2003 USS Sea Devil Reunion - Norfolk, VA
First reunion, held in Norfolk, VA
Special Thanks to Jim Schenk & Ruth Ann Worth
March 23rd, 2003
Approximately 45 members of U.S.S. Sea Devil (SSN664) gathered in Dominion Hall at The Lake Wright Hotel complex in Norfolk, Virginia, for the inaugural USS Sea Devil Reunion. This meeting aimed to ratify the U.S.S. Sea Devil (SSN664) Association Bylaws, which were distributed by the Reunion Steering Committee to all members via email and USPS. Reunion Chief Coordinator Mike "Mickey" Martin presided over the session immediately following the buffet-style Sunday Morning Brunch. He reminded everyone present that they were expected to have read the Bylaws. A motion to accept the Bylaws was made by Admiral Chabot and seconded by Edward "Fast Eddie" Lynd, receiving unanimous approval.
Mike Martin then shared that there was approximately $3,500.00 available. This included $770.00 raised through a silent auction and $3,000.00 from the raffle. He expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed and prompted a discussion regarding dues; proposals ranged from $10.00 to $25.00. Ultimately, the decision was made to table the dues topic for now and potentially revisit it through a plebiscite via mail.
The next item on the agenda was the planning of another military ship reunion. Attendees discussed potential venues and timelines. Jesse Byars suggested that over time, more shipmates might be found west of the Mississippi, indicating that a midwest or west coast location could encourage greater participation from long-distance attendees. Three potential sites were proposed: Branson, Missouri; Charleston, South Carolina; and Norfolk, Virginia. The conversation also touched on the SS400's next reunion location, with an idea to celebrate jointly with them, anticipating their reduced motivation for separate gatherings as their members age. John Flynn motioned to hold the next U.S.S. Sea Devil Reunion in Norfolk, Virginia, potentially at The Lake Wright Hotel again. Edward Lynd seconded this motion, which was approved by a majority.
The target timeframe for the next reunion was confirmed to be in the latter part of April 2005, ensuring warmer weather for the aging members while avoiding the peak tourist season between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Mike Martin was once again chosen by a show of hands to serve as Chief Coordinator for the next reunion, contingent upon the continued support of the same volunteers, all of whom agreed.
George Boyle, the keeper of the address spreadsheet, was assigned once more to maintain up-to-date address information. Attendees were reminded to notify George of any changes leading up to the next reunion.
The next order of business was the election of officers, as outlined in the Bylaws. The officers elected were: Commander - Mike Martin, nominated by Edward Lynd and seconded by Jesse Byars; Vice Commander - Ken McNelly, nominated by Mike Martin and seconded by Edward Lynd; Secretary - George Boyle (in absentia), nominated by John Flynn and seconded by Captain Blaha; and it was suggested that Mike Martin remain as Treasurer until all financial matters were current, with all agreeing. The Treasurer position was filled by Mike Martin, with Paul Galligan as auditor. The current bank account is located in Palmyra, Virginia, and registered under Mike Martin's name.
Edward Lynd was nominated by Mike Martin and seconded by James Schenk as Public Information Officer.
In closing, Commander Martin thanked The Lake Wright Hotel staff and all the volunteers who contributed to making the first reunion a success. He encouraged each attendee to find at least one more shipmate ahead of the next military ship reunion.
The meeting notes were collected by Ruth Worth and transcribed by me.
Signed and dated this date,
James Schenk