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Class of '50 classmates that are Gone but Not Forgotten.
Jerry Ablesen
Stephanie Ainsworth-Barnes
John Akin Jim Ames
Gerald Bouch
Jerry Bradshaw
Richard Brandes Don Briggs
Richard Carlston
Charles Cope
David Corbin
Earl Crapo
Beverly Dierlam-Sommer
Richard Duntley
Vaughn (Buddy) Edgar
Allen Fleming
John Gates
Bunny Gillette
Carolyn Goen
Nancy Hetler-Saylor
Chuck Hoggatt
Doris Johnson-Randall
Max Jones
Walter Jones
Larry (Durkee) Keating
Cora Kinnard-Meinel
Edward Kemp
Robert Lee
Ron Lee
Richard Leonard
Bob Miller
Don Montgomery
Milan Moody Earl Mortensen
Betty Norman-Eggstaff
Kenny Palmer
Neil Peterson
Dave Pittman
Ann Rasey- Rethlefsen
Arlitha Rosedale-Wertz
Darwin Rosen
Dennis Selleck
Shirley Sherman
Bill Sink
Dorothy Snow
Beverly Turk Salter
Ferris "Tommy" Thompson
Tony Wynn
Paul Zednichek
'50
Gary Dayton '49/'50
Imperial Beach CA
Please note, I have changed my email address,
I still receive the aol mail but am slowly changing over.
Kilroy is Pat's '49 doing
9-1-10 I added a bit more down below the bit about the character I ran into at the beach "Welby Hudson of Beverly Hills".
8-31-10 I called and talked to Donna and she sounded pretty good. She said she had to go back to the hospital and get a "Pace Maker", she said she and Jerry are going to make it to the Midway.
8-23-10
I had a call from Jerry Smith, Donna's ('57) husband, this morning that he had just brought her home from the hospital. She had a heart bypass and a stint. She is doing good and they are hoping she will be recovered enough to make the Midway.
8-22-10 Great news (for us anyway) Betty Peterson (Neil "Pete" Peterson's '50) widow said she wasn't coming then called today and said she changed her mind and the check will be in the mail. We had reserved our guest room for her. Pete's sister, Shirley Peterson/Roach/Webster is coming too and staying with one of her classmates in town. It is getting better by the minute. Betty is flying in from Austin TX.
Shirley and Betty in Havasu about a year ago. Betty and Barbara went to school in Pasadena.
8-22-10 Here is a trip back to '39-'43 in the depression, 70 great pix.
http://extras.denverpost.com/archive/captured.html
8-30-10
USS MIDWAY MUSEUM
REUNION SOUVENIR PHOTOS
As you enter the Hanger Deck, the first thing you will do is to go to the registrations desk. The SECOND thing you will do is to visit the photo
station for your complimentary photo. I want to give you a “heads up”
regarding the backdrop of the photo and who you want to appear in your photo. These two choices need not be made now, but I want to give you advance notice just in case you have some preferences and want to plan accordingly. 1st) you may want to consider who you want in your photo.
You can have up to 10 people if you want a group shot. 2nd) the photographer who will be taking your picture has a wide choice of backdrops, e.g. in front of a Hornet jet, the flight deck, etc. There will be a display table at the booth where you can select your specific backdrop. After your photo is taken, you will proceed to the Flight Deck for the rest of the evening. Upon your departure, your photo will be ready for pick-up in the same place that your picture was taken.
Don’t forget to say “cheese.”
JR
8-29-10 List of those who have paid for the Midway bash to date. If you don't see your name better get hot, this is one boat you don't want to miss. I know a few who have told me they are coming and don't see their names???
(Revised 9/1/2010) 9:00 AM
NAME TAGS – ALL-CLASS REUNION Current Count: 223
1941: Ernie Ball 1942: Don Mchone, Lorie Penniman*
Don Smith, Margaret Smith*
Bob Heisler, Casey Heisler*
Ross (Bud) Lee
1947: Bob Burns 1948: George Harpole, Vicki Harpole*
Sam Orchard, Mickie Orchard* Billie Griffin Hawks
Hank Morris Chuck Sharpe, Nancy Sharpe*
Mary Ann Woehler Harrison Bob Humble
Charles Goodspeed* Fr. James Miller
Howard Sears, Anne Sears* Phyllis Peterson Dobson
Don Garcia, Donna Garcia* Laird Moody, Thor Moody*
Pat Hornecker Bertness Ed Thompson, Jan Thompson*
Bob Ross Don Gallogly, Alice Gallogly*
Don Stewart Richard Bradburne, Tillie Bradburne*
Patricia Sayre Wilkes Dennis McNulty, Jeanene Duncan*
Sarah Busby Schnippel Sharon Spurgeon Sotelo, Ralph Sotelo*
Louann DuVall Dryden, Jerry Dryden*
1949: Ed Losee, Bettie Losee* 1949 (Contd.) Bob Meyers
