Fourteenth District REPORT

The Fourteenth District is looking forward and preparing for the anticipated changes to the NRA. Whether we’ll be known under a new name, have realignment of our District, or changes in membership eligibility, the 14th will be working to serve its members and carry out its mission. Membership is the key and attracting and retaining new members will be an overall goal of the District. With most of its members serving or having served or residing in Hawaii, the home of the U.S. Pacific Command and Pacific Fleet, the Fourteenth continues to be a locale for
tremendous career opportunities for its drilling Reservists serving in this AOR. In addition, the Association’s members have had the opportunity to participate and support the welcoming and homeporting of ships with ties to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and the Pacific. This, of course, includes the Battleship Missouri (BB 63) Memorial which in 2008 celebrated its 10th anniversary of its arrival in Hawaii. In 2004, many of the District’s members, as well as the local community, participated in the welcoming and commissioning of the USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) which is homeported at Pearl Harbor. Named in honor of a native son of Hawaii and World War II Naval hero, the
Fourteenth District members played an active role in welcoming the ship and crew to its new home. This included being a part of the official commissioning activities and ceremonies and sponsoring events for the crew and families of the ship. This opportunity will again present itself when the Pacific Fleet will welcome the USS
Hawaii (SSN 776) to its home port at Pearl Harbor this summer. Its arrival is expected to coincide with Hawaii’s 50th anniversary of statehood celebrations. The USS Hawaii is the first commissioned vessel of its name and recognizes the support the Navy has received from the people and state of Hawaii and in honor of its heritage of submarines in the Pacific. It will be the first of the Virginia class to be homeported at Pearl Harbor. Commissioned in May of 2007 and commanded by CDR Edward L. Herrington, USS Hawaii is one of Navy’s newest and one of the world’s most technically advanced and sophisticated submarines. Its motto is “Kupale Aina” which translated from the Hawaiian language means “defending the land.” Association members will have the opportunity to participate in and be a part of the many events sponsored by the Navy, State of Hawaii, City and County of Honolulu, and local community organizations in welcoming the USS Hawaii and its crew. These events will certainly be impressive and memorable.