It’s “Back to the Beginning” for our

20th Annual Association Reunion

This year’s event will take place at the Marriott Norfolk Waterside Hotel, 235 East Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510, from Wednesday 9/13/2017 to Sunday 9/17/2017.

Details:

Front Desk:

1-757-627-4200

1-800-874-0264

Check-In 1600

Check-Out 1100

Rate Start date: 9/10/17

Rate End date: 9/19/17

Last day to book: 8/23/17

Call the front desk and tell them you are with the Nimitz association Reunion to get the special rate of $129.00 per night.

Parking garage fees are

discounted to $14/day/car plus tax.

(continued on Page 5)

USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) ASSOCIATION http://www.ussnimitzassociation.org

Star News 5 The

P lans for the upcoming 20th Annual reunion of the NIMITZ

Association are proceeding full speed ahead. Don’t wait

until the last minute to register for this great event and to

reserve your room at the Marriott Waterside Hotel. The

deadline for registering is 9 August 2017.

The event should be exciting with our return to the first home

port of USS NIMITZ. The weather should be mild and there

will be plenty to do.

NEW COMPLEX OPENS ON NORFOLK WATERFRONT

The new

Waterside District

had its grand

opening in mid-

May 2017.

Located in the

heart of the central

business district

and adjacent to

the city of Norfolk’s

world-class

waterfront, Waterside District will be a central gathering place

for local residents, visitors and businesses.

Waterside District is open year-round, day and night to

accommodate next-level dining and entertainment for all

ages. For more information and a daily look at hours of

operation please visit: http://watersidedistrict.com/info/hours-

parking/. The facility is across the street from the reunion

2

Shipmates:

I take this opportunity to recognize one of our shipmates who has been a great supporter of the Association. David Moss sent in his dues for a Lifetime Membership and added an additional $50 for the Scholarship Fund! This is one of the reasons why our Association is so great. Our members are the best and most generous of any Association I know. Thanks David and a big Bravo Zulu from me!

I have been working on collecting this year’s dues and we only have 15 members who have not caught up with their dues this year. In the process of sending out notices for dues as well as the Newsletter I have found that members have changed their email or address. Please make sure that that you update your info and send it to me so I can make the appropriate updates to our roster.

Now is the time to book your rooms and send in your Registration Form and payment for this year’s reunion in Norfolk! We are expecting a big turnout and some great speakers! I am proud to let you know that Father Peter Norris’ registration was the first I received! He even beat me out!! Our theme for this year’s reunion is “Back To The Beginning” and I look forward to seeing a large number of new faces in Norfolk.

Fair Winds and Following Seas to all!

Annual Dues Update & Reunion Registration By Ed Deats, Secretary/Treasurer

USS Nimitz Ready for Deployment The USS Nimitz and its carrier strike group wrapped up their final pre-deployment assessment on 21 April 2017 proving they are ready to deploy and replace the USS Carl Vinson in the Western Pacific.

Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 also completed the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).

COMPTUEX tests a strike group’s ability to work and operate as one cohesive unit in a simulated real-world-scenario based training environment.

Nimitz was joined by CSG 11, to include Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, to prove their operational capabilities prior to deploying.

Throughout the exercise, the strike group

encountered an environment that mirrored, as closely as possible, what they may encounter while deployed in future areas of operation.

Nimitz, during the COMPTUEX, became the first carrier strike group to implement the use of the Fleet Warfighting Training System Live, Virtual,

Constructive (LVC) training concept. LVC allows for the synthetic virtual environment to be integrated with the live environment, providing a more comprehensive and realistic training environment.

LVC can create scenarios that involve higher complexities and stress the strike group to its max capabilities, leading to more proficient strike groups & fighting forces while better preparing them for what they may encounter while deployed.

3

USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) Association

Reunion 2017 – 20th Annual – Norfolk, Virginia -- 13-17 September 2017

Tentative Schedule of Events

Wednesday, 13 September 2017

Arrivals Check-in at the Hotel. Refreshments in the “Bud Scott Hospitality Room”.

