is a primary purpose of our annual dues and fund raising. Chapter dues are $20 a year and contributions go directly toward supporting the candidates for the Academy summer programs. All chapter social functions are pay-asyou-go and new members buy their own nametags for $12 each. Send dues, contributions and name tag fees to our new Treasurer Gary Carlile. USNAAA VA Peninsula c/o Gary Carlile 3724 Mesa River Williamsburg, VA 23188 Feel free to contact chapter president Ben Francisco for more information757-784-0786 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.usna chapters.net

Washington BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Michelle Vrbas e: mjvrbas@gmail.com

Hanford/Tri-Cities Chapter Pres: CAPT Edward Schwier ’69, USN (Ret.) 1196 Brentwood Ave., Richland, WA 99352-8540 h: 509-627-7288; w: 509-372-0176 e: Edward_G_Ed_Schwier@rl.gov; eschwier@charter.net; egschwier@aol.com Website: http://hanford.usnachapters.com

Puget Sound Chapter Pres: Linda Postenrieder ’82 e: usnaaa.psc@gmail.com

BGEN Ty Seidule Dan Washington

In July, CAPT Carlton “Angus” McDonald ‘47 USN (Ret.) gave us a comprehensive overview of today’s WA State/USA power status and provided interesting insight into his recommendations on curbing climate change and the types of power we need for the future. Angus commanded nuclear submarines. He was the Gold crew CO of the USS ULYSSES GRANT SSBN 631. He was in charge of all sea trials for both crews before launching her in 1963. After leaving the Navy in 1970, Angus had a distinguished civilian career at Exxon Nuclear Company in Bellevue, WA and with the Washington Public Power Supply System.

Our September Speaker Series will feature BGEN Ty Seidule USA Ret at 1800 Pacific time on Thursday Sept 16, 2021. Ty is the former head of the History Department at West Point and author of “Robert E. Lee and Me: A Southerner’s Reckoning with the Myth of the Lost Cause”. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin appointed Ty to the National Commission on Base Renaming. If you’d like to join us, follow the Registration link at event at https://pugetsound.usnachapters. net/calendar/

Washington, DC Area Greater Washington Chapter:

Corr Sec’y: Chris Bajuk ’04 e: chrisbajuk@gmail.com

Pres: Luis Martinez ’01 e: president@usnagwc.org

Website: http://pugetsound.usnachapters.net

Vice Pres: Anthony Calandra '88 e: vicepresident@usnagwc.org

Our June Speaker was Tony Vespa ‘03. Our PSC board member Dan Washington ‘03 joined from Hawaii where he is on reserve duty to introduce our speaker and moderate the session. Tony gave an impressive overview of his time as a Seal in the Navy and his entrepreneurial journey building a consulting firm that is considered a top “go-to” recourse for our military and Defense Dept contractors.

Sec’y: Crysta Gonzalez '18 e: secretary@usnagwc.org Treas: Jennifer Shaar '92 e: treasurer@usnagwc.org Outreach & Engagement: Heidi Lenzini '95 e: outreach@usnagwc.org Diversity & Inclusion: Alberto Ramos '10 e: diversity@usnagwc.org Trustee: Fred Latrash '87 e: trustee@usnagwc.org Website: www.usnagwc.org BGO Area Coordinator: Pat Seals e: pseals@ymail.com CAPT Angus McDonald

Our Annual Picnic will have been celebrated in Kitsap County on August 14th, 2021. We’re so very glad that we were able to secure MWR’s Camp McKean for this in-person event. Pics in the next Shipmate.

Shipmates, I hope you have had an enjoyable summer and you were able to take a much-needed break from your homes to visit family and friends or take a vacation! Summers are a great time for us to recharge, plan, and set the course for the next year.

Tony Vespa

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 125

CHAPTER NEWS Until then, we will keep you posted on any educational events they may hold. To work with Fedsoft, our career placement partner, contact Erika Schreiner at her email erika.schreiner@fedsoft.us

Greater Washington Chapter: June social run

We appreciated hearing from you during our virtual annual chapter meeting June 30; almost 10% of the membership registered. It was a great opportunity to update everyone on the accomplishments of the past year and receive your feedback that will shape the chapter’s future. If you missed the meeting, it was recorded and is posted in the members-only area of our website. We would like to thank VADM Steve Stanley ’75 and LT Alexis Opferman ’17 who spoke on behalf of the chapter at the USNA Parents Club of Northern VA welcome picnic for the class of 2025 on June 19. The collaboration between our two organizations has grown over the last year due to the increased engagement of our members. POLICY SERIES CAPT Jill Rough ’96, USNR, PhD hosted the next installment of the policy series on June 22nd. Frank Goertner ’97 was our guest speaker. The discussion centered on “The Economics of the All-Volunteer Force” and was very informative and

126 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

engaging. You can find the video presentation in the members-only section of our website. We are thankful to Frank for his interest on participating in our events. If you have a topic that you would like discussed, or would like to recommend a guest speaker, please reach out to us at contactus@ usnagwc.org with your ideas. Additionally, if you would like to host a discussion, please let us know! The policy series will return in the Fall, along with our Distinguished Speaker Series and the luncheons. We look forward to the possibility of broadcasting these in-person sessions over social media. CAREER TRANSITION The Red Beach Radio podcast is live. Be sure to subscribe by navigating to Apple. Many thanks to Sean Papso ’08 for recording the sessions. New episodes are coming soon. Corporate Gray is hosting their next local career fair Sept. 23, and virtual national career fair on Sep. 24. Check out their website for details.

SOCIAL EVENTS Cyclists! Order your USNA AA GWC bike jersey for our next bike or for your own personal rides. Kate Murray ’00 did a great job with the design; note that the purchase and transaction is through a third-party vendor. We will not be able to provide customer service but please let us know if you experience any issues with your order.

mid-September. One of our alumni is co-owner of a distillery in northeast DC. The event will possibly center around whiskey tasting but we will provide more details as we get closer. This event will mark the beginning of a concerted effort to support alumni businesses. Finally, we are posting videos to the USNA GWC YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe to the channel and participate. Go Navy! Beat Army! Semper Fidelis, Luis Martinez, USNA ’01, President, USNA GWC

Wisconsin BGO Area Coordinator: James Coulson e: navyair@sbcglobal.net

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

Runners! Our social run on June 12 had a great turnout. We had class representation across 5 decades (1970s to 2010s). Thank you all who participated and we’re grateful to Ingrid Peterson ’01 for setting up this event for us. Let’s get a Drink! We are planning our first in-person social event for

SHARED INTEREST GROUPS Run to Honor Pres: David G. Paddock ’77 p: 757-373-0977 e:president@runtohonor.com Website: www.runtohonor.com

NAMA: Janie Mines ’80, Honorable Charles Bolden ‘68, ADM Mike Mullen ‘68 and CAPT Gil Lucas

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 Shipmate Contact: LCDR Jessica Anderson ’08, USN e: communications@usnama.com Website: www.usnama.com

EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS: Save-the-Date for the 2022 Alumni Leadership Forum on Diversity and Inclusion April 28 - May 1, 2022! The overall focus for the Alumni Leadership Forum is “Leading in a Diverse and Inclusive Organization”. Ticket sales and donation links are on www.usnama.com! Also, look for invites to Conversations with Classmates and a general body meeting. PAST EVENTS: On June 9, we had the opportunity to hear from distinguished Class of 1968 alumni during NAMA’s inaugural ‘Conversations with Classmates’ event. The Honorable Charles Bolden, Admiral Mike Mullen,

Rear Adm. Bill Cobb and CAPT Gil Lucas spoke on their personal journeys, their perspectives on parallels between the turbulent times surrounding their time as Midshipmen and tensions today, bias, and so much more. Also, thank you to Janie Mines ’80, for being such an engaging moderator. It was truly an insightful evening for all who participated. NAMA partnered with the Naval Academy Foundation to establish the Naval Academy Minority Affairs Fund (NAMAF). Donations support outreach efforts like: Gospel Choir travel, on campus visits for candidates and Centers of Influence, scholarship funding for STEM and NASS, and social media and marketing campaign efforts. Follow these steps to contribute today: 1. Visit usna.com/give or follow direction on the NAMA website 2. Select the dollar amount you would like to contribute. 3. In the “I would like my money to go to” box, select “Other”. 4. Type in Naval Academy Minority Affairs Fund. 5. Enter your donor information and click “Next” Direction are also on our website https://www.usnama. com/donation-selection/

Run to Honor has been active around the world! The EMF in Djibouti did a memorial run for Seth Michaud. Memorial Day runs took place in Virginia Beach, Philadelphia, and Annapolis. And Run To Honor will have a presence at the Marine Corps Marathon and 10k; the races are on Sunday October 31. Registration is now open for the 50k, marathon and 10k. 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. Subscribe to our

newsletter to find out what races are next! If you’d like to join our team, we need a communications director. Contact Shannon at secretary@ runtohonor.com. To join our email list, sign up at www.runtohonor.com/mailing-list/, and follow us at www.facebook.com/runtohonor. If you have not already done so (No excuse!), visit the www.usna memorialhall.org, a Run To Honor project. To Honor!

