USS Hancock Association Quarterdeck Log.htm

Quarterdeck Log Entries

Name: Mac McChristian LM #259
Email_Address: DelMarC3 corvettes @comcast.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1961 - 1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M - DIV
Date: 05 Sep 2009
Time: 20:42

Comments

From my last entry and commentes. All Members know the reason I do not post Comments. Mac

Name: Mac McChristian LM #259
Email_Address: DelMarC3Corvettes @comcast .net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1964-`955
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M - DIV
Date: 05 Sep 2009
Time: 19:55

Comments

Charlie Ridens from your past comments posted, It appears that you did very well with your life. Thanks for your military service. Charlie military service and law Enforcement is a job for young people. After years of long hours on surveillance for several days and nights in a car, boat , vessel , aircraft in the woods , in the water and on the shoreline and a heavy case load. Some would not thank of this as an interesting or even a good job.Agents never finish tranining even up to retirement time. Yes we were able to travel and not always to the city,state or country of his or her choice . I would not change one thing about my military service or my job with U.S.Customs . One month after my big 50th birthday , I was on my last R&R Retirement Charlie it is always mentally tough on a person that has a loss of a close family member or a friend. I lost my first and second child .I have my two youngest daughters . Thank the man above. My third child Lisa is with John Hopkins Hospital in Bailtmore, Maryland . My fourth child Stephanie is in the U.S.Air Force. Charlie I do not post comments .I do enjoy reading you comments and others . Charlie did you retire from the Army or the Navy SeaBee's . Thanks for the time Charlie. Mac

Name: Mac McChristian LM #259
Email_Address: DelMarC3 Corvettes@comcast.net
Association_Member: .
Years_Aboard: 1961 - 1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M-DIV
Date: 05 Sep 2009
Time: 18:17

Comments

Charlie Ridens from your past post comments on the log, It appears that you did well with your life. Thanks for your Military service... Charlie after years of long hours on surveillance for days and nights in a car,boat,vessle in the water on the shoreline and a heavy case load and yes you was able to travel and not always the city, state, or country of your choice. Agents were always in some type of training up to retirement day. Yes it was a very good job and I would not change one thing about it.. One month after my big 50th birthday I was on my last big R&R Retirement. Charlie it is always mentally tough when a person has a loss of a close family member or friend . Charlie I myself do not post comments. I sure like to read them , yours I enjoy although I like them all . Charlie did you retire from the army or the navy seabee's ............................. Thanks for your time. Mac

Name: Charlie Ridens
Email_Address: valhalla1@cabeone.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1960-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: A Division
Date: 05 Sep 2009
Time: 01:34

Comments

Mac that is very interesting to me. I wish I had stayed in the Navy.But I made some bad decisions. When I let the Army I had a top Secret and crypto clearance. Before I got home the FBI called my Dad. He was histerical and thought they were after me for something I did.They offerd me a job. I think those clearances cost a lot of money and time to run. When I told my wife I would have to go to training In Va for 6mos and then we would be sent to Nm to some pool I/we could be sent anywhere, She vetoed it. I may have been hen pecked respected her wishes. she died at 34 of spinal meng. I haven't gotten over it yet...Charlie

Name: Dahl "MAC" McChristian LM #259
Email_Address: DelMarC3Corvettes@comcast.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1961 - 1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M-DIV
Date: 04 Sep 2009
Time: 18:58

Comments

Congratulations, Harold Corbett on your Life Member Ship # 269.. A Life long Friend & a friend to my Mother in Bear, Delaware By the way my Life Member Ship is # 259. Harold after the HANNAH and a short leave in august of 1964, I made MM2 and served onboard the USS TICONDEROGA CVA 14 through July 1967, retired late1993 at the age of 50 with over 30 years Government service as a Speical Agent Criminal Investigator with the U.S. Treasury. U.S. Customs Office of Investigations. Hope all is well with you and your Family. I now Live in Tucson,AZ and Miraflores,Lima Peru. My wife has a home in peru. We should be there at this time of the year. I had a stroke on June 27, A few days in the hospital and surgery .I am now good to travel again. Harold I lost my daughter Tracey in 2006, Sure has been a tough three years, she was only 36 years of age. I know that you have daughters, and around the same age . This old Snipe was sure pleased to see your name & V1- Crash Crew. Friend & Shipmate MAC !!!!

Email_Address: gom51@aol.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1969-1970
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Photo
Date: 04 Sep 2009
Time: 17:54

Comments

Thanks for maintaining the history and memories of so many, my brief stay aboard the Hancock was by far the highlight of my service, proud to have been a crewmember. Keep up the good work. thanks again for the memories

Name: Wayne Erven, Membership Chairman, Life Member #2
Email_Address: oldsalt2@comcast.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1965-1968
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Ops Office
Date: 04 Sep 2009
Time: 11:06

Comments

Congratulations to FIVE more Life Members, who will never have to pay dues again: #293, Donald R. Anderson, S6(AK3), 61-63; #294 CAPT W. Craig Bell, Dental Officer, 70-72; #295, CAPT Vincent Cooke, Chief Engineer, 70-72; #296 Harold Corbett, V1 Crash Crew, 61-64; #297 Dan Powell, OE, ETR3, 65-67. Only three more until we hit #300! Contact me if you would like to know more about Life Memberships.

Name: Pat Lovetro
Email_Address: nick25@roadrunner.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-74
Division_Squadron_Detachment: E-Div Lighting Shop
Date: 04 Sep 2009
Time: 00:02

Comments

Yes Pete, the lead guy in Vegas sounded like a recording of Frankie. There's a band I see alot around here, Buffalo/Niagara Falls area, called the BBC. They do all the British invasion bands. They're incredible. I really think the music from that time is the best music ever made. You can check their website , The BBC Band.com , if you want to see their song list. Let me know what you think. Another fantastic show is the Love show at the Mirage in Vegas. It's The Cirque De Solie backed by all Beatles music. I've seen it 3 times,LOL.

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 03 Sep 2009
Time: 22:40

Comments

Pat,the touring companies have to have a lead singer who can sound like "Fankie Vallie". The lead actor/singer in Boston was incredible. I was inspired! Pete

Name: Charlie Ridens
Email_Address: Valhalla1@cableone.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1960-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: A Divison
Date: 03 Sep 2009
Time: 00:53

Comments

Pete what could go wrong at Tail Hook with 3000 crazy Pilots. I sure woudn't want to pull Shore Patrol Duty there. I'm sure it's not as bad as what was put on the news about it years ago. It is a chance for you guy to exchange war stories and get together. You guys go through a lot of college and training just to try to see if you can keep from getting killed. A lot didn't make it home. Pilots are a breed of their own. I used to take Gena out to Kessler AFB and they had older jets on pedistals. She always wished she could ride in one. I never thought abought it at the time but I could have gotten us a hop to somewhere and back in a military A/C and it would have been an experance for her. of course it it wouldn't have been a fighter. The last time I talked to her the Dr changed her meds and she called me sick and they didn't mix and she died. Her Mom called me crying. Gena was only 34...Charlie

Comments

I recently saw the Jersey Boys in Vegas and it was excellent. It was quite a snapshot of that time period too. Another great show in Vegas was Human Nature. It's 4 Australian guys doing the old Motown songs, presented by Smoky Robinson. They were spot on!

Comments

Pete they had a lot of good music back then. I have a lot of it recorded on CDs I play. Once the beatles came out I liked country better. It all got wierd. Dennis sent me link to a PI girl that has one heck of a voice. I'm sure she will go to the top. I watched a thing about Sher on TV she has one heck of a voice I don't know why she wanted to be almost naked..Charlie

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 31 Aug 2009
Time: 20:19

Comments

I have been on "leave" for the best part of the last of the "summer" here. The rain has stopped! Ok, went to see the "Jersey Boys," here in Boston. Anybody (60ish) remember growing up with the "Four Seasons" and Frankie Valli? Hands Up Guys! Songs are coming back!

Pete

Comments

mine Pete I have served around Marines for several yrs in the Bees they are a tough bunch. now dought about that. us Seabee's used to aggivate the hell out of them to have some to do. we went through a lot of the same training they did. generaly Seabees were large and strong men. we built fire bases and cleard fields of fire.all we needed was a backhoe and a dozer. They were brought by big choppers. The Mariness set up a parimiter. We put up consatina wire ' and I never did like setting a clamor mine It wolud clear anything out 50 yrds in front of it. it had what they had what they called a hell box. that was the spooky part. It had a switch you could put on test. it had a red that came on I didn't testing the wires back in thr foxhole but I had to be right there wiith it and see if its circut was good ...Charlie

Comments

Lets get off This VA stuff it is to depressing. I hope none of you guys fell in love with my pretty little girl friend in the PI like I did. I had 2 weeks R&R from Nam and she took good care of me.I didn't have to pay US prices even on the jeepny. She would raise hell. I guess it started out she wanted to see a movie and I took her and took her to the open markets. it didn't cost much at her prices. I staid at her home and actuly saved bucks, I think of her and she was a keeper. I had to go back to Nam and didn't know what the future would bring. Someone has a good woman....Charlie

Comments

Mack The DAV is a great outfit. I am a member. They have a lot of pull with the VA. There is always a lot of paper work. The VA will help you with it but you will be dead before they they get done with it. I think they are a lot better now. From my experinces It took them 3 mos to assign me a Dr when I moved from one state to another. If you have a retired ID card and really need help go to a militay base to the emergency room. When I moved here I run out of blood pressure pills and and the VA wouldn't refill it until I saw a Dr. That was a few yrs back. They gave me a VA ID card but I don't dig for it. I have a billfold that shows my military ID though a little window and and when they type my SS nunber in the know every thing about me. I got it because I go to the SeaBee base and Kessler AFB and got tired of digging for it. the gate guards. The commisary and exchange always want to see your ID, It saves me a pain in the butt. I know a lot of you are not retired.military I woud hate to walk in your shoes....Charlie

Comments

Larry you are correct about that. That's why mine sweepers had wooden hulls. Modern tvs and computer screens automaticly degausse when you turn them on. Years ago you would have to call a tv man out to do it manualy if you got sonething magnetic close to it. It has something to do with magnetic poles. Torpedos have a multituide of settings they can program into it. I really liked the "Boat" Sailors at the Naval Home. We had 22. I remember once we we pulled a sled called a chatter box behind the Hanna in a drill to so they would go to it. another time they pulled one the Crusaders would shoot at. I don't know know what kept it together but you would see splashes in the water on one side and splashes on the other. I it was one of those expendable items. I onley got to see one pass and had to get back to work. ...Charlie

Name: Henry A. McCormick
Email_Address: henry.mccormick82@gmail.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1961-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: B-Div#4 FR.
Date: 30 Aug 2009
Time: 11:44

Comments

Asbestos is one bad thing to have in your lung's.I was told by a lung doctor, if I didn't die from anything else, I would die from lung cancer because of it. The VA only payes, if approved, from the day you file for the service connected disability. A man at a local D A V Chapter helped me fill out the necessary paper-work, back in 06. You don't have to join the DAV,to get help' but you are given the opportunity. Cheers, Mack

Name: LArry Jones Life Member 199
Email_Address: ljones95370@hub3.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1966-68
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OE Div
Date: 30 Aug 2009
Time: 10:50

Comments

Charlie: I thought the degaussing was a defense against mines. Most torpedoes have some sort of active seeker.

Comments

Wouldn't it be great If we could have one more cruise. I loved her when we had fair seas without air ops. It was like a pleasure cruise. If you wern't on duty. I never could figure out how that degausin field in Hawii worked. It sapose to make that big chunk of iron antimagnetic against torpedos. I don't think it really worked we only went through it once in the years I was aboard.All the electic motors on the Hanna worked with magnatism. I don't know who came up with that idea It sapossed to reverse polarity of the ship like a magnet. To me I would think they could reverse polarity on the torpedo....Charlie

Name: Charlie Ridens
Email_Address: valhalla1@cableone.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1960-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: A Division
Date: 29 Aug 2009
Time: 19:49

Comments

Wayne When we were in the yards in Bremerton I went down to the 02 plant. The sand crabs was were changing the asbestos on the steam pipeing. It looked like a light fog. It has not shown up in me. 52 yrs of smoking has taken it's toll. I did catck TB in Deigo Garcia and the Navy put me on INH for a year. The tested everone on the island. I don't know how many guys caught it. I ended up with a white spot in my lungs about the size of the end of a cigarette filter. INH incapsules it in a shell. I have no idea how drs figure out how to do this stuff. I'm what they call a converter witch means I can't take the TB test. I have to get an x-ray. I had 1/3 of my left kidney removed for cancer. I thought over the yrs the Drs gave me so many cat scans I was going to glow in the dark. That thing they put me in a couple of times like a round in a chamber is scary. I don't think they use it anymore. I felt like I was in a coffen. I have had pretty good medical care except when the took part of my kideny out. It was 3 boys that didn't look like they were old enough to have drivers licence. They had problems gettig the bleeding to stop and I was on the table for 10 hrs. and I was so swole up my wife didn't recognise me. I felt like a Mack Truck ran over me. Once I came to in intesive care I told my wife to go home I had it whipped. A black medic set their waching me close and would bring me cups of ice. I think he was onley one in the whole hospital that knew antything. that was in Dallas. ....Charlie

Name: Larry Jones Life member 199
Email_Address: ljones95370@hub3.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1966-68
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OE Div.
Date: 29 Aug 2009
Time: 17:34

Comments

Wayne & Charlie: The guy that's looking for help with hearing loss was an ET probably wasn't subjected to any more noise than the average crew member. I'm not sure he has any special circumstances to help him with VA. Thanks for your comments.

Name: Larry Jones Life Member 199
Email_Address: ljones95370@hub3.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1966-68
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OE Div
Date: 29 Aug 2009
Time: 17:30

Comments

Nick Riefsteck:

I believe there are 5 other association members who served during your time period in S-6. I've tracked down about 60 guys who served in OE div. between 65 & 70. I'd happy happy to try to help you. Please contact me at the email address shown if you are interested.

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 29 Aug 2009
Time: 14:48

Comments

Charlie... I was thinking about you the other day regarding your battle with agent orange exposure. I was exposed to asbestos, along with almost everyone else in the Navy, and went through a training class on asbestos abatement from buildings about 20 years ago or so. The gestation period for asbestosis can be about 20 or so years before it makes itself known and it appears that it may be about the same with agent orange exposure. When did you know you were suffering from it? Have you had any luck in treating it?

Name: Nick Riefsteck
Email_Address: tickandnick@sbcglobal.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1965-1968
Division_Squadron_Detachment: S-6 Div
Date: 29 Aug 2009
Time: 14:25

Comments

Where are all the S-6 Div members?????

Name: Charlie Ridens
Email_Address: Valhalla1@ cableone.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1960-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: A Division
Date: 29 Aug 2009
Time: 13:58

Comments

Wayne all they did for me was shift part of my retirement pay to the VA and it came out of their funds and I don't have to pay taxes on it. I never realy got an additional raise...Charlie

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 29 Aug 2009
Time: 13:31

Comments

Larry Jones....I just got approved for my hearing loss that occurred durring my time in the engine room onboard ship. The VA sent me to a hearing test facility and after going through the tests and answering some questions, they approved me for a payment of $123.00 per month. I didn't ask them if that was retro active back to 1972, but I will. I also had heard that one of the guys that was in the same engine room with me was receiving about $400.00 per month for the same incident. I will be getting a hearing aid I supose, but haven't been back yet to speak with the councilor. I actually credit my hearing loss for 17 years of blissful marriage as my hearing loss is in the range of my wife's voice.

Comments

Larry for some reason no one has my medical records from the military. It is a uphill struggle without them. I abused my body like a football player. Jungle warfare school ,traing,repelling,Vietnam,ect.. It dosen't show up untill later in life. I have had to have a few joint operations. They wanted to give me pain meds. I won't take that stuff . I think it would do more harm than good in the long run so I just grunt and grown like an old sailing ship...Charlie

Comments

Larry they always ask me the same questions at the VA every time I go. Do I smoke or drink. I tell them dosen't that computer tell you I retired Navy. I smoke ,drink,cuss,and chase wild women but I wouldn't know what I would do with one if I caught her now. They would ask me if it was OK to discuss my heath in front on my daughter. meaning Toni I tell the thats not my daughter thats my trophy wife. Toni would straighten them out though. I don't know know why I even had to go in the Drs office they would pay all their attention to her. She was sharp though. She carried a tablet an a pen and would jot down notes and have him show her what was on the computer screen. One Dr wanted me to take a cat scan and called that dept. and they were waiting on me instead of me waiting on them. That was some of that red tape she could cut through. I took my cousin to the VA in Bohnam Tx. He went in to see the Dr and they give him a VC. He came right back out raiseing hell. He told them your crazy if you think I'm going to see him, I probley shot some of his kinfolk. They give him another Dr.I found out I you joke around with them you get better service...Charlie

Name: Larry Jones, Life Member #199
Email_Address: ljones95370@hub3.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1966-68
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OE Div.
Date: 28 Aug 2009
Time: 19:27

Comments

Thanks for the input, Charlie. Another of our shipmates has been fighting cancer and COPD for about 10 years. He got the huge run around the first time he went to VA. His tiny Chinese ancestry wife got the cops called on her by the VA front desk, but he got seen by the doctors before he left.

Comments

John I don't know about the turbo Capi. The turbo on the Trans Am produced a lot of heat under the hood. I would imagine that Capri would be lighter. But I belive any turbo could out peform standard carbs at altitudes starving for air it being a forced air system...Charlie

Comments

Larry Getting anything out of the VA is like pulling hens teeth. I draw 10 % for my hearing loss but for agent orange they know it's killing me but won't put it on paper. The blood Dr was going to give me a blood maro transplant but backed out. She said she didnt't know if it would work against agent orange. I had a couple young ladys at differnet times take me out there. Get you a mouth of the south because they can't be out talked and and ask questions we never think of and cut through red tape. Just for you to get your bulldog out of there. Don't take a dumb one. I take them into the Drs office with me. The last one that used to take me out there was the news reporter Toni Miles. She was a good friend and I don't have to pay co-pay to the Drs now She wanted the facts and not the run around. She couldn't take me anywhere people didn't know her from tv. It took a little time anywhere we went because wanted to meet her in person. I see her all dressed up on tv but in person if we wern't going somewhere when she came over to my apt she was in shorts,tennis shoes and a T-shirt....Charlie

Comments

One time for some reason we went all the way off or Hawii to Carrier qual a Marine reserve squadron. I heard they tore the teak wood up pretty good under the arresting gear. When we got back we went into Hunters Point. I heard teak wood was getting hard to find....Charlie

Name: Sharon Weist Alvord
Email_Address: skasalvo209@gmail.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1944-1945
Division_Squadron_Detachment: unknown
Date: 28 Aug 2009
Time: 14:07

Comments

I am the daughter of John Allen "Bud" Weist from Williamstown Pa. I have memorabillia from the Hancock such as the Hannah News. My dad survived the bombing of the Cine Rex in Belgium. I have a ticket stub of the movie that was playing when it was bombed and more. Please contact me skasalvo209@gmail.com

Name: Sharon Weist Alvord
Email_Address: alleycat@epix.net
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1944-1945
Division_Squadron_Detachment: unknown
Date: 28 Aug 2009
Time: 13:58

Comments

I am the daughter of John Allen "Bud" Weist of Williamstown Pa.m have The Hannah News from 1945 when my dad was o board. I also havr rosters etc, The most important fact: my dad was in the Cine Rex when it was bombed. I have the ticket stub of the movie that was playing when it was bombed. My dad died Nov 28, 1990. He was firever looking for survivors of his great ship. Please contact me skasalvo@gmail.com

Name: Larry Jones Life Member #199
Email_Address: ljones95370@hub3.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: OE Div
Division_Squadron_Detachment: 1966-68
Date: 28 Aug 2009
Time: 13:16

Comments

One of our guys from the 1966-1969 time frame is fighting with the VA over a hearing loss claim. Anyone have some words of wisdom?

Name: John S Sampson
Email_Address: john@bometals.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 61 - 63
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OP - AIO
Date: 28 Aug 2009
Time: 11:02

Comments

I had a 1981 Turbo Merc Capri. The turbo had a 50000 mile guarantee. I need it, too! I had worked at Mammoth Mt ski area after I received my BA. in 70-71-72. '72 I got married. So, there went the fun in life. I divorced in '76 and life started again. The Capri was the first NEW car I had purchased. I went back to Mammoth to get in some weekend skiing. Mammoth is north of Bishop, Calif about 80 miles. There is a grade that goes from 3500 feet up to 7100 feet. That Turbo Capri would take that grade at 70. I was passing Porches. The Turbo we not very reliable. I had 4 in 3 years. Then sold it when I got a company car. It was a fun car.

Name: Helmut Umbley Life Member #115
Email_Address: humbley502@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1964-66
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-216
Date: 28 Aug 2009
Time: 03:57

Comments

What smelly piece of wood? I had a small brass plaque made up with Hancock's name, dates and hull number which I attached to my piece of flight-deck planking. I also stick my reunion pins into it. It is a great piece of memorabilia.

Name: Larry Jones
Email_Address: ljones95370@hub3.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1966-68
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OE Div
Date: 27 Aug 2009
Time: 21:45

Comments

Phil:

I do not know about more flight deck pieces. That was Wayne Erven's doing. He organized that reunion. He looks at this log frequently and I'm sure he can tell you what's available. Maybe someone doesn't want that smelly thing around and will send you theirs.

Name: Larry Jones
Email_Address: ljones95370@hub3.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1966-68
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OE Div
Date: 27 Aug 2009
Time: 21:40

Comments

Hey, McCoy. Good hearing from you. Should be a good time in Seattle. I wish more of the guys could make it there. Between new grandkids and the Obamanomics, we are going to be short a few.

Name: Larry McCoy
Email_Address: larry_mccoy@msn.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1968/69
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OE Div
Date: 27 Aug 2009
Time: 21:18

Comments

I got a piece of the flight deck in Charleston...I have thought a lot about it and I intend to leave it at the Viet Nam Memorial in DC next may to honor those Hancock sailors and airmen that didn't make it back to the deck....perhaps some of you from WW II and Korea might do the same at the Korean war monument and new WW II monument...for those of you who haven't been to a reunion you are missing a great time....DC should be great...it is a great city to visit and has a lot of Naval History...the Naval Academy is near at Annapolis, which is about 40 miles or so north..come join us.

Name: Phil Torres
Email_Address: phil.torres@sbcglobal.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1965-1968
Division_Squadron_Detachment: E-Div IC Gang
Date: 27 Aug 2009
Time: 20:05

Comments

Larry, do you know if there are anymore JP5 drenched pieces of smelly flight deck available anywhere. I would love to have one for a wood working project. Phil

Name: Larry Jones, Association 2nd VP
Email_Address: ljones95370@hub3.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1966-68
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OE Div
Date: 27 Aug 2009
Time: 19:35

Comments

Dan: Those of us that attended the Charleston reunion got a smelly piece of that deck. Would love to see you sign up and join us.

Name: Dan Norman
Email_Address: d2bnorman@aol.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1974-1976
Division_Squadron_Detachment: G Div.
Date: 27 Aug 2009
Time: 16:12

Comments

Will never forget that wooden flight deck.

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 27 Aug 2009
Time: 14:24

Comments

Rob and Charlie... I had the first 5.0 Mustang in 1985(?) with a four speed transmission and a clutch stiff enough to give you leg cramps in traffic! It sounded mean and was plenty fast enough for me but after about five years, the floor fell out from under the drivers seat...almost. I had to have the whole thing re welded to keep my butt from dragging on the pavement. Never had a bit of trouble with it other then that. All in all, it was a nice car.

Comments

Rob I had a wife that had a Mustang II that had a 4 cly. when I met her. It was a cheap piece of crap. You could out run it on a rideing lawnmower. Mustang made a Cobra that was hot. It was built by Ford as a street car. The Vette eater Cobra was custom built by Shelby In Los Angles and had an aluminm body built in England and sponsored but Ford...Charlie

Name: rob moris
Email_Address: 2nrk1612@cox.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 57-58
Division_Squadron_Detachment: va116
Date: 27 Aug 2009
Time: 11:15

Comments

mornin to all, this is a thanks to charlie, dennis and helmut for their comments on the mustang and vetts. i should have been more specific in saying the mustang never had a 4 cyl engine. the new issue does/did. i do not like to call this thing they're marketing now a mustang. they appear similar but the last mustang as far as i'm concerned was built in either 73 or74. these things selling now are wannabes. smooth sailing shipmates. and thanks again. rob

Name: Wayne Erven, Life Mbr #2, Membership Chairman
Email_Address: oldsalt2@comcast.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: l965-l968
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Ops Office
Date: 26 Aug 2009
Time: 22:48

Comments

Congratulations to another Life Member wkho will not have to pay dues again: #292 James Seibert, E Div, EM2, 64-67. Getting closer and closer to #300. It could be YOU!!!

Comments

John I think Dave and I srarted Jr college in 82...Charlie

Name: John S Sampson Lifer 283
Email_Address: john@bometals.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 61 - 63
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OP - AIO
Date: 26 Aug 2009
Time: 12:59

Comments

Charlie, I'll check around to see if anyone knew David. Do you know when he got out? My history professor was Officer in Charge of the Reserve Pacific Air Intelligence Center. When he found out I was a PT he offered me a double promotion. I turned it down to concentrate on studies, mostly of the co-eds. I saw that officer about 3 years after I got out. Everyone had been called to active duty. I graduated in '69 with a liberal arts degree.

Name: Larry Jones
Email_Address: ljones95370@hub3.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1966-68
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OE Div.
Date: 26 Aug 2009
Time: 11:45

Comments

OE Division mini-reunion in Seattle in Sept. We are doing a 4 day cruise and some visiting on shore before the cruise. There may still be some cabins available. If anyone is interested, please contact me

Comments

John I called you Steve, He had open heart surgery before I met him but I never knew it until later. I think his last duty station was Widbey Island in Wa state. He Married Carol who lived their. She would come around the buisness. They went to the VA in Dallas and they put dye in his blood and he died. I went to his funeral and sat next to her. She kept coming around. I was single. and had an apt.She kept bringing stuff over one paper sack at a time until she had more stuff there than I did.I ended up marrying her. I bet Dave is up there laughing, That yanky could get mean a a one eyed cotton mouth. She calls me every once in a while. It is sure easier to live without her than with her. Dave looked at a lot of those pics in the early Nam yrs where the Pilots knew where to strike. I would imagine it was the trail.I didn't get into it that deep with him. He did say he had a magaftying glass that would blow things up like a jewler looking at diamonds....Charlie

Comments

Steve his name was David Holbert. I met him when we were going to jr college together under the GI bill at Paris Tx. and both ended up teaching there but he started teaching and I changed majors to continue going for another 2 yrs.I had it timed where I ended up going 4 yrs and got 2 deplomas.I started the business and let him buy 1/2 intrest and used the money to make it bigger witch was a good move for both of us. I let him run the books. He was more of a paperwork guy than me. The 2nd 2yrs was easier for me me because I already had my math and all the hard stuff over.but I was puting a lot of hrs in there and college.....Charlie

Name: John Sampson life member 283
Email_Address: john@bometals.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: '61 - 63
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OP-AIO
Date: 26 Aug 2009
Time: 08:04

Comments

Charlie, whats your old business partners name?This is a small group of guys. I bet he knows some of the same PTs I know. I never met a dumb PT, except for me.

Comments

Scott they are geting far and inbetween to find. There were still some left at the Soldiers home in DC when I was there. Phone 1-800-442-998 or Email sheila.abarr@afrh.gov . She is the public relations director. You might get a guy that is right under her he is a great guy and will help you all he can. We had about 60 Nurses In the Naval Home from WW2 when we were evacuated up theire after katrina. I don't know how many is left. I have talked to several WW2 people. They are very interesting to talk to. my Dad hit Omaha and made it all the way to the battle of the buldge before geting hurt. He told me a lot about it but he is long gone. those guys went through hell. He was a Ranger and thought I was nuts for joining the Navy. He told me I didn't have any place to run and hide....Charlie

Name: Scott Ramsey
Email_Address: scott1ramsey@gmail.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 00000
Division_Squadron_Detachment: 00000
Date: 25 Aug 2009
Time: 11:59

Comments

Good morning. I do small interviews and collect any written accounts from WWII veterans and I was wondering if you had ever written anything about your experience on the USS Hancock? I have been interviewing and collecting stories from WWII veterans for almost five years now and I still get amazed at the things I hear about every day life as a WWII veteran.

One of the first reunions I attended was that of the U.S.S. Bunker Hill in 2004. I still keep in touch with a couple of the members of the Bunker Hill. It was an honor and a treat to meet them and hear some of their stories.

I am not writing a book or anything at this time, I do this as a hobby because of how important I believe it is to preserve and treasure our veterans histories. If you or someone you know, any WWII veteran, who would like to share some of their WWII history I would be honored to hear from you.

Comments

John my buiness partner was a retired Senior Chief . he was a photo inturputer. I guess he fit in there some placeI don't remember what carrier where all he was stationed..

Name: John S Sampson life member 283
Email_Address: john@bometals.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 61-63
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OP-AIO
Date: 25 Aug 2009
Time: 06:35

Comments

Charlie, I was in Op division generally associated with photo boys. However, there were 7 of us that didn't fit into any division. We were PTs. Photographic Intelligencemen. There were 6 of us and sometimes 1 or 2 YNs. AIO was Air Intelligence Office. The PTs became IS Intell Specialists. Hell, there were less than 500 of us in the whole Navy when I was aboard. Now, they have their own Division, OZ. the wizards of Oz with about 30 guys. they're still playing with secret stuff, too.

Comments

John I'm not familar with the division you were in. My oldest was a BT until they converted him to a MM thats what I was. He worked in the oil shack for a while.He started out in a fire room. He's a Master Chief on the Reagan now. in engineering. It has 2 nuke plants but dosen't have anything to do with them.I'm proud of the boy he has come a long ways. I know he rode tin cans and and then FFGs. They were gas turbines I guess he will get out of the Navy when they push him off the plank in a wheel chair.....Charlie

Comments

John I don't know witch time it was but Hanna Sounded GQ and slamed it into reverse and shudderd like a dog passing a peach seed.It scared me. There had to be a major mess-up somewhere. Our radar could have been down but we had tin cans that sapose to be running picket around us. Working in the 02 plant we had wierd hrs. I was trying to sleep and one must have been to close to us one was pinging off our hull. It is impossible to sleep. It could have been pulling along side to refuel. I don't remember how many decks below the hanger bay my berthing compartment was. I was always having to go up and down those stairs anywhere I went. like most snipes had to....Charlie

Comments

Dennis they build some hot cars now. There are a lot of young military guys living in my complex that get a fortune for re-enlisting.and thats where it gos. Crusing the Coast gets started Oct 3 to Oct 11. There has been almost 3500 people signed their cars up for it from all over the states. They have some fine cars.There is no telling what you will see.There was a piece in the paper about a 94 yr old man that has been building models for years of all types. I had a picture of him by some. I don't think he could match you. It seems like you do the impossable.You have hands like a brain surgen. ...Charlie

Name: John S Sampson Lifer 283
Email_Address: john@bometals.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 61 to 63
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OP- AIO
Date: 24 Aug 2009
Time: 10:40

Comments

Dennis & Charlie, I remember the 2 incidents with the oilerS very well. When we hit the Navy Oiler, General Quarters was sounded. I just remember that was the first REAL & only g.q. I was in. The sencond incident was with a civilian tranker that was green. It came out of the fog crosed our bow rite to left and we missed it by feet. It had the rifht of way. The Captian got on the horn and cleared everyone off the front of the ship. I was on the forward port side of the flight deck and could look straight down on the tanker's deck. That was very close. After the Hancock had it's incident with the Navy oiler the Hannah ship's Captian was relieved of Command and he was retired...gentleman's way of being kicked-out.

Name: Dennis E. Flynn, Life Member # 247
Email_Address: dpflynn@sbcglobal.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 59 - 62
Division_Squadron_Detachment: E Div & V-6
Date: 24 Aug 2009
Time: 07:00

Comments

All this talk about cars, my son just called last week, totaly geeked out about his new car. A 2010 Chevy Camero SS, 426HP with a 6 speed trans and all the bells and whistles on it. It is yellow with the black SS stripes. He lives in Tuscon and it is one of the first SS Cameros there. Says he drives down the street and everyone is hanging out of their cars taking photos of it. He is 40 now and just sold his 1970 Camero he has had since high school. He is in heaven till the insurance catches up with him and possible speeding tickets. Dennis

Comments

Helmut, I too remember that near collision, I was at the forward end of the starboard catapault repl;acing the contact brushes for the chronograph when all hell broke loose. quick turns on a carrier will make you not want to be on a destroyer which is standard procedure most of the time. I rode on the USS O'Bannor DD450 from Subic to meet the Hancock on station. I was supposed to be high lined to the Hancock but at the last minute I was told to report to the fantail on the double as I was going over by helicopter. It was a short trip under a CH-46 with a harness and was deposited at #3 aircraft elevator. Welcome to the Hannah,what a trip. Phil

Comments

Rob my Sister and Husband have an older Corvete they bought new. I's a 60 something model and keep it in their garge. It will fly but rides like a lumber truck. Toni's little hot rod Mercedes will to but sure rides better. To me I don't like eather one of them. I feel like i'm wearing it and my butt is scraping the ground. Toni's has a hard top and can push a button and it will go into the trunk.They both only seat 2 people. My Mustang had a back seat even it it was cramped you could carry other people. I think Ford had the Shelby Cobra built to tare the Corvete up. I have only seen two. I don't know how many they made I think they were special order but nothing could touch them.They had to be high dollar...Charlie

Comments

When Mustang came out it was a 6 but an instant sucess I had a 65 I really liked.I think it had a 289 v8 in it. to me that Mustang II was a piece of crap.I don't know why they did that. I bought my wife a 67 it was nice but I liked the 65 I had better. I had me a pick-up then. Wane I only had to sleep on the couch one time with my 1st wife. you know how us Sailors used to pull tricks on each other. I pulled the covers over her head and farted. She wouldn't have made a good Sailor....Charlie

Comments

The 1974 Mustang II came with an 88hp 4cyl. engine. I rented one in LA and it couldn't get out of its own way. Even the V-6 was a slug as well as the later 302 V-8. Speaking of near misses, in the spring of 1966 I was up on the 07 level watching an under-way refueling. Hancock was to port and one of our destroyers was to starboard of the oiler. About 1400 a freighter approached us from 2 o'clock. It was a clear, sunny day. It kept coming closer and closer without making an effort to turn away. Finally, when it appeared a collision would take place, Hancock and the other two ships made an emergency separation. I remember the severed oil lines pumping oil into the water. At the time I thought that our aircraft should have used that freighter for target practice.

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 23 Aug 2009
Time: 15:31

Comments

Charlie...I'll tell you what my dad said to me..."Girlfriends are expenses but wives are overhead." Truer words, eh? The other day my wife was cleaning and admiring her wedding ring and said to me..."with this ring..." I responded..."I could pay off the mortgage!" It's okay though. I've gotten used to sleeping on the sofa.

Name: Wayne Erven, Life Mbr #2, Membership Chairman
Email_Address: oldsalt2@comcast.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1965-1968
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Ops Office
Date: 23 Aug 2009
Time: 12:24

Comments

Congratulations to our newest Life Members who will never have to pay dues again: #283, Sampson, John S., OP 61-63, Page, Shannon, V2, 44-45, #285 Johnson, Don, B(BT2), 61-65, #286 Scott, Leroy, Eng, 44-45, #287 Lewis, Richard, CR, 75-76, #288 Johnson, Wm E., S6, 72-74, #289 Patten, Aubrey, M(MM2), 44-45, #290, Hanecak, Richard, CAPT, Ret, VF-7, 44-45, CarGru Staff, 64-65, #291, Glemming, Marvin, OE(ETR2), 68-69.

Name: rob moris
Email_Address: 2rnk1612@cox.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 57-58
Division_Squadron_Detachment: va 116
Date: 23 Aug 2009
Time: 11:43

Comments

hi to all of you that bothered to answer,and the rest of you malingers also. many thanks to the correction of morgan vs morris, you are right ! it was morgan. a hell of a car, had springs but if you wern't on good roads you would swear it didn't. ever try to use the wipers ? they operated in fits and jerks. just what was needed when driving around sf in one of the storms they get . as to the comment about the 4 cyl mustang - never hoppen joe. only 6 or 8 cyl available. the 64 1/2 was a bit under powered with a 6. changed to a bigger 6 in 66 much better. the mustang was an overbuilt falcon. every thing from the frame down was falcon. ford needed something sporty against the corvet. not to compete on the road just look good. ioacoa got the thing on the road in less than a year from inception. a great big thanks to our news editor for the last issue on john flinn. a real good job. have been to his place and sure did enjoy talking to him. again thanks for the write up.

