Kings Point Class of 1983

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy alumni

  • Class Notes
  • Reunion
    • Homecoming 2023
    • Homecoming 2018
      • 35th Reunion Photos
    • Homecoming 2013
      • 30th Reunion Photos
      • 30th: Apparel/Items
      • 30th: Long Island Marriott
      • 30th: Class Gift
    • Homecoming 2008
    • Homecoming 2003
    • Class Sponsors
  • In Memoriam
  • Contact

Kings Pointer – Summer 2026

Scott O’Connor gets us underway:
A few weeks ago Chris Hart reached out. He and Colleen were traveling to Jekyll Island to firm up plans for their daughter’s destination wedding. (Great destination!). We met for dinner in Jacksonville where they were flying in and out. It was great catching up one-on-one since, like many, the conversations at homecomings is usually all too short.   There has been a lot of water under the bridge on both our accounts.  As is typical on my account, I never remember a photo op so no photos are attached.

Not long after was a brief but very enjoyable meet up with Cindy and John Prien. We were all at Kings Point attending the Flying Bridge Club meetings and the dedication of the new Mariner Memorial on the Academy grounds,by the Museum.   John had an amazing 36-year career with the Clorox Corporation and 28-year one with the Navy Reserve. The latter included a 10-month tour of duty in Iraq. That certainly nailed him an 0-6 retirement. All the while he and Cindy raised 4.

Randy Johnson, Brian Foy, Willie Barrere
Randy Johnson, Brian Foy, Willie Barrere
We’re all falling one by one into our retirement.  It sure is a great way to live!

Traveling is great. Glenda and I were in the Egyptian Valley of the Queens (think Nefertiti, not otherwise) when the bombs starting falling on Tehran. That scrubbed the tour to Jordan. Viking did a great job of extricating their customers from there and refunded 110% for those who were slated to travel later.   Next up for us: Aranui 5 to and around the Marquesas, in search of Gauguin.

Brian Foy notes that “The Class of ‘83 was well-represented at the annual Maritime Industry “Sail-In” on Capitol Hill, held on April 22.”

Rick Boudiette makes up for Scott’s lack of photos:
Keeping busy following my move to Northern California and our last news roundup.  I visited a former colleague for his 95th birthday and a few friends in Thailand, including John Wright.  John’s doing well in retirement and playing lots of golf.

Rick Boudiette & John Wright
Rick Boudiette & John Wright
Rick Boudiette & Chris Cioni
Rick Boudiette & Chris Cioni

Baseball season started and Chris Cioni and I took in an A’s game on their home opener weekend (a giveaway day – retirement is a lot like work, all about the giveaways 😊).

Jim Quern & Rick Boudiette
Jim Quern & Rick Boudiette
Towards the end of April, I went back to NOLA for a visit with the Liantonios and the Querns for JazzFest.  A pic of Quern and me at the entrance; one of Kim and Frank Liantonio and me awaiting the (fabulous) David Byrne show, and one of Frank and me.  If you’re curious what that is hanging around my neck, it is my $12Billion Angola LNG commemorative hand clapper (see my previous giveaway comment). How ya’ gonna clap?

I’ve been fostering a dog since the beginning of the year.  A 7-yr old Australian shepherd mix named Leo.  Here’s a pic of Leo and me walking the American River Parkway on Easter. Life is good.

Frank Liantonio & Rick Boudiette
Frank Liantonio & Rick Boudiette
Rick Boudiette with Leo
Rick Boudiette with Leo

Rex Gundle shares:
Having survived my first (average) winter up in MN (which feels like it only ended last month), Kim and I are fully embracing the current good weather, which has allowed visits with folks I haven’t seen in awhile. Many of you have seen Willie Barrere around the country, and his recent visit was great, as was a person that Mike Booth and I had not seen in a bit over 40 years, Terry Patterson. I have been really blessed to reconnect with old friends / classmates since retirement. I hope to see several more in November for the Secretary’s Cup, and more during our planned road trips in the next upcoming months. Keep smiling!

Keep the rubber side down, and smile until you reach the horizon!

Willie Barrere & Rex Gundle
Willie Barrere & Rex Gundle
Rex Gundle, Terry Patterson, Mike Booth
Rex Gundle, Terry Patterson, Mike Booth

Bruce Garrott can’t stop scanning vintage photos. Here’s one of Dave Carlson’s birthday, first class year.  7th co tradition was to escort you to the shower on your birthday, regardless of what you were wearing.

