navy lakehurst historical society p.o. box 328 lakehurst ... · pdf filemember of the navy...

THE AIRSHIP Jan – Feb 2011

NEWSLETTER EDITOR: CARL JABLONSKI 240 SPRAY AVENUE, BEACHWOOD , NJ, 08722 Phone: 732-244-8861 FAX: 732-244-8897

Navy Lakehurst Historical Society P.O. Box 328 Lakehurst, NJ 08733 http://www.nlhs.com Oct - Nov 2015

Welcome Aboard Capt. Christopher Bergen, USN

How True When the President calls 911, the aircraft carriers answer! When the aircraft carriers call 911, Lakehurst answers!

View from the Top Presidents Message

On the eve of Aug 11, 2015, I received word that my brother John had passed away. My brother loved his family and his Country very much. He served in WWII, Korea and Viet Nam. During this difficult time for me personally, I am sincerely grateful to the Officers, Trustees and members of NLHS for your kind expressions of sympathy and for taking the time to attend the viewing and funeral mass and burial. See the obituary on the next page.

Membership Meeting Our next NLHS General Membership meeting will be on Wednesday, Jan 13th, 2016 at 7PM on Joint Base Lakehurst, Bldg. 484, Galley Conference Room. This meeting agenda will include the election of officers and trustees. Election for 1st VP and 3 trustee positions will be on the ballot. Our incumbent VP, Don Adams, has agreed to be on the ballot for a 2yr term. Trustees Tara Cunningham, Tom Kunz and Peter Larkin are also seeking re-election for 1yr terms. Any member in good standing is welcome to run for any of these positions. To enter your name on the ballot, call our Nomination Chairperson, Tom Kuchler at 609-567-4082.

Officers Meeting Our next Officer & Trustee meeting will be Saturday, Nov 21, 2015 at our usual location Bldg. 150 at 9:30 AM. Our year end mandatory Officer & Trustee meeting will be on Saturday, Dec 19, 2015 in Bldg. 150 at 9 AM. Officers and Trustees are expected to attend this meeting.

Volunteer Hours

Volunteer hours for August, September and early October for the NLHC and Ready Room, tours, work projects and outside speaking engagements totaled over 725 hours. Many thanks to our volunteers for your support: Don Adams, Carl Larsen, Rick Zitarosa, Frank Dennis, Nick Rakoncza, Ron Montgomery, Charlie Bish, Ron Stryshak, Frank Smith, Kevin Mulligan, Pete Lovering, Pete Murphy, Kevin Pace, Howie Sjursen, Elizabeth Rossell, Peter Larkin, Susan K. Koller, Roger Jordan, Jim Morano, Robert Hull, Diane Chierchie and Carl Jablonski.

Tours Our tours continue to be a very popular attraction. Starting now our winter tours will be given every Wednesday and every 2nd Saturday of the month from 10am to 1 pm. Don Adams, Nick Rakoncza, Frank Dennis,

NLHS OFFICERS President

Carl Jablonski Vice Presidents

Don Adams Ron Montgomery

Rick Zitarosa Charles Bish

Trustees Kevin Pace

Elizabeth H Rossell Marion Kuchler

Peter Larkin Tara Cunningham

Thomas Kunz

Assistant Treasurer Peter Larkin

Thomas Kuchler

Chaplain Fr. Emmett Carroll OFM CONV.

Corresponding Secretary

Thomas Kuchler

NLHS Historian & Curator Director Rick Zitarosa

NLHS Base Tours

Membership Director Donald Adams

NLHC & Ready Room Director

Ron Montgomery

Asst NLHC & Ready Room Director Pete Lovering

NLHC Curators

Kevin Pace Alex Swaim Ron Stryshak

Legal Counsel PAO

Thomas Kunz Elizabeth Rossell

Gift Shop Manager Robert Hull & Diane Chierchie

NLHS Photographer

Max Frei

Webmaster: Tara Cunningham

1 President’s Message 1 Membership Meeting 1 Officers Meeting 1 Volunteer Hours 1 Tours 1 How True 2 New Members 2 Taps 2 Welcome Capt Bergen 3 Military Family Night 3 Cold War History Talk 3 Navy Ball 3 Veterans Day 3 Hindenburg 80th Anniv. 3 Holiday Gift Shop Hours 3 Happy Birthday 3-4 BRAC Updates 4 Confederate ship raised 4 Calendar of Events 5 Picnic & F14/F18 Updates 5 Jan 2016 Meeting Coupon 6 Brass Plate flyer 7 Gift Shop Order Form

THE AIRSHIP Oct - Nov 2015


Carl Larsen, Ron Montgomery, Carl Jablonski, Kevin Mulligan, Elizabeth Rossell, Susan K. Koller and Rick Zitarosa continue to serve as tour guides.

