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PROGRAM 32ND Annual Naval Weather Service Association Reunion June 2006 Pittsburgh, PA COME SEE THE SMOKELESS CITY

Wednesday, 14 June

1200-1800 Hospitality Center opens 1200-1800 Reunion Registration 1400-1600 First annual Executive Board Meeting 1800-2000 Welcome Aboard Party (No Host) 2000-2300 Hospitality Center opens & Reunion registration

Thursday, 15 June

0700-0900 Hospitality Center opens & Reunion registration 0900-1200 NWSA Membership Meeting #1 1200-2300 Hospitality Center opens 1300-1400 Audit Committee meets in Sec-Treas Jim Stone's room 1400-1600 Ice Cream Social in Hospitality Center (Banana Split) The remainder of afternoon and evening is open for personal use.

Friday, 16 June

0700-1530 Hospitality Center opens & Reunion registration 0700-1200 Golf Tourney 1700-Buses shove off for Evening Moonlight Dinner Dance Cruise – Gateway Clipper Fleet 2300- (Roughly) Buses return form Moonlight Dinner Cruise

Saturday, 17 June

0700-0855 Hospitality Center opens & Reunion registration 0900-1000 Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command annual informational seminar 1015-1200 NWSA Membership Meeting #2 1200-1600 Hospitality Center opens & Reunion Registration 1300-1400 Second Annual Executive Board meeting 1800-1900 No Host Cocktail 1900-2300 Reunion Banquet

Sunday, 18 June 0700-1100 Hospitality Center Open (1100 – You don’t have to Go Home but you can’t stay here)

HAVE A SAFE TRIP HOME ENJOYED 2 3

(228) 688-4187 [email protected] EDITOR’S DESK AGCM Pat O’Brien, USN RET CHARLES R. JORDAN USN RET, 3464 (850) 968-0552 [email protected] Chimney Rock, Abilene, TX 79606- (325) Nominating: AGCM Moon Mullen, USN RET 692-7642. [email protected]. (805) 496-1348 Parliamentary: LCDR Ray Hennessey, USN RET Publication Information: The Aerograph is (904) 269-2942 [email protected] published quarterly in February, May, August and November. Contributions must be Master-At-Arms: CDR Hans Wolfer, USN RET received by the Editor, not later than the 15th (366) 423-6171 [email protected] day of the month preceding publication. Articles and letters may be submitted in many formats, typed or handwritten and LETTERS forwarded by email, or USPS. (Unfortunately, I will not be able to translate data from MSWorks, MAC or APPLE software). Webmaster Mahlon Trenz, received this letter Articles may be forwarded to my email. E-mails are preferred and forwarded it me so that it can be included since I can copy and paste and will not have to re-type the as a part of our Aerograph. Some NWSA submission. All changes to your personal information members do not have computers. (address, phone number, email address, marital status, etc.) should be sent to the Secretary/Treasurer, who maintains From: Buckner F. Melton, Jr. the database. Monday, February 27, 2006 10:46 AM Subject: Typhoon COBRA, 18 December 1944 Association Officers: President: AGCM Tom Miovas, USN RET Hello, (412) 487-3070 [email protected] I'm an historian and the son of a WWII Pacific LST officer. 1st Vice President: CDR Fred Martin, USN RET I'm currently researching the typhoon that Third Fleet (321) 751-6385 [email protected] encountered off the Philippines on 18 December 1944 2nd Vice President: CDR Peter Weigand, USN RET (which subsequently became known as Typhoon (301)-773-8180 [email protected] COBRA.) According to my research,. I'd be interested in Secy/Treas: AGC Jim Stone, USN RET 600 E. Fifth St, corresponding with or interviewing anyone who would care Apt 179, Waverly, OH 45690-1500. to share memories of steaming through that particular (740) 947-7111 [email protected] storm or who had anything to do with finding, tracking, or Aerograph Editor: AGCM Charlie Jordan, USN RET preparing aerological reports on it. (325) 692-7642 [email protected] I’m set up to do telephone interviews. Webmaster: AGC Mahlon Trenz, USN RET While my main focus is on COBRA, I’d also be interested [email protected] in hearing similar experiences of Typhoon VIPER (June 1945), kamikaze activity, or any other details of operations Association Committees: around the Philippines in late ’44 or Reunion: early ’45 (from Leyte Gulf onward). I can be reached by CAPT Dick Ward, USN RET (West) return email or at a special address I’ve created for this (831) 625-3163. project: http://[email protected] CDR Marty Nemcosky, USN RET (East) If you could help me circulate this information I’d be (757) 497-6872 [email protected] grateful. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate AGCS Bill Ziebell, USN RET (Midwest) to let me know. My thanks to all veterans of whatever era (847) 438-4716 for their service to our country. AGCM Tom Miovas, USN RET, (Chair) Regards, (412) 487-3070 [email protected] Buckner F. Melton, Jr., J.D., Ph.D. Chaplain: CWO4 Bill Bowers, USN RET Distinguished Writer-in-Residence (352) 750-2970 [email protected] Mercer University Finance: 400 Poplar Street CAPT Chuck Steinbruck, USN RET Macon, Georgia 31201 (757) 423-1496 mailto:[email protected] CAPT Bob Titus, USN RET www.mercer.edu (775) 345-1949 [email protected] CDR Chuck White, USN RET (Chair) March 30, 2006 7:00 PM (619) 590-0704 [email protected] WHERE IS CWO JAMES ROMANO Historian: CDR Don Cruse, USN RET My name is Tim Toyne, CWO3, USCG retired. I am trying (703) 524-9067 [email protected] to get in touch with Jim and Rosalie Romano. We lost Scholarship: track in the mid 80's. Now retired and am looking up old LCDR Ken Smith, USN RET (Chair) acquaintances. We were stationed together in the 60's at (843) 705-5802 [email protected] FWC Suitland, and FWF London. My e-mail is: AGCM Doug Maxwell, USN [email protected]. Any help would be appreciated. 3 4

Tim Toyne CWO3 USCG retired. Tony Ortolano is Located! [email protected] February 15, 2006 501.625.3771 In the Katrina aftermath there were MANY locations and telephone numbers changed. Going operator to operator I HONORING ALL WHO SERVED finally reached the Keesler Commissary and talked to a May 20 June 14 November 11 Japanese lady who forwarded a message to our shipmate ARMED FORCES DAY FLAG DAY VETERANS DAY Tony Ortolano. On returning from the Bremerton Naval Shipyard Commissary I had a message from Tony on my May 30 July 4 December 7 answering machine. I called and we had a good bull MEMORIAL DAY INDEPENDENCE DAY PEARL HARBOR DAY session. I send his greetings. His new address is at : P.

September 20 O. Box 7444 D'Iberville, MS 39540, telephone 1-228-369- POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY 9495. no E-mail. FYI re Tony: He was a resident of the Gulfport MS Navy Home for several years and loved it. Never Attended a Reunion LOTS of good sea stories. He was 1 of 100 other old 23 January 2006 sailors who became “Katrina evacuees” and were moved I have noticed a disturbing trend in the last few to the DC Army Home (which Tony disliked, DC area like- aerographs .. there is more and more talk of disbanding wise). He moved out, visited his daughter in VA and the organization. Maybe the time is drawing near for just traveled south (in a new car his Insurance provided). that to happen. The people who make up the organization Tony finally moved into one of those FEMA trailer homes. are primarily WW2 to the late 70s .. the heyday of the The entire first floor of the Navy Home was wiped out and weather service. We still had an identity .. then in the late it's future is bleak. He now works at the Keesler AFB 70 and 80s, we couldn't decide what we were, political Commissary. correctness took hold, and all those things we used to do LT Frank Baillie USN Retired Rota 69-73 as sailors were no longer ok .. April 12, 2006 I have never attended a reunion .. why? well .. most of REUNION the folks who go are people I never served with .. the few Okay, my going to sea was shot down again this year, so I that I did have the opportunity to serve with are gone, or will be going to THE Reunion, in beautiful downtown not members of the organization. There is really very little Pittsburgh PA. I've even cleared it with the spousal unit, incentive for me to make the trip. I am still a working stiff .. (you know this will cost me), and even made reservations. and it seems more and more, the reunion is geared to the So I do hope that half of you are there!!!!!! retired set, those that can take off in the middle of the AGC Tim Kenefick USN Retired. week, and spend the time playing golf. The majority of the good activities are during the week .. Maybe planning one “IM” Perfect Storm of these over a 4 day weekend would work .. 23 Feb 2006 The aerograph is the only material reason for joining the September 1957, just north of organization for someone like me. Unless you happen to the Arctic Circle, in the little know some of the more senior members, the information fishing village of Njarvik, contained in it, holds little for current AGs or Oceanos. Norway. LST 1161 USS Have fun in Pittsburgh .. Vernon County tied up at the LT John Berger USN Retired.. pier acting as a hotel ship for

HONG KONG P2V crews conducting ASW 23 December 2005 Ops in the North Atlantic as One interesting facet of the Hong Kong visit was the part of a NATO exercise in service provided to visiting ships by “Garbage Mary”. Her conjunction with Great Britain, Norway and other NATO bum boats would tie up alongside, frequently on the same countries. Seven AG’s aboard to provide weather de- spar with ship’s boats. Her crew would scamper aboard briefings and briefings for the air crews and briefings for with sparkling clean trash barrels which they would bring the Skipper going over from Norfolk and returning. AG’s to the mess hall. On finishing our meals we would hand (The Weather Shack) consist of Chief Ralph Rodlun, AG1 over our steel mess trays to one of Mary’s scullery Virgil Sala and 3 AG3’s and 2 AGAN’s. workers who would scrape leftovers into separate cans for After two weeks of very nice fall weather in northern meat, veggies, potatoes, desserts etc. Money derived Norway, we get underway for Edinburgh Scotland for from sale of those leftovers was their only pay. If ships seven days of R&R. Afterward we depart Scotland for were to be in port for longer periods Annie’s crews would Keflavik Iceland to re-fuel and replenish. We leave perform all manner of ship’s cleaning, painting & general Keflavik about the middle of October and head southwest upkeep. to start our return trip to Norfolk. We pass the southern tip LT Frank Baillie USN Retired of Iceland and we start receiving reports of a pretty strong storm beginning to wind up real tight with winds being reported about 20 to 30 knotswith higher gusts. Sea 4 5 conditions are getting quite high, some reports in the area With the computer age it appears a pilot, etc. only has to of 15 to 20 feet. plug into a computer which goes to Monterey and the An LST has no business being in the same ocean with this forecast comes back. Thus, not much need for Navy type storm!! Within hours our winds are up to 25 knots Weather Service types. and seas are running about 15 feet. The ship is all over Maybe some weather types to take observations, but with the place. Chief Rodlun briefs the Skipper, a reserve so much automation and SAT data giving such a clear LCDR with little at-sea experience. Chief Rodlun picture, even those weather people can be eliminated. suggests diverting around the storm so that we can be on So goes the NWS, so goes the NWSA! Very sad! What a the north side and then the northwest side of the bugger great organization we had. My wife and I are glad we did so, at least, we can get some following seas and let the out time during the great years of the NWS, and then with storm skirt to the south and east of us. The Skipper says NWSA. that would add 2 days onto our journey back to Norfolk Scholarship Fund? (1) Maybe some shipmates that got hit and that we would arrive late. He decides to stay on by Katrina need some help? Some may not have had course and plow through the absolute worst part of the Flood Insurance, as not always available. storm. (2) Give bigger amounts to those that need it. Well - winds are now 25 to 35 knots and the seas are running about 20 to 25 feet. The storm keeps deepening I am glad we have flood insurance today as we are under and starts slowing down as it becomes more vertical. As it a flood warning (Sparks NV) due to a big Pacific storm strengthens, we keep plowing agead but are gaining little coming in. Raining heavy in western Nevada and or no forward headway since the winds and the seas are California and snow level at 8,000 feet, melting the snow buffeting us all over the ocean. Damage is beginning to to run into the rivers. The most unusual thing about this get more serious and 75% of the crew is unable to do storm compared to the storms the past 15 years with this much since they are puking all over the ship or just laying situation while we lived here in Sparks is that the snow in the sack. The port yardarm is the first to go, then spars level is down to our valley floor by morning. At the same are starting to snap and the BM’s (Boatswains Mates) are time tomorrow morning the river should crest. CDR Elmer A. Erdei, USN Retired struggling to keep us seaworthy. This piece of crap with a flat bottom is bouncing and smashing all over the place for COGITATING two days – 48 hours of hell. All hands are worried about 20 March, 2005 going down, preparations are underway for abandoning Really enjoyed the Feb issue of The Aerograph, was ship. educational as well as interesting. The first article I read Finally we break out of the clutches of this beast and we was New Horizons, well written by AGC Jill Handley. all go topside to survey the damage. The damage is Couldn't help but wonder how many of my "old" shipmates unbelievable. The port Yardarm is gone, several boats were chuckling to themselves as Chief Handley described have broken free and some are completely goine while living conditions aboard today’s Navy ships. The personal others are severely damaged. Other reports of minor sheets caught my eye as I reminisced about putting those damage are reported throughout the ship. We finally start "F" sacks on our mattresses. I also made a mental note making headway but, because of the damage, speeds of Chief Handley's comment, "the AGs of today face new have to be held to 10 to 12 Knots. So instead of arriving 2 challenges as the old way of doing business has been days late into Norfolk (with little or no damage to the ship) reinvented, as the numbers of AGs decrease each year to we arrive three days late with a ship that looks like it had obtain "optimal manning" design. been in a major sea battle!! Chief Rodlun and I never did A few weeks ago I visited the WX office at Pax River MD. find out why on earth this skipper wouldn’t listen – I guess When I walked in I was shocked by the quiet of the office, he thought he knew better than us. no teletypes clattering. Only one AG3 on duty, the walls I’ll tell you, when I saw the picture “The Perfect Storm” were covered with TV screens and dials, I asked the with George Clooney, I re-lived that horrendous “IM young fellow how he handled Pilot briefings. He said he Perfect Storm” in the North Atlantic in October 1957. calls Norfolk and requests a briefing and a few minutes When we got back to Norfolk, we were so happy to get off later Norfolk comes up on a CCTV screen & gives the that tub, that we never even thought to keep the maps and briefing, If the pilot requires any charts, the Pax River AG records of the weather. Maybe Chief Rodlun remembers pulls the chart up from one his screens, makes a paper if he took that stuff to FWC in Norfolk. Wjen we docked at copy for the pilot. I spent some time talking with the Black Little Creek, most all the TAD AG’s shagged ass and young man, didn't get his name but he was a tall fellow, headed for points unknown! Standing we were at even eye level & I am six ft four in. Chief Rodlun, if you are down there in Florida, please He was from Brooklyn NY, married, said he would verify this story before I get a bunch of crap about it at the probably get out after his four yr hitch is up & go back to reunion in Pittsburgh, in June!!! school. Also said Oceanography is the new fast growing LCDR Virgil Sala USN Retired field to be in. I watched him take an observation, he never

