United States
Seagoing Marine Association

MESSAGE FROM THE USSMA PRESIDENT
NOVEMBER 2009

The Charleston, SC Fleet Review was gratifying in several ways. That so many of you attended was a real surprise considering the dismal economy.  Our room block of 50 was increased to the maximum of 70 and sold out.  Back-up sites at Homewood Suites and the nearby Residence Inn handled 12 additional rooms.  Several stayed with friends or relatives and came to Embassy Suites almost daily.

Local weather was cold and stormy until Sunday, just prior to our set up day when the sun came out at last.  Pleasant days, great food and perfectly timed tour departures made this one of the very best reunions for Seagoing.

Tuesday’s downtown tour and Citadel visit was a sellout and made enjoyable by a knowledgeable tour guide.  Our Citadel Marine Corps Color Guard was confirmed just before our departure.

The evening Welcome Aboard reception was well attended and the multiple food stations method proved to be a hit.

Wednesday afternoon trips to Fort Sumter and YORKTOWN were given a mixed review:  boat returned early with a fast tide, five scheduled for YORKTOWN were later discovered to be on Fort Sumter boat which lead to a head count snafu.  Thinking all aboard, hot day with little shade, we departed a few minutes early temporarily stranding some members (and WE HEARD ABOUT IT!)  Apologies all around to those who were inconvenienced.

Thursday evening was perfect for the dinner cruise.  Good food, pleasant music, moon and stars out, shirtsleeve evening on a calm harbor!   ‘That’s what I like about the South.’

Friday was a memorable visit to Parris Island. We were given reserved seating at morning colors and the base photographer took a group photo which will be on our Website and available for attendees in the very near future.

At the 0900 recruit graduation, a tradition of “no announcements” was broken by the Public Affairs Office with the approval of the Recruit Battalion C.O.  The graduates, their parents and guests learned of our status representing the original duty of Marine Corps in this, our final group appearance at MCRD.  We were asked to stand and received an ovation.

The messhall was SPOTLESS, broad choices of entrees, pizza and dessert.  Light rain fell as we ate but it stopped before we boarded the buses for the PX to return our escorts and make a timely departure. It rained the entire trip back to Charleston but we stayed DRY.

Saturday was opened with a 3-Marine Color Guard in “greens” followed by Judi Sellers leading us in singing the Marine Hymn.  The auction followed our Business Meeting.

The final tour to Magnolia Gardens was equally pleasant for  history buffs and wildlife lovers.

All in all, this should be long remembered by the attendees.

Bob Vanderveen, President
USSMA