Hello Shipmates and Friends,

I hope this finds everyone healthy, happy and warm. We have the happy part down,

Mary Ann blew the healthy part (flu) and it definitely is not warm here.

Another year is underway. This year we are going to push everyone to recruit missing

shipmates. We know they are out there and some of you may have leads to find them.

We have too many shipmates in our directory that have not shown any interest in the

Association or attending the reunions. We need to put a hand out to them and bring

them back on board.

At the present it looks like the officer’s board meeting will be the last weekend of

February and probably in Tunica, Mississippi. I believe most of the board plans on

arriving on Friday night but we may not be able to make it until Saturday. If you are in

the area stop by and say hello. The hotel has not been picked yet so give me a shout

when it gets closer and I will have the details.

This year we are planning on setting up our ship store on our web site. You will be

able to view what we have and then give us a call and we will get it out to you. There

are a lot of sweatshirts in the store that feel pretty good right now along with some

jackets.

This year’s reunion in Albuquerque should really be a good one. Don and Maria have

lined up a great hotel with some very low rates. Mary Ann and I have been there

before and we are looking forward to going back, especially the Old Towne area.

Start making your plans and we will see you in September.

Smooth Sailing,

Terry prichett@charter.net 618-259-3007

JANUARY 2011 Volume IV Issue III

Prez Says WE ARE ON THE

WEB

www.ussprichettdd561.

USS PRICHETT DD-561

REUNION ASSOCIATION

LOOK OUT

The Cajun Corner To all fellow USS Prichett shipmates, family and friends…As your Reunion Association VP, I would like to take the time to address the issue of the reunion for 2011. But, before that, how about the LOOKOUT with it’s new look. Lucy has done such a good job on it and from what I

hear, it will only get better! I just think that she deserves one big “Right Hand Salute” and a “Job Well Done.”

Back to my other thoughts (kind of scary how they jump around like that, huh?)...The 2011

reunion will be in Albuquerque N.M., Sept.20-25. I encourage all of you to start making plans to attend. Especially those of you that have never attended a reunion...and those who have been AWOL for the past few.

Folks- I can assure you that this one in going to be GREAT….Carol and I made the trip, along

with Don and Maria, in the early part of 2010, in order to scope out the place. We were more than impressed, as you will be too when you learn about the room rates & the “freebies” that will go along with that. (See page 8)

They tell us that the weather at that time of the year will be perfect & dry. I promise to work on

DON so that he does not order up any rain, as he has done for the past two years….( Are you listening, DON??)

There are so many interesting attractions in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. There is no way that we will be able to tour them all, because of the limited time that we have to contend

with. I strongly suggest that you look into extending your stay for an extra 2 or 3 more days, in order to see some of the attractions that we will not have the time to do. Better to do it after the

reunion instead of before, so that you don’t duplicate what we will be offering in the tours.

Until we meet again………keep the “wind in your face”

John Benoit V.P. USS Prichett Reunion Association

P a g e 2

USS Prichett DD-561 22nd Annual Reunion

September 20-25, 2011

MCM Elegante Hotel 2020 Menaul Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87107

Tel # Direct (505)884-8723 Toll Free # (866) 650-8900

Web Site: www.mcmelegante.com

Includes free hot breakfast

Two drinks of your choice each evening in lounge

Plenty of free parking and shuttle service

ROOM RATE $79.00

Mark your calendars now !!

You won’t want to miss this reunion

Well, looks like the Carolina’s have become “mini-mini reunion” territory and the Basinger’s and the Gragg’s have become the hostesses with the mostest!

Jack and Oma Lightfoot were visiting their daughter

in Mooresville, NC the last week of October. The day

before flying home, Jack called a couple of his fellow

shipmates to join him for lunch. So Norman and

Evelyn Basinger along with Fred and Martha Gragg

joined Jack and Oma for lunch in Statesville, NC.

Nov 2010: Lucy Forcum, Nellie and Fred Godines

took the Vanishing River Cruise out of Lake

Buchanan, TX along the Colorado River. Saw some

bald eagles nesting there for the winter.

P a g e 3

Another mini-mini: After spending Christmas in

Richmond, VA with their daughter and her family,

John and Carol Benoit took a side trip to Kannapolis

and met up with the Basingers and the Graggs for a

little lunch and a lot of socializing.

30 Dec 2010: Jim Basham is making use of

his new 4 wheeler out in Libby, Montana. They have plenty of snow to plow!

