June 25-June 29, 2003 the DESTROYER USS ORLECK ASSOCIATION met in reunion in festive Waikiki, Hawaii. The opening night at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel brought a reception with leis, Hawaiian singers, great food and of course the perfect weather you would expect in paradise. Rear Admiral Barry McCullough brought a very meaningful message about our ship and the modern Navy. The reunion was organized to provide a lot of free time to enjoy all that Hawaii has to offer. Each day a special event was offered. On day two the group enjoyed the ﾓRoyal Luauﾔ with gorgeous Hawaiian entertainers right on Waikiki Beach. The most meaningful time occurred on day three of the reunion. First a visit to the USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL, and a prime rib luncheon aboard the USS MISSOURI preceded a Memorial Service led by Chaplain Joseph Correia. The UNITED STATES NAVY provided an Honor Guard, Taps and Rifle Team giving a 21-gun salute as Orchids were thrown into Pearl Harbor by our attendees in memory of those shipmates who have died. The following evening the 190 member group went aboard the NAVATEK, a state of the art dinner cruise boat and were treated to a great sunset cruise viewing Diamondhead and Cocohead while eating a fine dinner and being entertained by Hawaiian dancers and singers. Finally, day five brought a fine breakfast and church service and our goodbyes until the next reunion. The group in a business meeting decided to hold its 2005 reunion in Orange, Texas aboard the USS ORLECK.
Jun 252003