Shipmate 2021-2025
USNA
CLASS OF 1958 SHIPMATE COLUMN
Jan-Feb
2026
WASHINGTON
CHAPTER'S SEPTEMBER GATHERING took place at the
Army-Navy Country Club in Arlington. We had 19 attends: Jack and Ann Adams, Dan
Belay, Whitey and Lois Edwards, Gordo and Jane Gerson, Mike and Eileen Goglio,
Marty Hill, Taylor and Lynn Keith, Bob Lanoue, Pete and Julie Russel, Fred and
Jackie Victor, and Jean Leber. We had hoped that Pooches son Frank Caldwell
would be able to join us, but unfortunately, he had to cancel at the last
moment.
Taylor
Keith introduced our guest speaker Victor Smith (no relation to Captain Victor
Smith who was our Head of the Department of Ordnance and Gunnery and son of
“General Howlin Mad” Smith USMC).
This
Victor Smith is Vice President of Programs and Events at the Navy Memorial here
in DC on Pennsylvania Ave. He is a retired Master Chief who served in seven SSNs
and one Submarine Tender, was a Chief of the Boat on three SSNs and Command
Master Chief at five different commands. He gave a particularly interesting talk
about his career and the mission of the Navy Memorial.
Our
next gathering will be 4 December when we gather with USMA ’58 prior to the
Army-Navy game on 13 December – BEAT ARMY!
Taylor
Keith presenting a memento book authored by our classmate Frank Gamboa
USS
PETERSON – “Proud Pete’s” – Chuck Smith
saluted from CA at the last gathering of “Proud Pete’s” former crew
members in Norfolk last year. They are now planning a reunion for the ship’s
50th Anniversary of commissioning with Steve Chadwick CO.
For
our 25th reunion, as DESRON TEN, I made PETERSON (named for ‘58 classmate,
Carl Peterson) my flagship for the trip to Annapolis and to remain over the
weekend as Visit Ship. About 20 classmates rode with me on board the Proud Pete
(their cars driven to Annapolis by a family member or volunteer non-essential
crew member) for a memorable start to the Reunion.
(USS
PETERSON (DDG-969) was one of 9 SPRUANCE Class DDGs in DESRON TEN, along with 7
KNOX Class FFGs and 2 KIDD Class DDGs.)
Chuck
Smith saluting the Proud Pete from CA
THROW
BACK PHOTO from Bill Hemingway - These are fun to see,
please send me more.
Caption:
Ring Dance 1957 (Left
to right: Bob Caldwell, Becky Caldwell, Robbie’s date, John Robbins, Linda
Poindexter, John Poindexter, Erna Lawrence, Kent Lawrence, Bill’s date, Bill
Hemingway)
CLOSING RANKS
MAJ
Henry N. Means III, USMC (Ret) 21st Co. passed
away on 4 September 2025
Mr.
Walker S. Uhlhorn, Jr. 8th Co.
passed
away on 15 September 2025
Mr.
Alasdair E. Swanson 21st Co.
passed away on 16 September
2025
LT
COL Robert J. Wilson III, USAF (Ret) 1st Co. passed away on 1
October 2025
COL
James H. Ryan, USAF (Ret) 16th Co. passed away on 11
October 2025
CAPT
William H. Dawson, USN (Ret) 23rd Co. passed away on 11
November 2025
USNA
CLASS OF 1958 SHIPMATE COLUMN
Nov
- Dec 2025
THE
CRUISE OF 1955 ACCORDING TO DAVE AULT
29 July
- same - Last day down in the hell hole.
Saw Paul Fossett and went swimming - felt darn good - again tried to
drink but couldn’t. Found George
again - crocked. That’s when I’m
glad I’m not. Watched beisbol and
ate ice cream - saw a good fight, but the SP’s won.
Came back, dragged the mattress out and fell off - rain drove me in
later. Slept well after though.
Home, home, home.
30 July (Sat) – hot -
Anchor aweigh at 0600 - and we’re finally headed in the right direction -
Passed through a few islands, otherwise open sea.
Not too much doing. Typing up
the final watch bills, instructions, etc. The
only big thing is we’re headed home - even movies and sleep don’t take your
mind off it. Tonight is one of the
most beautiful ever - 3/4 moon, few clouds, many stars and warm breeze.
Feels good on today’s tan. I
know where I want to spend my honeymoon. But,
yet, who with?
31 July (Sun) – same -
Last day of July! How time is
flying!! If I were a mere schoolboy,
I’d be fretting, but out here I think it’s great.
HOME soon. I’m getting a
little tan - right now it buns a little but it’s not red.
It should be okay by the time we hit home.
I didn’t mention the short submarine drill we had yesterday.
The “Amberjack” - not too spectacular - “old stuff” you know.
I’ll still go air. Movies
tonight - very poor Audi Murphy as “Darby” Sara can have him.
Sleep out again tonight - it always rains but doesn’t bother much.
And then when it doesn’t, it’s worth staying out for.
1 Aug. belle!
Everybody’s packing seabags - and all eager to get’em off.
I can’t wait to get off myself. Repacking
right now. Into Norfolk
tomorrow at 0600 - then on to the “roads."
(THE END)
CLOSING RANKS
LT
COL Michael D. Salmon USMC (Ret) 8th Co.
passed
away on 31 July 2025
CAPT
Richard P. Dunbar, USN (Ret) 15th Co.
passed away on 7 August 2025
CDR
John M. Pinto, Jr., USN (Ret) 4th Co. passed
away on 22 August 2025
CAPT
Robert P. McNergney, USNR (Ret) 12th Co. passed
away on 1 September 2025
USNA
CLASS OF 1958 SHIPMATE COLUMN
Sep
- Oct 2025
COMPANY VIDEO CALLS – John
Poindexter
hosted another 18TH Co. video conference call on 1 July. Is
any other company having video calls? You
should, it is relatively easy to do.
THROW BACK PHOTOS –
submitted by John Poindexter
Winter 1954-55: John Robbins, Joe
Feldman, John Poindexter, Bill Hemingway, Bob Caldwell
Spring 1958: Zack Pate, Chuck Larson,
Midn Juan Carlos (future King of Spain), John Poindexter, Leo Lukenas
UPDATE FROM CAPT RALPH V. BUCK USN (Ret.)
23rd Co. – Well,
Classmates, it has been eight years since I retired for the second time from my
senior IT network analyst position with Maximus, in Northern Virginia. I had
been working on the Ipv6 internet protocol transition for the Defense Health
Agency in Annandale. Lynn and I sold the house in Springfield, VA and relocated
to Foley, Alabama to help her father, the former mayor of Orange Beach on the
Gulf of America. Sadly, he passed 2 years later, but we are still here.
So, after the excitement of Navy Football
tailgating, class luncheons, and stuffing my 401(k), what does an old Navy
Helicopter Pilot do? One thing is to acquire a 90 lb. German Shepherd/Labrador
rescue dog named Redd (named for the starring character of The Blacklist TV
series). We are still engaged in a battle of wills as to who is training who.
Next, we planted a small citrus orchard in the back yard and enjoyed an
abundance of limes, lemons, satsumas, and grapefruit for a few years (several
trees have since died). After Lynn's Triple Bypass surgery in December 2017, her
ailments seemed to cascade fibromyalgia, kidney disease stage 3b, elevated
glucose, neuropathy, vascular dementia and Lewy Body to the point she needs
palliative home care and uses assistance to move about. I am her primary
VA-approved caregiver. She remains determined to be as independent as possible,
even though rated by the VA as 100% disabled. Her kids' families manage to visit
at least once each year, and our unofficial “daughter”, Judith Morales,
visits each year when she flies in from Germany for a headquarters meeting.
As for me, I found a home at a local Episcopal
parish, where I have taught Bible-based courses, including one on Ethics,
Morality and the Law, which I wrote, The Seven First Words of the Risen Christ,
also original; and the life of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra (very distant
cousin of Santa Claus). I also am one of the Lectors for Sunday Mass,
processional cross bearers, and chalice bearers at the Eucharist.
A relatively new endeavor has been induction into the Ancient Aviators of South
Alabama, whose membership consists of former and current pilots, crew members,
and people involved in various aspects of aviation (e.g., Alabama airborne
police, regional airport director, and flight school owner). Others are welcome.
In May of this year, I was invited to give an account of the 1962 Cuban Missile
Crisis and Quarantine. I managed to keep the group awake for an hour after
breakfast, with a timeline of the crisis, anecdotes, and little-known facts
about the events, complete with PowerPoint slides!
The USNA Alumni Association has Chapters in Mobile and
Birmingham, Alabama, but I haven't been able to attend any meetings/events yet.
We miss the personal camaraderie of the
Washington/Annapolis metro area and would enjoy seeing any old classmates and
family if you visit the Alabama Gulf beaches.
