Class of 1973 50th Reunion – October 5-8,2023

28 SEPTEMBER 2023 – FINAL UPDATE!!!

Registration Summary:  We have, to date, 1047 people who have registered for the reunion.  That includes 51 signed up for golf, 616 for the Shipwreck Pary, 574 for the class meeting, 633 for the memorial service, 586 for the lunch at the Naval Institute, 433 for the Superintendent’s briefing, 931 for the game and tailgate, 416 for the King Hall brunch and 382 for the Dinner/Dance in Dahlgren Hall.

  • You can register at SignUpNow.events/USNA1973
  • Please note that there is a small credit card handling fee that will be added to your bill. Cash is not accepted, so the fee is required.

The remainder of this page contains the SCHEDULE OF EVENTS and DETAILED INFORMATION concerning those events (INCLUDING CHECK-IN PROCEDURES).  The following downloadable documents offer this same information.

Schedule of Events:  Schedule of Events

Detailed Information:  Detailed Information

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday 5 October

1300-1730       Reunion Check in at The Westin Hotel

0900                Golf at “The Preserve at Eisenhower” Golf Course.  Shotgun start

0730-1600       Midshipmen Store Hours

0900-1700       Visitor Center Hours

0900-1700       Museum Hours

1200-1215       Noon Meal Formation

1830-2030       Shipwreck Party (N* Room at the stadium) Dress: Casual

1800-2000       Reunion Check in at N* Room at the stadium.

Friday 6 October

0900-1800       Reunion Check in at The Westin

0730-1600       Midshipmen Store Hours

0900-1700       Visitor Center Hours

0900-1700       Museum Hours

1000-1045       Class Meeting (US Naval Institute Building, Hospital Point) Dress:  Slacks, collared shirts for men, appropriate attire for women to all Friday events

1045-1200       Memorial Service (US Naval Institute Building, Hospital Point)

1200-1300       Lunch at (US Naval Institute Building, Hospital Point)

1200-1215       Noon Meal Formation

1300-1330       Posthumous Degree Award to Lance Fremd in Fremd Room, Dahlgren Hall

Transportation provided from USNI and return to Superintendent’s briefing

                        Contact Dave Smith at  dsmith708@atlanticbb.net to schedule attendance

1350-1500       Superintendent Briefing Alumni Hall

1600-1715       Dress Parade on Worden Field

1915-2030       Jewish Service in Levy Center

TBD                 Company Parties

Saturday 7 October

0730-1600       Midshipmen Store Hours

0900-1700       Visitor Center Hours

0900-1700       Museum Hours

0900-1200       Buses from The Westin and DoubleTree to the Midshipmen’s Store

0900-1100       Faith-based, Non-Denominational Fellowship Service in Memorial Hall

1000-1230       Reunion Check in at Westin Hotel

1330-1630       Reunion Check in at N* Room at Stadium

1330-1900       Tailgate in N* Room at the Stadium    Dress:  Casual

1530-1900        Football Game   Dress:  Casual

Sunday 8 October

0900-1700       USNA Visitor Center Hours

0900-1000       Catholic Service (Main Chapel)

0800-1000       Brunch in King Hall

1000-1600       Midshipmen Store Hours

1100-1700       Museum Hours

1100-1215       Protestant Service (Main Chapel)

1700-2200       Cocktail Reception/Dinner Dance in Dahlgren Hall

Dress:  Cocktail attire for women, coat and tie for men

 

DETAILED INFORMATION

Check In:

Thursday – Westin 1300 – 1700 and N* Room 1800 – 2000 (Shipwreck Party)

Friday – Westin 0900 – 1800

Saturday – Westin 1000 – 1230; Tailgate at the N* Room 1330 – 1630

Nametags and lanyards will be provided to those that registered.  Nametags will include the name(s) you used in registration, as well as symbols for the events you paid for and the schedule.  A minimum number of paper schedules will be available at check in, but we are trying to save the trees and limit expenses.

