I Remember the Moboat

This page is reserved for stories about the USS Monticello LSD 35 and her crew.

Hi Beamer,



          Here is a bit of history you might like to add. In the winter of 59, we

           were conducting operations at Kodiak Island Alaska which is a very

           pristine and beautiful island on the Gulf of Alaska. One day, we

           received word that one of the infamous Gulf of Alaska winter storms was

           brewing and the very next day, Captain Kellogg had us underway to ride

           the storm out in the gulf as a precaution against being caught in port

           by the storm. Well, I'm not quite sure that he or anyone else in the

           crew knew what we were in for. Talk about a rough ride... we had 65

           ft waves and 100 mph winds for several days, can't remember how many

           after so long but I do remember standing a helm watch and having a hell

           of a time keeping her on course. Also remember that many in the crew

           were seasick! Eventually the storm blew over and we headed home to San

           Diego with our tail between our legs.



           Regards, Bill Robertson QM3 58-60

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Korea Sterngate fiasco

1979 Boy what a mess! The seas in Korea always got rough around sunset and we were

still conducting ops in those conditions. The stern gate was down and only took the

pounding for so long. After several shuddering slams into the water, it rammed holes into

bulkheads, broke off, and sunk into the harbor. We spent the rest of the cruise in port having

it reattached after they recovered and repaired it.

Kangaroo II 1976

During my first WESTPAC, we took part in this operation near New South Wales, Australia.

We took liberty call in Wolongon. I had a blast there. We "pollywogs" also joined the ancient

order of the deep and became "Shellbacks" on this cruise.

        Robert Berry

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Close Quarters 1974-1977.

My shipmates and I always found a way to break the rat race to have a good time.

We always enjoyed letting the stern gate down and going for a cool swim and even going for a

swim when we were supposed to be working. Anyone aboard at that time can e-mail me at t

allguy56@charternet.com Be talking to ya

Steve Patridge

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Bikini Island

The year was 1958 .The year of the A-bomb tests. The Monticello was used to transport shot barges and
to recover data from the blasts. It was very interesting and eye awakening cruise. After the tests were
over the ship was used to roll up weather stations on some of the out laying islands in the South Pacific.
We were sent to Clipperton Island and had some great fishing. I hope that some of the ship's crew that were there remembers.

LeRoy Bursch

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I can remember the first year I was on board when we pulled in to port for liberty, that coming back on board after a

night of drinking was a hazard in itself. If Justice & Barnes caught the duty they would take great joy in turning out

the red lights after taps and stretch full laundry bags across the aisle every 4 or 5 feet and wait for the drunks to come back.

I can remember being the recipient of this more than once. You'd hit the floor and then here the two of them in the

dark laughing their ass off. The only time it was really funny is when you turned the tables on them. Justice would

hit the floor and lie there and swear a blue streak. After the second or third fall he'd start inventing new words and we'd laugh all the more.

John Huard Sr BM3 1968-1972

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Reading the log book for 69-70 brought back a memory I wish I could forget. The log entry for 5 Feb. 1970.

The collision with the USS Kawishiwi (AO 146). I was at the Helm for the refueling attempt that day.

We were coming along side her starboard side, just fine, when all of a sudden we felt the collision and

the sound of metal being ripped apart. I turned the helm a few degrees [to our] starboard so we could

move away from the Kawishiwi. The all stop order was given, so we could assess the damage.
There was an inquiry on why the collision happened. After all said and done, the initial approach was deemed to close.

It should have been further away from the Kawishiwi.
Other than that "little" incident, I had a great experience on board the Monticello.

Richard Clementson QM3 69-71

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Boy does this bring back many memories. My first memory is dry dock in Long Beach Ca and being introduced to

Joe Biff's Screwdrivers. Watching Black Sunday be filmed in front of us. Waking up one morning and seeing

Howard Hughes Global Explorer across from us, mustering on the forecastle with good ol' Bos'n Ot (terror) going

at it with BM3 Yak, BMSN Bruster the Rooster, Swenson, BM3 Barrington, BM3 Peadon. First WestPac and

having to load all American onboard from Taiwan, My first mission over "shit river" and then receiving my silver bullet

award (and still having the patch to this day) Loosing the stern gate in Korea. All of the women I met in Australia

Scott Cruse BMSN 75-79

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Good Mooring Bob,
Very rarely do I ever run into someone that I knew from the Monticello, so it is a good feeling to receive an email from a shipmate.

I met the Monticello in the Philippines in June of 1984, and I would have to say that the crew that was onboard was the best crew

I have ever sailed with. It was just a great group of guys. I made that Westpac in 84, and then we did lots of Ops afterwards, and

then we were supposed to decommission, so we requisitioned almost everything of value. However, the Marines complained,

and said they still needed us, so we had to go back to all of the ships and re-requisition all of our stuff back, then we made a

Mini-Westpac of three months (April 85 -Jul 85) which was some of the best fun I have ever had on a Westpac. Then we came back to San Dog,

and l was transferred shortly after that to the USS Pigeon. The ships/shore stations I was stationed/TAD on were as follows: USS Cochrane

DDG-21/NAVSECGRU Adak Alaska (TSC)/NAVCOMMSTA Harold E. Holt Australia/NTCC Miramar/USS Monticello/USS Pigeon

ASR-21/USS Ranger CV-61(TAD)/USS Buchanan DDG-14(TAD)/ NTCC Mare Island (Vallejo CA./and the USS Fort Fisher LSD-40.

