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USS ALASKA (CB-1)
MINUTES OF MEETING
March 19, 2010
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA
Chairman, Charles St. George, opened the Annual Meeting with the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Karen Smith read a letter from Michael Shea, who was unable to attend
the meeting, since he will be finished with his class work in May, and
plans to graduate in October with his Masters degree. As you know his
thesis is his work on the USS Alaska, which he reported was in full
swing.
The 2009 Financial Report was submitted and discussed, again
reiterating the subject of self-sustaining reunions, which were
constant until recently.
This year's reunion was very successful, due to the amount of time
and work expended by Jim and Karen Smith. Karen spent hours on the phone
contacting everyone on the 2006 Roster. She made over 200 calls. The
response was 65 said yes, they were going to come but when the deadline
came there were actually 32, so they set about making final arrangements
with rooms needed, the tickets for the planned activities, travel
arrangements with a very accommodating trolley and bus company in the
area, meal menus, etc. At the last minute we received cancellations from
five people, which was substantial change in all above mentioned needs.
These were the reasons that this was advertised as the "Final Reunion".
Planning and expenses become more of an issue than years ago.
Regardless of the above, it was continually brought up that we should
continue to have reunions; several other areas were suggested, such as
Mystic, Providence, Hartford, and the Thousand Islands again. Chairman
Charlie responded that wherever reunions are held, it is important that
the hotel would provide free shuttle service to and from the airport. He
also indicated that the only type of reunion he would be physically able
to coordinate would be in the Buffalo area, and since we met so many
times there (4) people might not want to come. Several people mentioned
that they would attend Buffalo again, because the only reason was to get
together, not necessarily a full schedule of activities. When voting,
most everyone voted "aye" to be held again in Buffalo.
Special recognition was given to Bill Grhaham of the 6th Division for
having 3 additional members of his family in attendance and also Jim &
Karen Smith for having their son-in-law and daughter, Chief Robert
McVeigh (Ret.) and his wife Kitty McVeigh. Chairman Charlie noted that
having family members attend is an excellent way to keep the reunions
alive.
Respectfully submitted,
Norma St. George
Secretary
USS ALASKA (CB-1) REUNION
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA
MARCH, 2010
This 28th Renunion of the USS Alaska CB-1 was entirely organized by
Jim and Karen Smith. It was most successful because of their efforts. It
was indeed a great pleasure having Captain Noble's son, Comdr. Thomas
Noble with us. We also had some "first timers" with us.
Our first day was spent greeting people as they arrived. We had use
of a beautiful multi-functional room to gather for Hospitality,
Breakfasts, Meeting, etc.
On Thursday we visited the Naval Air Museum at Pensacola Naval Air
Station. During this guided tour we saw all sorts of naval airplanes
beginning with the very historic first attempts right down through the
world wars. it brought back many memories for our members seeing the
planes used during WWII such as an actual Japanese Zero, U.S. Fighter
planes, a replica of the Atom Bomb, and lots of others all described in
detail. Many know the type of plane before our guide could tell us.
Since this is the home of the famous Blue Angels, we were treated to
seeing, in formation in the Museum, the latest retired models.
Unfortunately they were out of town when we were there, or we could have
seen them practice. We had lunch at the Museum Restaurant. That evening
we again loaded the bus to the Naval Air Station Officers Club for our
Annual Banquet. Our speaker was Pastor Sean LaGasse, and the other guest
was Scott Brown, both of Pensacola area. Pastor LaGasse gave a very
inspiring talk. Chief Robert McVeigh (Ret.) also gave a nice talk about
the World War II Navy Veterans.
On Friday we drove about an hour in order to tour the battleship
U.S.S. Alabama and WWII Submarine U.S.S. Drum and another air museum.
The Alabama tour was a close reminder of our beloved U.S.S. Alaska and
those days when the men were your and daring and strong. Having
previously been visitors at the U.S.S. Alaska nuclear submarine, the
U.S.S. Drum seemed exceedingly small. After touring all the areas above
and below deck of the U.S.S. Alabama, and going from stem to stern, we
were then served lunch in the wardroom. On board was a group of news
people who were working on a project regarding the war in the Pacific,
and they interviewed the Chairman and Jim Smith; this segment was viewed
on the local TV station -- probably one whole minute of the 10 minute
interview, but it was exciting. Activities were concluded with dinner
and our Annual meeting held in the Hospitality Room.
In conclusion, we want to express our sincere thanks to the Crowne
Plaza Hotel for their wonderful facilities and meals as well as the
hospitality shown to us. Also, our sincere appreciation to Tom McKean of
Beach Bum Trolley was responsible for our wonderful trips, tours and
lunches.
*********************************************************************
Our sincere appreciation and thanks to David Bowman of the 1st
Div. and to James Sutton of the Guest Div. for providing us with all the
photos of our Pensacola, Florida renunion. An outstanding job! To
save space we had to collage some of the pictures we will add more in
the next edition of the NORTH STAR.
