NWSA - SOCAL Chapter NEWS

President           Al Hassen
Vice President   Fred Farnsworth
Sec/Treas          Morry Summey

The Southern California Chapter deeply mourns the passing of one of our key members. LCDR D.B. Holden, USN RET (Deacon) passed away on 20 November, 2009 . Not only has he been a significant force in Chapter actions, but he was a very active participant in NWSA activities overall. The Chapter is of the understanding that he was to be cremated, with the ashes scattered at sea. Family members in Mississippi are planning to hold a Memorial Service on 16 January, 2010 . This is to happen in the town of Nesbit MS , which is a short distance south of Memphis , TN. In addition to the service in Mississippi , daughter Melinda and son Jeff plan an additional service her in San Diego sometime in March 2010.

The annual PARADE OF LIGHTS dinner was held on Sunday, 13 December 2009 . Once again, attendance figures were disappointing. Nine attendees came to see the ships and boats. John and Fujii Rodrigues organized the event, and brought a couple from John’s tax group. In addition, Bernie and Dolores Cohenour came, as did Morry Summey. The attendance of Darrell and Robert Walters was a most pleasant surprise. Darrell is a shipmate of mine from back in the sixties. TOM HAM’S LIGHTHOUSE Restaurant provided us with an excellent menu, excellent service, and generous servings of food. The PARADE OF LIGHTS began with a fireworks display, followed by a colorful array of decorated ships and boats. As in the past, the event was enjoyed by all.

The first Chapter meeting of 2010 was a quarterly business/luncheon meeting. It took place on Thursday, 7 January 2010 at the Admiral Baker Navy Golf Course Restaurant. Attendees were George Bernstein, Bernie and Dolores Cohenour accompanied by their daughter, Nicole. Also attending was Al Hassen, Morry Summey, and Carl Drake. The usual business meeting took place, with the following highlights. The next Social, our Valentines Day champagne brunch was scheduled for Sunday, 14 February 2010 . Since this was one of the events that Deacon Holden took care of, we needed to get someone new. Dolores Cohenours graciously volunteered for the job. Dues were collected from the attending members. A request for input material for the February AEROGRAPH was unsuccessful.

JIM VOLLMER; He reports that he has retired from his job in San Diego and has returned to the San Francisco Bay area. His address is now 2214 Yosemite Drive , Milpitas , CA 95035 . I seems that he became ill about one year ago. This continued, and in March the doctors diagnosed lung cancer. Later on they changed this to a non-malignant abcess in the lung, and could be treated with antibiotics. However, for a few weeks he had a wild ride through the medical maze. Also, he reports that his wife Sue is still a star sales lady at Macy’s but is thinking of retiring in February. The rest of the family is doing fine. Son James with wife Dawn, had a second son in August, who they named Rylan.

JOHN RODRIGUES; My wife and I were invited by Japan Maritime Defense Force (JMSDF) to participate in their KanKanshiki (the equivalent of San Diego ’s Fleet Week) parade. We departed San Diego early Friday morning October 16^th flying via San Francisco and arriving in

Japan

(Narita) mid afternoon on Saturday. After clearing customs and immigration, we caught the shuttle bus to Yokohama and then took the Yokusuka line to Yokosuka . Knowing that her brother would not be home until late, we ate dinner at the shopping mall outside the station before grabbing a taxi to her home. We then had a nice hot soak and retired. The next day (Sunday) we went to the base to do some necessary shopping.

Monday we visited old friends: Vice Adm. Sugimoto, C-in-C Self Defense Forces, JMSDF, Yokosuka . We also met with Capt. Nakajima, Commander Sea Systems Center Yokosuka and Commander Yamawaki. Wednesday we visited Yokohama and their big zoo, Zoorasia. Fujii was quite involved with their zoo exchange program and helped them obtain the first Okapi’s to be exhibited in

Japan

. She was also very essential in their obtaining many other species for their exhibits. Friday and Saturday (23 and 24^th) we had dinner with several retired JMSDF members we have know over the years.

