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 May 25, 2010
Rodger - I'm trying to locate info on a harbor tug,(ETAWENA) that operated out of Mayport, FL in the early 1960's. I am not having much luck going through USN websites so I thought if anyone would know, it'd be you. I have an old sailor (EN3) here that I'd like to surprise with a photo and maybe a model of the tug. Many thanks! L. Killen
Admin Reply:
Look on the internet for YTB 543, Rodger
wrote on May 23, 2010
I was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Hitchiti ATF 103 from Sept. 1959 to Dec. 1962. I went aboard as an ICFN right out of IC and MPO schools. I was discharged as an ICE5. I thought then and still do think it was the best possible duty in the Navy. As the only IC rate on board, there was nowhere else to look if something I was responsible for went wrong. I worked under the EM E6 and with the EM's most of the time, again, great training. During my time aboard, we made 2 WESPAC cruises, Hong Kong, Phillipines, Okinawa, Formosa (Taiwan), Panama, Mexico, and SAR duty in Alaska. In addition to towing targets for all kinds of ships and aircraft.
Admin Reply:
Dudley, Thanks for your entry in our NAFTS GUESTBOOK. NAFTS has quite a few Hitchiti shipmate members,including HM1 Joseph Boczek USN 1957-1960 Active Hitchiti (ATF 103) 2091 PN2 George H. Duckwall USN 1957-1960 Active Hitchiti (ATF 103) 2258 ENC Fred M. Miller USN 1957-1960 ENFA-EN2 Active Hitchiti (ATF 103) 2497 LT Richard J. Simonds USN 1957-1960 XO Active Hitchiti (ATF 103) 312 CDR George W. DuCharme USN(ret) 1958-1960 CO Deceased Hitchiti (ATF 103) 2374 RM3 William Eagleton USN 1958-1960 Active Hitchiti (ATF 103) 1930 Donald Wilfred Derise USN 1958-1961 Active Hitchiti (ATF 103) 2055 EN3 Gerald (Jerry) W. Ring USN 1958-1961 Active Hitchiti (ATF 103) 2209 ENCS Clarence D. (Dave) Galik USN 1958-1965 Active Hitchiti (ATF 103) 2171 EN3 William Moring USN 1960-1964 Active 544 Hitchiti (ATF 103) 1812 QM2 Thomas D.(Buddy) Bolton USN 1961-1964 Active 544 Hitchiti (ATF 103) 1918 SN Pedro Cardoza USN 1961-1964 Active 544 Hitchiti (ATF 103) 2069 EN2 Alvin Johnson USN 1961-1964 Active 544 Hitchiti (ATF 103) 2520 CS3 Richard Amundson USN 1962-1965 Active Hitchiti (ATF 103) 2095 RM2 Victor J. Krause USN 1962-1965 Active Hitchiti (ATF 103) 1864 LCDR Raymond J. Zogg USN 1962-1965 1st Lt/ XO Active 544 Hitchiti (ATF 103) 1969 SK2 James (Jim) Burton USN 1962-1966 Active 544 Hitchiti (ATF 103) If you have any interest in contacting any of these shipmates, please contact me at RKDanaatNAFTS.com(replace at with @)your shipmate Rodger.
wrote on May 4, 2010
Back in 1943, there were 10-12 of us PO's transferred from the USS Bowditch to new construction on the East Coast. At least half of us were going ATF's. I wonder if any made it to NAFTS. One of them was a CM2/ who I last saw at the receiving station in Charleston SC. I remembered him telling me that everytime our old ship which was 10M tons hauled anchor he would get seasick and he wondered how he would make out on a fleet tug. Glad to see we are back on line
Admin Reply:
Richard, Good to see my Chowanoc plank owner friend is monitoring the GUESTBOOK. I now have the Officers & enlisted roster for USS Chowanoc when she was commissioned. Are you interested in a copy? Rodger Dana
wrote on May 3, 2010
Apoligize for the site being down for most of the weekend. It was server problems and out of our control. Note that the guest book has been updated to a new version. The Spammers were catching up to the old one. Enjoy
wrote on March 7, 2010
I SERVED ON THE USS TAWASA ATF92 FROM JUNE 1954 'TILL MARCH 1957. IT WAS A GREAT TIME. WE TOWED A FLOATING CRANE UP TO SAIGON IN '54. LITLE DID WE KNOW WHAT WAS GOING TO GO ON AFTERTHAT. WE THOUGHT IT WAS TO HELP THE FRENCH. OH WELL!
