Notes

 There were 13 NC Subvets from the Carolina Piedmont, Coastal Carolina, Nat Greene, and Tarheel Bases in this year’s parade. The crowds of parade spectators were as large as in past parades even with the unexpected cold weather. We used the trailer hitch on the Mk-14 torpedo float trailer to tow the parade submarine behind it. This was only done once before in a parade in Sanford. Probably won’t be done again after the TV parade commentators thought we were towing a “cooker” behind the torpedo and made the comment that they would like to get some of what we would be cooking later.

After the parade we met on the Battleship North Carolina for lunch arranged by Coastal Carolina Base Commander Terry Kuhn. He invited the BB 55 crew members, in town for their annual reunion, to the lunch. Twelve of these veterans along with their families were able to attend. Also some additional Tarheel Base members came for the lunch as well as wives and guests of the NC Subvets who had come to Wilmington to be in the Azalea Festival Parade. Steve Bell swore in three of the new 2011 Coastal Carolina Base Officers as Dick Kanning was unable to attend this year. Those sworn in were Terry Kuhn - Base Commander, Jim Brincefield - Vice Base Commander, and Charlie Backes - Base Treasurer. Ron Willems - Base Secretary was not present and will be sworn in later.

Terry Kuhn presented Jim Brincefield with his Holland Club award.

Unfortunately, we were unable to “Toll the Boats” at the S-28 Memorial as access to the waterfront park was restricted due to fireworks being set up for the Azalea Festival Fireworks Display later that evening. So this was done at the meeting on the battleship.

Well done to Terry and his base for being great hosts this year.