| Name : Delmart E. J. M. Vreeland 26 Jun 2002 Rate/Rank : Lt. US Navy years onboard : Relative e-mail : Caltvreeland@aol.com Web URL: WWW.LTVREELAND.COM Comments : JUST SIGNING THE LOG . |
| Name : John T. Sparks 29 Jan 2002 Rate/Rank : MSCM (SW) years onboard : 72-73 e-mail : mcpojtsparks@hargray.com Comments : Joined the Vreeland in Charleston, SC., just a few days before it deployed to Athens. I was an MS1 at the time, in whatever division it was called back then. A bunch of us got an apartment in Glyfada, and we could usually be found in or around Bobby's Bar on the square. I remember BM1 Rocky Mills, LT Rich Partin, who always got put in hack for hanging around with us enlisted guys, Jim Keen from Georgia, and others whose faces I remember but whose names escape me. I had a yellow VW van that would hold nine sleeping sailors traveling from Glyfada to Elefsis at 0400. Our gang was multinational; there was Vicki the English girl, Una the Irish girl, Rich had an Aussie girlfriend, and there were several more. I remember once when we...oh, never mind. Notes of Interest : Check out my web page. I retired as a Mighty Master in '86 and I'm living in South Carolina. I work as a newspaper reporter and columnist. Getting itchy feet, however, so this will change in the next few months. Next I want to be an astronaut, or maybe a clown. Web URL : http://goatlocker.exis.net/powner/sparks.htm |
| Name : Taaffe 23 Jan 2002 Rate/Rank : YNC Years Onboard : 72-75 e-mail : jtaaffe@cox.rr.com Comments : Web site looks good. |
| Name : Nicholas Busan 22 Jan 2002 Rate/Rank : OS2 Years Onboard : 1971-1973 e-mail : nbusan@ucsd.edu Comments : I have great memories from my time aboard the Vreeland. A lot of good people and good times were had. Nice to see this site so that we can keep in contact. |
| Name : Ernest Tomberlin 24 Jan 2002 Rate/Rank : SM3 Years Onboard : 71-72 e-mail : ernest@etwashere.com Comments : I remember a time when we were in GTMO and the CO called for everyone not on watch to come to the pier due to the fact some marines had ganged up on some of our shipmates. Web URL : www.etwashere.com |
| Name : David Becker 25 Jan 2002 Rate/Rank : MS3 Years Onboard : 80-82 e-mail : domeright157@aol.com Comments : When I picked up the Vreeland we were in the yards in Bath, Maine. We had to go about 25 miles to get to the ship where we were living. They made a old church across the street from BIW into a chow hall. Being one of of the cooks we had to take turns staying up all night. |
| USS Vreeland |
| Name : Mike Locker 28 Jan 2002 Rate/Rank : STG1 years onboard : 86-88 e-mail : kmlocker@bellsouth.net Comments : I will always recall the Gulf of Sidra incident with the Libyans and the true friendships I made during my tour onboard. |
| Name : Sean Hunihan 29 Jan 2002 Rate/Rank : BM3 years onboard : 89-91 e-mail : hunshouse@yahoo.com Comments : I'll always remember going through the Suez Canal The Persian Gulf (Operation Desert Storm).and Liberty Call in Egypt & Nassua Bahamas. |
| Name : Ron Breightmyer 20 Feb 2002 Rate/Rank : STG 1 years onboard : 84-87 e-mail :crezyhorse11@alltel.net Comments : I got on board the mighty vree in oct of 84. I met alot of good people on the Vreeland. Who could forget Capt. T.J. Berry? Here are a few names I remember;STG 1 Frank Splendorio, Myron Long, Bob Campbell, Jeff Marshall, Mike Tapscott, Andy Valentine, Frank Preston, Mike Locker. I left the Vreeland in GETMO Cuba in aug 87. |
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| Name : Wallace Cass 23 Feb 2002 Rate/Rank : PN3 years onboard : 1986-1989 e-mail : wcass@iastate.edu ICQ# : 7808738 Comments : Serving onboard Vreeland was a learning experience for me. I grew significantly as a person during that time and made friendships that I still think of today. |
| Name : Randy Sweda 26 Feb 2002 Rate/Rank : ETR-3 years onboard : 71-73 e-mail : rjadews1@cs.com Your Comments : I now live in East Patchogue Long Island New York with a home in Decatur Alabama I frequent once a year for Golf. I'm a contractor doing Commercial and Residential work ( Construction ) hoping to retire soon. |
| Name : Steve Albright 13 Apr 2002 Rate/Rank : ET3 years onboard : 91-92 e-mail : steve_albright@mynra.com Comments : The only ship I ever really liked. Great bunch of guys in the ET shop. Time to change the combination on the lock again. Ops has learned the new combination. |
| Name : MARK SMITH 14 Apr 2002 Rate/Rank : SM3 years onboard : Mar 70- Aug 72 e-mail : mlsmith100000@aol.com Comments : I am a plankowner that would love to find old friends & shipmates. I was a signalman, and have many great memories of the VREELAND. I was on the precommission commission crew in New Port, RI., then met ship in Charleston, after completing signalman school, spring 1970. Hope to hear from all of you & have a reunion in Charleston. MARK |
| Name :Robert J. Goga 15 Apr 2002 Rate/Rank : STG3 years onboard : 72-73 e-mail : gogar@nssfnl.navy.mil Comments : I work for General Dynamics, Electric Boat in Groton, Ct.. I have been building and going on the sea trials of our nations newest nuclear submarines since 1980. I also work at the United States Submarine Base in Groton, Ct. working on the 688 and seawolf submarines stationed there. While stationed on the Vreeland as a sonar technician in the early seventies, my life work was set in motion. I have great fondness for the Vreeland and the crew, it was great seeing this web page. I use the ships patch as my wall paper on the computer in the office. |
| Name : John Graebing 21 Apr 2002 Rate/Rank : SM2 years onboard : 88-92 e-mail : Go_broncos@hotmail.com Comments : "No, the Greeks didn't sink her" |
| Name : James (Jim) Doman 27 Apr 2002 Rate/Rank : SMC(SW/AW) years onbord :1983-1987 e-mail : DualSIGS@aol.com Comments : Lots of good memories onboard the Mighty Vree, including but not limited to The Slammin' Sammy Morrison (the ship that put the V in Vreeland) incident, our close call with the USS Concord during Unrep, our pick up of the Phillipine sailor (Ceasar) off the coast of Naples, and who could forget, the USS Stark incident along with all the other "Bumper Drills" when pulling into or out of Mayport. I am still in contact with three of my shipmates from back then, one of which OS1 Patrick "Sully" Sullivan is still on active duty, SM2 Charles Moore, is in North western Virginia and owns a couple restaurants, The other is OS2 Bobby "Bleebs" Blevins who lives in Georgia (I think). Also I have recently run into one of the PN's from back in the day. I think his name was Lambert (he's a PN1 in the reserves). One guy that I lost contact with that I wonder where he's at now is EW3 Brian Dineen. Last I knew of him he was in Jacksonville Fl. Anyhow, I'm sure some of the crewmembers that hit this site, will see my name and think "No way Doman stayed in the Navy, muchless made Chief" Great to run across the site and I plan to visit often. I've got to go look at my cruise book from 1984 now. |
| Name : Lynn Berven 11 May 2002 Rate/Rank : CSSN years onboard : 6/70- 11/71 e-mail : berve@clear.lakes.com Comments : I was on precommissioning crew in New Orleans. Worked in the galley on the base while ship was being finished in yard. I rode her around the bottom of Florida and delivered her to the Navy in Charlestown. Does anybody remember picking up that boat out in the middle of the gulf? Would love to haer from any old shipmates. Would really like to hear that someone has a reunion planned. |
| Name : Wayne E. Lyle 29 Jun 2002 Rate/Rank : STG1 years onboard : 75-79 e-mail : Shaladar54@aol.com Comments : I served aboard the Vreeland during the UNITAS and Middle East"Longest Summer" crusies. I am now a Capt. in the U.S. Merchant Marine. |
| Name : Chris Iorio 16 Jul 2002 Rate/Rank : STG3 /2 years onboard : 86-88 e-mail : iorioc@navstarr.navy.mil Comments : Sailed the "VERN" for 86 Cruise "Line of Death" Libya cruise Now STGC in Rossey Roads Puerto Rico. Command Career Counselor / DAPA. God bless the Mighty Vern and oh by the way...who put the V in Vreeland? |
| Name : Jimmy Harris 18 Jul 2002 Rate/Rank : BT2 years onboard : 74-75 e-mail : harris@computron.net Comments : GOT ON BOARD WHILE VREELAND WAS IN GREECE.STAYED UNTIL DEPLOY BACK TO PHILLY. STILL REMEMBER EATING THOSE SUFLACKE & KABOBS & GREAT GREEK BEER(not!!) . WORKED WITH A BUNCH OF GREAT GUYS DOWN IN THE "HOLE". WHAT A GREAT EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE. |
| Name : Barlow, Jimmy R 28 Jul 2002 Rate/Rank : RM3 years onboard : 90-92 e-mail : jrblscsb@kda.attmil.ne.jp Comments : Hey Guys, It's been awhile. I remember the Gulf War and Some of the best guys I ever knew like: RM3 Dean, RMSN Poda, RMCS Stevens, RMC Ruffing, RM1 Trine, and Others. Email me sometime. AO1 (AW) Barlow. |
| Name : Curtis Norman 9 Aug 2002 Rate/Rank : YNCS(SS/SW) years onboard : 06/88-12/91 e-mail : curtis.norman@hq.transcom.mil Comments : I got very excited when I found the Mighty Vern web site. My wife Gina and with our four children are still going strong in the Navy and just recently visited Larry (YN3(SW) at the time) & Lisa Mattox who was also a Vreeland sailor. This was no short trip since we live in Dupo, IL and Larry and Lisa live in Boron, CA. HOWEVER, does show why this website and all of us are still live-long friends. And we are talking to CTI1 Larry D. Bates and Ginnie now stationed at NTC Great Lakes as a CC, on the Vreeland he was a BT3(SW) and only 5 hours away, Dewayne we will see you soon. The VREELAND has put allot of people together that will never grow apart. I have went on to be a Senior Chief Petty Officer from the training and experience I gained on the USS VREELAND (FF 1068). I have never been stationed onboard a ship since I have left the VREELAND but did volunteer and joined the submarine service and rode the USS OKLAHOMA CITY (SSN 723) and the USS Baltimore (SSN 703) I also qualified Submarine Service (SS). But in doing so, I still to this day remember my earning Enlisted Service Warfare Specialist (ESWS) onboard the Vern!. I can still draw Aux 1 and the bioler plant. People off the Vreeland I remember, this text box isn't big enough but I will start. PNC(SW) Rubin H. Jackson til this day I still remember, use and copy the customer service skills and leaderhship training you gave us. Without you I would not have been a success in the Navy. YNC Lowe - great leader. The rest I better just go by name; YN1 Franklin, YN2 Johnnie Ray Holiday, PN2 Reader, YN3 Judy, DK2 Powell, BM2 Hunihan, PNC Kemp, YNC Roderick Betts, the Radio shack, RMCS Stephens (who reported a PO1 and left a RMCS), OS3 Gallup, FC3 Daryl Ranger, and many more. |
