Squadrons & Shipmates is a new association that was formed in 2009. It was formed with the vision to bring together shipmates who served aboard the two great sister ships, the U.S.S. Midway and the U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt. This vision also includes the squadron members who served in a squadron aboard these two ships. To be clear, a squadron member did not have to serve aboard these ships only to have served in a squadron that served aboard these two U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.
Squadrons and Shipmates of the FDR/Midway has transitioned to an all carrier and airwing group. We embrace all carriers ship's company and airwing members. The Name has been officially changed to Squadrons and Shipmates, Inc.
These changes reflect the realities of attrition due to aging membership. We seek to be an umbrella organization to allow some of the older carrier reunion groups to continue despite having too few members to mount a reunion event. Our model for this is the Tin Can Sailors group, now being called DESVETS.
These changes have been implemented over the last 18 months through a series of Bylaws changes approved by the membership. All FDR/Midway members were automatically retained under the new name. Our website is an interactive social network and has been a source of recruiting as well as communication. Portions of the site are open to all but others require a sign-up. Those who are not paid-up members of the group are sent a sign-up sheet as a request for the ridiculously low dues of $4.00 annually.
Squadrons & Shipmates, Inc.'s mission is to provide an organization which brings together eligible Navy, Marine Corps, and other qualified veterans that performed regular duty aboard any Aircraft Carrier or Large Deck Amphibious vessels of the US Navy; to enjoy mutual companionship and camaraderie and to share memories through annual reunions, correspondence, and newsletters. We welcome inquiries. Please reach Al Wedemeyer at the above listed contact info.
