| Date |
Name |
Email |
City |
State |
Comments |
| 05/02/2006 |
Jim Gaspard "Doc" |
jgaspard@behringerharvard.com |
Dallas |
Texas |
Welcome to the USS Mazama AE-9 website. Launching Tuesday May 2, 2006. |
| 05/02/2006 |
Darrell Nelson |
vike40@charter.net |
Red Wing |
MN |
I was an EN1 in M Div. on board from March 1966 to June 1967.Made the west pac cruise and the yards in Staten Island. Became a shell back and have many fond memories of the ship. I went on to make ENC and retired in 1977. Looking forward to more reunions and meeting old shipmates. |
| 05/03/2006 |
Jim Reed |
Moonshiner419@aol.com |
Clay City |
Indiana |
BT-3 "A" Div. 1962-66--Thank you Guys for this website--It will be 40 yrs 12/21/66 was the last time i was on the Mity Mazy--was the best old girl i ever served on ---hoping to be at the next reunion-- |
| 05/03/2006 |
David H. Anderson |
Anderson3756@aol.com |
Lyme |
CT |
BM-3 2ND DIVISION ROUND THE WORLD /NAM |
| 05/03/2006 |
Herman C. Smith |
herman_3072@comcast.net |
Rexmont |
Pennsylvania |
BM2, First Division 1961 to 1963 Recommissioned ship in Chester Pa. |
| 05/03/2006 |
Reilly, E. EN2 |
edreilly@att.net |
Whitehouse Station |
NJ |
Guys...Outstanding Job! I had tears streaming down my face looking at all those pics...Thanks for the Memories!!! |
| 05/03/2006 |
William BM3 Gohde |
Gohde4u@aol.com |
Weehawken/Hoboken |
New Jersey |
1ST AND 2ND DIV, CAPAINS GIG, LOTS OF GREAT FRIENDS,GREAT MEMORIES,, DOC THANKS U DID A WONDERFUL JOB, YOUR PAL BILL GOHDE |
| 05/04/2006 |
John (Jay) Middleton |
jpm48@hotmail.com |
Ocean Isle Beach |
NC |
I did the WestPac cruise on the Mazy from 3/69-12/69. Last off the ship when it was decomissioned 5/70. Started out in Deck Division-wound up in Ship's Office by the end of the cruise. Was there till we "closed her down". |
| 05/04/2006 |
Rick Becker |
rickbtoo@yahoo.com |
Cedar Falls |
Iowa |
GREAT JOB on the web site , Doc, Thank You! I was EN3 in M-Div On board from 1965 to 1967. I made the 1966 World / WestPac cruise. The site brings back many memories ! |
| 05/06/2006 |
Rich DiMase |
popa146@yahoo.com |
Jersey City |
New Jersey |
BM-3 1st Div.67-69 It's been a long time.Brings back memories. |
| 05/09/2006 |
Jerry King |
dd694@adelphia.net |
San Dimas |
California |
Great Page! I have linked you to the AESA. Smooth Sailing! |
| 05/14/2006 |
Jim Gaspard (Doc) 1966-1968 |
jgasp95@aol.com |
Dallas |
Texas |
Darrell.....your video is now up and running in several 10 minute segments on the "Video" link of USS Mazama homepage. Enjoy! Thanks for the foresight to record this in 8mm and later transfer to VHS narrate with music. It makes our site special over the others. Doc |
| 05/16/2006 |
Ed Schardein |
edschar817@wateroak.cc |
Lady Lake |
Fl |
Came aboard in 1961 at Chester, Pa. when the Mazama was recommissioned. I a WO1 and was assigned as MPA. I later moved up to Lt (jg) and Lt. Was Engineering officer for 2 years before leaving in 1965 for shore duty as Brig Officer at NAS Jacksonville, Fl. The Mazama was one hell of a good ship and the duty was great..many fond memories. This web page is one of the best I've seen, keep it up. |
| 05/17/2006 |
Joe Price |
djprice@gotricounty.com |
Washington |
North Carolina |
FA-EM3. First duty station in 1968 - Decommish . WesPac in 69. Didn't know how proud I would be of those guys so long ago. Proud to have been a part of a great history. |
| 05/19/2006 |
Jim Windhausen |
jimwind@comcast.net |
Bowie |
Maryland |
Lt.(jg) 1963 - 1965 |
| 05/21/2006 |
Robert Kuchar |
hdpapa@aol.com |
Deweyville |
Texas |
I seved aboard Mazama 1966-68 as EM-3 this site sure brings back lots of memories. Hope to make the reunion this year and see some old shipmates. |
| 05/30/2006 |
Mary Ann Reuter |
companis@comcast.net |
Jersey City |
NJ |
Dear Doc, My son wanted to do a book report on his grandfather and the USS Mazama. After emailing several retired sailors that had been on board the ship at different times, I was led by several extremely nice men to this website. It made me proud to realize what a wonderful service he made to his country. Please add him to your roster. Charles J. Wertswa Deceased in 69, Served @43-47 |
| 06/02/2006 |
Ralph Hann |
consultone1@comcast.net |
West Simsbury |
CT |
Served on Mazama in WWII 1944 - 1945. I submitted a name for the memorial page a couple of days ago. I just checked and did not see it there but I did see a new name Charles Wertswa. The name I submitted is Edward Marsh. Ed was my shipmate and the bowman on our #1 Motor Launch when I was the motor launch Coxswain. Ed was in Division 1 as a S 1/c and was killed when we were hit by a Japanese Kamikaze Submarine on January 12, 1945. He was the only sailor ever killed on the Mazama during WWII. Let me know if you need more info. I registered myself a few days ago after being contacted by Bill Gohde. I served on the Mazama from 9/44 to 5/45. Regards, Ralph Hann |
| 06/02/2006 |
Ralph Hann |
consultone1@comcast.net |
West Simsbury |
CT |
