USS LaSalle LPD-3 AGF-3 lpd3.aworldwide.com

I have created a Photo CD of many images I have collected over the years. Please click "Buy Now" below.

"Versatility at Sea" - "FACILITAS AD MAREM"

22 Feb 1964 -27 May 2005
See Web Site at www.military.com
http://www.military.com Click on Units then input AGF 3 to find the USS LaSalle

Here is a link to some photos of the 2008 Reunion:

http://homepage.mac.com/janissahner/Navy/PhotoAlbum14.html

http://homepage.mac.com/janissahner/Navy/PhotoAlbum15.html

Thanks to Rex's Pictures...Janis' web site.

Thanks to all who sent me a very nice "In Recognition" plaque and "Thanks" Card. God Bless you all. I really appreciated this.

C.E. "Andy" Anderson
Electrical Officer 1966-1969
ceanders@hiwaay.net
256-351-0330

LaSalle was finally laid to rest last week. (Sometime April 8-14, 2007). She did not go easy. It took over 12 hours and tons of ordanance to do the job. They fired every weapon in the inventory, including several HARPOON missiles and 1000lb bombs and she would not go down. In the end, they had to send in the Cruisers and Destroyers to sink it with their 5" guns.
Cdr. Doug Harvey, former XO USS LaSalle AGF-3
Posted by Andy Anderson 04-18-07 former MPA, Electrical Officer 1966-1969. Click here for photos.
Click here for MySpaceTV Videos: Sinking the USS LaSalle by Drew. Click here for some more comments:
COMBATSIM Forum > USS La Salle was sunk by HST Strike Group
Here is a link from USS Hue City http://www.dcfp.navy.mil/mc/video/huecity.htm

I have about 15 base ball caps with LA SALLE LPD/AGF-3 logo, about 75 Last Cruise Books, a whole lot to planks (about size of normal red brick), a few hundred bottle toppers and Christmas tree ornaments (can be used as key chains). I was planning on putting in back of my pickup and taking to reunion but with price of fuel and a R/T of 6000+ miles this plan is almost out. Therefore if there are some of you who may want some of these items please let me know and I'll UPS them to the hotel. The only cost is for $10 for caps and $4 for LA SALLE patches. The other items are free except I will ask for a contribution to cover shipping costs. The books and planks are heavy. I can order more caps from folks in Jacksonville but don't really want to tie up ASSN funds for more than needed. Also I mentioned belt buckles, some have indicated a desire to have one or two, will order what is needed and collect at reunion.

Anyway would appreciate knowing who would like some of these items as I will only ship what is needed, don't want to pay for 2 way shipping.

Several have these items from San Antonio Reunion or I have mailed to you but if you need more I've plenty.

Thanks to those who have sent in their registration forms. The Agenda is changing. Thinking of the Memorial Service Friday AM. Since Saturday is start of 3 day weekend and Sub Base personnel will probably assist don't want to intrude in their long weekend. Also seeing if we can have Service inside Museum building. Also USS NAUTILUS/MUSEUM is next to main entrance to Sub Base so those retires who may want to use Navy Exchange it's right there.
Arnet M Hagen [einer2@juno.com]

Attached is registration form and tentative agenda. Some activities are still being prepared so agenda subject to change. Arrangements for a Memorial Service at USS NAUTILUS still underway but hope to have about 1000 SAT 11 OCT. We hope to have about 30 suggested things to see/do so plenty to keep you busy from morning to evening. We have the large ball room available during entire reunion for visiting. Large bar/lounge very close to ball room. Also large pool very close by and don't forget to bring your DANCING SHOES. See ya'all in Mystic, Arnet M Hagen [einer2@juno.com]

Update on reunions plans.Thu 1/31/2008 9:03 PM

Have a chance to get about 100 of attached belt buckles, if you think you'd be interested please let me know. Plan to have them at reunion, cost will be about $12.

Memorial Ceremony. Working with folks at USS NAUTILUS for a remembrance type ceremony with traditional wreath floating act. Probably around 10 AM SAT. There is also an outstanding museum at NAUTILUS site and it's free.

Dancing: The Greenfields Band has volunteered to entertain (all LaSalle Sailors) after dinner SAT night with oldies type music. If you have any favorite tunes please let me know soonest. They may also perform another night also. This will be dance music so be prepared to dance the night away. We will be asking for donations to help defray their costs of getting equipment to Mystic and other extra costs

Rex Harrison rjharr@gwi.net has asked the Association be canvassed for any historical info they may have re USS LA SALLE, including pictures be forwarded to Rex at 8 Aspen Lane, Bath, Maine 04530-2200. Rex is attempting to prepare a booklet for handout to Association members. Also some of the info will be included in an overhead slide show while the band is playing.

