CREW CONNECTIONS

REUNION SEPTEMBER 26-30, 2026 SAN DIEGO - ALL RATES, ALL YEARS

Get ready to reconnect with old shipmates for an unforgettable reunion in San Diego! Our weekend kicks off Saturday, September 26, at 1800 with a Welcome Reception at the Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina. We will gather in the Harbor Room to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a stunning view of San Diego Bay from the patio. The following days are packed with highlights, including a hearty breakfast at the Old Town Mexican Café, a scenic two-hour Harbor Cruise past San Diego’s iconic maritime landmarks, and a luxurious motor coach excursion to the mountain town of Julian for some BBQ and their famous apple pie.

Our Main Event on Monday evening will feature a sit-down dinner in the Santa Barbara Room at the Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina. We will have giveaways (18 so far), a 50/50 drawing, and plenty of sea stories to share. We wrap up our time together on Tuesday with an exhilarating ride on PCF 816 Swift Boat. For anyone staying through Wednesday, a casual farewell gathering is planned. It's going to be a busy, nostalgic, and meaningful week—we can’t wait to see everyone there!

*** PAYMENTS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR ALL PREPAID EVENTS (5) ***

DID NOT PAY A DEPOSIT and are paying with CC or PayPal, visit the SHIP'S STORE for payment.

DEPOSIT WAS PAID and using CC or PayPal, call me for a discount code to use at checkout.

Note: Please ensure your shopping cart quantity equals the number of people you are paying for.

USING VENMO, you must call (619) 750-6390 for instructions.

EMail or call me if you have any questions or experience problems.

REUNION SCHEDULE

I want to express my gratitude to our dedicated reunion regulars; you know who you are, and those who attended for the first time in 2024. Let's make 2026 a record attendance year!

2026 -Flyer ~ Attendees ~ Pictures ~ Reunions Magazine Article
2024 -Flyer ~ Attendees ~ Pictures ~ Reunions Magazine Article ~ Reunions Magazine - Correction
2022 -Flyer ~ Attendees ~ Pictures ~ Reunions Magazine Article
2020 -Flyer ***POSTPONED
2013 -Attendees ~ Pictures

Please note, there may be other reunions I am not aware of. Are you planning a ship reunion? Want that information listed here? Please EMail me the details.

SOCIAL LINKS

Ways to Contact the Crew

Connecting with former shipmates from our ship is now easier than ever! Below you'll find a list of online communities and databases designed to help you reunite with old friends, share memories, and find contact information for hundreds of personnel who served onboard.

Note: These websites may require a login.
togetherweserved.com - 615 listed register for free
navybuddies.com - 700+ listed (started in 1999 by two German students)
hullnumber.com - 550+ listed NO LONGER ONLINE
Facebook Group USS Anchorage LSD-36 - 850+ members
Facebook Group USS ANCHORAGE LSD 36 SHIPMATES AND MEMORIES - 280+ members
Facebook Group USS Anchorage LSD 36 - 60+ members (for those who served onboard in the 1970's)
Facebook Group USS ANCHORAGE LSD-36 - 80+ members (for those who served onboard 1998-2002)
Facebook Group USS Anchorage (LSD 36) Gulf War - 50+ members

Reunions: More Than Social Events

It is easy to dismiss military reunions as simple get-togethers, but the truth is that they serve as critical lifelines for veterans. As championed by the Military Reunion Network (MRN), our gatherings are vital for our mental health, transforming into crucial therapeutic spaces that provide support that few other civilian settings can match.

We strongly encourage you to read the full context behind this important mission. Click here.

A Note Regarding the Road Ahead

For years, organizing our reunions has been a labor of love. I have poured my energy into keeping our shared history alive, because the bonds forged aboard USS Anchorage are too important to let fade.

To the small, faithful group of shipmates who have stepped up, contributed to fundraising, and attended year after year: thank you. You are the reason these reunions have happened at all.

Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the broader level of participation and financial support simply hasn't been enough to sustain this moving forward. I had hoped that moving a future gathering to the East Coast might spark a surge in attendance, but seeing the ongoing hurdles right here in San Diego makes it clear that planning an event on the opposite coast would bring an unsustainable level of stress.

Because of this, the upcoming reunion will most likely be my last time serving as coordinator. If you have ever considered attending or helping out, I sincerely hope you will join us for this one final gathering so we can share stories and honor our service together one last time.

CREW DATABASE

For 34 years, USS Anchorage (LSD 36) was home to a massive crew rotation. Based on collected data, we estimate that close to 4,000 sailors—a rough count, perhaps plus or minus a thousand—walked its decks, with thousands more Marines rotating on and off throughout its deployments. Using current data, tours of duty for the ship's crew typically ranged from just over a year to five years; with the average being 2.8 years.

I maintain a database of the crew and currently have 430+ names. Please make sure I have your name, rate, dates onboard (Mo/Yr-Mo/Yr), t-shirt size, city and state of residence, and a contact (email or phone). I DO NOT GIVE THIS INFORMATION OUT. If someone wanted to reach you, I would contact you directly and relay the request.

SUBMIT YOUR INFORMATION HERE!