CV / CVA / CVS-14 CG-47 JULY 2015 The USS TICONDEROGA Veterans’ Association NEWS VOLUME 42 NO 3 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GREETINGS: SHIPMATES, FRIENDS, & FAMILY,

It is with great pleasure that I assume the responsibilities as your President of the USS Ticonderoga Veterans Association for the year 2015/2016. I want to thank Lloyd Frank for all of the work he did as your president this past year. These will be big shoes to fill!

I hope all those that attended the reunion in Minneapolis during May 14th to the 18th enjoyed themselves and were able to take in both tours that were offered and the Mall of America. Art and Kris Casello who also Co-Chaired this reunion put together a great selection of “Raffle Items” and Ship Store Products that sold very well. On a personal note, I had the distinct pleasure of sitting next to George Garcia a World War II Veteran on the Tico from 1944-1945 during our Gala Dinner. His experience during the Japanese kamikaze attack on the Tico was most interesting and intriging. Thank you George and to all of our World War II Tico Vets! A special welcome to those CG-47 members that attended. Dave Graf a CG-47 member and our Tico Historian has also volunteered to be our Second Vice President. I look forward to the CG-47 Members as the future of our Tico Association. I want to wish all of our Association Members and their families a great summer. God Bless America John Dupont

PAGE 2 OUTGOING PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GREETINGS: SHIPMATES, NEW MEMBERS, FRIENDS, & FAMILY, This past year 2014 was a very interesting year for the association. Our finances are now in the black and we just completed our 44th, annual reunion which was a great success for all who attended.

Our guest speaker, Frank Partel, was very interesting in his presentation of events of the 1968 combat cruise.

I want to thank our new President John DuPont, as well as Art and Kris Casello, for planning and putting together a great reunion. Job well done! The Bruno Romanoski Award was given to our secretary Dennis Sabell, for his outstanding service to the association and for all his help keeping our members’ dues up to date. This is a function that goes on all year.

In passing the gavel to our new President John DuPont, we are confident he will do a great job this year. I wish him well and know he will have our support throughout the year.

Fred Vance will now move to Executive Vice President. Steven Codding will move to 1st Vice President, and David Graf will now be our 2nd Vice President and will also hold the job as Historian. I want to thank all of them for their commitment to our association.

I hope all our members and new members from CG 47 have a great summer.

“Next year’s reunion will be in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino. The dates are May 19, 2016 through May 23, 2016. More information to come.” Lloyd Frank

PAGE 3 OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2014 - 2015 Officers 2015-2016 Directors (continued) Directors (continued) Committees (continued) President: Director Director: Chaplain: John B. Dupont John F. Deasy P. P. Parker W. Patterson P. P. Pastor Brett Inman 4590 Linwood Circle 560 Maple Ave. 4 Terrace Hill Road 8838 E Cooper St Deep Haven, MN 55331-9297 Doylestown, PA 18901-4451 Pine Grove, PA 17963-9399 Tucson, AZ 85710-4416 (952) 474-4731 (215) 348-9981 (570) 345-3344 (520) 909-3998 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Director: Director John Rochford P. P. Public Relations Chairman Executive Vice President: Lloyd Frank P. P. 1926 East Bancroft Jerry H. Cole Fred Vance 2129 Bliss Comer St Camarillo, CA 93010-4510 17840 Oakwood Ave. 5808 SW 27TH STREET Henderson, NV 89044-0174 (805) 484-1368 Lansing, IL 60438-1934 Topeka, KS 66614 (702) 361-6660 (708) 474-9331 (785) 271-5900 [email protected] Director: [email protected] [email protected] Doc Simon P. P. [email protected] Director 803 Hartford Ave. Memorials Chairman Victor Godfrey White River Jct, VT 05001-8052 Robert Hildebrand First Vice President: 138 Briarwood Dr. (802) 295-2851 2016 Reseda Way Steven Codding Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087-4018 [email protected] Antioch, CA 94509-5834 9260 Hilltop Lane 609-294-0955 (925) 757-1836 Bloomington, IL 61705 [email protected] Director: [email protected] (309) 827-4017 Edgar S. Trotter, Jr. [email protected] Director 1150 Baywood Ave. Membership Chairman: [email protected] Charles E. Hill Camarillo, CA 93010-3005 David Litzinger 22 W. Hancock St. (805) 484-2930 1101 Prariewood Ln Second Vice President: Lansdale, PA 19446-3812 [email protected] Warwick, ND 58381 David Graf (215) 855-5299 (612) 600-4160 262 Broadway [email protected] Director: [email protected] Norwich, CT 06360-3527 Calvin S. Turner P. P. [email protected] (860) 608-5943 Director 130 Silver Leaf Dr. [email protected] Ronald W. Lee P. P. Fayetteville, GA 30214-1055 Budget Chairman [email protected] 8920 Dawes Point Dr. (770) 461-4106 Thomas L Thompson Mobile, AL 36695-9336 [email protected] 3043 Canyon Overlook Secretary: (251) 599-8559 Burlington KY 41005-7888 Dennis SaBell [email protected] Committees (859) 444-7577 3930 Quay St [email protected] Wheatridge, CO 80033 Director Newsletter Editor: [email protected] (303) 422-8690 John Lunsford P.P. Store Operator [email protected] 2504 McNutt Edgar S. Trotter, Jr. Carrier Store Operator Bakersfield, CA 93306-4469 1150 Baywood Ave. Art Casello Treasurer: (661) 872-8850 Camarillo, CA 93010-3005 1737 Hoyt Ave E Thomas L Thompson [email protected] (805) 484-2930 Saint Paul, MN 55106-1328 3043 Canyon Overlook [email protected] (651) 774-1685 Burlington KY 41005-7888 Director [email protected] (859) 444-7577 Alfred F. McDonnell P.P. Historian [email protected] HECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW.BIGT.NET AT: WEBSITE OUR HECK OUT [email protected] 1749 9th Ave David Graf

