April 07, 2008 - 06:39 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

I will be in Arizona April 10 through the 14th to visit my son. If you need to get a hold of me, call the house and the better half will get you my cell phone number. Steve

April 05, 2008 - 08:37 AM
Bruce Hevner ,HT2-- 71-73

WELL DECKS SECURED DUE TO HEAVY WEATHER.
If you have high speed access check out this video of a cargo ship in high seas. You can actually see the ship flexing.
Reminds me of dodging waves on the 'Ole Miss,,, not that I ever did that,,,
go to military.com and search for video# 164323
Bruce Hevner

April 04, 2008 - 05:30 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Thanks, Steve. I'll try to get in touch with Paula.

Thanks for the offer to send the papers from Doc Flanders.

Brian

April 03, 2008 - 05:37 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Brian, I spoke with Paula a few weeks ago. She is still having a tough time. If you could call her, that would be great. She sent me a packet of papers that Doc had gotten from the Navy. They are the ship's logs for the first six months of 1962. I am going to make copies for you and Pete Droesch. Anyone else wants a copy, let me know. My printer was on the fritz, but is okay now. Will try to get the copies made this weekend. Steve

April 03, 2008 - 05:04 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Has anyone heard from the Flanders family? It just isn't the same without Doc Flanders around anymore.

April 03, 2008 - 12:00 PM
Clyde

Dave. I never went swimming in Subic Bay. I do remember some of the guys that were painting the bow from a boson’s chair accidentally falling in the water. I guess it cooled them off as they kept slipping out of the rig. It went on for about an hour until A couple of us on the dock caught the right light and saw a few dozen barracuda swimming around below them. Amazing how well the rigging worked after that. Clyde

April 02, 2008 - 11:29 PM
Jocie Braaksma

Congratulations Dad! I would have written this when you first got the award, but you neglected to tell me. I will have to agree with Dan McNeill, you are a heck of a guy!!! I love you! Jocie

April 02, 2008 - 09:24 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Dave, is that the reason they call you "Wet behind the ears?" I forgot all about your swim call. It wasn't in the s**t river, was it?

April 02, 2008 - 08:31 PM
Dave Farmer RD3 67-69

I once had a swim call but it wasn't intentional. They got 6 of the 7 blast of man overboard before I was hauled back up on board. I was waiting for my shot of Whiskey but never got one. All they did is bake a cake for the tug Captain and crew the next time we were in port. It was a thanks for not smashing me between the tug and the Ole Mis'. I guess they liked me some...May I suggest not to go swimming in Subic Bay during a Typhoon.

April 02, 2008 - 08:18 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Brian and Clyde, I have watched the National Geographic program about the Marianas Trench. The sharks down there are still talking about Sibley's butt and how he got away. They didn't say anything about the Texan.

April 02, 2008 - 07:58 PM
jim pixler

dave i was in on that swim call in 62&63 i dove off the side and starded to swim to quick hit the water wrong when they got back on board i never went on swiw call again Jim Pixler

April 02, 2008 - 05:26 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Bob, I remember a swim call, but I did not know in the area of the Mariana Trench. I swallowed water and someone had to pull me into the boat.

Have you read the August 1960 National Geographic article about the Trieste and the Mariana Trench? If not, find it in your library. It is well worth reading.

April 02, 2008 - 03:45 PM
Clyde

I don't think the sharks would care if it was the butt of a QM or a BT that they were about to partake of. I know Dave has a cute butt, BUT! I still think a shark would not care. I think the only Shipmate that would never have to worry is Forefather Al. He is so good lookin. Anyway thats what he told me. Clyde

April 02, 2008 - 02:31 PM
Dave Sibley QM2 1962-63

On the 62-63 westpac cruise the captian had a swim call. It was in the Mariana Trench near Guam. It's the deepest know spot in the world, 36,000 feet. I was lucky to get a chance to swim. Unlike MR. Dengler, I loved to swim because I was in the U.S. Navy

April 02, 2008 - 01:16 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

We had swim call once when I was on the ship. Lucky for me, I was on watch. Never did see any reason to jump from a ship that wasn't sinking. Not much of a swimmer either.

April 02, 2008 - 10:55 AM
Bob Ruben

Brian Stuckey, Do you remember the time on the way to westpac the captain stopped the ship at what was the deepest point in the Pacific Ocean and had swim call. How many people can say they swam there!!!!!

April 02, 2008 - 07:42 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Clyde,
Swim call took on a different fear for me, over the sharks. I had a huge fear in heights. The dive from the well decks to the sea was a huge task for me, but I was young and daring. At least it was a semi soft landing. When my face hit the water for the first, and only, time, I felt a slight pain at the bridge of my nose. I put my fingers there and found blood. My young face had a zit as big as an acorn that exploded. Shark bait to be sure now! I got out of there ASAP and hope the GM's guns were cocked and ready.
Speaking of fear of heights. Shortly after reporting aboard, BM3 Dan Lehnert, directed me to be pullied up one of the rigs to chip & paint. Realizing my fears, and know the steal deck was not as soft as the Pacific Ocean, I said I could not do it. After a argument that lasted a few minutes, and contained words like, "being written up, Captains Mass, and I'll kick your butt," Dan finaly realized my fears were real, and he let me off. To this day I still thank Dan for his kindness. A few months later I got off the deck force and ended up as a DK. No falling off of pay records.

April 01, 2008 - 08:07 PM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Steve, thanks much for the packet of pictures. I got them yesterday, and it made my day since I knew chemo was coming today. It was not only great for you to share your family photos, but I was thrilled with the reunion photos of old friends. Fitzwilliam's hadn't changed a bit, and I could not believe how Joel Daniels son looks just like Joel did in 73-74. It was almost freaky to see the comparison!
Paul, your gift of kindness blew me away! I received it yesterday as well. It was like Christmas in March. I have this thing for watches, the Navy, and of course the Mispillion, so to add it all together was unreal!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Gentlemen!

April 01, 2008 - 07:24 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

New old shipmate:
Thomas Hunt, SH3, 69-71
288 Daniel Springs Ct
Villa Rica, GA 30180
He went to school when he got out and then went back into the navy as an officer. Retired as a Cdr in 1993. He was a naval aviator. He ran the ship store when I was on Missy. I have his phone and e mail address on file. Steve

April 01, 2008 - 11:53 AM
Clyde

Brad. I'm sorry. I just am still laughing at the thought that Travis had thought that my memory might be better than his. My memory is about as long as a knat lives. I do remember we had a stupid sign that we hoisted every time we had swim call. We had a guy with a rifle on the bow, stern, midships and 2 in the boat. They were to shoot any sharks that came up for lunch. And yet we had a lot of the guys go swimming. This little pork chop from Kansas didn't want to be a meal for any fish. Hench the stupid flag. Clyde

March 31, 2008 - 12:26 PM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

It's been quiet out there lately. Everyone must be gone for Easter.

Steve, Terry Wright called me last week with the details from 1974 Shellback certificate you are looking for. He said he would call you.

Did you get my order/check for the white Mispillion hat?

March 29, 2008 - 02:51 PM
Travis Sweet

Steve & others:
Regarding the meaning of flags on the ship. I hope Clyde has a better memory than me. Here are some of them:
R (romeo) half way up meant preparing to replenish (unrep) another ship alongside. Followed by two number flags mean the unrep speed such as 12 would be 12 knots. When R was all the way up we were ready to take them alongside & it would remain all the way up until we were finished. After being on the Mispillion this is one I'll never forget!
F (foxtrot) was used by carriers during flight ops. Halfway up was preparing to launch & all the way up was flight ops proceeding.
If we put up the small "desig" flag above anything it meant we were spelling out in plain language what we intended for anyone else to know. For example: desig U (uniform) S (Sierra) A (Alpha) meant we were going home to the USA.
That is about all I can remember. They say the short term memory is the first thing to go!
Travis Sweet, SM2, '68-'69

March 28, 2008 - 11:05 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Regarding the 2008 reunion. Is there anyone from the final cruise and decommissioning (73-74)of the USS MISPILLION that will be attending? My wife and I are 95% sure we will be there, but my health is the determining factor.

March 27, 2008 - 08:22 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Brad, I can put a hitch on the back and pull your scooter. I will get a hold of Frank and see what he says. As always Brad, have a good day and a better tomorrow.

March 27, 2008 - 05:06 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Spider, you are the only one who seems to remember the steering casualty with the USS John McCain. As you say, no one was hurt, but there was black oil everywhere when the hoses burst. If someone had not knocked loose the pelican hook on the McCain, the span wire might have decapitated a few sailors.

In the case of the falling block, the shackle lost a pin on the top of the boom allowing it to fall. The block crushed the liferails below, but no one was hurt. We are all grateful that someone was looking out for us.

Brian

March 27, 2008 - 07:31 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Steve,
Hamden, OH, (Frank Hollingshead) is only 1 1/2 hours SE from Dayton, OH. Not far at all. Here's a thought; I'll follow you on your HOG with my 150cc Honda Scooter. Keep the dust down, along with the speed, and I might make the 1 1/2 hour trip in two days or less.

March 26, 2008 - 08:16 PM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Steve,
If your able to come this way on your Hog this Summer, our home will be open to you. I'll find out how close Hamden, OH is from Dayton, and see if we can get Frank to meet up as well. Not saying we can make a WILD HOG's flick, but it might be wild.
My Shellback certificate is currently packed in a POD, of which I will have access to in 2-3 weeks. I can get the details then.
Being SOOOOOOO much younger than Clyde, we figured out he entertained Rosie's Mother. What a nice family.
My first encounter in Olongapo was a 36 year ould Aunt of my friend stationed there. At 19 yrs., I thought, "what the heck." The next morning, when I went to the head, I found her 16 year old daughter asleep on the couch. Boy did I get the raw end of that deal!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 26, 2008 - 04:31 PM
Steve Dengler, BT3, 71-73

Brad, what I need for Frank is the date of the crossing, longitude, latitude, etc and whoever signed it. If I can get a copy, that would work even better. I have mine, but it is from my first ship, the USS Mars AFS 1. Rosie, eh? Is her Dad from the Portland area?

March 26, 2008 - 12:55 PM
Clyde

Brad. I think I knew Rosie's Mom. Clyde

March 26, 2008 - 07:56 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Clyde,
Here's adding a sea story you are asking for. I'll try to keep it clean.

During the 73-74 WestPac cruise, I had a close friend from High School that assinged to Subic Bay in a top secret capacity. All I know was he knew where I was at all times, even when I had no clue. Each time we pulled into Subic Scott was always pier side waiting to have some fun. While out on the town one night I meet a beautiful yound Filipino named Rosie. We became good friends (ha, ha.) I can remember her constantly asking for me to buy her a fan. I never did. Well, one day I was off for the day, and Scott was at work. I had full access to his baracks, so I thought I would take advantage of this chance. I went out into Olongapo and found Rosie. We went back to Scott's baracks to have a long and interesting talk, in a reclining position. Of course Scott got off work early that day and came in and found us. He exploded! Except for HOUSE BOYS, locals were off limits to the baracks, and being in a top secret capacity, it could have caused him problems. Now, 34 years later, Scott lives in No.Ohio, and we see each other many times through the year, and we talk weekly. This story comes up many times, allowing us to laugh about it now.
In fact, there were 5 of us from the same HS that ended up on the West Coast and in Subic, so when we get together yet today, we stand at the kitchen island and share sea stories over a few beers. It's amazing how our talks always end up in Olongapo. Our wives are usually within ear range, and they just shake their heads and laugh at the old drunks!

March 26, 2008 - 07:40 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Steve,
Your telephone call the other day not only brightened my day, it was a true glare for the day! The sun looked dim in comparison. Thank you. It meant a lot to me.
Yes, I do have my Shellback certificate. It's quite large. I have fond memories of Frank....how can I help you get him a copy?
One of my greatest times in the Navy was the serving time with one of my closest friends dating back to elementary school. Bill was assigned to the USS Vancouver out of San Diego. So while in Long Beach, and later in San Diego, we spent a lot of time together. Bill and I both live here in Dayton, so we still see each other often. My point to this mention is that he found the Vancouver is having a reunion in San Diego this coming September, and he will not go since the attendee list does not show anyone he served with. I told him I have not seen a list for our reunion, so I have no clue who will be there, but that the opportunity to meet many that served from many years prior is as big of thrill to me as the chances of seeing old friends. He's now considering the trip.
Have a great day all, as I will!

March 26, 2008 - 12:08 AM
spider irwin

Brian,sorry i havent got back to you sooner.Been thinking about the experence we had with uss MCCAIN.We knew what the hell we were doing but that other ship did not have a clue of what they were suppose to do.Some bad things happened during that unrep but as i remember,nobody got hurt,I was on the tank deck pumping black oil to her.When those hoses come loose somebody is gonna turn black and it aint gonna be me.I dont remember the block you mentioned but if it happened at the same time as all this other stuff i was kind of trying to save my butt and dont really know what all went on behind me.Man,theres nothing like sea duty on a T2 tanker. I spent 4 years on the Mispillion and another 2 years on the Caliente another tanker.Believe me i know tankers.Brian if you or anyone else wants to swap some sea stories i would love to hear them. Fair winds. SPIDER.

March 25, 2008 - 03:18 PM
CLYDE

THE JOLLY ROGER MEANS HEAVE TO, WE ARE GOING TO RAPE AND PILLAGE. THE REST I CAN'T REMEMBER AND DON'T CARE MUCH. CLYDE

March 25, 2008 - 01:35 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Maybe Clyde or Travis can help us out on this one. What are the designations for flags on the ship? When are they used and what do they mean?