All of the above mentioned ships have been decommissioned.
Yes, the Monticello's Radio Call sign is November-Golf-Delta-Victor (NGDV).

Thanks,
Joe

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I was on the Monticello just a short time in 1970, I had just spent 4 years on the Caroline County, and the Snohomish County,

most of that time was in Vietnam after I made Chief my order were for the Monticello and I caught her and went back to

Vietnam for 6 more months. When we returned to San Diego I was transferred to Seattle to put the USS Shreveport into commission.

The Monticello was a clean ship when I was aboard her.

Eli Adkisson      QMC Retired

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I remember we were doing Op's off the coast of Korea, the sea's were about 2-3 foot swells, then the sea's went to

5-8 foot swells at least, and the force of the seas lifted the stern gate and over came the hydraulics and actually

busted the hydraulic rams that raised and lowered the gate. I remember that Petty Officer York was in the stern

gate room at the time the rams busted. As the seas continued to rock and roll the stern gate hinges, one by one broke off.

With each swell the gate raised with the seas and came crashing down, each time the the whole ship shuttered until the

gate finally came loose. Thanks to the SEAL team who bravely found and tagged the gate in the rough weather.

EN2 Lewis

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I was on the Monticello from 1960-1964. I remember a few things that happen to us. Going over the Equator down by Christmas Island.

Being part of the Atomic Bomb Blast and wearing the dose of meters, so they can see if you got any radiation on you. On the way to Subic

and pulling along side the Paul Revere to take on so fuel. I was on the Quater Deck and the two ships started to get close and then it

happen we ran into each other. It put a big hole in our side and damaged a few LCVPs on their ship along with some other things.

Going down to Zamboanga in the Philippines that was something also. Watching the Russian ship in the South China sea.

Yes that old girl took 4 years of my life. I came on board in June of '60 and left her in Subic in May of '64. "Oh" and how can I forget.

The ship coming in too fast at the kelo piers in Pearl and taking some of the pier out. Just some of the things.

Bill Tannhauser BMSN

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I boarded the Monticello in Jan. 1968 and left her in Oct. 1970. The 70 cruise was the last of my career, I was transferred to shore

duty and after two years ashore I transferred to the Fleet Reserve. I well remember the collision and the outstanding work performed by CFCM

Yeager and the R division crew making temporary repairs. In 1990 I was visiting in Bremerton, Wash. and there tied up to a pier in the

mothball fleet was old 35 how the memories flooded back. I must have just stood there for the better part of an hour reliving the

two full deployments and one mini that I had while aboard and also the months spent in Bremerton Naval Shipyard for upgrading.

Looking forward to the reunion and swapping some more stories

Dean Oxford
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Just a little more information on the A-bomb tests. The tests were at Bikini, Enewetok, and Johnston Islands. We were there from

April thru August 1958. We watched a total of 35 blasts during that time. We were stationed different distances from the blasts.

We wore badges and when they reached a certain reading we had to go below and shower. Most the the blasts were just before sun rise.

Actually, it was a fun time. Then we went to an island called Kapingamerangi where we rolled up the weather station.

Gary McLaughlin FT3 57-60 "
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I remember when Bob Berry, Bill Kirby, and myself decided to take a walking tour of Busan, Korea during the 1978 cruise.

We had a blast, taking pictures of the surrounding city, posing with schoolkids as they were walking home from school.

And, I even remember the three of us being escorted off of a hillside by ROK regulars for meandering into a controlled area.

And how could I forget Tankred, getting the entire ship kicked off of Kwajelein Island, destroying the base's enlisted club in

a fight with the Aussies stationed on the island -- a disagreement over the island's only hooker?

Or, how I learned my lesson while on shore patrol in Yokuska, Japan? QM2 Al Zeyouma told me to keep my big, fat mouth

shut when we went into a racial confrontation. But did I listen? Oh no...not me! I had to wade into the middle of an argument

in the Club Alliance, and ask, "Okay, what's going on here?" Needless to say, my question started more crap with no less

than a hundred drunken sailors, on one side of the club, and no less than one hundred drunken sailors on the other side of the club,

shouting epithets at one another. I'd started a stinker that was more flatulent than an elephant with diarrhea, prompting

Al to get the instigator of the fight out of the Club, take him back to the base, and secure his liberty. What was worse, was

logging on as Shore Patrol at 6:00 p.m., and logging off as Shore Patrol at 5:00 a.m. that day, only to have Jim Wolfe kicking

my rack at 6:00 a.m. that same morning, telling me to get up for work. I seem to remember lashing out with my baton that day,

knocking him down, and really pissing him off.

I also remember when Jim Wolfe and Mr. McMann decided to get sloshed on liberty while inport San Fernando, Phillippines,

and start chcking empty San Miguel beer bottles on my weatherdeck. Since I got stuck cleaning the mess up, I kept cursing the

"trees" on the ship, thinking that a bunch of marines had decided to litter my nice clean weatherdeck with their trash, when they got back to the ship.

