The Seaweed |
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USS Champlin DD-601 |
Summer 2001 |
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Champlin References Books: Magazines: Sea Classics, Challenge Publications, Vol. 32 #9, March 1999, "Red Anzio" by Irwin J. Kappes Internet: http://uboat.net/boats/u130.htm http://uboat.net/boats/u856.htm http://www.usschamplin.com http://www.destroyers.org Champlin Ship's Stores Wonder where you can get a USS Champlin hat, sweatshirt, T-shirt, jacket or whatever? Here's where and how much: Baseball style cap, specify either navy blue with white lettering or white with navy blue lettering, "USS Champlin DD-601": $10.00 including shipping. Also, 3" diameter cloth emblems (patches), navy blue and gold; (can be sewn on ties, jackets, caps, etc.): $3.00 including shipping. In stock. Order from Norman Prewitt, 2049 East Ridge Drive, Excelsio Springs, MO 64024-2869, (816) 630-7272 Sweatshirts, T-shirts and light-weight jacket with a large action picture of the USS Champlin DD-601 at sea imprinted in navy blue. Sweatshirts: $15.00; T-shirts - $7.50 and Jackets - $19.00. In stock. Order from Robert E. McAfee, 817 Winters Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33405-4545.
Gone. . .Too Soon Brady, Robert Oliver d. 7/15/2000 |
(continued from page 4) And I liked drifting off to sleep lulled by the myriad noises, large and small that told me that my ship was live and well, and that my shipmates on watch would keep me safe. I like quiet midwatches with the aroma of strong coffee - the lifeblood of the Navy - permeating everywhere. And I like hectic watches when the exacting minuet of haze-gray shapes racing at flank speed kept all hands on a razor edge of alertness. I liked the sudden electricity of "General quarters, general quarters, all hands man your battle stations," followed by the hurried clamor of running feet on ladders and the resounding thump of watertight doors as the ship transformed herself in a few brief seconds from a peaceful workplace to a weapon of war - ready for anything. And I liked the sight of space-age equipment manned by youngsters clad in dungarees and sound-powered phones that their grandfathers would still recognize. I liked the traditions of the Navy and the men and women who made them. I liked the proud names of Navy heroes, Halsey, Nimitz, Perry, Farragut, John Paul Jones and Burke. A sailor could find much in the Navy: comrades-in-arms, pride in self and country, mastery of the seaman's trade. An adolescent could find adulthood. In years to come, when sailors are home from the sea, they will still remember with fondness and respect the ocean in all its moods - the impossible shimmering mirror calm and the storm-tossed green water surging over the bow. And then there will come again a faint whiff of stack gas, a faint echo of engine and rudder orders, a vision of the bright bunting of signal flags snapping at the yardarm, a refrain of hearty laughter in the wardroom and chief's quarters and mess decks. Gone ashore for good they will grow wistful about their Navy days, when the seas belonged to them and a new port of call was ever over the horizon. Remembering this, they will stand taller and say, "I was a sailor once. I was part of the Navy, and the Navy will always be part of me". (Provided by Steve Anastasion) MEMBER UPDATE Larry Suter advises that Don Higgins is improved after his operation and Norm Glass is also improved but restricted from traveling. Gerry Cruthers is recovering after his colon operation Steve Anastasion is also under a doctor's care. Send cards to all. Don and Doris Higgins recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
REUNION UPDATE September 12-16, Embassy Suites Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO, call (719)-599-9100 for reservations. Larry Suter, Chairman, call (973)- 427-2797. The guided tour of NORAD and the shopping tour to Castle Rock Factory Outlet have been canceled due to lack of interest. All other tours described in the Seaweed and the mailed reunion packet are still scheduled. The cocktails at the hotel from 5:30-7:30 nightly are not complimentary. There is still time to sign up. Call the hotel directly. Questions should be directed to Larry Suter. It looks like a good time should be had by all. Larry and Honey Morton have worked very hard to make this a great experience. |
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