Nick Name/Call Sign: Britt

Rank/Rate: E4 / IMS

Division/Squadron: Supply

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1978-1981

Location: Alameda, CA USA

Comments: Was on station with the Nimitz when the Iranian Hostage Crisis was going on.

Rank/Rate: MM3

Division/Squadron: M-2 Engineering

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 84-86

Location: Bedford, NH USA

Comments: After 25 years, several of us from M2 Division in Engineering are getting together this summer in Chicago. Please let me know if you'd like to join us and I'll give you the details. While we have a great crew that's committed, there are several of you that we've really lost contact with and you were also a major part of this group - whether in #2 engine room, #2 generator room or on the beach. It's going to be a great weekend.

Nick Name/Call Sign: Bobby G

Rank/Rate: CS3

Division/Squadron: Commissary

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1966-1967

Location: Blaine, MN USA

Comments: Looking for information on Agent Orange. If you have any information when it came on board, how it came on board, where it was stored or any other information, please contact me at bggorrell@msn.com.

Thank you

Rank/Rate: E-3 Airman

Division/Squadron: V-2 V-4

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1969-1972

Location: Peoria, Ill USA

Comments: Have already gotten in touch with sauceda,Brooks,my self and others of V-4 Div, trying to make a grape gang air dale re-union if you guys can make it great! 1968 to 1972 group if you need more info drop me an E-mail !

Nick Name/Call Sign: gibby

Rank/Rate: ABF3

Division/Squadron: V-4

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1985-1988

Location: Detroit, Mich USA

Comments: A chance to make contact with some of the old crew it has been a while, give me a buzz

Rank/Rate: sn

Division/Squadron: Weapons Dept. 1st Division

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 64- 65 -66

Location: Sparks, Nevada USA

Comments: What Can I Say Other Than The 1965 Vietnam Deployment On The Best Ship Ever, Had The Best Crew, Air Wing And Marine Detachment. Our Record Still Stands. Bless All of You Guys.
In Essence We Got Each Other Home. That's Why We Were Ship Of The Year!!!

Rank/Rate: MM3

Division/Squadron: B-fwd and aft evap

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1964-1968

Location: Grantville, Kansas USA

Comments: looking for shipmates that was in B div that knows me.contact anytime,call me at 1-785-246-3417.

Nick Name/Call Sign: Shu

Rank/Rate: BT3

Division/Squadron: Eng / Snipe

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1985-1989

Location: Crawfordsville, IN USA

Comments: Good old mighty ship!

Nick Name/Call Sign: "boy" and "robols"

Rank/Rate: GMGSN

Division/Squadron: G

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1964-1966

Location: Douglas, az USA

Comments: Hello, I am Looking for my old buddies in the band " The Nomads" from G division. Their names are George Wilding gmg3, John Willis ao2, and Alan Windham gmgsn better known as "wendy". We played on the ship at times but mainly played in hong kong and the subic bay phillipine islands during these years. I now live in mt juliet, tn. 1-520-234-1802

Nick Name/Call Sign: "boy" and "robols"

Rank/Rate: GMGSN

Division/Squadron: G

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1964-1966

Location: Douglas, az USA

Comments: Hello, I am Looking for my old buddies in the band " The Nomads" from G division. Their names are George Wilding gmg3, John Willis ao2, and Alan Windham gmgsn better known as "wendy". We played on the ship at times but mainly played in hong kong and the subic bay phillipine islands during these years. I now live in mt juliet, tn. 1-520-234-1802

Nick Name/Call Sign: Makeye

Rank/Rate: MM-3

Division/Squadron: A-1 division (hydraulics)

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1965-1968

Location: Rice Lake, WI USA

Comments: Haven't heard from any old shipmates yet did get a couple of e-mails from people looking for various things like old film etc. Interesting to read Walt the Salts post we were on board about the same time. Does anyone remember when they took the PUEBLO and we had to leave the line and go up to North Korea? I think of all the time we were overseas that was the scariest to me. I know some shipmates posted some things about the cruise when the rocket went off and went through the 1st class lounge. I happened to be standing at the hatch of #1 elevator one of the burned shipmates came running out and collapsed right in front of me. To this day I can't remember if I carried him down to sick bay but I think I did. To this day the smell of burning flesh just sets me off. Any way my e-mail is mrogermaki@hotmail.com.

