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Be sure to check our Reunion News for any announced reunion.

OLD Reunion Hall Table for:
USCGC Polar Star

On 03/01/08 Erica Yarbrough said:
Hey everyone, Just dropping a line to let everyone know that Ken and I are headed back to Seattle. Ken got orders to the Polar Sea. Anyone that can help us out finding a house to rent, let me know. Can't wait to see you all again and show the boys all those crazy places we used to go...then again maybe we should wait awhile to tell them the stories....HA.


On 01/08/08 Mark Williams said:
I was over in Seattle yesterday and saw all three breakers sitting there; what's with that? Isn't anyone going down for the breakout or has the Coast Guard given that up to NSF? Anyone in the know??


On 12/24/07 Rick Brogan said:
Merry Christmas EVERYONE & Have a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!


On 12/13/07 Olivia (Logan) Hurst said:
Hello everyone. I was on the polar star from 95-97. I just found this site, lets see, it has been 10 years since deep freeze 96. Stephen Hurst and I got married and we have one child who is now 3. We both got out in 2000 and moved to the northwest. I'm currently a traveling RN and Steve is full time student and loving every moment of the wonderful GI bill. We wanted to say hi to everyone, good to here all the funny stories.


On 12/10/07 vito said:
What's up Jay? Yeah I always love busting V's balls. Speaking of V did he actually go or stand you up. He is Mr. No Show. He didn't show me anything, he partys like an old women. ;) Just kidding!


On 11/27/07 Robert Cassidy said:
Just found this site (again) and had some interresating reading. Brought back memories from 93-96. I got out of the Guard in 03 as a BM1.


On 11/24/07 Jay Fuller said:
Hello to all, this is my semi-annual posting to see who still reads this dribble. Hi to you Vito, it would appear that you are a frequent here. I was back in Seattle this summer for a few days, and as everyone else has said, I can't help but to remember all of the crazy stuff that went on. It truly is amazing that we all made it past E-3's. While I was there, I went to all of the old hangouts (Kells etc.) and found my signature on four , still hanging, life rings.LOL. By the way Vialva, I had dinner with Kim and Lori while I was in Seattle in September.


On 11/19/07 Mike Foley said:
Make that DF 78...


On 11/19/07 Mike Foley said:
Danny Phillips-- I have the sailing lists for the Arctic Ice Trials 76 (for the most part, plankowners) and for Deep Freeze 77. I think they are still packed from my move about 6 months ago, but I can dig them out if you, or anyone else is interested...I may have them electronically already as well, so if I find that I may be able to post it or otherwise send them on...let me know. I can be reached at MustangEO@comcast.net for anyone that wants a copy.


On 11/14/07 Dakota Chamberlain said:
I was looking out the window this week and noticed the Polar Sea come out of P36, made me think about the Polar Star. I was a YN2 on the Star and made one south trip. Some of the names that come to mind our Paul Martin, John Stevens (Snevets), Mike Foley, Rick (though I think he called himself Rich at that time) Brogan Terry Hoover, Frog and many others. Lots of good memories. I remember softball at Sandpoint. Papa Bear drunk in Wellington giving his money away in a bar. I went down with Frog and some others to pull him out. I was sorry to hear about Adrian. I was sitting in the ship's office one day and he asked me what I was doing that afternoon, he then asked me to go to the courthouse and standup with him when he married Cecila. He went back to the ship to stand duty and I went to dinner with Cecila and her friend. I run into Jake Jacoy's girlfriend from then every now and then, Carol Key. Had lunch a few years ago with Nelson Roll. He had been called up to active duty after 9/11. I could go on for some time. Brought back nice memories, thanks.


On 11/07/07 Kurt Wilson said:
Addy, great call on hanging out under the underpass. Those were great times. It was a blast back then, a lot of that goes to the crew we had though. Speaking of, what ever happened to Gareth Moore? I think that was his name.....


On 10/31/07 Addy -N- Zoo said:
Vito, Vialva, Kurt, glad to see that you are still in the Guard and doing well. Me and Zoo are back in the Pac Northwest again. Rotting away in the rain in Astoria. I am heading up to Seattle to Pier 36 for some training next week. Seattle always reminds me of the ol' days of 64's and hanging out on the couch under the overpass. Crazy days. that seems so long ago now and CWO's aren't allowed to have that much fun.


On 10/28/07 Lance Stumpf said:
I just ran a name check on myself and a looks like a few people may have been looking for me! I did go to CG lake tahoe then left in 2000 to return to the normal life in long beach, Ca. Bought a house, got married, two dogs, etc. I'm teaching high school to deliquents. It often reminds of a port call just going to work. Hope everybody is well and I hope Krusty knows he is the original!


On 10/28/07 Danny Phillips said:
Hey Coasties,I just found this site COOOOOOOOOOOL !!!!!!! I still think about those good old times in Seattle with Rich Brogan,Reilly,Bob Nichols,Fred Webster,Seaburg,Cliff Schomberg,( WOW MAN) Stecha,Bennet,Fitz,J.P. , Marcus Phillips,Craigy,Adams and a bunch that I have forgotten their names.....Anybody know where I could get a list of the plankowners names ?


On 10/19/07 vito said:
Oh crap it's wild bill. Dumm was on the CGC Thetis with me but I transfered out of there 3 years ago. I'm getting old V. You best watch yourslef you never know where I'll transfer next year (Valiant, Polar Star, or back to Hawaii).


On 10/14/07 Bill Waite said:
Now Duff & Dumm lay to the galley , were the heck are they now?? Hope there not speeding down I5 LOL. Just up dateing my e_mail add. for those old Polar Star ship mates. I miss bakeing for all the gang . I am ret.in Astoria OR and still see some of you guys around. Its a small Cost Guard.By for now SS3Bill Waite( Wild Bill )


On 10/09/07 Alphanso Vialva said:
OK, so I've been busy for a while. What's the matter Don V Having a hard time keeping up with the big boys? I hope we didn't spoil PR for you. That's what you get for all the bitching last time. So I see our prodigal son Jesse Bumgarner has returned. Hey Jesse, it's good to know you're doing good man. Hello to everyone else, don't even try to complain about me keeping in touch....you all should know by now, I suck at it!....but I do tend to answer my emails in my old age. It's good to here that everyone's doing fine. Chief Highland, thanks for that email. It's good to know that you're still here with the other Polar Misfits and me keeping an eye on us. Say hi to your other half for me. Kurt, I guess we just keep missing each other in passing man, YOU SUCK! I'm sure we'll run into each other soon enough. Addy, Zoo, Jay, Brett, Johnny, Billy, and everyone else, I fooled them all...I'm still here (what a racket the CG is, I can't believe the let us promote past SN/FN!)


On 09/25/07 Frank Wintersteen said:
i found this site the other day. just trying to contact old plankowning ship mates. i got the star right out of cook's school. spent my first nite ina seattle hotel. when i reported in there was no deck force or snipes yet. i spent 6-7 months at sandpoint barracks , 3rd floor. was good buddies with brogan, danny adams, gary rook, marcus, bob nichols and frd webster,fitz from salem( we went farming on frat row in his ford sedan?? one way too fun nite. to many great memories to list and names that come back in spurts. still have all my commissioning day stuff with everybodies names , plank owner cert and arctic circle cert. who could forget 'wow man' jay stecha from the south. i remember a few of you coming over to spokane to party at the state line. idaho had a 19 yr drinking age at the time. i am interested in the stars status. i served on her a few times later as a weekend warrior but it was in no way the same. lifes been a springsteen song, 2 great kids, same gal (vicki) for 30 years + tons of great friends. i dont think many of you would believe i teach. still cook a lot too. someone let me know what the big red's status is, please. hope youve been amused. frank


On 09/25/07 Doug Lewallen said:
Foley, Brogan, Martin ,Scherping. Great times, Glad we are all alive.


On 09/24/07 Philip S. Rushing said:
I will be in Seattle Wednesday 26 Sep 2007 for a job interview at FEMA Region X in Bothel. I will be on a tight time schedule, just in and out on the same day, but I would like to talk on the phone to whoever I can make contact with. My cell phone is 817-703-5230.


On 09/21/07 EM from the Star said:
This is an article from the Seattle times today: http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug= icebreakers20m&date=20070920&query=Coast+Guard


On 09/20/07 vito said:
What's up Kurt? I didn't do anything besides finding out they just got an ET. Oh well Limbo where I go and Limbo where I stay. I wish Limbo wasn't in Puerto Rico. Tell Mo, 'Me cause trouble? Never!' ;)


On 09/16/07 Ed Pittman said:
I am a Plank Owner (Recommissioned 78) SN right out of Boot arrived when Star returned from DF78 with the Stowaway Did DF 79( still have the mission book)trip I still think about. Gambill I remember when you went AWOL in ValP.Hotel California and Hotel Louisania Good Times all. Wish I would of know of this site years ago...


On 09/15/07 Kurt said:
What the hell Vito? Hopefully no trouble came your way. We were in Key West about a month ago doing migrant ops.....Keep in touch and let me know where you end up and Mo says stay out of trouble fool!


On 09/13/07 John Monsanto said:
Hello Polar Star Alumni, just retired 1 Sep 07 in Miami where I reside. Fortunate to have BMC Ray Murry Ret attend. My son enlisted and will graduate 21Sep07. Hope your all doing well.


On 09/13/07 vito said:
Kurt, I lost orders going back to Key West so I guess I can wait. Ha Ha Ha! Typical...


On 08/24/07 vito said:
Kurt, I rcvd orders back to key west. I can't wait to get back, oh yeah I'm go to the Mo'chicken! Another 270' under my belt, I already did a patrol on the getting so it's nothing new. I just can't wait to get out of PR.


On 08/21/07 Mike Foley said:
Phil Rushing! You just made my day...man I guess you remember --better than most of us looking at your posts! I'll have to read your posts again to put together my comments...I may have some more recent history on the guys you mentioned now that you've jogged my memory. Those of you don't know--Sandpoint has been closed for years...probably 10 years or so. The old buildings are there, most in disrepair--the hangar, the galley, our old barracks, etc. but its all closed and turned over to the city...much of what we knew and partied in has been converted to community center and low income housing...and the old air field and all the ball parks have been converted to city park. Still--I go there every few months to reflect on our time there and think about our adventure...it was a good good time in life. Good to hear from you Phil.


On 08/21/07 Philip Rushing said:
Just some last thoughts then I have to turn in its late. It was MK2 John Riley's motorcycle. I remember being in line at the Credit Union on Attu and not having enough money to open an account it took $20 and I only had $10. CAPT Norman C. Venzke was standing in line behind me and put $10 on my shoulder. I think I remember Brogan's gotee but I may be confused. The stowaway cruise was just after I left the ship but I heard all about it from my 'sources'.


On 08/21/07 Philip Rushing said:
Wow. I just looked through the old emails and had a rush of memories. My Plank Owner and Artic Circle Certificates are on the wall beside me right now along with my Army 'I Love Me' stuff. Mark Kennedy let me have his apartment when he left the ship. I will never be able to repay him for that. I loved having an apartment right by the University of Washington campus in the summer time to girl watch. I was roommates with BM2 Buckley when.... YN1 Adrian 'Frog' Hagens was my best friend. I even did not call him that talking to Cecilia because she did not like it. I know Adrian had a history of depression. That is why he helped me so much after my divorce. I talked with him several times a year until his kids were in high school. I found where Cecilia was working on the internet when I found out about Adrian but did not contact her. It was four years later and I did not want to open wounds for her. I miss her also. She was my friend and coworker at Group Seattle. I miss her sister Sylvia who visited also. SK1 Denny Morgan was the one who gave me my nickname of 'Filthy Phil' because I did not smoke, drink or catch women. Oops... I let that secret slip out don't tell my son. Chief Hodges helped me do my first will and got me interested in personal financial planning. Little did I know that would become my civilian career. I conned BM1 Terry Monteuil (sp?), BMC Shackleford and Chief Raddatz into letting me move from Deck Force inside to become the Deck Department Administrative Seaman. They made up that title for me after I left the ships office because I never got to type fast enough for YNCM Fisher. The last time I took a typing test was over 20 years ago and I typed 70 words a minute but I never reached 40 with Chief Bill Fisher looking over my shoulder. I called him and CAPT Joe Smith when I was commissioned in the Army and every promotion thereafter through Captain. I send Joe Smith a congratulations letter when he got command of the Polar Star. I met Doc David Haynes at his clinic on Governors Island in New York City before we both arrived at the Polar Star. I was passing through to meet a YN school friend at Floyd Bennet Field and stopped into see him when I was told he was also headed for the PRECOMDET. I still remember BM2 now BMC (Ret) Rick Hairres sense of humor and key chain as he walked the deck especially how much fun he had at Sand Point going through EMT training before we got the ship. Speaking of Sand Point I am having a senior moment and can not remember John L's last name at the moment though I do remember his building his motorcycle on the third deck of the barracks and it took all hands on the floor to lower it out the window down to the street. I still have my Navy Blanket from that barracks. Dont tell... I used it in the Army so everyone knows its my damn blanket. I also remember some of us sneaking out of the barracks and living in the boat house for three months until we had a fight over who was drinking whos milk in the refrigerator and the XO sent us back to the barracks. There are lots of people from the ship and Coast Guard I remember but the ones mentioned above have been mentioned in the emails on this site. I remember helping Ensign Hughes build his sailboats. Well I fetched tools for him. I did not know what I was doing beyond that. I remember Ensigns Carron, Weston and Garrett. I sent Ensign (RADM) Jeff Garrett a congratulations letter but never got a reply. I saw him on the History Channel as Commanding Officer of the Healey and emailed Coast Guard Public Affairs who gave me an address for him. I exchanged emails with Capt Richard Malm last summer but that was from Group Seattle not the Polar Star.