March 25, 2008 - 12:22 AM
Bruce Hevner ,HT2-- 71-73

Hello Shipmates!!!
The Bridge?
As ships passed to steam and orders could be given by remote methods such as the engine order telegraph, a small control deck with an enclosed pilot house was constructed above the main deck of the ship in front of the funnel, usually reaching from side to side and "bridging" the main deck. It became the term used to describe the place from where the Captain steered the ship and gave his orders.
So now you know!!!

March 24, 2008 - 07:37 PM
Clyde

Danny. The truth is the truth. He is my favorite President. Thanks. Clyde.

March 24, 2008 - 07:35 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Brad, it was good to talk to you today in person instead of on the computer. I always like to put a voice with the name. I hope that I helped to brighten your day a little. You sure brightened mine.
NOW, a true story of Mispillion misadventure. In the winter of 1971, we were in the middle of our westpac tour. We had this kid from Puerto Rico named Luis Bernier working in the fire room. Bernier didn't speak very good english. The phone rings. Bernier picks it up and answers. It is Chief John Gobbo. Chief Gobbo asks for Chief Wassom. Bernier says, "who the he** is this?" John let loose with several expletives basically telling Bernier he was going to skin him alive, as soon as he got to the fire room. Chief Gobbo showed up in the fire room looking for that little #$%^*&. He was long gone. We were laughing so hard, we were crying. Don't know if Gobbo ever got ahold of Bernier or not, but it sure made our day. Those of you who remember Chief Gobbo can attest to his sense of humor. There wasn't any.

March 24, 2008 - 05:27 PM
Dan MacNeil

13 GREAT RONALD REAGAN QUOTES
1. 'Here's my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose.'

2. 'The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'

3. 'The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.'

4. 'Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong.'

5. 'I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.'

6. 'The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination.'

7. 'Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.'

8. 'The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program.'

9. 'It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.'

10. 'Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.'

11. 'Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book.'

12. 'No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.'

13. 'If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.'

March 24, 2008 - 03:23 PM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Clyde,
I take head to thge warnings I see mentioned, and know what you mean. If I understood the impotance of having a colonoscopy 4 years ago when I turned 50, I would have my health today. Without the help of medicine, and God, my life is now shortened to only a couple/few more years at best. GUYS! If you haven't had your colonoscopy, take my word for it, IT CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE!
Cheers!
P.S. Mispillion tales in the mental works. More to come.

March 24, 2008 - 12:53 PM
Clyde

Brad. Your right about some of the things we talk about. Of course most of it is just a warning for others to be deligent in taking care of themselves. To be sure I remember all my trips while aboard the Mispillion and they are great to reflect on. So here is my challange. All you old salts that have a sea story (clean it up a little) please post on the site for all to enjoy. If it includes a story about one of the Shipmates that we all know, so much the better. We all love to hear the dirt on one of our buddies. LOL!
I will start with mine about
Carl(Hungry) Baker. We were on the beach in Long Beach and we had sipped a few bottles of Thunderbird. Hungry pointed to a telephone post and said he could climb up the guy wire. After much to do and betting and of course bravado. He was stuck, he had to have a go at it. He was so right, he could climb the guy wire. I fact he looked like Tarzan hanging from the top of the wire. His problem was he couldn't get down the way he got up. Soooo. He just let go. Broke his leg. He had a walking cast on the next day and it never slowed him down one minute. Of course he never climbed a telephone pole again. P.S. I got e-mail from him the other day and he said he just might make it to this years reunion.
Happy days. Clyde

March 24, 2008 - 08:38 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Okay, last note of the morning. Being at home with terminal cancer doesn't allow for a huge calendar of events, so finding the Mispillion Guestbook has brought some entertainment to my life.

Over the past week I have been reading past messages and came to what I find as a sad, but funny conclussion. Being one of the youngest shipmates on this site (having decommissioned the Mispillion in 1974 at a young 20 years of age), I can't help but compare discussions and comments I use to hear bak then, and what I read today. Scanning though messages from Feb. 10th to current here are many of the words that stick out to me:

Cancer, PSA Tests, Prostate, Nursing Home, Rest Home, Anuerysm, Stroke, Biopsy, Grand Kids, and some words from the past....Chemo, radiation, heart by-pass, colon cancer, and etc.

I then think back to early ship life when we discussed R&R and A&A. We discussed our conquests in Subic, Olongapo, Sasebo, and other stops along our way. I can even recall my first encounter with GRASS while in the Navy...now the only grass I know about is what I mow on the week-ends. Re-enlist bonuses were used to buy conversion vans for "Sex in the City". Now we save any bonus for retirement, or to have our perscriptions refilled. Oh, "Sex in the City" is not our our minds anymore, it's an HBO TV Series. Monkey Meat has been replaced by whole grain cereals. Instead of biting the heads off of live baby chicks, we condiser broasted chicken. Cruise? I tell people I took an Hawaiian Cruise in 1973, and they think that's great, but then I add that it was on the USS Mispillion. The greatness in their thoughts isn't as great. San Miguel, Jack Daniels, and Budweiser has been replaced by Fiber supplements added to our orange juice, green tea, and Limu Juice.

Truth be known, I am having just as much fun today as I did then, it's just in a different way, and I can laugh at the aging process in comparisson to the past.

Thanks for letting me waist my t...

March 24, 2008 - 08:07 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

In regards to the 2008 reunion transportation thoughts. Our Daughter is taking a trip from Dayton, OH to NM this next week. Renting a van to haul the crew was too expensive. The flight for five was way to high. THey finalized on taking Amtrack at a fraction of the cost! And what a way to see the country! We wish we were going with them.
Hope this thought helps some.

March 24, 2008 - 08:04 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Clyde, congrats on the new grandbaby! So much fun. Our newest is 4 months old, and has truly been a joy. Enjoy, and then send them home is what I like. Take care.

March 23, 2008 - 06:09 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Just got a phone call from Al Puppo. He said that Carmen came through her surgery fine. She is in some pain he said. She will be going to a convelescent home tomorrow or the next day. She will be there for around 10 days.

March 23, 2008 - 01:36 PM
Clyde

My Daughter gave us a great gift yesterday. Kayla Ann Rowe was born 6:30 pm 03-22-2008. 8 1/2 lbs
20 inches long and lots of hair and very good lungs. Amazing how cute she is. I assume its because she looks like her Grandpa. Clyde

March 22, 2008 - 04:38 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Here's wishing Don Breeding a happy 69th birthday! Don was MAA on the mess decks when I reported for duty in Sept. '59. Remember our mess cooking days, Don? Franklin was working in the scullery. Eubanks, Hertell Ramey and Bolerjack were in the galley. Capt. Fred Dierman was at the helm.

Brian Stuckey

March 22, 2008 - 01:47 PM
Chris Munson

Part 2 of message below:

My PSA rose 2 points in a year – the trigger for a biopsy that confirmed I had prostate cancer. There’s ONE CHOICE to make – get the organ out of your body before it kills you. In some cases, for older men, the doc may say wait or recommend no action. But if you’re healthy, active, and plan to stick around awhile – out it comes. Both Clyde and I had da Vinci Robotic surgery – 5 small incisions, about a 3-4 hour procedure, very little pain or blood loss, and usually home in a day or two. There are several types of radiation options (that carry risks of delayed serious complications) and HIFU High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (not available yet in the US). Both Clyde and I made the choice to get through this, and to spread the word. We are happy to correspond with anyone who needs information, encouragement, or a bad joke or two to get thru this. I am back to a normal life, traveling the country on business, getting ready for sailing season and playing with my granddaughter.

My best to all of you,

CHRIS MUNSON aka Ship’s Boy
USS Mispillion, 1952-53 Relief Crew

March 22, 2008 - 01:45 PM
Chris Munson

Clyde, thanks for calling me this morning, and most importantly, for your new-found work in spreading the word and educating men about prostate cancer. Most of you know that both Clyde and I are now free of cancer after surgery this winter. It was Steve who put us in touch and we have talked by phone a lot as we have recovered.

I’m posting this here for several reasons. First, to congratulate Clyde for his Shipmate of the Month recognition – this is well-deserved and in the short time I have known Clyde I seen in him a compassionate and loving person with the kind of humor that brings out the best in us all.

The other reason is to offer some words to you who may have fears or concerns about prostate cancer, some straight talk. First, it’s fairly likely you will get it at some point, usually late in life. It’s also fairly likely that your life will be normal and long and you’ll be gone before the cancer spreads. BUT, it could be another matter, as it was in me and it was truly unexpected. I am 62, very healthy and athletic, etc., and a believer in annual physicals. Now this seems to scare guys and we make jokes – but the bottom line is the digital exam is no big deal, does not hurt, and it may detect unusual growth or enlargement. However, you’ll also have a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, and the numerical value from the test is an indicator – the best indicator – of possible cancer or an infection. A needle biopsy may be prescribed that will confirm cancer cells if present. The PSA test must be an annual routine for you, and you and your doctor should keep a record of the scores. It’s the rate of increase that is important.

My PSA rose 2 points in a year – the trigger for a biopsy that confirmed I had prostate cancer. There’s ONE CHOICE to make – get the organ out of your body before it kills you. In some cases, for older men, the doc may say wait or recommend no action. But if you’re healthy, active, and plan to stick around awh...

March 22, 2008 - 12:27 PM
Dave Farmer RD3 67-69

Homer Hickam made an interesting comment on TV recently. In case you don't know who he is, Homer was a poor West Va miner's son who worked his way up to being an employee/scientist for NASA. He wrote a book called 'Rocket Boy' which was later made into a great movie called 'October Sky'.

When interviewed he said this, about the 'one-shot' shoot down of the crippled satellite recently: 'If this country's head was on straight, they would be holding a ticker tape parade for the Crew of the Cruiser, USS Lake Erie...

'This (one rocket firing) boosted our National defense 100 fold. N Korea, Iran, China, Russia, all know now that we have a safety net that can accurately stop their incoming missiles, even if they are out of the earth's atmosphere.

'Of course, that was the plan all along, and it was a dandy plan. I just hope that the next person in the White House doesn't scrap the system and begin baking cookies for the enemy.

'Hillary or Obama will do just that, and that makes me nervous.

At any rate, Kudos to the Officers and Crew of the USS Lake Erie. WELL DONE, BLUE JACKETS!'

Do you suppose those who blame President Bush for everything bad that happens will give him credit for this?

WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE

God Bless You

March 21, 2008 - 09:37 PM
Ron Smith FTG 67-68

Congrats Clyde! Happy Easter to all my shipmates and their families!
Ron & Carole Smith

March 21, 2008 - 08:51 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Tumako??? Sumako???

March 21, 2008 - 08:48 PM
BILLY GARCEAU DC 3 65/69

HECK !!!!!!!
ME AND THE FARMER COULD TELL YOU OLD FARTS
STORIES THAT WOULD CLOSE THIS WEB SITE
DOWN
BACK IN OLONGPO P I .
THEY WANTED ME TO RUN FOR MAYOR IN OLONGPO
I SAID NO BECAUSE I DIDNT WANT TO GIVE THE KEY OF THE CITY TO FARMER

March 21, 2008 - 08:34 PM
Spider Irwin

Clyde,thanks for the mail.I Remember those perch tasted pretty good when we fried them up.Congradulations again on your award.Wow your own day in Portland and a letter from the Mayor.Pretty impressive for anyone but you deserve it.Stay in touch Tweety.SPIDER.

March 21, 2008 - 05:42 PM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

I want to wish all of my Mispillion Brothers, and their families, a very Happy Easter!

March 21, 2008 - 11:56 AM
Clyde

Please join me in wishing
Donald Breeding ET3 58-60 a happy 69th birthhday today. Don had a severe stroke 5 years ago. By the Grace of our Lord he is recovered and in tip top shape. I am proud to have served with him. Clyde

March 21, 2008 - 11:50 AM
Clyde

Dave. I give up. Clyde

March 21, 2008 - 08:24 AM
Dave Sibley QM2 62-63

Clyde thanks for bring back memories for me. I was playing music in a bar in Sasebo in 1962. Tumako was a girl in the bar and she wanted to take me home to meet her mother. Tumako introduced me and said that I was a Quartermaster. Sumako wanted to know if Clyde was still aboard the Mispillion. I said I didn't know a signalmen by that name.Tumako said that signalmen only waved flags, but that I controlled the Big rudder.

March 20, 2008 - 10:29 PM
Clyde

Damn. Now I look stupid. QUARTERMASTERS>
Clyde

March 20, 2008 - 10:28 PM
Clyde

Dave. I bet her name was Sumako. They really knew me by the nickname Tweety. Except for Sumako. She just liked Signalmen and hated Quatermasters.
Good day. Clyde

March 20, 2008 - 03:48 PM
Dave Sibley QM2 62-63

Clyde is this the same Clyde I know? Congratulations on being a Great American,shipmate,husband,father and grandfather.
I went on a WESPAC cruise on the Mighty Miss in 1962. The girls in Sasebo were still taking about Clyde Rictor.
Shipmate of the month---I hope you don't sink the USS Mispillion.

March 20, 2008 - 03:17 PM
Steve Dengler, BT3, 71-73

Congrats Clyde. Thanks for all that you do for all of us. Steve

March 20, 2008 - 03:15 PM
CLYDE

TRAVIS. THANK YOU. SIGNALMEN RULE. CLYDE

March 20, 2008 - 12:53 PM
Travis Sweet

Clyde, congratulations on being "Shipmate of the Month". Good to see a fellow SM getting recognized.
Travis Sweet, SM2 '68-'69

March 19, 2008 - 08:56 PM
Mayor of Portland, Oregon

Congratulations on your award Clyde. We have set aside Saturday, March 22, 2008 as Clyde Rictor day in Portland. We would have a parade for you, but it will probably rain, so we will just mail you a key to the city. Signed this day: Moe Howard Jr., Mayor of Portland, Oregon

March 19, 2008 - 08:39 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

THERE ARE TWO MORE GUYS I AM LOOKING FOR AS THEY DIDN'T KEEP US INFORMED ON THEIR ADDRESSES, ETC.
ROBERT MEISBACH OF BOISE, ID AND
NORM WILSON OF YUBA CITY, CA
LET ME KNOW IF YOU KNOW WHERE THESE YAY HOO'S ARE AT.

