Uss Essex Reunion” at Nashville, Tenn

VOLUME 45 NUMBER 2 WWW.USSESSEXCV9.ORG August 2013

TO ATTEND THE SEPTEMBER 2013 “USS ESSEX REUNION” AT NASHVILLE, TENN.

Vol. 45 August 2013 Issue # No.2 NOTES FROM THE EDITOR

Chairman Robert C. Zeller, Jr. We have designed the Buccaneer to provide you with as Vice Chairman James Dean Secretary H. Bruce Sims much information, news, humor and coming events as Treasurer Robert D. Peters possible. This is your newsletter so please forward us Chaplain Bob Nause Historian Richard M. Scales feedback as to articles and material you would like to see. Ship’s Storekeeper Tom Ferelli Buccaneer Editor Tony & MariaMedina We will keep all future issues to a maximum of 24 pages, Master at Arms Fred McCaskill and 20 pages would be ideal. This will keep our postage Membership/Publicity Gerald McDonell Parliamentarian Al Degendorfer expenses to a minimum. With a tighter format, while using Recording Secretary Bob Dreher Assistant Treasurer Eugene Schmidt the front and back cover to eliminate wasted space, we should have as much if not more material to present to the BOARD OF DIRECTORS reader. Class of 2013 *** CONTENTS*** Bill McCaffrey Don Fortin Bob Watson 1-COVER- JOIN US AT THE 2013 TENN. REUNION 2-NOTES FROM THE EDITOR, CONTENTS/OFFICERS/ Class of 2014 DEAD LINES, etc. Art Bergmann Chuck Fiedler Bob Dreher 3-CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/CHAPLAIN’S REPORT FROM THE EDITOR’S CORNER Class of 2015 Tom Connell Eugene Schmidt Gordon Kreiner 4- ESSEX FIRST QUARTER BUDGET 5-MEMORIAL LIST, ETC. FORMER CHAIRMEN 6- CHANGES TO THE ROSTER/WELCOME ABOARD Joseph DuErmit Robert J. Flynn William Pihl 7 -USS ESSEX QUILT RAFFLE Robert C. Zeller Jr. Robert Walker Frank O’Connor 8- 2013 REUNION/ HOTEL INFO. Norm Thompson Dan Ganet 9- NASHVILLE REUNION TOURS 10-REUNION PLAN OF THE WEEK ADVISORY BOARD 11-REUNION TOUR REGISTRATION Class of 2013 12-MEET COMMANDING OFFICER OF LHD-2 Lonnie Popejoy Richard Scales Ed Mrozinski

13-HONORING WWll SHIPMATES AT LHD-2 THE BUCCANEER is a periodical publication published a minimum 14- DEMOLITION OF THE ESSEX of three times annually by the USS ESSEX CV/CVA/CVS-9/LHD-2 15 - TAPS/SICK BAY ASSN. INC., a non-profit organization. Members are composed of those 16- SHIP’S STORE page 1 who have served on the above ships at various times from 1941 to 17- SHIP’S STORE page 2 present. Offspring of those who served are also qualified for full 18-SECRETARY REPORT membership. Spouses and others who are sponsored by a member may 19-RETURN TO SENDER become an Associate Member but without voting privileges. 20-ESSEX ASSOCIATION DUES NOTICE   oops! error has been corrected!

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 2013 DUES ARE DUE! possible. All material forwarded for publication will be used when space and time permits. PLEASE SEND YOUR DUES TO

EUGENE SCHMIDT *Bob Nause–Chaplain /570-788-3157/ [email protected]

HIS ADDRESS IS ON THE BACK COVER OF 28 Country Club Ln., Sugarloaf, PA 18249-9733

THIS PUBLICATION *Tony & Maria Medina-Editor /732-738-6807 [email protected] 1719 Sunnyview Oval BUCCANEER SUBMISSION DEADLINES Keasbey, NJ 08832

*H. Bruce Sims-Secretary /770-707-1812/[email protected] Last day of October for December issue. 581 Conkle Rd. Hampton, GA 30228

*Gerald McDonell-Publicity/Membership Last day of February for April issue. [email protected] 42543 Applecreek Dr. Plymouth, MI 48170 Last day of June for August issue. *Robert D. Peters-Treasurer/[email protected]

2 2329 Princeton Berkley, MI 48072-3020

Chuck Fiedler-LHD-2 Liaison/[email protected] 612 Fieldwood Cir. Richardson TX 75081-5608 USS ESSEX ORGANIZATION REUNION OF 2013 From The Eyes of the Chairman:

Greeting once again!