| Name :Pete Glasscock 13 Aug 2002 Rate/Rank : MM3 years onboard : 87-89 e-mail : napigsi@aol.com Comments : The two years I serveed the Vreeland were by far the best I served any where. Worked like a dog and played like one too! Thanks for the memories. |
| Name : Richard "Ozzie" Osburn 31 Aug 2002 Rate/Rank : BTCS years onboard : 6/72-3/73 e-mail : osburn@darientel.net Comments : I remember cooling off on the fantail one morning about 0100 and running into the Chief Engineer, who was that day's CDO, Lt Ralph Waite. He was pacing about and wringing his hands in an agitated manner. "Hey!" I says, "You look like you've just lost your best friend!" "It's worse than that, Oz," he said, "I've just lost the motor whaleboat and the XO, too!" It seems the XO had a snoot-full and had commandeered the whaleboat from fleet landing and no one knew where he was. But he was found later that morning, with the boat up on some rocks. A couple of days later the XO had to leave the ship because of "family sickness" and never returned to Vreeland. BTCM "Ozzie" Osburn - RET |
| Name : Larry McClintick EMC USN(ret) 2 Sept 2002 Rate/Rank : EMC e-mail : juanita@mcclintick.org Comments : Great site.I served on the USS Fanning FF-1076 from 74 to 77.We had our MPA get fired which moved the DCA up a notch.That left me,an EMC,to fill in as DCA and R-division.Made for some very long days as we were in WeatPac and stating to get ready for the ship's first yard period.We did pretty well though and I give all the credit for that to the great Petty Officers and non-rated men that served with me in R-division(sorry no girl sailors then). Anyhow thanks for a great site. Chief Mac USN(ret) |
| Name : Mark K. Winterburn 10 Sept 2002 Rate/Rank : OSC (SW/SCW) years onboard : 84-85 e-mail : winterinmich@msn.com Comments : I would like to hear from any of the people in Operations or anybody that was on the Vreeland from 1984-1985 |
| Name : Dave Martin 21 Sept 2002 Rate/Rank : IC1(SW) years onboard : 80-85 e-mail : ptcruiser7648@aol.com Comments : Truely great seeing all those pics- sure brought back memories- many thanks to those who have contributed- this is one fine website- can't wait to see the completed CAD model!!!! |
| Name : Frank "Joe" Strole 21 Sept 2002 Rate/Rank : BT3 years onboard : 1986 - 1990 e-mail : JRSTROLE@JUNO.COM Comments : IT'S BEEN TWELVE YEARS SINCE I GOT OUT OF THE NAVY AND EVERY NOW AND THEN I REFLECT ON THE "GOOD" MOMENTS AND FRIENDS ABOARD. IF ANYBODY HAS ANY CONTACT WITH ANY OTHER BT'S (WHICH I KNOW WAS EVERYONES FAVORITE GROUP TO TALK TO) PLEASE LET ME KNOW, I SURE WOULD APPRECIATE IT. |
| Name : Gordon Gohnson 22 Sept 2002 Rate/Rank : BTC years onboard : 73-76 e-mail : ? Comments : HAD A GREAT TIME IN ATHENS FOR MY FIRST THREE YEARS IN THE NAVY. THAT EXPERIENCE CONVINCED ME TO STAY IN AND I RETIRED IN 1993. |
| Name : Vann M. Ritch Jr [Marty] 8 Oct 2002 Rate/Rank : PR 3 years onboard : HSL 36 77-80 e-mail : mritch50@hotmail.com Comments : I was looking for people stationed at Mayport in HSL-36 1977-1980 I'm still serving in the North Carolina Air National Guard |
| Name : Thomas V. O'Brien 23 Oct 2002 Rate/Rank : SH2/c e-mail : countryhick1105@yahoo.com Comments : Great Web site, was on sister ship USS Francis Hammond FF1067, which is waiting to be scrapped, I took her from Long Beach CA to Yoko Japan,where she remained until decom.Had a lot of good memories of the NAVY, Us vets need to repack our seabags and kick some butt over there, Best Wishes to all that wear our uniform with pride,to continue the tradition. A fellow Shipmate: OBIE SH2/c (nickname aboard Ship) |
| Name : Jeff Marshall 6 Nov 2002 Rate/Rank : STG2 years onboard : 84-90 e-mail : Marshall@wpb.nuwc.navy.mil Comments : Glad to see the site is doing well. I looked at it about a year and half ago and didn't recognize many names. Now I see a few names from AS division signed on that I recognize. Had some great times while on the "Mighty Vern". Did 2 Med Cruises, countless trips to the carribean. My first time to sea was a cruise to the North Atlantic in October, what a way to break in a landlubber. Would like to hear from Mike Locker, Ron Breightmyer and Chris Iorio if you happen to see this. Anyone else that served on the Mighty Vern for that matter. Like to find out whats been going on. I remember all of the people that Ron Breightmyer mentioned and a few more, they might have come onboard after Ron and Mike Locker left. There was Brad Stallings, Don Cadrain, Matt Stelmate (GMM), Allen Hall, Rob (My brothers a cheif) Sousie, George (ABBA ABBA) Franklin, Master Cheif Steve Diehl, Marty Sutton (OS), LCDR (Lizard) Thorgeson (Helo Pilot) and a guy we called DUDE (can not remember his name). After I got out, I got a job in the Bahamas working at AUTEC. I spent 10 good years living on that island. Did tracking all of those years on the island and now I'm doing sensor accuracy testing for the navy as a contractor. I often wonder if I will run into anyone that I served with on the Vern. |
| Name : Richard S. Hansen, M.D. 14 Nov 2002 Rate/Rank : ETM 3c e-mail : RiJaHan@aol.com Comments : As an older (76) Richard S. Hansen, I was in World War II as an electronics technician, sailed in the Pacific and the Persian gulf on a destroyer and the US Kaskaskia (a large tanker). The Vreeland is a ship I had not heard of before this morning, 11/14/02. I hope to exchange email with the Richard S. Hansen on the ship's Gulf War roster and learn his current views on the situation in the Middle East. It is great that there is a Vreeland web site. Thank you. |
| Name : Bruce Smith 30 Nov 2002 Rate/Rank : BT2 (SW) years onboard : 83-87 e-mail : brucepsmith@mn.rr.com Comments : Great to find something on the ol' girl. I did a search last year and it didn't turn up much. I have a bunch of pictures in an old scrapbook that my kids were just looking at a while ago. I'll get some of them together and send them out.I too have a lot of memories from the Vreeland. There never seemed to be a dull moment. It's hard to believe it was that long ago.One thing that hasn't changed since I got out...I'm still working night shifts. I work in a power plant as a turbine engineer and work rotating shifts. I'm at work now.I was actually telling someone the other day how much I missed being out in the middle of the ocean. Did anyone think they'd ever say that WHILE they were out to sea? Enough rambling for now. That's what happens when I get all jacked up on coffee at 2 o'clock in the morning.Great to see some familiar names. |
| Name : LeeAnn Richardson 8 Dec 2002 e-mail : clanrichardson@aol.com Comments : Hello, thanks to who ever has taken the time to do this web site. I am the great great granddaughter of Charles E Vreeland for whom the mighty Vree is named and its an honor to read and learn about all the fine men who served aboard her. Thank you for your sacrifices to defend and protect our country. |
| Name : Geoffrey Dunn 11 Dec 2002 Rate/Rank : RM2 years onboard : 88-90 e-mail : gdunn1@tampabay.rr.com Comments : Had a great time on the Vreeland, will never forget law enforcement ops with the coast guard and operation "just cause", so much going on at the time you thought the world was about to end. We had a great crew in the radio shack, RMCS Stevens, RM3 Leslie, RM1 Long. We were the HF Gods. Anyway thought I would sign on. Currently I am a correctional officer for the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Coleman, Fl. Take care. |
| Name : James Card 8 Jan 2003 Rate/Rank ; QMC years onboard : 89-91 e-mail : cardjd@lassen.navy.mil Comments : This is awesome! I am here onboard one of the newest Aegis Destroyers, the USS Lassen DDG-82, and I have two other Vreeland shipmates that were onboard the ship during my tour. One of them is now known as EN1 Maddox and the other is QM1 Bond. I was a QM2 that picked up First during my tour and Maddox was a 3rd, Bond was a QMSA and I was his first LPO. Talk about a small Navy! I truly enjoyed my tour onboard the Vreeland. She taught me how to be a "smallboy" sailor. I have pictures of Vern but will have to scan them and send them into you. I hope they will piece together more of the history for which you seek. I will also mention this site to EN1 Maddox and QM1 Bond. I am sure they have things to submit also. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmates! |
| Name : Mike Heintz 10 Jan 2003 Rate/Rank : STG 2 (SW) years onboard : 1987-1989 e-mail : Sonardog@aol.com Comments : Hello Shipmates, Has anyone seen DUDE Reardon?? Last I heard he was a first class. Imagine that!! Hope all is well with everyone. I'd like to say hello to Dude, Terrel, Myron, Chuck Herring, Mike Locker, Ron,Jeff, Spang, Bob Soucie, Gmg1 Rivers Tm1 Smith,Don, SM1 Mark Conner, Stevie, George King, Harold D, Brad,George Russel,and our DIVO LtS' Smith and Michaelis. Take care. I'll never forget any of ya! Spike |
| Name : Jon Vreeland 12 Jan 2003 e-mail : jonnyv2004@aol.com Comments : I've been told that I am related to Charles Vreeland however I haven't verified this information. Never the less I am proud of the ship and its crew. |