'58 IS GREAT!
Ralph Buck
WASHINGTON CHAPTER - A
hot and steamy July found members of our '58 Washington D.C. chapter enjoying
the ambiance of the Army/Navy Country Club. Taylor Keith guided the gathering
to a sumptuous (delicious) Newport buffet luncheon. It was enjoyed by: Ann
Adams, Dan Bellay, Jane and John Carty, Lois and Whitey Edwards, Linda Gamboa,
Jane and Gordon Gerson, Eileen and Mike Giglio, Lynn and Taylor Keith, Jean
Leber, Barbara Polski, Kay Powell, Julie and Pete Russell, Bev Smedberg and
Jackie and Fred Victor. The luncheon
was followed by a description of and a musical presentation by Dan Bellay on his
newly acquired toy (a banjo). After administrative remarks by Taylor and Gordo
Gerson, the group disbursed into the steamy Northern Virginia arena. Our next
gathering will be on 25 September.
THE CRUISE OF
1955 ACCORDING TO DAVE AULT
25 July - the same - Yes, it rained last
night - got in in time thought - 0045. Today
was an off and on job - cleared up for the movies - Not bad - shot my first
stars tonight. More in a couple of
years, I imagine. We had GQ today
with battle messing - interesting, I’ll admit.
That just about finished my day. Another
VERY beautiful sunset - they’re really great down here.
We’re due in Gitmo tomorrow - land liberty!!
Want to go home though - want to go home.
26 July -
hotter’n hell!
- Anchor hit the bottom at 1000 - pretty good time from the Northern
waters. Cuba looks hot and rugged -
like Spain or Africa. It’s
wickedly hot all the time - the fire rooms must be unbearable.
Jack let me go ashore tonight - went up to the PO club - and bought some
Bud immediately - very cold and very good. The
first can tasted great, the second its usual lousy and the 3rd, 4th, etc. very
good. I got a good Buzz on, but made
the mistake of smoking a Cuban cigar and got sick coming back on the boat.
Hit the rack in a very poor state. I’m
po’d. Only 2 letters - Mom and
ever faithful Ruthie. I guess MN
didn’t receive my last one. Did
get a postcard from sister Mary. (Had
high hopes for a minute). Well, to hell with ‘em all again - I’m going home.
27 July - same - Felt better than I should
this morning. I hate to get up.
I’ve got to sleep at least one morning when I get home.
Went into the beach with Willy Hull tonight - went to the PX - sort of a
let-down - wasn’t all I’d heard or expected.
Did buy a wallet and a roll of film - prices too high for everything.
Had dry runs this morning - didn’t do anything myself.
Want to get started for home. Didn’t
drink at all tonight. Two milkshakes
and a quart of ice cream - not as good as home.
Finally found George - he was drinking, but was intelligent.
Had a nice talk. Then hit the
ship - it felt good to go back sober.
28 July -
still hot - Finally got to see the 16’s go off - took one who roll of film -
hope it comes out okay. They shake
the old boat up quite a bit - not as noisy as the 5’s though.
Hit the beach again - went to the AF and Marine PX’s. Not as good as
the Naval, I didn’t think. Bought
Ellie some glasses - had a few beers. Still
wouldn’t keep it up though - bought me a steak dinner, but wasn’t up to par
- quantity, not quality. Back to the
ship sober again. Had some words
with some first class - Hell with ‘em.
(TO BE
CONTINUED)
CLOSING RANKS
(Note: If
obituaries are available, they can be found on the alumni website: https://www.usna.com/obituaries)
Mr.
Paul F. “Pete” Stiller 20th Co.
passed
away peacefully on 13 April 2025
CAPT
Thomas D. Grimm USN (Ret.)
3rd
Co.
passed
away on 21 April 2025
LT
COL William A. Wolff USAF (Ret.) 5th Co.
reported for final duty on 23
April 2025
Mr.
Peter James Foley, Sr. 18th Co.
passed
away on 14 May 2025
MAJ
J. Dennis Lanigan USMC (Ret.) 5th Co. passed
away on 31 May 2025
RADM
Richard F. Pittenger USN (Ret.) 17th Co. passed
away on 19 June 2025
COL
Bernard G. Demers USAF (Ret.) 24th Co. passed away
on 12 July 2025
DEATH OF A
CLASS WIDOW
- Mrs. (CDR David Willingham, USN (Ret) 19th Co.) Kathleen Pauline
McGowan Willingham passed away peacefully in her sleep at Arleigh Burke Pavilion
in McLean, VA on 11 June 2025, just a few weeks before her 93rd birthday. Her
family and friends will miss her feisty spirit, lively wit, and keen
intelligence.
USNA
CLASS OF 1958 SHIPMATE COLUMN
July-Aug
2025
COMPANY VIDEO
CALLS – John Poindexter
hosted an 18TH Co. video conference call on 1 April with
five other company mates (Bill Hemingway, Harvey Cameron, Bill Bauer, Pete
Foley and Bill Daugherty). They enjoyed seeing each other and catching up on
the latest news in their lives. This will be a regularly scheduled event. If
any other 18th Co. mates would like to join the next call on 1 July,
send an email to John at [email protected].
Also, they all encourage each
company to do the same as it is relatively easy to do.
GOODBYE TO CHET GLADCHUK
– Class President Gordo Gerson said goodbye to the retiring
Director of Athletics on behalf of ‘58.
Chet and Gordo
WASHINGTON CHAPTER OF THE
USNA CLASS OF 1958 – The
bi-monthly luncheon was held on 22 May at Army/Navy Country Club. We were extremely fortunate
to have as our guest speaker RADM Samuel J. Cox, USN (Ret), Director of the U.S.
Naval History and Heritage Command. Adm Cox described the origin of the
Command, it's function, assets and scope. From Revolutionary War paintings and
flags, significant uniforms. actual weaponry to modern day emails, the
command is the official repository of historically significant Naval artifacts.
It is also responsible for the content and maintenance of 10 naval museums and
the ex-USS Nautilus and USS Constitution. Additionally, as the federal executive
agent for the U.S. Sunken Military Craft Act, Adm Cox is responsible for
more than 3000 U.S. Navy shipwrecks and more than 14,000 aircraft wrecks.
Enjoying Adm Cox's remarks
were Jackie and Fred Victor, Bev Smedberg, Julie and Pete Russell, Kay
Powell, Eileen and Mike Giglio, Linda Gamboa, Lois and Whitey Edwards, Dan
Bellay and Ann and Jack Adams.
Linda Gamboa and RADM Cox
THE CRUISE OF
1955 ACCORDING TO DAVE AULT
22 July
COLD! But sunny
Up at the old call - shower, etc. Nearly
got fried for using the head - Jack got me out of it.
Stupid rates anyway!! I did
do some typing this morning while the rest of the guys field dayed. Damn it, I
do feel sort of guilty!! I’m
worried about my grease - mucho so. It
doesn’t seem important now but some day it may make a difference.
Geez, I hope I can make it up during the year.
I’ve got a cold - even feels like sinus symptoms - that’d be a hell
of a thing! I’ve never had it
before - why start now? Am reading
“Rommel” a very interesting book - He was quite a man, I’d say too.
I like hearing the other side of the story - I always have, it seems.
Jack secured us early tonight - painting the office deck.
S’fine idea - sort of late though?
Everybody is sweating shoes, except me.
I wonder when and if Lady Luck is ever going to quit me?
Hope she’s not as fickle as most of the women are.
I guess she’s the beautiful doll to go steady with - but you can’t
trust her either. It all shakes down
to: they’re all the same - Except
ONE. Where, who and how is she? Have
I met her yet? In a way I hope so -
and I know why
23 July
Beautiful At last
we’re off - 1400 today we start for Cuba at a constant 25 knots.
Even though I’m headed AWAY from home, it’s good to be on the more
towards somewhere. And there’s
always the great thought that home is a little nearer in time.
Had the Mid Smoker tonight. I,
myself, thought it was poor. For
some reason I can’t stand mediocre, or worse, talent.
The guys have guts to get up and perform, but I can’t see it when they
make perfect asses of themselves. I
sometimes wonder if I couldn’t do better (making an ass of myself?) - To bed
right after the Smoker - had to sleep with all this vibration - Also slept a lot
during the day - sunbathing and during inspection.
24 July
EVEN BETTER Tonight I
was most fortunate to be treated to one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve
ever seen - certainly the greatest since cruise began.
It kept changing from gold to silver to gold.
150 m. NE of Bermuda at 1200. There
wasn’t much breeze and the water was calm as could be for miles.
Later as the sun went out of sight, the water turned to ebony as the
swells floated off into nowhere. It
certainly was beautiful and I doubt if I’ll ever see another like it.
Today has been most beautiful, surely just like the first Sunday when the
Lord rested after completing his greatest work.
