Hi Beamer,
Here is a bit of history you might like to add. In the winter of 59, we
were conducting operations at Kodiak Island Alaska which is a very
pristine and beautiful island on the Gulf of Alaska. One day, we
received word that one of the infamous Gulf of Alaska winter storms was
brewing and the very next day, Captain Kellogg had us underway to ride
the storm out in the gulf as a precaution against being caught in port
by the storm. Well, I'm not quite sure that he or anyone else in the
crew knew what we were in for. Talk about a rough ride... we had 65
ft waves and 100 mph winds for several days, can't remember how many
after so long but I do remember standing a helm watch and having a hell
of a time keeping her on course. Also remember that many in the crew
were seasick! Eventually the storm blew over and we headed home to San
Diego with our tail between our legs.
Regards, Bill Robertson QM3 58-60
**********************************************************************************
Korea Sterngate fiasco
1979 Boy what a mess! The seas in Korea always
got rough around sunset and we were
still
conducting ops in those
conditions. The stern gate was down and only
took the
pounding for so long. After several
shuddering slams into the water, it rammed holes
into
bulkheads, broke off, and sunk into the
harbor. We spent the rest of the cruise in port
having
it reattached after they recovered and
repaired it.
Kangaroo II 1976
During my first WESTPAC, we took part in
this operation near New South Wales, Australia.
We took liberty call in Wolongon. I
had a blast there. We "pollywogs" also joined
the ancient
order of the deep and became "Shellbacks" on this cruise.
Robert Berry
**********************************************************************************
Close Quarters 1974-1977.
My shipmates and I always found a way
to break the rat race to have a good time.
We always enjoyed letting the stern gate
down and going for a cool swim and even
going for a
swim when we were supposed to be
working. Anyone aboard at that time can
e-mail me at t
allguy56@charternet.com Be
talking to ya
Steve Patridge
*****************************************************************************
Bikini Island
The year was 1958 .The year of the
A-bomb tests. The Monticello was used to
transport shot barges and
to recover
data from the blasts. It was very
interesting and eye awakening cruise.
After the tests were
over the ship was
used to roll up weather stations on some
of the out laying islands in the South
Pacific.
We were sent to Clipperton
Island and had some great fishing. I
hope that some of the ship's crew that
were there remembers.
LeRoy Bursch
****************************************************************************
I can remember the first year I was on
board when we pulled in to port for liberty,
that coming back on board after a
night of
drinking was a hazard in itself. If Justice
& Barnes caught the duty they would take
great joy in turning out
the red lights
after taps and stretch full laundry bags
across the aisle every 4 or 5 feet and wait
for the drunks to come back.
I can remember
being the recipient of this more than once.
You'd hit the floor and then here the two of
them in the
dark laughing their ass off. The
only time it was really funny is when you
turned the tables on them. Justice would
hit
the floor and lie there and swear a blue
streak. After the second or third fall he'd
start inventing new words and we'd laugh all
the more.
John Huard Sr BM3 1968-1972
****************************************************************************
Reading the log book for 69-70 brought back a
memory I wish I could forget. The log entry for
5 Feb. 1970.
The collision with the USS Kawishiwi (AO 146). I was at the Helm for the
refueling attempt that day.
We were coming
along side her starboard side, just fine, when
all of a sudden we felt the collision and
the
sound of metal being ripped apart. I turned the
helm a few degrees [to our] starboard so we
could
move away from the Kawishiwi. The all
stop order was given, so we could assess the
damage.
There was an inquiry on why the collision
happened. After all said and done, the initial
approach was deemed to close.
It should have
been further away from the Kawishiwi.
Other than that "little" incident, I had a great
experience on board the Monticello.
Richard Clementson QM3 69-71
****************************************************************************
Boy does this bring back many memories. My first
memory is dry dock in Long Beach Ca and being
introduced to
Joe Biff's Screwdrivers. Watching
Black Sunday be filmed in front of us. Waking up
one morning and seeing
Howard Hughes Global
Explorer across from us, mustering on the
forecastle with good ol' Bos'n Ot (terror) going
at
it with BM3 Yak, BMSN Bruster the Rooster,
Swenson, BM3 Barrington, BM3 Peadon. First
WestPac and
having to load all American onboard
from Taiwan, My first mission over "shit river"
and then receiving my silver bullet
award (and
still having the patch to this day) Loosing the
stern gate in Korea. All of the women I
met in Australia
Scott Cruse BMSN 75-79
****************************************************************************
Good Mooring Bob,
Very rarely do I ever run into someone that I
knew from the Monticello, so it is a good
feeling to receive an email from a shipmate.
I
met the Monticello in the Philippines in June of
1984, and I would have to say that the crew that
was onboard was the best crew
I have ever sailed
with. It was just a great group of guys. I made
that Westpac in 84, and then we did lots of Ops
afterwards, and
then we were supposed to
decommission, so we requisitioned almost
everything of value. However, the Marines
complained,
and said they still needed us, so we
had to go back to all of the ships and
re-requisition all of our stuff back, then we
made a
Mini-Westpac of three months (April 85
-Jul 85) which was some of the best fun I have
ever had on a Westpac. Then we came back to San
Dog,
and l was transferred shortly after that to
the USS Pigeon. The ships/shore stations I was
stationed/TAD on were as follows: USS Cochrane
DDG-21/NAVSECGRU Adak Alaska (TSC)/NAVCOMMSTA
Harold E. Holt Australia/NTCC Miramar/USS
Monticello/USS Pigeon
ASR-21/USS Ranger
CV-61(TAD)/USS Buchanan DDG-14(TAD)/ NTCC Mare
Island (Vallejo CA./and the USS Fort Fisher
LSD-40.
All of the above mentioned ships have
been decommissioned.
Yes, the Monticello's Radio Call sign is
November-Golf-Delta-Victor (NGDV).
Thanks,
Joe
****************************************************************************
I was on the Monticello just a short time in
1970, I had just spent 4 years
on the Caroline County, and the Snohomish
County,
most of that time was in Vietnam
after I made Chief my order were for the
Monticello and I caught her and went back
to
Vietnam for 6 more months. When we returned
to San Diego I was transferred
to Seattle to put the USS Shreveport into commission.
The Monticello was a clean
ship when I was aboard her.
Eli Adkisson QMC Retired
****************************************************************************
I remember we
were doing Op's off the coast of Korea, the
sea's were about 2-3 foot swells, then the sea's
went to
5-8 foot swells at least, and the force
of the seas lifted the stern gate and over came
the hydraulics and actually
busted the hydraulic
rams that raised and lowered the gate. I
remember that Petty Officer York was in the
stern
gate room at the time the rams busted. As
the seas continued to rock and roll the stern
gate hinges, one by one broke off.
With each
swell the gate raised with the seas and came
crashing down, each time the the whole ship
shuttered until the
gate finally came loose.
