NOW THE LEXINGTON MUSEUM ON THE BAY

IN CORPUS CHRISTI, TX.

Our condolences. I’m sure each and every one has some thing in their lives that deserves special mentioning.

LOOKING FOR

This from Barbara Torrey Smith daughter of Commander Philip Huston Torrey Jr. about him ......he was the CAG 9 off the Lexington from March 1944-February 1945, the date of his death.  As you know, that date was the first carrier air strike over Japan and he was shot down by a Japanese fighter over Habu village, Narita, Japan.  Quite a story that was written up in the "Stars and Stripes" in 1980 about my brother, a Marine Colonel, going to the village and meeting the people who had buried my Dad.  My Dad's name:

Commander Philip Huston Torrey, Jr. USN...1934 USNA graduate.  I would like to hear from anyone who had known him.  My email:  wsmith96@prodigy.net

Looking For:  Edward Rucki Jr., 26 Meadow St., Denville, NJ, 07834-2543 is looking for information on Daniel Easton from E Division who lived in Lima, OH.  Anyone with info please contact Ed.

Looking For Information:  Captain Jay Williams, USN (Ret) is seeking information regarding a flight mishap in (approximately) November 1960 that claimed the life of A-4 (I believe) pilot Lieutenant Sherwood Gifford.  His son was an infant when he was killed and is trying find out a little more about his father.  Anyone with information contact Lloyd Friedli.

Jacksonville Reunion 2003

October 7th-12th, 2003

Deadline for Reunion, Hotel & Tour Registration

 is September 12th, 2003

Again this year, both the reunion registration forms and tour forms go to the Association Treasurer.  Hotel registration/reservations are made directly with the Reunion hotel.

Reunion Hotel

Adam’s Mark Hotel & Resort

Jacksonville, Fl

Hotel Reservation can me made directly by calling the Adam’s Mark hotel’s national reservation number at (800) 444-2326 or calling the hotel directly here in Jacksonville at (904) 633-9095. Make Sure to tell the Customer Service Representative that you are with the Lexington Reunion.  The rate is $95+tax per room, per night with no charge for additional quests. Airport transportation can be arranged by calling Express Shuttle USA at (800) 394-0116.  Cost for 1 to 4 people is $20. Groups of 5 or more is $6 per person. Normal Taxi fare is $24. The Adam's Mark hotel is the largest hotel in Northeast Florida with over 1000 rooms . It features lively on-site entertainment, restaurants, sports bar and lounges, along with a full-service rooftop health club and pool overlooking stunning views of the St. Johns River and surrounding cityscape. Set along the newly developed north riverbank boardwalk, the hotel is located in the heart of the downtown business district and within walking distance of the Jacksonville Landing, Center for Performing Arts, Florida Theatre and a mile from ALLTEL Stadium, home of Jaguars NFL football and host of the Super Bowl in 2005. More tourist attractions are just a water taxi away and pro golf courses, vibrant shopping and playful beaches are all within a few miles. To Get more information visit the Adam’s Mark website at www.adamsmark.com/jacksonoville/.

Tentative Agenda

Tuesday, October 7^th                            Registration Desk – Lexington Hospitality Suite

                                                            Registration desk opens at noon.  The Hospitality suite will

remain open throughout the week with the hours

determined as needed.

Welcome Reception:     6:00PM to 9:00 PM

Food and Drinks available.

Wednesday, October 8^th                      Tour #1 Historic Augustine tour – 9:00AM to 4PM

                                                            Tour #2 Night-time cruise on the LaCruise Casino ship

7:00PM – Midnight.  

Thursday, October 9^th                          Tour #3 Shopping Tour – 10AM to 3PM

Tour #4 Dinner Cruise on the St. Johns River.

Friday, October 10^th                             Tour #5 Mayport Naval Station Luncheon at the Officer’s Club and USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 Tour - 10:30AM to 4PM

Tour #6 Night-time cruise on the LaCruise Casino ship

7:00PM – Midnight.

Saturday, October 11^th             Shipmate Meeting – 8:00AM to 10:00AM

                                                            Tour #7 Shopping Tour – 10AM to 3PM

                                                            Banquet Social Hour – 6:00PM to 7:00 PM

                                                            Dinner Served – 7:00 PM

Guest Speaker Captain William Kennedy, Decommissioning Commanding Officer, USS Lexington CV-16 8:00PM to 8:30PM

Dancing – 8:30 to Midnight

Sunday, October 12^th                           Memorial Service – 8:00AM to 9AM

                                                            Fond Farewells!!

