November, 2002...
USS Rochester (CA124)
Association
Newsletter
November, 2002
San
Diego in 2004!
2002 USS ROCHESTER
Reunion – The Reunion held October 12-14,2002 in Norfolk, VA, was a
great success. The tours were very good (they actually showed up on time
and took us where they said they would take us), the registration went
smoothly, thanks to Bart Bartholomew and his crew, the Hospitality Room
was the best!, the ship’s store was well planned and staffed, and the
banquet was a lot of fun. In setting up this reunion, we discovered how
hard it is to get all pieces of such a “package” to fit together. The
officers of the Association greatly appreciate your patience and good
humor in dealing with the few problems that we had—you guys are
outstanding! (Improving the food service will be our challenge for the
next Reunion. See “Secondary Conn.”)
Speaking of the next Reunion –
The Association Members voted to hold the next reunion in San Diego,
California. We will soon begin planning for this reunion working toward
an October/ November 2004 timeframe. If any of you have recommendations,
suggestions, or would like to volunteer for any part of the Reunion
process, PLEASE tell one of the Association Officers. There is plenty to
do, and you don’t have to sign up for everything.
Message from the President – A
big thank you goes out to Matt Schneider, son of our own Roland (Moose)
Schneider, who did “yeoman’s work” as a last minute stand in for our
guest speaker, LT Duane Thorin, who was unable to attend the Reunion due
to serious illness. (See Chaplain’s Corner & “Tribute”)
Matt brought along a
message from President George W. Bush, and a message from the Mayor of
Rochester, New York. The letters are a tremendous addition to the
accolades of the USS ROCHESTER and the men who served aboard her. Thank
you Matt for your help, and thank you Moose for introducing us to your
son. You and your wife, Nancy, should be very proud.
Lost and found in
Norfolk – A pair of prescription glasses was found at one of the
dinner tables. If anyone lost their glasses, please contact me at
301-916-0763 and I’ll get them in the mail to you.
Introducing Juli Reece
– I hope that each of you had an opportunity to meet Juli Reece during
the Reunion. She helped plan many events and was invaluable in taking
care of numerous last minute details. She asked that I put this message
in the next newsletter: “To everyone who attended the Norfolk reunion: I
had a wonderful time, thank you for letting me be a part of your
weekend. I hope that you all enjoyed yourselves. I loved meeting you and
talking with you. I heard so many wonderful stories (many of which I
think may be true)! One of my favorite remembrances is from the dinner
cruise on the Spirit of Norfolk. I noticed that the ship seemed to pick
up speed. Louis Roybal was quick to tell me that indeed we were moving
faster because we had turned around and were now going downhill. Thanks
again. Juli Reece.”
Looking for a Boatswain
– We have the pipe. All we need is a Boatswains mate at the next reunion
to ensure its proper usage. Any volunteers?
San
Diego in 2004!
Ship’s Store
This is the time of year that every caring husband should charge out and
secure for his loving bride a beautiful new USS Rochester windbreaker
jacket – or if she doesn’t really need a new windbreaker, how about one
of those warm comfortable Rochester sweat shirts? There are sooo many
choices and opportunities for you, right there in the Ship’s Store. Not
only will it bring you lasting happiness, it will help the Association.
We encourage you to do all of your holiday shopping at the Ship’s Store.
Shipmate Bill Hummel and his wife, Dottie, can fix you up! Bill says he
has a big inventory on hand. Don’t buy those kids cars, video games,
school supplies, or treasury bonds. Heck no! Shop at the Ship’s Store.
Get the stuff you, and they, really need. Use your order form or write
to Wild Bill Hummel. Note: The USPS says that the deadline for shipping
for Christmas is December 14. Do it now!
Store will be closed
December 18, 2002, to January 15, 2003. Have a happy, safe and healthy
holiday. See you next year God willing. Signed: Ship's Store, William
Hummel.
Chaplain’s Corner
TEAMWORK
One of the first concepts
impressed upon me when I joined the Navy was “teamwork.” In boot camp it
was the barbershop, shots, learning to do laundry out of a bucket then
preparing all our clothes on the bunk for inspection. Everyone had to
co-operate for the unit to pass inspection. This same type of teamwork
was practiced on the Rochester. Yes, I did my time washing dishes and
remember we had to wash the silverware by hand when we had fried eggs
because the dishwasher would not clean them properly. This teamwork was
a positive factor in keeping the coffeepot hot in the shipfitters shop
and the carpenter shop caring for the captain’s gig. I was part of the
team that fueled our helicopter and will never forget that back and
forth strokes on the hand fuel pump in the hanger deck.