The water has been the deepest blue and the sky the same.
It was very warm, and I managed to get in a couple of hours on the deck.
I envy John and Ruth for having honeymooned down here - It certainly must
have been wonderful. I’d like to
come down this way myself - just might do that.
So a most perfect day comes to a close - we’re halfway or better to our
destination and the weather’s also perfect.
Only 9 days until we’re back - then home - to Mom and Morrison Heights
- who could ask for more? Sleeping
out tonight!
(TO
BE CONTINUED)
CLOSING RANKS
CAPT
Roger M. Nutting USN (Ret.) 16th Co. passed
away on 28 February 2025
CAPT
Carl Emil Giese USN (Ret.) 15th
Co. passed away on 28 March 2025
T.
Patrick Flood
6th Co. passed away on 13 April 2025
LCDR
Robert C. Sauer USN (Ret.) 23rd Co. passed
away on 19 April 2025
CAPT
Thomas D. Grimm USN (Ret.) 3rd Co. passed
away on 21 April 2025
May-Jun
2025
SAN DIEGO CONTINGENT - ‘58
Golf in San Diego got off to a warm ‘25 start last week as much of LA and Otay
Mesa (SE of SD near the border) burned. Taylor
Keith escaped the cold East Coast weather to join local resident & fellow
‘87 parent, Chuck Smith for an outing on the Navy Sea N Air course at North
Island. Here we are enjoying
a beer at the 19th Hole after achieving par on at least one hole from the
forward Senior tees.
Chuck
and Taylor at the 19th Hole
WASHINGTON CHAPTER LUNCHEON - Held at the Army/Navy Country Club
on 20 March 2025. The featured speaker was Taylor B. Kiland, a 3rd
generation naval officer and prolific author. Taylor is the daughter of CAPT
Ingolf Kiland, USN (Ret) USNA '59 and granddaughter of VADM Ingolf Kiland, USN
(Ret) USNA '17. Taylor presented a synopsis of her book "Unwavering",
the story of a group of Navy wives whose husbands were Viet Nam POW's. She
related how these ladies would not let political administrations or
international forums disregard the fact of North Vietnamese imprisonment
conditions and disregard for the Geneva Convention mandates. They fought to
ensure that no man was left behind.
Present at the event were Jackie and Fred Victor, Beverly
Smedberg, Julie and Pete Russell, Kay Powell, Barbara Polski, Jean Leber, Harry
Hurst, Eileen and Mike Giglio, Jane and Gordon Gerson, Barbara and Richard
Fitzsimmons, Lois and Whitey Edwards. Adm John F. Caldwell, USN (Ret) USNA '81,
Dan Bellay, Ann and Jack Adams.
Our next luncheon is scheduled for 22 May 2025.
Taylor
Kiland and Jack Adams
THE CRUISE OF 1955 ACCORDING
TO DAVE AULT
19 July (rainy) Same old day -
Did have an interesting star shell demonstration at night - really beautiful in
a way - green phosphorous falling all around.
We fired at them first and then THEY fired at us.
Really easy what with the ship all locked up at condition Zebra.
But, as in most stuff nowadays - they’re all obsolete and just make for
a spectacle. Did some late typing
for Danny and then hit the rack - Movie was inside so didn’t go
20 July (cloudy) Today is the day we gave football players away - Lucky guys are
heading back. I got about 40 feet of
film - the last I’ve got. I hope
nothing important comes up before we arrive in Cuba.
Some typing, sorting day - did go to the movie - not too hot for this
type of audience (“The Big League”) - But t’was nice just lying out under
the sky. To bed after a little
washing
21 July (cloudy) It’s hard to believe, but they’ve strung this Task Group
from Maryland to the Azores - approximately 2000 miles!
Coverage for the Presidential return from Geneva.
We steam Westward during the day and then Eastward at night.
It shouldn’t last too long - Maybe end tonight.
Just as soon as He goes by, I guess.
Then we all proceed independently to Gitmo.
It’s a long ways for some, I’d imagine.
Just as long as we get to Annapolis first - Hope MN
will be waiting there. No
movie tonight - inside again.
It is sort of cool up here and also a little rainy.
Oh for the warm weather of Southern Wayne Maine.
12 days to go! Tonight’s my
duty night, Don’t want to work too hard though!
Hit the rack after work - talked with Jim over a cheese and mustard
sandwich - deliceuse!! Nite honey.
(TO
BE CONTINUED)
CLOSING RANKS
LCDR
Brent W. Taylor USN (Ret) 13th Co. passed
away on 3 October 2024
CDR
Thomas Gibbons USN (Ret) 19th Co. died on 6
November 2024
MAJ
John H. Witzmann USAF (Ret.) 23rd Co. passed away on 16
January 2025
CAPT
Joseph L. Steckler USN (Ret.) 15th
Co. passed away on 29 January 2025
Dr.
E. K. (Ken) Greenwald passed away on 8 February
2025
1st
Lt Laurence A. Trudeau USAF (Ret) 3rd Co. passed away on 11
February 2025
CDR
James G. Weigand USN (Ret) 14th Co. passed
away peacefully on 21 February 2025
USNA
CLASS OF 1958 SHIPMATE COLUMN
Mar-Apr
2025
’58
ARMY/NAVY LUNCHEON - The
USMA and USNA classes of 1958 met at the Army/Navy Country Club on 5 December to
celebrate the upcoming football classic. We were pleasantly surprised when
Angela Ganey (Army) provided lovely poinsettia centerpieces for all tables.
Lucky attendees were invited to take them home to enjoy for the holidays.
After
a nice luncheon buffet, the teams were analyzed by Bob Orlosky (Navy)
and Chuck Toftoy (Army). Both speakers identified strengths and weaknesses of
each team and each predicted a very close contest.
Following those informative presentations the group, led by Alan Salisbury
(Army) and accompanied on the violin by Dan Bellay (Navy) sang both academy's
alma maters. Navy then wished Army every success in their upcoming AAC
championship game.
Navy personnel attending were Fred and Jaclie Victor, Beverly Smedberg,
Pete and Julie Russell, Kay Powell, Bob Orlosky (USNA ‘64), Taylor and Lynn
Keith, Mike and Eileen Giglio, Gordo and Jane Gerson, Whitey and Lois Edwards,
John and Jane Carty. Paul and Caroline Brown, Dan Bellay and Jack and Ann Adams.
Bob
Orlosky and Chuck Toftoy
HOLIDAY LUNCH - Well,
we made it through another "Ho, Ho, Ho and Mistletoe" December
Luncheon, Unfortunately, it was without Pollyn Mitchell, who was too sick to
accompany Dan Bellay's violin melodies on the piano. No one volunteered to
substitute for Polly, so Kay Powell became our "choir director".
That's probably why we sang with so much gusto. Whitey and Lois
Edwards provided beautiful Christmas Zygo Cactus for centerpieces. By the way,
there was great (joyful) discussion concerning the recent Army/Navy football
game!
Attending
this luncheon were: Jack and Ann adams, Dan Bellay, Charlie Brooks, Whitey
and Lois Edwards, Gordo and Jane Gerson, Taylor and Lynn Keith, Erik and Barbara
Mansfield, Barb Polski, Kay Powell, Pete and Julie Russell, Mike Salmon, Gordan
and Ginny Schaaf, Beverly Smedberg, Fred and Jackie Victor.
Thus
ends 2024 luncheons series, see you in 2025."
Dan
Bellay and Kay Powell
CHRISTMAS
LUNCH – HILTON HEAD - A
small group gathered for Christmas lunch at Hilton Head. Tom Grimm, 3rd
Company, lives here but is dealing with health issues and was unable to attend.
Photo 58#3
Seated:
Bill Pendley (3rd Co.); Standing: Lee Polhill (19th Co.), George Stubbs (17th
Co.)
MCCANDLESS HONORED BY
DAEDALIANS - In
October, Capt. Bruce McCanless II was honored by the Order of Daedalians as a
Distinguished Aviator. This memorial honor has only been granted one other time
– to Brigadier General Jimmy Stewart. Ordinarily, honors are only granted to
aviators who were members of the Order during their lifetime. His son, Bruce Mc
Candless III, accepted the award at a meeting of the Austin, TX chapter of the
Daedalians.
The
mission of the Daedalians is to advocate for air and space power and to honor
those who flew (Volabamus – “We Flew”) and fly (Volamus –
“We Fly”) in defense of our nation. The tenets of the organization are (1)
“To Place Nation Above Self (Patriotism)” and (2) “To Be Worthy of the
Trust and Confidence of a Fellow Daedalian (Personal Integrity and
Character).”
Bruce
is recognized as a national treasure for his service as a Naval aviator (5200
flight hours), a NASA astronaut (two space shuttle flights logging more than 312
hours in space), and astronaut-engineer of NASA’s Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU)
that he flew untethered outside Space Shuttle Challenger in 1984. Wonders
All Around by his son is available on Amazon , as is his new book, Star
Bound.
