Name:
Dave
Schneider
eMail:
Dave@USSPonchatoula.com
Served:
1961 to
1964
Date:
Monday,
April 10, 2006
Comments
Welcome to the improved "ship's log" (guest book). This
site belongs to the Shipmates of the USS Ponchatoula Shipmates
Association. We hope you enjoy your visit and we would like to hear from
you. We're always looking for our old friends. Don't forget to check out
the archive (one page back).
Dave Schneider
Webmaster
Name:
Arthur
Sloan, Jr.
eMail:
asloanjr@verizon.net
Served:
1955 to
1958
Date:
Tuesday,
April 11, 2006
Comments
If you would like to record your service data in a Navy
Log at the Navy Memorial Foundation's web site at www.lonesailor.org in
Washington, D.C. you can now do so free of charge (since January 2006).
You can also include a photograph for inclusion in your log via e-mail
or regular mail after your info is entered. It's sad that there are so
many names that have no data other than the name of the individual; at
present there are only 26 Ponchatoula sailors who have log entries. It
would be nice if there were more. At any rate, even if you don't want to
provide information, I think you'll find it very interesting to read the
logs of so many shipmates from so long ago.
Name:
Steve
Pieramico
eMail:
stevepieramico@frontiernet.net
Served:
76-79?
Date:
Saturday,
April 22, 2006
Comments
IC3 Steve Pieramico, Wespac '79, Great times are
remembered, the boiler blow-out, the time in Sasebo. I still have my
shellback certificate, the wogs outnumbered the shellbacks on this
cruise. Drydock in Pearl, who could ask for more! Frank Bolen, thanks
for calling. I worked with Ralph Sinsel, Steve Wilson (Willy), Bill
McCauley, Randy Foertsch, Ken Lewis in the IC room (The Ice Palace). I
ran the closed circuit TV system. stevepieramico@frontiernet.net
Name:
Dan Axtell
eMail:
sailor4419@cableone.net
Served:
63-65
Date:
Saturday,
May 06, 2006
Comments
Dave, like the new site..
Name:
Steve
Pierce
eMail:
smp@smpierce.net
Served:
1962 thru
1963
Date:
Wednesday,
May 10, 2006
Comments
Steve Pierce here. I served aboard the Ponch March 1962
until December 10, 1963. I was in 1st division under Larry Zarek. Have
only been in touch with 3 people from those days, Jay Larsen, BM2, 1st
Division, Henry Nava and Greg Zaret. Email smp@smpierce.net.
Name:
Ron
Henderson
eMail:
rph4@cox.net
Served:
1967-1969
Date:
Thursday,
May 11, 2006
Comments
Would like to hear from members of the CPO mess during
the time I served on the Ponchatoula.
Name:
Paul
Bennett
eMail:
paul@pnbbennett.com
Served:
3/87 - 3/88
Date:
Thursday,
May 18, 2006
Comments
I servered aboard as a Radioman for the MilDept. It was
my first ship and a great learning experience for me. What I wouldn't do
to go back in time and take another tour.
Name:
Douglas L.
(Ripper) Collins
eMail:
telstar1962@sbcglobal.net
Served:
1975 - 1978
Date:
Monday, May
29, 2006
Comments
I wondered what ever happened to the old ponch,now I
know. I turned 18 at sea in 1976 on our way to guam and we weathered a
nasty typhoon in the sea of japan. I became a shellback that cruise. I
was in "K" division, ran the fuel lab and midships pumproom. I miss you
guys. Has anyone heard of Barton? (Bart) or Tony Barraras? I would like
to see a reunion sometime. That would be good. p.s. Hey Smitty!
Name:
JAMES TORRE
eMail:
JIMISTIX@AOL.COM
Served:
1974 TO 75
Date:
Sunday,
June 18, 2006
Comments
I HAVE SOME VERY FOND MEMORIES OF THE PONCH. STATIONED
PEAL HARBOR. MAD ONE WEST PAC CRUISE. HOPE TO HEAR FROM SOME OLD
SHIPMATES. JERRY SMITH ELECTRITION.HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU. BT JOHN
CAVERER THE SAME.
