“Taa-weee-ahh-weee! NOW HEAR THIS. NOW HEAR THIS."

Welcome to the OFFICIAL USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN ASSOCIATION, Inc. website celebrating those who served aboard the Essex Class aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain from its commissioning in 1945 to its decommissioning in 1966. “The Champ” served as a CV, CVA, and CVS during its twenty-one year history. Crewmembers, embarked Squadrons and Air Group personnel, and members of the Marine Detachment are welcome. Spouses and descendants of those who served aboard are also welcomed. Special guests are permitted upon approval. All postings are moderated to eliminate spam, unsavory, and lewd material.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURES are from Dan Rivera and his photo montage shows the 06 May 1964 damage to the USS DECATUR DD-936. The Forrest Sherman Class USS DECATUR sailed often with The Champ and was severely damaged while refueling. The destroyer lost steering and veered left into the overhanging bow of The Champ.

The Champ sustained minor damage to its starboard flight deck catwalk as the DECATUR's mast scraped across The Champ's hull under the 'clipper bow'. One S2F tied down on the starboard bow also sustained damage from the DECATUR's mast. See the 1964 Album for more pictures.

In the collision the DECATUR’s light aluminum bridge structure was smashed. Luckily, no serious injuries were sustained in the accident. The DECATUR was later decommissioned in 1965 but resurrected in 1967 and saw service in the Viet Nam War as DDG-31.

The 2009 USSLCA ANNUAL REUNION WAS A SUCCESS! There was good attendance and a number of new members attended. Those touring saw Gettysburg, Hershey and Amish farms. Next Reunion is in SAN DIEGO! Also, several members have loaned us photos to post on the website. Stay tuned, we'll be posting them over the next few weeks.

JOIN THE USSLCA. Annual Dues are $20. LIFE MEMBERSHIPS are $130 for age 40-59, $105 for age 60-69, $80 for age 70-79. Age 80 and over pay a one time registration fee of $20.