NNCA “Homecoming” Reunion 2016, Newport, RI, April 25-May 1, 2016
Newport, RI was the first assignment in most of our Navy Nurse Corps careers. Not only does the city hold a special place in all of our hearts, it is the Navy’s premier site for training all officers, officer candidates, senior enlisted personnel and midshipman candidates, as well as testing and evaluating advanced undersea warfare and development systems. NENNCA invites you to return to Newport for a very exciting and memorable “Homecoming” Reunion in April 2016.
The NNCA Reunion and Board of Directors meetings will officially run from Monday, April 25 with members departing on Sunday, May 1, 2016. The Reunion events and tours will begin on Wednesday, April27, 2016. As during the Nashville Reunion, we planned the majority of meetings and classes in the morning, so your afternoons and evenings are free for networking and enjoying Newport.
Monday / April 25, 2016 / Board MeetingTuesday / April 26, 2016 / Board Meeting
Wednesday / April 27, 2016 / Welcome Reception, BLS Certification Class, Tours
Thursday / April 28, 2016 / Awards Breakfast, Continuing Education, Tours
Friday / April 29, 2016 / Memorial Service, Continuing Education, Tours
Saturday / April 30, 2016 / General Meeting, Farewell Reception and Dinner
Tours
Newport was the first colony founded on religious freedom and has several historic buildings of worship. The city is also considered the yachting capital of the world and was the summer playground for the American socialite families during the gilded age. Many of the ocean side mansions still stand and are open to the public for tours. More recently, the city has become known for annual folk and jazz festivals that are now held at Fort Adams. These historic sites and events along with many others have designated Newport as top travel destination site.
NENNCA has planned of variety of activities that will give you a chance to experience some of the top attractions in the Newport area. The outings will include tours of the Naval War College and “Officer’s Country,” Newport mansions and local vineyards. We will also be hosting walking tours in historic Newport, harbor tours, and tours of the local area. There are also several other options including visiting buildings of worship or the International Tennis Hall of Fame that are within easy walking distance of the hotel.
The walking tours are being coordinated through the Newport Historical Society. All of the tours will begin at the Hotel Viking and are scooter, wheelchair and walkeraccessible with exception of the From Golden to Gilded Age tour that has some uphill areas. A free tour of the Museum of Newport History is included with the walking tours. NNCA members are also entitled to a 15% discount in Museum Store.
Viking Tours will be providing the bus tours along with transportation to the Naval Station and Vineyards. We have also been able to work some time in for those desiring transportation to and from the water front and wharfs for shopping. The trolleys and motor coaches are wheelchair and walker accessible. Unfortunately, the vehicles can’t accommodate the weight of portable scooters.
Continuing Education
Not only will NENNCA offer tours, we will also provide opportunities for you to renew your BLS Certification and earn CEUs. The classes currently available are listed on the Reunion Registration form and include the following topics: Legislative Affairs, Veteran’s Affairs and Current Ethical Issues Associated with Military Medicine. SCNNCA is a certified CEU Provider for the California Board of Nursing and has graciously agreed to process all materials for the CEU offerings and award certificates.
Reunion Hotel
The Hotel Viking will serve as the Reunion hotel. The hotel is located on Bellevue Avenue and is very close to many of Newport’s most popular mansions and attractions. The room rate offered to all NNCA members will be based on the military per diem rate (plus tax, currently 13%) per night based on single or double occupancy. The per diem rate for 2016 is $107.00 per night. The hotel does charge for parking at $16.00 per day for self-parking or for valet services. Wireless internet and the use of the fitness center, accessible pool, and Jacuzzi are available on a complimentary basis. A spa is also available on site and attendees are welcome to book at any time. You should mention that you are with the Navy Nurse Corps Association to ensure that you receive the 25% military/group discount. We will post a brochure on NNCA.org. The spa hours are 8:00 am to 8:00 pm and you may reserve an advance appointment by calling (401) 848-4848 or (401) 847-3300 or via e-mail . Please note that the hotel adds a 20% gratuity to all spa services.
Room reservations maybe made by calling the hotel’s central registration at (800) 556-7126 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. You may also call onsite reservations at (401) 848-4852. Be sure to mention the Navy Nurse Corps Association Room Block to ensure you are given the group rate. The hotel will ask you for a deposit or credit card number to guarantee your room reservation. Of note, there have been some recent problems with central booking. To date the block is only 66% booked. Please call the onsite number if you have problems booking a reservation by telephone.
You may also book online using the followingonline booking code directions:
1)Log on to the Hotel Viking website at
2)Click onBook Now(in middle of the page)
3)Enter the dates of your stay
4)Under “special codes” there is a “group code” box to enter the online booking code(1JY472)
5)ClickCheck Availability
The hotel is holding the room block of 150 rooms until March 25, 2016. Reservations received after that date will be accepted at the group rate based upon hotel availability. Early registration is key to determining if we will need additional rooms. You may cancel up until 72 hours before arrival with no penalty; however, NENNCA is responsible for booking and paying for at least 85 percent of the rooms. Therefore, cancel your room as soon as possible if your plans change and you will not be able to attend. This will free up the room for another NNCA member to enjoy.
Transportation
For those flying, T.F. Green (PVD) airport near Providence, RI is the closest airport. Orange Cab operates an Airport Shuttle. The cost is $30.00 per person each way. You can reserve the shuttle by calling (401) 841-0020 or simply go to the T.F. Green Ground Transportation Counter on your arrival. For departure times, look for the winter (November to May) schedule on The shuttles departing on the odd hours drive directly to the Hotel Viking.
Reunion Registration
Please complete the enclosed registration and return with your check by March 15, 2015. Online registration is also available on NNCA.org with payments made through PayPal or major credit card.
Newport Class Photographs
As part of the Memorabilia display, we are looking for copies of your Officer Indoctrination School class photographs. The photographs can be mailed to P.O. Box 3289, Newport, RI 02840. Scanned copies can also be emailed to . Be sure to include as many names as possible for the Nurse Corps officers in the picture.
Oral Histories
NNCASC and the History Committee will be conducting oral histories during the Reunion. This will be a great time to document your experiences in the Navy Nurse Corps and to assist in preserving our Navy Nurse Corps history. Sign-up sheets for the interviews will be available at the conference registration desk. More information on the interviews and available appointments will follow in the March edition of NNCA News.
Please send a note to if you would like to assist NENNCA with any of the Reunion events or if you have questions. We look forward to seeing you in historic Newport, RI for the 2016 NNCA “Homecoming” Reunion!!