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April 07, 2008 - 06:39 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

I will be in Arizona April 10 through the 14th to visit my son. If you need to get a hold of me, call the house and the better half will get you my cell phone number. Steve

April 05, 2008 - 08:37 AM
Bruce Hevner ,HT2-- 71-73

WELL DECKS SECURED DUE TO HEAVY WEATHER.
If you have high speed access check out this video of a cargo ship in high seas. You can actually see the ship flexing.
Reminds me of dodging waves on the 'Ole Miss,,, not that I ever did that,,,
go to military.com and search for video# 164323
Bruce Hevner

April 04, 2008 - 05:30 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Thanks, Steve. I'll try to get in touch with Paula.

Thanks for the offer to send the papers from Doc Flanders.

Brian

April 03, 2008 - 05:37 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Brian, I spoke with Paula a few weeks ago. She is still having a tough time. If you could call her, that would be great. She sent me a packet of papers that Doc had gotten from the Navy. They are the ship's logs for the first six months of 1962. I am going to make copies for you and Pete Droesch. Anyone else wants a copy, let me know. My printer was on the fritz, but is okay now. Will try to get the copies made this weekend. Steve

April 03, 2008 - 05:04 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Has anyone heard from the Flanders family? It just isn't the same without Doc Flanders around anymore.

April 03, 2008 - 12:00 PM
Clyde

Dave. I never went swimming in Subic Bay. I do remember some of the guys that were painting the bow from a boson’s chair accidentally falling in the water. I guess it cooled them off as they kept slipping out of the rig. It went on for about an hour until A couple of us on the dock caught the right light and saw a few dozen barracuda swimming around below them. Amazing how well the rigging worked after that. Clyde

April 02, 2008 - 11:29 PM
Jocie Braaksma

Congratulations Dad! I would have written this when you first got the award, but you neglected to tell me. I will have to agree with Dan McNeill, you are a heck of a guy!!! I love you! Jocie

April 02, 2008 - 09:24 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Dave, is that the reason they call you "Wet behind the ears?" I forgot all about your swim call. It wasn't in the s**t river, was it?

April 02, 2008 - 08:31 PM
Dave Farmer RD3 67-69

I once had a swim call but it wasn't intentional. They got 6 of the 7 blast of man overboard before I was hauled back up on board. I was waiting for my shot of Whiskey but never got one. All they did is bake a cake for the tug Captain and crew the next time we were in port. It was a thanks for not smashing me between the tug and the Ole Mis'. I guess they liked me some...May I suggest not to go swimming in Subic Bay during a Typhoon.

April 02, 2008 - 08:18 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Brian and Clyde, I have watched the National Geographic program about the Marianas Trench. The sharks down there are still talking about Sibley's butt and how he got away. They didn't say anything about the Texan.

April 02, 2008 - 07:58 PM
jim pixler

dave i was in on that swim call in 62&63 i dove off the side and starded to swim to quick hit the water wrong when they got back on board i never went on swiw call again Jim Pixler

April 02, 2008 - 05:26 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Bob, I remember a swim call, but I did not know in the area of the Mariana Trench. I swallowed water and someone had to pull me into the boat.

Have you read the August 1960 National Geographic article about the Trieste and the Mariana Trench? If not, find it in your library. It is well worth reading.

April 02, 2008 - 03:45 PM
Clyde

I don't think the sharks would care if it was the butt of a QM or a BT that they were about to partake of. I know Dave has a cute butt, BUT! I still think a shark would not care. I think the only Shipmate that would never have to worry is Forefather Al. He is so good lookin. Anyway thats what he told me. Clyde

April 02, 2008 - 02:31 PM
Dave Sibley QM2 1962-63

On the 62-63 westpac cruise the captian had a swim call. It was in the Mariana Trench near Guam. It's the deepest know spot in the world, 36,000 feet. I was lucky to get a chance to swim. Unlike MR. Dengler, I loved to swim because I was in the U.S. Navy

April 02, 2008 - 01:16 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

We had swim call once when I was on the ship. Lucky for me, I was on watch. Never did see any reason to jump from a ship that wasn't sinking. Not much of a swimmer either.

April 02, 2008 - 10:55 AM
Bob Ruben

Brian Stuckey, Do you remember the time on the way to westpac the captain stopped the ship at what was the deepest point in the Pacific Ocean and had swim call. How many people can say they swam there!!!!!

April 02, 2008 - 07:42 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Clyde,
Swim call took on a different fear for me, over the sharks. I had a huge fear in heights. The dive from the well decks to the sea was a huge task for me, but I was young and daring. At least it was a semi soft landing. When my face hit the water for the first, and only, time, I felt a slight pain at the bridge of my nose. I put my fingers there and found blood. My young face had a zit as big as an acorn that exploded. Shark bait to be sure now! I got out of there ASAP and hope the GM's guns were cocked and ready.
Speaking of fear of heights. Shortly after reporting aboard, BM3 Dan Lehnert, directed me to be pullied up one of the rigs to chip & paint. Realizing my fears, and know the steal deck was not as soft as the Pacific Ocean, I said I could not do it. After a argument that lasted a few minutes, and contained words like, "being written up, Captains Mass, and I'll kick your butt," Dan finaly realized my fears were real, and he let me off. To this day I still thank Dan for his kindness. A few months later I got off the deck force and ended up as a DK. No falling off of pay records.

