OLD Reunion Hall Table for:
LORSTA Kure Island
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On 01/30/08 Geoff Kaiser
said:
I was a HM2 on Kure during 1969. Big events I recall were: beached whale attracting lots
of sharks; finding unexploded ASW bombs in lagoon that Navy from Pearl came and exploded - - shook
whole island; National Geographic visiting and including me in a book on Hawaii; helping Smithsonian
biologists tag Frigate birds; scuba diving with Navy divers outside the reef; Doug Allen (EM2) and I
along with a Smithsonian biologist (Tom __) being chased ashore from outside the reef by a curious
Galapagos shark; missing seeing the first luner landing; finding an unblemished 42 inch glass ball;
a mid-stay vacation to Okinawa and Tokyo; winter surf that sent a spray mist clear across the
island; and being coerced into being the island's barber for most of the year.
On 01/14/08 Vince Alber
said:
Just thought I'd check back with an e-mail change . snowedinn@lakefield.net I was
a Reef Tramp 71-72 would enjoy hearing from any of the guys.
On 12/27/07 CWO4 Bill Perkins
said:
Hello all. I am having my retirement ceremony on 7 March 2008. I will retire with 30 active
years of faithful service. My retirement ceremony will be held in St Louis, MO
On 11/22/07 Brian Cranmer
said:
Hello Reef Tramps –
I’d like to invite you to stop by a new web site just for Reef Tramps - http://reeftramps.com ,
sign up for a free login and share your stories and photos with other Reef Tramps. Please let me
know any suggestions you may have to improve/add to the site.
Why am I doing this? Probably because I spent too much time around gooney birds ;-)
Have fun -
Brian Cranmer
Kure – Dec 72- Dec 73
On 11/04/07 Tom Whissel
said:
E-Mail Update Mar 88 - Mar 89
On 09/11/07 Roy B. Williams
said:
Im updating my email.Frenchy! Please forgive me for not calling you lately,Im a airhead!!
Also a new Grandfather.lets stay in touch,eh?!
On 03/31/07 Phil Platter
said:
Were you ever stationed at LORSTA Carolina Beach? Checkout 'Reunion News' for 6/2/07
reunion
On 02/25/07 Gail Collins Marsh
said:
Hi! Just updating my email address which is gcm89@aol.com. Anyone there between 12/81 -
12/82 drop me a note and say hello sometime!
On 02/19/07 Edward M.Hill
said:
Kure was an experiance that only one who spent a year there can really appreciate. I was
there from May of 75 to May 76. I still have the glass balls and macremae nets I made while there.
Anyone remember the beach buggy? I've often wondered through the years about Sigmund the dog. I
would jog the beaches around the island and he was my running partner. I can still hear in my mind
the sound of the plam fronds clacking and rustling together in the wind outside the window of my
room. Kure was definitely a place of peace quiet, yet also a place of extremes. On my flight over
from Midway the helo engine blew an oil line and sprayed me with hot hydraulic oil. As soon as we
landed the island corpsman (Gonski I think ) started patching me up at the same time the #1
generator dropped a valve and quit, everyone went into panic mode. After all that in my first hour
on the island I was saying to myself that this is going to be a real adventure for a year. looking
back it sure had it's moments. Derek Bratton and Ronnie Pagtalonia if your still out there put a
note on the board. Pete ONeal and Curt I still remember you. Curt you still trying to do that old
backwoods bluegrass dance step you showed off in the messdeck ? I didn't get a picture of the island
while there, so anyone with an aerial photo circa middle 70's I would appreciate a copy.
On 01/08/07 Garry Armstrong
said:
Hi all! Just checking back in with you to see if anyone else from the early 70's is
around. Just saw a message from Dennis Poteete who was there with me and I was hoping to hook up
with more of the Reef Rats from back then. I was Stationed there '72-'73 as an ET. Worked mainly on
AN/FPN-42 transmitters and even climbed the tower, twice. Loved the place. Learned more about myself
that year than any year of my life. Looking for anyone else who may have been there at that time.
Remember Bridget and Honey?
On 11/21/06 Dennis Poteete
said:
11/71-11/72 Kure was a great experience! What an island!! I always wondered what it
would be like with women on the island. Did they tame it any? I really miss it sometimes, and
would love to be able to visit the island. We were a close-knit group of guys and knew we had to
depend on each other.
On 11/10/06 Don Larrabee (DJ)
said:
Hey guys and gals: If you were stationed there January 1986 I can E-mail you a copy of
FORE Magazine. There a nice write up of the Island and some good pictures the the crew. There's a
nice shot of Miss Lee in front of the Kure Island sign. Drop me an E-mail.
On 10/22/06 Gene Lewis
said:
email address update - on Kure 73-74
On 09/07/06 Pete ONeal
said:
oops -- wrong e-mail -- thats the old one -- this one works!
On 09/07/06 Pete ONeal
said:
Ahhhhh......the good ol' days of Kure -- had a blast, Sigmund P. Freud, Hui Maru ran
aground, rebuilt both 42s -- Doc's place, 'Blurry' -- Curt Watson where are you?
On 09/04/06 John Powers
said:
I was on Kure Island January 67 thru October 67. Have some pics taken while there. But
if anyone has more would like to see them
On 08/24/06 LCDR Mark
Hudson
said:
If anyone out there has, or know of someone who has old tech manuals and schematics for the
AN/FPN-30 Timer, AN/FPN-T325 Transmitter, and the AN/FPN-1700 Amplifier, please let me know. It
seems as this piece of history has been lost forever if we don't find a copy of it and get it into
the right hands for preservation.
On 08/23/06 Fred Hunke CWO4(ENG)
RET
said:
On Kure 67-68. Would love to hear from my fellow reef tramps. How about it Phil Connell,
Jim Bolling, Bob Buwalda , Bruce Bachoffer,and the rest of the reef rats!
On 05/25/06 whitt
said:
hello, im and i am going to go 2 reunion with my mum soon because she wants me 2 see the
watersports laugh out loud!!! i am really excited about going because i need 2 top up my tan
On 04/27/06 R. Kyle Adams ETCS ret
said:
ETC 89-90. Mike you must have as many VHS tape as you have glass balls. It was alot
better then Marcus Island, but still an Island. Living in Thailand in the hills far from water.
On 04/07/06 John Van Houten
said:
All ex-Reef Rats should tune in to PBS and watch the 2 hour documentary 'Voyage to Kure'
with Jean-Michel Cousteau. It will bring back some great memories. They also make a stop at French
Frigate Shoals. Some of our buddies went there too. Check out the website:
www.pbs.org/oceanadventures There's a great deal of information there as well as some cool
screensavers and wallpapers. Enjoy! John Van Houten, ET, Kure 74/75
On
03/19/06 Frank Klimas
said:
Well, for me it was the goonie birds that attracted me to the place. That, and the two
beer-a-day limit. I was an ET3 out there from 90 to 91 with AJ, Matt Story, Mike Hammond, 'Punky
Brewster,' Emmit T, Doc Chamness, Steve Hargis, Mr Hazley, Mr Milbry, Mr Nichols, Mr Van Atta, and
all the lobsters. I miss the peace and quiet of the place, and there was plenty of time for a
movie. I never read more books or been sunburned so many times. I've haven't eaten lobster much
since leaving there. The tails you get in the world don't compare to the ones you found in Kure
Atoll. I'm a captain in the Air Force now and everyone I tell about Kure can't believe it really
existed. Isolated duty in the Air Force still comes with a golf course. Nobody in the Air Force
gets it. I remember climbing that 625 foot tower, transmitter alarms at ALL hours, filling out the
stupid LORAN log, babysitting the timers and clocks, SELCALLs that scared the crap out of me,
scratchy HF phone patches, and clearing the scavies with a machette. Hard work, but worth it.
On 01/28/06 Jack Mull
said:
On Kure 62-63. New E-mail JMPSOPF@msn.com. Would like to hear from any one on Kure with
me. Semper Paratus
On 01/16/06 Bob (ragman) Greer
said:
and now for the rest of the story .......................... KURE 85-86-87
On 12/10/05 Max Bigelow
said:
I was sent to Kure right out of bootcamp. I was there 11-70 to 11-71. I see quite a few
names here I remember. Griffin, Blain, Alber, Dick 'Archie', what a year that was.