USNA Women Pres: RDML Alma Grocki ’81, USN (Ret) p: 808-343-1523; e: alma.grocki@gmail.com Vice Pres: Col Maria Pallotta ‘94, USMC p: 410-440-7552; e: pallotta@usna.edu Sec’y: Dr. Rhonda Scott ‘97 p: 240-462-0707; e: rhondabscott@gmail.com Website: https://women.usnagroups.net

Run To Honor: Philadephia-area Webb family Memorial Day run in honor LCDR Erik Kristensen

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 127

LAST CALL Laurence Thomas Murphy ’42 1 June 2021 Joseph Philip Rogers Jr. ’48 CDR, USN (Ret.) 12 July 2021 James Roger Foster ’49 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 22 June 2021 John Randolph Miller ’49 28 December 2020 Carl Harald Sebenius Jr. ’49 CDR, USN (Ret.) 13 July 2021 John Thomas Traynor ’49 11 July 2021 Leighton Robert Palmerton ’50 Maj Gen, USAF (Ret.) 28 June 2021

“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

David Alan Shelso ’56 CDR, USN (Ret.) 24 June 2021 Warner Paul Basse ’57 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 18 July 2021 Cleve Edgar Loman Jr. ’57 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 17 July 2021 Dick Sargent ’57 Col, USMCR (Ret.) 15 July 2021 John Frank Gamboa ’58 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 8 July 2021 William Edwin Davis Geoghegan Jr. ’58 14 June 2021

128 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Jack George Dranttel ’63 Col, USAF (Ret.) 19 July 2021

Timothy Earl Poole ’71 LCDR, USN 6 May 2021

James Edward Leeper Jr. ’63 6 CAPT, SC, USN (Ret.) 30 June 2021

Bruce Hood Brunson ’74 3 July 2021

John Sherrick McCabe ’63 CDR, USNR (Ret.) 16 June 2021

Jeffrey Gordon Schuller ’74 CDR, USN (Ret.) 25 June 2021

Donald Christopher Forbes ’81 6 CDR, USN (Ret.) 7 July 2021

John Harold Knief ’59 6 5 May 2021

Nicholas Albert Paldino ’65 Col, USAF (Ret.) 10 July 2021

Mark Eliot Middleton ’81 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 13 October 2019

Lawrence Eugene Dunne ’60 14 June 2021

William Robert Geib ’66 23 July 2021

Theodore Charles Wirginis ’81 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 26 June 2021

Harry Joseph Brock Jr. ’59 15 July 2021

Richard William Shafer ’56 6 CDR, USN (Ret.) 1 June 2021

Steven Mark Grames ’71 12 July 2021

Ole Leigh Olsen ’64 CAPT, CEC, USN (Ret.) 8 July 2021

Arnold Joseph Orr ’53 LtCol, USMC (Ret.) 16 May 2021

Andre Lee Jernee ’56 6 22 June 2021

Charles Natale Calvano ’63 30 June 2021

Raymond Elwood Bozman ’77 CAPT, MC, USN 23 June 2021

James Simon Silldorff ’58 1 January 2020

John Theodore Parker Jr. ’55 6 VADM, USN (Ret.) 25 June 2021

John Lindsey Balcom ’71 22 June 2021

William Louis Armstrong ’64 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 18 March 2021

Gunnar Oscar Hansen ’53 10 July 2021

Roger Gareth Betsworth ’55 17 June 2021

Peter Aidan Browne ’63 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 3 June 2021

Thomas Alexander Dowell ’76 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 4 December 2020

James Roger Lyons ’58 CDR, USN (Ret.) 30 June 2021

Michael John Stoffel ’54 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 18 June 2021

John Joseph Kieley III ’67 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 6 July 2021

Albert Oettinger Jr. ’63 24 June 2021

Bernard Grossman ’53 20 May 2021

Rufus Edwards Rose Jr. ’54 6 CDR, USNR (Ret.) 1 July 2021

Henry Morgan Richarde Jr. ’62 27 June 2021

Thomas Arthur Head ’60 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 15 May 2021 Charles Wells Crawford ’61 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 11 July 2021

Gregory Steven Tyson ’82 Col, USMC (Ret.) 15 July 2021 Andrew James Lawrence Lorimer ’19 LTJG, USN 29 June 2021

Peter Joseph Danna Jr. ’61 19 July 2021 Lawrence Edward Ewert ’62 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 16 July 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.

LAST CALL

WALTER DICKINSON HALL ’46 Commander Walter D. Hall, USN (Ret.), passed peacefully at his home in Saratoga, CA, on 15 March 2021, at the age of 97. Walter was born on 20 August 1923 in Cleveland, OH, to Walter and Hester Hall. He attended and graduated high school in Iowa City, IA, prior to going to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1941. He lived in Bancroft Hall when World War II started. Upon graduation in 1945 (with the wartime-accelerated Class of 1946), Walter’s first sea duty assignment was serving aboard BALTIMORE, followed by FALL RIVER and TOLEDO. He also enjoyed tours aboard ships including ALVIN C. COCKRELL; commanding officer of PCES-882; executive officer of HERBERT J. THOMAS; and commanding officer of PICKING. He served in three wars—World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Ashore, he served as an instructor at the Naval Academy, the Naval School Command at Treasure Island, CA, as well as Test Command at Sandia Base, NM. In 1959, Walter received a Master of Science degree in physics from the Naval Postgraduate School, where he majored in nuclear engineering. Other service in his nuclear specialty was with the Field Command Defense Atomic Support Agency. For this service, he was awarded the Joint Commendation Ribbon. He retired in 1967, whereupon he joined Lockheed Missiles and Space Company in Sunnyvale, CA, as a systems engineer on military defense systems for 17 years. He resided in Saratoga, CA, where he raised his family with his late loving wife, Jean Mathias Hall. In retirement after Lockheed, Walter enjoyed traveling with Jean, playing golf, poker, following sports and getting together with family, neighbors and his Navy and Lockheed cohorts. He is survived by his son, William; daughters, Martha, Connie and Theresa; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A memorial service and reception celebrating his life was held in Saratoga, CA, on 22 May 2021. Walter was laid to rest with gravesite rites at Madronia Cemetery in Saratoga. Memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew Episcopal Church Parish Fund, 13601 Saratoga Ave., Saratoga, CA 95070; (https://www. st-andrews-saratoga.org). Please call 408-334-9885 for information. S

JOHN FERRIES M CGREW ’51 Dr. John F. McGrew, 92, died at his home in Riverside, CA, on 25 February 2021. A native of Marshalltown, IA, he received a congressional appointment to USNA from his home state. At Annapolis, was a member of the 12th Company, served on the Public Relations Committee, was features editor of The Log and a member of the Student Council on U.S. Affairs. He won the National Collegiate Radio Script Writing Contest for a production of “Logging Through the Years,” on the Naval Academy station, WRNV. Upon graduation, he was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force as an intelligence officer, assigned to March AFB with the 320th Bomb Wing. He was subsequently transferred to the Philippines, and then to the Far East and United Nations Commands, where he was an administrative assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations under General Mark Clark. He later became a briefing officer for the Far East Air Force commander.

Returning to the States, he was hospitalized and placed on the temporary disability retired list. During his five-year convalescence, he completed his master’s degree at Long Beach State, received a California School Administrator’s credential and commenced a career in teaching and school administration. He received his doctorate from the University of Southern California and became superintendent of the Western Sonoma County High School District. He received the American Educator’s Medal from the Freedoms Foundation in Valley Forge. He ran unsuccessfully for Congress in Orange County and served as an adjunct professor at USC in the Asia educational program. He wrote and appeared in 25 television programs on current issues for Los Angeles County Schools. He published four books, including one novel, and was a Fellow of the National Academy of School Executives. His community service experience included the presidency of the Sebastopol Rotary Club, Analy Community Concert Association, Sonoma County School Administrators Association and the Sonoma County Museum. He later became associated with the Teacher’s Management and Investment Company, holding a Certified Financial Planner’s credential, and headed numerous travel groups with Vacations at Sea and Lithia Travel of Ashland, OR. He started his own company, New Vista Associates, to handle travel and writing assignments. He was a member of the Robert Means Thompson Society of the USNA Foundation. John retired at Air Force Village West and was president of the AFVW Foundation. He is survived by three children, Jean, Jim and Jennifer; and six grandchildren. JFM ’51 S

RUFUS EDWARDS ROSE JR. ’54 Commander Rufus E. Rose Jr., USNR (Ret.), of Pensacola, FL, passed away at home on 1 July 2021 after a short battle with lung cancer. He was 88 years old. Rufus was born on 3 September 1932 in Long Beach, CA, to Vice Admiral Rufus E. Rose Sr. ’24 and Mary Alfred Rose. He lived the life of a Navy junior and was commissioned from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1954. He qualified in submarines and served in the Atlantic fleet and Mediterranean during Cold War operations. In 1987, Rufus earned his doctorate from Florida State University and retired from combined naval and federal service. He was a volunteer with the National Park Service, involved with Earth Watch and other tropical programs, a qualified Spanish interpreter, a life member of the International Youth Hostel Federation, an avid birder and traveled extensively. He was predeceased by his wife of 25 years, Merilu Rose. He is survived by his children, Debbie Williams (and her husband, Jack), Ed Rose (and his wife, Pam), Jennifer Dodrill (and her husband, Eddie); stepdaughter, Robin Patera (and her husband, Pete); grandchildren, Stephanie, Charles, Justin, Claire, Seth, Nathan, Jacob, Selina, Kenny, Aryn, Jared, Rachel, Erin, Michael, Brandi, Destyn and Hayley; great-granddaughters, Charlotte and Brooklyn; and great-grandsons, Rylan, Allen and Waylon. A Celebration of Life was held on 9 June 2021 in Pensacola, FL. Military honors will take place at Fort Barrancas at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to Covenant Care Hospice of Pensacola (www.choosecovenant.org) or Heifer International (www.heifer.org). S SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 129

