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 October 18, 2009
I was stationed on board the USS Quapaw ATF 110 in 1967-1968 . Then I transfered in 1968-1969 to NSA Danang,Vietnam. I enjoyed my time in the U.S. Navy.
Admin Reply:
Robert, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com , Rpdger
wrote on October 16, 2009
I just found this site ,it is great. It thrilled me to see CHOWANOC ATF 100. Jest the name does something for me. I was a plank owner put her in commision. Served 43 To46 GM 2nd.
Admin Reply:
Hey, Smokey! I knew you would find it someday, Rodger
wrote on October 15, 2009
Hi, i served onboard the USS Seneca ATF 91 from 1959 / 1963. I just found this site and wanted say hi fellow shipmates
Admin Reply:
Frank, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger _______________________________________________
wrote on October 15, 2009
Many Moctobi pictures are scattered throughout my PBase Photo Galleries. I can't enter a URL here in standard format so.... go to www dot pbase dot com/canonball and browse the galleries for lots of pix of my Navy days and the Moctobi. Regards, Gordon
Admin Reply:
Gordon, Thanks a bunch, Rodger
wrote on October 10, 2009
HELLO FELLOW SHELLBACKS!!! I SERVED ON THE RUSTY-R 1980-1984 I'M LOOKING FOR ANYONE THAT SEVERED ON THE SHIP WITH ME AT THAT TIME, WE WANT TO HAVE A REUNION NEXT YEAR. ALSO I'M LOOKING FOR THE FOLLOWING SAILORS.. YN THOMAS, BM STRONG, SK CAMERON, MS NATALIE,RM MARANKI, DOC KAISER, SM MARTIN, SM BARTLETT, QM PARAHAM, MS CHONG, EN DAVES, EN KUDO, EN PHIL KID,BM ANDERSEN, MASTER CHIEF MC KENZIE, LT BLACK, CWO3 FEARS, LT DAVIS, RUSTY GARCIA, BM BENOIT, BM WACHACEE, QM BOTKINS, TO NAME A FEW. NOW THIS CREW WAS AWESOME... WE HAD EVERY SHIPS AWARD YOU CAN GET, OH YEAH LETS NOT FORGET RM PARSONS THE SOFTBALL MASTER, EM GRANT, EM ROSARIO, FELLOWS IF YOU FIND ANYONE FROM THIS CLASS 1980-1984 PLEASE E-MAIL ME- PO THOMPSON BASSBIZ5@YAHOO.COM EN DUP, RM BROWN,AND EN CHERRY I'M IN CONTACT WITH EACH MONTH. THANKS VERY MUCH
wrote on October 3, 2009
I was aboard the USS Reclaimer ARS-42 from 1968-1970. We had two west-pacs while I was there. Would like to hear from any of the guys that were aboard and would also like to know who is coming to the Las Vegas reunion. Anyone out there?
Admin Reply:
Sheridan, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on September 12, 2009
Aloha, I reported aboard my first ship the USS Cocopa (ATF-101) the 4th of July 1960. I was a new Ensign just out of the NROTC program at the University of Idaho. The Cocopa was then homeported at Pearl Harbor. After a Westpac tour and a few other assignments the Cocopa received orders to change homeport to San Diego. I transferred from the ship in Dec 1961. Would like to extend a fond aloha to all the crew.
Admin Reply:
Bernard, I sent you an e-mail from Chowanoc@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on September 6, 2009
Great site I am building a 1/48 scale atf and the site gave me alot of info
Admin Reply:
Glad we could help. When you complete the model ATF, please send a photo of it to us, Rodger NAFTS President
wrote on August 26, 2009
USS PAIUTE 159....1987-1990
Admin Reply:
Andy, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com Rodger ________
wrote on August 25, 2009
Served on USS Sioux ATF-75 1957 to 1961 IC2 Great duty helped an 18 yr old grow up and get some direction in his life. Made some life long friends and had experiences that will stay with me forever. I say hello to all my brothers who served on the old ATF's. We were part of a very close, unique, elite group of sailors. ..Big "E"
Admin Reply:
Big E, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on August 25, 2009
Hi was cook on board molala 69-73 alot of great guys/memories God Bless
Admin Reply:
Ron, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on August 25, 2009
Nice site. I served in the U.S.S.Current ARS-22 and the U.S.S.Conserver ARS-39. Talk about your working ships. Whew.
