the president`s message - USS DES MOINES CA-134

Jan 8, 2015
Good Afternoon Jim,
I am writing just to let you know, if you don’t already, that the people
of Villefranche Sur MER and the United States Navy League, French
Riviera-Monaco is hosting a 50th Anniversary event of the departure
of the 6th Fleet from its home port. They plan to inaugurate
“Villefranche à l’américaine”
(translated: Villefranche to the US), on January 27, 2017, I have
attached the Press Release for your review.
To give you a little information about me, I am a Life Member of the
USS Springfield Blue Jackets and I am also the President of the USS
Boston Shipmates, Inc. I have been back to Villefranche Sur MER
each year for the past 3 years and I am going again in March this
year and again to this event in 2017.
As you can tell from this email that I am assisting in this event and
trying to get the word out to all 6 thFleet shipmates that may have an
interest in this event.
There were basically 5 ships that served as the Flag Ship of the
6th Fleet from 1948 – 1967. Springfield, Little Rock, Des Moines,
Salem and Newport News.
I hope that you can help us spread the word about this upcoming 3
day event. I know that the USS Little Rock CLG-4 has posted
information about this event on their website
Thank you for your time.
Barry
Barry L. Probst
President / Secretary
USS BOSTON Shipmates, Inc.
Life Member USS Springfield Blue Jackets
Aboard USS Springfield CLG-7 – 1965 - 1967
French Riviera-Monaco Council
!
Press Release
U.S. Navy League
French Riviera-Monaco Council
1170 Bd. du 8 Mai
06550 La Roquette sur Siagne
Tel: 0492-190 749
NavyLeague.Cannes@gmail .com
MARCH 2015
Calling all Sixth Fleet sailors stationed in
Villefranche sur Mer from 1948 to 1967
The French Riviera-Monaco
Council has formed an affiliation
USS Springfield CLG-7
USS Des Moines CA-134
USS Salem CA-139
USS Newport News CA 148
USS Little Rock CLG-4
with the city of Villefranche sur Mer
in France and the Association "
Americans of the 6th fleet in
Villefranche sur Mer”. Our objective
is to commemorate and celebrate
the 50 year anniversary (in 2017)
since the U.S. Sixth Fleet moved it’s
Head Quarters from Villefranche sur
Mer to Naples Italy on 20 Jan 1967. The 2017 program will also
include exhibitions, conferences, concerts, movie festival, thematic
visit of the town, theatre show, educational projects and 4th of July
festivities…
We plan to inaugurate “Villefranche à l’américaine” on January 27,
2017 We hope to make contact with officers and sailors who were
stationed ashore in Villefranche as well as on the Flagship’s USS Des
Moines, USS Newport News, USS Salem, USS Little Rock CLG-4 and
USS Springfield CLG-7 the last cruiser to leave Villefranche in 1967.
We would like to collect memoirs and photos from sailors of the 6th
fleet about their deployment during the period of 1948 to 1967. Many
of the officers and sailors married local girls and today there are still
about 300 American families living in Villefranche sur Mer. Many will
surely remember “La Mere Germaine”, owner of the waterfront
restaurant, who helped so many sailors to make them feel at home,
she has become a legend in Villefranche and in 2009 a small street
just behind the restaurant was named “Alée Mere Germaine” in her
honor and 50 years after her death in 1959. Her grandson and grand
daughter still successfully operate the restaurant. It is the grand
daughter who is spearheading this project. Should anyone have any
stories, testimonials or pictures of this period, please contact:
Cornelis Van Vliet
President
Navy League of the United States
French Riviera Monaco-Council
1170 Bd. Du 8 Mai
06550 La Roquette sur Siagne, France
NavyLeague.VsM@gmail.com
Tel. +33-492 190 749
Van Vliet served on USS Springfield CLG-7
from 1959-1960
And
Americans of the Sixth Fleet in VsM
NewsLetter
issue #1, July 2015
Springfield Shipmates:
In an effort to keep every one informed, I have started the first Newsletter
about the upcoming event in Villefranche, but first a little background:
The Association “Les Americains et la 6éme Flotte à Villefranche sur Mer”
was founded earlier this year by Valérie Blouin, grand daughter of Mere
Germaine, whose restaurant has become famous through out the fleet and
possibly the world. The goal of the organization is to educate the young
and old about the history of the Sixth Fleet in Villefranche and to
commemorate the 50 years since the departure of the fleet on 20 January 2017.