March 19, 2008 - 08:18 PM
BILLY GARCEAU DC 3 65/69

CLYDE

DO YOU GET A WHOLE MONTH OR JUST THE REST OF THIS MONTH??????

March 18, 2008 - 11:26 PM
Clyde

Ron. Be sure to keep the lights on at the rest home.

Brad. I send you all the best. Get well.

Billy. Get out of Daves dreams.

Jim Porter. Hope Gloria is doing ok. Take care of her. Shes tops.

Al. We are all praying for Carmen. Tell her I Love her.

And to all my Shipmates. Thank you.

Clyde

March 18, 2008 - 10:50 PM
Jim Porter Yn 58-60

Couldn't happen to a more deserving guy. The only bad thig is you will have to buy more hats Jim porter

March 18, 2008 - 09:37 PM
BILLY GARCEAU DC 3 65/69

WAY TO GO OLD MAN

BILLY G IS PROUD OF THEE

March 18, 2008 - 08:59 PM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Hi Steve,
Thanks for the well wishes. I had chemo today, and am already feeling the affects. However, I look at the ill feelings as the battle I have waged against the enemy, and so far, I am winning the battles. I may feel sick for a week, but I can usually get 5 decent days to enjoy. My Doctor assured me I will regain strength, wellness, and stamina when the chemo comes to an end in September/October. At least it will be prior to the reunion.
Take care!
Brad

March 18, 2008 - 08:55 PM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Congratulations Clyde! Being new to the site I am beginning to figure out who the "players" are, and see that you are an appreciated regular. This honor appears to be well deserved. I want to also thank you for my "get well" note. I hope to meet you, and many others, in SC in October.
God Bless!
Brad

March 18, 2008 - 08:30 PM
Shady Rest Nursing Home

Congratulations Mr Rictor on being made shipmate of the month. We just wanted to let you know that since you got the award, we have dressed up your room to look like the inside of the signal shack. Remember, if you can, not to be late tonight. Lights out at 2200 hours. Bravo Zulu Clyde. Your fiends (I mean friends) at Shady Rest.

March 18, 2008 - 08:07 PM
jim pixler

congratulation on being shipmate of the mounth Clide.you dedeserve it Jim Pixler

March 18, 2008 - 07:26 PM
Dave Farmer 67-69 RD3

Congratulations Clyde. I think we should call you Skipper for this next month. I'll be sending you my bill for the shrink I have to see now because of my "Billy Nightmares"

March 18, 2008 - 06:23 PM
Clyde

Wow Dan. Thank you. Clyde

March 18, 2008 - 04:47 PM
alpuppo 46 47

CLYDE CONGRADULATIONS ON BECOMING SHIPMATE OF THE MONTH, YOU DESERVE IT . BIG AL

March 18, 2008 - 11:02 AM
Clyde

Dave. My job is done. Enjoy your dreams. Clyde

March 17, 2008 - 09:40 PM
Dave Farmer RD3 67-69

Clyde with that thought in my mind I don't think I can ever go and let the doctor do that to me ever again. I'll get this nightmare of an image of Billy back there with a big smile on his face. I know one thing for sure though, make sure the Doc don't have both his hands on your shoulders when he tells you to drop the shorts and bend over!

March 17, 2008 - 08:53 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Shipmate Verlin Mc Cormack 69-71 of Fair Grove, MO passed away on March 9,2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. Cards of sympathy may be sent to the family at:
Shaun McCormack
462 W. View Circle
Fair Grove, MO 65648

March 17, 2008 - 11:40 AM
Steve Dengler, BT3, 71-73

Glad to hear from you Brad. Hope you are doing better. Steve

March 17, 2008 - 07:16 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Having found the Mispillion site has been a joy for me. I love to read the guestbook and watch the friendships. My Wife and I look forward to the 2008 reunion!

March 16, 2008 - 11:01 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

As I tell you guys all of the time, if you move, change your e mail address, or change your phone number, PLEASE let us know. The following guys are lost to us now because of this. If you know where they are, let us know.
Gary Taylor of Parkersburg, WV
Marion Anderson of Kaysville, UT
Tim Miller of Yucaipa, CA and
Ed Hadley of Cape Canaveral, FL
I can't find listings for any of these guys. Steve

March 16, 2008 - 11:18 AM
Clyde

Dave. Of course it is a good idea to get scoped every year. Sorry to tell you. Thats not the way the Dr. Checks for prostate cancer. He puts on a glove, he has a long finger and he says bend over and spread em. Now at that exact moment I want you to think of Billy and smile. Clyde

March 16, 2008 - 08:45 AM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

To those of you who plan on coming to the reunion in Charleston, I would suggest that you book your plane reservations as soon as you can. I checked on flights to Charleston on Friday from here (Illinois) and they were $195 round trip per person. On Saturday they were $365 per person. They went up $200 in one day. They might go down during the week, but I doubt it. Just a word of caution to you from me. Steve

March 16, 2008 - 08:41 AM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Welcome back Billy. Good to hear from you again.

March 16, 2008 - 02:27 AM
BILLY GARCEAU DC 3 65/69

Well if the SKIVIWAVER IS back so am I .
Clyde glad everything went well.
The web site has been not the same without you .
I agree with the FARMER you should be shipmate of the MONTH

I vote for you ?????

Who the hell votes on that stuff
Farmer you shoud know You know all that stuff FARMER FOR PRESIDENT

Who else do we have ??????

Ill be your V P well kick ass

Out of here
BILLY GGGGG

March 15, 2008 - 11:28 PM
Dan MacNeil

March 15, 2008 - 11:27 PM
Dan MacNeil

Clyde,
I am not sure if you've been reading the guestbook here while you were ill but scroll down to post 50 or so, then read up and some of your friends had some nice things to say while we missed you. WECLOME BACK!
PS Steve D may not have had time to write much to you as I am sure he's been too busy sending me things to add to the reunion page! :-}
Dan MacNeil
CPO Webmaster 2004
The Website Guy
thewebsiteguy@comcast.net
USA10 Website Services
www.usa10.com

March 15, 2008 - 11:13 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Yes Dave, he has. All I need from him is a bio. Born in Kansas. Had a dog named Toto, etc. Send me a bio Clyde.

March 15, 2008 - 11:06 PM
Dave Farmer RD3 67-69

Glad to hear you doing ok Clyde. It's been awlful quiet here with out you. I am making my Doctor's appt. soon for my annual checkup. It's been 7 years since my last scoping so it's about time to let the doctor go where no man has gone before! Welcome back Clyde. Hell maybe you should be our next Shipmate of the Month. What you say Steve I think he has earned it!

March 15, 2008 - 05:19 PM
Clyde

Hi Shipmates. Some of you may have noticed that it has been awhile since I have logged on the message site. I have been a little under the weather. I had prostate cancer surgery on the 15th of Feb. We opted for the robotic method. It is the best procedure by far. I was supposed to go in Friday and get the surgery and get out on Saturday. So much for supposed to. The Dr. found a spider web of old adhesions from an old surgery I had back in 1986. It took him 4 hours to cut those away so he could get to the prostate. Another 2 hours to get the prostate out. Then I spent 6 days in the hospital and had to have 2 units of blood. Not my most favorite place to be. After I got out I controlled the pain with Tylenol. That is the same thing most folks that have the robotic surgery use. I just had unusual problems. I recommend the robotic method to any of you that need prostate surgery. I went to the Dr. this week and he did a PSA test. It came back as not detectable. That is what everyone that has a prostatectomy wants to hear. There are a lot of side effects from having this done but they are all temporary. If you have any fears or questions please feel to contact Myself, Chris Munson or Tom Hampton. Chris and Tom have been a wealth of information for me and they took away my fears. Please take the time to get your prostate check and a PSA test once a year. You will not be sorry that your did. God Bless all my Shipmates and their Families. Clyde

March 14, 2008 - 05:19 PM
Tina A. Becenti

Hello, my name is Tina Becenti. The daughter of the later Eldon P. Becenti he was a shipmate on USS Ticonderoga and USS Mispillion during 69-72, I believe. If any of you served with my father please, respond back. As to I'm searching for a sibiling and need some information. Thank you, God Bless You All!

March 11, 2008 - 09:07 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

First, glad to here that Al is home and doing fine.
Second, thanks to Spider for the info on shipmate Verlin Mc Cormack. Spider will be attending Verlin's funeral as a representative of the Mispillion group.

March 11, 2008 - 07:02 PM
AL PUPPO 46 /47

WELL MATES WITH ALL OF YOUR PRAYS AND GOOD WISHERS I MADE IT THROUGH MY OPERATION. I FEEL FINE, NO PAINE THE STAFF AT THE HOSPITAL SAID I WAS BLESSED FOR SOME ONE MY AGE TO BE IM THE SHAPE I`M IN.THANKS AGAIN. BIG AL

March 11, 2008 - 03:45 PM
Spider Irwin

Steve Dengler.I just read in the Springfield Missouri newspaper that a shipmate of ours passed away March 9.Helived in Fair Grove Missouri and was 56.His name is Verlin D McCormack And was known as P nut.He served in the Navy from 1969 to 1971 and was awarded the BRONZE STAR.He served aboard USS KANSAS CITY and USS MISPILLION.Burial will be March 12 in Antioch cemetery in Springfield MO.Memorial contributions may be made to the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY.If anyone remembers serving with Verlin i would like to hear from them.Ihad no idea that a Mispillion shipmate lived just 10 miles from me. Spider

March 10, 2008 - 06:14 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

No, Spider, I do not remember the occasion. Do you remember the steering casualty with the USS John McCain or the falling block during unrep?

Brian

March 09, 2008 - 10:40 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Hey Rich, thanks for the good info. I was thinking of driving out there, but might have to fly the way gas prices are going.

March 09, 2008 - 11:01 AM
Rich Handt HT2 71-73

Hey guys, check your prices for airline tickets. Prices from Minneapolis to Charleston and back were running 350+ bucks. Last week we got round trip for 148. Gas is going up and so are tickets. With our rebate from "W", everyone should be able to take a fun vacation to Charleston. Watch Orbitz, Priceline and Travelocity for some good deals now. My room is booked, see ya there.

March 09, 2008 - 10:14 AM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Bill Forman called me last night with a status report on Al Puppo. Carmen called him and said that Al's surgery was a success and that he will be coming home, probably on Monday. This is good news. We will keep you all posted. Steve

March 09, 2008 - 10:12 AM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Spider, that is not a sea story. That really happened, just not on the Mispillion. It happened in World War II on the destroyer USS Dale DD 353. I just got through reading the book Tales From A Tin Can, written by Michael Olson. It was during a typhoon that a sailor was washed over the side by a wave. The next wave threw him back on the ship. Check out the book. Steve

100

March 08, 2008 - 06:45 PM
spider Irwin

Brian Stuckey.I heard a sea story that i find hard to believe.The way i heard it a sailor stepped out of the hatch from the shipfitter shop onto the well deck during an unrep with a carrier along side of us.The story goes that a wave washed his butt overboard and the next wave threw him back aboard the ship.I also heard that happened to a CPO.DO you happen to know anything about that or is it just another one of those sea stories. Spider

101

March 08, 2008 - 01:21 AM
Dave Sibley 1962-63

Big Al and Carmen, I lift you both up daily in prayer. I will say some extract ones for ya'll in this special time of need. Please keep the faith in Jesus.

102

March 05, 2008 - 06:42 PM
Dave Farmer RD3 67-69

Thes rest of it
... er ... one." Actually, the running part is kind of a waste of energy, too. I've never seen anyone outrun a bullet.
An 18-year-old has the whole world a! head of him. He's still learning to shave, to start up a conversation with a pretty girl. He still hasn't figured out that a baseball cap has a brim to shade his eyes, not the back of his head. These are all great reasons to keep our kids at home to learn a little more about life before sending them off into harm's way.
Let us old guys track down those dirty rotten cowards who attacked us on September 11. The last thing an enemy would want to see right now is a couple of million pissed off old farts with attitudes and automatic weapons who know that their best years are already behind them. If nothing else, put us on the border and we will have it secured the first night.

103

March 05, 2008 - 06:40 PM
Dave Farmer

Since Steve put one up I had to !

Guys over 60----this is so funny & obviously written by a former soldier.
Git "R" Done!!!!!!!!!
New Direction for the war on terrorists. "Send Prior Service Vets over 60 "
I am over 60 and the Armed Forces thinks I'm too old to track down terrorists. (You can't be older than 42 to join the military.) They've got the whole thing backwards. Instead of sending 18-year-olds off to fight, they ought to take us old guys. You shouldn't be able to join a military unit until you're at least 35. For starters: Researchers say 18-year-olds think about sex every 10 seconds. Old guys only think about sex a couple of times a day, leaving us more than 28,000 additional seconds per day to concentrate on the enemy. Young guys haven't lived long enough to be cranky, and a cranky soldier is a dangerous soldier. "My back hurts! I can't sleep, I'm tired and hungry!" We are impatient and maybe letting us kill some asshole that desperately deserves it will make us feel better and shut us up for a while. An 18-year-old doesn't even like to get up before 10 A.M. Old guys always get up early to pee so what the hell. Besides, like I said, "I'm tired and can't sleep and since I'm already up, I may as well be up killing some fanatical son-of-a-bitch.
If captured we couldn't spill the beans because we'd forget where we put them. In fact, name, rank, and serial number would be a real brainteaser.
Boot camp would be easier for old guys. We're used to getting screamed and yelled at and we like soft food. We've also developed an appreciation for guns. We've been using them for years as an excuse to get out of the house, away from the screaming and yelling. They could lighten up on the obstacle course however. I've been in combat and didn't see a single 20-foot wall with rope hanging over the side, nor did I ever do any pushups after completing basic training. I can hear the Drill Sgt. now, "Get down and give me ...

