the sierran

A newsletter for the

U.S.S. Sierra Veterans AssociATION

Volume 107 November 2015

Service to our

country

1944 to 1993

The crew of the USS Sierra came into one of her

homeports, Norfolk, Va in October 2015 for a 28th

reunion. The Sheraton - Waterside Hotel in downtown

Norfolk was both an excellent hotel and centrally located

to all the sights in that Navy town. The accommodations

were four star and every tour was well within walking

distance.

After arrival and registration the crew started gathering in the hospitality

suite to rekindle old friendships and meet new shipmates. Bill Skillin once again

went out of his way to make sure that the reunion was filled with not only good

news from the fleet

President

Joseph Strecker

1312 Country Club Road

Concordia, KS 66901 785-243-3533

Vice President

Larry Stevens

210 NW Greenwood Street Ankeny, IA 50023-5104

515-210-0777

Treasurer

William Skillin P. O. Box 767

No Myrtle Beach, SC 29597

913-683-1423

Secretary

John Eberhardt

25 Maple Road

Iselin, NJ 08830 732-548-9808

Governor

David DelPizzio

131 Belmount Avenue Trooper, PA 19403

610-630-0129

Governor

James Kane

15 Addison Avenue

Lynn, MA 01902 751-599-0462

Governor

Rodney Wallace

350 N State Hwy 360 #4101 Mansfield, TX

509-291-3444

Governor/WebMaster

Mark Fenley 200 Deer Run Drive

Winder, GA 30680-3909

509-291-3444

conversation and memories, but

also great sights and tours to

create additional memories.

The hospitality suite was

just that - a place to gather,

chat, nibble on some snacks,

and re-group for the days

adventures.

Our first

tour was of

the Nauticus

M u s e u m

where we

simply walked a few hundred

feet to enter the huge museum

and educational exhibit of all

things nautical. Just a few steps

from the museum it was off to

the gangway that led to the

main deck of the proud US

battleship, the USS Wisconsin.

U.S.S. SIERRA REUNION

Port Of Call - Norfolk, VA

US Navy Status - November 2015

Total Force = 328,862 Officers = 54,223 Enlisted = 269.172 Total ships = 272 Ships deployed = 91 Aircraft = 3,700+

Defense officials agreed NOT to merge the commissaries and exchanges.

USS Lassen (DDG-82) is patrolling the disputed territorial waters claimed by China

Littoral combat ships, LCSs will get missiles for their next deployment and improved minehunting systems

The USS Reagan scramble four F/A-18 Hornets in response to the buzzing of two TU-142 Russian bombers while on patrol with the 7th Fleet off of South Korea

Continued page 2 Reunion

page 2

While on board BB-64 we were able to walk her decks

and see up close the power weapons she possessed,

view the crew and officer’s quarters, and see all the

spaces that were needed to make this mighty ship the

that she was. Any enemy that saw her on the horizon

was fairly certain that were in for a long day. Here’s a brief list of the weapons on her latest

conversion that she could bring to bear;

Main Battery

9 - 16”/20 caliber guns on three turrets with a range of twenty-three miles. The projectiles were

armor piercing 2,700 pounds fired via six 110 pound bags of powder with a fire rate of two rounds

per minute per gun. Their main purpose was anti-surface and shore bombardment.

Secondary Gun

12 - Twin 5”/38 caliber guns located on six mounts with a

range of nine miles. The projectiles weighted 55 pounds each

and were delivered via 30 pounds of powder. The purpose of

the 5” mounts was for anti-surface, anti-aircraft, and shore

bombardment

Air Defense

4 - Phalanx Close-In Weapons System capable of firing

20mm ammunition at a rate of 50 rounds per second for self

defense against missiles and aircraft.

Missiles

Tomahawk: Capable of carrying thirty-two land attack or anti-ship cruise missiles in eight armored

box launchers.

Harpoon: Capable of carrying sixteen anti-ship missiles in canisters.

After our tours of Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin it was lunch on our own. The only

drawback to the situation was that there were so many fine eateries right there to choose from. With

lunch finished we didn’t have to far to do what comes natural to us - we boarded a ship.

Just like the old days, we once again climbed a gangway (not quite as steep as the one on the

USS Sierra) and went aboard for not so much a deployment, but rather a leisure cruise past the old

home of the USS Sierra. After that a relaxing time chatting with shipmates in the hospitality suite.

Next day, after an excellent breakfast, we took a short walk to the MacArthur Memorial.

While at the memorial we had our annual memorial service for our shipmates who are now sailing

heaven’s waters. A special “Thank You” to Chaplain Rodney Wallace, Marilyn Barmore, and Cally

Christensen for a beautiful service.

