Seattle 2007 - The Reunion Recap

Sunday, August 5th, 2007 – Seattle, Washington

USS Crommelin Alumni Association Reunion Recap

Before the official action even began on Wednesday, August 1st several of us Crommelin shippies were already in action. The reunion dinner was scheduled for 7:00 PM that evening, and since some of us arrived in Seattle a day early, we took advantage of the time and made our way into the city to see some sites. First stop: the famous skyline mainstay – the Space Needle. From high atop the tower we had a beautiful, clear view of the entire region; the temperature was in the low 80’s, and it was fantastic! From there we rode a monorail to another mall, and ventured on foot to Pike Place Fish Market, where we saw some real “flying” salmon.

Hoots and hollars echoed off the walls of the China Star Restaurant as faces again became familiar. Present at the dinner banquet were Sherman Pitzer (his wife Alison & their two sons), Mark Labine (his wife Diane & their daughter and her boyfriend), Jim Ferguson, Frederick Nachbar (his wife May), Matt Opalka (his wife Tammy), Merlin Edler (his wife Stephanie & a little one to be named later), Andy Hallenbeck (his wife Annette & their daughter Christina), JP Cardona, Mike Stonerock (his wife Chanti & their two daughters), Gene Barto, and Dave Delano. The evening was highlighted by a Powerpoint presentation on the big screen setting the Association and the Crommelin to music. Awards were announced for the first two annual winners of the USS Crommelin Alumni Association Fantasy Football Super Bowl (AJ Persson and his Bay Area Bombers), and the USS Crommelin Alumni Association NCAA March Madness Pick’em (Joe Smedinghoff).

On Thursday the crew headed into Seattle to walk the waterfront (as some of the wives spent the day shopping at a local upscale mall). The guys were joined by Diane Labine, May Nachbar, Stephanie Edler, and Annette Hallenbeck for the walk, which included lunch at the famous Ivar’s Seafood Restaurant. Monty Poist arrived in time to join the gang for this fabulous meal of fresh seafood. After that, the group continued their walk down the waterfront to the Pyramid Ale House microbrewery for some tastes of local barley and hops. It was tough to pry us away, but we were able to continue the afternoon on to the museum of flight at Boeing Field. One of the most incredible museums to experience, with the US Navy Blue Angels parked on the tarmac.

That evening found a large group of us at the Fire Creek Restaurant near the motel for another great time of sea stories and a fine meal. Others arriving that evening were Mike Mann, and AJ Persson (along with his wife Christy & their sons Billy and Ryan).

Friday morning we gathered for a short drive to South Lake Washington, where the Seattle Sea Fair was in full swing. We were privileged to experience the US Navy Blue Angels in flight, as well as various other aerobatic planes. Display booths were everywhere; and Mark Labine made his one error of the weekend by challenging my 15 year old son, Chris, to a race up a rock wall at the Army exhibit. The rest of us were smarter, and we sat at the festivals beer garden…

We’ll all have ACDC’s Thunderstruck in our minds for a long time following Friday evening’s Seattle Mariners v. Boston RedSox game. An absolutely fantastic time at Safeco Field (except for Monty Poist who’s a RedSox fan) as the Mariners won.

Saturday morning we returned to the waterfront of Seattle for more shopping, the curiosity shops, and the Experience Music Project museum near the Space Needle. The EMP was a whole lot more than any one of us expected – highlighted by an amazing Jimi Hendrix exhibit. What a great time!

That evening we all relaxed back at the motel for more time catching up and sharing stories of our past Crommelin life, and what life has handed us since.

Other things to note: Merlin Edler became the first ever winner of the USS Crommelin Alumni Association Golf Match, edging out AJ Persson for the win. Jim Ferguson was the Mileage Man award winner for the 3000+ miles he traveled from Miami, FL to attend the reunion (Monty Poist was a close second with miles earned from Virginia Beach, VA). Finally, Mark Labine was awarded a flag flown over the Crommelin for his excellent efforts in putting together a great time for us all in Seattle. Thanks to Mark and his wife Diane for all they did for the Association; and thanks to HTC(selectee) Thompson onboard USS Crommelin for the ship’s donation of some door prizes.

Sunday, we sadly had to say our “goodbyes”; but plans were already in motion for 2009 and our next reunion. See you all in New Orleans!!!

Respectfully,

Sherman Pitzer
Chairman – Board of Directors
USS Crommelin Alumni Association
(FC2 CIWS 92-96)