The

'68 WESTPAC Cruise

2009 Reunion

was held in Williamsburg, VA May 8th through the 10th and we had a ball.

Click on the link to the left to view photos from the this and past reunions. Also there are many pictures from the cruise in '68 that were provided by many submissions. If you have any that we could publish we'd appreciate them.

It's a done deal!

The above photo is that of all of the ships crew attending the 2009 reunion.

Left to Right: (Front Row) Rick Smith, Chuck Spencer, Chris Horsch, Hal Sacks, Bob Williams, Hugh Carroll, Bob Patton, (Back Row) Chet Cook, Bill Raub, Ralph Maxwell, John Fadley, Cary Beach, Chuck Harrell, Tim Fearneyhough, Tom Simcoe, John Ives, Harold Craft, and Greg Brown.

A brief rundown of our last 5 reunions.

Our first one was held in Mobile Alabama in April of 2003 and SM Chuck Harrell was the "Host.   A tour of the USS Alabama, a cruiser, was taken and faces we haven't seen in 35 years quickly brought back a lot of memories.

The second one was held in Norfolk Virginia in October of 2004 and our "Host" was Capt. Hal Sacks, that's right, the captain of the Steinaker for the WESTPAC cruise.

The Third was hosted by PN Greg Brown in June of 2006 in Valley Forge, PA. We took tours of the USS New Jersey in Camden, NJ and the USS Olympia in Philadelphia on Saturday the 3rd.

The Fourth was hosted by Chuck Harrell & Tom Simcoe in August of 2007 in Baton Rouge, LA. We took a tour of the USS Kidd, within walking distance of the hotel, and a trip of Huey Longs Governers Mansion.

The latest was held in Williamsburg, VA from May 8 - 10. Several folks came in on Thursday the 7th and shared a meal at the Outback restaurant just up the block. Most arrived Friday afternoon and were treated to a dinner including barbeque provided by Bob and Linda Patton and subs provided by Hal and Annabel Sacks. Saturday was filled by a trip to the Mariners museum in Newport News and a great dinner and social at the hotel.

The possibility of a "mini-cruise" in the summer of 2010 is being researched and the next full reunion will be held in 2011 at a location to be determined. Charleston SC has been suggested. More to come.

While each year the number of attendees varies the first one stood out in that it was the first time in 35 years that some of us had seen each other. This 5th reunion marked over 40 years since we've seen those who haven't attended a reunion yet.

We are expecting many shipmates that have not made a reunion as of yet. Call or email if you would like to join us. We have always enjoyed seeing a new old face.