Navy League of the United States Philadelphia Council Pass The Word Volume 8, Issue 2 July 2008 Inside this issue: Navy League Annual Dinner 3 Ship Visits 5 Coast Guard News 7 Youth Programs 9 Educators Seminar 9 Photos 10 Black & White In an effort to reduce the cost of printing, which is significant, Pass The Word is being printed in black & white. A color version of this newsletter, as well as past issues, is available from our website at www. navyleaguephilly.org. President's Message Dear Council Members and Friends, The Philadelphia Council of the Navy League has been very busy since the last Pass The Word, so let me brief you on what's happened since the last issue. On January 31 st our Council hosted an officer recruiting event with 32 Philadelphia High School Educators in attendance, and Navy Inspector General Admiral Anthony Winns as the guest speaker (see page 9). The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN67) arrived at its final mooring at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard on 22 March with Navy Leaguers on hand to witness the event. The JFK was the Navy's last conventionally powered aircraft carrier. It was launched on 27 May 1967, commissioned on 7 Septe m- ber 1968 and decommissioned on 1 August, 2007 just about one year shy of forty years of honorable service. BZ JFK! Welcome back to Philadelphia. We presented the Philadelphia Council of the Navy League Sword to Midshipman First Class Kelly McKenna at commissioning ceremonies at Villanova University on 22 April. We also presented the Gerard M. Maurer Memorial Sword to Midshipman First Class Michelle Czarniak at commissio n- ing ceremonies at the University of Pennsylvania on 30 April. Those Swords are given to graduating midshipmen who have demonstrated top performance in their NROTC Units. Bruce Hulick, COL, USMC(Ret.), made each presentation, and I thank him for his assistance. In addition, we continued the tradition of giving each graduating midshipman an edition of the Naval Institute's book "Naval Ceremonies, Customs and Traditions." Dave Armstrong and his Ships Committee have been and will continue to be busy. I asked Jack Lieberman, CAPT, USN(Ret.), to lend a hand to the Committee and he graciously agreed to do so. The USS Klakring (FFG42) was in port from 15 May through 19 May. There was the usual and wellattended Happy Hour at Finnegan's Wake and on Friday of that week, the Klakring hosted a reception aboard ship that was attended by 40 plus Navy Leaguers, in spite of foul weather. Honorable Mention goes to Tony Basilio. He answered an email SOS asking for someone to pick up reception supplies in Pennsauken that the ship needed for the reception. Page 1
Council Directors Officers President Philip Katauskas 1 st Vice President Skip Dittmann 2 nd Vice President Dorinda Liebert Secretary Fran O Brien Treasurer Mike DeLorey Judge Advocate Joseph Hare Directors Emeritus William Boyd William Cowper Anthony Murray Frank Hess William Kelly Committee Chairs/Liaisons Chaplain Legislative Affairs Marine Corps Merchant Marine Membership Navy Recruiting Newsletter Public Affairs Sea Cadets Visiting Ships USCG Webmaster Advisory Board James Ginty Corporate Sponsors PECO, An Exelon Co. Wallace Littlewood Celeste Maschmeyer Michael Seider John Sweeney Rev. John Spellman Celeste Maschmeyer Chris Baker Charles Mardigian Richard Kearney JB Bowie Stu Abramson Terry Williamson Ed Sobieray Dave Armstrong Richard Kearney Stu Abramson Chairman Community Affiliates Lockheed Martin Moorestown Lockheed Martin King of Prussia Boeing V-22 Program Sovereign Bank AT&T Pass the Word February 2008 Volume 8, Number 2 Pass the Word is published quarterly by the Philadelphia Council of the Navy League of the United States. Contributions are welcome. 5344 Walden Way Doylestown, PA 18902 Turns out he was heading back from the Jersey Shore and the timing was perfect. He picked the supplies up at Party Rentals, LTD, and delivered them to the Klakring. Party Rentals generously let the ship use those supplies free of charge. We made a generous contribution to the Klakring's MWR fund. From 28 May through 3 June, the USS Taylor (FFG50) was in port, and again a well-attended Happy Hour was had at Finnegan's Wake. The Skipper of the Taylor presented the Council with a beautiful ship's plaque, and we made a generous contribution to the MWR fund. Rob Bender arranged for a contingent of Taylor sailors to go to a NASCAR race in Dover, Delaware. And Fran O'Brien and Rob arranged for a contingent of Taylor sailors to visit wounded veterans at the Philadelphia VA Hospital. As this PTW goes to press, the USS Carney (DDG64) is slated to be in port from 29 June through 6 July I can't emphasize enough how much the visiting ships appreciate the work of the Ships Committee and Navy Leaguers who support them during their visits. As I said in my remarks at the Annual Dinner on June 19th, the Ships Committee and the Navy Leaguers who assist that Committee fill that important part of our mission of directly supporting our visiting sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. Bravo Zulu to Dave, his Committee and those of you who help him. Rob and Fran O Brien have been key supporters of Dave as has been Joe Stivala. And continued thanks to Monica Santoro at Penn's Landing Corp. who works closely with Dave and his Committee to make each visit meaningful and enjoyable for our surface warriors. Our Annual Dinner was held at Drexelbrook on June 19th. I refer you to pages 3-4 of this issue for a full report and photos. Many thanks go out to Rob Bender and his Annual Dinner Committee for making it a smashing success again this year. Special thanks to Dindy Liebert, Fran O'Brien, Jill Lamorie and Stu Abramson for their hard work on this event. I regret that I must end this issue on a sad note. Bob Lebair, a long-time Navy Leaguer, died on 20 June after a lengthy illness. Also, J.J. Manion, Jr., the brother of our Navy League colleague, Tom Manion, died suddenly on Saturday, 21 June. We send our deepest condolences to the Lebair and Manion families, and the Philadelphia Council is making contributions to the charities designated by each family. Very truly yours, Phil Katauskas President's Message - continued Page 2