THE DEMISE OF THE NAVAL WEATHER SERVICE left the office, got his info from all the dials on the wall, did 27 February 2004 look out the window. 5 6

Back to the Aerograph, the next article I read was "Myth & Bellinger List there are a good number that can not, or do Realty" by Norm Macomber. I never was involved with not care, to attend reunions. the workings of the scholarship program, so Norm's article To host a reunion requires some chapter member, usually was a real education for me. He also stated that he the chapter president, to liable himself to a sizable figures the decline of our numbers will continue as they financial commitment. What assurances does NWSA give have during the past 16 years, (a real eye opener!) I think that person taking on this liability that the association will we all can read the "handwriting on the wall", we are a help financially if the reunion goes in debt? This will dying breed. My hat is off to those of you doing the become a greater problem with professionally hosted wonderful job of publishing The Aerograph & keeping the reunions. organization going as long as possible. Maybe it is time to call off reunions. Let NWSA convene Thank You. Your Old Shipmate, and pay for a one or two day conference convenient to Leo "Tiny" Hortch, AGCS USN Ret. association officers to meet and conduct business. This would take the pressure off chapters and NWSA officers U.S. Navy CPOs on Active Duty to sponsor reunions. It also reflects the reality that as we March 16, 2006 age there are less and less members to attend reunions, This is a picture of me and four other female Chiefs on the or willing to stand for association offices. ship! (USS Ronald Reagan CVN76 …ed) There are around There are sensible reasons why chapters do not want to 6,000 people on board. Around 600 are female, and only commit to hosting reunions. To go to professionally 15 of those females have made rank of Chief! Here are 5 conducted reunions will increase the cost to attend of us standing in the desert west of Dubai, United Arab reunions. This will result in more members unable, or Emirates. unwilling to attend reunions. By posting chapter meeting dates in the Aerograph those members that wish to travel and socialize can attend chapter meetings and visit with old shipmates. Nothing lasts forever including NWSA Dan E. Collins, LCDR, USN, Ret.

As editor of the Aerograph, I have been witness to the efforts of the Reunion Committee to prepare for the NWSA 2007 Reunion. There has been a great deal of work accomplished and even more underway as this issue of the Aerograph goes to the printer. The 2005 Reunion in Branson MO recognized that chapters, by and large, no longer wanted to expend the time and effort required to host a reunion. The reunion committee was formed to explore utilizing a commercial planning service for our upcoming reunions. Many questions have arisen, some have been answered. Unanswered questions include: “Manpower to provide “host” services in the Hospitality Room ACCS Renee Morin; ACCS Annette Babauta; AGC Jill is necessary. For smaller chapters or for regions where there Handley; ITC Michelle Marquette; ETC Mary Benjamin, all would be no host chapter manning the Hospitality Room. Would dual warfare qualified. individual attendees volunteer to man the Hospitality Room for AGC Jill Handley, USN an hour or two during the reunion?” “A financial commitment must be made to the commercial April 2, 2006 planner when contracting for this service. Will the NWSA IS IT TIME TO ELIMINATE REUNIONS? provide that financial commitment and who should sign the Naval Weather Service Association (NWSA) is incurring a contracts?” problem with reunions. Chapters are no longer willing to “As written in the letter from LCDR Collins (above), is there a host them for some very good reasons. As we keep aging desire to continue annual reunions?” there are less and less chapter members available to help The June Reunion in Pittsburgh should be very interesting and, support a reunion, or even attend chapter meetings. As perhaps, momentous for this organization. …(ed)… we age we develop medical problems which prevent us from making firm commitments to a time and place. In our I got this picture from one of the fellows who I used to senior years families and relatives hold a higher priority work with on the USS Tripoli (LPH-10). then reunions. Especially in the western states members He was telling me that his father was a Meteorologist in live many miles from chapter meeting places or possible WWII, and did a bunch of work with SeaBee Units in the reunion sites. When you compare the number of NWSA Pacific. This is the only picture he had was this one from members that attend reunions to the numbers in the when he was on Palawan, in the Philippines. Did the

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Navy set up a weather station there until they moved into became a life member back in 85, that’s 1985. If you do Manila? the math, I have made out like a mink, along with not His father's Name was Arch Scurlock. A LT in WWII. (He needing to worry about paying dues each year. It works! said that there was a special program that took college We are an organization worth keeping. graduates who couldn't be aviators, and sent them to a Now onto the fun stuff: As we all know our 32nd annual "crash" course in Meteorology in ‘42 and ‘43 up in reunion is just ahead. It is not too late to make plans to Chicago. Marv was telling me that the company his father join us in PITTSBURGH, PA. The program is coming went to work for after the "Big One" was the one which together nicely. If you take a look at the itinerary in this produced weather and ATC instruments and had quite a addition of THE AEROGRAPH you will soon see we have few contracts with the Navy. a nice set of events taking place, colligating in the grand Hope to see you in Pittsburgh. ball Saturday night, June 17, 2006. For those of you that AGC Tim Kenefick, USN Retired have never been in Pittsburgh, you don’t know what you 4 are missing. For those of you who remember the days of Unable to reproduce this photo due to sizing problems…ed… smoke stacks and smoky skies have a big surprise NWSA Historian Don Cruse can you answer Chief Kenefick? coming to you. We have not been voted in the top 25 As I sat in front of my most livable cities for nothing! The cost for all this fun is keyboard and computer minimal. Just remember when telling sea stories in the screen contemplating this hospitality room, the first liar never stands a chance. early spring, I reflected As discussed above about correcting our course, one of back on the last year as the course corrections we are trying for our 32nd reunion is your president. It is a how we setup the reunion. Two other corrections are how pleasure to represent such do we maintain the hospitality room and registration desk? a fine group of men and women. I say that sincerely. My On the bottom of the registration form are two blocks pleasure as your president is coming to an end in a few asking for volunteers. An hour here and there would be months, as I write this article in early April 2006. I would great. Don’t worry if you have already sent in your like to share one thing that comes up on my watch at the registration form without placing an X in a box, we will helm. There continues to be a great deal of talk about the forgive you and be more than happy to receive your X loss of membership in NWSA. Some have stated that our upon arrival. members are getting too old to continue on our present For those members that have never attended one of course. There is something in this train of thought. None these reunions, you are cheating yourself out of a great of us are getting younger by the day. I refuse to believe deal of scuttlebutt and friendship. This is your chance to that we are getting so old that we should sit in our easy make up for missing all the fun. chairs at home and wait for the ultimate experience. (WHO IS THIS on page 20 is CDR Marty Nemcosky) Something that we all will succumb to, sometime in the future. If nothing else is true, it is a fact that none of us will get out of this world alive. If NWSA needs a course SEE YOU IN correction let us make that correction. Let us not come to a dead stop in the water. We far too often talk about the PITTSBURGH lack of active duty participation in NWSA. Now ask, “What AGCM Tom Miovas have I/we done to improve this situation?” The young President, NWSA sailors of today are indeed a bit different then those of us who are on the outside now. I believe they are first and foremost sailors, as we all are. I believe they are AGs, HISTORY OF THE meteorologists, oceanographers, as we all are. I will AEROGRAPHER RATING Don Cruse, NWSA Historian guarantee that the camaraderie is as strong today with our young sailors as it was when you were in their place. The Alexander G. McAdie was young sailors have always had some trouble relating to director of Harvard University’s Blue Hill Meteorological older/retired sailors. I will bet a donut to a dollar we have Observatory when he agreed to provide instruction in more in common than either of us will ever know. So here “Aerography” to a small group of U.S. Navy officer is my suggestion! Those of us that live close to a Naval candidates. On December 3, 1917 the class convened for Weather Office, stop in now and then and say HI. Do a six weeks of instruction. Enlisted weather observers, the little talking to the active duty sailor and let them know that predecessors of today’s Aerographer’s Mate rating, known we are thinking of them. When the opportunity presents as Quartermasters (A), “aerographic,” were trained at the itself talk a little about NWSA. To our active duty QM School located at Pelham Bay Park, on Long Island members, talk to your shipmates and fill them in on this NY. fine organization you belong to, NWSA. I would like to Professor McAdie was sworn in to the U. S. Naval make a suggestion to the active duty sailors. Become a Reserve as a LCDR on February 1, 1918, and assigned to life member. The initial out of pocket money may be a bit the Aviation desk in the Office of the Chief of Naval much, but in the long run it will pay off in spades. I Operations. His instructions were to “set up a Naval 7 8

Aerological Organization.” The Secretary of the Navy, both Navy and Marine, much the same as at NAS Franklin D. Roosevelt, encouraged this action, which Pensacola. For example, Class #1, which graduated in constituted the origin of what later became the Naval January, 1925 consisted of seven. Weather Service. Class #1 of the Primary Aerographer School on NAS In April LCDR McAdie was accompanied by eight junior Lakehurst consisted of nine students, eight of whom officers and fifteen QM(A) en route to Ireland and France, graduated on March 25, 1929. Sea1/c Fred Chase failed to set up coastal Aerography stations for support of to graduate but later completed a full career in Aerology. offshore patrol flights. By the end of hostilities in Europe, Through the early 1930s class sizes were small, but the Naval Aerographic Organization boasted 53 reserve toward the end of that decade the average number of aerologists and 200 enlisted personnel. Of course, the students per class increased to twenty; and the length of primary source for these personnel was the U. S. Weather the training course remained twelve weeks. These were Bureau. By October, 1919 this wartime number had lean times throughout the Navy and Marine Corps, but the shrunk to five officers and three QM(A) personnel. An advent of WW2 loosened the purse strings. effort was then undertaken to build up personnel strength In early 1942, wartime expansion dictated larger class sufficient to provide aerological support at all naval and sizes to meet the needs of the fleet. Primary Aerographer Marine Corps air stations, plus three seaplane tenders. School was re-sited off the NAS to nearby Lakewood NJ, The aircraft carrier would be invented in 1922 with USS where the Navy had taken possession of a former Catholic LANGLEY (CV-1). Prep School. The prep school had been purchased earlier Maintaining some semblance of wartime aerological from the Claflin family and renamed The Newman School. support to naval aviation, a four-month training course on Primary Aerographer School occupied a portion of The Naval Air Station Pensacola was started on November 1, Newman School called Locke Hall. WAVES were added 1919 (see below). Creation of the Bureau of Aeronautics to the Aerographer rating for the first time. Class length in 1921 helped to clarify Aerology’s primary was reduced from twelve to ten weeks and classes responsibilities to naval aviation. The following year LT overlapped each month, so that every month 125 men and Francis W. Reichelderfer USN took over the new Aerology 25 WAVES graduated. desk within BuAer from LT Reed. In 1923 he managed to Commencing in 1933, senior petty officers began to rotate have the QM(A) rating replaced by Aerographer, with back to NAS Lakehurst for the annual Advanced training relocated to Naval Air Station Anacostia. BuNav Aerographer School, consisting of six months instruction Circular Letter 99, dated December 23, 1923, established with emphasis on forecasting. By the time WW2 the rating of Aerographer. Chief Quartermaster John R. appeared on the horizon and this course of instruction was Dungan USN changed his rating to Chief Aerographer terminated, final Class #9 graduated seventeen students while at Pensacola, and thereby became our first. in October, 1941. This Advanced Class was re- Seniority in the Aerographer rating was built up by established after WW2, and Class B-1 with 29 students, accepting senior petty officers from other ratings, for AGC and AG1, graduated February 20, 1946. Then called training and conversion to Aerographer. Thus, by 1925 “B School,” the course was shortened to four months. nearly all shipboard and naval air station Aerological units On August 8, 1942, the Aerographer rating was changed were led by Chief Aerographers.[1] to Aerographer’s Mate by Circular Letter 113-42 in order While the aforementioned organizational changes were to accommodate the new Warrant Officer specialty being taking place in Washington, Pensacola personnel were established. Wartime personnel detailing was de- busy establishing post-war training in the “Cradle of Naval centralized from BuAer and pools of AerMs were Aviation.” As early as 1917, during the latter days of accumulated in Norfolk, San Diego, Seattle and Alameda; WW1, aerological services to naval aviation were needed. and detailing authority was granted to the Aerological In response, LT William F. Reed, USNRF reported aboard Officers at those locations. By the end of WW2 there NAS Pensacola in April, 1918 and began to organize a were roughly 5,000 AerMs serving; but this was followed meteorological observatory. Weather observations were by rapid downsizing of the military when hostilities ended. made and there was a data exchange via telegraph with For example, on July 16, 1945 the monthly quota for Class several other locations, one of which was the Blue Hill A Aerog School plunged from sixty-four to twelve. Observatory. Thus began map plotting, analysis and Another change occurred in 1948 when AerMs became forecasting on the air station, carried out primarily by AGs, as part of the Group IX (Aviation) restructured assigned QM(A) personnel. In 1921 LT Reed was system for designating ratings by digraph. The change relieved by LT J. B. Anderson, and took over the Aerology facilitated machine processing of personnel records. Ten desk in BuAer. years later, the Navy created Senior and Master Chief Beginning on December 1, 1919, Navy, Marine, and Army Petty Officers, pay grades E-8 and E-9. Lee O’Rork enlisteds reported to Pensacola for instruction. [2] This became our first AGCM. The new Command Master training routine was followed until the school was Chief program soon followed. AGCM William Heagley relocated to NAS Anacostia DC on May 15, 1924. CAerog USN was the first to serve as CMDMC of the Naval Raymond J. Brown USN became the CPOIC there as Weather Service. Another senior AG held a billet in the Aerographers replaced the QM(A) Navy rating. Class size Bureau of Naval Personnel, acting as AG Detailer. at NAS Anacostia ranged from seven to twelve students, 8 9

In 1977 all enlisted military weather training was turned permitted the processing of these and other satellite data, over to the U.S. Air Force and the USAF was designated training requirements have been revolutionized for this “Single Service Manager,” in the interest of economy. rating. There is an awesome responsibility at KAFB to Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps weather training prepare our AGs for duty in the fleet. was consolidated on Chanute AFB in Rantoul IL, where [1] MM(a)1/c Al Francis, Raymond J. Brown, and Robert L. USAF training had been conducted for many years. When Welles. CQM Robert Currie, CSM Thomas Thomas, CY E. M. Chanute AFB was closed during a periodic Base Brown, and BM1/c James B. Chamberlain. (among others) Reduction and Consolidation evolution, weather training [2] 1921 Class: Naval Aviators LT Felix Stump, LT Adolph Schneider and LT Margeson received some OJT but never was moved en toto to Keesler AFB in Biloxi MS. A large, served as Aerologists. Enlisted: Bob Welles, Al Francis, Ken modern school building was constructed. Crebbins, Roscoe Houseman, Byron Morris, Abe Finer, plus two The AG rating continues to undergo rapid technological additional Navy and four Marines. change, the same as with telecommunications and related fields. From the time TIROS began sending cloud photographs back to earth and computer technology