I am very proud of being a crew member of the Mazama. I know it was a long time ago when we were 17 and 18 years old with so much responsibility. Running the winch on #3 hatch transferring all that ammo and being Coxswain of the motor launch I think back to those days and wonder how the hell did we ever do it? Edward Marsh was my best friend when he was killed that day 1-12-45. If it had not been for me doing the midnight to 0400 watch I probably would have been with him. It was all Division 1 guys that got hurt. I slept in until GQ when I got up and headed for the ladder to go topside to my gun when the explosion hit and knocked me ass over end down the ladder and against the bulkhead. I was a bit out of it and got myself up and to topside not realizing I had hurt my left leg. I refused the Purple Heart at the time as I felt I did not want to be considered a hero. As it went I was hurting until we got back to the states a few months later and then they shipped me to a naval hospital at Treasure Island. I then ended up at St. Albans Naval Hospital in New York where I was discharged 18 months later. A couple of years out of the navy they had to operate on my leg and take a piece of bone out of it. The VA took care of this.Well I look forward to seeing so much more on your site. By the way the videos are terrific and bring back a lot of memories.Best regards and thanks for recognizing Ed he would have loved it. He was a great shipmate and friend |
| 06/04/2006 |
Rick Becker |
ricktoo@yahoo.com |
Cedar Falls |
Iowa |
Ralph Hann, Hello from a fellow Mazama shipmate, I'm Rick Becker, age 60, from Cedar Falls, Iowa. I served on the Mazama from 1965 to 1967, I was aboard for the 1966 WestPac/World cruise. I was a EN3 in Mdiv. Most of my responsibility was as throttleman, I kept the ol Nordberg main engines at speed.I read your letter to Doc Gaspard about your experience and the loss of your fellow shipmate aboard Mazama in WW2. I saw the patch on the hull when the ship was in the yards in 1967.Below is a report from the USS Current ARS-22 that came to the assistance of Mazama when it was hit by the torpedo.I found it here............. http://www.geocities.com/jimvasko_94555/history.htm.............. I'm glad you found the web site, Jim did a great job putting it together, although most of the content is from our generation, I'm sure Jim would welcome input from other shipmates from other eras. I have attached some pics I have.Thank you again for your service,Feel free to email me anytime, where are you located? Rick Becker |
| 06/06/2006 |
Ralph Hann |
consultone1@comcast.net |
West Simsbury |
CT |
Check out the website under the ammo ship explosions and you will see the Mazama mentioned. Larry is going to put up the Mazama picture as soon as he can. It is hats off to you for getting the recognition the Mazama so deserved. Thank you for a job well done.Ralph |
| 06/11/2006 |
Gerald "Jerry" Busic |
PBRLST786@VERIZON.NET |
Holtsville |
New York |
EN-3 in Main Engineroom...come to ship in Staten Island Ship Yard, then took the Med Cruise...Was on ship from 02/09/67 to 04/30/68...Someone did a very good job on this site...Well done...I had never seen the Med cruise book...Boy did I really ever look that young... |
| 06/18/2006 |
Paul Hartford |
sarahhartford@yahoo.com |
Monroe |
NE |
EN2 May 1963-Dec 1966 |
| 06/21/2006 |
Jose Orengo |
orengoj@coned.com |
Staten Island |
New York |
YN3-Ships Office-1967 |
| 06/26/2006 |
Daniel Johnson |
djohnson480@adelphia.net |
Copley |
Ohio |
Gunners Mate GMG3 1967 - 1969 |
| 06/28/2006 |
Paul F. Palladeno |
ragman@mobis.com |
Mobile |
Alabama |
Member of the Re-Commissioning Crew, Sun Ship Yards, Chester, Pennsylvania, 1961. BM3, 2nd Division. Took part in the Cuban Blockade in the Fall of 1962. Separated from the Service April 1963 |
| 06/30/2006 |
James Huntsberger |
JJHUNTZ2U@AOL.COM |
Montana |
Wisconsin |
Glad to have served aboard...Nam Tour.....made many good friends, thanks for the web site |
| 07/06/2006 |
Harold W. Motte |
hmotte@sc.rr.com |
Florence |
South Carolina |
Served 1966-68, RM2, Operations |
| 07/07/2006 |
Jerry & Beverly King |
dd694@adelphai.net |
San Dimas |
California |
Was aboard the USS Wrangell AE-12 in 1945. Have been active with the AESA since they started in 1999. Jerry |
| 07/07/2006 |
Jim Reed |
moonshiner419@aol.com |
Mishawaka |
Indiana |
You guys did one heck of a job on this web site-It keeps drawing me back here-I'm glad that we are finding the old crew-thank you all again. Jim Reed, BT-3, 1962-66, made Nam/round the world cruise |
| 07/08/2006 |
Herman C. Smith |
herman_3072@comcast.net |
Rexmont |
Pennsylvania |
BM2, 1st Division, recommissioning 1961-63 |
| 07/09/2006 |
Jack Sheeran |
JPS354@aol.com |
North Clarendon |
Vermont |
Doc you did a terrific job. You brought back a lot of memories. I served on the Mazama 1967-69 in A Div - EN3 |
| 07/10/2006 |
Harold Motte |
hmotte@sc.rr.com |
Florence |
South Carolina |
Hi doc, I am glad to see a Mazama website go up, it really is good. I have enjoyed seeing the pics of a lot of the guys and enjoying the memories the web site brought back to me. As one result of the web site going up, I have been in contact with Al Marcantoniao, the barber, we were friends. He is planning on a trip down here to SC and we will probably see each other after over 25 years. Thanks for your effort in keeping the Mazama and her history alive. Those POD's really made me laugh - especially one about not having contact with anyone from a communist block country, then the movie that night was WELCOME STRANGER. That was a funny one. Thanks again Harold Motte RM2 1966-68 |
