On 09/30/11  Skip Martin said:
To that recruiter from the other Coast Guard website, let me just say this about that. I retired 13 years ago. If it hadn't have been for Fred's I would have lost all track of many or most of my Coast Guard friends. For my part, anyone who wants to chat me up can find me at Fred's. That's my take on the situation.
On 09/26/11 Jerry Jones said:
Top this for a bar story: I live in the Las Vegas Nv area, never have patronized this place, a topless bar called the Library, unique because right next door is a storefront Baptist church....only in Vegas.
On 09/26/11 Gary Hodge said:
It has taken me six days to remember the bar at Platt and Light, Elmers, the joint of joints. Remember fondly the bouncer, Joe Louie, if he threw some one out hard enoungh to hit the street light post outside he got an extra glass of wine. Waking up in a booth with a couple dressed in tux and evening gown buying drinks for every one was not unusual at Elmers.
On 09/26/11 Jerry Jones said:
Jack, thank you for your reminder about our fallen hero. Interesting side bar: When the Pontchartrain made it's Vietnam deployment in '70, the manager of the Subic Bay USMC Staff NCO Club came aboard and invited all coast guard members regardless of pay grade to use the club. Rumor was that he was one of the marines involved in that fateful incident. Never could confirm it but always thought it was a very kind invitation.
On 09/25/11 Jack Crowley said:
Greetings All Coasties! On (Tuesday) the 27th of September 2011 will be the 69th Anniversary of the death of SM1 Douglas Munro, the only US Coast Guardsman to receive the Medal of Honor. Let’s all take a moment and pay tribute to our Coast Guard Hero. On September 27th 1942 Signalman (SM) First Class Munro was the Officer-in-Charge of a group of Higgins Boats in Guadalcanal that was evacuating 500 Marines. Petty Officer Munro, under constant risk of his life, daringly led five Higgins Boats towards the beach. As he approached the beach, he signaled the other boats to land and then in order to draw the enemy’s fire and protect the heavily loaded boats with Marines, he valiantly placed his craft so that it would serve as a cover for the last Marines to leave the beach. It was thus that he was fatally wounded, he remained conscious sufficiently long enough to say four words “did they get off” he died with the realization that his mission had succeeded and his final assignment had been carried out. Since Munro was operating under the authority of the Navy, he received the Navy Medal of Honor. A Coast Guard Medal of Honor exists, but has never been issued. There have been two ships named after him, the US Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WHEC-724) I was fortunate enough to be stationed on board her between 1983 and 1985. The other ship was the Navy’s USS Douglas A. Munro (DE-422). Also the barracks building located at the US Coast Guards Training Center Cape May, NJ (Munro Hall) is named in his honor and this is where his “MEDAL of HONOR” is on Display. SEMPER PARATUS BMCS Jack Crowley USCG Retired
On 09/25/11 Skip Martin said:
Merillo's was halfway an extension of the SPO Club. You knew you had arrived with the locals when instead of throwing you out at last call they pointed you to the door going upstairs to the after-hours part. In Boston a determined drunk never had to worry about the clock. Well, you had to keep track of what time libo was up.
On 09/25/11 Michael Scanlon said:
Boston: Merrllos (just out side base boston), Novelty Bar, Jeromes, Edwards Western Play House, Gilded Cage, and many more in the combat zone.
On 09/25/11 Skip Martin said:
People today just would not believe the way we lived then -- and enjoyed it! I remember the first time I went to a yard period in Curtis Bay. None of us wanted to spend our drinking money on solid food so every morning you'd see all of us All Stars in the chow line at Fleet Hall. As much food as you could chuff down for $.55. Except for Slim Jims, or deviled eggs over the bar if there'd just been an Initiation, that was about all we ate for weeks at a time. Wonder we hadn't all got scurvy or berri berri -- In Baltimore! What a life.
On 09/25/11 Jerry Jones said:
Yeah Skip, lived by the rule that the girls get perttier at closing time, had many a night my steaming mates and myself would hit a favorite establishment, check out the presiding talent and holler out hurry up closing time. Couldn't understand why we were getting all those dirty looks.......
On 09/24/11 Skip Martin said:
Hey, Jerry. I had those rules, too. Problem was that when I was drunk enough for those ladies to appeal to me I was too drunk to remember my rules. Well, what the hell? We lived to be old. Must have done something right.
On 09/24/11 Jerry Jones said:
Hey Bob, made all those watering holes you mentioned as I was invited to several Avoyel parties when I was at the boat station. Came on the 'A' for a short time before the '67 Alaska Patrol. Had orders elsewhere right after I went aboard. Think you were QMC on her back then.
On 09/24/11 Jerry Jones said:
Skip, this old BM had one very strict and hard rule: don't go out with any girl who could beat you in arm wrestling. Always found a way to be a good little brother to those ample endowed lasses.
On 09/24/11 Skip Martin said:
Back before sensitivy training and political correctness we used to refer to bartenders like that as Buffarillas. Romances with them was always a double edged sword. On the one hand it was a comfort to know they could carry you home if you became incapacitated. On the other, it was a little scary to know that they could render you incapacitated if they caught you ogling a less generously proportioned lass.
On 09/24/11 Bob Burge said:
Jerry, you mentioned Vance Log Cabin in Eureka, CA. You're right about that one but Eureka was loaded with good ones. The Buoy Club was about 50 yards from the AVOYEL'S berth. Then on the hill came Volpi's, then on in past the Branding Iron, Rico's bar, then Vances. My old Buddy, Ret. BMC 'Cy' Cepaitis tended bar at Vance after leaving Volpi's. But he's passed on now.
On 09/24/11 Jerry Jones said:
Skip, I always found it to be that any place that made a coastie to fill welcome was a good place. One more to mention was Joe Biffs on Terminal Island close to Base San Pedro Ca. The main feature about that bar was the sawdust on the floor was advertised as the previous nights furniture. No kiidding there was a sign behind the bar to confirm it. Also there was a female bartender who could have played middle linebacker for a lot of pro teams. What a place and had the best hamburgers I ever ate. Really miss those days.
On 09/23/11 Skip Martin said:
Hey, Jerry. Not in doubt they were just as good as the ones I mentioned. I was actually the YN School delegate to the Club advisory board at Petaluma. There was me and an instructor, a YN1 named Steve Weinrich (sp). As we were walking up to the first meeting I went to he winked at me and said they sent us because we drank the most. Damned straight.
On 09/23/11 Jerry Jones said:
Hey Skip, the west coasters had their places too. The Vance Log Cabin in Eureka Ca was host to a many a hooligan, during the mid seventies Poor Pierre's in Alameda Ca was a favorite for a number of the boot pushers from the Tracen.
On 09/23/11 Skip Martin said:
Right you are. And the manager's name was Ernie.
On 09/23/11 Robert (Bob) Fraser said:
Believe that was Ernell's, Skip. Remember it well. Several yard periods.
On 09/23/11 Bill Bennett said:
Sorry guys but this vet from the old days doesn't know what a libo bar is. However, he does agree on the great relationships and help from commissioned officers.
On 09/23/11 Skip Martin said:
Arnell's?
