NCVA-NE Mini-Reunion
17-18 October 2003
Radisson Hotel Providence Harbor
220 India Street
Providence, RI 02906
Tel: (401) 272-5577
Fax: (401) 272-0251
Reservations: (800) 333-3333 USA
Email (Info): mailto:RHI_PROV@radisson.com

RadissonLink

GO HERE TO VISIT THEIR WEBSITE FOR DIRECTIONS AND AMENITIES.
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New England Regional News - Al St. Onge

The Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association - New England (NCVA-NE) held its 13th consecutive semi-annual gathering on October 18th at the Radisson Hotel, Providence Harbor, Rhode Island. David Phaneuf was the host. Thirty (30) members registered for the morning's informal meeting.

A special VIP tour of the Russian submarine J-484 (used in the filming of the movie "K-19 - The Widowmaker") was on tap for the afternoon. Forty-two (42) members and guests took this unforgettable tour. The Saratoga Museum staff made every compartment in the boat available to us. The Missile guidance, radar, radio and ECM spaces were very interesting to many of us.

Fifty-three (53) members and guests later enjoyed dinner at the hotel followed by a quick change of clothes and a short trolley ride into downtown Providence to view the Waterfire display on the river. It was a wonderful and busy day enjoyed by all.

The next New England social gathering is scheduled for 15 May 2004 at the Parkwood Inn in Brunswick, Maine. Larry Peterson will be hosting. NCVA-NE contact is Al St.Onge, phone 603-881-7752 or e-mail me at aastonge@aol.com. The New England chapter reunion information can also be accesses on line at: http://web.meganet.net/kman/ncva-ne7.htm


Ken Cadran's summary - which should appear in the next Cryptolog issue..

A Reunion. A Russian Submarine. An Engagement. Water Fire.
By: Ken Cadran

Thirty-one members of the New England chapter of NCVA accompanied by wives and friends, mustered on October 17 and 18 for their semi-annual reunion in Providence, Rhode Island. Of those present were four first-time attendees: Tom McDermott (Newark, NY), Bob Ferreira (Harwich, MA), Dan Bonyeau (Westfield, MA,) and Carmino DeBiasio of Providence. Additionally, in attendance were NCVA member Jessie and Loraine Robinson of Wellington, FL, guests of Phil and Ree Sirmons.

Hosted by Dave Phaneuf of Gouldsboro, ME, the reunion included a general business meeting on Saturday morning, at which, chapter president Ed Carey (Litchfield, NH) presided.

Among items discussed were plans for a reunion in May 2003 in Brunswick, ME to be hosted by Larry Peterson (Nashua, NH), and a proposal by Alan Coutinho to host a reunion on Martha's Vineyard (located off the coast of Cape Cod) next fall. Given the projected expenses, a reunion on Martha's Vineyard was not considered practical. As an alternative, Phil Sirmons (East Lyme, CT) will research Mystic, CT as a possible site.

On Saturday afternoon, several members took the opportunity to tour the Russian submarine (Juliett 484) and museum located at Collier Point Park in Providence. The submarine, built in 1965 as a diesel powered boat, was designed to carry four nuclear-armed cruise missiles, and also carried up to 18 torpedoes. Her hull was covered with a "second skin" of two-inch thick hard rubber sound-absorbing tiles which made her difficult to track. When advances in technology allowed nuclear submarines to stay deployed for longer periods, the mission of the Juliett class boats was changed to that of tracking U.S. aircraft carriers. (Plans are underway to re-locate USS SARATOGA from Newport to Quonset Point, RI where she and Juliett 484 will become a a major family attraction.) This submarine was used in the movie "K-19: The Widowmaker."

Saturday evening's banquet brought together members, wives and friends. As part of the general welcome, President Ed Carey recognized Jack and Janet O'Connell of Milford, NH who were observing their fiftieth wedding anniversary that day. He then introduced the first-time attendees and invited some members to say a few words. Nuchie Carnevale (famous for his ability to speak with much gusto) related his active-duty experiences (vintage early 1950's) when assigned a job to paint the head; and how one gives a coffee urn a thorough cleaning - contrary to proven methods of taste-control. - Bob Baker spoke of his time stationed at Hakata, Japan: a tale of the "Bamboo Bunny," (whose occupants had the misfortune of almost causing an international incident). Last to speak was Dan Bonyeau, whose words to the group started as a casual tale and ended up centered around a box of Cracker Jacks which he used as a prop to contain an engagement ring, surprising most present when he proposed to his date, Rita McDonough. A hearty round of applause followed. The ring was found within the Cracker Jack box. Rita accepted.

The evening concluded with some members attending "WaterFire Povidence," a seasonal event of fire sculptures that takes place on the three rivers that pass through the middle of downtown Providence. The string of fires illuminates nearly two-thirds of a mile of urban public spaces and parks. Reunion visitors were able to stroll along the river while listening to a memorable and mixed selection of classical and world music, experiencing an event that impacts the five senses.

Similar to the NCVA national reunions, Sunday morning saw the casual departure of attendees. Next stop: Brunswick, Maine - May 14/15, 2004.

CONGRATULATIONS!    TO DAN BONYEAU & RITA McDONOUGH

A most memorable NCVA-NE reunion.
Will you marry me?
Dan pops the question,
What!?
"Rita, will you marry me?"
Dan/Rita#3
Dan/Rita#4
Dan/Rita#1
Looking for the ring in a box of Cracker Jack.
Dan/Rita#2
Found it! Rita accepts.

K-19 link
Juliett 484 (K-19) is part of the USS Saratoga Museum Foundation.

For more info visit their website.

To see more photos of the NCVA-NE visit to the sub courtesy of Bob Pepper & Richard Carlson, please go here.

Museum
Museum

Hatch
You had to run the obstacle course before going onboard.
Sub#1
K-19 Bow to Stern
Sub#2
Conning tower showing antennas
Sub#3
Sub#4
Sub#5
K-19 Bow to Stern
Carol Horan
Carol Horan
Carlsons
Dick & Merlene Carlson
Dave Phaneuf
Reunion host: Dave Phaneuf
Carlson
Ugh.. another one
On Deck
L-R: Mike Finn · Karl Kristiansen · Ed Carey · Bob Marois
Group#2
L-R: Tony Sacco · Chuck O'rourke · Charles Barton · Bob Baker
Sirmons
Phil & Ree Sirmons
Field/Burks/Cadran
[Seated] L-R: Bob Field · Jim Burks · [Standing] Ken Cadran
Fields
Maxine & Bob Field
Burks
Jim & Althea Burks
Kristiansens
Anna & Karl Kristiansen
Burks
Bob Baker
Kristiansens
"Nuchie" Carnevale
Group#1
L-R: Ree & Phil Sirmons · Jesse Robinson · John Hogan · Bob & Carol Horan
[Back] Don Guertin
Group#2
Attendees
Not shown: Phil Sirmons · Jesse Robinson

[Photos courtesy of Dick Carlson · Bob Horan · Phil Sirmons]

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