Marilyn Boehm Burns,Bob Burns Janine Kwentus Schaberg*
Bert Griffin Lois Benson Anderson
Andy Cullinane, Anne Cullinane* Peggy Lawson Perkins
Jan Noyes Morris Dick Eckstrom, Gail Eckstrom*
Ruthann Gardner Fowler Charlene Noyer Magliolo
Carolyn Boehm Mascarin Gary Dayton, Barbara Dayton*
Joane Lee Miller Bill Hunter, Betty Hunter*
Dorothy Worrell Bragg Vangie Brownwood Regan
Bob Chrisman Shirley Hunt Brodie
Robert Lahey Pat LoGuidice Johnson
Pete Densmore, Marian Densmore* Bob Cox, Genelle Barnhouse Cox
Ken Zerbe, Jeanne Zerbe* Winnie Lou Card Whitehead
Colene Hornecker Porter, R.Porter*
1950: Richard Mountjoy 1950 (contd) Sharon Annin Clarke
Judy Ann Pearce Marquart,Gene Marquart* Gene Cameron, Fran Cameron*
Bill Hatch, Marilyn Hatch* Jim Geary, Jo Geary*
Larry Larson Elsa M. J. Seifert, Norm Morrison*
George Russell, Mary Rector Russell Marilyn Hall Becker
Barbara Stewart Keil Ed Gillenwaters
Colleen Kistler Wigenbach, Jackie Stewart* Wilma Roberts Coyer, Chuck Coyer* Betty Peterson
Dale Hicks, Carol Hicks Herb Weimar, Connie Weimar*
Lynn Reitnouer, Winnie Coyne Reitnouer* Ian Campbell
Joann Lawson Chrisman Boone Owens, Carol Logan*
Darrel Jeffries, Jean Jeffries* Jim Regan
Paulette Dunn Smith, Don Smith* Steve Brodie Joretta Bunyard Griffin, Darel Griffin* Rich Humble, Nancy Sprague*
Paul Griffith Don Cottle, Diane Cottle*
Bob Bills, Carol Bills* Dorie Garcia, Lori Taylor* (TBD Judy Draper Lehman Dick Deutsche, Carol Deutsche
1951: Al Venton, Jean Venton* Bob Schaar
Ed Gerber, Joyce Meyer* Frank Rucker, Bobbie Cetti*
Tom Griffin, Dee Griffin* Harriett Heisler Campbell
Bob Packer (W) Marjean Brownwood Larson
Shari Fent Pollard, Charles Pollard Bob Heyn, Ulla Heyn*
Jerome Johnson Morlene Pingle Atkinson
Gary Ross
1952: Jim Elder, Pati Elder* 1953: Mel Laub, Joyce Laub*
Roy Gaebel, Betty Gaebel* Don Glenn and ?
Cloys Pfremmer, Dale Pfremmer* Kippy Perrine Gambill
Miriam McFarland Stein Sue Okey Carr
Jill Stoll Vonder Reith Audrey Crellin Beatty
Marilyn Lambert Humble Chuck Stein
Dorothy Gates Packer Duane Gray
John Massey Jayne Fent Henke
Marie Griffith Scofield Dianne Morris
1954: Margie Van Gundy Clark ,Ken Clark* 1955: Hal Folts
Tony Saccoman John Burt
Marianne Doty, Art Doty* Tom Earle, Janet Earle*
Theo Roberts Gierloff Bonnie Muller Asay, Tom Fish*(TBD
Phelps Wood Chuck Rose, Barbara Rose
Bruce Staller, Maryellen Staller*
Howard Krisvoy, Miko Krisvoy*
1956: Beverly Gaebel Wood 1957: Donna Smith, Jerry Smith*
Darlenne Rachwitz Roberta Johnson Saccoman
1958: Linda Van Gundy Miller, Ron Miller*1959:Nancy Dayton, JimJones*
1960: Rosalie Sulzer Marty, Joe Marty* 1961: none
Cliff Casner, Arlene Casner*
1962: Bill Schowen, Margaret Schowen 1963: none
1964: Joan Johnston Vogeler
Judi Lashbrook Balek, Mike Balek*
No Class Designation: Linda Wagner, Supt. MUSD; Dr Warren Krenz;
Shelby Rigg; Andrew Cunningham; Brad Thompson;
Jack Kennedy, Mary Kennedy*; Christine Kuiper and Dwayne Domi (friends of G. Harpole)
Pending: (those that have said they are coming, but have not sent in $$)
David Larson
Gary Schaar ‘55
Larry Levine ‘50
Gus Gollar ‘52
Doctors in Attendance:
Dr. Rita Ing
Dr. Carson Lawall
Guests: Miss California 2010 Arianna Afsar and chaperone
Admiral John “Mac” Mclaughlin, President & CEO USS Midway Museum
8-27-10 Yearly palm tree trimming time, they did a good job trimming but failed to finish cleaning up. I had to go up on the roof and get stuff off and do a lot of sweeping. This I will be doing for many days as the chaff from the seed pods is all over the roof. A good rain would sure help.
Starting the first of 3 palms out back.
Up on the roof the next day, you can see some stuff on the ground and on the patio roof. No big deal but he bragged on how great a clean job they would do. Just a bit disappointed as I paid him before he was done as we had to go shopping. I used to do it all my self, so this was minor.
8-29-10 I finished watching the Padres get swept by the Phillies and rode my bike down to the beach to read and see if the Chiquita's were biting. When I got there there was this car that reminded me of "Welby Hudson of Beverly Hills", Tom Griffin, Milt Cox, Joretta Cox Griffin, and Betty Peterson will remember him. I read for a while and decided I needed to ride back home and get a camera. I came back on my scooter, and here are a few.
