T H E BRIGHT PENNY
October 2006 A NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS OF THE USS BERKELEY (DDG -15) ASSOCIATION Another Great Reunion! by Jim Sundahl Staff Editor NEW DIRECTOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT As July came to an end and August rolled in, a bunch of old crewmembers and their GMM1 Louis Clark was born 14 July families traveled from all over the United 1934 in Cecelia, Kentucky and raised in States to Seattle to see what each other the City of Louisville. His service career looked like. Well, let’s just say we traveled began in 1952 by joining the Marine to Seattle for the fun and joy of meeting Corps and serving until his discharge in with other shipmates for our eighth reunion. 1955. In 1957 he decided to return to The reunion was a great success in my the military service a nd he selected the book, but my book has some torn pages. Navy because he already had brothers in the Army, Air Force and Marines. With the fun starting off with an ice breaker His first assignment was to the Na val on the first night, then a business meeting Air Station, Hutchinson, Kansas where the next morning with members meeting he served on the Security Force. The again Friday night for another ice breaker. base closed eight months later and he Saturday was Election Day and a festive was transfe rred to his first ship, the evening with an almost formal night of USS ROCHESTER (CA -124). He was a memories and old time dancing. Sunday, if member of the 5” gun gang and was you stayed, was the farewell breakfast. promoted to third class. Also, for other entertainment it was Sea In 19 61 he was transferred to the USS Fair weekend in Seattle with the Blue PRESTON (DD -795), which was his first Angels in town. destroyer. He only served on board for a Each day as the reunion peaked and short time when he was transferred to ebbed I got to meet many of the old crew Gunners Mate School at Great Lakes, GMM1 Louis E. Clark (Ret) from plank owners to the decommissioning Illinois. His class was the first to crew. Many do not want to know the before graduate from the MK -13 Missile 1970, he attended Gunners Mate Class B and after facts, bu t it’s strange for me to Launcher course. School. Following graduation in May 1971 look in the mirror now along side a picture In 1962 GMM1 Clark was assigned to he received orders to the USS DECATUR the USS BERKELEY while she was (DDG -31) w here he was in charge of the of me from 1970 when I was in Supply undergoing completion at the New York MK -13 Missile Launcher. Division. There was a cruise book for the Shipb uilding Corporation in Camden, New Following one year aboard the Decatur time I was on board and I was able to get Jersey. He became a plankowner when he received orders to the Naval Wea pons copies made of the S -Division of that time. the ship was commissioned on 15 Station at Seal Beach, California with I no longer look like that picture of days of December 1962. Following sea trials the duties working on the Tarter -Terrier old. I had more hair on my face than I now ship sailed to Long Beach, California via Program. In 1974 he returned to sea have on my head. the Panama Canal. In 1963 the USS duty aboard the USS JOHN PAUL JONES The elections where held on Saturday and Berkeley became the primary missile (DDG -32) where once again he was in if you were as deaf as I am you got elected firing ship demonstration for President charge of the MK -13 Missile Launcher. In to various jobs. For me, I got the job as John F. Kennedy. During this tour he February 1975 he left the John Paul editor of the Bright Penny. Mind you, I am made one deployment to the Western Jones and retired on 28 March 1975 not complaining for it gives me something Pacific. following eighteen years of Naval service to do besides spending nights playing His n ext duty came in January 1965 to and three years in the Marine Corps. games on the old computer. Or, in this case the Naval Weapons Station in China “I n 1962 I was invited to attend the the shiny new one I bought after telling my Lake, California where he was assigned Decommissioning Ceremony of the USS dear wife I really needed it to be the editor. to the Tarter Missile Program. In 1966 Berkeley in San Diego. It was a sad event the program was transferred to White Back to the reunion. Tribute was paid but I am proud that as a former Sands, New Mexico and he was crewmember and plankowner that I was where tribute was due in remembrance of reassigned to the Missile Fire Control able to attend this special ceremony. For the late Ray Bartlett and to his wife Donna Progr am in charge of a MK -10 missile my civilian life, I was married to my wife, for continuing his work after he passed on. launcher and a 3”50 gun mount. Shirley, for 23 years and we have five She was voted Lifetime Honorary Director In January 1968 GMM1 Clark was children and six grandchildren. Following and she will now share this honor with transferred to the USS SCHOFIELD Shirley’s death in 1979 I married P at in former director CDR Jim Barrett, the (DEG -3) as a member of the 1983. We live in Long Beach, California founder of the Association. commissioning crew. While on board he where I enjoy working in my shop, cooking, It was discussed that sections be added to made one deployment