Buccaneer 4-14 - the home of the USS Essex Association

VOLUME 45 NUMBER 1
WWW.USSESSEXCV9.ORG
APRIL 2014
1963 USS ESSEX CVS-9 VISIT TO N.Y.C
Vol. 45 APRIL 2014
NOTES FROM THE EDITOR
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Chaplain
Historian
Ship’s Storekeeper
Buccaneer Editor
Master at Arms
Membership/Publicity
We have designed the Buccaneer to provide you with as
much information, news, humor and coming events as
possible. This is your newsletter so please forward us
feedback as to articles and material you would like to see.
We will keep all future issues to a maximum of 24 pages,
and 20 pages would be ideal. This will keep our postage
expenses to a minimum. With a tighter format, while using
the front and back cover to eliminate wasted space, we
should have as much if not more material to present to the
reader.
No.1
Robert C. Zeller, Jr.
Gordon Kreiner
H. Bruce Sims
Robert D. Peters
Bob Nause
Richard M. Scales
Tom Ferelli
Tony Medina
Fred McCaskill
Gerald McDonell
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
*** CONTENTS***
1- COVER-ESSEX-FREEDOM GUARD NYC HARBOR
2- NOTES FROM THE EDITOR, CONTENTS/OFFICERS/
DEAD LINES, etc.
3- CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/UPDATES
4- CHAPLAIN’S MESSAGE
5 -TAPS & SICKBAY
6 - MEMORIAL AND HONOR LIST
7 - OVERVIEW OF USS ESSEX
8 - CHANGES TO ROSTER/ FYI
9 - “ONE OF OUR OWN” –EUGENE SCHMIDT
10- “45th USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION REUNION
11- 2014 BUFFALO REUNION TOURS
12- REUNION’S PLAN OF THE WEEK
13 - ANNUAL REUNION REGISTRATION
14 - LHD-2 COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
15 - LHD-2 UPDATE
16 - SHIP’S STORE page 1
17- SHIP’S STORE Page2
18- USS ESSEX 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
19- RETURN TO SENDER /WELCOME ABOARD
20- ESSEX ORGANIZATION DUES NOTICE
Art Bergmann
Class of 2014
Chuck Fiedler
Tom Connell
Class of 2015
Euegene Schmidt
Berlyn Ware
Class of 2016
Richard Scales
Bob Dreher
Gordon Kreiner
Ed Mrozinski
FORMER CHAIRMEN
Joseph DuErmit
William Pihl
Robert C. Zeller Jr. Robert Walker
Frank O’Connor
Norm Thompson
Dan Ganet
Bill McCaffrey
ADVISORY BOARD
Class of 2014
Don Fortin
Bob Watson
THE BUCCANEER is a periodical publication published a minimum
of three times annually by the USS ESSEX CV/CVA/CVS-9/LHD-2
ASSN. INC., a non-profit organization. Members are composed of those
who have served on the above ships at various times from 1941 to
present. Offspring of those who served are also qualified for full
membership. Spouses and others who are sponsored by a member may
become an Associate Member but without voting privileges.
NOTE: All photos, prints, articles, biographies, events, naval news,
letters, humor, cartoons and all other newsworthy material should be sent
to the editor as clearly and comprehensive as possible. All material
forwarded for publication will be used when space and time permits.
2014 DUES ARE DUE!
*Bob Nause–Chaplain /570-788-3157/ [email protected]
28 Country Club Ln., Sugarloaf, PA 18249-9733
PLEASE SEND YOUR DUES TO
EUGENE SCHMIDT
HIS ADDRESS IS ON THE BACK COVER OF THIS
PUBLICATION
*Tony & Maria Medina-Editor /732-738-6807
[email protected]
1719 Sunnyview Oval
Keasbey, NJ 08832
*H. Bruce Sims-Secretary /770-707-1812/[email protected]
581 Conkle Rd. Hampton, GA 30228
*Gerald McDonell-Publicity/Membership
[email protected]
42543 Applecreek Dr. Plymouth, MI 48170
BUCCANEER SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Last day of October for December issue.
*Robert D. Peters-Treasurer/[email protected]
2329 Princeton Berkley, MI 48072-3020
Last day of February for April issue.
Last day of June for August issue.
*Chuck Fiedler-LHD liaison/[email protected]
612 Fieldwood Cir. Richardson. TX75081-5608
2
From The Eyes of the Chairman
Hope everyone had a happy holiday season. As for myself, I suffered a heart attack loading Santa’s sled on my
front lawn. Had (4) stents and will be having another procedure on March the 12 th. Our reunion plans for Buffalo
are moving right along. Dan Genet, will be following –up in the Buccaneer.