LAST CALL

MICHAEL JOHN STOFFEL ’54 Captain Michael J. Stoffel, USN (Ret.), 89, died on 18 June 2021 in Seguin, TX. “Mike” was born in Kewanee, WI, in 1931 and grew up in Waupun, WI. After graduating from high school, he briefly attended St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI, and in 1950, entered the Naval Academy, graduating in 1954. He first served on WALKE (DD-723) in Long Beach, CA, then attended Submarine School in New London, CT. After service aboard JALLAO (SS-368) and Submarine Development Group staff in New London, he graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School with a MS in electrical engineering (1964). His subsequent career centered in engineering and he had successive submarine-related tours at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (NH), Supervisor of Shipbuilding in Quincy, MA, and two years as submarine repair officer aboard SIMON LAKE (AS-33) at Holy Loch, Scotland. After assignment to Washington, DC, in 1970, he served as a project officer in the Naval Electronics Systems Command, specializing in undersea surveillance. In 1976, he was assigned to the Navy Special Project Office, working on the development and maintenance of Navy submarine missile programs. While in Washington, he was active in USNA alumni activities and served for several years as secretary for the Class of 1954, publishing many articles. In 1978, he assumed command of the Naval Electronics Engineering Center in Portsmouth, VA. His first marriage had ended in divorce and in 1979, he married Nancy Cain. After an interesting 26-year career, he retired from the Navy in 1980. He then worked in various defense contractor positions, first in the Washington, DC, area and then in Omaha, NE. He and Nancy then moved to Seguin, TX, in 1989, where they spent several years in the antiques business – doing shows and estate sales. Michael was also a certified personal property and fine arts appraiser. Mike and Nancy were involved with Christian Cupboard (a local food pantry) and active in First United Methodist Church. Michael also served several years in the Seguin Economic Development Corporation and as a member of Seguin Rotary. After several years of declining health, Nancy died in 2007. Michael and Marietta Allmond met by happy accident and were married in 2010. They enjoyed a shared blessing in the subsequent years, actively participating in local social and civic organizations and frequently playing duplicate bridge. Mike is survived by his wife, Marietta; his children, Mark, Sarah, Mary, Kristina and Matthew; eight grandchildren; a great-grandson; and several step-grandchildren. S

WILLIAM RUSSELL FORBES ’55 “Bill” Forbes died peacefully at his home in Mount Dora, FL, on 6 June 2021 of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A native of St. Paul, MN, Bill attended Macalester College and Northwestern Prep prior to receiving his appointment to the Naval Academy from Rep. (later Senator) Eugene J. McCarthy. Bill highly valued the ongoing and consistent support afforded by both Senators McCarthy and Hubert H. Humphrey. Without their intervention, he would have been separated from 130 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

USNA during Second Class Year, owing to an erroneous medical diagnosis/ recommendation by USNH Bethesda. Bill subsequently completed his USNA academic career, graduating with distinction with the Class of 1955. Upon commissioning, he served two years aboard a Newport-based destroyer, followed by a productive (and enjoyable) tour on the staff, Commander U.S. Naval Forces, Philippines. He then opted to leave active duty and returned to the Philippines for pre-arranged employment in the desiccated coconut industry. Bill ultimately returned to CONUS and assumed a lengthy career with the Du Pont Company, mostly domiciled in Wilmington, DE. He specialized in the sales/marketing of Freon® fluorocarbon products. His travels took him to 62 countries, where he formed many life-long friendships. His wife, Beth, often accompanied him and they explored many notable sites not often visited by tourists. During retirement, Bill and Beth particularly enjoyed their month-long trips to Scotland (his ancestral home), where they immersed themselves in lawn bowling, golf, sister city activities and sightseeing. Bill is survived by his soul mate and wife of 44 years, Elizabeth; two children (and their spouses), Catherine (Phil) and William (Carolyn); and two grandchildren, Cameron and Michelle. Interment took place at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL, on 10 September 2021, followed by a Celebration of Life on 11 September in Friendship Hall at First United Methodist Church, Mount Dora. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Mount Dora Fire Department, 1300 N. Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, FL 32757 (https://ci.mount-dora.fl.us); Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778 (https://cornerstone hospice.org); or your favorite charitable organization. Condolences may be sent to the family at (bethforbe@hotmail.com). S

CHARLES ERO MASALIN ’55 Captain “Chuck” Masalin, USN (Ret.), of Bluffton, SC, was called home by God into his presence on 31 May 2021. As was fitting for a man of lengthy service to country and devotion to friends and family, he was called on Memorial Day. Charles was born in Camden, ME, on 17 July 1933, the firstborn of Ero and Olive (Leadbetter) Masalin. His childhood in Camden, where the mountains meet the seashore and the inland farmlands, molded Chuck’s future. As a boy, he relished his time on the farm with his grandfather and Masalin patriarch, Ossian. When Chuck was old enough, he aided his father in the cold indigo waters of Penobscot Bay aboard his dad’s lobster boat. Following graduation from Camden High School, he reported to Annapolis as a plebe midshipman. He graduated from the Naval Academy on 3 June 1955, standing 9th in a class of 743. This led to a storied career as a naval officer, full of adventure. Following the Naval Academy, he earned master’s degrees in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (MIT); attended Sub School and qualified as a submariner in PICKEREL; and also received degrees from the Sloan School of Management (MIT) and Harvard Business School. Upon his Navy retirement, Chuck purchased and returned to the farm that was Ossian’s homestead. Sunrise Tree Farm was the name he chose, producing diverse offerings of farmed goods including cattle, blueberries, hay and the headline crop of Christmas trees. He loved farming and remained active through his 87th year of life.

LAST CALL

He was fearless. Fearless to love his wife, his children and his friends with open and observable enthusiasm. He was a man of great accomplishments by the world’s standards; however, his satisfaction did not require the world’s acknowledgment. It was his belief in Christ and submission to His authority that lit his path and guided his purpose. Chuck, the most devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, is survived by his wife, Cynthia (Kolstad); daughter, Kari Cameron (Clifford Jr.); sons, Steve ’80 (Liz), Pete (Katie) and Jeff; nine grandchildren; an everincreasing number of great-grandchildren; his sister, Susan Pendleton (Sam); and his brother, Gary. Memorial services were held on 7 June 2021 at the First Baptist Church on Hilton Head Island, SC, followed by burial on 8 June 2021 at the Beaufort National Cemetery with military honors. Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org). S

JOHN THEODORE PARKER JR. ’55 Vice Admiral “Ted” Parker Jr., USN (Ret.), died peacefully at his home in Annapolis, MD, on 25 June 2021. After graduating from Greenbrier Military School, Ted studied civil engineering at the University of Cincinnati before receiving his appointment to USNA. As a midshipman, he commanded the 19th Company, and in the final set, commanded the Fifth Battalion. He was a member/captain of the fencing team, winning All-American honors his senior year. He was inducted to the USNA Sports Hall of Fame. Upon commissioning, he served on DOUGLAS H. FOX (DD-779), then as operations officer of Destroyer Division 262. In 1958, he reported to Guided Missile School, Dam Neck, VA, as an instructor on the Terrier and Talos missile systems. Ted’s Navy assignments were as follows: weapons officer, DAHLGREN (DLG-12), commissioning crew; development project officer, Bureau of Naval Weapons; Nuclear Power Training; XO, SELLERS (DDG-11); CO, MACDONOUGH (DLG-8); CO, SAINT CLAIR COUNTY (LST-1096); Industrial College of the Armed Forces; Master of Public Administration, George Washington University; CO, PIEDMONT (AD-17); Chief of Staff, Commander Sixth Fleet; Commander, Service Group Two; CNO staff; Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force; Director, Defense Nuclear Agency. He led the analytical effort to define the characteristics required in the highly successful ARLEIGH BURKE-class destroyers, which he regarded as his most significant contribution to the Navy. His medals/awards include the Legion of Merit (5), Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Merit Service Medal (2) and Navy Achievement Medal. He retired in 1989 and returned to Annapolis, where he was active in helping Midshipmen, the Naval Academy Chapel and a number of Class of 1955 major gift projects, including the restoration of the John Paul Jones Crypt and the Cold War mural. Until recently, he served as Class president. He formed his own consulting company and served on several boards of directors, including the highly successful Elbit Systems of America and the Severn Leadership Group, focused on developing leaders of character committed to serving others before self, and Ted was an active mentor. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Anne Solomons; daughters, Leigh Anne Butterbrodt and Emily Slough; son, Commander John Theodore Parker III, USN (Ret.); and three of his four grandchildren.

