USS Altair AK-S 32

December 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

2012-01-09T14:15:00.003-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope all our Altair Shipmates and families have a happy, prosperous and a healthy 2012.

ADDRESSES: If you are going to change home addresses or will be changing email addresses, PLEASE let me know! It is important that we keep our shipmate files current.

SHIPMATE PASSING: Robert Dombrowski, BT3, 1961-1963 passed away late in November. Our condolences to the Dombrowski family.

NEW SHIPMATE: Please welcome aboard new Shipmate Philip K. McDanel, BT3, 1955-1956. Shipmate McDanel resides in Lititz, PA. WELCOME ABOARD!!

FINANCIAL: The beginning December cash-on-hand balance was $1370.76 with dues income of $10.00 leaving a balance of $1380.76. The Altair savings account beginning and ending balance is $5860.39 leaving a grand total balance of $7241.15.

DUES: Yes, it dues time once again! Yearly dues are $10 with the check made out and sent to:

Charles Brecheisen, 248 Drifting Cloud, Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321

Thanks and Best Wishes To All..........Charles

Shipmate Passing

2012-01-09T14:13:00.001-05:00

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is info from Shipmate Bob Delaney about the passing of Shipmate Robert Dombrowski.

"Hi I just learned about Robert Dombrowski's passing away..

I was notified of it by his Daughter in law Leah Dombrowski.

He died from misothelioma. Bob was a Boiler Tender (snipe) in 61 to 63 as I recall. He liked Barcelona and Naples a lot.

I don't know the exact date but its been about a month ago.

If you can pass it along to the guys I'd be greatful.

Thanks Bob Delaney"

Shipmate Dombrowski's family can be reached at:

Robert Dombrowski Family

511 Howland Avenue

Toledo, OH 43605

Our condolences to the Dombrowski family.

Best Regards To All........Charles

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is a ?Special Altair Report?

2011-11-23T13:49:00.002-05:00

Reunion Chairman John B. Thomas, citing ?personal reasons? has resigned as reunion chairman. Our next reunion is in October 2012 in Tampa, Florida; and, the following year in New Orleans. We need a shipmate(s) to step up and take over the 2012 Tampa reunion; and, the 2013 New Orleans reunion. Please contact myself or Tom Planes at ?tomplanes [at] windstream.net?

It has come to my attention that we need a more formal and current leadership team for the Altair Association. When this all began about 10 years ago, a board was ?formed? consisting 6 (six) shipmates to help with the direction of the group, reunions, dues, membership, expenses, etc. These six shipmates were the first original shipmates found! I now have 486 shipmates on my mail list of which about 145 do not have email access. IT IS TIME FOR A NEW BOARD! Please email me with YOUR nominations for the Altair Board. You can list yourself, any one member, or several shipmates that you would like to see on the board. I will tally names and put out a list to select five shipmates; I will also snail mail the non-email shipmates for their votes including ?write-in? votes. It seems the only fair way to get a new board and a new direction for our Association.

The Altair Association has been very fortunate with Martin Summann taking over the Altair web site; and Dick Braun handling the Altair Blog and Photograph sites. Great job guys!

A fairly quick response is needed to both the items (1) the 2012 Tampa reunion leadership; and, (2) nominees to the new Altair board. PLEASE RESP0ND QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

Please DO NOT reply to this email. Use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us or Tom Planes email address.

Best Regards To All????.Charles

October 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

2011-11-04T12:47:00.003-04:00

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is your monthly report for October 2011.

SHIPMATE PASSING: We lost Shipmate Mike Bruskotter a few weeks ago. Mike was a SK3 aboard the Altair 1963-1966. Mike's son has sent me quite a few Altair photographs which are being forwarded to Shipmate Dick Braun for uploading to the Altair photograph web site. Our condolences to the Bruskotter family.

FINANCIAL: The beginning "on hand" cash balance was $1370.76 with no income or expenses leaving a balance of $1370.66. The beginning savings balance was $5176.73 with interest income of $3.66, dues income of $20.00 and reunion auction income of $660.00 totaling $5860.39. No expenses.

ALTAIR REUNION: According to the reports, the reunion was a success.
The White House tour was fantastic..........Annapolis was great. Etc. etc. etc.

However, some of the other Shipmate comments were:

We need an earlier and better hospitality room for early arrivals.

Where were all the goodies? Early shipmates only got peanuts.

All the goodies disappeared and none were available for the shipmates that stayed over for a day or two.

Accounting figures? Since not many goodies any $'s return?

(John will be supplying me with all the receipts, returns, etc. which I will publish)

ALTAIR REUNION MIAMI 2012: I will be sending out information shortly about the Victory Ship "American Victory" which is located in Miami.
Stay tuned......

All for now. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail with any comments or questions.

Best Regards To All..........Charles

2012 reunion update

2011-11-04T12:13:00.002-04:00

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is information about the Victory Ship "American Victory" located in Tampa, FL, site of our 2012 reunion.
This info courtesy of Tom Planes.

"I called the Captain of the American Victory in Tampa. He got pumped when I told him that our 2012 reunion was going to be centered around his ship. If we get commitment early enough and get enough committed to come we can do a dinner cruise complete with ship drills and aerial battles I don't think we can start too soon promoting this reunion. I would like for it to be bigger than any before. There are lots of things to do in Tampa the aquarium is next door to the ship and Ybor city offers the finest Spanish cuisine this side of Barcelona. Setting up the accommodations early and sending out monthly reports with keep the hype up."

Thanks for the info Tom. This really sounds exciting!

Their web site is http://www.americanvictory.org

Shipmate Passing

2011-11-02T16:45:00.000-04:00

To whom it may concern,

My father, Mike Bruskotter, died a few weeks ago. He spoke of his time in the Navy often - he loved the "Altair".

Sincerely,

Mick Bruskotter

Pratt & Whitney
Part Family Manager
North Berwick Engineering Center - Turbines BOAS & LPT Vanes

phone: 207-676-4227
technet: 8-426-4227
e-fax: 860-755-0875
m/s: 801-27"

Mike Bruskotter was a SK3 aboard the Altair 1963-1966. His family can be reached at:

Mike Bruskotter Family
2825 3rd. Avenue North
Great Falls, MT 59401
406-453-6860
(mikeb [@] montanafcu.org)

Our deepest sympathy is sent to the Bruskotter family. His son Mick can be reached at michael.bruskotter [at] pw.utc.com

Best Regards To All......charles

Baltimore Reunion by John Thomas

2011-11-02T16:42:00.001-04:00

I hope everyone returned home safe and sound.

First of all, let me say "Thank You" to all the shipmates and their wives who attended the reunion, and to those who planned to attend but had circumstances occur that prevented them from going.

We had a great turnout with several who had never attended before. We had shipmates from as far away as Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. Hopefully everyone enjoyed it enough to attend again next year.

Before I forget, let me give a special thanks to shipmate Joe Basso who made contact and helped with the follow up for out trip to the White House. Thanks, Joe.

For those who could not attend, I will give you a little overview. The reunion was kicked off on Thursday evening with a reception to meet and greet everyone.

Our trip to Washington and the White House began at 7 AM Friday morning. Our guide who was very knowledgeable of Washington made it very informative and interesting. While there we enjoyed a riding tour of Washington and dinner at a seafood restaurant. We arrived back at the hotel at 7:30 PM.

On Saturday we went to Annapolis and toured the campus. It was homecoming so there was quite a bit of activity on campus and around town. Sorry to say that Navy lost to East Carolina. Everyone enjoyed browsing the shops and having lunch. We returned to the hotel at 3 PM to get prepared for the banquet and auction.

After the banquet we adjourned to the hospitality room for fellowship and our yearly auction. We made $660 from the sale of items donated by shipmates.

On Sunday we were sad to say our goodbyes but happy for the memories we had of the reunion and old friends.

Have a safe and blessed year and hope to see everyone in Tampa in 2012.
John B."

September 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

2011-11-01T14:24:00.000-04:00

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is your monthly report for September 2011.

ALTAIR REUNION: The Altair reunion is almost here! (October 20-23) Please contact the reunion chairman with any questions.

John B. Thomas, Jr.
2632 Oakleaf Circle
Bessemer, AL 35022-7227
205-426-8739
broadusthomas [at] bellsouth.net

FINANCIAL: The beginning and ending cash-on-hand balance is $1370.76; no income or expenses. The beginning and ending saving balance is $5176.73; no income or expenses. The overall cash balance is $6547.49.

SHIPMATES: Welcome back Shipmate Robert J. Morande, SK2, 1961-63; Berlin, CT

That's all for now. Hope everyone has a wonderful time at the reunion!

Best Wishes To All.........Charles

August 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

2011-11-01T14:22:00.002-04:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is your monthly report for August 2011.

I hope all Shipmates survived hurricane Irene with minimal damage. That was a bad 'un. Especially from a rain standpoint.

FINANCIAL: The beginning cash-on-hand balance was $1418.76 with no income and $48.00 expenses leaving a balance of $1370.76. I renewed the Altair website name for 3 years at $16.00 per year. The beginning savings balance was $5176.73 with no income or expenses leaving a balance of $5176.73. The total cash balance is $6547.49.

NEW SHIPMATE: Back in 2004 when I was sending out letters seeking Altair shipmates, David A. Touhey, SA, received the letter and promptly misplaced it. Well, believe it or not, he found the letter last week, 7 years later! Shipmate Touhey made a career out of the Navy and retired a QMC. WELCOME ABOARD SHIPMATE TOUHEY! Shipmate Touhey resides in Kingston, NH.

That's all from this end. We are still having 100 plus degree days every day and no rain.

Best Regards To All...........Charles

Roe Karstetter's wife passing!

2011-11-01T14:19:00.000-04:00

It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of Barbara Karstetter, beloved wife of Shipmate Roe Karstetter. Lillie and I first met Barbara and Roe at the first Altair reunion in Norfolk, VA and always looked forward to their company at later reunions.

All the Altair Shipmates send their sincerest condolences and sympathy to the Karstetter family. Roe can be reached at USNROE [at] gulftel.com; or,

Roe Karstetter
P.O. Box 1271
Robertsdale, AL 36567
251.960.1504

July 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

2011-08-01T17:13:00.002-04:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is your monthly report for July 2011.

FINANCIAL: The beginning on-hand cash balance was $1418.76 with no income or expenses leaving an on-hand balance of $1418.76. The beginning savings balance was $5172.27 with $4.46 interest and no expenses leaving a savings balance of $5176.73. Total cash balance $6595.49.

RAIN: What is rain? Zero point 6 (0.6) inches of rain for all of July. All our beautiful dogwoods trees have died along with other oaks and pines. The temperature right now at 3:15PM is 106 with a THI of 116 registering on my weather system........more of the same for the rest of the week and NO RELIEF IN SIGHT. The fire danger is unbelievable. TS Dan hit around Brownsville way south of us. Maybe
Emily will get into the gulf and head our way.

That's all folks! Any comments go to cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Please do not reply to this email.

Best Regards To All............Charles

Shipmate Angelo Diana info

2011-07-09T10:49:00.005-04:00

UPDATE 4 Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is the latest information concerning Shipmate Angelo Diana courtesy of Shipmate Joe Basso:

"Charles can you please pass along the following information, Angelo Diana is HOME and would like to Thank All for their Prayers, also he is feeling just fine, Angelo also requests Please Do Not Send Any EMails till further notice. Thank You Joe."

Please do not reply to this email. Use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Best Regards To All..........Charles

UPDATE 3 Greetings Altair Crew.

Joe Basso reports that Angelo Diana is recovering nicely from heart bypass surgery and should be able to go home this coming Monday or Tuesday.

Dick Braun sent me info on a neat Navy related website at Hullnumber.com. Check it out.

Still very hot (over 22 plus consecutive days over 100 degrees)here in E. TX and still with no rain the past two months; and; none in sight. The entire state still in 'burn ban' status.

Best Regards to All.......Charles

UPDATE 2: Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is the latest update on Shipmate Angelo Diana courtesy of Shipmate Joe Basso:

"I just talked to Shipmate Angelo Diana and is still in the Hospital and is in Good Spirits. He wishes to Thank all of the Altair Shipmates for keeping Him in their Prayers. Thank You Shipmate Joe Basso."

Thank you Joe!!

Please do not reply to this email. use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Best Regards To All..........Charles

UPDATE: Greetings Altair Crew. Here is additional info from Joe Basso concerning Shipmate Angelo Diana's bypass surgery:

" Shipmate Angelo Diana had Quadruple By-Pass Operation Today and MRS Diana informed Me that all went well and Angelo is Resting Comfortably at this time, I will be calling Mrs Diana about Wednesday to find how Angelo is doing. I will keep you informed on Angelo's condition. Joe"

Thanks Joe!!

Best Regards To All......charles

Please do not reply to this email. use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Greetings Altair Shipmates. Shipmate Joe Basso sent me this information concerning Shipmate Angelo Diana:

"Charles: Can You Please inform the Altair Shipmates, That Shipmate Angelo Diana is Scheduled to go for Open Heart Triple By-Pass Surgery.

Please do not send any E Mails To Angelo till futher notice. If you want to send cards please send them to his Home, 122 Grand PL, Kearny N.J.07032. Any And All Prayers are Welcome. Thank You Joe.

Thank you Joe!!

Please do not reply to this email.......use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Best Regards To All..........Charles

June 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

2011-07-04T15:03:00.003-04:00

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY TO ALL THE ALTAIR SHIPMATES AND THEIR FAMILIES.
LET'S ALL HAVE A SAFE FOURTH!

NEW ALTAIR SHIPMATE: Please welcome aboard Richard A. Jager, Sn, 1956-1958. Shipmate Jager resides in Big Rapids, MI. WELCOME ABOARD!

FINANCIAL: No expenses and no income in June. The beginning and ending 'on-hand' cash balance was $1418.76. The beginning and ending savings balance is $5172.27 bringing the total cash balance is $6591.03.

Please send rain!!!!!! It's so hot and dry in East Texas that my cactus garden is dying out. Day after day after day of 100+ temperatures.

That's all folks from this end. Any comments should be sent to cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us.

Best Regards To All...........Charles

May 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

2011-06-03T12:01:00.003-04:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates.

SHIPMATE PASSING: Our condolences to the Ed Moran family of Milton, DE. Shipmate Ed Moran passed away May 18, 2011.

NEW SHIPMATE: Please welcome aboard Shipmate Felix J. Ramola of CLear Lake, MN. Shipmate Ramola, SK3, served aboard the Altair 1963-1964. WELCOME ABOARD!

FINANCIAL: The beginning May cash on hand balance was $1398.76 with income of $20.00 and no expenses leaving a balance of $1418.76. THANK YOU DUES PAYERS! The beginning savings account balance was $5172.27 with no income or expenses. The total cash balance is $6591.03.

Constructive comments or criticisms should be sent to cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Best Regards To All........Charles

Prayer request for Marines KIA

2011-05-30T19:18:00.001-04:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is a prayer request for Marines KIA.

"We are asking everyone to say a prayer for "Darkhorse" 3rd Battalion 5th Marines and their families. They are fighting it out in Afghanistan & they have lost 12 marines in 4 days. IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE the message spread if more could pass it on. God Bless America and God Bless the United States Marine Corps... Semper Fi, Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever

Jim Owen

Justin Allen, 23,

Brett Linley, 29,

Matthew Weikert, 29,

Justus Bartett, 27,

Dave Santos, 21,

Chase Stanley, 21,

Jesse Reed, 26,

Matthew Johnson, 21,

Zachary Fisher, 24,

Brandon King, 23,

Christopher Goeke, 23,

Sheldon Tate, 27,

All are Marines that gave their lives for YOU this week!

HONOR THEM!!!

Shipmate Passing

2011-05-18T14:17:00.004-04:00

It is with deep sorrow that I forward the following message:

"Charles,

Ed Moran Jr. just called to inform us that Ed Moran Sr. QM2 1951-1954 passed away early this morning.

