17 March 2024

An email went out on3/15 regarding holding a reunion Mary 3-5, 2024 in League City, Texas and hosted by President Frank DiBello. Please contact Ron Babuka (Webmaster and son of Plankowner Bill Babuka) at wrb1@cornell.edu or 607-533-9056 if you think you might be able to attend.

15 March 2024

Sadly, Our Chaplin James Gormans reported that on March 9th, shipmate Tom Adasiewicz (MM3 65-67) was called to final muster. Read his Obituary

26 January 2024
Frank DiBello (RM3 66-68) has a couple of updates:

Please be aware that there are companies/individuals out there selling AMS mechandise. They are NOT affiliated with the association. If you want real merchandise, contact Frank DiBello.

Leadership is working hard on a plane for an official AMS reunion. Stay tuned for more information

Sadly, Our Chaplin James Gormans mother passed away. Please keep James and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

7 November 2023
Frank DiBello (RM3 66-68) has had the misfortune to report to the association that shipmate Gary James Carnot(GMG3 66-70) was called to final muster on October 27, 2023. Read his Obituary

27 August 2023
We have added Scott Kopfstein (FTG2 66-69) to the the Binnacle List after being admitted to the hospital.

August 25, 2023
The Allen M. Sumner Reuinion Association received a Thank you note from thr fsmily of Pete Dromms.

4 June 2023 - Update on the next OFFICIAL USS Allen M. Sumner Reunion - As per the bylaws all USS Allen M. Sumner reunions are to be held in the first week of May. The elected leadership of the USS Allen M. Sumner Reunion Association is hard at work planning the next upcoming reunion and looks forward to communicating the location of that reunion in the near future.

While there may be 'unofficial' gatherings of crews of the USS Allen M. Sumner, the date and location of the next reunion will be officiall announced on the reunion page on this site.

May 28, 2023

Memorial Day is set aside to honor and mourn those who sacrificed their lives for our Republic. Please take a moment to visit our Allen M. Sumber dedication page and remember the 21 Allen M. Sumner crew who put their nation first.

This year, the USS Allen M Sumner Assocation lost two shipmates who worked tirelessly for our association, Pete Dromms and Don Hayden. We will miss them very much.

May 16, 2023
A word of advice - do NOT answer Facebook or other social media generic questions that people post such as "whats your favorite car" or "Whats our favoirte animal". The vast majority of the time they are scammers who are gathering the reponses and using it to try to hack passwords or scam you. Trust me - no one cares what your first car was but thos anwers are often used to unlock access.

March 31, 2023
The Allen M. Sumner reuinion Association had a wreath delievered for Pete Dromms.

25 March 2023

From Frank DiBello (RM3 66-68) has passed along the sad news that our shipmate Pete Dromms(FTG2 66-67) has been called to final muster.
Please keep his family in your prayers and thoughts and feel free to send any cards to 301 Park Lane North Syracuse, New York 13212. A wreath has been purchased by the USS Allen M. Sumner Reunion Association and will be delivered to the funeral home.

Pete Dromms Obituary

O Father, grant his family today, and in the days hereafter, peace and comfort in the glory of his service to his fellow man, and in the knowledge he sails with you, O Lord, our maker and protector.

21 March 2023

From Frank DiBello (RM3 66-68) :
Fellow shipmates and extended family, It is with a heavy heart we have decided to postpone the Sumner DD 692 reunion this year. This is due too extenuating circumstances beyond our control. Please bear with us as we travel through these stormy seas.
I will keep y all informed as more information becomes available.
Please keep our shipmates and their families in your prayers as we negotiate through heavy seas.

Frank DiBello
President USS ALLEN M SUMNNER DD692

17 March 2023

From Frank DiBello (RM3 66-68) : "Please be advised our shipmate Pete Dromms(FTG2 66-67) has had a setback regarding his heath and is back in the hospital in SyracuSe , New York.
Please keep him in your prayers and thoughts and feel free to send a card to 301 Park Lane North Syracuse, New York 13212

8 February 2023

I've updated our shipmate Pete Dromms(FTG2 66-67) status regarding his ongoing recover at the Binnacle List.

