Our priority continues to be the safety and well-being of the staff and those we serve. We have continued to serve our missions while our operations are almost fully online.

The Alumni Association and Foundation offices will remain closed to visitors and staff will continue teleworking through 31 July. Our small footprint of essential employees will continue to practice social distancing and wearing masks while working at Building 274 on the Yard. Our operational stance is consistent with the Yard, Anne Arundel County and Maryland guidance and best practices. Further, we are working on a staged reentry plan for our staff to support mission-critical activity. To that end, we are working closely with Yard staff to support both I-Day and Plebe Summer activities with a modified event and coverage plan to ensure the safety of our staff, our guests and the Brigade of Midshipmen.

Maryland is following Governor Hogan’s Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery plan, which includes a phased approach to reopening business. The state is in Stage Two per the Governor’s Executive Orders. Key openings and points under this Order are as follows:

• As of 12 June at 5 p.m., outdoor entertainment and recreational attractions along with indoor dining reopened to the general public, though specific closures and restrictions are still in place.
• As of 19 June at 5 p.m., indoor entertainment and recreational attractions reopened to the general public, along with casinos, malls and gyms.
• Teleworking should still be considered for staff.
• Staff shall be 6 feet apart in all settings including offices, desks and  lobby waiting areas.
• Residents should continue practicing physical distancing of 6 feet or more outdoors and in public places.

Please see these FAQs Regarding Community, Recreational, Leisure, Cultural and Sporting Gatherings and Events.

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman has aligned AA with Stage 2 of the state’s Roadmap to Recovery. The state prohibition on gatherings of 10 or more people has been lifted as well. Both Governor Hogan and County Executive Pittman recommend that people continue following the latest guidance from the CDC and the Maryland Department of Health regarding social distancing, including avoiding large gatherings and crowded places.

As an additional layer of safety, County Health Officer Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman issued a revised public health order that requires face coverings in indoor public areas, retail stores and on public transportation, except to the extent a face covering on a customer would make it impossible for permitted services to be performed or when a health condition prevents its usage.

We continue to take this recovery seriously and keep safety and health in mind while working on our reentry plan. We will be conservative in our approach to our reentry and will continue to support and follow Governor Hogan’s Maryland Strong: BACK TO BUSINESS PLEDGE guidelines by reinforcing a socially distant environment, conducting routine cleanings, encouraging employees to wash their hands frequently, providing flexibility to our employees and following the guidance by the CDC and the local health department.

For additional operational updates and statements, visit https://www.usna.com/covid-19 and www.usna.edu/covid-19.

As the President of the Oregon SW Washington Chapter of the US Naval Academy Alumni Association I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of you on your commissioning as Officers in the Navy or Marine Corps.  While your graduation differs somewhat from past graduations, it still represents a significant achievement for which you and your family should be justly proud.  Few graduations are ever remembered by other than the participants but yours will always be,

You all are embarking on the adventure of a lifetime as an officer in the Armed Forces of the United States.  There is no greater calling than to be in the service of our country.  We alumni, of which you are members, wish you well and welcome you to our society.  No matter where you may be serving, please remember that whenever you are back here in Oregon, you are MOST WELCOME to join us in our Chapter activities!

Fair winds and following seas!

Mike Carmichael CDR, USN, (ret) USNA 1969

Our March meeting was a fantastic success.  Our speaker was David Rajkovich, president of the Stockton Maritime Museum in Northern California and a few members of his staff.  David made a presentation on the non-magnetic ships, minesweeping and ship Building.  His organization is currently restoring the USS LUCID (MSO 458).  Our oldest active alumni, John Frerichs, was a plank owner on the Lucid in 1955. John and his daughter were in attendance.

Unfortunately, this March meeting will be our last get together for a while.  Our May and June meetings as well as our council meeting and the tour of the restored ships at Swan Island are cancelled.  While we have not cancelled our July meeting, it is doubtful if it will be held. USNA Parent Club activities have likewise been cancelled.

The good news is that we are still planning to hold our annual picnic (with our USMA colleagues) on August 1^st in Washougal. Being able to have the picnic will be dependent on both current restrictions by the state of Washington as well as our assessment of the potential risk to our alumni(too many of us are at the age where we had a real plebe year).  If we are able to hold the picnic it will be a potluck vs catered event, with a small fee to cover expenses.  More info and guidance to follow.

At our September meeting (September 9^{th at} 11:30 at the Old Spaghetti Factory) we will host SGM (ret) Gavin McLlvenna, President of the Society of Honor Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  November 11, 2021 will be the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  SGM (ret) McLlvenna will give us insights into the origins and history of the Tomb.  I was able to hear him speak at the USMA meeting in Dec.  He is quite impressive.  You do not want to miss this.

