Now Hear This! USS Chicago Memorial The USS Chicago (CA/CG-11) enjoyed their reunion in Bremerton, Washington during October 10 th through 14 th, 2018. Approximately 35 crew members and guests attended. The group rotates to a different location for each event; luckily, Bremerton was this year s choice. On October 12 th, the USS Turner Joy was honored to host a memorial for shipmates lost since the last Chicago reunion and to honor all of those who lost their lives on all of the ships named Chicago during the war. A special recognition was made to all of the shipmates that were lost on the USS Chicago (CA-29) during WWII when she was sunk on January 30 th, 1943, by a Japanese air attack during the Battle of Rennell Island. Prayers were said, speeches were made, the Navy Hymn was read, Roll Call and tolling of the bell was conducted, Taps was played by a bugler, and a wreath was cast from the fantail. A very moving ceremony! Major Donors Asche Family Fund at Kitsap Community Foundation Debbie and Wayne Macomber Shipmates Richard R. Horst Oscar Hickox Friends USS Dennis J. Buckley (DD/ DDR-808) Reunion USS Maddox (DD-731) Reunion Terry Berglund Joseph Cammon Steven Killion Kevin Coulombe Elizabeth Erbe Jon Cash Crew Charlie Birdsell Bill and Margi Moore Board Members John Hanson David Rhine William Bauer, MD Alan Hunter ALL THANK YOU! FOR YOUR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE HISTORIC SHIP PRESERVATION PROJECT The USS Turner Joy (DD 951) is a museum ship that pays tribute to the men and women who served, fought, and died during the Vietnam War and beyond. The Officers and Enlisted personnel, who served aboard this ship from 1959 to 1982, left a legacy of honorable service, which is our humble duty to uphold. The ship is a memorial that preserves the U.S. Navy and maritime heritage in the Pacific Northwest as a place for education, reflection, and fun. A place for local area residents and tourists to enjoy the beautiful downtown Bremerton waterfront. 1
MV American Constellation Returns On October 10 th, 2018, the American Cruise Line, MV American Constellation, made a second visit to downtown Bremerton, as a planned visit. The 274-foot, six-deck, 175-passenger vessel tied up to the south end of the Bremerton Marina breakwater and was met by Bremerton Mayor, Greg Wheeler; Bremerton Historic Ships Association President, John Hanson; and others to welcome the passengers and crew, and provide them with information on activities near downtown Bremerton that they can enjoy during their stay. Guests were able to tour the Turner Joy, Naval History Museum and downtown Bremerton. The American Constellation, first visited Bremerton on September 22 nd as a result of a scheduling issue at her original destination of Olympia. She sort of snuck in on us and raised a number of eyebrows along the waterfront when she pulled in along the Bremerton Marina. As it turns, out the crew and passengers received such a warm reception that the ship decided to come back later as a planned stop. Also, the cruise line is reviewing plans to incorporate Bremerton as a regular destination on their spring 2019 itinerary of the "Grand Puget Sound" tour. The American Constellation s visits and the potential for continued stops in Bremerton in 2019 provide great opportunities for the downtown-area businesses, including the Turner Joy. 01-Level Aft Looking Great Prep and paint on the exterior of the 01 Level aft superstructure sure did brighten it up. Thanks Maintenance Team, You Rock! New Business Hours Reminder The USS Turner Joy is now on Winter Hours. The Ship and Gift Shop are open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Summer Hours will return on March 1st, 2019. 3,921 guests visited the USS Turner Joy during the months of October, November and December 2018. 2
CoatingsPro Cover Story Well, we made the magazine cover! No, it s not Time, Life or the Rolling Stone. However, our own Turner Joy was featured on the cover of the November 2018 issue of CoatingsPro Magazine. Since the work occurred in early 2017, it took awhile but we are happy to be included. Turner Joy is very hard to recognize in the cover photo but that s really her in the Lake Union Drydock under 25-tons of sea growth. The magazine article details the significant effort required to clean, repair and recoat the ship s hull. They are very proud of their work and so are we. You can link to the magazine, read the entire article and enjoy some of the photos of the work as it progressed from start to finish at https:// coatingspromag.epubxp.com/ i/1045472-nov-2018/1?. STEM As you can see below, it s time for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) aboard the USS Turner Joy. On November 2 nd, 2018, we had our first visit of the school year from Emerald Heights Elementary. All activities are hands (and sometimes feet) on! John Hanson (upper left) and other volunteers support the STEM activities in the Turner Joy Crews Mess STEM students enjoying the Balance Birds. 3