April 01, 2008 - 08:07 PM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Steve, thanks much for the packet of pictures. I got them yesterday, and it made my day since I knew chemo was coming today. It was not only great for you to share your family photos, but I was thrilled with the reunion photos of old friends. Fitzwilliam's hadn't changed a bit, and I could not believe how Joel Daniels son looks just like Joel did in 73-74. It was almost freaky to see the comparison!
Paul, your gift of kindness blew me away! I received it yesterday as well. It was like Christmas in March. I have this thing for watches, the Navy, and of course the Mispillion, so to add it all together was unreal!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Gentlemen!

April 01, 2008 - 07:24 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

New old shipmate:
Thomas Hunt, SH3, 69-71
288 Daniel Springs Ct
Villa Rica, GA 30180
He went to school when he got out and then went back into the navy as an officer. Retired as a Cdr in 1993. He was a naval aviator. He ran the ship store when I was on Missy. I have his phone and e mail address on file. Steve

April 01, 2008 - 11:53 AM
Clyde

Brad. I'm sorry. I just am still laughing at the thought that Travis had thought that my memory might be better than his. My memory is about as long as a knat lives. I do remember we had a stupid sign that we hoisted every time we had swim call. We had a guy with a rifle on the bow, stern, midships and 2 in the boat. They were to shoot any sharks that came up for lunch. And yet we had a lot of the guys go swimming. This little pork chop from Kansas didn't want to be a meal for any fish. Hench the stupid flag. Clyde

March 31, 2008 - 12:26 PM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

It's been quiet out there lately. Everyone must be gone for Easter.

Steve, Terry Wright called me last week with the details from 1974 Shellback certificate you are looking for. He said he would call you.

Did you get my order/check for the white Mispillion hat?

March 29, 2008 - 02:51 PM
Travis Sweet

Steve & others:
Regarding the meaning of flags on the ship. I hope Clyde has a better memory than me. Here are some of them:
R (romeo) half way up meant preparing to replenish (unrep) another ship alongside. Followed by two number flags mean the unrep speed such as 12 would be 12 knots. When R was all the way up we were ready to take them alongside & it would remain all the way up until we were finished. After being on the Mispillion this is one I'll never forget!
F (foxtrot) was used by carriers during flight ops. Halfway up was preparing to launch & all the way up was flight ops proceeding.
If we put up the small "desig" flag above anything it meant we were spelling out in plain language what we intended for anyone else to know. For example: desig U (uniform) S (Sierra) A (Alpha) meant we were going home to the USA.
That is about all I can remember. They say the short term memory is the first thing to go!
Travis Sweet, SM2, '68-'69

March 28, 2008 - 11:05 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Regarding the 2008 reunion. Is there anyone from the final cruise and decommissioning (73-74)of the USS MISPILLION that will be attending? My wife and I are 95% sure we will be there, but my health is the determining factor.

March 27, 2008 - 08:22 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Brad, I can put a hitch on the back and pull your scooter. I will get a hold of Frank and see what he says. As always Brad, have a good day and a better tomorrow.

March 27, 2008 - 05:06 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Spider, you are the only one who seems to remember the steering casualty with the USS John McCain. As you say, no one was hurt, but there was black oil everywhere when the hoses burst. If someone had not knocked loose the pelican hook on the McCain, the span wire might have decapitated a few sailors.

In the case of the falling block, the shackle lost a pin on the top of the boom allowing it to fall. The block crushed the liferails below, but no one was hurt. We are all grateful that someone was looking out for us.

Brian

March 27, 2008 - 07:31 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Steve,
Hamden, OH, (Frank Hollingshead) is only 1 1/2 hours SE from Dayton, OH. Not far at all. Here's a thought; I'll follow you on your HOG with my 150cc Honda Scooter. Keep the dust down, along with the speed, and I might make the 1 1/2 hour trip in two days or less.

March 26, 2008 - 08:16 PM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Steve,
If your able to come this way on your Hog this Summer, our home will be open to you. I'll find out how close Hamden, OH is from Dayton, and see if we can get Frank to meet up as well. Not saying we can make a WILD HOG's flick, but it might be wild.
My Shellback certificate is currently packed in a POD, of which I will have access to in 2-3 weeks. I can get the details then.
Being SOOOOOOO much younger than Clyde, we figured out he entertained Rosie's Mother. What a nice family.
My first encounter in Olongapo was a 36 year ould Aunt of my friend stationed there. At 19 yrs., I thought, "what the heck." The next morning, when I went to the head, I found her 16 year old daughter asleep on the couch. Boy did I get the raw end of that deal!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 26, 2008 - 04:31 PM
Steve Dengler, BT3, 71-73

Brad, what I need for Frank is the date of the crossing, longitude, latitude, etc and whoever signed it. If I can get a copy, that would work even better. I have mine, but it is from my first ship, the USS Mars AFS 1. Rosie, eh? Is her Dad from the Portland area?

March 26, 2008 - 12:55 PM
Clyde

Brad. I think I knew Rosie's Mom. Clyde

March 26, 2008 - 07:56 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Clyde,
Here's adding a sea story you are asking for. I'll try to keep it clean.