He graduated #2 in the Class of 1958 and was the
son of Rear Admiral Bruce McCandless, USN who was awarded the Medal of Honor for
his actions aboard USS San Francisco (CA-38) at the Naval Battle of
Guadalcanal in November 1942.
Photo
58#4
Bruce
McCandless 1984
USAFA GRANDSON – Below
is a photo of Jack Trevisan the grandson of Pat and Dan Belly (7th
Co.). Jack is a 3rd Class
Cadet, USAFA Class of 2027 of the 32 Squadron (The Roadrunners).
Congrats Pat, Dan and Jack!
C3C
Jack Trevisan (USAFA ’27)
UNUSUAL ART FORMS - This
submission comes from John Wyatt (22nd Co), who has this hanging in a
bathroom.
THE CRUISE OF 1955
ACCORDING TO DAVE AULT
16
July bon! Easy day today - secured at 1200 and just sat
around or sun bathed - Did sort and register grades in the morning.
It’s not a hard job but at least I’m doing something that has to be
done. Sometimes my conscience says
something and I feel a little guilty. I
wonder what my grease mark is going to be like?
But then I just say “to hell with it” - Wasting time - Went to the
movie - “Against All Flags” had seen it and is now still the same - to bed
right afterwards. Did a little work
on the plane - hope it’ll fly even if it isn’t too attractive.
17 July
Il pleut To the office
- chow, a little work, shave and to lecture - a very wet, poor demonstration of
destroyer torpedo attack followed. Something
happened and we never saw them - to chow, lecture, gun-firing - more wait, wait,
wait - we only got 88 rounds out in 3 hours.
Rain - Goofed off pretty much the rest of the time.
Didn’t go to the movie - inside and had seen it anyway.
Shower and am now on the rack. The
IMC still gives with the music - it really sounds good - even if it is pretty
old as a rule. It makes things a
little more homey and it’s easier to live from day to day.
There’s nothing like music. Well
to bed - and the sweetest of dreams -
18 July Had a depth charge, etc. demonstration today - got some pictures -
T’was short, but interesting. The
days are getting boring and the COMMITTEE know it, so they’re tossing things
like this at us. God, how we all
want to get to Cuba and HOME!! We’re
all just whiling away the hours ‘till we arrive.
Doing a little gun-firing, eating and sleeping.
Even though the time would go faster, I’m just as happy I’m not
turning to. To bed and sleep (Helps
pass the time)
(TO
BE CONTINUED)
CLOSING RANKS
LCDR
Brent Taylor, USN (Ret) 23rd Co. passed
away on 3 October 2024 and his widow Chistina passed away on 2 December 2024
John
Buck 7th
Co. died on 25 November 2024
J.
Dirck Stryker 13th Co.
passed away on 27 November 2024
Ronald
Friedman 4th Co. passed away on 5 December 2024
CDR
George Emil Krauter, USN (Ret) 8th Co died on
21 December 2024
Thomas
W. Keifer 17th Co. died on 24 December 2024
Milo
Richard Beran 13th Co. passed
away on 15 January 2025
CAPT
Robert E Risinger, USN (Ret) 15th Co.
passed away on 20 January 2025
Jan-Feb
2025
PASSING FLAG
TO LINK IN THE CHAIN
At the Council of Class Presidents, Gordo passed our flag to the Class of
’08 carrier so that it can be passed to the Class of 2058.
Thanks to Class of 58 donors and Class of 08 carriers.
Gordo passed our flag to the Class of
’08
THE CRUISE OF
1955 ACCORDING TO DAVE AULT
13 July - foggy all
day - Rudely awakened at 0500 - muster at 0515 and then to the job.
It was interesting but we certainly didn’t do anything to warrant
getting up so early. Lucky for me, I
posted the Mid Off watch at 0645 so didn’t have to turn to - I hate to do it
anyway! Last day of gunnery today -
had the office watch so just sat around. Broke
away for a shower (needed it!) About 1600. New
stripers started taking over. Bill
Hall let me off watch to go see the movie - my first Mickey Spillane show “The
Long Wait” - just like his books and sexy, you know?
I hit the rack right afterward - to sleep, perchance to dream?
14 July -
comme-ci, comme-ca - On watch at 0600; then to quarters at 0800; looked
like I was finally settling down to a cruise, when I was asked to work in the
office again. It’s okay with me -
no watches, no nothing. Today was
well filled up - I did stand OO messenger from 1200 to 1400 and then went to
gun-firing - We finally fired the 40’s. I
was a lot loader - Talk about noise! I’m
beginning to realize what John went through (brother John served on San
Jacinto ’43-’45 in the So. Pacific) - Takes but little imagination.
Did a little work afterwards and then to chow, some letters, to work and
to bed at 2130. I want to go home -
Only 20 more days until I find out what’s going to happen.
To sleep by the music of J. Gleason - can you believe it!
But that’s what is coming over the system - Oh, home, here I come.
15 July - C’est
BELLE - I’m lying out on the fantail while writing this - it’s 1900 nearly ;
we set the clocks back an hour when it is exactly.
It’s rather beautiful out - late sun shining brightly and quite warmly
too - The New Jersey is right behind us and the Siboney trails
her with the other ships scattered off our port beam.
There’s water, water everywhere - the PA system is giving out with a
great mixture of Glenn Miller, Joni James, Kay Starr and Mario Lanza.
It’s really quite an enjoyable setting - but I’m sort of lonesome -
as if I was lacking something - How enjoyable this would be if there were just
two of us sailing across this wide ocean - Certainly not an original idea, but
still a romantic, wonderful one. I
wonder if I’ve met her yet? I will
though - there must be a mate that fate created me for.
Up at 0530 - To the
office though, instead of the replenishing detail with everyone else.
Not a bad break, I must say. Today
was field day too - another one I escaped from.
How long before my luck breaks? I
didn’t do too much hard labor either - recorded a few grades, ran errands and
sat around — Had gun firing and lectures again this afternoon.
We fired at the poor little drone today - instead of the 5” bursts of
yesterday. We did hit it too,
but didn’t knock I down. Maybe
later. We’ll show it who’s boss.
Hit the movie tonight - at the moment I don’t know the name of it -
Expect to hit the rack immediately after - It’s such a welcome thought.
(“Far Country”)
(TO BE
CONTINUED)
CLOSING RANKS
Joan
MacLean – Wife of Rupert MacLean died on 29 November 2024
William Schramm 17th Company died
on 10 November 2024
Gary Minar died on 24 October 2024
Donald McGarrigle died on 13 October 2024
James Mount passed away on 2 October 2024
Theodore Morgan passed away on 21 September
2024
James Estep died on 20 November 2024
FROM BILL FAY, BEST FRIEND OF
JIM ESTEP: Jim talked often of the
valuable experience of attending the Naval Academy.
As his best friend, I often heard the stories of life in the military,
something I had never experienced. If you are from the Class of ‘58, I would
enjoy hearing from you. [email protected]
NOTE ON JOAN
MACLEAN FROM GORDO:
Those of you who have been to a Navy home game for at least the past 20 years
will remember being greeted by Joan's happy smile. She will be dearly missed.
USNA
CLASS OF 1958 SHIPMATE COLUMN
NOV-DEC
2024
■
ARRIVEDERCI IN ASCOLI PICENO
– When Ron Eytchlson ,1st Company, was stationed in Naples he and
his wife Pat developed a love of Italy. Later
they purchased a 400 year old “villetta agricola” and set about a
restoration process. Over the last
26 years they have visited their very special second home 37 times.
Ron says their most recent trip in June may be the last, but what an
adventure.
■
ANOTHER RING STORY – This one is from C. Vern Hanna, 24th
Company. During 1st Class
year spring break Vern went home to Charlston WV traveling by train.
On the way back to Annapolis he took a night train to Washington planing
to visit some of the sights before taking aa bus to Annapolis.
He used a restroom in a service station to clean up and ended up leaving
his ring on the side of the sink. Later
he noticed the ring was missing and returned to the restroom, but no ring.
A couple of days later he gets a note from a Mid in a different battalion
saying that a relative of theirs had found the ring and recognized what it was.
A week later Vern traveled back to DC to collect the ring.
Proof yet again that God looks over babies, drunks and Midshipmen.
■
UNUSUAL ART FORMS – Pat Hanavan, 24th Company, sent in a
photo of the framed back of his Academy bathrobe.
Makes me wonder what other unusual items folks have framed.
Let me know if you have your own “art” on display.
■
USNA PICNIC – In Montecito CA there is an annual USNA picnic.