Important: We have been without a chapter secretary for quite a while, which has not been a big deal, because Frank Swientek has done such a wonderful job of submitting our Shipmate articles, including special interest articles, allowing us to have several submissions in many Shipmate articles.  Frank, however, is stepping down after 3 years so we need a replacement.  Please contact Frank if you would like to take on the job.  This is probably our most significant communications tool.

There was an International Chapter President Forum held remotely this past Friday.  Doug Ballard, John Adams and I participated.  Some interesting information from the presentations:

The Class of 2020 has 1042 graduates.  The Academy will have several Tecumseh Court Graduations of about 240 Grads per event.  This will allow the Midshipmen to get back to the Academy, get their things and have on site graduation.  There will be a virtual graduation om May 22 which will be streamed live.   The ceremony will be broadcast on the following link:

https:/watchstadium.com/live/us-naval-academy-graduation/

There will be no shipboard summer assignments.  The Academy is looking at possibly having summer academic classes and cruises in the fall.

Other than that, there are no firm plans for anything, including I Day (pretty much like the rest of the world).

There will be a new publication issued shortly called Unprecedented.  It will feature stories of USNA grads/midshipmen with the COVID-19 virus pandemic.

As most of you know the Chapel Dome is being replaced.  IF you would like a bit of the old (90 year old) copper being replaced, Herff Jones (the ring maker) has taken the copper and has a line of products with the material.  These range from jewelry to challenge coins to framed pictures.  If interested go to www.usnachapeldome,com.

Lastly I would recommend that if you are interested in following what is happening at the Academy and with Oregon and SW Washington past, present and future midshipmen, visit the USNA Parent’s club web site and follow them on Facebook.  Jeneane Douglas, the Parents Club Social Media Coordinator (son Cameron, ’21) Is doing a great job keeping us posted on current events with our Mids at Annapolis.

Everyone please stay safe and sane in this low budget B movie we all find ourselves in.

Remember, Chapter Challenge Coins can be the perfect gift.  See Frank Swientek.

March President’s message

Our February traditional Valentine’s dinner was a huge success. We had 32 USNA Alumni, guests and parents and 12 USMA Alumni and guests.  This is the first of several joint ventures we plan with the Army Alumni.  Thanks to Doug Bomarito for all your efforts in getting this organized.

Our March meeting will be on March 11th at 11:30 at the Old Spaghetti Factory.  Our speaker will be David Rajkovich, president of the Stockton Maritime Museum in Northern California and a few members of his staff.  David will make a presentation on the non-magnetic ships, minesweeping and ship Building.  His organization is currently restoring the USS Lucid (MSO 458).  Our oldest active alumni John Frerichs was a plank owner on the Lucid in 1955.

On Saturday April 4^th the Oregon SW Washington USNA Parent’s Club will hold its First Salute Coin Luncheon honoring the parents of the graduating 1^st class midshipmen of the class of 2020 at 1:00 at Langdon Farms.  If interested in attending, please RSVP to usnapcorwa@gmail.com.

At our April meeting (April 8^th at 11:30 at the Old Spaghetti Factory) we will host SGM (ret) Gavin McLlvenna, President of the Society of Honor Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  November 11, 2021 will be the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  SGM (ret) McLlvenna will give us insights into the origins and history of the Tomb.  I was able to hear him speak at the USMA meeting in Dec.  He is quite impressive.  You do not want to miss this.

We are looking for some new council members.  We meet twice a year and plan the chapter activities and direction.  If you are interested in helping out then let me know or just show up at our meeting.  We can use your help.

The Washington County Schools are starting their Veteran’s Appreciation Days.  The first is at Southridge High School on Thursday April 16^th from 0800 to 1430.  This is an excellent opportunity to talk to young people about the military (most know little or nothing about military life or any of the Academies).  If interested in attending, please contact Tim Myers dudleyolive@comcast.net.

At our May meeting (11:30 May 13^th Old Spaghetti Factory) Mr. John “J” Wanders will talk with us on the USS LCI 713.  Several years back we had a presentation on the LCI.  This presentation will focus on the LCI as a (work in progress) Naval Museum.  Mr. Wanders will also be auctioning a copy of his book, “The Ablest Navigator, Lieutenant Paul M. Shulman, Israel’s Volunteer Admiral”.  Additionally, Mr. Wanders, on behalf of AFMM (Amphibious forces Memorial Museum) and PT-658, extends an invitation for our entire organization to visit both ships On Saturday, May 16 (which is Armed Forces Day). Both ships are berthed at Swan Island. The PT boat is in its boat house. The LCI is moored at pier side in the Lagoon.  Both ships are somewhat small, so in the morning one half of our group would tour the LCI and the other half a static (non-cruising) tour of the PT-boat. After a mid-day light lunch in the LCI’s mess deck, the two groups would shift and visit the other vessel.

