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On 01/30/12  Jim Hall said:
The Dallas decommissioning will be Friday March 30th at the Navy Yard in Charleston, SC. The time has not been finalized but I'll keep you informed. There is a reunion of Plank Owners and WestPac crew this same weekend. I have had inquiries from 80's & 90's crew asking to join us. We would love to meet you and compare war stories about our tours on Dallas at the ceremony, however, our planned reunion is for Plank Owners & Westpac crew. I hope you understand. Jim
On 01/29/12 Jerry Jones said:
FYI to everyone who served on any coast guard cutter built before 1975... there is a reunion held in Reno Nevada every two years, next one will be April or May 2013. Approximately 35 ships were represented at the last one in May 2011 including some of the 378s. Was a lot of fun, there will be info posted for the next one when Doak Walker makes the arrangements.
On 01/28/12 Jim Hall said:
I appreciate all of the interest in my posted reunion notice of Dallas; this is for Plank Owners and WestPac crew. If I opened this reunion to all crews the logistics would be a night mare. I would recommend to crews from the 70's, 80's, etc to start your own reunion. I don't mean to slight anyone but I'm sure you'll understand. SEMPER PARATUS
On 01/28/12 Paula Weber said:
Dear Coast Guard servicepeople, family & friends, I am in desperate need of help finding a former Coast Guard serviceman. I have very little to go on and some of the information I have is sketchy. Here is what I have...I KNOW he was on a ship that was docked in Sturgeon Bay, WI the middle to end of May to the beginning of June 1962 and went by the nickname 'Chic' or possibly spelled 'Chick'. I think the homeport was Chicago. I assume he was between the ages of 25 and 35. Not much to go on I know, but if any of this trips someones memory PLEASE email me ASAP!!! Thanks for your time!
Paula Weber
On 01/28/12 Jack Eppert said:
Wow, another 378 bites the dust. Just watched the USCGC Chase video but don't know when she was put out. Also saw Fred's post about another one coming soon. Guess I'm getting old. I remember them when they were brand new, and we all know how long the USCG has to run the equipment before it's replaced. I was lucky enough to be on the commissioning crew of USCGC Dauntless and she's still at it. Wonder when they will be relieved of duty? Stay safe out there at sea with the old girls.
On 01/26/12 Son Of Joesph St.Andre said:
Anyone that might have served with the 'BM1St.Andre' I would love to here from you. As he was my father and passed away when I was young. I would love to here some of the stories that go along with his 22 years of service! and any pictures out there would mean the world to me!!!
On 01/24/12 Skip Martin said:
Dennis . . . The thought of those two girls out there raising and lowering that flag in the dead of night in Afghanistan gave me pause. Not surprised she did it. She was an exceptional little girl and she grew up to be an exceptional lady. Her dad was something special and so was her mom. Guess it kind of figures she'd be something special too. By far the best thing about my military career was the people I got to meet. Probably how most of us who come to Fred's feel.
On 01/24/12 Dennis Miller said:
Skip, what an honor from you shipmate's daughter and what a great picture. Everyday people doing extra ordinary things for love of country and family.
On 01/21/12 John Manahan said:
The Captain of the Costa Concordia blew it. As the Captain of his vessel he is ultimately responsible for the ship and the crew. That includes the maintenance of the ship and training of the crew. It is easy to see that the crew lacked training both in navigation and emergency procedures. I am a big fan of cruising, living in Wisconsin a Caribbean cruise for week is the best way to survive the winter. While these ships are huge they are highly maneuverable and can turn on a dime. The only reason for this tragedy is poor training, and that is the responsibility of the Captain. All of our travel professionals have always advised us not to ride on a Costa vessel…now I know why.
On 01/21/12 Skip Martin said:
I have spent many, many hours reading about the great liners and the commanding officers who drove them. Not many of them wound up commanding the fanciest, largest, most modern ship in the company's fleet at the age of 32. I don't know that there's any law against a young person succeeding to command but from what I can see here, his subordinate was doing something infinitely dangerous that came to a predictably bad end and from the get-go the captain demonstrated no ability to take corrective action. A well-managed ship of that kind should never have been in trouble in the first place but once the feces hit the fan it doesn't look like it would have mattered if the captain bailed first, last or in the middle. He was completely incapable of providing useful guidance. We can wait till all is said and done as Ben suggested but I don't think that's going to result in a more favorable opinion of how the captain acted in this case.
