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 June 15, 2011
Very honest,kind and interesting.
Admin Reply:
Frank, Thanks for visiting our NAFTS Guestbook. We appreciate your comments. NAFTS is now 21 years old,and has 1400 members, with annual reunions and TOWLINE magazine. sincerely, Rodger Dana, Guestbook monitor
wrote on June 7, 2011
I am looking for anyone who was aboard USS Narragansett during the Salerno invasion who would know of an assistance mission to USS Philadelphia. I am trying to corroborate for an award. Cheers, PATSY
Admin Reply:
NAFTS has one member remaining who served on Narragansett 1943-45. NAFTS privacy policy prohibits disclosing members personal data to non-members. Please contact Rodger at RDana at NAFTS.com. sincerely, Rodger, GUEST BOOK Monitor _______________________________ ______________________
wrote on June 6, 2011
was stationed onboard cgc chilula watf 153 1962-1964. please email any info you mite have. bill sexton thanks very much.
Admin Reply:
Bill, I sent you a NAFTS.com e-mail sincerely, Rodger, NAFTS GUEST BOOK Monitor
wrote on June 5, 2011
I served on YTB 760 in 1987 / It was a wonderful expierence. i wish i could do it again.
Admin Reply:
William, I sent you a NAFTS E-mail from RKDana Rodger, Guestbook Monitor
wrote on June 3, 2011
Served on USS Tawasa out of boot camp Sept.,1964 to about the end of 1965. Worked in Main Engine Room. Left as E4. Cruises include escorting Iranian mine sweepers to Panama via Acapulco. Adak, Alaska via Seattle.
Admin Reply:
Phil, I sent you a NAFTS.com e-mail sincerely, Rodger, NAFTS GUEST BOOK Monitor
wrote on May 10, 2011
Enjoyed your site very much, brought back good memories. Served as XO/Nav on USS Mataco (ATF-86) from 1972 to 1974 with many, many fine shipmates.
Admin Reply:
Bill, Nice talking to you today. Illl send you a complimentary issue of the NAFTS TOWLINE magazine. your shipmate, Rodger Guest Book Monitor
wrote on May 5, 2011
I was on board USS Koka ATA 185 from July 1958 until March 1963 I see you have a few pictures Do you have an address for Ens Brunner? Shown inspecting a damaged screw. Idoubt there are many around that was on board Koka she was given to Samoa and used as a power plant I heard she has been scraped. I see my dues are long overdue not sure I will be able to pay them
Admin Reply:
Thanks for checking in, Jerry. I sent you an e-mail from Membership at NAFTS.com, Rodger Dana, Guestbook monitor
wrote on May 1, 2011
Just wanted to mention my father's name on your site. Frank Nichols, RM1c, originally from Rensselaer, New York, served on the USS Vent(ARS-29) from 15 June 1944 until the end of the war.
Admin Reply:
Joe, Thanks for your entry. Rodger Guest Book Monitor
wrote on April 11, 2011
Thanks for NAFTS and its members.
Admin Reply:
John, Thank you for the praise. Rodger GUESTBOOK Monitor
wrote on March 24, 2011
roger i would appreciate if you would add lcdr roy a woodliff to the commanding officers list. he was skipper of the uss shakori atf 162 from november 1947 to may 1950 he was a mustang officer a good skipper a fine man thank you
Admin Reply:
Charles, I have updated the record. Thanks for your input, Rodger NAFTS Membership
wrote on March 20, 2011
Hi this marvin doing good i live over in kent washington close to my daughter my phone number is 509-398-6145 if you would like to reach me sincerly marvin * * *
Admin Reply:
Marvin, Thanks for the phone number, Rodger, Guest Book monitor
wrote on March 17, 2011
My Dad (Naval Reserve Key West, FL) served aboard YT-160 in the invasion of Sicily. He served '43 through '45. I have a picture of the boat and am interested in contacting any sailor who served with my Dad. Thanks, Clint
Admin Reply:
Sorry, we have no members associated with YT-160. Rodger, Guest Book Monitor
wrote on February 27, 2011
I served on the USS ALLEGHENY and the USS ALSEA and wanted to add an obit of a tug boat sailor/officer to this guestbook and was prevented due to the length.