Here is the owner, a real character, but a nice guy.
He has added a few personal touches to it, my scooter in the left corner.
He sure was in good spirits, said he was about 50.
The pix below is a silver dollar memorial coin honoring Ellis Island, he said Obama gave it to
him in HI, before he was president.
Never a dull moment at the beach.
A little of the story of "Welby Hudson of Beverly Hills". When we were doing Salton City for M. Penn Philips back in the late '50 there was this character by that name there. He had bought one of the houses on the main drag, a nice yellow house. On the side of it with a 4" paint brush he painted his title in Red Paint, complete with droozles of the red paint almost to the ground. In the front yard he had a sign "Cacti For Sale" and he had all kinds of junk out there. He didn't pay any of his utility bills and Tommy Griffin was running the water company at the time and he removed his meter. Welby just hooked up a jumper. He had a pan in the living room that he had a fire in, right in the middle of the floor. This sort of stuff went on till the developer bought him out.
Now skip forward to 1963, I am working in the engineering office of the Laguna Beach Water District and I see this clown in a 1959 white Ford station wagon make a U turn outside our window. He goes up and over the curb on both sides of the street doing it. This wagon has almost every panel on it dented. But it has painted on the windows "For Sale or Trade For Real Estate". I got to talking to someone there and they told me he was pulling the same stunt with the water meter. I said that has to be "Welby Hudson". They couldn't believe it, it was him. I don't think I mentioned it but Phil Eggstaff's uncle was a contract draftsman there. The engineering department consisted of the engineer and he was contract, Phil's uncle, and me, I was the only one on salary. There is a "Leisure World" there in Laguna and it was referred to as "Limber Dick Estates" by the employees. They were a fun group.
Be sure to watch the 4 year old on the drums below. I probably have watched it 20 times, any time I need a smile.
8-21-10 The kind of note you hate to get. Thanks Skip.
Don Briggs passed away in his sleep 8/12/2010 near Auburn, California
Skip Batterson '51
8-21-10 Talked to Tom Griffin '51 this morning, they are coming to the Midway in Oct. Sad news on his sister, Billie '48, she is totally blind from some treatment to her eyes. Tom and Bert '49 will be escorting her.
8-17-10 We had the last Midway Oct Reunion meeting in Orange CA and afterward I went over to see Richard Edwards, he lives in an assisted living home about 15 min from where we met. I called him and asked if he would like me to stop by for a few minutes and he agreed. Andy Cullinane sp. had stopped by and he would see him. I asked about that and he said he was really feeling lousy that day. When I got there he was sitting out front in his scooter. He is on oxygen 24/7 and can only walk about 20 feet. I had a camera with me in the car I seldom use and when I had a fellow take our pix it was on movie and I had to shoot it off my monitor to get a still, not very good quality. We had a great chat. I asked him about the story of him getting caught coming through the roof of a drugstore in Monrovia and saying "Don't shoot, it's me Richard". He said that wasn't true, he was caught in Arcadia and they caught him on the roof. He said that put him in prison. He said he was in prison 4 times, 3 for 2 years each and 1 for 3 years. He got out the last time in 1973 and never got in any trouble after that. He worked as a carpenter for many years. If I remember right he was doing that when we saw him at the '50s 40th. Here is a pix I took then of Pete, Denny Selleck and Richard, I commented that Richard looked like the head of GM then.
Sadly Denny Selleck and Neil "Pete" Peterson are gone. They say the good die young, Richard and Gary are still here, naw, there can't be anything to that.
This was Richard and me 8-17-10, he is a real character, too bad he got a bad start. I wish I had my good camera with me and could have got a good pix. We had fun talking, his sister, Marion, died a few years ago, she was a beauty. She was married to Paul Tamietti for a while way back when. I had contacted her by email shortly before she died.
The Midway All Class Reunion Oct 2nd is going to be fantastic, there will never be anything like that in our lifetime again. If you haven't sent in your money and made hotel reservations yet, better hurry. You can always get a motel down in Chula Vista or Imperial Beach for a lot less if the hotel rates are a problem.
8-2-10 Jim Regan's great adventure, here and on his Book Review page.
GETTING THE HOOK!
Once I heard about the Navy’s Distinguished Visitor (DV) embark program, I immediately put it on my “bucket list.” It would be a chance in a lifetime to see the Navy in action aboard an aircraft carrier. Through my contacts with, and the support of, the USS Midway Museum, permanently docked in San Diego, I was invited to be a DV by the Commander of Naval Air Forces. The purpose of the embark is to expose certain community members to the role of aircraft carrier operations and to share their experience with others. So, read on, if interested ……
Upon receipt of my invitation, and after filling out the necessary forms, including holding the Navy harmless in case of going into the drink,” I was cleared to participate.
Disclaimer: I do not purport to be an expert on aircraft carriers or the Navy. In fact, my Army grunt days hardly qualify me to shoot a rifle! So please forgive me for using any nomenclature that falls short of accurately describing my experience aboard the USS Lincoln (CVN 72). I call it, like I saw it…..
July 30, 2010
5:00 am – After a shower, shave and breakfast I was out the door at 7:30am.
