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.
436 entries.
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?
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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!
wrote on January 31, 2016:
USS Cree ATF 84 1967 -1971 EM-2 trying to figure out website, thanks
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.
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
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.
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
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?
wrote on April 23, 2015:
I have a history of my ship, USS Seneca (ATF91) compiled by Vaughn Beuchler, EN2 who served on board long before me. The history goes from its launching at Cramps Shipyard in Philadelphia up until its becoming an artificial reef. Do you have it, if not, would you or anyone else like a copy?
wrote on April 7, 2015:
I would like to leave a comment for my husband Dean Hermance. He was on the USS COCOPA 101. From 1951 to 1954 . He was in the Koreanwar veteran thank you
wrote on March 8, 2015:
QM on the USS Tawakoni ATF 114 from 1974-1977
wrote on February 16, 2015:
Will mail it Wednesday. Tomorrow is Mardi Gras. Everything is closed here. Also in the near future will duplicate my USS SALISH book of pictures and articles for you. Will try to get my brother Robert to go to Cincinnati with me in October. Only problem is Reunion in Jacksonville, Fl. in June(DLG/CG-32) and Beachmaster Unit One end of Sept. in San Diego. Allen
wrote on February 16, 2015:
Member # 2593 Towline Jan 2015 page 2 Editor's Notes. I have a roster of USS SALISH ATA-187 Who TO & where do I mail it Allen
wrote on February 2, 2015:
Trying to find shipmates of (ATF85) LIPAN, served 71,72, homeported out of Pearl Harbor. I was a YN3 I remember towing a large pier from Nam to Pearl, took 2 months or more.
wrote on January 15, 2015:
I served aboard the Molala ATF-106 from early 1960 until 1962 I was leading seaman on deck force and use my skills every day that I learned aboard. The atf sailors are the best in the world
wrote on January 5, 2015:
Just found this site again, and want to say hello. I was an EN2 on the Reclaimer ARS 42 from late 1971 until June of 1973. My Army and Marine buddies can't tell the kind of stories I can, for sure. Lots of memories! Keep your steam up mates! PS- I think I recognized a piece of my old ship this morning, while putting in a new razor blade.
wrote on January 2, 2015:
Served onboard USS Moctobi ATF 105 1984-85. Any shipmates around.
wrote on December 24, 2014:
Tug sailors work hard and had to do many jobs. Great times. Gary Turnipseed EN1 now lives in Rio Rico, AZ. Both of us camp to the ship from Vietnam.
wrote on December 22, 2014:
I thought II saw something about 2015 Reunion in Cinci? If this is correct who is hosting and dong the work? I am 15 minutes away and could help out as time allows?