In the summer of 1952 Bob Portwig, the Sara’s commissioning wardroom steward, called Mickey Dersch and suggested getting these nice people from the Saratoga together again. That thought was the catalyst.
Phone calls to former Saratogans living in the Long Beach area indicated unbound enthusiasm for a Saratoga reunion. The electrical gang had been gathering for several years at an annual picnic. The “E” Division gang contributed $6.37 to start a Saratoga fund - this was the first money available. We “cum-shawed” paper, mimeographing, and envelopes… and we prayed.
We obligated ourselves for $1000 minimum to the Lakewood Country Club in Long Beach. The day before the first reunion we had 100 donations at $5 each. It looked like a tarpaulin muster would be needed to help cover the deficit.
The day of the big event came up dark and raining and how it rained! But the weather didn't dampen the Sara spirit and the old gang came and kept on coming until we added tables, linen, silver, and food to take care of the unexpected guests. Sara’s first reunion was not only an assured financial success, but with four Admirals and five Captains on deck, it was a social success as well.
Some of our reunions have not been up to our standard, however by and large our annual affair has been on the excellent side. Our mailing list started to expand when Tom Whitlock came up with the idea of a directory. The directory has grown in the number of names listed in each printing - despite our high rate of attrition. All of us owe Tom Whitlock a vote of gratitude for his unselfish dedication to the job of producing a comprehensive reference book for our Saratoga shipmates.
We must face up to the fact that CV3's last reunion is just over the horizon. In the hearts of all of us we hope the CVA-60 and the CV-60 Saratogans will carry on for us and continue the tradition we of the CV3 established.
(Written by Mickey Dersch - deceased)