8:15 am – I arrived at the main gate, Naval Air Station North Island where I, and thirteen other men, were greeted by a member of the Public Affairs staff. We were taken to Building # 8, the tallest and oldest building on the base. It was formerly used as the airport’s Control Tower. It now houses the Commander for all Naval Forces and his staff. The entry hall is like a small rotunda with a replica of the first airplane flown briefly by Orville Wright in 1903 hanging from the ceiling. Next year, 2011, will mark the Centennial of Naval Aviation and will commemorate 100 years of flight. We received a briefing by a Public Affairs Officer and an overview of the Navy’s current air operations. In 2007, a new Maritime Strategy was formulated that brought all of the various naval entities together “under one roof.” Instead of competing against one another for the same pieces of fiscal pie, there is now a total integration of programs and services. The following function under one common command:
11 carriers….10 Air Wings (40 to 50 in a Wing)….25 Air Stations
168 Fleet, Reserve and Training Squadrons….3,600 Aircraft….
And 100,000+ personnel
Pictures of the types of aircraft, both land and carrier based, were shown and their functions explained, including the Hornet, Prowler, Hawkeye, COD, Seahawk and Knighthawk helicopters, surveillance aircraft like the P3 Orion, Aires and Mercury. Of special interest, we learned that the next generation carriers, Gerald R. Ford-class CVN, will eventually replace the USS Enterprise and the Nimitz-class. The Ford-class carriers will have their tower(s) at the end of the ship, not in the middle, in order to improve the visibility of landing and launching aircraft.
10:00 am – After the briefing we were taken to a special area on North Island where we observed and learned about aircraft maintenance. At a cost of $60M to $80M for one Hornet, the Navy attempts to prolong the life of this aircraft through special maintenance programs. For instance, after about 6,000 hours of flight time, a Hornet is brought in for an overhaul. It is thoroughly inspected and repaired, as needed. The Navy claims it can get an additional 2,000 hours of flight time before it is taken out of service.
11:30 – Time for lunch at the Sea N Air, or the 19th Hole. We were taken to the base restaurant adjacent to the golf course where we joined other military personnel for lunch. Like the rest of the trip, we paid for our own meals.
1:00 pm – Embark time….The air terminal at North Island is small and efficient. At least we did not have to go through a security check. Each of us was issued a life vest and a helmet with ear phones and goggles. After a briefing, we walked out of the terminal and boarded a noisy C-24 plane. In addition to a regular seatbelt around the waist, we had shoulder straps which connected to a separate 4-way waist buckle.
About the C-2A: This versatile aircraft, known as the Greyhound, is built by Northrup Grumman. It flew us from North Island on a 150 mile westward journey to the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Nicknamed “COD,” which stands for carrier- onboard- delivery, it is a rugged “Mack truck” like aircraft that has two turbo props and a rear ramp entry. It is used to transport up to 10,000 lbs. of high priority cargo and 26 people to and from the carrier. Each carrier usually has two CODs assigned to it. Depending on the load it is carrying, the COD has a maximum speed of 345 MPH and a range of 1,500 miles. Passengers sit in an exposed and dark fuselage facing the back of the plane. There are no toilets!
2:15 pm - Touchdown
Since there are only two small porthole windows, you cannot see outside to gain any reference to your location. A crew member gave us a 10 minute alert when we were about to land. Knowing we were facing backward, it was logical that my body would be thrust forward, or the opposite direction we were landing. The plane went from 125 MPH to 0 in 2 seconds as the tailhook caught the 3rd cable! Note: there are 4 wire cables that stretch across the deck about 2 inches above the flight deck.
About the Lincoln: Commissioned in 1989 at a cost of $4.5 billion dollars, “the Lincoln is the 5th ship in the Nimitz class of nuclear powered warships. It is designed primarily to launch and recover aircraft that will power ashore and provide a strategic presence in its surroundings. Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces with capabilities of power projection, forward presence, humanitarian assistance, deterrence, sea control and maritime security.” Here are some facts:
Commissioned: 11/11/1989 at a cost of $4.5 billion
Propulsion: Two nuclear reactors, four shafts
Length: 1,092 feet; Beam: 134feet, flight deck width: 252 feet
Flight deck: 4.5 acres
Displacement: Approximately 97,000 tons
Speed: 30 + knots (34.5 miles per hour)
Crew: Ship: 3,200 ; Air Wing: 2,480
Armament: Two – Three Sea Sparrow launchers; 20mm Phalanx
CIWS mounts: 3
Aircraft: about 80
Home Port - Everett, Washington
On Board – After landing, we were taken to the Commanding Officer’s State Room for an introduction and briefing. Captain John Alexander is the current Commanding Officer. After a few opening remarks he introduced Rear Admiral Mark Guadagnini, Commander, Carrier Strike Group NINE, who shared his vision of the Navy’s mission and goals. Later that evening he joined us on the bridge and gave us a lengthy, but stimulating talk about many aspects of the Navy, including the history and projected future of aircraft carriers and how they have become “the centerpiece of the forces necessary for forward presence.” As stated, aircraft carriers are deployed worldwide in support of the nation’s global maritime strategy. They can respond to global crisis in ways ranging from peace time presence to full-scale war. Together with their on-board air wings, the carriers have vital roles across the full spectrum of conflict.
We also were introduced to the Executive Officer, Commander Timothy Kuehha and Command Master Chief, Susan Witman (no relation to Meg).
