USS Sterett Reunion 2009 - Homeward Bound Through San Diego

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            Shipmates Attending                                                                  Meeting Minutes                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Requires Adobe Reader   FREE -  

       once the city's early morning marine layer lifted each day, it delivered the fair skies and the warm climate many of us remember from our active duty days there.

       After checking in at our ad hoc "Quarterdeck" room in the Reunion hotel, many proceeded to the designated "LZ" (Charlie's - Fun, Food, and Spirits) for just that.

       The shipmates' business meeting on Saturday morning was deliberative and decisive. Several open issues were resolved following the financial and membership reports.

       The work of the 2009 Reunion Committee and the 2007- 2009 Association Board members were duly recognized.  A new Board for the 2009-2011 term was elected and the

       membership selected Biloxi, Mississippi as the site of our next Reunion in 2011.

       Quite fortunately, the long hoped for group tour of the newest USS Sterett DDG 104  ( homeported in San Diego but always subject to operational scheduling) came to fruition.

       The entire afternoon tour went off like clockwork - due to great planning. The vets and Association guests were dazzled by the ship's newer technologies and impressed by the

        professionalism and morale of the DDG 104 crew.

        The Reunion Dinner Saturday night  brought together the full energy of the weekend. A color guard and several other active duty sailors from the 104 were in attendance ,

         including the ship's new Commanding Officer - CDR Darren G. McPherson, the XO, CDR James R. Blankenship, and Command Master Chief CMDCM Michael D. Johnston.

        Outgoing President Wayne McBrian MC'd the festivities and there was a good round of  presentations,  including remarks from Debbie Sterett (Sterett family), Le T Phung

        (1983 CG 31 Vietnamese boat rescue friends of Sterett), and a prayer from Donald Den Dulk (our Reunion Chaplain). 

        The memorial service on Sunday morning was led by an invocation from Rev Den Dulk and a special tribute to DD 407 shipmates killed in action in WWII with narration of the

        battle and the sounding of the ship bell for each of the 28 lost during the Campaign to Hold Guadalcanal.  Sterett vets who had passed away since our last Reunion  were

        also remembered. The service concluded with the singing of the Navy Hymn. The service was followed by the installation of new officers.

        Great farewells between old and new friends continued on through noon checkout and beyond.  (And, naturally,  the Chargers won their home game stand that afternoon!)

Business Meeting  - Saturday Morning

Alert and ready for business. Some had "mid-watch" last night

Association VP Mike Cornforth gives full report to the membership

"It's been awhile since I last crossed a Sterett brow!" 

"This time around, taking the ladder to the 03 was a real workout!"

"Passage through the crew mess deck - aka "Andrew's Place".

    "The 5 inch mount should be aft, right?"

Grande Tour of the 104 - group photo

    Color Guard smartly marshals in the evening festivities

 Followed later by another command performance on the dance floor.

Outgoing President Wayne McBrian, incoming President Bob Johnson, and 2009 Reunion Chairman HE Reichert.