VOLUME 45 NUMBER 3 WWW.USSESSEXCV9.ORG December 2014

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

NOTES FROM THE EDITOR Vol. 45 December 2014 No.3

Chairman Robert C. Zeller, Jr. We have designed the Buccaneer to provide you with as Vice Chairman Berlyn Ware much information, news, humor and coming events as Secretary H. Bruce Sims

possible. This is your newsletter so please forward us Treasurer Robert D. Peters

feedback as to articles and material you would like to see. Chaplain Bob Nause

Historian Richard M. Scales

We will keep all future issues to a maximum of 24 pages, and Ship’s Storekeeper Tom Ferelli

20 pages would be ideal. This will keep our postage expenses Buccaneer Editor Tony Medina

Master at Arms Fred McCaskill to a minimum. With a tighter format, while using the front Membership/Publicity Scott Packer and back cover to eliminate wasted space, we should have as much if not more material to present to the reader. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

*** CONTENTS*** Class of 2015 1- COVER-ESSEX/LHD-2 EMBLEMS Tom Connell Eugene Schmidt Gordon Kreiner 2- NOTES FROM THE EDITOR, CONTENTS/OFFICERS/ DEAD LINES, etc. Class of 2016 3- CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Berlyn Ware Richard Scales Ed Mrozinski 4- CHAPLAIN’S REPORT/MEMBERSHIP APPL. 5- USS ESSEX GENERAL MEETING MINUTES Class of 2017 6- CONTINUATION OF MINUTES Bob Dreher Scott Packer Tom Ferelli 7- RECAP OF THE 2014 REUNION IN BUFFALO N.Y. Berlyn Ware 8- REUNION PICTURES FORMER CHAIRMEN 9 - REUNION PICTURES Joseph DuErmit William Pihl 10- TAPS /SICK BAY Robert C. Zeller Jr. Robert Walker Frank O’Connor 11- MEMORIAL AND HONOR LIST Norm Thompson Dan Ganet 12-FROM THE TREASURER/WELCOME ABOARD

13-CHANGES TO THE ROSTER/RETURN TO SENDER ADVISORY BOARD

14- LHD-2 Class of 2014

15- SALUTE TO THE SAILOR’S WIFE Bill McCaffrey Don Fortin Bob Watson

16- TIDBITS FROM THE EDITOR THE BUCCANEER is a periodical publication published a minimum of three 17- NAVY CARRIER WILL BE INCOMPLETE times annually by the USS ESSEX CV/CVA/CVS-9/LHD-2 ASSN. INC., a 18- SHIP’S STORE page 1 non-profit organization. Members are composed of those who have served on the 19- SHIP’S STORE Page2 above ships at various times from 1941 to present. Offspring of those who served 20- ESSEX ORGANIZATION DUES NOTICE are also qualified for full membership. Spouses and others who are sponsored by a member may become an Associate Member but without voting privileges.

NOTE: All photos, prints, articles, biographies, events, naval news,

letters, humor, cartoons and all other newsworthy material should be sent to the editor as clearly and comprehensive as possible. All material

forwarded for publication will be used when space and time permits.

*Bob Nause–Chaplain /570-788-3157/ [email protected] 2014 DUES ARE DUE! 28 Country Club Ln., Sugarloaf, PA 18249-9733

PLEASE SEND YOUR DUES TO *Tony & Maria Medina-Editor /732-738-6807 EUGENE SCHMIDT [email protected] 1719 Sunnyview Oval HIS ADDRESS IS ON THE BACK COVER OF THIS Keasbey, NJ 08832 PUBLICATION *H. Bruce Sims-Secretary /770-707-1812/[email protected] 581 Conkle Rd. Hampton, GA 30228

BUCCANEER SUBMISSION DEADLINE *Gerald McDonell-Publicity/Membership [email protected] Last day of October for December issue. 42543 Applecreek Dr. Plymouth, MI 48170

*Robert D. Peters-Treasurer/[email protected] Last day of February for April issue. 2329 Princeton Berkley, MI 48072-3020

Last day of June for August issue. *Chuck Fiedler-LHD liaison/[email protected] 612 Fieldwood Cir. Richardson. TX75081-5608 2 From The Eyes of the Chairman