Dave Carlson, 1st Class year
Dave Carlson, 1st Class year

Bumper Kunkle is always on the move:
I got to meet up with Bill and Sydney Sliker in Nashville at the end of March.  They were on their way to a wedding in Memphis.  Bill hasn’t changed except for some great hair.   Sydney is as pretty as ever. John Ayres, KP ’88 came down to Tennessee for a visit and to go on a baseball stadium tour in June.  We went with my son, Jimmy, and got to make a stop at the Football Hall of Fame.  We even managed a few rounds of golf.

Bumper & Maria Kunkle, Bill & Sydney Sliker
Bumper & Maria Kunkle, Bill & Sydney Sliker
Jimmy Kunkle, John Ayres ’88, Bumper Kunkle
Jimmy Kunkle, John Ayres ’88, Bumper Kunkle

Joe Bishop reports:
Here are a few pics from a recent gathering in Las Vegas for the final weekend of May 2026.

In attendance were Pete Brennan, Tom Heberle, George Toma, Al Reeves, Craig Ellixson, Scott McCauley, Stu Mill, and yours truly. Third Company was well represented this trip!

Las Vegas gathering
Las Vegas gathering
Stu Mill, Joe Bishop, Tom Heberle, George Toma, Tom Heberle, Craig Ellixson, Al Reeves, Pete Brennan, Scott McCauley
Stu Mill, Joe Bishop, Tom Heberle, George Toma, Tom Heberle, Craig Ellixson, Al Reeves, Pete Brennan, Scott McCauley

This is the first one of these that I have attended, and I assure you it won’t be the last. We took a pontoon boat out on the Colorado River, toured Red Rock Canyon National Park and hit up several local restaurants for some of best meals I’ve had in quite some time.

It was almost as though we’d just seen each other weeks ago instead of (in some cases) 43 years. We’re already in the planning stages for next year’s event.!

I hope all is well with you, and I’m making every effort to attend Homecoming for our 45th Class Reunion.

Las Vegas gathering
Las Vegas gathering
Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam

Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon

Ray Christensen’s TV interview
Ray Christensen’s TV interview
Meanwhile, Ray Christensen hasn’t been on a plane in over 10 years. But I was recently on a local Delaware TV show being interviewed about website design. Watch the show at www.AttractWeb.com/tv/ and share it with anyone in need of website help. Peace!

Filed Under: Class Notes Tagged With: class of 1983, kings point, usmma

Andy Dywan

Obituary
Captain Andy Dywan, 65, of Ninety Six, husband of Dianne Shubert Dywan, passed away Friday, May 15, 2026. Born in Oroville, CA, he was a son of Andrew Frank Dywan and the late Carol Sutton Dywan. Andy was a dedicated and accomplished mariner whose life was marked by a deep passion for the sea, the outdoors, and a distinguished career in offshore drilling operations.

From an early stage, he demonstrated a strong connection to maritime life. Upon graduating from Kings Point, he embarked on his professional journey as a deckhand for Starline Corporation aboard the M/V Star of Chicago, a cruise vessel operating out of Navy Pier. This role involved seasonal duties that included relocating the vessel to St. Petersburg Beach, Florida, during winter months—a testament to his commitment and adaptability.

Andy Dywan
Andy Dywan, KP ’83
2/9/61 – 5/15/26

In February 1984, Andy began a significant chapter of his career with Global Marine Drilling Co., where he remained for two decades. During this time, he gained invaluable experience serving aboard drill ships and semi-submersibles in a variety of roles—Roustabout, Ballast Control Operator, Bosun, Stability Technician, 3rd Mate, 2nd Mate, Bargemaster, Chief Mate, and Offshore Installation Manager (OIM). His extensive expertise took him to challenging environments, including the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and offshore locations in Brazil and Indonesia. His tenure at Global Marine coincided with major corporate transitions: the merger with Santa Fe in 2001 forming Global Santa Fe Drilling Company, and later the 2007 consolidation with Transocean Offshore Drilling Company.

Andy’s leadership and seafaring skills culminated in his promotion to Master/OIM in April 2004 aboard the DP drill ship GSF CR Luigs. Subsequently, he transferred to the Development Driller 1 as OIM in December 2005. He continued to advance and excel as Master and Offshore Installation Manager on various dynamic positioning (DP) drillships and semi-submersible rigs until his retirement in May 2016 from the position of Master aboard the M/V Discoverer Inspiration.