3 February 2023

I've updated our shipmate Pete Dromms(FTG2 66-67) contact information on the the Binnacle List. He needs our prayers and cards.

27 January 2023

I will update the site in the future, however I wanted to share two Google albulms I created of a Sumner Model that is displayed at the Navy Yard Museum in Washington D.C.
Select following links to see pictures and video

15 January 2023

From Frank DiBello (RM3 66-68) : "Please be advised our shipmate Pete Dromms(FTG2 66-67) has had a heart attack while climbing down off of a fire ladder truck. He has received a stent implanted to save his life from what is commonly called THE WIDOW MAKER . He is in good spirits and good hands. He is going to have to take it easy for a while while recovering and will be trying too avoid any additional stress. Please keep Pete and his family in your prayers. I will update y all as I find out any more information."

1 January 2023

We have been updated by Fred willshaw of the passing of our shipmate Douglas M. Rinear STDG2 1966-1969.
Last known address was: 9780 SW HWY Okeechobee Florida 34974.

20 Oct 20212

If anyone gets an email from Frank DiBello regarding financial transactions/donations/purchases, PLEASE disregard! They are being generated by hackers/spammers/criminals As a reminder, there are many spammers who will target older folks that they see as more gullable. These folks are bprofessionals who prey on good hearted folks like yourselves.
Be VERY careful on the internet and with e-mail. Organizations such as AARP have many articles on line about preventing phishing (https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2019/phishing.html) and safely navigating the internet.
Be cautious and educate yourself - if something seems fishy - it most likely is! Ask loveed ones and other trusted folks before ever sharing your information or sending money.

6 SEP 2022 - I received an email from Kevin Noonan who was a sensor operator on an S-3B Viking.

"I am writing an article about the Mk 37 and Mk48 torpedo on surface ships. If you have any specific personal info/memories about the 21 inch torpedo tube, I'd appreciate it. I'm specifically wondering if you all had Mk 37 ASW torpedoes or even were considered using Mk 48 torpedoes in them. Specific info I have is that they had put stern launchers in Garcia and Knox destroyer escort classes (before they were designated frigates in 1975). Pleasecontact Kevin directly at ancientsubhunter710@gmail.com

18 Aug 2022 - From Frank DiBello:

A note from Jane Hayden, wife of Don Hayden(TM 61-62)

"I thought you might like to read the obit that Don's sister - who lives in Maine - & I did together so that it hopefully reflects Don.

Go to Moorefuneral.com & home page appears. a little way down page is a triangle that says find obituaries. type Donald Hayden and click on magnifying glass."

8 Aug 2022 - From Frank DiBello:

Updates on arrangements for Don Hayden(TM 61-62)

A Memorial Service will be held on 9/30/2022 at 10 AM at Moore Funeral Home, Southlawn Chapel, 9350 East 51st Street Tulsa Ok.

A Burial Service will be held on 9/30/2022 at 2:30 PM at Fort Gibson National Cemetery 1423 Cemetery Rd, Fort Gibson, OK 74434.

Please do not send flowers, instead a donation can be sent to either the American Lung Association, American Heart Association, or the USS Allen M. Sumner Reunion Association.

Also Jane Hayden is asking for copies any pictures members may have of Don. Please contact me at wrb1@cornell.edu and I can coordinate getting hard copies or electronic copies to Mrs. Hayden.



10 July 2022 - From Frank DiBello:

I am sad too inform you that Don Hayden(tm 61-62) passed away this morning. I will inform you of the Funeral arrangements when I receive them from his wife. She will be meeting with the funeral home tomorrow morning 7/11/2022. He has requested a military funeral and cremation. Jane said he has family on the west coast and east coast, so she doesn t know when the services will be held. We will inform you as soon as I hear.
Please keep Don and his family and friends in your prayers prayers.

Frank DiBello

8 July 2022 - From Frank DiBello:

I talked to Jane Hayden this morning, and I am sad to inform everyone that Don has taken a turn for the worst. He isn t speaking,or able to get out of bed. Jane has been trying too feed him, but he will only take a bite or two,then refuses any more. She is currently talking with Hospice too see what options they Have.
Jane has asked for no more cards for now. He can t see to read them.
Please keep them and their family and friends in your prayers.