The Lincoln is currently participating in a “pre-season” exercise before being deployed. We were fortunate to be observing this full-scale operation.
The Flight Deck – The flight (top) deck is 1,092 ft long and 257 ft. wide and encompasses about 4.5 acres. The commanding officer directs the shipboard operations from the bridge located in the 7 story Island towering 130 ft. above the water. The Island also houses the “air boss” who controls aircraft taking off, landing and in flight within 5 nautical miles of the ship. The flight deck personnel are dressed in color coded uniforms: Purple shirts fuel the aircraft; white shirts handle safety related jobs; yellow shirts direct movement of aircraft; red shirts handle all weapons and ammunition; green shirts hook aircraft to catapults and handle arresting wires; brown shirts are plane captains who are responsible for individual aircraft; and blue shirts chock and chain aircraft into position and drive tractors that pull the aircraft.
The Flight Deck is a beehive of activity in support of all aircraft operations. At its peak operation, four planes can be launched within 1 minute – no small feat!
Arrested Landing - After the briefing, we put on our protective vests, helmets and goggles and went out to the Flight Deck to watch the landings and launching. There are four retractable 2” thick wire cables that stretch across the deck that catch the plane’s tailhook. These wires are connected beneath the deck to large hydraulic mechanical devices which spool out the tensioned wire and absorb the momentum of the aircraft. The Landing Safety Officer is the only person on the flight deck who does not wear a cranial protector so he can speak directly with the pilots and help guide the plane during the final approach. When landing, the pilot keeps the speed of his aircraft slightly above stall speed, but when the plane hits the deck, the pilot applies full power in case the plane fails to catch a wire. This way, the aircraft has enough power to get safely airborne for another attempt. To see a Hornet approaching at a speed of 160 mph, and then to be arrested by a wire cable which brings it to an abrupt stop in 2 seconds (appx., within 350 feet) is a “shock and awe” experience. While approaching the carrier for a landing, the pilots use what is called “the “ball” located to the left of the runway to guide them onto the runway. The ball (aka. the meatball) consists of a horizontal line of green lights with an amber vertical line in the middle. It can be seen by the pilots 1,000 meters out. The amber/yellow line symbolizes the plane and moves up and down. The pilot can see the plane’s position compared to the flight deck by lining up the amber light with the green line of lights. He/She knows if the aircraft is too high or too low or on the correct glide path. A good approach, then, is when the “meatball” is on the horizontal green line. Most of the planes I observed caught its hook on the third cable. If the pilot is not lined up properly, he will be waived off for another attempt. I consider landing more complicated and dangerous than launching an aircraft. It is a pilot driven maneuver, whereas the launch is an action caused and controlled by the flight crew.
Launching – The intensity of the manpower mobilized to launch a plane is impressive. It truly is a coordinated group effort. It is a dangerous and a loud activity. First, the carrier positions itself so that it is traveling into the wind – the direction for all landings and launches. There are four catapults on the ship that travel high speed in a short distance. Each catapult has two steam driven pistons inside two parallel cylinders about as long as a football field under the deck, Each piston has a metal lug on its tip which protrudes through a narrow gap along the top of each cylinder. The two lugs extend through rubber flanges which seal the cylinder, and through a gap in the flight deck where they attach to a small shuttle. The flight crew moves the plane into position at the rear of the catapult where it attaches a tow bar on the plane’s nose gear (front wheels) to a slot in the shuttle. Then a holdback bar is placed between the back of the wheel and the shuttle. Just before launching, the jet blast deflector is raised in back of the plane to deflect the heat and wind from the blast. The key figure in controlling the launch is the catapult officer called “the shooter.” He is positioned in “the bubble,” a retractable dome in the forward part of the Flight Deck. The shooter opens the valve to fill the cylinders with high pressure steam which will propel the piston at high speed. If the pressure is too low, the plane will not gain enough speed and will end up in the ocean. If it is too high, it could break the nose gear. So when the right pressure is achieved, the pilot is given the signal to blast the plane’s engines and the shooter determines when to releases the pistons. The steam slams the shuttle and the plane lunges forward from 0 mph to 165 mph in 2 seconds!!! Onward and upward into the wild blue yonder…..
A Floating Airport – Aircraft carriers are self contained. The Lincoln is a small city populated with a ship’s crew of up to 3,200 and an air crew of up to 2,480. This translates into 15,000 to 20,000 meals a day! Because most of the ship’s crew are between the age of 18 to 21 years of age, 6,000 hamburgers and 3,000 hotdogs are consumed each day (eat you heart out, McDonalds).
The second day was spent mainly below the Flight Deck touring support operations, as follows:
Media Department (photography, journalism, printing, TV
Medical and Dental
Weapons (missiles, bombs, ammunition)
Chapel (3 chaplins: Priest, Episcopal and Baptist)
Anchor Room (Two anchors weighs 30 tons each; chain 1,082 feet
And weigh 308,000 pds.; each link weighs 385 pds.)
Hanger Deck/Maintenance and storage
Food Service
Combat Direction Center (computer enhanced air detection systems)
Air Boss Bridge (flight operations)
Admiral’s Bridge (Strike Group)
Captain’s Bridge (ship operations)
Ship’s Store
The food service aboard the Lincoln was excellent. We had a special dinner Friday night with the Commanding Officer. Lunch and breakfast was spent with both officers and non-commissioned personnel. Service was buffet style and there was a wide selection of food. It was a great opportunity to interact with the crew. I can attest that we are in “better hands” than Allstate!
