Everyone,

The Board of Directors would like to share a brief update on the progress of the Ship Naming Subcommittee. Before diving into the latest developments, I want to provide a bit of historical context.

To date, five U.S. Navy vessels have proudly carried the name of William Barker Cushing:

•         TB‑1 (Torpedo Boat)

•         DD‑55 (O’Brien‑class Destroyer)

•         DD‑376 (Mahan‑class Destroyer)

•         DD‑797 (Fletcher‑class Destroyer)

•         DD‑985 (Spruance‑class Destroyer)

This effort to continue the Cushing legacy began during the 2015 reunion, where association leaders met with members to discuss organizational goals and the possibility of pursuing another ship naming. Following those discussions, the 2019 leadership submitted a formal request to the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) to initiate the process. Over the years, we have continued to follow up and advocate for this important recognition.

At the 2025 reunion, the board updated members on plans to form a dedicated subcommittee to ensure we remained focused and organized in preparing a new request for consideration by our nation’s leaders. Under the leadership of Alex Maître, the subcommittee worked diligently and provided outstanding support in completing this challenging and meaningful task.

For the record, I personally mailed the prepared documents for review by the President, the Secretary of War, and the Secretary of the Navy. We will keep you informed as we receive updates, and we are hopeful that next year’s reunion will bring positive news.

Before closing, I want to emphasize how important member involvement is in these subcommittee efforts. The time commitment can be demanding, but the impact you have on the growth and legacy of this organization is immeasurable.

I also want to thank every member who has dedicated their time and energy to strengthening the association. There will be additional opportunities to get involved, including future grant work and the reunion planning committee. Please join me in congratulating “Mean” Gene Lavastida, who has been selected by the board to lead the reunion planning subcommittee. We know he will do an outstanding job.

If you have questions about organizational business or are interested in supporting a subcommittee, please feel free to reach out to any board member.

Thank you – Shannon Mickens (aka Butterball), President

Note 1: Picture of Alex Maitre (Ship Naming Subcommittee – Chairman); no picture of Gene Lavastida (Reunion Planning Subcommittee – Chairman).  

Head over to the Board Documents Page to view the letters.