July - USS The Sullivans Association

USS THE SULLIV ANS DD537/DDG68 ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
JULY 2007
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BUFFALO MINI REUNION & DEDICATION OF PLA~UE HONORING OUR FOUNDERS. On June 13th,38
shipmates, spouses, children, grandchildren and guests began to arrive at the Adam's Mark hotel in Buffalo. Later that
evening, all of us, 90 in total, gathered on the fantail of LITTLE ROCK at the Buffalo Naval Park for a Welcome
Buffet. This was the beginning of a two day mini-reunion held to honor the founders of our Association by dedicating
a plaque to be mounted on 00537 in the quarterdeck area, and to attend the re-dedication of the new Buffalo Naval
Park. However, due to circumstances beyond the control of the Park, that re-dedication ceremony has been postponed
until late SUMMER (See Buffalo News Section for explanation.)
The next morning, June 14thwe met at THE SULLIVANS 00537 for our dedication ceremony. Representing Paul
and Helen Fant was their daughter Joan Olson, her husband Doug, and their son Andrew; Representing the family of
Charlie and Wilma McCarty were their children, I Charlotte Holmes, Carol Mannes, Diane McCarty, and Dennis
McCarty, and grandchildren Lynnette and Sean Mannes. Also attending was Charlie's gear friend, Lola Schneider.
Other guests were; Mr. Anthony Lorusso, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Buffalo & Erie County Naval &
Military Park; Col. Patrick Cunningham, Executive Director of the Park, as well as other Board members of the Park.
Providing outstanding musical selections for the ceremony were 27 members of The Friends of Harmony, a barbershop
harmony group that is also the official chorus of the Park.
Mr. Lorusso spoke of the initial committee formed to investigate the possibility of a Naval Park, the unexpected
availability of THE SULLIVANS 00537, the raising of funds to tow the ship to Buffalo and the dedication of the Park
in June 1977. He recalled that he had invited the members of the first reunion held in Buffalo to his home for dinner
expecting maybe 25-30 guests, that when the bus arrived with his guests, the driver told him, "I'll be right back with
the second group", and he ended up entertaining 45-50 guests for dinner.
Col. Cunningham welcomed us to the Park. He explained why the new Museum could not be dedicated today as had
been planned. He reflected on his 14 years as Executive Director and his involvement with the Association.
Roger Smith and Andrew Olson presented a new Association banner to the group. The new banner includes the crests
of both 00537 and DDG68. A photo of the banner is included separately in this newsletter.
Joan Olson, daughter of Paul and Helen Fant, told of growing up with THE SULLIVANS always being present; hqw
at the age of 15 she accompanied her folks to New York and actually got to see and tour the ship and also got to take a
cruise on it up the Hudson River. She also read a message to the Association from her father that is at the end of this
article. Andrew Olson spoke of hearing about THE SULLIVANS all his life an~ how thrilled 1J.ewas to actually see
and tour the ship. Andrew came to the reunion wearing his grandfather's cap, including his Plank Owner badge, his
name badge, and all the assorted pins accumulated at reunions since 1959.
Charlotte Holmes spoke for the McCarty family. She was accompanied to the podium by her siblings. She also recalled
how they all had grown up with THE SULLIVANS always present in their home, and how they had carried arms full
of letters to the post office with mailings to members, how the postmaster had come to their home to investigate if their
Dad was running some sort of scam, because he was asking people to send him $10. She also said "The Sully turned
out to be the best ship in the Navy, well, Dad thought so anyway. .He was very proud of this ship and the Association".
Bud Lehner talked about Bob Sander, how when he left the ship in 1945 he took with him the names and home
addresses of everyone on board at that time and how this list was used to locate shipmates 14 years later. Bud also
spoke of Bob's devotion to the ship and to the city of Chicago.
Association President Jim Hendrickson asked "Do you know how lucky we are? Weare standing on our own deck
honoring our founders. Most people don't know where their ship is or if it's been used for scrap metal. Our ship is
here, it is in good shape, and life is good".
