THE  SCUTTLEBUTT

 

The Newsletter of the

USS Buchanan (DDG-14) Association

 

Summer, 2007

 

Vol. IX.  No. 2    http://www.uss-buchanan-ddg14.org    Editor: David B. Malone

______________________________________________________________________________

Things are progressing well for our ship wide reunion scheduled for March 12 - 16, 2008 at the Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside, San Diego, California. There is only 162 days left as of the writing of this article.  All crew members, their families and persons who have the common interest in the USS Buchanan-DDG 14 are welcome. You can find more information on our reunion at the website http://www.uss-buchanan-ddg14.org, or you can mail me at the address below and I will send you out the information.

The agenda for our stay includes a Hospitality Room each day, Welcome Reception on Wednesday evening, a City Tour with Lunch on Thursday, a visit to the USS Midway Museum and Harbor Excursion on Friday plus an Active Navy Ship Tour at the 32nd Street Naval Station on Saturday.  Don’t forget the Saturday evening Banquet.

I recommend that you make your reservations with the hotel as soon as possible. Make your reservation directly with the Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside at 1 800 662-8899 or (916) 224-3621Use the group code of "USS Buchanan Group". This will identify you as being with our reunion group.

See you all in San Diego.

Tim Nightingale  CS3  Reunion Coordinator

USS Buchanan DDG14  (1969-1971)

Reunion Start Date: 03/12/2008

Reunion End Date: 03/16/2008

Reunion City/State: San Diego, CA

Reunion Contact Person: Tim Nightingale

Reunion Contact Address: USS Buchanan-DDG-14 2008 Reunion,   152  37th Drive SW, Vero Beach, FL 32968

Reunion Contact Phone: (586) 202-2202

Contact Email: tbnightingale@comcast.net

Location Website: http://www.uss-buchanan-ddg14.org

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

 

PAID MEMBERS (68)

Acosta, Javier; Alexander, Ted; Andrew, Randy; Backer, Bill; Baile, Bruce; Bartleson, Don; Batterman, Bill; Beinke, Phil; Bomar, Rick; Boyle, Tim; Brinley, Bill; Browning, Rob & Marian; Boyle, Tim; Bussey, Robert; Cabahug, Jaime; Cadia, John; Casmier, Dave; Clark, Jere; Connell, Dan; Copeland, Nelson; Craig, Tom; Crosser, Tom; Daisley, Dick; Egge, Dennis; England, Carl; Falkenhan, Marc; Fitzroy, John; Gant, Charlie; George, David; Gilbert, Joe; Glidewell, Mel; Gloyd, Elmer; Gray, Bill; Heffernan, Michael; Henley, Ron; Hubner, Leon; Hummel, Gary; Jones, Bobby; Kane, Ken; Kern, Tom; King, Michael; Kupec, Cole; Larsen, Jerry; Looney, Glenn; Malone, Dave; Marak, Ron; Martelly, Pete; McDonald, John; Mezori, George; Myers, Dean; Nightingale, Tim; Norrod, Michael; Probus, Ed; Proctor, Lou; Re, Joe; Rivenes, John; Rudisill, Terry; Sena, Pat; Smeltzer, Steve; Stroud, Mike; Taylor, Jim; Thacher, Phil; Ursich, Al; Walla, Bob; Walsh, William; Wihera, Victor; Wood, Ken; Zimmermann, Dick

 

NEW MEMBERS SINCE JUNE 2007

Copeland, Nelson              GMM2           1977-78

Hummel, Gary                  BM3              1969-71

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

 Balance 30 June 2007

$4,236.89

 Dues

56.00

 Ship store sales

59.90

 Ship store expenses

-17.85

 Balance 30 Sept 2007

$4,334.94

 

SHIP’S STORE

Ship’s store operator Rob Browning reminds everyone that there will be a good supply of USS Buchanan ball caps on hand at the reunion for sale.  Also available will be the videos Who Needs You, Buchanan, and The Final Mission:  USS Buchanan (DDG-14.  The ball caps sell for $19.00, while both videos (available in VHS and DVD) sell for $15.00.

