Why Every Foster Veteran Should Experience a Reunion

Celebrating 50 Years of Commission

USS Paul F. Foster DD-964

For many of us, the USS Paul F. Foster was more than just a ship—it was a chapter of our lives that shaped who we became. Reunions give shipmates the rare opportunity to reconnect with those memories, those friendships, and the ship that brought us all together.

Shipmate Rob Culver (EM2, 1980–1982) recently described what it felt like to return to the Foster after decades away. His words capture exactly why reunions and ship visits mean so much to those who served aboard her.

In Robs own words:

My visit with my former shipmates and my old navy destroyer, the Paul F. Foster, brought back a flood of precious memories from days gone by.

There is something magical about the Spruance class destroyers, those electronic greyhounds of the sea. Their sleek lines and advanced technology made them a marvel to behold, capturing the imagination of everyone who served aboard.

Despite the fiercest storms that churned the open sea, the Paul F. Foster seemed to glide effortlessly through the waves. Her powerful gas turbine engines and well-designed hull allowed her to cut through the swells with remarkable stability, while the crew worked in perfect harmony to keep her steady and on course.

Even as wind and rain battered her decks, there was a sense of confidence in her seaworthiness—a testament to the ship’s engineering and the skill of those aboard.

After 46 years since the last time I was aboard, it was an emotional experience to walk the decks again of that grand old lady. The experience brought tears to my eyes to once again feel that old familiar resilience beneath my feet and breathing in the scent of the sea air that once marked every day of my service in the United States Navy.

It’s hard to truly grasp the depth of emotion that comes with returning to a ship like the Paul F. Foster unless you have walked those decks yourself.

To outsiders, it may seem like just nostalgia, but for those who have served, each sound, smell, and sight is a powerful trigger for memories and feelings that run deep.

There’s a unique blend of pride, longing, and gratitude that can be difficult to put into words for anyone who hasn’t shared in that experience.

Seeing central control once more transported me back to the long hours I spent standing watch, surrounded by the hum of machinery, the tongue lashing from the Duty Chief Petty officer, and the camaraderie of my fellow sailors.

I paused at the spot where I used to sleep, reflecting on the restless nights punctuated by the call to duty, the loneliness from missing my wife and daughter while chugging along at 15 knots.

Imagine the mixed emotions of visiting the mess hall where my Electrical department shared burgers and fries, powdered green eggs-AKA The Gray Death, or simplistic mid-rats, and then sharing together stories that helped us forge lasting bonds.

As I Walked through the passageways and spaces where I worked for the service of my country, I was filled with a profound sense of pride and gratitude for those formative years and the friendships that have stood the test of time.

I am deeply grateful to the United States Navy for the opportunity to have served in this capacity, which shaped my character and instilled values that continue to guide me today.

The experiences and lessons learned aboard the Paul F. Foster have left an unforgettable mark on my life, and I will always cherish the privilege of being part of such a distinguished group of men known as The Pirates of the Pacific.

Rob Culver EM2 Served on board 1980-1982

Stories like Rob’s remind us why reunions matter. They allow us to reconnect not only with the ship, but with the shipmates who shared that experience with us.

If you ever served aboard USS Paul F. Foster (DD-964), consider attending a future reunion. You may find that stepping back aboard—or simply gathering with fellow Foster sailors—brings back memories and friendships that have been waiting decades to be rediscovered.

Fifty Years of Honor, Valor, Service.

Dave Klein
President
USS Paul F. Foster Association