BUCCANEER Vol 52 Number 1 www.ussessexassociation.com / ussessex.org March 2021 Edition

A Publication of the USS ESSEX CV/CVA/CVS-9/LHD-2 Association

USS ESSEX, CVS-9

June 1967

On a North Atlantic /

Med cruise with Air

Group 54

ASW Aircraft E-1B

Tracers, S2F Trackers

seen here.

USS HORNET, CVS-12

24 July 1969

Underway to meet

Apollo 11 in the Pa-

cific, 13 miles from

the recovery area.

Note ASW aircraft.

Joining forces for the 2021 San Diego reunion with -

2

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Chairman Bruce Sims

Vice Chairman Berlyn Ware

Secretary Don Szulist

Treasurer Bob Peters

Asst. Treasurer Eugene Schmidt

Chaplain Bob Nause

Historian Richard Scales

Ship’s Storekeeper Tom Ferelli

Buccaneer Editor/Publisher Position Open

Master at Arms Ed Mroziniski

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Class of 2020 Tom McNally Richard Scales Ryan Harrison

Class of 2021 Tom Ferelli Scott Packer Temp. Vacant

Class of 2022 Tom Connell Bill McCaffery Tony Medina

RECENT FORMER CHAIRMEN Joe DuErmit / Norm Thompson / Bob Zeller Jr.

Bob Walker / Frank O’Conner / Dan Genet

Bill Pihl / Bob Flynn / Gordon Kreiner

FREQUENT CONTACTS Bob Nause - Chaplain, bbbobn@ptd.net

570-788-3157

Donald Szulist - Secretary, szulistd@gmail.com

619-708-8836

Bob Peters -Treasurer, rspeters@wideopenwest.com

248-548-6452

Eugene Schmidt—Asst. Treasurer

schmidt.eugenej@att.net

616-534-7170

Bruce Sims - Chairman cva-9@bellsouth.net

678-572-4618

Tom Ferelli - Storekeeper, Digital secretary,

agcret@cox.net

602-882-0375

Buccaneer Editor/Publisher

Position Open

Contact Chairman Bruce Sims

BUCCANEER DEADLINE DATES

Note the new timing

October 8 for the November issue

February 8 for the March issue

June 8 for the July issue

NOTES FROM THE EDITOR

We have redesigned the Buccaneer to provide you with

as much information, news, humor and coming events

as possible.

This is your newsletter, so please forward us feedback as

to articles and material you would like to see.

We will try to keep all future issues to a maximum of 12

pages. This will keep our mailing and printing expenses

to a minimum.

We will use a tight format leaving no voids on pages to

eliminate wasted space.

All members who use computers receive their Bucca-

neer as a PDF Document, VIA E-Mail from Tom Ferel-

li. This way you will receive your copy quickly and can

print it in color. Those with no e-mail will still get a pa-

per copy mailed IF YOU ARE ON OUR MAILING

LIST. Contact Gene Schmidt.

DON’T FORGET DUES ARE DUE IN JANUARY

Renewal Form is on back Cover

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Page 1 Cover

Page 2 Contents, Officers And Board Members

Page 3 From The Desk Of The Chairman

Page 4 Chaplain’s Message

Page 5 Treasurer’s Report

Page 6 Honor of, Donations, Membership

Changes

Page 7 Taps and Sick Bay

Page 8 / 9 Reunion Info

Page 10 Scholarship Donation Form

Page 10 Ethel Walker Scholarship

Page 11 Ship’s Store

Page 12 Back Cover / Renewal Form

Bruce Sims, Tom Ferelli and Gene

Schmidt are now the temporary co-

editors of the Buccaneer.

All future Buccaneer input should be

directed to one of us.

3

FROM THE DESK OF THE CHAIRMAN

March, 2021

Ahoy Shipmates,

2021 is here and a New Year sometimes brings new changes. Some have new challenges, resolutions and

goals while others are still working on some of the old ones left over from 2020. The New Year also brings

us a new president and a new senate. Let’s remember to keep them in our prayers.

We hope 2021 will bring an end to the terrible pandemic we have faced for the past year. If so, we will be

able to carry on with the first reunion partnering with another carrier. I missed having our reunion in Char-

lotte last year, and I missed seeing all of you, so let’s make up for it and have a large turnout this year in

San Diego. Tom will have more on that within this publication.

