Admiral Farragut Academy
Pine Beach Association
HONOR - PRIDE - TRADITION - BROTHERHOOD
To continue the brotherhood and fellowship amongst the Alumni of Admiral Farragut Academy North and to preserve the history, memories and traditions of the Academy that once stood tall on the banks of the Toms River.
Here beneath the Towering Pines
By the River Blue
Farragut will ever stand!
By the River Blue
Farragut will ever stand!
Tradition Never Graduates
The Admiral Farragut Academy Pine Beach Association is in no way related to or associated with the
Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, FL. Our events do not benefit and are not conducted in association with Admiral Farragut Academy South nor the Admiral Farragut Academy South Association.
Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, FL. Our events do not benefit and are not conducted in association with Admiral Farragut Academy South nor the Admiral Farragut Academy South Association.
Upcoming Events
NEW Event for the 2026 Reunion!!!
Tour of the USS New Jersey
Join us on Saturday April 25th, 2026 for a visit aboard the historic Battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) for a grand tour and lunch.
Our luxury bus from Garden State Getaways will depart the Clarion Hotel at 0800 to arrive in Camden at 1000. The tour is estimated to fill about two and a half hours. Lunch will then be served at approximately 1230 on the ship’s fantail abaft turret 3. The bus is expected to depart the ship at 1315-1330 and return to our hotel by 1530.
The tour will be conducted by our own renowned Battleship officer, Commander Ross Mobilia, ’78, who from 1989-1992 as a Lieutenant served aboard sister ship USS MISSOURI (BB-63) as Main Propulsion Assistant and then as a Lieutenant Commander, Assistant Operations Officer.
The tour will include all topside areas from the main deck to the O-4 level navigation bridge, one of the 16-inch main battery turrets, and below decks to one of the engine rooms and fire rooms, with a bit in between.
Our luxury bus from Garden State Getaways will depart the Clarion Hotel at 0800 to arrive in Camden at 1000. The tour is estimated to fill about two and a half hours. Lunch will then be served at approximately 1230 on the ship’s fantail abaft turret 3. The bus is expected to depart the ship at 1315-1330 and return to our hotel by 1530.
The tour will be conducted by our own renowned Battleship officer, Commander Ross Mobilia, ’78, who from 1989-1992 as a Lieutenant served aboard sister ship USS MISSOURI (BB-63) as Main Propulsion Assistant and then as a Lieutenant Commander, Assistant Operations Officer.
The tour will include all topside areas from the main deck to the O-4 level navigation bridge, one of the 16-inch main battery turrets, and below decks to one of the engine rooms and fire rooms, with a bit in between.
New Alumni Event Added!!!
The 2026 AFA North Reunion Cruise
7 Day Western Caribbean from Tampa, Fl
October 25 - November 1, 2026
Celebrity Summit
Past AFA North Alumni Cruise Recaps and Pictures
Our AFA North Alumni reunion cruises have been a tremendous success for all who attended. It's a great time with fellow Northern Alumni cruising the warm Caribbean in the winter. Please click on the links below to read a recap and see some great pictures of the fun had by all.
REUNION TESTIMONIALS
Brian,
That was a tremendously GREAT time!!! OMG I mean…ALL of it was a blast for me…Friday at the old campus…everybody at the table I was at…Listening to you guys up at the podium…Those who left us got me a bit choked up…The display of ribbons and metals, of which I still have mine, and my Headmasters award for skipping 7th grade when I was there, lol…used to be a little genius at one time!! Even the mannequin in full Dress Blues was a site to see…I still have mine, as well!!!! All of it…I was apprehensive, to say the least about going, but I felt so comfortable, so quickly!! My girl, Donna had a great time as well, and was BLOWN AWAY!!! Ive tried to explain it to her in the past, but could not do it justice. So…we are already looking forward to the next, and next time will attend the after-campus reunion party!!! I had so many questions I wanted to ask…next time!!! Thank you very much, Brian for making me feel so welcome…and tell Capt. Creange Thanks, as well!!!