Name:
PF Hammond
eMail:
pf94591@yahoo.com
Served:
January
1958 to July 1959
Date:
Monday,
June 26, 2006
Comments
For those of you that have indicated that you would like
to know about our Association and or attend a reunion -- contact me the
Secretary/Treasurer of the USS Ponchatoula Shipmates Association. I will
email you a membership application. We are always looking for PONCH
shipmates. Regards, PF Hammond 129 Granville Ave. Vallejo, CA 94591-6610
Name:
Norman
Leifried
eMail:
normssideline@rjsonline.net
Served:
Feb. 1962
thru Feb 1966
Date:
Thursday,
July 06, 2006
Comments
The pictures bring back some good and not so good
memories. Just ran into Tommy L who worked with me in the engine room.
He is the only one I have had contact with. Leifried MM2 (litefoot)
Name:
Rodger (Smitty)
Smith
eMail:
tworms43@hotmail.com
Served:
May 1965 -
May 1968
Date:
Tuesday,
July 11, 2006
Comments
For anybody who worked in M or A Div during the the
period I was aboard the Ponch,65-68, would love to hear from you. Would
really like to have everyone join the Ponchatoula Shipmates Association.
For those of you who attended the reunion in Branson, I submitted a
group photo that is now being shown on VetFriends.com.
Name:
Mike Degel
eMail:
papadegs@yahoo.com
Served:
6/63 to
3/65
Date:
Friday,
July 21, 2006
Comments
Mike Degel here YN3. Was onboard from 63-65. Was on deck
force first then went into ship's office under Chief Webb. Have kept
intouch with Tom Botwinski (snipe first then YN) Would like to here from
anyone who was on board at the same time I was. Had alot of great times.
Mike Degel YN3 Now retired plumber (go figure)
Name:
MM2 Mark
Malanka
eMail:
mark.malanka@us.army.mil
Served:
Dec76 -Aug
80
Date:
Thursday,
July 27, 2006
Comments
Was just looking at all the great comments, I was in K,
A and M divisions while on the Ponch, had flash backs of the boiler
Explosition and our time in Saebo when I was reading the archives. Would
be great to hear form anyone that serves on the old girl during the late
70's Mark
Name:
LARRY
WORTMAN
eMail:
monty47@mac.com
Served:
1966-1968
Date:
Wednesday,
August 16, 2006
Comments
TRYING TO LOCATE STEVE STEIN. HE WAS PART OF THE "RD"
GANG 66-68. IF ANYONE KNOWS HIS WHEREABOUTS I'D LIKE TO KNOW, SO I CAN
TRY AND CONTACT HIM. THANKS.
Name:
Ron Bay
eMail:
peartl6377@aol.com
Served:
1975-1977
Date:
Friday,
August 18, 2006
Comments
Will be at the reunion in 2007. I live in Bremerton!!!
Name:
Edd Hankins
eMail:
brenda75457@yahoo.com
Served:
1969-1971
Date:
Thursday,
August 24, 2006
Comments
Hello everyone, great site.
Name:
Charles
Hostrawser (Hoss)
eMail:
hostrawser@centurytel.net
Served:
July,1969
to April, 1973
Date:
Sunday,
September 03, 2006
Comments
Served in division B, looking for Monroe Morris and any
of the rest of the gang. IT was a good ship.
Name:
Scott
Witter
eMail:
sbjwitter@earthlink.net
Served:
1979 - 1980
Date:
Wednesday,
September 06, 2006
Comments
served on Ponch from 1979 to late 1980 with my brother
Jeff
Name:
Charles
Hoage
eMail:
choage@comcast.net
Served:
64-68
Date:
Friday,
September 08, 2006
Comments
Served in the R div SFP3 from April 64 to Jan 68. Had
som great times. Would like to find Jimmy Ray Davis. I have the year
book from 66. A lot of good photos and information. Would like to hear
from anyone that remembers me.
