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.
449 entries.
wrote on March 30, 2013
Great to see a note from another OLE COCOPA shipmate. I was there early 65 to late 67. Just renewed my membership.
Admin Reply:
Shipmate, Thanks for visiting the NAFTS GUESTBOOK. Rodger Dana GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on March 19, 2013
Served on the ATF 101 from 1952 to 1956.
Admin Reply:
Thanks for your entry. Cocopa was a great ship! Rodger, NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on February 23, 2013
1966-1969 Lived on the USS Sakarissa YTM 269 Stationed at Hunters Point Naval Ship Yard San Francisco Calf. Best US Navy duty to be had. E2-E4 Engineman 3rd class.
Admin Reply:
Sounds like a very good duty station. I'll check our members list for your shipmates in case they belong to NAFTS. smooth seas, Rodger, NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on January 30, 2013
I have been trying to to get on line for several months to pay my dues. Your website does not recognize my e-mail address, user name, or password. They have not changed. I have e-mailed the membership chairman several weeks ago and have had no response. Please let me know how to get on the website to pay my dues. My membership number is 2415. Thank you Dan Bloom
Admin Reply:
Dan, Nice talking to you. The missing TOWLINE is on its way!! warm regards Rodger Dana NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on January 15, 2013
Served on the uss deliver ars 23 1951 1954 we were around the fleet tugs a whole bunch. knew a Halfacher I think on the Apache. Keep up the good work as you guys always have "gotter dun" Don B.
Admin Reply:
Don, Nice to hear from you! I sent you a Comcast message. Rodger, GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on January 14, 2013
Was so sorry to hear of Toms crossing the bar. Looked forward to seeing him every year. Keep your chin up Charlie as I know how you feel. God speed and God bless Dennis
wrote on January 14, 2013
Was sad to read here about TT,s passing. Got to know him and Charlie at the reunions.
wrote on January 1, 2013
I served aboard the ARIKARA as a SK2 from jul 1961 to Feb 1963 and enjoyed the 2 deployments to the far east ports in Japan, Korea, Guam, Hong Kong, Phillipines, Tiawan, Christmas island and Midway. I finanlly retired in Oct 1963.
Admin Reply:
Gary, Thanks for your entry. NAFTS has quite a few members who are ARIKARA shipmates. I have sent you a NAFTS e-mail. sincerely, Rodger Dana NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on December 28, 2012
I wanted to pass on that "TT" (Donald Thomas) crossed the Bar on December 24th. T was a Snipe, retiring in 1975. I use to sit on the porch and listen to the stories of the big tugs and the engine rooms. It was wonderful to talk about boats, ships, and engines. I will miss him and just wanted to pass on the sad news to his fellow Snipes out there. Warren DeWolfe, Bend, Oregon
Admin Reply:
Thanks for the good words about the "Old Snipe". He was a staunch NAFTS webmaster right up to the end. sadly, Rodger Dana
wrote on December 22, 2012
Looking for any Arikara-98 Sailors still floating around out there. We are looking for you. There will be a Reunion with the Arikara People July 2013. Some of us were there for same June 2012. It was one of the high lights of my life. Join us. Contact me for info. Life is good. Peace.
wrote on December 14, 2012
My Dad was on the uss Quapaw and I am trying to find all the info that I can. Anyone that can help please email me. Served from 46 to 48 William Patterson.
Admin Reply:
Please come back in about 4 weeks when all the ship info will be transferred to this new Website. Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on December 12, 2012
Served aboard USS Papago (ATF-160) 72-75 and would like to hear from any of my shipmates. Remember GITMOS and transAtlantic tows
Admin Reply:
Please come back in about 4 weeks when all the ship info will be transferred to this new Website. Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on December 10, 2012
New website looks great and glad to see it up and running. Do the photos etc I put on the old website transfer? Hope to hear from others who served on the Tawakoni ATF 114.
Admin Reply:
Joe, Please give the webmaster a few more weeks to complete the transactions necessary to transfer material from the old website Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on December 9, 2012
just got onto the new site best of luck with this. do I now delete all old contact stuff @ nafts uss Ute atf 76 59-62 thankew...
Admin Reply:
Please give the webmaster a few more weeks to complete the transactions necessary to transfer material from the old website Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on December 9, 2012
Norfolk was great. Looking forward to Pensacola in 2013. Wonderful to see us back on line.