During the 73-74 WestPac cruise, I had a close friend from High School that assinged to Subic Bay in a top secret capacity. All I know was he knew where I was at all times, even when I had no clue. Each time we pulled into Subic Scott was always pier side waiting to have some fun. While out on the town one night I meet a beautiful yound Filipino named Rosie. We became good friends (ha, ha.) I can remember her constantly asking for me to buy her a fan. I never did. Well, one day I was off for the day, and Scott was at work. I had full access to his baracks, so I thought I would take advantage of this chance. I went out into Olongapo and found Rosie. We went back to Scott's baracks to have a long and interesting talk, in a reclining position. Of course Scott got off work early that day and came in and found us. He exploded! Except for HOUSE BOYS, locals were off limits to the baracks, and being in a top secret capacity, it could have caused him problems. Now, 34 years later, Scott lives in No.Ohio, and we see each other many times through the year, and we talk weekly. This story comes up many times, allowing us to laugh about it now.
In fact, there were 5 of us from the same HS that ended up on the West Coast and in Subic, so when we get together yet today, we stand at the kitchen island and share sea stories over a few beers. It's amazing how our talks always end up in Olongapo. Our wives are usually within ear range, and they just shake their heads and laugh at the old drunks!

March 26, 2008 - 07:40 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Steve,
Your telephone call the other day not only brightened my day, it was a true glare for the day! The sun looked dim in comparison. Thank you. It meant a lot to me.
Yes, I do have my Shellback certificate. It's quite large. I have fond memories of Frank....how can I help you get him a copy?
One of my greatest times in the Navy was the serving time with one of my closest friends dating back to elementary school. Bill was assigned to the USS Vancouver out of San Diego. So while in Long Beach, and later in San Diego, we spent a lot of time together. Bill and I both live here in Dayton, so we still see each other often. My point to this mention is that he found the Vancouver is having a reunion in San Diego this coming September, and he will not go since the attendee list does not show anyone he served with. I told him I have not seen a list for our reunion, so I have no clue who will be there, but that the opportunity to meet many that served from many years prior is as big of thrill to me as the chances of seeing old friends. He's now considering the trip.
Have a great day all, as I will!

March 26, 2008 - 12:08 AM
spider irwin

Brian,sorry i havent got back to you sooner.Been thinking about the experence we had with uss MCCAIN.We knew what the hell we were doing but that other ship did not have a clue of what they were suppose to do.Some bad things happened during that unrep but as i remember,nobody got hurt,I was on the tank deck pumping black oil to her.When those hoses come loose somebody is gonna turn black and it aint gonna be me.I dont remember the block you mentioned but if it happened at the same time as all this other stuff i was kind of trying to save my butt and dont really know what all went on behind me.Man,theres nothing like sea duty on a T2 tanker. I spent 4 years on the Mispillion and another 2 years on the Caliente another tanker.Believe me i know tankers.Brian if you or anyone else wants to swap some sea stories i would love to hear them. Fair winds. SPIDER.

March 25, 2008 - 03:18 PM
CLYDE

THE JOLLY ROGER MEANS HEAVE TO, WE ARE GOING TO RAPE AND PILLAGE. THE REST I CAN'T REMEMBER AND DON'T CARE MUCH. CLYDE

March 25, 2008 - 01:35 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Maybe Clyde or Travis can help us out on this one. What are the designations for flags on the ship? When are they used and what do they mean?

March 25, 2008 - 12:22 AM
Bruce Hevner ,HT2-- 71-73

Hello Shipmates!!!
The Bridge?
As ships passed to steam and orders could be given by remote methods such as the engine order telegraph, a small control deck with an enclosed pilot house was constructed above the main deck of the ship in front of the funnel, usually reaching from side to side and "bridging" the main deck. It became the term used to describe the place from where the Captain steered the ship and gave his orders.
So now you know!!!

March 24, 2008 - 07:37 PM
Clyde

Danny. The truth is the truth. He is my favorite President. Thanks. Clyde.

March 24, 2008 - 07:35 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Brad, it was good to talk to you today in person instead of on the computer. I always like to put a voice with the name. I hope that I helped to brighten your day a little. You sure brightened mine.
NOW, a true story of Mispillion misadventure. In the winter of 1971, we were in the middle of our westpac tour. We had this kid from Puerto Rico named Luis Bernier working in the fire room. Bernier didn't speak very good english. The phone rings. Bernier picks it up and answers. It is Chief John Gobbo. Chief Gobbo asks for Chief Wassom. Bernier says, "who the he** is this?" John let loose with several expletives basically telling Bernier he was going to skin him alive, as soon as he got to the fire room. Chief Gobbo showed up in the fire room looking for that little #$%^*&. He was long gone. We were laughing so hard, we were crying. Don't know if Gobbo ever got ahold of Bernier or not, but it sure made our day. Those of you who remember Chief Gobbo can attest to his sense of humor. There wasn't any.

March 24, 2008 - 05:27 PM
Dan MacNeil

13 GREAT RONALD REAGAN QUOTES
1. 'Here's my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose.'

2. 'The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'

3. 'The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.'

4. 'Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong.'

5. 'I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.'

6. 'The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination.'

7. 'Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.'

8. 'The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program.'

9. 'It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.'

10. 'Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.'

11. 'Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book.'

12. 'No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.'

13. 'If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.'

March 24, 2008 - 03:23 PM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Clyde,
I take head to thge warnings I see mentioned, and know what you mean. If I understood the impotance of having a colonoscopy 4 years ago when I turned 50, I would have my health today. Without the help of medicine, and God, my life is now shortened to only a couple/few more years at best. GUYS! If you haven't had your colonoscopy, take my word for it, IT CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE!
Cheers!
P.S. Mispillion tales in the mental works. More to come.