Mr & Mrs VP (aka: John and Carol Benoit)

had a white Christmas and a grand time in

Richmond, VA

Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense regardless of how it turns out...Barbara Johnson

P a g e 4 TAPS

Orville Board WWII—S1 Yucaipa, CA

Evelyn Galbraith Wife of Harry Galbraith Madison, WI

John McDonald (56-57) PF2 Chesapeake, VA

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Hoke, Gordon (SF2, 68-70) CORRECTION ON EMAIL ADDRESS Gordon.L.Hoke.2@nd.edu

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Richard Berk 13781 El Dorado Dr Apt 12K Seal Beach, CA 90740

Edward Hoyland 309 Tumbleweed Dr Utica, NY 13502-5203

Bettie McIlveen 142 Chaf Chason Rd Quincy, FL 32352-5079

Dan Morrison 508 Ben Hogan Dr Virginia Beach, VA 23462-4521

Homer Wright 1302 Somercotes Ln Channelview, TX 77530

David M Yoder Jr 1204 Hunters Creek Blvd Greenwood, SC 29649-7203

Mike Young 8669 Scarsdale Blvd Powell, OH 43065-9078

Anyone interested in medals, DD214 or the updated DD214 (DD215) should contact their favorite working US

Senator (if there is one to be found). I did last year and much to my surprise I received a DD214/DD215 listing medals, ribbons, etc. as well as the

medals and ribbons themselves. The senate representative I contacted had a positive reputation for veterans

matters like this (does little else). The updated information was transmitted from the Dept. of the Navy to the congressional representative in DC. The surprising thing about this endeavor was that I learned the Navy does have awards updated after your

discharge. The only way to learn of this is apparently to do what I did. Perhaps there are other sources. When pursuing this, be prepared to provide a detailed request of your needs in writing, dates served, service

number and duty stations. The individual in the congressional office may call you for clarification but most are

well equipped to deal with these matters either as a veteran themselves. And of course, expect a letter from the congressional representative you contacted with many backslapping

“kudos” for themselves. JO Theriot jotheriot@gmail.com

P a g e 5

MEET THE BOARD

PRESIDENT—TERRY CRAWFORD

WIFE—MARY ANN

VICE PRESIDENT—JOHN BENOIT

WIFE—CAROL

SEC/TREAS—DON CALVIN

WIFE— MARIA

FAMILY REP—VERNA STOVAL

HUSBAND—SMOKY

WWII REP—LEONARD BEETSTRA

WIFE—MARION

P a g e 6 GETTING TO KNOW LYNN M. DORRELL

Lynn Michael Dorrell was born to Joseph Eugene and Mary Betty (Owens) Dorrell on March 17, 1947 in

Marceline, Missouri. Marceline being known as the Boyhood Hometown of Walt Disney. Lynn completed

school in Marceline and graduated in May of 1965. After graduation he was employed by Walsworth

Yearbook Publishing Company until his enlistment in the U.S. Navy June of 1966. After successful

completion of Boot Camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, he was ordered to report aboard the U.S.S.

Rexburg (EPCER 855), which was an Oceanographic Research ship home ported in San Diego, California.

After serving three years aboard the Rexburg, and due to scheduled decommissioning of the ship, Yeoman

Petty Officer Third Class Dorrell was transferred in June 1969 to the U.S.S. Prichett (DD 561), which was the

last Fletcher Class Destroyer to deploy to the Western Pacific. While deployed to the Western Pacific the ship

visited the ports of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Subic Bay, Philippines, Sasebo and Yokosuka, Japan, Chinhae and

Pusan, Korea and Hong Kong, China. Also during the deployment the ship saw action on two occasions in

Vietnam Corp I, II, III and IV. Dorrell was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct

Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with one star, Vietnam Service Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary

Medal (Korea).

After returning to San Diego in December of 1969, Dorrell was separated from active duty. Upon returning

home to Marceline, he gained employment with Brown Shoe Company, (Brookfield Plant), St. Louis.

Leaving Brown Shoe in 1974, he joined Hazel Advertising Specialty Company in Washington, Missouri. In

1986 his father “Gene” had recruited him into The American Legion joining King – Stephenson Memorial

Post 264, Marceline, and later transferred to New Haven Post 366. Legionnaire Dorrell became active in The

American Legion and held several positions on committees and ultimately held the position of Post

Commander for five years. Dorrell continued to be active in The American Legion and held offices at the

District level and held the office of Commander District Nine for two years. Dorrell became the State

Adjutant (Executive Director) for The American Legion Department of Missouri in June 1999 and retired

effective May 1, 2009 after ten years of service. Dorrell continued his activities with The American Legion

and was elected State Commander in July 2010 of the largest veterans organization. Further, during the Fall

Conference, held in Jefferson City, MO, he was one of the recipients of the first two “First Missouri Kicking

Mule Pins” ever awarded. The pins were permanently awarded for the Department of Missouri going over the

top in membership for 2009-2010.

