Navy League of the United States - Broward County, Florida Council

Dec. 3, 2007 The USS Leyte Gulf CG55 arriver to start a weeklong celebration of its commissioning. The ship was the first navy ship commissioned in a civilian port. That port was Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale , Florida . Shortly thereafter the USS Leyte Gulf was adopted by the Broward County, Florida Council of the Navy League of the United States who is hosting to celebration.

The first night was the Opening Ceremony and Welcome Dinner. There were so many people and organizations deserving mention that only the key speakers and those for whom the celebration was being conducted were introduced. After introducing VADM Evan M. Chanik USN, commander of the second fleet, Mike McGrath, President of the Navy League of the United States and Capt. Scott Phillpott USN Captain of the USS Leyte Gulf, the survivors of the Battle of Leyte Gulf were introduced and last but not least the original Plank owners (personnel of the ship when it was commissioned) were introduced buy master of ceremonies Robert N. Hein, President of the Broward County, Council of the Navy league of the United States.

Opening remarks were made by Mike McGrath, President of the Navy League of the United States .

After dinner Admiral Chanik spoke of the Battle of Leyte Gulf , the strategy used, the importance of our victory the desperation of the Japanese and the introduction of the Kamikaze. He mentioned it was the largest naval battle fought in modern times and consisted of more than 600 ships. Our current fleet has only 285 ships. He spoke to the survivors present and thanked them for their patriotism. He then spoke on the current condition of the Navy, the current situation in the world today and what our navy was doing to confront the these challenges. He thanked the Navy League for the great job it is doing in supporting the sailors and how much our efforts on their behalf are appreciated and how it affects their lives.

After an exhausting day of airboat riding, cruising on the Jungle Queen and a golf tournament at Palm Aire where RADM Evan M. Chanik USN won the putting contest, the Plank Owners gathered at the East Side Pub for drinks and heavy hors d' odeuvres sponsored by the Broward County Navy League and East Side Pub owner Michelle Grenier. It was an opportunity to reminisce, do a little Karaoke and just have fun.

There is nothing more beautiful than a Florida sunset from the deck of a navy ship of war and that was the setting for the Twentieth Anniversary Onboard Reception for the USS Leyte Gulf. Dignitaries from representatives of our US Senators to port officials were there. The leadership of the four local councils of the Navy League in attendance along with Broward Navy Days.

Mayor Jim Naugle by proclamation proclaimed September 23rd to be USS Leyte Gulf Day. The Broward County, Florida Council of the Navy League gave the ship a Twentieth Anniversary Plaque commemorating the event and a $1100 check for the ship's Morale Welfare and Recreation Fund.

The Leyte Gulf is the adopted ship of the Broward County, Florida Council of the Navy League of the United States.


President Robert N. Hein of the Broward County, Florida Council of the Navy League, CMDCM Mattie Wells, USN, Capitan Scott Phillpott, USN Commanding Officer, USS Leyte Gulf, Ms.Celeste Keegan, Broward County, Florida Council of the Navy League, giving a check for $1100 to the Moral, Welfare & Recreation Fund of the ship and CDR. Bruce Apgar, USN, Executive officer	Captain Scott Phillpott USN Commanding Officer of the USS Leyte Gulf receiving a USS Leyte Gulf Twentieth Anniversary Plaque from President Robert N. Hein, Broward County, Florida Council of the Navy League

Captain Scott Phillpott USN receiving the proclamation from, Mayor Jim Nagle making September 26th USS Leyte Gulf Day

This is the 63rd Anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf Memorial. Captain Scott Phillpott USN, Commanding Officer of the USS Leyte Gulf was the keynote speaker. Captain Bill Weiller USN ret. spoke on the history of the battle. To the sound of bagpipes played by Broward County Council Member Rob Latimer the surviving heroes of the Battle of Leyte Gulf threw a wreath into the bay in remembrance of their fallen friends. Taps was played and those present retired to a luncheon to reminisce.


Matthew Sanchez, Mike Beiswenger, Gregory Young, Plankowners,Bob Viverito, BCNL Director,Denise Hein,BCNL Director, Dan Mulvane, Dante Poland, Lou Liberty, Plankowners	BCNL President Elect William Weiler, VADM Evan M. Chanik USN, Commander 2nd Fleet. President Robert N. Hein, President, BCNL

VADM Evan M. Chanik USN, George Makris & Eugene Campbell, survivors of the battle of Leyte Gulf, Capt. Scott Phillpott USN, Capt. USS Leyte Gulf


Piper Rob Latimer, member of the Broward County Council of the Navy League of the US	Wreath being thrown into the water by Leyte Gulf Survivors MM2 Eugene Campbell and Sgt George Makris

Members of the memorial service having a picnic lunch.