Volume 11 Issue 1 December 2007

Special Points of Interest 2007 REUNION WAS A GREAT ONE! • Be sure to read about the good time that was had at The USS Mississippi (EAG-128) held making new ones with those from other the 2007 USS Mississippi reunion in Charleston in its annual reunion on November 1-4, 2007 eras. our cover story. at the Radisson Hotel Charleston Airport Friday was a full day of touring the in Charleston, SC. Twenty-two members Charleston area. Charleston is one of the • Your new president has a and seventeen of their guests attended most beautiful cities in the country and word for everyone on the reunion. this was evident to all during the narrated page two. The reunion began on Thursday, No- riding tour. Stately homes, magnificent vember 1st with registration and the hos- public buildings, and majestic churches • Welcome Mat on page pitality room opening around noon. As were seen on the tour. One of the favorite three contains four new soon as each attendee could get regis- stops was to the Citadel Chapel on the names. We hope they will tered and find their room, they headed for campus of The Citadel, a military school enjoy the newsletter. the hospitality room to see who was there. in Charleston, and to City Hall in the The hospitality room continued to be the downtown area. Everyone also loved the • Bud Bailey shares a story central focus of the whole reunion City Market where one could do some from his days on the Mis- throughout the weekend, because it gave shopping and have lunch. As a surprise sissippi under Mail Call. We want to hear from you everyone a place to gather and share not on the agenda, the tour also drove out too! their stories and memorabilia. At 5:00 PM to Sullivan’s Island and to Isle of Palms the first official meeting of the entire group before heading off to the Boone Hall Plan- Pages 3 & 4 have your re- took place at the Welcome Reception. tation. This plantation was used in the sponse to “How did the Navy Malcolm Border, taking the place of group filming of “North and South,” “Queen,” and benefit your life?” Thanks to coordinator Jake Jacobs who was unable as a background for “Gone With the all who participated. to attend, officially welcomed everyone to Wind.” The lovely Georgian plantation the reunion. Introductions were made and house, along with slave quarters and see- • A preview of Chatta- everyone enjoyed the hors d’oeuvres and ing the flower ladies making their sweet- nooga’s attractions are on drinks. The rest of the evening was spent grass baskets was a real treat. Everyone pages 4 & 5. Return the getting reacquainted with old friends or (Continued on page 2) survey on page 6. VOLUME 11 ISSUE 1 THE PIRATE PAGE 2

(Continued from page 1) marks by newly elected Paul She- was ready for some refreshments in pley. The group was proud to wel- 2007 REUNION the hospitality room and a little rest come 3 new attendees to this year’s and relaxation when they returned reunion: Fred Brock, Jr.; George ATTENDEES to the hotel in the afternoon. By Collins and Charles Price. We hope Malcolm & Margaret Borden 6:00 PM everyone seemed to have they will return to all future reunions. Richard & Eva Borsos revived for the social hour and then After a delicious meal the Memorial Gene & Muff Braswell the 7:00 PM dinner. The meal was a Service was held in memory of those Fred Brock, Jr. & Capt. Brock Lusk traditional American buffet featuring USS Mississippi crewmembers who & Jennifer Reinertsen many favorites. After dinner an auc- have passed away. Malcolm Borden George Collins & Marie Mazza tion was held using items that each and Paul Shepley led the service and Raymond & Kathleen Craig attendee had brought from his/her read the names of the deceased from Richard & Lois De Boer hometown or state. Four hundred the Honor Roll. This was an appropri- Jarvis & Nancy Everett & Sheila dollars was raised for the newsletter ate ending to the evening, which eve- Fancis fund. Not only was it successful in ryone seemed to enjoy very much. Joe Ford raising money, it was also fun to Sunday morning’s breakfast was Hans & Ruth Freyer see what everyone brought and the last item on the reunion agenda. Robert Hannahs & Robert P. Han- how much money each item could After the private buffet, it was time to nahs & Kathy Anderson raise. call the reunion to a close and say Melvin Kaplan Saturday was no less fabulous good byes. Everyone had a great Doug McCreedy than Friday, because today was the time and are looking forward to Chat- Gene Medley Patriots Point tour. This is why most tanooga, TN next year. We hope to Vernon Parmerlee military groups choose Charleston. see all the attendees from 2007 back Charles Price & Louise Bisso Patriots Point has the Aircraft Car- for 2008 and that they will encourage Paul & Pam Shepley rier YORKTOWN, the famous fight- others who have not attended to Jack & Doris Smith ing lady of WWII; the destroyer come join in the fun. James & June Storey LAFFEY, a participant in