On 01/20/12 Jeff Freeman said:
REGARDING BILL BENNETT'S POSTS OF THE FOUNDERING OF THE CRUISE VESSEL OFF ITALY,I'M SURPRISED FRED'S PLACE HASN'T BEEN INUNDATED BY RESPONSES TO MR. BENNETT'S OPINIONS/ASSERTIONS RATIONALIZING THE CO'S POSSIBLE EARLY VESSEL'S ABANDONMENT; PERHAPS THE VITRIOL WAS SENT DIRECTLY TO HIS PROFERRED EMAIL, BUT IT SEEMS UNLIKE THE FRED'S PLACE FAITHFUL TO ALLOW A COMMENT LIKE MR. BENNETT'S TO GO UNANSWERED - MAYHAP FRED FELT THE DOUBTLESS ACERBIC RESPONSES LESS THAN DIPLOMATIC & JUST PERMIT BENNETT'S THOUGHTS LANGUISH IN THE DISGUST THEY SEEMINGLY DESERVE. OF SOME INTEREST TO SOME, HOWEVER, ARE BENNETT'S QUALIFICATIONS TO SPEAK ON THE SUBJECT. EVEN DISREGARDING HIS OBSERVATION FRED'S PLACE HAS '40,000 ODD MEMBERS', WHILE WE NUMBER OVER 60,000 'ODD MEMBERS', MR. BENNETT FAILS TO IMPRESS EVEN THIS ONE 'ODD MEMBER' BY EXCLUSION OF ANY CREDITABLE EVIDENCE HE MIGHT BE QUALIFIED TO SUGGEST EXCUSING THE CRUISE VESSEL CAPT OF THE 'OUTMODED & ROMANTIC OPINION' OF A PRECIPITOUS DEPARTURE AND, FURTHERMORE, TO 'ESTABLISH A DISCUSSION GROUP' TO CONSIDER - WHAT(?) - WE DISCUSS AND ISSUE OPINIONS/DECIDE TO ALTER CENTURIES OF THOUGHT ON CONDUCT OF VESSEL CAPTAINS AT SEA ? PERSUANT TO THE FOREGOING THEN, I ASK - IS MR. BILL BENNETT A SAILOR, COASTIE, SOMETHING, ANYTHING ? THOUGH GIVEN TODAY'S MEDIA'S PRECIPITOUS AND OCCASIONALLY UNSUBSTANTIATED REPORTING METHODOLOGY, THE CRUISE VESSEL CAPT IS BEING NOW CONSIDERED, BY COMPETENT NAVAL AND JUDICIAL ENTITIES, FOR TRIAL ON MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES - ALONG WITH, BY THE BYE, SEVERAL VIOLATIONS OF NAUTICAL TENETS.
On 01/19/12 Joseph Larosa said:
The Sea Isle City (NJ) Historical Museum is attempting to locate Coast Guardsmen who were stationed at the Townsend's Inlet (NJ) station in March 1962. The city is commemorating the 50th anniversary of a storm that destroyed the city, and would like the include anyone with information regarding the heroic assistance that was given to the community. Please respond to- march1962storm@comcast.net. Also, included are any air crews that assisted in evacuating the area. Thank you
On 01/18/12 Fred A. Siegel said:
FYI. Just got the word on the decommissioning of CGC Dallas. The ceremony is set for Friday March 30th. A reunion is being held on the 29th at the Sheraton Airport Hotel.
On 01/18/12 Skip Martin said:
One of my best friends in the Coast Guard was a Senior Chief MK named James F. Brooks, III. We were stationed on the VIGOROUS out of New London back in the day. We lost poor Jim twelve years ago this June. Well, to cut to the chase, his daughter -- and pride and joy -- Lisa Brooks went on to earn a PHD in Psychology and went to work for the DOD. This past summer she came for a visit with a friend she met while setting up the first women's unit in Afghanistan. She disappeared into her bedroom and when she came out she presented me an American flag that she and another young lady had flown over the Air Force base in Baghram, complete with certificate. After I got over being mad about her and the other girl being outside, at night, in a place like that to fly a flag I was almost reduced to quivering jelly that she, or anyone else, would do something like that for me. I just posted a picture of it in the Photo Album. I'm not in doubt about how proud her father would be, and me too. Any of you that knew Jim should check it out, or even if you didn't. Still a hell of a thing.
On 01/17/12 Bill Bennett said:
My opinion on the Captain of Costa Concordia leaving his ship prematurely. It is an outmoded and romantic opinion that the Captain should be the last to abandon ship. On a smaller vessel, small crew, going down with no list, and no pitch would allow the skipper to direct operations well from on board. This vessel was laying on its side and directions to the crew were better done from a boat alongside. He was being ordered and criticized by someone on shore who did not know the extent of the problem. Give him a break. Let him speak before we take sides. Disagree? Agree? Send me your opinions. SP
On 01/17/12 Mike Reese said:
On the sinking of the cruise ship , Brings to mind, it should require all ships to have cargo nets or jacob's ladders on Port An Starboard sides of the ship. Coast Guard ships has this equipment on it's ships. This requirement would effect abandon ships in capsize distress .
On 01/17/12 Lynn A. Brandin said:
Anyone know the where about of Freddie George AD type Elizabeth late 60's
On 01/17/12 Lynn A. Brandin said:
Looking for Dr. Lyman(SP) dentist at Elizabeth City, left for California 1967
On 01/17/12 Fred A. Siegel said:
FOUND. Bremerton, WA area. What appears to be WWII era dog tags marked USCGR with the name Peter DeGeorge. Finder would like to give these to Peter or any relative. Contact me and I will put you in touch with the finder ~ Fred
On 01/16/12 Jerry Jones said:
Sadly Skip, you can't fix stupid...
On 01/16/12 Skip Martin said:
Jesus! I was watching the news tonight and they showed the trackline the cruise ships ordinarily use passing through there. I cannot imagine what they were thinking on the bridge of that ship. They were clear on the other side of the channel. If they just wanted to show themselves better and sound the ship's whistle they didn't need to be near as close as that. Hard to imagine if they'd gone astern and let it sink by the stern it wouldn't have been better than letting it capsize where they were setting. I've never been on a ship that big -- Coast Guard didn't have any -- so maybe there wasn't anything they could do after they grounded but I don't believe they couldn't have done something to keep from capsizing. Now they're up to six dead and twenty-nine missing. Horrible thing.
