Guest Book
(Em2, 1987-1991) | I hope you like this site... |
(ET2, 83-86) | Thanks for the site, brought back some good memories! |
(1971-1973) | thanks for the memories |
(EM2, 1983-1986) | Thanks for bringing back some great memories. It's good to see that the old 'Sag' is still at work. |
(EM2, 1987-1991) | Excellent site Brad, nice work. Brings back memories that's for sure. |
(DCA, 8/76-8/79) | Who has the Mushroom Flag? 57 Degree Rolls and the joys of having Marines onboard. Best wishes to all who served onboard, with a few minor exceptions. |
(GMG3, 1971-1972) | Would love to hear from my old shipmates. Thanks for the great site! dgcrosby@bellsouth.net |
| As a member of the Australian Project Team responsible for upgrading the USS SAGINAW it was interesting reading about the vessels history | |
(MR1, 1976-1979) | WORKED IN A-GANG, WAS WONDERING IF SOMDAY A REUNION MIGHT COME UP. |
(ET3, 92-94) | You guys seen what the Aussies did to the boat? copphure@hotmail.com |
Royal Australian Navy | Thanks for a very informative website about the ship's history, I have just been onboard HMAS KANIMBLA for sea trials and she is still going strong!!! |
(BM2, 1980-1984) | I HAVE A LOT OF THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT THE OLD SHIP .HAD A LOT OF TIME TO GET TO KNOW HER AND SHE DEON'T LIKE HEAVY SEAS . |
(GMG2, 83-87) | Unitas Cruise was great and the rolls she took off of haterus |
(SKSN, 1973-1976) | Countless Carrib Cruises, one 6 month Med Cruise, even more great memories ,a few lasting friendships, plenty of empty beer cans. Thanks for putting together this great site, it really put a smile on my face. |
(FC2"SW" , 1988-1991) | Outstanding Sight. I will admit that the Saginaw was the best ship that I have served on because of the crew and our tightness. Great job. |
| Your sister in-law just wanted to say "Hi" | |
(L/Cpl, 90-91) | Operation Desert Storm. "U.S.M.C." |
(MS3, 1973-1977) | PRETTY NEAT TO HEAR ABOUT THIS SITE. HAVE LOTS OF MEMORIES ABOUT THAT BOAT. WAS WITH TUCH FOR MY WHOLE TOUR SO SOME OF THOSE BEER CANS WERE MINE. |
(YN2, 1984-1988) | I served under Cmd Fagan and Cmd Bugarin "talked to him last year", great ship. I managed to see the world, the best were unscheduled because we broke down in front of them. #1 engine room fire got us 30 days in Italy. Great site, Thanks!!! |
(e-4, 90-91) | usmc shield/storm..................was a good old ship |
(ETR-2, 1972-1975) | E-mail me @ bd486@scn.org SM-1 Tom Pruitt made the flag, it was a 59 degree roll how many more of us are there out there? I still have the recording roll meter my brother and I made. Best wishes to all!!! |
| For anyone's info- My brother, Dave lives in Everett Wash, Mike Price lifes in Mule Creek, New Mexico, Harry Elam is in Wash DC Does anybody remember the time I climbed the mast at midnite? Forklift races or the first time "THE FLAG" was unfurled? I still draw the mushroom and have it on the wall where I work. Didn't we all learn a lot in the Nav? | |
(OSSR-OS2, 1985-1989) | I sailed thousands of miles on her and have many fond memories. I still remember the main-space fire like it was yersterday, and the "Clean-Sweep" of 89, and the extremely rough waters of the Fyords in the North Atlantic. I was "mess-crankin" at the time and we took a 57' roll and a fork slided off the officers' table and stuck into the bulkhead and all of the port side porthole in the mess blew out! lol. I led OI division through the best AmphibRefTra ever recorded. I went back to Virginia to go see some old freinds and went onboard while they were turning her over to the Australians. If there is anybody out there that still remembers me, feel free to say hello. I am working overseas in Germany as a Senior Network Controller for Europe. My E-Mail address is: Atherton-Cole@t-online.de. |
(S/SGT USMC, 1972-1979) | I WAS ABOARD THE SAGINAW IN 1974, WHEN THE PYSIC, JEAN DIXON, PREDICTED THAT SHE WOULD SINK ON HER RETURNED VOYAGE IN THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE. HIT VERY ROUGH SEAS ANDSCARED THE HELL OUT OF ME, WITH ALL THOSE BELLS, WHISTLES, AND CAPATINS COMMANDS THAT NONE OF US MARINES UNDERSTOOD. ALOT OF WATER ONBOARD AND NAVY GUYS RUNNING ALL OVER THE PLACE, BUT SHE BROUGHT US HOME SAFELY THANKS, SHIP AND CREW. |
(EX RAN , 1994-1996) | I was one of the original RAN commissioning crew on the SAGINAW (now HMAS KANIMBLA) that spent 10 mths in LITTLE CREEK NORFOLK VA and delivered it safely back to AUSTRALIA.The ship definetly needed some major repairs & SHIPS HUSBANDRY(which was done at the LUMUT NAVAL YARD IN MALAYSIA in MID 1995 as it is cheaper)The Ship has finally finished its conversion (along with FAIRFAX COUNTY) after four long years and millions of dollars overbudget looks totally different now, they have cut the big horns at the bow,We had a top time in NORFOLK did not do much work while we were their though mainly swimming in the base pool and going on trips to Amusement parks and making nuisance of ourselves at the local bars.in VA.This is a great site hope it gets bigger. |
(EN3, 1988-1990) | Thanks for the site, it brings back alot of good memories! |
(Ens-Lt j.g., 1972-1975) | EMO-Comm 73-74, Asst 1st Lt. 75. Most maneuverable ship in the Navy. Controllable pitch and Bow Thruster allow movement in any direction. Anybody know what an MR-5 is/was? |
| Yes, Harry I know what the MR5 was and I wish we really had let it go over the side that night!! I remember too what an MR3 is/was, do you? I believe I still have the book on both of them. And I still think the Aussies wrecked our boat! See you later! | |
(EN3, 1983-1984) | Worked in #2 eng room will get pictures sent to this web This is great |
(EM3, Oct 70-May 74) | Plank Owner and Shell Back |
( E-4, 1988-1991) | To any one I served with that may read this I would like to say hello. E-mail: sgombaski@hotmail.com |
(MS3, 1992 -1994) | Great site Brad! Proud to be one of the last crewmembers to serve aboard this great ship. The time was short, but sweet! |
(SM3, 1971-1975) | Hey!!! Remembering that 59 degree roll. I almost went over the side from the signal bridge. Thank God for railings. |
(ENCS(SW), 1987-1993) | Hey Brad Great Job! I retired from the "Nav" in May 2000. Enjoying retirement in Norfolk, VA! |
| I'm seeing names I haven't seen in years! Nice to see Pabon... mail me and say hi. Same for Tuch and | |
| Same for Tuch and anybody else (us old timers) I still practice emptying beer cans!! Best wishes to all | |
(EM2, 1987-1991) | If anyone has suggestions for improving the site, I would greatly appreciate them! Also, if anyone would like to share pictures, or stories, please send them to me, and I'll put them online! Thanks! |
(SN, 1973-1975) | Great to see old friends from way back when! I "came of age" on that damn ship! I was 17 then. Clark H. and Santucci warped me like older juvenile deliqunet brothers! Never been the same, no sir. Fond memories of a cook attacking me because he thought I was the devil... starry nights on the aft...Email me dudes: zerbe@fcmail.com |
(HT3, 1976-1978) | I'LL NEVER FORGET THE MED' CRUISE. THE TIMES WE HAD IN NAPLES,MOROCCO AND CELEBRATING MY 21st BIRTHDAY ON THE BEACH IN ST. TROPEZ!! THANKS TRAVIS FOR SAVING US ON THOSE SURPRISE BUNK INSPECTIONS WITH THE SHERRIF!!!!SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES. |
(SMSN, 72-75) | Wow - 3 days bread and water in the Saginaw brig - 50 something degree roll that hung there for eternity - watching Augie roll back and forth across the sig bridge - abducted in Naples - knocked out in Tortola - apollo - cypress - smoking camel shxx - ouzo - the purple onion - hungry helen - boones farm, mj and 3/2 beer a deadly cobmination - pepermint beach club - snorton norton on the mast - playing spades - teaching Santucci how to drink beer - big jim parker - the black angus in san juan - my best bud Z - bug juice - ships parties on veagues w/formaldahyde beer - Most of the worst and a few of the best days of my life....Thanks for the establishing this site! |
(SN, 1973-1975) | Thanks for the list Dan. I often tell these stories but lately I wonder if they really happened, especially the camel sh** and the my night at the Black Angus. |
(RM2, 1971-1973) | I remember all the good times (and there really were some) with a shipmate named James D. Seago, from San Antonio, Texas. There was the six month cruise to the Med and two three month cruises to the Carib. One of the better times was being in drydock in Philadelphia, cause we could come home on the weekends. I'll never forget the rocking and rolling on the best ship in the Navy. Does anyone remember the picnic we had on some island in the Carib. while our "grunts" were playing war games? Each sailor was allocated two beers. That was one of the good times. Thanks for this opportunity. I don't miss being in the Navy, but I do miss the guys in communications: radio, signal bridge and cic. Thanks, Jim |
(MS3, 1973-1977) | DOES ANYONE REMEMBER THE GUY THAT WOULD TAKE A DUMP ON AN OFFICERS DESK AND WAS KNOWN AS THE PHANTOM SHITTER ? |
| Clark - I believe that your memory serves you correct in regard to the PS.... can't say I recall him choosing his targets so discriminately | |
(Bm3, 6/76-6/80) | It feels great to hair from friends of the Sag. dblade124@aol.com |
(EN3, 2/77-9/79) | Mr.Travis (hard to break habits), glad to see your name on the site.. I got out before all #%$&(broke loose with Bob Betts. Hamm, good to see your name on site-where's Smitty (EN1), last I heard he was headed for Iowa to do recruiting. I also remember Fiore and James. I am still in touch with very few of our shipmates. Any you guys want to contact me (703) 330 -2364 or WWW.Wfcoalrun@aol |
| You really do have to check this site on a regular basis. Any of you guys get to Sequim, Washington my phone number is (360)683-0731. Call and we will try to empty a few berr cans! | |
(EM2, 1987-1991) | Just a note to everyone to check the News section... |
(FT, 1970-1972) | Plank owner & Shell back Anybody remember hitting the pier in Gitmo and having to the whole time there at anchor? |
(ICFN-IC2 , 1988-1990/2) | OMFG Brad, Well done sir!!! I just came back from a trip to the Saginaw. MI Museam today, they have the original Capt's Boat from the origanl Sag that sank off Hawaii... this site is incredable, any one from the Old A&E gang feel free to Email me at GWPOPE@QWEST.NET BTW if ya dont remeber me Im in Picture two behind IC2 Georges.. WHAT a trip!! |
(HM3, 1985-1989) | Was on the Saginaw with my Marines to Teamwork 88. |
(SM2, 1981-1985) | This was my home for 3 years and 9 months. I appreciate this website. Was wondering what the old girl has been up to...Thanks. Aces and eights forever! Hey Aussie, take care of my girl, eh? SkwidVishus |
(POCSS, 1994-1996) | I was one of the Aussies sailors who went to Little Creek in 94 to bring her back to Aust. I would like to say thanks to the US crew of the ship, the OS's and Frank (FC1, now CPO) still playing darts mate? For putting up with us, and our sea training group (we did'nt mean to wake you guys up at 2300 fighting fires etc) The old girl is up and running now. She can roll all right. Thanks for the memories guys, and for being excellent hosts. Cheers Davo |
(1971-1974) | A great ship with a solid gold crew. I have great memories and shipates who are still good friends. Good job on putting this website together. |
1st Bat. 8th Marines "C" comp. 1st plt. (Cpl., Oct. 89-Apl.90) | Excellent site.Didn't realize how much I'd forgotten about our Med. float until I saw this site.I fondly remember being kicked out of hiding places by the Navy while we were trying to sleep and get out of working parties during the day!! ha ha! |
(rm2sw, 86-91) | HEY SHPMATES THANKS FOR ALL THE GOOD TIMES IN MY LIFE WITH YOU ALL I SEE ALOT OF FACES I SERVED WHITH ON THIS PAGE AND WISH I COULD RELIVE ALOT OF TIMES WITH YOU GOD BLESS AND KEEP THE POWDER DRY |
(RM2, 76-79) | Great site; brings back some extraordinary memories...reftra, cattle cars, 25 foot hammerhead sharks, at least 5 caribs, 3 med cruises in 1 year...escorting the USS RAY back from the med & the PHM's back from Panama...without a doubt, the best ship I served on in my 20 years. Sorry to hear bout CDR Mac, only served under him a short time, but he was A#1 in my book. You Aussies take good care of her...she is a beautiful lady! |
(ET1(SW), 90-93) | Brings back many memories. Got a chance to see the old girl during my last West Pac. Also many pictures of the Sag before the conversion on the wall of a bar in Sidney. Aloha All ETC(SW) To Smiley Yes I am Still in. |
(HM2, 1976-80) | Great job on web site. Brings back memories, most good! |
(fN, 1977-1979) | Greetings everyone. Glad to see a few familiar names on the site. I worked in M-division with Scott Patterson, Wes Perry, George (birdlips) Johnson, Bill Ledford, Dave Coward, Tom Gillock, Paul Abrahamson, Mark Berman and Bill Apperson to name a few. What a crowd to hang-out with! Fergie hope all is well. Remember those refueling like it was yesterday. Have you heard from Butch? I too left the ship before the bottom fell out with the Betts thing. I have recently got a hold of Wes Perry and George (birdlips) Johnson. They are doing great. I retired from the Navy in September 1998 as an Engineering LDO LT (I'm sure some of you may find it hard to believe if you remember me from back then). I enjoyed my days growing up on the SAGINAW as a very young man. I was 17 when I reported and 19 when I departed. Nothing but fond memories our the Med, Carribean, and North Atlantic cruises. Not to mention the Panama Canel transit. Mr. Coons and ENS Kin Kin were the MPA's I served with. If you have any additional info from that time period, please feel free to email me at toye@uii.com. Thanks and hope you all are well and enjoying life!!! On a humorous note, you may remember I was nominated by the crew to be the one to blue-ball Baby Hugi while the rest of the snipes held him down in #2 EOS. He was then found later hanging from the stern anchor screaming that he was going to jump. We all had to answer to the Cheng after that one! Take care. |
(ENCS(SW), 1987-1992) | Hey Brad....You're doing a GREAT JOB on this Web Page! Thanks...It brings back memories.. |
(bm1, 1981-1984) | when i was a seaman i hated this beast i now miss and love her the friend s like bob durfee eric hatter frank castlebeery i even miss the old aft deck watch i think often of marg 2 82 never thought i would miss her this much ausy she will give you a life time of memorys treat her kind and she will get you home |
(CDR, 88-90) | Wow, I just stumbled on to this site. Great job Brad!!! Two weeks ago I bumped into one of my old XOs - Phil Briscoe. He's the Commodore at Beach Group Two now! I'm retired in Virginia Beach, about to move to southern Oregon, but my email will remain the same. I've bookmarked this site and will drop back often. |
(EM3, 1971) | Was part of the first crew for 40 days in '71, till hospitized and never did get to see her afloat. I would have sure enjoyed serving aboard her. |
(GMG3-GMG1, 80-82-85-89) | The Saginaw was my first Ship and will always hold a special place in my heart. I have served with alot of people in my 21 years in the Navy, but still to this day I have several close friends that I met on the Saginaw. The Best Commanding Officer I served with was CDR Mcguire, and the Best Chief I ever worked for was GMGC(SW) Larry England. Both of these fine Sailors I served with on the USS Saginaw. The person that inspired me to convert to the Master-at-Arms rate was MA1 Bill Leon, who I had the honor of serving with on the Saginaw. I am proud to serve on the Saginaw and I hopew she has may good years ahead of her. Her name may have changed, but she will always be the USS Saginaw to me. Thanks MAC(SW) Russell J. Ledford |
(IC1, 1980-1982) | I retired from the Navy in 1994 as an ICCS. That was a very interesting tour. Especially on the North Antlantic cruise. If you were never on an LST, you cannot understand what bad weather does to that ship!! |
(RM2, 84-88) | Saginaw was my first ship and UNITAS 85 was my first cruise. What a way to start a Naval Career. I have a lot of Great memories and have seen a few folks. Capt (ret) Bugarin, RADM Marshall (XO), and LCDR Bonsall (COMMO). RM2 John Day - give me a holler sometime good buddy!! |
(EN2, 1976-1976) | onbord for only a short while but i still remember the good times.anybody remember me you can contact me at chevellee@aol.com |
(Ensign, 1989-1990) | Great website. It is great that the ship lives on when many of her sisters do not. |
| Paul Rubino..... Any relation to a "Woody" Rubino who was an ensign in about '74? Just had to ask! | |
(BM3, 70-72) | Bob Graf, I remember hitting the pier everytime we came into Gitmo. Still have the "Hemi"? Great sight. |
(HM3, 72-73) | Great to see this site. Good memories of Aruba, Panama, Vieques, and Gitmo. Anyone know where I can get souvenirs with USS Saginaw on it, prefer a CO's ballcap? newholland4630@yahoo.com |
| Not only did we hit the pier a lot in Gitmo, but Capt Brown hit the city pier in Livorno Italy, and we were always hitting the pier at Little Creek or knocking the lights over etc. We had a small hole in the Starboard side up by the bow for a long time from a tug trying to prevent the loss of a pier light! Some years back Harry Elam went on board and talked the CO out of a hat and a coffee mug for myself and my brother. I will ask if any of that is still available. I think I have a copy of the stamp that the government of the BVI issued commerating our visit to Tortola, and I will find it and at least make color copies for any of you guys. Anybody heard from Butch Vaughn, or Gary Ballard? Best wishes to all - Ralph | |
(1st LT, USMC, 1971) | Served aboard the USS Saginaw on her first Medeterrain Deployement in 1971 as part of the Marine assualt company. |
(Ltjg-MPA, 1972-1975) | Just found this site and it is great! Was saddened to learn of the passing of Capt. McLaughlin, one of the best Captains a ship ever had. I remember the role meter from CANUSEX and the reading in the "True Gator" area. A guy I work with was down in Tortola last year and the Guy who ran the Smugglers Cove hotel/bar was still there. I was in Australia last year and saw the HMAS Kanimbla tied up in Newcastle still being worked on. It sure looked different with the derrick arms gone and the deck house doubled in size. Best wishes to all you former shipmates. |