And Ladies - We are still organizing lady type trips i.e., shopping, or a trip to New Port RI to check out the Astor's Beechwood Mansion, Belcort Castle (a Vanderbilt vacation home), The Breakers, another Vanderbilt home or some other summer home of the rich and famous of years past.

A registration form and tentative agenda list out shortly.. Arnet M Hagen [einer2@juno.com]

Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:28:34 -0600
Subject: Reunion

Looking into renting a 7 Pass mini-van during reunion for transport to/from nearby attractions and/or possible transport to/from nearby airport or AMTRAK station for those without transport.

Also Monday 13th is a holiday (Columbus Day) so folks you may want to consider staying extra day, also gives those planning on attending with school children a chance to do so without missing school. When making hotel reservations please let them know you are with US LA SALE Reunion (cheaper rate). Arnet M Hagen [einer2@juno.com]

REUNION 2008 9-12 OCT 08, Mystic, CT

This is just a reminder about reunion. Place is Best Western Hotel in Mystic. Hotel is within walking distance of Old Mystic Village and Mystic Aquarium. Mystic Seaport (entrance fee area) bit farther down street (checking with hotel regarding reduced group tickets). Downtown Mystic still further down same street (checking to see if there is city bus service).

We have large ball/banquet room for gathering/visiting. Room rates include breakfast, room rates may seem a bit high but this is high season for this area due to fall colors. Saturday evening will be a formal banquet with cash bar. Hotel has large restaurant plus large bar with plenty of eating booths. Also a very nice indoor pool. Hotel offers evening van service to both nearby casinos.

If you are traveling with/by RV there are two RV parks nearby, Hotel will let you park RV in their parking log if staying in hotel.

Touring plans - All tours will be self guided and by POV. Suggested places are Battle Ship Cove in Fall River, Mass, about 1-1/2 hours away, Enroute via HWY 1 is Newport, RI, home of Naval War Collage and several summer cottages of rich and famous. Also about 10 min away is USS NAUTILUS and museum (free) from here one could go on to Essex and a 2 1/2 hour trip on a 20's steam train which includes an 1 1/4 hr river boat cruise on the Connecticut River. During boat ride a host tells history of area, very interesting.

If ladies not interested in climbing aboard a Battle Ship or doing other things we hope to organize lady type tours. Not sure what ladies might want to do so please help me out by giving me some ideas. Hope there are some ladies familiar with area who can give me and Ruth Merchant some ideas.

Getting to Mystic, AMTRAK offers hourly service DC and Boston early AM to late PM with stops in either New London or Mystic. I'm told that Providence RI is best airport about 50 miles but no transport between airport and Mystic so one would have to rent a car or if a number of folks arriving abound same time maybe group could rent a car/van. Please let me know if this presents a problem. There is the Groton/New London airport close by but not sure what service is available. If renting a car there is always Hartford bit further than Providence.

Working on registration form with dinner choice for SAT evening and a registration fee to cover hall rental and admin costs associated with organizing reunion i.e., postage, name tags, copies etc.
Arnet M Hagen [einer2@juno.com]

REUNION 2008 http://www.mysticseaport.org/

Joe & Ruth Ann Merchant and my self just returned from Mystic, had nice visit with Bob Boucher. Anyway dates for reunion are 9-12 OCT 2008 at Best Western Sovereign Hotel - Mystic. Hotel is 2 story w/no elevator so if first floor room needed please specify 1st floor. Also there are a few adjoining rooms. Rates are $129 per night but includes breakfast.

Hotel has nice restaurant and large watering hole. About block from Old Mystic Village. We are thinking of both men and lady tours/trips - 2 days is not enough to see all so you might think of arriving before or after. All tours/trips will be self guided, i.e., groups going by car, list of suggested places to see will be posted. As in San Antonio will be asking those with autos to assist those without.

Also the assistance of those familiar with area in planning sightseeing trips will be greatly appreciated.

More details will follow but please let me know soonest if you are planning on attending or even thinking of attending as I need to block hotel rooms soonest. Hotel arrangements are on your own. Association will be collecting for dinner etc. Will not be using tour coordinator - too expensive.