John Mataka, the originator of the idea to honor our Founders with a plaque mounted on our ship talked about how that
decision was made. He also discussed the inscription on the plaque and the help and input he received from Steve and
Anne Jackson and Jim Hendrickson.
Following the dedication program, a luncheon was served on the fantail of LITTLE ROCK, courtesy of Col.
Cunningham and the Park.
The' balance of Thursday and all day Friday was free time to do as each saw fit. Some visited Canada, some the
. Seneca casinos of Niagara Falls, NY, some toured the city of Buffalo. On Friday evening, we again gathered on
LITTLE ROCK, this time for a farewell buffet. Following that a large group of us got together in the hospitality room
at the hotel for a good old fashioned bull session.
Saturday was check-out time with good-byes and departures for home. Hopefully we will all meet again in Charleston
in October. (Provided by Harry Nelson.)
***THIS IS THE LAST NEWSLETTER BEFORE THIS REUNION***
USS THE SULLIV ANS DD537/DDG68 ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
JULY 2007
PAUL FANT'S MESSAGE TO THE ASSOCIATION
"If I could look over the people in Buffalo today, I wouldn't see the faces of Robert Sander and Charles McCarty, but I
think all three of us are there. Many of you never knew Bob Sander but Ralph Hendricks did. When Ralph learned
about the Sully reunions, he asked Bob if post World War II crew members could attend. Bob said yes, and Charlie
and I agreed. So what was USS The Sullivans Reunion eventually became USS The Sullivans Association and thrives
today. Thanks to past and present officers, committee members, and active Association members, our organization
has grown and includes DDG68. "We Stick Together" and exist to keep alive friendships and honor the memory of
the five Sullivan brothers. Helen and I are very sorry that we cannot be with you today, but are thankful that family
members can represent us. Thank you for this honor." Paul T. Fant
;U.S.S.
THE SULLIVANS
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WE STICK tOGETI'tER
New Banner for the Association. Presented to the
group by Roger Smith (55/56) and Andrew Olson,
grandson of Paul Fant. (43145)
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Family representing Paul & Helen Fant, left to right: Andrew Olson,
Grandson, Joan Olson, daughter & Doug Olson, son-in-law..
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New Plaque dedicated to the founders of the
Association, Charles McCarty, Paul Fant and
Robert Sander.
NEW BANNER FOR USS THE SULLIVANS
Family of Charlie & Wilma McCarty left to right: Daughters Diane
McCarty, Carol Maness and Charlotte Holmes & son Dennis McCarty.
DD537/DDG68
ASSOCIATION.
Paul Fant (43/45), one of our
founders suggested a few months ago that we have a new banner constructed that will represent both of our ships. Paul
designed it and made a drawing. His local banner shop required special art work that was expensive. Your editor,
Roger Smith (55/56) was able to locate a shop in Leominster, Mass. that did not require this artwork, and produced the
banner shown for $300. (The name and address of that shop will be provided to any member needing such work.)
USS THE SULLIV ANS DD537/DDG68 ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
JULY 2007
USS THE SULLIVANS CELEBRATES ITS 10''' ANNIVERSARY AT STATEN ISLAND, NY. (from Navy
newsstand, 6-18-2007). The crew ofUSS The Sullivans (DOG 68) with USS The Sullivans Foundation and the people
of Staten Island celebrated the 10th anniversary of the ship's commissioning June 16 at the pier where the ship was
commissioned. The USS The Sullivans Foundation, a non-profit organization established to support the crew and ship,
hosted the ceremony and following reception as a way to strengthen the tie between the people of Staten Island and the
crew and ship. "Ten years ago there were 7,000 people here on this pier to celebrate this great ship," said Nancy
Pouch, a member of USS The Sullivans Foundation. "It was the beginning of a beautiful relationship between the ship
and the people of Staten Island." Pouch described the support the foundation has given the ship since its
commissioning including donations to the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fund and a scholarship fund for family
members. Many of the foundation's members were part of the commissioning committee and have followed the ship's
progress for the past 10 years. "I developed a great bond with the ship as part of the original commissioning
committee," said H. Peter Schorr, USS The Sullivans Foundation treasurer and coordinator for the ceremony.