On 09/23/11 Gary Hodge said:
Well spoken Skip. All the schooling in the world will not match up to one night in the Baltimore clubs including that one that used to be at Platt and Light Streets
On 09/22/11 Skip Martin said:
Jack Crowley sent me a piece written by someone about libo bars back in the old days, what kind of places they were, what kind of people inhabited them, what they contributed to all our lives. Well, I had the good fortune to be a CPO and eventually retire as a CWO4. I had a great deal of help from a great many people, and some of them were the captains and admirals and what-have-you that you would expect, most of whom I have thanked many times. The people who contributed just as much, maybe more, who got thanked a lot less were the people at the clubs in Portland, Maine, Boston, Massachusetts, New London, Connecticut, most especially Baltimore, Maryland, who provided me a college education's worth of knowledge about all things Coast Guard. It is just about a certainty that I would not have had the career I had, or the retirement, without their many kindnesses. If any of you visit Fred's, and I haven't thanked you, I thank you now.
On 09/20/11 Edward Mc Devitt said:
cg pics the unknown 36526 was stationed at pt allerton hull ma
Thanks, Edward. I have corrected the caption. ~ Fred
On 09/20/11 Scott Biechler said:
Scott Biechler I need to contact Steve M. Armstrong . He served aboard the uscg 'Modoc', in 1974. Anyone knowing how to contact him please contact me. Its critical I contact him ASAP!
On 09/15/11 Jack Crowley said:
Greetings All Coasties and Others that are invited to glance at this Popular Coast Guard Site. Tomorrow is a Special Day, It's the POW/MIA Recognition Day (September 16th, 2011) Many Americans across the US will Pause to remember the Sacrifices and Service of those who were prisoners of war (POW) as well as those who are missing in action (MIA) and their families. All Military installations fly the National League of Families' POW/MIA Flag, which symbolizes the nations remembrance of those who were imprisoned while serving in conflicts and those who remain missing. Remembrance ceremonies and other events are observed on this day and ceremonies across the country are observed in such places as the Pentagon, War Memorials, Museums and all Veteran Post. Please, at some time tomorrow, pause to Remember these All American Heros.
On 09/15/11 Albert E. Dickgieser said:
I am trying to find out the name of the tug, that sank on the channel side of the south jetty coming into Grays Harbor. I believe it happened around July 4th 1971 +/_ Thanks QMC A. Dickgieser
On 09/08/11 Sean Lee said:
Hello to all, I will be transfering to Yorktown before 01JUL12 for MK92 school and would like to find a roommate also going to MK92 school. Any takers?
On 08/27/11 Donny Blackburn said:
Don Blackburn BM3 CG-40489 rescue 1965-6 Coast Guard Capt. of the Port Long Beach (ANYONE?)
On 08/27/11 Donny Blackburn said:
Don Blackburn (Spanky) BM3 1962-4 CGC Columbine @ YBI (anyone?) 1963- CGC Citrus W-300 Alaska (anyone?) Looking for BM1 Billy Johnson....
On 08/23/11 Darren Ledoux said:
My unit is currently putting together a unit photo album. If anyone that was stationed at Station Fort Myers Beach and has photos they would like to share email me the photos. Thank you
On 08/22/11 Steve Kocher said:
It is my sad duty to post this: MCPO Ret. Robert 'Biff' Barger crossed the bar, Friday, 19 August in Elizabeth City, NC... RIP Master Chief.
On 08/22/11 Robert Smith said:
I'm doing genealogy research for the daughter of Ross Bain Smith. He was a USCG member during WWII but I don't have dates. His rating was WT3. I would appreciate anyone with information on his service or pictures taken of him during his service.
On 08/18/11 Jillian Morine said:
I am looking for Tim Rollins. He lived in Canada and went to school here. Then moved to Michigan and joined the USCG. I am just an old friend looking to reconnect.
On 08/16/11 Brandon Andrae said:
I just recently joined Fred's Place and was informed I might be able to find out some needed information. This past Christmas I was given a framed USRC pennant from the Onondaga along with 2 pictures of a relative. I was curious to find out if there is anyway to acquire the name of my relative. We're pretty sure we know the last name, Sieloff, but we're unsure of dates served or rate. Any help would be appreciated.
On 08/15/11 William J. (Bill) Reetz said:
L A Provost 365-795 - I just found your copy of the Coast Guardsman's Manual. It's a duplicate of one I already have so if you're interested drop me a line.
On 08/15/11 Gary Silberstein said:
Dear Guardsmen/ I was extremely fortunate to be rescued by the men of the Cape Carter (CGC95309) off the coast of San Francisco, late on the afternoon of 12-22-1959. Swept to sea while surfing, a friend and I had been adrift for nearly two hours and facing certain death when they found us over a mile offshore in open ocean. The Guardsmen were so kind to us and happy to see us alive. After they had taken us aboard, they said: 'We rarely get 'live ones', most of our pickups are dead!' Very sobering. Blankets and hot liquids were gratefully taken and we recovered quickly from the cold. So ended our rescue and began our forever indebtedness to the Captain and Crew of 95309. I am seeking your help answering two questions: First, where might I find the logbook entry for this rescue that I could see? Unfortunately, there is a gap in the National Archives that includes 1959. Second, where might I find the names of the Captain and Crew. My dad thanked the Captain, I believe, but I would like the opportunity as well. Thank you for considering this note, With deep gratitude to you all for your service, Gary B. Silberstein
On 08/14/11 Reuben Hammond said:
is there any where i can take the practice ASVAB test other than military.com?
On 08/12/11 Dennis Marshall said:
This is for all the truly old salts out there. If you remember Don Marshall or Chief Marshall A.M type not AMT, he is my father and his health is failing quickly we spend hours talking about all of you and the CG I just want to ask if you remember him shout a hello and I will pass it on to him I know it will brighten the day for him. I followed in his footsteps and completed 21 to his 24 he has always loved the Guard and all those in it...................thanks
On 08/09/11 Skip Martin said:
Not a lot to recommend getting old and I highly suggest everyone take their time doing it. At t he same time, I got my new issue of The Chief magazine and there among the lucky devils completing 25 years of membership was me. Thing like that can only be accomplished by getting old. No shortcuts to do it. Yippee!!!!
On 08/05/11 Leonard (Lenny) Lambert said:
To all Coasties past, present and future on this our birthday. Thanks for a job well donw --- Semper Paratus
On 08/05/11 Michael Scanlon said:
Happy Birthday Coast Guard. Spent most of my early/mid years as a Coastie. Retired after 28+. Almost all of the Cutters that I served on are now gone. CGC's Althea, Walnut, Eastwind, Edisto, Vigilant (still steaming), Hamilton. New Coasties probably never heard of some of them. The CG has changed but the Coasties are still out there doing the job --Semper Paratus.
On 08/04/11 Dennis Miller said:
Happy Birthday to the US COAST GUARD all Retired, Active Duty, and Veteran Coasties. I remember so many shipmates who I served with, some were buddies, some were not, but we all shared the same experience. Thank you current Coasties for carrying on the fine tradition of the nations oldest sea going service! One of my duty stations still exists, Base Soo, and the other USCGC ACACIA is retired but still in use in Manistee Michigan as a museum.
On 08/04/11 Jerry Jones said:
Lee, you said it all, thanks for your well written posting. For me my rate is still alive and well and one duty station still exists oddly enough it was also the oldest. True enough to want to remember all old shipmates who have crossed the bar as there have been way too many.