Lynn has been married to Marsha (Sims) of Brookfield, Mo for 43 years. They have two children, Melanie

Trentmann (husband Stephen and sons Jacob and David) and Shane Dorrell (wife Nicole and daughter Paige

and son Braden), all who are members of The American Legion Family.

Above: Lynn Dorrell with wife Marsha.

Right: Dorrell in port at Sasebo, Japan, 1969

P a g e 7

Received a note from Greg Haws: “Enclosed is a photo of myself (center) and two of my shipmates. Left is Tom Stevens and far

right is Augustus Sigie. This photo was taken in the spring of 1958. I have lost contact with my buddies after we were discharged.

Perhaps this will help me find them. Please keep this for the archives of our ship. Hope to see you at the next reunion.”

Well, Greg, Tom Stevens is listed in our members roster. His

address is 9941 Balistics St, El Paso, TX 79924. Phone was listed as 505-679-9241. (That was as of 2009, so am hoping it is still good). I

have not been able to find anything on an Augustus Sigie...I even googled the name and checked on spokeo.com and nothing popped up for that name.

GETTING TO KNOW DONALD R. LYNCH: Donald Lynch (pictured below)

served in the Navy 1957—1960, aboard both the USS Prichett and the USS Cushing. Places visited during

his tour in the Navy: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Hawaii, Midway Island, Somalia, Philippines,

Panama Canal and the good old USA! At discharge, Mr Lynch took the USS Prichett back to Long Beach,

CA; then the USS Cushing to Norfolk, VA. This was at the time that the Prichett went into mothballs.

He married his long time sweetheart, Sara P Lynch on 13 May 1962 and they have two children (Gary Lynch

and Donna Haggarety) who have since blessed them with five grandchildren. They reside in Goldsboro, NC,

home of Seymour Johnson AFB.

Donald retired after 29 years as a service manager of a new car dealership and Sarah retired in 2001 as a

purchasing officer with the state of North Carolina. Donald sings Southern Gospel music with the Royal

Descendents (a group out of Goldsboro, NC) and they both enjoy church choir, RV-ing, camping with family,

boating, tennis, and spending time with grandchildren.

CROSSING THE EQUATOR IN 1959

Photos Submitted by Bill Kramer

The following “message” was out of the Westpac 1958-1959 cruise book

FROM: SOPA

TO: COMDESDIV 192

INFO: DESDIV 192

BT

MSG COMMODOR X HAVE RECEIVED YOUR REQUEST FOR CLEARANCE INTO DOMAIN MY

MASTER HRH NEPTUNUS REX X HRH REPORTS HE WILL BE GLAD TO WELCOME YOU AND

OTHER OLD FRIENDS AMONG SHELLBACKS BUT ADVISES YOU THAT LANDLUBBERS MAY

NOT BE ADMITTED X FOR YOUR INFORMATION NEPTUNUS IS PRETTY MEAN THESE DAYS

AND IF YOU HAVE ANY POLLIWOGS OR OTHER LOW FORMS OF LIFE IN YOUR SHIPS IT

WOULD BE BETTER IF YOU PLACED THEM ON FIRST DESERT ISLAND X OTHERWISE I AM

AFRAID IT WILL GO PRETTY HARD WITH THEM IF THE OLD MAN CONTINUES IN HIS

PRESENT MOOD X DAVEY BT

P a g e 8

Above photo, L-R: Lee Anderson

and Dick Greene.

Photo on right, L-R: Jim Gillespie,

Leon Reed (d), Lee Anderson (d),

Dick Greene (d).

L-R: Chester Millsap (Davy Jones), Forest Thomason

(King Neptune), Mermaid is unidentified. Mr Kramer

thinks he was in engineering dept.

USS PRICHETT (DD-561) DECK LOG / Wednesday, 10 Dec 1958

00-04 Steaming in company with TG 77.6 in accordance with COMSEVENTHFLT 2nd quarter

operating schedule. Operating at sea off the northeast coast of Taiwan. This ship in station 1 of

a circular screen. Formation Coarse 245, speed 18 knots. SOPA and OTC is COMCARDIV 5 in

USS MIDWAY (CVA-41). MIDWAY is guide in formation center bearing 070, 2500 yards.

Formation axis 340. Ship is darkened except for navigational lights. Condition of readiness IV

and material condition YOKE set. A.S. KAMBEROS, LTJG, USNR

04-08 Steaming as before. 0405 C/s to 20 knots. 0530 Formation c/s to 15 knots.

