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9th Biennual Reunion held in Charleston,

South Carolina, June 14-18, is now behind us.

Shipmates and Friends of the USS Bausell DD845

THE REUNION WAS A SUCCESS WITH 71 SHIPMATES AND 97 SPOUSES AND GUESTS IN ATTENDANCE. THIS WAS AN UNEXPECTED NUMBER AND YOUR ASSOCIATION OFFICERS COULDN'T BE MORE PLEASED WITH THE ATTENDANCE FIGURES.

WE DID IT ALL. We had a fantastic registration day on Tuesday June 14. Our bar was open and hosted by Kenny Pitman, Warren and Martha Doyle, Charles and Tracy Scott plus others who helped themselves, and couldn't wait for the bartenders.

We opened Wednesday June 15 with a General meeting. James Mauk was elected Chaplain following the resignation of our long time Chaplain O W Forest. Gene D'Arezzo was elected upon a kangaroo court of volunteerism to coordinate the 2013 reunion in SAN DIEGO. The day was closed with a dinner aboard the Spirit Cruise Line. We had a wonderful dinner while we enjoyed the day and night of Charleston Harbor.

Thursday June 16, we boarded buses for Patriot Point. We visited the USS Yorktown and the SS Clamagore. At noon we enjoyed a memory filled luncheon aboard the Yorktown on the usual aluminum partitioned trays and served from the old navy chow line. Following lunch we had a memorial service for 39 fallen shipmates, those that we've learned about since our last reunion in San Antonio.

The memorial service was held on the hangar deck with chairs for 170, a stage, and a flagged backdrop. We had a ship's bell and music. The star spangled banner was played followed by Jim Mauk giving the opening benediction. Tonja Page, a sister of deceased shipmate Barney Page was in attendance from Texas. She read Barney's name, dates of service, rank and date of death. Following Tonja, Wayne Paysse, a Bausell shipmate and brother to Douglas Paysse, read his name, service dates, rank and date of death. Kenny Pitman continued to read the names of the additional 37 shipmates with each name followed by the ringing of the ship's bell by Warren Doyle. In conclusion, taps was played, then Tonja and Wayne walked the wreath to the guard rail and dropped it into the harbor. A very memorable memorial service for our fallen shipmates.

The balance of the day was spent enjoying the Yorktown and Clamagore. Much to our disappointment, the USS Laffey DD724 wasn't in port.

Friday June 17, we again boarded buses and transferred to a ferry boat for the trip to Fort Sumter where the Civil War began 150 years ago. A very enjoyable and interesting visit. We then had lunch at Sticky Fingers in Mt. Pleasant. A BBQ feast served family style, and according to the empty plates and platters, the food was pretty darn good.

We then boarded our buses again and went to visit the Hunley Museum. The Hunley had been in a cradle for some time and it had just been turned to expose a side not seen by the public until we got there. WE WERE THE FIRST TO SEE THIS EXPOSED SIDE OF THE HUNLEY. Shipmate Ron Long clipped an article out of his local paper in San Diego with a story of the turning of the Hunley. A side that hadn't been seen by the public. Several of our shipmates entered a mock up of the physical power of the Hunley. Literally, hand cranked by the crew to turn the screw.

Here it was, Saturday, June 18th, our final day of the reunion. We had a continental breakfast for all hands, and commenced to draw names for the raffle items donated by attendees. There were some pretty nice items on this table. The raffle went off without a hitch and we concluded it in record time. The balance of the day was free for all to roam or mingle in the hospitality room

This was also the Farewell Banquet Day! We had an excellent dinner in a different type of setting. The Atrium, poolside with a bar, dance floor, DJ, and a Casino Night. We had a good time awarding prizes, raffle items and given out by our very special Santa Claus, Doug White. A plaque was awarded to O W Forest, who was not in attendance for his past service as our Chaplain since the founding of the Bausell Association. Jerry Deiter volunteered to deliver the plaque in person. (See Jerry's report in We Get Letters)

James Iback and Jim Checkett made a special presentation to Coordinator Gene D'Arezzo. I must say, I haven't been this humbled in a long time. Thanks to Jim and Jim.

A closing prayer was said by our Chaplain James Mauk and our NINTH REUNION, Charleston, SC was bid a fond farewell. This particular reunion, my third, turned out to be one of the greatest in gratification for me in that it was such a great family affair. The friends and relatives that attended with our shipmates, is something I'll continue to work on for our 2013 event scheduled for San Diego. My family, daughter Debi, Rick, and Zach came from Oregon and thoroughly enjoyed meeting Dad's fellow Bausell shipmates. Their help during the reunion was truly appreciated. .

SEE YOU ALL IN SAN DIEGO 2013.