| 07/27/2006 |
Tom Shumaker |
tshumaker@heartlandsettlement.com |
Reading |
Pennsylvania |
Ltjg - 3rd Division 1969-70 |
| 07/27/2006 |
John Weaver |
johnjweaversra@sbcglobal.net |
Kent |
Ohio |
I was an EN3 and EN2 in M Div. from Sept.1967 through Mar. 1970. I came aboard in Malta during Med Cruise and stayed aboard till after 69 WestPac Cruise. This is a great site, brought back many memories, thanks for doing it Doc. |
| 11/09/2007 |
Bob Curtis |
awaywego2003@hotmail.com |
Maumee |
Ohio |
Came aboard for the '69 Westpac as a snipe in "M" Div. stayed on thru the decommish. It was all quite an adventure. Great site. |
| 12/03/2007 |
Philip Exman |
philipexman@yahoo.com |
So. St. Paul |
Minnesota |
SM3 aboard the Mazie from December 1962, to Spring of 1965. I was also QM for a short time |
| 12/22/2007 |
Robert Singer |
singerr@bellsouth.net |
Stanfield |
North Carolina |
EN-3 Eng.Div. on board from 1962-1965 |
| 01/08/2008 |
John White |
john.white2@navy.mil |
Washington DC |
|
Just visiting... |
| 01/10/2008 |
Richard Cratty |
rcratty@tampabay.rr.com |
New Port Richey |
FL |
Lt. Served as Operations Officer 1955 to 1957 |
| 01/28/2008 |
James Crawford |
alicia.jim68@yahoo.com |
Hudson |
FL |
FTG2/3rd Division Aug. '68 to April '70 |
| 02/03/2008 |
James Linville |
jrlagl@mindspring.com |
Kernersville |
NC |
EN3, A Division, 1968-1969, WestPac Tout |
| 02/17/2008 |
Val McReynolds |
valdianne@yahoo.com |
Micanopy |
Florida |
Second Division 1962 to 1965 SN, ran boats. |
| 02/22/2008 |
Robert D. Hall |
hallbob@bellsouth.net |
Boiling Springs |
South Carolina |
Was on USS Mazama AE9 Seaman,GM, on board 1956-1957 |
| 02/24/2008 |
Ronald J. Ott |
oeaudepus@aol.com |
Rochester |
New York |
TMT-2/DV part of the EOD Team, embarked for the 1967 Med. Cruise assigned to 3rd Division, the website brought back lots of memories of a fine cruise and a great crew. "Doc," thanks for setting this up. |
| 03/06/2008 |
Gregg Heimall |
GHeimall@aol.com |
Ludington |
Michigan |
PN3, OPS, 68-69 |
| 03/20/2008 |
Robert Bettendorf |
bobjbett@comcast.net |
St Paul |
Mn |
Seamon 1st class1st div1944 to 1945 |
| 03/24/2008 |
patrick g. welch |
snpwelch@bellsouth.net |
denham springs |
louisiana |
PN3 early 62 to early 63, during Cuban blockaid & Kennedy assasination. l year. |
| 03/24/2008 |
Albert P. Gregorski SM2 |
nanaanna7@verizon.net |
Moscow |
Pennsylvania |
SM-2/Operations/'68,'69 |
| 05/31/2008 |
Ed Doyle |
edandcandee@hotmail.com |
Depew |
NY |
3rd division gunner's mate 3rd class 68-70 |
| 06/06/2008 |
Lt G Hess, First Officer |
|
Chicago |
Ill |
***Referring to Executive Officer on the Westpac Cruise of 1966, Jack (John F) Sweeney***
Doc, I first met Jack Sweeney when I was at OCS, he was Naval Schools Command, Newport, RI, Interviewing and Classifications Division Head. Shortly after I got to Mazama he came on board as XO. I was on Mazama for 26 months, my whole tour, after OCS and Supply Corps School. Jack got transferred to Great Lakes before I left Mazama. He and his wife Terry bought a house in Gurnee, Illinois; just west of Waukegan were Great Lakes is located. When I got discharged in October 1968 I got my old job back with Arthur Andersen & Co. in Chicago. My father lived in Allenton, WI and I would drive right past Jack's house on the way to my dad's place; so I stopped by to say hello from time to time. After Jack got out of the Navy he got a job as the Lake County coordinator for an anti drug program and lived in Gurnee for some time. My dad had season tickets for the Green Bay Packers and I got Jack to go along for a game on one occasion. When he left Gurnee he didn't give me a forwarding address. I did hear from him after that when his daughter, Susan Ellen was applying to be a CPA and needed a reference letter from a CPA which I gladly furnished, but I sent it directly to the AICPA. I seem to recall that he moved back East, Terry needed to be closer to her parents, winter too cold, etc. but I lost track of him. When I was at Supply Corps School a Marine Brigadier came by to interview candidates to be the Paymaster for the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam. I was scheduled for an interview in the afternoon. That morning some other guy took the bait and volunteered for the job. So I was lucky enough that I didn't need a Jack Sweeney fix to stay out of the Marine Corps. We should both consider ourselves fortunate. Best wishes, George Hess |
| 06/18/2008 |
Robert Wicklander |
robert_wicklander@yahoo.com |
Lisle |
Illinois |
I served on her for few years right after the Cuban crisis |
| 06/28/2008 |
Jim Bussey |
jbussey@fsu.edu |
Tallahassee |
FL |
ETN2 USS Mazama Operations Dept 1961 1963 Was on recommishing crew in Sun Ship Yard. Stayed on board untill April 1963 |
| 07/26/2008 |
Robert A Crandall |
taxmantran@yahoo.com |
Canton |
PA |
I was in First Division Deck from 1967-1969. Made MedCruise and 1969 Cruise to West PAC with the gang of hulagons. We told our sea stories of years gone by that sometime the memories make us cry. The tears were not in vane but this great time drives insane. To remeber all the times of past they will never fade but always last. I know my friend I will see again in 2008 Cinnati Hey Billl catch on the road |