On 12/08/05 Peter Pindak
said:
Greetings to Mike Hassall! Please write to me, I have picture postcard of Kure Atoll for
you.
On 12/02/05 Jessica
said:
Hey guys do any of you remember Pat Armitage or Eric Dayton? They were friends of mine we
were stationed in Hawaii and they went TAD to Kure...yeah I am sure it was Kure...
On 11/19/05 Jack H. Donahue
said:
Were any of you stationed with my father, Jack J. Donahue? He was a Chief stationed out on
Kure in the mid-80's. He always has little anecdotes about the guys he was with, and I thought it
would be cool to see if anybody knew him.
On 10/20/05 SS3 Michael
HuycK
said:
Just an email update
On 09/20/05 Dudley Johnston
said:
I was an Air Force captain on temporary duty at Midway late '65 til early '66. Bummed a
ride over to Kure one day just for a look-see. The Navy had 2 trips a week in the Albatross (Thur &
Sun) The Sunday trip included a chaplin so he could conduct services on Kure. Found 2 fishballs
which I still have. Couldn't find any on Midway. Too much competition. Anyway, just wanted to put my
2 bits in about a place I'm glad I got to visit. I still have my 8mm movies I took there
On 08/31/05 Michael Anthony
said:
I looked up Kure Island to show a bit of history to my family, and found the reunion site.
If memory serves me.... At that time, personnel included Frank Rizzo, Tom Stark, and BMCM
Richard Saito; Gary was the Corpsman (after Bob Blain), Dennis Poteete was the yeoman (strike
position, he was a seaman....); Joel Greenberg was CO, followed by the next skipper, Robert Hoyt,
who made Lt. while on the island; and his XO, CWO2 Carmen (no last name, been 34 years....).
Menendez (I think) was the cook (good one, too). The chief snipe was Ralph (Waite ?), and he left in
April, 72..... That was when I quit drinking! Stephen (no last name) was a snipe striker from
Portland, OR, area. I was a 'Reef Tramp' there from 11/71 to 11/72 (skinny kid, went by Mike at
that time). I made seaman while on the island, but Saito was on leave, and Lt. Hoyt promoted me.
Chief Saito is probably still angry about that. I left Kure to Corpsman school at Balboa Naval
Hospital in San Diego. I served at the USCG Airsta Astoria and on temporarily on the Tupelo
following Kure, out in 1974. I do remember Bridget and Honey..... So, it's been 34 years....
hope you've been well! I am amazed at what one can find on Google....
On 08/12/05 Pat Marshall
said:
Tom Anderson, wow, you were a great shipmate to me, still in, Kure was a great time for me,
e-mail me.
On 04/29/05 Marc Lebeau
said:
MK ('85-86). It's nice to see so many familar names chiming in. Matt Coombs, good to hear
from you. John Gore, like wise (Kure was a lit more fun than Sherman, don't you think?) Larrabee
(DJ), get a real job and stop scaring little children! Gwen, Congrats on retirement: You & Jesse
secretly tested my will-power on a daily basis. I was stronger from the workout. It was good to
sail with you on MELLON years later. I ran into Miss Lee some years back in Seattle and she was
doing fine. Jan's now the PACAREA Admin Assistant, and I missed seeing her on my last trip there.
Hopefully, next trip. I remember SN Nielsen, but never knew he hated it while there - same for DJ.
Pogi and Stanley kept me on my toes, but it was all good. Not sure what happened to D. TEVES, but I
have my thoughts. Howdy to Glenn Martineau: Thanks for leaving the place in good shape. Bob Greer,
you grissly 'ol beach bum, I hope I can drag your butt out for a beer in Seattle soon. Laura G, D.
Harris, and Don H: You guys were my 'twidget' heros. Blink. Mike S. was a good skipper and friend,
thanks. I ran into Charlie K. (Code name: Secret Squirrel) in St. Paul, AK some years back. Had
some concerns about all the firearms laying around, but he was the same jolly guy. Eddy Arnold,
Where have you gone? I'll try to visit more often. Mahalo!
On 04/21/05
Smitty
said:
I was there from 12/71 to 6/72 as a fresh outta-boot-camp, 18 year old SA. The BMC (Sato?)
said I couldn't make SN until I served aboard ship. Oh well. I got the last laugh as the CO wrote a
nice recommendation for me to go to ET school and I got Plucked off 5 months early. They were hard
up for Twigits at the time. I wound up being a LORSTA ET the rest of my enlistment serving on Kauai
& Angaur. It's great to read some of these stories. Glass balls were like gold. The Navy crews would
trade booze like crazy for them. I still have a few (balls that is). The names I remember are Bob
Nolan, Ted, Starky, Rizzo & Frank. Can't remember their last names. Too much boozing on Kure I
Guess.
On 04/16/05 Tom Anderson
said:
'Dont surf 17' cg Bostonwhalers'. Hey gang I was the last EO on Kure Island 91-92. It was
the best duty station and buy far the best crew I had the pleasure to serve with in my 20 year
carear. There is no better group to be stationed with. I didnot say it much , but THANKS for
everything. Keep in touch.
On 02/20/05 SS2{onKure} Ron Berry
said:
Served on Kurre from 12/86 to 12/87 . Worked with Dave Lamberson, and took over galley and
beer/ soda mess after He left. No wonder I always do My own taxes. Cheated so much on the beer, We
could make anything work. Fished alot with LT Shene, and MKC Patrick. Looking back now, would pay
for a year that relaxing!!!!! Still keep in touch with Andy Woodard and Chief Patrick. Anyone
else.....drop a line.
On 02/13/05 Jeffrey A. Bond
said:
Hi Guys, SK3 Coast Guard Rep./Kure Is. 1973-73. Just reminiscing, flew to Kure 2xs a wk.
Took care of all logistics and personal wants & needs. Looking at list - remembered two different
C.O's - one was Nodine. Remembered bringing Navy Guys over to Kuri Island just for the great
lunches, and bringing guys from Kuri to Midway for some R/R. Not much time between flights to
enjoy the island. Best time spent was on Coast Guard Days Anniv., snorkeled all day. Would love to
have some pictures, will pay for expenses. Didn't think so then, but it was the greatest time of my
life. While on Midway was very much into the sports, I continue to work out at age 51, married just
over 25 yrs. no children, I'm a Road Supt, and I'm into Collectables (toys and Bicycles) Jeff Bond -
2508 W. 8th St. - Ashtabula, OH 44004.
On 01/31/05 Tom Whissel
said:
ET2 and head bartender from Mar88 - Mar89. It was a unique place.
On
11/19/04 John Griffin
said:
I was on Kure Island (HM2) from Jan '70- Jan '71. We did lots of snorkeling all over the
lagoon and even dove at the old sunken ship outside the reef. A tsunami?/storm? was suppose to come
'bury the island' and they couldn't get us off; it never came so we 'rode some of the waves from a
little storm. Lots of longusta cooked on the beach ... ummmm. The tower (LORAN) was shut down for a
couple of weeks for upkeep; some of us climbed it (625'.) We could go visit Midway Island on the
weekend every so often (I did 3 times,) and could even 'catch a ride to Honolulu through Midway'
one time. Yes, it's a keeper of an experience. I live in Alaska and still ride the ocean (kayak.)
On 10/23/04 Greg Lambert
said:
Does any one that was staioned there have any pictures of the place, I was almost stationed
there back in 1980 (right out of boot) call me crazy at the time but it was near HI and I love the
ocean. Did not know it is no longer manned. But if any one has pictures, I would love to see them.
The station or the island itself. History about me, go to www.military.com and then look for my name
in the Coast Guard section, it's all there. Thanks for reading this
On
09/25/04 Pat Armitage
said:
I was stationed on Kure from 6/88-6/89 as a non-rate. At the time, I was like 'what the
hell is this place' when I was sent there from base Honolulu. (Boy was base Hono fun for an 18 yo)
Anyway, looking back I had a great time and was glad I spent a tour out there with the exception of
not seeing a female for a year. I found this site on accident and was able to find 3 people I was
stationed with that have posted on this site.
