The NAFTS Guest Book is a place for sailors and families of sailors to ask questions or make comments about Fleet Tug sailors, ships, reunions or related topics.
447 entries.
wrote on September 10, 2022
I guess nobody is maintaining this page anymore. We're all getting old and dying off.
wrote on June 7, 2022
still hoping to find other crew members from the years I was on the Tawakoni 67-69
JJW BM2
JJW BM2
wrote on April 5, 2022
Trying to join and it keeps saying try again. It also says to use pay pal, I don’t have pay pal.
wrote on January 30, 2022
I am looking for any official document the shows the USS Apache was in Vietnam waters in the years 1966-67. Needed for a widow's VA claims application. Please e-mail with ANY recommendation or other information. Thanx
wrote on June 26, 2021
I Caint log onto website. They say my password in invalid. Please send me a password so I can log onto site. My membership # 2213
wrote on March 21, 2021
I was on the USS PRESERVER (ARS-8) from 1961 to 1965. Email me to talk
wrote on January 20, 2021
Hello, I just joined. I served on Lipan ATF 85 1955 to 1957, Grapple ARS 7 from 1957 to 1958 and Tawasa ATF 92 from 1958 to 1959. Looking for guys who served on those ships at same time.
wrote on October 1, 2020
USS Conserver ARS-39 Reunion
Registration: www.ussconserver.org
Dates: April 28 - May 2, 2021
Location: Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront
5700 Atlantic Ave
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 428-7025
Location website: www.wyndhamvb.com
Contact: Dale Hower ETCS USN (RET)
Contact email: dcwoodworking1@yahoo.com
Contact address: 10407 Santana Street
Santee, CA 92071
Contact phone: (619) 449-4499
Reunion information, registration and hotel reservation information is available at www.ussconserver.org
Thank you,
Dale Hower ETCS USN (RET)
USS Conserver Reunion Committee
Registration: www.ussconserver.org
Dates: April 28 - May 2, 2021
Location: Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront
5700 Atlantic Ave
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 428-7025
Location website: www.wyndhamvb.com
Contact: Dale Hower ETCS USN (RET)
Contact email: dcwoodworking1@yahoo.com
Contact address: 10407 Santana Street
Santee, CA 92071
Contact phone: (619) 449-4499
Reunion information, registration and hotel reservation information is available at www.ussconserver.org
Thank you,
Dale Hower ETCS USN (RET)
USS Conserver Reunion Committee
wrote on July 25, 2020
Hi. I served on the LT-1975 at the Deep Water Port of Sattahip, Thailand, 1968-1970. I loved almost every minute of it. I wrote my first novel, The Bangkok Blues, based on my time there. You can find it on Amazon, plus my two others.
wrote on May 18, 2020
One of the saddest days I can remember was as a member of the decommissioning crew of the USS Molala ATF106. When watching the colors being struck and the commissioning pennant being take down. Then the transfer of the ship to the Mexican government. At that point the Mexican flag was raised and the ship brought back to life as a member of the Mexican Navy. Very sad day.
wrote on April 9, 2020
My Dad was Captain John Aitken. He was the Captain in Command of the Arikara during the Normandy Invasion. He and his crew retrieved bodies off the beach of soldiers who died on the front lines of the invasion. He also was responsible for saving many soldiers by picking them out of the water and bring them aboard his ship. He was a brave soldier who did what was expected of him, proudly. But he came home and was never the same. Life was tough for him, his wife and his children. What he saw and experience during the war was tragic. I know we call them great men, and they were, but the pain, the tragedy of war was behind horrendous. My Dad was scared terribly in so many ways. I lost my favor before I was conceived. Sorry Dad, it wasn’t your fault. The government owed you medical, emotional and spiritual help when you returned to the United States of America.