| 08/14/2008 |
John W Love |
white-eagle@sw.rr.com |
Dothan |
Alabama |
1963/64 were my years aboard the lady M... SN 1st div and ops later on... can you list the old crews? |
| 08/15/2008 |
Gabriel W Squeglia |
john mcgee@biohit.com |
Manchester |
NJ |
SN 2nd Division 1964 to 1966 Nickname: Seagull. |
| 08/29/2008 |
(Grandson of Kennith Allen) |
thollow37@gmail.com |
|
|
My grandfather Kennith Allen was on the Mediterranean cruise of the HSS Mazama (AE-9) in 1964. I’m really not sure how long he served on this ship, but I do know that he was on a seven month deployment to the Mediterranean from April 27 – December 23 1964. |
| 09/02/2008 |
Bill Guymer |
|
|
|
was aboard when she was commissioned March 10th of 1944 .. I RECALL "HIGH POWERED NAVY BRASS" AT THE COMMISSIONING-... the entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee was thre ... following is material I got "Office of Chief of Naval Operations Naval Histotry Div .. Washington : "Mazame(AE-9) was laid down 14 April 1942 by the Tampa Shipbuilding Co., Tampa Fla; laucnhed 15th Aug 1943 .. sponsored by Mrs Ed Rickenbacker; commissioned 10 March 1944 Comdr PVR Harris, USNR was there-" Original Message ----- I don't reminder exact diminsions of the main hatch covers but.. approx. 25'-30' long .. 5' wide .. about a foot deep made of heavy gauge steel about 1/2" thick .. secondary hatch covers, exterior was thin sheet metal possibly over some kind of wood .. approx 6' long a foot wide and 2" thick .. I don't recall any other large wooden materials ... perhaps large pieces of wood could have been from mess tables or officers' quarters |
| 09/02/2008 |
Paul Palladeno |
Ragman@mobis.com |
Saint Peters |
PA |
Jim, Four Shipmates living in the South East, located one another In 2008, and agreed to meet in Gulfport, Mississippi, on the Weekend of May 16th, 2008. These Men were part of the Re commissioning Crew of 1961, and Served together through the Cuban quarantine of 1962. Those attending were, Al and Laura Chesson, Don and Charlotte Davis, J.C. And Joy Trull, Paul and Liz Palladeno All those who attended enjoyed the get together, and are currently making plans calling for it to become an annual event.. Tentatively, we are considering Branson, Missouri, in order to make it more accessible to Shipmates of that era, living in various parts Of the Country. |
| 09/02/2008 |
William H. Runge |
mrunge@wi.rr.com |
|
|
I was on the Mazama from 1961 to 1963 and left as a 3rd Class Gunners' Mate I have been in contact with Paul Palladeno - aka ragman about another get together sometime in April of this year. Also have spoken with Albert Chesson who served with us from 1961 - 1963. I have some old pictures as well as other memorabilia I could share. Hope to hear from you. Bill |
| 09/02/2008 |
Jim Gaspard "Doc" |
jgasp95@aol.com |
Dallas |
Texas |
(Jennie Sauer - 05/28/2008)
I would like to let you know that I have two hutch cover tables that we bought in Annapolis, Maryland sometime in the late 70’s. One is a coffee table and the other is an end table, half the size of the coffee table. They both have brass plaques on them stating they came from the Mazama. We no longer have room to store them and would be happy to give them to a crew member. We are located in Pennsylvania. The coffee table has been used more and shows some aging, the end table was not used as much and in very good condition. I also have a paper somewhere stating these are true hatches. If anyone is interested I will begin my search for those papers.
(Doc - 05/28/2008)
Jim and Jennie, very gracious of you. From my calculation the youngest of any surviving Mazamamate is 56. Of course the average is probably in the 60's. I will put this out to Bill Gohde in New Jersey who has the most contact with our crew members.
(Jennie Sauer)
We will be waiting to hear from Bill . My Father was killed in Italy in WWII(so you know we are no youngsters) and I know how important it would be to me to get something from his group or anything so I thought these tables would mean so much more to someone that was on the ship than just to donate them to another charity.
(Bill Gohde)
this past weekend i went to pottstown, pa, and was given two pieces of furniture made out of wooden hatch covers, from the uss mazama, they were made in annapolis maryland, and at the dock by a studio called ady's which according to gene kronk, no longer exist, bot pieces of furniture come with a wonder brass plate, which says 'WOODEN HTACH COVER FROM USS MAZAMA 1941-1976, ADY'S STUDION ANNAPOLIS DOCKE SIDE" now heres the thing i can't remember what was covering the holes once we open them with the winches??can anyone help me out?? one is a beautiful coffee table and end table which both very heavy wood s o s..hay jay now i have a piece... |
| 09/02/2008 |
Jim Gaspard "Doc" |
jgasp95@aol.com |
Dallas |
Texas |
To all who did not Know the USS MAZAMA AE-.9 was commissioned by none other then
Note: This item is currently in storage.
This champagne bottle (in pieces inside the case) was used by Adelaide Rickenbacker, the wife of Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, to launch USS Mazama (AE-9) on Aug. 15, 1943.