New Members NLHS welcomes the following new members.

Sharon Adams Lucille Abbruzze Craig Silverman.

Taps On Wednesday, Oct 7, 2015, your President received word that Robert Buchannan, 94, passed away in Manahawkin, NJ. Bob, as many of you know, is reported to be the last civilian member of the ground crew attempting to land the Hindenburg on May 6, 1937. Bob was involved in many of our Hindenburg events, including our 75th Anniversary Dinner and our annual Memorial Service. Unfortunately details for the funeral services were unavailable at this time. Rest in Peace Dear Friend.

John S. Jablonski Obituary John S. Jablonski, 88, of Union Beach, passed away, Tuesday, August 11, 2015, at home. Born in Jersey City, he grew up there, moving to Union Beach in 1963. He worked as a refrigeration engineer with the Military Ocean Terminal Bayonne for 40 years before retiring. He was a depression era kid who worked from an early age. He served his country in the Navy during WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He was stationed on the PT 185, Squadron 11 in the South Pacific during WWII. John was very proud of his service to his country and was devoted to his family. He served on an ammunition ship during Vietnam. He was a member of the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society. He was an avid Oakland Raiders football fan and football season was his favorite time of year. John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Genevieve Jablonski; his

parents, John and Anna (Zablocki) Jablonski; and two sons, Charles in 2010; and John K. in 1982. He is survived by a son, Wayne Jablonski and his wife, Donnamarie of Union Beach; a daughter-in-law, Gloria Jablonski of FL; a dear brother, Carl Jablonski of Beachwood; five cherished grandchildren, Susan Dampier and her husband, Sean; Charles Jablonski and his wife, Tiara; Lauren Jablonski; John Jablonski and Joseph Adams; five adored great grandchildren, Marissa, Blaise, Sunny, Fionn and Charles; and longtime friend, Richard Meagher. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Burial was Aug 15, 2015 at Holy Cross Cemetary, North Arlington, NJ.

Visit our New & Updated Web Site

Thanks to Tara Cunningham for your talents as Web Master and grant coordinator. Thanks to Margaret Burgess and her husband Dave who set up our previous website and who still do a great job in printing our newsletter.

NLHS Welcomes Capt. Chris Bergen, USN

On Friday, Sept. 25, 2015, Capt. Chris Bergen, USN officially relieved Capt. Christopher Fletcher as Deputy Commander Joint Base M-D-L, and CO NSA, Joint Base Lakehurst. NLHS pledges it support to Capt. Bergen and we look forward to a continuation of our successful relationship with Joint Base M-D-L.

CAPT. CHRISTOPHER BERGEN A native of Jefferson Township, New Jersey, Capt. Christopher Bergen graduated from Virginia Military Institute with a bachelor's degree in History and International Affairs and commissioned in May 1992 through the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He completed flight training in August 1993. After initial instruction at Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129), he

reported to VAQ-132 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., deploying with the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) to the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf as part of Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) supporting Operations Deny Flight and Southern Watch. Capt. Bergen's next assignment was as a student at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. Receiving his Master's Degree in National Security for the Middle East and Southwest Asia, he graduated in December 2000. In January 2001, Capt. Bergen reported to the staff of Commander Carrier Group 6 (CCG-6) onboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) in Mayport, Fla. as staff electronic warfare officer. He deployed in support of Operation Noble Eagle following the attacks of 9/11 and to the 5th Fleet in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following refresher training at VAQ-129, Capt. Bergen reported to the Cougars of VAQ-139 and deployed with Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW-14) onboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) to the western Pacific and 5th Fleet. During his 2006 deployment onboard Reagan, Captain Bergen deployed to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. While serving as the squadron operations officer for VAQ-139, he deployed in the EA-6B Prowler aircraft and was recognized by the Association of Old Crows as 2006 Operations Officer of the Year. The captain's following assignment was to the Joint Improvised Explosives Device Defeat Organization in Crystal City, Va. He served as a current operations officer in support of activities in Iraq and Afghanistan during the Global War on Terror. After selection for squadron command, Capt. Bergen reported to VAQ-133 at NAS Whidbey Island, Wash. serving as executive officer. The squadron deployed to Al Asad, Iraq in November 2009 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Returning in June 2010, he assumed command in August 2010. VAQ-133 joined Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9) following his assumption of command and deployed in July 2011 onboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)



to the 5th Fleet in support of Operation En-during Freedom. Following his command tour, Capt. Bergen reported to the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) as operations officer in 2012 and deployed for Enterprises' final mission to the 5th Fleet in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His most recent assignment was at U.S. Northern Command as Theater Campaign Plan Assessments branch chief and as a Title 10 deputy commander assisting state's National Guard forces in disaster preparation. Capt. Bergen's individual military decorations include Defense Meritorious Service Medals, Meritorious Service Medals, Air Medals, a Joint Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals and various unit commendation and service campaign awards. The captain was assigned as deputy commander, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, and commander, Naval Support Activity-Lakehurst on Sept. 25, 2015. He is the principal advisor to the JB MDL commander and provides senior leadership to Navy personnel across the joint base. He is married and has three children.