Shipmate Moran's family address and phone number:
Edwin T. Moran.
5 Nichole Drive
Milton, DE 19968-9343

302-645-0477

George O'Brien"

Here is the obituary for shipmate Edwin T. Moran, Sr. courtesy of Shipmate George O'Brien.

"Edwin Thomas Moran Sr., 79, of Milton, passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2011.

Mr. Moran was born in Baltimore, Md. to the late James P. and Mary Jane Clark Moran. He is also preceded in death by six brothers and sisters.

He was a machinist for Western Electric for approximately 30 years, retiring in 1979.

Mr. Moran was a U.S. Navy veteran, stationed on the Altair, McCord and the Darby. He was a member of VFW Post 7447 in Rehoboth Beach, American Legion Post 28 in Oak Orchard, a former state commander from 1990-91, past captain of the District 4 Honor Guard and attended the U.S.S. Altair Reunion.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Elizabeth Mae Moran of Milton; seven children, Deborah Wilfer of Baltimore, Md., William Moran of Rehoboth Beach, Patricia Strickland of Georgetown, Susan White and her husband Reggie of Hebron, Md., Edwin T. Moran Jr. and his wife Trisha of Milton, Elizabeth M. Wilson and her husband Walter of Georgetown and Melissa Chandler and her husband David of Millsboro; two sisters, Rose Chambers and her husband Austin, and Mary Jane January both of Baltimore; 10 grandchildren, Autumn, Jessica, Nicholas, Sarah, Raven, Emily, Walter III, Nichole, Austin and Cole; four great-grandchildren, Samantha, Gordy, Daniel and Hayden; and two great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, May 23, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call after noon. Pastor Robert Hudson will officiate the service. Interment will follow at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the District 4 Honor Guard, C/O Atwood Timmons, P.O. Box 565, Millsboro, DE 19966"

Thank for the information George!

Here are some memories of Shipmate Ed Moran from Shipmate Roger Wiggans:

"Please forward my sympathies to the Moran family.

I was a Moran striker for many moons. He did his best to train me on the wheel for GQ and transferring underweigh. I never could handle it as well as he could. He was the expert. We had a lot of fun, sweat and strain during those tense (for me) times.

You are in our thoughts and prayers,

Roger Wiggans, QM2
Altair - 1953-54"

Reunion Update

2011-05-17T16:35:00.003-04:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is new info on the upcoming Altair Reunion:

I have had several phone calls about reservations at the hotel. When I made arrangements it was the Holiday Inn at Airport. It is now the Hilton Doubletree. It is completely remodeled. Phone number and price are the same.

Don't forget the auction event, bring some items to donate and a little extra to make purchases. We have a good time and all the money goes to the Altair treasury.

As always best regards, John B.

April 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

2011-05-03T16:54:00.000-04:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates.

There has been some major confusion about emailing to the Altair Shipmates and it is 99% my fault. Our ISP upgraded the "Horde" emailing software and I tried to use it without checking into what changed. An update was sent to ALL Alair Shipmates.........which I found out later. Anyway, the ISP has changed the software to operate as before. As before, reply emails sent thru this server will be automatically deleted. You will not be able to send emails thru this server to 'altaircrew'. If information needs to be sent out, please send me the email at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us and I will resend to the crew. This will save lots of headaches and email address stealing bots.

ALTAIR CREW: Please welcome aboard the following new Altair Shipmates:

Roland W. Adkins FA(BT) 1955, Ranger, WV

Rev. Valentine Vit, BM3, 1960-1963, Monroeville, NJ

WELCOME ABOARD!

FINANCIAL: The beginning April cash on hand balance was $1388.76 with $10 dues income and no expenses leaving a balance of $1398.76. The beginning Altair savings account was $5165.90 with interest income of $6.37 leaving a balance of $5172.27. The total cash balance is $6571.03.

Please do not reply to this email. Comments and recommendations should be sent to cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Best Regards To All..........Charles

March 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

2011-04-03T14:39:00.002-04:00

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is your report for March 2011.

NEW SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard the following new shipmates:

Edward J. Rice RMSN 1961-1963, Lincolnton, GA
Walter Johnson, SN, 1960-1962, Old Greenwich, CT
Robert E. Sullivan, CPO, Ret'd, 1953, Chuncey, OH

FINANCIAL: The beginning on-hand cash balance was $1358.73 with $30 in dues bringing the total to $1388.76. The beginning and ending savings balance is $5165.90 bringing a total cash balance of $6554.66. No expenses. A total of 47 shipmates have paid dues. THANKS!

PLEASE SEND RAIN TO EAST TEXAS! We got a March total of .49 inches.

MISC1: Thanks to the shipmates asking that I join Facebook. Sorry, but I don't Facebook and will not Facebook due to some of their terms and conditions with the main one being that that they sell and distribute personal information.

MISC2: Thanks to the shipmates that forward and pass around very interesting emails. If you forward email, PLEASE send them to yourself or a fictitious address and add the other shipmates addresses in the Bcc (Blind Carbon Copy) address space. Then DELETE all the email addresses in the body of the email. This will prevent bots from stealing addresses and cut down on SPAMs.

Best Wishes To All............Charles

"Pray for rain"

Assistance needed!!!

2011-03-29T15:12:00.000-04:00

I am sending a message to see if you would see if anyone there would remember my Dad, Harry L.C. Strayer, he was a Mechanist Mate aboard the Altair in the late 50's, he was last stationed in Spain where he had a heart attack around 1960. He was a career Navy man with 23 years of service. I sure appreciate any info you might be able to provide. You can reach me, John F Strayer @ candlesticme2@yahoo.com, my home phone # is 941-347-8296. Thank you for any help you might be able to provide.

Shipmate Strayer was a MM2 aboard 1959.

Thoughts and prayers are needed!

2011-03-20T12:20:00.004-04:00

Shipmate Ed Moran is in Bebee Hospital, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE Phone 302-645-3300. Shipmate Moran's home address is 5 Nichole Drive, Milton, DE 19968-9343; 302-645-0477.

UPDATE: On Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:54 -0400, "George O'Brien" wrote: Shipmate Ed Moran is doing much better today. He is sitting up in a wheelchair and I think he recognized me when I came into the room. Without his voice box, he is unable to speak, but he responds to questions with a nod of his head. He has been moved to a rehabilitation center and expects to be there for a few weeks. He again shook my hand when I left.

Your prayers are working.

George

UPDATE: Here is an email and update on Shipmate Ed Moran from George O'Brien:

"We stopped at the hospital and Ed Moran appears to be resting comfortably. Although there was little response at first, he recognized my USS Altair hat, and tears came to his eyes when I told him that all of his shipmates were pulling and praying for him. He even raised his hand and shook mine.

Ed had the stroke on March 3rd and was hospitalized briefly and then home for awhile before returning to the hospital last week. He is probably going to be transferred to a rehab facility this week.

Please pray for Ed?s recovery. George"

Shipmate Robert Laskey's wife, Louise, had emergency heart surgery. They can be reached at 204 Roosevelt Ave., Kewanee, IL 61443-2920 309-853-8048

Our thought and prayers go out to these famlies.

February 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

2011-03-07T13:28:00.004-05:00

REUNION: Please remember the importance of getting your info to the reunion chairman, John B. Thomas. You can reach John B. at
broadusthomas [at] bellsouth.net or telephone 205-426-8739.

ALTAIR SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard Shipmate Albert Carter, SH2, 1953-1955. Shipmate Carter resides in Cabot, PA. The Altair Shipmate total mailing list is 477 shipmates. There are 137 shipmates that do not have any email and any information has to be snail mailed to them.

FINANCES: The beginning on-hand cash balance was $1577.98 with dues income of $110.00 and expenses of $329.22 leaving a balance of $1358.76. Expenses included printing and mailing of reunion documents to the shipmates that do not have email; postage, envelops, labels, ink, etc. Our yearly Internet provider bill was $126.50. The beginning and ending savings account is $5165.90 leaving a total cash balance of $6524.66.

Best Regards to All............Charles

Altair AKS 32 Reunion 2011 Information

2011-02-01T15:57:00.005-05:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is the latest reunion information from chairman John B. Thomas, Jr.

"Charlie: Here is the final draft. We are ready to go. This can be the best reunion so far, with the White House and Annapolis on the schedule. The shipmates can start making reservations now. The quicker the better so we can get a count to line up the bus.

Don't forget the auction! BRING YOUR GOODIES TO THE AUCTION.

If you will send it back to me with all the email addresses, I will be glad to send out some things out to take a burden off of you.

Best Regards, John B.

P.S. Please remind them about the hospitality room. They can send it to me."

There are 3 links below with all the information, registration, etc. Use your browsers back button to return to the this site after viewing the information and/or printing it. It is IMPORTANT that attending shipmates who will be on the tours get the info back ASAP!!! And, with ALL the correct information. PLEASE DON'T MISS OUT ON THESE FANTASTIC TOURS!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Reunion Overview - Reunion Events - Reservation Form

IMPORTANT: There is a $25 hospitality room charge PER PERSON to cover the room and the goodies, etc. Please send your checks to:

John B. Thomas, Jr.
2632 Oakleaf Cir.
Bessemer, AL 35022-7227
205-426-8739
broadusthomas (at) bellsouth dot net

January 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

2011-02-01T15:53:00.003-05:00

SHIPMATES: Thanks to the 34 shipmates that paid dues in January. Dues are only $10 and sent to me.

FINANCIAL: The beginning on-hand cash balance was $1137.98 with dues income of $440.00, no expenses leaving an on-hand balance of $1577.98. The savings account beginning balance was $5160.37 and income of $5.53 leaving a balance of $5165.90. The total balance is $6743.88.

REUNION: Chairman John B. Thomas has finalized everything for the Baltimore reunion. IT WILL BE A GREAT ONE!!!!!! Another email will be send shortly with all the information. There will be 3 attached PDF files on the reunion email with all the info.

All for now as we are getting ready for more snow and ice here in E. Texas. Temp last night was 61 and is now 24 with a wind chill of 10-12.

I hope all you shipmates take care during this major storm that is blasting it's way across the country.

Best Regards To All............Charles

Baltimore Reunion update

2011-01-23T13:00:00.001-05:00

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is additional information on the upcoming Baltimore Reunion at the Holiday Inn Airport from Shipmate George O'Brien.

"John: We toured the Holiday Inn at BWI today...It is a newly refurbished hotel, all new furniture, bedding, etc. Very comfortable, staff very helpful. Full facility hotel, soon to upscale to the Hilton brand. Altair crew should be happy. Will write more when we get home next week. George"

2011 Reunion Update

2011-01-15T08:14:00.002-05:00

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is additional reunion information from Reunion Chairman John Thomas.

The 2011 reunion will be held in Baltimore, MD, at the Airport Holiday Inn. Check in date is October 20 and the checkout date is October 23 (Sunday). John is still working on getting a tour of the White House. There will be a $25 charge per person attending the reunion for the hospitality suite. Monies can be sent to:

John B. Thomas, Jr.
2632 Oakleaf Circle
Bessemer, AL 35022-7227

John can be reached via email at: broadusthomas [at] bellsouth.net

The 2012 reunion will be held in Tampa, FL.

The 2013 reunion will be held in New Orleans, LA

More information will be forthcoming as available.

December 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

2011-01-05T16:24:00.002-05:00

Greetings Altair Crew.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Let's all have a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2011.

SHIPMATES: An email was received from a William E. Sanders stating he was a GM3 aboard the Altair 1953-1954. He gave no other information and we have not been able to contact him or know his whereabouts. I hope he will respond again and join our crew.

DUES: Those wonderful dues are due once again. Only $10 and sent to:

Charles Brecheisen, 248 Drifting Cloud, Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765

FINANCIAL: The beginning December balance was $1137.98 with no receipts and no expenses. The savings account beginning and ending balance was $5160.37 leaving a total cash balance of $6298.35.

REUNION: Information will be sent out as soon as received to shipmates that have email. Crew members that do not have email will be mailed probably a week later.

I can be contacted at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Best Regards To All.............Charles

Change of location for 2011 reunion

2011-01-04T15:28:00.000-05:00

Greetings Altair Crew. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Here is info from Joe Basso. The upcoming reunion site has been changed to Baltimore, MD from Tampa, FL. The main reason for changing is there is a fairly good POSSIBILITY of a WHITE HOUSE TOUR! If this comes to fruition, the tour attendees will be required to supply names and SS numbers to the Military Planning Group. YOU WILL ONLY HAVE UNTIL FEB. 21ST. TO APPLY FOR THE TOUR. You will not be able to sit on this info and apply at the last minute.

This would be a true once in a lifetime opportunity for a White House tour.

Obviously, this email is only a "heads up" notification. More info will follow as soon as available.

Shipmate Passing and request for information

2011-01-03T08:18:00.003-05:00

I am the daughter of one of your fellow shipmates, Jimmy Norton. He was also in the service with his brother Wayne, if that helps ring a bell. He just passed away December 29 and I'm trying to make a scrapbook for my daughters. I want them to have as many stories of their grandfather as possible since they won't remember him. I had taken some notes about the few stories he could remember but I've lost the paper. He mostly talked about being friends with Pizzo, who I saw has passed away as well. Does anyone remember him or have any information you could share with me? It would make my year as I miss him so much and these stories help me to feel closer to him. I have some pictures from his tours but I do not know who the other people are with my dad. Is there somewhere I can post them to possibly get an answer?

Thanks,

Ashley Norton-McClure -- ashleyrmcclure at yahoo(dot)com

Questions from an ill shipmate

2010-12-21T16:40:00.004-05:00

LTJG Jay Edwards Kerney

Navigator USS Altair AKS -32

1967

Email: Kerney (at) spiceisle (dot) com

USA Cell Phone 757 325 0375 Good only when I am in the USA.

Home address:
PO Box 32
Saint Georges
Grenada
West Indies

Tel 473-443-5621

I am currently being treated for prostate Cancer at the University of Florida Proton Beam radiation therapy.

I was diagnosed at the Veterans Hospital West Palm Beach, Florida.

I left the Navy in 1967 but kept in contact with our Captain Len Hoke for many years. Captain Hoke lived in Virginia Beach and retired shortly after leaving the Altair. He and his wife Pat were friends for many years as a matter of fact I spoke with her today.

Capt Hoke passed away several years ago.

A. Question: Do any of my shipmates know if the Altair carried agent Orange during that 1967 time period? I was informed at the VA Hospital that agent Orange is directly related to Prostate cancer.

B. Question: If so, if Altair carried this type of cargo. How would I verify the cargo papers?

C. I would be curiously interested if any other shipmates have been diagnosed with that type of cancer?

Many thanks for your prompt reply.

Jay Kerney

PS I was unaware until today that we had a reunion and website?

Christmas Cards

2010-12-04T11:45:00.000-05:00

When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get. A Great Idea!!

When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20307-5001

Next three reunion sites announced!

2010-12-04T11:39:00.001-05:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates.

Here is reunion information from our reunion Chairman John B. Thomas, Jr.:

"Our next reunion will be in Tampa, Florida, October 20-23, 2011.
Following reunions will be in Baltimore, 2012, and New Orleans, 2013."

SIDE-NOTE: Information will be sent out as soon as received to the shipmates that have email. Snail mail information will be sent out to the non-email shipmates when complete.

November 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

2010-12-03T12:22:00.003-05:00

Captain William B. Morton, skipper of the USS Altair 1964-1965 is quite a WW2 hero! Master Chief Thomas "Mike" Smith sent me an article to the heroism of Captain Morton during WW2. I hope the "click" works.

FINANCIAL: The beginning "on hand" cash balance was $1143.13 with no income and expenses of $5.15 leaving a cash balance "on hand" of $1137.98. The beginning savings balance was $3840.37. Income from the Nashville reunion auction etc., was $1320.00 leaving a savings account balance of $5160.54. The total cash balance is $6298.35.

