Shipmate: March/April 2024 4 February 2024

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by Mark Hubbard

I don’t know how 2024 is evolving for you, but I started off the new year with reverse shoulder replacement surgery on January 3^rd – WOOHOO!  I’ve been living with the pain in my left shoulder for years and I finally gave in to the ever-increasing discomfort and went under the knife.  It’s hell getting old…all the abuse we inflict on our bodies in our youth manages to come back to haunt us!  At least I am still able to type.  However, I’ll have to ease back into playing the guitar.  So now it’s time to catch up on my backlog of some of your inputs from last year.

News from Jim Taplett (25^th Co):

Jim Taplettand brother Ken Taplett ’71 (8^th Co.) embarked on a week-long “Road Trip” to visit five of the eight Ivy League Schools in mid-October 2023 (Columbia, Yale, Dartmouth, Cornell, Princeton); the other three Ivies (Harvard, Brown, Penn) were previously visited by both brothers.  Besides experiencing the beautiful autumn foliage and the uniqueness of each Ivy Campus, Jim and Ken made stops at Grant’s Tomb, New York City; Deerfield Academy, Deerfield, MA; Horse Racing HoF and Automobile Museum in Saratoga Springs, NY; the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and FDR Presidential Library and Museum, Hyde Park, NY.  A couple of interesting Navy related highlights of the trip included a chance meeting while at Dartmouth College where the brothers sighted a gentleman wearing a USNA sweatshirt walking the grounds with his wife and daughter.  After a brief chat, Ken recognized the wife, Dr. Noreen Leahy, née McQuade ’81 (15^th Co.), as one of his finest midshipmen while he was assigned as 15^th Company Officer at USNA from 1979 to 1981.  While at Cornell University, Jim and Ken stopped in at a very large Field House, home to the school’s Army, Navy, and Air Force ROTC units.  There they met NROTC Commander CAPT Scott Hardy, USN (Texas A&M), who proudly showed them his unit’s facilities and provided helpful gouge for their continued tour.  With this “Bucket List” trip checked off, the brothers headed back to Jim’s residence in Alexandria, VA, via a stop at Princeton University and lunch with Ken’s son John on the outskirts of Philadelphia, PA.  Ken stuck around for the weekend Navy vs. Air Force football game in Annapolis before heading back home to Lake Jackson, TX

Carl Sharperson (6^th Co.) met up with John Allen (34^th Co.) back on September 9^th last year:

Today I was blessed to be able to have breakfast with my close friend, USNA ‘76 classmate/Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA) recipient, and one of the best/accomplished leaders that I have ever known, Retired US Marine Corps General, John Allen.  We talked about how we were both trying to make the world a better place by teaching, mentoring, and coaching leaders, and organizations the fundamental Leadership principles, that we both subscribe to.  He read my first book, Sharp Leadership – Overcome Adversity to Lead with Authenticity about 5 years ago when I first wrote it, and he received a copy of my second book, Sharp Leadership – Parenting Principles for Rearing Young People, today.  Click link below for more.

We both agree that the AI/social media, are the biggest Leadership dilemmas today, because you cannot legislate integrity, humanity, and character.  What can be made for good can also be used for evil, when in the wrong hands.  We are both committed to doing, what we can, to positively influence the next generations.  Be blessed and be safe.

Semper Fi, and Simplify,

Carl

www.carlsharpersonjr.com

Carl Sharperson also had the opportunity to attend the Gator Bowl on 29DEC23 with Eugene Ford (20^th Co.). 

Joe Paquette (2^nd Co.) and his family attended the 124^th annual Army-Navy game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA, on December 9^th, 2023.  Even though the outcome of the game was not in favor of Navy, it was an outstanding game.  The entire Paquette family enjoyed the day: Joe and his wife, Shirley, grandchildren, Kailyn & Kaden, daughter-in-law, Lindsay, and son Jason.

Passing though Guayaquil, Ecuador, Hugh Neighbour (2^nd Co.) and wife Inger met up with Valdemar “Val” Sánchez (4^th Company) and wife Marthita.  They had a couple of wonderful days with Val and Marthita seeing their beautiful hometown of Guayaquil.

After graduation from USNA, Val returned home to continue his career in the Ecuadorian Navy. He soon returned to the U.S. to complete TBS at Quantico.  He also was in the U.S. a few years later to complete a year of Special Forces training at the John F. Kennedy School at Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg).  Val served as Commandant of Ecuador’s Marines, Commanding Officer of Ecuador’s Special Forces, and eventually earned promotion to VADM in Ecuador’s Navy.  Val served his country in two wars.

Although retired from active duty in 2007, since 2013 Val has continued to serve his country as Head and Instructor of the Leadership Area at Ecuador’s Naval War College in Guayaquil for both midshipmen and for commissioned officers.  He also regularly directs whole-of-government war games which can run many days per game.  Very senior Ecuadorian officers and civilian officials participate in these exercises, was well as officers from neighboring South American countries.

Hugh continues to work at sea aboard cruise ships for several months each year.  Inger always accompanies him aboard ship. They bid farewell to Marthita and Val in Guayaquil to embark for Hugh’s work aboard a ship on a southerly course down the coast of South America. 

Tim Farrell (27^th Co.) provided a photo taken at a dinner gathering on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

With the passage of time, there is the inevitable news about the departed classmates.  More recently, we sadly lost three of our class members:

Larry Doong (35^th Co.) passed away on 4DEC23. https://www.ballardfamilymortuaries.com/obituaries/Lawrence-Larry-K-C-Doong-Jr?obId=30180062

David Kerrick (18^th Co.) died on 13DEC23.

https://www.omanfh.com/obituaries/David-Thomas-Kerrick?obId=30179420#/obituaryInfo

James Epps (9^th Co.) departed on 24DEC23.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/temple-terrace-fl/james-epps-11599587

Our deepest condolences to the families of our fallen classmates. 

