Diana (The Dynamo) Stockdale, wife of Jeff Stanley, sponsors of the latest Abnaki reunion did the impossible. Through her never say die attitude and bulldog like tenacity Diana single-handedly convinced both the US Navy and the Mexican Navy to bring the ARM Yaqui (Former Abnaki) to San Diego for a visit during the Abnaki Association’s 15^th annual reunion. This was no easy task! As you can imagine there were many obstacles to overcome but Diana was up to the task. All the crew who were present and many citizens of San Diego who had an opportunity to tour the ship owe her a big round of applause. Well done Diana and Jeff. 

The reunion began much like all the other ones with registration on Wednesday August the 6^th. However, the next day proved to be a lot different. Actually it started off much like all the others with a bus tour of local points of interest, one of which were the FLIP at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, which was very interesting, and a whole story within itself. But all that changed around 14:00 when the Yaqui was due to dock at Broadway Pier. Having served in the Navy for 21 years I have witnessed many ships coming and going. But never in my life have I witnessed such a beautiful sight as while I was standing on Broadway Pier and Yaqui first appeared around the bend in the bay with Point Loma in the background. It was a bright sunny day with some haze in the air so it took a while before it was clearly visible but there was no mistaking that silhouette. It was here, and Diana could now breathe a sigh of relief. It was actually here!  

Yaqui slowly made her way to Broadway Pier, San Diego and moored to the cheers of about a hundred or so former Abnaki Sailors and their family and friends. What a beautiful sight!  

After Yaqui was secured the officers and crew mustered on the pier, and then took their seats for the official welcome. After a short welcome by Jeff and Diana, posting of the flag, playing of the Star Spangled Banner and the Mexican National Anthem, Admiral Betancourt, Commander of the Navy Region Southwest, was introduced and officially welcomed the ship to San Diego. (One of his comments was how pleased he was to see so many former Abnaki Sailors in attendance and that many large ships would like to have such a turn-out (percentage wise) at their reunions). Rear Admiral Betancourt’s comments were followed by Vice Admiral Ponce de leon Coluby, Commander of the Second Naval Zone of Mexico. The Admiral gave a brief History of the ship after it joined the Mexican Navy. It was interesting to find out that Yaqui still follows in the tradition of the Abnaki in that she is constantly working, spending very little time in port. He was followed by Capitan de Corbetfa Lopez, CO of ARM Yaqui, who invited everyone for a tour of the ship and a reception on the fantail of the Yaqui.

It was obvious to everyone that a great many hours had been spent preparing for this visit. The ship was spotless. She was in far better condition than I remember it during my 3.5 year aboard. It was gratifying to see that they take great pride in Yanqui. Needless to say this was the highlight of the many great activities during this reunion.  

Of course nothing could top the arrival and a tour of Yaqui but the next day become a very close second. The day started off much like Thursday with tours, lunch, etc, But… all that changed around 16:00 when the Fiesta began. The Mexican Sailors arrived by bus dressed in their sparkling white uniforms. Once we were welcomed with a short talk from both Admirals the Maruichi Band cranked up and got everyone in a festive mood. The food and beverages were excellent, The Mexican sailors appeared to have had a good time and some may have even learned a few things from their American counterparts. Seems that they still have many of the same problems with the ship that we had 50+ years agoJ  

The next day two busloads of Abnaki sailors and friends headed for Mexico for Foxploration (The place where the movie Titanic was filmed) near Rosarito. The bus made it back in time for a rest period before the Banquet. Beside the usual introductions, announcements, etc there were some very special events.

1.      The singing of the Star Spangled Banner by Navy Musician First Class  (soon to be Chief) Whose name I didn’t record. She and her husband are expecting to add to their family in about a month or so. This was very special and I would guess that I was not the only one to have goose bumps. This young lady's voice is a National Treasure and we will always treasure the experience.

2.      Our guest speaker, Captain Jack Ensch (USN Retired). While serving aboard the USS Midway (CVA-41) and after two confirmed MIG shoot-downs and the completion of over 285 combat missions Captain Ensch was shot down over North Vietnam by a SAM on the 25^th  of August 1972. He was a prisoner of war in Hanoi and was among the last to be repatriated on 29 March 1973. Without exception this was the most moving speech that I have ever heard. Although Captain Ensch does not consider himself a hero, let there be no doubt that this country owes him and all the other men and women like him a huge debt. Thank you very much Captain!  

3.      Ron Feitzinger, after driving all the way from New York and going through a four-state-long garage sale, composed a special song just for the Abnaki reunion. I don’t know the words of the song nor do I remember the tune, but take my word for it, it was very appropriate.  

Two other thing that needs to be acknowledged is that Don and Phyllis Foote celebrated their 25^th Wedding Anniversary with us. And… Cal and Teckla Johnson joined us for their Honeymoon. WOW! Way to GO! 

Once again, all of this would have never have happened without Diana and Jeff. Thank you again for a wonderful time!

Sick Call 

Unfortunately we had several people who could not make it to San Diego because of health problems.  

One of them was Chase Newberry, as you will recall he was the very first Abnaki Chief Engineer. This is only the second reunion he has missed since I first met him at the 1995 reunion in Atlanta.  

Another one was Herman Phelps. As most of you know he has had a variety of health problems for several years. Herman and Margaret joined Lorri and I in Washington, DC on the 1^st of October. He said that he is feeling better now than he has in years and is looking forward to seeing everyone in Branson.  

Pat and Nona Norris were traveling to the reunion along with A. J. Rivet and Clara Fontenot when A. J. took sick in Apple Valley, California and had to be hospitalized. According to Pat’s last report A. J. received excellent treatment in St. Mary's Hospital, especially when he turned that Southern Charm on to the health care workersJ. His last health update was excellent and they are all looking forward to meeting up with us in Branson. Get the details on the Branson reunion on the next page.

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