NOTE: If you are arriving at the hotel on the 13th, you cannot check in until 1600.

2030-2100 Assn. Officers’ Meeting – PRES, VP, SECY/TREAS, At-Large O’s & Spouse Adv. (loc. TBD).

2300 Hospitality Room closes for the night.

Thursday, 14 September 2017

0900-0930 All Hands Meeting for introductions; pass along information. Silent auction begins.

0930-1100 Members-only Annual Business Meeting to discuss issues.

0930-1100 Spouses Meeting with Spouse Advocate (location TBD)

1130-1300 Lunch on your own

1300-2300 Activities/Tours. Possible Harbor Cruise/Tour. Meals are on your own. Hospitality Room is open.

Friday, 15 September 2017

0900-1000 Members-only Business Meeting -vote on items brought forth and election of Spouse Advocate

1000-1100 Scholarship Committee Meeting

1000-1200 Latin Dance Demonstration/Instruction

1000-2300 Activities/Tours: Possible Harbor Cruise. No organized tours are scheduled as of this issue. Meals are on your own. Hospitality Room is open.

Saturday, 16 September 2017

Free Day! Sleep in and later enjoy the Tidewater area! NOTE: “Blue Angels” at NAS Oceana Air Show, 16-17 SEP 2017

1730 Formal Photos (if available or if desired)

1830-2930 Reunion Banquet at hotel. Dress: Business Casual (Nimitz Association Shirts OK).

The Main Course consists of a choice from four selections:

- Chicken Breast with Mirepoix Jus (a vegetable based sauce);

- Grilled chopped Sirloin Steak with balsamic roasted mushrooms;

- Flounder with Chesapeake Crab stuffing

- Cheese Cannelloni with toasted garlic spinach and tomato fondue

Chef’s choice of vegetables and potato

Salad: Crisp greens and garden vegetables with garlic croutons and assorted dressings

Dessert: Carrot and Chocolate cake; each table will receive 1/2 of each, so there will be swapping going on. Includes rolls, coffee, tea, etc.

2100 Silent Auction closes.

2300 Hospitality Room closes.

Sunday 17 September 2017

Departures SEE YOU ALL IN PHILADELPHIA IN 2018!

4

D uring the early years of USS NIMITZ’s service I served as the junior officer of the

deck on the Special Sea and Anchor Team on the navigation bridge as well as a

watch officer on the bridge’s General Quarters Team. It always seemed like a cast of

thousands up there with so many people tending to their assigned duties during periods of

heightened activity. Two members of the Sea and Anchor Team steered the ship and sent

telegraph orders down to the engine room. Each was a qualified helmsman and was

invaluable in moving the ship through the ocean. Greg Perkins and Steve Zanca were

members of these teams during a period when we were all a lot younger. After leaving the

Navy Greg eventually migrated to Kansas and Steve to Florida.

I received word earlier this year from Greg Perkins that Steve Zanca was battling cancer.

Steve manned the Engine Order Telegraph while Greg steered during sea and anchor

detail. Greg wanted to do something to cheer Steve up. Here is Greg’s account of what

came next:

“I called the NIMITZ and was able to speak to a QM1 Jeremy McKagan. I told him that Steve and I were plank owners

and two of the original qualified Master Helmsmen on the NIMITZ. I told him I saw where Master Helmsmen wear

specially designated Red Hats. I told him that Steve was going through some rough times with chemo treatment and I

asked if there was any way to get a couple of them for Steve and me. I told him that they did not have these when we

served. I thought Steve getting a surprise like this would boost his morale. I also sent some items to prove that I was a

Master Helmsman on NIMITZ. I later was contacted by Chief Petty Officer

Matthew Searer by email that they would make it happen. This was back

in November 2016.

