FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2002

Contact: John Martin
      (401) 521-3600

Carcieri and his wife Sue attended the reception prior to the Foundation's annual appreciation dinner on December 12. The Governor-elect, whose campaign included a pledge to support the Saratoga Project, renewed his promise, congratulating members and supporters for not giving up in the face of adversity.

"I know what it's like to come from behind," he said, referring to his own recent election victory. "But my campaign only took one year. Yours has taken five. Come January, I will do what I can to get this project back on track."

The significance of Governor-elect Carcieri's attendance at this Saratoga function was not lost on those in attendance. "The difference was like that between night and day," remarked newly elected North Kingstown Town Council president Liz Dolan "When the governor-elect walked into that room it was as if a year-long cloud was lifted from the Saratoga project. Watching him shake hands and share greetings with so many of the Saratoga volunteers convinced me that this governor wants to make Saratoga a reality. He can help in ways only a governor can. North Kingstown has fought for this project for years, and now it's great to see that there's someone with power on the State level who is as solidly behind Saratoga as we are."

John Torgan of Save the Bay responded to skeptics who dismissed the Governor-elect's pre-election statements of support as campaign rhetoric. "He's already elected. He didn't need to be here, and he didn't need to say the things he said. His very presence gave this wonderfully talented and diverse group of Saratoga supporters a bright ray of hope that this dream will finally be realized.

"Governor Carcieri said this project was a good opportunity for Quonset, strong on its merits. It doesn't get much better than that. I'm now convinced the Saratoga effort will finally get the fair shake from the state that it has not received to this point. I can certainly say the environmental community is more optimistic now than it has been in a long time about this project, about Quonset and about the future of Narragansett Bay," Torgan concluded.

The Governor-elect was not the only prominent official to send a message about Saratoga this month. Guests invited to Congressman Jim Langevin's Christmas party at the Aldrich Mansion the following week were encouraged to make a contribution to the Saratoga project. "Every year we support different organizations," the invitation said. "This year we would appreciate contributions to USS Saratoga Museum Foundation..."

"What a difference a year makes," mused Foundation President Frank Lennon. "A year ago the Almond administration thought they had killed us off. Remember the newspaper headlines? 'EDC, Almond torpedo plans for Saratoga museum'. I'll never forget the editorial cartoon showing a torpedo being launched at Saratoga by a ship named 'Container Port.'

"We may have been torpedoed, but they didn't sink us. The World War II carrier Saratoga survived being torpedoed by her enemies, but she lived to fight another day. Like her, we're now back in action, stronger than ever."

The project was imperiled when Governor Almond began to see the Saratoga project as the symbol of the widespread opposition to his dream of a container port. In December 2001, he prevailed upon the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors not to renew the group's conditional access agreement at Quonset. With no home for the carrier and absent support from the sitting governor, the project was dead in the water.

But not adrift.

Responding to encouragement from several EDC board members, the Foundation demonstrated its resolve and resourcefulness by acquiring the former Soviet cruise missile submarine Juliett 484. The Russian Sub Museum, which opened Aug. 5 at Collier Point Park in Providence, has been a tremendous success, drawing thousands of visitors from across the country. Just as importantly the Saratoga Foundation added a multi-million dollar asset to its balance sheet, created substantial cash flow and proved beyond doubt its ability to operate a first-class naval attraction vessel.

Throughout the year, project supporters encouraged the Foundation leadership not to give up. The General Assembly passed a new Resolution expressing concern with the EDC action, and several other communities rallied to the cause. In 2002 Coventry, New Shoreham, Smithfield, Narragansett and Barrington added their endorsements to the ever-growing list of Rhode Island cities and towns that share the Foundation's vision.

As the gubernatorial race heated up, all five major party candidates stepped up and committed support for the Saratoga project.

"The success of the Russian Sub Museum and finally having a governor who supports our project is a dramatic turn of events,'' said Lennon. "Governor-elect Carcieri's appearance at the Varnum Armory was a clear signal that he is dedicated to developing this major tourism attraction and community asset. His visit further energized our staff, volunteers and supporters. And, I believe, it will encourage greater financial support from the community as the message gets out that our next governor will be a partner in our efforts rather than an roadblock to our progress."

Lennon also noted improved relations with Quonset management. "I think it is fair to say that both the EDC and Quonset management is aware that after the new governor takes office, we'll all be taking a new look at how the Saratoga can be accommodated at Quonset. We already are pleased with a change in attitude as we work cooperatively toward a solution to the immediate problem of inside storage for a number of important artifacts that would otherwise be exposed to winter weather. Since the election, our meetings have been more productive and are moving in the right direction."

This renewed momentum has not escaped the notice of the 3,500-member Saratoga Association, representing veterans who served about the Saratoga (CV-60) and her World War II predecessor CV-3. At the Association's annual meeting in Branson, Mo., the membership renewed its pledge to raise $2 million in support of the project. Individual members set a new reunion record for cash donations and new Saratoga Museum Foundation memberships.

"It has been a good year, but the best is yet to come in 2003,'' Lennon added. "Everyone connected to this project is working with renewed energy. We will succeed. We will prove that the members of our Congressional delegation, legislative leaders, city and town councils, veterans groups, educators and many others who have supported us are right: The opportunity to put this great ship back to work for her country cannot be squandered. Together we will make this happen.''

Last Updated:
12/22/02