ATHENS, TN (October 10–12, 2025) – The annual reunion of the USS Charles R. Ware (DD‑865) Association returned to Athens, Tennessee for a weekend of remembrance and community. Hundreds of former sailors, families and supporters gathered to honor the destroyer, her namesake hero Lt. Charles R. Ware, and the enduring legacy of their service. A centerpiece of the event was the presence of Airbase Georgia’s restored SBD-5 Dauntless dive-bomber, offering rides and serving as a living tribute to the ship’s aviation roots.
A Reunion Rooted in Story
The USS Charles R. Ware was named after Lt. Ware, a Tennessee-born Navy aviator who flew the SBD Dauntless during the pivotal Battle of Midway and received the Navy Cross for his bravery. The destroyer itself served from 1945 to 1974 and the association continues a strong tradition of reunions where shipmates reconnect, honor their fallen, and pass their story to the next generation. Athens, Lt. Ware’s hometown, remains the destroyer’s symbolic “Final Home Port,” and the city welcomes the reunion every few years with open arms.
Athens Embraces the Weekend
Hosted across key local sites, including McMinn County Regional Airport, Veterans Memorial Park and the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum, the weekend provided both solemn reflection and celebration. Memorial brick dedications at the park and expanded museum exhibits highlighted the couple hundred guests who attended. The reunion also coincided with Athens’ downtown PumpkinTown festival, giving the ship’s reunion a vibrant community backdrop.
Dauntless Flight Experience Brings History Alive
One of the most powerful elements of the weekend was the flight experiences mounted by Airbase Georgia. On Friday, October 10, visitors and reunion attendees alike had the rare opportunity to ride in or tour the restored SBD-5 Dauntless and its companion trainer, the LT-6 “Mosquito.” The two warbirds operated from McMinn County Regional Airport, drawing interest from veterans and local residents alike.
“Bringing the Dauntless to Athens helps preserve the sacrifice and legacy of Charles Ware,” said Joel Perkins, commander of Airbase Georgia. “When you see that airplane flying, you see the same kind of machine that Lt. Ware climbed into. It connects air, sea and community in a way nothing else can.”
Community, Honor and Outreach
The reunion’s impact extended beyond the weekend. For Athens, the influx of veterans, families and history, enthusiasts contributed to local lodging, dining and shopping, a boon mentioned in the city’s council agenda as a recurring benefit of the reunion’s presence. Memorial events included a veterans service at the end of Sunday and a photo-op of the Dauntless in formation over the airport, symbolizing a bridge between past and present.
For Airbase Georgia, this mission is central: using restored aircraft to educate, inspire and honor. The partnership with the Ware Association provided a direct link between maritime service and aviation heritage, something seldom found at such a local-community level.
Final Thoughts
As the SBD-5 Dauntless lifted off for its departure, many in attendance watched in quiet reflection. The hum of the engine over the Tennessee hills served as a poignant salute to Lt. Charles Ware, the sailors of DD-865, and the community of Athens that continues to carry their memory. Moments like these capture the very essence of why Airbase Georgia flies these historic aircraft, not just for outward spectacle, but to keep alive the stories of service, sacrifice and connection.
Photo Credit: Jordan Curtiss