And, who could forget our "fallen Angel", Greg Angel, when he came back to the ship, drunk off his butt, and high as a kite to boot...

falling backward across a railing and down FIVE decks, only to dust himself off, and make his way back to his rack.

Lastly, I remember Chuck Forshey (a.k.a. "Dutch"), who single-handedly dragged my arrogant butt out of a biker bar in Portland, Oregon,

when we were going through our yard period. I was so naive, not paying attention to my surroundings in those days, dressed in a

blue pinstripe suit on our first night of liberty, ready to take on a Gypsy Joker biker until he walked in and dragged myself, and the

group I was with out of there before we really got into trouble.

And what always has permeated the memories, are my closing thoughts. The tightness of the crew, those "teachable moments",

and the stern gate falling off, and the 3-day trip back to Yokuska...now how could I forget that?

Other memories that stand out:

Looking back at the ship during the Enewitok Atoll cleanup, as the LCVP that I boarded headed into shore.

(I still have that picture of the Mo-boat to this day.) Michael Gulbranson, working on his fantastic drawings on the

bulkhead entrances to the galley and mess...his memorable and original work that was featured in the 1978-79 Monticello cruisebook.

Arte Jappe, struggling with a piece of aluminum that we was trying to weld -- had to do with a job that needed to be done for the engineers...

he'd never tried to weld aluminum before. Paul Cherry, when he and his wife had their baby. OSC Dalrymple ("Daddy Dal")...

don't get in the way of his temper, when he couldn't find something in CIC. You were likely to get the back of your head stabbed with a

flying pair of dividers, during one of his tantrums. The BM3 that almost shot Commander D'Orsi, because he was showing off with his .45

to the seamen on the quartedeck. I never in my career, saw an officer kick a POOW off of the quarterdeck, so fast in my career that followed.

Philosophical discussions with Mr. Schweitzer, as we would debate into the wee hours of the morning...killing time on an otherwise boring watch.

And lastly, the picture of Mt. St. Helens blowing her top on August 23rd, 1980, five days before I left the navy for a while.

It was like an atomic cloud, helping me understand the frailty of us as human beings, and the very short time that we have to enjoy life on this earth.

Thank you, shipmates for my memories of the Monticello, during 1977 - 1980. During those times that I grew from boyhood into

manhood, you taught me a lot about comradeship, loyalty, and honor. As I grew older, and decided to stay in the Navy, the experiences

you taught me, and shared with me, served me well on so many other ships, so many other commands. I am proud to say how much I

earned from you all, and what I was able to take with me and share, when I ran my own division. You were my starting point, and helped

to shape my ethics, professionalism, and backbone. Your lessons were sometimes hard, sometimes painful, and sometimes amusing as hell,

but I learned a lot from you. There are times that I miss those antics, those memories, good and bad. You made my life an adventure.

Godspeed to you all,

Robert Schlittler
OSC USN (Ret.)

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gday guys,

I served in Monticello, very briefly, during Kangaroo II, 1976, seconded from the RAN's fledgling Amphibious Squadron. We've grown a bit since those days!!!

Spent most my naval career, well 2/3 of it in Amphibs. Best time of my life. Though an engineer, I also got to keep navigation watches at sea, and was a ships diver.

My brief time in Monticello was an eye-opener. Billeted in the Chief's Mess (I was an Acting CPO = to your E7). The tucker was curl a moe, big juicy steaks, pasta,

much ice cream as you wanted - what a blast! Didn't wanna go back home!!!

When it was time to go back, I took my hosts, your Sheriff (a Chief MM ??) and the Chief MM back to my little LCH and we got pretty pissed, along with our RAN

Diving Team and some of your Seals. We were legless, then came back to Monticello for my last night on board.

There we are in 35's main passageway, me showing your guys how to play Crown & Anchor, and your guys teaching me how to shoot crap (only ever done that out me

backside, before) !!!

All highly illegal of course! And along comes the Skipper, and springs us. The Sheriff is really "in the crap" now !!! he abuses me, "Goddam Aussie, get off my ship -

19 years in this man's Navy, without ever a charge, it's all your fault!"

Ah well, you gotta live, eh? We were still good mates after that(I think!). Wished I could remember his name, love to hear from him again.

Also the Master Chief - ten foot tall, bullet proff, ebony black, adn 2 pick-handles across the shoulders - great bloke - you have to say that about someone that big, eh?

Seriously though, he was THE MOST magnificent looking man I've ever seen !!!! (C'mon guys, not that, you know what I mean?)

Think he may have been called Earl James Holloway III, or something like that. Maybe you guys can help me out here

Best wishes fellas, congrats on a great website - really well done - BZ !!!!

Kind Rgds

Charles "Flash" Flesfader
Writer and Teacher
Ret'd Senior Chief (E8)
Marine Tech, Ships Diver and Naval Trainer
Ret'd Marine Engineer, (Aust. Merchant Marine)
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I was aboard the MOBOAT from 1965 to 1968. My only duty during my 4 year career was on the USS MONTICELLO LSD 35. My home sweet home for 4 tours in Vietnam.