Navy confers honorary CPO appointment on terminally ill child MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (03/30/06)For a boy, his father is the ultimate role model, creating a set of expectations and guidelines by which a child understands how to behave. A father becomes the standard by which his son judges himself. How well the child holds up to the example of the parent is how he may evaluate his self-worth. For one Navy family, helping their son realize his dream of being just like dad was a race against the clock: a clock ticking away the time left for a young man diagnosed with terminal cancer. In a pinning ceremony at the Jacksonville, N.C., USO building March 30, five-year-old Diego E. Santiago was awarded the honorary rank of chief petty officer in the United States Navy. Thin from chemotherapy and radiation treatment and sporting the dress blue uniform and sleeve insignia of his new honorary rank, Diego was welcomed into the chief petty officer family while a standing-room-only audience looked on. Diego's father, Chief Petty Officer Jesus O. Santiago, career counselor, 2nd Marine Division, stood at attention as his son's promotion warrant was read. "This means a lot to me," said Santiago after the ceremony. "It's one of [Diego's] dreams [to be in the Navy] that he's not going to be able to realize." By the time Diego was diagnosed with a form of cancer called Wilms' Tumor in July 2005, the promotion ceremonies, as well as Diego's desire to be a chief like his dad, had become well-known among the chief petty officer community aboard Camp Lejeune. When his son was transferred to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., Santiago followed. It was at St. Jude's that the diagnosis of terminal cancer was given, and Santiago brought Diego back home to Camp Lejeune. When the idea for the honorary promotion to chief petty officer was proposed by Chief Charles S. Clements, command career counselor, with the approval of the master chief petty officer of the Navy, the honorary conferral of rank upon Diego became an official event for the Camp Lejeune Chief Petty Officer Association. Santiago expressed his appreciation for everyone who has helped the process of his son's honorary promotion. "Chief Clements was the catalyst and brains behind this. I had nothing to do with it as far as planning is concerned," said Santiago. "The [CPO] community takes care of me. They have really proved that we take care of our own." "Take care of your own" is a credo of any successful family, whether that is the Navy and Marine Corps team or the family of a sick little boy. Giving that same little boy an opportunity to be just like dad before his clock runs down to zero served that credo well for both families. "Story & Photos by: Sgt. Stephen M. DeBoard From: http://www.marines.mil Submitted by LCDR Bud Horn USN Retired 9 10

Makes this old Chief proud! …ed…

Wash khakis and Dungarees are going the way of the Flat Hat …ed… CNO Approves New Navy Uniforms

Washington D.C. - Outfitting the Sailor of the future took another step forward last week when Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen approved plans for a single working uniform for all ranks and a year-round service uniform for E-6 and below Sailors. Based on recommendations made during a comprehensive briefing by Task Force Uniform Feb. 24, Mullen agreed to production of both a BDU-style working uniform for all Sailors E-1 to O-10 and a more practical, year-round service uniform to withstand day-to-day classroom and office-like environments where the service uniform is typically worn. “These are good uniforms, designed to support the modern Sailor,” said Mullen. “Durability, safety, ease of wear and cleaning were all factors that weighed heavily on my mind, as did, quite frankly, the survey data and the opinions of wear testers. This wasn’t a popularity contest by any stretch, but we would have been foolish not to consider the opinions of the men and women who will wear these uniforms.” The BDU-style working uniform, designed to replace seven different styles of current working uniforms, is made of a near maintenance-free permanent press 50/50 nylon and cotton blend. Worn with a blue cotton t-shirt, it will include an eight-point cover, a black web belt with closed buckle, and black smooth leather boots, with black suede no-shine boots for optional wear while assigned to non-shipboard commands. “When I walk down the piers, I see Sailors standing watch as a pier sentry in January and it's 30 degrees and freezing rain,” Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SS/AW) Terry Scott said. “You have to ask yourself, does the uniform that we currently issue protect us, and the answer is no.” To meet the all-weather requirement, the new working uniform will include several cold weather options, such as a unisex pullover sweater, a fleece jacket, and a parka. It will also be made in three variants, all in a multi-color digital print pattern: predominately blue, with some gray, for the majority of Sailors and shipboard use; and a woodland digital pattern and a desert digital pattern for Sailors serving in units requiring those types of uniforms. “The intent of TFU always has been to give our Sailors a uniform in which they can work comfortably everyday and is more appropriate for the joint environment in which we operate,” Scott said. “Even better, we’ve created a uniform that’s also easier to maintain, is longer lasting, helps reduce the size of the sea bag, while at the same time recognizing the tradition and heritage of serving in the Navy.” The service uniform for E-6 and below is comprised of a short-sleeve khaki shirt for males and an over-blouse for females, made from a wash and wear 75/25 polyester and wool blend, with permanent military creases, black trousers for males with belt less slacks for females and optional belt less skirt, and a black unisex garrison cap. Silver anodized-metal rank insignia will be worn on shirt/blouse collars and cap. The service uniform will also include a black relaxed-fit Eisenhower- style jacket with a knit stand-up collar and epaulets, on which petty officers will wear large, silver anodized-metal rank insignia. Those entitled to wear gold chevrons will continue to wear gold chevrons on the large metal rank insignia on the jacket. “In our research, we found the group most dissatisfied with their present uniforms were E-6 and below,” Scott said. 10 11

The manner of wear for both of these new uniforms remains under development by TFU and will not be effective until guidelines on prescribed wear are incorporated in the Navy Uniform Regulations. “There are a lot of concerns about the manner of wear for the working and service uniforms that we need to address, so we have a smooth transition when the time comes,” TFU Director CNO-Directed Command Master Chief Robert Carroll said. The working uniform and service uniform are not expected to be available for purchase and wear until late fall of 2007, after which they will be introduced to Recruit Training Command and eventually distributed to the rest of the fleet. Details on when the uniforms will be available for purchase and wear at specific geographic locations will be released at a future date. Until the new uniforms are available for wear, all existing uniform regulations will apply. During the expected two-year transition period, Sailors will be required to maintain a complete inventory of sea bag items with each reflecting a professional appearance. “We want our Sailors to keep a professional appearance,” Carroll said. “We don’t want people wearing worn-out uniforms because they’re waiting for the new ones to hit the shelves.” Once the working and service uniforms are adopted, Sailors will receive a uniform maintenance allowance appropriate to support purchase and wear. The announcement of the new uniforms, Carroll said, is the culmination of a three-year project that began with the charter of Task Force Uniform to deliver a proposal to reflect the requirements of a 21st century Navy. An analysis of a fleet-wide survey conducted during the summer of 2003 led to the creation of concepts for working and service uniforms for a wear test and another fleet-wide survey last summer. “I just can’t say enough about how meticulous and thorough TFU Director Master Chief Rob Carroll and his team approached their work,” stressed Mullen. “The process they established and maintained was rock solid -- measured and analytical. They looked at hundreds of options, studied countless pattern and color designs, and fretted over every minor detail, from button style to stitching. I am enormously proud of their effort, and every Sailor can be, too.” The work of TFU will not stop. Next on the agenda is to evaluate additional uniform options, such as reviving the traditional Service Dress Khaki uniform for chiefs and officers, conducting research on the feasibility, cost and distribution of a service-wide physical training uniform, consider adoption of a ceremonial cutlass for chiefs, and investigate adopting a more practical service-wide, all-weather coat that would provide a better military appearance. “The bottom line for me in making these decisions,” said the CNO, “is culture. Uniforms reflect our culture -- who we are -- what we stand for. I've said all along that no matter which way we go, I want Sailors to look like Sailors. I really believe these uniforms pass that test.” Courtesy of Navy News, Michael Foutch, March 03, 2006….

Aerographer’s Mates Forge The Future of Rate Examinations

The Aerographer’s Mate rate has been on the cutting edge of some of the Navy’s most dramatic rate and community re- alignments, both in the Fleet, and now in the advancement process; the METOC Community is “re-inventing” itself. For more than 50 years, the Navy has utilized traditional knowledge-based examinations to perform assessment of promotion eligible candidates for advancement selection. The answer sheet, scratch paper, and a #2 pencil may one day go the way of the helix band and the red/blue skew-T plotting pencil! In September 2004, the first electronic rating examinations were delivered to the Fleet for AG3 and MU1 candidates; 21 shore-base and 15 shipboard testing facilities, 46 sailors from the AG3 rate total. This electronic multimedia method of testing is in keeping with the Navy’s move toward the ultimate goal of an on-demand adaptive rating examination process, fully integrated with the Navy’s major “human performance” initiatives. Nine selection criteria were used to evaluate Navy ratings and determine which would be most suitable for the first performance-based electronic multimedia exam. In order of importance, the criteria included the appropriateness of rate/rating less than 200, marketing impact, distribution of exam candidates, classification of exam, exam candidate's familiarization with computer, willingness of exam writer/community/learning center, number of exam bank control items and the availability of existing multimedia materials. Based on the criteria listed, Aerographer's Mate 3rd Class was deemed most appropriate. After completing the test, the Sailors completed a follow-up questionnaire. The questionnaire contained eight questions designed to assess the Sailors' satisfaction with the multimedia exam and to seek feedback for improving the quality of the exam. Survey data were available for 44 of the 46 Aerographer's Mates. An analysis of the feedback survey data indicated that, compared to paper and pencil exams: Quality. 65% of the Sailors thought the multimedia questions improved the exam quality to some degree; 14% felt that they did not improve the exam quality. Difficulty. 43% of the Sailors thought the multimedia exam was less difficult; 26% rated the difficulties about the same; 2% thought the multimedia exam was more difficult. Computer access. 71% of the Sailors said that they had computer access at work in an environment that was suitable for taking a three hour proctored exam; 24% sometimes had access; 5% did not have access. 11 12

Test completion time. 36% of the Sailors thought the multimedia exam took less time. Ease of Use. 88% of sailors found the multimedia exam easy to navigate. 64% found the different media clear and easy to understand. Overall Preference. In general, Sailors in the AG rate preferred multimedia exams to paper-and-pencil exams (48%). Only 12% of them preferred the paper-and-pencil exams. The percentages that had no preference or were not sure were 19% and 21% respectively. An analysis of the preference data and the computer experience data indicated the level of computer experience was related to preferences. All of the Sailors with advanced experience levels expressed a preference for the computer exam. All of the beginners were not sure of their preferences. The Sailors were relatively experienced with computers. Self ratings indicated 33% were advanced users, 60% were intermediate users, and 7% were beginners. Today’s computer savvy Sailors embraced the multimedia assessment environment. The performance based exams will allow Navy officials to more accurately promote the best Sailor. The “digital text” is on the wall; the future of the Enlisted Navy Advancement Exam has entered the electronic age. AGC Jill Handley, USN, USS Ronald Reagan CVN-76

Hayes, Earl and Lynn Kerr, Dennis and Tara Ruth, and Tom Southworth. I regret to report that the great story which had an unknown CPO leaving the building and grounds of the Whidbey Island CPO club to the CPOs of CHAPTER NEWS NAS Whidbey in perpetuity was a figment of some one’s imagination A hoax, a sea story? *Our next meeting will be held on Saturday May 6th at the Kit Carson restaurant in Chehalis, WA. A visit to the PENSACOLA CHAPTER Chehalis Veteran’s Memorial Museum for all hands was President: Dick Tokryman suggested by Jim Northup. Dee Berrian offered her Sec/Treas: Howard Graham home as the site for our Sept. meeting. * Sadly, we’ll say goodbye to Frenchy” and Barbara On the 26th of February BARBARA PRUITT hosted a Corbeille at the May meeting. They’ll be heading east & party for BILL for his 80th birthday at the China Sea making their new home in Brillion, Wisc. which is 27 miles Restaurant in Milton, Fl. It was a surprise but not without south of their roots in Green Bay. (Go Packers?). They a close call when Bill and Barb ran across BERNIE didn’t let preparations for the big move keep them from BAUER at the airport. Bernie acknowledged Bill's enjoying five days at the Navy RV Facility at Pacific upcoming birthday but fortunately didn't mention the party. Beach. They excavated some 120 razor clams, which Fifteen people attended and of course Bill told a story (or were promptly frozen for transport to Wisconsin in one of dozen). PAT and LIBBY O'BRIEN hosted our Spring their TWO freezers, along with venison, crabs, fish, meeting at their beautiful home in Cantonment on the 12th buffalo, elk,....the list goes on. of March 2006. Those in attendance included: AL and *Mark Twain on taxes "What is the difference between a HELEN ATWELL, DICK and ELIZABETH TOKRYMAN, taxidermist and a tax collector? The taxidermist takes only BILL and BARBARA PRUITT, DAVE and JERRI your skin." DUNLAP, GREENE and MARION HAWKES, HOWARD *Jim Black is recovering from a bout with pneumonia and SHIRLEY GRAHAM. which put him in the hospital briefly. He was grateful to In the South you don't say "Pot Luck" unless you're his lady friend, Louise Ogle, who provided a lot of TLC. serious, and we had a serious pot luck meal that even Ole The couple is very active traveling with & doing good St. Patty himself would have enjoyed. deeds with the Good Sam Club. Jim was also a good SEE Y'ALL IN PITTSBURG IN JUNE! “Sam-aritan”, in working up many income tax returns for

