The USS King DLG-10/DDG-41 Association Donation

The USS King DLG-10 / DDG-41 Association held their annual reunion in Orlando, Florida the weekend of June 19/20, 2010. During the business portion of their meeting they voted to officially support the efforts of the ACVA and donate $5000. Our sincerest thanks and regards to this group and we will use the donation wisely.

Robert J. Branco
ACVA President

USS CHARLES F. ADAMS RESTORATION

In October of 2008 the ACVA had requested that the Navy donate the two radar antennas that were removed from the USS CHARLES F. ADAMS when it was decommissioned in 1990. The antennas shown above were obtained from the USS Austin currently in Brownsville, Texas undergoing the scrapping process. ACVA veteran, Jim Donaldson, who had served on board the CHARLES F. ADAMS as a CWO3 Warrant Machinist, picked up the antennas a week ago and delivered them to the Armed Forces Military Museum in Largo, Florida where they will be displayed as the donation process of the ADAMS continues.

Jim Donaldson – AN/WSC-1 antennas

AFFM – Largo, Florida

The two radar antennas and the AN/WSC-1 satellite communications antennas above will be used to restore the ADAMS to its original appearance while in service. The AN/WSC- 1 antennas will be displayed at the Jacksonville Landing in the Museum Visitor Center.

PHILADELPHIA OPEN HOUSE

During the week of May 17, 2010 ACVA members participated in the Inactive Ships Open House in Philadelphia. ACVA Treasurer Craig Bernat and John Quigley are shown getting ready to unload two signal searchlights and damage control fittings that will be used in the restoration of former USS Charles F. Adams DDG-2.

During previous trips to Philadelphia, the ACVA has obtained radio transceivers, teletypes, AN/UYK-20 computers and a SPA-25 radar repeater. All are stored onboard the ADAMs ready to be used to help restore the damaged or missing equipment onboard.

USS CHARLES F. ADAMS PHOTO TOUR

During the Open House in Philadelphia, Craig Bernat took a series of pictures showing the condition of the ship in many of the spaces in all parts of the ship. By clicking on this link, Adams Photo Tour 0510, you can see the ship in its current condition.

The DDG-2 Ship Model kit built for the JHNSA/ACVA is available from

For more information on these model kits go to http://www.badshipmodels.com/
Or contact keith@badshipmodels.com

Introduction

The Adams Class Veterans Association is an IRS registered 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization.

Our Mission

• Work with all Adams class groups and organizations to Save, Restore and Preserve the USS Charles F. Adams DDG-2;


• Educate the public on the rich naval heritage of the Adams class DDG ships;


• Document the roles of Adams class DDG ships in United States history;


• Show the importance of preserving historic naval vessels and memorabilia for future generations to appreciate.

What is a ship, really?

Most people look at a ship as nothing more than a bunch of iron and steel. A sailor sees it as a living being concieved in a shipyard; the hopes, dreams and pride of those who built her - from the grandmother who helped assemble her electronics to the welders and pipe fitters who turn her into something recognizable. Eventually the day comes when she is commissioned and her crew breathes life into her hull. Her radar and lookouts are her eyes, sonar her ears, radios her voice and engines her heart. She reflects her crews attitude, their hopes and dreams. In her life time she will see about 10-15 complete crews man her, until that sad day when Uncle Sam says 'Thank you for your service" and she is retired.

The ships of this class were, in the tradition of the Navy, named for famous men; from Revolutionary War heroes and Civil War admirals to former statesmen. It is our dream and goal to save the last of this proud class of ships.

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