March 24, 2008 - 12:53 PM
Clyde

Brad. Your right about some of the things we talk about. Of course most of it is just a warning for others to be deligent in taking care of themselves. To be sure I remember all my trips while aboard the Mispillion and they are great to reflect on. So here is my challange. All you old salts that have a sea story (clean it up a little) please post on the site for all to enjoy. If it includes a story about one of the Shipmates that we all know, so much the better. We all love to hear the dirt on one of our buddies. LOL!
I will start with mine about
Carl(Hungry) Baker. We were on the beach in Long Beach and we had sipped a few bottles of Thunderbird. Hungry pointed to a telephone post and said he could climb up the guy wire. After much to do and betting and of course bravado. He was stuck, he had to have a go at it. He was so right, he could climb the guy wire. I fact he looked like Tarzan hanging from the top of the wire. His problem was he couldn't get down the way he got up. Soooo. He just let go. Broke his leg. He had a walking cast on the next day and it never slowed him down one minute. Of course he never climbed a telephone pole again. P.S. I got e-mail from him the other day and he said he just might make it to this years reunion.
Happy days. Clyde

March 24, 2008 - 08:38 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Okay, last note of the morning. Being at home with terminal cancer doesn't allow for a huge calendar of events, so finding the Mispillion Guestbook has brought some entertainment to my life.

Over the past week I have been reading past messages and came to what I find as a sad, but funny conclussion. Being one of the youngest shipmates on this site (having decommissioned the Mispillion in 1974 at a young 20 years of age), I can't help but compare discussions and comments I use to hear bak then, and what I read today. Scanning though messages from Feb. 10th to current here are many of the words that stick out to me:

Cancer, PSA Tests, Prostate, Nursing Home, Rest Home, Anuerysm, Stroke, Biopsy, Grand Kids, and some words from the past....Chemo, radiation, heart by-pass, colon cancer, and etc.

I then think back to early ship life when we discussed R&R and A&A. We discussed our conquests in Subic, Olongapo, Sasebo, and other stops along our way. I can even recall my first encounter with GRASS while in the Navy...now the only grass I know about is what I mow on the week-ends. Re-enlist bonuses were used to buy conversion vans for "Sex in the City". Now we save any bonus for retirement, or to have our perscriptions refilled. Oh, "Sex in the City" is not our our minds anymore, it's an HBO TV Series. Monkey Meat has been replaced by whole grain cereals. Instead of biting the heads off of live baby chicks, we condiser broasted chicken. Cruise? I tell people I took an Hawaiian Cruise in 1973, and they think that's great, but then I add that it was on the USS Mispillion. The greatness in their thoughts isn't as great. San Miguel, Jack Daniels, and Budweiser has been replaced by Fiber supplements added to our orange juice, green tea, and Limu Juice.

Truth be known, I am having just as much fun today as I did then, it's just in a different way, and I can laugh at the aging process in comparisson to the past.

Thanks for letting me waist my t...

March 24, 2008 - 08:07 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

In regards to the 2008 reunion transportation thoughts. Our Daughter is taking a trip from Dayton, OH to NM this next week. Renting a van to haul the crew was too expensive. The flight for five was way to high. THey finalized on taking Amtrack at a fraction of the cost! And what a way to see the country! We wish we were going with them.
Hope this thought helps some.

March 24, 2008 - 08:04 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Clyde, congrats on the new grandbaby! So much fun. Our newest is 4 months old, and has truly been a joy. Enjoy, and then send them home is what I like. Take care.

March 23, 2008 - 06:09 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Just got a phone call from Al Puppo. He said that Carmen came through her surgery fine. She is in some pain he said. She will be going to a convelescent home tomorrow or the next day. She will be there for around 10 days.

March 23, 2008 - 01:36 PM
Clyde

My Daughter gave us a great gift yesterday. Kayla Ann Rowe was born 6:30 pm 03-22-2008. 8 1/2 lbs
20 inches long and lots of hair and very good lungs. Amazing how cute she is. I assume its because she looks like her Grandpa. Clyde

March 22, 2008 - 04:38 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Here's wishing Don Breeding a happy 69th birthday! Don was MAA on the mess decks when I reported for duty in Sept. '59. Remember our mess cooking days, Don? Franklin was working in the scullery. Eubanks, Hertell Ramey and Bolerjack were in the galley. Capt. Fred Dierman was at the helm.

Brian Stuckey

March 22, 2008 - 01:47 PM
Chris Munson

Part 2 of message below:

My PSA rose 2 points in a year – the trigger for a biopsy that confirmed I had prostate cancer. There’s ONE CHOICE to make – get the organ out of your body before it kills you. In some cases, for older men, the doc may say wait or recommend no action. But if you’re healthy, active, and plan to stick around awhile – out it comes. Both Clyde and I had da Vinci Robotic surgery – 5 small incisions, about a 3-4 hour procedure, very little pain or blood loss, and usually home in a day or two. There are several types of radiation options (that carry risks of delayed serious complications) and HIFU High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (not available yet in the US). Both Clyde and I made the choice to get through this, and to spread the word. We are happy to correspond with anyone who needs information, encouragement, or a bad joke or two to get thru this. I am back to a normal life, traveling the country on business, getting ready for sailing season and playing with my granddaughter.

My best to all of you,

CHRIS MUNSON aka Ship’s Boy
USS Mispillion, 1952-53 Relief Crew

March 22, 2008 - 01:45 PM
Chris Munson

Clyde, thanks for calling me this morning, and most importantly, for your new-found work in spreading the word and educating men about prostate cancer. Most of you know that both Clyde and I are now free of cancer after surgery this winter. It was Steve who put us in touch and we have talked by phone a lot as we have recovered.

I’m posting this here for several reasons. First, to congratulate Clyde for his Shipmate of the Month recognition – this is well-deserved and in the short time I have known Clyde I seen in him a compassionate and loving person with the kind of humor that brings out the best in us all.

The other reason is to offer some words to you who may have fears or concerns about prostate cancer, some straight talk. First, it’s fairly likely you will get it at some point, usually late in life. It’s also fairly likely that your life will be normal and long and you’ll be gone before the cancer spreads. BUT, it could be another matter, as it was in me and it was truly unexpected. I am 62, very healthy and athletic, etc., and a believer in annual physicals. Now this seems to scare guys and we make jokes – but the bottom line is the digital exam is no big deal, does not hurt, and it may detect unusual growth or enlargement. However, you’ll also have a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, and the numerical value from the test is an indicator – the best indicator – of possible cancer or an infection. A needle biopsy may be prescribed that will confirm cancer cells if present. The PSA test must be an annual routine for you, and you and your doctor should keep a record of the scores. It’s the rate of increase that is important.

My PSA rose 2 points in a year – the trigger for a biopsy that confirmed I had prostate cancer. There’s ONE CHOICE to make – get the organ out of your body before it kills you. In some cases, for older men, the doc may say wait or recommend no action. But if you’re healthy, active, and plan to stick around awh...

March 22, 2008 - 12:27 PM
Dave Farmer RD3 67-69

Homer Hickam made an interesting comment on TV recently. In case you don't know who he is, Homer was a poor West Va miner's son who worked his way up to being an employee/scientist for NASA. He wrote a book called 'Rocket Boy' which was later made into a great movie called 'October Sky'.

When interviewed he said this, about the 'one-shot' shoot down of the crippled satellite recently: 'If this country's head was on straight, they would be holding a ticker tape parade for the Crew of the Cruiser, USS Lake Erie...

'This (one rocket firing) boosted our National defense 100 fold. N Korea, Iran, China, Russia, all know now that we have a safety net that can accurately stop their incoming missiles, even if they are out of the earth's atmosphere.

'Of course, that was the plan all along, and it was a dandy plan. I just hope that the next person in the White House doesn't scrap the system and begin baking cookies for the enemy.

'Hillary or Obama will do just that, and that makes me nervous.

At any rate, Kudos to the Officers and Crew of the USS Lake Erie. WELL DONE, BLUE JACKETS!'

Do you suppose those who blame President Bush for everything bad that happens will give him credit for this?

WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE

God Bless You

March 21, 2008 - 09:37 PM
Ron Smith FTG 67-68

Congrats Clyde! Happy Easter to all my shipmates and their families!
Ron & Carole Smith

March 21, 2008 - 08:51 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Tumako??? Sumako???

March 21, 2008 - 08:48 PM
BILLY GARCEAU DC 3 65/69

HECK !!!!!!!
ME AND THE FARMER COULD TELL YOU OLD FARTS
STORIES THAT WOULD CLOSE THIS WEB SITE
DOWN
BACK IN OLONGPO P I .
THEY WANTED ME TO RUN FOR MAYOR IN OLONGPO
I SAID NO BECAUSE I DIDNT WANT TO GIVE THE KEY OF THE CITY TO FARMER

March 21, 2008 - 08:34 PM
Spider Irwin

Clyde,thanks for the mail.I Remember those perch tasted pretty good when we fried them up.Congradulations again on your award.Wow your own day in Portland and a letter from the Mayor.Pretty impressive for anyone but you deserve it.Stay in touch Tweety.SPIDER.

March 21, 2008 - 05:42 PM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

I want to wish all of my Mispillion Brothers, and their families, a very Happy Easter!

March 21, 2008 - 11:56 AM
Clyde

Please join me in wishing
Donald Breeding ET3 58-60 a happy 69th birthhday today. Don had a severe stroke 5 years ago. By the Grace of our Lord he is recovered and in tip top shape. I am proud to have served with him. Clyde

March 21, 2008 - 11:50 AM
Clyde

Dave. I give up. Clyde

March 21, 2008 - 08:24 AM
Dave Sibley QM2 62-63

Clyde thanks for bring back memories for me. I was playing music in a bar in Sasebo in 1962. Tumako was a girl in the bar and she wanted to take me home to meet her mother. Tumako introduced me and said that I was a Quartermaster. Sumako wanted to know if Clyde was still aboard the Mispillion. I said I didn't know a signalmen by that name.Tumako said that signalmen only waved flags, but that I controlled the Big rudder.

March 20, 2008 - 10:29 PM
Clyde

Damn. Now I look stupid. QUARTERMASTERS>
Clyde

March 20, 2008 - 10:28 PM
Clyde

Dave. I bet her name was Sumako. They really knew me by the nickname Tweety. Except for Sumako. She just liked Signalmen and hated Quatermasters.
Good day. Clyde

March 20, 2008 - 03:48 PM
Dave Sibley QM2 62-63

Clyde is this the same Clyde I know? Congratulations on being a Great American,shipmate,husband,father and grandfather.
I went on a WESPAC cruise on the Mighty Miss in 1962. The girls in Sasebo were still taking about Clyde Rictor.
Shipmate of the month---I hope you don't sink the USS Mispillion.