Your daughter, Cathy
Your daughter, Cathy
wrote on January 6, 2020
My Father, also Bob, was stationed on YTB 395 USS Wingina. I can't imagine there are many if any of his shipmates are still living. My Father passed in 2005. He spoke of good times in Seattle and the surrounding area including Bremerton. Ironically I laso spent 6 months in Bremerton as The USS Bainbridge CGN-25 was there for refueling. I was an IC1 functioning as a nuclear trained electrician. I would hearing from any crew or relative related to USS Wingina.
wrote on December 1, 2019
Served on USS Atakapa ATF 149 during 1972-1973 as XO/Navigator. Was privileged to have served under two wonderful skippers, Fred Sears and Mike McGrath. Sadly, Mike passed away not too long ago.. Was wondering if anyone knew of Fred Sears' whereabouts. Also that of Tom Larkin, another great officer on board at that time.Thanks.
wrote on October 16, 2019
Was looking for any comments regarding the USS Samoset ATA-190. Served aboard her from APR57 to SEP59 as an ET2. She was a great ship and a real workhorse. We were in and out from Norfolk as the ATF's rested on their coffee grounds!! Maybe the ATA's were cheaper to operate.
Dave Wolfe
LT USN(RET)
Dave Wolfe
LT USN(RET)
wrote on September 6, 2019
USS Conserver ARS-39 is having our eight reunion on April 23-26, 2020 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield, CA. Reunion registration information and hotel reservation information can be found at www.ussconserver.org.
wrote on August 17, 2019
My father, William J. Walsh, served on the USS Bannock ATF-81 during WWII during the invasion of Normandy. I am looking for any info on the Bannock, pictures, stories, anything. I know most all crewmen are deceased but possibly family members of those crewmen may have bits to share. Wish I had learned more when I father was alive but he rarely spoke of his service.
wrote on January 8, 2019
Served on USS Tawakoni ATF114 in 67-68. When I passed my BM2 test I got orders to be a Boat Capt with IUWG-1 in Qui Nhon. Anyone from the Tawakoni out there?
Admin Reply by: Patrick J. Rolow
Joseph, NAFTS has 10 other crew members from the Tawakoni on our roles. If you go to the membership page you can do a search by hull # and see who we have.
R/
"PJ" Rolow
R/
"PJ" Rolow
wrote on December 21, 2018
I an researching a Navy aircraft salvage operation in the Long Island Sound late 1951 or early 1952. From the son and daughter, there father the Grumman test pilot Bruce Tuttle the aircraft sank intact ,about 2 miles off or Port Jefferson NY on December 10th 1951 . The salvage operation may have been in 1952. I have obtained the Navy aircraft accident card from NHHC. It states the 3rd Naval District performed the salvage . no ship are listed. I was looking at ARS ships, and was starting to look at deployment history , than go into the deck logs, but than found this site. on Fleet Tugs. Did Fleet tugs participate in aircraft recovery in this timeframe. Other aircraft recovery's of this era list the Navy Diver School in Bayonne NJ and a Navy yard freighter ( assume Brooklyn Yard). The father told the kids that the Navy diver was also featured in a new article that he recovered a gun in the New York's East River, I assume for the police. Not much to go on but any leads appreciated. My email is Rlaravie1@optonline.net Thanks, Robert
Admin Reply by: Patrick J. Rolow
Robert,
Not sure I am going to be much help with this but I thought I would relate what little I may know. While I did not serve in the Navy during the time period you are seeking information on, as a former Navy diver, Executive Officer, and Navigator on Fleet Tugs and Salvage Ships, I can tell you that there is a good possibility that the salvage operation could have been done or assisted by either class of ship. The aft boom of the ships were used to hoist many a salvage project and an aircraft could have been placed on its fantail or on a barge towed to the scene. Also likely is that divers from a detachment or the Dive School could have also been dispatched to the scene to augment either ship’s company to perform the task or they could have gone to the scene in a small boat and performed the operation from a barge with the support of a yard crane. In either case, it will be a daunting task to narrow down the full details. I do not know if the diving logs from the Dive School or from any of the ships have been archived. If they have been, then I would start with the Dive School and then for the ARSs and ATFs stationed on the East Coast at the time. If the project was supported by a Naval Ship the Deck Logs would certainly reference the operation.
