Previous News Archive
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Today’s The Florida Times Union (jacksonville.com) published an extensive article by Mark Woods on the ADAMS Class Museum project entitled “Just imagine a ship museum in Jacksonville.” Mark Woods explained a lot about the project, and the benefits to downtown Jacksonville. To read the entire Mark Woods column, click on the following link: http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/401820/mark-woods/2011-10-02/just-imagine-ship-museum-jacksonville
Friday, September 30, 2011
Downtown Vision, Inc. (DVI) has unanimously passed a resolution supporting the Adams Class Naval Museum project. Downtown Vision, Inc. (DVI) is the Downtown Improvement District (DID) for Downtown Jacksonville and is a not-for-profit 501(c)6 organization whose mission is to build and maintain a healthy and vibrant Downtown community and to promote Downtown as an exciting place to live, work, play and visit.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
In the Downtown Today section of the Daily Record, Chronicling Business & Law in Jacksonville, Staff Writer Max Marbut has an article titled “Ship museum could bring thousands downtown”. JHNSA President Dan Bean had an opportunity to explain the purpose and goals of the ADAMS Class Museum to Jacksonville’s Rotary Club yesterday, August 1st. Click here to read the whole article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2011-08-02
Friday, July 15, 2011
Governor Rick Scott’s Military Service Honored by Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association
Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott today was presented with a model of the USS Glover by the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (JHNSA). This presentation was made in honor of the Governor’s 29 months of service as a radar man on the USS Glover beginning in 1971.
The model was prepared for Governor Scott by Barry Kryspin, a member of the JHNSA and a Naval veteran. Keith Mullen, owner of BaD Models, donated the model kit, and the JHNSA assisted Kryspin with funds to complete the project. Overall, it took Kryspin approximately 235 hours to piece the model together.
“I would like to thank the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association for the wonderful gift they presented to the State of Florida today in behalf of my naval service,” Governor Scott said. “It was an honor to serve my country, and I appreciate the time Mr. Kryspin spent on this model to commemorate the USS Glover.”
The model was informally unveiled during Governor Scott’s recent visit to the JHNSA Visitor Center at the Jacksonville Landing. At that time, Governor Scott invited the JHNSA to visit Tallahassee to make a formal presentation.
“As a Naval veteran, it is an honor to represent our organization on this visit to Tallahassee and make the presentation formally to Governor Scott and the State of Florida,” said Daniel K. Bean, President of the JHNSA.
The model will be on display in the State Capitol for all visitors to enjoy.
The Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (JHNSA) is working to bring a former U.S. Navy destroyer, the USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2), to Jacksonville from Philadelphia. The ship was homeported at Mayport for 19 years, where it was the lead ship of 29 warships used beginning in 1960.
Click here to see photos of the presentation in Tallahassee.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
JHNSA Board of Directors to meet with Florida’s GOV Rick Scott in Tallahassee
The Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (JHNSA) will make a presentation to Florida Governor Rick Scott and the State of Florida on Thursday afternoon, July 14, in the State Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida. The presentation is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in the Large Conference Room of the Governor’s Office.
Governor Scott served for 29 months on the USS Glover, beginning in 1971, as a radar man on the Garcia-class frigate. In honor of that service, Governor Scott and the State of Florida will be presented with a model of the USS Glover, as prepared by Barry Kryspin, a JHNSA member, for display on the State Capitol grounds.
On April 15, Governor Scott visited the JHNSA Visitor Center at The Jacksonville Landing. An informal unveiling of the model was held; Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll, a Jacksonville resident and also a Navy veteran, was also in attendance. At that time, Governor Scott invited the JHNSA to visit Tallahassee to make a more formal presentation.
The JHNSA is in the fundraising process for bringing the retired guided missile destroyer USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2) back to Jacksonville. The ship will be an interactive attraction downtown on the South bank of the St. Johns River adjacent to the Acosta Bridge. The JHNSA Visitor Center is currently housed on the first floor of The Landing.
“As a Naval veteran, it is an honor to represent our organization on this visit to Tallahassee and make the presentation formally to Governor Scott and the State of Florida,” said Daniel K. Bean, President of the JHNSA. “We look forward to updating Governor Scott on our progress, and adding his support for bringing the Adams back to Jacksonville. This is another step in the important venture for our community and region. When fully operational, the Adams interactive attraction will result in the addition of 28 jobs and an annual economic impact of approximately $3 million to the hotel, restaurant and tourism industry in this area. We look forward to this continuing effort.”
To see the Press Release, click here.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
JHNSA participates in Navy’s OPEN HOUSE in Philadelphia
From June 20 to June 23, 2011, a team of Adams Class veterans visited the USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2) which is currently berthed in the U. S. Navy’s Inactive Ship’s Facility at the former Naval Base in Philadelphia, PA. The group participated in an “Open House” sponsored by the Naval Sea Systems Command. An Open House is where ship museums are allowed to collect restoration equipment from non-museum, deactivated ships. The team of veterans was comprised of ADAMS Class Veterans Association (ACVA) and Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (JHNSA) members Steve Weber, Electricians Mate Second Class and “Plank Owner” on USS Semmes (DDG-18), Bill Reinard, Hull Technician Second Class on USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2), John Quigley, Yeoman Third Class on USS Earl K. Olson (DD-765), and Bob Branco, Captain USN (Ret), former Commanding Officer of USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2), and President of ACVA.
During the Open House, the team worked in very hot conditions, but were able to obtain a sizeable number of equipment items which will be used to restore the ADAMS so that she may serve as a Naval Ship Museum in Jacksonville. On June, 23 John O’Neil, Captain, USN (Ret), former Operations Officer on the USS Lynde McCormick (DDG-8) and Executive Director of JHNSA, joined in the effort. In addition, John O’Neil surveyed the ADAMS, reviewing the plans of JHNSA to use the USS Charles F. Adams to establish the ADAMS Class Museum as a Naval Ship Museum in Jacksonville, Florida.
Some of the equipment items that the ACVA/JHNSA team was able to obtain included firefighting and damage control equipment, Interior Communications switchboard equipment, sound powered telephone circuit equipment and other electrical items, and Combat Information Center and Radio Central electronics equipment. In addition, important fire control system electronics units were obtained to restore key systems on the USS Charles F. Adams.
L-R: Bill Reinard, John O’Neil, John Quigley, Steve Weber, and Bob Branco
Friday, June 10, 2011
Billboards in Jacksonville Now Advertise the ADAMS Class Museum
Digital billboards touting “Bring Home the Adams” are now in place at five locations around Jacksonville, Florida. The blue-and-gold digital boards state “Bring Home the Adams” and show the www.Adams2Jax.org web site address, along with the ADAMS Class Museum logo. The locations include Southside Boulevard at Beach Boulevard, San Jose Boulevard at Old St. Augustine Road, Beach Boulevard and Aldridge Mall, I-95 at University Boulevard and Philips Highway at Southside Boulevard.