Name:
Charles
Carnes
eMail:
c.e.carnes1@verizon.net
Served:
Oct 74-Sep
76
Date:
Wednesday,
September 27, 2006
Comments
Hi Guys, My name is Charles Carnes, I served on the
Ponch from 74-76 in the Electric shop with D.R. Broyles(DRB), Jerry
Smith, Al Borrego, Bruce Buller, EMFN Bernie Sabbarone, PO1 Charlie ?.
E-mail: c.e.carnes1@verizon.net Ens DeLinn, great to hear from you, hope
family and all are fine.
Name:
Terry
Williams
eMail:
tlw1952@yahoo.com
Served:
1976-1978
Date:
Sunday,
October 08, 2006
Comments
Hey Guys, my name is Terry Williams I was HT2 Williams.
I was in "R" Division. It was some great times aboard that ship, I still
miss it and think about it. If anybody out there sees this e-mail me at
tlw1952@yahoo.com I would love to hear from you all. I am with the New
Mexico State Police as a Communications Specialist now. I hope the XO
fell overboard he was instrumental in getting me kicked out..the bast@#$.
I left the ship in March of 78 while in drydocks in Pearl. Can't wait to
hear from you.
Name:
Rick
Laurienzo
eMail:
rlaurienzo@hotmail.com
Served:
1972-74
Date:
Saturday,
October 14, 2006
Comments
Worked in "K" Division. Chief Baugher was the Chief.. I
remember Chief Nipper, EM1 Parks?, and have maintained contact with ENFN
Randy King. (Aft Pump room)Retired now, living in Tallahassee. ENCM
Laurienzo
Name:
Ronald E
Larson x(sm2)
eMail:
rnrtime@sio.midco.net
Served:
March 1960
to May 1963
Date:
Sunday,
October 22, 2006
Comments
My name is Ron Larson x(sm2) looking for Hank Snow,Rex
Mcgreggor Don Shackman Dick 0r Jack Munn Henry Nava or an ET named
oogles. Please contact me rnrtime@sio.midco.net or call me at
(605)7432326.We served 0n board the Ponchatoula from 1960 to1963.
Thanking you in advance!
Name:
vernon
schmitt
eMail:
vernonschmitt@yahoo.com
Served:
1978 1980
Date:
Thursday,
November 09, 2006
Comments
anyone out there from the good ol days ? vernon
Name:
Grailin C
Fletcher
eMail:
Iceg1@verzion.net
Served:
73 to 75
Date:
Friday,
November 10, 2006
Comments
Hey my name is Grailin fletcher seaman first class and i
served on the ponchatoula from 73 to 75. I was talking to one of my
co-workers and mention to her that i was in the navy and of course she
didn't believe me and ask what ship i was on, i told her the uss
ponchatoula, she ran to her computer and typed in the ships name and lo
an behold there it was a web site. Well it's been a long time, so
whoever is out there and you remember the brother with the freckle hit
me back at iceg1@verzion.net Hope to here from somebody.
Name:
james ball
eMail:
jimcarolb@peoplepc.com
Served:
64-67
Date:
Friday,
November 10, 2006
Comments
SERVED IN R DIVISION AS SFP3. RAN THE FUEL LAB AND AFT
PUMP ROOM. SPENT MANY A NIGHT TAKING ON FUEL WHILE THE REST OF THE CREW
TOOK LIBERTY, AND WOULD DO IT AGAIN IN A HEART BEAT. ANY OF THE OLD GANG
OUT THERE SEND AN E MAIL. jimcarolb@peoplepc.com
Name:
David
Adderley
eMail:
rcflyfloor@aol.com
Served:
1977
Date:
Saturday,
November 11, 2006
Comments
i came abord in 77 just before crossing equator. iwas in
2nd division
Name:
Phil
Rehlander
eMail:
philliprehlander@sbcglobal.net
Served:
64 thru 67
Date:
Sunday,
November 19, 2006
Comments
just like yo say hi to my shipmates and to those of you
who have not joined the assoc. come on, it's only $10 a year. then it
would be nice to see you at the reuions.