This year the Class of 1958 was represented by Gary Minar, 20th
Company, and his friend Sally Jones and Nils and Beverly Rueckert, 6th
Company. Sally's father in law owned
the “drag” house at 21 Maryland Ave back in the day and her late husband was
George Jones a non-grad from our Class.
■
THE CRUISE OF 1955 ACCORDING TO DAVE AULT -
(we rejoin Dave as he
explores merry olde London.
10 July -
Up at 0900 and back to the hotel and the boys.
Harlow and I walked around and mailed off some postcards.
I really haven't begun doing too well at this.
We had chow at the hotel and then cleared out of our room.
Caught the bus at 1:40 and bid farewell to London.
I I and many others were sorry to go in a way, but glad to get out at the
same time. I and many others were
sorry to go in a way, but glad to get out too.
We're on our way home now and also London did not live up to expectations
– I had an enjoyable time but really had to pay for it – not so in Madrid.
We arrived in Portsmouth at 1730 – too late to call Jill – I did try
but she wasn't home. I'm quite sorry
– I think I will write her. We
went back out to the pier. Harlow
found his girl – with another Mid !!! . We
hit the fair, dances and all just to while away the few remaining hours –
sweated getting back on board on time but made it.
To bed- received a welcome lettter from
Mom on my arrival – can't wait to get home.
11 July – Dick'sbirthday
– The fleet pulled out today too – we put the refueling gear together, took
down the awnings and then just screwed around – weighted anchor and at
1630said a final goodbye to England – it was a nice country.
I'll come back – though I've no
one to see. Mom must come some day.
Caught up on this dam thing – hope it is worth it in the end –
somehow might want to read it. Hit
the rack early – Need some sleep which I lost in London.
12 July – No more land
nowhere – It's sort of nice to be sailing into the setting sun.
We're really on our way home – “turned to” this morning – all
morning – as usual we keep doing
the same thing over and over again
because there isn't anything constructive to do.
Had two lectures this afternoon – secured early, posted the watch
to 1715 – Compartment security till 2000 – went to first family movie
in a long time - “Casanova's Big Night” - I'd seen it, but it was still sort
of funny. Hope they keep the movies
outside for awhile. To bed at 2300
– We have to get up at 0500 to refuel this big thing – will be
interesting to watch if nothing else.
(TO BE CONTINUED)
■
CLOSING RANKS -
Nancy O'Connor – Wife of Michael O'Connor 7th Company died
on 9 September 2024
Philip Granum 4th
Company passed on 30 June 2024
John Griffiths
6th Company, died on 4 April 2024
John Brophy 5th
Company died on 19 June 2024
Joan Lerum wife of Glen
Lerum 4th Company passed on 12 August 2024
George McNulty 21st
Company passed away on 11 April 2024
Tom Rosser 1st
Company died on 31 August 2024
Tom Gladding, 17th/13th
Companies died on 19 June 2024
USNA
CLASS OF 1958 SHIPMATE COLUMN
SEPTEMBER
– OCTOBER 2024
◙
KEEP THOSE 58 FLAGS FLYING! -
Our
Class of 1958 flag was a sensation when it was first flown at the Naval Academy.
Since then it has been flown around the world at all kinds of events and
in all kinds of locations (I flew mine at John McCains 2008 convention).
It has flown on ships and even in space with Bruce McCandless.
Now there is a plan to keep the flag flying in memory of the Class of
1958. Our Class leaders will
collect donated flags and pass them to the leaders of the Class of 2008 who will
in turn pass them to the Class of 2058 when the time comes.
If you want to participate please contact our Class President Gordon
Gerson or our Class Corresponding Secretary (me).
◙
LUNCHEONS (PLURAL) -
The
Washington DC chapter of the Class of 1958 held their May luncheon at the
Army-Navy Country Club. On 30 May The
guest speaker was Dr. Chris Rentirow, Captain USN (re), USNA Class of 1989.
He is the Director of 10 Navy Museums including the Museum at the
Washington Navy Yard, the USNA Museum and the USS Constitution.
Attending were Fred and Jackie Victor, Beverly Smedberg, Pete and Julie
Russell, Kay Powell, Beverly Polski, Eric and Barbara Mansfield, Jean LeBer, Bob
Lance, Taylor Keith, Marty Hill, Mike and Ellen Giglio, Gordon and Jane Gerson,
Linda Gamboa, Whitey and Lois Edwards, Joe and Jane Carty, Charlie Brooks, Dan
Bellay and Jack and Ann Adams.
Our Classmates in Washington have more
luncheons then there are issues of Shipmate so here is a report on the July
luncheon. The event started with a
business meeting which I will not report on (I didn't think folks our age still
had business meetings, but what do I know?)
This was followed by a guest speaker presentation, but the invited guest
speaker was unable to attend (word of a business meeting probably scared him
off). It is hoped that VADM Ed
Straw USN (ret), USNA Class of 61 will be able to attend a future luncheon when
there is no business scheduled. Harry
Hurst presented a discussion of the Navy football program and the outlook for
2024. Harry noted that several of the best Navy players have turned down offers
to transfer to other schools and those offers came with big money.
Attending the luncheon were 23 of the usual suspects.
Our
Class President, Gordon Gerson, continues is his quest to collect swimming
medals and ribbons. In his latest
effort at the U.S. National Short Course Swimming Championships tin Indianapolis
o he added to his collection. (short course means the pool is 25 yards long,
long course means it is 50 M long.} As
you will notice from the photo Gordo swam and scored in a number of different
events.
GORDO'
SCORES AGAIN -
◙
SUMMER CRUISE 1955 – (continued)
8
July - (Still in port in the UK)
– Up at 1000 and down for breakfast. H and I then took off for Buckingham,
arrived just in time to see the Queen drive off.
Met a local man who gave us a very thorough tour of the things to see –
got many pictures – we saw the Palace, Westminster, Margaret's home, St. Pauls,
Scotland yard, Parliament, Curiosity Shop, St. James and other things – very
interesting and much more to see.
Went back to the hotel to eat and then window shopping and then back for
a tour of WestministerAbbey – much to see.
I certainly hope Mom can see it all.
Oh yes, we went to see Mr. Hill at the wine cellar and he offered to get
us tickets to Kismet. We drank some
wine and talked – Dick and David had gotten the last two tickets to Danny
Kaye's show at the Palladium but Harlow and I went down five minutes before the
show started and got two great seats.It was a great show topped off by the
wonderful Mr. Kaye. It was a great
thrill to see him and he certainly was great.
Sang, joked, and kidded around. Hit
Piccadilly afterward and thenate. Caught
the Follies afterwards – quite a spectacularar but there was a noticrable lack
of real talent. We talked with more
girls , it's reqally interestin. But
no deals. Came back to the hotel
early and hit the rack after a bath. Mr. Hill did get us tickets, GREAT.
9
July Sat – Is this London weather? Up
at 0900 and down to eat – had to go to the Bank to straighten out our little
exchange troubles - then to
Buckingham for the changing of the Guard – quite colorful and great to watch.
Got much movies. Said
cherrio to Mr. Young, picked up our Kismet tickets, plus two the matinee of the
“Kiing and I”. Went back to eat
and then down to old Drury Lane for the show.
It was very good. After the
show we went back and cleaned up and then struck out for the theater – met
Dale and Barry who were lucky enough to get tickets to the show – right back
of us no less. We ate in a little
cafe and then went back for the show. It
was a great mixture of singing and
dancing, actng and sex. It was
really great to see – headed back for Pickadilly after the show – met a
couple of girls – I left Harlow talking with one – My bed wasempty tonight.
(stay tuned for more of Merry Old England in
the next issue of Shipmate '58)
◙
CLOSING RANKS
William
Pivarnik 16th Company, died on 18 May 2024
Victor
Fredda 10th Company, died on 4 June 2024
Francis
Hasagawa 17th Company, died on 4 June 2024
Jack
Brophy 5th Company, died on 19 June 2024
Jason
Mayhew 22nd Company, passed away on 5 December 2023
Ann Mayhew, spouse of Jason, passed away on
29 June 2023
USNA
CLASS OF 1958 SHIPMATE COLUMN
JULY-AUGUST
2024
■
WEDDING BELLS – Bill Withers, 19th Company,
reported the Happy News that he and Marie Johnson were married on April 28th
in Fort Collins. In June the
newlyweds honeymooned on an American Cruise Line cruise along the Maine coast.
As Bill said, you can't keep a sailor from the sea.
“Sail On, Sail On, O Ship
of Love
To a Timeless
Place, We Sail On
Where Our
Souls Entwine like Celestial Doves
In Eternal Bliss, Forever
Free”
“Bill
and Marie Withers”
■
NOTE FROM VERN HANNA – There were 4 of our Classmates who contributed
to the new USNAAA building. Two of
them were Vern Hanna, 24th Company and Dave Burden, 19th
Company. Vern and Dave both went
into the Supply Corps after graduation. As
happens their careers took different paths both in the Navy and later, but
recently Vern was able to contact Dave and they had a very long conversation.
