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.
428 entries.
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.
wrote on November 21, 2012:
Yesterday 11-20-12 I lost my wife Carol she always looked forward to all the reunions.
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
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"
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.
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.
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
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
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.
wrote on September 24, 2012:
Served as a LTJG aboard the USS NIPMUC FROM 1964 THROUGH 1966 BASED IN NEWPORT, R. I.
wrote on September 23, 2012:
Served ab oard the USS Mataco ATF-86 1963-1966
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
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.
wrote on August 29, 2012:
I served on the USS COATOPA, YTM 382 Newport, RI from 1969-1971. Any others out there.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
wrote on July 6, 2012:
Would like to hear from any shipmates 77-79
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.
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
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.
wrote on June 1, 2012:
Thanks for the info Rodger. Just for clarification, is he the only WWII Munsee survivor that belongs to NAFTS, or the only one, period? Love you website. Enjoy the comments and pictures. Thanks, * * * Keyes
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.
wrote on May 27, 2012:
Was reading through the guestbook today and discovered a 2 year old post from John Ward, Jr. His father, John Ward, Sr., served on the USS Munsee during WWII. I found his name on the muster roll with my father, James C. Zahourek. Any other WWII/Munsee vets out there?
wrote on May 24, 2012:
Hi my name is Robert i live in the north east of England i am looking for info on a tug that was built in the us. She was the usn batr 17 she was one of the tugs made avilable under the lend lease to the Royal navy as HMS Director, can enybody tell me what happend to her when she was returned in 1946 to USN MANY THANKS Robert
wrote on May 9, 2012:
Served on board USS Escape ARS-6 in 1962 SN San Juan PR was our home port.
wrote on May 6, 2012:
would like to see your web site
wrote on May 6, 2012:
served aboard the uss escape ars-6 1969-1970.It was better than the rice pattys !!!!would like to hear from my fellow inmates.
wrote on May 4, 2012:
Rodger, My brother Robert e-mailed me Said you cashed his check but have not included him on membership list. Also,I sent you a check but membership status has not been up-dated. Allen
wrote on April 28, 2012:
There will be a Reunion between the Arikara People and the Arikara Sailors at their home in New Town, ND June 18-25th 2012. All former crew members are invited. Space is limited. Camping is encouraged. If you would like to be there please contact me ASAP. The Arikara's are rolling out the red carpet for us. We will be turning over many items for their Museum. sussery001@ec.rr.com. Sail on...
wrote on April 24, 2012:
I served aboard the USS Ponchatoula AO-148 and am trying to locate a old shipmate of mine that was transfered to the ATA-192 in the mid '50's. He as a SM-3 or 2 at that time. He was from Mt. Vernon, NY. I would appreciate it if anyone knows his whereabouts to let me know or send me contact information.
wrote on March 26, 2012:
Rodger:Check is in the mail today for renewal/update of membership.Looking forward to Norfolk in Oct. Mailing a membership app to my brother in N.C.He was on ATA-187 with me. Can you mail him a copy of the last TOWLINE? Robert Dahmer P.O.Box 781 Walnut Cove,N.C. 27057 This should be what it takes to get him off the fence.LoL Allen#2593
wrote on March 21, 2012:
I am hoping that maybe there is someone here whom might have knoe m grandfather and have pictures. His name is Jack Giles and he was on the Anchor from 1943 to 1946, shortly left the ship in april of 46 for rehabilitation leave and reassignment, but i dont have information past that. If there is anyone that might have known him and or have a crew book that may have a photo please e mail me. I would so greatfully appreciate it. Thank you to all.
wrote on March 20, 2012:
Testing Guestbook after server Migration.
wrote on March 6, 2012:
RM3 and RM2. Aboard Tillmook ATA-192 part of 54 and 55.
wrote on March 3, 2012:
March 3, 2012 Hello and greeting to all. Alice P. Hatcher, my grandmother, christened the USS Arapaho, ATF-68, here in Charleston, SC, 1943. A few photographs, framed letters, a postcard from then the assistant undersecretary James Forrestal written in pencil to her; and an engraved Ship's Silver Plate presented to grandmother remain with the family here in Charleston. Six of her seven sons were serving active duty at the time of christening; the seventh had tried to join but failed the medical exam. 5 sons served in the Navy and one the Army. One son, a naval aviation repairman, was stationed on Ford Island December 7, 1941, was wounded and still able to help to fight the fires on his aircraft group. Three of her sons were awarded officer commissions during the war, 2 for the US Navy and one with the US Army. The army member was assigned to the British in 1940 and fought with them in North Africa in the earlier fights with their open-turret tank corp. Jim Hatcher, Charleston, SC
wrote on February 18, 2012:
my friend willie wells from stony creek va, would love to hear from any shipmates.he was on accokeek ata-181 in philly from may 59 to 1961.his no is434-246-6421
wrote on February 13, 2012:
Came across your site by chance may I take the oppertunity of expressing hearful thanks for renewing old memories.As you realise I am not a member but I did serve on the British rescue tug Empire Sandy from 1944 to 1945,then joined various other shipping companies in the UK ending up in the police service,I was only a fifteen year old lad when I ran away from home in Wales and managed to join Empire Sandy, they did not ask awkward question about your age on the Tugs and as a youngster I wanted to enlist. Apologies for intruding but I was thrilled in seeing your site. Kindest Regards Sam
wrote on February 8, 2012:
I stumbled across your site and glad Idid.Iserved on USS PAIUTE ATF-159 from 68 to 69 as an EM/3
wrote on February 1, 2012:
Hi Capt. W. Nickelson, hope to see you and Michael Edwards at this year's (2012)reunion. I am looking foreward to being there . I served on the U S S Grasp ARS 24 from 1967 to 1969.
wrote on January 28, 2012:
Looking for info on the US NAVY TUG ATR 8, was my fathers (John D. STEELE)ship until 1946 . Anything would be helpful. IN 1946 or 47 ship had an 8ball on the stack. Thanks Michael Steele
wrote on January 13, 2012:
My dad was chief petty officer Richard David. Nuttall, the ships doctor, and was always referred to as "doc".in addition, he was the diver, and ran the decompression chamber,among other duties. We were stationed in Hawaii, and lived in the housing at the very end of pearl city pennisula from 1955 to 1961. I was. The oldest at the time, and rember when Hawaii was made the 49 th state, they had the sea planes always taking off just past where we lived. Within a few minutes walk I could go to this.little pier, and fish for crabs from the pilings, and straight across was ford island, and what W's left of the Arizona. There were still sunken ships, some upside down still. I remember hearing about the raising the midget sub, my dad being one of the divers. I remember going on the ship several times as a kid, and seeing the ship. Coming back from wespac cruises
wrote on January 8, 2012:
Anybody out there from Allegheny 1965-1967 I still live in Brooklyn? GILLIAM