Last week we welcomed 25-year Navy Veteran and retired Captain Daniel Bean. Bean is the president of the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association. He gave us an update on what the twelve-year process of bringing the USS Orleck to Jacksonville has looked like to date. We now have a ship! He discussed the difficulties with bringing the ship to Jacksonville and how they overcame all the legislative red tape that was involved both with local and state administrations. The implosion of the Berkman II also didn’t help with berthing the ship.
In addition, I would like to congratulate our wine raffle winners. Chuck Perrone took 1st place, and John and Susan Zona took 2nd & 3rd place. We also have a Member Hangout next Thursday (4/21) at J Alexanders. I look forward to seeing everyone this Wednesday when we will have our annual Scholarship Award Ceremony.

Jeff Volpe
2022 President