District News: Fall Issue

District News

(from Fall 2007 magazine)

WESTERN DISTRICT		EASTERN DISTRICT

Washington continues to be our most active state for holding local get-togethers. See Bud Browell’s Washington State article. John Fabian recently moved to Arizona. He turned over the Nevada State Representative job to John Faulis of Las Vegas. John will also be continuing to run the Las Vegas Chapter. John Fabian is working to start up a Phoenix Chapter. By the time this magazine is published, the Western District reunion in Reno will have been held. We are starting to plan for next year in Colorado Springs. Robert E. Partrick – Western District Director		Our Eastern District get-together has not gotten many participants. It looks like we will have a disappointing turn-out and perhaps not worthy of continuing. Planning the reunions, even a mini, takes a lot of time – We enjoy doing it, but we would appreciate your feed-back as to your wishes to continue for another year. Perhaps you could even add as to where we might hold one for 2008. It will remain September or October, so keep that in mind when corresponding with us. Ed August – Eastern District Director

LAS VEGAS CHAPTER MEETING THE BOULDER STATION CASINO, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA March 16, 2007		FROM OUR 2007 EASTERN DISTRICT GET-TOGETHER IN VIRGINIA BEACH

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NEW JERSEY CHAPTER New Jersey Chapter holds two bull-sessions, reports Arnold Egeland, the State Representative. On Tuesday, June 19th, 12:30 pm, twelve members that reside in the Northern part of the state convened at Manny’s Sports Bar and Restaurant in the town of Moonachie and across the road from Teterboro Airport. This is a popular watering hole past football games of the New York Giants and the Jets. The stadium lies in close proximity to this popular restaurant. Manny, himself a Navy veteran from cargo ships, also spent some time with us cruiser sailors. A Dutch treat luncheon with some liquid beverages was consumed, and then the bull-session began. Veteran sailors from the Pacific campaign told stories of island bombardments and length of time at sea. When shore leaves occurred, they were on some safe remote island and three cans of beer were issued. Cruiser ships represented were, Albany (CG-10), Columbus (CA-74), Fresno (CL-121), Macon (CA-132), Newport News (CA-148), Providence (CLG-6), Quincy (CA-71), Salem (CA-139), Savannah (CL-42), Vicksburg (CL-86). Other interesting stories unfolded, especially interesting was the plight of the USS Savannah while operating with the USS Philadelphia (CL-41). They participated in an operation in the Gulf of Salerno, Italy beginning September 9, 1943 as support ships for the amphibious landing. On September 11th, these two ships were the first American ships attacked with bombs that were controlled throughout their flight. Philadelphia escaped with a near miss and minor damage, but Savannah took a direct hit by the largest bomb – both in total weight and size of charge that has ever exploded inside a U.S. Navy ship. The bomb was a large armor-piercing, radio controlled FXX 1400 (kilograms) or 3080 pounds. This bomb penetrated turret #3 on the bow and forward of the bridge and ended up in the secondary battery magazine. The bomb exploded there and killed nine officers and 197 men. Two salvage tugs, Hopi and Moreno came to assist with pumping out the flooded compartments. Due to tough-minded training programs initiated by the then, Captain Robert W. Cary, it saved the ship from sinking. The ship made it to Malta where temporary repairs were completed for the trip back home to the U.S. --- Savannah made it back to Philadelphia Naval Yard on December 22nd 1943. After an extensive over-haul, the ship returned to active duty, and as one of its last missions, was part of the “Magic Carpet” fleet returning veterans home from overseas at war’s end. The ship received three battle stars for WWII service. Then on Thursday, June 21st at 12:30 pm, another 12 members that reside in the Southern half of the state journeyed to a Charlie Brown restaurant in the area of Toms River. A private area was set aside for this group where again some liquid beverages were consumed as well as an economical lunch. Again, many sea stories were brought forward and we all enjoyed each other’s company. We found out that one of our members shook hands with King Edward while he was a guest visitor aboard his ship and another enjoyed a visit by Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt.		One of our members, a quartermaster whose duty station is on the bridge, became quite friendly with President Roosevelt when he was a passenger being transported to the big three summit meeting in Yalta. Ships present were, Astoria (CL-90), Amsterdam (CL-101), Des Moines (CA-134, Fargo (CL-106), Galveston (CLG-3), Little Rock (CLG-4), Long Beach (CGN-9), Mobile (CL-63), Montpelier (CL-57), Roanoke (CL-145), Wichita (CA-45). So, fellow New Jersey Cruiser Sailors, don’t miss our next “Bull-Session.” They are fun, interesting and educational. All 26 participants want to definitely continue to meet again. You’re urged to bring along your stories and ship’s history. The next dates to assemble on deck are at Manny’s, Moonachie Ave., near Teterboro Airport, September 25th Northern Group, so designated by your “area” phone code, (201, 551, 862, 908, 943) and September 27th for the Southern Group (609, 732, 848, 856) at Charlie Browns on Route 70, about a mile West of the Garden State Parkway. If this article came to your attention after the above dates, you also received in late August, the N.J. State Rep’s newsletter advising of this same information. Arnold H. Egeland, President

