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USS Bolster (ARS-38)
Photo by Hal Barker. Copyright 1989.

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46 Messages - Newest to 24
Current Message 1 - June 25, 2008
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Entry: 66216
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

Wrong web address

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Scott Trogdon wrote on 2008-06-25 17:28:39.0

Comments: The Bolster web address is

www.americanfleettugmuseum.org

Thank you.

Keywords:

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Current Message 2 - June 25, 2008
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Entry: 66214
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

The Bolster needs our help!

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Scott Trogdon wrote on 2008-06-25 17:19:47.0

Comments: She needs our help! Bruce Martens of the Fleet Tug Museum has been working over the past five years to get the Bolster released from mothballs to become a museum piece. He is desperately seeking sponsorships for her restoration and has been lobbying the government to save her. Please visit his website, www.fleettugmuseum.com for more info.

Bolster was slated for destruction this past January and Bruce was able to get her a stay of execution for now, but the clock is still ticking. If there are any of you out there that may have a connection to request restoration sponsorships, please do all you can. Once she is gone, she is gone. From what I've read on these posts, she has left us all with some great memories and relationships. It's time to pay her back.

Keywords: Bolster ARS-38

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Current Message 3 - June 25, 2008
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Entry: 66202
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

viet nam era

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bill gradisher wrote on 2008-06-25 01:13:49.0

Comments: remember west pack one and only one. subic bay - taiwan - da nang - hong kong - sasabo japan - guam -midway and of course pearl !! I buddied up with Rich Mask and Tom Hensley Was on deck crew. Cheif Starkey and Captain Melton. And alot of people a great crew. I remember those 2 years aboard the bolster and proud to have served on her and with all I served with. Thanks for all the memories my friends (all who remember the bolster and me ) Bill Gradisher

Keywords: uss bolster ars 38 1971 to 1972

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Current Message 4 - May 16, 2008
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Entry: 65631
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

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John LeJeune wrote on 2008-05-16 15:00:28.0

Comments: I know this update is past due. I'm finding more and more of my old crew members. I plan to get out and go see the old girl one more time. Looking at some of the Pictures taken of the crew quarters and engine room the GSB8 coopers were replaced with detroit diesels. There were so many great times to be had when we were all home ported out of Honolulu. Anyone please feel free to E-mail.

Keywords:

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Current Message 5 - April 22, 2008
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Entry: 65352
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

Anyone serve with Chuck GOUGH in the late 40s?

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Cindy Gough wrote on 2008-04-22 11:14:24.0

Comments: I was going through some of my Dad's old Navy records and pictures, and found out he served on the USS Bolster in the late 40s. Any shipmates of him still out there? If so, I would love to hear from you.

Thank you.

Keywords:

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Current Message 6 - October 26, 2007
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Entry: 62741
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

JAMES (JIMMY) JOHNSON

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Jim Johnson wrote on 2007-10-26 11:11:57.0

Comments: I am trying to find some of my old friends that served with me on the ARS-38 USS Bolster in 1953-1957.

Keywords: ARS-38 USS Bolster

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Current Message 7 - July 28, 2006
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Entry: 58256
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

Bolster Shipmates

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Scott Trogdon wrote on 2006-07-28 11:29:21.0

Comments: Just amazed to find so much info. Hope to hear from some old freinds.

Keywords:

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Current Message 8 - July 25, 2006
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Entry: 58217
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

Hello Shipmates

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Mark Brigham wrote on 2006-07-25 00:18:44.0

Comments: hello shipmates, didn't recognize any names in the correspodence but Neil Hansen mentioned some people I knew ~ I worked for Bosun Dunbar and remember chief Kruk when he was enlisted. How the memories fade but are easily recalled. Had many great times aboard the Bolster and her liberty ports..... It's nice to see some shipmates are still around! Was nice to say hello, hope this e-mail finds all of you in good health. Take care yourselfs......

