I hope this newsletter finds you in "calm waters & smooth sailing". I'm getting excited about our upcoming reunion in Norfolk this year and hope all shipmates can be present for our daily muster. If you are planning to attend, please expedite your registration form now so the Reunion Planner can work out any final details with the Hotel and banquet Chef's. It's much easier on him to have an exact number of attendees in advance of the reunion.

The sites voted on for the 2008 Reunion (Philadelphia and Savannah) have not produced positive results involving many issues...room rates/no hospitality room/availability/etc.., so we have dropped those sites for now. There maybe some positive results coming from a hotel in "King of Prussia" near Valley Forge, PA which is several miles from Philadelphia, and are looking into that as well as Las Vegas/Laughlin, Nevada. Results of these searches will be presented at our business meeting in Norfolk for your vote and approval.

The memorial service this year will be held at the Wisconsin Square in Norfolk which is dedicated to those Shipmates who died on the 1975 collision as well as those who have passed away this past year. Details and time will be in the "Plan of the Day" at the Reunion Check in desk.

I feel we have a great Association and is growing by the day and we will continue our duty keeping the Belknap history and legacy alive.

Looking forward to see you all in October

Dick Lemon (69-72)