The USS Rankin Association's Ninth Annual Reunion was held in New Orleans, Louisiana, from Septmber 13-16, 2012, at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel. A total of 72 shipmates and guests were in attendance. The event was a huge success, though our numbers were down a bit from last year. Medical problems kept some of our regulars away, while others had some concerns about possible hurricanes. Everyone in attendance had a good time, and all of us are looking forward to next year's reunion.   OUR SCHEDULE IN NEW ORLEANS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13     Welcome to the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel, an AAA Four-Diamond property at the corner of Canal Street and Bourbon Street, arguably the two most famous streets in the French Quarter. Many of the French Quarter's attractions are within easy walking distance, and many of New Orleans' other sights are only a short streetcar ride away. 1:45pm - Board the Steamboat Natchez for a cruise on the mighty Mississippi River, featuring a lunch buffet of delicious Cajun cuisine and entertainment by a Dixieland band. 5:30pm-???? - The Hospitality Room is open, featuring beer, wine, liquor, soft drinks, mixed nuts, and pretzels. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14     Breakfast on your own, in the hotel or at one of the French Quarter's many restaurants. 10:00am - Bus departs for New Orleans city tour. Travel through three centuries of history as you see some of New Orleans' top attractions. Visit a historic "city of the dead" cemetery and learn about this unique above-ground burial system. Follow the path of the St. Charles Avenue streetcar, past the homes of former Kings and Queens of Mardi Gras and through the world-famous Garden District. The tour includes a drive through the Lower Ninth Ward and Lakeview, two of the areas most affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. End up, if you like, at famous Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral. Lunch is on your own, and there will be various return shuttle times to the hotel. 4:00pm - Business meeting at the hotel. 6:00pm - Walk to a Cajun dinner at Deanie's Seafood French Quarter Restaurant, widely regarded as New Orleans' best seafood restaurant. 8:30pm - Stroll through the French Quarter or return to the Hospitality Room in the hotel. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15             Breakfast on your own, in the hotel or at one of the French Quarter's many restaurants. 9:00am - Bus departs for National World War II Museum, (formerly known as the D-Day Museum) and Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World. Reunion attendees can visit one or the other. The WWII Museum features the Tom Hanks 4-D film "Beyond All Boundaries", it is located in New Orleans, because that's the home of Higgins Industries, the WWII-era company that invented and manufactured LCVPs, PT boats, and other miracles of the day. Lunch is on your own at the museum or elsewhere. Shuttles will return to the hotel at various times. 6:30pm - Cash Bar, Photos, and Group Photos 7:00pm - Banquet Dinner SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 8:00am - Coffee and doughnuts in the Hospitality Room, followed by a Memorial Service for shipmates who have died or whose deaths have been learned of since the last service.