On 01/15/12 Edward Mc Devitt said:
Looking at that Itialan liner on its side bring back vivid memorys of the sinkingof the itilan liner andrea dora we we were OSC CG Evergreen as she sank the port hole glass sounded like 12 guage shotguns as they broke from the air pressure CG Navy and the french liner ILe DE France did a great job preventing a greater loss of life 1956
On 01/15/12 Bill Bennett said:
The recent sinking of the cruise ship in Italian waters gives me the thought that all is not as it should be regarding safety at sea. Of the forty thousand some odd members of Freds Place I am sure there are many highly experienced souls out there that have some very valid thoughts as to how emercency proceedures should be carried out. Should we (do 'I' want to?) establish a discussion group to talk about this?
On 01/14/12 Loring (Charlie) Colburn said:
Is there anyone on this forum who lives in NYC or the NYC area? My wife and I are planning a vacation to NYC and would like very much to get someone's insight on the city and possibly answer some questions we have. Rather than posting response on the BB you can e-mail me at Kaneahi_2000@yahoo.com. Aloha.
On 01/12/12 Rocky Bazis said:
To all those who remember. It is with a heavy heart I let his friends past and present know that my brother AD2 Tim Bazis unexpectedly crossed the bar on Dec. 16th 2011 in Des Moines, IA. Tim joined the Coast Guard in 1977 and was assigned to the CGC Confidence out of Kodiak, AK. He attended AD school in Elizabeth City, NC and returned to Alaska completing tours at Kodiak and Sitka respectfully. It was a proud moment in our Coast Guard careers when I joined in 1978. Tim flying the skies of Alaska and me on cutters plowing the waters on the east coast. Tim left the service in 1981 and had a successful career at UPS and was currently employed as truck shop supervisor at the Rasmussen Group. Tim’s mechanical skills were unparallel and served him well both in the Coast Guard and civilian life. Tim was a member of the Iowa Motor Truck Association where he received the Iowa Maintenance Professional of the Year award in 2010. Tim never left his love of flight; he received his aviation pilot’s license and belonged to the Experimental Aircraft Association. His other passions were NASCAR and Penn State. Tim is survived by his loving wife Deanne; children, Aaron, Alex and Jake. A loving husband and father, a wonderful brother a solid and true shipmate. Fair winds and following seas brother for we will meet again where the sun slips below the horizon and the green flash lives
On 01/11/12 George Schwarz said:
Trying to locate Richard Burke, LCDR (ret. ?). He was the CO (as a CWO2) on CGC MATINICUS in San Juan, PR. I was his XPO there 1999-2000. From there he went to Station Cape Disappointment as CO. From there to another 110' in the middle east. He is probably retired. Thanks, QMCM G.J. Schwarz
On 01/10/12 John Leonard said:
Can anyone provide the steps and or procedures that a 2nd year law student needs to take to pursue a career in the JAG Corp? Contact me at kodiakjack306@gmail.com
On 01/03/12 Gary Bird said:
Just wanted to give a 'Bravo Zulu' shout out' to 'Toby' Chapeau for taking on the great state of Georgia and bringing them up to speed on the Coast Guard.
On 01/01/12 Skip Martin said:
Bill . . . We used to call the Pratt Whitney jet engines in the 378s Birds. Back when multiple 378s were home ported in Boston there probably was not a thrill in the Coast Guard like getting a SAR call while transitting the Cape Cod Canal. You'd hear those jets start to scream and all of a sudden the wake would be level with the taffrail and boats and jetties on either side of the Canal would be rocking and rolling. Good stuff!
On 12/31/11 Bill Bennett said:
Would someone please tell this old black hull sailor what is meant by 'flying on the birds' as is the title of the picture from the stern of the Gallitin.
On 12/30/11 Fred A. Siegel said:
Lost Lighter Found. A Zippo lighter with the name ''Wesley Allison 8-70' engraved on one side and the seal of the U.S. Coast Guard 17th District on the other was recently found. Attempting to return to rightful owner. Anyone with knowledge of Wesley Allison or this lighter may contact me for further details.
On 12/28/11 Bob (Jc) Penney said:
Would like to locate former RDCS Donald Camacho, former Bibb sailor. Understand he was last listed as living somewhere in Florida. Was a great friend and lost contact with him. Thanks in advance and 73's all.... J.C.
On 12/24/11 Dennis Marshall said:
To all those who remember. It is with a heavy heart I let his friends past and present know that my father AMC Donald Wayne Marshall crossed the bar on Dec. 18th 2011. He wanted me to thank all those he knew for their friendship and caring. He never forgot one of you. I will post his information on the memorial board section here.
On 12/24/11 Tom Browne said:
Hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year
On 12/22/11 Skip Martin said:
I hope everyone will remember them over the holidays, whether they're sitting in the middle of the ocean or standing guard in Afghanistan. Every man and woman of them is deserving. I don't feel sorry for them, though. They're where we used to be. Young and strong and tough and full of piss and vinegar and that's a good place to be. However scary, or boring, or difficult what they're doing now is, one day they'll be as fond of looking back on it as we are. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
On 12/22/11 Jerry Jones said:
Have many memories of Thanksgiving and Christmas duty as I would volunteer so the married guys could be home with their families but come New Years you never heard of me. Totally agree with Lee about remembering the young folks who are doing the job in our stead.
