As always, Ihopethis finds youand yourloved onessafe anddoing well, especially duringthesedifficultand challenging times.Undoubtedly, the speed at which events havechanged life as we know it,not only here in America,butall around the world,has beenliterallybreathtakingandwill no doubt lead to much discussion atreunion #46.
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Source: Aerograph August 2023
Greetings
everybody,
Well, the dog
days of summer are certainly upon us.
For many it’s the season of highly anticipated vacations and outdoor
recreation; eating slices of cold sweet watermelon out on the front porch;
watching fireflies light up the evening sky; heading to the beach to cool off;
or firing up the grill for a classic American BBQ. Whatever summer means to you, I hope this
finds you having a safe and enjoyable one as we make the transition into the
shorter days and cooler temperatures of fall.
Recently, LCDR
Mike Gilroy, USN (Ret), and I, joined a few shipmates for lunch and friendly
banter over at Liberty Station, located on the grounds of the old Naval
Training Center. Mike volunteered to do the following little write-up, and I am
much obliged.
“We had a small gathering of former shipmates in San
Diego in July. So fun to reconnect and spend a little time together. Some of these relationships go back to the
70's. Mike Gilroy last saw Jim Vann on
USNS Chauvenet in 1983. Jim checked in for a Midshipmen summer cruise and
Mike was XO of OCUNIT 4. Lots of good
memories were shared and we all hope for getting together again soon.”
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Pictured (L-R)
AG1 Steve
"Smitty" Smith, LCDR Mike Gilroy, LCDR Jim Vann, LCDR Denny
Ruth, LT Tony Parker.
(Photo credit: Tara Ruth)
It never gets
old to rekindle old friendships and share sea stories. Jim was my DIVO aboard
the USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3) in the early 90’s, and I served with Tony at NOCF
North Island in the mid/late 80’s. I
have come to know Mike since returning to San Diego in 2021 and met Denny and
his lovely wife Tara on our Reunion #47 cruise.
Simply put, it was an outstanding day that I will treasure for years to
come with the hopes of getting together again sooner than later.
Have a wonderful end to your summer everybody and thanks
to all who contributed to this edition!
Smitty
Wednesday,
25 October 2023, is the cut-off date for the November issue of The Aerograph
E-Mail Steve at aerograph@navalweather.org
USPS Address: AG1
Steven Smith, USN (Ret)
750 Avenida De La
Barca
Chula Vista, CA
91910
(571) 278-5259
(If I don’t answer, please leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as
I can.)
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In lighter vein: © Jeff Bacon 2022
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Source: Aerograph May 2023
Howdy everybody,
I hope this finds all doing well and enjoying a beautiful
spring!
Simply put, Reunion #47 was fantastic! The only thing
that could have made it any better would have been to
have all our shipmates present. It goes without saying
that those who could not join us were with us in spirit
and in our thoughts, prayers, and lively conversations.
You were greatly missed but not forgotten!
Many years ago my uncle George used to write
informative and entertaining short stories for a local
farming publication in Kalamazoo, MI, titled “Story
Telling Time.” Although I’m not nearly as talented in the
written word as he, I’m very grateful to receive
contributions from membership to assist me in my
endeavor. So kick up your feet and relax awhile,
because in this issue you will find a nice variety of
interesting articles along with photos and prose that
made Reunion #47 so memorable.
Enjoy!
Smitty
Wednesday, 26 July 2023, is the cut-off date for the
August issue of The Aerograph
E-Mail Steve at aerograph@navalweather.org USPS Address: AG1 Steven Smith, USN (Ret) 750 Avenida De La Barca Chula Vista, CA 91910
(571) 278-5259 (If I don’t answer, please leave a message and
I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)
In Lighter Vein
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Source: Aerograph February 2023
Greetings and happy New Year everybody,
I hope this finds all doing well and that 2023 brings the
very best of health and happiness to you and your
families.
Here in what typically is sunny southern California; I am
pleased to say we’ve logged 10.64 inches of rain at our
abode (7.88 inches at San Diego International) since the
first winter storm in early November. No the drought isn’t
over, but at least its severity has been mitigated.
It’s hard to believe our Reunion 47 Cruise is almost here!
With that in mind, I hope the information provided in
“Travel via the Moon” will give attendees a glimpse of
the adventure to come. And for those who can’t make it,
think of it as an armchair travelogue of what surely
promises to be a fantastic gathering of shipmates, family
and friends. You will be greatly missed, but not forgotten!
Smitty
Wednesday, 26 April 2023, is the cut-off date for the May
issue of The Aerograph
E-Mail Steve at aerograph@navalweather.org USPS Address: AG1 Steven Smith, USN (Ret) 750 Avenida De La Barca Chula Vista, CA 91910
(571) 278-5259 (If I don’t answer, please leave a message and
I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)
In Lighter Vein
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Source: Aerograph November 2022
Greetings and well wishes everybody,
Sometimes, the best laid plans go to waste. So it was with our planned vacation to Montana that we had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. However, all was not lost as we were able to take a fantastic road trip and visit family in Idaho, which turned out to be a wonderful blessing.