“I received the hats in February of this year. They were signed by the

Captain, XO, Navigator and the entire Navigation Department. I was blown

away. Steve did not know what I was doing. I mailed one to Steve

immediately. Steve lives in Florida, I am in Kansas. I wanted to surprise

him. Well, it did, and he was very appreciative. QM1 Jeremy McKagan

said he forwarded my thank you email up the chain of command and later

asked if the public affairs officer could contact us and do a story about

Steve and me. We both said yes. However, NIMITZ just got out of refitting

and is getting recertified for duty so I think that went away. I sent the

Navigation department 20 lbs. of cashews, mixed nuts, chocolate peanut

clusters, etc. in appreciation.”

Shortly after hearing about this Greg said that Steve Zanca had passed

away on 25 April 2017 from the effects of chemotherapy and a blood

infection. He was 66 years old. He lived in the Tampa, Florida area. He is

survived by his wife, a niece, nephews and a grandnephew.

Serving on special navigation teams is stressful and requires close

cooperation among the team members. I will always be grateful to

shipmates like Greg and Steve who supported me when I conned the ship.

Steve will be missed and I thank Greg for passing this information along.

Shipmates Standing by Shipmates By Rich Galecki, Association Vice President

5

Norfolk

Waterside

235 East Main Street

Norfolk, VA 23510

Front Desk:

1-757-627-4200

1-800-874-0264

Check-In 1600

Check-Out 1100

www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/orfws-norfolk-waterside-

marriott/

REUNION HQ

hotel and you can use bridges carrying you over streets to access the

parking garage and then the Waterside District.

The Market will feature a diverse array of culinary and beverage experiences, including:

The hub of The Market is the Starr Hill Market Bar which will celebrate Virginia craft beer bar with over 48 craft beer options on tap and will debut signature craft beer seasonally throughout the year.

Rappahannock Oyster Co. originates from Topping, Virginia, and is recognized for its flavorful cuisine, family history and sustainable oyster farming practices. Rappahannock Oyster Co. will serve up locally grown oysters.

Cogan’s Pizza will feature two signature wood-burning pizza ovens in full view of their guests. It is known for serving uniquely topped pizzas with an optional spicy sauce.

The Local consists of some of the best names in Virginia including Pino’s Meatballs, Martin’s Soulfood, Big Al’s Wings and Morty’s Deli.

At Luk Fu chefs will weave together ingredients imported from Japan, Thailand, Korea, China and Vietnam with locally-grown produce, poultry, seafood and meats to create an excitingly diverse menu.

The Mix offers large, customized, made-to-order salads with fresh produce, premium ingredients and homemade dressings.

Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse market stall will serve an abbreviated menu of Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse favorites, ideal for dining in or taking back to the hotel for lunch or dinner. This is not a diner, drive-in or dive!

Rocky Mountain Grill features the best of The Market. Guests will be able to order items from all menus in a traditional full-service dining setting. The Grill features a large outdoor patio with a full service bar, a communal fireplace and spectacular views of the Elizabeth River.

Norfolk Coffee and Tea Co. will be serving up coffee and hot teas with pastries and hand-crafted desserts provided by Carolina Cupcakery.

VIN (pronounced ‘vine’), an eclectic wine bar, will feature a small plates menu including a cheese and charcuterie board (cold cooked meats), baked mussels, apple and manchego paninis and other delicious bites paired with wines.

A PBR (Professional Bull Riders; not Pabst Blue Ribbon!) country bar will open at the Waterside District. In addition to live music and entertainment, PBR Norfolk will feature a dance floor, private outdoor patio and the signature mechanical bull.

Entertainment and Food

Opportunities for 2017 Reunion

(continued from Page 1)

6

By Ron Picard

Roland (Ron) Picard is a Nimitz plank owner and Nimitz Association Life Member. He was the first Aerographer’s Mate to report aboard. He lives (at times) in Niceville, Florida but mostly travels with his wife Mary and dog Monte in their Recreational Vehicle. He can be reached at RPicard123@aol.com.

