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U.S.S. Newport News CA-148 Reunion Association, Inc.
 Reunion 2007 Photo Album
May 2nd thru May 6th, 2007
Charleston, South Carolina

Saturday Night Dinner/Dance - the Grand Finale

Reunion Association President Jim Peden in his Monkey Suit acted as Master of Ceremonies
( the tie appears to be sinking fast )

Vicki Hunt,(right) gives Lt. Norm Swanson (left) advice on how to handle Art Hunt, USMC (center)

One of the fringe benefits of being President is being able to give out awards to shipmates
 who have gone above and beyond the call of duty for the Association and their
 fellow shipmates.  These awards are known as the Bravo Zulu award, and Jim Sollee
 - who maintains all of the various listservers we use to communicate with each other - 
has just received his.

"Plaque!  You call that a plaque?  This is a plaque..."
Exclaimed Al Siegel, as he stormed the podium while Tony Gallagher was
receiving a Bravo Zulu.  He presented Tony with a beautiful clock, walnut-framed,
with glowing prose suitably inscribed with tasteful kudos to Tony for the fantastic
job he had done in organizing and executing Reunion 2007.

Then the tables were turned...John Noll surprises Al Siegel with the Mother of all Plaques -
containing brass nameplates and other bits and pieces from all 3 of the Sister Ships-
the USS Newport News CA-148, the USS Des Moines CA-134, and the USS Salem CA-139.
There wasn't a dry eye in the place as a hearty ovation rang out for Al, whose many years
of organizing work parties, building our museum, and being a loyal and generous shipmate
to all was appropriately recognized with our grateful appreciation.

 
The surprises continued as Roy Johnson (far left) produced Plankowner Certificates
for his fellow plankowners, including a small chunk of original Newport News deck
teak as proof of ownership.  14 Plankowners attended Reunion 2007 - they're the
ones who taught the rest of us how to make Old Thunder Rock n' Roll for 26 years.

His mission now fully accomplish, 2007 Chairman Tony Gallagher
takes time for a dance with his leading lady, Joan.

No sooner asked than answered!

Jim Sollee has a HUGE collection of photos of Reunion 2007 posted
on Picasa, including other albums of previous reunions, and also
including the largest collection of different Newport News photos
 I've ever seen.  These albums are a must-see.  Click below:

http://picasaweb.google.com/BMSNCA148?pli=1
(will open a new browser window)

USS Newport News Dirt Band Warning:  This music video, supplied by Dexter Goad, contains some of the worst caterwauling ever heard by the ears of man.  For the record, Dexter and Susan were sober... we cannot vouch for the rest of the band members Jim Peden, Jack Barghausen, and Roy Johnson.  We were later joined by James Ponder with his trumpet, which is unfortunately not on the video, because he was quite good.  Listen at your own risk... just click on the band, left. (will also open a new window) Note: the washtub bass, made by Roy Johnson, and the washboard, supplied by Jim Peden, have been donated to the Reunion Association and are now a permanent part of our instrument collection.