Thanks to the SEAL team who bravely found and
tagged the gate in the rough weather.
EN2 Lewis
*******************************************************************
I was on the Monticello from 1960-1964. I
remember a few things that happen to us. Going
over the Equator down by Christmas Island.
Being
part of the Atomic Bomb Blast and wearing the
dose of meters, so they can see if you got any
radiation on you. On the way to Subic
and
pulling along side the Paul Revere to take on so
fuel. I was on the Quater Deck and the two ships
started to get close and then it
happen we ran
into each other. It put a big hole in our side
and damaged a few LCVPs on their ship along with
some other things.
Going down to Zamboanga in
the Philippines that was something also.
Watching the Russian ship in the South China
sea.
Yes that old girl took 4 years of my life.
I came on board in June of '60 and left her in
Subic in May of '64. "Oh" and how can I forget.
The ship coming in too fast at the kelo piers in
Pearl and taking some of the pier out. Just some
of the things.
Bill Tannhauser BMSN
***********************************************************
I boarded the Monticello in Jan. 1968 and
left her in Oct. 1970. The 70 cruise was the
last of my career, I was transferred to shore
duty and after two years ashore I transferred to
the Fleet Reserve. I well remember the
collision and the outstanding work performed by CFCM
Yeager and the R division crew making
temporary repairs. In 1990 I was visiting in
Bremerton, Wash. and there tied up to a pier in
the
mothball fleet was old 35 how the memories
flooded back. I must have just stood there for
the better part of an hour reliving the
two full
deployments and one mini that I had while aboard
and also the months spent in Bremerton Naval
Shipyard for upgrading.
Looking forward to the
reunion and swapping some more stories
Dean Oxford
*************************************************************
Just a little more information on the A-bomb
tests. The tests were at Bikini, Enewetok, and
Johnston Islands. We were there from
April thru
August 1958. We watched a total of 35 blasts
during that time. We were stationed different
distances from the blasts.
We wore badges and
when they reached a certain reading we had to go
below and shower. Most the the blasts were just
before sun rise.
Actually, it was a fun time.
Then we went to an island called Kapingamerangi
where we rolled up the weather station.
Gary McLaughlin FT3 57-60 "
*************************************************************
I remember when Bob Berry, Bill Kirby, and
myself decided to take a walking tour of Busan,
Korea during the 1978 cruise.
We had a blast,
taking pictures of the surrounding city, posing
with schoolkids as they were walking home from
school.
And, I even remember the three of us
being escorted off of a hillside by ROK regulars
for meandering into a controlled area.
And how could I forget Tankred, getting the
entire ship kicked off of Kwajelein Island,
destroying the base's enlisted club in
a fight
with the Aussies stationed on the island -- a
disagreement over the island's only hooker?
Or, how I learned my lesson while on shore
patrol in Yokuska, Japan? QM2 Al Zeyouma told
me to keep my big, fat mouth
shut when we went
into a racial confrontation. But did I listen?
Oh no...not me! I had to wade into the middle
of an argument
in the Club Alliance, and ask,
"Okay, what's going on here?" Needless to say,
my question started more crap with no less
than
a hundred drunken sailors, on one side of the
club, and no less than one hundred drunken
sailors on the other side of the club,
shouting
epithets at one another. I'd started a stinker
that was more flatulent than an elephant with
diarrhea, prompting
Al to get the instigator of
the fight out of the Club, take him back to the
base, and secure his liberty. What was worse,
was
logging on as Shore Patrol at 6:00 p.m., and
logging off as Shore Patrol at 5:00 a.m. that
day, only to have Jim Wolfe kicking
my rack at
6:00 a.m. that same morning, telling me to get
up for work. I seem to remember lashing out
with my baton that day,
knocking him down, and
really pissing him off.
I also remember when Jim Wolfe and Mr. McMann
decided to get sloshed on liberty while inport
San Fernando, Phillippines,
and start chcking
empty San Miguel beer bottles on my weatherdeck.
Since I got stuck cleaning the mess up, I kept
cursing the
"trees" on the ship, thinking that a
bunch of marines had decided to litter my nice
clean weatherdeck with their trash, when they
got back to the ship.
And, who could forget our "fallen Angel", Greg
Angel, when he came back to the ship, drunk off
his butt, and high as a kite to boot...
falling
backward across a railing and down FIVE decks,
only to dust himself off, and make his way back
to his rack.
Lastly, I remember Chuck Forshey (a.k.a.
"Dutch"), who single-handedly dragged my
arrogant butt out of a biker bar in Portland,
Oregon,
when we were going through our yard
period. I was so naive, not paying attention to
my surroundings in those days, dressed in a
blue
pinstripe suit on our first night of liberty,
ready to take on a Gypsy Joker biker until he
walked in and dragged myself, and the
group I
was with out of there before we really got into
trouble.
And what always has permeated the memories, are
my closing thoughts. The tightness of the crew,
those "teachable moments",
and the stern gate
falling off, and the 3-day trip back to Yokuska...now
how could I forget that?
Other memories that stand out:
Looking back at the ship during the Enewitok
Atoll cleanup, as the LCVP that I boarded headed
into shore.
(I still have that picture of the
Mo-boat to this day.) Michael Gulbranson,
working on his fantastic drawings on the
bulkhead entrances to the galley and mess...his
memorable and original work that was featured in
the 1978-79 Monticello cruisebook.
Arte Jappe,
struggling with a piece of aluminum that we was
trying to weld -- had to do with a job that
needed to be done for the engineers...
he'd never
tried to weld aluminum before. Paul Cherry,
when he and his wife had their baby. OSC
Dalrymple ("Daddy Dal")...
don't get in the way
of his temper, when he couldn't find something
in CIC. You were likely to get the back of your
head stabbed with a
flying pair of dividers,
during one of his tantrums. The BM3 that almost
shot Commander D'Orsi, because he was showing
off with his .45
to the seamen on the quartedeck.
I never in my career, saw an officer kick a POOW
off of the quarterdeck, so fast in my career
that followed.
Philosophical discussions with
Mr. Schweitzer, as we would debate into the wee
hours of the morning...killing time on an
otherwise boring watch.
And lastly, the picture
of Mt. St. Helens blowing her top on August
23rd, 1980, five days before I left the navy for
a while.
It was like an atomic cloud, helping
me understand the frailty of us as human beings,
and the very short time that we have to enjoy
life on this earth.
Thank you, shipmates for my memories of the
Monticello, during 1977 - 1980. During those
times that I grew from boyhood into
manhood, you
taught me a lot about comradeship, loyalty, and
honor. As I grew older, and decided to stay in
the Navy, the experiences
you taught me, and
shared with me, served me well on so many other
ships, so many other commands. I am proud to
say how much I
earned from you all, and what I
was able to take with me and share, when I ran
my own division. You were my starting point,
and helped
to shape my ethics, professionalism,
and backbone. Your lessons were sometimes hard,
sometimes painful, and sometimes amusing as
hell,
but I learned a lot from you. There are
times that I miss those antics, those memories,
good and bad. You made my life an adventure.