27 June 2022 - From Frank DiBello:

I received a phone call this morning at 0943 from Don Hayden((TM3 61-62). His voice was strong and was great to hear. He appreciated the cards that were sent to him. Please continue sending them to his home address and Jane will take them to him. He is doing better, but he has a long road ahead.He will soon be moving to another facility to help his recovery. I will try to pass on anything new as I hear. Please keep Don and his family in your prayers.

20 June 2022 - From Christopher Sparks regarding his father Edward Sparks (IC2 61-64):

This is probably an odd email but i found a picture of my Dad Edward L Sparks in Paul Delasco's photo collection. I thought it might be interesting to hear about my dad in the Navy. Unfortunately he passed away in 2013 so any memories of him are always good. I'm not sure if this email is still active or if Paul is still alive or if anyone else connected with your ship is familiar with him but if anyone has any stories I'd love to hear them.


Christopher Sparks
Cswat33de@gmail.com
Csparks@sunnyside-wa.gov
5094122443

16 June 2022 - From Frank DiBello:

Don Hayden (TM3 61-62) has had a bit of a setback and is back in the hospital. If you wanted to send a note of encouragement, please mail it to his home and his wife will take it in to him.

Don's address:

3026 South Cinncinnati
Tulsa, Ok 74114


I've updated Dons contact information on the the Binnacle List

7 June 2022 - From Jane Hayden via Frank DiBello:

Don's address:

Saint Simeon's Assisted Living - Room 1020
3701 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Tulsa, Ok 74106

He continues to be in his wheel chair & is on daily oxygen & has breathing treatments also. He had a set back last Friday as he was diagnosed with pneumonia. He has been able to resume some PT on a limited basis but still not able to stand or walk. Overall he's in pretty good spirits & never misses a meal in the dining room.

It's difficult to know what the future may hold as they continue to tweak his medication & he also had a recent episode of a-fib. I visit daily & often we play cribbage.

I know he would love hearing from any of his friends.

Thanks Frank. If there is anything else you need/want please let me know. As you can see my email address is jrehayden@yahoo.com

Jane

I've updated Dons contact information on the the Binnacle List

1 April 2022 - From Frank DiBello: A picture of Don Hayden (TM3 61-62) being "Tin Can Strong" at the hospital.
I've updated Dons contact information on the the Binnacle List

30 March 2022 - From Frank DiBello: On 3/10 Don Hayden (TM3 61-62) had a series of strokes that landed him in the hospital in Tulsa. On 3/17 he was transferred to the rehabilitation facility. On Thursday 3/31 his wife Jane will be meeting with the doctors and rehabilitation people to make the decision for the next step to be taken. She will be giving me the details on what will be the next step to be taken. I will forward the information as soon as I get it. Please keep Don and Jane in your prayers.
Don Hayden status and contcat information will be maintained the the Binnacle List

09 March 2022 - Added the Spring Sentinel Newsletter.

20 December 2021 -I just found out that our Chaplin, Jim Gorma, just had some surgery. I am sure he would love to hear from you. Send an email to jasmgorm@gmail.com

09 December 2021 - Added the Winter Sentinel Newsletter.

01 December 2021 - Donald Hedenberg reported the passing of his brother and our shipmate Raymond Earle Hedenberg (EM1 68-71) on August 26, 2021 from COVID-19. He lived in Florida for many years before his passing.

06 June 2021 - Added the Fall Sentinel Newsletter.

27 August 2021 - Frank DiBello (RM3 66-68), Dale Sauber (EN2 68-71), and Bob Kelly (ETR3 65-67) have informed me that Earl Hedenburg (EM1 68-71) passed away on 8/26/2021. I will update the site once we have more information.

