It is with pleasure that I express my sincere thanks to all those responsible for the organization and hospitality of this fine early summer event, and all the best to those who have retired.  

          As a retired ERA and Stoker it is always a pleasure to attended any event that is sponsored by the Navy, the fact it is the Engineering Branch makes it an important and exciting event.  I have made these events part of my life and each one is special as there are always old friends/messmates in attendance coupled of course with new ones.  Each year some of my thoughts drift to those of has passed over the bar to be placed on yet another steaming list.  The laughter, joy and new spins on old stories rings life in  my ode rev counter.  

          To all younger stokers please do yourself a favor and attend the next scheduled “Stokers Bash” in early December and bring some messmates and sit around drink beer, snack and tell wild stories.  These times are very.  precious and few as the friends we make in the Navy will last a life time.  I have known many stokers in my day, some go back over 40 years and when we sit down and shoot the breeze it seems like yesterday. 

          Again thank you and I apologize for not meeting and chatting with more new stokers. 

Se ya in December byes 

David Bakody