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Winona Reunion - II 1998

THE WINONA..."SHE JUST GOT IT DONE"
By"Rosie" Rosenlof [RD3, 1950-52]

Port Angeles, WA....Aug. 7, 8, 9, 1998
"Historically, while the U.S. Navy was drilling and practicing, the U.S. Coast Guard was 'just getting it done!"' So said the Exalted Ruler of the Naval Elks Lodge in Port Angeles, Washington. The Elks lodge was the venue of the second C.G.C. Winona's 3-day ship's reunion in August. She was decommissioned in 1974. It was intended to be three days of getting reacquainted, telling sea stories, imbibing a bit, an enjoyable dinner and meeting more shipmates. But the entire weekend ended up resembling an old-time college fraternity gathering; or a Shriner's convention without the water balloons; where friendship and brotherly love prevail. The smiles on the faces of every one of the 204 "Wine Barge" sailors and guests gave testament to the fact that all of the above was present and accounted for. The fact that both the Winona and the city of P.A. were an important part of the lives of each and every sailor was a testament to the motives for attendance.

Organizer, Cliff Rocheleau, (ET2, 1963-65) and his trusty computer drew crewmates from such far places as Vermont, Hawaii, Alaska, New York, Connecticut, Michigan, North Carolina, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Indiana and Georgia. Arriving guests were greeted by banners down Front St., and were drawn to the display of the Winona's ship's bell, now hung at its permanent home at City Pier at the foot of Winona's dock; her home for 27-years in "her town". The bell's clarion sounds now silent. The party began at the Elks on Friday night August 7th with snacks, imbibing, sea stories (some were even believable) and getting reacquainted. Rocheleau had memorabilia and pictures from all eras of the "Barge", and sold the ever-present caps, cups, and Tee shirts (still available). Saturday's tour of the air station was well received.

A delicious sit-down prime rib dinner Saturday night was where the fun really, began. Following a heartwarming invocation by Irwin Lindemuth CDR, (1955-58&67-69) and dinner, Emcee Rosie Rosenlof (RD3, 1950-52) opened the Saturday night program. He had each shipmate introduce themselves. He read a condensed version of Winona's history (available). Quipster Del Lentz, SO2 (1963-64) told his old jokes - stale and funny - that he had been telling for years; Captain Bob Moss (1968-70) was coerced into playing his always enjoyable bag pipes; the "Coast Guard Song" was the favorite; The Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler was presented with a plaque designed by Jay Neff, (SA, '73-'74) for their accepting the Winona and her 2,000 crew members for those 27-years. Twelve members of Winona's 1968 crew were present and received a standing ovation for their part in the sinking of an armed North Vietnam vessel and receiving the Armed Services Meritorious Unit Citation medal.

And "Plankowner" Ralph Campbell (SA, 1946-49) was recognized as being present. Rosie introduced and gave thanks and a standing ovation to the entire Rocheleau family (Cliff, wife Tina, Tim and Danielle) for their untiring efforts for the success of the reunion; a moment of silence for lost and passed-on shipmates was observed; and a toast to the Winona ended the program. Dancing 'till Midnight followed. The Sunday morning brunch and bon voyages until the next gathering in 2001, sadly brought an end to this 1998 cruise. We miss the Winona. We miss Port Angeles. The Winona was a good and proud ship.

She so often took us from our families, but she always brought us back.... She just ...."Got it done!" To the Winona - happy sailing and THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!

If you are interested in attending the next Reunion & want to be added to our Roster, please contact:

Cliff Rocheleau, Chairman
CGC Winona Reunion Committee
215 Applegate Lane
Sequim, WA 98382-3082
Tel. (360)582-0925
E-mail:Clifford Rocheleau