Air Force Crash Boats Detachments

AAF/USAF Crash Rescue Boat Assoc.

Robert J. Frankovich

President

Association Email and Info

Air Force BBS

Legacy Messages - 1995-1999

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GREG Banner wrote on September 15, 2022

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City and State: TIVERTON RI

Unit:

Service or Relationship:

Comments: I have been focusing on crash boats built by Herreshoff in Bristol, RI but have managed to find a large number of the AAF/USAF archives which list out units and boats by number. I don't have any complete lists but lots of misc. notes about boats and locations. Happy to share anything which may help fill in some holes in other's information. Email me.

Keywords: Crash Boat Units, Crash Boats, Rescue Squadrons

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Michael Morgan wrote on January 24, 2021

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship:

Comments: In case this info may be of interest to someone... In the mid1960s while in high school, I was a Navy Sea Cadet. We trained at the Naval Reserve Center, Jones Point, Alexandria, Virginia. We also kept a 104 ft AVR "Lexington" at the old Torpedo Factory in Alexandria (at that time a federal records center) . The boat had been equipped w 3, 671 diesel engines and 2, 271 generators. I worked in the engine room, my ears still ring. The old girl was in rough shape but we did take her out on the water. Regular trips down river to Colonial Beach, Va and we went up the bay and through the C&D canal to spend a week tied up in the Philadelphia navy base. We were docked next to sea going tug Bogalusa. Don't know the AVR's fate. Heard around 1970 that she sank in her slip at the Torpedo Factory and was removed by the navy dive school in DC.

Keywords: AVR Lexington

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Gregory Banner wrote on November 27, 2020

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City and State: RI

Unit:

Service or Relationship:

Comments: I am researching vessels built by Herreshoff in Bristol, Rhode Island during WWII. Among these were air-sea rescue "crash" boats.
(8) 85’ 379 Class (Design) “P” Air-Sea-Rescue boats (Hull # 800-807, Army # P-560-567)

(36) 63’ 416 Class (Design) “P” Air-Sea-Rescue boats (Hull # 900- 935 , Army # P-626 – 661)

I have some information and happy to share, but am looking for more, especially service histories and current disposition. They ended up in many places - Navy, Coast Guard, Sea Scouts, Army COE, other countries and in civilian hands.

Thanks.

Keywords: Crash Boats; Air-Sea Rescue Boats

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John Cook wrote on May 11, 2019

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City and State: ROSE HILL KS

Unit: 1604TH AIR POLICE SQUADRON, KINDLY AFB, BERMUDA

Service or Relationship: USAF 1955-1977

Comments: Am trying to research and document all AAF / USAF units stationed in Bermuda. Am especially looking for info about the 6th Crash Rescue Boat Flight - when did it serve in Bermuda, what was the manning, quantity of boats
and their numbers, etc.

Keywords: 6th - Bermuda

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Frederick Olsen wrote on June 6, 2017

Send Email To FREDERICK OLSEN

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City and State: LANCASTER VA

Unit: MIDWAY ISLAND

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: 1963-1965. STATIONED MIDWAY ISLAND. OPERATED (COXSWAINED) A 63' AVR DURING THOSE INSTANCES WHEN A SEAPLANE WAS LANDING IN THE LAGOON. IN EACH INSTANCE, PARALLELED THE PLANE A SHORT DISTANCE BEHIND ACTING AS CRASH RESCUE. THEN WOULD FOLLOW SEAPLANE TO HANGER APRON. THE HALL-SCOTT ENGINES WERE ALWAYS THOUGHT OF AS VERY POWERFUL AND DANGEROUS AS THEY BURNED HI-OCTANE AVIATION FUEL. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE NAVAL SHIPS I'VE SERVED ON...SURE WOULD APPRECIATE A PICTURE OF A 63' AVR. REGARDS, FRED OLSEN. LIVINVIRGINIA@iCLOUD.COM

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Alex Fenik JR wrote on June 15, 2016

Send Email To ALEX FENIK

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City and State: PALM CITY FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father, Alex E. Fenik, was Master of a crash boat in Korea between 1951 and 1953. He never once spoke about his service and passed away in September of 2012. My sister and I are interested in learning anything we can about his service and/or finding those he served with. I have no information as to his service, serial number or unit he served with. He was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, but he never mentioned it and we only found out about those after his passing. Any info from general to specific would be great. Thank you!