104

March 05, 2008 - 05:54 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Thanks for the note, Big Al. Our prayers are with you in the days ahead.

Brian

105

March 05, 2008 - 08:56 AM
Jim Porter Yn 58-60

We will be praying for you and Carmen for a speedy recovery Jim Porter

106

March 04, 2008 - 08:04 PM
jim pixler

Al we will be praying for you and your wife. Jim Pixler

107

March 04, 2008 - 07:03 PM
alpuppo 46 47

MY SURGERY HAS BEEN CHANGED TO FRIDAY MARCH 7,FOR AN AORTIC ANEURSYM. I`LL BE IN THE HOSPITAL FOR ABOUT TWO DAYS? MY WIFE CARMEN WILL GET A HIP REPLACMENT MARCH 20TH, SHE WILL IN THE HOSPITAL FOR ABOUT 5 OR 6 DAYS , SO MARCH DOES`NT LOOK SO GOOD FOR US BUT WE ARE FIGHTERS AND WE ARE IN THE LORDS HANDS WE KNOW ALOT OF GOOD FRIENDS AND SHIPMATES WILLBE PRAYING FOR USE. GOD BLESS EVERYONE. BIG AL

108

March 04, 2008 - 01:23 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Pirate story:

A pirate walked into a bar and the bartender said,

'Hey, I haven't seen you in a while. What happened? You look terrible.'

'What do you mean?' said the pirate, 'I feel fine.'

'What about the wooden leg? You didn't have that before.'

'Well, we were in a battle and I got hit with a cannon ball, but I'm

fine now.'

'Well, OK, but what about that hook? What happened to your hand?'

'We were in another battle. I boarded a ship and got into a sword

fight. My hand was cut off. I got fitted with a hook. I'm fine, really.'

'What about that eye patch?'

'Oh, one day we were at sea, and a flock of birds flew over. I

looked up and one of them crapped in my eye.'

'You're kidding,' said the bartender, 'you couldn't lose an eye just

from bird crap.'

'It was my first day with the hook'

109

March 03, 2008 - 07:40 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Brad's address is:
Brad Lanich
716 Wayfield CT
Beavercreek, OH 45430
lanichbr1@yahoo.com
He is not on the computer much, so a card would do the trick. Wish him well. He is one of us. Steve

110

March 03, 2008 - 07:38 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Shipmate Brad Lanich is going through some tough times with his health. He is being treated for cancer and is having a rough go of it. Brad served on the ship 1973-1974 in supply.
He has a website on caringbridge.org Please go to the following link and sign up and leave a message for him. If you can, drop him a card or letter, or better yet, call him.
www.caringbridge.org/visit/bradlanich

111

March 02, 2008 - 08:51 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Hey Dave, thanks for being my friend. You don't know how much it is appreciated. Please keep Big Al in your prayers. He is having his surgery on Tuesday. Don't forget Clyde either. He is doing better now.

112

March 02, 2008 - 11:27 AM
Dave Farmer 67-69 RD3

"True" Friendship!"
Enough of that Sissy Crap!

Are you tired of those sissy "friendship" poems that always sound good,
But never actually come close to reality?
Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship.
You will see no cutesy little smiley faces on this card -
Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.

1. When you are sad -- I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you sad.
2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.
4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be, until you quit whining.
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick -- I will tell you to stay the hell away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.
8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy ass.

This is my oath.... I pledge it to the end.

"Why?" you may ask. "Because you're my friend!"

Friendship is like peeing your pants: Everyone can see it, But only you can feel the true warmth.

Your Friend Big Wave Dave

113

February 29, 2008 - 05:28 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Has anyone heard from Richard Sebring? He was from Redondo Beach, Ca. We worked together in the deck force before he struck for FT. I have not heard from him since.

114

February 29, 2008 - 02:53 PM
Pete Droesch '61-'62

Tom C. Saw your note about coming across a potential shipmate in Cottonwood, CA. It was not me from up here in Mountain Gate, Who could it be? If you come across him again, please let me know. Give me a call, I'm in the book.

Regards,

Pete

115

February 29, 2008 - 01:38 PM
Tom (Candy) Candreva BM-3

I was on board a few months in 1968. I recently saw a pick up in Cottonwood, CA with the Mispillion sticker on the window? We chatted a few seconds at the stop sign, and I will have to look through the member list to see who it was? Both of us were excited about meeting, but never exchanged names, etc.
Hopefully, we run into eachother again.

116

February 27, 2008 - 08:08 PM
SPIDER IRWINr

FLOYD .JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU .gET AHOLD OF ME HERE AS MY EMAIL AND ME HAVENT FIGEURED HOW TO GET ALONG WIYH EACH OTHER.THIS THING IS DRIVIHG ME CRAZy SPIDER

117

February 27, 2008 - 06:01 PM
Spider Irwin DC3

Jim Porter.Since you were on the ship at the same time i was do you happen to remember acouple shipfitters named Alvin Rose and SF first class Mcgowan.Rose was from Amarillo Texas.I really would like to hear from these guys.I Served my whole kitty cruise witn them and it was really an experence.in 1963 Rose and me went to UDT school in Corando.We both ended up quiting but Rose went on to become a salvage diver.I Got out the Navy in 64.the last time i saw rose after that was when he came through Independence MO.where i lived.He had diving job with a oil company down in the Gulf of Mexico Aint seen or talked to him since then.As far as McGowan goes i have not heard a single thing from him sence I left the ship.If you or anyone else knows anything about these two Mispillion silors please get ahold of me. SPIDER.

118

February 27, 2008 - 07:14 AM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

As most of you know, I sent out reunion info last week. If you didn't get it, let me know. I got phone calls from several who have already made reservations. Charlie Temple, Bill Forman, Jery Lott and Dan Gary. All of them will be there as well as Jack Welch, Bruce Hevner and myself. We got a nice card from Irene Gobbo thanking us for the donation that we made to the U S Navy Memorial in John's memory.

119

February 26, 2008 - 05:21 PM
Jim Pobog

Hello, all.

Recently I found out a retired Navy member of my motorcycle club knows and works with R. H. Long, who was gunnery officer in 1972.

I dropped him a note and a link to the site here, and he said he would drop by. He is in Hawaii, and did 20+ in the Navy. He is still involved in Pacific Fleed administration.

If/when he shows, be sure to give him a warm welcome.

120

February 21, 2008 - 04:24 PM
Shawn McCormack

I am leaving a comment as more of a question, my Dad served aboard this ship I believe in 69-70, he has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer and has made mention that he had several friends aboard her and would like to contact them or know how they have been, if anyone remembers my father (Verlin McCormack) or has anything that pertains to him in anyway please contact me please and thank you

121

February 21, 2008 - 01:07 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

MMC Rapalee tells the story about Chief Gobbo explaining something to his "kids" The speech was about 2 minutes and Chief Gobbo used the "F" word 18 times during that speech.

122

February 21, 2008 - 08:25 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Sad to hear about CPO Gobbo. He has to be the most memorable person I have from the Mispillion. He was the most articulate speaker I have ever known. I recall a time in Sept.73 we had civilians aboard ship and CPO Gobbo was to address them. By the time he got done speaking he was one huge ball of sweat since he had to refrain from using the "F" word, something he had troubles with. Another memory was when a line slipped through a winch, flew up and hit me in the crotch. I double over in pain and all Gobbo could say was, "you shouldn't have let go." Live and learn, but don't expect compassion from some. May he rest in peace!

123

February 20, 2008 - 11:31 PM
Bruce Hevner ,HT2-- 71-73

GO NAVY !!!
Missile Hit Dying Satellite, Official Says.
A missile launched from a Navy ship successfully struck a dying U.S. spy
satellite, a defense official says.

124

February 20, 2008 - 05:30 PM
Brad R. Lanich

I was on the USS Mispillion from 1973 - 1974. I began working on the deck force, and then went to Disbursing. When the Mispillion was decomissioned, I transfered to the USS Navasota, AO-106, North Island, San Diego. One year later the Navasota was put out to pasture, just like the Mispillion. I finished my 4 years on the USS Prairie, AD-15, in San Diego. I have gone on to get my BS degree at Wright State University, Dayton, OH. I then worked on my Masters for a year, and have spent the last 25 years as a Sales Executive with LexisNexis, Dayton, OH. I have made two trips back to San Diego for Sales Meetings. It was great sitting in a luxury suite drinking coffee and watching the ships go in and out of the harbor. In March 2007 I had open heart/double by-pass surgery, and several months later was diagnosed with terminal cancer. While putting together a scrapbook of my Navy days, I found the Mispillion web site. I have had a ball using the materials to add to my book. I wish everyone I served with a great life. Feel free to drop me a note.

125

February 20, 2008 - 12:39 PM
Dave Sibley

Once again shipmates have shown that we care about each other. Clyde many prayers where lifted up for you. These prayers were answered in the way that makes us all rejoice.

126

February 19, 2008 - 05:50 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Hi Spider. The name McGowan is familiar, but I cannot put a face on him. Maybe some of our other shipmates will remember him. So many of the men we knew are among the "lost shipmates." That is, we never hear from them.

Brian

127

February 18, 2008 - 11:33 AM
Jim Porter Yn 58-60

I'm glad all our prayers for your safe recovery have been answered. I will keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery Jim Porter

128

February 18, 2008 - 08:34 AM
Chris Munson

Clyde;

It's a special little club you've just entered, and I know how good the 'healed' news feels as those are the words I heard in December after my operation. We all are thinking of you and can't wait for your unique sea stories of all this.

Ship's Boy

129

February 17, 2008 - 10:49 PM
jim pixler

so glad tosee you doing better God is so good he knows how to heal love you clyde jim pixler

130

February 17, 2008 - 09:06 PM
Penny Nelson Robichaux

Hey Clyde I was so happy to hear you were healed....What a wonderful message before I went to bed.... I love you my brother and know the whole family is braced for your return.
Write when you feel up to it. Penny

131

February 17, 2008 - 07:53 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Clyde, take two aspirin and call me in the morning. Get well soon. Steve and Connie

132

February 17, 2008 - 05:42 PM
AL PUPPO 46 /47

CLYDE NOW I KNOW WHY I COULD NOT GET YOU BY PHONE, CARMEN AND I SEND YOU OUR LOVE WE DID`NT KNOW ABOUT YOUR SURGERY.GET WELL SOON AND WELCOME HOME TALK TO YOU SOON BIG AL [FOREFATHER]

133

February 17, 2008 - 02:29 PM
Dan MacNeil

I talked with clyde Rictor this morning for about half an hour. He had surgery for prostrate cancer on Friday. The surgery went well although they ran into some complications and it ended up taking about twice as long as expected. The Dr. said the cancer was "healed" and I am really glad to hear that. Thanks to you who prayed and continue to pray nfor Clyde. I know he is on his way to full recovery already as he was his normal pissy self this morning. He is really anxious to get home to his family and his dog. It would be nice if we could have some "WELCOME HOME" posts here for him to read when he gets home (Mon. or Tues.) so am asking all to write something even if it's only to say ....... uh, well, "WELCOME HOME". It's easier and a lot cheaper than having to have to get a GET WELL card and mail it!
Dan MacNeil
CPO Webmaster 2004
The Website Guy
God Bless You All

134

February 16, 2008 - 12:00 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Been down with bronchitis and flu all week so I haven't got the reunion stuff ready yet. Will finish next week and get it all sent out. All contracts are signed, etc. More later. Steve

135

February 14, 2008 - 07:58 PM
SPIDER IRWIN 58 61

BRIAN SURELY YOU REMEMBER A FIRST CLASS SHIPFITTER NAMED MCGOWAN.HE LEFT THE SHIP AROUND THE SAME TIME I DID IN LATE 61.HE TAUGHT ME EVERY THING I NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT HOW NOT TO GET WASHED OVERBOARD DURING A UN.REP.IF YOU KNOW WHERE HE IS AT PLEASE LET ME KNOW. FAIR WINDS SPIDER

136

February 14, 2008 - 06:02 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Spider, I have not heard from Alvin Rose. I do recall a shipmate by the name of Rose, but have not seen him since I left the ship.

Hope all is well with you.