Admin Reply:
William, I sent you a NAFTS e-mail about your problem Rodger NAFTS Guest Book Monitor
wrote on February 17, 2011
I served aboard the YTB 406 in sasebo Japan under Tierney Bos'n Mate 1 st class from 1960 . Sasebo Japan through 1961
Admin Reply:
Thanks for visiting our NAFTS Guestbook. NAFTS has hundreds of YTB shipmates. A YTB graced the cover of a recent issue of the NAFTS members-only TOWLINE magazine. Rodger Guestbook Monitor RKDana@NAFTS.com visit www.NAFTS.com
wrote on February 4, 2011
received the towline a couple days ago really enjoyed it the article about the zuni/tamarao foundation got my attention so i sent in my membership dues plus a little donation to help keep the old girl afloat i served aboard two fleet tugs i scrapprd i foreign navy i am 82 yrs young and if i can build up enough steam i will visit the the zuni atf 95 in norfolk in the summer 2011 i know east main street has been decommissioned but i can live with that it would be a nice thing if all the nafts members could find it in their hearts to become a member of the foundation to keep her afloat THANK YOU MR JAEGER FOR THE WORK YOU ARE DOING
Admin Reply:
Thanks for the kind words. I have forwarded your comments to Mr Harry Jaeger. Rodger, GUEST BOOK Monitor
wrote on January 18, 2011
inclosed is my 25.00 member dues . please add me to membership. i served on the uss tawakoni atf 114 during the korean war with my brother, jimmy , we served as seamen together. a special time in our lives we can never forget. information enclosed about my just released book, "on the sea of purple hearts". a 260 page story of our fight against communism then and now.can it be listed/cover shown on the nafts website ? thank you . george g patrick,hubert n c 910 376 2797
Admin Reply:
George, Thanks for joining NAFTS. I have received the complimentary copy of your book and will read it soon. We have a few Tawakoni shipmate members that served aboard ATF 114 during the Korean War time-frame, SK2 Billy 'Jack' McCoy USN 1949-1951 Tawakoni (ATF 114) Capt. Stewart Tinsman USN(ret) 1951-1953 Tawakoni (ATF 114) EN3 Don Gray USN 1952-1954 Tawakoni (ATF 114) sincerely, your shipmate' Rodger Dana Guest Book Monitor RKDana@NAFTS.com
wrote on January 7, 2011
I was on the Cree ATF-84 from January 1968 to December 1969. Had a great time and enjoyed my duty. Worked in the ship's office was a PN3. Helmsman during GQ and sea and anchor detail. You can find me on Facebook.
Admin Reply:
I sent you a NAFTS e-mail, Rodger GUEST BOOK Monitor
wrote on January 5, 2011
Father was on ATR 8 WW11 Thanks!
Admin Reply:
Although NAFTS has many members who served on ATR vessels, no NAFTS members served on ATR 8 sorry, Rodger NAFTS GUESTBOOK monitor
wrote on January 4, 2011
Dear Sir, I have just tried to e-mail the British DSRTA member via the e-mail address on your web site. Unfortunately my e-mail was rejected as 'unknown address'. Do you have a current address for the British Deep Sea Rescue Tug Association? The reason I am trying to contact them is that I am planning an archaeological survey of the remains of the Mulberry Harbours and I know that many of the items were towed to France by the Deep Sea Tugs and I thought they may be interested. As the US tugs also played a large part in towing the Mulberry harbour items from Britain to Normandy it is possible that some of your members may also be interested. If so I would be delighted to hear from them. Many thanks Chris Howlett
Admin Reply:
I sent you a NAFTS.com e-mail. Rodger, NAFTS GUEST BOOK Monitor
wrote on January 2, 2011
I was looking for some information about the history of the USS Oscela and the USS Louisville, both of which my Grandfather served on in WWI. His name was P. Flori. Thank you.
Admin Reply:
Try a web search for USS Osceola. sincerely, Rodger, NAFTS Guest Book Monitor
wrote on December 31, 2010
i found your site looking for information about the ship my grandfather served on during world war II. his name is michael melone, he served aboard the yp515 (ex at22 tadousac)in the soloman islands at guadalcanal and throughout "the slot" and onto japan. just curious if anyone may have any additional information about his ship or what became of it post-war. thank you, michael melone III.
Admin Reply:
Michael,I can't find any reference info on type YP. You might find the vessels wartime logs at the National Archives. For more info on the National Archives, do a web search for it. sorry, Rodger Guest Book Monitor
wrote on December 19, 2010
My father,Robert D. Rosenheim served on ATA182 from 10/44-1/46. He was a Bos`n aboard her. Was trying to find some information about his service during WW2. Great site!