JUST A REMINDER THAT THE NASHVILLE REUNION IS SEPTEMBER 22nd-28th.

THE DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS AUGUST 23rd. Also please don’t forget to select your tours. At our membership meeting we will vote for the location of our 2015-2016 reunions with alternate locations.

SEE YOU IN NASHVILLE!! , HAVE A HAPPY SAFE SUMMER.

Your Chairman,

Bob Zeller

------

The Chaplain’s Message

Enjoy each day one at a time. Time marches on and we must not pass up opportunities to help one another. The smallest acts of kindness will not go unnoticed. As shipmates we looked out for each other and we need to do the same for our family and friends.

I hope good health allows many of you to come to Nashville in September. There will be some shipmates that cannot make the trip for health reasons. For them we must pray that they will feel better soon. Pray for each other and pray for our troops.

Robert Nause

Chaplain

A prayer for our troops,

Heavenly Father, Hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. These things I humbly ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen

From the Editor…The passing away of Former USS Essex Organization Chairman 1988-91…..Robert J. Flynn, Pittsburg PA, Bob served 23 years with the US Navy retiring as Chief Boilerman in 1969. He served aboard the USS Gearing (DD-710), USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) and the USS Essex (CVS-9). His last duty station was as a Navy Recruiter. He was a permanent member of the USS Essex Advisory Board. He will be greatly missed by his Essex Shipmates. Our condolences to his wife, Gladys and family.

3 U.S.S. Essex CV/CVA/CVS-9/LHD-2, Inc. Financial Statement January 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013

Assets Income Balances January 1, 2013 Checking $20,367.78 Dues $4,980.00 Hi Yield 22,788.63 Donations 370.00 CD - Ship Store 966.00 Prepaid Expenses 231.16 Registration 0.00 Beginning Cash Balance $43,387.57 Tours 0.00 Banquet 0.00 Income $6,868.85 Taco Night 0.00 Less: Expenses ($5,436.24) Hospitality Room 0.00 $44,820.18 Life Membership 0.00 Income on Investments 0.00 Miscellaneous 552.85 Auction-50/50-Cookbook 0.00

Total Income 6,868.85

Expenses

Special Funds 0.00 Printing 1,282.60 Postage-Freight 422.56 Salaries 0.00 Clothing-Ship's Store 2,217.38 Office Supplies & Equipment 364.49 Telephone 0.00 Refunds 0.00 Income Tax Paid 0.00 Social Security Tax Paid 0.00 Medicare Tax Paid 0.00 Reunion-Association 1,041.91 Repair Service-Contracts 41.04 Miscellaneous 66.26 . Reunion -General 0.00

Total Expenses $5,436.24 Balances June 30, 2013 Checking $21,300.96 Hi Yield 22,788.63 Total Income (Loss) Prepaid Expense $730.59 $1,432.61 $44,820.18

Prepared by Robert Peters, Treasurer

MEMORIALIZED HONORED DONOR Harold Hanger Norm & Carolyn Thompson Bill Christensen Norm & Carolyn Thompson Ron Martin Norm & Carolyn Thompson Eleanor Martin Norm & Carolyn Thompson Jean Rau Norm & Carolyn Thompson All deceased Essex Sailors Eleanor J. Sakris John L. Tennant Jean Tennant Bruce Sims Gene Lee Harriette Sims Gene Lee

------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 $______

Changes to the Roster

John A.Yeager 15677 SW Oregon St. #207 Sherwood, OR. 97140 503-822-5577 Thomas P. Meeks 3810 9th Ave south Apt B Great Falls, MT 59405 Donald P. Fortin 239 Dresser Hill Rd. Charlton, MA 01507-1335 Paul R. Ingold 214 DuPont Way, Summerville SC 29485-8160 t.843-771-9889 e. [email protected] Charles F. Clopp 2687 June Ave. Bensalem, PA 19020-4169 Thomas J.Piorkowski 444 Zucksville Rd. Easton PA 18040-8353 Evelyn DuBose [email protected] Richard Cassara 8807 159th Ave Howard Beach NY 11414-3109 James A. Rankine [email protected] Anthony J. Leone 3320 Executive Drive #140 Joliet, IL 60431 Corinne L. Lamour 1 Fellows Rd. #34 Oakdale, Ct. 06370 tel.860-333-3770 [email protected] Bob Hayes 50 Endicott St. #309 (Brightview Assisted Living )Danvers, MA 01923 tel.978-979-5510 [email protected] John W. Hardesty 8975-193 Lawrence Welk Dr. Escondido CA 92026 [email protected]

REMINDER……SEND CHANGES……WE NEED TO KEEP IN TOUCH

WELCOME ABOARD

NAME DIV/S ABOARD

BUFFORD, DISTIN ? LHD

QUIRK, RICHARD P. ? ?