Andy DywanBeyond his professional endeavors, Andy was known for his love of the outdoors. He cherished working outside, boating, hiking, reading, and spending time in the mountains. His affinity for being on ships overshadowed many; the sea was not just his workplace but also his enduring passion. Andy’s service extended beyond the maritime domain. He served with commitment as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Naval Reserve, following graduation from Kings Point, exemplifying his dedication to his country and his steady sense of responsibility.

He was preceded in death by an nephew, Nathan Nabors. Surviving in addition to his wife and his father; are his fur babies, Stanley, Malone, Stella, Rosie and GiGi; a sister, Julie Marie Weese (Jeff); a brother, Duke Andrew Dywan; a niece, Jada Neeley (Daniel); nephews, Lt. Col. Joseph Dywan (Amanda), Jacob Nabors (Gina) and Aaron Nabors; a brother-in-law, Jim and Alison Shubert and their children, Grayson Shubert, Jackson Shubert (Lora) and Campbell Baker (Andrew); along with several extended family and friends. A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Harley Funeral Home Chapel.


While I have many great memories of my time at KP, one of the highlights was playing hockey with Andy. A truly great teammate as well as a great person. May his soul rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing for his family and friends.
— Rick Boudiette

Filed Under: In Memoriam

Kings Pointer – Spring 2026

Kings Pointer Digital Version (Winter 2025-26 + Spring 2026)

Zach, Grayson, Cindy, Madison, Ben & John Prien
Zach, Grayson, Cindy, Madison, Ben & John Prien
John Prien leads off:
Cindy and I are enjoying retirement in the foothills of North Georgia. Here’s a recent photo of our family (left to right Zach, Grayson, Cindy, Madison, Ben, and yours truly).  Our kids have grown up as you can see; however, we still have one in high school (Grayson).  Soon we will be empty nesters.  We just returned from an awesome trip with Leslie & Bill Higgins and Susan & Kevin Brofford to the Dominican Republic.
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John & Cindy Prien, Kevin & Susan Brofford, Leslie & Bill Higgins
John & Cindy Prien, Kevin & Susan Brofford, Leslie & Bill Higgins

Higgins, Brofford and Prien in Dominican Republic
Higgins, Brofford and Prien in Dominican Republic

Mark & Linda Hoyle at Endless Caverns
Mark & Linda Hoyle at Endless Caverns
Mark Hoyle updates us:
After I retired from the Navy in 2012, I then worked as a Program Manager for a subcontractor in the Newport News Shipyard in charge of the overhaul of CVN distilling units. All of  my time in engineering in the Navy helped out. (I was a “deckie” by the way.)

But during COVID, my wife Linda and I decided to retire for good and move back to western PA to be closer to her mother, who was in need of some help. We found a house south of Pittsburgh which was built in the 70’s and still had pink, blue and green toilets. I am pretty handy and renovated the place from top to bottom. I also put in a vegetable garden, which I love to grow my own veggies. I put some of them at the end of the driveway for my neighbors.

We now go to the gym most weekdays and follow that up by driving for Meals on Wheels a couple times a week.

For fun, we have a motorhome on a site in the mountains near a river. It is alongside a bike rail trail which we use daily. Then at least once a year, we take a big trip in the RV. This past fall we did the New England trip all the way to Bar Harbor, stopping at several places there and back.

This summer will mark our 41st anniversary. We have two kids who are doing well. That’s all for our exciting lives.

Phil & Becky Mueller, David & Young Heinbockel, Ted & Marie Hercamp
Phil & Becky Mueller, David & Young Heinbockel, Ted & Marie Hercamp
Phil Mueller contributes:
Greetings from Florida where we met up with Marie & Ted Hercamp and David & Young Heinbockel in January for a meal in Sarasota Florida.  We heard about Young and Davids trip to Antarctica and told them how great the fishing is in Florida.  Heinbockels went back north in time for one of Philadelphia’s many snowstorms!
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Rick Boudiette sends an action-packed update:
Retirement is good. I recently moved back to Northern California, settling in a small town east of Sacramento on the American River.

Dan Baerman drove up from Southern California to spend a few days at my new place last month.  We had the opportunity of catching up with Chris Cioni, who lives in Sacramento.

And Steve Nicholson was in the Bay Area with his wife, Priscilla, visiting their boys.  One works north of SF, the other south of SF.  We got together for dinner during their stay.