On 12/22/11 Jack Eppert said:
Wow, Lee just said it all and very eloquently. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and happy holidays to all who are standing watch during this wonderful time of year. Jack
On 12/22/11 Lee Wonnacott said:
We all remember at least one or two Christmas holidays away from home, don't we? Command always made an extra effort to lessen the burden of those that had the duty, but that didn't ease the pain much. Santa Claus himself could have stood before me as I stood my first holiday watch in Alaska and I wouldn't have felt any less alone or less depressed. Many times during our Coast Guard careers we all found ourselves at sea, on LORAN duty, in a COMMSTA or GRUOFF, at a busy STA or AIRSTA, and even aboard HQ units - we stood those watches as was expected. Prepared to get underway in answer to a call or just to wait for one. It was our job and one that some of us didn't fully appreciate until long after we experienced it. So, on Saturday night, as you prepare for another treasured celebration from the warmth of your home, please remember there are thousands of our youngest shipmates on duty this year and their hearts will ache as ours once did. When that moment of reverie comes, recall too that our service was a gift to our republic that few regret. And most of us would shout with glee for the chance to spend just one more night on watch. Semper Paratus is our GUIDE, our FAME, our GLORY too! Merry Christmas, Shipmates!
On 12/20/11 Jerry Jones said:
What Skip said!!!
On 12/20/11 Stuart Liebowitz said:
Happy Chanukah to everyone.
On 12/20/11 Fred A. Siegel said:
Thanks. Speaking for everyone involved here at Fred's Place, it is our pleasure.
On 12/20/11 Skip Martin said:
Ditto!
On 12/20/11 Thomas J Modestowicz said:
Would like to wish Fred & his staff a Very Merry Christmas & a safe & happy new year another great year of informing the Coast Guard present & past take care. Tom Semper Paratus
On 12/16/11 Eric Bigelow said:
looking for EM1 greg jones, served on cgc campbell and group woods hole in the 90's.
On 12/13/11 Skip Martin said:
Wow! I have seen some chickencrap stuff and I have seen some chickencrap stuff but now I've seen it all. I just went to read the story about the cadets being probed for drug use and the New London Day won't let you read their 'premium' articles without registering??? I thought it was a mistake so I went to the Day's website and got the same BS. I know times are not good in New London but that's genuinely pitiful. What a sorry excuse for a news organization.
On 12/10/11 Rick May said:
I have been looking for a while for a patch, but have had no luck. I am looking for the shoulder patch that I wore in Oscar Company. It is the shield with a blue field of stars, red and white stripes and outlined in gold. Does anyone know where I can come up with one. I see them on Honor and Color Guards on TV, so I know they must still be available somewhere. I got out in '79 so, it's been a long time and can't find any of mine. I want one for my PGR vest. Thanks in advance.
On 12/10/11 David Hoff said:
Let's never forget, Roald Amunsen was at the Pole, 12/14/1911. Uff da
On 12/08/11 Richard Pascarelli said:
Looking for a copy of the Cape May Graduation video for August 5, 1994 please contact me if you may have a copy
On 12/07/11 Raleigh Measom said:
Let's never forget what today is and our brothers and sisters that gave their lives on December 07 1941 may they rest in pease
On 12/07/11 Meagan Lewis said:
Meagan Lewis & RPM Casting (www.rpmcasting.com based in New Orleans) are working on a feature film starring Tom Hanks as American Merchant Marine Captain Richard Phillips who was taken hostage by Somali pirates in 2009. The film is being directed by Paul Greengrass, who is interested in casting real veterans of Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and SEALs for several of the roles in the film. The film with shoot in Mobile and New Orleans starting in February for 3 months. The roles will work for various time-frames and durations. If you are interested in auditioning for a speaking role, please email a photo of yourself, age, and brief description of your experience at sea to maritimecasting@gmail.com ASAP to be considered. Casting will begin this week. Thank you!
On 12/06/11 John Krueger said:
USCGC Woodbine Reunion in Grand Haven, Michigan on August 1-4, 2012. For information, contact John Krueger at jkrueger20@comcast.net
On 12/05/11 Michael Scanlon said:
I was the 1st LT (CHBOSN4) on the Hamilton out of boston in the 80's, MKCM Hiller was 'The Engineering Chief' he kept that old boat operating at peak, never missed a beat. That CPO Mess was with out a doubt one of the finest I ever worked with. Stan was always in the engine room fixing, teaching, tweaking. I had known him long before the HAM but had never had a close working relationship untill the HAM, he sheparded me through the PQS for watch standers untill I could light off the emergency generators, bilge pumps almost as good as the snipes, it is really to bad that the CG wont allow men like MKCM Hiller to remain on active duty as long as he did. They have so much to teach the younger crowd
On 12/04/11 Elizabeth Taylor said:
Christmas Poem TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE, IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE. I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE, AND TO SEE JUST WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE. I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE, NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE. NO STOCKING BY THE MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND, ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LAN.........DS. WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS, A SOBER THOUGHT CAME THROUGH MY MIND. FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY, I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY. THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE, CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME. THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER, NOT HOW I PICTURED A SOLDIER. WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I'D JUST READ? CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED? I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT, OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT. SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY, AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY. THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR, BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE. I COULDN'T HELP WONDER HOW MANY LAY ALONE, ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME. THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE, I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY. THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE, 'SANTA DON'T CRY, THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE; I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON'T ASK FOR MORE, MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS.' THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP, I COULDN'T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP. I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL. I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT, THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR SO WILLING TO FIGHT. THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE, WHISPERED, 'CARRY ON SANTA, IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE.' ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT. 'MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,! AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.' This poem was written by a Marine. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable..... PLEASE Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to all our service men,women, for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.
