USS Newport News (CA-148)
2024 Ships Reunion Warwick, RI
June 16-22

USS Newport News (ca-148)

2024 Reunion Updates

Thank you all for making the 2024 USS Newport News reunion a complete success!

To all who are just now ​signing on to this site. If you wish to be a part of our mailing list please forward your information to msgallo43@gmail.com 
Please follow this website for any and all reunion updates.

**The 2024 Reunion will be the LAST 'official' reunion for former crew members of the Heavy Gun Cruiser USS Newport News (CA-148)

June 22, 2024
Al Siegel writes:
To all my many shipmate brothers and their families who attended this year‘s final Newport News Ship’s reunion, thank all of you for making it such a warm, friendly, enjoyable time. So many stories - so many laughs. I’ve been to many reunions over the years and this was one of the best. Thanks again to Mike and Jo-Ann Gallo for everything they did to put on this event. It was fantastic. Safe travels to everyone. Until we meet again…….

Al Siegel
ETR2
OE Div 67-70

May 19, 2024
Mike Gallo writes:
Good morning all.
Registration has now closed and we have a grand total of 191 shipmates and quests. This week I will be sending everything to our printer to have our name badges and the PLAN OF THE DAY completed so we can fill the neck wallets. The neck wallets will contain your name badge with rank and rate, your bus ticket your meal ticket and a wallet sized POD for everyone.
We did have more but we had some who, for health reasons, had to drop out. Sadly, there is the possibility that even more will also find it necessary to forgo being with us.
Just a quick reminder, Tuesday is the official Registration Day but no matter when you arrive, you will be greeted with your packet that will contain some nice welcome gifts and of course, your new reunion pin.
Wednesday we will have a memorial ceremony in our hospitality room where we will "man the rails" while we read the names and remember our passed shipmates. This will be followed by an Italian themed buffet. At 6:30 we will have a cash bar cocktail time ( you may bring your own) followed by a hour long comedy show that I guarantee you will have you wishing you brought Depends.
Thursday some will head out to the USS SALEM for a brief wreath ceremony where again we will man the rails. Following this,you will have time to roam the ship and visit the museum. Others will board a bus to head out to Foxwoods Casino where they will attempt to win millions to share with their shipmates.
Friday is a day of relaxation to allow us to be ready for our dinner dance. After lunch,on your own, there will be an informative meeting regarding the PACT ACT. This will be of interest to anyone using or considering VA medicine.
One item we haven't decided on yet is when to hold the raffle drawings. Some want it Friday afternoon and others would like to see the numbers drawn at the dinner and then pick up your winning at the Ship's Store on Saturday. What is your opinion?
Then the cocktail hour, dinner and dancing until 11:00 pm.
During Ship's Store operating hours there will be a CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT with the championship to be decided at the end of the week.

April 19, 2024
Mike Gallo writes:
Oh my, if you haven't made your hotel reservation yet, do it now. We are running very, very low with availability.
Just a couple of things to note. If you are flying in the best airport is T.F. Green in Providence. The hotel has a shuttle that will pick you up, just call when you get there. The shuttle will also take you in a radius of 3 miles while you are guest, shopping centers, restaurants, or whatever will be at your fingertips. All reunion attendees are entitled to a 20% discount in the hotel restaurant, not including booze, so be sure to politely remind your wait staff if you don't see the discount on your bill.
Your committee will be meeting with the hotel staff on May 3rd to finalize all the details we need to put a PLAN OF THE DAY together.
Each person will be issued a POD that will fit into your ID wallet.
Tomorrow, Saturday, Jo-Ann and I will heading to the USS Salem to speak with folks about the wreath tossing ceremony and to spruce the museum up a bit.
See you soon.

April 6, 2024
Mike Gallo writes:
It looks like we have reached our maximum participation for this year's reunion. With that in mind any remaining rooms in our block will be released back to the hotel on April 20 2024.
However, if there is anyone out there who still didn't sign up who wanted to, we can fit you in until the 20th.