Homeward Bound- After or morning tour, we had lunch and received some parting words from the Public Information Officer and his staff. In the back of my mind, and I’m sure the others, we were thinking about our next thrill of a lifetime- the launch. Again, we were given a life vest, goggles and a helmet and a safety briefing before boarding the COD. Once we were strapped into our seats and the rear ramp/door was closed, we sat in semi-darkness waiting for the big moment. Our straps were checked by a crew member and we were told how to sit. As the loud engines roared, I felt the plane moving into position for the catapult. We sat motionless for about 5 minutes. When I heard the COD’s engines ramp up, I knew that we were about to launch. The catapult fired and we went from 0 to 125 mph in 2 seconds. My body was thrust forward and took up the little slack left in my harness. We were now airborne and flying smoothly back to North Island. We landed about one hour later and the journey was over.
Epilogue:
The sole purpose of delineating my experience is to bring to the reader the true sense of purpose that the United States Navy brings to our Country’s military table. Yes, I was, and will continue to be, impressed with the dedication of the young men and women who serve this Country. As previously stated, the vast majority of the crew is under the age of 22! Many, like many of us when we were that age, have not found their way in life. The Navy is helping them obtain a sense of purpose - one that will promote self-development and a mature outlook on life while they serve their Country. They are volunteers and need guidance. Living in close quarters for days on end is not easy, especially at an early age. The vast majority soon learn, however, that cooperation and teamwork can bring about the best results. Many will not make the Navy their permanent career. Regardless of their length of service, each person will find some lasting value in their military experience. They willingly serve and protect us in order to preserve our freedom.
The ship’s motto is “Shall Not Perish.” It emanates from the last sentence of the Gettysburg Address delivered by President Lincoln in 1863. These words ring with freedom and they represent the lasting spirit of America and the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).
JR
Jim took the trip for all of us, and wrote it up as only he can do.
7-31-10 What are your 4 year old kids up to? Click below to see this one in action. Every time I need a smile I watch this little guy. I think I need to get some greats a drum set.
http://www.angelfire.com/ak2/intelligencerreport/drummer.html
ALL CLASS REUNION UPDATE – 7/9/2010
Providing your class representative has your correct address, classmates should be receiving the six page special edition newsletter this month informing them about the All Class Reunion, October 2nd, 2010. Thus far, we have reservations from alums spanning the years from 1940 to 1975! Even Rocky Rockwood ’38 from Portland, Oregon might be in attendance, “God willing and the creek don’t rise.” If you don’t know who your class rep is, then just call (619) 299-6742 or email me (jjregan55@cox.net) and I will
Send you a colorful Midway MADness newsletter
I have received several reports from people about hotel reservations. Currently, hotel rooms are filling up fast due to the city’s annual convention week which starts Monday, October 4th. Again, I urge everyone to make their reservations NOW!! The Sheraton/Marina is offering a $99.00 per night deal - not bad for being right on the water.
Also, some people have asked about the dress. Both Friday and Saturday night are California Casual (no levis, please). Ladies, especially, I suggest you bring a warm wrap. We usually have good weather in early October, however, it can get chilly on the Flight Deck
Tours: As previously mentioned (on several occasions) the USS Midway Museum is open daily to the public. The cost is $18.00 per person. HOWEVER, if you let me know in advance, say no later that one week before the reunion, you can tour the ship either Friday, Saturday or Sunday at NO CHARGE. You can easily spend several hours meandering around the ship so the night of the reunion may not be the best time to take a full-blown tour.
Price of Admission: The price has been set at $100.00 each. This includes a hosted Friday night social at the historic Abbey, one block west of Balboa Park, parking next to the Midway, a photo of you and yours on the hanger deck, a scrumptious buffet dinner, entertainment, swing band, fireworks and a reunion to remember. Please send you $$$ to our worthy exchequer, Elsa Seifert, at 1988 Olive Way, Pasadena, CA 911104-1716.
All for now, but more to come….
From Jim Regan.
7-5-10
Check out a couple of twin turbo Schiada cruiser videos. Try to watch all of the videos, because many times you think, wow…that is fast…then they go faster!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=CUj2kbR7r5s&feature=related
7-3-10 The scooter is working out great for trips to the market, I have made several trips and it is amazing how much the 2 saddle bags and top box hold, plus there is space under the seat, that gets a little warm from the engine but that doesn't matter for most things. I put a cake in there today, the ice cream went in a saddle bag. I lock my helmet in the top box when I go in the store and then it is available when I come out. Trips to the library and beach work out good too. I went to the farmers market at the pier Fri and bought a few things.
6-27-10 I finally got my scooter out of the second shop, the first was a real looser and went out of business after doing part of the work I put it in the shop for. The second shop was great and found that the big noise I heard after about 50 miles riding following the first shops work was the water pump. It had frozen up and tore up the drive plate. Now I can putt around the beach between bike rides. I have had this since Feb but the first shop had it till about a month ago. I am not sure who that old guy is on it there, can't be me. It is a Piaggio BV-200, 2003 model, they make the Vespa scooters. It is Italian. The Beverly refers to the BV model, maybe someone's girlfriend at the factory, not mine.