R emember what it was like living on a ship? Enjoying a different adventure nearly every day?

Liked drinking beer in different places in the world? How about travel? Remember “FTN” as in Fun, Travel, Navy? Well relive those thrilling days of yesteryear by RV’ing with DoD making it easy!

I composed this article while we are at Fiddler’s Cove and Marina in San Diego. It’s one of the Navy’s Family Campgrounds, FamCamp in military speak. We have a water site with views of San Diego Bay, sailboats, Navy warships manned by the best ever sailors, access to the Commissary, Exchange, Medical, MWR and all the benefits we’ve earned. What are the costs? For a mere $35 per night or less for full Hook Ups (FHU), your campsite includes electric, water, sewage and at some FamCamps cable TV.

We have been RV’ing throughout North America 8-10 months per year since 2010. We have visited every state that can be reached by driving and most Canadian Provinces. Our current trip started on March 9, 2017 from Niceville, Florida. Our return ETA is mid-November. We are at our most southern destination and will follow the “snow line” north with Kodiak Island in the Aleutians being our most western campground. Yes, there is military campground with FHUs at Kodiak Coast Guard Station and they do take reservations.

Our RV is a 28 foot Class C motor home built in 2008 by Born Free RV Company in Iowa. It was purchased new and has been upgraded several times to keep up

with the latest technology. It contains all the amenities of home, two DISH satellite TV’s , shower, bed, kitchen, dinette, microwave, gas stove, A/C, heater, fridge, etc. We also tow a Honda CRV which doubles as a rolling closet, storage locker and sightseeing commuter assault vehicle.

RV’ing is on the upswing with active duty (ACDU) members. In the numerous FamCamps we have visited, ACDU members with RVs are cutting costs and pocketing part of their housing allowance. Homesteading is not allowed but stays from one to six months are allowed. Geo-bachelors have used RVs at new stations while waiting for the family to catch up. ACDU RV owners drive their rigs to TDY for training, augmenting, long term medical treatment and PCS transfers. It’s really easy to go on TDY or annual leave when your house is always packed and ready to roll.

The urge to travel doesn’t diminish with retirement. We love being unemployed, homeless and sleeping in parks. We start with a high level flight plan and fill in the daily low level stuff as we travel. We’ll arrive at NAS Whidbey Island May 6-13 and Dawson Creek, BC starting line of the Alaskan/Canadian (ALCAN) Highway later in that month. We have reservations with the Alaskan Maritime Ferry in August in Homer Spit, Alaska on the Kenia Peninsula. There the RV, car, us and our Corgi, Monte, will board for transport to Kodiak. By the way, this is the 75th anniversary of the ALCAN. It’ll be our second RV trip to Alaska via ALCAN. In between now and Whidbey Island we’ll drift north as weather and crowds allow.

Shipmate uses his RV to

“Deploy” across North America

7

(continued on Page 8

We have basic rules that ease the cost and burden of travel. Most are “borrowed” from seasoned fulltime RVers. We seldom drive more than 300 miles in one day, always finishing by 1500 daily. This provides enough time to set up, enjoy the pool, sit with our wine glasses and watch late arriving Rvers arrive and back into their picnic table. It’s better than any reality TV show. We seldom drive more than one or two days in a row unless circumstances such as forecasted inclement weather, appointment or calendar dictate time to roam. We avoid traveling on holiday weekends. Once in place we stay 3 to 7 days giving us ample time to visit local attractions and use base facilities.