From: The Eyes of the Chairman: Our 2014 reunion in Sept. was probably the least attended but, was a huge success. People enjoyed the tours and the hotel was lovely, and plenty spacious for getting together. We are working on our 2015 reunion in Indianapolis, finalizing the tours. That promises to be great also. We really need more members to attend. This increases membership input and hotel perks. Our chairman recently had a defibrillator placed in his heart and is doing much better. The holidays are upon us and we wish one, and all a safe and happy holiday season. Your chairman, Bob Zeller

U.S.S.ESSEX CV/CVA/CVS-9/LHD-2, INC ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION $25.00 FILL OUT THIS FORM AND MAIL WITH ABOVE APPLICATION FEE TO: U.S.S. ESSEX ASSN. H.Bruce Sims/Secretary 581 Conkle Rd Hampton, GA 30228-2702 Phone: (770) 707 1812 Fax: (770) 707-0356 Email: [email protected] PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY * REQUIRED FIELDS * NAME: ______* BIRTH DATE: ______* ADDRESS: ______* CITY: ______* STATE:______* ZIP CODE:______* PHONE: ______* EMAIL: ______LIST MY EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE ASSOCIATION ROSTER ___YES ___NO LIST MY EMAIL ADDRESS ON THE ESSEX WEB SITE___YES___NO SPOUSE FIRST NAME: ______OR CK HERE IF NONE___ NAME OF SPONSOR, IF ANY:______HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION? ______REMARKS: ______

NOW HEAR THIS!

My current term after being re-elected in Nashville will expire with the 2016 reunion. Therefore, I will not seek another term as your secretary. It has been a pleasure serving you all these years but after sixteen years, I will step down and pass it on to another shipmate. This will give the association two years to find my replacement.

Sincerely, H. Bruce Sims Secretary USS Essex Association

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Chaplains Message

To everyone who participated in the memorial service at the reunion, I appreciate your help and support. It was wonderful to see all those who attended!

The holidays are quickly approaching and to most families they will be filled with parties, celebrations and social gatherings. For some families, the holidays will be filled with sadness, loneliness and anxiety. This is especially true if they have lost a loved one during this past year, experienced a broken relationship, failing health, loss of a job, even a shattered dream or some form of loss. It is normal to grieve, and really feel that loss of a loved one. This holiday season will not be the same without a grandparent, husband, wife, child or close loved one. We must go on with our lives and continue to remember the pleasant times of our past with them. We must have faith in the future.

Our young ones can continue to give us joy with their carefree ways, their accomplishments and the hope for the coming years. We need to enjoy each day one at a time, stop and smell the roses, and thank God for what he has blessed us with. Most of all, remember the most important reason we celebrate the holidays. THE BIRTH OF CHRIST.

Merry Christmas and A Blessed New Year! God bless you and God Bless America. God bless and keep our troops safe.

Father, we thank you for our veterans. We thank you for their willingness to risk all so that our nation might dwell in peace and security. May they receive the honor and recognition they deserve. We pray that you will heal the physical and psychological wounds some of our veterans have suffered. Bring peace to those who mourn the loss of our comrades. May our nation always respect and acknowledge those who have served our country so well.

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USS ESSEX GENERAL MEETING MINUTES BUFFALO, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 Chairman Bob Zeller opened the meeting and Richard Scales, Historian, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Bob Nause gave the invocation. Minutes of the 2013 Nashville Reunion: A motion was made by Berlyn Ware and seconded by Tom Ferelli to waive the reading of the minutes as they were printed in the December 2013 issue of the Buccaneer. The motion passed with a voice vote.

Secretary's Report by Bruce Sims: Figures as of August 28, 2014 were reported. Total membership is 587. In 2013 we had 623 members, down 36 members this year. We now have 232 life members and 3 hardship cases with a total of 235 paying no dues. Only 352 members are paying dues, which creates financial problems for the association. Dues have not been paid by 78 of our members. We do have 43 that have paid ahead for 2015, 10 for 2016, 5 for 2017 and 1 for 2019. We will have to drop 44 this year if dues are not paid. A reminder postcard is mailed to those that have not paid their dues and we have seen a response from this mailing. We have also lost a lot of members due to death. Our attendance is the lowest ever this year and we continue to see a decline in participation and membership. We need members willing to serve and to spread the word about our association. A motion was made by Dan Genet and seconded by Tom McNally to approve the secretary's report as given. The motion carried by a voice vote.