to the Western keeping in touch with former shipmates “The Bright Penny” like a section to honor Pacific. and last, but certainly not least, happy to the wives of those th at serve as Officers in Returning to Gre at Lakes, Illinois in be our Association’s new Director.” the Association and shipmate’s spouses and partners that put up with them during their time in the Navy. Numerous things were From the Director: and, I can't forget Donna Bartlett who discussed but no one cussed or got upset; I would like to take this opportunity to stepped up to the plate to run the one of the nicest meetings I have thank you for attending the 2006 association after the passing of her participated in for any associ ation. reunion in Seattle. Pat and I were husband. She did a great job. I tried to To read the by -laws and minutes you need help her as much as I could and now I to go to our Web site at http://www. pleased to see you. I hope you had a wonderful time the three days that we will ask you to help me to make the USS ussberkeley.com/ and when they are in Berkeley Association bigge r and better. place you can make comments to the were together. I will be meeting with Donna Bartlett Director. Also I want to thank you for the It appeared that all enjoyed themselves, support you gave me by voting me in as on 12 September to complete the transfer for my wife and I surely did. Finally the next director of the USS Berkeley of the leadership from Ray to me. Dale meeting some of the members and their Association. I know that I have a big Johnson, Assistant Director, may be wives is priceless to us. The memories will job to do and it will be easier to do attending this meeting as well to go over stay with us till dementia sets in. knowing I have your support. the by -laws and make clarifications in Here’s h oping everyone can be at the next regards to the new staff assignments. reunion, wherever it may be. Like many we I also want to thank Jim Barrett for forming the USS Berkeley Assoc iation Again, Pat and I thank you very much. Your new director, Continued on Page 2 – Reunion and the late Ray Bartlett who did a great job while he was the director; Lou Clark The Bright Penny - October 2006 Page 2
USS BERKELEY ASSOCIATION A message from the Director: The Final Chapter on DVD 2050 Nipomo Avenue The original documentary was distributed on Long Beach, CA 90815 -3521 As the new Director of the USS Berkeley VHS several years ago. The new DVD release 562 -453 -6513 Association, I’m very pleased to have been has been digit ally remastered with enhanced E Mail: [email protected] (new) nominated and elected by my former crew- color, audio and sharpness. Website: www.USSBerkeley.com members at our reunion in Seattle on August This is truly something to have to reflect Biennial Dues: $20.00 5, 2006. back on your days aboard Berkeley, even Director: Lou Clark With the help of the new Association Staff though you were not on board during her Asst. Director: Dale Johnson GMM1 Lou Clark (Ret) and the members, I will do my best to help final year of service. The DVD menu has ten Secretary: Pat Clark & Tammy Meier build this organization into a bigger and chapters to select for viewi ng. (1) Portland, Membership Committee Chairman: Al Meier better association for former USS Berkeley Oregon visit with underway scenes from San Reunion Committee Chairman: Lou Clark crewmembers. Diego and some very rough seas enroute; (2) Bright Penny Editor: Jim Sundahl I know I have b ig shoes to fill (Jim Barrett The 50th anniversary co mmemoration of Ship’s Store Manag er: Gerald Hansen as founder of our association and Ray Pearl Harbor in Portland; (3) The final Webmaster: Dale Johnson Bartlett who did a great job carrying on dependents cruise; (4) Scenes of shipboard Newsletter Publisher: Jim Barrett where Jim left off) and I’ll do my best to spaces; (5) The final drydocki ng; (6) The make everyone just as proud of me as you decommissioning party and reunion; (7) USS New York were of them. Decomm/Reunion Ensenada Cruise; (8) Final The fifth of twelve San Antonio Class ships is I would now like to introduce the new USS muster of the crew by the C.O.; (9) the USS New York being built using 24 tons Berke ley Staff: Decommissioning Ceremony and Transfer to of steel salvaged from th e Twin Towers Assistant Director & Webmaster: Dale the Hellenic Navy of Greece and (10) H.S. destroyed on 11 September 2001. Designated Johnson, Indiana. Themistocles departing San Diego for Greece. LPD -21, the keel was laid in 2004 at Secretary: Pat Clark & Tammy Meier, Cal i- The DVD runs 1:58. Northrop Grumman Ships Systems’ Sh ipyard fornia. You can purchase this DVD through the in Avondale, Louisiana with launching Treasurer: Lou Clark, California. Ship’s Store for $7.00 plus mailing cost of scheduled for 2007. The ship’s motto is Membership Committee: Al Meier, Califo r- $1.50. All proceeds go t o the treasury. ‘Never Forget’. nia; Don Caron, Texas; Roy Englund, Or e- gon. Newsletter to be available on the Committee Member: Jerry Scott, South Web site Dakota. A new page will be added to the Website for Committee Member: Gerald Hansen, Wi s- this and future newsl etters. It can be consin. downloaded in PDF format and printed if you Committee Member: Rick Shields, Ohio have Adobe Reader. Reunion