I was told "join the Navy and see the world" but they never said thru a port hole. (Ha! Ha!)
I spend most of it of the coast of Vietnam. The one incident that I recall vividly and to today still hear the cries.
One night, while refueling, off the coast of Vietnam, in the dark (ALL LIGHTS OUT). We had a man overboard from the refueling tanker. He was hollering so as to give his

location. Lights were ordered on to launch a search for him. To this day I hear his cries, and yet I never knew if he was found or not. Never will forget the intensity felt that night.
Still another time never to be forgotten, was enroute to Vietnam we hit some pretty bad weather. We were carrying Missiles on board. Anxious moments trying to shore the

missiles for added support and safety. In the anxiety, I managed to cut my right hand finger with the bandsaw. You could say a mark for life.

Ruben Rodriguez DC2(ROD)
ryrlight@sbcglobal.net
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Hello everyone,
I remember when I first came aboard the MO Boat. There were two of us that came aboard my self and Fireman Apprentice Billings. We were told that there were two

openings one was for an electrician and one was for a mechanic. Billings beat me to the electrician so I became a mechanic in the boat shop. It was a very good experience

for me for I have earned a good living from being a mechanic. Billings has not spoken to me to this day for I was a two year wonder and he had to stay on board for the

full four years. If he reads this I hope he will contact me and let me know how he is doing.

EN3 Jim Harbin 1968-1970
harbin77@nts-online.net

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I was on the "Mighty Mo" from 76'-80, The Enewitok clean up, R Division worked there Asses off round the clock, 1st shift brought the boats on and broke out the tools,

3rd shift kicked the boats out & picked up the tools 2nd shift got screwed!!!! it was the best time of my life!!! All the people... Pete Ford, Dave Marlowe, Rich Salluce,

Tackett, Yingling, Havard Kampa and everyone. Wow what a great time in our lives!!!

Greg Land HT3
cagerg@bigvalley.net

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My best to all who were onboard the MoBoat, I remember when I was at the helm and the MoBoat was in maneuvers with other ships including the USS TRIPOLI

that was in front of the MoBoat. In the maneuver every ship was to make a turn and reduce speed. Well, the MoBoat officer-of-the-deck didn't slow down, so we

rammed the TRIPOLI tearing up a gun mount and screwing up the bow of the MoBoat. I loved seeing the USS MISSOURI in ops with us in Nam. I had a lot of good

times and made a lot of great friends. THANKS And BEST TO ALL

GLEN BAKER SN
gbaker@ers2way.com

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I WAS ON THE "MIGHTY-MO" FROM OCT.1964 TO EARLY JAN.1965. I WAS WITH THE 3RD MARINE DIVISION OUT OF OKINAWA (CHARLIE

COMPANY) I WAS WITH A DETACHMENT OF MARINES ASSIGNED TO REINFORCE RECON FORCES AND INTELLIGENCE OPERATIVES THAT

WERE UNDER (CLASSIFIED: TOP SECRET ORDERS FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.). WE WERE SENT INTO THE (GULF OF TONKIN) SHORTLY AFTER

THE TURNER JOY AND THE USS MADDOX CAME UNDER HOSTILE FIRE FROM NORTH VIETNAMESE AND RUSSIAN SHIPS. PRESIDENT JOHNSON

ORDERED THE MONTICELLO INTO THE GULF OF TONKIN WITH THESE SPECIAL FORCES (EQUIPPED WITH SPECIAL SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT)

TO SET THE GROUNDWORK FOR POSSIBLE FUTURE LANDINGS OFF THE COAST OF NORTH VIETNAM--WHICH EVENTUALLY TOOK PLACE IN EARLY 1965.
THE MONTICELLO WAS ORDERED TO DETACH FROM THE 7TH FLEET-WHICH WAS A MASSIVE ASSEMBLY OF SHIPS-AND TO GO ALONE INTO THE

GULF OF TONKIN AND BECOME PART OF MISSIONS KNOWN AS "SOG" SPECIAL OPS GROUP. I REMEMBER BEING HARASSED AT NIGHT BY

RUSSIAN PT BOATS, GENERAL QUARTERED AT TIMES BECAUSE OF RUSSIAN MIGS OVERHEAD, CHASED BY RUSSIAN NUCLEAR SUBS ON ONE

OCCASION AND (ZIG-ZAGGING) OUR WAY INTO A TYPHOON STORM WHILE BEING PURSUED WITH PERISCOPE UP READINESS AT OUR TAIL.

I REMEMBER MAKING AN EARLY MORNING LANDING ON (RED BEACH) JUST OFF THE DANANG AIRFIELD THAT WAS BEING BOMBARDED

BY MORTAR ATTACKS FROM RUSSIAN AND NORTH VIETNAMESE TROOPS. I REMEMBER BE PHYSIOLOGICALLY HARASSED AT NIGHT BY

MESSAGES FROM (HANOI HANNA) THAT CAME OVER THE RADIO WAVES. SHE NAMED OUR SHIP AND THREATENED TO CRUSH US AT ANY

MOMENT IF WE CONTINUED TO PURSUE AN AGGRESSIVE STANCE OFF THE COAST OF NORTH VIETNAM. I RECALL THROWING THE RADIO

OVERBOARD ONE NIGHT. THERE IS MORE THAT TOOK PLACE DURING THOSE FEW MONTHS. I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM SOMEONE

WHO WAS ON THE SHIP AT THIS TIME.