Speaking of Idaho, if you ever visit the city of Nampa (located 20 miles west of Boise) you’ll have to put a restaurant by the name of “Brick 29 Bistro” on your list. It sits on top of what used to be an old Masonic Temple (Lodge 29) that was built circa 1923, and has terrific panoramic views of the small city below. The food and service were outstanding and for those who may like an adult beverage of choice with some friendly conversation before or after a meal, it has a Craft Lounge on the first floor behind an innocuous looking janitor’s door resembling Speakeasies of long ago. Fun and quirky to say the least!
Courtesy of membership and yours truly, I found it most enjoyable and entertaining to include an assortment of articles in this issue. Some true, some funny, some sad, some inspiring, and some with various quantities of each. So whatever your reading genre may be, I’m sure you’ll find something to satisfy your bibliophilic cravings. Enjoy!
Smitty
Thursday, 26 January 2023, is the cut-off date for the February issue of The Aerograph
E-Mail Steve at aerograph@navalweather.org
USPS Address: AG1 Steven Smith, USN (Ret)
750 Avenida De La Barca
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(571) 278-5259 (If I don’t answer, please leave a message and
I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)
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© Jeff Bacon 2021
Editor’s Closing Thoughts
The preceding painting adorned the cover
of the Saturday Evening
Post on March
6, 1943, during
the trying and uncertain times of World War II. And every time I see it, it brings
to mind cherished memories and makes me extremely grateful for the wonderful
life God has blessed me with.
It also makes me think about simpler things in life that bring me so much joy, things that
perhaps we all take
for granted now and
then. Sights….seeing a sunrise or
sunset, when clouds
and perfect lighting conditions blend
together to give
a display of colors
so mesmerizing, all we can do is stand in awe. Or
sitting around a campfire and
gazing at the reds, blues and
greens of flames dipping and
dancing while our thoughts wander. Sounds....I love the sound of
a prop airplane lazily
flying high overhead, a motorcycle or muscle car roaring off
to destinations unknown, a train
or ship’s whistle in the distance that
makes me think of traveling.
Scents....the aroma of fresh
coffee and sizzling bacon in the morning, the
sweet fragrance of jasmine on
a soft and warm
summer’s evening, smoke from a fireplace on a cold winter’s night. Family….when the laughter
of a newborn baby brings an amazing sense
of wonderment, joy and hope.
When graduations, weddings and anniversaries are cheerfully celebrated and the thoughts of loved
ones, who have passed before us, live on in our hearts.
And then….as in the painting’s
gathering, a celebration of life takes place that strengthens familial bonds, warms our hearts, comforts our souls,
and brings us incredible
happiness.
To be sure, life isn’t always like a Norman Rockwell painting,
and can be downright
hard at times. But when all
is said and done,
I believe my blessings have
far outweighed the difficulties, and I sincerely
hope the same for you.
Wishing you all a joyous holiday season with those you love, and may God’s
abundant blessings be with
you and your families through the
rest of this year, and
in the year to come.
Smitty
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Source: Aerograph August 2022
Greetings everybody,
I hope this finds you and your families safe and doing well! It’s hard to believe that more than half of 2022 is now in the rear view mirror! Here in the Smith household, the passing of time has been expedited by a flurry of activities. House renovations, doctor and dental appointments, visits with family and friends, morning walks, working a small garden along with a variety of other of life’s daily routines really have us looking forward to our upcoming vacation in God’s country, the majestic mountains of Western Montana. We’ve always found time spent in the beauty and serenity of the mountains good for the soul. Many years ago while sojourning the Sierras of California, John Muir wrote “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of autumn.” Having the good fortune to hike the Sierras many times myself, I can only imagine what it was like for Mr. Muir to walk in the splendor of Yosemite Valley, or stand in the shadows of the mighty Sequoias, years before the widespread footprint of mankind. But thereby I digress…..….
In this issue, I’m sure you’ll find a variety of
articles sure to please, compliments of members who enjoy making my job easy.
I’ve included another pitch for Paul E. Carrigan’s book “The Flying,
Fighting Weathermen of PATWING Four.” The Forward by Paul’s son, Michael,
and personal note from his wife, Jean, are opening teasers to a marvelous work
of historical military literature. Once again, if you would like to receive a
free PDF electronic copy of the book,
send an email to Mr. Ed Sawicki at ed@alcpress.com stating you are a
NWSA member. Placing NWSA in the subject line
will help. It is scheduled to go on sale
in printed form at a future date.
Speaking of members, I recently
had the pleasure of talking with Captain Ace Trask. He is doing well and after a much needed respite, is back to
sharing some great sea stories, two of which you’ll find in the “Best
Experiences While on Active Duty” section of this issue. Welcome back Ace!
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I also enjoyed a great lunch with LCDR Mike Gilroy (the bearded one) at a local watering hole called the 3N1 Sports Bar & Grill. Having never served together, it was nice getting to know each other a little and sharing a few sea stories of our own.
And finally, I tweaked the header of The Aerograph (mainly the font and Old Glory) on the cover of this issue. Feedback welcomed.
Take good care of yourselves everybody, and may the waning days of summer be followed by a glorious autumn!
Smitty
Wednesday, 26 October
2022 is the cut-off date for
the November issue of The Aerograph
E-Mail Steve at aerograph@navalweather.org
USPS Address: AG1 Steven Smith, USN (Ret)
750 Avenida De La Barca
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(571)
278-5259 (If I don’t answer, please leave a message and I’ll get back to you as
soon as I can.)
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