SSN 680 Plan of the Day
- Brad Williamson
It has been an interesting year. So far. Between the so-called pandemic and the so-called anti-fascists, most of us are feeling like the deployment has been extended about three times too many. Maybe four. And there’s not much left in the storeroom but flour and dried beans.
We’d just like to get back home, wherever that was, and enjoy some time with our wives or sweethearts, relax with family and friends, put some space between us and the boat (and our shipmates!), and wash that boat smell out of our civvies.
The pain is particularly acute this year, because we chose to postpone REGROUPEX 20. It is bad enough that we had to miss the a couple of great boat tours, but the three or four days of camaraderie, sharing, and remembering we lost exacerbates our malaise regarding the current state of affairs.
- Brad Williamson
I promised you the official declaration yesterday, but the internet decided not to cooperate. Which seems to be the way of things these last couple of months, but we keep on keeping on!
Thanks to all those who responded by email or Facebook to the announcement on the 19th. Your comments were encouraging in the face of so much that seems to be going off the rails, and I appreciate that you took the time to fire off a few lines.
All that said, the news flash today is unavoidable.
As of now, REGROUPEX 20 is postponed, at least until later in the year. So update your calendars, cancel your reservations, and put those plane tickets on hold (maybe the second week of November would be a good place to park them for the short term). I’ll notify the Navy and the hotel in Silverdale, and we can start working on a new date.
- Brad Williamson
These are the times that try men’s souls…
American patriot Thomas Paine penned these oft-quoted words in his first “American Crisis” pamphlet in the closing days of 1776, and though he was speaking of the challenge of standing up to tyranny, his words still ring true for all of us in this difficult time.
Days we hoped would be behind us by now and we would be freed to anticipate the respite and camaraderie of our planned reunion on the 22nd of June, now only two months and three days away.
But on-going events, our primal fears, and the choices of others continue to conspire against us.
Some states, mine included, have extended the so-called ‘stay-at-home’ orders until at least the end of May.
The Navy, having better things to worry about than communicating with me, is not likely to open their bases to tourists in the near future. They have also extended their PCS travel ban until June 30, which doesn’t bode well for submarine tours at Kitsap.
- Brad Williamson
Three months, twenty-seven days, and roughly five hours, but who’s counting? Besides me, I mean.
There is precious little time left to get your planning for June in order, and get reservations made at the Best Western Silverdale Beach Hotel in Silverdale, WA, and make whatever travel arrangements must be made.
Registration will be opened shortly, as soon as we nail down the cost, but expect it to be in the $100-$150 range, plus another $25-$50 for spouses.
In the meantime, everyone keeps asking me, “Who’s going to be there?”
Well, me for one, and that should be enough to seal the deal, but it would be a great help if you would take a few minutes to log into the site and update your plans and arrangements status.
You can update your REGROUPEX 20 plans and arrangements here:
REUNIONS >> REGROUPEX 20 >>> ATTENDANCE PLANS
Simply search for your name, click on the field to update, and make your choice from the options that will pop up for you.
- Brad Williamson
Four months, twenty-two days, and 23 hours as of the time I’m typing until REGROUPEX 20 kicks off in Silverdale, Washington!
On the 22nd of June, 2020, we will gather at the Best Western Silverdale Beach Hotel for three or four days of re-connecting and reminiscing. If you are planning on attending, it’s time to start making reservations.
Our group rate contract is in place, so you can get your reservations set up by calling the hotel directly at:
360.698.1000