204 - June 4, 2006 8:00 pm

Name:

Mandy

Tender:

USS Sperry AS-12

Comments:

I served aboard the Sperry from June 1970 to Jan. 1974. She was ported in San Diego at that time at Ballast Point. I came there straight from Storekeeper school at 32nd street. I was from Redondo Beach about 100 miles north in L.A. so I spent almost every weekend at home. But there was this one weekend that I could not wiggle out of my watch or get a stand-by. Storekeepers stand very few watches but the Quarterdeck watch was one of them. It was a lazy, balmy day in San Diego and there I was on the Quarterdeck as the messenger,(E-3) and I noticed two old men slowly walking down the pier towards the gang plank. As they came up the stairs, I could see wonderment and anticipation in their eyes. It turned out that they were plankowners and had not seen the ship since WWII. they asked permission to look at the ship from the Ensign who had the deck. Seeing that the 90 day wonder had no Idea if this was permisable, I assured him that It happened all the time. (I had no Idea either) I was bored and talked the Ensign to let me be the guide for them. For the next hour I was treated to the most wonderful "sea-stories" I had ever heard. these men had been with the Sperry from her sea-trials to actual battles condition off the Borneo coast. As they were leaving one of them actually shed tears as he dreaded the day that she would finally be de-commisioned. They made such an impression on this 19 year old kid, I wrote a poem about what they talked about that day.

205 - May 31, 2006 8:00 pm

Name:

Mischa Eric Zimmermann

Tender:

USS Orion

Comments:

I served on the USS Orion (AS-18) from Dec 1984 - Feb 1988. Reading the history of the USS Fulton (AS-11), I noticed that its deployment to La Madellena was not mentioned. The Fulton was alongside us in 1986 (I think) and helped maintain Orion's subs and feed her crew for about 2 months while the she underwent an SRA. Hope this helps. Mischa Eric Zimmermann

206 - May 3, 2006 8:00 pm

Name:

RC "Tex" Bosworth

Tender:

USS Griffin

Comments:

Yes, there is some question about the patch you had on Griffin's page and also seen on eBay -- but I'm not sure it's accurate. My father, RC "Tex" Bosworth, was stationed on the Griffin during the war (1943-1945). I saw and recall him referring to their logo. "We fix everything from a broken heart to the crack of dawn". I'll to try and locate the graphic but this may have been a specific shop within the ship. You have a good thing in listing these ships and the part they played in the war. Larry Bosworth

207 - April 1, 2006 7:00 pm

Name:

Jim Hoffman

Tender:

USS Holland AS-32

Comments:

I reported for duty aboard USS HOLLAND AS 32 right out of boot in May 1965 in Rota. I was a Shipfitter in X56 if my memory is right. One thing I see mentioned on this site is mention of the Hammerhead crane well I never heard that term it was called the boat and missle crane also there is no mention of the Alvin coming aboard when we were involved in the H-Bomb hunt that the Airforce lost. The Alvin played a key role in the recovery. I remember the chilly wet winters going to the base locker club to get the civvies on and go indulge in some fine cerevasa with the great Chinese food that was everywhere in Rota as most EM's were know to get 100 pesetas instead of the usual 60 per dollar at any of the local establishments. Best and worse time for me was the trip to Barcelona and the stop in Portsmouth England before coming back to Charleston and the Strip outside the Main gate Well that was 40 years ago I stayed in 10 years after the Holland then the Orion down at pier Lima. One Two Black Shoe Smooth Sailing Jim Hoffman SFP2

208 - February 26, 2006 7:00 pm

Name:

Emmett Wilson

Tender:

USS Apollo AS-25

Comments:

My father, Emmett Wilson, from Des Moines, IA proudly served on this tender as a Carpenter's Mate. I'd love to hear from anyone who knew him. Thank you, Julie Fuller

209 - January 24, 2006 7:00 pm

Name:

Dale K. Hubbartt

Tender:

USS Hunley AS-31

Comments:

I was stationed aboard USS Hunley AS-31, from nov 72- nov 74. We were relieved on station Guam by the USS Proteus AS-19. I was serving with the USMC DETACHMENT at the time of my service. I am trying to find a copy of the cruise book that was printed upon our departure from Guam. Any help in this mater would be greatly appreicated... Respectfully Submitted Dale K. Hubbartt AMS1(AW) USNR

210 - January 21, 2006 7:00 pm

Name:

James D. Bowers III

Tender:

USS Hunley AS-31

Comments:

PNCM James D. Bowers Jr served aboard USS HUNLEY (AS 31) at Naval Weapons Station Charleston, SC from late 1974 to June 1977. He served as Personnel Officer/Admin LCPO during this time. He retired from the navy in 1979 at Millington, TN. Those who knew Dad know that he was a pretty intense individual and was tough to work for. Unfortunately, he suffered a stroke in 1990, and it left him partially paralized on his right side. His demeanor changed to a nice, peaceful older man who was a joy to be around. Dad suffered a heart attack, and passed away December 9, 2005. For those who remember Dad, you are encouraged to write me James D. Bowers III, PNC, USN (Retired).