| John - I still have the "electronic" roll meter that my brother and I made. It read 59 to stbd and 52 to port! I was in the ET shop when it rolled, and Mercedes Pabon almost went over the signal bridge. When Harry Elam was skipper of the Lockwood, he had it in his stateroom, and sent it back when he transfered. I've said it before, but call or write, and if any one gets close to Sequim, Washington - I have cold beer! Good to see your name, and best wishes | |
(BM2, 12/78-08/82 10) | Hello shipmates |
(SKSN, 1973-1976) | Please read my "quotes" under "messages" If you are offended, I apol....., no I don't I'll try and add to them when I sober up |
(BT3, 1977-1979) | John I can't beleive you didn't remember me in your comments. Really liked the website.What is the Bett's incident... Contact me : azerial2002@yahoo.com |
(EN2, 72-75) | I was A-Gang LPO and Capt. gig eng.on carib.cruse and med.cruse.and i rember that big roll we took a trash can and a ENFN landed on me im looking for a ship mate an MR2 bill Vansig i think that is how he spilled his last . |
| You really do have to check this site regularly!! I remember you and it's good to hear and see your name here. Last I knew, Bill Vancek (I think that is how he spelled it) was married to a lady from Virginia Beach and was going to move back to the Vancouver, Washington area which was where his mother lived. I too have tried to look him up but haven't had any luck. Let me know if you find him. Also Mike Price and I have tried to find Jim Airheart (?) who was from Kansas around Manhattan. You know, we might not have liked that boat, but some of the people were sure what made the difference! Best Wishes - Ralph | |
(fn, 75-79) | i have all good memerry of my four years. but i cant remember thare name. but i can remember what we call you maget,chickerhawk,abe,bill ledford,g.johnsonjust to name a fuw.i hope to hear frum you |
(EN2) | Ralph like you i also have a full set of those stamps I have them under glass to protect them.I will try to get them scaned an put in if you can't .Bill was a good man we were close his first wife (Kathey) i thinkused to go out now and again to the old ACEY-DUCEY club,I rember a man in M-Div. we called magot that was his nick name any body rember a BM2 Hendrick he was the cox.for the capt. gig . I see ENC scarlett every once in awile he retired here in S.C. and the last time i talked to him he had his own lawn service. He has keep in touch with some of the guys from the ship if and when i see him again i will tell him about this web site I think he will like it |
| Marion, good to hear back from you! Where in SC are you? Lonnie (Butch) Vaughn ETN3 was living in Anderson, and I sent him my last (I think) set of the stamps along with some pictures of my 20th wedding celebration. Then, next time I called him it was no longer his number! Butch drove truck I think after he got out, and maybe that is true now again. Anyway, if you get the chance, his last address was on Northview Drive in Anderson. Next time you see Chief Scarlet please say hello for me too, I really liked him. Putting the stamp on this site would be a great idea especially for the guys that were after us. Have you ever heard from Jim Parker or some of the other HT's? Take care and PLEASE do keep in touch - Best Wishes - Ralph | |
| I posted a message in "messages" regarding the stamps. Anybody who wants a copy let me know. Best Wishes - Ralph | |
(SHSN, 1979-1983) | Rock And Roll! |
(OS2, 1987-1991) | Nice site, I like to look at all the old names. They bring a lot back. I was sad to see that the old ship is now gone. If you would like to contact me my email address is mike@nitmik.com |
| I was wondering if anyone here knows my uncle. Tex "Rick" Manuel II. I was hoping to get a hold of some of his old friends as a suprise. If you know him and would like to drop me a line I would really appreciate it. Thank You! my e-mail is angel_kisses_bw@hotmail.com | |
(EM2, 1973-1976) | Stumbled across this site yesterday (11-26-01) and flashed back as if 25+ years hadn't passed. I was the WCS for Engineroom #2 in my last year and worked with "Maggot", "Tuna / Monster Head", "Fig" and the Simpson Bros. What a group and what a great time. Thanks for the memories! |
(SN, 1971-1973) | Outstanding site.Would like to hear from any shipmates i served with.I retired from the naval reserves as a BM1.25 years service.it's hard to believe it has been 30 years.I would like to know the address or phone # of either Phil Roden,Mick Bohon,Phil Parquette,Don Baxter.Iwas back in Little Creek in 2000,it's not the same without the Saginaw there.I have great memories of being an assault boat coxswain on the Saginaw. Remember GO NAVY/BEAT ARMY. |
(FN, 76-79) | WOW! Great site... I was one of the "Motley Crew of # 2" Engine room with Pat "Lepprecan" Maloney, Bob Betts, Jim Lehman, Henry Ash, Kerr Dawg and Dennis "Ski" (something Polish) to name a few. I also remember well John Toye (still have the hot Vega you bought from Betts)? Many great (yet fuzzy) times with the turd chasers like Fiore, Tim "Hillbilly" Simmons, Ron "Tree Trunk" Trees and some of the others. Lot's of good times in M div. with "Garlock", "Chicken Hawk", Jim "Oscar" Johnson, Tuna, Smitty, Pat Finley (ENC), Jimmy Patti, Matt "Bugs" Moran, "Fergie" and Butch Lecalsie (sp?). Hello to Pete Travis, Mr C (Joe Coons), Mr Kinkin, Master Chief John Laramore and everyone else from 76 to 79. I am still fond of saying that I hated it for 4 years but look back with fond memories! Take care all! |
(Cpl, USMC, 1981-1989) | Saginaw was the last 'gator I served on before I got out of the Corps. I was with Weapons Company, 1st Bn, 6th Marines during Solid Shield '89. |
(YN2, 77-80) | I WAS AT WORK THE OTHER DAY WHEN I RAN INTO A GUY WHO WAS ON THE BARNSTABLE COUNTY. HE AND I STARTED TALKING AND HE FOUND THIS SITE FOR ME BECAUSE I SAID I WOULD LIKE TO CATCH UP WITH SOME OF MY OLD SHIPMATES. I HOPE THOSE OF YOU WHO SAILED FROM 1977 THROUGH 1980 REMEMBER ME. I WAS THE BEST YN ON THE BOAT. JUST KIDDING. IT WAS TRULY A TEAM EFFORT. THIS IS SUCH A GREAT SITE AND I HOPE OTHERS FINE IT AND GET CONNECTED. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND HIT ME UP ON THE EMAIL AT perry.corbett@mscwest.msc.navy.mil. |
(ENCM (SW), 1988-1993) | Last week Joe Alvarez (ENCM (SW) and myself were setting in my office talking about the Saginaw. So we decided to surf the net to see if the Sag had a website. We couldn't believe what we saw. It's nice to see that some guys still care about the old lady. She had her problems, buy we all took care of her until the end. Joe Alvarez and my self are DOD contractors in the DC area. We support the Surface Combatant fleet on all engineering issues. I still run into some guys up here and we talk about the good old days. I still miss it after being retired 8 years ago. Take care and I'll keep in touch. Ron |
(ENCM (SW), 1988-1993) | Forgot to give you our e-mail address's and numbers Ron Roades - rroades@aera.com (703) 415-4667 x115 Joe Alvarez - jalvarez@anteon.com (703) 253-3109 |
((YN2) YNC (RET), 1975-1977) | Thanks, great site, Chief Dalton, PN1 Yatzo or YN2 Searifino, it you find this site drop me an email (kshank@innernet.net |
(L/Cpl., 82) | Med.cruise 1982 Beruit Seeing this web site brought back a lot of memories. |
(RM3, 1971-1973) | I am really glad that I came across this website, It has really brought back some good memories. |
| Just want to add that the pictures in this site are great. Just wish I would have took some back in 72 to send in. Yes, I remember you Jim Wright. I just hope you remember me. | |
(RM3, 1971-1973) | Just wanted to add that I remember "AUGIE" from the signal gang to. It has been quite a while and i forget alot of the names but can anyone remember a guy we called big dumb in the radio gang? Anyway, just wanted to place my email address incase aanyone wanted to get a hold and talk about old times. rondi16@hotmail.com |
(bm3, sept 72-july 76) | Good site, thanks. I have tried to forget the saggy years. could not wait to get off the that boat. But in reflection, those were the years of great adventure and memories. Lyons, Iremeber the roll meter. I thought it was 60. all i remember is looking out the bridge wing and only seeing water. semed like the boat stayed there for ever. I ran small boats as a cox. I really hated when swells would build against the ships side and make it quit hazardust to hoot up to the davit blocks. Remeber the corgo boom that bent in half. The flooding in the forward compartments. how about the fire foam malfunction that coverd the whole aft deck. This site has brought me fond thoughts both good and bad. |
| Good to see both of you here! Although he wasn't dumb I think you remember Nick Morelli. Ken, I have the roll meter back again, it went back in the navy when Harry Elam was skipper of USS Lockwood, and lived in his stateroom! Best wishes to all... | |
(Ltjg, 78-80) | Stumbled across this site - brought back a lot of old memories! I was the MPA for three years and was also responsible for A-Gang for about 18 months. CO's during this period were Cdr Brierley and CDR McGuire. Good to see several names of snipes on the registry like Mike McAfee, Pete Travis, Bill Ferguson, Joe Ledford, John Toye etc. The M Division group was a great bunch of characters! I stayed on active duty for 9 years and recently retired from the Naval Reserves. I joined BOC Gases, a global industrial gas manufacturer, in 1986 and now serve as VicePresident, Distribution and Logistics for our North American operations. My email is fred.kinkin@us.gases.boc.com |
(HT , 1980-1984) | Howie, I hope you gave up cutting hair.You were a little better on the drums. ILAILAILA |
(L/Cpl, 1982) | Was a Marine on the Saginaw in 1982 when she took us to Lebanon. I was on three different ships when I was a Marine and the Saginaw was my favorite even though we rarely had any A.C. in our compartment. |
(LTjg/DCA, 1976-1979) | LCPL Case: You guys would've had AC in the Troop compartments if you didn't drink all the chilled water from the AC system. It was only after I poured a gallon of concentrated laxitive into the system and the word got out that life at sea for the Marines (and us sailors) was comfortable again. ALL the best, and I'm glad you enjoyed the Saginaw's hospitality. |
(BMC(SW/AW) (RETIRED), 1988-1991) | Hey shipmates you can E-mail me at charrin349@aol.com |
(BM3, 72-76) | It is good to hear from all the jokers that sailed. It looks like Lyons is holding the bunch together. Thanks for the glue Ralph. As i have read though the comments the memories are many. I remember M. Miller on the cpts. gig. how about our sea pappy BM1 Feilds. I remember Baby Hughy, strange fellow he was.And my personal pain in the side LTJG Sullivan God's gift to Ops. I look forward to hearing from more of you guys. |
(MR2, 76-78) | Was just looking at all the new names that have came up on the pages lately. Sure reconized alot of them. I ended up finally joining the reserves and retired out of there as a chief MR. I still keep in touch with Joe Macurak en3. He lives near Butler PA. Also him and I went to Pontiac MI for Greg Hawn's wedding . Last I new he still lives there. Hey Mac McAfee nice seeing that nobody has shot you yet. also hello to you Fergy, Its like they say served with hundreds, remember maybe twenty names. But all it takes is start telling old sea stories and suddenly another name pops up. |
| Hi to you too, Ken. It is a lot of fun reading some of the stories again and realizing that those who came after us had some of the same problems! A name from our past is Harry Elam. His daughter in law puts out a very nice family website at elams.org. You might get a charge out of some of the photos and stories. Harry was up here for a visit a couple of years ago, and it was like old home week. Take care of yourself and if you ever get up this way...... Write or call if you want too or e-mail to bd486@scn.org best wishes - Ralph | |
(FN, 76-79) | Jerry Hamm: Nope, nobody has tried to shoot me lately although I have dodged a few bullets in my younger years! However, today I'm just a laidback middle aged cowboy doin some horse dentistry out in Central California! Good to see you on here and very nice to see that Greg Hawn is still around! Drop me a line if you wish... Equine-Excel@bak.rr.com Look forward to hearing from you or ANYONE else! MMc |
(Lance Corporal USMC, UNITAS XXVI) | Trying to re-live old times and stumbled accross this site. Sad to hear they decommisioned the old girl. Some of the best times I had in the Corps happened while stationed aboard that ship. I remember the adrenaline pumping trying to hit the ramp just right in our AAVs and I can still hear the bell of the turntable rotating. One of my staffs lost his front teeth on the ship after he did a faceplant coming down a ladder. My hope is they are still floating around in her as a memento of our visit. Thanks to all you guys that helped guide us in to her after our ops. |
(FT1, 1950-1951) | I was on the USS Renshaw DDE-499 on July 28, 1951 when a submarine sonar contact was obtained. When it failed to identify itself it was attacked for 29 hours by five different ships in TE 95.11. This happened in the Yellow Sea about 125 miles west of Inchon, South Korea. The sixth ship in TE 95.11 protecting the two carroers (USS Sicily CVE-118 and the HMS Glory) was the HMAS Warramunga D-123. I would like to hear from crewmembers on the Warramunga concerning their memories of this event. My e-mail address is: a499march@aol.com Another shipmate on the Renshaw and I have written a book (206 copies, published in 1998) on this attack. It is now on this website: http://www.ussrenshawmysterytarget.com To read the book's contents, click on the top center tab. A new window comes up. Then click on the choice (View os HTML). The book's chapters and t |
(Ex RAN, 1994-1996) | Would any USN sailors no the whereabouts of BM3 Steve Casavant and clerk Randall Mcmaster who served on the USS Saginaw in 1994,they took us out and showed us the Nighlife around Norfolk and Virginia Beach all the time.I would like to get in contact with them. Email kusats@yahoo.com.au |
(DCC(SW), 1989-1992) | It's good to see a site for the Saginaw.The more participation, the better the site will become. Keep up the good work. |
(SN, 72-74) | Hey - what a great website! How the years have gone by. I forget names...remember being the first ship to pull into Tortola BVI. Got invited with some of the officers to Govenor's reception...and was carried back to the ship in the early morning hours...wish i could remember all the names....such great memories...! attorneyrogers@aol.com |
| I remember you too! Unfortunately, we do forget most of the names, but sometimes with a little jog we remember. Good to see you. We could do no wrong on Tortola could we!! If you want a color copy of the stamp set, send me your address and I will mail you one.. Best Wishes and take care - Ralph | |
(FTG 3, 72-76) | Cant beleve Deweese slept more on his feet than in his rack. EM club .75 cent happy hour and still managed to spend entire payday. Straws in my FRO. Driving Duffys truck back with 3 wheels. Anybody-What was port that claimed to have 112 bars. Tried but only made it to 4. Camel sht,gun mag buds,ft shop burbon,reefer decks with, well, reef,movies on fan tail,reefer decks again,whos sleeping in crows nest,EDIE WILLIAMS with a little help from Clark, Tuch we need to clean air filters,we'll do mine first. Compartment cleaning rocks, Still dont know how those guys stuck fox tails through that thing. Tuch,Clark I hear Jolly Roger calling us, lets do it @July 02. Maybe we can get Dangerous Dan also. My turn to call. |
(LTCOL , 1990-1991) | Had the pleasure of being CO of Troops during Desert Shield/Storm with L 3/2. Your site brings back lots of great memories. thanks, |
| Thanks very much for the site.. I am using the info as part of a gift for my dad, Roger L. Hattabaugh. See the message board for add'l info. | |
(ENCS, 1970-1972) | This is an excellent site. Reading some of the comments brought back a lot of good memories of a lot of professional sailors. Mr Kocmich I still have your recipe for boheminan sausage. I doubt if most of you have enough hard drive space to hold all the stories I could tell.I retired in '75 and then went to work for the Navy at SupShip Bath, ME. Then retired from there.I went to the decommission at Little Creek. Was told there that Capt Brown had passed away. I never thought that there could be so much emotion attached to a ship. Would love to hear from former Saginaw crew members. E-mail.. lbhsr@agate.net |
(Midn 1/c, 1974-1974) | Although I only spent a Middie Cruise on Saginaw, an unforgettable time-The Turks invading Cyprus, missing Barcelona and Dependents Charter Flight, LeBossier jumping overboard, the dead cow in the water, etc. What a way to get introduced to sea duty. Made 4 years on JFK seem tame. cs |
| Charles - thanks for the sanity check. I've been wondering for a long time if I really saw that cow. | |
(YN3, 92-Decom) | Thanks for giving us all a place to remember the SAG. I was onboard for the 92 MARG, SAG's last long voyage. I was with her until we took the flag down the last time and turned to keys over to the Aussies. |
(LTjg, 1975-1978) | Was Assistant 1st Lieutenant - relieving Harry Elam before moving to CIC. Great seeing the names of people I served with. The Saginaw was a good ship and I enjoyed my 3 years aboard her - have many great memories. Thanks for keeping the wed site up. |
(EN2, 1976-1978) | Seems like forever ago. Good times and good friends. |
(L/CPL USMC, 8/90-4/91) | GREAT SITE, ENJOYED MY TIME ON YOUR SHIP |
(FN, 76-79) | Hey Doug Crowder!!!!! Seems like just yesterday that you were the best man in my wedding! Well bud, Dani and I split in 1980 and I've been re married for 20 years this time! Drop me a line Doug! Equine-Excel@bak.rr.com C-ya, Mac |
(EN2, 1973-1976) | I have been checking the guestbook on occassion to see if I could pick up familiar names. Does anyone out there remember Charley "Tuna" (aka Monster Head), Robbie and Royce Simpson, EN1 Steve Hall or "Maggot" Millican? |
(Cpl-USMC, 08/77-11/77) | First and last time on a LST! Had some great times in Torremelinos, Spain. |
(en3, 1993-decom) | just like to say whats up to all my brothers. The sag was the best time of my life. If anyone has a picture of the crew when it decommissioned please email me smokedog2754@aol.net |
(EM2, 87-91) | I'll never forget: Rosy Roads, Mombasa, Haifa, Naples, Palma, Tormellinos, Bornholm Island Denmark, Puerto Cortes Honduras, UAE, Oman, Newport RI, Great Women, Great Times, Great Crew. I'll take a Med at 21 over a Pac at 34 any day. |
(EN2, 11/80-7/83) | Mike Hines - EN1 sent me the link to this site. 20 years now....WOW! It was nice to some old ship mates signed on. Hope all are going well! |