Admin Reply:
Robert, We currently have no ATA 182 members.Copies of the ships logs can be obtained from the National Archives for a fee. Sorry we can't help you, your shipmate, Rodger Dana NAFTS Secretary
wrote on December 18, 2010
I served aboard the USS COCOPA ATF 101 from 1974 till 1978. I was an EN, we had some good men. We lost Mike Chamberlin a few months ago.
Admin Reply:
Shipmate Bill, NAFTS no COCOPA members who served after 1970. If you will send your snail-mail address to me at MEMBERSHIP@NAFTS.com, I'll send you a copy of our NAFTS quarterly, TOWLINE. NAFTS has been a Veterans non-profit since 1989, with 1500 members nation-wide. Your shipmate, Rodger, NAFTS Secretary
wrote on December 10, 2010
Served as SM3,SM2,SM1 on USS Salish ATA 187 At New Orleans,La.(my hometown)then Mayport,Fl.Summer of 1958 to Dec1963.Retired May77 as SMC.Never seasick but what a ride.My younger brother(retired StewBurner)served with me. Would like to hear from former shipmates.
Admin Reply:
Thanks for your reply to my NAFTS e-mail. Rodger NAFTS Secretary
wrote on December 9, 2010
Hello everybody! I am a happy owner of the former ST-480 tugboat since 2008.The name is now TOLVAN (twelwe in swedish) or the twelfth. Tolvan get her name already 1947. She was built in New York Brooklyn at the JK Welding shipyard in 1944. Restoration is what she need,anyway she is a pearl allready,whit the original main engine ATLAS IMPERIAL 6 HM 2124.,and many other things from that time. Whit my kindest regards Bengt.
Admin Reply:
Bengt, Thanks for your NAFTS GUESTBOOK entry about the former U S Army small tug(ST). Rodger, GUESTBOOK Maintainer.
wrote on December 8, 2010
USS Kiowa A T F 72 from 1962 to 1963 USS Keywadin A T A 213 from 1966 to 1967 .I was one of the EN's. Boyd Newton
Admin Reply:
Shipmate Newton, NAFTS has one Kiowa shipmate from your time on board EN2 Herbert Weiskopf USN 1962 Active Kiowa (ATF 72) If you wish to contact him,please send an e-mail to RKDana@NAFTS.com. I will help you get through our NAFTS members privacy firewall, sincerely, Rodger Dana NAFTS Secretary
wrote on December 7, 2010
1967 thru 1968 duty on USS Mataco ATF 86-ships office YN3. Had great duty, lots of fun & some rough times. Would like to hear from anyone who served with me.
Admin Reply:
Frank, I sent you a NAFTS e-mail about your father, a NAFTS member. Rodger, NAFTS Membership
wrote on December 7, 2010
Dad served on USS Tawasa around 1956. Was part of operation Wigwam . Loved his service on the tug. Passed 11-13 08 .Son kinda keeping his thoughts alive
Admin Reply:
Frank, I sent you a NAFTS e-mail about your father, a NAFTS member. Rodger, NAFTS Membership
wrote on November 27, 2010
Served on uss cree 68 69 had too much fun,,find me on face book ...if your an old shipmate and would like to reconnect..
Admin Reply:
NAFTS has several members who served with you, including skipper Owens. RD2/DV James L. Richardson USN 1966-1968 Active 544 Cree (ATF 84) 1516 RMCS Dave Lutz USN 1968-1969 Active 544 Cree (ATF 84) 2175 E-3 Scott Leslie USN 1968-1970 Active 544 Cree (ATF 84) 863 LCDR Robert Owens USN 1968-1970 CO Active 544 Cree (ATF 84) 748 LTJG Robert G. Meckley USN 1969-1971 Active 544 Cree (ATF 84) If you desire contact, e-mail me at RKDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger NAFTS Secretary
wrote on November 27, 2010
My Uncle Robert Shrader born 04/26/1915 served on the USS Nauset in WWII which was bombed 09/09/1943 off the coast of Salerno , Italy ,he was considered MIA ,were there any survivors any recoveries, just would like to know. thank you!
Admin Reply:
Judy, Thanks for visiting the NAFTS GUESTBOOK. NAFTS has no NAUSET members. The only reference I can find is on the internet at http://wikimapia.org/13829823/Wreck-of-U SS-Nauset-AT-89. You might find some Nauset personnel listed in the National Archives from the logs of the USS Narragansett, AT-88, which was present when NAUSET sank. Sorry we can't help more, Rodger Dana NAFTS Secretary
wrote on November 26, 2010
Would like to meet ship mates from U.S.S Moctobi ATF-105.From years 1975-1977. Please contact me at 502-662-0279 or robertgordon1952@yahoo.com.
