Commissioning Event Bulletin Board

(check here for Commissioning news, updates, corrections)

1.) Announcement on 31 March 2008 Sterett Association Newsletter:

Announcement

Commissioning for the newest Sterett (DDG 104) is set for Saturday, August, 9th at 1900.

As a USS Sterett Association member, you are invited to be part of this historic event as an official guest of PCO Cdr. Brian Eckerle and the crew.

The Commissioning will take place at Locust Point, in Baltimore, MD, near historic Fort McHenry.

Baltimore is the birthplace of Andrew Sterett. It is also the home of USS Constellation, the last all-sail warship built by the US Navy in 1854 and namesake of Andrew Sterett's first ship.  The Constellation will be towed from her current berth at the Baltimore Inner Harbor and brought alongside the USS Sterett especially for this event.

We have 50 rooms reserved for Association members at the area's newest hotel, the BWI Hilton. The hotel is convenient to the airport, Maryland Light Rail System, and most Sterett related events.

The special rate for the Sterett Association for Friday and Saturday nights is $123.00 per night (plus tax).  That's a considerable savings over the normal rate of $189.00  And as an added incentive, there will be a drawing for a complimentary room upgrade and two free nights stay at the BWI Hilton.* Check out the hotel at:  http://www.hiltonbaltimorebwi.com/

For those that can arrive early, there are lots of activities planned leading up to the commissioning for the crew and Association members. See the Things To Do list and Commissioning schedule of events covered below.

This is going to be a unique and memorable event.  Start making your plans to attend.  Hope to see you there. 

*Private contributions were made to support these incentives.  No USS Sterett Association funds were utilized for these drawings.

Hotel Specifics

To make reservations at the BWI Hilton, please call 1-800-HILTONS.  Mention Sterett Association to get the special group rate.  You will need a credit card to confirm your room.  Check in date is Friday, August 8^th at 4:00 p.m.  Checkout date is Sunday, August 10^th at 12:00 p.m.  Cut-off date for confirming your reservation is July 9^th.

Suggested things to do…

The biggest attraction for visitors to Baltimore is the Inner Harbor.  Many popular attractions are located here including, the Maryland Science Center, the National Aquarium, great restaurants, and shops galore.  When you come to Baltimore the Inner Harbor is a must see.  The Inner Harbor is very walkable.  Make sure you wear comfortable shoes.

If your schedule permits and you have an interest in exploring beyond the Inner Harbor, consider getting a day pass for the water taxi.  Here is a link to the water taxi service: 

http://www.thewatertaxi.com/index2.html 

The website also contains a list of Baltimore attractions.

In addition to the Inner Harbor attractions, the water taxi service has stops at Fort McHenry, Fells Point, and Canton.  You can easily spend a full day exploring the Inner Harbor and its many amenities.

If you brought your kids with you, grab a loaf of bread and spend time feeding the ducks at the Inner Harbor. This  is a simple and inexpensive activity that will keep children entertained.
Most often fish and seagulls will join feeding party. Beware of dive bombing seagulls!!!

Transportation

One thought, if you plan to fly, you may want to consider booking your flight soon. With fuel costs rising there may be another round of fare increases before August.

The BWI Hilton provides a complimentary shuttle service to and from BWI Airport.  Shuttles run about every 30 minutes.  Or if you are at the airport just pick up a phone at one of several hotel kiosks.  As you approach the airport, go all the way to the end, just past the international terminal is a Maryland Light Rail stop.  The Light rail is a convenient and fun way to get around.  An unlimited day pass is only $3.50.  Here is a link to the Light rail schedule

http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/lightrail/schedule/. 

If you do decide to take the light rail, make sure to print out a schedule.  Not every light rail train goes to BWI.  There are a multitude of events being planned especially for our Sterett Association members.  We shall keep you posted as plans are finalized.

Again, we hope to see you in Baltimore at this historic and unique commissioning of the USS Sterett.   

2.) Post-Commissioning Reception and Ships' Tour

Immediately following the Commissioning proceedings and ceremony,  Sterett Association shipmates and guests are invited to the Post-Commissioning Reception that is to be held nearby within the Cruise Terminal. This will be a great time to reunite, meet, and greet and get caught up in the excitement of Commissioning night. Light fare and non-alcohol beverages will be served. (Some my want to plan for a full meal earlier or afterwards).

Simultaneously, all will have a chance to take top-side tours of the Newest Ship in the Navy and the USS Constellation - the historic wooden frigate -  that will be brought out from her regular berth in the Inner Harbor to align with DDG-104 for this special occasion.

3.) Weekend Welcome

"All Ashore,  that's going Ashore!" Join other Commissioning arrivals for the happy hour, on Friday August 8th , drop in at the Hilton BWI  Airport Acqua Lounge between 1600-1900.  $1.00 off domestic drafts and bottles. A great opportunity to lob off the latest variation of your best, saltiest sea story.

4.) Special Link for Reservations at Recommended Hotel Now Available

The Hilton Baltimore BIW Airport Hotel  - our recommended accommodations for the Commissioning - has provided us with a special link for making your reservations

at the Sterett Assocation discount rate. Go to our Hotel Information/Reservation page and then click on the special On-Line link in the Making Hotel Reservations section.

 Hotel Info/ reservations Page

5.) Seating at the Commissioning

Sterett Association members attending the Commissioning will be issued Green passes (as a "Veterans" group). Seating will be in the Green Pass section . A sign will be there, with the seats roped off so the STERETT Association members can all sit together.  Attire will be business casual.    

6.) Keynote Speaker Announced

We are pleased to learn from the Commissioning Planning Committee that Keynote speaker for Commissioning will be Secretary of the Navy Dr. Donald Winter.