USS JFK Carrier Project in RI
RI Aviation Hall of Fame
The Latest News About Our Effort
RIP Gregory J. Maruska
1955-2012
Longtime volunteer and friend Greg Maruska passed away Wed., Jan 4, 2012. Greg served in the Navy on board the USS John F. Kennedy, and had been with the aircraft carrier projects for the last 12 years, and was a great source of help and humor throughout it all. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Yma. He will be sorely missed.
Read the obituary here >
See pictures on Facebook >
January 10, 2012
The 9th Annual RI Aviation Hall of Fame Dinner Registration Now Available!
This year we will honor ten people, to include Parker DuPouy, a Providence native and Brown University grad who joined the famed Flying Tigers and flew in combat in China during the early days of World War II. We will also recognize Robert Murphy, another Providence native who graduated from Providence College, went on to law school and was instrumental in the drafting of much of this country's aviation legislation and the creation of the Civil Aeronautics Board.
Other honorees include two bomber pilots who were POWs in Europe: Roland Stumpff of Barrington and Michael Gold of Newport.
Click here to view the full invitation.
Click here to register online.
December 6 , 2011
The 2012 RI Aviation Hall of Fame Dinner will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2012. More details will be posted here soon!
December 5 , 2011
Please Join us for our Annual Holiday Party and Toys for Tots Drive on Tues., Dec. 13!
If you live in the southern New England area, please join us for a get-together and some Christmas cheer! Here are the details:
Where: JFK/Saratoga Headquarters
6854 Post Road, North Kingstown, RI
When: Tuesday, December 13 from 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Our custom is to ask that you bring an unwrapped toy as a donation to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to brighten a child's holiday season in these tough times. Marines will be in attendance to accept the gifts! We will also have snacks, refreshments, and a holiday raffle. There is no charge to attend, but we ask that you reply to this email (or leave a message at 401-398-7087) if you plan to attend, so that we can make sure we have enough food and beverage on hand! Save the date - we look forward to seeing you!
November 17, 2011
Volunteers Paul Haas (dressed as Ted Williams) and Rich Picard in North Kingstown. Click for more.
Pictures and Video from the North Kingstown Veteran's Day Parade
Get the Flash Player to see this video.
November 3, 2011
Call for Help: USS JFK Rhode Island Project Looking for Area Reps Nationwide
VADM Herb Browne, Skipper from 1989 to 1990, and his wife Jill (R) speak with JFK sailors at the 2011 reunion.
Photo courtesy Bob Haner/USS JFK Association
At the recent reunion held in Norfolk, JFK Project leader Frank Lennon received a warm reception from former crew members eager to learn about progress in our efforts to bring "Big John" to Rhode Island. Many asked what they could do to help bring this dream to fruition.
As a first step, we need to reach out to the 70,000 or so sailors, marines and air crew who served aboard USS John F. Kennedy. So far we have good contact information on only a tiny fraction of those shipmates.
One way to do that is to establish a network of JFK sailors in every state and large city in the nation. We would provide supplies, information and guidance to this team, who would then reach out in their own local areas to spread the word and identify more shipmates.
Several of you at the reunion volunteered to serve in that capacity, and we will be getting more information out to you shortly.
If you are interested in helping out in this way, please respond to this message with your contact information, or call HQ at (401) 398-1000.
November 3, 2011
Efforts Underway to Rescue Artifacts and Equipment from Saratoga and Forrestal for Use in the USS JFK Museum Project: Nov 15-17
For some time now, JFK project leadership has been working with the Navy to arrange for the retrieval of material from these two carriers before they are scrapped. One purpose is to replace items that have been removed from CV-67 for one reason or another, such as ready room chairs. Another purpose is to develop the Saratoga exhibit we have committed to have on board Big John, and a third reason for this effort is to provide material for our educational programs.
We transferred more than 100 pallets of material from Forrestal to Saratoga before FID was towed away, and this spring a group of Saratoga sailors came to Newport to rescue historical artifacts (such as the CIC status boards) from CV-60. Because Sara's elevators have been secured at the flight deck level, we must remove all these items from the hangar bays by crane, transfer them to trucks on the pier, then unload them at warehouse space that has been donated as temporary storage.
We are planning to perform this work at Naval Station Newport from 15-17 November. If any of you (especially riggers and truck drivers) can spare the time to help we would love to hear from you - please reply to this message or call (401) 398-1000.
October 31, 2011
The Ted Williams Airplane Meets Thomas the Tank Engine
Michaela Johnson, co-host of "The Rhode Show", who did a TV feature on the event
Following our very successful display of the 15-foot long model of USS JFK at the Newport Visitor Center, we wrapped up the summer with a unique promotion. Over Labor Day Weekend, our friends at the Newport Dinner Train sponsored the visit of a 15-ton replica of every child's favorite locomotive, Thomas the Tank Engine. We were invited to also display our F9F Panther jet that we are restoring to honor Marine Captain Ted Williams, who flew the same model in the Korean War.
Thousands of children led their parents to the Newport train depot, where in addition to enjoying Thomas-themed activities at the Imagination Station, they were introduced to a very exciting element of the JFK project.
October 27 , 2011
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: JOIN US IN ONE OF THREE VETERANS DAY PARADES
As always, a contingent of project leadership, staff and volunteers will honour our nation's servicemen and women and participate in three veterans day parades this year: Friday, November 11 at 10 AM in East Greenwich as well as North Kingstown, and Saturday, November 12 at 9:30 AM in Westerly/Pawcatuck. Each appearance will feature either our full-scale model of the USS John F. Kennedy, or our famous F9F Panther Jet.
If you are interested in joining us, please let us know by emailing info@ussjfkri.org, or calling the main office at 401.398.1000.
COMPETING NEW ENGLAND GROUPS AGREE: BRING USS JFK TO RHODE ISLAND
Rhode Island, Maine groups agree to work together to ensure aircraft carrier USS John F Kennedy comes to New England as a public attraction and museum.
In an August 3 email to the Navy's Ship Donation Program office, Richard J.Fitzgerald announced the Portland group's intention to withdraw from the competition so that valuable time, money and resources could be applied productively, rather than to a competition that could bleed both efforts.
Realizing that such competition hinders the ability of either party to generate the critical mass of local, regional and national political support necessary to successfully execute a project of this magnitude, USS John F Kennedy Museum/Maine (USSJFKM) and the RI Aviation Hall of Fame, Inc. (RIAHOF) negotiated an agreement in July to develop a joint strategy for bringing the aircraft carrier to New England.
"I came away from my conversations with the Navy convinced that the probability of getting the ship to New England would be greater if the two organizations worked together toward that common goal," said Fitzgerald. "While we believe that Portland would still be a good location for the ship, Rhode Island was further down the road with their plans and fundraising, and it therefore makes sense to play that hand out first," Fitzgerald concluded.
Earlier this year, the Navy described RIAHOF as "the sole viable candidate", but still gave the Maine group six months to catch up in the competition.
"That wasn't great for either of us," said Frank Lennon, who heads up the RI effort. "This project only succeeds if we raise enough money for it, and it is doubly difficult to raise money if both parties are trying to do so at the same time for the same project."
The USS John F Kennedy Museum/Maine (USSJFKM) will now assist the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame (RIAHOF) in its efforts to bring the ship to Narragansett Bay as a family attraction, education center and memorial. "We look forward to the opportunity of saving the JFK …for the ship's veterans and for all of New England," wrote Fitzgerald.