Here is a picture of one of the billboards!
Our Media and PR Committee are now working on radio and TV spots and a digital spot for the Internet.
Thanks to Scott-McRae Advertising, Clear Channel Outdoor and Farah and Farah for their assistance in putting our ADAMS Class Museum advertising on these billboards!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
An Open Letter from Noted Florida Military Artist Duffy Soto
I’m neither a member of the naval community nor of Jacksonville, but I know the importance of having ‘living history” right at your door-step. I was a mere child or 3 years old when I first visited the Battleship Texas Memorial in Houston. I remember it—and while I know I didn’t have a clue as to what it was all about, as I grew older I wanted to learn more about these icons of freedom. While the USS CHARLES F. ADAMS is indeed an icon of freedom, it is also a Jacksonville native. It belongs to Jacksonville and its heritage is in the blood of the ancestors whose brothers and fathers and uncles served aboard her. History is within every rivet of that vessel. If the USS CHARLES F. ADAMS could talk, what tales she could tell.
One of my fondest boyhood memories is a time in which MY father took me to Mayport to see the ships there. I was about ten years old and I was mesmerized. There was an aircraft carrier there at the time (the USS Saratoga, perhaps? I may not remember the name of the ships, but I vividly remember the majestic images I saw).
When you add all of these experiences together, including my first memory of the Battleship Texas, as well as my father’s own service in World War II, they worked together to ignite a profound curiosity about the history of our country, what freedom REALLY is all about and the people who came before me that helped to make this country great.
The ADAMS should be preserved—not as just a memorial—but as a living, breathing museum of learning for future generations. She can speak and is willing to do so —- if given the chance.
Duffy Soto
Thursday, May 12, 2011
ACVA VETERAN HULL PLATE DONATION
Recently the ACVA received a $1500 Violet Level hull Plate sponsorship from Jane Willson in memory of her husband Ron who served on DDG-2 from 1963-65. He joined the Navy in September of 1961 and was on board the Adams during the Cuban Missile Crisis. During his time in the Navy, he sailed the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Mediterranean. He received the Royal Order of the Blue Noses card on September 21, 1964 for those who have crossed the Arctic Circle. He was discharged honorably on September 24, 1967 as an FTM2 and loved his time in the Navy and was proud of his service. After leaving the Navy, he became a draftsman for the Bechtel Construction Company for 26 years. ACVA thanks Jane Willson, Ron’s wife of 30 years and their children Rob and Jennifer for their special memorial donation.
Ron Willson
Friday, April 15, 2011
JHNSA Makes Presentation to Florida Governor SCOTT
Governor Scott Enjoys Reminiscing in Adams Class Museum Visitor Center
By Ward Clayton
As Florida Governor Rick Scott stepped lively through the corridor on the first floor of The Jacksonville Landing, he was a politician on the way to another speaking engagement in another city. Review the notes, confer with staff and associates, shake an assortment of hands and address a waiting crowd outdoors to complete a hectic schedule.
But first on this Friday, April 15 evening, the new Florida Governor was detoured briefly, taking a quick right into the Adams Class Museum Visitor Center. It turned into a pleasurable flashback for Scott as he was hailed on board.
“Florida, Arriving!” was chanted as Scott entered the store to the tune of 8 bells, the highest honor for an official coming on board.
Scott smiled broadly as he was greeted by Dan Bean, the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association’s President, and moved to the rear of the store. In full view was a hand-crafted, detailed model of the USS Glover, as prepared by Barry Kryspin, a JHNSA member and Master Modeler. Governor Scott and the State of Florida were presented with the model in honor of the Governor’s Naval service.
“Wow, this is so realistic and brings back so many memories,” Governor Scott said as he gazed over all parts of the ship model and talked about his experiences.
Governor Scott served 29 months on the USS Glover (AGDE-1). His service began in 1971 as a radar man on the Garcia-class frigate.
“I remember going up high and using two safety harnesses; I wasn’t going to take any chances,” Governor Scott said. “Seeing this ship model makes me think I’m back on the ship again.”
Keith Mullen, owner of BaD Models, donated the model kit and the JHNSA assisted Kryspin with funds to complete the ship, which took approximately 235 hours of building time.
As Governor Scott told of soft drinks bought onshore cooling in the USS Glover air conditioning ducts, his anticipation for shore duty and the configuration of the ship, he became more and more at ease during the 20-minute visit. Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll, a 20-year Navy veteran, joined in the remembrance, which included the symbolic Naval “coining” of both veterans by the JHNSA and a return State of Florida “coining” from the Governor. On hand to watch were Jacksonville Mayoral candidate Mike Hogan, Florida Representative Mike Weinstein and Jacksonville Landing owner Toney Sleiman.
The relaxed Governor offered that it would be appropriate to invite officials of the JHNSA to visit Tallahassee and “do something more formal” at a later date. Also, he emphatically said the Glover model would have a place for display in the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee.
The Jacksonville Landing has a full view across the St. Johns River of the proposed site for the retired guided missile destroyer USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2). The JHNSA is working to bring the Adams back to Jacksonville as an interactive attraction downtown on the South bank of the St. Johns adjacent to the Acosta Bridge.
“As a Naval veteran, it is an honor for our organization to make this presentation to another Naval veteran, Governor Rick Scott, for the State of Florida,” Bean said. “Having the support of Governor Scott is another step in reinforcing how important bringing the Adams back to Jacksonville is to our community and region. When fully operational, the Adams interactive attraction will result in the addition of 28 jobs and an economic impact of more than $3 million to the hotel, restaurant and tourism industry in this area. We look forward to this continuing effort.”
With the visit ending, the Governor prepared to go outside and speak. It was time to return to his political responsibilities.
“Florida, Departing!,” came the call as the 8 bells sounded again.
JHNSA with Governor: Florida Governor Rick Scott (center) with (L-R) Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association Executive Director John O’Neil, JHNSA President Dan Bean, JHNSA Vice President Joe Snowberger (back), JHNSA Member and Model Maker Barry Kryspin and The Jacksonville Landing owner Tony Sleiman.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 15-17, 2011
The Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (JHNSA) participated in the annual Southern Boat Show at the Met Park on the St. John’s River. Jimmy Hill, the producer of this annual event, once again invited John O’Neil, Executive Director of the JHNSA, to put together a team of ADAMS Class Museum supporters to display and sell military ball caps, coins and shirts, plus distribute information about the “Bring Home the USS Adams to Jacksonville” project for the citizens of Jacksonville to see and talk about.