(QM3, 1984-1988) | Enjoyed the Bridge watches and the water hours. |
(OS3, 1989-1993) | Great website! I have fond memories serving aboard the ship and will keep them with me for the rest of my life! |
(E3 A gang, 1970-1971) | I was part of the crew during precom training in Little Creek and Norfolk. I still have a copy of the picture of the Saginaw hitting the Pier, it was published in Little Creek base Newspaper. I also won the first pinocle Tournament among the crew with a second class storekeeper as a partner who's name escapes me. After winning the tournament I was transfered out and never did get the engraved plate mailed to me but recieved the trophy. I remember seeing the sign up sheet for the tourney and being a pinocle lover I signed up. After partners were assigned I was walking through one of the crew area's and my partner was playing cards and I asked him what he was playing. I had never played double deck before nor heard of it as I grew up playing single deck. He panicked and sat me down and for the next couple days we played as much as we could. As luck would have it , our play styles complimented each others and the cards helped us win it all. |
(E3 Agang, 1970-1971) | My email Woustor@Yahoo.com |
| Lou - I don't think that pier 15 was fixed, as I have pictures of a bow-shaped gash in it. We also hit the city pier in Livorno I think, and for a while we had a nice hole on the stbd side forward where a tug bumped us pretty hard to keep us from knocking down another light pole on pier 17 (i think) with the dreick arms! Just call the skipper of Saginaw Capt Crunch! See you later 0 Ralph | |
(E-3, 1983-1987) | I reported to the Saginaw as a kid and left as man, she gave some experiences I would never have had. |
(1982) | Mr.Pete Travis, I have no clue what you are talking about. I know of no Marines aboard the Saginaw when I was aboard her that drank from the a.c. system. The scuttlebutts worked fine. But apparently you served aboard the Saginaw a few years before I did. I was on two LSTs (Spartenburg County being the other) and both had A.C. problems. What long term affect does laxative have on A.C. lines? :-) Take care and best wishes! |
(En3, 1970-1972) | To FT Graf, I have a picture of the pier in GITMO. I also remeber the Sunday beach parties in the Med.M-Div was the reason for the two beer chits. I was on the consol in main control when we attempted to leave Genoa without a pilot. This site brought back some great memories. Thnks |
(En3, 1970-1972) | Ft. Graf Do you remember a time in Virginia Beach when we were in your car and we wound up in the Virginia Beach jail. Seems ther was a miscommunication over a hand jesture and something about underage embibing. |
(PNSN, 1991-1992) | This a cool site !!! I found this site and certainly brought back a lot of memories. I had some good times on the good ole saggyballs. |
(EM2, 1982-1986) | Hope all is well with those who served aboard "1188" |
(BM3, 87-91) | This is a great site. It brings back lots of memories. Thank you |
(gmg3, 1972-1975) | like to hear from dan duffy,jim waldron.e-mail.rayphilalba@aol.com. |
(EM2, 83-87) | I had a grand ole time on the Sag and made sure everyone that was whith me had a memorable expieriance also.Would like to hear from some of my old crew.BIGMIKE@BRADS.NET |
(HN, 84-86) | DENOFISH@AOL.COM |
(EN3, 1985-1989) | It was the best of times and it was the worst of times. To all my fellow M-DIV shipmates - I survived and I am doing well. NAMOR328@hotmail.com |
(BM3, 72-76) | I would be interested if anyone ever heard about a ship yard ghost. Sometimes seen on the foreward turn table. Or is it something like relative bearing grease, that I went after one time. |
(GMG3, 72-75) | YES KEN, I DO REMEMBER THE STORY ABOUT THE GHOST ON THE TURN TABLE.WAS THE GHOST OF A SHIP YARD WORKER.I NEVER SAW IT. |
| Ken - I,too remember the story about the shipyard worker and the forward turntable. I believe I was able to find out that no one died on board during construction, and I never saw a ghost, only marines down there. Chief Scarlet was the one who told me no one had died. Sometime it would be fun to run down all the wierd rumors that were started both before and after we were on board! Best Wishes - Ralph | |
(EM2, 1974-1977) | Ralph, do you remember Price's zebra stripped jeep?? I enjoyed this web site! I do not like what the Aussies did to her!! I do remember the chart on the amo hoist in the Et shop, and I do think we should have a reunion!!! |
(Cpl./E4, 79-82) | Hi guy's I was on the sag during the 79 carib and the 79/80 med floats. I was the dumbassed jarhead that flooded the the barbershop, Staff NCO quarters, Disbursing office (and ruined that sailers bible collection) I guess that I created quite the mess. I remember they made me clean it up, So I started throwing pails of water out of the door right next to the barber shop, and all the dissolved bible paper turned to paper mache and loaded all the nonskid on the flight deck with it. We couldnt get mail for a couple of weeks. And from what I am told the squids couldn't get paid for quite some time because of the condition I had put the disbursing office in. Oh what a mess but oh what a memory. Sorry about those days guys. But thank's Brad for the great web site and refreshing these memories. James Minix jiminix@netnitco.net |
(bm, 83-86) | i still remember the first ay i walked down the pier and said what the hell is that! i was just 17. i grew up with the sag and all the great guys that i met their. now i am married with three girls and i often find myself longing for the great times i had on board and in those exotic ports of call. hello to virgil, frank, the mad hatter, james medley, smith, bost, whalen, sommerville, willis, acfalle, tiannia, and the great dino. if i forgot you i appologize,it has been 20 years. i truly miss you and those wonderful times. |
| Howard - Damn right I remember that jeep! We will have to ask Mike what he did with it. I just sent him a note today, and hope to hear from him around Xmas. This site is full of blasts from the past. Best wishes to you and yours and the beer is cold when you get here. I wonder just how we would go about organizing a reunion and how to find the guys. Hey - have you ever heard anything from Jim Airheart? Mike and I have had no luck in finding him. Happy holidays - Ralph | |
(SK3(SW), 91-94(decom)) | I was just surfin the net and thought I would see if I could find anything on the Saginaw and wow, Am I ever amazed. This is a great site! Keep up the great work! |
(BM1(SW), 87-92) | i'm glad so many people want to remember saginaw. all i heard be fore i left were complaints. |
(CWO4, 1987-1990) | Great site Brad, lots of memories. |
| To Howard Mathew - Howard, I got a note from Mike today and he reminded me that the jeep was stolen, and found in Tidewater Auto Salvage. He also reminded me about a certain ETR-2 and his '56 Chev and a treaspassing misunderstanding. I had forgotten some of that, but I suppose it's just as well. Happy New Year, and yes, I still have the chev - Ralph | |
(IC3, 1972-1976) | Happy New Year...well, maybe. Here's my new e-mail...a link some of you might enjoy and a couple of questions. mcprice@vtc.net http://www.b-v-i.com/roadtown.htm 1. Who shot the cow floating by near Cyprus? 2. What officer said "No, that isn't a Soviet helicopter coming towards us"... just before it turned and we traded goodies from the ship's store with them? 3. Anyone know the whereabouts of Jim Airheart (Norton, Kansas), Steve Hall (Monroe, Louisiana), Dave Ciampi (Medford, Mass.) and several others whose REAL names escape me at the moment? 4. Who remembers my Zebra Jeep, Yacht, fishing and crabbing expiditions or being carried back to the ship on a regular basis by me? 5. How about the day I got run over by the ship as it was pulling into the pier at Gitmo? |
(IC3, 1972-1976) | Why does the name Howard Matthews sound familiar? |
(HT, 3-80-9-82) | Just like everyone else I saw some names of old shipmates and LOTS of good memories came back. Would like to hear from some of you guys. |
(YN2, 1984-1988) | I remember we were the first U.S. ship to visit Bornholm Island, Demark in 20 years, and managed to take out part of their pier pulling in. Great place, I hope to go back there some day. |
(YN2, 84-88) | Anyone hear from Dino lately? |
(FR-IC3, 1991-1994) | Seeing your sight brought back alot of memeories. I just want to say that you have keep her alive with all you have done here. I do keep in touch with EN3 Whitaker and have run into a few people from the old crew from time to time. This is a great site you have. Nocka69@hotmail.com |
(ENCM (SW), 8/1986-9/1993) | My office has moved and the telephone number is (703) 824-0030 x107. Joe Alvarez's is the same at (703) 253-3109. Alot of things have changed since the last entry I did back about a year ago. Emily my wife of 31 years passed away from cancer in Oct. I will miss her and I had alot of friends to get me through the hard time. It's the same up here in the DC area working for DoD. Joe and myself work for two different companies that supports the Surface Fleet in engineering. Hope to see some of you guys if we ever have a reunion. Take care Ron |
( GMG 2, 10/83-3/87) | Well Nice to see some old familiar names in there lets hear from some more |
(HM2, 72-73) | guy's i remember alot, but forget some to! the 59 0r 60 degree roll i'll not forget sickbay's fresh water tank broke thought me and my striker were both goners.playing pinnacale in the room eith chairs tied down.Have to fine old book of crew to remeber more. e-mail meliabeek@aol.com,thanks for the memories Don Kersey & ron McKenzie i do remeber those names. |
(LCPL, 1989) | Hey guys. Thanks for mending my hand when we went too Veages is. Divers hatch came down on it when i left the beach at onslow CLNC. YAT-YAS |
(sgt usmc, 1975-1975) | Last cruise was good |
(FTG-2, 1973-1975) | Since finding this website last week I have already contacted and heard from JJ Waldron and Phil Paquette, who I served with on several Carib. cruises and one Med. Anyone remember the NIS coming aboard and having 86 crewmen going to captains mast; Bax. spent 3 days in the brig B&W. the XO finding his uniform laid out on his bunk with a knife sticking out of his hat? He left the ship the next day. Jean Dixon predicting a ship with the aces and eights was going to sink 3 different times; and it nearly happened 3 times. #1 when the causeway got loose in the North Atlantic during Snowy Beach and knocking a big gash in the hull. #2 the ship running aground in the Carib. and flooding the starboard ballast pumproom-we steamed back to Little Creek with an 8 degree list. #3 loosing the load during condition 3 steaming at darken ship and Capt. McGloughlin firing a very pistol so the flagship in Phibron 8 wouldn't collide with us. That last time half the crew slept topside with lifejackets on. Remember the LVT going off the sterngate with the hatch open and sinking like a rock. We bent the 10 ton boom in half trying to pick it up. Donating the van to the orphanage in Aruba, getting kicked out of the yacht club in St. Thomas when the CO and Xo were drinking at the pier with the gun gang and we all stripped down to skivvies and took a swim. Price getting on the 1MC with his electric drill, firing it up and saying "this is a drill". Great times, great people, great memories. |
(PN3, 1985-1989) | I miss all you guys! I wish had taken your addresses with me before I got out in '89. Please feel free to Email me at shindlerslist@frontiernet.net. It was a pleasure to serve with you! |
(BM2 , 1980-1983) | Looking at this site really took me back to the good times I shared with my shipmates. It was a great time in my life, "I miss it". I wish all the people I served with well. kendun@bellsouth.net |
(Cpl. E-4, 8/77-11/77) | Request permission to board, Sir!: Morehead City, North Carolina, August 1977. We sailed three weeks, avoiding a hurricane, through the Straits of Messina, Italy, past Mt. Etna volcano, and the Greek Isles, to put ashore in Turkey for Exercise Display Determination. Locals kept telling us "Shuddup". What you tellin' me to Shut Up for? Found out it meant "homemade wine", for sale. Somebody stole the Turkish flag and they were gonna hang the two guards. The Marine Corps fed us canned C-Ration chicken made in the Korean War. It was older than I was. The cook on USS Saginaw made the best bread ever and during a storm lost every pot in the Galley. Foreigner's "Hot Blooded, Check it and see" played again and again on the intercom radio. And liberty in Torremolinos, Spain, was like nothing I've ever seen or done again. My only regret is that I didn't have more time to spend on the Saginaw. It's not a job, it's an adventure. |
(HT 3, 73-77) | Just found this sit.Though I would say hi to all.This is a great sit. brought back some good times .I live in DELHI NY. Talk about beer drinking. I OWN A BAR IN TOWN CALLED BLINKIEYS.If you ever get to delhi i will by .Take care nice to know you guy are still around. |
(e-4 usmc, 1987-1988) | i was so gald to see the old ship serving and not scrap. keep her serving well australia. |
(GMGSN-GMG2, 3/74-8/77) | Great site, Don't forget GMG? Schindler, all the talk he said about FTN I ran across him a year after I came back in, he had reenlisted, also GMG? schnieder. Anyone know where they are? |
(SN, 74-76) | Where to start, deck ape, hated the first 6 months on board. Message to whatshisface Day. Kiss my ass. I have more money than you'll ever dream of having. To Wilson and Carruthers. How's it going at Rykers? To Hingle. Did you really try to screw the governers goat on Tortola? and were you the Phantom Shitter? To Paul Baer. The funniest man I knew at that time. Not because your jokes were all that great but you clearly enjoyed them. Could'nt help but laugh along. You and I nearly single handedly painted that entire ship in dock at Newport News.To Thomas Moore. A truly decent Bama boy. You still eating out every night? Glad you talked me out of joining in the brawl at Gitmo. Loved you man. To the late Captain Bruce. You were decent, all things said and done, about the 45/45 restriction/extra duty. To the XO (can't remember your name but don't take it personally, I barely knew my own) thanks for letting me slide on my drunken sea detail helm duty pulling out of St. Thomas. Hey Becker, you still wrecking stolen jeeps in Tortola? Micheal Vichi, did you ever fulfill you aspirations of becoming a Roto-Rooter Man? Without getting sappy let's just say I hated it and loved it. Probably have some company in that regard. Work hard and played harder. Gator Navy........looks like a fine navy day. Great sight. Thanks. Jack Davidson |
(en2, 85-88) | I REMEMBER MORE GOOD TIMES THAN BAD TIMES ON THE SAG .I CHERISH THE MEMORIES,JEFF DONALDSON I REMEMBER YOU WELL .WE WERE PRETTY CLOSE IN AGANG . I AND MCCALL WERE SLUSHERS IN THE BERTHING . RIO WAS A TRIP,THE WHOLE UNITAS CRUISE WAS.IM A HVAC CONTRACTOR NOW ,AND OWE IT ALL TO THE EXPERIENCE I GAINED ON THE SAG.miss you guys-[mcall,billy bralsford,croslis,wallour,ht2 bell,ht3 butler,em3 smith, en2smitty,enfn sims,en3 brown.I WISH I HAD GOTTEN ADDRESSES. |
(Deckape & Plankowner, 71-74) | Just found this site. Boy, talk about old memories! I remember some of you guys by name, some by face, some by stories. Speaking o stories, does anyone remember when we were anchored out in the chesapeake for helo ops and we were given those three old jeeps? They wouldn't run, but we scavenged parts from one to get the other two working? We then had races in the tank deck with them until the one I was driving blew its engine. I think I still hold the speed record in the tank deck of 43 mph. I remember BM Jupe bending the derick arm before commisioning because nobody unhooked the colar, so we unshipped the arm, lowered it to the pier, and took a new one that was boxed up and waiting to be loaded onto another LST when it got back to port. I always wondered what they did with that bent derrick arm. Send it back? How about the time on our first med cruise when we were anchored offshore and that storm blew up? We started dragging anchor towards the breakwater and the Capt. ordered us to get underway with the anchor still on the bottom? I remember Chief "Shaky Jake" standing there looking over the rail at the ancor chain trailing behind us and saying "Twenty seven years in the Navy and I ain't never seen nothin' like this." Has anyone heard from Alan Lincon, "Fast Eddie", "Drifty", Maynard Nash,or Ace Wallace? There are others I would like to hear from, but names escape me right now. Who was with me when we got locked inside that bar in San Juan for "Happy Hour", and the owner said,"No one in, no one out for two hours and the drinks are on the house!" I would also like to thank again the Officer (I don't remember his name) who relived me for a few seconds on the helm during the Apollo 17 launch so that I could get a look also. Like a lot of you, I hated and loved that ship. I'll check back from time to time. I just want to say thanks for the m |
(FN, 1977-1979) | Hope all is well with everyone. I am looking to get ahold of Dave Cowart and Bill Ledford from M-division. Has anyone heard from them? Drop me a line and let me know if you have. John |
(e3 most of time, 1975-1979) | i havent seen any new name . and say hi to McAfee, john toy, wes, chicken hawk, whate was his name? g. johnson. thanks for the memerys |
(MR 3 , 74-76) | Brad, You done good shipmate!! We didnt serve together but this is a really great site. If any of you OLDTIMERS want to cantact me the E mail is aerochips@hotmail.com. I live in the area of Grand Coulee Dam where I work. Keep on rollin... even if it aint 59 degrees. Bill |
(OS2, 1979-1983) | Great site! I am a former crewmember of the USS Spiegel Grove (LSD-32) & wanted to say hello to the great gators of th USS Saginaw - our ships steamed together a time or 2, that's for sure! |
(EN2, 1976-1979) | WHY DID THEY GIVE THIS BOAT TO THE AUSTRALIAN'S I NEEDED IT FOR MY OWN POND!!! |
(seaman, 1975-1977) | Wow, I was blown away when a friend brought up this website, I have not seen the old ship since 1977, thanks for all the memories that came back to me. |
(sm, 79-82) | I just found this site today 11/22/03 and it brought back some good, no ,wild ones is more like it. In the form of Jerry Lance and Howie Baird. Jerry iknow i haven't kept in touch with you but i sure would like to hear from you. Rcloutier@hotmail.com or ph# 4125633400 |
(sm, 79-82) | Howie Baird i got some rock&roll stories to tell you drop me a line @ Rcloutier916@hotmail.com |
(sm, 79-82) | me again jerry i messed up my email address here the right one Rcloutier916@hotmail.com |
