USS Des Moines (CA-134) Reunion, Mercer, PA - Saturday, 2 AUG 2008
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The USS Des Moines Reunion was held about 25 miles from my home in Youngstown, OH. I
drove over to the farm of Paul Overly, a Des Moines Vet, about 5 miles outside of Mercer.
Driving along a winding country road at about 45 mph. I crested a hill and there was a field
full of cars and a sign...
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After parking, I walked up on a little ampitheater where the first time reunion attendees
were stepping up to the microphone and introducing themselves.
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Behind me, on a little rise was The Big Top. It was filled with Des Moines Vets cheering and
applauding the "Boot Camps". Several times I heard the old Boot Camp refrain "I CAN'T HEAR YOU!".
I think it was a statement and not hazing.
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Group Photo of the "New Guys". On the left, wearing the Master At Arms badge, is Paul Overly.
He told me he has hosted the Des Moines Reunion every August, on his farm, since 1978. Paul
said turn out was light this year at 200+ and that CA-134 turned out up to 400 in past years.
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Addressing the assembled Des Moines Crew and family members is Shipmate Don Sundquist.
Mr. Sundquist continued his service after the Navy, serving as the Governor of
Tennessee from 1995-2003.
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Shipmates: Unknown, Vic Petit, Don Sunquist. Mr. Unknown, let me know who you are
and I will gladly include your name.
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Mr. Paul Overly is an outstanding shipmate. He has hosted the Des Moines Reunion on his
property for 30 years. As he wound up his Master of Ceremonies duty needed to introduce
the New Guys, his final words were "Make sure you get a beer". Some of the CA-134 Vets
told me the Annual Saturday Night Fire Works Show is always spectacular.
Paul Overly, BRAVO ZULU to you for your service to your shipmates!
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Naval Submarine League, Annandale, VA - Thursday, 31 JULY 2008
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Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC - Wednesday, 30 JULY 2008
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I drove to Northern Virginia on Tuesday. Wednesday morning I took the subway to the Navy
Yard stop, then walked 10 blocks to the Visitors Gate. After checking in, I walked on to
the Historical Center. The anchor of the USS Essex (CV-9) is directly opposite the door to
the US Navy Historical Center.
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The Archives of the Historical Center are on the third floor. I met with an Archivist who
could not have been nicer. He explained that the Archives were under going revision, that
parts of it would not be available for a number of months and other parts were in other
repositories in the Washington, DC area. If you are intending to do any research look
carefully at the US Navy Historical Website (below) and call ahead to insure that what
you want to research is available at the Navy Yard or elsewhere.
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The Archivist in the Historical Center pointed out that the US Navy Department Library was
in the same building but the enterance was around the corner. Entering, I was greeted by a
staff member, who again, could not have been nicer. He toured me through the building and
oriented me to the collection. Of interest to every Sailor would be the collection of Cruise
Books. I looked up mine and and sighted a skinny guy with my name... and a full head of hair!
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Exiting the Library, turning left and walking one block down a shady street brings you to the
Historic Commandant of the Navy Yard Residence, built in 1836
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The rear garden of the Historic Commandant of the Navy Yard Residence would be incomplete
without Naval Artillery pieces.
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The Naval Art Gallery is 75 yards from the Historic Commandant of the Navy Yard Residence.
Inside are changing dispays of Historical Figures, Ship Board Life and Famous Battles.
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The Navy Museum is SUPERB. All periods of Navy History are covered. Hanging from the ceiling
are a Japanese Baka Rocket Suicide Plane and a Chance Vought Corsair. The two OUTSTANDING ships
are the USS Missori (BB-63) and a Landing Ship Medium (LSM). The LSM is 12'-15' long without hull
plating, exposing ALL of its internal ribs, machinery and space. A beautiful model.
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Opposite the Navy Museum is a park with bits of Naval Ordance. This "bit" is a 16" Gun. Note the
Lady in the Red Dress sitting on the bench to the left of the breech.
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The result of being on the receiving end of naval gun fire.
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Beyond the park, the waterfront and the USS Barry (DD-933).
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The USS Barry is open for tours. Check the Historical Center Website (below) for hours.
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"933" with Pimsol Marks
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On the waterfront is a Swift Boat, used in Riverine Warfare in Viet Nam.
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After touring the Navy Yard I went to the Navy Exchange and got a Coke. When was the
last time your were in a Navy Excahnge?
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The Washington Navy Yard is well worth a three hour visit. When planning your vist,
check the websites at:
US Navy Historical Center Main Page
Make sure to click on "VISITING the NHC" on the left of the page
Washington Metro Area Transit Authority
The Navy Yard and return, from the furthest stations, off-peak, is $6-8.
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Visit with CPTN William Naldrett, USN (Ret.) - DC Area - Tuesday, 29 JULY 2008
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USS Trigger (SS-564) Reunion, Charleston, SC - Monday, 14 APR 2008
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USS Yorktown (CV-10) Museum, Charleston, SC - Friday, 11 APR 2008
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