On 11/29/11 Skip Martin said:
Caleb . . . Don't know what you can find written about Stan Hiller but if you talk to anyone who served aboard a Coast Guard ship anywhere on the East Coast during the 70s and 80s they could tell you enough stories to fill a book, possibly two. He was a remarkable individual. I always thought he resembled Bing Crosby, he smoked a pipe like Bing Crosby and was quite soft-spoken like Bing Crosby. When bellied up to the bar at the old SPO Club in Boston or the CPO Club in Baltimore he was a tremendous guy to sit and shoot the bull with. Even three sheets to the wind he could recall the Federal Stock Number of just about any part ever needed for anything we had that floated. During most of the time that I had the good fortune to know him he was in charge of the Assist Team out of Boston. Two of my favorite memories of Stan are listening to him grouse about being made an Em Kay. He knew what he was when he was an Engineman but he had no earthly idea what a blasted Em Kay was. My other favorite Stan memory was walking into the SPO Club in Boston to find him regaling the crowd at the bar with stories about almost capsising the Flagstaff, a hydrofoil the Navy had let us have for testing. Guess they were somewhere abreast of Logan Airport and a sponson collapsed. Would have scared the bejesus out of a regular guy but Stan thought it was great stuff. Some guys listed in Fred's Directory: MKCM Don Goguen, MKC Jack McIlhinney to name a couple could probably tell you a lot of Stan Hiller stories and point you in the right direction to get some more. Good luck. If you want someone to pattern a career after you could do a lot worse than Stan.
On 11/29/11 Caleb Delcambre said:
I am FN Delcambre, and I am looking for information on MKCM Stanley Hiller for a project that iI am doing. I have searched everything that i could find and only found very little on him. I was wondering if anyone could help me with any information on him. I appreciate any help that you can give me. Thank you
On 11/29/11 Armand (Toby) Chapeau said:
ATTN: Georgia Coasties I 've won a 2 year battle with the state and have gotten the racing stripe put on the retired plate which is FREE. I got mine yesterday. Now both reserves and retired plates have the racing stripe. Call the Dept of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division at 404-968-3690 if you want the other plates: Vietnam, Veteran, WWII, Korea, and Gulf War plates to have the stripe also.
On 11/26/11 Victor Swanson said:
Dear: Ladies and Gentlemen. This is Victor Swanson, a guide at the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum ('The Mackinaw WAGB-83'); it is my second posting. Since I posted my first message on the bulletin board (on November 10, 2011), I received a nice note from Mr. Patrick Pietrolungo and Ms.Chantel Schmitt (who were members of the ship around 2006) and talked with--in person--Joe Curtiss (who was on the ship from 1985 to 1988), and I have gained more knowledge about the ship, but I need help from you to better understand the ship and pass along better information to visitors in the future, one of whom may be you, and I have to get some information before it becomes much harder to get--people of the early years are disappearing. First, I have yet to determine what was the first radar unit on 'The Mackinac' and when it appeared on the ship (it may have been a unit from Raytheon). If you know someone who was on the ship in 1945 or 1946 or if you know someone who was, please get as much information about the first radar unit as possible and pass it along to me. Second, I was told about four years ago by a senior member of the museum that the bridge was kicked out to the sides after the first season--the bridge was made as wide as it is today--but my research in what could be called forgotten publications has shown me that the bridge was probably pushed out to the sides in 1949 or 1950. If anyone knows when the bridge was made bigger and where the work was done (what the shipyard was), please let me know. Third, I found information that hints to me that the room additions (put on the sides of the towing-winch room) were added in the summer-era of 1978, and if you know that is true or untrue, please let me know. Fourth, Joe Curtiss passed along information that the Zodiac Hurricane was added to the ship when he was a member of the crew (I had been working with the thought that it was put on board in 1982, using information given me by a museum staffer). If you know when the Zodiac Hurricane was added, please let me know. The Zodiac Hurricane is known as 'Mac I.' Fifth, 'Mac 2' is a Mark V, which was made in 1997. If you know when the Mark V was put on the ship as a replacement for another ready boat, please let me know. By the way, if you know whether the Mark V was a replacement for a Mark I or a Mark III, please let me know. Sixth, a man named Paul Hertzog (who had been a member of the ship from 1999 to 2002) visited the ship this past summer and told me a man named Dan Schrader created the design of the Mackinaw over the Great Lakes, which, for one, is on the deck of Level 03. Paul was unclear about the spelling of Dan's name. If you know the correct spelling for Dan's name, please let me know, and if you know when the design was put on the chart table in the pilot house, please let me know. Seventh, now, here is the big one. I have been tracking down pictures and video of 'The Mackinaw' from 1944 to 2006, and by studying the images, I have become--I think--one of the better general-knowledge men about the configuration of the ship, but there are holes in my knowledge. If you have old dated newspaper articles or magazine articles--especially those with photographs--or even personal photographs, which you have in scrapbooks (which could be tucked away in a closet and sort of forgotten), please consider sending digital copies of whatever to me so that I may study them--they will not be published. If you are going to send something, try to provide correct dates, and if the materials are articles, supply the names of the sources and the dates. By the way, many small-town newspapers and such do not have old articles noted in indexes, so the information that may exist is, in essence, lost or useless. What you will be doing by sending the stuff is truly important. I shall may more postings in the future. That is all for now. I thank you much for your time and for helping the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum. Stay well! Vic. P.S.: Feel free to send any notes about main changes with the ship that you know.