This will be my last year as your chairman. I have enjoyed serving this association as Secretary, Buccaneer

Editor and Chairman and I will continue to serve our association in some way for as long as I can. Now,

let’s look forward to the future and think about the many positions that will be open to fill for 2021. We

will need a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, possibly a Buccaneer Editor, and of course the Board.

Some of our Board members were brought forward a year due to a carryover from the reunion that was can-

celled last year.

It saddens me to hear of so many friends and shipmates who have passed on this past year. Many were reg-

ular attendees at our reunions over the years, and they will be missed. However, on the brighter side we

have many who have reached the ripe old age of 90. Bob Peters our Treasurer reached 90 on January 8.

Gladys Flynn celebrated 90 on January 28 and Ethel Walker on February 2. I also received word that Roby

Schneider is 96 and still living at home and still driving. GOD BLESS THEM ALL and may they have

many more birthdays to follow.

God Bless all of you and I will be looking forward to seeing you in San Diego this year.

Smooth Sailing and stay safe.

H. Bruce Sims, Chairman

CONTRIBUTIONS FOR ETHEL WALKER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Report for March 2021 BUCCANEER

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ETHEL WALKER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Ethel C. Walker $225.00 11/4/2020

Dan Genet $100.00 11/16/2020

Tony & Maria Medina $100.00 12/1/2020

Eugene & Jan Schmidt $100.00 12/4/2020

Norm & Carolyn Thompson $100.00 12/5/2020

Bruce & Harriett Sims $50.00 1/30/2021

James L. Wadford $500.00 2/4/2021

4

CHAPLAIN’S MESSAGE This is a time when we cannot make sense of the COVID virus. Where it came from, why it is so severe to

some people, and why it is so mild to others. The effects do not take into account whether you are rich or

poor, highly skilled in your chosen profession, or just an ordinary person struggling to get by.

Easter is celebrated by Christians because it marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a time for

children to get gifts that the Easter bunny brought. Easter is a time of rejoicing. Happy Easter to all!

For all who have contracted the coronavirus, we pray for care and healing. For those who are par-

ticularly vulnerable, we pray for safety and protection. For all who experience fear and anxiety, we pray

for peace of mind and spirit. For affected families who are facing difficult decisions between food on the

table or public safety, we pray for policies that recognize their plight. For those who do not have adequate

health insurance, we pray that no family will face financial burdens alone. For those who are afraid to ac-

cess care due to immigration status, we pray for recognition of the God-given dignity of all. For our broth-

ers and sisters around the world, we pray for shared solidarity. For public officials and decision makers,

we pray for wisdom and guidance. Father, during this time, may your Church be a sign of hope, comfort,

and love to all. Grant peace. Grant comfort. Grant healing. Be with us, Lord. Amen.

To our shipmates and their families, follow COVID guidelines to keep you and your loved ones safe

from COVID and arrange for injections as soon as possible.

Prayer for our troops: Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. God Bless You!

God Bless America! Keep our troops safe.

Chaplain,

Bob Nause

NOTE FROM ETHEL WALKER

On this day, 2 Feb. 2021 I turned 90! (How did that happen?)

I want to thank the ESSEX Association for so many birthday greetings. It touched my old heart to get each

one and amazes me that so many ESSEX friends still remember me! Those reunions were the highlight of so

many years for me and Bob. You guys are fondly thought of through the years. Bless you all and may the Ad-

miral up above keep you all safe until we meet again! GO NAVY!

5

TREASURER’S REPORT

Assets Income Balances January 1, 2020

Checking $26,094.94 Auction

HI Yield $22,949.17 Donations Gen Fund $2,072.00

CD Donations Scholarship $1,050.00

Prepaid Expenses Hospitality Room Beginning Cash Balance $49,044.11 Income on Investments $4.61

Life Memberships $100.00

Income $11,863.20 Miscellaneous $306.60

Less Expenses $6,132.85 Membership Dues $5,919.73

Balance $54,774.46 New Memberships $373.25

Reunion Income

Ship's Store Sales $2,037.01

Tours

Total In-

come $11,863.20

Expenses

Accounting Fees

Advertising / Promotion

Bank Charges

Buccaneer Printing/Expense $349.54

General Printing Expense

Computer Eqpt & Software $200.00

Donations

Legal Fees

Miscellaneous $660.00

Office Supplies & Eqpt Postage / Freight $256.25

Refunds

Repairs/Serv Contracts $285.12

Reunion - General Exp $105.00

Reunion - Assn Exp $1,040.70

Scholorship fund Award $1,025.00

Ship's Store Merchandise $1,795.38

Ship's Store Expenses $415.86

Total Expenses $6,132.85

Balance December 30, 2020

Checking $31,820.68

Investment $22,953.78 Total Income (Loss) $5,730.35

Prepaid Scholarship $ 450.00 Account Balances $54,774.46

Prepared by Eugene Schmidt, Assistant Treasurer

USS ESSEX CV/CVA/CVS-9/LHD-2 INC.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT Year End January 1 thru Dec 31, 2020