Godspeed to you all,
Robert Schlittler
OSC USN (Ret.)
*************************************************************
gday guys,
I served in Monticello, very briefly, during
Kangaroo II, 1976, seconded from the RAN's
fledgling Amphibious Squadron. We've grown a bit
since those days!!!
Spent most my naval career, well 2/3 of it in
Amphibs. Best time of my life. Though an
engineer, I also got to keep navigation watches
at sea, and was a ships diver.
My brief time in Monticello was an eye-opener.
Billeted in the Chief's Mess (I was an Acting
CPO = to your E7). The tucker was curl a moe,
big juicy steaks, pasta,
much ice cream as you
wanted - what a blast! Didn't wanna go back
home!!!
When it was time to go back, I took my hosts,
your Sheriff (a Chief MM ??) and the Chief MM
back to my little LCH and we got pretty pissed,
along with our RAN
Diving Team and some of your
Seals. We were legless, then came back to
Monticello for my last night on board.
There we are in 35's main passageway, me showing
your guys how to play Crown & Anchor, and your
guys teaching me how to shoot crap (only ever
done that out me
backside, before) !!!
All highly illegal of course! And along comes
the Skipper, and springs us. The Sheriff is
really "in the crap" now !!! he abuses me, "Goddam
Aussie, get off my ship -
19 years in this man's
Navy, without ever a charge, it's all your
fault!"
Ah well, you gotta live, eh? We were still good
mates after that(I think!). Wished I could
remember his name, love to hear from him again.
Also the Master Chief - ten foot tall, bullet
proff, ebony black, adn 2 pick-handles across
the shoulders - great bloke - you have to say
that about someone that big, eh?
Seriously
though, he was THE MOST magnificent looking man
I've ever seen !!!! (C'mon guys, not that, you
know what I mean?)
Think he may have been called Earl James
Holloway III, or something like that. Maybe you
guys can help me out here
Best wishes fellas, congrats on a great website
- really well done - BZ !!!!
Kind Rgds
Charles "Flash" Flesfader
Writer and Teacher
Ret'd Senior Chief (E8)
Marine Tech, Ships Diver and Naval Trainer
Ret'd Marine Engineer, (Aust. Merchant Marine)
*************************************************************
I was aboard the MOBOAT from 1965 to 1968. My
only duty during my 4 year career was on the USS
MONTICELLO LSD 35. My home sweet home for 4
tours in Vietnam.
I was told "join the Navy and
see the world" but they never said thru a port
hole. (Ha! Ha!)
I spend most of it of the coast of Vietnam. The
one incident that I recall vividly and to today
still hear the cries.
One night, while refueling, off the coast of
Vietnam, in the dark (ALL LIGHTS OUT). We had a
man overboard from the refueling tanker. He was
hollering so as to give his
location. Lights
were ordered on to launch a search for him. To
this day I hear his cries, and yet I never knew
if he was found or not. Never will forget the
intensity felt that night.
Still another time never to be forgotten, was
enroute to Vietnam we hit some pretty bad
weather. We were carrying Missiles on board.
Anxious moments trying to shore the
missiles for
added support and safety. In the anxiety, I
managed to cut my right hand finger with the bandsaw. You could say a mark for life.
Ruben Rodriguez DC2(ROD)
ryrlight@sbcglobal.net
*************************************************************
Hello everyone,
I remember when I first came aboard the MO Boat.
There were two of us that came aboard my self
and Fireman Apprentice Billings. We were told
that there were two
openings one was for an
electrician and one was for a mechanic. Billings
beat me to the electrician so I became a
mechanic in the boat shop. It was a very good
experience
for me for I have earned a good
living from being a mechanic. Billings has not
spoken to me to this day for I was a two year
wonder and he had to stay on board for the
full
four years. If he reads this I hope he will
contact me and let me know how he is doing.
EN3 Jim Harbin 1968-1970
harbin77@nts-online.net
*************************************************************
I was on the "Mighty Mo" from 76'-80, The
Enewitok clean up, R Division worked there Asses
off round the clock, 1st shift brought the boats
on and broke out the tools,
3rd shift kicked the
boats out & picked up the tools 2nd shift got
screwed!!!! it was the best time of my life!!!
All the people... Pete Ford, Dave Marlowe, Rich Salluce,
Tackett, Yingling, Havard Kampa and
everyone. Wow what a great time in our lives!!!
Greg Land HT3
cagerg@bigvalley.net
*************************************************************
My best to all who were onboard the MoBoat, I
remember when I was at the helm and the MoBoat
was in maneuvers with other ships including the
USS TRIPOLI
that was in front of the MoBoat. In
the maneuver every ship was to make a turn and
reduce speed. Well, the MoBoat
officer-of-the-deck didn't slow down, so we
rammed the TRIPOLI tearing up a gun mount and
screwing up the bow of the MoBoat. I loved
seeing the USS MISSOURI in ops with us in Nam. I
had a lot of good
times and made a lot of great
friends. THANKS And BEST TO ALL
GLEN BAKER SN
gbaker@ers2way.com
*************************************************************
I WAS ON THE "MIGHTY-MO" FROM OCT.1964 TO
EARLY JAN.1965. I WAS WITH THE 3RD MARINE
DIVISION OUT OF OKINAWA (CHARLIE
COMPANY) I WAS
WITH A DETACHMENT OF MARINES ASSIGNED TO
REINFORCE RECON FORCES AND INTELLIGENCE
OPERATIVES THAT
WERE UNDER (CLASSIFIED: TOP
SECRET ORDERS FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.). WE WERE
SENT INTO THE (GULF OF TONKIN) SHORTLY AFTER
THE
TURNER JOY AND THE USS MADDOX CAME UNDER HOSTILE
FIRE FROM NORTH VIETNAMESE AND RUSSIAN SHIPS.
PRESIDENT JOHNSON
ORDERED THE MONTICELLO INTO
THE GULF OF TONKIN WITH THESE SPECIAL FORCES
(EQUIPPED WITH SPECIAL SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT)
TO SET THE GROUNDWORK FOR POSSIBLE FUTURE
LANDINGS OFF THE COAST OF NORTH VIETNAM--WHICH
EVENTUALLY TOOK PLACE IN EARLY 1965.