Keywords:

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Sharon Lemanek wrote on April 1, 2015

Send Email To SHARON LEMANEK

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City and State: BEAVERCREEK OH

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father, Afton N. Gilmore Ssgt retired, was on Crash Boat R-37-1255. He was on the Crash Boats in Port O'Connor, Tx and at Itazuke, Japan (1957-58). I have a photo painted in silk in Japan (framed) of his Crash Boast while he was there in Japan. I am looking for any info on this boat or my father. You can email me at sharon.l@gmx.com
Thank you,
Sharon

Keywords: Ssgt Afton N. Gilmore Retired
R-37-1255 Crash Boat
Itazuke/ Meho AFB Japan
Port O'Connor, Tx

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Carlos Ruth wrote on February 22, 2015

Send Email To CARLOS RUTH

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City and State: PALM BEACH GARDENS FL

Unit: 1007TH QUARTERMASTER RESCUE BOAT CO.

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father served with this unit as a captain during last half of 1943to at least the first half of 1944 and I would like to know more about this unit. He later served as a major in the Pacific preparing air sea rescue operations for the invasion of Japan.

Keywords: Charles H Ruth, Pete Ruth

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Maria Curtis wrote on August 2, 2013

Email Update Needed

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City and State: ORLANDO FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am looking for information on Granpa. He was on a crashboat
and trained in Mississippi. His name is Norman N. Curtis and
was born in 1903. We went in later in life, so he was a round
35 when he did. We have some of his unifoos and we know he
spoke alot about his rescuing people on a crashboat. Would
like to hear or see any pictures from back then since all his
children have is one picture in unifoo from when he ran for
congress.

Keywords:

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Robert Bishop SR. wrote on June 11, 2013

Send Email To ROBERT BISHOP

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City and State: CRAWFORDVILLE FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: I'd like to know of anyone who may have served with my dad on the crash boats
in Korea.His name was Allen Dewey'Sony' Bishop.I wasn't able to find out much
before he passed away a few years ago.Anything you could tell me would be
greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.
Bob Bishop

Keywords:

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Anthony (Tony) Santore wrote on May 27, 2013

Email Update Needed

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City and State: NESQUEHONING PA

Unit: 2157TH AIR RESCUE SQUADRON

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: In February 1956, I flew as crewman on 5 day-long [sunup to
sundown] search missions over the thousand islands off the
southern tip of South Korea, looking for a [quote]lost[unquote]
Rescue boat. We found it once after 4 days' searching, then it
became [quote]lost[unquote] again, so we went out and
[quote]found[unquote] it again. That's all the information I can
give.

If you were on that boat, or on the SA-16 with me, I'd enjoy
hearing from you - especial any boat crew members!
Confidentiality will be scrupulously preserved. ;-)

Thanks.

Best!

Tony Santore
2157th Air Rescue Sq.

Keywords: Lost Rescue Boat, Korea February 1956

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Kevin T. wrote on April 15, 2013

Send Email To KEVIN T.

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments:

Keywords: I am looking for any one who may have served with or known my
grandfather, Lawrence L Kitchen. Nickname: Pug. He served for
many years on the AAF/USAF Crash Rescue Boats. He was stationed
several places including, Okinawa, Panama Canal Zone, and Tyndall
AFB to name a few. He served just prior to WWII until after
Korea. He has since passed on, I also serve in the USAF, as an
engineer. I am interested in connecting with anyone who may have
any information about my grandfather.
Thank you,
SSgt. Kevin T.

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George Converse wrote on August 11, 2011

Email Update Needed

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City and State: ELIZABETH CITY NC

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: I am researching information on wooden warships built in North Carolina during WW II. The Manteo Boat Building Corp., Manteo, NC built 85', 104', and 45'air-sea rescue boats for the USAAF. I am seeking information on the service histories and duty stations of the following boats:
85' Hull No's P69-P72, P183-P184, P245-P248
104' Hull No's P116-P117,P145-148, P253-P255
45' Hull No's P546-P555
Thank you for any information you can provide. Sincerely, George Converse

Keywords: 85' Hull No's P69-P72, P183-P184, P245-P248
104' Hull No's P116-P117,P145-148, P253-P255
45' Hull No's P546-P555 

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James Life wrote on May 22, 2011

Send Email To JAMES LIFE

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments:

Keywords: I currently own Hull #P-69.She is the 83' Army Air-rescue Patrol boat built in 1941 at Manteo Shipyard in North Carolina.She was converted to a yacht around 1947 and now lives in Seattle. Any info, pictures, history would be appreciated. 

