NOVEMBER 14TH, 1999

On Sunday morning, November 14, 1999, Richard Conti, Director of the National Maritime Center-Nauticus-in Norfolk, VA. held a meeting. In attendance were George Miller, Association President, Carl Capestrain, Vice President, Dave Patrykus, Treasurer, Bill Henson, Editor of our “BADGER”, Dick Hamann, Recording Secretary, Dom Menta, Historian/Curator, Webmaster, Ronald Keys, Special Assistant to City Manager, Shurl Montgomery, Assistant City Manager, Charles Hartig, Office of the Mayor, Jack Kavanaugh, RADM, SC, USN (RET), John Anthony Jones, Norfolk Convention Bure

The purpose of this meeting was to explain how the Nauticus and the City of Norfolk would present the Wisconsin to the public. On the drawing board are plans to open up a wall on the third level of Nauticus, erecting a passageway directly to the main deck of the Wisconsin and the development and construction of numerous interactive, educational exhibits that will “Bring the Ship to Life”. Visitors to the Battleship will be able to tour the main deck free of charge. In partnership with the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, memorabilia pertaining to life aboard the Wisconsin will also be put on display. Nauticus and Hampton Roads Naval Museum will also develop a comprehensive educational program for students and the general public.

Following the meeting we were invited by Howard Webb, President of Webb Technologies and the President of the National Maritime Center Foundation to join him on his boat, Mariner IV for a cruise along the historic Elizabeth River to see Wisconsin. We cruised along side of her. Boy, she is still beautiful.

Monday morning at 8:30 am we were escorted by bus to Pier 21 to see the Wisconsin. The media was both at the gate and on board the ship taking pictures and conducting interviews with all of us. We took a walking tour with Mayor Fraim, his staff, Councilmen Mason Andrews and Randy Wright, and city and state officials, including Delegate Thelma Drake and Senator Nick Rerras, and numerous representatives from the local media.

The eight crewmembers that walked her decks that morning were just in awe, bringing back memories of so long ago. It’s always a thrill to stand on her deck and reminisce. We were so lucky to have served on this magnificent ship.

That afternoon we had lunch with Mayor Fraim and his staff. The Mayor informed us that a USS Wisconsin Foundation has been set up. George Miller, Association President was appointed as secretary and Carl Capestrain, Vice President is on the Board of Directors. Mayor Fraim brought out at the luncheon how the City of Norfolk and the USS Wisconsin Association can work together to present this ship to the public in the best way possible.

As for the time frame for presenting the ship to the public, it is on schedule for December 2000