Following the tour of the museum, we headed back to the hotel for our annual membership

meeting. It was a productive meeting with plenty of healthy discussion and decisions made to better

the association.

We enjoyed a fantastic B-B-Q with all the fixin’s, including the music of Patrick Barmore.

For our banquet we once again headed up a gangway. This time for a underway banquet on board

Reunion Continued from page 1 Reunion

Continued page 3 Reunion

page 3

reunion

the Spirit of Norfolk. During dinner, our guest

speaker author Rick Campbell who explained his

newest book, and gave us some insight what is

was like to be on board a submarine.

explained his newest book, and gave us some

insight what is was like to be on board a

submarine. Just as with every reunion, after

the banquet we gathered in the hospitality suite

for some snacks and of course the obligatory

“Sea Stories”. Thank you to all the shipmates who came

together to share some good food, fun places to

visit, and most importantly - sharing some great

memories.

Welcome Aboard!

Welcome Aboard to our newest members. We

look forward to seeing you in Norfolk.

John Gandiello (81-83) IC2

Sylvester Wayne Little (80-84) MM2

Martin Bradshaw (80-84) GM3

Tom Shaw (71-72) MR2

It is with deep sadness that we wish safe

passage in heavenly waters to our departed shipmates:

Kenneth Spray 09/15/2015

T a p s

REMEMBER YOUR USS SIERRA VETERANS

ASSOCIATION DUES MAINTAIN EVERYTHING

THAT THE ASSOCIATION DOES.

Continued from page 3 Reunion

Reunion

2016

It’s time to start planning on attending

our USS Sierra reunion in Wilmington, NC.

More information is on the way, but here’s what

you’ll need to get started:

Dates

September 27, 28, 29, 30, 2016

Hotel

Holiday Inn Market Street

593 Market Street

Wilmington, NC 28401

910-392-1101

Wilmington, NC is easy to get to by auto or air.

Located near US-74, I-95, I-40 and served by

air by US Airways, Delta, and American

airlines.

For additional information please contact Bill

Skillin (913-683-1423) or go to our website:

www.uss-sierra-vets.com

page 4

1) Meeting opened by President Joseph Strecker

2) Treasurer’s reports was read

APPROVED

3) Minutes of last year’s meeting were read

APPROVED

4) Discussion was opened to contact other Destroyer Tender veteran associations to discuss joint

ventures (Joe Strecker and Bill Skillin will meet with other associations);

Reunions

Newsletter

Other

5) The following By-Law changes were discussed:

Webmaster—APPROVED (see page 7)

Paid-for-Life membership—APPROVED (see page 7)

6) Donation 0f $250.00 to Tin Can Sailors was discussed

APPROVED

7) Speaker for Wilmington reunion w/ $250.00 donation was discussed

APPROVED

8) The following officers were nominated and approved by acclamation vote:

Joe Strecker, President

Larry Stevens, Vice President

Bill Skillin, Treasurer

John Eberhardt, Secretary

Governor/Facebook, James Kane

Governor/Chaplain, Rodney Wallace

Governor/Hospitality, David DelPizzio

Governor/Webmaster, Mark Finley

9) Information about the Wilmington Reunion is already on the website

10) USS Sierra jackets will once again be on sale, including a new spring jacket.

11) Both the membership and Joe Strecker thanked Bill and Judy Skillin for all their hard work in

organizing a hugely successful reunion.

11) Meeting adjourned.

Membership Meeting 2015

DUES DUES DUES DUES DUES DUES

page 5

Here is the crew of the USS Sierra that made this year’s reunion:

