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Tuesday, November 10, 2026Nov 10

Opinion: Chattanooga known for Moon Pies, the Choo-Choo and now admirals

Staff Photo by Matt Hamilton / Vance Fry at his home in Harrison on Tuesday, November 2, 2021.
Staff Photo by Matt Hamilton / Vance Fry at his home in Harrison on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Staff Photo by Matt Hamilton / Vance Fry at his home in Harrison on Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

Chattanooga has a well-known reputation for a few things.

There’s the Choo-Choo. And Moon Pies, of course. And our outdoor scene, the Tennessee Aquarium and a rich legacy in Coca-Cola bottling.

And, well, apparently, a riverboat full of retired Navy admirals with roots several leagues under this Scenic City.

There’s Adm. Vance Fry – a proud former Mr. Central High School – who was part of our veterans package this year.

And late last week, retired four-star Adm. Frank “Skip” Bowman and retired three-star Adm. Ron Eytchison were honored with Distinguished Submariner Awards for Lifetime Achievement from the Naval Submarine League.