Date: 27 Nov 2004

Comments:

I was a crew member from Nov 1970 to Aug 1973. What a wonderful site.  Jim Gilbert RD3

Date: 28 Nov 2004

Comments:

Dear Robert Behm,

I have checked the internet several times in the past for information about the USS Monticello LSD 35. I found a few pictures and downloaded them. I was pleasantly surprised to find your website.

I don't think that I will be able to attend the reunion.

Here is a little about myself.

I am 60 years old and served on the Monticello from '64 to '67. The cruise book '65 - '66 was made while I was aboard. Some of the pictures in the book were taken by me. I am pictured on page 32. "M" Division. I am in the first row kneeling, left to right the forth person. R.L. Faust MM3. I have two of the cruise books. I have received the "National Defense Service medal", "Viet Nam Expeditionary Metal" and the "Viet Nam Service Medal" (with three bronze stars).

Like most 22 year olds, when I got out, I got rid of most of my memories of the military. Now, I am trying to get in touch with my past.

After my 4 years in the Navy, I spent the next 30 years in Law Enforcement. I retired about 6 years ago. I am currently a courier for a local hospital.

I want to thank you for what you have done and what you are doing.

If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

Best wishes for the coming year.

Respectfully yours,

Ronald L. Faust

Date: 14 Dec 2004

Comments:

WISHING ALL THE SAILORS WHO SERVED ABOARD THE USSS MONTICELLO LSD 35 A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.    FROM LEROY AND BARBARA BURSCH   BULLHEAD CITY AZ.   MONTICELLO PLANK OWNER

Date: 16 Dec 2004

Comments:

Thanks for a great job. Looking forward to seeing you in June.

Date: 17 Dec 2004

Comments:

Hello Bob,

My name is Robert (Bob) Schlittler.  Funny, that while I was perusing this site, I was reminded of a few lines from Bronte:  "Often rebuked, yet always returning to those first feelings that were born with me, and leaving busy chase of wealth and learning for idle dreams of things that cannot be."  I found myself reliving many of those old memories from my days as a Monticello crewmember.  I can't say they were the best of times for me, but they were good and bad days for me to meet new friends, and learn what it was to be a man.

The highest rank I made was OS3 while on the Monticello back in 1978-1980.  It was supposed to be my first and only tour in the Navy.  Sufficed to say, I was out as a civilian for perhaps a year or so, became a manager of a restaurant, even owned a home.  But destiny drove me...yes, drove me back into the Navy, where I spent another sixteen years, to retire as a chief.

The memories that your website brought back to me in a flood were memories of another time -- a time of great turbulence for me, a time of discovery, a time of remembrance.  Like the days of the old knights, I was but a simple squire on the Monticello, and she was my mistress, constantly reining in my visions of unrealism, to dash me into her bulkheads with what was then, the real world.

Yet, I sometimes find myself missing those turbulent times, my friends, those shipmates that helped to shape my life for the next sixteen years of success and growth on future commands in the Navy.  It was because of the lessons I had learned from people like Jim Wolfe, my associations with Michael Gulbranson, Ken Furtaw, Dana Ellis, Paul Cherry, OSC Dalrymple, Bob Berry, Arte Jappe, Chuck Forshey, and the rest of the crew, that I grew into a well-rounded manager, capable of inspiring, teaching, and leading young men and women to realize their goals.

I believe that you have created a great virtual monument to our past, a link that we as former crewmembers can use to share our own personal vision of what it was like to serve on the "Mo-boat".  You have done an excellent job with this website Bob, and I commend you on the expertise and effort you have put into this website.  It is a wonderful tribute to the Monticello, her exploits, and all of her crew that sailed on her.  By making these past cruise books available for display (for example), I can now show my students what it was like to serve in the Navy.  Thank you.

Robert Schlittler
OSC (Ret.)

Date: 3 Jan 2005

Comments:

   Bob,
   I was on the Monticello from 1964-1967.
   I didn't know how good a Ship she was till I got transferred to the Montrose in 1967.
   Having a problem finding Cruise Books so any thoughts appreciated.
   Also, I am looking for a Former Ship Mate by the name of Leon Rathke.
   Have been all over the Net looking for him with no luck.
   So, if anyone can get me in the "RAT" reads this get in touch. Also, Danny Lay from Utah.
   Reunion a great idea but doubt if I'll make it.
   Gary Schneider  gdsnide@hotmail.com
 

Date: 24 Jan 2005

Comments:

You're doing a fantastic job, keep up the good work!!