On 08/21/07 Philip Rushing said:
To Mike Foley and other Polar Star Plank Owners: This is Philip Rushing. I remember you very well. I was Adrian Hagens SNYN on the Polar Star 1975 to 1976. In 2002 I emailed King County Airport looking for Frog. I knew he worked there. I talked on the phone alot with Frog over the years but lost contact in 1998. A coworker told me he died in 1998. I introduced Frog and Cecila. I respected her request to not contact her. I miss him. He was a good friend and helped me when my first wife divorced me in 1993. I have been married to my second wife 11 years next week. She is from mainland China. I met her at the Universtiy of Texas at Arlington where she was an accounting student. Our son, went back to Baylor University as a violin major last weekend. He is a Sophomore. I am sitting here packed to leave for Hurricane Dean along the Texas Border. My regiment already has soldiers in Brownville and Larado. My car broke today so I have to have it fixed before I can catch up. I am a Major in the Texas State Guard. That is the volunteer State Defense Force for Texas. We are a Civil Affairs unit. After the Polar Star I went to Port Safety Station Seattle at Pier 36 on 41 Footers. Then I transfered to Group Seattle as a Storekeeper Striker. I ended on the CGC Munro as an SK2. I went back to Texas in August 1978. I joined Army ROTC in January 1979. The Coast Guard Reserve was unhappy with me since I forgot to ask them. I was commissioned as an Armored Cavalry Second Lieutenant in December 1980. I served the Texas Army National Guard from May 1979 until September 1991. I was an Armor officer from 1980 until 1984 when I switched to Chemical Corps. I was at Fort Bliss Texas finishing Army Command and General Staff College when Iraq invaded Kwaitt in August 1990. I was out of uniform from 1991 until 2002 ending as a Chemical Corps Captain. In 2002 I joined the Civil Air Patrol because my son was interested. He lost interest and I stayed until 2003. I worked the Space Shuttle recovery in 2003 as a Liasion to the NASA site collecting the pieces we found. In May 2004 I was appointed as a Military Police Major in the Texas State Guard. I just finished my third Battalion Command Tour. We switched from Military Police to Civil Affairs last year. I was Officer in Charge of the 19th Regiment's Forward Command Post during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I worked as an Estate Planning Legal Assistant from 1991 until 2006. I finished a Bachelors in Emergency Management in 2004 and now I am a Farmers Insurance Agent. My time on the Polar Star and in the Coast Guard was the best part of my life. I have served in Germany, all over the United States and in Korea but the Army was never as much fun as the Coast Guard. Though it was better being an officer in the Army than enlisted in the Coast Guard. Good night. Philip Rushing, 20 Aug 2007.


On 08/16/07 Bernie Penkin said:
Hello Jason. Glad to see that you are still around.


On 08/02/07 Jason Rubin said:
Hey there Bernie! Just thought I'd drop on in to the board. Hope everyone is doing well.


On 07/27/07 Bernie Penkin said:
Hello everyone! Great to see that this board is active after a long absence. Wayne Jarvis sorry I missed your impromtu reunion. Say hello to Giblin for me. I am still in Vancouver, WA enjoying my retirement with my family.


On 07/26/07 Jim Mcmahon said:
Hi All, See lots of familiar names below over the years...I was also on the Star for a short time (joined in September of '78 right out of boot at Alameda, left for AD 'A' school in May of '79. I did manage to get in a south trip, and was one of the lucky few to watch the crew of Glacier throw lemons at us while we were stuck in the ice with a big puddle of hydraulic fluid off our stern. Stood my first watches with Roy Castro, when the QD was on the Starboard side....in Todds...in drydock....somebody remind me why we were standing watch again?


On 07/19/07 J. Bumgarner said:
Sure, send her my email address. We usually go to Seattle around the first of November, so that would be a great time for a reunion. Otherwise, just let me know and we can plan a trip around it. Other than that, if any of you ever have a buoy to tend in Tulsa or Dallas, email me and I'll buy you a couple of whatever you're drinking these days.


On 07/18/07 Kurt Wilson said:
Jesse Lives!!! Good to see your alive and doing well. Like Vito was saying, DF 95 was off the hook. Not to many memories( I wonder why???) It is definetly good to hear from you Jesse. I know that Jenn Whaley was/is trying to set up a reunion later this year. I will forward her you email addy if you don't mind to keep ya in the loop. As for me I have been married a little more that a year now, no kids and I am stationed in NC, on the Elm. Let me tell ya, buoy tenders suck!! Besides that everything is is just peachy, well if you consider playing with migrants peachy. Oh well, at least pull in to Key West every couple of days?


On 07/17/07 Bill (Oldfart) Ross said:
Just wondering if the little statue is still down in Main Control. Thats me NOT sweeping the deck. If you were not on at the time you wouldn't understand. I had a great time on the Star, hell if I was a lot younger and in better health I wold be back on for another trip. Remember 17 Knot Ross


On 07/14/07 Ray Murry said:
Vito, When of course I remember you. The first complaint I got from HSC Procknow was about, 'SN Nicosia.' I remember when we packed up Jesse's belongings, I think Proctor was there with us. It is great to see so many of you stayed and have accomplished so much. Officers, Warrants and Chiefs OH MY! If you are ever in New Orleans (Madi Gras) give me a yell. We entertain frequently. BMC (ret)


On 07/11/07 Don Vinson said:
Greetings all my Ice Brothers & Sisters. Just dropped in to take a peek at who has been visiting the site. All is well at this hour Keeping in touch with a few folks. Fair winds & Open Leads to you all. Don 'Da Bosun' Vinson


On 07/11/07 Don Vinson said:
Greetings all my Ice Brothers & Sisters. Just dropped in to take a peek at who has been visiting the site. All is well at this hour Keeping in touch with a few folks. Fair winds & Open Leads to you all. Don 'Da Bosun' Vinson


On 07/10/07 vito said:
Mr. Bumgarner ?!?! Holy crap your still alive? That';s good news and I'm glad your not an Australian! I have a picture you might want, it's Hewit and myself the day we departed from Tasmanis without you. We are both pointing at the board with your name marked as checked out. It is so classic! Did you get your things? I had to pack you up. Remember Vialva? He just left and praise jesus b/c we were ouit of control. Martin Trembly is station here, whoops I'm in San Juan Puerto Rico. Chief Murray don't know if you remember me, I'm sure it was all bad but it's nice to here your still around. Well I have a meeting to attend so take care and I will send you some pic's Jesse... I have a lot and they are all pretty friggin funny. vito


On 06/28/07 Drew Scherping said:
I served on the Wide Arctic Garbage Barge aka Building 10 from Nov 76-Sep78. Made the infamous StowAway cruise (Brogan.. glad your 'alive' I KNEW it had to have been you & Fitz!) I was SK3 at the time with SKC Denny Morgan, Sk1 John Amrhein and Sk3 Steve Duquette in supply. I believe it was the Purple Onion or the 1880 club where Mr. Foley gained the now famous 'F**k 'em up Foley' nickname from those BI & Glacier pukes! Mike, still have the state flag of Wyoming on your arm?!This is a blast from the past to see all these names from my glory days. I retired in 98 and still live in the Seattle area.


On 06/14/07 Roy Castro said:
I served as an RM2 in 78/79 with the other RMs being Tom Tatum, Mike Matthews, Brian Von Beckman, Al Davis and Gary Husbands - don't remember the RMC - Randy Grey has just retired as an RM1. We got on just after the stow-away adventure and the Captain was determined that we would not stop anywhere except operational. Great seeing some of the old names - Foley - I remember you as a DC (and the stories about the Flame) - thanks for bringing back some old days.


On 06/08/07 Rick Brogan said:
Well I remember all of you because Me & Seaburg put all the Plank Owners names in the Turbine room (Top right hand corner)(Where I Originally put the Stowaway) (Before The Fitz Moved her)Did I say Fitz?You guys Make Me smile ,It was the best days of my Life .Mike , You tell Cindy I said Hello .John Reilly is getting Married September 8th /He Now resides in Roseburg Oregon..& Mike I was going to ask you about Paul Martin (He was a Good guy).Anyway It's really good to still be alive(I Passed away 15 years ago?)F**** Rumours LMAO..I Was a bartender for 8 years @ Reillys Night club in Mountain View California 1982 -90 .Thank God it did close down or I would of been dead(Weekend warrior in the 80's ).So Now I work @ Stanford Hospital as A Mechanical Engineer.Been here for 18 years.Play Golf & Softball (Wife Died in 2002 ).But All is well ..It's really great to hear from you all ..Im Pissed I missed the reunion, but if there happens to be another I will definitely be there!!!!


On 06/07/07 Mark Williams said:
Ray, sorry.... DPA is a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney - that side of the government that seems hell bent on keeping cops from doing what they do. And as a second part of their job they seem to love the act of the pre-trial agreement. Anything, fair or not, to prevent a case from seeing a court room seems to be the norm. Sometimes I wonder why I still do what I do. I'm glad you're out of that mix, there is no honor in it in my eyes. mark


On 06/03/07 Ray Murry said:
J. Baumgartner, Great to hear that all has worked out well for you. I heard the Star is in a quazi-mothball status and so we may not have the opportunity to board during this period. Mark, I am not sure what a DPA is? I think it is a defense attorney? I no longer practice criminal, I was a prosecutor but really didn't like the criminal defense practice, so I practice civil law and I do not take defense work. I go to trial often. Jim Giblin, was working in a warehouse, lost a bunch of weight, stopped drinking and was doing well. I think W. Jarvis still has his contact information. Steigert is in Kettle Falls raising cattle and the last of his brood. I e-mail the both of them occassionally. Ray


On 05/31/07 Ken Petty said:
Mike: I really hate hearing about Frog he was a great guy. If I am able to track John L. down I will pass on your message and let him know about this site.


On 05/30/07 J. Bumgarner said:
Good evening, RMC and BMC. It's good to hear from everyone again. After leaving Seattle, I came back to Oklahoma and worked at several different jobs, ranging from warehouse work to software development. Right now I'm doing software stuff for a bank. Got married (six years ago this Halloween) and had two kids. One will be 2 in August, and the other is the reason I got married six years ago. We've vacationed several times in Seattle, and my wife and I (and Baker, I think) took a tour of the Star. I couldn't show her any of the really good stuff, but it was great to see it again. We went back last November, and after walking there in the rain from downtown we found out that they put up a big iron fence and they wouldn't let me tour it. That was a big disappointment. Oh well, I'll try again next November... So where did everyone else go? Wilson, Vito, where are you?


On 05/30/07 Mike Foley said:
Couple of others I remember (the memories come in spurts these days)--some of you may have seen it on these sites- Frog (Hagens) took his own life several years ago...no one knows why. I heard a guy he went to school with tried to contact Celia about it (she was the YN2 from District) but I understand she didn't want to talk or make contact. I remember him often as he was a good guy and good friend. Same with Bill Merchant...sometimes I guess we just can't see the way out. The other one I heard about, from either Capt Smith or Admiral Garrett (I think)-- remember YN3 Russell (I do, he picked me up at the airport the first time I ever set foot in Seattle)--I believe the story goes (old settled down guy way of saying 'this is no sh#*$%t) he got out, got a commission in the Army and I think he was a Tank Commander in the last Gulf War...not sure if he's still in or not...but those of you that remember him, know that DOES NOT FIT. But it is cool. Ken if you contact John L. please pass on my contact info...maybe he'll drop a line...that would be fun to catch up on.


On 05/30/07 Mark Williams said:
Ray, I remember the song you wrote about me too; Don't know if you knew I heard it, you and a small group of your guys in the hall, you singing, everyone laughing. So, Mr. Bumgarner, tell the board what you're up to in life now. After the flight back from Australia and a brief time back in Seattle I don't know that anyone heard from you again. An event such as that NEEDS follow- up :) Anyway, I'm still here, plugging away, doing battle with lazy DPA's (Ray, I hope you're not a lazy DPA who would rather deal than stand in court!!!) and loving life. FINALLY diving for my second job. So who's heard from Jim Giblin? Where the hell did he end up? later guys.....


On 05/30/07 Ken Petty said:
Thanks for the updates Mike. You triggered some more names from the bilges of my brain. I remember John L. Going off to the lightship. He was dating Pam King's sister for awhile and for some reason I thought he had married her but I guess not. I will try to do some searches in the phone books near Susanville to see if I can track him down.


On 05/25/07 Mike Foley said:
Oh yeah...Paul Martin is a mailman down in Tennessee...been a lot of years since I talked to him though...he married Patty, his sweetheart from the Panama Canal Zone.


On 05/25/07 Mike Foley said:
So a few more updates from what I know (what I remember) for the plankowners...Buckley retired as the Ancient Mariner (no sh@#$)--I got to sail North with him one last time on Polar Sea before I retired (no, I don't know where Adams is)--real tragedy...just a few days after Buck retired, his wife passed away. Captain (then Cdr.) Joe Smith is still around P36...walking where he used to jog and always available to give a sailor some fatherly advice. Scott Jocoy (though not a Plankowner, close enough) raises horses and is a world class Men's Clothing retailer (those of you know Jake you know that fits). Ed Wilson still works for the CG at the YARD...he was out last year to see us (he was my roommate when I was a DC2/DC1and he doesn't remember any of the nights I came in 'late'). Chris Garst and Weber were out in the midwest last I heard...Chris did a full career in the CG. Sexton and Dave Alt are both out on the east coast and still check in here from time to time. Best I know, Roe retired in Seattle...I played ball with him for a few years in the early 80s but lost track. Fitz is down in Oregon close to home and doing well...talked to him last year or year before I think...talked about float fishing--he still has the same damn boat. Jeff Garrett was my CO on Sea when I retired in 96 (the first time) and he retired just a couple of years ago as the 13th District Commander ... went out for chili with him last year and he'll go with you too if you look him up--like Capt Smith he's always there to listen to a sailor's tale. Capt. (then Cdr.) Bill Anderson is a Puget Sound Pilot--still remembers all our antics and laughs when we talk about it. Capt (then Capt. and still Capt.) Bob Moore was still in Seattle working on some maritime heritage projects years ago-FIR was one I think--anyway, I ran into him at an officer luncheon and thought 2 things...1) He would remember me; 2) He would still hate me and try to vacate the suspended bust he gave me for taking that Navy truck for a ride down in McMurdo. Only number 1 happened and we had a great talk about the old days. I see many of you everytime my wife and I sit down to look at our wedding album...it is great Ken to see so many and I hope we see many more, still alive.


On 05/25/07 Mike Foley said:
Ken, you may remember that John L. went off to Lightship Columbia...he was my first roommate on Star...really good friend and I hated to see him go. I was lost for weeks until Martin and that crew took me in. Last I heard of John L (remember these are just rumors and sea stories) was he'd made BM3 and went to Station New Orleans. I tried to look him up when I was stationed in SE Texas but no joy. Last I heard he'd married one of those Acadian American women down there and she straightened him out...never heard from him again, except I heard he was happy. I know he was from Susanville CA, and I passed through there in 1986...but I didn't see him and he's not in the book. Anyone hears from him I'd be interested in hearing how it turned out for him too.


On 05/25/07 Mike Foley said:
Ray, I knew John Monsanto as a YN1 and spent many a lunch hour heaving weights around the P36 weight room with him. Please pass on my regards and congratulations.


On 05/24/07 Ray Murry said:
For those of you that may be interested CWO Monsanto (formerly YNC Monsanto) will be retiring on June 22, 2007. The ceremony is in Miami and I have promised to attend.....even squeez into the old uniform. Ray Murry


On 05/22/07 Ken said:
Damn it is great to know that so many of the old Plank Owners are still alive and doing well. I still think that was one of the tightest crews ever. Think about the high percentage that would party together all the time. Does anyone know the whereabouts of John White.


On 05/21/07 Mike Foley said:
Holy cow...Brogan! I can't even begin to tell you how glad I am to see your name (as well as Steve's and Ken Petty's--yes Ken I do remember you well and will respond later). Brogan, I have for nearly 15 years now, been led to believe that you were no longer on the planet...and now here you are...I would really like to catch up...just so you know Cindy and I just celebrated 29 years yesterday...she calls me Grandpa now though. Drop me a line and lets catch up. If you have a line on Reilly that would be cool too. Sunnyvale isn't that far and I like to drive down to CA once in awhile. Steve...time we were checking in again too...been awhile. I don't think you and I have talked since we were both recalled. Ken, I'll be in touch. Damn...you guys just made my day. By the way...I've been in touch withFitz over the years...I've got his number around here somewhere. I ran into Nels Anderson last year too...he works down the street for the DOT...same as me. Mike


On 05/21/07 Ken Petty said:
I guess I should have given the last name Rick.....Petty


On 05/21/07 Ken said:
Hey Rick: Sunnyvale Ca? You didn't go back to Brooklyn. I don't know if you remember me or not but I am also a fellow Plank Owner. Only made the one north trip and then went to EM school and then did three trips on the Glacier. I was on the South trip when The Infamous stowaway came back with the Star. She was on the dock in Long Beach when we got back.


On 05/21/07 Rick Brogan said:
Well the only reason I kicked Phil's ass is because I watched Mike Foley Up close & personnal Now I'm not saying That Mr.Foley fought alot (Yes I am)But I was sure glad I never pissed him off..I tell you I really miss those days..I 'm glad I found this sight..I'll be dropping by from time to time...


On 05/19/07 Stephen Hamilton said:
Brogan, tossing your hat off the drydock as you went down the brow, heh. I remember you boxing Phil in the foc'sl, Sua laughing his head off anytime something happened, the Flame (what's that you say, Mike? They tore it down?) and many other memories. Fitz, Poppa Roe, Lerza and a dozen others whose faces stay the same decades later even if the names have faded. . . Some of you have made it into print. Some of you haven't; memories remain like souvenirs kept in my desk drawer. Proof, I suppose, that we really were there.


On 05/19/07 Rick Brogan said:
Wow ,Mike Foley Fellow Plank Owner.Don't tell anyone who brought her on board Okay!!! I did protect myself that morning before we took off .I told the XO what I did in front of 200 witnesses@ morning Muster ,but what I didn't know (Till later that day)is that the other 2 guys moved her underneath the Bridge.I had no idea that the Polar Star had a reunion.If I knew I would have been there with John Reilly (MK2).I reside in Sunnyvale California.


On 05/17/07 Ray Murry said:
Jesse Baumgartner....I actually wrote song about you after your hiatus. I would think you are more than welcome here; after all you have been the topic of discussion. I hope that all is well with you.


On 05/17/07 Ray Murry said:
It is great to see the success of the many great people I sailed with in DF 96 & 96. Congratulations Addicott, however, this makes me feel very old.


On 05/06/07 J. Bumgarner said:
Hey, I found my name here. Am I allowed to post? Someone email and let me know...


On 05/05/07 Mike Foley said:
By golly Addicott...congratulations! Good Job! I love it when I see the universe spin the way I always imagined it. Maybe I'll swing by Group some time...I bought a weekend escape place down on the river last year...not too far away.


On 05/05/07 Mike Foley said:
Let's see how many older breaker sailors are out there...I was up in Seattle today--the Whitestones (which hasn't been Whitestones for years) is closed and up for sale. They'll probably tear it down before long. The Flame was turned into a pool hall 16 or 17 years ago, but it has long since been torn down and turned into storage units---I'm startin' to not like Seattle. By the way you old ones that know me--I'm a new grandpa this week--gettin' to where I'd just as soon skip some of these Line Crossings.


On 05/04/07 Brian Addicott said:
Hey there Brett, You too Eric. That's great about your families. We still have still only have two, 8 and 11, WOW , I'm not ready to have a child in middle school. We are heading to Astoria, making W2 next month can you believe that one. Who would have thought. Zoo is doing good too she works for the Middle school in the same district as the kids. We are looking forward to a change of pace.


On 05/01/07 Steve Gordon said:
I was on the Star from '91 - '93 - now living in Tampa.


On 04/28/07 Brett Lee said:
everyone stopped posting...what's up...just saying hi..and Eric, how's life...congrats on all the kids and the new job...tell marie hi...what are the ages of your babes...i have four now as well ranging from 12, 11, 5, and 1 1/2....well..hope all is going well with everyone else...and bryan and zoo...where are you guys at..haven't heard in a while


On 04/23/07 Eric Highland said:
Man our DF95 and DF96 Crew have really dominated this board! Great to hear from everyone. Our latest update. Marie and I (with four kids in tow) are moving to NM where I'll be the recruiter in charge of the state. God help the state of NM. Just ran into Sherman Quarles and Anthony Dowd yesterday at a Chief's Call in St. Petersburg FL. Miss all who sailed with us and hope to hear from you.


On 04/03/07 Roger Edington said:
Haven't check in for ten years, still alive, still in the reserves Sector NY. Made Chief, miracles do happen. AWW 82 & Deep Freeze 83


On 03/13/07 Wayne Jarvis said:
Monday June 4th, 2007. Black Angus, Federal Way, WA. Dinner. Any fellow Polar Star crew ready for a informal reunion get together? Drop me an email if you interested so I can get a head count and make reservations by last week in May.


On 02/12/07 Michael Mintun said:
Hey Garrett IHY , Hope your doing well.


On 01/18/07 Mark Williams said:
Just saying hello; Can't let a month go by without a posting to the Polar Star page :) Be good to each other // mark


On 12/22/06 Chris Donovan said:
Ray Murry, you have a save Holiday season to. Remember about this time many moons ago we were wogs.


On 12/20/06 Ray Murry said:
Hi Heidi, I hope that all is well with you. Have a safe and happy holiday season. Ray Murry


On 12/05/06 Heidi Ray said:
DF 96' ' The Casualty Cruise' ...... all I can say is...... eleven years ago today we were somewhere between TSTA and Hobart.


On 11/30/06 Jay Fuller said:
I can't believe that Garret Rogers is calling someone else strange


On 11/20/06 Jason Rubin said:
Hey Reilly! Just going through some older posts here...if you're still searching for the '93 Arctic crossing certificate info, let me know. I have mine here.


On 11/17/06 Garret Rogers said:
Lot of strange familiar names in here. good to see everyone's doing good.


On 11/14/06 Alphanso Vialva said:
Don Vito, That's not even right man. No worries I'll get at you!


On 11/14/06 vito said:
What the hell? Rubin has been found! That's funny! Kurt that was pretty good! When are you guys rolling through PR? V flaked on me last time... Yeah.... Even Whaley bit his tongue and hung out with vito. V is just to good for us. Maybe he was pretending to be such a harda$$ considering he ditch me for his TACLET buddies! Kurt would never do that! Right?


On 11/11/06 Jason Rubin said:
Just sayin' hi! Was aboard Polar Star from '92-'94.


On 11/06/06 Alphanso Vialva said:
Smartass!


On 11/01/06 kurt wilson said:
Hey all, just checking in. I'm settling in well on CGC Elm, I guess it's true....Underway is the only way! I hope everyone is well. Brett, Billy, Twiggy, good to hear from old friends. Don Vito, keep it real in PR. Johnny, Jay, and the Addicotts I send my love. I'll check back in soon.


On09/11/06 Vince Presley said:
Looking for SS2 Ron Carlson, on Polar Star Aprox 1981 to 1984. Anyone know where he is ?


On08/23/06 Alphanso Vialva said:
Hey all, just checking in. I'm settling in well on CGC Valiant, I guess it's true....Underway is the only way! I hope everyone is well. Brett, Billy, Twiggy, good to hear from old friends. Don Vito, keep it real in PR. Johnny, Jay, and the Addicotts I send my love. I'll check back in soon.


On08/21/06 Brett Lee said:
I just thought I would pop in here and say hey to everyone, it's been a while...and I'm in the same situation as you are Mark Williams, I never received my cruise book either.....I guess someone somewhere is enjoying it....take care eveyone


On08/10/06 Tim Arnold said:
Hey, just found this site. I was TT2 Arnold when I left the Star in 77, Plankowner from Pre-com Detail 1975. It's hard to believe that was a lifetime ago. Seeing your names makes it seem like yesterday and it brought tears to my eyes thinking of the great crew we had, and the fun we had together. Harrassing the X-division boys, DC school in San Diego, Foley eating gravel in the club parking lot when he was going to get the bouncer, drinking all the beer at the bar in the fuel depot and the girls giving us a ride back in their truck, hanging out in the park, stuck waiting for an escort back to Seattle and all the card games we had, trying to drink all the rum at Sandpoint. Foley, do you remember us being in the hotel with those girls and the bed breaking down. I could go on and on but just wanted to say hi. I must say a lot of you hung in and retired that I wouldn't have thought would. I'd love to hear from all of you. My battery is going dead so I have to close for now. Best wishes to you all. Tim


On08/09/06 tim coonse said:
Hey Mikey! and Jurg, Hump, Wright and others - a shoutout to all 'yall from DF'83 and other equally memorable north trips. I too remember the helo recovery in '81, as well as some fun flag football games. Spent the whole season with torn ears, but boy, Foley could wing that durn ball! Anybody heard from Wayne Conner or Coyle? I know Coyle ain't dead - he can't get a foot into Heaven's door, and he's too cranky for Hell ...


