The Mountaineer, USS West Virginia
June 2002
From the Quarterdeck:
Greetings to all,
I think we picked the ultimate meeting place when we chose Corpus Christi for our reunion in October. The beauty of the area plus the many things to do and see, should prove to be very exciting. Its been a long time since I have seen as many good restaurants Mexican, Seafood and Oyster bars. There is a Trolley that picks up one block from the hotel and will take you to all the local merchants.
The people in the area are very friendly and hospitable. There is a flea market in a huge building near the Omni Hotel that offers everything imaginable, from western gear to Mexican trinkets.
On Thursday we will be attending a tour and western Bar BQ at the King Ranch. The ranch covers 825,000 acres, larger than the state of Rhode Island. Also the tour offers a stop at the King Ranch Museum.
On Friday a tour of the USS Lexington considered to be the most famous aircraft carrier in American History, with a few generations of US Aircraft on board, plus a State of the art movie. If anyone served on the Lady Lex. Let us know before hand and they will be piped aboard. On the same day we will be visiting the Texas State Aquarium. Here you will tour through a flowing area of sharks, rays, jelly fish, and many species of salt water creatures. A special feature will be the new Oddysea exhibit.
Saturday we have scheduled a trip to the Naval Station Ingleside. This is a new type of station devoted to mine warfare. This is probably the most interesting of all of our station visits in as much as it is devoted to a different type of warfare, than we have ever witnessed. We will be having lunch in the crews mess.
In the evening we will have a memorial service, a cocktail hour and dinner. After dinner we will have a band made up of veterans. They will be playing music familiar to all of us for our listening and dancing pleasure.
Sunday morning we will be having a church service, breakfast followed by our business meeting. At that point we will vote on a reunion town for our 2004 meeting. The chosen city for 2003 was Boston MA. It will take place soon after Labor Day 2003.
My wife and I are extending our visit at least one day ahead and a day after, that we might take in more of Corpus Christi. If you are interested in doing the same the hotel manager has agreed to continue our discount price per room. You must make mention of this upon booking.