(RM2, .1986-1991) | GREAT SHIP GREAT PEOPLE IM LIVING IN ARIZONA NO OCEAN HERE WORKING AT A NUKE POWER PLANT IN THE SECURITY FIELD MISS ALOT OF YOU GUYS MAIL ADDRESS IS 11026 N 28TH DRIVE 53 PHOENIX AZ 85029 HOPE TO HERE FROM SOME OF MY OLD SHIPMATES ANCHORS AWAY ..... |
(EN2, 1975-1977) | I served on the Saginaw in "M" Division and then the "A" Gang. I spent most of the time in "A" Gang. I was Lee Helmsman during special details and general quaters. I loved being at sea and I loved all the places we traveled. If any old shipmates remember me, drop a line. ehornsby@cinergy.com |
(SK3, 70-72) | Lots of good memories on this sight about Capt. Browns "Crunch" and the "Wild Bunch". How about Chief "Cunky" Cherry who called everyone "Dickie Bird". I remember that roll, I was tied to the helm and I didn't think she would ever right herself. Do you remeber Chief savage giving us close quarter drill behind the precom barracks then doing and about face only to walk into the wall. More later. |
(SK3, 1970-1972) | Correction to my story about Savage, he was Lt. Savage. Engineering officers who's desk was not secured during that nasty roll and it distroyed his office and wedged the door shut so he couldn't get in. Anyone remember Sam Melay setting off the die marker down in GITMO and we were at man overboard stations until Sam appeared on the bridge to relieve the watch hours later with traces of green die in his ears. Boy was Capt. Brown torked as he set regular underway watch. We must have circled one hundred times in that area of the ocean. |
(ETR-2, 72-75) | It seems that every so often someone reports remembering THE roll! My guess is that most of us that remember rolls of 59 degrees or so - Augie just about went over the side one night! - can be real glad the damn ship DIDN'T capsize. It also seems that several of the crews experienced the fine seaworthy charactistics of the Large Slow Targets. We don't seem to have been the first and weren't the last! AH the good ole days! Best Wishes and Happy Holidays (2003) to all! Ralph |
(RM2, 1987-1991) | HEY JERRY WARMKESSEL MY ADDR IS ON THE WEB SITE HOW BOUT A LINE AND GIVE ME A EMAIL ADD OR HOME ADDR ANY ONE WANT TO DROP ME A LINE ADDR IS THERE THANKS BRAD FOR A GREAT WEB SITE AND BRAD YOU WHERE THE FIRST SAGINAW SAILOR TO GREET ME WHEN I REPORTED ABOARD THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES |
(BMSN, Oct.81-April83) | |
(EN3, 1982-1983) | As i think back on my days on the Sag.I have forgoten the bad times but rember all the good times. |
(PFC, USMC, 1979-1980) | Please sign this on-going petition for a US Congressionally-authorized Cold War Service Medal at http://www.petitiononline.com/pfcmongo/petition.html . Thank you for your service. Peace. |
(FN, Jan 83-7/4/87) | To the Boys of A Gang, I have some pictures of some our tavels(Rio). By the way, I still have the picturs Brad "Birdman" Brette(from PA) took when the girls in Rio (when he was standing under the ladder)durning a ship's tour. E-Mail me at Fenceruner1@juno.com - I will scan some of the pictures for anyone who wants them. Van Hayes, you and rest of the A Gang kept it fun. |
(PN1, 1978-1980) | GOOD TIME ON THE SAGINAW, VERY INTERESTING SHIP. |
(PN1, 1978-1980) | TJFOWLER2@COMCAST.NET NICE WEB SITE |
(BM3, 70-73) | I remember the pre-com San Deigo and Long Beach. I remember the CRUNCH all the way from PORT AFTER STEERING with a guy named Assarin. The Shellback ceremony. As I read, more and more memories surfaced. I recall being good friends with John Beard and Micheal Webb. My e-mail is NashofMD@comcast.net |
(EN3, 88-90) | LOOKING for OLD SHIPMATES FROM 88 TO 90 DROP ME A LINE AT sterry@charter.net thanks aka(BEAVER) |
(EN2, 1980-1983) | Is anybody out there... Hello Palmos.. found this site by accident.. brought back some memories........................Thanks saginaw |
(MS2SW, 1985-1989) | |
(Rm2, 1986-1988) | Whats up Jerry and John. Drop me a note at nothoo_2000@yahoo.com. Would love to hear from you. |
(0, 71-76) | |
(sm, 79-82) | |
(HMCS, 1972-1974) | SECOND CHIEF CORPSMAN ON THE SAG. |
(ETR-2, 72-75) | Good to see you,Doc - let us know when the hot water is fixed in sick bay, will ya, and by the way, you can usually find a cold coke in the ET shop because we still have OUR fridge!! In fact I still have it and it is in the trailer as we speak! It IS good to see you, and I hope all is well with you and yours - Best Wishes - Ralph |
(Ens/Lt (jg), 1970-1972) | Stumbled on this site and had a lot of good laughs and shed a few tears. Ran into LCDR White at a convention in Washington DC - he told me that Capt. Brown had passed on. I remember very fondly the men of Second Division - Gunnery - giving me a birthday cake for my 23rd birthday. I also remember staying up all night in GITMO boresighting Mount 31 and 32 using the moon, and slipping the gears in the turret drive (we shot very well the next day)and GM2 Johnson's heroics clearing Mount 32 after a round was crimped in the breech. Broom, Crosby, Beard, I read your stories. Good to hear from you. Got out of the navy in '75 and went into the Army in Field Artillery. Retired in '94 as a Major. Drop me a line. rjs392@aol.com |
(LCPL, 90-91) | The Ship was small. The towlets backed up. The cotts were uncomfortable. And the bald headed guy John Kelly was a real AHOLE! as our CO for L Co. 3/2. Bastard!!! |
(EM2, 70-73) | HELLO TO ALL YOU SALTY DOGS FROM THE SAG. ESPECIALLY R DIVISON FAT BOY JERRY JIM PARKER AND ALL THE PLANK OWENERS WHO SERVED O.K.DECK APES TOO!.THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES! |
(YN3, 1981-1985) | It was great to have served with everyone onboard the "SAG". kiandnora@hotmail.com |
(HT3(SW), 1982-1985) | Not to bad of a ship, went to SIMA San Diego ( 1985 to 1988 ) and then to USS MISSOUR BB-63 ( 1988 to 1992 ) and so ret. USN 2002 HTC(SW) 20 years and 4 days... |
(LTjg, 1/79-1/81) | John Toye: I am
a religious man but it is amazing to know that you retired from the Navy. I
remember being OOD inport on a night watch while you were on restriction. I
spotted you climbing down a mooring line with a bucket of tools. I went on
the pier and asked, what are you doing? Your reply to the best of my memory
was, "Some fishing." Thanks for serving. To then YNSN Sinclair: The CO was away and XO McDonald was acting CO. When he got the opportunity, he put you and another guy on 3 days bread and water in the brig. I sent the duty MAA over on my duty day to pick you guys up. The brig OIC announced that your ride was there and you guys began whooping and hollering. "For that outburst, you can stay another hour." You guys got back to the ship and you said, "Can you have the duty driver take us to McDonald's?" And I did as it was an emergency situation. Forgive me if I am mixed up about this; please post any rebuttal. Hi to IC1 Steffen, SN Cloutier, PN1 Fowler, RM2 Miller, Pete and Fred. Pete Travis and I with an LCPL crew were overboad one time. To Fred: I am still mad about you spending all my comsummable $ on your division. Write back if you want to hear about when Mr. Kinkin got out of his rack in rough seas and got his big toe stuck in the back of a chair. For the Aussies: I kept a 2 liter bottle of water in my locker. It was just enough water to rinse off when you were soaped up and water pressure was lost. Let us know if you need some guys to fill in. We will recruit the guys from this website. I was COMMO and then A&E if anyone wants to give me a holler. It is interesting how as we get older we forget the bad stuff. TDEldridge@aol.com |
(EM2, 1987-1881) | Hey all... If anyone is going to be in the Cincinnati area on the 22nd of June... drop me a line! I'm throwing a big "My Divorce is Final party"... bbroerman@bbroerman.net |
(EM2, 87-91) | I come back here often, nice to reflect about the old memories my first ship provides, as I'm an EMC now, with an approved retirement date pushing boots in Great Lakes. If anyone has contact info on EM2 Chris Ryan, EM2 Darren O'Shea, EM1 (before he got busted) Mike Estes, or EM3 Joe (Tony) Valentine. I would appreciate it. My email is Bojimis@comcast.net I ran into ENC Gary Olson last summer he's at FTG on the West Coast. He's doing well and looks the same as he did 16 years ago. Take care all!!!! Oh and before I forget. HI GREG POPE!!!!!!!! |
(fn, 79-81) | Jerry Lance????? good memories guys!! ROLL BABY ROLL!!!! |
(Cpl, 1987-1987) | I was an ebarked troop during the '87 cruise, proud to be included withing the "Shellback" community, well done with the site. If I can ever get my photos scanned, I shall be happy to send and share them with you. |
(RM2, 1989-1992) | Hey John Day, how are things going with you. If you have e-mail, please send me your contact info...would love to relive some old time...chris@recruiterinc.com (NO I'm not a recruiter for the Navy)...Hope to hear from you...Have you heard from RM1 Starks? |
(Cpl, 1987-1987) | I was an ebarked troop during the '87 cruise, proud to be included withing the "Shellback" community, well done with the site. If I can ever get my photos scanned, I shall be happy to send and share them with you. |
(ICFN-IC2, 1990-1993) | A lot of fond memories of Saginaw. I had a lot of fun!!! |
(Sm3 , 1970-1972) | I was the one who gave Augie his nickname. Big dumb in the radio room was Richard Kieser from Kentucky. Prior to crossing the equater John Jadlocki, Sm2 and I were responsible for Capt Brown's black ear |
(Sm3 , 1868-1972) | To all my shipmates. Hope you are all alive and well. I'm living and working in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Anyone interested in sending a personal message I can be reached through email Tpatz@new.rr.com or (920)432-4541 |
(HT, 1980-1982) | Howie. bummer about Helsel,how to reach you? got some pics of you two you might want. Any one know how to reach Todd Rowen (HT2)? |
| I know my Dad serve on this ship and I have been doing research on the ships name. My Dad served in the Navy in World War II. Dad died in September 2002. | |
(RM2(SW), 84-88) | Hey John Day - where is the address man?? drop me a line at spud942@cox.net. Hope all is well |
(SK3 & SK2, 1969-1971) | Plank owner....orginal crew that was form in Norfolk and flown to Long Beach, Calif., liberty in Acopoco, went thru to Canal at night, Shellback in Davy Jones Navy, shake down training in Gitmo, yards in Philly, tossed off lines when ship left for the Med...had knee surgery at Portsmouth Naval Hospital....yes I remember!! |
(BM2, 1989-1992) | gpeter@charter.net |
(ETR-2, 72-75) | Rick Pridemore-- Are you related to a Ron Pridemore from, I think, Wheeling West Virginia? If so he and I were stationed together at NATTC Glynco, Ga while you were on the Sag. Best Wishes - Ralph |
(Sk2, 1989-71) | No, not related Ron |
(SK2, 1969-1971) | I'm trying to find Gary Soplinski or Leo Hahan, they are plank owners from that first crew. |
(SK2, 1969-1971) | Gary was from Wheeling, WVa., and Leo was from Johnstown, Pa. |
(RMC, 4-77-5-79) | I remember a few of the names here, but then my memory is going downhill lately. I remember RM2 Lucas as one of the RM's, also ENS Palko. I relieved ENCM John ?? as Senior enlisted advisor in I think May of 78. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers this old man. email hcr177@aol.com Thanks |
(FN, 76-70) | Chief Forster... I beleive that woulda been Master Chief John Laramere! He was also UDT/EOD and one hellava guy to work for! |
(SK3, 1970-1972) | 12/19/04 Scrolled dawn the message board and see a lot of us Plank Owners reporting in. We were a damn good crew as I recall and that ship was always spotless except when Sam Melay threw a five gallon bucket of red lead stained paint thinner off the windward side as we pulled up in Navplion Greece. Made her look like a coast guard cutter on the port side. Capt Brown held liberty until the staging went over and we painted her out again. He saw it as he pulled away in the gig on the initial good will run to the beach. Not a good day that was! |
(OS2, 1987-1991) | I was wondering what happened to the ship. I have lots of good memories from my tour aboard. |
(Bm3, 1987-1991) | Great picks and site. I had a great time on the mighty Sag... |
(BM3, 1987-1991) | me again anyone who wants to get in touch? email me rdrmn@yahoo.com. I have been in the Coast Guard since 93" |
(L/Cpl E-3, 1977-1977) | I was a Marine stationed on the Sag in the fall of 1977 when we escorted the USS Ray back to the US after it ran aground during operation "Display Determination". Me & a buddy were late getting back to the ship in Malaga, Spain, and wound up cleaning the bowels of the bow ramp for 3 days. God I miss those days! |
(L/Cpl E-3, 1977-1977) | To Cpl. Haynes Johnson: Boy I just read your comments and did it bring back memories. I was also on display determination. I remembered evrything you mentioned; the stolen Turkish flag, the "shallap", and Torremolinos. I loved Torremolinos so much I returned there in 1982 for my honeymoon. |
(os2, 1982-1986) | Wow beeen almost 20 yrs.What memories,hope old crew are doing well,anyone recoginze me drop me a line at Brad1964@comcast.net |
(QM3, 1991-1993) | ... Greetings Shipmates ! After 8 years active I'm in the Reserves now. I'll never forget my first ship.... or the 'duct tape diaper' from the Gunner's Mates. |
(GMG!, 1980-1982) | I actually served two tours on the Saginaw from 1980 to 1982 then from 1985 to 1989. she was a great ship and I will always have fond memories of her |
(HM2, 71-75) | I think it was 74 when I did my Med. cruise with my grunt unit. The 1st day on board the HMC with the handlebar mustache rescued me and 3 other Doc's and put us in the dispensary and also bunked us with the crew. |
(BM2, 1979-1981) | I was beginning to wonder if I could find any who was on the Saginaw when I was. Mr. Kinkin and Mr. Eldridge, I remember you. Some people called me "Reddog." I didn't get my life straightened out until the last 8 months I was in. I began school once again in January of 1982. I finished college and seminary by 1988 and have been a pastor ever since. My life couldn't be better. I am thankful for my years I spent in the Navy and on the Saginaw. Here it is, twenty-four years later. Life is sure flying by. kduncan88@cs.com |
(FN, 1983-1987) | Hey guys the trouble maker is back! M-DIV at the Brass Rail. Anybody here from Mike Hower? we lost contact. well drop me a line,sprkmn@yahoo.com |
(AM2 (AW)) | I never served on this ship but I am from saginaw michigan and I was glad to read the story. |
(BM1(SW), 77-81) | The Saginaw was the best ship i have ever served on In 1977 when reported aboard from Uss Detroit on a split sea tour i was a BM2 and made rate very fast and earned my eswos on the north alantic cruise .I have alot of good memories of the great times i had and a great crew every one worked hard and played hard It was a good tour of duty BM1(SW) Richard P Turner USN RET |
(Corporal USMC, 1982-1986) | Traveled to many countries in South America, I met my future wife in Peru in August of 1985. Also sailed to the west coast of Africa aboard the Saginaw. Enjoyed many sites and I will never forget the ship that took me to Lima-Peru. Going through the Panama Canal was also a great experience. |
(EMCS (SW), Aug 88 -Oct 90) | It is great to hear all your comments and stories. Reading them brings back a lot of memories. My time on the Sag was one of the best in my naval career and all you guys I worked with were the greatest! I am retired now for over 12 yrs. Would love to hear from any shipmates who remember me or don't remember me and just want to share sea stories.Leave me a message on the sag's message board or e-mail me at greybeard86021@aol.com Old LST sailors never die, they live on forever on web sites like this one.Keep the stories and comments comming. |
(POMT (RAN), Mar94-Oct94) | Had a great time in Norfolk VA, it was great to see the family in Aus after 9 months away though. Saginaw was certainly a handful engineering wise but a great experience all the same, that girl would roll on wet grass when she got going (35Deg Port - 35Deg Stbd)on the way home. Commisioned her Kanimbla in Little Creek Norfolk, returned to Australia and steamed her around for 12 months before major modifications. Posted to HMAS Manoora May 1997 (ex USS Fairfax County)Promoted to Chief and remained on her until Nov 2002 before leaving the Navy. Great memories, great comraderie and great stories to tell! |
(RM2, 72-75) | FIRST BLACK GUY IN RADIO. I REMEMBER RM2 WRIGHT, CHIEF STITES AND OTHERS FROM RADIO. I CLEARLY. REMEMBER THE LYONS BROTHERS (ET'S). LOOKING FOR SOME OLD FRIENDS (SM3 DORCUS). |
(1985-1989) | Great site, it was nice to grow up on the mighty Saginaw. Have alot of great memories in 1st Division. |
(kos town, sept 92 ) | met some marines on the island of kos from this actual ship, names were neil warren or warren neil not sure which way round and jeff an promised to write and thats where i went wrong and affixed wrong postage and did not recieve a reply because of this silly mistake. if any one remembers visiting the island in 1992 for 5 days it would be nice to hear from you. |
(SKC(SW), 1987-1988) | Great site. Great memories from the flat bottom days, trying to hold on to my rack in the English Channel and the engine room fire that took us to Naples for 14 days and all the work that the whole crew accomplished. |
(ETR-2) | Washington! Nice to see you here. Remember the time the brow rolled up on Stites' foot? Anyway, Dave and I are living in your state (Wash.) Please write or call and if you get up this way, I bet I can find a few cold ones! Ralph Lyons 182 Atterberry Rd. Sequim, Wa. 98382 e-mail rblyons@3dnorth.com Ph. (360)683-0731 Hope you are doing well! Best Wishes - Ralph |
(1970-1974) | Just wanting to say Hello to anyone I served with. I'd really like to get together and have a reunion of some sort, but its so hard to find everyone. Please if you remember the name and want to contact me, please do so. theboy7074@yahoo.com or call me at 724-748-4814 is my house number my cell phone is 724-967-3962 I'd love to hear from some old friends! |
(FN, Dec 76-Jun 80) | Really nice web site,just wanted to say hi to all Mike McAffe,Bill Ferguson,Butch Lacalzzi,Bill Ledford,Tom Gillock,Shelky,En1 Small,En1 Alvarado,Pat Maloney,Dave Cowart,Dave McMasters,Ashe,John Toye,Mark Berman,En3 Hungrey,so many more people that I can picture and just cant remember there names. I hope this finds you all well and in good health Mark "Ski" Cerajewski |
(sksn, 82-86) | |