More later...........

October 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

2010-11-10T08:58:00.002-05:00

ALTAIR REUNION: Glowing reports coming from the reunion attendees. I am sorry I missed it, but could not be helped.

REUNION PHOTOGRAPHS: Dick Braun has uploaded all the available reunion photographs which you can view at http://altair.smugmug.com/ Thanks for a great job Dick! And, thanks to the photographers!

ALTAIR SHIPMATE: Please welcome new shipmate Paul D. Benton, 1959-1960 SHSN. Paul and wife Spring live in Marshfield, MA
WELCOME ABOARD PAUL!

PROMOTIONS: Air Force Major Andrew J. Hoke, son of shipmate Cliff Hoke (MM2 1955-1958)was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in a ceremony at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center 29 September 2010.
Congratulations to both! Lt. Col. Hoke has quite an Air Force biography and deserves special kudos!!

ALTAIR FINANCIAL: The beginning on hand cash balance was $1103.13 with income of $40.00 and no expenses leaving a balance of $1143.13. The beginning savings account balance was $3835.54 with income of $4.83 leaving a balance of $3840.37. The total cash on hand and savings balance is $4983.50. Reunion income and expenses will be posted in the December financial report.

That's all for now.

Victory Ships

2010-11-10T08:55:00.001-05:00

Greetings Altair Crew.

As most of you know, the USS Altair was first the SS Aberdeen Victory and took part in the invasion of Okinawa during WW2.

Our photo guru Dick Braun has uploaded a 30 minute professional TV film about the SS Red Oak Victory, which is currently being restored. Altair deck personnel will enjoy seeing all the work needed on deck. Below deck personnel (Snipes) will enjoy the work and scenes in the engine room.

Also great scenes of the Kaiser Shipyards where most of the Victory Ships were built, some in just days! The Red Oak Victory was saved from scrapping. Some of the original workers on the Red Oak Victory are on board and were interviewed.

Dick uploaded the film to the Altair photograph site. Please visit http://altair.smugmug.com and go to the bottom of the page and click
on the "Video Gallery" and this will take you to the movie page.
Click on the Red Oak Victory pic and sit back and enjoy the memories of the Altair. It sure brought back memories some of my deck ape days, mess cooking and FINALLY Lt. Furey let me go up to the radio room after I applied for a Captain's Mast.

Best regards, Charles

September 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

2010-10-05T09:38:00.002-04:00

NEW SHIPMATE: Please welcome aboard Russell G. Eshelman, SN, 1963-1964. Shipmate Eshelman resides in Bumpass, VA. WELCOME ABOARD!

FINANCIAL: The beginning September cash balance was $1078.13 with $25 in dues income leaving a cash balance of $1103.13. The beginning and ending saving balance was $3835.54 leaving a total cash balance of $4938.67.

ALTAIR REUNION: The next Altair reunion begins October 21, 2010 in Nashville, TN. Should you need additional information, please contact Joe Basso at 732-441-1077.

Misc: The son of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Douglas, Edward Douglas, was "Pinned Chief" in a mid September Ceremony in Norfolk, Virginia. Dan was an IC3 aboard the Altair 1960-1962. I know that all the Altair Shipmates send their congratulations to the proud Douglas family on their son being pinned CPO.

Dan and Elaine Douglas can be reached at DDouglas [at] aol.com

Thanks to our web guru, you can view photos on the "Misc." page on the Altair web site.

Best Regards To All.........Charles

August 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

2010-09-04T10:47:00.003-04:00

SHIPMATE PASSING: I was notified of the passing of Shipmate Paul Meierdierks. Paul was a RM3 and aboard 1962-1966. The family may be contacted at:

Mrs. Theresa Meierdierks
99 Knickerbocker Road
Closter, NJ 07624

NEW SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard the following shipmates:

John Zeihen, LTJG, 1967-1969, WI
R. Doug Justice, MA3, 1964, TN
Augustin (Dino) Dador, SD2, WA
Michael Chubirka, SN, 1962-1963, TX

WELCOME ABOARD!

FINANCIAL: The beginning cash balance was $1058.13 with dues income of $20.00 leaving a balance of $1078.13. The beginning cash savings balance was $3835.54 with no income or expenses leaving a balance of $3835.54. The total cash on hand and saving account balance is $4913.67.

ALTAIR REUNION: DON'T FORGET!!!!!!! The Altair reunion October 21st. thru Oct. 24th. in Nashville, TN. If you need additional information, please contact Joe Basso at jomapakg032 [at] verizon.net or John Thomas at broadusthomas [at] bellsouth.net; or, myself at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us.

All for now. I hope all you shipmates on the East Coast will be safe from the hurricane.

As usual, please do NOT reply to this email as it will be automatically deleted. Please use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Best Regards To All..........Charles

Shipmate Passing

2010-08-19T13:20:00.002-04:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates. I received the following email:

"Hello Shipmates. It is with great sadness that I report to you the passing of Chief William H. Stoye Sr. August 13, 2010. He loved his career in the Navy and was proud of all the friends and shipmates he had over the years.

William H. Stoye, Jr. Maj, (Ret)
Tallahassee, Florida 32308"

Shipmate Stoye was an AD2 aboard the Altair 1959/1960.

Shipmate Passing

2010-08-12T06:30:00.000-04:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is an email I received via Shipmate Mike O'Connell.

"I'm sorry I am the bearer of bad news but I got a call from Paul Meierdierks' family and was informed he had passed Sunday, August 8, 2010. His wife Theresa can be reached at:

Mrs. Theresa Meierdierks
99 Knickerbocker Road
Closter, NJ 07624

I mentioned to them I would let you know so that you could let the other shipmates know.

Thank you.
Mike O'Connell"

Our sincerest condolences to the Meierdierks' family.

July 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

2010-08-01T15:18:00.005-04:00

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is your monthly report for July 2010.

SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard two new shipmates:

Dennis R. Dudas, SN, 1961-1962, Millburn, NJ

William F. Sharp, Jr., SN, 1961-1962, NJ

WELCOME ABOARD!!

FINANCIAL: The beginning July balance was $1028.13 with dues income of $30.00 and no expenses leaving a cash balance of $1058.13. The beginning Altair savings account was $3835.54 with no income or expenses leaving a balance of $3835.54. The total Altair cash balance is $4893.67.

EMAIL CHANGE: For those trying to contact C O Lee, his email has changed to:

AKS32 [at] earthlink.net

HURRICANE SEASON: For those shipmates living on the coastline, you might take a look at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ and you will get the latest updates from the National Weather Service as to tropical storm, hurricanes, etc.

I hope all the shipmates have checked out all the information that Dick Braun has uploaded to the Altair web site. A tremendous amount of Altair data and information. the location of the data is http://www.ussaltair-aks32.org/navylinks.htm or take the Navy Links from the menu on the site.

You can contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us with any comments and information.

Best Regards To All.........Charles

June 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

2010-07-04T15:28:00.003-04:00

HAPPY JULY 4th..........Please have a happy and safe Fourth of July.
Remember all the Veterans and Troops in combat in your prayers.

NEED INFO: I am seeking any info you might have on CDR Richard W. Leighton. CDR Leighton served on the Altair 1958-1959. I need stories, remembrances, anything. Please email ASAP to me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

FINANCIAL: The beginning cash balance was $1008.13 and received $20 in dues with no expenses leaving a cash-on-hand balance of $1028.13. The beginning savings account balance was $3830.76 with interest of $4.78 leaving a savings balance of $3835.54. The total cash balance is $4863.67.

REUNION: If you need additional Nashville reunion information please contact myself at cmb altairaks32 [at] fastmail.us; or

Joe Basso at jomapakg032 [at] verizon.net

SHIPMATES: I keep a running list of shipmates by state and show 475 total. My mailing list of shipmates totals 470. Why the discrepancy? There are a few that have moved and not forwarded their new email or home addresses. Please, if you move or change email addresses, please notify me.

As usual, please do NOT reply to this email. All comments and recommendations should be sent to cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Best Wishes To All.............Charles

Shipemate Passing

2010-06-15T12:51:00.000-04:00

It is with immense sadness that I send you, this email to inform you of the death of my beloved husband Ashley Pecka on May 28, 2010.

Sincerely, Kathleen Pecka"

Condolences can be sent to:

Mrs. Ashley Pecka
P.O. Box 667
Eagle River, WI 54521
715-479-4809

Shipmate Pecka served aboard the Altair 1964-1966 as a SN.

New Shipmate

2010-06-14T15:12:00.002-04:00

Greetings Shipmate Drennan. And, WELCOME ABOARD! I show your info as:

Arthur P. Drennan, MM1, 1953-1956,
189 Main Street
Waltham, MA 02453
nanyngp [at] yahoo.com
781-893-3589

The Altair web site is http://www.ussaltair-aks32.org

The Altair photograph site is http://altair.smugmug.com and shipmate Dick Braun will be contacting you about getting your photographs uploaded to the site.

I served aboard the Altair 1959-1961 as a RM2. Information about our next reunion in Nashville in October is on the way snail mail. I will get you added to the monthly email list and shipmate Martin Summann will get you added to the web site.

Welcome aboard!

Best Regards, Charles Brecheisen, Holly Lake Ranch, Texas

May 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

2010-06-07T16:06:00.007-04:00

Greetings Altair Crew.

DEJA VU AGAIN? The 'dog days of August' arrived late in April and are continued through May. Our total rainfall in May was 0.56" (zero point five six) total for the month of May. Our beautiful dogwood trees are wilted, the azalea plants are dying. Some of you shipmates need to send some moisture to the East Texas area!

SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard Stanley Wolczyk, MM2, 1968. Shipmate Wolczyk resides in Phoenixville, PA. WELCOME ABOARD!

FINANCIAL: The beginning cash on hand balance was $1104.63 with dues income of $30 and expenses of $126.50 leaving a balance of $1008.13. The expense was for the Internet Provider for the Altair web site. The savings account balance is $3830.76 bringing a grand cash total of $4838.89.

REUNION REMINDER: Please contact Joe Basso, reunion chairman, at jomapakg032 [at] verizon.com or myself cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

All for now. Any comments or questions, please contact me at: cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us.

Best Regards To All........Charles

COLD WAR RECOGNITION CERTIFICATE

2010-05-15T16:56:00.000-04:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates. I am forwarding a message received from Joe Basso.

"Hi Altair Shipmates, Government Workers and Other Veterans from Army and Navy. I was surfing the Web the other night, and I came across a Web Site that stated that anyone who either Served in the Military (ANY BRANCH) between 1945 December, and 1991 December, are entitled to what is knows as a "COLD WAR RECOGNITION CERTIFICATE" write to:

COMMANDER, US ARMY HUMAN RESOURCES COMMAND
COLD WAR RECOGNITION, HOFFMAN II
ATTN: AHRC-CWRS-3N45
200 STOVALL STREET
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22332-0473

Within a week and a half you will receive an application and after filling out the application you will have to return with a copy of your DD214. You just have to prove that you served only 1 day. For Government workers you have to submit a pay stub or some type of government I.D. Lots of luck and I am about to putting my application in the mail tomorrow and I will keep you posted of my endeavor.

Joe Basso

P.S. Let us know of how you make out."

Best Regards To All..........Charles

Shipmate Passing

2010-05-11T09:59:00.001-04:00

To All Concerned:

My husband Darrell Tinker Chronister passed away on March 26th, 2010.

He recently was put on your email list but fell ill shortly thereafter and could not respond to anyone.

Thank you for sending all of the updates to him.

Best regards,

Lois Chronister
Jefferson City, MO

March 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

2010-04-02T08:58:00.002-04:00

Spring has sprung as the yellow pine dust is covering everything here in E. Texas.

SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard the new Altair shipmates for a total of 468!!!

Thomas E. Ryan, SN, 1960-1962, Philadelphia, PA
Carmen S. Napoli, IC3, 1964-1966, Easton, PA

WELCOME ABOARD!

FINANCIAL: The March beginning on hand cash balance was $1212.20 with dues income of $40 leaving a cash on hand balance of $1252.20. The beginning savings account balance was $3826.04 with no dividend. There was no expenses leaving a total balance of $5078.24.

ALTAIR REUNION: The 2010 Altair reunion in Nashville is rapidly approaching! (October 21 ~ 24, 2010) Please get your reservations in ASAP! Should you need new paperwork to get signed up, please contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us and I will get the information in the mail. Please don't forget to get Joe Basso or John Thomas the $25 per person check for the Hospitality Room and goodies. (I messed up Joe's address on the forms I sent out and here is the correct address) They can be reached at:

Joe Basso 16 Edgemere Dr., Matawan, NJ 07747

John Thomas 2632 Oak Leaf Circle, Helena, AL 35022

ADDRESSES: I wish I could track down all the shipmates that have moved or changed their email address and not notified me of the changes. But, there is just no way. IF YOU ARE GOING TO MOVE OR CHANGE EMAIL ADDRESS PLEASE NOTIFY ME SO YOU I CAN KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE ALTAIR HAPPENINGS.

All for now. Please do NOT respond to this email as it will be automatically deleted. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us for any questions or comments.

Best Regards To All........Charles

February 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

2010-03-03T13:41:00.004-05:00

ALTAIR CREW: Please welcome aboard shipmate Orville Eckler, EM2, 1963-1964 and residing in Chaumont, NY. WELCOME ABOARD!

ALTAIR CAPS: Shipmate Joe Basso has a good supply of Altair caps. If you need a new cap or a replacement cap, please contact Joe at:

jomapakg032 [at] verizon.net

FINANCIAL: The beginning cash balance was $1092.20 with dues income of $120.00 and no expenses leaving a cash balance of $1212.20. The Altair savings account had a beginning and ending balance of $3826.04.
The total Altair cash account is $5038.24.

That's all for now. Please contact me with any comments or questions at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Best Regards To All........Charles

The Red Shirt

2010-02-19T12:20:00.003-05:00

I received this email today and thought I would share if with the group... Dick

If the red shirt thing is new to you, read below how it went for a man...

Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together...

After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.

No, he responded.
Heading out I asked?

No. I'm escorting a soldier home.

Going to pick him up?

No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq , I'm taking him home to his family.

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.

I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you, Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.

Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."

Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.

So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.

Red Fridays.

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday ... and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that ... Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women a far, will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, & TV let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is. "We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.

January 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

2010-02-03T09:13:00.003-05:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is your monthly report for January 2010.

Yipes.......it's already February 2010. Where does the time go????

ALTAIR REUNION: If you have not received Nashville reunion information either via email or snail mail, please contact me cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard the following shipmates:

Darrell T. Chronister, SA, 1968, Jefferson City, MO

William L. Hickman, LTJG, 1963-1965, Rockville, MD

Gary K. Hysong, EM3, 1959-1961, Attica, IN

SHIPMATE PASSING: The following Shipmate Passed:

Frederick W. Meister, LTJG, 1963-1965, Passed 2000

FINANCIAL: The beginning cash balance was $1136.15 with dues income of $150.00 and expenses of $193.95 leaving a cash on hand balance of $1092.20. Expenses were envelopes, labels, stamps, printing and mailing of the reunion information to the non-email shipmates. The beginning saving account balance was $3822.71 with interest of $3.33 leaving a balance of $3826.04. Total cash balance is $4918.24.

Best Regards To All..........Charles

2010 Reunion Information

2010-01-23T10:20:00.005-05:00

Here is the latest 2010 Altair Reunion information from our reunion chairman Joe Basso.

