Oriskany Guestbook

Welcome to my Guestbook!

William Powell - 09/28/99 03:34:24
My Email:CadmanL2@aol.com

Comments:
Aboard the Big "O" from Feb 1964 to Feb 1966. Great Memories!

JIM JULIUS - 09/24/99 00:28:41
My Email:lhju@webtv.net

Comments:
Just visiting, looking for a cousin of mine Jerry Despard, who was killed in 66 67. I thought is was aboard the 34 thanks

Thomas McCullough - 09/21/99 16:21:20
My Email:Thommc@nortelnetworks.com

Comments:
I served on the Oriskany from 1963-1966 as a Hospital Corpsman.

Billy Ray Houston - 09/21/99 02:59:05
My Email:prosperity@abts.net

Comments:
I was on the Oriskany 1965-1969 Who are you? Do you know of any other ship mates I can get in touch with? Billy R.Houston prosperity@abts.net

Ellwood Guy Gray BT2 - 09/20/99 02:26:37
My Email:mgrpgray@erols.com

Comments:
I was a Top Watch in Boiler Room 3 when I left the Mighty "O" in 68. During 1966 I was a BT 3 in the same Boiler Room. On October 26 I was the lead on a Fire and Rescue Party. I spent the next ten weeks in the hospital at Subic Bay with a broken vertebae in my neck. I went to visit her in the bone yard at Bremerton in 93, and now I see that she is actually being towed to a scrap yard in Corpus Cristy. I am going to miss her, I nearly died on her, but it makes me sad to see her go.

Robert Knight - 09/19/99 14:20:43
My Email:sbknight@cvn.net

Comments:
I wasn't ship's company, but I was a 3rd Class Quartermaster on the staff of Commander Carrier Division 7 (ComCarDiv7) during Oriskany's WesPac trip in 1960. A career journalist, I now teach English and journalism at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. Would love to hear from some other folks on that cruise.

John M. Weiss (Weasel) - 09/15/99 07:05:51
My Email:jweiss3672@aol.com

Comments:
OI div, CIC Radarman 2nd On board Oriskany 1963 thru 1966.

B.K. Chadwell (USMC) - 09/14/99 03:50:13
My Email:brn59vette@aol.com

Comments:
B.K. CHADWELL - USMC 1959-1969 - USS ORISKANY 1965 VMA 212 (A MARINE FIGHTER SQUADRON). AWARDED PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION FOR COMBAT ACTION WHILE FLYING COMBAT MISSIONS OFF THE USS ORISKANY IN THE NORTH CHINA SEA. COMMANDER STOCKDALE, THEN CAG, (CARRIER AIR GROUP COMMANDER) SHOT DOWN, INTERNNED IN HANOI ILTON. STOCKDALE HAS CURRENT BOOK AND TELEVISION ACCOUNTS OF ORDEAL.

DOUGLAS L. ANDERSON - 09/13/99 21:57:14
My Email:DOUG_ANDERSON @DINGLEY.COM

Comments:
MANY GREAT MEMORIES. I SERVED ABOARD THE MIGHTY "O" AS AN AIRDALE ASSIGNED TO VF-194. I ALSO HAD THE HONOR OF MAKING HER LAST CRUISE BEFORE SHE WAS DECOMMISSIONED. THANKS !

DOUGLAS L. ANDERSON - 09/13/99 21:56:37
My Email:DOUG_ANDERSON @DINGLEY.COM

Comments:
MANY GREAT MEMORIES. I SERVED ABOARD THE MIGHTY "O" AS AN AIRDALE ASSIGNED TO VF-194. I ALSO HAD THE HONOR OF MAKING HER LAST CRUISE BEFORE SHE WAS DECOMMISSIONED. THANKS !

rocky - 09/08/99 00:36:07
My Email:rocky415@albemarlenet.com

Comments:
My father, Horald M. Hughes, Lt., served aboard the USS Oriskany, during the Korean Conflict, '52-'54. He would have liked this site......enjoyed it.....thanks.....rocky

Rocky - 09/07/99 23:46:03
My Email:rocky415@albemarlenet.com

Comments:
My father served on the USS Oriskany, 52-54, in Korea. He loved this ship, I wish he could have lived to see this sight. Very good sight.......

TERRY WARD - 09/07/99 03:40:48
My Email:TLADDYBUCK@CS.COM

Comments:
VERY NICE WEBSITE I WAS ABOARD THE BIG O FOR THE 72-73 CRUISE. WAS A BM2 AND LPO OF 2ND DIV.

Nick Stokes - 09/02/99 05:11:05
My Email:stokes@net66.com

Comments:
Great site! I served on the Oriskany from '68 to '71. I was in E div., in the lighting shop and flight deck lighting. I would enjoy hearing from any of my old friends.

Michael W. Davis - 08/27/99 03:13:29
My Email:cva34davis@aol.com

Comments:
I served aboard the big "O" 1963 - 1966. V-1 Div.: First Cruise, Fly 1 plane handeler; Second Cruise, Elevator Operator Fly 1; Third Cruise, Phone Talker in Fight Deck Control, coordinated aircraft movement on Flight Deck & Hanger Deck, worked for LCDR Th mas J. Cassidy... I would like to find more "V-1" shipmates: Paul A. Meyers,(Naperville, Ill), Gary Nelson, Buzz, Calderwood and a guy we called "Country"... Thanks, Mike Davis... (Joined USN from Sunnyvale, Calif.) Update: * Aug.'99: I have found two (V-1 Div,)shipmates thru this WEB site: George Steer & Dan (Gomer) Pyle... We are in contact by e-mail...

Mike Oratowski - 08/26/99 22:12:18
My Email:oratowski@aol.com

Comments:
OE Division (ETN-3) 1964 - 1967. Worked on ECM in CIC, installed the closed circuit TV system. Remember the 1MC call 10/26/66, "This is a drill, This is a Drill, Fire A 105 M . Belay the last This is not a drill, fire A 105 M . General Quarters." Never h ard the results of Naval Investigation. Got 65 cruise book and a lot of pictures from the bars in Olongapo, Zambales, P.I. Great Job Larry. I've got some 8mm videos I need to convert to tape. When I do I'll let you know.

Tony Burciaga - 08/26/99 05:40:51
My Email:tblongchange@hotmail.com

Comments:
Great Site! Served on the Big "o" 3-69/5-72 in #1 fireroom and in the Oil Shack. Any other Snipes out there?

jeff smith - 08/24/99 20:28:20
My Email:jsscrubby

Comments:
TO ALL: I HONOR YOUR SERVICE TO THIS COUNTRY,AND WHAT YOU DID ON THAT HORRIBLE DAY. MY FATHER LCDR JAMES A SMITH WAS KILLED THAT SAME DAY,I AM GLAD TO SEE THAT THERE IS A MEMORIAL PAGE IN HIS HONOR. I THANK YOU ALL FOR KEEPING THEIR MEMORIES ALIVE SO THAT NO ONE WILL EVER FORGET. SINCERELY JEFF SMITH (SON)

Grant Wise - 08/24/99 11:39:05

Comments:
What has happened to the ship. I heard it was due in texas to be scrapped on august the 10 ?

Steven Bissell - 08/22/99 17:14:20
My Email:bissell151&cs.com

Comments:
I am a volunteer aboard the USS Hornet, CV12, and am doing research about other ESSEX class carriers. I have always been fasinated by the Oriskany because of her great service during Vietnam. My first girl friend, Linda Tays, father served on her as well.