On 11/25/11 Skip Martin said:
Wow! Found something else to be thankful for. I'm not subject to the Commandant's weight standards anymore. Been a tough go after this years extravaganza. Hope everyone else fared as well.
On 11/23/11 Jerry Jones said:
As we go into the Thanksgiving season I had a chance to pause and think of what I had to be thankful for, there is of course my wonderful wife and family, maintaining my health and my current friends. But to go deeper I reflected on things in my past and the associations of people like John (Shortround) Harris, Al Super, Dick Eppley, Tom Finney, Virgil Kroupa, John Rhuska, Jerry Craddock, Willie Steen, Hank Murak, Floyd Rice, Mangus Campbell, Leroy Rosa, Jack Limbaugh, Gary Morgan, Bruce Davis, Dick Benson, and Jerry Echols. All these people had a profound effect on my career and life and I am very thankful to have known them.
On 11/23/11 Lee Wonnacott said:
Visited CafePress and DID see some neat CG and rating related items... BUT, I think all of you should know their site puts a pretty specific tracking cookie on your browser. I don't think an online vendor that wants to follow a visitor like a bloodhound through the woods deserves our business.
On 11/22/11 James Nikirk said:
If anyone is looking for some neat CG stuff (t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, etc) I found a great site. It is www.cafepress.com. When you are on the site, go to the left side and keep moving down until you hit Military. Then of course, hit Coast Guard. I found some shirts that even had some actual units (Mackinaw, Cape Hinchinbrook LTSTA, and more.) Also some stuff that had some rating badges printed on them. Also great for gifts for the spouse and kids. Give it a look..
On 11/22/11 Skip Martin said:
I'm sure I've mentioned this in years past but as Thanksgiving approaches every year I always feel compelled to take time to once again say thank you to the incomparable Duane 'Gibby' Gibbs, the pride of Nantucket Island, for the exceptional Thanksgiving meal my wife, Jonna, and I enjoyed on the messdeck of EAGLE in 1985. Lost all track of Gibby but if anyone out there runs into him you can tell him that at least one old shipmate rates his Thanksgiving meals right up there among the best of a lifetime -- and that would be a fairly long lifetime involving a lot of overeating.
On 11/22/11 James Charters said:
USCG Sector Detroit is in the process of creating historical displays in the Sector building. They are looking for old photos of CG Group Detroit, Base Detroit, and MSO Detroit. Additionally, they are creating a list of past Group Commanders and MSO Commanding Officers. Info such as when they served, Portraits/Pictures of the past Commanders/Commanding Officers and their Deputies/XO’s would also be appreciated. Please contact Mr. Jim Charters at james.e.charters@uscg.mil or by phone at 313-568-9471 if you have any information or pictures you would like to donate/share.
On 11/15/11 Jeffrey (Todd) Nyman said:
I got out of the Guard in 1992. As of today I am Captain aboard the Point Lobos CG 82366. The old girl is still afloat and working. She is a real blast from the past. Would love to get in contact with anyone who served on her. Maybe share some photos of then and now.
On 11/14/11 Audra Jacques said:
Coast Guard Island Alameda is planning a 'Salute to Coast Guard Vietnam Veterans' on 08 NOV 2012. I am the coordinator for the event and am looking for CG Vietnam Veterans who served either in-country or during the Vietnam Era 28 Feb 1961 to 7 May 1975. Please contact me so that you get invited! No cost to you or your spouse/guest. Local motel will offer discount. Call me at 510-437-5371, or just respond to this post.
On 11/11/11 Leonard (Lenny) Lambert said:
To all my brother and sister Coasties; I just want to wish all past, present, and future ,a good Veterans Day and many more, 'May we all have fair winds and following seas' in our lives. Semper Paratus my friends.