NORTHWEST CHAPTER free. President: J. Earl Kerr *Dennis and Tara Ruth are planning a trip east to VP: Phil Humble celebrate his father’s 80th birthday. April 30th will mark Sec: Dan Collins the couple’s 30th wedding anniversary. Treas: Jim Northup *Gary Fisher reported on a brand new Navy plan for VP East: Ken Boden combined single galleys which would serve the General VP South: Dennis Ruth Mess, the CPO Mess and the Wardroom. It will be *President Earl Kerr presided over the 60th meeting of interesting to see how that develops. They’ll also be the Northwest Chapter of NWSA held at the NAS Whidbey working on a 21 day schedules with the entire Navy eating Island CPO Club. Attendees were Frank Baillie, Dee the same meal every day, every meal, everywhere. Gary Berrian and daughter Judy, who were still grieving is a retired Supply Corps Captain and had the word from a over the loss of husband and father, George Berrian, former shipmate. He also brought up the plans for new Jim Black and Louise Ogle, Dan and Marilyn Collins, uniforms. The punch line was that eventually ALL of the Gary and Lois Fisher, Dick and Barbara Gilmore, Lee services would wear the same uniform with insignia 12 13 devices to differentiate. I’m sure that some of you have **May you have the hindsight to know where you've been, already read about them. And I was, just getting used to the foresight to know where you're going & the insight to seeing sailors in “cammys”, Marines in their new know when you have gone too far. “cammys” and WAVEs in maternity skirts. As the saying Frank Baillie goes, “The times they are a-changing”. Central Coast Chapter *Dee Berrian needed a respite from paper work after Monterey California husband George’s passing and went south for a visit with friends in San Diego. She was having a fine time when Howdy, she suddenly found herself in a hospital with four new This spring version of local news is heart stents “installed. She looked well at our meeting lean pickings. No social events and shared the happy news that her son and his family have taken place since the WWW Christmas Party which would soon be moving to the Pacific Northwest. was reported on in the previous Aerograph. *Wayne and Betsy Olsen were still experiencing a warm Ralph Sallee spent a night in our local hospital getting his glow from their amazing Antarctic cruise when things pipes checked and has an artery block that may have to changed with a bang. A drunk driver had rammed into have some plumbing work done in the near future. The them at a stop light. They felt fortunate that they weren’t pipeline of news seems to be dry. Ralph writes on 10 April badly hurt but the whip-lash was quite painful. Their car no Roto Rooter surgery is currently planned on the one was totaled and they were taken to Madigan Army artery that is partially clogged. Hospital strapped to ambulance hardboards. Wayne The month of Jan. and part of Feb. was very mild and had commented that the worst pain he suffered in the accident summer like weather for the Central coast. was when the ambulance hit bumps on I-5. During the Then the Pineapple Express started feeding wet air next few weeks the couple will be busy processing claims masses into the Central CA coastal areas and March and in choosing a replacement for their car. came in wet and windy and wound up being the 2nd *February 3rd and 4th brought a deepening low into the wettest month on record with the records going back to northwest which caused a variety of problems for our 1850 in the San Francisco area. It seems 1983 was the chapter members. Dan and Marilyn Collins were wettest on record which had 22 days with rain while this heading for Canada the day after the “big storm” and past month only had 20 days here in Monterey County. needed to take two detours to reach the Kingston ferry Richard Wood who is a recent member of NWSA from landing and another at Edmonds on the other side of Tucson AZ was unable to type his 25 WPM on the AG3 Puget Sound. They spent a week in Kelowna, B. C., test he took so he bailed out after 4 years in the Navy and getting in some trail hiking and catching a nasty bug along went to work for the National Weather Service. Richard the way. They retuned home only to find their yard full of asked in a 1 April e-gram if anyone had run into Leo “Blow-down” and their freezer full of rotting meat. Tom & Harrison in the 50's as Leo worked with Richard in the Sharon Southworth had a similar power problem and a National Weather Service in Wash. D.C. yard full of “Blow-down”. Tom’s comment, “As if that I pulled Leo's class out of my AG data base and see he wasn’t enough the groundhog gave us six more weeks of was in A5137. See Below. winter.” Dick and Barbara Gilmore spent three days in Richard might be persuaded to send Leo a gift Cannon Beach, OR, their favorite vacation spot, and found subscription to NWSA as Leo qualifies for membership. I-5 to be a mess driving in heavy showers and gusty winds It behooves all who are members to keep a sharp eye out which made for an ugly drive north. Dee Berrian had a for eligible potential members. Still, it appears NWSA is yard full of leaves and branches (no trees down though). dwindling in size and may soon fade away in a few years *Earl & Lynn Kerr had a prolonged adventure associated like an old soldier. with the storm. In preparation for a vacation in Maui just The night of 8 April Leo Harrison sent an Email asking for prior to the storm, they took their dog to their son’s home an application form to join NWSA and Richard Wood at Port Angeles, on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. They were wrote he would take care of Leo's becoming a member so planning to return to Anacortes on Saturday. First the ferry by the time this hits the street NWSA should have a new schedule was cancelled due to high winds Then, when member. driving south , they experienced strong winds and passed Zane E. Jacobs. numerous downed trees. Earl had to break out his chain Class 5137 saw from the trunk of his car (Wow, he’s ready for Convened 22 Jan. 1951 Graduated 30 Apr. 1951 Bottom Row: Ledbetter, W.H. AG1 Class LPO; Stephens, anything) and clear the road to reach the Hood Canal Ronald J.; Burns, John E.; Wagner, Darlene E.(W); Harrison, Bridge. The State Patrol was out in force arranging Leo R.; Kohlbeck, Bernard A.; Blair, William E.; Taylor, R.I. AGC detours which the Kerr’s needed in order to reach the Class Chief Kingston ferry dock. They found more detours on the Middle Row: Brooks, James U.; Barnier, Robert F.; Geister, Edmonds side of Puget Sound. All’s well that ends well Charles E.(M); Randolph, James A.; Jones, Robert K.; and they left for Maui on the next day. They had a great McQuown, Edward E. time and especially enjoyed a whale watching trip Back Row: Evert, Richard W.; Quarton, Evan F.R.; Turner, Ira W.; Hirtzel, James J.; Campbell, George C. Jr; Mason, Earl F., Jr.

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SOCAL CHAPTER Morry Summey is planning to travel to his daughter’s President: Bill Bridge home in Herndon VA in early June. He will spend a few Vice President Deacon Holden days there then go over to Pittsburgh for the Reunion. Secretary/Treasurer Morry Summey Following the Reunion, he will return to his daughter’s and Chapter Activities attend a granddaughter’s high school graduation before The first SOCAL Social get-together of returning to San Diego. 2006 was our annual Valentine’s Day The SOCAL Chapter is sad to report the passing of a long Champagne Brunch. After several years of having to hold time friend and former member of the chapter. LCDR it elsewhere, we were able to once again use the Louis P. (Pat) Halloran, USN RET died on 24 February BAYVIEW Restaurant on the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, 2006. which is now newly renovated. A total of 28 attendees The SOCAL Chapter extends best wishes and the hope met there on Sunday, 12 February 2006. Attending the for yet another successful Reunion at Pittsburgh. See you event were Morry Summey, Chuck & Janice White, Bob there! & Sheila Clark with their son and daughter as well as Morrey Summey Bob’s mother and both of Sheila’s parents. Others SOCAL Secretary/Treasurer who came were Bill Bridge, Fred Farnsworth with his granddaughter and her boyfriend, Carl & Phyllis POTOMAC REGIONAL Drake, Elsie Taylor who brought her son Richard and his wife Nancy along with her parents, Al Hassen President Tom Beasley came with Arlene Seek, John & Fuji Rodriguez, [email protected] Robbie & Mary Roberson, and Deacon Holden (who 1st Vice President Bob Freeman was the organizer of the event). [email protected] The second business luncheon of the year was held on 2nd Vice President Jim Romano Thursday, 6 April 2006 at the Admiral Baker Navy Golf [email protected] Course Restaurant. Attendees included Morry Summey, Secretary-Treasurer Pat McLeod John Rodriguez, Bill Bridge, Robbie Roberson, [email protected] Deacon Holden, Al Hassen & Arlene Seek, Fred 410 414 9922 Farnsworth, and Chuck & Janice White. During the Corresp Secretary Don Cruse, [email protected] business portion, the Chapter held the election of chapter Tel…703 524 9067 officer for the year (1 July 2006 through 30 June 2007). The current president, Bill Bridge was nomintaed for POTCHAP CALENDAR another term as president. Vice President Deacon 14 May Mothers’ Day 20 May Armed Forces Day Holden volunteered for antoher term, as well, since Bill 21-25 May 2nd USMC Weather Personnel reunion in Bridge had agreed to another term. Morry Summey Tunica, MS. agreed to continue as the chapter’s Secretary/Treasurer. 25 May Lone Star Lunch Bunch, Centerville VA – every These nominations were unanimously approved. 4th Thursday of the month (Chuck Kincannon) Additional business included scheduling a date for the 30 May Memorial Day Labor Day Potluck Picnic at the Coast Guard Air Station 14-18 June 32nd Annual NWSA Reunion in Picnic Grounds. A date of Saturday, 9 September 2006 Pittsburgh PA at Holiday Inn Pittsburgh Airport (Hosts was chosen. Bill Bridge will once again serve as the Tom & Mary Ann Miovas) coordinator for this event. 14 June Flag Day—an official holiday in Pennsylvania Member Activities 18 June Fathers’ Day 4 July Independence Day John & Fuji Rodriguez are looking forward to renewing 15 July Inputs to The Aerograph old acquaintances with the arrival of the JMSDF personnel 04 September Labor Day 09 September Chapter crab feast & potluck in Stafford VA (D&M Cruse) for RIMPAC in June, and the JMSDF Training Squadron for newly commissioned officers in August. Spring has sprung. Our March drought is ending. Bob Deacon Holden indicated that he is planning to attend his Ryan on TV4 is still our best prognosticator. Sights are niece’s wedding in Prescott AZ on 6 May 2006. That is, if set on NWSA32/Pittsburgh, now that we have enjoyed he has fully recovered from his back problems by then. another mid-winter dinner meeting. Jim & Rosalie He has been undergoing treatment for back pain caused Romano hosted the group (again!) at Rosecroft Raceway, by a fractured vertebre, as well as the involvement of the on the Maryland side of the Potomac. It proved Sciatic Nerves. He is improving and thinks he is nearing advantageous to schedule the event on the warmer side the end of his treatment. Chuck & Janice White traveled of winter, making our group photo (with the winning horse) to Corpus Christi TX as Chuck was bowling in the first reasonably comfortable. One race is always dedicated to USBC National Open Bowling Tournament there. After Naval Weather Service Association, but we have yet to the tournament ended, they spent an additional five days gain any recruits from this form of publicity. The buffet visiting friends in Spring TX. They plan to depart San was excellent. Diego around the end of April to go to Vermont for the summer. 14 15

Happy attendees (but not all winners): Tom Berkeridge had to give up his motorcycle as he reached the ripe old and date, Bob & Bev Costa, Don and Marge Cruse, age of 68 years. He and daughter Kelley are getting along Glen and Anne Drummond, Bob and Richie Freeman, fine. Don and Betty Brown were re-discovered in Audie and Angie Hudnell, Elroy and Pat McLeod, Tom Midlothian VA, near Richmond. They have been doing a and Mary Ann Miovas, Jim and Rosalie Romano lot of bouncing around the U.S. of A. as Don’s health (hosts), Vince and Robby Roper, Peter and Marcia deteriorates. His primary trouble is Parkinson’s, but he Weigand, and Barbara Hansen. has also lost one eye to retinal damage. Last-minute cancellations came from Carl Hoffman, We recently had a good example of scuttlebutt flying Dennis Stebbins, Dorothy Steranka, Tom and Gladys around between Japan and here when there was a Beasley, and Skip Cline. relayed inquiry about NWSA Scholarships. As in most Between races these business items were considered: cases, a quick look at the NWSA web page could have To resolve the conflict in dates between PotChap spring clarified things. picnic and NWSA32, it was decided to hold a short NOTED IN THE PRESS business meeting with annual elections of chapter officers AGC(AW) Anthony Davis USN retired after 24 years of while in Pittsburgh. naval service. He was CPOIC NavLantMETOCDet on Chapter Nominating Committee Chairman (Tom Miovas) NAS Whiting Field FL until the 03 February retirement reported a full slate with several fleet-ups. He would ceremony. welcome additional candidates for office, and the floor will Congratulations to AGC Pamela Myers USNR on her again be open at Pittsburgh. recent selection for advancement to AGCS. Annual NWSA Scholarship Program was discussed and Welcome aboard to our newest Chief of Naval Research, there was a short Q&A session which emphasized 01 May RADM William E. Landay USN, and fair winds to RADM deadline for submissions to Sec-Treas Jim Stone in Ohio. Jay Cohen USN in his retirement billet on civvies street. Then NWSA Prez Tom Miovas updated us on NWSA32 (Footnote: The building housing NRL head office in planning, and requested advance reunion registrations Arlington VA is being razed. Will need a new home.) ASAP. Barbara Grimes trusted UAL to get her to Tucson AZ and ANOTHER LONE SAILOR STATUE home again; and she was accompanied by daughter and The Navy Memorial in WashDC announced the pending son-in-law (Pam & Rod). Purpose of the trip was to visit dedication of the newest Lone Sailor statue in Fort her sister out west. People in NC will acquire a couple of Lauderdale FL. Located on The Riverwalk, the statue will new citizens, we’re told by NWSA Past-Prez Dan Hewins, be located close to Fort Lauderdale’s historic district, a when daughter Cece and husband move east from Lake magnet for tourists. The Navy League carried the ball on Elsinore CA. As we go to press, Robby Roper is this project, with a lot of help from U.S. Congressman undergoing hip replacement surgery in Anne Arundel George Wortley. This will make nine such statues Hospital, Annapolis MD. erected. Some Marine Technology Society news mentions former Moving to “people news,” we first need to complete the “weather guessers” or oceanographers (to be technically record on Gordie MacDowell, who deceased on 19 correct) - Barry Stamey chairs the WashDC Section— December, 2005. The word did not percolate around until Tom Bosse was elected secretary of Hampton Roads after our previous newsletter went to press. He leaves Section. PotChap member Jim Etro is founder and Irenie deeply grieving at their Lansdowne VA (Leisure president of Itri Corporation, as well as founder and World) retirement community address. Most will recall manager of Agrarius LLC. Gordon P. MacDowell as an ice forecaster, dating back to Taking advantage of the lovely Hale Koa Hotel on Waikiki the days of the Hydro Office in Suitland MD - later Beach in mid-February, and avoiding the first real snows renamed NavOceano. That was before the ice program of winter, Don and Marge Cruse spent a week working was consolidated. He was a career civil servant highly on their sun tans. Several NWSA donated books were dedicated to his profession. He had been diagnosed with presented to NPMOC/JTWC CMDMC Mark Burton for Leukemia in August. display in the refurbished Aerology Office in USS There was a full house at the Lone Star Lunch Bunch’s MISSOURI (BB-63). A team of dedicated AG personnel gathering on 1/26 in Centerville VA, on a cold and windy continue to work that project. On the same visit, NWSA day - windy both inside and outside, to be sure. Bob greetings went to the skipper, CAPT Jose Atangan USN Black, John Mercer, Chuck Kincannon, Bulldog and his XO. Drummond, Al Pyle, and Don Cruse took approximately The obituary on former WWII WAVES Aerologist (among two hours to solve most of our national and international other varied professions), Emma Ruth Hedeman, was problems. The U.S. economy and personal welfare were circulated without appreciable success at recognition. favorite subjects, although we’re also still concerned about From our Lancaster PA correspondent, Betty the USS IOWA (BB-61) and her ultimate fate. Wintersteen, comes the suggestion that perhaps Betty Wintersteen will miss NWSA32/Pittsburgh unless Hedeman received her aerological training at CalTech. If some east coast member passing westbound through that were the case, our MIT-trained WAVES would not Lancaster PA will offer a ride. No more driving. Similarly, have served with her, and would not recognize her name. Mike Kalles, one of our former AG Detailers in BuPers, 15 16

