uss shields dd-596 all eras reunion...

Early Edition Due to July 6th Reunion Registration Deadline Next Issue Will be Published in October as Scheduled

President's Letter

Fellow Shipmates 27 Apr 2009

Since the formation of your Reunion Association you have attended some or all of our Reunion happenings. As you look back I hope that this opportunity to get together with shipmates has been a memorable and rewarding experience for you and that you will plan on joining us again in Seattle for this years' gathering. Jim Sewell, our Reunion Coordinator has gone to great lengths to make this a special and exciting event.

I know that as I look back on prior years many events stand out, but the most important thing that I have come away with is the delight in establishing new friendships with old shipmates. Whether it was having a beer at the Bucket of Blood Saloon in Virginia City, the visit to the Coors brewery in Denver, the Midway in San Diego, the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola or the awesome Country music shows in Branson, nothing beats the chats with our SHIELDS shipmates about our experiences during our time aboard our great ship. I hope that you share as many pleasant memories of these events as I do.

Carol and I have gotten in the habit of planning our annual vacations around our reunions and have been blessed with being able to see or revisit many of the places that had become distant memories. Won't you plan on spending part of your vacation travel with us and your shipmates? As we get older we never know what is down the road for us so now is the time to make the most of what we have. We can still travel and we have the perfect destination this year. A trip to the Northwest and a 4 day function that we know will be a wonderful experience. Please plan on joining us in Seattle - we look forward to seeing you there.

Jack Blann, Association President

Some Travel Notes from Your Reunion Coordinator

I visited Silverdale last February to look over the area, select the tour venues, check out the hotel, arrange for the speaker and look for nearby restaurants and attractions. The hotel is used by a lot of military reunion groups and has been well recommended.

Your Reunion Association really believes you will enjoy this one.

If you are flying in to SeaTac airport and choose to use the shuttle, you will find the service desk at the end of the baggage concourse. Just follow the signs. It is affordable and frequent (about $19) and delivers you right to the hotel door.

If you are traveling by RV, you will be pleasantly surprised by Eagle Tree RV Park (www.eagletreerv.com). Bill Ragan and Ken Palm checked it out by website and personal visit. You can see all the amenities by visiting their website. It is just 13 miles from the hotel. Bill’s comment was that it is a very popular place and on that weekend especially you would be wise to get your reservation in as soon as possible.

Our hotel is across the street from a major regional shopping area. You can walk to lots of interesting places and there is a good, clean, affordable restaurant across the street. If you have a free day or evening, try visiting Poulsbo, just 9 miles away. It’s a historic Norwegian community nestled in a valley between the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. In town you’ll find delightful shops, bakeries and excellent seafood restaurants. You Minnesotans can even eat your fill of lutefisk.

Don’t forget about that July 6th deadline for your 50% deposit. I’m looking forward to seeing you all in Silverdale.

Jim Sewell VP and Reunion Coordinator

USS SHIELDS DD-596 All Eras Reunion Association Newsletter July 2009

Jene Cain, Editor – Jim Durough, Assistant Editor

This Newsletter Sent to 1061 Former Crew Members, Families & Guests USS SHIELDS DD-596 All Eras Reunion Association, Copyright © 2002

www.dd596.com


Board Members Contact Info. Jack Blann, President 2925 Harrison Dr Chino Valley, AZ 86323-5569 Ph: 928-636-2087 E-mail: [email protected] Jim Sewell, V. P., & Reunion Coordinator 304 White Moss PL Franklin, TN 37064-8628 Phone: 615-790-2325 E-mail: [email protected] Bob Carl, Secretary 6987 Lazy Sunset Ct Las Vegas, NV 89156-7206 Ph: 702-438-9826 E-mail: [email protected] Roger Brotherton, Director, Treasurer, Resident Agent 7750 W 4th St #105 Reno NV 89523-8915 Ph: 775-336-7896 E-mail: [email protected] Harvey Fine, Dir., Bartender, Historian & Memorabilia Keeper 121 Parkview Cir Mountain Home, AR 72653-3743 Phone: 870-425-8618 E-mail: [email protected] Friends to the Board Contact Info. Jene Cain, Newsletter Editor 13171 Galleria Pl Apple Valley, MN 55124-6113 Phone: 952-432-8746 E-mail: [email protected] Jim Durough, Asst. Newsletter Editor, Shields Locator & Contact List Keeper 5470 S Shades Crest Rd Bessemer, AL 35022-4183 Ph 205-425-9197 E-mail: [email protected] Bill Ragan, Ship’s Store 1642 Rambling Rd Simi Valley, CA 93065-5737 Phone: 805-527-2196 E-mail: [email protected]

Editor's Note: Please keep your contact information up to date by getting in touch with Jim Durough above.