(CPO, 1999-2004) | Great site guys. The old girl is still going well as HMAS KANIMBLA. She even managed to pick up a Meritorious Unit Citation in the Persian Gulf year before last (2004). Can't seem to rid ourselves of you USMC and USN Seal types though. Must be the food or something but once they come onboard they don’t seem to want to leave. |
(HT1/C, Jan 77-Jan 80) | Great site... good to see a lot of names from the past. Retired in 1993 as a DCCM. The pictures bring back a lot of memories of heavy seas and hard work, but most of all the good liberty. |
(RM, 91-92) | To all who remember me, hello, and I hope life is treating you well. To all those I don't know, I just want to say thanks for helping me remember some of the good times. Kessler, you are still a schmuck! |
(EN3, 1970-1972) | Reall had alot of good times and meet alot of good people. |
(cpl-USMC, 02-84) | I Think about the days at sea aboard this ship.Somtimes I wonder if the ship is still the same. |
(RM1, 1981-1991) | Radio LPO- the ship I retired on during the scud attack in TEl-Aviv Isreal |
(LT, 1985-187) | Great ship, great crew |
(RM3, 1972-1973) | HEY RALPH LYONS, HAPPY YOU REMEMBERED ME. YEA CHIEF STITES WAS A CHARACTER (BUBBLES). I RETIRED IN 1971, MADE CHIEF BUT COULDN'T MAKE SENIOR DUE TO BEING ON THE FAT BOY PROGRAM. YOU BELIEVE THAT! HELL I COULD BARELY MAKE 160LBS ON THE SAG. NICE HEARING FROM YOU. STILL LOOKING FOR SM3 DORCUS, RM3 BUSBY, SM PAYNE AND RM3 KING (EVEN THOUGH) KING WAS A ---K. SEE YOU GUYS |
(sm, 79-82) | gerry or howie got a new email address please contact me @ rc-gc@hotmail.com |
(72-75) | Washington!- I never would have guessed you to stay in! And I just CAN'T see you over 160! Man, if you ever get up this way - I have a cold one or several!! It's good to hear from you and I live in Sequim, Washington - (360)683-0731. I hope this finds you well and happy - Best Wishes and Take care - Ralph Please call - |
(72-75) | I almost forgot - For anyone who remembers the mushroom flag - Capt. Mclaughlin's son; Maj. Mclaughlin, USA has it and is planning to use it as his flag when he takes a new command in Dec! I wish him well, and hope the flag brings him luck - Ralph |
(Ens./Lt.Jg., 1974-1976) | I remember being chewed out by the XO quite a few times because of all the antics that Ralph and Dave Lyons did. This website has brought back old memories. Those 3 years were the hardest times of my life. |
(Boats, 1992-1994) | Some of the best times of my life. Miss you all. You will always be my brothers. Get in touch bostonis4me@comcast.net Daniel P. Hyde |
(SH 2, 1971-1972) | Plank Owners unite. This is Gino your old buddy from the ship's store.New bargains everyday. Reunited with Rollo last year tearful reunion. Never forget starching Burn's underwear in Gitmo. Thanks for the memories guys. schlegelba@aol.com |
(PC3, 1970-1973) | I just saw David Crosby's name. Do you ever hear from Rosie or Robbie? Seems like eons ago. |
(GM3, 1970-1972) | Who threw the Captain's and XO's parking signs in the water? |
(72-75) | For Dan Hernickle - Please write again to bd486@scn.org and/or rblyons@3dnorth.com we accidentally cleared the mailbox and I lost your address. Happy new year to all and best wishes - Ralph |
| looking for someone that served with jeff fry. 81-84 | |
(en3, 1988-1991) | had many fond times on board the saginaw. I will never forget the good ones and bad ones. I live in chicago now. You can e-mail me at ldenz@comcast.net god bless all who sailed onboard. |
(Bmsn, 1985-1988) | Alot great times.. I have alot pics.. tbusser@yahoo.com |
(RM2, 1981-1984) | It was great to know that the old Sag has web site. |
(ETRSN (PNA), 1971-1973) | 4 months of mess cooking, 6 months of compartment cleaning. It was great being 'PNA' "Passed, Not Advanced." Hey Rocco, remember when we wrecked my Camaro that night in Slatington, PA picking up 'that chick'? Also when you said to the elevator operator at the Arycasa Hotel in Barcelona re: your purchased sword-"NO, PARA HOMBRES!" |
('73-'75) | For the information of anyone who wants to write - New address - rblyons@straitisp.com I look forward to hearing from you guys - Ralph |
(QM3, 1974-1977) | GREAT SITE, WENT IN AT DECK APE, THEN TO QUARTERMASTER. SORRY TO HEAT ABOUT CAPT. MAC. WHAT A GREAT GUY. WE WENT TO TORTOLA BECAUSE HE HAD A GIRLFRIEND THERE. LOOKING FOR BUDDY BIRKOFF, GENE BECKER, RON JOHNSON. MANY GRAET DRUNK TIMES. CIGARS AND SARDINES ON THE BRIDGE, WATCHING BM'S PUKING. DRYDOCK IN NEWPORT NEWS BEATING UP THE GAY GUYS. GREAT MEMORIES |
(SM2, 6/82-6/84) | I served on SAGINAW as the signal gang LPO in MOD-LOC. Got to see the ISRAELIS in action in BEIRUIT. I will always remember my time on the SAG. Shipmates my e-mail address is sm1knapp@hotmail.com. I found this site 27MAR2006. TKS. |
(BM3, 1986-1989) | Hello to all you alumni of the USS Saginaw.Great to see some names of the people I served with.Remember that fatefull med cruise we took.The Fire?Was that an experiance or what.Naples Italy for a month to patch us up to make it back across the atlantic wasnt so bad though.As I remember we also passed the USS Stark somewhere by the Suez canal.She had a great big hole in her hull from the gulf.Many good times there on the Saginaw.We had a great 1st Div. deck crew.anyone who would like to contact me may do so at brockoboy@yahoo.com |
(fn, 85-88) | I remember that Unitas Cruise got pictures too I was just staying in trouble on the Saginaw even got demoted .I was never happy there lol . I did meet some people that helped me grow up , I will never forget I can't mention them all en2Bell, ht3Butler,en3Hayes,en2Coleman,os2Shipman, fnLipscolm. You all were brothers to me. I gotta stop Im reminiscing . |
(RM3, 1971-1973) | This is really great.. It does bring back alot of memories and I'm glad they are the good ones.. Hey Jim Wright it was geat seeing your comments and I also remember Seago. Have you heard from any other shipmates like Franzetta, Keiser, Camp? We used to complain alot, but all I remember now are the good times.. My e-mail address is aserna24@yahoo.com Hope to hear from you guys... |
(GMG2, 1971-1972) | I was on the commissioning crew, anyone remember bringing her around from Long Beach to Little Creek? |
(OS3, 89-92) | "Permission to come aboard!"This is great! I didn't even know this web page existed. I saw alot of names I haven't seen or heard since I served on board. Good job. Far seas and following winds. OS3 Adcock 89-92 |
( EN2,1970-1972) | Nice site. Thank you. Plank Owner, Shellback, Commissioning Crew, Flag football player. Tried to drink as much oozoo as Fitzgerald, but he ALWAYS won. Best to everyone. |
( amh1,78-98) | ret. navy airdale |
( EN3,77-79) | HEY GUYS, GOOD TO SEE SO MANY OF MY FELLOW SEA DOGS STILL KICKING. TOYE, GILLOCK, MCAFEE, TRAVIS, KERR,CERAJEWSKI, HAMM JUST TO MENTION A FEW OF YOU. WOULD I SERVE ON THE SAGINAW AGAIN? WITH ALL YOU GUYS, HELL YES.BUTCH IS STILL AROUND, SAW HIM LAST YEAR(2005). i HAVE EMAILED MOST OF YOU GUYS AT LEAST ONCE. FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS MINE HERE IT IS: wfcoalrun@yahoo.com SKI I KNOW WHERE YOU ARE, BUT I AM STILL TRYING TO FIND LeMASTER, ANY LEADS WILL BE APPRECIATED. |
( RM2,72-76) | I just came across this sight. Sitting here reading down the list brought back a lot of memories. Wash, I can\'t believe you didn\'t mention me. R. and D. Lyons, how could I forget? Ron Mckenzie - the corvette man. Jim Wright,I think you were going in the hotel/motel business when you got out. Duffy, thanks again for all the times you got up at 6am to take me to the airport.I talked to Busby a couple of years ago. He\'s a school teacher now. That\'s the only contact I\'ve had with anyone since I was discharged 30 years ago. WOW how time flies. I\'m doing okay and I hope all of you are doing well. You too Mr. Elam. Feel free to contact me if any one wants to talk about the good ole days on the Saginaw. E-mail: ray.hatzman@yum.com or call 502-817-1490. Best wishes to all. |
( CPL,1977-1981) | I was in USMC and earned my Blue Nose while on the USS Saginaw. This ship could take like none other. We where in the N Atlantic during some extremely rough weather--some long term Navy types said it was the roughest that they had ever seen. All in all I learned a lot on that trip. The 1188 always has a place in my memory--I had a huge monkey-wrench dropped on my head by a young squid while trying to help set up ship to ship transport. Really--true story. Good site by the by. Randall P.Rasch |
| Nice job on your site. http://www.burok.org/tuscaloosa.htm | |
( EN,1975-1977) | After thirty years an old shipmate, William Becker got in touch with me via-email. It brought back some good memories and a few more names. It more thanly likely brought back for few memories to Bill than he rather not become public record. Walter Kempton, George Storbel, Russel Henard, Mark Edwards, John Rabe, Morgan, Bennet, Flagler, Ziggy, Melton and a few more. My thanks to who ever put this web page together and to those who keep it going. My email address has changed to enhornsby@insightbb.com. I will be back later with a few good stories to tell. I hope to hear from some of the other shipmates I had during my years aboard. |
( EN3,1970-1974) | Greetings to all the Plank Owners. Nice site. Richard Wigley, please send me an email. I had your camera and I was supposed to send it to you after you left the Sag. Unfortunately, someone stole it and I lost your address. I have been looking for you all this time. email thoreau53@mac.com |
( ENCS,1970-1972) | I just want to give my new e-mail address: lbhsr@earthlink.net |
| Nice website! Well done. Gator navy is the best. http://www.burok.org/tuscaloosa/history.htm | |
( EN3,1980-1983) | EMAIL WILLIAMHLEE@VERIZON.NET |
( ETR-2,73-75) | Just a quick note for a laugh-Back in 2003 I loaned my aircraft to an instructor and he crashed it - Well it is finally back in the air; I flew it for about an hour yesterday. Circled the Coast guard base at Port Angeles, wa. !!! Best wishes to all and Take Care - Ralph |
( HT,1978-1981) | As a HT on a gator freighter I learned to fix everything with nothing. She was a great ship and a great crew. cebs1156@aol.com |
( L/cpl,72-75) | was on med cruise 74 with 1/8 bco. great times and fond memories.after tour in corps reenlisted in the navy.but the 1188 was the best ship i ever served on. |
( RM3,1982-1986) | Can\'t think of much to say other than that my time on the Saginaw continues to influence all I do (in a good way). I really miss the people, and hope all of you are well. Cheers gMp |
( BM,1999-2002) | HMAS Kanimbla- she\'s still going strong |
( Cpl,1987-1987) | Passenger on Med Float 87 Cruise as part of 1/10 Marines, remembered the picture of everyone swimming in Somalia (should of shown a picture of the navy guy with a M-14 standing watch over everyone). |
( HT3,1970-1971) | JUST THOUGHT I WOULD SAY HI TO ALL THE PLANK OWNERS I SERVED WITH ON THE SAGINAW. I RETIRED FROM THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AFTER 28 YEARS OF SERVICE. I AM NOW A QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER FOR A LOGISTICS COMPANY. THIS IS A GREAT SITE THANKS FOR ALL THE MEMORIES. MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS depola@atlanticbb.net |
( Sm3,71-75) | To all that served on the grand old lady...Happy Holidays 2006. Hey Flickinger, I remember driving your camaro when we traveled from Pa. to Va. Must confess that I would open it up while you slept on the back seat. |
( HT2,1977-1979) | Nice place to visit and run across so many names. I need to go to my old scrap book and put some faces to some of the names. Travis, Fiore, Simmons, Burk, Stauder, McAfee, Clark and to here the story about Baby Huey. Where does the time go. If any HT wants to mail me I\'m at rschober@jamadots.com I\'m remarried with two boys age 9 and 10 and my wife is in school to become RN. |
( ETR2,72-75) | Hi Augie and everyone else - Merry Christmas and happy New Year - Best Wishes - Ralph |
( GMG3,73-75) | Great site,reading these messages brouht back lot\'s of memorys.Crazy days in Palma,swimming in the Agean,picket duty off of Cypress,drinking Tortola Trips at the hotel,lowering the boat while we were anchored and filling it with ice cold beer,crazy cab drivers in Ismir.Dan that 50 degree roll you mentioned made me laugh because I was the helmsman at the time and it almost threw me out the opposite hatch.Tuch are you still in Pittsburgh,Zerbe did you go back to San Fran?Sea Dog you still like crackers?and what ever became of Waldo? |
( ETR-2) | Hi Steve - It\'s good to see your name here! That roll was 59 degrees not 50. Dave and I had made a recording roll meter and it recorded 59. Ask Augie - it almost took him overboard! I was up in the shop. Best Wishes and happy new year - Ralph |
( e-3,1988-1992) | Was deployed with the Saginaw crew in 1989 and returned home in 1990. Loved the Med and loved the boat. Charlie company weapons platoon 1st bn. 8th Marines. will0351@comcast.net |
( LTjg / DCA,8/76-8/79) | If I recall correctly we took a 58/59 Deg. roll on our med cruise (spring/summer of \'78) off Sardinia one evening. Busted one of the tables in the wardroom off its base, and the shredder in CIC was thrown across the compartment. When I at DCA school, I was reviewing the stability cross curves for the Newport class LSTs. The curve stopped at 60 Deg., whereas on other classes of ships it cycled all the way through 90 deg and beyond in some cases. I asked the instructor what happened after 60 - his response: \"Poseidon Adventure....\" |
( RM1/RMC,FEB82-AUG85) | POPE AND OT DO YOU REMEMBER THE TIME WE WERE ON A MED CRUISE AND WE HAD TO BURN THE BURN BAGS IN A BURN BARREL ON THE STERM GATE AN THE GATE STARTED LOWERING INTO SEA, WE HAD TO RUN BACK TO KEEP FROM GOING IN THE WATER. MISS THOSE GOOD DAYS. |
( e3,1990-1992) | good site glunt_todd@yahoo.com |
( SN-BM2,\'82-\'86) | \"The Greater GATOR\", I owe ALL that I AM to the leadership,mentorship and guidance to: CDR K H Johnson (CO); LCDR Lennon (1st LT), BMC Person, BM1 Bernhart, BM2 Courtney, BM3 Castleberry, BM3 Hatter and BM3 Edwards. USS Saginaw LST- 1188, the cornerstone of boatswain\'s mate knowledge and experience. |
( BMCM) | smithat82@cox.net; atsmith@vinson.navy.mil |
| Hi to Mr Travis - I left the ship a year before you came on board, but Chief Scarlet and some of the guys including Capt McLaughlin did some of the same research and determined that it would probably capsize at about 60 degrees. Funny that I now do 60 a lot in a 2g turn and it doesn\'t seem so bad! Best Wishes to all - Ralph | |
( ETR-2) | For Mr Travis - way back near the top of the guest book, you ask \"who has the mushroom flag?\" Well, Bruce McLaughlin Jr. has it. He is a Major in the Army and plans to fly is as his unit flag. He sent Harry Elam and I a photo of it, and Harry had some made. I have one and it is great! The mushroom flies over Sequim, Wa. Best Wishes - Ralph |
( YN3/YN2,1972-1974) | Appreciate the memories. Great site. Outstanding ship and a great crew in 72-74. One of the best times in my Navy career and my life. |
( EN-3,1971-1972) | Ouzo?? Did somebody say Ouzo? I can remember a night in Athens when Steve Waters and Dave Ladewig and I tried to drink all of the Ouzo in Greece. I won. And then there was the M-division flag football game with Supply when the coal miners (Staley & Pettit) put Pridemore in the hospital with a wrecked knee. Who says flag Football isn\'t a contact sport? Anyone remember Bob Puente\'s orange MG Midget and the really curly skid marks on the road back from the EM club in Little Creek? Greatest pirouette I have ever seen! Never touched the curb! |
( BT3,1970-1972) | REAL NICE SITE.I WAS PART OF THE ORGINAL CREW.THIS BRINGS BACK MANY GREAT MEMORIES I HAD WITH SOME REALLY GREAT GUYS. IM LIVING IN BUTLER PA. AND WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM SOME OLD FRIENDS.PHONE # 724 282 7033 E MAIL cookie8@zoominternet.net |
( EN-3,81-84) | The Ole\\\' Sag holds a place in my heart too. She was a work horse! On her first voyage at sea she towed a ship that was dead in the water on her way from California in 1971! I remember towing the Manitowoc 1187 when I was aboard also. Those six V-16 ALCO\\\'s got us there and back every time! I\\\'ll always remember Chief Palmos. One of the best guys I ever worked for. I\\\'d love to hear from any of you guys who were aboard when I was. (918)724-1643. Call anytime!......OVER! |
( EN-3,81-84) | Back again. Just wanted to leave an E-Mail Address Badmoterskooter@cox.net Send Mail! Does anyone remember when the deck apes let Oscar The Dummie go through the bow thruster!? HA! Too Funny!........OVER! |
( sksn,1982-1986) | kraigtroupe@netzero.net |
( N/A,1990-1990) | I was with a D.C. based boyscout troop that was on the ship over Independence day 1990 |
( LTjg DCA,8/76-8/79) | Lucky for you Congressman Foley didn\'t come along for the ride..... |
( HTC,1977-1981) | Mr. Travis, have you heard from the Tennessee guys? Are you still down in West Palm Beach? I am retired teaching NJROTC in South Carolina. |
( DK1,73-75) | God rest his soul. Son of a U.S. Navy Sailor... |
( SKSN,1973-1976) | 3-3-07 Hey Steve Huff, there are a million of you in Ohio. My e-mail address is jim121@connecttime.net |
( sksn,1964-1969) | U.S.S. Saratoga CVA-60 What a time we had, third class Pappy Wright, And First Class Synder, What a bunch of sailors, That was a long time ago and I still have dreams about being in the bosn`n locker. I still have moments |
( CM2 ,MARG-1-90) | What a Med. Cruise. ACB2 TEAM RED TWO. SEABEES \\\"CAN DO\\\" |
( sksn,1973-1976) | Bridge of Sighs |
( QM2,1982-1986) | Found this site by accident, was great to see some old names I\'ve lost touch with. Especially Gary Pope, Doc Summerville, and Ki Lee. |
( LT,1987-1991) | Great site, brings back some great memories. I have lots of pictures. Brad, send me an email and I will hook you up with the photos. Hello to all my shipmates. Send me an email if you want to chat. Asherby5@yahoo.com. GO IRISH!!!!!! |
( OS2,1970-1974) | I\'d rather GATOR than F---! I went shrimping with Bill(KUGGA) Hettich for about four years after we got out if you think we had a good time on the SAGINAW you should have been with us on the Pallmetto. We spent the summers in South Carolina and the winters in Key West. Like a lot of you guys i have a real HATE/LOVE attitude about the Saginaw but like most of you I really missed it after I got out. MY E-MAIL is studebakereagle@yahoo.com I remember quite a few of the things people brought up like the roll we took coming back from SNOWY BEACH and it was 60 degrees I know because I was watching the PITCH AND ROLL LEVELS in COMBAT. |
( RM3,1976-1980) | I had a great time on the ship. I know a lot of people remember me. I want to give shout out to RMC Jerry Foster, RM2 Lucas, RM3 Rice, and RM2 Walters |
