“NOW HEAR THIS”

 

USS BAINBRIDGE ASSOCIATION                              DATE 2-7-2005

 

                                                2004 SHIP’S REUNION   

The reunion was a great success.  Some of us got to return to Las Vegas and visit our money.  We had a great time and wish those that didn’t make it could have.  We had a total of sixty-one shipmates, wives and guests attend. Thanks to Bob Davies and his mighty helpers, we had some really neat excursions and the hospitality room was just one of the best we have had.  The banquet was great and of course the raffle was a huge success. We had a lot of fun with the neat and unusual items that were contributed to the raffle, raised a few bucks, and everyone left happy.

If you haven’t been to Las Vegas recently and plan to go in the near future, you must go to the old down town section for the light show that is presented nightly.  It is an absolute must.

 

                                                            2005 SHIP’S REUNION

Thanks to John Browning, our President, and the approval of the general membership we will be going to the commissioning of the USS BAINBRIDGE DDG96.  The new Bainbridge will be commissioned on the 12th of November, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  Barring any unforeseen occurrences, our reunion will coincide, the dates to be November 9th thru the 14th.  There is a questionnaire enclosed that must be filled out and returned just as soon as you can commit yourself.  There is much planning to be done.  The DDG96 will be the fifth United States ship to bear the name USS Bainbridge.  Her skipper will be Commander Dorey. Plans are afloat to include the USS Bainbridge Association in the ceremony in some manner.  This will be a reunion you will not want to miss.  Once everything is finalized there will be a final newsletter to bring you up to date.  Don’t be one of the ones that miss this important reunion.

 

                                                            FROM THE PRESIDENT

 

It was great to see many familiar faces and several new ones at the reunion in Las Vegas, in September.  I believe all had a good time and some (my wife) even came home with more money than they started with. 

 

During the business meeting, it was decided to suspend the east-west coast cycle and to hold the next reunion to coincide with the commissioning of the new USS Bainbridge DDG96.  Good communications exist with the prospective commanding officer, Commander John Dorey.  Plans are nearly complete and once we have your response on attendance, we will be able to complete our plans.  We could possibly be part of the celebration, so lets have a good turn out and give the ‘new’ Bainbridge a great send off.

 

A lady calls a computer aide company. Sir, I have a problem with my computer.  It will not print and the computer keeps telling me it cannot find my computer, even when I held it right in front of the screen.  Miss, what kind of computer do you have?  I have a white one. Oh Well.

                                                            FROM THE TREASURER                               

 

The USS Bainbridge Association finances continue to be ship shape.  An annual financial statement is made each year at our business meetings.  Each member attending the business meeting receives a detailed statement regarding income, expenses, and ending balance.   

 

                                                            SHIP’S STORE

 

We still have some of the ship’s deck plates available.  The plate is an actual piece of the ship’s decking obtained at the time the ship was scrapped.  It is mounted on walnut and makes a very attractive display piece for your home or office.  We also have some USS Bainbridge ball caps.  Other items could become available on a demand basis.  Something you like?  Let’s see if we can make it available.

 

                                                            MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES

 

Ed Courtemarc reported aboard the USS Bainbridge on January 1st, 1962.  At that time we were aboard the APL and as it was a holiday, the duty officer sent him home.  You can imagine his father’s reaction at seeing him back home almost before he could get home from taking him to the ship.  Ed had to convince Dad that he was in no trouble and was home legitimately.  Ed was at the tender age of 19 at the time.  Ed got to know Lt. (Doc) Cotton while on the APL.  It seems Ed got a bad stomachache.  At about 1600 hours Doc Cotton called an ambulance and away they went to Chelsea Naval Hospital.  A couple weeks later Ed returned to the ship minus a burst appendix.  How would you have liked to done that at sea Ed?  Ed hopes to re re-connect with Larry Kane, Leroy Dix, and Donald Kelly.  If you know these guys and where they are, let Ed know.

 

A guy calls a computer aide company.  My keyboard will not work.  OK, is your computer turned on?  Yes, it is.  Is your keyboard plugged in?  Of course it is.  Please pick it up and back up to the other side of the room.  Now, did the keyboard come with you?  Ahhhh, thank you 

 

                                                            FROM THE EDITOR

 

            John Browning, our president, has been in contact  with a bunch of old guys who sailed on board the USS Bainbridge DD246, WWII era.  They still have reunions with 14 or so shipmates plus wives and guests that makes a nice bunch for a reunion.  They are maki8ng plans to attend the commissioning also and we are hoping to combine our reunions for this special event.  I think we are in for a really good time!  We could even hear some sea stories we haven’t heard.

 

Try not to miss this reunion.  It will most likely be the best and most meaningful one we have had.

 

President          John Browning

Vice President              Harold Beers

Secretary                      Bob Davies

Treasurer                      Dick  Holloway

Editor                           Bob Rittenhouse

 

Note:  The reunion info sheet has been withheld from this version of the newsletter, because it is being changed.