137

February 13, 2008 - 03:20 PM
SPIDER IRWIN

STEVE DENGLER.ACOUPLE THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME.AFTER I LEFT THE SHIP I WENT TO FROGMAN SCHOOL IN SAN DIEGO.THOSE GUYS ARE NUTS SO THAT DID NOT WORK OUT.WENT TO CUBA IN 62 DURING THAT MESS.WAS ABOARD THE CALIENTE.I WENT TO NAM ON THE BATTLESHIP NEW JERSEY.I GOT OUT AFTER THAT CRUISE ANDI AM A RETIRED ARMED SECURITY GUARD.AND IF YOU EVER GET THOSE SHIPSPATCHES LET ME KNOW HOW TO GET ONE SPIDER

138

February 13, 2008 - 02:07 PM
SPIDER IRWIN

BRIAN. CHRISTMAS OF 1959 WAS GREAT FOR ME BECAUSE I TURNED 19.FOR SOME REASON WITH 2 WESPAC CRUISES UNDER MY BELT I FELT GROWN UP.I GUESS ALOT OF PEOPLE WOULD HAVE LOVED TO HAVE BEEN IN THE FAREAST.I JUST WANTED TO BE HOME .SMOOTH SAILING. SPIDER

139

February 11, 2008 - 08:07 PM
Debbie Dillon

My brother Danny Fry was on this ship and was in a motorcycle accident on Sept.5th,1973 on his way to the ship and died on Sept.6th,1973.I would like to hear from anyone who served with him or knew him.Tim Owen, Morris Mabe,Strahacker are the only ones I can think of right now.My son,Danny, has joined the Navy and is going to his ship,the USS Harry S. Truman this Friday,Feb.15,2008 in the Pershian Gulf. I am so proud that he followed in his Uncles footsteps and would love for my brothers friends to know that.If anyone knew Danny please e-mail me.God Bless and thank you all for your service to our country.Sincerely,Debbie (Fry) Dillon

140

February 11, 2008 - 02:10 PM
RICHARD IRWIN

BRIAN,I WAS A DAMAGECONTROLMAN,I WORKED OUT OF THE SHIPFITTER SHOP.I RAN AROUND WITH A PIPEFITTER NAMED ALVIN ROSE.HE BECAME A SALVAGE DIVER AND I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM HIM SINCE 66.KNOW ANYTNING ABOUT HIM.? clear sailing BRIAN. SPIDER

141

February 11, 2008 - 01:36 PM
RICHARD IRWIN

TWEETY,YEAH WE CAUGHT SOME FISH IN FRISCO,SURPRISED YOU REMEMBERED.IN WESPAC WE USED TO COLLECT THE FLYING FISH THAT LANDED ON THE DECK AND FRIED EM UP IN THE SHIPFITTER SHOP WHERE I WORKED OUT OF,TELL WE SOME SEA STORIES,SPIDER

142

February 11, 2008 - 01:34 AM
Clyde (Tweety)

SPIDER. Didn't you cook perch in a shack on the tank deck while we were in San Francisco? Clyde

143

February 10, 2008 - 04:48 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Hi Spider,

Thanks for the note. I recall your name, but do not remember your division. It's good to hear from you after all these years. Drop me a line anytime.

Brian Stuckey
Denver, Co.

144

February 08, 2008 - 02:41 PM
RICHARD SPIDER IRWIN DC3

TO BRIAN STUCKEY.I WAS ABOARD FROM 58,61.IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY CHRISMAS WAS SPENT IN WESPAC.I WAS 18 IN 58 AND THAT FIRST ONE AWAY FROM HOME REALLY HURT'CHRISMAS IN JAPAN IS A LONG WAY FROM CHRISMAS IN MISSOURI.TAKE CARE.SPIDER

145

February 06, 2008 - 10:43 PM
Bruce Hevner ,HT2-- 71-73

Hello Shipmates...
Flogging the Clock? It's killing time or simply doing tasks in a slow and leisurely fashion. Originally derived from "Flogging the Glass," a practice from the early days of sail when time on deck was marked by an hour-glass. Young midshipmen entrusted with turning the glass over to mark the passing of an hour would tap on the side to make the sand fall through faster.

146

February 04, 2008 - 03:24 PM
Jim Porter Yn 58-60

Gene I replied to your message so I hope you have my correct e-mail address Jim Porter

147

February 02, 2008 - 12:06 AM
Gene Neighbors

Jim Porter'
I tried to return your E mail and got message that fatal error occured If you could will you send me an E mail address. I may have copied it wrong thank you

Gene Neighbors

148

February 01, 2008 - 09:15 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Services for BMCS John G Gobbo will be February 6, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA. To those of you in that vicinity, please attend if you can. Thank you.

149

February 01, 2008 - 08:04 PM
Gene Neighbors 59--61

I have some more names that the people that were on the ship with me in 59-61 may like to read. LT Hansen LT Baker LT Vincent Capt R G Dose' WO Bond Perez Weaver Bloxam Webb Paul CS Davies SF Spider SF Bo Garnett
HM Boone SM Olds Foster Duncan Dunn
(Tillery or Tilley) Butler Well thats about all I can recall now. Hope you enjoy. Good Luck

Gene Neighbors

150

January 29, 2008 - 07:55 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Gene Neighbors. Thanks for signing the guest book. I have heard about you from the late Doc Flanders. He spoke very highly of you. Come back often and visit our site. Steve

151

January 29, 2008 - 07:17 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

New old shipmate guys:
John S Fischer, MM3, 66-68
500 Valley Vista
Walsenburg, CO 81089
He does not have internet. If you want his phone number, e mail me. His daughter Hollie found us about a year ago when she got him a Mispillion cap. Welcome back Fish!
Farmer, I know you will see this, soooo, find me a picture of him. Thanks, Steve

152

January 29, 2008 - 06:03 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Thanks, Gene, for your comments on our shipmates. I remember most of the names, as we were aboard together. Hope all is well with you. Drop us a line when you can.

153

January 29, 2008 - 05:30 PM
H.E. Neighbors (Gene) SK3

Iserved on board from 6/59 to10/61 I made 3 west pac's Iran the ship's store and clothing store the last 2 west pac's I got out in 61 returned in 62 and retired as an aviation Chief Parachute Rigger (PRC) in 1979 I live in the Dallas,Tx area. I have a lot of great memories and still remember a lot of people after all these years. I talked to B. Stuckey A few weeks ago some of the other names I remembr are Porter,BM Riley,BM Jones,BM Silva,BM Anchors,CS Eubanks,CS Bolderjack,CS Ramey,SD Boyd,SD Johnson,SK White,SK Williams, Sk Soliz,SH Parks,SH Scoggins,SH Nanguata,GM Davis, GM Phillips,Monn Wilson,Blocker,cash,Vincent,Flanders brothers,Carver,Jordan,Bissel,McDermont,Hertel,Olson,McNutt,Bredding, Clancey,Ford, That's all I can think of right off but I know I can name a lot more if I just stop and think about it. Well I have bored everyone enough So Good Luck and I Hope all's Well With Everyone.---- Gene Neighbors.

154

January 28, 2008 - 03:31 PM
gary lehr sfp/2 65/67G

OUR CONDOLENCES TO JOHN GOBBOS FAMILY FAIR WINDS CHIEF
GARY/MARION AND FAMILY

155

January 25, 2008 - 09:05 PM
Dave Farmer RD3 66-67

It saddens me to witness so many great sailors of the USS MIspillion pass from this life to their maker. The real joy comes when I think of how we'll all someday have the reunion of all our shipmates. That will be one hell of a party and we will have all the time in the world to visit. God Bless you all and help us all in this life to greet you and our shipmates in the after life.

156

January 25, 2008 - 07:20 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

It is with a heavy heart that I post this notice. Senior Chief John Gobbo passed away last night. John was our January shipmate of the month. Per John's wishes, no services are planned. Cremation will take place tomorrow with burial of cremains in Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, CA
John G Gobbo
born July 13, 1923 Pajero, CA
died January 24, 2008 San Diego, CA
Rest in peace Chief.

157

January 25, 2008 - 08:27 AM
Dan MacNeil

" ... I don't know why spammers do what they do ..."
Actually these annoying posts are not really done by people. By that I mean nobody actually sits at a computer and comes to our website and types in their message. What happens is this: People want visitors to their websites. Sometimes they get emails telling them that some company will get a million visitors to their website for some ridiculously low price. The people sign up for the service. The spamming company then sets it's computers to work. These computers go to work 24 hours a day looking for certain codes in wsebsites indicating that they have a message board and at that point they automatically hack into the code in order to make posts automatically. Almost all of these will have a link or several links to the sponsor's website(s). Usually theswe websites are audult content or pills. Our message board does not allow posting of links so usually these posts don't work and they end up looking like gobble-d-goop.
Sorry to go on so about this annoying subject but want you all to know how it works. It's just mass marketing. What you used to get in you home mail box and called "junk mail" is now sent you in mass by computers and you get it in emails and on places like the message board and it's all done by HUGE computers that stay up 24 hours a day sending them out by the millions hoping that they will get a 1% to 3% response.
Dan MacNeil
CPO Webmaster 2004
The Website Guy

158

January 24, 2008 - 07:51 PM
Red Neck that loves the Navy

For those who aren't on my Joke List!

Clyde and his buddy Steve are out hunting, and as they're walking along they come upon a huge hole in the ground. They approach it and are amazed by the size of it.

Clyde says ' Wow, that's some hole, I can't even see the bottom, I wonder how deep it is?' The Steve says' I don't know, let's throw something down and listen and see how long it takes to hit bottom.'

Clyde says ' There's this old transmission here, give me a hand and we'll throw it in and see'. So they pick it up and carry it over, and count one, and two and three, and throw it in the hole.

They are standing there listening and looking over the edge and they hear a rustling in the brush behind em. As they turn around they see a goat come crashing through the brush, run up to the hole with no hesitation, and jump in headfirst.

While they are standing there look ing at each other, looking in the hole, and trying to figure out what that was all about, an Dave an old farmer walks up. 'Say there, you fellers didn't happen to see my goat around here anywhere, did you?'

Clyde says ' Funny you should ask, but we were just standing here a minute ago and a goat came running out of the bushes doin' about a hunert miles an hour and jumped headfirst into this hole here!'

And Dave the old farmer said ' Why that's impossible, I had him chained to a transmission! '

159

January 24, 2008 - 10:19 AM
Jim Porter Yn 58-60

I don't know why spammers do what they do, but I will continue to delete them as I have been several times daily

Jim porter

160

January 23, 2008 - 07:17 PM
Dave Farmer RD3 67-69

I wonder what spammers get out of having a computer send out spams? I don't see the enjoyment factor! I guess a sick mind doesn't really need enjoyment! Oh Well we'll just have to keep on deleting them....

161

January 22, 2008 - 08:48 PM
Dan MacNeil

Well, it isn't blocking everyone. We're still getting the spam posts. Problem is that most spam posts are donne automatically by computers. The only way to stop them completely is to put in a code filter, Then anyone who wants to post a comment would see a pop-up thing and enter the code letters/numbers they see. That sounds good but often those damn things are almost impossible to read. Also, many people have pop-up blockers that would not allow them to even see that so it would not work at all for them so everything considerred, it's easier for us to remove the posts as we see them ........ I think.
Dan MacNeil
CPO Webmaster 2004
The Website Guy

162

January 22, 2008 - 06:11 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Danny, you are all right. I don't care what they say about you!!!

163

January 21, 2008 - 07:17 PM
Rick Johnston

I served on Mispillion as a skivy waver 69-71. I made 2 west-pac cruises on her. I would like to hear from amyone that remembers me....."Snorky"

164

January 21, 2008 - 03:38 PM
Shady Rest Nursing Home

Mr Hevner, we hope you had a happy birthday and we wanted to let you know that your room is ready. Please remember to bring your walker and a supply of depends with you.

165

January 21, 2008 - 02:54 PM
Danny MacNeil

Hello shipmates. I've changed the codes for the message board so hopefully we will get less spammers posting here. For a while at least.
Dan MacNeil
CPO Webmaster 2004
The Website Guy

166

January 19, 2008 - 04:02 PM
Bob Ruben(Rube)

Hope your feeling better Brian? Yes I remember Mac. He got his leg broke wrestling with a run away hose down on the tank deck during an unrep.He was high lined to a destroyer if I remember correctly

167

January 18, 2008 - 10:51 PM
Radio

Bruce Hevner's birthday is on Monday January 21st. Bruce will be 57 years old. Bruce was the assistant waterboy on our football team here in Anderson. Radio

168

January 18, 2008 - 05:27 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Do any of you remember "Mac" MacDermott? He was aboard when I was. Others you may remember include Sebring, Bolding, Eubanks, Hertell, Bolerjack, Ramey, Schrader, Phillips, Jones, "Smitty" Smith, Wilson, Dible, Stuart, Breeding, Rictor, Shook, Tappero, Foster, Bissell, Plummer, Silva, Anchors, Bos'n Tonelli, Asbury and yours truly.

169

January 16, 2008 - 07:40 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

We have booked 60 rooms at the Holiday Inn in Mt Pleasant, SC. The contract will be here the first of the week for me to sign. Our banquet will be there on Saturday night, Oct 25. We have reserved Hanger Bay #3 aboard the USS Yorktown CV 10 for our memorial service which will be on Friday afternoon Oct 24. We have also booked Jill Norman of Plantation Photography to do our reunion photos, group shots, etc. She will also be putting together a reunion Memory Book (for purchase). More to come later. Steve

170

January 15, 2008 - 05:34 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Gene Neighbors SK3 called the other night. Some of you may remember him, as he was aboard in the 1959-61 era.

171

January 13, 2008 - 09:06 AM
Bruce Hevner, 71-73-HT2

Greetings Shipmates from beautiful Charleston SC !!!
Reyne and I have been working HARD the last two days getting information for the reunion in Oct. It's a wonderful place to visit with LOTS of things to do. For a little preview go to http://www.resortmaps.com/# click on maps then South Carolina then Charleston. I hope as many shipmates as possible will be able to attend. More information will be coming soon.
Bruce Hevner

172

January 10, 2008 - 05:43 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Mark your calendars for October 23,24, & 25 for the 2008 reunion in Charleston. Some details have to be worked out and contracts signed. This will probably take place next week. Shipmate Bruce Hevner will be in Charleston this weekend to scope out some stuff for us. As soon as I get all the the details, you will be advised. That is all, carry on!!