Absolutely Brian….use my comments…if it helps get others to attend and be a part of such an elite group. I had no idea so few went there!!!! I TRULY appreciate everything you guys must have went thru to put on such a unique, thorough, and comprehensive reunion!!
Oh…one last thing….BEAT BLAIR!!!! When you did that on Friday night at the campus, I almost pee’d myself laughing!!! I haven’t heard that in almost 50 years!!!! I must have shouted that a 100 times when I was a plebe!!!
Chris Ferrin 81N
Brian,
I did very much enjoy seeing, getting together, and meeting new people at the reunion, and count on me being there for that every other year! I thought it was very well done. The food and venue were fantastic too. We also very much enjoyed staying for the after party with you all and realize we are going to have to step our game up next time!
Thank you and all the guys for all your work in organizing this, as I told Charlie Groder, I’m happy to help out in the future, just let me know I will try and rally the troops as best I can. Until next time, be safe and well.
Cheers!!
Gregory Sloane AFA 84”
Brian,
I was coerced into coming by two of my classmates who are regular attendees. I am ever so grateful that they twisted my arm so effectively. I really enjoyed myself and as I sat through the formal dinner, I did reflect on what a nice event that was. I also know that it takes a lot of work to put all that together. I thought the level of organized events was perfect. Not to much but enough to make the trip worthwhile. Thank you so much for all your work.
Bob Brandon 68N
That was a tremendously GREAT time!!! OMG I mean…ALL of it was a blast for me…Friday at the old campus…everybody at the table I was at…Listening to you guys up at the podium…Those who left us got me a bit choked up…The display of ribbons and metals, of which I still have mine, and my Headmasters award for skipping 7th grade when I was there, lol…used to be a little genius at one time!! Even the mannequin in full Dress Blues was a site to see…I still have mine, as well!!!! All of it…I was apprehensive, to say the least about going, but I felt so comfortable, so quickly!! My girl, Donna had a great time as well, and was BLOWN AWAY!!! Ive tried to explain it to her in the past, but could not do it justice. So…we are already looking forward to the next, and next time will attend the after-campus reunion party!!! I had so many questions I wanted to ask…next time!!! Thank you very much, Brian for making me feel so welcome…and tell Capt. Creange Thanks, as well!!!
Absolutely Brian….use my comments…if it helps get others to attend and be a part of such an elite group. I had no idea so few went there!!!! I TRULY appreciate everything you guys must have went thru to put on such a unique, thorough, and comprehensive reunion!!
Oh…one last thing….BEAT BLAIR!!!! When you did that on Friday night at the campus, I almost pee’d myself laughing!!! I haven’t heard that in almost 50 years!!!! I must have shouted that a 100 times when I was a plebe!!!
Chris Ferrin 81N
Brian,
I did very much enjoy seeing, getting together, and meeting new people at the reunion, and count on me being there for that every other year! I thought it was very well done. The food and venue were fantastic too. We also very much enjoyed staying for the after party with you all and realize we are going to have to step our game up next time!
Thank you and all the guys for all your work in organizing this, as I told Charlie Groder, I’m happy to help out in the future, just let me know I will try and rally the troops as best I can. Until next time, be safe and well.
Cheers!!
Gregory Sloane AFA 84”
Brian,
I was coerced into coming by two of my classmates who are regular attendees. I am ever so grateful that they twisted my arm so effectively. I really enjoyed myself and as I sat through the formal dinner, I did reflect on what a nice event that was. I also know that it takes a lot of work to put all that together. I thought the level of organized events was perfect. Not to much but enough to make the trip worthwhile. Thank you so much for all your work.
Bob Brandon 68N
The Official AFA North Alumni Tie
is Available for Order
Along with the original order, the association ordered extra ties. This beautiful tie is 100% silk and handmade in England. Cost for this tie is $37.00 which includes shipping. Ties will be mailed to you directly. Please allow 7-10 days for delivery. Click below to order an Official Alumni Tie.
