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REUNION UPDATE
The 14th USS PROVIDENCE Reunion is now in the history books. The following is a review of events.
Attendees included:
| CL-82 |
17 shipmates and wives |
| CLG-6 |
42 shipmates and wives |
| Plank holders |
2 |
| Marines |
4 |
The Hospitality Suite was open each night for everyone to share memories, sea stories, photos, cruise books, personal mementos, and uniforms. There were many laughs and tears. Fred Hocking even brought his flat top hat, which Bill McCubbin wore in the Suite. Jim Martell displayed his 6 foot scale model of CL-82 during the entire reunion. Many CL shipmates had their photo taken with the model, and they were willing to show everyone where their duty and general quarter’s stations were on the ship.
Thursday, April 30 we traveled to Battleship Cove in Fall River, MA, across the bay from Providence, for a patriotic and reverent memorial service on board the Battleship Massachusetts. We recognized the passing of 24, CL-82 Sailors and Marines and 4, CLG-6 Sailors. 3, CL-82, Plank holders dedicated a wreath to honor the deceased. Lunch followed the Memorial Service, in the old Wardroom space, on the MASSACHUSETTS. The balance of the day was for exploring the other naval vessels in Battleship Cove (1 destroyer, 1 patrol boat, 1 sub, 2 PT boats).
Friday, May 1, We toured Newport, Rhode Island, followed by a lunch at the Officer’s Club at the Naval War College, in Newport. Admiral Kenneth Haynes, former CO of CLG-6 sponsored the luncheon. Although he was unable to attend, his presence was recognized. We saw 2 great “old ladies of the fleet” tied up together – SARATOGA and FORRESTAL. The day was foggy and was appropriate to view these 2 great ships.
One shipmate, Dwight Troutman, called his brother from the bus, to inform him is was viewing the FORRESTAL. Dwight’s brother flew off the FORRESTAL, and was on board at the same time as John McCain. After lunch we visited the War College Museum.
The highlight of the reunion was a tour of the Surface Warfare Officer’s School, where we experienced the bridge simulator and various, Officer seagoing training simulators. Everyone agreed that the simulator was so realistic, that you felt as though you were on a moving, rolling ship, in combat. Bill McCubbin said “the only thing missing was the sea spray” This simulator was so over-the-top realistic, we were actually sailing in the “Straits of Hormuz” warding off sea and air attacks with our weapons systems.
Saturday, May 2. We toured Providence, Rhode Island, and concluded with a lunch at Providence Piers, where Colonel Peter Gaynor(USMC, Ret); Director of the City of Providence Emergency Management Agency, Office of Homeland Security, read a proclamation from the Honorable David N. Cicilline, Mayor of the City of Providence, honoring the Marines and sailors who serviced on the USS PROVIDENCE. A full sized replica of the 1776 Sloop Providence was in dry storage on the hard in the parking lot adjacent to the Providence Piers.
During the reunion, Price Perfect Photos took many pictures of our activities, and group photos. For those of you who missed a truly wonderful reunion experience, a DVD will be available to all shipmates, which includes the Memorial Service, Naval War College, Providence Piers, and the Banquet. Order details will follow in the July Newsletter.
The Saturday Night Banquet included a New England Dinner with Lobster and all the trimmings. After dinner we retired to the hospitality suite for prize drawings. Many gift items, donated by shipmates were raffled off to lucky winners.
| Shipmates with donations were: |
| Robert and Robin Grace |
| Vic and Clara Muzio |
| Bill and Beverly McCubbin |
| Jim Chryst |
| Dean McMillian donated proceeds from his characterichures of shipmates |
| In addition, the 50-50 winners were as follows: |
| $150 – John Purnell, USMC, John donated $50 back to the Providence Association |
| $100 - Bill Wulf |
| $ 75 – Emil Halloy |
| $ 25 - Dwight Troutman Dwight donated the $25 back to the Providence Association |
| $ 25 – Richard Zweber. Dick donated the $25 back to the Providence Association |
| $ 25 – JoeWozniak |
| $ 25 – Bob Penny |
| $ 25 – Al Goldsmith |
During the Ship’s Company Meeting, San Diego was confirmed as the site for the next Reunion to be held in October 2010. David and Anna Maria Abdouch and Larry and Jeanette Smock will be the reunion co-chair.
The newsletter will be published in July, and will be mailed twice per year thereafter The July issued will be mailed to all shipmates on the mailing roster; however, due to the cost of mailing, this will be the last newsletter sent to non-Association Shipmates. We have 740 folks on our mailing list, but, only 168 due-paying members. So, please bring your membership up to date for 2009 and 2010. If you are uncertain, as to membership dues, please check the website for the latest listing. Once again, membership is cause for concern, for the long term viability of our organization. The upcoming, San Diego Reunion, will be the test of our strength of membership. Now is the time to contact your former shipmates so we have a large turnout.
Jim Cozine will be working on the mailing list and contact for membership. Bill McCubbin will continue his office as Treasurer.
Look for the July Newsletter.
Fair winds and smooth seas.
Semper Fi,
Jim Chryst, Reunion Chairman 2009
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