[email protected] San Francisco, CA 94122 262 Broadway Liaison USS HORNET CVS-12 C 415-661-6753 Norwich, CT 06360-3527 Richard Radigonda Directors [email protected] (860) 608-5943 357 Jade Circle [email protected] Vallejo CA. 94590 Director * * Director: [email protected] (707) 563-5556 Arthur Avery Joseph McDonnell P. P. [email protected]/[email protected] 1694 Fillner Ave. 4141 Inola Trl. Ne New Sites Coordinator North Tonawanda, NY 14120 Roswell, GA 30075-1658 Joyce Frank WebMaster: (716) 669-2678 (770) 335-1715 © 2129 Bliss Comer St Gordon S. Humphrey, Jr. [email protected] [email protected] Henderson, NV 89044-0174 15030 223rd Drive SE (702) 361-6660 Monroe, WA 98272-9089 Director Director: [email protected] (425) 785-8094 Jerry H. Cole P. P. George Passantino P. P. [email protected] 945 N. Delacroix Dr PO BOX 3101 Green Valley, AZ 85614-5266 Pagosa Springs, CO 81147-3101 (708) 227-0073 (303) 884-7565 [email protected] [email protected] SHIPMATES! NOW HEAR THIS! We are always looking for Memorabilia for our Museum Rooms. Soon we will be starting one at the Mississippi Maritime and Warship Museum in Pascagoula, MS. Keep us in mind as we’ll be starting with very little memorabilia. One thing we would like to find is Military Payment Certificates "Funny Money" used to pay us during the Viet Nam war. If you have anything you want to donate contact Ed Trotter at [email protected]. Thanks for your help in keeping our memories alive to others through our Museum Rooms. PAGE 4 Chaplains Corner By: LCDR Brett Inman Fellow Shipmates & Friends, The life we live on earth is a precious gift from God. Despite our circumstances it is left up to us to make it a life well lived. In the average human life span our hearts will beat between 2.5 to 3 billion times. That is a lot of heartbeats in which to make something meaningful of your life.

At our stage in life, I think it is a safe bet that most of us have experienced a significant loss of a loved one. For me, this always brings into focus the importance of current relationships I have with others. Whether it is with family or past shipmates, the joy and satisfaction in life comes though the quality of our relations we have with others, not from the material things we own. None of us want to be poor, but to have riches without others to share them with leads to an empty life.

Take time out of your day today and be thankful for the people that are in your life. If you have not done so recently, call someone who you value and let them know how you feel. If you do not have anyone to call, perhaps it is time to reach out and start developing some new friendships.

One easy way to do this is to get connected to the Tico Facebook groups and/or attend the annual reunions and start reconnecting with shipmates. Our military service is something we all have in common and creates an automatic bond between the faithful Naval brothers and sisters who have been “Haze gray and under way”.

