Even Hurricane Matthew couldn’t keep the crew and guests of the USS Memphis away from their reunion in Norfolk, VA. Concerns were discussed with the reunion committee and AFR, but based on forecasts and a determined spirit, the group decided, “The show must go on.”
Shipmates and guests started arriving at the host hotel, the Norfolk Waterside Marriott on Wednesday, but most 
arrived on Thursday in time to register and hang out in the hospitality room. Friday, a bus took the group to the Norfolk Naval Base for a guided tour and lunch at the Officer’s Club. Once back downtown, they stopped at Nauticus, a maritime museum on Norfolk’s waterfront. That evening, most joined together for dinner at the hotel, featuring an Italian Buffet. Despite concerns of the weather, about 60 went on the Spirit of Norfolk for a lunch cruise on Saturday. Saturday night, close to 100 friends gathered in the hotel ballroom for the USS Memphis Reunion Banquet. The committee does a great job with the plans – including a slide show, cake cutting ceremony, and honoring departed comrades with a special table. The reunion wrapped up Sunday morning at the Farewell Breakfast. Many made promises to see each other ‘next time.’
Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. was contracted to hold the group’s first reunion in Memphis, Tennessee in 2014 and was honored to be asked again to plan this reunion.