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell

On a final note:  Keep an eye out for correspondence from Kevin Stone regarding the “Bonds of Gold” Ceremony to be held in Memorial Hall in April.

Shipmate editor’s note: Be sure to read Class of 2002 column- you will be glad you did.

Shipmate: January/February 2024 19 November 2023

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by Mark Hubbard

Another year goes into the history books as we continue on this journey called life.  As I write this column, Navy is facing football battles with ECU, SMU, and Army; Thanksgiving is next week, and Christmas will be celebrated in less than 6 weeks.  So, with that in mind, I need to get this column finished because I am running out of time (Yikes!  I still have Christmas cards to create and mail out!).  Thank you all for the news and pictures that you send me.  I enjoy keeping up with the comings and goings of our wonderful Class of ’76 – BEAT ARMY!  

Fr. Steve Clark (31^st Co) provides his first ever input to Shipmate with exciting news:

This past July I received a letter of appointment from Cardinal Timothy Dolan, my bishop, assigning me for another 6 years as Pastor of St Francis of Assisi Parish, Mount Kisco, NY. (FYI I was ordained by Cardinal John O’Connor in 1990, the former USNA command chaplain.)  So, I’ll continue my ministry here until I retire at 75 y/o, in 2029.  Mount Kisco is a beautiful village in Northern Westchester County, New York, just an hour’s train ride from Grand Central Terminal.  There is a large Hispanic community here, primarily from Guatemala and Ecuador. They make up about a third of our parish community.  I went to Maryknoll’s missionary language school in Cochabamba, Bolivia, in 1995 to learn Spanish, and I have been involved with Hispanic ministry now for 28 years.

Right before Covid hit the area our classmate, Tom Colella (20^th Co)and his wife Blair, moved to Somers, NY, a town just a little a north of here.  He contacted me, and when I heard he was a Religious Education teacher at his previous parish, I asked him to teach in this parish.  He teaches in our high school Confirmation preparation program.  We see each other every week, and we have lunch regularly.  A couple of years ago just after my cancer surgery, my former 31st Company roommate, George Hicks came to town, and Tom, George, a mutual friend and I had lunch in Little Italy in The Bronx.  George and I talk regularly, and he is retired just outside of Charleston, SC.

Brad Little (36^th Co) sends this nugget of news:

Having the exact same name as the Governor can be a burden, especially in a small state like Idaho.  But there can also be some benefits!  President Bush, ’43, recently hosted a reunion in Dallas that I was fortunate to attend.  So, I am standing around shooting the breeze with half a dozen of my former colleagues when this tall guy, who I don’t know, looks at my nametag and says, “You’re not the Governor!”  So, I’m thinking, how does this yutz know I’m from Idaho?  And then he says, “but I am!” and introduces himself as Dirk Kempthorne, former Governor of Idaho and Secretary of Interior under President Bush.  Here’s a picture of the three Governor, not the Governor, and our former Boss at the reception.   Governor Kempthorne also serves as the Chair of the USS Idaho (SSN-799) Commissioning Commission, of which I am honored to serve on.  We recently hosted the pre-commissioning crew on a visit to Northern Idaho which was a resounding success.  Also shown with the Governor is CDR Randall Leslie ‘04, CO, from my hometown of Los Angeles.   Included here is a picture of Robert Boscan, a local from Hayden, Idaho, getting his dolphins pinned.  The venue is the Hayden Super 1 Foods, founded by his grandfather and a very successful grocery chain in these parts. 

Greg Vaughn (36^th Co) adds another chapter to his book of travels:

This summer, we had an opportunity to take a second trip – after the Greek Cruise I wrote to you about earlier.  The second adventure was a trip to the Monterey/Carmel area in mid-August where Susan and I participated in many of the events associated with Monterey Car Week, culminating in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, 20 August.  We had help navigating all the activities from CAPT Mike Raggett ‘62, USN (Ret), who had been CO of my first submarine and had ultimately retired with his wife, Michelle, in Carmel.  Mike has stopped teaching classes but is still coaching track at a local high school.  We were lucky that he was available to show us around.  We had enormous fun, saw some gorgeous multi-million-dollar cars, and visited some superb restaurants!  It was great to catch up with Mike and Michelle after about 20 years since we last visited the area.  I’ve included a photo of me, Susan and Mike taking a break between events and a photo of Mike in front of a 1940 Packard which was very similar to the ‘41 Packard his late father had owned.

This was a pretty special trip for me, since I had been taken to my first Concours d’Elegance in 1962 when my father was stationed at Fort Ord.  Since then, I had been a couple times in the 80’s while stationed at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, in the northern Bay area.  The 36-year drought ended this summer and Mike made it special.  Susan really enjoyed getting to spend some time with Mike and hear some of his sea stories, while I just enjoyed getting a chance to reconnect!

Best wishes for a great football season, good health, and safe travels for all.

From Jim O’Connell (20^th Co):

In my current role I am developing the plans for dismantlement of CVN-65.  NAVSEA is putting the recycling effort out to bid late this year or early next year and my employer, Holtec, along with partner organizations will address the nuclear systems dismantlement and disposal.  It will be an interesting way to close out my career with dismantlement of Enterprise if we win the work.  I can’t promise any souvenirs for those of you who flew or served on the Big E, but that will be a possibility down the road.

We will be bidding Enterprise dismantlement between DEC and FEB depending on how quick NAVSEA gets the RFP on the street.  May have some new news then, meanwhile working on the five-year schedule to take the “Big E” apart.  One of my old ships I did precommissioning on was taken apart at same location we propose for CVN 65.

