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.   

Commissioning Events Schedule

 This Just In !  A few More Items are in the Works

Chance to see an American League ballgame in style and then some!:  Over the Commissioning weekend, the Baltimore Orioles will have a three day home stand against the Texas Rangers in nearby Camden Yards ballpark. Now there's one great opportunity to take in the game on Friday night or Sunday afternoon as part of your visit!

For those heading over to either game, transportation should be easy. You can travel from the Hotel to Camden Yards either by Light-Rail or use the bus being provided to take the DDG 104 Crew there. (Note: To keep it simple, purchase of Orioles tickets, peanuts, and crackerjacks should be made by Sterett Association shipmates independently. We will provide tips and more details to help guide you on this in the next newsletter).

While seeing a game at this showcase ball park is always a treat, Evan is pleased to announce that in honor of the Commissioning, Maryland Governor O'Malley has offered DDG 104 crew and Sterett Association members seats in the Camden Yards Governor Box for the Sunday Afternoon game. Plans are to have a drawing* for the Association's four pairs of passes. Eligible for this drawing will be all those attending the Commissioning under the auspices of the Sterett Association (including members of the Sterett family). 

The other chance to try your luck:  As already mentioned in the Announcement above, there will also be a separate drawing* a free room upgrade and two free nights for all those who booked their room at our recommended hotel: the BIW Baltimore Hilton.

*No Sterett Association funds are being utilized in these two drawings. More details will be made available in an upcoming newsletter.

Our POD (Commissioning Weekend at Leisure) 

No need to be too regimented here. Hope to keep things flexible. We have layed out a few timeframes to help you plan your visit around the grand event at 7PM Saturday. Be there to see the USS Sterett's first crew bring the ship to life for service to the fleet! The other suggested activities are optional and up to you - but highly recommended!

Below is the link to the POD for the Christening Weekend now posted on our website. It will be updated on a regular basis to keep you abreast of any changes or new items. From the POD page, you will be able to link to the full week's schedule of events (presented above) that begins with DDG-104's arrival in port on August 2nd. This schedule should be of interest for early arrivers. It includes a family picnic planned by the Sterett family to be held at Fort McHenry from 1000-1300 on Thursday August 7th. Association members and their guests are invited! (Further details will follow). This weekly schedule page will be also updated on our website, as needed.

Commissioning Weekend POD 

Quick Poll Survey

Thanks to all newsletter subscribers who responded to last month's "A Show of Hands, Please" quick poll on who's planning to attend the Commissioning. The results help us move forward on the planning, especially on the Hotel decision/negotiation. Planning for next year's Reunion in San Diego is underway and a similar survey is anticipated. With your assistance, this will guide the 2009 Reunion Planning Committee in plotting our course back to Point Loma for that Event. 

Got Questions?

If you have any questions or suggestions about the plans for the Commissioning, please direct them to Evan who will serve as primary contact:

                                         Evan Mickel Officer at Large,  Sterett Association

                                         E-mail:   evanmickel@comcast.net

                                         Cell Phone:  443-286-0191

                                         Secondary contact:

                                         Wayne McBrian, President, Sterett  Association   

                                          E-Mail:  mcbrian@msn.com                                      

Wayne and Evan at the 19 March 2008 Commissioning Committee Meeting in Baltimore

(Courtesy of the IPhone paparazzi)