Comments

Dennis She dosen't drink or do wild things. If they would invent shut-up pills I jump into it in a heart beat. I like women but I also like peace and quiet. My youugest son sapose to come stay with me for a week tues on vacation . I hope I can survive that. He's 44. I haven't heard from my oldest son in a while. He thinks he is probley deployed..My dog is giving me that shut that thing off look lets sleep through a movie....Charlie

Comments

Dennis We have loved each other for yrs. She would visit me in the Naval Home. She dosen't look 54 slim red headed with big blue eyes. She drove through a storm to take me to Kessler shopping. She can get lost in her own bath room. She gave the gate guards a cussing once because because she thought the Naval Home was on it. I had to go get her. Women are a big responsabilty. She calls me every couple of days. She lives about 30 miles from me. My last wife moved in on one paper sack at a time until she had more stuff in my apt than I did. They know what their doing. Us guys just don't think so. When I was in the Naval Home a buddy and me went to a club. He was dancing with a woman and her daughter ask me for a dance, as we danced I told her I felt like I was child molesting. She said don't worry about it I'm 30. That club took good care of us guys from the Naval Home. They knew who the trash was and keep them away from us. or run them out the door...Charlie

Comments

Charlie, I got re-married when I was 58 and my new wife is signed up with DEERS and has the same medical coverage as I do. Tri-Care and it is great. You just have to go to the base with her and her documentation (birth Cert, marrage leic and stuff) Just call first and get a list of what she needs to bring with her. She will also get a dependent ID so she can shop at the base. They will take care of us old retired guys, just gotta do a little leg work. Congratulations you old cradle robber ! Hope you can keep up with a young chick like that. Dennis

Comments

I would like to ask some leagle beage a question. If I got married at my age would a woman have the same privledges to Tricare medicare part a and b as I am. the lady I have in mind is only 54....Charlie

Comments

Dennis I heard we had to shut down the big radar within a certain range of the statesback then because it would wipe everyones tv signal out. that was before cable. they may have used some kind of fire control radar. I don't know much about that stuff. They had all kinds of stuff on top of the island structure. I'm sure they wouldn't try to go under the bidge and into the bay blind.......Charlie

Comments

Dennis I bet that tanker learned to run fron us. For some reason the wheel house forgets we have extended sponsons and elevators. We were pulling out of Alameda once and liked to tuned a tug over but I think it was his fault. I saw that happen. It was a civilian tug. I think he bit off more than he could chew.When Hanna got poited toward the gate you better get out of her way when She puts it in gear....Charlie

Comments

Charlie, we did strike a tanker during refuling and almost hit it broadside again coming into SF in the fog about a year later. I was on the flt deck for both. When we hit the tanker the first time the #2 elevator crane sponson just about wiped out the open bridga on the Port side of the tanker and also gave us some yard time in Japan getting repairs. The same tanker was coming out of port in SF and was broadside to us coming in when the fog cleared. The sounded the Klaxen horn and I thought "That sounds like the old subs diving alarm ????? then I saw the tanker. we turned Port, they turned Starboard and we missed each other by a couple of hundred feet. I have no idea why neither one of us didn't see each other on radar unless the heavy fog canceled out the signal from it and we were running blind ? Maybe some radar-men can enplane that one for us. Dennis

Comments

Bill when I was aboard the Hanna we almost run over a tanker we sapose to refuel from. They sounded the collision alarm. I worked below decks and never seen what went on. Dennis and Jim worked topside they should know more. I don't know who the idiot at the wheel was. My understanding is the tanker sets the course and speed...Chaelie

Comments

John I haven't gotten an email from Jerry Bell in a long time. I have to ring his belll to get anything out of him. he is like a lot of guys that have lazy fingers and do more reading but don't post.Mt Plesant Tx is a pretty place. I have never met him.He loves his cows. I was raised on my Dads ranch about 40 miles away. It wasn't big. I think aroumd 160 acres with about 80 head..Ranching is a funny thing. Some people get it in there blood. I was a kid and worked my butt of.f. It put me in the Navy. ..Charlie

Name: John Sampson
Email_Address: john@bometals.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 3/61 - 8/63
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OP-AIO
Date: 21 Aug 2009
Time: 05:55

Comments

Charlie...Jerry Bell and I worked together along with fellow assoc, member Bob Adams. Bob was a lifer & retired a CDR.. I couldn't wait to get out and get back to school. I thought Bell would be a lifer. Once he graduated from A school, he hit 2nd class in minimum time. He was squared away, really smart and wanted to stay. And our rate was very wide open. He is, now, a gentleman rancher. Although, his friends would doubt the gentleman part of ranching. When I bought my airplane several years ago, in Sandy Eggo,I stopped by his ranch for a few days on my way back to my home in Ga. The airplane had its "physical" an annual inspection last month. So it and I are ready to fly. Though fuel at its cheapest is $3.60/gal for avgas!

Comments

John don't pull a twin towers on me. I'm already looking out for hurricanes. But visit Biloxi you will love it. My Cousin had a small A/C I don't know what it was but it kept him broke with arirport parking, maintence,and fuel. I used to skydive out of a Cessa 130 something. It could take 4 of us up but it seemd like forever to get altitude. It was probley overloaded with us and our gear....Charlie

Name: Bill Burgess
Email_Address: blbrgss@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1968-1972
Division_Squadron_Detachment: B division
Date: 20 Aug 2009
Time: 20:26

Comments

Regarding John Eland log entry of a near collision with the USS CAMDEN. I was on that cruise & rember hearing about having a emergency break away, with lines & cables tangled up & yanked 2 of our jets off the flight deck, during the break away. I remember going up to the hanger bay seeing the camden off the port side with one of our jets hanging by cables off the side of the ship. Does anyone remember seeing that? or better yet, did anyone take a photo? It was something to see! Bill

Name: John S Sampson Life Member 283
Email_Address: john@bometals.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: '61 - 8/63
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OP AIO
Date: 20 Aug 2009
Time: 08:17

Comments

Look out below! I just passed my flight physical and I"m good for 2 more years. Be careful if you are in the S.E USA. That's where I fly my airplane.

Name: Dale Allen
Email_Address: claireallen4@hotmail.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1972-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: 3rd Division
Date: 20 Aug 2009
Time: 06:29

Comments

Looking for any shipmates from the 3rd division.

Name: Bill Sutterfield
Email_Address: bvsutterfield@yahoo.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1965--1970
Division_Squadron_Detachment: va-212
Date: 19 Aug 2009
Time: 14:49

Comments

usn (RET)

Name: Dale Benesh
Email_Address: gandydancr555@msn.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1972/1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V-2 cats
Date: 19 Aug 2009
Time: 05:26

Comments

JUST SAYING HELO TO ALLOF MY SHIP MATES AN HOPING THEY ARE HAVING A GOOD SUMMER

Comments

A few of you have heard me speak of Toni Miles. The XO and Gay helped her get her feet on the ground in CC. Toni Loves it their. If you want to see her go to WZTV10 on the net and click on they womans abuse shelter. I don't kow why she is having to read a lot of her notes off a piece of paper insted of a telepromter. I know the girl. She wants to be accurate as posible, Don't let her beauty fool you She has a BA in Jornalisim..I wish she would have taght me to spell before she left. She is religious but can prance her stuff . I only seen her in a dress a few times, I mostly saw her shorts. she was over here a lot. watching movies with me and raiding my fridg. hers was bare. She is a a great person...Charlie

Name: Tom Henman
Email_Address: Thomas.E.Henman@nasa.gov
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1966-67
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VF-51
Date: 18 Aug 2009
Time: 11:21

Comments

Just checking back in to see if any of the gang are on the site. Just talked with one of the AO's today from that cruise and VF-51.

Name: John Eland
Email_Address: johneland15@comcast.net
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1968-69
Division_Squadron_Detachment: X Div (MAA)
Date: 17 Aug 2009
Time: 21:39

Comments

Hi, I was aboard with VA-55 and TAD to the MAA Force during the 68-69 "1st Annual Last Cruise" That has the cruise when we had the near collision with the USS Camden and lost two aircraft overboard.

Name: Bill Burgess
Email_Address: blbrgss@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1968-1972
Division_Squadron_Detachment: B div #4 fireroom
Date: 17 Aug 2009
Time: 18:08

Comments

This weekend I had the privilege to meet Jonh Finn. I was Visiting my brother in Live Oak Springs, when his land lord (a old navy chief) came by. I new if anyone new where Jon Finn lived he would. He said' Ive known John for years, gave me the directions, so I stoped at his ranch on the way back. He was quite talkitive, friendly, and sharp as a tack. I couldn't believe how much history about ww2 he was able to give to me. The one thing that real impressed me was he said he felt the real heros were the guys fighting every day in the field to stay alive, he only nedded one day to stay alive. Quit a guy!! Bill

Name: Wayne Erven, Life Member #2, Membership Chairman
Email_Address: oldsalt2@comcast.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1965-1968
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Ops Office
Date: 17 Aug 2009
Time: 15:12

Comments

Congratulations to the newest Life Members, who will never pay dues again. #278 Thomas "Max" Pate, V2, 66-70, #279 Daniel Rodriguez, B&E, 70-74, #280 William Dunnam, VAH4 Det, 59-61, #281 CDR Clinton Schmutz, H Div, 65-67, #282 Vincent Blank, OR 57-60.

Comments

Mickie I all I know about the Gulf of Tonkin is in my days there saposed to been a NV torpedo boat that made a run at th USS Maddox that would be like me trying to slap Mike Tyson on the face. I don't think it happend but Kennedy sent us in because the French got their butts kicked. There was a mine layer that blocked 2 Canadian cargo ships there. The whole thing was about the rubber plantations in the South. When the B-52s got done with them you wouldnt think a mosquito could live their. The north got a lot of missles and weapons from China and Russia and the sams took down a lot A/C later from what I understand...Charlie

Comments

Gosh Dennis that thing in your sisters garage sounded like a proto type. It's kind of like descibing a duckbill plater pus to someone that has never seen one. I can picture you foaming at the mouth wanting to get your hands on it. I never was yo crazy about forien cars. I liked my VW. my cousin had a bus. I didn't like it. If you had a wreck you would be the 1st one there. There wasn't anything but a piece of tin in front of you...Charlie

Comments

The Morgan like the MG had a steel frame but the body was a wood frame wrapped with the sheet metal. I am not sure of the reason they did that. The wood was machined to pretty close tolerances and the fit was good, once the sheet metal was on it was a very solid body except for twists. The MG and I beleive the Morgan both had suicide doors (open front to rear)and if the latches got worn they would fly open and slam against the car while driving when you went over RR tracks as the body did flex a lot. Made you a believer in seat belts. That and the thumb screws holding the top to the windshield had to be tightened regularly as they would come undone while driving. I guess they didn't drive them as fast as we did in Brittan. They were fun to drive especially if you were single as the girls loved them. Getting it on in one was a joke but could be done if you were young and very flexible and did not try for finesse, just getting the job done. Then the "Afterglow" was just sit and laugh about it for a half hour later.

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 14 Aug 2009
Time: 18:23

Comments

Dennis... Regarding the Morgan sports cars, am I correct in thinking that they had a wooden frame?

Name: reddick mickle
Email_Address: brendasue1@peoplepc.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1973-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: communications
Date: 14 Aug 2009
Time: 11:55

Comments

IN GULF OT TONKIN VIETMAM

Comments

OK Guys, here is one for you. My sister rented a house outside of Detroit and it had a old garage out back in it was a car that looked like a 37 Cord from the back, right hand drive and the hood looked like a Jaguar 120. All aluminum body and great looking styling. Under the hood was a 53 Mercury Flathead V8. In checking it out I found it was a Allard a Merc-Allard and came from the factory that way. The made Cad-Allards also with a Caddy engine in it. It was a 1953. Her landlord parked it there in the late 50's and it sat since. I tried to buy it but he said "One of these days I'm gonna restore it." He was 78 at the time and it was never done. He died and she moved. I never found out what happened to the car but I bet it is worth some serious money today. Dennis Flynn

Comments

Rob, I think the one you remember that looked like the MG was a Morgan. It was a true sports car and you had to put a piece if leather or inner tube between your teeth when you drove it, but it handled like a dream. The had a slope hood in front kinda like the old Jag. The Morris was called the Morris Minor and was about the size of a VW. Cute little car and they still drive the delivery van version in Ireland and England. It had a 4 cyl same as the Sprite but with a single side draft carb. They also has torsion bar suspension in front like the old Mopars. I had two of them. They were built by the Morris Garage in England same as the MG (That is where MG came from) Still all their downfall was the crappy Lucas electrical systems. Morgan also made a 4 seater and called it a 2+2 and it was kind of a stretch version of the original one.

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Rob from what I remember about the falcom it was a pretty tough litttle car.I only rode in one. I think it was a 4 cyl. I never looked under the hood. It was a very basic built car. It had to be around a 61 model, When I met my 3rd wife she had a Mustang II I think it had a 4cyl in it. It wasen't worth the gas to drive it to the junk yard. She swaprd in and got a Crown Victoria.I loved that car.It was white with a red intior. It was when they still had a square looking body with a chome strip across the top. on the road it was hard to keep it close to speed limit. it drove like a dream...Charlie

Name: Rob Moris life member
Email_Address: 2rnk1612@cox.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 57=58
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA116 [pr shop]
Date: 13 Aug 2009
Time: 16:44

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have not been keeping up with events/comments, probally a good thing. would hav e really gotten into the comments on the old cars and bikes. Got my first license at age 10 farm type -only on farm buisness or to school [yeah right]. have owne 28 different model "A"s and many other cars thru the years. some collector style, but most just to get around.. wife said that i bought cars faster than i changed skivies. bless her heart she put up with it. mc's were around too but not near as many. remember the english Morris car wooden frame vs. metal? a going machine if it could be kept running. looked a lot like the mg tc. would like to chat with anyone who wishes to. at presentmy toy is a 65 ford falcon with a built 302 and auto trans. use it for crusing and some show. had it in last 4th of july patade in coronado. lots of good comments. drop a line and i shall try to answer just don't get impatient.

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Heluut I'm not sure wich states it was years ago but I think Kentucy was involvedone state would sell firecrackers once you crossed the state line the other they were against the law and had a big fine.people driveing through didn;t know that. I don't know how they knew who had them it never said.....Charlie.

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Out of state drivers beware! Illinois has a new OPEN ROAD TOLL on I-90 with 17 EXITS. Last month a friend of mine drove from Boston to Madison,WI. on I-90. He did not pull off into the EXITS since he had never heard of OPEN ROAD TOLLS. Neither have I until today. On the way home he got info about the tolls and sent in the fine of $2 per toll. He got his check back from the State of Illinois claiming that he was over the 7 day grace period. Now the fine is $20 per toll ($340). This is a scam and entrapment. The concept is to pull off at an EXIT, pay the toll and get back on the highway. It is supposed to prevent accidents at toll booths and speed up traffic flow. What BS. Please be aware in Illinois.

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Dennis when I was a tig welder I could change the date on a dime, they crack of dawn, and the one on your bottom. I never could weld up a broken heart. I never could find and wood or plaster rod. I know the XO is going to make me walk the plank but watch hanity at 8 pm ct Sun. It sapose to show some documentation.,,,Charlie

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Pete those those jet jockeys have been out playing today I'm glad they decided to land those things and give me some piece and quiet. I got a disturbing phone call from Jenny. She has lumps in her brest and has to in for a bunch of test.. She always took pride in her looks but never flawned it. She is a Drama Queen. so I will just have to wait and see. I like to joke with her.She is a ex girlfriend that tryed to push me into something pernent and I wasn't ready.I love her but glad I didn't I would be living in a life of Drama. She is a very good person ..Charlie

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Dennis the pix of the Tucker were great. The one I saw wasn't in near that good of shape.Them and Studebaker was well ahead of the others in their days. I saw what sapose to be bonnie and clides clides car but it was a phoney. They sapose to have hitlers car at some casino in Vegas. From the news I watch our Pesidents socialist progams are not geting much support. His wife sapose to come down and launch one of those new Coast Guard Cutters....Charlie

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Jim I got the box you sent me . I am very greatful it is to late to start reading the book about Bull Halssey but I am going to start the CDs I have only seen a little about him on tv. As I understood he wasn't anyone to mess with. He didn't have a all reverse. with what you sent me I will learn a lot more. thanks buddy...Charlie

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Dennis thats not a nice thing to say about your best buddy. One of my big problemes in the Bs as project supervisor in the Bs was to keep engineeers run off. That's what our officers were. I had one that could tell you what every rivit in the Golden Gate Bridge was for but I don't think think he could chew gum and walk at the same time. A lot of the times your project couldn't be built exactly to bueprints. and I would send as built changes back to them. They didn't jack with me much. I had a good crew. I had plenty of men but they were hard to get started in the AM until they started sweating the beer out of them and they knew what they had to do. If they didn't think it would work they would come to me...Charlie

Name: David K. Collett
Email_Address: dcollettfarm@aol.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1958-1959
Division_Squadron_Detachment: gun/engr depts
Date: 12 Aug 2009
Time: 18:59

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looking for any OOD's /EOW's of that time

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Charlie, His problem about fixing things is you can't weld wood or plaster so he is out of his element. It is like an engineer trying to fix something where he has to use common sense. I worked with guys that were still trying to blueprint something and I had it done hours befor they knew where to start. I used to tease them and say "You can tell an engineer because he stares at an orange juice carton, because it says Concentrate" I made a cabinet for our bathroom using some beveled glass in the doors doors someone gave me. I made the doors first, Patty said "don't you make the cabnet first and then fit the doors ?" I said it's tempered glass, Si I do it backwards, make the doors and then I know how big to make the cabinet. You gotta think outside the cabinet sometimes.

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Dennis they are produceing some hott cars with differnt body styles where you can tell the difference like in the 50s//60s. There for a while they alll looked alike to me. There are some of my neighbors in the apts that have some hot cars. mostlly military that have re-enlisted for big big bucks. Jenny has been calling me about evey other AM about 07:30. My son sapose to visit this week end and we will go visit. Her guy is a welder at the shipyard has no idea how to repair things at home. my son has been helping them. He wants to get some fishing in this weekend. He wants me to move to Gretna La. and stay with him. I don't know what to do but in the past I have learned If you don't know what to do don't do anything and time will let things falll in place. I am going to go over there and check it out. I like where i'm liveing but since Toni and him moved out it's not the same...Charlie

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Dennis, I recently saw a 1965 Corvair Monza for sale with a 1966 Olds Toronado engine and drive train. It filled up the engine compartment and the backseat area. This was not a one-off since about 25 of these were made by some custom shop. It was called a Torvair. Back in 1970 my neighbor had a 1964 Corvair coupe with a 327 Corvette engine. Two engineers at GE in Lynn,MA. built it. In 1986 my wife bought a Fiero. If you were to place the modified '64 Corvair and the Fiero side by side you could see the simillarity in the engineering layout. In my opinion the GE engineers should have used a 1965-69 Corvair with the independent suspension for better handling.

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Charlie, The old SU side draft carbs did use oil in the top . It was a bell shape piston that operated with vacuum over the top and a tapered needle on the bottom that went down through a jet for the mixture. 30 weight oil in summer and if you lived in the North tranny fluid in the winter. I had a 96 Jag XJ^ with the 6cyl and it would just cruse down the road at 120mph like it was doing 60 sweet engine on that guy but an electronic nightmare. Brother in law put a big block Chevy in a 65 Corvair in the mid 60's and was a pro drag racer, that finally scared him enough to get out of the business.

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Paris Tx has the worst weather in the worldI was there when a tornado flattend most of it ice storms would put so much weight on the power lines they woud break. even limbs off of trees. the rodes become a sheet of ice. There was a guy trying to get up the hill buy the post office in a pickup. I pulled up behind hin in my jeep and checked to see if our bumpers matched and helped him up the hill. My jeep had a AM inline 6 cylinder stick shift 4 speed that had a transfer case you could put it into granny and it sure could pull. it had power stearing and was a little CJ 5. I could go any where, except use it as a submarine. It was better than the CJ 7. It laughed at snow. when took it mudding it took me two days to clean it up. It didn't have AC. I bough a small tent camperand the wife could camp anywhere. we loved to go to Ark. papermills started clear cutting the forest and ruined places we used to go...Charlie

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My last wife bought a Mishaibisi Gallant. You wouldn't know it was a 4 cyl. It would run like heck. We had a crazy relation ship she kept her bank account and I kept mine. She was a crazy yanky from Whidby Island Wa.

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Wayne I had a brother in law. yrs ago that bought a big mercedies.I had a CJ5 Jeep at the time.I think it was an 81. He told me his car would out last my Jeep 3 times. I told him for what he paid for that thing I could by 3 Jeeps. It had windshild wipers on the head lights. We had a big rain in Paris Tx and he tryed to drive though a low place and drowned it. I told him he should have headlight wipers on. He was one of those guys that put you to sleep while a Dr operates on there ain't know way I would let that dummy put me to sleep....Charlie

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 09 Aug 2009
Time: 12:59

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Charlie... Ford did buy Jaguar in the early '90s. They sank a large sum of money into R&R and as a result, Jaguar (along with Buick) just unseated Lexis as the best built and most dependable cars. My wife had a 1994 Jaguar XJ6 and it was a dream car in style and reliability (At least for us). I'm kind of a big guy and the ONLY thing I was a little disappointed with was the narrow front seats. I felt a little cramped and it could have used more head room. Other then that I was thoroughly impressed with it. It drove like a sports car and was very responsive but was quite luxurious. It's still in the family. My brother owns it now and he's had no problems with it. It had the Jaguar six cylinder engine in it and it was British Racing Green (of course). All the V-8s are American 4.7 litter engines from Ford. I believe that the new XF series are well worth the money, although the turning knob, rather then a stick for shifting, is a little unusual.

Name: Dennis Fortune
Email_Address: henderson785@yahoo.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1972-1973
Division_Squadron_Detachment: 1st div.
Date: 09 Aug 2009
Time: 11:22

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When are the dates for 2010 .

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Dennis Toni called me this AM. I told her I sent you the picture in her pretty dress and you wanted the one in her bikini so I sent it. She said she was going to kill me but I don't think upset her. She told me she was reporting on tv now. I can't bring it up on my computer. For some reason I have a probem with that station. I will have to find out what it is. She was the happy and laughing person person I knew. She was getting ready to go to Church. She was worried about going out there but it sounds like she has settled in pretty good. The XO and his wife played a major role in her life. I told her once she got settled in CC she would love it. I call her little girl and I don't think she likes that. She let me know she was 5ft 6 I told her she will always be my little girl. It upsets me about tv station . For some reason I can't even e-mail Hollis. I don't think they put much prioritety on their computers. I'm glad Toni is happy but I miss her...Charlie

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Jim mt wife had a great,gteat uncle that was a US Marshas out of ft smith that had dutys in OK. Her mother was pure cheroke on the reservation in Ufalla.from what I was told they had a choice to take a Gov check or keep some land and she give her land to kin when she married Sarahs father.I never heard what he did on the resevation... Charkie

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Helmut my wife was born in Hanford and her family moved to Clovis. The last fanbelt I had to put on when I cranked my van there was a cat under the hood. Cats and fanbelts don't mix.The fanbelt wins every time. It didn't break but I had to remove the cat and put it back on. They used to have a car with a engine close to the middle of it.I can't remember the name but they wern't any good. There was a Sunbeam that would really run. I don't anything about it ...Charlie

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To this day I carry a spare fanbelt. In 100,000 miles the Monza only shredded two. My wife's 1986 Fiero ate them up all the time. I placed half a dozen in the trunk. They were a pain in the butt to change because there was no room and you had to wait for the engine to cool down. We threw a couple on the way to Syracuse on I-90. After my second Westpac I was back at the para-loft at Lemoore. One day PR-2 Tyrell showed up with a 1964 XKE with wheel cut-outs, Goodyear Blue Streak tires, a roll-bar and 4 point safety harness. He said that his brother raced and this was one of his cast-offs. A couple of days later Tyrell gave me a ride home to Hanford. He got off HWY 198 and onto Hanford-Armona RD. where he floored it. In nothing flat the clock read 140 mph and the fenceposts were flashing by. What a ride. All I could think of was that 50s song,'Hotrod Lincoln'. In the late 60s and early 70s there was a Ken Tyrell from the Bay Area who raced. I often wondered if he was the brother.

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Wayne the Jag XKE I saw had a V12 . The hood was the longest thing about it. I heard they were not dependable. I thought Ford bought them out yrs ago. I haven't seen one or know what happen to them. They may be selling some models over there. the last I read Ford was puting their engine and running gear in them. I think they shut XKE down....Charlie

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I though the corvair was nice looking. It had a fanbelt that could strech around the Hanna. that was the only problem I heard about them. a lot of people that had them carried a spare . If it broke one most places didn't have one long enough to fit it. The 53-54 corvette was the prettyist they ever made to me even if they were 6 's. My sister and husband have a early 60's model vette. it it low mileage they bought it new and don't drive it much. it rides like a lumber truck. my 64 mustang didn't even make those SS chev's work up a sweat. I learned not to mess with them all I got to see was their tail lights if I did. I don't know where people get the money to drive some of these cars they drive now. they are going to have to pay on them for a long time. when you compare what they pay to what to what Dennis tyed up in his. Dennis was a whole lot smarter. His gained value....Charlie

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 08 Aug 2009
Time: 12:46

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Helmut... You brought back a memory about my MGA Roadster when you mentioned the clutch slave cylinder on your TR-3. On the MGA the clutch and the brakes operated off the same cylinder. If you lost the clutch, NO WORRIES! Your biggest problem was trying to get stopped! The other fun thing was not having any syncros while down shifting into 1st gear. I was told that I could double-clutch and it would down shift before you were actually at a complete stop, but I could never do it for some reason. I did get pretty good at knowing just when to attempt the shift into 1st gear at the very moment I came to a stop. Thank God I met an engineer who lived in El Sobrante on the East Bay. His hobie was restoring MGAs and early Jaguars. He saved me a bundle keeping that car running. He had a back yard full of MGAs in different stages of restoration or being cannibalized for parts. He also had just finished the restoration of a 1956 Jaguar XK 120. The original engine was unsalvageable, so he put the engine out of a 1965 XKE in it. (They had porcelain exhaust manifolds!) The rest of the car was as if it had just rolled off the show room floor. Beautiful, right down to the Mohair convertible top liner. He sold it for $3,500.00 to some doctor who blew up the transmission hot roding over the Grapevine Pass going to Los Angeles. It took him 6 months to have a new trans shipped over from England. With all the English cars we all had, it's too bad that we didn't know Gordon at the time, eh?

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Don't everyone laugh at once. I really liked the 1965 Corvair Monza. It was stylish, comfortable and economical. I had the 110 HP engine which was peppy enough, but could not compete with a V-8 Mustang. The car made 6 cross-country trips from Salem,MA. to NAS Lemoore (3400 miles). In 5 years I put over 100,000 miles on it and it ran as quietly as day one. In 1970 my younger brother-in-law bought it when I bought a 1970 Mustang Mach I. Ralph Nader, eat your heart out.

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Indian Motorcycles were made in Springfield, MA. until the mid-fifties. I fell in love with the Corvette since the time I saw Dinah Shore drive one one stage in 1953. I also wanted an Austen-Healy 3000. Since no decent ones were to be found, I bought a 1960 TR-3A in 1963 for $1350. The car was low mileage and cherry. I never had problems with the Lucas electrical system. One time the clutch slave cylinder spring broke, but it was a $12 fix. The SU carbs always worked fine since I kept oil in them. In 1965 my wife sold it to her brother when we got a brand new Corvair Monza for a wedding present.

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Wayne I have never riden a bike the size you have. yrs ago I had a couple buddys that had a Triump 500 and the other had a BSA . I don't know what year they were but I think it was around 58 when I was in high school when I rode them. They were fast enough for me. I belive that Triump could run circles around that BSA. I saw a Indian once It had a flat head inline 4 cylinder in it. It was a pretty good size bike. It was red. I have no idea what year it was or where it was made. It had to be old....Charlie

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The MG-TC was made from 1945 to 1950. It was similar to the pre-war TA and TB. It had a high body with 19" wheels and right hand drive. Ryan O'Neal drove one in 'Love Story'. The MG-TD was made from 1950 to 1953. It was a low body with 15" wheels and both right-hand and left-hand drive. The MG-TF was made from 1953 to 1955. The headlights were moulded into the fenders. The MGA was made between 1955 and 1962. It had the new sleak body. The MGB and variationswere made between 1962 and 1980. The MGC version had a V-8, but was not imported into the US.

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Wayne when I was in Corpus I bought a racing hydroplane boat. It was nice looking I think it was 15 ft. and had a painting on the side of a cannon and named half shot. It wasn't nothing like the ones you see on TV it was wood open air and had one seat. I got my wife to ride once. She sat on the gas tank on one of those seat cushion life preservers. The sponsons had holes in the back that would fill with water when you put it in but when you get it up on plane would drain out. It had a fin under the hull in the middle. When you laid the hammer to it the fin and prop were all that was in the water. We wasn't out 5 mins before I had to take her back to the dock. That boat scared me a couple times Corpus gets windy and wind will flip a hydoplane if you catch it under the hull. Sarah gave me a butt chewing like a Chief for takeing her....Charlie

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back when was a teenager that hopped up 55 Chev I had they had put packard 440 plug wires on it witch were copper instead of carbon fiber. It had an oversized coil. I don't remember the brand. Dennis could figure out how to put a 442 ci into a bug eyed sprite. There was a guy in Paris Tx. that had a 39 Ford coupe with a chev in it I always thought it was beautiful. Dennis has had some cars worth big bucks. The only Brit car I know of that people didn't have many problems with was BMW. It would really get up and go for a 6 cyl. Jags wern't dependable....Charlie

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 07 Aug 2009
Time: 13:07

Comments

Charlie... I know what you mean about wives not liking motorcycles. My wife won't go near mine. Her father was lifetime Marine Corp and was in CID as an investigator. He poisoned her mind with all those "Blood on the Highway" movies. She was certain that I was going to die if I got on that bike and she wanted my life insurance policy kept up to date.(heartless wench...) When I first started riding, I bought a Honda 1100cc Shadow and it was a very nice bike. At that time I was having a problem with sleep apnea and ended up daydreaming on a warm canyon road while following a slow car. Before I realized it, I was going into a sharp corner with loose gravel on it and knew that I wasn't going to make the turn. I decided to ride it out up the side of a hill and hit a rock which launched the bike vertically about 10 feet into the air. Since it was a hill side, I ended up dropping about 20 feet to the ground and broke my leg. The bike was all busted and bent and we had to pry the handlebars out of the side of the tank. The roch I hit punched a hole in the exhaust pipe at the header connection to the cyclinder and also bent the brake lever up into the engine case. After prying eveything clear, we crancked up the engine and I rode that noisy contraption about 80 miles back to my house with that broken leg. Talk about the "kiss of death" for getting my wife to go riding with me... She drives and meets us where ever we go, if we're going to spend the night away from home.

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 07 Aug 2009
Time: 12:13

Comments

Dennis... Which was the first MG, the TC or the TD? They were the first real sports cars for the poor masses, weren't they? I would have loved to have one but I have to agree with Charlie on the Lucas electrical systems. I doubt that Lucas ever hired an engineer for there designs. Can you imagine that as your legacy? "Yeah, I'm the one who came up with that idea." I also know what you mean about the twin Stromberg carburetors. My MGA didn't run worth a crap untill I had them repaired and balanced. They have oil in them, don't they? Once the guy got them in sync, I didn't have any more problems. The worst part of owning an English sports car was how hard it was to get certain parts for them. My MGA had plastic side curtains instead of windows and they were almost impossible to find. I was on my way back to the ship, which was in Hunters Point at the time, from an all night Clint Eastwood drive-in movie in Alameda. The winds coming across the Bay Bridge were so severe that they sucked one of the side curtains right off the car. I couldn't locate any in the Bay Area and one night I noticed another MGA with nice new curtains. I followed that guy from Alameda all the way up to Daily City before realizing that I had followed the wrong set of tail lights. It worked out for the best, I guess. I think I had larceny on my mind that night.

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My son just called and said he is going out to eat up some Mustangs with the new car. I wonder where he gets all this car crazyness from, Must be his mother as I am a well behaved driver and haven't had a speeding ticket for at least 5 years now. My first one was while I was home on leave in 1960 I got caught driving my dad's Oldsmobile at 95mph in a 45 mph zone. Lucky for me they didn't get me when I was going 115mph which was the top end on that old car. My dad went nutz since he could not imagine going over 70. Then I told him it used to run better and he needed a tune up and by the way you need new brakes also as they faded out when I was trying to stop. That pushed him over the edge a little. It is a wonder I didn't put my folks in a asylum when I was a kid. I learned to drive when I was 14 on a Difco Milk truck, then dad took me out on a frozen lake to teach me winter driving, all went good till I started doing fuigure 8's on the ice and that lesson ended right then.

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Charlie, That is right the MG TD was like a small Model A from the front. Very classic styling. The valves need constant adjusting and the twin carbs need adjusting a lot also. The electrical just needed replacing with something that worked. I rebuilt the twin carbs for a local guy on a BUg Eye sprite last year. It was a ground up restoration with complete engine and transmission rebuild. He could not find anyone that could do the side draft carbs. I told him that I would do it but he had to be there so I could teach him how they worked because he would have to know how to adjust them if they gave him problems. He was a big guy and almost needed a shoe horn to get in and out of it. Sweet little car. My son just got his 2010 Chevy Camero SS with 426 HP and a six speed, he is in Tuscon and has waited three months for it. Every option you can get except the ground effects package, He sold his 70 Camero a month ago that he has had for 22 years. He is so geeked up about his new ride. Yellow with Black SS stripes.

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Dennis is that MG TD that pretty one that was kind of square that had old fashion looking head lights. If it was I onley seen one in my life. I heard the Brits electrical systems wasn't any good.when I was in Germany. Dennis my dog has gone crazy. At times it runs around here chaseing an imaginary Bella.in their NASCAR race. She dosen't understand Bella is gone.But I can't fix the unfixible my ex girlfriend called this AM She's in trouble with her boyfriend.She calls him Charie every once in a while after her visit with me. and I think I screw up....Charlie

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Wayne I worked ed for a guy that had a big Harley. He would take weekend road trips. His wife would fallow behind him in a car. She didn't want any part of it. he wold ride up into the hills of OK. Roads didn't have near as much traffic. and really you didn't see that many bikes around back then.... Charlie

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Wayne I think Toni's had LSX on the back of it.It had a hard top that all she had to do is push a button and it would go into the trunk. I told her one night I wan'td to barrow it to pick up chicks. she called my bluff. she said go ahead I'm not going to be using it. She knew I didn't even like rideing in it. When we went places she drove my van. about the only time she drove it was when she wanted to prance with the top down.. I never road it one of those bug eyes. They looked cute. I would imagine that Austin Healey 3000 is a collectors item now. I better hush up or Dennis will be searching the globe for one...Charlie

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Wayne, Your mention of the 59 Bug Eye brings back lots of memories. I bought a 52 MG TD after I got out and drove it back to Michigan from the LA area. GOt tired of driving slow and started drafting semi trucks so I could run 70 to 75. Made it as far a sOklahoma city and sucked a valve on # 2 cyl. I was just about broke , it was winter with no heater, just me and my sea bag. I was down to getting drain oil from local gas stations to keep going as I was getting about 50 miles to 3 quarts of oil. But I hung in there and got back to Detroit. Always wanted a Bug Eye so I could put a V6 or something in it, they were a fun car but like you the Austin Healy 3000 is still my favorite sports car. The MG was a pain with it's Lucas electrical system.. That is why the Brits drink warm beer... Lucas makes the refrigeration systems for the pubs over there. Dennis

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 06 Aug 2009
Time: 14:09

Comments

P.S. Charlie... forgot to mention that I agree with you about the motorcycles. I got rid of the road rockets a long time back and started riding a Harley about five or six years ago. I got a good deal on a '98 Fatboy and am now a devout cruiser.(week-end warrior) I don't even split traffic at stop signs to move to the front! Keeping your head on a swivel and NEVER taking the right-of-way is what keeps you alive in this business. We only ride the freeways in order to get to the mountains or the canyons where the scenery is. The problem with the bad motorcycle rep of being dangerous falls on the crotch rocket riders in my opinion. It's unnerving to be passed in your own lane from behind by some yahoo riding mountain roads at 80mph. Usually you have a sixteen years old kid on his first bike with all kinds of horsepower. Add in the lack of experiance and you've got a recipe for disaster. They inevitably end up as a hood ornament or draped over a crash barrier on a curve. The people that you see at all the biker bars or restarants can look a little imposing, but they're some of the most generous people I have ever come across. They are forever riding for this or that benefit or aid program. I ride with one or two friends as a rule. I'm not one to ride in a massive group of people. Too organized. If I want to stop and smell the roses, I'm not going to hold up a hundred other riders. It's a rather inexpensive way to get out into the country side with the birds and the bees and see a little "mother nature".