Of course I would be remiss not to mention the most important relationship we should have and develop. That would be your relationship with God.

In the Christian Scriptures (Luke 12:16-21) there is a story about a wealthy man who had a very good harvest. The harvest was so plentiful that he had to tear down all his storage barns and build bigger ones. As a result, he felt very secure about his future. God however, called him a foolish man, because despite the man’s planning and wealth, he would die that very night. God asked the question, “‘…now who will own what you have prepared?’ So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

Let us be thankful for the life God has given to us and may we be a blessing to family and friends alike. Strive to not only make your life better, but also the lives of those around you.

PAGE 5 Air Force Commemorative Museum Tour

PAGE 6 Air Force Commemorative Museum Tour

PAGE 7 Secretary’s Letter Shipmates, Friends & Family:

As usual Holly and I really enjoyed the Minneapolis reunion. It is always great to get together with old friends and meet new members. It was especially nice to have some cruiser sailors to help the older carrier guys find our way to the bar. Seriously, it was fun to have you aboard! Bring your CG friends, we need new (um... true) stories (and new victims for ours). I hope we have been doing a good job keeping everyone informed. I especially want to make sure I am answering any questions you may have about your membership or dues status. I know we had a problem with the “dues paid thru” dates on the mailing labels (I think that should be fixed now). I also try to make sure I send out letters to acknowledge all dues payments and donations. So, if you have made a payment and we didn’t respond (I can be a little slow), or if you think we may have made a mistake, let me know. Don’t forget our website www.BigT.net has a wealth of information. The Association is non-profit and your donations (but not dues) are tax deductible. We have a new Treasurer (Tom Thompson) who I will be working closely with. George Passantino deserves a big thank you for taking on a bad situation, working to fix it, and handing Tom a Treasury in excellent condition. I know that Tom will continue to make improvements and will do a great job. Your dues payments and donations by check will still go to: P.O. Box 474, Wheat Ridge CO 80034 (see the form inside the back cover of this newsletter).

PayPal options are still available from the Website. WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS !!!! NEW MEMBERS BETWEEN 4/01/15 to 6/30/15 WELCOME ABOARD! FIRST NAME LAST NAME DIVISION RATE/RANK YRS ABOARD CURRENTLY LIVES IN STATE Keith Alyea CG-47 (E-Div) EM2 83-87 Lafayette IN Morris Berend V-4 Division ABF-3 66-70 Decatur TX Thomas Ferry CG-47 .. 85-88 Virginia Beach VA Timothy Foster CG-47 HT2 85-89 Indian Hills CO John Graves B Division E-4 65-68 Rison AR Carl Griffith M Division MMC 69-71 Swansboro NC Michael Hayden VMA-331 LT 1955 Greenwich CT Fred Loeffler V-1 Division AN 62-65 Birnamwood WI James Loney S-6 Division LT 71-73 Newhall CA Dennis Malarkey CVA-14 .. .. Hemet CA Gary Mason V-2 ABE 67-70 White Bear Lake MN Allen Oakland CVA-14 FN 64-66 Maple Grove MN Jerry Ratcliff VA-66 AO-2 55-56 Minneapolis MN Lyle Underwood V-1 Division ABHC 66-67 Crawfordsville IN Thomas Van Loon V-4 Division AN 70-73 Clear Lake WI Greg Yale CG-47 (R-Div) HTCS 82-86 Richfield MN

PAGE 8 It is with great sadness that we report the deaths of the following shipmates