23 August 2021 - Don Hayden (TM3 61-62) has been added to the the Binnacle List

06 June 2021 - Added the Summer Sentinel Newsletter. The Sentinal will now be a quarterly newsletter.


17 May 2021 - I received the foellowing email:
My name is Phyllip M. Hickman. I was SMSN from 71-72. I served under SM1 Paul Denten and SM2 Danny Uzeal. I just wanted to let you know that I m still alive and living in Weatherford, Texas. I m 68 years old and in good health. I got my honorable discharge from the Navy (4 years, 1971 to 1975) and then did 17 years, (1975 to 1992) in the Army. I retired from the Army. I am available if anyone wants to talk with me or if I can do anything for any of you. p.w.ford@hotmail.com

26 April 2021 - We were sadly informed of the passing of William Dempsey (RM1 46-47) on April 2010.
He was buried with his parents Yell and Ettie May Bennett in Fort Douglas Arkansas, near where he grew up.
If anyone has questions please contact Alvie Meadows at alvieray@sbcglobal.net

17 April 2021 - We were sadly informed of the passing of Henry "Hank" Pelz (BTC 63-67) on April 7, 2021.
Visit Henry's memorial page to share a memory or send condolences to the family, read the obituary


15 April 2021 - To all Shipmates of the Allen S. Sumner:

Even though a lot of us now have been totally vaccinated we are playing it safe by deciding not to have a formal reunion this year.
We are all hoping to get back to normal next year and hold a reunion in May 2022.
It will still be held in the Galveston/Houston Texas area in order to take care of unfinished business such as the election of officers and selection of future reunion sites.
Based on our bylaws I m sure that Nashville, Tenn. will be the next place to be designated, but that will be up to the majority of those attending the next reunion.

Frank DiBello, President
USS Allen M. Sumner Reunion Association

17 March 2021 - Added the Jan - Mar Sentinel Newsletter.


09 Feb 2021 - A note from Pete Dromms(FTG2 66-67):

"I Just received a call from the Daughter of Frank Embrey (RM2 65-68). Frank is currently our 2nd Vice President. Frank passed away on Friday the 5th of February.

The services will be at the Parklawn Funeral Home in Hampton Va. He is to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery He was a CWO-3 retiring after 26 years of Service. The obituary and information can be found at www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/hampton-va/francis-embrey-10044676.
Tentative services are to be Friday February 12th."

25 Jan 2021 - A note from Chaplin James Gorman(MM3 67):

Shipmates!
If anyone gets an email from { Frank DiBello } this is NOT coming from OUR Frank DiBello! The HACKER/SCAMMER is back and at it again.
PLEASE disregard and report back back to Frank via his REAL email: dibellofp@aol.com From the webmaster... just a a reminder, there are many spammers who will target older folks that they see as more gullable.
Be VERY careful on the internet and with mail. Organizations such as AARP have many articles on line about preventing phishing (https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2019/phishing.html) and safely navigating the internet.
Be cautious and educate yourself - if something seems fishy - it most likely is!

18 Dec 2020 - A note from Franke DiBello(SN 66-68)):

Shipmates!
Now hear this, Now hear this.

It may seem like a little early (since 2020 is not yet over) but we need to plan for our 2021 reunion at the South Shore Hotel in League City, Texas.
If possible, we need to give the hotel a room count guarantee of at least 30 by the end of this year if at all possible to get some free rooms such as hospitality, banquet, etc.To that end I (Frank and me) would like a head count of those who are planning/hoping on attending (pandemic not withstanding).
Please respond Don Hayden at imagerybyhayden@att.net or Frank DiBello at dibellofp@aol.com as soon as possible.

04 Dec 2020 - Added the November - December Sentinel Newsletter.

11 Oct 2020 - Added the September-October Sentinel Newsletter.

05 October 2020 - Frank DiBello reports:
We are sad to report the death of our shipmate Jim Georgantas (RD3 66-69) on September 19, 2019 in Channahon Illinois.

21 September 2020
Cliff Selig(SN 66-68) has been added to the the Binnacle List

9 September 2020 - Frank DiBello reports:
We are sad to report the death of our shipmate Terry Conaway (BT1 65-70). He is survived by his wife Kiyoko. He had complications from an operation of a cancer tumor on his brain. Please remember them in your prayers
Cards should be sent to :
PO Box 333
Earp California 92242

28 Aug 2020 - I've just gotten of the phone talking with a VA Field Examiner who is completing my request to oversee my moms VA Survivor benefits (see June 13th post) and I was talking with him regarding VA benefits. The most important thing I took away from the conversation was that EVERY veteran should take the time to meet with their local VA reps to fully understand the benefits that the VA provides. Also remember that the VA is funded in part by the total number of Vets who use their services. If you go to the VAs office for an annual check up, you will be part of the VA's funding as a block amount. Funds left over from the block amount will go to help other deserving vets. So please take the time to familiarize yourself with VA benefits that you earned through your service.