Scott Goodson (34^th Co) writes of a recent bicycle journey with classmates:

The newly formed “Club 34 Cycling Club” recently completed its first event.  Joining forces in Mackinaw City, Michigan, Jim Francis, Mark Nesselrode, JB Parrett, and I embarked on a one-week cycling/camping tour of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula along with 50 or so new cycling friends.  Our tour leader, Chief Sue, a retired USAF E-9, managed to keep us in line for the whole trip as we enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the U.P. and Lakes Superior and Huron.  Despite the chilly weather, 50 years quickly melted away as we reverted to our 1970’s persona (despite our 2020’s bodies).  We had a great time and are already in the early planning process for our next ride with the hope of attracting a few more Club 34 members!

From David Winters (36^th Co):

Two years prior to COVID I took on a near hopeless boat restoration case, a seventeen-foot Watson sloop built in 1976.  This was a risky proposition.  The fact that she came fully equipped with trailer for a mere $400 smelled fishy right out of the chute.  I knew she likely concealed inaccessible flaws somewhere, perhaps in the center well wherein her heavy iron keel-board was swung. But I drained the bilges, built a twenty-foot gantry crane with which we lifted her onto cradles, installed a new bow cuddy bulkhead and bilge inspection port, slapped on new fiberglass, reconfigured her trailer, and finally last week got her and my novice cowboy crew onto the water for a shakedown before applying final cosmetic touches.  We found that cosmetics must wait, for seaworthiness proved an issue. Once under sail, the old girl started to act sluggish. I fiddled around with weight distribution, until we noted that her self-bailing bilge scuttle was dipping below the water line. Water flowed in as much as it flowed out.  I decided this probably was not a mere design flaw.  To submerge those scuttles, she had to be, beneath our feet, invisibly taking on water. LOTS of water. So, we came about, hearts pounding, headed back toward shore, and managed to moor alongside a friend’s pier.

Over the rest of that short cruise draw the curtain of Christian charity except to say that we near miraculously managed to get the boat unrigged, unladen, lined up with a launch ramp, and winched in before she irretrievably submerged (all the time, bailing like mad with a fortuitously available bucket).  In the process, I blamed near drowned in a futile attempt to inspect her bottom. (No guffaws, please). Once on the ramp, we watched maybe a couple of hundred gallons of water pour out through the self-bailing bilges.

We have an old Navy saying, “I’m too short for this s**t.”  Back then we merely meant we were too close to the ends of our hitches to take risks.  But now I deduce that it applies to lifetimes too.  I’m too short for this (“…so short I could sit on a dime and dangle my legs.”).

We have therefore determined to donate our presently nameless hull, mast, sails, lines, trailer, and especially bilge pump, to a local amateur yacht club comprising optimistic young yachtsmen.  Maybe consider it an act of kindness to get their innocently misconceived optimism stomped out early and be done with it.  As for me, I’m going back to my little antique airship.  Granted that damsel has also, against my most earnest wishes, petulantly aborted cruises mid-flight, but she’s never tried to drown me.

In early October Dave and Debbie Winters organized and hosted the National Ercoupe Owners Club Fly-In Convention in Dickson, Tennessee.  Dave has long owned one of these antique birds even older than he is.  One of them elicited unexpected memories with a pristine Navy T-28 Trojan paint scheme as depicted in the following photo. (It more resembles a T-34 perhaps.)

FYI – Dave Winters has an article that appears in the October 2023 U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings magazine online.  It is entitled: “The Columbus Day History Lesson Nobody Taught Us”.

Elmer “Ken” Grey (33^rd Co), passed away in January 2023.  His Last Call appears in the November-December 2023 Shipmate.  Our sincere condolences to Ken’s family.

Shipmate: November/December 2023 14 October 2023

Posted by USNA Class of 1976 in Shipmate.
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by Mark Hubbard

The Norwegian playwright, Henrik Ibsen, once said, “a picture is worth a thousand words”.  Well…I’ve got several thousand words worth of photos to share with the class.  So, here we go!

Greg Vaughn (36^th Co) sent a note sharing highlights of his trip to Greece:

Susan and I had a wonderful vacation with classmates this summer.  We spent 10 days in Greece the latter half of July with Joelle & Wayne Jakubowski and Chris & Bill Ostendorff.   We had a day at either end to explore Athens and then spent the middle 8 days on a cruise to key Greek ports and Islands – as well as one day in Turkey visiting the ancient ruins at Ephesus.  We sailed on a small cruise ship with only 143 guests on board and, in addition to the standard stops, were able to get to a few islands that the larger ships are unable to visit.  We had a great time with our friends and classmates, enjoying the ship, the visits, and the excursions with too many sites and experiences to mention.  It was generally quite warm and very dry, with fires erupting near Athens and on several Greek islands during and after our stay – fortunately no fires on those islands we visited.  The ship, the World Navigator, was an oasis in that heat and treated us to fabulous service, amenities, and food.  I have included some photos that highlight the Acropolis, a visit to the monasteries and rock formations of Meteora (a UNESCO World Heritage site – one of several visited), and some kayaking from the ship while it was at anchor off our second island (Skiathos).  In addition, Wayne and Joelle distinguished themselves by winning a cooking contest in which the ship’s guests were invited to compete – I have included a photo of them at the start of their furious, but successful, effort to create a gourmet meal from scratch in less than 30 minutes.  I over-achieved with more than 5000 photographs (to add to everyone’s iPhone photos) and as many memories.  A terrific trip where everything went surprisingly smoothly!  We look forward to reminiscing at tailgates and our class get togethers for some time to come.