July 26, 2011
USS JFK PROJECT ON DISPLAY AT THE NEWPORT GATEWAY VISITORS CENTER
As of today, a steady stream of worldwide visitors will see a major display about the effort to bring the retired aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy to Newport County. Our 14-foot long model of USS JFK, supplemented by a trade show display wall describing the project, now occupies a prominent place inside the Newport Gateway Visitors Center.
As many as 150,000 visitors are expected to view the display in coming weeks.
 The full display at the Newport Visitors Center |
Bill Sheridan makes sure the model is just right |
July 25, 2011
REMEMBERING GOV. BRUCE SUNDLUN, 1920 - 2011
JFK project leadership and volunteers join the rest of Rhode Island in mourning the July 21st death of former Governor Bruce Sundlun, whose last major project commitment was to lead the local fundraising effort to bring USS John F. Kennedy to Narragansett Bay. Sundlun, a WWII B-17 bomber pilot, was a member of the inaugural class of inductees into the RI Aviation Hall of Fame; for a writeup of his aviation and military careers, please [click here] (PDF).
For a short memorial link, please click [here] (PDF).
The Providence Journal coverage of his death and funeral, please follow these links:
[Obituary] - [Funeral] - [A retrospective by columnist Edward Fitzpatrick]
BRISTOL 4TH OF JULY PARADE A GREAT SUCCESS; F9F PANTHER "TED WILLIAMS AIRPLANE" A MAJOR ATTRACTION
On July 4, leadership and volunteers from the USS JFK Project marched in the annual Bristol 4th of July parade, along with our scale model of the USS John F. Kennedy and, for the first year, our renovated F9F Panther, the same kind that Ted Williams flew in the Korean War.
The Bristol Phoenix did a great interest piece on our participation [read it here], as well as photos [see them here]. For more photos, please see our own Facebook album [here]. A short history of this plane is also available [here], as well as the full specifications [here].
NEW: Great picture of the plane being loaded from the Northeast Independent [here]
 Stan Essex, the lead restorer of the Panther, rides in the cockpit |
 Crowd lining the streets |
 The F9F Panther in the procession |
(L-R) Adjutant General Kevin McBride and his wife Colleen accept congratulations from BG D'Agostino and Frank Lennon.
PROJECT OFFICIALS ATTEND SWEARING-IN OF THE RI NATIONAL GUARD'S 43RD ADJUTANT GENERAL, MG KEVIN R. MCBRIDE
On June 30, MG Kevin R. McBride was sworn in as the commanding general of the Rhode Island National Guard and the state's 43rd adjutant general. McBride, an Army aviator, has commanded the 43rd Military Police Brigade since 2003. He earned the Bronze Star medal for his part in shutting down the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.
Governor Chafee administered the oath of office in the State House rotunda, before a crowd of Army and Air National Guardsmen, Rhode Island militia members in period dress uniforms, state legislators, veterans and family friends. McBride, a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and the US Naval War College, has been a member of the RI National Guard since 1980.
After the ceremony, a reception was held in the capitol's State Room. BG Jim D'Agostino USAF (Ret) and Frank Lennon represented the USS John F Kennedy project at the event.
July 1, 2011
"TED WILLIAMS AIRPLANE" TO BE IN BRISTOL 4TH OF JULY PARADE
On July 4th, Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame's USS John F. Kennedy Project will feature a special kind of "float"--an F9F Panther jet fighter, the same type flown in combat by Red Sox legend Ted Williams during the Korean War. The restoration effort is endorsed by the Boston Red Sox, and has been supported financially by the Red Sox Foundation. It is one of several "hands on" technical projects the museum is developing as pilot programs in job training and workforce development.
June 30, 2011
RI CONGRESSMAN DAVID CICILLINE "CARRIES THE TORCH" OF SUPPORT IN PATRICK KENNEDY'S FORMER DISTRICT
We are pleased to announce that Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) has pledged his support of our efforts to get the USS John F. Kennedy into Rhode Island as a tourist destination, family attraction and memorial.
Read the full letter of endorsement >
June 9, 2011
FORMER CV-67 SKIPPER JOHN MITCHELL DIES
Retired Navy Captain John Mitchell was the seventh Commanding Officer of USS John F. Kennedy, from November of 1975 to May of 1977. He passed away in Virginia Beach, VA on Memorial Day, May 30. Our sincere condolences go out to his family.
Link to his full obituary and the guest book here.
USS JFK Project Leader Frank Lennon
June 1 , 2011
USS JFK PROJECT LEADER FRANK LENNON GUEST SPEAKER AT LOCAL MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
USS JFK Project leader Frank Lennon was the principal guest speaker at the West Warwick, RI Memorial Day ceremony. In his remarks, Lennon, a West Point graduate and a Green Beret combat veteran, tried to dispel some persistent myths about the Vietnam conflict. Navy LCDR Bob Overturf, a damage control officer aboard the destroyer USS Cole during the 2000 terrorist attack on the ship in Yemen, also described his experiences.
[For the organizer's introduction to Mr. Lennon, click here]
[For the full text of Lennon's remarks, click here]
May 30, 2011
Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the 35th President John F. Kennedy, addresses friends and family after the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus announced the name of the next nuclear powered aircraft carrier as USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien/Released)
NAVY ANNOUNCES THE NEXT GERALD R. FORD-CLASS AIRCRAFT CARRIER WILL BE NAMED THE USS JOHN F. KENNEDY
This is very good news for the project! For at least another generation, we will have an active duty ship and crew that we can count on for continued support.
[read the Navy's announcement]
May 24, 2011
LOCAL COVERAGE OF THE PROJECT FROM THE WARWICK BEACON AND THE BARRINGTON TIMES
We are pleased to announce that the word keeps spreading, and two local newspapers have published pieces focusing on our efforts to bring the USS John F. Kennedy to Rhode Island.
Read the article from the Warwick Beacon (goes to their site)
Read the article from the Barrington Times (PDF file)
May 20, 2011
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - WEEKEND SHIFTS
Collections Coordinator Dave Gamache and founder Frank Lennon at a local Stop & Shop.
As the good weather approaches, our volunteers head to local malls and shopping centers to collect donations and provide information about our efforts. This is a very important initiative, and we need new JFK volunteers to help! Last summer, volunteers collected more than $30,000 of needed operating funds in this manner, and provided an invaluable increase in public awareness of our efforts. Please consider giving one or more weekend days to assist in this incredibly important awareness activity. We are normally onsite from about 9 to 4 on Saturdays and Sundays (plus the occasional Friday). You may volunteer for a full day or just for a half day--every hour helps! For further information or for scheduled locations and dates, please call coordinator Dave Gamache at 401-309-8242, or email him at gamache.david@yahoo.com. Those of you outside the Rhode Island area who would be willing to set up programs in your own area -- like Don Russo in Virginia and Steve Duffey in Massachusetts are already doing - please let us know, and we will send out materials!
May 9 , 2011
PRESS RELEASE: RETIRED AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS JOHN F KENNEDY MOVES ONE STEP CLOSER TO RHODE ISLAND
In May, 2010, Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame (RIAHOF), a local non-profit group, announced the exciting launch of an important national effort to bring the retired aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy to Newport County as a world class educational attraction.
An April 25, 2011, letter from the Navy brings the JFK one step closer to Narragansett Bay. The letter states in part, "…at this time, RIAHOF is the only viable candidate for the donation of ex-JFK."
“With this designation from the Navy now in hand, we will move ‘full speed ahead’ to raise the balance of the funding needed to execute our $15 million plan,” said RIAHOF President Frank Lennon.
Bill White, Chairman and CEO of Constellations Group, a NYC based strategic relationship development firm, has agreed to assist RIAHOF's national and international fundraising campaign to bring the USS JFK to Newport County. Until recently, White was the President of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City, an organization that he served for the last 20 years.
As president of the Intrepid family of foundations and lead director at their sister organizations, Bill led fundraising efforts which raised more than $600 million during his tenure. He managed all operations, management, strategic planning and branding for the Intrepid Foundations, leading a team of more than 250 professionals and thousands of volunteer personnel over the years. Bill spearheaded the $115 million capital campaign for the 2006-08 restoration of the ship and pier, building the Intrepid brand to new heights of internationally awareness and respect.
Commenting on the Navy announcement, White said, “This is a very important step. People who want to support this exemplary project and bring the ‘Big John’ home will want to know that if they actually commit the necessary funds, then the project will happen. They also want a date certain that the JFK will open to the public, assuming that all other requirements are met,” he added.
Former Rhode Island Governor Bruce Sundlun has committed to lead the local fundraising effort. Sundlun is a WWII B-17 bomber pilot who retired from the Air Force as a colonel. He also chaired President John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Parade in 1961-- he has a personal interest in this project. JFK also appointed Sundlun as incorporator of the famous Comsat Corporation, the federally funded entity designed to establish a worldwide satellite communications network.
Sundlun also served as CEO of Outlet Communications and president of Executive Jet Aviation. He later parlayed his business success into two terms as Governor of Rhode Island. He was elected with 75% of the vote--the largest margin in the state’s history. Since leaving public service he has been active on a number of boards and commissions; this past fall, he reached out to Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame and offered his services in the fundraising area.
“Governor Sundlun’s long and successful life in business, politics, and the practice of law, combined with his many friends and contacts, make him the ideal person to chair our local effort,” said Lennon.
During subsequent phone conversations with the leadership of NAVSEA's Ship Donation Program, project leadership has learned that RIAHOF’s designation as the sole viable candidate can change if steady progress toward the fundraising goal is not made.
Perhaps mindful of the controversy they have had in California with the battleship Iowa donation, the Navy has left a small window open for Portland, Maine to re-enter the competition if the Portland group can identify a site for the ship and otherwise meet the funding requirements within the next six months.
“Since the Portland Town Council voted unanimously in January not to support this effort, the applicants in Maine face a daunting challenge,” noted RI project director Bill Sheridan. “Since the Rhode Island application met most of the other requirements for donation, that six month deadline does not apply to us,” he concluded. “So long as we make steady progress toward our goals (particularly in raising money), our submission will remain viable.”
May 6 , 2011
NAVY DESIGNATES RI AS THE "ONLY VIABLE CANDIDATE" FOR USS JFK
An April 25 letter from the Navy responding to our Phase II application to bring the USS John F. Kennedy to Narragansett Bay states in part, "…at this time, RIAHOF is the only viable candidate for the donation of ex-JFK."
Our major challenge now is to raise the balance of the funding needed to execute our plan, and we will report back shortly with details about our plans. Full speed ahead!!
One cautionary note to this very good news: during subsequent phone
conversations with the leadership of NAVSEA's Ship Donation Program, we have learned that the operative words are "…at this time."
Perhaps mindful of the controversy they have had in California with the
battleship Iowa donation, the Navy has left a small window open for Portland, Maine to re-enter the competition if they can identify a site for the ship and otherwise meet the funding requirements within the next six months.
Since the Portland Town Council voted unanimously in January not to support this effort, our friends in Maine face a daunting challenge.
Since our application met most of the other requirements for donation, that six month deadline does not apply to us. So long as we make steady progress toward our goals (particularly in raising money), our submission will remain viable.
April 21, 2011
IN MEMORIAM: CAPT James “Lou” Gorman, USNR (Ret) 1928-2011
Lou Gorman, on left, hosts Frank Lennon and project attorney Joseph White at Fenway Park's
406 Club in 2005.
When former Red Sox general manager and retired Navy Captain Lou Gorman died earlier this month, the USS JFK and USS Saratoga familes lost not only a board member, but also an avid supporter and a dear friend.
Foundation president Frank Lennon recalls, “I first met Lou in the early 1980s when I ran a small sports marketing business in Boston. Many years later, I sought his help with our non-profit efforts to bring an aircraft carrier to Rhode Island’s beautiful Narragansett Bay as a family attraction, education center, museum and memorial. I did not have to ask twice.”
He joined the USS Saratoga Museum Foundation Advisory Board in 2001, and was an enthusiastic advocate and cheerleader for our quest. His participation became even more critical in 2005, when we acquired a rare Korean War jet fighter--the same type Ted Williams flew in combat. We began restoring the airplane in Ted’s colors, and sought official Red Sox support and sponsorship of this initiative.
Thanks to Lou, that important endorsement came through, along with financial support from the Red Sox Foundation. Lou also came to Rhode Island and spoke at several of our events. He was unfailingly reliable, incredibly accommodating, and a joy to work with. Lou always returned calls and answered letters, with his ineffably upbeat demeanor and positive attitude.
It is our intention (with the family's permission) to honor Lou for his service at an appropriate time and place later this year.
February 24, 2011
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA COVERAGE OF OUR PROJECT HELPS SPREAD THE WORD
We are pleased to announce that AFP, a global news agency, has done a piece on our efforts to get the USS John F. Kennedy to Rhode Island. Articles and tv pieces have appeared in numerous German media outlets, such as N-TV.de, N-24.de, Focus Magazine, Die Welt Daily and Frankfurter Rundschau. (Please note all articles are in German).
UPDATE ON PHASE II SUBMISSION TO THE NAVY
The best way to describe the depth and complexity of our Phase II submission would be to show the Navy requirements for that submission [click here for Phase II requirements (PDF)].
The next step will be a review by the Navy, followed by requests for further information in those areas the Navy may deem insufficient.
One important note: a requirement of the business/financial plan is to show that we have in hand all the money necessary to complete the project. As everyone knows, we don't have that funding yet. Our submission focused on showing how we will raise the balance. However, until we do, we will not have met that requirement.
After these issues have been resolved to NAVSEA's satisfaction, we will be asked to proceed to Phase III. That submission will include the curatorial/exhibit plan, the mooring plan to withstand the 100-year storm, and a towing plan [click here for full Phase III requirements (PDF) ]. Compared to the environmental and financial plans, these are relatively straightforward submissions.
For the record, the business/financial plan consisted of 73 pages of text and 60 pages of attachments, plus our 141-page market demand, economic impact and financial feasibility study. The environmental submission was equally detailed.
Consulting study concludes the USS JFK project will add jobs and tax revenues, and will bring significant new spending to RI
As part of the Phase II submission to the Navy, Rhode Island Aviation hall of fame (RIAHOF) was required to include an independent, third-party study that addressed market demand, economic impact and financial feasibility. The study, produced by ConsultEcon of Cambridge, MA projected that mooring the USS JFK in Newport County would be financially viable so long as the concept plan was fully and properly executed—to include the expenditure of $12.5 million (see next news item) in order in order to ensure a “Wow!” factor when the doors open to the public.
The study concluded, "The USS JFK Sea and Air Experience will be a popular new attraction for Aquidneck Island and Rhode Island. It has the potential to attract new visitors to the local area and to the State, and to extend the stay of existing visitors. In addition, a project of this type will retain, in the local economy, the discretionary spending of area residents who otherwise would spend out-of-state for comparable or competitive attractions."