14 Aug 2020 - Please be alert to scams where emails may get sent to you from former Sumner crew asking for money favors. Frank DiBello is NOT asking any Sumner crew members for any funds so please delete email.

28 Aug 2020 - I've just gotten of the phone talking with a VA Field Examiner who is completing my request to oversee my moms VA Survivor benefits (see June 13th post) and I was talking with him regarding VA benefits. The most important thing I took away from the conversation was that EVERY veteran should take the time to meet with their local VA reps to fully understand the benefits that the VA provides. Also remember that the VA is funded in part by the total number of Vets who use their services. If you go to the VAs office for an annual check up, you will be part of the VA's funding as a block amount. Funds left over from the block amount will go to help other deserving vets. So please take the time to familiarize yourself with VA benefits that you earned through your service.

14 Aug 2020 - Please be alert to scams where emails may get sent to you from former Sumner crew asking for money favors. Frank DiBello is NOT asking any Sumner crew members for any funds so please delete email.

04 Aug 2020 - Added the July-Aug Sentinel Newsletter.

22 July 2020 - I received the following email from Cdr. C. Thomas Frohne, USNR/RET @ tfrohne@gmail.com
"Always wanted to thank your valant crew that attempted to save my Dad and his crew."
See article A Father recalls the death of his father,a Naval Aviator, 60 years ago.

20 July 2020 - Dale Surber (EN2 68-71) is making great progress with rehabilitation. Cards and notes are making a big difference in keeping his spirits up. Keep 'em coming. See the Binnacle List. with Dale Surber's (EN2 68-71) address and status.

9 July 2020 - I have updated the the Binnacle List. with Dale Surber's (EN2 68-71) address and status.

8 July 2020 - I have updated the the Binnacle List. with Dale Surber (EN2 68-71) status.

4 July 2020 - Informed by Dave Robson (SH3 66-70) that Dale Surber (EN2 68-71) underwent emergency surgery and will remain in the hospital for a couple of days. When I get more information I will update the Binnacle List.

30 June 2020 - Informed by Don Hayden that Donald Keith Moore(SN 55-57) was called to Final Muster.

29 June 2020 - Added the May - June Sentinel Newsletter.

24 June 2020 - Both Dan Barrs (QM1 63-68) and Don Hayden (TM3 61-62) are home, and I've updated their contact information in the Binnacle List.

14 June 2020 - Dan Barrs (QM1 63-68) is in the hositpal for some surgery. I have updated his contact information in the Binnacle List.

13 June 2020 - Many veterans are not aware that when they pass, their spouses may be eligible for a small pension. This is the link to the VA s Survivor program for surviving spouses of veterans who served in combat areas. The program description is "VA Survivors Pension offers monthly payments to qualified surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime Veterans who meet certain income and net worth limits set by Congress. Find out if you qualify and how to apply." The VA will determine the amount the spouse is eligible for as a life-long benefit. The funds are designated to the spouse and cannot be touched by nursing homes, medicare, or Medicaid.
More can be found at the survivors Pension web site.
I applied for it for my mom and she now receives a month check that wll cover small expenses like the beauty parlor and gifts for the grandchildren.

12 June 2020 - Don Hayden (TM3 61-62) suffered a fall and had to have some surgery to repair a fractured hip. He is now in rehab and I have updated his contact information in the Binnacle List.

8 June 2020 - Don Hayden (TM3 61-62) suffered a fall and had to have some surgery to repair a fractured hip. He will be in the hospital for a couple of days, and then will be transferred to a rehabilitation facility. Please feel free to conact him at the points listed in the Binnacle List.

10 May 2020 - I found a Youtube video on a prototype conversion to a Gearing-Class destroyers (USS Meredith, DD-890) to make them more livable.