On February 18th, Rich Kelley was hauled into Johns From frequent email originating in Largo FL, we learn that Hopkins in Baltimore for prostate surgery. At last report June Crawford is happy to see the Tampa Bay baseball he is doing well. In mid-May he will undergo follow-up team back in action. She doesn’t show those Devil Rays testing. NWSA President-elect Peter Weigand made a a lot of charity. June also keeps us posted on scuttlebutt business trip to Dallas and Sandy Eggo in early March, she hears from frequent conversations with Peggy Dehn but returned in time for our PotChap D/M. Peter and in Odenton MD (aka Boomtown). She happens to be a Marcia are all set for their wedding on 22 April in a church sometimes unhappy condominium dweller. in Forestville MD. They will have our fondest well wishes Among our chapter travelers we have Will and Ella for a wonderful and happy future. Gould, who shoved off for a tour of Italy on 3/25, thus Ken and Joyce Smith are watching the centipede grass winging over the Atlantic while PotChap gathered for our grow at their southern digs in Hilton Head SC. There is dinner meeting at Rosecroft.. Also in that tour group are some doubt that the bulldozers will ever finish their work good friends Jack and Lucille Winters from Florida, as the place expands. We all wonder exactly when the where the Goulds spent some of the cold months. real estate developers took over our society. They Add this to your stock of trivia—Bill Burris reports that a obviously have taken over. small monument to the USS SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38) AGCS Matt White USN is the current AG Detailer has been erected near The Cliff House, located outboard assigned to Naval Personnel Command in Memphis - or of the city and overlooking The Golden Gate. The Millington TN. Several people are interested in resuming monument features part of the cruiser’s battle-damaged an earlier NWSA membership recruiting technique which bridge structure. Check it out. relies on a “heads up” from the AG Detailer when a senior Former PotChap people who now reside in suburban San Petty Officer has received an approved retirement date. Antonio TX include Al and Bobbi Zahnle (a one-time Using that information, along with current duty station Editor of this N/L) and full-time golfers Bob and Ofelia address, NWSA can send a recruiting package. This plan Plante. Along with Ray and Ninette Tennison, these will be fleshed out during NWSA32/Pittsburgh and folk comprise the nucleus of what we hope will be our responsibilities assigned. Since its formation, NWSA has Lone Star Regional Chapter (NWSA). never established membership recruiting as a priority. WELFARE CONCERNS From an obituary in The Washington Post, we learned that Gladys Beasley is off the Binnacle List as arm heals. Loretta M. Gassner died in Florida on 04 March at age Jeanne Bowlin requires full-time oxygen. 85. She had been widowed for many years. Our Polly Carlstead is home-bound with assistance. members who were at one time or another assigned to the Ike Fisher is resuming prostate treatments. Naval Security Group and served behind the fence at Fort Art Langlois is disabled by MS. Meade, or at overseas stations, would best remember Pat McLeod continues “chemo series”. LCDR John Gassner USN and Loretta. She was buried Dorthy Steranka is off the Binnacle List and into P/T. at Arlington National Cemetery on 05 April in the same Clyde Tucker has kidney failure. grave with John. (Please keep these friends in mind)

From their new home in Dover DE we hear good news The Hampton Roads Chapter from Jerry Delaney, who has benefited from recent President Chuck Steinbruck cardiac surgery. A side benefit seems to be significantly Vice President Fay Crossley improved vision. Jim Romano chatted with his old Treasurer Mike Joern shipmate and friend from their exciting duty tour in Secretary Bob Daigle London. Social Coordinator Jack Salvato Skip Cline, the long-serving Branch 212 (FRA), near Fort VA Representative Joan Akers Meade, president has decided to step down this year to Branch Secretary (if elected). Once again this year, Skip Since our last Aerograph input, HRC has met twice. 21 has made a large donation to our NWSA Scholarship January, our meeting was held at the Naval Meteorology Fund, in memory of Karen. He is also making travel and Oceanography Center (NMOC). Those attending, plans, heading for Sacramento in May/June. John and Ive Chubb, Chuck Steinbruck, Marty Over in the Shenandoah Valley, Hazel Hudock keeps the Nemcosky, Bob and Carol Daigle, Fay and Donna road warm with lots of travel to visit children in Ohio, NC Crossley, Dan and Carmen Lee, Jake Bengel, Frank and NJ. Her youngest, Father Paul Hudock, remains in Muscari, Ted Lemond, Dennis and Susan Pauly, Bob the West Virginia Diocese, and his present billet is and Cindy Wright, Bob and Jessie Steiner, Mel Harder, personal secretary to the Bishop of that Diocese. Similar Frank and Bonnie Terrizzi. At this meeting, elections of news applies to Maggie Halminski and Milly Martin, HRC Officers was held, all maintain their positions for since they have children scattered around in some of the another year. A magnificent tour of the center was given best places. Jim and Gerry Langemo coined that by CDR Marble, the Naval Aviation Forecast Center phrase, I believe. (NAFC) Commanding Officer. After spending a couple of hours touring the center, a short meeting was held. After Have You Donated a NWSA Gift Membership Lately? the meeting we headed to Steckroth's Corner Grill in Norfolk where we enjoyed good food and reminiscing 16 17 about our tour of NMOC and the many changes that have action. So far he has not caught anything, (thank occurred over the years. From the new established heaven), but it is not for lack of trying. NAFC, which eventually will do all TAF's, Warnings and We have a trip planned for the 27th of April. We will be DD175-1's for all the Dets in the US. Most members were going to Ohio to see our older son who is turning 55. I amazed at the changes that have occurred over the years, can't believe he got that old without us knowing it. Maybe from how computerized all products have become to how we lost count somewhere, though our daughter, Sharon young the forecasters are in today's Navy. CDR Marble will be 53 in November and our younger son, Alexander, gave an excellent insight on where the AG community is will be 50. Doggone it. I guess they are right because at and where it's going. HRC thanks CDR Marble for we have 7 grand children and 2 great-grandchildren, one giving of his time and allowing us to visit his command. 9 and one 15. He has invited us to come back. We may just take him up I see the doctor for my final checkup since the surgery on that, for those who were unable to attend the first time. for breast cancer and the radiation treatments. The The next meeting was held on 17 March at one of our people at Portsmouth Naval Hospital are absolutely favorite spots, China Garden in Virginia Beach. Food is terrific. They made me feel wonderful, and I have come excellent and its a great place to hold our meeting. In out smiling and healthy again. Floyd is having a bit of a attendance, Chuck Steinbruck, Marty Nemcosky, Bob problem, but the doctor will be running tests on him next and Carol Daigle, Fay and Donna Crossley, Mike and week so we should be able to clear his problems up. Margaret Joern, Jack and Ann Salvato with guest Anyway, both doctor's have said the trip is fine. The Greg Salvato (Son), Dan and Carmen Lee, Ive Chubb, neurologist asked if we were going to fly or drive. (I think Bob and Cindy Wright, Jake Bengel, Ralph and Larue he was worried about Floyd walking long distances in the Wright, Mildred Garcia. This was Bob and Cindy airports.) I laughed and said I always drive, it is only Wright last meeting with HRC. They are now enjoying the about 10 hours and I love the trip. The roads for the Florida sunshine, in the fall they'll be moving to the most part are 3 or 4 lane, mostly empty after you leave mountains of Pennsylvania. HRC will miss them both and Richmond. Crowd up a bit past Charleston and then run we wish them lots of luck. wide and clear till we get to Springboro, a tiny town

Some News from our Chapter: between Cincinnati and Dayton. Of course, one must be careful on Rt. 81 because of the huge trucks, though I (From Joan Akers): Hi, folks, here I am again trying to have had them offer to let me drive in the rocking chair, find something to say. Cross your fingers and hope I do (the space between two large trucks) so the police can't well. To begin with, we have the most persistent robin see me when we all speed. It was fun, but that was we have ever seen. It must be a girl. For some reason years ago. And heading to Charleston is a doozy. It she decided to come through the bay window and into the must have been a drunk or a teen-age cow not wanting to kitchen to make her nest. Obviously she couldn't do that get home in a hurry that did that road. No snake with but for over two weeks we would wake to the banging poison ivy could get that crooked. It is an interesting sound of her hitting the window and bouncing back. challenge. Finally she found what must have seemed to her an We will take Snowman with us. He loves to ride and acceptable substitute. She managed to pry the cover off talks sometimes with people outside the car or in other our porch light and began stuffing grass around the light cars. He wants to play and they wont come in. He bulb and as far down as she could manage. She must is rather great since he has not met a person he didn't have a very long neck because the grass goes clear to like, even our mailman. Snowman sniffed him, wagged the bottom and the whole thing is stuffed. Floyd wanted to his tail and licked his hands. Ken was really surprised. tear it out, but I said if she worked that hard we could just We do feel very safe with him because he seems to scotch tape the switch to off and let her live there a understand friend and "unknown" though. I took him to while. He agreed. So now we watch each day to see be bathed one time and he was fine till a sweet young this persistent little momma building her home and female collie tried to come near us. I thought he would settling in. More on this later. take her head off. When she back off about 8 feet he sat Our dog, Snowman, one year and 5 months old is a joy down and never said another word. He has learned that to have with us. When we let him out in the morning he when we turn the TV off that it is bed time. We had taught makes a flat out, full speed run around the huge old pecan him to go in his cage when we said bed but he has long tree, behind the fig tree and the back of the shed. On the ago outgrown the cage. Now when the TV goes off he lies way he tries hard to catch any bird or squirrel in the on his bed for about three minutes and then runs upstairs vicinity. Once he gets around the shed he comes to a into the kitchen for his nightly treat. He sleeps with his screeching halt and lifts his leg on the climbing red rose in back against the front door, always on guard. God did a the big pot. I tell you, if he is adding fertilizer to that pot wonderful thing when he made good dogs. Okay, folks, I along with the liquid the rose will grow to heaven in six have so much to do. Will write again next time. Love to weeks. He is a smart little guy, we have seen him get you all and God Bless you always. (Joan, Floyd and behind a bush and wait till some poor unsuspecting Snowman) The Weather Mouse. squirrel comes out to play and he flat out explodes into

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(From Fay Crossley and Dan Lee): Our Naval Weather churches and Omaha Beach with the American Cemetery Service Association needs, in our opinion, to refocus its It was perfectly manicured and awe inspiring. Just like D- energies and part of its funding in a new direction. As we Day it was windy with off and on showers. Back to Paris age, it is imperative we attract new and younger members and the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Again, to our fellowship and to our causes. The young men and spring was late coming with cold, windy weather. All in all, women of the Navy Weather Active Service and Reserves these young Americans saw how some Europeans live, surely question our ideals and our purpose. Why should the beautiful countryside and historical landmarks, the they be concerned about a group of old folks that do a lot sacrifices of our WWII veterans and just how GREAT it of reminiscing and not much else. What is in it for the was to come home to the USA. NEW sailor. "Marty Nemcosky has been on the binnacle list with The recent proposed Tricare cost to the member arterial fibrillation. When he convinced the DR that the increases were scary. Our representatives did the right cure was worse than the problem, he was taken off the thing by holding off the approval of this new law. You can meds and is feeling better. He's even back up to walking rest assured, this proposal will again raise it’s ugly head. 18 holes of golf with Jack Salvato and Ted Lemond." As To lend credibility to any political effort the bottom line is an usher for the 0900 mass at NAB Little Creek Chapel, NUMBERS. Though we are small in number we COULD he gets to keep an eye on Larue Wright and Bev Scott. grow as the younger sailors see that we do good works in If mass runs long he may see Bertha Hubbard or Ted their behalf (as well as our own). We can not sit by and Lemond arriving for their service at 1030. rely on the FRA, Vietnam Vets and the like to carry the Fay Crossley has tickets to the Shad Planking up in his load. We need to become Politically Active and voice our neck of the woods at Wakefield in May. Just the place to opinions as a group concerning issues that effect us be if you're comfortable in the midst of politicians. Also directly. Fay is working on a possible meeting in September with The Hampton Roads Chapter of the NWSA has already an Elder Care Lawyer. The meeting would be in agreed in spirit to the concept of becoming Politically Williamsburg, for those people not ready for old age or Active. We envision a single member committee that retirement. The meeting will be with the Compassion and would keep the membership informed of issues we should Choices group of Williamsburg. Members are asked to be concerned about. That committee would then alert the think ahead to making this trip. After the Morning Meeting members of the issue, the “sides” of the issue and give a group trip to the New Jamestown is also in the planning, the members email addresses or mailing addresses to with a late lunch or early dinner to follow. Sounds like a use to voice their concerns. The committee would also busy day. Hope it works out and HRC will be able to advise the full membership at meetings concerning the attend. issue and the full membership would take action as a group to add “numbers” to an email or letter. Bob Steiner is getting some folks pumped up about the Therefore, we would like to see a new direction for our penning of horses up in Chincoteaque Island in July. group. It is proposed The Naval Weather Service Jessie is recovering very well from some minor elective Association, at its 2006 reunion, take up this issue. That surgery she had done last month. No not the removal of the NWSA establish a new Committee to raise the an ugly wart, Bob!!! They will be going to New Jersey for awareness and the activity of our group. This committee, their nieces wedding on the 22nd of April then to California to be devoted to Politically Actives only. The National for one granddaughter’s high school graduation on the NWSA should also keep the Active Duty community 2nd of June. Bob has a radar software class to attend just informed of our good works. Information would be sent outside of Boston, the week of 12 June. to members via Email, the Web page and contained in Bob Daigle hit the big one this past month, no not the the Aerograph. lottery, the Big 60. This dreaded event occurred on 4 Daniel Lee AGCS Ret April. No big fan fare, celebrated very quietly with family. Fay Crossley AGC Ret He will be celebrating another big event in May when