the Nor- ______Duane & Susan Weber mandy landings on D-Day 1944; the Harold & Bea Wellington submarine CLAMAGORE, one of Sherwin & Jane Williams the Navy’s last diesel powered subs; and the Coast Guard Cutter Total Members: 22 INGHAM. Lunch in the CPO Mess Guests: 17 on YORKTOWN was included in the GRAND TOTAL: 39 tour. Following lunch everyone ______boarded a boat for a leisurely ride out to Ft. Sumter, where the Civil War began. From the boat one could look back on the city of NEW PRESIDENT SPEAKS Charleston from the bay. It was a By Paul Shepley beautiful site! The busy day contin- ued when the tour returned to the We had a great reunion in day meeting, I, shipmate Paul hotel, because almost immediately Charleston, South Carolina, which Shepley, Q division, was elected to it was time for the annual business included day trips around the city be your next President/ meeting. Paul Shepley was chosen and capped off by a cruise after. Coordinator. Thanks guys, I’ll do as the new reunion coordinator and The sad news is that Jake regret- my best. The auction was a great Chattanooga, TN will be the site of fully, due to circumstances regard- success. We made $400.00 for the the 2008 reunion. Wilmington, NC is ing Ann’s physical condition, could Pirate. We look forward to our next being considered for the 2009 reun- not attend this year’s reunion. Fur- reunion in Chattanooga, Tennes- ion, but no firm decision has been thermore, he said due to the uncer- see in 2008. My wife Pam and I made. Soon after the meeting it was tainty, someone else should take wish you all Happy Holidays. If time for the 6:00 PM pre-dinner over as President/Coordinator for there is anything going on that you cocktail hour and photo session. future reunions. Jake thanks all you would like to share with the “group” This gave everyone a chance to shipmates for your support. Jake, please write it up and send it to visit casually with others that they yours was a job well done. The Karen in care of the Pirate and it may have missed during the busy good news is that he and Ann are will be published. Let’s hear from day. At 7:00 PM the USS Missis- looking forward to attending next you. sippi (EAG-128) banquet com- year’s reunion. At our annual Satur- ______menced with the welcoming re- VOLUME 11 ISSUE 1 THE PIRATE PAGE 3 HOW DID THE NAVY BENEFIT YOUR LIFE? WELCOME MAT MAIL CALL Editor’s Note: ML&RS, Inc sent out The USS MISSISSIPPI Asso- an e-mail asking for responses to Mr. Jake Jacob, the question above. Following are ciation cordially welcomes the fol- I was in Boston, Mass, Fargo Bld, the responses we received: lowing shipmates who have been awaiting discharge in 1947, when I located since the last newsletter. was sent to Norfolk, VA (1 man draft) James Storey (Sent by June Sto- We hope to see you at the next to report to the USS Mississippi EAG rey): reunion, and we hope you will take 128. I was a Yeoman and thought it an active part in the association. He said that it helped in many was funny that they could not find ways, one of which is that he one at the Norfolk Receiving Station learned how to be neat in his ap- Jerry Becker to fill a billet aboard a Battle Wagon. (1949)Ens FC Div pearance and how to put a shine I had been with a Submarine Squad- on his leather shoes. I can agree 5400 Bayberry Dr ron in Panama for almost 2 years Norfolk, VA 23502 with him. He is a helper in the and never served on a surface ship. I house by making our bed every 757-461-7555 had to wait a week doing KP until the morning. He helps fold clothes and [email protected] ship came back to port. Its “docking” learned to pick up after himself. It was at anchor off the old Chamberlin sure helps to keep our house neat George Collins Hotel, Newport News, VA. They had and clean. (1956-57) Seaman Engine Div to send a small boat to pick me up. I 17 Shaggbark Dr ______was getting more curious as we ap- Southwick, MA 01077 proached the ship. I kept thinking, Paul Shepley, Q Division: 413-569-9099 “Why me?” Once I was “officially” I joined the Navy at 18 years of aboard, I was escorted to the Gun- age. For 40 years the Navy molded Alan Weiner nery Office and then I found out the my life by teaching me discipline, (1952-54) Hospital Corpsman Mississippi was an Experimental Ar- [email protected] respect for authority and on the job tillery Gunnery ship, who spent their training. The Navy enhanced/ days firing at each other testing am- supported and allowed my family Loren “Bud” Bailey munition that had been in storage. 