To start out with, everyone had a great and wonderful time and experienced an in-depth awareness of American History as it was being made in the early 1800’s. Eighty-four (84) crewmembers and their wives attended this Reunion. Even though we had two (2) bus trips there was a lot of free time to visit, shop and gamble. This was planned very well, thanks to Delmer and Shirley Wetering.

Officially the dates were Tuesday, Sept 17 through Sunday, Sept 22^nd 2002. A large number of attendees came on Sunday 15^th and stayed through Monday 23^rd. All enjoyed the comforts of at the Comfort Inn in Deadwood or had motor homes and trailers. The hotel let them hookup on the premises. I might add that the manager, Joy and her very outstanding Assistant Manager, Kim left none of our wants, needs or desires unfilled.

This was mainly a check-in day and gave all a chance to renew memories and a lot of people brought picture albums and mementos from the past. Some back to 1948/49 time frame. Of course we had the Hospitality Room throughout the 8 days and breakfast was exceptional and no one had to starve, as there was always plenty.

The two buses were loaded for a trip into the Badlands Area. I was certainly not expecting that scenery. What a place! The buses had plenty of refreshments and the scenery was awesome. The only problem was no Budweiser on my bus. We stopped a Wall Drug Store (even though I kept calling it Wal-Mart) for lunch and shopping. That place was awesome too. They served the best roast beef and gravy I ever had and the price was right. Everyone boarded the buses with a lot of gifts. What a place to shop…. The weather was getting a bit windy and rainy on our trip back to the Hotel but that did not dampen our spirits. Then back to the Hospitality room for more time with friends.

Local tours and sightseeing. Deadwood is a small town, but has a lot or Casinos, which the Cusk crew and ladies enjoyed. A group of about 10-12 cars and vans carpooled to Hill City and boarded a restored 1880 train for a ride to the town of Keystone. It was a beautiful day and a great experience seeing the countryside, mines, homes, and deer. Of course a lot of $$$ was left on purchases. And at the train depot, a cute Conductor Teddy Bear was purchased along with two (2) cute) caboose mugs as a thank you gift to Shirley and Delmer Wetering for all their hard work in hosting this years Reunion. Delmer got a pocketknife from the Crew.

This was the day! We boarded two buses for the trip to Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills and a trek through General Custer’s Park. We experienced awesome scenery and views that you could not ever imagine. Wild elk, deer (many), turkeys, Mountain Goats,

Sheep, Buffalo, Eagle (only saw 1) it was simply outstanding. The tunnels were unbelievable and how that bus got through I still can’t explain. Carefully, very carefully!

We returned back to the Hotel and had dinner in the Hospitality Room and continued to renew and make new friends. Some were still going at it ‘til 1AM and of course gambling in the Hotel Casino. We practically took it over, and the personnel bent to our every whim. Some of us were also served after hours, as if I really needed more scotch or wine.

The ladies had a sit down breakfast in the private dining room while the men had their breakfast and business meeting. Delmer Wetering chaired the meeting. Our finances were discussed and presented to all. A vote was taken as to the next bi-annual our 8^th reunion and it was unanimously agreed by the crewmembers of the Cusk that it will be September 2004 in Cleveland, Ohio. Nelson Kirsch will be our Host. Nelson served aboard the Cusk from 1960-1962. He gave a fine presentation and caused everyone to get excited about going there with our families and enjoying all that Cleveland has to offer. Especially a chance to sleep aboard the COD! We will continue on with the Cusk reunion tradition of every other year on the even years. There were 7 new crewmembers with their families that attended this Deadwood Reunion. We welcome you and hope you will plan to make Cleveland with us again.

A raffle was held at the men’s business meeting. Thanks to Roy Haake for the Cusk Plaque and to Norm Carkeek for the original watercolor done by Jacobson showing the Cusk launching the Loon Rocket. Waldo Smith won the framed picture. His card was the 10 of Clubs- twice.

Late Saturday afternoon a memorial service was held consisting of tolling of the Boats lost and Cusk Crewmembers on Eternal Patrol. Greg Czech said a prayer.

A professional photographer took a group photo and people who ordered them will have them in the mail shortly. If you did not pay in advance, please remit payment upon receipt Terry & I saw the proofs on Monday morning before we left Deadwood and they look good. Especially Karen Lyons and her red boots- but everyone won’t get a chance to see that one!

We had our banquet this evening in the Dining room. The prime Rib was excellent as well as the salads, chicken fish and dessert. Seconds were available on everything. Delmer and Shirley arranged for a very informative speaker from the Lakota Indian Tribe of South Dakota, Mr. Melvin Minor who is employed by the Rapid City Sioux Indian Museum. He spoke about the years of the Sioux Nation explaining what occurred with Custer, Sitting Bull, Chief Crazy Horse, Red Cloud and Big Foot. I wish we could have tapped it, as it was that good. Recommend next time we have a microphone.

We were fortunate to have again, our Shipmate, A.W. Sam Houston and his lovely wife Dottie. Sam was the next to last Skipper prior to turning over the CUSK to Capt. Tom

Arnold in June 1969. We were very pleased to have Capt. Arnold and his wife with us as well. Tom gave a great a presentation on the last days of the Cusk going from San Diego to Mare Island and the evolutions during the decommission of the Boat. Capt. Arnold had been given the Union Jack and Ensign that flew that day and had them for 33 years. He presented these to Delmer and myself as he "felt they belong in the good hands of this Group." Looking around there were a lot of napkins wiping moisture from peoples eyes

Including mine. I have possession of these and after they are cleaned, I will be mailing same to Bill Hrbachek who was on Cusk 58-61 and he will be making a case so they will pass on to the next reunion Chairman again and again. The Cusk was decommissioned on Sept. 24, 1969 with Com SubGru5- Capt. Esler in charge.

Captain’s Houston and Arnold assured us that they plan to attend the next reunion in Cleveland, 2004.

Most people were leaving, good byes were said and numbers exchanged and hugs and tears were in abundance. 10 of us stayed over until Monday the 23^rd and the hotel was extremely quiet when we left at 11:30 am.

In closing for everyone’s information, Shipmate Sam (Sammy) Lyons with help from his wife, Karen have taken over the responsibility of publishing the Newsletter. You of course will be hearing from him via e-mail or US Postal mail concerning Cusk Affairs.

From both Terry and myself, it has been fun these last 5-6 yrs doing the newsletter and we feel that Sam will do a great job.

Thank you all for being great friends new an old and especially to my wife, Terry for her support and endless efforts. Also, a special thanks to Delmer & Shirley for a great reunion. What dedication they both showed as just 18 days before the Reunion Delmer had a 3-way heart bypass. You two guys are exceptional and really exemplify what our Cusk reunions are all about!

Your shipmate,

Mike (WOP) Fallatt