Treasurer's Report by Bob Peters: The membership received a written copy of the financial statement and report. Peters reported our declining membership, donations and money made at the reunion impact our finances. Our cash position remains very strong but we can't live on cash alone. This is to be our rainy day fund. The Board of Directors and Officers continue to work on plans to right the ship so "stay the course." A motion was made by Richard Scales and seconded by Dan Genet to accept the treasurer's report and a voice vote carried the motion.

Audit Report by Berlyn Ware: The committee examined the financial record of the Association and feel they are accurate for the period covered by the audit. Richard Scales made a motion that was seconded by Harold Hanger to accept the audit report. The motion carried by a voice vote.

Chaplain's Report by Bob Nause: Nause reminded the membership to let your kin know the importance of your Association and that notification should be made to Nause or any Officer in case of death. If you want an illness known to the membership, please make notification of that as well. A motion was made by Norm Thompson and seconded by Richard Scales to accept the report as given and carried by a voice vote.

Historian's Report by Richard Scales: Scales noted he had no new information to report and gave his phone number should anyone need to contact him. 812.305.1289. Tony Medina made a motion to accept the report and this was seconded by Dan Genet and carried by a voice vote.

Buccaneer Editor's Report by Tony Medina: The Buccaneer is the largest expense for the Association so the number of pages will not exceed 20 and the color pages will be taken out of the printed copies. The online copies will still include color. Medina and Tom Ferelli stay in touch with the officers and crew of the LHD2. Three printed copies are sent to the ship's library. Ferelli reported the Buccaneer is posted on the LHD2 website and connections are also made through Facebook and Twitter. Assisting Ferelli are Scott Packer and Eric Peterson. A motion was made by Bob Dreher to accept the Editor's report as presented and seconded by Dan Genet. The motion carried by a voice vote.

Ship's Store Report by Tom Ferelli: The state of the Ship's Store is good. Online sales amount to about $1,000 a year. Some of the items are to non-members and Ferelli does try to recruit them.

5 Reunion sales are determined by the attendance but usually average $2,500 - $2,800 at the reunion. The inventory is continuing to be reduced so new and different items can be purchased for the store. The Association gets free advertising when members wear the merchandise and new members can be generated. Tom McNally made a motion to accept the report as given and this was seconded by Norm Thompson. A voice vote carried the motion.

Reunion Coordinator's Report by Dan Genet: Everyone had a great reunion in Nashville, TN in 2013 and the 2014 reunion has been good here in Buffalo, NY. Our numbers are down and this impacts the dealings we have with hotels and the meeting rooms they give us. All these rooms are based on room nights, food and beverage purchases. We must guarantee a certain number of room nights. As an example, we guarantee 100 room nights and only use 80 then the Association must pay for the additional 20 nights. It is more of a challenge now for us to estimate the number of room nights expected. The Reunion Brat suggested we put in our contract that we can revisit that number until October and adjust the number up or down. The contract for the next reunion is signed between April and June of the prior year. Food and beverage purchases must also be guaranteed and the Association pays the difference when not met. All this is very hard to calculate with our numbers going down. When the contract for Indianapolis was signed, the amount for food and beverage was calculated as $5,000 and the guarantee was changed from room nights to people. With the number attending this year we could have a problem! Please book your room ahead and send in your registration and money at least five days before the cut-off date. Tours and buses are paid a month in advance by The Reunion Brat, so we have to have the money to do that. Should you have any problems with or after registering call The Reunion Brat and she will work with you.

The date of our reunion in Indianapolis is 9/14 - 9/20/2015. The room rate at the Wyndham West will be $104 plus tax and will include breakfast. No tours have been locked in as of this time. Genet reviewed several possible tour options for the city. Norm Thompson added the hotel is near the airport and the interstates are good coming into the city for those driving. Thompson gave additional small local options for those that drive to the reunion. Genet noted we are trying to keep reunions more centrally located to build better numbers.

The ballots for the 2016 reunion choices were passed out. Members voted for: 1) San Antonio 2) Branson 3)Albuquerque 4) Kansas City. Genet will begin with number one and work through the list.