Annual Dinner On June 19, 2008 at our3 Annual Navy League Dinner, the Philadelphia Council of the Navy League honored Ralph W. Hooper with its annual Commodore John Barry Distinguished Citizen Award (the 2007 recipient was the Honorable Donald C Winter, Secretary of the Navy) Mr. Hooper has distinguished himself as a patriot whose unselfish use of his resources and executive skills have focused on giving back to our nation and to our sea services. He was born in Philadelphia and was a member of the Naval Academy s graduating class of 1951. Upon graduating as an engineer, he remained at the Academy for several months as an instructor. After two years with the Sixth Fleet, he served in the Submarine Force before becoming an Anti- (from left) Admiral Tom Lynch, former Superintendent of the Naval Academy, Council President, Phil Katauskas and Ralph Hooper. Submarine Defense Force staff member, then Flag Lieutenant to its Commander. In 2007, Ralph Hooper was honored as a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Naval Academy. A highly respected philanthropist who played a major role in the creation of the Naval Academy Museum Ship Gallery, Mr. Hooper is also credited with establishing one of the finest ship model displays in the world. Additionally, Mr. Hooper was a driving force behind the building of the Naval Academy s new sports complex. He is a generous contributor to Philadelphia s Independence Seaport Museum and he is a loyal friend and supporter of the Philadelphia Navy League, The Commodore Barry Distinguished Citizen Award is given to a non-active duty individual whose character, distinguished military or civilian service and stature draw wholesome comparison to the qualities to which the Philadelphia Council of the Navy League strives. In addition, our purpose is to identify to the public and our members the broad national signif i- cance of the Navy League as one of the nation s cherished organizations. Page 3
Annual Dinner (continued) The recipient(s) will have: Demonstrated a strong interest in supporting the mission of the Navy League Provided a lifetime of service to the nation or armed forces Made significant and distinguished contributions to the nation through their public servic e. This award is given annually at the Philadelphia Council s Annual Navy League Dinner. LTGEN Ronald S. Coleman, USMC, the Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, WAS the featured speaker. General Coleman has local ties, having graduated from then Cheyney state university in 1973. He and his wife were married in Philadelphia city hall, and he said that he looks for every opportunity to get back to Philadelphia. he presented an update on the state of the Marine Corps and provided insight on. The high morale and dedication of the marines with whom he serves. General Coleman also awarded the Navy League Youth Medal to 15 outstanding high school members of junior Navy and Marine Corps ROTC Cadets and Sea Cadets. This year the medal was awarded in honor of those who have given to us the last full measure of their devotion. Assisting with the presentation were Colonel and Mrs. Thomas Manion, USMC (Ret), whose son Travis Manion, USNA Class of 04, was killed in Iraq in 2007. The Manions were joined by Jessica General Coleman holds the Council polo shirt given to him Byrd, local president of the by President Katauskas Gold Star Wives, whose husband, LCPL Thomas Byrd, was killed in Iraq in 2004. Page 4
Ship Visit - USS Klakring FFG 42 The Klakring tied up at Penns Landing in May for a port call to Philadelphia Philadelphia Council Director Jack Lieberman (Capt USNR-Ret) presents the Klakring Skipper, CDR Ian Pollitt, with a donation to the ship s MWR fund. The presentation took place on board the ship at a reception for Navy League members. Page 5
Ship Visit - USS Taylor FFG 50 The Taylor arrives in Philadelphia for a port call in May. The Battleship New Jersey is in the background on the left. Council President Phil Katauskas receives a ship s plaque from Taylor Commanding Officer CDR Kurush Morris at a crew reception sponsored by our Council at Finnegan s Wake. Page 6
Coast Guard News Richard Kearney of our Council Coast Guard Support Committee presented a $100 Savings Bond to ET2 Christina Parsely. Parsley was named Sailor of the Quarter aboard the Coast Guard Cutter WILLIAM TATE, home ported at Philadelphia Sector Base. Executive Officer James Robson displays the award plaque, as Parsley holds the certificate issued by LT Megan Cull, TATE Commander. Captain David Scott, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Sector Philadelphia, displays a check from the Philadelphia Council Navy League. The check will support the Sector s Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fund. The Sector is fast approaching its 20th anniversary in Philadelphia. A grand event is planned. Making the presentation to Captain Scott are Richard Kearney, Council Coast Guard Representative, with Wally Littlewood and David Armstrong of the Council s Ship Committee. Photos by Joe Stivala Page 7
