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MOBOAT NEWS 13 Jun 09
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Bob Behm
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Jun 13, 2009 20:24 PDT
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MOBOAT NEWS - VOL. 6 NO. 5
A newsletter for veterans of the “USS Monticello LSD 35"
Our website has had almost 25,700 visitors since it was launched in
August 2004.
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Inside This Issue:
1. WHAT'S NEW?
2. HOTEL RESERVATIONS
3. ABOUT BRANSON AIRPORT
4. HAVE YOU MADE THAT CALL?
5. WEBSITE OF THE MONTH
6. CHINESE HARASS UNARMED US SURVEY SHIP
7. NAVY CHIEF
8. GRAND PLAZA
9. PROMOTION AT SEA
10. HUMOR
11. WHO'S REGISTERED
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1: WHAT'S NEW?
At last count, 603 crewmembers have signed into the online Deck Log.
We have had almost 26,000 visitors to our homepage.
I've spent this weekend in Washington D.C.attending a reunion
plannersconference. The new organization is called the Alliance of
Military Reunion Groups. There was a turn-out of about 50 planners. We
spent Saturday hammering out the issues and adopting by-laws and
election of officers.
The group's website is http://www.allmilitaryreunions.com . If you
are a planner or just want some information about reunion planning
this is a great resource.
The organization is the brainchild of Skip Sanders of the USS Rankin.
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2: Make Your Hotel Reservations!
If you haven't made your hotel reservations, do it now!
Even if you are still deciding if you will attend for sure.
Reservations can be cancelled 2 days prior to the date without
penalty to you.
To have the banquet room and hospitality room given to us at no cost, we
need to book at least 30 rooms per night.
Many of you have told me that there are cheaper rooms in the Branson
area, but unfortunately that doesn't do our group much good if
we aren't centrally located at the guest hotel. We need to take
advantage of the "group rate" and "free" breakfasts and 10% lunch
discount offered by the Branson Grand Plaza. Those that stayed there
last reunion had nothing but good things to say about their stay.
Be sure to send in your reunion registration forms as soon as you
can.There is no other way to determine how many shipmates will be in
attendance.
The dates of the reunion are 16 - 19 September. Remember that the
banquet will be held on the Friday evening.
http://www.ussmonticello.com/reunion_update.htm
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3: ABOUT BRANSON AIRPORT
Branson Airport is the first privately developed and operated commercial
service airport in the United States and is located in Branson,
Missouri. The $155 million project introduces an innovative business
model that has the potential to redefine air travel in the United States
by focusing on creating a more pleasant travel experience for customers.
The Branson Airport is expected to significantly increase the number of
new visitors from around the U.S. who will be able to enjoy the
wonderful Branson experience. For more information on Branson Airport
LLC, go to www.flybranson.com.
With thousands of travelers having passed through their doors in its
first month of operation, Branson Airport officials said they are on
track to make a $209 million impact on the local economy over the next
year.
Airport executive director Jeff Bourk said the airport is on its way to
having 250,000 people fly out of the airport, over the next year. He
said Lee McPheters, a research professor of economics at Arizona State
University, recently did a study on the airport.
The study shows that the airport could cause an economic impact of $209
million on the local economy.
“By the end of the year, we will be on a run-rate to get those
benefits,” he said.
“We are doing exactly what we said we are going to do,” Bourk said.
The airport has created over 100 new jobs recently.
“We believe by next year, we’ll have over 250 (employees),” he said.
“They are all good paying jobs with benefits.”
The jobs created range from control tower, ticketing and parking to
Famous Dave’s and Yellow Cab.
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4. HAVE YOU MADE THAT CALL?
How long has it been? Thirty, forty or fifty years since you've seen
each other.
Maybe all it will take to get your fellow shipmate to attend this year's
reunion is a call from you?
There is no time like the present. Make the call.
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5. WEBSITE OF THE MONTH
http://www.shipstoreefsinternational.org/
Ships to Reefs International was created to help coordinate artificial
reefing efforts on an international basis, and will incorporate the new
guidelines developed by the International Maritime Organization, an
agency of the United Nations. In addition, United States members of
Ships to Reefs International will coordinate a national artificial
reefing program, to ensure a standardized reefing program in the U.S.
All states and non-government organizations (NGOs) working to create
Ships-to-Reefs programs will work together with the agencies of the
federal government that have reefing programs, which include the
Maritime Administration (MARAD), U.S. Navy, and the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
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6. CHINESE HARASS UNARMED US SURVEY SHIP
Story by Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON -- Five Chinese vessels shadowed and aggressively maneuvered
close to the USNS Impeccable in the South China Sea March 8, a senior
Pentagon official said earlier this month.
The U.S. oceanographic ship was 70 miles south of Hainan Island
conducting routine operations in international waters when the ships
approached, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.