On 08/04/11 Lee Wonnacott said:
Greetings, Shipmates! Semper Paratus is our Guide, our Fame, our Glory too! May this Coast Guard day bring you joy and foster the pride shared by all that have worn the shield on their arm. My rating no longer exists as well as most of the units I served aboard . . . and my time in the CG is well behind me. But the men I served with and the tasks we accomplished are not diminished. We were asked to perform a difficult job to the best of our abilities and we did so with alacrity. For those that served with me and have crossed over the bar I will today remember them fondly. My living shipmates; veterans, retired, and active duty, inspire me to carry on regardless of the obstacles - regards to all and thank you for serving.
On 08/02/11 Tina Rapaport said:
SKCM Louis Rapaport's retirement ceremony is August 5, 2011 at CG Sector St. Petersburg. Louie in true fashion is tryiing to keep this real low key, however, I am extremely proud of my husband and what he accomplished in over 29 years with the CG. So if any of his shipmates want to give him a shout out here is his email: lrapaport@tampabay.rr.com
On 08/01/11 Roy J Larche said:
Looking for any details on the E2 crash in '74 at ARSC. I was in AD'A' school at the time and my class was used to help with the fire and cleanup. Anyones personal account and details would be greatly appreciated. The VA wants SO much info for a claim it's ridiculous!
On 07/29/11 Billy R. Hairgrove said:
Hello everyone. My name is Heather Booth, I'm Billy Ray Hairgrove's daughter. My dad always said that his CG days were some of the best in his life. Up until the end he was a military man through and through. He served on nine different ships in his time, including the CGC Triton and CGC Snohomish and CGC Woodrush. I know it's been over three years since he passed, but his funeral service is just now coming up. His last request was to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The service will be held at 10 AM on August 3, 2011 at Arlington Cemetery if you are in the area and interested in attending. I would appreciate it if you would pass the word along to those who may have known him. You can reach me with any questions at hryan4740@gmail.com. Thanks so much.
On 07/16/11 Joe Poteat said:
July 16 1958 sworn in at Rochester NY. Flew to Philly and bus to Cape May. So began the journey of a lifetime in company India 36. Thank you Lord.
On 07/16/11 Walter Satterthwait said:
SORRY. I left out the contact information on my bulletin about needing help from someone about COMSAT S&R reports. You can reach me at wsatterthwait@yahoo.com. Thanks.
On 07/16/11 Jack Crowley said:
FIRST NOTICE......MOBILE CHAPTER CPOA “ANNUAL ALL HANDS PICNIC” (Formerly the “Old Timers Picnic) WALTERS PARK (Saturday) 3 September 2011 On this day we will be gathering again to celebrate our annual all hands picnic at Walters Park (Adjacent to Aviation Training Center) the reason that the Chapter is able to continue each year with this special event is through your generous contributions. Please continue to help support us. This is the time to meet with old Shipmates, Acquaintances and Socialize and Reminisce about the good old times. The last Sea Story is usually told between 4 and 5 PM. The volunteers usually arrive on or about 0800 and the guest start arriving about 10 or so. We try to put the chow out about 1100. The chapter supplies all the Beer, Soda, Water, Ribs, Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Buns, Chips and all the condiments’. We do ask the local patrons to bring a dish to share (your favorite recipe, Salad, Desert etc) It’s so much easier to remember someone name if they are wearing a “Name Tag” please fill out a tag at the sign in table and while you’re there please drop a donation in the “JUG” you will also be asked to help support us by purchasing some tickets for our drawing. Last year the picnic cost the Chapter about $800. And we took in about $600. So you see, the donations are a big help to continue this yearly event. Please mark your Calendar (September 3rd) for further Information please contact me at my e-mail address (jjccc99@mchsi.com) or by phone at (251-649-8800) I’ll be putting out another story on the History of the Picnic shortly. See you at the picnic BMCS Jack Crowley USCG Retired
On 07/16/11 Lee Wonnacott said:
Good Morning, Shipmates! - - 43 Years ago today the men of Recruit Company Mike 72 had all reported aboard at Cape May in the previous 24 hours and we were filling our seabags with new clothes and stamping our names onto everything -- You know the drill. Five of us came from the recruiting station at Detroit. Myself, Jim Czymceck, Ron Schadt, and two others that I can't recall. If you were a member of Mike 72 give me a shout. Freddy Matz, Delmas Mears, Bruce Wootten, Ross Allen Jr, Hess, any of you! A lifetime away, but sometimes it seems like yesterday . . .
On 07/15/11 Don Hanley said:
G-83506 was decommissioned and sold in 1961. She was reported to be have been sunk on March 22, 1966. Can anybody tell me where and who sponsored the sinking.
On 07/15/11 Walter Satterthwait said:
HELP WITH COMSAT S&R DATA? I'm a writer, doing a book about a fisherman from Maine whose boat was hit by a Russian tanker in 2001. The boat sank, his crew died, and he was the only survivor. The case became a big deal back then, because there was a great deal of controversy as to who, exactly, had legal jurisdiction over it -- the U.S., Canada (where the Russian tanker was finally located), Russia (the location of the company that leased and crewed the ship), or Cyprus (where the boat was registered). What I'm interested in at the moment, however, is another issue. The fisherman's emergency beacon notified the Coast Guard's Search and Rescue people that an accident had occurred, and, because of the beacon, they found him fairly quickly. One of the things I'd like to to do in the book is describe the route taken by the beacon's signal as it went from the beacon up to the geostationary satellite, then down to the LUT (Local User Terminal) on ground, and from there on to the Coast Guard Search and Rescue team on Cape Cod. The Coast Guard has given me copies of the reports of the beacon's signals, but I need to translate what the reports are saying into the kind of information I can use. Is there anyone out there who would be willing to give me some help with this? Thanks very much. Walter Satterthwait
On 07/10/11 Sally Smith said:
Hey ya'll, Im Sally Smith. I am currently a reservist at USCG Sector Charleston, SC. I love it here, but I really want to go back Active. I have been looking for Title 10s, and possibly a mutual with an Active Duty member. I'd like to find anything on East Coast , Kentucky, TN or Alaska. I do not have approval, just weighing out some options.If anyone is interested email me on global or at dntwrybhpy02@live.com. Thank ya.
On 07/08/11 Bradley Feuge said:
Trying to find a Coastie in the San Antonio area. Met him a week or so ago at HEB and can't find his number. His name is Micah and got out around 07-08 he said. Was a MSST member in VA and was a Gunners Mate. Worked for Blackwater after the USCG and now lives in San Antonio. Trying to contact him as it is tough finding fellow Coasties around here. If anyone knows his last name or can put me in contact with him please let me know. Thanks!
On 07/07/11 John Kilgore said:
I heard they DeCom two of the 378's. Did they DeCom the crew of the Dallas? I see no reunions.
On 07/07/11 Chris White said:
Looking for anyone who graduated the National SAR School 40-50 years ago. I work for the school and am looking for some information back then. Thanks!
On 07/05/11 Vance Adkins said:
Hi all. Just found this site. Want to wish all you Coasties a belated 4th of July. I served on board the Pt Warde back in late 85 to mid/late 86. I later server aboard the USCGC Spencer from around 88 till 90 when I departed the service. I now work as a professional IT Administrator and have worked in computers for the last 20 plus years. Semper Paratus
On 07/05/11 James Koehler said:
Looking for anyone who may have the Bloom County image of Ensign Opus that used to appear in the CG Magazine on a regular basis? Need it to fulfill a dream/promise...