Election of Officers/Directors: Dan Genet announced the need to fill three positions for Directors. Genet spoke with Scott Parker and Bob Dreher and they have agreed to run. A request for one additional Director was made. Tom Ferelli was nominated by Bob Nause. Bob Dreher made a motion to close nominations and seconded by Tom Connell. Genet requested the Secretary cast one ballot for each of the Board of Directors. Secretary Sims so moved. Nominations were requested from the floor to fill the office of Treasurer. No nominations were received and Bob Peters agreed he will continue until the next meeting but will be resigning then.

Members were reminded that the Association will need a Secretary and Treasurer in 2015. Both of these offices are stepping down after many years of service. Please consider serving in your Association.

Dan Genet announced Vice Chairman Gordon Kreiner was unable to attend this year and may have to resign his position. Berlyn Ware has agreed to fill this position temporarily for the remainder of the term and was presented to the membership. Genet made a motion to accept Berlyn Ware as temporary Vice Chairman. The motion carried by a voice vote. The World War II veterans, Korean War veterans and those serving from the LHD2 were recognized. With no additional business Tom Connell made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Bob Dreher and passed by a voice vote.

Respectfully Submitted by Recording Secretary,

Bob Dreher 6

Recap of the 2014 Reunion in Buffalo, N.Y. By Dan Genet As you walked into the lobby of the Hyatt Hotel in Buffalo, N.Y. you could see your fellow Shipmates standing in the lobby and you knew your week was going to be a good one. Our Registration Desk, Hospitality room, Memorabilia Room and Ships Store were all located on the Mezzanine level of the hotel. It was a great feeling to see old friends and meet with new ones. After checking in and leaving our luggage in our room we went & registered with The Reunion Brat.

We then went into the hospitality room looking for your shipmates and the friends that you have made over the years. As you see your old shipmates, there are smiles, handshakes, hugs and kisses. At first you don’t notice the shipmates that are not there, after a while you realize that someone is missing and for whatever the reason they will be missed. This year was especially great to see Gladys Flynn and Jim ‘Corky’ Golden back and up to their old tricks.

We toured Old Fort Niagara were we had a demonstration of an antique rifle and an antique mortar. We spent the day at Niagara Falls enjoying its splendor. We toured the Buffalo Naval Park were we had the opportunity to walk on the USS Little Rock CL-92, USS The Sullivan’s and the USS Croaker SS-246. We also toured the Wilcox Mansion where Theodore Roosevelt was sworn into office. The Buffalo Transportation Museum a 20,000 square foot museum loaded with antique vehicles. And before returning back to the hospitality room we stopped at Vidler’s 5 & 10 and the Made In America Store.

At the auction this year you heard me say “The Tradition Continues” this is when Gladys was bidding against her daughter-in-law at the auction. This reminded me of the auction where Gladys was on one side of the room and her husband Bob was on the other. I do not remember the item that was being bid on but, after a while it was down to two bidders. The bidding went back and forth between these two bidders for a while raising the price quite a bit. I do not remember who won the bid but, at that point I thanked Gladys & Bob Flynn for their bidding. The audience erupted in applause and laughter.

The Ladies Auction is always a great evening and this year was no exception. There were numerous treasures that were auctioned making every buyer happy that they won the bid. As always the Ladies and auctioneers did a fabulous job raising just over $ 2,000.00 for the Essex Association, along with having a lot of laughs. The auctioneers would like to Thank Betty Henderson for organizing and running the auction along with all the ladies for their hard work. I encourage everyone to bid on the items for auction, if not for you, maybe as a gift for a friend, neighbor or relative and even if you don’t like the item bid on it anyway just to give it to someone. Remember the monies collected go to the association and Thank You to all the bidders for their generosity.

Saturday morning we all attended the Annual Memorial Service held at the hotel, a time to reflect on the memories of our shipmates, family and friends. The service opened with a Navy Color Guard in Dress Whites presenting the colors in true military fashion. Bob Dreher led the membership in singing GOD Bless America and the Navy Hymn.

Saturday evening we attended the Annual Dinner Dance, as promised the food was very good and everyone enjoyed the Steak, Salmon and Chicken dishes. Everyone then danced away the evening with Music by a local D.J. Dedicated to the members who couldn’t be there.

7 USS ESSEX BUFFALO N.Y. 2014 REUNION

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GREAT MEMORIES!!

