REUNIONS IN REVIEW                 USS BUCHANAN (DDG-14) Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside San Diego, California March 12-16, 2008 Chaired by: Tim Nightingale Attendance: 75 total/61 shipmates Highlights: Wednesday found shipmates and guests arriving and gathering in the hospitality room to renew old friendships and establish new ones. Sea stories, cruise book and photo albums enveloped the hospitality room. On Thursday the crew and guests were found touring the city of San Diego, followed by our business meeting that afternoon. Friday found us touring the USS MIDWAY aircraft carrier museum, then departed for lunch and an afternoon cruise on San Diego harbor. Saturday morning started off with a trip to our old home port at 32nd Street Naval station and a tour of the USS PINCKNEY (DDG-91). Following our tour we made a short stop at Seaport Village for a box lunch and time to do a little shopping, followed by the All Hands Banquet that same evening. Goodbyes were said on Sunday morning and shipmates and guests departed looking forward to our next reunion. Our next reunion is scheduled for 2010 and the crew has selected Jacksonville, Florida as the next location. Check our website http://www.uss-buchanan-ddg14.org for all updates. USS THOMAS E. FRASER (DD-736/DM-24) Town & Country Inn Charleston, South Carolina April 5-8, 2008 Chaired by: L.S. Saxon Attendance: 55 total/25 shipmates Highlights: Good time by all who attended. Guest speaker, Rena Orlando. Trip to Dixeland. Thank you for all the raffle items. USS HARRY E. HUBBARD (DD-748) Comfort Inn BWI Baltimore, Maryland April 16-20, 2008 Chaired by: Doris and Mike Caruccio Attendance: 116 total/73 shipmates Highlights: The tour of the Navy Chapel in Annapolis was really something to see as was the dedication ceremony at the Navy Museum of the plaque with our ship's name. USS NELSON (DD-623) Radisson Inn Memphis Airport Memphis, Tennessee April 17-19, 2008 Attendance: 27 total/7 shipmates Highlights: Being with the original shipmates (youngest 83, oldest 88) and listening to their stories while aboard the Nelson during WWII. USS PURDY (DD-734) Branson Radisson Branson, Missouri April 23-27, 2008 Chaired by: Larry DiPasquale Attendance: 78 total/35 shipmates Highlights: Plenty of great shows. Tours included a scenic railroad ride, Veterans Memorial Museum, Branson Bell Showboat, riding the "Ducks" around Branson and Tablerock Lake. Two great banquets and our Farewell Breakfast. USS KIDD ASSOCIATION/DESRON 48 Holiday Inn Harrisburg-Hershey Grantville, Pennsylvania April 29-May 3, 2008 Chaired by: Bill Snyder Attendance: 70 total/45 shipmates Highlights: We enjoyed another great reunion (our 60th) in a very nice hotel and two interesting tours (Gettysburg and Hershey). We had a great banquet with a speaker in the role of Confederate General Longstreet. We look forward to Mobile, AL next May. Commodore Bowling and wife, Joyce, will be hosting May 20-23, 2009. USS MACDONOUGH (DLG-8/DDG-39) Grand Plaza Branson, Missouri May 4-8, 2008 Chaired by: Clara Heavey Attendance: 30 total/25 shipmates Highlights: We went to see "The Presleys" and the "Platters", ate a lot and enjoyed the shopping. The hospitality room was very active with conversation between old friends and new ones. We had jig saw puzzles out for everyone to put together. The final banquet and auction (silent one this year) was a great success! USS HAILEY (DD-556) Holiday Inn Executive Center Virginia Beach, Virginia May 4-7, 2008 Chaired by: Howard Jones Attendance: 71 total/37 shipmats Highlights: Everything was great, worked fine! USS YARNALL (DD-541) Handlery Hotel San Diego, California May 15-18, 2008 Chaired by: Roger McCracken Attendance: 55 total/24 shipmates Highlights: Hotel worked very well for us, well located hospitality room at poolside, big enough for all our guests. Tour of USS MIDWAY and full harbor cruise with lunch. Home Port--Good times. USS BUCK (DD-761) Boston Mariott Peabody Peabody, Massachusetts June 1-5, 2008 Chaired by: John Connolly Attendance: 50 total/25 shipmates Highlights: The reunion opened with a New England seafood buffet. Monday began the tours with a visit to the Gloucester Maritime Center. Lunch at the famous Woddman's in Essex followed by the Essex Shipbuilding Museum. Tuesday a memorial service, visit to Cape Ann Museum and off to Rockport. Next a harbor cruise followed by a lobster bake. Wednesday a special flag raising on USS Constitution and trolley tour of Boston. Banquet that night with entertainment by well-known singer Dan Clark. USS CONYNGHAM (DD-371/DDG-17) Lincolnshire Marriott June 4-8, 2008 Chaired by: Len Gordon Attendance: 60 total/40 shipmates Highlights: Started with a riding tour of Chicago. Saw Sears Tower and Hancock building. Hot lunch at Montchello's. Viewed Great Lakes Boot Camp Graduation. Took in a White Sox baseball game. USS DASHEILL (DD-659) Bavarian Inn Lodge Frankenmuth (Little Bavaria), Michigan June 22-27, 2008 Chaired by: Bill Butler Attendance: 68 total/24 shipmates Highlights: Registration, 3-hour luncheon cruise, business meeting, auction, dinner and dancing and a lot of socializing. A great area for reunions. Thank you for the handouts. USS EDWARD McDONNELL (DE/FF-1043) Merry Manor Inn South Portland, Maine July 9-13, 2008 Chaired by: John "JC" Collins Attendance: 71 total/40 shipmates Highlights: Attended Portland Sea Dogs baseball game, shopping trip to Freeport, Maine (L.L. Bean), Friday night buffet, Saturday night buffet banquet and raffle. USS TURNER JOY (DD-951) Hampton Inn Bremerton, Washington August 7-10, 2008 Chaired by: Richard E. Asche Attendance: 147 total/76 shipmates Highlights: Banquet at Bremerton Conference Center. Guest speaker was Lt. Col. Bruce Crandall, Medal of Honor recipient awarded by President George W. Bush in February 2007. A salmon bake, Tillicum Village, Blake Island and bus tours to Bainbridge island and Port Townsend, Fort Worden. USS HENLEY (DD-762) Town and Country Resort San Diego, California August 21-25, 2008 Chaired by: F. Fabro/R. Douglas Attendance: 80 total/42 shipmates Highlights: The San Diego reunion was a great time! The Welcome dinner outside among flowers and tall palms was very entertaining. Guests especially enjoyed the live 50s style rock and roll band and dancing. An original oil painting of founders Lenhart, Le Blanc and Munk was unveiled and dedicated--everyone was amazed at the great likeness of the portraits of founders. The city tour enjoyed rave reviews with a well-informed and humorous guide. members were very touched by the memorial service aboard USS MIDWAY with shipmates and families casting a red rose upon the waters in memory of each departed shipmate. As always the closing banquet was wonderful, members enjoyed a fine dinner and dancing to the music of a small group with a Big Band sound. Monday morning it was goodbye 'til next year--see you again in early October 2009 in Norfolk, VA. USS STEPHEN POTTER (DD-538) Adams mark hotel Buffalo, New York September 7-11, 2008 Chaired by: Committee/Officers Attendance: 46 total/14 shipmates Highlights: This was our 16th reunion. A guided tour of Erie County Naval and Military park with a buffet luncheon followed by a memorial Service. A trip to the Seneca Niagara Casino where most of us were a bunch of losers. Lots of camaraderie in the ever-popular hospitality room and also on the Maid of the Mist boat tour. The blue Maid of the Mist raincoats provided lots of laughs as some of us couldn't figure how to put them on. Awesome boat trip to the base of the falls followed by a buffet luncheon at the top of the Sheraton on the Canadian side. Beautiful view of the Falls and great food was enjoyed by all. A productive business meeting was held with lots of issues/questions answered and resolved. Our next reunion will be held in 18 months in Washington, DC--Spring of 2010--dates to be announced later. Our banquet was fun-filled with a sit-down dinner, successful drawings and a great silent auction after the banquet. All in all a wonderful reunion--always interesting stories to be shared and tears as we all said our good-byes until 2010. USS PORTERFIELD (DD-682) Crown Reef Myrtle Beach, South Carolina September 7-14, 2008 Chaired by: Jack Spradlin Attendance: 74 total/40 shipmates Highlights: Just getting to see each other one more year.   USS WEISS (APD-135) Drawbridge Inn Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky September 10-13, 2008 Chaired by: Homer Evans Attendance: 36 total/16 shipmates Highlights: USAF national Museum at Wright Patterson AFB. Cincinnati Historical Museum. Riverboat lunch on the Ohio River. USS BARRY (DD-933) Ramada Inn Charleston, South Carolina September 11-15, 2008 Chaired by: Larry Loss Attendance: 90 total/46 shipmates Highlights: Memorial service and tour at Patriots Point, Fort Sumter and Hunley Tour. NATIONAL SONAR ASSOCIATION Holiday Inn--Financial Plaza Shreveport, Louisianna September 11-14, 2008 Chaired by: Jesse M. Newton Attendance: 20 total/12 shipmates Highlights: Twenty brave souls threw caution to the winds and attended the 26th annual National Sonar Association reunion. Despite the very real threat of hurricane Ike, we toured the Texas Oil Museum in Kilgore and Hodges Gardens in Shreveport. The low turnout made this a more intimate reunion with plenty of time to visit and play "catch-up" with old and dear friends. USS KLONDIKE (AR-22) Hampton Inn Bremerton, Washington September 12-16, 2008 Chaired by: William Swope Attendance: 101 total/59 shipmates Highlights: We had a great time touring the USS Turner Joy. A visit to Seattle to various locations was interesting. Next year is Charleston, S.C. USS IZARD (DD-589) Ramada Plaza Hotel and Conference Center Columbus, Ohio September 14-17, 2008 Chaired by: Philip Epstein Attendance: 28 total/8 shipmates Highlights: Our hotel suffered hurricane Ike's fury the first night of our reunion leaving us completely in the dark--no power--not telephone. Lights were restored a day later. This reunion was quite memorable, but very good despite the inconveniences. USS CALDWELL (DD-605) Holiday Inn Patriot's Point Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina September 15-17, 2008 Chaired by: John M. Bates Attendance: 48 total/13 shipmates Highlights: Tour of USS YORKTOWN (we operated with her in Task Force 58, Western pacific, Spring 1944). Held Memorial Service on the fantail of the USS LAFFEY. Lunch in CPO mess, YORKTOWN next day, bus tour to downtown Charleston and the market. Banquet in ballroom of the Holiday Inn. Dancing to music by "Ruebon". It was a great event. USS COOLBAUGH (DE-217) Holiday Inn Historic District Philadelphia, Pennsylvania September 15-19, 2008 Chaired by: Harvey Weiss Attendance: 36 total/18 shipmates Highlights: Visited Sea Museum, Independence Hall, Battleship New Jersey, Submarine Becuma, Liberty Bell, U.S. Mint, numerous historic sites, and Duck Tour of Philly and Delaware River. USS BLUE (DD-744) holiday Inn Portland Airport Portland, Oregon September 18-20, 2008 Chaired by: Phil King Attendance: 74 total/39 shipmates Highlights: First day--city tour to include China Town and Rose Garden. Lunch and river cruise. Second day--Evergreen Aviation Museum and two wine tastings. The 2009 reunion will be in Nashville, Tennessee followed by Buffalo, New York in 2010. USS BARTON (DD-722) Baton Rouge, Louisianna September 19, 2008 Chaired by: Gene "SKI" Palinski, President Highlights: A great time was had by all on our day at the USS KIDD ship and museum. Marry Drummond and his staff did a great job. We arrived at the site of the USS KIDD in the early morning and were greeted by the USS KIDD staff. The group was touched when they saw 80 American flags lining the pathway from the museum to the KIDD where our shipmates were given permission to board. Our memorial service was held on the fantail and recognition was given to our shipmates that have passed away. It didn't take long for the BARTON shipmates to find that moving about the ship wasn't as easy as when they were on active duty, especially going up and down the ladders. The museum is one of the best, with many ship models and a lot of naval history throughout. We had a catered lunch at the site and many of us spent a lot of time at the KIDD during our stay in Baton Rouge. Our group would like to express our thanks to Maury Drummond and his staff for the excellent job that they do at the KIDD site. This experience will never be forgotten. USS GEORGE A. JOHNSON (DE-583) Soverign Best Western Avenue Albany, New York September 21-25, 2008 Chaired by: Walter Grinspan Attendance: 19 total/7 shipmates Highlights: This was our last reunion (third trip to the Slater). Twenty years of meeting together and seven shipmates remain. Great meetings but everything has an ending. This was our last. USS FLETCHER (DD/DDE-445/DD-992) Drawbridge Inn Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky September 24-27, 2008 Chaired by: Norb Bender Attendance: 64 total/31 shipmates Highlights: Ohio River Tour with Memorial Service, St. Mary's Basilica of the Assumption, The Hofbrauhaus (great food and "beverages", Peace Bell Memorial. Hotel staff very friendly and accommodating. Note: Dogs were welcome. USS LEONARD F. MASON (DD-852) Best Western Green Bay, Wisconsin September 24-27, 2008 Chaired by: M. James Mason Attendance: 52 total/26 shipmates Highlights: City tour of Green Bay and Packer Hall of Fame. Tour of Door County, Tour of the Railroad Museum and Saturday night banquet.. Thank you for raffle items. USS WADLEIGH (DD-689) Savannah, Georgia September 24-28, 2008 Attendance: 87 total/43 shipmates Highlights: An excellent time was had by all. Gifts from TCS were well received by our shipmates. Next year our tentative location is Baltimore, Maryland. USS ERNEST G. SMALL (DD/DDR-838) Holiday Inn WBI Conference Center Linthicum Heights, Maryland September 25-28, 2008 Chaired by: Ronald Palinkas Attendance: 39 total/25 shipmates Highlights: Narrated driving tour of D.C. A visit to the Naval memorial with a wreath laying ceremony. Also visits to Korean War memorial, Vietnam Memorial, WWII Memorial and Lincoln memorial. Walking tour of U.. Naval Academy at Annapolis with visits to John Paul Jones Crypt, walk-thru barracks area, chapel, lunch was served at the Dry-Dock Restaurant on academy grounds. USS WALKE (DD-723) Holiday Inn, Renton Renton, Washington September 25-29, 2008 Chaired by: John Henderson and Walt Holderman Attendance: 88 total/43 shipmates Highlights: A special highlight was our all Navy banquet beginning with a Navy brass quartet playing toe-tapping music. A Junior Naval ROTC group presented the colors with one member doing a rifle spinning demonstration. Our speaker was our own Paul Bergeron who spoke of founding the Walke Association and its nineteen year history. A new member doing a rifle spinning demonstration. Our speaker was our own Paul Bergeron who spoke of founding the Walke Association and its nineteen year history. A new member showed slides from his duty aboard ship bringing back many memories. This hotel specializes in military reunions. Thee decor in the hospitality room and the dining room was a tasteful red, white and blue. All food was delicious and well presentedd. The Holiday Inn staff was outstanding in seeing to it that our reunion was successful. We were happy sailors! USS LOWRY (DD-770) Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside San Diego, California September 26-29, 2008 Chaired by: Bill Meddings Attendance: 83 total/43 shipmates Highlights: The hotel provided was outstanding in every way with service, food quality and location. San Diego Inbound Tours provided excellent tours for everyone. We would highly recommend both for any upcoming event for Tin Can Sailors. USS COLAHAN (DD-658) Town & Country Inn and Conference Center Charleston, South Carolina September 28-October 1, 2008 Chaired by: Guy L. Polley, Jr. Attendance: 64 total/31 shipmates including 2 Plank owners & 2 WWII vets Highlights: Patriot's Point--Fort Sumter. Downtown tour of historic Charleston, Magnolia Plantation, Banquet and fellowship at hotel. Excellent hotel and Greyline Tours were excellent. USS FRANKS (DD-554) October 12-18, 2008 Norwegian Spirit Attendance: 25 total Highlights: We embarked from New York City with stops at Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; Boston and Martha's Vineyard. A contributions were made to the Thomas J. Peltin Destroyer Museum Grant Program and Tin Can Sailors Administrative Expenses. Click here for photo. USS TAYLOR (DD/DDE-468) Best Western Merry Manor Inn South Portland, Maine October 16-20, 2008 Chaired by: Otto A. Zipf Attendance: 99 total/49 shipmates Highlights: An escorted tour of the Bath Iron Works shipyard, where USS TAYLOR was built and launched in 1942 as part of the naval buildup in WWII. Saw the present shipyard industrial work associated with the new construction of the latest class of destroyers, the ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG-51) class. An educational docent-led tour of the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. Enjoyed a lobster clambake in York. Spent time shopping at the L.L. Bean flagship complex in Freeport. Toured Kennebunkport, viewing the Bush compound from a safe distance. Enjoyed the bright glories of the Maine foliage peak colors. USS BIGELOW (DD-942) Courtyard Marriott Cocoa Beach, Florida October 29-November 2, 2008 Chaired by: Brenda and Frank Calandrillo Attendance: 33 total/29 shipmates Highlights: Hotel and staff were terrific. Had a poolside BBQ and banquet. Unfortunately, the casino cruise was not a highlight and we would not recommend it. A few new faces/first-timers are always a highlight. USS DECATUR (DD-341, DD-936, DDG-31, DDG-73) Radisson Beach Hotel Corpus Christi, Texas November 9-13, 2008 Chaired by: Albert "Mark" Serafine Attendance: 21 total/13 shipmates Highlights: All Attendees had a great time sharing sea stories and sampling the attractions available in Corpus Christi. A special day aboard the USS LEXINGTON (CV-16) was held on Veteran's Day. We held a memorial service with a wreath-tossing on Hangar Bay 2 for all American Vets. A Texas BBQ Reunion Dinner was held on the LEXINGTON Fantail. Raffles and auctions held in the Radisson Hospitality Room. USS JOHN PAUL JONES (DD-230/932/DDG-32/DDG-53) Holiday Inn Select Nashville, Tennessee April 16-20, 2009 Chaired by: Don Wall Attendance: 112 total/53 shipmates Highlights: This was our 12th reunion. Our shipmate host, Don Wall, set up a great program. We opened with a personal welcome from the Mayor of Nashville, Karl Dean. Our wrap up banquet featured Myers Brown, the Tennessee State Museum Curator of extension services who spoke about the U.S. Navy connection to the U.S. Cavalry in Tennessee. There were tours of Nashville historical sites and the music industry. The nationally known GRAND OLE OPRY was one of highlights, where the USS JOHN PAUL JONES Assoc. was recognized on the radio show.  