The USS JFK project on Aquidneck Island offers significant benefits, ranging from job creation to tax generation. Here are some specifics:
• Attract as many as 350,000 visitors annually, many of whom would not otherwise come to the state;
• Generate more than $45 million in annual economic impact;
• Create more than 80 direct jobs and more than 500 total jobs;
• Provide a major vocational training facility and school-to-career program;
• Contribute more than $3 million annually in direct tax revenues to the embattled state treasury;
• Result in a worldwide public relations boost for Rhode Island;
• Offer public access to and use of another part of the Bay waterfront;
• Provide significant educational, vocational, cultural and historic benefits.
• Possible use of the ship’s generators for supplemental power.
How much will it cost to complete this project, and how much do we have?HOW YOU CAN HELP THE PROJECT BECOME A REALITY...
Many of you have asked, “How can we help ensure Big John is saved and opened to the public?”
The most important thing everyone can do is to spread the word about the project, and be prepared to pitch in financially to the extent of your ability when the time arises. Over the next few weeks we will be developing a number of giving options, ranging from something as simple as an annual membership to more complex donation strategies such as planned giving and bequests.
We have budgeted $12.5 million to be able to open our doors to the public. Any money we can raise over and above that figure will simply enhance the visitor experience and educational capabilities. USS Saratoga Museum Foundation was able to identify about $10.5 million in pledges, loans and in-kind commitments before the Navy made the decision to scrap Saratoga. Fortunately, most of that $10.5 million came from donors and supporters who saw the benefits of having an aircraft carrier in Narragansett Bay, regardless of the name on the stern. We estimate that about $9 million of that figure may be transferable to the JFK project.
So what does that mean? Our financial feasibility study is based on our raising and spending at least $12.5 million in order to make sure we have a critical mass of attraction and education elements on line the day we open our doors. It’s the “Wow” factor; we want every visitor to say “Wow,” and pass that impression on.
It means that if we are able to transfer the $9 million as expected, we need to raise $3.5 million in new or additional money in order to meet the Navy’s minimum requirement for ship donation.
Realistically, we hope to raise more than $3.5 million, because the more we raise, the more “Wow” elements we can build in on day one. Also, every dollar we raise over and above the $12.5 million total gives us the option of reducing the amount we borrow. The lower the “mortgage”, the better our annual cash flow will be, and our chances for operating success will be enhanced.
How will we spend the $12.5 million? Of that amount, about $3 million is allocated to getting the ship here, mooring her to withstand the 100-year storm, preparing a berth, providing utilities and arranging for public access. This includes access ramps and brows; parking areas, lighting and fencing; providing 450 V, three-phase (eight cables) 3200 amp shore power; new potable water piping; sewage transfer and control station; new shore-based fire main system; access road improvements; public arrival plaza and visitor amenities.
We will spend another $1.5 million to prepare the ship itself for visitors and public use: design and engineering; environmental compliance; hookups, safety lines and related; security system; utility modifications; new restroom installation (3 clusters); and structural improvements to accommodate exhibits, displays, visitor amenities and public safety.
We are planning to spend $5.45 million (about 44% of our start-up budget) to provide that “Wow” factor mentioned above: exhibits, theater, visitor amenities, aircraft recovery and acquisition, and elevator installation.
The balance will be set aside to cover Pre-Opening and Organization Costs, such as staff payroll pre-opening; gift shop and food service setup and inventory; permitting, contract administration and $300,000 escrow as a component of operating reserves for a fiscally responsible organizational plan.
February 9, 2011
NEW CV-67 STORE PAGE LAUNCHED, UPDATED MERCHANDISE ADDED
As part of our long-term fundraising strategy, we have added a store page that includes a selection of new merchandise available for sale - hats, patches, coins. Purchase of these items not only show your support for your ship, but help provide much-needed financial support for the organization as we gain steam! Click here to visit the store page now.
February 7, 2011
RHODE ISLAND GOVERNOR LEADS STRONG GROUP OF PROJECT ENDORSERS
As part of the recently submitted Phase II application, the Navy wanted to see that we had an appropriate level of State and local support. New Governor Lincoln Chafee ensured a seamless transition of support from the state's chief executive with a letter stating in part,"I encourage your vision of a world-class family attraction, education center, job training facility, disaster relief asset, museum and memorial on Rhode Island's beautiful Narragansett Bay, featuring Kennedy as its centerpiece."
RI Economic Development Corporation Director Keith Stokes wrote, "Based on your vision, the USS Kennedy could provide a valuable local and regional asset that could generate tangible economic, cultural and educational benefits."
Gary Alexander, until recently head of Rhode Island's Executive Office of Health and Human Services added, "It is seldom that I see a project that offers so many potential benefits…at such little risk. I am particularly enthusiastic about the job training and workforce development programs, which will provide youth with useful skills and experiences on their road to becoming productive members of society."
Cheryl Burrell, a human resources executive with the RI Department of Administration, wrote: "As President of the Multi-Cultural Advisory Council to the Rhode Island National Guard …I am delighted to support this initiative."
The full text of these letters can be seen via the following PDFs:
Letter from Governor Lincoln Chafee
Letter from former RIHHS Director Gary Alexander
Letter from EDC Director Keith Stokes
February 4, 2011
PHASE II OF NAVY APPLICATION SUBMITTED ON FEBRUARY 2, 2011
The Rhode Island project successfully met the deadline to submit the second portion of the ship donation application to NAVSEA. This phase consisted of Environmental and Business/Financial plans. "We believe our Environmental submission is particularly strong," said RIAHOF President Frank Lennon. "From 'lessons learned' with other ship donation efforts, we know that's the area where many foundered."
January 10 , 2011
FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP, CV-67 ASSOCIATION GROUP, CONSULTANTS, VOLUNTEERS TAKE TOUR OF BIG JOHN IN PHILADELPHIA; PHOTOS AVAILABLE
In mid-December 2010, the Navy granted permission for a group of leadership to visit the USS John F. Kennedy where she is moored in Philadelphia, PA. It allowed us to get a first-hand view of the shape she is in as well as discuss plans for the future. Photos available on our Facebook page. [click to view the photos]
December 2 , 2010
A
TOTAL OF 21 FORMER USS JOHN F. KENNEDY COMMANDING OFFICERS NOW SUPPORT THE RHODE ISLAND EFFORT
RADM Timothy R. Beard, who was skipper from March 1992 to June 1993, and CAPT Stephen G. Squires (8 April 2004-27 August 2004) have responded favorably to VADM Tuttle’s outreach. They join RADM Ronald H. Henderson, who recently returned from London where he was serving as Defense Attache, U.S. European Command. Admiral Henderson, now retired, was Big John CO from February, 2002 to April, 2004.
November 26, 2010
LEADERSHIP REACHES OUT TO KENNEDY FAMILY MEMBERS
TAt a recent function commemorating a 1960 speech by John F. Kennedy at Providence City Hall, Frank Lennon and Bill Sheridan had an opportunity to reinforce the support of US Congressman Patrick Kennedy, as well as promote the Rhode Island project to Joan Kennedy and Ted Kennedy, Jr. The event itself underscored the strong link between President Kennedy and Rhode Island.
 Congressman Kennedy is flanked by USS JFK RI Directors BIll Sheridan (L) and Frank Lennon. |
 Lennon with Joan Kennedy |
 Lennon with Ted Kennedy, Jr. |
November 18, 2010
FOUR MORE INDIVIDUALS ARE ELECTED TO OUR BOARD OF ADVISORS
The board of directors of the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame/USS John F. Kennedy Project has announced the election (and in some cases re-election) of four more individuals to RIAHOF’s Board of Advisors. Their diversity, experience and credibility within the various communities they represent will add significantly to the diversity and reach of our effort.
Listed alphabetically:
Boston Red Sox Senior Advisor Jeremy Kapstein, former CEO of the San Diego Padres, is a Harvard graduate who received a law degree from Boston College. He is also a Navy veteran with four years of active duty during the Vietnam era, including service as a military judge. He was a Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor in the recent election.
Former Governor of Rhode Island Bruce Sundlun has led a long and successful life in business, politics, and the practice of law. A B-17 bomber pilot during WWII, he was shot down over Belgium and evaded capture for more than six months, working with the French Resistance until he escaped to Switzerland. He stayed in the Reserves after the war, commanding a Troop Carrier Squadron, then a Wing before his retirement as a colonel. In his business career he also served as President of Executive Jet Aviation for six years. While Governor, Sundlun was instrumental in the creation of the Quonset Air Museum. He was inducted by the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame in its 2003 inaugural class.
Spencer W. Viner, Esq., is the organized labor representative on our board. On behalf of the New England Laborers, he creates strategic alliances with the private sector, labor and government agencies. He previously served as General Counsel to the Education and Training Fund of the Laborer’s International Union. He also served as Pawtucket City Solicitor and Probate Judge; Counsel for the RI Secretary of State. and Counsel to the Rhode Island General Assembly
Former RI Attorney General and well-known local talk show host Arlene Violet graduated from Salve Regina University, and got her Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School. She was a Sister of Mercy for 23 years, working in the inner city of Providence and other areas, on behalf of the poor. She was a public interest attorney doing consumer, environmental and developmental disability law. The case precedents which she established, along with her election as the first female Attorney General in the United States earned her a place in The 50 Most Influential Women in American Law, along with Hillary Clinton, and Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsberg. She was also featured on “Sixty Minutes”, “Larry King Live” and “Crossfire”. For almost 18 years, she's been a top radio talk show host, and was selected as one of the top 100 hosts in the U.S.
November 14, 2010
TWO NEW MEMBERS ELECTED TO OUR ADVISORY BOARD
The RI project is delighted to announce the addition of two new members to RIAHOF’s Board of Advisors. Both men have a strong interest in seeing USS John F Kennedy survive and prosper as a family attraction, education center and memorial, and both have lent their support to the RI effort through their websites.
Thoralf Doehring is a world-renowned aviation and naval photographer who is the webmaster of the largest European-based US Navy website: www.navysite.de. Some 90% of site visitors log in from the US. Mr. Doehring sent an email introducing our effort to bring JFK to Rhode Island to some 3000 JFK veterans on his "Navy Buddies Crew List", and added a permanent posting on the site's CV-67 home page.
He explained his interest as follows: "[JFK] was the first aircraft carrier I saw in my life and I have seen her several times since. Last time in late 2008 in Philadelphia...it was a sad sight. Therefore, I'd really like to support your effort."
Two years ago Don Russo wanted to reconnect with some of his old shipmates and started a Facebook page, “USS JOHN F KENNEDY CVA - 67” in hopes of planning a reunion. He currently has close to 1200 fans and it continues to grow. Don has thrown the support of this page behind our efforts, saying: “I would love to be a part of this; we just had our 35th year R-Division reunion in VA, and are now in the planning stage of our 37th in RI in 2012. We are hoping it could be on board the Kennedy. I am looking forward to working with you to make this a reality.”
Russo grew up in the Bronx, and joined The Navy at age 17. He spent the next 3 years aboard USS John F Kennedy in the forward Damage Control shop, part of R-Division. After leaving the Navy he moved to Virginia, where he enjoyed a successful career in commercial and residential propriety management. After retiring, he started a new career in early childhood education.
THREE MORE VALUABLE ADDITIONS MADE TO OUR ADVISORY BOARD
Three more prominent individuals have been added to RIAHOF’s Board of Advisors. Each has a strong scientific and technical background; combined with their interest in education, these strengths make them particularly valuable contributors to this effort.
Professor Sergei Khrushchev, son of the late Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, is now a senior research fellow at Brown University's Watson Institute. He edited his father's memoirs, and also writes extensively about the history of the Cold War. Until 1968, Dr. Khrushchev participated in the Soviet missile and space program and earned the Lenin Prize for his work on cruise missiles for submarines.
RADM Donald Weiss, USN (Ret) is a former Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga, and has served as a board member of the USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc. for several years. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was designated a Naval Aviator in February 1970. Before his retirement he also commanded the USS Carl Vinson Battle Group (Carrier Group Three) and also all U.S. Naval Forces in Japan. After his Navy retirement, he served as a senior executive with Lockheed-Martin.
RADM Thomas E. Zelibor, USN (Ret), former Dean of the College of Naval Leadership, at the Naval War College, now serves as President and CEO at Flatirons Solutions in Colorado, a strategic consulting and systems engineering firm. A 1976 graduate of the US Naval Academy, Zelibor commanded Carrier Air Wing Three, Carrier Group Three and the USS Carl Vinson Battle Group. He also headed the Naval Space Command, and ended his active duty as Director of Global Operations for the United States Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, NE.
October 25, 2010
PHILANTHROPY MAGAZINE HIGHLIGHTS OUR $100,000 CHALLENGE GRANT
The Fall 2010 issue of Philanthropy Magazine has reported our challenge grant as a good example of how private donors are stepping forward to support serious ship museum projects. "Exposure in a publication of this nature will put us on the map with other serious donors and contributors," says Frank Lennon, head of the RI effort for JFK.
The Fall 2010 issue of Philanthropy Magazine contains an article entitled “Supporting Our Ships”. The author writes: "Consider aircraft carriers. In the United States, private, voluntary efforts support five nonprofit carrier museum ships… As Cold War era carriers are decommissioned, private donors have stepped forward to preserve them. Most recently, in May, the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame-a nonprofit working to bring the USS John F. Kennedy to port in Narragansett Bay-reported a challenge grant of $100,000 aimed at jumpstarting their fundraising efforts. A local businessman (who wishes to remain anonymous) put up the money to turn the carrier into a family attraction and education center."
[For the full text of this piece in pdf format, click here]
October 24 , 2010
SATURDAY INDUCTION DINNER RAISES MORE THAN $23,000; MERITS FRONT PAGE FEATURE IN PROVIDENCE JOURNAL
Last Saturday evening's Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame induction will go down as one of our most successful events ever, and merited a front-page feature article in the Providence Sunday Journal. Both Textron and General Dynamics played a sponsorship role.
Read the Providence Journal article here >
View a profile of all inductees on RIAHOF.org >
October 20 , 2010
GENERAL DYNAMICS JOINS SPONSORSHIP TEAM FOR 2010 RI AVIATION HALL OF FAME INDUCTION DINNER
We are pleased to announce that the General Dynamics Corporation has signed on as a corporate sponsor of the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame. Senior company officials are expected to participate in Saturday night's annual dinner and induction ceremony at the Varnum Armory in East Greenwich. A full report will follow after the event.