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 06 Aug 2009
Time: 13:27

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Charlie... I had a 1959 Bug-eye Sprite after I had the MGA. It was fun to drive but again, it was hard to keep running.(or maybe I just didn't make enough money at the time to do it justice...) And yes, I did feel like my ass was dragging while in it. It rode hard but handled like a dream. Toni must have an SL it sounds like. The smaller SLKs have a four or six cylinder engine in them, but they're not like the 500SLs for cruising. I have a '92 SL and about 5 years ago my wife and I made a secret trip to Table Rock Lake, Mo.(Branson?) for a surprise 50th birthday party for an old school buddy of mine. We decided to drive the SL to see how it would do on a long road trip. I must say that for a small two seater, it traveled quite nicely. It wasn't as uncomfortable as I thought it might be for that long of a trip. I rarely take off the hard top as my wife doesn't like to get her hair messed up in the wind. You can also get a pretty good sun burn out here if you're not careful. It's fun to cruise down by the beach though. If the truth be told, the new convertibles don't have the same soul as the older sports cars. To this day I've always wanted the Austin- Healey 3000 for my Sunday driver. They're getting kind of expensive now if you can locate a nice one. Maybe one of these days...

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Well I'm back to talking to myself on this site. ...Charlie

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Wayne I never road in an mga but I did an austin healy. That was a beautiful car to me. Toni has a hot rod mercedies. it has a hard top that will put it in the trunkat a touch of a button. She rides around in it with the top down a lot. She even takes it to the dealer to get her oil changed. It's pretty but I wouldn't have it. I feel like my butts scaping the ground you don't drive it you wear it...Charlie

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Wayne Your Guardian Angel was probley guiding you in the right direction. a lot of people don't ride those crouch rockets very long with out ending up in a cast or dead. They are hard to see in mirrors if they are in the wrong spot.We have a group that comes down here that ride about 4 in a group and are more visable. there is a lot of them from all over but ride in small groups and usaly stay at a casino hotel . Most have women with them. I have seen custom three wheelers and one that had his wife in a side car. She has more guts than me. I don't know what the clubs name was but they were very nice people...Charlie

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Dennis I got another suprise phone call from Jim. We had a great talk for a long time. Would you e-mail that picture of Toni in the bikini to him. It took me two days to try to figure how to send it to you. He told me he had a Merc and the one I had probly had the 400 ci in it that put out 410 Hp. He told me about the 31 Ford you rebuilt. He said said you had it stripped down to there wasn't a part left you didn't go through. Jim said he was going to send me a book and a couple CDs He told me you were on the wild side aboard Hanna. I kinda knew that by the way you told me how you hopped that thing you drove on the flight deck. he said your famililys will get together in Oct. We talked about the reunion. I told him I was going to try my best to get there that I would really love to meet the guys that post here. I have his phone number now. My ex girlfriend called sometimes I enjoy it but at times she can be a drama Queen and I don't...Charlie

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 04 Aug 2009
Time: 17:32

Comments

Can I through my two cents in on wonderful cars of the by gone era? In 1972 I bought a Kawasaki 500 Mach 1 motorcycle while in Yokosuka, Japan. At 6the time it was the fastest production motorcycle built. Of course, when we got back to Alameda, we were knee deep into the winter as we went into dry dock at Hunter's Point for needed repairs. It rains in San Francisco in the winter and I had to ride that motorcycle from Hayward to Hunter's Point (about 20 miles) every morning for ship's work. Once you were wet, it wasn't so bad, but it was always a drag to get wet first thing in the morning. I ended up trading that road rocket to E division Warrant Officer Lane for a 1961 MGA Roadster, so I could drive to work in a dry environment. I must say that car was a dream even though it took a lot of work to keep it running. Dropping the top and driving over highway 9 to Santa Cruise from San Jose was a delight. I had a bartender mix me a canteen full of Tom Collins and we hung it from the window posts untill we saw young and beautiful secretaries in Santa Cruise going back to work after lunch and luring them to share a drink from our canteen. I missed the bike but I never missed getting wet. I met Mr. Lane at the last reunion in San Diego and had a delightful chat with him. The little things really do count.

Name: Ray Rinaldi
Email_Address: rayr1006@hotmail.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1957/1957
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA116
Date: 04 Aug 2009
Time: 17:12

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1956 Left Norman Okla A&P school. Going to San Deigo Cal. Had 2 buddies with me. Scotty Pike and Phil Swartz. We drove a 1947 Pontic across the famous Rt 66 all the way. What an experince. We were all 18 yrs old. I could write a book about that trip

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Dennis my 1st date I pick my girl on a fergson tractor. I had to drive it 5 miles to Deport Tx from the cotton farm to pick her up to take her to the movie. She was all decked out. beautiful dress and all. I think I was 13. Her dad walked us out and saw her climb on the tractor and lean her butt agianst the rear fender and I got in the seat and started it. I thought her father was going to roll in the driveway laughing. We had a good time at the movies. I even got to put my arm around her and get a kiss....Charlie

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Dennis I had a pipe framed dune buggy made from a VW that thing woud go anywhere. I had sand blaster tires on it and I put that stuff that in the tires that was self sealing . I had a buddy that retired and lived I think in Apache city Az. We took it out to where the I was still active duty on my way to Ca. We took it to where the Lost Dutchmans mine sapose to be. That is some rough country. I used to have pics but Katrina took about everything away. I let him drive it And he hit a cactus. I had a pic of him with his pants down pulling thorns out. That thing was a blast. ...Charlie

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XO I got a call from Toni. The dog and I were napping. She really likes CC. She was on her break. They are using her as an investigative reporter for a couple more weeks until she learns the names of places Before puting her as an anchor. She said CC was her kind of place, She said she saw an old granny riding a motorcycle. She said these people here are different than in Biloxi. I had to laugh at her. I told her of course their Texans. theres no one in the world like them. If they ain't originaly from there it won't take them long to pick up their ways.I don't consider Houston part of Texas. It was so good to hear from her. She said it was so good to get back to work. Moving is not an easy thing. She is worried about about Bellas stitches when she got her spayed and it has a hard little hard spot.It is probley just a surgery scar. She loves that dog so much. It thought it was part mine I took care of it so much. It had two homes over the past couple yrs. Cujo thinks I'm boreing and misses the NASCAR races and the wrestling matches....Charlie

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Charlie, All this talk about cars, I have had 68 automobiles over the years from Dunebuggys up, the oldest was a 1928 Desoto the hottest was a 1971 Chevy SS with a built up 350 engine that I put Tuned Port Injection on, even had a 1958 Volvo that I put a Buick V6 automatic in. The last one was a 1931 Model A that I sold last year. I finally hit my burn out spot and got tired of building them all the time plus my back will not take the 10 to 14 hour days I would put in on them. Now I spend my friends money helping him build his street rods. I fuigured out my desease.. I would get a car kill myself getting everything just right and then get bored with it when I ran out of things to do on it and sell it then start another. My 39 Packard was one of my nicest and even had the original clock keeping good time, got bored and sold it. I have been into cars since I was 14 years old and used to hot wire my dad's car and sneak out to go cruising when he was bowling. Love them but they will give you problems at times. My brother in law says "If it's got tits or tires, It will give you trouble" and it is so true.

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Phil I know what you mean. I bought 59 Merc comvertable. It was beautiful.,It was that redish-orange color. I would put my top down and drive it cruising with my sailor suit on smoking a cigarand girls walking down the side walks would whistle at me. It had that Marauder engine in it. It was about the sixe of Hanna and wasn't quick on the take off but once you got ot rolling on the hwy you could pass anything but a gas station. I don't known the ci but the engine was big. I didn't keep it for long it was poking to big a hole in my little paycheck. I bought me a 56 VW beatle with a sun roof. dont laugh it was fun to drive. The wife and two boys took off to Tx in it when I left the Hanna. I never got to pass anything. In Paris Tx no one drove foreign cars and looked at it was something that landed ffom outer space. It was a tough little car. Some people on the Hanna ordered cars though a NEX catalog and saved a lot of money. I think they were tax exempt also when we were at sea and picked them up at a warehouse in SF....Charlie

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Charlie, it was a 442 Cutlass with a 400 CI engine. it was fast and a good car, the only problem I had with it was that I could never get the tachometer and the gas gauge to go in the same direction. If you put the gas pedal to the metal the tach went to the right and the gas gauge went to the left but the one consolation was that gas was a lot cheaper than today. Phil

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Mack they had a lot of hot cars back then. I had a buddy that had an Olds 442 I don't rememer what they called it but it wasn't the full sized one. That duster and charger was any sloch. I bought my wife a Pontiac Lemoms. I though it was one of the prettiest cars ever made. I was gutless though onley a 6 cly. Don't try to teach your wife to drive. I tried . Get a buddy to do it and cross your fingers and hope they come back alive.Boys are easy to teach once they learn the gears.I didn't realy care for mopeds back then . They would run but their bodys were made cheap.....Charlie

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The first new car I owned, was a 1970 Nova SS, it had a 350 cu. in. engine, and 300 horses under the hood. Sky blue with a white vinyl top. I was rolling south on temp. I-85, back then, when I came upon a white one with a black vinyl top, just like mine. Those four young men wanted to race bad. I closed my floor vents, rolled up the windows, pulled up along side at 60 mph, looked over at the brother and kicked it out. From 60 mph to one half inch out of numbers, I walked him seven car lengths. Those Nova's would run like scalded dogs. I never drove it that fast again. If the cops had caught us we would probably have still been in jail. Memories, Cheers, Mack

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Charlie L. My blood is so scewed up with that agent orange the blood specialist don't know what do do about it. They are just waiting for us old farts to die off. problem solved. They know what it is but won't admit it. I barley have a immune system left. The blood Dr at the Va talked about giving me a bone marrow tranplant . She said it was very painful and dangerous. then she backed off and said I don't think it would even work against agent orange. She was honest . but it is a hush hush thing. I was 1st tested for it in the VA in Bonham Tx. My Dr told me I tested positive for it and put me on National list. you are spiting in the wind. When you are retired they are not going to spend any money other than give you good health care. Biloxi VA is a good facility with the most modern equipment and you are treated with respect. I don't know how they put up with grumpy old men all day....Charlie

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Kristy old friends are hard to keep up with. They move you move and ties get broken. I lost my ties with my shipmates when I went into the Army and they were sending me all over the place. When I got out of the bush in in Nam I would have a stack of mail from my wife. Of course I when I got a chance to write her back I acted like it was a walk in the park so I wouldn't worry her or my Mom. They knew my letters were BS. I didn't know people stateside was seeing so much on tv...Charlie

Name: Charles W. Lewis
Email_Address: lewis723@bellsouth.net
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1965-66
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-215
Date: 03 Aug 2009
Time: 06:13

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I would like to form a muster at the VA office in Nashville,Tn. to Make VA pay Navy Vet's from Vietnam disability from Agent Orange.The Federal court has ruled 5 times since 1986 they have to pay us and they still refuse,Jim Nicholson put a "Hold" on all such rulings and he is supposed to be a vetrain, Army Ranger.Thanks

Name: Charles W. Leewis
Email_Address: lewis723@bellsouth.net
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1965-66
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-215
Date: 03 Aug 2009
Time: 06:12

Comments

Kristy never cared for the the bay area. I might have liked it better if I had a wife there. The last home port We got married She was a valley girl. I had to put a requet chit in to marry her. I had a cousin that lived in RedWood city and her husband was a dispatcher for the PD. She got to see the Hanna while she was in Hunters Point. Of course being a sailor I didn't go on my last deployment without leaving her a little gift in her belly. She blessed me with a son who is now a Master Chief on the Reagan. I don't think he will get out of the Navy until they make him walk the plank and swim ashore. He started out as a BT in a fireroom on a tin can and had to convert to MM when they did away with BTs...Charlie

Name: Phil Holman
Email_Address: yguardian1@comcast.net
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 74-75
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Deck Hand
Date: 02 Aug 2009
Time: 23:57

Comments

Just checking in looking for old shipmates..Randy Kraft ..Dan From Minn.

Name: Phil Holman
Email_Address: yguardian1@comcast.net
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 74-75
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Deck Hand
Date: 02 Aug 2009
Time: 23:56

Comments

Just checking in looking for old shipmates..Randy Kraft ..Dan From Minn.

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David Camaro was a bad dude. That Chevel SS that had the crossed raceing flags was too. Chevs had a shorter stroke than Ford and would would wind up faster. In the yrs of the musel cars that Plymouth Fury was a bad dude. I never draged mine on the strip. I knew if I tore it up there was no way I could afford to get it fixed. They had a station that would check your car to make sure you run it in the right class. They had a cylinder that they could measure the cubic inches to see how big it was bored. and several other test. I don't know how much mine was bored out. Charllie

Name: David Byrum
Email_Address: dtbyrum@gmail.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1961-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V4 Div
Date: 01 Aug 2009
Time: 17:03

Comments

I ran a 302 in my 69 Camaro vintage trans am race car. The engine had to be period correct. It would wind up like crazy, I would shift into 4th at 100 mph.

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Bill it was was probley a hopped up 283 someone had reworked for the drag strip.We weren't very far from a the national hot rod sanctioned strip at Caddo Mills Tx. The engine was either a truck or corvete because the dip stick was on the wrong side. I think who ever had it built wanted a engine with 4 main bearings to take the stress. It would run like a jack rabbit. Gas was 17.9 cents a gallon back then I had to put premium it to run right. It was my favorite car of all times.It looked stock but it didn't take long for the boys around town not to challenge it. It was like Petes Crusader a rocket with a saddle on it... Charlie

Name: John T. Roberts
Email_Address: jtrmer@nctv.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: G-4 Division
Date: 01 Aug 2009
Time: 12:45

Comments

Looking for AO1 Perry

Name: Bill Burgess
Email_Address: blbrgss@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1968-1972
Division_Squadron_Detachment: B #4 fireroom
Date: 01 Aug 2009
Time: 10:36

Comments

Charlie, the 1955 chevy v8 was a 265 ci motor. I was the first "small block engine" that Chevy produced over the years. (which had the ony external oil filter by the way). in 1956-1957 Chevy came out with the 283 ci, then later was followed by 302,327,350,400, all considered a "small block ingine. I'm sure I have ownd all with the exception of the 302. Bill

Name: Steve Derreberry RM1 (ret)
Email_Address: sderrebe@sbcglobal.net
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1966-1968
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Communications
Date: 01 Aug 2009
Time: 10:15

Comments

Looking for Radiomen that was aboard at that time

Name: Kristy
Email_Address: ktbelle54@aol.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: husband 1974-1976
Division_Squadron_Detachment: dental
Date: 31 Jul 2009
Time: 22:18

Comments

I loved Alameda, and the HanNah. I spend some time on her too while I was very pregnant with my husband, Norman Kneeland. I also worked for the K-4 dept, and was priviliged enough to be able to run the mobile canteen on the docks when the ship was in... Great guys, I loved that job. Also, anyone know the where abouts of Stanley Tressler, he was in medical. We lost track about 10 years ago.

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David Porcella, good to see another IC Man visit the Hanna site. Where are the rest of you IC Men. I was aboard from 65 to 68 and worked on all of the IC Shops including Plat arresting gear/catapaults. I left in early October 68 for my reverse trip back to the states for discharge with two exceptions, I came aboard under a UH-46 helo picked up from the fantail of the USS Obannon DD 450 and left on the COD, the rest of the trip was in exact reverse order from my trip to Subic Bay to catch the Hancock. I still keep in contact with 10 of the guys that were there during my tour of four west pac cruises, two short and two long ones. lots of memories. The guy that ran the sound powered phone shop up to 68 is Jerry Hritz, I searched for him since I got out and finally found him in Oregon a couple of years ago. Hope you can make it to the next reunion as well as the rest of you IC Men out there, wake up IC Gang.

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David, Try and make the reunion, at the last one there was a great showing from the IC gang there most all were from about 10 before you but they still worked on the same wires, changed the mercury out on the ships gyro compasses and all. Now they panic and will close a city if someone spills mercury. Hell we used to strain it through a chamois to clean it and then put it back in the gyro compass where it would float on it. People now a day panic if they think the fence was painted with lead base paint. Dennis

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David working 02N2 I talked to a lot of guys on those sound powered phones. I never realy knew where the were at but when they told me what station I knew witch valve and wich gas to send. N2 was usaly usrd for topping off fuel tank or purging. fuel lines to keep fire hassard down. I always wonderd how the worked .you could have told me about them. Ours were very dependable. ...Charlie

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Darn Dennis that was a lot of cubic inches. for a 6 cly.I onley had one glance under the hood.. Dad bought me a 55 Chev To this day I don't know what engine it had in it But nothing in Paris Texas could touch it. When I picked it out my Dad tolld me you don't want a Chev. every boy in Paris will out run you. I took him out of town and started from a dead start leaveing a long black streaks and left some more in 2nd. He made me shut it down. His pucker factor had as much as it could stand. He said theses Chevys run better than they used to. Back then when you went to a gas station they would check your oil. one time at night a guy couldn't find the dip stick and went and got a flash light. and found it on the other side of the block. He told me it had a truck engine in it or something. I ask hin what the differance was He told me it was a lot bigger engine and had 4 main bearings.55s don't have a 4 barrel carb. I ask him to listen to it he sounded like he knew about cars and it always idled real rough i was going to see if I could bring it in for a tune up. He said it dosen't need a tune up you have a hot cam in it someone built that thing for the drag strip. later I found out they put a posatration rear end in it. both tires would burn rubber. I sure loved that car and kept lt until I went into the Navy...Charlie

Name: David W. Porcella
Email_Address: porcellasmusic@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1973
Division_Squadron_Detachment: E Division IC Gang
Date: 30 Jul 2009
Time: 22:54

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I ran the sound powered telephone repair shop below the flight deck towards the end of tour. Worked with Walt Bachman, Fig, Mike Vega, Volz, Barnett @central station, Ken Hosley, Rodriguez, Uhaulde, Vern Perala and some I can't remember their names. We had a little band on the ship and jammed at a couple of stand downs. Some of the guys were from V div. Manny Cuevas, Freddy Roldan, Riffus. I still remember after setting condition yoke about five sailors would come over their sound powered phones and all you heard was "yoke, yoke", "yoke, yoke" and then deep voice would come on and say "knock it off!' and than everything got quiet. Great memories OH, than there was Mike Gore on the messdecks constantly twisting his handle-bar mustache. I believe he was a messdeck master-at-arms. Would love to here from you. Over and Out!!

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Charlie, That Hudson Hornet had a inline six with two 2BBL carbs on it. I think it was close to 400 cubic inches. They ruled the dirt track back in the rearly to mid 50's. Chevy came out with their V8 in 55 but the Hudson had the low end torque and still beat the pants off of them. Chevy didn't run great till Duntov went to work for GM and re-designed the heads and got them to breath better. GM and all of them learned alot from the old and now the new racers and probably a lot of bootleggers over the years as did the cars in Europe. Crazy guys are good test drivers as are Crazy Pilots for aircraft. Who else would take a aircraft up for it's first flight, unproven, on the word of some goofy engineer.

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I went to Fresno quite often to visit kin. I had an Italian Uncle that would eat anything that wouldn't eat him1st He tried tried to make a blackbird pie once back in Tx.He was a ww2 medic and got a purple heart for geting shot in the butt. Dad told him he should have run faster. I had fun with him though he married one of my Aunts and moved to Dallas. He was at Camp Maxie and the war was over. He bought a Nash that looked like an upside down blue bath tub. I think it was about a 50 model.....Charlie

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I have only seen 2 Shelbey Cobras. one driving down the road by the beach in CC. and the other in a musem in Fresno. I got to look it over prety good. When Shelby got done with them there wasn't much Ford left....Charlie

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I had an uncle that had a Hudson. I don't know what year. The seats were like living room furniture. I was a boy but I saw it had two carbs on it. I think it was an inline 6 cyl. I only saw under the hood once when he gased up and they were checking the oil. I think it was called a hornet. There was a 56 Packard at a gas station forsale. You could sit on it's fender and here the hydralic pumps and it would level itself...Charlie

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 30 Jul 2009
Time: 16:49

Comments

Dennis... I stand corrected on the superchargers. I had a business friend that had a Cord, but it was a replica and had a Corvair engine in it. It sort of looked like a helicopter engine. I believe it was an opposing cylinder type of engine and I think it had six cylinders. I remember that the engine had a lot of chrome on it, and a fan in the middle of the top side. If you are ever in Las Vegas, you should go to the Imperial Palace Hotel. They have a large collection of Duesenbergs on the second or third floor. It's quite an eye full if you like the old classics in pristine condition.

Name: William (Bill) Pingel
Email_Address: wpingel@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1970-1973
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V-1 Division
Date: 30 Jul 2009
Time: 16:44

Comments

Hi all…I thought I’d through in my 2 cents. Francis Ford Coppola Directed The Movie ‘Tucker”. They used A 1948 Tucker Torpedo. Coppola also has a winery in Rutherford, CA (Niebaum-Coppola winery). At the intersection of Highways 128 and 29, ( that’s for you Dennis, It’s a day trip). But Coppola has the Tucker on display in the main winery building. It is truly something to see. So ahead of its time…….Bill

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Wayne, The Cord was a V-8 front wheel drive and in about 1936 they needed more power but coulden't afford redesigning a whole new engine and they put a supercharger on it. I'm not sure about the old Auburn boat tail roadster if that was supercharged or not. Dennis

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 30 Jul 2009
Time: 16:00

Comments

Charlie, Dennis and Helmut... There is a movie staring Jeff Bridges about Tucker. It's a pretty interesting story if you haven't seen it. The Avanti was a Studebaker and had the first factory supercharged V-8 engine in a production car. They were built in Indianapolis, I believe, and when Studebaker went under they became part of American Motors and then were built by hand up untill just lately. The artisans that built these cars were all getting into their seventies and wanted to pass down their skills to a younger generation to keep the quality up to their high standards. I watched a documentary film on them. Also. the Tucker was the first car to recess the door edges into the body metal, like airplane doors, to cut down on drag and give a smooth finish. It really was a remarkable car and way ahead of it's time.

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XO/Dennis It is starting to sink in my "little girl" is gone. I'm realy sad. I'm proud for Toni . I will get over It . It is just really bad right now like a Daughter leaving. I will miss her raiding my fridg and watching movies with me. Time marches on, As Dennis said Biloxi's loss will be CC's Gain. I knew this day would happen. that she was't mine to keep a long time ago....Charlie

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Helmut/Dennis I saw a Avani if I'm spelling it right at a golf course we were skydiving at. I think it was made by AM. from what I understand it was supercharged and one bad dude. Thats the only one I ever saw. My brother-in law is a Deputy Sherif his car was a ford with a special engine and trans in it. the trans had one higher gear he could put it in that civilians can't get. I wouldn't try to out run him...Charlie

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Helmut you are correct I didn't know that many Tuckers survived.The one I saw wasn't restored like the other cars. I saw what sapose to be Bonnie and Clieds car once. I dough if it was the real thing. In 56 I saw a Golden Hawk at a dance. It had two air scoops on the hood. A boy had a new 56 Chev power packand wanted to drag. That hawk run of and left him like he was nailed to the pavement. Its speeodometer read up to 160....Charlie

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Helmut, You are right on on the tucker. It used a helocopter engine that was like a 6 cyl VW engine in the back, it was also the first car to have the dished steering wheel and safety belts. The big 3 were scared of the competition and ran Tucker out of business. They were built in an old Dodge plant in Chicago. Here is one for you... ever heard of a Ruxtin ? They had very strange headlights and were a heck of a car in their day, very few survivors today. Some nice old cars in Henery Ford Museum and in the Cord/Dusenberg/Auburn museum in Auburn Indiana.

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Charlie, you are thinking of the Tucker. Only 51 were built between 1948 and 1950. I read somewhere that 49 are still around.

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Dennis I might have called the car by the wrong name. It it had headlights that would turn with it's stearing wheel. It had a flat 6 cyl. engine like a corvair. I saw the movie about them they were very few produced GM and Ford had them shut down thats why I was amazed at seeing one. After thinking about the Cord Is it the one that that had the supercharger on it....Charlie

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Charlie, There are quite a few Cords around yet, In Estes Park, Colorado the Stanley Hotel has a Stanley Steamer they drive in parades, It is a hotel carriage type that seats about 8 people, Runs great. Yes Studebaker made covered wagons for many years along with buckboards. My Grandfather moved to Detroit in 1921 and went to work at the Studebaker factory as a trim man.. He found out they were on strike and tried to sneak out the back. The union goons caught him and had him standing in a bucket of concrete on the Detroit river ready to take him on a "swim", Being Irish he talked them out of it and became a union organizer for them. He was also one of the original members of "The Purple Gang" like Capone's bunch in Chicago.

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Dennis if I remember right from what I read years ago the automobile Is a German word and produced the 1st car. I think studebaker made covered wagons and made some of our 1st cars. oldsmobile could have been our 1st. I can't get my 3 brain cells to reach back into my memory that far. I remember something about a Stanley Steamer. If you ever get a chance to go to the Car musium In San Diego go. I even got to see a Cord It wasn't in good shape but it may be the last one left. It will take a big part of a day to see them all.I don't think they have a whippet there. most of them are left there by owners and they keep them up. they are roped off to keep the pubic from tareing them up.Go to the Zoo if your ever there. that will be a long day also.I saw animals I only seen on tv. I was visiting my eldest son. He took me to the lagest flea market I ever saw. The only part of SD I saw before then was boot camp, He went to Great Lakes. I think SD was shut down but was active duty teaching some kind of class to Seals at Coronado. I know he taught some kind of Pettey Officer development course and after he made Senior he taught new Chiefs some kind of course He is a Master Chief on the Regan but still calls me Dad... Charlie

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Toni was sitting on the couch I told her how much I was going to miss her I guess I looked like I was about to cry . She said don't do this to me charlie people have kept me crying for two days. I ask her what she though about her anchor job. She said she would make more money. I told her thats not what I ask you. She said she didn't like siting there reading stuff off a tele-prompter.Dennis I got the pix. the way my Dad talked theirs was a coupe. Hwy 66 was a graval road. You sure gave me pic that I know what they look like. He never said anything about having any problems with it. I bet it would be worth a lot now.Toni will be on her way to CC this evening. one of the guys moving her is retired CIA. She knows people in high places. I just know them in low places....Charlie

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Toni came buy a little while ago. She just finished her jogg. She knows I alwasys keep potatoe chips and green onion dip for her. She loves it but don't eat many. she got her on of those little cans of tomato juice. She dosen't keep anything in her fridge and has been raiding mine for a couple years It ain't no big deal I end up throwing 1/2 of it away because of expitation dates. She chewed my butt for living on cornbread buttermilk for a couple days. I love it but not the yanky kind with sugar in it. ...Charlie

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Dennis the picture of the whippet didn't come through. Dad swap a 22 rifle and a mule for a model T. He crank and craked on it when it quit on them going some where. Mom said he started beating it with the crank and she jumped out and hid behind a tree untill he quit. He bought an old I think it was a F12 farmall tractor because it steel wheels on it with spikes. We were clearing pasture back then and his rubber tire tractor kept geting flats shreading brush in wooded areas. I didn't like cranking it. sometimes it would kick back and jerk the crank out of your hand. It it could hurt you but once she wamed up it wasn't much of a problem. The sheader was was custom built from a truck rear axel the blade was atached to the differential and tires turned it since there was no power take-off ...Charlie

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Dennis it sounds like your wife is a good sailor. Dummy me took my aluminum fishing boat to the lake at Bevers Bend Ok. I rented a cabin. I got full of beer and went out to unhook it from my truck witch was parked on a up hill gravel drive I didn't think to chock the wheels and it took off to the boat ramp. I had to chase it down barefoot. hollering in pain because the gravel was teaching me a lesson. I caught it but my wife didn't let me live that one down for a long time. That night she would look at me and start laughing' All I could could say was aw shut up....Charlie

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Charlie, The Whippit is actually a miniature English Greyhound I beleive. The Whippet Automobile was a car that they used to say "If it don't go, Whipit" But I understand they were pretty good in their day. I had a 1928 DeSoto and used a Whippet front seat as a replacement for it. I just emailed a photo of a 1928 Whippet Touring car to you. The wife sailed for about 20 years on and off mostly smaller boats and she and her ex had speed boats they would take their sons water sking with. He would usually get drunk so she had to do everything even load the boat & drive the truck.

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Dennis I sent you a pix of Toni in her bikini. It is the best one I have . She has some on her CD that are a lot better but don't want me to have them. this is all I have of her in her swim suit. I don't see any thing wrong with it. you can share it. She stays in good shape jogging. She was miss strarburst when in college.It is part of the prosses of becoming Miss Missippi. but didn't want to go that route. She said the girls competeing were rellay mean. She has a heart big as Texas. but don't jack with her she will whlp your butt. but the other side she will go out of her way for you if you treat her nice. To hnow her is to love her. If you think she is a sex object you lose. She gets hit on all the time and gets tired of it. My place is her hideout when she wants to relax. She has been really buissy geting ready to go to CC so hasn't rny a lot of time to spend with me but she watched about 1/2 of a CD befote haveing to get dressed to go to her going away party. ....Charlie

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Pete isn't a PBY one one of those A/C that can land in water. No wonder your a Naval Aviator. It is in genes. I think Dutch harbour was the only the place Japs landed landed on American soil and they had a battle there....Charlie

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Mack my Dad told me about the depression. people from all over took off to Calif. Him and his buddy took off out there in a whipit. He said it sounded like you were going 100 mph but only going 30. he said he liked to starved to death and had to work for a few weeks washing dishes to get enough gas money to get back to Texas, He said there was as many people in the moutains looking for gold as there probley more than there was during the gold rush. Dennis the walking encycopidia would you send me a picture of a whipet if you can find one. I saw a dog once that the breed was called that . I looked like a small gray hound I don't know if I spelled it right....Charlie

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Pete I read where NASA at Diamond Head down here have finished testing the newest space rocket engine and it can take a ship to Mars and beyond. I think I could pick a better vaction spot. Pete wobble of the poles is very interesting to me. Something is going on....Charlie

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 28 Jul 2009
Time: 19:46

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Henry McCormick, for us younger guys, thanks for the stories. My dad flew PBYs in the Aleutians during WWII. I grew up with the stories. A Naval Avaitor was born! Pete

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Dennis I bet your wife did like like being skipper. It takes a little practice. I don't know how experinced she is but when I was 1st learning and the skipper had it on its side pouring the coal to it.. I though it was going to turn over. but they won't if you keep them out of a trough. We have been getting much needed rain. It has been hot and dry for several summers. I used to bitch because we got to much. I have read where the sality in the Gulf has got higher and we have fish that was never here before because our rivers are not puting fresh water in it.Mother Narure will just do what she wants.We usaly have a small hurricane by now and there is not one in site.Not even a tropical storm. Aug/Sept are the months we worry about, I hope your wife gets hooked on sailing. She will stay out of your hair if you get her books to study. It sounds like you have a salior your going to have deal with. ....Charlie

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 28 Jul 2009
Time: 19:05

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Hey guys, summer finally arrived this weekend in New England ( T-Storms not with standing). Got the window air condx's installed at the Lake on Sunday and now tonight at home. Hazy, Hot and Humid is the forecast. Go figure, this is the latest I have put the A/C in. My Huskies are appreciating it.Dennis, maybe there is a wobble of the pole. Will check into that. Pete

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I worked with a retired C.P.O., BT, he was on the Arizona at Pearl, when it was sunk. He left the ship in his skivies. At that time it was afire all over, he said. Billy was also on the Yorktown when it was sunk. They had a major problem opening the armored hatch, and if it had not been for the men above helping open it, they might not have gottten out. You still made the Navy your life I asked? Billy said, after two ships gone, he though he would be ok. He always acted calm and collected,loved life. Memories, Cheers, Mack

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My Dad and I talked about the Great Depression. He was born in 1898, in S.C., he said the only difference he saw was, their was no money around, but he didn't have no money anyway. He was sharecropper in the Carolinas, from 1921-1951.My parents raised 8 out of 9 kids to be adults. Memories, Cheers, Mack

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Hi Charlie, All your talking about sailing must have been heard by some friends of ours as they invited us down to go sailing over the weekend. He has a 34 foot sailboat and we spent the weekend sailing all over Lake Erie. My wife loves to sail and was totally geeeked out since she got to sail it most of the time. I stayed busy getting sunburned but we had a great time. What is with the US this year. Pete says he gets rain all the time and Texas is in the worst drought in years and it is hot as heck down there. Michigan has been in the high 60's and low 70's most of the summer instead of hot and muggy. I think the poles reversed when we weren't looking. Jim Winn says it has been very hot down there in Fort Smith AR so you must be hot too as you guys are on about the same line. Myself, I'll take this weather all year if I could make it stay.

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XO Toni came by and got Bella. I'm glad she did it was a pain in the butt keeping them in 2 separate rooms when they knew the other was here. They couldn't have thier NASCAR races or wrestle because of Bellas stiches from being spayed. Someone called her from the TV station there and offered her a pay raise if she would take a job as a mourning news anchor. She took it. She told me here I am getting pay raises and haven't worked for them yet.I think the lady she will be replaceing is going to a national broadcasting station.. She said she isn't gone yet but put her papers to leave.She said that will be a hard pair of shoes to fill. I guess she watched her when she was there......Charlie

Name: John Palmer
Email_Address: johnvpalmer@att.net
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1957-1959
Division_Squadron_Detachment: R- Div
Date: 28 Jul 2009
Time: 12:09

Comments

Good job

Name: roger houser
Email_Address: trhouser04@hotmail.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1970-1971
Division_Squadron_Detachment: w div
Date: 28 Jul 2009
Time: 11:24

Comments

like to hear from the old w div boys

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Pete I guess thety changed the uniforms again, I don't know about the men. but whem I went out to the base I saw a girl wearing hat.you know the little one you can fold flat. She had a 2nd class crow on it . and her uniform had a Kaki top and tight Navy blue pants. I ask herif that was a new uniform the came out with. She said it was and very comfortable. The military changes uniforms so much iy's hard yo tell what they are....Charlie

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Pete I think UDT had a pin but it was small and didn't even look like wings. back then Seals started out with them before they were recomended to go to Coranado. Every oufit wears a brette. other than green. I thought that took a little polish of thier boots. but I haven't seen the militaty wearing them latley ...Charlie

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 27 Jul 2009
Time: 19:17

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David Byrum, you might be seeing the surface warfare ingsignia. I can not remember when the skimmers got an insignia.. Prior to at least '70ish only the bubble heads (subs) and us Airdales had wings for enlisted crew and pilots. OOps, SEALS too! Seriously, now every warfare specialty has a badge to be known by...I agree! Esprit de Corps. Pete

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XO Toni had Bella spayed today and feels guilty. She has better furiture that someone gave her loaded up in a rented moveing van. She has her going away thing tonight. I told her I would keep the dogs seperated. they don't need to have NASCAR races or wrestling matches until Bella heals. I put The CD on full metal jacket. She watched most of it with big eyes. She hasn't been around much military other than me and when we go to the CB base or Kessler. She said something about the big CBs I told her yah they look like a bunch of trees walking around. NAS CC was a beautiful base in my days. We don't have ribbon fish here they are fun to catch and sure have a mouth full of big teeth. People that she gave her old furniture sapose to get it tomarrow and she has a few boxes packed up to load. The 29th she will be on her way. She sure stretched herself thin but some how makes thing fit...Charlie

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Gosh that was great Donald a lot of lives and ships were lost at at pearl harbor. A centery is a long time. I can only imagine all he has seen. I met a guy in my home town that was a MP that guarded the bomb they loaded on the Inola Gay as the loaded it on Tininan. I met another at the VA in Boham Tx that was a survior of the USS Indiapolis which deliverd the bomb and got sank by a Jap sub. Those guys back then had it tough. Thank God the Carriers wern't in Peal or the Japs would have steem rolled right over us. I was just a twikle in my Daddys eye I wasn't born yet.....Charlie

Name: Donald Mettler
Email_Address: d,ett41691@cox.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: B Division #4 Fireroom
Date: 26 Jul 2009
Time: 22:42

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Had the honor to attend John Finn's 100th Birthday party this past weekend, a great event. A number of CMOH Recipients , Pearl Harbor Survivors, and others were in attendence, Association Members present were Jim Sweeny, Tom Wimberly, John Hunter, Joe Bizet, Dave Reineman and me. The XO has submitted an article to the Newsletter which will be published in the next edition.