A Chinese trawler crewman uses a grapple hook in an attempt to snag the
towed acoustic array of the Military Sealift Command ocean surveillance
ship USNS Impeccable (T-AGOS-23). Impeccable was conducting routine
survey operations in international waters 75 miles south of Hainan
Island when it was harassed by five Chinese vessels.
"We view these as unprofessional maneuvers by the Chinese vessels and
violations under international law to operate with due regard for the
rights and safety of other lawful users of the ocean," Whitman said.
A civilian crew mans the ship, which operates under the auspices of the
Military Sealift Command.
The incident began as the ships surrounded the Impeccable and two craft
closed to within 50 feet, Whitman said. The Chinese ships included a
Chinese navy intelligence collection ship, a Bureau of Maritime
Fisheries patrol vessel, a State Oceanographic Administration patrol
vessel and two small Chinese-flagged trawlers.
Crewmen aboard the Impeccable used fire hoses to spray one of the
vessels as a protective measure. The Chinese crewmembers disrobed to
their underwear and continued closing to within 25 feet.
The Chinese vessels dropped pieces of wood in the water directly in the
Impeccable's path, and two of the ships stopped directly in the U.S.
vessel's path, forcing it to stop.
Whitman said the Chinese used poles in an attempt to snag the
Impeccable's towed acoustic array sonars. Impeccable's master used
bridge-to-bridge radio circuits to inform the Chinese ships in a
friendly manner that it was leaving the area and requested a safe path
to navigate.
"These are dangerous close maneuvers that these vessels engaged in,"
Whitman said.
The incident was the culmination of earlier harassment. A Chinese patrol
vessel shined a high-intensity spotlight March 4 on the USNS Victorious
operating in the Yellow Sea 125 miles from China's coast. Chinese
maritime aircraft "buzzed" the ship 12 times March 5.
A Chinese frigate crossed the bow of the Impeccable at a range of about
100 yards March 5. Maritime aircraft buzzed the ship after that
incident.
Another Chinese ship challenged Impeccable over bridge-to-bridge radio
March 7, calling its operations illegal and directing the American ship
to leave the area or "suffer the consequences," officials said.
The Impeccable is one of six surveillance ships that gather underwater
acoustical data, Whitman said. U.S. ships routinely operate in the area.
"We expect Chinese ships to act responsibly and refrain from provocative
activities that could lead to miscalculation or a collision at sea,
endangering vessels and the lives of U.S. and Chinese mariners," a
Defense Department official said.
U.S. embassy officials lodged a protest against these actions with the
Foreign Ministry in China, and Defense Department officials have
protested with the Chinese embassy here.
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7. NAVY CHIEF
A chief petty officer is an American patriot who made the decision to
spend the greater part of his life in service to his country.
He started his navy career the same as all of us . . . as a seaman
recruit who was just as lost and confused as we were our first day in
boot camp.
The rating of chief did not come easy, only after many years of
dedication, work, training . . . and giving of himself. This indicated
that he was a teacher and a leader, who could always be depended upon to
have the answer to the most complicated question.
The chief was the person who set the example for the rest of us to
follow . . . His conduct, skill, knowledge and general bearing was
always displayed as the goals we all should try to achieve.
The chief was the guy you could go to with a personal problem and who
always had the time to listen . . . even if he didn't always say what
you wanted to hear. Still, you knew it was good advice.
The chief was the guy who would stand behind us if we fouled up, making
it his mission to see that we were trained not to make the same mistake
again . . . And God help us when we did!
The chief was the first one to shake your hand the day you sewed your
first crow onto your left sleeve.
The chief was the guy who could step on your toes without messing up
your shine.
The chief was the guy who made me proud to be a sailor and honored to be
a part of our great navy.
Yes, there were times when I didn’t care to much for my chief, but now I
know that it was due to my immaturity and lack of good sense . . .
Little did I know at the time that the chief was actually my best friend
and everything he did was for my own good.
The chief is the backbone of the navy . . . and without the chief we
would surely founder and sank.
As I grow older I think back to my few short years as a navy man and
find that many of my actions and the way I have conducted myself are a
direct result of the lessons my chiefs taught me. Those lessons
include... fairness, understanding, firmness, honesty, pride, honor and
most importantly, love for my country.
I wish that I would have told all my chiefs these things when I had the
chance to do it in person. So if any of my chiefs should read my
thoughts here and would happen to remember this hard headed QM3 . . . I
send you all the honors befitting a brave and loyal leader. And you
have my sincere thanks for taking this scared young country boy and
doing your best to turn him into a sailor and more importantly a man.
Our country owes you more than it will ever know!
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8. BRANSON GRAND PLAZA
Built in 1995, the Grand Plaza Hotel is independently owned and operated
by Combs Hotel Properties. The Grand Plaza Hotel is a proud member and
supporter of the Branson Chamber of Commerce, Table Rock Lake Area
Chamber of Commerce and the Branson Veteran Task Force.