George E Nowack Sr – George was a Life Member who passed away December 3, 2002. He was an active member of the Association who held numerous positions including President. He did a lot of work on the Tico room on the Yorktown in Charleston SC. While on board George was an EM2 in E Division from 1944-1945. He lived in Raleigh NC. John J DePoulter – John was a Life Member who passed away May 2, 2015. His wife Joan wrote that every time they received the newsletter they both read it cover to cover and that John was a loving, caring, compassionate man of Faith who missed only two reunions up until Atlantic City and survived 29 operations on his body. While on board John was an FP2 in R Division from 1953-1957. He lived in Chestertown, MD. Donald W Monson (Capt USN Ret) – Don passed away February 19, 2015 with his family at his side. He is survived by his wife Etta, Four sons and their wives, ten grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. He served 32 years in the Navy and participated in WWII and Vietnam. He was a pilot with 718 carrier landings flying the SB2C Dive Bomber. His first combat mission was aboard Tico with VB-80. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and Air Medal. He was commanding officer of VS-23 in 1959 and Executive Officer of the USS Bennington in 1964. While on board in 1944 he was a LTJG. He lived in Fullerton, CA. Richard C Harrison – Richard was a Life Member who passed away November 17, 2014. While on board he was an AB3 in V-4 Division from 1957 through 1960. We were notified by his son Alan. He lived in Douglasville, GA. John Thomas – John passed away March 8, 2014. He was born and raised in Niagra Falls NY. We were notified of his death by Art Avery. John served aboard Ticonderoga from 1954 through 1957 in V-1 Division with Vic Godfrey. He lived in Sunnyvale CA and had five children. Pielocik, Walter J – Walter was a Life Member who passed away March 24, 2015. He served in the Navy from 1942 – 1946. While on board Ticonderoga from 1944-1946 he was an AMM2 in V-2 Division. We were notified by his son Joe who wrote that Walter “considered his service years to be among the best of his life and often spoke fondly of his shipmates and experiences aboard the Ticonderoga”. Walter lived in Daleville, VA. Scohy, John N – John was a Life Member who passed away April 4, 2014. We were notified by his son Patrick who wrote: He was a proud American who loved being in the Navy and telling stories of his adventures. While on board John was an ETR2 in OE Division from 1960-1964. He lived in Loveland, CO. McConnell, Walter J – Walter was Life Member who passed away March 25, 2015. His Daughter Laurie wrote: “He was a proud combat veteran from WWII” While on board he was an AEM3 in V-2 Division during 1944. He lived in St. Petersburg, FL. Schulte, Richard J (Capt USN Ret)– “Dick” passed away January 22, 2015. He was “Air Boss” on the Ticonderoga in 1968-1969 who went on to become Commanding Officer of the Midway. Schumacher, Albert W – Albert was a Life Member who passed away in March 2014 at the age of 90. While on board he was a GM2 in 6th & 8th Divisions during 1944. He lived in Albany NY. Suchomel, Don – Don was a Life Member whose newsletter was returned marked “Deceased”. Don was an RMCM in POSTMASTER and O Divisions from 1958 to 1960.

PAGE 9 Minutes of General Meeting at Minneapolis: President Lloyd Frank (2014-2015) called the meeting to order. Ed Trotter said the opening prayer. The membership recited the Pledge of Allegiance. President Frank then asked that each attending member verbally introduce himself to the membership. Upon completion of the introductions, Lloyd thanked the CG sailors and new members for their attendance. Secretary Dennis SaBell read the minutes from the 2014 General meeting. Treasurer George Passantino presented the Association’s Current Financial Reports. Copies of the financial statements were distributed to the members. George discussed how the misappropriation of funds problem was ultimately resolved and the $20,000 in missing funds recovered. He thanked the membership for stepping up and donating to help the association get through the problem period and thanked Lloyd Frank and John Deasy for their essential roles in the recovery. George then presented a summary of the procedures and reports that will keep the membership informed going forward. He showed how fiscal year financial statements and quarterly reports will be provided in the newsletter and how redundant receipt schedules will be kept. The new budget was presented and approved by voice vote. Next, Ed Trotter was introduced to give the newsletter and membership reports. Discussion included need for volunteers to assist in ongoing personnel data records conversion and possibly using a paid contractor to assist in recruiting new members from the list. No motions were made or voted on. Ed next praised webmaster Gordon Humphrey for his continued excellence and professionalism in maintaining our website and organizing the quarterly newsletter. He noted that the newsletter printer went out of business and a new printer was contracted this year so seamlessly that is was hardly noticed except for a few minor issues with the date on the labels. Discussion of the cost and need for quarterly hard-copy newsletters ensued. No motions for change were made. It was noted that we now have a reduced “non-profit” mailing status. Lloyd Frank then stated that Jerry Cole (Public Relations Chairman) is in the middle of a move and could not attend but will be working to get ads in several magazines (VFW, American Legion, AARP, etc.) to promote our reunions and association. Historian David Graf was then introduced. David noted, in reference to the Membership issues above, that the CG 47 Facebook page has 700 CG contributors who are all potential members and that he has been challenging the CG 47 sailors to join and sponsor others. He then moved on to a discussion of his goals as historian. David said that he has received several boxes of unsorted, often fragile, and unorganized documents and objects. He has scanned most of the data over the past 3 months is beginning the process of cataloging as much as he can electronically and

