USCGC HALF MOON
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REUNION |
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Vol I : No. 5 |
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GAZETTE |
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Nov, 1997 |
FIRST HALF MOON REUNION HELD IN ATLANTIC CITY
94 Former Shipmates Enjoy Voyage in Time
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On the weekend of October 10th thru 12th, 94 former Half Moon sailors,
together with 71 wives and guests, gathered together at the Sheraton Hotel
in Atlantic City West, New Jersey for what can only be described as a
magical weekend. All the months of planning by the committee paid off with
a setting and a program that were enjoyed by all. Even the weather man
cooperated with mild temperatures, clear skies and a Half Moon in
the night sky. The program opened on Friday afternoon with registration in the lobby area. Quite a number of reunions took place right there as old friends checked in and met each other face to face for the first time in years. As they registered everyone received a souvenier Half Moon coffee mug, baseball cap and disposable camera. The attendees were welcomed in a colorful opening session. The Reunion Committee and several special guests were introduced to the group. The New Jersey Viet Nam Veterans then posted colors for the event. Introductions of all hands followed as everyone around the room introduced themselves and their guests. |
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Happy Hour was declared and the party moved to the bar area for some
delicious hors d'oerves and everyone's favorite beverages. Shipmates renewed
old friendships and made new ones as they moved through the crowd. A good
time was had by all. Saturday morning came and early risers enjoyed a continental breakfast buffet. After one last cup of coffee, the entire group settled in the meeting room for the beginning of the program. Former Radarman Ron Dickert took over the conn and led us through the year 1963. Andy Stock, longtime Half Moon laundry operator, hosted a session of sea stories and then took us through the year 1964 with a colorful narrative followed by 35mm slides and home movies that had been converted to video tape. Our first guest speaker was Warren Hansen, a former US Navy Fire Control Technician who served aboard Half Moon during her entire career in World War II. Warren gave an outstanding review of the ship's travels and actions in the Pacific from 1943 through 1945. His presentation was both interesting and informative and one of the highlights of the weekend. |
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