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USS Ponchatoula Shipmates Association

AOG 38   AO 148   TAO 148

Painting by Huntzinger, 2003, copyrighted.







Commissioned by the USS Ponchatoula Shipmates Association and presented to the City of Ponchatoula, LA.

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.


Name:

DON RAGSDALE

eMail:

doner208@msn.com

Served:

1967-1971

Date:

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Comments

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.


Name:

Jackelyn Williams-Escalera

eMail:

jackelynwilliams@yahoo.com

Served:
Date:

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Comments

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.


Name:

Gary Bermeosolo (Bermo)

eMail:

bermeoso@earthlink.net

Served:

February 64 to August 67

Date:

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Comments

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!



Name:

Richard "Dick" Palmer

eMail:

rgp6760@yahoo.com

Served:

'66-'68

Date:

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Comments

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.