September 23, 2010
EIGHTEEN FORMER COMMANDING OFFICERS OF CV-67 ARE NOW SUPPORTING THE RHODE ISLAND EFFORT
Four more former skippers of “Big John” have now joined VADM Jerry Tuttle’s in supporting efforts to bring CV-67 to Newport County, Rhode Island. The latest former COs to sign on are: RADM William A. Gureck 24 May 1974 – 29 November 1975; CAPT John R. C. Mitchell; 29 November 1975 – 14 May 1977; RDML William R. McGowen; 5 September 1984 – 1 May 1986; CAPT Robin Y. Weber; 9 December 1997 – 6 August 1999
September 22, 2010
Apollo 8 Astronaut William Anders Headlines Our October 23rd Event Marking 100 Years of Flight in Rhode Island; Textron Will Take Major Sponsorship Role
General William Anders
Retired Air Force Major General and former Textron executive Bill Anders, one of the first three humans to view the dark side of the moon, will be inducted into the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame on Saturday evening, October 23rd at the Varnum Armory in East Greenwich. Anders will describe his experiences and his famous photograph, "Earthrise," which he took on Christmas Eve, 1968. Along with the first pictures taken of the earth from the moon, Anders is perhaps best remembered for his inspirational quote, "We came all this way to explore the Moon, and the most important thing is that we discovered the Earth."
In December, 2003, Rhode Island’s salute to the Centennial of Flight included the induction of the first seven members into the newly-launched Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame. The permanent site of the Hall of Fame will be aboard the retired aircraft carrier USS John F Kennedy, which we hope will open as a family attraction, educational center, museum and memorial on Rhode Island’s beautiful Narragansett Bay sometime within the next few years.
“We have inducted more than 40 individuals, one entire family (the Allen family of balloonists/aeronauts) and given numerous special recognition awards," said Frank Lennon, the Hall's founder and leader of the effort to bring the JFK to Rhode Island.
"Each year’s induction, and the publicity it receives, generates more recommendations,” Lennon explained. “Many people have written or called to let us know about the role a family member, neighbor or friend may have played in our state's rich aviation history. In fact, over the past three years, 13 of our 16 inductees came from public nomination, and in most cases we were previously unaware of the scope of their accomplishments," Lennon said.
Anders lived in RI for much of the 1980s as a senior Textron executive, followed by four years as Chairman and CEO of General Dynamics, to include responsibility for EB at Quonset.
"Earthrise"
Anders, a 1955 graduate of the Naval Academy, was portrayed by Robert John Burke in the 1998 miniseries “From the Earth to the Moon”, and the Anders Crater on the Moon was named in honor of the Apollo 8 Lunar Module pilot. Anders, who now lives in the state of Washington, is flying in with his wife Valerie to receive the award.
"We are delighted that Bill Anders will be able to join us," said Lennon. "He is truly one of the living giants of the aviation and space community, and we are delighted that someone of his stature will headline our commemoration of 100 years of manned flight in Rhode Island.”
Names of the other 2010 inductees will be released at the end of September. Honorees are selected by an ad hoc committee representing a number of aviation groups. The committee includes previous inductees such as Robert Crandall, former chairman of American Airlines; World War II bomber pilot and former Governor of Rhode Island, Bruce Sundlun; and Jennifer Murray, the first woman to fly a helicopter around the world.
“Thanks to the enthusiastic support of Rhode Island's aviation community, all seven of our previous inductions were oversubscribed,” said Lennon. “We expect this event will be another sellout."
Tickets to the event cost $50 per person ($90 per couple); reservations can be made by calling 401-398-1000, by emailing riahof@aol.com or by clicking on this link: http://www.riahof.org/contact.htm
September 8, 2010
Congressman Patrick Kennedy Expresses Clear Preference for Rhode Island Site
Understanding that competition between locations is not in the long-term best interests of ensuring that USS John F Kennedy is preserved as a public attraction, education center and memorial, he writes: "I share your desire to have Rhode Island be named the official site as soon as possible to avoid competition for scarce dollars and other resources. I am particularly impressed at the number of senior Navy officers (former skippers of the USS John F Kennedy) who I understand have expressed a clear preference for Newport County as the final home for this historic ship. As a member of the Kennedy family. I am pleased to add my voice to that chorus and strongly support your efforts to bring the JFK to Rhode Island in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations."
For the full text of Congressman Kennedy's letter, click here.
Five More Former Commanding Officers of CV-67 Sign on to the RI Effort
VADM Jerry Tuttle’s outreach to his fellow skippers continues to generate an enthusiastic response. In the past two weeks we have received five additional endorsements of Rhode Island as the appropriate final home for “Big John”, bringing the total number of RI supporters to 14 (including VADM Tuttle):
RADM Robert Gormley 1 October 1971 – 30 November 1972
VADM Diego Hernandez 27 June 1980 – 29 August 1981
RADM John Moriarty 1 May 1986 – 29 January 1988
RADM Hugh Wisely 29 January 1988 – 27 May 1989
CAPT J. R. Hutchison 24 June 1993 – 27 January 1995
August 30, 2010
Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Langevin Offer Written Endorsements of Local Efforts
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) recently wrote the following in response to a former JFK sailor, who requested support for bringing “Big John” to Rhode Island: “Senator Whitehouse agrees that this would be a valuable addition to Rhode Island’s cultural assets and the State’s economy. He fully supports the effort and will continue to monitor the RIAHF's progress in acquiring the USS John F. Kennedy.”
Congressman James Langevin recently wrote, “I am pleased to write this letter of support on behalf of your efforts to bring the retired aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy to…Rhode Island. Your plans to develop a world‑class, financially self-sufficient family attraction are to be commended…It will also give our economy a much needed boost with the jobs it create. It is an extremely worthwhile project.”
The full text of Congressman Langevin’s letter can be seen here.
August 28, 2010
IRS Approves 501 (c) (3) Tax-exempt Status
We are pleased to report that the Internal Revenue Service has officially recognized Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame, Inc. as a public charity, and thus exempt from Federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This means we are qualified to receive tax deductible gifts and donations, retroactive to January 22, 2010.
August 12, 2010
Eight More USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) Skippers Support the Rhode Island Site
Former Commanding Officers of CV-67 have responded enthusiastically to VADM Tuttle’s request for support of a Rhode Island location for the ship.
So far, eight other skippers have endorsed the Rhode Island effort, and more endorsements are expected in the next few weeks:
RADM Julian Lake ~ 3 September 1969 – 4 September 1970
RADM Dick Myers ~ 27 November 1978 – 27 June 1980
RADM Bruce Cargill ~ 29 August 1981 – 14 April 1983
VADM Herb Browne, Jr. ~ 27 May 1989 – 7 December 1990
CAPT John P. Gay ~ 7 December 1990 – 6 March 1992
VADM Gerald L. Hoewing ~ 27 January 1995 – 15 July 1996
RADM Edward J. Fahy, Jr. ~ 15 July 1996 – 9 December 1997
CAPT Maurice S. Joyce ~ 23 October 2000 – 13 December 2001
“Unless there is a divorce from reality, Rhode Island should be JFKs final resting site,” wrote Admiral Tuttle. “Because of Portland’s comparative disadvantages in location, population, tourism statistics and a number of other issues, we feel our proposal will offer significantly more attractive options,” he added.
Admiral Tuttle closed his letter by asking that his colleagues formally endorse the efforts of Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame to bring USS John F Kennedy to Narragansett Bay as a world-class family attraction, education center, job training facility, museum and memorial. Each endorser also granted permission to use his name in publicity efforts.
July 20, 2010
JFK RI Project and Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame play prominent role in world-famous Independence Day celebration. Bristol, RI hosts the oldest continual 4th of July parade in the nation.
The large-scale model of the USS John F. Kennedy at the 2010 Bristol Independence Day Parade.
Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame’s participation in the annual Bristol 4th of July parade drew an enthusiastic response from the more than 100,000 viewers who lined the streets of this historic Rhode Island town. A 14-foot aircraft carrier model bearing the CV-67 designation introduced the local effort to bring USS John F Kennedy to Narragansett Bay, and was one of the highlights of the parade.
