Our 2026 Reunion

Darlene Iskra, NAFTS President

Hi everyone, I'm in the process of planning the 2026 reunion which will be held on Aug 30 to Sept 4.   I would like to present some options for excursions while in Rhode Island.  If you are planning to attend the reunion, and I have not already emailed you (because I have not taken the time to input all of your emails into my contact list) you can contact me at

NAFTSPresident@gmail.com 

Based on the limited feedback I have received, our Thursday Sept 3 banquet meal will be a plated menu, with a choice of beef or fish, or chicken or fish, or beef or chicken. If you would prefer vegetarian, that can be accommodated with butternut squash ravioli. Let me know via email at NAFTSPresident@gmail.com if you would like to give your input.

 

Here are some options for either excursions or going on your own.  The hotel, Crown Plaza in Warwick, RI may accommodate up to 3 days prior and 3 days post reunion, depending on availability.  So are the feedback I have received about planned group excursions are Battleship Cove and the Day trip to Newport, RI with a tour of the Breakers “cottage”. Again, if you have a preference, please email me.

 

  1. Battleship Cove, Fall River, MA (See battleship USS Massachusetts BB59, destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr DD850, submarine USS Lionfish SS298, PT Boats 617 and 796.). Also includes the Maritime Museum.
  2. Newport, RI (Explore Newport on a trolley tour for an overview of Newport’s key areas, from the grand mansions along Bellevue Avenue to Cliff Walk and Ocean Drive, where you get sweeping views across Narragansett Bay. Learn the area’s history on the trolley tour, which includes a tour of The Breakers, a Vanderbilt mansion that’s among the most spectacular of Newport’s historic homes.)
  3. Submarine Force Museum,Groton, CT (USS Nautilus submarine)
  4. National Coast Guard Museum,New London, CT  OR the Coast Guard Academy Museum. Plus Tour of the training ship Eagle, if in port

 

Rhode Island is a small state with a lot of history. While in the Navy, I was stationed in Newport many times, either TAD or for a year going to the Naval War College, and nine months going to PCO school.  I also attended OCS and PXO school there along with several other shorter schools.  I love Newport and the surrounding area, and Massachusetts and Connecticut are an easy day trip from our hotel in Warwick. If you wish to extend your stay, there are several places that might be of interest to you. 

 

  1. Warwick: Clouds Hill Museum has consistently received 5-star reviews for being an outstanding example of gilded age architecture and gardens. 4157 Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02818-4211
  2. Providence, the state capitol. The RISD art museum is free on Sundays, Come early and enjoy! This art museum offers a diverse and impressive collection of art, including ancient, modern, and student exhibitions. The Roger Williams Park Zoo ($25) offers a wide variety of unique animals, including snow leopards, moon bears, and red pandas. The exhibits are well-maintained exhibits, with a family-friendly atmosphere, and plentiful food options, including vegetarian choices. Museum of Natural History ($2) has exhibits about animals, space, and Pacific Islanders, as well as a planetarium show. It is a beautiful stone building with a whale bone jaw entrance. Many other options in Providence.
  3. Jamestown, across the Claiborne Pell Bridge from Newport. The Beavertail Lighthouse and park is the site of America's third lighthouse and the first in Rhode Island dating back to 1749.
  4. New Bedford, MA. The New Bedford Whaling Museum ($24) is a museum that focuses on the history, science, art, and culture of the international whaling industry, and the colonial region of Old Dartmouth in the South Coast of Massachusetts.

 

There are many other options in both Rhode Island and Connecticut, as well as Massachusetts.  All are within day trip distance.  If you are close enough to drive, great, otherwise I would suggest renting a car to do some exploring on your own.  Parking at the host hotel is Free!