Eldest Living Shipmates

Below is a list prepared by Jim Durough of the 10 eldest living officers and enlisted shipmates. If Jim missed you, please contact him with your birth date.

Officers

New addition in bold face type

Schweizer, Jack R., CDR, 49-50, 8-27-1915 McDaniel, George T., LCDR, 45, 5-21-1916 Hoblitzell, Paul C., LTJG, 44-45, 11-24-1916 Jepsen, Edward P., LT, 50, 3-17-1917 Teeters, David R., LT, 49-50, 4-11-1918 Metze, George M., LCDR, 52-54, 9-15-1918 Goodell, Trenor F., ENS, 44-45, 12-29-1918 Fredell, Erling W., LT, 49, 12-1918 Wessel, Robert L., CPTN, 61-63, 06-20-1919 Baldwin, Richard L., LT, 44-45, 11-10-1919

Enlisted

New addition in bold face type

Sulmonetti, Henry, S1, 45, 07-27-1915 Hafner, Ben L., SC3, 44-45, 1-17-1917 Sabasta, Tony, MM2, 45, 03-20-1917 Trusty, Clinton N., SK1, 57-58, 01-1918 Criscione, Henry, S2, 45, 08-21-1919 Reifsnyder, Robert A., FC3, 44-45, 05-21-1920 Kowaliski, Arthur A., BMC, 52-55, 09-08-1920 Field, Raymond W., FC3, 44-45, 11-25-1920 Hendrickson, Jack M., MM2, 45-46, 10-11-1921 Purdy, William V., WT1, 45-46, 11-27-1921

Recently Passed Shipmates

Blood, Don G., RD3, 59-62 Cromer, Harold E., WT1, 44-45, 02-15-1920 Dabney, Richard E., STM1, 45-46, 08-18-1918 Gayle, Charles L., FN, 61 Grooms, Donald D., RD1, 51-55 Johnson, William H., TM3, 51-55 Kibby, Robert L., FN, 45-46 Komoroski, Clement J., S1, 45, 10-02-1919 Loving, John M., BT1, 66 Mudry, David S., FC2, 45 Robinson, Jack W., LTJG, 51-52 Stafford, Leo E., CS1, 60-61

Editor's Note: Please contact Jim Durough to notify us if a shipmate has passed away. His contact information is in the column to the left.

New Found Shipmates McCullum, Richard A., BT3, 60-63


Reunion Guest Speaker CAPT Mark. J. Olson, C.O. Naval Base Kitsap CAPT Olson assumed command of Naval Base Kitsap in June 2008. Originally from a small farming town in Minnesota, he graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy in 1983 as both a Burke and Trident

Scholar, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography.

CAPT Olson served on USS TULLIBEE (SSN 597) home ported in Groton, CT from 1985 to 1988. During his tour, TULLIBEE deployed to the Mediterranean Sea followed by final inactivation in Portsmouth, NH. From 1988 to 1990, CAPT Olson served as Exercise and Operations Officer on

the staff of Commander, Submarine Group 8 in Naples, Italy.

In 1991, CAPT Olson reported to Pearl Harbor, HI as Engineer Officer on USS HELENA (SSN 725). While on board, HELENA made deployments to the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf. In July 1994, CAPT Olson transferred to Mare Island Naval Shipyard, as the Officer in Charge of Submarine Development Group One. During his tour, he supervised the relocation of the command detachments and USS PARCHE (SSN 683) to Bangor, WA.

In 1996, CAPT Olson reported as Executive Officer of USS OHIO (SSBN 726)(GOLD) home ported in Bangor, WA. While onboard, USS OHIO completed three strategic deterrent patrols. CAPT Olson then reported to the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Millington, TN in 1998 where he served as the Executive Officer/Post Executive Officer Detailer and Submarine Placement Officer. He also received a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from the University of Memphis.