In 2006, the parade’s guest of honor was then 97-year-old Navy LT John Finn, Pearl Harbor Medal of Honor recipient. Finn had donated the car he drove on December 7, 1941 to our sister organization, USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, and both he and the restored 1938 Ford Deluxe Sedan appeared in the parade.
Finn died this past May 29, so we decided to honor his memory by putting his car back in the parade. The 1938 Ford will eventually be displayed at the USS JFK Museum.
Retired Navy veteran Wayne Lacy stands next to the CV-67 island he helped model.
Bristol’s 4th of July celebration began in 1785, making 2010 the 225th annual event. For many years the US Navy has played a significant role in these festivities, and starting in 1912 the Navy sent a warship as an official ambasssador to the town. In the early days battleships such as the USS Louisiana, USS MIchigan and USS Kansas graced our shores for this celebration. More recently, as the world situation has changed and the size and complexity of ships has increased, the visiting ship has usually been a destroyer or a frigate.
In future years we hope Bristol will have a permanent vessel moored nearby to help celebrate our nation’s independence--the USS John F Kennedy.
Click here for more photos on Facebook >
July 12, 2010
Retired VADM Jerry O. Tuttle, CV-67 CO in 1977-78, Will Chair Board of Trustees for Rhode Island Project
We are honored to announce that one of “Big John’s” best-known and most respected skippers has agreed to serve as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame effort to bring JFK to Narragansett Bay.
Admiral Tuttle wrote, “I accept your kind invitation because of my love for the memories that this awesome vessel provided me and myriad others. And, I wholeheartedly agree that Rhode Island should be JFK’s final resting site.”
A Hatfield, Indiana native, Admiral Tuttle commanded the aircraft carrier USS John F Kennedy from 14 May 1977 to 27 November 1978. JFK sailors who deployed with then Captain Tuttle may recall that every evening when underway, he would come up on the 1 MC and say "Breaker 19, breaker 19, SLUF here, 4 burning, 4 turning and another beautiful evening from Kennedy ocean front stadium…”
Members of his crew recalled, “Captain Tuttle was a very colorful man; SLUF was his nickname. We even made T-shirts that read ‘SLUF is Tough’!”
Admiral Tuttle’s first outreach will be to enlist his colleagues who also commanded JFK to enlist them in the effort to bring the ship to Rhode Island.
“The most cherished part of my life was when I was assigned as Commanding Officer of JFK,” Tuttle will say. “The opportunity for me to get a second bite of that apple is too compelling to pass up, and I hope you will sign on with me for this new deployment.”
A Brief Biography of VADM Jerry O. Tuttle, USN (RET)
In his 40-year career he rose from seaman recruit to Vice Admiral. He flew some 220 combat missions over North Vietnam and has more than 1,025 carrier landings to his credit. In 1993, he was Navy's "Grey Eagle", signifying the earliest designated Naval Aviator still on active duty. VADM Tuttle retired from the Navy on 1 January, 1994.
His career included assignments to numerous attack and fighter squadrons. He served as Aide and Flag Lieutenant to the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He commanded an attack squadron, an air wing, a replenishment ship, the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY, and two Battle Groups/Forces.
Admiral Tuttle served from 1985 to 1987 as Deputy and Chief of Staff for the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Prior to that he was the Director, Command Control and Communications (C3) Systems, J6/Joint Staff. He also served as Naval Inspector General, and as Special Assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations and as Deputy Director for Intelligence, Defense Intelligence Agency.
A pioneer in the Navy’s information technology effort, Tuttle became Director, Space and Electronic Warfare in 1989, an assignment he held until retirement.
He has been a member of the Defense Science Board, a chairperson of the Board of Advisors to the Superintendent of the Naval Postgraduate School, a member of the Board of Advisors to the Georgia Tech Research Institute, a member of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and an Advisory Board Member to the Software Engineering Institute. He is a Navy Aviator Gold Eagle.
He is now President and CEO of J. O. T. Enterprises, LLC, a Centreville, Virginia based information systems consulting firm specializing in communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.June 22, 2010
House Approves Resolution Supporting the USS John F. Kennedy Project in Rhode Island
We are pleased to announce that House Resolution H-8207, "Supporting Efforts to Bring the Aircraft Carrier John F. Kennedy to Aquidneck Island", passed in the RI State Legislature on June 1, 2010. The Resolution was introduced by State Representative and Aquidneck Island resident Amy Rice, as well as Reps. Martin, Gallison, Edwards and Loughlin.
It is another step toward our long-term goal of gathering support from private and public entities in Rhode Island and around the country.
Click here to read Rep. Rice's letter to the organization >
Click here to read Resolution H-8207>
May 5, 2010
USS John F. Kennedy Project Announces $100,000 Challenge Grant
RI businessman anonymously provides funding to help launch new effort in Newport County
Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame, Inc, reported today that a local business leader and philanthropist has committed $100,000 as a 1 to 1 challenge grant that will raise $200,000 to jump start the fundraising campaign to bring the retired aircraft carrier John F Kennedy to her new home on the east side of Narragansett Bay.
This JFK initiative was launched Monday, supported by Congressman Patrick Kennedy and endorsed by Governor Carcieri.
The proceeds of this grant (and the matching dollars donated) will pay for the new studies required by the Navy (and requested by local communities) before the project can proceed.
“We are honored and delighted that someone believes enough in this vision to make such a substantial commitment,” said Frank Lennon, President of the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame.
Lennon has led the effort to create a family attraction and education center in Narragansett Bay, featuring a retired aircraft carrier as its centerpiece. For many years the focus was on the Saratoga, but the Navy recently decided to dismantle that ship due to its deteriorating condition.
“Our group’s non-profit mission was (and still is) to locate a supercarrier in Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay, and transform it into an economic and education engine for the state,” said Bill Sheridan, a former Statewide Planning official who is the Deputy Director of the aircraft carrier project.
“That mission can be accomplished by any aircraft carrier, regardless of the name on the stern. It behooves us to select the ship that offers us the greater chance for success,” Sheridan concluded.
“By transferring support to the Kennedy effort, we give ourselves a much greater chance to fulfill our goal,” added Lennon. “Despite our 12 years of effort with Saratoga, JFK is simply a more attractive option. She is a newer ship, in much better condition, so the upfront capital cost will be millions of dollars less.”
According to Sheridan, the anonymous donor agrees that the intangible value of the name (especially in southern New England), creates an attractive package that will be easier to promote to other donors and corporate sponsors.
A new site, away from the development controversies at Quonset, should also breathe new life in this initiative.
Lennnon concluded, “To finish this task we still need your help! Your tax-exempt contribution will help bring our project one major step closer to realization. Please join in the effort to ensure that USS John F Kennedy will go back into service for our country and our state as an educational and cultural asset.”
To make a contribution or sign up for e-mail updates, please visit our contact page.
- The Providence Journal ran a Sunday piece on the recent challenge grant announcement
Read the second feature.
Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame Announces Campaign to Bring Retired Aircraft Carrier
USS John F Kennedy to Rhode Island
Action comes on the heels of the Navy’s decision to dismantle Saratoga
Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame, Inc., a local non-profit group, today announced the public launch of an effort to bring the retired aircraft carrier USS John F Kennedy to Newport County as a family attraction and recreation facility, education/heritage center, job training facility and disaster relief asset. The Navy unexpectedly made the Kennedy available for donation last November, and potential applicants were given 60 days to submit a detailed Letter of Intent, describing their plans for the ship. Since her retirement, the Kennedy has been maintained in a fully functional reserve status and could be quickly made ready for her new roles.