SPINK,MICHAEL D. GS 1964-66

SZULIST,DONALD G. MP-1 LHD 1991-94

“ESSEX MEMORIES” QUILT/RAFFLE

Raffle Item: Double bed sized “ESSEX Memories Quilt” with navy blue border, was made by Willie and Barbara Tabor. It was made using reunion T-shirts 2001-2011. It will be raffled off at the next Essex Reunion in Nashville, TN. On Sept. 2013.

IF NOT ATTENDING REUNION, RAFFLE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO YOU WITH A DONATION OF $1.00 EACH OR 6 FOR $5.00. Donation should be sent to Bob Peters, 2329 Princeton , Berkeley, MI 48072- 3020, by Sept. 15,2013.

44th USS ESSEX Association Reunion

Our 2013 reunion will be held at the Holiday Inn Opryland / Airport Hotel located at 2200 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37214 the week of September 23 to September 29, 2013. To make your Hotel reservations please call the Hotel Direct at 615.883-9770 no later than August 26, 2013. All reservation requests received after this date will be subject to availability at the USS Essex Rate. As always the Essex Rate will be good for Three Days before and after the reunion. You MUST indicate the group name USS ESSEX Association in order to receive the group rate. The Hotel is ten minutes from the Nashville / Opryland Airport. (Airport code is “BNA”) If you are using a computer to search for Airfare, you can try KAYAK.COM to search numerous airlines at one time. When you select an airline it automatically switches you to that airline to make your reservation. Our room rate is $99.00 a night plus tax which includes transportation to and from the Nashville Opryland Airport. The room rate also includes a complete Buffet Breakfast with a cooked-to-order omelet station with a chef attendant, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, biscuits & gravy, oatmeal, grits, fresh sliced fruit, assorted yogurts, a variety of breakfast breads, dry cereals, milk, coffee and tea. The Hotel has given us a 15% discount on all food purchases at their Restaurant during our reunion. NOTE: the Hotel charges $11.95 per person for the buffet breakfast, which is included in our room rate. A menu is available, but that is EXTRA and is NOT included in the room rate.

There is a Waffle House 2/10ths of a mile and a Jack in the Box 3/10ths of a mile from the hotel. Also 1½ miles from the hotel are a number of restaurants ranging from fast foods to full sit down dinners. The Hotel shuttle makes trips to the airport every 20 minutes between 0500 hours and 2300 hours daily and will drop you off in front of Walgreen’s in the K-Mart shopping center, which is 1½ miles from the Hotel and right in the middle of all the following restaurants. Arby’s Darfons Restaurant & Lounge Back Yard Burgers Dragon Phoenix, Chinese Buffet KFC – Kentucky Fried Chicken Jalisco Mexican Restaurant McDonalds Ruby Tuesday Restaurant Taco Bell / Pizza Hut Shoney’s Restaurant Wendy’s The Hotel shuttle also makes Four Trips a day to the Opry Mills Mall; the Monday to Saturday schedule is 1100 hours, 1330 hours, 1730 hours and 2000 hours. On another page in the Buccaneer you will find the Reunion Registration & Tour Registration Form for the Nashville Reunion. Tips are included in All Tour prices. Registration forms are due by August 23, 2013. NOTE: We will meet in the Hotel Lobby 15 minutes before the start of the tours to board the buses. If you have any questions, Please feel free to contact The Reunion Brat or me.

The Reunion Brat, Trish Blanton Dan Genet, 954.899-2170 Pacific Time Zone Eastern Time Zone 360.663-2521 or E-mail [email protected] [email protected] Reunion Coordinator