Admin Reply:
Dick, Thanks. See you in Pensacola in November 2013 Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on December 9, 2012
LOOKING FOR A FRIEND OF MY HUSBANDS
Admin Reply:
Need more information, like name of ship, dates he served aboard, and his rank/rate. Is he a member of NAFTS? Please reply to RKDana (at sign) NAFTS.com Sincerely, Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on December 2, 2012
I noticed an article in the 2009 reunion of NAFTS written by Bill Corson. It was about Peanuts. It was my first dog. I have the uniform he wore on the USS Escape. My dad is Frank Wilson who was stationed on this ship in the early 50's (1953-56?) What a small world. My dad is 90 years old and currently live in a Veterans Home in Cameron, Missouri. I would like to contact Bill Corson who wrote the article and any other shipmates that would have known my dad. His memory is failing but his old Navy days seem to be things he stills remembers. Thanks, Gary.
Admin Reply:
I sent you a NAFTS e-mail, Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on December 1, 2012
I am writing the memoirs of a Pearl Harbor survivor, and there is an image in your web site that I would like to use as an illustration. Who should I contact regarding such a use? Thank you --- Liz Case
Admin Reply:
Ms Case, Thanks for your interest. I sent you an e-mail from NAFTS.com. Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on November 27, 2012
I served on the USS Apache ATF67 from 1952 thru 1954. Am now retired and living in sunny Florida.
Admin Reply:
Shipmate Kramer, Here are the NAFTS members who served with you on Apache. Please note that Bennett & Williams are deceased. Robert Bennett 1951-1954 Deceased Apache (ATF 67) 29 ENC Frank Andrews USN 1951-1955 Active Apache (ATF 67) 1324 RM3 Jerry R. Williams USN 1951-1955 Deceased Apache (ATF 67) 1595 SN Ross J. Kramer USN 1952-1954 Active Apache (ATF 67) 726 EN2 James McGee 1952-1954 Deceased Apache (ATF 67) 1669 YN3 Ken Lacefield USN 1952-1955 Active Apache (ATF 67) 2025 ME1 Robert M. Moody USN 1952-1955 Active 544 Apache (ATF 67) 2137 LT. Leon (Ken) Clarke USN 1953-1954 XO/ Navigator Active 544 Apache (ATF 67. Rodger Dana NAFTS Membership
wrote on November 27, 2012
I need your help...my dad was on the ATR-26. He really wants a list of the crew throughout the War. I can't find any information on it, nor can I locate any photos.
Admin Reply:
This is all I can find on the ATR 26 without going to the US National Archives in Maryland: US Navy Tug ATR 26 850ton built 9-Jun-44. Sold to China in 1946 ,named Pu To, later to Taiwan. Rodger, NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on November 26, 2012
Hello, My dad, Carl Theobald served on the ATF 83 Chickasaw during WW2, I have recently purchased a photo of the Chickasaw and I'd love to share it if you'd like. I also have a question about it, I'm wondering if anyone could guess at the date of the photo. Thank you sincerely, Margie
Admin Reply:
Margie, I sent you a NAFTS E-mail about this subject, please reply to it. sincerely, Rodger Dana NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on November 22, 2012
Was sadden to see carole hochabout passing. Always enjoyed talking to them at the reunions. happy thanksgiving to all my Hitchiti shipmatesd and my NAFTS friends. This year I would suggest serving limberger cheese for dinner, and pardon the turkey.
Admin Reply:
Leon, It was great seeing you at the 2012 NAFTS reunion! Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on November 21, 2012
Yesterday 11-20-12 I lost my wife Carol she always looked forward to all the reunions.
Admin Reply:
Dennis, The entire NAFTS membership is saddened by Carols passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this sad time. sadly, Your NAFTS and USS Molala ATF 106 shipmates.
wrote on November 17, 2012
Hello, My dad Edward N. Benedetti was a MOMM2C/salvage diver in WW2. He served on the Molala briefly but his main ATF was the Potowatomi. I have some pics of the Potowatomi in Kuro Ko, Japan 1945. How can I send them to you? thanks, Tom Benedetti
Admin Reply:
Tom, Thanks for the offer of ATF 109 photos. You will receive an e-mail from me at COMCAST. Please reply . warm regards, Rodger Dana NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on November 16, 2012
November 16, 2012 To upgrade info on history on USS ATR-2. Tug was donated to the French about July 1944 and they promptly sunk it after stricking some submerged wreckage at Le Havre. Crew was transfered to London where I was upgraded to Chief Machinist Mate,USN as a result of becoming a "salvage diver" in Normandy. I wound up in charge of shore patrol, in London, night shift. From Peter Fiori, "think@fsbo2.com"
Admin Reply:
Shipmate Fiori, Thanks for your input. We greatly appreciate hearing from our senior tuggers. We have two members who possibly served with you on ATR 2. Contact me if you have any questions Jim Maguire RM1 Peter P. Orlando Contact me if you have any questions Rodger Dana NAFTS Guestbook Monitor RKDana@NAFTS.com
wrote on November 11, 2012
My first reunion brought back a flood of memories and renewals of comradery. Am planning for the Pensacola reunion in 2013. My girlfriend took some great pics with her ipad gadget. Makes it easier for my old eyes. Thanks for all the hard work and organizing of all the events.
