A family walks down the pathway toward the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point, surrounded by American flags and calm waters.
A family walks down the pathway toward the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point, surrounded by American flags and calm waters.
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Former Shipmates Enjoy 66th Annual USS Yorktown CV-10 Association Reunion

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More than 150 former shipmates of the USS Yorktown CV-10, family members and friends gathered onboard The Fighting Lady from October 16-18, 2014 for their 66th annual reunion.  There were many smiles and stories passed around and a few tears shed in the more solemn and reflective moments, but by all accounts the reunion was a success.

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On Thursday evening, the group gathered for the first event of the weekend: "The Bob Hope Road Show" onboard the USS Yorktown during a dinner celebration.  A Bob Hope impersonator was joined by special guests Red Skeleton, Jimmy Durante and Jack Benny and they provided wonderful entertainment for the crowd.

 On Friday morning, the group returned to the ship to remember the 88 lives of the former shipmates who have died in the past year, as well as all who once served the USS Yorktown that have "crossed the bar."  This moving event, held in Hangar Bay I, provided a solemn occasion to pay respects to many great men.  Chaplain Harold Syfrett, Yorktown Plank Owner and electrician from 1943-1946, provided the invocation for the event.  Then Yorktown veterans Daniel Vitt and Ed Hewitt read the 88 names and tolled the bell for each of them. Bagpiper Bill Nuttall then played Amazing Grace, followed by a rifle volley and playing of "Taps" by the American Legion Post 147.

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At this time, family members of Rivers Anderson and William Butler (former shipmates of the USS Yorktown), with the help of the Mt. Pleasant Police Department boat, dispersed the ashes of their loved ones into the Charleston Harbor beneath the USS Yorktown.  Family members also tossed a wreath into the waters in memory of these two great men. Afterward, all attendees were given a flower to cast into the harbor in memory of loved ones.

After the memorial service ended, association members gathered for a general membership meeting before heading to a buffet lunch in Hangar Bay III. The lunch ended with a live and silent auction of a variety of fabulous items.  Later that day, reunion guests embarked on a variety of tours and events throughout the area.

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On Saturday, the key event was the Meet & Greet, followed by a session entitled "Life Onboard the Yorktown" where six former shipmates discussed their time onboard the ship during the three key conflicts in which the ship served.  Museum guests and reunion attendees enjoyed the opportunity to get to know more about the USS Yorktown and the veterans who served her so bravely.

Later Saturday evening, reunion attendees gathered for the concluding event, another entertaining performance by "Bob Hope" and his friends in Hangar Bay III.  It was a happy ending to a reunion full of memories.

For more photos of the reunion, check out the gallery of images:

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