173

January 09, 2008 - 06:29 PM
AL PUPPO 46 /47

HOPE THIS FINDS YOU FEELING BETTER CLYDE, GET WELL SOON SHIPMATE WE LOVE YOU AL AND CARMEN

174

January 08, 2008 - 01:08 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Speaking of Clyde, I called him yesterday and Billy is right. He is under the weather. Says he is in a lot of pain right now. Send him a cheer up card if you can. On a different note, 2008 dues were due the 1st of January. Send them in when you get time. Steve

175

January 07, 2008 - 10:30 PM
BILLY GARCEAU DC 3 65/69

A little birdie told me that CLYDE was a little under the weather.

Hope you get better soon.SAILOR

176

January 06, 2008 - 10:01 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

We are still working on the Charleston reunion. Shipmate Bruce Hevner will be in Charleston this week to check out some things for us. We will keep you all posted. Steve

177

January 01, 2008 - 05:09 PM
Dave Farmer RD3 67-69

As we enter this New Year of 2008 let us all thank those who support us (our Family and Brothers) and pray for all who need our prayers. Let us live a year that shows how good of a person we are lets see if we can locate more of our brothers of the Mispillion. Hapyy New Year Shipmates.

178

January 01, 2008 - 10:17 AM
Jim Pixler

I hope all of you had a very good christmas. we are all looking forward to a happy new year. it is now 2008. it is hsrd to beleve it but thank the Lord, we live in a free land. God bless you all Jim Pixler

179

December 31, 2007 - 07:39 PM
Bruce Hevner ,HT2-- 71-73

HAPPY NEW YEAR to ALL my Mispillion Shipmates!!
See you in Charleston!!!
Bruce Hevner

180

December 31, 2007 - 03:34 PM
gary lehr sfp/2 65/67

THANKS BRUCE! I LOVE THE DITTIES OF INFO THAT YOU HAVE.KEEP THEM COMING
HAPPY NEW YEAR GARY

181

December 31, 2007 - 01:23 AM
Bruce Hevner ,HT2-- 71-73

Greetings Shipmates,
The ditty bag, along with it’s close cousin the ditty box, goes a long way back in history as do many traditional
maritime methods and implements. The origin of the name is lost in the fog of time. It is stated by Adriral Smyth
(1867) however, in his Sailor’s Word Book, the ditty bag got it’s name from the word “dittis” or Manchester stuff,
from which it was once made. This too is somewhat obscure, since little is known of “Manchester stuff”. The
manufacturers of textiles in Manchester deny ever making such cloth. It was said that the bag was cut and sewn
by sailmakers as practice for making sails and was twelve inches in length and five inches in diameter. This varied greatly however, as I
observed when investigating early and later day bags in museum collections. In 1923 an answer to a query in
the Mariners Mirror on the origin of the bag and the derivation of the word ditty bag and ditty box, emphasized
the ambiguity of the origins of these names. They pursued the word dight, in the Oxford Dictionary, a word with
many meanings, but one is, “to repair, put to rights, put in order”. It is said that this word’s latest use in general
speech was in 1580, but that it occurs in dialect as late as 1877. It can be assumed that from these sorts of
origins the word found its way afloat. An alternative theory suggests that the word came from Scotland or
northern England, and that it could have been derived from the term, “dudds”, “duddies”, or “duiddies” denoting
cloths, especially working cloths.

182

December 29, 2007 - 04:34 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Some of you may remember LCDR John Ziegweid, who served as XO in 1952-54. Well, I received a nice Christmas card from him this year. I know he would enjoy hearing from any of you. Mr. Ziegweid does not have a computer, but his mailing address is shown on the website.

183

December 29, 2007 - 03:39 PM
gary lehr sfp/2 65/67

HEY BRUCE! HOW ABOUT A RUN DOWN ON THE OL DITTY BAG?
TKS GARY

184

December 29, 2007 - 11:13 AM
Pete Droesch '61-'62

Welcome aboard Eugene Carkoski! Glad to have you join us. Hope to see you at one of the upcoming reunions. Drop a note to Harley Hansen when you have the time.

185

December 28, 2007 - 06:02 PM
Eugene Carkoski RD2

thanks to you guys that built this site

186

December 27, 2007 - 05:41 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

I am trying to get ship patches made up. Problem is, I don't have any to go from. I do have photos, but not the sizes I need. I am going to have both the old (octopus) and the new (sea horses) made up. I will have to get a minimum of 50 of each. I don't have any prices yet, as I need the patches. If you have one, either mail it to me or send me the size. Please let me know so I can get the ball rolling on this. Still working on the 2008 reunion in Charleston. We will probably do a luncheon on board the USS Yorktown on Friday afternoon and then have the banquet at the hotel. No one is working there this week, so we are at a standstill til next week. Will let you all know as soon as possible. The 2009 reunion will be at Clyde's house. Ha Ha

187

December 26, 2007 - 04:57 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Here's wishing all of you good health in the coming year!

Brian Stuckey
Denver, Co.

188

December 25, 2007 - 09:48 PM
BILLY GARCEAU DC 3 65/69

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Lets have this web site have more happy stories than sad----------
Jackie and BILLY G

189

December 25, 2007 - 12:34 PM
Chris Munson

Merry Christmas Shipmates

I wanted to wish every one of you the Best, and also want to let know I am home and well, after prostate surgery yesterday. My Christmas Gift of life to myself. May God continue his Gift of Blessings and Peace upon us and our world.

Sincerely,

Chris Munson
Ship's Boy

190

December 25, 2007 - 12:59 AM
Penny Nelson Robichaux

Merry Christmas to all my brothers and your families. I have tucked the kids in at last and am enjoying a few minutes of quiet before the hectic pace of Christmas Morning. Funny how often all of you come to mind in quiet moments and during times of prayer. You have added to my life individually and corporately and I wanted to say again "I love you" and thank God for you. I have enjoyed the emails and the phone calls, the personal visits and the pictures this past year and look forward to all the opportunities we have to share in the New Year that is approaching.

I spoke to Chris Munson earlier today and he sounded strong.

So, I pray that you have Peace that passes all understanding, Joy that gives you strength, Love that never fails and Laughter that works like medicine. I pray that everything you put your hands to prospers.

It is good to be Queen

Goodnight and God Bless you

191

December 24, 2007 - 03:06 PM
gary lehr sfp/2 65/67

TO ALL MY SHIPMATES OF THE BIG BOAT MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR,AND TO ALL OF OUR TROOPS AND SAILORS GOD BLESS AMERICA.WE OF THE AO105 SUPPORT YOU ALL
GARY&MARION LEHR&FAMILY

192

December 24, 2007 - 11:20 AM
Dick Marnon (62-65)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Hope everyone is in good health to start the new year off right. I owe a few of the guys that have called me a phone call and I will get back with them. Thanks for calling. Have a good Holiday from Dick Marnon and family

193

December 23, 2007 - 09:40 AM
Jim Porter Yn 58-60

My wife and I wish all of the Mispillion shipmates a Merrry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year. Our prayers go out to the ill and greiving shipmates and servicemen and their families. Jim Porter 58-60

194

December 22, 2007 - 02:34 PM
Dave Farmer RD3 67-69

My Wife and I and Family wish all you and your family and friends the Merriest of Christmas and a safe and healthy New Years. As you pray for friends and family in need remember to pray for our Soldiers home and abroad and for this great nation. Pray that we might elect a president next year that will lead our nation back to the road of our past greatness! God Bless you all and America too!

195

December 22, 2007 - 09:18 AM
Dave Sibley 62-63

Shipmates please pray for Brian Stuckey 59-61. Brian has some major health problems.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & Happy New Year. May 2008 be kind to all of us.

196

December 21, 2007 - 05:18 PM
Brian St;uckey 59-61

Some of you were no doubt with us in WestPac during the Christmas of '59. It was my first WestPac cruise on the Mighty Miss and my first Christmas away from home. If any of you have any memories of that Christmas, kindly send them along.

Merry Christmas to all!

Brian Stuckey
Denver, Co.

197

December 20, 2007 - 08:40 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

To those of you who ordered shirts (white) from me at the reunion, and are unhappy with the size, let me know. It seems that they are sized wrong. I have had two complaints. Let me know if there is a problem and we will take care of it. Steve

198

December 20, 2007 - 12:25 AM
Bruce Hevner ,HT2-- 71-73

Hello Shipmates...
Today's tidbit of Naval trivia is the "Cut and Run." A common form of early sea warfare was to sneak into an enemy harbor at night and steal the anchored ships or boats by cutting their anchor lines and sailing away on the out-going, or "running," tide. This soon became used to describe any action or plan requiring speed and urgency. It also applied to an emergency action if an anchored ship was caught by surprise by a superior enemy force.

Merry Christmas to ALL my shipmates old and new!!
Bruce Hevner

199

December 19, 2007 - 06:27 PM
Don Stingley

Wanted to wish all shipmates and families a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Also does anyone know where to find Don Eaton, he was on the ship in 1970 or 1971.

Thanks
Don

200

December 19, 2007 - 06:17 PM
AL PUPPO 46 /47

TO ALL MY FELLOW SHIPMATES, MAY YOU ALL HAVE A JOYES AND MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR, GOD BLESS YOU ALL. AL AND CARMEN.

201

December 18, 2007 - 12:45 PM
Paul Hopper Sr.

Dear Shipmates
A sincere thank-you for your thoughts and PRAYERS. Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your kind words of comfort. I greatly appreciate everything you have done for me and my family. Thank you for the many thoughtful things you have done for us. I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am for all the help you gave me during this difficult time. Your compassion has been a source of comfort and warmth during this difficult time. You're a blessing
Your Shipmate
Paul

202

December 18, 2007 - 12:37 PM
Travis Sweet, SM2, '67-'68

I enjoy reading the message board. Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.
Remember those serving in Iraq, Afghanistan & other places. My oldest son is with an Army infantry unit in Iraq (his 2nd tour).

203

December 17, 2007 - 05:02 PM
Brian Stuckey

May all of you have a blessed Christmas and good health in the coming year!

Brian Stuckey 59-61
Denver, Colorado

204

December 17, 2007 - 07:15 AM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Beth, give your Dad (Bill Forman) a big hug for us and wish him a Merry Christmas for us. Steve & Connie

205

December 16, 2007 - 09:25 PM
William Forman

To all who served aboard the USS Mispillion AO105,
Happy Holidays to u, all..

from William Forman ( Dec 45- Feb 48)
If any msg for my dad, send an email to BSForman7@aol.com, i ll print it and show him..
Thanks

206

December 16, 2007 - 06:02 PM
tony farina 68-70

I want to thank Dave and all my shipmates for having my dad in there prays on this passing on thanks giving eve.thank you tony FN 68-70

207

December 10, 2007 - 08:32 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

As Al stated below, shipmate Paul T Hopper Sr, lost his grandson Paul T Hopper III in a car accident Saturday in Bend, Oregon. Cards of sympathy may be sent to Paul at:
Paul T Hopper Sr
P.O. Box 797
Ontario, Oregon 97914
Please keep the family in your prayers. Thank you.

208

December 09, 2007 - 07:31 PM
AL PUPPO 46 /47

SHIPMATES I`VE JUST GOT SOME TERRIBLE NEWS THAT OUR FELLOW SHIPMATE PAUL HOPPER JUST LOST HIS GRAND SON PAUL HOPPER THE 3rd. OUR HEART FELT PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIM AND HIS FAMILY. GOD HELP THEM IN THEIR SORROW, GOD BLESS.

209

December 07, 2007 - 12:01 PM
Dave Sibley QM2 62-63

Let's not FORGET what happen 66 years ago today---Pearl Harbor.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy New Year to all my Mispillion family.
Hope to see ya'll in Charleston, SC next October for our reunion. If you have never been to one, I feel sorry for you. We have a GREAT TIME together. Some of the shipmates tell some BIG SEA STORIES---HA HA!!!!
Please make a effort to come, you want regrett it.

210

December 07, 2007 - 12:01 PM
Steve Moore

Served on the USS Mispillion 1969.
Looking for those who might remember me and a good friend at the time Don Stingley

211

December 07, 2007 - 09:01 AM
Jim Porter

After reading all these b'day greetings and doing some calculations somewhere there must have been a diaper changing station and I don't remember seeing it. Happy birthday to all and may all Have a "Merry Christmas" and a good new year Jim Porter 58-60

212

December 06, 2007 - 04:42 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Joel,please e mail me with your info, where are you from, phone, e mail address etc. We are going to have reunion in South Carolina in the fall and Clyde is working on a reunion for 2009 in the northwest. Steve

213

December 06, 2007 - 12:42 PM
Joel D. Willis (LOE WILLIE)

I was a member of the USS MISPILLION AO105 62-65 made 3 west pack cruses under 3 CAPT CAPT SAM HOUSTON, CAPT RINGNESS, & CAPT WILL PARDEE.O DIV in ships office as YN I handled cap mass and court martials Made 3rd class my first year in ships office passed the test for 2nd class was not high enough grade to advance not enough open spaces.My daughter turned me onto this website have enjoyed going through the pages. I found pictures of Capt Pardee and Wheeler. Must have been a great time at the reunion, wish I could have been there.

214

December 06, 2007 - 07:38 AM
jim pixler

happy bday Clyde it is the same as my oldest sons bday Steve Pixler is 37 today that is his age for sure Jim Pixler

215

December 06, 2007 - 01:47 AM
Ron Smith 67-68

I want to wish everybody a Merry Christmas! I don't understand all this fuss over a shipmates age! I'm 39 and proud of it. Have a Happy and Safe New Year!

216

December 05, 2007 - 07:08 PM
BILLY GARCEAU DC 3 65/69

CLYDE SAYS !!!!!!!!!!!

If you dont VOTE don't Bitch

WELL !!! Iam not voting for her.

