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With all the pomp and circumstance worthy of a Coast Guard graduation, the Sea Scout Ship
584 “The Dragon” honored it’s Scouts, sponsors and leaders. Held at the SubVets - Groton
Meeting Hall, it began with the 2 crews assembling on the “dock” in neat formation. The
Supply Mate and Boatswain faced each other from either side of a ship’s deck laid out
inside the meeting hall. The two saluted the mast, then the aft flagpole in recognition. They
entered the ship, saluted each other and the Supply Mate, Alan Iott gave the Boatswain
Amanda Ballassi her orders to assemble the crew and have them “lay aboard”, which
she did. The Starboard side boys crew, the Buoys, came aboard in similar fashion,
saluting as they “boarded”, then the Port side girls crew, the Gulls, did also.
The SubVets Representative: Mike Munhall, Base Commander, then Dragon First
Mate, Kris Leverich and Dragon Skipper, Marshall Parsons. The Color Guard,
consisting of Matthew Moriarty, William Wheaton, Jr and Nicholas Wovoitis, was
called forward to hoist the colors. The National Anthem played right on cue for the
colors, then the Pledge of Allegiance was spoken by all present. A slideshow
presentation of 2008 - Sea Scout Ship 584 Year in Review was given and narrated
by Skipper Parsons. The New Recruits were then called forward to pledge their
allegiance and sign the ship’s log. New Recruits included: Matthew Moriarty, Peter
Forney, Shayna Levine, Jezzika Graham, Nicholas Wovoitis, William Wheaton. Then
came the Rank Advancements, To Apprentice: Matthew Moriarty, William Wheaton. To Ordinary: Stefano Buccy, Marco Buccy, Amanda Ballassi and Rosalina Iott. To Able: Stefano Buccy and Amanda Ballassi. Special recognition was given to Amanda Ballassi for her participation in the Sea Scout SEAL training and Stefano Buccy for his participation in Camp Able in Maryland. A short speech about their experiences at each event was given by Amanda and Stefano. The Boatswain, Amanda Ballassi was relieved of duty and the current Boatswain’s Mate, Rosa Iott assumed the duties of Boatswain. Skipper then recognized the Committee members, Boy Scout Council member, Ken Barber and SubVet guests. The ceremony was
concluded with as much flourish as it had begun, with the departing of the Dragon
Officers, SubVet Representative, lowering of colors, playing of “Evening Colors”
and departing of the Crews, then Supply Mate and Boatswain. A dessert reception
followed.
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