DDG-103 Commissioning

On Saturday April 25th approximately 50 former Truxtun Sailors with their families, and a couple thousand guests gathered at 1100 hours on Wharf Alpha at the Weapons Station Charleston for the commissioning, reception, and tour of the USS Truxtun DDG-103 and to wish Captain Tim Weber and his crew Good Luck. Included in our ranks was Mr. Laneel Phillips from Atlanta, Georgia who is one of the three remaining survivors who served aboard the USS Truxtun DD-229. I had the pleasure of talking and having our picture taken with him at the Captain's Reception on Friday night. We made plans to meet again on Saturday but that meeting just never came about. Mr. Laneel Phillips is a very interesting man to talk to and I hope we can do just that again in the near future. Friday night was also very special for our members in the Clarion Hospitality Room because after the Captain's Reception on the USS Yorktown CV-10 former Truxtun Sailor and CNO Admiral Paul Reason and Mrs. Dianna Reason paid us a visit and done some reminiscing.

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Reunion 2010

Earlier on Friday the Reunion Committee reviewed the information on the four cities recommended for our 2010 Reunion. Rapid City, South Dakota was selected as our next Reunion City. Briefly, Rapid City is rich in American History and is the gateway city to the Badlands National Park, Black Hills National Forest, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and Jewel Cave National Park. I have just listed the major attractions but there is so much more to see and do in and around Rapid City. I have been in contact with the Rapid City Convention and Visitors Bureau and reviewing all the information they sent to us. If you have never visited this part of our great country, now is the time to seize the opportunity, to plan your vacation and cap it off with our 2010 Reunion. While Rapid City is serviced by four airlines you just may want to consider driving and incorporate this reunion into a vacation. It'll take some advance planning on your part but there are many unique and interesting places along the highways and byways leading to Rapid City and where is it written that you have to return home by the same route you came?

Remember, the team of Lewis and Clark did not have a map or a GPS unit.

Here is some preliminary information for your planning:

• Our reunion will be on the second weekend in September, 2010. The dates are September 09, 10, 11, and12.
• The average high and low temperature during this period is 73*F and 45*F. Altitude is 3,200 feet and a light jacket or sweater is recommended for the evening.
• Rapid City Regional Airport is service by four airlines, Allegiante Air, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and United Airlines from their hubs in Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and Phoenix.
• There are several national chain car rental agencies including Hertz, Budget, Alamo, Avis, and Enterprise plus others.
• Rapid City is in the Mountain Time zone.
• There are also campgrounds in the area (KOA, Flintstones Bedrock City, and Lake Park Campground).
• There is a City View Trolley which provides a narrated tour featuring various points of interest in and around the city. The cost is $2.00 per ticket with unlimited on/off per day. Yes, the fare is reduced for Seniors and those with a Medicare card.

From the President

"Did I arouse your interest? Well, there is a whole lot more. You may want to stop by your local library for more information or if you are a AAA member your local office and pickup a 'North Central Tour Book' and necessary maps. This book has a wealth of information. Still want more information e-mail the following addresses for a vacation planning package. www.VisitRapidCity.com and www.TravelSD.com and tell them you are attending the 'Truxtun Reunion'.

More information will be coming. So check our website for the latest information. 'Til then..."

"Keep in Touch!"
Ted Poremski, President
President@TruxtunAssn.org