Admin Reply:
Chuck, I sent you a NAFTS.com e-mail, your shipmate, Rodger
wrote on March 6, 2010
ENJOYED READING COMMENTS IN GUEST BOOK BUT DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO REVIEW THEM ALL TODAY. BUT REAL INTERESTING. MY MB NO 1264
Admin Reply:
Hey, Clyde Thanks for the visit to the NAFTS Guest Book, your shipmate, Rodger Dana
wrote on February 28, 2010
My dad served on the USS ATR 77 in World War II from April til July of 1946. Are there any shipmates out there, we have pictures he took while on board.
Admin Reply:
Jill, NAFTS has quite a few ATR shipmate members, but none from ATR 77. We do have some ATR photos on our website, www.NAFTS.com and would gladly post your photos in our ATR photos section. We will scan & return your photos if you wish. Please contact me at RKDana@NAFTS.com. sincerely, Rodger
wrote on February 24, 2010
.ROGER,I recieved your MAIL.My address is 2938 center pt. rd.N.E. cedar rapids IA. 52402
Admin Reply:
OK, Rodger
wrote on February 23, 2010
roger do you have a mr. pete listed on the molala atf 106 in 1964?
Admin Reply:
Dean, I sent you reply via NAFTS mail, Rodger
wrote on February 20, 2010
I just found this site and am looking for some of my old tug mates I served on the YTB 779 Manhatten from 2/66-9/67. I would enjoy hearing from anybody who served on the 779
Admin Reply:
Larry, I sent you an e-mail from NAFTS.com mail, Rodger
wrote on February 18, 2010
G'day Roger Thanks for trying to reply to my request but I did not receive you email. Could you try again. Many thanks. jq
Admin Reply:
JQ, My e-mail to you is rejected by your server. Pls send a message to RKDana at NAFTS.com, Rodger ___________________________________________________
wrote on February 16, 2010
Was aboard the USS Munsee ATF107 1960-1961 road her to WESPAC before being transfered to USS Surfbird ADG383. It would be good to hear from anyone who served at the same time....Bruce Pease are you out there? Thanks for a great web site.
Admin Reply:
Bill, I sent you an e-mail from NAFTS mail, Rodger
wrote on February 11, 2010
Served on U.S.S.Tawakoni ATF-114 1972 to 1975
Admin Reply:
I sent you an e-mail from me at NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on February 11, 2010
I have just joined NAFTS and with the help of RODGER DANA I have already been in contact with two of my old shipmates. It has been forty two years since I saw any of my shipmates. I hope to find many more through NAFTS. Thanks for such a good and efficient organization. CHARLIE PENDLETON
Admin Reply:
Charlie, That's great! Let me know if you need anything, Rodger
wrote on February 3, 2010
Served on board YTM-370 Subic Bay, PI in 1968.
Admin Reply:
Sorry, NAFTS has no YTM 370 members,thanks for your entry. Rodger (RKDana at NAFTS.com)
wrote on February 2, 2010
G'day All I am looking for information on a Chrysler twin tug that was used during WW2. I have been trying to track it down for many years. How can I post a picture of on this web site? I have an assembly manual in PDF and the original is in The Australian Maritime Museum which was donated by a good friend of mine. His father was in WW2 but the family did not know if this manual until after he died. I hope some one can help Cheers John Quigley
Admin Reply:
John, I sent you a NAFTS E-mail,offering to help. Rodger __________________
wrote on February 1, 2010
Looking for Hap Haris .Served on Moloala 1963.Iwas a enginman 3rd at the time She was a good ship and crew
Admin Reply:
Dean, NAFTS doesn't have a Haris(or Harriss) listed for Molala. We don't have any Molala members listed for 1963. If you know the exact spelling of his name, try looking for him at Zabasearch.com , Rodger, NAFTS Membership ________________________________________________
wrote on January 30, 2010
I am proud to have served on The original U S S Grasp ARS 24, from 1967 to 1969. I am glade to say that I am still in contact with my Capt. and XO.. Wish I could find some more shipmates. Would Like to hear from Jackson..Are you out there ?
