Welcome to the Home of the
USS Point Defiance Association
The USS Point Defiance Association welcomes all who served aboard the ship to become members or associate members and join us in celebrating the illustrious service of the USS Point Defiance.
Our association encourages you to learn more about the history and service of the crews who served aboard LSD-31 from 1955 until its decommissioning in 1983.
2026 Reunion
Rhode Island
September 23 - 26
Wednesday Tour: The Rhode Island State House with its marble dome; lunch on Federal Hill in “Little Italy;” and then travel through the 20th century’s crime wars between the two hills.
Pre-registration is required.
Thursday Tour: Visit Beavertail State Park before a tour of Newport’s iconic churches, homes and shopping; enjoy dinner at Kempenaar’s Clambake Club; and cruise back to Providence on the Seastreak Ferry.
Pre-registration is required.
Saturday Banquet and Membership Meeting: Buffet Dinner, Raffle, Auction and time to catch up with old and new friends. Bring your cash and appetite! Join the members and associates in making decisions for 2027 and 2028 reunion sites!
Pre-registration is required.
Friday Tour: Battleship Cove, home of the USS Massachusetts; the Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park; lunch at VFW Post 237 in Bristol; a drive through Colt State Park; and the Seabee Museum and Memorial Park in North Kingstown.
Pre-registration is required.
Hotel: Crown Plaza Providence/Warwick Airport
For questions not covered in the reunion information, please contact Mike Doto, president, mdoto1947@gmail.com.
2026 Reunion
Rhode Island
September 23 - 26
Wednesday Tour: The Rhode Island State House with its marble dome; lunch on Federal Hill in “Little Italy;” and then travel through the 20th century’s crime wars between the two hills.
Pre-registration is required.
Thursday Tour: Visit Beavertail State Park before a tour of Newport’s iconic churches, homes and shopping; enjoy dinner at Kempenaar’s Clambake Club; and cruise back to Providence on the Seastreak Ferry.
Pre-registration is required.
For hotel and other information and required sign-up details, contact the association president at mdoto1947@gmail.com. Hotel re-registration deadline closes August 26, 2025.
The Legacy of the USS Point Defiance
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A member of the Pacific fleet from 1955 until 1983, the USS Pt. Defiance sailed in both times of war and peace…
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President
Mike Doto
1966 - 1969, MM3
mdoto1947@gmail.com
Vice - President
Scott Taylor
1979 - 1981, HT3
rstaylor202@yahoo.com
Ship’s Stores
Val Furrick
1966 - 1969, EM2
valkathol@aol.com
Secretary
Debs Day
1968 - 1969, SFP3/c
debsday@bellsouth.net
Association Officers and Support Staff
Information Coordinator
Cyndi McCarthy-Januario
usspdassociation@gmail.com
Treasurer
Ken Januario
1965 - 1968, EM3
usspdassociation@gmail.com
Newsletter Editor
Sharon Day
sharonwday47@gmail.com
Chaplain
Glenn Schmidt
1970 - 1971, RM3
glenadel@paulbunyon.net
Website & Directory Manager
Barbara McGonagill
bkmcg2@gmail.com
Join the USSPD
Association
Membership is easy! Contact the treasurer at usspdassociation@gmail.com. Annual dues are $15 for either a shipmate membership or an associate membership. Dues are due January 1st, but are accepted throughout the year. Members and associates receive newsletters throughout the year and have first access to the reunion information.
Just want access to the reunion information? Contact the information coordinator to be added to the contact list. Information about the reunions held annually is distributed by the beginning of July.