2014 Reunion Shipmate Comments
(Click on a shipmates name to read their comments)
(Click on a shipmates name to read their comments)
| Rank/Rate | RD2 |
| Name | Kirk Neuman |
| Years Onboard | 64 - 68 |
| Comments | Anne and I had a great time at this reunion. It's probably the best that we've attended since we started attending reunions in 2009. This reunion was especially poignant to me since it was the 50th anniversary of the renaming/recommissioning of the ship from USS Biddle to USS Claude V. Ricketts and also the 50th anniversary of the start of the NATO Mixed Manning Demonstration (MMD). Also, it was 50 years (or very close) to when I first reported on board (30 July 1964). It was great reconnecting with shipmates from other reunions and especially two shipmates from the MMD, Dieter Wuttke from Germany and Patrick "Spider" Raines from the UK. It had been 49 years since I had last seen them and when we met at the reunion, it was just like old times. Those of us who were fortunate enough to have served on board during the MMD had a great time reminiscing with Dieter and Spider. It was also a great pleasure meeting Pat Fortson, wife of Captain Thomas Fortson, CO during the MMD as well as Trish Harris, Pat and Tom's daughter. I had greeted them during the Dependents Cruise during the MMD while I was standing watch on the bridge and Captain Fortson escorted them onto the bridge. I was also honored to be the presenter at the 50th Anniversary Recommissioning Ceremony on board the USS Barry DD-933 on Monday, July 28, 2014. It was also an honor having James Ricketts, son of Admiral Ricketts, at the ceremony. I hope that everyone who was able to make this reunion had as much fun as Anne and I did and I hope to see you all at the 2016 Reunion in Jacksonville, Florida. |
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