Nick Name/Call Sign: Oscar

Rank/Rate: BTFN

Division/Squadron: B-Div 4ABLE Fireroom

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1974-77

Location: Chicago, Illinois USA

Comments: Just made our reservation for the 20th Annual Midwest Spring Fling in Fort Wayne INDIANA..Hope to see more Snipes this year!!!

Rank/Rate: BM2

Division/Squadron: 1 st Div Deck Department

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): nov-77-aug 81

Location: salt lake city, Utah USA

Comments: would love to see more deck apes sign in that was on the 79-80 wes-pac or any shipmates that serve during that time what a memory in are life 30 plus years ago I know we all have gotten older and wiser scents those days on the Coral Sea hope to here from old salty dogs to see whats going on in there life. May the breeze is always to your back and the sea spray in your face.

Rank/Rate:

Division/Squadron:

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965):

Location: , USA

Comments: http://www.veteranprograms.com

Great website! VSO’s throughout the Nation tell us the U.S. Veteran Compensation Programs is a GREAT website as well. In fact, it is the website recommended by VSO’s around the world. Veterans who are actively pursuing a service-connected claim or seeking an increase in compensation visit U.S. Veteran Compensation Programs to learn how to file, who to see, where to go, what to do, and so much more. Visit it today!

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Nick Name/Call Sign: Bob

Rank/Rate: MU 3

Division/Squadron: Navigation - Band

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 54 - 55

Location: Williamsburg, OH USA

Comments: I was in the ship band (trumpet) and we bunked in the same compartment as the Marine Detachment. Some of these guys were wild. This guy named Cutter was always competing with one of the other guys showing who was the toughest. They had a rule that if they were going to start a fight they had to open a hatch in the steel deck and go down the ladder into a munitions magazine hold. They would have it out until just one guy would pound on the hatch to come up the victor.

And Cutter would get in one of those one-upmanship banters with someone. He would go on about how he had to put a sack over the other guy's mother's head,... etc., etc.

Sometimes they would click off empty chamber imaginary M1 rounds at each other (always made me nervous watching that).

I was on night watch on the bridge along with one of the Marines. The relief for the Marine on watch didn't show up as scheduled at midnight. He went down to the compartment and found his relief still in the rack. He pulled out his 45 and told him to get out of the rack or he would blow his head off. The other guy just rolled over. So, the Marine standing over him pulled the trigger and blew his head all over the the place. He thought his piece was not loaded. He threw the 45 up into the overhead and went screaming through one compartment after another. I never saw him again but heard that he got a medical discharge for insanity (don't really know if that was true). Anyone on the '54 Med cruise might know more about that event.

Rank/Rate: CT3

Division/Squadron: NAVSECGRUDET-3

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): Jan-May 1961

Location: Allerton, IL USA

Comments: NSGD-3's spaces were in SupRad last compartment fwd on the port
catwalk (port cat went thru our shack). Anyone remember "Droopy"
or the "Pinwheel Maneuver" upon entering Yokosuka? Our det off-
loaded in Subic and transferred to the USS Bon Homme Richard
(CVA-31). I relish the time I spent aboard both ships. dtg

Nick Name/Call Sign: WALT THE SALT

Rank/Rate: ABH-1 RETIRED

Division/Squadron: V-1AND V-3 DIVISION

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 10-22-64 TO 04-06-68 AND 06-17-77 TO 09-12-83

Location: STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA USA

Comments: WELL IT'S ANOTHER BIRTHDAY FOR THE OLD SALT BUT I REMEMBER 45 YEARS AGO TODAY WHEN I WAS FLOATING AROUND THE TONKIN GULF WONDERING IF THE VIET CONG WAS COMING OUT THERE TO BLOW US UP WHEN I JUST TURNED 19 YEARS OLD AND WAS I EVER GOING TO SEE MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS AGAIN. WAR IS HELL!!!!! I FEAR FOR ALL THE GUYS AND GALS OVER THERE IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN NOW. BEING ONE OF THE LOW MEN ON THE TOTEM POLE BACK THEN WITH SCUTTLEBUTT FLYING AROUND THE SHIP LIKE OUR AIRPLANES MAKES YOU WONDER WHY YOU JOINED THE NAVY IN THE FIRST PLACE WHEN THAT CRUISE STARTED OUT AS A PEACETIME CRUISE WITH SO MANY PORT-OF-CALLS ON OUR SCHEDULE WHICH SO MANY WERE WIPED OUT BECAUSE WE WERE THROWN INTO THIS WAR WITH THE NORTH VIETNAMESE FEBRUARY 7, 1965. IT WAS SO IRONIC THAT WE LEFT NAS ALAMEDA AT EXACTLY 0800 DECEMBER 7, 1964 EXACTLY 23 YEARS LATER AFTER THE JAPANESE BOMBED PEARL HARBOR THAT PUT US INTO WORLD WAR II. I'M SO GLAD I MADE IT TO BE 64 YEARS OLD TODAY AFTER SPENDING 23 YEARS IN THE NAVY WITH 11 CRUISES UNDER MY BELT AND ONE SHORE DUTY. WAR IS HELL!!!!! WHEN YOU YOUNG LIKE I WAS THEN ALL KINDS OF CRAZY THINGS RACE THROUGH YOUR BRAIN WHEN YOU'RE IN A WAR AND NONE OF THEM ARE GOOD UNTIL YOU KNOW ALL THE FACTS FIRST AND AFTER WE FOUND OUT THAT WE WERE SAFE FROM HARMS WAY THAT HEAVY WEIGHT LIFTS OFF YOUR BRAIN AND YOU SIGH WITH RELIEF. I MADE 4 COMBAT CRUISES TO VIETNAM BUT THAT VERY FIRST ONE WAS THE MOTHER OF ALL CRUISES AFTER GETTING EXTENDED IN JAPAN WHEN WE WERE SUPPOSE TO GO HOME AND I HAD MY CHIT IN TO BE HOME FOR 4TH OF JULY BUT IT NEVER HAPPENED SO OUR 7 MONTH LONG CRUISE TURNED INTO THE LONGEST CRUISE THAT ANY CARRIER HAS EVER MADE SINCE THE KOREAN WAR, PERIOD. 331 DAYS ON ONE CRUISE HAS ITS TOLL ON ANYONE AND THE CREW OF THE CORAL SEA KICKED IT UP SO MANY NOTCHES THAT CRUISE TO HELP US MAKE IT THROUGH UNTIL WE GOT BACK TO NAS ALAMEDA NOVEMBER 1, 1965. SO AT LEAST I MADE IT HOME FOR CHRISTMAS THAT YEAR. WAR IS HELL!!!!! WALT THE SALT!

Rank/Rate: BM3

Division/Squadron:

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1971 1974

Location: Yuma, AZ USA

Comments: Just a greeting to many I served with. Hope all is well..

Rank/Rate: LI 2

Division/Squadron: x-div

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1975-1978

Location: chicago, ill USA

Comments: brings back good and bad memories.anyone out there suffering w/ptsd from the 1975 myaquize incedent?please contact me,tmcgrath52@gmail.com

Nick Name/Call Sign: dit dot

Rank/Rate: RM2

Division/Squadron: Comm

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 81-84

Location: Beaumont, TX USA

Comments: enjoyed my time on the Sea I met some freinds for life while onboard

Nick Name/Call Sign: Texx

Rank/Rate: ABHAN

Division/Squadron: V-1 Division

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1978- 1982

Location: New Vienna, OH USA

Comments: Wow, I just looked and I haven't logged in for this year. Well, here goes. I just got an e-mail from Terry Matson, another flight deck rat from my time. The internet is a wonderful thing. I have caught up with several of my old buddies from V-1 division. Check out the V-1 Division page on facebook. I have to pass on a quote that was made by a WWII vet on Veterans Day that I saw on the local news here in Ohio that is so true. " There are two people that will die for you, they are Jesus Christ and a veteran. God bless all of y'all. Texx

Rank/Rate: IC3

Division/Squadron: E

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 86-89

Location: seneca, sc USA

Comments: Just Checking in for the new year

Nick Name/Call Sign: Bob

Rank/Rate: MU 3

Division/Squadron: Navigation/Band

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 54-55

Location: Williamsburg, Ohio USA

Comments: I appologize for so many comments here. But what a great site for getting back together with old shipmates. I've been reading over the history of our great ship. At the time I was on her I had no idea of its remarkable history (and of course the future Vietnam exploits long after my '55 and '56 years).

I have been so overwhelmed by the accounts of the Coral Sea and her crew--especially during the Vietnam war. Thanks so much to you great americans who contributed so effectively during that time. Especially you pilots who flew mission after mission, losing some of your close friends. And even more especially to you pilots who went down and survived places like the Hanoi Hilton. What a legacy you have contibuted to the Coral Sea and all she stood for! Some of those stories were so gripping I had to hold off for a moment to handle it all.