| Name : Roger Chaney 15 Jan 2003 Rate/Rank : GMT1 years onboard : 86-87 e-mail : taurus611@earthlink.net Comments : Fantastic page! Great to see so many old friends and shipmates from the mighty Vern. I was onboard for 365 days and counted every one! Loved the crew but have to say it was the worst command climate I observed in my 23 years of service. The XO wouldn't sign my PCS orders to shore duty because he didn't like the color of the gold ASW "A" on the ASROC launcher. He wanted it "yellow" despite the instruction calling for gold. Thus a stand-off on my last day. I told LT Lockett I'd be in sonar-unattended drinking coffe till the ship was decommissioned but wouldn't repaint the A. GMT2 Stacey (pervert) Harris and TM1 Jamie (Smitty)Smith went out and repainted it so I could go to shore duty... what a hoot! I retired 1 Nov 02 as an LDO LT. I did a tour on USS CONSTELLATION 99-01 and met our old DIVO LT Smith, now CDR Smith. He was the DCA on CONNIE and still a crew favorite. I also ran into TM1 Smith at a PQS workshop in Pensacola in 96. Would love to hear from any mighty Vreeland sailors. Remember... loosing the tail in the Med? DOH! Big Soucie-Little Soucie? Big Soucie later became my detailer... |
| Name : Danny E Smith 18 Jan 2003 Rate/Rank : GMC years onboard : 1977 e-mail : chiefgunne00@hotmail.com Comments : I enjoyed the short time I was on The Vreeland, and the personnel in the Gun Crew were fantastic during the Unitas cruise. They worked hard and performed work on the Gun Mount at sea that should or before then was believed could only be performed in the shipyard. The crew was fantastic, and the liberty fine. GMC Danny Smith USNR - Recalled Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom |
| Name : Gene Lovett 17 Jan 2003 Rate/Rank : FC3 years onboard : 90-92 Comments : I can still remember the sound of the ship inport and underway. I wish I would have enjoyed it more while I was onboard. But on a ship your either counting the days of going home or counting the days of getting out of the navy. But for the rest of my life I will never forget what it was like being on board the Vreeland. Jason Herzog/Troy Kelly/David Renfroe/Scooter Clements/ I will nerver forget... Why were we always drunk? |
| Name : Ken Barr 23 Jan 2003 Rate/Rank : YN3 years onboard : 69-71 e-mail : kenbarr@sc.rr.com Comments : Some of the best years of my life. I am a Plank Owner. Started my Naval service onboard the USS North Hampton out of Norfolk, VA. in 1968 as a store keeper. When that ship was decommissioned, I transfered to the precommission detail in Rhode Island and thinking I stilled wanted to be a store keeper. While standing in line one day, along with probably 50 other guys, this yeoman, I think it was YN1 Payne, asked if anyone could type. It was bitter cold outside and we were sent to do ground cleanup to keep us busy while awaiting for orders, I thought to myself, this typing is an inside job and while I only took typing I in high school, I raised my hand. Best decision I every made. They offered me the job as Operations Department yeoman. Lt Will Rogers was my Boss. The same Will Rogers, that as commander of the USS Vincennes, shot down the Iran Air Bus(Flight 655). The book Storm Center is an account of the incident. I hope to hear of a reunion soon as everyone is getting older and some have died. |
| Name : Seldon Linkous 24 Jan 2003 Rate/Rank : OS3 years onboard : 81-84 e-mail : seldonlink@yahoo.com Comments : In retrospect my three years on the Vreeland were the most exciting and fun times of my life.I only wish I had felt that way then! |
| Name : Bob Fairweather 31 Jan 2003 Rate/Rank : GMCS years onboard : 82-84 e-mail : rfairweather@cfl.rr.com Comments : If anyone remembers me I came on board Vreeland in 1982 and retired from the Navy on board the Vreeland in 1984 after 24 years of active duty. I now live in Orlando, Fl. and work for the Orange County School Board where I will soon retire after 20 years. Doesn't seem like almost 20 years since I retired. I was a relativly young man when on the Vreeland, (to some I was ancient), and here I am almost 60. I'm still in good health and I play alot of golf and have other activities that keep me reasonably busy so hopefully I'll be around for a good many years to come. If any one has a chance, send me an e-mail and we'll talk about old times. The best to all of you and hope to hear from a few of you soon. |
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| Name : Chris Colombini 2 Sept 2002 Rate/Rank : DK2 years onboard : 1/86-11/88 e-mail : ccolo@aol.com Comments : served on board the mighty vree for med 1-86 line of death cruise, and 1-88 med cruise, and all the lovely times in between. we all remember those 6 week bahama drug ops, and pulling into cape canaveral. well guys, you who remeber this ole lifer who got the parenthood discharge in 11/88. well good news, i will soon be back protecting this great country once again, and in a new capacity as a mechanic in the worlds best and baddest construction force ever. i will never forget those haze gray and underway days ever, and all the great friends that were made, but times change, and those days are over. time to put on the cammies, and keep my feet dry. FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS.DK2 C COLOMBINI, soon to be cm3 |
| Name : Michael Shank 1 Feb 2003 Rate/Rank : FC3 (SW) years onboard : 82-86 e-mail : mshank24@hotmail.com Comments : I look forward to hearing from some former Shipmates Michael |
| Name : Mark Lookabaugh 8 Feb 2003 e-mail : mlookabaugh@cox.net Web URL : http://www.ussbrewton.com Comments : This website is outstanding! Nice to see such quality pages for a knox class ship. Cheers to the fine crew of USS VREELAND from the crew of USS BREWTON. |
| Name : Victor B. Munson 24 Feb 2003 Rate/Rank : RM2/e-5 years onboard: 69-71 e-mail : mvmunson@infoblvd.net Comments : I was one of the original crew members aboard the USS Vreeland DE 1068. I went through precom training in Newport, RI, Norfolk, VA and then onto Charleston. I was discharged in November 1971 after coming back to Charleston from its first Med Cruise. |
| Name : Robert Leslie 4 Mar 2003 Rate/Rank : IT1(SW) years onboard : 88-92 e-mail : rleslie@ddg-roosevelt.navy.mil Comments : Finding this page, brought back a lot of memories. Reporting on board as a RMSR, mess cranking in the wardroom. I miss everyone. Curtis Norman, congrats on making YNCS, you and I were drinking buddies. The Radio Shack gang, you are the best guys ever, this is my 3rd ship, and I never had a great shack since living the mighty vern in 92. I hope to hear from all of you. SM2 Graebing, I hope your right that the Vern did not sink. God Speed. |
| Name : Dennis Snell 25 Mar 2003 Rate/Rank : SN years onboard : 74-76 Comments : I just wanna give a shout out to all the shipmates, that use to hang with while in Greece and also the great times we had in South Philly. I remember standing in formation for muster on the fantail and the pettyofficer would enjoy calling on the ship's loud speaker "seaman Snell, fantail!" he knew I hated that, when he did it. |
| Name : Jon Rosenberg 25 Mar 2003 Rate/Rank : FC2 years onboard : 81-85 e-mail : jaguar95@dandy.net Your Comments : Hey Pete! Great site you got here shipmate! Brings back many memories.It's great theropy for me, even to just pull it up and stare at the photos.Thanks. |
| Name : Al Brigham 6 Apr 2003 Rate/Rank : LT(SWO) years onboard : 79-83 e-mail : usnswo@aol.com Comments : What a terrific site...it truly takes me back to some great (and some "character building") years! In fact, just yesterday I was going through my hundreds of old Mighty Vree slides and photos...the great NAVOCFORMED pleasure cruise in 1980...Beirut and the PLO evacuation in '82...the crashed SH-3 helo (including a nice shot of HT1 John Swallia) and 50-foot seas of the late '82 North Atlantic transit home. I had the chance to visit the Vree again in '91 during the (first) Gulf War, and the moment I walked aboard it was almost as if I had never left. And as the current war rages on in Iraq, I can't help wishing I was still steaming with my old shipmates... Thanks for putting this site together...and please let me know if you'd like me to send any of my old Vreeland stuff. |
| Name : Bob Grafton 14 Apr 2003 Rate/Rank : ICFN years onboard : 75-77 e-mail : bob.grafton@respironics.com Comments : Great times aboard this ship! |
| Name : Jerry Jones 21 Apr 2003 Rate/Rank : YN3 years onboard : 71-72 e-mail : jjones@wcbi.com Comments : Caught the ship in Naples in the summer of 71 along with Steve Hill, "Trouble" Trussel (both from my local reserve unit in Mississippi).Was put on the deck force because I had signed up to be in the Weapons Department. One hot day in Naples hanging over the side, holding on with one hand, trying to paint with the other, and wearing a "May West", the weapons yeoman hung over the side and said, "Jones, can you type?". I lied and slowly pecked my way into his replacement. Does anyone remember the trip to the Roman ruins in Turkey? I still have the lion's paw. Does anyone know where Lt. Tim Brace is? Would love to have a reunion. |
| Name : JACOBS,RODNEY J 23 Apr 2003 Rate/Rank : SH2(SW)/ E5 years onboard : 90-91 e-mail : rjjacobs@pcola.med.navy.mil Comments : This is an exciting homepage of one of my previous command. Especiallybecause I enjoyed the "vreenatics" |
| Name : Lawrence Longsworth 24 Apr 2003 Rate/Rank : SN e-mail : N4sdh@hotmail.com Comments : I served on board the U.S.S. Sampson DDG-10 the flag ship of Desron-12 with the Vreeland ... in the Med years was abord her several times |
| Name : Anthony S. Kimpson Sr 28 Apr 2003 Rate/Rank : GMGSN years onboard : 86-88 e-mail : akimpson@tampabay.rr.com Comments : Thanks Champ for hooking me up with this site. The Vern was my first ship and I can truley say that it was the best one out of the four that I've been on. Well I'm still in the Navy as a GM1(SW) on recruiting duty in my howm town of Tampa Bay, Fl. A little over 2 yrs to go and I'm retired. It's good to see that a lot of our shipmates are here. I was a young guy at the time and I appreciate MM3 John Leonard taking me under his wing and showing me the ropes of the Navy. My lasting memeory of the Vern is the time during the 86 Med cruies when the ship went to man overboard quarters on a Sunday morning holiday routine because I was sleeping in a different rack down in engineering berthing so I would have to get up and work with deck div. My buddy, SN Brown at the time noticed that I wasn't in my assigned rack when he got up for the rev watch. After searching some of the area's he though I might be and not finding me he called up to the bridge and told them that I was missing. After passing the word for me a couple times at around 0700 the OOD called for man overboard quarters. A lot of you guys were mad with me that day. Anyhow, God bless all of you and I wish you all the best. Anthony S. Kimpson GM1(SW) |
