United States
Seagoing Marine Association

Message from the President
Jan, 2005

The planning process is off to a good start for our 2005 Fleet Review in San Diego. Several prospective hotel sites were considered and then narrowed down to three finalists. A flight to San Diego was necessary to “get our ducks in a row” with MCRD-San Diego public affairs officers as to graduation date confirmation (yes, Friday Sept 23, 2005 is one of the 48 Fridays that graduations are held), early seating arrangements for an expected LARGE turnout of 150-200, etc.

Our Fleet Review will be at the Holiday Inn on the Bay, 1445 Front Street in San Diego. Directly across the streets is the “Star of India”, an 1879 iron sailing ship, the cruise-line terminals and a view toward North Island NAS, Point Loma and the harbor. The USS Midway (CVA41), the newest carrier museums is only 7 blocks east of the hotel.

Anthony’s Sea Food Restaurants are also across the street and their 3 separate facilities under one roof offer the full gamut. We will all savor the aromas, sights and sounds of a busy harbor port.

The hotel has no separate flagpole for our Marine Corps colors and our now traditional 8AM color ceremony and Sunday morning songfest. Efforts are being made to have a color guard presentation from MCRD or a local Navy-Marine Corps reserve unit to open our business meeting.

The Charleston discussion brought forth the idea for a possible Camp Pendleton visit to the home of the 1st Marine Division. A progress report will be provided in the May 2005 “Seahorse”. By that time we’ll know more about San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Wild Animal Park and other options for the pleasure of all.

PLEASE NOTE: Apply NOW through a Holiday Inn near you (no charge) for membership in their Priority Club. It is good for a free upgrade where room availability exists. Balcony suites, bay/ocean views are a nice benefit especially for our spouses. See you in San Diego!

Bob Vanderveen

Editor's note: The hotel has changed for this year's fleet review.
It will now be at the Hanalei Hotel