Sunday (25) meant an early rise and travel to the base to catch our ship (CHIHAYA) for the parade. She is a deep sea rescue vessel and fairly new. The day was cloudy but we lucked out with no rain. Ships from several other bases as well as helicopters and fighter jets were part of the display and flyovers. We both, along with her elder brother thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The next day we learned that one of the ships from the parade on its way back to its home port of Kure had a collision with a Korean container ship which had crossed to the wrong side of the channel. Luckily there were no serious injuries or deaths but the bow of the Japanese destroyer was severely damaged.

Tuesday (10/27) we had dinner with several friends at a French restaurant in Yokosuka . On Friday we went to Tokyo and paid our respects to NCO InIchigaya. We also had a long session with VADM Takashima, Vice Chief of Staff, Joint Staff and RADM Masakazi Kaji, Chief of Staff, Commandant Kure District. After that we met with Capt. Manabe, a person we first metas a new commissioned Ensign.

Sunday (10/31) we departed by the Shinkan express train to northern Honshu . Our first overnight stay was at the resort area of Oga. We really had a time on that part of the trip. After debarking the train, we were supposed to travel by bus over a mountain to reach our destination. However, we ran into an early winter snow storm and they closed the road for the winter. We had to reverse course back down the mountain and then circle around the base before arriving at our hotel 2 hours behind schedule. The next day the bus ride to Akita provided some spectacular scenery and the bus driver kept stopping to point out waterfalls and other areas of interest and beauty. We proceeded to Aomori . From there we made a day trip to Ominato and met with VADM Sansei Tzumi, Commandant Ominato District and RADM Tokuhiro Ikeda, Chief of Staff, Commandant Ominato District, both old friends.

We returned to Yokosuka Friday. Saturday I packed my bags for my return trip. Sunday morning Takubin picked up my largest for transportation to Narita airport. Sunday evening we went to dinner in Yokohama , with two retired Admirals and their wives, whom we had known for many years. The next morning (Monday 11/9) I caught the train from Yokosuka to Narita and returned to San Diego . Fujii remained in order to attend high school and college reunions and to see other friends. She returned to San Diego on Thanksgiving day. All in all a most enjoyable and satisfying trip.

The above input wraps it up for the SOCAL Chapter this time. I am looking forward to seeing a lot of you in Dallas at the next reunion. At the present time, my plans are to attend. Barring something unforeseen coming up, that’s what I will do. John and Fujii Rodriquez also plan to be there. In fact, I believe he has already made his reservations.

Source: Aerograph November 2009

President: Al Hassen
Vice President: Fred Farnsworth
Sec/Treasurer: Morry Summey

Once again, the time is here for another SOCAL Chapter report for the Aerograph. As usual, the weather here continues to be great, although we have experienced several weeks of higher than normal temperatures.

SOCAL held its annual Labor Day picnic on Saturday, 5 September 2009 . Our usual spot, the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station picnic grounds was not available, due to a scheduling mix up. Therefore, Bill Bridge , who organizes the event, volunteered to hold it at his house. The attendees were Bernie & Delores Cohenour, Al Hassen with Arlene Seek, Fred Farnsworth with his granddaughter Keri Beehstein & husband John. Morry Summy was there and of course Bill Bridge . Also, Bill invited his next door neighbor Don Caton to join the group. A great time was had by one and all.

On 1 October 2009 , the chapter held its quarterly business luncheon meeting. The attendance count was greatly improved from the previous business meeting. The meeting was held at the Admiral Baker Navy Golf Course Restaurant. Attendees were Al Hassen with Arlene Seek, John Rodriguez, Morry Summey, Bernie & Delores Cohenour, Bill Bridge , and Carl Drake. Lunch preceded the business portion of the session. During the business meeting, items discussed included health issues for Deacon Holden, Elsie Taylor, and Fred Farnsworth. Also preliminary discussions were held regarding the PARADE OF LIGHTS Dinner coming up in December. The Secretary reminded the group regarding the Next NWSA Reunion, coming up in late April in Dallas , TX . Bernie Cohneour reported that a change of command was scheduled for 2 November 2009 at NAVPACNETOCCEN San Diego. The current Commanding Officer, CDR Ashley Evans is to be relieved by CDR Brett Martin.