Name:
Don Titel
eMail:
dtitel@ix.netcom.com
Served:
68 to 70
Date:
Monday,
November 27, 2006
Comments
Permission to come aboard? My name is Don Titel, E-mail:
dtitel@ix.netcom.com and was on board from November 68 to same month in
70. Then was transfered to the USS Bolster ARS 38. I was an MR but
served engine room and throttle watches. Here are a few names (rough
sp?) I remember from my time. Cooks:Sole, Barron. MR's:
Holley,Lehman,Payne.BT's: Smikrud (sp?) Was a great singer used to
appear at one of the local clubs in Hawaii,Walberg,Bray. EM: Tom (20
knots no smoke) Shark, Len Kanetz (sp). MM:Chief Weir,Zubi or
Zubalaga,James Bray. Later, dtitel Others I cannot remember division or
gang Guy named blinky played a banjo
Name:
HM2 Bob
Hadfield
eMail:
rhadfield@charter.net
Served:
March 76
through Sep 79
Date:
Tuesday,
November 28, 2006
Comments
Hey shipmates! "Doc" Hadfield here. Any mates I served
with out there? Anyone heard anything from MM2 Jim Brandau or EN2 Danny
O'Connnor(OC)? If you get a chance, drop me a line. It would be nice to
trade Sea Stories.
Name:
Dan Axtell
eMail:
sailor4419@cableone.net
Served:
63-65
Date:
Thursday,
November 30, 2006
Comments
MERRY CHRISTMAS all shipmates
Name:
Terry
Williams
eMail:
tlw1952@yahoo.com
Served:
1976-1978
Date:
Saturday,
December 02, 2006
Comments
HEY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF THE FORMER PONCH GUYS. I
ALSO HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. IF ANYONE OUT THERE
REMEMBERS ME DROP ME A LINE. I WAS IN THE PIPE SHOP.
Name:
(Jon) Bjorn
Rafto
eMail:
Generalquarters2002@yahoo.com
Served:
Summer of
1977
Date:
Tuesday,
December 05, 2006
Comments
Howdy Andy (Dlinn - and everybody else), how are ya all?
Fmr USN Midshipman (Jon) Bjorn Rafto here letting you know that I
boarded the Ponch in Guam the summer of 1977 for a three (3) hour
cruise, which of course was eventually mistaken by the Navy for a five
week midshipman first class cruise. I recall that your beloved Capt
Edney (whom I did not meet) had recently departed the ship such that
when I boarded Capt. Carmichael had recently taken command. I recall we
hung out in Guam for about a week touring Talafofo falls, et cet with
the third class middshipmen learning the art of chipping paint.
Thereafter we sailed south of the equator to observe a submerged SSN
missile shoot - OMG is that classified? omg, omg, OMG, am I in trouble .
. . again? - after which we had a nice Shellback ceremony for which I
still have the card. After returning to Guam for a few days we set off
for the PI, wit de bosun (alias Neptune's baby) moaning all the transit,
"I'ma goin' home, I'ma goin' home!" After hitting the PI not much
happened but a lot of sweating and VD (for some) and then I flew back to
Colorado never to be heard from again. But that was all before
computers, stealth bombers appearing, and everything changing but
staying the same. You can run but you cannot hide, eh? So what is up?
Bjorn
Name:
Steve
Wolters GMG2
eMail:
swolt@netscape.com or swolters@vdminc.com
Served:
1975-1979
Date:
Wednesday,
December 13, 2006
Comments
Many great memories of "The Ponch". Miss the Navy days
and going out to sea. I was one of the last to throw the "BOLO".