LCPL-JOHN GASPARRO-USMC

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I just came across this site. I think I was aware of the reunion, but missed it.

I was the A & R Division Officer during the 65 to 67 era. I was assigned the duty of Special Services Officer for 18 months. During that time I organized a boxing

tournament in 1965 as we passed from the Pacific into the South China Sea. We had some great matches, all within 5 lbs. of each other. The Deck Force built the

matts on the helo deck and set the ring with poles and ropes. I bought a VW bus to carry sailors from the gate in Subic back to the MoBoat.

I received from Captain George Folta, my "Blue Vase", an impossible task to acquire a female Mannequin at minimal cost in Yokosuka. Thanks to LT. Don Kuepker's

help I bought one in a dress shop. Thus we have Phillis Phid pg. 75 of the 65-67 Cruise Book. After I brought her back to the ship and we repaired her in the carpenter

shop by DC2 Mitchell I placed her in the Captains bunk under the covers facing the bulkhead and dressed in a gown. He was shocked. He thought this was his lucky

day, or so I was told she looked real. So, who ended up with Phyllis after the Quartermaster used to store her in the chart House? How long was she used?

Then there was Navigator Anchor Man Lt. Dick Holt the winner of our anchor pool. The Captain would not let him keep the anchor pool winnings. Mr. Holt and I

challenged any 6 man team to volley ball in the well deck. I don't think we lost. Mr. Holt and I drew straws to see who would be the Easter Bunny on Easter Sunday unrep.

He won, he became the rabbit, in long jons, log jon shirt, white pillow case, ears made of coat hangers, white tennis shoes and a basket of real Easter eggs. The basket of

eggs was hi-lined to the unrep ship. Captain Folta turned to address the bunny coming on deck "Who in the hell are you"? We never admitted who.

I was aware of the demise of Captain Folta. Around Dec. 7 of 2003 I was in Seattle for a wedding. I had found George via the internet via the History channel 120 on TV.

He made some appearances on the history of his Captain from WWII I made arrangements to meet him for coffee at Starbucks. We talked for a couple of hours about

before and after Navy experiences. His Blue Vase was to acquire a Navy Jeep on base, I believe in Perth, Australia as an Ensign in WWII.

I tried to call George Folta in Feb. 2004 after I failed to receive anymore e-mails. His wife informed me he had passed away about 2 weeks after I had coffee with him.

Was it what I had said or was it bad coffee? I had not see Captain Folta since 1966.

I also met with LtJG Lacy Pike a couple of years ago east of San Francisco. He was aware of the Monticello mooring location close by. We drove down to the location

and tried to get a picture. I liked our pictures of her better when we sailed her to the Western Pacific AND back.

Smooth sailing to all of the Men who served aboard the Monticello.

James Swatek

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I spent an afternoon this weekend with an old shipmate of ours,  SM3 Charlie Kampa.  I believe he served the

old girl from 1976-1980.  Brought back many memories....too many to discuss in 5 short hours.  One very distinct

memory I have involves most of the ship and a few islanders.  We were going to Enewetok to repair small boats so

the islands could be cleaned up and turned over to the natives.  Enroute, we stopped on a small island called

Kwajalein to refuel.  Since most of the ship had nothing to do with this excursion,

we partook of the native festivities.  I spent some time swimming in the lagoon along with Ens. Nevers and a few others.

When I saw fins in the water, I decided to go have an adult social appropriate beverage.  There was a small bar on the

beach and I noticed a few Mo-Boat sailors there.  At the bar were a couple of Aussie pilots and everyone seemed to be

having a good time.  SN Lewis was going around the island collecting bikes to ride into the ocean!  I'm not sure how

many he submerged but I'm sure there were many sad children the next morning.

EN3 Roy came in the bar looking like a native with his scepter and garb on.  One of the natives took offense and it was on.

At the same time this was going on FN Tankred made the fatal mistake of calling BM3 soon to be SN Swerzek a SOB.

Now Ed loved his mama and no one was going to call her a B**ch!  Shortly the police showed up and we were left to use

any gorilla warfare tactic we could think of to get back to the ship.  Did I mention that before this was going on,

R-division was doing it's humanitarian act.

We were letting a bunch of sea turtle loose that the natives had in a small aquarium, tank.  And the palm trees planted

around it didn't fair too well either!  Well by the time we got back to the ship, we had a welcoming committee and they

looked pretty irritated.  At the top of the ladder was BMC McMeans and he was pissed!  Our division officer at the time

was Lt. Peter Smith and since he was with us and told everyone concerned that he had

Pete Ford

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Beamer,

I was TAD on the Mo Boat in 1958 Operation Hardtack 7.3 Boat Pool during the atomic bomb blasts at Eniwetok & Bikini.