On 06/11/04 Jan
said:
Does anyone know where EM2 Cliff Parks from '80-'81 is?
On
04/29/04 charles akin
said:
i was second sk assigned to kure this was 9/61-9/62.stayed on midway flew to kure each
thurs on supply flight(navy gruman albtross) tour was still considered isolated although at that
time approx 5,000 naval personnel & dependents on midway.i would have much preferred to stay on
kure as being the only coastie on midway presented its own difficulties.kure co's during my tour
were ltjg kw bates, his relief dm mccann.others i recall em1 cleve thornberry, hm1 chas williams
On 03/24/04 Donny
said:
Donny Rye at kure 78 79 have lots of pictures to exchange call me 800 945 0065
On 03/22/04 Donn Bellows
said:
Gosh! A website for Kure Island.I was there from Feb 69 to April 70.Stayed an extra 60
days. I know it sounds crazy but I liked the place and did not want to come back to CT in the middle
of winter.I remember Geoff KaiserHM2,Felex ShalatyET2,Fred Brown EN,ENC Deese,EMC Smith,I can
remember faces and names but having a hard time matching the up.I remember the countless night walks
around the island looking for the glass Japanese Fishballs.The Sunday afternoons Water Skiing,and
drinking a few cool ones down at the shack on the beach.I was never uch of a jock but boy those
volley ball games after dinner at night were really great. It was a great way to keep everyone on an
even keel. Occassionaly at work I think of those fourteen months on Kure Island and wish I could
return there for a few weeksI would appreciate hearing from anyone that experienced Kure Island.
On 03/08/04 Jack Mull
said:
03/07/04 Jack Mull (mulljm_jm@msn.com)was on Kure 1962-63. RM-2-RM-1. k7wtl Op. KH6EDY.
would like to hear from anyone from that time. Mike Thomas or David Glenn give me a call.
On 03/02/04 Gene Lewis
said:
Good Lord! Imagine my surprise at stumbling onto a website full of remembrances of Kure
Island. Of all the names and dates I see here I can only identify with one bit of info and that
was posted by Dennis Olvany. Apparently he and I were on Kure at the same time, although I do not
recognize that name, which seems odd (how can you NOT know someone when there's an island population
of 20??!!) In order to lay the groundwork for how I came to be on Kure Island on a tour of duty, I
need to mention an earlier event in my life. I was in the Navy from July 1967 to July 1971 and was
stationed at the Navy Submarine Base in Pearl Harbor. During that time myself and a ham radio
friend of mine (USMC Staff Sergeant Don Chilcote) staged a ham radio expedition to Kure in
November of 1969. We spent 1 week on Kure. A couple of years after I got out of the Navy I started
thinking about how rare and in demand Kure still was to ham radio operators around the world. I
called up the Coast Guard Recruiter and told him that if they'd enlist me in the Coast Guard as an
Electronics Technician and would cut me orders for Kure Island, I'd enlist. He thought I was crazy
for asking for such isolated duty and said the Commandant of the Coast Guard thought likewise but he
was instructed to give me the physical and written test and, if I passed those, I'd be enlisted
under the terms. So, On January 30, 1973, I enlisted in the Coast Guard and went to Governor's
Island for LORAN training. I can not remember the exact dates of arrival and departure from Kure, I
only know that it would have been within the time frame of the last half of 1973 and the first half
of 1974. With the 1 year tour of duty I was able to accomplish what I set out to do, hand out a ham
radio contact with Kure Island to a lot of radio operators all over the world. I was also a 'link
to the outside world' in that I ran many phone patches for my fellow 'Reef Tramps' to their loved
ones back home. I still have a couple of the coffee cups and at one time had a lighter or two but
haven't seen them in a long time so don't know where they are. Having read all of you recounting
your memories is causing me to have a major flashback at this moment. I recognized every single
name that Dennis Olvany mentioned. Yes, Zoomie (Zoomsmeyer) that ran the Port of Bandon was ex-Air
Force as I recall. I remember 'Doc' Vandemeer for two things, he taught me that it was prounced
'redding' not 'reading' pennsylvania :) and he also doled out some seriously butt-kicking medicine
for me when my neck muscles were giving me trouble and got me cured. I remember trimming Bill
Lusk's beard for him, (never was quite sure how I ended up being the island's resident barber)
and he remarked that it was quite a bit shorter than he had intended :) I recall a huge log washing
up on the shore down near our 'party shack' close to the pier and Moe Syrstad was cutting mahogany
slices off it and making beautiful tables. I remember the fierce competition collecting the
japanese fish floats. It seemed like it never failed that if you had the watchstander wake you up
to go check the beach at 4:30 you'd get there to find out that someone else had gotten up at 4:15
and had aced you out. I remember our having a luau down at the party shack one time, complete with
a whole pig flown in from Hawaii for the occasion. It was at this gathering that Lt. Brian Nodine
was sitting on one of the picnic table benches and he looked down and there was a baby pot plant
growing in the sand right between his feet. I also recall that somebody decided to go put the
pig's head after the cookout in bed with the ET chief, don't remember his name. Needless to say,
he wasn't thrilled about waking up with a pig's head in bed with him. Reminiscent of the horse head
in The Godfather. I have gotten rid of most of the glass balls, however I still to this day have
one of the macrame' nets with several of the balls inside it hanging in my house (the bosun's
mate chief taught me the knotting technique, don't remember his name) I of course remember the
wildlife (monk seals, goonie birds, frigates, sooty ,noddy and fairy terns, I remember one species
of bird everyone called 'moaning birds'. I remember climbing up on top of the barracks one day and
lying in the sun and getting a little too much exposure resulting in a roasted wienie :) I
also recall walking along the east beach one day nude and passing one of the chief's strolling the
beach in the other direction. What to do but act like there was nothing out of the ordinary about
the encounter? I recall both dogs named Bridget and Honey. I remember buying a waterbed from one
of the guys shipping out (Bellona?) and I inherited Honey as a bunkmate. Both dogs were very nice
and 'good medicine' in such a remote environment.. I did not hear anyone mention the canaries.
Does ANYone else remember that handful of canaries that lived in the coconut trees growing in the
yard right out in front of the barracks? I very well remember our occasional 'rat kills' I don't
recall our ever using any 'real' weapons but I know some people used BB/pellet guns and I recall a
couple of us seeing how far we could drive some of the rats with a 9-iron. Sounds cruel but it
sure was a good stress-reliever. One thing I haven't seen anyone mention is the 'chopper'. A navy
pilot had landed it on Sand Island one day when they were coming over to Green Island so that a
crewman could jump out and grab some of the glass balls. Unfortunately for this pilot, he landed on
the beach area rather than the interior of the sand bar and the tide action washed sand in around
his runners. When he attempted to take off it caused the helicopter to crash. The Navy ended up
abandoning the helicopter and it sat there for years being slowly dismantled by wave action. I know
someone also mentioned the big 'feed' when the dead whale washed up and brought hundreds of sharks
up to the bloody water around the whale. That event had already happened when I got there but I
recall one of the guys on the island showing me pictures he took during the feeding frenzy. I seem
to also recall that one of the guys told me that they were cutting chunks of meat off the whale and
putting it on one of the jeep's winch hooks and throwing it out into the water and then they'd back
the jeep up and drag the shark out on the beach when they saw the line go tight. Someone else might
know more about this. Another name that came to my mind is a seaman named Bobadilla. I recall his
having a very nice LED-type digital watch that I persuaded him into selling to me. Let's see,
rack the brain, names....'Bud' the cook...Ned Niedringhaus, Sam Hosford...time and distance has
dimmed my recall of a lot of names. I think that if I were to dig out my pictures of Kure other
names would come back to me. When I left Kure I went to CG LORAN Station Sylt, Germany. Ended up
marrying a German woman and was married to her for 25 years. Now divorced. We have a daughter 22,
son 19, daughter 16. I finished up my CG enlistment at Electronics Repair Shop, St. Petersburg,
Florida in January 1977. I've worn a number of hats in civilian life but most of it has been
spent in the broadcast and telecommunications industry. I was an engineer in TV broadcast for
around 20 years but have been with AT&T the past 5 years. I guess I've gone on long enough for
this time but I'd love hearing from anyone about Kure. And if there are people out there who
would be interested in some pictures and such, I would be happy to scan and send them. I even have
pictures taken from the top of the 625 foot tower. Oh, one more thing I HAVE to mention before
signing off...one evening a bunch of us were sitting on the mess deck watching a movie and suddenly
the lights came on and the C.O. (Nodine) said that he and 2 other guys were out swimming near the
reef on the east edge and the undertow took one of the guys outside the reef. It was a guy from
California, I remember. Anyway, we contacted Midway and they scrambled a helicopter and came over
and sent a rescuer and a rescue line down in to the water to pull this guy to safety. They took him
to Midway, seems like they kept him overnight, and brought him back the next day. He, of course,
exceedingly grateful for having lived through the ordeal and not having become the main dish on the
sharks' menu. OK, enough. Would be delighted to hear from ANYone having familiarity with Kure...My
best wishes to you all...Gene
On 02/23/04 John Larned
said:
Hey Guys from '74-'75 who else is checking in here? Drop me a line- where is Steve
Hudson?