Classmates, shipmates, friends forever.
■
USNA SUPERINTENDENT – There have been 59 Naval Academy Superintendents
starting with Franklin Buchanan. The
current Supe is VADM Yvette Davids USN, Class of 1989.
She is also a graduate of the Naval War College and the Industrial
College of the Armed Forces. At sea
she served as CIC and Comms Officer on the USS San Jose (AFS 7), as Operations
Officer on the USS David Ray (DD 971) and as Operations Officer on the
USS Normandy (CG 60), as XO on the USS Higgins (DDG 76) and as XO on the USS
Benford (DDG 65). She was Commanding
Officer of the USS Curtis (FFG 38), and the USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and was
Commander of the Nimitz Strike Group/Carrier Strike Group 11.
“GORDO
and the SUPE”
■
SUMMER CRUISE, 1955 (continued) –
4 July – Beautiful day. It's
Independence Day and a great way to celebrate it with my first view of my
ancestor's homeland. We did get a
glimpse of France, also French radio stations.
Anchored at about 1000 – many salutes to other ships, many places and
distinguished guests, twenty-one guns at 1200.
We were underway at that time and tied up at about 1330.
We were full dressed as was everyone else – HMS Victory was in
Portsmouth Harbor. We all
“volunteered” for a tea dance on the Siboney.
Is was poor – no pretty girls. I
wasn't feeling like eating either. Harlow
and I finally got out at 1900 and checked on the mail back at the Iowa.
One from Ruthie – sweet reliable Ruthie.
I'm looking forward to seeing her – she isn't overly intelligent in her
letters, but is certraintly sincere and loving.
I'll get to see her a couple of times, I know.
Well, we went in to town – had a steak at a little cafe after a short
visit to our first English Pub. Talked
with some English Chiefs. We then
looked the town over – was badly bombed, but is on the way back.
Many new stores. That's how
we spent the remaining time, window shopping.
Came back and found letters from dear MN and Ellie.
Wonderful, faithful Ellie too. She
knows what mail means to me. Finally
to bed after the letter reading – watch tomorrow – office, as usual.
Should be an easy duty day.
5 July – Another beautiful day. An uneventful morning – typed and ran
errands. The big event of the day
was the Lord Mayor's party. Another
“volunteer” job which no one looked forward to.
But after they arrived they soon changed their minds.
All the free liquor, beer, strawberries and ice cream one could eat.
The only trouble was that girls were at a minimum.
The party was a “smashing” success – I had to leave at eight and go
back and post the watch – At ten I got a standby and went into town for
something to eat – a couple of English hamburgers for Bill Hull, the OD and
Jim M. Went to bed right away and
slept like a log.
6 July – Ditto. Posted the watch
at reveille – didn't have to turn to on the damn decks.
Did go to quarters and got hell for being late – no sweat.
Gold brick through the morning and finally hit the beach at 1300.
Hit a couple of pubs, watched some cricket and then went shopping around
– didn't buy much – went out to the Pier and saw the monkeys and also hit a
dance at the Savoy. Many girls, but
I didn't do any dancing – finally went across the road to the dance at the
Pier. How can you lose at 6 d's?
Still didn't dance – but met a cute little gal with whom I watched the
fireworks. She was affectionate
enough and we made a tentative date for 1300 on Sunday.
Went back to the ship and to bed. London
tomorrow.
7 July – Will it never cease. Rigged
the awning this morning -dammed working first division.
We finished though and looked forward to our trip to the biggest of big
towns. But the usual damn Navy
procedure took over. We sat on deck
for one hour and then we sat in the buses for another one before we got underway
at 1445. I swear that I'll never go
Navy line! They're so FUBAR.
It wasn't a bad trip by bus though – beautiful countryside – much
like New England. We got to town at
1800 -had a good meal after getting a room with Dave Shorter and Dick.
Harlow and I again of course. The
hotel doesn't compare with the Madrid's Plaza.
No private bath, etc. It's
nice though and all one needs is a rack.
Harlow and I headed immediately for Piccadilly but ran into the Palace on
the way. And who should be there but
“Les Companions de la Chanson”! They
were terrific needless to say – much younger than I had expected.
Their “Jimmy Brown” was of course the hit song of the evening.
A very enjoyable show. We go
to Piccadilly afterwards – very disappointed to find everything closes at 2300
here. It looked like Time Square
with all it's lights but was otherwise dead – met many people we knew and
talked with the prostitutes Very much more expensive than in Madrid – not as
attractive either. Harlow and I and
Jim C. did go with three girls to a clip joint, but saved ourselves before
spending too much. I hate places
like that. We walked-out.
Harlow went to bed, but Jim met another girl that he seemed attracted to
– I thought she was a very poor specimen of the wonderful sex and left him in
disgust. I did catch Marlene
Dietrich exit from her Cafe de Paris – quite attractive, but she doesn't look
39 by any means. Grabbed a taxi and
went home to bed – was the last one home as usual.
■
CLOSING RANKS -
Sam Werbel, 23rd
Company, died on 1 April 2024
John Potter,
19th Company, died on 31 March 2024
Pat Greene, 7th
Company, passed away on28 March 2024
George
McNulty, 21st Company, died on 11 April 2024
Robert Mason,
9th Company, passed away on 5 April 2024
Lou Shane, 16th
Company, died on 13 February 2024
Phil Taylor, 1st
Company, died on 18 May 2024
USNA
CLASS OF 1958 SHIPMATE COLUMN
MAY-JUNE
2024
■
CLASS OF 1958 COLOR HONOREE – The children of Jess and
Marge Hernandez recently surprised Jess by arranging with the Naval Academy
Museum to create a display honoring Marge, who was our Class of '58 Color Girl,
(Honoree is the present title). The
Museum exhibit says it best, “Margaret “Marge” Hernandez, nee Spencer, was
born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia. She
earned a degree in English Literature from the University of Richmond and later
a master's degree in Social Work from San Francisco State University.
While at University of Richmond Marge began dating Midshipman Jesse
Hernandez. Hernandez was the Company
Commander of 3rd Company, the 1958 color Company.
At the Color Parade that June she wore this dress with a large hoop skirt
and a white hat with a wide brim and blue and gold ribbons.
While pursuing her own passions, Marge supported and encouraged Jesse
throughout a thirty six year Naval career in which he reached the rank of Rear
Admiral. Marge was a founding member
of the Navy Arlington Ladies, a volunteer organization who ensures that every
person buried at Arlington Cemetery has someone in attendance.
She also volunteered with the Navy- Marine Corps Relief Society and
served as a Deacon at her church. Marge
passed away on March 31, 2022 and was later laid to rest at Arlington National
Cemetery. She is remembered for her
intellect, kindness, and devotion to family and friends.”
“1958
COLOR PARADE”
■
JOHN MCCAIN ARRIVES IN NORTH VIETNAM – I recently came across a photo
of John McCain at the time of his capture in North Vietnam in 1967.
When he ejected from his plane he landed in TrueBach Lake in Hanoi.
The photo shows a number of North Vietnamese (fishermen?) who
captured/rescued John. The beginning
of what would be a long ordeal.
“JOHN
MCCAIN IN TRUE BACH LAKE, HANOI”
■
CALIFORNIA DREAMING (part one) – Chuck Smith sent in a report of a '58
gathering for lunch at the Coronado Golf Course in San Diego in February 2024.
In the picture, from the left, are Mike and MaryAnn Chapple, Chuck and
Tamara Smith, Lance Massey, Marty McCullough, Tom Fleming's date Meredith and
Tom, Taylor and Lynn Keith, Collette Harshberger, Lori Cook and Madelyn Fenick.
“HAPPY
DAYS IN SAN DIEGO”
■
CALIFORNIA DREAMING (part two) – Golf is big in California and
especially so in San Diego. Shortly
after the luncheon reported above some of the guys took to the links in
Coronado. No report on their scores
so the picture was probably taken before they played.
From the left are Mike Chapple, Taylor Keith and Chuck Smith.
“SUNSHINE,
WARM WEATHER AND GOLF IN CALIFORNIA”
■
SUMMER CRUISE 1955 – PART VIII (from the diary of Dave Ault, 10th
Company)
30 June – Poor weather with rain. PayDay!
$59.00. It went very fast
though. $22.75 for the London trip
and then $20.00 for clocks. I'm
spending it like water now, must stop soon.
Have great hopes of coming back here with Frank in two years so must save
the money. It was a great day except
for the weather. We didn't do any
work early, just stood in lines. Finally
did do some firing at GQ, but again not I. Maybe
tomorrow. The darn things sure do
make a racket. It must be hell
during a battle. I hope I never have
to experience it. No movie tonight.