His body was donated to the University of Maryland School of Medicine. A memorial service will take place at the USNA Chapel, followed by interment at the Naval Academy Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to (anne_parker@verizon.net). S

ANDRE LEE JERNEE ’56 Andre L. Jernee, passed away peacefully at home in Ocean City, NJ, on 22 June 2021, with his family by his side. He was 88 years old. Born and raised in Ocean City, NJ, “Andy” enjoyed a very successful multi-sport athletic career at Ocean City High School, participating in track and field, football and basketball. He was a key member of his high school football teams from 1947-1950. During his four years as a starting halfback, he led his team in rushing and pass receiving. He was selected for the New Jersey All-State football team and had the distinction of being the only player in the league to be the unanimous choice of the coaches of six schools. In 1951, he attended prep school at Wyoming Seminary before entering the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952. At Annapolis, Andy was a member of the First Company. Injuries in his plebe and youngster years curtailed his athletic activities. He graduated and was commissioned on 1 June 1956. The following day, he married his love, Nancy, in a full military wedding at the Lutheran Church in Ocean City. Upon graduation, Andy served four years in the Navy; initially aboard WISCONSIN and then aboard CECIL (DDR-835) as chief engineer, until he left active duty in 1960. In July of 1960, Andy began his civilian career with the IBM Corporation in Data Processing and Communications. He joined GTE in 1969, where he was employed in a variety of executive positions. In the late 1980s, he retired and returned to Ocean City with his family. In 1992, he ran for a seat on the Ocean City Council, was elected, and then served for eight years (including three years as president). He loved traveling with Nancy and owning and operating the Scarborough Inn in Ocean City, together for ten years. The real thrust of his life was being involved with his four children and their families. He is survived by his children, Mark and Gary (Barbara) of Ocean City, NJ, Lisa Naumann (Frank) of Somers Point, NJ, and Amy Talley (Rich) of Newark, DE; ten grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Andy is also survived by his “Lovely Lady” of four years, Joan Kurtz. Nancy, his love of 58 years married and 64 years together, preceded him in death in 2014. Funeral services and interment were private. S

RICHARD WILLIAM SHAFER ’56 Commander Richard W. Shafer, USN (Ret.), died of cancer, at the age of 87, on 1 June 2021. Born in Hinsdale, IL, “Dick” attended the University of Wisconsin prior to receiving his congressional appointment to the Naval Academy. At Annapolis, he participated in intramural track & field and wrestling, and was company commander. He graduated first in the Class of 1956, as a member of the 23rd Company. He served in destroyers for three years, including BRENNER (DD-807) and LYMAN K. SWENSON (DD-729). After graduating second in his class from SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 131

LAST CALL

Submarine School at New London, CT, he served as missile officer in GRAYBACK (SSG-574); and as navigator and third officer in CARBONERO (SS-337). He next attended Nuclear Power Training School, finishing third in his class. He then served as communication officer, assistant navigator and reactor plant officer on ETHAN ALLEN (SSBN-608). He also served as executive officer on THEODORE ROOSEVELT (SSBN-600). After getting his MBA from Stanford Business School, his designation was officially changed from Line Officer to Engineering Duty Officer. He served as a founding officer for the Ship System Maintenance Monitoring and Support Office (SMMSO) at the Hyattsville, MD, Naval Ship Engineering Center. Its charter was to reduce the maintenance effort and operating costs of nuclear submarines, saving the Navy billions of dollars in maintenance costs and earning Dick a Meritorious Service Medal for his involvement. He also served as ship superintendent for a major overhaul of a fleet ballistic missile submarine at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. Immediately after retirement in 1976, Richard taught at California Maritime Academy for three years. He then began working as a financial planner and real estate investor. He served on the Benicia, CA, City Council for four years. He was active in the churches he attended and in the Rotary Club; and maintained his physical fitness by running in half-marathons and marathons. He enjoyed teaching at all levels and continued working as a substitute teacher when he moved to Lincoln, CA, in 2003. He was predeceased by his first wife of 38 years, Cleo Mae (Kroll) Shafer. He is survived by his second wife of 21 years, Patricia (Ely) Shafer; his three children, Steven, David and Kari (Marshall); and seven grandchildren. Memorial services were conducted on 19 June 2021 at Lincoln Hills Community Church, with interment on 31 July at Prairie View Cemetery in Lake Hallie, WI. Military honors were provided by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council. S

DENNIS MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM ’58 Lieutenant Colonel “Mike” Cunningham, USMC (Ret.), died at his home in Locust Grove, VA, on 21 June 2021. He was 84 years old. Mike was born in South Bend, IN, on 29 June 1936, to John and Janet (Cunningham) Finn of Orillia, Ontario, and was adopted by James and Mary (Talbert) Cunningham of South Bend. He attended Wabash High School and graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1954. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy as a member of the 18th Company and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps on 4 June 1958. He served in the Marine Corps in various capacities until June of 1981, retiring at Quantico, VA, as a lieutenant colonel. He participated in combat operations in the Dominican Republic in 1965 and in the Republic of Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Navy Commendation Medals, both with Combat V, in addition to several other personal and unit decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and Presidential Unit Citation (2). During his active service, he earned master’s degrees from American University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He was also a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College. Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, he was a senior manager in human resources for MCI Communications Corporation for 15 years, retiring in 1996. He then served on the adjunct faculties of the University of Mary Washington and Germanna Community College until 2010.

132 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

He was married to the former Clara “Maxine” Scott from 1961 until her death in 2003. Together, they raised four children. Mike is survived by their children, Theodore Hatzopoulos of Norfolk, VA, Sydma Hatzopoulos of Bethany, WV, and James Cunningham of Miami, FL. He also leaves his loving wife, Dorothy “Dottie” Hanners; two grandchildren, Nicolas Hatzopoulos and Sara Hatzopoulos-Yeiser; two great-granddaughters, Scarlett Johnson and Penelope Yeiser; his brother, Murray Finn (Linda) of Elliot Lake, ON; cousin, Al Cunningham (Mary) of Kitchener, ON; several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and Dottie’s sons, James and Christopher, and their families. Mike was predeceased by his wife, Maxine; son, Mark Hatzopoulos; brother, William Finn; and son-in-law, Gray Williamson. S

JOHN FRANK GAMBOA ’58 Captain “Frank” Gamboa, USN (Ret.), 88, died of Parkinson’s complications following hip replacement surgery on 8 July 2021. A native of Lone Pine, CA, Frank was the third child of Enriqueta and Teodulo Gamboa, who fled Mexico during the Revolution. He and his six siblings were first generation Americans. He graduated from Lone Pine High School, attended Los Angeles Junior College and graduated from the Naval Academy in 1958 (17th Company). He earned a Communications Engineering degree from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a master’s degree in Government from the University of Maryland. Frank was a Surface Warfare Officer who served on shore duty stateside, as well as in Korea, Bahrain and Panama; and on ships in both the Pacific and Atlantic fleets. He commanded FORT FISHER (LSD-40), VANCOUVER (LPD-2) and was commodore of Amphibious Squadron 3 in the Pacific Fleet. He also commanded the Naval Communications Station Balboa in the Panama Canal Zone. He served in the Pentagon as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Equal Opportunity. Frank retired from the Navy after 30 years of service. His service awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal (3), Joint Service Commendation Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal and several campaign and unit award ribbons. Frank served as vice president of the USNA Class of 1958, giving generously of his time, and successfully nominating five members of the Class of 1958 for USNA Distinguished Graduate Awards. From 1994 to 2006, he and Linda ran Gamboa International Corporation, an environmental management consulting company. During John McCain’s 2000 Presidential Campaign, Frank was a surrogate speaker and coordinator for veterans and POWs. Frank was often interviewed about his longtime close friendship with his former USNA roommate. Frank wrote his memoir, El Capitan, the Making of an American Naval Officer, in 2011. He developed a management plan for success for future Surface Warfare Officers, through “Another Link in the Chain,” a mentorship program linking the Class of 1958 with the Class of 2008. He was a loyal Navy football and ’58 tailgate fan. Frank served as an usher and on the Senior Saints Ministries at the Church of the Holy Comforter in Vienna, VA. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Linda; son, Jack; daughter, Judy; and granddaughters, Emma and Loren. Memorial donations may be made to the Naval Academy Chuck Larson Ethical Leadership Fund (www.usna.com/give) or the Church of the Holy Comforter (www.holycomforter.com). S

LAST CALL

JAMES ROGER LYONS ’58 Commander James R. Lyons, USN (Ret.), of Annandale, VA, died on 30 June 2021 at INOVA Hospital. “Roger” was born in Easton, MD, on 6 October 1935 to William Raymond Lyons and Sara Rittenhouse Lyons. He graduated from Easton High School and attended Johns Hopkins University before entering the U.S. Naval Academy (Sixth Company) and graduating in 1958. He married his beloved wife, Katherine Johnston Lyons, and completed sea duty before attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a civil engineering degree and then joined the Seabees. During his naval career, he was stationed in Virginia, South Carolina, Vietnam, Spain and Rhode Island. During his last duty in Washington, DC, he earned an MBA from The George Washington University. His naval experiences included a brief stint following GALVESTON (CLG-3) from port to yard and back; preparation for facilities for the Poseidon system and the Air Force’s C5A; and later, taking command of the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction (Seabee) Battalion 40 in Guam. He returned to the DC area and was stationed there until retiring from the Navy. He then embarked on his second career with George Washington University as the Director of Facilities and Planning. With GWU, he managed design, construction and maintenance of the university’s real property until his final retirement. Roger loved golfing, hunting, fishing and his family. He is survived by his wife, Katherine; two children, Kate Herndon (Todd) and John Lyons (Joanne); and four grandchildren, Chris, Daniel, Virginia and Michelle. S

JOHN HAROLD KNIEF ’59 John H. Knief passed away suddenly at his home in San Francisco, CA, on 5 May 2021. The son of J. Harold Knief and Thelma (Herrick) Knief, John was raised and attended schools in California. He was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduated with the Class of 1959 was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He reported to Flight School in Pensacola, FL, where he became a Marine Corps pilot. As a civilian, John worked for Social Services for 55 years, retiring in 2019. He lived in San Francisco for many years and enjoyed the Bay Area and all that it had to offer - museums, the arts and sports. He was an avid Oakland Raiders fan and often had season tickets. He especially enjoyed participating in the Bay to Breakers races in San Francisco, which he did for 34 years. John will be missed by his many friends and family in Northern California. No services were held, and he will be interred with his family in Napa, CA. S