Thanks again to whoever it is that makes this site possible. It is only good and right that we who remain should visit here from time to time to remember and to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Every Coral Sea cruise book that I'm familiar with has a list of men who were lost during the cruise. The one I knew personally and most remember was LTJG Harmon Bradford Bassett of Globe, Arizona, who went down in his Cougar jet (I think it was our '54 shakedown cruise off of Guantanamo Bay just before going on to the Med).

Nick Name/Call Sign: Bob

Rank/Rate: MU 3

Division/Squadron: Navigation/Band

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 54-55

Location: Wilmington, OH USA

Comments: We had been out on sea trials for a time and the crew was really ready for some shore. We achored at Guantanamo Bay Cuba the night before Easter Sunday. Chaplin Craven got on the PA for evening prayer that night and pleaded with the crew to not desecrate the Sabbath. Sure enough the next day the crew desecrated the Sabbath in Gitmo City. I was talking to the Shore Patrol officer on the beach Sunday night and he said, "They're poking anything tonight."

Nick Name/Call Sign: Bob

Rank/Rate: MU 3

Division/Squadron: Navigation/Band

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 54-55

Location: Williamsburg, OH USA

Comments: Remember the Mexican Shuffle? The time I was on report the Exec Officer gave me the Mexican Shuffle. There were about 15 or 20 of us late at night. We cleared the steel mess deck (not painted) and covered it with soapy water. Then they had us put steel wool under our feet and shuffle around the deck for twenty or thirty minutes. By the time we finished mopping it was a real pretty shined up deck.

Nick Name/Call Sign: Bob

Rank/Rate: PO 3rd Class/MU 3

Division/Squadron: Navigation/Band

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 54-55

Location: Williamsburg, Ohio USA

Comments: One more post: I played trumpet in the band and so would stand bugle watches on the bridge. Once I got my bugle call mixed up out in the middle of the Atlantic and played liberty call instead of chow call. 50 sailors had jumped over the side before we got it straightened out (just kidding).

Do any of you remember the phantom movie operator? The movie operator would call up to the bridge to give the 1st mate the name of the movie so he could get on the PA system and make the announcement. But this phantom movie operator would sometimes call up ahead of the real operator and pass on a bogus name. The 1st mate would get on the PA and say something like: "The name of the movied for tonight is... Strange Love. With Boris Karlof and Margaret O'Brien." Another of my favorites was, "The name of the movie for tonight is: Construction. With John Derrick and Jean Crain." The 1st mate fell for it every time.

Then there was the phantom shitter. He would call up to the bridge and reveal where on the ship he had just dumped his last load of shit. I don't think they ever caught the guy.

This is a great site for all of us Coral Sea vets. Thanks to all the folks who made this possible!

Nick Name/Call Sign: Bob

Rank/Rate: 3rd Class PO/MU 3

Division/Squadron: Navigation/Band

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1954-1955

Location: Williamsburg, OH USA

Comments: I noticed that the USS Coral Sea photo on the home page was taken during our 1954 Med cruise. Great memories. I loved the smokers. Remember the ones with the boxers blind folded. Some guy would be in the ring with a long pole with a boxing glove on the end of it--he's poking the blinded boxers and they don't know what's going on.

I was "Captain of the Head" and went to Executive Mass after locking my port side head when it flooded over. Only problem was the head was supposed to be open during that time period. I was mopping up when the Master At Arms pounded on the door.

Rank/Rate: ABH3

Division/Squadron: V-3

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1982-1985

Location: Glens Falls, NY USA

Comments: It was a great way to see the world

Rank/Rate: AK2

Division/Squadron: Supply S6

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1977-1978 & 1979-1980

Location: Richmond, VA USA

Comments: Proud to have served on her for (2) deployments.

Nick Name/Call Sign: Gib/Jawz

Rank/Rate: YNC

Division/Squadron: CVW13

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1987-1991

Location: Roanoke, VA USA

Comments: I was assigned to the Air Wing Staff and we spent many days at sea aboard this awesome vessel of strength...she was a great ship!

Nick Name/Call Sign: Hotdog

Rank/Rate: YN2

Division/Squadron: Engineering

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1977-1980

Location: Anamosa, Iowa USA

Comments: Spent most of my time in the MPA office, Engineering log room and Main Engine Control. 2 west pacs. Enjoyed being on the ole girl. Like to say hello to my old buddy Billy Hauk who had damage done to his lungs on the Coral Sea after a boiler explosion.

