NOVEMBER-DECEMBER ~ 2007
Hello fellow Navy Leaguers,

We are well into fall and it's been a busy schedule. A small group of our members greeted the U.S.S. FORD at it's homecoming after a West-pac cruise, our council provided Pizza's for the duty crew on the homecoming day.

Several Navy League members toured the NOAA research vessel "RAINIER" at its recent visit to Bellingham. Cdr. Mike Gallagher, NOAA, was our guest speaker at our October meeting and he provided a very interesting and informative program for our group, and we had some fantastic salmon as well! Our November meeting is the last meeting of the year so be sure to attend and bring a guest. I wish all members a great Thanksgiving and a wonderful Christmas season.

Keep the young men and women who are serving our country at home and around the world in your prayers, they are doing a super job for us.

News Items - Past "From The Bridge" notes.

January - February 2007

The 2006 Christmas season is now behind us and I trust that all members had an enjoyable holiday time.
I look forward to a great and rewarding year for our local Navy League council. Over the past two years the council has built up a good head of steam towards fulfilling our mission statement goals; let us continue in our worthwhile efforts of supporting the Sea Services.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2006

FROM THE BRIDGE
In February 2005, I took over the helm of our Navy League Council. It has been a most rewarding experience for me and a distinct privilege to be surrounded by such dedicated Officers and Board members. If it weren't for those eight other helpmates my job would have been most laborious.

Since it is a recommendation of the National that Presidents serve only a two year term. I am stepping down as of 31 December 2006. At our 22 November meeting you will have a slate of Officers and Board members to consider and affirm. Those who have been nominated are dedicated Navy League members, all have given me a true sense of pride because of their loyalty to purpose. The accomplishments we have made over the past two years are due in large measure to your Officers, the Advisory Council/ Board and of course you, you the membership.

I will still be around to offer my comments from time to time, and as my favorite USO trooper used to say, "Thanks for the Memories". I leave you in excellent hands...
Bob Hilpert, President

On 18 October our Navy League Council celebrated our 25th Anniversary (20 Oct.1981) with a terrific Salmon BBQ dinner.

Our guest speaker was RDML William Hilarides, USN, Program Executive Officer for Submarines, Wash DC. Other guests included ; CDR. Michael Taylor, USN, CO USS FORD (FFG 54), LCDR. Marc Wentz, USN, XO USS FORD, CMC Michael Cantwell, USN, USS FORD and LCDR. Ron Testa, USN (ret.), NW Region President, Navy League of the U.S., who made a presentation to the Bellingham Council in recognition of their 25 years.

The Council also honored BMC Ted King, USN, (ret.), a Pearl Harbor Survivor (USS Nevada BB-36) and a Charter member of the Bellingham Council. Admiral Hilarides, a 1981 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, recounted some of his experiences as a submarine officer and finally, as the Commanding Officer of the USS Key West (SSN 722). A most enjoyable evening was had by all Council Members and their guests. Our hats off to the chefs Messrs. Chic Murray and Orman Darby, the salmon was outstanding.

August - 2006

Since our last business meeting on 21 June, we have had a busy schedule, e.g., on 3 July, 14 of us welcomed home USS FORD (FFG54) at NavStaEverett after its successful 6 month deployment to Latin American waters.

On 7 July some of us attended the Change of Command (COC) ceremony when BMCM George Schwarz, USCG, was relieved by BMCM Gerald Backus, USCG, as OIC USCGC SEA LION. On 20 July, 16 of us attended the COC onboard USS FORD when CDR Timothy Spratto, USN, was relieved by CDR Michael Taylor, USN, as its new Commanding Officer.

On 28 July some of us attended the COC ceremony at Coast Guard Station Bellingham when BMCS Clifford Hohl, USCG, was relieved by BMCS James Herzog, USCG, its new OIC.
           On 4 August, many of us attended the annual (216th) Coast Guard birthday picnic at Sudden Valley where over 100 members and guests attended.
           And finally on 30 August,Vern Puckett and I attended a COC at Whidbey NAS when CDR Charles Luttrell,USN, was relieved by CDR Anthony Calandra, USN, as Commanding Officer, VAQ 139.

           At all three of the Change of Command ceremonies in July, our Council presented Navy League jackets to; CDR T. Spratto, USN, BMCM G. Schwarz, USCG and BMCS C. Hohl,USCG. In addition at the FORD COC, CDR Tim Spratto was presented a photo album by our Council depicting the 3 July Homecoming event. Our Navy League Council also received an appreciation award from the relieved skipper of the FORD, CDR T. Spratto. The award was presented to us by the FORD's Command Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Cantwell, USN.
           We are looking forward to some exciting programs coming our way this fall. See you all soon.

July-2006
Our adopted navy vessel, USS FORD (FFG 54) after returning from its latest six month deployment on 3 July also had a Change of Command on 20 July whereby CDR. Timothy B. Spratto USN, was relieved by CDR. Michael J. Taylor, USN. At both events our Navy League Council was amply represented. At the latter event the Bellingham Navy League Council presented a Navy League jacket to CDR. Tim Spratto, in appreciation of his crew working with us and his service to our country.

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. The Bellingham Council also contributed to signage which welcomed home the crew of the USS FORD which was initiated by CDR. T.B. Spratto, USN, his dedicated wife, Brooke and by the Command Ombudsman, Danielle Hendrickson, wife of a crew member.

. On 23 March 2006, LTJG Gerrod Glauner, USCG, was installed as OIC USCGC TERRAPIN. The new Patrol Craft was commissioned at its new base in Bellingham ( Fairhaven ) and the vessel was sponsored by the Governor of Washington, Christine Gregoire and was officiated by RDML R. Houck, USCG.

. On 7 July 2006, Boatswains Mate Master Chief George W. Schwarz, USCG,was relieved by Boatswains Mate Master Chief Gerald T. Backus, USCG, as OIC USCGC SEA LION, which was the first Patrol Craft to be assigned to Bellingham at its new base in Fairhaven. This event was officiated by Captain Mark D'Andrea, USCG, Commander USCG Group, Port Angeles.

. On 28 July 2006, Senior Chief Boatswains Mate Clifford F. Hohl, USCG, was relieved by Senior Chief Boatswains Mate James L. Herzog,USCG, as OIC Coast Guard Station Bellingham. The event was officiated by Captain Mark D'Andrea, USCG, Commander USCG Group, Port Angeles.

. All of the U.S. Coast Guard events listed above were attended by members of the Bellingham Navy League. And at both events Navy League jackets were presented to the retiring Master Chief Petty Officer George Schwarz and to the retiring Senior Chief Petty Officer Clifford Hohl with thanks for their dedicated service to our Great Nation.