First Ever USS Crommelin (FFG-37) Alumni Association Reunion

The USS Crommelin (FFG-37) Alumni Association became an official organization at it's first ever reunion held in Indianapolis, Indiana during August, 2005. Thirteen former crew memebers attended this inaugural event; five of which ARE Plankowners.

The event kicked off on a Thursday evening with a banquet held at Smock Golf Club, highlighted by resurfacing sea stories and a PowerPoint slide presentation of the Crommelin and her crew from construction at Todd Shipyards in Seattle to more modern times.

On Friday, the group was given the priviledge of touring the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it's museum and the rich history on those hallowed grounds. The tour was capped off with an actual lap around the 2.5 mile oval, home of the Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400, and the US Grand Prix; races that have produced champions like Al Unser, Johnny Rutherford, AJ Foyt, Juan Pablo Montoya, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Michael Shumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. From there, the group made it's way into the downtown area of Indianapolis and one of it's local micro breweries for good food, drinks, and more great sea stories.

Friday evening the former crew experienced the "Best Ball Park In America", watching the AAA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates - the Indianapolis Indians at Victory Field, as the sun set behind them, lighting up the beautiful Indianapolis skyline.

Saturday put the crew on the steps of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument at the heart of downtown Indy for a group photo. The was followed by a walking tour of the memorials and monuments around the city - Indianapolis is second only to Washington, DC in the number of memorials and monuments dedicated to the men and women that have served in our armed forces. Along with the Soldiers & Sailors Monument, the Indiana War Memorial, Veterans Memorial Plaza, the USS Indianapolis Memorial, and the Indiana Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial were awesome sites to see. All the walking made the group thirsty, and we again made our way to yet another local micro, and enjoyed the local tastes of Indy.

Indianapolis is a sports mecca, and if you like sports, you'll love this city! Saturday night was no different... Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, gave the entire group tickets to the pre-season match-up between the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears. Another great evening of sports, and the former Crew of the Crommelin!

Ideas were thrown on the table for the Association and future reunions... We can only grow stronger from here. We look forward to seeing you all in Seattle in 2007!