Rotary Club of Mobile
Minutes
25 August 2016
Rotary Tidbit: Les Greer opened with a quote by Gandhi. He proceeded to highlight Rotary’s positive impact on the eradication of polio.
Members from other clubs: Jay Ison from Mobile Sunrise and Cullan Duke from Mobile West.
New members: Sumpter McGowin provided the introduction of new member Clint Flowers.
Announcements:
Les Greer reminded members that the annual gala would be held on October 5, 2016. He commended John Dukes on his efforts on what will be a successful event.
Ernest Ladd presented the Tarpon Tournament Awards. After acknowledging the efforts of John Toomey, co-chair of the Tournament, Ladd proceded to announce the winners. He presented plaques and checks to the recipients. Award winners were as follows: Ashton Boykin, First Jack (24.8 pounds); Jay Ison, Second Jack (24.3 pounds); Noel Nelson, Second Place Tarpon; Alex Arendall, Third Place Jack; and Ernest Ladd, 1st Place Tarpoon.
Program.
Following Matt Head’s introduction, Commander Daniel G. Straub thanked those assembled. He expressed that it was an honor to speak before Rotary and thanked several colleagues for being in attendance. A short video of the USS Montgomery, the subject of his program, was shown. After the video, Commander Straub provided an account of the vessel. He stated that the USS Montgomery was the second ship to bear the name of Alabama’s state capital. Straub explained that of the US Navy’s eight literal combat ships, USS Montgomery was undoubtedly the best. He said that the vessel received a “flying broom” or clean sweep during its congressionally mandated acceptance trial as but one testament to the ship’s attributes. The Commander informed the audience that while the Montgomery ‘s top notch crew had been in Mobile February, they had only moved onto the ship six week’s ago and that they would be departing to home port of San Diego upon the Montgomery’s official commission (10 September 2016). Commander Straub stated that eth Montgomery measures 418 feet in length by 104 feet in depth. He stated that the 3500 ton vessel travels at 50 miles per hour and adapt to an incredibly low draft of 14 feet. It was noted that 4,000 Alabamians labored to build the boat. Straub went on to allow that the aforementioned figure did not take into account service providers. Public and private partnerships included the the City of Mobile, County of Mobile, and City of Montgomery, as well as the involvement of Senators Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions and Congressman Bradley Byrne. Commander Schaub spoke highly of his crew of 53 three by saying that ranked among the best sailors in the fleet. After reiterating the date of the Montgomery’s commission, Schaub noted that bell of the first USS Montgomery would go on the maiden voyage of her successor. Additionally, teak salvaged from the USS Alabama had been employed the vessel’s deck. He noted that these physical ties connected the new ship to a martial tradition embracing the Spanish American War, First World War, Second World War, and Korean War. The adaptability of the ship and its technological ability were mentioned. In closing, Commander Schaub stated the USS Montgomery was an exemplar of the more defensive stance of the US Navy. In short, the ship was built to fight for our country. The Commander closed his presenation and opened the floor for questions. Questions included inquiries pertaining to the ride and range of the vessel.
The presentation received considerable applause.
Birthday announcements followed by mention of the location of the next meeting ensued.