Tours

Tour #1      Historic St. Augustine Tour   (Wednesday)

A luxury coach will pick up your group at the Adam’s Mark Hotel and take them on a tour they will never forget!!  They will have the opportunity to visit the Governor’s house, Flagler college, the Oldest School House, St. George street’s shops, the Castillo San Marco, etc. Everyone will have an opportunity for lunch at a number of fine restaurants and then enjoy a wonderful luncheon at one of St. Augustine’s finest restaurants right near the old district.

Total including tour, transportation, gratuities, design, coordination and management fee per person (this price is based on a total of 56 people in attendance):  $32.00

Tour # 2     Cruise the Atlantic on the Casino ship LaCruise Casino.  (Wednesday night) Transportation and the cruise are free if more than 20 people are interested and sign up.

Tour #3      Shopping in St. Augustine Outlet Mall      (Thursday)

95 famous stores!  You’ll find everything from designer fashions to the latest shoes, jewelry, accessories, home furnishings, clothing and more, all at savings of 25% to 70%.  A few of the stores you will find are:  Mikasa, Ann Taylor, Harry & David, Bass, Le Creuset , Seiko, Donna Kaaren, Gap, J. Crew, Liz Claiborne, and Nine West.  Discount coupon books will be distributed to all shopping attendees.

Pricing includes: Transportation for 56 people, Exclamation Points Staffing, coordination and management: $32 per person based on 1 motor coach.

Tour #4      Dinner Cruise on the St. John’s River (Thursday Night)

Get ready for a wonderful evening cruising the St. John’s River and enjoying the spectacular views of Jacksonville’s downtown lights, beautiful riverfront homes and the varied sights along the banks.  There are two decks both with dance floors and full service bars, French doors leading outside for strolling or just watching the world go by. An evening filled with music and an extensive buffet all add to your total night’s experience on your private charter.

Total for this venue includes:  Private 3 hour charter, dinner buffet, Disc Jockey and Exclamation Points staffing for management and coordination.  $48.00 per person.  (Limit 200 people – no less than 100 in attendance)

Tour #5      Mayport Naval Station Luncheon and Tour of the USS John F, Kennedy CV-67 

A luxury coach will pick up your group at the Adam’s Mark Hotel and take them on a tour of Mayport Naval Station.  Then it’s on to the Mayport Naval Station Officers Club for lunch overlooking the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.  The day is not over as we tour one of the Navy’s most advanced aircraft carriers, the USS John F. Kennedy.  Picture ID is required by Base security and a complete list must be turned in by close of Business Tuesday October 7^th.

Total for the venue includes:  Deluxe Motor Coach Transportation, Lunch at the Mayport Officer’s Club.  $30 per person

Tour # 6     Cruise the Atlantic on the Casino ship LaCruise Casino. 

(Friday night) Transportation and the cruise are free if more than 20 people are interested and sign up.

Tour #7      Shopping in St. Augustine Outlet Mall      (Saturday)

95 famous stores!  You’ll find everything from designer fashions to the latest shoes, jewelry, accessories, home furnishings, clothing and more, all at savings of 25% to 70%.  A few of the stores you will find are:  Mikasa, Ann Taylor, Harry & David, Bass, Le Creuset , Seiko, Donna Kaaren, Gap, J. Crew, Liz Claiborne, and Nine West.  Discount coupon books will be distributed to all shopping attendees.

Pricing includes: Transportation for 56 people, Exclamation Points Staffing, coordination and management: $32 per person based on 1 motor coach.

If you have a computer you can take a look at the Adams Mark Hotel in Jacksonville, FL.

Go to. www.adamsmark.com From the next screen pick 1. Adams Mark. From the next screen scroll until you see a box, choose Hotel. Pick the arrow at this box and select Jacksonville.

DO IT NOW!!!  Fill out the forms and send them in. Before you know, it will be time for the reunion.  There will not be any more reminders.  Meet old shipmates and make new friends.

Jacksonville Reunion Registration Form

October 7^th to October 12^th, 2003

ATTENDEES:

(1)        Total Number in our group is                                                                __________

(2)        Cost to register is $25 per person                                                                    x $25

(3)        Total Registered Amount  (1) x (2)                                                        __________

(4)        Number for Saturday Night Banquet                                                      __________

(5)        Cost for Banquet is $40 per person                                                                  x $40

(6)        Total Banquet Amount  (4) x (5)                                                            __________

(7)        Total Registration and Banquet Amount  (3) + (6)                                 __________

Dinner selections are (please indicate number: the number should total the same as the number on line (4):

                                    Chicken                                              ____________

                                    Prime Rib                                           ____________

Jacksonville, FL Reunion Tour Form

Tour #1  Historic St. Augustine Tour (Wednesday, October 8th)

Price per person is:  $32.00

Tour # 2  Cruise the Atlantic on the Casino ship LaCruise Casino.  (Wednesday night, October 8th) Transportation and the cruise are free if more than 20 people are interested and sign up.