( 1985-1988) | Hey shipmates! I really loved to hate those years on the sag. 11\'s and 8\'s, the dead mans hand baby! All you guys were like brothers to me even you snipes! Haha Bow em up!!! Hey I love you all and God bless man. I hope you all have sweet lives! If anybody wants to contact me you can at mitchstarflash@hotmail.com. Peace! |
( LTjg - DCA,8/76-8/79) | HTC Stauder: Hey Mark, don\\\'t know if you received my e-mail. I\\\'m still in the WPB area, alive and well. Lost contact with Tim Simmons years ago. If I recall correctly, he was working at the Oak ridge nuke facility. Have no idea how Billy Burke is doing. Drop me a line at Psivart@aol.com. And that goes for anyone else that would like to say hi. Just mention Saginaw in the sujbect line. All the best! |
( 0,0244-00) | Where are you Flying Colours? |
( PC2,6/91-6/93) | I just found this site and can\'t believe the names I found, people I had completly forgotten about. There is even a listing from Capt. Luck. Hey what ever happened to Capt. Kessler? |
( EN3,1981-1984) | Great to see some familiar names. Really miss the guys I served with.Still have dreams about the Sag. ccomer1@triad.rr.com |
( sn,1971-1973) | Nice to see that the \'1st crew still remembers the good ole days. I did wathches in starboard after steering, Nash was on the port side. Maley tossing buckets of water into the wind, twice, in 20 minutes. I remember Big Lofty on his perch on the derrick arm, handling the ramp. And, I remember 1st division, a great bunch of guys. A tip of the hat to you all! |
( GMG1,1983-1987) | The most fun I ever had as a class \"C\" liberty risk in the MED. |
( EM2,1987-1991) | I fixed a bug that was keeping people from posting to the OLD message board system... IT works again. I will be working on adding some security to that system to keep out the spam bots, and hackers... so in the mean time, use at your own risk! The URL is: http://www.bbroerman.net/saginaw/wwwboard/wwwboard.html |
( EM2,1987-1991) | I found a great \"social networking\" site for active and former military. You can list all of your assignments / ships / units, etc and reconnect with old friends... This is a great site, and was VERY well done! The URL is: http://navy.togetherweserved.com |
( BM2 (SW),1980-1984) | Found this site by chance, was wondering what happened to the old girl. I was really surprised to read from a few the guys I served with, help bring back many great times. The dAY I left the ship and all of you was one of saddess day I can remmender.If any of want drop me a line at dcourtney@parker.com or doncourtney@peoplepc.com, hope to hear from you soon, best of luck. |
( E7,1984-1994) | Still dislikes blacks and latinos. |
( LT,1987-1990) | Hello from Richmond, VA |
( HM2,1977-1981) | The Saginaw was the only ship I saw while on active duty. (Stationed with the jar heads and had to volunteer to get aboard ship!) Cruised her back across the Atlantic with the 2nd MCAW. The way she \"handled\" the high seas in the North Atlantic, walking up the bulkheads, and tying myself down to the bunks it was surely a great experience. Our theme song on that cruise was Queen\'s \"Another One Bites the Dust\" it was appropriate for all the sutures we had to put in the Marines! lol It brings back fond memories and I am glad to see she is still in service, the Aussies appear to have done her proud. Two of the great memories on that cruise was the Captain calling all the Marines topside to take pictures of the Artic Circle..... and again to moon the Russians on a fly over..... He had a great sense of humor! Godspeed to all. |
( emfn,1991-1993) | I just found this web site and I think you did a great job. If anybody wants to e-mail me you can at garyjr777@hotmail.com |
( emfn,1990-1993) | Brad Ive got some pictures that I will send you so you can put them on here. |
( l/cpl,1973-1974) | 2nd amtrac battalion 4th platoon camp lejuene served on ship from May 1974 to nov 1974 semper fi |
( en2,1985-1988) | good i have so many great times on board the sag just wish i could see some of thhe old ship mates wilcoxson evans the whole bunch of en |
( LT,1987-1991) | Wardroom news from Aug-07 LCDR Daryl Haegley retired last month from the Crypto world. I was the lone Saginaw representative. He is married to the same woman (Brenda) with several children. I also heard from (young Ensign) Adam Shebroe with the bad news that his father passed recently. He is married and living outside Atlanta with children. CDR Joe Leonard is the chairman of Seamanship and Navigation at the Naval Academy. He was the CO of the USS Thomas Gates before it was decomm\'d. He is married with no children. |
( PC3,1970--1973) | It\'s great to see some of the guys I served with as a Plank Owner. I remember another story about Sam Melay catching fish and putting them literally on ice in the ice machine. Also brought a stuffed armadillo onboard from the Acapulco layover. What a great maiden voayage that was. Willie Mussachia, Kelly McQuany (best dancer in the Navy), Jim O\'Hara, Augie Pabon, Guy Cunningham, Steve Stansbury.... the names and faces are all coming back. Fond (maybe not too) memories of Chief Palmer and GITMO training at the conflagration station and the P-250 pump and Red-Devil Blower. Wow, where\'s this coming from? |
( PC3,1970-1972) | I should have looked through all of the entries prior to submitting my last one. I see Flick and Studie have responded. Flick, still an enjoyable weekend with the homemade Sangria and great clams we picked up BEFORE the unfortunate event. I just gave the \"sword\" to my son to do with whatever college boys deem appropriate. Studie, great to see your response as well. Looks like you did the \"Forrest Gump\" thing for awhile. Anyone hear from Spanky (Jochen Spanake) or Robbie? I\'ll have to dig up the 1972 Cruise Book as a reference for some of the other names/faces. Anyone remember the infamous Sunday on the bridge when the XO (LCDR E.E. White)asked how breakfast was? We had been steaming for some time without hitting a port - so Sundays were special. I remember \'cause I was either at the helm or on starboard watch and the response was that all they (messdecks) served was S.O.S. He immediately stormed out and made them throw the stuff over the fantail and re-opened the breakfast line with a great spread of food. Another observance: During the Operation Snow Beach excercise, I was on Port watch just outside the bridge when we started taking the rolls as referenced by others. I didn\'t think it was so bad until Captain(CDR) Brown came out of the bridge and tossed his cookies over the side. He turned around and gave me a look that said more than words can express (Yeah, it\'s pretty bad, and if you ever tell anyone what you just saw.....!. As I recall we were steaming for several days to try to get out of the worst of that storm. I got pretty tired of eating sandwiches, but the mess decks were truly a \'mess\'. It would be great to hear from any of the Plankowners or Shellbacks that took the first steps with the Saginaw. My e-mail: ronheinicke@comcast.net |
( BM3,1980-1984) | Came across this site by chance, seeing V.B.King and Durfee really bring back the memorys. I saw her in Australia...THEY CUT THE ARMS OFF OF HER! Looks peculiar, wonder how they get the ramp on the beach. |
( BM3,10-80-06-84) | My e-mail is m1a1bush@sbcglobal.net. What happened to Helsel?! |
( EM2,11/87-5/90) | So great to see some familiar names here. Brad, you\'ve done well, your efforts gives us all a place to reconnect. They don\'t call you \"Light\'s Out Broerman\" where you work do they? (Haha). Can\'t forget that. Sure miss some of you guys, and of course our younger day\'s. Can\'t beat em\' Hope someone remembers my name, if so drop me an email at \"jreisner63@yahoo.com\" |
( NCC(SW),87-92) | Just wanted to say hello to a Great Bunch of Shipmates, Officer and Enlisted. Everyday was a Great Day. Some were just better than others. vicmic83@hughes.net |
( SH2,1970-1972) | Plankowner; and the VERY FIRST ships barber. Trimmed a lot of hair on you hippie sailors, including me. Also trimmed all those scruffy looking beards. Everyone had a beard, even if you could not grow one. Ron Heinecke did have the best looking beard in my opinion. How about hitting the pier in Little Creek on our way back from the West Coast. We hit so hard that it bent the I-beams in the tank deck. The following weekend we had open house, and they backed the ship in to the pier so nobody saw the big dent. Geno Schlegel, Ron Heinecke, Ken Broome, I remember all the good times we had. We really were in the prime of our lives. Thanks for jogging the memory, and thanks for the great web site. (September, 2007) wmusacchia@att.net |
( SH2,1970-1972) | Getting senile; misspelled my own first name. How about the Boones Farm wine for a buck, in Virginia Beach. Cheap buzz. |
( ET3,1992-1994) | Great times and great memories. ET3 McNair contact me. |
( ENCS(SW) Retired,1987-1993) | Hey Saginaw Mates! Today is: October 2, 2007 In January I will be retired for 8 years already! Great seeing some familiar names on here...Great memmories...some of the hardest working people served on the Sag. I\'m living in Norfolk, VA...retired in January 2000. Anyone who wants to..give me a holler at: BrodmannR@aol.com Take Care and God Bless. Till next time! Rich Brodmann |
( RMC,1977-1979) | Just wanted to say Hi to Gus Borden, where are you now? All in all I think we had some good times on the old Sag. I retired in 1982, lucky to make RMCS, went to work for the Post Office and retired from there in 2002 after a heart attack. All is well now though.I\'d Love to hear from you Gus and anyone else. I\'m in Colorado, a little town in the mountains.Hope to hear from you. email at hcr177@aol.com or phone 719-748-8573. All the best. |
( HM3,1984-1985) | This was the first ship I served on as an enbarked troop. Currently retired after 23 years |
( PFC,1948-1952) | I am looking for the LST or LSD that transported me to Korea from SanDiego to japan then to Korea. The ship from what I understand was hit by a khamakaze in WWII. The tranport took place in early April 1951 |
( RM3,1972-1974) | Oct 23, 2007 Received an e-mail from an advertising firm trying to sell merchandise, and it mentions that there will be a reunion for USS SAGINAW X crew members next year. (2008). Is anyone aware of this or is it just advertising BLLSHIT? |
( EM3,70-74) | Found the site again. Good to see some of the plankowners. Great times in the Mediteranean. Hope all is well |
( GySgt,1990-1991) | Was aboard during Desert Shield/Storm. Seventeen years ago today (31 Oct 1990), while I was in the Goat Locker eating that great chow, the 1MC announced the birth of my youngest daughter. Every year during her birthday my thought always range back to the Saginaw and crew. usmc0369@hotmail.com |
( RP2,1990-1991) | Does anybody remember me? Chaplain Peek and I would come onboard during Desert Sheild/Storm and the Chaplain would do Sunday Services and prayer over the 1MC at night before taps. |
( enc retired,1976-1979) | jerry you still hanging yourself on doors? suprised most of the pot smokers are still around.at any rate it\\\'s good to know that you seem to be staying out of trouble. anyone herd from tatum, or the tennessee ridge runner? |
( RMC,1977-1979) | Hey Pat Finley, how are you doing? Nice to hear from you, have you heard from any of the other Chief\'s that were aboard when we were? Hope all is well with you. |
( E-5,91-92) | I was on during desert storm. Radioman 2nd class. |
( FN,1975-1979) | Hey Pat Finley you old snipe you! Remeber that 72 Datson you sold me? LOL Living in California, married with 2 sons. Oldest kid just got out of the Navy after 4 years and other is a collage student. Drop me a line Chief! Equine-Excel@bak.rr.com |
( HT E3,76-78) | Hey crew and freinds . Pete Travis , that was a 59 degree role . I had to weld that table back down .Has anyone heard from , Tim Simmons ,Billy Burke ,Homer Mc Cauley or any of the rest of the Cheech And Chong Rat Pack |
( Sgt.,1975-1979) | I was on the Saginaw in the fall of 1977, when the ship escorted the damaged sub USS Ray. I remember the North Atlantic storms and the ship\'s loud banging noises when it bounced off the ocean. I also remember waiting in the long chow lines, for what seemed like hours. I remember the card games and craps that we played in the birthing compartments. I remember many fellow Marines who were sea sick the entire time onboard. Any Marines or Sailors that were the ship with me, send me an email usmc665@hotmail.com. Great website, brings back great memories! |
( HTFN,76-78) | Happy New YEAR . I have been very lucky to have received resent emails from some of my past shipmates.Randy Schober;Jim Arehart;Pete Travis Im still looking for other shipmates , Fiore ,Simmons, Burke, Mc Cauley, McAfee, Patti, |
( HM-striker,72-73) | Hello everyone, I was a BM when i came on board but started striking cause i hated the work. left the navy in 1976 as HM2. Hope all is well, it was kinda funny to see that our ship is now in the Australian Navy. I am retired now from the Fire Service after 25 years. Currently working as Sale Agent for a Golf Scorecard Company. Loved the Med cruise of 72. Any of you guys still out their. email me at wnc_bob@myway.com. |
( Cpl,1986-1990) | Served on the USS Saginaw when the USS Stark was being towed back. Glade we did attack IRAQ. |
( LCPL.,0592-1192) | SIX MONTH PUMP TO THE MED. ONLY SHIP I WAS EVER ON SO IM REAL PARTIAL TO HER. BLT2/2 MARFOLANT |
( sm3,88-90) | doing well been a long time finally grown up |
( BT3,71-74) | Worked with Dankmer Trained me for my job I have been doing for30 plus yrs. Power Plant Operator at a correctional Inst. Thanks Ed. |
( BT3,71-74) | Anyone know where Dan Lindsey is? I know He\'s from Bowling Green Ky. |
| Hello, I am the son of Lt. Alton Clayton Slawson Jr. and since he passed before my first birthday, I was wondering if anyone knew him and wouldn\'t mind sharing any stories, memories, or most importantly, any photos. His tour on the Saginaw was between 1987-1989. Thanks! Sincerely, A. Clayton Slawson III claytonslawson@yahoo.com | |
( ABWTR,2007-2010) | I am currently serving on HMAS KANIMBLA in the RAN and this site is excellent. Its really cool to see what the ship used to look like, and how much history sits within these walls as I am posting this from the ship whilst at sea. Once again awesome site and keep it going. |
( DK3,1989-1993) | I never thought I would look back when I heard \\\'DK3 Patrick Price departing\\\'... The long time we spent in the gulf during desert storm left me angry and disgruntled. Followed up by the Med cruise and my absense for the birth of my first son. But now I realize the significance of the entire experience and appreciate it all. I can not forget the Saginaw. patrickmprice@hotmail.com |
( SR- BM2,1982-1986) | On Thursday, February 21 2008,at 1500 Captain Kenneth H. Johnson (Ret.) was laid to rest, at Arlington National Cemetery, with full military honors. I attended the funeral services earlier, where Capt Johnson was hail as \"The father of National Naval Officers Association (NNOA)\", an organization that actively supports the Navy in recruiting, retaining, and developing the careers of minority officers, in which he helped stand-up in 1972. I will remember the \"CAPT\", as my first skipper on SAGINAW, who was very professional and an \"outstanding leader of men\", whom will be greatly missed by ALL, who\'ve served with him. \"Rest in Peace\" |
( MS3,06/84-04/85) | So many memories on board her for almost 4 years. Cooking for over 500 men was quite a challenge. Not seeing/touching land for 60 days while pumping and dumping off Beirut was also a challenge. Made great use of the tank deck though, great to run in! Hope my shipmates are all well. Feel free to contact me at wifi13@comcast.net Yeoman Brown from Alabama, are you out there? Dino too? Btw, I Sent the Mad Hatter some e-mail today |
( MS3,1981-1985) | Not sure why my comments came through twice,(see above...) but have corrected the years aboard... Also, my sincere condolences to Kenneth Johnson\'s family and friends, he was by far my favorite Captain, and I was very proud to serve under him, and to serve him dinner too! I was his personal chef for many months! |
( Lcpl,1988-1992) | Trying to catch up with some old friends! will0351@verizon.net Was on the Saginaw for a Med float 1989-1990. Charlie company weapons platoon. Played on the ships rugby team that was brutalized by the local French team, they had an American student from Texas playing with them. God that was awful. Also played in a soccer tournament in Italy. |
( EM3,1981-1984) | Just a quick shout out to all my A & E Div friends. Drop a line at pabloconrad@yahoo.com |
( EM3,1981-1984) | Has anyone seen EM2 Pete Simone, EM? Mike Cribbs or EM3 Donald Dunn, EN2 Sam Rouse, EN2 Fraser (all served in 82, 83, &84)? If you do, have them e-mail me at pabloconrad@yahoo.com |
( EN1,92-94) | Saginaw taught everything that I\'ve used throughout my time in the Navy. Great guys hard workers and could fix anything with duct tape and a prayer!!!! |
( EN2,85-87) | One of the best times I ever had. |
( EM2,1987-1991) | Hi, all... A former Aussie sailor has some questions about a ghost seen on the ship... I posted the details of his request on both message boards... Anyone having information, please email me! Thanks... |
( 1988-1988) | I was only on board for a few months before leaving due to an injury. But she\'s the only vessel I ever served on and I\'ll never forget her. Don\'t recall seeing any ghosts, though. I doubt anyone would remember me, but if you want to drop a line, do so at rbeamis@yahoo.com |
( EN2) | I was feeling nostalgic for the time I served in the USN. I served onboard the USS Schenectady LST 1185, M-Div, #3 ER from 1987 - 1990. I just wanted to give salute to Rich Brodman, whom I served with in Great Lakes,Ill. Glad to read everything went well. e-mail: dtobiasv@yahoo.com |
( LCPL,1990-1990) | I\'ll never forget this ship, this was my first Med deployment while in the Corp. |
( 10,1965-1990) | INCREDIBLE WEB SITE! This site is an invaluable tool to all veterans. We have added a link to our monthly newsletter and magazine so that more veterans can be made aware of this tremendous resource. Also, please visit our web site to learn about hidden government benefits you (all veterans) are eligible for and how to significantly increase your service-connected compensation or VA pension. http://www.veteranprograms.com |
( EN-3,87-90) | Great!!!! |