We are in the process of working on the 2015 reunion.
Bob Zeller
Chairman
The Treasurer Says"
What a difference one year makes. In 2012 the Association lost
$1,022 -- in 2013 the Association had a gain of $2,323. That is a
swing of $3,345, ($1,022 + $2,323). Most of the gain was from
a very strong income from the Nashville reunion.
Our cash position remains very strong -- $45,330. This is a small
gain of $1,811 over 2012.
In my opinion, the Essex Association is in a sound financial position.
Robert D. Peters
Treasurer
NOW HEAR THIS!
My current term after being re-elected in Nashville will expire with the 2016 reunion. Therefore, I will not seek
another term as your secretary. It has been a pleasure serving you all these years but after sixteen years, I will step
down and pass it on to another shipmate. This will give the association three years to find my replacement.
Sincerely,
H. Bruce Sims
Secretary USS Essex Association
3
The Chaplains Message
The Chaplains Message
Faith is what helps us face each new day of adversity. We truly must be our brothers and sisters keepers.
Small acts of kindness lead to large acts of kindness. Faith is the glue that keeps us together. If you do not
have the vision to move forward nothing will get done. Do not be afraid to start a business, venture into
another career field, or relocate to a new town to enhance your opportunities. Faith is what you must depend
on to battle the next medical procedure or illness. Faith is what we need in this country to keep our military
and their families out or harm’s way. Faith is what our founding fathers had when they started our country.
As the seasons change, from winter to spring our country has suffered drought, fires, heavy snow, flooding
and terrible violent storms. Easter will be here soon. Remember Christ died because he loved us. Have a
Happy Easter and do your best to stay healthy.
God bless you and our troops!
Recipe for Friendship Cake
1 cup greetings
½ cup smiles
2 cups hospitality
2 large handshakes
1 cup love
1 tsp sympathy
Cream greetings and smiles thoroughly. Add hospitably and handshakes. Fold in love and sympathy
carefully. Bake in moderate oven. Serves a large number and never goes stale, Calories-0Bob Nause
Chaplain
4
TAPS
Shipmates/ Members
Departed
Aboard
Theodore S. Tubbs
John Hugh McGrory
Nick P. Cottis
Barbara R. Heller
George Gay
Leroy Downs
Carl Bond
Anthony Iannazzo
Virgil Down
04/15/13
12/9/13
11/01/11
09/07/13
06/26/13
12/17/13
01/16/13
10/12/13
12/17/13
unknown
1943-1946
1943-1944
Wife of Rich Heller
1953-1955
1943-1945
1950-1952
unknown
unknown
SICK BAY
Carl Ward, is resting at home after 4 weeks at a Medical Center. He plans to have
heart surgery early this year….let’s send prayers for a quick recovery.
As updated by Eva, Judge Miller is back home and doing well, after his surgery lets pray for
him to continue to do better each day.
Roger Gladhill had an accident Feb.24th and had surgery on his leg and is at Presybertian
Homes in Bloomington, Mn. recovering . Anyone wanting to wish him well ,the address is
9889 Penn Ave. So. Bloomington, Mn. 55431
Our Chairman Bob Zeller had a procedure in March, and is now recuperating.
5
MEMORIAL & HONOR LIST
MEMORIALIZED
HONORED
DONOR
EDWARD J. SCHNEIDER
CHARLES M. POTTER
JOHNNIE MALCIK
GEORGE TODORICH
ROBY SCHNEIDER, (WIFE)
WARREN E. POTTER
MR&MRS. BOB EMSWILER
MARTHA TODORICH, (WIFE)
OREN RALPH & 4 SONS
BRUCE WOOD
BOB HAYES
BOB FLYNN
MR & MRS BOB EMSWILER
NORM & CAROLYN THOMPSON
NORM & CAROLYN THOMPSON
NORM & CAROLYN THOMPSON
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 $____________
6
Overview of the USS Essex Association
by Past Chairman, William Pihl
As I scan through the last Buccaneer, I have noticed with much satisfaction that we have a
strong, worthwhile and healthy association. I think back to the days starting with our NYC
reunion
when major steps were taken to become an association, where all our former and
present members
could renew our allegiance and preserve “the fightenest ship in the fleet,” The USS Essex CV-9CVA,CVS.
We had a rough time putting procedures in order so that an association could develop. Our first
meetings were held at the reunions that followed because we had not proceeded to fully
organize. We needed a secretary, treasurer, chairman and a slate of direction. Most of this was
accomplished at our New Orleans reunion after the New York reunion.