U.S.S. ALASKA (CB-1) REUNION
JUNE 14-17,2006
MILLENNIUM HOTEL, BUFFALO, N.Y.
I am sorry to say that our 2006 reunion was poorly attended, but
still successful, eventful, and "lots of fun." There were 22 people in
attendance, with only 10 crewmembers attending. However, even being the
smallest group we have ever had, the hotel statftreated us as if we were
a large group. The meals were great and our hospitality room was always
ready with food and beverages.
As you read in the minutes of our meeting, it again was voted to have
it at the same place for 2007 and again voted to start our reunions with
check-in on Wednesday and check-out on Saturday. This will enable all of
the fathers to be home with their families on Father's Day. Personally,
I thought this was a great idea and hoped it would increase our
attendance, but unfortunately it did not work.
This year, it was nice seeing members of the Buschlen and Freeman
families. Hope next year we will have several more members of our
families joining us. It's nice to see the young people show an interest
in our group.
It was suggested that I publish the roster of the U.S.S. ALASKA
(CB-1) in Division order so people can contact members of their division
to attend the reunions. The last pages of the newsletter have the
listing. Also, everyone can see if there 2006 dues have been paid
The trip to Lewiston Power Project as well the tour of Buffalo was
very interesting. Our tour guide for Saturday was super great and gave a
history of the City of Buffalo. The two places that the group had lunch
were beautiful with plenty of food.
This year the "T" Division was in first place with three attending.
The reminder of the group consisted of one member each.
I would like to thank James Cavanagh and John Bollenbacher for all
the pictures they took and mailed or e-mailed to me. Due to space
limitations, I am unable to put them all in this edition. The next issue
will carry some more of the pictures.
Also, we would to thank my grandson, Jake Proper for being our guest
speaker of the evening, along with reading a few of the letters his
students wrote to us.
At our Annual Banquet, Linda Schulz, Sales Mgr. and Ron Flatley,
Banquet Mgr. of the Millennium Hotel, were presented with a U.S.S.
ALASKA (CB-1) commemorative plaque showing our appreciation for services
rendered during the past three years.
Hope we see you next year in Buffalo.
Charlie St. George
Chairman
FUTURE FOR U.S.S. ALASKA REUNIONS
We need input from everyone regarding the future of our reunions.
I recognize that attendance has dropped significantly for many
reasons and this year's attendance was the lowest in our history. There
were only 10 official Alaska crew members, and the rest of our total of
20 people were spouses or family of former members. It looks like this
past reunion could be our last one.
In order to even consider planning a reunion for 2007, I will need
input from those of you who are still interested. As noted in the
minutes, I was advised by those attending to send out a questionnaire to
everyone so we know what action to take.
Would you please take a minute to print & complete
the form located here.
Please return it to me at:
U.S.S. ALASKA REUNION
c/o Charles St. George
25 Leon Place
Fredonia, NY 14063-1313
2007 Reunion Dates Changed to June 20, 21, 22, & 23, 2007
U.S.S. ALASKA (C.B.1)
MINUTES OF MEETING
JUNE 16,2006
BUFFALO, N.Y.
Chairman, Charles St. George, opened the 9 am meeting with the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.
The 2005 Financial Report was submitted and the Chairman mentioned that
the reunions were selfsustaining, but he depended upon donations to keep
the North Star in operation. He thanked the many people who generously
supported our group throughout the year. Motion was made by Jim
Cavanaugh and seconded by Pete Fiorini to accept the financial and
treasurer's report, and passed unanimously.
The Chairman then brought up the subject of self-sustaining reunions,
which were constant up to this year. He mentioned the fact that bus
companies, no matter where reunions are held, require at least 49
people. In working with the bus company this time, the representative
was able to help us out by reducing the minimum number to 25; otherwise
we would have had to cancel the bus trips. Even with the number 25, we
only had 20 on the first day and 22 on the second day, and we had to pay
the minimum. The money to cover this "loss" necessarily came from our
treasury. He indicated that should this situation continue (less than
45-49 people attending) he would no longer be able to make arrangements
for further reunions.
Discussion followed: John Cahill made a motion and seconded by Jack
Dishaw to continue having reunions, but to send a notice informing
everyone that a commitment needed to be made. Ed Smith made a notion,
seconded by Jim Cavanaugh to have the next reunion in Buffalo again at
the same place. Both motions were passed. There was further discussion
as to how best to go about getting people committed and interested in
coming. It was decided that Charlie contact everyone through the North
Star newsletter using a flyer or a questionnaire to get input from
members. James Cavanaugh felt it important to go back to people that
have attended other years and suggested that each of the members make an
effort to get in contact with the men within their division to see what
could be accomplished. This probably wouldn't happen until after the
August newsletter has been sent out.
Peter Fiorini made a motion to close the meeting seconded by Joe Jarvis.
Respectfully submitted,
Norma St. George
Secretary
