USS Fessenden Association

10/25/2024

We just learned of the passing of World War II shipmate, Belvin M. Wells. He died on March 2nd of this year.

Belvin enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and he was a Fessenden "plankowner" serving from the time the ship was commissioned until the end of the war. After the war, he returned to Pennsylvania and used his GI Bill to learn how to fly. He was always passionate about aviation and there are many pilots out there who benefitted from having him as their flight instructor. When flying wasn't paying the bills, he moved on to a distinguished career with Asplundh until his retirement in 1986. Brilliant with most anything mechanical, Belvin had a knack for carpentry, and a natural curiosity which always led him to be a problem solver in life.

We also recently learned of the loss of another Fessenden friend. Although he wasn't a crewmember, he was the brother-in-law of one and he was a regular attendee at many of our reunions. Dom DePoalo was the brother-in-law of World War II shipmate, Gerard "Chad" Scaran. Dom passed in January of 2020. He served as a Master Sergeant in the Army during World War II. Some of you might remember Dom for the "Dollar bill vests" that he lovingly made and donated as raffle prizes at Fessenden reunions.

Belvin and Dom were American heroes and they were part of the generation that saved the world. May they rest in peace.

07/02/2024

America lost a patriot today. Shipmate Jack Foster passed away early this morning. Darlene called me this afternoon to let me know. Jack served aboard Fessenden after she was recommissioned as a DER and he and Darlene attended all of our reunions.

Kathleen and I visited Jack and Darlene in Denver a few years ago when we were on a cross-country trip on the Amtrak California Zephyr. We spent four days with them and they treated us like royalty. As it happened, our visit coincided with Veterans Day, and we took advantage of every military discount that we could get, especially at the Coors Brewery tour!

Darlene will let me know when Jack's final arrangements are complete. When I find out, I will let you know. In the meantime, please keep Darlene and her family in your prayers and remember the good times with Jack. May he rest in peace.

05/05/2024

NEXT WEEK IS ARMED FORCES WEEK!
We’re inviting all active service members & veterans to enjoy a FREE sandwich every day next week on their designated military branch day as our way of saying, "Thanks For Your Service!"

12/29/2023

Did You Know that the Outer Banks is the birthplace of broadcasting?
In 1902, Reginald Fessenden, a physicist, successfully transmitted and received a 127 word voice message from Cape Hatteras to Roanoke Island.
He had erected 50ft towers at Weir Point, Cape Hatteras, and Cape Henry during his experiments.
Fessenden, known as the “Father of Radio”, paved the way for modern radio, sonar, and mobile phones.

08/15/2023

I am saddened to announce the passing of shipmate Norman Thomas. His obituary is attached. Rest easy Norm. We have the watch.

06/26/2023

This article contains some information about Reginald Fessenden, the ship's namesake. There is also a You-Tube video near the bottom of the article. Click on it to learn more about Dr. Fessenden.

Local ham operators remain a key resource in emergency events By Maggie Miles | Outer Banks Voice In 1901-1902, while the Wright Brothers were conducting their history-making experiments in flight,…

12/24/2021

A little Christmas Eve tidbit about the ship's namesake

On December 24, 1902, Reginald Fessenden, who had previously engaged in experiments on the Outer Banks, made the first intentional wireless radio broadcast playing his violin and reading a passage from the Bible. Fessenden came to North Carolina in 1900 under the auspices of the United States Weather Bureau to conduct experiments in wireless telegraphy on Roanoke Island. His two years' work attracted considerable publicity. While in North Carolina, he transmitted the first varying musical notes. The 1902 transmissions were said to have been "very loud and plain" and as easy to understand as hearing sounds over an ordinary telephone. Relayed from Buxton, the broadcasts were received 48 miles north on Roanoke Island. The experiment station at Buxton no longer stands, but the foundations for a tower used by Fessenden do remain. Courtesy of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and The Wreck Report.

12/23/2021

11/09/2021

On November 6, 2021, Jasper J. Mamoliti, beloved husband of Rose M. Mamoliti devoted father of Gloria Geiger and Michael Mamoliti, Sr. loving grandfather of Justin Johson, Michael Mamoliti, Jr., and Tyler Mamoliti loving great-grandfather of Emily and Samantha Johnson dear brother of Frank Piela, Au...

11/08/2021

11/07/2021

We are saddened to announce the passing of Fessenden "plankowner" and World War II veteran Jasper Mamoliti. Jasper crossed the bar earlier today. Arrangements are pending. Jasper and his late wife, Rose, hosted the Fessenden Association's 1994 reunion in Baltimore. As a ship's coxswain, Jasper piloted the Fessenden down the Sabine River to the Gulf of Mexico for it's first sea trials after construction. May he rest in peace.

06/22/2021

Congratulations to Norman and Barbara Thomas who are celebrating their 58th wedding anniversary.