Youth Programs Recently the Philadelphia Council increased its support for high school youths by agreeing to sponsor the Marine Corps Junior ROTC units at the Chester High School in Chester and at Sun Valley High School in Aston. This brings a total of eight youth organizations sponsored by our Council: four Sea Cadet units in the Philadelphia area, two Navy JROTC units at Ben Franklin High School in Philadelphia and two at Owen J. Roberts High School in Pottstown. The difference between the JROTC and Sea Cadets is one of funding. The Navy and Marine Corps JROTC units are fully funded and supported by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps with full time paid instructors. The Sea Cadet program relies on the U.S. Navy League Councils and adult volunteer instructors for support. The Navy and Marine Corps JROTC units and the Naval Sea Cadet Corps programs foster the Navy s core values of Courage, Honor and Commitment. Cadets in each program look forward to summer training events. Selected members of the JRTOC units will attend Leadership camp at Norwich Academy. First year Sea Cadets will attend Recruit Training boot camp at Fort Indiantown Gap or Fort Drum. Veteran Sea Cadets will enjoy advanced training involving Medical, Police Science, Port Operations, Basic & Advanced SeaBee training and other challenging ventures. Your Philadelphia Council of the Navy League takes pride in sponsoring these special youth programs: Developing the youth of today to become tomorrow s leaders. (right) Colonel Thomas Manion, USMC (Ret), and Jessica Byrd, local president of the Gold Star Wives, present Outstanding Youth awards to members of the Sea Cadets and JROTC units at our Annual Dinner. Page 8
Educator s Seminar Philadelphia Council Supports Recruiting On January 31 st our Council hosted an officer recruiting event at the Chart House in Philadelphia. In attendance were 32 Philadelphia High School Educators, the U.S. Naval Academy s Director of Candidate Guidance, the Commander of Navy Recruiting District Philadelphia, NROTC recruiters and USMC Officer recruiters. Our Special Guest and Speaker was VADM Anthony Winns. Admiral Winns spoke about growing up in Jacksonville, finding his way to the Naval Academy and his career in the Navy. Currently Admiral Winns serves as the Navy Inspector General. If anyone knows of high school students who would make good officers, please let them know about the following websites: 1. U.S. Naval Academy www.usna.edu 2. U.S. Coast Guard Academy www.cga.edu 3. U.S. Merchant Marine Academy www.usmma.edu 4. NROTC www.nrotc.navy.mil 5. USMC www.marines.com Page 9
Photos On Saturday, 23 March 2008, the USS John F Kennedy (CVN 67) pulled into Philadelphia where is was placed in the reserve fleet. Many people were there to greet the ship including former crewmembers and Navy Leaguers. For an interesting video of the event, including dock side interviews of former crew members, go to: http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/ news_update/16929046.html Navy Leaguers Carol and Jack Lieberman flank Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Admiral Mullen was honored by the Union League of Philadelphia last May as its Gold Medal recipient. Our Council sponsored a table at the event. Page 10
Photos Ralph Hooper is honored at our Annual Dinner at Drexelbrook with the Commodore Barry Distinguished Citizen award. It was a good way to also celebrate Mr. Hooper s 80th birthday. Also at Drexelbrook, active duty members who served in Iraq and Afghanistan were honored as the true heroes of our time. Page 11
NAVY LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES PHILADELPHIA COUNCIL PASS THE WORD 215-557-0979 Information@NavyLeaguePhilly.org www.navyleaguephilly.org Are you receiving our Council E-Mails? If not, contact us with your e-mail address. INVITE A FRIEND TO JOIN THE NAVY LEAGUE We are part of a 74,000 member civilian organization, dedicated to supporting the men and women of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S. flag Merchant Marine. Founded in 1902, with the encouragement of President Theodore Roosevelt, the Navy League is a civilian organization that educates citizens and elected officials about the value of the U.S. being a strong maritime nation, and provides support directly to naval and maritime families. The Philadelphia Council of the Navy League, with almost 1,000 local members, is one of nearly 330 councils worldwide. We support active duty military personnel through adoption of ships, installations and units, commissioning ceremonies, awards and other recognition programs that build morale and support military personnel. We present awards to active duty personnel for exceptional service, scholarships, as well as educational seminars for Navy League members and local citizens. Additionally, the Council welcomes ships upon their visits to Philadelphia, helps military families adjust to new locations and offers many other forms of assistance. WE ARE NOT A VETERANS ORGANIZION. ANYONE CAN BE A MEMBER. FOR MORE INFORMA- TION: WWW.NAVYLEAGUEPHILLY.ORG E-MAIL: INFORMATION@NAVYLEAGUEPHILLY.ORG PHONE: 215-557-0979 Page 12