October, 2003

Military families take refuge on base

SAN DIEGO - Thousands of military dependents hunkered down in base facilities or on Navy ships today as wildfires continued to threaten the evacuees' homes, officials said.

Rear Adm. Jose Luis Betancourt said 3,200 Navy homes have been evacuated since the start of the fires Saturday night, and about 2,200 people are receiving shelter and care at naval installations.

The hospital ship Mercy and assault ship Boxer also are hosting evacuated Navy families, Master Chief Barbara Mendoza said.

The military dependents were asked to stay away from their homes for the time being, Mendoza said.

Betancourt said there have been no injuries to members of Navy families, thanks in part to the "marvelous relationship" between the Navy and other local agencies.

The Marine Corps offered Camp Pendleton facilities for Marine and Navy families.

To order any Ship's Store item please contact Marion Goble, 6200 Emerald Pines Circle, Ft. Myers, FL 33912, (239)768-1449 or e-mail president@usswhetstone.net. When submitting an order, please make checks payable to USS Whetstone Association. Note: All jackets, golf shirts, and sweatshirts are navy blue with gold lettering. T-shirts are navy blue with gold lettering or gray with navy lettering. Hats are navy blue with gold lettering with gray silhouette of ship.

Items for Sale:
Ball Caps (With Silhouette)     $18.50
Golf Shirts (S,M,L,XL)     $30.00
T-Shirts (S,M,L,XLG)     $17.00
T-Shirts (XXL)      $19.50
Sweatshirts (S,M,LG, XL)     $27.00
Sweatshirts (XXL)      $31.00
Jackets (S,M,LG,XLG)     $35.00
Jackets (XXL)      $36.50
Jackets (XXXL)      $38.50
Yosemite Sam Patches     $  8.00
Mousepads (Ship Picture)     $10.00
Tote Bags      $15.00
Whetstone Pictures (Ship in Rough Sea)   $15.00

Also available are 1957, 58/59, 61, 66, 67/68 and 69 cruise books for $20.00.
Note:  All Prices Include Shipping