Admin Reply:
Here are your shipmates who belong to NAFTS LTJG Greg Thompson USN 1966-1969 Supply,Comm,Ops DV Active Grasp (ARS 24) SN Albert Martinez USN 1967-1969 Active Grasp (ARS 24) LCDR Walker (Nick) Nicholson USN 1967-1969 CO Active 544 Grasp (ARS 24) LT(LDO) Duane Tucker USN 1967-1969 XO Active Grasp (ARS 24) Let me know if I can help more, Rodger RKDana(at)NAFTS.com
wrote on January 30, 2010
I WAS IN THE AIR FORCE VIETNAM 65&66 SERVED AS CAPTAIN ON ARMY ST2130. SWORN IN ARMY AS W1 AT PATRICK AFB. ONE YEAR AT FORT EUIST THEN BACK TO NAM FOR HALF OF 67&68.RETIRED 1970.
Admin Reply:
Thanks for your entry. NAFTS records show no members from ST-2130 Rodger (RKDana (at) NAFTS.com)
wrote on January 29, 2010
Very nice site for tug sailors to reunite. I am an army veteran trying assist a Navy tug veteran veteran friend who served on the U.S.S. A.T.R. 8 which was in New York in Feb of 1947. He showed me a photo of their crew taken February 21, 1947. He would be interested in hearing from anyone who was also assigned to that crew then or relatives of them. Enjoyed looking through all the memories and comments.
Admin Reply:
Kathy, I sent you an answer via NAFTS e-mail, Rodger
wrote on January 25, 2010
My father Raymond O. Rebmann served on the harbor tug YTL 312 in the South Pacific from September to December 1945. From about mid-October until December he was effectively in charge of the tug. I found a comment from Fred Reep in an email thread that gave some information about YTL 312 and I was wondering if he could supply more details about it. I believe Mr. Reep is a member of your organization. Thanks Peter Rebmann Gainesville, Fl.
Admin Reply:
Peter, I sent you a NAFTS e-mail about Fred Reep, Rodger ______________________________________________
wrote on January 23, 2010
ARMY'S LT454 68/69 CREW.
Admin Reply:
Jeff, I sent you a NAFTS e-mail, Rodger
wrote on January 21, 2010
Served 1963 t1965 Great Ship and Crew of the Molola Atf 106 cg
Admin Reply:
Dean, I have some answers for you, but your E-address bounces.Please make a new entry in this GUEST BOOK, Rodger, NAFTS Secretary
wrote on January 20, 2010
I was a radioman aboard the USS Escape ARS-6 from late 1968 to Dec. 1971. Just interested in trying to find any old shipmates from that era.
Admin Reply:
James, I sent you an e-mail message from NAFTS.com Rodger
wrote on January 19, 2010
My father, CDR Jerry Jones (RET) was the skipper of MAHOPAC in the mid 60's. While searching the web for some pictures of the ship's he served on for a collage, I came across a picture from the bridge of MOHOPAC in the Me Kong Delta (circa 1965/66). Unfortunately, I can no longer find the site. I do remember that it had a number of pages of pictures, and I believe it was set up by Ron Smith. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Admin Reply:
I sent you the info using NAFTS.com e-mail, Rodger ____
wrote on January 17, 2010
Hello fellow Tuggers. I've been aware of this site for several years now, and finally feel compelled to join-in. Thanks for being here. I served aboard the USS Molala (ATF-106) in 1977-78. I was one of her decommissioning crew that also took her on her last West-Pac, Equator crossing and two TTPI's (remember them???). Watch for a new (second) version of the Mighty MO's ships patch.
Admin Reply:
Mike, Thanks for the Molala Patch photo, Rodger
wrote on January 15, 2010
Tawakoni TF114 Joe Wasco, I served as an FN snipe 68 & 69. Remember Mike Tenneson engine man, Sledge who smoked those green cigars and Dunbar the launderer, also ski the deck mate? Our Captain was Ray Mulhen....Remember "Domain Of The Golden Dragon" International Dateline crossing.