13 Apl 2020 - Added the March - April Sentinel Newsletter.

1 APR 2020 - Posting three notes from Bobby Moores funeral Note 1, Note 2, and Note from Mary Moore

Mar 23, 2020- I received an email from David Engle asking "Good morning. I am trying to get information about my Father Melvin Engle who served on the USS Allen Summer in the late 50's to Early 60's. Would you have any photos of him? He has since passed. December 31, 2013. He had left out family when I was very little. Thanks you for your time."
If you have information please contact David at dae104@verizon.net.

Mar 16, 2020 - Frank DiBello (SN 66-68) sent this to me :
Good Afternoon.

I wanted to touch base with you about the Blue Water Sailors Law that went into effective January 1, 2020.
I have been granted a service connected disability for my heart disease which on the list of Agent Orange presumptive conditions.
I would like to share this with our shipmates and maybe the widow's of our shipmate's that have passed away due to the conditions. I'm thinking of the RM Pete that passed away from diabetes.
Our shipmates need to contact their County Veterans Service Officer to file their claims. They need the following documents:

a. DD-214
b. Marriage license to current spouse.
c. SSN; DOB of spouse(no birth certificate required)
d. A list of previous marriage's and how those marriages ended(divorce, death,etc.)

They need dates and places that the marriages ended (no copies required).
If they can get letters from their doctors stating they have a diagnosis of their conditions.
The VA will be in contact with them after their claims have been filed.
I wish everyone good luck. These claims are not granted over night.

PATIENCE!!
God Bless,
Gary M. Whitehead

Mar 12, 2020 - Frank DiBello (SN 66-68) sent this to me :
As a result of the Coronavirus a pandemic, I am asking for a cancellation of the Nashville reunion. I do not want to be a dictator, so I am calling for a vote from the officers and directors and the MOALE representatives to cancel the Nashville reunion.
At the Branson meeting it was voted in to have the 2021 reunion in the Houston Galveston area. I suggest at the 2021 reunion ,since we will all be together, we discuss if we will do to Nashville in 2022 or vote in a new destination as usual, for the 2022 reunion.
It saddens me to cancel this reunion,but I think it is in the best interest for all of our shipmates and families.
Please respond to this email in a timely manor so that we can go ahead with the necessary arrangements to be delt with.
Pete Dromms has only put deposits on the busses and the BBQ cater, which he is going to try to get our deposits back. Everyone can cancel their hotel reservations without any penalties with plenty of time to spare. Airlines are going to let people have refunds or carryover the reservations for a year according to what the TV news is saying.
With deep sorrow
Frank DiBello

Mar 6, 2020- In June a new movie starring Tom Hanks as a Captian of a tin can escorting a convoy across the Atlantic in WWII will be released. The trailer is available to be watched.

Mar 3, 2020- Frank DiBello (SN 66-68) reported that the reunion hotel escaped any damage from the tornado that touched down in Nashville yesterday.

Feb 27, 2020- Don Hayden built a very nice Obituary for Bobby Moore.

27 Feb 2020 - Frank DiBello (SN 66-68) has passed along the obituary information for Bobby Moore (MMC 61-69).
In lieu of flowers , the family has asked for donations to be sent to the church.
Evergreen Baptist Church
1380 Evergreen Road
Bernice,La 71222

25 Feb 2020 - I was just informed by by Frank DiBello (SN 66-68) that Bobby Moore (MMC 61-69) has been called to final muster. I will update this site as details are made available.

12 Feb 2020 - Updated the the Binnacle List with news that Bobby Moore was re-admitted back to the hospital.

4 Feb 2020 - Added the Jan-Feb Sentinel Newsletter.

24 December 2019 - On Christmas Day, 1994 the Allen M. Sumner was anchored in the Phillipines . The next day she was replenished for combat operations.