Donated by Ms. Adelaide F. Rickenbacker. Click on the champagne bottle to view a larger version. |
| 09/04/2008 |
Scott Sharts (Grandson of Cheif Sharts) |
scottsharts@att.net |
|
|
my grandfather, chief Sharts passed away on 1/29/05. I wish he could have seen the website that you put together. It would have meant a lot to him. It is really great to see the cruise book and I look foward to watching the videos this weekend. Thank you for all the work you've put into this site. Its amazing to see the pictures of places I've heard about all my life. Pops would ask me occasionally to look on the internet for info of the ships he was on. I wish he could have seen this. |
| 09/14/2008 |
Lt. JG Robert Henke (retired) |
janbob22@juno.com |
Jackson |
Wisconsin |
Lt. JG 1955-57 Navigator Mediterranean Cruise 1956 |
| 09/17/2008 |
John Hager |
jhager6@stny.rr.com |
Binghamton |
New York |
Seamen Apprentice. First Division. 1967-1968 |
| 09/17/2008 |
Donald Carlson |
doncarl@midcoast.com |
Rockland |
Maine |
ETN2 I was aboard the Mazama form 66 to 68 as the electronics technician. |
| 09/19/2008 |
Richard S. Lavallee |
bultu@comcast.net |
Manchester |
NH |
YN3 - 67-68 - Jim Gaspard, you did a great job on this website. I've been waiting a long time to see somthing like this. I receive a magazine every now and then lists reunions of military ships and units and I've always looked to see if the USS Mazama would ever show up. Never saw it. Thanks to Gerald O. Busic for sending me the flyer entitled "To a possible ex-crew member of the USS Mazama AE-9___". You found the right guy. This is great. |
| 09/24/2008 |
Wayne C. Thomson |
wthomson@comcast.net |
Brockton |
Massachusetts |
3rd class Storekeeper / 2nd Divison - on board from 1966 til 1968. |
| 09/28/2008 |
Rick Williams |
w1rik@hotmail.com |
Cape Coral |
FL |
Came aboard as an FTG2 during the 67-68 Med cruise. After a break in service, I returned and retired an FCC (SW) in the reserve program. Still remember many of the faces in the cruisebook. Thanks for the memories and advise of any re-unions. |
| 10/03/2008 |
Wes Schirman |
lo-n-wes@q.com |
sun city |
az |
1944 to 1946 momm 3/c "E" div. |
| 11/12/2008 |
Earlene Sprague |
earleness@yahoo.com |
|
|
Dear, Doc, This is Earlene Sprague younger sister of the late Kris Steven Sprague. I just happened upon the web site for the Mazama while searching out pix to show to my adult sons of the ship their uncle served on. After finding my brothers name listed on the crew list I was compelled to post a memorium as well as write you informing of Kris' death December 16, 2002. I'm not sure if there is a way to add to my memorium his Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze stars and Vietnam Campaign Medal which were awarded to him upon honorable discharge. I appreciate your time & attention to the website as well as appreciate you for all you've done for your country. "Hand Salute" to you, Sir. Respectfully, Earlene Sprague |
| 02/14/2009 |
Don Hinst |
don@ilsrep.com |
|
|
Rm2 Operations WestPac 1966 Doc great job on the web site sure brings back a lot of memories. Keep me posted on up coming events |
| 02/23/2009 |
Ralph Hann |
consultone1@comcast.net |
West Simsbury |
CT |
I used to take the train between New York and Oakland, CA several times in 1943, 1944, and 1945 going between billets or whenever I got at least a 10 day leave from the Mazama or the base in Pleasanton, CA. I remember the Canteen in North Platte very well and I do remember how great they were to us. We looked forward to their food.
There was also a Canteen in Lima, Ohio that did the same thing and they were always ready as soon as the train pulled in they had the food ready for us. |
| 02/23/2009 |
Ron Parker |
ronsika@comcast.net |
|
|
Doc, another reunion for the guys who met face to face with the Russians on
the Cuban Blockade in 62. For 68 days we shadowed the guys We made them do a
180 and go home. May 3-4-5- Biloxi Mississippi Contact Ron Parker SM1 at
ronsika@comcast.net if possible. |
| 02/27/2009 |
John Wesley Love |
white-eagle@sw.rr.com |
|
|
SN uss Mazama AE-9
1963-1965 |
| 04/25/2009 |
George Edward Hejna |
mcdonaldrose2@gmail.com |
|
|
I want to add my name to the crew of the Mazama. I served from 1943 to 1945. I was on the ship when the Kamakazi (spelling?) hit the ship and 8 died and several wounded. If there are any crew members out there, I would love to have them contact me or I will contact them. The ship was under the command of Captain Harris. |
| 04/29/2009 |
Paul Palladeno |
ragman@mobis.com |
|
|
Jim,
May 3rd, 4th, and 5th will be the First Annual Reunion of Recommission
Plank Owners & Veterans of the Cuban Blockade.
This year we have Twelve Members with reservations.
The Meeting place will be the Grand Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi.
Obviously, we intend to take pictures of the Event, and we are
Hoping that you will be kind enough to publish them on the Mazama
Web Site.
Please let me know if you wish for us to send you a D.V.D., or prints,
Or if there is anything special we should do in order to make it
Easier for you.
Thanking you in advance.
Paul Palladeno
ragman@mobis.com |
| 05/10/2009 |
Brigid Kiley (Miklovic) |
brigkat@hotmail.com |
|
|
Dear Mr. Gaspard:
My name is Brigid Kiley (Miklovic) and I am writing to thank you for taking the time
to create your website dedicated to the USS Mazama (AE-9).
My father, Donald W. Kiley, was the CO from 1966(August) to the summer of 1967.
I read every word of your daily diary. It was an unbelievable experience for me. My
father rarely talked about his work at home. Partly because he was modest and partly
because it was important to him to focus on his family when he was at home.
I remember this WestPac cruise. It was the first time I really remember my father
being away from home. I was 7 at the time. I remember that my mother, who did an
incredible job taking care of 5 children ranging in age from 3 to 17, tried to keep her worry
to herself. But I was pretty tuned into her and I sensed that it was not a walk in the park
over where Daddy's ship was "working".