Date: 14 Feb 2005

Comments:
 

Dear Bob,

You can`t imagine my excitement when i found this website. I ran the shoe cobbler shop and worked in the laundry with Henry Mc Guffin and Ed Caffey from the day we commissioned her until I got out Jan.14 1959.Some of my buddies were Carl Butzin, Floyd Colvin, Frank Connors, Don Schmutte, Louie Cornell, and Richard Ward. I think about those guys a lot and the good times of those two years.

Arlis Tyner Plank Owner.

I'm sorry I can't make it to the reunion it would be great.
 

Date: 15 Feb 2005

Comments:

I'm doing this for my dad, Stacey Winn. We're looking for some of his friends from 1981-1984.
thanx

Breeonna Winn
winnpetra@yahoo.com

Date: 11 May 2005

Comments:

My best to all who rode and walked the decks of the MoBoat.  Served on her 1975-1978.  Was surprised to see a few name I recognized, Bob Schlittler,  Steve Partridge.  Met alot of great people.  Below is a link to MoBoat's WestPac 76-77
 

Paul Cherry

http://www.ussmonticello.com/cruisebook7677.htm

Date: 11 May 2005

Comments:

Anyone have any ideas on how we could get a set of the ship's Damage Control Diagrams for the reunion?  As I recall, they were the best way to find your way around, both literally and figuratively.  They might help some of us remember the real thing a little better.

John Beck

Date: 12 May 2005

Comments:

This is a very cool webpage thanks "Beamer"
All those good memories brought back.  Was onboard from 1975-1978.  Was happily surprised there were some names from above that I remember serving with.  Steve Partridge (great lse) Scott Cruse, Bob Schlitter (same div) Greg Land if any of you remember me drop me a line.

Paul Cherry
pcherry10@cox.net
 

Date: 16 May 2005

Comments:

Great website. I am looking for Allen Poole. He was an OS on the Monticello from 1980 to about 1984. If you have any information on where he might be, please post a message.

Thanks,
Ken McCann

Date: 6 June 2005

Comments:

Beamer,Thanks for hosting the website. I've been waitting for someone to do something. As for memorable events, the first time I was allowed out of the engine room for any activity was the day we refueled from the Kawishiwi . I was taking pictures out the porthole in the battery locker when we came along side. I think I still have paint chips in my eyes. I picked myself up in the passageway.
Take Care,

Lewis Fanny

 

Date: 7 June 2005

Comments:

Bob- Thanks for tracking me down through Battelle. I checked out the website and you have done an outstanding job!!! Well Done!!! I am not going to be able to make the reunion, but I did log in and with notice I'll sure do my best to make any other events. Again, Many Thanks!!!

Warm Regards,
Jim Worthington

Date: 7 June 2005

Comments:

Hi Bob,

just a few lines to let you know how exciting it is to have learned about the website. I know you said it's more work than you thought it would be, but you'll never know how thrilled I was to speak to two of my former shipmates because of what you are doing. It was nice hearing one of them say he had thought about me and a few others frequently over the years and wondered how we were doing. Guess I didn't realize the good bonding a few of us had during our tour of duty until just recently. Thanks again for all your work and I hope we can have another reunion in the next few years. I know I'll be there. I do not have real good access to a computer so I'll give you my cell number along with my email address at work.

Thanks again,

Calvin D. Jeandron

Date: 18 June 2005

Comments:

Bob

I was surfing the WEB yesterday and thought I would do a search on USS Monticello just on a whim.  I was amazed at the wealth of information on the MO-BOAT and the tremendous amount of time and effort you have spent putting together this site for fellow crew members.  Although its been 40+ years since I was a crewmember the memories started flooding back as I read comments from former crewmembers and their experiences.  I was RM2 and came on board in 1960 after attending A school in San Diego.

I have a number of 35MM slides from when I was onboard and would be happy to scan them and send them to you to use as you wish.  My daughter is expecting a baby at the same time the Monticello reunion is taking place in Las Vegas so will not be able to attend.  Look forward to future reunions and will make every attempt to attend if at all possible.

Would be happy to become a dues paying member to support the great work you are doing in keeping this WEB site active in remembrance of a great ship and a wonderful bunch of guys.

Thanks,

John Muenster

Date: 9 June 2005

Comments:

Hi,  Just looked at the site and I think you are doing a great job - and it nice to see the comments from all the guys with such great memories.  My husband was Capt. John J. Flynn, ship's captain from 1973 to 1975  As I know you know, he passed away March 9, 2003.  I was looking through the Crew's Photos and you may like to know that "Crew's Photos, Page 2" 4th picture in where the caption reads: "Ship's Captain with son" (they are going up the gang plank for a "Dad and Son" overnight cruise) is actually my husband and our son Greg....I have the same picture.  Thought you might like to put the names in if you can.  Even though Jack is no longer here - I still enjoy looking at the site myself.  Once a Navy wife, always a Navy wife... and proud of it!

Rosanne Flynn

Date: 27 June 2005

Comments:

Beamer,
How did the reunion go?  I was thinking about you guys all weekend.  Wish I could have been there.  Since I found this website I have sent e-mails to about 5 shipmates and talked to a couple.  You have my vote for Branson next year.  With a little better planning, I am going to be there.  Thanks again for everything. 

Pete Ford

Date: 17 July 2005

Comments:

Hi Bob,

It's sure a great website. I was onboard 77-79 with a great bunch of guys. Hopefully now I'll be able to contact some of them. I want to do the life membership of $30.00.

When I get time I will gather some info, pictures stories and see about getting them to the website. Thanks again, Bob

Brent York

Date: 28 November 2005

Comments:

Great site!  Thank you so much for the work you do!  My Dad, Alvin Ray
Barker, was part of the commissioning crew.  He served from 1957 - 1961.
He's looking for an old friend he served with, Jerry (J.W.) Clarkson.
Anyone with information about Jerry please e-mail my Dad at arbarker@tmarie.com.  

Thanks!
Tina

Date: 15 Oct 2006

Comments:

Dear Beamer,

 

I'm getting the word out that Jim Neighbors (USS Monticello 1974-1978) will be honored during the HepCAware telethon on 10/21/06. It will be online and also televised in L.A. 12 pm - 8 pm on cable TV channel 23, Direct TV Channel 31, and Dish TV 8021 (http://www.kvmdtv.com/channel_listings.asp).

 

Please see public service announcement below for more information.

Sincerely,

Nina

(Jim's fiance')

Comments:

Ahoy Beamer,

Thanks a million for all you do on behalf of the Monticello and her crew, including being the mastermind behind this outstanding web- site!

Of course another aspect of your continuing Moboat duty is the awesome task of arranging our reunions, and as a 21 year retired vet of the
travel industry, I can positively appreciate the amount of research, hard work and detail that you have invested in making the Las Vegas and
Branson events come to life!

One of the  important reasons I sold my travel agency in 1992 was " burn out" from travel to large tourist destinations and unfortunately that
same issue is preventing my attendance in 06 & 07.

Bob, even though the majority might well seem to prefer places like Vegas and Branson, I wonder if an informal email poll of some type would
reveal a large number of us out there who would prefer a smaller, mid -size destination such as Charleston or Wilmington, where we could kick
back and relax a little more, plus have a ship such as the USS North Carolina BB55 available for a tour. Yes, I do live in Wilmington and I'm
close to Charleston as well but I'm merely mentioning them as examples of smaller destinations that many of our crew might enjoy in the future.

Keep up the great work mate!!!

Bill Robertson QM3 58-60

Date: 18 Nov 2006

Comments:

This is far out. To my mates from the hole, "beep-beep twit-mo". I was the artist who painted the reduction gears. Remember O.D. and Chief Sanders?

MM3 John F. Stidman, 1973-1976

Date: 05 Dec 2006

Comments:

Carl Morawski

Date: 23 Feb 2007

Comments:

How Many Crewmembers remember my Mongoose?

William (Bill) Crowell, MR2 1972-1973

Date: 26 Feb 2007

Comments:

Great looking site, tons of pictures. I served aboard USS Donner LSD-20 and
USS Raleigh LPD-1.
I would like to mention that I am the Maine State Director of the Cold War
Veterans Association.
Everyone who served from Sept. 1945 to Dec 1991 is what we call a Cold
Warrior.