The pix above is in the fellows garage where I bought it in Carlsbad back in Feb.
I haven't been using mine to it's fullest potential yet. Mine doesn't have a bucket seat.
Kathi Henry '53 did this card and sent it to Barbara as a Mothers Day card and for me to scan for her page. What a talent.
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR OUR
MAD ALL-CLASS REUNION
ABOARD THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS MIDWAY MUSEUM
OCTOBER 1 -2, 2010
http://www.midway.org/ Click here for the Midway website.
Did you get your card yet? I got mine, stay alive and be there.
4-9-10 Here is the latest from Jim Regan, I will move this to the lower portion of this page in a few weeks. This is going to be a one time event not to miss. So many of us are getting to age where there won't be many more reunions.
ALL CLASS REUNION – October 2, 2010
Your committee met in Orange this week and the campaign to stage the biggest and best All-Class Reunion, MIDWAY MAGIC, is in full swing. It was decided that this/our website will be used to disseminate important information in hopes of keeping classmates fully informed. Formal invitations will be mailed to those alums whose addresses are on record. For example, you can find hotel/lodging options and a list of things to do while in San Diego. The price of admission has been set at $100.00 per person. This amount will pay for parking, use of the aircraft carrier USS Midway Museum, Hor d’Oeuvres, dinner, entertainment, swing band, dancing and fireworks. Please make your check out to “MADHS Class of 1950” and send it to Elsa Seifert, 1988 Olive Way, Pasadena, CA 91104-1716.
For those alums who plan on spending the weekend in San Diego, my wife, Vangie, and I will be hosting an open house on Friday evening, October 1st. It would be a good chance to get a “running start” on catching up on the past, present and the future. Food and adult beverages will be served. More on this preliminary event will be noted in future correspondence.
The success of the reunion depends upon “spreading the word.” Unfortunately, your class representatives do not have everyone’s address. So, if you access this website, www.madcatsalumni.org, and read this column, then you can help us by contacting classmates who have remained in your contact circle.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN DIEGO Moved to bottom of this page and also on Book Review Page
3-28-10 I have removed quite a bit making room for what you are going to send me, you are going to send something, aren't you?
4-21-10 Still working on a PowerPoint presentation for the Midway Reunion in Oct, thanks to John Burt for a great collection he sent me on a CD. I can always not use what you send, but if you don't send me anything it is hard to not use them. Send me those old pix of your school days or early days NOW!!!
6-22-09 If you have had a quiet day, click here for a little Volvo Ocean Racing video. http://www.volvooceanrace.tv/page/FeatureDetail/0,,12573~1694673,00.html Don't get too wet.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN DIEGO
BALBOA PARK AND MUSEUMS: Museums of Man, Natural History, Timpkin Art, Air and Space, Hall of champions and Sports, photographic Arts
ZOO*: Located near downtown in Balboa Park on 107 acres , the world famous zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including the rare panda. Phone: (619) 231-1515; Adult admission $33.50
WILD ANIMAL PARK*: Located 35 miles north of San Diego in Escondido, the 213 acre park is an extension of the San Diego Zoo and is home to over 3,500 animals representing 400 species. Phone: (760) 747-8702 Adult Admission $33.50 + parking.
SEAWORLD*: Located just north and west of the airport, visitors can see live shows, including the famous Shamu, dolphins and sea lions. Amusements, aerial rides, exhibits and aquariums are all within walking distance of each other. Adult admission $69.00 + parking.
LEGOLAND: Located off of the 5 freeway about 20 miles north of San Diego, Legoland is a popular family park with over 50 rides. Phone: (760) 918-5346; Adult admission $67
HARBOR CRUISES: One and two hours cruises are available with indoor and outdoor seating. Phone: (619) 234-4111; Adult fare @ $20 - 25
MARITIME MUSEUM: Located at 1492 N. Harbor and dedicated to the preservation of old ships and their history, the museum collects and maintains many famous ships, including the world’s oldest active ship, The Star of India. Phone: (619) 234-9153; Adult admission $12; sailing adventures available at additional cost
OLD TOWN: Known as the oldest European settlement in California, Old Town is conveniently located just North of downtown near the intersection of I-8 and I-5. Visit the historic State Park and the firstt mission, or just browse the shops (mostly Mexican). Trolley tours to Balboa Park, downtown and Coronado begin and end at Old Town
GAS LAMP DISTRICT: Considered the Mardi gras area of downtown San Diego, The Gaslamp District covers 16 ½ blocks ideally located near the civic and convention centers, Petco Park and the harbor. This historically designated place is home to 94 Victorian buildings, numerous restaurants and theatres. This popular area underwent urban renewal during the 80’s and 90’s and is considered the center of night life.
CORONADO: Crossing the famous San Diego-Coronado bridge to this high-end beach community with an island feel, Coronado is home to The North Island Naval Station and the Hotel Del Coronado on Orange Ave. Built in 1888, the Hotel “Del” stands as a classic landmark with its red turreted roof and ocean front property.
MISSION VALLEY AND FASHION VALLEY MALLS AND RETAIL STORES
Located North of downtown and just off the 163 and I-8 is some of the best shopping in San Diego. With over 2 million square feet of retail space, shoppers will find all major anchor stores and many boutique shops.