6

ROSTER INFO CHANGED

Report for March 2021 BUCCANEER

Donations For Memorial and Honor

Report for March 2021 BUCCANEER

LAST NAME FIRST NAME ROSTER INFO CHANGED Date Rcd

Dean James D. Jdean1922@aol.com 10/5/2020

Arkin William E. 1010 American Eagle Blvd, Ste 311, Sun City Center, FL 33573

10/19/2020

Medina Tony Med6999@aol.com 10/19/2020

Anderson Paul A. 703-430-7682 10/23/2020

McNally Tom 8305 Salerno Rd, Fort Pierce, FL 34951 11/18/2020

Watson Richard 716-868-7169 12/18/2020

Degendorfer Al & Rodel 818-489-8068 12/18/2020

Glaser Michal L. 110 River Road, Dayton NV 89403-7705 1/26/2021

Loucks Arnold E 955 Church St–everything else the same 1/4/2021

Relyea Richard J. 570-716-6975 2/9/2021

Memorialized Honored Donor Date Rcd

Lonnie Popejoy Norm & Carolyn Thompson 12/5/2020

Russ Carriker Norm & Carolyn Thompson 12/5/2020

Ethel Walker Norm & Carolyn Thompson 12/5/2020

Dick Burr Norm & Carolyn Thompson 12/5/2020

Elmer Hoke Norm & Carolyn Thompson 12/5/2020

Scharla Estep Norm & Carolyn Thompson 12/5/2020

Bob Peters Norm & Carolyn Thompson 12/5/2020

John Bacca Norm & Carolyn Thompson 12/5/2020

Bob Nause Norm & Carolyn Thompson 12/5/2020

Gene Schmidt Norm & Carolyn Thompson 12/5/2020

Howard Hangar Norm & Carolyn Thompson 12/5/2020

Bill Thomas Norm & Carolyn Thompson 12/5/2020

Tom Ferelli Norm & Carolyn Thompson 12/5/2020

Bill Scott Norm & Carolyn Thompson 12/5/2020

Bruce Reeve Norm & Carolyn Thompson 12/5/2020

Al Degendorfer Norm & Carolyn Thompson 12/5/2020

Fred Beecher Bob Emswiler 1/7/2021

Joseph DuErmit Shirly DuErmit 1/17/2021

Helen Wadford Bruce & Harriett Sims 1/30/2021

Helen Wadford James L. Wadford 2/4/2021

7

SICK BAY

TAPS

Please send or forward all information of any known shipmate deaths, illness or

injuries to the Assistant Treasurer, Eugene Schmidt at schmidt.eugenej@att.net or

616-534-7170 to be included in the Buccaneer. Mailing address is on page 12.

OTE; All notifications of change of address, phone number or e-mail address

should be sent to Eugene Schmidt. Contact info on page 2.

LAST NAME FIRST NAME REASON Date Rcd

Cook Vincent Recovering at home after surgery, 216 Sunflower Dr., Brunswick, OH

44212-1555, 330-225-7680

11/7/2020 Bob Nause

Last Name First Name Date Served

Date Deceased

Date Rcd Reported By

Sawyer Rev. John F. 1953 - 1956

June 18, 2020

10/19/2020 Bob Nause

Todd Billy E. 1951 - 1953

October 29, 2020

11/10/2020 Eugene Schmidt

McConnell Richard C 1953 - 1954

December 20, 2020

1/12/2021 Bruce Sims

Wadford Helen Wife of Jimmy

1/8/2021 1/25/2021 Bruce Sims

Hoke Elmer 1944 – 1945

Dec., 31, 2020

2/1/2021 Norm Thompson

Bacca John F. 1943 – 1946

December 14, 2020

2/1/2021 Norm Thompson

Beecher Fredrick E. 1951 - 1953

October 12, 2020

2/1/2021 Norm Thompson

8

USS Hornet and USS Essex

Joint Carrier Reunion

We are pleased to announce our 51st annual reunion to be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel, 2270 Hotel Circle N,

San Diego, Ca. 92108. This Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Mission Valley. The reunion dates are September

13 to September 18, 2021 AT THIS TIME. To make your Hotel reservations, please call the Hotel directly when it

opens . You MUST indicate the group name USS Hornet OR USS ESSEX Association in order to receive the group rate.