Dave DeSilva checked in:

Kathleen and I moved “back” to Pensacola Beach in 2019, retired in 2021 and now are enjoying life on the beach!  We’ve gotten active in the local Pensacola USNAAA Chapter, participating in football watch parties at Seville Quarter and attending the summer picnic.  The picnic was a great opportunity to see the new local Candidates that were Academy bound and to acknowledge the Blue & Gold Officers from the area.    

With the recent 2023 graduation, we are starting to see the newly minted Ensigns reporting to the area for Flight Training.  The Chapter with the coordination by Kathy McCartan ’85, has a sponsor advisee program to assist them in finding their way around Pensacola, advise where we can on flight training and anything else they can think of.  I recently met our advisees Ensigns Zachary Shieh ‘23 and Justin Chu ‘23, at the Navy-Memphis watch party.  Justin came with his wife, Anna and Zach came with two of his roommates.  Zach is renting a house with six other grads on Perdido Key Beach, right out the back gate of NAS and a stone’s throw from Johnson Beach.   When I asked about the “BOQ”, they asked what was that???    (I’m not, at all envious.)   

I met up with our classmate Rick Hamm at the Navy-Notre Dame watch party.  He is also living on Perdido Key and is training to be a chaplain at one of the local hospitals.  I’m hoping to meet up with other ‘76ers in the local area.  Would love to mimic Chuck Litz’s regular luncheon meetups in the DC area, maybe bi-monthly or quarterly.   So, for any ‘76ers in the general Pensacola, FL, area reading this, I’ll be reaching out to you to see if there is interest.  

One of my best friends and former helo squadron-mate, Frank Saunders ’73, lives nearby and through a friend of his son, we connected with Blue Angels #2, LCDR Chris Kapuschansky ‘12.  Chris invited us as “VIP” guests last fall to the Blue Angel’s Homecoming Show.  What a great time we had!  Chris met us at the hangar and gave us a full tour of the squadron spaces.  I must tell you, being back in a hangar and the Ready Room, seemed like yesterday!   After the show, we got the full VIP treatment with a photo of us with full flight demonstration team.

Kathleen and I are looking forward to our new roles as grandparents.  Hoping that the Beach will be a “draw” for the grandchildren in the future – Camp at Grandma & Grandpa’s!  Can’t wait!

From Bryan Dolan (17^th Co):

On August 5th, Joyce and I had the pleasure of a visit from Kent Bolin as he was passing through the area.  I am always mesmerized to hear bits and pieces of Kent’s storied career.  On August 27th, we hosted Jackie & Mark Bircher and Barb & Tom Kennedy for dinner.  It was another terrific visit as we got to hear about their global exploits.  It is a real privilege to know these individuals who have given so much in service to their country, as well as the sacrifices of their spouses during their careers.

Jim Taplett (25^th Co) writes: 

Mary and Dick Feckler (5^th Co.) and Gerri & Bob Jackson (24^th Co.) joined Rita & Mark O’Hare (15^th Co.) and Katie & Jim Taplett (25^th Co.) for a week in Napa Valley Wine Country to appropriately celebrate Mark and Jim’s 70th birthdays.  Mark and Jim brilliantly planned and executed their Joint Operations Plan to perfection.  The group was graciously hosted to wine tastings and food pairings at some of Napa Valley’s most esteemed wineries and vineyards; and Mark made sure that the dining experiences were top notch.  A lot of fine wine was purchased but not nearly as much as was consumed by this group!  It was another wonderful and memorable trip together; and the topic of wine certainly over-shadowed any Navy chat.

One of our Classmates sent me a note to mention that CAPT Richard Kadlick ’68 passed away in April.  He was the 9^th Company Officer our 1/C year and was affectionally known as “Flash”.  His obituary is in the July/August Shipmate.

BEAT ARMY!!!



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PHOTO 76#3:  Greg and Susan, Bill and Chris, and Joelle and Wayne – in Meteora, Greece to visit the monasteries high on the cliffs

PHOTO 76#4:  Joelle and Wayne at the start of their cooking contest

Dave DeSilva checked in:

Kathleen and I moved “back” to Pensacola Beach in 2019, retired in 2021 and now are enjoying life on the beach!  We’ve gotten active in the local Pensacola USNAAA Chapter, participating in football watch parties at Seville Quarter and attending the summer picnic.  The picnic was a great opportunity to see the new local Candidates that were Academy bound and to acknowledge the Blue & Gold Officers from the area.    

With the recent 2023 graduation, we are starting to see the newly minted Ensigns reporting to the area for Flight Training.  The Chapter with the coordination by Kathy McCartan ’85, has a sponsor advisee program to assist them in finding their way around Pensacola, advise where we can on flight training and anything else they can think of.  I recently met our advisees Ensigns Zachary Shieh ‘23 and Justin Chu ‘23, at the Navy-Memphis watch party.  Justin came with his wife, Anna and Zach came with two of his roommates.  Zach is renting a house with six other grads on Perdido Key Beach, right out the back gate of NAS and a stone’s throw from Johnson Beach.   When I asked about the “BOQ”, they asked what was that???    (I’m not, at all envious.)   

I met up with our classmate Rick Hamm at the Navy-Notre Dame watch party.  He is also living on Perdido Key and is training to be a chaplain at one of the local hospitals.  I’m hoping to meet up with other ‘76ers in the local area.  Would love to mimic Chuck Litz’s regular luncheon meetups in the DC area, maybe bi-monthly or quarterly.   So, for any ‘76ers in the general Pensacola, FL, area reading this, I’ll be reaching out to you to see if there is interest.  