Committee Chairperson: Lou To save postage expenses this will be the Clark. primary method of delivery for those who Reunion Committee - Boston: Duane have computers. After posting on the Web Ledoux, Massachusetts. site an e -mail will be sent to all active Reunion Committee – Providence, RI: members advising of the new issue. For those Reunion Color Guard from University Alan Johnson, Connecticut. not on the Internet it will continue to be of Washington NROTC Baltimore and Philadelphia will be cover ed mailed to active members. Keep your e -ma il by me until I find someone to take it over. address current with the Association. Reunion Location Assistants: Pat Clark, Annual Roster California and Tammy Meier, California. It is anticipated the next annual roster will Bright Penny Newsletter Editor: James be distributed to dues pa ying members in (Jim) Sundahl, Oregon. January 2007. If any of your information has Bright Penny Newsletter Publisher: Jim changed send an update to the Association Barrett, California. mailbox or e -mail to DDGB erk15@charter. Ship’ s Store Manager: Gerald Hansen, net. Wisconsin. Berkeley Beauties representative: Pat TAPS Clark. FTC Louis Crofoot – 21 January 2005. Chief New additions to the newsletter wil l be a Crofoot served aboard Berkeley 1964 -67. L-R, OC David Camp, OC Joshua Frailey – Group column for our ‘Berkeley Beauties’, those Leader, Sgt Justin Taricani, OC Brendon Tower & wonderful wives that have supported us Binnicle List OC Jeffery Scheidt. Sergeant in Ch arge, Gunnery through thick and thin. We will be hig h- YN1 Ben Bess – 13 September. Ben Sergeant Anthony D. Hagman (not shown). ligh ting one of these ‘Beauties’ and learning underwent a quadruple bypass live, meaning more about her. It will also be a column the surgeon did not stop the heart and he Reunion – From Page 1 where Pat can keep in touch with the gals in never went on a heart/lung machine. Ben’s have to save up for it and hope the rest of you are conjunction with the forthcoming ‘USS Ber- wife Karen will keep the Association apprised able to also. It was a fun and enjoyable reunion. keley Family Cookbook’. And, for those of his recovery. A card was sent from the As we put this newslette r to bed and you find it is with a funny bone, an ‘On the Lighter Side’ Association . short of what you need, let me know.My e -mail humor column where I’m sure we’ll read address is [email protected] and make sure some great sea stories. Humor in Uniform you pu t Berkeley in the subject line or you will be I joined the Navy to see the world. Now that vapor in cyber. I get a lot of junk mail. Go Navy! I have seen it, how do I get out?
opportunity to express my desire in seeing you Berkeley Beauties at our next reunion to enjoy a few days every With a new era beginning for the USS couple of years in revisiting those days of the Berkeley Association with the election of a past that are important to these former crew new Director and Staff, I’d like to see the members. I’d like to showcase a member’s Association encompass the wife or better half in future issue s of the Bright Penny significant other of a member as being just as well. I’m retired from Verizon and enjoy as important a part of this Associ ation’s many hobbies and participate in clubs relating success as is the former crewmember. Many to my pastimes . I’m also on the Board of of you have ‘lived’ the Navy life and been Directors of The Angel Quilt Project which is there through the thick and thin o f it. Many a group that makes quilts for neo -natal units of you that have come to the past reunions in and chil dren’s trauma centers. While I’m at it, support of a dues -paying member and we are I asked many of you at this year’s reunion thankful for your interest in being an active about your interest in participating in a USS participant of the Berkeley Family. For Berkeley Family Cookbook and was happy at those gals who haven’t been to one of the the response. If you’re interested please association’s reunions ove r the past 14 contact me and I’ll tell you all about it and years, I’m Pat Clark, the Association’s new what I’d need from you. Director’s wife and I’d like to take this Pat Clark The Bright Penny – October 2006 Page 3 Reunion Photos
Jean & Duane LeDoux arriving on Amtrak Pat & Lou Clark conducting Bell Ceremony
Ben Bess, Ed Codispoti & John Fritchey Erika, Kim & Michael Stock
Michael Stock, Al Meier, Alan ‘Doc‘ Johnson, Jim Barrett and Dale Johnson
Jim Barrett presenting Donna Bartlett with a plaque in appreciation for her work and dedication to the Association.
Donna Bartlett & Color Guard Member
Pat Clark, Ron Bravo & Bob McGuire
Banquet gathering Donna with son Brent & wife Roxanne and grandson, Jake
Do’in the ol’ Chicken Dance
Donna with granddaughter Nicole Join us in 2008 and son Brent Seattle Skyline The Bright Penny – October 2006 Page 4
Michael and proud dad Don Thompson
Plankowners: L/R Ben Bess, Ed Codispoti, Harry Kikuyama & Lou Clark. Back row: John Fritchey, Larry Johnson, Thomas Costello, Da le Nielsen & Duane LeDoux
Dale & Charlene Johnson and Al Meier
Business Meeting
Some leisure time in the patio
Jim Sundahl, Lou Clark, Dale Johnson & Jim Barrett
Doreen Scott, Sue & Jim Alley Rick & Verla Shields with Gerry & Francine Hansen and Jerry Scott
Farewell Breakfast