Keywords:

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Current Message 9 - April 24, 2006
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Entry: 56826
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

Gerald Francis Cassidy

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Colleen Cassidy wrote on 2006-04-24 21:45:16.0

Comments: I am sorry to report that my father-in-law, Gerald Francis Cassidy passed away peacefully while sleeping on Friday April 21, 2006 at the Menlo Park, CA VA Hospital.

I am searching for a portrait of him in uniform so that his portrait can be placed on a memorial wall for long-time residents of the VA Menlo Park, CA facility.

Thank-yo very much, Colleen and Patrick Cassidy

Keywords: Looking for military pix of Gerald Francis Cassidy

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Current Message 10 - March 16, 2006
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Entry: 56256
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

USS BOLSTER ARS-38 1961-1963

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Allen Scott wrote on 2006-03-16 13:32:09.0

Comments: Looking for others that were onboard same time as me. I went to her de-commissioning a few years ago.

Keywords: After falling off of the Pali Lookout in 1963 I spent 16 months in Navy hospital.

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Current Message 11 - December 21, 2005
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Entry: 54774
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

shipmatesuss bolster ars 38

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Elmer Fowler wrote on 2005-12-21 14:32:50.0

Comments: ship mates please contact me

Keywords: RED , korea , 1952-1955.

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Current Message 12 - August 31, 2005
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Entry: 52960
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

Who Is She Named After?

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Scott Bolster wrote on 2005-08-31 00:00:00.0

Comments: Just curious - anyone know who in particular the USS Bolster was named after?

My family has a long ocean-going history and there aren't many of us, maybe it's one of us.

thanks, Scott Bolster

Keywords:

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Current Message 13 - August 11, 2005
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Entry: 52565
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

i've never been in the navy, but i am doing some research on a zippo lighter ?????

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shawn norwood wrote on 2005-08-11 00:00:00.0

Comments: zippo collector trying to find out info an zippo lighter, it has the ship name. does anyone know when it was made??? to think i have a lighter that might have lite cigarettes of someone in Pearl Harbour, vietnam, ect. fighting to protect our country make me want to know more about it's era. if anyone can help I'd appreciate it.

Keywords: U.S.S. BOLSTER ARS-38

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Current Message 14 - July 3, 2005
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Entry: 51823
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

bolster ars-38, served 81-84

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mark bullis wrote on 2005-07-03 00:00:00.0

Comments: i made two west-pacs on the bolster and rode her to long beach for the reserve navy. i was an em3 and became a huge shitbird. drank alot of beer in every port and fell in love many times over seas. im back in the army reserves now as a first lt in the army nurse corp. any one out there know of a get together anywhere?

Keywords:

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Current Message 15 - June 16, 2005
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Entry: 51560
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

1969-1970

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Larry Spencer wrote on 2005-06-16 00:00:00.0

Comments: Served in Vietnam 1969 1970 anyone here from that era? Skipper had a heart attack on the signal bridge, when we were pulling out for Manila and died. conatct me if you wish, like to talk to some of the guys. Larry

Keywords:

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Current Message 16 - March 11, 2005
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Entry: 49512
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

USS Bolster Crewman

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Robert Linkous wrote on 2005-03-11 16:08:54.0

Comments: I am entering this on behalf of my father inlaw Harry Ben Crim, Engiman 2d Class DV, Salvage Diver. He served his entire time in the Navy on the USS Bolster -- 1952 until 1956. He would be interested in hearing from anyone who was abord the vessel during that time frame.

Keywords: bolster

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Current Message 17 - December 14, 2004
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Entry: 47513
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

Bolster ARS 38

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Boyd Ricks wrote on 2004-12-14 19:50:22.0

Comments: I was an Engine man on the Bolster 1-56 to 5-57 any one out there checkin like me?

