NAVY BASE WELCOMES VISITORS.Byline: Sylvia L. Oliande Daily News Staff Writer Thousands of people descended on the Naval Construction Battalion Center on Saturday, taking in an array of entertainment offerings, food and exhibits at the annual Seabee Summerfest '98. They took a tour of the USS Gary Several ships of USN were named USS Gary:
``It's a good initiative builder,'' said Airman Eric Dibble, who was guarding an Emerson 25 K (aircraft) loader, one of the many large pieces of equipment on display. ``People get to see what we do, and it helps morale. It gives the community the reassurance they need that we're putting Uncle Sam's money to good use.'' During opening ceremonies, more than 400 sailors on base marched in their dress whites Noun 1. dress whites - a dress uniform for formal occasions dress blues dress uniform - a military uniform worn on formal occasions plural, plural form - the form of a word that is used to denote more than one across the parade field. Naval dignitaries - including the ``King Bee,'' Rear Adm. David Nash David Nash is the name of:
The Seabees also took time to right a bureaucratic oversight of decades ago. Retired construction chief mechanic Charles M. ``Slats'' Slaton received a Navy-Marine Corps commendation for his Operation Deep Freeze Operation Deep Freeze (OpDFrz or ODF) is the codename for a series of US missions to Antarctica, beginning with "Operation Deep Freeze I" in 1955–56, followed by "Operation Deep Freeze II", "Operation Deep Freeze III", and so on. from 1955 to 1957. The Port Hueneme Port Hueneme (wī'nē`mē), city (1990 pop. 20,319), Ventura co., S Calif., on the Pacific coast; founded 1870, inc. 1948. It has an artificial deep-sea harbor and is the site of a huge naval construction-battalion (Seabee) center. resident led the construction sailors who paved the way for exploration of Antarctica, braving adverse conditions to build an airfield in the icy terrain. Slaton said he wasn't sure why it took so long for the military to give him the commendation - which was presented to him by retired Rear Adm. Donald Iselin, a shipmate of Slaton's in the 1950s. Three others also were honored with plaques at the festival: retired Army Col. James Hinckley and his wife, Katie, were commended for their volunteer work with local museums, including the Seabee Museum on the base; and Dianne Kerekffy, executive director of the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, was recognized for her work providing financial help to sailors. The festival continues today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the center, on the corner of Pleasant Valley and Ventura roads. It will again include the ship tour, but also will include a classic car show, a ``star-spangled baby'' contest, a karaoke contest and live country/western music. CAPTION(S): 3 Photos PHOTO (1--Color) Petty Officer Mark Stone enjoys a ride Saturday with his daughter, Ashley, 5. (2--Color) (Ran in Conejo Edition only) Navy photographer Erica Dugan stands ready with her camera at Seabee Summerfest '98. (3) (Ran in Conejo Edition only) Sailors Joseph Macias, left, and Rey Aricheta adjust their neckerchiefs before a parade Saturday in Port Hueneme. Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News |
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