Mustered on station
We visited, the lifeblood of the Belknap. We relived her glory and told many stories about all that chipping and painting!
We shared our tales and broke bread with our shipmates, those of us who were fortunate enough to sail in her. Raised a toast to those who have gone before and fervently hope that we will be present to raise another at the next reunion in Mobile, AL in 2008.
"Steve McQueen Would Be Proud"
--Steve Mitchell
During the 2007 reunion in Norfolk, the Association was given a signed copy by Steve Mitchell of his new book "Steve McQueen Would Be Proud" to use as we saw fit. We chose to use it as a primary prize in the raffle.
There is a link to his website which has more information about the book and his subjects which were the destroyer men and their lives during the Vietnam War era, memories of the Shellback initiations, gun-line humor and just ordinary day to day observations.
View some comments about the book from sailors like us.
His website is www.WestPacStories.com (off-site link)
Norfolk
Norfolk has changed greatly since the late 60's and 70's. Fewer ships of course, more traffic and construction throughout. A tourist area has sprung up where my memories were of sailor's dives and the many uniform shops.
Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin were great. It was nice to be able to visit the battleship without charge. That doesn't happen too often in this day and age! It is still mothballed, available to go back to sea if called. To bad that the powers that be couldn't have used Belknap in that capacity.
This isn't only my soap box - if you wish to share your own
thoughts about Norfolk or the 2007 reunion, email me at
webmaster@ussbelknap.com.
I will be glad to post them.