The board of directors of the Navy League in Cannes are also members of this Association and we support
this Association with great enthusiasm.
As number 62 to arrive at the Newport Pre-Commissioning School in Nov 1959, it gives me double pleasure to
be part of the committee of the “Americans of the Sixth fleet in VsM” I have been tasked to find sailors from all
Sixth fleet flag ships and to ask for your input and memoirs you have from your time in VsM. At this time
I have 22 Springfield shipmates on the mailing list, but I would also like to hear from the other flagships,
Salem, Desmoines, Newport News and Little Rock.
Back in April, when I first started my search for
Shipmates, I received a mail from Bill Tiberend,
Missile Tech, saying he was visiting Nice in June
and wanted to show his wife Villefranche, So Bill
and I met in Nice and a week later in Villefranche
where Bill met the Mayor and Valerie and treated
us to a fine lunch at “La Mere Germaine” Merci
Bill. (sorry no pictures yet)
Thanks also to James Guignard for his
interesting and amusing memoirs from VsM. Jim
was supply officer ashore. Dennis Sherwood who
has offered his help Gene Hucke, Bob Sullivan
who has some amazing stories as the Diver
aboard Springfield and Bob O’Neil ,who was in
A div with me. Great to hear from all of you !
We shall keep in touch!
Prof. Christophe Trojani Mayor of Villefranche sur Mer and Valérie
Blouin, President of “Les Americains et la 6éme Flotte à Villefranche
sur mer” met with Vice Admiral James G. Foggo, Commander of U.S.
Sixth Fleet at a luncheon in Mougins, hosted by the directors of the Navy
League of the United States, French Riviera-Monaco Council in May to
discuss the planning of 6th fleet commemoration events in 2017.
Valérie Blouin, VADM Foggo,
Mayor Trojani, “Dutch”
Admiral Foggo, being a Francophile is very interested in our project for
2017. Our Association with the cooperation of Mayor Trojani is also
promoting the erection of a monument commemorating the Sixth Fleet in VsM. We are working with
Captain Edwin Grohe, Sixth Fleet Liaison Officer in Toulon to find a shipʼs anchor of one of the
ships stationed in VsM. as the main structure for the monument. We know that the “Springfield”
anchor was possibly converted into razorblades. However the search is still on for a suitable anchor.
On page 2 you will find a detailed account from President Valérie Blouin.
Make sure you click on the link for some great photos.
EXHIBITION «!THE US SIXTH FLEET IN VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER!»
by Valérie Blouin , President of Les Americains et la 6éme Flotte à VsM
The association «!Americans and US Sixth Fleet in Villefranche-sur-Mer!» opened its first exhibition from July
4th to 14th, 2015 at the Citadel in Villefranche-sur-Mer.
More than 150 persons attended the opening ceremony on Friday, July 3rd! Many of our association’s
members participated. The US Navy League was represented by the President, Cornelis Van Vliet, as well as
board members, Bernard Calamaro and Keith Knight. Due to previous commitments, the US Sixth Fleet
Commander, Admiral James G. Foggo, was unable to attend. Admiral Foggo was represented by Captain Edwin
Grohe, Sixth Fleet Liaison Officer in Toulon, France. The US Embassy in Paris was represented by two Naval
Attachés, CDR John Q. Quartey and Chief Randy C. Griffeth. Annette Anderson, President of the USAMonaco Association, also attended the official ceremony.
The evening ended with a dinner at La Mere Germaine where the Professor Christophe Trojani, Mayor of
Villefranche-sur-Mer, and several other guests were invited by the owner, Thierry Blouin, grandson of 'Mom'
Germaine. The US Sixth Fleet Exhibition presented an interesting collection of photos, documents, movies and
memorabilia going back to the time when Villefranche-sur-Mer was Headquarters for the US Sixth Fleet from
1953 to January 1967. Many pictures on the below link.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.