On Friday 15 April, our ADAMS Class Museum Visitor Center Manager Pat Stroud and his wife Claudia manned the JHNSA booth from 1000 to 2000; on Saturday 16 April John O’Neil opened the show at 1000 and was joined by President Dan Bean for two hours and then was joined by Bob Whitkop, Captain USN (Ret.). Bob had served several ADAMS Class tours and supported the three Adams DDG’s that were homeported in Mayport as the Combat Systems Officer on Destroyer Squadron staff.
Finally, on Sunday 17 April, John O’Neil and Taylor McAleer manned the booth from 1000 till closing at 1630 and then took the show material back to the Visitor Center where Pat Stroud helped put all the items away. It was a long weekend but the Visitor Center had three good days of sales and the JHNSA collected over $400 in sales and contributions at the Boat Show. Two individuals joined the JHNSA, and we signed up one more prospective Board of Directors member along with a potential ADAMS Class Museum Visitor Center Docent.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
JHNSA Holds First Annual Golf Fundraiser: On Thursday, April 7th, the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (JHNSA) held it’s First Annual Golf Fundraiser to help “Bring Home the USS Charles F. Adams to Jacksonville“. Executive Director John O’Neil worked his organizational magic along with volunteer Bob Salser to recruit players, sponsors, and donors for the event. They also collected numerous items for the Silent Auction. The Golf Fundraiser was held at the Queen’s Harbour Golf & Country Club. Players had a light breakfast, teed off at 9:00 AM and finished in time for a delicious buffet of pulled pork bar-b-q and grilled chicken with all the fixings, plus cookies and brownies for dessert. Sixty-three players in three flights enjoyed the event, which included many prizes. The event players, along with our sponsors, helped the JHNSA raise almost $10,000. We also signed up 7 new JHNSA members. BAE South Shipyards sent 8 golfers to play and several of them had been USS Adams men! A small world indeed.
Click here to see Golf Events pictures.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
JHNSA establishes MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM : The Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association has established a Membership Program. All of those interested in bringing the USS CHARLES F. ADAMS to Downtown Jax as a Naval Ship Museum are encouraged to show your support and become Members of JHNSA.
The JHNSA web site now has a JHNSA Membership Application posted. Select the SUPPORT THE MUSEM tab, then click on the JOIN US, and you’ll go to the JHNSA Membership Application page. Or, simply click this link http://www.adamsclassmuseum.org/join_us.htm . Membership dues are $25/year for Regular Membership, and for those able to more fully support the Museum effort, Sustaining Membership is $125/year.
You’ll find 2 ways to submit a Membership Application: (1) print out an Application, and mail it with your check to the ADAMS Class Museum Visitor Center, or (2) sign up online and pay by credit card.
Members will receive an official JHNSA membership window cling, the quarterly JHNSA Newsletter, and a 20% discount on all purchases at the “Ship’s Store” (ADAMS Class Museum Visitor Center in The Jacksonville Landing).
“Bring the ADAMS Home!”
Monday, February 7, 2011
Daniel K. Bean, a commercial trial attorney in Jacksonville, Fla., and a Navy veteran, has been elected as President of the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association.
The vote was finalized recently during the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association’s Board of Directors meeting. Joe Snowberger was re-elected as Vice President, Mary Crawford as Treasurer and Jim Aldrich as Secretary along with the finalization of the remainder of the Board of Directors, including Executive Director John O’Neil. They will serve two-year terms for the organization that is working to bring the retired guided missile destroyer USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2) back to Jacksonville as an interactive attraction downtown on the South bank of the St. Johns River adjacent to the Acosta Bridge.
“I am extremely excited and proud to serve in this capacity,” Bean said. “The effort to bring the USS Charles F. Adams back to Jacksonville honors our military and also adds an extensive attraction to downtown that will make all of us proud in Northeast Florida and beyond. Our current mission is to raise the funds to make this dream a reality, and I look forward to leading this cause.”
Bean, a 45-year-old Alexandria, Va., native, is a partner in the Jacksonville law firm of Holland & Knight. He attended Vanderbilt University on a Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship. As the outgoing President of The Jacksonville Bar Association, he is a decorated barrister with numerous awards, memberships and published writings. Bean also possesses a strong Navy background, having served as a Surface Warfare Officer beginning with a stint on the USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2) as a Midshipman with an underway period to Guantanamo Bay Cuba for ship training. Upon commissioning, Bean served on board the USS Voge (FF-1047), home ported in Mayport, and made a Mediterranean deployment and later served as Navigator on the USS Fanning (FF-1076), home ported in San Diego, and deployed to the Persian Gulf. He also served as an Instructor at the Surface Warfare Officers School Pacific before attending law school at the University of San Diego on a Navy Law Education Program scholarship. He currently serves as a Captain in the Navy Reserve as a Judge Advocate General, and is the Commanding Officer of Naval Reserve Regional Legal Service Office Southeast. Bean and Cindy, his wife of 21 years, have two children, Kaylee and Riley, and live in Jacksonville.
Click here to read the entire Press Release.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Jeff Zahratka, who’s first ship was the USS Lawrence (DDG-4), has written a book about his career in the Navy, called Sweepers Sweepers Man Your Brooms. This book is now available through the JHNSA, see the JHNSA Visitor’s Center for details. |
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The Florida Times-Union in an Editorial on Sunday entitled “Tourism: A good plan” presented a very detailed analysis to our proposed ADAMS Class Museum. The Editorial went into a lot of detail regarding the purposes and the benefits of the proposed Naval Ship Museum. The Editorial was also posted on jacksonville.com. Go to the following link to read the entire Editorial:
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/editorials/2011-01-09/story/tourism-good-plan
Monday, December 6, 2010
On November 12, 2010, the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association and Adams Class Veterans Association, Inc. jointly provided a Status Report to Captain Christopher Pietras, USN, at the Naval Sea Systems Command Inactive Ship Program Office (PMS – 333). This Status Report summarized the progress made during the recent months to establish the ex-USS CHARLES F. ADAMS (DDG-2) as a Naval ship museum memorializing all of the ships of the Adams Class in Jacksonville, Florida. To see a summary of the Status Report sent to NAVSEA, click here.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The JHNSA has signed a contract for a special river scouring study to be conducted by Halcrow Engineering for use by Environmental Services, Inc. (ESI) in its efforts to submit applications for the necessary permits to the State in support of JHNSA’s proposed berthing pier. Halcrow Engineering and Environmental Services have continued to provide guidance and advice to the JHNSA Executive Committee regarding the approval process for the JHNSA pier project with the State of Florida. The JHNSA has been in continued contact with the lands management personnel of FDOT and initiated contact with the State’s Sovereign Submerged Lands Easement department to provide for a modification of the current easement to be co-used by the City and the JHNSA’s pier. These permits will allow the JHNSA and the City co-use of the submerged lands for the pier and its connection to the uplands belonging to the FDOT and its parking lot some 25 feet or so above the high water mark where the pier will begin going out into the river parallel to the Acosta Bridge.