March 23, 2024
Mike Gallo writes:
The room block is starting to fill so if you have made your Reunion registration please be sure you have booked your hotel. At last count there are only 25 rooms left each night from Monday to Friday. Once the room block is filled I cannot guarantee the special rate. The hotel will work with us if they have availability.
Also, last reunion some people successfully came to the dinner without paying. Fair warning, If you are thinking of just popping in, you will be popping out just as quickly. Your shipmates have paid. You should too. There will be a strict admission policy to all functions .

March 17, 2024
Mike Gallo writes:
As of this morning we have 126 attendees. We need a minimum of 50 more. 
A mailing of 2162 registration brochures were mailed last month and we have received over 150 pieces that are undeliverable. This is not counting the ones that came back, deceased.
Folks remember, this is our last organized reunion. The last chance to see your long distance friends, your last cha​nce to walk the passageways with those that shared the same experience. The last chance to show your family the type of place we all called home. So please, if you are thinking about coming find it in your heart to visit with us, as a group for the last time. It will be fun.
If there are any questions, contact me. 
860-861-4199, call or text.

March 10, 2024
Mike Gallo writes:
Good morning shipmates.
A decision has been made that will have a direct effect on the future of the USS Newport News family.
2024 will be the last organized reunion of the ship's company. This decision was not lightly made by your committee but our demographic is making this the only solution. Age, mobility issues. distance, economics, and loss of membership are the driving forces to this decision.
Please. Let us attempt to make this year's reunion something special by encouraging others to attend. We all know someone who is not on Facebook, reach out to them. This might be the last time you will visit the museum with the friends that served with you. One last time to revisit the gray bulkheads we called home while reminiscing with the guys you shared that home with.
If you have been on the fence about attending, jump off that fence and send in the registration form today.
We are looking forward to seeing you in June.

March 4, 2024
Mike Gallo writes:
ATTENTION:
You will be receiving a registration form for the reunion in the mail. If you have already signed up, ignore it. If you haven't, please complete the form and get it back to us. Thank you.

Feb. 22,2024
Mike Gallo writes:
Good Morning All.
In about a week or two some of you will be receiving a 3 part brochure with a registration form for the reunion. IF YOU HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED, PLEASE IGNORE THE BROCHURE, You are all set. We are doing this to reach our shipmates who are not on the two Facebook groups we have and hopefully this will mean we don't miss anyone.

Feb. 19, 2024
Mike Gallo writes:
The following is a tentative plan of the day for the reunion. Not everything is carved in stone yet, this is a work in progress and not to be considered final.
TENTATIVE PLAN OF THE DAY
16 JUNE 2024
SET UP CREW ARRIVE, ALL DAY
17 JUNE 2024 07:00-09:00 
BREAKFAST, HOSPITALITY ROOM
09:00 COMMENCE SETTING UP SHIP’S STORE  AND HOSPITALITY ROOM
12:00 LUNCH
13:00 CONTINUE SET-UP
17:00 KNOCK OFF SHIP’S WORK
18 JUNE 2024 07:00-09:00
BREAKFAST, HOSPITALITY ROOM
09:00 REGISTRATION BEGINS, ALL DAY
12:00 LUNCH
13:00 RESUME REGISTRATION
17:00 KNOCK OFF SHIP’S WORK, REGISTER LATE COMERS
19 JUNE 2024 07:00- 09:00
BREAKFAST HOSPITALITY ROOM
09:30 HONOR GUARD MEET FOR INSTRUCTIONS. HOSPITALITY ROOM
10:30 MEMORIAL SERVICE IN THE HOSPITALITY ROOM
11:30 BREAK
12:00 BUFFET LUNCH IN HOSPITALITY ROOM -  FREE TIME
19:00 COCKTAIL HOUR AND COMEDY SHOW IN HOSPITALITY ROOM
20 JUNE 2024 07:00-09:00
BREAKFAST IN HOSPITALITY ROOM
09:30 SET-UP CREW FOR SALEM DEPART
10:00 LEAVE FOR SALEM -  LEAVE FOR CASINO
11:00 CONTINUE MEMORIAL SERVICE AND DEDICATE WREATH
11:30 TOUR SHIP AND MUSEUM
13:00 DEPART SALEM
14:30 INFORMATIONAL MEETING REGARDING VA BENEFITS - FREE TIME
21 JUNE 2024 07:00-09:00
BREAKFAST, HOSPITALITY ROOM
THE REST OF THE DAY IS STILL IN PLANNING STAGES  AND EACH DAY WILL INCLUDE THE SHIP’S STORE HOURS, ANY RAFFLES OR ANY OTHER ACTIVITIES. PLEASE UNDERSTAND, THIS IS TENTATIVE.