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Thomas Dobarganes wrote on March 27, 2011

Email Update Needed

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City and State: TULLAHOMA TN

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I just found this site while surfing for info on Air Force CRBs. I was stationed at Matagorda Island Bombing and Gunnery Range on the Texas coast in 1967/68 and was a seaman and marine engineman on the two 85 footers we had there. These hulls had been converted from rescue configuration to personnel carriers and were used for transport between Port O'Connor, TX and the base on Matagorda Island. The base was closed sometime in the mid '70s and I haven't been back there since I was transferred to Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico in 1968. I have been looking for information on what became of those 2 boats. One of them was designated "685" and the other "683" to the best of my recollection. If anyone knows anything at all, or even just a vague rumor, a heads up would be sincerely appreciated.

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David Brennan wrote on March 19, 2011

Send Email To DAVID BRENNAN

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City and State: PATCHOGUE NY

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I have owned and operated the 85' crash boat P-444 since 1987. Prior to
that, I owned and operated a Miami built 63' ASR. I am interested in
finding out if owners of 85 footers that have been converted to other uses,
have blocking plans and stability letters, and would make them available
to me.
Dave Brennan
Peconicstr@aol.com
Business website.. www.peconicstarfleet.com

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Dan Neumann wrote on January 18, 2011

Email Update Needed

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City and State: VIRGINIA MN

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: Looking for anyone who was stationed with my dad Tapio Maki, from Buhl MN. He ran on the search and rescue missions for downed pilots. Doesn't say too much and says most of what he did was classified. Served around 1950-1951. mentions being in a fight with blacks who had knives and two guys were killed. also talked a little about picking up downed pilots in North Korean waters.

Keywords: Pusan crash boats pilot rescues

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Al Davidow wrote on January 18, 2011

Send Email To AL DAVIDOW

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City and State: SEEKONK MA

Unit: 17TH CRBF

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: IM BUILDING A MODEL 63FT BOAT .IWOULD LIKE THE HULL NO OF THE BOAT IN MUCKELTEO BACK IN 1955 AND56 AND ALSO TALK TO ANY OF THE OLD CREW

Keywords:

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Carl (Bud) Milam wrote on January 10, 2011

Email Update Needed

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City and State: BLAIRSVILLE GA

Unit: 22ND DETACHMENT AIR SEA RESCUE CRASH BOATS

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments:

Keywords: I am looking for anyone who could tell me where I might find a photo of a 85' Crash Boat from WW11. I was In NAHA / Kadena In 1951 - 1953 . I grew up there. I arrive a Kid and left there a Man . I was with the 22nd Detachment out of NAHA . Thank You , Carl Bud Milam

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Doug Temple wrote on July 5, 2010

Send Email To DOUG TEMPLE

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City and State:

Unit: SES SEA HORSE SHIP 243 RAHWAY NJ

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: I am looking for my old ship, its an 85' USSAF Crash Rescue Boat, my old skipper Rudy Giess said it was purchased by a millionaire who had it rebuilt and is still somewhere in Florida. If anyone knows the whereabouts or has seen the ship, please pass the info on to me. The current owner may have also changed the deck layout to make it look more like a yacht.

Keywords:

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Jose E. Lujan SR. wrote on April 5, 2010

Send Email To JOSE E. LUJAN

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City and State: RAWLINS. WY

Unit: 22ND CRASH RESCUE BOAT SQUADRON

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: WOULD LIKE TO MEET ANY ONE FROM THAT TIME IN KOREA

Keywords: Korea K53 and K8

22 crash rescue boat squadron uSAF 1818 USAF 1164

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Tammy Nail wrote on January 18, 2010

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am looking for anyone who was stationed in Okinawa during 1951 and 1953. My dad was a cook who made staff sargeant. He had to do rescue missions on crash boats around the White Beach area. Please contact me

Keywords: 6351st Air Base Wing 6303rd Operations Squadron
Naha Port, Okinawa, 1951-1953

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Barry Britzman wrote on March 30, 2009

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Writing on behalf of Bruce Britzman
He would like to swap stories.