When I was in my mid-twenties and my father had been retired for 10 years, I able
to get him to tell me more about his life at sea. When I read your journal I was
mesmerized. Your observations and accounts were so vivid and interesting. I finally got
an understanding of what my father did for 30 years, and more importantly, why he loved
it as much as he did. I also understood my mother's fear and how dangerous it was to be
aboard "an ammunition ship" as we called it at home.
You mention my father several times in the diary, and I'm so glad it was always in a
positive light. I absolutely adored my father and to have some confirmation that he was
the man I always believed him to be was a real gift.
My father died, unexpectedly on April 21, of this year. He will be buried, in his
uniform, at Arlington on July 30, 2009. I have gotten great comfort and closure, not only
from your journal, but from the cruise book and pictures as well. I would love to have
shared this with him, but I guess I was meant to find it after his death.
I am going to my mother's house this afternoon to enjoy Mother's Day and share
your journal with her. Some of my father's happiest (and tense, I'm sure!) days were
aboard (in) USS Mazama.
I found a video which was taken from one of the ships you were "unrep"ing in 1966.
Its taken from the deck of the other ship so the Mazama is the focus of the video - if you
would like, I'd be happy to send the link.
Thank you again for the time and effort you have spent on this project. It made an
enormous difference to me and my family.
Sincerely,
Brigid Kiley (Miklovic) |
| 05/25/2009 |
Dave Miller |
Davidmjmm@aol.com |
|
|
EN2 1966 I left the ship off of the coast of Vietnam in June of 1966 when my father passed away. I was half of mutt and jeff , Jim Manning was 6ft 6in and I was 5ft 7in I will be checking on this web from time to time. Thanks for making this happen. |
| 08/04/2009 |
Jim "Doc" Gaspard |
jgasp95@aol.com |
Arlington National Cemetery |
Virginia |
Billy Gohde, Robert Lemoullec and I traveled to Arlington National Cemetery on July 30, 2009 to attend the military burial of our USS Mazama Captain Don Kiley (66-68) who passed away on April 21st at the age of 83. We were honored to be invited to attend the ceremony with Captain Kiley's wife and their five children and extended military family. Following the ceremony we were able to visit and pay our respects. Billy told some colorful stories of standing fog watch on the bridge with Captain Kiley. You can read a recap of Captain Kiley's post-Mazama distinguished career in the obituary search section of the Washington Post. The family was very appreciative of former Mazy crew members attending his burial. |
| 08/04/2009 |
Bob LeMoullec |
newsman13@aol.com |
Chestnut Ridge |
New York |
YN2 Was on Mazama from Dec '65 (Key West, Rosie Roads, San Juan) thru Jan '67 round the world cruise. I'm proud to have served with all you guys. |
| 08/05/2009 |
Frank Pitsenbarger |
zjagwah@yahoo.com |
Troy |
Ohio |
SN Deck Crew
West Pac 1969-1970
|
| 09/22/2009 |
Clay Freeman |
cfree11@verizon.net |
Pasadena |
Maryland |
served from recommissioning in 1961 to Feb. 1963, cuban Blockaide, SFP-2 r div |
| 10/13/2009 |
Roy Edwards |
kajer@rochester.rr.com |
Ontario |
New York |
FTG 3 3rd Div.
1963-1965
I'm trying to contact an old shipmate.
W.(Butch) Albert orginally from Wantaugh, NY
I have the USS Mazama Med cruise book from 1965 willing to loan out if interested.
Roy "ED" Edwards |
| 11/05/2009 |
David Rumpeltin |
n2utg@aol.com |
Ramsey |
NJ |
I Came aboard election day, 1968 in Davisville. Served as the ship's PC on the West-Pac Cruise. Had a great time, lots of memories. I still hear from then SM1 Mike Scott. He retired several years ago as a Commander. Great site, keep up the good work. |
| 11/12/2009 |
Kenneth A. Althaus |
karen.017@roadrunner.com |
Yucaipa |
Calif. |
EM3 1962-1965
E division navy |
| 11/16/2009 |
Bill Evenson |
billevonne@live.com |
Buffalo |
Minn. |
I served aboard the Mazama from 1967 to Jan,1970 as a SK2. My daughter found the website for me when she made a scrapbook for me about my time in the Navy. |
| 11/18/2009 |
Henry Stachewicz |
hank717@roadrunner.com |
Buffalo |
New York |
SN - Ships Supply 1967 to 1968 |
| 11/29/2009 |
Joe McCormick |
bigjoesr13@yahoo.com |
Crewe |
Va |
Operations/ SM2, 62-63 |
| 12/09/2009 |
Willie E. Monts |
bwmonts@windstream.net |
Lexington |
S. C.. |
FA
Engineering
1952 to 1953
|
| 12/19/2009 |
Ed Sabino |
esabino@hotmail.com |
massapequa |
ny |
Dec 66 to Sept 68 - Electrician EM3 Chief Broxen, Renner EM2 |
| 12/29/2009 |
Karla Robey |
robeymom@embarqmail.com |
Palmyra |
VA |
I am trying to help my father locate an old ship mate. His name is Wallace Cox, he believes he was from Cincinnati, Ohio. He served from 1954-1958 |
| 01/14/2010 |
David Rumpeltin |
n2utg@aol.com |
Ramsey |
NJ |
Great site Doc, I came aboard election day 1968 and made the West Pac in '69. Mazama was my second AE (Shasta AE-6 was first) but still my favorite. I still remember a lot of the names in the guestbook, I used to see tham as I sorted mail in the post office! Still correspond with then SM1 Mike Scott, now retired Commander Scott, who whould have guessed that one? Keep up the good work, I visit often. Dave Rumpeltin PC2 |
| 01/14/2010 |
Ron Sika |
ronsika@comcast.net |
|
|
Doc, looking forward to seeing the reunion photo we sent of the Mazama crew from the Cuban Blockade. We met face to face with the Russians on the blockade in 1962. For 68 days we shadowed them, and made them do a 180 and go home. The reunion was held May 3,4,5 in Biloxi, Mississippi. |
| 01/14/2010 |
Roger Nelson |
ranelson1@sbglobal.net |
|
|
I can fill in a bit about salty Capt Willis from the 67 Med Cruise. I was on the bridge when we first spotted him. It was a nice summer afternoon/flat sea and I couldn't figure out what I was looking at through the binoc's and the amazed .Sometime after we had attempted to rescue him, maybe in Rota, I picked up an older copy of Life magazine that was just laying around, and there was a story about him. There are coincidences in life. He had been a life long adventurer once sailing solo from Japan to Austrailia among other adventures. I remember that there was a picture of him as a young man and that he was a contemporary/challenger to Charles Atlas as a body builder. After all these years that has stuck in my head. I've shown the picture of the 11' sailboat next to the captain's gig to quite a few people who questioned the story.