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XO/Pete I was watching an officer and gentleman on tv is OCS anything close to it. In my day our boot camp was a lot tougher. I thought I was going to retire from boot camp,I went to 3. After I went through Navy boot camp I had it figured it out.I had left the Hanna an E-5 and when I went to Army boot camp I saw a couple of 1st Lts standing on a pourch I ask them if I could have a light . one ask me why wasn't I afraid of them,all was why should I be are you going to bite me. He just give me a light and I was on my way. CBs go through traing with Marines. You best not jack with their DIs. After I got out of training into a battaion that was my favorite past time to PO them....Charlie

Name: Wayne Erven, Membership Chairman, Life Mbr No. 2
Email_Address: oldsalt2@comcast.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: l965-l968
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Ops Office
Date: 26 Jul 2009
Time: 11:23

Comments

Big article on our own LT John Finn's 100th birthday party. Go to search on your home page, put in San Diego Union-Tribune. When the web site comes up, put John Finn in the search block. Great Story on a great man! Happy 100th birthday John.

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David I don't like it. It takes away from the original. I always respected a boat sailors daulphins . Then I saw my son with a pair that looked like they were upside down I ask him what the heck is this. He told me it is surface war fare pin. CBs even have one now. I have some jump wings I talked a pretty little girl out of when I was in DC. that is a hard thing to do. Airborne don't give up their wings. When I show people I tell them I talked the wings off an angel. it is smaller than the guys. I like to watch JAG....Charlie

Name: ronald comeau
Email_Address: ronald_c90@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1968-1970
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VF-24
Date: 25 Jul 2009
Time: 17:50

Comments

vf-24 GREAT SQUADRON , PILOTS

Name: David Byrum
Email_Address: dtbyrum@gmail.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1961-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V4 Div
Date: 25 Jul 2009
Time: 16:41

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I have been watching the TV show JAG (navy lawyers) all the line officers and all enlisted personnel are wearing a breast insignia of some kind (not wings) what does the insignia designate and when did it become standard issue?

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XO Toni took her dog to the vet and got her shots. She saposed to get her spade Mon. She is running around like a chicken with its feet cut off trying to get things done. She should have had everything done by now but her friends keep bugging her. I took most of a day out of her time going to the CB base Hollis called her I don't know what they talked about. but she said she told him she got her hair fixed and nails done. I didn't question her but I figured he wanted her to get her butt out there and go to work....Charlie

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My membership dues were renewed thru paypal, were they received ? Cheers, Mack

Name: Mark G. Mossman
Email_Address: mossman0702@gmail.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1969-1971
Division_Squadron_Detachment: 1st Division
Date: 23 Jul 2009
Time: 20:37

Comments

Looking for some of the old shipmates that I served with.

Name: Mark G. Mossman
Email_Address: Mossman0702@gmail.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1969-1971
Division_Squadron_Detachment: 1st Division
Date: 23 Jul 2009
Time: 20:35

Comments

Looking for some of the old shipmates

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Wayne that water off Calif is cold. My sister and her husband have a place on Pismo Beach but live in Fresno. I used to drive through the Angles National forest to visit. I don't why the call it a forest theres not a bush over 3ft tall. Calif. has a lot of pretty places but theres just to many people there for me. I'm stuck with Toni's dog for a couple more days but no problem. She happend to think about having to change her drivers license to Tx. I told her she could get by with Ms licenes with her Ms tags until she gets settled in over there....Charlie

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Wayne Toni's friends boat is a 32 ft sloop I don't know where I got it in my pea brain it was a kettch. He showed me some pix of it he had at a site on the net. he thas a 2cylinder Yamar or something like that in it.I can't remember all those towns on hwy 1. It was just one stoplight after another back then and I couldn't tell when I left one and and went through another. I was in Port Huneme. for one deployment and told them to get me back to the Gulf Coast. Pt Magu had a place they fired missles to test them and they had a rifle range that the rounds went into the water after going through the target. I don't know what they shot at with the missles....Charlie

Name: Kevin Jones
Email_Address: kevin@kevinjonesonline.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1971-1972
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA/212
Date: 23 Jul 2009
Time: 13:23

Comments

Just stopping by to wish John a Happy 100th!

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I'm sure glad we got the trip to the CB base over. I hate shopping but I sure like to eat. I pulled my old joke with the cashier, I ask her if she thought my trophy wife was pretty. She looked at Toni and then me but didn't say anything. I told her I was teasing that it was was my neighbor Toni Miles. She grined and said I thought she looked familiar. several people that heard me jerked their head around looking at her. Most people around here have seen her on TV but not in person. In the exchange she went to the clothing section whike I got what I needed. I told her not to let one of these CB's run off with her. Going back to my van a couple walked by us and I told her they were going to Afganistan. She ask me how I knew.I told her by the color of their uniforms. after we got the chow unloaded She headed for the fingernail shop.Her friends are having BBQ Sun. and a going away party at the Bonefish Mon. night.Someone called and told her there was 60 tables reserved by people. we are going miss here here. I don't know how I was so lucky to meet her and become a close friend...Charlie

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 23 Jul 2009
Time: 11:59

Comments

Mack... I always thought that those big orange balls were installed on high lines so low flying aircraft could see the lines. Maybe I'm mistaken. I only remember seeing them on long, high line runs in remote areas. Charlie... Coronado is down by San Diego. We also have San Clemente Island a little over 50 miles from Newport Beach. It's owned by the Marine Corp I believe. You can drop anchor on the inland side of the island, but the sea side is a target area for jets. Fiberglass doesn't mix well with hot lead, so we try to steer clear of that side of the island. As for the new vessel, you have to have a hull inspection before you can insure the boat, unless it's a small ski or fishing boat. With boats (and boat owners) it's just good sense to inspect what you expect.

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Mack I have seen them orange balls on high voltage lines but never thought about how they got there. they are usaly in windy areas. Toni put me off for another 20 mins. women and their primping or she could have me waiting until a soapy is over....Charlie

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A point of interest, yesterday, I was crossing the james river bridge and there was a small helo up near the high voltage power lines that run parallel to the bridge. A man was connected to the left skid, in some kind of seat and he was placing big colored balls between those power lines. I think the balls keep the lines from touching in high winds. I bet those people make the big bucks. The big E and the Carl V. carriers are in the N.N. shipyard, one can see a metal building , the top of it, in the drydock, where the Ford is being assembled. Cheers, Mack

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Wayne I don't know how far you are from Coronado but years ago special services used to have boat slips behind it. It has been years since I have been there.I've had power boats they are gas guzzlers. If you get a sailboat be sure the exilery engine is diesel. I don't like gas on a boat . It is to much of a fire hazzerd. Be sure the sails are in good shape they are expensive to replace. Have the seller haul it and check the hull. I don't know why I'm giving you boating 101 you probley know more about them than I do. I have to get off my butt and get around. Toni is going to take me to the CB base this AM to resuppy. I have to call her at 09:00 to make sure shes awake....Charlie

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Gosh June in 100 yrs can't you imagine all the the changes in this world he has seen. my Father was born in 1912 but he is deceased. He used to tell me about the depression. He said they ate a lot of rabbits, He said they called them Hoover hogs back then. I learned a lot from him. even when I was growing up people had to work to get by. you couldn't sit on the porch and wait for the mail man to bring you a free check from the Gov. hasn't this word changed....Charlie

Name: June Jones
Email_Address: jjones39@marykay.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1972-1973
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA212
Date: 23 Jul 2009
Time: 05:17

Comments

Happy 100th Birthday, John Finn!

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Wayne I read a book years ago called The Dove by Robin Gram. He was 14 and sailed around the world.He started out some where there in S Cal. I don't know if it's avalible anymore but once I started reading it I couldn't put it down...Charlie

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Wayne Toni's male friend is not her boyfriend. He has been her friend for 10 yrs. Toni won't mess around with a friend. She told me that is the best way to lose a friend. She has brought him to my apt. a couple times. he plays a gettar and sings good. I can tell he loves Toni . That's why I told her don't be suprised if he show up in CC. I have never see his Ketch but they have two mast and a lot easyer to control in heavy weather.I never ask him how long it was. I was ask to go sailing with them a couple weekends ago but it was really hot here...Charlie

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Wayne years ago I used to have a Sloop There is nothing prettyier than sailing wing and wing on a moonlit night.mine was a 28 ft. I sailed from 1 end of Belize to the other and went through the a cut in the southen end and sailed to Huonduras. and back.I like them because they are quiet and peaceful. You don't just jump on one and crank it up you have to learn how to trim the sails and reduce the sail area during stormy weather.I learnd to sail at the yacht club in puerto rico on others peoples boats. the club taught lessons at night in a class room. once you get the basics when you get on the water it's like anything else. you get better at it with a litle experince under your belt. ...Charlie

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 22 Jul 2009
Time: 18:55

Comments

Charlie... You say that Toni's boyfriend has a catch and has it slipped in your area. How big is it? I've had a number of express cruisers, 28-36 feet, in the past but with the massive increase in fuel costs, I've seriously started to think along the lines of a sail boat. A friend of mine has a 38 foot sloop that he lives on down in Newport Beach and I've gone out on it with him on occasion. When you're used to traveling at 30 to 40 knots and then get aboard a sail boat, you start wondering if you're going to get to your destination before you start collecting social security! Now, the trip is the enjoyment and not the speed that you get somewhere. The last time I took my boat to Catalina Island, about 30 miles off shore, the round trip cost me over $300.00 in fuel for the week end. That kindda takes the fun out of your time on the ocean! Luckily we spent the nights on the boat and didn't have to spend money for a hotel room, but it was an eye opener of things to come. I'm getting the "ocean bug" again and don't know if I want another multi engined boat or go with a decent sized sailer. There is a lot of room on sail boats once you get over 30 feet or so. But, with gas prices where they are now, a lot of motor cruisers are selling pretty cheap. A boat that would have cost me $50,000.00 three years ago is going for half of that now. Also, there is a large inventory of reposed boats on the market. Decisions, decisions...

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Toni just called her preacher wants to see her. She didn't wake up until 11:00 and she had to slide her appointment with hin to 12:30. She dosen't like it when he calls her. He chews her butt like a Chief. . She said She would stop by later and bring me the Confederate money She got me when she visited her Mom. Yesterday She was siting on the couch. and I told her Bouy a friend she has had for10 years would proble sail his kettch to CC . He is some kind of illistator what ever that is. Her eyes got big and said where is he going park it. I told her he rent's a slip here. She been getting side tracked but her friends I just go with the flow....Charlie

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Wayne I haven't thrown in the towel yet . The Dr. can't really predict. when nerves are going to quit. It may be years. I don't know what caused it. he just said the receptors are not geting the current flow accoss them that they should be. The only thing he can go by is test. I feel that he saw something in the cat scan....Charlie

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 22 Jul 2009
Time: 07:16

Comments

Charlie...Sorry to hear about your leg problems. Is it a problem with atrophying muscle tissue or nerve damage? I had a friend that screwed up his back while lifting a roll of carpet. He lost the feeling in his right leg after a surgery and then began to loose muscle tissue over the years. They ended up placing a small electrical device in his shoe to give his leg a shock and tense the muscles. It was sort of like a pacemaker for his leg. The thing that pissed him off the most was not being able to follow thru with his golf swing without loosing his balance, but he never gave up trying. He always walked with modified gate by swinging his leg forward. He didn't do too bad and when he passed away they planted a tree in his honor at the country club he went to next to the 19th hole.

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Mike I'm sorry about your bad experiance. I have never had any. I never go to those watchdog sites. They are usaly people that want to draw attention and gripe.People can post anything on the net. The VA in Biloxi is very clean and uses the latest tecknology. my legs are geting very weak and my primary care Dr. sent me to a specialest and he gave me me a body scan in that machine that looks like a big donut. I thought he was wanting to to count how many marbles I had left. The took me right in when he called them. He new what he was doing. I have some receptors that are fowled out like bad sparkplugs that contol my legs. He said eventualy I would be in one of those electric things you see on tv people riding around on. He could not tell me when but I will wake up one mouning and my legs won't work....Charlie

Name: Mike Caulfield
Email_Address: mtkaka@yahoo.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1972-1972
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VFP-63 DET-1
Date: 22 Jul 2009
Time: 00:54

Comments

There are some important issues regarding VA medical care that all should be aware of and following closely.

First os the issue of contaminated medical devices used for procedures such as colonoscopies, endoscopies, etc. and the resulting Hep C and HIV infections

Second, my VA eye doc dince 2002 was just fired from Ft. Harrison, MT VAMC for providing substandard care and falsifying medical records. Fortunetly, I went outside VA for my bilateral retina surgeries in 2004.

Not everything is peaches and honey at VAMC, so keep your eyes and ears open and question anything that appears suspicious.

For more info and to follow these stories about the VA check out: vawatchdog.org

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Another thing I do If I make an appointment with a civilian Dr. is ask them if I should show up 2 hrs late because I'm not going to sit there. It worked when I had to go to another medical facility for them to check my eye. When I checked in at desk it wasn't but a few mins before they called me in. The nurse laughed and said your Dr. said your antimate. I think that means a grouchy old fart.....Charlie

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Wayne I have Medicare part A & B which $95.50 comes out of my SS a month. and Tricare for life witch picks up the tab for anything they don't pay for. I can still go to any civilan Dr. I want even thought I chose the VA as my primary care giver. Private ins. usaly has a deductable. I had lazer surgry done to an eye.I always tell them if you don't except what my ins. will give you I ain't coming I'm not paying any Dr. bills. I have never been turned down....Charlie

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Mack to get my meds refilled I just call a phone number on the bottle and punch in the on the bottle and the refill will be in my mailbox within 10 days. they have streamlined the system a lot. to keep us old farts from sitting around waiting. I was going there for a while before I decided to get my VA ID card the lady took my picture and made me one.I told her I have just showing them my military ID. she lauged and said thats all I had to do. I already had a billfold I bought at the CB base that has a window that I keep my ID in so I can get through the gates at the base without digging for it. I just show it to them and they type my SS# in the computer usaly have a short wait until the nurse calls me in. one time I went out there and they gave me a flu and another shot I don't know how to spell.I need to call and see if they are giving pig flu shots....Charlie

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 21 Jul 2009
Time: 21:55

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Mack... I have an uncle who is suffering from the onset of Alzheimer's and is in the VA hospital in Sturgis, So. Dak. As far back as I can remember he has received his medical treatment at that facility and has always praised it's virtues. The actual hospital that I would be sent to for more involved proceedures is in Long Beach and I have heard that they have a very good reputation for their care. The outpatient clinic that just opened around the corner from me is new and clean and the staff seems very capable. I consider myself fortunate for it's close proximity. I have had a whole battery of tests and so far so good. I am looking forward to expanding our relationship and becoming a face rather then a number with them. I will continue to carry my current policy for at least the rest of this year although I could put the extra $380.00 a month to better use.

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The VA Medical Center in Hampton, Va., is where I go for treatment. They treat a large number of vet's. I travel about thirty miles to get there, but it's about the same distance to a private hospital. Because of the number of vet's at the VA, the staff gets a lot of job training, so to speak. I am still learning how their system works. I have private health ins., because of family, and I don't know if I would commit to surgery at the VA., I have three brothers, who have used the medical centers for everything. I would suggest, Wayne, see how the service you receive is, before you cancel, your health care. The movie, born on the fourth of july, gave the VA a bad rep., also the liberal press, thats not talking about politics is it. We have a brother in Kansas City, Kansas, who has gotten good service from the VA also. If the VA don't have the staff to treat ones illness, one will be sent out to a private medical facility of the vets choice and the VA will pay for that service completely. Everything I receive from the VA is free, but they do bill my health ins to recover some cost. So far my care has been excellent, I have had a terrible lot of test run on me. Cheers, Mack

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 21 Jul 2009
Time: 18:07

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Charlie and Henry...Thanks for getting back to me so quickly on the VA issue. I've heard so many horror stories about patient treatment over the years, but have never actually looked into it. As with all things government, I have a fear of being victimized by bureaucracy and swept under the rug. This is the first time I have asked for ANY government aid and have always shunned anything run by the government. About a week before I was discharged (in '74) I went to a VA councilor to see about going to collage under the G.I.Bill. He asked me what I wanted to study and I told him that I would like to take courses in journalism because I thought I could write. He looked at me with a smirk of disdain and said,"Why don't you learn to weld? You can at least feed yourself then." That was the first and last time I ever asked the government for anything. I've never taken unemployment, medical aid, housing or anything else from them untill now. That, along with a problem submitting to authority, has lead me to steer clear of any and all government entanglements. Maybe I was being too paranoid for my own good. In my later years I have finally accepted the fact that I'm never going to be President and should probubly seek out some of the benefits that are due me. Having said that, I have just had to deal with the Department of Motor Vehicles here in California...Needless to say, the jury is still out on government management.

Name: Manny Martinez
Email_Address: hawkinsdrivingcent@sbcglobal.net
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1966-1967
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VF 51
Date: 21 Jul 2009
Time: 16:28

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CAG-5 Served 2nd Vietnam tour on this great Carrier......

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Wayne I use the one here in Biloxi. They are really good. They try their best to try to keep up with your appointment and not leave you sitting. The Dr always wants you to take a blood test. The lab is very fast geting you through but takes a couple hrs to process it. I live close to it so I usaly have it done one day and come back the next to see the Dr. ...Charlie

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Wayne, I have been going to my local VA Medical Center, for a couple of years now and have had excellent results. I would be happy to talk about my visits there, if you wanted to and give me your phone number. Cheers, Mack

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 21 Jul 2009
Time: 11:36

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I've just converted my medical health care to the local VA clinic, which just opened up a couple of blocks from where I live. My question is, has any one out there had good or at least acceptable results when dealing with the VA medical department? I'd like to know what kind of service that they provide before I cancel my health insurance and start going to them full time for my medical needs. Do any of you guys have any suggestions as to how to deal with the VA or what to look out for?

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Charlie W the XO said him and his wife Gay were going to be out of pocket for about 3 weeks . When I 1st joined he said he was going to keep an eye on me. I told him my Mom and Chief both tried and ended up crosseyed. Him and Gay did so much for Toni It was a blessing.

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Jerry Bell quit chasing your cows all over the pasture on your 4 wheeler and check in...Charlie

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Charlie W see what I mean you have to rattle their cages. there are a lot more that are AWOL. When I 1st joined I used to have to hold muster. Jim it is good to here from you. I still have my rattle snake tails you sent me hanging off the top of my computer desk and see them every day. How's things in Broken Arrow. It is good Dennis hasn't gotten Broken Bow together he would fix them and they would have to change the names of the towns...Charlie

Name: Jim Winn - Life Member # 170
Email_Address: Jwinnfsm@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1959 - 1962
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V - 6 Division & Fitron 211(Flying Checkmates)
Date: 21 Jul 2009
Time: 00:24

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Welcome aboard Charlie Wise. I was aboard the Hancock for three West Pac cruises. The last one was 62 and I was an Aviation Metalsmith with Fighter Squadron 211. Was sent TAD to Atsugi to work the flightline there. You might remember Richard Corbin who was a Parachute Rigger with V-6 Division (Ships Company). I had made two previous West Pacs with V-6 Division. You also might remember Ross King with 211. He is a member of the Assoc. Great Memories!

Name: Dan Jackson
Email_Address: walkingwandak@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1962-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: medical
Date: 20 Jul 2009
Time: 18:32

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Good to read what everyone has to say. i was so young when I was there like everyone else. Live in OK now.

Name: Ron Tilsworth
Email_Address: tilsrd@hotmail.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 67-69
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OI/Radar
Date: 20 Jul 2009
Time: 11:58

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Just looking for some of my old shipmates. Planning on being at next reunion. Hope to see all there

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Dennis I'm finaly a one dog family. Toni came buy with her friend that owns the ketch and took her with her. She had to tease the dogs with car again. She saw I was reading about the new Ms. beauty queen and read it She said in 94 she won miss StarBurst in Jackson and didn't persue it any further. She said those women are visious. She was going to visit her Mom. She will be back Tue. and is going to take me to the CB base Wend. to resupply...Charlie

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Charlie W we have a several guys who sailed with us during those cruises. Welcome Aboard. I was one of them during those years. Most of them it is like pulling hens teeth to get them to speak up. Hang in there buddy you will learn their names and how to ring their bell. Dennis and sometimes Pete keep me from talking to myself. I hate doing that because if I get into a fight with myself theres no one there to break it up. Come on guys quit hideing . Chalie we even have a Brit named Gordon that was on a carrier that operated with us that his wife and him read the post all the time. Gordon get out of the pub and post. Charlie my name is Charlie also. This is a good site ....Charlie

Name: charlie wise
Email_Address: slugoo88@msn.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1962-1963
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VF-211
Date: 20 Jul 2009
Time: 08:20

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was a parachute rigger with 211 and was wondering if any one from the 62 and 63 cruse was around

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We have that darn Govenors convention down here. They are staying in the cacinos and blowing taxpayers money. They are going to have one night of convention at the coloseiam. What do they have so important to talk about. It is just a nice vacation for them. I said I wasn't going to say anything else about Toni but she can call out there and and get a free room for2 nights and dosen't have to pay for dinks food or anything. someone called her once and she told them to tell to give them a room under her name if they had any problems to call her back. I have no idea who it was. She knows the top dogs at a couple of them.as well as most polititions around here. The power of the pen can help you or hurt you. She is honest and would not hurt anyone. they just know she is a tv reporter and want to stay on her good side and give her VIP treatment.She dosen't gamble. I told her she was a spoild brat. She said if it's free wouldn't you take it. I had no answer for that.She won't take money under the table.you are asking for trouble if you try. She will nail you to the cross. She has very high morals....Charlie

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Charlie, The Alamo was out in the middle of the country at one time. It's slightly older than we are. I think Robert Duvall in Lonsome DOve and any other western he has been in is one of the best cowboys ever, not big and strong or exceptionatly good looking but his character has a lot of good Out West common sense and he fits in the part like he was made for it. I can see why that is one of your favorites.

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I'm going to have to shut up about Toni. I have taken over this site yacking about her. her leaving leaveing is just heavy on my mind. It's like loseing my best buddy. She has done so much for me.The dogs and I slept threw most of my dvd lonesome dove last night. But you sure have to do a lot of sleeping to get throught it. It is very long but my most favorite movie. If anyone gets a chance stop by the Tx.Ranger musem I'm thinking it is in Austin.It is very interesting.I always pictured the Alamo in the country. It is right in the middle of town in San Antonio....Charlie

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Dennis I will send you more that you can share with the guys. CC's gain is my lose. but I always knew she wasn't mine to keep. Her Grandmother told me she hoped she didn't take the job out there. She will leave a lot of broken hearts here but I'm glad to see her go to improve her career. I can put the fear of God in her by saying I'm going to call your Grandmother. She is a sesitive person that was raised right. She flawns her stuff like any woman when she wants to. Shes not a man...Charlie

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The XO and his wife Gay gave Toni big shoulders to lean on. She had doughts abought going out there until the XO sent info about her future boss and she talked to the XO on the phone and they picked her up at the airport. Put the feed bag on her and got her set up at a hotel. I'm glad she has someone like them for her. once someones in her heart she will never forget them. She gets busys as a one legged man at a butt kicking contest and is hard to get through on her cphone at times and turns it off when she is trying to sleep.She sceens her calls she had a stalker trying to call her for a while.She forgot it over here once charging. It drove me crazy with calls. I took it to the bathroom and pluged it in and shut the door...Charlie

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Dennis Toni was taking boxing lessons at a local gym. The coach taught her the differnet punchs She would punch those catchers mits. The coach said he never seen a woman that could hit so hard. She joggs 5 miles a day. I called her my million dollar baby once after the movie and she got her a t-shirt with it on it.Every big city has areas to stay away from. She will have to learn them in CC.It won't take her long being an investagative reporter. She was born In Port Gibson on the bank of the Ms. river and went to college in Hattiesburg. She is very close to her family...Charlie

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Wane I'm not sure if I got one sent to Dennis. I wouldn't want to put it out where it would hit the net. The tv station in CC might not like it.I wouldn't do anything to hurt my little girl. Not that it is bad. But when your in the public eye things get blown out of perportion. I will send some more to Dennis if he's geting them and he will know what to do to let you guys to get to see her and know who I'm talking about. God blessed her but when I talk to her she is like good old Miss.girl with a good education and a lot of sense....Charlie

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 17 Jul 2009
Time: 18:34

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Charlie... Not to be overtly envious or anything, but why not post Toni's picture up for the entire ship's company? I mean, if any of us were ever wondering what we were fighting for...she would be it! Nothing racy though. Just a good, wholesome bikini pic for the boys!

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Dennis I think I got a picture though to you She is the on the right the heavy gal is Gal is her producer and the one on the left is a co-anchor. open the attacment to see it in viewable size...Charlie

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Charlie, Yes, Yes, Yes, Toni is one good looking gal. The picture came through. Now I can see why you worry about her like a daughter. But you said she can take care of herself. CC is lucky to get her.

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Dennis TonI was over just a little while ago.She got another stamp off me, ate some chips and dips and some of that ham that is in packages that you make sandwichs out of and wasn't hardly here long enough to let her after burner cool off.I tried to email you a pic but canceled it I don't know why it was so huge. I will have to figure that out. She tried to put a doggie diaper on Bella a couple years ago that was one of the most funny things I ever saw. Bella didn't want no diaper and she couldn't get the tabs to stick...Charlie

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Dennis Some of the pictures are at monuments in DC and then they went to NY. She left her car in long term parking and flew. You will see her all decked out with a couple other women standing in front of their streach limo. another looks like some kind of covention. her in uniform of the day, short shorts and a t-shirt is about all I can stand. but she dose wear a bra. She is really a decent person and religous. She won't put up with out of the way bull. I told her to bring me back some beads last Mardi Gras. She said she would but she wasn't about to pull her shirt up like a lot of women do to get them tossed....Charlie

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Dennis I have never seen Toni wearing a bikini in real life. She takes trips everywhere. She was going to a beach over in Fla, quite a few times. Her and a bunch of her friends took a crusise to some place in Mexico but only got to go horse back riding before they called them back because of the pig flu and I think the cruise lines took them to the Bahamas. She drove her hot rod to DC with her producer witch is a black lady. She was a tv anchor then and put over the air what she read over a telaprompter...Charlie

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Dennis/Pete/XO I don't know how much longer I can resist sending you guys a picture of Toni in her bacini. The good Lord blessed her with looks, a body,and brains. I wish he would have made a lot more like her. we had fun today but she wasn't feeling good today.She wrote in cards to send people today. I let her use my stamps . you have to stand in line for a long time to use our post office to buy some.It is a whole lot easier to go to the CB base.I have to figure out how to copy this CD to my computer....Charlie

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Toni came by and she chased the dogs with that remote controled Suv.they ran from it. they didn't know what was after then.It was fun She gave me a cd with her pix. I will have to email some. She dosen't want me to send ones in her swim suit. I'm sure she will be back later she left her cphone pluged in here chargeing.and another coffee cup. I have more of hers than I do of mine. Dennis when I drove to DC 3 times it is a hard place to figure out. The blocks are are pie shaped around the Capitol and you will get a tour of DC weather you want to or not if you miss a turn. for a little over 40 sq miles it is the worst place I have ever been. No one lives there. if you hit the highway during the time they are coming to work expect to crawl like a snail. Atlanta is just as bad.If you hit them at the right times you won't have problems if you know where you are going....Charlie

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Thanks William and Helmut, It looks like driving there either before or after the reunion or just making a trip to NY and include it as part of the visit is the thing to do. Dennis

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Dennis I had a hard job his afternoon Zipping the bach of Toni's dress up. I don;t know why they buy them to small to fit. She is a small woman. but looks taller in her high heals. I'm stuck with dog sitting again . She is going to the "Bone Fish" witch most of her friends hang out.It is a place you can eat and have a bar, Mostly Drs lawyers and Indian Cheifs go there. I can;t affrord it. She can go and it dosn'y cost her anything. Don;t get me wrong she is not a slut. important people want to stay on her good side. She has the power of the pen. She is only dateing one lawyer. She talks to me pretty candid. She is a good woman. I might have to keep Bella untill she rurns out of gas with her friends. That is a big problem . when she gets someone in her heart she will be there for you. I'm not talking sexual but I call her the mouth of the south. wen she wants somethrnig done if she will go staight to the head shead. She really likes rhe XO and Gay. CC will know her in a short time.She has a heart of gold but don't jack with her . Hell hath no fury like a PO'd Toni. I forgot to give her the one finger salute.She will give it right back to you. It is kind of a game to us She dosen't do that wiith everyone.Shes a grown woman and when the XO hears something breakimg the sound barrier he will know shes back in town with her hot rod. She's relally not that but I feel like I'm in a go cart, My sisrer has a vett. When you ride in them you feel like you wearing them. Toni's Mercedes is not as bad. It rides better but I still felt my butt was scaping the ground. The XO should give Gay a ride in it Toni won't mind, I told her onn evening I want to barrow it to pick up women. She said I could use it. It looks pretty and she dose too. whem she pushes a button and puts the top in the trunkshe loohs like a movie star ...Charlie

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Dennis, the USS Intrepid is in New York City which is 200 miles from Washington DC. Minimum travel time is 4 hours at midnight. The Washington DC / Baltimore area is a gridlock most of the time.

Name: William Pingel
Email_Address: wpingel@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1970-1973
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V-1 Division
Date: 15 Jul 2009
Time: 15:53

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Charlie…….. They are something to behold. The Jersey and her 3 sister ships were the last Battle Ships we built. As I remember they were about 50 feet longer than the Hancock and had a 5000 man crew. They were retired after Korea, but brought back for a stay in Viet Nam, Lebanon, and the First Gulf War. Now 3 of them are museums’, the Jersey is in Camden, N.J., the Mighty Mo. is moored in front of the Arizona Memorial at Pearl, the Wisconsin is in Norfolk, VA. and the Iowa, the class name sake, is parked in the moth ball fleet just east of San Francisco. They’re hoping to get funding and find a place to park her. Unfortunately she been there for 3-4 years, and it doesn’t look good for her…… Bill

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Thanks William, I'll Google them all. When the reunion is in DC would it be too far for a day trip to the Intrepid ? Can we get a tour of that on the planning board ? Charlie... When we off loaded the Air groups, there were still Airedales aboard, The Air Department had many different support shops, Jim was a Aviation Metal smith, I was a Aviation Machinist's Mate there were Aviation Bosins, it seems about almost half of the ships company was Airedales. We usually got put to work doing maintence or were busy hiding so you didn't see us. When we were not on deck we wore the blue shirt like everyone else, just on deck Hanger or flight deck we wore the colored jerseys. Jim and I got to wear our blues since we both were Captain's drivers at different times and had to stay clean. Tough job but someone had to do it. Dennis

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William the only battle ships I was on board was the Texas which was older than me and a Jap one in Yokuska.It must have been and adventure going on the Jersey. In my pea brain from pictures and watching victory at sea years ago I liked the mighty Mo. The Jersey was the last. I have know idea what happend in that gun turret. Battle Ships were a big target for A/C. She could fire one heck of shell for over 20 miles. but she was obslete and a show boat, A/C could deliver a package anywhere ups and ruin their day. We were always under some kind of modifacation at Hunters Point. When we got close to the states the Pilots would fly off. I don't know where the airdales went but when we were tided up in Alameda or Hunters Point they disappeared. All that was left was ships co. I would imagine on different cruises we had different Pilots and airdales..Charlie

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Dennis, I don’t know much about the mechanics, but if you Google Maps, and satellite view, you can get a pretty good look at the difference between the Long and Short Hulls. The USS Hornet (Alameda, CA), the Lady Lex (Corpus) and the Yorktown (Charleston, SC) are all short hull, you can see by the picture that the location of the #3 elevator and the deck space behind the Island is much shorter than on the USS Intrepid (New York, New York, 10019) a long hull, and all of them have a slightly different shape to their angle decks and fantails. One other note (this may just be my Google) but if you follow the river up from the Lady Lex to almost the end, you’ll find the Oriskany just before they hauled her away. She looks pretty well stripped out. Enjoy the pictures. In 1970 I got the opportunity to go aboard the USS New Jersey. What a sight to see, with 16 inch guns and teak decks, she was something special……Bill

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Helmut when Hanna made those turns It would dump the 02 out of our bubbler trays witch our saftey valves would go off . The lp colum was two decks high. Some guys above got excited thinking we were going to blow the Hanna up. we had it under control. It just took a lot of hrs. to get the trays full again. we could only produce about 4 1/2 gals an hour in the #2 plant. They put me in charge of the #1 plant I tried everthing I knew but couldn't get it to produce as much. I think the hp compressor wasn't volume of air I needed.the pressure was there at 3000 psi. Jim I think everyone that had anything to do with with the flight deck should be in the funny farm. That was a dangerous place for all involved. All I saw was from the buzzards roost unless air ops wern't going on...Charlie

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Dennis I really enjoyed our stay in Bremerton Ship yard because of good liberty In Seattle. You couldn't hardlystay on the Hanna with all the noise those sand crabs were making. They took Hannas screws off and cleaned the barnicals of them an sand blasted her hull and below the waterline and when they started spraying her with some kind black coating I had to get the heck out of dodge. It would bring tears to your eyes. I met a young telephone operator from Renton I camped out at her apt.I got drunk and woke up in her car the next AM in the middle of a desert. I ask her where are we going She said Idaho to get married, I was to young to get married in Wa. I had her turn around and take me back to the ferry to get back to the Hanna. of course that messed my play pen up. I was with her a good while. She had a red and white 55 Chev. It was pretty but had no guts. It was a 6 cylinder with an auto trans. but it did get us where we wanted to go. She was a good house keeper and I'm sure she made someone a good wife.Dennis you sure wake up old memories...Charlie

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Around New Year I wrote in the Log about my experience during a high speed turn to starboard. An A-4 Skyhawk and I were almost deep-sixed about 0200.

Name: timothy r quimby
Email_Address: yodashy@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1970-1972
Division_Squadron_Detachment: airman
Date: 15 Jul 2009
Time: 07:44

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locate

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Jim and Charlie, The Hancock was one of what was referred to as a "Long Hull Essex" series and Jim brought up the difference in length. I don't know what the difference was for as it wasn't all that much. I think we had the speed because we were always in the dry dock and so the hull stayed clean. Think of the drag that a dirty hull must produce especially on a ship that long. When we tied up in Yakuska there was a Cruser that was home ported there and usually at the pier. It had the canvas stretched over the fantail and was as clean and sparkley as a new born baby. What a beautiful ship to see. I always wanted to go aboard it just to see. It think it was the Flag ship for part of the Pacific fleet, What a graceful ship to see. It was like a Yacht with guns. Those high speed runs were something, even on the flight deck the whole ship would just start shaking like a bad set of tires, a high speed turn would plant you against a bulkhead, up above we would see the lean real good and just wonder when it would go over. The Hanna was a tough ship that set a LOT of records that even the newer carriers haven't broken yet. Especially the Motor Vehicle At Sea Flight Deck Speed Record set by Jim Winn.

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Good to hear from you Jim now you know why I call mine Cujo they have no fear. I think mine would attact a grizzly bear. The onley reson she gets along with Bella is she met her when she was young and thinks she 's her sister.If Bella barks at me she will be on her like white on rice and I have one heck of a time makeing her quit. Jim I don't know.For years I thought the Hanna was a Lex class carrier and someone told me she was an extendend hull of a diffrent class. I don't remember many fat boys when I was aboard. It sounds like you got your figures together. I know when they put they pedal to the metal she could churn some water. We were in an exersize once like we were under a sub attack we just run off and left our tin cans. They couldn't keep up with us much less a sub. The only way I could tell the diffrence in a tin can was the DE had 1 stack and the DD had 2. when they pulled along side to refuel you could see the differance in their size.We thought we had it bad we were like a gas station and wal-marts to them.I only seen one cruiser in our task force. I think they were phasing them out but I really thought it was beautiful I don't know her name...Charlie

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Dennis what you sent me. that guy was a true hero. my Dad hit Omaha beach on th 2nd wave and made it all the way to the battle of the bulge before getting hurt. If you look at the patch on a airborne Soldiers You will see a glider.He told me they crashed into everything and the Germans would shoot a lot of them coming down in their parachutes. They flooded fields and they would get stuck in the mud. He was a Ranger. he joined them to make more money. I was a very small baby then. He gave me a watch he got off a German he shot. ...Charlie

Name: Jim Winn - Life Member # 170
Email_Address: Jwinnfsm@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1959 - 1962
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V-6 Div and Fitron 211(Flying Checkmates)
Date: 14 Jul 2009
Time: 18:27

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Charlie, I think that you are wrong about the Lexington being bigger than the Hancock. They were both laid down at 27,100 Tons, both had a draft of 28 feet 7 inches and both had a beam of 93 feet. The Lexington had a speed of 32.7 knots and the Hancock had a speed of 33.0 knots. The Lexington was 872 feet in length and the Hancock was 888 feet in length. The Hancock was supposed to have a complement crew of 3448 and the Lexington 3748. Maybe that was why the Hancock was faster. Maybe those extra 300 in the crew were heavyweights. Ha! I often heard during my deployments that the Hancock made speed runs of around 35 - 36 knots. I can't verify that but it was the scuttlebutt at that time. I saw a Jack Russell Terrier the other day that wanted to take on a part Pit Bull. I didn't know whether it was brave or just stupid! As luck would have it they both departed unscathed.