Monday, November 22, 2010
At approximately 10:30 this morning, the first wave of approximately 7 -10 children from Atlantic Beach Elementary School’s 4th Grade Class of Ms. Brannon showed up for a tour of the ADAMS Class Museum Visitor Center at The Jacksonville Landing.
Master Chief Pat Stroud (US Navy, Retired), the Visitor Center Manager, provided the children information on the proposed ADAMS Class Museum, let them watch videos showing destroyers “at work”, and explained the purpose of the items that are on display at the Visitor Center. The kids really liked “turning the dials”, “pushing buttons”, and “throwing the switches!”
The kids were presented with ADAMS Class Museum ball caps, patches, and a picture brochure. Additional groups of kids then came through the Visitor Center; about 35 children in all.
This was a great day for the ADAMS Class Museum effort; one of our main objectives is for the ADAMS Class Museum to support local youth programs and provide educational opportunities.
Friday, November 12, 2010
The JHNSA Executive Board met today in the Tampa Room of the OMNI Hotel, and after a short Board Meeting, conducted a Strategic Planning Session to define the next steps that will needed to make the ADAMS Class Museum become a reality in Downtown Jacksonville.
Later in the day, several members of the Executive Board presented a one hour briefing to prospective donors and prospective Executive Board Members, covering the Business Plan and what needs to be accomplished in order for the ADAMS Class Museum to become operational.
The OMNI Hotel was kind enough to host these events, for which we are grateful!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
VETERANS DAY
A number of JHNSA Executive Board Members participated in the Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade. They marched with the Filipino – American Veterans Society. The group proudly carried a very large banner, exhibiting the name of the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association and encouraging support of the ADAMS Class Museum effort. The marchers got a lot of encouragement for the Museum from local residents along the Parade route. To see a picture of our JHNSA “crew” marching in the Parade with our JHNSA Banner, click here:
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The JHNSA has received another strong endorsement for the ADAMS Class Museum. In a letter dated November 1, 2010, Mr. Jack L. Sears, Jr., Scout Executive/CEO, North Florida Council of the Boy Scouts makes clear the benefits that the Boy Scouts would derive from having the ADAMS Class Museum in Jacksonville. His letter strongly supports the plan to berth the USS CHARLES F. ADAMS on the St Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville, primarily because the ways in which such a Museum Ship can support local youth programs. Click on this link to read the letter from Mr. Sears.
Monday, November 8, 2010
ADAMS CLASS MUSEUM IN THE NEWS!
The two links below will take you to two (2) very interesting and very different articles on the ADAMS Class Museum effort. Click on either link to see the respective article!!
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2010-11-05
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2010-11-08
Tuesday, October 27, 2010
The Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association and the effort to establish the ADAMS Class Museum will be featured on First Coast Journal which will air tonight at 8:30 on Cable Channel 29 (Comcast) in Jacksonville. JHNSA Executive Director John O’Neil and JHNSA Vice President Joe Snowberger did an excellent job during the taping of the show. Be sure to try to watch this program; this show will be repeated a couple times.
Friday, October 22, 2010
The Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association hosted the ADAMS CLASS NAVAL SHIP MUSEUM FUNDRAISING DINNER at the OMNI in Downtown Jacksonville. This gala event included a Silent Auction, with proceeds going to the ADAMS Class Museum. The theme of the dinner was based upon the traditional US Navy “Dining Out” event, complete with “Bag Piper March”, and “Parading the Beef”.
Vice Admiral James F. Amerault, US Navy (Retired) and Chief Executive Officer at Oto Melara North America Inc., was the Keynote Speaker. He provided the attendees with a moving speech on Veterans Day, making a connection between the “veteran ship” USS CHARLES F. ADAMS and veterans who have served their country so faithfully. VADM Amerault is a member of the Board of JHNSA.
The Jacksonville University ROTC Unit had a number of its members present, acting as Color Guard and also assisting with various duties during the evening.
An Update on the Effort to Establish the ADAMS Class Museum was provided, but the audience really became energized when an ‘unannounced guest’ arrived, and addressed them – none other than Secretary of the Navy Charles F. Adams himself, dead since 1954, but released for the evening by King Neptune and Davy Jones to support the worthwhile efforts of JHNSA!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
This evening, at the River City Brewing Company, the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association hosted a fundraising Reception in the Acosta Ballroom, overlooking the proposed berth site of the future ADAMS Class Naval Ship Museum. A very large crowd of local and out of town supporters were on hand for the event, which included the unveiling of a specially commissioned portrait of the USS CHARLES F. ADAMS coming up the St Johns River to her final berth. This portrait, untitled “Home for Good”, by noted military artist Duffy Soto from Lake City received the praise and admiration of all attendees. Mr. Soto, in supporting the ADAMS Class Museum, signed a limited number of prints, donating the proceeds to the Museum.
In addition, during the Reception, representatives from two of the ADAMS Class guided missile destroyers, the USS SELLERS and the USS Joseph Strauss, donated ship’s plaques from those ships to be hung in the ADAMS Class Museum Visitor Center located in The Jacksonville Landing.
Monday, October 18, 2010
The ADAMS Class Museum effort was featured Monday morning on WJCT’s First Coast Connect. (WJCT is the local Jacksonville PBS TV and radio station.) WJCT’s First Coast Connect host Melissa Ross interviewed JHNSA President Bert Watson and JHNSA Executive Director John O’Neil regarding the recent City Council vote unanimously supporting the ADAMS Class Museum, and they discussed the next steps in making the Naval Ship Museum a reality in Downtown Jacksonville.
Click on the link below to hear the interview. The interview starts 39 minutes and 24 seconds into the broadcast, and concludes at 46 minutes and 33 seconds in the broadcast. You have to “SAVE” the file, downloading the .mp3 file, and then playing it on your computer.
Open attached filefccoct1810.mp3
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The ADAMS has a Home !!
