CV / CVA / CVS-14 CG-47 JULY 2016 The USS TICONDEROGA Veterans’ Association NEWS VOLUME 43 NO 3 OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2016 - 2017 Officers Directors (continued) Directors (continued) Committees (continued) President: Director: Director: Chaplain: Fred Vance John F. Deasy P. P. George Passantino P. P. Pastor Brett Inman 5808 SW 27TH STREET 560 Maple Ave. PO BOX 3101 8838 E Cooper St Topeka, KS 66614 Doylestown, PA 18901-4451 Pagosa Springs, CO 81147-3101 Tucson, AZ 85710-4416 (785) 271-5900 (215) 348-9981 (303) 884-7565 (520) 909-3998 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Director: Director: Public Relations Chairman Executive Vice President: John B. Dupont Parker W. Patterson P. P. Jerry H. Cole Steven Codding 4590 Linwood Circle 4 Terrace Hill Road 17840 Oakwood Ave. 9260 Hilltop Lane Deep Haven, MN 55331-9297 Pine Grove, PA 17963-9399 Lansing, IL 60438-1934 Bloomington, IL 61705 (952) 474-4731 (570) 345-3344 (708) 474-9331 (309) 827-4017 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Director: [email protected] Director: John Rochford P. P. Memorials Chairman Lloyd Frank P. P. 1926 East Bancroft Robert Hildebrand First Vice President: 2129 Bliss Comer St Camarillo, CA 93010-4510 2016 Reseda Way David Graf Henderson, NV 89044-0174 (805) 484-1368 Antioch, CA 94509-5834 262 Broadway (702) 361-6660 (925) 757-1836 Norwich, CT 06360-3527 [email protected] Director: [email protected] (860) 608-5943 Doc Simon P. P. [email protected] Director: 803 Hartford Ave. Membership Chairman: [email protected] Victor Godfrey White River Jct, VT 05001-8052 David Litzinger 138 Briarwood Dr. (802) 295-2851 1101 Prariewood Ln Second Vice President: Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087-4018 [email protected] Warwick, ND 58381 Bill Spanbauer 609-294-0955 (612) 600-4160 4409 Eureka Rd [email protected] Director: [email protected] Omro, WI 54963-9615 Edgar S. Trotter, Jr. [email protected] (920) 410-7500 Director: 1150 Baywood Ave. [email protected] Charles E. Hill Camarillo, CA 93010-3005 Budget Chairman [email protected] 22 W. Hancock St. (805) 484-2930 Thomas L Thompson Lansdale, PA 19446-3812 [email protected] 3043 Canyon Overlook Secretary: (215) 855-5299 Burlington KY 41005-7888 Dennis SaBell [email protected] Director: (859) 444-7577 3930 Quay St Calvin S. Turner P. P. [email protected] Wheatridge, CO 80033 Director: 130 Silver Leaf Dr. [email protected] (303) 422-8690 Ronald W. Lee P. P. Fayetteville, GA 30214-1055 [email protected] 8920 Dawes Point Dr. (770) 461-4106 Carrier Store Operator Mobile, AL 36695-9336 [email protected] Art Casello Treasurer: (251) 599-8559 1737 Hoyt Ave E Thomas L Thompson [email protected] Committees Saint Paul, MN 55106-1328 3043 Canyon Overlook (651) 774-1685 Burlington KY 41005-7888 Director: Newsletter Editor: [email protected] (859) 444-7577 John Lunsford P.P. Cruiser Store Operator [email protected] [email protected] 2504 McNutt Edgar S. Trotter, Jr. [email protected] Bakersfield, CA 93306-4469 1150 Baywood Ave. Liaison USS HORNET CVS-12 (661) 872-8850 Camarillo, CA 93010-3005 Richard Radigonda Directors [email protected] (805) 484-2930 357 Jade Circle [email protected] Vallejo CA. 94590 Director * * Director: (707) 563-5556 Arthur Avery Alfred F. McDonnell P.P. Historian [email protected]/[email protected] 1694 Fillner Ave. 1749 9th Ave David Graf North Tonawanda, NY 14120 San Francisco, CA 94122 262 Broadway WebMaster: (716) 669-2678 415-661-6753 Norwich, CT 06360-3527 Gordon S. Humphrey, Jr. [email protected] [email protected] (860) 608-5943 15030 223rd Drive SE [email protected] Monroe, WA 98272-9089 Director Director: [email protected] (425) 785-8094 Jerry H. Cole P. P. Joseph McDonnell P. P. [email protected] 945 N. Delacroix Dr 4141 Inola Trl. Ne New Sites Coordinator Green Valley, AZ 85614-5266 Roswell, GA 30075-1658 Joyce Frank (708) 227-0073 (770) 335-1715 © 2129 Bliss Comer St [email protected] [email protected] Henderson, NV 89044-0174 (702) 361-6660 CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW.BIGT.NET ACCESS IS AVAILABLE BY SMARTPHONE!

PAGE 2 OUTGOING PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GREETINGS SHIPMATES, FRIENDS AND FAMILY, Now that my year is up as your president and the Gavel has been passed to Fred Vance our New President, it has been a pleasure serving this past year. Lloyd and Joyce Frank put on wonderful reunion in Las Vegas with great tours during our visit! Thank you to both of you. We have a couple of things that Fred will be working on from our Board and Association meetings in Las Vegas. 1) The Ships Bell on North Island will be refurbished. However we thought of seeing if we could transfer it to Ticonderoga, New York where more people could see it. In either case funds will be allocated along with the donations that have come in to have the display re-built. 2) The other project is our display room on the Hornet. We as an Association have decided to give the room to the Hornet so they can organize it according to the new standards that they are instituting. A couple of members from our Association who live near the Hornet will coordinate what will come out and what will stay. Dave Graf has graciously volunteered to store the artifacts that will be coming out of the display until a suitable home can be found for them. 3) Our New President has already hit the ground running in planning our 2017 reunion in Tampa, Florida. I hope this summer is a good one for all of you. God Bless this great USA! John Dupont SHIPS STORE NOW HAS NEW ITEMS FOR SALE! Attendees at the Las Vegas Reunion got to see the new items that are now sold in the Ships Store. Please check out the full list of items for sale on other pages of this newsletter. The CARRIER store now offers Blue and Black Polo shirts, Gray and Black Tee shirts, Front pocket wallets and a Lapel/Hat pin. A fairly new item is the Association Holiday Ornaments. The CRUISER store now offers 2 new Educational DVDs. For Carrier History there is the Battle of Midway and footage of Kamikaze attack on CV -14. If you want to know the difference between a dive bomber and a Tomahawk Missile you will enjoy the Smart Bombs & Suicide Aircraft of WWII Dive Bombers DVD. For Cruiser History there is Putting AEGIS to SEA and CG-47 Decommissioning. Buy both and save on shipping. A fairly new item is the CG-47 Holiday Ornaments and ornament stand (which can be bought for the Association ornaments that are sold in the Carrier store). Both DVDs have a bonus 5 minute film on DDG-108 (USS WAYNE E. MEYER) intro that shows what our newest AEGIS Destroyers are.

PAGE 3 In Memory of: Captain Edward F. Messina July 3,1940-May 24, 2016 Captain Edward F. Messina was born July 3, 1940 in Somerville, Massachusetts, and grew up in North Miami, Florida. After graduating from North Miami High School, he joined the U. S. Navy in 1958 and served as a Terrier Missile Technician in USS Springfield (CLG 7) until his selection as a candidate for the Naval Enlisted Scientific Education Program (NESEP) in 1962. He attended the University of , graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1966 with bachelor degrees in Mathematics and French. He was commissioned an Ensign upon completion of Officer Candidate School, Newport, R.I. in December 1966, and served in USS (CAG 1), first as Missile Repair Officer and then as Assistant Navigator. He then served in USS Luce (DLG 7) as Fire Control Officer. From May 1970 to May 1971 he served on the staff of Naval Forces Vietnam in Saigon, South Vietnam. After Italian language study at the Foreign Service Institute, Captain Messina served from September 1971 to January 1974 with the Italian Navy as Officer in Charge of Personnel Exchange Program Detachment, Taranto, Italy. In 1973 he graduated from the Extension Division of the University of Arkansas with a Master of Arts in International Relations. In September 1974, Captain Messina graduated from the Department Head Course at Naval Destroyer School, Newport, Rhode Island, and reported to USS Belknap (CG 26) as Weapons Officer. He then served as Weapons Officer in USS Harry E. Yarnell (CG 17). Following graduation from the French Language Course at the Defense Language Institute, Monterey, , he was a student at the French Naval War College, Paris, France from September 1978 to December 1979. Captain Messina served as Executive Officer in USS Jouett (CG 29) from March 1980 to September 1981. In October 1981 he reported to USS New Jersey BB 62) where he served as Weapons Officer until June 1984. Captain Messina commanded USS Hayler (DD 997) from May 1985 to June 1987, circumnavigating as Flagship for U.S. Commander South Atlantic Force during Unitas XXVII. Captain Messina graduated from the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island in June 1988 with a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. He also graduated from Salve Regina University with a Master of Science in Management. Captain Messina served as Assistant Chief of Staff for Readiness Assessment and Training Policy (N6) in the Staff of Commander, Surface Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet from July 1988 to April 1991. He was the 5th Commanding Officer USS Ticonderoga (CG 47) from June 1991 to July 1993, and retired after 35 years of service. Captain Messina’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, The Bronze Star with Combat “V”, the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, the Navy Commendation Medal with two gold stars, the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V” and gold star, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy Unit Citation for combat operations in Vietnam, and the Meritorious Unit Citation for USS Ticonderoga’s Battle Group participation in Desert Storm. Captain Messina worked for Westinghouse Corporation, CBS and Siemens in Gas Turbine Power Plant construction in the Dominican Republic, South Korea, and the United States. He is married to the former Josette Sebastiani of Nice, France, and reside in Port St. Lucie, Florida and West Newfield, . They have a son, Pascal, who is a Senior Border Patrol Agent in Chula Vista, California.

PAGE 4 General Meeting Minutes – 2016 Reunion Las Vegas. Meeting was called to order by President John Dupont who led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Secretary Dennis SaBell gave his report noting that there are 1008 records in the database including Deceased, Past Due, Honorary, Regular, and Life Members. The mailing list is currently at 664 with 25 New Members and 36 converting to Life Membership in the past year. Next, Tom Thompson gave the Treasurer’s Report with the proposed Budget for 2016-2017. The new budget included an increase of $400 to add more color pages to the newsletter. The membership voted against the increase and the Budget was approved at $8,400 (no change from current). The financial overview committee approved the Treasurer Report and Budget and Sean McConnell was nominated and approved by voice vote to replace David Graf as he moves to 1st VP (Bill Spanbauer moves to 2nd VP and is already on the committee, so a third member was needed). Historian David Graf then was called for his report. He noted that a transition is occurring as more Cruiser Members join and participate. Discussion of naming a new ship “Ticonderoga” ensued with no motions. Discussion of where the artifacts of the ships should properly be stored for safety or displayed was held. Because of changes in the Hornet museum and other factors, David volunteered his personal warehouse as a temporary storage option and also volunteered to visit Fort Ticonderoga to see about possibly consolidating some of the artifacts there. Both proposals were approved by voice vote. Next was a discussion of the changes required by the Hornet Museum Board to standardize displays. Two options were presented: (1) The Association keeps ownership of the artifacts and pays $1500 per year to rent the space on Hornet plus expenses to bring the displays up to standard, or (2) it could turn over ownership of selected artifacts to the Museum and let their staff prepare the display at no cost. Option 2 was chosen (Association volunteers will work with Hornet to remove items not to be displayed). The Carrier’s Bell restoration was discussed next. Members have donated nearly $1200 so far. A side discussion ensued as to whether North Island was the best place for the display since it is not open to the public. It was decided that the Association would quickly look into cost, feasibility, of moving to other locations, but would proceed with the original plan if a much better option was not found. Joyce Frank (Reunion Coordinator) joined the meeting for discussion of options for the 2017and 2018 reunions. The choices for 2017 were: a conventional reunion in Tampa or a cruise. Several members pointed out that the cruise would be more expensive, would not allow people to participate for less than the full number of days, and might not be as well attended. Tampa was chosen and Joyce was given the go ahead to work with Fred Vance on the logistics. The location for 2018 was narrowed to Nashville or Milwaukee. Next, Bill Spanbauer was nominated and voted as the new 2nd VP. David Graf proposed that all living Tico Commanding Officers be given Honorary Life Membership. A motion for David to contact the COs was approved. A discussion of consolidating the Cruiser and Carrier stores was next. It was agreed that discussions would be held with Ed Trotter to see if this could be accomplished. Then a discussion of shipping costs for Cruise Books, Flags, etc. each year to the reunion were discussed. It was determined that it is more desirable to have hard copies rather than electronic copies. It was agreed that it would stay the same but proposals would be accepted. After discussing limiting the Board to the maximum of 20 (or less) as called for in the bylaws and deferring the decision. The meeting was adjourned.

PAGE 5 HOOVER DAM TOUR

PAGE 6 ATOMIC TESTING MUSEUM

PAGE 7 TREASURERS REPORT USS TICONDEROGA VETERANS ASSOCIATION FISCAL YEAR 04/01/2015 ‐ 04/30/2016

CHECKING ACCOUNT BALANCE AS OF 04/01/2015 Beginning Balance $14,532.35 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YR TOTAL INCOME RECEIVED: Membership Receipts $3,990.00 $980.00 $1,710.00 $1,310.00 $7,990.00 $3,990.00 $980.00 $1,710.00 $1,310.00 $7,990.00 $7,990.00

Donations: General Fund $565.00 $150.00 $285.00 $35.00 $1,035.00 Memorial Fund $85.00 $0.00 $75.00 $125.00 $285.00 Hornet Museum $103.65 $30.00 $1,025.00 $0.00 $1,158.65 Hornet (Ensign‐Admiral) $1,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,000.00 CG‐47 Museum $0.00 $0.00 $25.00 $0.00 $25.00 Reunion Startup Refund $2,500.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2,500.00 Reunion Proceeds $0.00 $4,107.80 $0.00 $0.00 $4,107.80 Miscellaneous ‐ Ships Bell $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $950.00 $950.00 $4,253.65 $4,287.80 $1,410.00 $1,110.00 $11,061.45 $11,061.45 Total Revenue $33,583.80

EXPENSES PAID: Custom Computers :Newsletter Expense $3,800.74 $1,823.23 $1,961.89 $2,298.21 $9,884.07 Custom Computers :Website Expense $0.00 $0.00 $166.40 $0.00 $166.40 Custom Computers & Services $0.00 $167.00 $0.00 $0.00 $167.00 Presidents Expense $0.00 $10.88 $0.00 $0.00 $10.88 Secretary Expense $422.48 $96.49 $156.57 $155.34 $830.88 Treasurer $24.12 $0.00 $34.99 $0.00 $59.11 Historian $53.70 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $53.70 Paypal Fees $22.14 $3.20 $7.28 $0.00 $32.62 3 Yr Crime Policy ‐ Dasco Ins. Agency $0.00 $0.00 $351.00 $0.00 $351.00 Transfer to Savings Acct. $0.00 $4,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $4,000.00 Reunion Startup Advance $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,600.00 $1,600.00 $4,323.18 $6,100.80 $2,678.13 $4,053.55 $17,155.66 Total Expense $16,428.14

Ending Checking Acct Balance 04/30/16 $16,428.14

SAVINGS ACCT BALANCE AS OF 04/01/2015 Beginning Balance $20,052.27

INCOME RECEIVED Transfer from Checking Account $4,000.00 Interest On Savings Acct $2.98 $1.64 $1.79 $1.79 $2.98 $4,001.64 $1.79 $1.79 $4,008.20 Ending Savings Acct Balance 04/30/16 $24,060.47

CHECKING ACCOUNT $16,428.14 SAVINGS ACCOUNT $24,060.47 TOTAL BANK $40,488.61

2015 ‐ 2016 BIG T BUDGET 2016 ‐ 2017 BIG T PROPOSED BUDGET President $300.00 President $400.00 Secretary $1,000.00 Secretary $1,000.00 Treasurer $100.00 Treasurer $200.00 Newsletters $8,400.00 Newsletters $8,800.00 Membership $300.00 Membership $300.00 Miscellaneous $700.00 Miscellaneous $700.00 Public Relations $100.00 Public Relations $100.00 Website $600.00 Website $600.00 GRAND TOTAL $11,500.00 GRAND TOTAL $12,100.00 DONATIONS MADE TO USS TICONDEROGA VETERANS ASSOCIATION 2/1/2016 THUR 4/30/2016 THANK YOU! FIRST NAME LAST NAME GENERAL FUND MEMORIAL FUND HORNET MUSEUM HORNET Ens/Admrl CG‐47 MUSEUM SHIPS BELL

EDWARD GORTON X X JOSEPH MEDICO X HARLEY SMITH X JO ANN BAHLAU X LARRY KLICK X FRANK WILLIAMSON X GEORGE GOVAN X DALE PFEIFFER X X GEORGE CORCORAN X DAVID SLAIN X JAMES BELT X DONALD ARCHER X EDWARD HEASLEY X STEVEN MILLIGAN X PAGE 8 SECRETARY’S LETTER Greetings Shipmates,

We had a great time in Las Vegas! Thanks Lloyd and Joyce, you did a terrific job, now rest!

During and after reunions I usually find myself swamped with e-mails, hand written notes, and verbal notices concerning new members, prospective members, members who may have died, requests for membership cards, and so forth…

If you asked me for something or told me about something and I haven’t responded or done what you requested, I probably had an (age related) lapse. Please remind me (gently of course).

It is encouraging to see the enthusiasm of the Cruiser sailors who have joined recently. Their energy ensures that the Association will remain in good hands well into the future. Welcome aboard!

As always, If you have stories or ideas for entertaining newsletter items, you can send them to me. Dennis

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS !!!! NEW MEMBERS BETWEEN 2/1/2016 TO 5/30/2016 ********** WELCOME ABOARD

FIRST NAME LAST NAME DIVISION RATE/RANK YRS ABOARD CURRENTLY LIVES IN STATE

LEONARD CORDILL V1 ABH3 71 ‐ 72 SPOKANE VALLEY WA EDWARD HEASLEY V4 65 ‐ 68 CORONA CA RONALD SMITH V4 E3 65 ‐ 69 FERNANDINA BEACH FL SEAN McCONNELL R HT2 86 ‐ 89 BOILING SPRINGS PA ROBERT G JOHNSON JR M FN 71‐73 APPLETON WI JOSEPH A SCHIMELFENING V‐6 ATN3 65‐67 RENO NV RAYMOND TSETHLIKAI ? ? ? ZUNI NM WILLIAM E ECHARD V‐1 AD3 55‐57 WILLIAMSBURG PA RONALD WHITEHEAD 3RD BMJM 65‐69 NO LAS VEGAS NV LUIS A BRAVO ? BM3 95‐98 LONG BEACH CA GARY MAJEWSKI R SF2 67‐71 LONGVILLE MN JOHN KOEHLER MARDET CPL 70‐72 APPLETON WI ANDY McTIGUE V‐4 ABF 68 IRVINE CA JOHN F SAKO V‐1 AN 54‐56 LAS VEGAS NV JAMES R PIEDMONT S‐1 SKG2 55‐56 CHARLESTON SC PAGE 9 45TH ANNUAL REUNION IN LAS VEGAS, NV ATTENDEES BY STATE FIRST FIRST NAME LAST NAME CITY ST NAME LAST NAME CITY ST John Cary APACHE JUNCTION AZ Gregory Yale RICHFIELD MN Sandra Cary APACHE JUNCTION AZ Louise Yale RICHFIELD MN Bill Blythe BULLHEAD CITY AZ Cathy Haggblom RICHFIELD MN Diane Blythe BULLHEAD CITY AZ Art Casello ST PAUL MN Brett Inman TUSCON AZ Kris Casello ST PAUL MN Jeri Inman TUSCON AZ Walter Bowe FLORISSANT MO John Lunsford BAKERSFIELD CA Catherine Jex CORVALLIS MT Diane Lunsford BAKERSFIELD CA Stan Jex CORVALLIS MT Edward Heasley CORONA CA David Litzinger WARWICK ND Don Sudnikoff CORTE MADERE CA Diane Litzinger WARWICK ND Karen Sudnikoff CORTE MADERE CA James Lutz KARNEY NE Robert Navarro HUNTINGTON BEACH CA Gary Schmidt POTTER NE Irene Navarro HUNTINGTON BEACH CA Joyce Schmidt POTTER NE Andrew McTigue IRVINE CA Ernest St. Pierre DERRY NH Phillip Kezar LEMON GROVE CA Brenda St. Pierre DERRY NH Evelyn Kezar LEMON GROVE CA Patrick McDonnell EDISON NJ Donald Roy MORENO VALLEY CA Frances McDonnell EDISON NJ Jim Loney NEWHALL CA Vic Godfrey LITTLE EGG HARBOR NJ Paul Hamilton NORWALK CA Dave Bomgaars SUMMIT NJ Jan Hamilton NORWALK CA Willa Bomgaars SUMMIT NJ Reuben Gomez RIDGECREST CA Sardo Sanchez ALBUQUERQUE NM Mark Switzer RIVERSIDE CA Darlene Sanchez ALBUQUERQUE NM Tom Cunningham ROCKLIN CA Steve Stuckwisch ALBUQUERQUE NM Kathy Cunningham ROCKLIN CA Tammra Stuckwisch ALBUQUERQUE NM Stanley Young SAN DIEGO CA Raymond Tsethllikai ZUNI NM Al McDonnell SAN FRANCISCO CA Debra Tsethllikai ZUNI NM Janeal Granieri SAN FRANCISCO CA Lloyd Frank HENDERSON NV Harold Olson SANTA ANA CA Joyce Frank HENDERSON NV Amy Schmidt DENVER CO Roy Whitehead LAS VEGAS NV Christina Schmidt DENVER CO Ireno Adamos LAUGHLIN NV Dawn Schmidt DENVER CO Michael Ethington MESQUITE NV Bob Sexton DURANGO CO Winnie Ethington MESQUITE NV Karen Sexton DURANGO CO Art Avery NORTH TONAWANDA NY Dale Royston PEYTON CO Larry Qualter PEEKSKILL NY Dennis SaBell WHEAT RIDGE CO Nancy Qualter PEEKSKILL NY Holly SaBell WHEAT RIDGE CO Donald Olejnik TOLEDO OH Jon SaBell WHEAT RIDGE CO Adita Olejnik TOLEDO OH Sandy SaBell WHEAT RIDGE CO John Koons BROKEN ARROW OK David Graf NORWICH CT Sue Wiedeman BROKEN ARROW OK Ronald Smith FERNANDINA BEACH FL Tom Hill BEAVERTON OR Richard Savoy SAINT PETERSBURG FL Jean Cettel BEAVERTON OR Sandy Murphy FAYETTEVILLE GA Sean Mcconnell BOILING SPRINGS PA Calvin Turner FAYETTEVILLE GA John Deasy DOYLESTOWN PA Julia Turner FAYETTEVILLE GA Charlie Hill LANSDALE PA Nate Daley KENNESAW GA Wayne Patterson PINE GROVE PA Nick Daley KENNESAW GA William Echard WILLIAMSB URG PA Joe McDonnell ROSWELL GA Jerry Pape SOUIX FALLS SD Patricia McDonnell ROSWELL GA George Passantino FT WORTH TX Klaus Hawes POST FALLS ID Patricia Passantino FT WORTH TX Steve Codding BLOOMINGTON IL David Glass KLYE TX Sandy Codding BLOOMINGTON IL Shirley Glass KLYE TX Scott Phillips CHICAGO IL Don Lord LIVINGSTON TX Jim Horejs WILLOW SPRINGS IL Curtis Conway MIDLAND TX

PAGE 10 45TH ANNUAL REUNION IN LAS VEGAS, NV ATTENDEES BY STATE FIRST FIRST NAME LAST NAME CITY ST NAME LAST NAME CITY ST Linda Horejs WILLOW SPRINGS IL Gene Carter SAN ANTONIO TX Keith Alyea LAFAYETTE IN Mary Carter SAN ANTONIO TX Lester McCullough AUBURN KS Jerome Ries SAN ANTONIO TX Sarah McCullough AUBURN KS Gloria Ries SAN ANTONIO TX Fred Vance TOPEKA KS Ray Walsh FAIRFAX VA Phyl Vance TOPEKA KS Lenore Walsh FAIRFAX VA Tom Thompson BURLINGTON KY Doc Simon WHITE RIVER JCT VT Margaret Thompson BURLINGTON KY Connie Aldrich WHITE RIVER JCT VT Douglas Fry WARE MA Fred Loeffler BIRNAMWOOD WI Chuck Fournier SAGINAW MI Francine Senoracki BIRNAMWOOD WI Mary Ann Fournier SAGINAW MI Roy Bubeck GRAFTON WI Joseph Day BEMIDJI MN Ginny Bubeck GRAFTON WI Sherry Day BEMIDJI MN Kenneth McClendon GRAFTON WI Steve Jewett BEMIDJI MN Lois McClendon GRAFTON WI Vicki Jewett BEMIDJI MN William Spanbauer OMRO WI Richard Stephens COTTAGE GROVE MN Lina Spanbauer OMRO WI John Dupont DEEPHAVEN MN Louie Spanbauer OMRO WI Frank Baranek SOUTH MILWAUKEE WI Cheryl Baranek SOUTH MILWAUKEE WI CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK Please feel free to visit these pages on Facebook and join. There is a great deal of information pertaining to upcoming reunions, and reuniting with old shipmates on both the carrier and cruiser. https://www.facebook.com/groups/153946451331831/ This is a closed group and when you request to join you will be asked about how you are connected to the Tico for verification. We currently have the following Facebook pages available. USS Ticonderoga CV-CVA-CVS 14 & CG 47 USS Ticonderoga Big "T" Veterans Association USS Ticonderoga CV-CVA-CVS-14 & CG-47 Reunion USS Ticonderoga CG47 Shipmates USS Ticonderoga CV-14

PAGE 11 LADIES HAVING LOTS OF FUN!

PAGE 12 PRE BANQUET & BANQUET

BOB SEXTON & BILL & DIANE BLYTHE WW2 VETS AT THE REUNION!

PAGE 13 It is with great sadness that we report the DEATHS of the following shipmates: George Arredondo Garcia – George was regular member who died at age 94 on February 5, 2016 in Monterey Park, CA. We were notified by his son Mike who attended the 2015 Minneapolis reunion with him. While on board in 1944‐45, and during the Kamikaze attack, he was an AM1 in V‐2 Division. After the Navy he worked as a Cabinet Maker. Amelia, his wife of 69 years predeceased him in death. Francis W Herbert ‐ Francis was a Life Member who passed away April 25, 2016. We were notified by his daughter Shawna. While on board in 1943 he was an ABM3 in V‐1 Division. He lived in Falmouth Maine and Port Charlotte, Florida. Robert P. Lake ‐ Robert was a life member who died at age 94 on February 25, 2016 in Indio CA. He was living in Borrego Springs at the time of his death. We were notified of his death by family members. While on board in 1944‐45 (during the kamikaze attacks) he was an ARM1 in V‐4 Division. He was also on board during the surrender in Tokyo Bay. After the war he was an analyst for the Navy and lived in Tiverton RI and Chula Vista CA and later retired in Borrego Springs CA. Robert was preceded in death by his wife Katherine T. (Wimer) Lake and his youngest son Christopher J. Lake. He is survived by 2 daughters and 1 son and 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Burial was in Tiverton RI. George J “Bud” Dombrow – George was not an association member. His daughter Denise Murphy told us: “Bud was from Pennsylvania and served on the USS Ticonderoga in WW II. I am proud of his service to our country. He was very young, 17 years old when he served. He passed away in 1994. His granddaughter, my daughter, served in the military and was very proud of her grandfather as were all of my children. My husband is a combat wounded Veteran of Vietnam as well.” Dewey Morris Hood – Dewey was a Life member who died at age 86 on Dec 11, 2015 in Bull Shoals, AR. We were notified by his wife Janet. While on board in 1964‐66 he was an ABFC in V‐4 Division. He retired from the Navy when he left the ship. He then worked as a letter carrier (USPS) for 22 years in San Diego, CA. He is survived by his wife. Roy Gerald Ballinger‐ Roy was a regular Association Member who died at age 78 from Alzheimer’s disease which started about 5 years before he passed. He died on Sept 6, 2016 in Langley, WA. While on board in 1960‐63 he was a LTJG in Gunnery Division. After leaving the Navy Roy became a CPA with various companies. He retired in 1996 and was able to concentrate on his true passion, woodworking. He is survived by his wife, Rosalie, five children and 10 grandchildren. John McIntosh, Sr. – We were notified of John’s death by his son, Brian. John was a Lifetime Member of the Association who died at the age of 92 on January 3, 2016 in Worcester, MA. While on board he was an AMM 3/C in V‐2 Division during 1944‐1945. He lived in North Grafton, MA and enjoyed a long career in sales at Rank Precision Industries. He is survived by 2 sons and 8 grandsons.

PAGE 14 Chaplains Corner By: LCDR Brett Inman Fellow Shipmates & Friends, When you think of the month of July, independence celebrations with fireworks and picnics usually come to mind. How could we forget those Steel Beach picnics! In my area of the country this is also the time that the monsoon rains come to a very thirsty land. Those in the military tend to be more patriotic than the general population. By nature of their profession, they have chosen to represent their nation’s international policies upfront and personal. They have paid a personal sacrifice through long hours of training and even longer deployments away from friends and family to protect our nation and her freedoms. As a result, we tend to value our freedoms more than most. We have seen the result of nations that have lost those privileges. Nobody wants to see their children living under the tyranny of a government that does not value its own people. When I think of our 4th of July celebrations, I often also think of the preamble to the Ten Commandments found in Deuteronomy five. In this chapter, God says to Israel, “I am the LORD God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” God gave them the Ten Commandments so that they would be blessed and use the commandments to form the boundaries needed to have healthy families and a functional society. If they would follow these commandments and turn from their self-serving ways, they would never again be slaves in another nation. (Unfortunately, it took one more captivity for Israel to learn the lesson of faithfully following God during the Babylonian Exile.) Throughout the Old and New Testaments, the authors entreat believers to pray for their leaders and their willingness to humble themselves before God so that He might bless the city and the nation. In just about every case in the Bible, the great nations of the past who did not acknowledge God’s sovereignty in their lives, were soon defeated and lost their freedoms. In Jeremiah 29:7, we are reminded to seek the welfare of the nation, city and community we live in. “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you…and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” It is my hope that as you celebrate this 4th of July, that you would take a moment to thank God for blessing us with the freedoms we enjoy and those whom He used to pay the price for it (our military). Ask that our leaders would humble themselves so that we will never fall into our own form of slavery to those who only value their power over our freedom. I will be praying for travel mercies for all of you as you enjoy the rest of your summer! I leave you with this blessing: “May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” Psalm 20:4.

In His service,

PAGE 15 WELCOME TO: CAPTAIN JAMES M ARRISON III ! Fellow Ticonderoga Men and Women. It is with great honor that we welcome Captain James M. Arrison III to the Ticonderoga Big T Veterans Association. Captain Arrison commanded the CG-47 from 1987-1989. During that time period Captain Arrison guided the Ticon- deroga through the Strait of Hormouze, and into the Per- sian Gulf in what was called Ernest Will Operations. Captain Arrisons previous Commanding Officer billets included USS John Hancock ( DD-981), and Swift Boats PCF-80 and PCF-81. Captain Arrison currently resides in Kilmarnock, with his wife of 51 years, Susan. Welcome aboard...

PAGE 16 A real miracle - from WWII B-17 "All American" (414th Squadron, 97BG) Crew: Pilot- Ken Bragg Jr. Co-pilot- G. Boyd Jr. Navigator- Harry C. Nuessle Bombardier- Ralph Burbridge Engineer- Joe C. James Radio Operator- Paul A. Galloway Ball Turret Gunner- Elton Conda Waist Gunner- Michael Zuk Tail Gunner- Sam T. Sarpolus Ground Crew Chief- Hank Hyland In 1943 a mid-air collision on February 1, 1943, Between a B-17 and a German fighter over the Tunis dock area, Became the subject of one of the most famous photographs of WW II. An enemy fighter attacking a 97th Bomb Group formation went out of control, probably with a wounded pilot, then continued its crashing descent Into the rear of the fuselage of a Flying Fortress named"All American", Piloted by Lt. Kendrick R. Bragg, of the 414th Bomb Squadron. When it struck, the fighter broke apart, but left some pieces in the B-17. The left horizontal stabilizer of the Fortress and left elevator were completely torn away. The two right engines were out and one on the left had a serious oil pump leak. The vertical fin and the rudder had been damaged, The fuselage had been cut almost completely through connected only at two small parts of the frame, and the radios, electrical and oxygen systems were damaged. There was also a hole in the top that was over 16-feet long and 4 feet wide at its widest; The split in the fuselage went all the way to the top gunner's turret. Although the tail actually bounced and swayed in the wind and twisted when the plane turned and all the control cables were severed, except one single elevator cable still worked, and the aircraft miraculously still flew! The tail gunner was trapped because there was no floor connecting the tail to the rest of the plane. The waist and tail gunners used parts of the German fighter and their own parachute harnesses in an attempt to keep the tail from ripping off and the two sides of the fuselage from splitting apart. While the crew was trying to keep the bomber from coming apart, The pilot continued on his bomb run and released his bombs over the target.

When the bomb bay doors were opened, the wind turbulence was so great that it blew one of the waist gunners into the broken tail section. It took several minutes and four crew members to pass him ropes from parachutes and haul him back into the forward part of the plane. When they tried to do the same for the tail gunner, the tail began flapping so hard that it began to break off.

The weight of the gunner was adding some stability to the tail section, so he went back to his position. The turn back toward England had to be very slow to keep the tail from twisting off. They actually covered almost 70 miles to make the turn home. The bomber was so badly damaged that it was losing altitude and speed and was soon alone in the sky. For a brief time, two more Me-109 German fighters attacked the All American. Despite the extensive damage, all of the machine gunners Were able to respond to these attacks and soon drove off the fighters. The two waist gunners stood up with their heads sticking out through the hole in the top of the fuselage to aim and fire their machine guns. The tail gunner had to shoot in short bursts because the recoil was actually causing the plane to turn. (Continued on Page 22)

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PAGE 19 SHIP STORE ORDER FORM: CRUISER ITEMS NO ITEM PRICE QTY PRICE CV/CVA/CVS VIDEO SET $14 Shipping Incl. 1 CG‐47 VIDEO SET $14 Shipping Incl. BOTH VIDEO SETS ABOVE $24 Shipping Incl. 2 USS TICONDEROGA History/Ed. Set (Just $3.00/DVD!) $55 + $5 shipping CG Ornaments Trim Colors: (Circle the codes.) 1 for $5, 2 for 9, RG=Red w/Gold, GG=Green w/Gold, BG=Blue w/Gold, 3 3 for $13, 4 for $16, WG=White w/Gold, RY=Red w/Yellow, GY=Green 5 for $19, 6 for $22 w/Yellow, BY=Blue w/Yellow, WY=White w/Yellow 1 for $10, 2 for $18, 4 Brass Ornament Stand 3 for $24, 4 for $31, 5 for $38, 6 for $45 5 Peter Hsu Drawing $10 plus $5 shipping 6 Color picture of ship Collage #1 $4 plus $1 shipping 7 Color picture of ship Collage #2 $4 plus $1 shipping 8 Antique Bronze Coin $15 plus $5 shipping 9 Cachet/Ship/Pascagoula Cancel $3 plus $1 shipping 10 Cachet/Decom Today/ Pascagoula $3 plus $1 shipping 11 Cachet/Last Day Postal Service Pascagoula $3 plus $1 shipping 12 #7 & #8 above signed by CO $6 plus $1 shipping 13 Cachet/Ship/Ticonderoga Cancel $3 plus $1 shipping 14 Cachet/Decom Today/Ticonderoga $3 plus $1 shipping 15 Cachet/Last Day Postal Service Tico $3 plus $1 shipping 16 #10, #11, #12 above signed by CO $6 plus $1 shipping 17 Radar waveguide seal $4 plus $1 shipping PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE! Total: ______FOR ORDERS OF ITEMS 1‐17 ORDER AS FOLLOWS: Orders of $30+ a Peter Hsu drawing is included free of charge (Not applicable to Ornaments). Checks (if you are not ordering using PAYPAL) should be made to USS TICONDEROGA! VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION Orders should be mailed to: Ed Trotter 1150 Baywood Ave Camarillo, CA 93010‐3005 [email protected] If you have an e‐mail address it is suggested that you include it here:______@______and your phone number here:______in case we have to contact you for some reason. PLEASE check availability of products & SEE images of these items on the “Ship's Store” page at: www.bigt.net. PAGE 20 SHIP STORE ORDER FORM: CARRIER ITEMS NO ITEM PRICE QTY PRICE $12 + $9 Parcel Post 18 Ceramic Coffee Mug w/Logo & Tiger $12 + $11 Priority/Track# $20 includes shipping 19 Ball Caps–CV-14 or CVA-14 or CVS-14 ADD $2.25 for Scrambled 20 USS TICONDEROGA Warship Pictorial Book $20 includes shipping Blue Polo Shirt - S,M,L,XL CVA ATTACK CARRIER $29 includes shipping Black Polo Shirts S,M,L,XL TICO TIGER LOGO 21 Blue Polo Shirts – 2X,3X CVA ATTACK CARRIER $31 includes shipping Black Polo Shirts – 2X,3X TICO TIGER LOGO Gray Tee Shirts - S,M,L,XL CV/CVA/CVS/CG $29 includes shipping 22 Gray Tee Shirts - 2XL,3XL CV/CVA/CVS/CG $31 includes shipping Black Tee Shirts - S,M,L,XL TICO TIGER LOGO $29 includes shipping Black Tee Shirts – 2X,3X TICO TIGER LOGO $31 includes shipping Round TICO Patch (5 inches) $11 includes shipping 23 TICO Tiger patch $11 includes shipping One Inch Round Lapel / Hat Pin $6 includes shipping $5 for 1, $12 for 4, 24 License Plate Frame(s): Blue W/White Letters $8 for 2, $17 for 5, $10 for 3, $25 for 10 BLUE 25 $10 for 1 $18 for 2 Carrier Holiday Ornaments Colors: RED $24 for 3 Includes Shipping GREEN 26 40th REUNION Commemorative booklet $10 plus $5 shipping PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE! FOR ITEMS 18-26 ORDER AS FOLLOWS: CHECKS: (if you are not ordering using PAYPAL) Total: should be made to: USS TICONDEROGA VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION Orders should be mailed to: Arthur Casello 1737 Hoyt Ave. E. St. Paul, MN. 55106 Email: [email protected] If you have an e-mail address, it is suggested that you include it here: _____ and your phone number here: in case we have to contact you for some reason or send you a tracking # PLEASE check availability of products & SEE images of these items on the “Carrier Store” page at: www.bigt.net OR Email [email protected]

PAGE 21 (Continued from Page 17) Allied P-51 fighters intercepted the All American as it crossed over the Channel and took one of the pictures shown. They also radioed to the base describing that the appendage was waving like a fish tail and that the plane would not make it and to send out boats to rescue the crew when they bailed out. The fighters stayed with the Fortress, taking hand signals from Lt. Bragg and relaying them to the base. Lt. Bragg signaled that 5 parachutes and the spare had been "used" so five of the crew could not bail out. He made the decision that if they could not bail out safely, then he would stay with the plane to land it. Two and a half hours after being hit, the aircraft made its final turn to line up with the runway while it was still over 40 miles away. It descended into an emergency landing and a normal roll-out on its landing gear.

When the ambulance pulled alongside, it was waved off because not a single member of the crew had been injured. No one could believe that the aircraft could still fly in such a condition. The Fortress sat placidly until the crew all exited through the door in the fuselage and the tail gunner had climbed down a ladder, at which time the entire rear section of the aircraft collapsed.

This old bird had done its job and brought the entire crew home uninjured!

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

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