On 02/12/04 Nick Nielsen
said:
I was on Kure 11/85-11/86. Hi Dave Lamberson, And Larabee. Dave, Chicago sucks!! I have
been living in Naperville 9 years now. Tough on a farm kid living in a city. I see a lot of people
have the same kind of memories of this place. I still have a lot of them. Including seeing Jan
Freeman out in the sun. Thought it was a seal at first. I still also have some really bad memories
also. That place really can bring out the worst of people. Funny no notes from Poegi or Stanley
(remember he was put on anti-buse by Lee?)
On 02/09/04 Bob Blain
said:
Was at Kure 2/71-2/72, HM3, wouldn't trade that year for anything, but wouldn't do it
again. Email me if you were there. thanks
On 01/21/04 Gary Case
said:
I was the last full tour cook, 91-92, had agreat time looking back on it. Met some great
people. Still hauling around my glass balls. People love the pictures that I have
On 01/16/04 Andy Mongelluzzo
said:
Im looking for the guy's I hung with during my stay on KURE(JAN.77-FEB.78).I like to find
Dave Sweet(ET),Bob Clark(ET)'DOC'(CORMAN). We all recived a Unit Accomedation Metal for setting
the 'on air performance record'. I'LL never forget Christmas eve and water skiing christmas
day!Remember the time when the Chaplin from Midway brought over some girls to 'visit' and later that
night the chopper had to come back and rescue them because we all got drunk and the girls left us
at 10pm,and went back to the chiefs quaters? we got so pissed and started banging on the chiefs
door for the girls to come out?I miss that place sometimes!
On 12/19/03
Vince Alber
said:
I did my time 71-72 EM2 I've said many a time, I'd like to go back for a swim and some
beach time. Maybe a little rat hunting with an M=16. I'd like to hear from any of you guys. I've
been toting those glass balls around for thirty years now, and still have a stereo and a Reef
Tramps Zippo lighter.
On 12/16/03 Mike Hassall
said:
New posting (DEC 03) - Was the last XO/STO at Kure. Beautiful place. Absolutely
magnificent crew. Will never forget the day the tower came down...
On
12/02/03 David Lamberson
said:
I was stationed there in 86-87. came there as a SS3 made SS2 and filled Joy MacNamaras
billit when she left. What a great duty assignment! Shame the Lorsta systems are gone now. I ran
the 'Beer and Soda mess' when we moved it from the messdeck to its own space and made a little club
in the passage way. Man we sold a lot of beer by doctor'in up the books! remember the two beer
limit? I would love to go back there and spend a week or two. I guess its just a wildlife perserve
now. If anyone remembers me drop me a line and say hello. later.
On
11/11/03 Don Larrabee
said:
I was stationed there '85-86'
On 11/11/03 Don Larrabee
said:
I see a couple of names I remember from Kure '' You like it here don't you?'' If you
remember DJ drop an E-mail. It would be nice to hear from you
On
10/03/03 Matthew Story
said:
On the Island '90-91and had a blast. Could not believe that paradise existed without the
worries of real life to drag us down. Worked our butts off, but enjoyed the down time 'buggin' and
fishing. Station is closed now but would love to go back out and see all the memories again.
Looking at a pic now of the 64 lobsters John Esslinger and the Chief and I caught. What fun. AJ,
hope all is well.
On 09/30/03 Garry Armstrong
said:
I've been away for a while and my email address has changed. Anyone from Kure '72-73',
please give me a yell at wgarm@comcast.net
On 09/05/03 Mike Polinski
(Ski)
said:
Hey guys, never figured I would ever see these names again. Christine, Jack , Mike
Robinson, Rich Cutler, John, Jan, Gail, & Dennis just to name a few . I was their from 82-83 and
went to the Sass to work with Chief 'Cam' Camarino. Worked with Tim Sagrue in Baltimore after a
tour on the Atlantic Strike Team. Retired on 01/01/00. I too have my collection on Fish Balls and
the Old Lady complained about them until she saw one of those home decorating shows and realized how
much people were paying for them and put them to good use.......;-} Have a good one and hope to hear
from some of ya. Ski
On 08/18/03 Chris Johnson
said:
I was an Aviation SAR aircrewman stationed in Barbers Point, Hawaii from 80-83. I
remember our bi-monthly flights out to resupply Kure. The birds were hell on the engines. I
wondered alot how a person can be stationed for a year on such a small island. I have a question
for the Coasties that were stationed out there. We did not fly any beer to the Island. Did they
unban alcohol after I got out. Well, loved the comments. It brought back old memories
On 08/03/03 Christine Belanger Grzyb
said:
Was on Kure from 82-83. What a year...what a year. I now realize that sometimes you need
to overlook what some people think is the best for you. I arrived fresh out of bootcamp.
Dumped on this island after a nine hour SAR flight 50 feet above the ocean. Air sick to the point I
was so worried about throwing up I bi passed saluting the Co to throw up in the scavioli....Walked
in the mess deck, met a friend I was in boot camp with and looked over to see DC GRZYB...I told my
friend that I was in trouble. I was going to marry that guy. It could of been heaven on earth, but
no fratanazation...Hum...Well 21 years have passed, and what I wouldn't do to get out to that island
for some R & R. Grzyb and I have been married for 20 years. To think that is where it all began.
Gee someone could write a good book about that. Serriously, what a blast...I learned to Cook, and
Paint (due to extra hours)stand engine room watches, survive mid watch and the haunting from the
crew from the Ship reck...Anyone have the engine room door open with no aid? I learned sailing,
water skiing, Lobstering, deep sea fishing, was there where a fishing boat took us out for a day of
Tuna and Hammer Head sharp fishing. Helped refuel USS Merchant Ship that came out. Got a page 7 for
that. Had the corman cut his hand open and rip the tendion while drinking and playing poker, shhh.
Rat Roastings on Friday night. Dancing on Plywood fires. Partying and watching the crew passout
under the picnic tables. The flood on 82 was pretty cool. The island had the ocean cut across in
the center. 3 1/2 deep in some low places. New Years on Kure was the coolest. To know that we
were the last Americans to celebrate the day was pretty neat. The Loster bake and Fireworks were
awesome. How about the attempted plot to take out the command, ( remember the arrows in the boxes)
someone actually thought that was some how a practice attempt to take out the CO and XO. See what
bordom can do to the brain, or was that the way the brain thinks after a 80 cases of beer in one
weekend? I am sure that beer shooter wasn't a good idea, but hey we learned that you can shoot a
beer in 28 seconds. Helps it go down if you hate the taste. Still have glass balls, I built a
huge bathroom with a jacuzzi, just so I would have a place to put my balls. Now If I could just get
the kids to stop touching them. I sure wish that we could all go out to Kure for a week....anyone
want to swim.....hahahah Hope that I hear from some of you. Jack and I can be reached threw my
email... Thanks for all the stress...It was worth not listening, I was right after All. The
warpig wasn't right, Dale called us in 91 and wanted Jack and me to sell amway with him, Gee NOT!
