Leyte Gulf Decomm

 September 5 - 22, 2024

We left South Dakota and headed toward Norfolk, VA, where the USS Leyte Gulf (55) was being decommissioned. Our first stop along the way was Spartan Service Center in Charlotte, MI, where we had our chassis inspected and our tires realigned. After the AK roads, it seemed prudent. 

Our next stop was Showalter RV in Nappanee, IN, where we had our roof inspected. A couple of tubes of caulk later, we were good to go. 

Next we stopped at the FMCA campground in Cincinnati, where we joined a mini-rally for a couple of days. We had met most of the group the year prior in Michigan. So it was good to catch up, however briefly. We hope to see most of them again in October.

We reached the JEB Little Creek campground in Virginia Beach without incident, ready for the reunion weekend. Harold so enjoyed catching up with shipmates he hadn't seen in decades. We'll have to do better about staying in touch. 

The ceremony itself was on Norfolk Naval Base, Pier 2. Quite a few plankowners (those who pre-commissioned the ship) were on hand for the event. They helped man the rails one last time. Leyte Gulf will now join the Ghost fleet. 

USS Leyte Gulf

Contemplation

Remarks from Vice Admiral Black

Officers of the last deployment

Plankowners

Where Are We Going Next?