Sunday lunch was served on the Paddle Wheeler General Jackson. A special Memorial service was held at the Nashville National Cemetery for 14 shipmates that departed since our last reunion. The service was complete with Navy Honor Guard and a church choir. USS FORREST SHERMAN (DD-931) Dunes Manor Hotel Ocean City, Maryland April 26-29, 2009 Chaired by: Kurt Wagemann Attendance: 111 total/78 shipmates Highlights: Too much food! Too much sun! Too much hospitality room! A great time had by all. USS JENKINS (DD/DDE-447) Guest House International Inn Nashville, Tennessee April 29-May 3, 2009 Chaired by: Janice Dill Attendance: 142 total/59 shipmates Highlights: JENKINS shipmates, family members and friends shared memories and made new ones while touring Nashville, visiting museums, historic mansions and honky-tonks and experiencing the Grand Ole Opry. In keeping with our WWII theme, we ate "gedunk" and "pogey-bait" and gave out candy-filled TIN CANS to door prize winners! One highlight was when a USS INDIANAPOLIS survivor spike to the group. The best part of all was bringing shipmates together, especially the three WWII era men who attended their very first reunion and were reunited with the "crew" again after 65 years.   USS ISHERWOOD (DD-520) Sandcastle Oceanfront Hotel Virginia Beach, Virginia Chaired by: Elmer Martens May 31-June 5, 2009 Attendance: 36 total/16 shipmates Highlights: Our second reunion in Virginia Beach was great. We stayed at the same oceanfront hotel and meals catered by Ammos Restaurant were delicious. We visited Oceana Naval Air Station and enjoyed a hot buffet at the Officers Club. Our guide, Kent VonHech, was up on all phases of carrier life and aircraft. We also visited the Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin. The reunion was enjoyed by all. I highly recommend Virginia Beach to all reunion planners. USS SHANNON (DM-25) Comfort Inn Belfast, Maine June 15-19, 2009 Chaired by: John Pandora Attendance: 26 total/11 shipmates Highlights: Trip to Owls Head Transportation Museum and to Fort Knox. Wednesday we took a ferry from Rockland to Vinalhaven Island to have a lobster cookout, thanks to shipmate Ivan Olson. Everyone had all the lobster they could eat. Farewell Banquet held Friday night then all departed for home. USS DAHLGREN (DLG-12/DDG-43) Best Western Hotel and Conference Center Baltimore, Maryland June 24-27, 2009 Chaired by: Joseph Coventree Attendance: 38 total/20 shipmates Highlights: Many have not seen each other in 40 years. New friends are made and old friendships are renewed. The week had us seeing the sights of Baltimore and the Inner Harbor as well as a tour of Annapolis. The week ended with a dinner on Saturday and the group's annual meeting. USS McKEE (DD-575) La Quinta Branson, Missouri June 25-28, 2009 Chaired by: Larry and Pat Campbell Attendance: 29 total/5 shippmates Highlights: Our thirty-first reunion was attended by five sailors and their families. We saw the "Sons of the Pioneers" and "12 Irish Tenors". We had a great hospitality room where we enjoyed snacks. Banquet was Saturday evening attended by 29 with entertainment of country music by a son of a shipmate and a shipmate and his wife. A moment of silence for the ones lost in the last year. USS MURPHY (DD-603) Midway Best Western Hotel Milwaukee, Wisconsin July 29-August 2, 2009 Chaired by: Frank and Joan Ribich Attendance: 50 total/18 shipmates Highlights: Arrive on Wednesday the 29th. Thursday tour of Miller Brewery, boat trip lunch. Friday tour Harley Davidson Museum, lunch in Greendale, toured Taste of Home with demonstration, tour and history of city. Saturday on our own. Pictures and banquet and Hawaiian dancers in evening. Sunday a.m. Chaplain gives service and we say our good-byes. USS HAGGARD (DD-555) Fairfield Inn and Suites Fairfield, California August 26-30, 2009 Chaired by: Bill Accurso and Gina Prindiville Attendance: 41 total/13 shipmates Highlights: Took a chartered 57 mile riverboat cruise from Suisun Marina to the Naval mothball fleet near Benicia. Held a memorial service by the USS IOWA. Toured the USS HORNET in Alameda. Entertained by The Singing Blue Stars. BBQ, music, car show, rides in an APC and more at Downer Mansion in Pinole. Toured the Jelly Belly factory and Budweiser Brewery in Fairfield. Banquet dinner at the Vintage Caffe in Suisun. Video presentation by Jim and Donna Davidson, followed by raffle of many donated prizes. Took a trip to Cache Creek Casino. Thanks again to the many friends that helped make this happen for these veterans. USS LAWS (DD-558) LaQuinta Conference Center San Antonio, Texas September 2-6, 2009 Chaired by: Larry Tocker Attendance: 39 total/16 shipmates Highlights: On 9/3/09 our group took a bus tour of San Antonio attractions. Next day we went by bus to Fredericksburg, TX to the Nimitz Foundation/National Museum of the Pacific War--dedicated plaque of USS Laws (to honor all Laws shipmates) and had a bell memorial service. After the program, we toured the museum; combat zone, and city. Saturday morning meeting: voted to have our next reunion in Reno, NV. Joe Gomez will host. Evening banquet was great--great food and two great speakers from the San Antonio Recruiting Office. They spoke about the navy and ships of the present time. USS BROUGH (DE-148) Crowne Plaza Alexandria, Virginia September 9-14, 2009 Chaired by: Ron Zarem Attendance: 44 total/22 shipmates Highlights: Largest "Ships Company" at the DESA convention. Reunion banquet at our hotel. Door prizes won by seven different families. USS COTTEN (DD-669) Hampton Inn Westport, Massachusetts September 9-12, 2009 Chaired by: Committee/Officers Attendance: 62 total/34 shipmates Highlights: This was our 27th reunion. A guided tour of Newport, RI and the Naval Station on Thursday. next came a bumpy ferry trip to Martha's Vineyard on Friday and a side trip to Battleship Cove on Saturday where the ship used to tie up at the State Pier. Other time was spent in the ever-popular hospitality room. This was the first time we had had a joint reunion with the USS GATLING (DD-671) and the results were so good we have scheduled all future reunions as joint functions. Our business meeting contributed $250 to the Tin Can Sailors and $250 to the USS KIDD (DD-661) Veterans Memorial. Saturday night was a joint memorial to passed sailors of the COTTEN and the GATLING followed by our banquet. Our next reunion will be held in San Antonio, TX from September 12-15, 2010. USS PETERSON (DE-152) Town & Country Inn Charleston, South Carolina September 9-11, 2009 Chaired by: Dennis Beck Attendance: 51 total/26 shipmates Highlights: Great hotel for a reunion. Great tours, lots of choices. Prices reasonable. Hotel rooms very good. Hospitality room big and allowed us to bring in our beverages and food. Complimentary meeting room, dance floor, projector screens, free ice. USS SAMUEL N. MOORE (DD-747) Holiday Inn Riverview Charleston Charleston, South Carolina September 9-13, 2009 Chaired by: Tom Pettit, President Attendance: 38 total/22 shipmates Highlights: Narrated historical bus tour; tour of Patriots Point and lunch on the Yorktown; tour of Fort Sumter; Saturday business meeting, pizza lunch and banquet; Citadel Honor Guard at the banquet. Click here for photos. USS WALDRON (DD-699) Holiday Inn BWI Airport Linthieum Heights, Maryland September 9-13, 2009 Chaired by: Richard Decourcey Attendance: 84 total/46 shipmates Highlights: The hospitality room is always a major highlight. The memorial service aboard the USCGC Taney in the Baltimore Harbor was a very solemn but important part of the reunion. Touring the Naval Academy and lunch in the Officers' Club was certainly a highlight as was the closing banquet, a dress-up affair with a number of shipmates in uniform. USS PRICE (DE/DER-332) USS STRICKLAND (DE/DER-333) Best Western Sovereign Hotel Albany, New York September 11-13, 2009 Chaired by: Alan and Jean Taylor Attendance: 40 total/22 shipmates Highlights: Friday included a memorial service aboard the USS SLATER (DE-766) at the Port of Albany. After the memorial there was a tour of the ship then a luncheon cruise on the Dutch Apple Cruise Line on the Hudson River. Saturday included a visit to the Albany Museum with a great banquet to follow on Saturday evening. "A great time was had by all!" USS TOWERS (DDG-9) Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel Omaha, Nebraska September 16-20, 2009 Chaired by: John Gondring Attendance: 70 total/40 shipmates Highlights: The gig from the TOWERS is in Omaha at Freedom Park. The article from the Omaha World-Herald newspaper had the headline: A Crew, a Boat and a Sea of Memories". A decommissioned ship's survivors see how old mates have weathered the years. Veteran John Gondring of Omaha eyed the vessel with affection. "It is a relic, but it is a nice relic. It's my relic." In the past, the group has met in Las Vegas, San Diego and Branson, Missouri but Omaha as one draw those other cities lack. In Freedom Park, along the Missouri River, the Captain's gig--from the new decommissioned and sunk TOWERS sits among other military exhibits. Some of the men had seen the landlocked gig before. During one trip through Omaha, the Park was locked. That didn't stop former coxswain K.D. "Snake" Shook of Oklahoma. Snake clilmbed the fence. He found the gig not quite as spic and span as when he ferried skipper L.D. Cummings around in it. USS ROBERT A. OWENS (DDE-827) Wyndam Riverwalk Jacksonville, Florida September 17-20, 2009 Chaired by: Patrick Thompson, Sr. Attendance: 74 total/46 shipmates Highlights: Visit USS CARNEY (DDG-64) at Mayport Naval Station; Presentatjion by CDR S.J. Petroff, C.O. USS BOONE (FFG-28) and riverboat cruise on St. John's River, Jacksonville. USS SHENANDOAH (AD-26) Hyatt Deerfield Deerfield, Illinois September 17-20, 2009 Chaired by: David Zapf Attendance: 35 total/20 shipmates Highlights: Great gathering and an opportunity to go back in time by viewing a "boot" graduation at G.L.N.T.C. along with a fantastic boat ride on the Chicago River. Also toured the Science Museum along with seeing U-505. Wonderful tour of the McCormick Mansion and Gardens at Cantigny. Great Reunion. USS BAUSELL (DD-845) Omni Colonnade San Antonio, Texas September 20-25, 2009 Chaired by: Eugene D'Arezzo Attendance: 131 total/68 shipmates Highlights: Business meeting and raffle, then an evening at the Enchanted Spring Ranch for a Texas BBQ dinner and entertainment. Riverwalk and Alamo excursions. Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg. Plaque dedication for CPL Lewis Bausell and USS BAUSELL (DD-845). Tour of the Combat Zone. LBJ Ranch and tour of the Texas Whitehouse with Lucy Baines Johnson. Golf at Fort Sam Houston. Farewell banquet with an emotional presentation of the colors by a color guard unit from Lackland AFB. A creative DJ, awards, raffle and a casino night. A special award for furthest traveled, 4,081 miles from Palmer, Alaska to San Antonio, Texas. USS CHARLES P. CECIL (DD-835) Best Western Bradbury Suites Savannah, Georgia September 20-26, 2009 Chaired by: Tom Guiffrida Attendance: 54 total/29 shipmates Highlights: Tours each day--9/22-9/25 through various parts of Savannah and of Tybee Island and Museum, lighthouse and Cockspur Island, a Paula Dean Tour, Ships of the Sea Museum, a Savannah Riverboat Cruise and a banquet on Friday evening. USS ENGLISH (DD-696) Double Tree Inn Alexandria, Virginia Chaired by: John L. O'Leary Attendance: 135 total/60 shipmates Highlights: Celebrating the 65th anniversary of the commissioning of the USS ENGLISH, the crew dedicated a plaque at the U.S. Navy memorial and placed a wreath at the statue of the Lone Sailor in memory of those crew members who have taken their final voyage. As our principal guest and speaker we were honored to have Rear Admiral William C. Neel, USN (Ret), former Chief of Staff U.S. Naval Forces, Europe and Deputy U.S. Commander Eastern Atlantic. RADM Neel joined the USS ENGLISH in the Engineering Department as his first assignment upon his graduation from the Naval Academy. The reception dinner and the formal dinner were well received and all enjoyed the dancing which followed. All hands are looking forward to the 2010 reunion in Indianapolis, Indiana from Sept. 16-19, 2010. USS FISKE (DD/DDR-842) Red Lion Templin's on the River Post Falls, Idaho September 24-27, 2009 Chaired by: Gil Beyer Attendance: 71 total/38 shipmates (with 2 plank owners) Highlights: Toured NRTC Farragut Grounds and Museum on Friday. Evening cruise on Spokane River. Dinner theater at Rockin' B Ranch. Banquet on Saturday with RADM A. Scott Logan, USN (Ret.) as guest speaker. Note: RADM Logan's first ship assignment was as ASW officer on board FISKE 1960-1961. USS PERKINS (DD/DDR-877/DD-377) Crowne Plaza Hotel San Diego, California September 24-27, 2009 Chaired by: Pete and Carol Massa and Billy and Mary Fox Attendance: 108 total Highlights: We had a total of 18 first timers that came to the reunion. Among those were two first timers from the DD-337. Both were aboard when that PERKINS was sunk by an Australian Freighter. The morning meeting was held with recognition given to all the newcomers, the plank owners and the gentlemen of the 377. A roster of departed shipmates was read and each was honored with a ring of the ship's bell. A special tribute was given by Sue Orr for our reunion founder's wife, Bev Widgren. Dan Jackson presented an update on the USS ORLECK and accepted the wood carving of the PERKINS as next year's host. Last year's reunion minutes and treasurers report were submitted and approved. Door prizes were won by many shipmates. The meeting concluded on schedule. A well-stocked luau was provided in a tropical outdoor setting. A 50/50 fundraising event concluded with the drawing and Tom Williams won $270.00. The remainder of the 50/50 drawing went into the USS PERKINS fund for future reunions. The next day saw most shipmates departing for home or other mysterious places. See you next year in Lake Charles, LA. USS JOHN R. PIERCE (DD-753) Doubletree Hotel Norfolk Airport Norfolk, Virginia September 28-October 4, 2009 Chaired by: Ed Millett Attendance: 114 total/45 shipmates Highlights: Memorial service on base Navy Chapel. Lunch on base mess Hall. Tour of Old Norfolk. Live entertainment Wednesday and Thursday--trip back to 40-50-60s. At dinner we had a cake of a ship--72" long, 13" wide and 28" high. All said best reunion yet. USS CONWAY (DD-507) Town & Country Resort Hotel San Diego, California September 30-October 4, 2009 Chaired by: Spencer French Attendance: 75 total/38 shipmates Highlights: Four days of socializing with shipmates and their wives--touring San Diego and Old Town--cruising the harbor--touring USS MIDWAY Museum--Dining and Dancing--fantastic facilities and wonderful hosts at Town & Country Resort. USS BENSON (DD-421) Crowne Plaza Warwick, Rhode Island October 1-4, 2009 Chaired by: Nancy Bailey Attendance: 19 total/5 shipmates Highlights: A great time was had seeing our fellow tin-can shipmates and their families. We toured the historic Newport Mansions followed by a visit to the Newport Naval War Training Museum. Lobster dinners were enjoyed by many. The evening banquet was enjoyed by all, including sons and grandsons of shipmates passed on. Each shipmate shared memories and stories of the 1940s. It was sad to say goodbye on Sunday. . .but watch out Washington, D.C.