Tour #3  Shopping in St. Augustine Outlet Mall      (Thursday)

Price per person is :  $30 per person based on 1 motor coach. 

Tour #4  Dinner Cruise on the St. John’s River (Thursday Night)

Price per person is $48.00 per person.  (Limit 200 people – no less than 100 in attendance)

Tour #5 Mayport Naval Station Luncheon and Tour of the USS John F, Kennedy CV-67 

Price per person is: $30 with Lunch.

Tour #6  Cruise the Atlantic on the Casino ship LaCruise Casino.  (Friday night) Transportation and the cruise are free if more than 20 people are interested and sign up.

Tour #7  Shopping in St. Augustine Outlet Mall      (Saturday)

Price per person is: $30 per person based on 1 motor coach.

Members Name___________________________________________________

                                                                   Number                         Amount

Tour #1      St Augustine                           _______     x $32            _______

Tour #2      LaCruise Casino                    _______      Free

Tour #3      Shopping                                 _______      x $32          ______

Tour #4      Dinner Cruise                         _______      x $48          _______

Tour #5      Mayport/USS JFK                  _______     x $30          _______

Tour #6      LaCruise Casino                    _______     Free

Tour #7      Shopping                                 _______     x 32            _______

USS LEXINGTON CV16

KOREAN  WAR  COMMEMORATION

2000-2003 marks the 50^th anniversary of the Korean War. There have been several commemorations to REMEMBER the service and sacrifice by our servicemen. A Navy led commemoration will be held in Korea next year.

From Korea: US Naval Forces in Korea will be hosting a Sea Services Commemoration in Pusan, Korea. The commemoration will take place on a ship May 30, 2003 in honor of all veterans that served at sea during the Korean War.

Breakfast With The Admiral: Admiral Jones, Commander US Naval Forces Korea (CNFK), will be taking all returning veterans to breakfast the morning of the commemoration. Some of today’s sailors will join us as well. This will be a good chance for you to talk with some of the young people that are serving our country today.

Commemoration Dinner: Captain Thomas Hudner, who will be the keynote speaker at a dinner Friday night, flew from USS Leyte during the war and received the Congressional Medal of Honor for action at the Chosin Reservoir. All returning veterans are invited.

Historical Symposium: Historians from the Naval Historical Center in Washington and the command historian in Seoul will host a symposium on Saturday May 31^st. Presentations will be given on the naval operations of the war, and historians will be available to answer your questions.

US Navy … Then and Now: Remember what it was like to serve on a ship 50 years ago? Now’s your chance to see what “Today’s Navy” is all about. You will have a running mate that is doing the same job today that you did back when you were “In the Navy”.

Ship Visits: There will be several ships open for tours.

Additional Information: The planning committee in Seoul will be making other announcements as the plans develop. If you have further questions, contact them by email: 50years@cnfk.navy.mil or write to them at:

Commemoration Planning Committee

Commander, US Naval Forces Korea

Unit  15250

APO  AP  96205-0023

TOURS

The following list of available tours is provided as a service to the returning Korean War veterans. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all possible tour packages, but rather reflects the tours of which we are aware. Accordingly, as of the date of this posting, the following companies are offering tours to Korea to include a trip to Pusan during the Sea Service Commemoration on May 30, 2003. The inclusion of this list does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, or Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea.

The tour companies are:

California Pacific Tours                                     Military Historical Tours

1475 Huntington Ave, Suite 101                           4600 Duke Street, Suite 420

South San Francisco, CA 94080                          Alexandria, VA 22304

Phone: (888) 822-5258                                    Phone: (800) 722-9501

Website: www.cptours.com                                  Website: www.miltours.com

Any other tour companies that would like to be included on this list should contact the Commemoration Committee at 50years@cnfk.navy.mil

SEA  SERVICE  COMMEMORATION

SCHEDULE  OF  EVENTS

Thursday 29 May 2003

                Ships and veterans arrive

                                No events planned – free time for veterans to explore Pusan

                                REGISTRATION – take a muster and find out who is here and where

Friday 30 May 2003

Morning                “BREAKFAST WITH THE ADMIRAL” Admiral Jones will take all the returning veterans to breakfast. We will place a select group in the crowd to talk with the veterans. There will be at least one active duty sailor at each table for the veterans to talk to. Should be select sailors i.e. “Sailor of the Quarter”

1100 – 1200            SEA SERVICE COMMEMORATION will last one hour and be held on the carrier in Pusan. Followed by a LUNCH RECEPTION held on board with Navy Flag Officer as host (C7F? or CPF?)