Once Top Secrete Document AD-A136819 is now declassified. Some of the later crew members may be interested in the following:

  All 1958 (bomb shots by name then date, time, & nautical miles from ground zero)  YUCCA 28 April 1440 78nmi  CACTUS 6 May

0615 10nmi  BUTTERNUT 12May 0615 10nmi  KOA 13 May 0630  18 nmi WAHOO 16 May 1330 6nmi  UMBRELLA 9 June 1115 4nmi Yes,

four nautical miles from ground zero. It was 11 miles from the

mezzanine deck to the horizon, so less than half the distance. All in all the Mo Boat was present at the EPG for 34 of

the 35 shots, these are just a few.

Atomic Veteran

W.E. Mclagan

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Hi All,

I hope you don't mind my writing, but I was in San Francisco this past week

and saw your old ship. My husband was on the Kawishiwi, 1969-71

and told me that it seemed a funny coincidence that both ships are in the

same row of the "mothball" fleet.  (When you had been so "close", previously.)

We sailed the SS Jeremiah on 8/27/05 to pay a tribute to all the retired ships.

Good luck to all and many happy reunions!

Nancy

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It was February 1971 Sydney, Australia, when the USS Monticello sailed in to Sydney Harbour. What an experience that was.

She returned later that year, with all the crew standing proudly on deck in summer whites spelling out "Glad to be back"I

had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful group of signalmen.(Jack, Dale and Doc. I was able to travel to Freemantle,West.Aust

to meet the ship when it docked, after leaving Sydney. I would like to think that the message flashed to me that morning from

the signal deck was not standard procedure. Thank you to the Captain and QM for allowing my friend to leave the ship first

before all the formalities.

When I traveled to San Diego in March 72,I missed catching up with some of my friends as they had been discharged.

I have been checking this website for some time, hoping a friend from the past had logged on.



I hope I have not offended anyone by writing today.

Wendy

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I remember some great times on the USS Monticello.  I arrived on-board in

early in 1965 and left in mid 1968.  Some of the guys I have often wondered

about are Roger Staab, Gary Davis, Red Williams, Ken Duke, Thomas Walton and

other M-Division screw-ups.



I remember the coast of Viet Nam more than anything else, but we also had

some great times in Subic, Hong Kong, Okinawa, Yokosuka and Hawaii. We all

soaked up a tremendous amount of San Miguel beer.  Great stuff if you were

constipated.



It is interesting to get some perspective now on what we were doing then.

Most of the time we were kept in the dark.



After getting out of the Navy as an MM3, I went to school in Colorado and

got a Bachelor's Degree.  Worked as a systems analyst for Eastman Kodak

until moving to Idaho in 1978.  Finished an MBA in 1982.  Went into the

theater business owning theaters in Idaho, Washington, Nevada and Canada.  I

sold out of that business in 1998.  Went into property development and moved

to Olympia, Washington in 1997.



After 911, I joined the Washington State Guard to do my part for the war

effort.  Since then I have been advanced to Sergeant and have passed all my

coursework for advancement to Warrant Officer.  Just waiting for an opening.

I'm working with a great bunch of guys.



Thanks for the great web site.  I know they take a lot of work.  I would

love to hear from anybody on-board from 65-67 so we can swap lies.



I heard that Dick Barth is living in Canon City, Colorado.  That is where

the prison is so I hope he is on the outside rather than the inside.



Best Regards,



SGT Jack D. Clark Jr

WSG Headquarters

Camp Murray

Tacoma, WA

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I WAS ABOARD THE MO WHEN SHE WAS COMMISSIONED UNTIL 1959. I AM A PLANK OWNER.

I CROSSED THE EQUATOR ABOARD HER, AND AM SHELLBACK.

OPERATION HARDTACK AND THROUGH THE SOUTH PACIFIC.

IT WOULD BE GREAT TO TALK TO SOME OF THE OLD SHIP MATES.

PLEASE CONTACT MIKE DALESSANDRO

In case a shipmate would like to talk about the MO. and old times from commission,

until 0ct. 1959. you can contact me  the address above is wrong

its comcast.net   and not .com. sorry for the error.

*************************************************************

I Roy Lyles remember back in 1969-1970 the Mo-Boat had a very good Softball team. I just wish that

the sailors played on that team would please contact me, because some of those

guys could have made it in major league baseball.

Roy Lyles-SN-2Div

*************************************************************



I remember my first WESTPAC. 

After leaving Hawaii heading to Australia. 

There was talk of "pollywogs" but I didn't have a clue of what that was. 

I soon learned. I am now able to say, I am a Shellback. 

On to Australia where we were a part of Kangaroo II. 

When we had liberty call I went to Sydney. The ship had a party at the beach. 

That is where I met an Aussie sailor. 

We took off in his car, right side drive, that was different. 

I got to see some sights that most people         

don't see unless you live there. I saw some great country. 

I'll never forget the time I had there. 

The people were so warm and friendly. They made me feel like I was home. 

I have never forgotten my time on the MoBoat. I sometimes miss it. I

sometimes look at my WESTPAC cruise book and I wonder how the lives of those I knew back then have turned out. 

Me, I am very blessed to have a loving wife and 7 children.  

Thank you for this web site.

Jon Aplin

************************************************************

I have many memories of the USS Monticello. Too numerous to elaborate them all here. 