2013 Nashville Reunion Tours

Tour #1 Civil War Battle of Franklin – Guided tour included of the Carnton Plantation, a National Historic Place. The Carnton was home to the John McGavock family and became witness to the Battle of Franklin. During the battle the home was ordered to be a Confederate field hospital by a Southern General. In several rooms heavy bloodstains still mar the floors. In 1866, The McGavocks donated land near their home as a final resting place for 1,481 southern soldiers who died in the battle. Today, it is the largest private Confederate Cemetery in the United States. Robert Hicks immortalized these events in the best seller “The Widow of the South.” LUNCH is available at your own expense during the tour. Next, the group will tour the Carter House, a National Historic Landmark. The modest farmhouse was caught in the middle of the battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864. The Carter Family and the Lotz Family took refuge in the cellar during the five-hour battle. The evidence of the battle remains with over 1,000 bullet holes on site, including the most damaged building from the war. The tour includes a video presentation, a visit to the museum, and a guided tour of the farmhouse and grounds. After the Carter House, the group will tour the Lotz House, a National Landmark. The Lotz House was built by Johann Lotz, a master carpenter and a piano maker. The house served as his “show house” to demonstrate his carpentry work for potential clients. The house was at the epicenter of the Battle of Franklin. The home does have several battle scars including the charred rounded indentation in the wood flooring from a cannonball that went through the roof. The house also served as a hospital for the wounded soldiers on both sides. Tour #2 The Hermitage Mansion – Enjoy a tour of the stately manor of our nation’s seventh President, Andrew Jackson. You’ll be guided by costumed historical interpreters, weaving tales of Jackson’s colorful and controversial life, stories of his family and the slaves who lived and worked there. The tour is highlighted by the complete restoration of the mansion that appears just as Jackson would have seen it in 1837. Also on tour are a film, museum, church, formal garden, Jackson’s tomb, and original log cabins. Tour #3 The Grand Ole Opry – You will attend a live show at the Grand Ole Opry, the show that made Country Music Famous. You cannot go to Nashville without attending at least once. Tour #4 Music City Mix – Visit Fontanel Mansion, Barbara Mandrell’s former 27,000 square foot log cabin, where you go inside and tour the entire home. Then travel to Antique Archaeologies, Mike Wolf’s new store from the incredibly hot TV show American Pickers, where you can find all things American to “pick” from. Also, explore the surrounding Marathon Motors Creative Village full of surprises. Built in 1914, see the automobiles manufactured here as seen in “Driving Ms. Daisy,” handmade candy & marshmallows, an art gallery and more. Lunch is available at your own expense at Marathon Motors Village. Tour #5 Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theatre – Check out Nashville’s newest production, “The best of Country Music Show” and DINNER BUFFET. Come and experience a celebration of Country Music from both past and present. Hear songs from many of the great artists in country music history along with today’s hottest superstars. Enjoy the music of everyone from Hank Williams Sr. and Patsy Cline to the superstars of today like Toby Keith! Throughout the season we have many guest stars including Tommy Cash, Grand Ole Opry Star Jeannie Seely, Diana Murrell, “Nashville’s favorite Cindy Moore as “Minnie Pearl” and many other celebrities! Tour #6 Nashville City Tour – Depart with a guide for a professionally guided city tour of Nashville. Tour includes admission into the Historic Ryman Auditorium; known as the “Mother Church of Country Music” (Original home of the Grand Ole Opry.) Admission and guided tour of the Grand Ole Opry House, tour of the Gaylord Opryland Resort and ride aboard the Delta boats at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. Lunch is available at your own expense during the tour. Tour #7 Ladies Downtown Nashville walk – Visit the Wild Horse Saloon and other local Honky Tonks. This is NOT a guided tour.

PLAN OF THE WEEK USS ESSEX (CV/CVA/CVS-9/LHD-2, INC.) 44th ANNUAL REUNION HOLIDAY INN OPRYLAND, NASHVILLE, TN SEPTEMBER 23 – 29, 2013 Monday, September 23, 2013 0800 “Now hear this” – Set the watch, Hoist the Welcome Banner, Stand by to receive guests to the 44th Annual USS ESSEX Reunion in Nashville, TN 0800 – 0900 Registration and Tour Packets table will be in front of the Hospitality Room 0900 – 2300 Hospitality Room, (Bar open, If someone is available to tend bar while touring) 0900 – 1600 Tour #1, Civil War Tour: Battle of Franklin

Tuesday, September 24, 2013 0800 – 0900 Registration and Tour Packets table will be in front of the Hospitality Room 0900 – 2300 Hospitality Room, (Bar open, If someone is available to tend bar while touring) 0900 – 1300 Tour #2, Hermitage Mansion (Andrew Jackson’s Home) 1800 – 2130 Tour #3, The Grand Ole Opry, (The show that made Country Music Famous)