Nick Name/Call Sign: Smitty

Rank/Rate: ADJ-2

Division/Squadron: VF-161

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 68-69-70

Location: Cottonwood, Ca USA

Comments: I was attached to VF- 161 worked in power plants. for all 3 cruises
I remember John Vecero a plane captain.I would like to here from some of you about us pulling into Da NAng harbor, it would help a lot Airdales out there trying to get medical benefits.thanx Smitty

Nick Name/Call Sign: Bruiser

Rank/Rate: ABE-3

Division/Squadron: V-2

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1978-1982

Location: , WA USA

Comments: Killer Cat One -

Rank/Rate: BTFN

Division/Squadron: B Div

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1972-1973

Location: Harrison, Arkansas USA

Comments: Looking for buddies I served with from 1C Fireroom during this time.
Tom

Nick Name/Call Sign: Fergi

Rank/Rate: MS3

Division/Squadron: S-5

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1987-1990

Location: Senatobia, Ms USA

Comments: Giving a shout out to all the shipmates out there, mainly Tony, Allen, Speedy, Chris, Lil' Steen and the rest of the gang. I had to hang around til the Decom was through, then sailed away. TJ is still in touch, let me know if the rest of you are around! Fair winds and Following Seas!

Nick Name/Call Sign: Hop

Rank/Rate: An

Division/Squadron: V-1

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1988-90 Decom crew

Location: Benicia, Ca USA

Comments: Hello to all my former Shipmates

Nick Name/Call Sign: Cowboy

Rank/Rate: ADJ2 Air Crewman

Division/Squadron: HC1 Det 43 Angel Crew

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1967-1968

Location: , Calif. USA

Comments: What happen to the crew? We lost LT.Mulcahy from HEL3. His name is on the WALL. Is Jinks, David Mull,Stripland, Daved Decluitt,Hilton, out their. Had a great time flying off the Coral Sea. Hope to hear from some of the guys.

Rank/Rate:

Division/Squadron:

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965):

Location: , USA

Comments: w w w . v e t e r a n p r o g r a m s . c o m

We love this website. It has been very helpful for our members. Also, our members tell us that our website is the best place for veterans to find information about compensation, pension and benefits for veterans. We have been told that VSOs now recommend that veterans visit our website first before filing a claim. Veterans learn about the process, who to see, where to go, and how to maximize their disability claims. Visit today!

w w w . v e t e r a n p r o g r a m s . c o m

Rank/Rate: E-4

Division/Squadron: A-1

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 65-68

Location: Rice Lake, WI USA

Comments: Just a little add on to my posting the other day my e-mail is mrogermaki@hotmail.com.

Nick Name/Call Sign: whollander

Rank/Rate: AB2

Division/Squadron: V3G

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 4 yrs 1951 to 1954

Location: Stony Brook, NY USA

Comments: It's truly sad to think that the old gal is no longer part of the fleet. She was too good to have been sold for junk. But what can you expect from a government that now names carriers after poloticians rather than great naval battles.

Anyone around who remembers OP Ryan?

Nick Name/Call Sign: MAKEYE

Rank/Rate: E-4

Division/Squadron: A-1

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1965-1968

Location: Rice Lake, WI USA

Comments: I made 4 cruises on CVA-43 Guess you could say I grew up on her. Two were full cruises and two were partial. The memories flood back and my eyes start to flood. What a time it was Viet Nam and "on the line" a lot we worked our tails off but we played hard too. If any of my old shipmates like Jim Lower, Rick Galiste, Jimmy Garcia, Helms,
Freshman, Dilloway or any other old A-1 gang members read this E-mail me.

Rank/Rate: GM3

Division/Squadron: 4th

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1955,56,57

Location: Ocala, FL USA

Comments: Just checking in again. (It's better than checking out.) Right Ray and Ken. I was 4th Div gunners mate, 3"50's. Looks like there aren't too many from my era, the straight deck years. You new posters, please put in the years that you served, not how many years aboard. 1970, 1980 etc. This way we can see if you served the same years as us and possibly might know you. Again, like I posted before, I have the 1956 year book. Anyone who served at that time and doesn't have one feel free to contact me.

Rank/Rate: AO3

Division/Squadron: G-4

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 83-87

Location: San Diego, CA USA

Comments: Best Damn Command Ever!