THE MONTICELLO WAS ORDERED TO DETACH FROM THE
7TH FLEET-WHICH WAS A MASSIVE ASSEMBLY OF
SHIPS-AND TO GO ALONE INTO THE
GULF OF TONKIN
AND BECOME PART OF MISSIONS KNOWN AS "SOG"
SPECIAL OPS GROUP. I REMEMBER BEING HARASSED AT
NIGHT BY
RUSSIAN PT BOATS, GENERAL QUARTERED AT
TIMES BECAUSE OF RUSSIAN MIGS OVERHEAD, CHASED
BY RUSSIAN NUCLEAR SUBS ON ONE
OCCASION AND (ZIG-ZAGGING)
OUR WAY INTO A TYPHOON STORM WHILE BEING PURSUED
WITH PERISCOPE UP READINESS AT OUR TAIL.
I
REMEMBER MAKING AN EARLY MORNING LANDING ON (RED
BEACH) JUST OFF THE DANANG AIRFIELD THAT WAS
BEING BOMBARDED
BY MORTAR ATTACKS FROM RUSSIAN
AND NORTH VIETNAMESE TROOPS. I REMEMBER BE
PHYSIOLOGICALLY HARASSED AT NIGHT BY
MESSAGES
FROM (HANOI HANNA) THAT CAME OVER THE RADIO
WAVES. SHE NAMED OUR SHIP AND THREATENED TO
CRUSH US AT ANY
MOMENT IF WE CONTINUED TO PURSUE
AN AGGRESSIVE STANCE OFF THE COAST OF NORTH
VIETNAM. I RECALL THROWING THE RADIO
OVERBOARD
ONE NIGHT. THERE IS MORE THAT TOOK PLACE DURING
THOSE FEW MONTHS. I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM
SOMEONE
WHO WAS ON THE SHIP AT THIS TIME.
LCPL-JOHN GASPARRO-USMC
*************************************************************
I just came across this site. I think I
was aware of the reunion, but missed it.
I was the A & R Division Officer during
the 65 to 67 era. I was assigned the duty of
Special Services Officer for 18 months.
During that time I organized a boxing
tournament in 1965 as we passed from the
Pacific into the South China Sea. We had
some great matches, all within 5 lbs. of
each other. The Deck Force built the
matts
on the helo deck and set the ring with poles
and ropes. I bought a VW bus to carry
sailors from the gate in Subic back to the
MoBoat.
I received from Captain George Folta, my
"Blue Vase", an impossible task to acquire a
female Mannequin at minimal cost in Yokosuka.
Thanks to LT. Don Kuepker's
help I bought
one in a dress shop. Thus we have Phillis
Phid pg. 75 of the 65-67 Cruise Book. After
I brought her back to the ship and we
repaired her in the carpenter
shop by DC2
Mitchell I placed her in the Captains bunk
under the covers facing the bulkhead and
dressed in a gown. He was shocked. He
thought this was his lucky
day, or so I was
told she looked real. So, who ended up with
Phyllis after the Quartermaster used to
store her in the chart House? How long was
she used?
Then there was Navigator Anchor Man Lt.
Dick Holt the winner of our anchor pool. The
Captain would not let him keep the anchor
pool winnings. Mr. Holt and I
challenged any
6 man team to volley ball in the well deck.
I don't think we lost. Mr. Holt and I drew
straws to see who would be the Easter Bunny
on Easter Sunday unrep.
He won, he became
the rabbit, in long jons, log jon shirt,
white pillow case, ears made of coat
hangers, white tennis shoes and a basket of
real Easter eggs. The basket of
eggs was
hi-lined to the unrep ship. Captain Folta
turned to address the bunny coming on deck
"Who in the hell are you"? We never admitted
who.
I was aware of the demise of Captain
Folta. Around Dec. 7 of 2003 I was in
Seattle for a wedding. I had found George
via the internet via the History channel 120
on TV.
He made some appearances on the
history of his Captain from WWII I made
arrangements to meet him for coffee at
Starbucks. We talked for a couple of hours
about
before and after Navy experiences. His
Blue Vase was to acquire a Navy Jeep on
base, I believe in Perth, Australia as an
Ensign in WWII.
I tried to call George Folta in Feb. 2004
after I failed to receive anymore e-mails.
His wife informed me he had passed away
about 2 weeks after I had coffee with him.
Was it what I had said or was it bad coffee?
I had not see Captain Folta since 1966.
I also met with LtJG Lacy Pike a couple
of years ago east of San Francisco. He was
aware of the Monticello mooring location
close by. We drove down to the location
and
tried to get a picture. I liked our pictures
of her better when we sailed her to the
Western Pacific AND back.
Smooth sailing to all of the Men who
served aboard the Monticello.
James Swatek
*************************************************************
I spent an afternoon this weekend with an old shipmate of ours, SM3 Charlie Kampa. I believe he served the
old girl from 1976-1980. Brought back many memories....too many to discuss in 5 short hours. One very distinct
memory I have involves most of the ship and a few islanders. We were going to Enewetok to repair small boats so
the islands could be cleaned up and turned over to the natives. Enroute, we stopped on a small island called
Kwajalein to refuel. Since most of the ship had nothing to do with this excursion,
we partook of the native festivities. I spent some time swimming in the lagoon along with Ens. Nevers and a few others.
When I saw fins in the water, I decided to go have an adult social appropriate beverage. There was a small bar on the
beach and I noticed a few Mo-Boat sailors there. At the bar were a couple of Aussie pilots and everyone seemed to be
having a good time. SN Lewis was going around the island collecting bikes to ride into the ocean! I'm not sure how
many he submerged but I'm sure there were many sad children the next morning.
EN3 Roy came in the bar looking like a native with his scepter and garb on. One of the natives took offense and it was on.
At the same time this was going on FN Tankred made the fatal mistake of calling BM3 soon to be SN Swerzek a SOB.
Now Ed loved his mama and no one was going to call her a B**ch! Shortly the police showed up and we were left to use
any gorilla warfare tactic we could think of to get back to the ship. Did I mention that before this was going on,
R-division was doing it's humanitarian act.
We were letting a bunch of sea turtle loose that the natives had in a small aquarium, tank. And the palm trees planted
around it didn't fair too well either! Well by the time we got back to the ship, we had a welcoming committee and they
looked pretty irritated. At the top of the ladder was BMC McMeans and he was pissed! Our division officer at the time
was Lt. Peter Smith and since he was with us and told everyone concerned that he had
Pete Ford
*************************************************************
I was TAD on the Mo Boat in 1958 Operation Hardtack 7.3 Boat Pool during the atomic bomb blasts at Eniwetok & Bikini.
Once Top Secrete Document AD-A136819 is now declassified. Some of the later crew members may be interested in the following:
All 1958 (bomb shots by name then date, time, & nautical miles from ground zero) YUCCA 28 April 1440 78nmi CACTUS 6 May
0615 10nmi BUTTERNUT 12May 0615 10nmi KOA 13 May 0630 18 nmi WAHOO 16 May 1330 6nmi UMBRELLA 9 June 1115 4nmi Yes,
four nautical miles from ground zero. It was 11 miles from the
mezzanine deck to the horizon, so less than half the distance. All in all the Mo Boat was present at the EPG for 34 of
the 35 shots, these are just a few.
