Mark Ritchie

Iowa State alumni and friends are invited to attend an anniversary reunion event marking 50 years after the tragic and accidental collision of the USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) and the USS Belknap (CG 26). This event takes place at the Radisson Blu Mall of America Nov. 21-23, 2025. The two ships collided during flight recovery operations approximately 70 miles east of Sicily on Saturday, November 22, 1975, resulting in the loss of eight sailors and 80 members of both crews badly injured. The reunion will honor those involved and provide mental health resources. This event is open to any veteran from any branch of the military who has suffered from trauma, PTSD, survivor guilt, or substance abuse. More information and registration details here: https://militaryreunionnetwork.com/upcoming-events/#!event/register/2025/11/21/uss-jfk-uss-belknap-…