Jean "Stormy" Rainville, jr. - 08/18/99 22:37:22

Comments:
My address is 1820 R.W. Berends Dr. S.W. Apt. 4, Wyoming, Mich. 49509-4959 Looking for James Sider and or George James. Anyone knowing of their whereabouts, please let me know.I'm looking for them. Any other crew members from G-div, from 63-67 are welcome to write

Lee Puckett - 08/15/99 05:27:28
My URL:web.beol.net/leesweb
My Email:lpuckett@megsinet.net

Comments:
1962....Were you on the Oriskany then? If so, many Oriskany Veterans, including myself, would like to know what role the Oriskany played in the crisis and what it was like to have been there on the brink of World War Three while I was in boot camp in SD The location, mission and actions of the Oriskany are conspicuously absent from all written history of the ship It would be nice if an Oriskany Veteran of 1962 would step forward and enlighten the rest of us so we can all fill in these important blank pages of our great ship's history Lee Puckett, G-div / air ordnance, ships company / 64/65/66 lpuckett@megsinet.net (website) web.beol.net/leesweb

Edwin Galyean - 08/15/99 00:27:10
My Email:egalyean@yahoo.com

Comments:
AO3-VA164 Ghost Riders, WestPac 1966 and 1967

James St.John - 08/12/99 15:54:04
My Email:jwstjohn@mail1.scottsboro.org

Comments:
I made the 66-67 westpac trip on the mighty O,glad to see its still around!!

Charlie Helton - 08/08/99 14:34:07
My Email:c-dhelton@juno.com

Comments:
You're story was pretty accurate as I recall it. I was an OBA team leader. Sure brought back a lot of memories. I was on the "Mighty O" from Dec.65 to July, 68. Going to the reunion this year? Will be my first and I will try my best to be there. Gla to find your site. Take care.

CDR William R. Coons - 08/03/99 20:30:05
My Email:wcoons@aol.com

Comments:
The Mighty "O" is to be towed up the Neches River near my home the week of August 9 for anchoring in the Reserve Fleet south of Beaumont, TX. I served on her in 1952-55.

Richard H.King - 08/02/99 18:14:44
My URL:http://KING12534@aol,COM
My Email:kING12534

Comments:
Was aboard the Oriskany from 4/51 to ll/54. Saw many interestaing things happen while aboard and many ports of call too.

Doug Carlson - 07/31/99 21:11:13
My Email:dougcarlson@carolina.rr.com

Comments:
I was on the Oriskany from March - December 1970 for the WestPac Cruise. I was an ATR-2 working in the ECM shop with AIMD detachment from VA-153. Nice site.

George Bolis - 07/31/99 00:38:55
My Email:gmbolis@bellatlantic.net

Comments:
I spent very exciting and very different three years aboard the Mighty "O". Cruises of 65, 66 and 67. I was assigned to "G" Division in 66 and "S-6" for the 66 & 67 cruises. Three years out of my twenty three year Naval Career that I will never forget. I visited the ole gal last year in Ocotber right after the reunion and it brought tears to my eyes. One of my neighbor's sons is on temporary assignment from Hampton Roads with the DOD Federal Police and was at the time assigned to Mare Island. I had the chance of a life time. He took me onboard for a short visit. I took several pictures of her for memories of what was. Anyone know the where abouts of a supply officer named Lt. J.P. Davidson. He was Ltjg Copple replacement after his death in 66. Any and all crew members are more than welcome to contact me at anytime.

Michael W. Davis - 07/30/99 22:06:29
My Email:davis.michael@ulinear.com

Comments:
Served 65-66 C-R division. Thanks for the page hope to see some of my old freinds on it.

Robert Reno RM3J - 07/30/99 17:38:35
My Email:janreno

Comments:

George Smith - 07/26/99 00:38:07
My Email:els8910@aol.com

Comments:
Nice web site. I served onboard the Oriskany from 1960-1963 in the OI division as a radarman. I have a book of photo's from the far east cruise of 1962 and would be happy to scan in some of these and send for posting if interested. Regards

Janice Iarrobino Baldwin - 07/24/99 17:45:25
My Email:eyore24@msn.com

Comments:
My father and my uncle were in command of the Oriskany. My father was in command during the fire.I believe that not a day goes by when the memory of that day does not go through his mind. In all my life I have never met a more honest man In memory of his ife aboard Oriskay and all the other lives who were changed forever by this ship and its men I believe that Oriskay should be preserved and honored by Americans everywhere..our sense of country is getting beyond our reach and we do need something permanen to remind us of whence we came. thank you

Jim Fackler - 07/23/99 14:37:22
My Email:jwfackler@hotmail.com

Comments:
The web site is great, will have to visit in the future. I was on the West Pac tour in 1971 attached to VA 215 as a plane caption for a A7 Cousair. Alot of memories of times on the flight deck.