In June 2001, CAPT Olson took command of USS HENRY M. JACKSON (BLUE). During his tour, his crew completed five strategic deterrent patrols, earned three awards of the Medical ‘M’, two awards each of the Navigation ‘N’ and Communications ‘C, one award of the Engineering ‘E’ and Deck ‘S’, and the Submarine Group Nine Command Excellence Award.

From 2004 to 2006, CAPT Olson served as Deputy Commander for Submarine Squadrons ONE and SEVEN in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

He then reported to Offutt Air Force Base, NE as the Division Chief for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Space Future Capabilities at US Strategic Command from 2006 to 2008. In the spring of 2008, he studied as a Senior Executive Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in Cambridge, MA.

CAPT Olson has been awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (2 awards), Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (5 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (3 awards) and various campaign and unit awards.

Chief Topping by Dave Murphy, LTJG 57-60 Continued from the last issue.

Mail Delivery, Possibly

Getting mail while at sea in the Pacific, far from home, was very important to the entire crew. To accomplish this important task, mail was loaded ashore on a twin engine plane which then landed on one of the aircraft carriers of our carrier task force. A sack containing the Shields' mail was then put on a helicopter for delivery to us. We commonly referred to any helicopter as a "whirly bird" or simply a "bird". Even though these birds had other tasks, everyone on the Shields was of the firm opinion that their most important task was delivering our mail.

One day, while operating as part of a carrier task force, we got a radio message that a helicopter had crashed into the ocean. Our orders were to proceed to the crash site to pick up survivors. It is not practical to maneuver a 376 foot long destroyer close enough to a man in the water to hoist him from the water the five to ten feet to get him on deck. Rather the prescribed procedure for recovering survivors in the water is to launch the ship's motor whale boat; get the survivors into the boat and hoist the boat with survivors, back on board the ship.

This date, following the prescribed procedure, Chief Topping was on deck directing the launching of the motor whale boat, ably barking orders in his firm voice. The boat was safely launched and the boat crew was able to pick up one downed airman and get him into the boat. He was soaking wet, and was scared but was clearly happy to be alive. Getting the motor whale boat back on board, especially in mid ocean where there are always swells, and sometimes breaking waves, is not an easy task. To get the boat on board, the crew has to attach a hook on one line to the bow of the boat and a second hook on another line to the stern of the boat. Sailors on the Shields' deck then haul on these two lines in order to raise the boat to the rail of the ship. The theory is simple; the practice is not. The whale boat rolls, pitches and yaws. The ship rolls port and starboard raising and lowering the hooks never by the same amount. Once the hooks are attached to the boat, the two lines hopefully raise the boat evenly. Chief Topping ensured that all these tasks were accomplished in a seaman-like manner, and the whale boat eventually came even with the Shields' rail.

As the scared, wet and by now sea-sick young airman, was helped safely over the rail, Chief Topping, with wrinkled brow, looked him straight in the eye and said: "Son, ye didn't have any of our mail on that bird did you?" The now-safe airman and everyone else within ear-shot laughed, breaking the tension.


Follow Up to the Article on Captain Wessel in the April '09 Issue This is a needed follow up on the article in the 2009 April newsletter titled "Phone Call with Captain Wessel." I don’t think any article in past newsletters has prompted as many phone calls and e-mails to the Editors as this article did. I am sure Captain Wessel appreciated your calls, cards, letters and e-mails.

Now in order that you have your Commanding Officers information so that you can call him and tell him how much he meant to you, I am listing the surviving CO’s in the order that they served: McDaniel, George T., LCDR, 45 501 V E S Road APT WT19 Lynchburg, VA 24503-4640 Phone: 434-386-3906 E-mail; [email protected] Dupre, Marcy M., CDR, 45-46 8905 Burning Tree RD Pensacola, FL 32514-5610 Phone: 850-477-8247 E-mail: [email protected] Finley, Miles R., CDR, 50-52 3890 Nobel DR UNIT 1001 San Diego, CA 92122-5782 Phone: 858-597-8117 E-mail: [email protected] Battson, Arthur L., CDR, 60-61 3025 Peters Way San Diego, CA 92117-4313 Phone: 858-272-7407 E-mail: [email protected]

