USS BELKNAP Association Newsletter

Winter 2003

Letter From the President

In this first publication of the USS BELKNAP Association newsletter, I am proud to report that since our reunion in October 2002, the USS BELKNAP Association has made great strides in obtaining additional Association membership and contributions to the BELKNAP Memorial Fund. I am extremely proud to say that we have obtained promise of sufficient funds to place the BELKNAP Memorial in its rightful place in Wisconsin Square thanks to all of the generous contributions made by shipmates, family and financial organizations. Out goal now is to raise additional funds to ensure that the reception after the dedication is financed in full. Your continued contributions will be greatly appreciated. We also need your support in attending the dedication, which is scheduled for April 26th, 2003. Please go to the Association website (www.USSBELKNAP.com) and obtain a copy of the registration form and plan on attending the service. We plan on hosting a hospitality suite and dinner in the hotel during that weekend, which will be another great opportunity to once again meet shipmates and swap sea stories.

Along these lines, another major goal of the Association is to continue to sign up all shipmates, no matter when they served onboard the BELKNAP. The October reunion showed us that this is not just a BELKNAP collision organization, but also a brother hood of men who sailed on one of the finest ships in the U.S. Navy. Men from different periods of service on the BELKNAP swapped stories and were astounded by the growth of the BELKNAP from her commissioning to her de-commissioning. For those of you who have not joined with us, or are undecided, come join us at the Memorial Dedication in April and our second reunion in Pensacola, Florida next October and witness for yourself the brotherhood that exists. I assure you that you will enjoy yourself.

Finally, as we move further into 2003, I would like to take this time to wish each and every one of you good health and a prosperous year. In addition, I ask each of you to offer a moment of silence or prayer for our men and women in uniform throughout the world standing guard over our freedoms.

Jim Farrow
President
USS BELKNAP Association

USS BELKNAP was my first ship, and I am glad to see a website dedicated to that great ship. I was very sad to see her decommissioned. I was one of the last sailors onboard. After the ceremony, I had to go up to the signal bridge to get a couple of things, and I am pretty sure I was the last to leave. I still have the commission pennant we flew on the transit from Gaeta to the states. It remains my very prized possession from the Navy. Thanks for your time and attention to my problem, and thanks for this great website.

- JO1(SW) Eric J. Harrison USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs.