From Taylor Keith
Need
your help for contributions to support the commissioning ceremonies of USS
CORONADO (LCS-4). The Navy no longer provides funds for this purpose and
consequently a Commissioning Committee has been established to raise funds for
purchasing the traditional presentation silver, supporting the commissioning
reception, and providing money to assist the ship in buying memorabilia such as
ball caps, polo shirts, tee shirts. The money also buys Ship’s plaques for all
the plank owners.
Any funds left over will be given to the ship’s Morale, Welfare, and
Recreation Fund.
USNA Class of 1958’s tie to CORONADO is through our deceased classmate Bill Ring (2nd Company) and me. Bill’s sister Susan Keith has been named as the ship’s sponsor and will christen the ship this Fall with commissioning following a year later. Susan has a long standing tie to ships named CORONADO. In 1970 she served as Matron of Honor when her mother, Eleanor Ring, commissioned USS CORONADO (LPD-11) the previous ship to bear the name. This time around, our daughter Belle will serve a Matron of Honor when Susan christens the latest CORONADO.
I would appreciate your help. Fund raising has already started even though the commissioning is over a year away. The Commissioning Committee estimates that approximately $100,000 will be required. I think it would be great if classmates could contribute. Sponsoring a ship and giving her a name is a special privilege and honor. The fact that a classmate’s sister/classmate’s wife (even though ex) has been selected for this honor is something of which we can all be proud. Those who choose to contribute should make their checks payable to “USS Coronado Commissioning” and mail them to:
USS
Coronado Commissioning
P.O.
Box 18252
Coronado, CA
92178-2252
Thanks,
Taylor