Dave Smith - 07/15/99 18:36:11
My Email:DSmith3721@aol.com

Comments:
Thank you for this FANTASTIC web page. My father, LCDR James A. Smith, died in that fire. My family and I would love to get in contact with anyone who knew our dad. I also want to thank all those brave men who fought and served for our country. You are all the true heroes in this world.

JAN KORDELASINSKI - 07/11/99 21:01:38
My Email:janbarb99@aol.com

Comments:
served with VF-192 aboard mar-sept 1955 cruise.rate was AOAN.Would like to hear from anyone on that cruise.

Leslie Underwood - 07/05/99 23:02:09
My Email:gimpy4@webtv.net

Comments:
I served aboard the Oriskany from mid '64 to jan 67 in V-2 div. arresting gear. I have been trying to find an old friend of mine who was also in V-2. His name is Gordon E. Woods. He was transfered to the USS Constellation a little while before the fire. I hope someone can help me find him. thank you

WAYNE DUNCAN,BM3 - 07/03/99 20:24:29
My Email:www.manz@speed1.net

Comments:
Was aboard the "O" from August 1967 until December 10, 1970. Served until the fall of 1968 in 1st Division until I made BM3 and transfered to 3rd Division. Viewing this site brings back many memories, mostly fond in nature. Anyone with whom I served, p ease contact me, I would love to hear from you.

Curt Becker, Sr. - 07/02/99 18:52:37
My URL:http://curtsr@erols.com
My Email:Curt.Becker@isa.com

Comments:
Stationed on Oriskany from mid 1963 to mid 1964. Was a DS1 assigned to OE division in the NTDS Transmission Group. Worked for DSC Harry Graves. Remember the trip south to Vietnam at flank speed with the Rowan DD-? in company. Was a MIGHTY Ship.

Stan Hawkins - 07/01/99 03:54:16
My URL:http://www.lcc.net/~shawkins/orisk.htm
My Email:stan@handhtelecom.com

Comments:
Great site. I enjoyed looking through the guest book entries.

Kevin Wills - 07/01/99 03:49:36
My Email:Bigin@davesworld.net

Comments:
I had a frind who served on the "O" in 1975-76-77 we went to take our Navy Physicals together in Chicago. He PASSED...I..DIDNT, we had hoped to serve together on a CARRIER...of some kind. i kept track of him..he got aboard the "O"... he said he enjoyed the travel, but wished i would have been there also. We came from a town of 500..total population. We wanted to see the world!!!... least 1 of us did. Now the "O" is DECOMD. i feel sad ..i know some of the history that the "O" played.. in the conflicts which she served.. people who were lost... and people who were stationed aboard at the time that HISTORY was being made.. TO ALL WHO SERVED FROM ALL YEARS IN ALL CONFLICTS ALL WHO ARE THE "SONS OF THE "O".. AND MATES 1 & ALL.. TO THE "O" WE WILL ALWAYS BE HONOR BOUND...!! REST IN PEACE "O"... GOD KNOWS YOU DESERVE IT.. AND YOU EARNED IT... BUT YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!!

Jim Rossbach - 06/30/99 21:51:26
My URL:http://www.DD950.cjb.net
My Email:DD950@Mailcity.com

Comments:
Great site you have here! We are looking for shipmates and friends of the ex-USS Richard S. Edwards DD-950. Please join us at our online photo album at www.DD950.cjb.net . Then add your name to the crew list and sign the guest book at the www.DD950.com W b site. A small West Coast mini-reunion is being planned at the DD-951 Turner Joy in Bremerton, WA for late August or early Sept. 1999. The main DD-950 reunion is scheduled for June 2000. Full information is available at the www.DD950.com Web site. Or write me at: Jim Rossbach, POB 513, Port Angeles, WA 98362. The Voicemail number is: 1-888-TELEBOT, then Ext. 417-2190 Please help find our ex-shipmates by copying or printing and posting this message to other bulletin boards you visit.

