Veterans converge on Norfolk during USS Wisconsin Association's 19th bi-annual reunion

Photo By Max Lonzanida | Nearly 200 USS Wisconsin (BB-64) veterans from WWII, the Korean War and the Gulf War and their families and friends were in Norfolk to attend the 19th USS Wisconsin Association Reunion. Re-visiting the iconic Iowa-Class Battleship is always a moving homecoming for members, and a unique experience for family members and friends. Reunion activities will take place at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside as well as at Nauticus; and many attendees had the opportunity to tour the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Activities included a fantail party, tours aboard the battleship, a memorial service, and tours to local attractions. The USS Wisconsin is moored permanently next to the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and Nauticus as a museum ship. (US Navy Photo by Civilian Public Affairs Officer Max Lonzanida/Released)  

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

09.25.2018

Story by Max Lonzanida  

Naval History and Heritage Command

The fantail of the USS Wisconsin (BB-64) has witnessed its fair share of activities since her original commissioning in April 1944. In US Navy terminology, the fantail is the main deck section in the after part of the flush decked ships; aptly located right above the stern. It’s a location where skippers muster all hands not currently on watch, and some even refer it aptly as the back porch of the ship. As a museum ship, the fantail is a popular venue for retirements and promotions that draw in dozens of service members. It offers an iconic view of the Elizabeth River, and a clear view of the US Navy’s oldest continuously running hospital in the Navy Medical System; Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. But on this particular Friday afternoon as the sun calmly gave way to the evening over the Elizabeth River, the fantail of the Wisky served as a steel beach picnic venue for its former crewmembers.

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Last week, nearly 200 USS Wisconsin veterans from the non-profit USS Wisconsin Association descended on Norfolk for their 19th Annual reunion. Veterans from WWII, the Korean War, and the Gulf War along with their families arrived in Norfolk for the event. The re-union was hosted by the City of Norfolk, Nauticus, and the Nauticus Foundation. Events included tours of popular venues including the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, a cruise aboard the Spirit of Norfolk, a tour of Phantom Works Auto’s classic and muscle car restoration center in Norfolk, and of course self-interpreted tours of the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Many of those attending the reunion ventured into the museum on the second floor of Nauticus, and candidly recalled their service among other reunion attendees while taking in over 240 years of Naval History. The reunion offered a shipmate workday aboard the iconic ship and guided tours of the engine room and command spaces by Nauticus volunteers. The guided tours offered many of the former crewmembers a glimpse into their former work spaces, and many recollected the spaces with a warm fondness.

A steel beach picnic aboard the fantail of the ship served as one of the signature events. Many former crewmembers arrived early to walk through the Hampton Roads Naval Museum’s exhibits, and many eagerly looked forward to the museum’s new exhibit regarding the US Navy’s involvement during the Vietnam War which is scheduled to open in May 2019. The Friday evening commenced when former crew members crossed the gangway and saluted to come aboard. Thereafter, crewmembers proceeded to the fantail, and moved with a familiarity of the decks gained from service aboard the ship. On the fantail, a steel beach party awaited them with catered food, live light music, a cash bar and of course a chance for to rekindle camaraderie amongst themselves. Before sunset, crewmembers walked aptly around the decks and recollected stories of their time in service with the US Navy. Crew members passed around a photo album of historical pictures that was compiled by Nauticus staff members; and each page of the album was vividly scrutinized and brought back a flood of emotion for many. For family members and friends that were present, being on the ship helped to close the loop of stories told by former crew members, and allowed the unique opportunity to experience the museum and take in some Naval History during their time in Norfolk.

About the Museum:

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is one of ten Navy museums that are operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command. It celebrates the long history of the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia and is co-located with Nauticus in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Admission to the museum is free, simply by-pass the ticket line and take the stairs or elevator to the museum on the second deck. The museum hosts a robust educational program for area schools and commands, with free educational programs to area schools aligned with state curriculum standards, a travelling sea chest program, a premier Lego outreach program, and historical presentations for area commands. To inquire, contact their Educational Director, Laura Orr at [e-mail] or at [phone]. The museum is also host to a robust volunteer corps, who serve as docents, support special events, and assist in museum archives. To inquire, contact their Volunteer Coordinator, Darcy Sink at [e-mail] or at [phone]. Lastly the museum proudly hosts military ceremonies, such as re-enlistments, retirements, and promotions for area commands aboard the U.S.S Wisconsin and in the museum’s gallery. To inquire, contact their special events coordinator, Tom Dandes at [e-mail] or call [phone].

• Date Taken: 09.25.2018
• Date Posted: 09.25.2018 16:23
• Story ID: 294355
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US