Reunions
2022 Wilmington NC
KNOX KNEWS – FALL REUNION SPECIAL
/CAPE FEAR REPORT – Wilmington, NC was a perfect reunion destination; plenty of history, an eight-block historic district filled with charming restaurants, shops and h-i-s-to-r-y. The city has long been a trading port and Civil War lifeline for southern forces in spite of the fearsome triangle of mariner’s hazards and storms – Cape Fear, Frying Pan Shoals and Cape Hatteras along the northern approaches to Cape Fear. Sailor Beware! During our visit Hurricane Fiona passing east of us, Red Flagging the local beaches and delivering 30 minutes of heavy rain, then hurried north to slam into Nova Scotia. Our weather was pleasant throughout.
Our first tour was the battleship USS NORTH CAROLINA BB-55, a state war memorial to 10,000 plus NC veterans from all wars. The ship is the most decorated battleship in WWII. Sharp eyed sailors quickly noticed the two-tone paint scheme and concluded volunteers were part of the way through the painting process often referred to as “dip the ship” – a complete, bottom to top, paint job. In addition to the three massive main 16” turrets, there ship has 10 - 5” mounts, 60 40mm, 36-53 20mm, and 1.1 in guns seemed to be everywhere. One of our members located the name of a friend’s father who served aboard the battleship during WWII. USS N. CAROLINA ranks high in historic ship preservation.
After lunch, a cruise on Cape Fear River put the active port terminal and shipping facilities on display. A delightful afternoon on the water. A short bus ride back to our hotel where groups sampled fresh seafood and other dinner delights often accompanied with Carolina dipping sauce – not to be missed. Not all were familiar with fish like Red Drum, Corvina and Black Sea Bass but those who ordered were not disappointed. Clams and oysters were universal choices – with Carolina sauces to accentuate the quality.
Special guest and speaker VFW senior leader Kelly Goddard arrived with brother Butch, CSCM in tow and spent many hours with our group in the hospitality room. These W Virginia natives were very familiar with Wilmington and all its charms. Kelly and Butch were highly ranked WV high school quarterbacks before joining the Navy and both served aboard the USS GRAPPLE ARS – 7. Sound familiar? GRAPPLE was the earliest arrival at Pratas Reef midnight of the day FRANK KNOX grounded in 1965. He witnessed 38 days of typhoons and struggle to free our ship.
Reunion second day featured the Wilmington Railroad Museum – a fascinating collection of memories and rolling stock delighting everyone. Our engineering veterans all took turns trying on the engineer’s duties on the locomotives. Our lunch break found us wandering the famed boardwalk in search of food and sights like the veteran’s memorial on the boardwalk looking directly across the river to USS N. CAROLINA. One restaurant was in the former Maritime Museum (now relocated) complete with dozens of art and artifacts from the museum. Following lunch, we rode through the historic homes section to the Science and History Museum. Here the mystery of the Capes and Shoals was revealed. Ocean water began 30 miles out 8000 years BCE ago. At 3000 years BCE the ocean was three miles out; 100 years ago, the ocean covered the high ground creating barrier islands and shoals, thus the Capes to be Feared as earlier mariners called them. Evening hospitality was enjoyed by all. The room also served a meeting point for several “Royal Reef Runners” as veterans of Pratas Reef are referred to – Kelly Goddard was joined by FKRA members Don Greer, Mike Haloski and Rick Swaney. These men reviewed 48 power point slides and three pages of notes before their appearance at Friday night’s banquet to recall their experiences.
Friday morning, the annual Business meeting reviewed our financial position and chose the site of the 2023 FKRA Reunion. Finances remain strong thanks to Life Members, Annual Members and our two auctions – the reunion White Elephant Auction and the Annual Veteran’s Auction of valued items and memorabilia. The 2023 Reunion destination is Seattle and our Alaska Cruise, beginning and ending in Seattle. Make your plans to attend – details to follow. Seattle was a very popular choice. Following the business meeting our White Elephant Auction raised over $1325.00 for the Association. After an afternoon free, members and guests gather for the annual banquet.