Admin Reply:
I have notified a NAFTS member who served with you on Moctobi. He may contact you. Please consider NAFTS membership. We have been around since 1989, hold annual reunions and publish TOWLINE. There are 1450 NAFTS members nation-wide. For a complimentary issue of TOWLINE, send request to MembershipatNAFTS.com (replace at with @) Did you know ex-Moctobi is moored at Richmond, CA ? Rodger
wrote on November 25, 2010
I served on the Hombro YTM 769 as a FN/EN3 5/68 to 5/69 at DaNang Viet Nam and the on the USS Tawasa ATF 92 as a EN3/EN2 5/69 to 10/71. I would like to hear from anyone who was on the Tug when I was. I think this is a great web site.
Admin Reply:
I passed this on to RD3 Vern Irwin, Rodger Dana NAFTS Membership
wrote on November 23, 2010
Trying to get into membership for a Phone # of fellow Munsee Tugger - NO LUCK. Tried twice SNL. We lost one of our own this week end - need to let him know. Thanks.
Admin Reply:
Try the one you registered today, munseemike1 145valley Rodger, Membership Man
wrote on November 21, 2010
The USS Reno was torpedoed during November 1944 and was towed to Ulithi for temporary repairs by The USS Zuni . The Reno was subsequently towed to Manus Island for dry docking and arrived there about December 23, 1944. Would like to know if anyone knows what fleet tug towed the Reno to Manus.
Admin Reply:
There were quite a few ATFs and ATAs and ATRs and ATOs in that part of the world when Reno needed a tow to Manus. You might do an internet search using the word MANUS,and/or ULITHI Rodger(RKDana "at" NAFTS.com)Use @ in place of "at", defeats spammers.
wrote on November 19, 2010
Just saw Clark on the Oprah show. I'm gonna get me a kilt.
Admin Reply:
We did too, Rodger
wrote on November 11, 2010
I was an RM3 on the USS Salinan form 1972 to the fall of 1974. While I was on the Salinan we made a North Atlantic Cruise where we towed a ship laying cable.(can't remember the name of the ship). The tow was a disaster, several men were injured and an officer committed suicide as a result. When we transfered the men to the cable layer the seas were rough and the Salinan broadsided the ship and opened a hole on the starboard side of the ship. Does anybody remember that cruise and if so do they remember the name of the officer who committed suicide?
Admin Reply:
NAFTS has one member who served with you on SALINAN, EMC Walter Ogletree USN. If you wish to contact him, please send an e-mail to RKDana@NAFTS.com. your shipmate, Rodger, NAFTS Secretary/Membership
wrote on November 1, 2010
Hi tuggers, just stopped by for a quick visit. I was aboard the USS Lipan ATF-85 in 1956 as a RM2. Great bunch of guys aboard. Enjoyed my time aboard. Great website, keep up the great work. Stop by occasionaly just to ready the guestbook
Admin Reply:
Thanks for your entry, shipmate Rodger, NAFTS Membership Guy
wrote on October 24, 2010
Served on USS Escape Oct 57 to Aug 59.
Admin Reply:
Do you remember LTjg James C. Gherardi USN 1956-1959 Escape (ARS 6) ?
wrote on August 23, 2010
If anyone served on USS Serrano, please contact me. I'm researching the ship, in order to build a scale replica for my father, Charlie. Please help out if you can.
Admin Reply:
USS Serrano, ATF 112, has the same exterior features as ATF 96 thru ATF 118. All ATFs hull number 66 thru 118 and 148 thru 165 have same hull dimensions. You should be able to find what you need on the internet as blueprints are usually for sale for the Serrano type. sincerely, R Dana NAFTS Secretary RKDana(at)NAFTS.com
wrote on August 16, 2010
My user name and password will not work. I am using the right ones but can not get in!
Admin Reply:
Joe Day, If you are NAFTS member 2257, please send an e-mail to me at Membership(at)NAFTS.com.Use @ symbol instead of (at). The e-mail address you used to make this GUEST BOOK entry is not the same as listed in the NAFTS members database. Soon as I identify you, I can send your log-on & password to you via e-mail. your shipmate, Rodger Dana NAFTS Membership Secretary _____________________________ ____
wrote on August 6, 2010
Howdy Shipmates Was on USS ABNAKI 67-70 and USS GRASP ARS-24(the origenal) 72-74. Both great duty! Like to hear from my shipmates.
Admin Reply:
Shipmate Richard, Nice to hear from you. Hope you get some response. Rodger Dana _____________
wrote on August 2, 2010
I'd like learn about naval accidents.