Because of our elected members lived so part apart, it was difficult to communicate. Therefore, we
decided to have a phone conference call and it worked but, there was still room for improvement.
There was a lot of paperwork to be done and a few members to do it. A fall out occurred with the
person who first started the reunion in Louisville and Chicago, who saw fit not to pay our outstanding
bills regarding previous reunions. As a result the order of business in New Orleans was to eliminate
those invoices involving the previous board and others. So all the members present dug in their pockets
and were fortunate to have the requirements to pay off the outstanding invoices.
As a result from the encounter, we immediately pursued electing a treasurer and an audit committee to
be elected at each reunion to review expenses and profits. In doing so we established a true and
responsible method to keep the association in a sound financial position. We have been very fortunate
to have such trustworthy members in charge of our banking and financial duties year after year. It
proves to me that we have a healthy and proper association that we all can be proud of.
The early years were busy for all of us as we went about establishing high standards. As it turned out
what we were doing forty years ago was evidently the right thing to do which made being a member of
the association desirable. Now with the addition and help from our LHD-2 members, it will be even more
so.
A FRIENDLY REMINDER: 2014 DUES ARE DUE!!
7
Pihl, William (Bill)
5115 Spring St. Ashville, NY 14710 Tel. 716-763-0558
McDonell, Gerald
307 Pamela Cir. Brooklyn, MI 49230 Tel. 586-719-0997
Dempsey Sr., Benjamin W. Armbrook Village #2414 551 North Rd. Westfield MA. 01085-5167
Matthews, Walter L.
7112 Santa Barbara St. Pensacola, FL. 32526 Tel . 850-458-6842
Powell Jr.,William B.
1174 Continental Ave. Melbourne, Fl. 32940 Tel. 321-610-1538
FYI READ BELOW
The Association will be getting two signed copies of the above book from Retired Navy Commander, Rick Campbell, and
they will be up for auction at our 2014 reunion.
I’m Rick Campbell, a Navy Commander who retired last year after thirty-two years of service. As I approached retirement, I
decided to try my hand at writing novels and ended up with a book deal with Macmillan / St. Martin’s Press, one of
the biggest publishers in the country.
My first book, a submarine thriller titled The Trident Deception, is getting fantastic reviews. Booklist has even hailed it as –
the best submarine novel written in the last 30 years – since Tom Clancy’s classic The Hunt for Red October! (I’ve pasted
the early reviews below.) My publisher is very excited about the book and is heavily promoting it, and the book will
be featured at the front of all Barnes & Noble’s nationwide for two weeks. However, over 1000 novels are published
each week, and my publisher can keep me at the front of bookstores for only so long before it’s swept into oblivion by the
tidal wave of new books.
I think former USS Essex crew members would enjoy reading The Trident Deception.
You can find out more about The Trident Deception, as well as read the first 3 chapters at:
rickcampbellauthor.com
I’d love to send your association a signed hardcover copy of The Trident Deception, either to an individual or for an
upcoming reunion as a door prize or for a raffle to raise funds. (Some associations have asked for two hardcovers - one for
an individual and one for the reunion, and that's okay too.) Who knows – if I end up making it big, the signed hardcovers
might actually be worth something someday.
8
“Proud of one of our own “(By Jonathan Van Zytveld /Grand Rapid Press)
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – At Blandford Nature Center, it is difficult to find something
Eugene "Joe" Schmidt has not fixed. A 72-year-old retiree, Schmidt volunteers biweekly at Blandford and
utilizes his decades of building experience to create the best solution at the lowest possible cost. "He's basically
had his hands on every square inch of this facility," said Martin Ferrone, a maintenance staff member at
Blandford. "He's definitely not your average Joe." Schmidt's life as a builder began in the United States
Navy as a machinist's mate aboard the USS Essex in the 1960s. There, he said he learned the importance
of thoroughness and teamwork. "When you're on a ship, every single job is important," he said. "If you don't do
your job right, somebody is going to get hurt. One guy can't do it alone, though; you learn to work together
because you have to." When he got out of the service, Schmidt was self-employed as a builder until a recession in
the 1980s made him seek a more stable job, which he found as a member of the facilities maintenance department
in the Steelcase wood division. When Schmidt retired, he sought a way to way to remain active and use his skills.