Gerald Nichols - 06/24/99 20:39:37
My Email:GewraldRC@worldnet.att.net

Comments:
Read your story concerning the fire, disagree about some of your facts. The flares came from a download of A-4's that did not launch the night before due to weather. We were not towed into Subic, we were always under our own power. I was in HC-1 Det Golf, helo crew, and assisted fighting the fire from the flight deck. Four of the Officers lost in the fire were in our detachment. Otherwise, outstanding page. G. Nichols, AFCM retired.

Ed Turberg - 06/22/99 20:56:06
My Email:ETurberg@aol.com

Comments:
OI Division. I reported aboard on April/26/1963 at San Diego and disembarked 6/29/1966 from the Philippines. What a great experience it was being aboard that great grey ship--though I did not think so at the time. Years later, my wife and I sailed aboa d the QE-2--I wanted to see what a 900-foot ship would look like NOT painted grey! We attended the 1997 reunion in Charleston, SC where four of us CIC men and our wives got reacquained. Since we'd all aged about the same over time, we saw no difference rom the dashing sailors we were ages ago. Now, 50 of us have been located via the internet, so I'm looking forward to the 1999 San Antonio reunion, where fellow OI-er, Ray "Boats" Dietrich, has been assisting at the helm. Hope to find the rest of you C C staff someday.

Gerry BIll - 06/15/99 02:56:13
My Email:gerrybill@earthlink.net

Comments:
Great !

Frank Cajar - 06/13/99 03:32:35
My Email:epmodem@gbis.com

Comments:
I was an AE striker in 66 with VA-163. Made the '66 and '67 cruises. Will never forget waking up to the Fire/General Quarters alarm and our compartment on the 02 level aft filling up with smoke right after that. Helped wherever I could pushing aircraft to the elevators and tossing bombs over the side. Standing on the pier at Subic watching the 44 coffins being put on the plane for the journey home. A sad time then and now. On a lighter note, does anyone remember Connie Francis' concert in Bay 1 during the 67 cruise? I was TDY to MAA Div. and escorted her to the stage. Had a radio show on KRIS.. the "Club 34". Managed to get aboard one more time in Mare Island 2 May 99. Will never forget coming over the brow into Hangar Bay 2 and the absolute silence... tru y the end of an era. To all who were attached to Ship's Company or the Air Wings, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY, and WELCOME HOME!

Gracian Hulsey - 06/06/99 04:59:39
My Email:Graciang@aol.com

Comments:
I was abord the Big O when the fire broke out. I was an EN2 at that time and was just about to get off the midnight watch in the steering room. I remember the general quarters allert came in the intercom. I knew I was not a drill because smoke was commin down our vents so we had to shut it off. Not long after the allert the controls from the conning tower and the steering room was lost so we had to steer manually. It got mighty warm down there with no ventulation. It was also a very long day that I will never forget. It was hard being below deck and not knowing what was going on top side. The officers tahat were station in the piolit house were very concerned about our wellfare they would ask how we were doing.

Larry Burnosky - 06/05/99 07:14:16
My Email:lburn@earthlink.net

Comments:
I served with OE division in 65 and 66. Brings back many fond memories. Great site.

Willie Rumph-2004424-USMC - 06/04/99 15:09:16
My Email:Willie.Rumph@FEPOPSCTR.BCBCNCA.com

Comments:

Tom Mc Clard - 06/03/99 03:08:15
My Email:tommcclard@earthlink.net

Comments:
I was on the 1965 WESPAC cruise. The BIG O was a great ship!!

