USS W.S. SIMS DE/FF-1059
NORFOLK REUNION 2007
20 to 23 September 2007
LATEST UPDATE: 22 Sep 2007

NORFOLK VIRGINIA --- The history of Greater Norfolk coincides with the birth of our nation and throughout the region, evidence of this important legacy may be found today. There's never been a more  appropriate East Coast venue for the USS WS Sims 2007 Reunion.  Within an hour of the Norfolk are colonial attractions, major theme parks, museums, golf courses and beach resorts. Day trips to First Landing State Park, the Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown, Colonial Williamsburg and Fort Monroe offer an in-depth experience of the rich history of the 50-mile Virginia Waterfront region, where Norfolk plays a major role. One of the most famous naval battles in history took place in Hampton Roads in 1862, when the USS Monitor engaged the CSS Virginia in the first battle between ironclad war ships. 

Norfolk is a city actively planning its future while not abandoning its past. In the Downtown Historic District, exciting new urban renewal projects such as a revitalized restaurant and theater district and the super-regional MacArthur Center mall live in harmony with such historic treasures as the 1859 U. S. Customhouse and the refurbished Wells Theater, an outstanding example of Beaux Arts Classical architecture.

OUR REUNION HOTEL, AMERICAS BEST VALUE INN, offered attendees easy access to the beautiful Virginia Beach oceanfront, the world's largest naval base at Naval Station Norfolk and the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. Hotel guests are within walking distance to the pedestrian-friendly streets of Norfolk with unique shops and a variety of experiences.

Accommodations included high-speed Internet access; toll free 800 and local calls, complimentary newspaper and a complimentary continental breakfast for registered quests. We had our own Hospitality Room and our sleeping rooms are all together in one section of the hotel. Other amenities included indoor and outdoor pools, truck/RV parking, free parking, an exercise facility, steam room, hot tub, a complimentary airport shuttle, a guest laundry, and accommodations for the physically challenged.

We discovered that several special area events are planned during our reunion, including:

FRIDAY'S TOURING SUGGESTIONS (21 Sept 2007) -- 

RIDING NORFOLK TOUR
• Learned about Norfolk's colorful 325 year history as you ride through the lovely historic district and restored areas. View the stately homes along the Hague, old St. Paul's Church, the Moses Myers House, the Chrysler Museum of Art, the historic Freemason District, Nauticus, the Battleship Wisconsin and the restored waterfront area, as well as many other points of interest.

MACARTHUR MEMORIAL
• Enjoyed a visit to the Macarthur Memorial for a glimpse into our country's history. During your visit you will view the outstanding collection of artifacts, documents, photographs and memorabilia housed in Norfolk's historic city hall which trace the life and times of five-star General Douglas Macarthur. 
• You will also have the opportunity to view the 25 minute film which chronicles General Macarthur's life. The General and Mrs. Macarthur are entombed in the rotunda of the memorial. Nine separate galleries arranged in two levels circle the rotunda and tell the story of General Macarthur and the millions of American men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces from the Civil War through the Korean War. 
• A gift shop with unique memorabilia is located on the premises.

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK TOUR
• Toured the Norfolk Naval Base, which is part of Naval Station Norfolk - the largest naval installation in the world. Home port to 78 ships, ranging in size from aircraft carriers to submarines, 26 aircraft squadrons comprised of 133 aircraft and headquarters of the Atlantic Fleet, this naval complex occupies over 8,000 acres of land and is home to more than 100,000 military personnel. Your tour will take you past the 14 piers and through the Naval Air Station. You will also drive by the historic homes built for the 1907 Jamestown Exposition on "Admiral's Row' which now house the flag officers.
• And a walking tour of an active duty ship. (this portion is pending approval)

FRIDAY'S EVENING DINNER CRUISE (21 September, 7:30-10:30pm) --

SPIRIT OF NORFOLK DINNER CRUISE
• Board the coach with our tour guide for downtown Norfolk to enjoy a three-hour dinner cruise on the magnificent Spirit of Norfolk. 
• The ship leaves the Waterside pier area and travels north on the Elizabeth River, passing Nauticus, The National Maritime Center, Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Portsmouth Marine Terminals, the Lamberts Point Coal Piers, and Norfolk Naval Base, the World's largest operational naval base and home of the Atlantic fleet. 
• The Spirit features a top-of-the-line buffet with several hot entrees. The selection includes beef, poultry, and seafood, fresh vegetables, potato, salad, rolls and butter, and dessert. 
• Following dinner we enjoyed a live band playing all our favorite hits. In addition, the Spirit features professional performers who provide lively entertainment throughout the cruise. The ship has two fully enclosed, climate-controlled lower decks and an open-air upper deck.

SATURDAY'S TOURING SUGGESTIONS (22 Sept 2007) -- 

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG OVERVIEW
• Taking a short drive to Williamsburg, Virginia, we stepped back into the 18th century while strolling through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg. Your historical interpreter will guide you through the past and the events that helped shape America’s history as you enjoy a one and one half hour leisurely walking tour through the restored area of this lovely colonial capital city (Actual distance is approximately 4-5 blocks). 
• Following our overview tour, we enjoyed free time to shop and browse in the many unique specialty shops in Merchants Square. High quality apparel, gifts, jewelry, unusual quilts, beautiful furniture and holiday decorations are but a few of the offerings found in this quaint, picturesque shopping area. 
• Enjoyed lunch on your own in one of the Colonial Taverns or in Merchants Square. Our guide pointed out all of the dining options as you pass through town.

JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT
• Spent the afternoon on Virginia's historic peninsula touring Jamestown Settlement - established in 1607, this was the first permanent settlement in the New World. Throughout the year 2007 the 400th anniversary celebration of the founding of America will take place with special events, exhibits and attractions.
• Enjoyed the re-created village of Jamestown which chronicles the nation's 17th century beginnings in Virginia in the context of its Powhatan Indian, English and western central African cultures. Jamestown represents an enduring legacy of language, culture and government. 
• Through an introductory film, "1607: A Nation Takes Root", and expansive 30,000 square foot indoor exhibition galleries, you will discover the political, social and economic factors that led to the colonization of the New World, the culture of the Powhatan Indians of coastal Virginia at the time of the English arrival, and the first century of the Virginia colony when Jamestown served as its capital. 
• Outside, history comes alive in re-creations of a Powhatan Indian village, a colonial fort, and the three ships - Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery - that transported English colonists to Virginia in 1607. Costumed historical interpreters demonstrate work and everyday life of the era and engage visitors in a variety of activities. 
• Enjoyed shopping in the beautiful gift shop, for unique items for home and garden as well as "Made in Virginia" items.

SATURDAY EVENING BANQUET (22 September, 7:00-9:00pm) --

• Our reunion culminated with a traditional Banquet Dinner Buffet. A sumptuous feast with a variety of meat and fish choices, vegetables and salad, and a tasty cheesecake with raspberry sauce dessert.  
• The Banquet was held at the famous GRATE STEAK restaurant, adjoining the hotel, voted "Best Steak in Tidewater" for 20 years in a row.  
• Our USS WS SIMS Association Annual Meeting of Members was held after our dessert.

This was again an exciting opportunity for us to get together and rekindle old friendships, make new friendships with shipmates from other eras, tell sea stories, and generally enjoy the camaraderie between sailors who share "Mighty Fine" memories of the ol' USS WS SIMS.  

Please return to this webpage often for continuing updates and additional photos as they are available. Email your Reunion 2007 photos and comments to the reunion committee at info@ussSIMS1059.org.