| Name : Dan Stonebraker 1 May 2003 Rate/Rank : EM1(SW) years onboard : 87-89 e-mail : ATRCN41@aol.com Comments : Great site. Notes of Interest : I am currently an EMC and will retire in July 2003 |
| Name : Dale L. Zalke 7 May 2003 Rate/Rank : ET2/E-5 (SW) years onboard : 88-92 e-mail : dlz_seattle_niu@hotmail.com Web URL : www.shipbuilding.com Comments : Spent 4 years onboard. Highlights and Lowlights of my tour onboard. Served during the 1st Gulf War and Panama conflict. Made the middle of the '88 Med Cruise, 96 days. Numerous Counter-narcotic operations in the Carribbean. Went through overhaul in Norfolk,VA and drydock period in Charleston,SC. Had fun at Fleet Week in Ft. Lauderdale and enjoyed a free football game, Miami Dolphins .vs. New York Jets. We had the best flag football team in Mayport, FL for an afloat command, 1989-90. We were 14-2. Only lost to SIMA.During Gulf War, flown off the Vreeland to Teddy Roosevelt for medical reasons and returned with the Superbowl tape - I thought everyone was glad to see me, but they just wanted to see the Superbowl and earned ESWS and manned 50 caliber guns during the war. Oh what fun!! I would like to get in contact with 2 people - MA1 Michael GoForth and STG2 Terry Nichols. If you have any info please forward to my email or have them contact me, Thanks |
| Name : Ron Atkinson 21 May 2003 Rate/Rank : AE1 years onboard : 86 MED Cruise e-mail : mtgator@bledsoe.net Comments : I was the HSL-36 Det. LPO during the 86 MED Cruise. I remember MONGO. The Philippine sailor (Ceasar), the Helo reaked for months. I remember Florida, (the Chief). The line of death was fun. The Helo on the beach in Ischia, I did alot of work to get it back in the air. Corsica was nice. It was a good cruise. |
| Name: Bill Zimmerman 29 May 2003 Rate/Rank : Sm3 years onboard : 84-88 e-mail : HeyBeeze394@aol.com Comments : I have been out of touch with everyone since I got out in 88. I really enjoyed the site. It brought back alot of fond memories. I would of loved to see a picture of "Mongo" though. Great job keep up the good work. also Id like any info on a ships reunion. Notes of Interest : I have a funny story about and old shipmate. While standing messenger of the watch in Mayport. Everbodies favorite BM3 Mark "Hutch" Hutchinson asked to use the quaterdeck phone. I couldnt help but overhear him talking to the folks at Dominoes Pizza. Which was a regular call for Hutch to make. What got me, was when he told them not to slice the pie in 16 slices because he only thought he could eat 8. If you remember Hutch you couldnt help but love the guy. |
| Name : Randall Long 12 Jun 2003 Rate/Rank : MS3 years onboard : 77-79 e-mail : long9353@bellsouth.net Comments : Sailed on the Vreeland to Mideast and Unitas 18 had some great times. Whee have all the cooks from the Vreeland gone???? MS! Carty ??? Are you out there? My youngest son has just joined the Navy leaves for bootcamp in Feb 04 to be a Photographers Mate. His life is soon going to change! Nice to read about everyone. Fair winds and following seas. |
| Name : William C. Edwards 24 Jun 2003 Rate/Rank : HMCS(SW) years onboard : 89-92 e-mail : wedwardsjr@msn.com Comments : Thanks for taking the initiative to build this web site. I've been searching the internet for info on the "Vern" for a while now. Outstanding job! Thanks. |
| Name : Dave Temple 02 Jul 2003 Rate/Rank : C/S-2 years onboard : 69-71 e-mail : dtemple@bellsouth.net Comments : I am happy to find this page! Lots of talk about a reunion. It would be great to get the "old gang" together again. Had a great time on the 1068, I just did not realize how quickly the time would pass. I would welcome e-mail form any/all of the PreCom/Com crew! |
| Name : Scott *Scooter" Clemens 26 Jul 2003 Rate/Rank : FC1 years onboard : 87-91 e-mail : 7titles@verizon.net Comments : I've heard for years that the Greeks sank the "Mighty Vern". I may have bitched about it everyday I was there but I'm happy to hear she's still floating. Those four years were a blur since I was usually drinking heavily, and there are way too many names to list here, but I'll never forget the CIWS wizards - Dave, Gene, and Tony. It was a pleasure serving with you and one heck of a good time "on the beach". Drop me a line. BTW, my wife has both legs. FCC(SW) Scott Clemens |
| Name : Pete Johnson 25 Jul 2003 Rate/Rank : RMCS(SW) years onboard : 84-88 e-mail : p.roy.johnson@att.net Comments : What a trip down memory lane this is! Love this website and happy to have found it. Reading all the comments - a flood of memories came rushing back to me: wacking that Turkish sub with the "fish" during Med 1-86 (man, did he surface quick!), about 2 weeks with all ships garbage in the port enclosed p'way 'cause we weren't far enough from any of those Greek islands in the Ageaan Sea to dump trash (ah, the smell!); independent steaming for almost the whole Med cruise (were we part of the USS America Battle group?)"Ocean Suffering" in 1985 (unrep with the Iowa - "box" ops in 30 foot seas - barf gauges); that great 65 mile sea and anchor detail up the Gironde (sp?) River to Bordeau, France - mandatory full-dress functions; our really squared away EW1 we had that got so wasted he decided to NOT wait on the motor whaleboat and swam out to the Vern, anchored by that little island near Grenada; SM1 Mark Connor "missing in action" during our six weeks of "reftra" in GTMO, '87.....and yes, Zimmie - I was OOD when Hutch decided he could not eat 16 slices of pizza, so ordered 8. We laughed for a solid hour! The time we were stranded on that little pier in some obscure port in the Carib., motor whale boat broken down pierside, the gig broken down out at the Vern - what a night (still have splinters in my butt).And having the 04-0800 tied up at Charlie pier that January 1985 morning when it got down to 7 degrees here in Jax. Gee, can I go back and do it all again? Notes of Interest : Who was it that was planning a reunion here in Jax? I lost the email address, it was from another site................ |
| Name : Mike 03 Aug 2003 Rate/Rank : Stg2 years onboard : 1988 e-mail : sonardog@aol.com Comments : Yohoo!!!!! Bridget!!! where are you :))Miss all you guys from the vern!Anyone seen Dude!!! Miss ya All Spike |
| Name : Starr King 13 Aug 2003 Rate/Rank : LCDR (SWO) years onboard : 86-88 e-mail : stephen.s.king@navy.mil Comments : Wow! So glad I surfed onto this site from my computer deep in the sub-basement of the Pentagon. I was the TAO who speared the Turkish fish! Good memories of my tour a Weapons Officer for CDR T.J. Barry. Anyone remember? I drove a Sportster at the time. The name of the island in the Grenadines was Cariacou, and you all drank every beer on the island. My predecessor is still on active duty, too. "Donde esta Bob Whitkop?" is at NAVNETWARCOM in the Norfolk area. My favorite memory is from the south of France - Teole Sur Mer, or something kinda close. Mongo had gone ashore in the gig in full dress whites to make official "calls." The gig broke down while he was visiting the mayor of the little French Riviera town. I about freaked, but the image of Mongo, in full dress whites, standing tall and proud against gig's taffrail as it was towed out to anchor by the motor whale boat almost made up for the ass-chewing I got. CAPT Bruce Carter (was Ops when I was Weps) is still on active duty, too. He is assigned to the Office of Naval Intelligence in Suitland. When I was in my C.O. tour in Mayport, BMC Charlie Florida worked as a rigger for one of the ship repair firms that worked the basin. CAPT Barry retired from the Navy in the mid-nineties. Last I heard, he was teaching Theology at Bishop Kinney High School. Thanks for the memories, Shipmates! CAPT S. Starr King, USN CNO(N702B) |
| Name : Jeff Marshall 12 Aug 2003 Rate/Rank : STG2 years onboard : 85-90 e-mail Marshall@wpb.nuwc.navy.mil Comments : SonarDog...Man, good to see ya on here again. Would like to hear from you again. Drop me a line if you would please. Jeffro |
| Name : Derwin Lee Self 27 Aug 2003 Rate/Rank : ETN2 years onboard : 72-73 e-mail : derwin_lee_self@citlink.net Comments : We used to say that if the eastern meditteranean was a vast lawn, and the Vreeland was a lawnmower, there wouldn't be a blade of grass standing.... I was just looking for a picture of the ship when I ran into this website- Wow, what a great site! I was an ETn2 assigned upon her arrival Charleston for drydocking prior to her deployment to Desron 12 and during the first part of the Greek homeporting- I dont how much longer she stayed there, but my time aboard in the Med was filled with some of the best memories I have... Notes of Interest : Do any of you former squids of the "Greek Era" remember the best GQ we ever had, when we woke up in Kithira anchorage surrounded by what seemed the entire Russian Navy- and the JOOD called ' GQ, this is no drill! 'when he observed the entire Russian fleet around us going to General Quarters? A practice the Russian Navy observed as part of their getting underway routine? As I recall, Capt Snyder was REAL proud of that achievement! Though we never again did get an under one minute GQ during any drill.... |
| Name : Moses Safenovitz 08 Sep 2003 Rate/Rank : DK2 years onboard : 1971 e-mail : moesaf@aol.com Comments : original commissioning crew. |
