USS Boone Revives Tradition After 57 Years

Boone is the first Navy warship to visit the small town since the U.S.S. Goodrich, a Gearing class destroyer, anchored in Sandy Bay on July 3, 1950.

Rockport, a small town known for its local art, scenic views and lobster opened its doors and made Boone the center of attention during the town's third annual Harvest Festival celebration. The town scheduled numerous events and activities which kept the crew busy throughout the visit.

The first day in port members of the Sandy Bay Yacht Club greeted the crew during a reception where community leaders presented the crew with tokens of appreciation and New England hospitality. "Tonight's reception was extraordinary,'' said Operations Specialist Second Class Justen L. Abernathy, "the people of Rockport have provided a warm welcome and are very excited about Boone's visit."

Sailors from USS Boone pose for a group photo after participating in a community relations project where they painted a local icon, the Motif number 1.

Later that evening crewmembers attended a function hosted by American Legion Post 98 where Boone Sailor's swapped sea stories with the veterans. "It was just incredible. Listening to the stories from their time in service made you feel proud and honored to spend an evening with them," said Lt. Shawn Fisher, Boone's Electronic Materials Officer. "In turn, they felt the same way about us and were filled with gratitude for Boone taking the time to be here this weekend."

Local military veterans from Rockport took part in a wreath laying ceremony onboard Boone to honor the fallen members of our military. Retired Navy Captain Alan Ray and Boone crewmember Electronics Technician Third Class Lee D. Medlin each tossed a wreath off the fantail of the ship into Rockport Harbor during a touching ceremony that brought tears to many present. "I am very proud to have been given the honor to take part in this ceremony," said Medlin, "The veterans here today helped make our military great, and it was a wonderful feeling to be with them today to honor the members who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country."

USS Boone's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Newman J. Evans III, thanks Rockport local officials for a memberable weekend during a reception aboard the ship.

Throughout the weekend Boone crewmembers took part in numerous events hosted by the citizens of Rockport. Crewmembers faced the locals in a nine-hole golf tournament and later that evening, were challenged by the Rockport police and fire departments in a game of softball. The softball game was a big event, most of the town attended the competition and everyone enjoyed the great sportsmanship. After the game the teams traded jerseys and feasted on the local delicacies that included famous clam chowder.

The crew also contributed to the community and participated in a community relations project where they painted a local icon, the Motif number 1, a small fishing shack located in Rockport Harbor known as the most painted object by artists in the US.

"This was just an incredible day," said Chief Storekeeper Thomas Smith, "it was truly an honor for the town to allow us to help preserve this historic building."

USS Boone Sailors pose with the Rockport police and fire departments after a game of softball.

What turned out to be the highlight for many of the crew was the Lobster Boat tour. Boone Sailors' baited and set their own lobster traps and later hauled in their catch. When all the lobster traps were retrieved there were more than 50 lobsters caught by the group. The boats then docked at Pigeon Cove Warf where the lobsters were cooked and the crew dined. Sonar Technician 3rd Class Daniel Garcia was the unofficial lobster eating winner when he ate eight lobsters, impressing the Rockport locals at the event.

"This is by far the best time I've ever had on a port visit," said Garcia, "the people of Rockport have really gone all out to ensure we had a great time, and the lobsters here are fantastic."

While the crew enjoyed their stay in Rockport, many citizens of the area where able to enjoy a tour on Boone. The Sailors hosted tours to the general public where visitors were able to get a first hand look at life aboard a Navy warship. More than 1,600 visitors took a tour with the most popular areas being Boone's Bridge and Combat Information Center. Mark Kanegis a local photographer brought his daughter Anna to visit Boone.

Retired Navy Captain Alan Ray Lee D. Medlin tosses a wreath off the fantail of the ship into Rockport Harbor during a ceremony on board Boone to honor the fallen members of our military.

"This was a great experience. The tour guides were thoughtful and took the time to answer everyone's question," said Kanegis, "I am just so proud of the men and women that serve our country, and the experience my daughter and I enjoyed on USS Boone today makes us appreciate everything they do for our country even more."

To conclude the visit, Boone hosted a reception for local officials on the ship. One official in attendance was State Senator Bruce Tarr who was overjoyed with the reception Rockport gave Boone.

"This weekend has been fantastic, everyone in Rockport had a fabulous time and enjoyed every minute that Boone and her Sailors where here," said Tarr, "this visit is the first in 57 years, we'd like the Navy to visit every year for now on."

USS Boone (FFG 28) Navigator Lt.j.g. Frank Fillingim presents the bridge to visitors during a tour for the general public.