On07/26/06 Mark Williams said:
Does anyone have a DF95 cruise book they’d be willing to part with? I paid for mine but never received it; I personally think an unscrupulous ships store officer has my $50+ bucks for that one. Anyway, if you have an extra or are not attached to yours, we should chat…. Thanks! And, my email address is changing to seattlermc@yahoo.com. Thanks!! mark


On 07/16/06 Terry Kelly said:
Does anyone remember a Greg Ortiz that might have served on the Star? I was Greg's roommate at RM School but can't remember what his old unit before school. Just trying to track him down


On07/16/06 Zachary W. Brandon said:
Sad to here she's being retired. I will always have fond memories of Hotel # 10 and the crew. I servered on her from 8/79 - 12/80 as a FA/FN. Working Turbine & Diesel Gangs 'Went north to Alaska'. Always remember that song Capt. Volkle played as we pulled out of port. Went places my Dad could only dream of. Not bad for a 17 year old kid from northern California. Hey Nick, I remember that...1 punch...


On07/10/06 Nick said:
Well it seems like the Polar Star is on her way out. Now might be a good time for a reunion?? I served on her as a MK1 79-81 and remember all the good times,trip under the command of Capt Moore and Capt Volkle.5 Line Crossing Ceromonies,Fire Sta Party,Mc Murdo,Navy Base Attu,BMC Graham getting clocked by Tony in the EM club, HMC Klectner re-setting FA Keers broken nose..oh the memories!!


On07/03/06 Mark Williams said:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/276159_icebreaker01.html


On06/30/06 Mark Williams said:
From the CG web page: http://www.d13publicaffairs.com/go/doc/21/123597/ Should have checked for the story first :)


On06/30/06 Mark Williams said:
Just saw the story on the local TV news here in Seattle, Polar Star was placed in what they called 'a special commission status awaiting final disposition'. Well.... there it is.......


On06/27/06 Roger Pyle said:
I Just found this site and I would like to see if I can find any old shipmates from the Polar Star . I served onboard the Star from 1984 thru 1986. I made DF 84 and 85. I was a SK3 working with SKC Ishman, SK1 'Tater' Ellis, SK3 Cliff House and SK3 Mark Podesta. I also can't forget to mention that wild man , SK2 'JD' John Dickson . What a crazy one he was. Also, other crewmates were Steve 'Rabbi' Raby, Curt Brownlow, Perry Angiono and others. I am now retired and living in Astoria, OR and work for the City of Warrenton. It would be great to hear from old friends.


On06/24/06 Ray Murry said:
Billy Sommers, I will never forget the skit you and I was in when we crossed the equator. Ray Murry (BMC long since retired)


On06/21/06 Kenneth Petty said:
Hi All. Really great to find this site. I am a Plank Owner from the Polar Star and would love to hear from some of the old shipmates.


On06/20/06 vito said:
Cool you got then! I tried to send them yo you (Chris) but it wouldn't work. Maybe one of the other guys can e-mail them to you. I have a bunch more just haven't had the time to scan them.


On06/19/06 Alex said:
Hey Vito thanks for the pictures. Sure does bring back alot of memories.


On06/19/06 Chris Donovan said:
Glad to hear it Billy. Happy Fathers Day. I retired last year and am working at the CG Pay Center military account support crunching numbers. Glad they have some place for us old retired guys. Take it easy Billy.


On06/18/06 Billy Somers said:
Chris doing well. I am celebrating my first fathers day. My son is 3 months old. I am a business manager at a car dealership. I've been doing this for about four years. I love it!


On06/16/06 Chris Donovan said:
Hi Billy, hope all is well with you.


On06/16/06 Billy somers said:
Vito, I have not heard from Trembly since I left Seattle. Alex came down and stayed with me for a few days about 4 years ago. I now live in Florida .


On 06/15/06 vito said:
I'm in Puerto Rico kind of but my heart still is in Florida (go heat)... I mean Seattle. Alex do you know my buddy IT1 Mike Ingham? He's cool.. And your boy Mr. Art Martin was here. My lord Rick, Alex, Billy, & Chris, names of the past.... Billy did Trembly ever send you the pictures I had of you and Chase?


On06/03/06 BILLY SOMERS said:
HERE ARE SOME NAMES I HAVE NOT SEEN IN A LONG TIME!


On05/25/06 Sean Twiggs said:
On the Midgett, but in DD at Bellingham.


On05/25/06 Rick Nye said:
I am living in the Seattle area, working for Bellevue Fire Dept.


On05/25/06 Alex Farrar said:
I was in Seattle aboard the Midgett three years ago. Right now I am in New Orleans and still with the Coast Guard.


On05/25/06 Mark Williams said:
So how many of us are still in the Seattle area, either in or out of the guard?


On05/23/06 Sean Twiggs said:
Yes, but it got our apartments/hotels during the lovely DD at the time!!!!!!


On05/10/06 Chris Donovan said:
Must of been. Thanks for the laughs Bernie. Take it easy.


On 05/09/06 Bernie Penkin said:
As much as I would like to claim the GQ incident as my own it wasn't. Let's call it divine intervention.


On05/09/06 Chris Donovan said:
Very good Bernie, military retirement and CG civilian job go very well together and Topeka I think is a great place to live. Been wanting to ask you when we were at Todd Shipyard in 1994, and we had that meeting with the MCPOC on the messdeck, and right when your famous speech to him about the red headed step children of the CG, GQ was called in from the QTR Deck. When you said that GQ happened. Wonder sometimes if it was secretly planned to go that way.


On05/09/06 Bernie Penkin said:
Hello Chris, I hope that all is well with you. How is life in Topeka?


On05/07/06 Bernie Penkin said:
Hello Mark, Never made QMCS. The merger happened and I would have been an OSCS. Officially, I retired as a QM not and OS.


On05/04/06 Ray Murry said:
I read the Harkins entry on the saga of Krusty. I do believe that SN Johnson should prevail as I earnestly believe that he was a clown long before the Simpsons aired on television. He was never ending source of amusement in the deck force.


On05/04/06 Chris Donovan said:
Hi Bernie glad your doing well, I am working at the CG Pay Center as a Civilian Pay Tech. Enjoy your retirement.


On05/03/06 Mark Williams said:
And good to hear back from you too. I've two jobs, one of them as the I.T. manager for a consolidated 911 center. Been doing great, you make QMCS?


On05/03/06 Bernie Penkin said:
Mark, I work for the Oregon Dept. of Transportation as an incident response dispatcher. We send trucks around the Portland OR area to help motorists in accidents. I monitor all police nets in the area for any action as well as rural maintainence crews. Good to hear from you


On05/02/06 Mark Williams said:
http://www.kitsapsun.com/bsun/local/article/0,2403,BSUN_19088_4666764,00.html damn if a good time wasn't had by most :) You'll have to create a user name and password to read the newspaper article, but might just be worth it. Bernie, you a 911 dispatcher?? Which site? You at a PSAP? Later!! // mark


On05/02/06 Bernie Penkin said:
I retired last summer and am enjoying life as a dispatcher in Portland, OR


On04/22/06 vito said:
V-not a problem brother. I will see you in Miami. I am always flying back and hanging out with my friends. Twiggy? Wow that's a name I haven't heard in awhile. It's good to here you are doing well. Alex-Mr. Art Martin was asking if I heard from you. I guess now I can say yeah. vito


On04/21/06 Alphanso Vialva said:
Hey to all, sorry Vito that we did not get a chance to hang out in PR. I'm getting ready to transfer to the mighty CGC Valiant, back to sea for me...looking foward to it. To all my polar peeps, you all have a way of making me smile when I come here. Drop me a line sometime.


On04/17/06 Sean said:
The Valdez thing was a little wrong at the time. I was reading all the other stuff that happened during the trips that I was on. it jogs the memory, Not to mention some of the parties at the beach in Portland, OR during drydock.


On04/17/06 Chris Donovan said:
Hey Twiggy, glad your still there hope Bahrain wasn't to bad. I retired in 05 and now work as a civilian at psc. Will never forget the Valdez thing. Take it easy.


On04/17/06 Sean P. Twiggs said:
Hello all, Polar Star 92-95, going thru some of the responses and was great to read them all. Just came back from Bahrain and going back to Seattle on the Midgett. Can't leave Seattle.


On04/14/06 Alex said:
Does any one know what happened to Billy Sommers? The last I knew he was in Ft Meyers Florida.


On04/12/06 Jay Fuller said:
does anyone know the whereabouts of Fred Eshelman? If so, i'd appreciate some info. Thanks


On03/29/06 vito said:
Mike.... Ha Ha that picture was there when I left in 95' We were told all about her. That picture is gold but it might be hard to get. Chris... V is even bigger than before! Turner is running around here some where but I haven't seen him yet. They will be here for awhile so I will probably bump into him along the way. later..


On03/28/06 Mike Foley said:
Strange convergence of events today: I went for a walk after work...found myself in Jack Block Park looking over Elliott Bay. Jack Block Park is reclaimed property...formerly Lockheed Shipbuilding of Seattle--birthplace of USCGC POLAR STAR. Completely by coincidence, POLAR STAR was making her way through the bay to Pier 36, returning from what may be her last voyage (as I understand the scuttlebutt). Even more coincidental, I was the only one there---former FNDC Mike Foley, Plankowner. Beautiful sunny cool windy March day...anyone of you who ever set Sea Detail on the Foc'sle--you know the kind of day I mean. Melancholy moment for me--old ship, old sailor, remnant of the builder's shipyard of a bygone day. Felt like I was seeing her beautiful lines in that setting for the last time...didn't know where else to share that sight where it might be appreciated....except with my wife of 27 years, whom I met as a new DC3 while on STAR in '76. From DF 77...our patch 'Life Ain't Easy on Big Red' a little twist...'Life Won't Be the Same Without Big Red' ( I wonder if I can get the picture of the Stowaway girl out of the 1st class lounge. I was DC1 on STAR by then--I didn't do it...but I know who did :-) I think I should hold the photo for all the old plankowners. I'll take care of Boom Boom, real good, Number 10.)


On03/24/06 Chris Donovan said:
Alphanso Vialva, I remember him Vito he was a FN then. He is probably a Chief or Warrant by now. He ran in the ships office and closed the door and said he had orders and he wanted to start the paperwork now, so we did. He was a hard worker and remember Matney and Siegert didn't want him to go. I wouldn't of hit him with a shovel then or now, he was a big guy.


On03/14/06 tim binder said:
Well a 20 year Carrer is about over, I get to retire in mid june I did 2 tours on Polar Star, one on Healy, once a breaker sailor ALWAYS a breaker sailor. To those of you i served with and remember, I hope life takes the turns you want it to and you end up at the destination you plan. It is with regret after 20 that its over, but as always all good things come to an end. to those that are still in take your career serious and advance never let you aligator mouth over run you rhummingbird ass like i have. its been fun its been real and its been real fun take care all and see ya at the end. Tim (TJ) Binder


On03/08/06 vito said:
I saw Vialva today. He turned into a tank. I would have to hit him with a shovel and run.


On03/03/06 Chris Donovan said:
yea Vito right on, stay cool man. Later.


On03/03/06 vito said:
you are so nice. Slay is cool. Maybe the Slay name is just bad juju.


On03/03/06 Chris Donovan said:
Yes the other one was a FN. The ET Slay I think got a bad rap. Remember when I was doing PCS paperwork with him a ETCM came in and yelled at him and made him more nervous then he already was. If he does stay in and becomes a ETCM I think he will be a good one.


On03/03/06 vito said:
Chris that is the Slay. Yeah he went to the Omega Station and I think he was at the ESD. Crazy right? Oh yeah I forgot about the engine room! That was a FN right?


On03/02/06 Chris Donovan said:
Wait a minute Vito, I have my Slay's mixed up. One pulled the wrong hatch which flooded out one of the engine rooms during DF96. The other Slay was a ET that I processed his PCS orders to some LORAN Station in Hawaii. Which one are we talking about?


On 03/02/06 Alex said:
I would of thought he had gotten out.


On03/02/06 vito said:
It's confirmed. Okay here are the details. ET1 Slay Stationed @ PATFORSWA Bahrain


On02/28/06 vito said:
I just tried to call my friend but she didn't answer. Anyway I will find out where, when, and his CG status.


On02/28/06 Mark Williams said:
Chris is right, he told me the same thing as I spoke to him crossing the brow for the last time. Wonder what ever happened to that kid........


On02/27/06 Chris Donovan said:
I wouldn't be surprized if it does get decommissioned. Sean Twiggs would always complain that there was alot tired iron down there. I processed Slay's Discharge, remember he told me he was going back to North Carolina.


On02/27/06 Alex said:
I wonder what happened to Slay. Where was he exactly sighted?


On 02/27/06 vito said:
There has been a Slay sighting. My friend just got back from Iraq and I guess along here travels she bump into him.


On02/26/06 Bill Fuller II said:
wow. how can they even think of decommissioning the star or sea? I spent 2 back to backs with the Star. I served with CDR Wheeler on the Star and at ISC Alameda.


On02/23/06 Jenn said:
A reunion would be fun! I don't know if a town can handle the crazy cats from DF 95 & 96! And I agree with Vito....cutters always say they are 'The better one' but not sure I agree on the 'ET' thing! ha ha.


On02/16/06 Muster Host said:
Last call for the Icebreaker Muster! All registrations must be in by March 15. To date about 140 rooms reserved for the week long event in Laughlin, Nevada. Check out the website, www.icebreakermuster.com for all the information. My promise is, “If you don’t have a good time in Laughlin, you can take me out on the fantail and kick my a**”.