| Name : Jim Doman 21 Sep 2003 Rate/Rank : SMC years onboard : 1983-1987 e-mail : james.doman@navy.mil Comments : I was rereading an shipmates email and he mentioned the Vern site. Anyhow...I'd been on the site before and signed in (April 2002)but wanted to get an update. After looking at some of the posts I figured I needed to sign in again. Got together in Jax a few months ago with a couple shipmates...Brian Dineen and Pat "Sully" Sullivan. Had a few adult beverages (some things never change) and looked at a few old pictures. It was a great time. As for crew updates... Last I heard Mark Connor lives in Michigan, Brian and Sully are both in JAX. Mike Sutorus(ET) is a LT still on active duty, I think he and his brother are also in Jax. I ran into Andy Valentine at a Saints game in New Orleans (been awhile though). I ran into Frank Splendorio in Sigonella, Sicily at a MAC terminal a few years back. I get emails from Bill "BRONC" Zimmerman, Bill Blevins, and as soon as I finish this post I'm going to write Pete Johnson. Lets start getting together or maybe try to set up a reunion. I think Jacksonville FL. would be pretty central to a lot of folks. I'm only a ways up 95 in South Carolina. I know we'd have a great turn out. I also know that it is going to take alot of effort but know that if we all come together as we did when we were on the Vreeland then it CAN happen. I too have some pictures and will dig them out and get them scanned and sent to this AWESOME site!!!!! Great job nad we ALL appreciate having a place to tell and hear a couple sea stories from "Back in the Day" Well shipmates one and all, take care and God Bless. Notes of Interest : Memory lane time....The guy that swam back to the ship was an ET or EW named Hopper or Hooper, What a nut. Does anybody remember when we went to Haiti in the mid 80's? I thikn 1984 0r 1985. We pulled into Port Au Prince and the Boatswains mate's paid $$$ and bartered with some mooring line to have the locals paint the ship. What was the other port in Haiti that we pulled into. If I remember correctly in was alot less populated than Port Au Prince. Either answer here or email me. |
| Name : Marty Ambron 16 Oct 2003 Rate/Rank : EW1 years onboard : 1984 - 1986 e-mail : m.ambron@mchsi.com Comments : Hey All, It was great reading these post from some old shipmates, really brings back a ton of memories. After relocating to Mobile, Alabama I just recently re-enlisted in the Reserves and am drilling at the reserve center in Mobile. Even after 15 years they let me come bact as an E-6 but made me change my rate from EW to ET, what an insult! haha I look forward to hearing from one and all. |
| Name : Jerry Shirk 07 Oct 2003 Rate/Rank : CTTSN years onboard : 74-75 e-mail : coche42@aol.com Comments : I was never actually part of the ship's company but for as much time as I spent on the Vreeland I should have been. I worked in the van attached to the helo deck. Some of my best Navy memories are from the Vreeland and Athens/Naples. Had a great time and was treated well by the crew. Anyone ever hear what happened to Wittiker, I think he was a boatwains mate at the time from Miami. |
| Name : Bob Gaines 04 Nov 2003 Rate/Rank : STG1(SW) years onboard : 82-85 e-mail : robert.gaines@dac.army.mil Comments : Tom Terrific and the Fab Five, a.k.a MONGO and the Dept. Heads., 82-85 on the Vreeland, When the XO threw a fit over the ashtrays (brass) that were removed from the crews lounge, The LCDR that tried to carry the CDO .45 ACP in the Shoulder rig into the ASROC mag., The mounted .50's all the way across the Atlantic (med 84) and into arrival Mayport, The Brown water showing we were home, Hooper swimming to the Ship, The female with the bumblebee tattoo in Key West, YNSN in a smoker with BMC Laranaga, getting arrested in GTMO for being on the WRONG beach. STG2 Buckley throwing a body block on a Citroen in Naples (he really looked BAD), Spej chasing the He-She into the CariBanari Van. so many other strange and unusual events to those who have been shielded from life. Life was good and I was VERY DUMB. That Invincibility stuck till I was 29 yrs old (1992) now I am a human and hurt alot when I wake up but it sure was FUN. Bob Gaines CIVILIAN |
| Name : Anthony S. Kimpson Sr. 16 Nov 2003 Rate/Rank : GM1/E-6 years onboard : 86-88 e-mail : kimp4u@yahoo.com Comments : Hey guys nice to see a lot of you still remember the old Vern. I signed in earlier in the year but I come back from time to time to see how a lot of our old shipmates are doing. Well I finished recruiting duty and now I'm in Norfolk on the USS Anzio CG-68. Get this, you guys remember how we use to have all hands working parties to bring stores on the ship. Now, they use conveyer belts and the civilians actually load the stores on the ship. I tell the young guys in my division about how we use to do things back in the day and they say WOW because they can't believe it. Anyhow, I still keep in touch with my good buddy John Leonard, MM3 type, and I ran into Dolan some years back in San Diego. Also Beauchamp and I make contact from time to time. I trust that everyone is doing well and keep me informed about the reunion because I know it would be a lot of fun. Take care guys and God Bless. |
| Name : Bob Gaines 5 Nov 2003 Rate/Rank : STG2 years onboard : 82-85 e-mail : robert.gaines@dac.army.mil Comments : Whoa big time mind wrestling, Thomas B. M. Ronayne, are you out there, HEY FRANK answer up, Todd, Ed, George, Chuck M (both of them, even the square barrel), Mike B (who went to PR as a DEPENDANT), The card counters CHAD and KEN P., Pat M, Jay you big bellied old goat, and all you others. SPEAK UP. How about the time 25% of the crew was on RESTRICTION (return from Panama), winning the BEARDS back, LCDR JIM MORGAN doing our reups (WHILE ASSIGNED TO ANOTHER SHIP) talk about well respected. BOOM BOOM Boorda and HOT GUN ON THE JOHN KING, GOLF BALLS, and COOKS in the Bo'suns Chair. MED 82 and Panama 82-83. BUMPER DRILLS, MONGO (T J.) Demolition Derby drivers didn't crash THAT often. Life is good LIVE IT. |
| Name : Ronald Adam 16 Nov 2003 Rate/Rank : OS2 years onboard : 73-77 e-mail : radam7006@yahoo.com Comments : I think about my old ship all the time |
| Name : Floyd Maddox 26 Nov 2003 Rate/Rank : MM3 years onboard : 89-91 e-mail : Theoden@cableone.net Comments : What do I remember about the Vreeland? The Demon ship, you can't sink her cause she is already dead. The Steel hull Mine sweeper, The "Battle Frigate from hell" The only ship that I know of that received the Engineering Golden E, not just the Red E, the Golden E. The best Engineering department on the waterfront. Jeff Kirk falling asleep with his eyes open. MM3 Williams getting capped to Second and not sure if he was getting busted or promoted :) Having the QM's in engineering berthing. BT3 Bates, ah yes,, Master Bates, How did you ever make the clearance to ct?? Someone teaching us how to make Bilge Wine. Cuz Cuz, you still out there or are ya working for Federal express? BT2 Johnson dragging me home from Jurgada Egypt at 10 PM. A Senior Chief dragging me home from the Princess Canard (spelling) in Bahrain at 5 a.m. in the Morning. HT2 Moore taking me to his home in Salisburry North Carolina for the weekend. My most favorite memories of the Navy have been on the Vreeland. I been in the Navy for over 15 years now and I still tell stories about USS Last Ship (Vreeland) with pride. It was a tight crew and we endured thru hell but we survived and even conquered. Between Panama, Multiple Space shuttle ops, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, and Decommisioning. We proved that the Mighty Vern not only could complete its mission, but, we could outperform anyone on the waterfront. EN1 Floyd A Maddox USS Osprey MHC-51 |
| Name : Duane Lyberg 27 Nov 2003 Rate/Rank : RM2 years onboard : 70-72 e-mail : dblyberg@wiktel.net Comments : I served on the Vreeland from 70-72, am a plank owner and was part of the pre and the commissioning crew. I have many fond memories of service on board the Vreeland. We were like a family from the Captain on down the chain of command. We were very proud of our ship and we maintain that feeling today. I see she was decommissioned in 1992 and now serves the Greek Navy. I think that ship has spent most of her life in the Med. Good to see this website and I would like to hear from other plankowners or sailors that served aboard the Vreeland during the time I did. Does anyone know how to contact Lt. Tim Brace? |
| Name : John Regenos 12 Dec 2003 Rate/Rank : RD3/PN3 years onboard : 69-71 e-mail : jaregenos@aol.com Comments : Like Ken Barr I start my Naval service on the Northampton in Norfolk, VA. Decommission one ship and commission another. Left Norfolk, cold and damp to Rhode Island, cold and SNOW and lots of it. My time on the Vreeland was one with great memories, even though I have forgotten many of the names of my shipmates. We, the plankowners, were a crew of firsts. The first shakedown cruise to Cuba, remember floating into Cuban waters when we lost power? The first Med Cruise, raising the broom up the Mack upon our return to the U.S. and much, much more. But we were also a "band of brothers", to use a phrase. They were goodtimes even though we were embroiled in a "conflict". I would do it again, but only if I could be assured of the same crew members. I look forward to a reunion and the opportunity to get reaquainted with my former shipmates. |
| Name : Mike "Curtis" Martin 19 Dec 2003 Rate/Rank : OS2 years onboard : 89-92 e-mail : michael.martin@target.com Comments : The Mighty Vern!!!! Some quality drinking buddy's I met there for sure!!!! Hello to all my good friends Jimmy Dan Cannon, Tim "The Dude" Reardon, Joe Marshke, Kevin Carter, Vinny "Geo" Girodano and countless others... all of my roommates from the "Stabin Cabin" we rented in Jax Beach....hello to all the former CO's i visited regularly at Captain's Mast...."Bama" Brown was a cool CO...but the little dude who replaced him mid gulf war was a worm.... |