Hope you’ll join us on 2015 to Indianapolis!!!! 9

TAPS and SICKBAY FOR DECEMBER 2014

TAPS

NAME DATE ABOARD

John Wilson, Jr. 8/8/2014 1943-1945

John Yeager 12/9/2013 1943-1945

Romaine C. Spanel 2009 1943-1945

Cleo G. Whitcomb 8/25/2014 1943-1945

Lindy C. Ellason 4/24/2014 1951-1954

Virgil Leroy Downs 12/19/2013 1943-1945

Roscoe G. Mayo 8/31/2012 Father in law of Chester Winchell

Joe Terral 9/26/2014 1951-1953

Herbert Bonnet 10/23/2014 1943-1945

Cleo Whitcomb 8/25/2014 1943-1945

SICKBAY

Rosa Nesbit Non-malignant brain tumor removed Doing ok

Anna Kreiner Complications from back surgery Recovering

Bob Zeller Heart Problems/Surgery Recovering

Maria Medina Total knee replacement Recovering

Carl Ward Aortic Valve replacement Doing well

A FRIENDLY REMINDER : 2014 DUES ARE DUE NOW, !!!!

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MEMORIAL & HONOR LIST

MEMORIALIZED HONORED DONOR

Howard Hanger Charlotte Hanger Howard Hanger Harold Hanger Bill Durbin Mildred Dirbin Nancy Acree Helen Wadford

In HONOR or MEMORY of Form Name Donor In Memory of In Honor of______By______In Memory of In Honor of______By______

Name______Street/Apt.______City______St & Zip ______

Please make check payable to USS Essex Assn. and send it to treasurer Bob Peters, 2329 Princeton, Berkley MI 48072 Thank You (All donations will go into the general fund unless noted) Donation $______

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From the Treasurer - As of 11/15/14

Good News -- Our cash position is good - Checking $23,533, Hi Yield $22,812 for a total of $46,345. This amount will go down some as all of the reunion expenses are not in from the Reunion Brat and other persons. I think they will be about $2,000.

Robert Peters Treasurer

WELCOME ABOARD NEW MEMBERS

NAME DIV/S ABOARD

Shimko, Timothy N. No Info No Info

Flynn, David E. Son of Bob Flynn

Dorenbecker, Jay HS13 1962-1963

Rotolo, Jr., Salvatore OA/OPS 1992-1996

Thompson, Sanforo Brother of Norm Thompson

Lopez, Julian 1954-1956

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Changes to the Roster for 12/2014

RINEHART, Floyd J. 5596 Coralwood Pl. Fontana, CA 92336 Cellphone 253-347-0758

SCANLON, Michael D. 551 Alessandra Cir. Apt. 2310 Orange City, FL 32763-7869

EPPERSON, James M. Tel. 256-302-1182 [email protected]

MILLER, Melvin H. 25396 W Gardner Rd. Wauconda. Il 60084-1008

MEEKS, Thomas P. 7 Cox Creek Ln. Cascade, MT 59421-8218

WAGAMAN, Victor V. 544 Madison Ave. York, PA 17404-2807

VOIGT, Emmett E. 3975 E Clocktower Ln. Apt 132 Meridian, ID 83642-9123

CLEMENT, Lee 100 Kimball Ave. Apt C26 Salem, 24153-6718

BUFFORD, Dustin C. 6412 96th St. E Unit House Puyallup, WA 98371-6126

SCALES, Richard Tel. 812-305-1289

WALTON, Carl G. Tel. 618-910-5161 [email protected]

Return to Sender (Address Unknown

Anderson, Charles E.

McGraw, Richard H.

Pellerito, Vito

Hoke, Elmer C.

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Change of Command 2014 (17 photos) The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) hosted a change of command ceremony, May 28, 2014. Capt. Peter M. Mantz relieved Capt. Joker L. Jenkins as commanding officer of Essex. Mantz is the 19th commanding officer of Essex since its commissioning in 1992. — at Uss Essex Lhd2.

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SALUTE TO THE SAILOR'S WIFE

Being "Married to the Navy" is a very common expression among Navy Wives. It soon becomes obvious why.