The Nashville reunion will be held at the Holiday Inn Select Opryland/Airport from Thursday, October 21st through Sunday, October 24th. Nashville, TN ~ October 21st – 24th, 2010

Travel & Leisure Magazine recently named Nashville America’s Friendliest City! Not only is Music City friendly, it has also been named the 4th Best American City for Holiday Travel. The USS Altair Reunion tours will give you a chance to experience some of the top attractions in Nashville. Tours include a group dinner at one of Nashville’s most unique restaurants and tickets to the famous Grand Ol Opry show. Saturday, don’t miss the city tour which will highlight some of Nashville’s most popular attractions. Your reunion program hits all of Nashville’s most famous attractions, while allowing plenty of time to relax and catch up with your friends.

Hotel Information:
The reunion dates are from Thursday, October 21st through Sunday, October 24th. You will be staying at the Holiday Inn Select Opryland/Airport which is located at 2200 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37214.

Reservation Information:
The room rate is just $99.00 plus tax per night based on single or double occupancy. Rate includes complimentary breakfast buffet daily. Please make your hotel reservations NOW by calling (615) 883-9770 between 9-4 pm EST and ask for in-house reservations. For those of you who would like to arrive early, the same room rate is available 2 days prior to the start of the reunion, and 2 days after the reunion. You may cancel up until 48 hours before arrival at no penalty. Be sure to ask for the USS Altair Reunion rate to assure you are associated with your group. You may request specific room types when you call to make your reservations (handicap accessible room, etc.). These are on a first come basis. The hotel check-in time is 3:00pm. Please, don’t expect to get into your room before then. They will ask you for a deposit or credit card number to guarantee your room reservation. The hotel is holding rooms until they sell out or September 10th, 2010, whichever comes first.

Transportation & Directions:
The closest airport is Nashville International (BNA). The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service from the Nashville International Airport. Upon arrival, use the courtesy phone located in the baggage claim. For those of you driving to the reunion, the hotel offers plenty of free parking. The hotel is conveniently located off Interstate 40, at the Broadway exit. Ask hotel for detailed directions when making your reservations.

Travel safely and we will ….
See you in Nashville!

Please call the hotel and make your reservations making sure you are getting the Altair special rate.

USS ALTAIR AKS 32 ~ 2010 REUNION EVENTS:

EVENT A: GROUP DINNER & GRAND OLE OPRY SHOW
Friday, October 22nd (4:00pm-10:00pm)
This spectacular evening begins at the Cock of the Walk Restaurant, where you will have a private area reserved just for the USS Altair. Known as one of Nashville’s most unique restaurants, you will dine on their famous golden fried catfish, and other southern specialties. The large barn-like restaurant is well known around Nashville for having the best seafood in town. The restaurant takes its unusual name from an old flatboat man’s term for the top boatman. Following dinner, board your coach for the short drive to the Grand Ole Opry Show. This is the show that made Nashville famous! The one, the only, the Opry. You never know which celebrities will turn up and perform, but one thing is for certain, it’s always a great show, with something for everyone. Music, dancing, and lots of laughs, make this variety show a Nashville tradition and a crowd favorite. You’ll have great seats, so come see what all the fuss is about!
Please note: You will be required to walk down 6 steps to your seat for the show. All Opry seats are benches with backs, similar to church pews.

EVENT B: BEST OF NASHVILLE CITY TOUR
Saturday, October 23rd (9:00am-2:00pm)
This is not your typical, routine city tour, but an entertaining look at all the sights that make up Nashville. Enjoy a driving tour of the landmarks of the city including Historic Downtown, Fort Nashborough, the State Capitol, the Parthenon and Music Row. The tour includes some of the homes and recording studios of celebrity stars of television and radio. You’ll also have time downtown to explore and have lunch on your own. Bring your camera and comfortable shoes. This will be a great day!

BANQUET DINNER:
Saturday, October 23rd (7:00pm at Hotel)
Join all of your friends for your Banquet Dinner at the Hotel. Dinner will be served at 7:00pm. Please make your entrée selection on the reservation form.

OPTIONAL TOUR CANCELLATION INSURANCE:
Protect yourself from unforeseen expenses caused by sickness, injury or any other causes that impact your travel plans. This insurance enables a refund of Tour & Banquet expenses up until three (3) days before the start of your reunion. If you need to cancel – please call our office immediately (817-251-3551) for a cancellation number. If you have not purchased cancellation insurance all tour and meal money is non-refundable 6 weeks prior to the reunion.

Important Reunion Notes:
~ Tours may be cancelled if a minimum of 30 people per bus is not met. In this case, full refunds will be given.
~ Please understand that a certain amount of walking is necessary from the bus to attractions and in some
instances, to also see the attractions. Please consider your abilities before purchasing tours.
~ Be sure to bring photo identification (like a driver’s license) on all events.
~ All tour times are subject to change. A final itinerary is available at registration

Tour reservations are contained in a PDF file that will be emailed or faxed to you by Dick Braun at dbraun at msbservices . com upon request

Another great auction will be held Saturday evening at the banquet; and, the valuable item you bring does not have to be Naval related item! (I hope a shipmate brings an original J-38 key!)

The Hospitality Room opens on Thursday. There will be a $25 charge PER PERSON for the cost of the hospitality room and all the "GOODIES."
Please send your check to:

Joseph Basso, 16 Edgemere Drive, Matawan, NJ 07747

or

John Thomas, 2632 Oak Leaf Circle, Helena, AL 35022

Joe Basso can be reached at jomapakg032 [at] verizon.net

Best Regards to All and See Ya in Nashville!

Charles

Sick List

2010-01-07T12:54:00.000-05:00

Greetings Altair Crew. I received the following email from Dick Stader who wanted me to pass the info about the "Altair Sick List."

"Charles, just thought I would send you this information that I got yesterday on Dave Poland; his daughter called me yesterday to let me know that he (Dave) was having some chest pain on Tuesday, 5 Jan., and so she took him to the hospital to have him checked out; and he is there now with four heart blockages waiting to have bypass surgery next Wednesday 13 Jan. I talked to him last night and he says he is doing fine and feeling no more pain; but, because he takes Plavix, they need to wait a week before they can do surgery. His phone number is 757-388-8471 (repeating 757-388-8471) at the hospital in case any shipmate would like to give him a call; I am sure he would enjoy hearing from any of our shipmates.

Best Regards to you and Lillie.

Dick"

Best Regards To All..........Charles

December 2009 by Charles Brecheisen

2010-01-06T12:52:00.003-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

FINANCES: The beginning December cash balance was $1136.15; the beginning December saving account balance was $3822.71. There was no income nor expenses leaving a total balance of $4958.86.

DUES: There were 83 dues paying shipmates in 2009. THANK YOU! Dues are $10 per year and due again for 2010 sent to me. Thank you again!

SHIPMATES: There are 462 Altair Shipmates!!!! Let's get more!!!

SHIPMATES PASSING: The following shipmates passed:

Perry Charles Hahn, EM3, 1963-1965; Passed November 20, 2009

Gerald (Jerry) Pelton, DP3, 1967-1968; Passed January 21, 2003

Allen D. Post, MMC, 1962-1964; Passed October 18, 2009

Our condolences to their families.

All for now. If you have any questions or comments, please reply to cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Let's all have a Blessed, Happy, Healthy and a prosperous 2010!

Best Regards To All...........Charles

November 2009 by Charles Brecheisen

2009-12-04T12:49:00.004-05:00

Greetings Altair Crew.

ALTAIR BRANSON REUNION: Shipmates are still talking about the wonderful reunion in Branson, MO. Dick Stader and his crew did a superb job!

ALTAIR SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard JJ Kennedy, SN, 1962-62, Bergenfield, NJ

ALTAIR SHIPMATE PASSING: Tom Planes informed me of the passing of Allen D. Post, MMC 1962-1964. Shipmate post passed Oct. 18 due to cancer. Our condolences to the Post family. The Post family can be reached at:

Allen D. Post Family
315 30th. Avenue West, Apt. B-303
Bradenton, FL 34205

FINANCES: The beginning cash balance was $1136.15 and the savings balance was $1820.99 for a total of $2957.14. There was no income from dues. The total income from the donations for the Hospitality Room and the Auction was $2965.00. Total Reunion expenses were $963.28. The income balance (receipts minus expenses) was $2001.72. This income balance was put into the savings account bringing the savings total to $3822.71. Coupled with the cash on hand, the total Altair monies total $4958.86. If any shipmate would like a detailed accounting of reunion expenses, please contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL THE SHIPMATES AND THEIR FAMILIES!

All for now. Please contact me with any questions or comments at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Best Regards To All.........Charles

USS Altair Remembered by Tom Planes

2009-11-29T08:40:00.005-05:00

She wasn’t much to look at but like most homely ladies she had a heart big as all out doors and a need to be loved. Even on her best days she could never compare in looks with a slick destroyer or a behemoth bird farm but oh my, she was a worker. She could keep up a steady 15 knots and churn along not missing a beat while the sixth fleet came along side to sample her wares. Like back street lovers with a brief kiss from high line to high line and a promise of more to come.

That crew in the early sixties she loved the most they took her from unfit for sea duty to proudly showing the red and white E’s for excellence. With paint, sweat and hours of work even though they cursed her at times their was love in the heart of all who served in her. The old girl showed her appreciation by never letting her boys down and always returning them to Barcelona where she could rest and they could play.

As she sat in the bone yard in Texas awaiting the searing torches that would tear her to pieces. Ripping her right down to her keel where she began. That steel back bone that stood true through thousands of miles of storms, cold and heat. From the battle for Okinawa to her life in the Atlantic and Med she had had a wonderful life and reflected on it.

She recalled the stormy passing through Cape Hatteras in early 60, bobbing around like a cork on a string under tow from a sea going tug. It was embarrassing not to be able to rely on her own turbines to make this trip to the Brooklyn yards. In the yards however she began to renew her strength. CWO Goodson was breathing a new life into her engine room changes in her evaporators meant she would never be with out fresh water. New nozzles in her turbines meant better underway speed control.

The deck apes (funny how she never thought of them as monkeys) they were always so dedicated to their work fighting rust and keeping her top side in ship shape. The electric wenches and all her rigging under their supervision were put in perfect working order. Her store keeps had a place for everything and everything in place mostly.

Then came the sea trial she was a little nervous with a new untried crew heading to Cuba with stops in Jamaica. Her first shakedown in the fifties was to Cuba also. Just before that she had been renamed the Altair. She wondered how many plank owners are still around and how many even remember her. They were a fine group of seamen. She was sure most of this crew would be career sailors.

The shakedown went well the men performed outstanding with their first replenishment drills. Soon she was back in Norfolk awaiting orders to deploy to the Med. When the word was passed to single up and she got underway she virtually trembled with excitement. She was not sure if it was a bad shaft bearing or the crew’s anticipation of liberty in Barcelona. The night before arriving in Spain she knew it was the crew. The entire crew had comedown with channel fever and was wide awake the vibration from all that energy was electric.

While her view of Barcelona was limited from her birth at the pier near Barceloneta she could still see the Ramblas a promenade lined with sycamore trees festooned with flower shops and kiosk where you could buy confections, news papers and perfume. The ever present cry at an Andalucian pitch of the lottery lady “ Para Hoy Equal” brought dreams of riches.

She could smell more of Barcelona than she could see. An off shore breeze sent a bouquet of fragrances that covered the bay like a warm blanket. The pine sent from the crest of Tibidabo mingled with the smell of flower, and the food being cooked along the Ramblas. The perfume worn by the ladies of the night was like the cherry on top of a sundae. She loved being in Barcelona it was a time to relax and repair between logreps.

There was a love affair with Spain that was so deep it lacked explanation. There was so much emotion that flowed within her hull. The heartbreak and anger brought on by a Dear John letter. The joy of announced birth over shadowed with the sadness of not being there. The collective glee of anticipation when the word is passed for liberty or mail call. The explosive anger with shouts and sometimes blows when a shipmate is caught stealing or a line was crossed that started as a joke but ended with fury and blood.

As much as she loved Barcelona she loved the open sea more. Supplying the sixth fleet was her job and her heart was quickened by it. To be out there steaming true in her little corner of the world, the Mediterranean. This is what she was built for and yearned to do. To hear the whine of the electric wenches and the shout of the deck crews as they send net after net of cargo to what ever Romeo ship came along side. The roar of the Sikorski and smell of spent aviation fuel at her flight deck. She recalled how skilled the pilots were off loading lading to other ships in the fleet. She was the first to try this form of resupply and met the challenge with open arms.

"Old Sailors" received from Jim Braydon author unknown

2009-11-27T06:29:00.005-05:00

Old sailors sit and chew the fat 'bout how things use to be, of the things they've seen and places they've been, when they ventured out to sea.

They remember friends from long ago and the times they had back then, of the money they've spilled and the beer they've swilled in their days as sailing men.

Their lives are lived in days gone by with thoughts that forever last, of Dixie cups hats and bell bottom blues, and the good times in their past.

They recall long nights with a moon so bright far out on a lonely sea, and thoughts they had as youthful lads, when their lives were unbridled and free.

They know so well how their hearts would swell when the flag fluttered proud and free, and the stars and stripes made such beautiful sights as they plowed through an angry sea.

They talk of the bread Ole Cookie would bake and the shrill of the boson's pipe, and how the salt spray fell like sparks out of hell when a storm struck in the night.

They remember mates already gone who forever hold a spot in the stories of old when sailors were bold and lubbers a pitiful lot.

They rode their ships through many a storm when the sea was showing it's might, and the mighty waves might be digging their graves as they sailed on through the night.

They speak of nights in a bawdy house somewhere on a foreign shore, and the beer they'd downed as they gathered around cracking jokes with a busty whore.

Their sailing days are gone away, never more will they cross the brow, but they have no regrets for they know they've been blessed 'cause they honored their sacred vow.

Their numbers grow less with each passing day as their chits in this life are called, but they've nothing to lose for they've paid their dues and they'll sail with their shipmates again.

I've heard them say before getting underway that there is still some sailing to do, and they'll exclaim with a grin that their ship has come in, and the Lord is commanding the crew.

All Hands USS Altair AKS 32

2009-11-11T17:37:00.000-05:00

From: 2009 Reunion Chairman
Subj: Veterans Day Message

I waited until today to send this out and Charles I hope I am not asking too much of you to forward it on for me today on this day set aside for all of us Veterans. I want to say thank you to all of you out there, both Shipmates and wives/girl friends and invited guest who came to Branson and celebrated another years reunion and harmony and unity, and to tell you that it was my great pleasure to serve as chairman for this years reunion, and to see each and every one of my old shipmates and wives and friends and to get to spend some time together with you, brought me a great amount of joy and I look forward eagerly to next years reunion in Nashville, where we can once again enjoy the camaraderie of old friends and shipmates. HAPPY VETERANS DAY TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU, and may you always have FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS. On another note I want to tell you that all that in the November Issue of the FRA magazine, there is a guy looking for crew members from the USS Marias, Aucilla and Altair who is working on a book about all of us stationed in or visited Barcelona from 1951 through 1987 and willing to share your recollections of life aboard ship, impressions of Barcelona, or related photos. If you are contact Xavier Theros at xavier.theros@gmail.com

I have not contacted him yet but I plan on it. Once again, Happy Veterans Day To All.

Dick Stader

October 2009 by Charles Brecheisen

2009-11-03T13:05:00.001-05:00

BRANSON REUNION: Words escape me! Dick Stader did a fantastic job bringing together the reunion. It was a blast! Everything went well; the show was great, the food was good, the service was good and we all had a great time. There was not a dry eye during the Memorial Service. It was great to see all the shipmates. Dick Braun has photos taken at the reunion on the Altair Smugmug site, so please visit and enjoy. http://altair.smugmug.com

2010 REUNION: Joe Basso and the reunion committee have selected Nashville as the next Altair reunion site. More information will follow as available.

FINANCIAL: The beginning cash balance was $1026.15 with receipts of $110.00 and no expenses leaving a balance of $1136.15. The beginning savings balance was $1818.69 with income of $2.30 leaving a balance of $1820.99. The total cash balance is $2957.14.

SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard the following new Altair shipmates:

R. Wayne Whittset, YN1, 1954-1955, Hampton, VA
Nicholas T. Viorel, CS2, 1954-1955, Los Angeles, CA
Lawrence A. Savino, SA, 1955, Mahopac, NY
David Jordan, DC3, 1953-1954, Chattanooga, TN
William N. Moynihan, ME3, 1955, Hinsdale, IL
Ronald C. Hewitt, YNSN, 1960-1961, Des Moines, IA
Everitt Sinks, EMFN, 1955-1956, Willow Springs, IL

There was one shipmate that served 6 months on the Altair, transferred off and wanted nothing more to do with the Altair!

SHIPMATES PASSING: The following Altair Shipmates passed:

Norman H. Wuestefeld, RM2, Clinton, CT; passed 2002
Francis O. Ridge, GM1, Staunton, VA; passed 2007; Pearl Harbor Survivor!

All for now. As usual, please do NOT reply to this email as it will be automatically deleted. Please us cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Best Regards To All..........Charles

Video of 1964 Med. tour and shore leaves.

2009-10-10T11:31:00.004-04:00

ENS. Mark Simon provided us with videos that he took while aboard the Altair in 1964 - 1965. They can be found at http://altair.smugmug.com/Other/Mark-Simon-1964-1965/9783104_8bGUS#666798402_tpUjx. During his tour the Altair lost a Helo at sea and Mark was filming at the time. This scene is at the 4 Minute and 28 second mark of Part 4.

Mark was using a Super 8mm camera to film his travels. Then recently recorded the movie film onto VHS tape. He was kind enough to send me the tape and I converted it to DVD and to PC format. Split it down into 10 minute segments and then placed the segments on the photo album web site.

Thanks again Mark!

September 2009 by Charles Brecheisen

2009-10-03T12:50:00.007-04:00

ALTAIR REUNION: Just a few weeks away!! Dick Stader reminds us that Branson is a casual place. I certainly intent to dress casual.

FINANCIAL: The beginning September cash balance was $1070.71 with paid dues of $60.00 and expenses of $104.56 leaving a cash on-hand balance of $1026.15. Expenses included paper, print ink and stamps. The savings account balance was $1818.69 leaving a total cash balance of $2844.84.

NEW SHIPMATES: Welcome aboard Robert A. Belaire, Claremont, NH, IC3 1963/64; Michael P. Buckey, ENFN, Grafton, OH 1963; Arlen W. Jones, LT (Helo Pilot), 1962, Virginia Beach, VA; and, William R. Birt, RM3, 1963-1965, Live Oak, FL.

SHIPMATES PASSING: We were notified of the following shipmates passing:

John B. Dudley, Captain, 1962; passed August 6, 2006
Donald Dufresne, SK3, 1957; passed September 25, 2009
Oliver F. Midgette, CDR XO, 1963-1965; passed June 11, 2002
Donald J. Cosby, LTJG, 1963-1965, Passed December, 1994

NAVY RATINGS: Ever wonder about some of those old navy ratings and what they referred to? Try http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq78-3.htm

RELATIVES IN THE CIVIL WAR? If you think, or know you had relatives that participated in the Civil War, either for the North or the South, please visit http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/records/ and you will visit the entire 128 volume set of the "Official Records of the Civil War." There is an index that can be referenced.

All for now. See ya' at the reunion. Please do NOT reply to this email but use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us for any questions of comments.

Best Regards To ALL..........Charles

August 2009 by Charles Brecheisen

2009-09-28T06:53:00.002-04:00

As I was sitting in the den reading my latest copy of "SEAPOWER", published by the Navy League, I realized that I had forgotten to do the August monthly report.

We have had over 70 Altair shipmates pay dues this year!!!! Thanks!!

FINANCIAL: The starting balance was $1147.40 cash and $1818.69 in the savings account. We had income of $40 and expenses of $116.69 leaving a balance of $2889.40. Expenses were stamps and envelops to mail reunion information to the no-email shipmates.

That's all for now. If you need more info about the reunion please contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us or Dick Stader at Dickandterry5 [at] sbcglobal.net

Per my previous memos, Shipmate Bob Apple's computer was breached and some strange email sent to most all the shipmatesfor the past several months. Guard your computer!!! and, be careful forwarding mass addressed emails. Using the Bcc line will help avert stealing addresses. I can email more info about using the Blind Carbon Copy address line. Just let me know.

All for now. Please do not respond to this email but use my fastmail.us address with any comments or questions.

Best Regards To All.........Charles

July 2009 by Charles Brecheisen

2009-09-28T06:46:00.002-04:00

ALTAIR SHIPMATES: Three new shipmates came on board in July. They are:

Jack E. Lewis, YN3, 1956-1957, Huntington, IN
Robert L. Knapp, SK2, 1961-1963, Taylor, MI
Michael J. Metro, SN, 1955-1957, East Hampton, CT

WELCOME ABOARD!!

SHIPMATE PASSING: Billy A. McDade, BT1, 1954-1955, 10 years ago.

ALTAIR FINANCES: The beginning July balance was $1147.40 in cash and $1816.43 in savings for a total of $2963.83. Income of $2.26 from the savings account and no expenses for a total of $1147.40 in cash and $1818.69 in savings for a total of $2966.09.

ALTAIR REUNION: If you need to contact the reunion chairman, Dick Stader, you can use dickandterry5 [at] sbcglobal.net or

Dick Stader, 1511 84th. St., Kenosha, WI 53143 262-654-9202

The reunion contact is Pam Brown 417-338-4048; she has requested deposits by August 23rd. for the reunion. Please contact her for more cost info.

Please remember that Dick has requested $25 per person ($50 per couple) help on the hospitality room. Please contact Dick for additional info. We really want it to be nice!

All for now. If you need more info please contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Best Wishes TO All...........Charles

Altair Reunion, Branson, MO

2009-09-28T06:43:00.002-04:00

I talked to John Thompson a couple of weeks ago and he will be doing the auction again this year. John did a great job for us at the last reunion and raised a lot of money. Thanks John! Please bring any Altair mementos, relics, paper, etc. to the next reunion and we can add some needed dollars to the Altair Association bank account.

In my first letter about the reunion, I asked for a $25 "per person" donation to cover the hospitality room expenses for drinks and snacks, etc. Some of you sent me $25, and, thank you, but showing two people coming to the reunion. If a couple will be coming to the reunion, then $50 would cover both. We want this to be an extra nice hospitality room, so please help!

If you are trying to respond to Dick Stader, he can be reached at:

dickandterry5 [at] sbcglobal.net

Dick Stader
1511 84th. Street
Kenosha, WI 53143

Or, if you are trying to reach me: cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Best Regards To All..........Charles

Thanks......Dick Stader

Altair News

2009-09-28T06:38:00.003-04:00

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is some timely news:

George Kirchner reports:

"The NASA Lunar Lander has been named ALTAIR! See below for the web site; Best Regards, George"
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/altair/altair.html

John McDaniel reports of receiving the Capt. Schumacher photographs:

"Charles-Enjoyed the photos that Captain Schumacher had taken. Brings back a lot of fond memories of our days on the Altair.

Not sure if you knew but at the onset of WWII Captain Schumacher (then an Ensign) was in command of PT Boat PT-32. This PT boat was in PT Boat Squadron 3 in Manila Bay in the Philippnes. (Same hull number as Altair)

Web site http://www.asiaticfleet.com/orbat.htm is the old Asiatic Fleet Order of Battle in which Ensign Schumacher is reflected as CO of PT-32.

Web site http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/CloseQuarters/PT-1.html is a narrative of some of the actions of the PT Boats at the beginning of WWII and reflects Captain Schumacher and PT-32's role in some of these.

VADM John D. Bulkeley, then a LT was in charge of this squadron. VADM Bulkeley had quite a career, he was the one who evacuated GEN MacArthur from Corregidor, was awarded the Medal of Honor, and was gentleman who cut the water supply lines in Gitmo, Cuba when Castro was acting up. The USS Buckeley DDG-84 was named in VADM Buckeley's honor. He was also the gentleman who recruited John F. Kennedy into the PT Boat community.

I retired from the Navy in 1982. I spent my last tour of duty with the Sub-Board of Inspection and Survey here in Norfolk. There was also another Sub-Board on the West Coast and the Admiral who was in charge was VADM Bulkeley. I was fortunate enough to meet and work with and travel with him on some inspections.

Would you please share this with the Altair Crew?

Thank you and best regards,

John O. McDaniel
Norfolk, VA"

June 2009 by Charles Brecheisen

2009-09-28T06:31:00.003-04:00

HAPPY 4th OF JULY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!

It's hard to believe that it is already July. Here is E. TX the "dog days of August" arrived about 3 weeks ago. Very hot and no rain.

ALTAIR CAPS: Joe Basso has purchased a supply of Altair caps which may be purchased from him. Joe can be reached at 732-441-1077 or email jomapakg032 [at] verizon.net. Joe will also bring a supply of Altair caps to the reunion in October.

ALTAIR FINANCIAL: The beginning June balance was $1127.40 in cash and $1816.43 in the savings account for a total of $2943.83. Income in June was $20.00 with no expenses for a total $1147.40 in cash and $1816.43 in savings for a total of $2963.83.

ALTAIR SHIPMATES: New shipmates on board are Jack Land, SA, Wyoming, MI; Bruce Holton, YN3, Dunedin, FL; Clarence R. Keagle, SN, Neoga, IL; Pedro Rivera-Torres, SK3, Guaynabo, PR; and, Harold L. Guzdziol, IC3, Clinton Township, MI. I show a total of 451 active shipmates on my mailing list!!!!!!!!!

ALTAIR SHIPMATES PASSING: Received information that Theophile C. Haerinck, SN, 1955 passed away in August 1994; and, Marion L. Hendrick, SKC, 1954-1957 passed away July 4, 1999.

REUNION: If you need any more information about our next reunion, please contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Please DO NOT reply to this email as it will be automatically deleted.

I hope every one has a happy and safe 4th of July!

Best Regards To All...........Charles

Shipmate Passing

2009-07-13T07:30:00.001-04:00

Dick Stader called me with news of a shipmate passing: Mark Sutton, SH2, 1957-1959 passed away Wednesday, July 8. I spent a lot of my hard earned money at the Altair ship's store for candy and cigarettes with Mark and remember him well. Our sincerest condolences to the Sutton family.

Mark Sutton Family
5580 Stonehaven Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23464-6825
757-479-2754

Charles

March 2009 by Charles Brecheisen

2009-04-01T17:23:00.001-04:00

FINANCIAL: The beginning March balance was $2849.64 in ready cash and the savings account. Income was $10 and zero expenses leaving a balance of $2859.64.

SHIPMATES: Bruce Davis located the following new Altair shipmates:

William A. Erickson, Miramar Beach, FL; LTJG, 1961-1963
Colin E. Shultz, Lancaster, PA; SK3, 1964-1966
Harry O. Bacon, Ellabell, GA; DK2, 1955
Raymond B. Allen, Camden, NC; SK1, 1953-1955
Julio Possenti, Port Orange, FL; SN,
Thomas G. Lakies, Traverse City, MI; SN, 1960-1961
Eugene S. Gigee, Westfield, PA; SN, 1960-1962
Paul N. Buchman, Queensburg, NY; ENS, 1953-1954
Robert J. Wolansky, North Arlington, NJ; SN 1953-1955

SHIPMATES PASSING: Ronald F. Spina, SKSN and Edward L. Kantner, SN.

Please reply to cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Best Regards To All......Charles

Shipmates Family Requesting Photos

2009-03-04T07:53:00.001-05:00

Daniel Nocivelli served on the Altair 1955-1956 as a SKG1. He passed away in 2002. His granddaughter Helen would like any information or copies of any pictures that any shipmate might have about her grandfather.

You can email her at machic13 at comcast dot net or send her snail mail at:

Helen Nocivelli 66 Verne Street, Brockton, MA 02301

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Best Regards To All..........Charles

February 2009 by Charles Brecheisen

2009-03-01T12:19:00.003-05:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates;

First of all, KUDOS to Martin Summann for the great looking Altair web site! KUDOS to Dick Braun for the Altair Blog site, http://aks32.blogspot.com/ Great job!

SHIPMATE PASSING: Bruce Davis reports the following Shipmates passing:

Thomas J. Cuddahy, MM3, 1953
Arnold Brooks, SN, 1953
Clarence Dean Bruce, SN, 1953
William A. Cundy, CS2

NEW ALTAIR SHIPMATES: Bruce Davis is doing a wonderful job of tracking down Altair shipmates! High KUDOS to Bruce. Following is a list of 1953 Commissioning Crew shipmates that Bruce tracked down:

Anthony Riniti, SN, LaVerne, CA
Richard H. Salinger, MM1, Reading, PA
Edward M. Beakey, SN, Dallas, TX
Mrs. Roseann Cundy (Widow of William A. Cundy)
John Czarnecki, CS3, Harrison, MI
Franklin N. Frederick, GM3, Hanover, PA
Lloyd D. Green, SN, Galax, VA
Donald A. Hastings, HM3, Jefferson, ME
John E. Hawkins, SN, Aberdeen, MS
William T. Hurd, SN, Seal Beach, CA
Glover B. Jones, BTG3, Arlington, TX
Gerard Lavoie, SN, Nashua, NH
Lowell T. McDaniel, EM3, Easely, SC
Charles A. McIver, EMFN, Cathedral City, CA
Ambrose G. O'Neill, FA, Randallstown, PA
Stanley Stancavage, Greenfield Township, PA
Miguel Valencia, SK1, Alexandria, VA

ALTAIR CREW: I show 434 crew members on my lists, but only 431 with good addresses; and from 45 different states! SO FAR A TOTAL OF 61 SHIPMATES HAVE PAID THEIR $10 YEARLY DUES!! Many thanks!!!

FINANCIAL: The beginning on hand cash balance was $1105.59 with income of $150.00 and expenses of $220.19 leaving a ballance of $1035.40. Expenses were yearly web site payment, stamps, copies, etc.
The beginning savings balance was $1813.00 and a short month income of $1.24 giving a balance of $1814.24. The total cash balance was $2849.64.

As usual, please DO NOT reply to this email. Use cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us

REUNION: IF YOU NEED ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR NEXT REUNION IN BRANSON, MO, PLEASE CONTACT EITHER MYSELF OR THE REUNION CHAIRMAN DICK STADER AT dickandterry5@sbcglobal.net

Best Wishes To All.........Charles

Reunion and Altair Caps

2009-02-18T14:28:00.001-05:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates.

Is there any shipmate that has not received the previously attached information about our next reunion in Branson, MO? Information was sent as a Word attachment and a PDF attachment. If you need a printed copy, please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us and I will get you a copy in the mail. I have mailed out about 140 snail mail copies to the shipmates that do not have email or have requested a printed copy.

Joe Basso called me about getting the shipmates on board with Altair caps. I bought one about 7-8 years ago from a company in FL for about $40!! Yes, I said $40 as he had never done an AKS before. Anyway, Joe has contacted a couple of cap manufacturers and can get them done a heckuva cheaper than that! What would you like on the caps? My cap has "USS ALTAIR" in gold as the top line; then is an outline of a store ship in gray; the bottom line reads "AKS-32" in gold. It is quite striking, but that is also 3 lines of embroidery. Joe wants your input as to what you like on the caps. You can contact Joe at
732-441-1077 on the phone or at jomapakg032@verizon.net via email.
We could also take a little supply to the reunion.

Best Regards To All..........Charles

Reunion 2009--More Info

2009-02-10T08:23:00.002-05:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is a bit of reunion info. There will be much more to follow in the next few days.

Branson Reunion Information Site (click here)

Dick Stader's FL phone number is 239-985-9608 and not the number listed.