Keywords: PT Crash boat,
Korea, The Device, Japan, Rescue

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Jim Melanson wrote on October 23, 2008

Email Update Needed

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City and State: HAVERHILL MA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: Looking to see if there is any interest in rescueing this boat. Was converted to a ferry out to Fire Island after Korean War. It is believed she served WWII through Korean War. Of course she is in tough shape. Her running gear and other mechanical's have been stripped. I am trying to gather a full picture of present condition and what is left of original configuration.

Keywords: Point O Woods V Kokomokko 63 foot ASR

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Lee Geiser wrote on December 6, 2007

Send Email To LEE GEISER

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City and State: LAS VEGAS NV

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Looking for any crew members. I was a medic aboard the 85' rebel.

Keywords: 22nd crash boat sq. Okinowa '53 -'54

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Adam Farrow wrote on August 29, 2007

Send Email To ADAM FARROW

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City and State: STOCKTON CA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I have purchaced a 1943 104' Ventnor that was converted by Carol Shelby to a yacht. I am looking for any info and photos of this vessel. 104' Ventnor AVR 26 also P 272.
I am fully restoring her to her origonal yacht condition.
Thanks Adam

Keywords: 104' Ventnor 1943 AVR 26 P 272

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Peter Camacho wrote on April 30, 2007

Send Email To PETER CAMACHO

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City and State: AGUADILLA PR

Unit: DAV

Service or Relationship: Army Veteran

Comments: i live in aguadilla, puerto rico. theres a beach called crashboat beach. from tghe stories ive read and the looks of the place it didnt take long for me to figure things out. anyway does anyone have pics of the place during its hay day? and congrats to all the service per who served and did a great job.

Keywords: puerto rico ramey air force base

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Clifford Cook wrote on April 19, 2007

Send Email To CLIFFORD COOK

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City and State:

Unit: 22ND CRASH BOAT SQUADRON

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Looking for anyone who was a member of the Crash Boat Squadron, Fukuoka, Japan between 1950 - 1953. I served on many of the boats as a med tech at many locations, to include Chodo, PY Do, Kunsan, Chin Hae, Pusan, Pohang, Miho, Tsuiki, Ashiya and Tsushima. I later became the NCOIC of the Medical Section. I served under Cpt Dickey and Major Beene. I realize that we are getting up there in age but if there is anyone still out there, I'd appreciate hearing from you. I can be reached at choosakan@msn.com

Keywords: Crash Boats

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Steven Joyce wrote on February 25, 2007

Send Email To STEVEN JOYCE

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: Hi, I built a radio controlled model of a Miami crashboat, to me it was just a model, now after reading the stories and pages on this site it is more than just a model, you guys did a great job and I am very grateful, thank you one and all.

Crash boat you tube link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBvrDQYIXIQ

movie takes alittle while to load, any comments would be more than welcome.

Keywords: Model crashboat

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Hubert Davis wrote on September 8, 2006

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: I served in one of 20 Royal Australian Navy US built 63 foot Miami Class ASR boats constructed in California early in 1944. They served in New Guinea, Morotai, Borneo and Darwin in WW2. They continued post-war, some in the Navy and others in Royal Australian Air Force until about 1970. At least three are still afloat, privately owned, converted to pleasure craft.

Keywords: WW2 Air Sea Rescue in New Guinea

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Dane Immel wrote on July 30, 2006

Send Email To DANE IMMEL

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: Has anyone heard of AVR'S manufactured by Truscott Boat and Dock Company

Keywords:

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Richard Besola wrote on July 9, 2006

Send Email To RICHARD BESOLA

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City and State: MIAMI FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: please advise any locations that any "miami shipbuilding corp." 63 foot air sea rescue boats are still in existance for a possible visit.
in particular, i would like to review the ones first built in 1941-42 (my father was a shipbuilder at MSC.)
thanking everyone in advance~!

rab

Keywords:

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Scott Benedict wrote on March 21, 2006

Send Email To SCOTT BENEDICT

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City and State: BETHEL ISLAND CA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: People have called to find an AVR for Sale. The midships boat Northland is For Sale in the Ca delta. The owner is Frank Ferry. Call Spindrift Marina, area code 916and ask for him. They should be able to get you in touch with him.
Scott
63 Delta

Keywords: AVR for sale.