Admin Reply:
Robert, I sent you an e-mail fom RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger ___________________________________________
wrote on August 20, 2009
Any photos of the YTM Konoko (Known in Merchant Service as the Emma Brown). Any info greatly appreciated Best Regards, Foster Remember the Texas
Admin Reply:
Ben, I sent you an E-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on August 17, 2009
I have in my possession a ship's bell that is stamped "USS ATR 32 1943". I am presently attempting to locate a history, pictures or any other memerobilia regarding this ship.
Admin Reply:
I sent you a reply from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on August 6, 2009
Have been viewing your web site and am wishing someone from your group could possibly let me know where I could obtain plans of the WW11 US Navy ATR tugs so that I can build a model there of. I viewed a couple of pics of a n abandoned ATR tug in South America. During WW11 I worked on tugs on the lower Miss River and saw many of those tugs on the river, thanks for any help someone can provide. Paul LeBoeuf
Admin Reply:
Paul, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com. Rodger
wrote on August 6, 2009
Great web site. I visit any Navy Veteran web sites that sound interesting and try to stay in touch with veterans of any USN unit that ever serviced a submarine. Tugs alway facinated me. Boats with small elite crews are the best in the Navy. I say a plaque in your web site from U S Naval Forces Marianas. I have been looking for the corresponding patch for my SubVets vest and have not been able to locate one. If any one knows where to get one please let me know. Respectfully Tom Rumsey MMCS(SS) USN Retired
Admin Reply:
Tom, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com. Rodger
wrote on August 5, 2009
I served aboard the USS Cree ATF-84 in the early 70's. Great ship,Good duty. I still correspond with a couple of my old shipmates, Steven Walla and William Kieth We were all enginemen. Great web site.
Admin Reply:
Steve, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on August 2, 2009
Hello to all, hope to see some Reclaimer ARS-42 sailors in Las Vegas this November. EN-2 Ars -42 11/59 to 5/63 Twice over shellback.Eagerly awaiting my next towline. Dennis #2353
Admin Reply:
Dennis, Thanks for the input. See you in Las Vegas in November for the 20th annual NAFTS reunion, Rodger
wrote on August 2, 2009
Just checking out the guest book. Served on the USS Reclaimer ARS-42 from November 1979 - June 1980.
Admin Reply:
Paul, I sent you a message from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on July 30, 2009
I'm sorry, forgot the d in Rodger Dana's name.
Admin Reply:
Leon, You are forgiven, see you at the annual reunion, Rodger
wrote on July 29, 2009
Best wishes to everyone. Hope to see everyone in Lost Wages. Thanks to Don Graham and Roger for blaming limberger cheese on Lipan sailors. They really are a rowdy bunch.
Admin Reply:
Roger who?? Rodger
wrote on July 26, 2009
Hi! Everyone, I served on board the ROCN Ta-Tai ATF-563 (Taiwan Navy) from Jun. 1985 to Jun. 1995. Ta-Tai ATF-563 also was the USS Shakori ATF-162. I love the ship a lot. She has a glory past, and is also in good condition and serving in Taiwan Navy now!
Admin Reply:
James, Thank you for your prompt response, with photos. your shipmate, Rodger
wrote on July 21, 2009
Served on the USS Tawakoni from 1967 to 1969. Haven't seen many Tawakoni guys on this website. Maybe one day I will make a reunion.
Admin Reply:
Joe, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger ______________________________________________
wrote on July 21, 2009
JUST CHECKING OUT GUEST BOOK. WAS ON QUAPAW ATF-110 OCT 60 TO OCT 63. BEST DUTY I HAD IN THE NAVY. HOPE SOMEONE RESTORES IT.
Admin Reply:
Shipmate Wilcox, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on July 19, 2009
Served on board the USS Luiseno (ATF-156) from 1/1/1972 to 7/1/1975. Was a good time of my life and made lots of friends in the process. Anyone who served during that same time? Would be good to hear from you! All the best to all who served on her and other ships!
Admin Reply:
David, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on July 13, 2009
served aboard u.s.s. molala atf-106 1960 until aug 1962 would like to hear from ship mates at that time. tks.