Not after all that happened with his aid. Long___long story. Anyone else getting tested by the
command? 60 mins would of fried them. Hey I heard that Midway Island opened a few hotels...but
they didn't stay open long... I still love Lobster, but King Crab is now my favorite. Jack and I
have a B&B in Alaska. Anyone passing threw, just look us up. Were the only Grzyb in the phone
book.
On 03/21/03 Matt Coombs
said:
Aloha fellow Dark siders, I have sad new. broke my last Christmas in paradise glass.
Hope all is well out there and yes I miss the place. Don, Jan, Laura, Gwen, Glen, Marc. It was a
unique place. My favorite phrase I use till this day is that the biggest decision of the day was
what color flip flops to wear and do you go clockwise around the island or counterclockwise? : )
Cheers! Gwen hear from Jessy Tierney/?
On 02/01/03 Bill Ferrary
said:
Kure Jan 1970 - Jan 1971. In rummaging through some of my stuff last month I found the
short timers badge. Yep, I got it. During my tour we decided to vote the end of both the long
timer and short timers badges. For some reason I got to keep the short timer badge. For those who
are wondering it still looks the same.
On 01/31/03 JAMES WILLIAMS
(WILLY)
said:
I WAS A STATIONED ON KURE IN 1970. I ALSO WAS A MEMBER OF ONE OF THOSE BIKE GANGS WE HAD
THERE. THERE WERE TWO GANGS THE KURE ANGLES AND THE PHANTOM FARTS. I WAS A PHANTOM FART.WE HAD A
GOOD TIME THERE .BUT I DID LEARN ONE THING I KNOW EXACTLY HOW A INMATE FEELS.
On 11/07/02 wayne lunt
said:
hi all am back on after a while off just looking to see if anyone has located rick
sandate. hi jack laufer..
On 08/29/02 Jim Bolling
said:
I was on Kure Island from May 67 - April 68. I was a seaman, pushed a broom, slung a
paint brush, stood a lot of radio watches and drank a lot of beer ! I lived in mortal fear of the
'honey dipping' brigade for the first 6 months I was there, but we never had that experience
(fortunately). Me and Oley Olson flew back to the states with the Skipper (LTJG Connell) when he
left. By the way Oley, I received the elephant ears you sent me from DisneyWorld, I never properly
thanked you. I was there with a 'helluva' crew including Dave Murphy, Gary Dewitt, Ramon Carondo,
TJ Tjemsland, A.J. Lepage, LTJG Connell(Skipper), EMC Deese, BMC Jackson, EMC Smith, Bruce
Bachoffer, Roger Johnson, Eric Renstrom (Bear), Bob Buwalda and 'Rowdy Rick Wheeler'. Flaherty if
you're still around, I want you to know that I haven't forgotten you. I still have my 'short
timer's calendar' and my autographed picture of Chris Noel. Kure Island was definitely a unique
place to spend a year. You won't recognize the name, so it might help if I add -'the Kure Island
Dumplin' (bollin_ j@bellsouth.net)
On 08/23/02 Carl L.
said:
I was on Kure (ET3/2) in 87-88. It was my last station, before going back to Civ. life.
What a great place!! We worked hard, but played hard too. We did a lot of fishing, often outside the
reef (oops, I didn't say that) ;)). We ate MANY pounds of fish and lobster. There was alot of
sharks out there. Never saw a Tiger, but lots of black and white tip reef sharks as well as
galapogas sharks. Two years before I arrived, the crew caught a 9 ft. Tiger shark at the Hui Maru #5
wreck. I'd love to get back out there for a week or 2 of fishing.
On
07/19/02 Frenchy
said:
Searching for an old shipmate. I'm looking for anyone who might have information
about a (SN) Tom Mallot. We were stationed on Kure in 1979 and after Kure I believe he left the
guard and lived on the east coast someplace. He might have taken a job with the FBI. He was from
Indiana I think. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Steve Grenier (Frenchy)
On 05/02/02 Bud Hall
said:
Had the honor(?)of serving on Kure 64-65. The last couple weeks before rotating out of
there I made up a couple thousand little notes 'Bud Hall left here on 03/15/65' and stashed them
everywhere. In spare part boxes, light fixtures, in unused rolls of TTY paper, under lose floor
tiles, spare copies of tech manuals, even in the radar tower with the monkey. You name it. In 1990
I was on the Olympic Peninsula and met a EX Kure Coasti who, when I introduced myself, exclaimed
that He was stationed there a couple years after I left and even then they were having contests to
see who could find the most 'Bud Hall' notes. I suppose if anyone were to return today they might
still find a note or two.
On 04/01/02 roy b. williams
said:
was on the dark side of the sun 78-79.anyone then remember the way we dressed up (native)
and had the change of command? the new co was'nt sure if we wanted to salute him or cook him!
On 12/06/01 Jim Hunt
said:
As an ET2 I was on the commissioning detail, arriving on Christmas day, 1960 as the 22nd
man of our 22-man crew. Under pressure from my prospective CO, I went into a total immersion study
period lasting about a week in order to get a HAM radio license prior to arriving at the station. I
succeded and became the first person ever to operate a HAM station from there (KH6EDY), talking to
people in 126 countries during my year out there. I left in September of `61 for OCS and retired in
1980 as a Commander. For the past twelve years, I've been a university professor, teaching research
methodology.
On 11/05/01 Phil Connell
said:
Was on Kure as CO (a reservist) from 4/67 to 4/68. Still think of the island often.
Definitely the most unique place I've spent much time. Highlight (lowlight) of that year was when
some capacitors blew in the transmitter causing a fire that kept us off air for a long time. Still
have glass balls hanging from trees around the back yard. Was sorry to find the place has been
abandoned, although I'm sure the birds and seals don't mind at all.
On
10/10/01 Nick Nielsen
said:
I often think, Gee, this place could be turned into a great resort with NO cell phones,
email or pagers that work can track you down to. See my past notes! I was there 11-85 to 11-86 and
took leave at the 8 month point. I really did think that there was no one on the earth except the
rats, goonies, frigates, terns, and the c130 crews. I thought the loran signal was just a test of us
and no one really used it. Just the CG to beat us up on it. I now look at the pictures and remember
the experiences there. I would love to take a month or two off and take the family there. The kids
would love it and my 7 year old daughter who picks up worms for fishing, would go nuts over the
fishing and lobster. A nice place to get away from it all for sure!!!
On
08/15/01 LT Ron Catudal, USCGR
said:
I had the honor to serve as TAD Corpsman on Kure in 84' and again in 87'. So many
terrific people in such a small place. To think that our CO's (then: Ltjg Lee and Sakahara)were only
in their mid 20's. The C130 flight from Barbers Pt carried 3 important items; the beer pallet, the
clorox pallet and the pallets themselves for firewood. A special place with alot of special
memories...even for a part timer.
On 07/15/01 Marty Kimmel
said:
Wiush to change my e-mail address to: ChiefKimmel@netscape.net
On
05/25/01 Aaron Tonissen
said:
I was stationed on Kure from September 75 to August 76. I was there when the Japanese
trawler ran aground in an extreme storm during the night. The name of the ship was the Hui Maru #5.
I still have the original ships certificate somewhere. Was involved with going to the ship and
looking for survivors. No people were ever found or reported. I was actually the first person on
the ship after if broke up during the night. I also was almost atttacked (literally about 1.5
seconds)by a Tiger Shark that was at least 17'. We were in an 18' Whaler. I was water skiing and
the driver of the boat thought it better to turn around and pick me up...the good part is that I
survived. I also have thought it would be fun to go back for a week or so. I to have lots of glass
balls in my attic and great memories. I remember 'doc' used to live in an old cabin along the
runway close to the beach. Fun times. One more thing I remember is finding old planking on the
bottom one day on the north end of the island. It actually had square nails in it so guessed that
it was from a very old shipwreck. I also have a couple of .50 cal bullets I found near the Port of
Bandon Wreck.
