FOUNDED IN 1986 by JC Carlson,
the USS Wainwright Veterans Association is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association of men who served aboard any of the three USS Wainwright ships. This web site is dedicated to those sailors.

Our association exists to keep alive the memory of all vessels named Wainwright.

We need everyone’s assistance, via membership and dues payments, to achieve that goal by supporting our museum trailer as well as participation in regional veterans’ recognition events and attending the bi-annual reunions.

Become a Member

New Hull Call to Action

Our Call to Action to obtain a new ship has been underway now since February 19, 2024 and we need to start the next phase. During the first phase the membership was asked to send letters to their congressional representation. During this phase 19 members sent 53 confirmed letters to their congressional members. One of the letters that was sent did receive a response. Congressman Andy Kim of New Jersey advised us that we needed to contact the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) as they are responsible for making ship naming recommendations to the Secretary of the Navy.

I have created 2 letters to send to both the Director and Deputy Director of the NHHC. These letters are similar to the representative letters that I created. Use the following directions to fill out these letters.

  1. Click on each letter below to open
  2. Enter your name and address in the upper right of the letter
  3. Enter you years onboard on the second page where the years 1966 and 1993 appear
  4. Print and sign the letter
  5. Mail to the address in the letter.

Once these letters are mailed, please let me know that you have completed this task. My email is rodney.c.shafer@gmail.com

New Wainwright Hull Request NHHC Director

New Wainwright Hull Request NHHC Deputy Director

Rod Shafer

President

2027 Reunion Charleston SC

    The USS Wainwright Veteran’s Association Executive Board is excited to announce the dates and location for the 2027 reunion. The 2027 reunion will be home ported in the Drury Plaza Hotel in North Charleston SC from September 29, 2027 to October 3, 2027. The Drury was chosen because of some of the amenities that they offer. Here are a couple:

    • Complimentary Hot Breakfast: Start your day with scrambled eggs, oatmeal, fresh fruit, potatoes, pastries, and of course, hot coffee. Breakfast is served daily from 6:00–9:30 am on weekdays and 7:00–10:00 am on weekends.
    • Complimentary Evening Drinks and Snacks: Join us from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm every evening for our 5:30 Kickback®. Enjoy a rotating menu of hot food, beer, wine, mixed drinks, and soft drinks.
    • Complimentary Wi-Fi Throughout the Hotel: Stay connected anywhere in the hotel—whether you’re checking scores, social media, or email.

    Similar to the 2021 Washington DC when we used “A Complete Reunion” to plan this reunion. We are having the Gatherings Plus reunion planning group help us in planning of the 2027 reunion. Here are some things that they will bring to the table to help planning our reunion:

    • Block hotel rooms for your members to call at their convenience
    • Pay deposits or fees to the hotel
    • Make reservations and pay deposits needed at shows, restaurants and attractions on your itinerary
    • Create a reunion website for your group that will include online registration forms and a link to your hotel of choice
    • Provide itinerary and registration form to distribute to your members
    • Take all reservations for activities scheduled
    • Send confirmations to members when we receive their reservation
    • Provide a name badge and welcome packets for each member at their arrival
    • Provide transportation to group events on the itinerary
    • Provide special requests, i.e. Color Guard, Memorial Service, POW/MIA table, etc.
    • Post photos of the reunion on your website with comments about the reunion attendees
    • We specialize in making your reunion run smoothly, no matter the number of attendees
    • Add your “personal touch” that will make your reunion the Best Ever!!!

    We will be providing additional information and links as Gatherings Plus creates out reunion webpage and provides us with other information.

    Visitors to this site.