1687487594805475.1073741832.100006327525445&type=1&l=7f7db73521
During the 10-day period of the exhibition (July 4-14, 2015), we had many visitors, including new members of
our association who were interested in learning more about the US Sixth Fleet's presence in Villefranche-surMer. Visitors of a certain age came to share their memories while younger visitors and tourists stopped by to
learn more about the history of this unique relationship between the port town of Villefranche-sur-Mer and the
United States Navy. We even had a number of US Navy veterans visit the exhibition who had served on the
'Flag Ship', USS Springfield, and actually lived in or around Villefranche-sur-Mer during their tour of duty.
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEK-END
This was our first attempt of organizing an American Independence Day weekend. During three days, almost
all the restaurants in Villefranche-sur-Mer enthusiastically participated in creating and offering in their menu a
special Independance Day 'Burger'. And for each burger purchased, 1Euro was donated to a well-known
French charity called «!Restos du Cœur!».
Our Fourth of July attracted many people. The Municipality of Villefranche-sur-Mer organized a 'Vintage
Market' with a wide-range of clothing and memorabilia from the 50's and 60's. There was a display of American
cars from the 50's and 60's. Harley Davidson motorcycles paraded through the town. The Miss Pin-Up Contest
finally had a winner from a number of 'colorful' candidates. Country & Western music and a dance
demonstration was followed by a Rock’n Roll concert with Didier Diamante and his KustomBand. The
evening ended with an impressive fireworks display from the ramparts of the 16th century Citadel.
THE FUTURE
We are already in the process of planning for 2016. But our main focus and principal objective is 2017
because it will be exactly 50-years on January 20, 2017 that the USS Springfield left the Bay of Villefranche.
Professor Christophe Trojani, Mayor of Villefranche-sur-Mer, has announced that 2017 will be an 'American
Year' in Villefranche-sur-Mer! We have many projects and will keep you informed on the progress of each
project and as soon as project or event is confirmed. We can already promise you the creation of a website
before the end of this year. For further information, you can contact us by e-mail!: us6fleet.vsm@gmail.com.
Or follow our activity on Facebook us6fleet.vsm and Twitter @us6thfleet_vsm.
Thank you for your continued support.
Valerie Blouin
President
Association “Les Americains et la 6éme Flotte àVillefranche-sur-Mer”
8, Impasse Mere Germaine
F-06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer
France
And
Americans of the Sixth Fleet in VsM
NewsLetter
issue #2, Nov. 2015
Greetings Springfield and Little Rock Shipmates:
The Association “Les Americains et la 6éme Flotte à Villefranche sur
Mer” was founded last year by President Valérie Blouin, grand daughter
of Mere Germaine, whose restaurant has become famous through out
the fleet and possibly world wide. The goal of our organization is to
educate the young and old about the history of the Sixth Fleet in
Villefranche and to commemorate the 50 years since the departure of the
fleet on 20 January 2017.
The board of directors of the Navy League in Cannes are also members and we support this Association
with great enthusiasm.
Since the first issue of this NewsLetter last June, we have had several meetings and many ideas on how to
organize the commemoration of the Sixth Fleet in VilleFranche sur Mer. In the mean time we have also
heard from many Springfield members who are very enthusiastic about our project for 2017 and would
like to attend the event. They have also been very helpful in finding shipmates who were stationed in
VsM. James Guignard then a J.O. is one of those stationed ashore, Jim was one of the last men to leave
VsM and helped with the Springfield’s move to Gaeta on Jan 20 1967. Henry (Batch) Batchelder also a
J.O. on Springfield was asked, or was rather instructed by the captain to produce a plaque to present to
the citizens of Villefranche, he was responsible for the commissioning of the Springfield plaque which is
still visible today on the street next to the Welcome Hotel.
Our goal is to contact as many shipmates as possible from all ships and shore based personal in VsM as
well as spouses and their children.