On 07/04/11 Leonard (Lenny) Lambert said:
To all my brother's and sister's, I wish you all a Happy 4th and long and good health and life. Thanks for your service. God bless our America and Happy Birthday to her. Len Lambert (EN3)vet
On 06/28/11 Peter Dinstuhl said:
I've always been lucky.lucky to sometimes just to get back in alive.Then today while trying to find whatever happened to the 44355, I stumbled upon Freds Place. From there I find out that the 355 is on display right down the street fromit's(& my) old station in Beachaven N. J. I still have it's commissioning flag given to me by the c.o. for it's first almost impossible rescue, along with the accompanying newspaper articles.Can't wait to visit the old place.
On 06/26/11 Timothy Rollins said:
Looking for old shipmates from boot camp HOTEL 103 Cape May January 1979 to March 1979
On 06/26/11 Timothy Rollins said:
Looking for Senior Chief James Burke (RMCS) who was stationed at Governor's Island around 1990 to 1993 era. Last I heard he closed GITMO and then retired. Last home was Salisbury MD. silveron@ymail.com
On 06/23/11 Bob Morgan said:
Just discovered this page. I was stationed on the Mendota from 1972 until it was decommissioned and then to the Bibb until I got out of the Coast Guard in 1975. I was an RM3 and was stationed with RM3 Dennis Isaacison , RM3 Fanning, RM2 Penney, RM1 Swanson and RMC McClung. There were others I can't remember. I stayed in contact with BM2 Frank Deluca and RD3 Don Parks. Looking forward to additional contacts.
On 06/18/11 Fred A. Siegel said:
Thanks to all the posters and to all those sending their supportive emails that kept flooding the inbox this past week. . Y'all just keep 'passing-the-word' and I'll just keep doing the best I can for the best virtual crew anyone could ask for. Semper Paratus ~ Fred
On 06/15/11 Dennis Miller said:
Congratulations Fred on your website and thanks from all of us here. I've made some great contacts over the last few years and found a lot of former shipmates as well as learning about ship's decom ceremonies and linking up...woo hoo. It has been great times. Guys I had totally forgotten about have posted here and helped me reclaim some of my youth. Again, thanks and congratulations
On 06/15/11 Harry Aldrich said:
I too like Eric did not make a career of the Coast Guard but I am very proud of the years I did serve. I have said many times that I wish I had stayed in. I enjoy the reunions of the unit that I served on and meeting old friends as well as making many new ones. Thank you very much Fred. A job well done..
On 06/14/11 Eric Rice said:
Congratulations on the 60,000. I visit the site several times a week and always find it a pleasure and informative. I did not make a career of the Coast Guard and this is one of my do over if I could items. This site has allowed me to meet and converse with former shipmates and buddies. Fred's is the only 'social networking' I involve myself with.. I also enjoy reading about other folks experiences and relationships. A lot of guys I served with are mentioned in these writings. Keep up the good work.
On 06/14/11 Jack Eppert said:
There's gonna' be a bunch of us responding to this thread. I can't imagine the amount of hours you have put into this site Fred. Before Military.co joined forces with you it was an all volunteer group using donated funds. To Fred and all of the people who started this site from scratch I'd like to add my thanks.
On 06/14/11 Jory Luchsinger said:
I'll add my thanks to Fred as well for a job well done. I began visiting Fred's Place back in the 1990's before it becam part of Military.com. Great job, Fred, and thanks again.
On 06/14/11 Jerry Jones said:
Skip, I don't know about the other 59999 but you said it very well for me. Fred's Place has been a godsend for this 'old coastie', it has put me in touch with a number of old shipmates and buddies I thought I would never see or hear from again. Thanks Skip for reminding me as to whom I owe a big thank you. Here goes: THANK YOU FRED!!!!!
On 06/14/11 Skip Martin said:
I wouldn't presume to speak for 60,000 people but I think I can safely say that a goodly number of us feel that we should be thanking Fred, not the other way around. Don't know whether he'll get to 70,000 next week, next month or next year but I have every confidence that long after Fred is gone -- and a lot of us old farts with him -- people from all walks of Coast Guard life will be using Fred's Place as a place to keep in touch, exchange ideas or just vent. Not many of us get to leave a legacy like that. Well done, Fred. And well done to the small number of assistants who help you do such an excellent job for all of us.
On 06/12/11 William Woityra said:
Hello! I'm LCDR Bill Woityra. I am working on my MBA and writing a paper on the effectiveness of the CG awards system. I would really appreciate the opinions of active and retired CG members on how well the system works. The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DKFR5Z3 . Please share with any shipmates who want to weigh in!
On 06/08/11 Lorie Spencer-Fantini said:
Hi my name is Lorie Spencer Fantini and I'm the sister of Thomas Spencer he was killed on Point Franices on Sept 23 , 1983 in the engin room. I am looking for any of his old shipmates that remember Tom . His best friend was a guy by the name of George Locke and one by the name of J.R. That is all I knew him by. Tom loved his job and loved the Coast Guard. This July 4 th Tom would have been 50 and we will honor his memory, His 2 children have grown up to be outstanding adults and have given him 2 beautiful grandchildren . Tom's death has left a hole in his family hearts all these years and is missed each and every day. if anyone remembers Tom please let me know ....Fantini1115@ verizon.net
On 06/06/11 James Nikirk said:
Mike Owens - Found an old Phone directory from CCGD17 Juneau Area. Lots of names I've forgotten brought back some good memories. If you would like a copy let me know and I'll 'snail-mail' it to you. This goes for anyone else that was there.
On 06/04/11 Ross Myers said:
I was stationed at CGAS Brooklun in the 1946-1948 era. I often wonder if there is anyone out there who is still alive and might have been there at that time. It was great duty... lots of excitement and great food, great people. Exciting times for me included the International Ice Patrol on a PB1G, The Bar Harbor forest fire on a PBY as well as a hurricane in New Orleans. I would be interested in corresponding with anyone who was there.
On 06/02/11 David Hoff said:
patchpocket,bell bottomed dungarees, twuz a sad day when they finally wore out and no replacement could be had Never bought denim again.
On 06/02/11 Skip Martin said:
Jerry, you hit me right where I lived. I had my own barstool at the Baltimore Chief's Club and Jim Bridges and I go back a hundred years. Ran into him here in Mobile a couple of years ago at Sam's Club. They were having an Androscoggin reunion and he and a couple of the guys were picking up grub for a picnic or some such. Guess the young ones will do what they're going to do -- without asking us -- but I'm glad I went through the old way. You hang in there.
On 06/02/11 Jerry Jones said:
Skip, you hit my feelings to the letter. My initiation was at the Yard at Curtis Bay Chiefs Club with MKCM Jim Bridges as my judge. That memory will go to my grave with me. Now chiefs clubs, EM clubs and just about anything that was good for morale seems to have gone the way of thirteen button blues, dixie cups and patch pocket dungarees. Love the 'Old Guard'.