March 20, 2008 - 03:17 PM
Steve Dengler, BT3, 71-73

Congrats Clyde. Thanks for all that you do for all of us. Steve

March 20, 2008 - 03:15 PM
CLYDE

TRAVIS. THANK YOU. SIGNALMEN RULE. CLYDE

March 20, 2008 - 12:53 PM
Travis Sweet

Clyde, congratulations on being "Shipmate of the Month". Good to see a fellow SM getting recognized.
Travis Sweet, SM2 '68-'69

March 19, 2008 - 08:56 PM
Mayor of Portland, Oregon

Congratulations on your award Clyde. We have set aside Saturday, March 22, 2008 as Clyde Rictor day in Portland. We would have a parade for you, but it will probably rain, so we will just mail you a key to the city. Signed this day: Moe Howard Jr., Mayor of Portland, Oregon

March 19, 2008 - 08:39 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

THERE ARE TWO MORE GUYS I AM LOOKING FOR AS THEY DIDN'T KEEP US INFORMED ON THEIR ADDRESSES, ETC.
ROBERT MEISBACH OF BOISE, ID AND
NORM WILSON OF YUBA CITY, CA
LET ME KNOW IF YOU KNOW WHERE THESE YAY HOO'S ARE AT.

March 19, 2008 - 08:18 PM
BILLY GARCEAU DC 3 65/69

CLYDE

DO YOU GET A WHOLE MONTH OR JUST THE REST OF THIS MONTH??????

March 18, 2008 - 11:26 PM
Clyde

Ron. Be sure to keep the lights on at the rest home.

Brad. I send you all the best. Get well.

Billy. Get out of Daves dreams.

Jim Porter. Hope Gloria is doing ok. Take care of her. Shes tops.

Al. We are all praying for Carmen. Tell her I Love her.

And to all my Shipmates. Thank you.

Clyde

March 18, 2008 - 10:50 PM
Jim Porter Yn 58-60

Couldn't happen to a more deserving guy. The only bad thig is you will have to buy more hats Jim porter

March 18, 2008 - 09:37 PM
BILLY GARCEAU DC 3 65/69

WAY TO GO OLD MAN

BILLY G IS PROUD OF THEE

March 18, 2008 - 08:59 PM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Hi Steve,
Thanks for the well wishes. I had chemo today, and am already feeling the affects. However, I look at the ill feelings as the battle I have waged against the enemy, and so far, I am winning the battles. I may feel sick for a week, but I can usually get 5 decent days to enjoy. My Doctor assured me I will regain strength, wellness, and stamina when the chemo comes to an end in September/October. At least it will be prior to the reunion.
Take care!
Brad

March 18, 2008 - 08:55 PM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Congratulations Clyde! Being new to the site I am beginning to figure out who the "players" are, and see that you are an appreciated regular. This honor appears to be well deserved. I want to also thank you for my "get well" note. I hope to meet you, and many others, in SC in October.
God Bless!
Brad

March 18, 2008 - 08:30 PM
Shady Rest Nursing Home

Congratulations Mr Rictor on being made shipmate of the month. We just wanted to let you know that since you got the award, we have dressed up your room to look like the inside of the signal shack. Remember, if you can, not to be late tonight. Lights out at 2200 hours. Bravo Zulu Clyde. Your fiends (I mean friends) at Shady Rest.

March 18, 2008 - 08:07 PM
jim pixler

congratulation on being shipmate of the mounth Clide.you dedeserve it Jim Pixler

March 18, 2008 - 07:26 PM
Dave Farmer 67-69 RD3

Congratulations Clyde. I think we should call you Skipper for this next month. I'll be sending you my bill for the shrink I have to see now because of my "Billy Nightmares"

March 18, 2008 - 06:23 PM
Clyde

Wow Dan. Thank you. Clyde

March 18, 2008 - 04:47 PM
alpuppo 46 47

CLYDE CONGRADULATIONS ON BECOMING SHIPMATE OF THE MONTH, YOU DESERVE IT . BIG AL

March 18, 2008 - 11:02 AM
Clyde

Dave. My job is done. Enjoy your dreams. Clyde

March 17, 2008 - 09:40 PM
Dave Farmer RD3 67-69

Clyde with that thought in my mind I don't think I can ever go and let the doctor do that to me ever again. I'll get this nightmare of an image of Billy back there with a big smile on his face. I know one thing for sure though, make sure the Doc don't have both his hands on your shoulders when he tells you to drop the shorts and bend over!

March 17, 2008 - 08:53 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Shipmate Verlin Mc Cormack 69-71 of Fair Grove, MO passed away on March 9,2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. Cards of sympathy may be sent to the family at:
Shaun McCormack
462 W. View Circle
Fair Grove, MO 65648

March 17, 2008 - 11:40 AM
Steve Dengler, BT3, 71-73

Glad to hear from you Brad. Hope you are doing better. Steve

March 17, 2008 - 07:16 AM
Brad R. Lanich, 73-74

Having found the Mispillion site has been a joy for me. I love to read the guestbook and watch the friendships. My Wife and I look forward to the 2008 reunion!