Remember?? Subic Bay was a hoot but Perth was even better. Somebody drop
me a line. Hope ya all have a very safe and happy holiday!!!!!! Been
talking to Billy Trippe and Russ Paden.
Name:
Chuck
Fletcher
eMail:
c4vines@yahoo.com
Served:
June
1959-May 1962
Date:
Monday,
December 18, 2006
Comments
I served on the Ponchatoula from 1959 to 1962 and like
all the other posts I've read, I had one of the greatest times of my
life while I served aboard her. I had to work in the Navy Post Office at
Pearl Harbor for about four months (great duty for a 18 year old horndog)
while the Ponchatoula was on a WesPac cruise. As part of the Pineapple
Fleet, it's hard to imagine a better ship and home port while being a
sailor. I can remember a few names: Bob Milam; Stan Wolfe; Ralph Fall;
Barry Palmer; Sally Joe Phelps; Silas Laster; Ron Bashford and Glen Dale
Evens of Okmulgee, OKLA who we lost overboard in Japan. Would like to
hear from any of these guys if they can get this message. Chuck Fletcher
c4vines@yahoo.com
Name:
bill trippi
eMail:
wtrippi@yahoo.com
Served:
1976-1979
Date:
Friday,
December 22, 2006
Comments
To all the blessed Sailors who served the US on the
ao-148 uss Ponchatoula. I would like to say Hello to all my trusted
shipmates. I hope life has treated you well. My personal experience
onboard the "Ponch" for 3 1/2 years was one of the greatest experiences.
Out of Pearl we made two Westpac's. Had the pleasure of both becoming an
Honorable Shellback and assisting the Pollywogs in becoming what only a
shellback could know.Both sides of
Australia(Perth,Sidney)Guam,Philipines,Hong
Kong,Japan,Korea,Bahrain,Kuwait.Too many memorable stories to share.Made
Great friendships. Thank You All. :)
Name:
eric young
eMail:
ecrowndoggy@aol.com
Served:
66-69
Date:
Thursday,
January 04, 2007
Comments
my father served in vietnam on the uss ponchatoula from
1966-1969 please email me if you were a friend of his his name was harry
young
Name:
Charlie
Dasnoit
eMail:
cdasnoit@bellsouth.net
Served:
1975-1978
Date:
Saturday,
January 06, 2007
Comments
Hay had some great time on the Ponch. Served 75 - 78 RM3
AKA Charlie Delta. Mike Hall, Scott Jones, Willy Tallen hope you guys
are doing well. I'am in Raleigh, NC. Electrical Engineer.
Name:
Gary L.
Perkins
eMail:
goperk2001@yahoo.com
Served:
Date:
Wednesday,
January 10, 2007
Comments
My father was a CWO on AOG 38 during 1944-45 his name
was Marvin R. Perkins. I'm a Navy vet but not a tanker man. I'm just
trying to find out about him he passed on when I was 13, I don't know
much about him. I do remember he always spoke with pride about
Ponchatoula and his shipmates from WW-II. I know the only time I ever
saw dad cry was when he learned of a shipmates death.
Name:
Dave Lewis
eMail:
qwazimo@aol.com
Served:
1967-1968
Date:
Wednesday,
January 17, 2007
Comments
Served onboard the AO-148 "Ponch" during 1967 and 1968,
making one WestPac cruise during that time. I was the lead MR2 in the "A
Gang" and had the machine shop full of Motown sounds eminating from my
tape deck and speakers after we hit Subic the first time. I believe it
was a guy named "Lehman" from California that took over my duties when I
left the ship in November of '68. "Pappy" Clayton was the MM1 in charge
of "A Gang" .. belive he was from Louisiana. "Doc" Trainor was the
corpsman and a tall kid by the name of Norm Haley (California)along with
this strong kid from Minnesota (both MM's), Ripka was his name. A few
other guys, Tortoriellio (Mass), Rusty Funtleroy, and Gephardt (BT from
Mich) were also in our group. Eddie Clements (MM from Lubbock Texas.. we
called him "Budda"). There was a black BT we called "Smokey". Nice to
see a website. How can I purchase a baseball cap, etc? USed to say "21
days and a wake-up." Now, I'd like to go back and do it all again.