Afternoon             SHIP TOURS All ships except carrier open for visitation. Veterans to sign up for tours when they register on Thursday. Carrier tours to be on Saturday morning.

Evening                 COMMEMORATION DINNER with CAPT Hudner as the key speaker. This will be for all returning veterans. Sponsor still needed - maybe Korean Navy League 

Saturday 31 May 2003

Morning                “BACK IN THE NAVY” To be held on board the carrier and pretend the veterans are part of the crew. Start with announcements at “Quarters” with a “POD” listing the schedule of events. Assign veterans a running mate (tour guide) with active duty sailors of the same rate as the veteran. For example, one of the MMs will show the veteran engineers Main Control. Veterans will be shown how things are done today to include a demonstration of damage control equipment and a visit to the berthing compartment and ships store. The object would be to have the veterans see Navy life in “today’s Navy” and a chance for them to tell their stories about how things were in “the old Navy”. Event will end with lunch on the mess decks or a “Steel Beach Picnic”

Afternoon             Choice of two events:

-SHIP TOURS

-HISTORICAL SYMPOSIUM: Planned by the Navy Historical Center and the USFK command historian. This is when we will do a recreation of the 4 sailors that received the 4 silver stars. The NHC has been working on this and has spoken to one of the men already

Evening                 REUNION BANQUETS This will be a night for each group to get together for dinner. Each group will sponsor and plan their own event. This will also be the opportunity for the groups to invite guests to spend the evening with them

Sunday 01 June 2003

No events planned

Veterans depart

USS LEXINGTON CV 16 ASSOCIATION

YEAR 2002 ILLINOIS PICNIC

The USS Lexington CV 16 Association Illinois Picnic is open to, and welcomes all members and their families.

WHEN:            Friday evening July 25 to Sunday July 27

WHERE:          Bloomington/Normal, Illinois

MOTEL:           Signature Inn, at the corner of Veterans Parkway (Business I-55)        

                        and College Avenue

                        Rate:  $55.00 plus taxes per night, double occupancy (this is a

                        Military rate).  Handicap accommodations are available.  Please

advise the clerk when making reservations.  Also be sure and tell them you are reserving a room as part of the USS Lexington group. Reservation Number:

 1-309-454-4044.

ACTIVITIES:  Friday July 26^th:            "Hospitality Room" gathering of shipmates and shipmates, evening of fellowship.

                        Saturday July 27^th:                    Continental Breakfast A.M.

                                                                        12:30 P.M.  Lunch in Hospitality Room

                                                                        Menu:  BBQ - Beans - Potato Salad Chips, e.t.c.

                                                                        Then those who want to go to Para-Dice-Gambling, Peoria can do so - others on their own at Mall within walking distance, pool, e.t.c….

·         Para-Dice, take advantage of there good buffet before returning.

Saturday Evening - Hospitality Room open for fellowship.           

                        Sunday July 28^th:           Continental Breakfast

                                                            Farewells to the travelers                                             

CHAIRPERSONS:       DICK BATTERSHELL and LLOYD FRIEDLI - Come join us, come for part; come for all - a good time will be had by all - RSVP form below or for more information contact Dick at 1-815-672-8950 or Lloyd at 1-309-365-4281.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

CLIP AND MAIL

LEXINGTON PICNIC: WILL ATTEND  [     ]        WILL NOT ATTEND  [     ]

NAME                                                                                                                                    

ADDRESS                                                                                                                              

PHONE  (       )                                      NUMBER ATTENDING                               

MAIL TO:  DICK BATTERSHELL; 1509 UNION ST.; STREATOR, IL  61364

MAN ON THE MOON

GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOU SMILE  ESPECIALLY SINCE ITS A TRUE STORY.

ON JULY 20,1969, AS COMMANDER OF THE APOLLO I I LUNAR MODULE, NEIL ARMSTRONG

WAS THE FIRST PERSON TO SET FOOT ON THE MOOM HIS FIRST WORDS AFTER STEPPING ON THE MOON, "THAT'S ONE SMALL STEP FOR A MAN, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND," WERE TELEVISED TO EARTH AND HEARD BY MILLIONS, BUT JUST BEFORE HE REENTERED THE LANDER, HE MADE