Admin Reply:
John, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on July 7, 2009
I WAS CAPTAIN ON ARMY TUG ST2130 IN VIETNAM ,PART OF 64-65&66-67 cw2 james t dobbins
Admin Reply:
James, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on July 5, 2009
I served on USS Cocopa (ATF-101) in 1965-66 as an SK2. In desperate need of contact with anyone who was onboard in Oct 65 when we fouled screw in the buoy cable off Viet Nam. Need info for a disability claim. Please contact if you can help!
Admin Reply:
Mike, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger _________
wrote on July 5, 2009
I served onboard USS Tawasa ATF 92.Will try to make the reunion in nov. I served on board the USS Tawasa ATF-92. Will try to make it to the reunion in Nov. Remember good times like fishing off the fantail while towing a barge to Hawaii.
Admin Reply:
Dan, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com , Rodger
wrote on June 30, 2009
Served aboard the U.S.S. Umpqua, ATA 209 as an RM2 from 1957-1961. Trying to find shipmates from that time period.
Admin Reply:
Jack, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on June 17, 2009
My father was a Chief MOMM, William Patrick O'Connell, everyone called him Buddy or Chief. He was on the USS Utina ATF 163 from 1948 until 1952. We lived in a house in Newtown at Guantanamo Bay during those years. If any one of your members knew my Dad I'd love to hear from them. My sisters and I are trying to make a history of our fathers 20 years in the Navy. Thank you in advance Bill
Admin Reply:
I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com Rodger
wrote on June 16, 2009
Served as MK-2/1 on CGC Cherokee 1982-84. Much of the towing gear had been removed so it road even worse then most ATF's. Still had plenty of gut's in those big EMD 567's. I have tried unsuccessfully to learn about Cherokee's part in the No. Africa Invasion as a Navy ATF. Would love to locate log books from Nov. 1942- Jan.43. Also have been trying to get names of the ATF's involved in the recovery of USS Missouri grounding at Hampton Roads in Jan-Feb. 1950
Admin Reply:
Kevin, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS,com, Rodger
wrote on June 11, 2009
I'm trying to find info about the boat my Dad served on in WWII. I have a picture with no hull number. He passed away in 1971 before I could ask him questions about his sevice. His name was Hiram (Frank)Roberts and he severed from 1943 to 1945 in the Pacific. Any info please e-mail Rrlr554@aol.com
Admin Reply:
Randy, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com Rodger
wrote on June 7, 2009
My Grandpa, Linus Bishop served aboard the USS Pawnee (ATF-74) in WWII (1943-45). On amazon.com I found the book "We Will Stand By You" (about the Pawnee in WWII) and gave him a copy, Grandma said he must have read it 5 or 6 times! It was very cool to share that with him, He took notes and shared them with me. He's very proud to have served. Thank you to all who have served past & present.
Admin Reply:
Chris, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on June 6, 2009
Served aboard the USS Chowanoc (ATF-100) out of San Diego from fall 1963 to summer 1966. Made two Westpac cruises and spent time in DaNang harbor and Saigon River. Was ship's yeoman (YNSN, YN3, YN2) and served as Captain's phone talker on the bridge. Thoroughly enjoyed my 3 years aboard, and looking back, was probably my best times of the last 60 years. Would love to do them over again. Great times on liberty in Japan, Phillipines, Guam, Korea, Hawaii. Served under Capt (LT) Seagrist and XO (LTJG) Erwin. They changed me from a kid to a man in 3 years. Spent a lot of time in the XO's stateroom with his size 12 foot up my b***, but he deserves a lot of credit for what I turned out to be.
Admin Reply:
Jim, Thanks for promptly responding to my e-mail, Rodger
wrote on June 6, 2009
I can not tell my father thank you anymore for his service on ATF-87 during WWII but I can still send my thanks to all of the Fleet tug sailors who served in WWII and especially during the D-DAY invasion in Normandy who are still alive. Thank you for your courage, honor, and sacrifice. Jim Bendickson ( Son of Edwin Bendickson ATF-87 - Moreno)
Admin Reply:
Jim, I sent you an E-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com , Rodger
wrote on May 30, 2009
Served on the USS Tawakoni ATF 114 from Dec 1963 to May 1967
Admin Reply:
James, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on May 18, 2009
Just found the site cruising nautical links. I served aboard USS Reclaimer ARS-42 from 1980-1983 and on YTB's Redwing (YTB 783) and Washtucna (YTB 826)from 1987-89. Glad to see a site for old Salvors
Admin Reply:
I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com Rodger
wrote on May 17, 2009
Just purchased a light from the Tug Quapaw ATF 110... anyone have any info on it?