On 04/24/01 Nichols
said:
I was there from Feb 76 to Mar77. Both the dogs were still there. we had a mex. and a
white boy as cooks. It was the first and only time I went shark hunting and fishball. I was their
when the msg went out about the floating mine that came into the harbor. Also does Kure still have
the zippo lighter with the logo darkside of the sun w/two gooney birds?
On
03/20/01 Larry Craig
said:
Was at Kure - 11/63 to 2/64 - Remember names Seffern and Siloc from Miami, Copus was
corpsman, Samoaman cook first name Seemi, remember 'biltmore', 'Bridget' the dog, Anyone there
around that time??
On 02/28/01 Ray Erne
said:
Wayne lunt, john van-houten, john larned its old home week for 74-75 era Kureites. olympia
beer, special deliveries from 'mrs' Hudson and very loud music were the rule. Van houten--ill never
forget when Chief - bruce made you fix some stupid ham radio--he dogged you for weeks. I am finally
retireing as a LCDR after 27 years, staying in the Boston area. Kure was my first unit as new FA.
John L I am sending you an invitation for my 30 March 01 ceramony at ISC Boston--hope you can come--
It was good to talk to you last year.
On 01/24/01 Gene Anderson
FN
said:
was there 64-65,36 years have not changed the memories. Have forgotten most of the names
of those I was with, but I, like the rest of you, will never forget our tiny piece of paradise.
On 01/12/01 Pat Marshall
said:
I was on Kure in 91-92, great place, and wonderful people. I learned how to cook there,
sorry for the bad chow, but now I am an Admirals cook so I must have done something right I guess.
Thanks for the memories guys, hope to run into many of you throughout my career.
On 11/18/00 Dick
said:
Name below must have been too long and got clipped. It's Dick 'Archie' Steinbach, ET2.
Email address is my wife's, who is you might guess an elementary school teacher :)
On 11/18/00 Dick
said:
Hi Ferrary and Pufahl! I did my time from June 70 to June 71. During that tour the CG
came out with the policy that you could get a 6 month early out for doing isolated duty, or get an
extra bonus for a re-up. I took the 6 months off after another trip to Governors Island and 15
months at Jupter, FL. Kure was a great experience, I just wish I would have done it later in life -
20 is a tough age for isolation. We did lots of fun stuff, like burning a hugh peace symbol in the
runway for the benefit of those trans-Pacific flights we saw passing by. In another weak moment we
had a flour fight in the barracks. It was only about 15 lbs but I suspect folks were finding some
of that residue for years to come. As much as I enjoy the memories, I am still glad to hear that the
place is returning to a natural state for the great wildlife that inhabitat the island. We shot
hundreds and hundreds of rats with 45's (I think I still have ear damage) and now I wonder if they
are still there with no dump to feast on. Thirty years, and many of my Kure memories are more clear
than events from 5 years ago! I never read so many books in a year before or since - not even
close! (or poker for that matter)
On 10/10/00 wayne lunt
said:
hey john larned. did u ever get ahold of rick sandate?talk to u later. have not been on
for awhile
On 09/11/00 Dave Young
said:
...Was MK2 on Kure Sep 80-81. Contact me at chase_hill@hotmail.com if you want to talk.
I'm also on Global if you're active duty....
On 08/07/00 John Van
Houten
said:
Great website! Have found some old shipmates from 74/75. Let's hear from the rest of you.
Does anyone know what became of Sigmund and Missy?
On 07/27/00 wayne
lunt
said:
i have been off for a while puter crash. any new news for me?
On
07/05/00 Bill Ferrary
said:
Kure 1/70 - 1/71. I took over the Port of Bandon after Ollie gave it up. I remember
putting Schlitz on sale for $.05 a can just to get rid of the old beer. Honey used to sleep near
my rack until she dumped for a newer sailor, talk about used. Like everyone else I have tons of
stories. Some of the stuff we did was published by National Geographic. A writer for the mag.,
William Graves, visited us for two weeks supposedly doing a study on the effects of isolated duty.
He wrote a book titled 'Hawaii', Library of Congress # 75-111627. Beginning pg 191 he tells the
story of his stay. The character 'Jef Kaiser' was actually a composite of his interviews, there was
no 'Jef'. But the events he tells actually occurred. There are two other sailors at this site who
can verify the events... Terry Pufahl and Wilhelm Tauscher. One of the most dramatic events, just
before I arrived involved a feeding frenzy. A dead whale washed ashore and the sharks I understand
were literally climbing out for a bite. I heard at least 22 sharks were caught, one a 14 ft tiger.
Unfortunately for the sharks, back then they were not thought of too highly. On a lighter note we
did some really crazy stuff. We had several bikes and decided to start a biker gang, the 'Kure
Island Angels'. For initiation we set the dump on fire and required ourselves to ride their bike
through the burning dump. Naturally this was after lots and lots of beer and CC. We then named
another island biker gang the 'Kure Island Farts'. The members of that gang consisted of everyone
else who didn't join us. Naturally that led to division that enhanced the island commraderie (sp).
So much for story time, more later.
On 05/25/00 Dennis Olvany
said:
Was on Kure from 4/73-4/74. Great tour. Remember the Port of Bandon run by Zoomie, the
ex-Air Force guy? Where is Doc Van der Meer from State College, Pa.? I was a SN who made BM3 there.
Mr. Nodine was the CO. Where is Bill Lusk? Met up with Moe Syrstad recently in New Orleans where I
live. Let's hear from some of you guys. (It was all guys then). I am recently retired from the
reserves as BMC.
On 05/21/00 Don Larrabee
said:
While on the Island I was called 'D J'
On 05/21/00 Don
Larrabee
said:
There are alot of you kureites out there! I to remember Jan telling me 'you'll miss this
place' I was thinking to myself, this lady isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. Boy you really do
miss the place. I hated the place while I was stationed there.I look back now and thank God that I
had the opportunity and privilege to be stationed there. 85-86 Drop me a E-mail
On 05/14/00 Jack Grzyb
said:
Updating my resume': I retired on 2/99 and now reside in Tok, Alaska. I am still married
to Christine Belanger (16 years now). Go figure, hey Colburn! Give me a shout ole shipmtes would
love to hear from you!
On 04/06/00 wayne lunt
said:
hi john larned. this is wayne and wondering if you found rick sandate yet?
On 03/23/00 Bob Buwalda
said:
I didn't know so many people knew about Kure Island. I was DC2 1967-68
On 02/21/00 ron berry
said:
served on kure from 12/87 to 12/88
On 01/27/00 wayne
lunt
said:
hi all i was on 74 to 75????? talk
On 01/13/00 Dean
Greenough
said:
There's a good picture of Kure on the web at http://165.248.121.95/KH4/a.KH7K.air.jpg
On 01/07/00 nick nielsen
said:
update for email address There from nov 85-nov 86
On 10/26/99
John Gore
said:
Aloha. I got Kure stories to tell from 81-82 some cool, some not. I was MKC (only chief on
the island David). A very interesting tour because I got to know people so well. I worked on the
Hawaiian Monk seal recovery project, built a pen to hold five pups and caught food for them until
they were big enough to have a better chance at survival. I too found out you can get sick of
lobster, to this day I can't bring myself to pay big bucks for bugs. I'd love to spend some time
out there now, just diving and hanging out on the beach. You know those relaxation exercises where
you're supposed to think about a really relaxing experiance? Mine is laying on the hot coral sand
all by myself on sand island with a cool breeze blowing over me and my feet in the warm water of the
lagoon. The colors were all so technicolor intense and the air smelled slightly of salt. Of course
then, being the chief, I had to go back and yell at you. I remember Jan, and Gail on this msg.
board and Marc from later on the Sherman. Bob Walters is listed in the e-mail address section. I'd
love to hear from each and every one of ya'll. No one can explain how unique an experiance Kure was
to someone who wasn't there. It was in many ways paradise. In other ways purgatory. I still got
my balls too!