Hope this helps… you have a tough task ahead finding the information you seek.
r/
"PJ" Rolow, LCDR, USN, (Ret)
Not sure I am going to be much help with this but I thought I would relate what little I may know. While I did not serve in the Navy during the time period you are seeking information on, as a former Navy diver, Executive Officer, and Navigator on Fleet Tugs and Salvage Ships, I can tell you that there is a good possibility that the salvage operation could have been done or assisted by either class of ship. The aft boom of the ships were used to hoist many a salvage project and an aircraft could have been placed on its fantail or on a barge towed to the scene. Also likely is that divers from a detachment or the Dive School could have also been dispatched to the scene to augment either ship’s company to perform the task or they could have gone to the scene in a small boat and performed the operation from a barge with the support of a yard crane. In either case, it will be a daunting task to narrow down the full details. I do not know if the diving logs from the Dive School or from any of the ships have been archived. If they have been, then I would start with the Dive School and then for the ARSs and ATFs stationed on the East Coast at the time. If the project was supported by a Naval Ship the Deck Logs would certainly reference the operation.
Hope this helps… you have a tough task ahead finding the information you seek.
r/
"PJ" Rolow, LCDR, USN, (Ret)
wrote on November 4, 2018
Reunion Name: USS Conserver ARS-39
Reunion website: www.ussconserver.org
Dates: April 24-28, 2019
Location: Radisson Hotel
120 South Wildwood Drive
Branson MO 65616
Contact: Kevin Weaver
Contact email: kcwrdc@yahoo.com
Contact address: 160 Haddon Drive
Macungie, PA 18062
Contact phone number: (610) 780-5484
Details and online registration at http://www.ussconserver.org
Thank you
Dale Hower, Treasurer
USS Conserver Reunion Committee
Reunion website: www.ussconserver.org
Dates: April 24-28, 2019
Location: Radisson Hotel
120 South Wildwood Drive
Branson MO 65616
Contact: Kevin Weaver
Contact email: kcwrdc@yahoo.com
Contact address: 160 Haddon Drive
Macungie, PA 18062
Contact phone number: (610) 780-5484
Details and online registration at http://www.ussconserver.org
Thank you
Dale Hower, Treasurer
USS Conserver Reunion Committee
Admin Reply by: Patrick J. Rolow
Dale and all former USS CONSERVER crewmembers,
I hope you have a great Reunion in Branson and hope advertising it here helps you in reaching a broader audience.
I also want to invite the CONSERVER group to consider joining with NAFTS during our annual Reunions. We always hold open at least one night during our Reunion for individual ship gatherings and set aside tables during our Farewell Banquet so ships can gather together before departing. In 2018 the USS TAKELMA group discontinued holding their own Reunion due to declining attendance and joined with us in Baton Rouge for a great time. You don't have to be a member of NAFTS to attend but I would encourage anyone serving on any of the workhorses of the Navy to consider it as we publish a quarterly magazine and the work is already being done to organize annual Reunions around the country. The 2019 NAFTS Reunion will be from 3-6 September in Green Bay, WI and in 2020 it will be the first week in October in Albuquerque, NM for the Balloon Festival.
All the best and I hope you have a great Reunion.
"PJ" Rolow
NAFTS Treasurer and VP for Reunions
I hope you have a great Reunion in Branson and hope advertising it here helps you in reaching a broader audience.
I also want to invite the CONSERVER group to consider joining with NAFTS during our annual Reunions. We always hold open at least one night during our Reunion for individual ship gatherings and set aside tables during our Farewell Banquet so ships can gather together before departing. In 2018 the USS TAKELMA group discontinued holding their own Reunion due to declining attendance and joined with us in Baton Rouge for a great time. You don't have to be a member of NAFTS to attend but I would encourage anyone serving on any of the workhorses of the Navy to consider it as we publish a quarterly magazine and the work is already being done to organize annual Reunions around the country. The 2019 NAFTS Reunion will be from 3-6 September in Green Bay, WI and in 2020 it will be the first week in October in Albuquerque, NM for the Balloon Festival.
All the best and I hope you have a great Reunion.
"PJ" Rolow
NAFTS Treasurer and VP for Reunions
wrote on July 9, 2018
Hello! My father, Ralph E. Black served aboard the USS Hitchiti from 1965-1971. He passed away 5 years ago, on July 14, 2013, due to the affects of Agent Orange. I helped my Mom with a 2.5 year battle with the VA for her claim. I am wanting to do what I can to get the Hitchiti added to the VA roster of ships that are recognized, but I need help from shipmates who served with him during the Vietnam era, hoping for details of the time spent in Vietnam and if they have suffered also with the affects of Agent Orange. I do have deck logs and am working on plotting the position of the ship during the tours. I am pursuing this not only to honor my Dad but those who served alongside him that also may have been afflicted with this horribleness. I do not want other families to have to go through the lengthy ordeal with the VA.