TROLLEY AND BUS TOURS: There are several tour companies operating in San Diego. New visitors my want to take the 90 minute Old Town Trolley Tour. Beginning in Old Town, visitors can tour the best known areas of San Diego, including Balboa Park, downtown, harbor and the Hotel Del Coronado. Since the bus runs on a continuous schedule, riders may get off and on as they wish. Phone: 1-800-868-7482; $32 * Visitors can purchase a 3 for 1 pass for $121 at these three attractions
GOLF: Contact Carol Streeter (’49) (858) 756-2689 for special arrangements.
HOTELS/LODGING
Since the reunion will be held aboard the USS Midway Museum, guests will have to make their own reservations. Your Committee has assembled the following list in order to assist you in your decision. For those class mates that want more personal attention and require additional information, please call Jim Regan @ (619)299-6742 or Carol Streeter @ (858)756-2689. Both Jim and Carol reside near the downtown area and have researched the following options.
MAD ALL-CLASS REUNION
LODGING OPTIONS
HOTEL RATE PARK COMMENTS
1) Crowne Plaza $89 No fee Mission Valley
2270 Hotel Circle North (off 8 Freeway)
(888)233-9527 5 minutes to downtown
https://resweb.passkey.com/go/MAD 10 rooms blocked
2) Embassey Suites $179 $15 Downtown near harbor
601 Pacific Highway Comp. breakfast
(619)239-2400
3) Hacienda $139 $12 Heart of Old Town
4041 Harney St Near trolley
(619) 298-4707 (a Best Western Hotel) Comp. breakfast
4) Hampton Inn $149 $6 Downton near harbor
1531 Pacific Highway Comp. breakfast
(619) 233-8408 20 rooms blocked
5) Holiday Inn $166 $22 across street from harbor
1355 N. Harbor
(619) 232-3961
6) Manchester Hyatt $100 $18 Downtown near harbor
1 Market Place Ask for Fleet Week Rate
(619) 858-1545 special limited deal; purchase certificate(s) in advance
Ask for Alexis Squires
7) Marriott Courtyard $125 $12 Old Town, near trolley
2435 Jefferson St Next to 5 freeway
(619) 260-8500 Comp. breakfast
8)Sheraton $99 $12 Near airport, on harbor
1380 Harbor Dr Great views
(619) 291-2900 5 minutes to Midway
This is a group rate and I have currently blocked 10 rooms, The parking rate is being negotiatyed downward The hotel is directly across Harbor Dr from the airport and is right on the water with great views of downtown, North Island and Point Loma. There is a ¾ mile walkway along the parkway on the south side of the hotel so you can enjoy a nice walk….
Note: there are several cheaper hotels on Pacific Highway 2 blocks from harbor: Days Inn,, Pacific Inn, Motel 6,
There still seems to be several who are new to the computer, Barbara won't even try, here is how to do Copy and Paste from "The Computer Lady". She gives great computer help and is worth reading.
(3)
I have been getting a lot of requests lately for directions on
using copy and paste, or cut and paste, so I decided to address
this topic once again.
Before you can cut or copy text, you need to be able to highlight it.
There are several ways to do this.
1. Move your mouse to the beginning of your text, hold down the
left mouse button and slowly move the mouse to the end of the
text. When the text you want to use is highlighted, release the
mouse button.
2. With your mouse, click once at the beginning of your text.
Hold down the "Shift" key on your keyboard, and click once at
the end of the text. Everything between the first click and the
second will be highlighted.
3. Using the arrow keys move the cursor to the beginning of your
text, hold down the shift key while using the arrow keys to
move to the end of your text. This method works well for web
pages where the text you want to copy is larger than the screen.
4. Now we will copy what we highlighted. When you copy something,
you place it in a part of Windows memory called the clipboard.
5. To do this, you first highlight your text, and then click on
"Edit" and "Copy". Even though you can't see any changes, you
will now have your text on the clipboard.
6. To paste, you simply click where you want the text to go and
click "Edit" and "Paste".
Let's say that you want to send just this article in an e-mail to
your mother. First, you would highlight the article, then click
"Edit" and "Copy". Next, you open a new e-mail and address it
to your mom. Now click in the body of the e-mail where you want
the article to go, and click "Edit" and "Paste".
Your article is now in the new e-mail
An even easier way to do this, is to first highlight your text,
and then using your keyboard, press Ctrl + C.
This is the same as "Edit" and "Copy" and you will now have your
text on the clipboard.
To paste, you simply click where you want the text to go and
press Ctrl + V.
Not only is it faster and easier to use the keyboard shortcuts,
but it works in places where there is no "Edit" menu available.
If you can highlight the text, you can usually copy it.
For an illustrated tutorial on this topic, you can visit my
web site at: www.asktcl.com/copypaste.html
Elizabeth
If needed download the free Power Point viewer from this site
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?
FamilyId=428D5727
-43AB-4F24-90B7-A94784AF71A4&displaylang=enI found this doesn't seem to always work with AOL, if you have
that problem download
Firefox from here, it works great. I use it to monitor the websites.http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/
Barbara thinks this is me every time she goes in my office or the garage.
This is hard work.
Our curb art address, fun things at the beach. The sloop is from a painting of our old sloop "Bluejeans". Below, the artist at work.