| Name : Jessica Smith 31 Dec 2003 e-mail : ladydawg1501@yahoo.com Comments ::Hi everybody! My dad (Horace Wayne Smith, not sure what he went by in the Navy) served on the Vreeland in the early to mid 80's...I've just recently gotten interested in learning more about his navy career, so this is a really good starting point for me. If you know him/anything about him, please feel free to email me! BTW, he is alive and well, but unfortunately, I don't get to spend much time with him or else I would ask him all these questions myself. Plus its good to hear what other people have to say =) Thanks in advance!!! |
| Name : Claude "Bud" Morris 06 Jan 2004 Rate/Rank : STG2 years onboard : 78-83 e-mail : Morris_Bud@Yahoo.com Comments : Would be nice to meet up with the crew from the mighty Vree that served those two back to back tours in the middle east. Remember Djabouti!!!! |
| Name : Lester Wells 13 Jan 2004 Rate/Rank : SM3 years onboard : 75 76 e-mail : FLOWERFIELDS@USADATANET.NET Comments : LOOKING FOR ANYONE WHO WAS ON BOARD FROM 75 TO 76 |
| Name : Brian Vreeland 14 Jan 2004 e-mail : ironwater23@msn.com Comments : I'm honored to have the last name of such a worthy ship. I respect and admire those that served upon her. |
| Name : Larry Wray 18 Jan 2004 Rate/Rank : OS2 years onboard : 69-72 e-mail : mrlarrywray@hotmail.com Comments : I was member of original crew. Newport RI, then Charleston, then Athens.Wonderful memories of Greece and all the ports in the Med, particularlyMajorca Spain. Special hello to my pal OS2 Faulkner who I remember and often tell stories about. |
| Name : Dennis Snell 22 Jan 2004 Rate/Rank : SN years onboard : 74-76 Comments : I remember Whitaker from Miami we was assigned to WD division.Whitaker had a motorcycle accident before joining the military, he supposelyhad a huge settlement waiting for him after he turned 21yrs old I believe. |
| Name : Jim Harris 25 Jan 2004 Rate/Rank : GMG3 years onboard : 85-88 e-mail : jmh4882002@yahoo.com Comments : I served aboard the mighty vree for med cruise 1-86, legal ops, and many other hops with the best crew in the navy. I began my career with her and ended it as well. I found this site by pure dumb luck. This site has brought back alot of memories, Like Mr. King who gave me the chance to prove myself in 2nd division, Jim Turske who became my best friend and mentor, and GMGC Smith and GMG1 Keith Jurnegan, GMG1 Roger White, FC2 Forrestal,GMG3 Snead, GMM2 Stacy Harris, BM1 Bakos, and so many others, I hope you are all doing well in your new endeavors. "God Speed" Notes of Interest : Would like to find all of my former shipmates in second division. |
| Name : Rob Davenport 29 Jan 2004 Rate/Rank : TM2 years onboard : 82-86 e-mail : rbrdave@bellsouth.net Comments : WOW, Reading the log brings back so many good memories, too many to write about. Would like to hear from you guys and maybe get together so if you're in Jacksonville drop me a line. TMC(SW) Davenport (RET) |
| Name : Phillip C. Shufelt 3 Feb 2004 Rate/Rank : SN years onboard : 69-73 e-mail : p.philpams@verizon.net Comments : I had only a few friends while I was aboard. the only sailor I've been in contact with lives in New Hamshire, his name is Dick Provost. Curious what ever happened to the ship and shipmates. |
| Name : John Shepherd 5 Feb 2004 Rate/Rank : PCSN years onboard : 73-77 e-mail : GOSI@EARTHLINK.NET Comments : Was glad to find thesite. The Greek Years were the best. Knew a lot of good people. I remember the helo details so we could have mail call. Saw a lot of smiling faces through the window of the post office door.. |
| Name : David Hanadel 12 Feb 2004 Rate/Rank : STG3 years onboard : 85-87 e-mail : dhanadel@hotmail.com Comments : Viewing this website brought back a lot of memories. I had the pleasure of running into "Captain King" just after the 9-11 incident at the Pentigon in the DC area (I work less than a mile away), it brought back memories, how many of my shipmates remember seeing the rocket trail of the Columbia shuttle from the fantail the day it blew up. We dont know what that strangle smoke cloud was rising from the horizon and going off into two or three directions until we when down into the galley and saw the news about the shuttle blowing up. I really wanted to thank the creators of this website. I also wanted thank the guys in AS divison, thank you Jeff Marshall for helping me learn the equipment (some of that stuff was nerve racking at first, but you helped make it easy. Thank you Myron Long, you taught me how to trouble shoot electronics and I am using it, I am a network admin for a non profit in the dc area. Thank you Brightmyer, you helped me laugh and have a good time aboard the mighty Vree, one of the best lead Petty Officers I have had the please to know. I also remember Harold Dixon, great friend and I still cannot figure how you could sqeeze a 6' 10" man into the racks we slept in. I rememer Goerge and I hope he is doing well, and Spangenburg (sorry for the mispell) I also want thank Captain King for helping me remember where I learned everything I do, with equipment and dealing with people (if you can deal with Mongo, you can deal with anything life throws at you). David Hanadel |
| Name : Charles Langford 17 Feb 2004 Rate/Rank : HT2 (SW) years onboard : 85-88 e-mail : chlangford@comcast.net Comments : I have since retired from the navy but I have some great memories and storys to tell my sons who are now in the navy, fair winds and following seas. |
| Name : Phillip C. Shufelt 25 Feb 2004 Rate/Rank : SN years onboard :1969-1973 e-mail : p.philpams@verizon.net Comments : I to started on the Northhampton. Never realized that so many of us Plankowners came from that ship. Met some pretty good guys. Still keep in touch with a couple them. The Vreeland was a fun and interesting. The mention of LT. Brice ---Good Partys--- Life on the Vreeland made a better person. |
| Name : Mike Delle 26 Feb 2004 Rate/Rank : RM3 years onboard : 74-76 e-mail : m_delle@charter.net Comments : I have lots of pictures from the "Greek Years". I like to hear from some of my old shipmates. |
| Name : Jim Richards 4 Mar 2004 Rate/Rank : BM2 years onboard : 1980 e-mail : jrich9860@aol.com Comments : just wondering about some of the guys that were in my division back that year when we made the med cruise. |
| Name : Dorothy Vreeland 12 Mar 2004 e-mail : dottied2@bellsouth.net Comments : I did not know about this ship. My father was Henry B. Vreeland. He was in the Navy during WWII and I believe he served on the USS Lexington. After the war, he worked at the Pentagon in naval intellingence. That is about all I know. I doubt that this has connection to this web site but I am excited to know of it's existence and to learn about the USS Vreeland. Thank You, Dorothy Vreeland |
| Name : Mark A. Kahl 23 Mar 2004 Rate/Rank : OS2 years onboard : 80-83 e-mail : mark.kahl@twcable.com Comments : I just found my ole buddy Seldon Linkous signed on in early 2003 and I echo his words, although at the time life aboard the Vreeland seemed almost intolerable with the amount of time underway and some of the personalities aboard, those days were some of the best times of my life and those shipmates the most important people in my life. I saw more of the world in three years than I have in the following 20 and learned I could do anything I put my mind to. Much of that due to the mentoring of OS1 Owens and Petty Office 2nd Dave Hoy (sorry David, I know you were in engineering) who helped my while I was working towards earning my Surface Warfare Specialist. Not a day goes by that I don't draw on the skill sets and experiences I gained while a sailor aboard the Mighty Vree. Finally thanks to the person who has put this site together so we can get back in touch with former shipmates and learn what the Vreeland did in previous and following years! Notes of Interest : What a crossing coming back across the North Atlantic, I thought sure we were going to roll over and I finally knew why the seat belts were on the seats in CIC. I loved chasing Russian subs, being on the bridge as the CIC liason during Sea and Anchor details and the inovative way we supplied that Greek Ferry with water and medical supplies when transporting the PLO out of Lebanon and through the Suez Canal. Also the interesting duty we had off the coast of Nicaragua and El Salvador, the Vreeland really could do it all! |
| Name : Bob Ketchum 27 Apr 2004 Rate/Rank : HT2 years onboard : 86-89 e-mail : bketchum2002@cox.net Comments : Haze gray and underway....The mighty Vern was one of my best ships and one of my worst. Med. '88 was a blast. Keep loosing Helos though. I just retired as a Senior Chief and am now working as a Computer Software Consultant. I enjoyed working with HT2 Langford from the DC shop and PO2 Kelly, but hated my LPO...some of you know who I'm talking about. Had to be carried on in Naples. Someone found me in my normal spot...the gutter! LOL. I did love the poker game we had in the shop every night! |
| Name : VLADIMIR May Day: 1 May 2004 e-mail : vladimir_arapov@mail.ru Web URL : http://kreiser-zhdanov.boom.ru/ Comments : HELLO "VREELAND"!! Greetings from the Soviet cruiser "ZHDANOV"! With interest have read through on your site story Richard Osburn " The Greek Years 72-76 ". In turn on the page http://kreiser-zhdanov.boom.ru/Zapiski/Vreeland/Vreeland.htm it is published our version of that meeting in 1972. We hope for the further co-operation. Best regards: Vladimir |
| Name : Brad Stallings 2 May 2004 Rate/Rank : STG1 years onboard : 86-90 e-mail : ddg92cheng@aol.com Comments : Great site. I am still in the Navy nearing 20 years. I am now stationed in Little Creek as CO of USS THUNDERBOLT. I'd like to say hi to Mike, Jeff Marshal, Scooter (she only had one leg), Capt King (nice Harley), Chris, Gene (I'll drink anything), Dude, Spike, Rob, etc......, Dude made Chief and is in Mayport, Dave Renfroe works for Ocean Engineering, Tony Sahioun is in Jacksonville Florida, Gene Lovett is in California, Myron Long is in Jacksonville. Mike Heintz where are you? Jeff Marshal where are you? Thanks for the memories!!! |
| Name : Wayne A. King 6 May 2004 Rate/Rank : EM2 years onboard : Comm-June 1973 e-mail : kingwa@comcast.net Comments : I served on the USS Vreeland from the time it was commissioned and then left in the summer of 1973 when I was discharged. I was honored to be a plank owner and it was some of the best years of my life. |