COLUMBARIUM For more information, visit usna.edu/cemetery/

THOMAS ARTHUR HEAD ’60 Captain Thomas Arthur Head, USN (Ret.), died on 15 May 2021 at his home in Flat Rock, NC. He was 82 years old. A Navy junior born in Pensacola, FL, “Tom” was the son of Virginia Crocker Head and Captain Nelson Mead Head ’31. He was a member of the 14th Company at the Naval Academy. Tom enjoyed 26 memorable years as a surface warfare officer. He served aboard MYLES C. FOX (DDR-829), BARNEY (DDG-6), SAMPSON (DDG-10) and had command of TATTNALL (DDG-19). After FOX, he was assigned to ComCruDesFlot Six’s staff homeported in Charleston, SC, where he met his future wife, Legaré Benton. That tour included three months each as liaison officer on the French DDG, DUPETIT THOUARS and Italian DDG, IMPAVIDO. As BARNEY’s weapons officer, he went to Vietnam for the first time in 1967, where they saw action in Operations Sea Dragon and North Star (participating in 14 rescues in as many days). He spent the entire year of 1971 in Vietnam as ops at NSF DaNang for six months and then OIC NavSupActDet Qui Nhon for six months. As XO of SAMPSON, he was part of the great Greece homeporting experiment in 1972/1973, known as Operation Pegasus. He took TATTNALL to Northern European waters in 1978 for six months duty with the NATO Standing Naval Force. In 1982 and 1983, he was commander of Destroyer Squadron Nine based in Long Beach, CA. This included HMAS SYDNEY, built for the Australian Navy by Todd Shipyard, Seattle. Shore duties included the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA; Strategic Systems US/UK Polaris projects officer, ICAF; and NavSea-06, BuPers. He earned a master’s degree from The George Washington University. He received the Legion of Merit, plus a number of other awards/medals during his career. Tom retired from the Navy in 1986 and was selected for the Alternative Science Teach Program, a joint DOD/DOE program. He taught physics at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke, VA, for 11 years. He was active in his church at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Arlington, VA, and St. John in the Wilderness in Flat Rock, NC. He is survived by his wife of over 56 years, Legaré; daughter, Caroline T. Knox; and three grandchildren, Eleanor, Turner and Henry Knox. He was predeceased by his brother, Nelson M. Head Jr. S

FRANCIS DANIEL KAY ’60 Commander Francis D. Kay, USN (Ret.), passed peacefully early on 14 August 2020 at his home from bone cancer. “Frank” was born in Brooklyn, NY, on 15 October 1938 to Adam and Veronica Kay. After attending Brooklyn Prep, Frank earned an appointment to the Naval Academy in 1956. There, he made lifelong friends and was a strong member of Navy crew, winning the Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships (1957 and 1958). He graduated and was commissioned as an ensign in June 1960. Frank first deployed on BLANDY in July 1960 as DCA, later joining the inaugural class at the Naval Destroyer School in Newport, RI. He was re-assigned to GEARING (DD-710) in July 1962, engaging in the Cuban Missile Blockade. Naval Postgraduate and Amphibious School in California SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 133

LAST CALL

followed before being promoted to lieutenant and serving as an advisor to Vietnamese River Assault Group 28, commanding a PT boat and South Vietnamese crew. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in combat, Bronze Star (2) with Valor and a Purple Heart, as well as multiple citations from the South Vietnamese government. Following combat duty, Frank was assigned to CCDF-2 in Newport, RI, followed by four years with CinCSouth in Naples, Italy. His final sea deployment came as XO aboard HAROLD J. ELLISON (DD-864) stationed in Virginia Beach. Shore duty included HRMC and director of Fleet Training Center, Norfolk, before retiring in February 1981. In retirement, he raised his family and became a consultant with E.L Hamm, developing training programs and teams for U.S. Army’s Integrated Facilities System (IFS). These programs were deployed to Army bases all over the globe. In Virginia Beach, Frank was a community leader in the PTA, at St. Nicholas Church, and veterans organizations, earning an MEd from Boston University and teaching courses at Saint Leo’s College. Fully retired, he became a Master Gardner, nurturing his passion for floriculture. He and Ruth enjoyed a quiet retirement. Francis D. Kay committed his life to service and duty with humility…always ready to help. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Ruth; sons, Michael, Christopher and Timothy (Jennifer); grandchildren, Leanne (Patrick), Addy, Collin and Emily, of whom he was very proud; and his sisters, Norah McLaughlin and Sr. Francis Kay (RSHM). He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Walter; and sister, Irene. Commander Kay was interred at the Naval Academy Columbarium on 19 October 2020, where his life and death were celebrated. S

PAUL SCHOFIELD GESSWEIN JR. ’61 Lieutenant Commander Paul Gesswein Jr., USN (Ret.), died from acute myloid leukemia at Potomac Falls, VA, on 16 June 2021. Born on 13 March 1936, he was 85 years old. Paul’s initial brush with higher education occurred at Lehigh University, where he was introduced to the ’impossible to understand’ science: chemistry. After two attempts, Paul decided the Marine Corps would be more fun and educational. Parris Island gave him pause, but he persisted through boot camp, infantry training and then Jet Mechanic School, until he was selected and sent to the Naval Academy Preparatory School at Bainbridge, MD. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1961 as part of the 13th Company. After graduation, Paul embarked on a mostly sea-going career with quick shore tours in Hawaii, Germany and Hawaii, again. Paul retired as a lieutenant commander in 1980, wearing the Bronze Star, Navy Achievement Medal (both with Combat Vs) and the Navy Small Craft Insignia. Paul’s first civilian job was at GE Spacenet, developing a satellite communications training curricula and then travelling the world over (including China, Jerusalem, Germany, Argentina and Indonesia), teaching his course. Paul finally retired from work in 1990 and took up the honorable professions of home maintenance, landscaping and watercolor painting. While pursuing the latter, Paul met the love of his life, Nancy Robinson, at the Cascades Senior Center. After their whirlwind relationship, the two avowed bachelors started making their wedding plans. Paul was insistent on eloping, while Nancy wanted a classic wedding. The two struck an equitable compromise: they 134 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

had two weddings; one in San Antonio for the central U.S. and West Coast crowds, and one in Reston, VA, for the East Coast crowd. Each wedding featured music: a mariachi band San Antonio and a professional piano player in Virginia. Guests at both weddings were entertained with a Nancy/Paul self-made video of their lives. In 2016, because of health issues, Nancy and Paul decided to enter a local retirement community: Falcons Landing. Here, they quickly hit their stride—making friends and volunteering for Home Delivered Meals, art teaching/projects, teaching and working on the monthly newsletter. It seems they always found projects where they could collaborate and lend mutual support. Paul is survived by his wife, Nancy, and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister, Arline Terrell; and brother, Richard Gesswein. A service will be scheduled for a later date at the Naval Academy. PSG Jr. ’61 S

WAYNE ALVIN BARNER ’62 Wayne A. Barner, age 83, entered eternal rest on 19 March 2021 in Lancaster, PA. He was surrounded by his loving family and entered God’s presence peacefully. Wayne was born on 25 August 1937 in Aaronsburg, PA, the only son of Esther Krape Barner and Charles Lee Barner. Wayne enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1956 and attended basic training at Parris Island, SC. While on active duty, he was selected to attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School as a Midshipman Candidate and entered the Naval Academy as a Midshipman in 1958. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps on 6 June 1962 and was happily married to Helene Mary Schumacher on 13 June 1962. He attended several specialized training schools, including Field Artillery Training in Fort Sill, OK. Following his promotion to first lieutenant, he deployed to Vietnam during the war. Wayne attained the rank of captain and resigned from the Corps on 30 June 1967. He was employed by the IBM Corporation as a systems engineer until his retirement in 2002. He was an avid computer-based genealogy researcher and worked very closely with the Adam Barner Family genealogy and reunion committees. Until moving to Lancaster in 2012, he was actively involved with the General Smedley D. Butler Detachment (#741) of the Marine Corps League, where one of his responsibilities was to coordinate military honors and perform honor guard duties at funeral services for Marine Corps veterans. Wayne is survived by his lifelong soulmate and loving wife of 59 years, Helene; three sons, Charles (Marilou) of York, PA, Kevin (Susan) of Annapolis, MD, and Michael (Kimberly) of Portland, OR; five grandchildren, Sarah Barner (David) of San Francisco, CA, Gale Mercado of York, PA, Janel Ruhe (Mathijs) of Zwolle, Netherlands, Ryan Barner of Annapolis, MD, and Larissa Jewel Barner of Annapolis, MD; and one great-grandson, Draco Mercado. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Wayne will be sorely missed by an entire community of loved ones. A final farewell with military honors by the General Smedley Butler Marine Corps League was held on 19 May 2021 at the gravesite in Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA. S

LAST CALL

JAMES EDWARD LEEPER JR. ’63 Captain James E. “Speed” Leeper Jr., USN (Ret.), died of complications of dementia on 30 June 2021. He was at home with his wife by his side. A Navy junior, “Jim” was the son of Rear Admiral James Leeper ’26, USN, and Mary “Elva” Osterheldt Leeper. A survivor of the Terrible 10th Company at USNA, he graduated with the Class of 1963. His Navy career included service aboard THE SULLIVANS, PIEDMONT and SHENANDOAH, with shore postings at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA (where he earned two master’s degrees), teaching ship building at the National Defense University and as commanding officer of the Naval Supply Depot, Guam. His many commendations include the Legion of Merit. Captain Leeper was a skilled private pilot and flight instructor and loved sailing the Chesapeake on his boat. Preceded in death by his parents and his stepson, Lieutenant Leigh R. Smith, USN, he is survived by his wife of 36 years, Janet; two sisters, Patricia (Mike) and Penelope (Tim); two sons, James III and Charles; a stepson, Brewster (Molly); stepdaughter, Stacy (Jose Luis); daughter-in-law, Julie (Mike); grandsons, Leigh J, Aidan and Adrian; and granddaughter, Paulina. He will be sorely missed by his beloved dogs, Sonny, Anna and Holli. Always generous and kind, he will be remembered for his humor and a life of doing it all and doing it well. Funeral service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. S