On02/16/06 vito said:
Ha Ha. That's what my friends said Mr. Wheeler. That's so typical. There has always competition between cutters. Who works harder, who's better, who's always underway, etc. etc.... When will they realize I'm the best! Not only that but I'm a twiggit and everybody knows ET's do it better! Gregg I haven't forgot about the pics I just been busy at work. Speaking of Pic's I have a couple of you Kurt! I have those on disk I will e-mail them to your coastie account.


On02/14/06 CDR Steve Wheeler said:
Star is going to into an 'In Commission, Special' status once they return from Deep Freeze. That status is supposed to put her in a caretaker status with the caveat that she maintain the capability to be reactivated in a certain period of time - meaning, the cannibals are stopped at the brow (for now anyway), I understand the crew will consist of 40 or so people (mostly snipes). This will give the CG time to figure out what the next steps are… decommission and cannibalize to extend Sea's life, replace in kind, replace both Polars with one, et cetera. Healy has got plenty of power and could handle the mission (she's already made a Deep Freeze), but that's not what Healy was built for. She's an Arctic boat, possibly the best Arctic research facility on the planet, and they've been plenty busy up north.


On02/08/06 Kurt Wilson said:
Hmmm, reunion.......


On02/08/06 Dave said:
Reilly...you're so full of crap.


On02/07/06 vito said:
Two of my friends are on the Sea. They said they weren't going to replace them either. They also said the Healy wasn't powerful enough to go south. I don't know if that is all true but you have to figure they kind of know what is going on.


On02/04/06 Mark Williams said:
Where did you guys find information about taking them out of active service? That sucks......


On02/03/06 Louie LaRiccia said:
Speaking of reunions - why not have it at the Icebreaker Muster, May 1-5, 2006. Everything is set up and ready to go. All of the planning has been done. Check out the website, www.icebreakermuster.com and see who else is already registered. I'll guarantee that you can't beat the prices and the fun


On02/03/06 vito said:
Greg... I found a bunch of pic's pf Warner, Smitty, & Macintosh.. It's sad they are getting rid of her and the Sea a year after. They always get rid of the 'kind of cool billets'


On02/02/06 Greg Reilly said:
Shipmates! Our boat's being mothballed! Change of Command and placement of the vessel into 'caretaker status' is going to happen sometime in June. Perhaps a reunion is in order? - Reilly


On01/27/06 Mark Williams said:
Wayne, how the hell are you???!!! Still out in Hansville?? // mark


On01/25/06 vito said:
=) That was nice Harkins!


On01/24/06 Wayne Jarvis said:
Polar Star left last week for McMurdo. Seems the Russians had some mechanical problems.


On01/21/06 Giselle Addicott said:
Hey Matt! Jenn's out here visiting me and Brian and Wow! WOW! We're so glad you posted something, always wanted to know how much ass a clown could get, thanks for clearing that up. Love Always, ZOO, Wells, and Addicott


On01/11/06 Alex Farrar said:
Nice one Harkins.


On01/10/06 Matt Harkins said:
Just heard about this site, very cool to see and read about everyone. I guess I'm the last to hear from Krusty. After we both got out of active we enrolled in Clown College together. Immediatly following graduation we hit the road with Ringling Bros. It was a blast, we never expected to get that much ass as clowns. Each city gave promised to a new crop of clown groupies, who would have thought? We had life by the short and curlies. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with DDD(Degenerative Disk Disease) which was a result of being cramped up in the tiny clown car. Hard to believe, but they really do put all of those clowns in that car. I left the circus and went to film school at Temple University in Philadelpia, where I graduated in 2004. Last I heard, Krusty is in private practice as what else, 'Krusty the Clown', but is in a legal battle right now with 'The Simpsons' legal department over the right to use that name. I am now a freelance videographer and licensed captain. I take occasional TAD jobs with the CG. Most recently I traveled to Europe with the CGC Eagle, though it was a blast, it still pales in comparison to the back to back Deep Freezes of '94-'96.


On01/10/06 vito said:
Jen..... I have pic's... I need to scan them and I will e-mail them to everyone. I have a pic of me and Chili fishing in Antartica........


On12/27/05 Mark Williams said:
Dave, I too am at a PSAP here in Washington, not dispatching but rather in I.T. I'm also a cop here locally. Anyway, shoot me an email and tell me what's going on and what happened. Cowlitz County right? Fire, LE and EMS as I recall, just like where I am. Anyway, looking forward to hearing back from you. // mark


On12/22/05 David said:
Hey Mark...I'm in Woodland, Washington where I've been a 911 dispatcher for the past 7 years. Just got fired but thats a WHOLE other story. It's going to arbitration....it's an ugly mess. Anyway....I'm still alive and kickin'


On12/20/05 Mark Williams said:
Dave Altfilish! There's a name out of the blue.... Where the hell did you end up?


On12/19/05 David Altfilish said:
Damn this is a pretty cool page. Saw lots of old names. If anyone remembers me..send me a line I was on the Star from Feb of 1991 to February of 1994.


On12/13/05 Jenn Whaley (Wells) said:
No way Polar Star Decommissioned? I guess all good things come to an end! I haven't been on this site in a while and was reading all the memories by Greenwood, Vito, Kurt, Johny, Jay, and Brett. And I think I have pictures to all of that! except for the socks! I learned more about you boys on that ship then I cared to...ha ha. It's great to see everyone is still around. I think I even have a picture of Vito as the baby. does this website have a place we can post pictures??? ;) And does anyone know what this icebreaker muster thing is? Hope you all have a wonderful holiday and safe New Year. Oh and Donovan, I found a Lawrence Stumpf on Global but no Lance.


On12/03/05 Matt Soule said:
Sad to say but thee ol' polar star is getting decommissioned.. i can't believe it but i had one helluva deep freeze05 my salute to all the guys who survived it!


On 11/10/05 Jim Wright said:
DeepFreeze 80', we did not see Santa though ;-)


On11/04/05 Dan Leary said:
Just saw a very old (01) comment from TBone about the UFO entry in the Log during DeepFreeze 79. Yes its true on Christmas eve you did say there was a UFO sighting and it got a ton of press. It's nice to know that Santa isstill active and making his rounds. If anyone is still checking in from DF79 (god we are old) I hope you re all doing fine.


On 11/01/05 Louie LaRiccia said:
Six months till the Icebreaker Muster in Laughlin. About 150 people are signed up so far and growing. We even have a couple of 'Star sailors and their mates. Check out www.icebreakermuster.com for all the information. You can't beat the prices.


On09/16/05 Wayne Jarvis said:
I'm here, I'm alive.....


On09/09/05 Vito said:
Have I ever been normal? I never disappoint! Actualy I think I have pictures of that but I might start getting flash backs if I look at it. Sometimes it;'s fun being the village idiot. You thought the piegon story was funny I have a gator and monkey story that is almost as good. vito


On09/08/05 Mark Williams said:
Vito... Jim Giblin was Father Time, it was FREAKIN HOT in the room. It was cool. :) Anyway, was thinking about some of the cool crap that happened aboard the pig and that came to mind. Later!! Back to work for me.


On09/08/05 Kurt Wilson said:
Mark is right Vito, I remember like it was yesterday. Elvis and Helmet Man??? What has happenend to you Vito?? lol...........


On09/08/05 vito said:
Mark......... New Years Baby? No I don't remember but it sounds like something I would do. I am happy to say I haven't change much in that respect. On the Thetis/Mohawk I was Elvis, a quadruplet, 70's guy, salsa dancer, and the infamous villian 'Helmet Man'


On09/05/05 Mark Williams said:
Vito.... do you remember being the New Years Baby just after leaving Hobart? I've often wondered if you realized what a cool thing that was, even if at the moment it didn't seem like it. Hope so at least... and GLAD to see all the names and progress of life here :) Later!!


On09/04/05 Louie LaRiccia said:
The September update for the Icebreaker Muster is on the website, www.icebreakermuster.com. Don’t be left at the gangway – mail those registrations!


On09/04/05 Chris Donovan said:
The Socks. I think it was Benjamin Clore who thru a sock at crusty while standing watch on the quarterdeck, I asked crusty what that was all about and he said you don't want to know. What happened to Lance Stumpf? I invested well because of his advice.


On 09/02/05 Brett Greenwood said:
Brett, I am laughing so hard that I have tears in my eyes. Krusty was one of a kind, I also have to take some responsibility for the missing socks. Kurt, when you saw Krusty for the first time little did you know what he would turn out to be.


On08/30/05 Brett Lee said:
Hey Brett, I am a maintenance manager for a historic building here and just trying to make some money.....as for Krusty....whew...it was hard to party when I was spending all my money on replacement socks after he constantly ( as he put it...'made love' ) to them


On08/30/05 kurt wilson said:
I remember when Krusty showed up on the Star. I was on duty that nite and he was standing at POA outside of the ship's store shaking like a crap game. I couldn't stop laughing.....


On08/30/05 Brett Greenwood said:
I am in Bellingham, WA. I like the Northwest, so Bellingham has been a good fit for me and my family. Brett, what are you doing in OR. I thought you were from S.A. Johnny, have you ever heard from Krusty? Some of those stories you are thinking about still put a smile on my face. Those 2 years on the Star were the best times of my single life.


On08/26/05 johnny king said:
Hey Greenwood ! I stillhave a picture of you,me and Krusty at the hotel California in Chile . Yep that was a bitch to explain to my wife too !


On08/26/05 kurt wilson said:
It's great to see that everyone is going good. All the memories with you guys.......it was off da hook!


On08/24/05 Jay Fuller said:
Thanks Brett, Johnny's e-mail is jrocketka@hotmail.com. And for Brett Lee, I'm not sure what ever happened to Larry B, he got orders from the Sea and I never heard from him again


On08/24/05 Brett Lee said:
Hey Brett, you don't have to worry, if you decide to run from president then I'd never say anything...lol..so you are in Washington State? What part....I'm in Albany Or. right now and often drive up to Seattle. Hey Jay, what's happening? Does anyone remember Larry Bishop, he was tad from the sea for a while, if anyone has any idea where he is then let me know


On08/23/05 Brett Greenwood said:
Jay, I talk to Fred about once a month. I will give him your e-mail and let him know you are looking for him. Shoot me Johnny's e-mail so i can touch base with that crazy fool.


On08/23/05 Brett Greenwood said:
Kurt, Three weeks isn't bad at all. That is actually sounds like a pretty nice break from what you are doing now.


On08/22/05 jay fuller said:
Hey all, nice to see that you all have kept up. I still talk to johnny on a regular basis, but I haven't spoke to anyone else for ever. If anyone can tell me how to find Fred Eschelman I would apprectiate it greatly


On08/22/05 Kurt Wilson said:
Brett, I wouldn't call it 'underway', I guess they go out 3 weeks max. I do miss being underway though. I'm just happy to get out of Buffalo for a bit, snow has a way crushing your spirits.


On08/22/05 Brett Greenwood said:
Vito, Brett, Kurt, Those kinds of stories will probably never see the light of day again. I guess I can just chalk those mistakes up to my youth. Those kinds of stories will always keep me from running for public office. HA! Kurt, are you excited or bummed that you are getting underway? I will tell Jake that you guys are still alive, I just told him about this website, so he will probably check in soon.


On08/18/05 Brett Lee said:
Hmmm.....yes I remember 'green'wood....although I hardly remember australia....i bet the grandkids will love grampa's old sea stories when you get to that age...just glad to see you're still alive...hello to everyone...take care


On08/18/05 vito said:
Ha Ha HA! I remember that name but we must think about all the parties involved and not say it out loud. I see Marty ever once in awhile. Mrs Marty keeps him pretty close to home. She is cool and those two are a prefect fit I must admit. CGC Elm? I think somebody told me that was a good boat, not like any boat is a good boat. Let''s just say it's a better boat. I get a two week break before my borther and friends arrive and then I go all down hill again. Yesterday I took my friends to the airport to make sure they were leaving. I had plans of sleeping as soon as I got home in front of the tv. It was such a good plan!! It was a shame when my friend reminded me that I agreed to helping him move some refrigerators. That wasn't fun in my condition! But there is always today!


On08/18/05 Kurt Wilson said:
'Rock Hard'? not what I remember....that is too funny.....go to see your doing good. Tell Jake I said hello.


On08/17/05 Brett Greenwood said:
Vito, You and Marty are probably bad news for each other. ha! You two are a perfect fit for P.R. Kurt, I did receive some sort of nick name in Australia, but in an effort to protect the innocent, I would rather erase that memory. But I think it had something to do with 'rock hard' or I could be wrong.


On08/17/05 Kurt Wilson said:
Tired of partying Vito? You must have bumped your head at that volleyball tournament. I hearya though, partying aint like it used to be. Brett, didnt you have some sort of nickname you got in Australia? Looks like I'm headed to NC Vito, i got the ET1 billet on the CGC Elm....later


On08/14/05 vito said:
Grenwood-Yeah it has been great. I am so tired of partying thou. I have friends always coming and going out here. I am hiding in the office right now just to tak a break. Marty is here we went to the Coors Light Volleyball tournament last week. we had a good time. later


On08/12/05 Brett Greenwood said:
Vito, I talked to Scott Whaley a couple weeks ago and he said you are out in P.R. and a 1st or something like that. You must be enjoying the guard now. Is Trembly still out there?