23 December 2019 - Updated the the Binnacle List with latest news from Bobby Moore and Paul Delasco.

17 December 2019 - Chaplin James Gorman(MM3 67) reports:
"I talked with Shipmate Bobby Moore on the phone and he sounds better than I have heard him in months. He is very excited to be looking at rehab to get him back home. Anyone wishing to communicate with him, feel free to use his home address:"
Bobby R Moore
870 Buck Moore Rd
Bernice, Louisiana 71222

08 December 2019 - Added the Nov-Dec Sentinel Newsletter.

19 November 2019 - Chaplin James Gorman(MM3 67) reports that Bobby Moore is being prepared for Home Care and still progressing a step at a time. He is still in the hospital as of 11/18.

6 November 2019 - From Jeff Moore, son of Bobby Moore (61-69 MMC) My dad wanted me to get a hold of you to let you know he's in the hospital with pneumonia in both lungs and is having a hard time catching his breath. His doctors says he'll be there one to two weeks if all goes well. He's asking for prayers, we are all asking for prayers. he has his phone with him (318-243-8190) but can't talk long without running out of air but that doesn't stop him from talking. let me thank you in advance for all the prayers and thoughts.
I also updated the the Binnacle List with his mailing address.

1 Nov 2020 - Updated the 2020 Reunion Site

24 OCT 2019 - From Chaplin Jim Gorman
After calling several shipmates and emails, I got a report from Shipmate Fred Willshaw. Not many of us had heard directly from him since last Spring. So, straight from Fred's mouth (actually email):
Not much to report, can't drive and my equilibrium stinks ! Miss you all. Take care and be good.....
Fred

Let us keep in mind and prayers all of our shipmates and their families and friends who might be able to use an extra word or two in prayer.
And it was very nice to be able to hear from Fred.

August 2019 - From Don Hayden
Shipmate John B. Barry (DC2 65-69) was called to final muster on August 8th. His obiturary follows:
John B. Barry, age 72, died peacefully in his home in Norwalk, CT on August 8, 2019 with his family by his side. John was a proud Navy veteran, serving in the Vietnam War from 1965-1969. Following his service with the Navy, John joined the Norwalk Fire Department and proudly served for 30 years and also steadfastly worked at Collins Funeral Home. John was a founding life member of the Connecticut Fire Fighter Pipe and Drum Band. He was an active member of the VFW, Post 603. John was predeceased by his parents; father, John Francis Barry and mother, Helen Silk Barry. John is survived by his wife, Judith; children: Daughter Danna Yarde and husband Jeffrey of Norwalk, CT, daughter Kelly Knowles and husband Mathew of Branchville, NJ, and son Michael Sarrazien and wife Christine of Shelton CT. He is also survived by brother Bryan Barry and sister Mary Guiles, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
John's family would like to also express our deepest gratitude for the upmost skilled care and compassion the following showed John: Dr. Amy Ahasic, Norwalk Hospital; Katherine Roarty APRN, Norwalk Hospital; Vitas Healthcare especially Bindu, Jasintha, and Seila; and Dr. Josephine Chou and the staff of the T.C.C. at Yale New Haven Hospital.
Calling hours will be held at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851, August 13, 2019 from 4-8 PM. A Mass Christian burial will take place at Church of the Assumption, 98 Riverside Ave., Westport, CT 06880, August 14, 2019 at 10 AM. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850. The Family has asked, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to Church of the Assumption in the remembrance of John Bryan Barry.
Published in The Hour on Aug. 11, 2019