Keywords: Bolster ARS

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Current Message 18 - June 14, 2004
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Entry: 43800
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

crew member 82-85

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william eastman wrote on 2004-06-14 20:06:28.0

Comments: just wonder if any fellow crew members where out there.some of the best times of my life where out to sea on the uss bolster

Keywords: uss bolster ars38

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Current Message 19 - March 12, 2004
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Entry: 41682
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

USS BOLSTER ARS-38

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KENNETH HIX wrote on 2004-03-12 13:05:52.0

Comments: I WAS STATIONED ONBOARD FROM SEPT 1972-DEC 1975 REINLISTED FOR POSTAL CLERK A SCHOOL. MADE 2 WEST PACS AND CROSSED THE EQUATOR. I REMEMBER RIDING A TYPHOON OUTSIDE OF TAIWAN?

Keywords:

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Current Message 20 - January 18, 2004
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Entry: 40073
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

Reviving USS BOLSTER...

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Bruce Martens wrote on 2004-01-18 23:16:48.0

Comments: Dear sirs.... I am in the beginning stages of starting a floating maritime museum..AMERICAN FLEET TUG MUSEUM. I recently found out the the ARS-38 BOLSTER & the ARS-42 RECLAIMER have both just been designated "obsolete", meaning they will be made into forgine cars or razor blades!!!!! I an intent on getting one of the ARS's and hope to make it the BOLSTER. I would GREATLY appreciate receiving ANY information, ANY stories, ANY photos and a feeling of if there is ANY interest among you all relating to the restoration of the BOLSTER. You can Email me at TUGBRUCE@AOL.COM or call me at (707) 645-1377. My mailing address is BRUCE T. MARTENS P.O. Box 3324 San Rafael, CA. 94912 Thank you

Keywords: To the BOLSTER crew!!!!

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Current Message 21 - December 25, 2003
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Entry: 39421
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

USS BOLSTER (ARS 38)

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Neil Hansen wrote on 2003-12-25 13:17:17.0

Comments: BOLSTER was my first ship - after completing diving officer training and surface warfare officer school, I served on her from November 1980 to November 1982 - first as Communications Officer, then as Operations Officer.

I was already headed that way, but the experience completed my conversion to the inverterate "tug-thug" that I remain today. I well remember the tutelage I received from the wardroom - particularly Bosun (LT) Don Dunbar and Chief Engineer (LT) Ed Kruk - and from the chiefs and petty officers of Ops Dept.

A single WESTPAC showed me the wonders of Subic Bay, Hong Kong, Guam, and Chinhae Korea. I made my deepest dive on air (190 ft) in the process of recovering USS THOMASTON's 22,000 lb anchor from the clutches of truly massive coral heads.

All in all, two years well spent. I transfered to MDSU-1 the day BOLSTER departed Pearl Harbor for change of homeport to Long Beach CA, and transfer to the Naval Reserve Fleet - I cast of line No 2 from the pier and saluted smartly as I bid her farewell.

I remember fondly my days and shipmates on BOLSTER, truly a grand old lady.

Neil Hansen Manama Bahrain

Keywords: BOLSTER, ARS 38, Pearl Harbor

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Current Message 22 - December 25, 2003
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Entry: 39412
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

USS Bolster

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Raymond Diekmann wrote on 2003-12-25 01:16:03.0

Comments: I served on the USS Bolster from 1959-62. Looking to get in touch with others that I served with.

Keywords:

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Current Message 23 - December 2, 2003
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Entry: 38890
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

USS Bolster (ARS 38) Sailor (71-75)

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Tim Stark wrote on 2003-12-02 15:51:01.0

Comments: I served on Bloster as the Ships Bosun for 71 - 75. I had great times in WESTPAC and in and around Pearl. I have the greatest memories of all my Shipmates that I served with.

We all had great times [or so we think now] during Stand-by Salvage , DaNang, Salvage Training in Pearl, Subic and then training Korea & Kaoshung.

Gee, life was uncomplicated then. You woprked hard and then played hard.