HRC member John Chubb and four other teachers led a Carol and Bob head up to Ocean City, Maryland to group of 74 high school students on a twelve day celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary. exploration of Italy, Switzerland and France in late Bob Daigle, Secretary March. From the sunny and relatively balmy weather in Rome they headed north through Florence and Assisi to TRAVEL VIA THE MOON Venice. It was much cooler and wetter there. After the requisite gondola rides and visits to glass factories, You know the drill….press 1 if palaces and basilicas, it was off to the snows of the alps you want to use the automated and Switzerland. An RON in Luscerne amidst all the selection; press 2 if you think fabulous chocolate and fine fashions and brisk walks by you can get somewhere with this call; press 3 if you still the lake preceded a dash to Geneva to catch the high think people will ever answer this phone….your best speed train to Paris; the countryside is a blur at 120 chance for getting that “live” person is DON’T PRESS any MPH. Thence to Normandy and visits to famous number. Right! There must be 1 or 2 rotary phones 18 19 somewhere in the USA but make believe you have one of contract and copy of “what to do” for passengers with this them. There may be a wait. Oh…you get the message problem. Late check in can be taken care of by the agent that your selection was not accepted….try pressing zero IF there are seats left…flight over-book will usually get 3-5 times. If that doesn’t transfer your call to the next money or reductions for future flights…again, supervisors agent – remember, (1)“they are busy”, and (2)your call can offer more than the initial offer by the agent on means so much to them – your option now is (3) give up, site…and go one step further…let them insure that you or (4) hang on. If (4) turns out to be more than 30 minutes, will be on the next flight and tell them you expect try (3), but never forget (2). Some people may even business/first class seats. They can do it!!! And no, you believe (1) and this whole exercise is not just a program to don’t want credit on a future flight…you want CASH make you switch to the “automated” selection…in which now….they can and will do that too! Lost luggage…the case, you will probably spend another 30 minutes last airline you flew with (when you found your luggage pressing numbers. Don’t you just love our new was not here) MUST be the one that takes care of you. “technology”!?! You never had as much fun when you It doesn’t matter if you flew with two previous airlines and wanted to ask a question years ago, when all you had to finally it may be lost at the 3rd one….it’s always the LAST do was call someone in your local area, a pleasant airline that must pay/do/answer. sounding voice asked if they could help, and then They WILL deliver to your address where you will be; a proceeded to answer your question – you never had a hotel, home, or send to your next stop. They can offer chance then to exercise your finger as much, or talk to limited money to supply you with some clothes to tide you someone from occupied Bosnia or some other remote over. With computer tracking of your number, it is now island of the world, with an accent you could only possible to actually find where it is at this time, and almost understand ever 4th-5th word…as soon as a “live” person guarantee when they will deliver it to you (this is done by a does answer…ask their name and write it down – you can contractor hired by the airline – no you don’t have to tip always ask them to spell it if it’s a name you never heard the delivery person…and it may arrive at your front door at before. Sometime during the conversation, ask “where are midnight!) Flight delay? If it is a flight that origins where you located?” or “what kind of weather are you having you are leaving from, there is NO penalty…doesn’t matter there?” if its mechanical or weather or whatever the reason….you Remember this “cheating way” to get past ALL OF THE get nothing ! BUT, if you changed planes somewhere ABOVE! along the route (a scheduled connecting flight), or your On the computer just type gethuman.com and you will flight stopped somewhere between your origin and your have ways to bypass those recordings. There are 100’s of final destination and then weather or mechanical or crew unpublished telephone numbers to talk to company delayed continuing the flight…the airline MUST get you humans – No, they don’t all speak perfect English but then out on their airline or any other airline within TWO again, refer to (2) above. Go to the bottom of page 1 of hours…or put you up at a hotel (and possibly meals) and gethuman.com and click on TIPS. You can select the get you out at your preferred times. Again, ask for first company you want; there will be an 800 number, and then class on that “rescheduled” flight….AND tell the agent you how to get thru to a “live” person. You will probably want want to make a phone call to tell people at your to make a list of these companies/numbers on you printer destination – on their telephone! Make notes; then back at home. There are too many numbers to print and include to (2) above. ENJOY ! in this Aerograph but if you’re not a computer “geek” just ask one of your grandkids, or a neighbor, or a friend to Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer look it up for you. DO NOT call 411….your local phone Clean a toilet. - Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait company will charge you $1.49 for EACH 411 call (plus twenty minutes, brush and flush.The citric acid and tax). Instead, dial 1-800-FREE411…no charge! effervescent action clean vitreous China. OK….where are we going with this column…its not Clean a vase. - To remove a stain from the bottom of a TRAVEL! Please refer to (2) above, your question means glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka so much to me! Seltzer tablets. Late check in….flight overbooked….lost luggage….flight Polish jewelry. - Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a delay….these and many other unexpected problems can glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes. be solved on the spot! Don’t yell louder…get smarter! Clean a thermos bottle. - Fill the bottle with water, drop You have to get past the problem when it in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or happens….writing a letter later will not usually do it. Ask to longer, if necessary). speak to an agent right away. Get their name and write it Unclog a drain. - Clear the sink drain by dropping three down. Explain the problem POLITELY, but persistently. If Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of the solution is not forthcoming, to YOUR satisfaction, ask Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, and then run to speak to the agent’s supervisor. Supervisors have more the hot water. power to make those solutions IMMEDIATELY. If you are Makes you wonder about ingesting Alka Seltzer, a frequent flyer member with their airline, let them know doesn't it? your number or show ID with that number….they don’t Submitted by AGCM Fred Baillie USN Retired want you switching to a competitor! Ask for a copy of the 19 20

NAS AGANA GUAM IN 1953/1954

Air Terminal where the weather office was located Our Living Quarters

AG Work Area including Teletype Area Teletypes Where Forecasts Were Sent and Received

Courtesy AGC Carl Drake

WHO IS THIS? (See Page 7) Summer 2005 Picnic at the Chubb’s: Col Crossley Frank Bailie - Frenchy Corbeille (far left) chatting with Chuck, John, Floyd, & George Jack Hansen & Deacon Holden

Courtesy AGCS Bob Daigle Courtesy AGCS Bob Daigle Courtesy LT Frank Baillie

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Mary E. Kelly was always took time to tell them how proud he was of them. born in 1927 and died He will be loved and missed dearly. 16 January 2006. The family would like to extend our gratitude and She was a long-time appreciation to all of the wonderful doctors, nurses, member of NWSA. corpsmen and staff at Naval Hospital Pensacola for the She did not renew outstanding care and compassion given to Bobby during her membership last his illness. Your kindness will always be remembered. year because of illness. Anyone stationed at Quonset AGCS John Shay, USN Retired

Point RI are sure to remember Mary. She was the office CWO4 Robert “Bob” Allen Griffin USN Retired, 84 secretary for many years. She answered to CDR Krans, passed away on January 20, 2006 in Tallahassee who was the commanding officer in 1968-70, when I was Memorial Hospital. He was born in Greenville SC on the Ops Officer. I never had to check anything she typed August 17, 1921. Mr. Griffin retired from the Navy in 1970 as it was perfect. She was so perfect that for some after 30 years service to his country. During World War II routine letters, she had the reply typed and I just had to he was stationed on a small weather ship in the icy North initial it and have the CO sign it. Atlantic that fed forecasts to commanders in Europe. This She and her husband, who passed away about 15 years helped them plan the great invasions and defenses of the ago, always attended office social functions. Mary often war. His last tour of duty was with squadron VW-4 of the baked cakes for office members who had a birthday and fabled Navy Hurricane Hunters of Jacksonville NAS. It is we ate it at lunch time with enjoyment. impossible to know how many lives were saved and how Mary was a new England football fan, but during the years history changed by his weather forecast. An avid golfer, that Jim Kelly led the Buffalo Bills she cheered for him. Mr. Griffin often played his favorite course at NAS Mary is an honored NWSA member and smooth sailing for Jacksonville. her and her husband. LCDR Bud Parham, USN Retired CDR Elmer A. Erdei USN Retired TO ALL: On Friday, prior to Bob Griffin's service on AG1 Robert (Bobby) Eugene Owens Saturday morning, I had the privilege to arrange, and USN Retired, age 69, passed away participate, in a small ceremony whereby some of Bob's peacefully at home while surrounded by his ashes were put on the NAS Jax golf course. Attending family, January 24, 2006. were 2 old Chiefs (not wx types), myself and Bob's son Bobby was born March 16, 1936 in Robby. Bob had a standing golf match w/ these 2 guy's Pensacola, FL. He grew up in Brownsville and one other retired LDO who is now in a nursing home, and attended Pensacola High School one day a week. I began Playing golf with Bob when we before enlisting in the United States Navy were in VW-4 about 1967. He retired in 1970 and when I in 1952. Bobby served 20 proud years in the U.S. Navy retired in '72 in D.C., I came back to the Jax area and we as a Meteorologist and traveled all over the world before resumed our golfing together, once a week, until his health coming home to Pensacola to retire in 1972. He then (eyesight) began to fail. He was a shipmate and a true completed 10 years in the Fleet Reserve. After retiring gentleman. His ashes were put around, and in the water from the military, he had a successful career as a towboat in front of, number 11 green, an island type hole where he captain on the Mississippi River for 15 years. lost a lot of balls. He always said that is where he wanted Bobby's daughter, Sherry Marie Owens; his parents, to be. Pharis and Florence Owens; and his brother, Douglas P. LCDR Bud Horn, USN Retired Owens preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Patricia; daughter LCDR Charles “Chuck” Barron, USN Retired and son-in-law, Kelly and James Henrichsen and their Charles “Chuck” Barron, children, Richard and Danielle; granddaughter, Lauren LCDR USN Ret., passed Rockwell; grandson, Robert Addison Strickland; brother, away in his sleep on Charles R Owens (Ronnie); his sister and her husband, March 6, 2006. He was Patricia and Dr. William Haag; brother-in-law and his wife, 93 years of age. His Pete and Ray Rittenhouse; nieces, Beth Ann, Gracie and memory was honored at a Michelle; and nephews, Peter, Billy and Doug. He is also graveside service at survived by Carlton Huckaby (Huck), who he thought of as Elwood Cemetery, his son and his wife, Karen; and numerous aunts, uncles, Chanute, Kansas in the cousins and countless extended family friends. Bobby family plot of his beloved loved people and had many friends. He enjoyed talking wife, Maxine Osborne. and encouraging people to better themselves whether in The couple had spent career or personal life by sharing his life experiences and many happy retired years at Roswell, NM. Chuck and knowledge. He loved his family dearly and had a heart of Maxine were married in Los Angeles in 1935. Maxine still gold. Bobby adored his children and grandchildren and resides in their Roswell home.

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“Chuck” was born Nov. 10, 1912 to Harry Barron & Ethel brothers, Harold Mattoon of NY, Jerry Mattoon of NY, (Harris) Barron in Grand Rapids, Mich. He enlisted in the Erwin Mattoon of NY and Larry Mattoon of Apopka; five Navy in 1932 and graduated in class 3410 from grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Visitation for Aerographer’s A School, Lakehurst, NJ on May 14th 1934. Donald will be Thursday, January 12, 2006 from 1:30PM He was a First Class Petty Officer graduate of until the 2PM service at the Oaklawn Chapel of the Aerographer’s Advanced class No. 7 in Nov. of 1939. He Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home. Interment will follow at also attended Michigan State Univ. (Detroit) and the Oaklawn Park Cemetery Sanford, FL. Scripps Institute of Oceanography. In WW2 he was promoted to Warrant Boatswain in Sept. Gassner, Loretta M. (age 85) died Saturday March 4, of 1942 (there were no other specialties for WOs at that 2006 at Hernando-Pasco Hospice Care Unit in time). In two months time he was a member of the Flag Brooksville, FL. She was born in New York City, moved to Weather Unit of “Operation Torch”, the invasion of North Massapequa NY, moved from Landover Hills MD ten Africa. His Boss, LCDR “Dick” Steere was promoted to years ago, then to Spring Hill FL five years ago. She was CDR after the excellent forecasts and ordered to England a NAVY wife and bookkeeper and of the Catholic faith. where he would forecast surf and swell conditions for She was preceded in death by her husband, LCDR John “Operation Overlord”, D-Day. Barron stayed with the A. Gassner, Sr., USN and son Joseph and his wife Amphib. Flag Unit and was part of the forecast team for Josefina McNally. Don Cruse every other amphibious assault in the Mediterranean during WW2. He was advanced to Ensign in 1943. We have lost one of our ice forecasters, Gordon P. In 1946, as a LT, he became a “Hurricane Hunter” in the MacDowell, GS-ret. From Irenie we learn the following: east coast unit of the first two Navy squadrons formed and Gordie was diagnosed in August 2005 with acute specially trained for that mission. “Chuck” was the myleblastic leukemia. Weekly blood transfusions followed Meteorology/ Asst. Intelligence Officer for PhibGru One until pneumonia in December wiped him out on December when the Korean war erupted and he distinguished 19, 2005. Wife Irenie has not been able to pass this sad himself with forecasts for the Inchon Invasion and an word due to her own poor health. Son is an M.D. residing operation threatening typhoon. He went against a Joint in Asheville NC. Gordie was cremated but there is no Typhoon Forecast Center forecast which placed a typhoon further detail on disposition of cremains. directly ahead of the Task force. The force’s “supply- train” He was really one of the good guys. ships had already turned back when he briefed RADM Don Cruse

Doyle and General Macarthur that rough typhoon fringe James Richard Little, 79, a part time resident of Indio winds and seas would still allow the planned transit. His CA, died November 19, 2001, in Rancho Mirage. landing forecast included a tide table that could and did He was born July 7, 1922 to George Robert and Lizzie leave a ship “high and dry” if they tarried too long. His Pauline Anderson Little in Gibbon NE. Bronze Star citation was signed by RADM Doyle and He was a meteorologist for 33 years and served aboard General MacArthur. He retired from the Navy in 1956. the USS Suwannee CVE-27 during World War II. As a civilian “Chuck” worked for a Major Corporation for He is survived by three sons, Larry, Tom, and Bill, all of 15 years. On complete retirement the Barrons were avid Alaska; his daughter, Judy Hudson of Alaska; eight RVers traveling from Canada in the north to Mexico in the grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was south over 20 plus “sight-seeing-years”. preceded in death by his wife and two sisters. “Chuck” leaves his loving wife, Maxine, his sister Laura LCDR Bruce DeWald USN Retired and husband Ken Beatty of Oregon and a host of friends and old shipmates who can contact Maxine at 409 East LCDR Louis P. (Pat) Halloran, USN Retired A long time Linda Vista Blvd, Roswell, NM 88201, Tel. 1-505-623- resident of Coronado CA, Pat passed away on 24 6365. February 2006. He was born in Portland ME on 2 March LT Fred Baillie, USN Retired 1911. He was a retired LCDR Meteorologist Mustang in AGC Donald. Mattoon USN the U.S. Navy, serving for 30 years. After retirement, he Retired age 76, of Lake Mary FL, taught Junior High School Math and Science for SDSUSD. passed away January 8, 2006. He is survived by his wife Rita and son Michael and two He was born on August 24, 1929 grandchildren; Katherine and Daniel.