Wednesday, September 25, 2013 0800 – 0900 Registration and Tour Packets table will be in front of the Hospitality Room 0900 – 2300 Hospitality Room, (Bar open, If someone is available to tend bar while touring) 0900 – 1400 Tour #4, Music City Mix 1400 – 1630 Annual Board of Directors and Advisory Board Meeting 1645 – 2100 Tour #5, Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theatre

Thursday, September 26, 2013 0800 – 0900 Registration and Tour Packets table will be in front of the Hospitality Room 0900 – 2300 Hospitality Room, (Bar open, If someone is available to tend bar while touring) 0900 – 1600 Tour #6, Nashville City Tour 1830 – 2000 Pasta Night, Hospitality Room

Friday, September 27, 2013 0800 – 0900 Registration and Tour Packets table will be in front of the Hospitality Room 0900 – 1200 Members General Business Meeting “Show membership card for admission” 0900 – 1300 Tour #7, Ladies Shopping in Downtown Nashville 1200 – 1830 Hospitality Room 1900 – 2300 Ladies Auction; Starting at 1500 you may bring in your items to be Auctioned Saturday, September 28, 2013 1000 – 1100 Memorial Service 1100 – 1400 Hospitality Room 1700 – 1800 Cocktail Hour (Cash Bar) 1800 – 2200 Banquet Dinner and then Dance the night away with a local DJ Sunday, September 29, 2013 0800 Farewell to Friends and Shipmates until next year.

2013 USS ESSEX 44th ANNUAL REUNION NASHVILLE, TENNEESEE SEPTEMBER 23 - 29, 2013

NAME ______PREFERRED NAME ON BADGE______

NAME OF YOUR GUESTS______PREFERRED NAME ON BADGE______

ADDRESS______

CITY______STATE______ZIP______

PHONE______EMAIL______

IS THIS YOUR FIRST ESSEX REUNION? (YES OR NO) ______WHAT DAY DO YOU EXPECT TO ARRIVE?______

HOW MANY DAYS WILL YOU ATTEND? ______PLEASE LIST ANY SPECIAL NEEDS______

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY NOTIFY ______

REGISTRATION FEES

NUMBER OF PERSONS ATTENDING REQUIRED REGISTRATION FEE ______X $25 ______

NUMBER OF PERSONS ATTENDING THURSDAY PASTA BUFFET ______X $10 ______

PRIME RIB ______X $36 ______BANQUET MEAL CHOICE

GRILLED CHICKEN ______X $34 ______

SALMON ______X $35 ______

TOURS

RD TOUR #1~ MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 BATTLE OF FRANKLIN TOUR ______X $63 ______

TH TOUR #2 ~ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 HERMITAGE MANSION ______X $38 ______

TH TOUR #3~ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 THE GRAND OLE OPRY ______X $64 ______

TH TOUR #4 ~ WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 MUSIC CITY MIX ______X $48 ______

TH TOUR #5 ~ WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 NASHVILLE NIGHTLIFE DINNER THEATRE ______X $60 ______

TH TOUR #6 ~ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 NASHVILLE CITY TOUR ______X $75 ______

TH TOUR #7 ~ FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 LADIES SHOPPING IN DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE ______X $19 ______

TOTAL INCLOSED $ ______

PLEASE MARK T-SHIRT SIZE: SM______M______L ______XL ______XXL ______

PAYMENT IS DUE NO LATER THAN AUGUST 23, 2013

PLEASE SEND PAYMENTS TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS AND MADE PAYABLE TO: THE REUNION BRAT 16817 MOUNTAINSIDE DRIVE EAST GREENWATER, WA 98022  Confirmation of Registration and Itinerary will be sent out by August 25, 2013.  A $20 per person cancellation fee will apply to all cancellations received within 30 days of the event.  Cancellations received within 10 days of the event will be non-refundable. All payments have been made to all vendors.  Call the Holiday Inn Opryland/Airport Hotel at 615-883-9770 as soon as possible to make your room reservations. Room reservations must be made no later than August 26, 2013. Be sure to mention you are with the USS Essex Association Reunion to receive your group room rate of $99 plus tax per night, Breakfast is included in the room rate.  Depending on availability the room rates are available 3 days prior to and after your reunion should you choose to extend your stay. WE’LL SEE YOU SOON IN NASHVILLE, TENNEESEE