I can be emailed at susenbryant@gmail.com. Thank you for any help. (if this is not appropriate, you may remove)
I can be emailed at susenbryant@gmail.com. Thank you for any help. (if this is not appropriate, you may remove)
wrote on July 3, 2018
Was part of the USS Hugh Purvis DD 709 that towed the USS Safeguard from the rocks in Vietnam in 1968-1969.
Would like to hear from anyone that was aboard the Safeguard at that towing.
Dennis
Would like to hear from anyone that was aboard the Safeguard at that towing.
Dennis
Admin Reply by: Patrick J. Rolow
Dennis,
We will be adding your request for information in our April 2019 edition of our magazine. Should we get a response from one or more of our members we will get them in touch with you.
All the best,
"PJ" Rolow
NAFTS Treasurer and VP for Reunions
We will be adding your request for information in our April 2019 edition of our magazine. Should we get a response from one or more of our members we will get them in touch with you.
All the best,
"PJ" Rolow
NAFTS Treasurer and VP for Reunions
wrote on March 29, 2018
Al Haynes served on the Kiowa during WW II. He passed away in 2012 and is greatly missed. Curious if anyone has a couple of photos of my Dad they would be willing to share? My email is tghaynes@comcast.net
Admin Reply by: Patrick J. Rolow
Tim,
We will be including your request for photos into our April edition of our magazine. We will be including your email address so they can contact you directly.
All the best,
"PJ" Rolow
Treasurer and VP for Reunions
We will be including your request for photos into our April edition of our magazine. We will be including your email address so they can contact you directly.
All the best,
"PJ" Rolow
Treasurer and VP for Reunions
wrote on March 9, 2018
I was stationed on the USS Chowanoc, Charging Chowdog (ATF-100), 3/70-10/71 as an RD3. Retired from USN 5/94 and now fully retired.
Admin Reply by: Patrick J. Rolow
John,
Sorry it has taken so long to respond to your posting.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Chuck Winke and he will be happy to assist you in any way he can. A little information follows about our veteran’s organization.
NAFTS sends out a quarterly magazine titled “Towline.” Membership is open to veterans who served on fleet tugs and salvage ships of the USN, USCG and the USA. Membership is also open non-veterans who have an interest in salvage ships.
Members send in articles about their experiences when they served on fleet tugs and salvage ships. Articles are sometimes humorous, but also frequently contain a serious side of the story, as we were all very young at some point in time.
We have a good time at our annual reunions which are always in the Fall. Reunions are rotated around the United States, so members from the northern, southern, eastern, western and mid-western states have an opportunity to attend close to home if that is more convenient. The 2019 reunion will be in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Numerous tours are available to choose from at all of the reunions. NAFTS home page covers our last several reunions including photos!
Annual dues are $30.00 or we have the 5/4/4 plan where you pay $120.00 and in turn you receive five years membership for the price of four years. Payment can be made by check or PayPal. Checks can be sent to our NAFTS Treasurer, Patrick Rolow, 2375 Wedgefield Rd., Sumter, SC 29154.
We have WWII, Korea and Vietnam era veterans, as well as some who served in the 1980’s as present members.
If you choose to join this great veteran’s organization, please include your complete address, phone number, email, ships served and the years, rank and rate.
Please give our organization a try; I don’t think you will be disappointed. Please contact me via email if you are interested or have any questions.
Respectfully,
Charles Winke
NAFTS Membership Chairman/membership@NAFTS.com
Sorry it has taken so long to respond to your posting.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Chuck Winke and he will be happy to assist you in any way he can. A little information follows about our veteran’s organization.
NAFTS sends out a quarterly magazine titled “Towline.” Membership is open to veterans who served on fleet tugs and salvage ships of the USN, USCG and the USA. Membership is also open non-veterans who have an interest in salvage ships.
Members send in articles about their experiences when they served on fleet tugs and salvage ships. Articles are sometimes humorous, but also frequently contain a serious side of the story, as we were all very young at some point in time.
