UNUSUAL 65TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT AT USS UTAH MEMORIAL
Amid the many special commemorative events marking the 65th anniversary of the Japanese attack against America's Military Forces in the Hawaiian Theater on 12- 07-1941, a little known nonetheless important event occurred at "Our Memorial."
Background: Conrad Koehler is a Petty Officer First Class, U.S. Navy, attached to the Afloat Training Group MIDPAC Training Command in Hawaii. By coincidence, Conrad, a 12 year Veteran of the Navy let his wishes be known that he would like to be sworn in for his next enlistment aboard USS UTAH Memorial by a surviving crew member of the USS UTAH. A few of this dying breed were scheduled to be in Hawaii to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the "sneak attack.
More background: Chief Joseph (Jay) Monenero is attached to the Afloat Training Group MIDPAC, at Pearl. Jay happens to be one of our "contacts" among active duty Navy Personnel at Pearl who generously volunteers to tour civilians to the Utah Memorial. At Chief Monenero's request we agreed to participate in the reenlistment ceremony and the rest is history as recorded in the photos posted here.
The ceremony, officiated over by Commodore Del Eppling of the Afloat Training Group MIDPAC, was attended by officers and men from the Afloat Training Group MIDPAC who came out to honor Petty Officer Koehelor.
The first photo shows ye olde "webmeister" William Hughes who swam away from USS Utah 65 years ago, administering the oath. Other photos show members of Koehelor's family receiving certificates of support of this career Sailor, i.e., his lovely wife and three great kids. This a relatively new part of the modern reenlistment package demonstrating the Navy's appreciation to the family for their support. What a wonderful new tradition on the part of our navy!
In the eyes of an "Ancient Sailor" showing appreciation of support to families of Naval Personnel is a giant step forward in promoting morale among today's Navy Families. Commodore Eppling handled this pleasant chore with eloquence, presenting each family member with a Certificate of Appreciation.
Final Photo OP - Bill Hughes chats with Commodore Eppling
It was an honor and a privilege to be part of this ceremony. Participating in this one ceremony confirmed that without a doubt, the USS UTAH Memorial is a popular site for special ceremonial activities among members of "Our Navy" at Pearl Harbor. No doubt the outstanding job of maintaining the memorial plays a role in their choices. In addition to thanking the Navy Command at Pearl, the name of Jim Taylor, MCPO USN (Ret) comes immediately to mind for his ongoing role in this endeavor.
