December 13, 2014
  • I'm slowly working my way through the site pages updating the links to point to TheBigNickel.navy rather than TheBigNickel.org.  I'm trying to do QA on each changed page, but if you find any problems when clicking on any link, please let me know ASAP.
  • I'm also still working on getting your reunion photos uploaded so I appologize if you don't see yours there yet.  No excuse, but I've had a lot of personal business to attend to and My Boss (aka, wife) says that my work on the site takes bottom priority and I (generally) always do what My Boss says :-)
November 17, 2014
  • Added the November 2014 newsletter to the News page.  Watch your email for your own personal copy.
November 4, 2014
  • Fixed a glitch in the Crew Roster which disabled logged in shipmates from using the "Email this shipmate" link on the shipmate details page (visible after clicking on the shipmates last name in the Crew Roster page).
October 29, 2014
  • Added popup information about the new domain extensions that have been implemented.
October 26, 2014
  • Had a glitch in the processing script for the 2014 Reunion Questionaire.  It may have looked like it processed your information, but if you don't show up on the Comments Page (unless you checked not to have your comments shown), then you may have to resubmit.  If you have questions or problems, make sure to contact me.
October 14, 2014
  • Added a 2014 Reunion Questionaire and comments page.  You can access the questionaire and resulting comments page from the 2014 Reunion page.
October 4, 2014
  • Fixed the 2012 Reunion photo links.  If you have pictures of the 2012 Reunion that you would like to have posted on the website, contact me for information on how to get them to me.
September 18, 2014
 September 5, 2014
  • Regretfully updated the Crew Taps page to include FTG2 Robert P. Chalmers.
August 28, 2014
  • I will be updating the 2014 reunion pages over the next few weeks (months?) as I gather photographs and other information and have time to do the updates.  Check the pages every-so-often for any changes.
August 22, 2014
  • Updated the Ship's Store page with a new order form.  Some prices have had to increase some, unfortunately.  Other, minor updates to the page will be happening in the next few days, specifically offering the ladies visor given to the wives/significant others who attended the reunion.
July 24, 2014
  • Updated portions of the site to accomodate the start of the 2014 DDG-5 Reunion in Arlington, Virginia (25 July, 2014 - 29 July, 2014).
  • If you find problems or links that lead nowhere, contact me ASAP!  I try to catch everything, but there are times when I'm too close to the trees to see the forest.
July 2, 2014
  • Removed the US Navy Memorial DDG-5 Plaque donation page and the button from the Home Port page since we have met the goal of $3000.

June 25, 2014
  • Sadly added VADM Francis R. Donovan, CO from September 5, 1972 - March 8, 1974 to the Crew Taps page.
  • Updated the reunion hotel reservation information (available through the 2014 Reunion page) to state that the deadline to make room reservations at the Crowne Plaza National Airport is now past.  Contact Carl Slack for information.  Carl has reserved the last few rooms in our block in his name and can transfer those reservations to you if you wish.  At least until the last room is gone.
May 21, 2014
  • Updated hotel contact information when requesting DDG-5 room rate for extended stay 3 days pre and post 2014 reunion.
May 9, 2014
  • Moved the reunion registration forms to their own page with an explanation of how to use each form.  Let me know if you still have questions or problems.
  • Added a new reunion registration form allowing you to print it, fill it out manually, and send it along with your check to Michael Margeotes.  The existing forms required you to fill them out on-line.
  • Added BTFN Roger A. Freed to the Crew Taps page.
May 6, 2014
  • Added a button to the 2014 Reunion page that opens the reunion update email that went out on April 28.  Some of you may not have received it for various reasons.  If you didn't get the email, contact me.
May 2, 2014
  • Updated the 2014 Reunion Survey to account for the Sunday/Monday events.  If you want to refill the survey, contact me first so I can clear your current information from the database.  If you don't want to refill the survey, simply send email to Reunion.Coordinator@TheBigNickel.org with your updated information.
  • Added ST1 Donald J. Oglesby to the Crew Taps page.
April 28, 2014
 April 26, 2014
  • Made some slight updates to the reunion schedule.  You can find the schedule on the 2014 Reunion page.
  • Mr. Gordon Hogg has put his book about the MMD on hold for now due to budget contraints due to the sequestration.  A bit more information can be found on the MMD Announcement page.
April 25, 2014
  • Updated the online reunion registration forms to include the Monday 50th anniversary event on board the USS Barry DD-993 and the Tuesday Annapolis tour for those staying beyond the actual reunion end date (29 July, 2014).  If you've already submitted your registration for the reunion, you don't need to fill out a new one.  You can take care of things when you check in.  Sorry for any inconvience.
April 3, 2014
  • Fixed the link to the 2014 Reunion page from Home Port.
March 21, 2014
  • Made some minor (or maybe not so minor) updates to the Home Port (index) and 2014 Reunion pages.  Replaced the reunion countdown clock and repositioned some nav buttons.  Let me know if you find any problems.
March 7, 2014
  • Updated the Ship's Store order form to include selection for pickup at the reunion or delivery via mail.
March 5, 2014
  • The March 2014 Newsletter has been posted.  If you are registered on the website or your name is in the Master Crew List, you should be receiving a copy via email.  Assuming your email address is up-to-date.
February 16, 2014
  • Added the NORLANT 1973 Cruise book courtesy of HM3 Jim (Doc) Miller.
February 04, 2014
  • Updated the Home Port (index) page and the 2014 Reunion page with a new version of the 2014 Reunion countdown clock.  This was due to problems with the countdown clock when using Internet Explorer 11. 
  • If anyone sees any issues on any page, please notify me indicating your operating system, your browser (and version) and either a screen shot or a detailed description of the problem you are having.
February 03, 2014
 January 13, 2014
  • Updated the Ship's Store order form.  Had to increase cost/line of embroidery.  Otherwise prices for items remains the same.  Also added a combination currency converter/PayPal fee calculator for our non-US shipmates.
  • Added a DDG-5 Mailing List Opt-In/Opt-Out button to the Home Port page.  I will use this list to send out important information regarding the DDG-5 Assocation, DDG-5 reunions, and website news.  If you do opt-in, don't expect a whole lot of email.

January 9, 2014
  • Updated the Home Port page with a button to take you to a new page for information about a DDG-5 Commemoration Plaque to be dedicated at the US Navy Memorial during the 2014 DDG-5 Reunion (27 July, 2014).  Donations may be made directly to the Navy Memorial using the form provided.  As always, please notify me if you have problems, questions or concerns.
The Big Nickel Site Updates
for 2014