"You spend the greater part of your life learning this stuff, and then when you retire, it is nice to still be able to use
it," he said. "If you can find a way to purpose (those skills), then you're better off." Schmidt and his wife, Janice,
became acquainted with Blandford founder Mary Jane Dockery and bonded over a mutual love of birds. Schmidt
is a lifetime member of the Grand Rapids Audubon Club and the Michigan Audubon Society, so when Dockery
approached him to volunteer at Blandford, he said he was eager to help. "I love new challenges, and they give
them to you all the time out here," he said. "Every time I come out here, there is something new to do." In his
first year as a volunteer, Schmidt helped reconstruct a floating boardwalk and rebuilt the maintenance building,
which had been in dire need of repair for years. Roughly five years later, Schmidt has worked in almost every
building at Blandford. Among other projects, he has helped stabilize the collapsing Bicentennial Barn, created a
dock extension at the frog pond based on a model that he created, fabricated ironwork for Blandford's entrance
gate, and repaired damage to a floating dock, which was recently vandalized. He even built a ledge and gate
mechanism for Blandford's bobcat, Bob. The majority of Schmidt's work involves coming up with the most costeffective way to solve a problem, but not at the expense of quality. To help Blandford continue to operate with
budgetary constraints, he reuses tools and spare parts he's accumulated throughout his life. "We often have to
make something out of nothing," he said. "When I was growing up, we didn't have a lot of stuff that kids have now,
so you learned to make do with nothing." Schmidt's typical daily duties include welding, plumbing, carpentry and
performing electrical work. "Blandford is definitely blessed to have him out here," Ferrone said. "He does all of
the things you don't see, but what he does helps things run smoother, which helps the education programs keep
running." Blandford has recognized Schmidt for his hard work many times, but he remains humble, even after
earning the 2011 Volunteer of the Year Award. "I don't think that I do anything special, since so much of
what I do out here is just second nature to what I've done all my life," he said. "My son used to tell the
neighborhood kids to bring their bikes when they broke and told them that I could fix anything. That's a
reputation that I've had for a long time."Schmidt said he enjoys the work he does at Blandford, and his other
hobbies include building model ships and leatherwork. "Having hobbies is what keeps people going," he said.
"You've got to keep going or everything comes to a halt. I'll keep coming back here for as long as I can.
9
45th USS ESSEX Association Reunion
Our 2014 reunion will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel located at Two Fountain Plaza,
Buffalo, N.Y. 14202 the week of September 08 to September 14, 2014. To make your Hotel reservations
please call Central Reservation at 888.421-1442 or if necessary you can call the Hotel Direct at 716.856-1234
Monday to Friday 0900 to 1700 hours. You MUST indicate the group name USS ESSEX Association in order
to receive the group rate. The Hotel is about 12 miles from the Buffalo – Niagara International Airport
(Airport code is “BUF”).
After making your Flight Reservation call Jane Cavanaugh at 716.855-4954 and give her your Name,
the Name of your Airline, Your Flight Number, Date & Time of Arrival, Date & Time of Departure and your
Cell Phone Number. This is so the Hotel can make the arrangements for picking everyone up. After picking
up your luggage, walk out the doors, turn left and walk about 200 feet to the Hotel Shuttle parking area and look
for a Black Van with Hyatt Regency on the side. If your 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. Note: Southwest Airlines does not participate in Kayak.
If you are driving to Buffalo, when you arrive at the Hotel pull up to the Entrance and tell the attendant
that you are checking in and will park your car after check in. When checking in you will receive a parking
voucher and be advised as where to park your car. NOTE: Valet parking is $12.00 a day and is NOT included
in your room rate.
Our room rate is $104.00 a night plus tax which includes Parking, Transportation to & from the Buffalo,
N.Y. Airport. The room rate also includes a Full Buffet Breakfast from 0600 to 1100 hours consisting of
Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Bacon, Breakfast Potatoes, Egg White Vegetable Frittata, Biscuits & Sausage Gravy,
make your own Waffle with Fruit Compote & Whip Cream on the side, Rotating throughout the week will be
Pancakes – French Toast & Smoked Salmon, a Variety of Cold Cereals, Steel Cut Oatmeal, White – Wheat &
Rye Bread, Bagels, English Muffins, Variety of Fresh Danishes & Muffins, Fresh Sliced Fruit – Strawberries –
Cantaloupe – Honeydew & Watermelon, Artesian & Domestic Cheese Board, a server will bring Coffee – Tea –
Orange Juice – Cranberry or Apple Juice will rotate during the week. Also available will be made to order
Traditional Eggs – Over Easy – Medium – Hard, Sunny Side Up, Poached, Egg Whites OR Omelets with a
variety of 6 Cheeses and 9 Fillings. Now that was a mouthful!!! You will sign for your Buffet Breakfast,
which includes Tax & Tip, and it will be deducted at the end of your stay. A menu is available but, that is
EXTRA and is NOT included in the room rate. The Hotel has given us a 20% discount on all food purchase at
their Restaurant during our reunion. NOTE: The Hotel charges $16.95 per person for the buffet breakfast,
which is included in our room rate.
