I still do not have an "official count" of the number of people in attendance, but President Kidd told me 125 ships are represented.  USS Coolbaugh DE 217 has the largest number of representatives.

All the morning meetings, Chapter, First Timer's Orientation and Membership Recruiting, were well attended. President Kidd told me that about 85 members attended the First Timer's meeting!  This was among the largest attendance in many years. I had the honor of presenting a portion of the Membership Recruiting seminar along with Milt Kochert and Dean Hoover.  There is continued diligence by members to recruit their shipmates and friends into DESA and we discussed various ways to use the Internet as a recruiting tool as well as methods for retaining members.

The Slater Seminar was a very popular event and Tim Rizzuto, Ship's Superintendent, presented an excellent information packed session that included a slide presentation of the restoration project.

The last session of the day was "Salty Talk" - Traditions and Tales of the Navy presented by Martin Davis. The witty and educational session was most enjoyable and well attended.

The USS Coolbaugh DE 217 Association's "Happy Hour" gathering was truly an "A Reunion To Remember".  If you have not already, read the story about the guest of honor, Robert Goggins and his family.

With so many sessions and people so spread out today, I was unable to take as many photos as I would have liked.