One of my best friends and former helo squadron-mate, Frank Saunders ’73, lives nearby and through a friend of his son, we connected with Blue Angels #2, LCDR Chris Kapuschansky ‘12.  Chris invited us as “VIP” guests last fall to the Blue Angel’s Homecoming Show.  What a great time we had!  Chris met us at the hangar and gave us a full tour of the squadron spaces.  I must tell you, being back in a hangar and the Ready Room, seemed like yesterday!   After the show, we got the full VIP treatment with a photo of us with full flight demonstration team.

Kathleen and I are looking forward to our new roles as grandparents.  Hoping that the Beach will be a “draw” for the grandchildren in the future – Camp at Grandma & Grandpa’s!  Can’t wait!

PHOTO 76#5:  Frank Saunders ’73, LCDR Chris Kapuschansky ’12, Dave DeSilva ’76

PHOTO 76#6:  Dave DeSilva ’76 in Blue Angels’ Ready Room

PHOTO 76#7:  Kathleen & David DeSilva ’76 and Ginny & Frank Saunders ’73 with Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team October 2022

PHOTO 76#8:  Zachary Shieh ’23, Dave DeSilva ’76, Justin Chu ‘23, Nate Grucelski ‘23 and Alastair Campbell ’23 at the Navy Memphis watch party Pensacola FL

From Bryan Dolan (17^th Co):

On August 5th, Joyce and I had the pleasure of a visit from Kent Bolin as he was passing through the area.  I am always mesmerized to hear bits and pieces of Kent’s storied career.  On August 27th, we hosted Jackie & Mark Bircher and Barb & Tom Kennedy for dinner.  It was another terrific visit as we got to hear about their global exploits.  It is a real privilege to know these individuals who have given so much in service to their country, as well as the sacrifices of their spouses during their careers.

PHOTO 76#9:  Kent Bolin and Bryan Dolan enjoying a gulf coast sunset

PHOTO 76#10:  Bryan & Joyce Dolan are joined by Tom & Barb Kennedy and Jackie & Mark Bircher

Jim Taplett (25^th Co) writes: 

Mary and Dick Feckler (5^th Co.) and Gerri & Bob Jackson (24^th Co.) joined Rita & Mark O’Hare (15^th Co.) and Katie & Jim Taplett (25^th Co.) for a week in Napa Valley Wine Country to appropriately celebrate Mark and Jim’s 70th birthdays.  Mark and Jim brilliantly planned and executed their Joint Operations Plan to perfection.  The group was graciously hosted to wine tastings and food pairings at some of Napa Valley’s most esteemed wineries and vineyards; and Mark made sure that the dining experiences were top notch.  A lot of fine wine was purchased but not nearly as much as was consumed by this group!  It was another wonderful and memorable trip together; and the topic of wine certainly over-shadowed any Navy chat.

PHOTO 76#11:  Caymus Group – Katie Taplett, Gerri Jackson, Bob Jackson, Jim Taplett, Host “Zeke”, Mark O’Hare, Mary Feckler, Dick Feckler, Rita O’Hare

PHOTO 76#12:  4 Guys – Bob Jackson, Jim Taplett, Dick Feckler, Mark O’Hare

PHOTO 76#13:  Pahlmeyer Group – Rita O’Hare, Mark O’Hare, Mary Feckler, Host “Raul”, Dick Feckler, Jim Taplett, Katie Taplett, Gerri Jackson, Bob Jackson

One of our Classmates sent me a note to mention that CAPT Richard Kadlick ’68 passed away in April.  He was the 9^th Company Officer our 1/C year and was affectionally known as “Flash”.  His obituary is in the July/August Shipmate.

BEAT ARMY!!!

Shipmate: October 2023 31 July 2023

Posted by USNA Class of 1976 in Shipmate.
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by Mark Hubbard

To start this column, Gary Greenfield (36^th Co.) has an invitation for those of you who will be in Massachusetts for the Army-Navy Game this fall:

As you know, Army-Navy is being hosted in Boston this year – part of the celebration commemorating the 250^th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, which took place on December 16^th, 1773.  I’m especially excited as Boston was home to me, and it’s a great chance to share the traditions of Army-Navy with our local friends – and of course one of those traditions wouldn’t be complete without showing them the Spirit of ’76!

To kick off the weekend, my daughter, Brittany, and I will be hosting a casual dinner at our house in Beacon Hill, Friday December, 8^th and we’d love anybody making the trip in for AN or living nearby to join.  For those not familiar with Boston, Beacon Hill is downtown and the original neighborhood of Boston rife with history from the Revolutionary War and throughout America’s history and Brittany does know how to throw a good party (she may be writing portions of this email).  We’ll be sending out details as we get closer, but as you finalize your Army-Navy plans please just respond drop an email  to gary@zagent.com (keep Brittany cc’ed – brittany@zagent.com ) and let us know if you even think you might join us.  And, of course, guests are welcome.

Looking forward to seeing many of you in December.  GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY!

Phew!  This has been one hot and humid summer.  A few of our classmates and their wives managed to escape to cooler climates for a short time:

Kevin Stone (34^th Co.) and Mark Moore (12^th Co.), along with their wives Barbara and Sally, made a trip to London and Ireland in July. While they were there, they checked out possible venues for future reunions.  As shown in the photos they toured the Windsor family’s home in London (Buckingham Palace) as well as Highclere Castle, a.k.a. ‘Downton Abbey’.  While each had their merits, they decided that Annapolis is still the best location.  They had a wonderful time and even managed to see some of the swag for the Navy-Notre Dame game in production in the Waterford factory.  Anyone want a crystal football helmet with the Navy and Notre Dame logos on it?