Joe & Jana Strecker MR3 68-70 Mike & Mary Ansich MR1 70-73

John Eberhardt EM3 68-70 Herb & Anne Price PM2 55-57

Thomas & Jennifer Elsforth FP3 52-54 John & Laura Elsroth

Tom & Nancy Shaw MR2 71-72 Mary Louise Spain & Jean Newell

Marilyn & Patrick Barmore Bob Pryor HT2/DV2 67-69

Carol Oberdeck & Doug Skinner SKC 86-88 Rodney Wallace CCR 86-88

Paul Perez FP2 52-55 Ken Fabian ENFN 67-69

Bill Dutton & Maria Gadaree MMR2 45-52 Allen & Mary Reed BTC 67-69

Ed Roberson HT2 73-76 Stanley & Charlotte Wade MM2 62-64

Stephen Grecco JO2 59-63 Brooks & Peggy Bryant PMFN 53-54

Gloria Shelby Tony & Dorothy Vecchio SN 52-56

Dan & Janice Romando YN3 56-57 Ed & Nancy Burris HT1 75-82

Larry Stevens & Sharon Mayer MR2 71-74 Malcolm Jones MMC 81-84

David & Janet McAhren MR1 52-56 Harry & Sandy Smith MRC 70-73

Harold & Mary Jane Buehler EM1 52-56 John & Katherine Hilton EM3 64-66

Gene Bernhardt DT3 69-70 Mark Fenley ET2 87-92

Dell & Barb Schanno BM3 51-52 Sam & Sandy Smith MRC 70-73

Bill & Terri Turner FN 80-84 Arnold & Jan Court MR2 56-59

Sidney & Ilene Ferguson MR3 70-74 Bill & Judy Skillin MR2 70-73

Henry & Joan Harden SN 58-60 Floyd GMM2 89-92 & Carmen Jennings SN 90-92

Billy & Carole Davis BMC 80-83 Marian Bull

Carlie Dutton Richard Erbe YN3 56-57

Cally Christenson & Anthony Hrynczyszyn Sylvester & Marilyn Little MM2 80-84

Jerry & Carol Raposa MR2 56-58 Doug & Melva Corteal MR2 70-73

Bob & Deanne Gancarz SK3 56-57 Kenneth & Frances Carver MM3 49-50

Kathy & Don Maxon Karen & Dave Drennen

John Sr & Marie Talley MR3 52-54 Tom & Janet Boyer

John Talley Jr. Mason Talley

Anthony & Jennie Nienaber William Maine CWO 87-89

Clint Belcher Cassie Belcher

Joseph & Flora D’Amato CAPT 83-85 John & Patricia Trans SN 80-84

Martin Bradshaw GM3 80-84 Thomas Weaver & Kathy Weaver CAPT 90-91

David Stotelmyre MR2 71-73 John Gehrlich CWO4 91-93 Thank you to everyone who made the trip to Norfolk. The entire executive board hopes

you had a wonderful time, a chance to re-live some good times, meet new friends, say ‘hello’ to

old shipmates and build a few more fond memories.

Uss sierra ad-18 veterans association

2015 reunion - shipmates & spouses

DUES DUES DUES DUES

page 6

2017 Albuquerque Reunion & Tour Information

Tentative plans for our 2017 reunion are now being made and we are supplying you with this information to fa-

cilitate making your hotel reservations early. The reunion arrival date is Wednesday, October 4, 2017 and departure on

Saturday, October 7, 2017. In order to attend the first day of the International Balloon Fiesta, our reunion will offi-

cially end at Noon on Saturday October 7, 2017. It is important and we would encourage you to book your hotel

room early since this is a peak travel time to this area. The hotel will be MCM Elegante located at 2020 Menaul Blvd

NE, Albuquerque, NM. Make your hotel reservations from now until August 1, 2017 by calling toll-free 1-866-650-4900

or online using the link provided on the 2017 ABQ Flier. Be sure to request the USS Sierra reunion rate of $109.00 + tax

(total of $123.17 per night).

Your registration fee of $85.00 per person includes: refreshments and snacks in our hospitality room for the dura-

tion of the reunion, admission to the Icebreaker on Thursday night and the Friday evening Banquet.

We are currently working on the details for tours while we are in Albuquerque and there will be three separate tours.

Thursday Oct 5, 2017- Working on details and pricing.

Friday Oct. 6, 2017- Working on details and pricing.

Saturday Oct. 7, 2017-Working on details and pricing. We will leave the hotel early (6:00 AM) in order to take in the

Mass Ascension at the Balloon Fiesta and return prior to Noon.

All registrations for the Albuquerque reunion must be mailed to the Treasurer prior to August 31, 2017. We will

be unable to accommodate anyone who fails to register. If you only plan to attend the Icebreaker or the Banquet, you

must still register before the August 31, 2017 deadline. If you have any questions please call Bill Skillin at 913-683-1423

or you may go to the website and click on the Ask Us tab.

USS Sierra AD-18 2017 REUNION

Here’e hoping everyone had a great Veterans Day.

Never think that for one moment you can escape that life of ‘active

duty’. Wishing everyone a great Veterans Day here’s the difference

between Civilian Friends and Veteran Friends.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you’re too busy to talk to them for a week.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and happily carry on the same conversation you were having last time.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Have shred a lifetime of experiences.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Have cried with you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for awhile.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Are for life.

A veteran - whether active duty, served one hitch, retired, or reserve is someone who at one point in their life wrote a blank

check made payable to the “United States of America” for an amount “up to and including my life”.

From one veteran to another, it’s an honor to know you. Thank you for your service to your country.