THE NAVY WIVES CREED When the good Lord was creating Navy Wives, he was into his sixth day of overtime, an Angel appeared and said, "Are you having a lot of trouble with this one? What's wrong with the standard model?" The Lord replied, "Have you seen the specifications on this order? She has to be completely independent, must be sponsored to get on the base, have the quality of both mother and father during cruises, be a perfect hostess to four or forty, run on black coffee, handle emergencies without a BUPERS manual, be able to handle the flu, birthdays, and moves around the world if need be on a moments notice, have a kiss that can heal anything from a child's torn valentine to her husband's weary day, have the patience of a saint when waiting for the ship to come in, and have six pair of hands." The Angel shook her head slowly and said "Six Pair of Hands, no way!" The Lord answering, "Don't worry, we'll create other navy wives to help. Besides, it's not the hands that are causing the problem, it's the Heart. The Heart must swell with pride in her husband, sustain the ache of separations, beat on soundly and strongly when it's too tired to do so, be large enough to say I understand when she really doesn't and say I Love You regardless." "Lord" said Angel, touching his sleeve gently, "come to bed, you can finish this tomorrow." "I can't" said the Lord. "I'm so close to creating something unique. Already I have one that heals herself when she is sick, can feed three unexpected guests who were stuck in the area due to bad weather, and can wave goodbye to her husband from a pier or runway and fully understand that it is important to our country that he leaves." The Angel circled the model of the Navy Wife very slowly. "It's too soft" she sighed. "But touch" said the Lord excitedly. "You cannot imagine what this woman can do or endure." "Can she think?" asked the Angel. "Can she think!’ Why she can convert 1400 to 2:00P.M." Finally the Angel bent over and gently ran her fingers across the models cheek. "There is a leak" she pronounced. "I told you that you were trying to put to much into this model." "It's not a leak" said the Lord. "It's a Tear." "What for?" asked the Angel. "It's for Joy, Sadness, Pain, Disappointment, Loneliness, and Pride!" "You're a genius" exclaimed the Angel...The Lord looked somberly at the angel and replied, "I didn't put it there." "Author Unknown" 15 TIBITS AS ASKED ON “JEOPARDY”, SUMMITED BY DAN GENET

1.How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why? …….21 STEPS It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.

2.How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why? 21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1

3.Why are his gloves wet? His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.

4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and, If not, why not? He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.

5.How often are the guards changed? Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

6.What are the physical traits of the guard limited to? For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb he must be between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30. They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin. The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery .

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GAO: Navy Carrier Will Be Incomplete, Cost More at Delivery

Stars and Stripes | Nov 21, 2014 | by Erik Slavin

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan -- The Navy plans to meet the $12.9 billion cost cap for its new aircraft carrier by accepting the ship unfinished and spending more money afterward, according to a report by the government's watchdog agency. The aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford may be unable to demonstrate its promise to boost aircraft launch and recovery rates before it is delivered to the Navy, according to a Government Accountability Office report released Thursday.

The ship may also require as much as $988 million more in spending after delivery, according to the GAO. "In essence, the Navy will have a ship that is less complete than initially planned at ship delivery, but at a greater cost," according to the report. The Gerald R. Ford is about 80 percent complete and is about to begin shipboard testing, which the GAO considers the most challenging phase of development.

Construction has begun concurrently on the new aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy. The Navy plans to spend $43 billion on three Ford-class carriers. Since 2006, cost estimates for the first Ford-class carrier have risen 20 percent. Delivery has been delayed from September 2015 until March 2016.Once completed, the Navy states that the Ford-class carrier will provide several advantages over its 10 active Nimitz-class carriers. For example, an electromagnetic field, instead of steam catapult launchers, to propel aircraft off the deck will ease wear and tear on the carrier. Replacing cables with electromagnetic fields to transport weapons is expected to increase payload capacity by 229 percent, according to the report. Other changes should improve radar detection, reduce manning and trim long-term costs. However, the GAO states that the ship will not be able to demonstrate some of its biggest technological advances prior to deployment, under its current test schedule. "After an investment of at least $12.9 billion, CVN 78 may not achieve improved operational performance over the Nimitz class of aircraft carriers as promised for some time to come," the GAO said. The CVN78 program office has created a $96 million reserve fund for spending above the $12.9 billion cap.

However, Naval Sea Systems Command Cost Engineering Office estimates a cost overrun ranging from $780 million to $988 million. The report also criticized the ship's design for not including enough berths if additional personnel are needed, which the GAO views as likely. The Pentagon disagreed with a GAO recommendation that Congress revise cost caps to more accurately reflect real spending" The Department acknowledges that remaining within the cost cap is challenging, but contends that it is achievable," according to a Defense Department memo appended to the report. The memo did not directly address the timeline and design issues identified by the GAO.