Admin Reply:
William Carman, Thanks for the good words. I have passed your comments along to the 2012 reunion hosts, Shirley & Harry Jaeger. Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on November 1, 2012
Another great time at the NAFTS convention. Thanks to Shirley and Harry for all they did. No incidents with the limberger this year. I really enjoyed those young people with the violins. Also the USS Wisconsin. Good luck to our shipmate Hal as he recovers from his fall on the way home.
Admin Reply:
Leon, It was great seeing you again at the 2012 NAFTS reunion in Norfolk October 16-22. warm regards, Rodger Dana NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on October 31, 2012
I served with Steve Buscher on the Safeguard ARS-25 I was on 1975-1979 would like to hear from other shipmates Keith Crout Montour Falls New York
wrote on October 19, 2012
This is my second attempt to join. Both times as I try to pay I get a message page error. Thanks Floyd
Admin Reply:
Floyd, I sent you a NAFTS Membership E-mail, Rodger GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on October 1, 2012
Hi, My father, David Casano, served on ATA-193 in 1945 I was hoping to learn more about his vessel and his crew Can you help? Thank you Frank Casano
Admin Reply:
Mr Casano, NAFTS doesn't have any members who served on ATA 193. For a history, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Stallio n_(ATA-193). For personnel records and deck logs,the National Archives are your best bet. Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on September 25, 2012
Hi. Looking for info (like crew lists) for ATR32. I'm pretty sure that's the tug my Dad (David Bowler) was on and I'd like to verify it. Please contact me if you have any information.
Admin Reply:
NAFTS has no ATR 32 members. Sorry, Rodger GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on September 24, 2012
Served as a LTJG aboard the USS NIPMUC FROM 1964 THROUGH 1966 BASED IN NEWPORT, R. I.
Admin Reply:
We hope you will join NAFTS Rodger GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on September 23, 2012
Served ab oard the USS Mataco ATF-86 1963-1966
Admin Reply:
NAFTS has 4 members who served on MATACO 1963-66. If you wish to make contact, call our toll-free number and leave a message. sincerely, Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on September 14, 2012
I was stationed on USS CHOWANOC (ATF 100) from 68-69. We made a tour to Vietnam during that period. I retired from the Navy in 1980
Admin Reply:
Thanks for your entry. I am a Chowanoc sailor!(56-58). I have sent you a NAFTS membership e-mail. Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on September 2, 2012
I served aboard the USS Preserver ARS-8 as a BM1 DV, We had a great crew when I was aboard. I left the ship in 1975 for Sat. training and went to the USS ORTOLAN ASR-22 [the old 22 maru] spent 2 tours on her. Retired in 1991 as a W-4.
Admin Reply:
Thanks for the information. NAFTS has members from Preserver & Ortolan. Would you like more information on NAFTS membership? If so, please ask Membership@NAFTS(dot)com . your shipmate, Rodger GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on August 29, 2012
I served on the USS COATOPA, YTM 382 Newport, RI from 1969-1971. Any others out there.
Admin Reply:
NAFTS has many YTB members, but none from Coatopa. Rodger Guestbook Monitor
wrote on August 27, 2012
My grandfather(Cecil Cuthbert) was the first CO of the USS Alsea. He served on board this boat from 1943 when it was first commissioned until 1945. He went on to command the USS Constellation which now sits in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. At the time the Constellation was used as and officer training vessel. Also, my father(Cecil as well) was engineering and supply officer on board the USS Accokeek until 1962 when he retired from the Navy.
Admin Reply:
Mr. Cuthbert, Thank you for the very interesting information concerning you grandfather and father and their Navy tug background. I will pass this information to the editor of our NAFTS quarterly, TOWLINE. sincerely, Rodger Guestbook Monitor
wrote on August 25, 2012
I grew up working on my fathers tugs inland from philly to va. my father sold the tugs and closed up the business back in 1989 and I being young and stupid thought there would be time for us to start back up again, well long story short here we our 23 later and I have been exhausting every channel I can find trying to get back on a tugboat!!!
wrote on August 18, 2012
I need to contact your membership chairman about the passing of one of your members.