"I have long been a supporter of bringing a retired aircraft carrier to Rhode Island, for the job creation and tourism opportunities it presents," said Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy. "The fact that this particular vessel is named for President Kennedy brings even greater significance to this project, considering his strong ties and great affection for our state," he added.
Naval Sea Systems Command qualified Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame (RIAHOF) to move forward with its plans, which call for the JFK to become a major new destination and economic engine for Aquidneck Island.
“During this period of economic doom and gloom, we are delighted to announce this exciting new initiative that will create jobs and generate much-needed tax revenue for the depleted State treasury,” said Frank Lennon, Hall of Fame founder who engineered the successful phase one application to the Navy. “Just as importantly, this project will not require any direct funding from the State or the local host community.”
Governor Carcieri also endorsed RIAHOF’s submission to the Navy. He wrote, “I share the Foundation's enthusiasm for creating a carrier destination as part of the tourism industry here in Rhode Island, as well as combining that attraction with educational and job training assets to create a powerful economic engine for the State.
“Locating this namesake legacy in Rhode Island would be most appropriate given President Kennedy's close association with this State, including his wartime training at Melville, his marriage in Newport, and the Summer White House years at Hammersmith Farm,” he added.
Underlining his enthusiasm for this new direction, Governor Carcieri committed, “…Your organization can count on the support of my administration as you pursue this worthwhhile endeavor.”
Organizers are working with local officials, business leaders and developers to determine the optimum site for the carrier. In December and January, Lennon and other members of the project team made presentations to town officials in Middletown and Portsmouth. There are sites in both towns with the water depth needed to accommodate a ship of that size. In a recent Newport Daily News poll, some 91% of the respondents believed that an aircraft carrier museum “would be a good fit for Aquidneck Island”.
Evan Smith, head of the Newport and Bristol County Convention and Visitors Bureau, pledged the support of that organization to do all it could to bring a carrier to Aquidneck Island. “As the official tourism marketing organization for Newport and Bristol County we are very excited about the possibility of adding a significant new visitor attraction to the waters of Narragansett Bay to complement other area attractions and strengthen our overall tourism program.”
Lennon, who has spent the last 12 years heading up the effort to bring the carrier Saratoga to Quonset/Davisville, expressed some wistfulness about the turn of events. “As excited as we are about the potential USS JFK offers to this area, today’s announcement is also bittersweet,” he said.
The Navy recently notified USS Saratoga Museum Foundation that Saratoga has been removed from donation status. Plans have been put in motion to dispose of the ship instead of making it available as a public attraction. This turn of events ends the Foundation’s long effort to bring Saratoga to Rhode Island.
“As difficult as this may be for those with an emotional attachment to Sara, we must rise above those feelings and recognize this new option offers us an even greater way to honor the important role aircraft carriers and the people who have served in them have played in the defense of our nation,” Lennon continued.
As Alexander Graham Bell said, “When one door closes, another opens…”
West Warwick businessman Warren Galkin agrees. “My brother Robert and I strongly supported the vision Lennon and his team had for the Saratoga,” he said. “After all, the group’s non-profit mission was (and still is) to locate a supercarrier in Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay, and transform it into an economic and education engine for the state. That can be accomplished by any aircraft carrier, regardless of the name on the stern. It behooves us to select the ship that offers us the greater chance for success.”
By transferring support to the Kennedy effort, Saratoga leadership believes they have given themselves a much greater chance to fulfill their goal.
Saratoga leaders also wanted to emphasize that the goal to honor the memory of all US Navy vessels carrying that name will continue. Brad Senter, President of the Texas-based USS Saratoga Association and Vice President of the Museum Foundation, said: “In order to protect the large investment of volunteer hours, cash and in-kind donations that have been made over the past 12 years, we felt it would be prudent to align ourselves with a group that could acquire the JFK.”
In acknowledgment of the value of the Saratoga Foundation’s support of the JFK effort, RIAHOF has agreed to allocate significant space in Kennedy’s hangar bay to honor the memory of all US Navy ships named Saratoga, along with the men who served in them. The Foundation has already asked the Navy to preserve historical Saratoga assets for possible future display aboard JFK. The Navy has confirmed its support of the preservation of Saratoga artifacts for that purpose, and USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc. will continue its work to organize and fund that effort.
Despite the 12 years of effort invested in Saratoga, JFK is simply a more viable option. Saratoga was decommissioned in 1994, has been only minimally maintained, and has been stripped to provide equipment for other ships in the fleet.
JFK, on the other hand, is in mobilization readiness condition--meaning a successful applicant could ready the ship for public access at an upfront capital cost that would be millions of dollars less. Adding the intangible value of the name (especially in southern New England), creates an attractive package that supporters believe will be easier to promote to donors and corporate sponsors.
“A new site, away from the development controversies at Quonset, should also breathe new life into this effort,” said Bill Sheridan, a former Statewide Planning official who is the Deputy Director of the aircraft carrier project.
Realistic options in Portsmouth and Middletown did not exist ten years ago or even five years ago, which is why the Saratoga effort focused on Quonset. Now, however, Aquidneck Island options do exist, and they also reduce the upfront capital costs for several reasons:
• Elimination of the tow across the Bay;
• Little or no dredging would be required;
• East Bay offers a more sheltered anchorage, thus lowering the complexity and cost of the 100-year-storm mooring system.
This new approach reduces both development and operating costs, while still providing all the economic, education, workforce development and disaster relief benefits Saratoga would have provided on the West Bay. (See attachments for community benefits.)
The Portsmouth Economic Development Committee (PEDC) has endorsed the concept as a new type of development that could be beneficial to the town, and the Portsmouth Town Council passed a Resolution in January supporting further studies to explore the feasibility of the venture. PEDC Chairman Richard W. Talipsky said, “… an aircraft carrier could be an important, positive element in its strategy for development of the West Side of Portsmouth. Our committee considers a potential partnership between Portsmouth and your organization as an important consideration in its economic strategy development for the Town.”
Discussions have also taken place with Middletown and Navy officials about the possibility of reconsidering the disposition of the piers in Coddington Cove now scheduled for demolition. “The cost of repairing or rebuilding one of those piers may be prohibitive, but we are looking at all the options,” said Lennon.
The Navy qualified one other applicant--a group in Portland, Maine--to also submit a proposal for the Kennedy.
“Because Portland offers less advantages in location, population, tourism statistics and a number of other issues, we feel our proposal will offer significantly more attractive options,” said Sheridan. “Rhode Island's historical connections with President Kennedy are well recognized, and our proximity to a much larger market and Newport's established tourism draw offer potential economic benefits. More importantly, we have ten years of effort invested in developing a funding and knowledge base, most of which will be easily transferable to the Kennedy effort.”
The JFK project proponents understand and respect the feelings of the Saratoga veterans. However, the vast majority of money raised and pledged for the Saratoga project has come from local individuals, businesses and foundations who saw the economic, cultural, educational and job development benefits that would accrue to this state. “Most of our local supporters don’t care which aircraft carrier it is,” concluded Lennon. “From a fiduciary perspective it makes the most sense to pursue the one that is more financially viable. In this case it is the USS JFK.”
The next step is to submit detailed financial and environmental plans to the Navy, which must also review a competing application from Portland, Maine.
Evan Smith summed it up by saying, “…we would like to express our total enthusiasm for this potential project. It would be absolutely fantastic if we could welcome the USS John Kennedy here to start a new chapter in the ship’s great history.”
To volunteer or to donate, or for further information about the plans to moor the USS John F Kennedy in Newport County, please visit our contact page.