From Gordon Hillesland (dongtamnsa67@yahoo.com)
Gordon's information about the ship being named for all towns named Concord is something we'd not heard before. But as a witness to the commissioning, we'd consider him a good source of this information.
Gordon would look forward to hearing from people he served with (his email is at top). He also says that next month going to Orlando to meet with three other Gunner's Mates from the original crew of the Concord. He hasn't seen any for 39 years. Have fun, Gordon, and thanks for writing! (Here's another article the Concord Magazine published about the USS/USNS Concord)
I just read the online edition of the May to June 2000 issue of Concord Magazine. The article about the participation of the crew in the Patriot's Day festivities was very interesting. I was a member of the original crew of the [current] USS Concord.
I was at the commissioning ceremony and remember the town of Concord, Mass. sent a representative to the ceremony. The ship is named after all towns in the United States with the name of Concord. There were several other representatives of towns named Concord there, also. However, not all were represented. We also marched in the parade in 1969. We had just come around to the east coast through the Panama Canal.
I note with interest that the ship's Captain and Supply Officer marched in the parade in 2000. In 1969, the officer in charge was an Ensign. Three third class petty officers and an unknown number of pay grade E-3's also marched. I don't remember the number, but I'd guess 30. We also had a great time and enjoyed liberty in the Boston area. I especially enjoyed our tour of Walden Pond. I remember it snowed when we left port. The next stop was Cuba.
Gordon's information about the ship being named for all towns named Concord is something we'd not heard before. But as a witness to the commissioning, we'd consider him a good source of this information.
Gordon would look forward to hearing from people he served with (his email is at top). He also says that next month going to Orlando to meet with three other Gunner's Mates from the original crew of the Concord. He hasn't seen any for 39 years. Have fun, Gordon, and thanks for writing! (Here's another article the Concord Magazine published about the USS/USNS Concord)