MEET THE SKIPPER OF LHD-2- CAPTAIN JOKER LEE JENKINS

CAPTAIN Joker Lee Jenkins was born in Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of He was the 16th Commanding Officer of USS GARY (FFG-51) as part of China and raised in San Diego, CA. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, the Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) in Yokosuka, Japan operating in Asia Class of 1989, with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. and the Western Pacific. He led transition of GARY from Seventh Fleet to Third Fleet in San Diego as part of the FFG/DDG Hull Swap program undergoing a 70- Following nuclear power training he reported as Reactor Electrical Officer on percent personnel transfer between the FFG/DDG crews and then conducting USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) in Alameda, CA deploying twice to the a trans-Pacific transit. Arabian Gulf in supportOperation DESERT STORM, and qualified Surface Warfare Officer and Nuclear Engineer. His second division He reported to USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD6) as executive officer in February officer tour was as commissioning Navigator on USS JOHN S. MCCAIN of 2012 and completed a hull swap with USS Essex (LHD2) in April. He took (DDG-56), and after a commissioning ceremony that included former command of Essex on Nov. 16, 2012. President George H.W. Bush and Senator McCain in Bath, ME, he sailed

MCCAIN to Pearl Harbor, HI; also on MCCAIN he served as liaison officer Personal Awards include the Legion of Merit, four Meritorious Service with the Russian Navy in Operation COOPERATION FROM THE SEA 1995. Medals, a Joint Staff Commendation Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps His first department head tour was as Combat Systems Officer on USS Commendation Medals, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. O'BANNON (DD-987) in Mayport, FL, deploying once to the Arabian Gulf. In 2010, he was awarded the Asian American Engineer of the Year, He then served as Main Propulsion Assistant on USS JOHN C. STENNIS recognized as one of 22 top engineering leaders in private-sector, (CVN-74) in San Diego, CA completing his fourth Arabian Gulf deployment. academic, and governmental institutions across the nation.

His Executive Officer tour was first onboard USS ELLIOT (DD-967) in San Diego, CA, followed by USS FLETCHER (DD-992). As part of the Navy's DD Sea Swap Program ELLIOT was decommissioned and the crew assumed FLETCHER and completed Arabian Gulf and Horn of Africa deployment in support of Operations IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM. He then assumed command FLETCHER up thru her decommissioning.

Shore assignments include the NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER in White Oak, MD in the Experimental Explosives Test and Development Branch. Following his division officer tours he was selected for a JOINT CHIEF'S OF STAFF INTERNSHIP and served as Deputy Legislative Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, providing direct liaison and support during Congressional Hearings and Unified Commander's Posture Testimonies and Confirmations. He also served as a WHITE HOUSE MILITARY SOCIAL AIDE supporting the President's White House Military Office. He earned a Master's Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies with a specialty in Far East Asia affairs at the Naval War College in Newport, RI. This was followed by selection as an Associate Fellow to the Chief of Naval Operations STRATEGIC STUDIES GROUP working on developing the FORCEnet and SEAPOWER 21 concepts. Following his Command-at-Sea tour, he was selected as Deputy Executive Assistant to COMMANDER, UNITED STATES FLEET FORCES COMMAND (USFFC), providing direct support to man, train, and equip naval forces worldwide. Recently he was Officer-in-Charge Nuclear Power Mobile Training Team (NPMTT) for COMMANDER, NAVAL AIRFORCES PACIFIC Force Nuclear Propulsion, responsible for maintaining the nuclear propulsion readiness and training of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet Aircraft Carriers.

Essex Sailors Hold Memorial Day Breakfast for WWII Shipmate

Story Number: NNS130524-22Release Date: 5/24/2013 3:47:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher B. Janik

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) attended a breakfast commemorating Memorial Day at the Naval Base San Diego Galley May 22, 2013. Two retired World War II veterans who served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex (CV-9), Bill Stefan, and Joe DuErmit, were the guests of honor and shared sea stories from their experiences at sea during the war and spoke about their jobs in the Navy. "Back then the ships didn't have a lot of comfort items built in," said Stefan, who was a 2nd class machinist's mate while on Essex and later retired from the Navy Reserves as a chief warrant officer. "But unlike some of the guys that joined the army or Marines, at least we had a shower every day on the ship." Stefan, who turned 88 in February, said he enlisted in the Navy for six years right after high school to avoid being drafted into the Army. He arrived aboard Essex in Sept. 1943, the same month that Joe DuErmit, who turns 88 this June, came aboard. "From '43 until the war ended we were on the ship together but never even knew each other," said DuErmit, who was a seaman 1st class radio technician. "We worked in different parts of the ship and with a crew of 3,000 we just never met up until an Essex reunion many years later."