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Thanks Pete from what I seen years ago they just burnt a hole in the missle and they would self destruct because of the speed they were going would tear them apart. time marches on. My sons think the equipent and and chopper I was in Nam were relicks. My oldest who is on the Reagan belive the Hanna had prop A/C and a teakwood flight deck untill I showed him a picture of me standing by an AD and he could see the Teakwood deck. A Marine reserve squadren flying A 4Ds tore it up under the arresting cables and we went went back to Hunters Point and they replaced it with metal under the cables. I don't know what the flight deck was like when you were aboard. I'm sure they were a lot of upgrades on the Hanna. During my time we spent more time at Hunters Point Ship yard than we did at our dock in Alemeda. we were always going out for sea trials for something. If the bt's would tighten down on the safety valves a little we could get 34 knots know one could keep up with us...Charlie

Name: Peter Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 14 Jul 2009
Time: 16:51

Comments

Charlie, check this out: http://www.mda.mil/mdalink/pdf/laser.pdf. The modified (big time) 747 is the Airborne Laser Program Element of the Missile Defense Agency's Integrated Ballistic Missile Defense System. It is designed to shoot down boosting targets just after launch. Live fire testing is schedule to begin this fall. Pete

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Dennis I'm wondering they had a lot of rats and mice In the Soldiers Home. I could see them runing around in the store room . I told a guy I wish I had my pistol I could get rid of some. He said you don't want to do that they clean up behind the grill. I can't understand yankies way of thinking, They had some big cats that hang around there. I took one to my room and dug up dirt to make it a litter box. It ended up I woild have to leave if I kept the cat. I wish I would have taken it down to my van and headed back to Mississippi. That cat slept with me the 1st night and just purred.It was very cold outside.I really have a bad taste in my mouth about DC. When my buddy and I drove back when we crossed the state line we both give a reble yell and he's a yanky....Charlie

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Dennis I have seen that on tv. they could put a cruise missle or smart bomb right through a window, You must have been around "boat sailors" When they pull into Japan the the 1st thing they did was get a hottsie bath to get rid of the diesel smell and get one of those gals to walk up and down their back to staighten it out. They had more Sailors on board than bunks. It was called hot bunking. they would wake a guy up to relieve him of his duties and crawl in.Most I know about subs was told to me by my sea daddy.They didn't like to surface during the day and use a snokle during the day where could charge their batteries with the diesel.They didn't have much speed or range subumerged . I didn't know they had two periscopes. That must have been the last model he was on. he was 83 I took him to the submaine convention in Mobile. everyone knew and greeted me with open arms for bringing him. They knew I wasn't a boat sailor but treated me like I was.He died at the Soldiers Home in DC after we were evacuated up there after katrina. A lot died. I belive our imune systems coudn't take the introduction of new virus and and bactiera from the area.Everyone got sicker than a dog. My lady friend blamed it on me that I give her something. I brought her food for 3 days and then it hit me, I could barley get out of bed and go to the bathroom.I don't know what it was but it didn't effect residents already there..Charlie

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XO I have a picture of the Hanna. I took years ago. It is tied to a pier. I think it was a pier in Japan witch port I don't know. Toni told me the Lex was larger witch it is. I got couple of cds' that are 3 packs. one is with Tom Selleck and the other is Sam Elliott. Thats 6 movies the dogs and I can sleep through. If my Grandson don't get my Lonesome Dove Cds back to me his ass is grass and I'm going to be the lawn mower. Toni jogged on the beach yesterday and liked to had heat stroke. She dosen't relize how dangerous it is. She said she got dizzy and almost passed out. I told her when you quit sweating your in serious trouble body functions start shuting down.Thats what I leaned in desert survial anyway.She likes jogging in Corpus they always have a good brezze. The way she talked she will be heading your way on the 28th in her little hot rod mercedies scraping her butt on the ground all the way out there. I wouldn't have the darn thing. I will pass your info on to her. XO you don't know how much I appeciate you and Gay taking care of "my little girl". She will put the top in the trunk at a touch of a button and strut her stuff. I have encourged her use it while you got it. I told one day she will old as me. Her eyes got big. She thinks she's going to stay young forever. I know her well and can see the gears turning in her head. we give each other the one finger salute quite often when we discuss things. She is religious but dosen't go overboard with it. She is going to take Bella to CC. When she gets something in her heart it is there forever. She is sensitive to peoples problems and will go out of her way to help them. She has done a lot fund rasing for the needy. She used to show dogs on tv the shelter put up. thats how her grandmother ended up with one and I'm dog stittng Bella. Oh well it all counts on 20 as they used to say.I will miss her deeply...Charlie

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Charlie, Some of the Laser beam teck was seen in the Gulf war and now it is a everyday thing. You have seen films showing where they put a laser dot on a target, either from an aircraft or the ground, it then does it's GPS thing into the guidance system and it guides the rocket, shell or bomb in to that point. Some Army guy said he loved being in tanks.... I said "If I was defending a place and had a lot of ground troops supported by tanks coming at me, what is my biggest threat (thus my primary target" ?, It is the tanks because they can do the damage from a distance" Just like the submariners call us "TARGETS" Now many of the weapons are laser guided and gun sights all use lasers so it ain't like it used to be where you threw out so much lead you had to hit something. Look at the WWII combat films of the aircraft coming after one of our carriers, It was like throwing a handful of gravel and hoping to hit a bird. It is a different world out there and is moving fast. Us old guys just sit back and wonder how we got things done back "In the old days" Dennis

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Dose anyone remember those laser beam experiments they had years ago. they sapose to have shotdown a missle and had one in a large A/C. I couldn't separate the cow pucky from the ice cream back then. That Reagen was was pretty smart. He started talking all that star wars stuff and the Soviet Union spent their selfs to death trying to do the things he was talking. We sapose to to have that Goveners convention here starting Friday. What the heck do all of them have so important to talk about. They will have a nice vacation on taxpayers money....Charlie

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Wayne isn't there a monorail train somewhere that workes on that principle. It has been a while back but I saw it on tv. it dosen't even touch the track. there is no fricton it is elevated and pulled along by magnetic force. it was super fast...Charlie

Name: Tom Wimberly
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1970-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Ship's XO
Date: 13 Jul 2009
Time: 22:45

Comments

Charlie, I will be out of pocket for a couple of weeks starting Thursday. I'm going to try to get some newspaper clippings on the way to you to give to Toni. She wants to learn as much as possible about Corpus Christi, and I will help. I have told the Executive Director of the Lexington Museum about her arrival, and he would like to meet her. Tell her to coordinate with me about visiting Lex; I'll take her over. We'll go again when you come.

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Pete you Pilots are nuts. I had to go Huntsville thats where I saw my 1st space rocket.They are huge.And theses were old ones. We got on one of 3 tailed prop jobs flying to Panama.It was a piece of junk. I just knew we would never make it and they were going to have to fish us out of the middle of the Gulf, I bought one of those remote control suv's at wal-marts to chase the dogs with. Toni wants me to wait until she can see it. She dosen't think it's going to last but a couple seconds around these killer dogs. She has a date tonight and a bunch of her friends sapose to meet at a casinio.They give her a compimentary room when she wants one.I told her I would watch Bella. I may not see her for a couple days. I know she got the XO and Gay a card and was writing on it. I have no idea what she wrote. I told her enjoy young life while you have it. She said she lived about 8 blocks from the Lex.that she was going to go aboard. She want's me to fly to CC and visit her.She got her favorite dress and highheels so I'm sure she will be prancing tonight. It has been raining so I give her my umberella which I have never used. She dosen't like leaving her friends. I told her It won't take long in CC before she has plenty. I under stand long time friends you learn to trust. New ones you don't know what you are getting. She thinks the world of XO and Gay. She is going to change phone co. It's going to cost her $400 to end her contract.I think just to get away from so many people here that she has had to deal with to quit calling her. I told her she better call me and let me know what it is or I will call her Grandmother. That puts the fear of God in her...Charlie

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 13 Jul 2009
Time: 19:22

Comments

Pete... For up to date info on the magnetic pulse cats go to; "navy-matters.beedall.com" . Scroll down of the left side to "Future Carriers(CVF)" then go to item number 25, "Catapults and Arresting gear." It gives the whole explanation of the testing and development as well as the down-side of the new cats. It's pretty interesting reading and of a Top Secret nature. The first ones are suppose to be installed in 2014. The new carrier designs are going to be for eveyone, us and our allies, like the new strike fighters are. Kindda makes you hope we stay friends with all these folks.

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 13 Jul 2009
Time: 18:36

Comments

Another Sea Story: I work with recently retired Air Force enlisted. I was breaking them with them recently with this story. I flew my solo cross country from NAS Beeville, TX to Altus AFB, OK in '69 in a TF-9. I was in advanced flight training and a student. When I taxied up to the transient ramp, my F9 was leaking everything from oil to hydraulic fluid; a Mess! The AF guys came out with, white coats, drip pans, and an attitude. I was a Ltjg; asked where was the O'Club! Navy Pilot! No Problem, they called me sir, but...Hey they cleaned and seviced the airplane! Pete

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 13 Jul 2009
Time: 18:15

Comments

Charlie, back from a weekend at the lake with thunder storms and rain at night; Again! Days were actuallly ok.Wayne: new CATs, cool. My carqual in the F9 was on the Hornet with a hydraulic CAT. That was a ride! Sling shot :) Steam CATs after that were realtively tame; just keep your head against the seat back. With the EM CATs maybe even Air Force pukes can get into the air :) Seems to be a piece-of-cake. Pete

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XO Toni and I spent most the day together running around today mostly geting things she had to do cleared up. She got her favorite pair of highheels out of the shop. I cant't take her anywhere people don't stop and yack with her. It takes forever to get anything done. She took me to wal-marts and it took 3hrs to get out of there. She has a friend that owns a ketch. I was envited to go sailing next weekend with them. I told him to make sure the batterys are charged in case I have to turn the bildge pumps on. ...Charlie

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Wayne I was thinking along those lines when you were talking about the new cat system. They have to put one heck of of large generators on them. Actualy Nuke power is just another way to boil water in a closed system that recirculates. My oldest son is the Master Chief in charge of engineering on the Reagan witch has two plants but he has nothing to do with them they are in a dept. of their own. The Russians had more problems with them than a one leged man at a butt kicking contest. Phil thats one thing that I hate about DC. They sit up there jacking their jaws and have never fired a shot in anger. They think building monuments makes everything OK . The are going to run out of room to build them before long. ...Charlie

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Charlie I too have a friend and a cousin on the wall. my cousin was only in country about 2 months in 1967 around chou lai when he was cut down at 19 years of age. Someone has to go defend this country and to give all loud mouth anarchists the right shoot off their mouth. In this country everyone has the right to be wrong but they also have the right to leave the moment they no longer like the USA. Not political just a fact.Politicians don't fight wars they just get in the way.

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 12 Jul 2009
Time: 17:13

Comments

Obama...One Bad Ass Mistake America.

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 12 Jul 2009
Time: 17:03

Comments

Charlie... There is a model of the new USS Gerald Ford on the hanger deck of the USS Midway in San Diego Bay. The new catapults that are shown on it are electro-magnetic pulse driven. No steam cats anymore. It looks like a pretty reasonable way of launching aircraft.

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Phill I appciate th E-mail you sent me I have a brother-in -law in that wall. and several buddys. Ronnie my my wifes brother was green. he didn't have the training I did in a MAG group I got a break and got to come home before my 2nd tour. There was a knock on the door and there was two Officers there I went outside and ask them what's going on and saw one of them was a preast I knew it was bad news. I told them I needed to tell her 1st. She was confused and didn;t know what it was about. I had her to sit down and held he and told her that her brorher had been killed. He was on his 1st patrol and wasn't there 10 days. he was hit with 5 rounds of autotmatic rifle fire. I thought her eyes would never quit pouring tears She still had another in the 173 airborne which caught hell over there and she knew I had to go back. I always wrote her letters like it was a walk in the parrk...Charlie

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Phill my son told me something about them wearing rainbow hats and and rainbow stickers an therir cars in SF. I have know idea where that came from or so many. I don't know how they reproduce. If I had one in a fox hole with me in Nam the would be sending him back home in a body bag. I guess they should start their own units. WE were close and personal in the Military. We took showers together.who wants a bunch of meat gazers in there with them. Our big problem started when the got rid of the draft. it forced kids to lean disipline the didn't get at home.If someone taps a woman they kick him ot of office. If he's gay congress dosen't care. look at Barny Franks.It makes me sick to see my country turned ito what it is after me being shot at, shit at, and drug though a knot hole.I hate to see it destroy itself' Jefferson Davis warned us of this.Very few countrys last over 300 years because of those in power writeing new laws to increase their powers until it colapsed. The XO is going to give us hell for bringing politics up...Charlie

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Oh well the peace and quite didn't last long . Toni dropped Bella off while she is out selling stuff to get ready for her move. Cujo and Bella are back at there NASCAR races and wrestling matches. They are glad to see each other but double trouble for me. Mack what kind of cats are the new carriers going to come out with. It takes a lot of energy to move the weight of an A/C . Back in my days an airdale showed me diferent colored pins that they put in the thing they hooked to the AC for differnt types. It took a combination of engine thust and force from the cats for it to break and the Pilots were on there way. It was a saftey factor to just keep dumping them off the bow. Most prop A/C I seen take off didn't use the cats. they just used a longer running start when the Hanna was was pointed into the wind. The XO/ Pete/Dennis/Jim will know a lot more about than me. I went to the flight deck for recreation. I don't think guys up their pictured it that way.In my days we had a lot of Ads, A4d's and that bad Crusader, A twin engine A3d and somethindg that looked like the COD that had a big radar dome on top. I'm sure there was a lot of improvements put on the Hanna after I left. We were always in Hunters Point getting upgrades. I'm sure she was a lot differnt in the 70's...Charlie

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Charlie, I don't think it is letting gay in the military, they have always been there although not as openly as today. That dosen't bother as much as they wanting to be treated special, that is where I draw the line in the sand. I also don't think they wear pink uniforms, those are for women, they wear rainbow colored uniforms like they do in the Castro District of San Francisco. But each to each his/her own I don't have to live with them. I don't know if you saw the peroposal by Obama where he was proposing to have injured military that were wounded in action to have their private insurance pay for treatment and rehab, now that is the ultimate slap in the face and kick in the ass. I understand he has backed away from that but the thought was there. Not my president.

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My youngest son is visiting is weekend. we were watching the news . They are talking about passing a bills to let gays in the Military. I had to laugh he said they should give them they should give them pink uniforms. My grandson and his girlfriend came by and they are all on there way back to Greatna. Gosh I can get some peace and quiet now. ..Charlie

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Toni came by I'm stuck with Bella another night. Someones taking her to a concert at the auditourium. I happen to be checking checking my mail and saw the taillights on her car blinking so I knew she unlocked the doors with her remote on her hot rod. She looked like a movie star coming down the stairs. She said look Charlie I have my high heels on. I told her how beautiful she looked.I usaly see her in shorts and a t-shirt I ask her how she liked CC she said she did but it's not Biloxi. You can take a girl out of Mississppi but you can't take it out of them...Charlie

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FYI, they are going to do away with steam cat's on the new ford class carrier's. cheers, Mack

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David I have these on tv. Right nowit wold be siple for a Pilot to shoot one down. I think our A/C pulls as much G-force as a human can stand now. There is new stuff coming up every day. the smart bomb and cruise missle have been around for years now. The aircraft carrier and our Pilots have kept our fights off of our shores for years and could be where we needed them....Charlie

Name: David Byrum
Email_Address: dtbyrum@gmail.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1961-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V-4 Div
Date: 10 Jul 2009
Time: 08:43

Comments

I have heard that they are close (maybe have already) to landing a unmanned plane aboard a carrier. A full size aircraft. Whats next a unmanned commercial airliner? The world would be a duller place without fighter pilots.

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Darn I sure screwd up letting windows upgrade to explorer 8 now I have to type all to info in. Dennis/XO I gave my Aunt Sue the web site here and told her to check it out. She may be my Aunt but She is younger. She dose has a sense of humor.Dennis I have forwarded a lot of your emails to her as I have hers to you. Pete I told her you flunked the Pilots test and you were a fighter Pilot. I haven't got the nerve to send her that one...Charlie

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I got an email from Jerry Bell. he's still pretty busy doing his cowboy thing in E Tx. He was saying he was goimg to ride his motorcycle up the Queen Wilamina hwy. It is named after an Indian Squaw. That is a beautiful drive through mountains to Mena Ark. especialy in the fall when the leafs are turning. I think Okla and Ark were the 1st places I seen rocks and crystal clear water. as a young boy from NE Tex.Toni called me she made it back. She is staying over at her ex producers. A Lady named Serita. She has brought her to my house. She sapose to come by tomarrow and get Bella. That will be like a vacation to me. Cujo will pout for a while but get over it.

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XO, I saw the movie around 1970. I don't ride and I have only been on the back a couple of times. I might have jumped out of a perfectly good airplane, but I have a deep respect for bikes. My oldest daughter, son-in-law and brother-in-law ride. My son-in-law used to race sidecars. As a matter of fact, I wish my daughter would move her Harley out of my garage because I need the room. She has been flying all her life and to cure white knuckles she got a pilot's license. Where did I fail her?

Name: Tom Wimberly
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 70-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Ship's XO
Date: 09 Jul 2009
Time: 15:27

Comments

Helmut: speaking of motorcycles and Steve McQueen -- did you ever see the motorcycle movie (or feature) called "On Any Sunday?" Really great movie if you liked off-road riding. It was made by Bruce (?) Brown, who made the fantastically popular surfing feature, "Endless Summer."

Comments

On that same trip in the helo, I was down at Davis Monthan AFB inspecting Fire suppression systems in the ICBM silos during the week and off on weekends. I was talking to a couple of Navy pilots and said "It must be frustrating to know it's a doper and you can't take him down plus they know you only have so much "Hang Time" over them". They said "We do have our ways. We can't shoot them down but if they give us 50 feet between the water and them. We are both under the radar and we can swoop under them. It knocks the wind out from under them and in they go. He also said the bad part is some of the runners now take small kids and place them on their laps where we can see them and know we wouldn't take down an innocent." They are a sneaky bunch those drug runners. That was about 18 to 20 years ago and I am sure both sides are much better at it now. Dennis

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Back in the early 60s Lee Marvin used to race a motorcycle in the Baja 1000. I don't know if Steve McQueen ever did. McQueen did race in the Isle of Man.

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Phil I think you have to flunk the test and be proven nuts to qualify for flight school. Everyone in the world knows our Navy Pilots are the best. anyone more nuts is a enemy pilot that wants to butt heads with them. It has been proven time after time....Charlie

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Dennis after rereading your post I'm sure they were geting back to our side of the border under the radar. screw-up don't help promotion. It takes 10 attah boy's to make up for on aw shit. If your a Pilot I bet it is even worst....Charlie

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Dennis, you have to give credit to them crazy Army pilots, When I worked at The Presidio of San Francisco Electric shop, we were tasked with inspecting and testing the JSIDS, joint service intrusion detection system , or better the intrusion alarms for the arms rooms at the reserve centers. On one flight to Las Vegas one of the pilots of the twin engine plane decides he is going to check out a body of water for a possible duck hunting trip located somewhere by Fresno. Thay was my introduction to the term white knuckle airlines as we dove down to check out the ducks. I believe that pilots in general have to be half nuts but Navy pilots that land on air craft carriers not only have to be half nuts but have some big ones also. What about it Pete. Navy aircraft carrier pilots can land anywhere including on land. Try that on for size Airforce and Army. Phil

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Dennis those wild pigs were Javalina I have hunted them. most of those chopper pilots in Nam barley cleared the treetops. they were WO's. the VC didn't have much time to fire at them.They drank beer in the EM's beer tent at fire bases. Pete the XO and Gay helped Toni get everything to fall in place.She was giving the job 2nd thoughts before the XO e-mailed me info for her.I'm glad to see some shipmates come out of the woodwork. I enjoy hearing from them. Pete hopefully the rain will give you a break. we have been getting some much needed rain and cooler weather. when lighting strikes Bella shakes and shimys like my old 48 ford needing tierod ends. on the 4th had to close the patio blinds because she did the same thing. I live close enough to the beach you can see the display. For some reason most Boston Terriers I have kept for people have been that way. I had one years ago that wasn't that way. I think Cujo would run out into the middle of a hurricane. she is waterproof.....Charlie

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The second time I was in Mexico it was with a couple of Army pilots in a Huey getting in some flight time. We were looking for wild pigs and a Nudest colony down near Fort Watchuka on the AZ/Mexican border. Never found the colony but spotted some wild pigs. We set down so the pilot could make a trip into the bush and relieve himself. When he got back he asked the co-pilot where we were. He said about 35 miles into Mexico with a military aircraft. We topped off some cactus coming back over the border but had a ball. They were former 1st Calv combat pilots from Nam. Crazy dudes. Dennis

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Charlie, your mention of Mexico brought back a memory for me. I had always heard Tortillas called "Mexican Gaskets" on a fishing trip to Mazatlan with about 19 Firefighters, we were riding in a bullet hole infested old buss and it broke down. The carburetor base gasket blew out and damned if the driver didn't make a new one out of one of his Tortillas and back on the road we went. Met Lee Marvin down there in a hotel bar, drunk on his butt, his hands were all bandaged up . He had caught a Marlin that day and grabbed the reel, burned his hands pretty good. Tough old Marine. One of our guys was Hispanic and they gave him a hard time trying to get back into the states, hell , he couldn't even speak Spanish. Great trip and everyone caught at least one Sailfish down there.

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 08 Jul 2009
Time: 18:56

Comments

Charlie and Helmut, I have battened down the hatches and the bilge pump is in full ops. The rain is incredible here. Glad the XO could help Toni.

That is what I think this web site is about...Shipmates from whatever era helping each other!Pete

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Wayne I had to go to Belize city to resupply I got some of that baby shampoo that don't burn their eyes and a sack of peanuts. I would take that monkey and and soap it up and and push it up and down in in one of those plastic buckets of water it would go out on the back steps and lay out like it was getting a suntan drying itself. It slept with my son. one day it went up a little tree He couldn't get it out I just grabbed the the little tree. it was small but tall and swug it until the monkey went flying through the air and landed in the sand. the monkey and parrot would steal peanuts from each other like a game. You would think my place smelled like a chicken but I give them free range and never had to clean up a mess and they knew where their home was and wouldn't stray off. It beat their past....Charlie

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Wayne I had a chance to buy the hut we were in at a cheap price. it was owned by an American and was nice but the country a that time was unstable and Guatamala wanted to over run it. It was called Brit Honduras at the time. I was there when they got there independence and changed their name to Belize.I had a watch parrot witch would sit out on the balcony and thought it was a watch dog it would raise cain if someone walked down the trail on the beach. I only give $30 for it and another $30 for my monkey. I just took a plastic bucket and cut a bush and filled it with sand and it roosted there....Charlie

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Helmut Pete might be able to read slide rule. I hope he's not trying to measure lumber to build an arc with. Henery I wish I was there to see your Chiefs expressions. I wouldn't have the guts to mess with my Chief . You guys in the FR. were a breed of your own. Wayne I have never been to Baja. I drove from one end of Mexico to the other when I retired going to Belize where I lived for a year. It was all primitave back then. They used school buses the US gave them as a bus line.I don't think they had brakes on them you better get out of their way. I liked to starved to death. So did my wife and kids. We stoped to eat and orderd. there were a couple chickens all over the place. Mom thought I was crazy for going down there. that was back when they had all that trouble in CA. I had my shotgun and an ammo box full of military buckshot. we lived on a small island and had know problems. ..Charlie

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The last I heard was that Pete Cole was building an ark as soon as he figures out what a cubit is. We have had over 30 days of rain here in New England with the exception of July 4 & 5. Pete lives near the Merrimack River and if it rises he will have the bilge pumps running.

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We had a quote painted on the bulkhead, in the air locker, of our fireroom, which read, we have done, so much, with so little, for so long, now we can do almost anything, with nothing. We did have a chief bt painted with a cigar and a beer in his hands saying, we're ready, but it looked so much like our chief, he made us paint over it. When I first came aboard, the mattressed we had were filled with corn shucks I think. They were the worlds worse. Later we did get some quality ones. Charlie R. keep up the good work. I don't think this golden age is what it's all cracked up to be. Memories, Cheers, Mack

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 08 Jul 2009
Time: 06:43

Comments

Charlie...I agree with Dennis. You keep posting on the quarterdeck untill your fingers fall off. After sitting at the computer for awhile, I always drop in to see who's posted a note or what's going on with whom. As for the Baja races, back in '72 the highway going all the way down to Cabo San Lucas had not been completed. Doing the Baja 1000 desert race was always alot riskier due to the remoteness of the terrain. No such thing as cell phones. The temperatures could reach 120 degrees in the desert durring the day and freeze your nuggets off at night. It was a little more of the wild west kind of thing. Now there's a nice highway that runs the length of the Baja with gas station, motels and restaurants most of the way down, so it's become more civilized. In the mid 80s, Goodyear would send down advanced race teams to organize the whole event for television coverage. Still alot of fun, but not the same thing anymore. My partner retired in a little village called Todo Santos just north of Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific side of the peninsula. Being a contractor (and a surf bum) all his life, when it came time to retire, social security only paid him around $800.00 per month. Knowing that he couldn't live on that little of income here in the U.S., he bought a couple of lots in Todo Santos and built a small house to live in when he finally did retire at 62. He has a 180 degree view of the ocean from his front porch and lives quite well on that meager income plus what I send him occasionally. Cabo is getting to be the Beverly Hills of the Baja now, but Todo Santos is still a pretty nice little village. My wife and I love to visit him and all the other Americans who spend their winter months down there every year.

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When Toni worked here at the tv station she would show a dog from the animal shelter. there was an almost blind Boston terrior she brought it home with her and was walking it. I didn't know it was blind but it was real friendly and jumped up on my leg when I petted it. I think it was operating with it's nose. She took it with her when she visited he Grandmother and she wanted it. The next time I saw Toni walking a dog It looked like the same one but this one is Bella. She has a complety different personality.I think to much CuJo has rub off on her. They are back at it again. I see there is a full moon out tonight. I need to see if I can get theses girls to bunk down. I have a couple things to do tomarrow...Charlie

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Pete must have a flat tire on his A/C he hasn't lauched anything in a while. All the Snipes must be below decks. Gordon must be in a bomb shelter expecting V-2 rockets. I haven't seen Jim post in a while or Jerry Bell but he might be getting his other eye worked on. I hope I wasn't to rude to Beecher. I bought the CD Gran Torino this afternoon. The dogs and I slept though the 1st showing. so we had to do it again. my grandson recomended it. he said it reminded him of me. it is a good movie. the dogs got there wakeing me up NASCAR race and wrestling match over and back on the couch sleeping with thier eyeballs open looking at me like we can hit the bunk again. Isn't it pitiful when dogs are Skipper of the ship. They don't know it but we are all going to get a bath in the AM. when they wake me I put a late sleeper tag on our bunk for pulling the late watch...Charlie

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Dennis It has something to do with nerve recpters not letting the the full current across. At least hotties don't eat your furiture up. Bella is not bad about that, If CuJo isn't chewing the leg off of a tv tray she is chewing on Bella. I am so tired if this michel jackson bull I quit watching the news. I just have to play it day by day with Toni and Bella. Toni will have a lot on her plate untill she get's moved out to CC . I just called Toni she found her an apt. She couldn't talk right then but sapose to call me back. there is a lot to moving. I'm proud for her but don't envy her. Toni Just called again She said She could see CC bay from the front of her apt and bedroom window. She ask about Bella. She has talked to her Grandmother so I dodged that one...Charlie

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Keep going Charlie, someone needs to talk on here to keep the wind in our sails. If it wasn't for you there would be about two or three postings a month. You stir stuff up, yes, but you also make us think a lot more about our time aboard. You did volunteer work, keeping track of Toni, now you will have to adopt another hottie since she has moved. A person , not another dog as that one is almost more than you can handle. Just keep your sticks moving and stay out of a wheeled chair as long as you are able. Then if you do have to go to one , get one with a V6 in it and give e'm Hell. Dennis

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Beecher Wiggins I may not be as old as you but I have put my body through a lot. right now after cateract surgery one eye is far and the other is near. My glasses should coming in soon. When I go to the key board to the computer screen. it's like a cross eyed man trying to hit a baseball. I am to disabled to work. I use a walking cane. My blood is so screwed up from agent orange in Nam the Dr's don't know what to do. I am doing my best to keep from having to use a walker or one of those electric chairs.The blood specalist was talking about giveing me a blood marrow transplant but decided against because it it painful and dangerous and didn't even know if it would work against agent orange. These legs have taken me through jungle warfare school.,desert survial ,20 mile force marches. and walking across 1/2 of Viet Nam. you find you a job. I'm going to walk the dogs and plop my butt in the recliner and sleep through movies....Charlie

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XO never could keep up with keep up with her c-phone. She left it over here one evening on my end table. the damn thing kept ringing so I shut it off . one time she couldn't find it and it sliped between the cusions of the couch and she found it when I called her number. once again at the bottom of her purse. every time she comes over she leaves something. one time she left her car keys. the next AM she came back looking for them. I told her they were right on the kitchen counter where you left them. I told her she would loose her butt if it wasn't tied on. Her brain go's 100 mph and I can see when she when she is thinking about something. one day dosen't give her much time to find an apt but I have learned not to under estimate her...Charlie

Name: Beecher Wiggins
Email_Address: beech1014@gmail.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1944-1945
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Air Group 7
Date: 07 Jul 2009
Time: 10:18

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Please Charlie Ridens, get a volunteer job with some worthwhile organization that will help fill your days .

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Please Charlie Ridens, get a volunteer job with some worthwhile organization that will help fill your days .

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Please Charlie Ridens, get a volunteer job with some worthwhile organization that will help fill your days .

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To Harry Harlow, I rmember you dad slightly as he was the Commander of VCP-61 they flew the F8U1P Crusader on high altitude photo missions. They sometimes wore what looked like a "Spacesuit" with a different helmet than the rest because they flew at the upper limits of the aircraft. Like most pilots that went down when they were out of sight of the carrier, available aircraft were used along with any surface ships that could be used mainly destroyers as the carrier was too large to be effective. We seemed to lose about 8 pilots during a 9 month cruse. You dad was known to us on the flight deck due to his stand out flight suit mostly. You might try and get in touch with his squadron mates who can let you know much more, as all personnel aboard the Hancock we were all family from the guys way down in the boilers to the pilots and the loss of any of them was felt throughout the ship. His squadron only had a couple of aircraft on board since they had a specialized job to do and flew out of bases as much as the ship but I do remember seeing him checking out his aircraft many times. You might try and find a 1959 Cruse book as it has some great photos of your dad. Dennis

Name: TOM WIMBERLY
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 70-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: XO of the ship
Date: 07 Jul 2009
Time: 06:21

Comments

Charlie -- strange thing about Toni's cell phone. She thought she had it with us when we left her hotel, but she couldn't find it. She figured she had left it in her hotel room. Yesterday, almost 24 hours later, Gay found it on the ledge outside the trunk of our car, in an area where the trunk could close and not crush the phone. I took it back to her hotel yesterday afternoon. She did sign the contract yesterday. I think she is shopping apartments today and returning to Mississippi tomorrow.

Name: TOM WIMBERLY
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1970-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: XO of the ship
Date: 07 Jul 2009
Time: 06:14

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Steve Frew, who posted on the 5th, is a man of action. He is our newest member of the Association. I'll be sending him a roster of members in a day or two. Welcome aboard, Steve.

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Wayne I haven't heard about the Baja races in years.I really enjoyed watching them on tv. that was a tough race. I don't know when they quit.....Charlie

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 06 Jul 2009
Time: 20:15

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Steve Frew - I remember an EM3 that stood the forward engine room generator and electrical panel watch durring the '72 cruise. I think his first name was Bill but I don't remember his last name. He wanted to ride the Baja 1000 one time before the highway was finished and it was still desert. Thought you might know him.

Name: harry harlow
Email_Address: chharlow@bctonline.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1959-1959
Division_Squadron_Detachment: vfp 61
Date: 06 Jul 2009
Time: 16:31

Comments

son of lt cmdr Harry Harlow, any one remember the search for my dad in oct 59 s china sea

Name: harry harlow
Email_Address: chharlow@bctonline.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1959-1959
Division_Squadron_Detachment: vfp 61
Date: 06 Jul 2009
Time: 16:30

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son of lt cmdr Harry Harlow, any one remember the search for my dad in oct 59 s china sea

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Dennis I finaly got a call from Toni. She loves CC and the people at the TV station. She's taking the job. She thanked me again for getting her hooked up with with the XO and things fell in place after that. I hate to lose her but I always knew she wasn't mine to keep. I'm going to let her tell her Grandmother. She dosen't want her moving away. I do need to call her tomarow and let her know to lessen the butt chewing Toni will get from her. Toni said she was kicking back enjoying margarita. at some place on beach blvd. I'm glad she got all that over....Charlie

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XO I called Toni's Grandmother and assured her Toni was OK and was in good hands. She was worried about her. I told her all you and Gay did for her and she is grateful. no one has heard from her since she called her mom when she had to change planes in Houston. I'm sure she will pass the info on to the rest of her family. Thanks again from me and her and her family...Charlie

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Dennis I know she has has big shoulders to lean on with the XO and Gay when she 1st got the job offer She didn't know anything about Hollis the TV station directector and the XO e-mailed me info all about where he went college and all that. that eased her mind and once I gave her the XO's phone number and they talked helped her more. I know she is in good hands.I'm anxious to find out how the meeting at the TV station went. I'm going to kick her little butt when she gets back for not calling me. I hate DC but it looks like I might have to go. It is the arm pit of the US. the polititions won't even live there,,,Charlie

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Dennis you talk about hair cuts when I got back I married a beauty instuctor. her mom owned a beauty college.we flew back to Caye Calker on vacation. She never went any were with out her sissors. She cut one little boys hair and the word got out and every kid on the island boys and girls had a line out side our hut wanting one. I left and went to the pub...Charlie

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Dennis you you have me figured out. I guess I was raised that way. I would guard my little sister with my life. one day she was on the pourch with a bunch of boys and I went out there and run all of them off.She run in hollering Moma Moma I can't have no friends Mom just smiled at me. I think she aprecited it....Charlie

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Charlie, You are just like my wife. You adopt someone you like and treat them like your family. My wife just got back from two weeks in Latvia visiting her son. He works with their Military and ours . He brought home 11 Latvian soldiers that were headed to Afghanistan for their UN tour there. They were going to meet the head General the next day. Patty made a huge meatball and spaghetti dinner for them all and then gave 8 of them haircuts to spruce them up for their General. I told her "I guess we just adopted 11 more sons." she is a retired hairdresser so it was a natural thing for her. She had a wonderful trip over there but I am glad to have her back. She tells me when to eat as I forget when I get busy and have actually had days where I forgot to eat at all. I like to eat but get going on something and just get so tunneled in I don't get hungry and keep going till I drop. I guess she wants to keep me around for awhile. Toni is in good hands down there in Texas with the XO and his wife, He will watch out for her like a daughter. Now you HAVE TO come to the reunion and meet them since they are Toni's foster parents and part of your family now. Dennis

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Dennis I called the XO. Toni got there fine. Him and Gay took her to eat and showed her the TV station and beach blvd. and goy her checked into a hotel about a mile from the TV station. I tried to to call her but for some reason can't get through. The XO said she tried to call her Grandmother but she wasn't home. some times Toni has so much stuff going on she forgets to plug her c-phone in to recharge it. I think her future boss will handle it from here. The XO said she hasn't sighed her contract yet and wants to see what she is getting into when she go's to the TV station. I know she won't dive off a clif into water if she dosen't know how deep it is. I just worry to much about her....Charlie

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Steve I have thought back in my memories also. we were a bunch of youngsters actualy keeping one of the most compacated pices of macinery in the world going. Thank God for Chiefs. and senior PO's that raised us. We all worked as a team in our departments and some how it all fit together.Studying the 3&2 manual helped me a lot. I remember when I drug my sea bag up the gang with my little pink chin. The Hanna looked huge. When they took me to the 02N2 plant I liked to have had a heart attact seeing all yhe valves and gauges. It was like going to school. I learnd every day. and with in a year I could operate the plant but I had a senior with me untill they trusted me with it. I climbed up the promotion ladder pretty fast. I was close to 20 when I made 2nd class and they put me in charge of the #1 plant. The guys rhat worked for me could go in a place and drink. I couldn't...Charlie

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Steve, hope to see more of you in the future, E Division has quite a few guys that are with the Association in fact had a bunch at the last reunion about 10 years prior to your time but a great bunch of guys mostly from the IC Gang. They will make you welcome. Check out the next reunion coming up in Washington DC. Talk about reviving memories. There are shipmates from plank owners all the way through the life of that fine old gal. Join us and hook up with some of your old pals. Dennis Flynn (former Snipe turned Airdale)

Name: Steve Frew
Email_Address: thefourfrews@comcast.net
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 70-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: E Division, EM3
Date: 05 Jul 2009
Time: 19:01

Comments

Today is the first time I've visited this site - following a day aboard the Hornet at Alameda on July 4, 2009 - really brough back memories. Looks like a great website and a great way to see if any of my E-division former shipmates are still out there. Isn't it interesting that so many years later we can look back with far greater appreciation of the experience we had as mere youngsters, charged with incredible responsibility - and what a great opportunity the Navy gave us to grow up and wise up. I truly appreciate now, what I never really comprehended then. Thanks, Hannah, for some great memories!