$37.00 Includes Shipping
The Official Tie will be the
"Uniform of the Day"
for AFA North Reunions!!!!!
"Uniform of the Day"
for AFA North Reunions!!!!!
AFA North
Homecoming and Alumni Weekend
May 3-4, 2024 Recap
For the 12th year, the Alumni of Admiral Farragut Academy North gathered back in Pine Beach and Toms River to celebrate the pride, traditions, brotherhood, and camaraderie we all once experienced at THE Admiral Farragut Academy. Organized again by the AFA North Association, Pine Beach Reunion Committee, 161 Northern Alumni attended the Alumni Weekend. It was truly a remarkable showing for a school that has been closed for 30 years!!! The Admiral Farragut Academy North Alumni Association’s mission is to preserve the history and brotherhood and to carry on the traditions that made Our Admiral Farragut Academy special.
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The weekend kicked off at the former campus in Pine Beach with the traditional flag raising ceremony to mark that Admiral Farragut Academy was back on Campus. Although the weather was a little chilly, and we can all remember the wind whipping off the Toms River in the spring, eventually the sun peaked through the clouds, and we were able to conduct the ceremony. We continued the tradition of a three-shot rifle volley to conclude the memorial ceremony. Our four-member Alumni honor guard fired 3 shots each to complete the volley. Thanks to Charles Groder 84N for providing the weapons and direction.
After the ceremonies at the former campus, the group headed back to our homeport at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center on Route 37 in Toms River for the traditional Friday night informal gathering. It was another festive event allowing Alumni to reminisce and catch up with old friends and classmates. Many tall tales and sea stories were heard throughout the night. The buffet dinner was once again magnificent as was the wonderful staff of the Clarion.
On Saturday morning the annual Alumni Golf tournament kicked off. Many Alumni shook off the fog of the night before for the early tee times. It was a windy chilly day that made scoring difficult, but the class of 1980 dethroned the class of 1984-85. Although the conditions were tough, it’s hard to have a bad day on the golf course with so many close friends and brothers.
For those that didn’t hit the links, many took in the various sights and historical venues in the South Jersey area. Judging from the stories that were told, I believe there were many old adventures relived.
For those that didn’t hit the links, many took in the various sights and historical venues in the South Jersey area. Judging from the stories that were told, I believe there were many old adventures relived.
The weekend wrapped up with the Alumni dinner at the Clarion Resort and Conference Center. After cocktail hour and before dinner, we formed the battalion up once again for the evening meal formation. Thanks to Col Richard Bower, Chaplain, U.S. Army retired, and the BC from the class of 1965 for forming up the troops and taking reports from the company commanders. As the formation stood at attention, the Alumni color guard posted the colors as the national anthem was proudly played. For the past 5 years, Russ Corbett class of 1959 led us in the National Anthem, Navy Hymn and Alma Mater. Russ passed away this past year and the entire alumni community will miss his rousing renditions and friendly demeanor. Fair winds and following seas Russ…you will be missed.
After dinner, the program kicked off with our tradition to honor our fallen brothers. Following the Doolittle Raiders of WW II fame, we honored those of our brothers who have left us since our last formation. Each brother was remembered and honored with a flag bearing their class placed at each dinner table and then walked to the fallen brother memorial table as their class was read.
Following the moving tribute to our lost brothers and friends, our guest speaker, CAPT Rick “Creature” Creange USN ret., AFA North class of 1977, and our Alumni Association President, gave an accounting of his 27-year career in the Navy flying the F-14 Tomcat. His career was very interesting. CAPT Creange attended the Navy Fighter Weapons School also known as TOPGUN and participated in several conflicts around the world. He gave an emotional recount of one of his many combat missions over Iraq during Desert Storm. CAPT Creange credited many of the lessons and experiences he had while at Farragut as helping him through the many difficult combat operations and grounding his career in the Navy.
