"General Dynamics announced the appointment of Michael W. Toner, 59, as executive vice president of the Marine Systems group, reporting to the chairman and CEO. He succeeds John K. Welch, who has announced his retirement; Welch had led the Marine Systems group since January 2000. Toner will also continue in his present position as president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. "John Welch served General Dynamics with energy and skill, and we wish him well in his retirement," said Nicholas D. Chabraja, General Dynamics chairman and CEO. "Mike Toner has the operational experience to ensure that Marine Systems delivers value to our shareholders, and ships of the superb capability and quality that our customers expect," Chabraja said. "Our Marine Systems group has a backlog of almost $12 billion, which gives it great stability and strength. Mike has a broad background in all phases of naval shipbuilding, and I have great confidence in his ability to make sure that Marine Systems achieves its great potential."

"Toner became a vice president of General Dynamics and president of Electric Boat in January 2000; he had been senior vice president of Electric Boat since June 1998. He joined Electric Boat in 1965 as a test engineer. Over the next 25 years, he held several management positions, including manager of Reactor Services. In 1990, he was appointed Electric Boat's director of operations and directed all production, planning and support activities from the start of construction to the ship's delivery. He was promoted to vice president of operations two years later. In 1994, he was appointed vice president of delivery and was responsible for all production, delivery and support activities. In 1995, he became vice president of innovation, with responsibility for all engineering and design activity. Toner earned a bachelor's degree in nuclear science from the New York Maritime College, a master's degree in engineering from the University of Connecticut, and a master's degree in business administration from the University of New Haven." [The company's announcement can be found at http://gendyn.com/ . Click on "News" and "Press Releases."]

CADET PROPELLER CLUB FISHES FOR FUNDS - The event is called Quit Wishin', Go Fishin. This fishing trip out of Great Kills Harbor, Staten Island, departs 0700 on Saturday 12 April. Sponsored by the Student Port of the Propeller Club of the United States, it is open to cadets, faculty, family, alumni and friends. "The fishing trip is not only a great way for Maritime Alumni to show support for the club's activities. It is also an opportunity to meet students, other alumni and to have fun." The cost is only $50 per person. For full details and contact information, go to the Alumni Association website: http://www.fsmaa.org

GOOD OLD DAYS ? - "I enjoyed reading 'mug memories'"[NFFS March 14] writes BOB NORTH, Class of 1966, "and recall in the 1962 - 1963 era, the required carriage, additionally, by mugs of the 'Bos'n's Pipe' and a knife - engineers and deck alike. I also recall the very cold and windy march from the TSES IV to the 'Fort' in those days, the Fort being the area of most classrooms; not to mention the 'security details,' late at night, under the Throgs Neck Bridge. I know we're all better men today for it all - and we are!" [Ed. -Bob retired from 34 years of active duty in the Coast Guard in 2001, with the rank of Rear Admiral - See NFFS May 20, 2001.]

JOE GUSTAFSON, Class of 1965, also remembers that his classmate, TERRI THOMPSON, "... forgot that we also had to carry our 'Camp King" pocket knife."

OR BAD OLD DAYS ? - "I didn't understand your comment added to the end of the MUG MEMORIES," avers CDR ALLEN STUBBLEFIELD, Commanding Officer, SUNY Maritime ROTC Unit. "Do you believe that MUGS should provide servitude to the upper class? What sort of leadership training is that?"

"We (Maritime College) are trying to improve in many areas, with leadership being one of those. Carrying things for the sole service of others senior to you doesn't sound like sound leadership training now (or then.)"

[The Naval Science Department has a state-of-the-art website at http://www.sunymaritime.edu/rotc. Check out its PowerPoint presentation by MSgt ANIL LUND, "Saddam Hussein's Iraq: A Decade of Defiance."]

BRAVO ZULU - It has just been announced that the Chairman of the Humanities Department, DR. KAREN MARKOE, has been chosen as this year's recipient of the Distinguished Service Award of the SUNY Faculty Council of Community Colleges. Dr. Markoe has been active in SUNY governance for many years, and served several terms as President of the university-wide Faculty Senate. According to the announcement: "This award has been given to those individuals who have dedicated themselves to the advancement and excellence of higher education in the State University of New York." The award ceremony will be held in Albany on 03 April. [NFFS thanks JANE B. FITZPATRICK, Associate Librarian, for this item. Non-maritime etymologists might also want to check http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/questions/bzulu.html.]