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.

Write a new entry for the NAFTS Guestbook

 
 
 
 
 
Fields marked with * are required.
Your E-mail address won't be published.
For security reasons we save the IP address 44.208.25.215.
We reserve the right to edit, delete, or not publish entries.
449 entries.
Brian McNabb Brian McNabb from Louisiana wrote on March 1, 2009
USS Papago ATF-160 Pre-Com crew 1986-1989, Little Creek, VA. IC1
Admin Reply:
I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com.
Pete Ramsey Pete Ramsey from American Falls, Idaho 83211 wrote on February 26, 2009
USS Cree ATF 84, 1967...1971 EM2
Admin Reply:
Pete, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com. Rodger
Ken Ramos Ken Ramos from Whaling City wrote on February 24, 2009
USS UTE ATF 76 1969...MIDDLE EAR PROBLEM MADE THE EXPERIENCE HELL. ALWAYS SEA SICK. NAVY DIDN'T REALIZE THE MIDDLE EAR ISSUE. IC MAN, PEARL HARBOR BASED. GOT EARLY OUT...NO PLACE FOR ICMAN ON SHORE.
Admin Reply:
Ken, I sent you an E-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com. Rodger
Michael C Rieker Michael C Rieker from Dunedin, FL wrote on February 20, 2009
Greetings. I served aboard the USS Current (ARS-22), which sailed out of Pearl Harbor. I was a deck ape on the Current from April 15, 1966 to Nov. 26, 1967 when I was then transferred to Da nang Viet Nam to work on river boats. While on Current I experienced working close with the divers and we completed several salvage ops that were everything from lifting the engines of a crashed US Air Force C-141 Starlifter to pulling merchant ships from reefs to patching a hole and re-floating a Shell Oil Tanker. I have to say that life was never boring on board Current and I fully enjoyed my tour on a fleet tug. Current was also assigned the duty of towing a living barge, (APL-26) to Vung Tau Viet Nam to be the home of US Navy and US Army personnel assigned to the Mobile Riverine Force. During this tow from Bremerton, Washington to South Viet Nam, Current encountered a force 4 typhoon which was another exciting event. We were in wave troughs that were 20' higher then the signal bridge and taking rolls of 55 degrees. At one point the wind had pushed our tow ahead of us and while cutting it loose was not an option, it was considered. God rest the souls of all the Fleet Tug Sailors who have passed before us. We'll sail together again some day.
Admin Reply:
Mike , Thanks for your prompt response to my e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com.Your complimentary issue of NAFTS TOWLINE magazine is in the mail to you. Rodger
Bonnie Brewer Bonnie Brewer from Northern California wrote on February 8, 2009
Hello, My Uncle, Bud Scott, who lives in Salem, Oregon, served aboard the Ajax when it helped save the Canberra. He also served on another tug. He has told me a little about the sort of things you did... but after reading a lot of sites today... it is pretty clear that he is being very low key abuot what an incredible job you all did. I am partial to the story about the Canberra's engine swap... LOL. I have a photo of my husband and his buddies when the Canberra was in dry dock... I don't know if it was before or after the bean counters nightmare of the wrong engine numbers... but it sure was a long time ago... and that was onlly 1960. Oddly enough, my husband served on the 1960 Canberra "Good Will Tour"... LOL ... the one with all the missiles. He would not have been on the Canberra if it weren't for my Uncle and the rest of the amazing men and their "little ships that could" that did such an incredible job, under impossible conditions. They should have issued you all capes and shirts with Red S's on them. I wish I could have seen more of the site, it must be great. I wish my Uncle did computers so I could send it to him. My Uncle, and two brothers were in the Navy... my husband was a Sea Going Marine on the Canberra. Not enough credit is given... not enough honor for the men who served. Thank you, every single one of you for what you have done for the us. Bonnie
Admin Reply:
Bonnie, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
michael w. cornelison michael w. cornelison from san antonio texas wrote on February 8, 2009
aboard USS Shakori ATF-162 1973-1977 HT-1
Admin Reply:
Michael, I sent you a NAFTS E-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger _______________________________________________
Carlos Blea EN3 (DV) Carlos Blea EN3 (DV) from California wrote on February 6, 2009
Aboard the USS Molala ATF-106 from 1973 to 1975.
