Introdction

Since the beginning of our associations back in 1986, we have had twenty-three reunions throughout the United States; the last being in Warwick, RI.  The years we missed having a reunion was in 1999 when hurricane Floyd came up the coast of South Carolina and Hal had to cancelled the reunion at the last minute and in 2009 because of the bad economy. 

The planning of a ship's reunion is involved and very time consuming.  It takes a lot of expertise to put together a successful one.  It involves locating an interesting city that has air transportation, good dining, hotel accommodations to handle a large group, entertainment, and finally tours of interest.  Cost of the reunion is also an important factor, it's got to be affordable in order for the vast majority of our members to participate.  Finally, if there are any suggestions that will make our annual event more enjoyable, please contact us.  

What Can You Expect At Our Reunions

We added this section in order to explain what happens at a typical Weeks reunion for those who are planning to attend for the first time.  I remember my first reunion, the uncertainty of what to expect, should I just go by myself or should I take my wife along.  My mind kept drifting back to those wild liberty ports and all the hell raising we did as young sailors.   Relax, it's nothing like those days.  So far our reunions have been enjoyable and fun for everyone.  There are things for everyone to do, not just shipmates.  The wives or friends are important part of association and have been helpful in making these yearly events successful.

Typically, our reunions are scheduled for four days.  Some people come for the last three days and then there are others who extend their stay beyond the four days; it entirely up to you.  

Upon arrival you want to check-in to the hotel, then go to the Weeks registration table and check-in.  You will receive your a packet of information.  After checking in, you are free to go to our hospitality room or do whatever you want to do.  If you choose to go to the hospitality room, you will find memorabilia from the time when the Weeks was first commissioned until she was sunk in 1970.  And maybe you recognize a shipmate from the pass wondering about or telling sea stories.  The first day we normally do not have formal activities planned.  So you can spend the day visiting with old friends and new ones, or just getting familiar with your surroundings. That evening we have a Welcoming Dinner. 

On day two, we normally have a tour scheduled or a show in the evening.  If you are not interested you can visit the hospitality room, tour on your own, or go shopping.  If you have questions you can normally get an answer from one of the reunion veterans .  

Day three, we normally have a tour scheduled; however, some of our members take a free day during the morning and afternoon. The hospitality room is opened most of the day.  

Day four, we schedule our breakfast meeting for shipmates and their wives or friends, where we discuss the business of the association.  Afterwards, you are on your own for day of leisure.  You can tour, go shopping, visit the hospitality room, or meet up with friends to say good byes.   In the evening we have our banquet.The banquet usually starts around six O'clock.  The banquet is an evening of dinner and dancing that ends around midnight.  It is a fun evening for all. The hospitality room is opened after the banquet and stays open quite late.

We hope that this helps to explain what we do at our reunions.  If you do decide to come to a reunion, please register early, don't wait until the last minute.  We need to know in order to plan.  Hope to see you at our next reunion.  Have fun