Our room rate is $129.00 a night plus tax which includes the daily Breakfast buffet. Group rate applies to 3 days prior

and post reunion.

The Hotel is about 10 minutes from the San Diego/Lindberg Field Airport (Airport code is SAN). Transportation

to the Crown Plaza can be arranged through UBER, LYFT and Taxi service. Cost for a cab is around $25.00. Crown Plaza

provides NO Airport Shuttles.

NOTICE: At this time, we do not have any firm direction from the Crown Plaza, which is currently closed, and Tour

companies. The airlines have not extended their flight schedules into September due to Covid-19 and California re-

strictions. We will be sending out a subsequent “Reunion Notice” mailer and email at a later date. The web-

site :www.ussessexassociation.com will carry the Latest information as we have it.

The cutoff date for the reunion registration is To be determined due to the current situation.

The Military Reunion Planners group will be facilitating this year’s reunion. They are working with Essex and

Hornet to provide REGISTRATION, TOUR INFORMATION and a PLANNING ITINERARY. The USS ESSEX will be arriving

ahead of the USS Hornet group and kick things off first thing Monday morning the 13th of Sep. The USS Hornet group

will follow in by Wed the 15th of Sep. The USS Essex will also be participating with the USS Hornet in the HOSPITALITY

Room, SHIPS STORES, “Specialty nights” and Banquet responsibilities.

The USS ESSEX Association is planning a “Welcoming Party” on Wednesday 15th Sept at this Hotel to welcome all

hands. Hornet has a “Specialty/ BBQ night” for the evening of Friday the 17th of Sep. USS Hornet also has as a Banquet

venue set for Saturday evening.

There is 20% discount off Hotel Restaurant and bar purchases this year. You must have a reunion registration

or reunion “GUEST PASS” to enjoy this discount. There is a group rate parking fee of $3.00 per day. The Hotel operates

a local shuttle service to Old Town and Mission Valley Mall. This property has an onsite Car Rental Desk.

NOTE: You can cancel your Hotel reservation up to 48 hours before your Check in time & date.

Thomas C Ferelli 602-882-0375 email: tferelli@gmail.com Reunion Coordinator

9

2021 TOURS San Diego REUNION

Welcome friends and shipmates to sunny San Diego California. Unbelievable sights and unforgettable adventures. San

Diego is famous for its 70 miles of beaches, its many attractions such as Balboa Park, Sea World, San Diego Zoo and

San Diego Safari Park. San Diego is a City of Neighborhoods, the unique cultural hubs such as Old Town, Barrio Lo-

gan, Shelter Island and Coronado. The amazing beach cities such as Imperial Beach, Mission beach, Pacific Beach and

La Jolla. San Diego is home to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park and the welcoming Gas Lamp district with its many

shops and restaurants in downtown San Diego. San Diego boasts an exciting array of High-end Restaurants to the many

Local establishments and ready to satisfy any appetite. San Diego is also the military home of the Navy and Marine

Corps with locations at 32nd St., Coronado/ North Island, SubBase Point Loma and Miramar MCAS. It is also the

homeport to the USS ESSEX LHD-2 and the US Pacific Fleet.

Tours that are under consideration or TBD are: (Note: ANY CHANGES will be updated)

San Diego City Tour

San Diego Harbor Tour

Naval Station 32nd Street

USS Midway tour

Seaport Village and the Embarcadero

Old Town

San Diego downtown and Gas Lamp District

For all tours, please be at bus departures point about15 minutes prior to scheduled departure.

NOTICE: Due to the Covid-19 Virus and Restrictions (as of Jan 2021) in California, the REGISTRATION FORM and

Payments will be promulgated at a later date with a subsequent Newsletter or REUNION LETTER being sent to all

hands after this Buccaneer issue.

The Information that is contained here regarding to the reunion is the latest information as of this time.

Another update and mailing will take place when we have the exact Tour, Activity, Hotel

booking and Reunion “Registration form. We will have an ONLINE REGISTRATION form,

via the website in the future.