211 - January 12, 2006 7:00 pm

Name:

Larry Arnett

Tender:

USS Proteus AS-19

Comments:

I was in E Division..... mostly working in Main Propulsion. Since the ol lady was a diesel electric propulsion we had lots of work keeping the generators and motors in shape. Of course we also had to handle all the electric power for the subs alongside. That meant "humping" the large shore power cables from the ship to the boats. Watches were stood at the shore power control station next to the auxiallary boiler room. The power for the boats came from the ships generators not actually from a off ship source so it meant alot of work for the electricians and the engine-men to keep things going. Anyone remember the breakdown at sea where we lost the bearings on one of the main shafts? The ship did all their own work to smelt...machine and remake the bearings for that repair. During the trip back to Mare Island I got moved to the CPO's mess to do the night cook job. Also did all the movie showing. I spent most of my time at Mare Island doing fire watches for the welders. Talk about a skate job. Got discharged in April of 73. Thought about staying in the Vallejo area but ended up back in my home town of Lansing, MI. TenderTale I brought back alot of memories. All though your time and my time on the Proteus only over lapped by about 6 months I knew about your trip to Australia and the stow away from other sailors I kept in touch with after I got out. I had been in Guam almost a year and a half so the time in Mare Island was like a ongoing party. Living in the transit barracks with real beds....eating in a mess hall that had fresh veggies and real milk. All the good things. Plus.... in 72 the west coast...Bay area was happening. We took rides to Berkely...rode the Greyhound to Frisco..... made the most of any free time we had. I had started my Navy time on Treasure Island so I had a good feel for the area and didnt have any problem getting around. I had a girl friend I met at the Navy Exchange who had a car and we went everywhere. I also bought a motorcycle (Norton) through the Navy Exchange in Guam and picked it up when it arrived in Vallejo at a bike dealer. That made me a real hit around the barracks. Well....needless to say reading your bio brought back alot of memories and that last page made me choke up a bit. Must be something about leaving a ship you called home and the people you called your family for those many months. One of my favorite books " Blinds Man Bluff" by Sherry Sontag ... don't know if you read it but its tells alot of what we sailors knew...but couldn't say. Regarding the last reunion.... I was planning to go but my wife was hospitalized during the summer before the reunion and I had to change my plans. Im hoping nothing goes astray so I can attend the reunion this coming fall. I really would look forward to meeting and talking with guys like you and telling the "sea tales". Hey....know any good Andys Hut tales....or my comshaw tale is better than yours.....

212 - April 18, 2005 8:00 pm

Name:

Joe Umlauf

Tender:

USS Proteus AS-19

Comments:

I recently came accross you r web site. WOW!!! did it bring back lots of good old memories. There is one old friend of mine mentioned on the USS Proteus page by the Name of Scott freeman. I have been trying to locate him for a long time now. I tried the e-mail address that was provided and it got returned, I know you are probably very busy, however, I f time permits could yopu see if there is some other form of contact information for him IE. better e-mail address or phone number. Thanks in advance for the help, again great web site J. Umlauf

213 - April 9, 2005 8:00 pm

Name:

Jeff Suekoff

Tender:

USS Emory S. Land

Comments:

I am HTC(SW) Jeff Suekoff, and by heart, I am a tender Sailor. Now I am on a gas turbine surface combatant, but my heart is still on the Emory S Land, where I spent five years in the mid-late nineties. I qualified ESWS on a tender. Made Second Class on a tender. Learned most of the qualities I needed to be a sucessful Navy leader on a tender, and even met my wife on a tender. I read through your web pages and feel haunted by my memories. The Tender Navy is truely a different place. People who have never experienced it will never understand, but I do. Anyway I just wanted to thank you for your time and maybe help break down what modern tenders repair departments were like: R-1 Hull Repair Division: 11A- Shipfitters; 17A- Sheetmetal; 26A/B- Weld Shop and Nuclear Weld Shop; 56A- Pipe Shop; 56C- Flex Hose; 57A- Lag Shop; R-2 Machinery Repair Division; R-3 Electrical Repair; R-4 Electronic Repair R-5 Radiological Controls; R-6 General Services (Rigging, Carpentry, Foundry, Divers, Canvas); R-7 Planning and Estimating; R-8 Quality Assurance; R-9 Outside Machine; R-10 Nuclear Repair; This was the basic Layout of tenders in Norfolk at least during the late 80's/90's. Take Care jeff Suekoff