PAGE 10 Minutes of General Meeting at Minneapolis - Continued organizing the data and making it available. Discussion of CG 47 artifacts now in storage ensued. David initiated discussion about possible display of the ships bell and anchor in a more publicly accessible locations and his desire to acquire history through member interviews etc. before it is lost. Next, Al McDonnell was called on to report on the status of the Hornet Museum. He stated that there is a current effort to raise money (at least $100,000 - $40,000 already raised) to move the Hornet around the point at Alameda to make it more visible and accessible to the Ferry landing. He reported that the Ticonderoga Room continues to be maintained in excellent condition (we have $2100 dedicated to the museum that is available for improvements to that room). Membership Chairman David Litzinger discussed how he and others have been attempting to recruit through the guestbook and asked that anyone willing to volunteer for any of the membership recruiting efforts contact him. Next on the agenda was a lengthy process to nominate and confirm the officers and board by voice vote. In summary: John Dupont moved to President for 2015-2016, David Graf was voted 2nd Vice President, All 2014-2015 Vice Presidents moved up one position, Tom Thompson was voted new Treasurer. Dennis SaBell remained Secretary. Lloyd Frank moved to Director. All existing Directors remained the same. A financial review (audit) committee was formed under the direction of 2nd Vice President David Graf. Two appointees to this committee were John Lunsford and Bill Spanbauer. Lloyd Frank discussed the 2016 Las Vegas reunion. The dates will be May 19th- May 23rd. at the Gold Coast Hotel . Room rates will average about $82/day. Tours are being arranged and may include: Hoover Dam, Nellis AFB, a reasonably priced Show, etc). Joyce Frank has volunteered as New Sites Coordinator. Joyce proposed two possible sites for 2017: a Carribean Cruise out of Ft Lauderdale or a traditional land reunion at Jacksonville FL. After some discussion the membership voted on the Cruise with Jacksonville as a back-up if the cruise doesn’t work for some reason. Joyce will be reporting in future newsletters.

The meeting was adjourned.

PAGE 11 GUEST SPEAKER AT REUNION

MANY THANKS TO A GREAT GUEST SPEAKER!

PAGE 12 Banquet & Officer’s Installation

MANY THANK YOU’S TO REUNION ORGANIZERS!

PAGE 13 OUR NEW TREASURER Greetings: to all of the Men & Women of the USS Ticonderoga Veterans Association. My name is Tom Thompson and I was voted in as the new Treasurer at the reunion in Minneapolis and I am proud to serve the Association in that capacity. I’ve been asked by George Passantino to tell you a little about myself. I was aboard the Tico from August 28, 1968 to April 1972 in V4 Division. I was an ABF2 when discharged in San Diego (just before the first Apollo pickup). My wife and I then moved to Kentucky in April 1972. In February 1975 our first daughter was born followed by another daughter in May of 1978. I am now the proud grandpa of 3 grand-sons and 2 grand-daughters. My oldest grand-daughter has Down syndrome and I am currently doing volunteer work for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati. I attend First Church of Christ in Burlington KY where I am the leader of the Communion Prep Team. I worked as an Electrician in Local 212, Cincinnati, OH for 13 years and then moved to General Electric, Cincinnati, OH working in the engine and combustor test cells and retired in 2012 but still work at GE as a pensioner. I keep busy in my free time playing golf as much as I can and I’m still not good at the game. I will carry on the duties of the Treasurer for our Association and will uphold the standards that George Passantino has established during his time in the office of Treasurer. If you need to contact me please see the Officers page on page 4 of this newsletter. Tom Thompson

DONATIONS MADE TO USS TICONDEROGA VETERANS ASSN 04/01/15 THRU 06/30/15 THANK YOU FIRST NAME LAST NAME GENERAL FUND MEMORIAL FUND HORNET MUSEUM HORNET Ens/Admrl Wally Blinde X Michael Hayden X William Klein X Ed Gorton X X Bill Blythe X Keith Alyea X Calvin Turner X X Lyle Underwood X Ray Wieser X Frank Partel X

PAGE 14 TREASURERS REPORT USS TICONDEROGA VETERANS ASSOCIATION FISCAL YEAR 05/01/2014 – 04/30/2015 TREASURERS REPORT CHECKING ACCT BALANCE AS OF 05/01/14 $ 4,850.10