As shipmates we are all in
a different stage of life than when we served on the “Roc”. During the
past two years, sixty-one of our shipmates have left us. Since our
reunion in Norfolk, Lt. Duane Thorin, our helicopter pilot, has passed.
I sense there is still a need for teamwork to be supportive of shipmates
as we sail through these golden years of life.
A member of Lt. Thorin’s family shared with me a scripture verse, which
I will pass on to all of you. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of
Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who
believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16. I am
wearing a different hat now as a minister but desire to be a team
supporter for our crew as needed.
Rev. Frank West, Chaplain
Association Officers
Garry L. Phillips, President Robert A. Litts, Secretary
Richard Becker, Executive VP James Young, MAA
Bart Bartholomew, 2nd VP Dennis Winkle, 1st VP
Joseph S. Hill, Treasurer Frank West, Chaplain
William Hummel, Storekeeper John A. Turner, Mbrship (Hon)
This newsletter is published quarterly by the USS ROCHESTER Association.
The Association’s officers encourage questions and comments. You may
contact the Editor by writing Garry Phillips, 20226 Waterside Dr.,
Germantown, Md. 20874.
2003 MEMBERSHIP DUES
Cookeville, TN---- Membership dues cover the period 1 January through 31
December. January is fast approaching and the 2003 dues may be forwarded
now if desired. You may also pay two years in advance. The association
operates from these dues and it is hoped everyone will renew on time to
save on the mailing of reminders. If you are not sure about when you
last paid your dues, Joe Hill will be glad to verify with you. Joe can
be reached at 4011 Ditty Road, Cookeville,TN 38506-7663. Phone (931)
432-4848; FAX (931) 432-2534. If there is a question, you can contact
Joe, at the address above. His e-Mail is: joehillsr@multipro.com. Joe
will also provide members' addresses and phone numbers upon request.
FYI:
Rochester Museum & Science Center
657 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607-2177
Phone: 716-271-4552 Ext. 602 or 716-271-4320
FAX: 716-272-5935
web site: http://www.rmsc.org/
“The willingness with
which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how
justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the
veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their Nation."
--George Washington
A Tribute to Lieutenant
Duane Thorin
October 26, 1919 - October 24, 2002
Duane Thorin was born in the Chambers Nebraska area to a Swiss immigrant
family. He was raised on a ranch and as a working cowboy, learned early
on how to cope with Mother Nature and the rigors of ranch life. Years
later, onboard the USS Rochester, he used to entertain us youngsters
with rope tricks or singing cowboy songs.
The warmth of this man was beyond comprehension. We were in awe of him.
We all thought Lt. Thorin could have flown off the fantail without the
aid of the helicopter!
Duane joined the Navy in 1939. He always wanted to be a pilot, and then
earned his wings in 1943 as a flying C.P.O. Lt. Thorin was proficient in
every aircraft that the Navy flew in the Pacific Fleet during World War
II. He was also a test pilot and a carrier-qualified pilot. In 1949, he
was designated helicopter pilot #216. He, with his helicopter, made more
than 130 rescues in the Korean theater.
Thorin reported aboard the USS Rochester November 23, 1951. He was shot
down and captured near Wonsan on February 7, 1952 and interred by the
Chinese in camp annex #2 on the Yalu River. He was released in the
summer of 1953. Duane’s next assignment was Washington, DC where he
spent the remainder of his Naval career with the National Security
Agency.
Lieutenant Duane Thorin was a great American, a true Navy hero, a fellow
shipmate, and a warm and engaging man. He will be missed. – Earl Lanning
NOTES
Las Vegas, NV – Received a nice note from Brooke Blackwood a few
days ago. He said, “I was on the Rochester in 1950-54, and was in B
Division. I knew Gunsallus, who was listed in the Taps column. Wonder if
you happened to have an address of his family. Would like to drop them a
note. I would like to get to the reunion – not getting around too well
any more; time for the scrap yard, I guess. Thanks, Brooke & Lydia” Good
to hear from you guys. Don’t head for the scrap yard yet!