It's inside again. It's
getting pretty cold as we head north. The
white hats went into blues today and we have inspection in blue service on
Saturday. But not me!
Again Lady Luck is with me and I'm a compartment cleaner.
I'll work tomorrow and Saturday morning, but the rest of it is easy.
This free time is wonderful. I
never realized what I was missing. I
don't like turning out so early though. Oh,
for the life of a Spaniard. Well, to
bed before I start thinking again.
I July – Rainy, cold.
My first field day, but again I luck out as I also got my first watch.
Compartment cleaner of the smallest compartment aboard ship.
We did work though and got it cleaned up pretty well.
Went to lecture, but gun-firing was cancelled because of the weather.
Hit the hay early – dropped off soon enough.
2 July – Cold, sunny. Big
inspection day. Our compartment was
of course, excellent. While others
stood at attention, us duffers hit the steel deck down on Broadway for an hour's
sleep. It's so easy to sleep
anywhere, anytime nowadays. Trouble
was I couldn't go right to sleep at night. Yes
and I worked this afternoon – stowed the damn refueling gear and painted water
ways, etc. I don't like to work,
I've decided. Did go to my first
inside movie - “Rhapsody” with Liz Taylor.
I liked the story, music and Liz – wasn't bad all in all.
Had to fold up my laundry when I came back and then to bed.
3 July – Cold, cloudy.
This miserable North Atlantic weather – isn't it ever warm?
We're wearing sweater or shirts since those idiotic ROTC's said ours were
nonreg. Those crazy asses!
Today was another lazy one – turned to at 0800 and just cleaned the
place up a bit. Then secured at
1045. Picked up pounds at noon after
a most vivid lecture on VD by the ship's Doc.
Anchor tomorrow.
■
CLOSING RANKS
Buck Belcher, 1st Company, passed away on 17
October 2023
Robert
Lamoureux, 2nd Company, died on 24 November 2023
Chris Naquin,
10th Company, died on 28 November 2023
Jack Cresko,
21st Company, died on 10 January 2024
Charles
Graham, 15th Company, passed on 28 January 2024
Liles
Creighton, 14th Company, died on 2 March 2024
Donald Carty,
20th Company, died on 7 March 2024
Joanne Coyle,
widow of Frank Coyle, 23rd Company, passed away on 23 February 2024
USNA
CLASS OF 1958 SHIPMATE COLUMN
MARCH
– APRIL 2024
■
THOMAS BUELL, USNA 1958, 12TH COMPANY – Admiral
Raymond Spruance USN, one of our most famous Naval Officers in WWII lived in
Pebble Beach CA in his retirement years and was a member of a local men's club
which I currently belong to. Recently
I was asked to give a talk to the club on the life of Admiral Spruance.
I obtained a copy of the biography of Admiral Spruance titled “The
Quiet Warrior” and discovered that the author was our Classmate Tom Buell.
As I further discovered Tom was a well known author and historian.
He received the Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Distinguished
Contribution to Naval Literature from the Naval Order of the United States
and the Alfred Thayer Mahan Award for Literary Achievement from the Navy
League. He also was the author of
“Master of Sea Power” a biography of Admiral of the Fleet Ernest King
and numerous other articles and books. Tom
passed away in 2002, but left behind a well done legacy.
(“The Quiet Warrior” is a great read if you are interested in
WWII in the Pacific.)
■
THE WASHINGTON SOCIAL WHIRL – On 30 November 2023 the DC chapters of
USNA 58 and USMA 58 gathered for their annual pre Army/Navy football game
luncheon. Harry Hurst (Navy) and
Brad Johnson (Army) were the speakers. Attending
from our Class were Jack and Ann Adams, Dan Bellay, Paul and Carolyn Brown,
Linda Gamboa, Gordon and Jane Gerson, Mike and Eileen Giglio, Harry Hurst,
Taylor Keith, Eric and Barbara Mansfield, Barbara Polski, and Pete and Julie Russell.
Paul
Brown presented the following poem which he wrote.
The Great '58
On
the 4th of June 1958 we graduated from West Point and the USNA
That morning was sixty five very long years ago, that was yesterday
Time
flows in one direction only, to the present and future from the past
If only we could revisit that day so very long ago and make it forever
last
We
served in the mountains, jungles, heat and rain of South Vietnam
and sailed underneath the polar ice of the Arctic Ocean for our Uncle Sam
We
served our country on land, in the air and under the deep blue sea
Our goal to keep the USA, the land of the brave and the home of the free
If
only we could reverse that flow of time and revisit those years long past
Joyful times with classmates long ago would be absolutely unsurpassed
May
God bless our deceased classmates from the Great Fifty Eight
their families, wives, children and grandchildren.
May their futures be great
■
MORE SOCIAL WHIRLING IN DC– On 8 December our Class Washingtonians
gathered at a Crystal City sports pub to view the Army/Navy game.
(The name of the pub and the game are best forgotten.)
On 14 December it was time for the annual Christmas luncheon at the
Army/Navy Country Club. Whitey and
Lois Edwards provided festive centerpieces and Polly Mitchell and Dan Bellay
provided the music for Christmas carols.
■
SUMMER CRUISE 1955 – PART VII (from the diary of Dave Ault, 10th
Company)
27 June - Anchors Away and right on schedule.
It was a sad day seeing Spain disappear.
I have to come back. Maybe
for a little longer stay. I would
make that darn train ride all over again just for one night with her in Madrid.
How long before I'll forget her? Probably
as soon as we hit London or soon after. What
a fool I am! Last day in the
office. The XO sort of wanted us
out. So did CDR Nash.
It's all right with me though they are darned screwed up.
But must remember they are ROTCs. We
got out at 1600 and didn't go back. It
is great to go out and just be on a blanket until movie time.
Worked on my plane. Don't
see how I can get it home if I finish it. Guess
I won't. Did practice on my
castanets though. Should have them
down pat by the time I get home.”His Majesty O'Keefe” wasn't too bad.
Typical Burt Lancaster at his fair to middling though.
Had a pleasant surprise when I hit the rack.
Letter from Mom. Very good,
long one. Full of good news too.
Dick's graduation and Sara tied for first in her class.
Hope she keeps it up for three more years.
I think it is just as important and I certainly practice what I preach.
Oh Life, how wonderful you are, especially over on this side of the
ocean. It was a great night of
sleep to look forward to. To bed so
early.
June – A full day of sailing. It
isn't rough at all yet. Still in
the Med. My first day as a sailor
doesn't seem as bad as working in the office was.
Much more free time and am outside all day.
Went to the movie again. “King Richard and the Crusaders”.
Had already seen it, but it was nice to look at Ginny Mayo again.
To bed early again. Guess it
will be a common practice from now on. At
least as long as I stand no watches. Hope
they forgot my name since I haven't gotten any yet.
They are so screwed up they probably have.
Spain is rapidly disappearing. Africa
has come up on the port beam. Not
as clearly seen as when we came in. We
should be out at sea again tomorrow. Started
a letter to MN tonight. It's going
to last a couple of days I guess. I
wish I'd written more often, but then her last letter seemed cooler than
previously they have been. Hope she
still wants to come to Maine. Buenos
Noches all.
29 June – Belle jour.
Up at 0600, turn to at 0615. Turned
in first Cruise Journal assignments. It
doesn't seem too bad as long as one pays attention at lectures.
And that's not too easy on a hot day.
Went through the usual GQ and gun firing.
Free tomorrow. Was all
decked out for a cool evening at the movies when they announced it would be
inside. That finished that.
Went to the rack immediately. Wrote
another page or two to MN. It is
getting to be a diary now. Must get
another one off to Mom and Ruthie, also brother Dick's birthday is coming up.
Graduation congrats too. It's
great to hear that he made it. Sara
too. To bed real early.
Probably won't sleep all night.
■
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER DEPARTMENT – Dianne Hughes the widow of Massie
Hughes, 3rd Company visited Iceland last year with Neta Sharp the
widow of Stan Sharp, 1st Company and
Dianne
sent me this picture of the two of them with the “58 IS GREAT” flag.
I misfiled the email, but Dianne followed up and resent her email.
Way to go Dianne.
Diana
Hughes and Neta Sharp in Iceland
■
CLOSING
RANKS
William
Simmons, 7th Company, passed away on 11 December 2023
Alan
Chodorow, 12th Company, died on 9 January 2024
Harry
Konkel, 6th Company, died on 6 January 2024
William
Simmons, 7th Company, passed on 11 December 2023
William
Smith, 4th Company, died on 25 November 2023
Arthur
Immerman, 2nd Company, died on 6 May 2023
Marcia
Stephenson, wife of Hap Stephenson, 15th Company, died on 21 July
2021
Shelia
Lanoue, wife of Bob Lanoue, 24th Company, died on 13 January 2024
Penelope
Rogers, widow of Richard Rogers, 20th Company died on 28 October 2023
Grace
Chevalier, wife of John Chevalier, 18th Company, died on 23 November
2023
USNA
CLASS OF 1958 SHIPMATE COLUMN
JANUARY-FEBRUARY
2024
■
WASHINGTON CHAPTER LUNCHEON – Not sure where, but
the when was 28 September. Harry
Hurst gave a talk about the new NCAA football rules, conference make-ups, and
Navy's 2023 team. Several Classmates shared memories of Bruce McCandless.
