John Birkel, Duane Malme, George Clifton, Paul Dunn.. Back row Jeff Amundsen, John Karlis, Paul Smith, Elton Fauber.
USS Yancey 2019 Reunion
Buffalo, NY
The reunion this year was part of the Amphibious Ships Reunion. There were 18 ships represented with over 150 people in attendance. Though many of the ships had only one or two members present. Even with our numbers down, 8 shipmates and a total of 15 people, we came in a distant third behind the USS Telfair and USS Rankin, 33 and 26.
As always the reunion started out Thursday afternoon with registration. As you can imagine this took some time considering the number of attendees. Those registering flowed into the well stocked hospitality room to greet old friends and maybe make some new ones or just have some refreshments. The day continued with a welcome reception including a buffet prime rib dinner. Ray Casey and Skip Sander welcomed all to the largest ever Amphibious Ships Reunion. Steve Malloy said Grace and dinner was served.
After breakfast Friday morning we loaded up three buses for our trip to Lockport, NY where we boarded boats for our tour down the Erie Canal. There is a lot of history involving the canal which was very interesting and with the beautiful weather it was a fun relaxing morning. The tour was followed by a terrific lunch, then back to the hotel by 2:00 which left time for a nap or a visit to the hospitality room. Friday evening we had a cake and ice cream social to celebrate the 75th Launch anniversary for eight of the ships present including the Yancey.
Saturday was our trip to the Naval and Military Park on Lake Erie. Immediately after arriving we gathered on the fantail of the USS Little Rock for our Annual Memorial Service. Acting as chaplain was Steve Malloy, USS Baxer, Paul Smith was the bell ringer and John Karlis and George Clifton read the names of the deceased. A bugler played taps to conclude the service. Following the service we were free to go on a guided tour of the cruiser USS Little Rock, destroyer USS Sullivan or the submarine USS Croaker or explore on your own. There was also a very interesting museum for those tired of climbing on ships. We concluded our day with a trip into Buffalo and the Pearl Street Brewery for lunch.
Sunday was the day that was the deciding factor that brought many to the reunion. Our trip to Niagara Falls. It was again a beautiful day and it is hard to describe the majesty of the Falls. You almost had to be there to understand how impressive it is. Many pictures were taken that are included below. We continued our day with lunch and a city tour of downtown Buffalo and many of the outlying neighborhoods. Then it was back to the hotel to get ready for pictures and the banquet. Since there were so many people we needed two photographers but there was still a certain amount of chaos.
The banquet began with the Missing Man Table ceremony, again thanks to Steve Malloy, John Karlis and Paul Smith. Skip Sander then welcomed all and introduced three 90 year olds in attendance who each spoke briefly. During dinner we were entertained by “Friends of Harmony” a local barbershop style acapella group who sang a variety of patriotic songs. This concluded the reunion and many stayed to talk or gather in the hospitality room for a night cap.
Monday morning we again had a buffet breakfast and a chance to say goodbyes until next year’s reunion in Annapolis, Maryland.
Buffalo, NY
The reunion this year was part of the Amphibious Ships Reunion. There were 18 ships represented with over 150 people in attendance. Though many of the ships had only one or two members present. Even with our numbers down, 8 shipmates and a total of 15 people, we came in a distant third behind the USS Telfair and USS Rankin, 33 and 26.
As always the reunion started out Thursday afternoon with registration. As you can imagine this took some time considering the number of attendees. Those registering flowed into the well stocked hospitality room to greet old friends and maybe make some new ones or just have some refreshments. The day continued with a welcome reception including a buffet prime rib dinner. Ray Casey and Skip Sander welcomed all to the largest ever Amphibious Ships Reunion. Steve Malloy said Grace and dinner was served.
After breakfast Friday morning we loaded up three buses for our trip to Lockport, NY where we boarded boats for our tour down the Erie Canal. There is a lot of history involving the canal which was very interesting and with the beautiful weather it was a fun relaxing morning. The tour was followed by a terrific lunch, then back to the hotel by 2:00 which left time for a nap or a visit to the hospitality room. Friday evening we had a cake and ice cream social to celebrate the 75th Launch anniversary for eight of the ships present including the Yancey.
Saturday was our trip to the Naval and Military Park on Lake Erie. Immediately after arriving we gathered on the fantail of the USS Little Rock for our Annual Memorial Service. Acting as chaplain was Steve Malloy, USS Baxer, Paul Smith was the bell ringer and John Karlis and George Clifton read the names of the deceased. A bugler played taps to conclude the service. Following the service we were free to go on a guided tour of the cruiser USS Little Rock, destroyer USS Sullivan or the submarine USS Croaker or explore on your own. There was also a very interesting museum for those tired of climbing on ships. We concluded our day with a trip into Buffalo and the Pearl Street Brewery for lunch.
Sunday was the day that was the deciding factor that brought many to the reunion. Our trip to Niagara Falls. It was again a beautiful day and it is hard to describe the majesty of the Falls. You almost had to be there to understand how impressive it is. Many pictures were taken that are included below. We continued our day with lunch and a city tour of downtown Buffalo and many of the outlying neighborhoods. Then it was back to the hotel to get ready for pictures and the banquet. Since there were so many people we needed two photographers but there was still a certain amount of chaos.
The banquet began with the Missing Man Table ceremony, again thanks to Steve Malloy, John Karlis and Paul Smith. Skip Sander then welcomed all and introduced three 90 year olds in attendance who each spoke briefly. During dinner we were entertained by “Friends of Harmony” a local barbershop style acapella group who sang a variety of patriotic songs. This concluded the reunion and many stayed to talk or gather in the hospitality room for a night cap.
Monday morning we again had a buffet breakfast and a chance to say goodbyes until next year’s reunion in Annapolis, Maryland.
Erie Canal Tour
Naval and military park
&
Memorial service
USS YANCEY DECEASED
Jonnie Carter Richard Craig Gene Foss
Harold Hegler George Horner Joshua Charles Martin
Harold Harris Joel Newman Clarence Provaznik
Jonnie Carter Richard Craig Gene Foss
Harold Hegler George Horner Joshua Charles Martin
Harold Harris Joel Newman Clarence Provaznik
