The Commissioning of the USS Sterett is set for Baltimore on August 9, 2008, at 1900. As Sterett continues preparations for the process of being “brought to life", there are many milestones to mark. We shall keep you updated on these commissioning events and events aboard ship.  One of the shipboard milestones will be when the Crew moves aboard Sterett on April 24, 2008.  This is an exciting and busy time for the crew.

Donations for the Commissioning are still coming in. As of this update, we have received donations from 10 of our members totaling $2,249.  A sincere thank you to our members who have contributed and if you have not made your contribution to this historic event, please consider doing so. Our goal is for the majority of our members to make a contribution.  Even a $10 contribution will demonstrate our Association’s support and commitment to our country’s newest and best DDG.  Here is information on how to make a contribution.

Please send your contribution to: 

                           Dennis Dean

                           Secretary-Treasurer, USS Sterett Association

                           1815 Kalorama Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009-5188 

Checks should be made payable to the USS Sterett Association. Please include your name, postal address, e-mail address and/or telephone number. Dennis will make sure your contribution is individually credited within the Navy League's DDG 104 Commissioning Committee recognition levels.  For recognition levels here is the link to our previous newsletter

http://sterett.net/Newsletters/Newsletter_20080326.htm

If you have any comments or questions concerning our contribution and support, you can e-mail Dennis at: dennis@dennis-dean.com  

Over the past month we've received many questions regarding the upcoming Commissioning. We thought we should share these FAQ’s with all hands.

1.     Are Association Members invited to the Post Commissioning Celebration?

·         Yes, there will be nonalcoholic beverages and light finger food served.  It is recommended that you eat dinner prior to the ceremony!

2.     Are Association Members limited on the number of Guests? 

·         The Association member and 3 guests are welcome.   If you are interested in bringing more guests, that is fine.  Please keep in mind a commissioning is an expensive event and we don’t want to put an undue financial burden on the Sterett Commissioning Committee.  If you would like to bring more than three guests , please consider making a contribution towards the commissioning. 

3.     Who is sponsoring the Picnic on Thursday, August 7^th from 1000-1300?

·         DDG 104

·         Sterett Association and the Sterett family are invited

4.     Will Security Badges and ID be required?

·         Names of all commissioning guests must be on security list, no name tags/security badges are required. 

·         ID will be required for anyone to pass through Port Authority and other security points. (A drivers license or valid ID card will be necessary)

5.     Who will receive Invitations to the Commissioning?

·         All Association members in good standing (approx 132)

·         Invitations to be mailed mid-June

6.     How will those not staying at the BWI Hilton receive directions to the Commissioning?

·         Directions to designated satellite parking will be provided after an RSVP is received from Association member.

If you have any other questions concerning the Sterett Commissioning, please contact Evan Mickel at evanmickel@comcast.net or cell 443.286.0191

·         Captain Reichert and his team have identified a hotel in San Diego where we can hold our reunion.

·         Dates are tentatively set for September 25-27, 2009

·         More exciting information will be shared as soon as things are confirmed.