On 06/02/11 Skip Martin said:
Jerry . . . . I still have my charge book from 25 years ago. No amount of money would buy it, or the memories surrounding my Initiation. Had the great good fortune to be Judge at a large number of other peoples' Initiations. Never saw anyone hurt, never saw anyone scarred for life by the experience and mostly I saw people who felt the same way about the experience as I did. Went to just one of the new CCTIs, or whatever the hell the call them. One of my guys made it and I couldn't get out of it. I felt -- just my opinion -- the whole thing was idiotic and never went to another one. I'm a Silver Lifetime member of the CPOA but I don't do CCTIs. Don't matter whether it's Toby's 21 gun salute or our Initiations, some things should be done -- even if they're difficult -- just because they should be done. Everytime we let another one of them die the country and the service becomes a little poorer for it. Kind of like when we stopped expecting teachers to teach our kids to read and write.
On 06/02/11 Jerry Jones said:
Armand, could not agree with you more. I am sort of going around in shock about what I have learned about today's ' Guard'. It seems that there are no more chief inatations any more as in the sense it wasin the '60s '70s and'80s. Now the new chief goes out and performs some sort of community sevice to get his 'chief designation'. One of my proudest moments in my career was the day I was accepted as a chief by my fellow chiefs and the fellowship that occured thereafter. Buddy it's the new 'Guard'.
On 06/02/11 Armand (Toby) Chapeau said:
I guess in my dotage little things make me mad. ALCOAST 168/11, HALF-MASTING for Memorial Day stated the National Ensign was to be half-masted from 0800 - 1200. CG REGS 14-9-3C says from 0800-1220. Those twenty minutes were for those who have died in the service of our nation. A gun was to be fired at each minute from 1200 to 1220 there by giving a 21 gun salute to the fallen followed by the playing of Taps. At least that is the way I learned it as a QM in the late 50's and 60's. Our traditions are ignored for the sake of a day off and I don't like it one bit. I even called Flag Plot to complain and was promptly put off.
On 06/01/11 Joe Belson said:
On June 18th, myself and 5 other riders will be starting a 6 day 600 mile ride from Washington DC to Base Boston to support the Wounded Warrior Project. If you want to find out more please check us out on facebook at Ride2remember.
On 06/01/11 Skip Martin said:
Stan . . . . CAPT Cummings was a rare animal. Nearly everyone who got as high up as he did made enemies along the way. I have yet to run into anyone who had anything bad to say about CAPT Cummings. He was demanding and he wanted things his way. I always felt like that was the right of any CO. What I liked best about him was he wanted the same thing Friday as he wanted Monday and he was very up front about what that was. You never flew blind with the guy. At the risk of running on I'm going to tell another funny story, at least I thought so. I was the MAA for most of my time in EAGLE and as a general thing CAPT Cummings thought I did pretty well. There was one day when he came back to my office and dragged me up to cadet berthing to show me how they had whipped the ends of the small stuff holding their trash cans --WITH MASKING TAPE. He went on to say that the cadets he had queried about their handiwork had told him that Chief Martin had told them it would be ok. He knew pretty damned well that Chief Martin would never have told them that but I think we were both having a pretty hard time not to chuckle that the little nippers would have had the audacity to tell him that. I told him, 'Gee Captain, them Cadets are cute little devils but you got to watch them every minute.' Then we did laugh.
On 06/01/11 Stan Robbins said:
Skip, Capt. Cummings was the XO on the Blackhaw when we were homeported in the Phillipines and making trips to Nam back in '71. He was absolutely one of the good ones!
On 06/01/11 Stan Robbins said:
Tom, I guess it was just the way you worded it that had me confused. '...serving in our great Military also the Men & Women of the United States COAST GUARD' The word 'also' made me think you were not including the CG as part of the military. Just the way I read it.
On 05/31/11 Rick Alemany said:
MST2 Brian C. Bentzley passed away in April 2011. He will be missed. See you on the Glacier when I get there.
On 05/31/11 Skip Martin said:
I'm not in doubt people occasionally get bored to tears by these old Skip Martin stories but there's one more from EAGLE days that's too good not to share, especially since it gives you an idea of what life aboard was like, and more especially what life aboard was like with CAPT E. M. Cummings. There were three of us in the first class quarters, me, BM1 Ron Decker and SS1 Dan Harris who were very fastidious, even anal, about keeping our belt buckles shiny. Well, someone else on the ship was like that: CAPT Cummings. I don't remember how it started or who started it but every morning between 5:30 and 6:00 AM you could find the three of us and CAPT Cummings mustered at the starboard pinrail outside the galley for the morning contest. Who had the shiniest, best-looking belt buckle. CAPT Cummings would grab the first young person, usually a fourth class cadet, stand them in front of us, take his place in ranks with the three of us and instruct the youngster to pick out who had the best belt buckle. Don't have to tell you what it must have been like for one of those kids to be standing there facing The Old Man and three crusty-looking PO1s. Never mind that, a winner had to be picked, usually The Old Man. Anyway, every morning while we waited for a judge the Captain would prattle on about 'deep, lustrous, long-lasting shine,' and similar comments. We never caught on. About two days after we returned to New London I walked into my office and there on the desk was a box of Happich Simichrome metal polish. I started reading the side of the box and there it was 'deep, lustrous, long-lasting . . . . ' Harris and Decker and I had run ourselves ragged looking for Brasso, and sometimes even Never Dull and spent hours polishing those belt buckles. The Old Man and his Simichrome probably never required more then ten minutes. It was funny at the time but it was serious, too. I served for twelve more years after I left EAGLE, ten of them as a CWO and department head at two big groups and a large MSO. I never was without a tube of Simichrome in my desk drawer, and when I had one of my crack staff who was challenged to keep a good-looking belt buckle I wasn't above leaving a box of Simichrome on their desk. If you didn't learn something in EAGLE under CAPT Cummings you were either stupid or didn't try very hard -- even for us old farts.
On 05/31/11 David Hoff said:
Well said Stan, that was why the 5', the depth charges, 40's and 20's,hedgehogs, M-1, Tthompsons and 45's
On 05/31/11 Skip Martin said:
Impossible to say ho w much I've enjoyed following the stories and videos about EAGLE on Fred's this spring. I had the great -- and I mean great -- good fortune to serve in EAGLE for her 50th anniversary year. It was just an added benefit that I made YNC that year. While there's one of us left to do it I'd just like to record the people who were in the Chief's Mess during that time. First and foremost, the COB, SSCS Rudy Mortero, QMC Steve Oakley, BMC J. J. Colt, MKC Doug Epstein, YNC Tom Dailey, who I relieved -- and me. Being a Chief in EAGLE was what being a Chief anywhere should have been. Anytime anything of substance was going on, or about to go on, SSCS Mortero could be seen loading up a big bowl of mixed nuts (CAPT Cummings' favorite), soon to be followed by the arrival of CAPT Cummings to brief us and sound us out. Some of my favorite times. Hope the 75th crew is enjoying it as much. Sure they are.
On 05/31/11 Jerry Jones said:
Mistake on my entry www.255.org, should be www.255wpg.org, hope I didn't cause too much head scratching.
On 05/31/11 Thomas J Modestowicz said:
Stan, I know that I was in the Coast Guard for four years have a nice day.
On 05/30/11 Stan Robbins said:
Thomas, the Coast Guard IS a branch of the military.
On 05/30/11 Thomas J Modestowicz said:
On this Memorial Day I want to thank all who served & all who are mow serving in our great Military also the Men & Women of the United States COAST GUARD God bless all of you. SEMPER PARATUS
On 05/28/11 James Nikirk said:
I saw the name of Kim Godfrey in the Directory and if you are the one who was stationed with me at GRU Milwaukee in the mid-70's, drop me an e-mail. Jim Nikirk (coastiejim97462@aol.com).