JOE MICHAEL SAUL ’64 Commander Joe M. Saul, USN (Ret.), died of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) at Virginia Beach, VA, on 12 May 2021. He was 79 years old. A native of Dayton, OH, Joe graduated from Marysville High School in Marysville, CA, in 1959. At the Naval Academy, he was a member of the 14th Company, Class of 1964. He was active in sports throughout his four years at USNA and was particularly known for being aggressive on the baseball diamond. Upon graduation, Joe spent 26 years on active duty serving in three destroyers, TRATHERN (DD-530), RUBERTUS (DD-851) and MULLINNIX (DD-944); followed by chief staff officer for DesRon 12; and surface operations officer for CTF-70 at Cubi Point. He gained a subspeciality in meteorology from the Naval Postgraduate School, subsequently serving at the Fleet Numerical Weather Center. The senior course at the Naval War College led to NATO tours at SacLant, CinCChan/CinCEastLant at Northwood, UK, and finally in Norfolk at CinCWestLant. Following retirement from active duty in 1990, Joe continued working in surface warfare with Purvis Systems at Little Creek, VA, designing and executing NATO and combined forces exercises. In 2001, he continued surface warfare planning work with Northrop Grumman Information Technology in the Multinational Engagement Cell at U.S. Joint Forces Command in Suffolk, VA. Joe was an avid fan of all San Francisco sports teams, especially his beloved Giants. He loved golf and his golfing buddies, “The Bubbas,” and he enjoyed keeping connected with his fellow alumni from the USNA “Great Class of 1964,” especially his 14th Companymates.

Joe is survived by his wife of 19 years, Perla H. Saul of Virginia Beach, VA; his son, James N. Saul (Alex Delucenay) of Portland, OR; his daughter, Katherine L. Saul (Micah McMillan) of Asheville, NC; and his granddaughters, Kate and Charlotte Delucenay-Saul. Graveside services with military honors were conducted on 24 May 2021 at the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA. Chuck Wilde ’64 & The Saul Family S

JOHN HARVEY LING ’66 John H. Ling, 76, of Avon Lake, OH, passed away the evening of 20 May 2021 after being lovingly surrounded by his family during the day, from complications of Parkinson’s disease. His wife, Judy, was at his side. John was born on 23 July 1944 in Toledo, OH, to Jack and Joanna (nee Cumberworth) Ling. He attended Roger’s High School in Toledo, OH, where he played three sports at the varsity level and met his future wife, Judith Gigax. After high school, John attended the U.S. Naval Academy (Class of 1966). He married Judy, his wife of 54 years, in the beautiful USNA Chapel just one day after his graduation. John then went on to complete flight school and served overseas at Atsugi Naval Air Station in Japan. He was a pilot in the VQ-1 Air Reconnaissance Squadron and flew the EC-121 Warning Star. Following his service, he earned his MSIA from the Krannert Graduate School of Management at Purdue University. John rose to the position of president and CEO of several successful manufacturing companies. He was known to be a man who managed with integrity and kindness, always letting his employees feel cared for and valued. John cherished his family and being near them was his favorite place to be. Their yearly family vacation to Lake Kabetogama in Northern Minnesota to boat and fish was so special to John and his family. He developed a love of fishing as a young man and made sure to teach his boys everything he knew. John’s faith was very important to him. He taught Confirmation and was head of the Missions Commission at his family’s church. He always knew the right words to say, whether it was an encouraging word letting his family know they are always “champions” to him, to sharing his latest and greatest “dad joke,” to simply putting their hearts at ease and reminding them that, “This too shall pass.” Left to cherish John’s memory are his adoring wife, Judy; their children, Laura Ling, John Ling, Cindy McCrum (Ryan) and Dan Ling (Lindsay); grandchildren, Ryan, Jack, Derek, Savannah, Grace, Johnny, Caroline, Kensi and Landon; and sister, Ginny Jones (Wayne). John was preceded in death by his beloved parents and nephew, Brian C. Jones. A memorial service was held 19 June 2021 with interment and military honors at Lakewood Park Cemetery in Rocky River, OH. Go Navy! Beat Army! S

OBITUARY GUIDELINES If you have any questions regarding the submission of obituaries to Shipmate, please contact Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury (410-295-4064 or obits@usna.com).

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 135

LAST CALL

JOHN JOSEPH KIELEY III ’67 Captain John J. Kieley III, USN (Ret.), passed away peacefully on 6 July 2021. He was 76 years old. John was born on 28 September 1944, in Englewood, NJ. He received his Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1967 and later received his MS in Systems Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School. He proudly served his country as a Surface Warfare Officer for over 20 years. His distinguished career included serving as the commissioning commanding officer of REUBEN JAMES (FFG-57); a fellowship with the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group (SSG); as personal aide to the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency; and as executive officer of BADGER (FF-1071). In January 1989, while on active duty, John was involved in a tragic accident which ultimately caused him to retire from the Navy. During the second chapter of his life, John frequently traveled with his beloved wife, Candace. He volunteered for the San Diego Fire Department and Midland School Library in Poway, accompanied by his loyal service dogs from Canine Companions for Independence. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family. To his wife, he was “Toad;” to his family, he was “Dad, Grand-Pop and Uncle John.” He was a naval officer, a soccer coach (“come on ref”), an encourager (“no pain no gain”), scout master, marathon runner and a lacrosse player. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Candace; their three sons, JJ, James and Jeff; his loving daughters-in-law, Carmen and Gina; grandchildren, James II (Lara), Briana (Matt), Josh, Lauren, Joey and Jack; great-grandchildren, Caspian, Ella and Lucy; and his loyal canine companion, Gaby. Memorial services took place on 24 August 2021 at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Canine Companions for Independence (canine.org) or Elizabeth Hospice of San Diego (elizabeth hospice.org). Please sign the online guest book at (www.legacy.com/obituaries/ pomeradonews). S

RANDALL SHERMAN HENDERSON ’69 “Rand” Henderson passed away unexpectedly at his home in Santa Ana, CA, on 25 November 2020. A friend and mentor, he reveled in the intellectual challenge of helping others succeed in their professional and personal lives. A 1969 graduate of the Naval Academy, Rand reflected during many reunions that he couldn’t figure out how “this Bull major somehow found himself volunteering for submarines,” but after graduation, he found himself on his way to nuclear power training and then to HAMMERHEAD (SSN-663). Deciding that submarine overhauls were not his cup of tea, he concluded his Navy career in 1974 and commenced law studies at Wake Forest. During his studies, he reconnected with Marcia Raveling, a date he had met as a Youngster at the Academy. They were married in 1975. Regrettably, Marcia passed away suddenly in October of 1976, and Rand and his son, Andrew, began their life’s journey together without her. Rand joined the international law firm of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker in 1977 and found himself working for Gulf Oil Corporation in Pittsburgh and Houston. 136 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

After 30 years, he opened his own law firm, where he continued to work for major oil companies including Gulf, Chevron and BP Amoco. He considered the highlight of his legal career to be the opportunity to work with Robert Bork on briefs submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court. After many years of practicing law, Rand became intrigued with the concept of leadership, especially the complex factors that contribute to one being a “great leader.” As his interest deepened, he set aside his law practice to pursue his passion as a mentor and coach with a goal of helping others become great, capable leaders. He became a facilitator for Tony Robbins and traveled the world, working with participants at seminars in Germany, the UK, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Spain and all over the U.S. He was committed to continuing his mediation and mentoring career, while continuing to be a part of his grandchildren’s lives. Rand is survived by his son, Andrew; daughter-in-law, Gloria; and two grandchildren. S

JOHN RUSSELL PANICO ’70 Commander John Russell Panico, USN (Ret.), of Lancaster, PA, passed away on 30 May 2021 from cardiac arrest, with his family by his side. He was 72 years old. “Russ” was born in Brooklyn, NY, to Mildred (Harris) and Ralph Panico, and grew up in Commack, Long Island, NY. Russ graduated with the Naval Academy Class of 1970 as a member of the Fifth Company and earned a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. After graduate school, he served in various engineering duty assignments, including ship superintendent, docking officer, production engineer and repair officer, and served a tour on the Commander in Chief Atlantic Fleet staff. Throughout his naval career, he received several military decorations, including the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and the National Defense Medal. Russ retired as a commander in 1990 after 20 years of service. Following his retirement from the Navy, Russ worked in management and quality control at various companies, including High Steel Structures in Lancaster, PA. During this time, he also taught at the college level. He most recently worked as an auditor of steel manufacturing plants for Quality Management Corporation, where he traveled to places like Spain, China, Mexico and Canada, with no intention or desire to retire. Russ enjoyed spending time with his family and telling jokes and stories. He was an avid history buff and especially liked studying Winston Churchill. In addition to history, Russ loved reading, art and art history, playing basketball, baseball, table tennis and golf, visiting museums, birdwatching, dancing at weddings, collecting coins, studying Mandarin and hiking. He rooted for Navy, Duke and the Mets, but gladly followed any and all sporting events. Russ will be remembered as a wealth of knowledge, and his humor, love and fun nature will be missed by family, friends and neighbors. He was the loving husband to Judith (Kissinger) Panico for 44 years; beloved father to Kristen Panico, Lillian Ranauro (John), Leah Schappell (Nicholas) and Michael Panico; and grandfather to Amelia, Nicholas, Benjamin and Charlie. Russ is also survived by three siblings, Thomas Panico, Joan Bonds and Richard Panico. Russ was cremated and a memorial Mass was held on 9 July 2021. His ashes were laid to rest at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA. Bob McPhail ’70, Lillian Ranauro & Leah Schappell S