--next year here we come! USS THEODORE E. CHANDLER (DD-717) Sheraton Baton Rouge Baton Rouge, Louisianna October 1-4, 2009 Chaired by Dorothy Crouch Attendance: 60-70 total/40-45 shipmates Highlights: Hospitality Room, Banquet. USS DALE (DLG-19/CG-19) Holiday Inn Riverview Charleston, South Carolina October 4-6, 2009 Chaired by: Dennis W. Smith Highlights: The reunion started on Sunday and by mid-afternoon most of our members had arrived and were getting acquainted or reacquainted. There was plenty of food and soft drinks available. Continental breakfast on Monday and Tuesday. Each crew member received a new DALE ball cap. Monday we toured the Magnolia Gardens and a bus tour of Old Charleston. The tour guide was great. Tuesday we visited Patriots Point Naval Museum where we toured SS CLAMAGORE and USS YORKTOWN. Lunch was in the CPO Mess. After lunch we took a boat tour to Fort Sumter. The cruise was informative and very pleasant. Tuesday evening we enjoyed our banquet dinner. After dinner we adjourned to the hospitality room where we conducted our raffle and held our business meeting. Wednesday morning we met in the hotel restaurant for a farewell breakfast. The Holiday Inn was wonderful. If you could not attend this reunion you missed out on a great event. In either case we hope to see you at the Chicago (area) 2011 reunion. USS BORDELON (DD-881) Beach Cove Resort N. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina October 7-11, 2009 Chaired by: Barney Oursler Attendance: 144 total/62 shipmates Highlights: From Oct. 7-11, 2009 64 members plus guests and wives gathered at the beautiful Beach Cove Resort in N. Myrtle Beach. We visited historic Georgetown, SC and had lunch on 10-9-09. On 10-10-09 we toured the Low Country from N. Myrtle Beach to Pawley's island. The reunion concluded with a Dance and Dinner at the hotel on 10-10-09. This was the 13th reunion of the BORDELON and the 2nd one in South Carolina. We all departed for home on Sunday Oct. 11. The next reunion will be held in Pensacola, FL in 2011. USS RALPH TALBOT (DD-390) Holiday Inn--Hurstbourne Louisville, Kentucky October 7-10, 2009 Chaired by: Ed Hayden Attendance: 28 total/8 shipmates Highlights: None, just a good time. USS DAVIDSON (DE/FF-1045) Grand Country Inn Branson, Missouri October 8-11, 2009 Chaired by: Bob Schippers Attendance: 62 total/41 shipmates Highlights: Two programs--Jack Evans gave a recap of the decommissioning time period. Marion Peck, mother of shipmate, gave a talk on her days as a navy wave during WWII. USS EVERETT F. LARSON (DD/DDR-830) SeaMist Oceanfront Resort Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Chaired by: Thomas D. Flynn Attendance: 109 total/50 shipmates Highlights: Toured Patriots Point. Memorial service on USS YORKTOWN/lunch in Chief's Mess on 10/9. Toured Battleship North Carolina with lunch on the fantail 10/10. Attended Country Western Themed variety show at the Alabama Theatre Saturday evening 10/10. Edith Larson Sanborn, twin sister of Everett Larson (ship's namesake) was recognized during show by theatre cast. Banquet Sunday evening at SeaMist 10/11. USS SOLEY (DD-707) Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel Mobile, Alabama October 8-12, 2009 Chaired by: Michael Pollack Attendance: 84 total/43 shipmates Highlights: Registration began October 7. We toured Bellingrath Gardens and Home, cruised the Fowl River and had lunch at the Gardens October 9. On October 10 we attended the USS ALABAMA Park, held a memorial service and toured the ALABAMA and other sites at the park. October 11 the group went to the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL, toured the museum, had lunch at the cafeteria and returned to the hotel for our Business Meeting. Monday, October 12 was a free day until our banquet at 1900 hours. One Plank Owner attended. Two widows and their daughters also attended. The widows shared the honor of presenting the wreath at the Memorial Service. One of the daughters presented each shipmate with a card thanking them for their service in observance of the founding of the U.S. Navy. A great time was had by all. Our next reunion will be in the spring of 2011. USS LEWIS HANCOCK (DD-675) Landmark Resort Hotel Myrtle Beach, South Carolina October 14-18, 2009 Chaired by: Howard Rush Attendance: 62 total/43 shipmates Highlights: Group went to Palace theater and saw Irish dancers and singers. Everyone enjoyed the banquet on Saturday night. The weather was cold and rainy and the indoor pools were enjoyed very much. USS HANSON (DD/DDR-832) Hotel Arizona Tucson, Arizona October 15-18, 2009 Chaired by: Bob Beiter Attendance: 70 total/37 shipmates Highlights: I would give the highest recommendation to Tucson and the Hotel Arizona to anyone who asks. Everything went very smoothly. We kept our tours local and found there is a lot to see and do in the immediate area. We had a lot of good feedback from the attendees. USS VAN VALKENBURGH (DD-656) Channel Inn Hotel Washington, D.C. October 15-18, 2009 Chaired by: Lee L. Henry Attendance: 39 total/19 shipmates Highlights: The USS VAN VALKENBURGH (DD-656) Korean War Era Reunion Association had a very wet, but spirited reunion. Our nation's capitol took on new meaning as we toured the White House and Capitol as well as their respective visitors' center. However, the highlight of the reunion was the dedication of the USS VAN VALKENBURGH Memorial Plaque which is now proudly displayed on the Wall of Honor at the US Navy Memorial Foundation building. This dedication took place in the Navy Memorial Foundation Theater and was very impressive and moving. The next reunion of this group will be held in Fall River, MA from September 30 to October 3. USS ROSS (DD-563) Crowne Plaza Riverfront Jacksonville, Florida October 16-20, 2009 Chaired by: Lloyd D. Collins Attendance: 56 total/24 shipmates Highlights: Great hotel and management to work with. Good day trip to St. Augustine historic area. Excellent banquet dinner. USS TATTNALL (DDG-19) Town and Country Inn Charleston, South Carolina October 19-23, 2009 Chaired by: Richard Harmon Attendance: 90 shipmates Highlights: The USS TATTNALL reunion in Charleston, S.C. was a resounding success. Ninety shipmates were in attendance, many Plank Owners, most attended with wives. Tuesday, a bus tour of Old Charleston learning history with two free hours to explore the unique shops on Market Street. Wednesday, Patriot's Point for a memorial service aboard the USS YORKTOWN. We were told it was the best attended memorial ever held there. Afterward a boat tour of the harbor was available including a narrated history of Charleston harbor and exploring Ft. Sumter. Thursday was a free day. We went separate ways to Magnolia Plantation, a tea plantation, or horse drawn carriage rides. That evening a fantastic buffet was provided, food was good and plenty. USS JARVIS (DD-799) Handlery Hotel--Hotel Circle San Diego, California October 22-25, 2009 Chaired by: Charlie mcKee Attendance: 53 total/31 shipmates Highlights: Crewmen and guests toured USS MIDWAY (CVA-41) Museum Ship; USS CHANCELLORSVILLE (CG-62); as well as a San Diego Harbor Tour with lunch. The event concluded with our dinner and a presentation by former XO of the captured ship, USS PUEBLO, Lt. Edward Murphy. USS WREN (DD-568) Drawbridge Inn & Convention Center Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky October 23-27, 2009 Chaired by: Jim Ward Attendance: 120 total/53 shipmates Highlights: Those that attended were taken on a riverboat dinner cruise on the Ohio River. They also visited the Kentucky Horse Park, site of the 2010 World Equestrian games and enjoyed a relaxing luncheon. A tour of the Tri-State area and cities of Covington and Newport, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio with lunch in an authentic German restaurant with a dinner dance on Saturday and a concluding breakfast with installation of new officers and dismissal Sunday morning. USS HUGHES (DD-410) Spring Hill Suites--Marriot Baltimore, Maryland April 7-11, 2010 Chaired by: Barbara Soffer Attendance: 59 total/12 shipmates Highlights: Bus trips to Washington. Narrated tours with stops at WWII Memorial, Navy Memorial, Union Station, Annapolis Naval Academy tour and lunch. Iwo Jima Memorial, Memorial Service for shipmates killed in action and those who passed since our last reunion. USS AULT (DD-698) Hilton Garden Inn--Historic District Savannah, Georgia April 12-15, 2010 Chaired by: Scott McLean Attendance: 60 total/25 shipmates Highlights: Sit down family dinner at Mrs. Wilkes Cafe was Southern fare and all enjoyed. Fort Jackson tour and served lunch inside fort walls were great. Those who visited the Air Force Museum gat the experience high marks. USS INGRAHAM (DD-694) Crowne Plaza Riverfront Jacksonville, Florida April 21-25, 2010 Chaired by: Jerry King Attendance: 81 total/38 shipmates Highlights: The reunion included turs to St. Augustine, Mayport including a ship tour on the USS ROOSEVELT (DDG-80) and Amelia island with lunch in Fernandima Beach. Two evening events--one at the River City Brewing Company and a dinner cruise on the St. johns river supplemented the banquet. Next year's reunion is scheduled for April 27-May 1 in Baltimore. Come join us! USS CARPENTER (DD-825) Hilton Airport Norfolk, Virginia April 22-25, 2010 Chaired by: Ed Nolan, President Attendance: 61 total/29 shipmates Highlights: Our guest speaker was Admiral Harold Gehman, USN (Ret.) (4 star). He is also a former Tin Can Sailor. For further info on him Google, Admiral Harold Gehman--grad of U. of PA, Reserve Ensign to a 4 star! Would say Pretty Damn Good. USS WALTER B. COBB (APD-106) Ashbury Hotel and Suites Mobile, Alabama April 25-29, 2010 Chaired by: Winfred "Pete" Adams Attendance: 29 total/16 shipmates Highlights: The shipmates and ladies toured historic Mobile and the USS ALABAMA, the Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum and Bellingrath Gardens. Six couples stayed on for the four-day Carnival cruise out of Mobile to Cozumel. USS CLAUDE V. RICKETTS (ex BIDDLE (DDG-5) Lake Wright Hotel Norfolk, Virginia April 28-May 2, 2010 chaired by: Carl W. Slack Attendance: 94 total/54 shipmates Highlights: A great reunion--well attended. There were Four commanding officers in attendance. Tour of Norfolk, USS WISCONSIN (BB-64) and Norfolk naval Base with the highlight lunch at Base Galley was excellent. Dinner at the Lake  Wright had 80 people with our guest james B. Ricketts whose father the ship was named after. Linda Wilcox and the staff of the Lake Wright did the superb job of seeing to the crews' every need. Couldn't wish for a better location, better time or place for a reunion. Next reunion will be held in May 2012 in Jacksonville, Florida. Lets work hard to save the CHARLES P. ADAMS (DDG-2). USS SARSFIELD (DD/EDD-837) Radisson Admiral Semmes Hotel Mobile, Alabama May 5-8, 2010 Chaired by: Marc D. Cline Attendance: 92 total/49 shipmates Highlights: Our 10th reunion was a resounding success and enjoyable for all 91 attendees. The hotel staff was extremely courteous and their friendliness was a welcome site each morning. Our 4-day event consisted of: renewing old acquaintances on Wednesday and socializing in a great hospitality room. Thursday we toured USS Alabama (B-60) with a memorial service and a delicious lunch provided. Friday we all boarded our comfortable buses and arrived at the Pensacola Naval Air Museum at NAS and enjoyed a relaxing walking tour on our own and had a great complimentary lunch at "Cubies". Saturday early, our golfers hit the links for our golf outing and enjoyed a great round had by all. That evening we held our "837" banquet in the hotel's beautiful Crystal Ballroom. Our next get-together is planned for Seattle, WA in the fall of 2011. See you all then. USS HUGH W. HADLEY (DD-774) Lodge of the Ozarks Branson, Missouri May 8-12, 2010 Chaied by: Doug Aitken Attendance: 50 total/14 shipmates Highlights: The 18th biennial reunion for this WWII Sumner Class, champion kamikaze killer (23 kills, including 3 hits and 2 bombs in 1 hr. and 40 min) was celebrated by its closely bonded survivors and families. All Hadley Reunions include the date of our significant air-sea battle, 11 May. Other 1945 dates included 2 more kills for a total of 25. Today, there are 37 survivors of our original crew of 360. Our guest speaker was David McComb, an enthusiasitc destroyer historian, author and lecturer. We thoroughly enjoyed his destroyer stories and statistics. Our next reunion will be in May 2012 at the National Museum of the Pacific War at Fredericksburg, TX, the home of FADM Chester W. Nimitz. USS LONGSHAW (DD-559) USS ARIKARA (ATF-98) Holiday Inn--Airport San Antonio, Texas May 16-18, 2010 Chaired by: Joseph Schneider Attendance: 17 total/6 shipmates Highlights: Toured the Admiral Nimitz Pacific War Museum. Toured the Alamo. Dinners at Texas Cattle and Land Company and Papadeaux's Restaurant. Probably the last formal reunion of the ship. USS WILLARD KEITH (DD-775) Holiday Inn North Columbus, Georgia May 19-22, 2010 Chaired by: Board of Directors Attendance: 67 total/33 shipmates Highlights: Three shipmates were Plank Owners from WWII. Springer Opera House show, The Complete History of America (comedy); National Civil War Naval Museum tour; Lunch at Aunt Minnie's; Fort Benning tour including Rangers in Action demonstration; National Infantry Museum; our Phil Zipp conducting the Chinese Auction and the final banquet with awards and memorial service. USS GEORGE K. MacKENZIE (DD-836) Holiday Inn Everett, Washington June 10-13, 2010 Chaired by: Ron Robinson Attendance: 43 total/26 shipmates Highlights: Boeing 747 Assembly Plant and Guest Speaker--Lt. (jg) Dawn Stankus--A Female Point of View of Women in the Navy. She has done a year tour on a Tin Can and had worked in Muslim countries. She was outstanding. USS KIDD (DD-661)/DesRon 48 The USS Kidd Assn/DesRon 48 at its final business meeting on 11 June 2010, voted unanimously to dissolve the Association. The USS Kidd Assn/DesRon 48 has been in existence for 62 years and included veterans from the nine ships which were together in Destroyer Squadron 48 during WWII. These ships are: USS Abbot (DD-629); USS Black (DD-666); USS Bullard (DD-660); USS Chauncey (DD-667); USS Erben (DD-631); USS Hale (DD-642); USS Kidd (DD-661); USS Stembel (DD-644); USS Walker (DD-517). USS HUGH PURVIS (DD-709) Sheraton Chalet St. Louis, Missouri June 17-20, 2010 Chaired by: George Baker Attendance: 98 total/49 shipmates Highlights: Memorial Service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis Arch and Museum, Cathedral Basilica. Hotel staff incredible. Military Reunion Planners were excellent. USS FORREST B. ROYAL (DD-872) Sheraton Providence Airport Warwick, Rhode Island June 24-27, 2010 Chaired by: Ron Larsen Attendance: 90 total/49 shipmates Highlights: Toured Battleship Cove and enjoyed an excellent lunch on the MASSACHUSETTS, and reminisced aboard the KENNEDY on Friday. We toured Newport on Saturday with a stop at the destroyer piers. Click here for photo. USS BAINBRIDGE (DD-246) May 2010 Annual Reunion Click here for photo USS BEALE (DD-471) Renaissance Resort at World Gulf Village St. Augustine, Florida August 5-8, 2010 Chaired