( FTG3,June76-Dec76) | I had a short stay aboard the Saginaw as they decomissioned the Gun Fire Control Systems soon after I got aboard. I got aboard while in Horne Brothers Ship Yard. I spent a good part of that summer at Damn Neck training on the fire control system and when I got back went up to Dumphries VA with a firemen..can't even remember his name...FTG3 Laird was supposed to pick us up on his way back from PA....he forgot so we were UA...as punishment I was sent to SOPA transportation pool for 3 months...drove bus on duty day....every 4 days....awful punishment...got back and was transfered to USS Truett FF 1095....never got underway at all on the Saginaw... would like to hear from GMGC Larry"The Bookie" England...my email is MBragdon@trcsolutions.com or Marty33055@aol.com |
( ENC,1988-1991) | Hey I am trying to locate Butch Roberts and others who served during these dates if anyone served please contact me at my wifes email listed below. She was a great ship and alot of hard work and good times where had aboard her. sassylady14845@yahoo.com |
( ENC,1987-1992) | WELL CHECKING IN TO SEE WHAT IS NEW |
( HT3,1970-1972) | PLANKOWNER; NICE TO HEAR FROM OLD FRIENDS AND SHIPMATES, IT SURE HAS BEEN A LONG TIME, I'M SURE WILLIE MUSSACHIA WOULD FIND US AS GRAY AS THE SAG. HAS ANYONE HEARD FROM BOB WISNEWSKI? |
( ET3,1992-1994) | This is just too spooky to see these names I barely remember. Ryan McKenzie, you asked me to contact you, how? try me at asm (at) mindless (dot) com. Thanks for the flashback-inducing website. |
( LtCol,1978-1999) | Served as CO Troops for the embarked Marines and Commanding Officer Battery “A”, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division during the 87 deployment, became a shellback, was SWO qualified, survived the "Fire", numerous liberty ports in Africa and the Mediterranean and generally had a great time on-board one of the best ships in the Navy! The captain and crew were exceptional to work with; the iced cold soda’s waiting for us as we came back on-board the USS Saginaw after spending far too long in the 135 degree heat in Somalia is a testament to the professionalism of the ships crew. Thanks for the memories and a walk through the past, great website, it’s now on my favorites list and will visit often. |
( LCpl,85-86) | This was my first UNITAS. I had a great time seeing South America. The WATC was a little bit of a drag. I sort of remember the ship running a ground off of Africa. |
( QM2,1982-1986) | I was a QM on the WATC. Pretty sure we never ran aground. Would agree that the WATC was a bit of a drag though, especially after Rio. |
( EN3,1982-1985) | My first ship that I served aboard. I remember Simeone and some others. I just found an old friend-MS3 Muffley. Good thing I was an A-Ganger so I could get the best chow. Hope all who served with me are well. |
( SN,1993-1994) | Wow, Great site. It is 24Jul08 and I am still in the navy serving on the USS Winston S Churchill. My email is cbrink97@yahoo.com. |
( sgt,1989-1990) | good memories from my last med |
( OS2,1989-1993) | Anyone remember me? |
( OS2,1989-1993) | Email if so jdubritton@msn.com |
( BMSN,1981-1983) | Good to see a site to find old friends |
( BMSN,1981-1983) | You can reach me at mark@httg.com.Howie I still have that picture of when the dog attact you. |
( EN2,1972-1975) | I was the fuel king. I'm looking for a guy that went by the nick name "Mouse". Anyone remember putting the fire out on the USS Bolder? You can contact me through the following e-mail. julz.steinmetz@yahoo.com |
( CE-4,1973-1977) | I was one of many of the seabees that went on deployment onboard the Saginaw out of Little Creek, VA.'s ACB 2 Bat. Thanks for the memeories. |
( E3,1975- 1979) | good time. mtg1995@NetZero |
( LtJG,1979-1982) | Many memories of these years on the Saginaw. |
( E3,1984-1988) | I am trying to get in touch with Wendell Comer, Curt Wilcoxson, and Mouse. If you want to contact me send and email to yendorenyap1@yahoo.com The Unitas of 84 still haunts me...and yes the extra time in Italy was great except for the fire part, coulda done without that. |
( 1972) | I AM LOOKING FOR OLD FRIENDS THAT SERVED WITH ME. |
( 01) | nancy_ritafr@yahoo.fr Love you all |
( en2,1983-1989) | remember south american cruize and the fire in #1 engineroom that went threw all three enginrooms before we got it out |
( Cpl,1975-1979) | Went on the Med 78 cruise with Weapons Plt, Charlie Company, 1/8. Great liberty opportunities because of Capt. Dungan rewarding us, good man. Best unit that I was ever in. Sad to say I lost contact with everyone when we got back stateside. spauley@remc11.k12.mi.us |
( BTFN,1975-1978) | #2 Engine Room Boilers Side |
( ENFN,1975-1975) | Lots of good applejack in #2 eng rm.. feel free to contact me @ drkerr@comcast.net ret in OCT 1995 |
( RM3,1972-1073) | Have not seen website for over a year.. Any reunions planned? |
( en2,79-82) | David Ballard how does one get in touch with you? Still claming?? You mentioned Cheif Palmos but what about the "hairless" Hartlove?? Do you remember Steve Lee? the saginaw was a great time?? |
( 1968-1972) | My brother Greg served, and I just wanted to let you know he passed away Sept. 30th 2007. He talked very highly of all who served with him. He really cared about the Navy, just like our dad did. |
( BM3,80-84) | new e-mail, m1a1bush@hotmail.com |
( HN (HM1 RET),1984-1989) | WOW!!!What a great site! 3 1/2 years onboard made alot of memories. Hay Ken, does your aunt in Richmond still figh the Civil War? craft4us@verizon.net drop me a line. |
( SN,1983-1984) | Great site brings back memories! |
( HM3,1985-1985) | HUh HUH HUH... great site! |
( EM2 onboard EMC (ret),1987-1991) | I just recently found out through another Navy site that Russ Fowler has passed away. Russ was someone I looked up to, a great leader, and wonderful to work with. He was the OSL in Repair 5 during the 87 fire. His actions, as well as the whole locker under him, probably saved the ship. He will be missed. |
( HM3-HM2,1972) | I was aboard with the marines3/8 for cold weather training,amphibious assault on Reid State Park in Maine,took a 53 degree roll getting there,then on a Med cruise with 2/2. I remember good food,and cramped sleeping quarters. |
( SKSN,1982-1986) | Sorry to hear about Capt. Johnson a true role model for us all.My first and favorite Capt.I wouldn't have made it had it not been for "Bulldog"!We were all like family. |
( EM2 onboard EMC (ret),87-91) | Hey All! Checkout the USS Saginaw LST-1188 Group on Facebook. Add anything pertaining to the Ship/Navy that you'd like. Brad, feel free to work your magic |
( LTJG,1984-1987) | retired this year after 25 years, still have great memories of SAGINAW. Great crew! |
( SN,65-68) | from walled lake MI on the Washtenaw county LST 1166 west pack great Job now turn 2 men |
( ICFN,85-88) | mike cribbs iam sending u an email,good to see so many people up here jeff donaldson/van hayes..all those old a gangers look me up Birdy21503@aol.com |
( FN,1977-1979) | ENC Pat Finley! Wanted to thank you for taking the time to show me how enjoyable the Engineman Rate was. I shared some kind words for you at my retirement in 1998. You were certainly an influence on me and other junior sailors and truly were a "Great Chief Petty Officer". Thanks for taking care of us and shaping us into the adults we became! Cheers, John Toye M Divison 77-79 |
( '72-'75) | It's wierd to think that it's almost 2009! Went to visit Harry Elam in North Carolina last spring and got to make a few laps with him in his Cobra at VIR! That was fun. Harry has since retired from racing, but says he will still be a presence at the track. The mushroom flag was flown over his house for us! I went back to school to earn my teaching credential and was hired as the shop teacher at Crescent High School in Joyce, Washington. This year I am teaching machine shop, welding, auto shop, wood shop, applied math and yes - electronics! Working with high school kids is a lot of fun, and I hope they get as much enjoyment out of it as I do!! Hope this finds you all well, and I wish you all the best in 2009. Take Care - Ralph Lyons |
( Sgt. ,1979-1983) | I was on the Saginaw for Cold Winter 83. On the way back from Norway we ran into a storm that damaged the ship. We had to stop in Rota, Spain in order for the ship to be repaired. I had never been to Rota but luckily for me Sgt. Kerr was on the Saginaw too and he knew just where to go there! It was a great 10 days in Rota. Seeing this site brought back all the memories from those days. Best wishes to all the crew and Marines that were on the Saginaw.. |
( BMSN,78-81) | Wow..Great site, thanks.. One of my fondest memories was going through a hurricane. I was boats of the watch on the bridge and there was an officer (LT Phelps if I remember) who most of the time was a p.i.t.a (pain in the ass) and it happened to be his watch. He was known for getting sick in heavy seas. There was a guy on the helm named Childress and he and I decided to see if we could make the boat rock some more to get him sick because we didn’t like his constant crap or how he treated people. I told Childress to start sliding the ship down the side of large waves and he quickly got the hang of it. It would slide…slide…slide…and slam in to the bottom of the trough. I thought it was a blast, and the officer kept getting greener and greener… Long story short, we accomplished our objective… Unfortunately, the next day, there was a 110 inch long crack in the hull between the aluminum superstructure and steel deck… LOL… Childress and I were very quiet about our accomplishment….lol… I believe the one that did it was the 49 degree roll… Red-dog, I am amazed that you straightened out your life and glad to hear it. I have wondered for years what happened to you. Unfortunately, I believe I was just about as un-liked as the officer mentioned above, so you may or may not remember me. Congrats on accomplishing your life’s objective. Cloutier, I remember you also, you were the toughest guy I’d ever seen. Porter, I remember you and I passing in the corridor one time and you said something I took offensively and offered to give one free swing and I’d rip your head off…lol… Luckily for both of us, you declined… Corbett, I remember you, and it is funny, the thing I remember was you were always saying you were the best YN back then too… Lol.. I guess a lot of us don’t change much even as we age. You transferred off soon after I arrived. Enough for now, but I’ll be posting more… The memories are fond… michaelshircliff@netscape.com |
( BMSN,78-81) | Maybe it was 59 degrees...lol.. |
( BMSN,78-81) | I remember the Captain (McDonald?)getting about 50 of us to moon the Russians as they watched us with binoculars from the other side of the Berlin wall...and when they did a flyover with a helo.. Great guy...one of the best... Especially liked the Captains gig beer sorties around the ship since alcohol wasn't allowed on board the ship itself, during the barbecues on deck...and the captain calling the marines ondeck to take pictures of the Artic Circle...lol.. |
( BMSN,78-81) | Cuban refugee crisis somewhere 78-81 and later known as the Mariel Boat lift… I was on the Sag when Castro decided to let people leave Cuba in whatever they could, however they could… It was said he released those from prison overcrowding and mental hospitals… It was hurricane season. People were piling into old fishing boats, speedboats, and way overcrowding them… One boat, wooden, maybe 100 foot long that I remember, had literally what looked like hundreds of people on it. Men, Women, children and babies. It was Rock and Roll time, the waves were thirty feet, the storm was terrible…and the wooden boat was way overloaded, leaking, and it looked like a miracle that it was able to survive in the open ocean at all. During this storm, if memory serves right, we, all the ships in the Navy, rescued over 700 people from boats, boats that had run out of gas, some that were sinking, some that were literally not meant to be, or in shape for, the open seas and this great storm…etc. People were literally sinking and drowning all over the ocean during that particular storm and time… This particular boat, the wooden one earlier, had waves were washing over those on deck and they were screaming and many panicked, terrified of their boat sinking in the storm. You could hear it shudder and creak and moan as the Huge waves pounded it relentlessly. We couldn’t bring the ship alongside the fishing vessel, it was foundering, and wooden, and in the high seas, the metal ship would have hit the side of the fishing boat and shattered it sending hundreds to certain death in the stormy seas. The fishing vessel was making way, and the the solution was to bring the ship so that it was off the bow ahead of the fishing vessel and to match speed with the fishing vessel. Then, with both boats going the same speed in the heavy seas….they lowered the stern gate. They dropped the stern door, hooked a line to a ten man raft, and drifted the raft back to those onboard the wooden boat. If memory serves, BM2 Ted McNeil and BMSN Hansen were running the rescue on the tank deck. I believe they and others got aboard the raft taking turns, and the line was pay’d out by hand until their life raft got alongside the sinking vessel. People lined the rails of the fishing vessel holding their children and looked terrified…some screaming and crying…. The rough seas, thirty feet or so, would send the fishing boat up on top of a wave, and the raft would go up and down in waves alongside the fishing boat. At some times, the fishing boat was thirty feet above them and they were thirty feet below in the trough. At other times, the fishing boat was in the trough and they were on top of the wave next to it towering over the fishing boat and looking down on it. This sea saw action was amazing. The raft going up, the fishing boat going down, high winds, heavy seas, rain, dark clouds. As a wave would bring the life raft up the side of the fishing boat even with the deck, people would throw their children and women to the guys in the life raft as the raft came up even with the deck of the fishing boat. They’d catch them, doing it over and over again until the raft was full. Then the raft full of people would be pulled back into the cargo bay via the stern door. It was the bravest thing I ever saw, and those forgotten hero’s saved at least a hundred or more lives that day alone. They should have gotten medals. I know two of those guys were BM2 Ted McNeil, and BM3 Hansen, but there were others back there that day too. Me, I had duty on the bridge and had to leave as they were setting it up and planning it. A day or two later, things had calmed down, and we were towing the fishing vessels behind us on tow ropes…eventually to be sunk by guys with the 3 inch guns and fifties since we couldn’t tow them around and they were hazards to navigation I suppose… We then had maybe a hundred and more people onboard that slept on the tank deck, and other spaces and were made as comfortable as possible in the limited space available. When it came time to get them off the ship, they sent helicopters. Their were Marines dressed in camos that were trying to get the people to get on the helios… The people were terrified, they didn’t speak English for the most part, and they probably thought we were going to send them back to Cuba on the helios… They were terrified of the guys that looked just like the soldiers they were so terrified of in Cuba trying to get them on the helo. They were also just plain afraid to get on the helios too.. I was the flight deck crew, and could see they were scared to get on the chopper, so I went and leaned up against the chopper and smiled at them and laughed, waving them on…I was in the in-offensive and informal Navy blue pants and shirt, so I wasn’t as scary to them as the guys in camo gear…. They took the hint and boarded the chopper. I looked up, and up on the top walkway of the superstructure of the ship, the captain was watching all this… I waved, and ran around the back of the chopper to get out of the way so it could take off… and get back to my station. When I ran around the back of the chopper, I slipped on the wet deck and slid right up started to go over the side. The nets on the side were lowered for helio ops…and knowing the nets were rotten and wouldn’t hold up any weight, I grabbed the edge of the flight deck, and one of the metal stanchions to keep from going into the net and over the side… I remember saying shit! to myself as I looked at the water below hanging there over the side… All the while the captain was watching… As I recovered, and got back on and ran to my station, I could see the captain shake his head and walk off… After the rescue operations, there was an awards ceremony for a job well done for all the crew. I was awarded the Humanitarian Medal….not for helping Ted McNeil and Hansen…or the people….but to this day; I believe for not going over the side during those operations….lol… Ted McNeil, Hansen, and whoever else it was they send back in that life raft, should have gotten medals, but didn’t, because the captain didn’t happen to be standing their watching them and their heroics… Our government put the refugees in tent city refugee camps where they were held for years and years in many cases until they were finally let go into the population when a judge ordered the camps closed. If you ever saw the movie Scarface and Tony Montana…where he says…”say hello to my little friend”, the camps in that movie are where all those people we rescued in good faith and intentions ended up in… Twenty years later, I actually met a person who was talking about being rescued from those boats living in Las Vegas. Life was hard for the people we rescued from the sea. They held him in the camps for two years….before letting him out and when he got out, he was penniless and had nowhere to go…but he managed to survive. He says he was one of the people in the wooden boat, and he said to say thanks to the guys in the raft for saving their lives…and he was still surviving any way he could all those twenty years later… Ps, I’d be interested in anyone else’s recollection of the events as well, my memory isn’t what is should be, and I’d feel terrible if I slighted one of those heros’ because of a faulty memory… Life in the Military…. I still have the medal these 30 years later…and some great memories of the hero’s I met in service, and aboard the Sag. Rock and roll forever… Michael Shircliff – BMSN…way back when… May the great spirit bless all who had the courage to serve. michaelshircliff@netscape.com |
