From the Cheboygan Tribune, Friday June 9
Ship ceremonies opened to public

Audience of 2,500-plus expected for historic day surrounding 2 cutters

Saturday\'s the Big Day

I wonder if any White House people might be at the event?

Change of date, Security seems tight, 3,000 invited guests, don't bring backpacks. Perhaps an appearance by the VEEP?

USCG, Homeland Security, upbeat event, priceless.

Maybe Homeland Security head Chartoff?

The President is at Camp David this weekend, so he's out. But Laura? Or VP Cheney?

Air Force Two where would it land? Marine One could ferry the right VIPs.

Dignitaries present?
Our own Dave Hannum will be present, and he expects to bring back "special" photos.

Yes, Dave, we can't wait!

WE WILL BE THERE!!

"I stand ready to be relieved, sir"


"You are relieved, sir"

Aren't they beautiful?! Thanks, Dave!

Back home and what a FANTASTIC TIME we had!

Dave, and Digger with Becky, Suzanne and Pam, Mary and Jeff, and myself attended the decommissioning of the USCGC MACKINAW (WAGB 83), and the commissioning of the USCGC MACKINAW (WLBB 30).

Autographs and pictures with Commander Joseph McGuiness, Commanding Officer of CGC MACKINAW, and Commander John Little, Commanding Officer of CGC NEW MACKINAW.

Tours of both cutters were available! Our group toured the NEW MACKINAW together!

The Great Lakes are proud of our Coast Guard, and have two special ships in our waters!

Thank you Coast Guard!

Dave will be posting commentary with pictures shortly. Correct, Dave???

Heard from Dave just before the hour of the ceremony. Said he was sitting between TWO BIG RED & WHITE THINGS!!

Get some rest Dave. I know photos are coming.

Mary, it sounds fantastic! The only way we can experience it is through everyone's pictures. Hopefully, they will be up before too long.

While we wait for the Wackos who attended ceremonies Saturday to settle in back at home, here's the first of reports from Mike Fornes at the Cheboygan Tribune:

A Great Day for Two Ships

And...

‘Plankowner,\' other dignitaries attend Mackinaw ceremonies

I was there. It was a fantastic ceremony. I took lots of photos. I sat on the side which meant that I could move all over the place and take photos. I toured the new Mackinaw too and took lots of photos inside the ship.

I also attended the concert of the Coast Guard band on Friday evening.

I am currently on the way back home, leaving Marinette, Wisconsin this morning.

Great pictures Dave. Can't wait to see more.

Suzanne, would love to see your pictures too, especially as you were able to move around for additional photo opportunities!

Judy, thanks for posting the links to the 2 news stories.

So glad I had the opportunity to tour the Mac prior to the reunion. Makes this event more special.

Sorry I didn't get a chance to meet up with you guys after the event. All mom talked about was touring MAC 83 and when she did she changed her mind and wanted off QUICK! then she decided it was time to head back since she wasn't feeling good (frequent excuse) . Parents! Can't take them anywhere!!!!

Guess I'll just have to wait until the CG festival to tour the MAC 30.

I agree totally, Mel. It was such a special treat to be able to board and tour Big Mac. It really made all of this - the ceremonies, the new AB's, etc., so much more meaningful.

Judy, thanks for the links. I was all misty eyed myself. I printed copies to make some type of display, along with the coin, when I set up my two Mac's.

Looking forward to more pictures from those of you who were lucky to attend.

Jeff and I also had a fantastic time. The ceremony was very special and somewhat emotional for all involved. The crews were gracious, the commanders were polite giving us their time to talk about their ships. Commander Little even seemed to blush when we said how young he was compared to our group. He said the new Mac will be coming to the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven later this summer. So for those of you in the area try to go see her when she again sails into Grand Haven.

All in all we want to say a big THANK YOU to Dave for letting us tag along on this special day.

Mary and Jeff