H B all you old timers

HOME OF THE FREE !!!!!!!

BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE....

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
AND TO ALL STAY SAFE ....

217

December 05, 2007 - 05:31 PM
AL PUPPO 46 /47

NOW STEVE WHY DID YOU LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG ? NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW THAT I COLOR MY HAIR SILVER, I ONLY DO IT SO ALL OF MY FRIENDS AND SHIPMATES DON`T FEEL WORSE THAN THEY DO HA HA IF THEY WHERE TO SEE ME WITH DARK HAIR. AS OF YESTERDAY I`M GOING TO TAKE OFF ONE YEAR EVERY YEAR I HAVE A BIRTDAY. HAPPY BIRTDAY CLYDE ANDI KNOW YOU AE ONLY GOING TO BE 49 TOMORROW? I ALSO HAVE A BRIDGE FOR SALE IF ANY ONE IS INTERESTED. BIG AL [FOREFATHER]

218

December 04, 2007 - 08:35 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Dave, speaking of hair, Al still has all of his and he colors it silver so as not to make those other guys feel bad.

219

December 03, 2007 - 08:43 PM
Dave Sibley

Happy Birthday-----------------
Charlie Temple,Clyde Rictor and AL(Forefather)Puppo. I know there is some misunderstanding on ages here. All I know is that Clyde was on the welcoming party for the Mayflower.
Your humble servant.

220

December 03, 2007 - 05:05 PM
Brian Stuckey

Do any of you remember LCDR John Ziegweid, who was aboard in the early 50's? He would no doubt enjoy hearing from many of you. He does not have a computer. Please wish him "Merry Christmas!"

221

December 03, 2007 - 02:00 PM
Clyde

After reading all of your comments pertaining Al & my birthdays. I feel I must respond. Al. I am sure Billy was talking about me when he said I should shoot myself. He is always telling me to blow it out my a**. And I know he would never disrespect you. As for our ages. I know for a fact that your are turning 59. Not 79. I also attest to the absolute fact that I am only going to be 48. Not 68. Of course we all know Temple is 65. I will bring up a resolution in S.C. that Dave Framer, Billy Garfield And Steve Dungler are not to be listened to when it pertains to other Shipmates age. I am sure it will pass. Of course if clinton gets back in the White House it will be vetoed as Dave Framer has her ear. Tell Carmen I Love her and to keep her feet warm. Love to you and Happy Birthday. Clyde

222

December 02, 2007 - 09:04 PM
michelle thompson

Hey there, I wanted to see if anyone here knew my father from the Uss Mispillion. His name is Joel Dervin Willis. He served approx 1957. Just found this web site and I can wait to show it to him.

223

December 02, 2007 - 10:21 AM
Bob Ruben

Let me be the first to wish all the men, and thier families a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR. God bless our service men in Iraq and all over the world.

224

December 01, 2007 - 03:41 PM
AL PUPPO 46 /47

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WELL WISHERS. WE HAVE TO SEND A BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISH TO MY FELOW FRIEND AND SHIPMATE [PLANK OWNER] CHARLES TEMPLE WHO CELEBRATED HIS 80 th BIRTHDAY ON NOV.28, AND HE ALSO DOS NOT SHOW HIS AGE. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OF YOU SHIPMATES WHO ARE CELEBRATING THEIRS. LOVE YA ALL BIG AL [FOREFATHER]

225

December 01, 2007 - 12:50 PM
gary lehr sfp/2 65/67G

HEY AL; SENIORITY PEVAILS HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
GARY

226

November 30, 2007 - 08:32 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Hey Al, you could pass for 59. That would make you younger than Clyde. Sorry I forgot to post your birthday. It seems like you never have them. You always look the same age.

227

November 30, 2007 - 04:53 PM
AL PUPPO 46 /47

BILLY WHO ARE YOU REFFERING TO WHEN YOU SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE OLD MAN? IS IT CLYDE OR ME, OR BOTH, THANK YOU AND YOUR WIFE. IF IT IS ME I`M VERY BLESSED WITH GOOD HEALTH AND I HOPE THAT YOU AS WELL AS ALL MY MANY SHIPMATES ARE BLESSED AS I AM THANK YOU. P S I JUST DELETED TWO MORE JERKS BIG AL [FOREFATHER]

228

November 30, 2007 - 07:00 AM
BILLY GARCEAU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLD MAN

Heck If I was that OLD I would shoot myself.

Jackie & BILLY G

229

November 29, 2007 - 08:03 PM
Rick Galvin

Sorry to hear about doc. I met doc on the 2005 reunion in San Francisco. talked to him briefly, nice guy. my condolances to the family.

230

November 29, 2007 - 05:57 PM
Jim Sacco

I boarded the ship when it was in Shanghi, China, I think it was late 1946 or early 1947. I worked in the ships office as a yeomen striker.

231

November 29, 2007 - 05:56 PM
AL PUPPO 46 /47

Happy birthday CLYDE my young old salt only 68 ? I will be 79 on dec.4th, Are you sure you are only going to be 68. I know sailors have been know to tell tales, May be they will be coming to put you away. I will come to see you, IF they let me out? We love you have agreat birthday with love and good health Big al [ forefather ]

232

November 28, 2007 - 09:36 PM
Shady Rest Nursing Home

Clyde Rictor's birthday is on Thursday December 6th. Clyde will be 68 years old. We can't wait to welcome him to his new home. Send him a birthday card before we take him away.

233

November 28, 2007 - 05:16 PM
AL PUPPO 46 /47

HI SHIPMATES, I LEARNED JUST RECENTLY HOW TO DELETE THESE JERKS THAT TRY TO PUT MESSAGES ON OUR WEB SITE. I JUST DELETED ANOTHER FOOL. I WILL CONTINUAL TO DO SO. BIG AL [FOREFATHER]

234

November 27, 2007 - 10:06 PM
Bruce Hevner ,HT2-- 71-73

Hello Shipmates...
"Crow's Nest?" A basket or hooped station on the tallest mast of a sailing ship for the lookout. It is said that ancient Vikings kept a cage of crows up on the mast, since crows would always fly towards land. Releasing one while lost or surrounded by fog gave them a direction to steer. Any modern day ships have a crow's nest?

235

November 27, 2007 - 07:28 PM
John Galvin

Hello everyone I was wondering if there was anywhere I could buy a patch of the Uss Mispillion my dad Bill Galvin was on the ship back in the 60's along with my uncle Rick Galvin I'm trying to put together a display with all my dads ships patch if at all possible thank you all for serving

236

November 27, 2007 - 06:55 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

The Mispillion shirts are here. I will be mailing them out in the next few days. We have some extras too in white or dark blue.

237

November 26, 2007 - 04:57 PM
Brian Stuckey

Today's Wall Street Journal has an interesting story, "China's Thanksgiving Snub." For those of us who remember R&R in Hong Kong a few decades ago, the story is worth reading.

238

November 26, 2007 - 09:26 AM
Mike Holmes RD2 1967

I was English Class at Cerritos College. It was my 18th birthday. It put a real damper on the celebration.

239

November 26, 2007 - 08:03 AM
jim pixler

the day that JFK was killed i leaving the ship for liberty in long beach.we listened to the radio for the next few days. it was a sad time

240

November 25, 2007 - 05:09 PM
AL PUPPO 46 /47

WHEN WE HEARD ABOUT JFK PASSING I WAS WORKING AS A PICTORIAL ARTIST AT FOSTER AND KLEISER AN OUTDOOR ADVERTISING COMPANY,NEEDLES TO SAY NO ONE COULD GO BACK TO WORK, SO WE ALL WENT HOME. SAD SAD DAY THAT WE WILL NEVER FORGET. BIG AL [FOREFATHER]

241

November 24, 2007 - 03:14 PM
Clyde

My Wife and I were watching the Cara Williams show. Then we watched cbs for the next week. Sad day for America.

242

November 23, 2007 - 11:11 PM
Pete Droesch '61-'62

I was on liberty up in Baguio, Philippines when JFK passed. He was popular in the PI and nearly all activities came to a halt. Some six months later I was headed down to Manila when the word came of Macarthur's passing. Then, an entire nation shut down. Those were interesting times.

Pete

243

November 23, 2007 - 09:59 PM
gary lehr sfp/2 65/67

I WAS GETING A HAIR CUT IN BOOT CAMP WHEN PRES KENNEDY WAS SHOT. PRETTY SCARY AT THE TIME.
GARY

244

November 23, 2007 - 09:18 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Shipmate Dan Lehnert's birthday is on Saturday December 1st. Dan will be 57 years old. Send him a card or an e mail. He is the reason we are where we are with the Mispillion reunion group. He started it all. His address is on the shipmate page. Steve

245

November 23, 2007 - 09:07 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

I never was good at Math. Dave, thanks for setting me straight on the year. I do remember that it was a Friday because they cancelled the school play which was on Friday night. Glad to see that you guys are keeping me straight.

246

November 23, 2007 - 08:10 PM
Jim Porter

I was in Hong Kong with Beachmaster Unit One West Pac Det on the USS Point
Defiance. Raymond Tillery BM1 was on the ship He was on the Mispillion when I was aboard Jim Porter 59-60

247

November 23, 2007 - 07:44 PM
Dave Sibley

Correction, my first mistake in the last five minutes. John Kennedy was shot on Nov. 22, 1963

248

November 23, 2007 - 07:39 PM
Dave Sibley

Steve that would be 44 years ago today. I was aboard USS Zelima AF-49 on a wespac cruise.

249

November 23, 2007 - 06:14 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

40 years ago today, John F. Kennedy died. We all have stories as to where we were when he died. I was a freshman in high school and was in gym class when they came over the pa system and made the announcement. Where were you?

250

November 22, 2007 - 06:04 PM
AL PUPPO 46 /47

CARMEN AND I WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OF MY FELLOW SHIPMATES A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING FILLED WITH HAPPYNES AND GOOD HEALTH, GOD BLESS YOU ALL. BIG AL [FOREFATHER]

251

November 22, 2007 - 01:14 PM
Clyde

Don't forget to Pray for all our Troops and Veterans as your enjoy your Thanksgiving meal today. Love to all and God Bless America. Clyde

252

November 21, 2007 - 08:52 PM
gary lehr sfp/2 65/67

FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS HAPPY THANKSGIVING
GARY AND MARION

253

November 21, 2007 - 08:29 PM
Ron Smith FTG

Wishing all my shipmates and their loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving!

Ron and Carole Smith

(Yes - I got married 03 Nov '07)

254

November 21, 2007 - 08:08 PM
Jim Porter

Wishing all my fellow shipmates a happy and blessed Thanksgiving this year and many more to come Jim Porter 58-60

255

November 21, 2007 - 04:53 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

We would like to wish all of our shipmate's and their families a Happy Thanksgiving. Steve & Connie

256

November 21, 2007 - 04:38 PM
BILLY GARCEAU

Wishing everyone a very happy Thanksgiving.

Jackie and Billy G

257

November 21, 2007 - 03:46 PM
CHUCK OSBORNE

FROM WARM SOUTH CAROLINA...TO YOUR FAMILY FROM MIND, GOD BLESS YOU AND WE WISH YOU ALL A BLESSED AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING. IT IS A HONOR TO BE A PART OF THIS FELLOWSHIP.

258

November 21, 2007 - 08:06 AM
jim pixler

hope every one has a blessed and wonderful thanksgiving. so thankful to be a part of the shipmates of the mispillion Jim Pixler

259

November 20, 2007 - 05:03 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

My first Thanksgiving away from home was aboard the "Mighty Miss." We sailed for WestPac in Sept. of '59, as I recall. Perhaps some of you were with us. Don Breeding was the MAA on the mess decks. Others who were aboard included Rictor, Porter, Sebring, Asbury, McDermott, Eubanks, Hertell, Bolerjack, Bolding, Foster, Bissell, Schrader, Phillips, Leffert, Franklin, Daly, Shook, Tappero, Anchors, Silva, Jones, Stuart, Ramsey, Wheeler, Mastin, Wilson, "Smitty" Smith, Glaze and Garbiso. Capt. Fred Dierman was in command then. No doubt many of you will remember others whose names I do not recall.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

Brian Stuckey

260

November 20, 2007 - 10:04 AM
Dave Dykmann

Melody & I want to wish all...a very safe and family filled Thanksgiving. Our prayers are with all.

Dave & Melody Dykmann

261

November 20, 2007 - 08:31 AM
Bruce Hevner ,HT2-- 71-73

Hello Shipmates...
Route? A naval term? It is said to be Dutch in origin. Dutch Pilots and Navigators kept their own separate logs (they were called "reuters" and often handled in great secrecy by merchant companies) from the captain's log. Here, they recorded copious notes and descriptions of landmarks, weather and sea conditions, tides, hazards, and even interviews with local seamen, fishermen and other skippers along the way. This was known as a "reuters log" or "reuters guide", which was invaluable to other ships to find a destination.

262

November 17, 2007 - 04:40 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

May all of you have a blessed Thanksgiving!

263

November 16, 2007 - 07:41 PM
Carl Baker BN2 56 to 59

Thank you for nominating me as sailor of the month. I am very honored. But I made a mistake when I said Wilber BM1 had the quarterdeck when I reported aboard. It must have been Carmen BM1 (leading PO of the First Div.) Wilber BM1 was on the USS Paricutin when I was aboard. My memory is getting worst these days. Does anyone remember Carmen? He was the one that bought a Ford Edsel when they first came out. Ha, Ha Remember that?

264

November 16, 2007 - 12:44 PM
Dave Sibley

Al, thats the news we like to hear about Carmen. Shipmates continue to pray for her and Big Al(Forefather).