Branson Reunion Registration Form (click here)

This is a web site put up by the reunion group in Branson, MO

Dick Stader's email address is dickandterry5@sbcglobal.net

As usual, please do not reply to this email. Use cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us

My email address on this site has been compromised (stolen) and I am getting emails from myself to myself that I did not originate. I am considering changing addresses on this site. I could blacklist myself, but then would not have an email copy of what I sent from this site. Oh well.............

More reunion info to follow in a few days..........

Best Regards To All..........Charles

January 2009 by Charles Brecheisen

2009-02-02T08:05:00.002-05:00

We are having a mild winter here in East Texas with no snow and only a bit of sleet. But, February is always our worst month for weather.

ALTAIR SHIPMATES PASSING: I received information about two Altair Shipmates passing; Walter Grau, CWO1 1953-1954; and Theodore A. Vietje, FPG3 1953-1954.

NEW ALTAIR SHIPMATES: The following Altair Shipmates came aboard in January:

Robert G. Lough, SK3, 1953-1956; resides in Clarksburg, WV
John E. Keyes, MM3, 1953-1954; resides in Cleves, OH
Cecil G. Haight, EM3, 1953-1954; resides in San Jose, CA
Hoyt F. Richardson, SN, 1953-1955; resides in Ulrichsville, OH
L. Ray Marchant, SK2, 1960-1961; resides in Savannah, GA
Lewis E. Ryan, RMC, 1953-1954; 89 years young and resides in Sturgis, MS

WELCOME ABOARD AND THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP FINDING THESE SHIPMATES!

FINANCIAL: WOW!!! We have 54 dues paying shipmates!! This is a world record! There was 30 that paid in December and their dollars are reflected in the December totals. There were 24 shipmates paying dues in January. The starting cash balance was $910.00 with cash receipts of $320.00 and expenses of $124.41 leaving a cast balance of $1105.59. The saving account balance is $1813.00 leaving a total balance of $2918.59. Expenses were mainly postage, PDF software and printing.

ALTAIR REUNION: More reunion information will be forthcoming very soon. I know we are all looking forward to the October reunion in Branson, Missouri!

All for now. Please do not reply to this email!! If you wish to contact me, plus use cmbaltairaks32 @ fastmail . us

Best Regards To All.........Charles

Changes to Newsletter Distribution

2009-01-17T16:27:00.003-05:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates.

First of all, let me thank more than 40 (to date) dues paying shipmates that support the entire crew with their yearly dues. Some have sent in dues for several years too. Thanks!

My shipmate list has 414 crew members of which 305 have email and 102 have no email. I show a few shipmates with bad email/or addresses. When I do a full mailing of the double side (8 pages) Altair Newsletter, the approx. total cost is over $500 which includes printing, envelopes, stamps, labels, ind, etc. Of course less pages, less printing cost. Plus, there are 2500 physical operations to fold (the printer does the stapling), insert, attach 2 mailing labels, stamp and seal which Lillie and I do. The total cost per mailing the newsletter is approx. $1.25 each to cover over 400 shipmates. I am proposing to email the newsletter as a PDF attachment to the 305 shipmates that have email. A PDF reader is a FREE download from Adobe, and others. I receive quite a few emails with a PDF attachments which I download to my desktop (so I can find them) and just double click on it and the Adobe reader opens the file. IT WORKS GREAT! The other 102 shipmates with no email will get the newsletter via snail mail. This will save at least $300 plus! I can purchase "docudesk", or another PDF conversion software for under #30. I have tested this method with several shipmates and it works fine! You just need a PDF reader.

The chairman of our 2009 reunion in Branson, MO is Dick Stader. Information has already been sent via email and snail mail to all the shipmates about the reunion There will be additional information to be sent, forms to be filled out and returned to Dick; and, I will be sending this information as a PDF file attachment to your email. A mailing of only 2 sheets of paper to cover all the shipmates would cost approx. $.64 each totaling $250. Doing this will allow me to mail only 102 copies to shipmates with email and save dollars.

PDF IS ON THE WAY! And, it is the way to go!

If you do not want to receive email with attachments please let me know and the info will be snail mailed.

Comments are welcome and please reply to cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.

Best Regards To All..........Charles

2009 Reunion Information

2009-01-17T16:25:00.000-05:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates.

Our reunion Chairman Dick Stader has announced that our next USS Altair reunion will be in Branson, Missouri, starting Friday, October 23, 2009 through Sunday, October 25, 2009 and departing Monday October 26, 2009. If there is enough shipmate interest, the reunion could start on Thursday, October 22, 2009.

PLEASE CONTACT DICK STADER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE REUNION!!

Dick needs to plan for hotels, shows, etc.

Dick can be reached at dickandterry5 @ sbcglobal.net (you will have type in the email address to prevent spamming)

Or use the following address:

Dick Stader
1511 84th. Street
Kenosha, WI 53143
262-654-9202

Please do not respond to this email; but contact Dick.

Best Regards To All.........Charles ( cmbaltairaks32 @ fastmail.us )

December 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

2009-01-17T16:23:00.001-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Let's all have a happy, prosperous and a very healthy 2009.

NEW SHIPMATE: Please welcome aboard Allen Lambert, SN, 1960-1962.
Allen resides in Ft. Worth, Texas. WELCOME ABOARD Allen!

FINANCIAL: Beginning cash balance was $507.62 with income from dues of $400.00 and an adjustment of $2.38 leaving a cash balance of $910.00. The amount in the Altair savings account is $1813.00 leaving a total balance of $2723.00.

REUNION: We are waiting for the reunion chairman and crew to report the selection.

Thanks to the 30 plus shipmates that paid 2009 dues in December!!

All for now. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us with any comments or questions. Please do not reply to this email.

Best Regards To All.........Charles

Commander George J. Largess (Ret) passed away

2009-01-17T16:21:00.000-05:00

Dear Webmasters of the USS Altair Website,

I hope this is the best way to pass along this information. My father, Commander George J. Largess USN (Ret), who commanded the Altair after her commissioning in Baltimore in 52, passed away on December 11 2008 after a short illness. He'd been doing great at the age of 91 but his kidneys began to fail and he declined quickly. He was very proud of his role in the Altair's history and frequently talked about her.

I'd love to hear from anyone who served with him who has any memories to share. And he'll be buried at Arlington on Wednesday, 28 January, at 0900 with full military honors-- all are most welcome to come, we'd love to have some of his shipmates there.

If anyone would like to reach me for more information I'm at _Largitas@aol.com_ (mailto:Largitas@aol.com) and again, would love to touch base with anyone from the ship. Thank you,

Bill Largess

SAVE THE LAFFEY FUND

2008-12-15T16:05:00.005-05:00

Greetings Altair Crew. Are there any objections to the Altair Association making a donation to keep the USS Laffey afloat? The SS Aberdeen Victory (USS Altair) sailed with the USS Laffey in 1945 and participated with the Laffey at the Battle of Okinawa. I wish we had the Altair afloat!

Best Regards To All..........Charles

---
Charles M. Brecheisen
cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us

Charles, I rec'd the following from an old friend I worked with many years ago.He served aboard the USS Laffey and is a member of the ships association.It looks like the USS Laffey is taking on water and eventually will require major repairs to her bottom.I'm requesting that you put this out to our crew for a couple of reasons.Some may have served on her or known others who did.Some may find it possible to make a small donation to her cause.I visited the Memorial in Mt. Pleasant S.C. where she is berthed a few years ago and it would be a wonderful gesture if our Association was in the position to make a donation as well.I plan to make a personal donation too.Thanks for passing the word...........Mike Troiano

--- On Sun, 12/14/08, soncher724@comcast.net
wrote:

From: soncher724@comcast.net

Subject: Laffey update

To: "wagemann, kurt" , "Lippi, Claire"
, golfer969@msn.com, jim.ford@earthlink.net, GrahamR@hpw.com, rrhovet@yahoo.com, djdd724@verizon.net, NAVYBLUE678@aol.com, WaltnMarj724@wmconnect.com, melsart@wyoming.com, janelg@ccwebster.net, Nosno01@aol.com, chris@chrisepting.com, jfpatiorms@aol.com, efitz3@ptdprolog.net, efitzjr@comcast.net, jcabhall@comcast.net, swhudson3@yahoo.com, ebhill724@yahoo.com, folino724@yahoo.com, billcherfitz@comcast.net, vhale134@comcast.net, sylmarjim@comcast.net, scout1947@comcast.net, nforney@infoave.net, stevesue4@juno.com, pcriblet@usfamily.net, dd724laffey@windstream.net, billiebob.fitz@verizon.net, TomHoobyar@aol.com, pastorsteve@epix.net
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2008, 3:04 PM

Good afternoon all:
We have returned from a very emotional and upsetting visit of our ship, the USS LAFFEY.
I received a phone call on Thursday from General Hugh Tant telling me that there were new leaks and he said that I should be there to see what was going on. I contacted John Hudak (our Engineering Officer) and Don Watson Our First Lieutenant), to tell them that I was going to the ship. They told me that they must go also. John drove from Vestaburg, PA to my house in MD and we drove straight to the ship Thursday night. Don and Joe Luque left from Florida at midnight on Thursday and met us in Mt. Pleasant on Friday morning.

We were met by Charlie Hall, the PR manager of Patriots Point and he took us to his office to watch a video that was shot by the divers. It showed the water pouring into the ship through 3 holes within a 4 square foot area near the keel on the port side forward. I cannot discribe the mood in that office as we watched the video.

Along with John Hudak, Don Watson and Joe Luque, we rode down the pier and saw the tanker trucks, the booms in the water around the ship and the divers' boat alongside and the pumps running. It was very disturbing to see our lady in such distress.

We met Malcolm Jenkins on the pier and we went aboard the ship. Paul Jeffords met us and took us below into the forward fire room where the leaks were. There we met with Richard Dunn, the superintendant of maintenance. They showed us the bilges and the condition of the bottom. The water was about 6 inches deep under no.2 boiler. There was a diver underneath the ship putting on a soft patch. He was warned by the master diver to stay away from trying to clean the marine growth too close to the holes. He was afraid that the whole section would let go and suck the diver right up into the ship.

The picture that we paint here is not a pretty one BUT, I have to tell you that the personnel of Patriots Point have not given up on her. They are working around the clock keeping an eye on the ship and manning the pumps when needed.

The situation is this, the bottom is very fragile and needs to be patched in order to move her to the yards to put her in dry dock. This will require a lot of money and care. We have donated $10,000. from the association emergency fund. I have been informed of many members that have sent donations, Tin Can Sailors have put a notice on their website and will be putting a notice in the next newsletter. Many other ships' associations have informed me of their donations also.

We will need a lot more to get this done. Patriots Point has been in touch with the governor of South Carolina, many senators and also the Federal Government to try to get more funds.
I have also received a phone call from James Smith, grandson of Capt. Paul Smith who was the gunnery officer during the battle at Okinawa. James told me that he is trying to put some donors together to get the ship fixed. He said to me that we CANNOT LET HER GO!!!!!!! We are going to try to make this happen. This will probably be the hardest battle she has fought in her 62 years.

"THE SHIP THAT WOULD NOT DIE" hasn't died yet. When I asked for $5.00 per member, that was for the 30,000 members of TCS!!!! We need more from us if we can. Don't send me my usual $100 Christmas present, donate it to the 'SAVE THE LAFFEY FUND". I'll just have to do without all of the presents you all send to your tired president. Seriously, please try to keep a positive attitude about saving our girl. If the folks from Patrots Point haven't given up, we certainly can't. I'll keep you advised as to the donations and the progress of the save the ship project.

The problem is funding!!!! It is going to cost a lot of money, about 3 million bucks to get her to the yards and repaired.

Make checks payable to:

Patriots Point Development Authority
40 Patriots Point Road
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465
Attn: CFO

Mark your check "FOR SAVE THE LAFFEY FUND"

Thanks so much,
Sonny Walker
President

From: michael.troiano@att.net

To: "Charles M. Brecheisen"

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:38:20 +0000

Subject: Fw: Laffey update

Hi Charles,

Here is a better synopsis of the situation involving the USS Laffey.This was buried in one of my folders.You may want to forward this to our crew as well.The Laffey Association members meet at the ship through out the year for work parties and have done one heck of a job getting her ship shape.This new problem may exceeded their ability to fund which would really be a shame given the history behind the ship and the effort of her crew over the years.................Mike

-------------- Forwarded Message: --------------

From: Robert Hill

To: Carl Akin

Subject: Fw: Laffey update

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:31:08 +0000

--- On Fri, 12/12/08, soncher724@comcast.net <soncher724@comcast.net>

wrote:

From: soncher724@comcast.net

Subject: Laffey update

To: "wagemann, kurt" , "Lippi, Claire"

, golfer969@msn.com, jim.ford@earthlink.net, GrahamR@hpw.com, rrhovet@yahoo.com, djdd724@verizon.net, NAVYBLUE678@aol.com, WaltnMarj724@wmconnect.com, melsart@wyoming.com, janelg@ccwebster.net, Nosno01@aol.com, chris@chrisepting.com, jfpatiorms@aol.com, efitz3@ptdprolog.net, efitzjr@comcast.net, jcabhall@comcast.net, swhudson3@yahoo.com, ebhill724@yahoo.com, folino724@yahoo.com, billcherfitz@comcast.net, vhale134@comcast.net, sylmarjim@comcast.net, scout1947@comcast.net, nforney@infoave.net, stevesue4@juno.com, pcriblet@usfamily.net, dd724laffey@windstream.net, billiebob.fitz@verizon.net, TomHoobyar@aol.com, pastorsteve@epix.net

Date: Friday, December 12, 2008, 2:43 PM

Press Release

USS Laffey Needs Immediate Repairs

Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina – Dec 12, 2008

In the early hours of Monday morning, December 1st, staff personnel at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum noticed the last remaining Sumner class destroyer in existence, the USS Laffey, sitting lower than usual in the water.

When staff personnel arrived, they discovered five feet of water in the lower section of the ship. As emergency procedures began and pumping commenced, water was entering the ship at a rate of 2,000 gallons per hour. After over 90,000 gallons of sea water were pumped from the ship, the location of the leak was determined late Wednesday evening.

Environmental personnel were called to oversee the operations to ensure that all procedures were being conducted in a safe and efficient manner. There were no hazardous materials released into the outside water.

Survey teams and divers were on the scene Thursday morning to attempt temporary repairs and assess the extent of the hull’s deterioration. By late afternoon Thursday, the leak was stopped with an epoxy patch, thereby allowing a marine survey to be conducted.

Three weeks ago, five holes were discovered in the aft section of the ship and 4,600 gallons of seawater were pumped out before repairs could be made. The breach in the ship’s hull discovered December 1 is unrelated to the earlier discovered holes.

The USS Laffey was last in dry dock 14 years ago when she underwent repairs. At that time, extensive repairs were made to the hull by welding metal plates over the deteriorated areas. The leak discovered December 1 is located along a weld that began rusting, causing a crack approximately 12 inches by one fourth of an inch.

As of Thursday morning, December 11, the epoxy patch was holding and all water had been removed from the ship. Unfortunately, during the day Thursday, staff personnel at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum discovered the USS Laffey was again taking on water through three holes that developed since the December 1 leaks were repaired. Patriots Point’s pumps and a private contractor’s pumps have been removing water from the Laffey. Divers started patching the holes Thursday afternoon to stabilize the leaks. This morning, the divers are continuing to work on the patches. A boom has been deployed around the ship to prevent any possible contamination. The US Coast Guard representatives have been on site to assist Patriots Point.