Military Family Night On Thursday, Nov 12, 2015, Joint Base M-D-L will hold the Annual Military Family nite at the Gym on Joint Base Lakehurst from 5 to 8 pm. Fun, games, exhibits, face painting, pizza, subs and more. Free Admission. NLHS will sponsor an info table Joint Base M-D-L Cold War

History Talk On Thursday, Nov 19, 2015, at 7 pm, at the Army History Center at Joint Base Dix, the Cold War events that Joint Base M-D-L was involved in will be on the program. NLHS will participate with regard to Air Ship missions. All are invited. Carl Jablonski, Kevin Pace and Don Adams will represent NLHS.

Navy Ball

This years Navy Ball Commemorating the 240th Birthday of the US Navy was held on Oct 9, 2015 at Caesars in Atlantic City. Representing NLHS were Ron & Elizabeth Rossell, Morris Goldberg and his date Miss Bette, Dick & Linda Ashby and Carl Jablonski. A wonderful evening of Navy Tradition, fine food and music was enjoyed by all. Veterans Day Nov 11, 2015

Once again I urge everyone to reflect on the True Meaning of this date. Let us honor our fallen heroes with a reflection of prayer, flying the flag, or attend a parade if your town is having one. This should be a time to truly honor the members of our Armed Forces, not a day to run to Home Depot, Walmart and parade around the aisles. NOTE: Nov 11, 2015 falls on a Wednesday, our regular tour day. However to observe this Federal Holiday and honor our fallen heroes, we will be closed on Nov 11, 2015. No Tours! No Gift Shop!

Hindenburg 80th Anniversary

Yes, to answer your many calls, e-mails, etc…NLHS will be sponsoring an 80th Anniversary Hindenburg Memorial Dinner on Friday, May 5, 2017 at the Clarion Hotel, Rt. 37, Toms River, NJ. Time, tickets, etc …to be announced. Of course on Saturday, May 6, 2017 we will conduct our annual Memorial Service at the Memorial at Joint Base Lakehurst.

Holiday Gift Shop Hours

The Gift shop will be open as usual on Wednesday, Dec 23, 2015 till 2 PM for your holiday gift giving needs. Included in this newsletter is our Gift Shop order form for your convenience in shopping for gifts.

Happy Birthday

It’s that time of the year again. Happy Birthday to my Dearest Edna, your support and caring ways and behind the scenes volunteer hours are appreciated. Best Wishes on this your special day. Happy Birthday to Carol Mont-gomery and Best Wishes for a year of peace and health. Thanks for your support and friendship.

Dues Notice Dues notices will be sent out in mid November. $25 1yr) or $45 (2yrs)

BRAC Updates Lots of newspaper coverage regarding Joint Base M-D-L. Please read the articles printed here to keep up on what’s happening.

Jersey base protected in defense bill

The Pentagon could not close any military bases nor retire the KC-10 aircraft now housed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst under legis-lation heading to the U.S. House and Senate floor. Congressional negotiators agreed to include both provisions in the legislation that sets defense policy for the next 12 months. The restriction would be in effect for the next two fiscal years. The overall bill may face Democratic opposition because it increases defense spending over budget caps, which the Republicans have said prevents them from boosting spending on domestic programs, including on Amtrak following the May fatal derailment in Philadelphia. The bill prohibits defense officials from spending money to retire its fleet of KC-10 refueling tanker planes, which are stationed at the joint base. The KC-10 provision was included in the House version and was authored by both New Jersey freshmen on the House Armed Services Committee, Reps. Donald Norcross (D-1st Dist.) and Tom MacArthur (R-3rd Dist.).



"The base is such an economic driver for the state of New Jersey but most importantly is part of our defense system for the United States," Norcross said. The House also voted to prevent the Pentagon from transferring the fleet, but the final bill does not include that provision in order to give defense officials flexibility to move planes to another location if they are needed in war. "The KC-10 is critically important not only to our military's air mobility and readiness, but to the survival of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and the tens of thousands of New Jersey residents employed there," MacArthur said. "It is imperative that we protect our most capable and reliable refeuler from an early and reckless retirement and ensure our nation's ability to project power abroad." President Obama, who visited the joint base in December, had requested a new round of base closings in his budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins Thursday. Members of the N.J. congressional delegation had expressed concern that the joint base would be targeted if Pentagon facilities were scaled back.