*************************************************************
Hi All,
I hope you don't mind my writing, but I was in San Francisco this past week
and saw your old ship. My husband was on the Kawishiwi, 1969-71
and told me that it seemed a funny coincidence that both ships are in the
same row of the "mothball" fleet. (When you had been so "close", previously.)
We sailed the SS Jeremiah on 8/27/05 to pay a tribute to all the retired ships.
Good luck to all and many happy reunions!
*************************************************************
It was February 1971 Sydney,Australia, when the USS Monticello sailed in to Sydney Harbour.What an experience that was.
She returned later that year, with all the crew standing proudly on deck in summer whites spelling out "Glad to be back"I
had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful group of signalmen.(Jack,Dale and Doc.I was able to travel to Freemantle,West.Aust
to meet the ship when it docked,after leaving Sydney.I would like to think that the message flashed to me that morning from
the signal deck was not standard proceedure.Thank you to the Captain and QM for allowing my friend to leave the ship first
before all the formalities.
When I traveled to San Diego in March 72,I missed catching up with some of my friends as they had been discharged.
I have been checking this website for some time, hoping a friend from the past had logged on.
I hope I have not offended anyone by writing today.
*************************************************************
I remember some great times on the USS Monticello. I arrived on-board in
early in 1965 and left in mid 1968. Some of the guys I have often wondered
about are Roger Staab, Gary Davis, Red Williams, Ken Duke, Thomas Walton and
other M-Division screw-ups.
I remember the coast of Viet Nam more than anything else, but we also had
some great times in Subic, Hong Kong, Okinawa, Yokosuka and Hawaii. We all
soaked up a tremendous amount of San Miguel beer. Great stuff if you were
constipated.
It is interesting to get some perspective now on what we were doing then.
Most of the time we were kept in the dark.
After getting out of the Navy as an MM3, I went to school in Colorado and
got a Bachelor's Degree. Worked as a systems analyst for Eastman Kodak
until moving to Idaho in 1978. Finished an MBA in 1982. Went into the
theater business owning theaters in Idaho, Washington, Nevada and Canada. I
sold out of that business in 1998. Went into property development and moved
to Olympia, Washington in 1997.
After 911, I joined the Washington State Guard to do my part for the war
effort. Since then I have been advanced to Sergeant and have passed all my
coursework for advancement to Warrant Officer. Just waiting for an opening.
I'm working with a great bunch of guys.
Thanks for the great web site. I know they take a lot of work. I would
love to hear from anybody on-board from 65-67 so we can swap lies.
I heard that Dick Barth is living in Canon City, Colorado. That is where
the prison is so I hope he is on the outside rather than the inside.
Best Regards,
SGT Jack D. Clark Jr
WSG Headquarters
Camp Murray
Tacoma, WA
*************************************************************
I WAS ABOARD THE MO WHEN SHE WAS COMMISSIONED UNTIL 1959. I AM A PLANK OWNER.
I CROSSED THE EQUATOR ABOARD HER, AND AM SHELLBACK.
OPERATION HARDTACK AND THROUGH THE SOUTH PACIFIC.
IT WOULD BE GREAT TO TALK TO SOME OF THE OLD SHIP MATES.
PLEASE CONTACT MIKE DALESSANDRO
In case a shipmate would like to talk about the MO. and old times from commission,
until 0ct. 1959. you can contact me  the address above is wrong
its comcast.net and not .com. sorry for the error.
*************************************************************
I Roy Lyles remember back in 1969-1970 the Mo-Boat had a very good Softball team. I just wish that
the sailors played on that team would please contact me, because some of those
guys could have made it in major league baseball.
*************************************************************
I remember my first WESTPAC.
After leaving Hawaii heading to Australia.
There was talk of "pollywogs" but I didn't have a clue of what that was.
I soon learned. I am now able to say, I am a Shellback.
On to Australia where we were a part of Kangaroo II.
When we had liberty call I went to Sydney. The ship had a party at the beach.
That is where I met an Aussie sailor.
We took off in his car, right side drive, that was different.
I got to see some sights that most people
don't see unless you live there. I saw some great country.
I'll never forget the time I had there.
The people were so warm and friendly. They made me feel like I was home.
I have never forgotten my time on the MoBoat. I sometimes miss it. I
sometimes look at my WESTPAC cruise book and I wonder how the lives of those I knew back then have turned out.
Me, I am very blessed to have a loving wife and 7 children.
Thank you for this web site.
************************************************************
I have many memories of the USS Monticello. Too numerous to elaborate them all here.
I was commissioned an Ensign in July of 1980. Prior to my commissioning, I requested an amphibs as my first choice for ships I wished to serve on.
This really was no coincidence because some ten years earlier I was a Marine with 3rd batallion 12th Marines, and had served on amphibs.
Well, you can probably see where all of this is going. In 1970 I went aboard the USS Monticello as a Marine. And now some ten years later
I was going back as an Ensign. You can imagine the memories I relived. Naturally being a Marine I was treated much like a mushroom and
kept below decks. You know out of sight, out of mind. And of course the first place I went to after boarding her, was below decks.
I have forgotten a lot, but I think our space number must have been 3- something. So its easy to see why USS Monticello holds a special
place in my heart. All the great crew members, picking up boat people, losing an anchor at Numazu, Japan, the Rose festival in Portland,
port call at Catalina, Island. It goes on an on. So to all you faithful sailors of the USS Monticello, "fair winds and following seas".
And for those who were fortunate enough to serve with Captain Hough- "Why not the best?"
Bruce Kennedy
************************************************************
I am a plank owner. I was assigned to the commissioning crew for the Monticello in Dec 1956. We stayed in Pascagula, MS
until March 1957 and then sailed to Norfolk, VA to load stores and ammunition. We went to Boston, MA and then back to Norfolk,
VA and headed to the Panama Canal. After a stay in Panama we went to our home port in San Diego. After performing shakedown cruise,
we stopped at Acapulco, Mexico. For entertainment, often several of us crewmen would gather in the chow hall, well deck or the boatswain
locker and play music. My specialty was Johnny Cash and Ernest Tubb. Sometimes the sessions were taped and played over the PA system.
My nickname became "Ernest Tubb". Incidentally, I have a picture of me and "Polecat" and "Sugar Booger" taken at the EM Club.
I also have a picture of 10 of the commissioning crew taken at the EM Club in Norfolk. While we were on liberty in Acapulco, Mexico,
I was electrocuted; taken back to the Monticello on the Captains gig; remained in sick bay until we returned to San Diego. Is there
anyone who remembers this incident? I am trying to locate Buck Berryman (from Little Rock), "Spencer",
"Corpsman Beck" & Eugene Witt from Arkansas. I was transferred to Balboa Naval Hospital and after my recovery, I was reassigned to Boat
Unit 1 in Coronado, California. Looking forward to corresponding with any of the original commissioning crew.