There are a variety of websites available for RVers but one dedicated to military RVers is http://www.militarycampgrounds.us. The site lists by state military FamCamps, ratings written by consumers, fees, and a forum for discussion, news and articles. It also provides other links of RVer

interest. It is our first “go to” website for information on reservations, costs, amenities, availability, latest reviews and base access. Sometimes the main gate is NOT the place to go. Long, wide RVs towing a car are not the greatest in avoiding barricades and barriers. It’s not the best first impression when one meets base security up close and personal by

hitting a barricade during morning rush hour. Sometimes RVers are required to use a commercial vehicle gate which is designed to handle longer, heavier vehicles. Read up on the base you’re going to visit.

Weapons on board your RV may create a problem as some bases require armory check-in. Why weapons? We drove the Top of the World Highway in Alaska starting in Chicken, AK, to Dawson, Yukon. Nearly 100 miles of gravel road (highway is being generous) with no mail boxes. You’re on your own. Hungry bears don’t negotiate.

Our priority list after the military campground website is National Parks, State Parks, casinos and the commercial parks such as KOA campgrounds. You’ll notice the listing is presented in increasing site fees. For that type of information we use http://www.rvparkreviews.com/ for reviews, fees and reservations. Casino camping is different in that all amenities including the resort pool, restaurants, adult

entertainment and gambling are available next to your site. Shuttles are sometimes provided.

National Parks range from the desert, Death Valley, to jaw dropping mountains, Yosemite, and

some in between like Yellowstone. Seasoned citizens over 62 years old can purchase a lifetime America the Beautiful pass. It covers entrance fees for life but not camping fees.

State campgrounds have an array of rules and regulations. ACDUTY, Retirees, and Veterans can get discounts on entrance and camping fees depending on the

“We’ve met fellow

military RVers whose

bucket list includes visits

to every Major League

Ball Park, some follow

NASCAR races, others

want to visit every

National Park and even

some who want to visit

micro-breweries. Some

enjoy golfing on different

military courses. There

are no bad reasons to

RV.”

8

state. It’s best to ask at the entrance Ranger station. Be advised that cash strapped states have been raising their fees and lowering amenities. That includes road side rest areas where some have been closed as a cash savings move.

Military campgrounds run from the fantastic such as Cliffside NAS Whidbey Island and Desert Eagle at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas to the “needs some work”. MWR works hard to maintain all campgrounds using Non Appropriated Funds. User fees can be a cash cow with those providing exceptional amenities. Desert Eagle is expanding while Naval Station Newport barely maintains its FamCamp. But overall it is a benefit to all. In Alaska it is not uncommon to have a moose walk through the FamCamp. For summer fun, camp at Sea Mist in Virginia Beach, Destin Army Infantry Recreation Area on Florida’s Gulf Coast are places to be. Want to experience Mardi Gras? Aviation Arbor RV Park across the river from the French Quarter is exceptional and designed for you.

We’ve met fellow military RVers whose bucket list includes visits to every Major League Ball Park, some follow NASCAR races, others want to visit every National Park and even some who want to visit micro-breweries. Some enjoy golfing on different military courses. There are no bad reasons to RV. For us it’s the journey. What’s around the corner? We’ve seen a Deadliest Catch boat in Alaska, The Daytona 500, Death Valley in spring, and Yellowstone in June where it snowed on us! We have visited Deadwood, South Dakota, Devils Tower in Montana, and a sobering visit to Little Big Horn Battlefield in Montana.

And finally, want family time? RVs are kid magnets. RV’ing allows learning about our great country without lectures or tests. Experiences are better than book or classroom learning. S’mores, campfires and daytime adventures build family ties. Years from now these priceless memories of camping with your kids or grandkids will pop up at unexpected times. You know you’ve made an impression when a young family member starts with, “Hey remember the time in Glacier when……..”

See you on the road.

RV Adventure (cont.)

All the information you need to apply for the

scholarship is on the web page. It’s not to early

to start an application. Take your time and

follow the instructions carefully. Please

document your academic awards and verify

your volunteer hours as best you are able. The

essay has been the big tie breaker for the

scholarship the last few years. Try to answer

the question as best you can.