|
| 01/14/2010 |
Jim "Doc" Gaspard |
jgasp95@aol.com |
Dallas |
Texas |
Mazy was scuttled off the coast of Florida in the early 1970's. She was decommissioned in 1970 (39 years ago). If one of her crew was just an 18 y/o reserve at the time, then the youngest person alive ever to serve on Mazy would be 57 y/o (39 + 18) today. I guess the oldest we know about are the four honorable old timers on our crew list, Ralph Hann (on board when attacked early 1945, Robert Betandorf, Bill Guymer (on board at commissioning March 1944), and George Hejna. They would be at least 83 y/o today.
Ex-Mazy crew age range – 57 y/o to 85 + y/o.
Doc
|
| 01/14/2010 |
JJ Waller |
JJWaller@Agristar.net |
|
|
I guess I'm the baby of the Mazama bunch---November 1968--Great Lakes Co. 499. JJ
|
| 01/15/2010 |
Ralph Hann |
consultone1@comcast.net |
West Simsbury |
Conn |
If JJ Waller is the youngest then I must be the eldest or close to it having graduated from great Lakes August 25, 1943 class #1028.
Damn only 66 years ago and sometimes it feels like it was yesterday. There are things that happened in boots you just never forget.
Ralph Hann - Mazama 1944-45
|
| 01/15/2010 |
Ralph Hann |
consultone1@comcast.net |
West Simsbury |
Conn |
Good math. Bob Bettendorf and I were on the same draft that sent us to the Mazy. I have a copy of the Draft Bulletin showing our names. We went on board in August 1944 and headed to the South Pacific not long after and crossed the Equator September 25, 1944 and became Shellbacks. We served in the First Division together. We both have vivid memories of the Japanese torpedo attack.
I turned 83 in June and I guess Bob is close by.
Bob went on to have a great career as a pilot for NWA and flew many flights to the Orient as Captain of a Boeing 747 during his 40 years with NWA.
Ralph
|
| 01/26/2010 |
Don Strain |
dfs09@comcast.net |
Delran |
NJ |
My Great Uncle, Andrew J. Derstine, served on the Mazama from 1943 to to 1945. He re-inlisted when the war broke out, I think he was in his late 30's. He was a machinest of some kind. I now live in the house he owned from 1954 till his death in 1988. He left behind a large photo of the mazama, with a map of her war cruise charted out. It all so has six smaller photos of the ship in different ports. Uncle Andy left a large photo album behing too, the Panama canal is in many of the shots. Andy was a kind man, allways gave me a buck, or some candy. I remember his navy tatoos on his arm, a faded battle ship, and a faded ancher. Please add Andrew J. Derstine to your roster. |
| 01/28/2010 |
Bobby R. Herrin |
bobbysministorage@sbcglobal.net |
Nederland |
Texas |
I was leading SN in 1st Div. March 1964-January 1966, made the Med. cruise in 1964 hope to see some of you at the 2010 reuion |
| 02/01/2010 |
Ron Durrill |
durrill@centrurytel.net |
Oceola |
Missouri |
I came on board in 1966 at Brewer Dry Dock, Staten Island, NY. Made the full Med Cruise in 1967 and then transferred to the USS New Jersey. I was a Winch Operator in 2nd Division, and also ran boats.
|
| 02/27/2010 |
Charles R. Wood |
nanaella@embarqmail.com |
North Fort Myers |
Florida |
GMG3 1965-66. I remember many things we went through on the Mazama. One was the engine blowing up by the Rock of Gibraltor and becoming a Shell Back. Many other memories which I haven't thought about it in a long time. Would love to hear from some other guys who might remember me. |
| 03/05/2010 |
Glenn Escape |
Escapedvm@aol.com |
Westerville |
OH |
I came across this site while researching about ships on which my father served during his Navy years. I was astounded by the information I found here. My father is SD1 Osmundo Escape, and based on the cruisebooks he was on the Mazama from 1967-69. When Dad retired from the Navy in the early 70’s he moved us to the Philippines. As a child I used to read the 1967 Med cruisebook my father had and imagine what it was like to be a sailor. I am happy and thankful that you have made it available electronically, and now I have something about Dad’s Navy career to show my daughter and hopefully , someday, her kids.
I feel like even though I was a very young lad when Dad served on the Mazama, it is a part of me. Why? On page 70 of the 67 cruisebook there is a picture captioned “Smile for Daddy”. It shows a mother and her three kids, along with a friend and her kid, waiting for the ship to come in. The little boy in the bottom right of the picture, about 3-4 years of age, well, that was me!
For those who may have wondered whatever happened to SD1 Escape, I’m happy to report that he’s still around, enjoying the retired life in the house he and my mom built in the Philippines. He’ll probably get a kick out of learning his face can be found on the internet now…!