Sperandio, Joseph L., CDR, 60-61 87 Hibury DR Houston, TX 77024-7124 Phone: 713-781-0387 E-mail: [email protected] Wessel, Robert L., CPTN, 61-63 24055 Paseo Del Lago UNIT 106 Laguna Woods, CA 92653-2637 Phone: 949-461-9566 E-mail: [email protected] Ursettie, Howard J., CDR, 63-65 6270 Avenida Ganso Goleta, CA 93117-2062 Phone: 805-964-5000 E-mail: [email protected] Rohrer, Paul W., CPTN, 66-68 PO Box 4 Rapidan, VA 22733-0004 Phone: 703-734-0194 E-mail: UNKNOWN

Forsyth, Robert J., CDR, 68-70 5519 Navaho DR Pensacola, FL 32507-8759 Phone: 850-492-9199 E-mail: UNKNOWN Traweek, Billy B., CDR, 70-71 1101 Somerset CIR SE Huntsville, AL 35803-3040 Phone: 337-540-3813 E-mail: [email protected] Wolff, William F., CDR, 71-72 16023 Avenida Lamego San Diego, CA 92128-3151 Phone: 858-451-8225 E-mail: UNKNOWN

Editor's Note: This follow up article was prepared by Jim Durough

Screw Change on the U.S.S. Shields The following is from Ed Velasquez, IC3, 61-64, and Brad Mills, IC3, 58-60. Ed reported the following: “As for the screw change I was under the impression this was done while the Shields was a reserve training ship [after 1964] as the photo shows midshipmen wearing the white hats with a blue stripe I do know that the submarine tender USS Nereus AS17 was involved, and that was in 1966. However our cruise book 1962-63 states that this occurred in July 1962 [see ships history page].”

Brad submitted the photo stating he had it for some time. “I don't know where I obtained the photo or when. I know it was after I left the Shields in June 1960.”

Editor’s Note: If you have more information about the screw change(s) please send me an e-mail with the details. Thanks to Brad and Ed for their contribution to this article.


USS Shields Korean War Shipmates Plan to Meet in Colorado Springs, CO

A reminder from Bob MacNeil regarding their planned 21st reunion on September 17 through 19, 2009. This get-together had been organized by Alvin and Peggy Burchfield. Unfortunately they are unable to manage this year's event due to health issues. E.C. "Bud" Purling will be handling this gathering. For further information contact: E.C. 'Bud' Purling, P.O. Box 7857 Colorado Springs, CO 80933 Tel No: 719-473-5414 E-mail: [email protected]

Ship's Store is Open & Waiting for Orders... Below is a sample of what is available, some items subject to prior sale. See the order form in the July '08 newsletter or download at www.dd596.com. Bill Ragan handles your orders his contact information is on page two.

U.S.S. Shields Sails Again...Sorta

For John Truesdale, RMSN, 64-67 the mighty Shields still can get underway, albeit in model scale. John has her operational, although she failed sea trials in the pool during the San Diego reunion. After a spell in dry-dock and a trip to Radio Shack John has her shipshape once more. The model is radio controlled and has WWII paint scheme.

2009 Dues are Due

Your $25.00 annual dues support the printing and postage for newsletters and they cover the expenses of locating shipmates and maintaining the master contact list.

If you have not paid for 2009 please complete the dues form from the April newsletter and drop it in the mail with you check. Thanks to those who have done so for this year.

Your dues do not support reunion activities; these activities are self-sustaining. All board members and friends of the board volunteer; no one receives compensation in the Association.

Bob Carl, Secretary, has received duplicate and multiyear dues payments from shipmates. Bob applies duplicate dues payments to the future year(s). We post the list in the January 2009 issue to advise those shipmates of the status of their membership. We appreciate those who pay in advance and thank the shipmates who have done so.

The annual members meeting held at our reunions is open to dues paying members. U.S.S Shields Memorabilia

If you as a shipmate have a piece of memorabilia from the USS Shields DD-596 that you would like to donate to the reunion association please contact Harvey Fine. Should one of our shipmate pass away and the family would like to donate an item, Harvey is the one to contact. These items will be placed in safe keeping.