The banquets included a happy hour followed by a selection of beef/rice, chicken and shrimp. Following dinner and pledge President Harry Chandler saluted POW/MIAs in our traditional ceremony. Harry then introduced Communications VP Steve Cross who introduced the four WILMINGTON “Royal Reef Runners” to recall specific details of their 38 days on and around Pratas Reef in 1965. Never before seen photos from Don Greer, Roger Mullinix and Gary Platou as well as many illustrations from the Salvage Report brought home the storm filled days and nights while crews struggled to release the FRANK KNOX from the death grip of the reef. Dramatic day of refloating photos showed the foam-filled ship floating free after the 38-day ordeal.
Wives, daughters and granddaughters were moved by the detail and personal insights shared by their sailors imply doing their duty. Our guest Kelly Goddard personally witnessed the entire38-day ordeal from the bridge of USS GRAPPLE as the Captain’s talker, or communicator. Goddard concluded “ they were doing their duty, but in my mind they were heroes, everyone of them.” Frank Knox Reunion Association is grateful to VFW and Commander, Kelly Goddard and his brother for adding to our reunion. WILMINGTON. More info and pictures 2022 Willmington NC - U.S.S. Frank Knox DDR-742 (ussfrankknox.com)
KNOX KNEWS – FALL REUNION SPECIAL
/CAPE FEAR REPORT – Wilmington, NC was a perfect reunion destination; plenty of history, an eight-block historic district filled with charming restaurants, shops and h-i-s-to-r-y. The city has long been a trading port and Civil War lifeline for southern forces in spite of the fearsome triangle of mariner’s hazards and storms – Cape Fear, Frying Pan Shoals and Cape Hatteras along the northern approaches to Cape Fear. Sailor Beware! During our visit Hurricane Fiona passing east of us, Red Flagging the local beaches and delivering 30 minutes of heavy rain, then hurried north to slam into Nova Scotia. Our weather was pleasant throughout.
Our first tour was the battleship USS NORTH CAROLINA BB-55, a state war memorial to 10,000 plus NC veterans from all wars. The ship is the most decorated battleship in WWII. Sharp eyed sailors quickly noticed the two-tone paint scheme and concluded volunteers were part of the way through the painting process often referred to as “dip the ship” – a complete, bottom to top, paint job. In addition to the three massive main 16” turrets, there ship has 10 - 5” mounts, 60 40mm, 36-53 20mm, and 1.1 in guns seemed to be everywhere. One of our members located the name of a friend’s father who served aboard the battleship during WWII. USS N. CAROLINA ranks high in historic ship preservation.
After lunch, a cruise on Cape Fear River put the active port terminal and shipping facilities on display. A delightful afternoon on the water. A short bus ride back to our hotel where groups sampled fresh seafood and other dinner delights often accompanied with Carolina dipping sauce – not to be missed. Not all were familiar with fish like Red Drum, Corvina and Black Sea Bass but those who ordered were not disappointed. Clams and oysters were universal choices – with Carolina sauces to accentuate the quality.
Special guest and speaker VFW senior leader Kelly Goddard arrived with brother Butch, CSCM in tow and spent many hours with our group in the hospitality room. These W Virginia natives were very familiar with Wilmington and all its charms. Kelly and Butch were highly ranked WV high school quarterbacks before joining the Navy and both served aboard the USS GRAPPLE ARS – 7. Sound familiar? GRAPPLE was the earliest arrival at Pratas Reef midnight of the day FRANK KNOX grounded in 1965. He witnessed 38 days of typhoons and struggle to free our ship.