Rank/Rate: RM2

Division/Squadron: Communication/CR

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 82-86

Location: Guyton, Georgia USA

Comments: Just wanted to check in for the new year. Made alot of memories and friendships onboard the Coral Maru that continue to this day. Even though she was scrapped, she will sail forever in our memories. God Bless those who served aboard her and God Bless America!

Rank/Rate: HM2

Division/Squadron:

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 66-67

Location: Pleasanton, CA USA

Comments: Just saying hello and Happy 2010 to all former shipmates. This is such a great website. Thanks for all the memories. Heading to San Diego to take my son on a tour of the Midway later this month
( Essex Class clone of the Coral Sea ) ..... I am told it is an exact likeness of our great lady ( CVA43 ) ....hoping to stir up memories as I wonder about the ship.

Hard to believe it's been 43 years since I said good bye to this great ship.

Best to all

Tim

Nick Name/Call Sign: general

Rank/Rate: ms2

Division/Squadron: S-5

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1979-1983

Location: everett, washington USA

Comments: I served under three great skippers and served with some of the best cooks and friends i've known and will always cherish the memories

Nick Name/Call Sign: Rockin Ray

Rank/Rate: AO-2

Division/Squadron: VA-97

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1982 - 1984

Location: Redding, CA USA

Comments: Great site to learn the history of of the ship and it's crew.

Rank/Rate: BT-3

Division/Squadron: B

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 2

Location: Wichita Falls, TX USA

Comments: Like to hear from old shipmates 1972-1974

Nick Name/Call Sign: "Elvis"

Rank/Rate: AN

Division/Squadron: V-4 & Messdeck Yeoman

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 64,65, 66

Location: Vallejo, CA USA

Comments: This is a great site! Lots of vivid memories when looking at the pictures and stories. As a non-rated "airman", the first few months were going to be terrible, BUT..I ended up being the messdeck yeoman; and even asked (begged) for an additioan 6 months of messcoooking. The ship was in Hunter's Point drydock and I lived in nearby Richmond; so I got to go home nightly. Ending up a pupleshirt on the flightdeck was actually a wonderul learning experience.
The scheduled "short" 4-5 month cruise ended up 11 months or so; and the Viet Nam conflict had us going non-stops much of the time. Lots of great times, great liberty, and friends I miss greatly. Hope life's been good for all my shipmates!

Nick Name/Call Sign: Laz

Rank/Rate: SH2

Division/Squadron: S-3

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 79-83

Location: Cleveland, Ohio USA

Comments: What a fun four years: Mudd, Boyd, Bill Norris, Studly Barnett, My bodyguard Glen Rouser, Loud, Richardson, Willie woo hoo, the barber dudes, and my all time favorite Earl Escalante. I could go on forever!

Rank/Rate: BT2

Division/Squadron: B (4 Charlie)

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 67-70

Location: Hales Corners, Wis USA

Comments: Before this gets to be the norm, "Years Aboard" means which years not how many. Otherwise, all is good. Just checking in.

Rank/Rate: abe-3

Division/Squadron: v-2 cat 2

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 3

Location: middle river, mn USA

Comments: Had a good time overseas and in drydock.

Rank/Rate: FN

Division/Squadron: B-2

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 2

Location: , USA

Comments: 88-90 worked in fireroom 2able

Rank/Rate: ABH3

Division/Squadron: V-1

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 3+

Location: Phoenix, Az USA

Comments: All my fellow shipmates feel free to send me an email.

Rank/Rate: MS2

Division/Squadron: S2 & S5

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1976-1979

Location: Portland, Maine USA

Comments: Hello shipmates I would love to hear from any Stewburners or tad messcooks who worked in the galley with me.

Nick Name/Call Sign: STEW

Rank/Rate: EN-3

Division/Squadron: A-DIV

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1982-1985

Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho USA

Comments: always looking for old a-gangers SKULL CARSON WEBBER still kicking

Rank/Rate: abe3

Division/Squadron: V-2

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 80-83

Location: Dallas, Texas USA

Comments: Happy New Year to all

Rank/Rate: PN2

Division/Squadron: X Div (Personnel Office)

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 62-63

Location: Clinton, Wi. USA

Comments: Happy New Year, and good health to all!

