The 24th Reunion was held in Norfolk, VA. The schedule and tour descriptions can be found below.
Since our last reunion we have achieved our goal to have the USS NOA qualified for Agent Orange coverage with the VA. This coverage Is for all shipmates who were aboard during the Aprll-1969 Viet Nam WESTPAC Cruise. Several of our shipmates have already successfully qualified for medical coverage.
Our search for your fellow shipmates continues, so If there Is someone you have thought of, we will try and find them. Please email Karen BarrIe or Chris Waugh know and the search will begin.
If your address, phone number and email address has changed, please email your update to us.
Tour the Norfolk Naval Base, the world’s largest naval facility. Your guided bus tour will include: Admiral’s Row, the Naval Air Station, and the piers. Enjoy a buffet lunch at one of the Clubs on base, featuring a salad bar and hot entree. After lunch, head downtown to Nauticus, an exciting 120,000 square-foot science and technology center that explores the power of the sea with interactive and educational exhibits. On the second deck of
Nauticus is the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, which features a large collection of naval artwork, ship models and underwater artifacts. Also part of Nauticus is the USS Wisconsin. The Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships to be built by the U.S. Navy. Note: If for any reason the Naval Base is closed to the public (i.e: security issues), the tour length will be shortened, but refunds can’t be issued. Due to heightened security, participants may be searched and a photo ID is required.
Spend the day at the Virginia Aquarium. Upon arrival, enjoy nearly 100 participatory exhibits, including a weather room where you can create waves or start a storm. Hands-on exhibits include a touch tank where you can hold a sea star, see a hermit crab’s home, or pet a horseshoe crab. This museum recently tripled in size, adding over 500,000 gallons of aquariums. New exhibits include the Norfolk Canyon Aquarium, featuring
sharks and other large ocean dwellers, a 70,000-gallon sea turtle aquarium, a river otter habitat, and an outdoor aviary. Watch the resident decoy carver practice his craft, or walk a boardwalk through a salt marsh. For a nominal fee enjoy an IMAX presentation. Lunch on your own in the Osprey Cafe, which offers a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches, along with daily specials.
Since 1989, Rockafeller’s Restaurant has been one of Virginia Beach’s favorite dining landmarks – well loved by locals and tourists alike for its casual elegance and simply fresh local fare. Year after year, customers flock from near and far to relax in rocking chairs on their covered decks, for a taste of Rockafeller’s legendary cuisine, and to enjoy their beach cottage lifestyle on Rudee Inlet. Choose from Fried Flounder, Grilled Salmon, Fried Shrimp, Sirloin Steak, Chicken Parmigiana, Grilled Tuna, Rockafeller’s Chicken or Kobe Beef Cheeseburger; all served with a Caesar Salad and your choice of Key Lime Pie or Chocolate Mousse for dessert!
Downtown Norfolk is home to the MacArthur Memorial, the final resting place of the late General and eleven-gallery museum. Visit the gift shop and see a film summarizing the General’s life and achievements. Next stop is the Spirit of Norfolk, the premiere cruise boat on Norfolk’s waterfront. The harbor lunch cruise with live entertainment features the sights of Hampton Roads harbor and the mighty ships at the Norfolk Naval Station. Enjoy a wonderful buffet while the captain narrates.