Bolster was a very tight crew.

Tim Stark

Keywords: WESTPACs 71-72, 73 & 74

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Current Message 24 - December 1, 2003
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Entry: 38856
USS Bolster (ARS-38)

I WAS THERE

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FRANK HILLIS wrote on 2003-12-01 11:19:39.0

Comments: I REMEMBER BIG BERTHA AND --GQ--- AND OPERATION INSWEEP AND FOUR PT MOORINGS. THAT WAS SOME GOOD OLD DAYS. REMEMBER THOSE TIMES WE WERE GOING THROUGH TRAINING IN PI. AND IT WAS DURING THE TYPHOON SEASON. WE HAD NO DRY THINGS LEFT TO WEAR AND THE RAIN JUST DIDNT LET UP. BOY THAT WAS FUN . I WOULD LOVE TO LAY ANOTHER LEG OF BEACH GEAR. AND TAKE A STRAIN ON THAT OLD TOWING ENGIN. BREAK OUT THAT DEWATTERING GEAR AND RAISE A WRECK OR TWO , THEN GO AND TAKE A TOW TO SINGAPORE OR GUAM . LETS ALL JOIN UP FOR ANOTHER 20. THE BOLSTER WAS ABT. THE BEST DUTY STATION I REMEMBER AND THE BEST MEMORIES ARE THERE.HILLIS

Keywords: BEEN THERE DONE THAT AND OWN THE T--SHIRT--------TIM STARK, RON FULKERSON AND ALL THOSE OTHER DIVERS AND CREW MEMBERS BMCS DV HILLIS

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Details

 On Sat, 6 Nov 1999 
 Craig Alexander Rothhammer Email address wrote:

The USS GRAPLE is (ARS-7), a Diver class rescue/salvage ship. I served 
on her sister ships, USS GRASP (ARS-24) & USS BOLSTER (ARS-38).

The salvage navy was heavily engaged in the Korean War, close in, and 
often under fire.  They provided salvage support to the Army, Navy, 
Air Force & Marines, Search & Rescue, UDT & special ops operations, 
towing, interdiction/patroling, Humanitarian and many other tasks.

I have listed below the records of the eight Diver Class ARS's that I 
have certain knowledge of their participation in the Korean War.  Many 
of them were also WWII and Vietnam veterans.

In the Salvage Navy, we understood ARS not to mean Auxiliary Rescue &
Salvage, but rather "Always Ready Ships". If there was a dirty job to 
do, we were the one's to call upon.  We paid for this respect in sweat 
and blood. 

See: Ship History

Bolster Relief

From: L.R.Miller Email address
To: georgejudy@funtv.com 
Date: Saturday, January 16, 1999 
Subject: USS SARSI - ATF-111

George, I do not have any info on the Sarsi or its crew.

However,   I was a seaman on the USS Bolster, ARS-38 and we went up to
relieve the Sarsi and it was gone. Wish I could help more.

Best wishes and good luck.
L.R.Miller
Bowling Green, Ky.

USS BOLSTER (ARS-38)



ARS-38; displacement. 1441; lenght. 213'6"; beam. 39'; draft. 14'8"; 
speed. 15 k.; complement. 120; armament. 2 40 mm.; class. Diver

Bolster operated alternately out of Pearl Harbor and Adak, Alaska, on 
salvage and towing duties until 22 August 1950. She then towed two 
barges to Sasebo Japan, and remained in the Far East until 6 July 1951. 
During this tour she participated in the Inchon landing (15 September 
1950) and the Hungnam Evacuation (9-25 December 1950). 

Since 1952 Bolster has continued to operate out of Pearl Harbor and has
 made six tours of the Far East, visiting Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, 
Okinawa, and the Philippine Islands. 

Bolster received seven battle stars for her Korean service (9 September 
1950-8 July 1951, 24 January-16 August 1952, and 16 February-15 April 
1953).

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