USS BELKNAP Association Newsletter

Winter 2003

Memorial to BELKNAP Shipmates

After 27 years, a permanent memorial for the crew involved in the 1975 collision is a realization but we need your help. The dedication service is April 26th and we still need to raise approximately $2,000. We have to be able to pay for the granite marker and plaque plus a reception following the ceremony. Thank you to everyone who has financially supported this project, with your help we have raised almost $4,000. If you would like to contribute, checks can be made payable to “USS BELKNAP Association” and labeled Memorial Fund in the memo field. We are a tax exempt association. All gifts are 100% deductible.

Thank you for all of your assistance with this project.
Regards,
Linda Lassen
Memorial Dedication Coordinator

The memorial plaque reads:

USS BELKNAP (CG-26)

On 22 November 1975, the cruiser USS BELKNAP (CG-26) collided with the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during night maneuvers in the Ionian Sea. As the carrier’s overhanging flight deck sheared off BELKNAP’S superstructure, KENNEDY’S aircraft refueling lines were ruptured. Thousands of gallons of aviation fuel poured onto BELKNAP, erupting into a raging inferno so hot it melted the aluminum superstructure. BELKNAP’S crew, aided by USS CLAUDE V. RICKETTS (DDG-5) and USS BORDELON (DD-881), battled the fires and exploding munitions for over six hours to save BELKNAP. Seven BELKNAP sailors and one JOHN F. KENNEDY sailor died as a result of the collision and catastrophic fires that ensued.

BELKNAP was decommissioned 20 December 1975 to facilitate a major rebuilding and modernization effort. She was recommissioned 10 May 1980 and served with distinction until her final decommissioning 15 February 1995.

This memorial honors the ultimate sacrifice of

• MM1 James W. Cass,
• MM2 Douglas Freeman,
• EM2 Michael Kowola,
• DS2 Gordon St. Marie,
• STG3 Brent Lassen,
• DS3 Gerald Ketcham,
• FA David Messmer

It is dedicated by their BELKNAP shipmates who were proud to have served with them and whose lives were forever changes.