Becky and Scott Pugh (33^rd Co.)decided to escape the oppressive Annapolis heat and humidity by traveling to Iceland in July.  They received some great tips about what to see in Iceland from Inger and Hugh Neighbour (2^nd Co.).  Scott mentioned that Iceland was “maybe the most amazing country I have ever seen.  Massive waterfalls, huge glaciers, erupting geyser and active volcano”.   Scott and Becky traveled the entire 820-mile Ring Road in just four days in an RV!   An interesting fact that Scott learned while on their journey is that in Iceland, they add CO₂ to their greenhouses to make everything grow stronger and faster!

Peter Varsanyi (31^st Co.) attended one of our classmate’s birthday parties:

Had a wonderful time with a few ’76ers that showed up for Ed Gilmore’s 70th Birthday party on 16 June at the Joint Base Bolling Air Base Officer Club here in DC.  Ed’s wife, Bri, put on a great event attended by many dear friends, a few shipmates and Ed’s father, sister and two younger brothers.  It was a real 70’s blast!

Steve Barilich (35^th Co.) recently celebrated two milestones:

My lovely wife of 47 years, Julie, and my three children threw a surprise birthday/retirement party for me this past 4th of July weekend at our home in Holly Ridge, NC.  I was honored by the presence of my roommate John “Smoke” Rader and fellow great combat engineer George Wheeler (30^th Co.) along with their spouses Patty and Mary respectively to share in the festivities.

Kate and Dave Papak (6^th Co.) organized an event ‘Warriors Rock’, that took place on Sunday, July 23^rd, at the Monongahela (PA) Aquatorium to honor Mon Valley Veterans and first responders.  The event included a concert featuring Gary Racan and the Studio-E Band (Gary was a former member of The Vogues).  Dave is hoping this inspirational event becomes an annual tradition to show the community, especially kids and young adults, how military Veterans and first responders have served their country.  Mark Thorpe (33^rd Co.) rode his new Harley trike from Annapolis to be present for the event.  Dave reports that Mark has been doing well despite his battle with health issues. 

Back on April 3^rd, Barb and I were joined by Barb and Tom Kennedy as well as Renee and Dale Dykhuizen at the Bluewater Waterfront Grill in Wrightsville Beach, NC, for a 26^th Company mini reunion.

Tim Farrell (27^th Co.) writes:

My son, Ryan, his fiancée, Stephanie Katzen, and I went to the 2023 New Jersey Battleship Brewers Festival on USS New Jersey (BB-62) on Saturday, June 24, 2023.  New Jersey was built in Philadelphia.  After the last time she was retired the people of New Jersey raised money to have her towed to Camden, NJ, where she’s open to visitors.  I even paid extra for NJ battleship license plates for my car when I lived there.  The other three Iowa class battleships are also open to visitors:  Iowa in Los Angeles, Missouri in Pearl Harbor, and Wisconsin in Norfolk.

Until next time…

Shipmate: September 2023 4 July 2023

Posted by USNA Class of 1976 in Shipmate.
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by Mark Hubbard

It’s very hot in Kure Beach as I am writing this column and struggle with my new iMac (the old one got zapped during a recent thunderstorm).  Speaking of hot, here’s the latest news from our class.

Garry Hall (32^nd Co.) received a special honor at his high school and has a touching and heartfelt update on Dave Fleischman (11^th Co.) who is dealing with ALS: 

Darlene and I had the opportunity to travel to my hometown of Buffalo NY Memorial Day week.  I was honored to be inducted in my High School Corridor of Honor.  While that was a wonderful honor, the true and real honor was how it came about.  I was nominated by our Academy Classmate Dave Fleischman who was one year behind me at Kenmore West High School.  I went to NAPS while Dave excelled athletically and academically his senior year.  We joined up as Plebes together with ‘76 along with 2 other Kenmore West graduates, the Pearsall brothers.  Dave graduated and went Nuclear Submarines, and I went into the LAMPS helicopter community. 

The true honor is that Dave is dealing with the brutal and unforgiving disease ALS, yet he took the time to dictate the nomination package to his wife Amy and submitted it through Amy.  Dave now has lost the ability to communicate verbally but with the help of his wife and daughter he communicates with a process using a graphic of the alphabet and what looks like the POW tap code. 

He, Amy, and daughter Katie came to the ceremony and while there he “tapped out” that he wanted a picture with me and our wives.  Later after pictures he started tapping out S – H – I – P and Amy and Katie looked puzzled.  I immediately knew what he was trying to say. I said “Dave, yes I will write up something for Shipmate and send in the pictures.”  He smiled broadly and nodded his head.

Before he departed, I got close to his ear and said “thank you Dave for the nomination, but the true honor is that you thought of a Classmate while you were dealing with ALS. Thinking of others was the best honor and represents the love of one classmate for another.  I love you brother.”

I was choked up then and now in the retelling.  His daughter recently gave testimony to Dave’s condition and the power of our prayers for him and his family.  Katie also said seeing 2 classmates together and Dave’s smiles at the event was the highlight of her visit in caring for her dad. 

Please continue prayers for Dave and all our classmates in need of healing at this time of our lives. 

Garry Hall also mentioned that he has a YouTube channel as well as a book:

For the past 4 months, Dave Papak and I have live-streamed praying the Holy Rosary for classmates, friends and their families in need of healing prayers.  We are putting our words like “we will pray for you” into action.  We stream the Rosary once a month and all faiths are welcome to join.  While live-streaming we average 25 – 30 participants but following the live event we have had over 300 views and prayers on YouTube.  We can be found by searching the YouTube channel, “The Admiral’s Almanac”.  There you will find our live events and episodes of my podcast.

Also, in May my book, Navigating Leadership, Making a PACT with Excellence was released on Amazon.  We were #1 in New Releases, in addition to other categories in the US and Canada.

Dave Rossetti (Co. 29) has a brief input for Shipmate:

A few of us 29th Company classmates, including Cari and Mike Crochet, Sarah and Ed Riehl, and Kristy and Dave Rossetti, converged on Debra and Mike Flentje’s summer place just across the Virginia line in Piney Creek, North Carolina, for a few days to close out the month of June. A great time was had by all. 

Ernie Halton (32^nd Co.) had the pleasure of going on a family day cruise with his son, LT Ernest J. Halton ’13 (13^th Co.) 

Barbara Leytem, wife of Brent Leytem (15^th Co.) sent news that Brent has started showing their Great Danes.  Gabriel’s mother BISS GCHS Antigua & Asbury Royale Dementor CGC, TKN, BCAT TT won Best of Opposite at Westminster on May 9, 2023

Carl Sharperson (6^th Co.) reported from Florida on June 11^th:

I am in Tampa, FL, celebrating the 94th birthday of Retired RADM Lawrence Chambers ‘52.  He was the second Black midshipman to graduate from USNA (and the first African American to command an aircraft carrier as well as the first African American Naval Academy graduate to attain flag rank).   He is also famous for his leadership as the CO of the USS Midway (CV-42).  In 1975, during the Fall of Saigon, the Midway played a heroic role, rescuing thousands of fleeing Vietnamese men, women, and children.  The flight deck was full of out-of-gas helicopters.  This monumental birthday celebration was hosted by my friend Stanley Gray ‘77. Also in the photo is RADM Chambers’ cousin Nicholas Brown who reports to USNA in a couple of weeks as a Plebe and will graduate in 2027.  I’m a proud member of the historic and record-breaking bicentennial Class of 1976!  [Note:  You can read more about RADM Lawrence Chambers at https://www.midway.org/blog/admiral-lawrence-chambers-the-pathfinder/]

Several classmates met at Mattie & Eddie’s Irish Bar & Restaurant in Arlington, VA, on June 22^nd.

Sadly, I received news that John Davis (19^th Co.) passed away on June 10^th due to cancer.  Our deepest condolences to John’s wife, Diane, and to the rest of his extended family.  John’s final resting place will be by his father’s side at Arlington National Cemetery.

That just about wraps it up for this edition of Class News!  Looking forward to another season of Navy Football – BEAT ARMY!

Shipmate: July/August 2023 4 June 2023

Posted by USNA Class of 1976 in Shipmate.
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by Mark Hubbard

There is much to report so…

Jeff Sander (9th Co.) provided a thorough after-action report on Another Link in the Chain (ALITC) Sea Trials 2023 for the Class of 2026:

I was able to join several classmates in observing several phases of Sea Trials 2023 held as the culminating event of Plebe Year for the Class of 2026.  Sea Trials has been conducted for a little over 20 years and I’m sure it has evolved a bit over that time.  This year for the first time, the Herndon Climb was moved out of Graduation Week to the morning following the main body of Sea Trials.  Being able to observe most of the phases of Sea Trials was a real treat.  Future ALITC class members should be encouraged to attend.  They won’t regret it. I had a great time and learned a lot about life at the Academy today.  Sea Trials consisted of several phases, starting with an In-Brief/Kick-off on Monday night in Alumni Hall at 1800 which included some table-top wargaming, a Dark Phase which consisted of a 0230 wake-up and PT/strenuous games on Farragut and Rip Miller Field from 0300 to 05/0600 time frame, what I’ll call the “main event” which consisted of six venues (with two to five events at each) of various strength, endurance, teamwork challenges run from around 0600 – 1700, and the closing phase from 1800 to 1900 or so, with Herndon kind of connected the next morning.  What to me made Sea Trials such a phenomenal event is the involvement of lots of upper-class Mids – there were several hundred. Each of the phases and venues were planned, organized, and run by Midshipmen.  First Class Mids held the top leadership of the entire program and each of the Phases and main venues.  I think most of the individual events within the venues were run by Second Class and Youngsters.  Each of the 30 companies (only 30 companies now, not 36) of Plebes was led by a Second-Class company commander and a Youngster XO and squad leaders.  Every venue and event had multiple assistants called station Corporals who were mostly Youngsters.  Every company had two designated safety observers and every event or station had multiple assigned safety observers depending on the risks associated with the event.  Each of the six venues had from two to five events or stations, some of which were run at the squad level and others at the company level.   There was also a logistics crew which set up and maintained food, snack, and water stations.  All these upper class Mids were enthusiastic about what they were doing and many, if not most, were planning to participate again if they could.  For the upper-class Mids involved, it was a great experiential leadership, management, and planning training opportunity – far more advanced than most of us ever experienced in our Midshipman days. I didn’t get much chance to interact with Plebes, but I spoke with many of the upper-class men and women.  All seemed very appreciative of our interest and presence.  Three of the main event venues were on the Academy side of the river (two at Hospital Point and one at Scott Natatorium) and three were on the Naval Station. The three battalions starting or ending the day at the NAVSTA were either bussed or transported by personnel boat to or from the Academy side at 0600 and 1700.  At midday, the three battalions on each side switched by running from one side to the other.  The run was planned and executed so that the two groups passed each other on the center of the “Naval Academy” (Highway 450) bridge about 1115 or so (no simple feat since: 1) the Academy side group started on Hospital Point and the NAVSTA group started over a mile and a half away from the bridge and 2) the bridge and roads between the bridge and NavSta had to closed to vehicle traffic).   The events or stations varied from a few that were more problem solving and teamwork oriented to most which were more physically challenging.  To some participants, many, if not most, events would have been beyond their comfort zones; those with a special ops bent would have been in their element throughout the day. But that was the idea: the purpose was to stretch each individual both physically and mentally. It was 15+ grueling hours of nearly constant physical activity after a 0230 wake-up.  The opening event included remarks from the Midshipman Sea Trials CO, the Commandant, a motivational speaker who gave some tips on how to mentally bear up and conquer the desire to quit, a medical and safety brief both for the main Sea Trial events and Herndon. Once those briefs were over, an hour to hour and a half was devoted to two “tabletop” war game problems.  A situation was presented, the Mids were given time to independently consider solutions, then worked together at squad and then company levels to come up with answers which were evaluated for a score.  One problem was a ground based tactical situation with a lot of uncertainty, ambiguity, and lost communications in the mix.  The other was a more straightforward target evaluation and prioritization for a limited number of available weapons.  I’m not sure we would have been prepared to consider either problem when we graduated!  Hospital Point events included squad rubber boat races in the river, squad relays with rubber boats (overhead) on land, two different log lifting and carrying events, jumping in the river, rolling in the sand, and crawling with helmet and rifle though a muddy trench under barbed wire, to more basic running, wrestling/self-defense, and other relay races.  NavSta events included the O-course (the O-course is no longer on Hospital Point), Pugil Stick fighting matches, various problem solving and teamwork events, tactical battle problem analysis, brief preparation and presentation, a modified Capture the Flag game, more relays involving buddy carries, stretcher carries, etc., and the E (for Endurance) course.   The E course is a roughly 2-mile extreme cross-country course that goes up and down at least a dozen deep ravines, steep enough such that many had ropes draped down the trail to assist in pulling up or letting down, and many other O-course type of elements like 4 ft high walls, a 10- or 12-foot-high cargo net obstacle, a monkey bridge, log bridges, etc.  The closing phase consisted of all the companies assembling on Rip Miller Field (the astroturf football practice field) and doing a reprise of PEP, then a run around Farragut Field before reassembling for the presentation of the Iron Company award, won this year by 17^th company.  The Commandant asked one of us ALITC observers to help him make the presentation.  You can view photos from the day on the Alumni Association website if you log in, click on “parents” in upper right corner menu, then click on Photo Program and Videos.  In the next page click on “Click Here” in the first paragraph on the page that opens, then click on class of 2026 Sea Trials.   The plebes are in blue ring neck t-shirts or cammo blouses.   Black, Gray, Green, Blue, and Red t-shirts are upper-class Mids and Gold is for officers, senior enlisted, and ALITC.  Bob Dixon (25th Co.), Jeff Neufeld (2nd Co.), Gary Stark (34th Co.), Kevin Stone (34th Co.) and I were present for the Herndon Monument Climb.  Class of ’26 didn’t come close to beating us with their 2 hours, 32 minutes time!

