The USS Rankin Association
Home • 2022 · 2021 · 2019 · 2018 · 2017 · 2016 · 2015 · 2014 · 2013 · 2012 · 2011 · 2010 · 2009 · 2008 · 2007 · 2006 · 2005 · 2004 · 1990s
2008 Reunion – Stuart
The USS Rankin Association's Fifth Annual Reunion was held in Stuart, Florida from October 30 to November 2, 2008, at the Ramada Stuart hotel. Attendees included 101 shipmates and guests.
The city of Stuart came out in force to honor the crewmembers of the warship that rests on the bottom six miles off their coast. Local newspapers covered us and our ship each day, and local dignitaries atte nded many of our functions.
Friday started with a working party painting the Rankin's anchor, which is on display in Stuart. Next was a cruise to visit the site of the Rankin's grave. The seas were too high to transit Saint Lucie Inlet, so we cruised on the Inland Waterway. That evening, many wore costumes and temporary tattoos to our special Halloween dinner.
Saturday brought a trip to Fort Pierce, where some of our WWII shipmates got their basic amphibious training. Highlighting our visit to the National UDT/SEAL Museum was the unveiling of the Rankin's brick in its Walk of Honor. A trip to the St. Lucie County Historical Museum ended the afternoon. Our banquet at the unforgettable Pipers Landing Yacht and Country Club featured eleven local dignitaries and a presentation on the 1988 sinking of the Rankin.
For this reunion, we have this Main Page plus two others. Use the buttons below to view the 2008 Reunion Memory Book, including pictures of all attendees and a recap of all our activities, or to view other photos from the reunion.
|