INCOME RECEIVED: Membership Receipts $ 5,074.65 Charleston Reunion Startup Refund $ 2,500.00 Charleston Reunion Proceeds $ 4,791.00 Total $12,365.65 $ 12,365.65 DONATIONS: General Fund $6,669.19 Hornet Museum $ 110.00 Hornet (Ensign-Admiral) $1,500.00 Memorial Fund $ 165.00 Miscellaneous $ 15.00 Total $ 8,459.19 $ 8,459.19 $20,824.84 $20,824.84 EXPENSES PAID: Presidents Expense $ 30.10 Secretary Expense $ 495.71 Newsletter Expense $ 7,810.11 Website Expense $ 566.44 Minneapolis Reunion Startup Advance $ 2,500.00 Las Vegas Reunion Startup Advance $ 900.00 Total $12,302.36 $ 12,302.36 Ending Checking Acct Balance 4/30/15 $ 13,372.58

SAVINGS ACCT BALANCE AS OF 05/01/14 $ 0.0

INCOME RECEIVED Recovery Of Association Funds $20,000.00 Donation Into Savings Account $ 50.00 Interest On Savings Acct $ 3.27 $20,053.27 $20,053.27 Ending Savings Acct Balance 4/30/15 $20,053.27

CHECKING ACCOUNT $13,372.58 SAVINGS ACCOUNT $20,053.27 TOTAL BANK $33,425.85 2014 – 2015 BigT Budget 2015 – 2016 BigT Proposed Budget President $ 400.00 President $ 400.00 Secretary $ 1,000.00 Secretary $1,000.00 Treasurer $ 200.00 Treasurer $ 200.00 Newsletters $ 8,500.00 Newsletters $8,200.00 Membership $ 300.00 Membership $ 300.00 Miscellaneous $ 700.00 Miscellaneous $ 700.00 Public Relations $ 100.00 Public Relations $ 100.00 Website $ 300.00 Website $ 600.00 GRAND TOTAL $11,500.00 GRAND TOTAL $11,500.00

PAGE 15 roclamation

BIG "T" VETERANS' REUNION DAYS May 14-18, 2015

WHEREAS, the Big "T" Veterans' Association will hold its 44th annual reunion in Bloomington, MN on May 14-18, 2015; and

WHEREAS, the attendees of this reunion are veterans and active duty members of our illustrious U.S. Navy who served from 1944 to thepresent, their wives and friends who have gathered together to honor their comrades; and

WHEREAS, this famous Essex class U.S. Navy Carrier, the fourth TICONDEROGA, was built and launched at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company on February 7, 1944; and was placed in commission as CV-14 on May 8, 1944, at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, VA; and

WHEREAS, in January 1945, the ship survived two direct suicide planes crashing into the flight deck and bridge superstructure resulting in 345 officers and men killed, missing or wounded in action, and after extensive repairs, continued to serve in the Pacific until the completion of the war against Japan; and

WHEREAS, after being decommissioned in 1945, the ship was recommissioned as CVA-14 on September 11, 1954 in New York City. After making numerous peacetime deployments, the ship made five combat deployments to Southeast Asia; and

WHEREAS, the ship was redesignated as CVS-14 on October 21, 1969, and made two more peacetime deployments and participated in the recovery of two Apollo moon mission capsules before being decommissioned on September 1; 1973; and

WHEREAS, the ship was recognized by the federal government by awarding 5 Battle Stars, 3 Navy Unit Commendations, a Meritorious Unit Commendation and 12 Battle Stars for service in the Vietnam Conflict; and

WHEREAS, CG-47 is the fifth ship to bear the name TICONDEROGA; and

PAGE 16 WHEREAS, on January 22, 1983, CG-47, built by Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, MS, was commissioned as the lead ship of the AEGIS GUIDED MISSILE CRUISER CLASS, TICONDEROGA as the world's first surface combatant equipped with the ; the most sophisticated air defense system in the world; and

WHEREAS, she has seen duty in the Gulf of Sidra, off the coast of , three tours in the Mediterranean, five tours in the , and one tour in the Eastern Pacific; and

WHEREAS, TICONDEROGA was the first ship to report on station in the Red Sea to support Operation DESERT SHIELD after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, later serving with distinction in DESERT STORM; and

WHEREAS, her adventures have taken her to the Arctic Circle, the Equator, and through the Suez and Panama Canals, earning the distinction of"Blue Nose," "Shell Back" and "Suez Safari"; and WHEREAS, the ship has been recognized by the federal government by the awarding of 2 Joint. Meritorious Unit Awards, 2 Navy Unit Commendations, 2 Meritorious Unit Awards, and 3 Battle Efficiency Awards; and

WHEREAS, the ship was installed with the SMART SHIP Integrated Bridge System in April of 1999; and

WHEREAS, TICONDEROGA was the first ship out of Pascagoula to participate in OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE, supporting the homeland defense after the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, TICONDEROGA was decommissioned September 30, 2004, in Pascagoula, MS.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gene Winstead, Mayor of the City of Bloomington, Minnesota, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim May 14-18, 2015 as ·

BIG "T" VETERANS' REUNION DAYS in the city of Bloomington, Minnesota and extend a very warm and cordial welcome to the Veterans and their families and friends and wish you a successful, enjoyable, and memorable reunion.

Dated this 14th day of May 2015.

ene Winstead, Mayor City of Bloomington, Minnesota

PAGE 17 MALL OF AMERICA IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA!

AMAZING PLACE! PAGE 18 WAITING FOR TOUR BUSSES!

WE ARE ALREADY HAVING A GREAT TIME!

PAGE 19 SHIP STORE ORDER FORM: CRUISER ITEMS

NO ITEM PRICE QTY PRICE 1 Antique Bronze Coin $15 plus $5 shipping 2 Peter Hsu Drawing $10 plus $5 shipping 3 Color picture of ship $4 plus $1 shipping 4 Color collage of ship pictures $4 plus $1 shipping 5 Radar waveguide seal $4 plus $1 shipping 6 Cachet/Ship/Pascagoula Cancel $3 plus $1 shipping 7 Cachet/Decom Today/ Pascagoula $3 plus $1 shipping 8 Cachet/Last Day Postal Service Pascagoula $3 plus $1 shipping 9 #7 & #8 above signed by CO $6 plus $1 shipping 10 Cachet/Ship/Ticonderoga Cancel $3 plus $1 shipping 11 Cachet/Decom Today/Ticonderoga $3 plus $1 shipping 12 Cachet/Last Day Postal Service Tico $3 plus $1 shipping 13 #10, #11, #12 above signed by CO $6 plus $1 shipping 14 Flag flown over ship on 25 Sept 04 $50 plus $5 shipping USS TICONDEROGA History/Educational 15 $55 plus $5 shipping Video Set (Just $3.00 per DVD!) 16 CG Holiday Ornaments (Need 250 orders first) Price same as CV

PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE! Total: ______FOR ORDERS OF ITEMS 1‐16 ORDER AS FOLLOWS: On orders of $30 a Peter Hsu drawing will be included free of charge. Checks (if you are not ordering using PAYPAL) should be made to USS TICONDEROGA! VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION Orders should be mailed to: Ed Trotter 1150 Baywood Ave Camarillo, CA 93010‐3005 [email protected] If you have an e‐mail address it is suggested that you include it here:______and your phone number here:______in case we have to contact you for some reason. PLEASE check availability of products & SEE images of these items on the “Ship's Store” page at: www.bigt.net.

PAGE 20 SHIP STORE ORDER FORM: CARRIER ITEMS NO ITEM PRICE QTY PRICE $12 + $9 Parcel Post 17 Ceramic Coffee Mug w/Logo & Tiger $12 + $11 Priority/Track# $20 includes shipping 18 Ball Caps–CV‐14 or CVA‐14 or CVS‐14 or CG‐47 ADD $2.25 for Scrambled 19 USS TICONDEROGA Warship Pictorial Book $20 includes shipping CV,CVA,CVS CARRIER 20 Blue Polo Shirt ‐ S,M,L,XL CVA ATTACK CARRIER $29 includes shipping CG 47 CRUISER CV,CVA,CVS CARRIER 20 Blue Polo Shirts – 2X,3X CVA ATTACK CARRIER $31 includes shipping CG 47 CRUISER 21 Round TICO Patch ( 5 inches) $11 includes shipping 22 TICO Tiger patch $11 includes shipping White W/Blue Letters $5 for 1, $12 for 4, 23 License Plate Frame(s): $8 for 2, $17 for 5, Blue W/White Letters $10 for 3, $25 for 10 Carrier Holiday Ornaments Colors: $10 for 1 $18 for 2 24 BLUE, RED, GREEN $24 for 3 Includes Shipping CV 25 Gray Tee Shirts – S,M,L,XL CVA,CVS $20 Includes Shipping CRUISER CV 25 Gray Tee Shirts – 2X,3X CVA,CVS $22 Includes Shipping CRUISER 26 40th REUNION Commemorative booklet $10 plus $5 shipping PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE! FOR ITEMS 17-26 ORDER AS FOLLOWS: CHECKS: (if you are not ordering using PAYPAL) Total: should be made to: USS TICONDEROGA VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION Orders should be mailed to: Arthur Casello 1737 Hoyt Ave. E. St. Paul, MN. 55106 Email: [email protected] If you have an e‐mail address, it is suggested that you include it here: _____ and your phone number here: in case we have to contact you for some reason or send you a tracking # PLEASE check availability of products & SEE images of these items on the “Carrier Store” page at: www.bigt.net OR Email [email protected]

PAGE 21 USS TICONDEROGA MUSEUM ROOM ON USS HORNET INDIVIDUAL PLANK OWNER BENEFITS 10,000 - FLEET ADMIRAL $ $5,000 - ADMIRAL $2,500 - VICE ADMIRAL $1,500 - ADMIRAL REAR $1,000 - COMMODORE $500 - CAPTAIN $250 - COMMANDER $100 - LIEUTENANT $50 - ENSIGN NAME PERMANENTLY DISPLAYED ON THE SHIP X X X X X X X X X 10% DISCOUNTS AT USS HORNET'S GIFT SHOP X X X X X NUMBER OF YEARS FREE ADMISSION TO LIFE 4 3 2 1 USS HORNET AND USS YORKTOWN TIME LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP IN BIG T VETERANS X X X X ASSOCIATION SPECIAL GUEST PASSES TO ALL SHIP EVENTS X X STATEROOM STAY ON THE USS HORNET LIFE ONE (2 NIGHTS PER YEAR) TIME TIME

YES, I want to support the USS TICONDEROGA Museum Room on USS HORNET. I have enclosed my tax deductible gift of $______to “The Big T Veterans’ Association”. Over the next three years I plan to reach the following plank owner level: $50 Ensign ____ $1500 Rear Admiral ____ $100 Lieutenant ____ $2500 Vice Admiral ____ $250 Commander ____ $5,000 Admiral ____ $500 Captain ____ $10,000 Fleet Admiral ____ $1000 Commodore ____ Name: ______Address: ______City: ______State: _____ Zip: ______Optional: Phone no.______E-Mail: ______I also want to volunteer my services or make the following donations, please contact me. I can help with or will loan/donate the following:

PAGE 22 PLEASESEND THIS FORM AND YOUR DUES TO: DENNIS W. SABELL - SECRETARY P. O. BOX 474 WHEAT RIDGE, CO 80034 Make Check Payable to Big T Veterans’ Association PLEASE PRINT NAME: DIVISION: RANK: (highest while aboard) YEARS ABOARD: to (reported ‐left) APT. # / LOT #: SPOUSE'S NAME: ADDRESS/ P.O. BOX: CITY: STATE: ZIP: Alternate Address:

Above Alternate Address for Newsletters Mailed in: Jan Apr Jul Oct

Optional Information: If the information below is provided you will be giving permission for this information to be shared with other members

PHONE#: FAX#: CELL#:

E‐MAILADDRESS: @

Dues Included for Period:

($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2015 ($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2020 ($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2016 ($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2021 ($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2017 ($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2022 ($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2018 ($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2023 ($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2019 ($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2024 . . . Or Lifetime Membership Amount (See Below) Personal Gift Contributions to: THIS FORM CAN BE Memorial Fund General Fund PRINTED FROM USS Hornet Museum Room USS CG‐47 Museum Room WWW.BIGT.NET

TOTAL MEMBERSHIP PAGE.

Please Remember: For dues or contribution, notify treasurer and secretary of any change of address. Lifetime Membership Amounts:

Age 29 & under= $ 1,100 Age 59 & under= $ 500 Age 39 & under = $ 900 Age 69 & under = $ 300 Age 49 & under = $ 700 Age 70 & older = $ 100

PAGE 23 The BigT Veterans’ Association of the USS Ticonderoga NON-PROFIT ORG 3930 QUAY STREET U.S. POSTAGE PAID Wheat Ridge CO 80033-4954 PERMIT NO. 178 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED SALEM, OR

MALL OF AMERICA! 3 STORY LEGO!

GO TO WWW.BIGT.NET REUNION PAGE FOR ITINERARY & REGISTRATION FORMS!