August 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 and Altair Caps

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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