www.sandypondny.net

70th Anniversary Celebration

327' Secretary Class Cutters

1936 - 2006

Mt. Pleasant, Patriots Point, SC

In October of 2006, many Coast Guard members who crewed on one of the seven Secretary Class Cutters better known as the "327's" held a group reunion for these sister ships. As a member of the CGC Spencer, I attended. The admission was well worth the price. It was held just outside of Charleston, SC where we were welcomed with open arms, great weather, friendly natives, fantastic foods, and scheduled events that took great planning, and possibly a little magic. My greatest pleasure was to spend time with an old shipmate and best friend Paul Franklin who after 45 plus years, we have once again regained a special friendship. 

If Paul and his family were the cake, the icing was multi-layered. From the tours to the Carrier YORKTOWN where we were treated to the Admirals luncheon, to the YORKTOWN Theater where we honored those shipmates  who "passed the bar".  We then toured the CGC INGHAM now memorialized itself, as it floats within hailing distance of the great YORKTOWN. Next we toured Charleston and then the Confederate submarine HUNLEY. Later we were honored by the new CGC TAHOMA from Kittery, Maine. They had left their duties in the Caribbean to come to Charleston and allow us to tour their ship and show us what is like to be aboard a cutter today. Onboard discussions with both Officers and Enlisted personnel made me proud to see where, what, and who the Coast Guard is today

Finally, those who attended. The young photographer, who with his dad, wished to accompany his granddad to see first hand where he spent part of his youth. Or, two of the survivors of the CGC Hamilton which was torpedoed during WWII. One was the youngest survivor, the other the last to be rescued.  I was also there when two gentlemen met each other on the dock along side the TAHOMA. I heard they had graduated the CG Academy, went to war, and last saw each other in 1946. I felt their joy as I witnessed their reunion 60 years later. [Capt Roger Banner, Class of 1943 CGA from Port Royal, SC , CO CGC CAMPBELL 1966-67 ( in wheel chair) was enbracing CAPT Henry Keene, Class of 1942 CGA from Ketchiken, AK]

Regrettably, I was unable to attend the final Banquet and the following festivities. Fortunately, I had an experience the previous three days no one can replace. 

I have downloaded, cropped, and resized my pictures. If the quality is less than satisfactory it is because my website has too many pictures, but I did not wish to leave any out. I also have added pictures from others. Thanks Paul and Nat.       Enjoy.

The Franklin's plus One

Registration

The Ingham

The Hunley

Hamilton Shipmates

The Yorktown

(Note: I took the above through the opposite window of the Tour Bus while crossing the new bridge)

The Tahoma

Other

The Memorial

 My thanks to Capt. Gordon Bell, who not only initiated this reunion, but talked me into attending. 

Another thanks to ex ship mates: Tom, Jack and his wife Darlene for there tireless effort to keep the Spencer Association on an even keel, although I think Darlene should update her camera. Nate and Bob, what can I say, you kept me smiling. 

I am sorry that I could not make my movie shorts work on this website. Then again, with those Paul and Nate sent, we have a pretty good cross section. Hope you enjoyed.

Bernie Carr  (CGC Spencer 1959-1963)

Return to Coast Guard Page, click COAST GUARD 

If you wish a response, my email is sandypond1@yahoo.com NOTE: I will not open your email If you do not  start your subject line with "BLC".  I am receiving many emails at this address, and without BLC, if I do not recognize them, I will not open them.