( BMSN,78-81) | I remember climbing the derrick arms and sitting on the cross walk in the middle, out in front of the bow, and a maybe fifty feet above the water. I hung on for dear life so I could experience the 100 foot spray as the ship slammed into the oncoming waves... Best ride I've ever been on and it was free... Later I was told the OOD was on the 1mc ordering me off the derrick arm, but with the wind and the storm, I didn't hear him... I was told they told someone to go out there and get me down, but they told them NO WAY...lol... It was an Adventure...lol... |
( 72-75) | Those Damn flat bottomed bastards! Our particular pita was Lt Sullivan, who Capt Mclaughlin made keep a bucket with him and threatened to kick him off the bridge if he missed it again! One winter in the North Atlantic we took a 59 degree roll to starboard and she rolled back 52 to port. Augie Pabon almost went over the side from the sig bridge and I was in the ET shop when it happened. On that cruise we had the superstructure begin to separate from the main deck at that coaming, too. That was a design flaw. HT1 Robinson in a harness and a sling made a pretty good repair of the crack while at sea, then it was improved when we got back to Little Creek. I think that was Snowy Beach in early '75 Best wishes - Ralph |
( ET3,90-92) | bbarrett12002@yahoo.com |
( engineman E3,1989-1992) | Just seeing whos all here |
( ENG E3,1989-1992) | anyone who wants to email glunt_todd@yahoo.com or look on facebook |
( SM3,74-78) | I found this site today. Man what a wake-up call it was for me. It has been 31 years since I departed the Saginaw. If you remember me (SMSN Duffy, SM3 Smith, ET2 Vaughn, ET2 Lyons, HM2 Ellenbecker, EN3 Becker or any old timers) please feel free to e-mail me at gene_tish@sbcglobal.net |
( Cpl.,1990-1991) | want to know of any Marines who were a part of Operation Desert Storm who want connect. email at jim.gilligan182@gmail.com |
( SH3,1983-1985) | I was in supply, was the barber and ran the laundry and stores with Jimmy Calendar, Dale Pulse and SH1 Charles Nesbit was over us. If you would like to contact me, please do so at knick_ally@comcast.net I have 9 email addresses from the site so I will contact you. Troop, I’ll be contacting you tonight. |
( HM3,1984-1985) | RIO! man what a trip! Recall fishing in Chacabuco, Crazy liberty calls in Talcahuano,and Caracas! DOC Artie running up his credit cards! hee hee hee I still remember! Crazy shellback ceremony in Equador! THE GREAT FOAM MONSTER! Teetering on a sand bar off the coast of Africa. A certain LCPL losing front teeth! Boxing on the flight deck! A Tug slamming in to the port side! Fetching stranded (and intoxicated) senior officers from a Chilean bar! SGT Wingnut! Walking the isthmus of Panama and dodging killer bees! Whew! got more stories! Catcha all later! |
( EO2,1986-1993) | The best times. |
( BM3,1987-1989) | Had a lot of good times,and made alot of good friends. |
( HM2,1987-1991) | What a Ship, What a Cruise, What a Crew - It was great. |
( 1970-1975) | great site |
| I AM LOOKING FOR A VERY NICE GIRL TO MARRY HERE IN THIS COUNTRY. | |
( ETC (RET),1983-1986) | Was in OE01, ET1 House was LPO, anyone have contact with him. John Day you still in AZ |
( FTG3,1970-1972) | looking thru all the comments and the names they do begin to come back. Plank Owner. Bob Graf saw your comment it was the best and worst of times, but I think we were at our best together. I would love to hear from you guys. Have some very good memories. I heard Spanke listed someone looking for him if you get a line please post. Spanke and I separatered at the same time and he came home with me to FL. The last time I saw him was when I dropped him of in west palm beach to satrt his new life. Bob Graf if you see this drop me a line. jmoran70@bellsouth.net |
( lcpl,1979-1980) | served with golf co blt 2/8 united states marine corp |
( Ltjg,75-76) | Ops. Remembering Capt Bruce and all the port calls in Tortola. Who has to wake up the old man to get underway??? |
( OS2,1980-1984) | The USS Saginaw was actually our home. I worked with people that I look back now and refer to as family. We went through a lot (the yards, two tours of Beirut, and the North Atlantic). . It was nice to see the flowers that were in bloom around the world. In Israel, Turkey, Italy, Norway, England, Bahamas, Peurto Rico, & Jamaica. We did visit other ports, but it was only those I just listed that we had time to stop and smell the roses. I will never forget a loan shark who was always waiting at the bottom of the ladder on payday. In regards to port visits he usually wound up with half of my paycheck. When visiting Naples, Italy and Jamaica.....he got most of my paycheck. I wish they all could be California girls. |
( EM2,87-91) | I have a new photo album that I want to test. Now, the front page is not going to be shown (I'll use the current front page), but pleas play around with the individual albums, and let me know which you prefer, the originals, or the new one... The URL to the new albums is: http://www.usssaginaw.org/albums.php Thanks! |
( EN1/C onboard ENCM (ret),1987-1993) | Hello to all I served with on the SAG! Good to see a few names I still recognized. I am now the Senior Engineer for a DoD contracting firm in D.C. EN1 Charlie Smith works with me so did ENCM Roades (he moved to a different company now). To Poelmann congrats on making Chief, CWO Bailey for jumping out with the "Okay girls where the chicken act" during ECCT. Van Hayes, Fn Aldridge is now CWO Aldridge. Adam Shebroe thanks for letting me do what I needed to do to keep you out of hotwater. CDR Howard for coming to the Chiefs initiation at Tom's Tiki-Ti. To all other rest that whould make this a long page to read. ENCM Ron Roades works at Quantico lost contact with him. My contact info for all is j_alvarez@alionscience.com. Drop me a line Take Care guys. Brad cool site! |
( sn-bm3,71 -74) | Just saw the web site. It was very nice to see the names and stories.Trying to put faces with the names is a little difficult it has been a long time.I hear from Al Lincoln once in awhile. Has anyone heard from Larry Davis,Bruce Hansen,Jerry Fields.I retired in 1991 as Command Master Chief RTC ORLANDO.Would like to hear from anyone.Address is gwargo@bellsouth.netBLEND |
( EM2,1969-1974) | LOOKING FOR EMS FROM 1972-73 SAGINAW |
( EN2,1987-1989) | WOULD LIKE TO REUNITE WITH OLD SHIPMATES. MY E-MAIL ADDRDESS IS: Bravojabanks@yahoo.com |
( 1991-DECOM) | VERY NICE SITE GOOD TO SEE PEOPLE STILL INTERESTED IN KEEPING IN TOUCH SAGINAW WAS A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF MY LIFE AND MET SOME GREAT FRIENDS THAT WOULD LIKE TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH CONTACT AT MARONEY71@live.com |
( BM3,1991-1993) | Where is BM2 Latimore. That guy was the stereotypical Boatswains mate. First shipmate I met on the quarterdeck when I went to the fleet. Scary man. Once Igot to know him great guy. I remembered him as superstitious and never washing his coffee mug. |
( EM1,1970-1972) | Hello all you plank owners & EMS |
( HM Striker,1972-1973) | Hello all you Saginaw members. It was a great ship. Want to say hello to my fellow members from when we served as well as all the others. Special hello to Doc Washington HM1. After the Navy, I served the community of Hilton Head Is. Firefighter, Fire Inspector, Bldg Inspect 25 years of service. Now retired. |
( Cpl.,1985) | FDC for mortars. Marine Corps ball in Rio. Enough said. |
( EN2,85-89) | Glad to be retired, but miss everyone from the Aces & Eights |
( e-3,1989-1990) | Haven't seen the site in several years, glad to see so many people have had the opportunity to drop a quick line. Still in Virginia can contact me via e-mail: will0351@verizon.net Thanks for sharing! |
( MS3,1983-1985) | served during operation in norway and off the coast of beriut many god continue to bless the saginaw families. |
( BM3,87-91) | Hi, just wanted to update my email: rdrmn@yahoo.com and let everyone know I am retiring from the Coast Guard shortly. |
( BM2,2/1986-2/1992) | Reading alot of these comments brings back a lot of memories and good shipmates. Had great times on the OLE SAG. my e-mail is teamjr88@Yahoo.com |
( shsn,1975-1976) | Glad to find this site. Good to see some old names I remember and pounded a few brews down with like Thomas Moore, Mike Vichi, Jack Davidson, Paul Baer, and Hingle, It would be great hearing from you guys again. |
( EM1 ,1970-1972) | HELLO TO EVERYONE... I found Ray Baez! He retired and made Master Chief. !! WAY TO GO RAY!!. (but I made E-7 before him!! :-).) I got out after 10 years. Living in Washington State. If anyone is interested, my email is gekohout@comcast.net. Take care, Gene K, Shellback & Probably the only Plankowner "rung-off" by chopper&cable!~!! |
( os3,1977-1981) | What a fine site to find after all these years.I have some wild memories on board & in port with some of you dudes.thanks---gohomejohn1@msn.com |
( HT,78-81) | I talked to Bill Lee recently, he was in engineering and his brother Mike Lee was a deck ape. Both are doing well and were great shipmate's. Bill informed me that Donnie Gilespie had pass away, he got a smilie face tattoed on the head of, you know, in Hamburg Germany. He was a great shipmate and even though I haven't seen him since 81, I miss him, now that he is gone. |
( HT,78-81) | I am teaching NJROTC in the upstate of South Carolina. What a great second retirement job. The kids are great,I love my job! |
( lsbm,1994-1996) | rode in lots of police cars |
( BMSN,1978-1981) | Gilespies' smiley face tattoo... LOL. I've laughed at that for thirty years... People like him make life a better place... He will be missed, but not forgotten... |
( EM2,1987-1991) | I finally found the Sea Chanties that were circulating around the Saginaw when I was in... they're in MP3 format on Amazon.com and you can buy the album on CD... If you're interested, send me an email: bbroerman@bbroerman.net |
( en3,1990-1992) | hi |
( EN3,84-89) | Great WEB Lots of memories, Best to of my life, wish I could go back. mousebones@live.com |
( BM3,1987-1989) | Good times were had by all |
( SHSN,1979-1983) | That sucks about Gillespie. I was holding one of his arms while he endured the pain of receiving the smiley face tatoo. I also had to pay for half the price if he did it. He was a funny, cool kat! I have alot of memories of him (having berthed with them scum bag HT's) and had hoped to hook up one day. It is sad to know he is gone but I will reflect on the memories often (as I do with all the Saginaw dudes I served with). |
( LTjg (DCA),8/76-8/79) | In defense of my HTs, I must say they weren't all that thrilled to be sharing the berthing space with the Supply Division. Obviously a case of mutual dislike between divisions. |
( HT,78-81) | Let's keep this wonderful site as a NO JAB & STAB site. I can stab a lot, the same as most. Let's just reflect on the fond memories of our shipmates and experiences. |
( SHSN,1979-1983) | When I said "scum bag HTs" I was joking. That is what they always called each other. I guess you had to be there But I figured Stauder didn't take offense to it. Anyway, I liked the HTs and I just got off the phone with Don Gillespie and it seems there is some misimformation going on somewhere. He's had a couple of strokes but is still active and crazy as ever. The word I got was that John Boy Moore had passed away although I cannot verify this. Peace |
( EN3,1980-1983) | A MESSAGE TO ALL. I AM SORRY FOR THE MISCOMMUNICATION ABOUT DONNIE GELLISPIE HAVING PASSED AWAY. THIS IS INCORRECT. DON IS ONE OF MY CLOSEST FRIENDS WHOM I SPEAK WITH ON A WEEKLY BASIS. SORRY FOR ALL OF THE CONFUSION. DONNIE IS RETIRED AND LIVING IN BRANDYWINE MARYLAND. |
( ht2,1981-1984) | jst wanted to say hi to everyone whats up gullespie stud happy to hear your still kicking whats up to the lee brothers stil remember our fishing trip for blues.my email is adburton62@yahoo.com give me a ring.good times sailing with you guys. |
( LTjg (DCA),8/76-8/79) | I concur with Mark - my humble apologies to any and all that shared that berthing space, who may have been (or ever will be) offended by my previous comments. Always stood up for my HTs, (and those sailors in 2nd Div. and Auxilary Div. when I was their division officer) old habits are hard to break. My best to all that served onboard. |
( FN - EN2,1987-1990) | WOW! This is an awesome site. Reading all of these posts brings back so many memories. Great pictures for all that sent them in, I think I am in one of them with Rich Vandresen dressed to kill for the talent show! Email: aldridgejl@hotmail.com |
( ht1,84-88) | man tears of joy and pain of course. working for HT1 Ray was a lesson in insanity 101 but man I miss any and all who servred on the Sag Mark never met up with you on the Sag but I think we served in Cuba. Been a long winding road and Im in NC for the last 6 years. And yes I do remember the fire in #1 Me and at the time HT3 Saltsman were the only ones who would go through the door to fight her. Man waht a scary ride that was. I did not see old Booter Salts in hear but would love to reminice. And I was suppose to go see HT1 fowler down in Florida that summer and had been talking with him and his wife regularly, I was slammed as if losing a brother and he was and is dearly missed. Any of you old Saginaw dogs can contact me at scott.robert4564@yahoo.com Hell yes even you Stauder. |
| A note to let you know one of your shipmates passed away and was buried today.11/06/09. He was Robert Puente and was a Plank Owner on the Saginaw. To time frame it I remember him telling me the "Mud on the Streets" story. He was a retired Cresskill, NJ police Lt. I served with him there, he was my partner. | |
( MR3,71-72) | Good times, Pettit I do remember the Genoa debacle |
( RM3,aug-72-sep-75) | memories and names i haven't thought of in 34 yrs. i was in radio central with steve busby and i think ray hatzman on the 59 degree roll, tied to a chair i might add. Washington, Wright, buzz, hatz, morellie (anyone remember nick eating the monkey meat in maricabo)? Ralph could build a cell phone out of a BEER CAN. GREAT MEMORIES. paynebilly@hotmail.com |
( L/Cpl,1986-1990) | I was proud to serve in Teamwork 88 in Norway. I also was part of the "Blue Nose" club. |
( BMC(SW/AW),1987-1990) | Good job shipmate |
( IC3,81-84) | I think about the good times and the bad times Iam glad I found this site. I learned a good trade.My brother HT3 resor get together and talk about all the crazy guys we had the honor of serving with. |
( QM3,1976-1978) | Ah yes, the beginnings of a long Navy Carreer! Thanks for the memories! |
| Billy - I got one of those phones here just for you! I see from above that the age old problem of where to sleep must have been pretty universal! My solution was to buy a hammock in Aruba, then I would string it across the radar transmitter room. In really rough seas it was pretty comfortable! I did get in trouble a few times for sleeping there! One afternoon (after being bitched out by Capt Moore) Harry Elam told me to take some traffic up to the old man. Well I tried to get him to let a RM do it as I was pretty mad still - no good, so I did it. Old DW Moore had a hammock just like mine tied across his stateroom!! His comment was that a seabag just wasn't complete without one! Thats why Harry wanted me to take the traffic up! That's about the last time I got yelled at for sleeping in "Lyons' stateroom". The air conditioning was really nice in there! Best Wishes to all - Ralph | |
| I noticed up a few posts that Bob Puente has passed away. His partner on the police force didn't know when Bob was on the Sag. So in case he checks in again -- Bob Puente EN3 about '70 to '72 I think. Sorry to hear of one of us passing, but there is a special place in heaven for LST sailors 'cause we've done our time in HELL!!! | |
( EN2,1-81-8-85) | GOOD TIMES! Bilge wine, BT Punches, Greasing Deckapes, Telling a story and always hearing Zwyck say "That ain't shit". Telling everyone in Ohio they're from a generic state. (I ended up north of Columbus)I will consider myself forever fortunate for having served with the guys on the Sag. |
( EN2,1981-1985) | Learned a lot of things. Typing wasn't one of them |
( HT,78-81) | Happy Thanksgiving to all Saginaw shipmates. |
( 1980-1984) | Happy Thanksgiving... This brings back alot of memories. Thanks Bill for the site! |
( CPL,84-90) | Curious |
( ms,1989-1992) | miss you all |
( EN1(SW/AW) Ret,1992------1994) | Long Live good ole Saginaw. No other ship like her in the where in the world!!!!! |
( OSSN,1990-1992) | Best ship ever had some really good times during Desert Shield/Desert Storm best of luck to all who have served on LST-1188 |
( EN1 (SW),1987-2001) | Man this really brought back some memories. Thanks for all those that contributed pictures and I'll try to find mine. Brad can you add a space for email addressess? Everyone have a great Christmas.Living in MD. |
| Looking for one of the Australian sailors that came to Little Creek. His name was SMNMTH Daniel Angus. | |
| Should have included my email address! It is extrasassy2002@yahoo.com | |
| Should have included my email address! It is extrasassy2002@yahoo.com | |
( LCPL,1989-1990) | Enjoyed my time on the Med cruise, with 3rd MEU, 2nd Mar Div., 2nd AAV Bttn. I will never forget Spain, Italy, Egypt, Conjours, Israel and Peurto Rico where I first got on. |
( en3,1976-1980) | Good to hear from you'll ship-mates after (30) years (Fat & Drunk & Stupid ) .is now way to go way through life! |
( En3,1976-1980) | Served in the famed NO.3 Engine room, with Chief Melton,En1 Walter Kempton,En2 Dwayne "The Flash" Dawson,En3 Dave "Snorton Norton" Cowart,En3 Billy "The Wad" Apperson,En3 Bill "Little Buddy"Ledford, En2 Dennis "House-Mouse" and the rest of the Gang ! Many good friends Os3 Rocco Turco,HT2 Tim "Hillbilly" Simmons & Billy Burke, MOONSHINE direct from Johnson City,Tenn.HT3 Bad-Ass. James Marshall, HT2 George "The Manster" Johnson,and my other FLorida homey Sm2 Greg Worley. Nice to see all the old names ! "Barcelona blue's forever " |
( FTG3,66-69) | Was on the USS DeSoto Cty (Lst-1171),served with GMG2 Larry England. Just found a Larry P. England GMGC on the web.E-mail or call. crzcat9@yahoo.com or wk. 1-800-323-7628 x-2058. Tks. |
( EN3,80-83) | I stumbled on to the site by accident, i havent had a chance to read everthing yet, but looking forward to it. E-mail address is current if anybody remembers me. take care all of you fellow flat-bottomed sailors |
( E-4 USMC,1974-1978) | The Saginaw was my first "float." We, Lima 2/10 made a trip to the Med and turkey on the 1188. Great memories. |
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