| Name : Richard "Ozzie" Osburn 6 May 2004 Rate/Rank : BTCS years onboard : 1972-1973 e-mail : r.osburn@adelphia.net Web URL : http://www.irememberhamlet.com/news/viewforum.php? Comments : I read Vladimir's entry to Vreeland's guestbook earlier tonight. And I logged-on to his website to read his account of Vreeland's encounter with the Russian cruiser "Zhdanov" in the fall of 1972. (My tale can be found on this site under "The Greek Years".) AltaVista does a fairly good job of translating the text from Russian into English. I found it interesting that my sea-tale had been read by a sailor serving aboard the "Zhadanov" when the event occured... and he verified my account. Some thoughts were lost in translation but it still makes good reading. And for you men who were aboard Vreeland during that encounter, you might want to look at his site. He has posted photos of Vreeland which I assume were taken during that meeting. Who knows, maybe some of you will recognize yourself standing on the fantail. Ozzie |
| Name : Jeff Marshall 4 Jun 2004 Rate/Rank : STG2 years onboard : 85-90 e-mail : mightyvree@yahoo.com Comments : I've been seeing this subject come up every now and then. I surf the Vreeland sign in page about every week, but like the rest of you, I get frustrated that it does not get updated often enough. It doesn't get updated enough because not enought people do not send in comments or updates. What I'm getting around to people is, I think that we should get together for the group of us that served her well. Give Her a good send off and meet the everyone that served on her from Plank Owners to the day she was decomisioned. I have seen alot of her sailors write a note on this board to say how much fun they have had on her. We have had great times and hardships together. I have read comments about people that want to meet up with old shipmats or wonder where old shipmates are and how they are doing. I know for myself, I would like to see some of the people that I served with. The crews from over the years. The Helo squadrons that came aboard and shared our expiences. We went through alot in our lives, in our young lives, that have shaped who we are now. If someone knows where "Mongo" is, Please invite him....HaaHaa. I would like to shake hands with him because with out him knowing, he gave me alot of strenght to stand up for what I saw was wrong. I cursed him up and down after he left the room and then turned around to see his Commodore standing behind me. Damn, Thought I was busted! These are the little things that we can all share if we can get together. I propose that we all get together. This summer seems a little soon for anyone to make plans. How about we get together in 6 months or a year for a reunion. No one else seems to give a crap so send your replys to "MightyVern@yahoo.com". I've set up an email address there so that anyone that is interested can reply. I guess that I'll take on this responsibility until I can find someone else to help or someone I can pass it on to. STG2 Jeff Marshall USS Vreeland FF1068 1985-1990 |
| Name : Raymond Jolley Jr 20 May 2004 Rate/Rank : HMC (SW) years onboard : 1988-1992 e-mail : jeep2001@mac.com Comments : Hello fellow Sailors, It's me Doc Jolley. Back then I was an HM3 then Capped to HM2 on Christmas morning while in Panama 1991 I think. The Vreeland was my first ship and really the reason I have stayed in the Navy. From the Vreeland I went on to Independent Duty Corpsman School in SDCA and then to Sigonella Sicily. From there I went back to San Diego, Panama, USS Kauffman FFG 59 and then finally to Dahlgren NSW Center. I've had a great career and have seen many places. I volunteered last year to go to Laos to repatriate the remains of POWs/MIAs. I've also spent time in the jungles of Colombia with a SEAL Team while stationed in San Diego. Nevertheless, some of my fondest memories have been with the Vreeland. My CAP, SOY and SW were major highlights, not to mention good friends like Otis Blair, Jerry Carrillo, Ray Wogelmuth, Gene "Craig" Anthony, Norm Curtis, Shannon Reeder, Glen Felkel and Horace Blakely. The only one of you that I have seen has been Jerry Carrillo, who is now in Naples Italy... Jerry what's up! I am married and I currently live in Fredericksburg, Virginia with my family. When I retire in 2005 I will be working as a Geriatric Psychologist in the National Capital region. Life has been very good to me. Thanks to an e-mail from Dale Zalke, I found this site. May each of you have a great life and God Bless you and your family! |
| Name : Gilbert F. Douglas, III 14 May 2004 Rate/Rank : HM2 years onboard : Aug72-Aug73 e-mail : KE4NRL@BELLSOUTH.NET Comments : Greetings Shipmates… I have followed the Vreeland site, contributed some photos and money; I can’t tell you how excited I am to see Vladimir’s account of our ships encounter in the fall of 1972. I was on the captain’s gig and I took quite a number of pictures. Many of them are very clear. If my memory serves me, they wanted us to turn the pictures in so the antennas on the Zhdanov could analyzed!!! I didn’t turn my in!!! OOPS… The pictures I took are slides and still retain their clarity. I will try to scan them and make them available. One of our Quartermasters, Chuck Wise, spoke some Russian and presented our ship’s plaque to the Zhdanov. I also have one of the “Family Grams” describing the encounter. Anyway, more later. “Doc Douglas” Gilbert F. Douglas, III, HMCS, USNR(ret) |
| Name : Nick Papadopoulos 9 Jun 2004 Rate/Rank : Petty Officer 1 years onboard : 95-99 e-mail : nickterminator2002@yahoo.gr Comments : I found this website very intresting, great job, great photos too. Notes of Interest : I was transfered to F-458 Macedonia on 09/1995 and was there for 4 years. I was an electrician. We did a great job on trying to keep electricity working properly in every compartment.Great experience, i traveled many miles, lots of night shift....... I was the one of the crew that decommissioned the ship in Souda bay on 1999. |
| Name : LESTER WELLS 11 Jun 2004 Rate/Rank : SM3 years onboard : 75-76 e-mail : FLOWERFIELDS@UASDATANET.NET Comments : HAD SOME GREAT TIMES ON THE VREELAND. I FLEW OVER TO GREECE TO MEET HER THERE IN SEPT OF 75. SHE WAS OUT TO SEA SO I HAD TO SPEND THREE DAYS IN A HOTEL IN ATHENS PAID FOR BY THE NAVY THAT WAS GREAT. I WAS IN THE SIGNAL GANG WHEN I WASN’T ONBOARD I WORKED AT THE EM ON THE PIER AND THE ONE IN ATHENS BY THE SOCCER STADIUM. THERE WERE SOME CRAZY DAYS AT THOSE CLUBS. THE ONE ON THE PIER WHEN SOME INSURANCE CO. SPONSORED 5 CENT BEERS TRYING TO SELL LIFE INSURANCE. THE GUY DIDN’T KNOW WE WERE HOME PORTED THERE AND PEOPLE HAD HOUSES AND APTS. THE SHORE PATROL SHUT IT DOWN AROUND 10 PM THAT NIGHT. GUYS WERE BUYING IT BY THE CASE. WHERE ELSE COULD YOU BUY A CASE OF BEER FOR A $1.20. WE WIPED OUT A CONX BOX FULL OF 200 CASES OF BEER IN ABOUT 15 MIN. THEN WHEN WE HAD A TOPLESS GO GO DANCER AT THE CLUB IN ATHENS THE GREEK POLICE CAME TO CLOSE IT DOWN. THEY STAYED FOR ABOUT A HALF HOUR WATCHED THE SHOW THEN LEFT. THEY WEREN’T TO HAPPY THE NIGHT SOME GUY STRE! AKED NAKED THRU THE CLUB RAN OUTSIDE ONTO THE PATIO THE CLUB WAS ON THE SECOND FLOOR ABOVE A GREEK RESTAURANT. THE GUY JUMP OVER THE RAILING LANDED ON A CANOPY SLID DOWN THAT AND LANDED ON THE SIDEWALK RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE WHO WAS HAVING DINNER WITH HIS FAMILY. WE CAUGHT HELL FOR THAT ONE. ME AND ONE OF THE QUARTERMASTERS ON BOARD WERE IN CHARGE OF THE TWO SHIPS PARTY’S WE HAD . THE SECOND ONE WAS BETTER THAN THE FIRST ONE. I REMEMBERED I HAD TO MAKE SURE WE HAD PLENTY OF BOONS FARM FOR THE ENGINEERING DEPT. I GOT DISCHARGED IN ATHENS JULY OF 76 JUST BEFORE SHE WENT BACK TO THE STATES. I WOULD HAVE STAYED IN THE NAVY IF SHE HAD NOT GONE BACK. GREAT SHIP GREAT CREW GREAT TIMES. |
| Name : JEFF ALBERTA 16 Jun 2004 Rate/Rank : FC3-FC1 years onboard : 84-88 e-mail : jkalberta@aol.com Comments : PLANK OWNER OF THE MIGHTY CIWS SAW A LOT OF NAMES OF SHIPMATES I SERVED WITH BELEIVE IT OR NOT I AM RETIRING 21 JUNE AS A NCCS. 22 YEARS THE VERN IS STILL THE BEST AND WORST OF MEMORY'S OF THE NAVY. I WOULDN'T TRADE IT FOR ANYTHING NAMES I REMEMBER: JON ROSENBERG, SCOTT REID, ROD ROBERTS, TONY SHAKA,SCOTT CLEMENS( DID YOU GROW YOUR HAIR BACK), PAUL MARCHUK, CRAIG WILEY, KEN (RED HEAD) SLEDD, ZACK TYKACHUK, STEVE PIERCE, KEITH JERNIGAN. I'M SURE I WILL REMEMBER MORE NCCS(SW) ALBERTA Notes of Interest : FC3 - FC1 (SW) MED CRUISE 84 OCEAN SUFFERING 1985 MED CRUISE 86 HAITI, HONDURAS, CIRACUA, KEY WEST X 2, GUANTANAMO X 2, ROOSEVELT ROADS, |
| Name : Victor B. Munson 7 Jul 2004 Rate/Rank : RM2/E-5 years onboard : 69-71 e-mail : vbmunson@verizon.net Comments : This is a great page. Glad to see that a reunion is planned. Hope everyone who comes brings along a cruise book and other pictures. |
| Name : Bill Cook 9 Jul 2004 Rate/Rank : RM2 years onboard : 70-71 e-mail : wcook5@cox.net Comments : Great memories of a great crew. Fun times in Newport R.I. (PRECOM)and HP CHASN. I remember the following sailors from way back then (sorry if I left anyone out): CDR Stefferud, C.O. LCDR Dachos, X.O., LT. Jerry Schill, Commo, RMCS Charlie Schiavo, RM1 Gary Nunnenkamp, RM2 Bill Capen, RM2 Steeny Banks, RM3 Rudy Kiiken, RM3 Mike Sparrow, RM3 Duane Lyberg, RM3 Nick Pellechia, RM3 Dave Allured, RM3 Vic Munson, SM1 Paul Hurst, SM2 Artie Youngblood, SMSN Bowersock, EN3 Bob Niileksela and FN Gary Verriest. I think Chief Schiavo retired in 75 - got a letter from him when I was in Yokosuka. Last I heard Mr. Schill was CAPT. Schill. Don't know what happened to the rest of these fellows but wish them well just the same. Bill |