in Avoca, NY to Kenneth and Carl Peterson, former Chief of Observations, Pacific Mary Mattoon. He had served in Region passed away at 91 years of age, on Saturday, the Navy for 23 years and moved February 4, 2006, in Flagstaff, Arizona. His son Byron to this area in September 1970 Peterson, DAPM at Flagstaff, Arizona, was at his side. from Memphis, TN. He belonged Carl began his Weather Bureau career in 1940 at Huron to the Fleet Reserve and the American Legion. Donald is South Dakota, moved on to Chicago in 1941. During survived by daughters, Cynthia Detwiler and husband Roy WWII he took a leave of absence from the WB to serve in of Lake Mary, Veronica "Bonnie" Myers and husband Pete the U.S. Navy as a Chief Aerographers Mate. In 1945 he Best of Orange City and Norma Copper of New York; returned to the WB in Minneapolis. 1950 saw him move to 23 24

Kansas City with the old Weather Records Processing Weather Bureau and was completed in the present NOAA, Center, a predecessor to NCDC. 1958 took him to National Weather Service Carl continued to serve his Rockford, Illinois. In 1961 he opened the WSO at Kahului, community in retirement in Sun City, Arizona, including a Maui, Hawaii, as OIC. He became the Chief of stint of Cooperative observing. Now he flies with eagles Observations in the Pacific Region in 1965 and retired in 1971 with a total government service of 35 years. He Doris Johnson, wife of AGCS Ron - 10 Aug 2005 lived a long, productive, eventful, and honorable life, from AGC Alan Herr USN Retired - Date Unknown the horse and buggy days to the space age. His public service career began with the then new Department of Commerce Weather Bureau, continued through the ESSA,

Mt St. Helens at sunrise, really unique

One of the men in the Tonto Rim Search and Rescue group forwarded this to us. It certainly is interesting. Here is something not many of us et to see unless you live right there. MT. St. Helens, which sits about 30 miles from our house as the crow flies, continues to spew ash, while it is forming a lava dome in the crater and still having minor tremors. Here, in this sunrise shot, she appears to be blowing smoke rings (and anything so benign is welcomed, given recent history.)

Picture by Brent and Jan LeBaron What forms the "smoke rings" is the air flowing over the mountain getting pushed up higher as it goes up and over the top. The moisture content and initial temperature are just right so that the moisture condenses from a vapor to small particles at the higher altitude. When the moving air moves past the peak and comes down again, the particles evaporate back to an invisible vapor. The two "pancakes" describe that there are two layers of air for which this is happening, thus making this awesome picture possible. Submitted by AGCS John Shay, USN Retired

24 25

FROM THE SECRETARY/TREASURER’S DESK 15 Apr 2006 Please look over the list of those whose dues expire on 31 May, 30 June or 31 Aug, If your name is on that list. Payment of your dues would be appreciated. This would be a good time to consider Life Membership. The cost is only $175.00 and you will not have to worry about dues again.

For those who have received this issue by us mail, check the cover. If there is a red label, your dues will expire in the next few months. Those who receive The Aerograph by email will be notified. We encourage you to receive The Aerograph by email. You will receive it the same day that the issue goes to the post office and you will save NWSA some bucks.

There are 20 whose dues will expire 31 May 2006, 107 whose dues will expire 30 June 2006, and 9 whose dues will expire 31 Aug 2006. As noted above, they will be reminded by a red label on the cover of this issue or by email

THE MEMBERSHIP COUNT AS OF THIS DATE IS 610 PLUS 5 SPOUSE MEMBERS MAKING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MEMBERS 615. OF THAT NUMBER, THERE ARE 379 LIFE MEMBERS PLUS 2 SPOUSE LIFE MEMBERS.

I look forward to seeing each of you at the reunion in June Go Reds

THE CUTOFF DATE FOR THE LISTINGS IN THIS ISSUE WAS 15 Apr 2006

SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS WERE RECEIVED FROM AGCM Marty Bonk, USN RET xAERM2/c Francis Drybala, USN REL AGC George L. Gleason, Jr, USN RET *Mrs. Edie Griffin xCAERM Albert C. Hunt USN REL LCDR Wayne Ledbetter, USN RET LCDR Betty Wintersteen, USN RET +Potomac Chapter *SE Chapter * - In memory of CWO Bob Griffin + in memory of Karen Kline

OUR NEWEST LIFE MEMBERS CDR Richard Thayer, USN RET #408

GIFT MEMBERSHIPS WERE RECEIVED FROM AGC Zane Jacobs, USN RET LCDR Joe McKinzie, USN RET AGCM C. R. “Moon” Mullen, USN RET RMC Jacob Ritzen, USN RET CDR Don Cruse, USN RET

OUR NEWEST MEMBERS (NEW OR DUES EXPIRED MORE THAN ONE YEAR AGO) xAG3 All Andrews, UN REL LT George Buie, Jr, USN RET AG1 Bob Hudman, USN RET AGCS James R. Maxwell, USN RET AGCM Willard L. Pinder,, USN RET AGC Charles Smith, USN RET AGCS Thomas J, Southworth, USN RET LCDR Donald Wise, USN RET

COMPUTER FUND DONATIONS AGC George L. Gleason, JR, USN RET

EMAIL ADDRESS UPDATE Friday, July 15, 2005 LASTNAME FIRST RANK SERVICE EMAILADR DATE BLUEMLE, DOYLE L. & SUSAN AGCS USN RET [email protected] 05/14/2005 25 26

CASE, PHILLIP & JEAN AGC USN RET [email protected] 05/24/2005 COTTRELL, WALTER & ALICE C. LCDR USN RET [email protected] 06/10/2005 DAIGLE, BOB & CAROL AGCS USN RET [email protected] 06/27/2005 EVANICK, MICHAEL & ALICE AGCS USN RET [email protected] 06/27/2005 JORDAN, CHARLES R. & ANN AGCM USN RET [email protected] 07/14/2005 KOMLANCE, JOSEPH C. & FLO xAG2 USN REL [email protected] 05/01/2005 LIGHTNER, DARRELL & LYNNE LCDR USN RET [email protected] 05/14/2005 MALINOWSKI, RAY AG1 USN RET [email protected] 05/14/2005 McCLURE, GORDON L. & CATHY LCOL USAR RET [email protected] 07/14/2005 McNULTY, JEROME J. AGCS(AW) USN RET [email protected] 05/24/2005 McPETERS, ROBIN M. & KELLY J. LT USN RET [email protected] 05/14/2005 OLSEN, WAYNE L. & BETSY CAPT USN RET [email protected] 05/19/2005 PRITTS, JOHN & SARAH xAG1 USN REL [email protected] 05/01/2005 RYAN, RICHARD J. & MARIAN K. CAPT USMC RET [email protected] 06/24/2005 SHADWICK JR, JAMES A. & JENA R. AG1 USN RET [email protected] 05/14/2005 SHAYNE, GEORGE R. & EILEEN CAPT USNR [email protected] 05/01/2005 SOULIA, GEORGE AGCM USN RET [email protected] 06/27/2005 WARD, DICK & MARY LOU CAPT USN RET [email protected] 05/23/2005 WATSON, ROBERT L. & DIANA L. AGC USN RET [email protected] 05/14/2005

AEROGRAPH - PHONE NUMBER UPDATE Saturday, April 15, 2006 LASTNAME FIRST RANK SERVICE FONEAREA FONENUM ANDREWS AL xAG3 USN REL 402 489-3304 BASSETT, JR CHARLES & DALE CAPT USN RET 228 868-1133 DRIGGERS DAVID & JANE AGCS USN RET 252 336-4736 HUDMAN BOB AG1 USN RET 817 579-7815 KERMAN MARY ANN 951 967-2300 MARTIN 041206 MRS 703 970-3793 MAXWELL JAMES R. AGCS USN RET 817 426-4881 PETERSON L.B."PETE" & DIANE AGCS USN RET 505 377-2443 SANDERS WILLIE RAY & SHIRLEY AGCS USN RET 785 243-4589 STEBBINS, PhD DENNIS R. CWO2 USN RET 434 229-5504 THAYER, JR RICHARD CDR USN RET 228 539-2509 WARD DICK & MARY LOU CAPT USN RET 916 772-5598 WISE DONALD & MIMI LCDR USN RET 916 359-0738 ZELLER LOUIS S. & MARIE E. AGCS USN RET 843 522-8742

AEROGRAPH - NEW MAIL ADDRESS Saturday, January 14, 2006 LAST FIRST RANK SERVIC ADDRESS CITY & STATE ZIP NEWADR DELANEY JERRY & LORA AGC USN RET 34 HOLLAND CT DOVER DE 19901- Yes DUNHAM THOMAS E. LT USNR 1530 KENNELWORTH CT STATE COLLEGE PA 16801- Yes ESTLING HOWARD W. CAPT USAFR 15013 TOSCANA WAY NAPLES FL 34120- Yes FINNEY SADIE MRS. 12551 S PINTO RIDGE TRL VAIL AZ 85641- Yes GREENFELDT NATE & SUSAN LT USN RET PO BOX 113 WASHINGTON ISLAND W 54246- Yes LESSIN IRVING L. xAG1 USN REL 34560 BOB HOPE DR APT 302 RANCHO MIRAGE CA 92270- Yes McQUEEN TIMOTHY xAG2 14134 WESTERMILL DR CHESTERFIELD MO 63017- Yes MELLOR TINA AGC USN RET 450 STATE RD 13 STE 106 JACKSONVILLE FL 32259- Yes MOTTERN PAT MRS. 6640 TRAILRIDGE DR LAKELAND FL 33813- Yes MULLINS LOIS MRS 983 DR MELBORNE FL 32940- Yes OTIS BURDETT& LCDR USN RET 722 SPRUCE AVE PACIFIC GROVE CA 93950- Yes PETERSON L.B."PETE" AGCS USN RET 31 S SEYMOUR AVE STE D1 GRAYSLAKE IL 60030- Yes POMERANZ HENRY D. CDR USN RET 5114 PRICES CREEK DR SOUTHPORT NC 28461- Yes REICHL JOSEPH xAG1 USN REL PO BOX 575 LISLE IL 60532- Yes SMITH EDWARD CAPT USN RET 201 JOYCE AVE LONG BEACH MS 39560- Yes SMITH HARVEY CDR USNR 1261 E WASHINGTON AVE ESCONDIDO CA 92027- Yes STEBBINS, DENNIS R. CWO2 USN RET 13059 SHADYSIDE LN APT A GERMANTOWN MD 20874- Yes STRATFORD WILEY AGC USN RET 5807 HOSEA GILLMAN RD MILTON FL 32570- Yes TUCKER CLYDE xAGC USN REL 19800 TRANQUILITY CIR APT HAGERSTOWNMD 21742- Yes VEENHUIS BOB LCDR USN RET 2860 PINE AVE SLAYTON MN 56172- Yes WARREN ROGER C. LCDR USN RET 1105 AUGUSTA DR MEBANE NC 27302- Yes YESS, III EDWARD C. & AGC(AC) USNR 2233 MOUNT PLEASANT RD BEDFORD IN 47421- Yes 26 27

NAVAL WEATHER SERVICE ASSOCIATION

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

PREAMBLE

The NAVAL WEATHER SERVICE ASSOCIATION was formed by and for persons associated at any time with the Naval Weather Service, its predecessor, or its successor organizations.

We associate ourselves together for the following purposes: - To uphold the Constitution of the United States of America.

- To support a strong military defense posture of the United States of America.

- To preserve the memories and incidents that were a part of our personal lives and professional associations.

- To promote the fraternalism and camaraderie within the Naval Weather Service Association

This organization was established as a nonpolitical organization and will remain so throughout its existence.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I - NAME

Section 1. Name. The name of the organization is the NAVAL WEATHER SERVICE ASSOCIATION (hereafter referred to as the NWSA).

ARTICLE II - POWERS AND CONSTRAINTS

Section 1. Powers. The powers of the NWSA reside in its members. These powers are exercised on behalf of the membership by an Executive Board.

Section 2. Constraints. The NWSA is nonprofit, nonsectarian and nonpartisan. It cannot endorse or disparage a commercial enterprise, a political platform, or a candidate for public office. No part of any funds collected or received from any source shall inure to the benefit of any member or individual, and no officer of the NWSA shall receive compensation for services as an officer.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Eligibility. Any person, military or civilian, who has served honorable, or been closely associated with any unit of Naval Weather Service, its branches or detachments, ashore or afloat, is eligible for membership. The spouse of a deceased member shall be eligible for continued membership in the NWSA.

Section 2. Application. Application for membership shall be made in writing, accompanied by Annual Dues and Registration Fee currently in effect (the latter for non-active duty persons only), to the NWSA Secretary-Treasurer.

Section 3. Reinstatement. Membership may be reinstated by payment of the Annual Dues at any time, except that after a lapse of one year of longer, another registration fee will be required.

Section 4. Standing. A member shall be considered in good standing with entitlement to all NWSA benefits, including voting, if dues are paid for the current fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30.

ARTICLE IV - DUES

Section 1. Annual Dues. Annual dues will be as set by the Executive Board and approved by the majority of members present at the Annual Meeting. Dues expiration for new members will be the last day of the quarter one year hence.

Section 2. Life Membership. Life Membership shall be available at a cost set by the Executive Board and approved by the majority of members present at the annual meeting.

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Section 3. Registration Fee. There will be a registration fee for non-active-duty new members in addition to the annual dues. It shall be a one-time fee, not to be repeated if dues are kept current, and shall be payable on application for membership. The amount of the registration fee shall by set by the Executive Board.

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS

Section 1. Officers. Elected officers shall be the President, 1st Vice-President, 2nd Vice-President, and Secretary-Treasurer, all of whom shall be members of the NWSA

Section 2. Terms of Office. The officers of the NWSA shall serve for a term of one year, except for the Secretary-Treasurer who shall serve for a minimum term of two years. Officers Elect will be installed at the annual banquet. a. The outgoing Secretary/Treasurer will continue in office until the close of the fiscal year on 30 June.

Section 3. Officers-elect. When elected, officers shall be designated "Officer-Elect" for an interim period of one year before assuming responsibilities of office. Presidents Elect are invited to be observers at the Executive Board meeting immediately prior to their installation. In the event that an “Officer-Elect” cannot assume his/her position as scheduled, a new officer will be elected and the one year elect period is waived.