This evening, at about 5:45 PM, the Jacksonville City Council voted 15-0 UNANIMOUSLY to approve Ordinance 2010-675, which gives the City of Jacksonville’s formal support for berthing the ADAMS Class Museum, utilizing the USS CHARLES F. ADAMS, alongside the Acosta Bridge in downtown Jacksonville on the south bank of the St Johns River. This is one of the key legislative steps in satisfying the US Navy requirement to demonstrate the availability of a permanent berth for ADAMS for at least 10 years.
Monday, October 11, 2010
JACKSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL TO VOTE ON USS CHARLES F. ADAMS ORDINANCE
JACKSONVILLE, FL – On Tuesday, October 12, the Jacksonville City Council will discuss and vote on an ordinance to provide formal City support for the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (JHNSA) to bring the retired Naval vessel USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2) to Downtown Jacksonville as a Naval Ship Museum.
The Ship Association aims to berth the vessel on the River City Brewing Company side of the Acosta Bridge on State lands. The City support will help the JHNSA with its efforts to obtain a minimum mooring commitment of 10 years and assist the Association to gain a submerged lands easement with the State. The JHNSA proposes constructing a dock perpendicular to the Riverwalk which will improve the western end of the Southbank Riverwalk.
John E. O’Neil, Jr., Executive Director of the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association, said: “There is no financial obligation to the City, no incentives or tax deferrals involved. This display of legislative support will aid in our fund-raising efforts and create more public awareness.”
The City Council meeting is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday in Council Chambers on the first floor of City Hall, 117 West Duval Street. The ordinance was previously approved by the Waterways Commission and passed unanimously out of the Rules Committee and the Recreation, Community Development and Finance Committees.
About the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association
The Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (JHNSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of Northeast Florida residents, local Jacksonville business people and retired military veterans who have the vision of establishing the former guided missile destroyer USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2) as a Naval Ship Museum and tourist attraction in Downtown Jacksonville on the St Johns River. The ship was home ported at Naval Station Mayport for 21 years until 1990 and is currently on “donation hold” in Philadelphia. JHNSA is teaming with the Adams Class Veterans Association, Inc. (ACVA) (also a 501(c) (3) non-profit) to obtain the donation of the USS Charles F. Adams from the U.S. Navy.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Noted artist Duffy Soto will unveil his newest painting, “Home for Good” as a part of the ADAMS Class Museum fundraising events on October 21 and 22. His newest creation shows the USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2) sailing up the St Johns River through Downtown Jacksonville on her way to her final berth near the Acosta Bridge where she will become the ADAMS Class Museum. The unveiling will take place at the River City Brewing Company (RCBC) during the ADAMS Class Museum Reception being held Thursday evening, October 21st. There will be a number of prints of the “Home for Good” painting available that evening for purchase, the first 25 of which the author will sign that evening. Proceeds from these prints will go to the ADAMS Class Museum.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Ward Clayton appointed to the JHNSA Board
At the recent JHNSA Board Meeting, Ward Clayton was voted onto the Board of Directors as Director, Media and Public Relations. Ward is a Jacksonville-based Communications Specialist with more than 20 years in the business. This includes experience in newspapers, where he was the sports editor of The Augusta Chronicle during the 1990s, and the PGA Tour, where he focused on public relations writing and editing as the Director of Editorial Services for the past decade. Ward has written and edited for numerous international publications and is the author of “Men on the Bag: The Caddies of Augusta National.” Ward’s family resides in Jacksonville and he is a Durham, N.C., native who graduated from the University of North Carolina.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
This morning, the Finance Committee of the Jacksonville City Council voted “out of the committee” with a 5-0 vote Ordinance 2010-675. This Ordinance is the City of Jacksonville’s formal support for berthing the ADAMS Class Museum, utilizing the USS CHARLES F. ADAMS, alongside the Acosta Bridge in downtown Jacksonville on the south bank of the St Johns River. This is one of the key legislative steps in satisfying the US Navy requirement to demonstrate the availability of a permanent berth for ADAMS for at least 10 years. The next step in this process is the City Council vote on this legislation on Tuesday 12 October. Councilman Bill Bishop and the members of the Finance Committee worked diligently with the Office of General Counsel to tune up the Ordinance to everyone’s satisfaction and the bill has been moved forward.
Report on ADAMS Class Museum progress makes evening TV news!
Monday, October 4, 2010
The USS SELLERS (DDG-11) Association during their recent Reunion voted to donate $2,500 to the ADAMS Class Museum effort.
The Association will be sending a check this week to help the effort to establish the last US Navy ADAMS Class Guided Missile Destroyer as a Naval Ship Museum on the banks of the St Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville, FL.
In addition, the SELLERS Association voted to hold their next Reunion in Jacksonville, Florida, during the fall “Navy Fleet Week 2012″.
Monday, October 4, 2010
JACKSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ORDINANCE FOR USS CHARLES F. ADAMS
Click here to view the press release
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Jacksonville defers Adams ordinance two weeks
The Jacksonville City Council has voted to defer voting on the Adams ordinance for two weeks. For more details, click here.
The last few paragraphs in the article are not related to our project. In addition, the following is from Visitor Center Manager Pat Stroud, reference the comments in the article about removing a dock in that area:
“the Pier design effort has always called for the demolishment of an approximately 40′ x 40′ heavily timbered decked western most end of the south bank river walk. This is the city owned portion of its dilapidated river walk that is on state submerged lands and needs to removed so we can construct the “ramp” from the top of the FDOT owned JTA managed parking lot that runs under the Acosta Bridge. This is on the pier design and is readable when you enlarge the portion of the River Consulting now Halcrow plan and you can read the words. Nothing has been kept from any membership, it is in the plan. We need to share the current submerged lands location with the city so we can run the pier ashore and gain access to FDOT land above the HWL to the parking lot”
Monday, September 20, 2010
Vice Admiral Phillip M. Balisle, USN (Ret.), Senior Vice President, Maritime Strategic Plans and Programs for DRS Technologies, Inc. and former Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command, will be attending our Reception and Dinner, October 21 & 22. We’re very honored to have Vice Admiral Balisle with us, and he will be speaking at our dinner, as he has been a strong supporter of the ADAMS Class Museum.
Friday, September 3, 2010
JHNSA Announces Mary A. Crawford as new Treasurer
The JHNSA proudly announced today that Mary A. Crawford, currently a Director with Expense Reduction Analysts of Jacksonville, has joined the Board of the JHNSA as Treasurer. Mary brings a broad background in finance to the position of Treasurer. In addition, as a retired Naval Officer, she has a deep appreciation of the work being done to bring the USS CHARLES F. ADAMS into downtown Jacksonville as a Naval Ship Museum. Commander Crawford served in numerous assignments during her over 28 years in the US Navy, having served with VXE-6 in their ski-equipped aircraft supporting the National Science Foundation in Antarctica, an Instructor in P-3 Orion aircraft with VP-30 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Safety Officer on board the nuclear carrier USS NIMITZ, and shore assignments including the Navy Bureau of Personnel and Navy Headquarters in Washington, DC. Welcome Aboard, Mary!