Admin Reply:
Rick, I forwarded your message to Joe Wasco, Rodger
wrote on January 12, 2010
great site I served in San Diego service craft craft electrician 1968 - 1970 EMFA - EM2 YTM 405 YTM 772 YTM 374 Jerry St.Hilaire CPO USNR-ret
Admin Reply:
Chief, I sent you an e-mail from NAFTS, Rodger
wrote on January 11, 2010
My Dad served in Hawaii around 1945. He served on a Tug which was converted from a PT boat. He served in the Army and was on loan to the Navy as a diesel mechanic. At one time the tug was used a R&R vessel for Generals, high ranking Officers, etc. If anyone has any information on this please let me know. This is the information I have please forgive me for any inaccuracies and improper use of terms.
wrote on January 8, 2010
My Grandfather served on the USS Sabeata, YTB 287 from 1944 to 1946. He rode out the Typhoon under Admiral Halsey's command. My dad and I would LOVE to hear from anyone who was on the ship with him- Irl V. Everett Jr. Or anyone who remembers him.
Admin Reply:
Korrie, I sent you a reply from NAFTS.com, Rodger ______________________
wrote on January 4, 2010
USS Chowanoc "71 to 74"
Admin Reply:
Ben, Thanks for checking in to our site, Rodger
wrote on January 3, 2010
Served aboard , ABNAKI(ATF-96) 1967-1970,GRASP(ARS-24) 1972-1974.Both great duty.
Admin Reply:
Thanks for your prompt reply. Your sample TOWLINE issue will be sent to you in a few weeks, Rodger ________________
wrote on January 2, 2010
I served on USS PRESEVER ARS 8 1966 till 1968. Are there ever any reunions for PRESEVER.
Admin Reply:
Larry, I sent you an e-mail from NAFTS, Rodger ___________________________________________
wrote on January 1, 2010
My dad was on the ATR-34 at the end of WW II. He was a GMG3. He was talking about his time on the tug and taking care of the 3" 50 on the bow so I thought I would look up some info. The site I found led me here. My dad is Harley "Mac" McDougal. He is 81 years old and has some short term memory problems, but he enjoyed talking about the old times when I saw him this past Christmas (09). He says he was based in Japan just after the war and remembers the big typhoon at that time. He also mentioned having to go out into the harbor and bring the battleship Nagato back around when she got out of position, there being too few mooring buoys to tie all the ships up properly. He spoke of being based at "Yokasuka" but I don't know if that was at the same time and place as the Nagato. ATR-34 was decommissioned in 1946 and my dad was on the decommissioning crew. He was discharged at Memphis TN July 3, 1946 and married my mom nine days later. By the way, if you did the math, he lied about his age to join the navy. When they figured it out, they offered to discharge him and he chose to stay in. Just thought I would share a little history and wondered if there were some old veterans out there who might have been on the same ship. I tell my dad how proud I am of him, but he just waves it off. We're proud of all you veterans. Jim McDougal
Admin Reply:
I sent you an e-mail from NAFTS, RKDana
wrote on December 31, 2009
This keeps getting better avery time I get on it to see what you guys have done.I would like to wish all of you a very happy new year!!!!
Admin Reply:
Richard, Nice to hear from you. I sent you a NAFTS e-mail, Rodger
wrote on December 29, 2009
Stumbled accross your web site after seeing a bumper sticker on a truck ahead of me during the commute home from work. After browsing the site I have to ask.... can I get a bumper sticker? I have never served in the military, I hold high reguards for those who have. Thanks in advance, Tim Sutton
Admin Reply:
Tim, I sent you an e-mail message from me at NAFTS, Rodger ________________________________________________
wrote on December 26, 2009
I am looking for any USS TAMAQUA (YTB 797) Sailors from 1983 to 1984. At the time I was an EMFA.
Admin Reply:
Bill, I sent you a NAFTS e-mail, Rodger ____________________________
wrote on December 25, 2009
Stumbled on this site looking for some intel on USS Takelma ATF113 to share with my grown sons. Served aboard her '75-'79 in Pearl, San Diego and, as we all know, one of those wonderful WestPac cruises. In touch with several shipmates, and we have threatened to work on a reunion. NAFTS looks like a great way to find and reconnect on a much bigger scale. Would love to hear from any Takelma shipmates that may already be members!
Admin Reply:
Skip, I sent you a NAFTS e-mail, Rodger
wrote on December 17, 2009
Hi Rodger I enjoyed going thrue the list of fleet tug sailors. Merry Xmas, and god bless all of you.If you served on one of these tugs you are alll special.
Admin Reply:
John, Thanks. I sent you an E-mail, Rodger _____________________________________
wrote on December 12, 2009
Looking for anyone who was on the Hopi ATF71 during Operation Mariner Sept 53 in the north Atlantic when she came along side my ship the USS Caloosahatchee AO 98 for fuel and ended up hitting us. We were also hit by a DD in the fan tail. I think the Hopi lost its port anchor and some railing. Please e-mail me at robertenglund2@hotmail.com 🙂
Admin Reply:
Robert, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTScom, Rodger
wrote on November 22, 2009
It was a GREAT REUNION. Hats off to the committee and officers. My only regrets were that Edna was unable to attend and that Rodger did not find us sooner. This was my 4th and I am looking forward to my 5th. Thanks again for providing us such a grand time.
Admin Reply:
Richard, Thanks for the note. It was great to see you again, we hope Edna will be able to travel with you to the next reunion, Rodger
wrote on November 21, 2009
Any shipmates around that was on USS Tawasa ATF-92 during the Westpac cruise 68, specifically 3 June when we diverted to tow the aft end of the Frank E. Evans DD 754 after collision with HMAS Melbourne to Subic Bay.
Admin Reply:
Dave, I have sent you a new e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com giving you a shipmate contact. regards, Rodger
wrote on November 21, 2009
Las Vegas reunion was very good. This was my first reunion. Attended with my dad, Don Morris/Zuni.
Admin Reply:
Kathryn, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on November 18, 2009
thames tugs recomended this site to me, i am looking for any imformation , about h m s nimble,w 1 2 3, for a former crew member,any record would be very welcome. regards tony calvert.
Admin Reply:
Tony, Thanks for asking. I have sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com , Rodger ___________________________________
wrote on November 7, 2009
just wanted to wish all my fellow tuggers a happy thanksgiving.hope you all have a great time in vegas.wish i was going.not in the cards this year.had a great time in providence. jeff uss utina atf-163
Admin Reply:
Hey, Jeff Nice to hear from you. I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com Rodger _______________
wrote on November 4, 2009
It is with sadness that just a few moments ago I learned the passing of Theodore C. Mason, WW2 crewman of the USS Pawnee and a writer of his wartime experiences. I've read two of the three books, ("Battleship Sailor" & "We Will Stand By You" and besides finding his story a good read, Mr Mason came across to me as a down-to-earth, fair-minded, very decent kind of guy of strong opinions. May he rest in peace. Mr Mason's books have, in a their way, brought out of some obscurity, perhaps, the important and interesting world of salvage operations. I wonder if the "Liverpool bridle" is still employed. :c) I liked the ending of one book where Mr Mason says of his work: "It is better to save than destroy". Anyhow, keep up the good work. :c) I wonder what happened to Yvonne Leckie. P.S. I served in the Royal Navy.
Admin Reply:
Thanks for visiting our NAFTS website and GUEST BOOK. I have sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com Rodger ____________________
wrote on November 3, 2009
I John E. Walsh was a GMG-2 served on the U.S.S.Conserver ARS-39. U.S.S.Deliver ARS23. U.S.S.Grapple ARS-7. and the Fleet Tug U.S.S. Hitchti ATF-103. Between the year 1961 and 1967. All ships was at Pearl Harbor, HI.
Admin Reply:
John, Nice to hear from you. Are you going to join your NAFTS Shipmates at Las Vegas Nov 16-20?? your shipmate, Rodger (RDana@NAFTS.com)
wrote on November 2, 2009
I served aboard the Shakori ATF-162 from 1965-1966 before discharge in Subis Bay Phillipines,looking for crewmates at that time,especially carman.Best Tug I was ever on,the Muggs, deck hand. Towing a salvage liftcraft (barge) from Scotland to Vietnam.I have tried for years to catch up with some of the crew,so if any of you guys know me,get in touch,Bob from Boston.
Admin Reply:
Bob, I sent you a message from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on October 23, 2009
haven't been to site for a while. it's great was on ute - atf-76 @59-62 am i cuurent on dues???
Admin Reply:
Ron, I sent you an E-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com Rodger
wrote on October 19, 2009
Served aboard the USS Paiute (ATF-159) Mayport FL 1962-1963 as a PN3 in the Ship's office. The Paiute was the only ATF between Mayport, Key West and Panama (another homeport of the Paiute) so we were kept busy with towing to Gytmo and all the target towing for the greyhounds out of Mayport, etc. Many many stories are with this ATF! Glad I came across your site!
Admin Reply:
Shipmate Hertzog, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger