Las Vegas, Nevada
1998

The second reunion of Shipmates from the USS Ponchatoula (AO-148) was held in June 1998 at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Richard "RP" Miller and associates did an excellent job in setting this up.  Attendance was a total of 44 including members and guests. A good time was had by all.

During this reunion a formal organization was created.  Hereafter known as USS PONCHATOULA (AO-148) SHIPMATES ASSOCIATION with a set of by-laws being established and voted upon by the majority present.

In accordance with the by-laws, a President and a Secretary/Treasurer were nominated and elected.  Joe Thomas of Annapolis, MD, was elected as the first President.  Richard "RP" Miller declined the nomination to continue as Secretary/Treasurer.  "Yours' truly" opened his big mouth and got himself elected Secretary/Treasurer.  I hope I can carry on the high tradition of excellence established by my predecessor.

The following cities were put forth by the membership as a location for the third reunion. They were: Orlando, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Reno.  San Francisco was selected.

Regards to all my shipmates......PF