NAVAL WEATHER SERVICE ASSOCIATION

An association of Aerographers & Mates,
Meteorologists & Oceanographers

NWSA NEWSLETTER



 

Email:  aerograph@navalweather.org

Editor: AG1 Steven "Smitty" Smith, USN (Ret.)

Email: aerograph@navalweather.org

Aerograph Content Submission Guidelines

(Feel free to submit anything appropriate, in any manner; if there is a problem, I'll let you know.) 

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.
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.”

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.)

In lighter vein: © Jeff Bacon 2022

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

© Bacon 2011Broadside.net
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

.

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.)





In Lighter Vein
© 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
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…..….Smile


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!

 

 

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.)


Click Image to Enlarge
© Bacon 2022 Broadside.net