How many attempts does it take to photograph a bunch of sailors after a cocktail party?
Nostalgia is a funny thing. A new look with old lenses provides a different perspective and the wisdom of the ages allows for a more mature interpretation of the images.
At least that is how I rationalize my husband’s involvement with a group that is dedicated to preserving the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy for posterity.
A sailor flashing the peace sign during the Viet Nam War – aka Don Russo
Shall we say that Don didn’t appreciate his Naval service at the time? Yes, we shall. When you are spat upon while in uniform and called a ‘baby killer’ it might color your experience. It probably wasn’t until the “Welcome Home” movement started that he even identified himself positively as a Naval veteran. As time passed he realized that when you are 17 and cruising the Mediterranean exploring Greece, France, Italy and Spain in your off-time not too many folks are going to feel pity for you when you cry about how bad you had it. (Especially your wife who has yet to visit Greece, France, Italy or Spain!) He began to understand that those really were good times and he so wished that he could relive them but this time with maturity. (i.e. Not spending your time in Cannes, France passed out drunk on the beach from a bottle of wine you bought for 1 Franc.)
Wah! Wah! We’re stuck in the Mediterranean Sea visiting amazing places!
Enter R-Division. When my son was encouraged to apply for a scholarship by writing an essay he went to a Veteran’s web site called “Together We Served”. Don had been trolling this site occasionally looking for his old shipmates but had been unsuccessful in locating them. My son logged onto his father’s account and lo & behold there were 2 messages from a guy named Dan Baker who had located a few members of Don’s division and was searching for more. A core group of R-Division members emerged from this contact and a reunion was planned. The first R-Division reunion took place at Rancho Russo over a July 4th weekend and was a rousing success. So much so that ‘the boys’ wanted to stay in contact on a regular basis. Facebook became their Saturday night meeting place when Don set up a page called: U S S John F Kennedy CVA-67. Then a funny thing happened. A lot of Kennedy veterans started joining the page. So many, in fact, that Don had to set up a private R-Division page so that the regulars could continue their chats uninterrupted. One day Don received a call from a guy named Frank Lennon. Frank spearheads an organization that was trying to save the now decommissioned JFK aircraft carrier from being scrapped or sunk and instead turned into a world class “financially self-sufficient family attraction and entertainment center, education and job training resource, special event venue, naval and aviation museum and more!” (http://www.ussjfkri.org/)
Frank informed Don that his little Facebook page had the largest number of Kennedy vets on it and wanted Don to become involved in the Rhode Island Project. He offered Don & his core group of R-Division guys: Dan Baker, Rick Boyden, Steve Duffey & John Kress the opportunity to participate in tours of the Kennedy for dignitaries that were interested in supporting the project. The Kennedy was now docked in Philadelphia and the tours were to take place right before Christmas. What a Christmas present! The boys jumped at the opportunity to get back on board Big John. They have been loyal supporters and emissaries for the Rhode Island Project.
The boys & Big John at
Philadelphia
There have been R-Division Reunions every 2 years since that original meeting in Virginia. Two have been in Pennsylvania and one was in Boston. There are also whole ship reunions open to all JFK veterans and that was where the boys met this past weekend in Norfolk, Virginia.
Boston 2012
Pennsylvania 2014
Norfolk 2015
Mariner’s Museum
What drew these men together in the off-year? They were invited guests for the momentous occasion of the keel-laying for the commissioned NEW John F. Kennedy Ford Class carrier! A keel-laying is now a symbolic beginning to a shipbuilding endeavor. If you are a hard-core military enthusiast check out this long but awesome video of the entire keel-laying ceremony:
The keel being lowered into place above Mike McVey’s head.
The boys also received an exclusive tour of the ongoing restoration project to preserve the USS Monitor. This was the first commissioned iron-clad warship of the U. S. Navy. The ship foundered while being towed during a storm in 1862 and the wreckage was discovered in 1973. What was salvaged is on display in the Mariner’s Museum and R-Division regular Mike Hulvey was able to arrange the private tour.
Getting up close and personal with history.
What Navy reunion would be complete without booze? Frank Lennon and the Rhode Island Association/USS John F. Kennedy Aircraft Carrier Project provided it at an open bar reception.
The term “drunken sailors” originated here.
Frank Lennon updating supporters about the Rhode Island Project.
There were also dinners hosted each evening by Bob Haner with guest speakers who were former commanders of the JFK. As an outsider it was particularly interesting to hear Admiral “Buddy” Yates talk about being the first commander of the carrier.
Admiral “Buddy” Yates entertaining us at dinner.
Bob Haner announcing the names of the departed crew members – R-Division’s own, Bruce Milburn.
The “Women Who Put Up With R-Division Men”, as our lady’s auxiliary organization is known, were also busy having our own reunion. Unfortunately only 3 of us were in attendance but we diligently held our own meetings poolside, at the hotel bar and our field trip excursion was to Virginia Beach. We were so disappointed not to be able to attend the keel-laying and the museum tour (not) that we had to compensate by doing our own JFK tribute. (OK, we literally stumbled upon the granite-etched monument accidentally – so what?)
Our JFK tribute. Now let’s find a bar!
Surf Ninja
We also had a chance to plan the next R-Division reunion which is tentatively set for July 31 – August 7, 2016 at Letchworth State Park in beautiful upstate New York. The next ship-wide reunion will be in 2018 in Norfolk to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the launch of the original JFK. We will roll up the JFK banner and the R-Division flag until then.
Fleet dismissed!
Hey history lovers, military buffs, patriots, friends: if you’d like to support the project here’s the information & donations are tax deductible! clickhere
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