Name: AMS1Jack Omer Mendenhall U.S.N. Ret.
Email_Address: lmende111@bellsouth.net
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1967--1968
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Heavy Attack 6 DET INdia
Date: 05 Jul 2009
Time: 15:54

Comments

would like to hear from any ship mate

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Mike I'm not sure what you are calling a mag rat. I presume you are talkig about a group that took ammo topside on the Hanna. I was in MAG (military advisory group) my 1st tour to Nan when I 1st went. I think polititcions didn't want people to know we had combat teams over there.Like the air strike the Hanna did. I was actualy assigned to AMC in Maryland. That is a test center. I have know idea what all they do there but iv the Army you wear your combat unit patch on your left shoulder and the unit you are in on your right....Charlie

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XO Toni 's in the air get the arresting cables out. She called me from NO. They must have a stop some where I don't know why it woud take so long to get to CC . She is excited about going there. You and Gay have taken a lot of weight off her shoulders.Thanks ....Charlie

Name: Mike Anderson
Email_Address: rambler34us@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1972-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: 5th Div. Weapons Dept.
Date: 05 Jul 2009
Time: 09:21

Comments

Any mount pukes or mag rats out there?

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John I forgot to tell you that she got my co-pay to see Drs and medication wiped out. with Tri-care Medicare part A&B they shouldn't have been charging me in the 1st place...Charlie

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John Grisham I think heard of an Astronaught with your name.The VA should be able to give you guidence on compensation. If you have a local DAV they have people that can help. I kept geting the run around at the VA until I got the mouth of the south (Toni) on them. I'm not really sure how it works. I think because I'm retired I got a raise in pay check because disability is untaxabe. She knows more about it than I do after putting the people at the VA on a tread mill. If she didn't like an answer She wanted to talk to their supervisior. She knows how to get things done. I know it was a learning experiance for her but the VA didn't have her running around in circles like they did me.She wanted the correct answers before she left that office and we went to the next. They were glad for me to get that pit bull out of there....Charlie

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XO I have Toni's dog again. I hope She called you and give you the flight number. she is all packed ready to head your way tomarrow. AM. Her apt is in Shambles with her stuff packed up so she can get shiped when she gets back, I really appricite and She dose too the help you and Gay are giving "my little girl" She sapose to call me when she gets there. don't let her get busy and forget. I will worry. She's grown but I feel like she's my kid. I will miss her....Charlie

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Dennis when I went into the SeaBees once they looked at my record they sent me to the military traning dept. and had to work for Marines. I trained a crew on boresiting the 106 and firing it. they sent us to camp LeJune. they had a bunch of old armor stuff out there for us to fire at. They couldn't belive Navy guys out shot them with it, the laws,and morters. They are a tough outfit. but I taught my men to pay close attention to detail which I learnd in the 02N2 plant aboard Hanna

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Charlie, The reason we didn't get an award back then was we "Wern't officialy there" Where have you heard this before plus like Mike says, many times an award isn't issued till a long time after the fact, most of us were out of the service before anything was or if done. I think that is when we had the mystery A4 sitting in the hanger deck with the bullet holes in it, no one knew anything about it plus we lost several pilots that cruse that just seemed to disappear off the map like Aliens took them.

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David I think that if a ship was in Viet Nam waters they were autorised ribons, Mike should know about this. I was proud to leave the Hanna with a good conduct ribon and my stripes. I gave a couple of guys that worked for me a attitude adjustment on liberty....Charlie

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Mike I think when that place where the kept all the records caught fire sure messed a lot of guys up.Guys that deseve them should have them.I don't understand the thinking behind swaping one exop ribbon For a Viet Nam service. In my days if you were awarded with the same ribbon twice you put a just put a little bronze star in the middle of it....Charlie

Name: John Grisham
Email_Address: johngrisham520@gmail.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 2009-2009
Division_Squadron_Detachment: 2009-2009
Date: 04 Jul 2009
Time: 13:09

Comments

Compensation

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David I'm not sure how all the ribons work My 1st trip to Nam I was in a MAG group and they give me the Expo ribbon the the 2nd time they give me the Viet Nan Campain ribbon with a broze star in the middle because I served two tours over there. The Army had some regs the Navy didn't have..Charlie

Name: Mike Verville
Email_Address: mverville2005@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1972-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: AIMD/X
Date: 04 Jul 2009
Time: 12:30

Comments

Charlie/David - Whenever there is a need to update a DD-214 - what is used is a DD-215. Many service members are separated from service before an award, medal, or ribbon is finalized and documented. The only way to correct the DD-214 is to request a review of your service record. Bottom Line is that any subsequent changes made to a DD-214 are done with a DD-215. Hope this helps! I've helped hundreds of veterans apply for their entitled awards. Just as a side note - sometimes Congress authorizes deviations for certain awards like they did on the final Westpac for the Hanna with the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-314—December 2, 2002), Section 542. It allowed servicemembers who participated in Operations Eagle Pull/Frequent Wind to request one of their two Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals be converted to a Vietnam Service Medal. This is just one example of what Congress can do. Again, if anyone needs help - don't hesitate to call on me.

Name: David Byrum
Email_Address: dtbyrum@gmail.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1961-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V-4 Div
Date: 04 Jul 2009
Time: 11:07

Comments

Charlie you were right it is a DD214, that's what I get for relying on memory. As I remember (for whatever that's worth) the medal was awarded for a certain few days of air ops, if you were not aboard at that time you were not elgible for the award. The sailor (didn't know him) the VFW was inquiring about didn't board ship untill 1963.

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Mike my 214 tells ribbons awarded to me except the cross of gallenty witch was awarded by Viet Nam. I was in the Army and we had to wear it over our right pocket instead of our left because it was a forien deceration.

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I don't have any DD 215's mine are DD 214's .I hung on to my originals. If I had to send them somewhere I would go to the court house and get a certified copy made and send it.. My 214 from the Hanna didn't show the expo ribbon. I thing 62 could have been the year we pull into and pulled the hook back up befoe anyone went on liberty and headed for Nam. The chow wasn't very good with the extended air ops. but was open 24 hrs. all the crew had long working hrs.I don't know where they bombed but I figure it was the Ho Chemin trail.I never heard of those countrys before...Charlie

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David - Use the following URL and you can go to the Navy's official awards site and determine what awards any ship in the Navy has been awarded. You can also determine personal awards with the exception of those records that were destroyed in the big fire in St. Louis. Those individuals must go back to the Reserve Personnel Command for verification. Ignore the certificate warning - most government sites show the warning - but be assured the site is safe so continue to the site when you get the warning. The URL is: https://awards.navy.mil/awards/webbas01.nsf/(vwWebPage)/home.htm?OpenDocument

You must use the entire URL. If you have questions - drop me an email or post here and I will reply when I check each day. There are sample letters on the front webpage under Operation Eagle Pull and Operation Frequent Wind. Just have him modify the letters with his pertinent data. I've had many of our fellow shipmates (and others) contact me and ask for help. The only caution I tell them is to have patience because the office that handles updated DD-215s is very understaffed. It has taken up to a year for the actual updates to be processed and the DD-215 and the awards/medals/ ribbons to be received. I'm a Past Department Adjutant of the VFW and a Past Department Adjutant of the American Legion in Europe and I can say that most posts will allow the use of this site to validate the membership criteria while he awaits the official DD-215. There are a few post adjutants who do not use common sense but most are pretty understanding because they know how lengthy this process takes. The DD-214 will show the sea service and that along with the info from the Navy's Website usually works. Again, if there is someone who needs help, don't hesitate to contact me and I will do what I can to assist you.

Name: Jim Winn - Life Member #
Email_Address: Jwinnfsm@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1959 - 1962
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V-6 Div. and Fitron 211
Date: 03 Jul 2009
Time: 20:41

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Dennis, All of us aboard were really looking forward to becoming "Shellbacks" when they diverted our course from Australia to the Viet Nam area. Too bad because we didn't become shellbacks and then they didn't acknowledge where we were or what we were doing so we didn't get our medals for that either. Oh well! I just saw on TV last night where they were finally awarding one veteran his medals 60+ years later. Of course he had several more decorations than we would ever have. Nice to see them do that for him even though it was a little late. Hey, to all of you out there, It's Dennis and Patty Flynn's 10th Wedding Aniversary TODAY! They were sweethearts 48 - 49 years ago and finally got together ten years ago! Everybody wish them the best. Congratualations Dennis and Patty! May you have many more.

Happy July 4th to all of you out there. May we always remember what it means and what the cost has been . "Freedom is not Free" May we honor the real HEROS - the ones that gave the ultimate price. Wishing all of you the very best!

Name: David Byrum
Email_Address: dtbyrum@gmail.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1961-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V-4 Div
Date: 03 Jul 2009
Time: 20:27

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Dennis Was that the operation that we were awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal? I was recently contacted by a VFW organization regarding a shipmate who was trying to join but his DD 215 didn't show the award. Mine does.

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David, You bring back a memory for me, When we opperated with the HMS Arc Royal and the HMAS Melborne in the PI, I too had a tour on the Arc Royal and they were great, then I went out with the Aussies, had a tour of their carrier and went into town and got plowed with them, WOW did I, I wound up swapping entire uniform with one of them and them came back to the Hanna. The OOD just looked at my ID, shook his head and told me to go to bed and sleep it off. I beleive it was in May of 62 and it was a BIG Satoexercise and also the largest gatering of Allied ships since WWII, from there we were going to Australia but the Marines landed in Cambodia and we were diverted to the Vet Nam area. We were not told what we were doing but we were there in support of that incursion. They canceled our stop in Australia and a lot of us missed the opportunity to become Shellbacks. We spent 30 days doing almost continuous flight operations and set some records for flying hours that even today still hold for an Essex class carrier. We stopped only for refueling and stores.

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Helmut that San Joaquin Valley knows how to get foggy I used to get behind a semi and figured he could knock anything out of our way all I could see was his tail lights.That was before I-5 was built and used Hwy 99. The last time I was out there which was years ago I was really disappointed at the way people trashed the hwy.they used to keep it up so nice. I think the flood of illeagals out there had a lot to do with it,,,Charlie

Name: David Byrum
Email_Address: dtbyrum@gmail.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1961-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V-4 Div
Date: 03 Jul 2009
Time: 08:32

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I got a tour on a Brit carrier during my time on the Hanna, they were very nice "blokes". It would be fun to see Gordon at our reunion.

Name: Larry Jones
Email_Address: ljones95370@hub3.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1966-68
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OE Div.
Date: 02 Jul 2009
Time: 22:44

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WW2 guys. I met a woman named Susan Schlindwein whose father, CPO Charles H. Schlindwein was a boiler operator on Hannah 1944-46. Does anyone remember him?

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Pete, I'm a mile inland from Salem Harbor. The last couple of nights we have been getting heavy fog. It's not as thick as San Francisco or the San Joaquin Valley. Note to boaters: My neighbor's outboard engine is fairly new. He had a problem with all the seals in the fuel system. It seems that ethenol in the gas ate them up. So, if you have a mystery problem with your carbs, tell your mechanic where to look.

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Pete to continue I shiped a high quality volley ball set and gave it to a church and the island boys loved it. one American couple that lived there came over and told me they had a big snake in their hut. They knew I went through JWS. It was just a Boa. I distracted it with mt left hand and grabed it behind the head They will bite you if they think they are in danger. I took it home.It curled up in Chucks lap. we didn't have nothing to feed it so in a couple of days it headed back into the bush. They have wat they call a poion tree there. If you get around one you will have a bad case of something lile poison oak. It was a good experance....Charlie

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Pete to continue they thought I was a CIA. I kept telling them I wasn't.that was when Central America was having a lot of problems.Mom thought I was crazy I told her not to worry. the armory on the Seabee base gave me a ammo can of military buckshot and our medic was geting me me stuff every day. he got me a lot of stuff. I got all my shots updated and a couple the don't nomally give like yellow fever. and he gave me a PDR where I could figure out what the medication was for. One woman brought her small child to me and I could tell It was psorias and dug through the big box and gave her a tube of stuff that sapose to help. after every one thought I was a drs office. They had a island nurse but she didn't have many I took my supplies to her to keep from being bugged..I went down there on leave before I retired so I knew what it was like....Charlie

Comments

Pete all Sailors have a union together in their hearts from every country. When I was in the Army I told guys when your aboard ship you can't hide behind a tree or jump in a foxhole. you kick their butts or they will yours. and the sea can be your best friend or your worst enemy depending on her mood. She has scared me before a couple times . That one typoon off Guam I just knew she was to break apart and I was fish bait. I knew I couldn't walk home . The only man I think that can that run on top of water I know of is my oldest son. I punched a large shark with my power head in Belize.it didn't fire and it did a u turn and headed back at me full speed ahead..The power head had about a 5ft pole. I thought I was going to make him eat it before me. it went right beside me and I just knew he was going to hit my son.by the time I got turned around there wasn't nothing there. shark or son . I had to surface for air we were just snokling in shallow water about 15 ft deep. he was on the boat. The shark was 7-8ft black tip. I don't know why it was on the shallow side of the reef. the other side is very is very deep. Back then when I 1st got there it was called Brit. Honduras. It was off the beaten trail. Caye Chalker was a lobster fishing villige of about 400 people.I had the Navy ship my stuff down there...Charlie

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 02 Jul 2009
Time: 15:58

Comments

Thinking about the reunion next year. Shipmates, I was thinking that a slide show of personal pictures (digitized) of yours about your time aboard might be a nice touch.I guess I am volunteering to assemble a presentation. I learned early on in my Naval career to not use the V word...but this is different. What think you all? Pete

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 02 Jul 2009
Time: 15:13

Comments

I agree. Gordon should get an invite. After all, what are reunions for...we all sit around and lie about our exploits when we were a lot younger and invincible:) Sea stories are the same tall/true tales in every Navy. Pete

Name: gordon pritchett
Email_Address: gordon prtchtt@yahoo.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: visiter
Division_Squadron_Detachment: ex ark royal 61to64
Date: 02 Jul 2009
Time: 14:22

Comments

hello all you hanna guys i have just read the latest hanna log and i must say on behalf of my wife and i how proud we are after reading the comments on the log from charlie, phil dennis you guys are realy something ,i comment on the log because i love to talk to you sailors and i feel that i am part of your comradeship , i realy do look foreword to reading the log when i can i fact its the first thing i do when we get home, i will tell you more obout the harriers tom on my next log mind you the fact that you were a navy pilot you proberly know more about the gr8 harrier than me anyway thanks again fellows for your very kind remarks to me catch you all very soon yours aye gordon

Comments

Dennis, I agree Gordon should be invited to attend the reunion in DC is he decides to come over to this side of the pond or better yet the Colonies. In 1966 we got together with a bunch of British Swabbies off a British Destroyer in Hong Kong and I am not sure who won the beer drinking contest as all of us were pretty well wasted by the end of the night. I ended up wearing one of the Brit's hat back to the Hancock, unfortunately I lost track of that hat. Wish I could have kept it. Can't say I would be willing to start one of those beer drinking contests today but 2 or 3 are still inorder. Cheers. Phil

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 02 Jul 2009
Time: 11:12

Comments

Hey Helmut, it has been raining nearly 40 days and 40 nights in our neck of the woods. What say we call Noah at "Arks r' Us" in Boston, gather up the animals, and set sail :) I am sick of the rain...and I'm from Seattle! Pete

Comments

Gordon you had a Pilot that took off from the fied in subic bay it had twin engines one under each wing and twin tail fins He was one heck of a Pilot becuse had very little altitude and did a barrel roll. I thought he might have had aircraft problems because I thought a wing would hit the runway. but he went off into the wild blue. I was standing next to one of our Pilots and he said I would get kicked out of the Navy if I tried that.He was waiting for a ride to the O club at the top of hill across the runways. It could have been an Aussie. Whe have operated with both carriers...Charlie

Comments

XO Shes very good natured but hell hath no fury like a POd Toni. She had a stalker once she didn't know how he got her number but he kept calling her. I was afraid for her but she said he didn't know where she lived. he bugged her one to many times and I bet his ear melted when she got through with him. She can have a toung as sharp as an apachie tomahawk. XO I hope she dosen't get to busy over there and I lose contact. I don't get the CC TV but I have her Grandmothers number and Toni is very family loveing. CC is a long ways from here. She will love it there. I think she loves to be around the Gulf. I don't think she would stay land locked very long. that would be like sending an alligator to New Mexico. XO when she gets settled in I think she would really like to go aboard the Lex.XO Toni just call me and told me I knew her she will eat anything. She took that elder lady to dialasis She will come by later this evening. that she was going to jogg on the beach once she done that. She said She thought her flight sapose to land at 15:17 if it takes off in time. She was at the hospital. I need to send you the flight no.or get her to call you. She is a blond. I worry to much about her. I should put a sign around her neck that says Toni so you won't thak the wrong blond. I don't know why the father in me comes out so much to protect her like she is a kid shes smarter than I am. She really appreciates what you and Gay are doing for her. She is the type person that if you do something good for her she will pay you back 100 times. I told her if I loose contact with her I have her Grandmothers number. She said oh gosh don't pull the trump card on me....Charlie

Comments

Gordon, I believe that we would welcome a visitor from England to our reunion in Washington DC. After all we all did the same thing out there in the Pacific since WWII. Even if the Brits have funny aircraft, they flew. How about some feedback about welcoming Gordon Pritchett from the HMS Arc Royal 61-64 to our reunion as a guest. If you are going to spend your kids inheritance do it coming here and enjoy our bunch. You will sure be welcome and you can learn how to speak American English while you are here. I my self would love to meet you and I am sure there are many others. I may have even met you when we were in the PI at the same time somewhere at the club Rio probably. Dennis

Comments

Gordon when I went up to the New England states here in the US I needed a translator myself. some of them talked faster than my ears could listen. They don't even eat the same food we down South. I think you know I'm not talking about South America since your Daughter give you a lesson in geography. A lot of it is because we don't speak the Kings English and it has been so long since I have been in school I don't remember how to spell. Gordon there is no way to overstay your welcome here ot they would have made me walk the plank a long time ago. The shipmates like to here from other people besides my motor mouth . I do a pretty good job spending my kids inherintace also. I'm not worried about it they both make a lot more than me...Charlie

Comments

XO I feel better since you-all got things worked out. She will eat anything or she wouldn't come over and raid my fridg. You will see she dosen't eat much. She is weigh concious. You will love her. I think she is going to put her stuff in storage until she gets back and turn her apt in. She mention something about staying with me untill she went back to CC. She was dateing a lawyer and he got to serious. she likes her single life. My apt has been her "hide out" . she can turn her c-phone off and kick back and wach cd's and take a break from pressures, You will see she has a heart big as Texas. I hate to lose "my little girl" but it is a good decision on her part. She used to take me to the VA. She has learned to turn the superburner off when I ride with her. I told her she was going to give me a heart attact before we get there. you will see she is not very big but she is strong. she took boxing lessons for a while. the instructor told her he hasn't seen a woman that could punch that hard. She joggs 5 miles a day but it has really been hot here and has slacked off. There is no telling how many shoes she has in her closet. She has one pair she wore when she took me to the VA I told her she sounds like a horse walking down the hall. I am going to have to hold field day around this place today. I kick back for a couple days and then have to doubletime to catch up. Thanks XO...Charlie

Name: Tom Wimberly
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1970-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: XO of the ship
Date: 01 Jul 2009
Time: 22:48

Comments

Charlie, I caught Toni on the phone today. My wife Gay and I will try to get together with her Sunday when she arrives and show her the town and take her to eat. She is going to have to learn the Mexican restaurants. We will take her to the one we use most. If she doesn't like Mexican, we will go somewhere else.

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 01 Jul 2009
Time: 13:09

Comments

Just got my copy of the LA Times article on our buddy, John Finn. He must be a busy guy, with all of the celebration of his upcoming birthday. Our last visit with him and his caregiver, Francis, at his ranch(?) was a great time and also a great motorcycle ride! It got a little cold coming back over the mountains, though. I can only hope that I may grow old as gracefully as he has. Here's wishing an early "Happy Birthday, John!" to a bonafide national treasure.

Comments

XO I went by Toni/s apt She is busy packing.. She said she called you yesterday but could tell you were on your way out the door. She has an appointment with the hair dresser at 12:45. I thought she was doing that yesterday. Who knows about women. She sapose to come over later. They can do a 180 turnabout in a heart beat....Charlie

Name: william mesquite
Email_Address: williammesquite@yahoo.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 65-67
Division_Squadron_Detachment: S-1 Division
Date: 01 Jul 2009
Time: 09:20

Comments

trying to contact old shipmates that I served with during my time aboard.

Comments

Pete The Brits had Harriers in Belize when I was down there. they would buzz the island at tree top level just to let everyone know they were still around. Guatemala wanted to overrun them. It was a Brit teritory under it's protection. I think the Marines got 13 Harriers from the Brits an crashed them all.They used fighter pilots and they were a bird of a diffent feather. The got a two seat model where they could use an instructor to train them. and bought some more,,,Charlie

Name: Valhalla1
Email_Address: Valhalla1@cableone.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1960-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: A Division
Date: 30 Jun 2009
Time: 20:04

Comments

Good to here from you Gordon. I wish I could take after my dog I would go down to the local pub and whip everyone in it just for fun. I don't know how you Brits put so much energy and strenght in such a small package. Toni's dog is the only one she she dosen't try to whip. I think because she was a pup when they met . Most dogs use their hind legs for strength. CuJo puts it in four wheel drive. I walk her on a leash and in dirt she has all four kicking up dirt. She loves people but thinks she owns this place and thinks other dogs don't belong here. There was a conversation about The six flags that flew over Mississippi in the local newspaper I read on line one person ask why the Union Jack wasn't included I told them I thought it was a Brit flag Flew on their ships I never seen one on ours..great to here from you ...Charlie

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 30 Jun 2009
Time: 18:46

Comments

Gordon, glad to have you aboard. FYI: my college roomate is a US Marine Corps pilot who flew the Harrier (AV-8). He trained in the early 70's in England. Not sure if it was the Royal Navy or RAF? Nice duty! Pete

Name: gordon pritchett
Email_Address: gordonprtchtt@yahoo.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: visiter
Division_Squadron_Detachment: ex ark royal 61to64
Date: 30 Jun 2009
Time: 14:26

Comments

hi charlie and hanna guys i am still around reading the log the reason that i have been absent is that the wife and i have been spending the kids inheritance since i retired we have been going away for a week here and there we have just got back from a holiday in bridlington which is on the north east coast of england still find your log comments worth reading charlie and i found a lot of the guys who log on very interesting mind you some of them is a little hard to translate but all very good stuff hope the killer dog is still the same he must take it from his master, also hope your eye problem is ok charlie i am like the man in the pub with a crowd of friends i like listening to the different points of view but only join in when i have something of interest to say thats why i would hate to out stay my welcome on your very good quarterdeck log charlie by boring you guys keep it coming sailor yours aye gordon the brit

Comments

Dennis I have been running my mouth so much about Toni nobody has had a chance to post. We do need to have a muster in the hangar bay. there are a lot of shipmates that haven't posted in a while. I will have to get my roster out . It has been a long time since I got an e-mail from Gordon the Brit. I think a lot of guys feel there is only so much you can say about the Hanna, I'm interested in whats going on in shipmates lifes after Hanna also. Their is only so much I can say about the O2N2 plant. I know I had one of the best jobs on the ship. The dogs don't want me to sleep. I'm going to try again....Charlie

Comments

XO Toni should arrive in CC around 16:00 Sun. She will call you tomarrow. She is getting her girly things done today. you know hair, nails and that kind of stuff and and is going over to East Biloxi to fix supper for that elder lady she helps out later today. The way she talks Shes going to take the job offer. I think the Info you sent me had a lot to do with it She will fly back the following Wed. to tie loose ends up. She will probly drive that hotrod Mercedies when she Returns to CC. It is pretty but I don't like rideing in it. I feel like my butts rubbing the ground. She looks like a movie star in it when the tops in the trunk. She hinted about that Marine Pilot picking her up. I'm leaving all that up to you. She will have to find a place to Jogg. She joggs about 5 miles almost every day. She likes to listen to the experiances elders have had. It wouldn't suprise me if the TV station allowed it the Hanna convention would be on the news. She is no prude. She will drink some wine. I only seen her one time with a hang over and she slept on my couch getting well. You don't find many women like her now days, beautiful, single,no kids, and likes to work. To know her is to love her. She told me once she was concidering having a baby. I think her family was on her to have one. I told her that ain't no reason to have a baby because they want you to. She confides in me a lot. It's not because I'm smart she bounces things off me that she dosen't want to make wrong decisions about conflicting thoughts she is going through and would like my opinion . I have made a lot of bad decisions in my life and learned from them. Thanks XO. I will miss "my litlle girl" but I am proud for her...Charlie

Comments

Helmut you might not belive it but we got a rain down here but not enough. it helped. we sapose to be the wet part of the country. When I brought my Dad down here years ago he said heck Ms. has more water than dirt. But I was taking him to rivers ,bayou's, lakes and places to fish. He loved to fish. They always have a big fireworks thing at the beach. I haven't been to them for a while. They do it on new years also. Toni's thing is completly up to her and Hollis now. The XO did what he could. She has more of a positive attitude now other than talking to Hollis over the phone. She will be lost in Corpus. We aren't near as big. She is sharp. Her eyes lit up when I told her the XO would get a Marine Captain to help her find an apt. I get tickled at her. I think she has a BA from USM. I told her she may have to learn some spanish lingo. There is a lot involved when a civlian transfers. It's not like us getting a set of orders....Charlie

Comments

Anybody want rain? Here in New England we have had 7 rainy weekends and it has been raining for the last 10 days. It is expected to dampen 4th of July as well. My lawn is full of mushrooms. I think that I'm in Seattle. Charlie, I hope Toni's new job works out for her. Here's hoping that all of you have a safe and festive 4th of July.

Comments

XO Toni really appreciated the link you sent me about the TV guy. she really didn't anything about his past history in jornalism. She has only talked to him on the phone. She called her Grandmother and told her what you did. and feels better about it. She has her contract and I think she wants to to meet the people at the TV station. Hollis told her he would give her a camera man. She told me she really liked that that she didn't like toating that heavy camera. I hate to lose her but I hope things work out for her. These dogs decided to have another NASCAR race and wrestling match and wake me up. oh well I ask for it. My son is going to try to get a long weekend off over the 4th. My ex-girlfriend may come by today. I am going to have to replinish my fridge. They all think this is the chow hall. even Toni. but I don't mind. They do things for me.....Charlie

Comments

Dennis I have had a full time job this weekend putting up with visitors. I'm finalliy getting some peace and quiet. My youngest son came by to stay for the weekend then of course my Grandson and his girlfriend came and then when I got rid of them about noon Toni came by. and I ask her to leave Bella with me. I had the regular NASCAR race going on and then by the time I found a good movie to sleep through my Ex girlfriend called and woke me up. not to even talk about my little sister calling with her 100 questions as usual.I know what you are saying my sister thinks shes my Mom. Patty sounds like she has a heart big a Texas. We have had a lot of slackers latley . The dogs are on the couch sleeping with their eyes open waiting for me to put a movie on so when I get to sleep they can jump on my belly and knock the air out of me....Charlie

Name: Rob Moris
Email_Address: 2rnk1612@cox.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 57-58
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA 116
Date: 28 Jun 2009
Time: 17:31

Comments

fair seas to you all, shipmates !

Name: Rob Moris
Email_Address: 2rnk1612@cox.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 57-58
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA 116
Date: 28 Jun 2009
Time: 17:31

Comments

fair seas to you all, shipmates !

Comments

Charlie, What did you do chase everyone away ? This place has been dead. Maybe you need to stir someone up again. My wife is still in Latvia visiting her son and said she went swimming in the Baltic Sea. I am sure she went in knee deep as it is too cold to swim unless you are a Swede. She said her son brought 11 Lativain soldiers the we are sponsering for dinner, she cooked for them and found they were going to meet the head General the next day. She said 8 of you need haircuts, so she found some scissors and cut their hair for them after feeding them a big Spaghetti & meatball dinner. I asked her if she just adopted them ? Once a Mom always a Mom. They will be headed to Afganastan as part of the UN mission there. They have a very small army there but 5 of them were killed last month and it hit the whole country hard. Michigan National Guard sponsors them and they train here before being shipped out. Her son is a Lt. Colonel and is a lea son officer for the guard there, works out of the Embassy and is also a Goodwill Ambassador there. He loves it. Patty should be back on Thursday the 2nd, then we celebrate our anniversary on the 3rd of July. I guess you could say our honeymoon was so good we saw fireworks. Gonna go to the movies tonight and see the new Star Trek movie. Catch you later, Dennis

Name: Mike Schwartz
Email_Address: mikoschwartz@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1965-1966
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OP/AIO
Date: 27 Jun 2009
Time: 10:22

Comments

Great Web site.

Comments

XO she sapose to come by before she leaves and get your number . she said it was ok to e-mail hers to you. She feels like a ship going into uncharted waters. I will belive it when I see it....Charlie

Comments

XO You may have to baby sit Toni after all . She just called me and said all she has to do is sign the dotted line. I think she is going to fly out there the 2nd or 3rd of Jul. The guy from the TV stations name is Hollis Grizzard. I still wonder. every thing she told me told me sounded to good to be true. Could you check him out. She sapose to be an investagative reporter instead of an anchor witch she likes better. If anytning happend to "my little girl " I would go to GQ....Charlie

Comments

Pete I like to mess with you. I know you Pilots can be here today and gone tomarrow. you guys had guts. But behind every Pilot there is a wife, She has to have them also to put up with you guys....Charlie.

Comments

Pete I have know idea how you could get bored flying a fighter. I guess windows do get foged up. You should have had a roll of paper towels :) I don't leave home without them. Yes Pete the dog ate your key board works better I don't have anything CuJo hasn't chewed on. I knew your wife would would come up with a better excuse than you did...Charlie

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 25 Jun 2009
Time: 16:59

Comments

Maybe it was obvious, but I couldn't see squat...including the instruments! I literally was flying by the "seat of my pants;" Definitely not a recommended procedure. You know what they say: flying is hours and hours of boredum, interspursed with moments of stark terror :) This was one! There were others:) Have a great day shipmates! Pete

Name: Peter Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 25 Jun 2009
Time: 16:47

Comments

Charlie, would "my dog chewed my key board" excuse have worked :) ? I really can spell "drizzle."

Well at least it is not as hot/humid as the PI. On takeoff from NAS Cubi one time I went IFR in the cockpit about half way down the runway. I had left the vents open full and a fog formed around me (humid cockpit air, semi-cold/humid vent air interaction). I rotated, got the gear and flaps up, and held my attitude. Cleared quickly, but it was a real "Lemur" (shot of cold urine to the heart)! Sun is out! Pete

Name: Glen Harris
Email_Address: ghyuma@yahoo.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1959-1960
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VF154
Date: 25 Jun 2009
Time: 11:29

Comments

Just checking out the site.

Comments

XO I have know idea what Toni's going to do. at one time she said she was going to Corpus. I'm not smart enough to figure a young woman out.They can change their mind about something in a second. She is smart I feel She has something going for her. I don't pry into her personal business. She was dateing a lawyer that was after her. He's a nice guy I met him couple times. She hasen't been over in a few days...Charlie

Comments

David that was a kind way of calling me a motor mouth. I liked reading other peoples experinces. Most of us were on the Hana for a short time and went onto other ventures. We all had one thing in common that we loved Hanna...Charlie

Comments

Pete that is one heck of an excuse because it's been raining. I sure wish I could have used that excuse many a time.Hey Pete your an Officer get your wife to think up a better one. It is to dry down here most the grass has turned brown. the low pressure area that has been hanging over the Gulf should move out by this weekend.It has been hot but its a dry heat and dosen't bother me like when it gets humid. you were correct Dennis needed a tail hook on his hot rod tug....Charlie

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 24 Jun 2009
Time: 17:00

Comments

Charlie, not much to say. I am up here in the cold, rain and drisely North East. Reminds me of growing up in the Seattle area (umbrellas are us). Sun is suppose to appear tomorrrow...it has been over a week! Pete

Name: David Byrum
Email_Address: dtbyrum@gmail.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1961-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V-4 Div
Date: 24 Jun 2009
Time: 16:44

Comments

Don't give up Charlie, its just that most of us don't have as much to say as you do. Anyone out there that was aboard with Dave Shaw might want to give him a call, he recently had a foot amputated and could use all the support he can get. E-mail me and I will give you his phone number.

Comments

I don't know what has happened to this site but I have ended up talking to myself again. I don't know why I check it anymore. It is dead in the water....Charlie

Comments

Dennis the machine had 1/16 suck back and API only allowed 1/32. The Enginering Officer at Port Hueneme didn't want to here it. I did get concreate anchors in so the pulsation from the pumping station and below sea level didn't bring them to the surface....Charlie

Comments

Dennis I had to certify with my crew on a computerised welding machine built in Lavia and had instructors from there teaching us. they spoke perfect english. we were in Sun Valley Calif. I was project supervisor in Diego Garcia laying the pipe line to the I had some concerns. I knew most of the island wasn't much over two foot above sea level I already spent one tour there. I asked them if you capped both end of this pipe off will it float. they asked the engineers and they said it would. When you stamp your number on a weld with your number on it they will trace it right back to you.

Comments

Wayne was that you that sent me pix of Peal Harbor. I have know idea why the Head Shed would buch that many ships up at one time. I'm smarter than that. If they were out on patrol I dought If that could happen. There is no way ro rewrite history without lieing. there is a lot that going on in school books.. Thanks Shipmate ..Charlie

Name: alfred "jack" bears
Email_Address: papabear101151@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: oi division
Date: 23 Jun 2009
Time: 05:10

Comments

would like to make contact with some of the old crew. (John Booker where are you?)

Comments

Dennis that one pictiure is a two toed slough . they have a three toed model that looks the same.they are very slow moving. they excert something out of their pores that that really makes them stink.No preditors want them.I have seen them in the jungles of Pannama. there are not a lot of them.The ones I seen were climbing trees. they must eat leafs...Charlie

Comments

I had an unexpectd great fathers day. My Grandson his girlfriend and her Mom came over and cooked a feast..They brought what they needed. it will take me a while to eat the left overs. I have getting after this watermellon.I hope you guys had a day as good as mine...Charlie.

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Happy Fathers Day to all my shipmates, both before and after my time. May you all have many more. Dennis

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Bill withoutyou guys in the Fr. room we would be dead in the water. We wouldn't have water to drink, or steam for the cats. you guys did a great job....Charlie

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Dennis it's a wonder Pete didn't use the seagulls for target target practice. Dennis there was many of times I wish I was back aboard the Hanna. Siting in a fox hole bailing water out of the bottom with my steel pot while it was raining. The AF is a joke to me. My squad went to desert survival school at Edwards AFB. they taught us about the deadly snakes there. And we hit the field. This crazy instructor was going to teach us how to snare kangaroo rats with a copper wire to eat. my crew laughed at him and started turning over rocks to find snakes.. We even let the instructor have some after we cooked them. To be so hot during the day that high desert really gets cold at night...Charlie

Name: Bill Burgess
Email_Address: blbrgss@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1968-1972
Division_Squadron_Detachment: #4 fireroom
Date: 19 Jun 2009
Time: 20:25

Comments

Mack, I remember doing firesides on the same boilers as you. After removing the burners to gain entrance into the firebox, we would hit the tubes with cold water in order to help remove some of the scale on the tubes. Problem was, as soon as the water hit those hot tubes it quickly turned into steam, & everyone was boiled like a lobster. It was amasing how fast you could dive through that small hole to get out of there! Fun stuff. NOT!!! Bill

Comments

Charlie, I think someone kept them in cages like pigeons and let them out when we dumped garbage to feed them. Probably one of those guys in the Para-Loft. Or the DC shop back there. I guess for me the fantail was a quiet place as was the Starboard aft sponson on the hanger deck. Just a place to get away and be quiet. Our V-6 Mech Shop was at the back center of the hanger deck so I guess the fantail was a natural place for us to go. When we were flying we never had time to look at the stars or you could get killed, but when we were down from Flight Quarters (which seemed very seldom) it was a super place to go especialy when it was very hot out, sure beat down below decks. I guess those wussies now have AC in most all compartments, probably even on the flight deck. I thought we had it pretty well made. Compare that to living like a mole when you were in the Seabees, Rain, Mud, hot, Mud, Sweaty, Mud, Bugs, Mud Yep Sailors have it pretty well off. The Air Force is another step up just like a Country Club but they bitch about it just like we all did.