The Grand Plaza Hotel is located in the heart of the Branson just off
the world famous Highway 76 Country Boulevard. Within walking distance
to some of Branson’s biggest stars, as well as some of the greatest
outlet shopping.
1-800-850-6646
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9. PROMOTIONS AT SEA
USS Oak Hill Sailors Receive Promotions at Sea
Story Number: NNS090610-11
Release Date: 6/10/2009 4:02:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hendrick L. Dickson, Oak Hill
Southern Partnership Station (SPS) ‘09 Public Affairs
USS OAK HILL, At Sea (NNS) -- Twenty-four Sailors aboard USS Oak Hill
(LSD 51) were frocked to the next pay grade during a ceremony aboard the
ship June 5.
Oak Hill's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Daniel Blackburn, gave permission
for the Sailors to wear the next higher rank, while more than 100 crew
members gathered to congratulate them on reaching this career milestone.
"It feels awesome," said newly frocked Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Sean
Pepe, of San Diego. "I didn't think I would make it because the
advancement rate was so low, but we did a lot of studying and I had a
lot of people on the ship help me out. I feel on top of the world right
now."
For some, advancing to the next pay grade could possibly be a
career-changing event.
"Honestly I was on my way out of the Navy in October." said frocked
Information Systems Technician 1st Class Jonathan Cunha, from the
Pocono's in Pennsylvania. "Now picking up first, I feel as if it was a
sign for me to stay in and further my career as an IT [information
systems technician]. I was starting to lose faith, and thought I wasn't
going to make it."
Of course, advancement comes with more responsibility – a challenge
Cunha welcomes.
"I'm ready to handle the added responsibilities," said Cunha. "I'm also
a bit nervous about what more is expected of me. I guess only time will
tell as to how well I can handle everything thrown my way."
Oak Hill is currently deployed for Southern Partnership Station '09
deployment. The ship is expected to return in late August.
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.
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10. HUMOR
One day a platoon of Marines are on patrol when they come upon a Sailor
relaxing on top of a small hill. The Sailor puts his hands on his hips
and screams out, "Do any of you seaweed sucking jarheads think you're
man enough to take me on?"
The biggest Marine comes running up the hill, screaming back at the
Sailor. When he gets to the top he simply plows into his foe and the two
tumble down the other side of the hill, out of sight. There is the sound
of a horrendous fight for a moment or two, and then all is quiet.
Soon, the Sailor reappears, quite untouched. He puts his hands on his
hips and sneers, "Well, looks to me like one of you couldn't do it, how
about the rest?"
The enraged Marine platoon leader sends his entire platoon (30 plus men)
charging after the Sailor. They all go tumbling down the far side of the
hill. After 15 minutes of screaming and yelling and cursing a lone,
bloodied Marine crawls over the top of the hill.
The platoon leader yells up to his man, "What's going on up there?" The
wounded Marine, with his last bit of breath, replies, "Sir, it's a -- a
trap, sir. There's two of them!"
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11. WHO'S REGISTERED FOR THIS YEAR"S REUNION?
Michael & Kathy Battisti SN 1965-1969
John & Lori Barry MM2 1962-1964
David & Betty Clifford BT2 1957
Emmett & Faye Dunn MM2 1962-1965
Gerald & Carrie Helgeson ME3 1957-1958
John & Anna Huebner EN3 1962-1963
Christopher Keegan MMFN 1983-1985
Harwood Lockhart SH1 1957-1961
Paul & Bonnie Lindauer ME3 1957-1959
Ron & Beverly Milks MM2 1958-1962
George & Bonnie Mitchell EN2 1963-1967
Larry & Helen Osborne SN 1960-1963
Steven & Glenda Sakry BT2 1973-1976
Robert & Maria Behm BM3 1969-1971
Rodney C. Foskett MM3 1962-1966
Bob & Dick Dean RD3 1957-1959
Samuel & Nilda Kinne IC2 1974-1978
Forrest & Katherine Albin BM3 1968-1970
Thomas J. Jr. & Claire Moran MR2 1957-1958
James Robert & Frances Campbell MM3 1961-1964
Larry D. Lynch & Trud Beal EM3 1958-1960
Jack E. & Lydia Dover SN 1957
Gilbert R. & Virginia Gould EM3 1957-1960
Carl & Sara Morawski IC2 1958-1961
Irving Bovis RMC 1964-1966
Jerry & Karen West 1958-1960
You and Yours?
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Well... that's all for this Issue of the MoBoat News.
I truly hope this newsletter found you well.
Please continue spreading the word about ussmonticello.com.and our
reunion.
Feel free to forward this Newsletter to anybody you think might
find it interesting.
If this Newsletter was forwarded to you and you'd like to subscribe,
just visit http://ussmonticello.com/newsletter.htm. All back issues
ofthe MoBoat News are also available there as well.
So long for now,
Bob Behm (Beamer)
Webmaster: USSMonticello.com
Former BM3
USS Monticello LSD 35 '69-'71
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