NEW MEMBERS

Report for March 2021 BUCCANEER

Name Note DIV/S ABOARD Joined

Thomas J. Israel 688 Blue Heron Run, Mt. Pleasant, SC, 29464, 843-693-3880, thomasjisra-

el@gmail.com

OE, ETR3

1/1967 – 1/1968

10/19/2020

Charles E. Andersen PO Box 125, Glasser, NJ, 07837, 908-415-0824, skiffdriver-js111@hotmail.com

R Div, SFMFN

3/1962 – 1/1963

10/31/2020

Michael L. Warner

LHD-2

509 E. Pike Str., Clarksburg, WV, 26301, 304-918-9058, mlwarn-

er1072@gmail.com

Supply

MS3

1992/1996 1/30/2021

WELCOME ABOARD!

10

Ethel Walker Scholarship Program The ESSEX Scholarship program is designed to financially assist ESSEX crew descendants to attend higher education beyond K-12. College, University, Community or Junior College and Trade schools are all acceptable. The Scholarship program pro-vides the successful candidate $1000.00 to be used towards their college tuition. The Association will provide one $1000.00 scholarship per calendar year.

We hope that everyone takes advantage of this program.

The application will be available January 1, each year.

The postmark deadline for submission each year is April 30.

The selection and award of the annual scholarship will be held May 10 each year, allowing time to make arrangements for the beginning of the school year.

Rules and application forms are available on request from Chairman Bruce Sims, Vice Chairman Berlyn Ware, Secretary Don Szulist, or Assistant Treasurer Eugene Schmidt. They will be sent to you by E-Mail or paper sent by U S Postal service.

If you’re interested in applying, request your forms, then please fill out the application as directed and mail your applica-tion with a copy of your acceptance letter to:

USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION

116 Allium Ct

Griffin GA 30223-5797

Mark Envelope; “Scholarship”

Contributions to the Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

DONATE TO THE

USS ESSEX SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Ethel Walker Scholarship Fund

Donation Amount_______________________

From: Name__________________________ Street Address __________________________

City__________________________ State________________ Zip Code_________________

Phone____________________ E-Mail Address_____________________________________

Please make check payable to: USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION and send with this form to;

Assistant Treasurer, Eugene Schmidt, 3823 Wyoming Ave SW, Wyoming, Michigan 49519-3659

USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

CREWMEMBER DESCENDANTS

OPENS: JANUARY 1

POSTMARK DEADLINE: APRIL 30

AWARDED: ON OR ABOUT MAY 10

11

USS ESSEX Association Ship’s Store Page

www.ussessexassociation.com

The USS Essex Ship’s Store online is the best way to support the As

sociation through the sale of “USS Essex” brand merchandise.

The Ship’s Store sales have always been robust and especially at re-

unions, where our items are normally discounted for sale. At Reunions,

there are always new items as well as “Clearance” items priced ready for

sale. I encourage everyone to come in and “BUY ESSEX” to help promote

our Association. SEE YOU IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA.

The newest item for sale online. USS ESSEX LHD-2 Pin

Storekeeper: Tom Ferelli at tferelli@gmail.com or 602-882-0375

12

USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION

1916 Sonoma Ln.

Lemon Grove CA 91945-3534

TO:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

USS ESSEX Association Dues Renewal Form

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY and MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE: USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION

DO NOT MAKE THEM PAYABLE TO EUGENE SCHMIDT OR BOB PETERS.

MAIL TO: EUGENE SCHMIDT 3823 WYOMING AVE SW, WYOMING MI 49519-3659

Please check here____ (only) if this is a change to your address, phone number or email address that is listed in the roster.

Membership cards will be mailed by the Secretary.

NAME:______________________________________________________________________ Street Address: ________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip code: ____________________________________________________________ Contact Ph #: _____________________ Email address: ______________________________________

(Please CIRCLE the appropriate year(s) you are paying for or making a donation)

2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 or DONATION: ____________

________YEARS @ $25.00 per year $ ______________

Total amount: $ ______________

You may receive a dues notice by mail. Dues renewal notices forms are published in the Buccaneer newsletter and on the website at:

www.ussessexassociation.com. The expiration date will be printed on any mailing labels and on your Membership card. Please

remember to bring your membership card to the reunions to verify Membership status and gain access into our Annual Business/

General Membership meeting.