| 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. |