Reunion second day featured the Wilmington Railroad Museum – a fascinating collection of memories and rolling stock delighting everyone. Our engineering veterans all took turns trying on the engineer’s duties on the locomotives. Our lunch break found us wandering the famed boardwalk in search of food and sights like the veteran’s memorial on the boardwalk looking directly across the river to USS N. CAROLINA. One restaurant was in the former Maritime Museum (now relocated) complete with dozens of art and artifacts from the museum. Following lunch, we rode through the historic homes section to the Science and History Museum. Here the mystery of the Capes and Shoals was revealed. Ocean water began 30 miles out 8000 years BCE ago. At 3000 years BCE the ocean was three miles out; 100 years ago, the ocean covered the high ground creating barrier islands and shoals, thus the Capes to be Feared as earlier mariners called them. Evening hospitality was enjoyed by all. The room also served a meeting point for several “Royal Reef Runners” as veterans of Pratas Reef are referred to – Kelly Goddard was joined by FKRA members Don Greer, Mike Haloski and Rick Swaney. These men reviewed 48 power point slides and three pages of notes before their appearance at Friday night’s banquet to recall their experiences.
Friday morning, the annual Business meeting reviewed our financial position and chose the site of the 2023 FKRA Reunion. Finances remain strong thanks to Life Members, Annual Members and our two auctions – the reunion White Elephant Auction and the Annual Veteran’s Auction of valued items and memorabilia. The 2023 Reunion destination is Seattle and our Alaska Cruise, beginning and ending in Seattle. Make your plans to attend – details to follow. Seattle was a very popular choice. Following the business meeting our White Elephant Auction raised over $1325.00 for the Association. After an afternoon free, members and guests gather for the annual banquet.
The banquets included a happy hour followed by a selection of beef/rice, chicken and shrimp. Following dinner and pledge President Harry Chandler saluted POW/MIAs in our traditional ceremony. Harry then introduced Communications VP Steve Cross who introduced the four WILMINGTON “Royal Reef Runners” to recall specific details of their 38 days on and around Pratas Reef in 1965. Never before seen photos from Don Greer, Roger Mullinix and Gary Platou as well as many illustrations from the Salvage Report brought home the storm filled days and nights while crews struggled to release the FRANK KNOX from the death grip of the reef. Dramatic day of refloating photos showed the foam-filled ship floating free after the 38-day ordeal.
Wives, daughters and granddaughters were moved by the detail and personal insights shared by their sailors imply doing their duty. Our guest Kelly Goddard personally witnessed the entire38-day ordeal from the bridge of USS GRAPPLE as the Captain’s talker, or communicator. Goddard concluded “ they were doing their duty, but in my mind they were heroes, everyone of them.” Frank Knox Reunion Association is grateful to VFW and Commander, Kelly Goddard and his brother for adding to our reunion. WILMINGTON. More info and pictures 2022 Willmington NC - U.S.S. Frank Knox DDR-742 (ussfrankknox.com)
2021 Albuquerque a success
Great hotel and meals, friends new and old, plus a super tour package! Thursday tour took everyone along the TURQUOISE TRAIL and historic route 66. Historic buildings along the way and in SANTE FE. The tale of a mysterious wooden spiral staircase captivated everyone. Lunch in historic Santa Fe plus the Georgia O’Keefe museum and the Palace of the Governors. Groups gathered after for small dinner groups at several restaurants within walking distance of our hotel. Then back to our hospitality room for more stories.
Friday, our breakfast buffet was ready before heading out to tour the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. Fascinating exhibits inside and a complete Air Museum outside. Members viewed a B-52, B-47 and B-29 bombers. Full scale rockets and actual casings of recovered A-bombs from “Broken Arrow” events. Lunch followed in historic Old Town Albuquerque. After lunch the group took time for remembrance and reflection at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial. New Mexico is a very respectful and patriotic state. This memorial, inside 7 acres of dedicated ground, celebrated every aspect of service from the call to duty to the home coming. A fitting end to our tours. Dinner groups formed again for wine and food. Two restaurants across from our hotel provided fine food for all.
Saturday – we finished our annual business meeting knowing our finances remain the third week in September. [More information as our hotel search narrows down.] The annual white elephant auction netted a new record $2400 for the treasury, including the drawing for the 4-day room prize.