The December 11 holes are not connected with the holes discovered three weeks ago or those discovered on December 1, but they highlight Patriots Point Development Authority’s challenges with the cost and the need for constant maintenance of its aging fleet of four naval museum vessels. An early estimate of the cost to tow the USS Laffey to a repair facility and repair her is $3.5 million. Patriots Point is weighing its alternatives to deal with the Laffey given her deteriorated hull condition. In addition to this early estimate of $3.5 million needed for the Laffey, the aircraft carrier Yorktown, submarine Clamagore and Coast Guard Cutter Ingham collectively need approximately $50 million of maintenance and repairs. This need is not unique to Patriots Point's fleet. The aircraft carrier museum ship Intrepid moored in New York recently received over $120 million of repairs and maintenance.

For more information on the USS Laffey (DD-724) and her historic background please go to our website at www.patriotspoint.org and access “Ships & Museums – USS Laffey”.

----- End forwarded message -----

I don't know, Charles. I went aboard the Laffey when I was in Charleston following our reunion. She was a pretty sorry ship.. I am not sure she is worth saving. In contrast, the USS Yorktown, also moored at Patriot's Point, was well preserved and offered a decent tour. Neither were as good as the battleship USS North Carolina, which I saw in Wilmington NC before the reunion.

We have an old lightship here in Lewes DE that is being restored. The dedicated volunteers are facing the same hull deterioration issues, in addition to of all the other repair problems. It has taken two years just to get the thing to dry-dock, and I really don't know what they are going to do after the hull is repaired. There remains a significant amount of work to be done to the rest of the ship. I doubt that it will ever be much of a tourist attraction, so it may just be an ongoing maintenance project.

Sometimes I think these old ships are maintained just for the people who are interested in working on them. Once they pass away, nobody else cares. Look at all the monuments that were built following the civil War, WWI and WWII - they seem to just fade away until someone decides they should be restored, and afterward they fade away again.

The Laffey is not a bad project, but it may just be a black hole that sucks up money.

Perhaps a better cause could be found, one that builds for the future, like adopting a sea scout troop or donating to a scholarship fund for a child of a fallen sailor from Iraq or Afghanistan.

Just my thoughts, for whatever they are worth.

George O'Brien

November 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

2008-12-03T12:53:00.006-05:00

Greetings Altair Crew.

Are you still stuffed as I am with turkey? We had a big dinner Thursday and also with the kids on Saturday. I hope every shipmate had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

ALTAIR REUNION: I am still getting email about the reunion in October and how wonderful it was. Tom etal did such a wonderful job!

ALTAIR SHIPMATES: WOW! Three new Altair shipmates in November. Glennie J. Gilleen, MM2, 1962-64 now living in Andover, MN; Thomas Myers, CS3, 1955-57 living in Schenectady, NY; and, Joseph Ziegler, ET3, 1965-66 living in New Baltimore, NY. WELCOME ABOARD!

ALTAIR NEWSLETTER: My sincerest apologies for not getting the Newsletter out before the last reunion. Just too many health problems around here to concentrate. I promise to do a better job in 2009.

FINANCIAL: The reunion generated $1813.00 which was forwarded to me and I opened a savings account with the money. Tom Planes is also on this account in case something happens to me. I began the month with $551.30 in cash, no income and expenses (stamps and mailing) of $43.68 leaving a cash on hand balance of $507.62. The total Altair monies including the savings account totals $2320.62.

DUES: Just a reminder that dues are $10 per year and due in January. Dues are how we keep this Altair site, etc. running. The address to send the $10 dues is:

Charles M. Brecheisen
248 Drifting Cloud
Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321

All for now. Please contact me with any comments or questions at cmbaltairaks32 at fastmail.us

Best Regards To All........Charles

Thanks Comrades!

2008-11-27T18:09:00.001-05:00

There is a bond formed by men who are committed to a cause be it athletics, fraternal order or military. This bond or friendship lifts us up and separates us from the natural man. It sustains us through good and bad times remembering the trials, hardwork, libertys, tears and laughter. For this friendship I give thanks on this Thanksgiving day and pray that all my Altair shipmates have a wonderful day shared with family and friends.

Tom (Alvarez) Planes, Altair 60-63

2008 Reunion Recap

2008-11-05T08:50:00.001-05:00

Myrtle Beach, SC ─ The 2008 Altair reunion is now history. Occurring October 24th through October 26th, it opened with a gathering and story swapping in a meeting room just off the lobby in the Marriott Courtyard. By 4:00 the room was packed. I later discovered that several of our shipmates were not able to attend due to the economy and health issues. A slide show featured 454 pictures thus far submitted to the Altair photo site http://altair.smugmug.com

We then went to the Alabama Theatre to be entertained by the musical “ONE – The Show”. Voted #1 by Myrtle Beach Visitors, this was the last performance of the 8th year. The talented cast and crew of over 40 had spent hundreds of hours reinventing the show with fabulous new songs, dance & comedy. ONE -The Show featured the charm of emcee and featured vocalist Greg Rowles, and one-of-the-funniest guys in the country, Grant Turner's Ricky Mokel. It was an evening filled with song, dance, and laughter. ONE -The Show featured an all-new production with over 25 new chart-topping songs, and an incredible Beatles Pop segment, playing six nights a week. Everyone was wowed by a stunning presentation from the Broadway's Disney musical, Mary Poppins. Visual surprises abounded in this show-stopping medley from one of the most charming musicals ever written. There were two military groups present and both were honored. The Altair group was introduced during the general announcements segment, along with birthdays and anniversaries being celebrated. Then at the shows conclusion, which was a fantastic musical, visual presentation and patriotic celebration, our group was honored with a reading of the history of our ship and the crew! After the show, I was personally thanked for my service to the United States by the person seated behind me. WOW, that doesn’t happen very often! During the show it started to rain so hard that you could hear it pounding on the building’s roof. The rain continued until late that night, so most of us got somewhat damp in the mad dash to the car.

Saturday included an auction that was led by master auctioneer John “Tom” Thomas to a packed meeting room. Tom did a magnificent job of keeping everybody’s attention and entertained. There were two long tables overflowing with donated items. A special thanks for all who donated to the auction! Well, as Tom auctioned off each item, you could tell that we, as a group, were not very sophisticated in the ways of an auction -- the head scratch, nod at a person next to you, a shrug of the shoulders -- all to Tom’s eagle eye was a bid; however, he was kind enough to stop the action and ask if the intention was to bid or just a casual twitch, and did it in a way to amuse everyone. When all was said and done, the auction raised about $1,300 that will be sent to Charles Brecheisen to be added to the general fund to offset the cost of the general expenses of running the organization. Thanks to all the buyers and bidders who made it so much fun.

The Auction was followed by free time, that most of the folks spent in the meeting room, chatting and swapping sea stories. Saturday evening was a trip across the parking lot to California Dreaming for dinner. After the dinner Tom Planes held the drawing for the Altair Memorial Plaque that was being raffled off. This plaque is a duplicate of the one that was dedicated on October 23rd at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington DC. Check it out at http://altair.smugmug.com. After much fanfare, the drawing of a single name was complete. Congratulations to the winner, John “Tom” Thomas! After dinner many of the folks went back to the meeting room and continued swapping those sea stories.

On Sunday morning, there was a general meeting to name the coordinator of the next reunion. Dick Stader was nominated, 2nd-ed, and carried by unanimous voice vote, with no discussion, as Chairman of the 2009 Reunion Committee. We also selected the same week in October of 2009 and Baltimore was the first choice, with Branson as the second choice. So Please, Please, Please, set aside the time frame of the last two weeks of October to allow for scheduling purposes, and start saving now so you will be able to attend. More information will follow just as soon as it becomes available. After the meeting, some of the folks had planes to catch and left, we stayed and did some shopping and sea story telling.

Be sure to check out the 2008 reunion pictures at the ALTAIR photo web site http://altair.smugmug.com.

Also, check out the photos from C. O. Lee. He gave me a bunch of snapshots to scan so they are now on the photo site as well.

As for our host, TOM PLANES, what a wonderful job in setting up and conducting the reunion!!! He even enlisted his son-in-law Ryan Moore, MM1 USN (not affiliated with the ALTAIR) who came in from Atlanta to assist him with the event. My THANKS to both of these gentlemen; they did a magnificent job!

My wife, Susie, accompanied me on the trip and here are some of her thoughts: This was my first reunion, and, God willing, it won’t be my last. I was so impressed by the friendliness of everyone in the group. I was worried about fitting in, but right from the beginning, I felt a air about the group that made me feel welcome and very much a part of the group. The whole experience made me “proud to be an American” and a part of this fantastic group of people.

The camaraderie of this group, from a first-time attendee’s prospective, was well worth the cost and time. No one was left out of any of the discussions that they chose to be a part of. This includes the partners of the shipmates. I feel so privileged to be a part of the group. I am so looking forward to the next gathering and hoping that we can convince as many of our shipmates to attend as possible.

Dick Braun
"I will answer the wind
I will leave with the tide
I'll be out on the road
Every chance I can ride"
Bob Seger -- Wait for me

October 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

2008-11-05T08:42:00.000-05:00

ALTAIR PLAQUE: The ceremony was attended by several shipmates including Admiral Colbert's widow, Mrs. Prudence Mackee. Thanks to all that donated for this wonderful ship remembrance and ceremony!

NAVY LOG: Joe Basso notes that on the Navy Memorial site
http://www.navymemorial.org/ there is a section named "Navy Log." Click on the "Navy Log" button at the top of the Memorial site and it will take you to the Log site. You can sign up, create you own profile, upload your picture, etc. It's free too! Check it out!

ALTAIR REUNION: What a wonderful reunion..........Tom Planes deserves the highest kudos for a job very well done! All the reports that I have heard have been glowing and everyone had a great time. Dick Braun's "2008 Reunion recap" was emailed some time ago. A reunion committee was formed and there will be a reunion next year 2009 about the same time. More info to follow as it becomes available. Great job Tom!

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $584.30 with no income and expenses of $33.00 for overnight check mailing leaving a balance of $551.30. Tom Planes reports that a check (dues/auction/donations) from the reunion will be on the way to me to cover future expenses.

SHIPMATE PASSING: I am sorry to report the passing of Shipmate Ernest David Forbes Jr. on October 24, 2008. Ernie was a FN aboard the Altair 1961-63. Our sincerest condolences to the Forbes family. The family can be reached at:

828 Jamaica Blvd., Toms River, NJ 08757 732-349-7737

ALTAIR NEWSLETTER: I will be making some changes now that the plaque ceremony and reunion are over. My sincerest regrets to all the shipmates for my not being able to attend either event. Hopefully........next year.

All for now. Please contact me with any comments or questions. If I missed anything, please let me know!

Best Regards To All..........Charles

In a seperate email Charles sent this:

"I just knew that I was forgetting something very important.......and, I did.

Dick Braun has put up tons of great pics from the plaque ceremony and the reunion (plus tons of other great Altair pics) on our photo site. Spread the word about this site!

Please visit http://altair.smugmug.com and enjoy the photos!

Dick, thank you for a great job! High kudos to you!"

September 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

2008-10-03T18:23:00.005-04:00

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $700.93 with no income and expenses of $116.63 leaving a balance of $584.30. Expenses were a down payment for reservations at the Alabama Theater for the Altair Reunion.

REUNION: The official 2nd. USS Altair reunion October 24,25 and 26, 2008 at the Courtyard by Marriott, Myrtle Beach, SC. Let me or Tom Planes know if you need any additional information.

ALTAIR PLAQUE CEREMONY: The Altair Plaque Ceremony will take place promptly at noon, Thursday, October 23, 2008 at the United States Navy Memorial Foundation, 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Lillie and I really lucked out when hurricane Ike came through a few weeks ago. Even though the eye of the storm passed right over us, we were on the west side of the eye and did not suffer any wind or rain damage. In fact, we only got a couple of inches of rain. The damage was a lot worse just 30-40 miles to the east of us.

Any questions or comments contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us

Best Regards To All........Charles

Altair Reunion Update by Tom Planes

2008-09-10T10:33:00.005-04:00

The newly refurbished Marriott at Barefoot Landing has extended a very good rate ($69.00) per night) to the Altair Group. This applies to the reunion dates of Friday, October 24, 2008 to Monday, October 27, 2008 (three days). Including taxes the total for the entire hotel stay is $229.77 which includes a full breakfast and use of the hospitality room. Be sure to mention that you are part of the Altair Reunion when making reservations. Their number is (877) 502-4653. And after you make your reservation give me a call, Tom Planes @ (678) 201-5105 so I can update the dinner order.

The hotel is within walking distance of Barefoot Landing, a multiuse complex that offers specialty shops, fine restaurants and two of the best shows in Myrtle Beach. The Alabama Theatre (for which we have reservations) and the House of Blues. I have tried to keep the cost down and limit the planned portion of the reunion to give more time for visiting and catch up.

The stocking and set up of the hospitality room for three days will be coordinated by Sandi and me. We plan to have the room open for 12 hours per day and will have adult and soft drinks along with trays of various goodies for your enjoyment. There will be a cost of $25.00 per person for this and it needs to be sent to me: Tom Planes, 1177 Vintage Way, Hoschton, GA 30548 by September 25, 2008.

Optionally, if you wish to go out with the group on Friday and/or Saturday evening the following has been scheduled:

> Friday evening at The Alabama Theatre to see their production of “ONE – The Show”. Voted #1 by Myrtle Beach Visitors, One -The Show is back for its 8th exciting year. The talented cast and crew of over 40 have spent hundreds of hours reinventing the show with fabulous new songs, dance & comedy. One -The Show features the charm of emcee and featured vocalist Greg Rowles, and one-of-the-funniest guys in the country Grant Turner's Ricky Mokel. Looking for an evening filled with song, dance, and laughter, Alabama Theatre is the place to be with your family and friends! One -The Show features an all-new production with over 25 new chart-topping songs, and an incredible Beatles Pop segment playing six nights a week. Prepare to be wowed by a stunning presentation from the Broadway's Disney musical, Mary Poppins. Visual surprises await you in this show-stopping medley from one of the most charming musicals ever written. The cost is $27.00 per person.

> Saturday dinner at California Dreaming the cost is $22.50 per person, which includes tax and gratuity.

The cost of the optional events need to be sent to Charles Brecheisen, 248 Drifting Cloud, Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321 no later than September 25, 2008.

We will have an auction to raise money for the secured future of the Altair news letter. This will mean bringing some memorabilia of the Altair or a craft, knitting, painting, posters you name it. John Thomas is a professional auctioneer and it will be fun.

Bring a photo of you in uniform and we can have a name that sailor contest.

We also plan to have a story time (remembrances) that folks might want to share a tale about their life aboard Altair, keeping it clean of course.

We already have a spot reserved at the Altair photo site for this reunion. That means lots of pictures will be taken.

To recap:

Send the following checks by September 25, 2008:

$25.00 per person attending to Tom Planes, 1177 Vintage Way, Hoschton, GA 30548

Optional events to Charles Brecheisen, 248 Drifting Cloud, Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321:

> Friday evening at The Alabama Theater @ $27.00 per person
> Saturday evening at California Dreaming @ $22.50 per person

To Bring to the reunion:

> A photo of you in uniform
> Something to auction off
> Think of a story you would like to share

Above all BE THERE we want to see you!

Shipmate Passing

2008-09-03T16:41:00.000-04:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates.

I received the following email:

"I wanted to let you know that my father, Daniel J. Andryszak, who was a Fireman (FN) and was assigned to the Altair from 1953-1955, passed away on August 18th, 2008. Regards, Daniel A. Andryszak"

The Andryszak family can be reached at:

1976 Guy Way
Dundalk, MD 21222-4751
410-284-1048

I will mail a sympathy card from the Altair Crew.

Best Regards, Charles

August 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

2008-09-01T13:09:00.006-04:00

WEATHER: As hurricane Gustav is hitting New Orleans right now, we are preparing here in East Texas. The latest forecast for E. TX is for 50-60MPH winds and 5-10+ inches of rain starting tonight. Fortunately, I have a 5KW generator, full gas tanks, water and lots of food. Our thoughts and prayers are with the gulf coast who are bearing the brunt of this storm.

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $698.98 with $33.05 in expenses and income of $35.00 leaving a balance of $700.93.

REUNION: If you plan to attend the Altair reunion, please send Tom Planes an email and confirm. Tom can be reached at tomplanes@alltel.net

I will keep this short and just say "all for now." If you need to contact me, please us cmbaltairaks32@!fastmail.us

Best Regards To All.......Charles

July 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

2008-08-01T16:39:00.008-04:00

WARNING: I live in the piney woods of E. Texas. We have lots of scorpions, snakes, bugs, etc. I like to work in the woods as I do not have a yard; and, I keep my shoes on the front porch. Rule #1: Every time I put on the shoes from the front porch, shake them out. Rule #2: Please obey Rule #1. This morning I put the shoes on without shaking them out. When I put my left show in, I felt something moving in the toe. Ripping my shoe off, out hopped a beautiful green tree frog. Nuff said! I will be checking and double checking, etc.

AMATEUR RADIO CALL SIGN: I applied for what is called a club "Vanity" call sign of NB5EQ and the FCC gave it to me on July 11 under "USS Altair Memorial Association" of which all the Altair shipmates are members. You can visit http://www.qrz.com and in the top upper left of the page you can type in NB5EQ where it says call sign and it will take you to the NB5EQ page. I will be adding more information soon and will soon be "on the air" for Navy and Memorial special events. This should generate lots of activity on our web site. I will have special NB5EQ cards and certificates printed soon.

INTERESTING SITE: Here is a neat and interesting site dealing only with Naval 'covers' or envelopes. Please visit the home page of http://www.navalcovermuseum.org/ Click on "Enter New Museum" and then click on "Main Collection" and then click on "#1 US Ships by Name." There is an A-Z list and if you click on "A" and scroll down to and click on Altair it will take you to a page with pictures of some USS Altair envelopes that were used. It's a neat site!

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $738.93 with no income and FCC expenses of $39.95 leaving a balance of $698.98.

ALTAIR NEWSLETTER: I have the newsletter about finished and should be in the mail in a matter of weeks. Please don't forget the Altair Plaque Ceremony and the Altair reunion coming up in October.

As usual, please do NOT reply to this email but use cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us

Best Wishes to All........Charles

June 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

2008-07-06T12:29:00.001-04:00

Summer got here early this year and it looks like a long hot drier summer.

ALTAIR RADIO CALL: I have been awarded the amateur radio call of KE5VEA. I have filed with the FCC for the call NB5EQ and will be awarded that call on July 11. The name of the organization is "USS Altair AKS32 Memorial Association" and both calls will be listed on www.QRZ.com along with my personal call of W5VFO.

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $703.93 with income of $35.00 and no expenses leaving a balance of $738.93.

UNUSUAL WEB SITE: Ever have trouble telephoning a company and getting nothing but a computer......well, try www.gethuman.com and it will give you a telephone number to talk to a real person.

I hope everyone has a very happy and fun-filled July 4th.........and, especially a safe one!

Best Regards To All........Charles

May 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

2008-06-18T14:44:00.002-04:00

It's hard for me to believe.....that it is already June! Looks like we (in East Texas) will be in for a long hot dry summer.

ALTAIR RADIO CALL: As I remember, the radio call sign for the Altair was NBEQ. November Bravo Echo Quebec. Is this correct? If it is, I am going to apply for a memorial ham radio call sign of NB5EQ and participate in the yearly Museum Ship weekend contest. I have contacted 69 different ships worldwide, USA, Russian, Australian, Canadian, etc. in the past few years and thought it might be neat to put the Altair Memorial radio call on the air. Please let met know at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us Thanks!

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $698.90 with income of $25.00 and expenses of $19.97 leaving a balance of $703.93. Expenses were for paper, ink and labels.

ALTAIR PLAQUE: The Plaque Ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at the US Memorial Foundation, 701 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC. A film, "At Sea" will be shown at 12PM noon followed by the ceremony at 1 PM.

ALTAIR REUNION: The second Altair reunion will take place October
24,24 and 26, 2008 at the Courtyard By Marriott, 1000 Commons Blvd., Myrtle Beach SC. Reservations can be made 877-502-4653 as a $69.00 rate.

All for now. Please contact me with any comments or questions cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us

Best Wishes To All.........Charles

April 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

2008-05-03T08:36:00.002-04:00

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $678.90 with income of $20 and no expenses, leaving a balance of $698.90.

SHIPMATE PASSING: In case you missed my last email, Robert Weingarten, RM2 1953-1955 passed away early in April.

SHIPMATE PASSING: Unfortunately, I got a phone call from the daughter of Tony Flores-Toro. Shipmates who attended the first Altair reunion will remember Tony, who owned a Sears store in Florida, supplied most of the door prizes. Last Monday, Tony was in his car driving on a local Chiefland, FL street when an elderly man, in an oncoming car, swerved into his lane and hit Tony head on. Tony was killed instantly. Memorial servives will be held tomorrow (Saturday) and his ashes will be flown to his native Puerto Rico. Tony was a SN aboard the Altair 1956-1958; BUT, I have later pictures of Tony aboard a ship (Altair?) and he was a 4 stripe full Captain! Tony spoke 6 languages.

Tony took Lillie and I to dinner while at the Norfolk reunion and we heard many many sea stories from Tony.......at least the ones he could talk about. Lillie and I are still in total shock. To send condolences, please send to his daughter:

Patricia Callahan
311 Lewisberry Court
Lewisberry, PA 17339

All for now. More to follow about the plaque ceremony and the next Altair Reunion.

AS USUAL, PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL. Use cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us

Best Regards To All.........Charles

Shipmate Passing

2008-04-28T08:27:00.000-04:00

I regret to inform you that Robert Weingarten, RM2, 1953-1955, passed away a few days ago from Pancreatic Cancer.

Our sincerest condolences go to the Weingarten family. The family can be reached at:
Robert Weingarten Family
176 Sycamore Avenue
Bethpage, NY 11714-1913

Charles

March 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

2008-04-04T14:12:00.003-04:00

Greetings Altair Crew.

ALTAIR PLAQUE: The Altair Plaque is completely paid for! The total expenditure was $3300 and we had paid pledges of $3165 which left the plaque a bit in the hole. There were several unpaid pledges which I felt should not be pursued. The balance of $165 was paid from dues monies. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2008 promptly at 1PM. ALL ARE INVITED to the Navy Memorial for the ceremony.

ALTAIR REUNION: The USS Altair reunion will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott in Myrtle Beach, SC October 24-26, 2008. If you need additional information please contact myself at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us or tomplanes@alltel.net

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Additional information will be forthcoming as soon as available. I have most of the next Altair newsletter which will be mailed which all the information about the plaque ceremony and reunion are available.

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $3478.90 with no income and plaque expenses of $2800.00 leaving a balance of $678.90.

FAKE IRS EMAILS: I got an email from IRS.el concerning my rebate check. It said that I was getting about $175 back and to contact them immediately. Well, sports fans, the 'el' after the IRS tells me in ham radio lingo that the email was from LIBERIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Everyone beware!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All for now. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us with any questions or comments. Please do NOT reply to this email.

Best Regards To All..........Charles

Shipmate Passing

2008-03-26T08:45:00.002-04:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates. On March 12th I received the following email from Mike Troiano:

"Our shipmate and my dear friend Albert J. Pizzo passed away today after a 2 year battle with lung cancer. Please add AJ's name to our growing memorial list. Thanks. Regards, Mike"

Our sincerest condolences to the Pizzo family. The family can be reached at:

Al Pizzo Family
15 Grandview Place
Sewell, NJ 08080
856-218-8456

Charles

February 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

2008-03-04T09:12:00.001-05:00

SHIPMATE PASSING: We lost Shipmate Jerry Daney February 19. Jerry was a SK2 and aboard the Altair 1955-1958. Our condolences to the Daney family.

FINANCIAL: Our beginning balance was $3175.35 with income of $430.00 and expenses of $126.45 leaving a balance of $3478.90 The expense was for our web site. $350 of the income was pledges for the Altair Plaque.

ALTAIR PLAQUE: WE MADE IT!!!!!!!!!!! We now have the entire cost of the Altair Plaque covered and it is on order. The plaque ceremony will be Thursday, October 23, 2008 promptly at 1PM. More information will be forthcoming in our next Altair Newsletter. The following weekend will be the Altair Reunion at Myrtle Beach, SC. Special thanks go to Mrs. Dan Thrasher, widow of Dan, for her generous contribution to the plaque fund. More information to follow as soon as it is available.

NEW SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard Bruce Davis, 1962-62. Bruce lives in Orlando, Fl.; and, Bob Smith, SK3 from Norwich, NY. WELCOME ABOARD!

If you need any additional information about the Altair Plaque or the next reunion, please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL!!! I have been getting 50-60 spams a day at this email address and have set the options to delete 100% of incoming email. Please use my fastmail.us address. Thanks!

Best Regards To All........Charles

Shipmate Passing

2008-03-02T11:04:00.000-05:00

Greetings Altair Shipmates. I regret to inform you that the following shipmate passed on February 19, 2008:

Gerald "Jerry" Daney SK2 1955-1958

Condolences can be sent to:

The Daney Family
104 Wren Drive
Larksville, PA 18704
570-288-2479

All the USS Altair Shipmates send their condolences to the Daney Family.

January 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

2008-03-02T11:00:00.003-05:00

ALTAIR PLAQUE: We have received $2810 in pledges and have received $2400. The total cost of the plaque and ceremony is $3000! If you pledged, please send in your pledge. The ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, October 23, 2008, the day before the Altair reunion. The ceremony is in Washington DC and is a proud moment for the USS Altair. Jim Phippard has selected the site for the plaque. Please plan to attend.

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $3156.82 with income of $535.00 (split between dues and plaque) with expenses of $516.47 leaving a balance of $3175.35. The first payment of $500.00 was made on the plaque. Once the date is confirmed (we are waiting for Admiral Colbert's wife to respond) then $2500.00 will be due immediately.

ALTAIR SHIPMATES: January was a good month for new shipmates as we board 4 new shipmates! WELCOME ABOARD!

John E. Simonides, SK3, 1966-68, Stony Creek, CT
Robert S. Lasky, SK3, 1955, Kewanee, IL
John K. Mowitz, SN, 1960-61, Merrimac, WI
Jim Ledden, SFM3, 1968, Valdese, NC

ALTAIR REUNION: As soon as more info is available on our next reunion in October, I will get a news letter on the way to all.

INSTANT MESSAGING: Both Martin Summann and I are set up on instant messaging. Martin is set up on Messenger as vabeach757@cox.net and I am set up on Yahoo IM as cmbaltairaks32 or maybe the @yahoo.com has to be on there too. Both instant messaging systems will talk to each other and Martin and I communicate almost daily. I used to be on AOL I.M. but am not any more.

All for now. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail with any questions or comments.

Best Regards To All..........Charles

Pledges are now due.

2008-01-15T08:53:00.000-05:00

Greetings Altair Crew.

Joe Basso has made the first $500 pledge for the Altair plaque, which I will repay immediately to Joe. The total cost,including the ceremony will cost $3000.

Therefore, it is time for all those that have pledged and have not sent in their pledge please do so now. The balance will be due fairly quickly. There is a balance of $650 in pledges due.

If you have not pledged and want to pledge, it will be welcomed!!!!!

A big THANK YOU to all those that pledged (and paid)!!

Best Wishes to ALL.........Charles

Charles Brecheisen
248 Drifting Cloud
Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321
903-769-5325

December 2007 by Charles Brecheisen

2008-01-14T08:13:00.000-05:00

2008: Happy New Year to all the Altair shipmates and their families. Let's hope all have a prosperous and especially healthy 2008.

ALTAIR REUNION: Tom Planes reports very positive reports about our upcoming Altair reunion October 24-26, 2008 in Myrtle Beach, SC. My problem is getting snail mail kicked back to me due to shipmates moving and not notifying me of address change; or their passing and we are not notified by the next of kin.

ALTAIR PLAQUE: Joe Basso will be making the first commitment for the Altair plaque. Those who have pledges and not sent in their pledge, please do so. The total cost has risen to $3000, but we should have that covered.

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $3344.46 with income of $35.00and expenses of $222.64 leaving a balance of $3156.52. Expenses were stamps, labels and printing reunion sheets.

ALTAIR SHIPMATE: Please welcome on board Phillip J. Vachon. Phillip was a MMFN and served aboard 1961-1963 and resided in Florida.

All for now. Please contact me with any questions or comments at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us

Best Wishes To All.........Charles

2 0 0 8 R E U N I O N !

2007-12-18T06:55:00.000-05:00

The second formal USS Altair AKS-32 reunion will be held October 24, 25, and 26, 2008 at the following:

Courtyard by Marriott
1000 Commons Blvd.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
843/361-1730
877/502-4653 Reservations
843/361-1729 FAX
www.myrtlebeachcourtyard.com

The Courtyard sales person is:
Randall Blumberg
843/361-1730 ext. 7703
843/361-1729 FAX

Make your reservations now and plan to arrive early on Friday, October 24, 2008. Tom Planes has made arrangements for 60 king rooms at $69.00. Other arrangements, a formal dinner, etc. are being made and further information will be supplied when it becomes available.

Tom can be reached at:

Tom Planes
1177 Vintage Way
Hoschton, GA 30548
tomplanes@alltel.net

November 2007 by Charles Brecheisen

2007-12-15T11:41:00.000-05:00

NEW SHIPMATE: Please welcome aboard James (Jim) F. Ledden. Jim served aboard the Altair 1967-68 and was a SFM3. Jim currently resides in Valdese, NC

REUNION: Mark your calendars for our next 'major' Altair reunion for October 24, 25 and 26, 2008! (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) The reunion will be held at the Courtyard By Marriott, 1000 Commons Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572. Reservations 877-502-4653 and the rate for a King room is $69. More information will follow via email and snail mail as soon as available. Make your reservation early!

FINANCIAL: The beginning November balance was $3134.46 with income of $210.00 and zero expenses leaving a balance of $3344.46. $200.00 was for the Altair Plaque.

ALTAIR PLAQUE: Joe Basso assisted by Jim Phippard is working diligently on the Altair Plaque. More to follow.

All for now. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us with any questions or comments.

Best Regards To All, Charles

October 2007 by Charles Brecheisen

2007-11-16T13:44:00.000-05:00

MINI-REUNION: The 'mini' reunion was a howling success! Over 26 shipmates, many with their wives attended. Tom and Sandi Planes did an absolutely outstanding job setting this up and providing the goodies. Many thanks and hats off to Tom and Sandi! And, thanks to all the shipmates that attended.

MAJOR-REUNION: Please mark October 24-27 October 2008 on your calendars, as that will be the dates of our next reunion. The Charleston location to be determined later, but information will be forthcoming as soon as possible.

WEB SITE: Check out the updated Altair web site at http://www.ussaltair-aks32.org Martin Summann is the Webmaster and has done an outstanding job of upgrading the site. Remember, all photographs go to Dick Braun dbraun@msbservices.com and visit our blog site at http://www.altair.smugmug.com

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $3054.46 with $80.00 in income and no expenses leaving a balance of $3134.46. This includes the Altair plaque money.

DUES: Yearly dues will be due in January of each year. This will simplify matters and make easier to keep records.

SHIPMATE PASSING: I received the following email:

"This is to inform you that Ronald Eckhard passed away October 19, 2007 from esophagael cancer. He fought a long and difficult battle. You will find him buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Donna Eckhard"

Shipmate Eckhard was a MA2 1960-1961 and Mrs. Eckhard can be reached at:

5050 Clayridge Drive Apt. 107
St. Louis, MO 63129

I sent Mrs. Eckhard a return email plus a sympathy card from all the Altair shipmates.

All for now. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us with any comments or questions.

Best Regards To All.........Charles