Maintenance and Operations Manager Change For the last five and a half years, we have had the pleasure of Daniel Zerbe performing as our Maintenance/Operations Manager. He has served us well and done an incredible job improving the look and function of the ship as a museum in the community. No job was too big or too small and his work was exceptional. Unfortunately for us but fortunately for him, he has chosen to further his career as a Shipfitter at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard starting October 29 th, 2018. We wish him the Best in his new endeavor and sincerely, Thank him for all he has done during his tenure. Best of Luck Daniel! On the other hand, we welcome our new Maintenance/Operations Manager, Erik Hansen. Erik has a marine background and a strong willingness to learn and contribute to the Turner Joy. We look forward to working and growing with Erik as we move forward. Welcome Erik! Q13 Fox TV News With Veterans Day on the horizon, Seattle s Q13 FOX TV News was aboard the Turner Joy on Monday, November 7 th interviewing Doug Church, a former crew member and current volunteer. Doug got a chance to tell some of his sea stories. Follow the link to see a video of the news feature: Q13 TJ News Clip Crew Member and Volunteer Doug Church filmed by the Q13 FOX TV News Crew Crew Member and Volunteer Doug Church Interviewed by Q13 FOX TV News Anchor, Bill Wixey Plot 1 is Now Open! Officially, its called Main Battle Plot Room but it is known as Plot 1 to the Fire Control Technicians who called the space home. Plot 1 is now fully open for viewing. You no longer have to crowd around the door and press your face to a Plexiglas screen to see the gun fire control computer and radar systems. The Turner Joy Curatorial Committee, Volunteers and Maintenance Crew found a way to open the space for entry by visitors while still protecting the equipment from overuse or damage by visitors. Visitors can enter the space, touch the controls on the MK 47 Fire Control Computer and sit in the chairs at the radar consoles. Descriptive placards are posted where needed and an audio box is coming soon. Please stop by and take look when you can. A short Facebook video is available at: Plot 1 Link (sorry no sound). MK 47 Fire Control Computer Radar Consoles and Firing Keys on the left 4
Veteran s Day Celebration On Veterans Day, November 11 th, all veterans were welcomed with free admission to tour the ship. The Bremerton High School NJROTC Color Guard, under the Command of LCDR Mercer Bedford, performed the honor of raising colors aboard the Turner Joy. Later, cake was served on the mess decks for visitors. Author and Vietnam War POW, Dr, William (Bill) Reeder Jr., Col., USA (Ret.), accompanied by his daughter, Chelsea, provided an informative and engaging presentation to guests and signed copies of his book, "Through the Valley, My Captivity in Vietnam". In the Crew s Mess of the USS Turner Joy (l to r) Bill s daughter, Chelsea, and Dr. Bill Reeder, Col., USA (Ret.) Bremerton High School NJROTC Honor Guard Cake anyone? 5
VIP Visit Debbie Macomber, a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today s most popular writers, accompanied by her husband Wayne and some friends visited the Turner Joy on Monday, December 31 st, 2018. John Hanson, Bremerton Historic Ships Association President escorted them through the ship. They really enjoyed their tour. A devoted grandmother, she and her husband Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired her Cedar Cove series. and Operations Manager; Bill Moore for his outstanding volunteer service to the Turner Joy including membership on the Curatorial Committee and as the Newsletter Editor; and Jennifer Zuver for her superb organization and coordination of the 2018 Historic Naval Ships Association Conference held in Bremerton. Daniel Zerbe (center), received a virtual award presented by TJ Director, Charlie Birdsell (right) and accepted by TJ Gift Shop Manager and Mom, JoAnn Groat (left) Photo taken in the Turner Joy Chief s Quarters with John Hanson behind the camera. (left to right) - Three friends of Debbie, Debbie Macomber, Debbie s husband Wayne BHSA Christmas Party On December 12th, 2018, starting at 6 PM, the Bremerton Historic Ships Association (BHSA) put on the Annual Christmas Party at the Kitsap Conference Center in the Marina Vista Room. About 50 BHSA Board Members, Turner Joy Staff, Volunteers and their families gathered to tell stories about and celebrate the successes of another year. The attendees enjoyed dinner, dessert and beverages. BHSA President, John Hanson, welcomed the guests, made a presentation and showed a short video. By some accounts, this was one of John s shorter presentations but, I ll let those of you who were there be the judge of that! Awards were presented to Daniel Zerbe for his service and significant contributions as Maintenance BHSA Board Member, Jennifer Zuver (left), received an award for her HNSA efforts presented by BHSA President, John Hanson (right) The Christmas Party was well attended and received very positive reviews by those who attended. 6
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