Our final banquet included an annual tradition newly named for Piper Jim Healy who passed away in 2021. The tradition will continue – including the piper leading us into the banquet room. This banquet food and service will be hard to beat. Pictures before and after show how much everyone enjoys our reunions. New attendees echoed “I can’t wait to sign up for next year.
2020 VIRTUAL REUNION EVENTS
Below is the schedule for the Final 2020 Reunion events
Virtual Reunion Social on line
November 8th - 1944-1955 Crew, relatives from– Sunday afternoon,
1pm Pacific, 2pm Mountain, 3pm Central and 4pm Eastern time.
November 9th - 1955-1965 Crew, relatives from– Monday afternoon,
1pm Pacific, 2pm Mountain, 3pm Central and 4pm Eastern time.
November 10th - 1965-1971 Crew, relatives from– Tuesday afternoon,
1pm Pacific, 2pm Mountain, 3pm Central and 4pm Eastern time.
2020 Reunion Social: Join your shipmates for a Zoom meeting by phone. Please call on your assigned group day .
Call: 1-669-900-9128, When prompted, enter the meeting ID number: 972 962 3283. There is no participant id required, so just press the # sign. You will then be notified you are in the "waiting room".
Your host, Steve Cross, will identify himself and welcome the group. He will then call on individuals to speak for a few minutes.
If you are having trouble entering the meeting, please call Harry Chandler at 928-925-9490.
THIS IS A CHANCE TO JOIN SHIPMATES IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME!
Our annual WHITE ELEPHANT AUCTION is on line this year.
Auction opens Sunday November 8th at 12pm Eastern time and
goes through Saturday, November 14th, 5pm Eastern time.
Below is the schedule for the Final 2020 Reunion events
Virtual Reunion Social on line
November 8th - 1944-1955 Crew, relatives from– Sunday afternoon,
1pm Pacific, 2pm Mountain, 3pm Central and 4pm Eastern time.
November 9th - 1955-1965 Crew, relatives from– Monday afternoon,
1pm Pacific, 2pm Mountain, 3pm Central and 4pm Eastern time.
November 10th - 1965-1971 Crew, relatives from– Tuesday afternoon,
1pm Pacific, 2pm Mountain, 3pm Central and 4pm Eastern time.
2020 Reunion Social: Join your shipmates for a Zoom meeting by phone. Please call on your assigned group day .
Call: 1-669-900-9128, When prompted, enter the meeting ID number: 972 962 3283. There is no participant id required, so just press the # sign. You will then be notified you are in the "waiting room".
Your host, Steve Cross, will identify himself and welcome the group. He will then call on individuals to speak for a few minutes.
If you are having trouble entering the meeting, please call Harry Chandler at 928-925-9490.
THIS IS A CHANCE TO JOIN SHIPMATES IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME!
Our annual WHITE ELEPHANT AUCTION is on line this year.
Auction opens Sunday November 8th at 12pm Eastern time and
goes through Saturday, November 14th, 5pm Eastern time.
2019 Reunion in San Diego, CA. Sept 18-21
Hello Albuquerque; Good bye San Diego!!
Our largest turnout in several years enjoyed three days of events highlighted by the 75th Anniversary of the launch and commissioning of the USS Frank Knox – the first of the Gearing class destroyers to launch and be commissioned. Final banquet seated 75! Spectacular fall weather held throughout the events. Our hotel was centrally located in OLD TOWN, surrounded by shops, restaurants and museums Little Italy, Naval Training Center and Harbor Drive. Some took advantage of the 100’s of
world class restaurants to enjoy dinner and a view.
Thursday featured a tour of restored and vibrant NTC San Diego and Little Italy followed by the harbor cruise and lunch. Everyone received a FULL tour of San Diego Harbor from nuclear subs to the new Zumwalt class destroyer. Every minute there was a new view of San Diego sights and sea life including sea lions, harbor seals and other marine life. Following the cruise members split their time between the USS Midway CV-41 (with complimentary tickets provided by Steve Cross), the Maritime museum and Veterans Park with the Kissing Sailor Statue and Bob Hope Memorial. A day to remember!