Section 4. Appointive Officers. The Editor of the NWSA newsletter, Chief Master-at-Arms, Historian, Chaplain, and Parliamentarian shall be appointed annually by the newly-elected President, and shall serve for the duration of his term unless they decease or resign.

Section 5. Replacement and Succession. In the event of a vacancy through resignation or other reason among the elected officers, normal ascension will apply. The Officers-Elect will not assume a vacated office.

ARTICLE VI - EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1. Composition. The Executive Board shall consist of elected officers of the NWSA as set forth in Art.V, Section 1, the Past Presidents, Editor of the Aerograph, Chairman of the Reunion Committee, and the President of each NWSA Regional Chapter as defined in Article XIV.

Section 2. Quorum. Five members of the Executive Board, including at least one elected officer, present in person, shall constitute a quorum.

Section 3. Executive Council. The President shall appoint an Executive Council. The Executive Council shall act for the Executive Board on matters which must be decided before the next scheduled meeting of the Executive Board. The Executive Council shall consist of the NWSA President and six Executive Board members. Appointments shall be for a term of one year.

ARTICLE VII - ELECTIONS

Section 1. Elections. Election of officers will be conducted at the Annual Meeting. Officers elected will take office at the annual banquet one year in the future, a unique, but necessary, arrangement conditioned by the association’s goal for rotating Annual Meetings geographically.

ARTICLE VIII - DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. President. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Executive Board and the NWSA; shall appoint the Chairman of each committee and directly or indirectly supervise their work; shall act as Executive Officer of the NWSA and in general, perform the duties usually associated with the office of the President.

Section 2. First Vice-President. The First Vice-President shall succeed to the Presidency in case of a vacancy in that office and shall perform the duties of the President in his absence or disability; and shall undertake such other responsibilities as the President may assign.

Section 3. Second Vice-President. The Second Vice-President shall succeed to the First Vice-Presidency in case of a vacancy in that office and shall perform the duties of the First Vice-President in case of absence or disability; and shall undertake such other responsibilities as the President may assign.

Section 4. Secretary-Treasurer. The Secretary-Treasurer shall handle the correspondence of the NWSA and maintain a record of the proceedings of all meetings of the membership and Executive Board; shall be custodian of all records of the NWSA; shall receive all revenues of NWSA and disburse all such funds; shall present an annual report to the membership at the Annual meeting listing all receipts and disbursements by budget categories; and shall publish annually THE BELLINGER LIST each November, and the Report of Annual Meeting (Reunion/Convention) in The Aerograph edition published immediately following said meeting; shall submit to the Executive Board at the Annual Meeting his/her 28 29

cost of round trip transportation to the Annual Meeting. This cost, and any others that the Executive Board deems appropriate, shall be considered for reimbursement from the General Funds of the NWSA.

Section 5. Editor, "THE AEROGRAPH". The Editor of The AEROGRAPH shall publish the quarterly newsletter and make distribution to NWSA members in good standing, using current membership information obtained through the close cooperation with the Secretary-Treasurer. Prior to each Annual Meeting a broader distribution to include non-members in appropriate geographical areas may be made to encourage their participation in the reunion/convention.

Section 6. Parliamentarian. The Parliamentarian shall be versed in the Bylaws of the NWSA and Robert’s RULES OF ORDER, and shall ensure that all meetings of the NWSA are conducted accordingly.

Section 7. Historian. The Historian shall acquire appropriate records of persons and incidents considered to be part of NWSA, in order to preserve the past of Naval Aerology and the Naval Weather Service and persons associated therewith; and shall perform such other duties as may properly pertain to the office or be determined by the President or the Executive Board.

Section 8. Chief Master-at-Arms. The Chief Master-at-Arms shall preserve order at all meetings of the NWSA; shall welcome all visitors; shall see that the colors are posted at all meetings of NWSA; conduct all honored quests until seated and recognized; and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the President.

Section 9. Chaplain. The Chaplain, as the spiritual leader of NWSA, shall give the Invocation and the Benediction at all formal NWSA meetings and at such other meetings when called upon; and shall be responsible for reporting on those members who have deceased or who are ill.

ARTICLE IX - STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1. The standing committees of the NWSA shall be: Reunion, Audit, Nominating, Scholarship, and Finance.

Section 2. Special committees (ad hoc) may be appointed by the President as need arises.

Section 3. Terms of all committee members shall expire at the Annual Meeting.

Section 4. Duties of Standing Committees. a. Reunion Committee: The appointed chair shall select committee members. The committee shall plan in sufficient time for entire reunion/convention program, including agenda, lodgings, meals, special activities, etc. The committee shall publish announcements indicating schedule of events, allowing sufficient time for such information to reach the membership and others who are considered interested. A REUNION TURNOVER BOOK shall be maintained by the committee and shall be passed on to the succeeding chair. Under no circumstances shall the committee obligate the NWSA for finances unless specifically approved by the Executive Board. Reunion costs must be borne by the attendees.

b. Audit Committee: The President shall appoint an Audit Committee of three(3) members and shall designate one of them Chairman. The committee shall examine, adjust, and certify the correctness of the fiscal records of NWSA; shall audit the financial records at the end of each fiscal year; and shall submit a report in writing to the President.

c. Nominating Committee: Will consist each year of the Presidents from each chapter with a chairperson as designated by the President of NWSA. Additional members may also be appointed. They will have the responsibility for nominating officers- elect. Chapter presidents absent at the Annual Meeting will designate their replacements directly to the chairperson, either orally or in writing The committee will convene at each reunion and will make a recommendation to the General Membership in order that the members may vote during the second General Membership meeting.

d. Finance Committee: The President shall appoint a Finance Committee consisting of three members. The members shall serve for three years. One member shall be appointed each year with the members rotating to the chair during the last year. The Finance Committee is an advisory committee to assist the Treasurer.

e. Scholarship Committee: The President shall appoint a Scholarship Committee consisting of three members. The members shall serve for three years. One member shall be appointed each year with the members rotating to the chair during their last year. The committee shall act in accordance with established SOP.

29 30

ARTICLE X - MEETINGS

Section 1. Executive Board. There shall be a minimum of two(2) meetings of the Executive Board per year. All Board members shall be notified of the date, place and time of each meeting. Section 2. Annual Meeting. A general membership meeting (reunion/convention) shall be held each year. Insofar as possible, the Annual Meeting will be held alternately in the eastern, central, and western geographical regions of the United States.

Section 3. Local Coordination. An objective of the Annual Meeting is coordination of planning and events with any nearby elements of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, or other successor to the Naval Weather Service, to the end that mutual benefits may accrue.

Section 4. Order of Business. The following shall be the Order of Business for NWSA meetings: 1. Reading of Minutes of previous meetings 2. Reports of Officers 3. Reports of Committees 4. Election of Officers 5. Unfinished business 6. New business 7. Adjournment

ARTICLE XI - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Section 1. Roberts' Rules of Order shall govern the conduct of business in all cases in which they are applicable and not in conflict with these Bylaws.

ARTICLE XII - DISSOLUTION

Section 1. In the event of dissolution to the NWSA, or in the event is shall cease to exist for its objectives as stated in the PREAMBLE, all assets shall be consigned to the Navy Relief Society. Under no circumstances shall any asset of the NWSA during the existence and/or dissolution thereof, go, or be distributed to, any officer or member.

ARTICLE XIII - EFFECTIVE DATE AND AMENDMENTS

Section 1. This Constitution and Bylaws shall become effective when adopted by a two-thirds(2/3) vote of NWSA members.

Section 2. This Constitution and Bylaws may be amended by having the proposed amendment(s) published by the Secretary-Treasurer in The Aerograph at least 30 days prior to the Annual Meeting that it will be voted on. The amendment will be read by the Secretary-Treasurer as “new business” at that Annual Meeting. A two-thirds(2/3) approval vote of the amendment(original or amended through motions) by the General Membership present will assign the amendment to “old business” at the Annual Meeting the following calendar year where the amendment may be adopted with a two-thirds (2/3).approval vote. Less than a two-thirds (2/3) vote at either meeting will be considered disapproval and the amendment will be dropped.

ARTICLE XIV - REGIONAL CHAPTERS

Section 1. The President may recognize regional chapters NWSA such as Southern California, Jacksonville, Rhode Island, etc.

Section 2. Regional chapters (NWSA) shall be comprised of ten(10) or more active members of the NWSA, with purpose and goals consistent with those of the NWSA. To be a voting Chapter member, active NWSA membership is required. A regional chapter shall meet, operate, and function independently under locally elected officers, and shall meet a minimum of twice each year. The Regional Chapter President shall serve on the NWSA Executive Board.

Section 3. The NWSA Constitution and Bylaws shall be adhered to by each and every regional chapter. ********************************************************************************************************** These are the current Bylaws approved and adopted by the NWSA membership on 28 June 1979 and including amendments approved by the membership through the 27th Annual Meeting 24 May 2001.

**********************************************************************************************************

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MEMORIES FROM DONALD A. CRUSE Due to heavy attrition of the Spits after arriving in Malta, AEROGRAPHER SECOND CLASS, U.S. NAVY WASP was ordered to repeat the task; so we returned to Glasgow. Our hangar deck crew devised slings to safely USS WASP (CV-7) became my stow two Spits in the overhead bays, so on our second happy home in the spring of 1941, voyage WASP carried forty-nine. Our ship suffered a when three young Aerographers minor casualty in the narrow river at sailing when one shouldered their sea bags and ship’s propeller dinged the quay while backing out of the hammocks to WASP from RANGER King George V docks. We proceeded to the Irish Sea for (CV-4). Both ships were briefly at trials before continuing to the Med with maximum speed anchor in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, reduced to about twenty knots. At launch time in the Med, during exercises. Very soon WASP we could have used more speed to create wind across the became active in President deck for the Spits because surface wind conditions were Roosevelt’s so-called “Neutrality nearly calm. But Captain “Blackjack” Reeves USN knew Patrol” across the Atlantic, operating mostly from his business and restricted our speed enough to avoid Bermuda. We also ferried a deck load of P40 aircraft to damaging vibration. Iceland for the Army Air Corps (one of two voyages to Iceland). Sgt Pilot Smith inadvertently dropped his auxiliary fuel tank after launching and chose to attempt a landing, which WASP was at anchor in Grassey Bay, Bermuda on 7th he skilfully accomplished. As we exited the Med he was December, 1941. Much idle time was spent sunbathing launched for Gibraltar. From on the flight deck; and that is where I was when I heard that load, forty-eight Spits the PA system announce the Japanese attack on Pearl reached Malta and proceeded to Harbour. Within a few hours we were underway for hold a field day on Luftwaffe Martinique, located in the Windward Islands, with orders to bombers. Following this blockade three French ‘men o’ war’ that were taking operation, Prime Minister refuge there (an aircraft carrier and two cruisers). We saw Churchill sent his oft-quoted our ordnance men loading real bombs on our dive message, “Who said a WASP bombers for the first time. Our diplomats settled it. cannot sting twice!” When the BISMARCK broke out of the German seaport Submitted by CDR Don Cruse. USN Retired and was sighted in Denmark Strait, WASP attempted to NWSA Historian sortie from Argentia, Newfoundland. Winter weather iced our flight deck and made flight operations impractical. We THE YEAR 1906, took temporary refuge in Casco Bay where our crew A Reminder, Since you don't REMEMBER enjoyed exceptional Maine hospitality. In April 1942 we steamed to Scapa Flow to coordinate the ferry operation Show this to your children and grand children. One to Malta - for example, our signalmen learned to identify hundred years ago, what a difference a century makes! strange flags utilized by RN vessels. I accompanied my Here are some of the U.S. Statistics for the Year 1906: Aerological Officer, LT S. W. Betts USN, on a visit to HMS KING GEORGE V for fresh details of weather broadcasts The average life expectancy in the U.S. was 47 years.

WASP would need to use. Our scout bombers were flown Only 14 percent of the homes in the U.S. had a bathtub. ashore to RAF Hatston for the duration. Two fighting Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone. squadrons remained aboard and operated from our flight deck after the Spitfires were loaded A three-minute call from Denver to New York City cost eleven dollars From Scapa Flow WASP steamed to Greenock where she picked up a tow wire from a large tug for the trip up the There were only 8,000 cars in the U.S., and only 144 Clyde to Glasgow with our crew at “flight deck parade.” miles of paved roads.

From open windows near the river we saw people waving. The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph. As we approached the city visibility was restricted by dense smoke. As we moored in the King George V docks, Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, and Tennessee were each one could see only half the length of our flight deck. The more heavily populated than California. incoming Spitfires buzzed WASP as they prepared to land With a mere 1.4 million people, California was only the at Renfrew Field nearby. Soon the forty-seven brand new 21st most populous state in the Union. Spits were being hoisted aboard and stowed in our hangar The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower! deck. HMS RENOWN accompanied us into the Med and back. Off Biscay the destroyer screen was busy The average wage in the U.S. was 22 cents per hour. prosecuting potential submarine threats. One Spit was lost The average U.S. worker made between $200 and $400 over the bow at launch. per year.

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NWSA APPLICATION FORM

Secretary-Treasurer NWSA Jim Stone, AGC USN RET 600 E. Fifth St., Apt. 179 Waverly, OH 45690-1500 Don't Forget: Check The List Name ______Rank/Rate______Dues for Years Mailing Address ______Life Membership ____ Scholarship Donation Phone ( ) **INCLUDE: BRANCH OF SERVICE +ACTIVE (Current Use or Principal) RETIRED (Indicate One) -- Make Checks Payable to "N.W.S.A." -- RELEASED Computer Fund Registration Fees: Completed History Form Active Duty - $0.00 Registration plus $20.00 Annual Dues = $20.00 $______New Member - $10.00 Registration plus $20.00 Annual Dues = $30.00 $______Former Member - Dues Expired 1 Year or longer: Same as New Member $______Annual Dues - $20.00/Year $______Life Membership - $175.00 $______VOLUNTEER FOR: Scholarship Donation (IRS Deductible) [INDICATE CURRENT USE $______OR PRINCIPAL) Office Gift Membership - $10.00 (Name and Address) $______Committee Total Enclosed $______And while you're not too busy...your history please! Spouse's Name ______Change of Address Schools Attd (Yr) Basic (A) Advanced B-C1-C7 Gift Membership USN Academy (Grad. Date) PG K & F ______$10.00 Last Duty Station______Additional History Entered Service Left Service ______Enclosed Highest Rate/Rank Date Attained ______Article to the Editor E-Mail Address ______NAVAL WEATHER SERVICE ASSOCIATION Nonprofit Organization James Stone, AGC USN RET 600 E Fifth St, Apt 179 U.S. Postage Paid Waverly, OH 45690-1500 Naval Weather Service Abilene TX Permit No. 468 -- CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED—

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