3679 Black Brant Rd to live a comfortable life. After The Gunnery division did not have a serving three years on active duty, Liverpool, NY 13090 sailor that could do the work, mainly ______I continued serving the Navy as a to type a report on every shell that Federal Navy Civil Service em- had been fired that day. I soon be- ployee for 37 years in various Navy came “favorite” with Deck and Gun installations. The three years on Financial Statement crews as I had to hand out the SP active duty were one year of shore duty in port. We even had a small Balance remaining after 09/07 duty at the Bureau of Naval Per- company of Marines which were my $845.33 sonnel and two years sea duty on Commander’s favorite whipping Funds collected since 09/07 board the USS Mississippi EAG- group. After about five months, they $450.00 128. After my honorable discharge must have run out of ammo as they Funds available for 12/07 I was employed for 37 years at the let me get discharged in time to try $1295.33 Bureau of Naval Personnel, Bu- and get home for Christmas. There Funds expended for 12/07 reau of Naval Ordnance, Bureau of was a Chief Boatswain who came on $155.71 Naval Weapons and finally the Na- board as an apprentice seaman by Balance remaining for 03/08 val Air Systems Command. My first the last name of Black who was a $1139.62 civilian job was clerk typist. After stickler for Holy Stoning “his” Q many advancements, I progressed Deck , so it shone. This issue is being mailed only to to become Director, Support Divi- those who returned the coupon to sion, Naval Air Systems Com- receive the newsletter by mail. Oth- Loren “Bud” Bailey mand. I received many outstanding ers may access the newsletter from ______awards during my career. The the web site www.mlrsinc.com/ Navy has been good to me and my eag128. Send contributions to ML&RS, Inc. at our address on page family. Everything I have, I owe to 6 . (Continued on page 4) VOLUME 11 ISSUE 1 THE PIRATE PAGE 4

(Continued from page 3) CHATTANOOGA, TN FOR 2008 God and the US Navy. I am cur- rently retired with my wife Pam and Chattanooga, TN, fourth largest Lookout Mountain: reside in Wilmington, North Caro- city in , is a diversified city, Located on Lookout Mountain lina, Wrightsville Beach. once highly industrialized, but now are two very famous tourist spots, ______caters mostly to tourists. Its history is and . Both also diverse. It was the site of three claim more than 1 million visitors a Richard Kahn (1951-53): major battles of the Civil War, one of year. The Navy benefited my life in a which was the Battle of Chickamauga. Ruby Falls is an underground myriad of ways. It taught me how to The battle was fought in the fall of waterfall located deep inside the think logically; assign priorities; 1863 and was the turning point of the mountain in a limestone. Lookout never waver from the truth, no mat- Civil War. Chattanooga was also one Mountain Caverns were formed as ter what; but most of all, it afforded of the starting points of the “ of the water from subterranean me the opportunity to meet the girl Tears” that drove Native Americans streams dissolved the limestone. of my dreams. December 15, 1951, from their homes to distant Oklahoma. The Caverns consist of two caves, my shipmate, Dupree Lyles, intro- It is the birthplace of miniature golf the lower one about 50 feet above duced us, almost 56 years ago to and the site of the first Coca-Cola bot- the level of the the day. And Marianne and I are still tling plant. The city is nestled in a val- and the upper cave, containing going strong. ley through which the Tennessee Ruby Falls, lies directly above the ______River runs. Located on the southern original cave. There are many dif- edge of Tennessee and sandwiched ferent types of formations found in Jim Terborg: right between Lookout Mountain and the Ruby Falls cave. The most The Navy benefited my life in a Signal Mountain, Chattanooga is full common are stalactites, stalag- number of ways. I got to see parts of natural vegetation and other excit- mites, columns, drapes, and flow- of the country and the world that I ing sites. Below is a brief summary of stone. The truly amazing feature of never would have seen otherwise. It some of the most popular attractions the Lookout Mountain caves is the taught me skills that I was later to in Chattanooga, which you may want large vertical shaft at the end of the improve on, but assisted me in my to visit during your reunion there. main passage. A flowing under- career. I left the Navy after 9 years ground stream falls from the very and went into law enforcement for top of this shaft 145 feet into a pool 27 years. The nine years of military ATTRACTIONS on the floor of the cave. time was added to my law enforce- Rock City, located on top of ment time and increased my retire- Chickamauga & Chattanooga Na- tional Military Park: Lookout Mountain, is a true marvel ment 25%. I also learned a lot about of nature featuring massive ancient aircraft. After a year on the USS In 1863, Union and Confederate forces fought for control of Chatta- rock formations, gardens with over Mississippi, I went to Aviation Ma- 400 native plant species, and chinist School and there I learned a nooga. The Battle of Chickamauga resulted in a Confederate victory; breathtaking “See 7 States” pano- great deal that I was able to use in ramic views. A 100-foot waterfall my future. however, the Union troops gained the final control