Friday the group departed early to see the beaches, surf sites and parks that make San Diego the site to visit – 35.8 million folks visit the city annually keeping prices reasonable and the choices infinite. From La Jolla beaches to Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial took just a few minutes. Mt. Soledad is the highest point inside the City. We celebrated the view. Then as the piper called, we mustered to start the dedication ceremony. President Harry Chandler started the program and introduced Captain Larry Eddingfield, USN to give the invocation. Steve Cross, reunion organizer, introduced RADM Denny Conley who spoke about the ship that carried us all safely and followed by Captain Jerry Harken USN who reviewed the history of the ship. CDR Jim Lasswell spoke of the special teamwork on the ship. RADM Conley then unveiled the plaque along with the oldest attendee, LCDR Russ Judah to applause from the crowd.
Friday’s lunch followed at beautiful Kate Sessions Park under shade trees (Kate Sessions is the founder of San Diego’s famed 1450-acre park, Balboa Park). After lunch, it was over to Coronado Island via the famed San Diego Bay Bridge. Coronado is the site of the famed Hotel del Coronado, NAS North Island and the famed US Navy SEAL training site. On the way over the bridge we were saluted by the USS Coronado passing under us. Back over the bridge to Balboa Park, Little Italy and home to our hotel where dinner plans took groups to different restaurants within walking distance.
Saturday’s business meeting selected ALBUQUERQUE NM as the site of the 30th Annual USS Frank Knox Reunion in mid-September 2020. If you like hot air balloons, spectacular scenery, native American crafts and the famed Turquoise and Santa Fe Trail then make your plans for Albuquerque.
Our final banquet seated 75 for dinner and hung spell PIPER JIM HEALY FRANK KNOX VETS AT MT. SOLEDAD PLAGUE DEDICATION bound as WWII veteran Art Webster talked about adventures and sinking ship recounted in his book “Down to the Sea”. The glorious evening ended with friends spinning stories and affirming plans to meet again in Albuquerque.
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- 2018 REUNION IN BUFFALO, NEW YORK
- “REUNION 2018 FRIENDS, FAMILIES AND FELLOWSHIP”
HUNTER-KILLER – Our 2018 Reunion speaker was CDR George Wallace, USN (Ret.). George accepted our invitation to come to Buffalo NY. CDR Wallace commanded nuclear submarines and has operating knowledge of Special Warfare (SEAL) operations with nuclear subs. George became an author after his retirement from the Navy. George also has a day job in the defense consulting industry. Among other awards he was awarded the CIA Meritorious Unit Citation. George authored four books to date – Dangerous Grounds, Firing Point, Final Bearing and Operation Golden Dragon. Firing Point became the basis for the script Hunter Killer and later a major motion picture of the same title. The movie was in theaters October and November 2018. George’s journey from sub skipper to author and then seeing one of his books become a major motion picture is an amazing story well told at our final banquet. George brought copies of his books to the reunion and returned to Washington with empty boxes. IF YOU MISSED THE MOVIE “HUNTER-KILLER” IN THEATERS, Amazon has the DVD available as of January 15, 2019 for $15.95. My wife and I planned to take George and his wife, Penny, to dinner after they arrived and checked in to our hotel. After sharing cocktails with our reunion group George’s wife learned of our trip to the ANCHOR BAR – home of the “original “BuffaloWing”. Off we went! At dinner my wife and I settled for “mild” heat on our BullaloWing” order. Penny and George ordered “hot heat” spices on their wings. They devoured their order with a blink of an eye. We powered through some of the best menu items following Penny’s top priority to experience “BuffaloWings” in their original birthplace. Our guests were not disappointed – original “BuffaloWings” are the best! George made the drive with wife Penny, Washington DC to Buffalo in one long day. This delightful couple made many new friends during their visit to Buffalo and the USS Frank Knox Reunion.