************************************************************
Just typed in U.S.S. Monticello on my computer and found this site.
I served on her 1977 to 1979 R division, HT3.
I will never forget some of those crazy sometimes
fun a lot of times very hard working long hours and days. Great shipmates,
Pete Ford, and his Mom's Christmas candy yummy, Donnie Moore (Dinty) Went on to
become his life's dream a Navy diver, Yingling, (hey hey now now) was his
favorite expression, HT1 Dovers, stinky feet, P.U. Arc welding while standing
in 3 feet of water. Stern gate falling off. Reading the Same Easy Rider's
magazines in DC central a million times over. Mid watch every night or so it seemed.
R division had a bunch of good people. We had some good times. I am still a
turd-chaser been employed in the Plumbing trade since my discharge.
I am a master plumber now with my own business for the past 15 years.
Hope all my shipmates are well. Am a grandpa now too, Time does fly. except on mid watch.
************************************************************
I was on the MoBoat (as you guys call her) & also the Thomaston.
With BLT 2/7 in 68. I'm not sure if it was the Mo or
the Thomaston that collided with the carrier in the middle of the night,
but I was sleeping on the Helo Pad where we
slept unless it was raining. Just wondering which boat it was. By the way,
both crews on both ships treated us Marines
great when we came back aboard from the bush, Thanks!!!!!
As bad as the wreck was, It was good for some time at Subic bay & Liberty!!!!
***********************************************************
I bet that I am one of only three guys on ship that was ever asked to identify his penis.
I was a JO3 at the time and my buddies and I were using the official ships intel camera to take pictures topside.
RMSN Danny Gathercole decided he wanted a picture of his schwanz so I obliged. Then SMSN Brent Anderson, Danny and
I photographed ourselves mooning the camera. Well, that film got mixed with with intel film sent to the photolab in Subic (Thanks Jessie!)
The Capt, XO, OE Div Officer MA ET2 Bates, ETC Chipman and my gang were all ordered into the capt's cabin to identify the photos.
"Petty Officer Cantrell, is this your penis?" said Cmdr Hough pointing to the photos. Words I will never forget as they cost me a stripe,
lots of money and I spent the next 45 days scrubbing bilges and steam superheaters. Time of your life, eh kid?
***********************************************************
RDC Sharp - what a great Chief! I learned more about leadership from him than any school or course the Navy could throw at me in the 30 years following.
I remember one time, the XO was planning a man-overboard drill, and he nabbed an RDSN for the victim. He told him to sit in his stateroom until the
XO came and got him. Then they passed the Man Overboard call.
It turns out, on his way to CIC, Chief Sharp happened to see the RDSN in the XO's cabin, and asked him what he was doing there. RDSN said he was
to stay there till the XO came back. Sharp told him to do exactly that, and proceeded to CIC. Once there, he turned in a muster which accounted for all his people.
This meant that everyone on the ship was apparently accounted for, so they had to keep doing musters until they found the 'victim'. Finally,
the XO came into CIC and asked Sharp to account for his men. I will never forget the look on the XOs face when Sharp said "Well, I've got 4 on watch, 4 at quarters, 2 are messcooking, and, oh yeh, there's RDSN down in your cabin, doing who knows what? I believe that accounts for them all, Sir."
XO was so pissed, he just glared at Sharp for about 10 seconds, then said "Chief, I don't think your are playing the game, do you?", and Sharp replied "XO, man overboard is not a game with me, Sir." The XO just spun around and left without a word. RDC Sharp was indeed, Sharp!
If anyone knows his whereabouts, please let me know. Thanks.
***********************************************************
1962, Christmas island, running out of food. Running for Hawaii and bugs in the bread. Ah Subic, Olongapo and the PI love call.
VN '64 gulf of Tonkin yacht club. (I still have that patch on my wall) Medals for combat and the money taken away on the way
home after the 64 Olympics in Japan. I hated every minute, but have fond memories.
David Minion
minion@computermail.net
***********************************************************
I REMEMBER BEING IN HONG KONG ON LIBERTY AT THE LITTLE BAR WITH BM3 BARRISTER AND BM1 JOWERS ALSO
BM3 PEDEN AND PEDEN GOT WASTED AND WE SENT BACK TO THE FERRY DOCK IN A RICKSHAW
AND PEDEN WASN'T GONE TOO LONG AND HE WAS BACK AT , THE BAR WITH US CAUSE HE SAID HE BEAT UP
THE RICKSHAW DRIVER CAUSE HE THOUGHT HE WAS KIDNAPPING HIM.
I ALSO REMEMBER THE AWESOME BAR-B-QS ON THE MEZZANINE DECK WHAT A FEAST.
DOES ANYONE REMEMBER THE BOS'N THAT WAS ON BOARD 73-75 I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH LONGER HE WAS
ON BOARD HE WAS VERY HEAVY SET!!!!!!!!!!
IF YOU WANT TO E-MAIL ME
LEON QUALLS
***********************************************************
When I was aboard this ship it was the best time I had while in the Marines.
Huntington was a friend and I was
allowed to help on the gig with him. If he is still around... HI JIM!
***********************************************************
I was on the babe when she got in the fleet. I'm hoping to find Larry Keirney or
Frank Connor Jock Mchoney.
Just a few of the mates that hung around. I can't remember the ex officer name.
I remember being on watch when he informed
us on the bridge that we were going by Cuba on our way to Norfork. Also, remember
going to Boston for the captains r&r before
we left for San Diego.........oh,well long time ago now wasn't it..........
take care respond if will and I'll get back.
SN Robert Markuson(markie),1957-1958
***********************************************************
June of 1972 I was called to active duty
from the in-active reserves. I couldn't
have caught a better ship or crew than the
"Mo Boat."
During my brief tenure aboard we had more
fun than God every issued in your
seabag.
The ships machine shop was pretty well
stripped of tools and material. MRC Bob
Inns was doing his best with very little.
Remember the 1970's were the era of
Admiral Elmo Zumwalt. I had come from a
different era / different Navy.
My last active duty had been January of
1965. My hardnosed attitude about conduct
and drugs rapidly tagged me as being an NIS
plant.
Drugs were a problem. To get better
control over the problem, Capt. Tager had
requested assistance from the squadron
commander.
I know this because Capt. Tager told me.
During my first three months onboard, I had
been to Captain's Mast nineteen times just
because I was doing what I felt a squared
away Petty Officer should do. Drugs? Not
on my ship!
We had deployed for WEST PAC and a few
nights out from San Diego, Capt. Tager
stopped by the machine shop. He invited me
to his in-port cabin. Upon entering his
cabin, I was greeted by a table that was set
with cookies and coffee.