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SHIP’S STORE ORDER FORM (revised 5/2014) PAGE 1 OF 2

LHD-2 Ship Cap Essex Association CV-9 Cap CVA-9 CVA-9 Ribbon Bar

__x $17.00=$__ __x$17.00=$__ __x$17.00=$__ __x$17.00=$__ __x$17.00=$__

CVS-9 Cap CVS-9 Ribbon bar CV-9/WWII 1941-45 NAVY Veteran Cap Marine Veteran – Essex

__x$17.00=$__ __x$17.00=$__ __x$17.00=$__ __x$17.00=$__ __x$17.00=$__

USS Essex LHD-2 CV-9 Veteran Cap CVS-9 –Large print CVA-9 Large print Tote bag-USS Iron Gator__x$17.=$__ Large print __x$17.=$__ Large Print__x$17.+$__ Large Print__x$17.=$__ Essex. $10.00

License plate frame with CV and LHD $7.00

Limited supply Limited supply __x 15.00ea.$___ __x15.00ea.$___ 2/for $25.00 2/for $25.00 Limited supply __x 15.00ea.$___ 2/for $25.00

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SHIP’S STORE ORDER FORM REVISED 5/2014 ** PLEASE INDICATE SIZE* * PAGE 2 OF 2

Men’s Blue Golf Men’s T Shirt Sweatshirt Essex Jacket Shirt Men’s Golf shirt $22.00 size___ $15.00 size___ $26.00 size ___ Front view $50.00 size__ $25.00 size__

_ Ladies Golf shirt Ladies Golf shirt Blueberry Polo Fleece Vest $25.00- coming soon

$25.00 $25.00 $27.00 on line, available at 2014 reunion only

Any member who has any suggestions for merchandise that they would like to see for sale in Ship’s store feel free to contact me at [email protected] The ship’s store will be shipping all merchandise to the reunion site in Buffalo NY, therefore the store will close 2 weeks before Labor Day for inventory and pack out/shipping. All hands are reminded that the Essex Association is on Facebook and also information about the Association is available on ussessexcv9.org and ussessexassociation.com. Get online and get involved .

PLEASE FILL OUT ORDER FORM BELOW AND MAIL PAGES YOU ORDERED FROM OR COPIES, TO TOM FERELLI AT THE ADDRESS INDICATED. *MAKE YOUR CHECK PAYABLE TO THE USS ESSEX ASSN*.

Tom Ferelli 19808 N. 43rd Ln. Glendale, AZ 85308-7390. email Tom at [email protected] or call 623-582-3164.

Send to: Name______Email address or phone ______

Address______City______St.____Zip______

(All taxes and shipping are included in price) TOTAL $______

Ship’s Store will have a PayPal as a payment method in the near future. Those familiar with PayPal will be able to get their merchandise order by “Invoice System”, therefore a Valid e mail address will have to accompany all orders in that format. Those using PayPal will get an approximate 3%/.30 charge added to the price of the item.

19 USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION DUES NOTICE

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY and MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE U.S.S. ESSEX ASSN. DO NOT MAKE PAYABLE TO BOB PETERS . Membership cards will be issued and mailed by the Secretary. Mail to: EUGENE SCHMIDT 3823 WYOMING AVE. SW, WYOMING MI 49519 - 3659 Please check here only if this is a change in your address, phone number or email address. Remember, most of the time your phone # will also change when you move.

Name ______

Street Address ______

City / State / Zip ______

Phone # ______Email Address ______(Please circle the appropriate year you’re paying)

2013 2014 Other (Explain Below) _____Years @ $25.00 per year $ ______

Other $ ______

Donations $ ______

TOTAL $ ______

You will not receive a dues notice by mail. Your only dues notice will be on our web site at www.ussessexcv9.org and printed in this B u c c a n e e r three times a year . Dues not paid by 31 December of the current year due will be dropped from our active roster. All mailings, including the B u c c a n e e r , will be discontinued. The date on your membership card indicates the year you are paid thru. Therefore, please keep your card handy to refer to your dues status and entry into our Annual General Membership Meeting. (Please tear out or copy and send with your remittance)

USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION 581 Conkle Rd. Hampton, GA 30228

TO: FIRST CLASS MAIL