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Dennis I never could figure out where the seagulls came from. when the mess cooks dumped garbage down the shoot they seemed to appear from no where during the day. we had to be close to land but you couldn't see it. I did see a shark fin once when they were dumping garbage through the shoots during the day...Charlie

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Dennis who wouldn't want to take one more cruise. I hidn't get to spend much time on the fight deck at sea. I did lay on my belly once between the cats on the bow and and watched her cut through the water. It was exciting and an experiance. spooky in away because it seemed so high up. I can only remember one time getting to see all the stars .you airdales kept it busy all the time. the ramp at the stren wasn't as much fun....Charlie

Name: Ray Grimm
Email_Address: RayG2580@netscape.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 63-66
Division_Squadron_Detachment: R Div
Date: 19 Jun 2009
Time: 08:51

Comments

Can someone help and send me John Finns address I have some pictures from the 94 reuion I thiuhgt he had an address change thanks Ray

Comments

Oh Yea !, I forgot..... sitting on the fantail having a butt, telling lies to each other and just staring mindlessly at our wake, tying our dungarees to a good rope and dragging them behind the ship to wash them but keeping a watch for someone that was going to dump garbage so you could pull them in in time. Favorite ports... Hong Kong and Kobe Japan. Time spent up in Bremington WA. and the friends that spent it with me. Dennis

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You poor Snipes, I had a taste of it when I first came aboard, I wanted more open spaces,Then went to the flight deck. I found a home up there. My favorite memories were sleeping on the flight deck on a moonless night with nothing but the stars to see, even the bad weather wasn't bad as we always had something to do. It got where I hated to go below decks. Watching the tin cans or an oilier beside or behind us, just looking at the smoothness of the South China Sea and then trying to remember it when we were riding out a typhoon (it was a little hard to do that sometimes), watching flying fish and dolphins swim along side the bow. God, I would love to be back out to sea again.

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Memories; Over the years, I have tried to remember what I liked best about the Hancock. I have concluded that it was LIBERTY CALL, which port, ANY PORT. Memories, Cheers, Mack.

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Mack you Bt's had to have the worst job on the ship. I went into a fire room and this guy crawed out of a boiler looking like a walking piece of charchol. we were cold iron I don't know what he had to do in there. another time they were roding our a heat exchanger. little seashells and stuff came out and it smelt like an outhouse. when underway it was hot down there...Charlie

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Memories; we cleaned firesides every six hundred steaming hours on our boilers. We would take a fire hose( 11/2 in.) with a suicide nozzle on it and climb up inside the boiler stack, almost all the way to the top, that is where the steel cross members ran out. The end of that hose was connected to our emergency feed pump. 150# psi of fresh water was pumped up to us and we would water wash the inside of the stack, getting rid of the soot back down inside, to the air casing. We would then line up our bilge pump or fire pump and pump that ingredient over the side. One time, I debated taking a ladder up and tieing it off, where I could look down out of that stack, but from there to the seventh deck was quite a ways to fall. Memories, Cheers, Mack

Name: Lewis Coursen "Werb"
Email_Address: werblee@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1969-1973
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V-4 AvFuels
Date: 17 Jun 2009
Time: 19:13

Comments

Served as Division Yeoman, Flight Deck Nozzleman and Crew Leader, Also AvGas P.O. Made three WESTPACs, and had great friends and shipmates on each one. A defining period in my life.

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Served as Division Yeoman, Flight Deck Nozzleman and Crew Leader, Also AvGas P.O. Made three WESTPACs, and had great friends and shipmates on each one. A defining period in my life.

Comments

Served as Division Yeoman, Flight Deck Nozzleman and Crew Leader, Also AvGas P.O. Made three WESTPACs, and had great friends and shipmates on each one. A defining period in my life.

Comments

XO I will get with her and I'm sure she will will put your number in her cell phone. She dosen't answer numbers she dosen't know. I will send you hers but she gets so many she turns it off a lot. from what I understand it will be around 7/27 -8/2 when she gets there. I think she want's the job but is causious....Charlie

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XO I got your e-mail . Toni just left. we watched the cd Grand Torino. She had tears rolling down her face at the ending.She saw me looking at her and said aw shut up.I didn't say a word.She has a lot to do this afternoon. I will pass the info on to her. She felt good about haveing a shoulder In Corpus if she needed one....Charlie

Name: TOM WIMBERLY
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1970-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: XO of ship
Date: 17 Jun 2009
Time: 11:53

Comments

Charlie, I have e-mailed my phone number to you. Hope Toni can get the anchor job here. Will look forward to seeing her when she comes here.

Comments

XO if you don't mind e-mail me a phone number I can give to Toni to contact you. She is like a scared little school girl changing schools if she takes that job in Corpus Christi. She has never been there and dosen't know anyone. She coverd Galveston after Gustav hit. She may get a job as a TV anchor woman. You know fear of the unknown. and leaving all her friends behind....Charlie

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I'm back talking to myself on this site. I got a e-mail from Jerry Bell. He's been doing his cowboy thing in east Tx. not far from where I was raised. belive me there is a lot of work to it. my Dad raised cattle. it's not like in the movies...Charlie

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Wayne I got the same e-mail. I'm carfull about using a credit card over the net. a few years back I orderd something I got it. but a little later I got a call from the company and ask me if I bought a surf board and pizza in Sidney Aust. I wasn't charged but she had to send me a differrent card.....Charlie

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Pete you have a beautiful place in New Hampshire.I met a couple guys from there that were on their way to the South Pole with a SeaBee Team. They sapose to all have took physcology test. I would have put all of them in the nut house. but I think the same of Seals,UDT and Pilots. Pete I'm glad my dog is short haired. I wish she wasn't so hyper. when people visit she is a nusance climbing all over them glad to see them. I have to lock her in the slammer. (bedroom). she has ate the leg off one oak tv tray working on her 2nd. Pete I don't think anyone pass that Pilots eye test. Dennis sure comes up with some stuff....Charlie

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 14 Jun 2009
Time: 22:20

Comments

Thanks Wayne, the web site "USS HANCOCK CV/CVA 19 Store", I admit I first fell for it and let it into my address book. Now, I cannot get rid of it, because there are several spoofing email addresses. I do not want to give them the satisfaction of knowning they have a contact by sending a do not call message. Hoping they disapear if no one responds. Shipmates, do not believe these spamers. Wayne did I get this right. I really am anoid with these people! Pete

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Don I sure was glad to make 2nd class and not worry about that darn liberty card. My boss used to carry ours around in his shirt pocket. We knew were they were at. He never had to chew butt. They tried to get some college courses going taught by Officers. but working hours of the EM and Officers messed it all up.so they had quit....Charlie

Name: Don Bennett
Email_Address: brotherdb@sbcglobal.net
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1957-1959
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Personnel office
Date: 12 Jun 2009
Time: 23:18

Comments

I worked in the Personell Office I was in charge of liberty cards etc. I worked under Chief Harreschou and with Ron Vanderland and James Stark I attended Bible stady on board with a bunch of guys.

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Charlie, That's exactly what I was talking about when I said I had a call on a guy that was working on one without a cage and it did ! A mistake only made once in someones life.

Comments

Helmut years ago Dads hay truck had split rims, it was about a 53 model 2 1/2 ton. it had a heavy metal ring that would lock in place in the outer side when inflated. they were dangerous. If we had a flat I would have to take the tire to the truck stop to get it repaired where they had a cage. It would take your head off try to inflate it if it didn't lock in place. they became illeagle...Charlie

Name: Wayne Erven, Membership Chairman
Email_Address: oldsalt2@comcast.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1965-1968
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Ops Office
Date: 12 Jun 2009
Time: 19:16

Comments

A member asked me if the e-mail he got from the "USS HANCOCK CV/CVA 19 Store" was legit. My answer to him: NO!!!!This is a privately owned company who makes stuff for anyone who wants it. IT IS NOT affiliated with us in any way. We get NOTHING from them. Legit? It is a business, and their title is misleading. Check out their website and you will see what I mean. They send out under www.cafepress.com. We have our own ship's store, and there is a link on this website for it. You can e-mail me with any questions on this.

Comments

Charlie, The tractor had 28 gallons of Av-Gas in it along with 30 gallons of Diesel fuel. The 'Huffer unit on the back ran on Av Gas, the tractor ran on the Diesel. Hell of a fire for a few minutes. It melted the wiper blades on the the Bridge and the Pilot House and only burned about 3 minutes. The guys in the hanger bay did a great job of flushing the fuel over the side right away. ( See removing any of the three: Fuel, Heat and O2, puts the fire out) Very simple if you can get the blue stuff on the red stuff you got it made. Helmut, I was told when I reported aboard that several years prior to my coming on board someone was filling a aircraft tire, (Not in a safety cage) that was lying flat on the deck in the hanger bay. The rim let go and they had to wash most of him off the overhead. Don't know but I think it was a BS story to make my eyes get bigger. I do know the safety rim on large truck tires is nothing to mess with as I have run on a victim of a ring coming off a large truck tire, we left him in place for the coroner as there wasn't anything we could do for him. Nasty stuff high pressure and mechanical things. Dennis

Name: Rob Moris
Email_Address: 2rnk1612@cox.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 58-59
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA116
Date: 12 Jun 2009
Time: 16:04

Comments

reporting back aboard after leave

Name: Rob Moris
Email_Address: 2rnk1612@cox.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 58-59
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA116
Date: 12 Jun 2009
Time: 16:04

Comments

reporting back aboard after leave

Comments

Whenever I changed a blown or damaged tire I would always remove the Schrader valve and bleed the tire. You never, ever rolled a live tire into the tire shop. Years later when I worked for United Airlines, a mechanic in Boston started to remove the bolts from a DC-8 main split rim. Luckily it was in a safety cage because it would have taken his head off. He forgot the basic safety rule of removing the Schrader valve and bleeding the tire. After changing his coveralls, he never made that mistake again.

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Dennis no wonder you guys were haveing drag races and running those tugs off the fligt deck. That one guy the tug was burning on our #1 sponson that held 600 gals.of lox. N2 is a by product from making lox.but needed..we could produce a lot more of it than lox. It came off the top of our lp coulum and the lox went through a bunch of bubbler trays to the bottom.It separated the differnent gases, neon, freon and more. we vented them over the side. You would have liked the plant if you could get off your hot rod tug long enough. It was probley more fun than stareing at gauges and twisting vaulves. my dog has chewed the leg off one oak tv tray I had to trash I don't know how long this 2nd will last. She is woking it over....Charlie

Comments

Charlie, We used Av Gas (145 octane) in our zippos and would just dip it in the tank of the little jeeps we drove. Tried to squeeze the excess out and then stuck it in our pocket. In the PI it was hot and muggy and my lighter leaked Av Gas all over my inner thigh. I had some serious crotch rot going on from that Av Gas because the heat and humidity would not let it heal. I switched back to lighter fluid after that. Helmut, That is where Nitrogen in the tires came from, The truckers, now it is a selling point at some tire stores to extend your tire life by keeping constant pressure in them using Nitrogen instead of normal air. With our group of fine minds we can reverse engineer anything and figure out why it is done.

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Helmut , Dennis I belive you are correctI never thought about A/C coming down from down from the cold temratures of high altitudes to warm quickly. when I sent N2 I was talking to shipmates on a sound powerd headset and they told me which station to send it to. Our N2 room had a maze of valves to different stations. I didn't know where they were at I just sent it to them and they would let me know when they got enough. we sent a lot to top off fuel storage to top off fuel storage. from what I was told AV gas with it's high octane was dangerous. I think they put it in the AD's.my airdale buddy put it in his Zippo. I used ligter fluid in mine. It didn't take me long to not over fill it...Charlie

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Pete you are correct in my experiances deep dives aren't that much fun. decompressing coming up is a pain in the butt. equalising the mask squezze on your face. It is just not worth it to me.

Comments

You divers bring up some good points. That water off Calif. was cold. I got to dive in some really good places. When I 1st started diveing I went through a thank of air pretty fast until I learnd to breath slower and not to exert myself and get my weights on my belt right for me. I had to grow into longer an stiffer fins as my legs grew stronger. don't ever hold your breath especialy surfacing the air in your lungs will expand . let it out and don't come up faster than your air bubbles. 30 ft is pretty safe....Charlie

Comments

When I came aboard in 1964 I worked as a brown shirt in the hangar bay. My primary job was to grease the tailhook, wipe the struts and check the tires. Back then the A4C had 275 psi in the main gear. It was raised to 290 psi because the tires were blowing out on landing. Nitrogen gas was used because it did not expand like compressed air does when it is hot. Many long haul truckers fill their tires with nitrogen so that they will run cooler and extend tire life. I still think about the nitrogen bottle in its cradle and it being wound with safety wire in case it burst.

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 11 Jun 2009
Time: 19:33

Comments

Wayne, no but I was diving with my buddy from Pomona, CA in the early '72s. On the weekend out of LA. That would have been an incentive to go deep if there was a wreck to explore. In '73 on , my wife and I dove Monterrey Bay and the kelp gardens. Beautiful! Pete

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 11 Jun 2009
Time: 17:23

Comments

Pete - Have you ever dived the Valiant off of Desconzo Beach on Catalina? It's a 100 ft. luxury cruiser that caught fire and burned for three days in the early 30s. The stern is in about 80 feet of water and the bow is at 110 feet. It's pretty easy to find since it's below the third row of mooring buoys. I remember as dark and cold, but still a hoot to go down and see. We stayed on the wreck for about 10-15 minutes and then came up without having to decompress. All the rest of the dives that day were all up above 30 feet along the shore line. The visibility in that area is usually about 80 feet, so it's pretty clear but it is still a little hard to see it untill you're right on top of it. We had heard that it had over $80,000.00 in cash and jewels on board when it sank. Didn't find anything though. I did snap off a piece of a hand rail when I started slipping into one of the open holds. The superstructure is pretty well gone now but the hull is still there.

Comments

Charlie, I firefighting we had what was called the fire triangle. O2, Heat and fuel. You remove one and the fire goes out, later we added another surface and put the Chief in it so if you removed him you could get the fire out. I believe they add Nitrogen to car tires now because it doesn't swell like O2 or normal air with a high moisture content. That way your tires stay at a more constant pressure and Nitrogen being a inherit dry gas will not support combustion. On aircraft I don't think it makes much difference as far as Fire safety but constant pressure would be a help especially if you dropped down from a very high altitude quickly and landed, a stable pressure would be safer as that is probably the pilots last thought (what his tires are set at.) He has to many other things to check before take off and before landing. Pete, That was one smoooooth landing on your center fuel tank. Done like a true pro. Thanks for the video clip. Dennis

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 11 Jun 2009
Time: 16:59

Comments

Ok, one more...XO, never thought about what the A/C tires were filled with. I just assumed it was compressed air. A4 carrier tire pressure was 300 psi (I believe). Anyone know what they were pumped up with? I do know that when flying back to the beach, lots of tires were blown on the runway. Pete

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 11 Jun 2009
Time: 16:53

Comments

My buddy and I on one dive off Catalina wanted to see what was on the "other side of the road." We dove to ~120 ft...nothing to see. Had less than 5 min on the bottom and had to make a decompression stop coming up. No fun at all! Limited our fun the rest of the day we had two more limited dives at less than 30 ft to stay within the dive tables. Bummer! Never did it again. I did not fly for several days after that adventure:) Pete

Name: Peter Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 11 Jun 2009
Time: 16:41

Comments

Nitrogen Narcosis can occur when one dives at or below 100 ft when using compressed air. Causes an effect similar to a good drunk (dangerous if alone). Deep divers (pros) used to use He-O2 mix gases. I am sure there are much more sophisticated mixtures nowdays. Not something for sport divers to try. As Charlie points out, for us amateurs 30-60 ft is where the interesting sea life resides. Pete

Name: David Byrum
Email_Address: dtbyrum@gmail.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1961-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V-4 Div
Date: 11 Jun 2009
Time: 15:46

Comments

Charlie haven't you heard of " rhapsody of the deep"? I always thought that was nitrogen buildup in your blood.

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 11 Jun 2009
Time: 15:21

Comments

Charlie - My whole construction company took scuba diving classes together back in the early '80s and used to dive the Channel Islands off the coast of Ventura, Santa Barbara and down by Catalina Island. A sport divers' tank usually held 2800 to 3000lbs. of compressed air and at 30 to 60 feet of depth, allowed you stay down for 30 to 45 minutes of bottom time. You always kept an eye on your pressure gauge so you could start back to the dive boat on your last 2-300lbs. of air. It was much easier to swim beneath the surface rather then fight the surface chop. On one dive my gauge got caught between by buoyancy compensator and the tank harness and I thought I had plenty of air left, so I didn't sweat it much. I was wrong to do that as I started drawing hard on the regulator and realized right away that I had run out of air. On my last breath off the tank, I headed for the surface trying to hold my breath and to my surprise, I had no problem for want of air! The air was expanding in my lungs as I was surfacing. Unfortunately, I managed to break a lot of capillaries in my nose, neck and face doing this. I ended up looking like the looser in a prise fight. We also used to "skip breath" to extend our bottom time. Same thing would happen. Just swimming over a 6 foot sand bar on the bottom while holding your breath was enough to burst small blood vessels and give you a tremendous headache! Compressed air can certainly be a killer when misused. You also have to be careful that the compressor that fills your tanks is in good running order or you can get a tank with oil in the air. That doesn't do your lungs much good.

Comments

XO I bet they did Dennis can vouch for me.For a fire you need 02,heat and fuel. when you landed your tires would get hot. the rubber was the fuel, without 02 made it a lot safer. they spray water on a fire to remove the heat. Dennis jump in here you are a profesional on all this... Charlie

Comments

Name: TOM WIMBERLY
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1970-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: XO of the ship
Date: 11 Jun 2009
Time: 06:48

Comments

Didn't we use nitrogen to inflate the aircraft tires? Seems to me in the Phantom the tire pressure for carrier ops was 400 psi.

Comments

Pete bless your heart. I've worked hard trying to stay alive during my times. I have no idea how you are still alive. I guess heaven is not ready for you and satin dosen't wan't you down there starting trouble, you might put out his fire and wet his maches where he cant get it relighted....Charlie

Comments

Dennis carbon moxide is very deadly as you know. when I scuba dived I heard of a guy that filling tanks from an engine run compressor that sucked in the fumes and that was his last dive. I have heard of diabetic pt having to take 02 treatments. Gangrene is a bad dude. in my days they whacked off the infectecd part to prevent it from spreading. I don't know what they do now...Charlie

Comments

David N2 won't make you drunk 70% of air is made of it. It is inert It won't burn. We transferd it to purge fuel lines and to top of fuel storage to make them safer. If you were in an enclosed space it could replace the air and you would feel drunk from the lack of 02.our N2 was the highest compressed gas we had. we had a special compressor that that we would store it at 4000 psi.It was a noisey sucker. you have to to be careful around any pure gases...Charlie

Comments

Charlie, I don't think we had a chamber aboard the Hanna, that is more of a base type set up. On the FD we would get involved with the chamber in the hospitals where they could put you in and crank up the O2 saturation or put you in something like an old iron lung and saturate your extremities with O2. This was great with victims of Carbon Monoxide poisoning or even Gangrene as it would make it retreat back down an extremity so the could save most of it. Gangrene would start say at your foot and travel up your leg, this would force it back down as far as they could and sometimes save the leg. On CO poisoning Monoxide fills the red cells from getting any O2 as they has a 200 times more affinity for CO than O2. The chamber would force it into the cells and hopefully save the pt.

Name: David Byrum ABF3
Email_Address: dtbyrum@msn.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1961-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V-4 Div
Date: 10 Jun 2009
Time: 17:33

Comments

We had experences with nitrogen also. Our piping was purged with it so when we had to work on a valve some would escape, cheap drunk.

Comments

I lived on a house boat on a bayou for 3 years that had plastic drums for flotation. the air in a lot of them would shrink during the winter monthsI decided to fix that problem. I bought so new barrels and had my Grandson help me. I put a table spoon of baking powder in it and when I pourd 1/4 cup of vineger in there was an instant woosh and I had to get the bong in fast. It pressurisd and we stood back to see if it was going to pop. I could bounce it off the ground like a basket ball. I was makeing C02 which didn't expand and contract like air.problem solved. I learned a lot about gases on the Hanna, That was my job...Charlie

Comments

Dennis you are above my hesd. I didn't know we had a chamber aboard .I wold imaginePilots at low altitudes would take their mask off . I belive in your situation running into a burning building is a differnt ball game altitude is not involved..If a Pilot scuba dived and then went to 30 k in the air his blood would boil. I really respect what you do you have saved a lot of lifes and have wounds to prove it. .Charlie..

Comments

Pete I scuba dived . I went down to 100 ft once there is nothing that deep all that interesting, and coming up is a pain in the butt leting the N2 out of your blood . it will expand and tou will get the bends. 30ft is your best diving.everything lives where they get sunlight from above. You are correct about letting the N2 adjust in your blood. it will expand. at differet altitudes...Charlie

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 09 Jun 2009
Time: 20:01

Comments

Dennis, Thanks, You made my day! I am going to be laughing all night now. What insight!

Comments

Pete and Charlie, Don't you know what the chamber was ? When a pilot started getting smart and thinking about landing on a bouncing postage stamp, The would put him in the chamber and deprive him of some O2 for awhile. Kill off a few cells and he was back on track dong what any sane person would not do. Just Firefighting..... Where we would run in where everyone else was trying to get out. After the fire the first thing we would do was light up a cigarette. And I bet you thought that it was just regular tobacco in those things. Dennis

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 09 Jun 2009
Time: 19:18

Comments

Charlie, You hit on an important point about Nitrogen in the blood for pilots. My wife and I were avid Scuba divers during my years at NAS Lemoore. We would spend the weekends diving in Monterrey Bay. I always made sure I did not have a hop scheduled within 24 hours of a dive. Altough we would never dive below 30ish feet on Sunday, N2 bubbles would accumulate in the blood. You DO NOT want to fly at altitude after a dive. Got to give the buggers time to dissolve. I would say even flying in an airliner is risky for all you shipmates out there. Pete

Name: Peter W Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 09 Jun 2009
Time: 19:03

Comments

Charlie, the official purpose of the training was to introduce one to the symptoms of the onset of Hypoxia. Noble goal...I really never could realized that it was coming on...but maybe your wingman (or copilot) could notice eratic behavior and get you to descend immediately. The other explanation could be that it was the flight physiologist's big joke to make us all look goofy...don't believe it :) Pete

Comments

Pete we took a test of the 02 purity we were producing every hour and logged it. we understood a scewup on our part could cost a Pilots life. impurities could frezze in the A/C 02 system. I have know idea about quality control of the lox carts. It is sad to here of Pilots going down because of lack of 02...Charlie

Comments

Billy I have probly talked with you on the sound powerd phones filling your lox cart up. I was aboard those years woking in the plants. Pete I saw film about puting Pilots in a chamber and depriving them of 02 long ago. I don't know what the purpose of it was. everyone knows you need 02 to live. pure 02 for extended times without fresh air geting some N2 into your blood is not good...Charlie

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 08 Jun 2009
Time: 19:43

Comments

Billy Webb, Shipmate, you were aboard before my time. but we still needed the Lox for our A/C. Every year we had to qual in the pressure chamber. They would simulate 18,000 ft and have us take our masks (O2) off. Playing "paddy cake" was really nice until the instructer forced us to put the mask back on. Found out you were just banging the none air! Hypoxia (lack of O2) was a bad thing for pilots; killed many! Pete

Name: Billy Webb
Email_Address: webbz@verizon.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1963-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V6 Div.
Date: 08 Jun 2009
Time: 19:17

Comments

Liquid Oxygen. Any one still left from the Liquid oxygen group between the years 1963 and 1964. This is my first time using the Ships log.

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Dennis Go to wickapedia.com. a college runs it anna are very reliable. look up militay burials or any other subject. They have have more about the Hanna than I ever knew. It is free and you can look up anything. I looked Petes Crusader, It is a lot different reading about them than flying then I'm sure It will give dates and operations she was in. I sugesst you guys just give it a spin around the block..Charlie

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Charlie, As near as I can fuigure out I have heard some veteran's groups have done it for awhile now to give the family left behind a stronger feeling when the receive the flag from a loved ones funeral. I can't pin down who exactly started it but I was told it started about 15 years ago. I'll let you know if I can find out anything more. Dennis

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Dennis/Don you have my couriosity up about the flag folding. who ever produced what Dennis sent me put a lot of effort into it. If Dennis is wondering so am I...Charlie

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Pete I have know idea how T-Stoms can figure out when to mess your day up, We have a lot of new comers down here and the under estamate the Gulf. some drowned when their boat sinks with waves coming over the stern. I am not a Pilot but still have enough sense to get out of the rain. chickens have that much they head for the hen house. I was by a oak tree and lightning hit it and split it wide open. the air smelled like bleach.,,,,Charlie

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Don Purney, Thanks for the update on the flag fold story. I guess I should have checked it out first. It sounded like it should be true. Wonder why they never attached something like this to the flag folding. Dennis

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 07 Jun 2009
Time: 19:57

Comments

Sea Story (related)! I was flying through some bad weather on a cross country. The A-4 had no wx radar, so I was relying on ATC (ground controlers) to guide me through the T-storms. Doing fine, when I got a call from ATC to describe my ride. Knowing that airline pilots are always looking for smooth air (me too now that I am in stearage), my comment was: "My martini is not spilling." Got a chuckle out of the controler. Stories guys? Pete

Name: Peter W. Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 07 Jun 2009
Time: 19:41

Comments

Dennis, thanks for the article...quit a history for VA-115! Charlie, my first squadron was based at NAS Cecil Field, FL. The duty thunderstorm would raise its ugly head(s) around 1600 like clockwork. We planned our ops to reserve enough gas to hold and recover after it moved through. XO, my lips are sealed :) Pete

Name: Don Purney
Email_Address: DJPurney@comcast.net
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 70 - 74
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div
Date: 07 Jun 2009
Time: 17:48

Comments

Flag folding? See: http://www.snopes.com/military/flagfold.asp

21 Gun Salute? http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq40-1.htm

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XO thats what you call on the job training. The Gulf can come up with some pretty bad thunder heads.a few even turn into water spouts which I only seen one. thankfully it died before hitting land.. Gosh XO you have lot of flght hrs in.how many did you log in. I don't know how you and Pete plus a lot of others did it...Charlie

Comments

Name: TOM WIMBERLY
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1970-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Ship's XO
Date: 06 Jun 2009
Time: 13:19

Comments

The loss of the French airliner, and Pete's post yesterday, reminds me that I once did a foolish thing. I was at Pensacola, first shore duty tour; a flight instructor in the T2V-1 at Sherman Field. Two cruises under my belt, 1300 flight hours. Had flown off the boat in the Banshee 3 and the Ford. Felt invincible, I guess. We lived with thunderstorms; flew around them, etc. and canceled flight ops when there were too many of them. Anyhow, I was on a solo hop; must have been a test hop. Probably 20,000 feet or so, over eastern Alabama. Here was this boomer. I had flown all around it. I decided to fly through it; I knew the size of it and that I wouldn't be in it very long. Couldn't be too bad, I thought. Man, what a surprise. I thought the wings were going to come off for sure. I mean it was really seriously frightening. I vowed never ever to fly through a boomer again.

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Pete VA-115 during my time aboard was flying the AD's and their squadron name was "The Arabs" which was later changed to be more politically correct I guess. Here is a link that will give you some very interesting history on VA-115 going back to the original squadron formed right after Pearl Harbor. http://liverputty.blogspot.com/2008/07/gator-patrol-va-115-arabs.html Remember the story of Ensign Gay at the battle of Midway ? He was from the original squadron. Check it out. Dennis

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 05 Jun 2009
Time: 16:43

Comments

Robert Ernest LEDTJE, looking on the Shyhawk Organization web site, CVW-21 (VA-212 a member) was aboard during that time. Don't see VA-115 as an A-4 outfit; what did they fly, Spads? Before my time...I was still a Midshipman in college. Pete

Name: Peter W Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 05 Jun 2009
Time: 16:26

Comments

Charlie, one flies around thunderstorms; not through them. That is what modern weather radar on airliners is for. What a tragidy. I do not think they will ever know what really happened. All the speculation and misinformation in the news media is just that. Pete

Comments

Pete I remember you talking about flying around that thunderhead in front of the Hanna, I thought abought you when I was watching the news about about that French Pilot that tried to take his airliner thtough one.,It didn;t work.....Charlie

Name: ERIC BEAZER
Email_Address: ebeazer@cox.net
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1965-1968
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V1 DIVISION
Date: 04 Jun 2009
Time: 11:46

Comments

Just looking

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Congratulations to our newest Life Members: #262 Lewis Briggs, AO1, G Div, 64-68, #263, Frank Riordan, Plankowner, 7th Div, 44-45, Eugene Probasco, AG2, OA Div, 62-64. They won't have to be reminded to pay their dues again.

Name: Robert Ernest LEDTJE
Email_Address: postlwkr@netwtc.net
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1966-1967
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-115
Date: 03 Jun 2009
Time: 06:49

Comments

I would like to see more on the Airwings.

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Mack Arlington was built on Robert E Lees plantation after it was burnt down late in the civil war and became the National Cemetery because the union felt he betrayed them when he went back to his home state when it succeeded from the union changing of the guard is quite an honor to be one of them...Charlie

Comments

XO I don't know who the Skipper or XO was during my time. I only saw the back of ones head once while at sea and he had a Marine with him. I knew someone was in charge of steering the ship, one cuise we were flagship, we had an Admial. He was a little short guy, His name was Blackburn or Blackwell or something like that. I saw him in the hangerbay, He was a party animal , He had Officers with him and about 4 PI girls. I don't know why he used the EM gangplank. Dennis must have been driveing his car. He was full of booze. When you work and live below sea level what go's on topside is entertainment....Charlie

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 02 Jun 2009
Time: 20:29

Comments

XO, thanks for the link to the Blue's piece. I felt the adreline rush as if I was the slot man! Pete

Comments

If one has had the honor of watching, the changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery, did you count the steps of that Guard? I did, they always take twenty- one. A folded flag given to ones family especially in time of war , will have a marked effect on that family for ever. Cheers, Mack

Name: Tom Wimberly
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 70-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: XO of the ship
Date: 02 Jun 2009
Time: 14:23

Comments

For Mike Tunstall: Hancock had three COs during the period 1955-57. E. R. Sanders was captain from Jan 55 to Jan 56; J. D. Black was captain from Jan 56 to Jan 57, and C. J. Odend'hal was captain from Jan 57 to Feb 58.

Name: Wayne Durfey
Email_Address: waynedurfey@yahoo.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M div.
Date: 02 Jun 2009
Time: 14:17

Comments

Dennis - Thank you for posting the article about folding the flag. Almost everything connected with the origin of the country and its' symbols has a deeper meaning when you start looking into them. Most of that seems to be lost today for one reason or another. I'm always amazed at what the kids today DON"T know about our founders and what was at stake for them. I think it cheapens our lives a bit not to pass those inspirations on to our children. It's not a sin to be proud of your country and your heritage.

Name: Tom Wimberly
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 70-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Ship's XO
Date: 02 Jun 2009
Time: 14:16

Comments

Here's an interesting Blue Angels video. Cut and copy to your browser.

http://www.ramsheadtavern.com/blog/2009/05/20/blue-angel-blue-angel-fly-

=============

Comments

Congratulations to our newest Life Members: #260, Kenneth Warner, VU-9 (PH2), 69-71 and #260, Albert Sparks, 4th Gunnery, 54-56. They will never have to pay dues again!

Name: mike tunstall
Email_Address: miketunstallsr@yahoo.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1955-57
Division_Squadron_Detachment: captain
Date: 02 Jun 2009
Time: 11:58

Comments

who was ship's captain

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Gosh I looked up an 03 Spingfield up on the net. they want about $1400 for one. but they are refurbished. I remember when I and others went on a practice landing party with the Marines off the Hannah In the PI I don't know where we were at but it was live fire. that aircooled 30 cal machine gun was a piece of crap,you had to clear it after an few rounds. I wouldn't want to put my life on it. we ate C-ration dated 1943. I wasn't a happy camper...Charlie

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XO I found the General Orders on Wikipedia.com it is a free encyclopedia that go's into detail about each order and explains what each order means. You can look anything up in it. We had to get out to formation once and I thought I had my wall locker locked . The Chief had me doing the Duck walk with that 03 over my head . It wasnt't very long my arms and legs were really hurting, another lesson in paying attention to detail...Charlie

Name: Tom Wimberly, Past Ass'n President
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1970-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: XO of the ship
Date: 02 Jun 2009
Time: 01:20

Comments

Charlie, I could do the 16 count manual right now. 1, 2, 3 4 to left shoulder arms, 5, 6, 7, 8 toright shoulder arms, 9, 10 to port arms, 11 to present arms, 12 to port arms, 13, 14, 15 to order arms, 16 to parade rest. General orders of a sentry: "To walk my post in a military manner, and take no s___ from the company commander," etc. etc.

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I read where Ms. has 34 cases of swine flue. 11 in my county. I'm not going to kiss anymore pigs I don't care how much lipstick they put on. I guess I'm going to have to quit dog sitting Bella, If she Barks at me in a menaceing way CuJo attacts her and I have a dogfight on my hands. Bella bit me on the hand tonight trying to break them up. I hate that but Toni told me Bella was geting violent. It all started with them sleeping with me in the recliner and I had to go to the head....Charlie

Comments

XO with a little thinking and practice I might remember how to do the 16 count Manual. Forget about me reciting the 10 general orders. I went to boot camp in San Diego like you. I hated those concrete scrub tables with that pail of water and a scrub brush to do our landry, and sometimes pulling guard duty in the middle of the night marching around cloths lines with that pluged up 03 Springfield over my shoulder for 4 hrs. They darn sure taught me attrition, I thought it was 12 weeks, I didn't know they started out with 0 week....Charlie

Name: TOM WIMBERLY
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1970-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: XO of the ship
Date: 01 Jun 2009
Time: 06:05

Comments

Dennis, the reason you hadn't heard of how to fold the flag is -- that story didn't exist until recent years. I came in the Navy in 1951, went through all the training of boot camp and OCS, and 31 years active duty, and likewise, I never heard of it. I don't think the material existed until 15 or so years ago. Someone made it up then, and I understand now that some veterans organizations are quoting it and using it. It's pretty in a way, but I don't think it has any historical validity. And the bit connecting 21 guns and 1776 - I think that's urban legend.

Comments

my years as a kid in school the first thing we did was pledge alegance to the flag standing up with our right hand over our heart. I'm thinking some where around 53 they added one nation under god, , now kids don't do it because of that. XO dosen't that piramid with the eyeball on top on the dollar bill have something to do with the Masons...Charlie

Name: Billy L Webb
Email_Address: webbz@verizon.net
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1963-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V6Div
Date: 31 May 2009
Time: 22:32

Comments

Liquid Oxygen

Name: Billy L Webb
Email_Address: webbz@verizon.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1963-1964
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V6 Div
Date: 31 May 2009
Time: 22:25

Comments

Liquid Oxygen

Comments

The two posts just prior to this one are in reverse order. As veterans we should know this. I was never taught it and had never heard of it. It is a tradition that goes way back in our American Heritage. I hope you pass it on to those you know and maybe give them a better understanding when someone says "They gave their life for their Flag and Country" God Bless them all before us and those that will follow. Dennis Flynn

Comments

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that They pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are ! uppermost reminding them of their nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

Comments

Please take a minute to read this, Dennis Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings to establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's history. Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in and even more proud of those who serve to protect our 'GOD GIVEN' rights and freedoms.________________________________________ I hope you take the time to read this ... To understand what the flag draped coffin really means ... Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers. Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life. The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life. The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.' (continued on next post)

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 31 May 2009
Time: 16:19

Comments

XO, guess we were all resting our posting fingers yesterday :) Thanks for posting the article on John Finn...a real inspiration! Also, enjoyed the article on you in the Hannah News. Good luck, thanks for you service to the association. See you at Hook '09 in Sep. Pete

Comments

Dennis forgive me for putting an E on the end of your name, I wouldn't like it if someone called me Charlette...Charlie

Comments

Dennise what you sent me about folding the flag at a military funeral I didn't know it ment all that. I have been on several burial details and knew how to fold them, when they sounded taps was the worst part....Charlie

Comments

XO I got my Hannah news today and enjoyed reading about Herb Clarke, and yourself. My Uncle was a 32nd Degree Mason and my Grandmother was Easten Star. I don't know what it is all about but I know they stick together and most the big shots in Paris Tx. belonged to it. He started out on the same cotton farm I did and ended up a multimillion-air building freeways. he was a hard worker though. I remember his little bob-tailed dump truck he started with. I've been up to my ears in alligators, I've got to pull the plug and drain the swamp...Charlie

Name: Tom Wimberly
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 70-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: XO of the ship
Date: 30 May 2009
Time: 19:26

Comments

This link is a story about the birthday celebration they are having for John Finn in Altamont, New York. Tom Hennessey arranged it. There is a cafe there called the Home Front Cafe. It is filled with photos and relics from servicemen. Tom took us to lunch there last October when we visited him.