CORRECTION:  NEW SHIPPING RATES FOR THE SHIP’S STORE

An editorial error in our last newsletter.  The new postages rates for the Post Office rates for the Ship’s Store were incorrect.  The below chart now applies to all orders placed with the Ship’s Store.

$0.00 - 30.00 -   $4.60

$30.01- 40.00 -  $6.20

$40.01 & over  - $7.00

Orders from the Ship’s Store may be placed by visiting the Ship’s Store web page at http://www.members.aol.com/shipstore1/store.htm , or by going to http://www.uss-buchanan-ddg14.org/ and clicking on the link for the Ship’s Store.

 

 

 

FLASH TRAFFIC
FROM ACVA
* SAVE * RESTORE * PRESERVE *

NEWS UPDATE

SEPTEMBER 21, 2007 – ACVA Working to Establish ADAMS Ship Museum in Jacksonville, Florida


Since completing the material condition evaluation and marine survey of the Charles F. Adams in Philadelphia during May 2007, the ACVA has focused its efforts to establish ADAMS as a ship museum in its old home port, Jacksonville, Florida.  Wayne Misenar, who served on the ship as Electronics Material Officer in the late 1980’s, has headed up the effort assisted by Roger Perkins, a local realtor and a former CIC Officer in ADAMS in the 1980’s, and Bert Watson, a local lobbyist. 

In early August ACVA City Search Director Jim Aldrich, Wayne, Roger, and Bert Watson had a meeting with Florida State Senator and past President of the Florida Senate, Senator Jim King, to discuss the proposal of berthing the Adams as a ship museum in Jacksonville. The Director of the Jacksonville Maritime Museum also attended the meeting, and was very supportive.  The Senator expressed an interest in the idea of berthing ADAMS on the St Johns River.  He suggested that the ACVA present the proposal to the local Councilmen who have jurisdiction over the proposed berthing area.

Later in August our team in Jacksonville had a great meeting with a City Councilmen, Warren Jones, who had a very positive response to our ideas about the ship museum concept on the river.  Our Jax Team next plans to meet with other City Councilmen, and then move on to meeting with the Mayor.  When the time is right, ACVA will bring in the support we have gained within the Florida State Government.  We will keep all ACVA members informed through regular updates over the next few months.  Our ACVA Board of Directors is starting a major fundraising effort to obtain money for the project, specifically the preparation of a Ship Donation Application.  This will require some help from our membership.  Our goal is to “Save the Charley Deuce” and to establish a ship museum and memorial in Florida honoring the service of the ADAMS class DDG’s, the sailors who served in them, and all other veterans!

In the coming months, there will be more regular Newsletter updates with information on our progress in Jacksonville and our fundraising effort.

 

A POEM

This poem was written by a shipmate at one of the very early reunions held by Buchanan crewmen, which pre-dated the Buchanan Association.  These reunions were held in the early ‘90s by OE & OI gang from the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, and are what the Buchanan Association sprang from.  It was written by Alan Ansman and submitted by Marc Falkenhan.

 

Once Upon a Clear Bright Day in August

by Alan Ansman RD2

 

25 years pass as if yesterday only passed once by the moon

We've gathered as a crew, masters of everything we remember

The past has a way of appearing and reappearing, remembering.

 

The time has aged us but today where as yesterday,

each seeing the other in the same light as yesterday,

regardless of what has passed under each bridge we share.

 

Maybe tomorrow will change us,

Today we celebrate what many in the past have not shared.

Truly the bond, tested time exists here through the distance of miles and time pulls us apart tomorrow.  Only the physical sense for memories of this day will fit side by side with the memories we shared 25 years passed.

 

As the day ends emotions run deep.  We watch as each of us returns from whence we came.

To repeat what 25 years has taught us.  For some of us today's reconnected contacts lost.

Remember fondly this moment for the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.

 

NOW ON THE BUCHANAN...

Moments in the life of USS Buchanan (DDG-14), taken from the ship’s annual reports.

                                                        

Forty One years ago... 1966

From January to May 1966, BUCHANAN underwent type training including the First Fleet Exercise "GRAY GHOST." In June 1966, BUCHANAN began her third deployment to WESTPAC. In July, BUCHANAN became Flagship for Commander, SEVENTH FLEET during his official visit to Bangkok, Thailand. In this same month BUCHANAN's guns opened fire against hostile forces for the first time to conduct shore bombardment against concentrations of hostile troops in South Vietnam.

Thirty Six years ago…1971

On 9 July the command of BUCHANAN shifted when Commander W. James Thearle, United States Navy, relieved Commander Greff as Commanding Officer.  Sea trials were conducted on 18 and 27 August before leaving Hunters point on 4 September for San Diego.

Thirty years ago…1977

After an upkeep period in Subic Bay from 29 June until 8 July, BUCHANAN departed for Pattaya Beach, Thailand, as the U.S. participant in SEA SIAM VI, a joint U.S.-Thai exercise designed to conduct surface and anti-air warfare training. A total of nine days were spent anchored at Pattaya Beach, a most pleasant and friendly liberty port.  On the return trip to Subic Bay from Pattaya Beach, BUCHANAN conducted a Personnel Qualification System (PQS) "Stand-up". This consisted of three days of concentrated effort directed toward individual training and qualification under the PQS system.  On 29 July, BUCHANAN arrived in Subic Bay for a twenty-four day availability. A great deal of maintenance work was accomplished during this period by the Naval Ship Repair Facility, Subic Bay.

 

 

Twenty Five years ago…1982

The ship, ready for sea on 9 August after an extensive PRAV, set sail for Seal Beach to onload ammunition the following day. After a one day onload, the Warship conducted ISE drills in the SOCAL operating area until 13 August. Following another short weekend spent inport, BUCHANAN moved to Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego for two days of open house. After more than 1500 guests toured the Warship BUCHANAN, the ship crossed under the Coronado Bridge once again to spend four days inport San Diego for type training.

 

 

Eighteen years ago…1989

BUCHANAN paid port visits to Bunbury, Australia (29 June to 05 July) , Subic Bay, RP (17 - 21 July and 30 July to 02 August) , Hong Kong (24 - 27 July) and Pearl Harbor (15 - 16 August). A spectacular and much awaited for homecoming greeted BUCHANAN on 23 August at Pier 1 Naval Station San Diego.

 

SEA STORY OF THE QUARTER

From Al Ursich, this story coming from USS Knox

 

I was on the Knox FF 1052 in Yoko 77-79.  We were out with the Kitty Hawk and a Russian Destroyer which was watching us. That night the Carrier took off for the horizon leaving Ivan with us. They picked up a new plane guard ship. The signalmen were busy as the Russian CO and our CO were exchanging messages. Being a Fire Control Tech working on the Gun Director I was topside a lot. I would watch as the SM would decode the flashing light messages.

 

That next morning the Russian CO flashed us. "Where is Kitty Hawk?"  Our CO replied back "In North Carolina."  The Russian then said, "How does it feel to be in the Second Largest Navy?"  Our CO replied back "How does it feel to be in the Second Best Navy?".......    It went on from there but I don't remember the rest.

 

While on the Knox we had to escort a Russian Destroyer off the coast.  I remember we were on standby if Ivan came close. He did. I was at the Benny Hill Theater in Yoko watching some movie when the movie was stopped and a grease pencil slide was shown on the screen.  "USS Knox Emergency Recall" We left the next morning and went all the way down past the equator, didn't do a Shellback ceremony as we had done it a few months earlier going to Australia.

 

Ivan would run flags for course and speed for us as we both steamed our way south.  Another destroyer met us and took over and we went home.  The CO floated a raft to Ivan with Chocolate, Playboy magazines, Fresh Fruit and more after the relief destroyer met us with a few supplies before we left.  We passed within 100 yards before leaving and I remember we were all waving, no one on the Russian Destroyer waved until a kid in the Bridge hatchway waved....  He was jerked back inside and you could see an arm swing hitting him.    We stopped waving....    

 

Do you have a sea story to tell?  Send your story to the editor at Malonedave@tds.net