Schorr was particularly impressed by the retirement ceremony held prior to the anniversary celebration for Capt.
Gerard D. Roncolato, The Sullivans commanding officer during the time of the ship's commissioning.
During the anniversary ceremony, Roncolato described April 19, 1997, the day the ship was commissioned as blustery
and cold in Staten Island. "The crew believed that they were entrusted with a sacred honor," said Roncolato. "A large
part of what makes this ship special is the people of Staten Island that opened their hearts and doors to USS The
Sullivans." Named for the five Sullivan brothers who perished aboard USS Juneau (CL 52) in November 1942, the
ship is the second to carry the name. USS The Sullivans (DO 537) was commissioned in 1943 as a reminder of the
commitment and self-sacrifice of an average American family. The ship's sponsor, Kelly Sullivan Loughren, the
granddaughter of Albert Sullivan, one of the five brothers for which the ship is named, attended the ceremony and
spoke to the crowd. "The stories I've heard as I grew up a Sullivan made me understand how patriotic my family is,"
said Loughren. "As I walk around the ship I can tell how much the crew loves it and believes in what they are doing."
"I was a senior in high school when the Navy asked me if I wanted to sponsor a ship. I had no idea what an honor it
was. When people ask me where in the world I would wish to be at the moment, it is always aboard this ship. It is my
favorite place to be and the smell inside is my favorite smell in the world," said Loughren. The public attending the
ceremony sat in chairs on the pier facing The Sullivans. Behind them Intrepid, the former U.S. aircraft carrier now a
museum normally berthed in Manhattan, was moored to the pier while undergoing renovations. Rep. Vito Fossella
(N.Y. District 13) commented on the story of USS The Sullivans (DO 537) escorting the stricken USS Intrepid to
Majuro for repairs and described the irony of sitting between the second USS The Sullivans and Intrepid now years
later. Cmdr. Anthony Parisi, The Sullivans' commanding officer, described for the attendees the -ship's history over
the past 10 years and focused on their motto, "We stick together." "The motto was handed down by crew members
from the previous USS The Sullivans which they took from the five brothers," said Parisi. "We wear it on our ball caps
and in our hearts." When The Sullivans was commissioned it was blessed by Loughren and Roncolato with the
words, "May the luck of the Irish be with you and the crew." The Irish heritage and the memory of the Sullivan
brothers are as present in the everyday life of the crew as it was the day the ship was commissioned. The Sullivans,
based in Mayport, Fla., returned May 30 from a six-month deployment in the Mediterranean Sea supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom.
Our treasurer, Jim Rauth (61/64) and his wife, Susan, represented the Association at the 10thAnniversary Banquet.
USS THE SULLIVANS DDG68 VISITS GLOUCESTER, MASS. CMDR Anthony 1. Parisi had the honor of
bringing the ship to his hometown of Gloucester for the annual St. Peter's Fiesta. It was held on the weekend starting
Friday, June 29, 2007. CMDR Parisi was born and raised in Gloucester. He graduated from Gloucester High School in
1984 and graduated summa cum laude from Norwich University, the Military College of Vermont, in 1988 and in the
same year earned a commission as an ensign in the Navy. Throughout high school and college, Parisi worked with his
father aboard the family's commercial fishing trawler, F/V Gloucesterman. He said growing up in a fishing family in
Gloucester not only taught him to respect the sea and value hard work, but it also prepared him for a life as a Navy
sailor. Parisi's parents, James and Maria, and other local family and friends have eagerly awaited Parisi's visit to
Gloucester. "I am truly honored and blessed that the Navy allowed us to bring The Sullivans to Gloucester for this
event. This trip will be the highlight of my Navy career," Parisi said. "I cannot think of a better place to be in the
summer than right here in Gloucester and having my family and friends meet the incredible sailors I serve with."
Parisi is the first Gloucester native to captain an Arleigh Burke Class guided missile destroyer into Gloucester's port.
He is the only Gloucester native in command of a U.S. Navy warship. Parisi, who lives in Florida with his wife, Joy,
and children, Madison, 11, and Dylan, 7, took command of the 8,700 ton Navy destroyer at sea on June 5, 2006. Prior
to taking command, Parisi, a surface warfare officer whose specialty is combat systems, was an instructor at the
Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, RI. (From an article by Christina Morais for Gloucester Daily Times.)
USS THE SULLIV ANS DD537/DDG68 ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
JULY 2007
2007 REUNION AT CHARLESTON, SC, OCT. 17-21. Hugh Murdock and Darlene Ouellette have put together what
will be a great reunion. They have contracted with Plantation Photography, Jill & Curt Norman, Professional
Photographers, to photograph our reunion at the Luau and Banquet. They will take group photos at 4:30 p.m. on
Saturday followed by individual photographs after we dress for the cocktail hour and banquet starting at 5:30 p.m. All
photos will appear in a "Memorial Booklet" which will be offered for sale after the reunion.
The registration form is on the rear page. See the March Newsletter for the full description of events. If you have
tossed or misplaced it you can email us and we can email that page to you. The hotel rate includes a free buffet
breakfast each morning. Also, attendees who are members of Tin Can Sailors will receive a $12 discount for both you
and a guest. Thus, only $1 more pays the $25 membership fee. If you are not a member we suggest you send $25 to
Tin Can Sailors, P.O. Box 100, Somerset, MA 02726. (Members should provide their membership J.D. # and Exp.
Date with their registration form.) You can call Hugh and Darlene (843/753-2984) or email them
([email protected]) if you have any questions about the reunion. The deadline for the reunion registration is Sept.
10, 2007 and the deadline for the hotel is Sept. 16, 2007.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2007-2009. The nomination committee has presented the following slate for
officers: President - Bruce Kahler (62/64). Vice President - John Mataka (60/63). Secretary - Roger Smith (55/56).
Treasurer - Jim Rauth (61/64).. Board of Advisors will remain the same. Jim Hendrickson (62/63) will take the place
of Ken Joseph (63/65) on the Executive Board. See March 2007 newsletter for all names of officers. If you misplaced
or lost that newsletter you can email us for that page. If any member wants to submit his name or nominate another
member for election please notify the President, Jim Hendrickson so that their name can be presented at the reunion.
NEWS FROM THE BUFFALO NAVAL PARK. All attendees at the mini reunion In June agreed that
The Sullivans 00537 is in fine shape. There is a group of dedicated park personnel who see that she has good
maintenance and T.L.e. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, the new buildings shown in the
December newsletter were not completed in time for the June 14 dedication. The schedule for completion is for late
summer with a dedication of the park shortly after that.
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BUFFALO NAVAL PARK SEEKING PHOTOS, ARTIFACTS, ETC. FROM DD537 CREWMEMBERS. They
need photos of crewmembers taken on board the ship, liberty, etc. They can be any size, b & w or color. Indicate
names of crewmembers on the back or an attached note and approximate date of photo. They can be scanned and
returned, if requested. Also need letters or postcards with 00537 post mark. Please indicate other artifacts you have
for display. All of the above will be placed in shadow boxes on 00537 and viewed by visitors for years to come.
Please send your submissions to Bruce Kahler (62/64),4631 Bella Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 8091K
JONATHAN T. HINE. CMDR USN. EXECUTIVE OFFICER USS THE SULLIVANS DD537 (54/56) died on
March 30, 2007 in Niantic, CT. at the age of 88. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, class of 1941. Because
ofWW II the graduation was held inJanuary 1941. He served on the USS West Virginia and was at Pearl Harbor Dec.
7, 1941. H~ later served on submarines and was Executive Officer of 00537, as stated. He retired from the USN in
1961, and worked for several naval related contractors. He leaves his wife of nearly 50 years, Janet, five sons and
several grand and great grandchildren and many friends and relatives. The full obituary was in the Hartford Courant
(CT) on April 4, 2007. (Note: Your editor remembers CMDR Hine. In fact he still has his Liberty Card that CMDR
signed in 1955.)
USS THE SULLIVANS DDG68 MAKES PORT VISIT TO HAIFA, ISRAEL. During the recent deployment to the
Mid-East the ship was in Haifa, Israel March 20-29. Crew members had the opportunity to get some much needed rest
and relaxation, interact with members of the Israeli Navy and experience several tours to Jerusalem, Nazareth, the
Jordan River and Capernaum. Some lucky crew members had the opportunity to cross deck on Israeli Naval vessels
and participate in simulators at the Israeli Training Base - Haifa. The Sullivans' sailors also had the opportunity to
play the Israelis in several different sports. After the different sporting events, the Israeli Navy hosted The Sullivans
with a cookout that included several different foods that are unique to that region. (Provided by Ensign James Kolb)
MC JOHN CARNLEY, DDG68 PLANK OWNER, RETIRES. A recent event took place in Jacksonville, Florida, that
honored the career of a sailor and reinforced the ship's motto "We stick Together." On April 6, Master Chief John
Carnley, a plank owner and first recipient of The Sullivans' Enlisted Leadership Award, retired after a highly
successful 20-year career. Also honored during the ceremony was John's wife, Laura, who served as the ship's
Ombudsman during DDG68's maiden deployment form October 1999 through March 2000. Among the many family,
friends and former shipmates in attendance were 9 members of the original DDG68 Chiefs Mess, as well as 3 other
plank owners who went on to advance to Chief while serving aboard the ship.( Submitted by Gary Campbell, DDG68
1stCommand Master Chief.)
USS THE SULLIV ANS DD537/DDG68 ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
JULY 2007
CAPT. GERARD D. RONCOLATO. FIRST CAPTAIN OF USS THE SULLIVANS DDG68 RETIRES.
Captain Roncolato, the Commissioning Commanding
Officer ofDDG68 retired during the lOthAnniversary
Ceremonies of the Commissioning ofDDG68. It is
certainly a rare opportunity and honor to retire on board
your first command ship. All the members of the
Association wish Capt Roncolato and his family Fair
Winds and Calm Seas. (See photo of Capt Roncolato
making remarks at the ceremony.)
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THE GROUT MUSEUM ADDITION AT WATERLOO, IOWA is coming- along fine. Unless any unforeseen
circumstances cause a delay it will be completed on time before the scheduled opening in the fall of 2008 according to
Billie Bailey, Grout executive. More information on the museum project may be obtained at
www.groutmuseumdistrict.org. (Information from an article by Pat Kinney of the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier.)
KELLY SULLIVAN LOUGHREN VISITED THE SULLIVANS SCHOOL AT THE YOKOSUKA NA VAL BASE
IN JAPAN. Kelly was invited to visit the base school named after the five Sullivan Brothers in March 2007. Kelly
was at the school to help the children around the base understand that the legacy of The Sullivan Brothers is not one of
loss, but one of commitment, loyalty and sacrifice. Kelly explained to the students about the sinking of the Juneau and
the loss of the Sullivan Brothers including her grandfather, Albert, on November 13, 1942. Since1hat fateful day in the
South Pacific, the Sullivans' name has represented more than a family or event. For some, it represents the belief that
ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances can overcome unimaginable tragedy through preservation and
commitment. According to The Sullivans principal, Dave Russell, Loughren's visit was important because for the
students and faculty, it helped to bridge a gap between something that happened long ago and a belief that is as
relevant today as it ever has been. "She made the tradition of the Navy, and life in the Navy, something that could be
understood." She spoke to about one thousand students during the week. Also, she was able to see a great sunset with
a rare clear view of Mt. Fuji. (From an article by Chris Fowler for Stars and Stripes.)
jVDANNUAL FIVE SULLIVAN BROTHERS VETERANS MEMORIAL 5K/IOK RACE. The Waterloo Convention
and Visitors Bureau is pleased to present the 2ndAnnual Five Sullivan Brothers Veteran's Memorial SK/IOK races in
downtown Waterloo on Saturday, November 3. The races serve as a memorial and honor to the Sullivan brothers and
to all Americans who have served in the United States armed forces. The event features a military team competition,
where top times from each branch of the service are compiled to determine an overall military champion for the races.
More information and entry forms are available by contacting Aaron Buzza at the Waterloo Convention and Visitors
Bureau at (800) 728-8431 or by emailing [email protected].
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USS THE SULLIV ANS (DD537)
FIELD DAY
AUGUST 23-26, 2007
Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military
Park
Buffalo, New York
Cost: $35.00
Includes three meals on Friday and Saturday
& Sunday breakfast.
Make checks payable to:
Buffalo Naval Park
Mail your check and the coupon to
Buffalo Naval Park
1 Naval Park Cove
Buffalo, NY 14202
Bring your own sleeping bag, towels, etc.
All can now sleep on board DD537
CUT-OFF DATE IS AUGUST 15,2007
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USS THE SULLIVANS DD537 FIELD DAY
NAME
ADDRESS
CITYPHONE
STATE
SHIP
RATE
ZIP
EMAIL
USS The Sullivans Field Day August 23-26, 2007 at Buffalo & Erie
County Naval & Military Park in Buffalo, NY. Ron Glessner and
Ron Black will once again host this event.
USS THE SULLIV ANS DD537/DDG68 ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
JULY 2007
22DdREUNION OF USS THE SULLIV ANS DD537/DDG68 ASSOCIATION
CHARLESTON. SC. OCTOBER 17-21.2007
REGISTRATION
MAKE PLANS TOATTEND A GREAT REUNION!
Complete this form and mail with check payable to USS The Sul/ivans Association "07 Reunion"
Send to: HUGH MURDOCK, 533 HELMET LANE, CROSS, SC 29436-9181.
telephone: 843/753-2984
email: [email protected]
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 10, 2007
Name
Tel. #
Date
Address
State
City
Zip
Names of euests attendine with me
_tickets
REGISTRATION FEE required of ALL Attendees
@ $25.00 each $
See the March Newsletter for descriptions of events or email [email protected] lost or misplaced.
Tuesday. October 16
Early Bird Registration 1:00- 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday. October 17
Registration & Hospitality Room Open 9:00-
Option 1: Welcome Reception @ 4:00
- 6:00
p.m.
Thursday. October 18
Option 2: Magnolia Garden Tours 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Option 3: Boone Hall Plantation Tour 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Option 4: Spirit of Carolina Dinner Cruise 6:00 p.m.-ll:00 p.m.
_tickets
@ $20.00 each
$
_tickets
_tickets
_tickets
@ $45.00 each
@ $42.00 each
@ $77.00 each
$,
$,
$
Friday. October 19
Option 5: Patriots Point Tour 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
_tickets @ $46.00 each $.
Note special price for Tin Can Sailor members + 1 guest
_tickets @ $34.00 each $
(A good incentive tojoin Tin Can Sailors Assoc. The $24 savings here per couple
+ $1 willpay the $25 membership fee.) Please list your membership No. & Expiration date.
Option 6: Hawaiian Luau Elvis Impersonator 7:00-approx.l0:30 p.m _tickets @ 38.00 each $
-
Saturday. October 20
Option 7: The H.L. Hunley (the 1stsuccessful submarine) 1:00-3:00 p.m. _tickets
@ $39.00 each $.
@ $40.00 each $
Option 8: Reunion BuffetBanquet 5:30 p.m. -??
_tickets
Sunday. October 21
Depart for Home Port: Farewell Breakfast Buffet
(no charge, comes with room)
TOTAL ENCLOSED
***THIS IS THE LAST NEWSLETTER
BEFORE
$
THIS REUNION***
Make vour reservations now at the RAMADA HOTEL. CHARLESTON AIRPORT (formerly The Clarion). The
rate is $79 + taxes and inclUdes a buffet breakfast each morning. The hotel will honor these rates for 3 days
before & 3 days after the reunion. Reservations can be made by calling 843-572-2200 (do not use the 800
number for reservations.) Ask for the USS THE SULLIV ANS ASSOCIATIONrate. Free shuttle to and from the
airport. Deadlineto make reservations at hotel is SEPTEMBER 16 at 3:00 p.m.
***We SU1!1!est
vou DhotocoDVthis form to Dreservevour newsletter for future reference. ***