Fairbanks, AK – We were notified recently of the passing of one
of our cherished shipmates: “Dear Friends and Shipmates – It is my sad
duty to inform you that we have lost another shipmate. On August 15,
2002, Richard Roethler slipped away to join those who have gone before.
He succumbed to respiratory failure here in his beloved Fairbanks in his
sleep.
He has left a very large void for not only myself but for his friends
here in our community and veteran’s circles here in the interior of
Alaska.
It is my sincere hope that
you will keep in touch and someday maybe I can attend the reunion in his
honor. Until then, I remain a fellow Marine and the wife of a shipmate.
Sincerely, Joyce Roethler”
Richard will certainly be
missed, and you are always welcome. Hope to see you in San Diego.
Cyberspace – The Association has an inquiry from the daughter of
a shipmate, who wrote: My name is Christine Croneberger-Stewart. My
father's name is Norman Croneberger; he was a machinist mate first
class, and served from May 1948 to April 1953, during the Korean War.
I’m interested in obtaining any stories and/or photographs of my father
during that time. I am compiling a book of any and all information I can
get my hands on.
If anyone knew MM1 Croneberger, please contact Christine at cnc923@msn.com
or send the information to me to pass on to her.
Canton, MI – David Williamson also asked for information
regarding a shipmate, LT Victor F. Williamson, who is David’s father.
David said, “My father served on the Rochester during the Korean War. I
have some photos I’d be happy to scan and send forward. I’m also looking
for any info/stories about my father you can share with me from anyone
who served with him.
David can be reached at
izzybird@peoplepc.com or send the information to me to pass on to him.
Norfolk, VA --
During the Reunion in Norfolk, Alfred L. Jaques, A Division, 1947-50,
related a very interesting story to me, which I asked him to write out
for the Newsletter. He said: During the Rochester’s overhaul in Boston
Naval Shipyard in 1949, I asked my uncle, William Binley, to visit the
ship. After coming aboard ship, I was describing the structures on the
starboard side to him when he made the remark that, “We changed the
location of the fire control mount from here to here!” I asked him how
he knew that, and he replied, “You work in the Engineering Office don’t
you? Take me down there.” I did, and I introduced him to CDR Allsopp,
the Engineering Officer. I pulled out a blueprint and there was his name
on the bottom right hand side! He was head draftsman at the Bethlehem
Steel Shipyard, Quincy, Mass., and had over 300 designers under him. He
helped design her and then was present at the launching. An MIT
graduate, a builder of Navy ships, and a consultant for the Navy both
here and abroad.”
Shipmate Jaques now lives
in Rye, New Hampshire. Thanks for the story!
McMinnville, OR –
Got a real nice letter from Robert J. Carter, MR1, A Division,
1952-1955. He sent a copy of the menu for the crew celebrating the
ship’s birthday in December 1952. I’ll bring it to the next reunion.
Robert also said, “I can’t make it this year (to the Reunion in
Norfolk), due to my wife’s illness. Please tell the A Division people
I’ll be thinking of them. Talked to Al Boston, CWS, A Div., today. He
sends his regards to all. Still doing well at 82.
“Have talked to relatives of Ralph Tatro, R Div., (early 1950’s). They
tell me he is deceased, but can’t come up with the place or date (of
death). …Have a great time. Robert L. Carter”
Robert, we wish we had received this a few days earlier. Didn’t have a
chance to share it in Norfolk – but here it is now. “Attention, A
Division!”
Stoughton, MA—John Thompson, former President and founder of the
Association wrote a few days ago to lend his encouragement and support,
as follows: “Shipmates: I hope everyone wears his Rochester cap when
going out. A lot more people will learn about the great lady that way.
The more word that is spread, the more members we will get. I was
getting on a trolley last Tuesday when a gentleman saw my cap. He told
me about a friend of his that was on the ship. I gave him my address and
phone number. We have not been in contact. He served on the Rochester
from 1947 up to and during the Korean War. I’m sure he will be a good
upstanding member. So, as I said, wear your Rochester cap to show how
proud we were, and are, of the ship.