Admin Reply:
Kwanghoon Seok, Dear Mr Kwanghoon Seok, This is not a good place to learn about naval accidents.If you have a specific accident, we might be able to help you. Your interest is appreciated. sincerely, Rodger ________________________________ _______________________
wrote on August 2, 2010
My Dad also Walter Stillwaggon (Red) was a Captain on tugs in New York Harbor. Served in Greenland on a tug during WW2 is there anyone who served with him that could share any memories. Dad died in 1969
Admin Reply:
Walter Stillwaggon, I sent you a NAFTS E-mail with questions, RK Dana
wrote on July 13, 2010
Hello, just passing through and found the site interesting. I served on the USS Sarsi from 1944-1945 as a Radar Operator. After leaving the service, I worked as a carpenter for 10 years, along with many other trades. I became employed as a Federal Meat Inspector for 25 years and retired from the USDA in 1979. I've enjoyed doing many things, including woodworking, car repair, remodeling, and etc. I married 9/14/1941, and we'll be celebrating 69 years this September. My wife and I had two children, a son and daughter. Feel free to contact me...I'd enjoy visiting with anyone. Thank you for all you and other's have done regarding the NAFTS.
Admin Reply:
Morris, Your courtesy issue of NAFTS TOWLINE is on the way to you, Rodger
wrote on July 11, 2010
I served aboard the USS Kiowa ATF-72 form '69 till '70 as a radioman. Does anyone remember our visit from the USS Waldron (DD-699) off the coast of N.C.? Service squadron sailors--the real Navy! I can still hear the shells,meant for the sleds,going over the ship.
Admin Reply:
Joe, I passed your request on to SK2 Stephen P. Armitstead, Kiowa 1968-71 to see if he wanted to answer you, Rodger
wrote on July 8, 2010
Dear Sir: I stumbled upon your Spring 2010 Towline Newsletter while doing some research on my fathers service in the Navy during WWII. I delight to see the article about he USS Sonoma. My father, Wayne Bonar, was aboard the tug when it was hit by the Japanese aircraft. He was a machinist mate and was below decks at the time of the attack. He has told me the story of his escape through the ship's shafts to the upper decks and into the water. (By the way, he is alive and well and just turned 86 on June 10th) He went on to serve on the USS Don O Woods until the end of the war and was recalled during Korea and served aboard the USS Cross. We were surprised to see that the Sonoma was the first ship to be hit by a kamakazie as I have read that an Austrailian ship was the first. At any rate I will be printing the article to send to my dad in Michigan. Thank you !
Admin Reply:
Many thanks for your entry in our NAFTS GUEST Book. We had a Sonoma member until November 2002 He is now deceased. His name is MMCM William Reed USN. William served on SONOMA from 1941-44.
wrote on June 18, 2010
I FOUND THAT THE YTB-410 WAS BEING TOWED TO MIDWAY IDLAND SOME TIME AFTER I WAS TRANSFERED TO EMB SCHOOL IN 1959 IN A STORM SHE SUNK AND THE TOW LINES WERE CUT.
Admin Reply:
Richard, Thanks for the additional information on YTB 410, Rodger
wrote on June 13, 2010
just wanted to say hi to all you tuggers.i served on board the USS UTINA ATF-163 from july 66-july 68.i have been in contact with PETE RYDER and CHARLIE PENDLETON my old shipmates.would love to hear from others. jeff
wrote on June 8, 2010
I WAS STATION ON THE ALLAMAKEE YTB-410 IN HAWAII FROM 1957 TO 1959 AS EM2 THE TUG WAS BEING TOWED FOR EXCHANGE WITH THE YTB-412 WHEN SHE BROOK LOSE AND SANK.
Admin Reply:
Richard, Can you furnish more details? When & where did this happen? Rodger RKDana at NAFTS.com.( replace at with @ sign)
wrote on May 29, 2010
My father, John Ward, served aboard the USS Munsee-ATF107-during the Second World War. He served from Jan 1942 until the end of the war. He is alive and doing very well in Tulsa, OK. For years I have been trying to locate any of his old shipmates or John Pingley the ships Commander. For years he did not talk much about his experiences in the Navy, but during the last several years he speaks with great reverence about his time aboard the Munsee and the great Commander and Crew he served with. If anyone can help me locate any of his shipmates or any type of reunion please contact me. John Ward US Army Retired 931 510 3110
Admin Reply:
John, I sent you an answer from NAFTS Membership e-mail, Rodger