LAST CALL

CHARLES WILLIAM HAMMOND JR. ’71 Lieutenant Colonel Charles W. Hammond Jr., USMC (Ret.), passed away on 30 April 2021, after a long, courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was 72. “Charlie” was born and raised in Spartanburg, SC, the son of Bill and Vivienne Hammond, both deceased. Charlie graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1967 and immediately reported to the U.S. Naval Academy. Despite the rigors of plebe year, “The Colonel” exemplified Southern Hospitality, making friends and excelling in academics. He graduated with the Fifth Company with a BS degree. Charlie served in the Marine Corps for 20 years. He earned his Wings of Gold and flew UH-1 helicopters. He earned his MSSEE degree in 1980 from the Naval Postgraduate School and served several tours working with USMC communication systems. After his active service, he worked in the telecommunications industry until his retirement in 2004. Charlie discovered his hidden musical talent after retirement and became accomplished in both the piano and banjo. Faith and family were Charlie’s passions. He met and married the love of his life, Nancy Strickland, in Jacksonville, FL, in 1972. They were married in Beaufort, SC, in 1973. As a young boy, Charlie fell in love with the North Carolina mountains from his summers spent at Camp Sky Valley. In his retirement, he lived out his dream of building a home on Lake Grenville in Cashiers. While living in the mountains, he was instrumental in launching Christ Anglican Church in the early 2000s. He was a dedicated service minister and prayer warrior, and a four term senior warden of the vestry. He was preceded in death by his son, Charlie III, and is survived by his wife, Nancy, daughter, Virginia Hansbury (and her children, Grant, Clark and Vivienne) and son-in-law, Michael Hansbury (and his children, Devin and Michael), all of Alpharetta, GA. He was also survived by his sister, Beth Jordan (and her husband, Mike) of Georgetown, SC; and brother-inlaw, Walter Strickland of Jacksonville, FL. S

THOMAS ALEXANDER DOWELL ’76 Captain Thomas Alexander Dowell, USN (Ret.), died on 4 December 2020 in Lexington, VA. The son of Stephen Bond Dowell and Virginia Clark Dowell, he received a congressional appointment to the Naval Academy. Upon graduating with the Class of 1976, he entered the submarine service. He was the grandson of Captain Jonathan S. Dowell (USNA 1905) and nephew of Lieutenant Richard Dowell ’43, a fellow submariner. “Tad” to his classmates and friends, he served 29 years of active duty in the submarine community. His service included assignment to four submarines and various command staffs. He sailed on JOHN C. CALHOUN (SSBN-630), BATON ROUGE (SSN-689) and PROVIDENCE (SSN-719), and commanded the fast attack submarine, CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI (SSN-705). During his tour as commanding officer, CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI completed two successful North Atlantic deployments and was awarded the Battle Efficiency “E” and Submarine Tactics “T.” His last at sea duty was that of commanding officer of the submarine tender, EMORY S. LAND (AS-39).

Tad retired to his farm in Lexington on 55 acres in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the house that he constructed as an extended family project. An expert craftsman and builder, he enjoyed the support of his loving wife and capable assistance of his talented children. Out on the farm, he could often be seen riding one of his antique John Deere tractors to gather feed for the miniature horses he and his family raised on their homestead. Tad is survived by his mother, Virginia; wife, Barbara; four children, Lori, Thomas, Michael and Robert; granddaughter, Haley; sister, Jeannie; and brothers, Stephen ’78, Douglas and Jonathan. He has the honor to be buried next to his father at Culpeper National Cemetery in Virginia. S

DONALD CHRISTOPHER FORBES ’81 Commander Donald C. Forbes, USN (Ret.), died on 7 July 2021 from complications due to a traumatic brain injury. He was 62 years old. “Deke” was born in Oxnard, CA, on 2 October 1958. The son of a naval aviator, Deke grew up in Newport, RI; Oak Harbor, WA; Walnut Creek, CA; Fairfax, VA; Quonset Point, RI; and Annapolis, MD. He was a graduate of the Severn School, Annapolis, MD (1976); USNA Preparatory School, Newport, RI (1977); and the U.S. Naval Academy (1981) as a member of the 21st Company. Following his graduation, he entered flight training in Pensacola, FL, earning his Wings in 1982. He trained as an E2-C Hawkeye naval flight officer and served in several E2 quadrons, among them VAW-123 (Bear Aces) and VAW-126 (Seahawks). He attended the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) in 1984 and was a member of Operations Desert Storm and Provide Comfort. Deke’s remaining career was spent serving as 22nd Company Officer, USNA (1987-1990); Tactical Aircraft Branch Head, Naval Safety Center (1998-2002); Assistant Chief of Staff, Logistics, Air Command and Control Training Officer, Commander, Carrier Group Four (2002-2004); and Head, Aircraft Operations Division, Naval Safety Center (2004-2007). He was the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal (4); Air Medal; Navy Commendation Medal (4); Navy Commendation Medal w/Combat V; and the Navy Achievement Medal (2). In 2007, Deke retired from the Navy, then worked until his untimely death as a senior systems analyst for the Camber Corporation (now Huntington Ingalls Industries-Technical Solutions). Deke and his wife, Erin, made their home in the Sandbridge area of Virginia Beach, VA. They spent their free time enjoying their “home paradise,” while having fun with family and friends. Deke was an avid boater, golfer, flight simulator designer and traveler. He was predeceased by his daughter, Lauren Carole Forbes, who died on 9 April 2021; and his parents, Captain Donald Kerry “Deke Sr.” Forbes ’50 and Rosamond Marshall Forbes. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Erin O’Donnell Forbes; their children, Randall and Christine Forbes, and Matthew, Luke and Kaitlin Tibbitts; grandson, Brennan Lee Tibbitts; sisters, Kerry Johnson and Kim Forbes; and his faithful dog, Colt. A memorial service will be held on 30 September 2021, at 1400 in the Naval Academy Chapel, followed by a reception at the USNA Officers’ Club. Interment will take place in the Naval Academy Columbarium. S

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 137

CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE • SOUTH EAST

REAL ESTATE • SOUTH EAST

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

RICK STEIN USNA ’82 (843) 557-7021 Rick.Stein@CBCarolinas.com

2021 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Follow Navy Football online at: navysports.com 1-800-US4-NAVY

REAL ESTATE • ANNAPOLIS

138 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

REAL ESTATE • ANNAPOLIS

CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE • ANNAPOLIS

REAL ESTATE • ANNAPOLIS

REAL ESTATE • EAST

CHARLOTTE CHURCH (Wife of Dave ’67 and Mom of Kimberly ’91)

“Navy Wife Serving Annapolis and Anne Arundel County For More Than 35 Years”

charlotte.church@penfedrealty.com www.CharlotteChurch.PENFEDREALTY.com

410-279-7512

* 410-266-0600

1997 Annapolis Exchange Parkway Suite 101, Annapolis, MD 21401

REAL ESTATE • EAST

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

AngelSinger6401@gmail.com

AngelaAbernethy.kwrealty.com www.kw.com/AngelaAbernethy 4310 Prince William Pkwy #200 Woodbridge, VA 22192

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 139

CLASSIFIEDS 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

PENTAGON, DC, NORTHERN VIRGINIA

********** Military Relocation Specialist

CENTURY 21 Top Sail

Cutting Edge Marketing Listing, Sales, Rental Wife of Scott ’94 Associate Broker

Northern Virginia Office 8045 Burke Centre Parkway Burke, VA 22015

joyce.wadle@longandfoster.com Reputation for Excellence Making your move my priority!

140 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE • EAST

REAL ESTATE • WEST

DESTINATION DC? Karen Martins (Wife of John ’87 and Mom of John ’17)

John Mcenearney ’49, Founder

Here to help you navigate through the complex Metro Market!

(703) 568-6268 Serving VA, MD & DC WWW.KARENSPROPERTIES.COM kmartins@mcenearney.com

Annapolis Waterfront Specialist REAL ESTATE • WEST

The San Diego Union-Tribune Selects Eric Kalisky as the Best Realtor for San Diego

Moving to COLORADO?

For Honest and Expert Real Estate Representation Call Eric.

CAROL (BERRY) VASINA ‘87 Broker/Owner

(720) 840-5499

CDR Eric Kalisky ’78 (Ret.) 858-232-4671 E-Mail: EKALISKY@AOL.COM VISIT: www.erickalisky.com

CoPremierRealty@gmail.com

CoPremierRealty.com

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services San Diego’s Number One Real Estate Company

REAL ESTATE • MIDWEST

“18 years of exceptional Denver and Colorado Springs area real estate expertise, specializing in active duty and veteran transactions”

SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 141

CLASSIFIEDS FINANCIAL SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES

MISCELLANY

SERVICES

www.diamondsbyjpc.com jcolli74@msn.com

This program is not affiliated with the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association.