On08/12/05 Brett Greenwood said:
Hi Chris, glad to hear that you are enjoying retirement.


On 08/12/05 vito said:
Greenwood, that is so funny. That is good that you are doing well. Congrad's on all your kids.


On08/10/05 Chris Donovan said:
Hi Brett, glad things have worked out for you.


On08/09/05 Brett Greenwood said:
Hello All, my seven year old daughter was bored today and 'googled' my name and came across this website. I had no idea the reunion hall existed. For those that sailed with me from 94 96, I must first say, 'I'm sorry for subjecting you to me' ha! I saw most of the regular crew in Vegas for Fred's weddings, but for those of you interested in how I turned out, here is the updated Greenwood story: Still married to Coral ( 9 years and counting), three kids, Morgan ( 7 years old, girl), Saylor (5 years old, girl), River, (2 years old, BOY, finally). I will graduate with a MBA from Gonzaga in May 06 and I am currently employeed as a Business and Finance manager for a school district in Washington State. My free time is now spent on the soccer fields and at Ballet classes. Go figure. By the way, I still hang out with Jake often and I am still looking for Krusty.Hope all is well.


On08/08/05 Jason Alicea said:
Anyone know a SK3 Jessica Harmon. Papa 147.


On08/03/05 Cyn said:
Does anyone know where I can find one Lt Michael Alexander who was On the Polar Star for Op DeepFreeze 2004? I really need to find out. And possibly a crew portrait. Any help is appreciated


On07/07/05 Mark Williams said:
Everyone, check out the CWO list posted here on FredsPlace..... Sean Cox and a few others are either above or just at the cut. Congrats!!!!!


On06/21/05 Johnnyking said:
for those who knew him , there is a great pic of BMC Calvin Williams on the general disscusion board about recruiting being up in the islands due to the war , much love MK1


On06/14/05 warren bernard said:
To one and all icebreaker sailors..A icebreaker reunion is set May 06,in Lauglin Nevada Check out website icebreakermuster.com.. I was on the EASTWIND 64-66.. We had last years reunion in Lauglin and it was a blast. Come on out and hear some REAL sea stories. EASTWIND leads the way!!!!!


On05/25/05 Rees Erwin said:
Holy Crap! I can't believe I hadn't stumbled in here before now. I was on: 89-93. On the P- Sea as a SN, on the Star until Discharge as a QM2 (w/ a brief stint on the Eagle trying to teach cadets to navigate. Sorry if it didn't take, guys! I tried!). Ran into Pat Nye and LTJG(!?!?!?!?!!!) Reilly & his lovely new bride. They're doing great. I've been out (so to speak) ever since '93 & having as much fun with life as I can. Went back to school & working in swanky hotels & other places ever since. In Portland, OR now. And as cheesy as it is to say it: I kinda miss the times that reading this has reminded me of! Greg & I had a good laugh remembering the time I wacked him with a chain in McMurdo. Does anyone remember the welt on his forehead?? Damn that was funny. BIG hello to CDR(!) Wheeler, Barber, Rick Nye, Donze, Runge,& all the rest of you nuts.


On05/20/05 Kent Gambill said:
Just one more sea story befor I retire for the night. Me and seaman ditz were drunk one night, we were at Todds Shipyard . We were dry docked . It must of been one in the morning, leaning on the bow looking at the lights of Seattle. Out of the blue he says I bet I can dive in to the water off the bow. I says Your Crazy ! Dry docked It must of been 80 feet to the surface off the water. Well any way way he did it god as My Witness, Plus he dove. You would of had to of been there. He was a little guy , but man he had a lot of balls to do that. See Ya !


On05/20/05 Ronnald (Mac) machado said:
I am a plank owner of the Star. I was a MK-1 and was in A gang. We had the best 1st class lounge there ever was. Looking for former 1st class plank owners. If you are out there send me a line. Looking forward to hearing from all of you.


On05/19/05 Maureen Kinney said:
Just stopped in on a whim...I was stationed aboard the Mellon 84-85 when it went to Fram. Drop a line, would love to hear from any old ship mates.


On05/19/05 Kent Gambill said:
Just wanted to drop a line and say Hello! I was onboard the Star from 78 to 80 made two voyages One to the Arctic and one two Antactica. I went awol in Valprioso ,Chile, I was a seman Recruit twice haha. I did lots of mess duty, I was a bit of a trouble maker. Im living in Bismarck North Dakota now with my wife. Any old ship mates I served with , drop me a line at Kentbecky48@msn.com


On05/18/05 Jenn (& Scott) said:
Wow BMC Murry, Thanks for making me feel old...ha ha. I couldn't believe it when your son said who he was. What are the odds. But that is Yorktown for ya. In the past 6 months I've seen Ann Logan, Rosie (now ENS Rosario), Highland, Chad Turner, and of course I still keep in touch with the Addicotts, Eshelman and Carla. Scott has also run into a few people along the way. It's always great hearing how everyone is doing. And back to Chief Murry Glad to hear you did what you said you were going to do. The one phrase you always said that I'll never forget was 'Free Money' and I make sure my students know about the Free Money! Scott is doing great. Makes LT in June. We both transfer next summer and can't wait to get out of VA! I'm hoping to finnish my BM1 stuff so I can sit for the Nov Service Wide. Then maybe I'll be close to cathing up with the rest of you I came in with. Being out for 4 years made it a little hard to catch up with out going to OCS. NOT FOR ME. I'll leave that one to Scott. Besides it bad enough being an O's wife :) Everyone take care...and if your ever in Yorktown let us know, we would love to see ya.


On05/12/05 Jim Wright said:
Gave everyone the wrong URL use this one http://terraserver.microsoft.com/


On05/12/05 Jim Wright said:
Yes the memories. Has anyone looked at this website http://terraserver.microsoft.com/default to see if they can tell which Polar Class boat is at the dock? Remember, just type in Seattle Washington in the search. Use the zoom function to get a close up of the Docks and youll see it.


On05/11/05 Deep Freeze vet said:
Who remembers TANO?? Totally Automated, Never Operational!


On 05/11/05 Pat Humphrey said:
Jim, I agree with your comments regarding similar stories/events to the ones we shared. Some things just never change... Coasties, alcohol, Pioneer Square and things that occur in port cities that should never be discussed outside of reunion halls... Ha! Ahhh... The memories!!!


On05/09/05 Mike Prosser said:
I too remember Chief Murry checking in... That night, he found us messcooks (“Crusty”, SN Rob Craig, & I) out on the quarterdeck smoking cloves. He was convinced that we were TOKING! We all went out that night and got PLOWED in Pioneer Square. I’m still trying to figure out how in the hell we ended up where we did. Remember your words of wisdom Chief? Don't drink & drive, don’t do drugs, and don't lie to Chief Murry... well, I can honestly say. I've done ALL of those, and I'm still ok! HA! I ran into someone who was stationed w/ Crusty in Alaska. Apparently he threatened to have intimate relations w/ this guy’s cat, and had an incident w/ an automatic rifle. Not sure of the details, but I miss him anyways. Anyone know where he is? How ‘bout Billy Sommers? (Thank you for 1-Hour Steve!) That messcooking bit sure did SUCK. Yes Vito, you hold the record! The SS2 you were asking about was the guy who would do push-ups during the End-of-shift inspections, to check under the counters. I believe the stripping incendent was in Acapulco. Not going to mention his name, but it rhymes w/ Johnson. OOPS!


On05/06/05 Kurt Wilson said:
Good to see your doing well Brain, even if you dodn't return the email I sent ya a couple months back, perhaps you forgot about me. I was always wondering what happened to BMC Murry, guess now I know. Good to see your doing well chief, many memories of chief Jarvis, but the most vivid would have to be the language he used in the chief's mess when I was messcooking, they had me rolling. Too funny......


On05/05/05 Chris Donovan said:
Hi Ray, while reading your post I remember when you checked in onboard the STAR, seems like yesterday. Yes I retired in March and I like it very much. Currently in North Carolina helping my parents move. Will probably go back to the pay center in Topeka as civilian and work on a second retirement. Gib was a task master but in hindsight learned alot from him, sorry to hear about Wayne Jarvis. Remember many colorful encounters with him with my other YNC I had.... I thought they were very comical. Tell John I said hi.


On05/04/05 Ray Murry said:
Chris Donovan, great to see your post and glad to hear you are retiring. I speak with John Monsanto about every month, he is back in Miami. I am trying to recruit him to come work with me in Louisiana, but I dont think he is leaving south Florida. Kevin Whalen, great to see your post, I take it from your e-mail you are riding a hawg. Do you still have contact with Ann? She was really a great person. Mark Williams,Giblin works in a parts factory in Pullyaup, I heard he lost 40 pounds and quit drinking. Also, I recently learned that Wayne Jarvis is not doing well and was hospitalized for a period of time. E-mail me and I will give you the contact information. TIMELINE: If you are DF 95 vets and wondering how old you are, the following should provide perspective: My son just called and told me that his BM-A school Coxswain instructor at Yorktown was BM2 Whaley (former Wells) He was 9 years old when we were on DF 95. Take care all Ray Murry BMC, Ret, OLD


On04/29/05 Brian Addicott said:
I thought I would poke my head out here since I look at it all the time. Sounds like everyone is doing great, I saw Jake Hewitt a few years back up in Seatlle, he was doing good. My lovely wife Giselle (AKA. Zoo) and I are back in San Diego. I'm doing the Law Enforcement thing down here at Pac Taclet, interesting stuff. I am glad to see that everyone is doing good, saw Sean Cox about a month or two ago he's doing fine too. Unfortunatly I missed the little reunion in Vegas, good old Fred Eschelman got married, heard it was a blast though, . Hope all is well, Great to see that everyone is still around, Check you Later!


On04/29/05 kevin whalen said:
Hey everybody. Just thought I'd drop in and say hey to all who I sailed with from '93-'96. Drop a line and say hey! Gotta jam! Hope all's well in everyone's world! Later! kev


On04/27/05 Mark Williams said:
Cool Vito. And Chris, yes, doing very well. I hold roles in this 'lil world. I'm the network administrator for the 3rd largest consolidated 9-1-1 center in Washington state, and a police officer on the side. I spent the winter of 2001 at Palmer Station - at the time it was the longest 9 1/2 months of my life, but I look back at it now and long for it. www.polar.org is the web site to the company now running USAP. Anyway, leaving tomorrow for a 7 day cruise to Mexico, Honduras and a few other places. It's really cool to see how people are doing. Chile is a cool country. I spent a few weeks in Punta Arenas after I got back from Palmer - hell of a lot more fun than Valpo was in '95. (although I'd rather do the Drake in a 399 foot long ship than a 233 foot long ship, like the L M Gould, USAP's ice breaker that we use at Palmer) Anyone heard from Jimmy Giblin lately? How about Lidia Cost? Later!!!


On04/27/05 Jim Wright said:
Hey all, this is a cool website I found recently. (http://terraserver.microsoft.com/default.) It searchs a data base of satellite pictures. If youll type in Seattle Washington and then carefully zoom in on the Docks you will see a high resolution photo of one Polar Class Boat at the Dock. I just can not tell if its the Star or the Sea. Any guess from anyone?


On04/27/05 vito said:
Mark-Yeah I am having a grand old time. It might be because I work for the Embassy instead of the Coast Guard. It's still like High School except you play a different type of game. The only thing that makes this job a joy we all need each other to keep TAFT living. And that's one thing we all want. Macken I believe if I remember correctly got out and went back to Alaska. I thought he was working for his father again in Politics. Hewitt? Have know clue but he looked like a lifer he has to be around somewhere. Cassidy? Who is that?


On04/26/05 Kurt Wilson said:
Vito, or anyone else who reads this, do you know what ever happened to Hewitt, Macken or Cassidy???


On04/24/05 Jacinta Cassin said:
Nov 1979 in Antartica? I am looking for any staff in Antartica in Nov 1979 at the time of the Erebus crash. As the daughter of one of the crew, I need to find some people who will talk honestly about what happened down there at Scott Base. I will include my email address and please feel free to email me anonymously if you wish. It would mean a lot to me.


On04/24/05 Chris said:
Thanks Mark hope things are well with you.


On04/23/05 Coop said:
Hello from a 1986 Deep Freeze Crew memeber, I was just surfing from the office with an ole bro, Never knew this existed. Anybody from DEEP Freeze 86 on th eline here? Coop is in the house, alive and well from the Surf & Snow Industry now. I have been in the snow and surf for 20 years at this point. HOw are you all. Coop ASM 2 (old School)


On 04/23/05 Mark Williams said:
SS1 Christine Stewart is the other SS name that you're looking for. :) Don Vito, glad to hear you're finally enjoying the guard. Vito, Chris D, Jay F, even Ray M..... sounds like you guys are doing great and making things of yourselves. It's good to watch :)


On 04/21/05 Jim Wright said:
Ok, I served from 80-81 but it sounds to me like the stories never change, just the names. I see alot of folks here that are in Corpus Christi, my home town. You need any 'fishing' advice just let me know.


