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![[Boston Patches]](images/boston_reunion_2k2/patch2.jpg) |
The
2002 U.S.S. Boston Reunion
in Baton Rouge |
![[SSN703 Patch]](images/boston_reunion_2k2/patch703.jpg) |
The 2002 reunion of the Boston shipmates just happened to be in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana. As B.R. is "right up the road" from your Webmaster, I decided
to hop on over and make a short visit.
From very early on in the development of this web site, I have been in
contact with Art Hebert, the
Webmaster of our sister ship's web site. When news of the Baton Rouge reunion came to
my attention, I asked if I could stop by and was warmly welcomed. While
the crew was getting things setup for the opening, we visited and swapped sea
stories. They are a great bunch of guys and they know how to put together
a good show.
As the reunion had not actually gotten started yet, these photos show the
various displays that were being set up. You'll note that there is a focus
on the huge model of the CAG-1 built by Gerald E. Kirk. Gerry has done an
incredible job and it was just amazing to watch the turrets rotate (he kept
training the main battery on me, while I was focusing the camera on the ship,)
the missile launchers swing around, with smoke from the stack and the GQ alarm
sounding on the "1MC."
While I met many of the Boston shipmates, I'd like to especially thank Art
and Nancy Hebert and Gerry and Esther Kirk for their kindness and attention.
I know they had a great time as they sure got off to a fine start.
Display and gathering room Another Boston "on the ways" U.S.S. Boston CAG-1 Masterpiece
Captain's gig and whaleboat
Art and Nancy Hebert with Gerry and Esther Kirk Gerry Kirk (Shipwright) with Art Hebert and Skip Hagan (Webmasters) This area is being setup as the main display area for all the Boston memorabilia. There are several photos of Boston and Canberra, together. Viet Nam era photos of fire missions. Two models of Boston as a gundalow of revolutionary war times. This one is actually manned. A fascinating study of the Boston undergoing a yard period. This is a mavellous display of intricate detail. You almost expect to see workmen to coming on shift. Into the 20th century, the fifth U.S.S. Boston. As she was commissioned in 1943. An impressive presentation. Painstaking detail and an excellent effort. In the early stages of new construction, another Boston is in the making. The most recent vessel to bear the name Boston. Shown in drydock. Built by Gerry Kirk, this is a most impressive model and a fine memorial to the ship. Note the functional deck and navigation lights. Lighting is just one of an amazing array of details that Gerry has put into this model. See the ribbons below the bridge? Flag was draped from the bridge upon return from a Viet Nam cruise to honor their red-haired captain. and well earned. Gerry holds the radio control that allows him to operate the four screws, rudder, main battery, missile launchers, and other features. Shipmates will note the slight modification to the launchers. The red rail and blast deflector were necessary to facilitate the actual launching of "live" missiles. Using model rocket motors, this Boston can blast her birds into the sky. Note the bundle of wires that lead to operational components in the aft superstructure. Below decks is a true machinery space. Power, propulsion, and control. Even macrame' over the windows of the gig.
Art and Nancy Hebert with Gerry and Esther Kirk
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