NavyLeaguePhilly

THE COMMISSIONING OF THE USS WAYNE E. MEYER (DDG 108) OCTOBER 10, 2009

Fair winds and following seas to CO Nick Sarap and his crew on the successful commissioning of the DDG 108 on October 10, 2009. Over 7,000 guests attended this historic event at Penn's Landing. The ship now begins its journey to San Diego, its home port. There will be many stops and memorable experiences along the way. The Navy League's Philadelphia Council members will always hold this ship and this crew in our hearts. Best wishes to Ship's Sponsor Anna Mae Meyer for her continuing support.

The Meyer arrived at Penn's Landing on Friday October 1, and was met by our Welcoming Committee bearing 600 Philadelphia pretzels for the crew. Our Council hosted several events during the week leading up to the Commissioning on October 10, the first of which was a happy hour for the crew held at Finnegan's Wake, a popular local pub located within walking distance of the ship.

Click here for the Philadelphia Inquirer's story of the arrival.

"Rocky Run"
On Saturday, Oct 2, 2009, the crews of the Meyer and the US Coast Guard station, Sector Delaware, competed in the first NL Philadelphia Council's "Rocky Run" which took place on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. DDG 108 CO Nick Sarap and USCG Captain Meredith Austin both took part in the competition. Although outnumbered, USCG took the first round, the Meyer crew rallied and won the second. The event was declared a draw by NL Community Partner representative Anselm Sauter, of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.. Thanks to Anselm and NL board member Jackie D'Angelo for their help organizing the event. Click here for more pictures of the "Rocky Run"

Picnic
On Sunday, October 4, 2009, the Council hosted the crew of the Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) at a picnic at the Battleship New Jersey marina. Council members, family and friends had a chance to meet Anna Mae Meyer, sponsor of the DDG 108 and wife of the late Admiral Wayne E. Meyer and her daughter Anna, who attended the festivities. They were joined by CO Nick Sarap, who also stopped by. Everyone toured BB62 in fall weather that was perfect. Great food and a fun time was had by all. Special thanks to Council member Dindy Liebert for her hard work on this picnic and the family of Kelly Preski (Lauren and Dennis) for lending a hand. Click here for more pictures.

Annual Navy Day Luncheon
Rear Admiral Michael H. Miller, Chief of Legislative Affairs was our featured speaker at this event which took place at the Independence Seaport Museum. Over 40 officers and crew of the Wayne E. Meyer were our special guests. An original water color painting of Independence Hall was presented to Cdr Nick Sarap with the artist, Noel Miles in attendance. Click here for more pictures.

Having Fun
There was no shortage of things to do, and we kept them busy and happy during their stay in Philadelphia. More pictures are here.

Commissioning of DDG 108 USS Wayne E. Meyer
7000 people showed up to witness this historic event, including Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations. Commander Nick Sarup was installed as the first Commanding Officer of the Meyer and he along with Executive Officer, Robert Brooks, who emceed the proceedings, ordered the crew of "plank owners" aboard as the ship came to life. More pictures of the event are here.

A Message of Thanks
An example of the impact the crew of the Wayne E. Meyer has had on the area - click here.

Navy Marks Passing of Rear Admiral Wayne E. Meyer
On Monday, August 31, the Navy lost a legend with the passing of Rear Admiral Wayne E. Meyer, USN (Ret.) Often referred to Father of Aegis", Rear Admiral Meyer was also the namesake of The USS WAYNE E MEYER (DDG 108), a guided missile destroyer that will be commissioned in Philadelphia on October 10, 2009 at Penn's Landing. The official Navy news release can be found here.

	The Meyer arrived at Penn's Landing on Friday October 1, and was met by our Welcoming Committee bearing 600 Philadelphia pretzels for the crew. Our Council hosted several events during the week leading up to the Commissioning on October 10, the first of which was a happy hour for the crew held at Finnegan's Wake, a popular local pub located within walking distance of the ship. Click here for the Philadelphia Inquirer's story of the arrival.

	"Rocky Run" On Saturday, Oct 2, 2009, the crews of the Meyer and the US Coast Guard station, Sector Delaware, competed in the first NL Philadelphia Council's "Rocky Run" which took place on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. DDG 108 CO Nick Sarap and USCG Captain Meredith Austin both took part in the competition. Although outnumbered, USCG took the first round, the Meyer crew rallied and won the second. The event was declared a draw by NL Community Partner representative Anselm Sauter, of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.. Thanks to Anselm and NL board member Jackie D'Angelo for their help organizing the event. Click here for more pictures of the "Rocky Run"

	Picnic On Sunday, October 4, 2009, the Council hosted the crew of the Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) at a picnic at the Battleship New Jersey marina. Council members, family and friends had a chance to meet Anna Mae Meyer, sponsor of the DDG 108 and wife of the late Admiral Wayne E. Meyer and her daughter Anna, who attended the festivities. They were joined by CO Nick Sarap, who also stopped by. Everyone toured BB62 in fall weather that was perfect. Great food and a fun time was had by all. Special thanks to Council member Dindy Liebert for her hard work on this picnic and the family of Kelly Preski (Lauren and Dennis) for lending a hand. Click here for more pictures.

	Annual Navy Day Luncheon Rear Admiral Michael H. Miller, Chief of Legislative Affairs was our featured speaker at this event which took place at the Independence Seaport Museum. Over 40 officers and crew of the Wayne E. Meyer were our special guests. An original water color painting of Independence Hall was presented to Cdr Nick Sarap with the artist, Noel Miles in attendance. Click here for more pictures.

	Having Fun There was no shortage of things to do, and we kept them busy and happy during their stay in Philadelphia. More pictures are here.

	Commissioning of DDG 108 USS Wayne E. Meyer 7000 people showed up to witness this historic event, including Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations. Commander Nick Sarup was installed as the first Commanding Officer of the Meyer and he along with Executive Officer, Robert Brooks, who emceed the proceedings, ordered the crew of "plank owners" aboard as the ship came to life. More pictures of the event are here.

	A Message of Thanks An example of the impact the crew of the Wayne E. Meyer has had on the area - click here.

	Navy Marks Passing of Rear Admiral Wayne E. Meyer On Monday, August 31, the Navy lost a legend with the passing of Rear Admiral Wayne E. Meyer, USN (Ret.) Often referred to Father of Aegis", Rear Admiral Meyer was also the namesake of The USS WAYNE E MEYER (DDG 108), a guided missile destroyer that will be commissioned in Philadelphia on October 10, 2009 at Penn's Landing. The official Navy news release can be found here.