I don't see any postings on the site today. Something must be wrong.

Cut and paste this: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20090529/D98G3LQG0.html

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 29 May 2009
Time: 17:19

Comments

XO, I really do not remember, probably?...only that they were a pain to deal with. Don't know why we did not use secure radio transmissions? Maybe we did not have crypto gear that cruise? We did on the '75 cruise. Did love the "authorized" low level buzzing of oil tankers entering and exiting the Suez Canal. We would get the crews attention! Pete

Comments

Pete when your buch made low level runs on an old surfaced diesel boat I bet they felt like kids caught with their hands in a cookie jar. I would be waveing and smiling too, with my heart in my throat. and my britches full...Charlie

Name: Tom Wimberly
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 70-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: XO of the ship
Date: 29 May 2009
Time: 09:35

Comments

Pete Cole - the hand held decoder thing - the old "shackle" code; am I right?

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 28 May 2009
Time: 17:14

Comments

As I remember, we arrived on station in the I/O with about 1-2 days worth of JP-5 for the Air Wing. Our supply ship train did not catch up for a week. Guess we could have made one or two Alpha Strikes, but the fighting was over. Our mission then became surface surveillance . You would fly out on radials from the ship and record ship movements (Whoope!). We had a crypto hand held wheely thing that the spooks (intel guys) wanted us to use to radio back the ship names. I told the spooks (flight lead now) that we could not fly low, snap pics with a Nikon, and wheel...look at the pics of the stearns with the names and countries when we recover. It worked! Did catch a Russian diesel boat on the surface. Rusty sucker. Buzzed it a couple of times...they waved (got really low!), so I figured they did not need assistance. Pete

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 28 May 2009
Time: 16:45

Comments

Tom McKernan, I had forgotten it was that long at sea. I do remember that the first mail delivery was about two weeks after we headed there. The COD was cheered aboard!

Comments

It was a little crazy to me to me the way Officers worked their pecking order, when I was in Pueto Rico the Batalion Dr. had a sail boat.His Father was a Dr. He knew I Suba Dived so he would ask me to go with him. We Sailed to the Officers Beach when we run out of air. I told him it was restricked for EM.He said don't worry about it. The Officers were having a big cook-out. We brought our rock lobsters ashore. the Cmdr. greeted us and told me to make myself at home. They had big juicey steaks. What was funny was when the XO grabbed the volley ball all the jr, Officers would jump up and play when he decided to quit the whole game was shut down. The Dr. didn't pay much attention to them. I guess he could live by different rules. We got a bunch of nice sea shells. I would bury them in cages I made out of rabbit wire and the ants would clean them out and I would take his over to his office.....Charlie

Name: Tom McKernan
Email_Address: tntmckernan@msn.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: Jan73-Dec75
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Ediv/V2div
Date: 27 May 2009
Time: 21:00

Comments

For Phil Torres and Dennis Flynn - as an Electrician's Mate, I also showed movies in the Wardroom - we were paid $3 per movie. The Wardroom had an opaque screen - senior officers sat on the same side as the projector, and junior officers sat on the other side of the screen - which meant they saw everything backwards! Whenever there was any female nudity, the officers always had me rewind the film and play the scene over and over again. Totally destroyed the sprocket holes, which ruined those juicy parts for whoever saw the movie next. Wayne Durfey - I also bought one of those parachute bags - still have it, and the zipper doesn't work anymore. I also still have a set of drinking glasses you sold me, don't know where you got them, since we were at sea. Those were the days!

Comments

For Pete Cole - I remember the deployment to the Indian Ocean very well. Fifty-nine days at sea, food went from bad to worse (I actually saw the OOD fill his tray sampling the crew's mess and procede directly to the scullery) and I caught food poisoning. Corpsman in sickbay said I was #60 that night. S-2 division apparently tried to kill off the crew with turkey ala king. Saw the Shah with entourage walking through the hangar bay. Mail call seemed to happen once a week. Many short tempers in the firerooms (pent up testosterone). A lot of fun!

Comments

Pete your answer is about what I expected :) I really didn't enjoy my last couple years in the military with all the little pink chins but I started out that way myself. My 1st trip to Nam was on a C124, the AF called it Old Shaky. I see why. The pilot told me if it shakes,you smell oil and rivits pop everything is ok If it gets quiet we are in trouble. I never knew there were so many islands in the Pacific. our 1st stop was Hawii, I thought they went to get some sleep, I slept in an on a onboard bunk, When they didn't return the next am i went to the terminal yo find out what was going on. They told me I didn't have a Pilot.There was a Pilot standing next to me and said ain't that a heck of a note you have an A/C and can't fly it and I'm a Pilot without one. I told him he could have mine but I have to get it to Nam. He said we will be out there in about an hour let me get my crew together. I never knew there were so many island in the Pacific I don't think we missed one, without landing for repairs. but the crew got some sleep. They were a bunch of good guys, The navigator showed me how the loran worked and then showed me how he could take a sextant reading from a little hole in the top, and the went to his little table and re- did his figures and told the Pilot we were 300 miles off course and give him a new heading. they mostly flew with auto-Pilot. On our last leg to the PI one engine started vibrating real bad and the Pilot shut it down. There was a little hatch the engineer crawled out in the wing and came back and said the engine basket was broke, I remember thinking gosh if we crash I hope I die because because if I don't get my chopper to Nam the 1st Sgt will kill me anyway.

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 27 May 2009
Time: 16:48

Comments

Charlie, funny you should ask about what I think about flying commercial in "steerage." As I get older, the Captains get younger! Never flew in the airlines (not wanting to be a bus driver), but have heard stories from retired guys I know. Not every airline pilot is a "Capt Sully." Example: I have been flying on regional jets lately a lot. The Captains tend to be "young." I was at Dulas recently waiting for my flight. A "young (not sure he shaves yet)" Capt walked by (as did many others). Thought to myself, hope he is not my pilot. Guess who I saw in the cockpit left seat when I boarded...YUP! I thought: hope his dipers are buckled tight and his instrument rating is current (bad weather) :)! It was a good flight, guess I am just getting old (more seasoned?). XO what are your thoughts? Pete

Name: Phil Jones
Email_Address: jonesp49@optonline.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1972-1973
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 27 May 2009
Time: 14:54

Comments

Charlie, the XO replied to your question regarding Henry Strong's rank. Thank you Tom. Pete Cole, I was separated from active duty in May 1973 just before the cruise. Hopefully we'll see each other next year in D.C.

Comments

Gorden where have you been hideing, you to Jim Bell, Mack, Jim and the rest of you lofers. Gorden this little dog thinks my wooden TV tray is a chew toy. It won't be long before it is a pile of sawdust. We got a warning that the Confederate Air Force will come out before long,(misquitos). I have doggie treats that I got from the Vet to give her one a month to prevent her from geting heart worms. She is almost as expensive as a wife and and dosen't listen to a thing I say, at least my aligator buddy on the house boat would listen. I shoud have cut his tail off and put leash on him and called him my Bull dog. I love CuJo, I have know idea how you Brits with a dog that has so much energy, fears nothing, She don't care if it's raining She is water proof , and pays no attention to lightning or storms...Charlie

Comments

Dennis I love your e-mails, I don't know where you come up with them. I fed a lot of them to my Aunt who is several years younger than me. I have one Aunt 5 years older Our birthdays are pretty close. when I was born Mom brought me home and handed me to her and said heres you a birthday present. Aunt Pat took her serious and thought I was hers. Dad was deployed to Normandy by then....Charlie

Comments

I don't know why DC. puts their nose into other peoples bussines. Viet Nam has not taught them a thing. people that have been fighing each other for thousands of years let them have it out, may the best man win. It shouldn't be our problem. Control our own borders, that is what most of the people I talk to want, our military is cream of the crop from our country, They should not lose their lifes in a place that will return back to the way it was...Charlie

Comments

I really got PO'd about the USS Liberty thing, a carrier lanched A/C to come to her rescue and were called back by someone In DC. and fellow Sailors were getting killed. by Iseral. It was a spy ship .but in international waters.I wish they would pull all our troops out, let them knock the nuke plant out in Iran. and let the coffee ginds settle to the bottom of the pot...Charlie

Comments

XO as I remember it After Iran was taken over by some Kominne they got into it with Iraq and we supported them. there were a couple things that happend I can't remember the time line, from what my 3 brain cells remember is one of our tin cans shot down civilian airliner that wasn't sending some kind of signal out that lets the military know. there was an A/C that broad cast it and put a missile into one of our tin cans...Charlie

Name: Tom Wimberly
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 70-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Ship's XO
Date: 27 May 2009
Time: 02:42

Comments

About Henry Strong and another pilot shot down that cruise. Here's what I wrote about it in the March 2008 Hannah News TAPS section.

Shipmate CDR Frank Clifford Green, Jr., an A-4 pilot of VA-212, was lost on a night bombing run on July 9, 1972 and declared MIA. In November of 2007, we found that his name was not shown on the Memorial Plaque aboard the USS YORKTOWN Museum or in our Memorial pages. Presumably this was because he was not declared KIA until late 1978. Shipmate CDR Henry Hooker Strong, CO of VA-212, was shot down in an A-4 on May 25, 1972 and declared MIA. In November of 2007, we found that his name was not shown on the Memorial Plaque aboard the USS YORKTOWN Museum or in our Memorial pages. Presumably this was because he was not declared KIA until late 1978. Promoted to Captain while missing.

Name: Tom Wimberly
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 70-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Ship's XO
Date: 27 May 2009
Time: 02:41

Comments

About Henry Strong and another pilot shot down that cruise. Here's what I wrote about it in the March 2008 Hannah News TAPS section.

Name: Tom Wimberly
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 70-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: XO of the ship
Date: 27 May 2009
Time: 02:35

Comments

In my last post, should have said Iran where I said Iraq.

Name: Tom Wimberly
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 70-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: XO of the ship
Date: 27 May 2009
Time: 02:32

Comments

I had the good fortune to visit Iran, India, and Israel in the spring of 1970, just before I went to Hancock. In Iran, Charlie, the Shah's picture was everywhere - streets and commercial buildings as well as public buildings. Reza Pahlavi I believe was his name, and he was "Shah n Shah" - King of Kings. He was a staunch ally, and Iran at the time was a bulwark against the USSR. I believe it was Jimmy Carter who decided that the Shah was too dictatorial, and that it would be better to withdraw US support for him and let those nice gentle Muslims take power in Iraq. You see what happened as a result of that.

Comments

Pete we landed In Iran about two weeks before those hostages were taken. they had the Shaws picture in the little building that was the terminal, It was in Teharn or how ever you spell it Carter was Pres. then. They made us group up under a open space with a top over it until our A/C was refuled. We were told the Shaw went to the US for an operation. he never came back the country was over thrown, I don't know what ever happened to him ,,,,Charlie

Comments

Pete you have been around the block several times. I have know idea how you are still alive. you must have been one heck of a Pilot with an alpa male atitude. I wonder what you think when you go on your jobs on A/C with another Pilot driveing. you said you were going to send me an e-mail about the Astronaught thing but it must have sliped your mind. Your wife must really be tough or given you up for dead years ago, I really look up to you Pete....Charlie

Name: Peter Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 26 May 2009
Time: 20:22

Comments

Dennis, Thank you for the quote on Memorial Day from President Reagan. This is a day late, but: "Fair winds and following seas" to my Navy, and "Semper Fi" to my Marine Hannah shipmates, one and all! Pete

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 26 May 2009
Time: 19:44

Comments

I neglected to mention that we came out of a port call to Hong Kong and were scheduled for a port call in Austrialia before sailing home in Oct '73. Those pesky guys in the Mid East made us make a left turn and an extention! Hey, more traps and a possibility of action! Pete

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 26 May 2009
Time: 19:31

Comments

Charlie, CDR Henry Strong was the CO of VA-212 who was shot down in May '72. Never had the "pleasure" of seeing Diego Garcia...Kwajalein is enough for me. From the Skyhawk association web site: "October and December 1973: With the outbreak of war in the Middle East between Israel, Syria and Egypt and the initiation of the Arab oil embargo, United State Ship Hancock, with VA-212 embarked, was ordered to enter the Indian Ocean and operate in the Arabian Sea." We even had the Shah of Iran (when he was our friend) come aboard to observe flight ops. I remember a sand storm 200 nm at sea that made us go to a Case 3 (IFR) recovery. Anyone else remeber those fun times? Pete

Comments

Here is a quote for today, Memorial Day, from one of the greats.

"It is, in a way, an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our country, in defense of us, in wars far away. The imagination plays a trick. We see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as something like the Founding Fathers, grave and gray haired. But most of them were boys when they died, and they gave up two lives -- the one they were living and the one they would have lived. When they died, they gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. They gave up their chance to be revered old men. They gave up everything for our country, for us. And all we can do is remember." President Ronald Reagan

Name: Gary Stevens
Email_Address: garystevens@rocketmail.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1963-64
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V4 Div.
Date: 26 May 2009
Time: 10:25

Comments

Good time of my life

Comments

I don't blame you if you don't belive this, I think we flew in on a C130, there was a young SeaBee chipping dried concrete of a mixer, He was naked as a jaybird other than a hard hat and steel toed boots witch we were required to wear by OSHA rules. from what I understand they are the same ones issued to Pilots. they are good boots...Charlie

Comments

Phil help me out here. was he a full Bird Captain or a Marine Captain. Pete when you were in the Indian Ocean did you ever fly by Diego Garcia. I was there when Viet Nam fell. We were getting it half way operational then. we were 1400 miles from the nearest woman. We listened to broacast from Viet Nam on a ham radio. You should have seen the brig they had me build , It was out of # 9 rebar and lined it with materess's. in case someone went nuts on isolated duty. I thought of building an escape hatch in case I ever got tossed in.We had a tanker and U-2 land there from utapow, Gosh was that thing noisy when it spiroled gaining altitude. We didn't like it because when it came by our supply A/C with food and mail bags couldn't land ,we didn't have much aporn space. the guys lengthing the runway had a donkey that everyone called runway Jenny. She was very tame and well taken care of. they would make sure she was out of the way when A/C landed. We didn't get but about one a week....Charlie

Name: Peter Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 25 May 2009
Time: 19:36

Comments

Phil, never had the pleasure of knowing Capt Strong, but my sentiments also! Were you on the '73 cruise especially to the Indian Ocean? I joined the VA-212 in June '73 aboard the Hannah. Even though I was a fairly senior LT, I was the Nugget ( Newbee pilot). So lots of razzing was envolved...no matter, part of the job! Good stories, email me! Pete

Name: Phil Jones
Email_Address: jonesp49@optonline.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1972-1973
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 25 May 2009
Time: 16:37

Comments

Remembering our squadron C.O., Capt. Henry Hooker Strong, who was shot down over Vinh, N.V. 37 years ago today. His remains were never returned.

Comments

Wayne you are right, today is about ours that can't be here today. I wish the whole world would think about today. It might be a safer place...Charlie

Name: Wayne Erven, Past President 06-08
Email_Address: oldsalt2@comcast.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1965-1968
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Ops Office
Date: 24 May 2009
Time: 11:23

Comments

As we approach Memorial Day, please remember all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freeedoms. It is not just barbeques, beaches, and beer. For those who went before us, thank you for your sacrifices. May you rest in peace.

Comments

John Jr. college can be a trip. I took drafting and when I was instructing and they got new tables I wanted the old ones and put them in one of my classrooms. we got the old T-squares and plastic angles, I got colored pencils and went through circuits and had them draw them where I knew I wasn't just wasting my breath. Everyone knew I was retired Navy and they wern't going to slip much by me. I wouldn't sign a deploma if I didn't think they were qualifed, they knew it and studied.as an instuctor we were required to take courses from othe dept's. I had fun in a phycology.I told the instucter She had penis envy. It sure messed her up . after class she said Charlie don't do that to me anymore. She had to explain to the class what it was. ...Charlie

Comments

Pete I have only seen Cruiser I have seen her from a distance at sea aboard the Hanna. It was an old one I don't know what class but She tied up in Youkuska when when We did, She was kept up well and and It was one of the prettiest ships I ever laid my eyes on. The boatwains had her all prettied up with there rope artwork. It was probley larger than the one you were one Pete it was a WW2 modle. Gosh my youngest son is visiting for the weekend, Toni came over and we pulled one heck of a liberty on my patio...Charlie

Name: John Alexander
Email_Address: John.M.alexander1@us.army.mil
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1968-1972
Division_Squadron_Detachment: first
Date: 23 May 2009
Time: 08:04

Comments

Thought I would share an interesting anecdote with you. While working at a local jr. collage as a drafting instructor we were tasked to do some course development of an unusal type. Because it was new to us, the higher ups decided to bring in some big shot from a major university back east to get us started. Well he had already been in the confrence room with about 20 instructors and faculity when I got there. I went in with a high degree of contempt for this "brainpool". When he stuck out his hand to shake with me I saw it. Two small crossed anchors tattoed at the base of his thumb. So I looked right away at the other hand and saw a small star tattoed at the base of his other thumb. The first thing out of my mouth was. Fleet sailor? he responds with damn right. Then I ask Shellback? he says Oh hell yes 1961 USS Obrian. Well everyone else in the room was left wondering what we were talking about and he and I hit it off just fine. You never know where you are going to find a brother of the Ancient Order of the Deep.

Comments

XO you may end up with a Toni on your hands, She has been offered a news anchor job in Corpus Christi for more pay. She has never been to Corpus and I told her how beautiful it was but didn't want to lose her. She is thinking it over. I think she wants to get a copy of the contract and let her lawyer go through it. It seems like everything Has to go through a Dr, Lawyer or Indian Chief any more.....Charlie

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 22 May 2009
Time: 18:32

Comments

Charlie, CG was the designation for guided a missile cruiser. Now days the Aegis ships (both cruisers and FFGs) with the Standard Missile (SM-3) are the ballistic missile defense ships. FYI: one of those ships shot down the satellite last year. As you may recall (sorry to repeat). I was on my 3rd Class cruise on the USS Columbus, CG-12, in the summer of 1965. Midshipman were fodder for the crew....just kidding...had an introduction to the realy Navy and really enjoye it. Pete

Name: spencer jones
Email_Address: spjones92550@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1969-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OI div
Date: 22 May 2009
Time: 16:49

Comments

Dave my brother recently retired as a LNMC. He was on the constitution a few years ago. I will ask him about the training courses. D you have Jack Bears email? I can give it to you if you want

Name: Tom Wimberly, outgoing Membership Chairman
Email_Address: twimbo@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1970-72
Division_Squadron_Detachment: XO of the Ship
Date: 22 May 2009
Time: 07:39

Comments

A WWII sailor named Raymond A. Long was President of the Hancock Association 1992-94. His wife Helen died on 4/28/09. She was 87. Ray is 87. He is in an assisted living facility. He has continued to drive, but says he has decided to give it up. Doesn't want to take a chance on hurting someone. I know he would appreciate calls, but he is still suffering a bit from the stroke of a few years ago, and he is a little hard to understand. A sympathy card or a simple note would be good. Email me to get his address if you are interested in sending him a card. He's not suffering from any lack of friends. He was very active in the Masonic fraternity, and is a Past Potentate (ie President) of the Shrine Center at Altoona, PA. We had a bad phone number for him, and I got the correct one by calling that Shrine Center. The Recorder (secretary) there has been a good friend of Ray's for many years.

Tidbit on the Juse issue of the Hannah News. I sent the mailing list to the printer yesterday.

Comments

Helmut I think CG stands for crusier guided missle, My son was on a couple FFG's He loved them, He said had twin A/C engines in them like they have in 747's. he said when the skipper put the pedel to the metal it would kick up a rooster tail behind it. I guess it was GM's that would have to keep some kind of panels clean to track incoming missles and the falinks,or how ever you spell it would shoot them down. They were like gatlin guns. He keeps telling me he's going to retire I think he will when the Navy boots his butt out the door for being an old fart....Charlie

Name: Helmut Umbley Life Member 115
Email_Address: humbley502@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1964-66
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-216
Date: 22 May 2009
Time: 04:05

Comments

The USS Bunker Hill CG-52 was commissioned in Charlestown,MA. on Sept. 20. 1986. Please have a great and safe Memorial Day weekend.

Name: Helmut Umbley
Email_Address: humbley502@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1964-66
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-216
Date: 22 May 2009
Time: 03:56

Comments

The USS Constitution is still in Boston, actually in Charlestown near Bunker Hill. She gets the annual 'turn around cruise' so that the masts will weather evenly. She finally got a set of sails and sailed to Marblehead,MA. a couple of summers ago. I have been going aboard since the 1950s. Last September was the last time. I worked for United Airlines in Boston. For a time the employee parking lot was next to the seawall. One afternoon I noticed that The Constitution was near the old Boston Army Base in South Boston. About 1530 the newly commissioned USS Bunker Hill sailed by. The oldest ship in the US Navy and the newest exchanged salutes. What a sight it was.

Comments

Jim you must be feeling better, I never tried Bar-B Q from a shopping cart. I didn't get my haircut today the barbershop was full, I may get Toni to do it . Hair dosen't bleed. She is not gifted in those kinds of skills, where are the guys from S Division when you need them. Dave I might have seen fhe same progam a while back. I think she is still active duty with the Navy although she never go's to sea. Is she in Boston I don't remember. I went aboard an old sailing ship in San Diego, it amazed me what Sailors had to go through back then....Charlie

Name: Dave Newcomer
Email_Address: dnewc52@hotmail.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: '71-'74
Division_Squadron_Detachment: OI Div
Date: 21 May 2009
Time: 08:51

Comments

I recently saw a program about the USS Constitution {old ironsides},and they talked about 5 day training for CPO designates.It looked very interesting, and I wondered if anyone at this site got to do that,or something similar?Should make some good stories.

Comments

Don I had a Lady friend that that broke the zipper in her dress while were danceing, Thats what she gets for trying to put 10 lbs of sugar in a 5lb bag. Pete this little dog I have has 4 wheel drive when I walk her if we are in the dirt all 4 of legs are kicking up dirt, I have know idea why she is in such a hurry to to go the same places she go's a couple times a day. All the neighbors love her. I must look commical with a little dog draging me behind it.I can put the brakes on if I get serious. Oh well girls like to have fun. I think I have two dogs, I keep Bella more than Toni dose.but the dogs feel lost when their apart. Another neighbor lady called and ask me if I wanted to go to Kessler AF base with her this AM. I'm going when I can feel hair touching my ears it bugs me, I'm going to the barber shop.I don't have to worry about the hair on top of my head, I think it abandon ship and went down the drain....Charlie

Name: Don Purney
Email_Address: DJPurney@comcast.net
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1971-1974
Division_Squadron_Detachment: M Division
Date: 20 May 2009
Time: 20:38

Comments

Wayne, I always suspected you were a sneaky coniver. You were so busy with your wheeling and dealing you never had time for work. By the way, I still had one of your bags until just a few years ago. The zipper finally crapped out.

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 20 May 2009
Time: 20:31

Comments

Charlie, Took my 10 year old Husky (70 Lb) to doggie school last night for an eight week course. I am trying to break him of reacting and pulling when other dogs distract us on a walk. Hope it works. My wife is afraid that he could pull her over (we are gettig old). He is a great dog at home with his sister ( another Siberian), but a pain on a walk. Any dog guys out there with suggestions! Pete

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 20 May 2009
Time: 20:02

Comments

David E. Sheeley, I ask my ex-Skipper who was a Spad Pilot around that time. He did not know about the ATG-2 Patch, but I will forward you his suggestion to look on a SPAD site. Pete

Comments

Jim when you get to feeling better let our Shipmates know your ok. It is not my place but you have a lot of people here that care about you....Charlie

Comments

Jerry Bell come out of hiding, we are not going to put on a working party. I got an E-mail that said the rain finaly let up in the area you and Jim live. I can't belive my eyesight. I can see after dark to drive. is yours doing good. I never did like Paris Tx. I think that was one of the reasons I went into Navy as soon as I could. Pete I got a funny e-mail from my Aunt she said a Pilot can shut his A/C off and it quits making noise but the Pilot don't. I wish my working hr's weren't determined by a couple of dogs.they wake me all hrs. of the night with thier NASCAR race or jumping on my belly...Charlie

Comments

Phil I scrolled back to read past post, I didn't no anything about electricity when I was aboard the Hanna other than if you messed with it, it would knock your dick in your watch pocket. I learned a lot in college about the different phases, voltages transformers and all that. you are correct, basic principles most people need to know will always be there. electronics is a different ball game.they are very low voltage and you could burn resisters out with your test probe if you had it set to high, transisters were like gate valves. depending on what the circuit board was designed to do. I passed on what I learned to my students in Jr.college. they got the basics and went on to better educated people than me ...Charlie

Comments

Jim, I too have been thinking of you and you getting some work done on your buldge pump, Like Charlie said you are a tough old bird (old as in 1 week older than me) Sharon will have a hard time holding you down once you get back up to speed. Patty and I both have you in our prayers as well. I'll call you in a couple of days or have Sharon post it on the web for you to let us know how things went. Just like you waiting to get it done, we are waiting to see how you are doing. Best for you, Dennis & Patty

Comments

Jim I know what you were going threw, what I went through worried me to death before my date came up. us military guys when we wanted something done it should be right then. I'm sure if your like me I didn't get an hour of sleep before they fixed my eye. Jim your a tough old bird, the Dr's now really know what they are doing thats why they run so many test. I have prayed for you and in my heart I feel they will you get your oil pump going and you will have energy you didn't know you had. I have seen it happen to several old buddys. If the Dr didn't think he could think he couldn't make it succesful he wouldn't try. I will pray for you again to night. you have a lot of loving shipmates supporting you .what I went through was childs play, but I was in new waters. When you get your oil pump fixed your wife will have one heck of a time keeping you at home, I have the little woven rattlesnake tail with the beads and star hanging down from the top shelf from my computer desk, I see it every day and think of who sent it to me...Charlie

Name: Jim Winn Life Member # 170
Email_Address: Jwinnfsm@aol.com
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1959 -1962
Division_Squadron_Detachment: V-6 Flight Deck Crew and Fitron 211
Date: 18 May 2009
Time: 08:55

Comments

Dennis, Charlie, Pete and all the others out there. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. It's harder to sit, wait and do nothing than to be out working. Tomorrow will be here before I know it. Everything will be OK. Charlie glad that your eye surgery is doing fine.

Comments

Dennis, I know what you mean about the long movies in the Ward Room. It sees like every time we had the longest running movie aboard, I got to show it in the Ward Room at least two times.

Name: Larry P Barsetti
Email_Address: larry175@ix.netcom.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1969-1970
Division_Squadron_Detachment: W Div.
Date: 17 May 2009
Time: 12:18

Comments

Interested to find this Association as I enjoyed my time on Hannah.

Name: MRC Glenn A. Clark
Email_Address: glenn_clark2000@yahoo.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1969-1972
Division_Squadron_Detachment: A-Div.
Date: 16 May 2009
Time: 11:29

Comments

Anyone in my machine shop crew, feel free to e-mail me. Would be great tto hear from you.

Name: Charles Jancewicz
Email_Address: jancey@live.com
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1967-1967
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-115
Date: 16 May 2009
Time: 06:40

Comments

1967 cruise book for sale... $100.00 Please email me if you are interested.

Comments

Dennis I knew the walking encyclopida would come threw. I wanted my oldest oldest son to send me a book of special request chits, they don't use them on his ship.it's all on computer. their pay is deposited into ATMs on board. Pete Officers went to knife fork & spoon, you sapose to have learnd to keep your elbows off the table and you wouldn't have had to eat in the "dirty shirt lounge" :). Charlie

Name: David E. Sheeley
Email_Address: davidsheeley@cox.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: April 1957 - September 1957
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-55
Date: 15 May 2009
Time: 06:20

Comments

My late Father deployed with the USS Hancock in 1957 for a West Pac deployment flying Skyraiders while attached to VA-55. His original flight jacket which went missing years later once had two ATG-2 patches attached which were related to his USS Hancock deployment. Currently I am attempting to duplicate his original flight jacket and am searching for those same two ATG-2 patches. I have photos of him wearing this same G-1 flight jacket. In any event, I am not asking for a donation. If anyone knows of the where the wear abouts of any of these patches please advise! David

Comments

Helmut they don't put you out anymore. The nurse kept giving me a bunch of eye drops about every 10 mins. I told her I think your getting me mixed up with someone else. She said No I'm making your eye where you won't feel it. When the Dr.was ready for me I had an IV with a big syringe. She said It would calm me down when they got started. She tied my wrist to the bed rails and said we don't want you to try to help us and put a piece of tape across my forehead to remind me not to move my head. The procedure took about 15 mins. there 3 differen't lens you can choose from, The whole thing is free from co-pay If you choose the standard one and have medicare part A&B and Tricare. I have to go back out to the Dr. today so he can check his work. I can see a lot better out of it but a little fuzzy but that will go away. I will have to baby it with all these drops for about a week until it heals completly and then I can dance in the end zone...Charlie

Comments

Charlie, I am glad that your eye surgery went well. They have made great strides in that field of medicine. Last week my brother-in-law was a guinea pig at Mass. Eye & Ear in Boston. They only numbed his eye and he was awake for the 10 minute cataract surgery. He said that there was no pain or discomfort. After he left the clinic he went to CVS and bought a pair of reading glasses. He is in a study until this procedure is approved by the FDA.

Name: Peter W Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 14 May 2009
Time: 19:40

Comments

Of course, my best to Jim Winn! In my thoughts. Pete

Name: Pete Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 14 May 2009
Time: 19:31

Comments

Ok Shipmates. Dumping on the O's Ward Room is ok. I did not like the formal dinning for the senior O's. I was a Lt. Of course. XO excuded :) That is why I normally ate in the chow line in the "dirty shirt lounge" for the JO's. I think the chow came from the same source. We just had to pay for it. Just kidding! Do not remember any mistery meat dishes, but I think all of us are testimony that it was edible...but possibly not good! Pete

Comments

Dennis when a shipmate has oil pump promblems it is serious business. They have a lot of good ones now, The stress of waiting your turn isn't fun. I'm not sure what the nucular stress test is but I'm thinking it is where they put die in your blood and can track your blood flow. My Dad said when he took a nitro it was like the strongest shot of whisky he ever took. Jim will be in my thoughts and prayers. Time slips up on a guy. I feel in my mind I'm 21 but my body tells me differen't ...Charlie

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Here you go Charlie, Just ask and you shall receive. This is what I found for the term of "Turn To": Begin work, apply oneself to, as in Next he turned to cutting wood for the fire. This usage was first recorded in 1667. How about that for service ? Great news on the new port hole. I guess you could say it will give you a new outlook on life. I just talked to Jim Winn this afternoon and he went in today for a nucular stress test, they said there was something wrong probably some blockage in his heart. He can't get untill Tuesday for an anjiogram but they hope to place a stient at that time if it is needed. They gave him some nitro and told him to just relax till then. He is like me a lot, Kinda like a gerbal on crack, he can't just sit and has to be doing something during all waking hours. Best news is he hasn't suffered a heart attack yet so he will be like a old tire with a new tube in it and good to go for years to come. Keep him in your thought till this is all over. Dennis

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I got my new seal beam put in my right eye this AM. It was like you guys said not that big of thing. the waiting for the day to get here drove me crazy, The dialation hasn't left, they give me me eye drops and pills to take, and I have a patch I have to wear when I sleep at night. I had to hold revelie on Toni at 0:530. she jumped up and was ready to turn two by 0:600. I wonder where that term came from. We used it aboard the Hanna stiking two fingrer out in a V twisting our wrist back and forth and saying it, it ment get to work. Charlie

Name: Peter Cole
Email_Address: petecole@earthlink.net
Association_Member: Yes
Years_Aboard: 1973-1975
Division_Squadron_Detachment: VA-212
Date: 13 May 2009
Time: 20:21

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XO, Watched the movie. I saw the right hand on the canopy during the cat shot. Hope that might have been the RIO. I think I mentioned in a post (long ago) that I would set my right hand and let the stick come back on a cat shot night/day. It would set me up for about 15 degs nose up, and I would correct as necessary. Day time I would level off and execute the clearing turn. At night, I would continue the climb. Of course my left hand had a death grip on the throttle and the cap grip.!!!The A-4F I flew with the P-408 engine was very forgiving with it's power;both light weight and even loaded with ordance. We would still dip of the the front . Pete

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Phil Torres, I was in the iC gang when I first went aboard and remember showing the crew movies from up in the booth. when we got the movie "Thunder Road" with Robert Mitchum I was showing it in the Wardroom and the spring on the take up reel broke. It was about 5 min into the movie and I had to use a pencil to wind up the slack as the movie played. I got it re-wound and had a bunch of late arrivals who wanted to see the movie, so I ran it again using the same pencil. When I thought I was done they secured from flight ops and guess what, another batch of officers came in. Here I went again and showed it three times that night. Plus I had shown it to the crew two times. I never want to see that movie again in my life, I not only knew all the dialog but could tell you how many rpm's the engine was doing in every chase scene. The IOC gang was a great bunch of giys to work with but I wanted to get outside more and switched to V-6 and wound up on the flight deck. The only Fireman in the Air Division, which raised some eyebrows during inspections when they saw red in a field of green. Loved both divisions but liked the flight deck the most. I still use a lot of what I learned in Basic Electrical school even after all these years. Dennis

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I left out that the FBI was looking for me to give me a job, I guess it cost a lot of money to run those background checks but my wife put her veto on it. Phil the onley time I went to a ships movie they were showing them in the chow hall and his last bulb burt out during it.I had refer watch after the guy driving the tug went over the side and landed pend under on our sponson burning thay had 600 gals of Lox in it. he was wraped in plastic waiting to be flown off I presumeI had a black Fa that was standing watch with me. I don't know where his working space was but when he went in the fridge to get a carton of milk and saw him he hauled butt. I don't know where he went, I called the office and told them. they were going to get another man to replace him but I told them don't worry about it. It wasn't but a couple hrs before the regular guy that was in charge of the space came in. ...Charlie

Name: Charles Odend'hal III
Email_Address: coden3@lpbroadband.net
Association_Member: No
Years_Aboard: 1957-1958
Division_Squadron_Detachment: Guest
Date: 13 May 2009
Time: 13:41

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Sail from Alameda to San Diego on Family Cruise in 1958, I believe. My father was Captain Charles Odend'hal Jr., Hancock Skipper (des). Grandfather was Captain Charles Odend'hal, Sr, USCG (des). Son was C. Odend'hal IV, USN Petty Officer, later disabled Viet Nam era Vet. Might say we were a Navy family.

I enjoyed the limited time I spent on the Hanna, although I only got to see a small part. She was and still is the biggest ship I ever sailed on.

I was injured as a child and did my military service as a volunteer for the Civil Air Patrol, 20 years of Searching, plus walking away from several 'incidents.' Having a bit of a limp didn't interfer with piloting, becomming a Squadron Commander and, you guessed it, Captain.

Wishing all who served fair winds and a following sea.

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just checking in and reading some of the postings about cunshaw. I still have my bag made at the par loft, that was in exchange for the use of a 16 mm projector and movies. I was in charge of the Movie booth for a while and during one of our trips to a tender in San Diego, I was able to aquire 5 projectors that were being junked and brought them back to Hanna and I made 3 good ones out of the 5. those were my ticket to get just about anything on the ship in exchange for allowing them to be borrowed by different groups throught the ship. The number one group were the cooks, second the air group including the par loft and others that had some trade bait. With one or two cans of coffee, we were able to get repair parts from the shipyard shops at Hunters point and of course hid them from the chief to be used when we were out at sea. paper work took to damn long to be processed and approved sometimes, Ok all the time.There were no Home Depots, Lowes or other ace hardwares in the middle of the ocean. We were told in IC A school that some of the equipment was sealed and sailor proof and could not be repaired. There is no such thing as sailor proof, if you didn't have a replacement you fixed it, repaired or jerry rigged it until you were able to get a new one. For Beer that is where the air group came in, again in exchange for a projector where it wasn't authorized by the Brass. I suppose the term don't ask don't tell applied to other things back then. Cumshaw has been in existence since way back when. It is the Military Barter system.

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I used to stand watches about 3 times in the refers when they were short handed and I was quilified in refrigeration. I never took anything ,I remember standing it Xmas night, their little 6 cylinder compressor was a piece of cake to baby sit. I did let guys swipe pies from the bake shop when I was mess cooking in the Chiefs Quarters off my my big alumiun tray. I think there was about 6. and then I would go b