Admin Reply:
I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
QM1 Jerome J. McCartney USNR QM1 Jerome J. McCartney USNR from Las Vegas, Nevada wrote on January 27, 2009
Served Aboard U.S.S. Moctobi (ATF-105) NAVSTA Long Beach, California as a QMSN (DRILLRES) from 1980 - 1982.
Admin Reply:
I sent you an E-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com
David (Hazel) Johnson David (Hazel) Johnson from Hawaii wrote on January 26, 2009
Ahoy. 1964-68 USS Reclaimer ARS-42 EM3
Admin Reply:
Dave, Thanks for your prompt response. Your complimentary copy of NAFTS TOWLINE magazine will arrive soon, Rodger (RDana@NAFTS.com)
don hutchinson don hutchinson from lagrange, nc wrote on January 7, 2009
Served onboard preserver (ars 8) from Oct84 till decommissioned in Sep86.
Admin Reply:
Don, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
Pat Belisle Pat Belisle from Somerset Wisconsin wrote on December 31, 2008
served aboard uss papago AFT 160 1964-1965 electricians mate 3rd class would like to hear from others that served aboard the papag we were out of little creek va.
Admin Reply:
Pat, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
Doug Pittman Doug Pittman from Taylors, S.C. wrote on December 28, 2008
This site was reccommended by a good friend. I appreciate the ooportunity of perusing it, although I wasn't in the Navy--I was stationed at BAMC in San Antonio, Texas for my stay with Uncle Sam, and have many friends who were in our Navy's service! After all, EVERYONE doesn't look good in Army greens! LOL
Admin Reply:
Doug, Thanks for your comments. I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com , sincerely, Rodger
Helen Helen from Connecticut wrote on December 28, 2008
My father served on YTB 549 somewhere around 1946-1948. He will be celebrating his 88th birthday soon, and enjoys talking about his Navy memories.
Admin Reply:
Helen, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com. Please reply, sincerely, Rodger
Vicki Oilar Vicki Oilar from California wrote on December 27, 2008
My dad, George Moural, served on the Pawnee, ATF-74, 1943-44. He was trained in San Diego in Company 42-498, then stationed at the USN Ammunition Base in San Espiritu, N.H. He later served on the USS Robert K Huntington DD 781. I have 38 photos of sailors and ships that have no identification. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you for your wonderful website.
Admin Reply:
Vicki, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
Dennis Hockabout Dennis Hockabout from Council Bluffs Iowa wrote on December 21, 2008
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. See you in Vegas Dennis
Admin Reply:
Thanks, Dennis. Our best to you & Carol. See You in Vegas 15-20 Nov 09. Rodger
Mark Caldwell Mark Caldwell from Norwich, NY wrote on December 16, 2008
Served as an RM3 on Preserver (ARS-8), from 9/73 until discharge 9/74. In the Med the summer of '74 and got caught up in the Cyprus civil war.Great ship and great crew. Still have many fond memories of those times. Great website! Keep up the good work.
Admin Reply:
Mark, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
jim colon jim colon from wauseon,ohio wrote on December 14, 2008
Went aboard the Cocopa 101 in Jan 1956 as a FN Ringgaard was getting out so decided to try my hand as an EM Got off in 1959. Good ship and crew.
Admin Reply:
Jim, I sent you a NAFTS.com E-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com. Rodger
Harold Cole Jr Harold Cole Jr from Corry, PA wrote on December 7, 2008
I served aboard the ATF 158 from 09/1950 to 08/1950 Engineman Apprectice.
Admin Reply:
Shipmate Harold Cole Jr, I sent you an NAFTS e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
Debra Mack Debra Mack from Chesaw, Washington wrote on December 6, 2008
My father-in-law, Leo John (Jack) Mack went to boot camp at Farragut, Idaho, December 1943. He was on the crew of the USS ATR-32. We are looking for crew members, information about the vessel and pictures. Thank you for the Web site. 🙂
Admin Reply:
MS Mack, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
Michael Lee Easter Michael Lee Easter from yakima Washington wrote on November 24, 2008
I served aboard USS MATACO ATF-86 1975 to 1977 I would like to hear from any other ship mates 🙂 🙂
Admin Reply:
Michael Lee Easter, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
Ken Maltese Ken Maltese from Rutland Vt wrote on November 11, 2008
Served on USS Luiseno ATF 156 from March '55 till October '57. Anyone around that served at that time???
Reg D'Ambrisi Reg D'Ambrisi from Saranac Lake, NY 12983 wrote on November 5, 2008
Was a crewmember in Shakori (ATF 162)from Sep 79 to Feb 80. Was on decommissioning crew and one of the last off her. Best shipboard duty I ever had. I retired as PN1 in April 81.
Admin Reply:
Reg, I sent you an E-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com. Rodger
Jerry Dickson EN2 Jerry Dickson EN2 from Sacramento Ca. wrote on November 1, 2008
Hi All anyone out there from the atf94 58,59
Admin Reply:
EM1 Pat McGee, 1951-59 and EN3 Roger Corray, 1958 are NAFTS members. If you wish to contact them, send an E-mail to RDana@NAFTS.com. Rodger
Don Graham Don Graham from England U.K. wrote on October 29, 2008
Hi all at N.A.F.T.S I had a great time in Providence really well run the service on USS Massachusetts was well done I was greatly honoured to cast wreath on the day many thanks hope to meet up again in Las Vegas? best regards to all at N.A.F.T.S
Admin Reply:
Don, Thanks for the compliments. We look forward to seeing you and Betty at our NAFTS reunions. Hope you can make it over to Las Vegas for our 2009 and 20th annual reunion 15-20 November in the Gloden Nugget downtown. your shipmate, Rodger
Michael Walter Michael Walter from Reese, Michigan wrote on October 9, 2008
I was stationed aboard the USS Cocopa ATF 101 from 1970-1973. I served my entire hitch aboard her (as a Seamen second class through QM2). As I look back on the experience, I loved the ship and the crew. We cruised to Adak,AK.(2x's), Panama and Westpact. I'm open to anyone that would like to correspond about those days. I remember typhoons, reindeer hunts, Cook Inlet and pie eating contest off Danang.
Admin Reply:
Michael, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger ________________________________________________
Douglas M Gerber Douglas M Gerber from New Jersey wrote on October 7, 2008
Hello All and Thank you for your service to your country
Admin Reply:
Douglas, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com Rodger
NCC ERNIE PINA, USN-RET NCC ERNIE PINA, USN-RET from CUMBERLAND wrote on October 6, 2008
JUST A NOTE TO LET YOU KNOW WHAT A PLEASURE IT WAS ME TO HAVE BEEN YOUR GUIDE AT YOUR RHODE ISLAND REUNION. THE FIVE DAYS SPENT IN YOUR COMPANY WAS REALLY GREAT AND I ENJOYED LISTENING TO YOUR MANY SEA STORIES. THE MEMORIAL SERVICE ABOARD THE USS MASSACHUSETTS WAS REALLY SPECIAL. I WAS TRULY SADDENED TO SEE IT ALL COME TO AN END. YOURS IN LOYALTY, PROTECTION AND SERVICE: ERNIE PINA NCC, USN-RET
Admin Reply:
Ernie, Thanks for your help at NAFTS 2008, Rodger
Gale Earley Gale Earley from Jacksonville NC wrote on September 29, 2008
my father George Washington Earley served in the South Pacific. Several of the ships on which he served were sunk. He spent some time in Australia between ship assignments. We know he was around the Coral Sea at some point. He would never talk about the events but did write one article for the magazine about his experiences. If there is any one out there that remembers a George Washington Earley from western North Carolina I would appreciate hearing from you Thanks Gale Earley
Admin Reply:
Gale, Can you supply the ship names? Our NAFTS ship research is mainly done on Military Rescue,Towing & Salvage vessels. Reply to: RDana@NAFTS.com sincerely, Rodger
James w. truesdale James w. truesdale from colorado springs,co wrote on September 27, 2008
I was an ET (the only one) on the Munsee ATF-107 from Nov 56 until Sept 58.