Name:
John C
eMail:
shhazam4@netscape.net
Served:
Date:
Friday,
January 26, 2007
Comments
Thanks to Poncho crew for transporting me safely from
Subic to my ship, USS White River (LSMR-536) after I return from
emergency leave for a family death. I enjoyed the smooth ride and
professional highline transfer back to my ship in or around March, 1968.
Name:
George Kerr
eMail:
gkerr@clearwire.net
Served:
1967 - 1969
Date:
Saturday,
January 27, 2007
Comments
I have thought of few people that I have not heard from
in a very long time. Wayne Patterson, Norman Castle, Bob Fulkerson, Jose
Zapata, Henry Klipple, Bob White, John Miller and others that I have
pictures of but no names. I saw the ship tied next to three others like
it. It was in Susune Bay near Walnut Creek In California. Google earth
gets one to the place but the direct overhead photo is difficult to
identify. Regards George Kerr
Name:
Raymond
Macias Jr.
eMail:
raymond.macias@sbcglobal.net
Served:
Oct.1975 to
May 1977
Date:
Saturday,
February 10, 2007
Comments
Hey guys, remember the great thanksgiving movie in subic
bay on westpac75? Hi to Joe D., T.J. Ponder, Eddie C., Gary G., Rusty
and all the rest of you, drop us a line. Had dinner with Jim Castle and
his wife a while back in Carlsbad, Ca. Our email raymond.macias@sbcglobal.net
or jillshenhouse@yahoo.com yes, we are still married, almost 32years
now. ray and jill
Name:
russell
smith
eMail:
rbulber@yahoo
.com
Served:
1972 -1975
Date:
Sunday,
February 11, 2007
Comments
she was a good ship i liked sailing on her miss the days
lol
Name:
Terry
Capehart
eMail:
kaufmanplanning@mycvc.net
Served:
72-74
Date:
Tuesday,
February 13, 2007
Comments
Wow, didn't even realize there was an organization for
Ponch guys. I was in A-Division - MM3 - I'll see if I can dig out some
photos and scan them so they can be posted. Is anyone out there in North
Texas around Dallas?
Name:
bill ang
eMail:
bill3166@comcast.net
Served:
1976-1979
Date:
Tuesday,
February 20, 2007
Comments
servered in b div was there for the 59 days in subic and
the boiler expolodsion we had while in the yards ....any one remember al
stiter or bt 1 smith........bill3166 2comcast.net
Name:
Theodore
Bevins DC2
eMail:
Ted_Bevins@hotmail.com
Served:
1966-1970
Date:
Saturday,
March 03, 2007
Comments
Hi shipmates, When I came abord, they put me in R
division. I worked in the DC shop and took care of the firefighting gear
and was also on the Helo detail. I worked on the #3 pumping station on
the starboard side. " I remember two West Pac cruises and sometimes very
rough water." Does anybody remember the Typhoon we went through when we
lost power and we drifted for some while? I guess I was too young to be
scared, but I thought it was cool. I remember when a ship collided into
our port side while we refueled it, scary! Had lots of fun in Subic Bay
and not so much fun when I first went across the equator. Anybody
remembers any of this E-mail me. Id like to talk to any or all,
epecially R division guys.