The Capt. invited me to have a seat. My
mind was racing a million miles an hour
trying to figure this one out.
The following fifteen minutes were usual
conversation about hometown, family, naval
career. Finally the Skipper said,
"I know you cannot tell me if you are.
But I've got to ask anyway. Are you NIS?"
There it was out in the open. Now
understand, I was not NIS or anything else.
I quickly realized the opportunity that was
open before me.
I couldn't lie. I replied, "Like you
said Captain. I couldn't tell you if I
were; now could I?
"No. You couldn't, but I just had to
ask," he replied. Before all this life was
good and life was fun on the Monticello, but
it really got better now.
I hadn't lied, but my answer wasn’t
crystal clear either.
All of you listed on the Decklog that
served 72 - 73 will surely remember the
Chinese mongoose I had. More of that story
later at a different posting.
Late 1973, the "Mo Boat" went to
Anchorage, Alaska. Capt. Tager had me show
my mongoose to the mayor and his wife.
Capt. Tager's wife was introduced too.
The mongoose story has to be the best kept
secret ever held on any ship, in any Navy.
I was the tale bearer that carried the
news back to the ship when the CMAA and his
group of chiefs visited P.J.'s strip club in
Anchorage.
One of the strip acts was really a female
impersonator named Gerry Alexander. She
(he) was working the crowd, between acts,
when the Chiefs walked in. I quickly
pulled Gerry aside and informed him of the
CMAA. Gerry was ex-USAF and understood all
about the CMAA role. During Gerry's act,
she (he) coaxed the CMAA onto the stage.
Not to be out done, the CMAA started
undressing as Gerry stripped.
When Gerry was down to his bra and
g-string, the CMAA dropped his skivvies,
grabbed his unit, and pushed into Gerry's "packaage."
Not to be out witted, Gerry pulled his
out and there in front of King Neptune, his
court, and any crew members present; they
had a "sword fight."
The shock on the CMAA's face was
priceless. He screamed, "What the ----?"
and jumped back. The crowd went wild.
I immediately broke away and got out of
there. I grabbed a cab and beat feet back
to the ship. The news was all over the “Mo
Boat”
by the time the Chiefs got back to their
mess later that night.
Now to the credit of the US Navy Chief
Petty Officer (got to say this because later
I became one), the Chiefs acted with dignity
and style.
The entire review of strippers was
invited for lunch in the Chief's Quarters
the next day. When they arrived, they were
dressed in their
evening wear, Gerry too. The Chiefs gave
them the guided tour of the ship and it
looked as if everyone had a good time.
My hat is off to the CMAA and the
chiefs. The CMAA enjoyed the humor of the
situation and took things quite well.
Two years later, I ran across Gerry
Alexander doing her (his) act at the Sand
Box in Honolulu. My money wasn't any good
that evening.
Gerry and all the strippers ponied up for
all the drinks. I was introduced on stage
and later on that evening, my good friend AO
1 Dodge walked in.
Gerry and I repeated the Anchorage Act
that evening; but this time kissing was
involved. However, that is another story,
for another ship, and another reunion.
Bill Crowell, CWO, USN Retired
***********************************************************
EXCUSE ME, SORRY TO BOTHER, DOES ANYONE KNOW OF CHIEF ROBERT INS? OR (LASTNAME: INNES, MAYBE SPELLED INNS).
HE WAS IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR SURE IN 1972. PLEASE KINDLY EMAIL ME AT ALUGBATI@MSN.COM.
THANK YOU.
JOCELYN SCHUSTER
***********************************************************
I served on the Monticello from late
1959 until 1963. I also remember the A-Bomb
tests around the Johnston Islands in the
spring and summer of 1962.
"Operation Dominir"
Still have my certificates from Joint
Task Force Eight. Remember watching the
initial blast on closed circuit tv below
decks and waiting for the shock wave, going
out on deck and seeing the mushroom
cloud and completely forgetting about the
second shock wave until it knocked me on my
butt. Remember going to
Kapingamerangi
also even though this was in 1959.
Made all the usual stops in the Philippines
including Zamboanga on Mindanao when there
were only palms there.
My regards also to Bill Robertson QM3
when I think of my first cruise which was the Kodiak
Island, Alaska trip in 1959. I was assigned
cleaning the head being
SMSN and boy do I
remember the storm.
We hit almost all the Aleutian Islands
during that cruise and some of us were lucky
enough to tour some by helicopter.
Bill Dunnam SM2 59-63
***********************************************************
I was onboard the mighty MO from 1981 to 1983. I can't believe how
time goes by. I was a crazy kid back then. I remember a lot of good times
overseas with the likes of Cantrell, Freeman, Ewald, Carr, Hughes, even
Mock. Wouldn't mind hearing from anyone again. I can still remember
the look on ETC Chipman's face when he came into the ET shop, with the
samurai sword. He looked right at me and asked "Whose sword could this be"?
This was right after I had been up to see the old man for possessing a 12"
butterfly knife when we were in the phillipines. Chipman was a good
guy.
Always looked out for us. I don't know how many times he carried me
back to the ship over his shoulder. There were other great characters too,
like Teer, Sharp, Lipot, Gilbert.
I had a great time! Thanks everybody!!! :)
Chit-James F. Cayton, ETSN
http://www.chitswood.com
***********************************************************
Hi All,
I was just looking through the photos and boy did a lot of good times come back to me. I was in charge of the machine Shop from 75-76.
Got off the ship just before you left on West Pac. I've been trying to hook-up with some old "A" gang friends; Joe Roy, Sanderson, I seen
Bruce mold about three years ago. I would like to remember HM3 Jeff Mold who died shortly after he got out of the Navy. I had some really
great times with "A" and "R" division personnel. Yorkie your pictures were great, thanks for the memories. If anyone remembers this group,
please fell free to email me.
MR2 Wayne Bauer
***********************************************************
I remember I think it was Okinawa, Beamer might recall it, but we had been frapping the mooring lines on the forecastle. The sailor was
afraid to look down, he did and he lost his false teeth, of course, we laughed. There was someone there with a movie camera and he got
it all. awhile down the road we watched it again. Maybe whomever took the movie will submit it.
Mike Lovaas
***********************************************************
I reported on board the Friday before the Mo Boat departed San Diego for Diego Garcia
in February 1971. During the year I was on the Monticello, I was assigned to M, S-2
(mess cooking) and A Divisions.
Seeing Sydney, Perth, Singapore and Hong Kong was an experience I'll never forgot.
I was only nineteen years old at that time.
I left the Mo Boat to attend Engineman Class "A" school in Great Lakes Ill in
February 1971. After graduation I wound up on the U.S.S. Grand Canyon AR 28 in
Newport RI and Mayport FL.