John Castelvetro - 05/23/99 23:52:34
My Email:casstwins@cybertours.com

Comments:
I served aboard the"Mighty O" from August 1969-March 1973. I made 4 WestPac cruises. I was a BMSN in 3rd division. My friend (whom I haven't seen in many years)led me to this web site. He and I served on her 2 years together. I think that she was the fine t ship in the fleet. Would like to hear from other 3rd div. shipmates that served with me and know me as Papa Cass. Thanks again for this web site it brings back good memories.

jud whitaker - 05/22/99 04:33:15
My Email:ibjud1@netscape.net

Comments:
AO-3 VA-164 I REMEMBER DUMPING BOMB CARTS OVER THE SIDE,THAT WERE IN FRONT OF THE FLARE LOCKER, THAT WERE SO HOT. NOW THAT I THINK ABOUT IT,I NEVER DID TELL ANY ONE ABOUT WHAT I DID,AND NO ONE ASKED. AT THE TIME IT JUST DIDNT SEEM IMPORTANT. I KNOW I'L NEVER FORGET IT.

William D. Pyle - 05/18/99 04:53:14
My Email:dpyle@ados.com

Comments:
I was on the "O" from Nov. 1964 to Aug 1966. V-1 div. It's great to see the Oriskany again.

Gary Schurr - 05/17/99 05:35:10
My Email:gcschurr@ix.netcom.com

Comments:

Harry L. McGee - 05/16/99 17:58:21
My Email:HMcGee3004@aol.com

Comments:
Served on board in Second Division from 1962-65, keep up the good work. Would like to hear from ex. shipmates.

TOM THOMPSON - 05/15/99 00:59:45
My URL:http://USA.BPTHOMPSON.USACHOICE.COM
My Email:BPTHOMPSOB

Comments:
Big "O" 66-69, "G" Division, 3rd deck. 66-67 Hanger deck, 67 Gun pods. Part of 68 same. Rest of the tour on flight deck. Discharged Dec 69.

Bob HR "Fats" Parker - 05/14/99 18:46:40
My Email:jlabianc@eli.net

Comments:
Kreitzer, Galante, Kinzley and the rest of VMF212 "KNOT HEADS." Where are you?

David M. Lamphier - 05/13/99 23:02:07
My Email:DLamph1045@aol.com

Comments:
I served on the "O" from 65 to 69. It was the finest duty I had in the 24 years I spent in the NAVY.

Ron Boyce - 05/13/99 12:20:57
My Email:re_boyce@bellsouth.net

Comments:
Great site, served aboard Oriskany from Nov. 54 till Dec. 55.

Kimberly D. Marr - 05/13/99 10:47:50
My Email:erintippin@provide.net

Comments:
I'm hoping someone out there can help me. For several years now I have been wearing a POW/MIA bracelet bearing the name of ATC Roland R. Pineau, who was presumably killed in a E1B crash while serving on the USS Oriskany, 10-8-67. Just this week I officia ly "adopted" him through Operation Just Cause. I am in the process of creating a tribute page for him on my personal home page and am looking for more info on him. If anyone knew him back then, please e-mail me. I want him to be more than just a name to m and those who view my homepage. Any assistance you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Jack Westley(DC3) - 05/11/99 21:24:20
My Email:CINDIWESI@AOL.COM

Comments:
LOOKING FOR R DIVISION PERSONNEL ON BOARD FROM 1964 TO 1967.

james hartman - 05/11/99 17:09:45
My Email:jhartmanhfn@yahoo.com

Comments:
I recently read an associated press report that the uss oriskany is being towed to texas to be cut apart for scrap. certainly the most important warship of the vietnam war deserves a better fate. i wrote my us senator barbara boxer not really knowing any other course of action. i am not a vietnam vet but do very much care about preserving our history. is there a group or groups of vets that can organize QUICKLY for a letter writing campaign or w atever action a group takes to save their ship? james hartman jhartmanhfn@yahoo.com

Forrest L Allen ADJ1 USN Ret - 05/10/99 03:47:03
My Email:forrest@intercomm.com

Comments:
I am happy to know the lady is still rembered. I was attaached to VF 162 during 65,66,and 67. I was attached to the MAA Div.when the fire occured. The forward section of the ship was my station.I am glad our lost ship mates are not forgotten.

Larry Lefoy - 05/09/99 16:34:24
My Email:llefoy@msn.com

Comments:
This is a test.

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