0555 Formation c/s to 12 knots. 0600 Maneuvering to take station 2000 yards from MIDWAY.

0640 Formation c/c to 045. 0745 Stationed the special sea and anchor detail.

N.H KAIL, LTJG, USN

08-12 Steaming as before. 0811 Commenced approach to starboard side of USS GUADALUPE

(AO-32). 0822 Received first fuel hose. 0825 Commenced receiving fuel. 0840 RADM R.S.

CLARK, COMCARDIV 5, broke his flag in this vessel. 0857 Completed fueling. 0903 All lines

and hoses clear. Maneuvering to take life guard station 1000 yards astern of the oiler. 0917 On

station, guide bears 040 distance 1000 yards. 0946 Made daily inspection of magazines and

smokeless powder samples; conditions normal. 0952 Maneuvering on various courses and

speeds to take station 2 of a two ship bentline screen, axis 035. 0958 On station, guide,

MIDWAY, bears 160 distance 2500 yards. On course 025, speed 20 knots. 0959 Formation c/c

to 015. 1015 Formation c/c to 270. Maneuvering on various courses and speeds to take station

2 of a bentline screen, axis 270. 1025 On station, guide, MIDWAY, bears 045 distance 2500

yards. 1030 C/c to 265, c/s to 15 knots. Proceeding independently to Keelung, Formosa.

A.J. PANCOOK, JR, LTJG, USN

12-16 Steaming as before. 1210 C/c to 255, c/s to 14 knots. 1400 Set clocks back one hour to

conform with –8 Zone time. 1400 Stationed the special sea detail. OOD at the conn, Captain

and Navigator on the bridge. 1401 Commenced steering various courses at various speeds

conforming to Keelung, Formosa Channel. 1448 Moored portside to pier 1, inner harbor,

Keelung, Formosa. Ships present include various units of the Nationalist Chinese Navy and

various merchant ships. SOPA is COMCARDIV 5 in PRICHETT. R.R. OWENS, ENS, USN

16-20 Moored as before. 1630 LTJG N.H. KAIL, 559496, USN, and the shore patrol party left the

ship to report to the senior shore patrol officer, Keelung, Formosa for TAD. LT J.W. RAWLINGS,

391835, USNR, left the ship to assume duties as senior shore patrol officer.

L.R. ANDERSON, ENS, USN

20-24 Moored as before. L.R. ANDERSON, ENS, USN

APPROVED: J.S. HOWEL, CDR, USN

EXAMINED: K.R. SUTLIFF, LCDR, USN

P a g e 9

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK:

Well, here we are at the start of a brand new year and hope springs eternal! The holidays

were rather bittersweet, but we all got through them. And already my calendar for 2011

is filling up. First thing I penciled in was the reunion in New Mexico! (Actually...used INK,

‘cause I don’t plan to miss it.) I am looking forward to seeing all of our great friends! I

also plan to take John’s suggestion and spend a little extra time seeing that part of our

great country.

I will be having surgery on my right hand (carpal tunnel) at the end of the month, but will

be fully functional by the time next newsletter is due. I would like to get some more

“Getting to know you” info. I have some good old photos of Fred Gragg and Gary Ernst.

How about sending me bios to go along with it and I will have 2 pages set for next issue!

And thanks for the good words and vote of confidence from our VP! I can only hope to

live up to your expectations. But to do that, I need your help. Please keep sending in info

and photos. Thanks to those who have already contributed. I also appreciate you letting

me know when I get fat-fingered and misspell words, which then changes the meaning of

a phrase altogether! Thank goodness someone knew Latin! Correction made.

Sincerely and faithfully Lucy Forcum

President Terry Crawford

Vice Pres John Benoit

Sec/Treas Don Calvin

WWII Rep Leonard Beetstra

Family Rep Verna Stovall

Hon. Bd Mem Harry Galbraith

Hon. Bd Mem Jim Simms

USS PRICHETT DD-561

REUNION ASSOCIATION

C/O LUCY FORCUM

2730 JOHNSON GRASS

SAN ANTONIO, TX 78251

NAVIGANS OPPUGNARE

THEY SAIL TO ATTACK FIRST CLASS MAIL

Contributions for membership 2010-2011 are as follows: Full membership & receive hard-

copy newsletter, $35.00 Full membership & receive email copy only of newsletter, $30. No

membership, but receive hardcopy of newsletter, $10. Please make checks payable to USS

Prichett DD-561 & mail to: Don Calvin 305 Columbus St Coatsburg, IL 62325