According to a Buffalo brochure there are 69 Restaurants within walking distance from our Hotel.
There are 25 Restaurants within a 5 minute walk and another 41 Restaurants within a 10 minute walk. All in
all there are 69 Restaurants within a 15 minute walk of the Hotel. These Restaurants range from Sit Down
Restaurants, Pubs with Diners, Take Out, Deli’s & Coffee shops.
On other pages in the Buccaneer you will find a description of the tours, the Plan of the Week and the
Registration form for the Buffalo Reunion.
Dan Genet
Reunion Coordinator
10
2014 Buffalo Reunion Tours
Tour #1
Fort Niagara – Standing on a bluff above Lake Ontario not far from Niagara
Falls. Old Fort Niagara has dominated the entrance to the Niagara River since 1726. The Fort
played an important role in the struggles of France, Great Britain and the United States to control
the Great Lakes region of North America. The tour includes 1 guide per 30 people, 6 buildings,
Musket demo, Museum and Gift Shop.
Tour #2
Niagara Falls State Park
Your pre-paid ticket is for the Bus ride ONLY. Once you arrive at the park you can purchase an
inclusive ticket for $ 33.00, which gives you admission to all Five venues, including the hop on
hop off trolley OR you can pick one or more of the venues and pay for that venue only and take
the Trolley around the park. Note: There are two restaurants at the park. The first one is right
were you walk in; the second one is in the middle of the park and looks nicer then the first one
on the outside.
Trolley – $ 2.00 will allow you to hop on & hop off as it goes all around the park.
Observation Tower – $ 1.00 This 230 foot overlook provides the only US location to
photograph both the American & Horseshoe Falls.
Maid of the Mist – $ 15.50 Ride into the Mist. Water rushes all around as you “soak” in the
excitement and explores the roar of the falls. A historical ride aboard the world-famous Maid of
the Mist is a half hour thrill of a lifetime! Which also includes the Observation Tower. You
will receive a mild spray.
Cave of the Winds – $ 11.00 The Cave of the Winds trip takes you closer to the waters of
Niagara Falls than you thought possible. You ride an elevator 175 feet deep into the Niagara
Gorge. Then, clad in a bright yellow poncho & wearing the special footwear provided, you
walk over a series of wooden walkways to the famous “Hurricane Deck”. As you stand at the
railing, you are a mere 20 feet from the billowing torrents of Bridal Veil Falls. Rainbows are
usually visible day and night. Lots of wood Steps & you get very wet.
Niagara Adventure Theater Movie – $ 9.00 Legends of Adventure comes to life on a new 45foot-large screen in our movie theater. Our auditorium ensures that you-re right in the middle of
the action. See behind the mist, myths and mysteries of one of the most storied natural wonders
of the world.
Aquarium at Niagara – $ 10.00 there’s an ocean of discovery to experience at Niagara’s other
“wet wonder,” the Aquarium of Niagara, located just a few blocks from Niagara Falls State Park.
More than 1,500 aquatic animals live at the aquarium, representing ecosystems ranging from the
Great Lakes to coral reefs.
Niagara Gorge Discovery Center – $ 3.00 with hands on learning for all ages, the George
Discovery Center includes interactive displays, a 26 foot rock climbing wall and a 180 multiscreen theater showing 12,000 years of the Niagara River.
11
PLAN OF THE WEEK
USS ESSEX (CV/CVA/CVS-9/LHD-2, INC.)