by: Larry Harkenreader Attendance: 83 total/39 shipmates Highlights: In attendance were shipmates, spouses, children and grandchildren from all eras beginning with WWII through Vietnam. A special guest was the "Royal Baby" from our Shellback initiation during our 1966 Round the World Cruise. A great reunion of our ever-shrinking USS BEALE family. USS GAINARD (DD-706) Dayton Marriott Dayton, Ohio August 8-11, 2010 Chaired by: George and Dot Hennessy Attendance: 43 total/19 shipmates Highlights: Made Michael Bryk and Doreen honorary members because so helpful--two trips for reunion--one to Carillon Park and Wright Brothers Museum--the second to Wright Paterson Air Force Museum. Able to go aboard several Air Force 1 planes and IMAX Theatre. Great banquet with "empty chair" ceremony prior to dinner. Very good reunion though small turnout. USS BERKELEY (DDG-15) Brown Palace Denver, Colorado August 19-22, 2010 Chaired by: Al Meier Attendance: 49 total/27 shipmates Highlights: Our events included a bull session, ladies tea at the historic Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, a Coors Brewery/Denver City tour. A Welcome Reception and finally our banquet. A great time was had by all. Thank you Tin Can Sailors. USS KNAPP (DD-653) Marriott Suites Hotel Deerfield, Illinois August 19-22, 2010 Chaired by: Pete Smith Attendance: 52 total/25 shipmates Highlights: We had a terrific room rate at the Marriott Suites hotel and all rooms were two room suites and the rate included a full breakfast buffet every morning with made-to-order omelets, a one hour beer and wine welcome reception and hospitality meeting and banquet rooms at no charge. Our hospitality room was on the 7th floor and had an outdoor patio. All of the attendees were housed on the 7th floor. The highlight of the reunion was our trip to the Great Lakes Naval Base where we attended a recruit graduation ceremony which was awesome, followed by a tour of the base with navy personnel serving as guides on each bus, and a USS KNAPP memorial service in the Blue Jacket Memorial Chapel conducted by CDR. Lynn Peterson, the head of the base chaplains. The reunion started on Thursday with a welcome  barbecue held outdoors at the Marriott. Friday we had lunch at Buca de Bepo's (Italian restaurant in Wheeling, IL) and a pizza party Friday evening in our hospitality room. Our Saturday night banquet was held at the Marriott and included a wonderful meal with entertainment. This was one of our best reunions due to the staff at the Marriott, the hospitality of the Navy personnel and the assistance of the Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau. USS MADDOX (DD-731) Lodge of the Ozarks August 25-28, 2011 Chaired by: Jim Slattery Attendance: 85 total/38 shipmates Highlights: The tour of the Veterans museum, honoring those who served in WWI, WWII, Kora, Vietnam and Persian Gulf. It has the world's largest bronze memorial sculpture. It also has 500,000 names at those killed in action. Another tour took us to the Titanic Museum. A permanent exhibit of artifacts and stories, pictures of those who were lost and the fortunate one's who were saved. A very moving tour. The highlight that matters most is spending time with friends/shipmates who gather every year and share stories and spend an enjoyable four days together. USS COWELL (DD-547) Best Western Ramkota Hotel Rapid City, South Dakota September 1-5, 2010 Chaired by: Ron Drager Attendance: 56 total/27 shipmates Highlights: Ridco Gold Factory, Mt. Rushmore, Prairie Berry Winery, Crazy Horse, Fort Hayes Dinner Theater, Ellsworth Air Force Base, Memorial Ceremony. All the events were outstanding. the hotel was a 4.0 in all areas. The staff couldn't do enough for us and we highly recommend this hotel for any reunion group. USS MANSFIELD (DD-728) Doubletree Hotel Portland, Oregon September 8-12, 2010 Chaired by: Jim & Shirley Frazier Attendance: 103 Highlights: The 30th reunion of the USS Mansfield (DD-728) was held at the Doubletree Hotel-Lloyd Center in Portland, Oregon. Guests enjoyed this beautiful location close to downtown and the Willamette River with easy light rail access. Tours included a lunch cruise on the Willamette Star down to Oregon City and back with views of downtown bridges and Willamette Falls. Another day took us on a bus tour of the Columbia River Gorge with stops at scenic waterfalls including famous Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam, and the fish hatchery where salmon were spawning. At the Saturday banquet we enjoyed a color guard by the Sea Cadets and speaker CDR Ron Candiloro, the Executive Officer of the Portland Recruiting District. Other nearby sights included the Portland Rose Garden, Mt. Hood and the Air & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon. Next year's reunion will be held August 3-6, 2011 in Charlottesville, Virginia. USS TRUXTUN (DLG(N)/CG(N)-35, DDG-103) Grand Gateway Hotel Rapid City, South Dakota Septembr 8-12, 2010 Chaired by: Ted Poremski Attendance: 36 total/20 shipmates Highlights: Shipmates began arriving on Monday for our sixth reunion. Hospitality room was opened. Old friendships were renewed and new ones made. Truxtun memorabilia was placed on display. Every evening a majority of the members ventured to one of Rapid City's fine restaurants for food, drink and socialization. We were not disappointed. Over the three day period we did a lot of sightseeing. More details are listed in the Oct. 2010 newsletter  on our website www.TruxtunAssn.org. Sunday ended our Rapid City Adventure. We gathered at Perkins Pancake House for our final breakfast then returned to the hospitality room were our chaplain gave Thanks to Our Creator, performed a final blessing asking we be provided with safe passage on our return home. USS INGERSOLL (DD-652/990) Doubletree San Antonio, Texas September 9-13, 2010 Chaired by: Dennis Harris Attendance: 96 total/50 shipmates Highlights: The group visited the Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg, TX and Texas Bar BQ enjoyed by all at Lady Bird Johnson Park. Our memorial service was conducted in front of the Alamo in San Antonio, TX on 9-11-2010. USS WALLACE L. LIND (DD-703) Lodge of the Ozarks Branson, Missouri September 9-13, 2010 Chaired by: Ed Siemietkoski Attendance: 55 total/27 shipmates Highlights: Our reunion began with our stay at the Lodge of the Ozarks where we reunited with shipmates. This is always a highlight of any reunion. We all enjoyed the shows, food, trips and the friendliness of all the people we met. We can't say enough about our reunion planner, Gatherings Plus. Shipmates said "this was the best reunion". We hope another reunion is planned for Branson. USS ROBISON (DDG-12) Embassy Suites Deerfield, Illinois September 10-12, 2010 Chaired by: Phil King Attendance: 19 total/14 shipmates Highlights: Boot Camp Graduation Friday, September 10 and windshield tour downtown including Navy Pier on Saturday September 11. DESRON 30 El Tropicano Holiday Inn San Antonio, Texas September 12-16, 2010 Chaired by: Richard Myers Attendance: 70 total/45 shipmates Highlights: USS Cotten, USS Daly and USS Gatling sailors attended. Went to the Nimitz Museum where we had a memorial service for departed sailors. Also had a barbeque and tours of the Missions and San Antonio shoes. USS HEERMANN (DD-532) Crowne Plaza Norfolk, Virginia September 12-16, 2010 Chaired by: John Manning Attendance: 36 total/17 shipmates Highlights: We made a riding bus tour of Norfolk, with a visit to the Nauticus Museum with a Memorial Service on the fantail of the USS Wisconsin for those lost during the Battle of Leyte gulf and those shipmates deceased over the years since that time. Our banquet at the hotel culminated our get-together with Retired Commander Fred Beach, Jr., our speaker who is the son of one of our crew members, with slides of events taken during the second commissioning. Our next reunion will be in Annapolis, MD. USS EUGENE A. GREENE (DD/DDR-711) Ramada Philadelphia Airport Essington, Pennsylvania September 14-18, 2011 Chaired by: Jack and Linda Plasterer Attendance: 72 total Highlights: Our tenth reunion began on Wednesday with registration and an open Hospitality Room hosted by Jack and Linda Plasterer. On Thursday we visited the Battleship New Jersey, lunch at Reading Terminal Market and a tour of Philadelphia with stops at the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Christ Church. Friday we toured Longwood Gardens and Valley Forge National Park. In the evening Zac and Carol Zacamy presented a Philadelphia Mummers String Band to entertain the group. Saturday started with the Business Meeting. It was decided that the next reunion will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada in September 2013. Glenn and Laverne Herman volunteered to host the reunion. Members voted to make donations to U.S. Navy Memorial Association, Tin Can Sailors and gold Star Mothers. The Saturday Banquet began with a sing-a-long with Bob Clark playing the piano. Rick Roy herded the guests for a wonderful group picture. After a delicious dinner Martin Deeney presented a moving U.S. Navy slide show. The banquet concluded with an opportunity raffle that ended with many lucky winners. Sunday was the conclusion of the reunion and a collection of memories to take home. Once again it was time for a fond farewell. All are looking forward to the 2013 reunion. USS JEFFERS (DD-621/DMS-27) September 14-19, 2010 Crown Plaza Hotel Trevose, Pennsylvania Chaired by: Jay Pew (son of Raymond Pew) Attendance: 36 total/11 shipmates Highlights: Welcome Tea with a short meeting. A fine bus tour of the Philadelphia area: Independence Hall, lunch at City Tavern and dinner and show at Fisher's Restaurant. Toured the Cunningham Piano Factory, saw "Man of La Mancha" at the Bucks County Playhouse. toured the battleship USS New Jersey, had lunch on the fantail while enjoying the Romano sisters in a USO show. Also toured the Naval Shipyard in Philly with Admiral Joseph Hare, USN (Ret.). That evening we had an Ice Cream Social at the hotel along with entertainment from a fine ventriloquist, Vince Dantona and his wooden buddy George. Vince has performed in Vegas, on TV and four our troops during several USO tours. Saturday we played Bingo in the morning, free afternoon and the Gala Banquet in the evening with entertainment by the 24 piece Salem American Legion Band, our speaker Admiral Hare and a Chinese auction was held with several fine gifts. Sunday we had a buffet breakfast and said our good-byes. All had a good time and are looking forward to meeting next year somewhere. For our 26th reunion. USS ABBOT (DD-629) Holiday Inn Portland, Maine September 15-19, 2010 Chaired by: Ted Karras Attendance: 84 total/45 shipmates Highlights: Thursday: Boarded two buses for guided tour of Bath Iron Works. Abbot was laid- down 9/21/1942; launched 2/17/1943; commissioned- Boston Navy Shipyard 4/23/1943. Five plank owners attended. Three Arleigh Burke class destroyers were under construction: Jason Dunham (DDG 109) undergoing sea trials; Spruance and Michael Murphy to follow. Lunch, the Maine Maritime Museum; shopping L.L.Bean; Lobster dinner, and night-cap, in hospitality suite. Friday: Guided trolley tour of historic Portland, lunch at Di Millo’s floating restaurant; sea tour of Portland Harbor on double-decked excursion; history lesson on famous light- houses, forts and other sights. Saturday: R&R, shopping and event filled formal dinner. Special guests included members of the Fletcher family descended from Civil War hero Joel Abbot for whom the Abbot was named. Abbot’s role during the October 1962 Cuban Missal Crisis was recounted. Bravo Zulus to Ted Karras for organizing the reunion and Walt Baranger for memorializing it. USS BENNER (DD-807) Red Lion on the River Portland, Oregon September 15-19, 2010 Chaired by: Mike and Jane Mace Attendance: 99 total/44 shipmates Highlights: On Thursday we toured the city of Portland followed by a lunch cruise on the Willamette River sailing under six bridges. On Friday we toured the Columbia River Gorge, visiting Crown Point and Multnomah Falls (the 2nd tallest continuous running falls in the U.S.). After lunch we continued around Mt. Hood to Timberline Lodge (built by the WPA/CCC in 1937). Saturday we held our formal banquet at the hotel. It appears that everyone had a good time. USS CONE (DD-866) Hampton Inn Nashville, Tennessee September 15-18, 2010 Chaired by: Herschel Wells Attendance: 23 total/10 shipmates Highlights: Meeting and talking to everyone, had a new member, everyone went on a tour of the city, The General Jackson, etc. USS EATON (DD-510) Johnson & Wales Inn Seekonk, Massachusetts September 15-19, 2010 Chaired by: Tom Weiss Attendance: 97 total/50 shipmates Highlights: Bus tour of Boston and the Charlestown Navy Yard. Visited Old Ironsides (the destroyer Cassin Young was in dry dock). Visited Battleship Cove in Fall River, MA. Enjoyed an elegant dinner aboard the Battleship Massachusetts followed by a memorial service on the fantail under the 16" guns for our deceased shipmates. Our reunion banquet was held at the Johnson & Wales Inn (culinary college)--fantastic food and service. Honored five of our WWII Vets and heard their stories. Guest speakers were Desiderio Sanchez, rescued by Eaton off beaches of Cuba 1961 Bay of Pigs skirmish and James Bridge, son of Captain James Bridge (deceased) narrating 8mm movies  taken by his father in mid 1950s. USS TINGEY (DD-539) Holiday Inn Washington Dulles Airport Dulles, Virginia September 15-18, 2010 Chaired by: Clarence Daniels Attendance: 43 total/18 shipmates Highlights: Toured Arlington Cemetery (saw changing of the Guards and wreath laying ceremony). Toured the Whitehouse and Capitol. Visited Mount Vernon, saw World War II Memorial, Korean-Vietnam and Iwo Jima memorials, visited Washington Navy Yard and Museum--boarded the USS Barry, a museum ship permanently moored at the Navy Yard. USS WILHOITE (DE/DER-397) Lake Wright, Quality Suites Norfolk, Virginia September 15-18, 2010 Chaired by: Bill West Attendance: 46 total Highlights: Checked in on Wednesday, September 15 and had welcome reception and on Thursday we were in Williamsburg learning about the history while strolling through the streets with Pat Joyce (our escort) telling about the past and the events that helped shape America's history. On Friday we toured the Nauticus Museum the National Maritime center. It explores the economic, naval and natural powers of the sea. We had our Memorial Service aboard the USS Wisconsin honoring our fallen heroes that have passed on. We then went to the Naval Station Norfolk the largest naval installation in the world and had lunch and then toured around the waterfront which is home port to 78 ships ranging in size from aircraft carriers to submarines. It occupies over 8,000 acres of land and is home to more than 100,000 military personnel. On Saturday we visited MacArthur's Memorial, Rowena's one of the country's leading mail-order companies and then Doumar's home of the worlds first ice-cream cone machine. We got to meet Mr. Doumar and were treated to a wonderful ice cream cone while his son was making the cones. Finally we had our wonderful catered banquet by the staff of Lake Wright, Quality Suites. Their staff while we  were there, was wonderful. Click here for photo. USS HARWOOD (DD-861) Crowne Plaza Northbrook Northbrook, Illinois September 16-19, 2010 Chaired by: Tony Accatatta and Tony Jandron Attendance: 71 total/38 shipmates Highlights: Great Lakes Boot Camp Graduation. Tour of Chicago, Saturday night memorial service and banquet. USS MONSSEN (DD-798) Courtyard Marriott Warwick, Rhode Island September 16-19, 2010 Chaired by: Red Lemster Attendance: 63 total/31 shipmates Highlights: Newport was home port for USS Monssen. Sailors and guests rode the Newport Touring Train--also took a trip to Boston Naval Shipyard, where they went aboard the USS Cassin Young (DD-793), a sister ship to Fletcher class Monssen. 