AGAIN NEED NUMBERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Hotel has large ball room which will be ours during stay We only got off track 3 times when taking scenic drive from Mystic to Fall River, As we started across long bridge in Fall River we saw mast from BB Mass and knew we should have exited before bridge, but we were able to find ships w/o further delay. Again need for someone from local area to lead/guide way for us out of towners. Hotel will arrange for group prices for entry to Mystic Sea Port and Essex Train/Boat trip (good trip).

Arnet M Hagen [einer2@juno.com]

Saturday, April 14, 2007 12:36 PM

Per last reunion we are planning for next reunion in Mystic CT probably first weekend of OCT. In OCT this year Joe/Ruth Merchant and myself plan a trip to Mystic area to check out reunion facilities. Plan being in area 15-19 OCT. Arriving/Departing New Haven via AMTRAK.

Found out this is high tourist season in area so it may be necessary to alter dates week either way. Also have found only 1 facility in Mystic that has facilities required therefore it may be necessary to move reunion to Groton (7 miles away) also appears Groton less expensive.

Also looking into a road trip to Essex (ABOUT 25-30 MILES) then board a 1920 era train ride to a tour boat for a 1 1/2 hr ride on Conn River then train back to Essex.

Will need some idea of how many think they might attend and how many hotel rooms to set aside (all will responsible for making own hotel reservations) but need approx number to set aside in order to negotiate good rate.

Also anyone living in area we would appreciate meeting for dinner or something. Had an e-mail from shipmate who lives in RI and works in Groton, unfortunately I forgot name. Also I had an e-mail from a La Salle/Sub sailor who was at a Sub reunion in Groton, would appreciate it if you could refresh me on where you stayed etc. And Bob B. hope to see you somewhere during this time. Joe will be bringing all info you have sent him. We are planning on traveling on same train CHI-DC-New Haven.

Arnet Hagen einer2@juno.com

Please E-Mail Arnet and let him know your plans.

Next Reunion planned for Mystic, CT. See note below from the Association Treasurer Arnet M Hagen.

"As far as next reunion I did check out Best Western Motel/Hotel in Mystic and they have all facilities needed. I'm doing set up for our 50th Class reunion this SEP at local Best Western - rooms/dinner/meeting room etc. Pretty simple - no need to hire Reunion Coordinator, hotel has people we can work with. We will need to collect a fee to cover mailing of forms to cover (postage/envelopes/copies etc.). Have also looked into tours - One that sounds interesting is a combination rail/boat tour of fall colors - Old train to a boat/ferry landing than a couple of hours on some local river. Also LaSalle was flag ship for VADM J.S. McCain for short time (Father of Senator John McCain) we could send an invite to Senator John S McCain."

01-29-08
Thinking maybe we should pick a date sometime during mid-SEP to mid OCT time frame. Believe early fall seemed to suit most best but I don't really care. We can then go out and ask if these dates seem suitable especially from those who live in area (this I think is time of New England fall colors). Once we have approx number of attendees we can start working with hotel re rooms/dinner etc. Can also get together some suggested tours for FRI, assuming we go the usual THU-SUN days. I plan on being in Cody, WY for a week mid-late AUG for family reunion and plan on continuing on to New England with RV so can attend to any last minute details. Will have all items we had in San Antonio. Send me comments via email to einer2@juno.com. Arnet.

Paul Barger - Association President pbarger@isp.com

Arnet M Hagen - USS LaSalle Association Treasurer einer2@juno.com

Joe Merchant - Association Reunion Coordinator joeandramerchant@cableone.net

I suggest that you input your data into www.military.com and check the site frequently for updates.

Here is the latest from CDR Doug Harvey, the last XO of USS LaSalle: "I don't know if you had heard but LA SALLE is scheduled to be sunk later this spring. Capt Shelanski is the CO of the CVN that has been tasked with the job to do it. Needless to say he is not too happy about it. Just thought you'd like to know."

If anyone wants a CD of the Tiger Cruise, Decommissioning and photos I have collected from various sources, just send me a check to C. E. Anderson 1113 Trenton Dr. SW Decatur, AL 35603 for $12.00 along with your postal mail address. The cost is $10.00 plus $2.00 Shipping. Click on Buy Now.

Order Photo CD Click

Photos of last reunion in San Antonio click here: http://www.aworldwide.com/LaSalle_Reunion_2006.htm
God Bless you and yours.

Andy http://www.aworldwide.com