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PHOENIX, ARIZONA AREA Ahoy All Phoenix Area Cruiser Sailors I have recently relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona from Las Vegas, where I served as President of the Las Vegas Chapter for Cruiser Sailors. It is my intention and goal to establish a Phoenix Area Chapter for “Old Salts” that served aboard a Cruiser (light or heavy) at any time in the 20th century to the present. The “Chapter” members would typically meet every 3 or 4 months for Bull-Session Luncheon at a centrally located restaurant in Phoenix (?). By the way, your suggestions are welcomed, particularly since I am new to the area. If you are interested in this idea, please contact me at home by phone…or a response on this letter is fine. My phone # is 480-767-1928. I truly hope you can find the time to help me establish this Chapter. It should be a lot of fun, and it will be an opportunity to make new friends to exchange Navy experiences with. I look forward to hearing from you in the very near future. “Fair Winds and Following Seas!” Shipmate, John Fabian – USS Macon CA-132 John Faulis (L), USS LITTLE ROCK (CLG-4) and John Fabian (R), USS MACON (CA-132)		WISCONSIN As Wisconsin Rep., I have been thinking about starting up a “BULL SESSION” in the six-county area of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. If any of our USNCSA members wish that to happen, please get in touch with me. Please include the preferred day and time. We would like this to be a daytime function. I will try to set up an establishment that will cater to a food line and give the group a private room (no charge). The meal will be “DUTCH.” Topics will be many, getting together, priceless. A fellow shipmate in Menasha, Wisconsin, Mr. John Pagel #5874, has already started up a “BULL SESSION” in the Fox Valley area. I wish John much success in his endeavor. John Pagel’s phone number is (920) 722-6131 If you are interested in this kind of meeting please contact me at: Ralph Scheele #5298, (414) 321-6499, rscheelel@wi.rr.com, 8101 West Manitoba St., West Allis, WI 53219 Ralph Scheele, Wisconsin Rep. .......................................................................... SAN ANTONIO CHAPTER Previous reunions not published: USS Leopold (DE-319 and USS Joyce (DE/DER-317) held their joint reunion on 2 November 2006. George Keith and George Anaya presented a letter to the members, wives, and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chapter and USNCSA, welcoming them to San Antonio. YN3 George Coulson, of the USS Joyce was the reunion coordinator. USS Leopold, was sunk in WWII. USS Joyce, received the “May Day,” and although they were being stalked, left their groups formation and went to the rescue of survivors of the USS Leopold. USS Joyce was a radar picket ship. Of those surviving, SM2 J. Armand Burgun was the only USS Leopold survivor attending the reunion. Met with FP3 Richard Anderson, YN3 George Coulson, RD1 John Talty, SM2 J. Armand Burgun, ETSN Harry Tangen, SOG2 Hugo Uglione, CS2 and plank owner Ted Mrowicki, one of the original crew members of the USS Joyce, BM1 Thomas Garson/NINNUC, and LCDR Ronald Scott, a midshipman on board USS Roanoke (CL-145) during a 1952 cruise. We had a great meeting 14 May 2007. At our meeting, we also had four active duty Army personnel: SGT Bruce E. White; PV2 Arlene Pais; Specialist Eric Rodriguez, and Specialist Felipe Lara. They were well received by our members. On 11 June, we again had a large attendance with three new members at our meeting. One of them signed up for membership with USNCSA. The other two are possible USNCSA members. Members of the USS Roanoke (CL-145) Association have voted to have their 2009 reunion in San Antonio, Texas. I have been in contact with Vic Russell, Secretary. George Anaya, President

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WASHINGTON STATE John McKenna, USS Los Angeles (CA-135) (59-61) is our newest area volunteer in Central Washington State, the Tri-City area includes, Richland – Kennewick, and Pasco. This has been a difficult area with scattered members and thoughts of joining with the Spokane members was an option, but tabled because of the three-hour drive. John has been the catalyst needed in this area, as he has contacted members on our invitation list to confirm attendance – a good plan, as members’ contact is #1 on our list of activities. The results of his efforts during our August 15th Bull Session had 13 attending with 2 calling in that they would be sunbathing in Hawaii (tough duty) and would catch the next one – 19 invitations with 13 attending – 68% WOW. See what a local volunteer contacting members can do for attendance – thanks John – you are very much appreciated. Bud Browell – Washington State Rep John McKenna		MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER On Sunday, June 3, 2007, Eli Ferguson was one of five former U.S. Navy sailors invited to attend a memorial ceremony at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. All the men were survivors of the Battle of Midway, June 4 through 6, 1942. They were seated on stage in the auditorium and as his name was called, each man stood while a brief account of his ship’s involvement in that battle was read. Each was presented with an American Flag which was flown over Midway and a handsome folder describing his ship’s involvement in the battle. A buffet lunch was served to all in attendance. The Commanding Officer circulated and talked with each honoree. All were enthusiastic about the ceremony. Eli has referred to it as a wonderful experience. Mary Ferguson for Bill Hennessey – President Massachusetts Chapter Bill Hennessey, Massachusetts Chapter President, presents a flag flown over Midway to Eli Ferguson.