Saturday, August 21, 2010 (posted late due to vacation)
Plankowner on USS CHARLES F. ADAMS Visits ADAMS Class Museum Visitor Center
One of the crewmen on ADAMS when she was commissioned (a Plankowner!) visited the ADAMS Class Museum Visitor Center at The Jacksonville Landing today. Machinist Mate 2nd Class Ed Frazier, and his wife, who had gone from their home in Illinois to North Carolina for a family reunion, made a special trip to Jacksonville just to see the ADAMS Class Museum Visitor Center.
Ed and his wife met with Wayne Misenar, our JHNSA Board Member who was there that day. Ed presented JHNSA with his cruise book; the very first cruise book of the USS CHARLES F. ADAMS! In addition, he presented JHNSA with his original Plankowner Certificate, in mint condition! But it did not stop there; Ed presented JHNSA with a $500 check to support the effort to establish the ADAMS Class Museum in downtown Jax! Thank you, Ed !!!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Public Hearing to receive Comments from the Public Held at Jax City Council Meeting on ADAMS Berth Site
At tonight’s Jacksonville City Council Meeting, a Public Hearing was held to receive Comments from the Public on the proposed legislation which will give the City of Jacksonville’s formal support for berthing the ADAMS Class Museum, utilizing the USS CHARLES F. ADAMS, alongside the Acosta Bridge in downtown Jacksonville on the south bank of the St Johns River. This is one of the key legislative steps in satisfying the US Navy requirement to demonstrate the availability of a permanent berth for ADAMS for at least 10 years.
Approximately 35 supporters of the ADAMS Class Museum were present. The following individuals spoke before the City Council in support of the ADAMS Class Museum: Bert Watson (President, JHNSA), Dan Bean (CAPT, JAG, USNR of Holland & Knight, who is assisting JHNSA), CAPT Bill Moredock, USN RET (former DESRON 14 Commander), Dan McCarthy (Chief Assistant State Attorney, CAPT, JAG, USNR, and former Military Affairs Liaison for Jacksonville Mayor), Brenda Campbell (Jax OMNI Hotel), Janice Dailey (Crowne Plaza Hotel), Dick Aquino (Veterans Volunteer and representative of several local Jacksonville Veterans’ groups), and Jack Sears (Boy Scouts of America representative). These speakers spoke of the economic and civic benefits to downtown Jacksonville in having the ADAMS Class Museum located at the proposed berth site.
The legislation now goes to various City Council Committees for review, after which it will return to the City Council for a vote.
Currently, seven (7) out of the 18 City Council Members are either Sponsors or Co-Sponsors of the legislation.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
THE FLORIDA TIMES-UNION POSTS VIDEO CLIP FROM THE ADAMS CLASS MUSEUM VISITORS CENTER
The Florda Times-Union newspaper (Jacksonville) has posted a video clip about the Adams Class Museum Visitors Center on their website. You can view the video via this link:
This is a replacement for the link which we posted yesterday – the sound has been fixed and the article includes detailed text.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
JHNSA and ACVA make Progress in Obtaining Necessary Legislation for ADAMS Class Museum Berth Site and Pier
JACKSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL REVIEW OF ORDINANCE 2010-675
Jacksonville City Council Member Bill Bishop has been working with Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (JHNSA) leaders Bert Watson and John O’Neil to develop Ordinance 2010-675 over the past two months. When approved by the City Council, Ordinance 2010-675 would “provide the City of Jacksonville’s formal support for and help to the efforts of the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (JHNSA) to coordinate local, state and federal authorities to bring the retired naval vessel USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2) to Downtown Jacksonville as a floating museum.” Over the next several weeks’ Council committees will discuss and review Ordinance 2010-675 before voting on it. The law firm of Holland and Knight provided the JHNSA with legal counsel for the Ordinance, and Halcrow Group assisted with engineering support with the Florida Department of Transportation coordination. The approval of this ordinance would be a major step forward for the Adams Class Museum effort.
Friday, July 23, 2010
JHNSA has obtained the legal services of Daniel K. Bean and Christopher Commander, both partners in the Jacksonville office of nation-wide law firm Holland & Knight. Several of our strong supporters recommended we contact Dan (the President of the Jacksonville Bar Association, 2009 -2010) regarding legal assistance that we need, especially in working out a Use Agreement with the City of Jacksonville regarding our proposed berth site for the ADAMS Class Museum. We are delighted that Dan and Christopher have said that they are glad to take up our City “Use Agreement and berth site legislation effort” pro bono! Dan was a 3rd class midshipman out of the NROTC Unit at Vanderbilt University in 1984 when he sailed on ADAMS down in the Caribbean – Wayne Misenar was on the ship then, as well! Dan later served on two frigates, the USS Voge out of Mayport and the USS Fanning on the West Coast. He was assigned shore duty at Surface Warfare Officer School in Coronado and then went to law school. Dan is a Captain in the Naval Reserves.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
At the latest JHNSA Board Meeting, the Board was proud to approve the addition of our newest Board Member, Vice Admiral James F. Amerault, USN (Retired). Vice Admiral Amerault is currently CEO of Oto Melara North America, Inc.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Copy of latest JHNSA and ACVA Newsletter
501 (c) (3) Non Profit Organizations
ADAMS CLASS MUSEUM EVENT OCTOBER 2010
For all Adams Class Veterans and all supporters of the ADAMS Class Museum: There will be the second annual event from October 21-23, 2010 to support the effort to “Bring Home the USS CHARLES F. ADAMS” as a ship museum honoring all of the ships of the class in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (JHNSA) and the Adams Class Veterans Association (ACVA) will be hosting the event at the four-star Omni Hotel in Downtown Jacksonville, a block from The Jacksonville Landing where the ADAMS Class Museum Visitor Center is located.
The Welcome Reception will be Thursday, October 21 at 1730 at the Visitor Center, followed by a music event at “Maverick’s” a local nightclub at the Jacksonville Landing. A Friday night banquet will be held at the Omni at 1830. Rear Admiral Leroy Collins, USNR (Ret.) the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and a strong supporter of the Adams Class Museum has been invited as our guest speaker. Fees for the entire events are: $125 per person – Thursday only is $55 pp and Friday only is $70 pp. This is a fund raising event for the development of the Adams Class Museum.