with a victory at Chatta- cascades from Rock City down ______Lookout Mountain and a Swing-A- nooga. The Military Park, created in 1890, was the nation’s first to pre- Long bridge spans nearly 200 feet Richard Beckett: offering thrilling views to those The Navy gave me the education serve and commemorate battlefields. The park consists of 5,200 acres of brave enough to cross it. In the I needed to eventually get a degree gardens, a 4,100 foot walking trail and jobs with 5 technical compa- the Chickamauga Battlefield which contain numerous monuments, his- showcases the lush gardens, nies, including Western Electric, caves and soaring rock formations. AT&T, and Bell Telephone Labora- torical tablets, wayside exhibits, and . The Lookout Mountain Battle- The Inclined Railroad which tories, providing me with a life with climbs Lookout Mountain has been little to worry about. field is on 3,000 acres and consists of monuments, historical markers, trails, one of Chattanooga’s most unique ______attractions since 1895. It has been and scenic vistas. Point Park, located on the top of the mountain, is the designated as both a National His- Edward Johnson: toric Site and National Historic Me- The Navy benefited my life by most prominent feature. Point Park offers a gorgeous view of the sur- chanical Engineering Landmark. giving me a “trade” that I used for The trolley style railcars carry you the rest of my life, namely electri- rounding area. A seven-mile driving tour of the park is available. high and the breathtaking 72.7% cian. grade of the track near the top ______(Continued on page 5) VOLUME 11 ISSUE 1 THE PIRATE PAGE 5

(Continued from page 4) International Towing and Recov- become one of the South’s most gives the Incline Railway the ery Hall of Fame and Museum: renowned landmarks. unique distinction of being the Chattanooga is home to the first steepest passenger railway in the wrecker, fabricated at the Ernest Downtown Chattanooga: world. Sit back, relax and enjoy the Holmes Company nearby. Automo- Take time to explore downtown scenic view from the observation tive and history buffs will enjoy a tour Chattanooga, which is situated on windows of the Incline Train as it of the museum which houses an the Tennessee River. Its riverside ascends the mountain to the obser- ever changing collection of tow location means the city has taken vation tower at the top station. On a trucks dating from the earliest days full advantage of its scenic surround- clear day you can see the Great of the automobile. The museum has ings. You’ll discover outstanding Smoky Mountains which are over a wide variety of antique toys and restaurants, eclectic shops, an arts 100 miles away. memorabilia to entertain all visitors. district and parks. The Tennessee Riverpark is a complex of riverfront : Chattanooga Riverboat Company- green spaces, including a walking The aquarium is built with six ”Southern Belle” Riverboat: path that extends from downtown magnificent glass peaks, under Cruise down the Tennessee River Chattanooga across 11 miles to the which visitors can explore three in a 500-passenger, climate con- . The Fat Cat living forests and meet amazing trolled, riverboat. Several cruise op- Ferry is docked on the riverfront and creatures that swim, fly and crawl in tions are available, including a dinner will take you on a fun-filled river jour- natural habitats. Touch stingrays or lunch cruise featuring several ney with spectacular views all over and sharks in the saltwater pool, meal options. the city. Coolidge Park boasts a visit penguins or wander over to the magnificent hand-carved carousel, butterfly garden and see the collec- Tennessee Valley Railroad & Mu- as well as lush landscaping and an tion of these beautiful creatures, seum: interactive fountain. Trendy local see otters play in another area, This is the largest operating his- restaurants and shops are on Fra- while yet another part houses the toric railroad in the South. The six- zier Avenue. Maclellan Island fea- giant Pacific octopus, a giant Japa- mile trip lasts about 55 minutes and tures great blue herons, osprey and nese spider crab and an electrifying travels through the 979-foot long migrating warblers. A magnificent jellyfish. This is a must-see adven- Missionary Ridge Tunnel. The ride view of the bluffs along the river can ture for all. An IMAX Theater is lo- begins at Grand Junction and travels be seen from here also. Walk across cated at the aquarium as well, tak- to the East Chattanooga Depot the one-half mile Walnut Street pe- ing you places you could only imag- where visitors can witness how a destrian bridge that is part of the 12- ine. Crystal clear, larger than life locomotive is turned around using a mile long Tennessee Riverwalk. The 3D images make you feel as if turntable and take a tour of the main- bridge is the oldest surviving bridge you’re a part of the action. tenance and restoration shop. of its kind in the Southeastern United States. An area known