On 05/27/11 Jerry Jones said:
Now hear this for all you 'old salts' who served onboard cutters that were built before 1975, a reunion involving these grand old ships was held in Reno Nv. 5/15/11 thru 5/18/11 and a wonderful time was had by all who attened. A roster of attendees and cutters served on plus some of the lateral events that were available is posted at: www.255.org. This reunion is held every two years in Reno. The dates for the next reunion has not been scheduled yet but details will be forthcoming at later dates. Check it out before the info is deleted, you may see some old shipmates who attened.
On 05/27/11 Leonard (Lenny) Lambert said:
I just had a thought about the absence of CG rings etc.. I'm not trashing these companies but thought maybe we (CG vets and present members) have requested so many things from them that they are in short supply (snic). Or mabe we should all get on a letter writing campaign and write all these various companies to NOT FORGET the United States Coast Guard. Semper Paratus (forever) Len Lambert
On 05/26/11 Armand (Toby) Chapeau said:
The American Movie Channel (AMC) is doing a promo for their Memorial Day programming which again leaves the CG out in the cold. I sent them an email at: amccustomerservice@rainbow-media.com and let them know that was unsat and an insult. Please do the same.
On 05/25/11 Harry Aldrich said:
I sent them an e-mail and their answer was that they have a Coast Guard ring, but it was in short supply so they don't advertise it.
On 05/25/11 William J James II said:
I called them and they said, the CG Ring was not finished by the time the add ran. However, I still see the same adds for other military items including watches, hats, and clothes with the Coast Guard absent.
On 05/24/11 Gene Cole said:
Hello All: I am looking for anyone that served with me on the following units: CGC Spencer (WMEC 905), Tracen Yorktown (Wormley Creek) AKA UTB Systems Center, USCGC Sorrell (GI NY), New Orleans Industrial Div EM Shop, USCGC White Pine, USCGC Barbara Mabrity, USCGC Katherine Walker, and finally USCGC Polar Sea. Thanbk You Gene Cole EMC USCG Retired
On 05/24/11 Leonard (Lenny) Lambert said:
I too saw the ad for 'military rings' from the Danbury mint. A few years ago they offered the same thing again with NO USCG ring. I wrote to them and also posted here on Fred's Place. I received no answer from Danbury Mint. I too suggest that ALL Coasties, past, present or future write to them. Maybe the 'forgotten service' will someday be remembered. By the way, A joyful Memorial Day to all my 'brothers'. Semper Paratus to all ---- Len
On 05/24/11 Jerry Jones said:
I guess it depends on the command, the closest military base to me in the Las Vegas area is Nellis AFB and they quit issuing any base stickers at all. Have no problems getting aboard, just show my id card and go on in.
On 05/23/11 Skip Martin said:
I've got a better one. Last year when we got my wife's ID renewed at ATC Mobile I asked about getting new stickers and was told they're not issuing them to retirees because 'they don't need them.' I was later told that they still issue them across town at Sector Mobile. What's the straight scoop? Do we need them? Are we entitled? Beats hell out of me.
On 05/23/11 Alan T. Penney said:
Here's a good one...Visited the Navy base in Newport, RI this past Saturday. When I got to the gate, I stopped and showed the 3rd class petty officer my retired CG ID card. He asked me if the car was a rental, I said' no, why?' You don;t have a vehicle reg sticker, I pointed to the CG Vheicle Registration sticker mounted on the center top of the windshield..to which he responded 'Oh, I didn't recognize the Coast Guard sticker' Really?!
On 05/22/11 George M. Jazich said:
Well here we go again. The Danbury mint placed an ad for armed Forces rings in Parade Mag., part of the Sunday papers. Here is part of the Ad. 'As athe backbone of America's defenses, the men and women in our Armed Forces serve valiantly to protect our country. Now, in tribute to these great American, the Danbury Mint offers a veriety of bold men's rings plated with 14kt gold. Presenting... The Armed Forces Rings.' Guess what, no U.S. Coast Guard. Once again the forgotten service. I hope eveyone is going to contact them and complain about it like I am. They should offer a formal apology to the Men and Women in the USCG.
On 05/18/11 David Whiting said:
New member. Enlisted October, 1967. Alameda Tracen Co. Echo 60. CGC Gresham, CGC Blunts Reef, CGC Magnolia. FN/BT. Second enlistment, November, 1976. Base Galveston, CGC Cherokee. Looking for E-60 , Gresham, Magnolia members. 1967-1971. Looking for info on Barataria fire. Had a snipe friend who was injured and I was told died in SF USPS hospital from unrelated causes. He was a fellow FN but not a BT type. Also status, if known of PO 1 Runzel, QM 1 Raymond E. Guibe. Thanks!
On 05/15/11 Tom Browne said:
Robert Patella was the shop leader of the structural steel shop at Base Industrial, Support Ctr Governors Island in New York His obituary is below.He passed away in April,2011
On 05/15/11 Tom Browne said:
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Former Staten Islander Robert T. Patella, 60, of St. Augustine, Fla., a loving husband and father, died Tuesday in Bailey Family Center for Caring, St. Augustine, after a long battle with cancer. Born in Brooklyn, he moved to Dongan Hills with his family in 1962 and graduated from New Dorp High School. He relocated to St. Augustine in 2006. Mr. Patella served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam war, stationed aboard a destroyer out of Mayport, Fla. He was honorably discharged in 1971 after two years’ service. He had a 36-year career as a supervisor for the U.S. Coast Guard, working at Governors Island until its closing, and then at Fort Wadsworth. He retired in 2006. Mr. Patella loved carpentry, building things for friends and going to the gym with his daughter, Helen. While on the Island, he was a parishioner of St. Ann’s R.C. Church, Dongan Hills. “He was a loving father who loved spending time with his family,” said his wife, the former Evelyn Fischer. “He will be in our hearts forever.” Along with his daughter, Helen, and Evelyn, his wife of 31 years, Mr. Patella is survived by his sons, Michael and Robert, and his brothers, Thomas and John. The funeral service will be Saturday at 5:30 a.m. in the St. Johns Family Funeral Home, St. Augustine, with the Rev. Ed Booth officiating. Burial will be in Jacksonville (Fla.) National Cemetery at a future date.
On 05/11/11 Paul Johansen said:
Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride On May 23, Coast Guard aviator Paul H. Johansen will embark on a seven-day, 460-mile bicycle journey to raise awareness for the sacrifices that Coast Guard members make in the line of duty and how it impacts their families. Paul will ride a 2008 specialized Tarmac Expert bicycle on his trip, which will take him through three states: starting in Waynesboro, Virginia traveling through North Carolina, and ending in Greenville, South Carolina. Paul expects to finish his bike ride on May 29. Contributions in support of Paul’s ride will benefit the Coast Guard Foundation’s Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund. Paul is currently stationed at Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina. “Coast Guard aviation is a very small community and the losses we have experienced over the past several years is unprecedented. Like most of us in this community I wanted to do something to honor those lost and to help support the families during these trying times. I talked to some friends at work and after some research discovered the Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund. I thought it was extremely appropriate to focus my efforts towards that fund and am privileged to have the opportunity to do so.” LT j.g. Paul J. Johansen Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride Website Link
On 05/05/11 Bill Bennett said:
There is an excellent article in the Professional Mariner Issue #145 April 2011 on the sinking of Alaska Ranger ex tender Magnolia. I am still looking for info on whereabouts of sister ship, ex tender Willow renamed Royal Alaskan.