For room reservations please call 1-800-843-6664 and ask for the Omni Hotel, Jacksonville, FL and ask for the “Adams Class Museum” rate ($79 plus tax – the rate is good till 1 October). Parking is available, but if you are flying in, taking the shuttle from the airport is easier.
Please mail your $125 event fee no later than 1 October to:
Event Coordinator
Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association
2 Independent Drive, Suite 144
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
PH 904-647-5177 www.adamsclassmuseum.org The ADAMS Class Museum Visitor Center is open Monday – Saturday 1000 -1730
USS KING DLG-10/DDG-41 ASSOCIATION $5,000 DONATION
The USS King DLG-10 / DDG-41 Association held their annual reunion in Orlando, Florida the weekend of June 19/20, 2010. During their meeting they voted to officially support the efforts of JHNSA and ACVA and donate $5000 to the effort to have the USS CHARLES F. ADAMS DDG-2 be made into the Adams Class Museum in Jacksonville, Florida. The ACVA and JHNSA offer their sincerest thanks and regards to this group and we will use the donation wisely.
RESTORATION OF USS CHARLES F. ADAMS DDG-2
AN/SPS-10 Surface Search and AN/SPS-40 Air Radar Antennas
In October of 2008 the ACVA requested that the Navy donate the two radar antennas that were removed from the USS CHARLES F. ADAMS when it was decommissioned in 1990. The antennas shown above were obtained from the USS Austin currently being dismantled in Brownsville, Texas. ACVA veteran, Jim Donaldson, who had served on board the CHARLES F. ADAMS as a CWO3 Warrant Machinist, picked up the antennas in mid-June and delivered them to the Armed Forces Military Museum in Largo, Florida where they will be displayed until such time as they can be installed on the ADAMS.
HULL PLATES
Recently the USS Joseph Strauss DDG-16 Association donated $2,500 for a hull plate to help restore the CHARLES F. ADAMS during its dry docking after the ship is donated by NAVSEA as a ship museum. So far 11 groups, associations and individuals, have purchased or sponsored 11 hull plates at $2500 & 1 group sponsored 1 hull plate at $2000. If you or your group are interested in participating go to the ACVA web page http://www.adamsclassddgvets.org and click on the link to “Restoration Fund Donation Programs”. If you have questions about this effort you can contact our ACVA Treasurer Craig Bernat at http://www.adamsclassddgvets.org.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Donors for the Future Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Museum Dine in the Omni Hotel’s Chef’s Kitchen to Raise Funds.
Downtown Jacksonville’s Omni Hotel hosted a fundraiser dinner for the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association’s (JHNSA) effort to establish the ex-USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2) as a dynamic naval ship museum. Area business and community advocates enjoyed the ambience of the Omni’s unique and very intimate (ten seat) Chef’s Kitchen and the culinary skills of it’s Executive Chef, Greg Wright. Chef Wright presented a three course dinner plus dessert, each course paired with wine to the donors who each pledged $10,000 toward the warship’s renovation and relocation effort. During courses, the guests received an update from City Councilman Bill Bishop regarding the supported legislation authorizing the mooring commitment for the historic warship and an overview of the project from JHNSA President, Bert Watson. A representative of Eagle Crest, Inc., one of the very first corporate supporters of the museum effort, and the interim President and CEO of Visit Jacksonville, Mya Surrency, were also in attendance. The diners viewed a large scale model of the ex-USS Adams as well as artist renditions of the future museum’s location on the south bank of the St John’s River adjacent to the Acosta Bridge in Downtown Jacksonville.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Naval Ship Museum endorsed by Jake Godbold and Martha Barrett.
Former Mayor and architect of Jacksonville’s Riverfront Renaissance, Jake Godbold and Duval County School Board Member, Martha Barrett, both endorsed the efforts of the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (JHNSA) to establish the Adams Class Naval Ship Museum in Downtown Jacksonville. Mayor Godbold, a visionary man who served as Mayor from 1979 – 1987, was the leader of many of the successful revitalization projects in Downtown Jacksonville, including The Jacksonville Landing. Martha Barrett, Mayor Godbold’s former press aide and now Senior VP at Bank of America and a Duval County School Board District member (former chairperson), also serves or leads a dozen other civic and non-profit organizations. Both offered their full endorsement and continued support toward the JHNSA meeting their fundraising goals.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010 – The USS King DLG-10/DDG-41 Association Donation
The USS King DLG-10 / DDG-41 Association held their annual reunion in Orlando, Florida the weekend of June 19/20, 2010. During the business portion of their meeting they voted to officially support the efforts of the ACVA and donate $5000. Our sincerest thanks and regards to this group and we will use the donation wisely.
Robert J. Branco
ACVA President
Monday, June 14, 2010
The JHNSA, along with our sister organization ACVA, put on public display 2 very large antennas that were donated to us by the US Navy for use in restoring the ADAMS to how she looked when she was in active service. The 2 antennas are for two of the major radar systems that were aboard the ADAMS Class ship; the SPS-10 surface search radar and the SPS-40 long range air search radar.
The Armed Forces Military Museum in Largo, Florida has graciously agreed to display these 2 antennas until we are ready to reinstall them on the ship as a part of establishing the ADAMS Class Museum in downtown Jacksonville on the South Bank of the St Johns River near the Acosta Bridge. The 2 antennas are mounted on a small flatbed trailer so that they can be taken to various events and increase public awareness of our efforts to establish the ADAMS Class Museum. Go to the PHOTOS page to see pictures of these antennas.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Welcome Aboard to Wes Birden!! Wes has volunteered to work each week in JHNSA’s ADAMS Class Museum Visitor Center located in The Jacksonville Landing.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
JHNSA participated in the ADAMEC Bike Night event at The Jacksonville Landing. A good amount of ADAMS Class Museum Visitor Center merchandise was sold, and JHNSA also received a nice ‘donation’ because we were the featured non-profit organization for the 50/50 drawing that was held. A number of Petitions supporting the ADAMS Class Museum were also signed by local residents.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
JHNSA President Bert Watson attended the Dolphin Cove Military Appreciation Day (North Ponte Vedra), and was able to raise awareness of the ADAMS Class Museum project amongst over 150 attendees. ADAMS Class Museum tri-fold information sheets were handed out. An ADAMS Class Museum color brochure was on display. Fifty-five Opinion Forms were completed by local residents and returned to JHNSA, stating their support for the ADAMS Class Museum proposal. Several “prospective” Board Members were identified, as well as a number of people who will likely volunteer to help JHNSA. Local American Legion Post representatives were also present at this event, and very interested in the ADAMS Class Museum proposal, laying the ground-work for future meetings with the American Legion.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 3-4 PM
The Board of Directors met with nine (9) interested individuals at the Omni Hotel in downtown Jacksonville. A short briefing was conducted, explaining the objectives of JHNSA in proposing that the ADAMS Class Museum be established in downtown Jacksonville on the St Johns River. A robust and “idea-filled” question and answer session followed the briefing. Some of the interested individuals are considering becoming members of the JHNSA Board of Directors.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 12-3 PM
The Board of Directors met at the Omni Hotel and conducted a Strategic Planning session, where they defined the action plans of JHNSA for the next six months.
Sunday, 18 April 2010
JHNSA Participates at Annual Boat Show
The JHNSA was invited to participate in the Annual International Boat Show 15-18 April and was given a covered tent at the very entrance into the exhibit area. Set up was by John Outlaw, Wayne Misenar and Royal Australian Navy Chief Petty Oofficer Richard Marek (Ret.) on 15 April. Booth manning for the three days of the Show was conducted by John Outlaw, Ramona Keays, Wayne Misenar, J. C. Campbell and John O’Neil. Pat Stroud held down the ADAMS Class Museum Visitor Center on Saturday. Wayne Misenar and John O’Neil disassembled the display and took all of the materials back to the Visitor Center at The Jacksonville Landing Sunday evening. TEAM ADAMS collected 146 petitions of support to “Bring the USS ADAMS Home to Jacksonville”, sold over $300 of JHNSA merchandise, collected over $100 in donations, and distributed over 400 ADAMS Class Museum tri-fold information sheets.
Monday, 12 April 2010
JHNSA Board Members Brenda Campbell, John O’Neil, and Adams Class Museum Visitor Center Operator John Outlaw met with EU Jacksonville Publisher Will Henley and his Food Editor Erin Thursby at the City Hall Pub across from the Jacksonville Baseball Grounds to discuss the “Bring the USS Adams Home” project. Mr. Henley has agreed to place a story in his May Edition of the monthly magazine with potential follow up pieces too.
Later, on Wednesday April 14th, Board Member Brenda Campbell met with Ms. Erin Thursby, one of the food editors from EU Newspaper. Over lunch they discussed the positive impact that the Adams Class Museum would have on the city. Realizing that the museum will employ at least 28 people and will be a boon to the city’s economy, she has an interest in seeing the project succeed.
Ms. Thursby has already called on Jacksonville’s Downtown Vision to gather feedback on the effort. She gave favorable comments on association and has offered to promote JHNSA as often as possible. With her support and the support from our media friends we continue to move toward higher visibility and recognition within the City of Jacksonville.
Friday, April 9, 2010
JHNSA Board Members Meet with Mayor Peyton
On Friday afternoon, for almost an hour, JHNSA President Bert Watson and Board Member John O’Neil met with Jacksonville’s Mayor, John Peyton. Also in attendance was the Mayor’s Military Affairs rep, Bob Buehn. Issues discussed covered a wide range of topics concerning the proposal to establish the ADAMS Class Museum on the south bank of the St Johns River in downtown Jacksonville. This meeting is part of the process of gaining City commitment regarding the proposed berth site.
Friday, 9 April 2010
On Friday morning, JHNSA Board Members Brenda Campbell and John O’Neil met with Jim Bailey, the owner of a well known Publishing Company in Jacksonville. Jim recently announced his candidacy for Mayor of Jacksonville. Jim has a long history of working for the betterment of his home town, including serving for 17 years on the Waterways Commission! As he walked in his conference room, he greeted the two Board members and placed a bottle of USS Saratoga wine on the table! He was a supporter of that much larger ship museum project. He listened very carefully to what the ADAMS Class Museum project was all about and read our materials and asked many questions. He ended up stating this is a project that will bring people to the city and to downtown, and that the Acosta Bridge site is the right place. He said, “You have my support.”
Thursday, 8 April 2010
JHNSA Board Member John O’Neil and President Bert Watson, along with docent-in-training Ramona Keays, met with Will Henley, the owner and publisher of EU Jacksonville, a long time events publication. Will had seen the ADAMS Class Museum Visitor Center and welcomed the chance to see what the JHNSA was all about and accepted our offer to come by and talk. He liked what he heard and invited several of the Board to meet with him to discuss his upcoming May edition which will specialize in Downtown events and the venues there. We hope to build a strong relationship with this monthly Entertaining You (EU) newspaper and the much larger web site.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Support of ADAMS Class Museum from “Down Under”
Richard Marek, who was a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Australian Navy and an ADAMS Class sailor, is currently in Jacksonville for a month. He is a “one man scouting party” seeking information he can share with his Australian ADAMS Class shipmates who served in the 3 ADAMS Class ships of the RAN. (See the ADAMS Class Ships page on this web site to learn more about these RAN ships.) Richard has been attending various meetings, and gathering information, particularly as it pertains to the fact that over 170 former RAN ADAMS Class sailors have signed up to come to Jacksonville for a reunion in the future.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
“BIKE NIGHT”
The JHNSA Board and the Adams Class Museum participated in the monthly “Bike Night” (held from April to October) at The Jacksonville Landing on Thursday, 1 April. The JHNSA set up a display table about “Bringing Home the USS Adams to Jacksonville”, and had POW memorabilia available to offer to the passing public.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
ST AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE MARITIME FESTIVAL
JHNSA Board Members Brenda Campbell, Pat Stroud and Wayne Misenar, with assistance from the Jacksonville Maritime Museum, represented JHNSA from 9 AM – 6 PM at this event. They manned a table display of pictures and handouts regarding JHNSA and our efforts to establish a Naval Ship Museum. “Special Thanks” goes out to Eagle Crest for printing the Petition forms which were used to obtain support for the ADAMS Class Museum. Approximately 100 people signed Petitions at the event. We were not allowed to sell at this event, but in all it seemed to be a good day to help get the word out about what we are doing.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
POW/MIA ROLLING THUNDER (R) REMEMBERANCE BIKE RIDE
A great crew of Carol & John O’Neil with the logistical support of ADAMS Class Museum Visitor Center Manager, John Outlaw, arrived at 08:30 AM and remained until 5:00 PM. In addition to raising “awareness” regarding our efforts to establish the ADAMS Class Museum, they sold almost $500 worth of POW/MIA and other military-related memorabilia from the ADAMS Class Museum Visitor Center!
This impressive Ride was sponsored by Rolling Thunder,(R), Inc., Florida Chapter #4 and ADAMEC, Harley Davidson cycle, Co., Inc. of Jacksonville.