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Charlie Life wrote on October 22, 2005

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SEATTLE WA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: Need some help with history. Vessel is in very good condition in Seattle. Have original 16"X 24" framed photographs of two other boats, P-72 and another unknown hull number. Also have complete drawings and bill of materials. Where did she serve? etc.

Keywords: USAAF 83'Rescue(Crash) boat built Manteo, NC 1941-1942.
P-69

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Mark Falke wrote on August 29, 2005

Send Email To MARK FALKE

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City and State: KINGSVILLE OH

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Looking for info or pics of air sea rescue based out of florida during the Korean conflct, there was a sailboat that was also used that was donated to the outfit, which they used. My Fathers name is Robert Falke. was probably abit wild, drove a convertable. Looking for anyone else that may still be around or knew someone that may have been stationed with him. Any info or copies of pics would be wonderful. thanks

Keywords: Florida, usaf korean air sea rescue, florida sailboat to bahamas, bimini

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Lloyd General SR. wrote on August 24, 2005

Email Update Needed

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City and State: REDDING CA

Unit: U.S. NAVY FORD ISLAND PEARL HARBOR HAWAII

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: I served as a deck hand on a 63 ft AVR in 1968-69 , she was used primarly to ward off sharks and do rescue for the underwater training program at Pearl Harbor Naval Base. She had midship twin Aviation gas Halscotts, there were several boats along the Pearl Harbor banks with midships blown out the gas was so volitle only bronze tools were used , she had a medical station on the fantail with a retrival ramp at water line aso a flying bridge and a enclosed pilot house with the radio room
she could sleep quite a few with the bunk rooms and galley and heads. She was still stationed there when i was discharged. What a cruiser she would be with a couple of 6-71s or bigger in her.

Keywords: Ford Island Naval Air Station Pearl Harbor Hawaii
boat house

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Gary Humphreys wrote on August 23, 2005

Send Email To GARY HUMPHREYS

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City and State: SANTA ANA CA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: I have a 1944 63' (Stephens built) in Newport Beach at mooring. My Father, who is a decorated WW11 Navy Vet, and I have work on the boat for 10 years off and on. I am going to sale, donate or auction on ebay this link to the past. If in terested call (714) 315-4683

Keywords: 1944 AVR STEPHENS 63'

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George Chambers wrote on August 17, 2005

Email Update Needed

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City and State: BENFLEET ESSEX

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: I served on these launches in WW11 as engineer with the R.A.F. Air sea rescue service, in the Mediteranian and along the Arabian coast between Aden and the Persian gulf for 3 years, Mainly on the centre engined type but also the rear engined version.

Now when getting on in year i would like to build a R/C model of around 3to4 ft and am searching for plans particularly of the hull shape.
I have many photo,s including from the air and of two groundings at speed at night, both of which I was involved with. Being the engineer I was blameless

Keywords: R.A.F. Air Sea Rescue 63 ft crash boats

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Scott Benedict wrote on August 17, 2005

Send Email To SCOTT BENEDICT

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City and State: BETHEL ISLAND CA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: I am restoring a 63 at my home in the Delta West of Stockton. I have installed 6-92 TAs to match the original horsepower. Boat was originally midships and was converted to V-drive. PT V-drives w/ ujoints installed. Hull is in excellent conditon. Re-wiring, adding new electronics etc. There a few of the boats around. Most are left over from the Sea Scouts in the area. I was a crew member and skipper of a Miami and a Stephens boat in the 60s and 70s.

Keywords: 63 AVR, Hull no. C21006, built at south coast boat in Newport Beach Ca. 1943.

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Bud Tretter wrote on May 18, 2005

Send Email To BUD TRETTER

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City and State: LONG BEACH CA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments:

Keywords: SERVED ON AND RESTORING THE P-520

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Mark Seagraves wrote on May 13, 2005

Send Email To MARK SEAGRAVES

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Currently a restored 85' Air Force Crash Boat is travelling from Long Beach, CA to Puget Sound - they are posting photos at

http://www.p-520crashboat.com/

Keywords:

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J. F. wrote on May 13, 2005

Send Email To J. F.