28 Korean War shipmates and 3 WWII shipmates. USS JOHN A. BOLE (DD-755) Grand Plaza Bransons, Missouri September 19-22, 2010 Chaired by: Ray Hanock Attendance: 130 total/75 shipmates Highlights: Great weather 80-90s. Shows outstanding, food--lots of chicken but good. One Plankowner, "Bole" family in attendance. USS SHANNON (DM-25) Town & Country Inn & Conference Center Charleston, S.C. September 19-23, 2010 Chaired by: Mrs. Daisy Walsh Attendance: 47 total/20 shipmates Highlights: Daily hospitality room bull sessions. Various tours of Charleston and environs. Dinners at various restaurants with banquet at T&C Inn. Annual meeting. Toast to all shipmates, past and present. Memorial service for all shipmates who have passed on since 2009 reunion. Adjourned to next year's reunion. USS McCAFFERY (DD/DDE-860) Sheraton-Colonial Wakefield, Massachusetts September 20-23, 2010 Chaired by: Ronald Trippett Attendance: 152 total/74 shipmates Highlights: A Memorial service at WWII & Fisherman's Memorial in Gloucester. Bell Ringers were Plank Owner, Ken Deacon (1945) from Oregon and the last C.O., Samuel Coleburn (1973). Other tours were Old Ironsides and Salem. Our banquet concluded with a performance from the singer, Trooper SGT. Daniel Clark, which made for a complete, successful reunion.  Click here for photo. USS SOUTHERLAND (DD/DDR-743) Grand Plaza Hotel Branson, Missouri September 21-25, 2010 Chaired by: Richard Anderson and John Jones Attendance: 71 Highlights: Buck Trent show, Six Brothers show and Branson Belle cruise and show. Tuesday Sept. 21 was welcome day at the hospitality room. Wednesday a complementary breakfast was held at the hotel then to the Buck Trent show which was enjoyed by all. A luncheon followed with entertainment by Kenny Parrott. Wednesday evening the group attended the Six Brothers show. Thursday was a free day to tour Branson and shop. A memorial service was held later in the day at the site of the Branson Belle. Richard Anderson, John Dooley and John Jones read the names of the deceased followed by taps. Thursday evening was a dinner cruise and show on the Branson Belle. Friday a membership meeting chaired by Richard Anderson was held. Election of officers was held, members voted to retain current officers Richard Anderson, President, John Dooley, Vice President and John Jones, Treasurer. Richard Lohmann was elected Secretary. A vote was taken for the next reunion site. Places nominated were Mobile, Alabama, Washington, D.C., Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Everett, Washington, Branson, Missouri, Long Beach, California and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Majority vote went to Mobile, Alabama 2012 and Washington, D.C. 2014. September dates for both sites. Friday evening group pictures were taken followed by a wonderful banquet. Entertainment was provided by the American Kids and enjoyed by all. Following the banquet a raffle of donated items was held. Bob Ziebold (our plank owner) gave a fine narration of Johnny Cash's song, The Ragged Old Flag. Saturday was time for shipmates and friends. Many thanks  to all who attended. USS WARRINGTON (DD-843) Radisson Hotel at Opryland Nashville, Tennessee September 21-25, 2011 Chaired by: Stan Prager Attendance: 62 total/32 shipmates Highlights: The USS Warrington (DD843) Alumni Organization met in Nashville for its first reunion. We had tours to Jack Daniels Distillery with a fantastic lunch at Miss Bobo's in the historic town of Lynchburg; Music City tour showing the highlights of the City of Nashville as well as Studio B Recording and the Country Western Hall of Fame; Grand Ole Opry performance and Fontanel (Barbara Mandrell's log cabin home with lunch at the Farm House). Our Memorial Service was held at the Nashville National Cemetery, where Capt. Chris Zirps delivered a message, which included honoring all of our deceased shipmates. Our banquet was held at the Radisson, with Dave and Daphne as our entertainment for the evening, which included a raffle and dancing. USS BACHE (DD/DDE-470) Radisson Airport Charleston, South Carolina September 22-26, 2010 Chaired by: Thomas Blaszczyk Attendance: 62 total/33 shipmates Highlights: Visiting an old plantation, market street, great restaurants, the Citadel, Fort Sumter and lunch aboard the USS Yorktown (served on tin trays) was enjoyable and informative. With temperatures in the 90's though, it was a little much for some; we are not as young as we think. The dinner cruise, under a full moon, clear skies and cooler temperatures, was a special treat. The highlight of our reunion was the luau and pig roast, with entertainment by the pool in the hotel atrium. Danny Stirling's Blue Hawaii, "Vision of Elvis", left the ladies ecstatic because of the personal attention they received and many of the old salts agog (two gorgeous ladies accompanied him). Two hours long and over too soon. USS HAROLD J. ELLISON (DD-864) LaQuinta Inn & Suites California, Maryland September 22-25, 2010 Chaired by: Mike Kerr Attendance: 85 total/40 shipmates Highlights: Most everyone arrived Wednesday and got reacquainted in the hospitality room. Thursday we toured Pax River Naval Air Station with lunch and memorial service at "O" Club. Friday, we toured Annapolis, MD. Saturday morning was our business meeting, followed by our annual auction, which was a great success. Saturday evening was our wrap-up dinner at the local VFW. USS ROWE (DD-564) Ramada (Airport) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania September 22-26, 2010 Chaired by: Bob Wood Attendance: 11 shipmates Highlights: Independence Hall, Constitution Center, Liberty Bell, toured the Battleship New Jersey. We shared the reunion with the Huntington (CL-107), they had 18 total. USS HUNT (DD-674) OMNI Jacksonville, Florida September 22-27, 2010 Chaired by: Charles Berzansky Attendance: 62 total/28 shipmates Highlights: Toured St. Augustine historical sites via trolley. Tour of Mayport Naval Base followed by memorial service at base chapel. We were treated to a tour of the active destroyer, USS Roosevelt (DDG-80). Most enjoyable to see hardware changes of the ship and the interaction between the crews. At the association meeting we were presented with the final commissioning pennant flown aboard Hunt by its last CO. Especially enjoyable were the facilities and extras provided by the OMNI and its staff. The banquet and entertainment were enjoyed by all. USS DUNLAP (DD-384) Hampton Inn Ybor City, Tampa, Florida September 23-26, 2010 Chaired by: Harold Croncich Attendance: 26 total/4 shipmates Highlights: The reunion attendees visited the Florida Aquarium as well as a bus tour of Ybor City and Tampa Bay. The banquet was held at the Columbia Restaurant and attendees were entertained by Flamenco Dancers. In between activities, shipmates and family members shared stories of service in the hospitality room located at the hotel. A good time was had by all! Planning on the next reunion to be in Las Vegas. We appreciate the raffle items sent to us by The Tin Can Sailor Organization. The shipmates really appreciated the items. USS NORMAN SCOTT (DD-690) Chicago, Illinois September 23-25, 2010 Chaired by: Dennis and Mary Winghart Attendance: 28 total/6 shipmates Highlights: This was our 23rd reunion Everyone had a good time during the tour of Chicago. On Saturday morning we held a memorial service for those Killed in Action aboard the USS Norman Scott on July 24, 1944 during the invasion of tinian. Thank you Gerald Hulslander TM2c a crew member from the USS McNair for attending the memorial service to pay his respects to those who died in action. During the evening was the USS Norman Scott banquet. The USS Norman Scott never saw action after WWII. USS STOCKHAM (DD-683) Holiday Inn-Dayton-Fairborn Fairborn, Ohio September 27-30, 2010 Chaired by: Richard E. Himler Attendance: 15 total/8 shipmates Highlights: Tour U.S. Air Force Museum in Dayton, OH. Birthplace of Aviation oldest and largest military aviation musuem in the world. 400 aircraft and missiles. Aircraft of presidents from F.D.R. to L.B.J. Also tours to the Carillon Park, Wright Brothers Memorial and Wright Cycle Company Complex. USS NORRIS (DD/DDE-859) Grand Plaza Branson, Missouri September 28-October 2, 2010 Chaired by: Ed Mehl Attendance: 60 total/32 shipmates Highlights: We were treated to a wonderful welcome reception by the hotel. On Friday morning we started our tour with a show at the Clay Cooper Music Show where we had lunch before a trip to College of the Ozarks. This was followed by a memorial service at the Branson Bell Showboat. Saturday we had our banquet with live entertainment. USS WALKER (DD/DDE-517) Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center Branson, Missouri September 28-30, 2010 Chaired by: Mike Goggins Attendance: 50 total/29 shipmates Highlights: The Branson Belle dinner cruise and the Clay Cooper Show. For me personally, it was finding five people who showed up out of the blue. I was not emailing them or posting them. They found us in the Tin Can Sailor and American Legion. USS JOHN W. THOMASON (DD-760) Shilo Inn Salt Lake City, Utah September 29-October 2, 2010 Chaired by: Paul L. Steele Attendance: 115 total/60 shipmates Highlights: September 29th and September 30th registration and reminiscing. Oct. 1st, a ride on the Heber Valley Railroad to see fall colors with a stop in Park City site of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Oct. 2nd, tour to Hill AFB Museum, with our banquet and raffle. USS COLLETT (DD-730) Courtyard by Marriott--Liberty Station San Diego, California September 29-October 3, 2010 Chaired by: Al & Kay Phillips Attendance: 108 total/51 shipmates Highlights: The hotel is on the site of the former Naval Training Center-San Diego. Many of the shipmates went to boot camp there so the site was special to them. A fellow shipmate who is a volunteer on the USS Midway (now a museum) led a tour of the Midway for 75 shipmates and guests. USS DOUGLAS H. FOX (DD-779) Doubletree Suites Seattle, Washington September 30-October 2, 2010 Chaired by: Joe Sczyrek Attendance: 60 total/30 shipmates Highlights: Thirty shipmates, including three Plank Owners from 1944, and thirty guests attended. The itinerary included tours of the City of Seattle and Bremerton, Washington where we visited the USS TURNER JOY (DD-951) and the Puget Sound Naval Harbor. Guest Speakers Richard McMichael and Mark Roberts provided an overview of their website "Destroyers Online". An Honor Guard from Everett Naval Station participated in our Memorial Service as we honored our fallen shipmates. At our Banquet Dinner, we celebrated our time together and danced to the music of the David Cooley Band as they played selections spanning the years DD-779 was in service from 1944 to 1973. We all look forward to our next reunion in Baltimore in 2012. USS LOFBERG (DD-759) Marriott Suites Chicago-Deerfield, Illinois September 30-October 3, 2010 Chaired by: John Loeb Attendance: 51 total/27 shipmates Highlights: Our Lofberg group attended a graduation ceremony at Recruit Training Center, Great Lakes. We toured the Historic Fort Sheridan, North Shore, Lake Michigan. We visited the Baha'i House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois. We drove through the grounds of Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. We visited the shops at Navy Pier, Chicago, Illinois. We shopped at Oprah Store, Chicago, Illinois. We visited the Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum and Willis (Sears) Tower. We spent time at the Museum of Science and Industry, South Side, Chicago. Click here for photo USS TIDEWATER (AD-31) Doubletree Virginia Beach, Virginia September 30-October 3, 2010 Chaired by: Dean Agee Attendance: 118 total/61 shipmates Highlights: On 30 September the former crew members of the USS Tidewater met at the Doubletree Hotel. The evening included a sandwich buffet and a chance to get reacquainted with old shipmates. On Friday, 1 October the crew and guests enjoyed a tour of Norfolk Naval Base and a bus tour of Norfolk. All agreed that there had been many changes to the base and to the Norfolk area. Friday evening was a time for "sea stories" and visiting with some we hadn't seen in many years. On Saturday, 2 October many of the crew enjoyed an optional tour of the Naval base by water with the harbor cruise, then a guided tour of Virginia Beach. Saturday evening brought the banquet with a guest speaker, CDR Multer, the USS Tidewater's last Commanding Officer before decommissioning in 1971. Also in attendance was Captain Frank Mitchell, the Tidewater's last Commanding Officer while the ship was still in service as well as several other officers and 118 crewmembers and guests. Sunday morning was the farewell breakfast and a chance to say "so long" until the next reunion in Branson, MO in 2012. USS BEATTY (DD-640/756) Springmaid Resort Myrtle Beach, South Carolina October 3-8, 2010 Chaired by: Joe Sistare and Sid Jennings Attendance: 94 total/55 shipmates Highlights: Southern Pig Picken, Alabama Theater, Brook Green Gardens. USS DENNIS J. BUCKLEY (DD/DDR-808) Adams Mark Buffalo, New York October 3-6, 2010 Chaired by: Ken Stone Attendance: 70 total/37 shipmates Highlights: Shipmates from 1945 -1973 enjoyed four days and three nights in sunny downtown Buffalo. A hospitality room was provided throughout the duration where shipmates and guests gathered upon arrival and at anytime we weren't on a tour/trip to talk over "old sea stories". Sunday was mainly welcoming and socializing in the hospitality room. Monday involved a trip to Niagara Falls, which included The Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Niagara Casino, and Mall shopping spree. The tour buses were shadowed by a grey ghost (808) on plane guard duty. Tuesday we visited the Naval Park which includes the USS The Sullivans DD-537, USS Little Rock CL-92/CLG-4, and the SS Croaker SS-246. Chow call was made and a light lunch was catered on the mess deck of the Little Rock. Yum, Yum. Tuesday evening was the final banquet dinner, followed by gift raffles and crew meeting. The hospitality room remained open until the wee hours of the morning. Wednesday saw the crew members saying thier good-by's and heading back to their home ports. USS COGHLAN (DD-606) The Orleans Las Vegas, Nevada October 5-8, 2010 Chaired by: Joe Mamola Attendance: 26 total/8 shipmates Highlights: Although our last formal reunion (with tours and banquet) was in 2006, we continue to get together on an annual basis. We now meet at The Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas the first Tuesday through Thursday of every October. We enjoy our time together in a suite that we use as our hospitality/meeting room. This year was our 25th reunion. USS SEMMES (DDG-18) Lodge of the Ozarks Branson, Missouri October 6-10, 2010 Chaired by: Jerry Davis Attendance: 59 total/30 shipmates Highlights: Excellent entertainment in Branson. Branson is the most veteran-oriented town we have ever been to. They show patriotism in everything they do. Lodge of the Ozarks was an awesome choice for lodging. Our next reunion was voted on and will be in Jacksonville, Florida in 2012. USS WITEK (EDD-848) Grand Gateway Rapid City, South Dakota October 6-10, 2010 Chaired by: John Noonan Attendance: 62 total/34 shipmates Highlights: Visiting Crazy Horse & Mt. Rushmore Memorials. Bus tour through the Badlands National Park. Hospitality room and banquet. USS AGERHOLM (DD-826) Crowne Plaza San Diego, California October 7-10, 2010 Chaired by: Joe Hrach Attendance: 91 total/44 shipmates Highlights: Our memorial service was held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery during a former shipmate's service. many attendees had worked with him and knew his family. As the service closed a destroyer rounded Point Loma coming into port. A bus tour included both Old and New Town, Hotel Del, Balboa Park and other sites. San Diego was our home port. It was hard to find old haunts--most were gone, replaced by freeways and new construction. Attending were two former Agerholm commanding officers, a vice admiral (Ret.) who served as a Lt (jg) on the Agerholm and a retired navy captain who was a Lt. on board. USS SIGOURNEY (DD-643) The Radisson at Opryland Nashville, Tennessee October 7-10, 2010 Chaired by: Tom Gould Attendance: 98 total/37 shipmates Highlights: After an opening day Thursday, Friday we had a Gray Line City tour of Nashville with stops at the Ryman Auditorium and The Country Music Hall of Fame. Friday night at The Grand Ole Opry. Saturday was free time, many taking The General Jackson Riverboat cruise. Saturday night was the memorial service and banquet. USS LLOYD THOMAS (DD/DDE-764) Pensacola, Florida October 11-15, 2010 Chaired by: Ed and Cheryl Ragsdale Highlights: It was a very rewarding experience for all in attendance. From our visits to numerous classrooms, Naval Air Museum, water rescue exercises, tour of Pensacola, whale watching boat trip and our "Memorial" service (coordinated and executed by a group of 13 school volunteers). They were immaculately turned