On our website is posted a flyer on a Veterans Job Fair on March 5^th from 10-3 at the Doubletree Hotel (1000 NE Multnomah St.) in Portland sponsored by the BPA.

Remember, Chapter Challenge Coins can be the perfect gift.  See Frank Swientek.

Oregon SW Washington Chapter of the USNA Alumni Association was chosen as one of 5 out of over 100 chapters as a Distinguished Chapter (this is the second time in the past 3 years)!!!!

Looking ahead we have four months of very interesting and informative programs coming up.

Our February meeting will be on February 12 at 6:00 PM at the Old Spaghetti Factory and will be our traditional Valentine’s dinner. This year will be a bit different as we are having the dinner with our USMA alumni brethren.  This is a great opportunity for those who work and cannot make our luncheons to come and participate.  So, plan on bringing your spouse/sweetheart and join us.  Thanks to Ray Kutch we will have a photographer present.

Our March meeting will be on March 11th at 11:30 at the Old Spaghetti Factory.  Our speaker will be David Rajkovich, president of the Stockton Maritime Museum in Northern California and a few members of his staff.  David will make a presentation on the non magnetic ships, minesweeping and ship Building.  His organization is currently restoring the USS Lucid (MSO) 458.  Our oldest active alumni John Frerichs was a plank owner on the Lucid in 1955.

April we will host SGM(ret) Gavin McLlvenna, President of the Society of Honor Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  November 11, 2021 will be the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  SGM(ret) McLlvenna will give us insights into the origins and history of the Tomb.  I was able to hear him speak at the USMA meeting in Dec.  He is quite impressive.  You do not want to miss this.

In May Mr. John  “J” Wanders will talk with us on the USS LCI 713.  Several years back we had a presentation on the LCI.  This presentation will focus on the LCI as a (work in progress) Naval Museum.  Mr. Wanders will also be auctioning a copy of his book, “The Ablest Navigator, Lieutenant Paul M. Shulman, Israel’s Volunteer Admiral”.  Additionally, Mr. Wanders has on behalf of AFMM (Amphibious forces Memorial Museum) and PT-658 would like to extend an invitation for our entire organization to visit both ships On Saturday, May 16 (which is Armed forces Day). As you know, both ships are berthed at Swan Island. The PT boat is in its boat house. The LCI is moored at pier side in the Lagoon.  Both ships are somewhat small, so in the morning one half of your group would tour the LCI and the other half a static (non-cruising) tour of the PT-boat. After a mid-day light lunch in the LCI’s mess deck, the two groups would shift and visit the other vessel.

On our website is posted a flyer on a Veterans Job Fair on March 5^th from 10-3 at the Doubletree Hotel (1000 NE Multnomah St.) in Portland sponsored by the BPA.

Remember, Chapter Challenge Coins can be the perfect Valentine’s gift.  See Frank Swientek.

Navy Wrestling takes on Army on February 22^nd.  Like in Football we need to turn around a three year losing streak.

Mike

Beat Army

Oregon SW Washington Chapter of the USNA Alumni Association was chosen as one of 4 out of over 100 chapters as a Distinguished Chapter (this is the second time in the past 3 years)!!!!

At the December Trustee Meeting in Annapolis, our Trustee Doug Ballard accepted the Distinguished Chapter award. This recognition is a credit to the enthusiasm and dedication of the alumni in this somewhat less than welcoming military environment in this area.

The Army Navy game was a total success, not only because of the resounding victory over Army, but also the fact that at our three viewing locations (Beaverton, Vancouver, and Bend) we had over 65 alumni, family and friends attend.  It is easy to see why we are a distinguished chapter.

For our January luncheon meeting on January 8 at the Old Spaghetti Factory at 11:30 we will have Lenora Bay, treasurer of the USS Oregon SSN 793 Commissioning Ceremony committee, speak to us about the history of the USS Oregon and how we can help with this important event.  The Christening occurred in September, and the commissioning is expected in late 2020.

Our February meeting will be on February 12 at 6:30 PM at the Old Spaghetti Factory and will be our traditional Valentine’s dinner. This year will be a bit different as we are having the dinner with our USMA alumni brethren.  This is a great opportunity for those who work and cannot make our luncheons to come and participate.  So plan on bringing your spouse/sweetheart and join us.