I was commissioned an Ensign in July of 1980. Prior to my commissioning, I requested an amphibs as my first choice for ships I wished to serve on.

This really was no coincidence because some ten years earlier I was a Marine with 3rd batallion 12th Marines, and had served on amphibs.

Well, you can probably see where all of this is going. In 1970 I went aboard the USS Monticello as a Marine. And now some ten years later

I was going back as an  Ensign. You can imagine the memories I relived. Naturally being a Marine I was treated much like a mushroom and

kept below decks. You know out of sight, out of mind. And of course the first place I went to after boarding her, was below decks.

I have forgotten a lot, but I think our space number must have been 3- something. So its easy to see why USS Monticello holds a special

place in my heart. All the great crew members, picking up boat people, losing an anchor at Numazu, Japan, the Rose festival in Portland,

port call at Catalina, Island. It goes on an on. So to all you faithful sailors of the USS Monticello, "fair winds and following seas".

And for those who were fortunate enough to serve with Captain Hough- "Why not the best?"

Bruce Kennedy

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I am a plank owner.  I was assigned to the commissioning crew for the Monticello in Dec 1956.  We stayed in Pascagula, MS

until March 1957 and then sailed to Norfolk, VA to load stores and ammunition.  We went to Boston, MA and then back to Norfolk,

VA and headed to the Panama Canal.  After a stay in Panama we went to our home port in San Diego.  After performing shakedown cruise,

we stopped at Acapulco, Mexico.  For entertainment, often several of us crewmen would gather in the chow hall, well deck or the boatswain

locker and play music.  My specialty was Johnny Cash and Ernest Tubb.  Sometimes the sessions were taped and played over the PA system.

My nickname became "Ernest Tubb".  Incidentally, I have a picture of me and "Polecat" and "Sugar Booger" taken at the EM Club.

I also have a picture of 10 of the commissioning crew taken at the EM Club in Norfolk.  While we were on liberty in Acapulco, Mexico,

I was electrocuted; taken back to the Monticello on the Captains gig; remained in sick bay until we returned to San Diego.  Is there

anyone who remembers this incident?  I am trying to locate Buck Berryman (from Little Rock), "Spencer",

"Corpsman Beck" & Eugene Witt from Arkansas.  I was transferred to Balboa Naval Hospital and after my recovery, I was reassigned to Boat

Unit 1 in Coronado, California.  Looking forward to corresponding with any of the original commissioning crew.

  

Jack Dover

************************************************************

Just typed in U.S.S. Monticello on my computer and found this site.

I served on her 1977 to 1979 R division, HT3.

I will never forget some of those crazy sometimes

fun a lot of times very hard working long hours and days. Great shipmates,

Pete Ford, and his Mom's Christmas candy  yummy, Donnie Moore (Dinty) Went on to

become his life's dream a Navy diver,  Yingling, (hey hey  now now)  was his

favorite expression, HT1 Dovers, stinky feet, P.U.  Arc welding while standing

in 3 feet of water. Stern gate falling off. Reading the Same Easy Rider's

magazines in DC central  a million times over. Mid watch  every night or so it seemed.

R division had a bunch of good people. We had some good times. I am still a

turd-chaser been employed in the Plumbing trade since my discharge.

I am a master plumber now with my own business for the past 15 years.

Hope all my shipmates are well. Am a grandpa now too, Time does fly. except on mid watch.

Doug Reed



************************************************************

I was on the MoBoat (as you guys call her) & also the Thomaston.

With BLT 2/7 in 68. I'm not sure if it was the Mo or

the Thomaston that collided with the carrier in the middle of the night,

but I was sleeping on the Helo Pad where we

slept unless it was raining. Just wondering which boat it was. By the way,

both crews on both ships treated us Marines

great when we came back aboard from the bush, Thanks!!!!!

As bad as the wreck was, It was good for some time at Subic bay & Liberty!!!!

Cpl Doug Scrivner USMC 67-71 

docascriv@fuse.net

***********************************************************

I bet that I am one of only three guys on ship that was ever asked to identify his penis.

I was a JO3 at the time and my buddies and I were using the official ships intel camera to take pictures topside.

RMSN Danny Gathercole decided he wanted a picture of his schwanz so I obliged.  Then SMSN Brent Anderson, Danny and

I photographed ourselves mooning the camera.  Well, that film got mixed with with intel film sent to the photolab in Subic (Thanks Jessie!)

The Capt, XO, OE Div Officer MA ET2 Bates, ETC Chipman  and my gang were all ordered into the capt's cabin to identify the photos.

"Petty Officer Cantrell, is this your penis?" said Cmdr Hough pointing to the photos.  Words I will never forget as they cost me a stripe,

lots of money and I spent the next 45 days scrubbing bilges and steam superheaters.  Time of your life, eh kid?



Don Cantrell

***********************************************************

RDC Sharp - what a great Chief!  I learned more about leadership from him than any school or course the Navy could throw at me in the 30 years following.

I remember one time, the XO was planning a man-overboard drill, and he nabbed an RDSN for the victim.  He told him to sit in his stateroom until the

XO came and got him.  Then they passed the Man Overboard call.  