USS SHIELDS DD596 Seattle Reunion

September 6-10, 2009

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Check in at

SILVERDALE BEACH

RESORT

4:00 p.m. Hospitality Room

Open

5:00 p.m. CASH BAR

6:00 p.m. “WELCOME

ABOARD” RECEPTION

Admiral Ballroom

9:30 a.m.

Depart for USS TURNER

JOY

12:30 a.m. BOX LUNCH

and KITSAP

HARBOR CRUISE

2:00 p.m.

TOUR UNDERSEA MUSEUM

$59.00 per

person including

transportation from hotel and admission to each event

Return to

hotel by 4:00 p.m.

Hospitality Room Open

9:00 a.m. CITY TOUR

and

PIKES PLACE

MARKET

Lunch on your own

$57.00 per person

including transportation from hotel and

tour guide

Return to hotel by

6:00 p.m.

Hospitality Room Open

Evening Free

7:30-9:30 a.m.

HOT BREAKFAST

At Hotel

10:00 a.m. GENERAL MEETING

Lunch on your own

6:00 p.m.

CASH BAR

7:00 p.m. FINAL

EVENING BANQUET

Admiral Ballroom

Depart

___________

HOTEL PRICING: $105.00 per

room per night

ACTIVITY PACKAGE: $150.00 per

person

INCLUDES: Welcome Reception

Hot Breakfast on

Wednesday 2 Cash Bars

Final Evening Banquet

Hospitality Room

Tax and Gratuities Reunion Website

USS SHIELDS DD-596 All Eras Reunion Association Newsletter July 2009 Page 7

USS SHIELDS DD596 2009 Reunion

September 6-10, 2009 NAME______________________GUEST/SPOUSE________________________ ADDRESS__________________________________________________________ CITY_________________________________STATE__________ZIP_________ TELEPHONE______________________EMAIL__________________________ DATES ON BOARD:__________________RANK/RATE:__________________

********************************************************** Host Hotel: Silverdale Beach Hotel

Please call the hotel at 360-307-7632 for room reservations. Mention you are with the USS Shields group.

Activity Package: $150.00 Per Person

______# of Attendees @ $150.00/P.P. …….$___________

Tours:

Monday, Sept. 7, All Tours _____# of attendees @ $59.00/P.P. $___________

Tuesday, Sept. 8, City Tour/Pike Place Market _____# of attendees @ $57.00/P.P. $_________

TOTAL DUE: $_______________ A 50% deposit is required by JULY 6 with final payment due AUGUST 6. You may cancel up to August 30 with a 10% cancellation fee. No refunds can be made after August 30. Cancellations must be made by phone and authorized by a representative of “Gatherings Plus.” All refunds will be processed within 30 days of cancellation. Questions?? Call us at 417-338-4048 and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Register by Mail or Phone GATHERINGS PLUS

P. O. BOX 1023, BRANSON WEST, MO. 65737 417-338-4048…[email protected]

www.reunionproregistration.com/ussshields.htm We realize that there are a lot of shipmates who live in the Seattle area who might wish to make just day visits or attend the banquet only. If so, special rates are available depending on what you want to do. Please contact Pam Brown at Gatherings Plus for information.

USS SHIELDS DD-596 ALL ERAS REUNION ASSOCIATION C/O ROBERT N. CARL (SECRETARY) 6987 LAZY SUNSET CT LAS VEGAS, NV 89156-7206 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED USS SHIELDS DD-596 All Eras Reunion Association Newsletter July 2009 Page 8

Visit the Association Website

At the website you can view the history, photos, prior issues of the newsletter and ship store items. It is a great place to renew memories of your time aboard.

www.dd596.com

Opting Out of Receiving the Newsletter

The Reunion Associations intention is to send the mail out to all shipmates regardless of dues paid, time served or duration served on the Shields. If you would rather not receive the newsletter, you may opt out by notifying Jim Durough via e-mail, snail mail or a phone call. Jim’s contact information is on the list on page two. You may opt in again at anytime. Keep Your Contact Info Updated

Check your address on this newsletter and if not 100% correct, including Apartment, Condo, Trailer, Space number and the zip code + 4 digits, please notify Jim Durough listed in the contact information.

If you move do not forget to notify Jim of your new address, phone number and any change in your E-mail address. Put a change of address in with the Post Office. The change of address stays on file with the post office for about 18 months. These actions will reduce expenses from returned mail and the cost of re-mailing newsletters.

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