The All Academy Ball was a tremendous success.  Thanks to all the Parent Club members who put so much time and effort into it.  The location was incredible.  Also great was the fact that we had at least 19 alumni present.

On our website is posted a flyer on a Veterans Job Fair on March 5^th from 10-3 at the Doubletree Hotel (1000 NE Multnomah St.) in Portland sponsored by the BPA.

Remember, Chapter Challenge Coins can be the perfect gift.  See Frank Swientek.

This Holiday season brings many activities and so much for us as alumni to be grateful for.

First the December meeting will be on December 11^th at the Old Spaghetti Factory at 1130 AM.  This is our annual celebration of the Greatest Generation.  At this meeting we will honor veterans of WWII as well as the Korean conflict.  If you know of a vet from either of these two conflicts, please bring them to the luncheon. Please respond to the invitation so we can give the restaurant an idea of how many are attending.  It is also the wrap-up of our Toys for Tots drive.  So, come and bring a toy.

We will have two locations for the viewing of the Army Navy game Noon December 14^th.  We will meet at our traditional location at Big Al’s in Beaverton.  Thanks to the efforts of Ray Kutch we also have a venue set up in Washington.  It is 40 ET 8 Bingo Parlor, 7607 NE 26th Ave Vancouver, WA 98665. Lastly for those alumni in southern Oregon two USMA alumni, Kelsey and Troy Yoho have offered to view the game at The Weekend Beer Company in Grants Pass Or. 550 SW 6^th St Suite G Grants Pass Or phone 541-5071919.

For our January luncheon meeting on January 8 at the Old Spaghetti Factory we will have Lenora Bay, treasurer of the USS Oregon SSN 793 Commissioning Ceremony committee, speak to us about how we can help with this important event.  The Christening occurred in September, and the commissioning is expected in late 2020.

Important!!!!!! The Parents Club of Oregon and SW Washington is sponsoring the All Academy Ball this year on December 28th at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum 500 NW Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, OR. Please plan on attending.  What a wonderful way to support our current midshipmen and their families.  There will also be an afterparty at the Hotel Oregon in McMinnville.  You can make reservations at  https://secure.west-point.org/usnapc-orswwa/ball.  Registration ends December 13.

We, thanks to the efforts of Doug Bomarito, are arranging several joint functions with our USMA alumni brethren.  In addition to the Army Navy game, we are planning to have a joint Valentines Dinner for our February meeting and have a joint Picnic in August.

Remember, Chapter Challenge Coins can be the perfect gift.  See Frank Swientek.

Mike

Beat Army

November brings lots of activities for the USNA alumni.

The November meeting will be on November 13 at the Old Spaghetti Factory at 1130 AM.  This is our annual  celebration of the birthday of the US Marine Corps.   It is also the kickoff of our Toys for Tots drive.  So, come and bring a Marine and a toy.

The Navy Notre Dame game is shaping up to be a good one.  Great chance for a Navy win!!!!!  Join us at the North 45 Grill at 11:30 (North 45 Pub 517 NW 21st Ave Portland).  Game will be viewed by USNA and Notre Dame Alumni.  You don’t want to miss this one.

The December luncheon meeting will be December 11 and will be our celebration of the greatest generation.  We will honor WWII and Korean Conflict vets.  Please look to invite vets from this era to our luncheon.  We will also be collecting toys for our Toys for Tots drive.

We will have two locations for the viewing of the Army Navy game 2:30 December 14^th.  We will meet at our traditional location at Big Al’s in Beaverton.  Thanks to the efforts of Ray Kutch we also have a venue set up in Washington.  It is 40 ET 8 Bingo Parlor, 7607 NE 26th Ave Vancouver, WA 98665.

For our January luncheon  meeting on January 8 at the Old Spaghetti Factory we will have Lenora Bay, treasurer of the USS Oregon SSN 793 Commissioning Ceremony committee, speak to us about how we can help with this important event.  The Christening occurred in September, and the commissioning is expected in late 2020.

The Parents Club of Oregon and SW Washington is sponsoring the All Academy Ball this year on December 28tth (This is a changed date!!!) at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum 500 NW Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, OR. Please plan on attending.  What a wonderful way to support our current midshipmen and their families.  You can make reservations at  https://secure.west-point.org/usnapc-orswwa/ball.

We, thanks to the efforts of Doug Bomarito, are arranging several joint functions with our USMA alumni brethren.  In addition to the Army Navy game, we are planning to have a joint Valentines Dinner for our February meeting and have a joint Picnic in August.

Remember, Chapter Challenge Coins can be the perfect gift.  See Frank Swientek.

