USS Paul F. Foster, Paul Foster ship, USS Paul Foster association

President’s Annual Report – November 23, 2025

November 23, 2025 In Other News No Comments

President’s Annual Report – November 23, 2025
50th Anniversary Reunion – February 20th–21st, 2026
Port Hueneme, California

Good evening shipmates,

It’s time again for a State of the Association newsletter. It’s probably overdue (again), but better late than never. Some information may repeat from prior updates, but that’s unavoidable at times. My mission remains unchanged: encourage shipmates to join the Association and request donations to support our efforts. As always, you’ll see the topic of money several times.

I also want to address the most common questions we receive and continue to ask—respectfully—for your time, involvement, or financial support.

When is the next reunion, and where will it be held?

This is always the number-one question, and it’s an easy one:

February 20th–21st, 2026 – Port Hueneme, CA
USS Paul F. Foster 50th Anniversary Reunion

Link to reunion registration and current guest list.

https://usspaulffoster.org/news/2026-reunion-link

If you attended our March 24th, 2023 BBQ, you heard Captain Anthony “Tony” Holmes, Commanding Officer of Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division, welcome us back and confirm we are on their schedule. The date and location have been locked in for years — giving everyone plenty of time to plan.

Why February?

We always hear: “It’s cold,” “School is in session,” “Summer or fall would be better.”

The reason is simple:

USS Paul F. Foster was commissioned on February 21st, 1976.
Fifty years later, she is still serving the United States Navy — With many more year service ahead-God willing.

A Navy warship reaching 50 years of service is rare. We will honor that milestone alongside the Navy on February 20th–21st, 2026. Our 2023 reunion was a record-breaker — let’s make 2026 twice as large.

Goals for the 50th Anniversary Reunion

  • Find more plank owners and bring them to the event.
    We had about 9–10 in 2023 — let’s find the rest.
  • Find and invite more former Commanding Officers and Executive Officers.
    We’re currently in contact with roughly half and continuing outreach.
  • Increase attendee commitment.
    Uncertain commitments create major logistical challenges and limit our negotiating leverage with hotels and caterers. Early commitment = stronger Association.
  • Earlier registration cutoff.
    Not popular, but necessary. With years of advance notice, please register early.
  • More donors and sponsorship support.
    If your business or employer supports veterans groups, let’s talk. Donations can reduce event costs or strengthen our negotiating position with vendors.
  • Hold our business meeting on Saturday morning February 21st at the Reunion hotel.

  

 

Association Business

Now for the “boring stuff” — where I beg for money.

As a nonprofit, the USS Paul F. Foster Association relies heavily on the support of its members. Annual donations help cover operating costs, fund ongoing projects, improve our organization, and keep everything running smoothly.

If you can make an annual donation, it truly helps.
(And yes — that’s me mentioning money again.)

Donate here:
https://www.usspaulffoster.org/annual-donations

See you in February 2026.
Your President,
Dave Klein