Rank/Rate: AT-2

Division/Squadron: HC-1 det 6 / IM-3

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 72-73

Location: Camarillo, CA USA

Comments: Worked HC-1 det 6 night shift on '72 cruise and worked AIMD Avionics day shift on '73 cruise. I still have fond memories of partying at the Rufadora with "Dangerous" Dan Davison. Found "Bootcamp" Sanders on this website last month and he emailed me a squadron photo which I forgot existed. Where are Greg Wahl, Bruce Cyr, Dan Davidson, Al Desmond and Terry Peterman?

Nick Name/Call Sign: Marv

Rank/Rate: QM2

Division/Squadron: N Div.

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 7/67 - 4/69

Location: Ft. Thomas, Ky. USA

Comments: Happy New Year to all CVA-43 Shipmates. May good fortune be with you all this year.
Anyone out there that remembers me please send me an e-mail.
I hope to see you all at Ft. Wayne and Tampa this year.
See ya!

Rank/Rate: RM2

Division/Squadron: CR

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 79-82

Location: New York, NY USA

Comments: As with most of you reading this, I have fond memories of CV-43, but have to admit I hated it when I was on her (though I always loved leaving her to go on liberty wherever she took me...and unlike some women, she was always there waiting for me when I came back home to her)...saw some beautiful sunsets and sunrises, some beautiful star-filled skies, and saw a guy I was walking on the flight deck with get blown overboard when he walked behind an
F-4...fortunately we were able to rescue him and get him safely back onboard...Though her body may be scrapped, the Coral Sea's spirit will never die...and as soon as I finish writing this I'll drink a toast to her.

Nick Name/Call Sign: CHRIS

Rank/Rate: ABE-2

Division/Squadron: V-2 Cat-1

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 79-82

Location: Tacoma, Wa USA

Comments: Wishing eveyone of my former shipmates and crew of the CORAL SEA a HAPPY NEW YEAR. Have met a couple of former CORAL SEA sailors here in Tacoma and would like to hear from any other old shipmates. Drop a line, and I'll get back as soon as I can. Linwood Pritchard, are you out there??

Rank/Rate: ADJ3

Division/Squadron: VF 161

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 67-70

Location: York, Pa USA

Comments: Happy New Year everyone. Thank you Bob for another year of great memories.

Nick Name/Call Sign: JD

Rank/Rate: ABE2

Division/Squadron: V2 Cat II

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 83-86

Location: Sac City, IA USA

Comments: Just checking in for the new year.

Rank/Rate:

Division/Squadron:

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965):

Location: Highland, CA USA

Comments: w w w . v e t e r a n p r o g r a m s . c o m

Happy New Year! We love this website. It has been very helpful for our members. Also, our members tell us that our website is the best place for veterans to find information about compensation, pension and benefits for veterans. We have been told that VSOs now recommend that veterans visit our website first before filing a claim. Veterans learn about the process, who to see, where to go, and how to maximize their disability claims. Visit today!

w w w . v e t e r a n p r o g r a m s . c o m

Rank/Rate: AMS-3

Division/Squadron: V-1, V-2, AIMD

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): sept. 1977 - sept 1981

Location: Seattle, WA USA

Comments: Another new year older & bolder myself these days. Nearly 30 years WOW!!

Nick Name/Call Sign: Oscar

Rank/Rate: BTFN

Division/Squadron: B-Div 4ABLE Fireroom

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1974-77

Location: , USA

Comments: HAPPY NEW YEAR BROTHERS, Hoping to see you soooon.

Nick Name/Call Sign: Klink

Rank/Rate: MM3

Division/Squadron: M3

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 79 - 82

Location: Kerrville, Texas USA

Comments: Hope everyone has a great year! Would enjoy hearing from some shipmates! What an awsome site.

Nick Name/Call Sign: Joe

Rank/Rate: BT-4

Division/Squadron: MP-B

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965):

Location: Interlachen, Fl USA

Comments: Happy new years to all

Rank/Rate: MM-3

Division/Squadron: M

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1966-69

Location: Eureka, Ca USA

Comments: Checking in for the new year.Happy new year.

Rank/Rate: MS3

Division/Squadron: S-5

Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 3.5YEARS

Location: SARANAC LAKE, NEW YORK USA

Comments: I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PROUD TO BE PART OF THE CORAL SEA AND JUST LOOKING BACK AT THIS SITE IT HAS BROUGHT BACK SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES.THE CORAL SEA WAS WHERE I CHANGED MY WHOLE LIFE FOR THE BETTER.