On the eve of the association's annual meeting and reunion - taking place this year in Branson, Missouri - the Saratoga veterans received letters from Democrat Myrth York and Republican Don Carcieri pledging to their support for the effort to convert the retired Navy supercarrier into a floating museum, family attraction and education center on Narragansett Bay. Both candidates promised Saratoga members that, when elected governor, they will use the power of their new office to bring the project to fruition.

"So you see, we can't lose," declared a jubilant USS Saratoga Museum Foundation President Frank Lennon, addressing the association's October 12 annual business meeting. "The current governor's resistance to making Quonset Point the Saratoga's permanent home goes away after Inauguration Day. Come January, our new governor will give us a green light and expect us to perform, full speed ahead."

Lennon urged the membership to step up their financial support for the project now that, as he put, "We have our best chance ever of achieving our goal."

The Saratoga veterans responded enthusiastically. In addition to renewing a pledge to raise $2 million for the project, members set a new record for reunion cash contributions, individual annual pledges and first-time USS Saratoga Museum Foundation memberships.

"Because Saratoga members are far-flung, few of us understand the ins and outs of Rhode Island politics," said Veterans Association President Bradley A. Senter. "Regretfully, we are familiar with the fact that the current governor of Rhode Island has done us no favors. It has been a disappointment and, in our minds, an inexplicable failure in leadership. We are thrilled both candidates on the November ballot have made it clear that they will help us move forward. On behalf of our 3,500 members, I applaud candidates York and Carcieri for recognizing Saratoga's value as a fascinating piece of American naval history as well as a significant Rhode Island tourism asset."

In her statement to the Saratoga veterans, York said, " Rhode Island has lost a number of good economic development projects over the past few years due to the container port controversy. One such project is the proposed USS Saratoga Museum, which has struggled for four years to overcome the tacit opposition of the current administration and by extension the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, who viewed the Foundation's initiative as an impediment to their container port plans for Quonset. "When I am elected governor, I will provide the following guidance to the sta ff of the Economic Development Corporation: The proposed USS Saratoga Museum is a potential economic stimulus opportunity and educational asset for Rhode Island. As a museum, memorial and family attraction it offers significant cultural and quality of life side benefits to the state, the region and the nation. I will work to create a suitable home for this project at Quonset and work with the leadership of the USS Saratoga Museum Foundation to bring this project to fruition."

Carcieri also pledged his support, telling the Saratoga membership, " Had the Saratoga project received the same treatment as other prospective Quonset tenants, to say nothing of the various port options still being pursued by the current administration, the USS Saratoga Museum might well be open by now. Hundreds of people would have new jobs, tourism would be up and new tax dollars would be flowing in to help balance the state's ailing budget.

"When I become governor, I will direct the staff of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation to find a way to make this project happen at Quonset. I am also prepared to support the Foundation's applications for appropriate federal financing, some of which may be forthcoming as soon as the new administration sends a clear message to Washington that your project is one that Rhode Island wants and needs. I will also be pleased to encourage corporations, foundations and individuals to join in a cooperative effort to raise the funding necessary to make the Saratoga Museum a reality."

"Needless to say we are delighted that Myrth York and Don Carcieri share our vision, and we look forward to January with great anticipation," added Lennon.

"From the beginning, we have sought to work with the state as partners on this project. Saratoga has always made sense for Quonset. Educators, community leaders, veterans groups, and scores of municipal and state elected officials have echoed that sentiment. It comes as a tremendous relief that the sentiment will finally extend to the governor's office.

"Under the new governor's direction, we anticipate an improved relationship with the new leadership of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation and the new management of the Quonset Davisville Port and Industrial Park."

Last Updated:
10/21/02