I hope everyone had a good
time in Norfolk. I just wish I could have been there, but my health is
not so good right now. I am looking forward to the next reunion,
wherever it might be. Sincerely, John Thompson”
John, it’s always good to
hear from you. Hope to see you in San Diego.
Stars & Stripes
Museum/Library Association, Inc.
A shipmate at the Reunion
in Norfolk provided the Association with some wonderful information
about the “new” Stars and Stripes Museum and Library in Bloomfield,
Missouri. The current Stars and Stripes Museum will be replaced by a
modern facility in Bloomfield to preserve the past proud history of this
great newspaper. To those in military service, the phrase “Stars and
Stripes” represents more than the American flag. They recognize it as
the newspaper that serves as a medium between military men and their
families, as well as a reporter of the news. Over the past 140 years,
millions of copies of the “Stars and Stripes” have been distributed
throughout the world. It all began during the Civil War in Bloomfield,
Missouri.
If you would like more information about the new museum and library, you
can contact it by writing to Stars and Stripes Museum/Library
Association, Inc., PO Box 1861, Bloomfield, Missouri 63825. Your
contributions to the organization are tax deductible under the IRS Code.
from Secondary Conn
by Garry Phillips
We have had some wonderful reports and words of support from the
shipmates that attended the reunion in Norfolk. I must have had twenty
people say that they thought this was the “best yet.” For all the
encouragement, I certainly want to thank you. The people who did the
heavy lifting, however, were Joe Hill, Dick Becker, Bart Bartholomew,
Bill Hummel, Dennis Winkle, and Bob Litts. We also had great support
from Directors Lou DiRusso and Merle Scheller. We mustn’t forget the
wives who worked along side them every step of the way. Judy, Rae,
Valerie, Dotty, Judy “L”, Connie, and Shirley: Thank you for your
excellent support and keeping these guys in line.
What most of you don’t
know is that Joe Hill the Treasurer lead a raiding party on the hotel
manager’s office and secured a reduction of a little over $2,000 on our
overall bill. After almost everybody else had gone home, we met with the
hotel manager and expressed our deep concern about the food service (or
lack thereof). Although we would rather have had the service, we now
have a few more bucks in the treasury for our next reunion.
I also want to encourage
all of you to enlist support for the San Diego reunion. I think it’s
going to be great!
Best regards, and have a safe and wonderful Christmas.
Garry
-- TAPS --
The following shipmates
were reported to have passed away recently. If anyone has additional or
different information, please let us know.
NAME ST YR DIV ON BD
Bynum, Levie L. CA 2002 1st 51-54
Glentzer, Dean H. CA 2002 X 52-54
Green, Marvin L. KS 2001 H 56-57
Hubbard, Joe OH 2002 5th 51-55
Roethler, Rick M. AK 2002 USMC 56-57
Tackett, Walter MA 1985 Unk 48-51
Thorin, Duane NE 2002 V 51-52
Williamson, Victor F. FL 1990 Officer Unk
Turner, Cecil SC 1998 3rd 51-55
New Members
The Association wishes to welcome the following new members aboard. We
hope you will enjoy your tour.
Melvin M. Johnson
Clifford W. Phillips, Sr
Raymond Dennehy
Robert "Lucky" Mason
John B. Stetson
Roy L. Lambert
Harve M. Hanish
Charles G. Farnham
Maxie E. Cox
William C. Fuchs
Jack B. Earwood
Anthonie M. Voogd
Curtis W. Howard, III
Rev. Frank West.
Norman Stocks
Ted F. Crowley
Loren E. Rainboth
Gale "Sonnie" N. Reed
William J. Grimsley
William H. Griffith
AND NOW FOR AN
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Shipmates …
We need to sell more Norfolk Reunion Cruise books. We desperately need
to sell about 40 more in order to get the color books, as opposed to the
black and white ones. If you didn’t get your order in – or if you want
to order another book – call PHCM Chuck Pedrick, USN, Retired, at (757)
479-3564, and he will take your order by phone. You can also simply send
a check or money order to him for $21 at Pedrick’s Photography, 5348
Stewart Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23464. Be sure to say you were with the
Rochester reunion. You can reach Chuck at
phcmcrp@cox.net if you want to
order by e-mail. Whatever the method, we need to order more books –
otherwise, we will be looking at black
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