To: All ACVA Ship Reps.
From: ACVA President Tom Crosser
Urgent Communication and Request to Adams Class Shipmates:
Gentlemen,
We have exciting news to report regarding the berthing of the USS
CHARLES F. ADAMS!
Due to the ongoing efforts of the ACVA Board and our JAX Team, the
Jacksonville Florida Waterways Commission passed a Resolution on
November 1, stating their support for the berthing of the last existing
ADAMS CLASS DESTROYER IN THE UNITED STATES, USS CHARLES F. ADAMS, in
their city and the creation of a Memorial and Museum, dedicated
to the Adams Class DDG's, the sailors who served on them, their
contribution to our nation's security during the Cold War, and their
part in US Naval History.
As of Tuesday, November 27, the report from our JAX Team added two more
City Council Members to the list of those supporting our efforts. This
brings the total to 13 supporting our effort, 3 uncertain (but probable)
and 2 yet to be briefed. The 13 is the "super majority" we wanted to
secure prior to bringing the request to the full Council for
consideration. Additionally we have gained support from Business Leaders
and other interested parties who feel that ADAMS will be a real asset to
Jacksonville. And lastly, the City of Jacksonville's Veterans' Affairs
Director has voiced a "No Objection" position on our ADAMS proposal.
This is significant due to the fact that the Mayor will ask his opinion
first, and because he has declined to support each and every Naval Ship
Museum proposal previously submitted.
We need to make sure that our message is getting to each and every
former Adams
Class crew member possible. We need to make sure that everyone knows
about recent developments in Jacksonville and the fact that we only have
until March 31, 2008 to submit our "Application for Donation" to NAVSEA.
The preparation and submission of the actual "Application" Is going to
cost ACVA at least $100,000.
This information must go out as fast as possible to all former Adams
Class crew members. We need contributions and we need them very quickly.
Our goal is within sight. We have asked and often prayed for this
opportunity and it is finally before us. We must rise to the occasion
and do our part to bring Adams to her final home. I am asking that every
sailor make a $25 contribution - and send it today...PLEASE. If you can
send a little more, Great! But more important, contact anyone else you
thing would be interested in our effort and ask them to send a little
too. As we were taught on board, many hands make light work.
I will also request that everyone associated with an Adams Class web
site or Reunion Group have our story and this request posted prominently
so anyone visiting your site can read about our ongoing effort to save
the last Adams Class DDG in the US. Please make sure all of your
shipmates are aware of the ADAMS Class Veterans Association web site (www.adamsclassddgvets.org)
because on that site is all the latest info, including a rendering of
ADAMS sitting in the proposed berth on the St. Johns River in JAX!
Checks should be made out to "The ACVA, Inc." and sent to:
ACVA Executive Secretary
c/o Dave Myerly
5 Bush Road
Denville, New Jersey 07834-2906
Tom Crosser
President, Adams Class Veterans Association, Inc.