Jan. 22, 2024
Mike Gallo writes:
Good Morning,
If you need a handicap accessible room for the reunion you must request it. Call this number and this number only, 401-681-4723.
If you call the main desk you will not be able to secure one.

Jan. 16, 2024
Mike Gallo writes:
Good Morning,
In one of my previous messages I mentioned Mike Thornton as our guest speaker. Sorry to say, he cannot make it. I am trying to find someone of interest who has a direct connection to the News to fill that spot.
On another note, a couple of our shipmates will be heading up a discussion of VA benefits on Friday afternoon for those of you who have questions on that subject.
Meantime, please get your registrations in, make your hotel arrangements and prepare to have a good time. If you have contact with someone who does not have internet access and wants to come, just give me their contact info and I will take care of them.

Aug. 28, 2023
Mike Gallo writes:
Hello Shipmates, as we get ready to sponsor another reunion, I feel it necessary to speak to the excursions we have planned.
As most of you are aware, the memorial service will be held in the hospitality room of the hotel. I promise, it will just as solemn and meaningful as it is on the ship. The reason for this change is because the ship is not equipped to handle physically challenged individuals to get on or to navigate the passageways especially to the restrooms, or heads for you Navy folk. So, in order to include as many of our friends as possible, it was decided that this was the way to go. The following day, Thursday, there will a bus or buses to the ship where, those that can, will be able to wander the ship and the museum. There will also be a continuation of the memorial service where the traditional tossing of the wreath will take place along with the playing of Taps. I know some of you are disappointed, as I am, but as we come of age, some things have to change. Following the service at the hotel, a buffet lunch will be served.
The other trip that is planned is an excursion to the Foxwoods Casino. Now, I know what you are thinking; a casino, what could I possible do there? First, it is an experience in itself just to walk into the place, the largest casino in the world. It has gourmet restaurants, a museum, and for those so inclined, a discount shopping mall with all the big names of retail. Yes, you can also wager if you care too. There is something to do for almost everyone. Check out the website if you get a chance.
Another option that is not part of the paid excursions is the opportunity to rent a car and visit some of the local attractions. Within an hour’s drive from the hotel are, the Nautilus Memorial at the New London Sub Base, historic Mystic, Ct and of course the Mystic Seaport with the last of the whaling ships. Close by is the Coast Guard Academy and its museum. You may also drive a little further and head to Boston and all the attractions there. You might also visit the many sights in Rhode Island, the Seabee Museum, The Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, RI, The Naval War College (advance notice required.) There is so much to see and do. For those who might want to drive a little further, you might try New Haven, Ct and experience the best pizza in the USA! Wooster Street, the mecca for apizza!
All in all, there is something for everyone.

Aug. 11, 2023
Mike Gallo writes:
For those of you who wish to book your rooms:
Your group block is loaded and ready for you to begin booking!
To book directly in your group block, your guests may use this online booking link:
USS Newport News CA-148
They may also call the hotel directly and reference group code UNN to be booked in your group block.