Recently we were fortunate to have the help of Art Tilley (Little Rock 62-63) he is the Little Rock
Webmaster and has been most helpful with a very big list of Little Rock sailors and getting the word out
on his website.
Originally we discussed having the event both on 20 Jan 2017 and also on the 4th of July, however the 4th
of July week being the busiest time of the year in VsM, it will be hot, Hotels will be full, parking and
traveling difficult. So we are now only concentrating on celebrating from 19 Jan.-22 Jan. 2017. the date
that Sixth Fleet H.Q. departed Villefranche to its new Head Quarters in Gaeta.
On Page 2 you will find our proposed Agenda which of course is subject to changes, but the dates of 19-22
January 2017 are fixed. (Dutch) More news to follow as we go along.
Below information from Little Rock
Webmaster Art Tilley
All US 6th Fleet Flagships serving at VsM:
USS Albany CG-10
USS Boston CAG-1
USS Columbus CA-74
USS Des Moines CA-134
USS Little Rock CLG-4
USS Newport News CA-148
USS Northampton CLC-1
USS Salem CA-139
USS Springfield CLG-7
August 2015, Meeting at Momʼs place with RADM
Philip Dur (ret) ex Little Rock Ltjg. L to R. Mrs. Dur,
Dutch, Phil Dur, Thierry Blouin,Valérie Blouin, George
Hughes, Jo Masnata, Philip Depoy, Mrs. Depoy.
Note: Philip Dur was also CO on the USS Compte de
Grasse and made many port visits with her in Vlllefranche
Les Americains et la VI éme flotte à Villefranche sur Mer
Preliminary Program
Thursday 19 Jan. 2017 17:00h! !
18:00h!
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Registration Gare Maritime.
Welcome Cocktail reception in the Gare Maritime
(fleet landing) building! !
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Friday 20 Jan. 10:00 -12:00!
Meeting for discussions among shipmates.
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Friday 19:30h !
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!
!A U.S Navy Destroyer, or USS Mount Whitney, 6th fleet
flagship to be in port for the events, a ship visit and or
a reception is a good possibility on this day. Protocol
visit by Ships officers at the Mayors office.
!
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Welcome dinner at La Mere Germaine!
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Gala dinner in the citadel with U.S Navy flag officer, and
Consul General, local Mayors etc. in attendance.
Sat. 21 Jan. 19.30h!
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Options still on
the table
!
Luncheon at the Yacht Club de Monaco
Cocktail reception Villa Rothschild
www.villa-ephrussi.com/en/home
Sunday 22 Jan. !
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Open to several excursions for those staying another
day.
Note: Except for the above dates, some of the events may be re-arranged and events added
to fill the blank spaces depending on the number of attendees we will have. We are hoping to
have several VIPʼs and dignitaries at the events which will also require some adjustments,
Guest and speakers to be invited.
Last minute News.
Mrs. Jane Hartley, U.S Ambassador to France
Ms. Monique Quesada U.S Consul General in Marseille
HSH Prince Albert II de Monaco
Prefecture Alpes Maritime
Prefet Maritime (French Admiral)
On Thursday 5 November, I had
the great pleasure to finally meet
Henry (Batch) Batchelder for
dinner in VsM along
with two
other Springfield shipmates, Barry
Lindquist and Monte Ball, who
wanted to celebrate their 50th
anniversary since joining the ship
in VsM. Needless to say the
evening was full old funny
seastories and way to short. All
three are looking forward to
attending our 2017 events.
Commander NATO Forces Europe and Africa *
Commander U.S Sixth Fleet *
Captain Louis (Skip Arny Naval Attaché in Paris
Captain Edwin Grohe U.S Navy Liaison in Toulon
Mayors of: Nice, Cannes, Grasse, St Jean Cap Ferrat,
Beaullieu
* Presently Adm. Mark Ferguson and VADM James Foggo
Future news will include more
details, Hotels, apartment rentals
and hopefully a list of Shipmates
planning to attend.
Dutch
Newsletter submitted by
Cornelis (Dutch) Van Vliet
NavyLeague.VSM@gmail.Com
Tel: +33-492 190 749