On 11/10/11 Victor Swanson said:
Dear Ladies and gentlemen. I am a volunteer guide at the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum, which is 'The Mackinaw WAGB-83' and is located at Mackinaw City, and Fred Siegel has allowed me to posted messages on this bulletin board, though I am not a member of the USCG or was not a member of the USCG. This first post is about the ship and a book entitled 'USCGC Mackinaw (WAGB-83): An Illustrated History of a Great Lakes Queen' (written by Mike Fornes, whom I have met twice, published in 2005), which you may have a copy of. It has nine main photograph errors, which I consider highly unacceptable, and using information from 'Fred's Place,' the USCGC Archives, the Sikorsky Archives, and other sources, such as former members of 'The Mackinaw' whom I interviewed at the bridge of the ship while I was doing tour guide duty over the last four years, I show up those errors for you in a document called 'Michigan Travel Tips #91,' which is at the Web site for The Hologlobe Press. You should get a copy of the document so that you can place it in the book. To reach the document, use 'www.hologlobepress.com/travel.htm' (in a web search) to get to the catalog page for the monthly editions of 'Michigan Travel Tips,' and then go on the page and hit the link for 'Travel #91.' Or go the long way to the document by going to the main page for The Hologlobe Press,' hitting the Site-summary link, and going to the bottom of that page to get to the 'Michigan Travel Tips' catalog page. I urge you to see the document so that you can better understand the history of the ship and maybe explain it better to your relatives, such as children or grandchildren, when you tell them stories about what you did on the ship. I thank you much for your time. Stay well! By the way, maybe you will see me at the bridge this coming summer, if you show up, and if you show up, expect me to interview you so that I can understand 'The Mackinaw WAGB-83' better.
On 11/10/11 Jeff Freeman said:
Like Skip,ran into an old sailor while getting a haircut and found we'd both been home-ported in Subic Bay while on Vietnam deployment. Comparing experiences about Subic and O-City,learned of website of which I'd been unaware. It follows: www.subicbaypi.com . I've yet to completely review it, but judging fm its extensive Table of Contents, it may well kill a good portion of the winter. NOTE: I'm unsure how much CG stuff it contains,but still should be interesting. Inasmuch as I shove off for AK for a couple weeks and won't be looking at site too soon, feel free to email me comments or post them on Fred's Place about the Subic Bay site. TX.
On 11/10/11 Joe Veno said:
Happy Veterans Day to all my brother and sister Veterans..............
On 11/10/11 Skip Martin said:
Just when you think you've seen it all. Just went to the barbershop at ATC Mobile and Jerry, the lady barber, was talking to one of the younger patrons about MREs. I jumped in with the observation that back when I started out wearing Army green there were no MREs there were K-rations and most of the kids today would probably starve before they figured out how to work a P38 can opener. Well, a gray haired crewcut guy next to me fished in his pocket and damned if he didn't have a P38 on his keyring. I hadn't seen one of those things in 20 years. What next, church keys on strings around our necks like back in days of yore?
On 11/09/11 Jerry Jones said:
Happy Veterans Day to all my fellow veterans out there, here's one to bring a smile to all you old 'coasties': asked a couple of USMC buddies of mine to name the six flag raisers at Iwo Jima they could only come up with Ira Hayes, blew them away when I named John Bradley, Mike Strank, Rene Gagnon, Harlon Block, and Franklin Sousley. Not bad for an old shallow water sailor...
On 11/04/11 Denitta Garrison said:
My name is Denitta. I am looking for anyone who may have served with my husband, Mark Garrison from 1978-1983. I am currently putting together a photo album for him. If anyone was stationed with him in Kodiac, Alaska and has photos they would like to share email me the photos. Thank you
On 11/03/11 Mark Mellin said:
Are in the greater Portland, Or. or Vancouver, Wa. area? You know about Boy Scouts but did you know about Sea Scouts? I'm Mark Mellin and the Council Chairman for the Columbia Pacific Council and we need some help in the volunteer department. We have 14 Ships with young men and Women that operate their own powerboats and sailboats and a Sea Base to park them. so if you have time to give and knowledge to share I/We can use you. We are located at 7500 Marine Drive Blvd.Portland, Oregon and we meet on Saturdays 9a-5p.
On 11/02/11 Jerry Jones said:
Skip Martin, if you're out there send me your email address, got something I think you will like and will want to share it with some old shipmates.
On 10/31/11 Duane Fuehr said:
I was stationed at USCG Supply Depot at Base Ketchican when Capt Keene reported aboard. We were playing softball against the radio station when a gov't car pulled up. Out came Capt. Keene on his first day at the base. He took off his jacket and hat and picked up a mitt and said what position do I play. He was a jock all the way. Made all the officers play volley ball. The enlisted people really liked him.
On 10/30/11 Wayne Gray said:
Captain Henry C. Keene...I served with Captain Keene when he was CO of the CHINCOTEAGUE back in the early 60's. He was one of the finest men I met in the Coast Guard...a true sailor.
On 10/29/11 Bob Brimer said:
RIP Capt. Henry Keene. Stationed at Ketchikan 63-65. He was a good CO.
On 10/28/11 Fred A. Siegel said:
Robert Markuske, a Park Ranger at Governors Island National Monument, is looking for people to talk to and participate in a Oral History Project.
Robert is seeking service members and/or dependents for a particular event in the fall of 1988. President Reagan and Soviet Leader Gorbachev meet on the island on December 7th 1988. Their last meeting before Reagan left office.
Anyone there that day; either intimately involved or just having a normal day and wishing to participate in this project, contact Robert Markuske directly at Robert_Markuske@nps.gov.