We have a good time at our annual reunions which are always in the Fall. Reunions are rotated around the United States, so members from the northern, southern, eastern, western and mid-western states have an opportunity to attend close to home if that is more convenient. The 2019 reunion will be in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Numerous tours are available to choose from at all of the reunions. NAFTS home page covers our last several reunions including photos!
Annual dues are $30.00 or we have the 5/4/4 plan where you pay $120.00 and in turn you receive five years membership for the price of four years. Payment can be made by check or PayPal. Checks can be sent to our NAFTS Treasurer, Patrick Rolow, 2375 Wedgefield Rd., Sumter, SC 29154.
We have WWII, Korea and Vietnam era veterans, as well as some who served in the 1980’s as present members.
If you choose to join this great veteran’s organization, please include your complete address, phone number, email, ships served and the years, rank and rate.
Please give our organization a try; I don’t think you will be disappointed. Please contact me via email if you are interested or have any questions.
Respectfully,
Charles Winke
NAFTS Membership Chairman/membership@NAFTS.com
wrote on February 26, 2018
SMSN on USS Ute (ATF-76) 1974. We towed Army Barracks from Pusan Korea to someplace up to Puget Sound and then went for decom to Long Beach!
*Decommissioned, 30 August 1974,
*Transferred to the Military Transportation Service (MSTS) and placed in service as USNS Ute (T-ATF-76)
*Placed out of service and transferred to the Coast Guard, date unknown
*Commissioned USCGC Ute (WMEC-76), 30 September 1980
*Decommissioned, 26 May 1988
*Returned to Naval custody, date unknown
*Struck from the Naval Register, 23 January 1989
*Laid up in the Reserve Fleet
*Final Disposition, sunk as a target, 4 August 1991
USS Ute received three battle stars for her World War II service, two battle stars for Korean War service, and nine campaign stars Vietnam War service
*Decommissioned, 30 August 1974,
*Transferred to the Military Transportation Service (MSTS) and placed in service as USNS Ute (T-ATF-76)
*Placed out of service and transferred to the Coast Guard, date unknown
*Commissioned USCGC Ute (WMEC-76), 30 September 1980
*Decommissioned, 26 May 1988
*Returned to Naval custody, date unknown
*Struck from the Naval Register, 23 January 1989
*Laid up in the Reserve Fleet
*Final Disposition, sunk as a target, 4 August 1991
USS Ute received three battle stars for her World War II service, two battle stars for Korean War service, and nine campaign stars Vietnam War service
wrote on January 27, 2018
Anyone out there who was commissioned on the uss cocopa, atf 101 please feel free to contact me. My Dad, salvaged diver 1950- 53. Thanks
wrote on January 18, 2018
Elmer Fowler EN3 USS Bolster Feb 1952 to Nov.1955 . Good crew good duty.
wrote on November 25, 2017
I served on the USS Bannock ATF 81 for 3 years from 1942 1945. I was there at Normandy sailing between Omaha and Utah beaches with mu shipmates. Are there any other sailors who served aboard this ship please reach out to me.
Admin Reply by: Patrick J. Rolow
Gerald,
We will be adding your request for information in an upcoming edition of our magazine. Should we get a response from one or more of our members we will get them in touch with you.
We will be adding your request for information in an upcoming edition of our magazine. Should we get a response from one or more of our members we will get them in touch with you.
wrote on October 23, 2017
Hi, I am trying to reconnect with shipmates from the USS SIOUX (AT-75) that served on WESTPAC Cruise 1969 and 1970. Looking for names and contact information.
Admin Reply by: Patrick J. Rolow
Bruce,
We will be adding your request for information in an upcoming edition of our magazine. Should we get a response from one or more of our members we will get them in touch with you.
We will be adding your request for information in an upcoming edition of our magazine. Should we get a response from one or more of our members we will get them in touch with you.
wrote on September 20, 2017
YTM-467 is reported to have been lost March 1944 in Marshall or Gilbert islands... Cause not given combat or noncombat
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=205998
Casualities?
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=205998
Casualities?
wrote on June 26, 2017
FYI,
In early 2016, the former ATF 81 Bannock capsized and sank while under tow to a ship breaker located in Turkey. The ship sank in Greek waters off Cape Tainaron.