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: Thank you all for your service. I was a Sea Scout on a '63 AVR in the '70s. I am now a Paramedic Deputy Sheriff in the Frisco Bay Area. I am assigned to a (when called out as a TacMedic) former Wells Fargo Armored Car for "rescue" and many H and K G-36's for help. I know you guys had only 1/2 of plywood and two twin .50's for protection.

The best salute I can say is a bumper sticker I saw...
If you can read this thank a teacher.
If it's in English, thank a vet.

Keywords: Sea scout on a AVR.

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Richard Besola wrote on February 5, 2005

Send Email To RICHARD BESOLA

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City and State: NORTH MIAMI FL

Unit: NONE

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: i would like to aquire some pics of any 63' miami boats being restored. they had four kermath engines two tandem each side.i have original plans. my father was a shipbuilder at miami shipyard for them 1940-42, the shipyard's owner is still in miami. a book about them was written in south africa by "guy ellis" he has copies for sale. s sfrica used them to rescue thie downed pilots, etc. thanking you in advance, dick besola

Keywords: miami shipyard

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John Hampe wrote on November 20, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: DEDHAM MA

Unit: BEACH JUMPER UNIT ONE

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: Just came across this site. Served in Beach Jumper Unit One in Coronado, CA, 1955/1957.

We had a squadron of six 63' arb and one 104' arb. Great boats, great fun playing like a squadron of PT type manouvers around San Diego, great duty. Retired now, would like to get a set of plans to make a model of one of them.

Keywords:

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Frank Heuer wrote on November 8, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: METAIRIE LA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: reviewing my message # 33832 of 2003-04
My e-mail address is incorrect. Could you please put in the following ----
Frank Heuer - e-mail---fsheuer@worldnet.att.net

Thanks, Frank

Keywords: USS ARBC 20987 63 ft crash boat

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Timothy Holcomb wrote on October 26, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SAN JOSE CA

Unit: NOT APP.

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I'm interested in photos of the 'Miami' hulled 63 foot Crash Boats...these are the called Miami because they were designed by a Miami company and featured the turned down bow and 'tumblehome' or rounded stern, a 'aerodynamic' Nav room, with an open helmstation and open cockpit aft...some had engines aft but most seem to have engines amindships. They were built on both coasts for WWII and originally came with Hall-Scott V-12's producing 450hp each.

I own a 63 foot Crash boat which was built at Stephens boat works in Stockton, California and would like to build an archive of action photos of this particular boat, not mine specifically but of the Crash boats in general..First of all, not to build an exact replica of the boat as it served but to have reference points as build a cruising yacht... that may be offensive to the purists in the military preservationist crowd, but all I can say is I thank you for having served and I think you'd get a kick out of cruising with me when she's done. Hell, she's fun even as she is which is close to how she was originally.

I've read the 85 footers of the same era were not as nimble as the 63s.

There are a couple of sites on the web featuring this boat as its fans are many.

Best,

Tim Holcomb

Keywords: Crash Boat, 63, foot, photo, cruise, miami, stephens

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Connie Meece wrote on May 12, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father just passed away. While going through some of his photos and papers, I found out that he was either with the 22nd crash rescue boat or the 15th. I have both on get this: old paycheck stubs. Just interested if anyone would remember him. His name is Richard L Gordon, or Dick as some called him. Any nice funny stories to help with the loss of a great Father would be great.

Keywords: daughter

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Carl Hatfield wrote on February 3, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: CUMBERLAND KY

Unit: 22ND CRASH RESCUE BOAT SQ.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: I was stationed at the 22nd CRBS compound at Fukuoka and did jaunts on the 63 footers, and 85 footers to and from other locations in Japan as well as to Korea K-Sites. This was in 53-55. Major "Mike" Hammer was the Sq Commander, forgot the 1st Sgts name, Sgt Pendegast and Sgt Redeye were two of the boat skippers I remember. Would like to hear from anyone that was associated with the 22nd.

Keywords: "Devilance" which was a friendly joke due to being from Kentucky and being a Hatfield.

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Ed Roberts wrote on January 13, 2004

Send Email To ED ROBERTS

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments: A note to update my address. Restoration in the Sacramento, Ca Delta coming along. Thanks to all who have helped with info. and thanks to all Korean War vets in general.

Keywords: 63' Crash Boat AVR Rescue Boat ARB

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Tom Carretta wrote on December 22, 2003

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: Had a typo in my last message. My boat was the
676 not the 667.

Keywords: Lullaby 5

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