June 21, 2023
Mike Gallo writes:
Hello Shipmates:
We have been receiving registration forms on a steady basis. It so simple to do, just go to the reunion section of the web site, print out the form and mail it. You can pay by credit card through the ship's store or send a check with the form. Very soon we will be providing the hotel registration information. As a bit of a change this year, we will be providing some comic relief on Wednesday and Thursday night with professional comedians, one a Navy veteran and the other who has appeared on national TV and Sirrius radio. This is in answer to people asking for group activities in the hospitality room. Hopefully, it will bring us all together and then keep us together after the shows for more fun conversation. I can also promise a surprise during our dinner on Friday night.  

Feb. 28, 2023
Mike Gallo writes:
Hello Shipmates,
Your Reunion Committee spent last Friday meeting with the Crowne Plaza reps for the purpose of verifying the rooms and our schedule. It was a very fruitful meeting with the committee making several recommendations. The following is a synopsis. First, we are doing away with snail mail registrations. We will be putting the form on the website and our Facebook pages. It will be up to you to fill it out and mail it to me along with your check for the registration fee, or you may also pay on the Ship's Store site. It is necessary that it be printed so I have a hard copy of what your intentions are for food and trips. We will also put a link on the various Veteran's sites to the registration form. Secondly there will be some surprises taking place in the hospitality room on both Wednesday and Thursday evening. We will have the memorial service at the hotel and then there will be a trip, for those who can make it, to The Salem the following day. Following the memorial service there will be a buffet lunch with various sandwiches and other items.
We will be putting the registration form on the web very shortly for those that want to get a jump on it our use the charge card and pay for the fee over the next year. It is very important to remember, just because you have registered for the reunion, you have not registered with the hotel. They are two separate registrations. You will not be able to do the hotel until February of 2024. Speaking of the hotel. It has been completely renovated with all new rooms and furniture. It is beautiful and comfortable. The fee is $149.00 per night which includes breakfast for two. They also offer a shuttle from the airport and shuttle service in a 3 mile radius of the hotel.
The fee will be $189.00 per person and that covers all the reunion activities of busses for our excursions, lunch after the memorial service, snacks and drinks in the hospitality room. and our formal dinner on Friday night.
That's it for now. Will be in touch soon.

Feb. 22, 2023
Mike Gallo writes:
Good Morning. Just an F.Y.I., your Reunion Committee is meeting at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, RI on Friday the 24th. Here we will visit and secure the various r​ooms we need for the hospitality room, the Ship's Store and our location for our dinner dance. We will be sampling the menu for our "formal" night so we can be sure we are getting quality. We will also be going over the finer points of the celebration, which are many and diverse. I can announce one piece of good news, I thought we would have to raise the price by $10.00 over the last reunion. Well, we don't. So, that remains the same at $189.00. If we can tweak the costs a bit more, we will. I am hoping we get a large contingent for this reunion as we are receiving reports that the Salem may have to be moved from it's present location and it may necessitate the relocation of our museum. As a point of fact, your Museum Committee is going to be meeting later in the year to discuss the ramifications of such a move. Not to scare anyone, but, this might be the last time to see the Museum in it's present location.
If any Shipmate is in the area, stop in to the hotel and say hello. We will be there Thursday and Friday night.
I will fill you in on the meeting results and decisions.