New Sierra Jackets!

At the membership meeting we found out that in addition to

the regular USS Sierra jacket there is a spring weight jacket available. Just in time for Christmas, the jackets are beautiful! They are all embroidered and feature our proud ship and custom embroidering on the front. To order visit web-site www.sew-talented.com, or call (952) 829-1990. *FOR CHRISTMAS DELIVERY ORDER BEFORE DECEMBER 4, 2015

By-Law Ammendments

Article III - Membership The Association shall be supported financially by annual dues contributions forwarded by its membership to the Treas-

urer. Dues expire at the end of the calendar year. When joining, dues will be collected for the first year and pro-rated

quarterly to the end of the next full year. Membership includes invitation to attend reunions, access to shipmate roster

and quarterly Sierran Newsletter mailings. Membership shall be open to all officers and enlisted personnel who

served aboard the Sierra for at least 30 days, additionally The Board of Governors have established the following

membership classifications for others as to service requirements who wish to affiliate with the Association:

a. Regular Member (RM)

Any officer or enlisted personnel, who served aboard the USS Sierra for at least 30 days, will be classified as a Regular

Member. Regular Members pay dues, must be current in dues to attend reunions, will have voting privileges at Asso-

ciation meetings, and may hold an elected office in the Association.

b. Life Members (LM)

Any Regular Member, paying dues for at least 5 consecutive years immediately prior to turning 80 years of age, will

be classified as a Life Member (LM). Life Member dues are waived. Life Members will have voting privileges at

Association meetings, and may hold an elected office.

c. Honorary Members (HM)

A spouse of a deceased Regular Member in good standing at the time of their passing may apply for an Honorary

Membership; also any person of good standing in their community who is proposed by a member may join the Asso-

ciation as an Honorary Member. Honorary Members pay dues, must be current in dues to attend reunions, however

will not have a vote in Association business, and may not hold an elected office.

d. Honorary Life Members (HL)

Honorary Members paying dues for at least 5 consecutive years immediately prior to turning 80 years of age will be-

come an Honorary Life Member. Honorary Life Members’ dues are waived. Honorary Life Members may attend reun-

ions; however they will not have a vote in Association business, and may not hold an elected office.

e. Paid Life Members (PL)

Regular or Honorary members desiring a Paid Lifetime Membership will only receive the newsletter via email notifi-

cation. The Lifetime Membership fees are: up to 49-$350.00, 50-55-$300.00, 56-60-$250.00, 61-65-$200.00, 66-70-

$150.00, 71-75-$100.00, 76-80-50.00, over 80-$15.00. Paid Life Members will be converted to Life Members after

age 80 and will receive Life Member benefits at that time.

Article XII-Website/Web Master Section I-Website

a. The website will be maintained in the name of the USS Sierra Veterans Association and the password will be pro-

vided to the elected Officers.

b. The purpose of the website will be to share information about the Association and its activities and promote mem-

bership.

c. All information regarding the USS Sierra Association that is posted on the website will be approved by the elected

Officers before appearing on the website.

d. The President or one of the elected Officers delegated by the President will be responsible for passing approved

information to the Web Master for posting.

Section II-Web Master

a. The Web Master will be approved by a vote of the Officers and Governors at their annual meeting and if a member

of the Association will serve as an appointed Governor if he is not serving in any elected position.

b. The Web Master does not have to be a member of the Association and may be a Web Hosting company, if the As-

sociation does not have a suitable candidate.

c. All information will be displayed in a timely manner and the website will be updated on a regular basis by the Web

Master.

Change to membership

Addition for website

NOTE CHANGE OF ADDRESS FOR BILL SKILLIN

TREASURER

USS Sierra Veterans Association

P.O. Box 767

North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597

page 7

Uss sierra ad-18 veterans association

25 maple road

Iselin, nj 08830

To:

President’s Message

I want to say “Thank You” to each and every one that attended our 2015 reunion in

Norfolk, Va. It takes all of you to make a reunion. It was great to see a lot of the same shipmates and meet several first time attendees. I think this last reunion was one of the best. Next year is also looking to be a great reunion so starting making your plans to attend. I also want to send a special thank you to all the officers and governors for all their help during this last year and during the reunion. I also want to welcome Larry Stevens as Vice President and Mark Fenley as governor and new webmaster. Thanks to Herb Price and Hank Hardin as they retire as Vice President and governor. Last but not least a big thank you to Bill Skillin, our treasurer and reunion chairman, for all the work he does and also thanks to Judy Skillin for being on Bill’s team.

Joseph Strecker, President

Joseph Strecker