Memo To: All Flag Day Celebrants

The Eleventh Biennial Reunion held at the Navy Lodge, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL was outstanding.  A few early birds arrived a day or so early to get things ready. Get the layout of the Navy Lodge and the surrounding grounds.  It took a while to figure where every thing was on the base.

Fortunately we were located across the road from the Naval Aviation Museum.  This allowed all to have a reference point to shoot for when they were really lost.

All attendees had a great time in the PBJ Lounge getting caught up on vintage tales of yore.

There was some disappointment over the inability of some members to attend due to medical reasons such doctor appointments etc which couldn't be changed and or sudden family constraints.

From all reports everyone really enjoyed the reunion.

Many thanks to all attendees and to Wayne and Freda Noble who were the reunion committee for the effort that they put in to make this a great affair.

Wayne Noble presented to each member attending the reunion a Marine Corps Red color “T” shirt with a Marine Corps Insignia painted on it in the upper left hand side of the shirt with SQUADRON VMB 613 emblazoned on top of it.  Many thanks to Wayne for his gift.

Again we had family members present which was a great thing.  Those present were, Vern Begg's son Rick and his wife Katherine, Vern's grandson Cory and his wife Laura, Wayne Nobles's daughter Melanie and her husband David, Bernice Rudewick's daughter Pat, Marty Cullom's daughter Beth, and Beth's son Jordan, John Kennedy's son John and Lloyd McDaniels' son, Harold.

Special activities included being able to witness the Blue Angels who put on an outstanding air show.  We were down on the flight line watching them fly back and forth doing precision flying upside down, right side up, climbing and the like.

A trip was also made to the Naval Aviation Museum where different aircraft including a PBJD were on display in a special area outside of the museum.  The museum displays were also outstanding and brought back memories to several members.  Hopefully over the years they will be able to add more aircraft items so that visitors can see how much progress has been made in aircraft development.

A copy of the History of VMB 613 is in the Museums library for any and all to see and read.

A trip was made to Mobile, Alabama on another day where a major area looked into was an old French Fort of 1730 vintage.  It is the oldest Fort in the United States even preceding what we consider the Indian Days.

The attendees reviewed the buildings which were still standing which consisted of Officers Quarters and Enlisted Quarters.  They also witnessed the loading and firing of an old musket by a person who looked as old as the musket.

A tour of three historical districts of Mobile was very interesting.  The city maintained the architectual techniques of 1730 in maintaining or rebuilding any and all buildings.

This area was originally Spanish, then British and after the Revolutionary War became United States territory.

The Mardi Gras originated in this area not New Orleans and during their celebration they wear costumes of the period.

Upon the conclusion of the tour all went to Lambert's Café for dinner.  Lamberts is considered the most unusual diner of all.  It lived up to its rating for excellent and plentiful food.

All members said that they had never seen such great food before and if ever they were in the area again that would be the place to return for outstanding food.

Another tour was made of the Naval Air Station Pensacola and the city of Pensacola.  The vastness of the Naval Air Station was really outstanding.  They have the buildings and runways set up for all support activities both military and family activities.  The city of Pensacola is also laid out to support the Air Station and provide necessary services for Naval personnel.

During the Business Meeting the following Officers were elected:

Charles F. Knapp - President

William A. Kehr - Vice President

James D. Garls - Treasurer

The determination of the next reunion was deferred until members who offered their services make an evaluation for the next appropriate site.

It was also voted to move all funds into one main account rather than have it set up in two accounts.

Prior to the start of the banquet a USMC Color Guard brought on the colors and posted them.  At the banquet the guest speaker was Colonel David L. Barraclough, Commanding Officer MATSG-21, NAS Pensacola.

The Colonel showed 9/11 video clips of IRAQ direct hits by American equipment showing equipment that guided bombs and other explosives.

The Colonel made an interesting presentation on the future of U.S. Marine Corps Aviation.  His charts showed current squadrons and aircraft and what the future would be like starting in four years.  He showed a picture of the newly modified KC 130 which will be in the inventory in the very near future.  In addition he showed what the improved fighter and attack aircraft would be and their dates for entering service.

At the present time the Marine has 38 Squadrons of fixed wing aircraft and 35 squadrons of rotary aircraft.  In the future strategy plans the number of aircraft types in the Marine Corps will be reduced from 23 types to 7 types.

This reduction in aircraft types and the introduction of new models will allow for shorter runways.

The Colonel also mentioned the continuing problem in IRAQ with sand problems for operational aircraft.  The sand in that area is very fine and a lot of attention has been given to over come the problem.  They have had success with some aircraft but must be continually diligent in maintaining all aircraft.

All of the new aircraft will have improved electronics equipment which will allow for rapid deployment to target areas and the ability to determine precisely the location of enemy aircraft and ground installations.

At the close of banquet hour a Raffle was held and our artist in residence (state of Montana)

Joe Yakawich donated a Western oil painting.  The winner would have the picture shipped to them by Joe.

John Gavin donated video tapes of Kwajalein lagoon for the raffle also.  The winners were very much interested in viewing the tapes.

Several other items donated by members were well received by the winners.

After the raffle all adjourned to the PBJ Lounge.