St. Maarten/St. Martin Council Celebrates First Decade

Sea Power, Jul 2005 by Atkinson, Peter

Broward County Council, Miami Reserve Center Form Partnership

The Broward County, Fla., Council and the Miami U.S. Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center signed a partnership agreement April 14 at the council's monthly dinner meeting in an effort to provide further support to local reservists and their families.

Executing the document were council President Joseph Giambrone; Cmdr. John A. McGuire, commanding officer of the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center; and Marine Gunnery Sgt. Syril Melvin, who represented Maj. Scott J. Mack, inspector/instructor, Antitank (Tow) Company, 8th Tank Battalion, Marine Corps Reserves.

Also in attendance at the meeting were Navy Lt. Roy Ferreira, executive officer at the center; Navy Reserve Full Time Support Chief Yeoman Janette R. Chandler, command chief at the center; Lt. j.g. Carlos Crespo, executive officer at Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale; and Tim Easter, director of fleet operations Navy Region Southeast. The Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center's Color Guard presented the colors at the meeting.

The agreement calls for the council to provide information to the center regarding all Navy League-sponsored activities in the community. Reservists also will be provided an opportunity to become members of the council, and the commanding officer or their designee will have the opportunity to serve on the council's Board of Directors in a non-voting capacity.

In addition, the council will recognize the center's "Active Duty Sailor/Marine of the Year" and the selected "Reservist Sailor/Marine of the Year" for outstanding dedication to duty and performance.

"Our council is very pleased to partner with the reservists and hopes to develop a long relationship with them," Giambrone said.

Stethem Visit Highlights Navy Days L.A.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem was in port in Los Angeles in mid-April for the Pacific Southwest Region Navy League's "Navy Days L.A. 2005." The vessel docked in the Port of Los Angeles from April 14-18, during which it hosted rides, tours and receptions, and its crew was able to enjoy some of the area's many attractions.

In honor of its visit, Stethem commanding officer Cmdr. Charles F. Williams was presented with a plaque by Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn at pierside after the ship arrived in port. The ship also was honored at a special presentation at Los Angeles City Hall Council Chambers.

Nearly 400 Navy Leaguers, Sea Cadets, Boy Scouts, local business people and others were able to take advantage of two ship ride opportunities aboard the Stethem, according to National Director Grant W. Ivey. About 300 Boy Scouts, Sea Cadets, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts were among the nearly 2,000 people who took part in ship tours while the Stethem was berthed. A tour and party aboard the ship also was held for some 70 city government officials, business executives, port commissioners and Navy Leaguers April 17.

While the Stethem was in town, crewmembers were able to take trips to Catalina Island, Universal City, the Reagan Library and attend a L.A. Dodgers game against the San Diego Padres that included a complimentary Dodger Dog. The Stethem provided the color guard for opening ceremonies at the game.