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Council News
Broward County Council hosts 20th
anniversary of the commissioning of the USS Leyte Gulf (CG
55)...
Submitted
by Denise Hein, Public
Relations
Fort Lauderdale, FL - The Navy
League of the United States Broward County, Florida Council will
host the 20th anniversary of the commissioning of the USS Leyte Gulf
(CG 55) with activities taking place from December 3-7, 2007.
 The USS Leyte Gulf was commissioned on
September 26, 1987, in Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, FL. The
ship was the first ever to be commissioned in a civilian port and
was adopted by the Broward County Council of the Navy League.
The cruiser’s name
commemorates the naval battle fought in October, 1946, in the
Philippines. The Battle of Leyte Gulf was the largest sea battle
ever fought. It virtually ended the Japanese capacity to fight as an
organized force.
Broward Council provides
year-round support to the crew of the Leyte Gulf and is pleased to
host the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the
commissioning.
At the welcome dinner on
December 3, 2007, National Navy League President, J. Michael
McGrath, will provide the opening comments. Vice Admiral Evan
Chanik, USN, Commander Second Fleet, will be the keynote
speaker.
The event will be held at the
Yankee Clipper Hotel in Fort Lauderdale with Leyte Gulf officers,
crew, and former crew, Navy League officers, council members, local
political figures and other military personnel and guests in
attendance.
Other events during the week
include a golf tournament, visit to a local grammar school, a
cocktail reception for military plank owners (people who were ship's
company at the commissioning) as well as a memorial service and
luncheon in honor of the 63rd anniversary of the Battle of the Leyte
Gulf. The events will wind up with a Pearl Harbor Rememberance on
December 7. | 
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