In early 2016, the former ATF 81 Bannock capsized and sank while under tow to a ship breaker located in Turkey. The ship sank in Greek waters off Cape Tainaron.
Admin Reply:
Shipmate Byron Pruett,
Thanks for the update on ex
ATF81 BANNOCK
warm regards
Rodger
NAFTS Guestbook Monitor
Thanks for the update on ex
ATF81 BANNOCK
warm regards
Rodger
NAFTS Guestbook Monitor
wrote on June 3, 2017
George served on ATR2 during the Normandy invasion. He will be 94 this August. He can still recall that day.
Admin Reply:
George,
Many thanks for your entry in our NAFTS Guestbook. I will look through the NAFTS ATR2 files to see if some of your shipmates are members
,warm regards
Rodger , Guestbook monitor
Many thanks for your entry in our NAFTS Guestbook. I will look through the NAFTS ATR2 files to see if some of your shipmates are members
,warm regards
Rodger , Guestbook monitor
wrote on February 3, 2017
Hello, I am wondering if there is anyone who served with my late husand CT2 George"Ed"Edmonson in 1968 on USS Atakapa? He sadly died in June 2016. I would love to hear from anyone who might have known him during that time. We met when the ship called in to Plymouth, England for repairs. I have a few photos of him on board and during the ship's visit to the Azores Many thanks.
Admin Reply:
I have asked via E mail if a couple of Atakapa shipmates might remember your late husband. I'll contact you when I (hopefully) get answers. Thanks for your inquiry to our GUESTBOOK. sincerely, Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on January 28, 2017
Served on the USS Tuskegee (YTB 806) starting in 1979 till 1980 and got reassigned to another location. Would love to find any shipmates from the Tuskegee or from Pearl Harbor, HI during those years that I might have known.
Admin Reply:
Shipmate Lyons, There are no NAFTS shipmates associated with YTB 806. Sorry we can't help you this time. Don't give up! sincerely, Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on January 27, 2017
Served on the Moctobi (ATF 105) from 75 to 77, making OS3 before I left. I was 17 years old when I reported to the ship in August of 75. She was in the Bellingham Shipyard located on Nimitz Highway undergoing a major overhaul at the time... what an introduction to the Navy! The ship left Pearl Harbor in 1976 for her new homeport in Everett, Washington. I left her, and some great Shipmates, in June of 77. I made great friends while serving on her those two years and would really like to reconnect with them. I did recently reconnect with my friend Alan Leek and his wife Sally this past week. I'm looking forward to talking about our "exploits", and catching up on the last 40 years.
Admin Reply:
Shipmate Jim, I searched the times of service aboard ATF 105 for our 16 MOCTOBI members but none matched your 1975-1977 time frame. If I can be of further assistance, please let me know by posting in this GUESTBOOK. Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on January 22, 2017
I have tried to reach someone about my membership. I think after my move to Colorado and my change of email address I got lost in the shuffle. Please let me know what I need to do to get back into the system. my phone 970-422-8128
Admin Reply:
Shipmate Meryl, I have contacted the NAFTS membership Guy , sincerely, Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on December 13, 2016
USS Preserver (ARS-8) I would like to talk with anyone who has served on or has information on the USS Preserver.
Admin Reply:
Lou, I sent you a Comcast email with some names. Rodger GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on December 11, 2016
Hi, my father, Charles Carson, was aboard the ATA 198 serving in the Pacific in 1944-45. He is still living and soon to be 95. Unfortunately Alzheimers has taken many of his memories. He used to tease us by saying he'd tossed quite a few pennies overboard in the Pacific and that they should have grown into pretty large money trees by now.
Admin Reply:
Thanks for the story about your Dad being stationed aboard ATA 198 USS KEOSANQUA. Please elaborate on the penny story. warm regards, Rodger, GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on August 30, 2016
My dad, Michael D Amos, served aboard the Moctobi and Tawakoni. Not sure of the dates but he was enlisted from 1961 to 1981. Just wondering if there is anyone who remembers him. He is still around and kicking.