You can visit our website at
http://www.coldwarveterans.com/cold_war_victory_medal.htm
to see our mission and goals. We are asking Congress to authorize and direct
DOD to issue a Cold War Victory/Service Medal.  Many servicemen and
servicewomen served during this time and received no medal, except maybe a
Good Conduct Medal, and in certain years National Defense Service Medal.
Also we are asking each state to declare May 1st as Cold War Victory Day.
Several states have done so, maybe if you could contact your local state
legislators and ask them to have your state declare May 1st as Cold War
Victory Day.
We are also asking our senators and representatives to have this declared as
a national day of recognition.

Jerald Terwilliger RM1

Bob,

Where was the Monticello located during the 1958 blasts?

(caps are name of blast) 

            

 

LINDEN18 June 0732 Eniwetok 11nmi from shot bearing 0 deg

 

REDWOOD 28 June 0530 Bikini 21 nmi from shot bearing 330 deg

 

ELDER 28 June 0630 steaming off Bikini Atoll

 

OAK Eniwetok 29 June 0730 anchored in berth m-11 Bikini

 

HICKORY Bikini 29 June 1200 11nmi from shot bearing260 deg

 

SEQUOIA Eniwetok 2 July 0630 anchored in Eneu anchorage Bikini

 

CEDER Bikini 3 JUly0530 anchored in Eneu 18 nmi from shot bearing 300 deg

 

DOGWOOD Eniwetok 6 July 0630 anchored in berth e-4 17 nmi from shot bearing 350 deg

 

POPLAR Bikini 12 July 02358 underway for operating area 31 nmi from shot bearing 327 deg

 

SCAEVEOLA  - 14 July 1600 anchored at Bikini

 

PISONIA - Eniwetok 18 July 0739 anchored in berth d-4 8 nmi from shot bearing345 deg

 

JUNIPER-  Bikini22 July 1620 anchored in Eneu 11 nmi from shot bearing 260 deg

 

OLIVE - Eniwetok 23 July 0755 anchored in berth g-2 19 nmi from shot bearing 340 deg

 

PINE - Eniwetok 27 July anchored in berth d-3 17 nmi from shot bearing 340 deg

 

QUINCE - Eniwetok 6 Aug 1415 approx. 10 nmi south of shot at time of detonation

 

1959 shots

 

YUCCA - open ocean 28 April 1440 anchored in berth d-1 78 nmi from shot bearing 48 deg

 

CACTUS - Eniwetok  6 May 0615 anchored in berth g-2 10 nmi from shot bearing350 deg

 

FIR - 0550 same as Cactus

 

BUTTERNUT - Eniwetok 12 May 0615 anchored in berth g-2 10 nmi from shot bearing 330 deg

 

KOA - Eniwetok 13 May 0630 anchored in berthg-2 18 nmi from shot bearing 340 deg

 

WAHOO - Eniwetok 16 May 1330 steamed into assigned sector 6 nmi from shot bearing 5 deg

 

NUTMEG - Eniwetok 22 May 0725 anchored in berth h-2  no distance or bearing logged in

 

ROSE - Eniwetok 3 June 0645 steaming off Eneu Island

 

UMBRELLA - Eniwetok 9 June 1115 anchored in berth 249 NOW HEAR THIS 4 NMI FROM SHOT bearing 210 deg

 

MAPLE - Eniwetok 11 June 0530 anchored in bert g-2

 

ASPEN - underway from anchorage at Eniwetok approximately 200 nmi west of shot

 

WALNUT - 15 June 1530 underway from anchorage at 0604 off Perry Island 20 nmi from shot bearing 340 deg

 

HERE IS THE POINT........ The MoBoat was exposed to high levels of ionized radiation for which there is NO SAFE LEVEL. Additionally she was washed down after shots with seawater containing levels of radiation. The MoBoat was HOT HOT HOT even at time of decommission, thus exposing later crewmen to ionized radiation. All my shipmates long after my tour of TAD in 1958 7.3 boat pool have been exposed. I would strongly suggest all you fine men investigate what benefits you may be entitled to by checking the internet

at NAAV.......Beamer I salute you for your fine work and dedication.

Respectfully submitted William E. Mclagan