1996 Reunion
The second reunion was held in San Diego, California, in 1996.
The second reunion was also hosted by Mary Lou and Dennett Srur. This time the logistics were a tad different in that the reunion was being held in sunny San Diego, California. The Hospitality Suite was located in the Holiday Inn on the Bay.
Fifty-five people attended this the second reunion, forty-one of whom were former “Lynde McCormick” crew members. A “Welcome and Reception” were held on Thursday night in the Hospitality Suite where old friends renewed friendships and new friendships were forged in a common bond of Duty, Service and the Love of an old ship.
Friday morning witnessed the gathering of Sailors of a bye gone era at the 32nd Street Gate of the San Diego Naval Base where they were hosted by the young and proud crew of a brand new Guided Missile Destroyer, the USS Stethem (DDG-63). While we were mightily impressed with the vast changes in technology, the quality of living conditions for the crew and the tremendous capability of this new ship, many of the McCormick Sailors could be heard to say “Nothing could be better than the “Old Girl”.
We would like to extend a heart felt thank you for your warm hospitality and for allowing us to share your vessel with you for a short time. From those of us who had the opportunity to visit with the fine Officers and Crew of the USS Stethem (DDG-63), “Thank You !”
Friday afternoon and most of the day Saturday were free time for everyone to spend as they pleased. To seek out old haunts, a walk along the Sea Wall at Seaport Village or a day spent shopping at Horton Plaza.
Many thanks to Mary Lou and Dennett Srur for their idea to start a reunion of all the USS LYNDE McCORMICK DDG 8 shipmates.