Glenn Escape, DVM
|
| 03/06/2010 |
James E Stone |
Jstone623@hotmail.com |
Inverness |
Florida |
EM3. 1968-1969. On board for 69 WesPac cruise and de-commissioning in Philadelphia. |
| 03/10/2010 |
Douglas Adams |
dga115@windstream.net |
Milledgeville |
Georgia |
I was in the engineering department and was responsible for maintaining the diesel generators (bearing eaters). I was an Engineman 2nd Class Petty Officer and stood my watches as a throttleman, and was on the throttles when we came out of the Panama Canal and hit the pier at Panama City. I was on board from March of 1966 thru December of 1966, for the Wespac deployment. |
| 03/11/2010 |
Patrick G. Welch |
snpwelch@bellsouth.net |
Denham Springs |
La |
PN3 1962-1963 |
| 04/10/2010 |
James Fletcher (Fletch) |
Pfletch24@aol.com |
Kissimmee |
Florida |
EN3, Enginemen in M Division (snips in the enginemen). I was on board 2 years 1966-1967 |
| 04/26/2010 |
Evelyn Madison |
diamondbluerose@centurytel.net |
Lebanon |
Oregon |
Rick Becker is my cousin! |
| 04/28/2010 |
Wes Schirman |
lo-n-wes@q.com |
Sun City |
Arizona |
1944-46 MOMM 3rd class "E" Division |
| 05/10/2010 |
Dennis R Bechler |
drbechler@hotmail.com |
West Bend |
Wisconsin |
BM3 2nd Division. Tour of Vietnam 1969 Wespac cruise. On board for 1970 decommissioning. I must of worn the old girl out! |
| 05/20/2010 |
Marc Baker |
mbak1045@aol.com |
Plant City |
FL |
RM3, Operations Div
1965-1967 |
| 06/07/2010 |
Robert A Crandall |
taxmantran@yahoo.com |
Canton |
Pennsylvania |
1967-1969 First Divison. Served with Bill Gohde and many of you. If you come to this site then you should contact shipmates about the AE Sailors Assoc as well as join them for AE updates and reunions. Doc has provided a link to the AESA web site here on the Home Page of the USS Mazama website. |
| 06/08/2010 |
Bill Masterson |
bmast@cableone.net |
Prescott |
AZ |
3rd Class 2nd Division
Boats, 1964 - 1968 |
| 06/16/2010 |
Parker Phelps |
phelpy333@yahoo.com |
Plano |
Texas |
I am an Aggie midshipman and I love old sea stories. I met a member of your crew (Doc) on my way to Hawaii to do my summer training. Ya'll led the way for us. Thanks! |
| 06/16/2010 |
Betty Newman |
brd81077@hotmail.com |
Austin |
Texas |
Came across this website today after "Googling" USS Mazama. My mother just handed me my grandfather's Imperivm Neptvni Regis certificate signed by Captain Harris stating that my grandfather crossed the Equator and was heading South for "The War Zone" on September 29, 1944. My grandfather was Denver Arnold Spurrier. Unfortunately he died (what I consider) a fairly early death in the 80s. He was 62. Thanks for the website so that I can gather history that my family does not know much about!!! |
| 07/06/2010 |
Dorothy Gladwin Russell |
cybele736@hotmail.com |
Jensen Beach |
Florida |
Doc,
My brother found this document (Go to "Cruise Diary" on USS Mazama Homepage)from papers our Dad, Walter J. Gladwin (Quartermaster of the first crew of the Mazama) left us. I thought you would be interested in it. It tells the story of the Mazama's first mission after her commissioning on March 10, 1944. The first attachment has two pictures of the Mazama. The next three, the story. We do not have any record of who created this document. At a minimum, I believe his name could be added to the "Crew List" along with the other names listed in this story. Most of the information on your web site are of later years of this ship. I hope you find this interesting.
It would be great if you could authenticate this document for us and, if you wish, you may publish on your web site, where I found your name. Regards, Dot
|
| 08/05/2010 |
Joe Kovalczik |
JoeKov20@Yahoo.com |
Auburn |
N.Y. |
Good to hear from you guys and thank you for the welcome aboard. I have read articles you have written and about Bill Gohde in "Over The Waves". I knew he was friends with Doc Gaspard. I had more confidence in him, than I did most MDs. I remember Bill standing quarterdeck watches, we would have to check in each round on sound and security watch.
I came on board in late Oct.67. Met the ship in Naples. I was in E&R Div. My first friends on the ship were Bob Kuchar, and Freddie King. They were soon to leave. The old crew had been together a long time and at first it was hard to fit in. After a few more new guys came aboard that changed. E&R had a great crew with a mix of new and old. Massie, Martino, Scrivines, Allard,Harris,Coolidge,Holtzclaw,and
of course, Donnie Hunt. Who could forget him! Later we added Jack Price, Gerry Shea, and Finney. We did everything together. We used to hangout in the carpenter shop. The last person I was in contact with was John Scrivines. He passed on a few years ago. Had MS.
As for me I live in Auburn, N.Y. am retired from Anheuser Busch, and keep busy doing some volunteer work. My old home was Oswego,NY. I came here to go to community college, got married and never left. I got into the environmental movement of the 70's and have worked in wastewater treatment plants from then until retirement.
Funny thing, my daughter, "hauled amo" on the Santa Barbara. Must be a family tradition.
Bob Crandall called me last night. It was good to hear from him. I checked out the Mazama website, for the first time. Wow,talk about old memories.
I would love to hear from anyone in the old crew. I hope to make one of the AE Reunions in the next few years.
I've been thinking about my very good friend Claud Massie, in W.VA., lately. It's about time I gave him a call and got reconnected.
Maybe gas up the chevy and shoot down Rt.81 and see him.
Please keep in touch and take care.......Joe/Ski
|
| 08/25/2010 |
Guy Crosby |
Cros26@bellsouth.net |
New Orleans |
Louisiana |
SK3 Supply Division 1965-66 + WesPac Cruise
|