45th ANNUAL REUNION
Hyatt Regency Hotel, Buffalo, NY
SEPTEMBER 8 or 14, 2014
0800 – 1145
0900 – 2300
1300 – 1730
Monday, September 08, 2014
“Now hear this” – Set the watch, Hoist the Welcome Banner, Stand by to receive guests
to the 45th Annual USS ESSEX Reunion in Buffalo, New York
Registration and Tour Packets table will be in front of the Hospitality Room
Hospitality Room, (Bar open, If someone is available to tend bar while touring)
Tour #1, Fort Niagara
0800 – 0840
0900 – 2300
0900 – 1600
Tuesday, September 09, 2014
Registration and Tour Packets table will be in front of the Hospitality Room
Hospitality Room, (Bar open, If someone is available to tend bar while touring)
Tour #2, Niagara Falls State Park
0800 – 0840
0900 – 2300
0900 – 1230
1400 – 1700
1700 – 2130
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Registration and Tour Packets table will be in front of the Hospitality Room
Hospitality Room, (Bar open, If someone is available to tend bar while touring)
Tour #3, Navy Park
(Free Train in front of Hotel)
Annual Board of Directors Meeting
Tour #4, Dinner Cruise
0800
1830 – 2000
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Registration and Tour Packets table will be in front of the Hospitality Room
Hospitality Room, (Bar open, If someone is available to tend bar while touring)
Tour #5, Wilcox Mansion, Buffalo Transportation Museum,
Vidler’s 5 & 10 Store and the Made in America Store
Specialty Food Night, Hospitality Room
0900 – 1000
0900 – 1200
1200 – 1830
1900 – 2300
Friday, September 12, 2014
Registration and Tour Packets table will be in front of the Hospitality Room
Members General Business Meeting “Show membership card for admission”
Hospitality Room
Ladies Auction; Starting at 1600 hrs. you may bring in your items to be Auctioned
1000 – 1100
1100 – 1400
1700 – 1800
1800 – 2200
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Memorial Service
Hospitality Room
Cocktail Hour
(Cash Bar)
Banquet Dinner and then Dance the night away with a local DJ
0800
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Farewell to Friends and Shipmates until next year.
0745 – 0810
0900 – 2300
0830 – 1800
12
2014
USS ESSEX
th
45 ANNUAL REUNION
BUFFALO, NEW YORK
SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2014
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 _______
THURSDAY NIGHT CHICKEN WINGS / BEEF ON WECK BREAD / SALAD_______ X $11 _______
SIRLOIN _______ X $37 _______
BANQUET MEAL CHOICE
PLEASE SELECT: REGULAR PIE______
BRIOCHE CHICKEN
_______ X $32 _______
ALASKAN SALMON
_______ X $34 _______
OR SUGAR FREE PIE _______
TOURS
TOUR #1~ MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH ~ FORT NIAGRA TOUR _______ X $36 _______
TOUR #2 ~ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH ~ NIAGRA FALLS STATE PARK _______ X $30 _______
TOUR #3~ WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH ~ NAVY PARK _______ X $6 _______
TOUR #4 ~ WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH ~ DINNER CRUISE _______ X $80 _______
SELECT DINNER OPTION: BEEF & CHICKEN COMBO ______ ALL CHICKEN ______ ALL BEEF ______
TOUR #5 ~THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH ~ WILCOX MANSION, TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM,
VIDLER’S 5 AND 10 STORE & MADE IN AMERICA STORE
_______ X $58_______
TOTAL INCLOSED $ _______
PLEASE MARK T-SHIRT SIZE: SM_______ M_______ L _______ XL _______ XXL _______
PAYMENT IS DUE NO LATER THAN AUGUST 8, 2014
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 12, 2014.
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 Hyatt Regency Buffalo at 716-856-1234 as soon as possible to make your room reservations. Room reservations
must be made no later than August 8, 2014. Be sure to mention you are with the USS Essex Association Reunion to
receive your group room rate of $104 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 BUFFALO, NEW YORK!
CMDCM(SW/AW) Gary Mendus
Command Master Chief
USS ESSEX (LHD-2)
Master Chief Gary Mendus was born in Meridian, Mississippi. After
graduating from Bay Senior High School, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi he
entered the United States Navy and began Basic Training in San Diego,
California in August 1987.
Following Basic Training he completed HM "A" School at Naval School of
Health Sciences, San Diego, California. He reported to his first ship,
USS MCCANDLESS (FF-1084), home ported in Norfolk, Virginia. During his
tour there, he deployed to the Mediterranean Sea and was Command
Advanced to HM2. His subsequent sea assignments include: USS PONCE
(LPD-15), which also deployed twice. CMDCM Mendus then went to HM "C"
School, Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsman (SFIDC) and was Command
Advanced to HM1. He then went to USS HAYLER (DD-997), home ported in
Norfolk, Virginia as the SFIDC, where he was Sailor of the Year and
advanced to Chief Petty Officer in 1999. He then reported to USS
TICONDEROGA (CG-47) home ported in Pascagoula, Mississippi as the SFIDC
and the Navigation and Administrations Leading Chief Petty Officer. In
2002, he was advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer. While onboard he
completed two 6 month deployments to South America. Upon completion of
that tour, he next went to the USS COMSTOCK (LSD-45) as the SFIDC and
Medical Leading Chief Petty Officer and completed two deployments to the
Arabian Gulf.