I need some time to grade the applications so

send them to me no later than 27 August

2017. Later submissions will be accepted on a

case by case basis. Please include an email

with your submission so I can acknowledge

receipt. Contact me if fail to acknowledge (My

info is on Pages 10 & 11). I will present all

applications to the scholarship committee at

the Norfolk reunion and we will select the

$3,000 winner. I’ll notify the winner as soon as

he/she is selected.

Did I mention that sponsor participation is a factor in the award? It is, and we would love to see you in Norfolk. Jim Jamison did an excellent job setting up the location. September is right around the corner.

You Need to think About

Applying for the FADM

NIMITZ Association

Scholarship Now! By Tim Gildea, Scholarship Committee Chairman

9

M ost of you have never met me and therefore do

not know anything about me, so I decided to put

that right by telling you a little about myself.

Being an old sailor I will try to do that by spinning a few dits

(telling sea stories)

On the 9th of September 1967 I joined the British Royal

Navy [RN] as a Medical Assistant, (Corpsman). After six

weeks boot camp I was sent to (RNH) Royal Naval

Hospital Haslar in Portsmouth for my medical training. The

first part of this was first aid training, this we had to

complete before we were allowed to wear our

specialisation badge (Red Cross in Miniature). The Navy

did not want the embarrassment of having a medic who

could not step up if needed as a first responder. I was

already a fully trained first aider having been a year in the

British Army Medical Corps Reserve.

Next I was drafted to RNH Plymouth on the job training,

where I spent six to seven weeks on each different type of

ward and also basic lab work, x-ray procedures and

sometime in the Operating Theatre. After this as a fully

qualified Medical Assistant (with a Large Red Cross) I was

let loose on the wards and eventually the fleet.

My first foreign draft [assignment] was to RNH Gibraltar,

where I alternated between the wards, reception/casualty

and ambulance duties. We were also responsible for

medical treatment of the legendary Rock Apes. I will never

forget the look on a young sailors face when an ape got

priority over his broken arm.

It was there that I had my first sea duty on being seconded

[additional duty] to a Mine Sweeper on independent visit to

Faro, Portugal, during which I rescued two of the crew from

the local jail, into which they were being dragged and

beaten by some angry police, which made me angry. Long

story.

As part of a medical team I was taken out by tugboat late

one night to board a submarine which had suffered an

explosion injuring a number of the crew. This inspired me

to volunteer for the Submarine Service sometime later, not

realizing that I would have to then study Health Physics at

the Royal Navy Institute of Medicine.

After leaving Gibraltar I returned to RNH Plymouth, where I

took my Nursing Finals qualifying me as a Nurse. I then

started Submarine Training learning about every aspect of

the underwater world, including escape training in the 100

ft. tank.

During my five years in the Submarine Service I served on

two Submarines, HMS/M Churchill as a Leading Hand (E5)

and HMS/M Courageous as Acting

Chief (E7). Spending more time

under the sea than on top, or so it

seemed.

On leaving the Submarines I was

drafted to RNH Plymouth in the

Ophthalmic Department, where I

stayed for about six months, but

wishing to be nearer home I

agreed to take over as Admin

Petty Officer in a Dental

Department, where I had one of the dentists teach me all

he could about dentistry. You can’t administrate effectively

if you don’t know anything about the subject. It’s lucky I did

because my next draft was to HMS Hermes, an Aircraft

Carrier, as Dental Petty Officer. In was whist on board

Hermes that I was to come in contact with the USS NIMITZ

when we visited Norfolk, VA.

A more generous and friendly bunch of matelots [sailors]

have never seen in my life, before or since. And it was due

to this generosity and friendliness that many years later I

sent an Email to the NIMITZ and ended up as your

Chaplain.

My last sea duty was as Petty Officer Medical Assistant to

the Captain of the 7th Frigate Squadron. Sounds fancy but

it just meant that if any of the Medics made a pig’s ear of

his job, it was down to me. You know what I mean.

So to finish, I served on a Mine Sweeper, two Nuclear

Submarines, an Aircraft Carrier and a Frigate, plus many

shore based establishments. Later I joined the RN Reserve

and was rated Chief Petty Officer in charge of the Medical

department. But it was not the same, so I resigned. After a

few years I trained as a Roman Catholic Priest for a little

over 8 years. I am in the Secular Franciscan Order.

As a Priest I have served in 5 parishes including 8 years in

the Falkland Islands as Parish Priest, as well as Chaplain

to the British Armed Forces and Sea cadet Corps. Whilst

there I also covered Ascension Island, Tristan Da Cunha,

and South Georgia on the Antarctic Circle. All of these are

thousands of miles apart.

I also had the great privilege of helping veterans who had

fought in the Falkland’s in 1982, who came back to work

through their PTSD.

I hope this has been of help to you in knowing a little about me and if we meet you will see me as someone who values you and is here to be of service to you as and when I can.

Just who is this Chaplain anyway? By Father Peter Norris, OFS

10

W e had nine applications for the scholarship this

year. Picking a winner was tough. All the

applicants are deserving of recognition. The winner of

the 2016 Nimitz Association Scholarship was Noah

Paulsen. Noah is currently attending John Carroll

University in Ohio.

Scholarship 2017 Competition

The 2017 winner will be selected at the Norfolk Reunion on 13-17 September 2017. The Scholarship Committee needs some time to score the applications. I would like to receive applications no later than 27 August. Contact me if you aren't able to make this deadline and still have an application or if you have a question. Please include an email address and telephone number with your applications.

The scholarship award amount is set to be

$3,000! Most of the details for our scholarship

program can be found on our new and improved

website at:

http://www.ussnimitzassociation.org

The new webpage should make applying for the

association scholarship a snap. Any association

member in “good standing” can nominate an applicant

whether or not that applicant is a dependent child or

grandchild. In “good standing” infers “dues paying

members”. All Scholarship applications to be

considered will need to be received no later than 27

August 2017. Please send the applications and

supporting material to:

Tim Gildea Chairman, Scholarship Committee USS Nimitz (CVN-68) Association 6510 Matthias St Philadelphia, PA 19128 timothygildea@comcast.net

By Tim Gildea

Navy’s Blue Angels to Perform at NAS Oceana during Reunion

“The Blue Angels” is the United States Navy's flight

demonstration squadron, with aviators from the

Navy and Marines. The Blue Angels' six

demonstration pilots currently fly the McDonnell

Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, typically in more than 70

shows at 34 locations throughout the United States

each year. The Blue angels will perform at NAS

Oceana, VA, 16-17 September 2017.

The USS NIMITZ celebrated her 42nd birthday on

3 May 2017. Commissioned on a sunny day 3 May

1975, NIMITZ is the oldest aircraft carrier in

service with the U.S. Navy.

The ship officially became a part of the Navy when

commissioned by then-President Gerald R. Ford.

The next class of aircraft carrier to enter the Navy

will be named after President Ford with the ship

named after him, CVN-78. She will be followed by

a new USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CVN-79).

NIMITZ is expected to remain in

service to the USA at least until

she turns 50. She was well-built

and is well-maintained and is a

formidable defender of the United

States and our allies.

USS NIMITZ Turns 42!

11

Board of Directors & Special Assistants

President: Dave Wood 1304 E Harrison Ave. Wheaton, IL 60187; (630) 575-7572 davidwood@comcast.net (Term Expires 2018)

Vice President/PAO Rich Galecki 6495 Lancaster Dr., Warrenton, VA 20187, (540) 454-8636 rmgalecki@comcast.net (Term Expires 2018)

Secretary/Treasurer (1st IPP) Ed Deats 95 N Founders Way, Hattiesburg, MS 39401-5579, (916) 509-2646 edeats@comcast.net (Term Expires 2018)

Director-at-Large (Term Expires 2018)

Ray Bigelow (414) 325-7444 nimitzbigs@yahoo.com Director-at-Large (Term Expires 2018) John Wilder (781) 859-5034 jwildbus@hotmail.com 2nd Immediate Past President Ray Bigelow nimitzbigs@yahoo.com 3rd Immediate Past President Joe Brunner waldoj@cox.net President Emeritus Bill Paschall 312 Arizona Avenue Wilmington, NC 28401 billpaschall40@gmail.com Veterans’ Service Officer Jim Disney jvd839@comcast.net Spouse Advocate Dottie Wilder (781) 859-5034 Wilder_dottie@hotmail.com (Term Expires 2017)

Chaplain & Bereavement Coordinator Father Peter Norris, OFS St. Dunstan RC Church, Hersden Canterbury, Kent, UK CT3 4HH nimitz.assoc.chap@hotmail.com

By-Laws Committee Chairman Rich Galecki, rmgalecki@comcast.net Membership Committee Chairman David Scott david.actor@hotmail.com

Nominating Committee Chairman Ed Deats edeats@comcast.net Scholarship Committee Chairman Tim Gildea 6510 Matthias St Philadelphia, PA 19128

timothygildea@comcast.net

Newsletter Editor-in-Chief Rich Galecki rmgalecki@comcast.net Memorabilia & Association Storekeeper Dave Wood davidwood@comcast.net Historian Jeff Crabtree 2928 Rutherford, Urbana, IL 61802 Reunion Committee Chairman Ray Bigelow, nimitzbigs@yahoo.com 2017: Norfolk, VA; Rob Jamison 2018: Phila., PA; Tim Gildea

2019: Biloxi, MS; Bill Paschall

(Past NIMITZ Commanding Officers with

dates of command. All former NIMITZ

skippers are Association members.)

RADM Bryan W. Compton, USN (Ret.)

12 July 1972 - 21 August 1976

RADM Richard T. Gaskill, USN (Ret.)

21 August 1976 - 12 February 1979

RADM John R. Batzler, USN (Ret.)

12 February 1979 - 26 February 1982

CAPT Matt Yelland, USN (Honorary)

(Kirk Douglas) 1980

VADM Raymond P. llg, USN (Ret.)

26 February 1982 - 26 September 1984

RADM Eugene D. Conner, USN (Ret.)

26 September 1984 - 28 August 1987

VADM Brent M. Bennitt, USN (Ret.)

28 August 1987-16 September 1989

RADM Robert Williamson, USN (Ret.)

16 September 1989 - 16 April 1992

ADM John B. Nathman, USN (Ret.)

16 April 1992 – 26 August 1994

VADM Alfred G. Harms, Jr., USN (Ret.)

26 August 1994 - 8 November 1996

RADM Isaac Richardson, III, USN (Ret.)

8 November 1996 - 8 June 1999

Captain Steven F. Firks, USN (Ret.)

8 June 1999 – 17 May 2002

Captain Robert J. Gilman, USN (Ret.)

17 May 2002 - 23 November 2004

VADM Ted N. Branch, USN (Ret.)

23 November 2004 - 16 March 2007

RADM Mike Manazir, USN

16 March 2007—August 2009

Captain Paul Monger, USN (Ret.)

August 2009— March 2012

RDML Jeffrey S. Ruth, USN

March 2012 – July 2014

Captain John C. Ring, USN

July 2014—January 2017

Captain Kevin P. Lenox, USN

January 2017—Present

©2017 USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) Association

Published by

Wildcat Publications a division of Galleon Associates

12

THE FIVE STAR NEWS

USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) Association

6495 Lancaster Drive

Warrenton, Virginia 20187

© 2017 USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) Association

20th Annual

Shipmates’ Reunion

USS NIMITZ (CVN-68)

Association

13-17 September 2017

Norfolk, Virginia