Admin Reply:
It was good to talk to you, and to find out we were neighbors at San Diego! Rodger
Mike Walsh BM3 Mike Walsh BM3 from Haworth, NJ (via NYC) wrote on September 23, 2008
Served aboard the USS Munsee ATF-107 (1963-65). Unforgetable experience and some of the most memorable events in my life. After 44 years I just ran across a guy off the Munsee on the internet. Looked at the guest book, not too many Munsee sailors signed in. There out there some where I'm sure! Anyway, I just joined and hope to run across more on this site. GREAT SITE!!
Admin Reply:
Mike, Thanks for joining NAFTS, Rodger
phil wallis phil wallis from rochester uk wrote on September 22, 2008
LT 1977 US Attleboro. I'am trying to find out the history of this tug, or anybody who served on her. Was in southampton for a while at hythe, then sold off 2003, she is now on the Medway Kent, UK.
Admin Reply:
Phil, I sent you an E-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
John D. Kojetin John D. Kojetin from Minnesota wrote on September 22, 2008
I would like to hear more on the Bolster RS-38.
Admin Reply:
John, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
Joseph Johns Joseph Johns from York, Ne wrote on September 21, 2008
served on the USS Cocopa ATF-101 from 1970-1973 during that time the ship sailed to Panama from San Diego,ca and then to Alaska.
Admin Reply:
Joseph, I sent you an E-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
James Bendickson James Bendickson from Brandon FL wrote on September 14, 2008
My father, Eddie Bendickson was a first class gun pointer on fleet tug ATF-87 (Moreno) during WWII. My father passed away in 1997 and I am trying to find out more about his service on ATF-87. I know the Moreno received three battle stars for World War II service. I think my father was on the Moreno when they went to Odessa Russia to provide American soldiers released from German POW camps with cargo, food,clothing, and medicine.My father was wounded on the Moreno. I think it may have been on 6 July, while still at Bizerte, she was caught in an air raid during which a near miss injured three men and damaged the superstructure and rigging. This may have been during the invasion of southern sicily. I am not sure if my information is correct. I would love to hear from anyone who served on ATF-87 Moreno. I am going to bury my father's ashes at the National Cemetry in South Florida in November. I want to honor my father with his service in WWI and specifically his service on ATF-87. I plan to give a short talk about my father's service on ATF-87.
Admin Reply:
James, I answered your query with an E-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger
FRANCIS BROWN FRANCIS BROWN from SCOTLAND UK wrote on September 12, 2008
THIS IS AN INTERESTING SITE I WISH I KNEW MORE ABOUT COMPUTERS I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE SAME FOR THE DEEP SEA RESCUE TUGS ASSOCIATION IN THE UK. UNTIL THEN I WILL PARADE THE SCOTTISH STANDARD FOR THEM. SOME DAY I WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND ONE OF YOUR REUNIONS IN MEMORY OF MY FRIEND AND MENTOR - DEANNE WYNNE - WHO WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN BY US. TILL THEN KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
Admin Reply:
Francis, Thanks for your entry. We are looking forward to seeing Don Graham at our 2008 reunion at Providence, Rhode Island, in a few weeks.We hope you can come over and attend some of our reunions. sincerely, Rodger Dana, NAFTS President
Mike Barnhardt Mike Barnhardt from Ohio. Now reside in MA. wrote on September 10, 2008
Great Website. Thank you Artie Colabella for providing info for site. Artie and I met in 1967 on the USS Sagamore ATA 208. Plan is to become a member.
Admin Reply:
Mike, I sent you an E-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com. Rodger _______________________________________________
Dennis Knebel Dennis Knebel from San Francisco wrote on September 7, 2008
I was a QM3 on the Chowanoc ATF-100. I remember my very first day I reported aboard....the yeoman took my packet of orders, glanced at'em for a minute, then threw them straight in the trash. So many great experiences on that old tug! Only made one WestPac, though and got transferred to Subic Bay before they sent her to ADAC.
Admin Reply:
Dennis, Thanks for the input. I sent you an E-mail today, Rodger Dana ________________________________________________
Orrin Tucker Orrin Tucker from Cincinnati ,Ohio wrote on September 6, 2008
Tom, this new site is awesome!! I'm still looking for shipmates from the the USS Ute 57-58 .
Admin Reply:
Orrin, I sent you an E-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger Dana
Lyal Lyal from Omaha Ne wrote on August 20, 2008
Served on the Mahopac ATA 196 until she was turned over to the taiwanese Navy. Great duty!
Admin Reply:
LYAL, I sent you a message from RDana@NAFTS.com Rodger dana
Charles Charles from Ypung wrote on August 18, 2008
Served aboard the Mataco ATF86 from 1952 thru June 1955.. Greatest duty in the Navy, spent my entire time of service aboard her. And saw most of the Pacific bases..
Admin Reply:
Charles, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com Rodger
collinsalbert34 collinsalbert34 from New York wrote on August 18, 2008
A good site. I like, make sure you check yet.
Admin Reply:
Please clarify your comment. We don't understand you.
Mike Goodwin Mike Goodwin from Bronx, New York wrote on August 17, 2008
Served on the U.S.S Utina Atf 163 from Feb/64 till July/68.....Felt so bad when I found out that the Utina is now the felipe larrazabal r21..in Venazuala..I saw pictures of her and she looked terrible. I'd rather see her on the bottom of the Atlantic then seving that Psyco chavez..
Jodie E Jones Jodie E Jones from Indianapolis, Indiana 46217 wrote on August 14, 2008
Was on the ATF Utina from March 1962 to March 1964.
Admin Reply:
Jodie, I sent you an E-mail from RDana@NAFTS dot com. Rodger
Patricia Wilson Carrillo Patricia Wilson Carrillo from Broken Arrow Oklahoma wrote on August 13, 2008
My paternal grandfather William J. Wilson was a sea captain on a tug and family history is that his tug towed the USS Maine to sea for burial. We have the star from the captains cabin door and the barometer from the Maine so we believe it is true. The only name I can find is the Osceola but no mention of captain or crew. Can you help me or tell me where to look. I had his captaincy papers but they have been lost in our move. Appreciate any help you can give me.
troy a dodson troy a dodson from dunn , nc wrote on August 11, 2008
was stationed on the uss paiute atf 159 from 87-90
Admin Reply:
I sent you a reply e-mail, Rodger
Frank West Frank West from Blacksburg, VA wrote on August 11, 2008
Just found your web site. Was attached TAD USS Achomawi ATF 148 4/46 to 8/46 during Operation Crossroads (Able and Baker A Bomb Tests). Also attached to USS Hoist ARS 40 4/52-8/53. Great looking web site.
Admin Reply:
Frank, Thanks for your entry.We are proud of our all-volunteer web site and our webmaster, Tom Thomas, in Bend, OR. Rodger RDana@NAFTS.com
ENC Charles Wolner USN Ret. ENC Charles Wolner USN Ret. from Rome, NY wrote on August 8, 2008
Change aboard USS Allegheny ATA 179 From May 1959 to Dec. 1962
Admin Reply:
Chief, Thanks for the correction
ENC Charles Wolner USN Ret. ENC Charles Wolner USN Ret. from Rome, NY wrote on August 8, 2008
I served aboard the USS Allegheny ATA 179 from May 1959 to Dec. 1969. Home ported at the Brooklyn, Navy Yard. I served on 5 different ships and the Allegheny was the most enjoyable. We did underwater research work for Colombia Univ. and Hudson Lab. We made a lot of runs to the Caribbean Island's in our mission's. The ship went to Bermuda for some "Rum Runs". We had a great crew that worked hard and played hard.
Admin Reply:
Chief, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger Dana
Rick Tartaglia Rick Tartaglia from california wrote on August 7, 2008
Anyone out there serve aboard USS Salinan ATF161 in the 60's out of Key West Florida.
Admin Reply:
Rick, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com, Rodger Dana
Tom Wilson Tom Wilson from Port of Richmond wrote on August 6, 2008
USS Moctobi and Quapaw are in the process of being taken overseas for refit. The Moctobi will be the tow vessel. The repair crew would like any help from prior engineers, manuals etc that may be available. please call Ben at 281-932-4082. Thanks Tom 510-215-4605
Admin Reply:
Tom, I sent you an e-mail from RDana@NAFTS.com. Rodger Dana