Shore assignments include: Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Florida as an
EMT Instructor and Commander Surface Forces as the Technical Advisor to
the Force Surgeon. He was promoted to the rank of Master Chief in 2005
during his tenure with Expeditionary Strike Group Three (ESG3) where he
served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for Medical and acting Command
Master Chief.
Master Chief Mendus is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy and
Keystone Course and reported aboard USS CAPE ST GEORGE (CG-71) as
Command Master Chief in January 2008 until January 2010. Next he
reported as Naval Base San Diego's Command Master Chief in January 2010
until March 2012
Master Chief Mendus' personal decorations include the Meritorious
Service Medal Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three gold
stars), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (one silver star), Good
Conduct Medal (one silver star), National Defense Medal (one bronze
star), as well as other campaign and service awards.
14
Essex Leaves an Imprint on Fleet Readiness
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean Gallagher, USS Essex Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO - A group of scientists and military leaders visited the amphibious assault ship
USS Essex (LHD 2) to observe and discuss the operations of a unique three-dimensional
printer, Feb. 12.
The printer is the first of its kind to be installed and operated on board a Navy
vessel.
Essex was selected to test the viability of using the machine in practical situations
including the printing of medical supplies as well as non-critical parts for shipboard use.
“I’m very excited to test this machine,” said Capt. J. L. Jenkins, Essex’s commanding
officer. “There are plenty of low risk, high-value applications it can be used for. Several
small, non-critical parts can be made.”
The group included visitors from Commander U.S. Third Fleet, Commander Naval
Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC), Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command
(SPAWAR) Systems Center Pacific and several other distinguished guests.
Visitors watched a demonstration of the uPrint Plus 3D Printer in the medical bay of
the ship and then held an open discussion about possible applications for the U.S. Navy.
The group noted that the capability of the printer increases ship’s mission capability
and sustainable excellence by reducing the costs of materials per ship. The trial run on
board Essex will test the technology’s capacity to increase warfighting ability if applied fleet
wide and whether the equipment will be cost effective.
Developing Sailors, training crews to fight and win, and providing warships ready for
combat are the subjects of SURFPAC Commander Vice Adm. Thomas H. Copeman IIIs
"Vision for the 2026 Surface Fleet," which consolidates a set of objectives and policies to
maximize surface force readiness by concentrating on warfighting ability, sustainable
excellence and wholeness over time.
“Even though the printer can create useful tools for ships, we have to look at
whether it will perform at sea, if Sailors will be able to get the appropriate training for this
tool, and can it create a system by which parts can be approved for shipboard use,” said
Shayne Kondor, a contractor with Naval Post-Graduate Dental School and subject matter
expert.
Copeman’s 2026 vision includes information related to requirements for improving
shipboard technical expertise. His goal for the surface fleet is to have predictable,
sustainable delivery of ships ready to train in order to ensure the success of the unit
readiness development process.
At the conclusion of three-hour tour, scientists and leaders were in agreement that
the 3D printer improves the ship’s readiness and quality of life.
“We just need to find what tools and equipment we can print to assist daily
operations and shipboard projects,” said Jenkins. “Through testing and necessity we can
create a wish list of what equipment to produce.”
By printing things such as medical supplies, Essex has already demonstrated that
there are a variety of helpful tools that the machine can make. The ship stands ready to
prove the usefulness of the machine at sea paving the way for future ingenuity for the fleet.
Essex is nearing the end of a $200 million, 18-month Dry-dock Planned Maintenance
Availability (DPMA) and is scheduled to be operational in spring 2014.
15
SHIP’S STORE ORDER FORM (REVISED 11/2013 )page 1 of 2
USS
USS Essex Marine USS Essex LHD-2
Red w/gold
Blue w/ gold
___x17.00=$___ ___x17.00=$___
USS Essex CV-9
Blue w/gold
___ x17.00=$___
USS Essex CVA-9
Blue/gold /R bar
___x17.00=$___
USS Essex CVS 9
Blue/gold w/R bar
___x17.00=$___
USS Essex LHD-2
__1x17.00=$___
U
USS Essex Assn.
Blue w/gold
USS Essex CVA-9
Blue w/gold
Pin___x17.00=$___
___x17.00=$___
Silver w/service
Dates 1943-1969
& ship’s imprint
Brass w/service
Dates 1942-1969
& ship’s imprint
USS Essex CV-9
WWII 1941-1945
NAVY VETERAN
USS Essex CV-9
USS Essex Assn.