out, some readings appropriate to the occasion were done, a visit to the Vietnam memorial where our three lost sailors (killed in a gun mount explosion) could be visited, laying of the wreath and concluding with TAPS on the bugle. There were 13 members of the color guard and they were hosted for lunch by our group. One sailor per table provided an opportunity to express and share our pride. I would be remiss if I did not mention our coordination vendor (Beach Bum Trolley). USS ENDICOTT (DD-495/DMS-35) Clarion Hotel Airport Jacksonville, Florida October 13-17, 2010 Chaired by: Ted Wieber Attendance: 40 total/19 shipmates Highlights: Two tours, one at Mayport Naval Station and city and one to St. Augustine. Our tour guide Gary Sass of Ad Lib tours was outstanding. Traditional memorial service was held at Mayport with Navy Chaplain officiating. The Clarion did an outstanding job in hosting our group. Thanks for the raffle gifts. USS PIEDMONT (AD-17) Quality Hotel and Conference Center College Park, Georgia October 13-17, 2010 Chaired by: Bill Kastens and Bob "Willie" Williams Attendance: 102 total/47 shipmates Highlights: The hotel facilities were A-1, the staff was the most helpful of any reunion. There were two day tours--Thursday--Callaway Gardens and Warm Springs, GA. Friday--the Atlanta Aquarium, Cyclorama and a bus tour of Atlanta. piedmont CO, VADM (Ret.) Ted Parker and wife Anne were featured guests at the Saturday night banquet. USS MITSCHER (DL-2/DDG-35) Holiday Inn Chantilly, Virginia October 14-17, 2010 Chaired by: Mel Young Attendance: 116 total/61 shipmates Highlights: The tours were outstanding. We had our memorial service at the U.S. Navy Memorial. I highly recommend that for it was very touching. We had a great time, the hotel did a great job in all areas to give us a great reunion. USS WILLIAM C. LAWE (DD-763) Sandcastle Hotel Virginia Beach, Virginia October 15-17, 2010 Chaired by: Owen and Anne Turner Attendance: 74 total/35 shipmates Highlights: Guest speaker Richard Lawe, William C. Lawe's son. After dinner show by "Alexia" vocalist and entertainer, joined by John Heinleson and Bob Pisano. Tour of Norfolk Harbor aboard the Spirit of Norfolk. Great food and cruise. USS MELVIN (DD-680) Landmark Resort Hotel Myrtle Beach, South Carolina October 18-21, 2010 Chaired by: Jim Simpson Attendance: 43 total/16 shipmates Highlights: Dinner at Thoroughbreds, the show Spirit of Ireland. Good food and entertainment. Swamp cruise. Banquet, where a new game was introduced by Katie and Les and Lois called "Pass the Cheesecake". Lots of fun and great meeting shipmates in the hospitality room. Looking forward to next year. USS HULL (DD-350/DD-945) Orleans Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Nevada October 19-22, 2010 Chaired by: Robert Modell Attendance: 83 total/50 shipmates Highlights: Our 4th Hull Association Reunion (DD-350 had reunions for 25 years). Two "Halsey's Typhoon" DD-350 survivors Pat Douhan and Archie DeRyckere also attended. Three night reunion capped off with a Dinner Banquet and Navy League speaker Capt. Jim Jefferis, USN (Ret.). USS SIERRA (AD-18) Port-O-Call Hotel Ocean City, New Jersey October 19-21, 2010 Chaired by: Dan Romando and Bob Morales Attendance: 60 total/30 shipmates Highlights: The hotel and banquet were first rate.  Our tours included boarding the USS New Jersey, touring the ship, a wreath-laying ceremony and a BBQ on the fantail. Then a trip to Philadelphia to see the historic and cultural  sites. In Cape May, NJ we visited the Naval Air Station, Wildwood and museum, A WWII Lookout Tower and coastal artillery emplacement. Our furthest visiting member came from Hawaii. This was a wonderful reunion. Our oldest member in attendance cut the Sierra cake. Our next reunion will be in Washington, DC in September 2011. USS JONAS INGRAM (DD-938) Crown Plaza Jacksonville, Florida October 21-24, 2010 Chaired by: Pete Ventola Attendance: 74 total/45 shipmates Highlights: Friday tour of St. Augustine, Fl. Saturday, tour of Mayport Naval Station (Ship's home port), visit to Norwegian Frigate Fridjof-Nansen and the USS Farragut (DDG-99). Saturday night banquet for the crew. The next reunion will be in October 2012 in Pensacola, Florida. USS NEWMAN K. PERRY (DD/DDR-883) Sea Mist Resort Hotel Myrtle Beach, South Carolina October 21-24, 2010 Chaired by: Rex Carter Attendance: 110 total/48 shipmates (including 1 Plank Owner) Highlights: Visit by Newman K. Perry Cate, who is great great nephew on our ship's namesake, accompanied by his sister, father, grandmother and grandfather. They brought photos and news clippings. Home-cooked meals and desserts prepared on site and served by Joyce Carter, Dorothy Keeney, Bonnie Pishanidor, Darlene Stepkes, Yvette Hormon, Debbie Vega. USS HYMAN (DD-732) Raintree Inn New Castle, Indiana April 4-7, 2011 Chaired by: Ralph Beck Attendance: 60+total/25 shipmates Highlights: The 18th annual memorial service was held on April 6, 2011. Over 60 crewmembers and family came out to honor men lost in WWII (Okinawa) and during the Korean Conflict. Eighteen names appear on our Bronze Plaque, Black Granite Memorial. USS RICH (DD/DDE-820) Drawbridge Inn Hotel Ft. Wright, Kentucky April 13-16, 2011 Chaired by: Dick Koeniger Attendance: 128 total/71 shipmates Highlights: City tour by coach of Greater Cincinnati and banquet at Hofbrauhaus. Luncheon cruise on Ohio River and visit to Hollywood Casino. Ship's company meeting, banquet and memorial service. USS HAZELWOOD (DD-531) Jacksonville Airport Crown Plaza Jacksonville, Florida April 27-30, 2011 Chaired by: Jim Julian Attendance: 80 total/43 shipmates Highlights: The tour of Mayport Naval Base gave our group a look at the most recent ships and a glimpse at the new Navy life of those now serving. The living conditions of those serving are greatly improved over that of all who attended the reunion. Our memorial service for those lost in the Kamikaze attack at Okinawa was held at the Jacksonville War Memorial Wall with the Terry Parker High School JNROTC presenting the colors. USS MULLINNIX (DD-944) Hilton Garden Inn Albany Medical Center Albany, New York April 27-May 1, 2011 Chaired by: Bob Houghton Attendance: 71 total/37 shipmates Highlights: Ten shipmates attended their first reunion this year as we returned to the northeast for the first time since 1999. Highlights included day trips on Thursday and Friday with our annual Memorial Service on USS SLATER (DE-766). All enjoyed a wine-tasting Wednesday evening and a beer tasting Thursday evening. The Watervliet Arsenal Museum was a real treat. We had the standard auction and banquet every reunion must have. I can't say enough about the hospitality our host hotel gave us. This was their  first military reunion and they gave us the royal treatment with red carpet. Our hats off to them. USS YOSEMITE (AD-19) Guest House International Inns-Hotels-Suites Nashville, Tennessee April 27-May 1, 2011 Chaired by: Nicholas M. Williams "Mike" Attendance: 74 total/32 shipmates Highlights: Great property: hospitality room up to 2500 sq. ft. It also acts as the dining room. Food was catered by hotel from Ambrosia Catering off property. Food was Great. The hotel staff and caterer fell all over themselves to keep us happy and met all our needs and requests. It has a total of 182 rooms with a lot of free covered parking.  USS STEINAKER (DD/DDR-863) Omni Jacksonville, Florida April 28-31, 2011 Chaired by: John Evans Attendance: 54 total/30 shipmates Highlights: Another great gathering for our 19th year with several first time attendees who were able to meet new/old friends. Friday's tour of Mayport Naval Station and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery were enjoyed by shipmates. An excellent banquet meal was served on Saturday evening followed by our famous entertainment group and auction. Everyone had fun and are already looking forward to our 20th in Virginia Beach. USS COMPTON (DD-705) Crowne Plaza Tysons Corner McLean, Virginia April 29-May 1, 2011 Attendance: 100 total/60 shipmates Highlights: Our reunion was held at the Crowne Plaza Tysons Corner in McLean, VA, a suburb of Washington, DC. The hotel was fantastic in every respect and was in a good location. On the Saturday of the reunion we had our tour which took us to see the sights in Washington stopping at the various military memorial sites. After a buffet lunch at the Phillips Flagship restaurant, which everyone enjoyed, we went to the Navy Shipyard and toured the USS BARRY. To end the day we went to the Navy Memorial and held our memorial service honoring departed shipmates. On Sunday we held our general meeting and our banquet. Next year we will go to Virginia Beach for our reunion and attend the Virginia International Tattoo a patriotic military show. USS SOMERS (DD-381/947/DDG-34) Best Western Traders Inn Poteau, Oklahoma April 29-May 1, 2011 Chaired by: Bob Plante Attendance: 52 total/38 shipmates Highlights: The best yet. Dinner compliments of our host and hostess, Tom and Mary Anne Goforth, catered lunch, the Bluegrass Band, Rusty Plow, donated their time and talent. Successful raffles and great time with door prizes. Can't wait for next year. USS JOHNSTON (DD-821) Travel Lodge Pensacola Beach, Florida May 5-9, 2011 Chaired by: Ralph Hocking Attendance: 77 total/52 shipmates Highlights: We had a Welcome Dinner Thursday followed on Friday with a visit to the Pensacola NAS/museum on Friday, Saturday we toured historic Pensacola, visited the Veterans Memorial with Color Guards and a wreath laying. Sunday we had a business meeting with a farewell dinner and white elephant raffle. A good time was had by all. Record attendance. USS MORTON (DD-948) Best Western Oceanfront Virginia Beach, Virginia May 11-15, 2011 Chaired by: John Kieft Attendance: 105 total/55 shipmates Highlights: the USS MORTON's 8th reunion included a tour of Nauticus and the USS WISCONSIN. The highlight of the reunion was the banquet speaker, Miss Thanh Nguyen, who told the story of how her family and 52 other refugees were picked up 150 miles from Vietnam by the MORTON. On hand for the event was MORTON's last captain, who was the Skipper at the time of the rescue. Three more crewmembers from that period were also present. MORTON shipmates voted for Vancouver, Washington to be the sight of our 9th reunion in 2013. USS ROBERT H. McCARD (DD-822) Radisson Hotel Nashville, TN Airport Nashville, Tennessee May 11-14, 2011 Chaired by: Ben Plante Attendance: 45 total/22 shipmates Highlights: Nashville tour by bus was great. Also visited Country Music Hall of Fame, Hermitage Plantation and Belle Meade of Andrew Jackson Mansion. Hotel employees were very friendly and accommodating. All in all everything was great. USS SMALLEY (DD-565) Marriott at City Center Newport News, Virginia May 11-15, 2011 Chaired by: George Bauersfeld Attendance: 51 total/16 shipmates Highlights: Dinner at Boxwood Inn, tours of: Shipyard Museum, Botanical Garden, Newport News, Naval Base, Williamsburg. Lunch at Officers Club, Memorial Service, Banquet at hotel with great guest speaker. Good times in hospitality room. USS MOALE (DD-693) Wingate Chantilly, Virginia May 12-15, 2011 Chaired by: Cal Muth Attendance: 50 total/35 shipmates Highlights: Tour to Marine, Air Force, World War II Navy Memorial, Navy Shipyard--USS Barry, Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. USS YELLOWSTONE (AD-27) Best Western Merry Manor S. Portland, Maine May 18-22, 2011 Chaired by: Paul Bowen Attendance: 129 total/65 shipmates Highlights: Two tours were offered: Trolley tour of Portland then Casco bay; Freeport for LL Bean Store then Cook's Lobster House on Bailey's Island for lobsters on Friday. At our Thursday evening dinner we enjoyed a Murder Mystery which was outstanding. Our final banquet was held on Saturday evening with a short business meeting and then our raffles. We took group photos by years and had a donation of a "Life Ring". Mr. Waxman found it on the beach in Puerto Rico in 1968. It must have come off the ship during a hurricane that had just gone by. What a treasure to our shipmates. USS BROWNSON (DD-518/DD-868) Doubletree Guest Suites Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania May 19-23, 2011 Chaired by: Joseph D. Eliff Attendance: 124 total/70 shipmates Highlights: Hospitality Room; Toured Valley Forge National Park; Toured historic Philadelphia and Battleship New Jersey, Business meeting with election of officers, Banquet with George Washington as guest speaker. USS RICHARD L. PAGE (DEG/FFG-5) Crowne Plaza Airport St. Louis, Missouri May 19-22, 2011 Chaired by: Vic Turvey Attendance: 39 total/21 shipmates Highlights: The attendance was small but the reunion was large for those who made it, through wind and floods. Friday the crew was privileged to be the guests of Vic Turvey at the Strathalbyn Farms Club, a private sportsmen's club. We shot sporting clays, enjoyed the horses, strolled the grounds and enjoyed a spectacular sunset. The club put out a fabulous spread of appetizers followed by a wonderful chicken dinner. Service was exceptional. Saturday there was a cook out a Vic Turvey's house with a great spread of food and drinks. Everyone enjoyed themselves at the pool or bar. Entertainment was provided by a golden retriever. Crowne Plaza was the perfect hotel for the reunion. Click here for photo USS KNUDSON (APD-101) Monarch of the Sea (Cruise) May 20-23, 2011 Chaired by: Wayne J. Reynolds Attendance: 11 total/5 shipmates Highlights: The cruise started at Cape Canaveral, Florida on May 20 and arrived in Nassau, Bahamas on May 21. We had 12 hours in the Bahamas, set sail at midnight and arrived at Coco Cay at 8:00 a.m. Stayed until 4:00 p.m. and then set sail for Cape Canaveral. All that attended had a good time. USS DYESS (DD-880) Millennium Airport Hotel Buffalo, New York June 8-11, 2011 Chaired by: Ken Moore Attendance: 42 total/23 shipmates Highlights: Toured Moses Dam, Fort Niagara, Casino Erie Canal Cruise, Vidlers Variety Store, Made-in-America Store (sells only USA goods). A homestyle Banquet. Raffled off TCS gift certificates and signed up new members. USS POWER (DD-839) Hilton Garden Inn, Worcester Worcester, Massachusetts June 25-29, 2011 Chaired by: John S. Pinto Attendance: 67 total/31 shipmates Highlights: Sunday Laying of Wreath Ceremony honoring John V. Power, Medal of Honor Recipient where our ships received its name. It was held at Worcester City Hall June 26, 2011 in front of John V. Power statue. In attendance were shipmates, guests and family members, some 90 in all, along with the Marine Corps League Detachment #144 Honor guard. Judge Paul V. Mullaney was guest speaker. After which the Marine Corps League invited all to the museum by the lake, where we presented to the museum a quilt of some 30 shipmates who served aboard. The quilt was made by the Powerful Ladies Auxiliary to be placed on a wall at the museum. We hosted a buffet for all who attended. We also visited the College of the Holy Cross O'Callahan Ward Room where we presented a plaque to the O'Callahan Midshipmen Battalion, then on to our Country Western Welcome Aboard. USS BORIE (DD-704) Doubletree Annapolis, Maryland August 5-7, 2011 Chaired by: Jim Neary Attendance: 35 total/18 shipmates Highlights: One shipmate, Jim Knaub, was a "plank owner" and aboard the Borie when hit by a Japanese Kamikaze on August 9, 1944. USS DuPONT (DD-941) Embassy Suites Alexandria, Virginia August 19-21, 2011 Chaired by: Ray Perrotti Attendance: 42 total/23 shipmates Highlights: We talked, laughed, reunited, reminisced and got reacquainted after so many years. Saturday morning we took a tour of the Navy Museum down at the shipyard in DC. Afterwards we toured the USS BARRY (DD-933), which is moored in the Navy shipyard. Later in the day several shipmates toured the Vietnam Wall and were successful in getting a wall etching of one of our fallen shipmates, Frank Bellant. The highlight of the reunion do doubt was our dinner Saturday evening, which was held at the Embassy Suites. We had 42 total in attendance. Our "keynote" speaker was our commanding officer, Captain Robert Small. A great time was had by all. We are already in the process of planning our next reunion. USS HAYNSWORTH (DD-700) Savannah Hilton de Soto Savannah, Georgia August 24-28, 2011 Chaired by: James M. Murphy Attendance: 41 total/19 shipmates Highlights: Early arrivals were treated to a dinner at the infamous "Pirate House" and then to a "Ghost and Gravestone" trolley tour of the Ghosts of Savannah. Friday shipmates and