On 10/02/99 John Larned
said:
Still looking for ET2 Steve Hudson , have gotten some leads but nobody has yet been able
to hook us up. I know he is out there somewhere!Also would like to hear from Rick Sandate, Steve
Galleta, Gary Robinson and John Vanhouten. All from the 1974-75 era. All the best to all from
Kure!
On 09/02/99 Lucas McGrail
said:
Hello again everyone. Lucas McGrail emailing my thanks and graditude to everyone who read
my message and responed to my questions about the LORSTA Zippo lighter I found and where Kure Island
is.Rest asured that the lighter is in good hands and that it is the reason I started collecting
Zippos. I found it while on one of the beaches of the big island 15 years ago and I have been
collecting them every since. Kure sounds like it was and is a beautiful place, everyone I have
talked to all have said that it was their best assignment and a great placed to be stationed.Thanks
to all who shared their stories with me, it is appriciated. I especially like hearing how some of
you would take a launch and go be the first ones in tomorrow. Real cool. Take careand I wish you
all the best.
On 08/17/99 Rick Greenfield
said:
I was on Kure from '79 to '80. It was the best year of my life.
On
08/12/99 Garry Armstrong
said:
I'm still looking for more buddies from '72-'73. Found two so far, thanks to this site,
and hope to find the rest of you 'reef rats' in the future.Kure was the geatest. My Akai reel-to-
reel that I bought from PACEX is still working. Man, did we have some killer stereos out there!
On 06/03/99 Michael P Huyck FN/SS3
said:
hello To all you Kurish that were stationed with me on kure from sept85/sept86 does
anybody know were ole MKC patrick is i seen him at the CG yard in 89 as a warrant .and Ernie
Nelson, Nieda L Bott/White, SN Reddacop, SK1 Andy Foster last herd she was at airsta Sweetwater
fl,Sn Barber seen him in 88 as an airdale, EM1 Smeadly, if anybody remember the two civ that used to
come out and do Phone patches for us RickSenones and Lorance talked to rick last christmas there
still kicking and doing well in HI... If and body has any extra photos of kuse from the tower or
from a C-130 please let me know... FN/SS3 Michael P huyck civ 5/1990 Houston TX PO Box 3071
Pasadena Tex 77501 713-909-5038
On 05/27/99 Lucas McGrail
said:
Excuse me everyone. I hope you can help me. My name is Lucasand I own a Zippo lighter
that says Kure Island Lorsta Hawaii'Darkside of the Sun'. For years I never know what all that
meant untill a military man I met told me that it is a Navy acronam but he didn't know what it stood
for. Please pardon myignorance but could someone tell me what LORSTA stands for andwhat it is? You
would solve a mystery that has nagged at me for15 years.Thank you.Lucas McGrail
On 05/21/99 Stephen Grenier
said:
Just had to add another address.
On 05/08/99 Stephen
Grenier (Frenchy)
said:
Hello to all who lived for a short time on the tiny isle of Kure. Mk3 Stephen Grenier,
assigned 79 to 80. I still have a ton of glass balls, believe it or not. Dove on the 2 wrecks on
island alot. Was on the first crew to work for the University of Hawaii on lobster project. Those of
you that where there when I found out my wife had twins will be shocked, they are 20 years old
now.
On 05/07/99 Mike Robinson
said:
I was at Kure 82-83 with a great crew. Best buddy was Jack Grzyb. Had a great tour even
though I got in some trouble. I would love to go back just to see what the place looks like and
catch some bugs.
On 04/16/99 John Larned
said:
I was at Kure from '75-'76, had a great time, would go back in a minuteDoes anyone know
the whereabouts of ET2(at that time) Steve HudsonHis dad had been in the cg, steve was from Spokane
and had donea tour with the army in Nam before becoming a coastie.
On
02/12/99 Jan Freeman
said:
Laura I sent you an email where are you? We are finally here, in Newport, OR. Gwen
Congratulations on making Chief, it will make all the difference! I should have done it sooner
myself... Joy if you read this I owe you, come collect. I'll be in DC off and on for the next few
months, but Rick will know which Coast I am on and how to get ahold of me. Marc, how are you and
where are you? It is so good to hear from so many ex-Kurians. I made that up! Later
On 01/31/99 JON von KESSEL, CWO4 (ELC), RET
said:
I made many trips to Kure while assigned to CCGD14 (eee), 1971-1972, 1979-1984. The first
time was when Greg Jett (CWO4) and I went there to 'push a button' to put the chain into Universal
Time on Jan. 1, 1972, while there we also did an inspection. Good station. Have fond memories of a
BMCS Sata who was assigned there at the time. Also made many trips during my 'beam bender' design
of the VHF link between Midway and Kure which lead to remote operation of the station eventually.
Also installed the DESLOT modification in the transmitters with ETC 'Gus' MacFeeley (later COCO) and
ETC Bixby.
On 12/31/98 LauraGutierrez
said:
Jan, I hear you are on the west coast. Will you rejoin the CG family? Where's Lurilla
nowadays? Joy the cook is happy on the Sherman. Barb Hanna is out at Portsmouth as an LT. Hi Glen,
Marc, Gwen.
On 11/29/98 Fred Dombek
said:
Spent a year there 77-78 or there abouts.
On 08/18/98 Terry
PuFahl
said:
Was stationed on Kure from Jan.'70-Jan.'71, as a seaman. Would love to hear from anyone
there around that time.
On 08/18/98 Gwen Thoele-Mazziotta
said:
Hi, I was stationed on Kure from June 1985 to June 1986. It certainly was a great place
to learn about yourself. I'm on the CGC Mellon now, and enjoying this tour also. I still see a few
people, Dave Harris, Marc LeBeau, Laura Guiterrez. I'm an ET1 now and if my sources are correct,
I'm number 5 on the ETC list. I know it's about time. The ship's number is 206-217-6290. I'd love
to hear from anyone stationed there with me.
On 08/09/98 Glenn
Martineau (Lt)
said:
Aloha Kure members...had the distinct pleasure of living, breathing Kure Atoll from
8/84-6/85 (MK1) & 6/88-6/89 (MKC). Completed a few annual fueling replenishments 90/91, while on
the Sassafras as well! Remember all of you, Randy, Jan, Laura, Mark, Mike, Tim, Tom, Lurilla,
Dave(s) etc. Was the most rewarding (self analysis) tour I'll ever know. We broke many (D14)
records and a few Caterpillars to boot! A unique CG family who accomplished their mission(s). Had
some of the best outdoor activities for an isolated unit, and the competition was fierce! We did it
all!
On 06/30/98 Marc Lebeau
said:
Hello to all past KURE crewmembers! I was the MK1, then the MKC in 1985/86. The guy that
they flew a batch of D14 CPOs out to initiate; anyone remember that? Miss Lee was one of the best
CO's I've worked for; I heard she's working for TYSON now: wishing her good luck. Hi Jan Freeman! I
too have only happy memories from KURE. I learned alot about myself and how I interact with others.
You'll be pleased to know that I've lightened up. I got stationed with ET1 THEOLE after KURE on CGC
MELLON (1996). A LORAN ET- Afloat. Laura G>- Not sure about Traiangles. Good luck with your
search.
On 06/02/98 Joe W. Rush
said:
Howdy! I have volunteered to be table host for Kure, although I have never been there.
Spent my tour of the 14th District at Upolu Point (10/62-10/64). Was stationed with W. Tauscher at
Loran-C school in Groton (1/65-3/67). From all of the glowing comments, it seems that Kure was a
great tour.
On 05/21/98 CWO2 Jack Grzyb
said:
I was on Kure 82-83 with Bob O'Connel, John, SKI, Davenport, Mike Robinson (who I still
keep in touch with), Tim Surgrue, and many more. Oh Ya, lets not forget Christine Belanger
Grzyb....Whats this! GRZYB, yes shipmates we got married after the Kure tour and 14 years later and
4 children, still going strong! Hey Dale, been out searching with the flashlight lately?
