The Big Nickel Site Updates
July 29, 2010:
 June 20, 2010:
  • I have finally gotten the 2010 DDG-5 Crew Association Meeting Minutes posted.  You can find them by going to the Saturday, May 1 Reunion Page and clicking the crew meeting minutes link.  Specific thanks go to Shirley Kaufman, wife of our Secretary, Jerry Kaufman, for typing up the minutes taken by our ex-Secretary, Jerry Edwards.
June 11, 2010:
  • I have implemented a 2010 reunion survey for you to fill out.  You can find it on the 2010 Reunion page.  It is not intended strictly for those who attended the reunion, but for anyone that has attended any reunions in the past or who may attend one in the future and would like some input on the reunion format.
June 3, 2010:
  • I am finally getting the pictures of the 2010 reunion posted.
June 1, 2010:
  • Updated the Special Announcements page about a pair of glasses left at the reunion and a request by Mike Margeotes for ship's history information for the years 1973 and 1987.
May 20, 2010:
  • Put up the older Crew Registration page.  I was having some issues with the new page as well as displaying the entered information in a "nice" format.  That as well as allowing everyone who has already registered to modify/change their information is being worked, although I'm not sure when it will be ready.  Sorry for any confusion or inconvenience.
April 29, 2010:
  • Changed the Crew Registration page.  For new registries's you can now enter up to 3 tours of duty on board including your times on board for each tour, your rank/rate for each tour and the division you were attached to for each tour.  I have also added a checkbox section if you served on any other Adams class DDG (DDG-5 has already been checked) as well as a check box if you're young enough to still be on active duty.  I have left the Crew Registry display as is for now, but will be updating things over the next few months.  (Please remember that this is a one-man shop and that my personal CinC has much higher priority things for me to do :-) ).
  • I have created a Facebook Group for all crewmates.  Juan Faciane also has a Facebook group which currently has 13 members, but I don't think Juan is maintain the group and his e-mail address is no longer active.  (If anyone knows how to contact him, please let me know.  I have a snail-mail address, but not phone numbers).  You will be (or you should be) asked to join the group and I will have to approve you.  I personally don't use Facebook that much, but I will try to be vigilant to new join requests and will watch the group as closely as I can.
  • Changed the home page to remove information about the 2010 reunion.
  • Changed the Crew Forums such that when selecting either the navigation button under The Crew or by clicking the link on The Crew page will open a new tab/window for the forum pages.  I've also changed the theme to the default forum software theme.  Hopefully everything is still functional.  Please let me know if you find something amiss.
  • Updated the Save The Charlie Deuce page with the latest information I have received about fund raising events coming up this year.  You will also see that I've also placed a link to the Facebook group for the Adams Class Naval Ship Museum.
  • Removed the 2010 Reunion Page advertising the reunion and replace with pages that will be updated as the reunion progresses.
  • Modified the navigation menu, putting the newsletter button under the DDG-5 Association button.
March 22, 2010:
  • After removing the Reunion Poll from the 2010 Reunion page, I was asked to reinstall it, so that has now been done.  However, the second part of the following is still true.  The reunion poll IS NOT intended as a reunion registration tool!

  • Removed the Reunion Poll from the 2010 Reunion page.  I left the table of those who had indicated their interest in attending the reunion.  Note that the poll was NOT intended to act as any sort of reunion registration.  You need to get your registration forms and checks into Jerry Edwards.  Also note that to receive the DDG-5 Association hotel rate discounts, you must have your reservations made by 1 April.  Not to mention getting your reunion registration in to Jerry by 1 April to be eligible for a drawing for a $200 or $100 prize Thursday evening, April 29.
February 12, 2010:
  • I've updated the home page, the DDG-5 Reunions page and the 2010 Reunion page to correct some linkage problems using Internet Explorer (at least for version IE8).  I've also discovered that the in page bookmarks in the 2010 Reunion page don't appear to work correctly when using Google Chrome or Safari.  Regardless of what browser you use, if you run into issues anywhere on the site, please don't hesitate to let me know. 
  • Updated the Taps page to honor Robert J. Klotz.  If you knew Bob and/or have any information about his rating and/or his time on board, please contact Carl Slack, our Chaplain or me.
January 30, 2010:
  • Updated the Taps page to honor Harold Hayes.  If you knew Harold and/or have any information about his rating and/or his time on board, please contact Carl Slack, our Chaplain or me.
January 29, 2010:
  • Updated the Ship's Store page with more information and added an updated order form.
January 23, 2010:
  • Posted the January, 2010 Newsletter.
  • The Ship's Store page was updated once again and a new order form posted.  You can now order hats, shirts (polo, long and short sleeve denim) and cups for either delivery or for pickup at the reunion.   The store will remain open after the reunion for orders at any time.
January 16, 2010:
  • Updated the Ship's Store page primarily for 2010 Reunion orders, however anyone may order at any time.
  • Updated the 2010 Reunion page with the latest information available. 
  • Added information about DDG-5 Days at the Adams Class Museum in Jacksonville Landing.
  • Just noticed that the 2010 reunion countdown clock doesn't appear when using Opera.  I'll take a look at that someday, hopefully before the reunion :-)
January 6, 2010:
  • Added a countdown clock to the 2010 reunion in Norfolk, VA to the home page.
January 1, 2010:
  • Split the Taps page into 2 different pages; one for crewmates and a second for crew family members. 
  • Performed a major housecleaning of the files that make up the site, removing a lot of old stuff and test stuff.  If you run across something that doesn't appear to work properly, please contact me ASAP!
December 25, 2009:
  • Updated the Crew Finder to Beta-2.  (Had the family yesterday, Christmas Eve, for a fabulous celebration, even though we are getting pounded with snow).
December 15, 2009:
  • With heavy heart, updated the Taps page to include Willie Slack, son of Carl and Beverly Slack. 
November 24, 2009:
  • Added information about a BaD Ships Model DDG model kit being donated for the reunion dinner.
November 21, 2009:
  • Added Beta-1 of a Crewmate finder where you enter your zip code and a range to find zip codes of other crewmates within that range.  Let me know what you think!
  • Added a Ships Documents page containing links to commissioning and decommission pamphlets as well as pamphlets for the MMD opening and closing ceremonies.
  • Added email links to contact me (Webmaster/Captain Kirk) on the consolidated Contact Me-About Me page.
  • Looking for volunteers for the 2010 Reunion planning/activities committee.  See here for more information.
November 3, 2009:
  • Removed the Jacksonville DDG Special Event information.
October 18, 2009:
  • Changed the index (Home Port) page to try and reduce clutter.
  • Added ships ribbons, radio and flag call sign to the History page.
October 8, 2009:
  • Added the Ships Ribbons, the tactical radio voice call sign and flag hoist/radio call sign to the home page.
October 5, 2009:
  • Did away with the scrolling box of site changes and put this (possibly temporary) change page in it's place.
October 3, 2009:
  • Added the USS Biddle crest to the web banner.
October 2, 2009:
  • Updated the 2010 Reunion page to include a tentative agenda and added a form to fill in if you are thinking of going to the reunion.
  • Added a link to the Adams Class Veterans Association announcement of the event honoring all Adams Class Commanding Officers and Crew Members on the Special Events page.