Will be heading to Thailand for a 95th birthday party of a former colleague.  While there, I’ll connect with John Wright.

Will be back in New Orleans for JazzFest with Frank/Kim Liantonio and Jim/Anne Quern.  Skip/Sam MacAloon will already be in Rhode Island for the summer.

Chris Cioni, Dan Baerman & Rick Boudiette
Chris Cioni, Dan Baerman & Rick Boudiette

Rick Boudiette & Steve Nicholson
Rick Boudiette & Steve Nicholson

Mark Suter reports:
Wanted to share that a few of us gathered at Jane & Mike Logan’s house last weekend for a general catch up, retell old stories and some new ones, and enjoy some warmer weather.  The group included Craig Ellixson, Erin and Bob Bennett, Kevin Fauvel, and Rich Colonna.

Mike and Jane are gracious hosts and we enjoyed their home and boat including a chocolate football.  Craig made some incredible meals and Mike cooked up some awesome Chili.

Kevin Fauvell, Craig Ellixson, Mike Logan, Mark Suter, Bob Bennett
Kevin Fauvell, Craig Ellixson, Mike Logan, Mark Suter, Bob Bennett

Rich Colonna, Craig Ellixson, Mike Logan, Kevin Fauvell, Bob Bennett
Rich Colonna, Craig Ellixson, Mike Logan, Kevin Fauvell, Bob Bennett


Steve Dear ’85, Chuck Klehr ’85, and Matt McGovern ’86
Steve Dear ’85, Chuck Klehr ’85, and Matt McGovern ’86
Bumper Kunkle updates us:
My 2026 has gotten off to a busy start.   I’ve traveled to NJ/PA a couple of times for some family events.   I had dinner with John Ayres ’88 during one of my trips.   He’s doing well and planning on visiting us in TN in April.

I am finishing my trip to Las Vegas,  as I type this, where I played in the alumni golf tournament.   Steve Dear ’85, Chuck Klehr ’85, and Matt McGovern ’86,  rounded out my foursome.  Brian Foy and Joe Walsh were also there.   I didn’t see any other classmates, sorry if I missed anyone that was there. We had a great time and I’m looking forward to the next one. I hope more of our classmates will come out and play, just have fun and reminisce about the days at KP.  The quality of your golf game really doesn’t matter as I am the epitome of a hacker.

We also got to catch a show at the Sphere and did a little hiking near Red Rocks.

We had dinner with Tom Heberle tonight. It was great seeing him.

Bumper Kunkle, Tom Heberle, Steve Dear
Bumper Kunkle, Tom Heberle, Steve Dear

Bumper Kunkle, Steve Dear '85 & wives with Chuck Klehr '85 and Matt McGovern '86
Bumper Kunkle, Steve Dear ’85 & wives with Chuck Klehr ’85 and Matt McGovern ’86


Bumper

Bumper


Bruce Garrott shared some classic photos from our classmates at flight school in 1984, including:
Class of ’83 USN/USMC Flight Students watching the Blue Angels perform at the NAS Pensacola airshow, Veteran’s Day weekend in November 1984. Other photo was taken in Philly, on my drive south to NAS Pensacola, to begin my Naval career.  Bill Higgins is the other soul in the photo.

1984: Class of ’83 USN/USMC Flight Students
1984: Class of ’83 USN/USMC Flight Students

1984: Bruce Garrott & Bill Higgins in Philly
1984: Bruce Garrott & Bill Higgins in Philly

The recent storm in the NE made me remember the blizzard that hit KP, on a Friday in February of our 1st class year.  I made quite a bit of $$ the weekend of the storm, shoveling driveways.  It was a heavy, wet snow, too.

Bruce Garrott after blizzard of 1983
Bruce Garrott after blizzard of 1983

Blizzard of 1983
Blizzard of 1983

1984 Student Naval Aviators: L-R Back row: Spanier; Graham; Cruson; Ragusa, Franklin.  Front L-R: Garrott and Brofford
1984 Student Naval Aviators: L-R Back row: Spanier; Graham; Cruson; Ragusa, Franklin. Front L-R: Garrott and Brofford

I appreciate that Susan Pawlukiewicz emailed just to compliment me on our KP83.org website:

I looked at the website you so beautifully put together. I’m impressed and enjoyed looking at it.  It’s cool to see where classmates have connection been travelling and to see the faces in the “older” person as you remember them as a younger person… their features are there!

Filed Under: Class Notes

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