On04/21/05 vito said:
I might do it b/c I might stay in for 30 and I wanted to buy some property. I have a couple more years to go before I have to decide. When they do finally give me the boot I probably will hand cuff myself to the base. But then again I might go back to another White Needle of Death and be ready to call it a day. Marty talks to Billy and Chase every once in awhile he says they all made Chief and doing good. I guess we are all getting older and slowing down. We almost all of us! I am friggin crazy some things never change.


On04/21/05 Chirs said:
Yes Vito it was sad. You might want to think about retirement now. And though I am not your yeoman anymore if your thinking about that CSB for $30,000, think twice if you want to retire with the High 3 vice the redux which is significantly less unless you plan to stay in 30 years.


On04/21/05 Chris said:
No Jim I wasn't the Donovan you played poker with. I was onboard the STAR from 1994 to 1997.


On04/21/05 vito said:
Nope I haven't made Chief yet. I love this job to much. But now I am thinking about trying b/c they are moving our office back to Barbados. The whole Horak thing was pretty sad. Me and Marty kind of got freaked out b/c he was our roommate. Greg had a bottom rack and we didn't want to move in. It just didn't feel right. I sent Cali an e-mail the other day.


On04/21/05 Jim Wright said:
Chris, what years did you serve on the Star? There was a Donovan that I spent many a hour playing poker, took alot of my money if memeory serves! Just wondered you where he.


On04/20/05 Chris Donovan said:
Hi Toka, tell Calvin I said hi. Hey Vito, I retired March 05 and am in Asheville NC. The memory on the STAR that stands out was when Greg Horak was killed outside pier 36 and everyone was looking for Chase. Greg and Chase invited me to a place I think called sneakers during quarters but I had other plans, Its one of those decisions in life that I wonder about that if I did go with them would I still be here? How about you Vito did you make Chief yet?


On 04/20/05 Toka said:
I saw Calvin Williams last week. He's the recruiter here in Honolulu! He hasn't changed a bit in 12 years.


On04/20/05 vito said:
Cali is a recruiter I think in San Dog. Martin talks to Calvin every once in awhile. I think that was his name. Yeah that was crazy! Some crazy stuff happen on that boat. Some of it was good and some of it was very bad. Where are you at Chris?


On04/19/05 Erica Yarbrough said:
Hey everyone. Ken and I are still in Corpus and loving it. The boys keep us active and we feel like we never sit down. Ken got his orders, 4 more years here, oh the hardships. Good to 'see' everyone and hope everyone is doing great.


On04/19/05 Chris Donovan said:
I think it was SS3 Goshorn. I was breaking in quarterdeck watch with MST2 White the night he and Duff got in the accident on I-5, they were driving a red corvette. That was a night to remember, Calvin (BM1)was the JOOD.


On04/18/05 vito said:
He wasn't the one with the Vette. I forgot about Dumm. He was stationed with me on the Thetis. That poor child on the Cletis. There was another SS2/3 he was driving. He was cool I just forgot his name.


On04/18/05 kurt wilson said:
I would swear that the other SS was P.O. Dumm, but I may be mistaken. SCPO Samson was a funny cat! Vito, you remember our honor guard boy SN Moore??


On04/18/05 Vito said:
Ummmm... We had Duff & ?. I can not believe I forgot everyones name. There was that SS2 that got in the accident with Duff in the Vette. There was SS1 Coffman, SS1 Davenport, SS1 forgot her name, SS3 Bill Wait, & SSSCPO Samson. Wow can't believe it.


On 04/18/05 Chris Donovan said:
Vito, who was the SS2?


On04/16/05 deb said:
hey has anyone heard from Pete Quinn? would like to know how he has been. (polar star 92-94


On04/16/05 deb said:
Wow, been a long time, love to see old familer names(toka, wheeler, donze) drop a line let me know how you have been.


On04/15/05 vito said:
Man there is so many different types of red-necks but they are cool. V I was talking about a different night. That was some crazy drama! And yes I was with you when we went to those girls party. That was funny. Remember that night when we were all at that club and I guess they had a proom and all those locals showed up? Ernest starting hitting on all the girls and I thought the whole Senior class was going to jump us? That was the night he had the fight. The funny things we do. I can't believe Johnny did that! That is so friggin funny! We had training the other day and they mentioned about how it would not be sat if you stripped in uniform. Does something come to mind about a certain SS2? Yeah I was stationed with him again at my last unit. I started laughing and knowbody new why!


On04/15/05 JAY said:
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO REMEMBER ME, THIS MAY FRIGHTEN YOU A BIT. MY WIFE AND I HAVE BROUGHT TO THE THE WORLD MY FIRSTBORN SON. HE WAS BORN APRIL 5TH. NOT THAT HE GOT ANY OF MY QUALITIES THOUGH, HE ONLY WEIGHED 10LBS 1AND A HALF OUNCES AND 22 AND A HALF LONG. I'M AS PROUD AS A MAN COULD BE. WE'VE BEEN WORKING AT THIS FOR OVER 3 YEARS AND HAVE HAD SOME SERIOUS MISFORTUNE UP TILL RECENTLY. BUT THIS TIME IT ALL WORKED OUT PERFECT. TALK AT YOU GUYS LATER


On04/09/05 Brett Lee said:
hey johnny...i have some pretty funky pictures of randall farley and myself skinning some unlucky roo from when we were in hobart......and yea ...i guess you nailed the texan part pretty good since i am from there..and V...do you remember waking up in the middle of the night only to have me and scotty merril wearing those smiley face paper bags on our heads...you guys send me a line sometime


On04/08/05 Alphanso Vialva said:
Hey does anyone remember the name of the bartender at the coliseum in King's Cross? hey Vito I remember getting kicked out of that hotel in hobart too, then ending up at that house party with those girls. Who was there with me?


On04/08/05 johnnyking said:
vito , they werent rednecks , just your aveage drunk-gun totin boys , they live here to we call them TEXANS !


On04/08/05 vito said:
Godzilla who knows. You don't remember when Ernest punch I think his name was Ben in the eye? I think it was over some chick. Then we went back to some crazy hotel room with those two girls and Ben had that big shinner. I tried to ditch my girl but she followed me back to the boat. Then like a month later she called me via inmarsat. How about when the boys went Kangroo hunting with those Aussie rednecks. Hobart was crazy!


On04/05/05 Pat Humphrey said:
Chief Foley and Jim, Hey I recall you folks as well. Yes, I was on the flag football team and we did pretty well but was hard to compete against the larger squid boats. I laughed at the WBP... I think I was the victim of that with Turkheimer and gang a couple of times myself. I am in Iowa and only make it out to the coasts and see saltwater on business trips anymore. My life consists of horses, chasing cattle, hunting dogs and work. Ah... I often think about the days on the boat. Boy were we young. Martin Taffe and Roger Edington and myself are going to try and hook up sometime this year for a little reunion. I am guessing there won't be as much whiskey involved as when we were young.


On04/01/05 Toka said:
Yep we like it here. It's pardise!


On04/01/05 kurt wilson said:
How many times did you meescook Vito? Seemed like you were in there every 3 months. Dont remember much about Hobart, except for the Bumgardener incident. Sydney was off the hook for sure tho'


On04/01/05 vito said:
Sounds good tell him I said congrad's. DC is cool but it's a city not really an ideal place to raise your family. Are you liking HI? I had a good time when I was there.


On03/30/05 Toka said:
Hey Vito! Nah we are here in Honolulu. Kevin is on the Jarvis. He's making Senior sometime this year so we are waiting on new orders. We were due to tranfer this summer back to Seattle. I'm just hoping we don't end up in DC.


On03/30/05 vito said:
that was crazy Davenport who won the drinking contest in Hobart. He drank everyone under the table including the Bartender. Remember when the bartender was on the floor passed out and Davenport was laughing still doing shots of Jose cashing it with rum and cokes? To much politics on boats. Lord when I had JOOD inport I always let my messcooks hual butt b/c we all been there. I use to hear so much crap for doing it. Toka you all still up there in the North West?


On03/29/05 Toka Knodel said:
Davenport.Vito should remember that he messed cooked just as much as I did.


On03/29/05 kurt wilson said:
Vito, that story brings tears to my eyes!! That is some funny stuff. Boats aren't that bad, all depends on the crew. The Star was off the hook, and the Gallatin at times wasn't bad either. I was also young back then, don't know how much I'd enjoy a boat nowadays....Vito, who was that FS chief, I think he was from New Orleans???


On03/28/05 vito said:
What's going on fellas? Just got back from spring break. Florida was good! That darn bird! We were in BC and we were looking for a hotel we can all stay at. While walking back to the Whoopty in the parking garage I saw a piegon. I told Chili I was going to kick it. Well I took off flying towards that piegon and when I went to kick it that bird flew away. I woke up on my back blood pouring down my face and everyone one laughing. That was some strong kool aid and since thing I never messed with another piegon. I have done two boats and hopefully never again. It's like friggin High School! You all have fun b/c this land crab hates boats unless they are fishing boats.


On03/28/05 Jim Wright said:
Mike, a navy gentleman shoved a lit cigarrette into the ear of a fellow Polar Star sailor. Can not remember his name, but Coyle saw it go down, and everything after that is a blur (I was sitting next to the unfortunate person that asualted our friend's ear) and those little Alaskan natives, phew, they kicked some butt that night too! Answere to the second one, Wandering Pink Belly Patrol. I was on the receiving end of that group several times, probably why I remember them!


On03/25/05 Mike Foley said:
Kevin Juergen and Pat Humphrey...wow, I remember you two as well. What part of the Mid- West Pat? I miss my part of the mid-west...I retired in Seattle...until 911, then volunteered for recall and went down to San Diego and rode the CHASE for two years...re-retired last year and been thinking about heading home (to the midwest) ever since. I think its time for me to get off the waterfront. Hey, do I remember right Pat...you played on the flag football team we put together in 81 didn't you? Jim, my memory fails me...I do know a little of the inside story with Coyle that got us going that night...but the other escapes me completely.


On03/25/05 kurt wilson said:
Sara?? I hoave no idea what your talking about V.(hehe) It's good to see that your doing well. As for me, I'm still up here in Buffalo, been here since Jan. 2000, but it's my home and I love it here. Still single but my girl lives with me, marriage is around the corner(scary thought). Like Johnny said, I'd love to get back underway, but it gots to be on an east coast boat, I never want to go back out west. Besides that I'm havin a blast. I'll hit up your email addy soon, Later........


On03/24/05 JohnnyKing said:
Well I am still kickin around these parts but as an MK1 now , no shit if i can make it anyone can ! V , you must be stationed with Chadwick , well I am still here in texas , transferring next year as a pri5 , so i guess i will take the bottom of the barrel , and yes i want to get u/w again , riding land sucks ! I still talk to Jay Fuller alot and he is good , damn i miss some of the old days , especialy the people I had as friends , I still talk fondly of the south trips and all the fun (KINGS CROSS)


On03/24/05 Alphanso Vialva said:
Hey Kurt how's life been treating you man? long time no speak! our mutual friend Sara from the Virgin Islands says hi :) na just messing wit ya. Well man, I'm at MSST Miami currently deployed in the sunny Caribbean. Man I can't wait to get back to Miami. I'm married to my second wife Terri, and we have two kids; Ethan who just had his 2nd birthday this past Feb, and my daughter Melina will be 13 next month. What can I say man, life's been good to me. Also having all my good friends on this chat board ain't bad either. Drop me a line sometime.


On03/22/05 kurt wilson said:
V!!!! How the hell you been?? What have you been up 2?? And Vito, what was that story about you tryin to kick a seagull or somethin'???


On03/19/05 Alphanso Vialva said:
It was an Amigo Kurt!


On03/16/05 kurt wilson said:
You still drivin that tracker or whatever it was Vito?


On03/13/05 Erik Wiard said:
I just ran across this, Its hard to believe it was over 12 yrs ago. 92-94. Its good to see all the old names. I stayed in and am DC1 on the TAMPA. Hey Vito next time we pull into San Juan, come over.


On03/09/05 Vito said:
Hawaii was a pretty nice place. Once you make some local contacts a whole different world opens up. I think all my friends are married out there but there might be still a couple who aren't. If you do end up over there I will hook you up. I hope to stay at this job for 4 years 5 if I'm lucky. Miami is always a good choice b/c there is so much to do. @ commsta Miami I know SCPO Kelly (Good Boss) and my buddy Bang Bang is there. I am going to Miami Tuesday to get my car. Funny thing is that it's St. Patty's Day/Spring Break. It was totally not planned. =) My life is so hard.....


On03/08/05 kurt wilson said:
Man Vito, I have no idea where I want to go next, maybe hawaii?? PR? probably not, was fun to visit but don't want to live there. Most likely though somewhere on the the east coast.......


On03/06/05 jim beam said:
who remembers the crew of green death


On03/04/05 Vito said:
Ha Ha! The legend of Jesse B! After he did he was my boy. A little kid like that showing some serious anyway... When Scott showed up it was pretty slow that night. It was sad but it was great seeing Scott again. You made First congrad's! Make your money brother! I'll tell Marty if he ever gets out of his office. I haven't seen him in weeks! Where do you want to go to next? All I have to say is Puerto Rico.