Bus Schedule:

Thursday, October 5, 2023

1815 – 2230   3 buses – Continuous shuttle between DoubleTree, Westin Hotel and Stadium (Shipwreck Party in N*Room)

*2230 – Last departure from USNA Stadium

Friday, October 6, 2023

0830 – 1300   6 buses – Continuous shuttle between DoubleTree, Westin Hotel, Naval Institute

(Hospital Point), Alumni Hall and Mid Store.  There will also be a minibus providing regular service to points within the Yard.

1300 – 1530   5 buses – Continuous shuttle between DoubleTree, Westin Hotel and Alumni Hall.

Buses will provide service between the USNI building and Alumni Hall for the Supe’s briefing.

*1530 – Last bus departs Alumni Hall for hotels before the parade

1715 – 1800   5 buses – Continuous shuttle between Alumni Hall, Westin Hotel and DoubleTree

*1800 – Last bus departs Alumni Hall for hotels after the parade

Saturday, October 7, 2023

0830 – 1200  2 buses – Continuous shuttle between DoubleTree, Westin Hotel and Mid Store.

1230 – 1930  4 buses – Continuous shuttle between DoubleTree, Westin and Stadium

Last bus departs stadium at 1930 unless the game runs over.

Sunday, October 8, 2023

0730 – 1030   3 buses – Continuous shuttle between DoubleTree, Westin Hotel and King Hall

*1030 – Last departure from King Hall

1630 – 2230   5 buses – Continuous shuttle between DoubleTree, Westin Hotel and Dahlgren Hall for the Dinner/Dance

*2230 – Last departure from Dahlgren Hall

 

Access to the Yard:

Buses:  Bus access to the yard is currently being negotiated with USNA security.  The current plan is for all buses to stop at the Fluegel Center, the new Alumni Assn. building, for ID check and then enter the yard through Gate 8.

Walk In:  You can walk in gate 1 from 0500-0000 with any kind of State or Federal photo ID, including your driver’s license.

Drive in:  Gate 8 is always open, with a DOD ID card required for access.

Due to the boat show in Annapolis, Gate 1 will be open only for walk in traffic.

 

Exiting the Yard:

You can exit on foot through the turnstile at Gates 1 and 3 but cannot get back in through Gate 3 unless you have a DOD Common Access card. Gate 3 is closed for drive-in.  Cars must exit through Gate 8.

Parking:  

In the Yard:  Parking is always difficult in the yard. Approximately half of the mid-store parking lot is blocked off as a staging area for McDonough Hall renovation.  Best parking in the lower yard is along the Severn seawall on Dewey field. Also, there is now a two-story parking garage across from Alumni Hall.  A valid DOD ID card is required for access to the Yard.

At the Westin:  A City Parking Lot is available under the Westin and associated buildings for access to the class buses, at reasonable rates.  Also, there is a multi-story parking lot across from the Westin that is available for overflow.

 

Mid Store:  The Mid Store is available by using your reunion nametag.

 

Mobility Assistance:

Handicap Accessible buses will be provided (see bus schedule above).

For all N* room events, access is on the ground level.  Elevators are available from the N* room to stadium seating. Accessible (ADA) seating is available throughout the lower level of the stadium on the upper blue (west) and gold (east) side. These seats are available on a first come, first serve basis by calling the ticket office prior to the game. Based upon availability, there are also game day exchanges that can take place.

For King Hall Brunch – access at ground level on seaward end of King Hall.

For the Dinner/Dance in Dahlgren Hall enter from the seaward end as the landward end is closed for construction.

Stadium Rules:

USNA has adopted a clear bag policy for entry into the stadium.  The rules are as follows:

 

Permitted Items: Clear bags no larger than 12″X12″X6″, small clutch purses no larger than 4.5″X6.5″, blankets, seat cushions, diaper bags, umbrella strollers, and video cameras. All items will be inspected.

Prohibited Items: Backpacks, computer bags, purses, fanny packs, brief cases, binocular cases, camera cases, tote bags, firearms, bottles (glass or plastic), cans, thermoses, coolers, alcoholic beverages, outside food or drink, large bags, folding chairs, umbrellas, profession cameras and tripods, noise makers, hanging banners/signs/sticks, chains, illegal substances, laser pointers, clothing containing vulgar language, large strollers, fireworks, aerosol cans, pets, pepper spray, and any item deemed by management to be dangerous or inappropriate.