142 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

CLASSIFIEDS MISCELLANY

MISCELLANY

2021 SHIPMATE Classified Information & Insertion Order Color Classified Ad Rates

Black and White Classified Ad Rates

SIZE

$ 55.00 $110.00 $165.00 $220.00 $275.00 $330.00 $385.00 $440.00

Non-LifeMember Rates

1” 2” 3” 4” 5” 6” 7” 8”

$ 90.00 $180.00 $270.00 $360.00 $450.00 $540.00 $630.00 $720.00

1” 2” 3” 4” 5” 6” 7” 8”

$ 65.00 $130.00 $195.00 $260.00 $325.00 $390.00 $455.00 $520.00

25% LifeMember Discount Rates

$ 70.00 $140.00 $210.00 $280.00 $350.00 $420.00 $490.00 $497.00

25% LifeMember Discount Rates

Non-LifeMember Rates

SIZE

2021-2022 SHIPMATE Classified Information & Insertion Order Classified Advertising Policy Classified ads are accepted on a space available basis as a service to USNA Alumni only. The Alum’s name and class year MUST appear in the ad. Spouse ads are accepted only with the Alum’s name and class year included in the ad. Ads are accepted cameraready and electronically; jpg., tif. or PDF formats. (300 dpi) Any classified ad may occupy one column width (2.5 inches) by a maximum of up to 8 inches of column length.

2 Advertisement

Issue

1 Advertiser Name ______________________________________ Street ______________________________________ City ________________ State ____ Zip ___________ Daytime Phone ______________________________ Email ______________________________________ Class Year___________________________________

Classified ad rates are $70 per inch for black and white and $90 per inch for color. A $50 set up fee is charged if ad is designed for advertiser. LifeMembers are eligible for a 25% discount— reducing the cost to $55 per inch for black and white and $65 per inch for color. Please select the issue(s) in which you wish to run, or specify: RFN -“Run Until Further Notice.”

h October 2021 h Nov-Dec 2021 h Jan-Feb 2022 h March-April 2022 h May 2022 h June 2022 h July-August 2022 h September 2022

Insertion Order/Ad Due 07/21/21 09/20/21 11/22/21 01/18/22 02/15/22 03/21/22 05/19/22 06/21/22

Payment and Billing

h Please charge my Discover/Visa/MasterCard/ American Express Total $ ____________ per issue Credit Card No.____________________________ Expiration Date____________________________ Signature ________________________________ Payment information must accompany order. Email Insertion Order and ad files to: maria.oshea@usna.com USNA Alumni Association mailing address: Attn: Maria O’Shea 247 King George St. Annapolis, MD 21402

fax: 410-295-4003; phone: 410-295-4074 Please contact Maria O’Shea via email or phone for space availability — even if the due date has passed, we will try to be as flexible as possible. SEPTEMBER 2021 • SHIPMATE 143

STAFF AND ASSISTANCE

EXECUTIVE OFFICE VOLUME 84 • NO. 6 Publisher Byron F. Marchant ’78 byron.marchant@usna.com Editor-in-Chief Craig Washington ’89 craig.washington@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 Copyeditors Captain Andrew Wilson ’77, USNR (Ret.) Kat Braz Contributing Editor Captain David Poyer ’71, USNR (Ret.) 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

For Secretary use only, please

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. Single copies are $7 each. Periodicals Postage Paid at Annapolis, MD, and at additional mailing offices. All editorial matter should be addressed to Jimmy DeButts, p: 410-295-4085, jimmy.debutts@usna.com. Inquiries concerning membership or subscriptions and notification of change of address of members and subscribers should be addressed to U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, 247 King George St., Annapolis, MD 21402-1306; p: 410-295-4062; alumni@usna.com.

144 SHIPMATE • SEPTEMBER 2021

Byron F. Marchant ’78 President Gwenn Dennis Executive Administrator for the President

410-295-4090 410-295-4091

ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS Craig Washington ’89 410-295-4089 Vice President, Engagement and Communications Elizabeth Beedenbender 410-295-4166 Executive Administrator Dr. Sofi Loomis ’99 410-295-4035 Senior Director, Alumni Regional Engagement and Outreach Joe Fagan ’89 410-295-4013 Director, Career Programs Wendy Owen 410-295-4017 Director, Class Programs Lori Coogan 410-295-4038 Director, Parent Programs Carrie Carroll 410-295-4062 Membership/Records Assistant

TREASURY AND OPERATIONS CONTINUED Jenny Bolton 410-295-4055 Staff Accountant Linda Reyes 410-295-4056 Staff Accountant Julie Boberg 410-295-4047 Staff Accountant/Payroll Analyst Jim Scally 410-295-4058 Staff Accountant Patricia (Patty) Ratigan 410-295-4028 Accounting Clerk Information Technology Garrett Keating 410-295-4087 Director, Information Technology Jordan Bailey 410-295-4060 Computer and Information Systems Manager

Cynthia Belt 410-295-4000 Member Services Coordinator Ashley Parker 410-295-4000 Member Services Coordinator

Denise Clark Database Engineer Derrick Planz Senior Software Developer Rick Clark Systems Administrator Ashley Norfolk SQL Application Developer

Programs and Services Tonya McGinnis 410-295-4022 Assistant Director, Career Programs Melissa Nelson 410-295-4021 Coordinator, Joint Service Academy Career Programs Communications Courtney Jolley 410-295-4075 Senior Director of Communications Noreen Frenaye 410-295-4016 Director, Marketing and Alumni Special Programs Jackie Furton 410-295-4073 Associate Director, Publications Joanne Rennie 410-295-4043 Project Administrator Jimmy DeButts 410-295-4085 Managing Editor Anne Sharpe 410-295-4078 Assistant Director, Communications Maria O’Shea 410-295-4074 Assistant Production Manager Sandra Stansbury-Spadaro 410-295-4076 Communications Specialist Samantha Casamassima 410-295-4027 Communications Specialist Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury 410-295-4064 Memorial Affairs Heather Payne 410-295-4033 Graphic Designer Bridie Bryant 410-295-4081 Communications Coordinator EVENTS AND MARKETING Nadine Smith 410-295-4020 Senior Director, Enterprise Events and Marketing Alexandra Dooley 410-295-4012 Director, Enterprise Events and Marketing Gail Hutchinson 410-295-4019 Event Planner Laura Cylc 410-295-4014 Event Coordinator Judy Buddensick 443-994-2511 Partnership Marketing Liason TREASURY AND OPERATIONS Robert (Bob) Gast, Jr. 410-295-4040 Vice President, Finance and Operations Lisa Strobel 410-295-4051 Senior Director, Finance and Treasury Operations Mike Mundt ’83 410-295-4041 Senior Director, Investments and Treasury Operations Kevin Mitchell 410-295-4039 Director, Treasury, Analytics & Investment Reporting Angela Berteaux 410-295-4053 Accounting Manager Janet Douglas 410-295-4057 Staff Accountant

410-295-4079 410-295-4067 410-295-4088 410-295-4084

Facilities Scott Gaiser ’05 410-295-4068 Director, Real Estate, Facilities and IT Operations John Cooper 410-295-4031 Facilities Manager John Taylor 410-295-4029 Facilities Assistant HUMAN RESOURCES Heather Scott 410-295-4048 Senior Director, Human Resources Sara Westcoat 410-295-4054 Human Resources Generalist DEVELOPMENT Bill O’Connor 410-295-4101 Executive Vice President Abby Repko 410-295-4103 Executive Administrator/ Principal Gift Administrator Development John Rudder ’78 410-295-4189 Vice President of Development Caroline Rossiello 410-295-4190 Assistant Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations Major Gifts Michael Hoffman 410-295-4184 Executive Director, Regional Development Ashley “AJ” Bauer 410-295-4160 Senior Director of Dev. (TX and W Coast FL) Frankie Melvin 410-295-4191 Regional Director of Dev. (CA) John Maconi 410-295-4185 Regional Director of Dev. (Annapolis, DC Metro, Chicago and Pacific NW)

Dean Castaldo 410-295-4052 Regional Director of Dev. (E Coast FL, NC and GA) Elizabeth (Liz) Armstrong 410-295-4140 Regional Director of Dev. (Northeast Territory) Kate Peterson 410-295-4178 Senior Development Coordinator Planned Giving Patti Bender 410-295-4187 Senior Director, Planned Giving Keisha Watkins 410-295-4186 Assistant Director, Planned Giving Annual Programs Rusty Yeiser ’74 410-295-4174 Senior Director, Annual Programs Dan Quattrini ’81 410-295-4167 Director, Class Legacy Gift Programs

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

410-295-4126 410-295-4116 410-295-4120 410-295-4071 410-295-4049

FOUNDATION ATHLETIC AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS Don Hughes ’88 410-295-4096 Vice President Chris Knott 410-295-4097 Office Manager and Administrative Assistant Tracey Cook 410-295-4164 Associate Director Mariola Baker 410-295-4098 Assistant Director QUICK REFERENCE Death Notifications

obits@usna.com 410-295-4064 Class Ring Information classrings@usna.com Register of Alumni registerofalumni@usna.com Address/Delivery alumni@usna.com 410-295-4000 Donate 410-295-4115 Membership Updates 410-295-4000 U.S. Naval Academy Main Phone 410-293-1000 U.S. Naval Academy Athletics 410-293-2700 CONTACT US United States Naval Academy Alumni Association 247 King George St., Annapolis, MD 21402-1306 Main Phone 410-295-4000 Ogle Hall Fax 410-295-4001 49 House Fax 410-295-4004 Human Resources Fax 443-458-0972 Cottage Fax 410-295-4003 Foundation Development 274 Wood Rd., Annapolis, MD 21402 Main Phone 410-295-4100 Fax 410-295-4107 Foundation Athletic and Scholarship Programs 25 Maryland Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401 Main Phone 410-295-4095 Fax 410-280-5534

Remember With Us U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Shared Interest Group Run to Honor’s

VIRTUAL MEMORIAL HALL offers an extraordinary opportunity to reflect on alumni killed in action and operational losses and to add personal memories and anecdotes, ensuring that those who have made the ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Visit and share your memories of fallen classmates and shipmates at