wives/guests were treated to a trolley tour of Historic Savannah and Colonial District. Lunch was held at the famous Mrs. Wilkes Restaurant. The rest of the day was spent in the hospitality room followed by a pizza party. On Saturday we travelled to the "Mighty 8th Air Force Museum" for an in-depth and enlightening program on the 8th Air Force Operations during WWII. Our annual memorial service was conducted in the museum's chapel. On Saturday evening we held our reunion banquet and on Sunday morning we gathered together for a farewell breakfast until next year's reunion in Albany, New York. USS MASSEY (DD-778) Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport Herndon, Virginia August 25-29, 2011 Chaired by: Philip Smith Attendance: 81 total/40 shipmates Highlights: Toured many D.C. area sites including Iwo Jima Memorial, WWII Memorial, US Naval Heritage Center where we held our memorial service. Phillips Seafood Restaurant, Holocaust Museum, White House (outside), Museum of American History, National Fire Arms Museum and Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum. CDR. Jerry Olin, CO of USS Independence (LCS-2) gave a remarkable presentation on Littoral Combat Ships. Banquet at the hotel and music by the DC-3. USS WEDDERBURN (DD-684) Millennium Airport Hotel--Buffalo Buffalo, New York August 25-29, 2011 Chaired by: Sid L. Lanier Attendance: 39 total/22 shipmates Highlights: We opened Thursday afternoon with a deli style buffet in the hospitality room. The reunion was honored with the presence of wives of two deceased shipmates. This is encouraged and hope more will attend in the future. A commissioning pennant was on display that once flew over the Wedderburn. A large collection of pictures of the Wedderburn and her crews were also on display. Three new attendees were present and we hope to see them at future reunions. Two plank owners, Ernie Flament and Capt. Victor Delano were in attendance. Capt. Delano was the speaker at the Sunday night buffet banquet. A memorial service/tour was held aboard the USS The Sullivans (DD-537), a Fletcher class museum ship at the Erie County/Buffalo Naval Park. Taps was provided by Buglers of America. Additional tours of the Erie Canal and wine country, Old Fort Niagara and the Maid of the Mist cruise at the  bottom of Niagara Falls. Three tours with noon lunches, the deli buffet on opening night, and banquet was all inclusive. It was voted to have the 2012 reunion in Baton Rouge. Date to be announced. USS REMEY (DD-688) Holiday Inn Sea-Tac Seattle, Washington September 3-5, 2011 Chaired by: Jim Speckbrock Attendance: 28 total/10 shipmates Highlights: Guest speaker, Admiral Herb Bridge. 16 people went on a 7 day Alaskan Cruise following the reunion. USS IRWIN (DD-794) Best Western Merry Manor Inn Portland, Maine September 7-11, 2011 Chaired by: Frank Preston Attendance: 81 total/32 shipmates Highlights: Tours to Bath Iron Works in Bath, where they are still building destroyers. A cruise on Casco Bay in Portland. A narrated tour of Old Portland Port and many lighthouses. The Best Western merry Manor Inn has hosted many navy reunions and does an excellent job. USS JOHN R. CRAIG (DD-885) Grand Gateway Hotel Rapid City, South Dakota September 7-11, 2011 Chaired by: Rick andreas, Max Cronin, Bob Niles Attendance: 65 total/32 shipmates Highlights: Our ship's 21st reunion will leave lasting memories. The visit to Mt. Rushmore was awesome to see at night with the lighting ceremony and a salute to the verterans there. We toured the Crazy Horse Monument and visited the Old West Town Deadwood. Our  dinner dance was on Friday with a Chuck Wagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show on Saturday. Goodbyes were on Sunday. NEWPORT DEALEYS (DE-1006, 1014, 1015, 1021, 1022, 1027, 1028, 1029, 1030) Adams Mark Buffalo, New York September 8-11, 2011 Chaired by: Ron Bauer, USS Cromwell (DE-1014) Attendance: 75 total/42 shipmates Highlights: Enjoyed tours of the U.S. Navy Ship's Park including USS The Sullivans, USS Little Rock and the USS Croaker. This was followed by a ride on the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls. The evenings were filled with shipmate camaraderie and sea tales followed by a presentation on the Erie Canal by Ron Bauer and a past reunion review by Marc Arsenault. USS ZELLARS (DD-777) MCM Elegante Albuquerque, New Mexico September 8-12, 2011 Chaired by: Raymond Cottini Attendance: 81 total/35 shipmates Highlights: Six plank owners present. Bus tour to Santa Fe and Sandia Peak Tram ride. Memorial service at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park with a plaque dedicated to the Zellars and especially the shipmates who gave the supreme sacrifice on April 12, 1945. USS HALE (DD-642) Holiday Inn Downtown Huntsville, Alabama September 11-14, 2011 Chaired by: Roland Paquette Attendance: 55 total/32 shipmates Highlights: We had a great tour of the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. Our guest speaker was Ret. Colonel (Army) Derek Paquette who was program manager for the Apache Helicopter Program. he is at present V.P. of Aviation at a company in Huntsville. USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (DD-823) Holiday Inn Downtown Buffalo, New York September 11-16, 2011 Chaired by: Mike Cipolla Attendance: 75 total/50 shipmates Highlights: Buffalo Navy Museum, Maid of the Mist and Lockport Locks tours. W.N.Y. Maritime Charter School provided the Honor Guard and Drill Team. The city of Buffalo and hotel were great. The Memorial Service on the USS LITTLE ROCK was also a highlight. Great reunion. USS FLOYD B. PARKS (DD-884) Sheraton Reston Virginia Washington, DC Sept. 12 - 19, 2011 Chaired by: Bill Birdsong Attendance: 264 total/110 Shipmates Highlights: A super reunion!!  One of our largest ever.  We just seem to get bigger and better by the year.  Go Parks!! We toured the Capitol, dedicated a plaque for the Parks at the Navy Memorial, and enjoyed the DC3 (band) for great entertainment and all this on Friday.  Saturday we went to Arlington Cemetery, Phillips Seafood Buffet for lunch, visited WW2, Korea, and Vietnam memorials, and in the evening enjoyed cake and coffee in our hospitality room.  The cake was donated by the Knoblocks who had the cake made in the exact and precise likeness of the Parks.  Another great day.  Sunday was our banquet dinner and great raffle. We had 13 Plankowners attending and 13 of our people were in wheelchairs this year.  We may be getting older but we remain dedicated to the Parks reunions.  We enjoyed 10 first time attendees and hope to see them again next year and every year from now on.  Now we move in the direction of Chicago (Deerfield) for another great time together in 2012.  Really good job Parks "family" and we'll see you in Chicago. USS LEWIS (DE-535) Inn of the Rio Grande Alamosa, Colorado September 12-16, 2011 Chaired by: Gale N. Fletcher Attendance: 25 total/13 shipmates Highlights: Pizza night on Tuesday, Sept. 13 followed by the San Luis Valley Big Band. Wednesday, Sept. 14 a very scenic ride on the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad from Antonito, Colorado to Chama, New Mexico. Our banquet is on Thursday and check out is Friday. USS STRONG (DD-758/467) Wyndham Portland Airport Portland, Maine September 13-18, 2011 Chaired by: Bill Kaminsky Attendance: 82 total/41 shipmates Highlights: Tour of Bath Iron Works. the 467 was built there. USS MURRAY (DD/DDE-576) Radisson at Airport North Charleston, South Carolina September 14-17, 2011 Chaired by: Neil Den Bleyker Attendance: 39 total/18 shipmates Highlights: The hotel was very courteous and friendly to our members. Everyone had a wonderful time. Attendance was low due to the high price of air fare. USS O'BANNON (DD-450) Inn of the Ozarks Branson, Missouri September 14-19, 2011 Chaired by: William Jones Attendance: 54 total/32 shipmates Highlights: Titanic; Noah's Arc; Show Boat Cruise; Yakov Smirnoff. USS SPROSTON (DD/DDE-577) Sheraton Station Square Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania September 14-18, 2011 Chaired by: Dan & Katie Suchy Attendance: 61 total/36 shipmates Highlights: Memorial service for departed shipmates at Soldiers and Sailors Hall, tour of University of Pittsburgh, visit Phipps Conservator Garden, bus tour of Pittsburgh. Sproston business meeting. Banquet and raffle, farewell breakfast. USS GRAND CANYON (AD/AR-28) Hilton Garden Inn Columbus, Georgia September 15-19, 2011 Chaired by: Robert T. Dunn Attendance: 84 total/45 shipmates Highlights: Attended special forces graduation at Fort Benning; ate lunch with the troops, visited FDR Little White House at Warm Springs; ate lunch at Callaway Gardens and toured the gardens; visited the Civil War Naval Museum in Columbus. Had a dinner/dance to a band on the final night. USS DAMATO (DDE-871) Clarion Kalamazoo, Michigan September 18-22, 2011 Chaired by: Jim Niedzielski Attendance: 60 total/27 shipmates Highlights: We had a tour to an aircraft museum and a Memorial Service at the National Cemetery and it was something to behold. USS HICKOX (DD-673) Springmaid Beach Resort Hotel Myrtle Beach, South Carolina September 19-22, 2011 Chaired by: Mellant Palo Attendance 49 total/21 shipmates Highlights: Visited Brookgreen Gardens, took the Low Country boat cruise, had lunch at Flo's in Murrells Inlet. One evening we had dinner at the Giant Crab and after dinner went to a show at the Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach. We had a great time in South Carolina. USS RATHBURNE (FF-1057) Lodge of the Ozarks Branson, Missouri September 19-21, 2011 Chaired by: Robert Rowe Attendance: 19 total/12 shipmates Highlights: Appearance of Pvt. Jubal Lee USS TURNER (DDR-834) Adams Mark Buffalo, New York September 19-22, 2011 Chaired by: Grant Wilcox Attendance: 65 total/32 shipmates Highlights: This was our twentieth reunion USS BLACK (DD-666) Holiday Inn--South Baton Rouge, Louisiana September 20-25, 2011 Chaired by: Jerry Johnston Attendance: 78 total/46 shipmates Highlights: The visits to the World War II Museum in New Orleans and the ceremony/tour aboard the USS KIDD (DD-661) were enjoyed by all the sailors and families. The USS KIDD is well maintained and brought back many fond memories. The movie at the WW II Museum is a must see. DESTROYER LEADER ASSOCIATION DL-1, DL-2/DDG-35, DL-3/DDG-36, DL-4, DL-5 Holiday Inn Cincinnati Airport Hotel Erlanger, Kentucky September 21-25, 2011 Chaired by: Walter Alexander, CMRP Attendance: 106 total/56 shipmates Highlilghts: Tour of Wright Patterson Air Force Museum; tour of Eden Park, Vietnam Memorial, Tales of the Underground Railroad, lunch at Hofbrauhaus Newport, Union Terminal Museum, Welcome Reception, Buffet Dinner Banquet. Best hotel in fifteen years of annual reunions. Definitely recommend this location. USS JOHN S. McCAIN (DL-3/DDG-36) Holiday Inn Cincinnati Airport Erlanger, Kentucky September 20-24, 2011 Chaired by: Mike Bugara Attendance: 8 total/5 shipmates Highlights: Tour to U.S.A.F. Museum, Wright Patterson A.F.B. The Destroyer Leader Association auctjion after the buffet dinner. USS FRANK KNOX (DD-742) Comfort Suite by Choice Hotels Rapid City, South Dakota September 21-24, 2011 Chaired by: Orville Krieg Attendance: 52 total/30 shipmates Highlights: Mt. Rushmore evening lighting ceremony very, very impressive with recognition of all veterans. Tour of downtown Rapid City viewing sculptures of all presidents with commentary by our tour guides. The last of our tours was a trip to The Gold Factory where we witnessed the making of gold jewelry. Many of our group made purchases. Then on the The Flying T Chuckwagon Supper Club and blue grass show. USS HANK (DD-702) Grand Gateway Hotel Rapid City, South Dakota September 21-25, 2011 Chaired by: Tom & Teresa Woods/Bill & Kathy Skinner Attendance: 77 total/31 shipmates Highlights: Hospitality room opened Wednesday the 21st. Thursday morning tour to Journey Museum downtown Rapid City. Thursday evening went to Ft. Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Cowboy Music Show. Friday tour to Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park at the State Game Lodge for lunch and memorial service then to Crazy Horse Memorial. Saturday tour to Badlands National Park then to Wall Drug. Saturday evening banquet at Grand Gateway Hotel followed by a talk and performance by Native American Hoop Dancer, Dallas Chief Eagle and his daughter Star Chief Eagle from the Pine Ridge Reservation. An excellent time was had by all. Click here for photo. USS HOLLISTER (DD-788) Doubletree by Hilton Bloomington, Minnesota September 21-25, 2011 Chaired by: Vic and Barb Anderson Attendance: 77 total/40 shipmates Highlights: The reunion took a tour of the highlights of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area on Thursday including a tour of the military remembrance park where a brief memorial service was held honoring both the three brothers for whom the ship was named and recently deceased shipmates and spouses. On Friday, we took a tour of the Ft. Snelling Memorial Cemetery and then went on a river luncheon cruise. The reunion ended with a banquet at the hotel on Saturday night. USS OZBOURN (DD-846) Ramada Philadelphia Airport Philadelphia, Pennsylvania September 21-25, 2011 Chaired by: Ken Keene Attendance: 69 total/39 shipmates Highlights: On Thursday we had our Memorial Service on the Battleship New Jersey and their Red White and Blue Review package. This included a tour of the ship, lunch and a WWII USO type show. All were very good. That evening we enjoyed a dinner cruise on the Spirit of Philadelphia. We spent Friday morning on a bus tour of the city and were dropped off in the historical district for lunch and to visit the historical sites. Saturday's business meeting was followed by a trip to Rittenhouse Row for lunch and shopping. At our banquet, The Colors were presented by members of the US Coast Guard and our featured speaker was Mr. Jim Schuck, CEO of the Battleship New Jersey Museum. USS WILKINSON (DL-5) Holiday Inn--Erlanger, Kentucky Erlanger, Kentucky September 21-25, 2011 Chaired by: Frank Brennan Attendance: 110 total/5 shipmates Highlights: We started with a riverboat dinner cruise up the Ohio River, then a city tour of Erlanger and downtown Cincinnati with a two hour stop at the City of Cincinnati Museum at Union Station. This is a great area to vacation and Cincinnati is a great city to visit. USS WILTSIE (DD-716) Sheraton Charleston Airport Charleston, South Carolina September 21-25, 2011 Chaired by: Frank russo Attendance: 46 total/22 shipmates Highlights: This year's reunion was a great success. We went on tours of Old Charleston, Citadel Military College, Charleston Historic District and the Magnolia Plantation. On Thursday we boarded the Spirit of Charleston for an evening harbor cruise that included a magnificent dinner. On Saturday we toured the USS YORKTOWN (CV-10) at Patriot's Point and enjoyed a catered lunch served shipboard style in the CPO Mess on the YORKTOWN. The reunion concluded Saturday night with a banquet at the Charleston Sheraton Airport Hotel and all enjoyed a presentation made by guest speaker, J.V. Jones, President of Tin Can Sailors and former Executive Officer on the WILTSIE. USS BRADFORD (DD-545) Crown Plaza San Diego, California September 22-24, 2011 Chaired by: Pete Azar Attendance: 91 total/43 shipmates Highlights: Tour of the Midway and Harbor tour to see all the Navy ships in port. USS MITSCHER (DL-2/DDG-35) Holiday Inn Erlanger, Kentucky September 22-25, 2011 Chaired by: Walter Alexancer Attendance: 102 total/55 shipmates Highlights: Hotel was great and the staff could not do enough for you. Tour to Wright Patterson Airforce Base was outstanding. Only problem was that five hours was not enough to see it all. USS MYLES C. FOX (DD/DDR-829) Holiday Inn Savannah, Georgia September 22-25, 2011 Chaired by: Don Baribault Attendance: 42 total/27 shipmates Highlights: A good time was had by all. We visited Mighty 8th Air Force Museum on Thursday. Friday we toured Savannah on a trolley and took a river cruise. We all enjoyed our southern banquet on Saturday. USS DYESS (DD-880) Cruise to Bermuda (5 day) Explorer of the Seas, New Jersey to Bermuda September 24-29, 2011 Chaired by: Mike Lenzi Attendance: 44 total/17 shipmates Highlights: On board--cocktail party, auction, coffee, tea and danish, cupcakes and departing gift. Bermuda--sightseeing, weather great. USS VESOLE (DD/DDR-878) Radisson Airport Nashville, Tennessee September 22-26, 2011 Chaired by: Joseph & Virginia Pinkoski Attendance: 115 total/59 shipmates Highlights: Sharin Nashville Tours showed Nashville and War Memorials. Excellent job. Grand Ole Opry had booked Dolly Parton, excellent show. Radisson couldn't do enough for us. Great reunion which all enjoyed. USS McKEAN (DD/DDR-784) Radisson Branson, Missouri September 23-25, 2011 Chaired by: Chuck Horvath Attendance: 61 total/34 shipmates Highlights: Events included visits to the Veterans Memorial Museum. Branson Belle Showboat and Branson Landing. A Memorial Service was held at the Showboat Facility Gardens. A raffle and auction was held. Gifts were given to Attendees. Our banquet speaker was Dr. Todd Baker author of "Baghdad ER Fifteen Minutes". The next reunion will be in Portland, Oregon 2013.  USS ALFRED A. CUNNINGHAM (DD-752) Crowne Plaza Springfield, IL September 28-October 2, 2011 Chaired by: Don & Della Sautman Attendance: 83 total/40 shipmates (3 Plank Owners) Highlights: Wed. Registration and Hospitality Room. Thurs. Bus trip to New Salem Historical site, Abraham Lincoln's childhood years on film, lunch at Morning Star Mercantile & Café. Food and service were terrific. Visited Lincoln's home. Fri. Spent the day at Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum & the library. Lunch on our own at the museum or one of the many restaurants nearby. Business meeting. Our next reunion will be held in 2013 in Duluth Minnesota. Sat. Free day until social hour at 6:00 p.m. Sit down banquet in Ruby Ballroom where our guest speaker was Abraham Lincoln (stand in). USS RICHARD E. BYRD (DDG-23) Radisson Hotel at Opryland Nashville, Tennessee September 29-Oct. 2, 2011 Chaired by: David & Betty Cunningham Attendance: 77 total/44 shipmates Highlights: We chartered a trip luncheon aboard The General Jackson. That evening we went as a group to the Grand Ole Opry. Saturday we went on a bus tour downtown Nashville, visited Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium and strolled the streets with lunch on our own. We enjoyed Nashville very much. USS WORDEN (DLG/CG-18) Millennium Maxwell House Nashville, Tennessee September 28-October 2, 2011 Chaired by: Dewey Franklin Attendance: 75 total/52 shipmates Highlights: Just spending time with your shipmates makes all the work to et it planned out feel good. USS FRED T. BERRY (DD/DDE-858) Hyatt Lisle Lisle, Illinois September 29-October 2, 2011 Chaired by: John H. Titsworth Attendance: 68 total/33 shipmates Highlights: The Hospitality Room opened on Thursday to welcome all attendees. Friday morning we departed for a tour of the Great Lakes Naval Base, had lunch at the Port O' Call Restaurant (the former Officer's Club) and explored the Cantigny First Division Museum in Wheaton, Illinois. Friday evening a "Welcome Aboard Dinner" was held at our hotel, The Hyatt Lisle, Lisle, Illinois. Saturday our buses departed for a Tour of Chicago, including a short cruise on the Chicago River to see the skyline and explored the Navy Pier. Saturday evening's banquet at the hotel was outstanding. A very successful raffle was held with many terrific gifts, including gifts from "Tin Can Sailors" which were greatly appreciated. Sunday morning all enjoyed a buffet breakfast and said our good byes. The reunion was a great success. 2012 reunion will be held in Herndon, Virginia. USS WILLIAM R. RUSH (DD-714) Opryland Holiday Inn Airport Nashville, Tennessee October 2-5, 2011 Chaired by: Officers of Association Attendance: 145 total/78 shipmates Highlights: Nashville Night Life Dinner Theater, guest speaker ADM. Gerry Breast, USN (Ret.), tours of Nashville, Honky Tonking and just getting together once again. USS CHARLES R. WARE (DD-865) Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn & Comfort Inn Athens, Tennessee October 5-9, 2011 Chaired by: Frank Biondo Attendance: 224 total/117 shipmates Highlights: The city of Athens is considered home port for the crew of the USS CHARLES R. WARE. On Oct. 5th the city welcomed the crewmen and families with a "Welcome Picnic" and a live Bluegrass Band. Oct. 6th was a bus tour to Lynchburg for lunch at Ms. Mary BoBo's and a tour of the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Oct. 7th, a visit to the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum to view the extensive display of the USS CHARLES R. WARE memorabilia. Lunch and live music was enjoyed by all. The day continued with recognition of the WARE crewmen on the field at the McMinn County High School football game, during band pregame performance and the National Anthem. Oct. 8th, Veterans Memorial Park for Brick Dedication Ceremony. Recognition of the four plank owners and recognition of 25 WARE career men. Closing with Native American Memorial Drum Song. Then a parade to the official opening of Pumpkintown. Day ended with our banquet dinner, presentations, live music and dancing. Reunion ended Sunday morning with Fair Winds and Following Seas Devotional at the Holiday Inn. USS JOSEPH P. KENNEDY, JR. (DD-850) Hampton Inn Westport, Massachusetts October 6-9, 2011 Chaired by: Ray Samson Attendance: 28 total/14 shipmates Highlights: Memorial Service held aboard the KENNEDY at Battleship Cove, Fall River, Massachusetts. Banquet held at White's of Westport. All agreed to support another October reunion for 2012. Thanks to all crew members and their families and the Tin Can Sailors for their raffle items. USS WALTON (DE-361) Hilton Harrisburg Harrisburg, Pennsylvania October 6-9, 2011 Chaired by: Jerry & Mary Hudson; David & Monica Adams Attendance: 17 total/9 shipmates Highlights: The tour to Gettysburg Civil War battlefield. We had an awesome driver and guide. We ate at the Doblin House and visited the Willis Museum. Toured Hershey Museum and Chocolate Factory. The highlight of the tour was the Visitor Center and Cyclorama. USS CONY (DD/DDE-508) Caribbean Cruise October 8-16, 2011 Chaired by: Kenneth Kimison Attendance: 35 total Highlights: Memorial service on top of the USS Cony, where she was sunk as a living reef off the coast of Puerto Rico in 1970. Click here for memorial service. USS BRAINE (DD-630) Doubletree Annapolis, Maryland October 9-13, 2011 Chaired by: Jim Rountree Attendance: 70 total/32 shipmates Highlights: Shipmates of the USS BRAINE gathered at the Doubletree hotel in Annapolis for their 14th reunion. The first day, tours of Baltimore and Ft. McHenry with lunch at the Inner Harbor. The second day was spent in our Nation's Capital visiting the Monuments for World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the United States Holocaust Museum. The third day we toured the US Naval Academy with lunch in Dahlgren Hall. We conducted a Memorial Service for our fallen shipmates in the academy chapel assisted by a chaplain, organist and bugler blows taps. it was a wonderful service in a very beautiful setting. Our next reunion will be in the fall of 2012 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. USS HOLDER (DD/DDE-819, DE-401) October 6-9, 2011 Deerfield, Illinois Click here to read special greetings from Admiral Michael Mullen USS JAMES C. OWENS (DD-776) Hotel Tucson City Center Tucson, Arizona October 12-15, 2011 Chaired by: Lee Israelson Attendance: 81 total/41 shipmates Highlights: We went on a tour of the Pima Air Museum and Bone Yard. Very interesting places to see. Went to Tombstone on another tour and spent time at the OK Corral Shootout and Boot Hill and the many shops in Tombstone. Great Place to visit and step back in time. DESDIV 38 Association USS GILLESPIE, HOBBY, KALK, WELLES (DD-609/610/611/628) Radisson North Charleston Airport Charleston, South Carolina October 9-13, 2011 Chaired by: Alex Harris Attendance: 26 total/6 shipmates Highlights: Having a smaller attendance meant more time with each other. We visited Patriot's Point, Fort Sumter and the submarine H.L. Hunley. All had a great time hanging out in our hospitality room. Our banquet was fantastic with a live band for entertainment (ever heard a bluegrass version of "Anchors Aweigh"?--Great!). Click here for photo. USS COGSWELL (DD-651) The Hotel Arizona Tucson, Arizona October 10-12, 2011 Chaired by: George Overman Attendance: 90 total/43 shipmates Highlights: Opening reception enjoyed by all on Oct. 10. Tuesday the 11th included a bus tour to Tombstone and Bisbee, Arizona. Wednesday the 12th included a bus tour to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, The Old Mission and The Pima Museum followed by the evening banquet and Casino night. USS MEREDITH (DD-434/726/890) Crown Plaza Hotel Jacksonville, Florida October 12-16, 2011 Attendance: 75 total/39 shipmates Highlights: The early birds who arrived on Tuesday roamed the Jacksonville Landing, shopping and enjoying food and drink along the river, catching up with friends and shipmates. The reunion began on Wednesday, October 12 with a welcome dinner at the hotel. Thursday we took a bus tour of St. Augustine. After a guided tour through town we had time for lunch and browsing around on our own. We had the evening to ourselves for dining and socializing as we wanted. Friday we took a bus tour of Naval Station Mayport, which included lunch on base and a visit to the Navy Exchange where we purchased a few souvenirs. After lunch we took a stroll on the beach. We returned to the hotel for our formal banquet dinner, dancing and group photos. Saturday afternoon after our business meeting we departed for Amelia Island for a tour and a sunset cruise. We enjoyed an early dinner and browsing on our own before the cruise and return to the hotel. During the times between activities and events we hosted a hospitality suite where we sat around enjoying our favorite beverages telling our sea stories and getting to know each other a little better. These are the times we enjoy the most when we can look back at the times when we were aboard the Meredith. Items like cruise books and photos of the past while on board are on display for us to look back on and reminisce. We departed on Sunday morning saying our goodbyes, excited and talking about our reunion next year to be held in San Antonio, Texas October 16-21, 2012 at the Holiday Inn on the Riverwalk. At our business meeting each year, among other things, we discuss where we will hold our reunion two years in advance. It was voted to hold the reunion for 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The date and hotel location will be announced at a later date. Please feel free to visit our website at yourmeredith.com form information as how to get in contact with your shipmates. We are looking to make contact with the shipmates we have missed. USS RADFORD (DD-446) Holiday Inn South Baton Rouge, Louisianna October 12-16, 2011 Chaired by: Chuck Parsons Attendance: 89 total/50 shipmates Highlights: USS KIDD & Memorial Service were excellent. Hotel was very accommodating and bus drivers were friendly and cautious with their driving. Our day trip to New Orleans was a lot of fun. We recommend Baton Rouge with a day trip to the USS ORLECK in Lake Charles.  Click here for photo. USS WILLIAM M. WOOD (DD/DDR-715) Holiday Inn Downtown Mobile, Alabama October 12-15, 2011 Chaired by: tony Caminiti Attendance: 92 total/49 shipmates Highlights: Wednesday: early arrival a.m. golf and Bellingrath Gardens and Christmas Town in the afternoon. Thursday: Beau Rivage Casino or Five Rivers Delta Tour. Thursday evening we held our Welcome Buffet and Raffle. Friday we toured the Naval Aviation Museum with lunch at the Mustin Beach Officers Club. Saturday morning we held our Memorial Service aboard the USS ALABAMA. We had our business meeting Saturday afternoon and our banquet followed by music and dancing in the evening. USS LYMAN K. SWENSON (DD-729) Admiral Semmes Mobile, Alabama October 13-16, 2011 Chaired by: Lee aldridge Attendance: 76 total/35 shipmates Highlights: Thursday evening Oct. 13th attendees had Navy birthday cake cut by sword of Captain Maguire (LTJG Maguire was last crew member to depart ship at decommissioning 1971) by oldest (88 years) and youngest (64 years) shipmates. A Captain's hat, Master Chief's hat and White hat were at the table display. Friday City Tour included lunch in mess hall on metal enlisted trays aboard USS ALABAMA (BB-60). Memorial service followed on fantail with Marine Corps 21 gun salute. Wreath thrown overboard by Widow of Reunion Association co-founder. Saturday tour to Pensacola Naval Air Museum followed by banquet at Admiral Semmes hotel. Theme was Mardi Gras originally started in Mobile. Another co-founder and his bride were voted as Mardi Gras King and Queen dressed with crowns and robes. USS STICKELL (DD-888) Johnson & Wales Inn Seekonk, Massachusetts October 13-16, 2011 Chaired by: Keith Grimes Attendance: 83 total/53 shipmates Highlights: What a reunion! Thanks to the expertise of the Johnson & Wales Inn everything went smoothly. Registration was on Thursday, in the hospitality room. Tin Can Sailors provided a display; they netted four new members. Friday we toured Boston with 67 passengers; transportation was provided by Conway Bus Lines. Saturday was a "free" day. Some toured the local area attractions including Battleship Cove. Saturday evening was the reunion dinner. We were proud to have captain Thomas G. Kelley, a US Navy Vietnam veteran and winner of the Medal of Honor as our guest speaker. Captain Kelley was aboard the STICKELL from 1964 to 1966. Following the dinner there was an auction and raffle. USS HENDERSON (DD-785) Bourbon Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana October 16-20, 2011 Chaired by: Al Meeds Attendance: 67 total/37 shipmates USS KIMBERLY (DD-521) Landmark Myrtle Beach, South Carolina October 17-20, 2011 Chaired by: George Scott Attendance: 23 total/12 shipmates USS BASILONE (DDE/DD-824) Best Western Mainstay Newport, Rhode Island October 19-22, 2011 Chaired by: Jack Richie Attendance: 100 total/65 shipmates Highlights: Toured Newport and the mansions, Naval War College Museum, Surface Warfare School, Memorial Service aboard the USS MASSACHUSETTS and toured Battleship Cove. Our departure banquet was Saturday night. Click here for photo. USS BELKNAP (CG/DLG-26) Sheraton Westport Plaza Hotel St. Louis, Missouri October 20-24, 2011 Chaired by: Mike Abbott Attendance: 80 total/40 shipmates Highlights: The Admiral Belknap family members who attended, greatly enhanced the reunion with memories of the civilian side of the Belknap Family crew members. Took forward to their future visits. USS BRADLEY (DE/FF-1041) Courtyard by Marriott Liberty Station San Diego, California October 20-23, 2011 Chaired by: Bruce gottsch Attendance: 48 total/30 shipmates Highlights: Reunion site Liberty Station was the former NTC San Diego. City and US Navy ship tour--USS WILLIAM P. LAWRENCE (DDG-110). New association officer selected and site of 2012 reunion was chosen--Portland, Oregon. USS FURSE (DD-882) Courtyard by Marriott San Diego, California October 20-23, 2011 Chaired by: Jerry Formulak Attendance: 68 total/30 shipmates Highlights: Toured the USS MIDWAY, took a harbor tour. Toured the USS LAURENCE (DDG-110). A good time was had by all. Our next reunion will be 10/17-20/2012 in Baton Rouge, Louisianna. USS JARVIS (DD-799) Riverside Hotel and Casino Laughlin, Nevada October 23-27, 2011 Chaired by: Tony Kubat Attendance: 25 total/11 shipmates Highlights: Room prices, show price, meal prices, hospitality room was great. River cruise, Rte. 66 Museum, back road ride to Oatman, AZ on Rte. 66. Hotel staff took good care of us. There was much more to do besides gambling, car museum, movies in the hotel, food was good. USS MILLER (DD-535) Holiday Airport/Opryland Inn Nashville, Tennessee October 27-31, 2011 Chaired by: Eleanor & Roy Klock Attendance: 54 total/30 shipmates Highlights: Tours to Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville City, Andrew Jackson's Hermitage. Saturday night live radio broadcast at "Grand Ole Opry", tour of Rhyman Hall (original Grand Ole Opry), General Jackson paddle wheeler boat (dinner and live show) on Cumberland River, annual MILLER dinner/banquet. USS BENHAM (DD-796) Phoenix Mesa Marriott Mesa, Arizona November 1-5, 2011 Chaired by: Bob Eisenhauer Attendance: 43 total/19 shipmates Highlights: Our reunion was held at the Mesa Arizona Marriott which was a great facility for the reunion. They provided us with a hospitality room where we gathered for drinks, conversation and card playing. We had two tours seeing sites around Phoenix and finished with a wonderful Set Sail Banquet.

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