The chairperson for our 2025 reunion, David Aiken, has just posted the first announcement of our next Scamp reunion. Dave has been busy making arrangements even while his hometown, and reunion location of Punta Gorda, Florida, has been pummeled with hurricanes this past year.
Reunion Specifics:
Date: June 1-7
Location: Punta Gorda, Florida
Registration: $70 per person, not including transportation.
Recommended Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside,
33 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 637-6770
$145.00 per night including breakfast
Tentative Planned Schedule of Events
Punta Gorda is still recovering from two major hurricanes (Helene and Milton), and while the town has been tested their spirit is still intact. Dave continues arranging for additional events and new transportation to and from events. Here is a quick brief of the events planned so far:
Sunday, June 1, 2025 – 3:00 pm
Hotel Check In – Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside, 33 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 (941) 637-6770 ($145.00 per night including breakfast). Our room block has been processed and the rooms are ready to book. Please call the hotel directly and ask for the SCAMP block or say code SC1882. Our cutoff date to reserve our rooms is May 10th, after that any remaining rooms in the block will be released back to the hotel inventory to resell.
Sunday, June 1, 2025
After securing your luggage in your room, check in with the Welcoming Committee in the Hospitality Room. This is the same room where the daily schedule of events and weeklong calendar will be available as well as the Cribbage, Acey/Ducey, and Backgammon tournaments will be held. Coffee, soft drinks, water, etc. will be available here 24/7. You will also be able to purchase your drink tickets here as well. Tickets will be used in the bar areas of the hotel for discounted beer and wine.
Monday, June 2, 2025
09:45 – Leave Hotel for Private tour to the Military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda. Simulators will be available. Entrance will be $10.00 per person. SCAMP Plaque Presentation. Following the presentation, there will be a short ride to Fisherman’s Village. There will be free time to walk through the village for 60-90 minutes. Lots of good views and booze available as well as shopping.
5:00 – 10:00 – SCAMP Night at the Celtic Ray. This is an authentic Irish Tavern that was brought from Ireland and reassembled in Punta Gorda and features traditional pub food. We’re still working with the kitchen manager about a buffet dinner menu. Make sure you wear your green shirts for discounted Guinness drafts.
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
9:30 – Leave Hotel for Punta Gorda Historic Mural Walking Tour. There are 31 individual murals that will be discussed during this leisurely walking tour through historic downtown Punta Gorda. Tour includes a stop at the Vietnam Memorial Wall with a presentation by General Rich Carr, Retired. Approximately 2 ½ hours.
5:00 – 7:00 – SCAMP Night at Deans South of the Border – Taco Bar and Margaritas. We will have the inside dining room. 7:00 pm live music starts outside.
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
9:00 – Leave Hotel for Airboat and Swamp Buggy Ride. Cost of $74.00 per person. There will be a one hour bus ride each way and a four hour tour of the Peace River.
6:00 – 10:00 – SCAMP Night at Ortigia Restaurant – A sampling buffet of house favorites will be available.
Thursday, June 5, 2025
8:30 – Leave Hotel for Cabbage Key Boat Tour where we will journey from Fisherman’s Village to Cabbage Key and return approximately 4:30 pm. Cost is $60.00 per person. Lunch is available in Cabbage Key.
6:00 – 10:00 – Commanding Officers and Business Dinner at Four Points Hotel with Silent Auction. Italian Dinner Buffet $30.00 per person.
Friday, June 6, 2025
Free Day – Overflow Mural Walking Tour. Golf or Deep-Sea Fishing can be arranged. Enjoy the sunset views of Charlotte Harbor from the Tiki Hut or take a leisurely stroll through downtown Punta Gorda. Plenty of local dining establishments and entertainment are available for your pleasure.
Saturday, June 7, 2025
11:00 am Checkout of Hotel and make your way back to your original destinations with fond memories of Florida.
Final Notes
Dave continues to work on new transportation arrangements. The company originally selected was destroyed in the hurricanes and has no intent on reopening. Prices for transportation will be provided as soon as a contract for a new company has been arranged. Dave or his committee will keep you informed as the situation changes.
Dave also reports that he lost most of his naval career memorabilia. All of his photos and many of the items he planned to donate for the auction are gone. Dave asks that we check our attics, basements, and garages for anything SCAMP that can be used as an auction item and let him know.
I served on the scamp from May 1966 until the summer of 1969. During that time have you became a first class petty officer qualified in submarines and was transferred to the USS Hawkvill SSN 666.