 

Class Store:  All purchases of 1973 emblematic items are voluntary. Emblematic items will not be handed out at the reunion. Classmates who were interested in purchasing Class of ’73 merchandise have already ordered and received their items. However, the Class Store will remain open until October 22, 2023 to give classmates one last chance to order items. Items ordered between now and October 22, 2023 will be shipped during the week of November 27, 2023 and will arrive before the Christmas Holidays. The link for access to the Class Store is http://www.usnaclasstore.com/73store.html

 

Reunion Events:

 

Thursday Oct 5

Golf:  The class golf tournament will be held on Thursday at “The Preserve at Eisenhower” Golf Course (1576 Generals Highway, Crownsville, MD), about 15 minutes from The Westin.  There will be a shotgun start at 0900.  In order to ensure a shotgun start we have joined with the class of 1983, but our class will be paired together.

 

Ride-2-Remember:   Several members of our class have ridden bicycles from Astoria, OR to Annapolis, MD to symbolically those who have gone before us. Each day of the ride is dedicated to one or more fallen classmates and now ride with us in spirit back to where our shared and unique journeys began more than fifty years ago. The Ride-2-Remember team will enter the yard through Gate 8 at approximately 1430.  After a ceremonial loop through the yard there will be a tribute ceremony at the Columbarium at approximately 1530.

 

Shipwreck Party, Thursday 1830-2030 N* Room at the Stadium:  A meet and greet cocktail party to welcome everyone to the festivities.  Dinner will include a pasta station, carving station, coffee/tea and soft drinks, and a cash bar (credit cards or cash).  Limited informal seating will be available.  Transportation will be provided from The Westin and the DoubleTree hotels.  Paid parking is available at The Westin and at the stadium.  Dress is casual.

 

Friday Oct 6

Class meeting, Memorial Service, lunch:  The class meeting will be held at 1000-1045 at the new Naval Institute Building on Hospital Point, followed by a memorial service (1045-1200) to honor those that have gone before us.  Lunch will be available following the memorial service.  Dress is slacks and collared shirts for men and appropriate attire for women.  Transportation will be provided from The Westin and DoubleTree hotels.

 

Posthumous Degree Award to Lance Fremd   1300-1330 Fremd Room, Dahlgren Hall:

Transportation will be provided from USNI and return to Alumni Hall for the Supe’s briefing.

 

Superintendent’s Briefing 1350-1500 Alumni Hall:  The Supe will address our class and other alumni classes with a USNA SITREP.  Dress is slacks and collared shirts for men and appropriate attire for women.  Transportation will be provided from The Westin and DoubleTree hotels and from the Naval Institute Building to Alumni Hall.

 

Dress Parade on Worden Field:  1600-1715 Special seating will be available for ’73 and significant others.  Dress is slacks and collared shirts for men and appropriate attire for women.  Transportation will be provided from The Westin and DoubleTree hotels.

 

Company Parties Friday Evening:  Company parties are the responsibility of the company reps or designees.

 

Saturday, Oct 7

Class of ‘73 led Faith-based, Non-denominational Fellowship Service 0900-1100 Memorial Hall

Continuous shuttle service between the DoubleTree, Westin and Mid Store will be provided from 0830-1200 for the Fellowship Service and Mid Store

 

Football Navy vs University of North Texas and tailgate (Kickoff 1530):

 

Every person who is attending the football game/tailgate in the N* room must have

a football ticket to enter.

 

Tailgate 1330 – 1930  N* Room at the Stadium

The tailgate will be held in the N* room on the Navy side of the stadium.  The entrance is on the ground level, blue side (west) of the stadium.  Buses will drop you right outside the N* Room.  Dress is casual.  Food and beverages will be provided as follows:

 

TASTE OF THE CHESAPEAKE MENU:

Hot crab dip station with crackers, tortilla chips, vegetables

Herb-marinated grilled chicken

Hot pit beef, Kaiser rolls “Fixin’s Bar” – ketchup, mustard, mayo, BBQ sauce, horseradish cream sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, horseradish

Chesapeake Bay oysters served with hot sauce, cocktail sauce, horseradish, lemons

Peel n’eat shrimp with cocktail sauce

Maryland crab soup

Caesar salad

Cole slaw

Homemade salt and pepper chips, onion dip

Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies, double fudge brownies, Nutty Buddies

Unlimited draft beer – McGarvey’s Aviator lager, Goose Island, Bud Light

Unlimited red and white wine

Soft drinks, lemonade, iced tea, water

Coffee and tea

Mixed drinks may be purchased via cash or credit card

Dress is casual

 

Sunday Oct 8

Brunch in King Hall 0800-1000Dress is slacks and collared shirts for men and appropriate attire for women.  Transportation will be provided from The Westin and DoubleTree hotels.

