USS San Francisco SSN 711 Gathering of the Saints (Reunion 2024)
NOTE: The Gathering is open to anyone who ever sailed on the USS San Francisco SSN 711 or was stationed on MTS 711.
The list of attendees for the Charleston gathering is growing day by day. Make sure you get your reservations in soon, so I know if we have to negotiate for additional rooms.
The event is going to be filled with opportunities to share time together and the location has a lot of things to do nearby during off times.
April 10-14 are the scheduled days for group activities. The Hotel is already getting requests for rooms and some folks will be arriving early and some staying later.
Here is the information so far:
When: April 10-14
Where: North Charleston Marriott, 4770 Goer Drive, N. Charleston, SC 29406
Cost: $178 USD per night (This includes a bonus of triple Marriott points) *
Last Day to Book: Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Link to register: https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1704998983452&key=GRP
Tentative events so far:
April 10th – Hospitality room at hotel
April 11 – Joint meeting with Charleston USSVI for their Holland Club ceremony and social hour. You do not need to be a member of USSVI to attend but if you are, bring your vest and show your colors
April 12 – Day trips to Fort Sumter or downtown Charleston. Potential visit to the After Battery Submarine Bar (a local hangout that is by and for submariners) https://theafterbattery.org/
Late Afternoon Activity 5;30 – ??? – Social Hour and Low Country Boil at the “After Battery” Submarine club. 120 Sawdust Lane, Dorchester, South Carolina 29437
April 13 – Morning at Patriots Point to hold a Tolling of the Boats and Memorial Service. Details still being hashed out. This would be in conjunction with Charleston USSVI as host.
April 13 Evening – Submarine Birthday Ball located at TBD. (As of February 5, 2024) Will be sponsored by Naval Nuclear Power Training Command and we have been invited to participate with staff, students and the Charleston USSVI. Lots of special things will be included with this event and the great part is that it should be held right where we are staying.
There may be a couple of surprises coming in the next few weeks… Stay tuned.
April 14 – All ashore that’s going ashore.
Other things to do in the area:
If you like Fire trucks, (and who doesn’t Thomas A MacPherson) there is a great museum near the hotel:
The North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Education Center, established in 2007, is conveniently located minutes from Charleston International Airport and adjacent to Tanger Outlet Mall. The Fire Museum blends history and hands-on education into one remarkable experience for the entire family, all in one unforgettable destination.
The museum’s appeal is immediately evident upon entering the facility’s parking lot and seeing the four 15 foot, ¾ ton, functional mahogany bay doors. As guests enter the massive museum lobby, constructed to resemble a classic fire house with 20 foot ceilings, a sense of reverence for tradition, heritage and history abounds. The splendor continues throughout and can be seen in even the smallest detail of each exhibit, from hand laid 24K gold leaf scroll on fire apparatus, to the home fire prevention theater complete with live smoke.
The museum’s collection of over 20 fully restored fire vehicles and priceless antique firefighting artifacts allow guests the opportunity to learn the importance of fire prevention and safety and witness the advancements in the fire service over centuries. Guests of all ages will love the museum’s interactive exhibits, hands-on equipment, play area with functioning fire pole, and the museum’s new fully immersive theater experience.
From centuries-old fire trucks to a truly unique event rental facility, the Fire Museum offers activities for everyone to enjoy. To begin planning your visit, group tour, meeting, event or to learn more, please visit, http://www.northcharlestonfiremuseum.org
Mister Mac
theleansubmariner 
Two things: firstly, I will alert the authorities regarding the bacchanalia soon to begin in their fair city; second, if you desire a rest stop on your way (we live in Leland, NC), message me. Travel safely and watch your speed as the troopers are out in force.
Thanks for the offer my friend. We have family up and down the coast and are still working out the return part of the trip.
Stay well
Mac