After dinner, the program kicked off with our tradition to honor our fallen brothers. Following the Doolittle Raiders of WW II fame, we honored those of our brothers who have left us since our last formation. Each brother was remembered and honored with a flag bearing their class placed at each dinner table and then walked to the fallen brother memorial table as their class was read.
Following the moving tribute to our lost brothers and friends, our guest speaker, CAPT Rick “Creature” Creange USN ret., AFA North class of 1977, and our Alumni Association President, gave an accounting of his 27-year career in the Navy flying the F-14 Tomcat. His career was very interesting. CAPT Creange attended the Navy Fighter Weapons School also known as TOPGUN and participated in several conflicts around the world. He gave an emotional recount of one of his many combat missions over Iraq during Desert Storm. CAPT Creange credited many of the lessons and experiences he had while at Farragut as helping him through the many difficult combat operations and grounding his career in the Navy.
We continued the weekend’s theme of honoring those who made a difference at Farragut. CDR Ross Mobilia USN ret., AFA North class of 1978 recounted CAPT (USN ret.) Fredrick Klein Jr’s. service to both the Navy and Admiral Farragut Academy North. CAPT Klein served AFA North in several positions from Naval Science Instructor to Commandant of Cadets to Curator of the Naval Museum during his tenure from 1965 to 1993.
The dinner program wrapped up with this year’s video “Alumni Gathering Through the Years.” Before we the dismissed everyone for the evening, the alumni sang the alma mater. It is amazing how everyone still remembers the words.
It was another great Alumni Weekend. Many thanks to the AFA North Association Pine Beach Reunion Committee: Brian Fischer 76N; Ace Bottone 80N; Chris Quincannon 92N; Charles Groder 84N; Ross Mobilia 78N; Ken Fry 70N; Thomas Martin 76N; Steve Ferguson 76N; George Miller 80N; and Rick Creange 77N. If not for the tireless efforts of this group throughout the year, this event would not be possible.
We hope to see everyone at next year’s reunion in February 2025 aboard the Celebrity Equinox for the Alumni Cruise and back at the campus and in Toms River in April 2025.
It was another great Alumni Weekend. Many thanks to the AFA North Association Pine Beach Reunion Committee: Brian Fischer 76N; Ace Bottone 80N; Chris Quincannon 92N; Charles Groder 84N; Ross Mobilia 78N; Ken Fry 70N; Thomas Martin 76N; Steve Ferguson 76N; George Miller 80N; and Rick Creange 77N. If not for the tireless efforts of this group throughout the year, this event would not be possible.
We hope to see everyone at next year’s reunion in February 2025 aboard the Celebrity Equinox for the Alumni Cruise and back at the campus and in Toms River in April 2025.
Admiral Farragut Academy North
Official Class Rings
The One "Original" Ring
Official Class Rings
The One "Original" Ring
Because of the hard work of Nick Morris 59N, the alumni ordered enough rings back in the spring for Jostens to continue to produce our iconic class rings. The rings can still be ordered through a special site set up for AFA North through Jostens. You will be dealing direct with Jostens and the order process is easy. Click the link below to go to the information and order page.
Missing Cadets!!
Click Here to see the list.
The AFA Pine Beach Association has very incomplete contact information or only partial information for our brotherhood in our master contact list. Our goal is to establish contact with ALL the Northern Brotherhood. If you have any contact information for any Brother or Sister on the missing Cadet list, please send us a note on the contact page. We want to make sure the brotherhood has all the information on the upcoming events we are planning.
OUR Farragut Will Ever Stand
Alma Mater True
THE ADMIRAL FARRAGUT ACADEMY PINE BEACH ASSOCIATION IS IN NO WAY RELATED TO OR ASSOCIATED WITH THE ADMIRAL FARRAGUT ACADEMY IN ST. PERERSBURG, FL. ANY PROCEEDS FROM EVENTS OR FUNDRAISERS DO NOT BENEFIT ADMIRAL FARRAGUT ACADEMY SOUTH NOR THE ADMIRAL FARRAGUT ACADEMY SOUTH ASSOCIATION.