Mike

Beat Army and Air Force and Notre Dame.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Evelyn Unger, wife of Jim Unger, one of  our oldest active member.  We will provide funeral arrangements when available.

The October meeting will be on October 9 at the Old Spaghetti Factory at 6:00PM.  This is our annual dinner to celebrate the birthdays of the US Navy and the US Naval Academy. This is one of the few times that working alumni and spouses/significant others can participate in alumni functions.

Our November meeting will be a celebration of the Marine Corps Birthday.  If you know of marines, either past or present please invite them to come.  Also, we will be having our Toys for Tots drive in November and December so bring a toy.

December will be our celebration of the greatest generation.  We will honor WWII and Korean Conflict vets.  Please look to invite vets from this era to our luncheon.

January we will have Lenora Bay, treasurer of the USS Oregon SSN 793 Commissioning Ceremony committee, speak to us about how we can help with this important event.  The Christening occurred last month, and the commissioning is expected in late 2020.

Our next council meeting will be October 12^th at Doug Bomarito’s office in Tigard across from Lowes.  We would like to have any alumni attend and help contribute to our planning.  This will be the weekend after our great victory over Air Force, so please plan on coming.  Even if you cannot come please provide any feedback you may have on the picnic to make it a better event.

The Parents Club of Oregon and SW Washington is sponsoring the All Academy Ball this year on December 28tth (This is a changed date!!!) at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville. The council recently voted to provide a $1000 gift to support the Ball. Additionally they have asked us to help them identify potential sponsors for the event as well as potential speakers. If you know of a company that would be willing to help sponsor the event, please contact Karen Faux at (541) 760 2713, email usnapcorwa@gmail.com. Thanks for your help.  Also, please plan on attending.  What a wonderful way to support our current midshipmen and their families.

Our web site has posted information on travel and lodging at the 2020 Navy Notre Dame game in Ireland.  John Adams went last time and says the experience is great.

Remember, Chapter Challenge Coins can be the perfect gift.  See Frank Swientek.

Mike

Beat Army and Air Force

The September meeting will be on September 11 at the Old Spaghetti Factory at 11:30.  John Adams will give a presentation on the development of the Aircraft Carrier.

Ever wanted to see how the other half lives.  Alice Quesenberry, President of the West Point local Alumni Association has invited anyone who would like to come to their monthly luncheon at the Old Spaghetti Factory on Sept 18 at 1145.  Speaker will be the current CDR of the Northwest Division of the Army Corps of Engineers.  If you would like to go please contact Doug Bomarito by Sept 10 as they need a head count by that day.

Thanks to everyone who helped make the Annual picnic a great success and wonderful afternoon.  A special thanks to all that attended.  Looking for ward to next year.

Football season is back and we are all anticipating a strong recovery year for Navy.  We will be having events to watch the Air Force, Notre Dame and Army games this year.  More details to follow.

Our next council meeting will be October 12^th at Doug Bomarito’s office in Tigard across from Lowes.  We would like to have any alumni attend and help contribute to our planning.  This will be the weekend after our great victory over Air Force, so please plan on coming.  Even if you cannot come please provide any feedback you may have on the picnic to make it a better event.

October’s meeting October 9^th and will be a dinner celebration of the USN and USNA birthdays.  This is an excellent chance for those alumni, not in a retired status to come and enjoy the fellowship.

As our chapter covers a large area, most alumni do not have a chance to attend many if not all of our gatherings.  We would like to expand our activities to include some regional activities such as occasional happy hours or other gatherings.  If anyone would like to set up an alumni event let me know and I will send you the names/emails of the alumni in your regional area.  There are many alumni in some of the cities in Oregon that are a way from Portland.  Examples include:

Bend 28 alumni

Salem 28 alumni

Vancouver 32 alumni

Eugene/Corvallis 38 alumni

I will be attempting to set up a periodic USNA happy hour for the 36 alumni in Lake Oswego. Still in the “to do” stage

The Parents Club of Oregon and SW Washington is sponsoring the All Academy Ball this year on December 28tth (This is a changed date!!!) at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville. The council recently voted to provide a $1000 gift to support the Ball. Additionally they have asked us to help them identify potential sponsors for the event as well as potential speakersIf you know of a company that would be willing to help sponsor the event, please contact Karen Faux at (541) 760 2713, email usnapcorwa@gmail.com. Thanks for your help.  Also, please plan on attending.  What a wonderful way to support our current midshipmen and their families.

Our web site has posted information on travel and lodging at the 2020 Navy Notre Dame game in Ireland.  John Adams went last time and says the experience is great.

Remember, Chapter Challenge Coins can be the perfect gift.  See Frank Swientek.

Mike

Beat Army and Air Force