On 05/10/98 Gail Collins Marsh
said:
Was there 12/81 to 12/82 as a SN. For a girl from Idaho it was an experience of a
lifetime! Still have my fishballs and lots of memories! Was a great time and would love to go back
(vacation only this time!) If you were there at the same time, I would love to hear from you!
On 05/01/98 CWO4(RET) DICK BEERS
said:
PULLED A TOUR ON KURE AS ET2-ET1 IN '59/'60. WENT THERE FROM UPOLU POINT. VERY
INTERESTING TOUR OF DUTY. ACTUALLY I ENJOYED IT - LOTS OF TIME TO GET MY
On
04/15/98 AL OCONNELL
said:
I WENT THERE RIGHT OUT OF BOOTCAMP IN JAN 86.I DIDNT KNOW AT THE TIME HOW EXTREMELY LUCKY
I WAS. YES, I DO REMEBER JAN TELLING ME SO WHEN I ARRIVED. I THOUGHT SHE HAD ISLAND FEVER.I HOPE TO
SOMEDAY SEE THE PLACE AGAIN.THE ONE THING I DONT MISS THE LACK OF A, HOTEL SHOWER. BY THE WAY NICK I
WAS THE GUY WHO KNOCKED YOU INTO THE LIBRARY THAT TIME WHEN THE ALARM WENT OFF AT O DARK THIRTY.
On 03/13/98 LGutierrez
said:
I was sitting in a training session, contemplating my Kure Island mug. I noticed something
I hadn't seen before. What do the two triangles with the stars inside mean? They are outside of the
big triangle where the goonies are singing. Any ideas?
On 03/06/98
JAN FREEMAN
said:
I am the female that B. Perkins built the head for. I was at Kure from mid 81- to mid 82
and again 85-86. I retired in 1996 as an SKC and Kure has to be one of the highlights of my career.
Lampedusa being the other one! I don't have a bad memory of the place, it was truly the Club Med of
the Pacific. I still keep in touch with a couple of the people from those days. Everyone should be
able to have the experience. I kept most of my glass balls too, must have over 100 still. I
remember all the airdales from Barbers Point that gave us such great support.
On 01/23/98 Bill Perkins
said:
Was there in the early 1980's to build the female head. While I was there the DC3 injured
himself. At the time I was DC3 also. I stayed for 3 months till he was able to come back. I still
have many glass fishing balls. The University of Hawaii use to come out to study the lobster
population. They had a air compressor to fill their scuba bottles. We used it a lot more than them.
We made many dives on all the sunken fishing boats in the atoll. Seen many sharks. A very romantic
spot.
On 12/06/97 Craig McCrodden
said:
I was stationed at Airsta Barbers but was the guy that went snorkling in the hot tub.
Lots of fun!!!
On 11/08/97 Nick Nielsen
said:
I WAS THERE NOV 85 TO NOV 86. USED TO FALL ASLEEP ON THE BEACH IN THE SUN ON THE COOL
CRUSHED CORAL (SAND?). ARE THERE ANY PICTURES OF THE DISMANTLING? LIKE TO SEE ANY IF AVAILABLE. I
USED TO WAKEUP FROM THE SOUND OF THE GENERATOR COOLING FAN SLOWING DOWN BEFORE THE ACTUAL ALARM
WOULD SOUND WHEN THE GENERATOR WOULD DIE. I WAS DUEL QUALIFIED ENGINEERING AND LORAN WATCHSTANDER
THERE. DIDN'T THINK I WOULD GET TIRED OF TASTE OF LOBSTER THERE BUT DID. I HAVE AERIAL VIEW ON MY PC
FOR WINDOWS BACKGROUND AT WORK.
On 10/09/97 ED LAWRENCE
said:
VISITED KURE ATOLL SEP 95 AND JUL 97. NOT MUCH LEFT OF THE LORAN STATION EXCEPT FOR AN OLD
BLOCK BUILDING AND THE WEED INFESTED RUNWAY. THE BIRDS, SEALS, SHARKS, SHIPWRECK ON THE REEF AND OF
COURSE THE GLASS BALLS ARE STILL THERE. THE ISLAND IS UNDER THE CONTROL OF HAWAII DLNR AND IS A
MARINE WILDLIFE SANCUARY.
On 10/05/97 Randy Krom
said:
there from May 88 to May 89. Probably one of my best assignments....didn't think so at
the time. Great volleyball games and lots of lobster. drop me a line if you were there then.
On 08/06/97 Mike Hammond
said:
I was stationed there 89-90 as MKC. Had a fun tour. Really miss the great diving and
bugging (we caught 67 in one day). But I do remember how happy I was to leave! (even though we had a
bird strike taking off and had to land at Midway to clean out the mess!) I'm also still packing
around a ton of glass fish balls/floats.
On 07/23/97 Mike Hassall
said:
I was the last XO/STO at Kure and was a player in the decom. Had a great crew. Got to cut
up a -42 with bolt cutters and a crash axe. Different.
On 07/07/97
Dave Minehart
said:
I was an ET3/ET2 on Kure. I left two months shy of it being shut down for good. 5/91-5/92.
A great place to get your life in order. I loved the solitude when the goony birds were not around.
Our CO and XO, LTJG Caruso and CWO Hassell, were great to work for. I made some good friends there
and hope to see some of them on here eventually.
On 06/30/97 Garry
Armstrong
said:
Still looking for anyone stationed with me on Kure from 1973-1974.
On 06/28/97 ETCS David M. Goodwin
said:
I was ETC at Kure from 4-81 to 4-82. Spent many hours on the ham radio as WB0ICS/KH7.
Wouldn't mind going back - just to see it!!!
On 06/23/97 John
Cavanaugh
said:
I was stationed there in 82-83 as an ET3. Enjoyed the time there and try to stay in touch
with my old friends. Still have my FIGMO calendar.
On 06/05/97 Garry
Armstrong
said:
Stationed there '71-'72 as an ET. Worked mainly on AN/FPN-42 transmitters and even climbed
the tower, twice. Loved the place. Learned more about myself that year than any year of my life.
Looking for anyone else who may have been there at that time. Remember Bridget and Honey?
On 06/03/97 CWO2 (Ret) Rich Cutler
said:
I was MK1 on Kure from Aug 83 to Jul 84 and I still have a bunch of glass fish floats to
prove it.
On 06/03/97 Dean Greenough
said:
I was Co in 65. If there are any crew from that time out there I'd love to hear from
you.
On 05/14/97 John Cronk
said:
Stationed there 1965-66. Made EN2 there. Still have my lighter
On
05/01/97 Jim Martin
said:
Any one want to walk out to sand Island? I did it with a fellow DC from the FCF, Field
Construction Force, 1971.
On 04/18/97 Rick Faust
said:
My time on Kure Island was from July 83 till July 84. I worked for then ET1 O'connell as
an ET3. I still to this day miss the place, and wish I could go back and visit, only for a week this
time.
On 04/02/97 Tom Whissel
said:
Hi, I was on Kure from Mar 88 to Mar 89. I would like to get in touch with anyone that
was out there at that time, so we can toast the Great Goonie God.
On
03/25/97 LT Bob O'Connell
said:
I was stationed on Kure from Feb 83 through Feb 84. Many long days but also Many good
memories. I still have a picture of the island in my office. I often wonder what became of the
crew from that period. If you are one of those people drop a line to say hello. At that time I was
an ET1.
On 03/06/97 Wilhelm H. Tauscher
said:
I was on kure for 362 days was bit by a seal . got a mast for shooting a friget bird but
all turned out o.k. i retired in 78 as a ETC. i had a real good time on kure
On 02/26/97 Jon Kempfer
said:
Kure LORAN OCT78 to OCT79. Fishball King and Shark Hunter
On
01/16/97 Roger Johnson
said:
I was there summer of 1965 to summer 1966. Coasties, Gooney Birds and all the beer we
could drink!
On 12/05/96 William Liming
said:
Member of first party to survey Kure for site as a Loran C station. Island at that time
uninhabited with the exception of seals, vulture's, and rats.
On
11/22/96 William Liming
said:
I was a member of the site survey team to establish Kure.
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