July 29, 2022
Mike Gallo writes:
Good morning shipmates. Since my last communication with you some issues have arisen that will prevent us from having our memorial service aboard the USS SALEM in 2024. The main issue is accessibility for all our guests and shipmates. Bear in mind, we could still have it on the ship but it would mean many of us would not be able to navigate the ladders to the heads or for that matter, get up the gangway. Personally, I do not want to restrict attendance. The Salem is not handicap accessible. and based upon our attendance in 2022, this is a major consideration. This was not taken lightly and be assured many different venues were considered but all have failed to meet our specific needs. I was in contact with different ships and bases, including the USS CONSTITUTION but, it won't work. So this is what has been decided by your committee.
Our memorial service will be held in our hospitality room at the hotel. I can guarantee you the service will be held with as much reverence and respect as it would be on the ship. Maybe even more so as there will not be any interference from outside noise. Remember, we are there to honor our shipmates who have passed on, not the ship. There will be a way we will "man the rails". The room will be decorated to have the correct mood. Please trust my wife's and my theater experience to set the right tone. There will be a way to have the wreath ceremony, with the conclusion the next day with an actual tossing of the wreath from the Salem. Yes, one of the excursions will be to the Salem for those that can physically handle it. After the ceremony lunch, other than a boxed lunch, will be served.
As our group ages there has to be concessions made for our abilities and this is one of them. I know some of you will be disappointed but we are not taking the ship experience away, we are still going, just changing where we have a remembrance so we may include everyone in the experience.

July 22, 2022
Mike Gallo writes:
I have been looking into the costs for our 2024 reunion and it looks like the cost per person, at this time, will have to go up by $10.00. So It will be $199.00 per person and of course the room rate is $149.00 per night plus taxes which includes breakfast for two. This hotel does offer a shuttle from Providence airport which is also included in the rate. There will be a couple of changes in our hospitality room with a few surprises or some night time entertainment. There was a question as to why we did not have any alcohol in the room. Simple answer, insurance. The hotel will allow you to bring your own, we just cannot provide it unless we have a cash bar attended by a TAPS rated bar tender and even then we bear some responsibility. When we meet with the hotel personnel in January there will be some discussion to offer some variety at breakfast without any change in the room rate. We are still looking at what to offer for an excursion. We thought about a Duck Boat tour of Boston but the cost is prohibitive at $31.95 per person at the group rate. Of course that is available on an individual basis at your cost. So that activity is still up in the air. The challenge is to find something that will fit into the attendees rate without increasing it. Of course we will be having our memorial service aboard The Salem and this time, we will man the rails. I am looking into a different vendor for our lunches other than the one we usually use. I am trying to find someone who will deliver and set up the food rather than having to go pick up and carry aboard all those lunches.
I didn't mean to to ramble on but I feel you should all be informed.
So there is one year and 330 days, as of today to our next reunion.
June 16-22, 2024. Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick RI. For those of you who like to put money aside for this, it equals $17.30 per month for a couple and $8.62 for a single. this will cover your attendance fee. We will also set a portal on the Ship's Store for those of you who want to pay by credit card and perhaps want to pay well in advance.
As this might be the last one, I hope to see all of your there.
How is this for a teaser? I am in contact with Michael Thornton, Seal and MOH to be a keynote speaker at our dinner. Some of you know his history with the NEWS, for those who don't, Google him, it is interesting.
Thanks for everything you all do to keep our legacy alive.
Whoops, big mouth has more to say. There has been a suggestion by a few people that we have a two in one excursion. First stop, The submarine base at Groton, Ct where one can tour the first nuke sub, the USS Nautilus, the submarine museum, and of course see, subs entering and leaving the harbor. The second part would be to visit Foxwoods Casino, the largest in the world, where you can have lunch at one of several venues, shop at the outlet stores, do a little gambling if you want, or just take a tour of this fantastic place.

June 13, 2022

Mike Gallo writes: I have just verified the dates for our 2024 Reunion.
June 16-22, 2024
Crowne Plaza, Warwick, RI.
Memorial Service
Details will be published as they are finalized.
Hopefully these dates will not conflict with graduations.
Just an FYI:  June 16, 2024 is Father's Day. The 16th is when you may start coming in but Sunday and Monday is mostly for the set-up crew. The actual reunion will commence on Tuesday June 18, 2024.
** Flying in to the Providence, Green airport, there is a 'FREE' shuttle from the airport to the hotel.