P.S. Ethel wants to thank everyone for their prayers,e-mails, cards and phone calls concerning the death of her mother. They have truly help lift the burden.

265

November 15, 2007 - 07:36 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Al, thanks for the good news on Carmen. May her health continue to improve.

266

November 15, 2007 - 03:55 PM
AL PUPPO 46 /47

I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS TIME TO THANK ALL OF MY SHIPMATES FOR ALL THEIR PRAYERS FOR MY WIFE CARMEN, THEY HAVE BEEN ANSWERED. SHE IS DOIN`G WELL.THE NEXT SURGERY ON HER LEFT LEG WILL BE AFTER THE HOILDAYS. GOD WILLING THAT WILL GO AS WELL. GOD BLESS YOU ALL BIG AL [FOREFATHER]

267

November 14, 2007 - 02:33 PM
gary lehr sfp/2 65/67

thanks bruce! can always count on you
gary

268

November 12, 2007 - 10:44 PM
Bruce Hevner ,HT2-- 71-73

Hello Shipmates,
per Gary's request,,What's a poopdeck?

In naval architecture, a poop deck is a deck that constitutes the roof of a cabin built in the aft (rear) part of the superstructure of a ship. The name originates from the French word (la poupe)for stern, so the poop deck is the stern deck, which in sailing ships was usually elevated as the roof of the stern (or 'after') cabin. In sailing ships, with the helmsman at the stern, an elevated position was ideal for both navigation and observation of the crew and sails.

269

November 12, 2007 - 09:44 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Good news! Al Puppo just called and said that Carmen had her surgery and everything went okay. I called Harry Johnson tonight and he is doing better. It is nice to get a little good news for a change.

270

November 12, 2007 - 10:47 AM
Penny Nelson Robichaux

Thanks for the card and good wishes my brothers and thank you all for serving. The pictures are great and Dave you looked so happy and so strong sorry you are on the couch but remember women hates snakes....something serious happenedn in the garden and we haven't trusted them since....Harry Johnson was winded when he and Carol got here but he is a trooper and delivered first hand info on the reunion. He is in the hospital right now so keep him in your prayers. I love you guys.

Penny

271

November 11, 2007 - 05:37 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

First off, we would like to offer our condlences to Ethel Sibley in the loss of her mother. Secondly, I would like to wish all my shipmates a Happy Veterans Day. Third, I would like to wish my kids Colleen and Steven (both former Marines) Happy Veterans Day.

272

November 11, 2007 - 08:31 AM
gary lehr sfp/2 65/67G

HEY BRUCE HELP ME OUT. MY GRANDSON WANTS TO KNOW THE MEANING OF POOP DECK,I THOUGH IF ANYBODY WOULD KNOW IT WOULD BE YOU KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. I TRYED TO EMAIL BUT WOULDNT GO THROUGH? THATS THE E/MAIL OFF THE AO105 WEB/SITE
THANKS GARY

273

November 11, 2007 - 08:14 AM
Jim Porter

Dave our prayers and condolences to Ethel and her family. May God make their grief light. Jim Porter 58-50

274

November 11, 2007 - 06:29 AM
gary lehr sfp/2 65/67

HAPPY VETERANS DAY TO ALL GOD BLESS. UNDERWAY SHIFT COLORS
GARY

275

November 10, 2007 - 04:02 PM
Dave Sibley

Ethel's mother died at home Friday (11/09/2007). Thanks shipmates for your prayers and concerd for Ethel's mother. Please lift Ethel and her family up at this time. I know you will do it, because you have lifted me up.

Thanks, I love each and everyone of you.

276

November 09, 2007 - 01:20 PM
Dave Sibley

Happy Veterans Day shipmates. Thanks for serving our country with honor and pride.

277

November 08, 2007 - 07:36 PM
Steve Dengler

Guys, I got an e mail today from Jim Benson's son telling us that he (Jim) passed away on Feb 17, 2007. Jim was on the 52-53 cruise. If I get any more information, I will pass it on to you all. Steve

278

November 07, 2007 - 02:58 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Here's wishing all of you a happy Veterans Day!

279

November 06, 2007 - 05:46 PM
AL PUPPO 46 /47

UP DATE ON MY WIFE CARMEN.HER SURGERY HAS BEEN CANCELLED UNTIL SOME TIME NEXT WEEK, I WILL UP DATE YOU ALL. THANKS TO EVERY ONE FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS AND GOOD WILL. WE LOVE YOU ALL BIG AL[FOREFATHER] PS WE ARE SO GLAD TO HEAR THAT CARL AND HIS WIFE SURVIVED THE FIRES AND THAT HE IS DOING WELL,GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY

280

November 06, 2007 - 01:26 PM
Clyde

I am getting e-mail asking how Carl Baker is doing and how did he fair during the fires. I am including this mail from him to answer some of your questions. Please stop and say a Prayer for this Old Salt as you read this info. Thanks. Clyde
Hi, Sorry I took so long to answer. First- The fire did not affect my
> house or immediate neighborhood.There was a mandatory evacuation north of
> Twin Peaks Road which is a few blocks north of us. A bunch of homes burned
> down there. We evacuated to my sons house in Chula Vista. There was fire
> on 3 sides of us. It was kind of scary. But 2 days later we returned home.
> No fire damage Except a 8' section of my fence blew down during the Santa
> Ana winds. We were lucky the wind died down when it did or we would not
> have a home now.
> Me and my sons repaired the fence. I repotted my orchids that the
> wind blew over and I cleaned up the wreckage from the Santa Ana winds. I
> could'nt see my lawn on account of
it was buried in pine needles and
> Eucalyptus leaves. But thank God no fire damage. That is 2 times we were
> spared.
> The reason it took me so long to answer you is - after the reunion,
> I was not feeling so good. But I really enjoyed the reunion and seeing you
> and Porter and all our other shipmates. My son and Fred were both
> impressed with the reunion. But my red blood cells were getting low. I've
> received 2 units of blood every week for the last 2 or 3 weeks. Then last
> week I went through 5 days straight of chemo theripy. A new drug called
> "Decitabine". Betty drove me to the Moores Clinic every day. At least I am
> not in the hospital this time. Dr Curtin put me on 2 more medication
> pills. I will have to go through another series of chemo in another 28
> days. He is doing everything he can to keep me going.
> I feel pretty good now. Me and Betty are going out to dinner tonight
> to celebrate our 41st anniversary.

281

November 05, 2007 - 11:43 PM
Bruce Hevner ,HT2-- 71-73

Hello Mispillion Shipmates.
Dead Horse??
Merchant sailors were sometimes unemployed for long periods of time between voyages, and often lived in boarding houses near the piers while waiting for ships to come in and take on fresh crews. In such circumstances, many of them ran out of money, and so the innkeepers carried them on credit until they were hired for another voyage. When a sailor was booked on a ship, he was customarily advanced a month's wages, if needed, to pay off his boarding house debt. Once aboard ship, he worked for nothing but "salt horse" the first several weeks or so. Salt horse was the staple diet of early sailors and not tasty fare. Consisting of heavily salted, low quality beef, it was stringy and tough to chew. When the debt had been repaid, then the salt horse was said to be 'dead', for now the sailor could buy better food from the ship's stores, or bribe the cook or purser. This was a time for celebration among the crew. Usually, an effigy of a horse was constructed of shipboard odds and ends, set afire, and then thrown overboard amidst cheers and laughter. Another definition that is related to the first, is the fact that the "Horse Latitudes" lay towards the southern climates (Tropic of Cancer) near the Equator, which was roughly about a month's sail from England and Europe. Because of the doldrums (Lack of wind) in the area, ships were often becalmed for many days or weeks at a time, causing a water shortage. Livestock, especially horses, died first, or were simply killed and thrown overboard to save water. Their carcasses were often sighted by other ships traveling in this area, and so the region acquired that name. A sailor who had a debt to work off rejoiced at the sight of one of these floating bodies, knowing that he would soon be getting wages. In today's Navy, a "dead horse" refers to a debt to the government for advance pay.

282

November 05, 2007 - 10:46 PM
Pete Droesch '61-'62

Someone at the reunion, I believe it was Clyde told me that there must be some number north of a couple of thousand Sylvester Jones living in the LA area. He was the subject of several lively discussions that weekend.

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the festivities and congratulate those who worked so hard to make it a success. We are looking forward to the trip east next year.

Pete

283

November 05, 2007 - 08:33 PM
Dave Sibley

Travis check out this website---aesailors.com. I am a member and it's for AE/AOE Sailors Association. I served aboard USS Mount Katmai AE-16 before I came aboard USS Mispillion.

284

November 05, 2007 - 02:15 PM
Travis Sweet

Does anyone know of a web-site that lists other Navy ships? I was on the USS Sacramento (AOE-1) before the Mispillion. It would be interesting to contact some others I served with there.

285

November 04, 2007 - 03:20 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Thanks, Bob, for the update on our "lost" shipmates. I would enjoy hearing from Tappero or Jones again.

Yes, I remember the steering casualty. As I recall, the USS John S. McCain was along port side when the destroyer veered away from us. The ship was able to break the pelican hooks on the bulkhead, but the hoses burst and black oil went everywhere. Fortunately, the span wires fell into the sea and prevented a catastrophic ending.

Do you remember then the block fell from the starboard boom during Condition 1-A? It is a miracle that no one was standing below the block when it fell on the liferails below.

286

November 04, 2007 - 07:51 AM
Bob Ruben

Brian Stuckey, I remember those guys well, having spent 1 1/2 years in 1st division. I guess Jones is living in Compton, and a while back one of our shipmates posted Tappero's phone #. Maybe he would be good enough to print it again. I tryed calling him but no one home. Do you recall that unrep when we lost every rig on the port side due to loss of steering by either us or the ship we were refueling? I was on the winch running the guide wire forward port side, I was one scared swabby. Good to here your doing well. We lost a good man when we lost old Doc Flanders!!! Take care. Rube.

287

November 04, 2007 - 12:04 AM
Jim Porter

Al I lit a candle and prayed for Carmen at evening Mass tonight Jim Porter

288

November 03, 2007 - 06:53 PM
AL PUPPO 46 /47

THANKS DAVE FOR ALL YOUR KIND WORDS AND PRAYERS, AND TO ALL MY FELLOW SHIPMATES WHO HAVE ASKED ABOUT HER. I WILL LET YOU ALL KNOW HOW SHE IS DOING. THANK YOU ALL AND GOD BLESS ONE AND ALL. BIG AL [FOREFATHER]

289

November 03, 2007 - 07:31 AM
Dave Sibley

Shipmates,we need to put Carmen Puppo on our prayer list. Carmen is shipmate (Forefather) Al Puppo's wife. Carmen has surgery scheduled for November 7, 2007. We all know the power of prayer, so lets lift her up.

290

November 02, 2007 - 04:45 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Does anyone remember any of the following shipmates: Sebring, Daly, Leffert, Foster, Bissell, "Smitty" Smith, Bolding, Schrader, Phillips, McDermott, Anchors, Sylvester Jones, Eubanks, Hertell, Bolerjack, Ramsey, Plummer, Glaze, Shook, or Tappero?

291

November 02, 2007 - 12:54 PM
jerry lott bm3 68-70

HEY THORTON IT'S JERRY LOTT ( OLLIE)
WE SERVED AT THE SAME TIME OF COURSE
YOU KNOW THAT WE TALKED A WHILE BACK
CALL ME ON MY CELL SOMETIME 504-427-0792. DO YOU REMEMBER PATTON BM2 2ND
DIVISION? ANYONE ELSE THAT REMEMERS
ME CALL ME ON MY CELL PHONE SHOWN
ABOVE. HOPE THIS FINDS ALL OF O.K.
AND I WILL ALL IN ATTENDANCE AT
THE 08 REUNION.

292

October 31, 2007 - 03:29 PM
JOE THORNTON

I SERVED ABOARD THE MIGHTY MISPILLION IN 67-68-69-1ST DIVISION. BM1 BONNETT WAS IN CHARGE OF THE DIVISION. IN 69 I VOLUNTERED TO GO TO VIET NAM. SPENT A YEAR IN CHU LAI. HECK OF A YEAR. IF THERE IS ANYONE WHO REMEMBERS ME SEND ME A NOTE.

293

October 31, 2007 - 03:07 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Thanks, Bruce, for your interesting insight on All Hallows Eve. All Souls Day will be celebrated this Sunday eve at St. John's Cathedral in Denver with the names of the departed read at the service. Wish that all of you were able to join us for this inspiring occasion.

294

October 31, 2007 - 07:24 AM
Bruce Hevner ,HT2-- 71-73

The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of "bobbing" for apples that is practiced today on Halloween.

By the 800s, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. In the seventh century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1 All Saints' Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs. It is widely believed today that the pope was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, but church-sanctioned holiday. The celebration was also called All-hallows or All-hallowmas (from Middle English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints' Day) and the night before it, the night of Samhain, began to be called All-hallows Eve and, eventually, Halloween. Even later, in A.D. 1000, the church would make November 2 All Souls' Day, a day to honor the dead. It was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels, and devils. Together, the three celebrations, the eve of All Saints', All Saints', and All Souls', were called Hallowmas.

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October 31, 2007 - 07:23 AM
Bruce Hevner ,HT2-- 71-73

HAPPY HALLOWEENIE BOO HA HA HA!!!!

Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in).

The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter.

To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities.

During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other's fortunes. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.

By A.D. 43, Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. In the course of the four hundred years that they ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain.

The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple an...

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October 30, 2007 - 05:12 PM
Steve Dengler

I placed the order for the shirts today. It will take 3-5 weeks before I get them. As soon as they arrive, I will mail them out to those who ordered them. I will have a few extras on hand. I will keep you all posted. Steve

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