After my enlistment, I subsequently became a professional fire fighter in
New Jersey and during that career, I participated with the 9-11 rescue effort
in New York City.
I have since retired from the fire service and I'm now working as a boiler
operator at a suburban New Jersey hospital, paying for two kids in college.
To this day, I'll always say that CS1 Carlos "Chico" Herrera made the best chili ever!
Ken Dalton, EN2 1970-74
***********************************************************
68-70 their were a quiet a few fun times and some not so fun times but it
seemed that the crew and also the officers were pretty close if something
should happen to anyone of us the memories sometime bring a tear to your
eye comparing us to today's military and what they ha ve to go through
Forrest Albin BM3
***********************************************************
I REMEMBER BEING IN HONG KONG ON LIBERTY AT THE LITTLE BAR WITH BM3BARRISTER AND BM1 JOWERS
ALSO BM3 PEDEN AND PEDEN
GOT WASTED AND WE SENT BACK TO THE FERRY DOCK IN A RIKASHAW
AND PEDEN WASN'T GONE TO LONG AND HE WAS BACK AT , THE BAR WITH US CAUSE HE SAID HE BEAT UP
THE RICKSHAW DRIVER CAUSE HE THOUGHT HE WAS KIDNAPPING HIM.
I ALSO REMEMBER THE AWESOME BAR-B-QS ON THE MEZZANINE DECK WHAT A FEAST.
DOES ANYONE REMEMBER THE BOS'N THAT WAS ON BOARD 73-75 I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH LONGER
HE WAS ON BOARD HE WAS VERY HEAVY SET!!!!!!!!!!
IF YOU WANT TO E-MAIL ME
LEON QUALLS
***********************************************************
As a young navy man I recall the outside movies playing while the slow roll
of the ship and the stars that moved back and forth accross the night
sky putting you in a very relaxed mood. Learning how to get around the
inside of the ship and watching the well deck fill with water,
flight operations and most of all eating SOS.
Chet Mealer RM1 (Retired)
***********************************************************
Hello is there any snipes that were on the MoBoat?
well I was a MM3 on from 61 -64,, went to pearl, Olongapo, Hong Kong,
Chrismas island, Oknaiwa,and other places remember lots of good times.
Jim Mooney, MM3
***********************************************************
Fellow Mo-Boaters;
Just found this site, any other Flaggs
out there. Was on top of the world as a
Signalman aboard Her from 76'to 80"
I was
discharged while we were dry dock-Portland
the day
Mt. St. Helens blew her top the second
time. How about Bobby Floyds Java Jive bar
in
Tacoma WA. Anybody remember spending a
week with me there one day? Good to read you
all.
God Bless America!
Charlie Kampa
ckampa at co.ottertail.mn.us (replace
"at" with @ and remove the spaces)
***********************************************************
I was on the MoBoat from 80-82. I
worked down in the forward engine room... If
any of you guys read this...e-mail me...we
sure did have some good times!!!
MM3.. Knocked down to E-1 when I
left.. Buff
Craig Buffey
***********************************************************
I REMEMBER MY 1ST DAY ON PIER 13 SAN DIEGO WALKING ONTO THE RUST BUCKET IN
1985,WHAT A SITE ... BUT THE CREW I GREW TO LIVE WITH GOT HER GOING AGAIN
FOR THE LAST 2 WEST PACS SHE DID . WE PASSED ALL SEA GOING TESTS AND HAD A
GREAT TIME WATCHING OUR SISTER SHIP THE THOMPSON STALL IN BALLASTING IN
CHANNEL.. LOL THIS IS MY 1ST TIME IN 20YRS GOING TO THIS SITE . HAD A
GREAT TIME ON BOARD BUT STILL EARS RING FROM TINNITUS I RECEIVED BEING A
HOLE SNIPE HOPE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO WAS ON BOARD DURING 83-85 I WAS
THE LAST OF 5 MATES TO STAND COLD IRON BEFORE SHE WAS TOWED TO BREMERTON
WASH.. REST IN RUST LSD-35
Chris Keegan
***********************************************************
Hi all was just looking through the photos posted and boy did a lot of good
times come back to me. I was in charge of the machine shop from 75-76 got
off just before you left on West Pac. Been trying to hook up with some old
A-gang friends, Joe Roy, Sanderson, seen Bruce Mold about 3 years ago.
would like also to remember HM3 Jeff Mold who died shortly after he got
out of the Navy. Had some really great times with A & R Div. personnel.
Yorkie your pictures were great, thanks for the memories. Anyone that
remembers this group feel free to e-mail me.
MR2 Wayne Bauer
***********************************************************
I was standing top watch in the boiler room and we were pulling into port, can't remember where.
But I do know we were close enough into it that you didn't want anything to go wrong. We had this
particular BT who only showed up in the boiler room to collect water samples, (Oil King) and
when he walked past the burnerman he liked to mess with him and kick a burner out as he passed.
Well this time he did this he didn't look first and kicked out the only one lit. (not a good idea
when pulling in) My burnerman couldn't believe he did it, i tried to light fires off the back wall,
but wouldn't go. Finally I had to tell main control, "FIRES OUT #1 BOILER". Oh shit.
Anyway I always wondered just what Dave Ryan knew that kept him out of trouble for doing that.
It was quite funny afterwards.
Wayne VanderZwaag
***********************************************************
Stop me if you've heard this atomic secret...
Served on MoBoat from 75-79. Long Beach to Anchorage, AK to Kangaroo II, some strange RimPac to the middle
of nowhere (Enewetok), to deliver Pampers, fruit cocktail and Airstream Trailers to imaginary islanders, and
another WestPac featuring the strange case of disappearing SM Bauman... and the disappearing stern gate.
I remember that week in Tacoma well. To this day I have Java flashbacks whenever i hear someone play the
Wulitzer. Can't help screaming, "Go, Bobby, Go!" You had to be there...
Best,
Jon Hayman
***********************************************************
I remember all the wing wall parties of all E-3 & below @ after lookout I made
West-Pac 78 with Jeff Schrader as my mentor on the pool table. I remember the
stern gate. I think that was always one of those things you thought about when you
walked by " Would that thing ever fall off?" HA, HA and the late night climbs
down the back of said stern gate to partake in some party times! Lots of
great memories!! All that remember feel free to contact me @
 or  I also remember when in the MR
shop with a car cassette player hooked up to a 12 volt car battery playing
Van Halen "Running with the Devil"
and the 3rd verse we realized that the words were "GODDAMN THE NAVY AND ALL YOU LIFERS,
I'm gonna tell you one more time" And what about Cheif Kupkie? his famous tattoo of his name on
the head of his pecker! Well "Let the good times roll"
Thanks to all you helped make me the man I am today and not in jail!
Kevin Laurie
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Regards and best wishes,
Tony Iallonardo ENC/USN/Ret
REUNION - - - YES !!! Come on, let's be there !