THE ENIGMATIC REMARK, "GOOD LUCK, MR, GORSKY." MANY PEOPLE AT NASA THOUGHT IT WAS A CASUAL REMARK CONCERNING SONE RIVAL SOVIET COSMONAUT. HOWEVER, UPON CHECKING, THERE WAS NO GORSKY IN EITHER THE RUSSIAN OR AMERICAN SPACE  PROGRAMS, OVER THE YEARS MANY PEOPLE QUESTIONED ARMSTRONG AS TO WHAT THE "GOOD LUCK, MR. GORSKY" STATEMENT MEANT, BUT ARMSTRONG ALWAYS JUST SMILED, ON JULY 5,1995, IN TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA, WHILE ANSWERING QUESTIONS FOLLOWING A SPEECH, A REPORTER BROUGHT UP THE 26-YEAR-OLD QUESTION TO ARMSTRONG. THIS TIME -HE FINALLY RESPONDED. MR.GORSKY HAD DIED, SO NEIL ARMSTRONG FELT HE COULD ANSWER THE QUESTION. IN 1938 WHIEN HE WAS A KID IN A SMALL MIDWEST TOWN, HE WAS PLAYING BASEBALL WITH A FRIEND IN THE BACKYARD.  HIS FRIEND HIT THE BALL, WHICH LANDED IN HIS NEIGHBOR'S YARD BY THE BEDROOM WINDOWS. HIS NEIGHBORS WERE MR.  AND MRS.  GORSKY. AS HE LEANED DOWNTO PICK UP THE BALL, YOUNG ARMSTRONG HEARD MRS.  GORSKY SHOUTING  AT MR, GORSKY, "SEX ! YOU WANT SEX ! ? YOULL GET SEX WHEN THE KID NEXT DOOR WALKS ON THE MOON.  TRUE STORY.

“Strength Through Knowledge”

Three Chief’s and three Ensign’s are traveling by train to the  Super Bowl. At the station, the three Ensign’s each buy a ticket and watch as the three Chief’s buy just one ticket. “How are the three of you going to travel on only one ticket?” asks one of the officers. “Watch and learn,” answers one of the Chief Petty Officers. They all board the train. The three officers take their respective seats but all three Chief’s cram into a toilet together and close the door. Shortly after the train has departed, the conductor comes around collecting tickets.

He knocks on the toilet door and says, "Ticket please". The door opens just a crack and a single arm emerges with a ticket in hand. The conductor takes it and moves on. The officers see this happen and agree it was quite a clever idea, so after the game, they decide to do the same thing on the return trip and save some money. When they get to the station, they buy a single ticket for the return trip, but see, to their astonishment, that the three Chief's don't buy any ticket at all. "How are you going to travel without a ticket?" says one perplexed Ensign. "Watch and learn," answers the Chief. When they board the train the three Ensigns cram themselves into a toilet and the three Chief's cram into another toilet just down the way. Shortly after the train is on its way, one of the Chief's leaves their

toilet and walks over to the toilet in which the officers are hiding.  The Chief knocks on their door and says, "Ticket please". 

We are writing to inform you that this past year was a sad one for the Nelson family with the passing of our father ( Oswald D. Nelson ) on July I st. and then 2-1/2 months later, our mother on September 21st.  While we tried to inform those that we knew were close to our parents, we obviously have overlooked a few of their friends that we did not have their address.  This was not intentional and we apologize for the oversight.

We would enjoy any notes, cards, emails or phone conversations that you would like to share about your friendship with mom and dad.  Please contact any of us at the addresses below.

William Nathan Nelson                                                           Sterling Byrd Nelson

814 W. 59th St.                                                                     56 Twin Oaks

Kansas City, MO 64113                                                        Crawfordsville, IN 47933

816-363-1957                                                           email: nelson.sterling@towerautomotive.com

email: humatec@humatec.com

or wcssti@swbell.net

765-364-9520

Oswald David Nelson Jr.                                                       Marsha Nelson Brown

15573 Harney Circle                                                              9509 Riggs

Omaha, NE 68154                                                                Overland Park, Ks 66212

402-334-1150                                                                       913-642-3367

   email: oznelson1@prodigy.net

Patriots Day Celebration in Lexington, MA is celebrated on Monday, April 21st.  Anyone wanting to stay over-night, we are still using the Battle Green Inn in Lexington.  To make reservations call 1-800-322-1066 for inside Ma. and 1-800-343-0235 for outside Ma.  The given rate for the Association this year is $64.00.  Make sure you let them know when you call that you are with the USS Lexington group.  Remember that the celebration goes on, rain or shine.  Let's hope for a good day.  This is usually a good take-in for all.  The day starts with the re-enactment of the patriots at 5:30 A.M., all kinds of festivities during the day ending with a 2 or 3 hour parade. Then the Lions Club treat the Lexington group to dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Lexington. Memorial Service starts at 11:00 AM on the Battle Green next to the Visitors Center