Admin Reply:
I sent you a reply from RDana@NAFTS.com Rodger
wrote on May 11, 2009
Just read the 2009 Newsletter and have booked my room for the Golden Nugget for the November 2009 Reunion. I served on the USS QUAPAW (ATF-110)as a YN2/1 from 1968-1970
Admin Reply:
I sent you a reply from RDana@NAFTS.com Rodger
wrote on May 9, 2009
For Dave Buskey - When were you on the Seneca? Sam Yardumian, IC3, 12/60 - 11/63
Admin Reply:
I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on May 2, 2009
Served on the USS Moctobi ATF-105 78-82 was SERVRON 5 Diesel Inspector 85-88
Admin Reply:
Senior Chief, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on April 30, 2009
(sorry about prior post - computer challenged) My father, Don Coughlan was an electrian's mate aboard the Seize beginning when it was commissioned in Vallejo, CA until the end of the war. The record says the ship was commissioned in Nov. 1944 - I have an original invitation to the commissioning ceremony that indicates the date was actually Dec. 1944. It is most interesting to have seen a post from someone Guest: Ed Sams AboutGuest: Ex Radarman who served with my Dad and may have known him!
Admin Reply:
I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com. Rodger
wrote on April 19, 2009
HELLO ALL, I'M LOOKING FOR MY SHIPMATES ABOARD THE U.S.S. SOTOYOMO, ATA-121. I SERVED FROM 1952 TILL 1955. LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. BOB WILLISON
Admin Reply:
Bob, I sent you a reply from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
wrote on April 9, 2009
I SERVED ABOARD THE KIOWA ATF-72 AS FA FROM 58 TO 61 RETIRED EN1 IN 1977.WORKED AS HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR/MECHANIC FOR CONSTRUCTION OUTFIT,RETIRED FROM THERE AS PROJECT MGR.NOW I LIVE IN STUART FL WITH MY WIFE PAT.)
Admin Reply:
John, I sent you an E-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com. Rodger
wrote on April 9, 2009
Former USS SENECA ATF91 crewman who just found this site and will be sure to visit it again often in the future
Admin Reply:
Dave, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com. Rodger
wrote on March 23, 2009
Served as XO on the Ute in 1971/72. Lots of trips in and out of Viet Nam pulling "stuff" back to Subic; and all over the rest of WestPac. Wonder if any other Ute guys of those years are members.
Admin Reply:
Jim, I sent you an E-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com Rodger
wrote on March 16, 2009
As a member of the ( Congressional ) Veteran's Advisory Board on ( radiation ) Dose Reconstruction, and in keeping with our "Veterans-Alert" Outreach program, we are posting the following important information for any Fleet Tug sailor who may have participated in an Atomic Bomb test in the Pacific Ocean ....... There were 560,000 military personnel involved with atmospheric ( and underwater ) testing of Nuclear ( and Thermo-nuclear ) weapons, from 1945 to the end of 1962. Many of these personnel served aboard several types of Navy Auxiliary ships, including Fleet Tugs. Those who were involved in Atomic Weapons tests are classified ( by Congress ) as "Atomic-Veterans." If you are an Atomic-Veteran, you may be entitled to "service-connected" benefits form the V.A., for illnesses that may have been caused by exposure to Atomic Radiation particles, while on active duty...... There are also benefits available to the surviving spouse of a deceased Atomic Veteran, again, by Congressional mandates. If you are an Atomic-Vet, and have any questions regarding potential V.A. benefits, the National Association of Atomic Veterans is available to assist you in filing a claim for such purposes. As an old Fleet Tug sailor myself, I have devoted my ( retirement ) free time those Atomic-Veterans who are experiencing health issues related to those events. R. J. Ritter ( USS Tawasa - ATF-92 ) Managing Director - National Commander Nat. Assoc. of Atomic Veterans Member: Veterans Advisory Board on ( radiation ) Dose Reconstruction Houston, Tx. 713-703-0563
wrote on March 2, 2009
looking forward to Las Vegas had a great time in Providence(except for cheese incident WOW)
Admin Reply:
Don, Sorry about that! Those USS LIPAN Sailors are sometimes extra rowdy........
wrote on March 1, 2009
was aboard USNS SIOUX T-ATF-171 for two years 87-90
Admin Reply:
Richard, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com Rodger _______________________________________________