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 [email protected].
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected] (Term Expires 2018)
Vice President/PAO Rich Galecki 6495 Lancaster Dr., Warrenton, VA 20187, (540) 454-8636 [email protected] (Term Expires 2018)
Secretary/Treasurer (1st IPP) Ed Deats 95 N Founders Way, Hattiesburg, MS 39401-5579, (916) 509-2646 [email protected] (Term Expires 2018)
Director-at-Large (Term Expires 2018)
Ray Bigelow (414) 325-7444 [email protected] Director-at-Large (Term Expires 2018) John Wilder (781) 859-5034 [email protected] 2nd Immediate Past President Ray Bigelow [email protected] 3rd Immediate Past President Joe Brunner [email protected] President Emeritus Bill Paschall 312 Arizona Avenue Wilmington, NC 28401 [email protected] Veterans’ Service Officer Jim Disney [email protected] Spouse Advocate Dottie Wilder (781) 859-5034 [email protected] (Term Expires 2017)
Chaplain & Bereavement Coordinator Father Peter Norris, OFS St. Dunstan RC Church, Hersden Canterbury, Kent, UK CT3 4HH [email protected]
By-Laws Committee Chairman Rich Galecki, [email protected] Membership Committee Chairman David Scott [email protected]
Nominating Committee Chairman Ed Deats [email protected] Scholarship Committee Chairman Tim Gildea 6510 Matthias St Philadelphia, PA 19128
Newsletter Editor-in-Chief Rich Galecki [email protected] Memorabilia & Association Storekeeper Dave Wood [email protected] Historian Jeff Crabtree 2928 Rutherford, Urbana, IL 61802 Reunion Committee Chairman Ray Bigelow, [email protected] 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