Norcross only N.J. Democrat to back defense

policy bill The U.S. House on Thursday passed legislation setting defense policy for the next 12 months, protecting Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst from cuts, and banning the Pentagon from paying for salutes to troops at sporting events. The bill passed, 270 to 156, largely along party lines. Only one New Jersey Democrat, Rep. Donald Norcross (D-1st Dist.) voted for the legislation. Most House Democrats opposed the legislation because it raised spending for defense above the budget caps while House Republicans have refused to do the same for domestic programs. Senate approval is needed before the National Defense Authorization

Act goes to President Obama. The White House earlier threatened a veto. Norcross and Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-3rd Dist.), the state's two freshmen on the House Armed Services Committee, authored a provision preventing the Pentagon from spending money to retire the fleet of KC-10 refueling tanker planes stationed at the joint base. The defense bill also blocked a new round of military base closings. The bill also banned such activities as the "hometown heroes" promotion at New York Jets' home games featuring members of the New Jersey Army National Guard. The Pentagon paid 14 NFL teams $5.4 million from 2011 to 2014 for such "pay for patriotism" promotions. Confederate warship raised

after 150 years on river's bottom

After 150 years at the bottom of the Savannah River, the armored skeleton of the Confederate warship CSS Georgia is being raised to the surface one 5-ton chunk at a time. Navy divers who began working in late June to recover cannons, unexploded shells and other artifacts from the riverbed finally started midweek on their last major task - retrieving an estimated 250,000 pounds of the Civil War ironclad's armored siding. The CSS Georgia was scuttled by its own crew to prevent Gen. William T. Sherman from capturing the massive gunship when his Union troops took Savannah in December 1864. Still classified as a captured enemy vessel by the Navy, the remains of the Confederate ironclad are being salvaged as part of a $703 million deepening of the Savannah harbor for cargo ships. "The historical significance is evident in everything we do," Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jason Potts, the Navy's on-scene commander, said Wednesday as his crew prepared to start raising the first of three giant slabs of armor. The CSS Georgia was a crude example of the first armored warships designed during the Civil War to stand

up to cannon and artillery fire. Its 1,200-ton frame was built using three layers of timber topped with 24-foot strips of railroad iron. Having sections of the Georgia's armor for study should reveal more about how the Confederacy compensated for the South's lack of an industrial base when it came to building ships and other war machines.

Calendar of Events Nov 11 – Veteran’s Day (No Tours) Nov 11 – Happy Birthday Edna Weigand and Carol Montgomery Nov 12 – Military Family Nite, 5–8 PM, JB Lakehurst Gym Nov 19 - Cold War Blimp Talk at JB-McGuire Library at 7 PM Nov 21 – Officers & Trustees Meeting at 9:30 AM, Bldg 150 Nov 26 – Happy Thanksgiving Dec 6 – Hanukkah Dec 7 – Pearl Harbor Anniv. 74th yr Dec 25 – Merry Christmas Dec 26 – Happy Kwanza Jan 1, 2016 – Happy New Year Jan 13 – Members Meeting & Elections, 7 PM Galley Conf. Room Bldg. 484 Jan 18 – Martin Luther King Day Feb 12 – Lincoln’s Birthday Feb 14 – Valentine’s Day Feb 14 – Happy Birthday Don Adams Feb 15 - President’s Day Feb 20 – Officer & Trustee Meeting Feb 29 – Leap Year – extra day



NLHS Picnic

Many thanks to all who attended our Aug 29, 2015 members picnic. The weather was great, the dogs, burgers, chicken, covered dishes and Chef Max Frei’s cooking were enjoyed by over 40 attendees. See you next year!

F14 & F18 Updates After months of many volunteer hours, our F14 & F18 maintenance and restoration work is just about done. A sparkling refurbished F14 is now ready to return to test. The F18 now graces the Front Gate of Joint Base Lakehurst, having replaced the Blue Angel F11. A sincere debt of gratitude and a Bravo Zulu go to Project Manager Ron Montgomery and his crew of Roger Jordan, Charlie Bish, Peter Larkin, Peter Murphy and many others who worked hard and long on this project.

NLHS January Meeting Attendance Coupon Wednesday, Jan 13, 2016 7PM Meeting Location: The Galley Conference meeting room located in Bldg. #484

FULL NAME in following format: (please print) Make copies for each person attending

Last Name__________________________________ First name____________________________________________ Full Middle Name (not maiden name) _________________________ Drivers License #:____________________________________ State: _____________________________ PHONE (with area code): _________________________

MAIL TO: Navy Lakehurst Historical Society P.O. Box 328 Lakehurst, NJ 08733 Or e-mail information to : [email protected]

ATTN: January Meeting

DEADLINE: Jan 8, 2016 by 12 noon You must fill out this coupon if you plan on attending the meeting

and don’t have a pass for the base. NOTE: Your NLHS Membership card IS NOT a base pass.

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