This is a web site created during the "blizzard of '03" when the Webmaster was snowed in - which would be Feb 15-18, 2003. This site will be under development for the foreseeable future, particularly since all web sites are dynamic in nature and ever changing.

On March 7, 2003 the domain name "www.virginiabase.org" was purchased and this site was published to that domain on March 10, 2003, hosted on a Burlee.com server. Initially the Webmaster put an automatic "Redirect" on the old address (www.pewterguy.com/virginiabase), but it will be taken down soon since everyone by now is probably used to the new address. HOWEVER, - Over the weekend of September 6-7, 2003 yet another domain name was purchased to more accurately reflect the name of this USSVI Base - which is "www.ussvirginiabase.org". Right now our hosting service (Interland, which purchased Burlee) is 'listening' on both domains (virginiabase.org and ussvirginiabase.org) but when our first domain name expires the web will be on just the newer one. It is therefore important that you use the new address (www.ussvirginiabase.org), change your bookmarks/favorites for this site, and note the new address in all of your references and correspondence. Anyone who provided the earlier addresses to others should now advise them of the new address.

Also, for your information, on March 22, 2003 the Webmaster changed the base colors of the theme to better match the blue and gold colors on the USS Virginia Seal and then the site blew up on the server and it had to be rebuilt. Getting the colors back is a current Webmaster project which will be worked on as soon as possible.

We can use this web site to post meeting minutes, membership information, announcements, photos, links to other web sites of interest to members, a discussion board and a variety of other things limited only by our imagination. If you have any ideas for what you would like to see posted here - please let the Webmaster know.

NOTE ON COSTS: In order to purchase the domain name and a hosting service, Kenn McDermott and Michael Beaver agreed to split the initial costs. We then initially purchased the domain name "virginiabase" from Network Solutions for a three-year period at $25.00 per year for a total of $75.00. Then we purchased web hosting services from Burlee.com for one year at $155.40 ($12.95 per month) with a one-time setup fee of $39.95. And then in September we purchased ussvirginiabase.org for three years at $25 per year for another total of $75 - plus $9.95 to point to both domains.

Obviously the domain name will not have to be renewed for three years, but the hosting service fee will be an annual expense. Members who would like to contribute financially to help defer these costs for our web site should send a check to our Treasurer marked for "Web Site Fund". Any amount may be contributed as often as desired. Depending on how successful the fund raising for this is, Kenn & Michael will ask the Treasurer for reimbursement, less their own personal contribution to this effort. Kenn will not charge the Base for his Webmaster services.

Your cooperation and support of this web is appreciated.

As far as web site content is concerned, members should send Kenn an e-mail with their comments and suggestions. For your convenience Kenn has put his name and e-mail link in the lower left corner of every web page.