USS Naifeh (DE-352) The  First reunion of USS Naifeh sailors was held in conjunction with the DESA Annual Convention in September of 1989 in Charleston, SC. A Stag Luncheon was held as 1200 September 12,1989 in the hospitality room of the Sheraton Charleston Hotel. Forty-one World War 11 and Korean War Era shipmates attended. It was a heart wanmng affair at which all were able to renew old acquaintances, make new acquaintances, swap sea stories, laugh and shed a few tears. Most hadn't seen each other- since their time in service on the USS Naifeh. Our honored guest and Honorary member of DESA, Robert N. Naifeh, the brother of Alfred Naifeh for whom the ship was named, addressed the group. He spoke of his brother, his family's history in Oklahoma, which dates back to before statehood, and the Naifeh memorial in the Norman, Oklahoma Museum, He urged us to meet each year and continue to enjoy this common bond of friendship we are now enjoying. Captain John C. Smits, who recommissioned the Naifeh in 1951, was introduced by Ernest H. Bates. Captain Smits addressed the group recalling some of the Naifeh's encounters with whales on it's first tour of duty while cruising to the Korean area, and other humorous events that took place when the Naifeh was put back into service. A letter from Captain John Seaman Albert II, who could not attend because of health reasons, was read to the group by William A. Wrase. The USS Naifeh was placed in commission on July 4, 1944 in Orange, Texas under, John Albert's command. He provided the funds for the open bar at the luncheon as a token for his regards for his former shipmates. In his letter he stated, "After all, we all contributed our talents to making the Naifeh the successful ship that it was." A dinner party was held at The Colony House that evening for spouses and guests. An excellent buffet dinner was enjoyed and after dinner Bob Foltz, as Master of Ceremonies, prevailed upon all Naifeh.  It provided a good show for video cameras and gave all a brief overview of each Naifeh Sailor's success story.  Attending this first reunion were: Ralph D. Adkinson, Ernest H. Bates, Jack Beale, Robert W. Bowman, Robert L. Chapdelaine, Leo Charaton, John R. Christensen, Douglas A. Churchill, Bruce D. Conner, Robert S. Davis, Jr., Robert F. Foltz, Dan Forbus, Phillip E. Gokey, Ernest L. Hass, Otho E. Hays, Paul J. Hillis, Albert Homer, Eugene M. Hopper, John R. Johnson, Merle F. Josefiak, Dr. Ralph F. Knapp, Orel C. Larsen, William J. Lee, Robert Ling, Raymond E. Lohr, Edward T. McNamara, Charles E. Miller, Robert N. Naifeh, Joe Pecora, Eric 0. Risner, Robert W. Rothardt, Robert J. Saleck, William Scotford, Walter L. Sheffier, John C. Smits, Germany A. Souder, Thomas N. Thompson, Aldon J. Webb, William A. Wrase, Donald E. Zugelder. Most all of the Naifeh group stayed on to enjoy all the convention activities together. All indicated that they would attend the Second Reunion of the USS Naifeh, which will be held in conjunction with the DESA National Convention in Baltimore in 1990. 

William A. Wrase

       

                                U.S.S. Naifeh  crew members At Charlston NC. Reunion

        

             Reunion Group in Charlston                         Mr. & Mrs. Robert Naifeh                     CDR. C. John Smits, Dan Forbus, Bob Ling

 

       

Joe Pecora, Dan Forbus, Charles Churchill            Howard Gray,   C. John Smits  Captain                                    Tour Group

 

                                                   William A. Wrase,  Ernest  H. Bates, Lone Sailor, Mrs Lois Wrase,  Mrs Barbaraa Bates                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

  

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