| Name : LARRY D. TURNER 10 Jul 2004 Rate/Rank : SM years onboard : 1969-1971 e-mail : PCT@GCRONLINE.COM Comments : I came out of the Great Lakes Boot Camp to the newly commissioned USS Vreeland in Rhode Island & became a plank owner of this ship. I remember the shake-down cruise & when we lost power going into the Cuban waters. Also, I remember the Wine Festival in Athens while on shore leave. What a great time!!! I have had contacts with fellow shipmates through E-Mail. I have even had the privilege of spending time with Mark Smith in Austin, Texas and talking with Dick Provost several times. I remember many good times on the USS Vreeland and I hope to see everyone at the reunion next year. Hopefully we will be able to contact Bill Seavey who was from Rhode Island & was in boot camp with me. I would love to hear from fellow shipmates. |
| Name : David E. Vreeland 19 Jul 2004 e-mail : d_vreeland@cybermesa.com Comments : An excellent resource on the web. I'm glad to see the U.S.S. Vreeland being remembered. |
| Name : Brasher, Michael 1 Aug 2004 Rate/Rank : DC-3 years onboard : 1990-1992 e-mail : michaelbrasher@cox.net Comments : I was aboard Vreeland from Nov. 1990 through Decommissioning in 1992. I now am out of the Navy and, living back in Texas. I would love to here from some of you guys and, remember when. I served with DCCS Burk, HTC Douquette, DC1 Hilliard, DC1 Cox, HT1 Pringle,MR1 Bobby, DC2 Dotten, DC3 Atkisson, DC3 Bollinger as well as some I cannot recall right now. Write back please. |
| Name : joe farrell 7 Aug 2004 Rate/Rank : smsn/sm3 years onboard : 79=82 e-mail : JTFARRE2001@YAHOO.COMH Comments : HEY GUYS, I WAS YOUNG AND DUMB...AND DRUNK MOST OF THE TIME...OBVIOUSLY, CAUSE I DON'T RECOGNIZE TO MANY NAMES.BUT I DO REMEMBER DJOUBITI.CAN'T SPELL IT THOUGH... MANY GOOD TIMES JOE FARRELL |
| Name : Ernest Tomberlin 10 Aug 2004 Rate/Rank : SM3 years onboard : 71-72 e-mail : ettom723@bellsouth.net Web URL : www.atlantawebservices.net Comments : Just finished reading the posts and brought back some memeories. I remember Glyfada and all the good times. I also remember some of the late nights downtown Athens. They had some bread which was sold on the street by a vendor. It was hard but it was good. I was reading about the GQ with the Russian ship close by. If I remember correctly, not sure, but I dont think that we had any of our weapons working at the time. Does anyone have any info on this. During my years on board the Vree and for several years after I was drinking rather heavy. I stopped drinking September 6, 1979 but it is hard sometimes to remember things from the drinking days. If anyone has any pictures drop me a line. I would like to get some to show my 9 grandchildren. Thanks Notes of Interest : I became involved with law enforcement in the Navy and served two years in Key West Florida in the mid 70's in a special unit with security. We only had a small group, usually 6, from different services (Army, Coast Guard) and we investigated things that NIS didn't. I retired as Chief of Police at NAS Atlanta in Feburay 1986. |
| Name : Robert Smith (SMITY) 10 Sep 2004 Rate/Rank : HT3 years onboard : 74-77 e-mail : whatsup252@hotmail.com Comments : Hello guys, Also, Yusso Many good memorys on the Vreeland, I felt like I kind of grew up on it after High School. Remember the New Years/Chritmas party in Athens 1974? And all of those Concerts in P'hilly?And the Beaches in Florida? |
| Name : Steven Rush 28 Sep 2004 Rate/Rank : FTG3 years onboard : 76-79 e-mail : sgrush@att.com Comments : First boarded ship in the Philly Ship yards while in drydock. Went on the UNITAS and Middle East "Longest Summer " cruises. Spent Christmas in Djibouti and New Years in the Suez Canal. Remember when the Vreeland had the best slow pitch softball team around. Anyone remember the adventure in Uraguay? Where's Mark Dorio? |
| Name : Scott Skodinski 29 Oct 2004 Rate/Rank : RMSN years onboard : 72-74 e-mail : quigleyak@aol.com Comments : Gosh, what a great site! I had forgotten alot of these things, but I remember them now, from the confrontation in GITMO with the Marines, (as I remember, there wasn't a dogging wrench left on the main deck!), to the "Picture taking safari with the Russian cruiser!" Great memories! I got out in '75, tried to come back in '82, but ended up in the Coast Guard for the next 16 years (I know, throw me over the side and drive me into the mud)! Retired from the service in '99. Still a Navy man at heart. Hello to all of my Vreeland shipmates. Hope to come to the reunion. Fair winds and following seas to all. |
| Name : Tim Kershner 6 Nov 2004 Rate/Rank : GMT3 years onboard : 69-72 e-mail : tpk21029@comcast.net Comments : Nobody yet has mentioned the very beginnings of the USS Vreeland. Well I guess I have an obligation. The New Orleans days before commissioning are still vivid in my memory. The Vreeland was built at the Avondale shipyard in Westwego, Louisiana and I was was one the 'nucleus' crew members assigned to the duty of watching the ship being built. Didn't know what that really meant at the time other than getting familiar with every square foot of the ship. So that's what we did. Every day we were bussed out to the shipyard from the Algiers Naval Station to walk around the ship and stay out of the way of the 'yardbirds' a.k.a. shipyard workers. We ate some great beans & rice with hushpuppies for lunch! If anybody out there remembers Ed Stringer, a Gunner's Mate I worked with and he drove the bus each day out to the shipyard, let me know. Had to steal some Navy fuel a couple times but all is forgotten, I hope. I drove it once and ran into an oncoming vehicle in New Orleans, the Navy bailed me out. OK, to skip ahead, we stood watches on the ship late at night while it was not even launched yet and they gave most of us the week off during Mardi Gras for some R&R. Not bad! What a party town!It came time to launch the Vreeland and set sail for Charleston. All that went smooth until we spotted a small boat adrift in the Bermuda triangle. The yardbirds hoisted it aboard but I don't know what happended to it after we got to Charleston. The creepy thing about it was that it's line was still coiled up in the boat and no sign of bubbles or any distress around the boat. If anybody else remembers that, let me know. I think one of you mentioned it. Got to Charleston and met up with Ken Worley, Larry Wade, Tim Brace, Phil Shufelt, Gravino, all the other Sonar Techs and Mesker. We had some great times in GITMO and the Med. I pulled SP duty in Naples and Athens. Had to drag some of you guys back to the motor whaleboat from the wine festival but I never had to use the nightstick or 45. Glad I didn't have to. I don't think I would have done it anyway.Well, I've rambled on enough. I hope to see some of the Nucleus crew at the reunion. Tim K. Please email me if you remember those pre-commision days. |
| Name : Darryl Melton 7 Nov 2004 Rate/Rank : DCFR/DC3 years onboard : 88-90 e-mail : dmelton@ddg-roosevelt.navy.mil Comments : Didn't see a whole lot of DC/HT on here. I am now a DCC currently stationed onboard USS ROOSEVELT DDG 80. It is my fourth ship and I must agree that my time on Vreeland certainly has given me the best memories. I remember all those crazy ST's listed in this site and a couple of old milestones that have not been mentioned. Like when I stood sounding and security mid-watch and would scare the crap out of all the ST's hangin' out on the fantail...why were they out on the fantail in the middle of the night?? They know why. How about the pier brawl in puerto rico with the Mount Whitney? I know Mr. Stallings (STG2 at the time) remembers that one. I also went to the Jets Miami game for Fleetweek in Miami and partied on the beach for two days after which we all crawled into a cab early monday morning and barely made it back to the ship. I have talked to STGC 'Dude' Reardon many times as we are both stationed out of Mayport. Anybody remember HT3 Smitty, HT2 Pickins, D!C2 Padilla, BM2 Shilkus. I too remember a few visits and drinks at the stabbin' cabin' I also remember being the only one sober enough to get us back to yards in Charleston one weekend. That was a long Monday. How almost every weekend Repair division ended up partying and pasted out at my place. Our old CMC BMCM 'Fred' Bennett retired and owned the flies tie pub then went on to open the brass anchor pub which is still located off Mayport road. He sold it last year and retired for real back in Pa. I remember in GITMO when he secured the whole bowling alley for Vreeland sailors only and we got trashed when REFTRA was over. Someone mentioned the Gold engineering 'E'I was the guy who got the priviledge of painting it on the bridge wing. |
| Name : Frank Splendorio 7 Nov 2004 Rate/Rank : STG1 ESWS years onboard : 82-87 e-mail : frank@greystokegifts.com Web URL : www.greystokegifts.com |
| Name : Thomas Wilkerson 18 Nov 2004 Rate/Rank : FTG3 years onboard : 69-70 e-mail : thomaswilkerson@gmail.com Comments : This is the only information I have found on the Vreeland. I have been looking for a few of the old crew especially those that were on the pre-commissioning duty in New Orleans. If any body knows David Peeler ST1, or Mack Horn FT1, Stanley Bouler FT2 or the information on the Chief Boatswain Mate that used to stand OOD watches on the bridge, please tell them I'm looking for them and I will be at the decommissioning in Charleston. Alt email : techtsar2000@yahoo.com tel: 636 356 1334 Many good miles on that old ship....enjoyed every one of them! |
| Name : Dennis E. Pickrell 24 Nov 2004 Rate/Rank : SK2 years onboard : 71-74 USS WILLIAM M. WOOD DD/DDR-715 e-mail : dennis_sk2@yahoo.com Web URL : www.dd715.com Comments : I was on the William Wood in Greece with the Vreeland. I have some pictures of the greek ships....I am webmaster for the william wood. I am at www.dd715.com. I am searching for the history of the ships from our greek years. |
| Name : Jim Steely 26 Nov 2004 Rate/Rank : MM3 Years Onboard : 1980-1984 e-mail : jim_steely@yahoo.com Comments : Hi shipmates! I found this site and knew eventually I would recognize some names. I remember Bud Morris and Big Al Bigham football player for NAVY. Some good people during those years. I (as well) as others was young and dumb. Drop me a line if you remember. |