Dan Bellay recounted when Bruce rebuilt his Morris-Minor engine in the
NAS Pensacola BOQ. Gordon Gerson remembered when Bruce repaired a faulty space
camera during a simulated training mission in the cockpit of a space module and
Taylor Keith remembered Bruce always using a fountain pen when taking math
quizzes at USNA. Attending the
luncheon were Fred and Jackie Victor, Phil Taylor and his daughter and son in
law, Beverly Smedberg, Mike Salmon, Kay Powell, Barbara Polski, George and Anne
Ojalehto, Eric and Barbara Mansfield, Taylor and Lynn Keith, Harry Hurst, Marty
and Nancy Hill, Jesse Hernandez, Mike and Eileen Giglio, Gordon and Jane Gerson,
Linda Gamboa, Whitey and Lois Edwards, Dan Bellay, Jack and Ann Adams and John
and Pat Davis (visiting from California).
Photo
# 1
HARRY
HURST AND JACK ADAMS
■
LARSON AWARD – Our Class of 1958 leaders met with the Acting USNA Supe
to present our annual contribution to the Larson Award named in honor of Chuck
Larson.
JACK
ADAMS, RADM KACHER, GORDON GERSON AND FRED VICTOR
■
SECOND CLASS SUMMER – Eileen Giglio sent in a picture from our time at
Little Creek in the summer of 1956. It
should be noted that none of the four 58ers in the picture went into the
Marines. Al Lupfer and Tom O'Neill
went Navy Air, Joel Gill went Air Force Air and Mike Giglio went Air Force
Ground.
Photo
# 3
JOEL
GILL, MIKE GIGLIO, AL LUPFER, AND TOM O'NEILL
■
THEN AND NOW – Back when we were Midshipmen the salary for an Ensign
was $222/month and we received $111/month or 50% of the salary of an O1.
Now an Ensign gets $3,477/month base pay and Mids get $1,273/month.
Now, before you call to tell me that 1273 is not half of 3477 let me
explain that the present policy is that Service Academy students get 35% of the
O1 base salary. So what was then is
not what is now.
■
SUMMER CRUISE 1955 – PART VI (from the diary of Dave Ault, 10th
Company)
23 June – Up at 0800 and on to that long, hard train ride – I hated to leave
Madrid. It was a great town – I'm
going to miss muchacha mia for awhile also – I'll come back some day though
– maybe I'll see her again – it was the same train ride back – swapped
stories, slept and suffered from thirst. We
made it back okay – went immediately to the ship and to bed – watch at 0800
tomorrow.
24 June – Back to the routine -the office, ship and all look very uninviting.
Just ran errands and typed all day. Got
off at 2200 and caught the end of a poor movie – then to bed – all in all a
very poor day, but then there's liberty tomorrow – Did get off a letter to
Mario and Dick and Ellie.
25 June – hung around the office until 2 o'clock then hit the beach – walked
around, looking the city over and also picked up bull fight tickets. 72Pts
apiece. More sight seeing and a
little buying then to the arena. I was impressed by my first Toreros de Toros,
but didn't enjoy it too much – very bloody and also cruel.
The guy had guts though. El
toro was no little animal. But as
usual he lost – all six times. I
got some movies – should be interesting to the folks at home – After the
fight we found Los Caracoles and ate there with Dale Westbrook and a couple of
his buddies. Very good, am glad Dr.
H. told me of it. Went to the Bagdad
afterwards and was taken for muchas pesetas.
It was interesting though. Spanish
dancing and singing. Went to a bar
afterwards and teased the girls and then back to the boat.
The last time i'll set foot on Espana for some time I imagine.
I liked it here very much – Madrid especially.
I still have an ache in my heart for the city and one of the girls that
walks its streets – I'll be back some day.
26 June – Belle jour – Last day in Spain.
Posted the watch at 0800 and started a long, mixed-up day.
These ROTCs sure are Fubar .I finally got out by getting Jim Payne to
take my watch at 2000. I managed to
get to town finally and just walked around for an hour or two – Met Jim Adkins
who was having a little money trouble with a Spanish doll.
Got him squared away, had a few beers, walked the streets – feeling
pleasant. We did talk with mucho
chicas, but that's all. It ended my
stay in Spain -(it really ended in Madrid) – I felt a little better when the
evening ended than when it began. We
pull up anchor at 0930 tomorrow.
■
CLOSING RANKS
Denny Huff, 14th,
died on 27 July 2023
Bob Lane, 13th,
died on 25 September 2023
Jack Giddens,
10th, died on 27 September 2023
Stuart Craig,
21st, died on 28 September 2023
Ivan Nance, 10th,
died on 30 September 2023
Vic Gardy,
16th, died on 6 October 2023
Sam Belcher, 1st died
on 17 October 2023
Ron Fisher, 17th, died on 31
October 2023
James McNulla, 1st, died on 7
November 2023
Harold Hunter, 14th died on 9
November 2023
“
CAPTAIN
BILL HAMBLET AND JACK ADAMS”
■
CLOSING RANKS
Miles Mixon, 4th
Company, 4 August 2023
Jerry Larson,
18th Company, 8 August 2023
George Greer,
17th Company, 12 August 2023
Jack Osborn, 2nd
Company, 12 August 2023
Phil Meurer,
10th Company, 6 September 2023
Faye Barrett,
wife of Steve Barrett, 2nd Company, 31 January 2023
Alison
Williams, widow of George Williams, 2nd Company, 4 March 2023
Marilyn Osborn, wife of Jack
Osborn, 2nd Company, 12 March 2023
Dr. Cervone and Jack Adams
■ MAY
LUNCHEON (west coast version) – The San Francisco group of USNA Class of 1958
Classmates and spouses met at Paradise Valley Estates for lunch in May.
Those attending (from the left to the right in the attached photo) were
Jude Potter, Bill Gibson, John Potter, Nancy Bartels, Bruce Bartels, John Davis,
Bill Oliver and Virginia Oliver. (Note:
you will observe that fewer Classmates attended the West Coast luncheon, but
perhaps that is because it is harder to get to Paradise)
58ers in Paradise
■ THEN
AND NOW – In June of 1958 the Dow Jones Average was about 469 and a new Chevy
Impala cost $2841. Today the DJA is
3563 and a new Impala is $30,348. In
1958 an Ensign (01) received a base monthly pay of $222.
Today a 01 is paid $3477/month. When
we were Midshipmen we were paid $111/month.
Today Midshipmen are paid on the order of $1150/month, but just as in our
days there they do not receive all of that directly.
Uniforms must be paid for along with tailor shop fees, laundry fees, etc
and there is a nest egg waiting at the end of the four years.
They do receive a $75/month stipend during plebe summer which increases
to $125/month the remainder of plebe year and increases each year thereafter.
■ CLOSING
RANKS:
COL. Ricky Davidson, USAF, 4th Company, died on 17 June 2023
CAPT. Peter Roder USN, 24th Company died on 4 June 2023
James Van Hoose, 10th Company, died on 25 May 2023
Barbara Alexander, widow of
Richard Alexander, 10th Company passed away on 30 April 2023
RADM GEORGE MEINIG INTEGRATED AIR AND MISSILE
DEFENSE ENGINEERING CENTER
■
PHOTOS FROM THE 65TH
One of the events at our 65th reunion was a memorial service at the
Academy Chapel. After the service we
gathered on the steps of the Chapel for a picture.
“CLASS
OF 58 AT OUR 65TH”
The 21st
Company held a Company dinner at the Severn Inn during the reunion.
Those attending, from the left, were George McNulty, George Gallagher,
Rupe MacLean, Chet Nagle and Gene Porter.
“THE
21st AT THE 65th”
Reunion factoids – There were 79
Classmates who attended the 65th.
The Companies with the most attending were the 17th and the 24th
with 7 each.
■
CLOSING RANKS
Dick Hanson, 7th Company, passed away on 13
April 2023
Frank Bassett, 18th Company, died on 21 March
2023
Herbert Stiff, 16th Company, died on August 2nd
2022
Frank Coyle, 23red Company, passed away on 28 March 2023
Charles Korzinek, 7th Company, died on 23
January 2023
Marty Kuhneman, 5th Company, died on 7 April
2023
Patricia Bellay, wife of Dan Bellay, 7th
Company passed away on 28 April 2023
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