Both men commented what a treat it was to sit with the current Sailors from their ship's namesake. "It is great for us to be able to speak to younger Sailors about what we did back then and ask them how Navy life is today," Stefan said. "I really think it help's our Sailors to realize where they've come from and what it used to be like years ago." Some of the questions were about how often they got mail, how long deployments were and how technology has changed over the years/ "We were out to sea for about a year before we had to go back to Bremerton, Washington for an overhaul," said DuErmit. Then as soon as we were fixed up we went back out for another year until the war was over. The only time we would get mail was if another ship would come by and had something to pass along. Mostly the letters were few and far between." More than 50 Sailors from LHD 2 including the commanding officer, executive officer and command master chief listened intently to their veteran shipmates for nearly an hour. "Being a surface warfare officer, I really enjoyed hearing the stories about engineering operations back then," said Lt. Junior Grade Thomas Danner. "Hearing them speak put a more personal touch on Memorial Day for me, and it really makes me appreciate the level of technology our Sailors have with on our ships today" Both veterans are members of the USS Essex Association and were also at the commissioning ceremony for Essex (LHD 2) in 1992. "We have both had the chance to get underway with Essex for a couple of weeks with some of our family members since her christening, which was a special experience," DuErmit said. Essex's Commanding officer Joker L. Jenkins thanked the men for sharing their time with the crew, and invited them to visit the ship when it leaves the shipyard after her 18-month dry-dock and maintenance period. "It will be nice to see the ship after all of the repairs are complete," Stefan said. "Having served on the former Essex, it is a great feeling to still be connected to the ship's namesake and this crew even to this day." For more news from USS Essex (LHD 2), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd2/.

From Editors Archives

NY Daily News, July 10, 1975

TAPS SHIPMATES / MEMBERS DEPARTED ABOARD

Edward T. Guthrie 12/25/11 DIV/S E 1951/52 Elmer F. Cordray 2/4/2010 DIV/S AG 15 1944 Griffin L. Lynch 11/2010 DIV/S OI 1951-54 Albert A. Cisale 10/30/11 DIV/S V6 Div. 1964-66 David J. Ciccioli 2/12/2013 DIV/S AG9 1943-45 Eleanor Yeager, wife of John Yeager 4/17/13 Johnnie J. Malcik 6/26/2011 DIV/S V4 1957-59 Dan E. DuBose 5/21/13 DIV/S R 1952-54 James Henry Selvidge 2/2/13 DIV/S 5TH 1943-45 Gary Crabtree 4/13/13 M-Div. MM2 Robert J. Flynn 7/5/13 DIV/S:BTC 1961-62 (Bob Flynn ,an active member of the Essex Association Advisory Board ) Bruce F. Wood 7/9/13 DIV/S:N QM2 1961-66

SICK BAY

William C. Pihl , Past Chairman of the Board of Directors is home recuperating from Cardiac Cauterization/ Heart , he is doing very well.

Charlie Lawhead, had major stomach surgery , he is recovering and doing better, if you wish to send a note or card his address is 7408 Washing Ave . Evansville IN. 47715

SHIP’S STORE ORDER FORM (Revised 1/2013) (Page 1 of 2 continued on page 2)

HATS/CAPS

USS Essex Marine USS Essex LHD-2 USS Essex CV-9 USS Essex CVA-9 Red w/ Gold Blue w/ Gold Blue w/ Gold Blue/Gold w/R Bar USS Essex CVS-9 ___x 16.00=$______x 16.00=$______x 16.00=$______x 16.00=$_____ Blue/Gold w/ R Bar ___x 16.00=$______

Adult t Shirt Blue S__M__L__XL__

USS Essex Assn. USS Essex CVA-9 USS Essex CV-9 Brass w/ Service Silver w/ Service Blue w/ Gold Blue w/ Gold WWII 1941-1945 Dates 1942-1969 Dates 1943-1969 ___x 16.00=$______x 16.00=$______x 16.00=$______And Ship’s Imprint and Ship’s ___x 15.00=$______Imprint ___x 14.00=$______

Limited supply Limited supply __ x12.95 ea.$___ __x12.95ea. $___ USS Essex Assn. USS Essex CV-9 Lapel/Hat Pin Ship w/ Silver Gold w/ 9/2 Logo Finish ___x 14.00=$______x 14.00=$_____