__1x17.00=$___
Ship w/silver
__ x14.00=$__
Lapel/Hat
__ x14.00=$__
___ x17.00=$___
Limited supply
Limited supply
Limited supply
Essex Assn.Coin
__x 15.00ea.$___ __x15.00ea.$___ __x15.00ea.$___ ___x10.00=$__
2/for $25.00
2/for $25.00
2/for $25.00
Plaque not included in price
__x14.00=$___
Essex Challenge Coin
__x10.00=$ ___
__x15.00=$___
(A)__
Essex Assn. Ship Decal
___x5.00=$____
(B) __
pg. 16
(C) __
Essex Tote Bag
blue w em.zips
w/pockets __x15.00 _
SHIP’S STORE ORDER FORM (REVISED 11/2013) * PLEASE INDICATE SIZE*pg.2 of 2
USS Essex
Sweatshirt
—-x26.00= ——
USS Essex Assoc.
Men’s T shirts Blue only
M__ L__ XL __ 2xl__
___x15.00= $___
Golf Shirt
Navy Blue
—-x22.00= ——
Golf Shirt
Blue/White
—-x22.00= ——
USS Essex Sport Pique polo
lt. blue (Blueberry)
L___ XL ___ $27.
___x7.00=$___
New lic. Plate
@ship store, & USS
Essex website
2xl ___ $28.
Ladies Golf
Shirt Red
—-x25.00= ——
Ladies Golf
Shirt White
—-x25.00= ——
Essex
Jacket
—-x50.00= ——
Embroidery front
Any member who has any suggestions for merchandise that they would like to see for sale in Ship’s store feel free to contact
me at [email protected] . The ship’s store will be shipping all merchandise to the reunion site in Buffalo NY; therefore the store
will close 2 weeks before Labor Day for inventory and pack out/shipping. All hands are reminded that the Essex Association
is on Facebook and also information about the Association is available on ussessexcv9.org and ussessexassociation.com.
Get online and get involved.
PLEASE FILL OUT ORDER FORM BELOW AND MAIL PAGES YOU ORDERED FROM OR COPIES, TO TOM FERELLI AT
THE ADDRESS INDICATED. MAKE YOUR CHECK PAYABLE TO THE USS ESSEX ASSN.
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)
17
Return to Sender
For the Return to Sender Address Unknown
Ingram, Milton L.
Truskot Sr., Frank J.
Voltz, Leo J.
Bollinger, Sylvester “Butch” J.
Schmidt, Dolores
Binns, Georgia
Anderson, William H.
Beam, Ray J.
If anyone can help with new addresses for these listed please notify the secretary
WELCOME ABOARD
NAME
DIV/S
ABOARD
Gibelyou, Paul
?
1965-1966
Ongman, “Bud”
M
1962-1966
Packer, Scott
V4
1992-1996 (LHD)
Peabody, Charles
OP
1960
Peterson, Eric
V4
1991-1995 (LHD)
Tippins, Jr., William
Son of William Sr.
2014 MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE NOW DUE!!!!!!
19
USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION
DUES NOTICE
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY and MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE U.S.S. ESSEX ASSN. DO NOT MAKE
PAYABLE TO BOB PETERS . Membership cards will be issued and mailed by the Secretary.
Mail to: EUGENE SCHMIDT 3823 WYOMING AVE. SW, WYOMING MI 49519-3659
Please check here only
if this is a change in your address, phone number or email address. Remember, most
of the time your phone # will also change when you move.
Name __________________________________________________________________________
Street Address ___________________________________________________________________
City / State / Zip __________________________________________________________________
Phone # __________________________Email Address __________________________________
(Please circle the appropriate year you’re paying)
2013 2014 Other (Explain Below)
_____Years @ $25.00 per year
$ ________
Other
$ _______
Donations
$ _______
TOTAL
$ _______
You will not receive a dues notice by mail. Your only dues notice
will be on our web site at www.ussessexcv9.org and printed in this B u c c a n e e r t h r e e t i m e s a y e a r .
Dues not paid by 31 December of the current year due will be dropped from our active roster. All mailings, including the B u c c a n e e r ,
will be discontinued. The date on your membership card indicates the year you are paid thru. Therefore, please keep your card handy to
refer to your dues status and entry into our Annual General Membership Meeting. (Please tear out or copy and send with your remittance)
USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION
581 Conkle Rd.
Hampton, GA 30228
TO:
FIRST CLASS MAIL