Bruce “Stuts” Stutsman (1st Co.) crossed off another item on his “Bucket List”:

After several years of travel prohibitions etc., several of my friends and I were able to complete one of our goals.  We summited Mount Kilimanjaro at sunrise on February 21st.  We could not have done it without local support.  The people of Tanzania are the sweetest people, and we were blessed with a great crew. After the climb, we did a 5-day safari.  The vastness and beauty of the Serengeti was breathtaking. 

Congratulations to Jordan Smith (17th Co.) who has recently received an award.  As posted on Twitter by the San Jacinto Unified School District on May 11th:  “We are pleased to announce that Mountain View HS Teacher Dr. Jordan B. Smith, Jr. was selected as an Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year Award recipient! He is 1 of 10 winners and received a $5,000 cash award and $25,000 to support the computer science program at MVHS.”  Jordan also reports that he has two books that were recently released about teaching:  11 Effective Strategies for Teaching Math to Students Who Have Given Up on Learning, and Annapolis Creed: Why Teacher Leaders Like Me Matter (both available on Amazon).  Bravo Zulu,  Jordan – well done, Classmate!

Classmates were present at the memorial service for Francis Devereux (26th Co.)at Arlington National Cemetery on May 15th.  It was a beautiful day in which to join his widow, Colleen, to lay the remains of Francis in his final resting place.  [A video of the ceremony can be found at the following link:  https://youtu.be/c2QP72Aey_M]  Rest in Peace, Francis.

John Rowland (17th Co.) has a son in show business.  Michael Rowland is costarring with Joel McHale in the TV series, Animal Control.  He is a well-known comedian.  Check out his website at https://www.michaelrowlandcomedy.com/.

Luke Memminger (10th Co.) writes about his Medical Mission Trip to India:

My wife, Ann, and I and 4 others from our church, Grace Anglican Church of Fleming Island, FL, traveled to Hyderabad, India, for a Medical Mission from March 10th – 17th.  Our mission was to provide eye testing and eyeglasses for the Dalit (untouchables) people of Hyderabad.  We tested about 400 people and provided eyeglasses for 150 people.  It was an incredible blessing to these folks and to us.

As an update for my classmates whom I have not been in contact with; I retired with 22 years flying the A-7 and F/A-18, as O-5, and retired from American Airlines with 27 years.  I was called to ministry in my last years with American.  I completed Seminary and was ordained as an Anglican Deacon 7 years ago.  I serve as the Pastoral Care Minister and help lead our Healing Prayer Ministry at our Anglican Church in Fleming Island, FL, where Ann and I retired.  My son was class of 2011 and flew MH-60R’s and is now flying for Skywest Airlines.

Tim Farrell (27th Co.) had lunch with Jen and Mark McKinley (27th Co.) while in San Diego for Tim’s nephew’s wedding.

I regret to inform you that our Classmate John A. Schumacher (4th Co.) passed away May 1st in Edison, NJ.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

It is also with regret that I report the passing of Patricia “Patty” Brandmaier, wife of Mike LeFever (20th Co.).  She succumbed to pancreatic cancer on March 24th.  Our deepest sympathies go out to Mike, his children, and the extended family.