as the Hunter Museum of American Art: Chattanooga Choo Choo: Bluff View Arts District includes res- Built on a ninety-foot limestone Chattanooga Choo Choo is the taurants, galleries, a sculpture gar- bluff overlooking the Tennessee name of an actual train which ran den and shops. Two shopping malls River and comprised of a 1904 from Cincinnati to Chattanooga be- in the area are Northgate Mall and classical revival mansion and a ginning in 1880. Glenn Miller’s song Hamilton Place Mall, as well as contemporary structure, the Hunter made it famous in 1941, becoming Warehouse Row, a large outlet mall Museum of American Art houses the music industry’s first ever gold in downtown. the finest collection of American art record. The last passenger train in the Southeast. The collection pulled out of the magnificent old As you can see, there’s much to spans the history of American art Chattanooga Terminal Station on do and see in Chattanooga. That’s from the colonial period to the pre- August 11, 1970. Today the Chatta- why we need your help in planning sent-day, and covers a wide variety nooga Choo Choo is a 24-acre vaca- your reunion agenda. Fill out the of media. Works can be seen from tion complex owned by the Holiday survey on page six and let us know the Hudson River and Ashcan Inn. The Chattanooga Choo Choo which sites you would like to have schools, contemporary studio occupies the former Southern Rail- included on your reunion tours. glass, American Impressionism, road terminal. Visitors can walk in You’ll have a great time in Chatta- early modern art, regionalism and the beautifully landscaped gardens, nooga no matter which attractions abstract expressionism, as well as browse the shops and railroad track you choose. others. area and explore the model railroad ______museum, one of the world’s largest working “HO” gauge model railroads. The Chattanooga Choo Choo has THE PIRATE VOLUME 11 ISSUE 1 PAGE 6 2008 USS MISSISSIPPI REUNION SURVEY STATEMENT OF PUBLICATION Please take a few minutes to complete the survey of the attractions in The PIRATE is the official publication Chattanooga and return it to Military Locator & Reunion Service, Inc. We of the USS MISSISSIPPI Association. will use the surveys to custom design your reunion to what you want to do. From now on it will be published quar- terly in March, June, September, and Please check the attractions you would like to visit during the reunion. December, subject to receiving sufficient funding. The Newsletter is funded by Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park ____ voluntary contributions from the member- ship. All members are encouraged to Lookout Mountain (including Ruby Falls, Rock City, & The Inclined support the voice of the MISSISSIPPI. A financial statement appears in each issue Railroad____ of the newsletter. The newsletter is intended to be a Tennessee Aquarium____ vehicle for the members to express opin- ions, make suggestions and especially Hunter Museum of American Art ____ share experiences. Unless otherwise stated, the views International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum ____ and opinions printed in the newsletter are those of the article’s writer, and do not Chattanooga Riverboat Company “Southern Belle” Riverboat ____ necessarily represent the opinion of the Association leadership or the Editor of the Newsletter. Tennessee Valley Railroad & Museum _____ All letters and stories submitted will be considered for publication, except un- Chattanooga Choo Choo _____ signed letters will not be published. Let- ters requesting the writer’s name be with- Downtown Chattanooga _____ held will be honored, but published on a space available basis. Signed letters with no restrictions will be given priority. ABOUT THE REUNION Letters demeaning to another ship- mate will not be printed; letters espous- ing a political position will not be printed. Would you like a Welcome Reception the first evening of the reunion? Military Locator & Reunion Service, Yes ____ No ____ Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of articles submitted for publication. It would Do you prefer breakfast all three mornings ____ be a monumental task to check each or only on Sunday? ____ story. Therefore, we rely on the submitter to research each article. Do you want entertainment after the Saturday night banquet? The editor reserves the right to edit Yes ____ No ____ letters to conform to grammar, and/or space limitations. You are encouraged to actively par- Return survey to: ticipate in the newsletter family by sub- mitting your stories and suggestions. Military Locator & Reunion Service, Inc. ______P O Drawer 11399 Hickory, NC 28603 Published By: or Fax: Military Locator & Reunion Service, Inc 828-256-6559 PO Drawer 11399 Hickory, NC 28603 Or on line at www.mlrsinc.com/EAG128 828-256-6008 (voice) 828-256-6559 (fax) RETURN SURVEY BY FEBRUARY 4, 2008 [email protected] [email protected]

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