Name:
SK2 JEFF
WITTER
eMail:
jeffwitter@min.midco.net
Served:
JULY
79'-JAN.80'
Date:
Wednesday,
March 07, 2007
Comments
I SERVED ONBOARD THE PONCH WITH MY YOUNGER BROTHER
SCOTT. WE REORTED OBOARD THE PONCH IN JULY OF 79'AT SUBIC BAY, BECAUSE
THE PONCH HAD ALREADY STARTED HER WEST PAC DEPLOYMENT. I HAVE QUITE A
FEW GOOD MEMORIES FROM THE PONCH, ESPECIALYY THE ONE WHERE MY BROTHER
SCOTT AND I DECIDED TO ENTERTAIN THE CREW BY ENTERING THE SMOKERS AT SEA
MATCH, WHICH WAS JUST FOR FUN, NO GRUDGE MATCH AT ALL, BECAUSE MY
BROTHER AND I WERE VERY CLOSE.
Name:
Theodore
Bevins DC2
eMail:
Ted_Bevins@hotmail.com
Served:
1966-1970
Date:
Saturday,
March 17, 2007
Comments
Hi shipmates, When I came abord, they put me in R
division. I worked in the DC shop and took care of the firefighting gear
and was also on the Helo detail. I worked on the #3 pumping station on
the starboard side. " I remember two West Pac cruises and sometimes very
rough water." Does anybody remember the Typhoon we went through when we
lost power and we drifted for some while? I guess I was too young to be
scared, but I thought it was cool. I remember when a ship collided into
our port side while we refueled it, scary! Had lots of fun in Subic Bay
and not so much fun when I first went across the equator. Anybody
remembers any of this E-mail me. Id like to talk to any or all,
epecially R division guys.
I WAS ALSO ASSIGNED TO "R"DIVISION WHEN I CAME ABOARD.I
REMEMBER TED BEVINS.I WAS WITH YOU FROM THE START UP IN DAMAGE CONTROL
LOCKER.LATER BECAME A SHIPFITTER.WORKED WITH
MARINO,DAVIDSON,ERICSON,FUNKY AND THE REST OF THE GANG.ENDED UP GOING TO
POL SCHOOL IN LONG BEACH.CAME BACK AND STARTED UP "K" DIVISION.
hi, my name is jackelyn williams-Escalera. I am looking
for my father, Donald Gene Williams, and i don't have any communication
with him, i've been online searching for him for the past 14 years and
haven't seen him for almost 28 years, the last time i saw was in 1979,
in Olongapo City, Philippines. Please let me know if you have any
knowledge about him. You can reach me at 714-595-0824 or please email at
jackelynwilliams@yahoo.com. please help me, i'm desperate. i was 9 the
last i saw him and i am 36 years old now with 4 beautiful children.
please help me, i know i'm asking too much from you, for the sake of my
kids please do help me. thank you and may GOD bless you all.
My name is Gary Bermeosolo (Bermo.) I served on the
Ponchatoula from 2/64-8/67 as a member of "A" gang. I was an engineman
assigned to the Captain's Gig. I worked for Alexander nearly the entire
time I was on board. Had some great times and made some good friends on
the Ponch. Thanks for creating a great website and giving us old cronies
a chance to reconnect with old friends!
Hi name's Richard ( Dick ) Palmer. Served on the PONCH
late '66-'68 dates are a bit foggy as are some of the names I've read in
the ship's log. Glad to have finally found the rest of you guys. Came
aboard as a boot and left a BM3 first division. Worked on rig 2 and
drove the utility boats for you when we anchored out in Hong Kong
harbor. I like many of the rest of you matured and learned a great work
ethic while on station in the Gulf of Tonkin. But what fun we had when
it was time to hit the beach. Is it my imagination or did the waves get
bigger, the storms, stormier, the hours we worked without sleep get
longer as the years slipped by. Gentlemen it was a pleasure to have
served with you on board the Ponchatoula. I would particularly like to
thank the crew that was on board about '74-'75. I was visiting Hawaii ,
on Thanksgiving Day, you were tied up at the public piers. Open for
tours. Because I had served on the PONCH my wife and I got a special
"tour" and you made ME feel right at home. We had dinner on the mess
deck using the same tray I used years earlier. Man if that wasn't a
blast from the past. Thanks you guys. Well now that I know about the
reunion, I've already set aside time to come join you.