26 SEP 2019 - Added the Aug-Sep Sentinel Newsletter.

August 2019 - From Don Hayden
Shipmate John B. Barry (DC2 65-69) was called to final muster on August 8th. His obiturary follows:
John B. Barry, age 72, died peacefully in his home in Norwalk, CT on August 8, 2019 with his family by his side. John was a proud Navy veteran, serving in the Vietnam War from 1965-1969. Following his service with the Navy, John joined the Norwalk Fire Department and proudly served for 30 years and also steadfastly worked at Collins Funeral Home. John was a founding life member of the Connecticut Fire Fighter Pipe and Drum Band. He was an active member of the VFW, Post 603. John was predeceased by his parents; father, John Francis Barry and mother, Helen Silk Barry. John is survived by his wife, Judith; children: Daughter Danna Yarde and husband Jeffrey of Norwalk, CT, daughter Kelly Knowles and husband Mathew of Branchville, NJ, and son Michael Sarrazien and wife Christine of Shelton CT. He is also survived by brother Bryan Barry and sister Mary Guiles, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
John's family would like to also express our deepest gratitude for the upmost skilled care and compassion the following showed John: Dr. Amy Ahasic, Norwalk Hospital; Katherine Roarty APRN, Norwalk Hospital; Vitas Healthcare especially Bindu, Jasintha, and Seila; and Dr. Josephine Chou and the staff of the T.C.C. at Yale New Haven Hospital.
Calling hours will be held at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851, August 13, 2019 from 4-8 PM. A Mass Christian burial will take place at Church of the Assumption, 98 Riverside Ave., Westport, CT 06880, August 14, 2019 at 10 AM. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850. The Family has asked, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to Church of the Assumption in the remembrance of John Bryan Barry.
Published in The Hour on Aug. 11, 2019

18 July 2019 - From Chaplain James Gorman (MM3 67)
~"Shipmates, I am encouraging anyone who has any questions, comments, suggestions, or otherwise; please feel free to email me at any time: James

I was a hospital chaplain for thirteen years; not the ordinary type of chaplain. When asked by patients about my religious affiliation; or where my church was; all of those 'typical' questions; I rarely gave the same answer twice in a row. I have always thought of myself as trying to be a Big C Christian, and more of a little c Catholic. The easiest part of my ministry was not following the rules. After being asked for prayer by a patient one time, and having delivered to God first class mail sent from this fellow and his family; he asked me where I preached. I told him that I was not ordained, because Catholics cannot be ordained a priest and also be married. His was response was an affirmation that I carried with me the rest of my tenure. He said, " Oh, my! I thought you were Baptist!" He was Baptist and was interested in coming to my church. I laughed, he laughed, his family laughed. I think this is a little like what I picture Jesus to have been. He certainly was not able to be labeled according to any of His contemporaries. And I believe if we break down belief to it's lowest common denominator, we are all probably much more the same than we are different.
'Fair winds and following seas'
Blessings and peace to you and yours always, my friends.
Jim Gorman

17 July 2019 - Shipmate Roger Longfield (TM3 53-55) was called on to final muster on June 26th, 2019 surrounded by family.
Read the Obitutuary

12 July 2019 - From Chaplin James Gorman" The VA announced the approval of the use of Spravato for veterans that have 'treatment-resistant depression.'
Veterans in immediate crisis may call the Veterans Crisis Line at:
800-273-8255, then press '1';
OR: text 838255;
OR: chat online at Veterans Crisis Line
And as always , visit VA Mental Health website

7 July 2019 - Updated the 2019 Reunion Site with pictures taken at the event. I am trying someting a bit different this year and I am using my Google photo account to store the images and then it ill allow you to see the images and thenyou will be able to scroll though the images and enlarge.

27 Jun 2019 - Added an extra edition Sentinel Newsletter.

14 JUN 2019 - Added the May - June Sentinel Newsletter.

137 Jun 2019 - I received an email from Bill Simmons, whose father Wendell H. Simmons (FN 65-68) was a on the AMS. Bill Simmons would love to hear from any crew who sailed with Wendell at "bandc2797@icloud.com"

21 May 2019 - I found this 3d representation of the WWII DD-692. Below is a preview,to see a better representation go to https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/class-allen-m-sumner-uss-sumner-dd-692-176381c678b641a19cfeb7674d487043
The image can be rotated via the mouse and zoomed in.

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The Sumner Bookshelf

Our shipmate Bob Sumrall's classic history of the Sumner-Gearing classes has been reprinted and is available from the Tin Can Sailors Book Store.  If you do not have a copy, this publication will give you an indepth understanding of the history, the systems (weapons, engineering, electronics, etc.) and how the Sumner actually operated as originally designed and through her many modifications. Your Webmaster highly recommends this work.  Bravo Zulu to Bob.

Captain Bill Harlow USN (Ret.) has published his first novel CIRCLE WILLIAM which is in the mold of a Clancy novel but on a DESTROYER and very realistic.  Once you start you will not put it down.  Get all the facts at http://www.circlewilliam.com