On 05/03/11 Jerry Echols said:
Lyn Brandin, Some how your address fell out of my computer. Send me an email.
On 05/03/11 Fred A. Siegel said:
Following recieved from Steve Waxman (info@shadowwavemedia.com) - I am producing a documentary on Prohibition in South Florida. I am currently looking for any relatives and/or connections to any Coast Guard serviceman who might have been serving in South Florida during the 20¹s and 30¹s and have rumrunner stories. I¹m also looking for any photos, letters, artifacts from that era. If you live in South Florida that would be best but if you can help, please contact me regardless of your location.
On 05/03/11 Carl Lawson said:
Does anyone happen to know how many EMCM billets there are in the Coast Guard..I would very much appreciate an answer...thanks in advance. BMCM, Carl A. Lawson, USCG. Ret.
On 05/03/11 Dennis Miller said:
Still wanting to find anyone that was at Alameda in the summer of 63 and part of Company Alpha 41.
On 04/30/11 Richard Fichter said:
Looking for an embroided 'Coast Guard Retired' ball cap with a Senior Chief's anchor, new type. Thanks in advance, the Sandpounder on Cape Cod Rich Fichter MKCS USCGR Ret.
On 04/29/11 Rocco Totino said:
Sad news BM1 Paul Franklin pass away in VA hospital in Albany NY. He was on ships out Boston & NY. 60&70 and was station in Montauk NY. He was a good BM1 and a great guy.. May He rest in peace. God Bless him and his family..
On 04/28/11 Harry Brenner said:
Still looking for ET Steven Kopchek, served with me at Pt. Grenville LORAN station, Moclips Wa..67-68..Thanks Harry Brenner EM3, Hoquiam, Wa
On 04/21/11 Arnaldo Estrada said:
Echo 110 it has been 30 years ago on 04/12/2011. Any of you still out there???
On 04/19/11 Timothy Rollins said:
I started my career out in Hotel 103 - Cape May in 1979. Looking forward to hearing from old shipmates.
On 04/19/11 Timothy Rollins said:
Looking for information on Commander Robert Laahs. I saw that he retired and was wondering where his whereabouts might be. The last I heard he was at Headquaters and living in VA. We were stationed together at Sandy Hook, NJ 86 to 89 time frame.
On 04/19/11 Ron Wilkins said:
MEMORIAL SERVICE for CG Combat Veteran HANS BURKHARDT who served aboard the cutter BLACKHAW in Vietnam and was an instructor at TRACEN Alameda. Hans continued serving in the CG in the Auxiliary at Bodega Bay in recent years. Known by many on the discussion boards at freds as vftb (ViewFromTheBridge) Hans passed over the bar of a heart attack on Wednesday, April 6th. The Memorial Service for Hans will be held on Friday, April 29th at CGSTA Bodega Bay at 13:00 hours.
On 04/19/11 Mary Valle-Endicott said:
STA NY is having our 35th Anniversary celebration this July and we are looking for any pictures from the STA that anyone may have we would really appreciate all the help we can get. Please E-mail me at denmom43@gmail.com Thanks so much! YN1 Mary Valle-Endicott
On 04/12/11 Butch Zimmerman said:
my name is butch zimmerman,my father was CW04 frank zimmerman. after he passed away the base in detroit had put up a plauqe in honor of him.since the base has closed i was wondering what happened to the plauqe if anyone has any info please contact me at ammowarrior461@yahoo.com
On 04/12/11 Skip Martin said:
Don't know if any of the old crowd from Key West circa late 80s early 90s check in here very often but I just saw in the Retiree Newsletter that MKC Graham Arthur passed. From the time I reported to the Group in 1988 until he retired in 91 or 92 Art was one of my closest and most valued friends. Many and many a Friday afternoon and evening we spent on my back porch swilling beer and telling lies about which one of us did the most/best work. As happens all too often we lost all track within a year or two of him retiring but for the benefit of anyone who was there who didn't know, he really was the best. I was there another couple of years after he left but Group Engineering was never the same, or as well thought of, after he left. That makes a pretty good argument that he was as good as he claimed he was. If good engineers are needed on that long cruise we're all going to take I'm not in doubt they're happy to have him.
On 04/06/11 William Pappas said:
Please note the invitation number related to the next post is 136936. Thanks!
On 04/06/11 William Pappas said:
John Klemm, Lieutenant Commander Retired and his lovely bride, Marge will celebrate their 60th year of marriage. If you have served with John Klemm during his 30 years of service, please send Marge and him a special congratulations message on their 60 years on Voicequilt. Please see the information below to record your message. Leaving a message on a VoiceQuilt is easy - just follow these steps: 1. Call 1-877-OurQuilt (1-877-687-7845) If calling from outside the US, see these special instructions 2. When asked for your invitation number, enter 136936 3. Leave your message, just as if you were leaving a voicemail Press # to review your message - or just hang up to save it For best recording results, use a traditional phone - not a cell or cordless phone. If you have two or more callers, use a speaker phone. For message ideas, check out these Thought Starters on the VoiceQuilt web site. Thanks in advance from the Klemm family.
On 04/05/11 Daniel Vanzwaluwenburg said:
Diesel Dan here again you can contact me in Kodiak,Ak 907-539-2450
On 04/05/11 Daniel Vanzwaluwenburg said:
Looking for old shipmates deep freeze 80 on the polar sea this is MK3 VanZwaluwenburg
On 04/04/11 Lee Wonnacott said:
Capt Bainbridge B. Leland,USCG. In 1945 was plank of (Lt) of Cutter Sebago. Retired Jan 1, 1972 as O-6. In 1958 he was CO when Cutter Dexter was placed back into commission. Anyone know how to contact him? Email RM2Wonnacott@sebagosailors.org - Thanks.
On 04/01/11 Lee Wonnacott said:
Sebago Sailors! It's time to start planning for a 2012 reunion so that we can ensure everybody has a chance to plan attendance and budget for the event. Our last gathering at Mobile was a hoot for everybody and lots of those attending then thought we should return to Mobile. I was impressed that of the 35 that mustered at least half had served aboard other D8 floating units. With that in mind should we include all of our old D8 floating unit shipmates in our plans? More shipmates there means more great sea stories to be heard. In 2009 we heard about UFO's, collisions with aircraft carriers, and building coffins for bodies that were stored in ice on the fantail during Campeche Patrol. How would anybody NOT want to be there next time to hear these and more great stories ? ... Heck, one of our Sebago Sailors was even on the Dallas PD security detail for JFK on November 22, 1963. We all have experiences to share. Get your stories and photos around and let's get together! We would be celebrating 40 years since Sebago went to the breakers. A bittersweet moment to be sure, but a great excuse to gather again and remember the days when we were younger, more handsome, and much more willing.... Email me rm2Wonnacott@sebagosailors.org ....
On 03/28/11 Dennis Miller said:
Those 378's were all brand new just as I got out. Shows how sturdy I must be as I've not been decommissioned as yet and still going all ahead full....well my speed has decreased somewhat. Wow, time flies. The ships I remember from my time were the 180 buoy tenders, the Kakui, Minnetonka, Winnebago, the tugs like the Kaw and Naugatuck, smaller tenders like the Tamarack, etc...Like I said, time flies.