It turns out, on his way to CIC, Chief Sharp happened to see the RDSN in the XO's cabin, and asked him what he was doing there.  RDSN said he was

to stay there till the XO came back.  Sharp told him to do exactly that, and proceeded to CIC.  Once there, he turned in a muster which accounted for all his people.

This meant that everyone on the ship was apparently accounted for, so they had to keep doing musters until they found the 'victim'.  Finally,

the XO came into CIC and asked Sharp to account for his men.  I will never forget the look on the XOs face when Sharp said "Well, I've got 4 on watch, 4 at quarters, 2 are messcooking, and, oh yeh, there's RDSN down in your cabin, doing who knows what?  I believe that accounts for them all, Sir."

XO was so pissed, he just glared at Sharp for about 10 seconds, then said "Chief, I don't think your are playing the game, do you?", and Sharp replied "XO, man overboard is not a game with me, Sir."  The XO just spun around and left without a word.  RDC Sharp was indeed, Sharp!

If anyone knows his whereabouts, please let me know.  Thanks.

Jack Spratt

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1962, Christmas island, running out of food.  Running for Hawaii and bugs in the bread. Ah Subic, Olongapo and the PI love call.

VN '64 gulf of Tonkin yacht club. (I still have that patch on my wall)  Medals for combat and the money taken away on the way

home after the 64 Olympics in Japan.  I hated every minute, but have fond memories.



David Minion

minion@computermail.net

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I REMEMBER BEING IN HONG KONG ON LIBERTY AT THE LITTLE BAR WITH BM3 BARRISTER AND BM1 JOWERS ALSO

BM3 PEDEN AND PEDEN GOT WASTED AND WE SENT BACK TO THE FERRY DOCK IN A RICKSHAW

AND PEDEN WASN'T GONE TOO LONG AND HE WAS BACK AT , THE BAR WITH US CAUSE HE SAID HE BEAT UP

THE RICKSHAW DRIVER CAUSE HE THOUGHT HE WAS KIDNAPPING HIM.



I ALSO REMEMBER THE AWESOME BAR-B-QS ON THE MEZZANINE DECK WHAT A FEAST.



DOES ANYONE REMEMBER THE BOS'N THAT WAS ON BOARD 73-75 I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH LONGER HE WAS

ON BOARD HE WAS VERY HEAVY SET!!!!!!!!!!



IF YOU WANT TO E-MAIL ME 

LEON QUALLS

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When I was aboard this ship it was the best time I had while in the Marines. Huntington was a friend and I was allowed to help on the gig with him. If he is still around... HI JIM!

LCpl Bill Herbert, 1970

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I was on the babe when she got in the fleet. I'm hoping to find Larry Keirney or Frank Connor Jock Mchoney. Just a few of the mates that hung around. I can't remember the ex officer name. I remember being on watch when he informed us on the bridge that we were going by Cuba on our way to Norfork. Also, remember going to Boston for the captains r&r before we left for San Diego.........oh,well long time ago now wasn't it..........take care respond if will and I'll get back.

 SN Robert Markuson(markie),1957-1958

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June of 1972 I was called to active duty from the in-active reserves. I couldn't have caught a better ship or crew than the "Mo Boat."

During my brief tenure aboard we had more fun than God every issued in your seabag.

The ships machine shop was pretty well stripped of tools and material. MRC Bob Inns was doing his best with very little.

Remember the 1970's were the era of Admiral Elmo Zumwalt. I had come from a different era / different Navy.

My last active duty had been January of 1965. My hardnosed attitude about conduct and drugs rapidly tagged me as being an NIS plant.

Drugs were a problem. To get better control over the problem, Capt. Tager had requested assistance from the squadron commander.

I know this because Capt. Tager told me. During my first three months onboard, I had been to Captain's Mast nineteen times just

because I was doing what I felt a squared away Petty Officer should do. Drugs? Not on my ship!

We had deployed for WEST PAC and a few nights out from San Diego, Capt. Tager stopped by the machine shop. He invited me

to his in-port cabin. Upon entering his cabin, I was greeted by a table that was set with cookies and coffee.

The Capt. invited me to have a seat. My mind was racing a million miles an hour trying to figure this one out.

The following fifteen minutes were usual conversation about hometown, family, naval career. Finally the Skipper said,

"I know you cannot tell me if you are. But I've got to ask anyway. Are you NIS?"

There it was out in the open. Now understand, I was not NIS or anything else. I quickly realized the opportunity that was open before me.

I couldn't lie. I replied, "Like you said Captain. I couldn't tell you if I were; now could I?

"No. You couldn't, but I just had to ask," he replied. Before all this life was good and life was fun on the Monticello, but it really got better now.

I hadn't lied, but my answer wasn’t crystal clear either.

All of you listed on the Decklog that served 72 - 73 will surely remember the Chinese mongoose I had. More of that story later at a different posting.

Late 1973, the "Mo Boat" went to Anchorage, Alaska. Capt. Tager had me show my mongoose to the mayor and his wife.

Capt. Tager's wife was introduced too. The mongoose story has to be the best kept secret ever held on any ship, in any Navy.

I was the tale bearer that carried the news back to the ship when the