USS STERETT Association Chronological History
1998
June 20 – The USS STERETT Association is officially formed in Aurora, Colorado.
2001
June 15 – The USS STERETT Association holds its 2nd reunion in Longmont, Colorado (15 – 17 June).
2003
August 15 – The USS STERETT Association holds its 3rd reunion in Silverdale, Washington (15 – 17 August) near where DLG-31 was built.
September 18 – DD-407 begins its 22nd and last reunion at Springfield, IL, which is hosted by Debbie A. & her father Larry S. Sterett (18 – 22 September).
2005
June 23 – The USS STERETT Association holds its 4th reunion in Baltimore, Maryland (23 – 26 June), Lt. Andrew Sterett’s hometown.
2007
May 17 – The USS STERETT Association holds its 5th reunion in Portland, Maine (17 – 20 May), coinciding with the Christening of the new Sterett DDG-104 in nearby Bath Iron Works Shipyard.
2008
August 8 – Not an official reunion, yet the USS STERETT Association participates in the planning and sponsorship of the DDG-104 Commissioning in Baltimore. Over 60 members were in attendance.
2009
September 25 – The USS STERETT Association holds its 6th reunion in San Diego, California (25 – 27 September) – the first homeport of the new Sterett DDG-104, which offered the opportunity for the active-duty DDG-104 crew to join the reunion, and Sterett Shipmates and guests to tour the ship.
2011
September 20 – The USS STERETT Association holds its 7th reunion in Biloxi, Mississippi (20 – 22 May). After holding Reunions on the East and West Coasts, this was a great choice of location on the Gulf Coast. 91 Shipmates and guests were present.
2013
October 11 – The USS STERETT Association holds its 8th reunion in Branson, Missouri (11 – 13 October). A centrally located popular destination widely known for its wholesome, family-friendly atmosphere, along with its pride in our veterans, and with a mild climate and four seasons, an affordable year-round recreation. 99 Shipmates and guests attended the event.
2015
September 17 – The USS STERETT Association holds its 9th reunion in Tacoma, Washington (17 – 20 September). A return close to the birthplace of the DLG-31 and in the shadow of Mt. Rainier. 139 Shipmates and guests were in attendance.
2017
June 22 – The USS STERETT Association holds its 10th reunion in Nashville, Tennessee (22 – 25 June). A down-home good time was had by a record-breaking turnout in “Music City, U.S.A.” with 182 Shipmates and guests in attendance.
November 17 – The Commemorative Plaque Dedication Ceremony is held at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., in honor and memory of all who served on USS STERETT Ships.
2019
January 7 – The USS STERETT Association becomes a Plankowner of the National Museum of the Surface Navy (NMSN) at the Battleship IOWA at the Post of Los Angeles, California.
September 9 – The USS STERETT Association holds its 11th reunion in Jacksonville, Florida (19 – 22 September). The San Miguel sacrifice kept the storms away, breaking the attendance record at 186.
2021
January 16 – By a unanimous vote, the USS STERETT Association Board of Directors establishes the Stephen P. Hayes Memorial Award with the perpetual plaque to be located aboard DDG-104’s messdecks.
September 7 – The USS STERETT Association presents DDG-104 with the Stephen P. Hayes Memorial Award perpetual plaque at the Bali Hai in San Diego.
2022
May 12 – The USS STERETT Association holds its 12th reunion in San Antonio, Texas (12 – 15 May).
July 12 – The USS STERETT Association Board of Directors gather in San Diego at the Island Club NAS North Island. They host the USS STERETT (DDG 104) Command Triad and Shipmates, and attend the ship’s 10th Change of Command (14 July).
2023
May 4 – The USS STERETT Association holds its 13th reunion in San Diego, California (4 – 7 May). Although the newest USS STERETT (DDG 104) was not inport due to operational commitments, 211 Shipmates and guests attended to celebrate the USS STERETT Association’s 25th Anniversary and the USS STERETT (DDG 104)’s 15 years in keeping us safe around the world – hooyah!!!
Maintaining the objective of the Association by educating the public on the maritime heritage of all ships named STERETT as to the roles these ships played in the United States history, and the importance of preserving the ship’s historic data for future generations (2013 Bylaws, Article II).