Deacon Holden continues with his medical problems. His medication is helping on the heart conditions, but his respiratory problems have returned. His doctors put him back in Sharps Memorial Hospital , then decided after two days there that a convalescent hospital would be better. He is now in such a hospital in La Jolla . When we talked, he did not have the name of the facility. He indicated the he would be there for ten days to two weeks, then go home. However, after he goes home, he will require home care for some time. He has not regained his strength, nor gained any weight.. When he was in Sharps Memorial, he had hopes of gaining, as the food was good. However, now that he is in the convalescent hospital, he says the food there is not conducive to perking up his appetite. Deacon says that despite all this, he is determined to get well.

Elsie Taylor, the widow of Dick Taylor, reports that she took a fall back in February. Slipped in her driveway and fractured her hip. The doctors say that it is not operable. She is able to get around in her home on her walker, but she is basically house bound. Also, she is no longer able to drive.

The situation with Fred Farnsworth is that he has a couple of cracked ribs. This has resulted in considerable discomfort as well as painful breathing. No details other than to say that he turned wrong and heard a crack.

John & Fujii Rodriguez will be leaving for a trip to

Japan

on the 16^th of October. John plans to return on November 10^th. Fujii will not return until Thanksgiving Day. The purpose of the trip is to participate in

Japan

’s Fleet Week. While there, they are also going to make a one week trip to northern Honshu . Johns says that he will prepare a full write-up for the Aerograph, to satisfy a request from Don Cruse.

The next NWSA Reunion is not that far away. A poll of chapter attendees indicated that John Rodriguez was planning to attend. Morry Summey is also considering the trip, if proposed plans work out.

President          Al Hassen
Vice Pres          Fred Farnsworth
Sec/Trea           Morry Summey

Once again, there is a limited amount of Chapter News to report. We continue to have three Social Events of the year, along with our quarterly meetings. Lack of attendance at those meetings is of great importance to the Chapter.

CHAPTER ACTIVITIES

The SOCAL Chapter held the July quarterly meeting on July 2^nd at the Admiral Baker Navy Golf Course Restaurant. Attendees were John Rodriguez, Morry Summey, and Al Hassen. Secretary/Treasurer Morry Summey called the meeting to order in the absence of President Deacon Holden. The first order of business was the installation of incoming president – Al Hassen.

Our annual Labor Day Picnic has been scheduled for Saturday 5 September 2009 at the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station picnic grounds. We are all looking forward to another enjoyable outing. As always, we would welcome anyone planning to be in the area at that time.

MEMBER ACTIVITIES

On the binnacle list: Deacon Holden spent ten days in SHARP MEMORIAL Hospital in June with heart problems. He was experiencing some difficulties, so he visited a Pacific Beach Emergency Care Center . They immediately rushed him to SHARPS. He was diagnosed with a leaky heart valve. The doctors originally considered surgery, but then decided to rely on a regimen of heart medications. He felt considerably better after starting the medications. He is at home now, but he anticipates an extended period before he is fully recuperated. His daughter, Melinda, has been providing him support and maintenance.

John & Fuji Rodriguez. In May they drove to Sacramento and visited with their younger daughter, who had arranged for them to enjoy the San Francisco Sympony at Davis Hondavi Center in celebration of the Chancellors birthday. They had a most enjoyable time. Sometime around the end of July, John has to drive to Charleston SC with his older daughter accompanied by a three year old child and a three week old child, as well as a dog and a cat. (A side comment: “Hope they survive”) John is driving with her as her husband has to fly a small plane out. The reason for the move is that her husband has been hired for a new job at The Citadel in Charleston .

Morry Summey. In June, he spent two weeks traveling and attending high school graduations. One in Vallejo CA and one in Herndon VA. Fortunately they were scheduled about a week apart, so he was able to attend both. His Great Granddaughter in Vallejo graduated on Thursday, June 11^th, while his Granddaughter graduated on Wednesday, June 17^th in Herndon VA. He drove to Vallejo and attended that graduation, then flew out of Oakland to Dulles for the second graduation. Since left his car in Vallejo , he returned there and the drove back to San Diego . Morry Summey, Secretary/Treasurer