Admin Reply:
Michelle, I sent you a Comcast e-mail about how we might help you. Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on August 15, 2016
Looking for anyone from the USS Lipan ATF 85 when we were anchored in Haiphong Harbor in 1973. and who helped decommission this great lady. I was the SM2
Admin Reply:
Ron, I sent you an Email 16 Aug 2016 Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on August 5, 2016
My dad's Liberty ship (APA 157) the Napa came upon an ATR adrift after Typhoon Ida. The log showed the ATR had suffered a cracked beam and the crew abandoned ship. We have no number on the ATR and I can't find any Naval records of lost ATRs. Does anyone have any information or direction I can pursue to help my dad? Thanks.
Admin Reply:
Sorry, Info on type ATR is next to none. ATR was a rescue tug with steam power and wooden hull. When the Navy started building the type ATA, ca. 38 ATR orders were cancelled in favor of the diesel-electric steel hulled ATA. warm regards, Rodger NAFTS Guestbook monitor.
wrote on June 16, 2016
In 1994 USS Wm. H. Standley CG-32 was De-commissioned in San Diego. Approx March 94 she was towed to reserve fleet in Suisun, Ca. Any of you tuggers remember the date? OR Towed by what tug?? Allen
wrote on April 5, 2016
Trying to locate Ch Engineer Bill Hatcher, last residing in Colorado, wife named Hiroko, served together on USS Tawasa (ATF-92) from 1968-1971.
Admin Reply:
Shipmate Pulsifer, I sent you a Comcast e-mail with some information. Hope you score! sincerely, Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on March 29, 2016
I served on the USS Papago 1950 to 1952 in the Caribbean. Would love to communicate with another Tug Boat Sailor I served as a SK
Admin Reply:
Philip, I sent you an e-mail sincerely, Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on March 10, 2016
My father served aboard the USS Ute ATF-76 stationed in Pearl Harbor circa 1966-67. SK1 John Valentine "JV" Albrecht retired in 1967 after 20 years as a veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Sadly we lost JV in 2006 to cancer and he is lying at rest in the Willamette National Cemetery in Oregon. God bless you dad!
Admin Reply:
Thanks for your info on your father. We are interested in gathering and recording the names of departed Tug shipmates
wrote on January 31, 2016
USS Cree ATF 84 1967 -1971 EM-2 trying to figure out website, thanks
Admin Reply:
Shipmate, I sent you an E-mail today from Comcast sincerely, Rodger, Guestbook Monitor
wrote on January 12, 2016
A shipmate on USS Chopper SS-342 whet thru the LDO program and eventually became Captain of the ASR-14 Petrol. If you are interested I will send you his address in FL. He was on board in 1966. His name is Frank Richards. He is 86 yrs. old.
Admin Reply:
Shipmate , Please send the info to this guestbook using privacy mode so the whole world wont see his data in this guestbook. thanks in advance, Rodger, Guestbook Monitor
wrote on December 14, 2015
Hello to all.. I served on the USS Tawasa ATF 92 from 1967 -69 . would like to reconnect with fellow crewmembers... thanks.. ed
Admin Reply:
Ed, I went thru the NAFTS members list and you are the only TAWASA shipmate listed for the period 1967-69 I'll send you an e-mail sincerely your NAFTS shipmate Rodger Dana ATF100 1956-58
wrote on November 4, 2015
Had a great time at the Cincinnati Reunion. Many thanks to our hosts;; Larry and his wife Mary. They had the bus es going and on time. It was great to see some of the Middle Westerners again.I'm afraid I was one of few Plankowners there. Next year it is Charleston. Birthplace of Chowanoc and a great bunch of other ships. We are not getting any younger. A great chance to see of our own history. Hope see you there.
Admin Reply:
Thanks, Dick Rodger
wrote on June 23, 2015
Interesting org. I rode some YTB-YTMs & YOs back in the 60s.Do you think this would be a good fit for me? Thanks
Admin Reply:
Tony, I,m sending you an email. Bob Campbell NAFTS SEcretary
wrote on June 1, 2015
I didn't know this site even existed. I served aboard the USS Utina (ATF-163) from 1970 - 1971 and made the transfer of her to the Venezuelan Navy, August, 1971. I was her diving & salvage officer along with diverse other duties. I wonder if any of my ancient shipmates and mariners are still around?
Admin Reply:
Ron, I'm sending you an email. Bob Campbell NAFTS Secretary