March 16, 2008 - 11:01 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

As I tell you guys all of the time, if you move, change your e mail address, or change your phone number, PLEASE let us know. The following guys are lost to us now because of this. If you know where they are, let us know.
Gary Taylor of Parkersburg, WV
Marion Anderson of Kaysville, UT
Tim Miller of Yucaipa, CA and
Ed Hadley of Cape Canaveral, FL
I can't find listings for any of these guys. Steve

March 16, 2008 - 11:18 AM
Clyde

Dave. Of course it is a good idea to get scoped every year. Sorry to tell you. Thats not the way the Dr. Checks for prostate cancer. He puts on a glove, he has a long finger and he says bend over and spread em. Now at that exact moment I want you to think of Billy and smile. Clyde

March 16, 2008 - 08:45 AM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

To those of you who plan on coming to the reunion in Charleston, I would suggest that you book your plane reservations as soon as you can. I checked on flights to Charleston on Friday from here (Illinois) and they were $195 round trip per person. On Saturday they were $365 per person. They went up $200 in one day. They might go down during the week, but I doubt it. Just a word of caution to you from me. Steve

March 16, 2008 - 08:41 AM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Welcome back Billy. Good to hear from you again.

March 16, 2008 - 02:27 AM
BILLY GARCEAU DC 3 65/69

Well if the SKIVIWAVER IS back so am I .
Clyde glad everything went well.
The web site has been not the same without you .
I agree with the FARMER you should be shipmate of the MONTH

I vote for you ?????

Who the hell votes on that stuff
Farmer you shoud know You know all that stuff FARMER FOR PRESIDENT

Who else do we have ??????

Ill be your V P well kick ass

Out of here
BILLY GGGGG

March 15, 2008 - 11:28 PM
Dan MacNeil

March 15, 2008 - 11:27 PM
Dan MacNeil

Clyde,
I am not sure if you've been reading the guestbook here while you were ill but scroll down to post 50 or so, then read up and some of your friends had some nice things to say while we missed you. WECLOME BACK!
PS Steve D may not have had time to write much to you as I am sure he's been too busy sending me things to add to the reunion page! :-}
Dan MacNeil
CPO Webmaster 2004
The Website Guy
thewebsiteguy@comcast.net
USA10 Website Services
www.usa10.com

March 15, 2008 - 11:13 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Yes Dave, he has. All I need from him is a bio. Born in Kansas. Had a dog named Toto, etc. Send me a bio Clyde.

March 15, 2008 - 11:06 PM
Dave Farmer RD3 67-69

Glad to hear you doing ok Clyde. It's been awlful quiet here with out you. I am making my Doctor's appt. soon for my annual checkup. It's been 7 years since my last scoping so it's about time to let the doctor go where no man has gone before! Welcome back Clyde. Hell maybe you should be our next Shipmate of the Month. What you say Steve I think he has earned it!

March 15, 2008 - 05:19 PM
Clyde

Hi Shipmates. Some of you may have noticed that it has been awhile since I have logged on the message site. I have been a little under the weather. I had prostate cancer surgery on the 15th of Feb. We opted for the robotic method. It is the best procedure by far. I was supposed to go in Friday and get the surgery and get out on Saturday. So much for supposed to. The Dr. found a spider web of old adhesions from an old surgery I had back in 1986. It took him 4 hours to cut those away so he could get to the prostate. Another 2 hours to get the prostate out. Then I spent 6 days in the hospital and had to have 2 units of blood. Not my most favorite place to be. After I got out I controlled the pain with Tylenol. That is the same thing most folks that have the robotic surgery use. I just had unusual problems. I recommend the robotic method to any of you that need prostate surgery. I went to the Dr. this week and he did a PSA test. It came back as not detectable. That is what everyone that has a prostatectomy wants to hear. There are a lot of side effects from having this done but they are all temporary. If you have any fears or questions please feel to contact Myself, Chris Munson or Tom Hampton. Chris and Tom have been a wealth of information for me and they took away my fears. Please take the time to get your prostate check and a PSA test once a year. You will not be sorry that your did. God Bless all my Shipmates and their Families. Clyde

March 14, 2008 - 05:19 PM
Tina A. Becenti

Hello, my name is Tina Becenti. The daughter of the later Eldon P. Becenti he was a shipmate on USS Ticonderoga and USS Mispillion during 69-72, I believe. If any of you served with my father please, respond back. As to I'm searching for a sibiling and need some information. Thank you, God Bless You All!

March 11, 2008 - 09:07 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

First, glad to here that Al is home and doing fine.
Second, thanks to Spider for the info on shipmate Verlin Mc Cormack. Spider will be attending Verlin's funeral as a representative of the Mispillion group.

March 11, 2008 - 07:02 PM
AL PUPPO 46 /47

WELL MATES WITH ALL OF YOUR PRAYS AND GOOD WISHERS I MADE IT THROUGH MY OPERATION. I FEEL FINE, NO PAINE THE STAFF AT THE HOSPITAL SAID I WAS BLESSED FOR SOME ONE MY AGE TO BE IM THE SHAPE I`M IN.THANKS AGAIN. BIG AL

March 11, 2008 - 03:45 PM
Spider Irwin

Steve Dengler.I just read in the Springfield Missouri newspaper that a shipmate of ours passed away March 9.Helived in Fair Grove Missouri and was 56.His name is Verlin D McCormack And was known as P nut.He served in the Navy from 1969 to 1971 and was awarded the BRONZE STAR.He served aboard USS KANSAS CITY and USS MISPILLION.Burial will be March 12 in Antioch cemetery in Springfield MO.Memorial contributions may be made to the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY.If anyone remembers serving with Verlin i would like to hear from them.Ihad no idea that a Mispillion shipmate lived just 10 miles from me. Spider

March 10, 2008 - 06:14 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

No, Spider, I do not remember the occasion. Do you remember the steering casualty with the USS John McCain or the falling block during unrep?

Brian

March 09, 2008 - 10:40 PM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Hey Rich, thanks for the good info. I was thinking of driving out there, but might have to fly the way gas prices are going.