On 03/27/11 Jack Eppert said:
I can't believe that the 378's are finally starting to be decommissioned for the last time. They were all brand new when I was in. I was lucky enough to commission the USCGC Dauntless, a 210 then out of Miami. This is a credit to all who have sailed on these ships. The skills and care shown to these cutters is the only thing that kept them at sea for so long. All who sailed on these two ships, the Chase and the Hamilton, should be very proud. You all 'did good'
On 03/26/11 Dave Witten said:
Need help locating members of Honor Company R4 (Cape May RTC, 1956-57) for reunion, Oct., 2011. We also served on the Unimak, now a reef off Virginia. Check web site USCGR4,org for info and old Cape May RTC photos. Contact davewit10 @yahoo.com.
On 03/25/11 Jerry Jones said:
Skip, I know the feeling, the six different cutters I served on were all decommissoned before I retired in '83, I didn't think too much of ships going until I reported to Tracen Alameda in '74 and there sat the Minnetonka with a caretaker crew. Two years later I saw here being towed off to be scraped did it really hit me. Felt like a big chunk of my life was going with her.
On 03/25/11 Skip Martin said:
Well, I guess I'm coming full circle. I used to have a hard time relating when I saw 255 sailors, or 311 sailors, or 327 sailors getting all emotional about one being decommissioned. Then this morning it was my turn. I came to Fred's and there was the notice about the CHASE being decommissioned. First time I saw her she was only about five years old. We made a servmart run to Boston from Group Portland and the HAM, CHASE and SHERMAN were all home. Never forget the sight of those things there at the pier. Most beautiful things ever was. Got back to Portland and told Chief Nick I wanted to be on one. He made a couple of phone calls and discovered that the YN3 filling the YN2 billet on the CHASE wanted off. A mutual was arranged and over the next few years I served on CHASE and SHERMAN. The CHASE was the one, though. Seemed like we were just destined to be successful and we were always the center of attention, whether in St Johns, New Foundland, St George, Bermuda, GTMO or some European port. Guess I ain't as good as I was 35 years ago but I can't believe the CHASE's time is up. She'll always be new to me and probably everyone else that was lucky enough to sail her.
On 03/21/11 Dennis Likens said:
TCC Dale Powers. Tried PPC leter procedure but he does not live at that address anymore and hasn't for years according to the current resident. Anyone know of a better way or know where he is? TC1 D. Likens ret/99 tc1uscg@yahoo.com
On 03/21/11 Lisa De Pace said:
SMILAX sailors the date has been set!! SMILAX will be honored as the 'Queen of the Fleet' on 14 April 2011. If you have any photos of your time aboard please contact DC1 Nick Mimms: nicholas.p.mimms@uscg.mil. The ceremony will be held at 1200 in Atlantic Beach NC. If you would like to attend please email: SK1 Jose Levia, jose.r.leiva@uscg.mil.
On 03/15/11 Fred A. Siegel said:
Anyone having any information regarding a Charles J Mulholland belived to be CG Intelligence in the 1930s on Cape Cod. Any information? Please contact Diane Benzi diane.benzi@att.net.
On 03/15/11 Fred A. Siegel said:
Attention families who called Governor's Island home when it was headquarters for the nation's largest Coast Guard district. There will be a Coast Guard Brats reunion and picnic on Saturday, August 6th on Governor's Island. Contact Yvonne Torres-Miley at beargirl9692@yahoo.com for further information
On 03/14/11 Frederick Jett said:
My father Frederick Talmage Jett has asked me to locate any of his old shipmates from WWII. He served aboard the USS Milledgeville in 1945 as a fireman. He is in good health and sound mind and would very much like to hear from any of his old friends. I have posted his name on this site.
On 03/14/11 Thomas J Modestowicz said:
Today at 7:30 am Joe Treen SN USCG crossed the bar he served on the Cutter Tamaroa & at Atlantic City Lifeboat Station back in the early 60'S he left behind a Wife & two daughters. Semper Paratus Joe
On 03/12/11 Glenn Crews said:
I have been looking through my Dad's old coast guard records and was wondering what a 'shipboard indoctrination' is. How long it took? What he had to do? Was it out on the ship or just a study and pass kind of thing? I don't remember much about him and looking through his records has helped to get to know him. Thanks
On 03/12/11 Glenn Crews said:
I wanted to know if anyone remembers Glenn Crews Stationed in Alaska from 1973-1975 on the USCGC Confidence (I was born there during that time). He is my Father and passed away when I was 9. Have been looking through his CG records and wanted to know what life was like back then and details on some of his achievments and time spent there.
On 03/10/11 Joe Veno said:
I have a buddy who was in Vietnam in the Army and he just got a 10% disability for Prostrate Cancer. He tolsd me he is getting $219 a month. I have been getting a 10% disability seince I got out in 1969 but I only get $123 a mounth. We were both E-5 when we got out in 1969 Can anyone tell me why they are differnt amounts?
On 03/09/11 Jack Crowley said:
If anyone is in the vicinity of the X- CGC Basswood when she ties up I would appreciate it if someone could take a few pictures and forward them to me. I was on board her from 1960 to 62 while she was out of Honolulu. Honolulu was our home port but spent most of the time underway in the Pacific. Thanks
On 03/08/11 Bill Bennett said:
Yesterday I was informed that the ex Cutter Basswood, while moored in Rio Vista Ca, one hallf mile from Station Rio Vista was broken into and stripped of all the copper. She was hopefully going to find a new life somewhere but now is worth only as scrap. So let this be a warning to all who might want to save one of our ships. Keep a close watch
On 03/05/11 Dave Witten said:
Honor Company R4 (Cape May, 1956) having reunion October 2011. Looking for Alvin Lockett - Admiral Love - Goose Tatum.
On 03/04/11 Lisa De Pace said:
Calling all SMILAX sailors! Next week when the CGC ACUSHNET is being decommissioned, CGC SMILAX will become the 'Queen of the fleet' and the Coast Guard's Oldest Commissioned Cutter. This April the cutters service and her crew will be celebrated as she recives her gold hull numbers. All SMILAX sailors with stories, photos or interested in attending please contact DC1 Nick Mimms: nicholas.p.mimms@uscg.mil.
On 03/01/11 Vanessa Garza said:
My name is Vanessa Marie Garza and I am posting this bulletin because I am looking for my father Mark Walters. I have never met him before and the only information disclosed to me about him was that he was enlisted in the Coast Guard in the year 1990 or 1991 and was kicked out shortly due to his alcohol abuse. He was most likely stationed at South Padre Island at this time. He is a white man roughly about 5 feet 10 inches tall, thin, and has blue eyes and blonde hair. I also believe he is originally from New Mexico. At the moment i believe he would be roughly around the age of 48. I do not know his birthday, social security number, or hometown. I am sorry I don't have any more information about him. I would really appreciate it if you could get back to me because this is the only way I know of that I can find my father. He does not know he has a daughter and I would love to find him. This email is the only hope I have to finding my father. A reply would be GREATLY appreciated. You can contact me to my email vanessagarza92@gmail.com or vanessagarza92@yahoo.com. I can disclose any more information about myself if needed. I am not making any of this up.Thank you for your time.
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