 

Cocktail Reception/Dinner Dance Dahlgren Hall: 

Cocktail Reception, Sunday 1700 – 1800    Dahlgren Hall

Dress is coat and tie for men and appropriate cocktail attire for women. 

Transportation will be provided from The Westin and DoubleTree hotels.

Entry to Dahlgren Hall is from the Seaward Entrance due to construction on the landward side.

Imported and Domestic Cheeses:  Red Windsor Layered, Huntsman, Cotswold and Chive, Stilton, Gouda, Cahill Porter, Muenster, Pepper Jack Cheeses, Strawberries, Grapes, Water Crackers

Cash bar (credit cards only) serving beer, wine and mixed drinks

 

Dinner Buffet, Sunday 1800-2200    Dahlgren Hall

Fresh Baked Rolls and Butter

California Field Greens Salad w/Garden Vegetables, Balsamic and Ranch Dressings

Maryland Cream of Crab

Flat Iron Steak w/Merlot Bordelaise, Crispy Tobacco Onions

Herb Crusted Atlantic Salmon w/ Lemon Beurre Blanc

Rigatoni & Italian Pasta w/Roasted Red Peppers, Rapini, Cured Olives (vegetarian)

Chef’s Selection of Seasonal Accompaniments

Chef’s Selection of Desserts

Freshly Brewed Coffee and Hot Tea – Joffrey’s Arabica Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Fine Tea

Cash bar serving beer, wine and mixed drinks (Credit Cards Only)

A DJ will provide your musical entertainment

 

The following are members of the 50th Reunion and their primary areas of responsibility.  All have worked hard over the last few years, and all have provided valuable input to ensure a great 50th reunion:

 

Mike Peal – Registration  rmpeal@ptd.net,

Ron Borro  – Check in/registration  rjb73@verizon.net, 410-353-4583

John Ashmore  – Football tickets/golf  730168@gmail.com, 443-994-4924

Peter Flynn – Shipwreck/Tailgate/Dinner Dance/Transportation flypet73@gmail.com,

410-279-7080

Bruce Hargus – Golf/Nametags  hargusbc@gmail.com, 443-534-5545

Chuck McKeone – Class Treasurer sea73dog@yahoo.com, 703-283-6776

Tom Storch – Class Store  tomawacs@aol.com, 443-221-8994

Jere Carroll – Computer/Technology Support  jerecarroll@gmail.com,

Bill Short – Memorial Service  billshort73@earthlink.net,

Rick Elliott – Web Master  richardaelliott@gmail.com,

Doug Rice – Committee Chairman  drice73@gmail.com, 410-340-2520

Dirk Mosis – Class President dmosis3@aol.com, 210-204-0352

Kevin Callahan – Oversight and planning  jkcallahan73@hotmail.com, 410-212-9353

 

October 5-8, 2023

Happy June 6th to all the Great Class of 1973!

Registration for the reunion is now open.  You can register at SignUpNow.events/USNA1973

Please note that there is a small credit card handling fee that will be added to your bill. Cash is not accepted, so the fee is required.

For the widows of fallen classmates we will have a separate registration page for you in the next few days.  Please wait to register until that page is available.

Additionally, please make sure you add your significant other/guests you are bringing where requested in the registration process.

For those of you who choose the 3-month payment option, make sure you pay all three months and do not cancel the credit card payment in mid-stream.  I guess some previous alumni have forgotten what the charge was for and cancelled it.  The result is expensive to fix and time consuming.  Your credit card charge will say “Signupnow.events”.

The Reunion Committee is looking forward to seeing you all in October!