March 09, 2008 - 11:01 AM
Rich Handt HT2 71-73

Hey guys, check your prices for airline tickets. Prices from Minneapolis to Charleston and back were running 350+ bucks. Last week we got round trip for 148. Gas is going up and so are tickets. With our rebate from "W", everyone should be able to take a fun vacation to Charleston. Watch Orbitz, Priceline and Travelocity for some good deals now. My room is booked, see ya there.

March 09, 2008 - 10:14 AM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Bill Forman called me last night with a status report on Al Puppo. Carmen called him and said that Al's surgery was a success and that he will be coming home, probably on Monday. This is good news. We will keep you all posted. Steve

March 09, 2008 - 10:12 AM
Steve Dengler BT3 71-73

Spider, that is not a sea story. That really happened, just not on the Mispillion. It happened in World War II on the destroyer USS Dale DD 353. I just got through reading the book Tales From A Tin Can, written by Michael Olson. It was during a typhoon that a sailor was washed over the side by a wave. The next wave threw him back on the ship. Check out the book. Steve

100

March 08, 2008 - 06:45 PM
spider Irwin

Brian Stuckey.I heard a sea story that i find hard to believe.The way i heard it a sailor stepped out of the hatch from the shipfitter shop onto the well deck during an unrep with a carrier along side of us.The story goes that a wave washed his butt overboard and the next wave threw him back aboard the ship.I also heard that happened to a CPO.DO you happen to know anything about that or is it just another one of those sea stories. Spider

101

March 08, 2008 - 01:21 AM
Dave Sibley 1962-63

Big Al and Carmen, I lift you both up daily in prayer. I will say some extract ones for ya'll in this special time of need. Please keep the faith in Jesus.

102

March 05, 2008 - 06:42 PM
Dave Farmer RD3 67-69

Thes rest of it
... er ... one." Actually, the running part is kind of a waste of energy, too. I've never seen anyone outrun a bullet.
An 18-year-old has the whole world a! head of him. He's still learning to shave, to start up a conversation with a pretty girl. He still hasn't figured out that a baseball cap has a brim to shade his eyes, not the back of his head. These are all great reasons to keep our kids at home to learn a little more about life before sending them off into harm's way.
Let us old guys track down those dirty rotten cowards who attacked us on September 11. The last thing an enemy would want to see right now is a couple of million pissed off old farts with attitudes and automatic weapons who know that their best years are already behind them. If nothing else, put us on the border and we will have it secured the first night.

103

March 05, 2008 - 06:40 PM
Dave Farmer

Since Steve put one up I had to !

Guys over 60----this is so funny & obviously written by a former soldier.
Git "R" Done!!!!!!!!!
New Direction for the war on terrorists. "Send Prior Service Vets over 60 "
I am over 60 and the Armed Forces thinks I'm too old to track down terrorists. (You can't be older than 42 to join the military.) They've got the whole thing backwards. Instead of sending 18-year-olds off to fight, they ought to take us old guys. You shouldn't be able to join a military unit until you're at least 35. For starters: Researchers say 18-year-olds think about sex every 10 seconds. Old guys only think about sex a couple of times a day, leaving us more than 28,000 additional seconds per day to concentrate on the enemy. Young guys haven't lived long enough to be cranky, and a cranky soldier is a dangerous soldier. "My back hurts! I can't sleep, I'm tired and hungry!" We are impatient and maybe letting us kill some asshole that desperately deserves it will make us feel better and shut us up for a while. An 18-year-old doesn't even like to get up before 10 A.M. Old guys always get up early to pee so what the hell. Besides, like I said, "I'm tired and can't sleep and since I'm already up, I may as well be up killing some fanatical son-of-a-bitch.
If captured we couldn't spill the beans because we'd forget where we put them. In fact, name, rank, and serial number would be a real brainteaser.
Boot camp would be easier for old guys. We're used to getting screamed and yelled at and we like soft food. We've also developed an appreciation for guns. We've been using them for years as an excuse to get out of the house, away from the screaming and yelling. They could lighten up on the obstacle course however. I've been in combat and didn't see a single 20-foot wall with rope hanging over the side, nor did I ever do any pushups after completing basic training. I can hear the Drill Sgt. now, "Get down and give me ...

104

March 05, 2008 - 05:54 PM
Brian Stuckey 59-61

Thanks for the note, Big Al. Our prayers are with you in the days ahead.

Brian

105

March 05, 2008 - 08:56 AM
Jim Porter Yn 58-60

We will be praying for you and Carmen for a speedy recovery Jim Porter

106

March 04, 2008 - 08:04 PM
jim pixler

Al we will be praying for you and your wife. Jim Pixler

107

March 04, 2008 - 07:03 PM
alpuppo 46 47

MY SURGERY HAS BEEN CHANGED TO FRIDAY MARCH 7,FOR AN AORTIC ANEURSYM. I`LL BE IN THE HOSPITAL FOR ABOUT TWO DAYS? MY WIFE CARMEN WILL GET A HIP REPLACMENT MARCH 20TH, SHE WILL IN THE HOSPITAL FOR ABOUT 5 OR 6 DAYS , SO MARCH DOES`NT LOOK SO GOOD FOR US BUT WE ARE FIGHTERS AND WE ARE IN THE LORDS HANDS WE KNOW ALOT OF GOOD FRIENDS AND SHIPMATES WILLBE PRAYING FOR USE. GOD BLESS EVERYONE. BIG AL