Deluxe Carabiner Key Ring Adult Shirt, Blue 1. Blue- Navy imprint-2.Green, USS Essex Tote Bag S__M__L__XL__ Limited supply LHD-2, 3. Black, Navy Vet. Essex, Assn.Ship Decal Blue w Em. Zips w/ ___x15.00=$___ __x12.95 ea.___ 4. Red –USS Essex Assoc. Indicate Choice pockets___x 15.00= __2.00 ea.$___- color#____ A__ B__ C__ *Stainless Steel mug not recommended __x5.00=$___

for microwave 16 SHIP’S STORE ORDER FORM (revised 1/2013) *Please indicate size *

USS Essex Golf Shirt Golf Shirt Ladies Golf Ladies Golf Sweatshirt Navy Blue White Shirt Red Shirt White __x26.00 size ___ __x22.00 size ___ __x22.00 size___ __x25.00 size ___ __x25.00 size__

___x 7.00=$______Essex Assn. Essex Essex USS Essex Patch Coin Challenge Coin Jacket 4” Embroidered New Lic. Plate: @ —-x10.00= ——- —-x10.00= ——- __x50.00 size______x 8.00=$ ______Ship Store site, and Plaque not included in price Embroidery

USS Essex Association.com front and back

__x80.00 size___

NEW! Men’s Sport pique Polo shirt ”Featherlight” size up to XL,$27., $28 for 2XL Posted on www.ussexcv9.org and will be available at the reunion

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. EMAIL OR CALL TOM WITH ANY QUESTIONS (See email and phone # address below)

PLEASE FILL IN ABOVE SELECTIONS AND TOTAL BELOW. COMPLETE FORM AND MAKE YOUR CHECK PAYABLE TO USS ESSEX ASSN. DO NOT MAKE PAYABLE TO TOM FERELLI. Send this slip along with the pages you ordered from or make copies and mail to: 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______

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

SECRETARY’S REPORT AS OF 30 June 2013

To: All Officers, Board and Advisory Board Members, Buccaneer Editor, and Reunion Chairman. This report reflects our situation as of the above date. As of the above date we have a total membership of 623. This compares to 661 who were on the roster as of May 2012. Current membership includes the following:

Life Members 243

Dues Paid thru 2012 81

Dues Paid thru 2013 224

Dues Paid thru 2014 55

Dues Paid thru 2015 13

Dues Paid thru 2016 2

Dues Paid thru 2017 1

Dues Paid thru 2019 1

Hardship cases 3

Total Active Members 623

A more detailed breakdown reflects that:

* Thirty Seven Members were dropped from the active roster this year for not paying dues.

* Eighteen Plank Owners, past Chairman and one past Secretary are included as Life Members.

* We have enrolled a total of only 8 new members this year

* Out of 623 members, we only have 377 paying dues.

We are dropping more members for not paying dues plus those that have passed away than picking up new members. This has put us in a steep decline as you can see. And with only 377 members paying dues our financial situation isn’t getting any better either. Bob Peters will have more on that.

I maintain another inactive roster dated back to 2004 for those who have been dropped from our active roster. I continue to try to reactivate them and have been successful with some.

Members, shipmates and family members that have been reported as deceased are listed in our web site and newsletter (Buccaneer).

Respectfully submitted,

Bruce Sims Secretary U.S.S. Essex Association 18

RETURN TO SENDER

Adams, Norman L. Adams, Robert Ranson Arney, Calvin Ray Bauman, Floyd G.

Bilica, John Bode Lawrence H Boone, Ralph C. Bourgeois, Andre F.

Britton, Elvin T. Bryant,Thomas Buck, Lee A. Bunton, Keith L.

Chaffin, Robert V. Cloutier, Arthur Falco, Lena Malcik Farrow, Joel C.

Flowers, Woodrce Foltz, Ralph E. Ford, Frederick G. Hays, Iran S.

Inks, Charles G. Jones, Joseph W. Lambert,Valdermar G. Malcik, Johnnie J.

Marrocco, William T. Marvil, Jr.,Frederick L. McLaughlin, David E. Moore, Alan R.

Pearson, William EdwardPickett, William J. Preston, William O. Reese, William A.

Stacks, Edward M. Stark, John T. Stark, Norman P. Thompson, Allen A.

Tougas, Marian C. Trembeth, Robert G. Von Genk Jr.,Henry E. Yakcik, Jr., Nick

Malcik, Johnnie J. Mrs. David McCampbell Bowman, Henry “Buzz”

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.

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 2015 Other (Explain Below)

_____Years @ $25.00 per year $ ______MAIL TO: EUGENE SCHMIDT Other $ ______3823 WYOMING AVE. SW WYOMING, MI 49519-3659 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: