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.
441 entries.
wrote on July 11, 2008:
Hello, I served on the USS Deliver ARS 23 May 1972 Feb 1973. Qm3
wrote on July 5, 2008:
I served on the USS TAWAKONI ATF-114 right out on Radio School from 1954-1956. Left for staff duty in Japan in 1956. Billups Lodge (the Navy Cartoonist) was our XO at that time. Had some great shipmates and good times while aboard. Would love to hear from any ex-shipmates.
wrote on July 3, 2008:
served aboard u.s.s. Molala (atf-106)1960-1962
wrote on June 24, 2008:
I was a diver stationed aboard the USS Takelma ATF-113 out of Pearl in 1968-69. We "played" the Antilles in Tora!Tora!Tora! I loved the ship, the crew and the memories. Returned to Pearl in 2000 and really got emotional as memories rushed over me! Love to hear from Takelma crew. I am in touch with Richard Ray SK2in North Carolina. Joe McIntosh 3448 oak Creek Circle Newcaslt, OK 73065
wrote on June 20, 2008:
We recently found postcards from WWII when my grandfather, Dean E. Welch, served on the ATR-69 at Port Angeles, Wash. in 1945. I would love to learn more about tug sailors daily life to include in a family history book based on the postcards. He did basic at Great Lakes NTS in '44, then trained at Camp Shoemaker in Calif., then to Port Angeles. If you'd like to stroll down memory lane, I'd love to listen. My grandfather passed in '83 so any info is worthwhile. Thanks..you can reach me at robbie.smiles@verizon.net.
wrote on June 11, 2008:
THE NEW LOOK IS GREAT. wILL SEE YOU IN PROVIDENCE
wrote on June 11, 2008:
Served aboard the Uss Serrano,ATF converted to AGS 68-69. Served on USS Moctobi ATF 105 69 before going to DaNang. Would love to hear from old shipmates. Thanks for such a great web site. Miss the tugs but mostly miss the shipmates. Greatest duty in the Navy.
wrote on June 9, 2008:
I served aboard USS Mahopac ATA 196 as Commanding Officer from October 1964 to October 1966. Ship was homparted in Yokosuka, Japan and we did a lot in the build up of Vietnam by towing all sorts of "stuff" to Vietnam.
wrote on June 5, 2008:
Served on USS MATACO (ATF-86) '63-'64 as EM3/EM2. Best duty I had. Love to hear from any Mataco sailors. Ron Johnsen, EMC Ret.
wrote on June 5, 2008:
My father was on the USS Sonoma 1943-44, transferred off prior to her sinking late 1944. If there is anyone who has knowledge of the Sonoma I would appreciate hearing from them. I am trying to locate the ships compliment registry to find out who was "Killed in Action". My fathers best friend was one of those killed. My father, Wilford F. "Bill or Willy" Anderson died on 14 August 1970, should anyone be interested. Thank you, William Anderson
wrote on June 2, 2008:
I served on USS Recovery ARS43 1982-1986 as a Hull Tech. I like the sight. You Call We Haul
wrote on May 29, 2008:
Did my first yr. a/the post grad.school,montrey Calif.Second yr. aboard the USS Lipan 85.went from FA. to en3 no better dutie,ever!finish on ATF 96 Did a west pac/alaska/on the 85,even the bad days were great,just can say enough about her,served early 60 to 61 ,any 85er sure would like to hear from you ..fergie en3
wrote on May 9, 2008:
After 20 years research, my book "Naval Accidents Since 1945, has finally been published in England by Maritime Books. The book contains details of hundreds of naval vessels of all of the world's navies lost or critically damaged as a result of accidents. Included is several US Navy tugs, including Wateree (ATF-117), Cree (ATF-84) and Secota (YTM-415). Some years ao, I received some valuable assistance from one of your members, George W Kingston, to whom I wish to express my sincere gratitude. I hope that NAFTS shipmates find my book of some interest. Malcolm Maclean Lieutenant Commander Royal Navy
wrote on May 7, 2008:
My dad, Duane Bender, QM2, served in the Pawnee, ATF-74, 1943-45. In 1960, we visited one of his shipmates in Alabama [Hartselle, I think]. I don't remember his name, but think I would if I saw it. Does anyone know if I could get a roster of the Pawnee's crew for those years? Or, perhaps, someone might know of whom I'm speaking and if he's still living. My dad died in '95. Any help will be appreciated.
wrote on May 3, 2008:
uss shakori 1947 to 1950
wrote on May 3, 2008:
I was a RM1 on board U.S.S. Tawasa ATF-92 1971-1975 Made last NORTHPAC cruise of fleet tugs. Was on operation Sewer Pipe. Made a tow from Midway to Guam with AFDB in tow 56 days one way! Was First station ship Hyphong harbor Operation End Sweep. Was on Operation Neptune.
wrote on April 29, 2008:
Hope to see all you guys in Providence. Great web page keep up good work.
wrote on April 28, 2008:
I wonder If there are any old tugers out there,that went through boot camp at farragut Idaho at camp Scott Co-138-43???
wrote on April 28, 2008:
served from 1969 to 1972 Rank EN2
wrote on April 25, 2008:
GREAT WEB-SITE I'm gonna send in for my membership. I was on the ATA 208 Sagamore and the ATF 156 Luisino 1967-1971 .I will contact some of my old crew mates and send them this sight.
wrote on April 24, 2008:
Served aboard the USS Cocopa ATF 101 from 1952 to 1956 as an electricians Mate.
wrote on April 24, 2008:
I served aboard the USS BOLSTER ARS38 from March 1952 to May 1953 as an electricians mate.
wrote on April 22, 2008:
i am the scottish standard bearer for the d.s.r.t.a. i am trying to promote Robin Williams film here in Scotland. I served on HMS REWARD which sunk on the 10th August 1976 I do not have an e-mail address but visit your site at the library. I may at a future date make arrangements to visit you in memory of my mentor and friend DEANE WYNNE (MY DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN THE MEMBERSHIP LIST OF THE DSRTA)
wrote on April 18, 2008:
I served aboard the USS Mataco ATF 86 from Feb 1956 till July 1958 Mustered out as En2.
wrote on April 18, 2008:
Ahoy! If anyone knows where I can get a ship's patch for the USS LIPAN (ATF-85) please let me know. I have this empty space on my patch jacket and it would look great there. LIPAN was the best surface ship I was ever on. I had a blast.
wrote on April 15, 2008:
I am of the OLD Navy. 1955 to 1959. Served on the ATF Chowanc with Rodger Dana,but I am better looking!!54566
wrote on April 11, 2008:
Great web site..Served on the USS CREE ATF-84 early 70's..Hull Tech-3rd class
wrote on April 11, 2008:
En3/DV2- USS Cocopa ATF101 From March 71 to Aug 72, Adak, Westpac. Fuel oil and water king, in charge of solo shell evaporator, top watch, member of diving and salvage crew. Could still operate D boiler in my sleep.
wrote on April 7, 2008:
Good job, Tom. I'll see everyone in Provedence.
wrote on April 6, 2008:
Tom What a great improvemet. See you on RI Dennis
wrote on April 5, 2008:
My dad, Lt. Henry Barger, skippered ST 715 (Gateville) in Southampton Harbor, England as part of the 340th Harbor Craft Company from 1944-1946. I have been researching his tug for a couple of years, and although I have been able to find much information on Navy tugs, I have found precious little on Army tugs. I would appreciate any sources of information you might be able to suggest.
wrote on April 4, 2008:
Roger; What a wonderful web Page. Hello to all ATF Sailors.
wrote on April 2, 2008:
Served on USS Cahokia (ATA-186) 1967-1968 as the Ship's Medical Represenative, my first sea duty, made 1st class, lot of fond memories.
wrote on March 29, 2008:
To the Wardroom: I just found my spring issue of the Towline, and left the mail box thinking that the cover photo looked very much like a photo of mine taken of Moctobi at the Alpha Docks, Peal Harbor. Surprise,surprise. Thank you for the usage and attribution of it, Gentlemen! Ralph Carpenter USS Moctobi ATF-105 (64-67) Safford, AZ
wrote on March 28, 2008:
First time in the new guest book. Looking back I see a couple more guys from USS COCOPA ATF101. I was there after EMA school Feb 1965 till Sept. 1967. Went from EMFA to EM2. Transfered to USS MARS AFS1. Any guys from COCOPA please feel free to e mail me at hotlapsbob@hotmail.com THANKS FOR KEEPING UP THE WEBSITE. BOB
wrote on March 21, 2008:
Just found the new web site real neat.
wrote on March 20, 2008:
I was on the Tawasa ATF 92 from 1965 to 1967. I was a Engineman striker working in the main engine room. They used to call me Irish or Brooklyn. We made an Adak Alaska cruse while I was abord. If anyone was abord during my time please write.....
wrote on March 19, 2008:
Served aboard USS Seneca, ATF-91 1966-1967
wrote on March 16, 2008:
On Board USS Mosopelea 1965 1968 USS Preserver 1968 1969
wrote on March 14, 2008:
After boot camp I went aboard the USS Allegheny-ATA-179 for 3 months before going to guided missile school. Winter '56-'57. (seavey-shorvey? program). It was a most enjoyable experience. We were operating out of Brooklyn Navy Yard doing underwater research for Columbia Univ. made a couple of "Rum Runs" to Bermuda While aboard. Had it not been for the school-I would liked to have done my whole tour aboard her.
wrote on March 6, 2008:
I am (USNRET). I have a OUR NAVY magasine July, 1971. It has the USS Cree (ATF- 84) as the ship of the month. I will donate to your association. I only ask that it be kept in the association and shared wiyh the crew of the Cree. My Pd # is 7172646013. Call or email me and I will send it to the association. Garland