Spring 2002
Secretary’s Corner
Spring already…at least here in southeastern Virginia, although it felt like summer only a few days ago…and less than 6 mos. to the Reunion in Norfolk in Oct.!!!
Included in this issue:
JPJ Reunion Update –
Planning is now more or less complete for what’s shaping up to be a FABULOUS TIME for all shipmates! See the program agenda below.
If you haven’t already decided you’re coming, get on the band-wagon and sign up! More details and information below and enclosed.
DDG-53 "CO’s Column"
Seabag Items
Good & Humorous Thoughts
READ ON!
P. Maytham
Secretary
Reunion Update
When: 10-14 October 2002
Where: Norfolk, Virginia
Hotel: Radisson Norfolk
Program:
Thurs., 10 Oct.
–Arrival/Registration (from noon onwards)
–Fri., 11 Oct.
Late arrivals’ reg. (front desk)
Group Bus Tour (08:30-16:30)
(Colonial Williamsburg; Mariners’ Museum, Newport News)
Fleet Week Concert – (Towne Pt. Park, Norfolk waterside)
Sat., 12 Oct. –
City bus tour
Memorial Service, USS Wisconsin
Visits: USS Wisconsin
Nauticus
U.S. Naval Museum
Harbor lunch tour: "Spirit of Norfolk"
Sun., 13 Oct. –
Business Meeting
Optional Tour NOB and USS HAYLER (DD-997)
Final Reception/Banquet
Mon., 14 Oct. –
Departure
Attendees -
As of this writing, more than 75 shipmates and their wives/guests have indicated they intend to be at the reunion!
Join Them!!!
Reunion 2002, cont’d. -
Hotel Reservations:
Reservations are being accepted as of now by the Radisson. Use the reservation form on the last page of the newsletter. Note: Should anyone wish to come early, or stay after, the rates shown apply three days before and after the reunion!
Travel:
While many shipmates on the East Coast may elect to travel by car to the reunion, other options include:
Air - a group rate discount is available through shipmate Joe Good. Tel: (757) 486-7947
Rail - Amtrak serves the Hampton Roads area, and offers discounts at different times of the year, as well as to veterans and seniors. Call:
1-877-872-7245.
USS Wisconsin Guides Needed:
Any shipmate planning on attending the reunion who served on the USS Wisconsin, and would be willing to act as a "tour guide" after the Memorial Service being held Sat. morning, 12 Oct., please contact shipmate Seth Wilson.
Tel: (757) 851-5546.
Seth served from 1964-’66 with the Staff of DESRON 36 aboard DD-932, and later had a tour aboard the Wisconsin.
Since the Wisconsin was brought to Norfolk’s waterfront (tied up at Nauticus) and opened to the public a year ago, Seth has been a volunteer "docent", showing visitors around the ship, telling them about its armament and exploits.
USS John Paul Jones DDG-53
CO’s Column –
As reported in the last newsletter, the JPJ DDG-53 returned home to San Diego early last December for a well-deserved "rest" and local operations, following a most successful deployment to the Arabian Gulf. There, the ship and crew had seen plenty of "action" in support of the southern No-Fly Zone and UN sanctions preventing Iraq from illegally exporting oil; and, especially, during Operation Enduring Freedom, when the JPJ served as the Navy’s principal Tomahawk cruise-missile "shooter" against the Taliban and Al Quaida terrorists in Afghanistan.
While the past few months haven’t been as "lively" as they were in the Middle East, the JPJ’s skipper, CDR Dave Steindl, USN, and crew have been involved in another type of "action" that many of you shipmates will remember only too well:
SHIPYARD OVERHAUL!
Since the yard period ended a few weeks ago, and the ship returned to duty, things have been very busy and hectic, indeed, getting the ship "ready for action" and deployment once again!
As CDR Steindl wrote in an e-mail on a recent Friday afternoon:
"It’s been a crazy week here…but everything ended up roses despite the long hours and multiple inspections. Our magazines were certified, our flight-deck was certified, and all our aviation equipment and procedures were certified. I’m going home a happy camper today!"
Roughly 30 JPJ Assn. Shipmates will be joining CDR Steindl and the crew of the JPJ for a Family Day/Guest cruise May 10th, sailing from the Naval Weapons Station at Seal Beach, Calif., down to San Diego. I’m sure we all wish we could join them!!
We commit thee to the sea …..
♠ We learned only recently from the daughter of shipmate Roland P. Metcalf (DD-932 1960-’61), who informed us on behalf of Roland’s wife, that he passed away on Dec. 8, 1999.
♠ We’re also very saddened to learn of the death of shipmate Charles W. Walker last Christmas Eve, who served aboard DD-230 during the war (1941-’42). His son, Chuck, called in a few days ago to let us know, and to say he’s raising his children to honor and respect their grandfather, and the U.S. Navy, just as Chuck does. It’s this sort of attitude that makes America such a great country!
Seabag Items
Four-Stacker "Comic Book" –
Especially for those who served aboard DD-230, this 50-page book describes life aboard a four-stack destroyer "humoresquely", in all its aspects! Available for $5.00 from:
Basil C. Nickerson
P.O. Box 34836-TCS
Juneau, Alaska 99803-4836
DD-932 Color Prints –
The processing of making prints available – either at the reunion, or ordered separately - of the beautiful watercolor painting of DD-932 done by shipmate Dick Moore has moved forward. Digitising of the painting is now done, with "excellent results", according to the artist.
We’ll try to include a B/W photocopy with one of the next newsletters, along with size, price, and ordering details. The intent is to sell pretty much at cost – below $100 if possible.
Good & Humorous Thoughts
Submitted anonymously for your reflection:
OLD GEEZERS
"Geezers" are easy to spot:
At sporting events, during the playing of the National Anthem, Old Geezers hold their caps over their hearts and sing without embarrassment. They know the words and believe in them. Old Geezers remember the Depression, World War II, Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Normandy, and Hitler. They remember the Atomic Age, the Korean War, the Cold War, the Jet Age, the Moon Landing, not to mention Vietnam.
If you should bump into an Old Geezer on the sidewalk, he’ll apologize. If you pass an Old Geezer on the street, he’ll nod or tip his cap to a lady. Old Geezers trust strangers and are courtly to women. Old Geezers hold the door for the next person and always, when walking, make certain the lady is on the inside for protection.
Old Geezers get embarrassed if someone curses in front of women and children, and don’t like filth on TV or in the movies. Old Geezers have moral courage. They seldom brag, unless it’s about their grandchildren.
It’s the Old Geezers who know our great country is protected, not by politicians or police, but by the young men and women in the military serving their country. Our country needs Old Geezers with their decent values and moral integrity. We need them now more than ever.
Thank God for Old Geezers!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
DON’T FORGET:
October 10-14, 2002Norfolk, Virginia
BE THERE!!!
Radisson Hotel Norfolk
Welcomes
USS John Paul Jones Association Reunion
October 10-14, 2002
Accommodations and Features:
All rooms are furnished with a television, refrigerator, microwave, iron, ironing- board, coffee-maker, and hair-dryer.
Season’s Bistro and Kevin’s Pub are located within the hotel to provide our visitors variety in upscale or casual dining.
Our Business Center is available to all of our guests on a complimentary basis, and is equipped with a fax, photocopier, and a computer with Internet access.
Complimentary on-site parking and, upon request, airport shuttle service.
The Radisson Hotel Norfolk is located just minutes away from Norfolk International Airport, Norfolk Naval Base, Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin, MacArthur Center, Chrysler Museum, and much more!
Please complete the form below, and mail, fax, or phone in your reservation by Sept. 10, 2002
Radisson Hotel Norfolk
700 Monticello Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23510
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USS John Paul Jones Association Reunion
October 10-14, 2002
_____________________________________ __________________________
(Last Name) (First Name)
_______________October 2002 _______________October 2002
(Arrival Date) (Departure Date)
_____________________________________ __________________________
(Street Address) (City/Town, State, ZIP)
Circle: • Single Rm.: $79 • Double Rm.: $89 • King • Double
• Non-Smoking • Smoking
Rates are honored three days before and three days after the event, subject to availability
Credit Card: ٱ Am. Express ٱ Visa ٱ MasterCard ٱ Diners Club
________________________________ (Mo./Yr.)
(Card Number) (Expiration)
Reservations MUST be guaranteed by a deposit of one night’s room and tax, or credit card number.