Admin Reply:
Nick, I sent you a NAFTS e-mail reply, Rodger Guestbook Monitor
wrote on August 11, 2012
My father, Harry Easton Starr, Jr. served on the USS Takelma, ATF 113, during WWII. He used to attend reunions with his shipmates; however, he passed June 2, 2010. I am trying to establish a section at the New Orleans WWII museum to honor the Naval Salvagers who were with him. Currently they do not have a section for these heroes since there were so few and many have passed. If you are still out there or a family member is and can help me accumulate information on their time in Guadal Canel, South Pacific and the days following the bombing of Pearl Harbor - please help me.
Admin Reply:
You have taken on a rather large project. For starts, there are no WW2 Takelma shipmates in NAFTS membership. However,quite a few NAFTS members served on other ATFs in the Pacific in WW2. There is quite a bit of internet information about ATFs and ATF service in WW2. Also try the larger internet book sellers. The National Archives have ATF personnel rosters, but the home of record is not normally preserved. The NAFTS annual reunions usually have WW2 ATF crew attendees. This year is 17-20 October(2012) in Norfolk,VA. The 2013 reunion is possibly New Orleans. Thanks for asking. Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on August 8, 2012
I served aboard the Shakori on the around the world cruise in 1965. The salvage ship USS Opportune was with us to tow two lift crafts to the Phillipines from Rosyth Scotland.
Admin Reply:
Orbin, I have replied to your entry via NAFTS e-mail. Rodger, GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on August 1, 2012
My father served on the USS MUNSEE ATF-107 from 1960-1964 and was even at Christmas Island during Operation Dominic. If any of you served within that time frame please email me at bs236753@myoc.odessa.edu.
wrote on July 29, 2012
In your hats for sale dept Luiseno ATF 156 is misspelled!
Admin Reply:
I sent you an e-mail using NAFTS e-mail. Hope it works out for you. Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on July 28, 2012
Hopefully someone on your site can give me some information. My father was Charles"A" Ramsey, service #3505064. He served on the USS Naragannsett. To my best recollection he saw action in Sicily, Southern France & North Africa. His dates of service were 1941-46. Sory if this is vague but that's all I remember as I was a child when he related his stories about the "Nasty Narrita" . My email address is Colormebad13@verizon.net. I would appreciate any information anyone can give me. Thanks for your service. Patricia Ramsey Wisneski
Admin Reply:
I sent you an e-mail using NAFTS e-mail. Hope it works out for you.
wrote on July 16, 2012
Was and Engineman on the USS Mataco ATF 86 from April to December '73. Would like know if there are any of the crew still around during that time. She was a good ship.
Admin Reply:
James, I sent you an e-mail from NAFTS e-mail, Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on July 6, 2012
Would like to hear from any shipmates 77-79
Admin Reply:
Thanks for your entry in the NAFTS GUESTBOOK Please furnish a ship name and hull number sincerely, Rodger NAFTS Guestbook Monitor
wrote on June 30, 2012
Great site. My Great Uncle Jack Giles served on the USS Anchor in WW II. Visited him last week. Was following up on the info he gave me.
Admin Reply:
Thanks for the info on Jack Giles and the USS Anchor,ARS-13. Rodger, NAFTS GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on June 8, 2012
I just joined the NAFTS .I served on the Lipan ATF 85. 1969 had two trips to Alaska and to Midway. WAs en2 , hung out with Wally Rice. Hope to bE at the reunion in NorforkN
Admin Reply:
Welcome aboard. Your NAFTS member number is 2633 and will resolve on the NAFTS website members list soon. Rodger NAFTS Membership
wrote on June 4, 2012
I was aboard the USS Lipan ATF-85, in 1956 as a Radioman. During 1956 we participated in -Operation Redwing - the Thermonuclear Weapons Testing in the Marshall Islands. Great experience. Had a great crew aboard at the time. Just stopped by to say Hello to all the old Tuggers who still check in this site every now and then. Hope everyone is healthy and enjoying life.
Admin Reply:
Shipmate Tom, nice to hear from you. Regards to Carol. Rodger Dana GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on June 1, 2012
Looking for anyone that served at Tug Ops Bangor Subase in the mid to late 80's. Tug boats that were there at that time were the YTB779, YTB764 and YTB761. Also look for Moe Desverges "Subase Bangor Shipmates" group on Facebook.