On 10/27/11 Jeff Kessler said:
Hello everyone, Im looking for anyone who served from 1981 thru 1986 in the Baltimore, Md area. I served on the Red Birch from 81 - 85 then the yard galley for my last year. Drop me a line jeffk8303@frontiernet.net
On 10/26/11 Timothy Horttor said:
To all who sailed on the Munro in early 1980, and were stationed with Deborah Horttor (Babco then) at other locations, she passed away on January 18th 2011. We were married March 19th 1983 and have 3 boys all grown now. When I retired in 2003 we moved to Chugiak, Alaska just outside of Anchorage. Her remains were committed to the deep blue of the north pacific on October 23rd just after noon bells, Thank you to the crew of the Munro. RIP sweetheart...
On 10/25/11 Thomas J Modestowicz said:
Hello. I was stationed at Atlantic City Lifeboat Station back in the early 60's would like to talk anyone who was stationed there back then. Thank You Tom Modestowicz ex BM-3 Ski
On 10/24/11 Guyle Langlois said:
guyle would like to say hey to any and all coasties who remember me
On 10/24/11 Stephen Ertelt said:
Hello All, I'm interested in talking to anyone who was stationed on a Nantucket Lightship. I look forward to your reply. Thank you, Stephen
On 10/24/11 Bob (Jc) Penney said:
Would like to correspond with anyone who was a QM or part of the bridge gang onboard the CGC Escanaba (255'),
On 10/21/11 Bill Bedgood said:
Looking for a friend from long ago. Richard Isaacson. We were stationed at Sabine, Tx. 73 to 76. He was at Calcasieu for part of that time. I heard he stayed in, but haven't been able to get in contact with him. Anybody have any contact info?
On 10/16/11 Barry Trombly said:
Still lookingfor anyone still around from Alpha-56, Cape May. Anyone out there? Barry Trombly, bat1835mtswell@hotmail.com
On 10/11/11 Skip Martin said:
Nah! If it moves salute it. If it don't move, paint it.
On 10/11/11 Arnold Trent said:
hey skip and jerry you guys are forgetting the other part.'if it moves nail it down and then paint it.
On 10/10/11 Skip Martin said:
Hey, Jerry. Some of my wife's fondest possessions are a pair of huge green concrete alligators purchased at the local flea market 18 years ago when we first came to Mobile, After all those years in the Alabama sun and rain they were starting to look a little the worse for wear. Couple years ago she came home from Wally's World with a can of green spray paint she bought on sale there for a buck. She instructed me the alligators should be painted. I figured paint, that cheap, on concrete, was going to look like hell but you know they came out pretty good and two years later they still look pretty good. Used the same paint for some of her other yard decorations. Far be it from me to piddle on someone's outdoor painting proclivities.
On 10/10/11 Jerry Jones said:
OK Skip, confesson time.... I live in southern Nevada so a lot of the yards are done in desert landscaping due to water being at a premium. One of my pastimes is creating small rock formations so my current project is making a small water flow stream, using real water is not a viable option and finding rocks that look like water has not worked so you guessed it, I am spray painting rocks to simulate water using my old USCG talents to quote: IF IT DOSEN'T MOVE PAINT IT!!! I have noticed that my wife stays a lot more active lately, wonder why...
On 10/10/11 Skip Martin said:
Jerry . . . Glad I had a chance to clear that up for you. Don't thank me. It was no trouble at all.
On 10/10/11 Jerry Jones said:
Now it comes to me....I have come to realize why so many yeoman had paint on them.. could never see the reason but now it is clear as a bell.
On 10/09/11 Skip Martin said:
My bad. An old office weanie like me shouldn't be taking pot shots at Quartergaskets and Bosn's. That's a sure way to get inundated with a barrage of unflattering stuff about -- less WAVES and the like. Sorry guys.
On 10/08/11 Skip Martin said:
Holy Jesus, Jerry! A Quartermaster was nothing but a Boatswain's Mate who could read and tell time. Oh, they weren't allowed to paint the clocks. Bosn would have done that as soon as he realized it was always standing in the same place. You know, if it don't move . . . paint it!
On 10/08/11 Jerry Jones said:
Been retired almost 30 years and now I find out that we didn't need quartermasters, we needed barmaids!
On 10/08/11 Theodore C. Scheeser said:
Don't forget the 4100 Club in Brooklyn Park in addition to Till's and Arnell's. It was up on the hill and a favorite spot of the Baltimore Colts. The barmaids always got us back to the Yard when we couldn't navigate too well.
On 10/07/11 Skip Martin said:
Friend of mine, BMCM Bill Galloway, tended bar at Till's the last night it was open. Poor Bill passed a couple of years ago. He used to invite me over at least once or twice a week so I wouldn't starve to death. He used to talk about buying Till's and re-opening it. Doubt if you could have ever gotten a license. I think the locals were so happy when it closed they'd have burned it down before they'd have let someone reopen it. Lot of people hated the Yard but it was one of my all-time favorite places to go. Never missed the dirt and the welding fumes but I sure did miss the people and the good times we had.
On 10/07/11 Richard Mobley said:
Skip Your right the bar's name was Arnell's and also there was a another Coastie hangout I believe was named Tills and of course who could forget 'the Block'
On 10/05/11 Cerrita Scantlin said:
I recently learned of the passing of a dear friend that I had lost touch with. Robert P. Cutlip MK1. I met Robert and his daughter while he was in Portland, Oregon. His death was Nov. 28, 2000. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
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