On03/03/05 Tad Kowal said:
Just stumbled across this site during a slow moment in the office. All you folks are so young. I was a deckie in 1984 for a North trip & the Olympics Patrol. We had a closed circuit TV show we did for the crew when we were underway in the evenings. What a blast! Be well.


On03/03/05 Pat Humphrey said:
Kevin, I rememebr you. I was the TT on board during those years. I just found this site and thought I would check in and see what was happening. I moved back to the midwest and have been here ever since.


On03/02/05 kurt wilson said:
Vito, how is Martin and Scott doing? Lucky there was no trouble?, your lucky you weren't arrested! That is if you still roll like you did in '95.. I made 1st back in December, I'll be staying in Buffalo for another year. Hey, weren't you and Jesse B best friends???


On02/25/05 Jim Wright said:
Ha! Your right it was MKC Coyle that did the most damage. Or atleast physicaly it looked like he GOT the most damage. You remember what started that melee? And, does anyone else remember what the W.P.B.P. stood for? I know the answer to both but thought it would be fun to see who else does also.


On02/24/05 Mike Foley said:
Whoa Jim! Yes it is I, former DCC Foley, but it was MKC AL Coyle that cleared the bar fighting that night. All I did was hold back his fists with my chin. It was in Nome...and right at the feet of Captain Volkle, who ordered us both back to the ship--or at least out of the bar he was drinking in. And yes, I remember very well the tragedy that trip...it was an H3 out of Kodiak and we were on our way to Ketchikan when we were diverted to take over the salvage operation...then we took the aircraft into Kodiak. Sad day indeed...brave CG souls lost trying save a fishing boat in a storm.


On02/23/05 Bryan Dees said:
Hi, I found this site while searching for 'polar star 1987'. I served as a seaman aboard the Polar Star and Polar Sea from 1987 - 1989. Made a trip south, then went on to Petaluma, CA for Radio school. To this day aside from my 3 children being born (my wife made me say that..), I cant think of a more memorable time in my life than my time spent during operation Deep Freeze 1988. I still live on the greater Seattle area and work as a programmer and systems engineer for one of the cellular phone companies.


On02/21/05 Jim Wright said:
Is that 'Chief' Foley? I remeber a Chief Foley on our North Trip in 81, he cleared the Bar that night. It was quite the fight. That was the trip the CG Helicopter went down, we where almost in port and had to go back out to pull the wreckage from the water. Anyone else remeber that sad day?


On02/20/05 Mike Foley said:
Hello Derrick...I remember you well...as I recall, I had just started skydiving and you had been a sport skydiver for awhile. You and I got drunk in the Erebus club one night at McMurdo and we cooked up some plan to try and get the Navy to kick us out at over the Ross Iceshelf...we thought we'd be the first ever to make a jump over Antarctica. Not sure why but we moved away from that plan and Fitz and I went and took the 'bus' from Willy field on a joy ride instead. I think about you and that AVDET all the time...good to see your name.


On02/19/05 derrickmitchell said:
hey,derrick mitchell here,i was an asm3 aboard the Star on it's maiden trip south!i am an african-american;from ATC Mobile(avtdet)


On02/16/05 Jim Wright said:
Kevin, you could not have said it better, Valpo and Lima, got my wallet stollen there but wont mention where I was when the 'incident' happned. DF81 also for me.


On 02/16/05 Vito Nicosia said:
Jay... Mitch or should I say Mr. Fincham was doing great at the MSO in Miami when I was there. I am pretty sure he left the same time I did but I can not recall where he went. I use to see him like three times a week. And he would bust my chops every time. Whaley's boat pulled in last month. We hung out. It was funny because it was Scott, Martin, and me! I couldn't believe we didn't get in any trouble. I guess we are getting old.


On02/14/05 Kevin Juergen said:
I was QM from '80 to 83' onboard the 'Polar Roller'. Checkin' in to see who's still alive from the 'Golden Shellbacks' of DF81........Couldn't be a 'lifer', stuck in Texas since summer of '83......Oh RIO/VALPO/LIMA/WELLINGTON!!!! To be young again!!!! The beach at Nome, the bars in Kodiak.........What joy!!!! Once you've served on the best, what else is there???? Keep in touch......


On02/11/05 Mark Williams said:
Our lil Bumgardner went UA in Hobart. Ended up turning himself into the Consulate after a few months and was returned to the ship, in Seattle, under escort.


On 02/04/05 TJ Turner 2 said:
Hello everyone. I was stationed on the Polar Star DF 96 and I'm looking for a few friends, Steven hurst and Olivia Logan. If anyone know how I could contact either one, please e-mail me thank you.


On02/04/05 brett lee said:
ok...someone fill me in...i remember bumgardner but what is it that he did after i got out that made him so infamous...........just gottta know


On02/03/05 Jay Fuller said:
where is Mick Fincham?


On01/26/05 Ray Murry said:
Great to see so many familiar names and the fact that everyone is doing so well. It is hard to accept that a decade has past since we went south. I have a private law practice in Louisiana and have thoroughly enjoyed retirement thus far. For those of you that might need a place to crash during Mardi Gras, drop me a line. I dont believe that any of us will ever understand the complexity of the man and legend of Jesse Baumgartner.


On01/15/05 Lesliam Rodriguez said:
I want to know about Drew T. Sinclair


On01/13/05 Eric and Marie Highland said:
Update number 47: Marie and I are finally leaving Corpus Christi and headed to St. Petersburg, Florida. I'm going to PSU 307 as one of 6 active duty members of the unit. I found out I'm making Chief... God help the Coast Guard. Marie is doing well, she is working out as always and keeping herself busy with our kids. She says hi to all our ol' shipmates. Our kids are growing up fast and we are working diligently on number five. ~winks~ ANYWAY... Corpus was a great tour, while we were here I got to realize my dream of getting involved in professional boxing promotions and have worked with everyone from pros like Oscar De La Hoya, Raul Marquez and Jesse James Leija to up and comers like Jhonny Gonzales and Clarence Vinson. Hopefully I'll be able to get involved in the fight game down in Florida too. A big hello to all our old shipmates and friends!!! ((And wow Prosser!!! What an amazing journey you have had.. enjoy the powder!))


On 01/01/05 BM3 Max Runge said:
88-92 Happy New Year to all. It neat to see all the names. I just talked a friends kid out of the Marines, after seeing the cruise books and the videos of the trips he went USCG.


On12/21/04 walsh,anna said:
looking for anybody that was or still is sationed onboard the big red polar star between2002 andnow


On12/15/04 Mark Williams said:
Glad to see that most everyone I knew aboard from '92 through '95 is doing well, both in and out of the Guard. Anyway, just wanted to say hello.


On12/14/04 Toka Knodel said:
Hey Frank.Sounds like your doing good. Kevin just got orders last week to MSST Seattle.We can't wait to get back to Washington.


On12/14/04 Vito said:
Jay it's good your doing well. Congrad's on both your girls and one on the way. Do you know if it's a boy or a girl? Wish you all a happy and safe Christmas.


On 12/13/04 EMC Frank Donze said:
It is amazing seeing all these names from the past. Jay, Erica, Bill Reavey & Toka just fto name a few. I am on the Healy now.


On12/10/04 Jay said:
sorry I haven't jumped in here for so long. I thought I would let my old shipmates know whats new with me. I now have a pair of beautiful 4 year old girls and another on the way coming April 4th. I'm living in IA, big suprise, and have been running my own small bussiness since 97'. It's awsome to see the names on this list that preceed me, I hope your all doing well and in good health. have a great Christmas and for those such as Brian&Giselle,Johnny,V,Brett,Vito and sorry if I left someone out, E-mail me sometime. Thanks for the memories


On 12/07/04 Jim Wright said:
Served in the bilges from Nov 80 through Nov 81 (Was bilge KING for a while towards end of tour), I belive our North Trip was the first time the Star came back with all three screws turning!


On11/24/04 Matt Skahill CWO-Ret said:
Served onboard Polar Star 95-98... replacing Mark Williams after he left. Despite all that happened, the Chief's Mess couldn't say enough good things about Mark's capabilities as the RMC. Despite some serious lingering personnel issues, I had my best tour ever.


On11/19/04 Louie LaRiccia said:
I'm sure I speak for all members of the Eastwind Association in sending condolences to the family and shipmates of Mark Mueller.


On11/15/04 Ann Amick said:
My condolences to the family and the crew of the USCG Polar Star for the loss of one of their own .


On11/04/04 Vito A. Nicosia said:
I hear ya brother! You need to make your way to Puerto Rico it's crazy over here. But I miss Miami that's my new home. Hope you make first brother... Make your money! I am going to sit on this job for awhile the only way I will leave is if I make warrent but I don't want to get stuck up in VA. Hit me back! vito


On11/03/04 Kurt Wilson said:
What up Vito??? I was on the Gallatin for 4+, then made my way up to ESD Buffalo. I should be making 1st soon, who knows where they will send me, hopefully NYC. I was stationed with Laro, that's my boy!!!! Crazy memories from the Star, but not a bad one at all.....


On11/03/04 vito nicosia said:
Kurt? You still in? Lasy I heard from you you were on the Dallas with Largo. I think that's that was your boat... Bumgardner!?! That was a crazy kid! I wonder if he thought it was worth it. I must admit that boat has some crazy stories... Well all boats do but I never want to go back.... The polar roller was a lot better then that 270 the 'white needle of death!', cgc cletis..... you can tell i miss that place...


On10/25/04 Kurt Wilson said:
The legend of J Bumgardner.....I remember it well......onboard '93-'95 by far my favorite unit.


On10/13/04 YN1 DONOVAN said:
Yes I am a YN1 but was a YN2 on the STAR.


On10/13/04 YN2 DONOVAN said:
Am at PSC (MAS) in Topeka doing auditing pay cases which makes some people happy and others not. Had some goods times on the STAR and some bad. Am going to retire in November 2004 and maybe get a Auditing job in Topeka as a civilian. I wish everyone well who I served with.


On09/30/04 Mike Foley said:
Hello Dan Berg...nice to see another ole' plankowner still upright. I just finished a quick 2 year return to active duty on the CHASE, following 911. Returned to retirement in May and took the summer off...good plan. Back to work now in a security management position related to MTSA, etc., etc. Great to see your name. Still wishing we could bring that Plankowner crew back together for a 3 day'r or something...lot of the old places are gone and the ship's have changed alot...but I still drive by them for a little nostalgia fix. Take care...oh, and ...screw the History Channel...I'm not ready to blow away with the sands of time yet....'Life Ain't Easy on Big Red' DF77.


On09/24/04 Rob Schumann said:
Just got off the Big Red Sled (DF2004)... it was wierd being back after so many years. AVDET is the way to go South though...! Had to straighten a few people out on the legend of J Bumgardner...


On09/22/04 Bill Waite said:
Hi all Polar Star shipmates. Is there a reunun comeing up again this yr.? I would like to see some old familrur faces. I saw Toka in Astoria and thought I saw a gost walking down the st. Good to see ya Toka. Hi stumpy , it was good to see you to. Well Big red 10 will live on forever in my mind, thanks to you all. By for now, Wild Bill


On09/13/04 Vito Nicosia said:
What's up tree? How is everyone doing? MCPO Potvin is probably mad at me. Never got a chance to BBQ because USCGC Cletis always kept me busy and I'm in Puerto Rico now. I have a really good job at TAFT. I see Martin Trembly everyday and he is doing well. Marty told me Whaley's boat pulled in the other day but I didn't get a chance to go over and say hi. Oh yeah PR is terrible stay away. Wait a minute none of you guys are ET's! I love this place more than Florida. How is that possible. take care.... vito


On08/20/04 James Stanbro said:
I sailed on the Northwind between '75 and '77 ....... For a number of years I've been thinking of going back to visit these great places. I just found a terrific deal on cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica. Celebrity Cruises has a polar class Russian icebreaker on a 13 day cruise to the Arctic (on 9/4) and 11 day cruises to Antarctica (on 10/25 and 11/6). I've shopped prices and these cruises look like a great deal. Since the cruises take place soon it looks like Celebrity is offering last minute deals. The price is roughly $5,000 per person (includes all food, drinks, excursions, etc.). Similar cruises with other companies go for about twice that amout. The icebreaker has zodiacs for exploring and even two helicopters that take passengers out to view the area. I got this information from Celebrity's website (www.celebrity.com). I called the number they show (866-973-8466) to get the price information. Anyway, I'm seriously considering taking one of these cruises and thought I'd pass the information on to those of you who may be interested too.


On08/07/04 Mike Prosser said:
Holy Crap!! I thought all those twisted memories from DF95&96 were just a hazy blur! I somehow found this page today while showing someone the difference between a boat and a ship... anywho, it's pretty cool to see that so many of you keep in touch. That was an eye opening experience for us newbies in the Coast Guard. I for one am so VERY done with the military, been sent through the ringer and came out as far ahead as I would ever get. After the pig, went to the 44's of Gray's Harbor, and finished Active Duty after 4. Went right into the reserves with PSU 311 in