Hey Sailors!
The reunion is upon us! Our deadline of July 31st can be extended for another week or so, but we must have a headcount for all of our activities ASAP. the hotel deadline for the special rate is still August 18th.
So, it's time to send in those last minute reservations now. By my count, there are about 13 members who earlier sent in their intentions, but have not responded, and we really need you guys to complete our reunion plans (you know who you are).
As you are probably aware, our discount prices are based on a minimum number of attendees and we're close to that number now. However, we need those who indicated a desire to attend to send in your reservations in the next week or two.
Right now, we're a few short of our minimum. We'll probably meet our obligations if we do actually run short, but it will diminish our bank account. Other items of interest is our "ship's store" inventory. I've ordered new Brooke ball caps and polo shirts and some other items. In addition, all of these items may be purchased and/or ordered at the reunion.
All merchandise left after the reunion (if any) will be sold thru our web-site year' round. So, we'll create on-going revenue for future reunions which will keep us solvent as a bona-fide organization.
Our reunion schedule is still the same, and I've enclosed it again in this final mailing. Also enclosed is another reunion registration, the general information sheet and the personal questionnaire.
So far, about 30 questionnaires have been returned and we're creating a pretty interesting file. If you haven't yet sent one in, then include it with your registration. If you're not planning to attend the reunion please send it in anyway. The file will be in the Hospitality Room for all to peruse during the weekend. I think eventually we'll compile it into a short/small book or directory.
Since our last mailing, we have had a few more shipmates pass on: Marty Snell and Harold Hewlett in April. I received a nice note from Mrs. Hewlett, along with his personal questionnaire.
In May, Linda and I spent a long weekend in Long Island, NY with Buddy and Julie Harris. Had a great time! Following that, we met John and Pam Limbaugh and Jerry and Estelle Hamling for a Memorial Day dinner in Bangor, WA. Also talked to Tom Adametz and Dave Kalaf in the last week. I guess you could say that the ping jockeys stay in touch and...(are you ready for this) "never lose contact".
Moving on....
The XO (Blackington) will be onboard Sat. A.M. He and the Mrs. will be arriving in Seattle from an Alaskan cruise. (I'll bet he spent the entire week inspecting the ship and crew looking for discrepancies.....probably no liberty in Seattle for half the crew).
On that note I'll close.
Hope to see you soon in Seattle so please send in your reservations ASAP!
NAVY WARSHIP TOURS
ON THE BREMERTON BOARDWALK
USS TURNER JOY DD-951
Naval Memorial Ship Museum
BREMERTON-HISTORIC-SHIPS-ASSOCIATION
Tour this restored Vietnam era destroyer from the boiler room to the bridge. See the All Veterans POW Memorial and the narrated WWII sea battles exhibit.
The USS Turner Joy is the first permanent and publicly accessible, Naval heritage and educational ship attraction in the Pacific Northwest.
She was named for Vice Admiral C. Turner Joy, a leading Korean Armistice peace negotiator.
The last of the Forrest Sherman class destroyers, the USS Turner Joy was built in Seattle and commissioned in 1959. She was de-commissioned in 1982.
Turner Joy had a modified hull design that enhanced both nautical speed and firepower. She was one of the first major combatant ships to have more firepower aft than forward.
STATISTICS: 418 feet long, 45 feet wide, speed of 32.5 knots, 4050 tons fully loaded, held a crew of 350, recipient of 9 battle stars.
A "fast ship" in the John Paul Jones tradition, her 5" - 54 dual purpose naval guns were capable of extended ranges up to 12 miles.
In August 1964 the USS Turner Joy and the USS Maddox were involved in the Gulf of Tonkin incident, an attack on American warships by North Vietnam which subsequently led to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. The Turner Joy was there in the closing chapter, reported to have fired the Navy's last round in the Vietnam conflict.
